Commemorative Biographical Record of Fairfield County, Connecticut, Part 248

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

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J TOHN C. SHERWOOD, of the New England Flag & Regalia Company, Stamford, Conn., is a native of Connecticut, having been born October 18, 1845, in Greenwich.

John S. Sherwood, the father of our subject, was a native of Nelson, Ohio, whence he went to New York City, where for a time he was principal of public schools; coming to Con- necticut he kept a boarding and day school for boys in Greenwich, which later he removed to Danbury, in the same State. He married Miss Harriet Newell Cotter, who was born in West Cornwall, Litchfield Co., Connecticut.

John C. Sherwood, our subject, passed his early school days at West Cornwall, Conn., where he lived with his grandmother Cotter. Afterward he attended Cream Hill Agricultural School, and still later the Eastman Business Col- lege, at Poughkeepsie, N. Y. Being now equip- ped for business life, Mr. Sherwood clerked for three years in West Cornwall, Conn., during the succeeding four years conducting in the same city a tin and stove business. For some fifteen years thereafter he was engaged in the milk and pro- duce trade at Washington, Litchfield Co., Conn., and in April, 1889, he came to Stamford, where he has since been connected with what is now known as the New England Flag & Regalia Com- pany, conducting the only industry of its kind in Stamford. Under the head of Society goods,

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alone, there is a wonderfully long list of tasteful and curious things made in this factory-articles for use, for ornament, and for purely symbolic purposes. It includes lodge-room furnishings, with all that implies of various quaint and strange affairs, the purposes of which would be a puzzle for all outside the mystic circles. The national ensign is also made there in quantities and of any size required.

Our subject was married at West Cornwall, Conn., to Miss Ellen C. Hart, daughter of Na- than Hart, and two children grace their union: Herbert Francis and Nathan Hart. Socially, Mr. Sherwood is affiliated with Rippawan Lodge, 1. O. O. F .. and the Encampment: also with the Knights of Pythias, the order of American Mechanics, the Patriotic Order Sons of America, the Improved Order of Red Men, the Knights of the Mystic Shrine, and the Knights of the Maccabees. He is also Deputy State Councilor of the Daughters of Liberty. In religious faith he is a member of the Congregational Church, and in political affiliations he is a Republican.

V ALENTINE GREEN. better known among his friends and neighbors in Greenwich township as ". Volney " Green, is a member of a highly honored family of that section of Fair- field county. The home he occupies is over 110 years old. and the farm which he operates has been owned and cultivated by the Greens for four generations.

James Green, the great-grandfather of Volney Green, was a farmer, and ended his days on the home place, dying of gangrene in his eighty-ninth year. He was buried in the private cemetery of the Green family. He had a numerous family of children, and among the younger members was Beniamin, who was born October 24, 1774, on the home- stead. Benjamin Green was reared to farm life, which he followed in his early manhood, but not many years after his marriage he removed to New York City, where for some time he carried on a grocery business at the corner of Orchard and Division streets. He passed the remainder of his life on the homestead. Mr. Green was twice married, his first wife being Deborah Lawrence, a native of New York State, who was born May 8. 1789. and by whom he had nine children, born as follows: George W., January 10. 1810 (he was a grocer, and died in New York City); A. L., October 31, 1811; William. August 30, ! 1815: Charles B., July 25, 1818: Benjamin, September 17. 1820: Charles E., November 21, | Conn. Four of the sons-Joseph. Lawrence. 1822; Thomas, November 24, 1826; Dewitt C., | Norval and George-entered the Union service

February 28, 1829 (he resides in New York City); and Deborah L., August 11, 1832 (she is the wife of Benjamin F. Hyatt, of Greenville, Conn.). The mother of these passed away March 10, 1833, and was laid to rest in the Green cemetery. The father afterward married Eunice Husted, who survived him, dying at a ripe old age. He breathed his last on August 11, 1840, and was interred in the family cemetery. Mr. Green was a large and powerful man, weighing 240 pounds. At one time he was a supporter of the Demo- cratic party, but later in life he transferred his political allegiance to the Whigs.

A. L. Green, the father of our subject, was I born on the old home farm, and is still living there. He was a mere infant when his parents removed to New York City, as above related, and there he passed his early life, attending the pub- lic schools for a number of years. In his thir- teenth year the family returned to the farm in Greenwich, where he acquired his early expe- rience in his life work. After his marriage he located on his father's farm in Rye township, Westchester Co., N. Y., whence, after a residence of several years he returned to Greenwich, and since his father's death he has made his home on the farm of his birth, which was his share of the paternal estate. He now owns seventy-five acres, having added to the original tract. and was actively engaged in the work of cultivating I his land until about five years ago, since when I he has lived retired. In his day he was, like his father, a powerful man, and has accomplished the unusual feat of laying up cight rods of stone fence in a day. handling every stone himself. Although advanced in years he is well preserved. mentally as well as physically, and he is esteemed I and venerated by his numerous acquaintances | and friends throughout Greenwich, where he is well known. In his early manhood he filled ser- eral local positions of honor and trust, and was once "Hog Hayward " of Greenwich township, an office which was long since discontinued.

On August 20. 1834, Mr. Green married Sally M. Taylor. who was born May 17, 1813. in Greenwich, the daughter of Joseph Taylor. an employe of the woolen factory at Glenville. Nine children came to bless their home, of whom. Malvina married Levi Bailey, and died in Green- wich; Joseph is a silver plater of Bridgeport, Conn .; Lawrence lives in White Plains, N. Y .: Valentine; Norval is a painter, and makes his home in Greenwich; George; Phillipene is dead; Emma married W. M. Ritch, of East Port Chester; Herman makes his home in Stamford,

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during the Civil war, and all returned home safely. The mother of this family was called from earth in August, 1888, and sleeps her last sleep in the Green family cemetery. Mr. Green has since remarried, his present wife being Jes- sie, daughter of Dean and Catherine (Palmer) Worden; she was born in Greenwich township. Mr. and Mrs. Green are devout members of the Methodist Church in King Street, in which he has held office at various times. He voted for Henry Clay when that gentleman was the Presi- dential candidate, and has not cast his bal- lot since.

Valentine Green has spent his entire life on the home farm. He received his education in the public schools of Glenville. and was his father's assistant in the farm work from an early age, having given all his time during active life to the cultivation and improvement of the home place. His life has been quiet and unassuming. and for industry and sterling integrity no man in the township commands or deserves greater re- spect. Public affairs and office have no charm for him, and though he has been a stanch sup- porter of the Republican party ever since he cast his hrst Presidential vote, in 1864. for Abraham Lincoln, he has taken no active part in political matters.

0 SCAR SMITH, a well-known architect and builder residing in Westport, is a man who commands in a high degree the esteem and con- fidence of his fellow citizens. In early manhood he gave proof of his patriotism by gallant service in the Union army, and in private life he has manifested the sterling qualities of character which belong to good citizenship.

Mr. Smith is related to several of the leading families of Fairfield county, and on the paternal side is of the fourth generation in descent from Lieut. Henry Smith, who came from England during the Revolutionary war with Burgoyne's army; but as his sympathies were with the strug- gling Colonists, he deserted and joined Washing- ton's forces, with which he served until peace was declared. He was married in Westport and for a number of years resided there, but his death occurred in Litchfield, where his remains were interred.

Aaron Smith, a son of the old hero and the grandfather of our subject, was born in Westport where he made his permanent home upon a farm, and in addition to the management of the place he carried on the shoemaker's trade. He mar- ried a Miss Batterson, also of Westport, and they had eight children, viz .: Harry (our sub-

ject's father), George, Burr, Allen, Caroline, Emeline, Sarah and Mary.

Harry Smith, the father of our subject, was born March 5, 1812, in Westport, where he fol- lowed the shoemaker's trade. While he was not a politician, he took keen interest in all that con- cerned the welfare of his country, and in senti- ment he was a stanch Republican. He married Harriet Marvin, who was a native of Norwalk and a descendant of an old French family. They were devout Methodists, and their large family was reared in the same faith. Of their twelve chil- dren, the eldest, Sarah M., is unmarried; George B., a resident of Westport, is a carpenter by trade, and is also engaged in the insurance busi- ness; Charles H. died in infancy; Aaron is a blacksmith in Norwalk; Oscar, our subject, is mentioned more fully below; Esther M., widow of Robert M. Potter, resides in Westport; Theo- dore is engaged in the foundry business in Nor- walk; Homer, a resident of Port Chester, N. Y., is in the house-furnishing business; Eugene is a machinist in New Haven; Franklin died when eight years old; Frederick died in infancy; and Elmer resides in New York City, where he is a manufacturing jeweler.

Our subject was born June 29, 1842, in the town of Wilton, but his youth was spent chiefly in Westport, his education being obtained in the schools of that locality. During boyhood he clerked for a time in a grocery in Westport vil- lage, and later he was employed in an edge-tool factory at Port Chester, N. Y., but he did not fol- low that business long. On August 28, 1862, he was sworn into the Union service as a member of Company F, 17th C. V. I., and during his three years of service he took part in numerous important engagements, including the battles of Chancellorsville and Gettysburg. He was with the forces that captured Jacksonville, Fla., and other Southern towns, and did not return to the paths of peace until the war ended, being mus- tered out in July, 1865, at New Haven. He then engaged in his present business at West- port, in which he has met with substantial suc- cess. In politics he is a stanch Republican, active and influential in local affairs, having for six years been a member of the town committee, and he is now serving as selectman, having been elected in 1896, and again in 1897. Socially, he is prominent in connection with the G. A. R. and the Masonic Fraternity, having been an active member of Temple Lodge No. 65, F. & A. M., since about 1874. and he is also identified with Washington Chapter, R. A. M.

On July 22, 1875, Mr. Smith married Miss Elizabeth Allen, daughter of Harvey Allen, a

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leading citizen of Westport. She passed to the unseen life October 8, 1895, leaving one daugh- ter, Bessie.

L UTHER M. WRIGHT. "Diligence," once said a wise observer, "is a fair estate, " and so it has proved in the case of this energetic young business man of South Norwalk. Few have begun life under less favorable circum- stances. vet few men of his age in this section have attained as high a standing in the business world. or have brighter prospects before them. Mr. Wright was born September 21, 1867, at Whitestone. Long Island, and is of English de- scent on the paternal side. His grandfather, Jonathan Wright, a farmer on Long Island, lived to the advanced age of ninety-seven years, but John Wright, our subject's father, who was a fisherman by occupation, met his death by drown- ing in 1870 when in the prime of life. As Mr. Wright, our subject, was only three years old at that time he has no personal recollection of his father, and he does not even know the name of his mother, who also died during his childhood. He was the youngest in a family of six children, and the others are now living on Long Island.

Soon after the death of his parents Luther M. Wright was placed in an orphan asylum in Brook- lyn, where he remained three years, and later he was sent to the home of a farmer in Massa- chusetts. There he remained until he reached the age of thirteen years, when he removed to South Norwalk, Conn., and began to learn the trade of blacksmith. After three years he went to New York City to perfect his knowledge of the business, then in October, 1886, he returned to South Norwalk and opened a shop of his own, where he gradually built up a large trade as a carnage maker. From time to time he has en- larged his establishment until he now employs twenty-three workmen in the various branches and departments. His factory and repository is located at the corner of Franklin and Madison streets. South Norwalk, and in addition to a complete line of carriages of all kinds he keeps a stock of harnesses, whips and similar goods. Through his branch establishments at Darien and Norwalk he controls the trade over a large section, and as he is a believer in the efficacy of advertising he makes use of all legitimate meas- ures to introduce his goods to public notice.

In 1889 Mr. Wright was married to Miss Angie Smith, daughter of Wilham P. Smith, a well-known citizen of South Norwalk, and his home is brightened by three children: Robert, Frank, and Edna. In politics he is a Repub-

lican, but while he takes keen interest in the suc- i cess of his party he has never been active as a politician. His habits are strictly temperate, and in all his relations with others he is governed by a high sense of honor. Business interests occupy his time chiefly, yet he is well-liked so- cially, and he is a member of the Order of Red Men, of the South Norwalk Club, and of the Putnam Hose Company.

JOSEPH D. GOULDEN (deceased), for many years the proprietor of the drug busi- ness now conducted by the firm of E. C. Goulden & Co., was in his lifetime one of the representative, prosperous and progressive citi- 2ens of Stamford, Fairfield county, active in business and public affairs, and highly respected by all classes. His death, which occurred when he was a comparatively young man, brought to the community, in which he had so long been a prominent member, what was regarded as a pub- lic loss, and his memory is held in sacred esteem by a host of friends and acquaintances in Fair- field county.

Mr. Goulden was born September 19, 1859, in the town of Fairfield, Fairfield Co., Conn .. where the father died when Joseph was a small boy. There he was reared, and he received his early education at the schools of Fairfield and Southport, Conn., some years later in life attend- ing college for a time. He commenced his life work as a clerk in a drug store at Manchester, Conn., subsequently owning a drug store in that town in partnership with W. H. Cheney, for about three years. In 1888 he came to Stam- ford and bought out the drug business of Wilbur E. Lewis. continuing it on his own account until his decease. in December, 1896. The business was enlarged and the establishment materially improved during these years. Mr. Goulden win- ning the confidence of the people along with their patronage, and in return taking a lively in- terest in the welfare and advancement of his adopted town. His influence in public affairs was felt throughout Fairfield county, and in 1894 his fellow citizens gave substantial proof of their opinion of his worth by nominating and electing him representative to the State Legislature from his District on the Republican ticket. That he proved himself equal to his part and the expecta- tions of his constituency may be concluded from the fact that in 1896 he was nominated for State Senator, an honor which he was obliged to de- cline on account of ill health, and he passed away not many months later, at Welaka, Florida. Mr. Goulden was married in December, 1885, at

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Fonda, N. Y., to Miss Evelyn C. Reese, daugh- ter of Abram Reese, of that town, and he left one son, Walter Reese. Since her husband's ·decease Mrs. Goulden has retained his business interests, and is a partner in the drug store which is at present conducted under the firm style of. E. C. Goulden & Co., with the same methods, and, consequently, the same success, which marked Mr. Goulden's management.

E ADWARD FREYLER. Bridgeport has been peculiarly favored in her young men. Per- haps no city of the size has so many young men who have developed, in early life, the talent for business that usually takes so many years of patient toil in contact with the world. We here .present a brief review of the life and character of ·one whose career justly entitles him to repre- sentation in a volume of this kind. Edward Freyler, who was born in Bridgeport, November 18, 1869, is the son of Francis Joseph and Mag- dalena (Kusterer) Freyler.

Francis Joseph Freyler was a native of Ger- many, born in 1844, at Mainz, on the banks of the picturesque Rhine, in the Province of Rhein- Hesse, Germany. He spent his early days at his native place, and received all his education before the age of ten. His quick perception and reten- tive memory had, even at this tender age, se- cured for him a literary training greatly in ad- wance of his years. In 1854. when at the age most boys are devoted to play, with never a thought or care for the morrow, he came alone to this country to seek his fortune. He located in New York City, and found employment in a confectionery store, where he so devoted himself to business that he soon had mastered all the de- tails, and later opened up an establishment of the same kind for himself. This he conducted with the marked success that is the offspring of busi- ness sagacity, as well as close application to busi- ness, until late in the " sixties," when he located in Bridgeport, and opened up two confectionery stores, one at the place where " Lane's" now is, and the other on the present site of "Huber's." Both of these he carried on, building up a large and lucrative trade, until in 1884, when he opened a café on Main street, later moving to Cannon street.

He was married in Bridgeport, to Miss Mag- dalena Kusterer, daughter of Bernhard and Mag- dalena Kusterer, who died in 1876. Two chil- dren were the result of this union: Edward, our subject; and Cora, deceased. After the death of his first wife, Mr. Freyler was again married, this time to Louisa Schreiber, and two daughters

were born to them: Carrie and Cora. Mr. Freyler is a member of several of the fraternal societies of Bridgeport, and takes an active part in their work.

Edward Freyler, the subject proper of this sketch, has spent his entire life in his native city. He received his education at the Bridgeport High School, where he distinguished himself as a close student, with remarkable reasoning fac- ulties. For two years he was secretary and treasurer of the Bridgeport Business College, and in 1896, in the office formerly occupied by James Staples & Co., bankers, he engaged in the real- estate and insurance business. He represents fire, life, marine, accident, burglary and live- stock insurance companies, while rents, loans, investments, exchange drafts, &c., are all attended to by him, with the collection of rents Į a specialty. He handles railroad and steamship I tickets, and, by appointment of Gov. Cooke, is a notary public. His office is located at No. 207 State street, and the busy scene therein betokens a business success far beyond that usually acquired by men of his years. To the believer in the laws of heredity, this young man would be an interesting study, and the solution of his I remarkable talents a simple problem-German I blood, and all that means of industry, integrity 1 and economy, coupled with a New England training. Judging of the future in the light of the past, it is safe to predict that before his sun has gone down in the West, he will have reached the zenith in the commercial world. He is unmarried.

Socially, Mr. Freyler is a member of the Sea Side Club, Bridgeport Wheel Club and Park City Yacht Club; he is also a member of the Bridgeport Real Estate Protective Association.

E ADWARD S. PRICE. This enterprising agri- culturist is the owner of a fine estate on Huntington road, formerly known as the " Blood farm." For the last seven years he has made a specialty of dairying, in this, as in other depart- ments of his work, meeting with gratifying suc- cess.

Mr. Price was born September 12, 1859, at Cornwall, Conn., where his family is well known. Edward E. Price, his father, was also a native of Cornwall, where since early manhood he has been engaged in agricultural work. He and his wife, formerly Miss Julia Lawrence, of the same place, have had six children, of whom two. Edward S. and Charles, are the only survivors.

Our subject was educated in the public schools I of Bridgeport. During his youth he became

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familiar with all branches of farm work while On June 23, 1883, Mr. Irving was married to assisting his father on the homestead, and as the | Mrs. Mary Stirling, a daughter of Philo Bassett. occupation proved congenial, he has always fol- | lowed it. In 1891 he purchased his present farm and established his home there. He takes much interest in all that concerns the development of There are no children by this union. A Repub- ! lican in politics, Mr. Irving loyally upholds the platform of the party, but he is no office-seeker I .in the literal sense of the expression. Socially, his locality, and is a prominent member of the ! he is a member of the Bridgeport Concordia So- Trumbull Grange. In 1884 he was married, in i ciety: he also belongs to the Bridgeport Liquor Bridgeport, to Miss Ella Morris, of that city, and ! Dealers Association, of which he has been presi- five children have brightened their home: Maud, Frank, Edward. William and Harriet. i dent and vice-president, and he was connected 1 with the Bridgeport fire department from 1881 1 to 1885. Possessing a genial and pleasant dis- position, Mr. Irving has made many warm friends, who one and all congratulate him on his success

R W. IRVING, whose place of business has for over twelve years been at No. 464 Main | in his business affairs.

street, Bridgeport, is one of the popular men of the city.

He is a native of New York State, born in January. 1856, in Middletown, Orange county, and is of Scottish ancestry, his grandfather, Robert Walsh Irving, having come from "the i land of the mountain and the flood," and settled . in New Jersey. where he became an extensive paper manufacturer.

Robert W. Irving, father of our subject. was born in Peekskill. N. Y., from there going 10 i Middletown, same State, and thence to New Mil- ford, Penn., and New Jersey, where, in the city of Elwood, he was storekeeper and postmaster until his death. in 1871. He married Phobe ! Storms, who was born in Orange county, N. Y., of English extraction, and whose father was a farmer by occupation. To this union were born three children: Katie, Robert W. and Jessie, of ! ters having died early in life.

whom, our subject is the only survivor, the daugh- 1 ried (first) Emily Ladue, and (second) Amanda

Robert W. Irving passed his boyhood in Mid- dletown, N. Y .. thence at the age of eight years removing with his parents to New Milford, Penn. He attended school at both places, and when wood, N. J., there finishing his education. He

Hon. Allen Joyce. the father of our subject. twelve years old accompanied his parents to El- : was born in the town of Sherman, where he was 1 educated in the common schools, and afterward learned the trade of shoemaker in that city, , engaged in agriculture. As a citizen he was held where he followed same for a time, and he con- I in high esteem, and for many years he was re- tinued at shoemaking for a period of about four- ; teen years, after his removal from New Jersey working in seven other States. He was engaged at the trade for three years in Bridgeport, Conn., whither he had come in 1881, and on April 8, 1884, he entered his present line of business in ! Bridgeport in partnership with Jacob Schietinger, under the firm name of Irving & Schietinger. ! garded as a leading member of the Democratic party in his locality. was chosen to fill various town offices, and at one time served as the rep- resentative of his town in the State Legislature. He married Miss Lois Gardner, daughter of Thomas Gardner. and they had the following named children: Cornelia, wife of Odell Page; Stephen, who married Drucilla Wakeman; Van- This arrangement continued for seven years. the i derburg, our subject: Annie, wife of Charles co-partnership being dissolved at the end of that | Osborn; and Daniel, who married Sarah Clark. time, and our subject has since continued in business alone. with the exception of about one | 1831, at the old homestead in the town of Sher-

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Commemorative Biographical Record of Fairfield County, Connecticut, Part 248

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