Commemorative Biographical Record of Fairfield County, Connecticut, Part 194

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 194

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).

Digitized by Google

Jamal Boudren

Digitized by Google

Google

Digitized by

958

COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

Lodge. F. & A. M., of Bridgeport, of which he in Danbury, but after three years he again opened became a member in 1859. The Major is one of : a store in Bethel. Between 1883 and 1895 he the steady-going prosperous citizens of Bridge- . took possession of his present store in Fountain port, one who has made his own way in the Place. As a business man he is successful, and his sound judgment is recognized in financial circles. world, and as a citizen holds a prominent place in the estimation of his neighbors and friends.

H 'ON. AUSTIN B. LOCKWOOD. " Man's sociality of nature. " says Carlyle, "evinces itself in spite of all that can be said by this one fact, were there no other - the unspeakable de- light which he takes in biography. " The follow- ing history of one of the best known citizens of Bethel conveys a helpful lesson, and cannot fail to encourage any young man who auns at a sub- stantial success in life

Mr. Lockwood was born August 20, 1830, in the town of Redding. this county, and is a mem- ber of a family which has been identified with this section for many years. Joseph Lockwood. the father of our subject, was a native of the town of Weston, born December 31. 1785. and was reared in that locahty, but his later years were spent in Redding. By occupation he was a cooper and stonemason. Among his acquaint- ances he was held in the highest esteem for his excellent qualities of character. He was a man of deep religious feeling, and a thorough student of the Bible. His wife. Hannah (Mills), who was also a native of Weston, was born in 1781 and died in 1848. Of their mine children none i in his chosen profession. are now living except our subject.

The educational opportunities which Mr. Lockwood enjoyed in his youth were not as extensive as he desired, and after an attendance at the district schools of Redding and Bethel, he was apprenticed in June, 1845, to Mr. Joyce, a hatter of Bethel. In August of that year he ; public schools of the vicinity. He supplemented accompanied Mr. Joyce to Port Jervis, N. Y .. his primary education with a course at the Mil- lersville (Penn.) Normal School, after which he taught for several years in Lancaster county. While engaged in teaching he commenced prep- aration for his life work, studying medicine under Dr. P. R. Keeler for some time. During 1887- SS he was a student at Jefferson Medical College, Philadelphia, Penn., and the two years follow- ing pursued his studies with Dr. D. W. Harner, of New Holland, Penn., finally in 1889, enter- ing the Hahnemann Medical College, Philadel- phia, from which he graduated in 1891. He was one of the men who tied for first place in schol- arship in the class. He then took a one-year's hos- pital course in the Pittsburg Homeopathic Medi- and later worked for two years in Gregory's hat shop, at Newburg. N. Y. He then returned to Bethel, and as the Mexican war was in progress he enlisted as a soldier. but as he was not of ape and his father objecting, he was not allowed to go. From that time until he was twenty years old he was employed at the hatter's trade by Mr. McDowell, of Weston, and afterward he went to Easton, where he learned the business of shot- making. In 1865 he located in Bethel and engaged in the boot and shoe business, his store being on Main street opposite the Congregational Church. In 1874 he removed to the old bank building on Chestnut street, and three years later he transferred his stock to a store at the corner . cal and Surgical Hospital, and in January, 1892, of Chestnut and Center streets. In 1884 he sold out to Mr. Wheeler, and went into business

Without neglecting his private interests Mr. Lockwood has taken an active part in local pol- itics as a member of the Democratic party. In 1874 he represented his town in the State Legis- lature, and for some time he held the office of justice of the peace, while at present he is serv- ing as a member of the town board of assessors. Socially, he is prominent as a member of Eureka Lodge No. 83. F. & A. M., with which he united about thirty-three years ago, and he also belongs to the order of American Mechanics.

Mr. Lockwood was married in the town of Monroe, this county, to Miss Julia A. Durand. Their only daughter, Effie Louise, born August . 5. 1866, married George H. Crofut, and died January 26, 1892.

S AMUEL MARTIN SHIRK. M. D. Among the younger medical practitioners in Stam- ford. Fairfield county. Conn., Doctor Shirk is a well-known figure, and though he has been in . general practice but a few years he has estab- - lished himself firmly in the esteem of the people, , and obtained a good start on the road to success

Doctor Shirk was born December 21, 1868, in New Holland, Lancaster Co., Penn., in which county the Shirk family has resided since 1733. His father, Samuel W. Shirk, has been a lifelong farmer there, and our subject was reared at the piace of his birth, attending in his boyhood the

he went abroad with a Pittsburg gentleman, as attending physician. For two and one-half years

Digitized by Google

954

COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

after this he had charge of a private patient, traveling the greater part of the time, and it was not until the latter part of 1895 that he opened an office for general practice, settling in Stamford, where he has since been engaged in the duties of his profession. Doctor Shirk's ability as a master of the " healing art" has of course been the necessary factor in his success, and it has been most happily combined with his genial and cheerful disposition, which has been the means also of winning for him many friends, in both professional and private life. The Doc- tor was married in September, 1896, at Saratoga, N. Y., to Miss Grace A. Thompson, of Saratoga county.

C L. WRIGHT, a well-to-do and prosperous farmer of North Greenwich District, Fair- field county, is a native of Westchester county, N. Y., born in New Castle township, July 28, 1857, and is a son of Charles and Elizabeth (Hunt) Wright. The family is of Scotch extrac- tion. Our subject's paternal grandfather was John Wright, who in early life owned a stable of cows on Murray Hill, New York, and engaged in peddling milk in the city. Later he followed the occupation of farming.

At an early age Charles Wright, our subject's father, became familiar with the milk business, which he followed to a great extent throughout his active business life. For seven years he was also on the water as a sailor on a packet boat trading between New York and South American ports. After quitting the sea he engaged in haul- ing milk to points along the Harlem railroad, and in this business gradually accumulated enough capital to purchase a farm at Mt. Kisko, N. Y., where he lived for eight years. In 1868 he pur- chased the Alva Mead farm in North Greenwich, Fairfield Co., Conn., where he made his home until called to his final rest in 188S. A short time after coming here he again turned his atten- tion to the milk business, and later engaged in freighting along the Harlem railroad. Although he started in life for himself poor, he succeeded in accumulating a comfortable property, as he was industrious, economical, and possessed of good business ability. He married Elizabeth Hunt, a native of Chappaqua, N. Y., daughter of Lewis Hunt, a farmer, and of the children born to them our subject is the eldest; Effington is superintendent of a large stable on Water street, New York City; Lottie is the wife of Elli- ott Smith, of Port Chester, N. Y .; and Luessa, a teacher in the schools of Mt. Vernon, N. Y. The parents now rest side by side in the ceme-

tery at Chappaqua, N. Y. The father was a Democrat in politics, and by birthright was a member of the Friends Church.

The primary education of our subject was ob- tained in the schools of his native district, and later he became a student in the Quaker Ridge Academy, when Samuel Peck was principal, com- pleting his literary training by a one-term's at- tendance at the Chappaqua Boarding School. When his school days were over he returned home and worked for his father until 1879, when he married Miss Carrie H. Tripp, who was born on King Street, a daughter of Samuel H. and Elizabeth Matthews. For one year after his marriage he rented and operated the Oliver Mat- thews farm in Westchester county, N. Y., and then leased a farm near " Crystal Springs Hotel" on King Street, for eight years. As his father was in poor health, he returned home in 1887, and after his father's death, when the farm was | sold at a public sale, he bought it. It consists of ninety-five acres of excellent and well-im- proved land in North Greenwich. Formerly Mr. Wright was interested in dairying, and also for some time was engaged in the freighting business along the Harlem railroad, but of recent years he has given his entire attention to general farm- ing.

Two children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Wright, the elder of whom, Elizabeth, died at the age of two years; Edna is at home. Our subject is purely non-partisan in politics, voting for the best men and issues according to his judgment. By birthright he is a member of the Friends Church, with which his wife is also con- nected. His success has been the result of hon- est, persistent effort in the line of honorable and manly dealing. His aims have always been to attain the best, and he has carried forward to successful completion whatever he has under- taken. He is well known, and is numbered among the best citizens of North Greenwich.

SAMUEL A. MOSHIER has been connected with the retail grocery business in Green- wich for over a quarter of a century, during which time he has become one of the most suc- cessful in his line in Fairfield county. He is a native of the township, born September 8, 1852.

James Moshier, the father of Samuel A .. was born in 1809, on Chestnut Ridge, in West- chester county, N. Y., of New England extrac- tion. His father being a farmer, he was reared to agricultural life in his native county, and thence in early manhood he came to Green-

Digitized by Google

955

COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

wich township. where he married Miss Lois Timpany, who was born in 1814 in Mianus, Fairfield county, daughter of John Timpany. Mr. Moshier was a lifelong farmer, and at the time of his death had acquired a nice property situated three miles north of Mianus, which he purchased in 1850. At that time the land was new, and he did all the clearing. made numer- ous improvements, erected buildings, and at- tended to all the other details of converting it into a valuable property which yielded him a good income. He and his faithful wife worked and managed together, for they had only their own savings to build on, and it took years of constant industry to make the comfortable home which they had. Their family consisted of nine children, viz .: Edgar, who died at the age of fourteen years: Sarah A. (Mrs. Henry Olmstead, of Manus : Mary A. (Mrs. B. J. Buxton, liv- mp at bangall, Fairfield county); Sylvester, who did young; Jane (Mrs. Eli Timpany, of Stam- ford : Leander, who joined Company 1, 10th Conn. V. 1 .. for service in the Civil war, died in New Orleans in 1863, and is buried at Greenwich: Samuel A. and F. P., who now own the old homestead farm; and John T., of North Minnes Mr. Moshier was tall and slender in build. weighing ordinarily about 150 pounds. He died January 24. 1877. after an illness of Over a year, and was laid to rest in the Union cemetery, where his wife is also buried; she survived until February 3. 1800. She was a member of the Methodist Church. Mr. Moshier was a firm believer in the principles of the Den cratic party, though in voting he usually folk wed the dictates of his own judgment.

Samuel A. Moshier was given such education as the district schools of the day afforded, ac- quired, as was usually the case with farmer boys, during the winter season when his services could be dispensed with at home. He was only a youth when he commenced to work for other farmers, and received at first but seven dollars a month for his services, by the time he was six- fein commanding ten dollars. In the winter he worked for his board and attended school, being industrious and anxious to improve every oppor- tunity to gain knowledge. He continued to work as a farm laborer until he was twenty years of age. when he came to Greenwich and entered the grocery establishment of Wright & Webb, where he acquired his first experience in mer- chandising. With this firm he remained four years, and for the following three years was with their successors, Wright & Brush. Mr. Moshier realized that his business success depended on his own exertions, and during the seven years of

his clerkship he had exercised all the economy and thrift in his nature, and saved every dollar he could in the hope of being some day able to branch out on his own account. In partnership with a fellow clerk, Lorenzo Slocum, he bought the grocery store of R. Minor, which they con- ducted under the firm name of Slocum & Moshier for four years. During two years of that time they carried on business on a strictly cash basis. and made a success of the system, which they were the first in their line to introduce into Greenwich.

At the end of four years Mr. Moshier with- drew from the business, and shortly afterward became a member of another firm, Moshier & Mead. dealing in the same line. Four years later. in 1886, he became sole proprietor of their inter- ests, and he has since been in business alone. commanding an extensive patronage in and around Oftenwich. Enterprising and wide- awake in business matters, courteous and oblig- ing to customers, and strictly honorable in all his dealings, his success is not to be wondered at, and it is the general opinion of all who come in contact with him that he well deserves the re- ward his efforts have brought him. As a citizen he commands equal respect, and Greenwich af- forded no better example of the self-made man who, while pushing his own way to prosperity and position. does not forget his duty to the com- munity he lives in, and does all in his power to further its general welfare and progress. He owns the building in which his store is located. also a comfortable home in the village, which he built.

Mr. Moshier's first wife was Miss Jennie H. Scott, of Orange county, N. Y., who died leav- ing no children. He subsequently married Miss Lizzie Rodermund, who was born in Greenwich, the only child of Michael Rodermund. The family removed to New York City when she was a child, and there she lived until her marriage to Mr. Moshiet. Two children have blessed their union: Milo W. A. and Irvin R. Mrs. Moshier is a member of the Second Congregational Church. Our subject is a loyal Republican in politics, but beyond voting takes little interest in party affairs. For five years he had been a member of Company F, 4th Connecticut Na- tional Guard, when that organization flourished in Greenwich, and with his fellow members visited the Centennial Exposition in Philadelphia in 1876. the company going into camp there; he received an honorable discharge from the militia. He was one of the first members of the well- known Amogerone Fire Department at Green- wich.

Digitized by Google

956

COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

G IDEON TOMLINSON, chief of police of the borough of Shelton, is an able and popular official, and the people of the town, irrespective of party ties, unite in commendation of his faith- ful and efficient service.

Mr. Tomlinson's family has been identified with this State for several generations, his grand- father, Huntington Tomlinson, having resided upon a farm near Stratford. Gideon M. Tom- linson, the father of our subject, was born at Stratford in 1819, and followed farming there throughout life. He died in 1883. In poli- tics he was a Republican, and took an intelligent interest in all that affected the welfare of the community, being especially active in religious work as a member of the Congregational Church. He married Miss Abigail Welles, a native of the town of Monroe, and a daughter of Gideon and Lydia Welles, well-known citizens of the town. She is yet living. They had seven children, viz .: Sarah, married to William. E. Wheeler, of Stratford, who was drowned; Rebecca, who married (first) Charles Burrett, a machinist at Huntington, who was killed by accident, and (second) wedded William Wilkinson, who resides in Huntington and is engaged in business in New York City: George H., a farmer at the old home- stead near Stratford; Eliza M., wife of Alfred B. Fairchild, formerly of Trumbull and now a resi- dent of Bridgeport; Gideon, our subject; William W., an electrician in New York City: and Jabez H .. who died at the age of twenty-two years.

Mr. Tomlinson was born February 3, 1852, in Stratford, and during the first fifteen years of his career he had the advantage of the whole- some surroundings of farm life. After complet- ing the course of study offered in the public schools he attended the Connecticut Literary Institute, in Suffield, Conn., for three years. About 1872 he engaged in the meat business at Stratford, and in 1883 he removed to Shelton, where he continued the same line of trade in a meat market on Howe avenue for three years. in partnership with his brother, William W. Later he took a position on the police force, and his ability soon brought him promotion to his pres- ent responsible position. He also holds the office of town constable and clerk of the Probate Court, and while in Stratford he served five years as street commissioner. Politically, he is a stanch Republican, and he is regarded as one of the leading workers in the local organization.

On February 3. 1873, Mr. Tomlinson married Miss Idwella I. Nichols, daughter of Lucius C. and Josephine E. (Curtis) Nichols, highly es- teemed residents of the town of Trumbull. Four children have blessed this union: Josephine E.

(married Wm. H. Lyon, of Ansonia, Conn.); and Charles H., Jessie M. and Lucius N., all at home. The family is prominent socially, and while re- siding in Stratford Mr. Tomlinson united with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows.

P ATRICK CARROLL, one of the industrious, thrifty farmers of Fairfield township, Fair- field Co., Conn., is a native of Ireland, born March 17, 1849. in County Westmeath, a son of Thomas and Ann (Dunn) Carroll. The parents came to the United States in about 1850, settling in Fairfield, Conn., where they passed the re- mainder of their days, Mr. Carroll working on the railroad for many years. He died at the age of forty-seven, and the mother lived to the advanced age of eighty-three, dying in March, 1897, at the home of her son Patrick, who had supported her ever since the father's death. There were four children in the family who lived to adult age: Christiana (Mrs. William. Mccullough), Patrick, Mary A. (who is the widow of John Ellwell), and John (of Fairfield).

Patrick Carroll remained in Ireland for about a year after his parents came to this country, liv- ing with his uncle, Richard Dunn, who brought him across the ocean when he was two and one- half years old. He was reared to manhood in Fairfield county, and here received his education in the public schools. which he attended during the summer time only, and as he was not over- fond of study he commenced work at the early age of ten years, working principally as a farm hand, though he was always handy with tools and able to do various kinds of work. He al- ways lived at home. and after his father's decease he proved a most affectionate son, giving his mother a home and assisting her in every way for the remainder of her days. In partnership with his uncle, Michael Dunn, Mr. Carroll finally invested in land in Fairfield township, located in Bloch Lane, and when they divided the tract the portion which fell to our subject was unimproved with buildings of any kind, present- ing a decidedly different appearance to what it does at the present day. Mr. Carroll now has between twenty-five and thirty acres of well-im- proved land, with good substantial buildings. all erected by him, and, although he was obliged to go in debt to a great extent for this property, he has, by industry and economy, managed to clear it of all incumbrances, and, in addition to his home on the farm, he owns another in South- port. Mr. Carroll has acquired all his property by his own exertions, for he commenced life a poor boy, but he has reaped the reward which

Digitized by Google

CHIEF

Gideon Tomlinson

Digitized by Google

Goodle

Digitized by

957

COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

always follows earnest, Steady effort, and he , superintendent of police. On one occasion he now enjoys a comfortable competence. He is was tendered the nomination for the office of respected by all who know him as a straightfor- mayor, but this and other propositions to be- have been declined. ward, honest man and a good citizen in every , come a candidate at the polls on his party ticket way, and he is a friend of progress in every line, especially that of public education

Charles A. Acton, our subject's father, was born and reared in the metropolis, and after

On April 25. 1886, Mr. Carroll was married to Miss Bridget Sharkey, who was born Septem- , receiving an excellent education at the University ber 13. 1858. in County Leitrim, Ireland. came of New York City he engaged in teaching. Later to the United States when mmeteen years of age, ; he followed various occupations, and for some and lived in New York City for some years prev- I time he was connected with the United States tous to her marriage. Six children have been

mail service, operating different routes in New born to this marriage, namely. Thomas J .. [ Jersey, and afterward he entered the United Mary J. Anna L., Patrick, JI. Catherine (who . States internal revenue service as inspector of died in infancy) and Francis M. The family , tobacco and other goods subject to export duty. worship at St. Thomas Catholic Church, in Fair- his jurisdiction extending to all the ports of New , York State. During his term in this position he was directly under the commissioner at Wash- ington. In politics he was a stanch Republican, and in religious faith he was an Episcopalian. feld. of which Mr. Carroll has been a prominent member for years ; he is at present serving as trustee of the Church, and he has held various other (trees with his customary faithfulness and attention to duty. He is a Democrat in political . He died January 1. 1898. His wife, whose sympathy, though in local affairs he is non-parti-

maiden name was Ellen Vaughan, was born in san, supporting the best man, regardless of poli- I New York City, a daughter of Dr. Henry and Ellen (Vakay) Vaughan. The Vaughan family. I since coming to this country, has been identified with the Episcopal Church, and Mrs. Acton was

W WILLIAM F. ACTION. D. D. S. of Nor- , an active member until her death, which occurred July 23. 1895. Our subject was the youngest of walk, holds a leading place among the alve and enterprising business men of that city. I three children, the others being Charles H .. a After winning a creditable reputation in his resident of Norwalk, and Edward M., formerly a druggist at Tuckahoe, Westchester Co., N. Y .. who died at the age of thirty-six. chesen profession of dentistry, he was compelled to abandon it on account of failing eyesight, but he quickly made his mark in business circles, and at present is the secretary, treasurer, and general

Dr. W. F. Acton was born April 3. 1867, at Boonton, N. J., whence when he was about York City, where he grew to manhood. He

manager of the Norwalk Street Railroad Com- t eighteen months old his parents removed to New pany.

In both paternal and maternal lines Doctor , attended various schools, mostly private, and Action is of English descent. John W. Acton, : took a complete course in Packard's Business his grandfather, was born in England, whence I College, graduating in 1884. Later he entered he came to America in early manhood and set- the New York College of Dentistry. to prepare tied in New York City, where he engaged in , for his profession, but although he was qualified business as a manufacturer of and dealer in . to graduate in 1886 he was not given a diploma sites. Among his children was a son, Thomas , until 188% on account of his youth, and at the C. Acton, who was for many years a prominent : time of his graduation he was the youngest man citizen of New York, and superintendent of the , ever sent out by the institution. On receiving United States Assay Office there. For four years the coveted diploma he immediately opened a he was assistant treasurer of the United States, . dental office at Norwalk, where he succeeded in building up a very fine practice ; but the work , proved injunous to his eyes, and after five years he gave it up. He then took a vacation. and on returning to Norwalk with his health greatly im- proved he became secretary and manager of the Norwalk Horse Railroad Company. In 1894

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 194

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