Commemorative Biographical Record of Fairfield County, Connecticut, Part 203

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

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His children, all by the first wife, were: Philo, Anthony, and Mary (who died in infancy). Anthony, born in 1791, married Betsey Ruggles, and their children were: Henry R., who died in 1856; Mary and Betsey, deceased in infancy; Robert A., who married, June 10, 1863, Ida C. Cooke, and had children-Robert (deceased). George M., Samuel R., William C .. Clifford W. and Carl E.

Eli Beers, son of Abraham Beers (IX), was born November 21, 1761. in Newtown, where his life was passed in agricultural pursuits, and where he died on September 12, 1841. He was twice married. By his first wife, Rebecca (Tou- cey), he had two children, Daniel and Alonzo, the former of whom died when a young man, and unmarried. Alonzo Beers, for many years a prominent resident of Brookfield, was born August 19, 1793. He died in August, 1873, and his wife, Flora (Glover), who was born October 18, 1795, died in August, 1875. This worthy couple had seven children, as follows: (1) Daniel G., born April 6, 1815, died October 30, 1870. On January 3, 1843. he married Harriet E. Starr, and they had four children-Ellen Sophia, born April 13, 1844; Henry Starr. February 21, 1846; Eli Francis, October 15, 1849: and Hattie Lucy, September 24. 1862. (2) Rebecca, born May 11, 1817, died March 10, 188 ;. She was married, November 4, 1835, to Benjamin Jones, and had one child, George Clarkson, born January 6, 1845. (3) Sarah Minerva, born May 21. 1820, was married, January 4, 1843, to Philo Clarke, It appears of record that many of the Beers name in the present century have figured quite conspicuously in the public affairs of Newtown. among them Simeon, Samuel, Jacob, Jeremiat. Abel. Lemuel, and John B., who have repre- sented the town in the Legislature. Among the selectmen of the town since its settlement. almes: at the dawn of the eighteenth century, have been Samuel. John, Andrew, Simeon, Ebenezer. Henry, John B., and Charles E., some having served repeatedly for many years in the ofce referred to. [Elsewhere in this volume will be found. either in personal sketches or family and had three children-Hannah Sophia, born August 17, 1845 : Emma Frances, August 18, 1849 (died August 29, 1872); and Flora Minerva, Oc- tober 30, 1856. (4) Eli Starr, born June 6, 1822. died September 11, 1846. (5) Joseph Toucey. born March 15, 1825, married Wealthy Ward September 20, 1852, and had children as fol- lows-Edgar Ward, born August 20, 1853, died February 6, 1862; William Alonzo, born Sep- tember 29, 1855; and Charles Edmond, born October 10, 1857. (6) Harriet Sophia, born June 15. 1827, married, May 14. 1851, Edwin Smith Hoyt. (7) George Alonzo, born May 22, | groups, many of the descendants of the above 1830, died December 1, 1868. He married, in ancestry. ] November. 1860, Jennie Birge.

The second wife of Eli Beers was Phedima Peck, who was born September 19, 1771, daugh- 1er of Jabez and Abby (Sanford) Peck. Their L EMUEL BEERS (deceased . son of E. Beers. was born January 20. 1801. He was feared on a farm, and followed agricultura children were: Sylvester. born in 1798. died in 1828; he married Sally Morris (born in 1806, | pursuits throughout his life, also dealing exter .. died in 1876), and had a son, Daniel Morris. . sively in cattle, in which he was associates. who married Caroline Terrill. Lemuel, born : with his brother Hermon, shipping to Easterr. January 20, 1801, is referred to elsewhere. i markets. For years he was an active and premi- Hermon, born February 20, 1803, is also re- I inent man of affairs in the town, where he wa:

ferred to elsewhere. Dima Ann, born in 1808. married Walter Clarke [see Clarke family his- tory].

Elias Beers (twin brother of Eli Beers), son of Abraham Beers (IX), born November 21, 1761. married (first) Mary Abiah Peck, and (second Betsey Botsford, of Newtown. His children br the hrst marriage were: Zenas and Smith. By the second he had also two sons: Norman, born in 1803, married, in 1833, Betsey, daughter of Nathaniel Dykeman, of Newtown; and Elias. Jr . who married Julia Beers, and had children -Cornelia (who died in young womanhood . and Mary Frances and Edgar (who died young).

XI. In the eleventh generation, Abel Beers. son of Simeon (X), was born September 1,177 ;. and died February 18. 1858. He was mar- ried. in 1799, to Mary Beach, fifth daughter of John and Phebe (Curtis) Beach. Children: Sylvia, born June 24, 1800, married Sinclair Tousey; John B., born September 11, 1802, died March 3, 1860; Isaac, born March 10, 1805, died May 25, 1890: Charles Curtis, born September 2, 1SOS. died November 28, 1843; Mary, bom April 10, 1811. died May 27, 1829: Esther, born December 31. 1813, married David H. Johnson. and died November 28, 1863: Phebe. born born August 4. 1816, died January 3. 1835: Sarah. born September 6, 1819. died November 27, 1830; Rissa Rebecca, born April 27. 1822. died June 3, 1890, was the second wife of David H. Johnson.

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Lemuel Aberra

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widely and favorably known. his industry and en- (5) Fanny S. was born December 27. 1833. (6) ergy, combined with good business ability and judgment, making him a leader in the commu- mty. In politics he was a zealous Whig. and was especially active in the great campaign of IS40. that of " Tippecanoe and Tvier too." In 1833. 35 and 38, be represented Newtown in the State Legislature An independent thinker. his expression of opinion on all subjects carried the weight of sincere conviction, and one of his notable characteristics- in which all of his sons resemble him -was a generous, even lavish. hos- pitality, his home being the favorite meeting piace for a large circle of friends He died Jan- vary 25, 1872. in the seventsecond year of his ape .

Mariette, born May 14. 1836, died May 27, 1880. She married John C. Beers. (7) Henry Beers, born September 1, 1838, died October 8, 1842. (8 HENRY L. BEERS was born in Newtown. Fairfield county, March 4. 1841. the day President Witham Henry Harrison was inaugurated. He received a common-school education, which was completed under the tuition of J. E. Good- hue, at Newtown Academy, and in 1857 entered the store of Edward Starr, in Newtown, remain- i ing in his employ for two years. Subsequently. for one year, he was employed by Eli F. Mor- ns. of Sandy Hook, in the mercantile business, , and in 1801 he entered the office of Beers, Jud- son & Beers, in New York City. On February 7. On March 13. 1824. Le muel beers was mar- 1803. he associated himself in business with ried to Ehza She pard, a native of Newtown, who ' F. W. beers, under the firm name of Beers & was born October 22. 1804. and died August 20. 1 188;, aged eighty-three year. Their mine chil- dren were:

Co., and took a stock of stationery, etc. to Newbern. N. C., soon after the capture of ; that city by General Burnside. continuing in (DE GEORGE BulkS Is well known as a suc- & business there until the fall of 1804. Returning ,

cestoi, progressive agricultorist, hus pleasant homestead in Palestine District, some miles south of the village of Newtown, being regarded as a model of judicious management He was born May 2. 1825. has been engaged in farming all his lite, and has made a specialty of supplying cattle for the home theater! On May 2, 1849. he married Miss Sarah E. Beck, daughter of Isaac Jeck, a well-known citizen of Newtown, and in the same year settled upon his present farm. . business out in about 1872. to New York City, he was engaged by Daniel Sanford, of No. 59 Liberty street, as book- keeper during the year 1866, in the spring of the; forming a partnership with Joseph F. Rowland, and embarking in business in New- town in the store owned by Norman B. Glover. Within a short time he bought Mr. Rowland's interest, and took as partner Albert W. Peck. , with whom he continued until they closed the In the winter of Three children have blessed the union: Anna, 1 1875 76 Mr. Beers accepted the agency of W. George B. and Robert H Of these. Anna mar- 1 C. Alison & Son, of Philadelphia, at Edenburg. ried Henry G. Curtis, sof. of Samuel Curtis, of ! Jenn. serving about four years, and in March. Newtown, and has had two children-Harry B. I ISSO, he engaged with the United Pipe Line and William R. George b married Grace E. & Company, now called the National Transit Com- Blakeman, daughter of Gaver Blakeman, and | pany (also known as the Standard Oil Company), has had four children- - Luilhan. George Herbert, i with whom he has since remained, being in the Jose Martha and Sarah Aine. Robert H. is general office at Oil City, Penn On November referred to in a separate sketch. The family is , 24. 150g. Mr. Beers was married, at Newtown, prominent socially, and George Beers is inter- . Conn . to Miss Julia F. Glover, who was born ested in all movements which promise to benefit . April 15. 1848, and died July 7. 1881. Five the community. He has never taken an active . children blessed this union, viz : Henry, born August 17. 1870, died August 21. 1870; Lemuel

part in politics, but in a quiet way he gives his support to the Republican party, of which he has . G., born September 5, 1871. died September ;. been a member since it> organization. He is a . 1871; Julia Louise, born January 4. 1874. died

most hospitable man and of a kindly nature, a daposition that has won for him great popularity. Since the above was written we have received notice of the death of Mr. beers, on September 14. 1800.

(2) Caroline, born Mav 11. 1827. is now Mrs. Cyrus Beers Sherman, of Newtown. (3) Susan J .. born March 22. 1829. died May 29. 1899. Sne married James Blakeice. now also deceased. (4) Ann E., born May 7. 1831, died July 7, 1852.

August 19. 1876; Minnie Eliza, born February 5, 18;8. died July 18. 1878; and Nellie Gilbert, born March 28. 1881. On November 25. 1885. Mr. hers married, for his second wife, at Lich- mevilie. Jenn .. Florence K. Frill. who was born October 30. 1857, and to this union came four children. two only living: Harry Sherman. born December 7. 1889, and Florence Susan, born February 13. 1891.

(9. ELI B. BEERS. Something of the quiet

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thrift and industry which characterized his pio- neer ancestry is noticeable in the disposition of this well-known agriculturist, who has resided from his youth upon the old family homestead about four miles from Newtown village. In these days of restlessness and change, his success affords an object lesson which those who are | ever ready to underestimate the value of oppor- tunities lying close at hand may profitably heed. Mr. Beers was born October 29, 1843. and, after acquiring a practical education in the schools of the town of Newtown. he engaged in farming at the homestead. where he maintains well the old hospitable customs. He is a man of sound judgment, and his farm shows the results of good management in all departments. On May 30. 1877, he married Mrs. Sophronia Warner, nec Sherman, a daughter of Harry Burton and Mary Rebecca (Sears) Sherman, and their home has been brightened by four children: Fannie May. born November 23. 1878; Alice Sherman, born June 19, 1879; Eli Burton, born June 19, 1882; and John Cyrus. born March 5. 1885. The family is identified with Trinity Episcopal Church of Newtown, and Mr. Beers has always been in sympathy with movements which were calculated to advance the best interests of the community. Politically, he has been a lifelong Republican, his first vote having been cast for Abraham Lincoln in 1864: but while he has never wavered in the support of his party he has not been active as an officer seeker, as the position of assessor is the only one which he has held. He is a member of the Pohtatuck Grange.

ERMON BEERS, whose death occurred at his home in Palestine District, town of Newtown, on August 12, 1876, was a son of Eli Beers, whose ancestry is given in the Beers gen- ealogy found elsewhere in this volume.

Hermon Beers was born February 20, 1803, on the farm in Newtown where his life was passed. He dealt quite extensively, at times, in cattle, and in this line was associated with his | Keturah Sherman, born September 25, 1878.

brother Lemuel Beers. He was a man of ge-

(3) Flora J., born March 20, 1842, and (4) nial nature and pleasing social qualities, and one | Sarah M. Beers, born October 1. 1844, are resi- whose life was such that it commanded and I dents of Sandy Hook. Flora J. is the widow held the respect of his fellowmen. He was | of ]. Hobart Warner, late merchant of that kind-hearted and indulgent in his family life, |place, a sketch of whom appears elsewhere. and as a citizen was always loyal to progressive ideals. In politics. he was first a Whig and later a Republican, and throughout his life he took an intelligent interest in the questions of the day in public affairs, both local and Na- tional.

On February 14, 1838, he was married to Miss Phebe Sherman, who was born August 15, 1815, a daughter of Linus and Artemisia (Curtis) Sherman, her ancestry in both lines being set forth under their respective family names else- where. Mrs. Beers survived her husband but a few years, passing away October 5, 1880. Both were members of the Episcopal Church. They had children as follows: Harriet, John Hobart, Flora Jane, Sarah Maria and William Hermon.

(1) Harriet Beers, born November 30, 1838. was married, April 25, 1867, to the Rev. Charles Husband, an Episcopal clergyman, who was born in Durham, England, September 22, 1838, the son of John and Anne (Howard) Husband. He was graduated from Trinity College, Hartford. in 1865. and at the time. of his death, which occurred in Newtown, December 20, 1871, he was rector of St. Andrew's Church, Marbledale, Conn. The only son of this union. Charles Howard, was married January 7. 1896, to Miss Carrie Stewart Hammond, of New York.

(2) John Hobart Beers, born July 13, 1840, was reared at the homestead. and attended the neighboring public schools and Newtown Acade- my. In the spring of 1857 he accepted a position in the Bridgeport City Bank (succeeded by the City National Bank of Bridgeport), but ill health compelled him to resign within two years. In 1860, having recovered his health, he entered the I employ of Edward Starr, a merchant of New- town, with whom he remained two years. Then for one year he was in the store of G. W. Barrus, a dry goods merchant in Baltimore, and from 1863 to 1870 he was a bookkeeper at Camden, N. J., and Philadelphia, Penn., with the exception of one year (1865), when he was engaged in the map business in Pennsylvania and Ohio. In 1870 he settled in Chicago and entered into the publishing business, which he has since con- tinued. On January 12, 1871, Mr. Beers was married to Miss Keturah G., daughter of Jacob W. and Susan (Folwell) Sharp. of Camden, N. J. Their children were: Anna Sharp. born Novem- | ber 3. 1871, died December 6. 1891; and

(5) William Hermon Beers, born January 20. 1853. was reared in Newtown and educated in Newtown and in Whitesboro, N. Y. For a time | he was in the employ of different firms, in the publishing business, and, in 1878, became a member of the firm of J. H. Beers & Co.,

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Kinnon Break

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publishers, of Chicago. Ill. He was manager

who died in young womanhood; and Edgar and of the work in the field of their operations. | Mary Frances, who died young. (5) Polly, born He possessed tact, business ability and energy. in 1821, married John Purdy, June 22, 1848, and had two daughters-Mary and Helen. On De- cember 12. 1821, Jeremiah Beers married (sec- and no doubt, had he lived, there awaited him a promising future. He was held in high esteem and regard by his associates He died, after an I ond) Flora Sherwood, who bore him two sons: iliness of one week, at Brookville. Ind., on June ; (1) John S., born in 1828, did not marry; and 22. 1882. The press, at the time of his decease, , (2) Julius S .. born in 1831. married Clarissa spoke highly of his lite, adding that he was one of ' Grey, and had a family of children.

the most promising young men that had ever left Newtown. On December 30, 1879. Mr. Beers was married to ( aroline R .. daughter of D) C. and Olive F. (Perkins) Gately, of Newtown. Conn., and their children are: Witham Hermon, I farmers, living a plain and industrious life in Jr., born May 20, 1881. in Greensburg. Ind ; . Jaunton District, town of Newtown, was born and Elose Gately, born November 5. 1882, in 1 in 1805, and died March 23, 1863, aged fifty- , eight years. He was twice married, first to Esther Eggleston, who died February 21, 1851, aped fifty-eight; and second to Anna Beers, who was born January 19, 1815. a daughter of Jere-

Newtown, Connecticut

J ACOR BEERS, who died June 23. 1858, at his home several miles south of Newtown I miah Beers, and died July 19. 1896. There were no children by either marriage.

Center, was one of the promment men of his time in the town.

Mr. Beers was born September 25. 1781. the son of John and Sarah (Sterling) Beers, and fol- lowed farming as an occupation throughout his lite. In politics he was a Democrat, and he he- ured conspicuously in public affairs, serving in the State Legislature either as representative of

E ADMOND FAMILY. Robert Edmond, whose father was a native of Scotland, was born 1 in Londonderry, Ireland. He married Mary Marks. in Londonderry, and emigrated to this country in 1754. landing at Philadelphia Decem- senator almost continuously from 1818 to 1832, | ber 23, that year, where he remained about two and was also senator in 1850. In 1849 he was years. From thence he went to New York. soon | after which he removed to Southbury, Conn., Probate judge, and he frequently acted as admin- istrator in the settlement of the estates of de- 1 and settled in the district of South Purchase. ceased persons, while for many years he was jus- I where he resided several years. He then re-

moved to Ridgefield, Conn., and died at the advanced age of ninety-three. His children were: John, William. George, Martha, Mar-

tice of the peace when that office was esteemed ( more honorable and responsible than now. In religious work he was prominent as a member of the Episcopal Church On December 28, 1803. . paret, Esther, Mary, Ann, Robert S. and Cyrus. he married Laura Toucey, who was born April 20, 178 ;. and died January 30, 1855.

Judge William Edmond, second son of Rob- ert. married (first). November 30. 1784. Eliza- beth J. Chandler, daughter of Col. John and

Jeremiah beers, a brother of Jacob Beers, was ' born July 26, 1770. and died June 28, 1840. He | Mary Chandler. She died February 17. 1795. was a tanner and corner in his early life, later a . and February 14, 1796. he married (second) farmer, residing south of Newtown Center. He 'Elizabeth, daughter of Benjamin Payne, of Hart- was a good, reliable citizen, highly esteemed by ' ford. His children were: Mary E., born in his many acquaintances He was twice married, ' 1785: Elizabeth P .. in 1798; Sarah, June 24. (first) in 1803 to Polly Peck, by whom he had ' 1800 (married Dr. Cyrenius H. Booth, October, five daughters. (1 Marcia, born in 1804. mat- , 1820); William P., in 1802; Ann, in 1804; and ried Levi Peck. February 8. 1825. and had one . Robert, in 1805.

daughter-Comenta 12 Delia, born in 1500. Judge William Edmond was born September married Henry L. Randall. October 4. 1825. and : 28, 1755. in Woodbury. Conn. He was gradu- ated from Yale College in 1777. He took part in an engagement with the British in Ridgefield, and was severely wounded in the leg. April 27. Newtown in the practice of the law, and there had five children. - Helen. Charles, Henry. Ophe- lia and Celia. (3 Anna, born January 19. 1815. married Araunah Fairchild. December 28. 1851, and died July 19. 1806, leaving no children. (4) | 1777. In May, 1782, he established himself in Julia, born in 1816. married Elias Beers. Decem- ber 28, 1836, and had three children-Cornelia, ; resided until his death, which occurred August 1,

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A RAUNAH FAIRCHILD (deceased). who was one of the olden-time New England

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1838. in the eighty-third year of his age. He RELDEN. The Belden family of Newtown was one of the early New England families, as well as one of the prominent ones. The name is found among the patriots of the war of enjoyed an extensive and lucrative practice. He belonged to the old Federal party, and in 1797 was elected a member of Congress, serving four years. Subsequently he was repeatedly a mem- | the Revolution, and from early Colonial times to ber of the council, which then acted as a court the present it is known to the professions and ' associated with the political parties of the day. From Hinman's " First Puritan Settlers of Con- necticut " we glean the following: of errors. until 1805. when he was appointed a judge of the superior court. This office he re- tained until the change in politics in 1819. He was a remarkable man-plain and unassuming in

"Tradition says that two brothers by the his manners, mild and amiable in his deport- i name of Belden were among the first settlers of the Colony of Connecticut, and that they made I their first location at Wethersfield, but that one

ment, just and honest in his dealings, and hon- orable and magnanimous in his feelings. He was constant in his attendance on divine service | of them (William) after awhile, on the settle- in the Congregational Church.

ment of Norwalk, removed thither, and that ap- pears nearly certain by the records of the town of Wethersfield; for as early as February 7, 1641,

YOHN C. BOOTH, who died at Waterbury | and among the earliest grants, Richard had in August, 1886, was one of that city's : eight distinct tracts of land allotted to him by the richest men.

town, and little or no mention is made of Will- iam. save that he had three sons: Samuel.

Born in Newtown, Fairfield county, June 13, 1808, he was the son of Philo Booth, who lived | Daniel and John, born to him by his first wile on Mile Hill. John C. Booth taught school in ! Tomisin, in 1647, 164S, and 1650, and no trace his early life, and was clerk in a store in Fair- | of him is found afterward.

field county, then branched out as a traveling

" Samuel Belden, a son of Richard, had a man, first from Meriden, then from Waterbury, i daughter, Mary, and two sons, Samuel and where Benedict & Burnham, Holmes, Booth & ! Stephen, born to him by his wife, Mary, July Hayden, Plum & Atwood, and other enterprises, 1 10, 1653. April 6, 1657. and December 28, 108 felt the impetus of his business sagacity and i John Belden, Jr .. son of John (1). married Lydia push. For more than fifty years he was identi- fied with the business interests of Waterbury. He was always recognized as a man sagacious in business, clear-headed in all monetary transac- - - in 1677. Ezra Belden, fifth son of John. | Jr .. married, in 1722. Elizabeth, daughter of Deacon Jonathan Belden, and had children: | Ezra, born in 1722; Aaron, born in 1725; and tions, and of unimpeachable purity of character. ! Aaron (2) born in 1731: and three daughters. He was a quiet builder up of Waterbury's indus- | Elizabeth, Lois, and Eunice. From this lamii! tries. He amassed a great fortune. Mr. Booth | descended all the Beldens in Rock Hill. left surviving him a widow, formerly Miss Eunice Tucker, and one daughter.

TOSIAH BOOTH. who died March 7. 1890, 1 1691. married Abigail. daughter of Capt. Jno. J

was a son of Joseph Booth, and a direct de 1 scendant of Richard Booth, the lines of de- scent being through Jonathan, Daniel. Daniel (2), and Joseph.

Our subject was born in 1812. and through- out his long life resided in the house at the . and there took sick and died. Silas, Jr., the " Island" in Newtown, in which he was born. I eldest son, settled on a farm in Canaan. Joseph. On October 2. 1855. he was married to Mrs. . third son of John (1). was born in 1665, and in Sarah Briggs (nec Morehouse), who died May 10. 1 1093 married Mary Thomas, second 1885, aged sixty-six years. Mr. Booth was a life- . son of Joseph, born in 1700. married Mary. long member and carnest supporter of Trin- daughter of Rev. Stephen Mix. Thomas. Jr .. ity Episcopal Church. He was noted for his eldest son of Thomas. born in 1732, married Ab :- shrewd insight. his sterling uprightness and sin- , gail. daughter of Ezekiel Porter. Ezekiel P' .. cerity. Mrs. Booth was a leader in mission and eldest son of Thomas, Jr., graduated at Yale Co. charitable work in Trinity Episcopal Church, and : lege in 1775, entered the war of the Revolution in the community at large.

I as a lieutenant of light horse in Sheldon's regi-

1 :

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" Lieutenant Belden. Esq .. and Deacon Jona- 1 than, second son of John (1). was born June 21. | 1600, married Mary. daughter of Thomas Wright, 1 in 1685, and had issue: one son Silas, born in Robbins, in 1716. and had one son Silas, born in 1717. Silas, the father, moved from Wethers- I field to Canaan in 1741. where he purchased large tracts of land, but returned to Wethers- I field in the autumn ot 1741 to settle up his affairs.

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Commemorative Biographical Record of Fairfield County, Connecticut, Part 203

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