Commemorative biographical record of Hartford County, Connecticut : containing biographical sketches of prominent and representative citizens, and of many of the early settled families, Pt 1, Part 118

Author: J.H. Beers & Co
Publication date: 1901
Publisher: Chicago : J.H. Beers & Co.
Number of Pages: 1336

USA > Connecticut > Hartford County > Commemorative biographical record of Hartford County, Connecticut : containing biographical sketches of prominent and representative citizens, and of many of the early settled families, Pt 1 > Part 118

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COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

Griswold for his second wife married Abigail H. Stoddard, by whom he had two children : Frances, who died in carly youth, unmarried; and Mary, wife of John Holt.

Justus Welles Griswold was born Aug. 13, 1823. His educational advantages, such as were afforded by the schools of Wethersfield, were good for his day ; but his aspirations were for a more liberal edu- cation and he prepared for college, but owing to business losses sustained by his father he relin- quished his purpose, assumed his father's indebted- ness, and in time paid it. He was always a reader and a student, and his mind was stored with a fund of valuable information on a vast variety of topics. During his earlier years he was superintendent in a stockinet factory and in net weaving. He became a partner in the business, but in later years he began the life of a farmer upon the old homestead, de- voting especial attention to secd-growing and market gardening. There he passed the remainder of his life, dying in 1898. He was industrious and temperate, a man who strove to the utmost to per- form his whole duty in every relation of life. He was a public-spirited citizen, keenly alive to the issues of the day, and always foremost in every pro- ject looking to the promotion of the welfare of Wethersfield and its people. Besides being promi- nent, he was popular and influential, his genial na- ture winning many friends, while his counsel was sought on questions of public importance. He rep- resented the town in the Legislature, in the year 1877. He was an active member of the Wethers- field Grange, and took a deep interest in its work and in all matters that affected its prosperity. In- leed, with his enthusiastic temperament and untiring energy, it was impossible for him to be lukewarm upon any question in which he was interested. Po- itically he was a strong Republican, and in religious faith a Congregationalist, being a member of the church of that denomination in Wethersfield.

Mr. Griswold was twice married. His first wife was Louisa, a daughter of Austin Standish, of Rocky Hill, who traces back through Simcon, Jeremiah, Jeremiah, Thomas, and Alexander to Miles Standish -"The Captain of Plymouth." By her he had five children, two sons and three daughters: Ida L., the vife of Robert S. Griswold, of Griswoldville; Kate M., now . Mrs. Henry A. White; Mary E., who died when two years of age; Elmer W., residing in Waterbury : and Clifford S., a graduate of Trinity College, and now an instructor in the Groton (Mass.) School for Boys. After the death of his wife, Mr. Griswold married Ellen E., a daughter of John Welles, who survives him, and is still living on the homestead farm. She is descended from Governor Thomas Welles, and her family is among he oldest in New England. Her great-great- grandfather, Joseph, was a son of Joseph Welles und Hannah Robbins, his wife. He was born at Wethersfield, Sept. 17, 1720, and after passing his ife in that town, died and was buried there. He

was a farmer by occupation. In March, 1745, he married Mary Robbins, their union being blest with eight children, who were born and named as fol- lows: Joseph, April 14, 1746; Sarah, Sept. 13, 1747; Seth, Aug. 3, 1749; Elijah, Jan. 10, 1751; Samuel, Dec. 10, 1753; Mary, Feb. 4, 1755; Elisha, March 2, 1758; and Christopher, March 11, 1760. The eldest son of Joseph, was the great-grandfather of Mrs. Griswold. He married Jerusha Hurlburt, daughter of Thomas Hurlburt and Abigail Belden. He was one of those determined patriot farmers of 1776 who were content to leave the plow in the furrow and carry on the shoulder the unaccustomed weight of a musket, if thereby they might secure the independence of the country for which they were ready to offer up their lives. He served gallantly until, while at New York, ill health compelled him to return home. The remainder of his life was spent in Wethersfield. His brother Elijah, a great- great-uncle of Mrs. Griswold, was also a Revolu- tionary soldier, and in this connection it is interest- ing to refer to a letter from the latter to his wife, written in the third month of the struggle between the Colonies and the Crown. Through Mrs. Gris- wold's courtesy, the publishers are able to present a copy of the epistle. It runs as follows :

NEW YORK, Sept. 11, 1776.

MY DEAR FRIEND:

I take this opportunity to let you know that I enjoy a good state of health, and have ever since I came from home.

I received your letters with pleasure, and was very glad to learn that you are well. Brother Joseph has been sick, and has set out for home some days ago. Brothers Solomon Wolcott and Seth Welles, Elisha Wolcott and Samuel Welles, have been sick, but have got better.

I have nothing strange to write, only there has been heavy firing with cannon and bombs for this three days past which has done but little damage. We expect a battle this day, and have for some days ; ast, but God only knows how soon we shall be called for action. I know that God is able to save all that put their trust in him.

I must conclude by sending my best love to Father, Mother, Brothers and Sisters and acquaintances. I should be glad to have a line from you, who am

Your well wisher and loving husband, ELIJAH WELLES.

Simple in substance and homely in expression as the foregoing letter from husband to wife may appear in the light of the civilization (real or false) of 1900, there can be read between the lines a spirit of deep faith and lofty consecration. The original letter is in the possession of Herbert Wells, of Weth- ersfield, a great-grandson of the writer, and is of historical value, as it mentions several soldiers whose names may not appear elsewhere, the muster- roll of this company, commanded by Capt. Hezekiah Welles, of Wethersfield, having been lost.

Joseph Welles, the son of Joseph Welles, above, and the grandfather of Mrs. Griswold, was a land owner in Wethersfield, where he was born. Follow- ing the family traditions, he became a farmer. He died in the very prime of his manhood, through the

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bursting of a blood vessel, in 1837. He was a mem- ber of the Congregational Church, and an Old-line Whig. He married Lucy, a daughter of Samuel Robbins and Anna Griswold; their children were eight in number, all of whom are now deceased ex- cept Albert S .: Joseph; Lucy (Mrs. Stanley Gris- wold) ; Mary Ann, who married Joshua Goodrich, of Wethersfield; Jerusha, the wife of Thomas Gris- wold; John, the father of Mrs. Justus Welles Gris- wold ; Samuel; Albert S., a resident of Granby ; and Thomas H., for many years a resident of Hartford. The mother of this family died at Wethersfield, and rests in her last sleep by her husband's side.

John Welles, Mrs. Griswold's father, was born in the farmhouse at Welles village in 1813. He improved his early opportunities to the utmost, and, despite the drawbacks usually attaching to farmers' sons in New England in the early years of the cen- tury, succeeded in laying the solid foundation of a practical business education. He fitted himself for college, and was admitted to Yale, but owing to a failure of his eyesight he relinquished his purpose, and for several years taught most successfully in the schools of Milford, Delaware and at Wethersfield. He finally took up his residence at Wethersfield, where he became a general farmer, as well as a stock raiser and seed grower. Toward the close of his life he gave up active work and devoted the remain- der of his days to quiet rest in the home life which he loved so well. He entered into rest March 30, 1899, while at the home of his daughter, Mrs. H. A. Yale, of Meriden. In politics he was a Repub- lican, and he filled for many years the office of justice of the peace, collector, and acting school visitor, while for two years he was representative in the Legislature. For thirty years he was a dea- con in the Congregational Church, and it is not asserting too much to say that he kept his life blame- less and his soul pure. He married Mary W. Wol- cott, a young lady of Wethersfield, whose parents were Elisha Wolcott and Mary Robbins. [For a detailed history of the Wolcott family, reference is made to the biographical sketches of Charles and Robert Robbins Wolcott, which appear elsewhere. ] Seven children were born to them: Mary C., who married Hiram A. Yale, of Meriden ; Ellen E., the widow of Justus Welles Griswold; Elisha Wolcott ; and J. Leslie, seed growers and stock raisers of Wethersfield; T. Clayton, a graduate of Yale Uni- versity and Divinity School, and pastor of a Con- gregational Church at Taunton, Mass .; Joseph Francis, a seed dealer ; and Lucy Frances, who died in early youth. Mrs. Griswold's mother died at Wethersfield. She was a woman of kindly impulses and generous instincts, of devout religious faith and simple Christian life, sincere in profession and broadly charitable in practice.

Mrs. Griswold graduated from the Connecticut State Normal School at New Britain, and for a number of years taught with marked success, in the schools of Hartford and Wethersfield.

OLIVER DEAN KENT, a prosperous, success- ful and enterprising business man of Kensington, was born on the old homestead there, May 19, 1835, a son of Ira and Sophia Maria (Dean) Kent, who died and were buried at Kensington. The father was born April 3, 1802, in Kensington, one mile below the place where our subject now lives, known as Blue Hills. Throughout life he followed the occupation of a carpenter and farmer. His parents were John and Abigal ( Moore) Kent, and his father was a shoemaker as well as farmer.

The boyhood and youth of our subject were spent upon the home farm, and he attended the schools of Kensington and later the high school of New Britain. He worked at the carpenter's trade until thirty-four years of age, when he built for himself a home near his father's farm, which com- prises about 100 acres in all, and purchased other land adjoining. After his residence was destroyed by fire, Nov. 6, 1883, he returned to the old home- stead, and remained there for thirteen years, when he sold the place and rebuilt his own home. On the death of his father he purchased the interest of the other heirs in the farm, but has since disposed of all his land with the exception of two acres, on which he has a fine home, large barn and good outbuild- ings. He has abandoned farming, and now devotes his attention to handling real estate, though he is practically living retired, enjoying the fruits of his former toil. He buys lots and erects thereon res- idences which he sells, and in this way has done much toward the upbuilding and advancement of Berlin, New Britain and Kensington, where he has built many houses.

On Jan. 1, 1868, Mr. Kent was united in mar- riage with Miss Gunilda Jennie Strong, who was born in Portland, Conn., Dec. II, 1842, a daughter of Adonijah and Julia (Chapman) Strong. Ir early life her father was engaged in the stone. quarry business, but after his removal to East Berlir he purchased a farm and turned his attention to agricultural pursuits Both he and his wife diec and were buried in. East Berlin. Mr. and Mrs Kent have two children: Frank Dean,, born Sept 17, 1873, was educated in the public schools of Ken- sington and New Britain, and at Mourse's Busines: College, Hartford, and is now the senior member of the firm of Kent Brothers, architects and builders of Hartford. Irving Strong, born Aug. 7, 1876 was educated in the same schools as his brother, and is the junior member of the firm of Kent Brothers He was married, Jan. 1, 1894, to Miss Alice Pen dleton, of Middlefield, Conn., and they have on child, Lillian Louise.

Mr. Kent is a member of the Board of Trade o. Berlin, and of the Berlin Driving Park Associa tion, and at one time belonged to the Grange. H. casts his ballot with the Republican party, but take no active part in political affairs, although he server for one term as constable. His estimable wife i a member of the New York Home Missionary Soci

2,4 414

I Jennie thent

Oliver & Hent

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ety ; he attends the Congregational Church regu- larly, and is a liberal contributor to its support. He is a worthy repesentative of that class of citizens who lead quiet, industrious, honest and useful lives, and constitute the best portion of a community. Wherever known he is held in high regard, and is certainly deserving of honorable mention in the his- tory of his native county.

BEAUMONT FAMILY. Most intimately as- sociated with the growth and character of any com- munity are its business interests. They mold the life of its people, give direction to their efforts, crystallize the present and future possibilities of the locality into concrete form. The leading business men of a town are its greatest benefactors, silently controlling the forces that bring progress and pros- perity, and the measure of the credit that is due them is not always fully appreciated. To write of the lives of these leaders in material growth is a pleasure, for the influence of their careers is ever helpful and cheering.

In the town of East Hartford the Beaumont family has been eminently known farther into the misty past than extends the memory of its oldest in- habitant. It has been prominent in all worthy enter- prises and measures. It has given meaning to the words integrity, loyalty, enterprise. The name Beau- mont is of French origin, and its founder in America was Makens Bemont, a native of France, who when a young man left his native land to live in Eng- land, and just as to-day it is common for the emi- grant from Europe to Anglicize in America his name, so Makens Beaumont when he became a resi- dent of England abbreviated his patronymic to Be- mont, by which for two generations it was known, the original spelling being revived only by the pres- ent generation.

Makens Bemont was born in France in 1743. After a residence in England he came to the United States, either during or shortly before the Revolu- tionary war. He was a saddler, and at East Hart- ford he followed his trade in a building that stood in the rear of his residence on Burnside avenue, which is still standing. It was built about the time of the Revolutionary war. He made saddles for use in the Revolutionary army, owned extensive lands along what is now Burnside avenue, East Hartford, and was one of the substantial men of his day. He accumulated by thrift and good judg- ment, and gave many evidences of that rare busi- ness ability which his posterity amplified. In per- son he was tall and spare, and even appeared frail- looking. It was thought in his younger years that consumption was his doom, but he lived to the good old age of seventy-seven years. He had a brother, Elijah Bemont, who settled in Walling- ford, Conn., where he became the proprietor of a hotel, and where his descendants still live. The wife of Makens Bemont was named Parmelia. She was born in 1752, and died in 1832. To Makens

and Parmelia Bemont were born seven children, as follows: (1) Ambrose was an extensive farmer at East Hartford and later at Suffield; the latter years of his life were spent at East Hartford. (2) Levi, a farmer, removed to Ohio, but returned to Connecticut, where he died. (3) Ira was a school teacher in his younger years, and one of a well- established reputation. He worked at his trade of harnessmaker to some extent, the only child who engaged in his father's occupation. He married Mabel Bulkeley, of Rocky Hill, a member of a prominent Connecticut family, and died in East Hartford. (4) Elmira married Dr. Bemis, and lived through life in East Hartford. (5) Millie married a Mr. Holmes, and moved West. (6) Leonard received a college education. He died in young manhood, leaving one son, Oliver. (7) Elijah was the father of Henry G. Beaumont.

Elijah Bemont (as he spelled his name) was born at the old homestead, on the north side of East Burnside avenue, East Hartford, July 1, 1791. He attended the neighboring schools, and when not at his books found an abundance of work to do. His father did not believe in rearing a boy in idleness, and on the extensive tract of land owned by the father there was always employment planned for the boy. When a young man he served in the war of 1812 as member of a company of riflemen from East Hartford. Later in life he was a pen- sioner for that service. At what was then East Glastonbury, now Buckingham, Nov. 1, 1814, Elijah Bemont married Miss Electa White, who was born May 31, 1794, a daughter of James and Eunice (Rowley) White.

James White was the descendant of one of the "Mayflower" forefathers. He was born Oct. 10, 1756, lived at Marlboro, and for a time at Gilead. He was an extensive farmer, and a prominent citi- zen in his locality. He also engaged extensively in fruit raising. His residence and farm were well known to the stock drovers of that time, who usually stopped there over night, the stock finding shelter and pasture on the farm. His wife, Eunice (Row- ley ), was born Aug. 4, 1763. The children of James and Eunice White were as follows: (I) Phila, born Dec. 22, 1786, married Jonah Williams, (2) Achsah, born July 16, 1788, married, first, a Mr. Kenyon, and, second, Norman Anderson. (3) Philenda, born June 15, 1789, died young. (4) James, born Feb. 26, 1791, was a farmer of Marl- boro. (5) Eunice, born June 13, 1792, married a Mr. Barlow. (6) Electa, born Mav 31, 1794, mar- ried Elijah Bemont. (7) Irene, born Feb. 19, 1796, married Abner Hale. (8) Mary, born July 31, 1797, married Daniel Bidwell, and was the mother of Charles M. Bidwell, of East Hartford. (9) Will- iam, born March II, 1799, died at Westboro, Mass. (10) Israel, born March 27, 1801, died young. ( II) Clarissa was born June 23, 1802. (12) Martha, born Nov. 17, 1804, married Anson Bailey, and removed to New Fredonia, N. Y., where she died.

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James White, the father, died in East Glastonbury, and was buried at Marlboro.

After his marriage Elijah Bemont settled on Burnside avenue, and soon became a man of large affairs. Physically he was a large, well-built man, and his energy and industry were commensurate with his weight. He was a man of even temper and very regular habits. He at one time, as was the custom in his day, furnished liquor to his men, but in later years he ceased that practice. When start- ing in business for himself he became somewhat involved, and it was not until in later years, when his boys grew up and became his efficient lieu- tenants, that this indebtedness was wiped out. He carried on with his boys the business of getting out ship timber, and the sale of fire wood, at a time when that was the general fuel. He and his boys formed a formidable business combination, and their success was much more than ordinary. Mr. Bemont at one time spent considerable time each year at New Bedford, Mass., which was their market for ship timber, apples, melons, etc., products they bought and grew, the boys looking after the business at home. He was a man of the strictest integrity. In the timber business he supplied cer- tain ship builders for over forty years.

Elijah Bemont and wife celebrated their golden wedding with eight children present. They also celebrated their sixtieth wedding anniversary. He lived to the age of eighty-six years, and she to the age of eighty-two. She was a member of the Congregational Church, and both are buried in East Hartford. In politics Mr. Bemont was a Whig, and later a Republican. He was not a politician, pre- ferring to devote his energies to business, but he was a stanch supporter of the principles of his party. He never joined the church, yet he was a firm be- liever in churches, and repelled any attack that was made upon them in his presence. Honorable and upright in acts, he was unassuming in manner. He was slow to anger and skillful in concealing his wrath when once aroused. He was a man of few words, and the greater part of his "talking" was thinking. He reared an excellent family and left to them an excellent name, being of that type of character which men always recall with respect and esteem. As a business man and as a farmer he was one of the foremost in Hartford county. He was one of the pioneer tobacco growers, was al- ways progressive, and secured the best results. While not a public man, in the sense of an office seeker, he was widely known for his business stand- ing and his sterling character.

The children born to Elijali and Electa Bemont were as follows: (1) John R., born July II. 1817, resides in East Hartford, where for many years he followed teaming. In 1866 he represented East Hartford in the State Legislature. (2) William Dwight, born July 17, 1819, a sketch of whom ap- pears elsewhere. (3) Henry G., born Aug. 26, 1821, a sketch of whom follows below. (4) Electa

L., born March 10, 1824, and (5) Jeanette E., born Aug. 12, 1826, two highly-respected maiden ladies, now live in their most comfortable home on Burnside avenue, East Hartford. As young ladies they attended the schools of East Hartford, Salmon Phelps being their teacher. As girls they worked in the mill at Burnside, and earned money with which to defray their school expenses. Electa L. united with the Methodist Church at Burnside when a girl of sixteen, and Jeanette E. when fourteen united with the Congregational Church. Both are yet members. They are among the most highly- respected ladies of East Hartford, and have al- ways lived together. (6) Alice, born Jan. 5, 1829, is Mrs. Samuel G. Stone, of Boston, Mass. (7) David B., born Aug. 20, 1831, died at East Hart- ford, aged about fifty years. (8) James W., born Nov. 1, 1833, was an importer of teas and spices, and died at Philadelphia. (9) Mariett O., born Dec. 29, 1837, died Oct. 11, 1850, of typhoid fever, contracted while attending school at New Britain.

HENRY G. BEAUMONT, than whom there is no better known citizen, no more substantial business man, in East Hartford, is a native of that town. He was born Aug. 26, 1821, in the home on Burn- side avenue, where he now resides. His educa- tion was received in the neighboring schools, and among his early teachers were Eleazer White and Salmon Phelps. For one winter he attended the school taught by Mr. Wells, but at sixteen his school days were over and the more active work of life begun. He has always lived at home save the one winter when he lived with his aunt, Mrs. Dr. Bemis, and attended school. His educational equipment was greatly inferior to that with which the young man of to-day starts out in life, but with his su- perior individuality he has experienced little, if any, difficulty in overcoming the difficulties and solving the problems with which every business career is invested. He was reared at a time when Connecti- cut farms produced grain, hay, live stock, etc., and when farmer boys had work to do. His father was an excellent manager, so that the Beaumont boys had few idle days from lack of work. He was put to work as a "youngster," and his ideas of business and farming were practical in the fullest sense. That was in the pioneer days of the tobacco business, and the first crop produced by our sub- ject was held over for six years; then six cents per pound was realized.

When yet a young man our subject became as- sociated with his brother William D. in the busi- ness of getting out lumber and wood. Wood for fuel was extensively handled, and ship timber was their main product. New Bedford, Mass., was their market, and eight and ten vessels were required to transport their product to market. They were ex- tensive growers of melons, and bought apples for that market, our subject and his brother, W. D. Beaumont, attending to the producing part of the business, and their father marketing the product.

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COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

Early in the 'fifties W. D. retired from the firm, and Henry G. and his father continued the business during the latter's active life. Since then our sub- ject has continued the business successfully up to the present time. He has supplied a great deal of lumber to the Hartford and New York Transporta- tion Co. During all these years he has transacted a vast volume of business and handled an immense amount of lumber, and in connection therewith also conducted his farm and engaged extensively in to- bacco raising. He has also owned for a number of years a large brick yard on Windsor avenue which he operated for four years, then leased to others.

Mr. Beaumont was married, in 1853, to Miss Jane Norton, who was born in North Madison, Conn., in 1830, a daughter of Ellsworth Norton. To our subject and wife have been born seven chil- dren : (1) Nellie died at the age of six years. (2) Minnie graduated from the Hartford High School in the class of 1876, married Horace B. Williams Oct. 25, 1876, and died Dec. 21, 1881, leaving two children-Rena B., born Feb. II, 1878, a graduate of the Hartford High School, class of 1895, and Horace George, born Dec. 14, 1881, a graduate of the East Hartford High School, class of 1898. (3) Gertrude is the wife of William W. Trapp, of Hart- ford. (4) Clara is at home. (5) Charles, a grad- uate of the Hartford High School, is now a resi- dent of Madrid, Neb., and a member of the firm of Beaumont Bros., bankers and ranchmen, since 1887. (6) Frederick, of Madrid, Neb., is also a member of the firm of Beaumont Bros., who are thrifty, pushing business men. (7) Maude is at

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Commemorative biographical record of Hartford County, Connecticut : containing biographical sketches of prominent and representative citizens, and of many of the early settled families, Pt 1, Part 118

Author: J.H. Beers & Co Publication date: 1901 Publisher: Chicago : J.H. Beers & Co. Number of Pages: 1336

Author: J.H. Beers & Co
Publication date: 1901
Publisher: Chicago : J.H. Beers & Co.
Number of Pages: 1336