Commemorative Biographical Record of Fairfield County, Connecticut, Part 155

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

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acumen in financial affairs, was demonstrated when at his death he left his son an unincumbered estate of $75,000. On September 20, 1890, his weary spirit took its flight, and his mantle fel. upon the shoulders of his only surviving son.

Frank Le Grand Griswold was educated in the public schools of Bridgeport, and here his versatility soon attracted the attention of his instructors. He was quite young when he de- cided to enter mercantile life, and went to work to learn the confectioner's trade. With a per- sistency equal to that which was one of his fa- ther's marked characteristics, he made no second choice, but remained working at that trade until his father's death, in 1890, rendered it necessary for him to abandon a business career in order to manage his large estate. That he has proven himself worthy of this trust is evidenced by the capable manner in which he has since cared for his property. His naturally generous disposition is tempered by a wise judgment, and his assist- ance to some struggling brother is seldom un- worthily bestowed.

On September 9, 1891, F. L. Griswold was married in Kingston, N. Y., to Miss Lizzie. daughter of Frederick H. Arnold. To this union have come three interesting children. Fred L .. Charles M. and Lottie M., whose glad- some presence brings much sunshine to the beautiful Griswold home on the Newtown turn- pike. Mr. and Mrs. Griswold are both favorites socially, and in their home hospitality reigns supreme. Friend and stranger alike are accorded a hearty welcome, and are made to feel that this is, indeed, a "home." Our subject holds the rank of colonel of the Uniform Rank, Knights of Pythias, of Connecticut; is a member of Myrtba Lodge No. 8, K. of P., Bridgeport, and Uniform Rank, Company 4. In politics he is a firm be- liever in the principles of the Republican party. and has served as assessor and on the board of relief. In every movement for improvement be takes an active part, and he endeavors in every way to advance all measures that would in any way bring the greatest good to the greatest num- ber.

J TOHN CLANCY is the popular and genial proprietor of a well-known grocery and liquor store in Bridgeport, also agent in that city for the Long Island Brewery of Brooklyn, his place of business being at No. 74 Hard avenue. He was born March 11, 1860, in County Ros- common, Ireland, of which locality his ancestors. for at least two generations back, were also na- tives.

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Patrick Clancy, father of our subject, is still living in Ireland, where he has been a lifelong farmer. He married Miss Anna Lavin, a lady of the same nativity, and a daughter of Luke Lavin, a hatter by trade, carrying on also a farm in County Roscommon. To this union were ! born twelve children, two of whom died in in- fancy, the remaining ten being as follows: John (our subject), Mary, Thomas, Luke, Patrick, Terence, Bridget, James, Anna and Jane. Of these, John, Thomas, Luke, Terence and James are all residents of Bridgeport; Patrick is a farmer in Ireland; and all the daughters are still living there, Mary being now the wife of Michael Beirne.

John Clancy, whose name introduces this sketch, remained in his native land until he was twenty-four years old, attending school in his boyhood, and subsequently working on his fa- ther's farm. In 1884 he came to the United States, arriving in Bridgeport in the month of March, and has made his home in that beautiful city ever since, where he commenced his New- World life in a comparatively humble vocation, that of driver of a beer wagon. In 1892 he es- tablished himself in his present liquor business, and shortly afterward received the agency in Bridgeport for the Long Island Brewery of Brooklyn, doing a lucrative business.

In November, 1887, Mr. Clancy married Eliza Naery, of Bridgeport, and four children have been born to this union. named as follows: John F., Luke, Thomas and Anna. Mr. and Mrs. Clancy are devout members of the Roman Cath- olic Church. and have the respect of a large cir- cle of friends.

Politically, our subject is a Democrat, and is an active supporter of his party. Socially, he is affiliated with the Ancient Order of Forest- ers of America, the Ancient Order of Hiberni- ans; and the Knights of Columbus, all promi- nent organizations in Bridgeport.

C HARLES E. JELLIFF. There is probably no man in Southport more widely or favora- bly known than the gentleman whose name in- troduces this review, and who is now living retired after a life of honest and honorable labor.

Francis Jelliff. father of our subject, was born December 8, 1816. at Westport, Conn., a son of David and Polly ( Pike) Jelliff, the latter of whom was born in Southport. Conn. They had their home in Westport, where they reared their family of three children: Francis, Eliphalet and Mary. Of these, Eliphalet died young, and Mary mar- ried Sellick Sherman. Francis learned the trade

of carpenter when a boy, serving a long appren- ticeship, as was customary in those days, and followed that business throughout life at South- port, after a period spent in journeyman work in New York and elsewhere, among other jobs put- ting up cabins on vessels. In all respects he was a superior mechanic. Prior to his marriage he built his home on the corner of Pequot and Center streets, where he spent the balance of his life. In connection with carpentering he did a considerable amount of business in building and contracting, erecting many buildings in South- port and other towns, doing the entire work on the Southport Savings Bank, building the school house in the borough, and was a partner in the construction of both the Episcopal church and Congregational church. Beginning life a poor boy, he, by industry, perseverance, honesty of purpose and economy, became wealthy, at his death leaving a handsome competence.

On April 10, 1842, Francis Jelliff was mar- ried, at Southport, to Miss Juliette Wood, who was born May 28, 1819, in Susquehanna county, Penn .. a daughter of William and Betsy (Darrow) Wood, both of Groton, Conn. Children as fol- lows blessed. this union: Ursula died (unmarried) in Southport; Charles E. is our subject; Oscar died at the age of twenty-one years: and Mary, Frederick, Julia and John are also deceased- Julia when twenty years old. Frederick when nine, and Mary and John in infancy. The father of this family died July 26, 1896, when nearly eighty years of age, and was buried in Oak- lawn cemetery. He was a lifelong member of the Episcopal Church, as is also his widow, and he from time to time served as warden, taking a great interest in Church matters. A Republican in politics, he was always loyal to his party, and for several years was selectman of his borough. Socially, he at one time affiliated with the 1. O. O. F. His widow, a highly respected and much esteemed lady. is yet living at the old homestead.

Charles E. Jelliff, the subject proper of these lines, was born September 2, 1846, at the old homestead of his parents, and received his educa- tion at the public schools, after which he learned the trade of carpentering with his father. In 18- he became a member of the firm of C. O. Jelliff & Co., in mercantile trade at Southport, but at the end of four years he retired from busi- ness, and has since devoted his time to looking after his property and other interests in South- port and Bridgeport.

On October 6, 1868, Mr. Jelliff was united in marriage with Miss Mary A. Baker, of Greens Farms, daughter of Ebenezer and Jane (Miller)

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Baker, and children as follows were born to them: Blakeman, sister of Colonel Blakeman, mention- ed above. She died in 1889, and on December 12, 1891, he married Miss Priscilla Spader, of New York State, a descendant of a Holland- Dutch family. Mr. Wakelee has three children, all by the first marriage: Alice; Dwight, who mar- Edith F. (died at the age of six years), Clara and Everett F. The family are all identified with the Methodist Church at Southport, and in poli- tics Mr. Jelliff is a straight Republican. He is fond of reading, keeping well informed on the issues of the day, and his sterling qualities of I ried Emma Cook, of Stratford, and resides at the character have won for him the respect of all who old homestead; and Harriet. know him.

G IDEON M. WAKELEE, a highly esteemed resident of Derby, has been prominently identified with the agricultural interests of that locality for many years, and is justly regarded as a representative citizen.

The Wakelee family is one of the oldest in the town of Huntington, and our subject's grand- father. Gideon Wakelee, a native of the town, | served as member of State Legislature in 1875.

passed his life there in agricultural pursuits. He married Lydia Morgan, a native of Newtown and a relative of Daniel N. Morgan, and they had two children: Ebenezer; and Nancy, who married Charles C. Tomlinson, a farmer in Huntington.

Hon. Ebenezer Wakelee, the father of our sub- Huntington, where he grew to manhood and engaged in farming. He was one of the leading Democrats of the section in his day, and in addi- tion to serving in various township offices, includ- ing those of selectman and justice of the peace, he represented his town several times in the State Legislature. He died upon the farm in 1877, and his wife, whose maiden name was Nancy Wheeler, died in January, 1899. She was born and reared in the town of Stratford, and was a daughter of Eli Wheeler, a native of the same town. Six children were born to Ebenezer and Nancy Wakelee, as follows: Frances married Anson Blakeman, a farmer in Stratford; Louise married D. M. Plumb, of Shelton; Gideon M., our subject, is mentioned more fully below; Eliza- beth married Julius Coe, a leather manufacturer in West Haven, Conn .; Cornelia married John Coe, a leather manufacturer of Brooklyn, N. Y .; and Cordelia, a twin of Cornelia, married Colonel Blakeman, of Huntington township.

Our subject was born December 28, 1840, at the old homestead, and was reared to farm work. His education was begun in the local schools, and later he attended school in the village of Birmingham, now Derby. In early manhood he engaged in farming, and although he has re- cently sold one of his farms to his son he still ! manages the other. In 1895 he removed to Der- by village, where he has a handsome residence.

Socially, the family is prominent, and Mr. Wakelee is a member of the Grange; Ousatonic Lodge No. 6, I. O. O. F., of Derby; and of King Hiram Lodge No. 2, F. & A. M. In poli- tics he is a strong Democrat, and he has often been called upon to fill positions of public trust. For ten years he was a deputy sheriff, and he | has served as selectman, justice of the peace, deputy judge of the town court of Huntington, and a member of the board of education. He

P HILO W. BATES. manufacturer, at Nor- walk, Fairfield county, of fine marble and granite work, which has a wide reputation for beauty, finish and substantialness, is a native of ject, was born in 1806, at the old homestead in | Connecticut, born November 16, 1838, in Strat-

| ford, a great-grandson of Rowell Bates, who was also born in Fairfield county, of English extrac- tion.

John Bates, grandfather of our subject, was born at Redding, Conn., was a shoemaker by trade during the earlier part of his life, later | following agricultural pursuits in Fairfield county, and died in the village of Branchville. By bis wife, Sarah (Scribner), he had two children: Walter, father of our subject; and Rowena, wile | of L. B. Wood, of the town of Danbury.

Walter Bates was born in the town of Red- ding. Conn .. was first a school teacher by occupa- tion, and later a stone mason. He married Lorena Wood, who was born in Danbury, a daughter of Philo Wood, of the same locality, and they reared a family of seven children as fol- lows: Oscar died young; Philo W. is the subject of these lines; Mary E. married Albert G. Mark- ham, of East Hampton; Rowena wedded Leroy Taylor, of Norwalk; Amy married Augustus Dodge, of Norwalk; John married Julia E. Diamond, and they live in Norwalk; and Oscar married Lydia Drew, and they make their home in Bethel, Conn. The mother of this family died in . 1882, the father in 1883; they were Methodists in religious faith, and in politics he was a Democrat.

Philo W. Bates, whose name introduces these lines, received his education at the schools of : In . 1860 he married his first wife, Miss Phoebe ! Branchville, Fairfield county, working on a farm

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during the summer season. In 1856 he com- menced learning the marble and granite industry in that village, which he followed there till 1862, then establishing his present business in Nor- walk, but continuing to reside in Branchville till 1873. in that year removing his family to Norwalk. On September 12, 1860, he was united in marriage at Ridgefield. Conn .. with with Flora A. Bouton, who was born in that village, a daughter of Burr and Flora Bouton, and one child was born to them: Nellie F., who married Cornelius Howard, of Norwalk.

Mr. Bates is a lifelong Democrat, and at one time. when Norwalk was a borough, was burgess thereof: was also assessor, and member of the board of relief. Socially, he is affiliated with the I. O. O. F. His marble and granite works, situated at No. 42 Water street, Norwalk, are operated by steam, and the product never fails to bring eminent satisfaction from his many customers-far and near.

SMITH FOWLER is ranked among the most | manager, and has proved herself a worthy help-

prosperous farmers and large land owners of Greenwich township, Fairfield Co., Conn., where | sponsibility and care in the conduct of their he has. by a life of industry, acquired a fine farm | affairs. Their domestic circle is a happy one. of 175 acres, highly cultivated and improved.

Mr. Fowler was born May 28, 1839, in West- chester county. N. Y., a son of Peter V. and Elizabeth (Nash) Fowler, who emigrated to Ohio when he was a mere child, settling at Port Wash- ington, in Salem township, Tuscarawas county. The father was a wheelwright, and found plenty of work at his trade, managing to support his family very comfortably until his untimely death, which was caused by cholera during the epidemic in the latter " forties." This misfortune left his wife and three young sons-Clark, Smith and George W. -- in somewhat straitened circum- stances among comparative strangers, and the mother concluded that she could do better by returning with her family to her home in the East. Railroads had not yet penetrated that section of Ohio, so the journey was made by canal to Cleveland, lake to Buffalo, and Erie canal to Albany, their destination being Port Chester, N. Y., where they lived for some time with James Nash, the father of Mrs. Fowler. She survived her husband many years, dying in Greenwich township, Fairfield Co., Conn., at the advanced age of seventy.

When about ten years old Smith Fowler came to Greenwich township to live with his uncle, Hanford Lockwood (now deceased). by whom he was reared, and he was fortunate in- deed in falling into such kind hands. He did

not have as much opportunity for study in his youth as he might have desired, but he was given a practical introduction to all kinds of general farm work, and has become one of the most skillful agriculturists in this region.

On January 1. 1862, Smith Fowler was mar- ried to Miss Mary D. Clark, a native of Bedford, N. Y., and they took up their home on his uncle's farm, where they continued to reside for a num- ber of years. In 1891 they moved to the place they have since occupied, the condition of which I at that time was not to be compared with its present state. The residence was "rickety" and in need of repairs generally, but Mr. Fowler has changed, improved and added to it until it [ is now a model of a comfortable country home, pleasant within and without, and an improve- . ment to the property it stands upon. The land has been systematically worked, and brings its I owner, than whom there is no more industrious farmer in Greenwich, a competence which ena- bles him and his family to enjoy life and help others to enjoy it. Mrs. Fowler is a capable

meet to her husband, taking her full share of re-

and has been blessed with the presence of one son-Hanford Russell-and three daughters- Mary Agnes C., Edith Lydia and Fanny Lavinia. The eldest daughter, a charming, popular girl. was taken away at the age of twenty years, and her early death was deeply mourned by friends and neighbors throughout the vicinity. All the daughters attended Greenwich Academy and re- ceived good educations, for the township has no warmer advocate of the necessity of good schools and teachers than Mr. Fowler. The family be- long to the Methodist Church. Mr. Fowler is a Republican, but he takes no part in politics ex- cept as a voter.

Mrs. Mary D. (Clark) Fowler was born Janu- ary 21, 1838, in Bedford, N. Y., a daughter of Uel Clark, who was a descendant of Samuel Clark, Sr .. one of the early settlers of New Eng- land. The latter was born in 1619, in Devon- shire, England, and came to America in his early manhood. Uel Clark was one of the seventh generation, the lineage being traced as follows: Samuel, Sr. (1), William, Sr. (2), Nathan, Sr. (3), Stephen (4), Cornelius (5), Elisha (6), Uel (7). Uel Clark was born June 11, 1804, and died March 10, 1862. On December 28, 1830, | he married Phoebe Hewlett, by whom he had one son, Edmund H., who is now a resident of Lurna, Holt Co., Neb. This wife dying, Mr. Clark was married, on December 4, 1836, to

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Derrilla Bunten. and to their union came five children: Mary D. (Mrs. Fowler), Caroline (de- ceased), Phoebe (Mrs. Dykeman, of Worcester, Mass.), Elizabeth (deceased), and Agnes L. (of Greenwich). Mrs. Fowler was a child of four years when the family removed to Sullivan county, N. Y., where she lived up to the age of sixteen. from that time until her marriage resid- ing in Brooklyn, N. Y. The parents possessed wealth at one time, but they met with reverses, and Mary supported herself by sewing, making her home with the family of Professor Eaton, of Parker Institute, for some years prior to her marriage with Mr. Fowler.

R UFUS L COUCH (deceased), who in his lifetime was a highly esteemed citizen of the town of Bethel, was engaged in agricultural pursuits in that locality for more than half a cen- tury, and the strength and vigor which he dis- played in his advanced years gives evidence of the healthfulness of that time-honored calling.

Mr. Couch was born June 3, 1817, in the Plum Tree district in the town of Bethel, the son of Jonathan and grandson of Elijah Couch, and is a descendant of an old New York family. Elijah Couch, who was born July 29, 1747, was a resident of Sullivan county, N. Y .. where he died March 19, 1816. His wife, Eunice (Cop- ley), was born December 7, 1754, and died May 8, 1845. They had eleven children, whose names with dates of birth are as follows: William, February 18, 1774; Samuel, January 29, 1778; Jonathan, January 15, 1780; Elijah, March 14, 1782; Mary, July 20, 1784; Silas, June 8, 1786; Calvin, August 14, 1788; Daniel, December 15, 1791; Ebenezer, March 23, 1793: Stephen, Oc- tober 28, 1797; and Harvey, June 1. 1800.

Jonathan Couch, the father of our subject, was born and reared at the old home in Sullivan county. N. Y., but his later years were spent in this section. He learned the shoemaker's trade with Benjamin Knapp, of Danbury, and for many years followed that business in the Plum Tree district, town of Bethel, where his death occurred April 22, 1853. He was married February 10, 1801, to Miss Lydia Hoyt, daughter of Samuel Hoyt. She was born September 20, 1782, and survived him many years, dying on October 13, 1870. They were members of the Methodist Church at Bethel, and were greatly respected by all who knew them. He took an active part in local affairs, and at times held minor town offices. Of their six children: (1) Horace Hoyt, born July 3. 1804, married (first) Lucy Stowe, and (second) Ruanna Wheeler. (2) Charles W.,

born January 9, 1807, married Lydia Crofut. (3) Mary Mahala (now deceased), born March 23. 1811, married H. H. Hodge. (4) Eunice M., born September 9, 1812, married Clark Polley. and died April 21, 1853. (5) Rufus Levett, our subject, is mentioned more fully below. (6) Henry Elijah, born March 23, 1821, married Lucinda Shelton Post, and resides in Danbury.

Mr. Couch, whose name opens this sketch, was always a resident of the town of Bethel, and his education was acquired in the district schools near the old home. At an early age he was ap- prenticed to his brothers in Bethel, where he learned the business of comb making, and this occupation he followed until he was about thirty years old. In 1847 he engaged in farming, in which he became unusually successful. On May 12, 1840, he married Miss Laura Trowbridge. daughter of Jabez Trowbridge. She was born October 21, 1813, and died April 30, 1860. On August 22, 1860, he formed a second matrimo- nial union, this time with Miss Jane Babbitt, who died October 19, 1895. His only daughter, Rebecca Elizabeth, born December 5, 1851, was married February 10, 1876, to S. Ernest Osborn, and they had one son, Richard C., born March 3, 1887. The family has always been identified with the Methodist Church, and Mr. Couch was a leading member of the Bethel Methodist Church. He died May 21, 1898.

The late S. Ernest Osborn, Mr. Couch's son- in-law, was born June 15, 1854, in the Ridge- bury District of the town of Ridgefield, this coun- ty, and was the second son of Isaac Osborn, a prominent citizen. His education was began in the district schools of that locality, and later he attended a private school conducted by Hon. William O. Seymour, at Wilton. In early man- hood he engaged in farming, and after residing for short periods at Bethel and Redding, be re- moved to North Salem, N. Y., where he oper- ated a farm known as the William Howe place. Finally he located on a stock farm at Dingit Ridge, near Brewsters, N. Y., where he diec August 6, 1893, at the age of thirty-eight. He was a young man of excellent qualities, and his early death caused sincere grief among a large circle of friends.

J JOHN W. BUTTERY, one of the enterpris- prising and successful citizens of New Ca- naan, Fairfield county, was born in that town May 15, 1842. He is a son of Silas But- tery, and a grandson of Hezekiah Buttery, who came from Virginia to Connecticut many years ago, settling in New Canaan.

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Silas Buttery was born in New Canaan, was reared and educated there, and passed his entire life in agricultural pursuits. He married Eliza- beth Slauson, who was also a native of New Canaan, and the following named children came to bless this union: Elias (now deceased), who served during the Civil war in the 17th Conn. V. I .; Hannah (Mrs. Henry F. Guthrie). living fus, who is a resident of the town of Norwalk; Sarah (Mrs. William E. Lane), of Norwalk; John W .; Samuel, of Wilton, Fairfield county; and Frank, of Norwalk. The father was a member of the M. E. Church.

During his boyhood John W. Buttery lived in the Silver Mine District, where he received all his education, attending the neighboring school. Having decided to learn the wood- turner's trade. he served a seven-years' appren- ticeship under Henry F. Guthrie, and since 1866 has been engaged in the lumber business on his own account. On April 16 of that year. he purchased the Betts mill, in Silver Mine, which he rebuilt, and in it he has conducted his busi- ness ever since with most gratifying success, sup- plying a profitable and constantly growing trade. He does no custom work, having a regular pat- ronage for the product of his mill. Mr. But- tery deserves to be called a self-made man, for self-made he certainly is. having attained his present honorable and comfortable position in life solely through his own efforts. He has es- tablished and built up a business of which he may well be proud, and proved that lack of financial means to start with is not always a draw- back to success. His standing in the community is assured, and he is at present serving as first selectman of New Canaan, this being his third term, discharging the duties of that office in a most creditable manner. Mr. Buttery is a firm believer in the principles of the Democratic party.

Our subject was married June 11, 1861, in New Canaan, to Permelia, daughter of William Northrup, of Ridgefield. Two children have been born to them: Minnie F., and Fred, who married Lulu Thompson.

DATRICK V. McDONOUGH, a prominent business man of Bridgeport, proprietor of a well-established grocery and liquor business which he conducts in the building recently erected by himself at the corner of Oak and George streets, is a native of Ireland, born in County Sligo in 1845.

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Commemorative Biographical Record of Fairfield County, Connecticut, Part 155

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