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 74

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 74

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Another element of success is in his generalship. He has singular tact in setting people to work. Many of our later evangelists are gifted in this direction. Indeed, the spirit of the time points to this as one of the coming meth- ods. It was announced by Wesley long ago: "Allat it and always at it." It was announced by Paul much longer ago in his appeals to personal devotion. All great evangelists are enthusiasts. Mr. Hammond owes much to a natural en- thusiasm of mind. In any calling he would have been ardent, impulsive, enthusiastic. This state of mind, sanctified by grace, becomes mighty in religion. It discounts or denies dis- couragements, it transfigures hope, and in its beautiful light turns it into success. It bridges streams and levels moun- tains and batters down walls. It enables man to make the most of hunself, the most of his opportunities, the most of the grace of God. It pictures above the clouds the ideal result of the battle begun below. * *

Mr. Hammond has written probably a hundred books and tracts, among them being: The "Con- version of Children," Jesus the Way, Sketches of Palestine, The Better Life and How to Find It, Roger's Travels, "Stories for Children," "Gems of Praise." etc.

The following, from Rev. F. B. Myer, pastor of Christ Church, London, was published in the

"London Christian." He was the successor of Dr. Newman Hall.

When a young clerk in London, in a city counting house, I was attracted to the service which Rev. E. Payson Ham- mond was holding in the chapel of the venerated Baptist Noel. I could pick out the scat to-day where I sat, and I can never forget the effect produced upon me. It was the first breath of revival spirit which had ever swept across iny heart, and it strangely touched me. The hymns have lin- gered in my memory, and the scenes of children gathering around that noble form are vivid as } write. Since then I have eagerly read every scrap of news of Mr. Ham- mond's work as he has carried the tidings of the Gospel to the East and to the West, stirring with his words vast multi- tudes of men. I am increasingly enamored of the work among children. They have not to unlearn those habits of doubts and misconception which hinder so many from accepting the Gospel. It is natural for them to trust One whom they can't see, to give him their choicest treasures, to conform themselves to his sweet life. None but those who have worked among children could credit the readiness with which they receive the Gospel. When they have received it they are frank in confessing, and so are eager to win others to Him whom they find so dear. There is everything in our Saviour to charm and attract children, and His dear Gospel does not present difficulties to their simple faith. The Lord told us to become as little children that we might enter His Kingdom. Truly, then, little children themselves have not far to go; " only a step to Jesus."

With these thoughts in my heart, I was thoroughly aroused when I saw that Mr. Hammond was again to visit Eng- land. I had become pastor of a church with two thousand young people under its care and with splendid school premises, and I felt that I would spare no effort to induce him to visit US. I knew how eagerly his services would be caught up, but I never rested till I got a favorable reply. Even though I had but a short notice we were able to give him large audiences of children, in addition to the general services for adults. Mr. Hammond has a wonderful influence over chil- dren. I have wondered where the secret lay. His stories are wonderful, but others could tell them. His hymns are sweet, but others could sing them. His methods are good, but others can employ then. And yet, when all this is put together, a marvelous effect is produced. 1 think his prin- cipal power consists in the presentation of the sufferings of Christ for sinful men, given with d rect dependence on the Holy Spirit. It is impossible to judge of the effect of an address during the meeting. Sometimes, when it would seem as if no special impression had been made, yet seat after seat is full of children, anxious to know how to give their hearts to Christ.

One little boy, when bidden to go home by a worker who thought him too young to understand, burst into tears and said he was waiting for some one to speak to him about Jesus Christ. Others who went away under deep conviction, came again and again, until some evening their faces would beam with new found joy. And there were many cases in which they brought their little friends to get the blessing which they themselves had received. In my young Chris- tians' class, which was swollen by large accessions of dear young converts, scores of hands were held up by those who had the delight of leading their companions to Christ. Tes- timonials have come in to nie from parents and teachers. In some cases the whole of the class has been brought to Jesus. There is hardly one in which there are not cases of deep impression and conversion. The altered lives at home are sweet testimonies to the genuiness of the work done. Lam more than satisfied with the results. The teachers urge me to hold an after meeting at the close of the Sunday-school each Sunday afternoon, that the fire may not die down, and that the oil may not stay for the want of vessels to store it.

After a week of these blessed services Mr. Hammond passed on to the other churches, where similar results have accrued. (Between four and five hundred have given in their names, professing to be converted.) At the close of one of the services a teacher was found at the end of a pew bathed in tears, because she feared that her class of young

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ladies was going away unsaved. Sureiy tears like these are dear to Him who wept over those whom He would fain have gathered under the wings of His love. Nor were they without effect, for they awakened a deep concern m her scholars' hearts, who finally yielded to the love of Christ. I know many Christians whose hearts have been quickened by work among the children, and who will never cease to thank God that Mr. Hammond was ever led to visit England. From what I have seen of Mr. Hammond and his work I almost grudge him to ordinary evangelistic services. He has great power over a large mixed audience. But this is a field which is trodden by so many stalwart reapers. I should like him to go up and down through England and America gathering large multitudes of children and people for the Sa- viour. Surely the results of such a campaign could never be estimated. Its benefits would be found in thousands of homes and churches for the next generation, and might furnish hosts of ministers, evangelists and missionaries for the Church of Christ. It seems to me that no work would bring wider or quicker returns, for it is possible in the same time to win about ten children for every individual adult. I would not write thus if Mr. Hammond were constantly work- ing on the feelings or upon the fears of the children. The appeal is made to their love and to their sense of what He deserves from them, who bore their sins in His body on the tree.

Mr. Hammond is a gentleman of marked per- sonality. He has a nervous temperament, with quick observation, keen perception, and intuitive judgment. Physically, as well as mentally, he is alert and active, possesses a thoroughly vigorous constitution, with pleasing and impressive features. He is esteemed, at home and abroad, no less for his high personal traits than for his distinguished services in the advancement of Christianity through- out the world.

MRS. ELIZA (OVERTON) HAMMOND, of Hartford. "In May, 1866, Rev. Edward P. Han- mond was married to Miss Eliza Overton, of Towanda, Penn., who still retains the grace and personal charm for which her maternal ancestry of Revolutionary time were famous."

Mrs. Hammond, who is a native of Towanda. Penn., is the daughter of the late Edward Overton, one of the foremost lawyers of Pennsylvania, and of Eliza Clymer, among whose ancestry are some of the most distinguished names in American his- tory, including such men as Hon. George Clymer, Hon. Thomas Willing, Hon. Reese Meredith, and Hon. Samuel Carpenter.

Edward Overton, the father of our subject, was born Dec. 30, 1795, in Clitheroe, Lancashire, Eng- land. He received a good English and classical education, and was prepared to commence the study of law, entering the office of his uncle, Giles Bleas- dale, a very eminent English lawyer, who took a great interest in the welfare of his nephew. Be- fore the expiration of the five years for which time he was articled to his uncle, he came to America, settling first in Wilkes Barre, Penn. He was there examined by a committee of the best legal talent of the district, and, though not twenty-one years of age, was admitted to practice at the Court of Common Pleas of the State, showing at that time that he was possessed of a natural legal acumen

and a sound knowledge of law. When twenty- five years of age he began practice. He located in Towanda, where he resided until his death. He was soon admitted to the Supreme Court, and rose rapidly to a foremast rank as an attorney. He was actively engaged in the practice of law for more than fifty years, and at the time of his death was the oldest member of the local Bar. Probably the proudest success of his long brilliant career lay in the fact that his character for honor and honesty was absolutely above suspicion. In his old age he was surrounded by all the accessories of culture and refinement that his earlier education and tastes fitted him to enjoy. He also understood the "giving which does not impoverish," and his hand was ever open to relieve the poor and suffering. Soon after locating at Towanda he united with the Pres- byterian Church of that place, and to the church and schools was munificent in aid, as well as to any enterprise that had for its object the elevation of society. In 1818 Mr. Overton was married to Eliza, daughter of Henry Clymer, of Philadelphia.

The genealogy of Mrs. Eliza ( Overton ) Ham- mond in maternal lines is as follows: She is a descendant in the sixth generation from Richard Clymer, a native of Bristol, and a shipping mer- chant, who came to this country from England, the line of her descent being through Christopher, George, Henry and Eliza Clymer.

(III) George Clymer was born June II, 1739- One writer has said: "George Clymer was one of the men who made the success of the Revolu- tion possible, without the display which made many men more prominent. From the first shot fired at Bunker Hill, to the final adoption of the Constitu- tion, he was indefatigable in his efforts for his country's good. Unlike many men who gained fame in these times, Clvmer was a man of wealth, with a prominent social position, and with nothing to gain by revolution save the glory of his country's inde- pendence. He did not urge the war, and earnestly hoped for a peaceful adjustment of the difference, but, once commenced, he eagerly sought means of aiding the struggle to victory, and at one time pledged his entire fortune to the support of the army, when the weak-kneed Continental Congress would have gladly abandoned everything for an assurance of personal bodily safety. Clymer was prominent in the convention called to adopt a constitution, and sat in the first Congress. He once said his guiding political text was: 'A representative of the people should think for his constituents, and not with his constituents.' He was the founder and first presi- dent of the Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts, and a director and large investor in the Bank of the United States." His wife, Elizabeth Meredith, was the daughter of Reese Meredith, and granddaughter of Reese Meredith, the latter and his wife, M. Wynne, coming to this country from Wales. Reese Meredith (2) was born in Leominster, Hereford- shire, Great Britain, in 1708. He married Martha

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C. Carpenter, and resided in Pennsylvania from 1729 to 1769. He died Nov. 14. 1778, at Phila- delphia. In the winter of 1777-78 he gave £5,000 to feed and clothe the perishing and starving soldiers at Valley Forge. He was the first person to introduce Gen. (then Col.) Washington into Philadelphia society. [ Smith's "Lloyd and Carpen- ter Lineage," Family Mss.]

Thomas Willing was the son of Charles and Ann (Shippen) Willing, and grandson of Thomas and Anne ( Harrison) Willing, and was born in Philadelphia Dec. 19, 1731. He married Ann Mc- Call. Thomas Willing was to have been one of the signers of the Declaration of Independence, and in the picture of Trumbull he is seen seated by Rob- ert Morris; and in the names given his appears. Anne Willing and her sisters, daughters of Thomas Willing (2), were the belles of Continental Phila- delphia. Royalty even bowed before them, for when Louis Philippe was an exile in this country he went to Mr. Willing to ask his permis- sion to address himself to his daughter Abby. The father rather bluntly assured him that, "if you are one day restored to your kingdom and your crown, you are much too great a match for her ; if you are not, she is much too great a match for you." Washington was a great admirer of Anne Willing, and under her guidance made his advent into Philadelphia society. Stuart's famous paint- ing of the General was made for her. After her daughter became Lady Ashburton, she had a posi- tion in London quite as prominent as she had for- merly enjoyed in Philadelphia, and the house of Baring obtained its enormous American following largely through her influence. Through the Will- ings our subject is connected with Mrs. John Jacob Astor, of New York, and through the Willings and Clymers with the family of the late Thomas Bayard, former Secretary of State. She traces her ancestry through the Willing family back twenty- two generations to Robert Bruce, King of Scotland, and she has papers showing the lineage in detail.

Mrs. Eliza (Overton) Hammond, our subject proper, was liberally educated. She has passed nearly five years in Europe, and has stood in the presence of Royalty. She accompanied Mr. Ham- mond to Alaska. In "The Reaper and the Harvest," a. large volume giving an account of Mr. Ham- mond's work, frequent allusion is made to her assistance.

CHARLES BOARDMAN SMITH. In

a brief sketch of any living citizen it is difficult to do him exact justice, not so much, however, from lack of space or words to set forth the familiar and pass- ing events of his personal history, as from the want of the perfect and rounded conception of his whole life, which grows, ripens, developing like fruit, to disclose its true and best flavor only when it is mellowed by time. Daily contact with the man so familiarizes us with his many virtues that we

ordinarily overlook them, and commonly underes- timate their possessor. Nevertheless, while the man passes away his deeds of virtue live on, and will in due time bear fruit, and do him the justice which the pen fails to record.

Mr. Smith was a native of the city of Hartford, born July 31, 18II, a son of Normand and Mary ( Boardman) Smith, who were of English descent. He received his education at Lenox, Mass., and at the age of twenty-two went to New Orleans, where he embarked in business as a member of the firm of Smith, Hubbard & Co., which was established in 1816, as a branch of the Hartford house, the latter having been started in 1794 by Normand Smith, the father of our subject.

From an article published in the Hartford Courant of Dec. 5, 1894, we quote the following : "In the Connecticut Courant of Aug. 11, 1794, the following advertisement appeared :

NORMAND SMITH.

Six rods north of the Court House, most respectfully informs the public, and his friends in particular, that he carries on the saddlery business in all its branches. Also makes Horseman's caps, Holsters, &c. He would in par- ticular inform the ladies that he can furnish them Side Sad- dles, made in the newest fashion calculated both for ease and beauty.

Those who will please favor him with their custom may depend on having their work done with neatness, fidelity and dispatch, and on most reasonable terms by their humble servant,

NORMAND SMITH.

Hartford, August 9, 1794.

"This brings out a striking pecularity of the house, the fact that over one hundred years of its existence was spanned by two generations, father and son. It is doubtful if another such instance can be chronicled in the country. Since that be- ginning by Normand Smith the business of the firm has continued uninterruptedly, and to-day enjoys the distinction of being the oldest house of its line in the country, and the oldest house in any line in the city of Hartford. The style of the firm has been successively: Normand Smith, 1794; Smith, Sheldon & Bigelow, 1818; Smith & Bigelow, 1822; N. & T. Smith, 1824: N. & T. Smith & Co., 1825; Smith & Co., 1830; T. Smith & Co., 1835.

Charles B. Smith returned to Hartford from New Orleans, in 1835, and began a long and suc- cessful business career in the firm of T. Smith & Co .. which afterward became Smith, Bourn & Co., of which he was the senior partner. In 1870 he with- drew from the New Orleans house of Smith & Brother, as the firm was there called; but prior to this he had opened a branch of the Hartford house in New York under the firm name of T. Smith & Co., which is now located at No. 40 Warren street, the firm becoming C. B. Smith & Co., now Smith, Worthington & Co. Benjamin A. Bourn, of the firm of Smith, Bourn & Co., died in November, 1897, and Jan. 1, 1900, the partnership existing under that name was discontinued, Mr. Smith and Olcott B.

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Colton taking the business, and entering into a co- partnership as successors to Smith, Bourn & Co., at the same time retaining the old-time name of the house. Mr. Smith, who had been in business continuously for sixty-seven years, maintained through life an unimpaired credit for himself and his firm, standing in honorable repute among the business houses of the country.

Mr. Smith was twice married, the first time Nov. 5, 1844, to Miss Frances M. Humphrey, daughter of Lemuel Humphrey, of Hartford, and after her decease he wedded, Oct. 3. 1855, Miss Eliza A. Thayer, daughter of Deacon Lucius F. and Lydia (Ellsworth) Thayer, of Westfield, Mass., the former of whom died in 1843, at the age of forty-six years, and the latter, a native of East Windsor, Hartford county, died at the age of eighty-three years. Of the six children born to Mr. and Mrs. Thayer, five are yet living, namely : Mrs. Andrew T. Hale, of Minneapolis, Minn. ; Mrs. Samuel S. Sprague, of Providence, R. 1 .; Mrs. Chester D. Davison, of Hartford; Mrs. Charles B. Smith, of Hartford; and Lucius F., on the old fam- ily home in Westfield, Mass. One daughter survives Mr. Smith, Mrs. Frances Eliza Miller, wife of Ira Miller, of Westfield, Mass. They have four children -Charles Boardman, James R., Preston T., and Susan E. Two sisters and two brothers of Mr. Smith also survive him: Mrs. Caroline A. Morris, of Binghamton, N. Y .; Miss Mary Ann, of Hart- ford ; Morris W. and J. Trumbull, both of New York, and all are now well advanced in life. Two brothers, Deacon Thomas Smith, formerly of Hart- ford, and Rev. James Allwood Smith, formerly of Unionville, Conn., died in 1882, while another brother, Surgeon Andrew Kingsbury Smith, of the United States army, who was retired with the rank of Colonel in February, 1890, died in August, 1899. The family was originally a numerous one, com- prising as it did fifteen children, Charles B., of whom we write, being ninth in the order of birth.

Charles B. Smith died Feb. 5, 1900, after a twelve-days' illness from "la grippe," and his la- mented death removed a notable figure from the city of Hartford, where for many years he was known as a man of great executive ability, and where his work was in every way a memorable one. He was one of the most successful business men in Hartford, and by his employes, one and all, he was much beloved and held in great reverence, his fu- neral being attended by many of them, as well as by a large number of mourning friends and rela- tives. In 1875 he erected the handsome family residence at No. 66 Forest street, one of the finest in Hartford.

In church matters Mr. Smith was the oldest member of any society in Hartford, having been connected originally with the Pearl Street Congre- gational Church, and later, from 1866 to the time of his decease, with the Asylum Hill Congrega- tional Church. In politics he was an ardent Re-

publican, but at no time an office seeker, declining all positions that might call him from the activ- ities of his chosen field. Years ago, in Hartford, he was identified with the Governor's Foot Guard, and for a long time was an honored member of the Board of Trade. Mr. Smith was buried in Cedar Hill cemetery, Hartford.

HENRY J. EATON, chief of the fire depart- ment of Hartford, was born in that city Oct. 10, 1831, of good Colonial stock. His ancestors were early settlers in Tolland county, Conn., and his grandfather, Solomon Eaton, a Revolutionary sol- dier, was a farmer there. This worthy patriot served three years as a dragoon and two in the infantry, and notwithstanding the fact that he was shot through the hips at the battle of Monmouth, he lived to the advanced age of eighty-six, our subject hav- ing seen him once, in 1841. He had five sons: Jasper; Zared, who was a baker in Hartford in 1812 and up to 1853; Ralph; Luther, father of ex- Senator W. Eaton ; and Alamander.

Alamander Eaton, our subject's father, was born and reared on the old homestead in Tolland. In 1816 he went to Hartford, where he was employed some time by William H. Imlay (a miller, who ground flour for local customers) and Henry Hud- son, and later worked on a farm. He died in Hart- ford aged seventy-three years. By his first marriage he had three children: Luther, George and Eliza- beth. His second wife, whose maiden name was Mary Ann Williams, died in 1880 at the age of eighty-four. She was a member of Dr. Hawes' Church, the pastor being one of the well-known preachers of the locality in his time, and our sub- ject was christened there in 1836. Mrs. Eaton was one of the family of nine children of William A. Williams, who served four years in the Revolu- tionary war. Mr. and Mrs. Eaton had three chil- dren : George, deceased; Mary Ann, widow of James Sperry; and Henry J., our subject.

Henry J. Eaton's education was begun in the public schools of Hartford, but the most valuable portion is that which has been gained by observa- tion and private study. When eleven years old he left home, and spent some time in West Hartford, but on Dec. 3, 1848, he returned to Hartford to take a position as a gold beater with Ashmead & Hurl- but. In 1864 the firm dissolved, and he continued until 1870 with Ashmead, the length of his service indicating something of his ability and the appre- ciation of his employers. From April 1, 1861, to October, 1868, Mr. Eaton was sexton of Christ Church. His connection with the Hartford fire de- partment began on Saturday, April 5, 1851, as a fireman with Protection Engine Company, No. I, and in April, 1853, he enlisted with damper Engine No. 4. On April 1, 1854, he returned to No. I, being selected assistant foreman. He was elected foreman in June, 1854, and re-elected in 1855, but in 1856 he retired "to the ranks," where he served

Henry & Canton

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until June 5. 1858, the date of his election as fifth assistant engineer of the Hartford fire department. At the time there were six hand engines, two hose companies, independent of engines, one sack and bucket company, and one hook and ladder company. Each engine company had forty regulars and ten volunteers : each hose company ten regulars and ten volunteers : and the hook and ladder and sack and bucket companies each forty regulars and ten volunteers. The company drew $210 from the city, and an appropriation from the common council gave them $12 per quarter additional, "for refresh- ments." Mr. Eaton served as fifth assistant until 1860, when he was elected fourth assistant, and two years later he became second assistant, which position he held from July 1, 1862, to June, 1864. Hle was then elected first assistant engineer, and on Dec. 1. 1864, when the department was placed upon a paid basis, he was elected first assistant engineer.

In 1868 Mr. Eaton was elected chief. At that time they had four steamers, and one hook and ladder company and two hose companies aside from those attached to the steamer. On Jan. 1, 1872, engine Company No. 5 was organized, with a steamer and hose carriage, and a house built for them. On April 1, 1873. engine company No. 6 was organized, and in 1882 one of the hose compa- nies was disbanded, the other the same time being equipped with horses. On Jan. 1, 1896, engine companies Nos. 7 and 8 were put into service, each with thirteen men. The hose wagon with horses was changed to a chemical engine in November, 1896, its station being at the headquarters on Pearl street. It is known as the Halloway chemical No. 9. and has two tanks of fifty gallons each. On March I. 1876, a propeller was given to engine company No. 3. with a force of fourteen men instead of thirteen. In 1879 company No. 4 was given a pro- peller, and in August. 1889. No. 3 was given charge of the great engine "Jumbo." a horseless machine weighing 17.000 pounds, and carrying 100 gallons of water and 700 pounds of coal. It can throw 1,200 gallons per minute, being one of the largest in the country, and is capable of going at the rate of twenty miles an hour under its own steam. In December. 1899, the working force of No. 3 was reduced to eight men, all paid. The department has two truck companies in one house, in December. 1899, organized into paid companies, fifteen men altogether, under full pay. The department also has two combination hose wagons carrying two chemcal tanks of thirty-five gallons capacity each, and a 1,000 foot hose-No. 10, which is kept at Bond street, and No. II. stationed in Parkville : they employ four paid men. During the official life of the chief seven houses have been built, the head- quarters having been erected in 1870 on the site of one built in 1837, and used for the sack and bucket company. Mr. Eaton has served as chief longer than any other man in this country, and

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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 74

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