Commemorative Biographical Record of Fairfield County, Connecticut, Part 41

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

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Abner Wells (2), our subject's father, was born in Huntington in 1798, and followed farm- ing there throughout his active life. He was an excellent citizen, a Whig in politics, and in re- ligious faith a Congregationalist. He married Miss Philena Shelton, daughter of Zachariah Shelton, a lifelong resident of Huntington. Her death occurred in 1834, and he survived her many years, passing away in 1857. They had a family of five children: (1) Henry S., our sub- ject; (2) Benjamin, a wealthy retired resident of East Hartford, Conn .; (3) Catherine (deceased), who married William Colton; (4) David, a farm- er, now deceased; (5) John, who settled in Min- nesota and died there some years ago.

Henry S. Wells was reared as a farmer boy. his education being limited to the course offered in the local schools. In early manhood, becom- ing infected with the "gold fever," he spent four years in California, where he saved consid- erable money. After his return to Connecticut he married Miss Laura A. Bennett, daughter of

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Nathan Bennett, a well-known citizen of Hunt- ington, and they have ever since made their home at his present farm. Of their two chil- dren, the elder, Esther, died in infancy; the younger, Franklin H., has now charge of the homestead; he married Rose Belle Beach, of Huntington, and they have a son, born November 16, 1898, named William B. Wells.

Mr. Wells has always been what is known as a general farmer, but at times he has dealt ex- tensively in live stock. His homestead is attract- ive as well as valuable, and all of the improve- inents upon it have been made by him. As a good citizen he is interested in the movements of his time, and while he voted the Whig ticket in early life, his strong antagonism to slavery led him into the Republican party, with which he still affiliates.

W ILLIAM B. FISH, who died at New Ca- naan, January 19, 1896, was well-known there as the proprietor of a fine farm, as well as a breeder of fine horses, and was a jovial, whole- souled man, popular with all who knew him.

Mr. Fish was born in 1819 at Danvers, Mass., and made his home in the suburbs of Bos- ton up to 1849. The first business enterprise in which he embarked on his own account was the building of the " Merriman Hotel " at Lawrence, Mass., which in 1847 was totally destroyed by fire, this misfortune stripping Mr. Fish of all his possessions except the mare " Boston Girl." In 1849 he caught the "gold fever " and started for California, but he gave up the trip after going as far as New York. and in that city engaged as a member of the firm of Fish & Fowler, in the manufacture of skeleton wagons and sulkies, with a livery business attached. While thus engaged he built the first sulky for " Flora Temple." He was a warm friend of Hiram Woodruff and Dan Mace, and a patron of the Centreville and Fash- jon tracks. In 1850 Mr. Fish commenced the soda-water business, which he carried on until 1856, the year of his removal to the above men- tioned farm at New Canaan, where he spent the remainder of his days. There he bred horses, among them being some of the fastest trotters and best road horses in the country, and it is needless to say that he was a keen judge of fine horseflesh. He owned the stallions " Rattler " and " Boston Boy." Mr. Fish was well liked by all who knew him as a man of sterling qualities of honesty and integrity, and a friend who was always sure to prove a " friend indeed." He was married December 31, 1864, to Miss Clarissa Curtis, daughter of Alfred and Clarissa (Weed) | the American-Spanish war offered inducements.

Curtis, and granddaughter of Peter and Susannah (Crawford) Weed. To this union were born three children, namely. Charles P., Nellie F. and Jennie Irene.

CHARLES P. FISH was born June 19, 1866, at the place where he still resides, in New Ca- naan, and here he has passed his entire life. In 1890 he engaged in the cattle business, which he now conducts on an extensive and ever-increas- ing scale. He has dairy stock, and sells dairy products wholesale to parties in Norwalk, Conn. Mr. Fish takes considerable interest in fraternal societies, being a member of Harmony Lodge No. 167, F. & A. M., and of the Heptasophs.

W ILLIAM H. ZELLER, editor of the Stamford (Conn.) Telegram, was born in the city of Reading. Penn., May 31, 1855, was admitted to Girard College, February 16, 1864, and graduated therefrom January, 1872. He served a four-years' apprenticeship on the Reading Eagle, becoming attached to the local staff in 1874. and severing relations there in 1878, when he took a half-partnership in the Tamaqua (Penn.) Courier, March 15, same year, closing out the same just three years later (1881); was connected with the Erie Dispatch and the Erie Herald, editor of the Norristown Register, editor of the Harrisburg Independent from Octo- ber, 1881, to January. 1883. He then became legislative reporter of the Harrisburg Patriot, covering the famous Legislature of 1883 for many outside papers; was city editor of the Reading Times from October, 1883, to October, 1885; editor of the Wilkes-Barre Union-Leader from October, 1885, to March, 1886; became part owner of the Hazleton Sentinel, March, 1886, and left there the following September; did special work in Philadelphia, Hatboro and Lans- dale; established the Girard College Record in March, 1887, and edited same until 1893; was editor of the Altoona Times from September, 1887. to June, 1888; same position on the Al- toona Mirror from June, 1888, to July. 1889, doing the great Johnstown flood in June of that year; then taking charge of the Du Bois (Penn.) Express. and in January, 1890, becoming editor of the Williamsport Gazette and Bulletin. In September. 1890, Mr. Zeller accepted an offer to become Pennsylvania State editor of the Phil- adelphia Times, and remained with that paper until March, 1896, when he undertook the man- agement of the Pawtucket (R. I.) Post. Leav- ing there in April, 1897. he had a desk on the Philadelphia Ledger staff until March, 1898, when

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and work was followed from Old Point Com- fort, Newport News, Norfolk, Tampa and Key West until August, 1898, when he accepted the editorial chair of the Stamford Telegram.

The first issue of the Stamford Telegram was made August 18, 1897, with Edwin F. Bige- low as manager and editor, and John H. Swart- wout as president of the Stamford Telegram Printing and Publishing Company. Democratic in politics and the only Democratic paper in a population of 75,000, it met with success from the start. The Telegram is now published by Edward Duffy, George C. Whitney, Charles B. Allyn, H. Stanley Finch, Charles H. Hobbie, John H. McGill and Enos B. Lockwood acting as a board of directors for thirty stockholders. William H. Zeller is the editor and manager.

REDERICK AUGUSTUS BENNETT. Prominent in the business and social life of Brookfield, Fairfield Co., Conn., we find the name of Frederick Augustus Bennett, who was born in that town December 10, 1842, the third and youngest son of John Fletcher and Sarah (Dobbs) Bennett.

John Fletcher Bennett was the only son of Stephen and Hannah (Lessey) Bennett, and was born in the town of Danbury, Conn., July 8, 1808. During his early boyhood he lived there, and later in New Milford, whence he came to Brookfield and engaged as an apprentice at the trade of comb-making, from which, in due time, he graduated-an expert workman. After a few years he was united in marriage with Miss Sarah Dobbs, of Danbury, and to this union were born three sons: William, who died in infancy; John F., now deceased; and Frederick A., the sub- ject of this sketch. About this time the busi- ness of comb-making began to decline rapidly, and Mr. Bennett, foreseeing the collapse, left it and engaged with the proprietor of the Tomlin- son Knife Factory. His mechanical skill and careful business habits won for him the confi- dence of his employers, and he became a mem- ber of the firm, continuing thus until the early "fifties." when Mr. Tomlinson disposed of his in- terest to Ezra W. Wildman, and the name was changed to Bennett .& Wildman. In 1855 they purchased the property known as the Brook- field Lime Kiln. A year later Mr. Bennett dis- posed of his interest in the knife factory to L. P. Wetmore, and gave his entire attention to the management of the lime kiln. In 1867, having disposed of his interest in that enterprise, he pur- chased Mr. Wildman's interest in the knife fac- tory, and personally directed its operation, leas-

ing the shear department to Smith Brothers, former employes of the concern. As a business man John Fletcher Bennett was alert, sagacious and eminently successful. As a neighbor he was kind-hearted, liberal and obliging to all. As a citizen his strict integrity and consistent moral character were unquestioned in the community.

In 1871 Frederick A. Bennett, the subject proper of this review, in company with L. P. Wetmore, purchased of the Smith Brothers their interest in the shear department, and continued the same successfully under the firm name of Bennett & Wetmore until the death of John F. Bennett, in 1879, when he purchased from the estate his father's interest in the factory. The partnership continued until Mr. Wetmore with- drew, disposing of his share to Mr. Bennett, who then called as a business associate John Bate- man, forming the firm of F. A. Bennett & Co. The business was continued by them until 1889, when Mr. Bennett retired, his health having be- come impaired to such an extent that he was in- capacitated from giving his personal attention to the work. Mr. Bateman, now being the sole representative of the business, proceeded to form an incorporated company, under the style of The Lenox Shear Company, continuing the office and salesroom with Fuller Brothers, Chambers street, New York, with whom Mr. Bennett had been associated for many years.

Mr. Bennett's early education had fully equipped him for a business career. He attended the public schools of his town up to the age of thirteen years, when he entered the institute of Rev. E. S. Huntington, of Danbury, and later that of Rev. Frederick Jackson, then located at the "Turner House," spending thus about five years preparatory to the college course then con- templated by his parents.

About this date the war clouds began to gather on the national horizon. The continued active preparation of the seceding States for actual con- flict, and then the culminating act of firing on Fort Sumter, aroused the nation like the thunders from a cloudless sky; the war spirit was instantly aroused and became dominant. Our young men offered themselves as willing volunteers to defend the flag of our Union, and the subject of this sketch was among the first to offer his services, and at the age of eighteen years he wrote his name on the soldiers' list. The elder Bennett was no whit less patriotic, but thinking the boy too young for service, took his name from the list, and advised waiting a few months, at least; but the interest was becoming more and more in- tense, and in less than one short year he had joined a military company, and was a member of the

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Twenty-third Regiment, in which he served the full term of his enlistment and received an hon- orable discharge.

Mr. Bennett's first marriage was with Miss Jennie E. Burr, of Brookfield, to which union was born one son, Stanley B. Bennett, of Bridge- port. His present wife was Miss Elvira L. Blackman, daughter of Dr. J. Blackman, in- ventor of the celebrated Balsam bearing his name, and the manufacturer of several proprie- tary medicines which have been before the public for more than half a century. Mr. Bennett has been a member of the Masonic Fraternity for twenty-five years, having joined St. Peter's Lodge No. 21, and Ousatonic Chapter No. 33, in New Milford, in early life; he is also a member of James E. Moore Post, G. A. R., Danbury, Conn. His early patriotic instinct came by inheritance, for both his great-grandfathers enlisted and served in the war of the Revolution. In his re- ligious views Mr. Bennett is a consistent mem- ber of the Episcopal Church. Politically, he is a Republican of decided opinions, and ever ready to give a reason for the faith that is in him.

For a few years past Mr. Bennett has lived almost a retired life in consequence of his suffer- ings from rheumatism. There are few men bet- ter known in the community, and few who gain and retain through life such unqualified respect and good-will from their fellow-citizens. He is public-spirited and progressive, and in all works for the public welfare he takes a keen interest.

W ILLIAM GREGORY THOMAS (de- ceased). Among the worthy men whose histories lend interest to this volume none stood higher in public esteem than the subject of this memoir, who passed to the unseen life June 1, 1892. Although a native of this county, he spent many years of his manhood in Albany, N. Y .; but as old age drew on he returned to the scenes of his early days, and there his life flowed peace- fully on to its close. It is difficult to do justice to one whose unassuming nature led him to re- frain from anything like publicity, for the simple record of his career from a worldly standpoint gives but little indication of the high character and lovable personality of the man.

Mr. Thomas was born March 27, 1819, in the town of New Canaan, this county, and was of Welsh ancestry. His grandfather, Gregory Thomas, was born probably in America, and Charles Thomas, the father of our subject, was a native of the town of Wilton, this county. About 1821 Charles Thomas removed with his family to Norwalk, where for many years he was promi-

nently identified with the lumber interests. As our subject was only two years old at the time of the removal to Norwalk, his boyhood was mainly spent there and his education was acquired in the local schools. His business abilities were noted at an early age, and as a mere boy he found em- ployment in the Fairfield County Savings Bank. When eighteen years old he went to Albany as a clerk for Ebenezer Hill, in the lumber business, and so well did he discharge the duties of the position that in a few years he became a partner, and later, as changes were made in the firm, he became the head of the business. As one of the leading business men of Albany he gained an en- viable reputation among financiers, and for many years he was connected with banking interests of that city. Honesty and integrity were prominent features in his character, his uprightness being no less perceptible in his business dealings than in the ordinary affairs of life. In 1875 he retired from business, and in 1881 removed to Norwalk, where his remaining years were spent. His wealth enabled him to gratify the impulses of a kindly heart by giving to the relief of suffering as well as to the support of various worthy move- ments in the community, and although he was not a member of any Church, he contributed freely to all denominations. Politically, he was a stead- fast Republican, his allegiance being entirely free from any shadow of self-seeking, as he invariably declined the offers of public positions made to him in both Albany and Norwalk.

In 1848 Mr. Thomas married Miss Susan M. Willson, who was born in Glens Falls, Warren Co., N. Y., daughter of John Ward Willson, a native of Washington Co., N. Y. Her grand- father, Guild Willson, was a resident of Massachu- setts, and was descended from an old English family. Mrs. Thomas survives her husband with three children. The eldest, Charles H., is con- nected with the New York Biscuit Company. William G. is the head of the Thomas Pressed Brick Company, with headquarters at St. Louis, Mo. Alice W. is the wife of Major Stephen W. Groesbeck, of the United States Army, now sta- tioned at San Francisco, California.

J JOHN W. FYFE, M. D., of Saugatuck, one of the leading men of his town, and ranking among the foremost physicians of Fairfield county, is a native of the State of Maine, born February 27, 1839, at Swans Island. The sur- name Fyfe is derived from the Jutland word "Fibh" (pronounced fife, and meaning forest). According to Buchanan's "Ancient Scottish Surnames," it was first used as a surname about

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the year 834 by the younger son of Fife Macduff, kinglet of Fifeshire, he adopting the Christian name of his father as his own surname. The name is now usually spelled Fyfe.

Doctor Fyfe is fifth in line of descent from James Fyfe, who was born in Fifeshire, Scot- land, in 1720 and, coming to America, settled in Massachusetts, was married there and reared a family of children, among whom was a son, Silas, whose birth occurred in 1743 at Berlin, Mass. Silas Fyfe married Miss Abigail Hough- ton, who was born in Bolton, Mass., in 1751, and became one of the pioneers in Troy, N. H. To this union were born nine children, one of whom, John Fyfe, the grandfather of Doctor Fyfe, was born in 1779, at Troy, N. H. Silas Fyfe was a prominent man at Troy, and left a record which his posterity take pride in. He was an officer of a company of " minute-men " in the war of the Revolution. From 1778 to 1815 he was a deacon of the Congregational Church at Troy ; also held various public offices. He died in May, 1836, and his wife passed away in 1823. John Fyfe, his son, married Sarah Seward, whose birth occurred in 1774, and death in 1858. He followed agricultural pursuits, as did his father and grandfather before him, and in connection therewith conducted a general store. He lived until 1843. The six children of this couple were : Abigail married Samuel Stratton, a farmer of Jaffrey, N. H., whose death occurred in 1847 ; William was the father of our subject ; John, born in 1807, married Caroline Stone, who was born in 1808; Mary died unmarried ; and Elmira and Elvira (twins), unmarried, are still living.

William Fyfe was born in 1803, at Jaffrey, N. H., and early in life formed a partnership in busi- ness with an uncle, Nathan Fyfe, engaging in a general mercantile business at Isle au Haute, Maine. Later in life Mr. Fyfe moved to Swans Island, and there, too, for many years conducted a gen- eral store. He was one of the leading men of the community, and. figured conspicuously in both social and public life. He took an interest in educational matters, and was prominent in the Church. In politics and in his religious faith he followed in the line of his ancestors, who were Democrats and Congregationalists. He married Ruth Gott, who was born in 1816, at Mount Desert, Maine, a daughter of John and Ruth Gott. The Gott family were among the friends of James Swan, who induced them to settle there soon after this island, in the south- west extremity of Hancock county, Maine, was deeded to him by Massachusetts for distinguished services in the Revolutionary war. All of these

early settlers came from the vicinity of Glouces- ter, Mass. To William Fyfe and his wife were born children as follows: Sarah J., born in 1834, died in 1878, unmarried. Almira F., born in 1836, married Maurice R. Rich, a farmer and carpenter of prominence at Tremont, Maine, and died in 1885. John W., our subject, is referred to farther on. Nathan J., born in 1841, was for a time connected with a newspaper at Elsworth, Maine. He was a bright, promising young man, but his young life was cut short, sacrificed on the altar of his country. During the Civil war he joined the Union army, and died at Belle Plains, Va., in 1863.

Dr. John W. Fyfe passed his boyhood at Swans Island and at Elsworth, Maine. He at- tended the local schools, and occasionally as- sisted in his father's store. At seventeen he be- gan the study of law, and for a time later on was connected with the newspaper profession, filling various positions on several papers, including those of editor, manager and proprietor. He dropped the study of law and, while connected with the press, studied medicine, attended the regular course of instruction at the American University Medical College, and was graduated a Doctor of Medicine. Later he furthered his medical studies at the Eclectic Medical College, New York City, entering in 1885, and was gradu- ated with the class of 1888. With the exception of the three years passed in the college just re- ferred to the Doctor has practiced his profession at Saugatuck and vicinity since 1881. He has here made for himself a commendable record as a physician and citizen. He is literary in his tastes, and is an extensive contributor to the medical literature of the day. As a lecturer in the Eclectic Medical College of New York (his Alma Mater) he has gained an extended and en- viable reputation. The Doctor is the author of a medical text book entitled " Essentials of Mod- ern Materia Medica and Eclectic Therapeutics." He is a member of the Connecticut State Eclec- tic Medical Association and the New York State Eclectic Medical Society; also of the Eclectic Medical Society of the City and County of New York. He is a member of the I. O. O. F., and has held all offices in his local lodge and also the office of district deputy grand master. In his political views he adheres to the early teachings of the Democratic party.

On April 6, 1862, at Kingston, R. I., Doctor Fyfe was married to Mary E. Card, who was born in 1842, in Utica, N. Y., a daughter of Dr. William H. and Mary E. (Hammond) Card, na- tives of Newport, R. I., and of English extrac- tion. To the marriage of Doctor Fyfe and Miss

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Card have come the following children: Florence A., born in 1867, was married in 1888 to Isaac B. Wakeman, a real-estate broker in New York City, and John W., who died in infancy.

D AVID FREDERICK HOLLISTER, who, though now past man's allotted years. is act- ively engaged in the practice of the law in Bridge- port, where upward of forty years of his life he has passed as an honored and useful citizen, is a native of the town of Washington, Litchfield county, Connecticut.

Born March 31. 1826, Mr. Hollister is the son of Gideon Hollister, and is of the seventh generation from John Hollister, who came, prob. ably, from Weymouth, England, immigrating to this country about 1642, and was admitted a freeman at the General Court in Boston May 10, 1643. Later he moved to Wethersfield, Conn., and was sent from that town as deputy to the General Court at Hartford November 15, 1644; also in 1654 and 1656. He was a lieutenant in

the militia. The late Hon. Gideon H. Hollister. of Litchfield. Conn., by investigations made through his direction, was able to obtain a per- fect pedigree from this John Hollister, of Weth- ersfield, to the John Hollister who, in 1608, was lord of the manor of Stinchcomb and Burleigh, with many particulars in regard to the genera- tions of the family, their residences and final resting places. The line of our subject's descent is through Gideon, Captain Gideon, Gideon (3) and Gideon (4).

John Hollister, the immigrant, married Jo- anna, daughter of Richard Treat, and their children were: Mary, John, Thomas, Joseph, Lazarus, Stephen, Elizabeth and Sarah. The father of these died in 1665 and the mother in 1694.

Stephen Hollister was married (first) to Abi- gail, daughter of Mathias Treat, in 1683. and (second) to Elizabeth Reynolds. His children, all excepting Stephen (2), were born to the first marriage and were as follows: Jerusha [says Goodwin] or Jonathan [says Savage], Stephen, Abigail, Ann Gershom, Samuel, Eunice. Gideon, Daniel and Stephen (2).

Gideon Hollister, born in 1698, married in 1723 Rebecca Sherman. His children were: Sarah and Gideon.

Capt. Gideon Hollister, born September 21, 1725, married (first) in 1750 Esther Preston, who died September 14, 1751, nine days after the birth of her son Preston; he married (sec- ond) in 1759 Patience Hurd, and their children were: Gideon, Anne, Abner, Esther and Pres- | "Yes, sir," replied the applicant, "but I did

ton Sherman and Sherman Preston (both bap- tized Feburary 11, 1778).

Gideon Hollister (3), born January 13, 1761, married in 1782 Currence Hicock. He died Jan- uary 2, 1835, and she May 1, 1845. Their chil- dren were: Marilla, born July 4, 1784, married Andrew Hine; Gideon, born February 2, 1792; and Truman, born December 5, 1803.

Gideon Hollister (4), born February 2, 1792, married (first) in November, 1815, Harriet Jack- son; she was born December 18. 1795, and died November 30, 1844. He married (second) No- vember 4, 1846, Widow Lydia J. Minor. His children were: Gideon Hiram, born December 14, 1817; Laura Marilla, born January 2. 1822, married in November. 1844. George Drakely; and David F., our subject. The father of these died September 25, 1867. He was a well-to-do farmer, a man of sterling integrity and of much influence and usefulness in the community in which he lived.

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Commemorative Biographical Record of Fairfield County, Connecticut, Part 41

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