Commemorative Biographical Record of Fairfield County, Connecticut, Part 40

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

USA > Connecticut > Fairfield County > Commemorative Biographical Record of Fairfield County, Connecticut > Part 40

Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).

Digitized by Google

191

COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

N. Y. Two children have brightened their home: Ida M., born May 27, 1871, in Earl- ville, Iowa, and Clara O., born September 23, 1873, in Dyersville, Iowa. Both of them have been carefully educated and are now teachers. (2) Susan Louisa, born in 1842 in Pawling, died at the age of eleven years. (3) Olive A. is the wife of our subject. (4) Charlotte L. L., born May 1, 1847, in the town of Chenango, Broome Co., N. Y., received good educational opportunities, and on June 23, 1875, was married to Augustus Kendall, a produce dealer of Alden, Erie Co., N. Y. They have two children: Clarence A., born June 11, 1878, who is now engaged in business with his father; and Arthur C., born October 31, 1880.

TULIUS A. BEERS. It has often been noted that our rural communities are as a rule composed of a class of men who manifest in a high degree the sterling qualities of character that go to the making of good citizens, and it is fortunate that in this volume there are to be pre- served the records of so many of this admirable type. Brief as are these biographical accounts, they will show to posterity the distinguishing characteristics of the representative men of to- day, and to link the future to the past in just perspective.

The subject of this sketch, who has been for many years an agriculturist of Newtown township, is a member of one of the leading families of that locality. His grandfather, Ebenezer Beers, a native of Norwalk, this county, settled in New- town in early manhood, and engaged in business as a blacksmith and manufacturer of axes and scythes, which he shipped to Norwalk for sale. He had an extensive trade in these articles, and his business enabled him to keep many apprentices constantly employed. He married (first) Widow Hard, and (second) Widow Nettleton, and had five children as follows: Ebenezer, Jr .; Philo, who married Sally Hawley, and located in Ing- ham county, Michigan; Ezekiel, who is mentioned below; Esther, who married John Glover; and Currance, who married (first) Abraham Peck, and (second) Lewis Plumb.

Ezekiel Beers, our subject's father, was born June 21, 1796, in Newtown, upon a farm now owned by Mr. Pratt. He continued to reside at this place throughout his life, and became known as a successful agriculturist. His farm comprised about two hundred and fifty acres of land, which his industry kept in fine cultivation, and at the same time he took a prominent part in local affairs. During his early life he was a Whig, and in

later years a Republican. In religious faith he was an Episcopalian, and for years he was a leading member of Trinity Church at Newtown. On Feb- ruary 23, 1820, he married Miss Polly A. M. Candee, of Oxford, Conn., who died October 5, 1824, and on February 23, 1826, he wedded Miss Nancy Johnson, of Southbury, Conn., who died August 25, 1830. Later he married Mrs. Sally (Morris) Beers, daughter of Daniel Morris. She died July 23, 1876, and Mr. Beers on February 26, 1877. He had eight children in all. By the first marriage he had two daughters: Lucy, born July 31, 1821, was married July 23, 1848, to Ed- ward L. Fairchild; and Annette, born July 6, 1823, was married (first) on February 2, 1846, to David. Botsford, and (second) in 1865 to William Botsford. She had two sons; Charles B., born January 24, 1851, died June 14, 1893; and David B., born December 17, 1860, died May 3, 1871. By his second marriage Ezekiel Beers had two sons: Amos, born November 29, 1826, was married April 24, 1848, to Jeannette Pierpont, of Waterbury, Conn., who died June 19, 1854, and on November 6, 1855, he married Susan Frances Peck, of Farmington, Conn .; and Theodore, born October 12, 1829, died May 1, 1832. By his third marriage Ezekiel Beers had four chil- dren, our subject being the only survivor: Sylves- ter, born January 1, 1833, died September 1, 1887; Nancy, born October 21, 1834, married Edwin Clarke, and died September 13, 1869, leaving two children-Julia L., born August 6, 1855, and Eli B., born September 2, 1861, who was married April 18, 1885, to Miss Lizzie Bowers; Julius Augustus and Julia Augusta, (twins), born March 20, 1837, the latter of whom married Rev. William C. Sexton, a Congrega- tional minister, and died July 23, 1891.

Mr. Beers, our subject, was born and reared at the old homestead, now occupied by Mr. Pratt, and he has always been engaged in agri- cultural work. In 1865, at the age of twenty- eight, he located upon his present farm, which had previously been held as a homestead by three generations of his mother's family, so that his children make the fifth generation to oc- cupy the place. The estate contains 148 acres. Like all of his family, Mr. Beers is a firm be- liever in the doctrines of the Republican party. He is also active in religious work as a member of St. Peter's Episcopal Church at Monroe, in which he has been vestryman for many years. On April 3, 1861, he married Miss Sarah Eliza- beth Warner, daughter of Zacheus Warner, a well-known citizen of Roxbury, Conn., and two children came of the union: (1) Carrie Fenn, born September 1, 1862, was married January 1,

Digitized by Google®

192

COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

1890, to Edwin Sudliff, of Southington, Conn., and has had one daughter, Lois Adelaide, born January 20, 1891; and (2) Morris Daniel, born January 16, 1869, is not married.

A LLEN MEAD has resided upon his present farm in Greenwich township, Fairfield Co., Conn., for over twenty years. He is a native of this county, born February 7, 1837, in Stanwich, in which place his father, Reuben Mead, was also born.

Edmund Mead, the grandfather, was a farmer by occupation and lived to the age of eighty-four years. He was a large man physically. He reared a family of twelve children-six sons and six daughters-of whom, Reuben married Sarah Reynolds, a native of Roxbury, Stamford town- ship, this county: her father. Abel Reynolds, also had six sons and six daughters. Reuben Mead was trained to farm life, and he also learned the carpenter's trade, which he followed more or less all his life in connection with agriculture. After his marriage he located in Greenwich town- ship. where he passed the rest of his life, living to the age of eighty-three years. Mrs. Mead passed away at the age of seventy, and they sleep their last sleep in Stanwich cemetery. They were Methodists in religious connection; polit- ically he sympathized with the Whigs and, in time, with the Republicans. They were the par- ents of five children: Charles E., who is a hotel- keeper at Talmadge. Neb .; Rebecca (Mrs. James Lockwood, of Sing Sing, N. Y.); Allen; Abel R., a farmer of Greenwich; and E. Hibbard, who joined the army and went to the South, dying in Memphis, Tenn., at the early age of fifteen years.

Allen Mead attended school in Stanwich, re- ceiving his earlier instruction under Mrs. Louns- bury and Mr. Gibson. After leaving school he worked on the home farm a short time, and when sixteen years old he commenced work at Ridge- field in the carriage-making business, learning to do the wood-work. He was subsequently in the employ of the Phoenix Company, at Stamford, but ill health compelled him to abandon the trade, and he soon after went to New York, where he commenced work as a house carpenter. That vocation he continued to follow in New York until 1861, when he removed to Stamford and opened a butcher business; but this he was also obliged to give up on account of his health. After two or three years' rest at his home he lo- cated on a farm in Greenwich township, which he rented for three years, and finally, in 1877, be- came the owner of the farm he has since occu- pied, buying it from Nathan Finch. The place

contains ninety-two acres of fine land, which he has improved and cultivated in the most ap- proved manner, and, with the assistance of his capable wife, he has succeeded in making a com- fortable home, which they enjoy thoroughly. Liberal and good-hearted by nature. Mr. Mead is always ready to wish every man well and encour- age his friends and neighbors over the rough places, and he is as popular throughout Green- wich for his hearty good nature as he is respected for his many sterling qualities.

In January, 1868, Mr. Mead wedded, in Stamford, Miss Mary E. Weed, daughter of Lewis Weed, of that place. She died leaving no children, and on January 24, 1878, at Port Chester, he married, for his second wife, Miss Harriet E. Ferris, a native of Stanwich, who was born December 15. 1846. Mrs. Mead is the eldest in the family of Gilbert and Harriet (Howeth) Ferris, farming people, who had three daughters, viz .: Harriet E., Luwilla E. and Fanny A. Two children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Mead: Florence A. and Emma H., both of whom are at home. The family attend the Con- gregational Church at Stanwich, of which Mrs. Mead is a member. Mr. Mead supports the Re- publican party in National matters, but in local elections he votes for the man he considers best fitted for office regardless of party ties. Fra- ternally, he unites with the Jr. O. U. A. M. at Banksville.

R OBERT VAN BUREN. The advantages of this section as a place of residence have long been recognized by the wealthy and cultured classes from the metropolis, who desire to escape the unwholesome environments of city life while remaining in touch with its better influences. In the social circles of our towns, permeated as they are by the refinement and good breeding derived from generations of honorable and high-minded thought and life, the new comers find a most con- genial atmosphere, and in their turn they add a cosmopolitan tinge which is quite noticeable. Among the families thus attracted to the pleas- ant little city of Norwalk is that of the subject of this biography, formerly the chief engineer of Brooklyn, N. Y., and now the consulting engi- neer for a number of important public works in various places.

Mr. Van Buren was born in New York City March 25, 1843, and comes of good old Dutch stock, his family having been identified with that city since the year 1700. The first of the name to cross the ocean from Holland was Dr. John Van Buren, our subject's great-great-grandfather,

Digitized by Google

id. why

M: Mea:

i, at P:

Lich Ns d Har!

a E. ::: c. M. E

es Fr A Na

as the derTE.

plez-

Google

Digitized by

Google

193

COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

who became a successful physician in New York. His son, Dr. Beekman Van Buren, our subject's great-grandfather, was even more noted than he, and was the first to introduce vaccination into his practice. This well-known physician began his professional career in New York in 1751, and continued there until his death, with the excep- tion of a period of service as a surgeon in the Revolutionary army. Michael Van Buren, the grandfather of our subject, was born in New York in 1787, and the greater portion of his life was spent in mercantile business in that city, but his last days were passed in retirement at Pater- son, N. J. He married Miss Ann Dash, a daughter of John B. Dash, of New York City, and had ten children.

Col. John D. Van Buren. our subject's father, was born and reared in the metropolis, became a prominent lawyer and politician, and was also widely known as a public speaker and a contrib- utor to the current literature of that day. He was a leading Democrat, served for a time as a representative in the New York Legislature, and was twice a member of constitutional conven- tions in that State. At another time he held the office of paymaster-general of New York. His friends included public men of the highest rank, such as Chief Justice Chase, and he was espe- cially intimate with Governor Hoffman, of New York, for whom he acted as private secretary during his term. He married Miss Elvira Ay- mar, a lady of French Huguenot descent, whose father, Benjamin Aymar, was a prosperous mer- chant of New York City. Our subject was the youngest of five children, the others being Ay- mar, now a resident of New Windsor, N. Y .; Elizabeth, wife of Dr. Thomas H. White, of New Haven, this State; John D., Jr., a lawyer and civil engineer at Newburg. N. Y .. who served one term as engineer for the State of New York; and Frank R., deceased. The father of this family died December 1, 1885; the mother passed away March 20, 1898.

Mr. Van Buren spent his youth in New York City, and in 1864 he was graduated at the Ren- sselaer Polytechnic Institute with the degree of civil engineer. In 1865 he entered the depart- ment of public works of the city of Brooklyn, and remained as assistant engineer until 1877, when he was appointed chief engineer, with the general oversight of all the public works of that city. The responsibility finally told severely upon his health, and in 1892 he resigned; but in Brooklyn and other cities his skill was still called into serv- ice as consulting engineer when necessary, and on December 1, 1897, he was appointed to the position of consulting engineer on the water sup-

ply and sewerage works of the city of Brooklyn. On March 1, 1898, he was apppointed engineer- in-charge of the water supply of the borough of Brooklyn. and now holds that position.

On February 4. 1875, Mr. Van Buren mar- ried Miss Louisa Aymar, daughter of Samuel Aymar, a merchant of New York, and a half- brother of Benjamin Aymar, mentioned above. Three sons have blessed this union: Robert S., Frank A. and Cortlandt. In 1884 Mr. and Mrs. Van Buren began to spend their summers in Nor- walk, and in 1891 they became permanent, all- the-year-round residents. They have always shown a generous sympathy with every form of philanthropic and religious work, and are liberal contributors to the Episcopal Church, with which the Van Buren family has long been connected. Mr. Van Buren is a vice-president of the Nor- walk Hospital, and belongs to various organiza- tions, including the Norwalk Club, the Delta Phi Club of New York City, and the National Society of Civil Engineers. In political faith he has al- ways been a Democrat.

C NURTIS HARVEY BILL, M. D., one of the best and most widely known physicians and surgeons of the State, settled in Bridgeport in 1871. Coming without previous acquaintance, or any credentials recommending him to favor- able consideration, he soon, through persevering industry and integrity of character, established himself in public confidence to an unusual degree.

Doctor Bill comes of good English ancestry, nearly every generation of which has furnished one or more respected members to the medical profession. He is a direct descendant of Thomas Bill, M. D. [See Athenæ Cantabrigienses, Vol. I, pp. 98 and 539], who was born about 1490 in Bedfordshire, England, and as a physician was an attendant of Princess Elizabeth in 1549. He was entitled to a B. A., in 1524; was afterward elected Fellow of Pembroke Hall; in 1558 had conferred upon him the degree of M. A. As a medical student he, in 1530, had leave extended him from his college to travel for three and a quarter years on the Continent, and again, in 1531, two additional years were voted him. This was granted that he might be the better fitted for his profession by visiting the medical schools and attending the lectures of the most eminent physi- cians in Europe. He took the degree of M. D. at the celebrated University at Pavia, Italy, founded by the Emperor Charlemagne. He be- came one of the physicians of Henry VIII. and of Edward VI, and from the latter received, March 26, 1547, a grant of one hundred pounds

Digitized by Google

194

COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

sterling per annum. The Princess Elizabeth wrote in 1549 the following letter of thanks to the Duke of Somerset, in which she gratefully alludes to Doctor Bill:

My Very Good Lord:

Many lines will not serve to render the least part of thanks that your Grace hath deserved of me, most especially for that you have been careful of my health, and sending un- to me not only your comfortable letter, but also physician, as Dr. Bill, whose diligence and pains has been a great part of my recovery; for whom 1 do most heartily thank your Grace, desiring you to give him thanks for me, who can as- certain you of mine estate of health, wherefore 1 will not write it. And although I be most bounded to you in this time of my sickness, yet I may not be unthankful for that your Grace hath made such expeditions for my patent; with most hearty thanks and commendations to you and to my good lady, your wife, most heartily fare you well. Your assured friend to my power. ELIZABETH.

From Cheshurst, the present Friday, To my Lord Protector's Grace.

The first American ancestors of our subject were John and Dorothy Bill, and from them Dr. | Bill is in the seventh generation, namely : (II) . Philip and Hannah Bill ; (III) John and Mercy (Fowler) Bill; (IV) Benajah and Mary Bill; (V) Eliphalet and Dorothy (Marsh) Bill. Dorothy was the daughter of John Marsh and Dorothy Mason, who was the fifth in descent from Major John Mason, the conqueror of the Pequots. (VI) Dr. Dyer and Ruth (Coburn) Bill, parents of our subject. Dr. Dyer Bill, who was born at Hart- ford, Vt., April 7, 1793, was a prominent man both as a physician and as a politician. He settled in Albany, Vt., in 1819, and there practiced his profession for fifty-seven years, acquiring an en- viable reputation and, consequently, an extensive practice. He also served as postmaster and jus- tice of the peace for many years, and represented the town of Albany in the State Legislature sev- eral terms. He was twice married ; his first wife, whom he married September 14, 1814, was Ruth Richardson, of Strafford, Vt., born Octo- ber 9, 1792, and died August 13, 1829. The six children by this marriage were : Louisa M., Jose- phine, Emeline, Lucinda, Mary and Dyer Rich- ardson. For his second wife Dr. Dyer Bill mar- ried Ruth P. Coburn, January 1, 1830. She was born at Cabot, Vt., January 30. 1803. By this marriage Doctor Bill had five children: Frank Coburn, Curtis Harvey (subject of this sketch), James Rawson, Dwight Strong, and George Au- gustus.

of Vermont and one at the University Medical College of the City of New York. At the last of these he graduated in March, 1859, with the de- gree of M. D. At his final examination in anat- omy and surgery he was highly commended by the Faculty. The young physician and surgeon settled at Clarksville, Tenn., and there began his eventful practice. He was at Clarksville, when, in April, 1861, the firing on Fort Sumter roused the whole country, and in May of that year he was tendered a surgeon's commission in the Confederate army. This he declined, and in consequence within twenty-four hours was driven from the State. The following war service of Doctor Bill is from the records :

Having declined a surgeon's commission in the Fourteenth Tennessee Infantry in the Rebel army, he was driven from Tennessee by a Vigi- lance committee; reported to Gen. W. T. Sher- man at Louisville, Ky .. and was appointed acting assistant surgeon October 1, 1861, and assigned to duty in the 15th U. S. Infantry; served with that command in the 4th Brigade, 2d Division, Army of the Ohio, until September, 1862; 4th Brigade, ist Division (Center), Army of the Cumberland, until January. 1863; 3d Brigade, 1st Division, 14th Army Corps, Army of the Cum- berland, until June, 1863, and participated in the battle of Shiloh, Tenn .. April 7, 1862; the siege of Corinth, April 30 to May 30; the Perry- ville campaign, October 1 to October 15; Dog Walk, October 9; relief of Nashville, November 5-9; Murfreesboro campaign, November 26, 1862, to January, 1863; Stone river, December 31, 1862, to January 3, 1863; Stewart's Creek, January 1, 1863; was especially complimented for gallant and faithful service on the battlefield by Gen. John H. King, commanding the regular brigade, 14th Army Corps; on detached service headquarters Department of the Cumberland, as a member of the examining board which passed upon seven thousand applications for discharge during July, August and September, 1862; de- tailed as surgeon-in-chief of ". Howard Hospital," No. 4, Nashville, Tenn., November, 1862, until August, 1863, where he had the care of many sick and wounded soldiers, and performed many successful operations. On the request of Andrew Johnson, then military governor of Tennessee, he was commissioned surgeon of the 5th Tennes- served with that regiment until mustered out August 14, 1865.

Curtis Harvey Bill was born at Albany, Vt., : see Cavalry to rank from November 8, 1864, and July 2, 1835, and was educated in the public schools of his native town, and in Barre Acad- . emy. In 1854 he commenced the study of med- Doctor Bill remained in the South five years after the war, practicing his profession and cul- tivating a large cotton plantation near Fayette- icine with Dr. Charles B. Chandler. of Mont- pelier, Vt., attending two courses of medical lect- ures at Dartmouth College, one at the University ;

Coming to Bridgeport in the fall of

Digitized by Google

195

COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

1871, he immediately began the practice of his profession, which he has since followed, building up, during these twenty-five years, a large and extensive practice among the best families. He is a member of the American Medical Associa- tion, the State Medical Association, the County Medical Association, of which he was president in 1880-81; and also of the Bridgeport Medical Association, of which he was president in 1879. He has been connected with the Bridgeport Hos- pital since its organization in 1884, and inau- gurated the medical and surgical visiting service of that hospital. For ten years he served on the visiting staff, resigning at the end of that time, and has ever since served on the consult- ing staff. Doctor Bill has also, for many years, served as medical examiner for several of the largest life insurance companies, including the Mutual Life, of New York ; the Penn Mutual, of Philadelphia ; Travelers, of Hartford ; Manhat- tan, of New York ; Home, of New York, and Bay State, of Massachusetts. He has also written a number of professional papers, among which may be mentioned "Monographs on Treatment of Hospital Gangrene with Bromine," and " Ex- section of Joints," etc., with cases.

On September 20, 1865, Doctor Bill was married to Mary J. Worcester, daughter of T. G. Worcester, Esq., of Hollis, N. H., and niece of Dr. Joseph E. Worcester, LL. D., author of "Worcester's dictionary." She is seventh in di- rect descent from Rev. William Worcester, the first minister settled in Salisbury, Mass., and a D. A. R. through Capt. Noah Worcester, who commanded a company at the battle of Bunker Hill. Mrs. Bill has always been active in char- itable and Church work, and is one of the original members of the English Literary Club, one of the oldest women's clubs in the country. Doctor and Mrs. Bill have now three living children: Mary E., Philip W. and Harold C. The family at- tend the services of the Episcopal Church. In politics Doctor Bill is a Republican, casting his first ballot for Gen. John C. Fremont for Presi- dent. He is a member of Elias Howe, Jr., Post No. 3. G. A. R .; the Brooklawn Country Club, the Contemporary Club, the Scientific Society, the American Art Society, and the Art Collectors Club. Though one of the busiest professional men in his city, Doctor Bill does not neglect the social side of life, but contributes freely of his time and talents to the occasions which make life worth living, and he can always be depended upon to cordially support every measure that promises to promote the prosperity of Bridgeport or the welfare and happiness of her citizens.

H 'ENRY S. WELLS, a well-to-do resident of the town of Huntington, is the owner of a fine estate of 250 acres, and although he is now taking a less active part in its management than formerly he is justly regarded as one of the lead- ing agriculturists of the locality.

Mr. Wells was born in the town of Hunting- ton, September 25, 1825, and is a representa- tive of an old Colonial family, his ancestors having come from England at an early period. Daniel Wells, his great-grandfather, was at one time a resident of Stratford, but his later years were spent in the town of Huntington. Abner Wells (1), the grandfather of our subject, was born in Huntington, and passed his life there in agricultural pursuits. He married a Miss Wheel- er, daughter of John Thomas Wheeler, of Hunt- ington, and had seven children, all of whom are now deceased. Billy was a clothier by trade, and for several years worked at cloth dressing; he married Pamelia Wooster, and they had four children, all of whom died young; later on he bought a farm and sawmill, and there made his home the rest of his days; by steady, hard labor he made a good living up to his death, which oc- curred when he was eighty-six years of age. Phœbe married Elisha Allis, a resident of this county, who was a mechanic and was noted for his in- ventive genius. Nancy married Sylvester Fitts, a mechanic. Rebecca was the wife of Lem- uel Blackman, a farmer in Vermont. Abner is mentioned below. Mary married Judson Nich- ols, a farmer in this county. David, who died in 1897, aged ninety years, was a farmer in Ohio.

Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.

Commemorative Biographical Record of Fairfield County, Connecticut, Part 40

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