Commemorative Biographical Record of Fairfield County, Connecticut, Part 180

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

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the maternal side he is of the ninth generation from John Mead, the noted pioneer, who settled in Greenwich in 1642. Amos Mead, our sub- ject's great-great-grandfather, was the seventh son of Ebenezer Mead (2), and a brother of Capt. Abram Mead, of Revolutionary fame, who fought at the battle of White Plains. Mr. Brush takes justifiable pride in his ancestry, and has many interesting and valuable relics of the early times, including some cherished pieces of furniture formerly owned by them. Nor does his interest cease with articles embodying ancestral associa- tions, as he has many other curios, among them being a mahogany table once owned by Gen. Israel Putnam.

Mr. Brush began his education in a private school at Cos Cob, with a Miss Kercheskie as his first teacher. and later at the district school with Miss Riggs, then under Frank Shepard in the academy at Greenwich. His unvarying courtesy wins him many friends, whose esteem is strengthened by further acquaintance, and he and his family are prominent in the best social circles. In religious faith he is a Congrega- tionalist, and for many years he has been identi- fied with the Church at Greenwich, his gifts as a musician having been utilized in the post of organist, which he held for ten years. Politically. he is a Democrat, but does not aspire to official honors.

Mr. Brush's residence, at his father's old homestead, is one of the most attractive in Cos Cob, and it is brightened by two children: An- drew Luke, born May 12, 1885. and Katharine Woodman, born July 18, 1896. Mrs. Brush, who was formerly Miss Elizabeth Luke, is a daughter of Andrew and Mary (Woodman) Luke, of Cos Col. Her mother's ancestors were among the most prominent pioneers of Newburgport, and her maternal grandmother, Katharine Nor- ton Woodman, who lived to the age of ninety- five years, was second in the class, the first being kissed by General Washington. She died a few years ago at Cedar Cliff, Cos Cob, the home of Mrs. Brush.

W J. DARRAH. one of the self-made, well- to-do farmers and land owners of Green- wich. Fairfield Co., Conn., is a native of that township. born March 17, 1855. near the village of Greenwich.

Yarrington, to Jane Henderson, who had come to America a short time before from her home in the North of Ireland, where she was born September 10, 1826. They took up their residence in the vicinity of Greenwich, and Mr. Darrah's mother, who had followed him to the United States. made her home with them until her decease. Five children came to Mr. and Mrs. Darrah, as follows: Mary A., born October 10, 1851, who is married to Isaac Shriver, of South Norwalk, Conn. ; Elizabeth J., born June 11, 1853. widow of John Kuroski, of Greenwich; W. J .; Margaret, born January 18, 1857, who died February 17, 1873; and Sarah L., born June 16, 1858, widow of Edwin Banks, of Greenwich. The father died November 19, 1858, of pneumonia, the mother following him to the grave on September 10, 1866, and their remains lie in the Union cemetery at Greenwich. They were Episcopalians in re- ligious faith.

Mrs. Darrah succeeded, by dint of much in- dustry, in keeping her family together after her husband's death, and she deserved to be highly praised for her efforts, as the children were all too young to help, and Mr. Darrah, being a labor- ing man, had had no opportunity of accumulat- ing anything in the way of property. When she passed away the family was scattered, and W. J., then in his eleventh year, went to live with Humphrey Denton, a prosperous farmer living in East street, in the district known as North Cos Cob, this gentleman becoming his guardian. For a time he attended the North Cos Cob district school, where Miss Nellie Roberts was one of his first teachers, and later he was one of Prof. Shepard's pupils in the Greenwich Academy. Under such a competent instructor as Mr. Denton he was thoroughly initiated into the mysteries of agricultural success, and after reaching his majority worked for him for wages, living with the family, who always made him a member of the household. By his steady. industrious habits he won the confidence and good will of his guardian and employe, and in time, as Mr. Denton's advancing age com- pelled him to give up active work, became the owner of the piace, where he has continued to make his home. On December 18, 1890, he wedded Miss Bertha H. Denton, who was born on her father's farm in Greenwich, October 6, 1855. and they have one child, Humphrey D., born September 5, 1893. Mr. Darrah, besides managing his agricultural work, has acted as agent for farm implements and fertilizers, there- by adding materially to his already comfortable competence. As an example of perseverance his

John W. Darrah, his father. was born Febru- ary 12, 1831. in the North of Ireland. whence when a young man he came to the United States. He located in Connecticut, and in 1850 was married at Greenwich, by Rev. Mr. | life must certainly encourage any young man

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about to start out without financial assistance. county. This well-known and reliable firm is composed of Daniel G., Charles E. and Stephen W. Jessup, who are prosperous and wide-awake : a large and profitable trade. for he has gained a snug property. a pleasant home and an enviable position in life solely through his own efforts. At the same time he : business men, and have succeeded in building up has not allowed ambition to overrule honor, and his reputation is of the best. Mr. Darrah takes no active interest in public or political matters beyond casting his vote, with which he supports

Their father, Edward P. Jessup. was born May 11. 1827, at Mianus, Fairfield county, a son of Samuel and Sarah (Purdy) Jessup. The the Republican party. He and his wife are | grandfather was at one time a boatman running members of the Congregational Church.

Humphrey Denton was born in Greenwich. October 10. 1821, and was fourteen years of age when his father. Jabez Denton, died, leaving a family of seven children. viz. : Humphrey. Juha . A .. Elizabeth. Emily, Samuel, Hannah and Mary, the last named being the only survivor. Humphrey was supported by his parents until he was ten, after which he started out in life to help . tages.

out of Mianus, and also conducted a grocery I store there. In his family were five children, as follows: Charles, Stephen, Edward, Peter and Mary. all of whom reached years of maturity with the exception of Peter. who died at the age of two years.

The district schools of his native county af- forded Edward P. Jessup his educational advan- When quite young he went to New York support the family, doing tarm work. He fol- . City and secured a position as clerk in the cloth- lowed farming all his days When twenty - four ing store of a Mr. Gillespie, remaining in that to Fairfield county. On January 14. 1849. he married Miss Antoinette Quintard, who was born November 29. 1828, on the same farm which she now owns and resides upon Her parents were Robert and Sarah (Peck) Quintard The father was born January 15, 1799. in Stamford town- ship. Fairfield county, of French extraction, and belonged to one of the oldest families of that lo- cahity, while the mother was born near Bedford. ! N. Y., March 1. 179 ;. In their family were three children, namely: Seth W., Deborah P. years of age he was married to Ruth M. Peck. i city until eighteen years of age. when he returned and his last dollar went to defray the expenses of that event. They reared a family of four children, namely: Sarah L .. who married James Shea and died in Brooklyn: Anna M .. unmarried, who makes her home with Mr. and Mrs. Darrah; Lillian J., who died at the age of twenty-seven years; and Bertha H. (Mrs. Darrah). Mrs. Ruth Denton died January 6. 185 ;. and was laid to rest in Greenwich Umon cemetery, and Mr. Denton, for his second wite. married Catherine Kelley, who survives him. He died January 13. 1896, and is buried in the Union cemetery of . and Antoinette.

Greenwich.

After his marriage Mr. Jessup located on the Mr. Denton was an unusually large man. , old homestead belonging to his wife, but during standing six feet in his stockings, and weighing , the early part of his married life he was employed in his prime 286 pounds His health was ex- 1 in New York in the clothing trade, being for fif- cellent, and he was an indefatigable worker, as | teen years with D. Devlin & Co., on the corner may be judged from the property he accumu- i of Broadway and Warren street, and also on the lated and the prosperity that crowned his labors. I corner of Broadway and Grand street. His 1 brother Stephen was a member of the firm. On | giving up that business he spent his entire time with his family in Fairfield county. His death occurred October 16, 1895. after a few days' ill- ness, and he was laid to rest in the Sound Beach , cemetery. He was a stanch Democrat, but no politician in the sense of office seeking, and he had the respect and esteem of all who knew him.

Commencing life without a penny ahead, he pur- chased the farm on which he made his home ever after. improved it, rebuilt the dwelling and put up all the other buildings, in short con- verting it into a model farm property. He was respected as a most worthy man, and stood second to none among his neighbors and fellow citizens for integrity and honor in all his deal- ings. Politically, he was a Republican, and in religious connection he was a member of the Congregational Church.

Edward P. Jessup and wife became the par- ents of seven children: Mary G., born October 28. 1850, is now the wife of George Harris, of Stamford; Sarah E., born October 1, 1853, died at the age of seven years: Daniel G .. born May 2. 1855: Antoinette, born April 5. 1863, died when only twenty-two months old; Stephen W ..

J TESSUP BROTHERS are dealers in wood, sand, gravel. grove trees and shrubbery, also conduct a boarding stable and are general contractors and jobbers, of Riverside, Fairfield . born May 21. 1865; Charles E., born October

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28. 1867; and Antoinette M., born November 21, 1873.

Mrs. Jessup is a member of the Episcopal Church at Greenwich, and is a most estimable lady. She is a thorough business woman, and was a highly valuable helpmeet to her husband. That her sons have become steady and reliable business men, and that the family's social stand- ing is of the best, is much the result of her in- fluence and efforts. The sons are all single, and it would be difficult to find in Greenwich town- ship any more progressive. honorable or energet- ic business men than they. In addition to the business already mentioned, Charles E. conducts a dairy.

M ILLARD K. PALMER is a leading repre- sentative of the business interests of Sound Beach, Fairfield county, where he is extensively engaged in the oyster trade. Of excellent busi- ness ability and broad resources, he has attained a prominent place among the substantial citizens of this part of the county, and is recognized as a leader in public affairs. He has won success by his well-directed, energetic efforts, and the pros- perity that has come to him is certainly well de- served.

A native of Sound Beach, Mr. Palmer was born November 29. 1852. and is a son of Isaac | B. and Armenia (Jones) Palmer. He attended | the public schools at that place, one of his first teachers being Miss Kate Quintard; but his edu- cation was often interrupted by work. During was engaged in clam digging. At the age of seventeen years he went to Stamford, where he was employed as general utility man by John C. Moffat, who was living retired, and he received $50 for the first year and $75 for the second. While there he attended a night school known as St. John's Guild, and also pursued his studies under the direction of Prof. Scipio Stevens for a time. Having by hard work made a little extra money, he was able to save $115 out of his two years' wages. A few months after his return home he accepted the position of night watchman at the railroad engine house in Stamford, and later was employed as fireman on the New York, New Ha- ven & Hartford railroad for thirteen months. He liked this business but it did not agree with his health, and he was obliged to give it up.

gaged in that business for several years, finally selling the vessel and dividing their grounds. Our subject then formed a partnership with William Whaley in the same business, and built the sloop " Libby M.," which they sold on the dissolution of the firm, at the same time dividing the grounds. Subsequently Mr. Palmer and his brother, Andrew, together carried on the oyster business, owning the " Mary Belle," and although they still own the grounds together, our subject has purchased his brother's interest in the sloop. A man of strict integrity, good business ability and sound judgment, he has prospered in his un- dertaking, and besides his own comfortable home he owns the Isle De Koss at Sound Beach, and three houses which he rents, besides another dwelling at Sound Beach.

In September, 1882, Mr. Palmer was united in marriage with Miss Kate L. Kane, a native of New York, and a daughter of Edward and Jane (Nolan) Kane, both now deceased, the latter dy- ing when Mrs. Palmer was but a child. By this union there are three children: Millard K., Jr., born October 16. 1884: Helen L., born Novem- ber 10, 1886; and Walter B., born January 2, 1890.

Although a stanch Republican in politics, Mr. Palmer cares nothing for the honors or emolu- ments of public office. Socially, he belongs to the Senior Order United American Mechanics at Stamford. He and his wife are devout Chris- tians and leading members of the Pilgrim Con- gregational Church, in the work of which they take an active and prominent part. They are early life he spent much of his time at home, and | also numbered among the best and most highly i respected citizens of Sound Beach.

W WILLIAM H. GILBERT. senior partner of the firm of Gilbert & Lockwood, butch- ers, is numbered among the well-known business men of New Canaan, and though his residence in this place has been a comparatively brief one he is considered one of its substantial citizens. He was born April 6, 1852, at Two Taverns, Penn., son of Jonathan Gilbert, who was the only son of Philip Gilbert.

Philip Gilbert was born at London, Penn., and died when a young man, being killed by a horse. He wedded a Miss Little, and by her had four children: Angeline, Sarah, Jonathan and Ida. Jonathan Gilbert spent his early life on a farm in Adams county. Penn., being bound

Having saved some money, Mr. Palmer de- cided to embark in business on his own account, i out to the owner, Jacob Diehl. Upon reaching and in partnership with his brother, Joseph G., | his majority he commenced to learn the black- became interested in the oyster trade. They | smith's trade at Gettysburg, Penn., and after purchased the sloop " Louise," and together en- I finishing his apprenticeship went into business

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for himself. having his shop at Two Taverns. Penn., on the Pittsburg and Baltimore turnpike. There he remained until 1860, in that year re- moving to Mt. Joy. Penn., where he carried on I receive. farming as well as blacksmithing until his death in 1803. By his industry and perseverance he was enabled to support his family very comfort- ably, and he was a man respected by all his neighbors and busmess associates. At Two Tay-

successful, and constantly increasing business, their methods in dealing with all customers hav- ing proved them worthy of the patronage they

Mr. Gilbert was united in marriage at New Canaan, to Miss Sue E. Klinefelter, daughter of Abram Klinefelter, of Shrewsbury. York Lo .. Penn., and one son, Hugh F .. has come to bless this union. Fraternally, Mr. Gilbert is a mem- erns he served as postmaster. In religious con- ' ber of Harmony Lodge No. 67. F. & A. M., at nection he was a devout adherent of the Method- 'New Canaan thaving been formerly connected ist Episcopal denomination, and was an active . with Mt. Vernon Lodge No. 143. at Shrewsbury, worker in his Church. He was married at Get- ' Penn. ), and of Commodore Perry Council No. 44. O. U. A. M., at New Canaan.

tysburg to Sarah A. Frazer, and they became the parents of eight children. vis .. Jane. who died in infancy: Charles W .. a resident of Gettys- burg, Fenn. ; James Mclean, of New Oxford. Penn. ; Juha L., who married Henry Reaver, of Tanestown, Md .. and died in 1879: Witham H. ; Sarah & Mrs George L. Colestock, of New Ches. ter. Jenn. : Oscar D . of Westminster. Md. ; and Ida Grace, who died in 1893. The mother of these children was born in Scotland, and some- time in the "twenties." during her infancy, was brought to America by her parents, the family setting in Gettysburg. Penn .. where the father. Samuel Fraser, worked at his trade, that of watchmaker. Mrs. Gilbert survived her husband many years, passing away in INSS.

W ALDO R. BALLOU is a native of Massa- chusetts, born February 13. 1845, at Royalston. He is of the seventh generation in direct line from Maturin Ballou, one of the pro- prietors of the Providence Plantation, about the year 1645. ((1) Maturin. (2) James. (3) James, (4) James, (5) Russell, (6) Luther, (7) Waldo R.) Grandfather Russell Ballou was born in Cumber- land, R. I., July 11. 1763.

Luther Baliou, the father of our subject. was ' born September 7. 1797. in Richmond, N. H .. whence in early life he moved to Rovalston. Mass., where he passed the rest of his days.

Wilham H. Gilbert was reared in his native | He married Clarissa Davis, born March 11, 1797. State, at Two Taverns, and Mt. Joy, and at- , a daughter of Capt. Josiah Davis.

tended the common school in the Borers Dis- Waldo R. Ballou attended school at Royal- trict From the time of his father's death until ; ston, Mass .. until he was sixteen years old, at

he was sixteen years old he hired out to farmers which time he commenced work at Winchendon. Mass. in the machine shops, remaining there some twelve years. From Winchendon he went to Boston, Mass., and for five years sold ma- chinery for a commission house. Returning to -- Winchendon, he worked in the machine shops for two years more; then went to the Rodney Hunt Machine Company at Orange, Mass. ; thence after two and one-half years, on January 23. 1882, he came to Stamford, Conn., to enter the employ of the Yale & Towne Manufacturing Company. For nine years he was foreman of the tool room, and for the past three years has been master machinist of Department .. A." Yale & Towne Manufacturing Company. in Pennsylvania and Maryland, and then pro- | ceeded to Shrewsbury, York Co .. Jenn., where he was occupied some four years learning the plasterers trade. At the age of twenty-one, through the influence of his brother-in-law, Mr. Klinefelter, who was engaged in the butcher business on R. R. avenue, he came to New Ca - naan to clerk in the meat market, and remained here four years. At the end of that time he went to New York City, where for three years he was in the employ of James H. Fancher in the Clinton market. For the four succeeding years he clerked for LeRoy Adams, in South Norwalk, and then again we find him in New Canaan, cierking for Samuel Crissey. After three On November 25, 1873, Mr. Ballou was mar- ried at Malden, Mass., to Miss Sarah Hathaway, and two children were born to them: Harrison H., now in Harlem, N. Y., and Jeanette M. The mother of these dying, Mr. Ballou, for his second wife. married. in Stamford. Conn., Miss years of this work in Mr. Crissey's market he took the position of clerk with the Patterson Ribbon Co., in New York City. for whom he also worked three years. On March 4. 1893. Mr. Gilbert formed his present partnership with W. S. Lockwood, under the firm name of Gil- ! Ella Jones. by whom he had two children: Wal- bert & Lockwood, and they have since conducted i lace W., who died at the age of four months, a market on R. R. avenue. They do a thriving. I and Lester W., deceased when five years old.

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Socially, Mr. Ballou is a charter member of Stamford Council No. 999, Royal Arcanum; of Artisan Lodge No. - , F. & A. M .. at Winchen- don, Mass .; of Puritan Lodge No. --. I. O. O. F., at Stamford, Conn., and is vice-president of the Business Men's Club of Stamford. He is an enthusiastic Republican: for the past ten years has been a member of the town Republican committee, member of the city committee since it was organized, and was a member of the City common council for two years -- 1896-97.

E ALBERT N. SIPPERLEY. one of Westport's leading citizens, has established an enviable reputation in various lines of business, quite dis- proving the old adage concerning the man of many trades being " master of none." Versa- tility does not in his case indicate superficial knowledge or undue love of change. and his career is worthy of emulation.

The Sipperley family is of Dutch origin. and John Sipperley, our subject's great grandfather. was the first to leave the Fatherland and make his home in America. He located at Schaghti- coke. N. Y., where his descendants have since been prominent citizens. John Sipperley. the grandfather of our subject. was born in Melrose and resided there throughout his life. following farming as an occupation.

John J. Sipperley, our subject's father. was born September 25. 1818, at Melrose. where he was reared, and he became a farmer and carpen- ter. his fine mechanical abilities enabling him to turn his hand to almost any line of work. He took his first contract for house building when nineteen years of age. He was active in local affairs, holding various offices in his town. and was a stanch supporter of the principles of the Republican party. His sympathy and aid were given to any worthy movement, and he was es- pecially prominent in religious work as a member of the German Lutheran Church. He married Miss Harriet Gorham, who was born May 2, 1830, daughter of Samuel Gorham. a well-known citi- zen of Westport, Conn., and they had five chil- dren: Elbert N., our subject; George W .. a car- penter in Bridgeport. this county: Charles H., a farmer at the old homestead at Melrose, N. Y .; Fannie E .. wife of John Moore, of Bennington, Vt .; and John G., a resident of Melrose, N. Y. The father of this family died January 21, 1889, and the mother on July 9. 1873.

Our subject was born April 25. 1855, at the old homestead, where he resided until he reached the age of twenty-six. His education was se- cured in the local schools, and he also gained a

thorough knowledge of agricultural work while assisting on the farm. At the age of twenty-two he began to follow the business of carpenter and painter, and at times he engaged successfully in other lines of work as opportunity came, no ap- prenticeship being necessary. apparently. In March, 1883, he removed to the town of West- port, Conn., where he purchased the old Kelly mills and engaged in a general milling business. At the time Mr. Sipperley took the business the manufactured products were chiefly flour (for hu- man consumption) and feed. A few years later he developed a new department, which converts thousands of bushels of rye, each year, into flour which is afterward used as paste by the Louns- bury & Bissell Company. By them are made all the felt wads for the Union Metallic Cartridge Company of Bridgeport. The rye flour thus is converted into ammunition, and its manufacture is an important part of the milling business. His present extensive plant is fitted up with both water and steam power. Aside from the mill. his business comprises many lines, such as deal- ing in farm implements, vehicles, well supplies and similar goods. He is also one of the pioneers in the drilling of artesian wells, and he has drilled wells all over the county. The sale and erection of pumps and windmills are also branches of his business (which is too varied for further particu- larization).

On October 5. 1881, Mr. Sipperley married Miss Adelaide Nash. daughter of Edward H. Nash, a prominent resident of Westport, whose biography appears elsewhere. They have a beautiful home, and their residence, which was built in 1890. is equipped with every modern convenience, including electric light and a tele- phone connecting with Westport village. Six children have blessed the union-Elbert Nash, Irving H., Christabel Onona, Everett Leslie, Leona Adelaide and Elliott Hawthorne-all of whom are living. The family is prominent so- cially, and Mr. Sipperley is identified with the Patrons of Husbandry, better known as the Grange, and with the Order of Red Men, of Nor- walk. Politically, he is a Republican, but he does not aspire to official honors.

T "HOMAS FORSYTH, a leading contractor and builder of the town of Fairfield, a typi- cal self-made man and representative citizen, is a native of New York State, born December 20. 1855, in Hyde Park, Dutchess county.

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Commemorative Biographical Record of Fairfield County, Connecticut, Part 180

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