Commemorative biographical record of Hartford County, Connecticut : containing biographical sketches of prominent and representative citizens, and of many of the early settled families, Pt 2, Part 114

Author: J.H. Beers & Co
Publication date: 1901
Publisher: Chicago : J.H. Beers & Co.
Number of Pages: 1172

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 2 > Part 114

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In a degree probably far ahead of any other manufacturing concern, this company goes into the finer quality of goods, and the excellence and ar- tistic character of these is not surpassed in any country. In 1882 the Corbin Cabinet Lock Co. was organized for the manufacture of cabinet locks, cabinet and miscellaneous hardware. Of this cor- poration, also, Philip Corbin is president and treas- urer. From the inception of the business he has been the prime factor in its conduct and develop- ment ; and to-day, although seventy-five years of age, he directs its vast operations with the vigor, sagacity, keenness of oversight and executive ability of a man of sixty or less. Still a man of vigor- ous frame, excellent health and quick mental per- ceptions, his appearance, energy and decision are a marvel and belie his years. He has added to his multifarious duties in other directions those at- taching to the office of president of the New Britain Machine Co. Of the six brothers who formerly

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were active in the business but two are now living : William Corbin died in 1860, Waldo Corbin in 18-, and George S. Corbin in 1899.

More than half a century ago Mr. Corbin was one of the most active men of his town and county in political affairs. Originally a Whig, he held office in New Britain as a member of that party, being induced to serve as warden of the borough before its incorporation, and as a member of the Common Council subsequently. He was water commissioner of the city for many years, and the addition to the city water works was supervised largely by him. As a Republican he was elected to the State Legislature in 1884, and served as chair- man of the committee on Insurance. The knowl- edge and skill he possesses in mechanical matters, and the habit of inspection and criticism, have been of vast service to him in his public life, enabling him to get at and comprehend technical merits of all measures submitted. In 1888 he was elected State senator, the interests of the district demand- ing that he should accept this office. He discharged the obligations laid upon him with exceptional zeal and ability, proving one of the most conscientious and industrious members of the Legislature.

Mr. Corbin is a man of singular plainness, di- rectness of manner, remarkable simplicity, sincerity and frankness. His natural ability is self-evident, and impresses the beholder at once. Strong, fear- less and broad-minded, his democratic style sits well upon his massive fran.e and becomes his sim- plicity of life and speech. There is a sincere cor- cialitv underlying his character which unmistak- ably attracts and attaches to him hosts of friends. A noble product of the plain, manly and indus- trious life of New England, he is a credit to his forbears, as well as to the institutions of his coun- try and era, and an honor to the business element of America.

Mr. Corbin was married, June 21. 1848, to Francina T., daughter of Henry W. Whiting, of New Britain. Three children were born to this union, of whom two are now living, viz. : Charles F., associated with his father in business; and Nellie L., wife of William Beers, of New Britain.

JAMES KILLAM ANDREWS, who passed away Nov. 3. 1899, was one of Glastonbury's best- known business men, and a member of an old Con- necticut family, being of the eight generation in descent from John Andrus, who came to America about 1672. This worthy pioneer was one of the eighty-four proprietors of Tunxis, now Farming- ton, in Hartford county, and was a man of wealth and prominence. He died in 1681, and Mary, his wife, died in 1694. By some of his descendants the name is still spelled Andrus, but in other branches it is written Andrews. The children of John and Mary Andrus were: Mary, born 1643, married Thomas Barnes; John, born 1645; Han- nah, born 1647, married Obediah Richards; Abra-

ham, born 1648, married Sarah Porter ; Daniel, born 1649; Joseph, born 1651, married Rebecca ; Rachel, born 1654, married Ezekiel Buck, of Weth- ersfield; Stephen, born 1656, died young ; and Ben- jamin, born 1659, married Mary Smith.

Daniel Andrus, third son of John and Mary Andrus, lived in Farmington, and in 1672 he was recognized as one of the eighty-four proprietors. Hle was a prominent man, and was mentioned on the records as one of the "townsmen." He died April 6, 1731. His wife's name is not known, but they had a large family, as follows: Daniel, Jr., born March 9, 1672, married Mabel Goff Oct. 30, 1707; Mary, born Dec. 9, 1674, married Isaac Cowles ; Joseph, born Aug. 10, 1676, married Su- sannah Hough; Thomas, born June 3, 1678; John, born June 10, 1680, married Mary Goff; Martha, born July 17, 1682; Hannah, Jan. 13, 1684; Paul, Jan. 2, 1686; Stephen, born Aug. 2, 1689, mar- ried Abigail Dodge; and Ebenezer, born Aug. 28, 1692.

Daniel Andrus, Jr., made his home near the line between Wethersfield and Farmington. He died Aug. 21, 1748, and his wife, Mabel Goff, who was born Oct. 31, 1690, died May 9, 1768. They had eight children : Joseph, born 1711 ; Abigail, born July 22, 1713; Mabel, born June 6, 1715, married Charles Kelsey ; Eunice, born Sept. 18, 171-, mar- ried James Kelsey ; Daniel, born May 12, 1720, mar- ried Eunice Kelsey ; Hannah, born Sept. 8, 1723, married James Judd ; Jacob, born Jan. 24, 1729, married Eunice Emmons ; Hezekiah, born Aug. 14, 1731, married Anna Steadman.

Joseph Andrus, born 1711, was married, Dec. 13, 1733, to Elizabeth Wilcox, a widow, and later he married Theoda Pendal. He located in South Glastonbury at a place called "Shingle Hollow," and by occupation he was a farmer and mechanic. He had three children : Daniel, born 1734, is men- tioned below; Joseph, born April 17, 1745, in Glas- tonbury, was married, May 25, 1769, to Susannalı Brooks, of that town; and John, born in Glaston- bury.

Daniel Andrus, eldest son of Joseph, was born in "Shingle Hollow." In 1777 he took the oath of fidelity in Glastonbury, and he was in the Revo- lutionary war as a member of the Second Com- pany, 5th Regiment Militia. He lived on the farm now occupied by our subject, and his death oc- curred Dec. 3, 1818. His wife, Anna Eddy, of Glastonbury, died Dec. 10, 1827. They had chil- dren as follows : John married Lucy Eddy ; Molly married Jacob Judd, of New Britain, Conn. ; Dorcas married Ephraim Bidwell ; Anna married Thomas Lewis; Phebe married Ephrapas Chapman, of Glas- tonbury ; Rachel, born 1776, married David Taylor, of South Glastonbury; Charles died at the age of eighteen years; Daniel, Jr., is mentioned below ; Betsey, born Dec. 15, 1785, married Luman Taylor, of Glastonbury.

Daniel Andrus, son of Daniel and Anna An-

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drus, and the grandfather of our subject, was born June 4, 1780, on the old home farm, where he passed his life in agricultural pursuits. He was a fine specimen of the race, being healthy, vigorous and athletic. The Middletown correspondent of the Evening Press, under date of May 29, 1871, had this to say respecting him: "A Mr. Andrus, of South Glastonbury, aged ninety-one years, walked from that town to Portland on Sunday last to at- tend services at Trinity Church. He stepped off as smart as any young man and read the services without the aid of spectacles." He died Nov. II, 1871, and was buried with Masonic honors, hav- ing been one of the leading members of Columbia Lodge, F. & A. M., of South Glastonbury. He was married, March 3, 1811, to Laura Stevens, a de- scendant of Rev. Timothy Stevens, the first min- ister at Glastonbury. She was born March 20, 1786, and died March 19, 1857. They had three children : Harriet Maria, born May 5, 1814, mar- ried Samuel Andrus, of Hartford ; Emily, born May 26, 1817, was married, Dec. 25, 1838, to Capt. Will- iam W. Abbey; and George Stevens, born March 30, 1819, married Louise H. Killam.

George Stevens Andrews was born and reared on the homestead, later occupied by our subject, and his education was obtained in the local schools. He entered the employ of the Colt Manufacturing Co., of Hartford, and was engaged in the work of "stocking pistols;" later he went to England, and was employed in Colt's factory there. He fol- lowed this line of work until past middle age, when he suffered the loss of the sight of his left eye. He then returned to his native town, developed the quarry of feldspar which abounded on his farm, and built the mill for grinding the product, being engaged in that business until his death, which occurred in 1891. He was a prominent citizen, and a leading Democrat, and served in the Legislature and on the board of selectmen. On Nov. 17, 1841, lie married Louise Hillard Killam, who was born in 1822, at Preston, opposite Norwich, Conn., daugh- ter of James and Caroline ( Holden) Killam. Her father was engaged in tool manufacturing, and in later years was a farmer in South Glastonbury. George S. and Louise H. Andrews had four chil- dren, as follows: George H., born June 18, 1846, married Isabelle Robertson, and settled in Mid- dletown; he was a contractor ard mason, and did ornamental work in the plastering line, and was completing work on the cathedral in Hartford, and employed in ornamental work on the "Allyn House" in that city, when he died, Feb. 8. 1899. James K., our subject, was next in the order of birth. Jessie Louise, born July 23. 1850, was mar- ried, Dec. 29, 1870, to Robert Mitchell, the present town clerk of Portland. Edward died in infancy.

James Killam Andrews was born Feb. 25, 1848, in the house he occupied at the time of his death, and his education was such as was then obtainable in the district school. On leaving school he was

employed on the home farm and in his father's mill, the grinding of feldspar having become an important business, and he assisted his father in managing the business until the latter's death, when he purchased the interest of the other heirs in the farm and feldspar mill, operating both. The feld- spar is found in various quarries near the mill, which he controlled, his entire product consisting of nearly 5,000 pounds daily, all ground to the fine- ness of flour. It is shipped to Manchester, where it is made into a scouring cake called "Bon Ami" (good friend). The cakes are sold all over the world, and the business increased steadily under our subject's management. He was a Democrat in politics, and was chosen selectman in 1893, serv- ing on the board two terms. He attended the Episcopal Church, and socially was much esteemed, his family sharing with him the good opinion of the community.

In 1873 Mr. Andrews was married to Miss Emily Cripps, a native of Wabaunsee, Kans., and daughter of Samuel Cripps, a blacksmith and wagon-maker of that town. The children born to this union are: (1) Harry J. married Miss Grace Endress, and has one son, James Henry, born Nov. 20, 1899; they are living in South Glastonbury, Mr. Andrews being employed as overseer in the grinding mill; (2) Alice is at home; (3) Daniel W. assists in the work of the farm; and (4) Lena Belle is at home.

STEPHEN MORGAN WELLS, SR., one of Wethersfield's most prominent agriculturists and highly-respected citizens, was born Sept. 25, 1830. on what is known as the Wells farm in that town, and belongs to one of the oldest and most dis- tinguished families of Connecticut, many of its representatives having held honorable and responsi- Lle positions in county, State and National affairs from Colonial days down to the present time. The family is of French and English origin, and was founded in England at the time of the Norman Conquest. By one branch of the family the name is spelled Welles, while others, including our sub- ject, spell it Wells.

The first to come to America was Thomas Wells, one of the first governors of Connecticut. He was born in the County of Essex, England, in 1598, and came to this country with the early set- tlers as secretary to Say and Seal, who afterward returned to England. He located in Saybrook about 1636, and later removed to Hartford, becom- ing one of the first magistrates of that town. Sub- sequently he filled the office of governor, and held other public positions. He died Jan. 14. 1659, or 1660, and was buried in Hartford. For his first wife he married Elizabeth Hunt, who died in 1640, and for his second he wedded Elizabeth Foote. widow of Nathaniel Foote, and sister of John Dem- ing, one of the first settlers of Wethersfield. She (lied July 28, 1683, aged eighty-eight years. The

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children of Gov. Wells were as follows : Ann, born in England, in 1619, was married, April 14, 1646, to Thomas Thompson, of Farmington, who died April 25, 1655, and for her second husband she wedded Anthony Hawkins, of Farmington ; John, the next in order of birth, is mentioned below ; Robert, born in England in 1624, died in 1659; Thomas was born in England in 1627; Samuel was born in 1630; Sarah, born in 1632, was mar- ried in February, 1653, to Capt. John Chester, of Wethersfield, who died Feb. 23, 1698, and she died Dec. 16, 1608; Mary born in 1634, died young ; and Joseph was born in Hartford in 1637.

(II) John Wells, son of Gov. Wells, was born in England, in 1621, and came to America with his parents. He made his home in Stratford, Conn., where he died in 1659. IIe held several public offices, and was one of the leading citizens of his town. In 1647 he married Elizabeth Curtis, sister of William Curtis, of Stratford, and daughter of John Curtis, one of the first settlers of that town. She was again married, in 1662, her second hus- band being John Wilcoxson, of Stratford, by whom she had three children: Ilannah, born Feb. 1.4. 1664: Elizabeth, born in July, 1666; and Mary, born in April, 1668. Mr. Wilcoxson died in 1690 .. The children of the first marriage were John, born in 1648; Thomas and Robert (twins), born in 1651; Temperance, born in 1654; Samuel, born in 1656; and Sarah, born Sept. 28, 1659.

(III) Robert Wells, son of John, was born in Stratford, but spent the greater part of his life in Wethersfield, where he owned land and engaged in farming. He was captain of a militia company. and was quite a prominent man in his community. He died on his farm in Wethersfield in June, 1714, at the age of sixty-three years. In that town he was married, in 1675, to Elizabeth Goodrich, a native of Wethersfield, and a daughter of Ensign William Goodrich. She died Feb. 17, 1697, and for his second wife he married Mary In his family were the following children: Thomas. born in 1676, lived in Wethersfield. He was mar- ried. Sept. 28. 1699. to Hannah Warner, who died Sept. 18. 1738, and for his second wife he married Sarah Robbins, daughter of Capt. Joshua Robbins. He died Sept. 21. 1741, and she on Dec. 3. 1744. John, born in June. 1678, died young. Joseph. next in the order of birth, is mentioned below. Prudence was married, Oct. 21, 1700, to Rev. Anthony Stoddard, pastor of the Congregational Church at Woodbury, and died in March. 1714. Robert married Sarah Wolcott, daughter of Sam- tel and Judith ( Appleton) Wolcott. Gideon mar- ried Hannah Chester, of Wethersfield, Nov. 30. 1716, and died March 26, 1740, and for his second husband she wedded Jonathan IIale, of Glastonbury.

(IV) Joseph Wells, son of Robert, was born in Wethersfield in September, 1680, and became a large land owner and prosperous farmer of that town, where he died in 1744, and was there laid

to rest. On Jan. 6, 1709, he married Hannah Robbins, who was born in Wethersfield June 10, 1688, a daughter of Capt. Joshua and Elizabeth Robbins. They had eight children, whose names and dates of birth were as follows: John, Nov. 13, 17TO; Prudence, Feb. 12, 1712; Esther, May, 1716; Ilannah, Aug. 5, 1718; Joseph, Sept. 17, 1720; Eunice, March 25, 1723; Joshua, September, 1726; and Christopher, December, 1729.

(V) Joshua Wells, son of Joseph, was quite a land owner in what is known as the Wells Quarter of Wethersfield, and throughout life followed the occupation of farming. He died and was buried in that town. Religiously he was a member of the Congregational Church. He married Experience Dickinson, also a native of Wethersfield, and a member of the same Church. Their children were Experience, born Aug. 14, 1758; Hannah, Oct. 26, 1759; Joshua, March 26, 1761 ; Levi, Oct. 17, 1762; Gideon, July 15, 1764; Prudence, Oct. 30, 1766 ; Pamela Aug. 30, 1768; Abigail, Jan. 20, 1771 ; and Daniel, Tune 15, 1773.

(VI) Gideon Wells, son of Joshua, and grand- father of our subject, was born on the Wells farm in Wethersfield, received a fair education for that time, and became quite a prominent citizen in his community. He died March 19, 1810, and was buried in Wethersfield cemetery. In March. 1789, he married Emily Hart, who was born July 16, 1764, a daughter of Josiah and Abigail (Sluman) Hart, and their children were Sluman, born June 12, 1790; William Hart, Dec. 15, 1792: Emily, Oct. 13, 1796; Romanta, May 4, 1798: Dudley, Aug. 13, 1800: Mary, Dec. 30, 1802; Pamela, May 3, 1806: and Prudence April 2, 1808.

(VII) Romanta Wells, father of our subject. was born on the old Wells homestead, and there spent his entire life as an agriculturist, being one of the pioneer seed and tobacco growers of Wetli- ersfield. He received only a district-school edu- cation, but became a well-informed man, and was held in high regard by all who knew him. Po- litically he was first a Whig, later a Republican, and in religious faith was an active and prominent member of the Congregational Church. He died upon his farm. Ang. 13, 1861, and was laid to rest in Wethersfield cemetery. He wedded Mary Anne Morgan, a native of Wethersfield, and a daughter of Stephen Morgan, who lived first in New London, Conn., and later in Wethersfield. Our subiect is the eldest of the children born of this union ; Emily Hart married Rev. Samuel P. Leeds, of Hanover. N. II .; Gideon, a prominent lawyer of Springfield, Mass., married Marietta Gilbert, daughter of Rev. M. S. Gilbert (he died in 1807) : Dudley, residing at Wells Farms, married Felicia H. Hammer, of Wethersfield. and has four chil- dren, Mary Ann, Hannah C. Churchill. Gideon and James Dudley ; and Romanta married Emma Louise Tuttle, and is engaged in the drug business in Chicago

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(VIII) Stephen M. Wells, whose name intro- (luces this review, attended the district schools of Wethersfield, also the Wethersfield Academy, and completed his education at a high school in west- ern New York, where he studied surveying and civil engineering. In 1851 and 1852 he was em- ployed as a surveyor for the Lake Shore railroad in that section of the Empire State, and later was with the Providence & Fishkill railroad, now the Highland Branch & Consolidated road; but after the death of his father he returned to Wethers- field and located on the old homestead, upon which he has made many useful and valuable improve- ments. For a number of years he was extensively engaged in the seed business and in general farm- ing, and he is now interested in the dairy business a' a stockholder and director of the Spring Brook Creamery, of which he was president for a num- ber of years and is now vice-president. Since 1876 he has bred Ayrshire cattle, and is an active member of the Ayrshire Breeders Association, serving on the executive board since the association was or- ganized.

On March 5. 1856, in New London, Conn., Mr. Wells married Miss Sarah Crannell Tate, a native of that place, and a daughter of William Tate. To them were born eight children: Vir- ginia Tate, May 18, 1857: Anne Morgan, Oct. 6. 1859; Dudley, May 17, 1861 : Emaline C., Aug. 26, 1862; William Tate, July 26, 1864 (he mar- ried Grace Woodhouse Capron, and is now with the Ætna Insurance Co. at Hartford) : Stephen Morgan, Jr., Sept. 6, 1866 (he was married, Oct. 9. 1895, to Ella Washburn Sessions, and resides in Bristol, Conn.) : Sarah Crannell, July 31, 1869 : and Emily Hart, July 30, 1871. The wife and mother. who was a consistent member of the Congregational Church, died June 18, 1882, and was buried at Cedar Hill. For his second wife Mr. Wells mar- ried Harriet Merriman Woodhouse, a native of Wethersfield, and a daughter of the late Samuel Woodhouse, and sister of Samuel N. Woodhouse, a prominent citizen of Wethersfield. She was the widow of Cornelius E. Capron, of New Britain, by whom she had Grace Woodhouse, who was mar- ried June 19, 1895. to William Tate Wells, a son of our subject, and has had two children, Harriet Merriman and William Tate, Jr.

Mr. Wells takes a deep interest in local affairs, especially educational matters, and was active in the buikling of the Wethersfield high school. As a progressive farmer he is deeply interested in matters agricultural, is a member of the State Board of Agriculture and the State Experiment Board, and was a charter member of Wethers- field Grange. For many years he was chairman and secretary of the State Agricultural Society. As a breeder of pure Ayrshire stock, for several years his herd took prizes at many of the State and National exhibitions, which won for him a wide reputation. He was the first president of the Spring

Brook Creamery, and held that position for sev- eral years.

Mr. Wells has always taken an active part in educational matters ; was chairman of the board of school visitors of Wethersfield, and during his ad- ministration the Wethersfield high school was built. He is a stanch supporter of the men and measures of the Republican party, and though he works hard for its interests he has never been an office seeker. In 1865 he was elected to the State Legislature, and most capably served as rep- resentative for one term; he has twice received the nomination for State senator, and, though defeated, ran ahead of his ticket. He is a genial and pleas- ant gentleman, keeps well informed on the leading events of the day, and is a faithful member of the Congregational Church.

HON. ALFRED E. PIIELPS, a prominent business man of Naubue, has an extensive trade in coal, and is also interested in tobacco growing and general agriculture. Ilis excellent judgment and knowledge of the world are combined with an agree- able personality, which has made him popular in social and political life.

Mr. Phelps' family has resided at Glastonbury for many years, his grandfather, Abram Phelps, a blacksmith by trade, having resided near the site of the brick school house, south of the post office, and later in a house on Naubuc avenue, where his death occurred. This worthy citizen married a Miss Pelton, of Portland, Conn., and had five chil- dren: Harriet married Frederick Cooley, of Glas- tonbury, and now resides in Worcester, Mass. Philo F., our subject's father, is mentioned below. Cynthia Ann married Samuel Clark, of East Hart- ford, and both are now deceased. Franklin F. set- tled in Worcester, Mass .. in early manhood, en- gaging in the stove and tinware business. He married Sabria -, and died in 1888. Eliza married Henry Smith, who died in 1898, and she now resides in New Haven, where her three sons are in business.

Philo F. Phelps, father of our subject, was born Aug. 14, 1818, at the old homestead on Naubuc avenue, and received a district-school education in his youth. As a young man he engaged in boat- ing on the Connecticut river, and for many years he was captain of a schooner which carried stone and brick from Portland, Conn., to Hartford. When he finally retired from this business he opened the coal yard now operated by our subject, and by his excellent judgment he succeeded in establishing it upon a sound basis. At his death, which oc- curred April 9. 1891, he left a large estate. Polit- ically he was a Democrat, and at times he held local offices, including those of selectman and member of the board of relief. His wife, Ann S. Wrisley, who died Dec. 18. 1880, was a native of Glaston- bury, and daughter of George S. and Sarah (Keeney) Wrisley. Our subject was the eldest of

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a family of five children. Of the others (2) Sher- man S. married Mary Moyer, of Philadelphia, and in later years was a farmer in Glastonbury. At one time he was captain of the tug boat "Mabel," that ran between Hartford and New York City, and he was on board when it blew up in 1881. (3) Estella now resides in Glastonbury. (4) Helen. widow of Clarence Stevens, also resides in Glaston- bury. (5) Emma J. married Roswell Hollister, and they are living in Hartford.

Alfred E. Phelps was born Dec. 2, 1847, in a house on Main street, Glastonbury, and as a boy attended the common schools of that town. On leaving school he assisted his father on the schooner for a time, and afterward served an apprenticeship to the engineer's trade with James Forsey, of Nau- buc. He spent several years in Mr. Forsey's fac- tory, but later engaged in the coal business with his father, and since the death of the latter he has had full charge. His business is now one of the largest in the county in that line. In politics he is a Dem- ocrat, and for one term, 1887-88,was selectman, while for two terms he has been tax collector, and in 1887 served as representative. He is a member of Das- kam Lodge, No. 86, F. & A. M., in which he has passed all the chairs; and he also belongs to Pyth- agoras Chapter, No. 17; Wolcott Council, No. I ; Washington Commandery, No. 1; and the Mystic Shrine. The family is identified with the Episcopal Church.

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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 2, Part 114

Author: J.H. Beers & Co Publication date: 1901 Publisher: Chicago : J.H. Beers & Co. Number of Pages: 1172

Author: J.H. Beers & Co
Publication date: 1901
Publisher: Chicago : J.H. Beers & Co.
Number of Pages: 1172