Commemorative Biographical Record of Fairfield County, Connecticut, Part 175

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

USA > Connecticut > Fairfield County > Commemorative Biographical Record of Fairfield County, Connecticut > Part 175

Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).

settling on a farm in Westchester county. N. Y .. where he lived for eighteen years, though not town of Greenwich, Conn. For six years after . this he was connected with the Stamford Manu- facturing Company, for whom he did consider- Mr. Dayton was married April 28, 1861, in able mason work, and he has since been en- . Stamford, to Miss Adelaide Morrell, a native of gaged in that line on his own account. erecting Greenwich, Fairfield county, and they had two sons: Clare H., and C. Elmer, a graduate of the University of Philadelphia, Penn., in the Dental department, but now deceased. Mr. Dayton, in religious connection, is a member of the Universalist Church. Fraternally, he is a Freemason, uniting with Lodge No. 5, and Rit- tenhouse Chapter. many well-known buildings in Stamford, which are the best recommendation and the most sub- stantial tribute that could be paid to his skill. He built the gate, barn and filtering house for the Greenwich reservoir, and the Glenbrook and Waterside school buildings are also his work. He receives many large and important contracts in Stamford, where he has a reputation for relia- bility and satisfactory work surpassed by none, and enjoys a snug income from this line.

Mr. McAdams was first married to Miss Hes- ter Ann Webb, who passed away in 1895. and he has since wedded. in Stamford. Miss Eliza Ann Moore, who is a native of the North of Ire- land. Socially, he unites with Rippowam Lodge, I. O. O. F., and Wascusse Encampment.

B ERNARD DALY is the proprietor of the " Daly House " in Greenwich township, Fairfield Co., Conn., which is known to the traveling public as one of the best hostelries be- tween New York and New Haven. He is one of the substantial business men of the town where he has had his home since boyhood, and a credit to the race from which he springs, for he is a self-made man in the truest and best sense of the term, having risen to the prosperity he now en- joys from humble circumstances, and in the face of discouragements that would have overwhelmed

C HARLES I. DAYTON, general night super- intendent for the Stamford Manufacturing Company, and president of the Cove Transporta- tion Company, was born in Stamford, August , one less brave and determined.

14. 1841. He is a son of William Henry Day- ton, a native of Bridgeport, Conn., who was a .

Mr. Daly was born April 20, 1854, in County Tyrone, Ireland, being one of the six children of blacksmith by trade and was employed in the . John and Mary (Hart) Daly. the former of whom Stamford Foundry. William H. Dayton was . died in Ireland when a comparatively young man. united in marriage with Anna Maria Waterbury, ; He was a farmer. The widow, left dependent daughter of Ebenezer Waterbury, and they on her own efforts, concluded that America was reared a family of five children, viz .: William . the best place to rear her family. and she brought Henry, who is a resident of Stamford; Lewis ' them to this country in 1861, leaving Liverpool Judson, of Fairhaven, Conn. ; Charles I .; George W., who is deceased: and Anna Maria, who is the wife of George Scoville. of Norfolk, Con- necticut.

Charles 1. Dayton spent his school days in

in the sailing vessel " Universe," which landed them at New York after a voyage of seven weeks and four days. Mrs. Daly had a sister living in Greenwich, Conn., and here the family settled, the mother working hard to keep her children to-

Digitized by

Google

860

COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

gether. Her death was the result of a brutal as- sault made by a tramp, a colored man, who went to the house with the intention of robbing it, and struck her with an axe when she was in the act of handing him some food, which he had asked for. Of the six children Bernard is the only sur- vivor, Patrick and John having died in Brooklyn, N. Y., after reaching adult age; Margaret died in Cork. Ireland, whither she had returned: Kate died unmarried in Richmond, Va .; Peter died in Greenwich after reaching manhood.

Bernard Daly attended school during the winter time for the first few years after the fam- ily settled here, and some winters also worked for his board. The education thus acquired, however, was not as extensive as a boy of the present day is supposed to need before he com- mences the battle of life for himself, and Mr. Daly has accomplished more, with less equip- ment to start on, than most men would consider possible. He began work as a farm hand with Elijah Tuttle, in King Street, who paid him $10 a month, which went to help his mother. Later he learned the mason's trade, which he followed for ten or twelve years, working at different places, and being a steady, reliable young man, he had no difficulty in finding employment. In the fall of 187S he opened a liquor store in Greenwich, near the depot, and conducted busi- ness at that stand until he built his present store and house, into which he moved in March, 1885. In 1892 he erected the Daly block, the most substantial business building in the town of Greenwich, and adjoining this is the " Daly House." The hotel business has been a decided success from the start, and the proprietor, by his attention and obliging manners, has won the good wishes and esteem of all who have come in contact with him. Mr. Daly has done more than any other one man toward the building up of that part of Greenwich lying around the depot, and he is respected by all who know him for the part he has taken in this work, and for the posi- tion which, by industry and good management, he has succeeded in gaining.

In 1873 Mr. Daly was married in Greenwich to Miss Catherine Ryan, who was born in Banks- ville, this county, daughter of John Ryan and sister of Hon. William Ryan, of Port Chester, N. Y. She is a thorough business woman and an efficient helpmeet, as her husband discovered after he commenced on his own account, and he gives her a large share of the credit for the suc- cess which has come to him. Four children blessed their union: Mamie, John W., Margaret E. and Barnard, Jr .. of whom John W. died in childhood. The others are still under the

parental roof, and are receiving every possible advantage to prepare them for useful and hon- orable lives. Mr. and Mrs. Daly are Catholics, and he serves as a member of the Church com- mittee. Politically, he supports the Democratic party, and he has served as burgess and grand juror in Greenwich. In August, 1897, Mr. Daly and his daughter Margaret went to Ireland, where they spent nine very pleasant weeks, vis- iting the home and scenes of his boyhood. They made both voyages in the "St. Paul."

O LIVER L. FORD. one of the respected pros- perous residents of Sound Beach, Fairfield Co., Conn., ranks among the most successful of the self-made citizens of this locality, and is highly esteemed as one of the valuable and sub- stantial members of the community. He is a na- tive of Sound Beach, born February 12, 1828, a son of Oliver L. Ford and a grandson of Eliakim Ford, who was the first of a family to settle in that place.

Eliakim Ford was born in the city of Troy, N. Y., and removed thence to New York City. where he was a successful merchant for many years, conducting a dry-goods and grocery busi- ness on the corner of Water street and Berlin Slip. In the latter part of his life he came to Sound Beach and bought a farm on which he passed the remainder of his days, dying at the ripe old age of eighty-three. His widow lived to the age of ninety. He was married, at Sound Beach, to Hannah Lockwood, daughter of Capt. Samuel Lockwood, and they reared a large fam- ily, of whom the eldest, Oliver L., was the fa- ther of the gentleman whose name introduces this sketch; Lettie married "Sandy" Henry: Benjamin was a merchant in New York City (he was the father of Mrs. W. B. Lockwood, of Sound Beach); Lucy married Peter Quintard: Isaac was a merchant in Philadelphia; Samuel C. was engaged in the dry-goods business in Philadelphia in partnership with Isaac; Sarah married (for her first husband) Abel Ferris, and (for her second) Henry Warring; Cornelius fol- lowed farming at Sound Beach; one child, Sam- uel, died young.

Oliver L. Ford was born in. 1788 in New York City, where he grew to manhood, and from boy- hood until 1830 he followed the sea, trading to the West Indies and " coasting." On abandon- ing his sea-faring life he came to Sound Beach and took up farming. which he continued during the remainder of his long life. reaching the age of ninety years and six months. He was mar- I ried in Greenwich, Conn., to Miss Elizabeth A.

Digitized by

Google

861

COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

Bayeux, who was born in 1788 in Westchester county, N. Y .. of French descent, her father. Dr. Thomas Bayeux, having been a Frenchman and a physician and surgeon in the French army. Dr. Baveux was located for a time in the West Indies, coming thence to New York, and finally. when Mrs. Ford was seven years old, settled in Sound Beach, where he practiced his profession for the remainder of his days. He married Miss Priscilla Eldredge, who belonged to the old fam- ily of that name in New York City, and she passed away at the age of seventy- four years; Doctor Bayeux and his wife are both buried at Sound Beach Mr. Ford was a member of the Baptist Church, and his political sympathies were given to the Democratic party; he took no part in public affairs, however, beyond casting his vote. Seven children were born to him and his wife. viz. : Priscilla (Mrs. Walter T. Keeler). who died at Sound Beach; Hannah (Mrs. John Brompton), deceased at Bound Brook, N. J .: Sarah (Mrs. Abel Fetris), who died at Sound Beach: Thomas. who died at Sound Beach: Lucy. who married Twentyman Wood, and passed at the age of eighty. He came from France, and his father, who was a general under Napo- leon the First, was the owner of a large property in that country, which at the time of the political disturbances was in great danger of being confis- cated. which was averted. however. by his mar- nage. Mrs. Ford received a thorough education, both in French and English, attending boarding school during her girlhood. and she has proved a competent and helpful companion to her hus- band in their long wedded life, her assistance being no small factor in his success. They com- menced housekeeping at Sound Beach, and here their eight children have been born, viz. : Olivia, who is the wife of Charles Haines, and resides in Northport. L. I .; Adolphus L .. of Sound Beach; Isabella (Mrs. George W. Kern), of At- lantic City, N. J .; Emma, who died at the age of twenty-four years; Charles W., of Sound Beach; Calvin, deceased at the age of nineteen (he gave promise of becoming a successful artist); Elsy B., who is an inspector for the traction company in Bridgeport. Conn .: and Emil W .. who is superintending a beautiful farm of 260 away at Westport. Conn .: Sophia, widow of . acres in Princess Anne, Maryland, which his Isaac Hurlbutt, living in Westport. Conn .; and ' father purchased in the fall of 1897. Mr. and Oliver L .. the subject proper of these lines.

Mrs. Ford are active members of the Congrega- tional Church at Sound Beach, of which they are : liberal supporters, and he was foremost among

Oliver L. Ford received his education in the public schools of his boyhood days in Sound Beach. Miss Worcester and Alonzo Green being i the builders of the present church edifice. His among his early instructors. When still a youth , political sympathies have been with the Whig he went to New York to learn the carpenter's ' and Republican parties. but at present he takes no particular part in politics. although he was I formerly quite active in public circles; and though times been honored with election to positions of local trust, the duties of which he has discharged I with that fidelity and ability which have marked all his actions. The entire family occupy a high position in the regard of their neighbors in 1 Greenwich township. trade. but after a few weeks he returned home and took to the water, which he followed for over thirty years, in the oyster business, and as , he was never an office-seeker he has several a . coaster " on Long Island Sound. He owned the sloops " Louisa " and " Emilie F. Ford," which he used in his business, and he still owns oyster ground in the Sound. In 1879 he retired from the water, and he has since lived in Sound Beach. where for a time he was engaged to some extent in real-estate dealing, selling lots for build- ing purposes. Mr. Ford began life with limited means, but by industry and economy he has ac- cumulated a comfortable property, and he is J AMES G. WILLSON, who owns and resides upon the fine property in Greenwich town- ship, Fairfield county, known as . Full respected by all who know him as an honorable business man, one who fully deserves the com- | View," is a son of Thomas G. Willson, and petence which he has acquired in his active career. grandson of James Willson, both of whom were natives of Greenwich township, and were in their generation counted among the prominent and useful citizens of this locality. The great-grand- father was Jotham Willson, who died in Octo- ber, 1827.

On December 17, 1854, Mr. Ford was mar- ried, at Roxbury, near Philadelphia, to Miss Emilie F. Lachapelle. who was born July 16. 1836, in Philadelphia, in Callowhill street, daughter of Camille and Charlotte (Keeley) James Willson was married on February 22, Lachapelle. Mr. Lachapelle was a skilled me- i 1828, to Sarah Green, who was born in 1797. chanic, and was engaged in the manufacture of i and they reared a family of three children: Mary ingrain carpets in Philadelphia. He died in 1876, I G., born January 29. 1829, who married Joshua

Digitized by

Google

862

COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

Moshier, and died in Port Chester, N. Y., Octo- ber 2, 1863; Sarah E., born April 12, 1832, who married Henry Clark, and died in Rye township, Westchester Co., N. Y .; and Thomas G., born February 21, 1836. The mother died March 4, 1860. James Willson was in many ways one of the most remarkable men in this section. He was the architect of his own fortune, having begun life with no financial backing, yet through industry, good management and shrewd judg- ment acquired a large property and comfortable income, which he enjoyed to the fullest extent. In Greenwich, his native town, he held many offices of local importance, serving as selectman, assessor, etc., and was called upon to settle up a number of estates, possessing the confidence and esteem of his neighbors and friends in an unusual degree. His distaste for differences and litiga- tion of all kinds was well known, and his opinion in all ordinary matters so eagerly sought after and valued that on more than one occasion a lawsuit has been withdrawn from the courts, and the case turned over to him for settlement, the parties sure of a just and satisfactory verdict. He was five feet, nine inches in height, weighed 240 pounds, and was endowed with great physical strength and endurance, relating to which many anecdotes are still repeated in the neighborhood. It is told that he once wrote his name on a wall with both hands while holding a fifty-six pound weight on each thumb, his arms being at right angles with his body. He was a good horseman, owning several fine animals, and enjoyed a little "brush" on the road at any time. Politically, he was a stanch Democrat, and he worshiped at the Baptist Church.

Thomas G. Willson was reared on the pa- ternal farm, and being the only son he worked at home until his marriage. He received his edu- cation in the district schools. On February 21, 1857, he wedded Sarah E. Smith, a native of Stamford, Fairfield Co., Conn., whose parents were Josiah and Betsey (Lockwood) Smith, the latter of whom was a daughter of Deacon Daniel Lockwood. The young couple commenced mar- ried life on the farm in King Street. then be- longing to Mr. Willson's father, where they con- tinued to make their home until his death, ex- cept for a short time when he was engaged in mercantile business in Port Chester. They be- came the parents of five children, namely: James G .; Jennie (Mrs. F. H. Merritt), of Tuck- ahoe, N. Y. : George D. and Francis F., both of whom died in childhood; and William Jay, who is living in Rye township, Westchester Co., N. Y. Thomas Willson, like his father, was most active and prominent in local affairs, and bore a

reputation for moral integrity among both his business and social acquaintances that was ab- solutely unassailable. He filled a number of public offices in Rye township, among others that of. highway commissioner, and no citizen was better or more favorably known as an advo- cate, either in belief or practice, of good govern- ment and progress. His home life was perfect. and he took considerable pride in his surround- ings, believing that a farm and its appointments should be as complete, and deserved as much at- tention and care as a palace, and looking after his property accordingly. He was systematic in in every branch of his work, always aiming to get the best results, and whenever he made an ac- quisition to his belongings it was of the best. Mr. Willson passed away November 26, 1896, deeply mourned throughout the community, and the leading men of the town acted as his pall- bearers at the funeral. Mrs. Willson makes her home with her daughter, at Tuckahoe. She is a member of the Episcopal Church.

James G. Willson was born October 23, 1858, in King Street, Rye township, West- chester Co., N. Y. He received his rudimentary training in the schools of his district, under Miss Carrie Merritt, and later he became a pupil at Smith's Institute, Port Chester, where he com- pleted his school education. On February 15, 1882, he was united in marriage with Miss Har- riet Husted, of Greenwich township, who was born December 27. 1857, and is a daughter of Mills H. and Henrietta (Brown) Husted. Up to this time Mr. Willson had lived with his par- ents, learning agricultural work as his father's assistant, but he now purchased and settled on the place known as the "Nehemiah Howe" farm, which has since been his home. It is ap- propriately named "Full View," as every part of the 175 acres can be seen from the residence. and is a credit to the owner, who cultivates and cares for his property with the same regard for system and neatness displayed by his father and grandfather. He is modern and progressive in his ideas and methods, and derives a substantial income from the proceeds of his place, which by his industry and good management has been made most productive. Mr. Willson has ap- parently inherited the sportsmanlike tendencies of his ancestors, for he is very fond of hunting. and interests himself in the replenishing of game in this region. He is public-spirited on every question, and may be relied upon to give his in- fluence to any movement for the advancement of the general welfare, but he has steadily declined public honors and office. In October, 1898, he received the nomination for selectman, which he

Digitized by

Google

868

COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

declined with thanks, but the declination was | emy. under Prof. Button. On commencing the refused, and Mr. Willson was elected to that office, defeating the strongest Republican on the ticket. He is an efficient worker for the success of the Democratic party, whose principles he supports by voice and ballot. His friends throughout the neighborhood are legion. Fra- ternally. he is a popular member of Acacia Lodge No. 85. F. & A. M .. of Greenwich, and Banksville Council No. 86, Jr. O. U. A. M.

Mr. and Mrs. Willson have had five children: Henrietta H .. Mabel, Josephine C .. Marie G. and James G., Jr., all of whom are receiving the best possible advantages for education and cult- ure. In religious connection Mrs. Willson is a member of the Second Congregational Church. and Mr. Willson unites with the Episcopal Church at Round Hill, in which he has served as superintendent of the Sabbath-school; he is at present vestryman.

W ILLIAM A WILMOT, one of the pros- perous young business men of Green- wich township. Fairfield Co., Conn., has carried on a meat market in Riverside for the past ten years, during which time he has succeeded in es- tablishing a thriving trade and made a substan- tial position for himself among the well-to-do citizens of the town He is known as one of the wide-awake. enterprising men of the place, and it is safe to say that a better example of the de- servedly successful self-made man would be hard to find.

Mr. Wilmot is a native of Fairfield county, born April 1. 1863, at Sound Beach, and is a grandson of Joseph and Mary (Dodshun) Wil- mot, who lived at Mianus The grandmother was born in England. They had a family of six | children, viz .: William H., who died at Mianus, where he was engaged in merchandising for some time; Hannah (Mrs. Gilbert Marshall); Mary, who married Frank Elliott. and died at Mt. Ver- non. N. Y .; Joseph, the father of William A. Wilmot: Charles, of Mianus; and Enoch, who | mending) for the first year, after which he was died young. Joseph Wilmot was a tailor by trade, and followed that occupation in Mianus, where he also conducted a clothing store. He built the big brick house near Mianus bridge, on the Post road, where he and his wife both died, and they sleep their last sleep in the Union cem- etery at Greenwich.

Joseph Wilmot, son of Joseph and Mary ( Dodshun) Wilmot, was born December 29, 1833. at Mianus, in the brick house above mentioned. , stant industry he succeeded in saving enough and received his education in the common schools, , for all the necessary equipment except a horse, finishing with a short term at the Greenwich Acad- I but he borrowed enough to buy one, and em-

active work of life he took to the water. which he has always followed, and he continues to carry on the oyster business at the present writing. On December 29, 1857. he was united in marriage to Miss Susan A. Newman, who was born March 6, 1831, at Riverside, daughter of Sylvester and Ann (Peck) Newman, who had a family of five children: Susan A., Sarah E., Charles H., Hezekiah P. and John A. The father, who was a boatman and farmer by vocation, was killed by a train on the New York, New Haven & Hartford railway. The Newman family is one of the oldest in this vicinity. Mr. and Mrs. Wilmot commenced housekeeping at Sound Beach, where they have ever since resided. Six children have blessed their union, namely: Richard B., who is engaged in the brass-foundry business on his own account in New York; Will- iam A .; Mary E. (Mrs. G. K. Louden), of New Haven; Anna Hendrie and Alice Glendora (twins), the former of whom is the wife of Thomas H. Rossbottom, of Riverside, the latter being the wife of Henry T. Fuller, of River- side; and Henry P., who was a merchant at Sound Beach, where he died at the age of twenty-six years, leaving a family. Mrs. Wil- mot is, in religious connection, a member of the Episcopal Church at Greenwich. Mr. Wilmot's political sympathies are with the Republican party.

William A. Wilmot received his schooling in the Sound Beach district, where he attended for three years. On account of his health, which was rather delicate, he did not com- mence school until he was seven years of age. When about ten his parents' home burned, and he went to Waterside intending to live tempor- arily with John A. Peck, but he continued to live I with him for twelve years, during which time he attended the public school at Stamford for two winters. In September. 1876, he began peddling meat for Mr. Peck. . receiving eight dollars per month (and not his washing and

given a small increase from time to time, remain- ing in Mr. Peck's employ until October, 1885. At that time no Chicago meat came here, and the butchers had to do their own killing, a con- dition of affairs which multiplied their labors I considerably; but Mr. Wilmot worked faithfully and acquired a thorough knowledge of the busi- ness, always with the ambition of being one day i able to start for himself. By economy and con-

Digitized by

Google

864

COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

barked in business on his own account at Sound lor, was a native of the locality and passed his life there, engaging in business as a hatter. While his education was limited to the course offered in the public schools of the town he sup- plemented this by observation and reading, and Beach, carrying on his place there until April, 1888, when he removed to Riverside, where he has since been located. Here he commenced in an old house, which he bought, and he has met with constantly increasing success, ex- i was well informed upon the topics of his time. panding his business and prospering as the years go by until he now owns one of the important business places of the town, and ranks among its best and most valuable citizens. Mr. Wil- mot has worked his way up to his present po- sition by his own exertions, and he has not only made an enviable place for himself in com- mercial circles, but has also gained and retained a reputation for integrity and honesty second to none.

Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.

Commemorative Biographical Record of Fairfield County, Connecticut, Part 175

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