Commemorative Biographical Record of Fairfield County, Connecticut, Part 94

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

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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).

On December 24, 1853, Mr. Banks was united in marriage with Miss Amelia Collins, of New York, a daughter of Denmark P. Collins (an ex- tensive lumber merchant of that city), who was born in New Haven, Conn., of an old family of that city, his father, Eben Hall Collins, having been in business there many years, a highly edu- cated man prominent in social affairs, exalted in Freemasonry and an officer in the war of 1812. To our subject and wife have been born four children, a brief record of whom is as follows: Cecile (born in Easton) is the wife of Louis F. Gardner, of Ansonia, Conn .; Jane E. married Major J. Taylor Amiss, of Asheville, N. C .; Mil- dred married James H. Torry, of Bridgeport, Conn., now deceased; and C. Lincoln, a med- ical practitioner, of whom special mention will presently be made. Mr. and Mrs. Moses E. Banks are distinguished for their refinement and intelligence, and being of social and genial na- tures they are the center of a large circle of

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friends and acquaintances. The life of Mr. Banks is a constant inspiration to those who know of his zealous and self-sacrificing work in the advancement of the cause of education.

C. LINCOLN BANKS, M. D., only son of the above, was born in Fairfield. Fairfield Co., Conn., April 8, 1863, and the earlier part of his life was passed in Derby, New Haven county, where his father was superintendent of schools at the time. Here the lad received his primary edu- cation, which was supplemented with a course of study at the High school of Bridgeport. He then attended Lehigh University, taking a scientific course at that institution, graduating with the class of '88, and receiving the degree of B. S. While there he was a member of the Phi Beta Kappa fraternity. In the fall of 1888 he entered the medical department of Columbia College, graduating with the class of '91 (he there joined the Zeta Psi fraternity); then did two years' hos- pital work, and graduated as house surgeon from the Post-graduate College, also from Sloane Ma- ternity Hospital. In the fall of 1893 he located in Bridgeport, Conn., where he has since been associated in the practice of medicine with Dr. Charles C. Godfrey.

On April 26, 1894, Doctor Banks was mar- ried to Miss Edith Marston, of Portland, Maine, daughter of Seward B. and Harriet A. Marston, also of that State, and of English descent. To this union has been born one child, Marston Edson. In politics the Doctor is a Republican, and in 1897 he was elected alderman of Bridge- port, in which incumbency he is still serving. Socially, he is a member of the Algonquin and Sea Side Clubs, and is affiliated with the F. & A. M., St. John's Lodge No. 3, and Hamilton Com- mandery No. 5, Knights Templar, of Bridgeport. As a physician he enjoys an enviable reputation, while his pleasant and genial manner have won for him many friends.

T TINDERHILL LYON. The Lyon family is one of the oldest, if not the oldest, in the town of Greenwich, and the old homestead, near Hawthorne P. O., now occupied by the subject of this biography, has sheltered seven genera- tions of that name. It was in the year 1640 that Thomas Lyon settled there, he having re- ceived a royal grant of the tract from King Charles I, and the house built by him on his ar- rival has been continually occupied by the family ever since, additions being made from time to time without destroying or essentially altering the original structure. It is one of the oldest and most substantial houses in the United States,

and according to family tradition all in this sec- tion who bear the name of Lyon could trace their descent from its founder. The estate is a valuable one, lying on the old Post road, north of Byram Bridge.

II. In the second generation the line of de- scent, in which we are now interested, was con- tinued by Thomas, Jr., a son of the pioneer.

III. Gilbert Lyon, son of Thomas, Jr., was born July 20, 1719, at the homestead. He mar- ried Jane Kniffen (now Sniffen).

IV. Abraham Lyon, our subject's grand- father, was born November 13, 1764, in the old house where he always resided, and he followed farming throughout his life. He married Han- nah Mills, and had eight children who lived to maturity: Seth, a prominent politician, county surveyor, and farmer of his day; Fitch, who never married; Olivia, who married (first) Jona- than Lyon, and (second) Jotham Sherwood; Jane (Mrs. Henry Davis); Deborah (Mrs. Gilbert Lyon); Hannah, who never married; Elias, our subject's father; and Emeline, who did not marry. All are now deceased, but they attained to advanced years, at one time their combined ages reaching a total that had never been equalled in this State by members of one family. V. Elias Lyon, the father of our subject, was born in the old home in 1800, and became a successful agriculturist, much of his life being spent at the homestead. He was a Democrat in politics. His death occurred in 1863, his re- mains being interred in Lyon cemetery on the Post road in the town of Greenwich. He mar- ried Martha A. Banks, who was born October 24. 1805, a daughter of John Banks, and she sur- vived him many years, passing away in 1893. This estimable couple had two children: Under- hill, our subject; and Louise, who married Daniel Haight, and had three children-Daniel, John U. and Martha (she died at Port Chester, New York, in April, 1893).

VI. Underhill Lyon, who is now probably the best-known of the name in this county, was born October 24, 1837, in a house standing on the opposite side of the road from the old family residence. His education was begun in the Byram district schools, and he also attended a select school at Port Chester, N. Y., but his opportunities were limited compared with those enjoyed by the children of that locality to- day. As the only son, he became the mainstay of his father in the work of the homestead, to which he succeeded on the death of the latter. He is a successful manager, and in addition to the care of his farm he is often called upon to settle estates for others, much business of that

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sort being done gratuitously. His sound judg- ment and public spirit have won for him the con- fidence of all classes in the community and, although he is a Democrat politically, he has often been elected to office through the votes of both parties. He has held nearly every office of importance in his township, serving creditably in all. For more than fifteen years he has served as assessor, an office which he now holds, and for more than five years he was a selectman of his town. Since 1871 he has been prominent in the management of the local school, and for more than twenty-five years has served as clerk of the district. He is unassuming in manner, and in all his dealings he is thoroughly upright, his religion being the practical observance, in everyday life, of the "Golden Rule."

Is June, 1880, he married Miss Maria Black- ett, who was born March 25, 1854, at Tremont, N. Y., now 177th street, New York City. Her parents, John and Frances (Ritch) Blackett, died when she was about thirteen years old, and for some years her home was in Port Chester and Greenwich. She is a member of the Pres- byterian Church at Port Chester, and takes an interest in its various lines of work. One daugh- ter brightens their home, Julia Frances, born December 18, 1889.

W 'ILLIAM B. LOCKWOOD. For about two hundred and fifty years the farm at Sound Beach, Greenwich township, now owned and occupied by the prominent citizen whose name opens this review, has been in possession of the Lockwood family. It is one of the few tracts of land, in the county, still held in the name of the original Colonial settler. The name has been prominently interwoven through the history of those two and one-half centuries of American life and development. Eight genera- tions span the period of time since Robert Lock- wood, about 1630, emigrated from England, locating first at Watertown, Mass., in 1646 re- moving to what is now Sound Beach, Fairfield county, and there founding this distinguished family. Here Robert Lockwood died in 1658. The line of descent to our subject is as follows: Robert, first generation; Jonathan, second gen- eration; Robert, third generation; David, fourth generation; Enos, fifth generation; Enos (2), sixth generation; Beal Burr, seventh genera- tion; and William B. (our subject), eighth genera- tion.

Enos Lockwood (1), the great-grandfather of our subject, was born May 30, 1731. His wife Elizabeth was born in 1735. Enos Lockwood

died April 12, 1802, and his wife died January 9, 1787; both were buried at Sound Beach. Their children were as follows: Abigail, who married Abel Ferris; Sarah, who married Joseph Donald- son; Enos, grandfather of our subject, who mar- ried Sarah Ferris; Joshua; Elizabeth, who never married; Reuben; Mary; and Martha, who mar- ried a Mr. Ferris.

Enos Lockwood (2) was born March 1, 1763, at Sound Beach, and on September 15, 1793, married Sarah Hoit, who was born March 28, 1771. Their three children were as follows: Maurice, who was born April 6, 1794, and who, while a clerk in a store at Cos Cob, died a young man; Enos Bennett, born October 26, 1798, was a farmer, and died in Stamford township, Novem- ber 6, 1870; and Beal Burr, father of our sub- ject, was born May 26, 1807. Enos (2) Lock- wood was chosen July 4, 1818, as a delegate to the Constitutional Convention at Hartford, which body assembled in August, 1818. When but a lad he enlisted in the Connecticut State Troops, called the Town Guards, or Coast Guards; his company was commanded by Capt. Timothy Lockwood, and Lieut. Oliver Jervis. He was a farmer, and owned the farm where our subject now lives; was a well-known citizen, and left considerable property. He died June 22, 1837, his wife surviving him about one year. They were buried at Sound Beach.

Beal Burr Lockwood was born on the home farm May 26, 1807. He was reared as a farmer boy of his day, attending the schools of Sound Beach at first, then attending the school at Stamford. In December, 1834, he was married at Port Chester, N. Y., to Miss Susan Ferris, who was born at Mianus, November 4, 1812, the daughter of Jonathan and Elizabeth (Warring) Ferris. Jonathan Ferris was a farmer, and lived near Mianus Landing. Beal Burr Lockwood began housekeeping on the home farm, and al- ways lived there until his death, which occurred January 3, 1866. He was buried in the Con- gregational cemetery. His four children were: Reuben B., born August 27, 1835, was a farmer at Sound Beach, and died September 20, 1891; William Burr is our subject; Sarah A., born Feb- ruary 10, 1840, married (first) Frank Lockwood, and (second) John Kelley, of Port Jervis, N. Y .; and Enos, born February 7, 1843, died Septem- ber 19, 1856. The father of our subject was a Whig in early life, and later a Democrat. He was through life a prominent member of the Con- gregational Church. The allurements of office did not appeal to him, and, save for the earnest and conscientious Church work in which he was ever ready to engage, he was devoted chiefly to

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his family and to his own business affairs. He left a considerable property. The mother of our subject still survives in the eighty-sixth year of her age, and lives on the old homestead. She is an active member of the Congregational Church, and is highly respected and well preserved.

William B. Lockwood, our subject, was born December 12, 1837, on the old Lockwood home- stead, of which he has ever since been a resident. In his youth he attended the Sound Beach schools, and completed his education at Stamford. He was married September 2, 1861, to Miss Lavina Ford, who was born in New York City, April 10, 1838. daughter of Benjamin and Harriet (Purdy) Ford. Benjamin Ford was a wholesale dry-goods merchant of New York City. His daughter, Lavina, was highly educated, and when mar- ried brought to our subject the graces and cult- ure of a refined home-maker. She is a member of the Baptist Church at Stamford. The chil- dren born to Mr. and Mrs. Lockwood are as fol- lows: Harriet C .; Laura J., now Mrs. John F. Ryan, of Stamford; M. Lillian; Beal Burr, a horseman and farmer, at home; and Enos B., at home. In politics Mr. Lockwood is a stanch Democrat. He is a business man of ripe judg- ment, and in the intelligent community in which he lives he is regarded as one of its best and most substantial citizens.

BENEZER COLEY, a prosperous farmer of the town of Wilton, was born April 26, 1838, in the town of Westport, Conn. His early education was obtained in the common schools, and he afterward attended a private school kept by Professor Richards. Being thus well quali- fied, he began teaching school and continued to follow this profession for eighteen years. At the end of this time he turned his attention to farm- ing, which occupation he has since followed with success, purchasing a farm within the town of Wilton. He has also, to some extent, been en- gaged in the butcher business.

During the Civil war Mr. Coley was drafted, but on account of the condition of his health he was found to be exempt. Politically he has always been a strong Republican, and he has been honored by his fellow-citizens with election to several of the minor offices, such as tax collector, member of the school committee, and others. He is a member of the Westport Congregational Church. Mr. Coley married Miss Eleanor O. Gregory (daughter of Samuel and Eleanor (Fillow) Gregory), who was born in the town of Wilton, November 10, 1841, and they have had the following named children: Stanton,

born December 17, 1864, married Susie M. Hub- bell; Chester E., born December 1, 1874, is engaged in business with his father; he married Edna C. Bradley.

Walter Coley, father of Ebenezer Coley, was born in the town of Westport, Conn., October 11, 1791, was educated in the common schools of his native place, and engaged in farming throughout his active life. During the training days he was a member of the horse artillery. In politics he was a strong Republican, but he never aspired to office. He was a member of the Nor- field Church of Weston, in which he was a mem- ber of the choir. Walter Coley married Mrs. Ora Coley, widow of John Coley, by whom she had no children. By her second marriage she had the following named children: Walter, who remains single; Mercie A., who married Jarvis Taylor; Ebenezer, the subject of this sketch; Samuel M., who married Mary E. Nash; and Henry B., who married Hellen A. Seymour.

Samuel Gregory, father of Mrs. Ebenezer Coley, was born March 6, 1769, in the town of Wilton, where he was educated in the common schools. He became a tin peddler, continuing in that business for many years, but during the later years of his life he was engaged in farming. During the training days he was a member of the militia, and he was a strong Republican in poli- tics. He was a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and was an excellent citizen, standing well in the estimation of the community in which he lived. He married Eleanor Fillow, by whom he had the following named children: Eleanor O., wife of the subject proper of this sketch; Samuel, born January 18, 1845; and Aaron, who died young. Samuel Gregory, father of these, died in 1862.

W WILLIAM LIEBERUM. Thomas Carlyle once said, "our grand business in this life is not to see what lies dimly at a distance, but to do that which lies clearly at hand." Philoso- phers in all ages have, in various ways, given voice to the same thought in language so terse, as to be handed down to us as proverbs; and the Divine Master himself declared "Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof." Success comes slowly, and it is the result of great toil and much hardship, and it comes only to the spirit that is strong enough to overcome all obstacles. To contemplate on the lives and characters of those to crown whose efforts success has come, and to emulate their example is a worthy lesson for the American youth, and we here present a few of the incidents in the lifeof one of the representative

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and progressive business men of Bridgeport- William Lieberum.

The subject of this review was born at Hesse- Cassel, Germany, September 26, 1837, a son of August Henry and Minnie (Happel) Lieberum, in whose family were eight children: (1) Mary, who became Mrs. Keller, and now resides in Birming- ham, Conn .; (2) Augusta, who married Nicholas Usinger, and lives in Bridgeport; (3) Kate, de- ceased wife of A. Usinger, of New Haven, Conn .; (4) William, our subject; (5) August, who is mentioned elsewhere ;- (6) Henry, of Bridgeport; (7) Charles, of New Brunswick, N. J .; and (8) Minnie, deceased wife of William Evers, a butcher of Bridgeport. The father of this family died in 1884, followed two years later by his de- voted wife. On coming to this country, August Henry Lieberum first located at Derby, Conn., where he engaged in the manufacture of cigars, but at the time of his death he was living retired at New Brunswick, New Jersey.

In 1854. William Lieberum left the Father- land for the United States. Before coming to this country he had learned the cabinetmakers' trade, and after his arrival in America he located at Ansonia, New Haven Co., Conn., where he followed his trade. Here he remained some time; then after a short stay in Birmingham, Conn., he, in 1861, removed to Bridgeport, where he has ever since made his home. For four years he here worked for the Wheeler & Wilson Sew- ing Machine Co., but in 1865, in company with his brother August, the firm of Lieberum Brothers was established, for the purpose of dealing in furniture and for undertaking. For twenty-five years this firm carried on business with great suc- cess, and "Lieberum Bros." were an important factor in the commercial world of Bridgeport. The partnership was dissolved in 1890, since when our subject has conducted the business alone. In 1895 be moved from his former location on Water street, to No. 441 Main street-the larg- est store on the street-where he has since re- mained.

On April 9, 1863, Mr. Lieberum was married to Miss Henrietta Eckel, a native of Newark, N. J., and a daughter of John Eckel, a native of Germany. Though born in New Jersey, Mrs. Lieberum passed the greater portion of her life in Bridgeport, where her father was a saddle maker. A family of three children were born to our subject and his wife: (1) Marie H., who be- came the wife of Frederick C. Winnewisser, formerly of this State, now of Bellows Falls, Vt. (2) Charles F., who is in business with his father; he married Christine Rohe, of New York. (3) William J. was bookkeeper with his father, but

died February 11, 1899, at his home in Bridge- port, Conn. The mother of these children died January 7, 1873, and March 25, 1874, for his second wife Mr. Lieberum married Henrietta Horstman, of Newark, N. J., and to this union four children were born: (1) Julia W. and (2) Wilhelmena F., at home; (3) Henry H., a ma- chinist; and (4) George W., at home.

In his political opinions Mr. Lieberum coin- cides with the principles of the Democratic party, and he has been frequently called upon by his friends to fill positions of trust and honor; in 1882-83 he was a member of the council, and from 1885 to 1889 was police commissioner. At the election of April, 1899, he was elected a member of the board of education for the term of three years. When Mr. Lieberum has been elected to office, it has been when the office sought the man, for in no sense can he be re- garded as an office seeker. In his social relations he is a member of the Masonic Fraternity, which he joined in 1862. His success in life is due to his own unaided efforts, and he has not only made a financial success, but has won and main- tained the high regard of all who know him, for his upright life, public and private. In his own home, surrounded by his accomplished family. he finds his true enjoyment-a cheerful haven of rest after the worrisome cares that fall to the lot of any business man.

C HARLES H. PEIX, a member of the well- known firm of Beckerle & Co., leaders in the hat industry at Danbury, is a representative of the best type of our German-born citizens. Energetic, shrewd, thrifty, he has made his way to a high mark in business circles, and while he is not especially active in local political work, his influence is always thrown upon the side of prog- ress.

Mr. Peix was born November 22, 1846, in Hanover, Germany, the youngest in a family of seven children. He was educated in the public schools of his native land, and at fourteen began to learn the dyer's trade, which he followed for some time there and in this country. In Novem- ber, 1869, he crossed the ocean, and landing in New York City found employment in a dyeing establishment in Brooklyn. After six months he removed to Danbury and continued in the same line of business as an employe of Louis Moeg- ling. He soon decided to familiarize himself with Danbury's principal industry and, entering the hat factory of the Tweedy Manufacturing Company, he there spent several years. He then formed a partnership with William Beckerle and

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the late Joseph H. Shuldice, and began the manu- facture of hats under the firm name of Beckerle & Co. A few years later Thomas F. Fay was admitted to the firm, which has enjoyed unusual prosperity, employing in good seasons from six hundred to seven hundred people.

In 1868 Mr. Peix married Miss Rosina Von Wartburg, and two children bless this union: Bertha L., an attractive young lady, at home; and Charles H., Jr., a graduate of Yale College of the class of '98, and now connected with the firm of Beckerle & Co. The family attend the First Congregational Church of Danbury, and take a prominent part in the social life of that pleasant city. Mr. Peix built his present home there about fifteen years ago. He is an ardent believer in the doctrines of the Republican party, but has never shown inclination for office, though in 1888, before Danbury was incorporated as a city. he was elected burgess and served with ability for four years.

M ARCUS O. WHEELER. New England's pride is in her people, the sturdy, upright stock which through generation after generation holds steadily by the old wholesome ways of life while keeping pace with modern culture and scientific progress. The Wheeler family of this section is a notable instance, its members con- tinuing to cultivate the broad acres which were handed down to them by their pioneer ancestors, yet their public spirit and sound practical judg- ment are always recognized factors in the varied activities of the community. The subject of this sketch, who is a prominent agriculturist of the town of Trumbull, divides his time between city and country life, and while conducting a large farm he resides principally at his attractive home in Bridgeport, on the corner of Washington and Park avenues.

Mr. Wheeler is of the seventh generation of the family of that name in this county, tracing his descent from Sergt. Ephraim Wheeler, an Englishman by birth, who was made a freeman at Concord, Mass., on March 13, 1639. In 1644 he located in Fairfield county, and at his death, which occurred previous to 1670, he owned a large amount of land. As a genealogical record of the family is given elsewhere, we will simply indicate here the line of descent to our subject, which includes Deacon Isaac, son of Sergeant Ephraim; Isaac, who died about 1698; Ebenezer, born in 1696; John, born in 1738; John M., born January 7, 1769; and Walker Wheeler, our subject's father. Hon. Walker Wheeler was born January 21, 1803, in Chestnut Hill District,

town of Trumbull, and was educated there and in the city of Bridgeport. Throughout life he followed farming in Trumbull township, and for many years he was a leading Democrat of that town, serving as a representative in the State Legislature, and holding various local offices, in- cluding that of selectman. He was also active in non-political movements, and was prominent in religious work as a member of Grace Episco- pal Church at Long Hill. On March 15, 1826, he was married in Easton to Miss Rebecca Sher- wood, daughter of 'Squire Walker Sherwood, a well-known resident of that town. Five children were born of this union, our subject being the youngest. Margaret married Abel Stiles Beach, of Trumbull; Sherwood died in 1848 at the age of twenty; Melissa married W. A. Tomlinson, of Bridgeport; and John M. is a member of the firm of Wheeler & Howes, of Bridgeport.

Our subject was born May 25, 1838, at the old home in Chestnut Hill District, Trumbull, and his education was begun in the schools of that neighborhood. Later he attended the acad- emy at Easton, also a private school in War- ren, Conn., and since leaving that institution he has made farming his occupation. He is a lead- ing member of Grace Episcopal Church, and is interested in all movements which promise to benefit the public. At times he has participated in local politics, giving his support to the Demo- cratic party, and for ten years he served as reg- istrar. In 1861 he was married in Trumbull to Miss Susan E. Beardsley, daughter of Miles Beardsley, a respected citizen of that locality. Four children have blessed this marriage: Marion R. (deceased), Sherwood B. (a resident of New York City), Lizzie May and Arthur N. Of these, Lizzie May Wheeler married Henry Franklin Parrott, January 25, 1899.

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Commemorative Biographical Record of Fairfield County, Connecticut, Part 94

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