Commemorative Biographical Record of Fairfield County, Connecticut, Part 169

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

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Bennett (of Missouri), Pauline, Horace (of Ken-

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On November 11, 1873. Mr. Judd was mar- ried, in New York City, to Miss Anna Moores, daughter of Charles W. and Susan (Mallory) Moores. Mr. and Mrs. Judd are members of St. Andrew's Episcopal Church, of Stamford, of which Mr. Judd has served as vestryman for over ' matters relating to both theoretical and practical I political economy, and by using their right of franchise. Though they may not seek office, vet when it comes unsought, it is accepted as a sacred trust, and the work appertaining thereto is discharged with punctilious carefulness. On

twenty years.

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tucky), Clarissa and Ormel. Zalmon Hall up- held the principles of the Whig party, and warmly advocated any measures tending to the development of higher morality. In religious faith he was a communicant of the Episcopal Church, and in 1884 his immortal spirit sought its last home.

Ormel Hall was born October 17, 1845, and passed his early days in acquiring a knowledge of the "three R's" in the schools at Trumbull, later attending the Easton Academy. He put his education to a practical test by entering upon the profession of a teacher. In this he met with the success that comes of determined effort. The various schools in which he was employed were located not only in Fairfield county, but also in Missouri, New York and Oregon. He finally gave up his work as an instructor, and has since engaged in farming. His interest in the cause of education did not die when he left the school room, but he has ever since taken an active part in securing a good school system and competent teachers. He is now serving as a member of the board of education. In his polit- ical affiliations he is a supporter of the Repub- lican party, and in 1879 he was elected as repre- sentative of his town in the State Legislature, where he was soon recognized as a conscientious worker for the good of party, State and Nation. He has served his fellow townsmen as selectman, registrar of voters and in other local offices. When once he attempts anything, he is an inde- fatigable laborer until the end in view is accom- plished. Kindly in manner, just in all dealings, he is held in high regard by all who know him.

L EWIS W. BOOTH, junior member of the well-known firm of E. W. Peck & Co., of Derby, is one of the enterprising and successful business men of that locality.

Mr. Booth was born January 31, 1851, in the town of Trumbull, this county, where his family has long been prominently identified with agri- cultural interests. Walter G. Booth, the father of our subject, was a native of that town, and for some years of his early manhood was engaged in farming there; but about 1869 he located upon a farm in the southern part of Huntington. The mother, Elmira C. (Beardsley), is still living, at the age of seventy-eight years. They reared a family of ten children-five sons and five daugh- ters-all of whom are living except one daughter, who died at the age of fourteen. They are as follows: Electa J. Adams, of Rhode Island; William G .; Samantha O. Post; Mary D. Frank- lin; Arthur C., of Shelton; Frank H., of Akron,

Ohio; Jennie J. Fulton, of New Haven; Edgar D., of New York; and Lewis W., our subject. The Booths date back to the original family that came over from England, settling in Stratford, Conn., and are direct heirs to a large legacy; unsuccessful attempts were made in previous years to recover the property.

Lewis W. Booth's education was obtained chiefly in the schools of his native town, and when eighteen years old he accompanied his parents to the new home in Huntington town- ship. About a year and a half later he went to Derby to learn the business of plumbing and tin- smithing with E. W. Peck, and on completing his apprenticeship he remained as a regular workman. After spending twelve years in the establishment he purchased a half-interest, and the firm has ever since continued under its pres- ent title. They occupy a shop in Main street, Derby, and enjoy a large trade. As a citizen Mr. Booth is deservedly held in high esteem, and his sound judgment has more than once been called into the service of the public. At differ- ent periods (about four years in all) he has been a member of the borough board, and he has also served on the local board of education. In pol- itics he is a Democrat, and in religious faith is a Congregationalist, he and his family being prom- inent members of the Church at Shelton.

On September 24, 1873, Mr. Booth married Miss Idella Crofutt, of Stratford, a daughter of Samuel Crofutt, a native of Huntington, and his wife, Sarah J. (Culver). For about eight years after his marriage Mr. Booth made his home in Stratford with his wife's family, driving daily to his business in Derby, but he now resides at Shelton. Five children have blessed the union: Fannie W .; Stephen C., who died at the age of six years; Clara E .; Lewis S. and Ralph C. So- cially, Mr. Booth and his wife are popular, and he is a member of Ousatonic Lodge No. 6. 1. O. O. F., and of the Grand Lodge of the State; also of the Order of the Golden Cross, a temperance organization in Derby.

P. MOSHIER, who has spent almost his en- tire life in Greenwich, Fairfield Co., Conn., where he is now successfully engaged in the livery business, is a self-made man. Thorough- ness and persistency have characterized his entire business career, and have been supplemented by careful attention to details, and by an honorable and straightforward effort that has gained him a most excellent and enviable reputation.

Mr. Moshier was born at North Cos Cob, No- vember 15, 1854, and is a brother of S. A.

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Moshier, in whose sketch will be found a history , J., at the age of seventy-four years. At the age of their ancestors. To a limited extent he at- ; of eleven years Mrs. Moshier started for the tended the district schools of Bingletown and

: United States, going direct to Newark, N. J., Cos Cob, but his educational advantages were | where she lived with an older sister for two meager. Leaving home at the age of eleven i years, and then was employed as a domestic in years, he went to work for William H. Mead. : that city and in Greenwich. Conn., until her marriage, working for a time for the Rev. Charles R. Treat. Mr. and Mrs. Moshier have two chil- dren: Anna E. and James Franklin Pierce, both receiving only his board in compensation for his services After a year with that gentleman, he entered the employ of Lyman Mead, a farmer. who paid him $40 the first year, and gave him | at home.

Politically, Mr. Moshier is a stanch Repub- lican, but has never sought office. He now owns hall of the old homestead at North Cos Cob in connection with his brother, S. A. Moshier. He is an accommodating man and good citizen, one who commands the respect and esteem of all who know him.

D WIGHT M. BANKS, one of the most pro- gressive and successful agriculturists of Fair- field county, is the owner of a beautiful farm near Greenfield Hill, in the town of Fairfield, his residence commanding a charming view of the Sound with shores of Long Island in the distance. His methods of farm management show deep scientific knowledge combined with sound prac- tical judginent, and the results show that " high- class " farming as an occupation can be made profitable as well as pleasant.

Mr. Banks was born March 14, 1847. on a farm adjoining his present homestead, and is a member of a prominent family of Fairfield town- ship. A biography of his parents, Hezekiah and Abby (Williams) Banks, appears elsewhere, with a history of the earlier generations. During his boyhood Mr. Banks attended for a time a public school at Greenfield Hill, Miss Nancy Perry be- ing his first teacher, and among other instructors 1 there he especially remembers Horace Wheeler and Park Hill. After completing the course of- fered in the public school, he pursued more ad- vanced studies in a school conducted by Rev. Marcus Burr at Greenfield Hill. Being reared as a farmer boy he was trained under his father's able guidance in the best methods of agricultural work. and the skill and knowledge thus acquired children born of the second marriage were: Ann, I have been since used to good advantage. He re- mained at home, assisting his father. until 1869, I when he went to Warrensburg. Johnson county,

piace; Dommick, a well-to-do citizen of Mel- I Mo., and engaged in farming on his own account. bourne. Australia, where he owns several valua- | but later he returned home at the request of his parents and took charge of the homestead. In 1887 he became the owner of his present farm, ' upon which he has made many improve- ble hotels: Thomas, also a resident of Newark, N. J .: Mrs. Moshier: and Jeremiah, a police cap- tain of Newark. The mother reared her family as best she could, caring for them until they be- I ments, his tasteful and commodious residence came selt supporting. She died in Newark, N. I and other buildings having been erected by

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a small raise each year thereafter. allowing him at the same time to attend school during the : winter season. Later Mr. Moshier worked as coachman for Moses Christy, at Greenwich, for two years, and was similarly employed by Col. H. W. R. Hoyt. of the same place. until he em- barked in the livery business on his own account. February 22, 1878. From his savings he pur- -- chased a team of horses, and in a small barn on Putnam avenue, Greenwich, he began business. -- Later he rented a barn on Greenwich avenue. and kept increasing his stock from time to time as his business demanded and his financial re- sources allowed, until he now keeps from eight- een to twenty- five horses. In the2 he erected his present large and modern barn on Greenwich avenue, which is well equipped with everything needed in his line of business, in all representing an expenditure of nearly $20.000. He is a man of excellent horsemanship. is a good judge of horses, and, being the leading hveryman of Green- wich, he enjoys an immense business.

In New York City, Mr. Moshier was married December 8. 1876, to Miss Margaretta E. Mull- eney, who was born May 7. 1857. in the town of Riversdown. County Shgo, Ireland, a daughter of Jeremiah Mulleney and his second wife. Beat- rice (O'Dowd,. The father. a native of Dublin. Ireland, was a large wholesale merchant of that place, and owned valuable farming land near that city. He was one of the wealthy and influential citizens of that locality, but afterward sold his mercantile interests in Dublin and removed to Sligo, where his death occurred in 1802. Being very liberal, and having lived very extravagant- ly. his fortune was much reduced, and what was left was taken by his first wife's children. The now Mrs. Michael Donough, of Newark. N. J. ; Beatrice, wife of John Critabley. of the same

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him. As a citizen he is much esteemed, his hon- esty and uprightness winning the respect of all classes in the community, while financially he ranks among the substantial men of the town- ship. While he is not a politician, he is a strong Republican, taking much interest in the success of his party. So far as local administration is concerned he desires to see good men in office, irrespective of party ties, and as his fellow-citi- zens share that wish he was chosen by them to fill the responsible position of treasurer of the town deposit fund, which he held for some time.

In 1888 Mr. Banks married Miss Martha L. Wheeler, daughter of H. M. Wheeler, of Easton, now of Greenfield Hill, this county, and a mem- ber of one of the best families of that locality. Mr. Banks and his wife are prominent socially, and are leading members of the Congregational Church at Greenfield Hill. He has always con- tributed generously to the work of the society, giving both of his time and means, and as a member of the Church committee he has done valuable work. For years he served in the Sun- day-school as teacher or superintendent, and since 1892 he has held the office of deacon in the Church.

W ILLIAM S. RANDALL, M. D., though a comparatively young man, has by loyal devotion to the practice of his profession placed | firmary of New York City. Many insurance himself among the foremost physicians in the field of his labor in this part of Connecticut.

Born in Brookfield, this State, August 5, 1861, a son of the late Charles W. Randall, a success- ful business man of Shelton and Derby, and Eliz- abeth (Ruggles), he came at an early age to reside in Southbury, and afterward in Huntington. He received his preparatory education in the public schools of that town and those of Derby, Conn., and then began a course of instruction at Yale College, graduating from the scientific depart- ment of that University in the class of '83, im- mediately thereafter entering the medical school connected with that institution, where he pursued the study of medicine for a period of one year. Later he completed his professional course in the Coliege of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia College, N. Y., graduating therefrom in 1885. Soon after, having been appointed on the staff of physicians at the New Haven Hospital, he held the position of house physician and surgeon therein from December, 1885, to November, 1886. Thus fully equipped, with a scientific and medi- cal training at the colleges, supplemented with the practical experience in hospital service, he located in Derby, Conn., in 1886, and began the

practice of his profession, which has steadily in- creased until it extends over a large field, includ- ing the cities of Derby and Ansonia, the town of Huntington and neighboring localities. During the earlier years of his practice he resided in Derby, but in 1891 he purchased the Ruggles homestead in Shelton, took up his residence in that borough, and has since maintained two offices, the one in Derby, the other in Shelton- being prominently identified with both municipal- ities. He is a member of the Fairfield County Medical Society, the Connecticut Medical Society I and the American Medical Association. The marked professional success and high social position which Dr. Randall has attained come only to one who, possessed of good natural ability supplemented with excellent preparatory training, pursues with unselfish and indefatigable devotion his life work. Though now reaping the harvest of years of patient toil and study, he is not con- tent to rest on present acquisitions; but ever on the alert to bring into his service the most ap- proved methods and the latest contributions of science to the theory and practice of medicine. While having thus gained an enviable reputation as a skillful physician and surgeon in the field of general practice, he has been remarkably success- ful in the treatment of diseases of the nose, throat and ear, having been connected as an I assistant with the Manhattan Eye and Ear In-

I companies and organizations have chosen him as medical examiner, thus testifying to their confi- dence in him both as a physician and a man of integrity.

Though not a politician, in the sense of an office-seeker, Doctor Randall's political friends have wisely recognized in him a strong leader, and whenever nominated to any office by the Democratic party, with which he has been identi- fied, he has always received the hearty support of his fellow citizens, drawing to himself more than the party vote. Among local incumbencies which he has filled are those of chairman of the committee of the Ferry school district, for a period of two years, and health officer of the town of Huntington, a position which he has held continuously since 1893. In 1892 he was elected to the General Assembly as the Repre- sentative from the town of Huntington, defeat- ing in his campaign for that office the Hon. Allan W. Paige, the Republican candidate and at the time Speaker of the House of Representatives. While in the Legislature Doctor Randall was a member of the School Fund committee, also clerk of the committee on Public Health. Only his loyalty to his chosen profession has prevented

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WSkandale, M.r.

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him from appearing more conspicuously in posi- tions of trust and responsibility in the adminis- tration of public affairs. Among the laws which are largely attributable to his legislative work are the Medical Practice Act, and an Act con- cerning county and town health officers, for which his professional brethren will do him grate- ful honor.

tended the country district and village schools of New Canaan, acquiring a good ordinary educa- I tion. Like his grandfather and father, he became i a shoemaker. learning the trade at home. where he also continued to work for a while, engaging especially in shoe fitting. For the past ten vears he has been under contract with the Benedict Company, shoe manufacturers, to do their shoe fittings, providing his own ma- the present time consists of eleven employes. Though this business naturally requires con- siderable personal attention Mr. Hodges has

Doctor Randall is a member of King Hiram Lodge, and many of the higher Masonic bodies, i terial and hiring his own help. which at including Hamilton Commandery, Knights Tem- plat. He is also a member of Pyramid Temple. Order of the Mystic Shrine. Yet with all his varied interests in the business world, and in act- [ been interested financially along several other we practice, he still finds time for the cultivation of the higher educational and religious life of the community, being a director of the Plumb Memo-

| lines, and he has also found time to devote to public service, in which he has shown his ability : and public spirit in the promotion of all enter- rial Library, and. a cheerful supporter of the ; prises which he believes are for the good of his Church of the Good Shepherd.

community, lending his aid and influence espec- Doctor Randall was married September 7. 1887. to Miss Hattie L. Beers, a charming lady of culture and refinement. daughter of the late Daniel G. Beers, of Brookfield, Conn., and two ially to all progressive movements. He has been elected to the offices of burgess of the vil- lape and town assessor, and has discharged the duties thus imposed upon him in a most satisfac- bright children, Harold Beers Randall, born . tory manner to all concerned. He has met with deserved success in his business affairs, and has

March 12. 1889. and Helen Starr Randall, born December 30, 1892, give the joy of childhood to . accumulated considerable property, at present owning thirteen houses in New Canaan.

their pleasant home.

CHARLES W. HODGES, one of the pros- perous and most prominent citizens of New Canaan, Fairfield county, has been a resident of that place for about fifty years, and during that time has proved himself a valuable citizen. He was born on his father's farm in the town of New Canaan on August 2. 184f

James Hodges, grandfather of Charles W .. was a resident of Georgetown, Fairfield Co., Conn., where he followed his trade, that of shoe- maker. He married a Miss Batterson. Their son. William Hodges, was born in Georgetown, and when a boy went to the district school there SAMUEL GRUMMAN. a leading merchant of Darien, has won his success by continued application to his chosen line of effort, and an ambitious youth may find in this fact a helpful suggestion. Beginning in boyhood as a clerk, Mr. Grumman has steadily made his way toward an independent position in the mercantile world. ! instead of turning to various occupations in the hope of finding a short cut to fortune, and his . persistence has been rewarded by a handsome competence and a high standing in business circles. and at New Canaan. Under the father's tuition he learned the trade of shoemaking. which he followed for many years, but finally, having re- moved to New Canaan, he commenced farming there on a tract of land in Carter Street. Here he passed the rest of his life, dying in the year 1892. He was a member of the Sons of Tem- perance, and an ardent believer in the principles of that order. In Ridgefield. Conn .. he married Miss Esther Burt, by whom he had five children, : namely: Augustus, who is a resident of Nash- Mr. Grumman was born in 1850 in New York ' Grumman. His father, who is now living in retirement at South Norwalk at the age of seventy- ville, Tenn. : James L., now deceased; Charles ; State, the son of Josiah N. and Mary (Hayes) K., deceased in infancy: Charles W .; and Nancy Ida, who is the wife of Henry Keeler.

During his youth Charles W. Hodges at- I four, was born in Ridgefield, this county, and for

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Mr. Hodges was married June 20. 1866, in - New Canaan, to Miss Mary E. Searles, and they have had three daughters: Mary Esther. who . is the wife of Edward Ru ledge, of New Canaan; Nettie May; and Carrie Elizabeth (Mrs Francis E. Green). The family attend the M. E. Church at New Canaan, of which Mr. Hodges is at pres- ent a trustee. Fraternally, is a member in good standing of Wooster Lodge No. 37. 1. O. O. F .; of Commodore Perry Council, O. U. A. M., land of the Order of Red Men.

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some years of his early life followed the shoe- maker's trade there, but 'afterward engaged in the business of shirt manufacturing. In 1872 he removed to South Norwalk, and continued in business until 1896, when he retired. His esti- mable wife, who was born in New York State, is now seventy-six years of age. Our subject was the younger of two children, the elder being Julia M., wife of John H. Knapp, of South Norwalk.

Samuel Grumman had but limited educa- tional advantages in boyhood, his district-school course being supplemented by one year in a | private school; but he made the best of his oppor-

tunities. At the age of fourteen he secured a ! Stanwich until fourteen years of age, when he

position as clerk in a store at Ridgefield, Conn., and in February, 1871, he went to Darien to take a similar situation with M. S. & J. C. Mather, general merchants. So well did he per- form his duties that after ten years he was taken

follows: Fanny married William Rundle, and died in Stanwich; Edward, whose sketch appears elsewhere in this work, died in northern Indiana; Joseph is the father of our subject; Benjamin married Clarissa Sackett, and died in Cos Cob; Sarah married Deacon Joel Wright, and died in Michigan; Samantha married David Hobby. and died in Middle Patent, N. Y .; Deborah married R. R. Finch, and died in Peekskill, N. Y .; Platt married Maria Close, and died in Stanwich; and Edmund Burke died when a young man, and was buried in the Congregational cemetery at Green- wich.

Joseph Brush was reared as a farmer boy in I went to live with his Grandfather Reynolds in North | Cos Cob, remaining with him until he attained the age of twenty. He then taught school for a time in North Greenwich and also in Greenwich. About 1820 he formed a partnership with Reuben

1 into partnership, acquiring a one-half interest in | R. Finch, as dealers in dry goods and groceries, the business. The firm carries a large stock of general merchandise, and their excellent man- | agement has gained for them an ever expanding custom and an enviable popularity. In politics Mr. Grumman has always been a Democrat, as

and they also became the pioneer meat packers at Cos Cob, slaughtering cattle at their own place and shipping meats to foreign countries. This business Mr. Brush continued until he re- I tired from active labor, and it was then conduct- he is a consistent foe to monopolies of every sort; I ed by his sons, Amos and Benjamin. He was but he has never taken an active part in public | married March 18, 1823, to Sarah A. Mead, who life, preferring to give his undivided attention to his business.

In 1873 Mr. Grumman married Miss Emma ' Mead. Her paternal grandfather was Amos F. Williams, of Darien. They are both mem- Mead, the seventh son of Ebenezer Mead (2). bers of St. Luke's Episcopal Church at Noroton, I who was born October 25, 1692. and died May, Conn .. and for some years past he has held office in same as clerk and vestryman. Socially. they are prominent, and he belongs to the F. & A. M., at South Norwalk. Connecticut.

G EORGE W. BRUSH, a well -known citizen of Cos Cob, is one of Fairfield county's na- tive sons, and a representative of two of her most prominent and honored families, whose identifi- cation with her history dates from an early period. He was born at Cos Cob June 19, 1840, a son of Joseph and Sarah A. (Mead) Brush.

Joseph Brush was born in Stanwich, Fairfield county, August 3, 1792. a son of Benjamin and Samantha (Reynolds) Brush, and grandson of | Edward Brush, who was one of two brothers that , er, and died in Greenwich; Stella P., born May came from Long Island to Fairfield county about | 1700, and were the progenitors of the family in ! this section of the State.

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Commemorative Biographical Record of Fairfield County, Connecticut, Part 169

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