Commemorative Biographical Record of Fairfield County, Connecticut, Part 220

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

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Thomas Bland, our subject, spent his early school days in Stamford, and after attending the public schools finished his education at the pri- vate school of G. B. Glendining. At the age of eighteen years he was bound out as an appren- tice to Kirk & Schofield for the term of three years. Upon attaining his majority, Mr. Bland

worked at his trade, that of carpenter. for a year, but his mind was too active to remain long at the bench. He began dealing in real estate in Bridgeport, and in that city carried on, for two years, a house-furnishing store. Disposing of that business, however, he returned to Stam- ford, where for six years he was foreman in the shops of the St. John Woodworking Company, at the same time conducting a real-estate business. He purchased a building lot at No. 204 Main street and erected a building. He next engaged for three years in the house-furnishing goods trade, then returned to the St. John Woodworking Com- pany, remaining there for the period of two years as salesman and shipping clerk. In May, 1897, Mr. Bland engaged in contracting work in build- ing up a suburban avenue, and he has prospered beyond his utmost expectations in the enterprise. The success he has attained is the result of his own courage and judgment, and it gives evidence of a character that may be counted upon as a most valuable asset in the city where he lives, for it is due very largely to men of his pluck and in- sight that the improvements of which a city is proud are made.

Mr. Bland was married in Stamford to Miss Carrie F. Whitney. daughter of George Whitney, of New Canaan, Conn., and they have three children: Louise Pauline, Charles T., and Ethel. For nine years MF. Bland has been assessor of Stamford. He is a member of Union Lodge No. 5, F. & A. M., and for many years was a mem- ber of the I. O. O. F. Few business men have reached the standing attained by Mr. Bland. Starting in business life at the age of twenty-one years, with no capital, he has made a remark- able success of everything he has undertaken, and he is to-day one of the most prosperous and public-spirited citizens of Stamford.

A LBERT WILCOXSON, treasurer of the Stratford Oyster Company, is one of the most popular citizens of his locality. Since 1860 he has held the offices of assessor and school vis- itor continuously, and at times he has been chosen to other positions including those of selectman and town treasurer, his able and efficient service being appreciated by the people without reference to party lines. In fact, al- though he is a stanch Democrat he has never been dependent upon any special class of voters for his support, as in 1860 his name appeared on both the Republican and Democratic tickets for the offices mentioned, and once he was elected by a handsome majority when neither of those parties had given him a nomination.

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Mr. Wilcoxson belongs to one of the pioneer families, tracing his descent from William Wil- coxson, a native of Lancashire, England, who was made a freeman in Massachusetts in 1636, and settled in Stratford, this county, in 1639. Ephraim Wilcoxson, our subject's great-grand- father, was a native of Stratford. Col. Ephraim J. Wilcoxson, the grandfather of our subject, was born in. Stratford November 13, 1761, and took part in the Revolutionary war, and also that of 1812, his title being won by his service in the latter struggle. He followed farming in Stratford throughout his life, and died there on January 15, 1838. His wife. Mary (Wheeler), was a native of the town, and the remains of both were interred in a cemetery near their old home. They had three children: John, our sub- ject's father; Lucius L., a prominent citizen and substantial farmer of Stratford, where his death occurred some years ago: and Mary, who mar- ried Oliver Beardsley, a farmer in the same town.

SIDNEY BAILEY. Among the most pleasant summer resorts to be found in the picturesque region around Danbury is the ". Bailey House" at Lake Kanozia, two miles from the city. Its Hon. John Wilcoxson was born in Stratford in 1805, and became a successful farmer of that locality. He was influential in local affairs, and for many years was one of the leading Democrats of the State, serving three terms as a representa- tive in the Lower house of the Legislature, and genial proprietor is a man who is accustomed to suc- cess in his undertakings, and under his careful man- agement the place will doubtless become even more popular than it has been in the past. Mr. Bailey is well-known as a successful agriculturist and dairyman, and his farm of sixty acres is one of one term in the State Senate. In religious faith | the best of its size in Mill Plain District.

he was an Episcopalian. His death occurred March 30, 1870, and his wife, Susan Caroline (Wells), died in 1880. She was a native of Stratford, where her father, Legrand Wells, was a lifelong resident, and her family has long been prominent in that locality. Albert was the eldest of four children, the others being: Walter, born October 24, 1832, is a carpenter by trade, and is engaged in farming in Stratford: George S., born December 20, 1841, was drowned at sea; and Miss Susan C., born January 17, 1845, is a resi- dent of the town of Stratford.

Albert Wilcoxson was born November 24, 1829, at the old home in Stratford, and was edu- cated in the public schools and the academy in Stratford village. On leaving school he became interested in farming, and he has also done much work as a surveyor in his own and neighboring towns. His sound judgment and well-proven integrity are valued in business circles, and at times he has invested in different enterprises, at present being prominently connected with the Stratford Oyster Company, of which he has been treasurer since its formation in 1881. Mr. Wil- | coxson is very popular among his fellow citizens in Stratford, who repose the greatest confidence in him, and he has often been called upon to settle estates.

ried Miss Ann Eliza Curtis, and six children have blessed this union: Louise is the wife of Samuel W. Beardsley, of Stratford; Albertine, living at home, has for years been a teacher in the Strat- ford schools; John C., a farmer in Stratford, married Esther L. Curtis, daughter of Peter P. Curtis, of Stratford, and they have two daughters -Mabel B. and Rachel; Georgia A., Alice May and Harry are at home. Mrs. Wilcoxson is a member of an old and respected family of the town of Monroe, being one of the four children of Levi and Thursey (Turney) Curtis, the latter being a daughter of Robert Turney. The others are Susan C., Polly Betsey and Eli, all residents of Monroe township.

Sidney Bailey was born June 21, 1862, in Brewsters, Putnam Co., N. Y., the son of Hacka- liah and Sarah Ann (Reynolds) Bailey. Like most country lads he spent his summers in farm work, in winter attending the local schools, but at eighteen he determined to leave the old home and seek a more congenial sphere in mercantile life. Accordingly he went to Danbury and se- cured a position as clerk in Eli Werner's clothing store, but two years there taught him to appreci- ate the charms of country life. In 1883 he mar- ried Miss Addie Keeler, and he soon afterward gave up his clerkship and purchased his present farm, which is bounded on the north by the lands of Delos Gregory, on the east by those of Elmer Keeler, on the south by the New England rail- road, and on the west by the property of Frank Fowler. Mr. Bailey makes a specialty of dairy work, keeping an average of ten cows. He pur- chased his hotel in the spring of 1896. and farm and dairy furnish choice supplies which are duly appreciated by his guests.

In politics Mr. Bailey is a Republican, and he is influential in a quiet way in local affairs. His wife is a member of the Disciples Church at Dan- bury, and he is in sympathy with its work and with all worthy movements. Their family con- sists of two children: Ray and May. Mrs. Bailey

On November 23, 1852. Mr. Wilcoxson mar- | is a daughter of John Platt Keeler, a prominent

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resident of Ridgebury, this county. and her mother, whose maiden name was Eliza Mead, was a daughter of John Wesley Mead, of Brew- sters, New York.

P ATRICK LAVERY is a member of the Lav- ery Grocery Company, a well-known firm of Bridgeport, and he and his brother Michael, with whom he is in partnership, enjoy an extensive and profitable trade.

Mr. Lavery was born October 31, 1864, in County Armagh, Ireland, and received his early education in the public schools. At the age of seventeen he became a sailor, spending two years in voyages to different points in the Red Sea, the Mediterranean and other parts of the world, and he then came to the United States, in February, 1883, locating in Watertown, N. Y., where he learned the carpenter's trade. He followed same for about nine years, and in February, 1895, he came to Bridgeport and entered the employ of his brother Hugh, who was then engaged in the grocery and liquor business at our subject's pres- ent store, No. 374 East Main street. On Sep- tember 1, 1897. our subject and his brother Michael purchased the business which they have since conducted successfully.

On November 15, 1887, Mr. Lavery married Miss Maria Corcoran, of Watertown, N. Y., who was the daughter of James Corcoran. a native of Ireland. She died in 1888, the mother of one child, who died in the same year. On July 17, 1895. Mr. Lavery married Miss Anna Gellick, of New York City, a daughter of Matthew Gellick, of Ireland, and two children, Beatrice and John, brighten their home.

Michael Lavery, our subject's brother and business partner, was born July 11, 1873. at the old home in County Armagh, Ireland. He mar- ried Miss Mary A. McCarty, of Bridgeport. Both brothers are Democrats in politics, and they are earnest members of the Roman Catholic Church in Bridgeport. Socially they are popular, be- longing to the Order of Red Men and the For- esters of America.

C H. SCOVILLE, M. D., of New Canaan, is numbered among the most successful gen- eral practitioners in this section of Fairfield county. He has been a resident of New Canaan only a few years, but he has met with the great- est encouragement from the very start, and is kept busy attending to a now extensive practice.

Doctor Scoville is a son of William Henry Scoville, a native of Norwich, Conn., whose

father was a salt-water captain, and was lost at sea. William Scoville followed the sea from boyhood until the year 1849, and for a time was captain of a mail packet which ran around the Horn. He caught the "gold fever" at the time of that excitement in California. and going to the new Eldorado engaged in quicksilver mining in Sonoma county, becoming superintendent of the Sonoma mine. Returning at length to Nor- wich, he, in 1869, opened a grocery store in that town, which he conducted for several years, un- til his retirement from active life. The remain- der of his days were passed in Newport, R. I., where he died. He married Miriam Foster, and they became the parents of two children, viz .: Clarence Henry, whose name introduces this sketch, and Arthur William, who resides in New- port, R. I., and is engineer on a Fall River steamer. Mr. Scoville was a member of the Masonic Fraternity, and in religious belief was a Universalist.

Clarence Henry Scoville was born May 11, 1851, in Norwich, Conn., and there spent his boyhood and youth, attending the public schools. In 1868 he enlisted in the army, becoming a mem- ber of the 11th U. S. Inf., which was then sta- tioned in Texas, and remaining three years in the service, from which he was honorably dis- charged, on account of disability, in 1871. Be- fore entering the army he had commenced the study of medicine, and during his service he kept up his studies under the tuition of the post sur- geon. On his return to Norwich he continued the science with a local physician, and in 1889 entered Baltimore (Md.) Medical College, from which he was graduated in 1892. For one year he practiced in Stamford, Conn., and then lo- cated in New Canaan, taking the practice of Doc- tor Brownson. Doctor Scoville's genial, whole- souled disposition has been as great an element in his success as his medical skill, and he has an enviable reputation in New Canaan, for both his personal and professional merits. He is very prominent in fraternal circles, being an active member of Harmony Lodge No. 67, F. & A. M., and the Odd Fellows Lodge, at New Canaan; the A. O. F. of A. of Meriden; the Order of United American Mechanics; the Knights of the Golden Cross; Order of Red Men; the Knights of the Maccabees: the Firemen's Association; and, professionally, of the Fairfield County Medical Society; the Stamford Medical Society, and the Baltimore Alumni Association. In religious con- nection he is a Baptist, and a member of the Epworth League.

Doctor Scoville was married, October 17, 1878, at Glenville, Conn., to Miss Agnes Lee,

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who was born in England, daughter of Charles I been enterprising and public-spirited, as the Lee. Two children-Lucy A. and Henry F .- [ beautiful home he built at Greens Farms attests. have been born to them.

G EORGE FAIRCHILD. one of the substan- ' tial men of Greens Farms, and who through a long life of nearly eighty years has been an esteemed and respected citizen of Fairfield ·county, is a native of the county, having been born in Ridgefield November 6, 181 ;.

Samuel Fairchild, great-grandfather of our subject. was a resident of Fairfield county, occu- pied in agricultural pursuits. Gilbert Fairchild (grandfather of our subject) followed the same ·occupation, although in earlier life he was a clothier in Norwalk. He married a Miss Ben- nett, and to them were born four children, namely: Hezekiah (father of our subject), Sam- uel (a tailor by trade), Betsey (Mrs. Israel Whit- tock), and Ellen (Mrs. Elias Pullyn). Of these, Hezekiah Fairchild was born in Norwalk, and through life engaged in agricultural pursuits. He married Rhoda Allen, a native of the town of Westport, and daughter of Benjamin Allen, who was a farmer there. He served his country in the war of the Revolution. Ten children were born to this marriage: Eunice (married to Darlin Jarvis, a farmer of Ridgefield). Charles (who was a shoemaker of Westport), Benjamin (a tailor by trade, who died in the West), Hezekiah and Rhoda (both deceased in infancy), Gilbert (a blacksmith by trade, who died in early life), Daniel (who was a tanner and currier by trade), George (our subject), Polly (who died in youth), and Polly Ann (married to Charles Allen, a farmer of Westport). The parents of these were members of the M. E. Church, and in politics the father was a Democrat.

George Fairchild was reared in Westport and there learned the carpenter's trade. which he fol- lowed for forty years. By his industrious habits, the practice of economy and good management through that period he saved some money, and was enabled to purchase a farm in the town of Westport. He then became engaged in farming, which has since been his occupation. He has added to his present farm until he now has seventy-five acres in the home place, and in an- other tract twenty-five acres. He has been systematic in the conducting of his farm and methodical in his business dealings, which traits have aided materially in the success he has at- tained in life. He is a man of pood judgment, and his opinions have weight with the com- munity in which he has so long lived. He has

Mr. Fairchild was married to Polly Nash, a daughter of William Nash, and seven children have blessed the union, of whom we have men- tion of Frances (Mrs. Rufus Wakeman, of West- port). Sophia (Mrs. Fred Wakeman). George (a farmer of Westport), and John (a carpenter). The mother of these children died, and Mr. Fairchild subsequently, in 1876, married Mrs. Sarah Nash, a daughter of Samuel Whitlock. and to the union was born one child, Clarence G., who is now in school at Saugatuck.

A ARON H. DAVIS, who for forty years past has been identified with the interests of the Gilbert & Bennett Manufacturing Company, of Georgetown, town of Redding, having served as an employe in different departments. is one of Fairfield county's substantial business men and useful citizens.

John Davis, grandfather of our subject, was a native of the town of Easton, Fairfield county, and throughout active life was engaged in mill- ing and farming. He married a Miss Buckley, of Fairfield, and to this union were born: Nathan; Esther, who married Thomas Treadwell: Paulina, who remained single; Beulah, who married (first) Zalmon Bedient, and (second) Morris Downs; John, married to Sarah Hull; Joshua, who mar- ried Catherine Gould; and Sarah, wile of Morris Downs. Of these, John Davis, father of Aaron H. Davis, was born September 19, 1803, in the town of Easton, and there, in the common schools, received his education. He became, by trade and occupation, a miller, but later engaged in farming. which he continued to follow. He was identified with the M. E. Church, and was one of those upright and conscientious men who make valuable citizens and leave their impress for good upon a community. He married Sarah Hull, who was born April, 1814, a daughter of Aaron and - (Fanton) Hull, prosperous farming people of the town of Weston, and to their union were born: Aaron H., our subject; Sarah J., who married Edwin Hoyt; Henry, who married Tammy Tuttle; Edgar, who married Mary Godfrey; John S., unmarried; Maria, also unmarried; Arthur, deceased in youth; Hiram, who married Anna Keeler; and Carrie, married to Alexander McKendrick.

Aaron H. Davis was born in the town of Danbury. Fairfield county, October 4. 1834. He acquired the rudiments of an education in his native town, and when only a lad learned the trade of carriage-making at Bridgeport, working

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at same five years. In 1856 he moved to Georgetown, where for a time he was engaged at carpentering. In August, 1858, he entered the employ of the Gilbert & Bennett Manufac- turing Company, he and his father-in-law tak- ing charge of the woodworking department of the mill. From that time to the present he has continued in the service of that company, occu- pying positions in different departments; he is now in charge of the twisting department. For nearly a year during the Civil war he performed faithful and honorable service as a member of Company E, Two Hundred and Thirty-Second C. V. I. He cast his first vote for John C. Fre- mont, in 1856, and from that time to this has been an ardent Republican. In 1864 he was hon- ored by the citizens of Fairfield county with elec- tion to the State Legislature, while a member of that body representing the interests of the county ably and to the satisfaction of his constituents, as well as with credit to himself. He has served his fellow-citizens as a member of the board of relief and as selectman of the town. Socially, he is identified with Arch Lodge No. 39. of George- town, of which he was a charter member, and for twenty-eight years has annually been chosen its treasurer; and with James E. Moore Post, G. A. R., of Danbury. In religious connection he is a member of the M. E. Church at Georgetown, being treasurer, trustee and steward of the same, offices he has held for years. A record of over forty-years' service with one concern, and one of nearly a third of a century as treasurer of another organization, speaks for itself. Such a life needs no comment. Socially, Mr. Davis is genial, affable, and very popular.

Our subject married Miss Lucy Bennett, a native of the town of Wilton, born August 28, 1838, and a daughter of Aaron and Mary (Hull) Bennett, of Georgetown. To this union have come children as follows: (1) Edith M. was born in the town of Wilton September 19, 1860, and received her education in the public schools there; she married William Foster, a machinist, of Brighouse, England; they have had no children. (2) John F. was born September 5, 1875, in the town of Redding, Fairfield county, and after re- ceiving a primary education in the schools of the town attended the Business College at Bridge- port, from which he was graduated; he also studied architecture, and is at this time with a Mr. Beardsley, an architect of Bridgeport. Mr. Davis is not married. Politically he is a stanch Republican.

The Bennett family (into which our subject married) and their connections have descended from the early families of the State. Elias Ben-

nett, the great-grandfather of Mrs. Lucy (Ben- nett) Davis, was a native of the town of Fairfield, Fairfield Co., Conn .; he participated in the war of the Revolution, and in after years received a pension for his services. He was twice married, and by his first wife had children as follows: Elias (2) married Mary Perry; Abigail married Burr Rowland; Lewis; John married a Miss Finch; and Ann married a Mr. St. John. The mother of these children died, and the father was again married, this time wedding Miss Mollie Crossman, who bore him children as follows: William, one who died in youth, and Mollie.

Elias Bennett (2), after receiving an educa- tion in the schools of his native town of Fair- field, began teaching school, and followed that profession for twelve years in one district. Sub- sequently he purchased a newspaper route, and for thirty years was a post-rider to and from Bridgeport. He owned a farm of over 100 acres, which he operated in connection with his newspaper business. Politically he was an old- time Whig. He married Mary Perry, a daugh- ter of Thaddeus and Grace (Buckley) Perry, and to their union were born: (1) Sturges, who be- came one of the founders of the Gilbert & Ben- nett Manufacturing Company, of Georgetown, with which he remained connected throughout his life. He married Charlotte Gilbert, a daugh- ter of Benjamin Gilbert, his business partner, and to this marriage came Eli G. and three who died in infancy. The mother of these died, and the father married Miss Betsey A. Burchard, by which union there were no children. (2) Mary. (3) Aaron became identified with the Gilbert & Bennett Manufacturing Company, remaining with same all his life. He was a Republican. He married (first) Miss Mary Hull, and they had three children-Mary married Edward Thomp- son; Lucy married Aaron H. Davis; and Harriet never married. His second wife was Mrs. Jen- nett Rundall (sister of his first wife), to whom no children were born. (4) Burr married Sally Lee, and they became the parents of the follow- ing named children-Margaret married James Rider; Fannie married Charles R. Meeker; Will- iam B. married (first) Alfretta Batterson, and (second) Mary Eliza Buckley; Adell married W. W. Andrews; Fidelia married Morris Perry; Mary (deceased) never married; Ella, also de- ceased, remained single, and two, whose names are not given, died in infancy. (5) William Bennett was born in the town of Redding July 20, 1818. After preparing himself in the town school to teach, he followed that profession several years. He afterward engaged in the hardware business in Ridgefield, and later in the same line in Croton

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Falls, following which he went to New York City where he was in business for twenty years. He returned to Fairfield county, and is at this time postmaster at Branchville. Politically he was originally a Whig. casting his first Presidential vote for William Henry Harrison, and he is now a stanch Republican, and has been prominent in the councils of that party. Fraternally he is a member of Pilgrim Lodge, I. O. O. F., of Ridge- field. For fifty-nine years he has held member- ship with the M. E. Church at Georgetown, and during all of this time he has been active and use- ful in its affairs. While absent in New York he kept up his interest in the home Church there, serving as steward, class-leader, and exhorter. He was for many years superintendent of the Sab- bath-school, and a teacher in the same Church at Georgetown. William Bennett married Miss Chloe Hull, born in November, 1818, a daughter of Daniel Hull. a farmer of Weston, and to them were born: William C. died in infancy; Charles L. married Medora Batterson; Esther M. married Louis Quinn; William R. married Marietta Beers; and Chester A. married Harriet Olinstead. The mother of these dying, the father married Caro- line Olmstead, born in 1833. daughter of Nicho- las Olmstead, of Ridgefield, and their children are: Carrie M. died in infancy; Richard O. mar- ried Laura B. Batterson; Lizzie N. married Charles N. Couch; and Susan W. married Fred Foster. (6) Samuel became employed under his brother in the works of the Gilbert & Bennett Manufacturing Company, of Georgetown. He married Miss Abigail Odell, and of their children -Ezra P. married (first) Anna Lockwood, and (second) Johanna Buckley; and Jessie F. mar- ried Herbert Northrop.

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Commemorative Biographical Record of Fairfield County, Connecticut, Part 220

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