Commemorative Biographical Record of Fairfield County, Connecticut, Part 71

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

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Mr. Mead was born February 1. 1869, at In- dian Field, in the town of Greenwich, the young- est child of the late Isaac Howe Mead and his wife, Mary E. Mead. On the paternal side our subject is of the eighth generation in descent from John Mead [other authorities say William], the pioneer, the line being traced through John, son of the pioneer, Ebenezer (1), Ebenezer (2), De- liverance. Ephraim, and Isaac Howe Mead, while through his mother he belongs to the sev- enth generation from the pioneer, the line of descent running through John. son of the pio- neer, Benjamin, Sylvanus, Whitman, and Zophar Mead, our subject's maternal grandfather.

The education of our subject was begun in the Cos Cob district schools, and later he at- tended the academy at Greenwich, then under the direction of Professor Root. He remained at home until he reached the age of twenty, assisting his father in the work of the place: but a strong liking for machinery led him to study engineering and seek employment where he could make practical application of his knowledge.

For some time he was engaged on the steamer "Standard," of the Standard Oil Company's line, a vessel which was then plying between Bayonne, N. J., and Boston, Mass. He then entered the employ of the Greenwich Electric Company, and as the work proved congenial he went to Lynn, Mass., to take a course in elec- trical science, becoming so proficient that he was given a responsible position in the expert depart- ment of the General Electric Company of that city. In July, 1893, he returned to Greenwich, and engaged as a member of the firm of Banks, Bush & Mead, dealers in coal, lumber and build- ing materials. After a year and a half he re- tired from the firm, but he has since had charge of the lumber department of the business.

On June 23, 1897, Mr. Mead married Miss J. Belle Barnes, of Brooklyn, N. Y. He and his wife are prominent socially, and are identified with the Congregational Church at Greenwich, to which his family has given generous support since pioneer times. He takes much interest in political questions, being a firm believer in the principles and policy of the Republican party, and he is active in local affairs of a non-political nature. At present he is a member of the Vol- unteer Fire Company. (]. Belle Barnes. of Brooklyn, N. Y., is a descendant of Jared Mead, brother to Deliverance).

J JOSEPH E. RUSSELL, SR., than whom there is no better known citizen of his years in Greenwich, is one of those men of whom history will speak in later years as a leading citi- zen of his day, and one who has always had the best interests of the town at heart. It is doubt- ful if another man is living in Greenwich who has spent so many years in office, or one whose success in the accumulation of worldly goods, could be so little the result of the emoluments of office. He has ever been an honest, conscien- tious, painstaking official, and one to whom, in a lifetime devoted to official duties, there has not in any manner attached the slightest suspicion of corruption or dishonesty. If ever criticized for his conservatism, subsequent events and condi- tions have proved the wisdom of his position and his foresightedness. Now in his eightieth year, Judge Russell is unusually well preserved and in the full possession of every faculty.

Our subject was born November 6, 1818, in South Salem, Westchester Co., N. Y., the son of James and Clarinda (Moe) Russell. James Russell was the son of John, who came from Eng- land in 1770, and married Elizabeth (Cross) Russell.

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Judge Russell was married in 1841 to Miss Sophia A. Mead, who was born in Greenwich, on Putnam avenue, January 21, 1823, a daugh- ter of Bush and Sarah (Wilson) Mead. To our subject and his wife have been born three chil- dren, as follows: Charlotte, who died at the age of eight years; Joseph E., Jr .. an attorney who practices at New York and resides at Greenwich: Victor H., one of the best-known men of Green- wich and a leader in athletics; he is at present chief of the Volunteer Fire Department.

Judge Russell cast his first vote for President, for Van Buren. In early life he was a Democrat, and in 1860 he was a Douglas man. In 1864 he voted for Abraham Lincoln, and has since been a stanch Republican. He was an active member of the local military company known as the Put- nam Guards, and a company of the Ninth Regi- ment, Connecticut State Militia. At the organ- ization of the Putnam Guards he was elected lieutenant, later becoming captain. Among the offices to which he has been elected may be men- tioned those of assessor, first selectman, rep- resentative, and he was elected to the Legislature in 1857 on the Democratic ticket. In the capacity of justice of the peace he has presided at many trials, and his rulings were seldom re- versed. His judicial decisions were held in high respect by the best lawyers who practiced before him. He is familiarly known as .. Judge " Rus- sell. the title being one of endearment and re- spect on account of his long. faithful and able services. He continued to hold the office of jus- tice of the peace as long as he was eligible, or until he attained the age of seventy years.

No man in Greenwich is more deeply ven- erated, and his career in life has been an inspira- tion to the youthful and ambitious. The com- fortable competence he has accumulated has not been his greatest success, even though he started in life as a poor boy and has won his present financial position through his own unaided efforts. His character is above reproach: he typifies the . better. more ennobling phase of American man- hood, crowned in the evening of life with the approval and commendations of his fellowmen.

E LIJAH M. BEERS, custodian of the Wor- cester Cemetery at Danbury. is one of the well-known citizens of that town, and his popu- larity is shown by his election to various local offices. His faithful service in these and other positions of trust has amply justified the confi- dence of the people, and in public esteem no man stands higher.

Mr. Beers belongs to an old Colonial family,

I and his grandfather. David Beers, was a soldier in the Revolutionary army. This worthy pioneer was a farmer in the town of Weston, where he was born. He married Hannah Porter, of this county, and had the following children: Eph- raim, who was a farmer in the town of Danbury; Benjamin. a millwright by trade; Elijah, our sub- ject's father; Lois, who died unmarried; Ruth, who married Levi Whaley, a carpenter; and Eunice, who married (first) Anson Terrell, and (second) Isaac Scudder.

Elijah Beers, the father of our subject, was born in the town of Weston (now called Easton), where he grew to manhood upon a farm. He married Esther Treadwell, daughter of Benjamin Treadwell, a farmer in Easton, who served in Washington's army. in the Revolutionary war. After his marriage, Elijah Beers located upon a farm in Easton, but afterward removed to New Fairfield, where he followed agriculture and lum- bering. He was a Democrat in politics, and in religious faith he and his wife were both Meth- odists. His death occurred in 1871, his wife sur- viving him but six weeks. They had eleven chil- dren, some of whom were born in Easton, the others in New Fairfield: Leander (deceased) was a car-man in Danbury. Marinda (deceased) mar- ried Sumner Stowe, of Redding. Ruhama (de- ceased) married E. M. Couch, a hatter of New Fairfield, who, for his second wife, married her sister Hannah; she is still living. Benjamin (de- ceased) was a farmer in Easton. Hannah has just been mentioned. Bradley is now a farmer in New Fairfield. Ira is the agent for the Bridge port Bronze Company. Esther married Orlando Wildman, a farmer in the town of Danbury. Elijah, our subject, is mentioned more fully be- low. Mary (deceased) was the wife of George W. Barnum, a shoemaker. George (deceased) was a farmer by occupation.

The subject of this biography was born Feb- ruary 17, 1831. in the town of New Fairfield, where his early life was spent on a farm. In 1850 he married Jerusha A. Sturges, a native of the same locality. The family is of English origin, and her grandfather, David Sturges, was a resident of the town of Danbury, where her father, John Sturges, was born. Mr. Beers and his wife made their home at the old farm until 1868 when he removed to Danbury. Since 1886 he has held his present position as superintend- ent of the Worcester Cemetery. , He has always taken an active part in local affairs as well as in the Democratic organization of his town. In New Fairfield he held nearly all of the town offices, including those of selectman and assessor, while in Danbury he has served on the board of

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aldermen as a representative of the Second ward. He and his wife are active supporters of the Methodist Episcopal Church at Danbury, and take a keen interest in all progressive move- ments. Their family consists of five children: Essie. widow of George Osborne, of Brookfield; Alphonso, a resident of Danbury, who married Miss Goldwich, of Norwalk; Eliza, wife of Oscar Sturgis, of Ridgefield; Emerson, who married Miss Carrie Boughton, and resides in Danbury; and Elina, who married William H. Weyant, of Orange county. New York.

M TARK R. LEAVENWORTH (deceased) was for many years a leading citizen of Bridgeport, and, although his untimely death cut short his career while he was still in his prime, he left an enviable reputation, and his memory will not fade from the minds of those who came within the range of his influence, but will long be cherished by the many who were the recipients at his hands of the large-hearted generosity and kindly advice and sympathy he was ever ready to bestow. His broad and progressive mind made him an efficient worker in any worthy movement, and many a helpful enterprise re- ceived from him the practical aid which brought success at a critical time.

· Mr. Leavenworth was born January 19, 1846. in Stepney, this county, and was a descendant of an old pioneer family, his ancestors having emi- grated from England during the Colonial period. Russell Leavenworth, the grandfather of our subject, was born in Connecticut, and made his home at Woodbury. Lorenzo W. Leavenworth, our subject's father, was born in Woodbury.

Our subject's youth was chiefly spent at New Milford, Conn., where he received a good prac- tical education, and on leaving school he was employed for some time by D. A. Barlow, a stove dealer there. Later he settled in Bridgeport, and engaged in the stove business on his own ac- .count, continuing successfully until his death, which occurred November 1, 1894. Politically he was a. Democrat, while in religious faith he was an Episcopalian, he and his wife having al- ways contributed liberally to the support of the Church. The Historical Society of Bridgeport counted him among its most valued members, while he was also active in the work of the Ma- sonic Fraternity. having attained the thirty- second degree, and held in succession all the highest offices in the Order, being at the time of his death Grand Senior Warden of the State.

On January 19, 1872, Mr. Leavenworth married Miss Mary Perry, who survives him; no

children blessed the union. Mrs. Leavenworth is much esteemed, and belongs to a prominent family of this section. Her father, the late William H. Perry, was a wealthy retired resident of Bridgeport, and for many years was superin- tendent for the Wheeler & Wilson Manufactur- ing Company, in which he was a large stockholder. He was born May 25, 1820, in Woodstock, Conn., a son of Daniel Perry, Jr., and grandson of Daniel Perry, Sr., both well-known citizens of that locality. He died May 9, 1899. His brother, Peter L. Perry, now resides in Bridgeport, and a more complete account of his life appears elsewhere. On January 8, 1845. William H. Perry married Miss Catherine E. Storrs, a native of Chaplin, Conn., and a daughter of Judge Frederick Storrs and his wife, Eliza Chesbrough.

The Storrs family is of English origin, and the line of descent is traced to Samuel Storrs, who lived and died in England. His two sons, Thomas and Samuel, came to America in 1663, and remained for a time in Barnstable, Mass., but in 1698 settled in Springfield, Conn. Thomas Storrs had a son, Judah, the great-great-grand- father of Mrs. Leavenworth. Chester Storrs, her great-grandfather, was probably a native of Wales, Mass., and her grandfather, Judge Fred- erick Storrs, was born and reared there; on April 28, 1822, he was married to Eliza Chesbrough, a native of Groton, Conn. He engaged in mer- cantile business in Chaplin, and for twenty years conducted a clock repair shop in connection with his store. He possessed unusual mental powers, which he improved by constant reading and study, and was noted as an inventor, being prob- ably the first to manufacture a sewing machine needle in his section. Politically, he was a Democrat, and for many years he took a leading part in local affairs, serving his town as treas- urer, town clerk and judge of probate. He died at Chaplin, June 2, 1854, and his wife on June 9, 1841.

Of their children, (1) Catherine E. (Mrs. Leavenworth's mother), born April 3, 1823, mar- ried William H. Perry, and died July 6, 1860. (2) Henry, born August 26, 1825, became a bootmaker by trade, and died July 5, 1850. (3) Lucy E., born August 14, 1829, died in June, 1888, unmarried. (4) Francis, born October 20, 1831, died in infancy. (5) Frederick Wightman, born October 9, 1834, in Chaplin. was engaged in farming at Middletown, Conn., for a few years, but since 1864 has resided in Bridgeport. Until 1888 he had charge of the outside work for the Wheeler & Wilson Manu- facturing Company, but at present he manages the extensive interests of his brother-in-law, the

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late William H. Perry. In 1861 he married Miss Martha A. Monson, of Litchfield, Conn., daugh- ter of Barnabas D. and Delia (Canfield) Monson, and a granddaughter of Obadiah Monson, a resi- dent of Watertown, Conn. Her father died in 1846, and her mother in 1882, leaving four chil- dren: Martha A., Cynthia A., Amelia and Walter D. Monson. Frederick W. Storrs is a stanch Republican in politics, and like most of his ancestors is a supporter of the Congregational Church. He has one daughter. Evelyn M., now the wife of Harrington L. Baker, of Beverly, Mass. (6) Fannie A., born August 26, 1837, married Elijah Blake, of New Britain. Conn. (7) Daniel C., born March 6, 1840, was a soldier in the Union army during the Civil war, and died in the Hampton Hospital on June 4. 1864, his watch now being preserved as a sacred relic by Frederick W. Storrs. (8) Joseph, born in 1841, died in infancy.

The Chesbrough family is of good pioneer stock, and in this line Mrs. Leavenworth is a de- scendant of William Chesbrough, the first white settler at Stonington, Conn. The line of descent is traced through Elisha (son of William), Elihu (1); Elihu (2); Elihu (3), who married Phoebe -: Daniel (Mrs. Leavenworth's great-grand- father): Eliza, who married Judge Frederick Storrs; and Catherine E. (Mrs. Leavenworth's mother). Daniel Chesbrough was born in 1771, and became one of the early settlers of Groton, Conn., where he followed farming many years. He married Miss Fannie Williams, and had children: Fannie, born in 1793; Daniel. in 1796; Catherine. 1798; Elam W., 1800: Eliza (1). 1802; Abbie, 1805: Eliza (2), 1807; Myra, 1809; and Matilda A., 1814.

P HILIP H. WIEGAND (deceased). For half a century our subject was identified with the business interests of Port Chester and locality. As a thrifty and frugal German of good intelli- gence and intentions, he made an excellent citi- zen of his adopted country.

country. The father of these was an iron molder by trade and occupation. On coming here he had a hard struggle, but he was an honest, up- right man. He lived to be seventy-six years of age. The mother died before Philip had reached the age of eight years, whereupon the father emigrated to the United States, leaving Philip in the care of a guardian.

Philip Henry Wiegand, our subject, was care- fully educated in Homburg by his guardian, and when fifteen years of age, in the fall of 1848, came to America in the bark " Thomas Kerwin," landing at New York after a voyage of thirty-five days, a remarkably quick passage for those times. Later he moved to Port Chester, and there se- cured employment in the foundry of Abendroth Brothers, but could not follow the occupation owing to poor health. He well remembered East Port Chester as being quite in the woods, and re- called with pleasing memory the good days he enjoyed in the summer season when he and his playmates (and later his fellow-workers in the foundry, which was not far from the river banks) were wont to bathe and swim to their heart's content. He was industrious and economical. and from his little savings he in the course of I time was enabled to go into business for himself, engaging in the sale of groceries, liquors, ale, etc. He always so conducted himself as to show his honesty of purpose, and soon paid his bills promptly and established a business credit.

On December 24, 1854, at Port Chester, Mr. Wiegand was married to Miss Marian O'Toohill, and to this union came children as follows: George V., born in September, 1855, is single and at home; Mary E., born in June, 1857, is now Mrs. Lewis Mertz, of Port Chester, N. Y .: John H., born in May. 1859. is married, and lives in Port Chester, N. Y .; Martha E., born in May, 1864, is now Mrs. John Carr, of New Haven, Conn .; Henry P., born in July, 1866, married Mary Johnson, and resides in Port Chester, N. Y .; Katie E., born in December, 1869. is now Mrs. George Mertz, of Port Chester; Annie F., born in January, 1871; Augusta R., born in May, 1873; Theressa M., born in June. 1876 ;- and two sons who died, one when aged three years, the i other when an infant. Of this family Annie F., Augusta R. and Theressa M. are at home. The mother of these is a native of Ireland, born in 1832, in County Tipperary, a daughter of Michael and Ellen (Berry) O'Toohill. She came to the United States alone in 1848, sailing from Liver- pool in the " Gypsy." which occupied nearly seven weeks in making the voyage, landing at New

Born August 30, 1833, in Homburg, in the regency of Kassel, Hessia, Germany, Mr. Wie- gand was a son of Valentine and Elizabeth (Sie- bert) Wiegand, also natives of Germany, who came with their family to the United States, locating at Port Chester in 1844. Their children were six in number: Valentine is a resident of Port Chester: Herman, a molder by trade, lives 1 at Norwalk: Catharine lives at New Haven, and is the widow of Frederick Koracak; Philip H. is our subject: Katherine married Michael Schupp, ' York after a very stormy passage. From that and one died before the parents came to this | city Mrs. Wiegand went to New Rochelle, N. Y.,

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where she had friends living. She has a beau- tiful home in East Port Chester, in addition to which residence there remains in the family a de- sirable business property in the same village. In religious faith Mrs. Wiegand adheres to the ten- ets of the Roman Catholic Church. Mr. Wiegand was a Lutheran, having in 1848, when fourteen years of age, been confirmed in that Church.

Philip H. Wiegand died March 16, 1898, and his funeral, such was the esteem he was held in, was one of the largest and most impressive ever witnessed in this part of the county. From a lengthy and just tribute to his memory as a pub- lic and private citizen, published in a local paper just after his funeral, we glean the following few lines: "The confidence placed in him by his fellow citizens was the best evidence of his worth and standing as a man. Though he at all times exercised a powerful influence for good at his end of the town of Greenwich, vet he never sought office for himself, and we believe never ac- cepted the responsibilities of office except in the one position of committeeman. He served his school associates as treasurer, and when the conditions were such that they could not raise money promptly, Phil' Wiegand did not hesitate to sign his name to raise the money." His two sons, Geo. V. and Henry P., still carry on the business.

STENRY FINCH, a prosperous farmer of the town of Wilton, and one of the oldest residents of the place, was born November 4, 1828, and received his education in the common schools of that place and at Westport Academy. During all the earlier years of his life his prin- cipal occupation was farming. while during the Civil war he did an extensive butchering business. He has an elegant place on Chestnut Hill, and deals extensively in stock. He is a member of Our Brothers Lodge No. 10, I. O. O. F., of the town of Norwalk, is a Democrat in politics, and has held a few of the local minor offices of his town. He married Miss Jane A. Water- bury, daughter of E. S. Waterbury. a prosperous farmer of the town of Wilton. Mr. and Mrs. Finch have had no children.

Frank Finch, twin brother of Henry Finch, was educated in the town of Wilton, and West- port Academy. After leaving school he engaged in farming and the butchering business with his brother. Like his brother, he was a member of Our Brothers Lodge No. 10, 1. O. O. F., of Norwalk; he is a Democrat in politics, and has held a few of the minor local offices of his town. He married Miss Isabell R. Park, daughter of

John Park, of Vermont, and died July 12, 1898. They had no children.

Ichabod Finch, grandfather of our subject, was born in the town of Wilton, was there edu- cated, and ever afterward devoted himself to farming. He married a Miss Smith, by whom he had the following children: Budd, William, John, Daniel, Charlotte and Polly.

Budd Finch, father of our subject, was born June 13, 1789, and educated in the town of Wil- ton, and was called out during the war of 1812. During his early life he began to learn the shoe- maker's trade, but never worked at that trade, preferring the life of a farmer, in this occupation being unusually successful and accumulating con- siderable wealth. Politically, he was a strong Democrat, and was elected to several of the minor local offices of his town. In religion he was a Universalist. He married Miss Lucinda Waterbury, daughter of Thaddeus Waterbury, a prominent farmer of Wilton. The children born to this marriage were as follows: Henry, Frank, and Eliza J., who married George B. Gregory, of Norwalk ..

Archibald Park, grandfather of the wife of Frank Finch, was born near Glasgow, Scotland, and obtained his early education in that city. At the age of sixteen he emigrated to the United States, and settled in Ryegate, Vt., where he engaged in farming. He was a resident of the country during the Revolutionary war, but it is not stated whether he served as a soldier during that conflict. Politically he was a strong Demo- crat, was well thought of by his fellow men, and was elected to several of the minor local offices within their gift. He married Miss Margaret Renfrew, by whom he had the following children: John, who married Jane Roben; Margaret, who married Robert Miller; Jane, who married Rob- ert Cochran; Archibald, who married Margaret Roben; Robert, who remained single; Abigail, who married Harrison Bailey; Caroline, who married James Dickey; and Jackson, who died young.

John Park, father of the wife of Mr. Finch, was born in Ryegate, Vt., was educated in the common schools of that town, and ever after- ward engaged in farming. During the training days he was a militiaman, and in politics. he was a Democrat, holding several of the minor offices of his town. While not a member of any relig- ious society, yet he regularly attended the Pres- byterian Church. He married Miss Jane Roben, daughter of Walter and Polly (Thomas) Roben, the former of whom was a prosperous farmer of Scotland. To this marriage there were born the following children: Andrew J., who married Mary

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Barnett; Margaret J., born May 1. 1836, died ; half on his own account, at the end of that time young; Isabell R., born June 2, 1837, married i engaging in the business to which he devoted the Frank Finch: Walter A., born February 19, 1839. i remainder of his active life. In partnership with married; John R., born November 26, 1840, died i his brother Thomas he bought the schooner ' " Mariner," which was used in the trade between young; Martin \'., born July 28, 1842, remains single; Sarah J .. born June 15, 1844. married | Greenwich and New York, and they began by Henry Swan; Polly A., born March 20, 1846, i transporting stone for other parties for half, married Jabez B. Nelson; and a son, born Au- : finally embarking in the business for themselves. gust 20, 1848, died without being named.

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Commemorative Biographical Record of Fairfield County, Connecticut, Part 71

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