Commemorative Biographical Record of Fairfield County, Connecticut, Part 147

Author: H. H. Beers & Co.
Publication date: 1899
Publisher:
Number of Pages: 1795

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TORACE GRANVILLE SCOFIELD. - Since the middle of the seventeenth cen- tury, when the Colony of Connecticut was but sparsely settled-a little more than a few clear- ings in the mighty forests-the name of Sco- field has been prominent in her history. In each generation of the family some member has attained a prominence beyond that of the ordi- nary, and his name in consequence been handed down in local history. The family resided at Stamford, and there, on March 7, 1832, Horace Granville Scofield was born, a son of Edwin and Eliza (Bishop) Scofield, both natives of that town.

The public schools at Stamford afforded our subject his earlier education, he completing bis literary training at the New Canaan Academy, and pursuing his favorite study-mathematics- under a private tutor, while for some years be

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taught school near Stamford. Beginning at the age of eighteen, he "wielded the birch " for four years, and attained quite a reputation both as an instructor and as a disciplinarian. During the time he was teaching he invented a machine for manufacturing strings for musical instruments. and then for four years he dealt in patent rights.

His taste for mathematics never having de- serted him, he now began active work as a civil engineer on railroad work, which he followed un- til the breaking out of the Civil war. While the country was engaged in the struggle against Secession and Slavery. he engaged in the manu- facture of musical instruments. At the close of the war he became chief engineer for the N. Y., N. H. & H. R. R. In 1868 he was appointed city engineer of Bridgeport, still retaining, how- ever, his railroad position; his connection with the road was severed in 1875, but he still contin- ues as city engineer. Up to 1891 his services were in almost constant demand by the railroads, so great was the satisfaction given by his work. All of the city bridges, and New York, New Haven & Hartford railroad bridges were built un- der his supervision.

On April 20. 1877. Horace Granville Scofield was united in marriage with Miss Emma Adelia Hubbard, of New York City. Fourchildren were the result of this union, namely: Edith. Fred- erick. Charlotte and Horace. Politically, Mr. Scofield is a stanch Republican, and has been an active. influential worker in the party for years. He can in no way be classed as an office seeker, though in 1867-68 he was the representative of the Stamford district in the General Assembly. Honorable and upright in all his dealings, he wins and maintains the respect and esteem of all with whom he comes in contact.

C NHARLES G. PERRY, a prominent agricult- urist and dairyman of the town of Strat- ford, is a man whose sterling qualities of charac- ter inspires respect among even casual acquaint- ances.

Mr. Perry comes of good New England stock, and his grandfather, Abel Perry, was a native of Seekonk. Mass., where, and in Leyden, Mass., he was for many years engaged in farming and at the blacksmith's trade. This worthy citizen married Miss Elizabeth Frizzell, of Leyden, and had eleven children: Abel. Elizabeth, John, Alvah (who became a physician). Elias, P. Allen, Everett (a physician), Abel (2), Otis, Betsey, and Julia, all of whom were born at Leyden.

P. Allen Perry, our subject's father, was reared at the old home in Leyden, and learned 46

the machinist's trade in which he became an ex- pert. At one time he went to Sheffield. England, to secure workmen in order to start the first cutlery establishment in the United States, at Greenfield, Mass., where he was employed until his death, which was caused October 4, 1837, by an accident while he was at work. His wife. Betsey F. Wright, daughter of William and Lydia Wright, of Northfield, Mass., survived him many years, her death occuring August 20, 1896. when she was aged eighty-seven years, eleven months and twelve days. They had four children: Allen, who died at the age of six years; Elizabeth, wife of Luther Crafts, of Whately, Mass., who served as a soldier in the Civil war;

. Charles G., our subject; and Mary J., who mar- ried Nelson Marsh, of Amherst. Mass., a veteran of the Civil war.

Charles G. Perry was born October 24, 1833. in Greenfield, Mass .. and remained at home until he reached the age of sixteen years. There he learned the cutlery business, and for some time followed that trade, removing in 1858 to Bridge- port, this county, where he was employed by the Wheeler & Wilson Manufacturing Company. About 1865 he settled upon his present homestead. an attractive place containing fifty acres of land, and since that time he has devoted his attention chiefly to dairying. Politically, he is a Republic- an, but he has not been especially active in par- tisan work. On April 7. 1858. he was married at Winsted. Conn., to Miss Susan M. Brown, a native of that town and a daughter of Francis and Maria M. (Hewett) Brown. Of the three children born of this union: the eldest, Francis W., a fine musician, owns a country place in Lex- ington, Mass., teaches in Boston, and owns orange groves in Florida; Isabella married William O. Beach, a farmer in the town of Trumbull; and Nelson B. is at home.

C. G. Perry has also been for many years a contributor to newspaper literature, upon agri- culture, and other matters of public interest. Some of his articles have been used by the papers to which they were sent as editorials, and his work in this line has frequently brought out favorable comment.

S IAMUEL PINE is one of those substantial, unassuming, steady-going men who, with- out display or disagreeable self-assertion, give stability to the communities in which their lot has been cast, and form a social and business element necessary to healthy progress, both ma- terial and moral. He has resided on the property known as Rocky Ford, in Greenwich township,

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Fairfield Co., Conn., for many years, and is a native of a neighboring locality, Rye township, Westchester Co., N. Y., where he was born August 31, 1839. The Pine family was one of the earliest in that section of the country, and a record of the American ancestry will not be out of place here.

James Pine, the first member of the family in America, came from England during the seven- teenth century, and settled in Long Island, his land grant in that place being dated 1682. At this time the various members of the family were noted sea-going men, but since their location in Westchester county, N. Y., they have belonged to the agricultural class. James had two sons, Samuel and Jacob, who in 1713 sold the Long Island property and migrated to Westchester county, N. Y., locating at New Rochelle, and from them are descended the Pines of that re- gion. In 1736 they made their first purchase of Jand here, the place now owned by J. H. Shults. One of the descendants in direct line, James Pine, married a Miss Lyon, and was the great- grandfather of Samuel Pine, whose name intro- duces these lines. He was a saddler by. trade, and also engaged in agricultural pursuits. His remains lie in the private cemetery of the Pine family in King Street.

Samuel Pine, the son of James, was a life- long farmer. He married Hannah Banks, of Byram, and they became the parents of three children: Hannah, who married Wilson D. Slosson, and died in Greenwich, Fairfield Co .. Coun .; Sally, who married Underhill Purdy, and died in Rye township; and James, who is the father of our subject. Samuel Pine passed away in 1833. and was laid to rest in the private ceme- tery of the family.

James Pine (father of our subject) was born in 1802 in Rye township, Westchester county. He attended the private school conducted by the Rev. Mr. Buffet in Stanwich, and received a very thorough education, having originally intended to prepare for the medical profession, but he did not pursue it. From the age of six years until his death he made his home on the farm in King Street, now occupied by his son, Sullivan M., and he carried on farming to the end of his days. Mr. Pine was married in Westport, Conn., to Elizabeth F. Moulton, who was born in Provi- dence. R. I., daughter of Sullivan M. and Betsy (Longford) Moulton, the former of whom was at one time, prior to his removal to Westport, Conn .. one of the owners of the Glenville Cotton Mill; Elizabeth was the eldest in their family of eight children. Five children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Pine, namely: Sarah, who died un-

married; Elizabeth, who died young; Mary, widow of Rev. Dr. Porteus, formerly of St. Louis, where she resides; Samuel; and Sullivan M., who is a farmer. The parents died in 1890 and Decem- ber. 1864, respectively. the father being interred in the cemetery of the Pine family above referred to, and the mother at Newburgh, N. Y., in the private cemetery of her family. Mr .. Pine was a successful man, by persevering labor placing him- self in good circumstances, and he was highly re- spected by all who knew him. He was a man of upright principles, integrity, honesty and straight- forwardness in all his dealings, and though not a Church member he never countenanced Sabbath- breaking, and expected his family to keep Sun- day strictly. Politically, he was a Democrat, though not an unswerving partisan, and during the Civil war he was what was known as a " war Democrat."

Samuel Pine had better educational opportu- nities than the average farmer boy of his day, and attended school until he gave it up of his own accord at the age of eighteen years, having studied at district and boarding schools. He always as- sisted more or less on the farm, and has been a lifelong agriculturist, on May 3, 1870, settling on the Rocky Ford place in Greenwich which be still occupies, and which was known as the " Platt Mead " farm. In Revolutionary days it was the site of a hotel, and the ford there over the Byram river was the first above Byram bridge. There is a valuable deposit of feldspar on the property. which is ground on the farm and shipped all over the United States, Mr. Pine having erected an excellently equipped and costly plant for grind- ing purposes, which he operates in addition to managing his farm. Evidences of prosperity and thrift abound in the house and all around, and the family are known as hospitable. kind neigh- bors and obliging friends. Mr. Pine gives all his attention to his private interests, taking no act- ive part in politics or other public affairs.

In October. 1864. Mr. Pine married Miss Louisa A. Seymour. who was born March 12. 1845, in Greenwich, daughter of Thomas and Sarah A. (Banks) Seymour, farming people of that town. The Seymour family consisted of six children: Henry, John, James, Elizabeth, Thomas and Louisa. Of these: Henry lives in New York City; John died in Greenwich, Conn .; James and Elizabeth live in King Street. Green- wich; and Thomas is a resident of Kansas City. Mo. Mr. Seymour passed from earth at the age of eighty-three years, his wife at the age of fifty-two, and their remains rest in Rye ceme- tery; they were Methodists in religious connec- tion, and he was a Whig politically, though not

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a strict partisan. To Mr. and Mrs. Pine have been born four children, viz .: Sarah E., the wife of G. W. Goodsell, of Brooklyn; Hattie (Mrs. N. S. Johnson). who has two children- Samuel E. and Charles W .; Emma (deceased); and Jessie (Mrs. James W. Davis), of Port Ches- ter. The daughters are all filling good homes.

W ILLIAM T. BEARD. a highly respected citizen of the town of Huntington, is prominently identified with the agricultural in- terests of that locality, being the owner of a fine farm near the village of Shelton. He belongs to a well-known family of Huntington township.

James Beard. the founder of the New Eng- land branch of the family, started from England with his family in 1639. He died on the pas- sage over, but his wife and son John arrived here and settled in Milford, Conn. Samuel, the son of John, was born in 1669. James, the son of Samuel, was born in 1702. Samuel, the son of James, was born in 1734; he married Elizabeth Wheeler and had children as follows: Lavinia, Rebecca, Joel, James, Elizabeth, Sarah, Joanna, Samuel and Polly. Of these. Joel Beard, born August 16, 1765, married Marcy Blackman, and had children as follows: Eli, Sally, Nancy, Laura. Lucy. Caty. Polly, Anna, Joel. Of these, Joel Beard, the father of our subject, born in July. 1805. was a lifelong resident of Huntington, and followed farming. He married Maria Chatfield, and had the following children: William T .. Theodore E .. James H. and Oliver G.

William T. Beard was born December 5. 1831. in Huntington township, and was reared as a farmer boy, although his educational oppor- tunities were better than those enjoyed by many country lads. By the time he reached the age of sixteen he had completed the course offered in the district schools, and he then attended select schools in Derby. also a graded school at Birm- ingham for a time. later pursuing higher branches of study at an institute in New York State, near Seneca Lake. At twenty he left school and en- gaged in the work of the homestead, and at twenty-four he became interested in the manu- facture of straw paper in partnership with his brother, Theodore E. Beard. For about twenty- five years they operated a mill near Shelton, but in 1880 our subject sold out his interest in the business and engaged in farming, which he has since followed at his present homestead. He is a believer in progress, and is an active member of the Grange. Politically, he affiliates with the Democratic party, and at times he has held local office, serving with ability and fidelity.

In 1855 Mr. Beard married Miss Sarah M. Shelton, and four children have blessed the union: Estella L .; Lucy M. ; Nellie E., wife of Frank E. Blakeman, of Stratford; and Harriet S. The family is identified with the Congregational Church, the Beards and Sheltons having been adherents of that faith for generations. Mrs. Beard was born in Huntington in 1830, and is a descendant of Daniel Shelton, an Englishman, who settled in the town of Huntington, where he died at the age of sixty years. The records of Startford show that he was engaged in mercan- tile business in 1687, but later generations of the family have been chiefly interested in agriculture. Mrs. Beard traces the line of descent from Daniel Shelton, the pioneer, through Samuel; Daniel (2); Daniel (3). who was born in the town of Huntington; Samuel F., also a native of Hunt- ington, who married Hannah Curtis, of the town of Trumbull; and Judson C. Shelton, Mrs. Beard's father, who was born in Huntington, and mar- ried Hannah Lewis, daughter of Ephraim Lewis, and a native of Shelton. Dr. Gould A. Shelton, a brother of Mrs. Beard, is a resident of Hunt- ington, and a more complete history of the fami- ly is given in connection with his biography.

J TOSIAH B. HALLETT was born at Chatham, Mass., November 7. 1833, a son of Samuel and Susan (Blossom) Hallett, who were na- tives of Yarmouth and Barnstable, Mass., re- spectively. Our subject is a representative of the seventh generation of the Hallett family in this country. Andrew Hallett, the founder of the family on this side of the Atlantic. came from Dorsetshire, England, whither they had emigrated from Normandy. Samuel Hallett was a sea cap- tain, and after his marriage made his home in West Barnstable, Massachusetts.

Josiah B. Hallett spent his boyhood at home in his native town, and secured a good common- school education in the district schools. At the age of twelve years he entered the business world, going to Boston, where he engaged as clerk, and there he remained for three years. Returning to Barnstable at the end of that time, he worked on the farm for a short period, and then learned the blacksmith's trade, which he followed for fourteen years. Tempted by the glowing accounts of the West, he left his native hills in New England and went to Prairie City, lowa, where he was engaged in farming and "trading." remaining in the West five years. In 1861 he came back East. locating at Harwich- port. Mass., where he resided for nine years. Mr. Hallett's maternal grandfather was a butcher,

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and before 1870 he entered the retail and whole- sale meat business at Clinton, Mass .. afterward locating at Leominster, in the same State, and in 1879 coming to Bridgeport with Leonard Wood, engaging in the same line under the firm name of Hallett & Wood. They continued in business most successfully until the death of Mr. Wood, when the name was changed to the Bridgeport Beef Company, and our subject has built up a large and still increasing custom.

On May 5, 1853, Mr. Hallett was united in marriage with Miss Caroline B. Swift, of Sand- wich, Mass., a daughter of Capt. William and Sally (Crowel) Swift, natives of Sandwich. Mr. and Mrs. Hallett have become the parents of the following named children: Herbert F. is married to Annie Yutzler, and has five children; Willard F. is married to Carrie N. Fisk; George De- Wayne, M. D., is married to Lillian Mandeville, and lives in New York City; Harrison H. is mar- ried to Frank D. Dunker, of Chicago, and has one child.

Mr. Hallett is an active member of St. John's Lodge, F. & A. M .; of Jerusalem Chapter; and the Sea Side Club, of Bridgeport. Politically, he adheres to the principles of the Republican party, but is in no way to be considered an office- seeker. His business interests have always de- manded the greater portion of his time, and out- side of contributing liberally to any measure for the public good he has devoted his attention to his private affairs Religiously, he is a member of the First Methodist Episcopal Church.

E ALLIOT MILES BEARDSLEY, of the town of Trumbull, Fairfield county, has for many years been a conspicuous figure in the develop- ment of Fairfield county, and has been prominent in both business and political circles. He is a man of sterling worth, whose fidelity to duty in all the relations of life has won for him the con- fidence and respect of the public, and made him a valued citizen.

Mr. Beardsley is a native of Connecticut, having been born in Trumbull, Fairfield county, September 26. 1838, a son of Miles and Eloisa Beardsley. Until he was twelve years of age he received his earlier education at the common schools of the neighborhood of his home; then went to a select school for a time, afterward attending the State Normal School at New Britain, acquiring there an academic education. At the early age of seventeen years he commenced teaching school, passing one year in Savannah, Ga., in that occupation; but when he was twenty-

one he abandoned the profession for agricultural pursuits, which he has since successfully followed. In his younger days he also assisted his father in the store.

Our subject is a lifelong, consistent Democrat, and has been called upon by his party to fill various public positions of honor and trust. In 1879 he represented his town in the State Legislature, and served on the committee of Cities and Boroughs. For several years he was school inspector for the town of Trumbull. He has often been a delegate to town and county conventions; for several years was chairman of the town committee of the Democratic party, and in every way, and at all times, has proven himself to be a valuable, active and potent rep- resentative of his party.

On June 3, 1863, Mr. Beardsley was united in marriage with Miss Mary J. Beardsley, who was born July 16, 1841, a daughter of Ezra Beardsley. Our subject and his wife attend the services of Grace Episcopal Church at Trumbull, of which they are honored and influential mem- bers.

H ENRY BURR OGDEN, a leading agricult- urist of the town of Fairfield, is a worthy representative of a family which has long been prominent in that locality. His present home- stead in Banks South District has been held in the family name for three generations, and aside from its interesting associations it is a valuable and attractive estate, Mr. Ogden's scientific knowl- edge and skill being shown to good advantage in its management.

Hezekiah Ogden, the grandfather of our sub- ject, was born October 28, 1775. and died Jano- ary 21, 1844, leaving a large property and an honorable name as a citizen. His wife, whose maiden name was Hulda Merwin, was born De- cember 15. 1779, and died September 24, 1832. Their family consisted of two sons and four daugh- ters, the former being Horace, our subject's father, and Hezekiah, Jr., who followed farming in Banks South District until his death, some years ago.

The late Horace Ogden was born October 24, 1809, and was reared as a farmer boy, his educa- tion being obtained in the schools of the district. In early manhood he married Miss Rachel A. Sturgis, who was born January 20, 1812, a daugh- ter of Wakeman Sturgis, a prominent resident of Weston, this county, and after residing for some time at the Ogden homestead he bought an ad- joining farm and made his permanent home there, building a new house. He was a successful farm-

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er, and while he met with occasional losses he left a comfortable competence, mainly gained by his own industry. Notwithstanding some acci- dents at various times, he enjoyed robust health the greater portion of his life. His home was his chief interest, nothing but important business ever calling him away from it for any length of time. In politics he was a Republican, and al- though he was never an office seeker he voted regularly in the support of his principles. His death occurred January 20, 1891, and his wife, , who was a devout Presbyterian, died March 13. 1890, their remains being interred in the Oak Lawn cemetery in Fairfield township. Our sub- ject is the eldest in a family of three children: (2) Hulda E., born June 30, 1844, married Franklin Whitehead. of Greens Farms, and has one son, George Burr. (3) Mary E., born July 25, 1849. married Willis Morehouse (deceased), and now resides in Bridgeport.

Henry B. Ogden was born March 30, 1838, at the old homestead, and in boyhood he attend- ed the common schools of the vicinity for some years, Walter Merwin and Miss Meeker being among his teachers. Later he pursued higher branches of study in the academies at Greens Farms and Greenfield Hill. and at the age of twenty-two he taught for one winter, his wages being $16 per month. He remained at home until he reached the age of thirty-five, when he purchased ten acres from his father and built his present dwelling house. He has prospered, and now owns seventy-one acres of choice land. en- gaging in the dairy business and general agricult- ure. As is well known, farming has its uncer- tainties, but he succeeds when any one else does and when many do not. He is unassuming in manner, of a quiet disposition, and his reputation is of the best. Politically, he affiliates with the Republican party, but he takes little interest in the issues of the day, and does not even vote regularly.

At the age of thirty-five, November 26, 1873, Mr. Ogden married Miss Amelia J. Bradley, of Fairfield township, and one daughter, Beatrice, has been born to them; she has just completed five years' schooling at Greenfield Hill, and she is now at home with her parents. The family attend the Church at Greenfield Hill. Mrs. Ogden was born June 25, 1844, in Deerfield Dis- trict, Fairfield township, daughter of Seth and Amelia (Burr) Bradley, and in early life she taught school for a time, receiving $8 per month, one term $9, and boarding himself. She has one sister, Mary L., who is the widow of John H. Fanton, and a brother, Thomas, who is a resi- dent of Deerfield District.

C HARLES A. GERDENIER, superintendent of the business of the Bridgeport Gas Com- pany, has won an enviable reputation for ability as manager of large enterprises, and during his thirty-four years in his present position the working force of the company has been increased from four to more than one hundred workmen. His abilities are appreciated by the community at large, and for twenty-one years he has served as chief of the Fire Department at Bridgeport, being the last chief of the old volunteer force and the first chief of the paid department.

Mr. Gerdenier comes of honorable ancestry, and his grandfather. Bernard Gerdenier, came from France about the time of the Revolutionary war, probably with General LaFayette, and is known to have taken an active part in that strug- gle. This worthy patriot made his home in Rockland county, N. Y., upon a farm near Ny- ack, where his remaining years were spent. He married Miss Kate Tenure, a descendant of Holland-Dutch stock, and had four children: John, our subject's father; Jacob, a sailor, who never married; Sarah, wife of Mr. Anderson. a coach painter, in New York; and Jane, who died unmarried.

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Commemorative Biographical Record of Fairfield County, Connecticut, Part 147

Author: H. H. Beers & Co. Publication date: 1899 Publisher: Number of Pages: 1795

Author: H. H. Beers & Co.
Publication date: 1899
Publisher:
Number of Pages: 1795