Commemorative Biographical Record of Fairfield County, Connecticut, Part 199

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 199

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).

In 1838 Mr. Beers visited Newtown, Conn .. 62

E BENEZER BEERS (2) (deceased) was de- scended from Anthony Beers, through John, Samuel, Nathan and Ebenezer (1). [See Beers Genealogy.]

Mr. Beers was born April 17. 1787, in Zoar District, of the town of Newtown, and became a successful farmer there, while he also devoted much of his time to the manufacture of ploughs. with which he supplied most of the neighboring farmers He had quite an extensive practice in what was then called " pulling teeth," but he never claimed the art of doing it without pain. Like all of his family, he was an excellent citi- ¿en. and for many years he was an active worker in Trinity Episcopal Church, of Newtown, his the musical gifts making him a valued member of the choir. He died October 25, 1856, and lus wife. Phebe. daughter of Moses Botsford, a native of the same town, born November 29, 1787, died August 28, 1850. They had six sons:

1. John Beers, born August 6, 1809, married

Digitized by Google

978

COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

November IS, 1832, Roxy Ann, daughter of Ella L. Frederick W. Beers married, Decem- ber 29, 1863. Angeline E., daughter of R. N. Hawley, of Newtown; their children were: Clar- ence H., Charles A., Harriet E., Howard F. (deceased), Robert A., William L. (deceased). i and Herbert N. and Helen M. (twins). Clarence H. married Ada M. Winterburn, and is an Epis- copal clergyman in New York City; Harriet E. married Ralph W. Murdock, of Oneonta, N. Y .: Robert A., now in the Mechanics & Farmers Savings Bank, Bridgeport. Conn., married Mabel Buker. Herbert and Helen reside with their parents in Brooklyn, New York. Silas N. Glover, and had children: (1) Mary Jane married Charles Edson Blakeman; their children were Austin B. (now a successful mer- chant at Botsford's, Conn.), Julia E. (deceased), Ida A. (deceased), and Charlotte E. (now Mrs. William Ives). (2) Sarah Maria, who died in 1870. married Lamson B. Lake; their children were Caroline L. (now Mrs. Frank A. Mallett), Frede- rick B. (deceased), and Catharine A. (now Mrs. William Johnson). (3) John Glover died young. (4) Angeline Eliza and (5) Caroline Eliza (twins) married, the former William H. Beers, whose children were Sarah E. (now Mrs. M. III. Charles Henry Beers was born Novem- ber 5, 1813. and became a successful farmer in Newtown. He was educated in the public schools i of Newtown, and in early life taught school suc- cessfully. His ingenuity was remarkable, espe- cially in mechanical lines, as he could work with methods he was always conservative, and, while he fulfilled his duties as a citizen, he never sought first a Whig and later a Republican, and in relig- I nicant of old Trinity Church at Newtown. On Botsford). Robert W. and John: Caroline Eliza | married Robert Wilbur Burritt, whose children were Minnie E., Ina L., William J. (deceased), Robert W. and Ida May. (6) James M. is a ies- ! ident of New Haven. He married Emily J., daughter of William Beach, and their children I the tools of any trade as efficiently as one who were Ernest B. (now holding a responsible posi- | had served an apprenticeship. In his business tion in the service of the Consolidated Railroad | Company), and Emily F. (deceased). John | Beers, the father of these children, died October | prominence in public lite. Politically, he was 30. 1888. and his wife passed away January 21, ! 1881. He was a farmer throughout life. and re- i jous faith he was an Episcopalian, being a commu- sided in Toddy Hill District. He was quite a mechanical genius, was very handy with tools, ! May 8, 1836, he married Mary E., daughter of and made sleighs. wagons. etc. He attended ! Silas N. Glover, who was born November 4, 1815. | and died September 13, 1882, and his own death occurred March 5. 1892. They had three chil- the Episcopal Church, was a Democrat in his political views, and a good citizen.

II. James B. Beers, born October 16, 1811, i dren, two sons and one daughter:

(1) Silas N., who was born September 3, 1837. I of Isaac Nichols, and had one child, Susan L., i who was married February 4. 1899, to Rev.

went, in 1835. to Berlin, Md .. where three of his children-(1) John C. (deceased), (2) Albert (de- I died May 12, 1873; he married Sarah, daughter ceased), and (3) Frederick W .- were born; (4) Ann Eliza was born, in 1848, in Brooklyn, N.

Y., to which city the father removed in 1845, and | Frederick Foote Johnson. Silas N. Beers was

where at one time he dealt in gold pens and jew- elry. After that he was for many years en- gaged as a publisher in company with his son, John C. His wife, to whom he was married August 30, 1835. was Huldah, daughter of James Clark, who died February 28, 1893. James B. | Beers and William Prindle, of Newtown, are | probably now the only survivors of the old New- 1 town band, consisting of eighteen members, or- i church, as well as for several houses in New- ganized in 1835. Mr. Beers played the flute town. He was a resident of Mile Hill, Newtown. (2) Daniel G. Beers was born October 19. and Mr. Prindle the bass horn. which instrument

educated in Newtown, and when quite a young man became identified as a survevor with map- ping firms, which profession he followed for many years. He was with D. J. Lake and F. W. Beers, and also with Beers, Lake & Beers. The latter part of his life was given to farming. though he gave some attention to the study of architecture, and drew the plans for Trinity

is now in the cabinet of Charles Henry Peck, of 1 1841, in South Center District, town of New- Newtown. John C. Beers, alluded to above, ! town, and was educated in the common schools died May 30, 1883. He was possessed of a | of the locality, and in the academy at Newtown. genial, companionable nature that ensured him I then conducted by I. H. French. He made good friendship and confidence wherever he was . use of his opportunities, gaining a good, prac. known. He married, October 12, 1859, Mari- I tical education, and on leaving school, when etta, daughter of Lemuel Beers, of Newtown, { about seventeen years old, he engaged in the and their children were: James L., Carrie F. I map business, going first with his brother, Silas, (Mrs. John M. Otis, of Bridgeport, Conn.), and | to Western New York, where he spent two or

Digitized by Google

COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

three months For several years his summers we're occupied with that line of work, while in winter he taught school or was employed in drafting. In 1865 he formed a partnership with a Mr. Pomeroy, of Rochester, N. Y .. under the firm name of Pomeroy & Beers, for the purpose of publishing an atlas of Delaware, and for three years they were engaged in that enterprise, and a similar one in Pennsvivama. On the dissolu- tion of this firm Mr. Beers organized the firm of D. G. Beers & Co., and until ISSO he was en- 1 Foged in publishing works in different localities under that title. His ventures met with uni- form success, but in 18So he turned his attention to placing upon the market a folding canopy top for wapens, patented by him, and he has since added a protitable business in trimming and up- hristering Not withstanding his business cares.

1 he has found time to read considerably, and is a ! Phebe, who married J. Selwin Newland. She died about 1870, leaving one son, Albert.

VI. Horace Beers was born May 6, 1821. and was married November 19, 1845. to Emily, daughter of Abiel Booth Terrill. He made his Church work and in local politics. He was for board. All movements for reform find in him ' years senior warden of St. Paul's Episcopal an catbest friend, and he is a leading member of 1 Church, and was a very useful man in the com- munity. His death occurred October S. 1802. His children were: (1) Sophia E., who married

Trinity Epecopal Church, in which he has served . as sestryman for twenty years, and is now semor . warden and parish clerk .. He is a member of : William J. Kellogg, and their children were the board of trustees of the Newtown Savings , bank, is also a trustee of Newtown Academy, ! field) and Herbert Beers; (2) Herbert Booth and and secretary and treasurer of the Newtown Vil- Jape Cemetery Association.

On January 1. 1868, Mr. beets married Miss Carne S. Shepard, daughter of Edson Shepard, of Brookfield. She died August 9. 1868, and on November 15. 1870, he married Miss Arabella S. Fitch. daughter of Rev. Henry Fitch. of New Haven. Four children have blessed this union: Jenme F .. Helen M., Harry C. and Bessie L. Mr. Beers has a beautiful homestead of fifty-five actes, purchased, in 1869. from John R. Tomlin- son, and his present residence was built in 1871, while other improvements, added from time to time, make it one of the test country seats in the vicinity of Newtown.

(3) Mary E. Beers, born December 28, 1853. married Frederick T. Bechier, and resides in Stamford, Conn. They have had four sons, Charles H .. Robert M., Arthur L. and Leonard F., only two of whom-Charles H. and Robert M - are now living. Their daughters were Ella B .. Gertrude S. and Alice M., the first two of whom are now living.

IV. David H. Beers was born January 18. 1817, and on December 4, 1844. was married to

Lucy Ann. daughter of Jonathan Sturgis Fairchild. Their children were: (1) Emeline, who married Charles Wheeler, of Danbury, and died Febru- ary 5. 1890, leaving two sons, Edwin and Clar- ence; (2 William H. (deceased); and (3) Lucy . A .. now Mrs. George F. Duncombe; their only child is a daughter, Julia, who lives with her pa- tents in Newtown. The father died November 9. 1871. The mother survives and makes her home with her only surviving child, Mrs. Lucy A. Duncombe. David was a good substantial farmer, attended the Episcopal Church, and in . politics was a Republican.

V: Moses B. Beers, born January 7. 1819. married. April 9, 1843. Loraine Curtis, and they made their home in Michigan, hirst in Portland, and later in Hersey, where he died July 9. 1877. He was a physician. They had one daughter,

well informed man, while he has never lost his early fondness for mathematics. He is inter- ested in political questions. being a stanch Ke- publican, and of late has been active in local affairs, serving for some time as town auditor. I home in brookfield, where he was prominent in and for fifteen years as member of the school

Florence L. (Mrs. Arthur S. Mansfield. of Brook- (3) Edward T. were drowned August 9, 1878: and (4) Frederick Horace married Florence A. Mapes, of Brooklyn, N. Y., and their children are Muriel W. and Hazel. He is a very enterprising and successful farmer of his native town, Brook- field.

The Glover family alluded to in the forego- ing sketch is well known in this section. Silas N. Giover was a prominent citizen of Newtown, and carried on an extensive business as a dealer in cattle. His father was the well-known Rev. Solomon Giover, generally called "Capt. Sol. Glover." and his grandfather was Henry Glover, who was born in 1703. Silas N. was born Sep- tember 30, 1783, and began his business career as a farmer in Brookfield, but removed in 1830 to Newtown, where with the exception of two or three years he spent the remainder of his life. He died May 12, 1869. and his wife. Nancy Mor- ris, who was born July 1, 1790, died in 1864. Their children were: Roxy A., born September 13. 1811, who married John Beers; Eunice M., born July 24. 1813, wife of Charles Blackman; Mary E. (mother of Daniel G. Beers), who mar-

Digitized by Google

979

980

COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

Charles H. Beers; Betsey A., born September 16, 1817, who married Abel Prindle; Silas N., born June 12, 1819, who died in childhood; Daniel B., born July 19, 1820, who died young; and Nancy S., born August 28, 1828, who married James Henderson.

A BEL BEERS, known as "Major Abe." was of the sixth generation from Anthony Beers, the line of descent being through John, Samuel, Samuel (2), and Simeon [See Beers Genealogy].

Major Beers, born September 1, 1777, was a farmer and quite a large landowner of New- town, his residence being south of Newtown Centre. In politics he was a Democrat, and was interested in public affairs. In 1827, 1831. and 1832, his name appears on the town rec- ords as selectman, and in 1830 as a represent- ative in the State Legislature. In September, 1799, he was married to Mary Beach, daughter of John and Phebe (Curtis) Beach, and their children were: Sylvia, born June 24, 1800, married Sinclair Toucey; John B., born Sep- tember 11, 1802, died March 3, 1860; Isaac, born March 10, 1805, died May 20, 1890: Charles C., born September 2, 1808, died November 28, 1843; Mary, born April 10, 1811, died April 26, 1829; Esther, born December 31, 1813, died November 28, 1863; Phebe, born August 4, 1816, died in 1835; Sarah, born September 6, 1819, died in 1831; and Rebecca, born April 27, 1822, died June 3, 1890. Major Abel Beers died Feb- ruary 18, 1858.

John Beach Beers, the eldest son of " Major Abe " Beers, was one of the substantial farmers of Newtown, a half century ago. He was born September 11, 1802, and died at Council Bluffs, lowa, March 3, 1860, where he had gone some time before. He attended the first land sale held in Council Bluffs, about the year 1851. In | father engaged in common labor at different 1857 he married Eliza Dunn, by whom he had one daughter, Sarah, who is now living at Coun- cil Bluffs, Iowa, the wife of Mr. Rohrer, former mayor of that city. Mr. Beers took an active part in public affairs, serving as selectman back in the "thirties," and in 1840 as a represent- ative from Newtown, in the State Legislature.

Isaac Beers, mentioned above, received a common-school education in the public schools of Newtown, and, possessing a remarkable mem- ory and being a great reader, became a well- informed man. He was a comb maker in early life, having learned the trade at the request of his father, although he wished to become a law- ver or merchant. He followed his trade for some years, associating with him Mathew H. Fair-

child, the business being conducted near the site of Trinity church, Newtown. Mr. Beers also spent some time in Stratford and Bridgeport, and went as far west as Chicago, but returned to Newtown, and, by fortunate investments and keen business perceptions, acquired a fortune. He was at various times town clerk and justice of the peace, and was often called upon to settle estates. Possessed of some peculiarities and a strong individuality, he was just and exact in business. For his first wife he married Mrs. Maria Glover, widowed mother of Henry Beers Glover, and in 1871 he wedded Miss Elizabeth Bostwick, of Bridgeport, who survives him. His second wife was a daughter of Lyman Bostwick, and granddaughter of Elnathan Bostwick, both of Monroe township.

W J. SMITH. Fortune comes to some men by slow and steady accumulation. A few grasp it as it flies. A brilliant opportunity is seen by one, while the multitude is blind. The occasion requires what is often denominated nerve, but it must be accompanied by coolness, judgment, foresight, generosity, and a dozen splendid attributes. Meteoric and permanent successes are rare, and their occurrence deserves special mention. A more unostentatious citizen than W. J. Smith cannot be found in Green- wich, yet the number of his real-estate proper- ties exceeds those of any other resident.

The father of our subject was a poor Irish emigrant, who, like many of his courageous countrymen, left the land of his birth and people. and with his bride crossed the ocean to seek here a better chance in life. Patrick and Cathe- rine (Doran) Smith, after fifty days on the water, landed at Boston with a capital of pluck and energy, but nothing in dollars and cents. The places, and they were living at Easton, Penn., when our subject was born, October 5. 1853. About 1854 he removed to Greenwich, where he met with an accidental death on March 9, 1863. when forty-seven years of age. While carrying lumber across the N. Y. & N. H. railroad tracks, near Greenwich, to a building in course of erec- tion, he avoided one train, but the boards that he was carrying were struck by another, passing in the opposite direction, and he was instantly killed. His wife survived him several years. Both are buried in the Catholic cemetery at Greenwich, having been members of that Church. Patrick Smith was a Democrat in politics. His industry, aided by the economy of his wife, had enabled him to save some money, which was

Digitized by Google

Digitized by

Google

Digitized by Google

981

COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

invested in property in Greenwich. They had

mained dismal and desolate wastes. His success five children: Thomas. W. J., Mamie, Catherine . in many enterprises might be ascribed to luck. and Patrick. W. J. being the sole survivor.

, but his plans were always kept to himself, and Our subject attended the schools of Green- ' after months of study and preparation were wich during his boyhood days, and remamed at quickly launched-a sudden success, it seemed. home with his widowed mother until her death. I in public eyes. He founded the firm of Smith & He inherited rare mechanical skill, but was ' Maher, and built the dock for the firm, from never apprenticed to any trade. In November, . which he subsequently retired. 1882. he was married to Miss Sarah Duffy, a

In all his transactions, Mr. Smith is his own native of Ireland, daughter of John Duffy, and i confidential man, and in the extensive work he to Mr. and Mrs. Smith have been born two chil- I has done he has always been familiar with even dren, Catherine C. and Mamie, both living at ! the smallest detail, his mechanical skill, close home. Mr. Smith's present residence, in Arch . observation and rare judgment being of great use. street, is a superb home, perfect in all its ap- ! He can judge, with equal facility. the work of pointments. All of the labor employed in its ! the man with pick and shovel and that of the construction was of the highest mechanical I fresco artist. With his great success he remains order, and no part of the building was given out , as approachable as when the goddess of fortune at contract: all of the fittings for plumbing were i was arrayed against him. He has helped many selected by Mr. Smith and adjusted by the H. . a needy one with work when his services could B. Smith Company; the decorators were Allen, I have been dispensed with, and many a needy Hall & Co., of boston. Mass. Mr. and Mrs. I home has been the recipient of his generosity. Smith are members of the Catholic Church, of which he is a liberal supporter. In politics be is a Democrat, but he is an independent voter in the selection of local officers. In his younger years he was connected with the Eagle Baseball Club, an organization quite popular and well- . which is quite extensive. He is thoroughly self- known in its day. which he would be more apt to deny than to admit. He is a man whose value to his commu- nity can be estimated only when he is gone. Mr. Smith is at present as active as ever in his busi- ness as contractor, builder and real-estate man, made, and, though already worth a fortune, he

In his carher years. Mr. Smith had some ex- still has the best business portion of his life before perience in the command of men as an overseer | him. of various kinds of work, but his career properly begins in 1883, when Belle Haven was being transformed into a beautiful residence district. He had charge of much of the work in progress M ENRY BEERS, son of Samuel and Anna S. (Peck) Beers, the latter of whom was born March 16, 1760, daughter of Gideon and Abiah (Smith) Peck, was born April 13, 1792, and died November 19, 1864. He was twice married, (first) to Betsey, only daughter of Josiah and Rebecca there, superintending the construction of many handsome buildings, and he gradually branched out in the business for himself, and as an indi- ' vidual erected many of the best homes in that region, among other structures the Bruce Memo- ' Giover (who died November 4. 1835, aged forty- rial building He then began to buy property two years), and (second) to Julia Beers, daughter and improve it for himself. Mr. Smith has, . of Samuel Beers. Jr .; she was born April 18. since entering the business, built more homes, , 1803, and died November 19. 1864. His chil- for himself and others, than any other contractor . dien were: Julia E., who died December 18, 1846 or '47, aged three years; Booth G., who died April 14, 1861, aged twenty-two; and Char- lotte, who survives.

in Greenwich, and he now owns more residence properties than any landed proprietor in that little city. He is a man whose enterprise, thrift and successful business plans have not only been Henry Beers was for nearly fifty years an act- ne and prominent merchant in Newtown, mem- ber of the firm of Baldwin & Beers. He was the first treasurer of the borough of Newtown on its incorporation in 1824, and he also served as selectman. In 1855. on the organization of the Newtown Savings Bank. he was made its president, and for years was identified with its affairs. He was extensively known as one of the largest cattle raisers and dealers in the State. sources of much perumary gain to himself, but of inestimable value to the town. He has given work to hundreds: has reduced, by big expendi- tures, what was lor hed upon as waste property, making money for hunselt, and helping to beautify the town; has built on his own account elegant homes, has laid out elegant estates, and then sold them to wealthy people who had been attracted to the place. But for him. the localities where are now these beautiful estates would have re- . his sales during the Civil war, it is said, netting

Digitized by Google

982

COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

ried to Olive F. Perkins, daughter of William

him not less than $10,000 a year. In politics he was quite active, first as a Whig, then as a | Curtis Perkins, of Maine, and his children were: Republican. Caroline Ryder, Ella Catherine, Curtis Perkins, Amariah Beers, son of Samuel and brother of Henry Beers, died March 6, 1865, aged seventy- one years, and Betsey Curtis (his wife), who was born November 14, 1795, passed away April 25, 1858. They had a son, Henry N., who is now deceased. Mr. Beers, who was a farmer, re- sided below Newtown Centre. He was identi- fied with the Episcopal Church, in which he was an officer, while in his political views he was a Republican. ! Sarah Dennis. Charles Lincoln and Harry Grant. (1) Caroline R. was married, in December, 1879, to William Hermon Beers, of Newtown, Conn .. i who passed away June 22, 1882, and in June. 1894, she wedded (second) William Samuel Johnson, of Mamaroneck, N. Y. By her first marriage she had two children-William Her- mon, Jr., born May 26, 1881. in Greensburg. Ind., and Eloise Gately, born November 5, 1882, in Newtown, Conn. (2) Ella C. was married, i in December, 1878, to Maturin Ballou, of North 1 Orange, Mass. (3) Curtis P. married, in April, 1893, Miss J. Maud Lewis, of Brooklyn, N. Y., I and they have had two children-Doris Curtis, I born March 19, 1894. and Lewis Brown, born | August 8, 1898. (4) Sarah D. was married. in

D ENNIS C. GATELY, who for a third of a century or more was a prominent business man of Newtown, identified with the New York Belting & Packing Company at Sandy Hook, was born in Roxbury, Mass., August 12, 1816, | April, 1890, to John Hallett Clark, of New York in the same house in which General Warren, who was killed at Bunker Hill, was born.

! City, and they have one child-John Hallett, Jr., | born December 24. 1892. (5) Charles L. is still unmarried. (6) Harry G. was married, June 10, 1893, in Cambridge, Mass., to Miss Mary A. Murray, and died February 27. 1897. in Boston, I leaving two children-Grant, born September

When he was about twelve years of age Dennis lost his father by death, and, the mother being left with a large family, he was taken into the family of Supply C. Twing, a commission merchant of Boston, with whom he remained | 27, 1894, and Olive Perkins, born July 15, 169 ;. three years. Later he learned the trade of house- wright, serving until twenty-one with the firm of James Sinclair & Co. In 1846 he was made PLAKSLEE. Ziba Blakslee, the progen- itor of the family in Newtown, was a jeweler in Newtown village a hundred years ago, to which place he came from Plymouth, Conn., when a young man. the superintendent of a small rubber lactory in Roxbury, which was succeeded by the Boston Belting Company. In 1856 he retired from this company, and was placed as superintendent of the factory of the New York Belting & Packing Mr. Blakslee is said to have been a most skilled workman in and manufacturer of all kinds of jewelry. His advertisement in the Farmers Journal, published at Danbury, under date of December 22, 1792, shows that he carried on at i the head of the street in Newtown the gold- smith's business in all of its branches, cast bells ! for churches, made and repaired surveyors' in- : struments, church clocks, and clocks and watches of all kinds. He gained some note as a story- teller. He was married to Mehitable Botsford, Company at Sandy Hook. Subsequently he made several valuable inventions which contributed largely to the advantage of the company in the manufacture of their goods. In July, 1884. he retired from active business, and removed to Mamaroneck, N. Y. Mr. Gately's business career, which was an eminently successful one, gave him high standing in commercial circles, and was an example of what can be accomplished by thoroughness and persistent attention to de- tails. These were his characteristic traits from ' who died May 12. 1838. He died November 9. his earliest years, for whatever he did was well | 1834. Their children were:

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 199

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