Commemorative Biographical Record of Fairfield County, Connecticut, Part 231

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

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Nathaniel Adams died December . 11, 1857, his wife on September 7, 1859, and they were laid to rest in the private cemetery on the farm. They were devout members of the Bap- tis Church, and their home being nearer the house of worship than that of any others of the congregation, many members would come there for dinner, from which circumstances it was long known as the " Baptist Hotel." Mr. Adams was fond of reading, and was an earnest student of the Bible, Pilgrim's Progress, Paradise Lost, and other works of the same character, which he

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owned and prized. He voted the Democratic | ter H. lives at Sound Beach. Ida Belle died ticket once, when Jackson was candidate for the | Presidency, and he was an ardent advocate of ! temperance and a decided Abolitionist, holding positive views on those questions. Though quick- tempered, he was kind-hearted, and he was an excellent citizen, highly esteemed by all who knew him.

Samuel Adams was born on the old Adams farm in Greenwich township, and there grew to manhood, spending his early years in the usual manner of farmer boys-assisting with the work at home and attending district school. Having

W. G. Adams was born at Sound Beach, on picked up some knowledge of the carpenter's | the old Greenwich farm, which has been in the trade while helping his father, he started out in | Adams family for 125 years, and in the same life for himself at the age of twenty years, going | house where his father's birth occurred. He at- to New York City, where he commenced work at ! tended school up to the age of eighteen years. the trade under his brother Aaron. He lived in i commencing his education in the district school New York for twenty years, during which time

of Sound Beach, and later studying at Stamford. he became a prosperous contractor and builder, | During this time he had lived with his parents. but after his mother's death he bought the old | but after leaving school he went to New York homestead, which he occupied for his summer | City, where he entered a broker's office in Wall home the following year. He then settled on the I street, and there he was employed for six years. farm and devoted the rest of his life to its culti- At the end of that period he and his brother. Walter, established the Volunteer Rock Drill Company, at Sound Beach, the partnership con- vation and improvement, completely remodeling the house, erecting new buildings all over the place, and putting up substantial stone walls; the | tinuing for three years, when our subject with- last named improvement was such a conspicuous { drew from the firm, though he is still part owner of the plant, which is located at Sound Beach Depot. He was formerly treasurer of the com- pany. In July, 1894, Mr. Adams formed his present partnership with Jesse Ritch, and they have since been one of the leading firms of Green- wich in the grocery and provision line, command- ing a profitable trade in the town and the sur- rounding country. one that he was often called " Stonewall Adams." Whatever he undertook was thoroughly done, and he took great pride in the unusually fine ap- pearante of his estate, working incessantly to keep it in such excellent condition. He occupied a high place in the regard of his friends and fel- low citizens, and his memory will long be re- spected in this neighborhood. Honest and up- right in all the relations of life, he supposed others to have the same regard for honor and principle, and, as is often the case with men of such nature, was more than once the victim of unscrupulous persons.

Samuel Adams was first married, in New York City, to Miss Caroline Prescott, who died leaving no children. On May 26, 1852, he wed- ded Margaret A. Pearsall, who was born Nov- ember 9. 1823. in New York City, daughter of Henry and Margaret (Horton) Pearsall. who had a family of six children-three sons and three daughters: four grew to maturity-Samuel, Ma- tilda, William and Margaret. Six children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Adams, as follows: How- ard N., May 17. 1853; Ella G., February 27, 1856; Walter H., October 25, 1859: Ida Belle, December 9. 1861; Frank E., September 4, 1863; W. G., April 11, 1865. Of these How- ard died April 3, 1896. Ella is the widow of Judge William Osborn, of Brooklyn, N. Y. Wal-

when one year and five months old. Frank E. was killed February 5, 1892, on the railroad at Sound Beach. Mr. Adams died December 25, 1885, and his remains were interred in Stamford cemetery. He was a kind, indulgent father. I and reared a family which is a credit to him and worthy to inherit his unblemished name. He at- tended the Baptist Church, to the support of which he contributed liberally, and in politics was a Republican. Mrs. Adams is still living on the homestead.

Mr. Adams married Miss Carrie R. Bull- winkle, of Mianus, this county, who was born in New York City, daughter of Richard and Mary (Smith) Bullwinkle. They have one child, Vivian. Mr. and Mrs. Adams have a comfortable home in Greenwich, and another at Sound Beach, where they reside during the summer months. In re- ligious connection she is a member of the Uni- versalist Church. Mr. Adams belongs to the Royal Arcanum. at Greenwich, and he is a mem- ber of the Amogerone Fire Company of that town. In political sentiment, he is a Republican.

C VOL. JAMES SHERIDAN, of Bridgeport. who until his resignation in August, 1898. was the commanding officer of the 4th Regi- ment, Connecticut National Guard, is a native of Ireland, having been born there about the year 1849.

For nearly a third of a century Colonel

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Col. James Shawday

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Sheridan has been a familiar figure in military circles. On August 11, 1868, he enlisted in Company E, 8th Regiment, Connecticut Na- tional Guard (which regiment had been pre- viously designated the Fourth), and after passing through the several non-commissioned grades, was elected second lieutenant, but resigned Feb- ruary 11, 1879.

Colonel Sheridan was out of service just thir- teen days when, on February 24, 1879, he was elected first lieutenant of the company. He was elected captain December 31, 1880; major of the regiment April 3, 1892, and colonel January 18, 1897. upon the promotion of Col. Russell Frost, of South Norwalk, to a brigadier-gen- eralship.

The Colonel is a prominent member of the Ancient Order of Foresters of America, and also belongs to the Knights of Columbus. His office and place of business is No. 144 Middle street, Bridgeport, Connecticut.

L UCIUS P. HOYT. The Hoyt family is of old Colonial stock, and is now numerously rep- resented throughout the United States, and the branch to which our subject belongs has long been identified with Fairfield county. His grand- father, Enis Hoyt, a prominent farmer in the town of Danbury, married Sarah Penfield, whose ancestors took an active part in the Revolution- ary war, and this worthy couple had two sons, Russell, the father of our subject, and Eli T., who for some years followed the business of hat manufacturing at Charleston, S. C., in partner- ship with his brother.

Russell Hoyt was born in the town of Dan- bury, and in later life became a leading merchant there. He was a man of intelligence, wielding much influence in local affairs in a quiet way, and in politics was first a Whig and afterward a Republican. He married Harriet Gregory. a daughter of Ezra Gregory, of Danbury, and a member of one of the oldest families of that city. Of the nine children born to their union four died in infancy, and five sons lived to adult age.

Lucius P. Hoyt, the subject of this sketch, gained his first knowledge of business life in his father's store. In 1854 he became connected with the Danbury National Bank, his active serv- ice with this institution continuing some thirty- seven years, during several of which he served as vice-president and twenty-four years as presi- dent. In 1890 he retired from active life, and to his retreat bore with him the esteem of all who had been associated with him, the fidelity 72

with which he had discharged his duties, and his unfailing kindness and courtesy to patrons and employes alike, bringing their reward in the good will and honest respect of all men.

FRANK A. WHITING has carried on the butcher business and farming in Greenwich township, Fairfield county, for a number of years, and he is well and favorably known to the resi- dents of that locality. He was born in Green- wich, April 22, 1858, a son of John and Hester (Webb) Whiting.

John Whiting was a native of the North of Ireland, whence he came, in boyhood, to the United States. He was married in Greenwich to Hester Webb, whose father, a plumber by trade, was a native of England, and they became the parents of four children, as follows: Caro- line, who is deceased; Frank A .; Mary J., Mrs. Edward Paul, of Stamford; and John W., de- ceased. Mr. Whiting followed farming in Stan- wich, where he owned a home and twenty-four acres of land, having by hard work and economy managed to get this start in the world, but he died at a comparatively early age, in 1870, and the mother was obliged to take up the struggle to support herself and children in comfort. She lived to the age of sixty-two. Both parents were Protestants in religious, faith.

Frank A. Whiting received his education in the South Stanwich district school. From his early boyhood he was trained to farm work, and as the family needed his assistance he was put *into the harness" at an unusually tender age, and commenced to fight the battle of life when most boys are considered helpless. His father had been in the employ of one man, at Indian Field, off and on for twenty-four years, and from the time Frank was eight years old he worked for him in the fall in order to get enough to buy his winter clothing. When eighteen years old he began work at the butcher business for Ezekiel Reynolds, from whom he received $16 per month, and he worked eleven years for another man, after which he started out on his own account. buying the Greenwich route of his emyloyer. He has continued this ever since, his patronage increasing as time goes on, and his business is now on a substantial basis. While following this line he has become widely acquainted throughout the section, and has made many warm friends among his customers, who wish him well and rejoice in his prosperity, which they know he fully deserves. A comfortable, pleas- ant home and property are his as the result of years of steady hard work, and he has risen in

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the world by his own ambitious efforts, winning along with material success the respect of all with whom he comes in contact, and retaining a spotless reputation both for business and personal integrity. For nine years after his marriage Mr. Whiting lived on rented property, and in May, 1895, bought the estate of Mary A. Reynolds, where he has since lived, and on which he has made a number of improvements.

On January 20, 1886, Mr. Whiting was mar- ried to Miss Lucy V. Dunn, who was born in i avenue. His business requires his close atten- Greenwich. September 16, 1859, the eldest of I tion, and he has never taken an active part in political work. Like all of his family, he is a devout Catholic, and he belongs to St. Mary's parish. the three children of Jacob and Caroline (Lock- wood) Dunn. Four children have come to brighten their home, born as follows: Frank A., Jr., July 28, 1889; Estelle D., June 7, 1891; Mr. Brauneis was married in Danbury to Miss Mary Ann McDonald, daughter of Michael Mc- |Donald. of Redding, and two children, Mary Lena Judson L., December 26, 1894; Vivian M., I October 16, 1896. In religious connection Mr. and Mrs. Whiting are Congregationalists, uniting | and Celia Glenn, brighten their home. with the Church at Stanwich. He is a stanch Republican in political faith, and supports that party in all measures of national importance, but in local issues he casts his vote for the best man. He is a member of Acacia Lodge No. 85, F. & A. M., of Greenwich.

HEODORE BRAUNEIS, the proprietor of L

a well-patronized meat market at Bethel, ranks among the self-made men of that thriving little city, his success having been gained by his own enterprise and energy.

The Brauneis family is of German origin, and Michael Brauneis, our subject's father, was a na- tive of Seligenstadt, in the Fatherland. In early manhood he came to Bethel, where he was em- ployed for many years as a journeyman hatter, first by Orrin Benedict and later by Julius Judd. He took much interest in public questions, and always voted the Democratic ticket, having been naturalized by the authorities at Bridgeport. In religious faith he was a Catholic, holding mem- bership with St. Mary's Church at Bethel. He was married at Danbury to Miss Bridget Glenn, and our subject is the eldest of their seven chil- dren. Michael is a liquor dealer in Danbury. William resides at Torrington. Conn. Sarah married John Small, of Danbury, and has had ! five children: Agnes, William, John, Theodore and Clifford. John is a grocer in Danbury. Mary married Frank Ratchford, of Providence, R. I., and has two children: Joseph and Frank. Peter is in business with his brother John, in Danbury. The father died in 1891. at the age of sixty-three years.

lic schools of that place. When a boy he worked for a time in a grocery for L. B. Vail, and then, after serving an apprenticeship in Orrin Bene- dict's factory, he followed the hatter's trade for some years in different establishments in Bethel I and Danbury. On August 7, 1887. he engaged i in the butcher business in Bethel, opening a small 1. market in a basement on Grassy Plain street; but his trade increased so rapidly that in 1893 he built his present commodious store on Greenwood

SAMUEL COMSTOCK, JR., an enterprising and successful business man of South Nor- walk, is the proprietor of a retail grocery at No. 72 North Main street, and enjoys a large and profitable trade among the people of that thriv- ing town.

Mr. Comstock belongs to one of the well- known families of that locality, and his grand- father Comstock early in life settled upon a farm near the city of Norwalk, becoming a leading agriculturist. Samuel Comstock, Sr., our subject's father, was born in Norwalk, and has resided there all his life, the hatting business occupying his attention for many years. In poli- tics he is a Democrat, but he has not taken an active share in party work. He married Miss Amanda Platt, a native of this county, and they have had ten children, all but two of whom are living: Caroline M. is the widow of James A. Day; Royal L. is an oyster dealer in Norwalk; John A., a teamster, resides in the same town; Henry is deceased: Samuel, our subject, is men- 'tioned more fully below; Mercy A. married A. W. Sharrot. of Staten Island; Miss Mary A. | is at home: Hattie is deceased; Cornelius is a : hatter in Norwalk; and Clifford, who also resides in Norwalk. is engaged in the same business.

The subject of our sketch was born June 21. 1855. at the old home on Woodward avenue. Norwalk. After taking a course in the local schools he went to Poughkeepsie. N. Y., and pursued his studies at the Eastman Business College. For some time after leaving that insti- tution he was employed as a clerk by grocers in various places. including New York City, Bridge-

Theodore Brauneis was born in Bethel, March 11, 1855, and received his education in the pub- | port, and Stamford, and in 1886 he engaged in

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the same business on his own account in part- nership with Lorenzo Dibble. The firm of Dib- I ble & Comstock carried on business successfully for about nine years, then in 1895 Mr. Comstock established an independent business at his pres- ent location.

Mr. Comstock's wife, formerly Miss Isabella Jones, is a daughter of O. Y. Jones, and a mem- | ber of one of the leading families of Westport, this county. One child, Edith C., has blessed - - their union. Mr. Comstock and his wife are prominent socially, and as a citizen he is inter- ested in public affairs without being in any sense a politician, as he votes independently on all oc- casions.

R OBERT H. COLEY, one of the substan- tial agriculturists of the town of Westport, Fairfield county, where several of his ancestors have been similarly occupied, is a native of the town in which he resides.

Born April 1, 1851, Mr. Coley is the son of Morehouse Coley, and the grandson of Hyde Coley. The latter was a farmer all his life in the town of Westport, and was probably born there. Coley district derives its name from this family. Morehouse Coley was born August 15, 1820, in the town of Westport, and was reared on his father's farm. On reaching manhood he married Mary Holden, who was born June 6, 1820, in England, a daughter of Rodert Holden, who came to America and to the town of Westport, Conn., and here operated a cotton-mill, making batting. After his marriage Morehouse Coley lo- The father of these children passed away Janu- ary 30, 1863. He was identified with the Epis- copal Church, as is his widow. In his political views Mr. Coley was Democrat. He was a esteem of his fellowmen. His widow is one of the best of women, and is beloved by her many friends and acquaintances.

Robert H. Coley was reared on the farm in the town of Westport, but as his father died when he was but eleven years of age he had only limited educatioual privileges, attending the neighborhood schools during the winters. His entire life has been given to farming, in which vocation he has become very proficient. Politi- cally he votes the Democratic ticket; in religious connection he and his family are identified with the Episcopal Church. He is a useful citizen. In 1893 he was elected first selectman of his

town, and served as such three years and in October, 1896, he was chosen second selectman, which position he still holds. He is a member of the Grange.

On April 28, 1874, Mr. Coley was married to Emily A. Bradley, who was born in the town of Westport, a daughter of Daniel B. Bradley, and three children-Leila M., Burr M., and Robert H., Jr .- have come to bless their home, all living.

G EORGE R. BEVANS. Danbury is espe- cially fortunate in her efficient chief of police, who, besides making a fine military record, had twenty-three years of service on the police force in New York City as a preparation for his pres- ent duties. He has held the position since June, 1891, serving with signal ability and success, and winning a reputation which extends far beyond local limits.

Mr. Bevans' ancestors settled in this section previous to the Revolutionary war, and his great- grandfather Bevans served as a soldier during that struggle. Timothy Bevans, his grandfather, who was born in this county, at Trumbull, was a soldier in the war of 1812. He was a farmer by occupation, and after his marriage settled at his native place, where he and his wife raised a large family of children; they had several daughters. Of the sons, the eldest, Russell, is mentioned below; David, a coachmaker by trade, died in New Haven, Conn .; John, a carpenter, is still living at Danbury; Charles, deceased, was a boot I and shoe maker at Trumbull; Ira, now a resident cated on a farm in the town of Westport, where | of Bristol, Conn., is connected with the clock his two children were born: Marcelius, July 27, I and watch works there, and is well known as the 1847, died September 12, 1852; and Robert H. | patentee of the hairspring.

Russell Bevans, our subject's father, was born

. and reared in this county, and, having in his youth learned the hatter's trade at Danbury. con- I tinued in that business all his life. He was a good man and citizen, and bore the respect and i man .of intelligence, taking an interest in the issues of his time, and in politics was first a Whig and later a Republican. He married Miss Amanda Gould, of Danbury, and for many years they re- sided at Westport, this county. His death oc- curred at Danbury in 1890; Mrs. Bevans is still living. Our subject was the youngest of five I children: Eliza J. is the wife of Frank P. Rice, of Danbury; Lucinda M. is the widow of Avery D. Raymond, formerly of Norwalk, Conn .; Mary E., who died in 1861, married Henry Stokes, a hatter; and Amelia is the wife of John C. Mead, a hatter of Bethel.

Our subject was born in the town of West- port January 7, 1838, and received his first in-

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struction in the public schools of Danbury. Later he attended a boarding school at Grassy Plains, and after his return to Danbury con- tinued his studies in a private school. On com- pleting his literary training he learned the hat- ter's trade, which he followed until 1862, but as the "dark days " of the Civil war drew on, and it became apparent that the conflict would re- quire more men and more time than was antici- pated at the first, he enlisted in the First Con- necticut Heavy Artillery. He served through the remainder of the war, being mustered out in June, 1865, and then, locating in New York City, he secured an appointment in the police depart- ment. After spending some time in the Fifth precinct he was transferred to the Broadway squad, and in 1875 was promoted to the rank of roundsman, being assigned to duty in the Fourth precinct, and later at the Grand Central depot. On reaching his twenty-third year of service in the department he was retired (with a pension) and came back to Danbury. where he was en- gaged in the manufacture of lubricating oil, until his appointment to his present position.

In 1870 Mr. Bevans married Miss Warner, of New Haven. Conn. They have no living chil- dren. Mr. Bevans takes deep interest in the welfare of the rising generation, however, and especially in educational matters, and his two years of service on the high school committee of Danbury were characterized by zealous and ef- fective effort. He is an influential Republican, and is also active in fraternal society work, hav- ing been connected with thirty-five different or- ders. At present he belongs to the G. A. R., the I. O. O. F., the B. P. O. E., and the Ma- sonic order, in which he has attained the thirty- third degree.

A LEXANDER MACKEY, a prominent citi- zen of Darien, is a man of excellent judg- ment and wide experience, and although he has now retired from business life he is regarded as an influential adviser in local affairs, and is often called upon by his fellow townsmen to serve the public in responsible positions.

Mr. Mackey was born in New York City in 1830, a son of William and Catherine (Clark) Mackey, who were both natives of New Jersey, but spent the greater portion of their life in New York State. His father was a shipbuilder by oc- cupation. and the junior member of the firm of Westervelt & Mackey, who constructed the first steamer to make the trip between this country and Europe. Our subject's parents both died in New York. They had a family of hive children:

Alexander, Henry B., Phoebe Coulter, Annie Gisburne and Cordelia Gardner.

Our subject received his education in the schools of his native city, and at the age of seven- teen was apprenticed to Youngs & Cutter, ship. joiners. After learning the trade he went into business on his own account for a few years, later engaging in sugar refining, from which he retired about 1880. In the spring of 1884 he made his home in Darien, a most attractive lo- cality to a man of leisure and cultured tastes, and he and his wife soon identified themselves with the best social circles of the place. Politically. he is a Democrat, but votes independently, sup- porting the best men and measures irrespective of party, and since his residence in Darien he has served three terms as selectman of that town.

On April 20, 1858, Mr. Mackey married Miss Josephine Rockett. of New York City. They are both members of the Baptist Church; socially, he is affiliated with the F. & A. M.

J T. BATES, one of the most prominent busi- ness men of Danbury, is the head of the well-known firm of J. T. Bates & Co., No. 39 Canal street. dealers in lumber, lime, cement, and builders' materials.

The Bates family became identified with the building trade in Danbury at a very early date, our subject's grandfather, Nathan Bates, a native of the town, having followed carpentering there for many years previous to his death. Nathan Bates and his wife reared a family of two daugh- ters and five sons. Of the latter, Hanford, Alli- son and Taylor engaged in agriculture in Ridge- field; George, who resided in Danbury, was a stage driver for many years. Stephen, our sub- ject's father, followed the blacksmith's trade for some years, but in 1858 he turned his attention to agriculture. His death occurred in February. 1889. He married Deborah Taylor, daughter of Joseph Taylor, of Bethel, and they had three children, of whom our subject was the youngest and is now the only survivor; Harriet E. married John Chichester. of Danbury, and died in 1863: Nathan died in 1867. in early manhood.

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Commemorative Biographical Record of Fairfield County, Connecticut, Part 231

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