Commemorative Biographical Record of Fairfield County, Connecticut, Part 23

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

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ous interests which he had acquired as increas- ing prosperity had enabled him to add to his possessions, looking after every detail connected with his various real-estate holdings, etc. He had many tenants, some of them renting from him for thirty years, and he was kind in his treat- ment of all, settling many an unpaid rent bill by simply cancelling it; an eviction was never known among his tenants. He was a director in the Old Bowery Bank, the Butchers & Drovers Bank, the Pacific Bank, the Broadway Insurance Company and the Park Insurance Company, and he continued to fulfill all the obligations im- posed on him by these interests up to the time of his death, which occurred in 1878. He was active and well preserved to the last, his death being the result of injuries to his hip, which he sustained by being thrown from a wagon. He left an estate of half a million, acquired by his own industry and good business management, and, what was more valuable to a man of his disposition and training, an unsullied reputation for integrity and uprightness in his dealings with all, and the record of an honorable self-made man. He was one of the early members of the Mechanics Society of New York City, now called the Mechanics Institute, and served for years on the library committee connected with same.

In 1816 Mr. Redman joined the military or- ganization then known as the Eleventh Regiment of Artillery, and for many years his enthusiasm seemed to center in military affairs, few mem- bers of that well-known body having a wider ac- quaintance than he. He retained membership until 1844, when he resigned, having risen to the rank of lieutenant of the Ninth Regiment, as the organization was then known. For many years his name was the only one of that spelling which appeared in the New York directory, and among his acquaintances in the city were numbered some of the best citizens, for although he was quiet and unassuming in his manners and habits he had a large circle of friends, all of whom en- tertained for him the highest respect. He was originally a Whig in political sentiment, and later a stanch Republican up to the time of his death.

Mr. Redman was married in New York City to Miss Mary Ann Tappan, who came of an old family of that city, and they reared a family of five children, as follows : James H., whose name introduces this sketch ; William H., who is mentioned elsewhere ; Joseph, who died in New York, leaving a family ; Angeline A., who is the widow of Charles Bell, and lives in New York ;. and Harriet, who became the wife of Richard E. Stilwell, and died in New York leaving a family

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of seven children. Mrs. Redman passed away in 1843, and the home was broken up shortly afterward, Mr. Redman having no permanent abode until his daughter Harriet married, after which he made his home with her. He was reared a Quaker, his parents and immediate an- cestors all belonging to the Society of Friends, but after his marriage he attended the Presby- terian Church, of which his wife was a member, and although he never united with that denomi- nation he was quite active in its interests, serv- ing as trustee of the Church where he worshiped, and taking a prominent part in all its enterprises. James H. Redman was born' June 17, 1829, at No. 185 Hester street, New York City, where all his brothers and sisters were also born, and like them he received the advantages of the pri- vate.and select schools of his native city, attend- ing also the select school for boys conducted by Prof: Thomas P. St. John, at Ridgefield, Conn. In 1845 he graduated from Pennington (N. J.) Seminary, and soon after this he commenced learning the business of jewelry manufacturer, in which he began at the bottom of the ladder, working at first at sweeping, "blowing the sweep," and other menial duties, and rising as he won promotion until he became a partner in the house. For a number of years he was traveling salesman for various jewelry firms, going to large cities only, and continued in this line until his retirement in 1878. He made his home in the Borough of Brooklyn, New York City, until 1892, when he removed to Riverside, taking up his resi- dence in the commodious and pleasant home where he lived, and in the remodeling and beautifying of which he spared neither pains nor expense, the dwelling and grounds giving ample evidence of their owner's taste and inter- est in this direction. Mr. Redman was like his father, quiet and retiring in disposition, avoid- ing publicity in every way, but he was neverthe- less popular and well liked by all his neighbors, and he was looked upon as one of the substan- tial and valuable citizens of the community in which he made his home, and took considerable interest in the social life of the locality. He was a member of the Riverside Yacht Club. While living in Brooklyn he was a member of the Am- phion Musical Society.

In 1853 Mr. Redman was married, by Rev. William M. Adams, to Miss Cecelia Allen, of New York, and two children blessed this union, namely: James E., now of Brooklyn, N. Y .; and Mary A., Mrs. Robert M. Mitchill, Jr., of Ora- dell, N. J., who has two children-Robert M. and Cecelia R. Mrs. Redman passed away in 1874, and in 1881 Mr. Redman married a widow,

Mrs. William H. Hollingshead, nce Henrietta Manning. She had two children by her first marriage-Charles G., of New York; and Carrie B., Mrs. Clarence W. Taylor, also of New York. Mrs. Redman is an active member of the Meth- odist Church at Mianus, Fairfield county, to which her husband also belonged. He was a Re- publican in political belief, a regular voter but no politician, though he took a deep interest in the success of his party. While in Brooklyn he was a member of the Ward Association.

On September 14, 1847, Mr. Redman joined what was then Company B of the Twenty-seventh Regiment, and which became afterward the fa- mous Seventh Regiment, and rose from the ranks to the position of orderly sergeant. This military organization is one of the best-known in New York City, and is the same which his father be- longed to when it was known as the Eleventh Regiment. At the time of his decease he was a veteran member in good standing.

H 'ON. DAVID H. MILLER, ex-member of the General Assembly from the Redding dis- trict of Fairfield county, who for many years has been a prominent business man of Georgetown, is a native of England, born in the City of Lon- don, August 12, 1831.

Capt. John H. Miller, his father, was born in London, England, and throughout his lifetime was connected with the English army. He was captain of a company stationed in the West Indies. He married Sarah Nevill, and to them were born as follows: (1) John H. was a native of London, came to America, and for a time was engaged in the manufacture of showcases in New York. Later he became a farmer, and in 1849, on the discovery of gold in California, he was one of the pioneers in that field. He visited various countries, and died some years ago in the city of Buenos Ayres, Argentine Confederation, South America. He was a delegate from California to the National Convention at which General Fre- mont was nominated for the Presidency of the United States. Mr. Miller was an educated man. He spoke a number of languages, and was at one time the editor of one of the Sacramento news- papers. (2) David H. is the subject of this sketch. Nathaniel Nevill, the father of Mrs. Sarah Miller, was born in Pewsey. County of Wilts, England, where he served a five-years' apprenticeship at the business of boot and shoe manufacturing and tanning. Having served out his time, he began carrying on the same business for himself, and soon became one of the promi- nent men in that line of business in London, the

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product of his factory going to various countries, including the United States and Canada. He married Sarah Pulbrook, and their children were: Richard, Eliza and Sarah.

David H. Miller attended private schools in his native city until he was twelve years of age. His father having died when he was but a lad, he was taken when about twelve years old by his stepfather into his office, where he was employed through the day, at night attending school. He obtained a knowledge of the banking and im- porting business in London, and at the age of fourteen years came to the United States with D. M. Peyser. Immediately on his arrival in New York he was made cashier in D. M. Peyser's store in that city. He held this position some years, and was then engaged in the manufactur- ing of show cases until 1851. In that year he returned to London, England, and entered the employ of his stepfather, with whom he learned the curled-hair business. After becoming thor- oughly skilled in this, he returned to the United States in 1852 and established on Pecks Slip, New York City, a factory for carrying on the business he had just learned. Some time after this he became acquainted with Edwin Gilbert, of Georgetown, Conn., and becoming interested in the factories at Georgetown. he transferred his business from New York to that point. He has since resided there, and for forty-three years he has figured quite. conspicuously in the social, business and public affairs of the village. and county. He is extensively and favorably known throughout this section of the country. Before the Civil war he was a member of the Eighth Regiment New York Washington Grays. During the war he was major of the 23d Conn. V. I., and served upward of one year. He has served four years as justice of the peace, and at the present time he holds a commission as notary public. He is secretary and treasurer of the school district; is vice-president of the Fairfield County National. Bank at. Norwalk, and is vice- president and secretary of the Gilbert & Bennett Manufacturing Company, of Georgetown. Mr. Miller is a stanch Republican, and was instru- mental in organizing the first Republican Club of Georgetown during the Fremont campaign. In 1881 he was elected to the. General Assembly from Fairfield county, and served. one term with credit to himself and to the satisfaction of his constituents. Mr. Miller is a staff officer in the Putnam Phalanx, of Hartford, which was or- ganized in 1858. . He is a member of James E. Moore Post No. 18, G. A. R., of. Danbury, also of the Army and. Navy . Club; fraternally, he affiliates with Ark Lodge No. 39, F. & A. M., of

which he has been secretary for the past twenty- nine years; is a member of Crusader Command- ery No. 10, Knights Templar, and of Pyramid Temple of the Mystic Shrine, of Bridgeport. In his religious views he is an Episcopalian.

In 1855 Mr. Miller. was. married to Miss Catherine Welling, who was born in Dublin, Ire- land, in 1833, and coming when a child to New York City. The children born to the marriage are: (1) Samuel J., born November 18, 1856, received a good common-school education, and in boyhood learned the wire business. Begin- ning at the " bottom round," he was steadily ad- vanced from one position to another until he became director and superintendent of the com- pany's works at Georgetown, Conn., and Chi- cago, Ill. He served five years as regimental clerk to the Connecticut National Guard. . In his religious affiliations he is a member of the Episcopal Church of. Wilton, of which he is treasurer. He married Miss Esther A. Cannon, of Cannon Station, a daughter of Charles Can- non, of the town of Wilton, and had two chil- dren-D. Henry and Mary C. (2) Mary C. mar- ried Joseph A. Gray, a prominent lawyer. of Norwalk, and they have six children. (3) David H., Jr., is engaged in the oyster business at Norwalk. He is vice-president and treasurer of the Raymond & Comstock Hat Mnfg. Com- pany, and interested in the Blacking Cabinet Manufactory, both of South Norwalk. He is a member of the Old Well Hook and Ladder Fire Company of South Norwalk. He married Miss Josephine Getler, and they have one child. . (4) Catherine W. is at home. (5) LOUIS P. MILLER was born April . 10, 1865, at Georgetown, re- ceived his education in the village schools, and by his own efforts has worked his way up to the very creditable position he now occupies-that of assistant superintendent of the Gilbert & Ben- nett Manufacturing Company, of Georgetown. He is a member of Ark Lodge, No. 39, F. & A. M., of Georgetown, of Crusader Commandery No. 10, K. T., and of Pyramid Temple of the Mystic Shrine, of Bridgeport, also of Pilgrim Lodge, I. O. O. F .; of Ridgefield. He mar- ried Miss Etta Bates, daughter of Seth P. Bates, of Kansas, but formerly of Redding, Conn., and they had one child that died in infancy. . (6) . Charles J. is still single, and is the manager of the Chicago store for Gil- bert & Bennett Manufacturing Company. (7) Julius W. learned the machinist's trade, and established himself in that business at South Norwalk. He is unmarried. (8) Sarah J. is also single. She is a graduate of the South Nor- walk High School (having been valedictorian of

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her class), also of the State Normal School, and is now engaged in teaching in the schools of Stamford, this county. (9) Bessie E. graduated from the South Norwalk High School, and was also valedictorian of her class; later she was graduated from the State Normal School; she is now teaching in the schools of Stamford.

H ON. MOSES SHERWOOD. This well- known agriculturist is a worthy represent- ative of one of the oldest and most highly es- teemed families of this county, and many of its members for several generations past have made their home on Sherwood's Island, in the town of Westport. He is a direct descendant of Thomas Sherwood, who came from England in 1634, set- tling in this county, the line of descent being traced through Thomas (2), a son of the pioneer; Samuel; Daniel; William; Daniel; and Silas B. Sherwood, our subject's father.

Daniel Sherwood, our subject's grandfather, was born in the town of Fairfield, but settled in early manhood upon Sherwood's Island, then a wilderness. He married Catherine Burr, of the town of Westport, and had ten children, all now deceased: Ebenezer, a miller and farmer in the district of Compo, town of Westport; Catherine, who married Ebenezer Diamond, of Brooklyn, N. Y., a merchant and shipowner; Eunice, wife of Ephraim Barr, a farmer of Fairfield township; Daniel, a farmer in Westport; Abigail, who died in infancy; Abraham, a merchant at Westport, who also ran a "market boat;" Silas B., our subject's father; and Francis, Frederick and Franklin (triplets), who were sea-faring men.

Silas B. Sherwood, the father of our subject, was born on Sherwood's Island, January 29, 1805, and followed farming there throughout his active life. Politically he was a Democrat, and in religious faith he was a Congregationalist. His death occurred at his home on Sherwood's Island, May 8, 1861, and his wife, Anna Coley (Taylor), daughter of Jessup Taylor, of West- port, died February 4, 1861. Our subject was the youngest in a family of four children, the others being: Silas B., Jr., who died December 8, 1896, was a farmer by occupation, and was a leading Democrat of the town of Westport, serv- ing many years as judge of probate, and repre- senting his town ably in the State Legislature. Jessup T., who was also a farmer, died at the age of thirty-two years. Catherine S. married William Burr, a farmer of Fairfield township, and is still living.

Moses Sherwood was born May 16, 1839, at the old homestead on Sherwood's Island, and

has always resided in that locality. He is a pro- gressive and enterprising farmer, planting mixed crops, and making a decided success of fruit rais- ing. Like others of his family he takes an influ- ential part in local affairs, and he has many times been elected to office on the Democratic ticket. In 1883 and 1884 he served as a representative in the Legislature, discharging the duties of the position with fidelity. He and his family are identified with the Congregational Church at Westport, Conn. On December 11, 1862, he married Miss Eliza F. Andrews, daughter of Ebenezer T. Andrews, of Easton, this county, and three children have blessed the union: Henry M. died January 20, 1896; M. Wesley assists in the management of the homestead; and Anna T. is at home.

W ILLIAM HENRY HOLLY, well-known in Stamford, Fairfield Co., Conn., as the bookkeeper of the Stamford Savings Bank, is a descendant of a family that has been identified with Stamford since 1642. Three brothers of the name of Holly came to New England in 1625 in the " Mayflower," this being its second trip.

Nathan Holly, great-grandfather of William H., was born in Stamford, and on October 11, 1763, married Hannah Jager, by whom he had three children, namely: Isaac, Sarah (born May 7, 1766), and Nancy. Isaac Holly was born in Stamford May 26, 1768, and died January 26, 1827. He was first married to Levina Bishop, by whom he had nine children, and by his second wife, Elena Bishop, he had five.

George Talbot Holly was born March 6, 1822, in Stamford, where he passed his youth and early manhood. On October 4, 1852, he wedded Sarah J. Kellogg, daughter of Martin Kellogg, and in 1854 they removed to Missouri, where they resided some eighteen years, Mr. Holly engaging in mercantile business. After returning to Stamford he carried on merchandis- ing in partnership with Alex. J. Holly, in 1884 retiring from active life. He passed away May 4, 1897, leaving three children-Charles Freder- ick and George T., living in New Mexico; and William Henry, whose name introduces this sketch. The youngest child, Isaac, died in in- fancy. During the Civil war Mr. Holly served the Union as a member of the 41st Mo. V. I., of which regiment he was quartermaster. Many years ago he was captain in the local military organization in Stamford. He was a member of St. John's Protestant Episcopal Church of Stam- ford, and, fraternally, belongs to Union Lodge, F. & A. M.

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William Henry Holly, named for his uncle, who established the Stamford Advocate, the first newspaper published in Stamford, was born March 3, 1859, at Savannah, Andrew Co., Mo., and there received his early education. After the family returned to Stamford, he attended high school here, and then commenced clerking in the grocery business, at which he was employed alto- gether for about seventeen years. During this time he was in the employ of Frederick H. Ayres, Ferris & Nolan and Hale & Totter, wholesale dealers in New York City. In 1889 he formed his present connection with the Stamford Savings Bank, and has held the position of bookkeeper there ever since, giving entire satisfaction in this capacity. His stability and trustworthiness have been marked characteristics of his service, and he is greatly respected by all his associates, in either business or private life.

Since 1888 Mr. Holly has been a member of the Connecticut National Guard, and he has been prominent in the affairs of his regiment. On July 19, 1892, he was made regimental inspector of rifle practice, with the rank of captain, and on January 9, 1897, he was promoted to the position of brigade inspector of small arms practice, and ordnance officer on the staff of the brigadier-gen- eral, with the rank of major. In fraternal con- nection, he is a member of Union Lodge, F. & A. M., Stamford; of Stamford Council No. 999, Royal Arcanum; and of Puritan Lodge, No. 43, 1. O. O. F. He is a member of the common council of the city of Stamford (1899-1900). In matters of religion, he unites with St. Andrew's Protestant Episcopal Church at Stamford.

G EORGE IRVING, secretary of the Sewing Machine Cabinet Company, of Bridgeport, is one of the successful business men of that town, and is also prominent in municipal affairs, being an able and faithful champion of the inter- ests of the people.

Born March 28, 1850, in Albany, N. Y., Mr. Irving is a son of George and Mary (Gulley) Irving, both now deceased. His father, who was a carriage-body maker by trade, was a native of Dublin, Ireland, but was of English ancestry, while the mother was born in Devonshire, Eng- land. They were married in this country, and for some time resided in Albany, whence they removed to Bridgeport. They had two children: George, our subject; and a daughter who died in infancy.

Our subject was two years old when his par- ents made their home in Bridgeport, where his education was obtained. On leaving school he

went to New York City, and for about sixteen years was employed as a shipping clerk by A. T. Demarest & Co. and John C. Ham. In 1882 he returned to Bridgeport, and he has since been connected with the Sewing Machine Cabinet Company in a responsible capacity. Politically, he is a Republican, and he has always taken keen interest in the questions of the day. At times he has been chosen to office by his fellow- citizens, and at present he is serving as alderman from the Tenth district of Bridgeport. In 1883 he married Miss Anna T. Harvey, daughter of William H. Harvey, of New York, and they have one son, Harvey C. Mr. Irving and his wife are held in high esteem among the people of Bridgeport, and he is a member of St. John's Episcopal Church.

C HARLES OLMSTEAD, an industrious and popular agriculturist of the town of Redding, Fairfield county, near Branchville, is a native of the county, born February 5, 1822, and received his education at the common school of the locality.

For a trade Mr. Olmstead learned shoemak- ing, but did not follow it long, and when he was twenty-three years old he commenced peddling, a vocation that gave him a good deal of experi- ence in various parts of the country, especially in the South, where he sold goods for some time. Later he became traveler for the Gilbert & Ben- nett Manufacturing Company, of Georgetown; Conn., and with that firm remained some fifteen years, at the end of which time, in company with Sturgess Bennett, he embarked in a general store business at Georgetown, which partnership was dissolved after three years. Mr. Olmstead next took up the timber business, but gave that up after ten years ; and it may here be men- tioned that at one time he carried on a butcher market at Georgetown. Purchasing his present farm near Branchville, he has since carried it on successfully.

During the Civil war Mr. Olmstead enlisted, in 1862, in Company E, 23rd Connecticut Regi- ment, and served one year. In religious faith he is a member of the M. E. Church, with which he united sixty years ago, has held all the offices in same, at the present time is trustee and stew- ard, and for many years was superintendent of the Sabbath-school. Politically he is a zealous Republican, originally a Whig, and cast his first vote for Fillmore ; among other offices held by Mr. Olmstead was that of assessor of his town.

In 1844 our subject married Miss Elizabeth | Fillow, who was born at Redding, in May, 1825,

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a daughter of Joseph- Fillow, a farmer of that town, and three children were born to them, to wit : Charles O., a brief notice of whom follows ; Laura A., wife of Charles A. Jennings ; and Clarence L., married to .Flora Dyckman. Of these, Charles O. was born in the town of Red- ding, studied medicine, graduated from the Col- lege of Physicians and Surgeons of New York, and became an expert surgeon, with practice at Cross River, N. Y. He was president of the New York Medical Society, and was a promi- nent Freemason. He died in March, 1893 ; his widow is yet living ; no issue.

Abram Olmstead, father of our subject, was born in the town of Wilton, and was a lifelong farmer. By his wife, Rachel .St. John, he had children: John, married a Miss . Lockwood; Charles is our subject; Jane is the wife of Ezra Bronson; and Julia married Andrew Raymond.

Nathan Olmstead, grandfather of our sub- ject, was born in the town of Wilton, Fairfield county, and was also an agriculturist all his days, owning a large tract of land on Olmstead Hill, in the town of Wilton. He was a member of the Congregational Church, and one of the most highly respected citizens in this part of the State. He married a Miss Middlebrooks, and had five children: Nathan, who never married; Aaron, who wedded a . Miss Scribner; Abram, father of our subject; Hannah, who never married; and Polly (Mrs. Keeler).

EV. GEORGE W. NICHOLS, D. D., the well-known clergyman and author, who is now living in retirement in Norwalk, Fairfield Co., Conn., was for many years prominent in the work of the Episcopal Church in this State. His family became identified with the county at an early date, and his grandfather, Ephraim Nich- ols, who was born in the town of Fairfield, did gallant service as a soldier in the Revolutionary war, taking part in several battles, including that of White Plains. By occupation he was a farmer, and his remains are interred at Green- field Hill. He married Miriam Bradley, and they had one daughter, Ellen, who died young, and four sons, of which our subject's father, Rev. Samuel Nichols, D. D., was the third in order of birth. The eldest, Capt. Charles Nich- ols, was a farmer at Greenfield 'Hill, where his death occurred. William and Bradley H. were also successful agriculturists in this county, and the former was for many years a justice of the peace.

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Commemorative Biographical Record of Fairfield County, Connecticut, Part 23

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