Commemorative Biographical Record of Fairfield County, Connecticut, Part 246

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

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Jonathan Giddings, the next in the line of descent which we are now tracing, was born in Lyme, Conn., April 18, 1741, and accompanied his father to New Fairfield, where he passed his life as a successful farmer. He served in the Revolutionary war, enduring many hardships, and at one time, having been sent out by his supe- rior officer as captain of a scouting party, he lost his way, and with the other members of the party subsisted for nine days upon roots and herbs only. Later he received a severe wound, and was honorably discharged from the service. He was one of the original proprietors of the West- ern Reserve, in the State of Ohio, consisting of 3,500,000 acres of land set apart in 1786, by the State of Connecticut, all other claims of the lat- ter upon the unexplored regions of the West be- ing then ceded to the general government. In 1795 Jonathan Giddings and others, among whom was Elijah Boardman, of New Milford, pur- chased a large tract of land on the Reserve, and May 12, 1800, Elijah Boardman, Homer Boardman, David S. Boardman and Stanley Griswold, of New Milford, with Elijah Wads- worth, Frederick Wolcott, of Litchfield, and Zephaniah Briggs, of New Fairfield, gave to Jonathan Giddings a deed of land "as propri- etors, in common with him, of township number two, in the sixth range of townships, in the Con- necticut Western Reserve, so called, and of lot number two, in township number seven, in the tenth range, * * * which lot contains the land which was annexed to said township number two at the general partition of said Reserve made by the proprietors thereof at Hartford, in the State of Connecticut, on the 23d day of Janu- ary, A. D. 1798. Being desirous of making a partition of said lands to each proprietor in sev- eralty, according to the interest and property of | each therein, have, together with the said Jona-

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said lands thereto annexed to be surveyed and laid out into lots." etc. The lands deeded to Jonathan Giddings were in various parcels, and amounted in all to 1, 383 acres, 2 roods and 32 rods. The deed was recorded January 27, 1801, in the records of the town of Palmyra, Ohio, book 1. page 42. On the back of the deed ap- pear the names of the partitioners, beginning with that of Elijah Boardman, and the memo- randum: "Partition Deed, Received and Re- corded in Trumbull County Records, Aug. 23, IS02. Book D, Page 186," and signed: .. John S. Edwards, Recorder."

Jonathan Giddings was married on January 2, 1766, to Mary Baldwin, daughter of Gamaliel and Mary or Rebecca (Herrick) Baldwin, and adopted daughter of Benoni Stebbins, of New Milford, the bride being then eighteen years old. He afterward came into possession of the home- stead of the Baldwin family, a fine estate on the west side of the Housatonic river, with the resi- dence fronting on Hinanam brook. This prop- erty remained in the Giddings family for about one hundred years. The death of Jonathan Gid- dings occurred April 8, 1817. and his will was admitted to probate in 1818. According to the inventory his estate was worth $18.000. His wife, who died February 20, 1824. was very pre- possessing in appearance, and her affectionate and kindly nature caused her to be greatly be- loved throughout the community. She was especially sympathetic toward the poor, giving generously whenever she could to relieve the needs of a worthy sufferer. She was admitted to membership in the Congregational Church of the North Society on April 28, 1772. Her estate, as inventoried for probate in 1824. amounted to $4. 302. She had the following children: Gama- liel Baldwin, born October 6, 1766, married Tabitha Eunice Barnes; Rebecca, born January 2, 1769, married Revilo Fuller: James Andruss, born April 3, 1771, married (first) Eunice Pen- field, and (second) Rachel, widow of John Seelye; Armida, born April 21, 1773, married David Gaylord: Solomon, born March 25. 1775, mar- ried Patty Paine; Jonathan, born February 18, 1777, married (first) Lydia Salmon, and (second) Philomela Buck; Polly, born October 2, 1779, married Andrew Barnes; Laura, born in 1780, married Sturges Penfield; Samuel, born May 13, 1782. married (first) Lydia Giddings. and (sec- ond) Amanda Sanford

Samuel Giddings, the next in the line of de- scent. inherited from his paternal ancestors great muscular strength and agility. He was six feet in height. of commanding presence, and when he was seventy years old his dark hair was but

slightly tinged with gray. His eyes were blue, and their keen glance would make any offender quail. In his youth he was distinguished for his skill in all athletic exercises; and seldom was a match found for him in wrestling, as he could manage two ordinary men. His feats at jump- ing matches were remarkable, and he could easily jump twelve feet forward or backward. On one occasion he was seen to take up a barrel of cider that had rolled out of his wagon, and re- place it by main strength. At another time a farm hand who had refused to perform some task at his command was picked up by the collar, and through a deft use of Mr. Giddings' foot sent sprawling over the fence, and on arising he was told never to enter the premises again. Mr. Giddings seemed to be absolutely fearless, and he did not allow his house or his farm buildings to be locked night or day. While he sometimes appeared stern, he was most charitable to the needy, and to his friends he was always generous, delighting in the hospitable entertainment of all guests at his home. Politically he was a Whig. and from the first he was a constant reader of Greeley's Tribunc. Official honors meant little to him, but he was often chosen to local posi- tions, and served several times as justice of the peace. He was also a lieutenant in the local militia company for some time. As a member of the Congregational Church he contributed lib- erally to religious work, and the punctuality which characterized him in his business dealings was shown in his regular and prompt attendance at Church services. When a new edifice was built by the congregation in 1835, his subscrip- tion was second in amount. His homestead in "Giddings District," near the New York line. was a valuable estate, and by his industry and good management he secured a handsome com- petence. He had an excellent constitution, and suffered but little from ill health until the sick- ness which terminated in his death on February 10, 1853. His first wife, Lydia Giddings, 10 whom he was married January 15, 1810, was born May 10, 1784, a daughter of Capt. William Giddings, for many years a deacon in the Church. She was a true Christian, and had a most pleas- ing disposition which endeared her to all who knew her, her death on July 12, 1829, being greatly lamented. By his second marriage, with Armida Sanford, which occurred in 1831, he had no children. but by the first there were eight. as follows: Rebecca, born December 19, 1810, married Hiram Giddings; Sally Ann, born June 24, 1812, died March 26, 1831. from the effects of a cold contracted while away from home at school; Dorcas, born May 13, 1814, married

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Harvey H. B. Tumer; Armida, born December 30, 1815, died May 18, 1818; Alfred is men- tioned more fully below; William Henry, born July 21, 1820, married Flora E. Leach; Ann Jeanette. born January 26, 1823, was a lady of exemplary Christian character, and her untimely death on January 8, 1855, from a fever, con- tracted while on a visit to Ohio, was greatly de- plored; and Caroline, born January 22, 1825. married David N. Fuller.

Smith, a native of Vermont, who was a wheel- wright by trade, and passed the greater part of his business life in Greenville. He was a soldier in the war of 1812. He lived to be almost ninety-six years of age, and was the father of twenty children, eighteen of whom grew to ma- turity. James W. Smith lived at Greenville until he was nineteen years of age, when he went to New York City and entered a drug store as clerk. On September 6, 1864, he enlisted, at Alfred Giddings, the father of our subject's husband, was born March 5, 1818, at the old home in the town of Sherman, and obtained a good common-school education in his youth. His health seemed somewhat delicate during his boyhood, but as he grew older he became quite Albany, N. Y., in Company M. 18th N. Y. Cav- alry, with which he served in the Department of the Gulf, receiving his discharge from the service June 2, 1865. Returning to New York City, he became a partner in the drug store where he had I clerked before the war, and also studied medi- robust. For a time he taught school in Ohio, ! cine in 1870, graduating from the medical de- but later he purchased a farm in his native town, partment of the University of the City of New York. Doctor Smith has since passed five and near the New York line, belonging to his father, and formerly known as the Hoag place. He : one-half years in Florida, also five years in Cali- built a house there, and made it his home until fornia, but his professional career has for the most part been passed in the City of New York. 1865, when he bought the homestead of his half- brother, Minot S. Giddings, which he repaired and improved, making a most attractive resi- dence. He died there November 19, 1878, sur- rounded by the friends that a life of usefulness had won for him. By nature he was somewhat reserved, but he was always scrupulously upright

On November 15, 1895, he located at Stam- ford, where he opened the drug store at No. 23 Main street, which he has since conducted, at the same time engaging in the practice of his pro- | fession. He has a very extensive office practice, I and is regarded as a skillful and competent physi- and honorable in his dealings with others, and | cian, worthy of the trust reposed in him. So-

showed a benevolent disposition toward worthy objects of charity. Socially he and his family held a high place, and he was an influential member of the Congregational Church. In No- vember, 1843, he married Miss Mary E. Pickett, daughter of Clark and Sophia (Giddings) Pickett. She was born July 23, 1822, and throughout her life was noted for her energy and high character, proving a wise counsellor and helper to her hus- band. They had two children: George C., who resembled his father in appearance and dis- position; and Sophia C., who was born June 2, 1849, and was married February 9, 1875, to Maltby Gelston, of the town of Sherman

TAMES W. SMITH, M. D., has carried on a drug store and engaged in general medical practice in Stamford, Fairfield Co., Conn., for the past two or three years, and in that short time has gained a strong footing there in both lines. He has had a wide and varied profes- sional experience in his twenty odd years of practice, and has acquired an enviable store of practical knowledge in his work, which has proved of much value to him.

cially, the Doctor is a member of the Masonic Fraternity and of the G. A. R., having originally joined Rawling Post at Stockton, Cal., from which he transferred to Hobbie Post.

TARED FINCH, who occupies an influential and prominent position among the agricult- ural population of Greenwich township, Fair- field county, has spent the greater part of his life here.

Mr. Finch was born April 22, 1843, in Peck's Land, son of Gilbert P. Finch, was born June 30, 1799, at Genoa, N. Y., of which locality his ancestors were early settlers. At the age of seven years he came to Fairfield county, Conn., and made his home with his uncle, Gilbert Peck, for several years, acquiring his education in the school at Peck's Land. He was married at that place and began his domestic life upon his uncle's farm, following agriculture throughout life, and thoroughly enjoying it. He was looked upon as one of the best agriculturists of the community, and was an upright, honest man, whose sys- tematic labors secured for him a good home and a comfortable property. He was very witty and

Doctor Smith was born May 2, 1840, in | always full of fun, so that he had little trouble in Greenville, Greene Co., N. Y., a son of Amos i making friends. Besides attending to his farm-

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ing interests he was an officer in the Greenwich Mutual Insurance Company, and he was a stock- holder in the Stamford Bank. Although his ed- ucation was limited, he was a very intelligent man, possessed of sound judgment and good business ability. During early life he held the | farm on shares.

rank of captain in the State militia. In politics

On October 17, 1866, Mr. Finch married he was first a Whig and later a pronounced Re- | Hannah B. Mead, a native of Greenwich town-

publican.

Gilbert P. Finch was twice married, his first wife being Miss Frances C. Mead, who was born in New York State. December 16, 1804, and died May 26, 1826. She left two children: Hannah | first wife our subject married Rebecca G.

R., born December 17, 1823, is now the wife of Isaac Howe, of Savannah, Ohio; and Thomas S., born November 5, 1825, is a resident of Stanton, Mich. (he served for three years in the 18th Mich. V. I. during the Civil war). On April 8, 1827. Gil- bert P. Finch married Alathea Peck, who was born May 15. 1803. and the following children blessed this union: Hester A., born January 31, 1828, married William M. Mead, and died in Oberlin, Ohio; Frances C., born December 17. 1829, married H. L. Ferris, and died in Greenwich; Gilbert P., born October 27, 1831, was a passenger conductor on the Illinois Central railroad for thirty- four years, and is now a wealthy retired citizen, occupying an elegant home in Amboy, Ill. : Ala- thea, born April 23, 1834, is now Mrs. Leander Mead, of Greenwich, Ohio; Laban, born March 26, 1836, was a member of the 9th lowa V. 1. during the Civil war, and died at Springfield. Mo .; Rebecca K., born May 16, 1838, is the wife of Theodore Lyon, of Greenwich, Conn .: Silas, born October 4. 1839, is a farmer of Peck's Land, Greenwich township: David J., born June 2, 1841, was for years a railroad man on the Illi- nois Central and the Toledo, Peoria & Warsaw railroads, but after being injured he served as revenue collector and township clerk at Peoria, Ill., where he died May 12, 1897 (he was a mem- ber of Company 1. 10th Conn. V. 1. during the Civil war); Jared, the subject of this sketch, is the next in order of birth; Mary E. died in in- fancy. The father departed this life December 1, 1878, the mother August 26, 1877, and both were buried in the Congregational cemetery at Greenwich.

Jared Finch began his education in the Peck's Land school, and later attended the Greenwich 1 Academy, then under the charge of Professor 1 Button. His business training was obtained on the home farm under the able direction of his father. He, too. donned the blue during the Civil war, being sworn into the Union service in October, 1861. as a member of Company I, Tenth Conn. V. 1., at Hartford. His first en- | measures of the Republican party, but he cares

gagement was at Roanoke Island, and he took part in many other battles and skirmishes, in April, 1863, being honorably discharged on ac- count of disability. As soon as able to work after his return home he operated his father's

ship and a daughter of Elkanah and Jane (Mead) Mead. The only child born of this union, Jeannette, is now the wife of George M. Mead, of Greenwich township. After the death of his

June, who was born in Glenville District, Green- wich township, January 4, 1843. Her father, Edwin W. June, was born in Stanwich, Conn., January 4, 1807, and throughout the greater part of his life engaged in farming. At one time he attempted meat packing in New York City, but after Croton water was introduced there his health failed and he returned to Greenwich to resume farming. He was mar- ried March 17, 1842, to Cynthia Green Taylor, who was born in Glenville, Greenwich township, January 27, 1816. Mrs. Finch is the eldest of their children, the others being as follows: Mary E., born July 24, 1844, now the widow of Alfred Walton, living on King Street; Nancy H., born April 1, 1847, who first married William Green- wood, later James H. Clark, and also lives on King Street; John S., born July 24, 1852, a car- penter of Port Chester, N. Y .; Joseph T., born December 12, 1856, who died in Glenville. The father of these children died at the age of fifty- I six years, the mother at the age of forty-seven, and their remains were interred in Green ceme- tery (a private one) in Greenwich township. Mr. and Mrs. Finch have two children: J. Harvey, born July 12, 1879, is attending school in Green- wich; and Willis D., born January 14, 1887, is at home.

In 1867 Mr. Finch moved west, locating in Amboy, Ill., where he operated his brother Gil- bert's farm for one year. He then went as brakeman on the Illinois Central railroad, and for three years was employed as conductor on that line, in 1874 returning to Connecticut, as his parents had become quite old, were alone and needed his help in operating the farm. After their death he bought the farm, and he now has the excellent place of fifty acres under a high I state of cultivation and well improved. Mr. | Finch's ability as a farmer is above the aver- age, and he is regarded as a good citizen, of the strictest integrity and thoroughly reliable. | With his ballot he always supports the men and

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nothing for political honors. Both he and his wife are devout members of the North Green- wich Congregational Church, in which he is serv- ing as committeeman, and a member of the stand- ing committee.

A LFRED B. DAVIS (deceased) was for many ! years a prominent resident of Stratford, and as a citizen he was held in high esteem. His death, which occurred November 18, 1890, caused sincere grief among his associates, and the bereaved family had the sympathy of the community in which he had so long made his home.

Mr. Davis was born December 10, 1813, in Bridgeport, this county, a son of Philo Davis, who was a native of Derby, New Haven Co., Conn. His mother, whose maiden name was Phobe Wayland, was born in the town of Trum- bull, this county. Seven children came to the union of Philo and Phoebe Davis: Charles, who never married, was a peddler in the South; Henry, who died in the South, where he was engaged in farming and lumbering, married (first) Caroline Ambler, of Danbury, (second) Mary Edwards, of North Carolina, and (third) Jose- phine -; George, a tanner and currier by trade, married Caroline Hayes; Alfred B., our subject, is mentioned more fully below; Susan married D. C. Dayton, of New Preston; Delia did not marry; and Edwin, who engaged in farm- ing in the West, married Anthy Burr, of Trum- bull.

Our subject became engaged in business in early manhood as a tanner and currier, follow- ing the trade first in Trumbull, then in Bridge- port, and later in Stratford. While he was not especially active in public affairs, he took an in- terest in all questions of his time, and was an ardent supporter of Democratic principles. In religious faith he was a Congregationalist, and for many years he was a leading member of the Church at Stratford. On January 16, 1837, he married Miss Ruth A. Booth, who survives him, and of their five children three are still living: (1) Edwin B., a mechanic in Bridgeport, married (first) Miss Mary Bristol, of Stratford, and (second) Miss Sarah Buddington, also of Strat- ford; he had two sons-Charles and George, both by the first marriage. (2) Sarah A. is un- married. (3) An infant died unnamed. (4) Walter F. S., a farmer by occupation, died March 31, 1898. (5) Carrie S. married Morris C. Clark, of Stratford.

MRS. RUTH A. DAVIS was born in the town of Stratford, and is a member of a well-known

family. Her grandfather, James Booth (1), and father, James Booth (2), were both residents of the town, and the latter was born there, as was also his wife Hepzibah This worthy couple, who were married January 8, 1800, had a family of fourteen children, ten of whom lived to adult age: Abigail A., born in 1802, married John Hopkins, of Bridgeport; Julia A., 1804, married William Burritt, of Stratford; Nathan- iel B., 1805, married Eunice E. Russell, of Derby; James, 1810, married Mary Beardsley, of Stratford; Elmira, 1812, married (first) Na- than William Burritt, of Stratford, and (second) Joseph Allen, of Woodbury; Angeline, 1815, married Bartholomew Kugler; Ruth A. (Mrs. Davis) was next in the order of birth; Sarah M., 1819, married Edmund Dikeman, of Newtown; William H., 1822, married (first) Betsey Booth, of Woodbury, and (second) Margaret Smith, a native of Jamaica, West Indies; and Catherine E., 1826, married George B. Ambler, of Trum- bull. None of these children are now living ex- cept Mrs. Davis, William H. and Catherine E. The father died on March 4, 1860, the mother preceding him to the grave.

H ON. ARTHUR C. WHEELER, mayor of the city of Norwalk, Fairfield Co., Conn., was born August 26, 1856, and is a representa- tive of one of the old families in New England.

Benjamin Wheeler, grandfather of our sub- ject, settled in the town of Wilton, where he operated a saw and grist mill. He married Per- melia Boughton, and the following is the record of their three children: Charles H .; Betsey mar- ried Rev. A. B. Pulling, a Methodist minister, and both are now deceased; and John B. is a mechanic in a sewing-machine factory at South Norwalk. Benjamin Wheeler was a devout Methodist. He passed to his final rest in Janu- ary, 1880, in Wilton.

Charles H. Wheeler was born in the town of Ridgefield, and engaged in teaching until failing health compelled him to change his vocation. He left the school-room with deep regret, as he was one of those instructors who love their work, and the private school which he had for some years successfully conducted in Norwalk was abundant testimony of the thoroughness of his methods. He took a patriotic interest in mu- nicipal affairs, and from 1884 to 1890 served as first selectman of the town of Norwalk, being elected on the Republican ticket. He married Anna E. Canfield, a daughter of Daniel Canfield, a native of the town of Lewisboro, Westchester Co., N. Y., and the young couple at once located

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at Norwalk, where their three children were born and educated: Mary E., who married Sea- man W. Haines, formerly of Ledyard, N. Y., [ but now of Chulavista, Cal .; Carrie V., wife of

Charles W. Littell, of Norwalk; and Arthur C., i various fraternal societies. He is past master of our subject.

Arthur C. Wheeler passed his boyhood in Norwalk, and at the age of fourteen he left the schoolroom and entered the office of John P. Beatty Bros., as an errand boy, at a salary of three dollars per week. For two years he held this position, but his cheerful willingness and ready obedience had attracted the attention of those in authority, and he began to make rapid ad- vancement, his first step being to the duties of shipping clerk, and the last to that of general manager and superintendent of the factory. In 1888 Beatty Bros. retired, and then the erstwhile errand boy took the business for himself, manu- facturing men's straw hats exclusively, and em- ploying from 125 to 150 people. Not a position in the establishment but its details are under- stood by the proprietor, not from observation, but from experience-from the lowest to the

Ernest C. and H. Arthur. Our subject and his wife are communicants of St. Paul's Episcopal Church.

Mr. Wheeler is prominently connected with St. John's Lodge No. 6, F. & A. M .; eminent I commander of Clinton Commandery No. 3; grand junior deacon of the Grand Lodge of Free Masons of the State of Connecticut, and I secretary of the Benjamin Isaacs Masonic and | Benevolent Association; he is a member and past grand of Our Brothers Lodge of Odd Fel- lows, No. 10; member of Kabosa Encampment, 1. O. O. F., and is now grand patriarch of the I Grand Encampment of Connecticut. He is also a past officer in the Insurance Order, Improved Order of Heptasophs. which lodge he was appointed to represent in Louisville, Ky., in May, 1897. The Social Club bears his name on its roll, but in his home Mr. Wheeler finds his pleasanter social relations, and in their beautiful residence he and his hospitable wife entertain. liberally.

Mr. Wheeler is one of the directors of the highest, a magnificent record, one filled with | Fairfield County Savings Bank. Among the I varied kinds and classes of people met with in daily life, Arthur C. Wheeler belongs to those whom good men delight to honor.

lessons of fidelity to duty, prudence, foresight, and business sagacity and executive ability; a | success that might turn a man's head. but which has produced no effect upon the genial. courteous manufacturer, who, firm, self-reliant, pursues his course, unaltered and unmoved by the suc- cess that has crowned his efforts. His decisive E AMIL LOUIS WEISS, M. D. Few mem- bers of the medical profession have en- joved as thorough preparation for practice as has this well-known physician of Danbury, and fort- i unately he has the ability to make full use of his opportunities. character, which in no way permits of vacilla- tion, is nowhere so clearly demonstrated as in his political views, wherein he is first, last and always a Republican. From 1886 to 1895 he was committeeman of his school district, and has always shown a deep interest in matters edu- I entage, our subject secured an elementary educa- cational. When Norwalk was a borough, Mr. I tion in the public schools of that city, and at the Wheeler served as a member of the court of bur- | age of ten years was sent to Carlsruhe, Germany, gesses, and in 1893, when Norwalk became a I his father's native place, in order to pursue a city, he was a member of the original city coun- i course of study in the State Gymnasium. On

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Commemorative Biographical Record of Fairfield County, Connecticut, Part 246

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