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 115

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 115

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Mr. Phelps was married, on June 4, 1872, to Miss Isabel S. Griswold, a native of Glastonbury, daughter of James M. and Sarah (Sellew) Gris- wold, farming people of that town. The only son of this union, William G., was born April 27, 1877, and lives at home, assisting his father in business. He is a graduate of a Hartford business college.

SAMUEL C. TREAT (deceased) was the son of a farmer in the town of Glastonbury, where he was born July 19, 1820. His early education was acquired in the district schools and the academy, after completing which he learned the trade of a mason and stonecutter.

At the age of twenty-one our subject left the paternal roof and began the battle of life for him- self, working at his trade in the town where he was born. Two years later ( 1843) he married Miss Catherine Willis, also a native of that place, born Aug. 25, 1820, and the same year lie purchased a small farm in Glastonbury, paying for it out of his savings from his daily toil. After five years spent there he returned to his father's farm, remaining for a short time, and meantime still working at his trade. In 1848 Mr. Treat bought another farm, in the town of Bolton, Tolland Co., Conn., on which he remained for a few years, removing thence to Manchester; he there purchased several acres of land, on which he resided until death claimed him in 1898, and where his widow still has her home. After coming to Manchester Mr. Treat

carried on a remunerative business as a contracting mason, and accumulated a comfortable competence, retiring from active business about fifteen years before his death. He was a quiet, unassuming man, of kindly disposition, whose life, if not eventful, was crowned with its full meed of success. Cont- mencing life with no capital other than skillful, willing hands, an active brain and a keen sense of integrity, he made his own fortune and left a moderate estate, including three tenement houses in Manchester, besides other valuable property. In politics he was a Democrat.

Mr. Treat's marriage was blessed with three children : Edward C., born Feb. 1, 1846, who died July 15, 1889; Susie A., born July 15, 1849; and Samuel, born Dec. 14, 1854. The daughter married Arthur Parsons, of Brooklyn, in which city she is still living, and has had six children, Clinton, Her- bert, Bessie, Alfred, Robert and Harold.

THOMAS GRANT ALCORN, M. D., a rising young physician of Enfield, was born in the village of Thompsonville Sept. 21, 1867, son of John and Barbara ( Hamilton) Alcorn, natives of Counties Antrim and Tyrone, Ireland, respectively.

Dr. Alcorn's paternal grandparents were Mat- thew and Sarah ( McCaughen) Alcorn, natives, re- spectively, of Counties Derry and Antrim, Ireland. His great-grandfather, Andrew Alcorn, also a na- tive of Ireland, married a Miss McCoy, a native of Scotland. One of the great-grandfathers of our subject was John McCaughen, also a native of Scot- land, and a linen manufacturer in the North of Ireland. The maternal grandparents were Samuel and Jane ( Hamilton ) Hamilton, of County Tyrone, Ireland.

Dr. Alcorn's parents came to America in 1847, and settled in Thompsonville, where the father, a machinist by trade, entered the employ of the Thompsonville Carpet Works Co., now the Hartford Carpet Works Co., and, with the exception of nine years, when he was in the employ of the Enfield Stockinet Co., he was connected with them until his death, May 17, 1899. His family was as fol- lows: Eliza ( Mrs. Charles S. Morrison), John S., Matthew (deceased ), Isabel, Thomas G., Mary, Emma and Charles.

Thomas Grant Alcorn was reared in Thompson- ville, and educated in the public schools of that vil- lage and at the Connecticut Literary Institute, Suf- field, being a graduate of both. In 1889 he began the study of medicine in Washington, D. C., at- tending between times lectures at Columbia Uni- versity, and later he entered the office of Dr. E. F. Parsons, of Thompsonville, and was a student there for four years. He attended lectures at the College of Physicians and Surgeons, Boston, one year, and took a post-graduate course at Boston City Hos- pital in 1898. During the four years he was as- sociated with Dr. Parsons he practiced his profes- sion in Thompsonville, and is now rated among the

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leading practitioners of that village. In politics lic is a Republican. He is a member of the United Presbyterian Church.

GEORGE PERRY LANGDON (deceased) was for many years prominently identified with the business interests of Southington, and was a recog- nized leader in commercial circles. He was a na- tive of Alabama, born in Marion Sept. 9, 1842, but belonged to an old and honored family of Hartford county.

The first to come to the New World was George Langdon, who located in Wethersfield, this county, about 1636, but later removed to Springfield, Mass., and from there to Northampton, where he died Dec. 29, 1676.

(II) John Langdon, son of George, was born in England, and lived in Farmington, this county, where he served as deputy to the General Court in October, 1668. He was made a freeman in October, 1669, and died in 1689.

(III) Joseph Langdon, son of John, also made his home in Farmington. He was married in Octo- ber, 1683, to Susannah, daughter of John and Mary (Kilbourn) Root, and died April 2, 1749.

(IV) Joseph Langdon, son of Joseph, Sr., was born in Farmington in March, 1688, and was mar- ried Dec. 24, 1713, to Rachel, daughter of Samuel and Rachel (Porter) Cowles. He lived in South- ington, where his death occurred.

(V) Giles Langdon, son of Joseph, Jr., was born July 22, 1720, and was married Nov. 4, 1751, to Ruth Andrews, daughter of Stephen and Ruth (Barnes) Andrews. He died in December, 1777. (VI) Giles Langdon, son of Giles, Sr., was born in Southington May 24, 1763, and was mar- ried Jan. 20, 1785, to Sarah Carter, daughter of Abel and Mary (Coach) Carter, of Southington. He was a farmer by occupation, and held the mili- tary rank of captain. He died Feb. 11, 1847.

(VII) Perry Langdon, son of Giles, Jr., and grandfather of our subiect, was born in Southing- ton March 12, 1786, and in that town followed farming throughout life, dying there April 15, 1869. He was married May 5, 1814, to Lucy Hart, daughter of Col. Samuel and Rosanna (Clark) llart.

(VIII) Augustus Perry Langdon, the father of our subject, was born in Southington April 11, 1815, and was married March 30, 1837, to Lu- cretia Benjamin, daughter of John E. and Harriet (Lewis) Benjamin. By this union two children were born: Lewis, who married Abby Wight- man ; and George P., our subject. The father re- moved to Marion, Ala., where he engaged in busi- ness until his death, Oct. 22, 1853.

(IX) George P. Langdon, the subject of this sketch, remained in his native place until twelve years of age, when he came to Southington, Conn., and spent the following six years here. He then went to Dubuque, Iowa, but after a sojourn there

of six years returned to Southington, where he continued to make his home throughout life, with the exception of two years spent in the cotton com- mission business in Mobile, Ala. For a number of years he engaged in the drug business in South- ington. He was essentially a business man, and took no part in public affairs except to exercise his right as a voter. Politically he was a Democrat. He died Dec. 28, 1884, honored and respected by all who knew him.

On Feb. 22, 1867, Mr. Langdon was united in marriage with Miss Julia P. Willcox, of South- ington, and to them were born three children who reached years of maturity : William Augustus, George Perry (who married Wilhelmina Racher, of Southington) and Clarence Willcox.

WILLIAM WILLCOX, Mrs. Langdon's father, was born May 2, 1816, and was married July 1, 1840, to Sally Ann Bristol, a daughter of Julius and Sally ( Barnes) Bristol. He was a man of promi- nence in Southington, held the office of selectman, and was one of the leading members of the Uni- tarian Church. His father, Francis W. Willcox, was born July 8, 1787, and was married June 30, 1808, to Paulina Andrews, daughter of Josiah and Rebecca ( Bishop) Andrews. He was a farmer by occupation, and lived in the Flanders District of Southington, and later at Southington. He was a Democrat in politics, and being one of the lead- ing and influential men of the town he was called upon to serve as judge of probate, selectman, and member of the Legislature ( for the period of sev- enteen years). He died March 19, 1861, and his wife died Aug. 8, 1866, at the age of eighty years. He was a son of Justus Willcox, who was born in Middletown in 1750, and a grandson of Elijah Willcox.

CLINTON W. COWLES is entitled to a fore- most rank among the prominent and wealthy citi- zens of Hartford county, and he belongs to a fan- ily whose members have for the last half century taken an active part in the affairs of this section of the State. He is a native of the town in which he makes his home, having been born July 9, 1841, near Buckland's Corners, in Manchester.

Stephen Cowles, grandfather of the gentleman whose name introduces these lines, was a native of Springfield, Vt., and in about 1834 came with his family to Hartford county, Conn., locating at Hilliardville, where he began work in the woolen inills. The trip was made in the winter time, with sled and ox-team. Stephen Cowles passed away in 1847, at the advanced age of ninety-two years ; he was tall and spare in build. His family consisted of nine children, namely: Stephen, Austin, Eliza. Francis W., Paulina, Nancy, Martha, Mary and Walter.

Francis W. Cowles, father of our subject, was born July 4, 1805, in Springfield, Vt., and in early manhood came to Hartford county, where he be-

m will cox

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came one of the most influential men of his day. He was a self-made man, having few opportunities in his younger life, as when a mere boy he began work in the Hilliard woolen mills, and when six- teen years of age he went to Buckland's Corners, where at that time there was a hotel and stage stables located on the old stage road between Bos- ton and Hartford. Here he was employed until he reached his majority, when he purchased the old tavern, and conducted it successfully until 1846, when he removed to the farm now owned and oc- cupied by his son Walter W. in Manchester town. He carried on general farming and stock raising, breeding Jersey cattle, and for the first few years had a grocery business in connection at Buckland's Corners. Mr. Cowles became intimately identified with the history and advancement of Hartford county, and his personal worth and popularity may be estimated from the fact that up to the time of his death he and Dr. C. W. Jacques and Ralph Cheney were the only Democrats who represented the town of Manchester in the Legislature since it was set off from the town of East Hartford. The following article, written by his intimate friend and boyhood companion, Judge James Campbell, at the time of his death, best describes a character in which were combined those qualities of head and heart which go to make the able business man, the faith- ful official, the true friend and loving parent :

One after another the old landmarks of Manchester have been removed until we come to the last with two or three exceptions; and when we count the remaining few we involuntarily exclaim, "Our Father, where are they?" Mr. Cowles moved into Manchester with father when a mere child and the town was his home until his death. Manches- ter then belonged to East Hartford and was known only by the "five-mile tract." At an early day he took an active interest in public affairs, more especially all matters per- taining to his own town. He had an ardent, sanguine tem- perament, and therefore whatever he did was done earn- estly and zealously. He had a retentive memory and was a close observer of passing events, so that up to his last sick- ness he probably could give a better history of Manchester than any other man living therein. He always was a Demo- crat, of the old Jackson school, in whom there was no guile, and was in earlier years what may truthfully be denomina- ted a partisan politician. But notwithstanding all this he had the confidence of his townsmen to such an extent as to be often elected 'to important offices in the town. He became a leading man in political matters, in both town and county. He served his town in the capacity of selectman several years, administering its affairs economically and wisely. He was made justice of the peace for years in suc- cession, and this much can be truthfully said of our d-parted townsman and neighbor, no public trust committed to his hands suffered loss. Once he was put in nomination for sheriff of his county and would have been elected had it not been for the treachery of professed friends. It is true, but this truth need not be smothered, that sometimes his political zeal got so far the upper hand of his judgment that he allowed his tongue to send a poisoned arrow into the quivering flesh of some good Whig or Republican, and this might be his tried friend and neighbor. But such an offense on reflection was sure to bring regret, and no man was more ready to withdraw that arrow with a tender hand and mol- lify the wound with the oil of repentance than was the sub- ject of this brief memoir. Mr. Cowles had not the heart or the ability to carry in his bosom for any length of time a .grudge against any man. My departed neighbor had noth-

ing visionary about him. With peculiarly sharp perceptive faculties, his whole mind as restless as the ocean and a body seemingly indifferent to rest or sleep, all presided over by sound practical judgment and good common sense, he necessarily attracted to him those in search of an adviser, and his counsel was often sought by those in trouble, and was uniformly and cheerfully given, and when followed there was seldom cause for regret. Mr. Cowles was known more extensively in neighboring towns than any other un- pretending man in Manchester. It was no unusual thing for him to be called into neighboring towns to aid in settling neighborhood difficulties or other important matters. He was a thorough, sagacious business man, and at his death had accumulated quite a fortune, and was surrounded not only by the comforts and conveniences, but also many of the luxuries of a thriving well-to-do New England farmer. He was a kind husband and a sympathizing, indulgent father. He was a domestic man. The writer of this has often heard him say that the real happiness that had fal- len to his lot had been found in his own home with his family around him and that all the rest was but a mere shadow. Mr. Cowles enjoyed in his reclining years what many other fond parents have failed of, which was the unswerving devotion and constant loving attention of his children. His wants by them were anticipated and were cheerfully as well as bountifully supplied. There were times when Mr. Cowles paid serious attention to the subject of religion, but he never became a member of any Church. He was, however, a constant attendant upon divine service on the Sabbath and contributed for its support liberally at the North Manchester Second Congregational Church for many years.

The writer was intimately acquainted with the subject of this notice for more than forty years. He had faults and he had no desire to extenuate them. He had virtues and he had no desire to eulogize them. This much he can say of a truth, that no man within the circle of his acquaintance ever so freely subjected himself to the judgment of superficial observers as did Francis W. Cowles. He made little or no effort to conceal his faults. He was faithful and confiding to his friends and forgiving to his enemies. Only a few hours before the fatal shock that deprived him of consciousness, anticipating its near approach, yet in full possession of all his mental faculties, he called his family around him and with fortitude and calmness unusual at such hour, even to the most heroic faith, gave particular directions about his funeral, requesting to be buried by his Masonic brethren. Neighbor Cowles is gone. He will be greatly missed in the town of Manchester and deeply mourned by his many friends.

Francis W. Cowles was married, Nov. 12, 1834, to Miss Harriet Wing, of East Hartford, daughter of Sylvanus Wing, and they had a family of five children, namely : Albert F., who is a farmer of Manchester town; Harriet, who died in 1858; Clin- ton W .; Walter W., a prominent citizen of Man- chester ; and Martha J., deceased wife of Dwight A. Moulton, of California, who is at present as- sistant State treasurer of that State. Mr. Cowles' death occurred in Manchester March 10, 1880, when he was seventy-four years of age.

Clinton W. Cowles passed the first few years of his life at Buckland's Corners, when five years of age removing with his parents to the farm in Man- chester town where he grew to manhood, the place now occupied by his brother Walter W. Cowles. He received his education in the public schools, first attending district school No. 7, where among his early teachers were Harriet, Jane and John Will- iams. Continuing on the farm with his father un- til the breaking out of the Civil war, he in 1861

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went out as sutler's clerk, serving as such from Nov. 1, 1861, until March, 1862, in Virginia and Maryland ; he was in the engagement at Antietam. He was then appointed headquarter sutler of Gen. Condin's brigade, holding that position until his return, in 1864, to Manchester, where he opened a mercantile business at Buckland's Corners on his own account. In 1868 Mr. Cowles sold out this establishment and started the first livery stable at North Manchester, the following spring purchasing what was then known as the "Weaver Hotel" and since as the "Cowles Hotel," which he conducted in partnership with his brother Walter W. until 1881 and subsequently alone until 1887. From that time to the present he has rented the hotel and livery, devoting his attention entirely to his real-estate in- terests in the town, which are extensive, and his farms. He owns two tracts in Manchester of 100 acres each, his home place in that town consisting of fifty acres, a fifty-acre place near South Man- chester and a seventy-acre farm at Manchester Green. For a number of years Mr. Cowles has also been engaged in settling estates, and he carries on an insurance and broker's business in connection therewith. Like his father, he enjoys the confidence and esteem of his townsmen to an unusual degree, and his opinion is frequently sought at home and elsewhere in matters of difficulty, his ability as an arbitrator being unquestioned. Like his father in politics also, he is a strong Democrat, and though not a politician in the ordinary sense of the term he has held various offices, giving eminent satisfac- tion in every incumbency. He represented his dis- trict in the Legislature in 1879 and again in 1887. In 1879 he was elected selectman of Manchester. re-elected in 1880 and continued in office until 1883, and holds the office at the present writing. Fra- ternally he holds membership with Manchester Lodge, No. 73, F. & A. M.

On March 4, 1869, Mr. Cowles was united in marriage with Miss Nellie A. Annis, who was born in the town of Manchester, daughter of Charles Annis, and they have had children as follows: Francis W., who died when two years of age : Hat- tie W., now the wife of Charles W. Holeman. of Bridgeport, Conn., a collector for Mr. Hicks : Edith F., wife of Charles J. Strickland, of Manchester : and Walter W., who lives at home.

WILLIAM HAYWARD, who passed away in August, 1899, was a well-known brewer, of the firmi of Mathewson Brothers & Co., of Thompson- ville, and one of the public-spirited and progressive citizens of that place. He was born in London. England, July 10, 1846, a son of George and Char- lotte (Sturgnell) Hayward, also natives of Lon- lon. The father, who was a brewer by trade, came to America about 1860, and followed his vocation in Canada, Troy, N. Y., New York City and Al- bany. Ile died in Albany in 1879.

Our subject was reared in his native city, and

commenced learning the brewer's trade there, but completed his apprenticeship in Albany, N. Y., where he located in 1865. In 1874 he came to Thompsonville, Conn., and was employed in the Mathewson brewery until 1895, when he became a member of the firm of Mathewson Brothers & Co., with which he was connected until his death. The success that he achieved in life was due to his own industry, enterprise and good management, for he started out to make his own way in the world empty-handed.

In 1875 Mr. Hayward married Miss Kate, daughter of Henry Pontifix, of Thompsonville, and they became the parents of two children: Fannie L. (now the wife of Robert Rosley) and Bertha. Mr. Hayward was a pleasant, genial gentleman, a member of the Episcopal Church, a Democrat in politics, and a member of Doric Lodge, F. & A. MI., of Thompsonville.

RICHARD F. BROWN, M. D., one of the ris- ing young physicians of New Britain, attested his devotion to the profession he has adopted by the splendid rank he acquired in his medical training. He is young in years, but in the practice of a few years has already established for himself an en- viable reputation as a physician.

The Doctor's father, James D. Brown, is a na- tive of Brighton, Sussex county, England, where he was born in 1828. When a young man he was a member of the First King's Dragoon Guards, and was one of a detachment sent to Ireland to capture Smith O'Brien. While there he met a young Irish lass, Miss Katherine Donohue, who was employed at the home of Dr. John Peel. She was the dangh- ter of Peter Donohue, a herdsman or overseer on a large estate. An attachment sprang up, but cir- cumstances prevented an immediate marriage. Young Brown emigrated to America in 1853, and his marriage to Katherine Donohue occurred Dec. 12, 1854, upon her arrival in America. In their family of children were the following: Amelia married and lives in New Britain: James Francis is deceased ; Margaret married F. E. Brady, of New Britain : Charles married a Miss Prelman : Emma is bookkeeper for Oldershow & Liddell, of Park street : Richard F. is subject of this sketch. After his arrival in America James D. Brown located first in Newington, Conn., and followed the trade of polisher. For a time he was a contractor at Corbin's, and he then removed from New Britain to Kensington, where for twenty-seven years he worked for Jonathan Hart. He was a poor man when he came to America and was without friends. but he rapidly pushed to the front by the exercise of energy and ability. and he became one of the best mechanics in his line, acquiring also consider- able property. In politics he was a strong Repub- lican, and in religious faith an Episcopalian.

Richard F. Brown was born in Kensington. Conn., Sept. 1, 1870. He was educated in the

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high school, under Prof. Peck, and was graduated in 1889. Entering the Medical School of Yale Col- lege Oct. 2, 1889, Dr. Brown was graduated there- from June 15, 1892, completing the regular course of medicine. While at school he did special work in pathology under Profs. White and Wheeler. Dur- ing his second year he won the second prize of $75 in a class of twenty-two. Dr. Brown began his practice at New Britain in August, 1892, and has since followed it continuously with great success. He is a member of the medical societies of New Britain, of Hartford county, and of Yale. He is a member of the American Protective Association, and for two years has been examiner for Court Charter Oak, Foresters.

WILLIAM JOSEPH COYLE, M. D. Few physicians in this section are better known than the subject of this sketch, whose practice extends over a wide radius from his home in the attractive village of Windsor Locks. His thorough profes- sional training was based upon an excellent col- legiate education, which had prepared him for an unusually useful career, and he is not only a suc- cessful physician, but his interests extend to all that pertains to good citizenship.

Dr. Coyle was born Feb. 8, 1853, in the North of Ireland, a section which has produced many of our ablest men. His father, James Coyle, was a farmer by occupation, and came to this country about 1855, locating at Waterbury, Conn. He married Mary O'Brien, by whom he had eleven children, viz. : James, of Waterbury, Conn. ; Fanny, who resides in Philadelphia, as does Delia, who is next in the order of birth ; Mary, Mrs. Deheron, of Providence, R. I .; Sarah, wife of Frederick Austin, of Water- bury, Conn .; Peter and Thomas, who were killed by the cars at Jersey City in 1874; John, of New South Wales, Australia; two who died in infancy ; and William Joseph, who is the youngest. The parents both died in Waterbury, Conn., the father in 1879, and the mother in 1881.

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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 115

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