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 125

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 125

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Mr. Arnurius is a good, earnest citizen, has reared his family in respectability, and has all his life been temperate, industrious and frugal, and the fact that he has made himself what he is to-day, notwithstanding the fact that he began life in Amer- ica without one cent, well entitles him to the high regard and unfeigned esteem in which he is every- where held.

JOHN SHIELDS, a greatly respected and pros- perous farmer, stock raiser and tobacco grower of East Weatogue, town of Simsbury, Hartford coun- ty, was born in County Down, Ireland, the only son in a family of four children born to Adam and Martha (Jameson) Shields, natives of the same county, and members of the Presbyterian Church. The father was an industrious farmer, in moderate circumstances.

John Shields, our subject, received but a limited education in the common schools of his native coun- ty, as, being the only son, he was needed at home to aid his father, and he also assisted on the farms of the neighbors, thereby contributing to the support of the family, with which he remained until 1869. having in the meantime married, an event to which allusion will be made further on. In the year men- tioned Mr. Shields felt it incumbent upon himself to better his condition, so far as this world's good are concerned, and with this object in view he sailed from Liverpool with his wife and child, on the steamer "Virginia," and in due course of time landed safely in New York, from that city coming to Bloomfield, Hartford Co., Conn. Here he found employment as a farm laborer, and worked for one man seven years, at $400 per year, leaving in the hands of his employer, during this period, $980. for which he took a note, having full confidence in his employer's honor. No doubt this confidence was not misplaced, but still it was disastrous, as the gentleman died, and when the estate was settled Mr. Shields was compelled to accept one-third of his claim, thus losing over $600 of his hard-earned money. From Bloomfield Mr. Shields removed to West Hartford, where he secured the superintend- ency of Charles Pond's farm, which position he held thirteen years. By strict economy he accumu- lated sufficient means to buy a fifty-five-acre farm at East Weatogue, Simsbury town (on which he set- tled in 1889), formerly belonging to George Phelps. Here Mr. Shields engaged in tobacco growing. dairying and general farming, and a few years later bought eighty acres from Hon. J. O. Phelps, ad- joining his first purchase, and with his sons is now cultivating the entire tract of 135 acres, on which

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he has erected a fine tobacco shed and made many other improvements.

The marriage of Mr. Shields to Agnes Ritchie took place in the town of Killinchy, County Down. She was born in the same county, a daughter of James and Ann ( Haves) Ritchie, also natives of County Down. Mrs. Shields is a woman of intel- ligence, and her husband's success through life is largely attributable to her helping hand and econoni- ical habits. To this marriage have been born six children: James, who was born in County Down, Ireland, and was brought to America by his par- ents when a child, was educated in the district schools of Hartford county, Conn., and is now as- sisting his father on the farm (he is married to Lizzie Oliver, of Hartford) : John Adam, Agnes Mary, William Hamilton, Samuel and Lizzie Martha are all still at home.

In politics Mr. Shields and his eldest son are Republicans, and in religion, although reared in the Presbyterian faith, Mr. Shields, with his family, affiliates with the Congregationalists, and regularly attends their house of worship. Mr. Shields is noted for his honorable conduct and straightforward methods of dealing with his fellow citizens, and is of a very genial disposition, although very quiet and unassuming in manner. He has reached his pres- ent position in life through his skillful manage- ment, industry and strict integrity, and well de- serves the high esteem in which he is held by all his neighbors.

LINUS CORNWALL, a well-known farmer and cider manufacturer of Berlin, Hartford county, has for many years been actively identified with the business interests of that locality. Although he has passed the eightieth milestone on life's journey, he has the vigor of a much younger man, and in spirit and interests seems yet in his prime. Old age is not necessarily a synonym of weakness or inactivity.

Mr. Cornwall was born in the Westfield District of Middletown, Conn .. Jan. 30, 1820, and belongs to a family which was founded in Middlesex county in 1650. His ancestors were of English descent. One was a sergeant in the Pequot Indian war, and his great-grandfather, Lieut. Nathaniel Cornwall. was an officer in the Revolution, in which conflict three of his sons were killed. Our subject's grand- father, who also bore the name of Nathaniel, was one of the first farmers of Middlesex county, and was a large land owner. The father, David Corn- wall, was born in Middletown in 1783, and died at the comparatively early age of forty-four years. He also followed the occupation of farming, and ac- quired about seventy-five acres of land. It is be- lieved that if he had lived he would have become quite wealthy. He married Prudence Johnson, who was born in Middletown in 1790, a daughter of Elijah Johnson, and died in 1864.

Our subject was reared on the home place, and received a fair education in the public schools of

Middletown, which he attended during the winter months, while throughout the summer he aided in the labors of the farm. At the age of seventeen years he went to New Haven, where he clerked in the grocery store of his uncle, David T. Johnson, for about a year. working practically for his board and clothes, as he received very little money. Re- turning home, he assisted in the operation of the farm for about ten years, and then again went to. New Haven, where he worked for his uncle at the joiner's trade about a year, and later for others in the same line of work. Subsequently he was. two years in the employ of the Derby Building & Lumber Co., of Derby, Conn., and then speculated in cattle for about a year. As he was a natural mechanic, he next embarked in wagon and carriage building with his brother-in-law, in East Berlin, un- der the firm name of Cornwall & Dickson, which partnership lasted about one year, and he then pur- chased the carriage and wagon works and black- smith shop of John Graham, deceased, on Berlin street, where he carried on business until his plant was destroyed by fire, in 1865. After renting and operating a farm for a short time, he leased the Amos Botsford property, and turned his attention to the raising of tobacco. He also dealt in that commodity to a considerable extent, and the venture proved quite profitable. He now owns a fine farm of 100 acres in Berlin, which is under excellent cultivation, and in 1870 purchased a cider-mill which adjoins his property, and which he has since suc- cessfully operated. manufacturing cider for others, as well as using the apples from his own ten-acre orchard in this way.

In September, 1852, Mr. Cornwall married Miss Sarah Ellen Platt, who was born in Milford, Conn., in 1830, a daughter of Col. Platt. To them were born eight children: Ida May, born in 1863, a widow, residing at home; William Platt, who died in Los Angeles, Cal .; Henry, who resides at home ; Edward, who married a lady named Elton, and is now connected with the Stanley Rule & Level Co., in New Britain : Lillie Maria : David Tryon : Linus, born Dec. 12, 1864; and Lottie Elizabeth.

At National elections Mr. Cornwall supports the Republican ticket, but in town politics usually votes for the man whom he considers best qualified for the office. He has been offered the position of se- lectman, but does not care for office, preferring to devote his undivided attention to his business in- terests. He is a great reader, and is well informed on National affairs and subjects of general interest. Fraternally he is a member of the Masonic Fra- ternity, and both he and his wife attend the Con- gregational Church.

JULIUS BULKLEY. This prominent citizen of Rocky Hill is a son of Henry W. and Martha (Tucker) Bulkley, who had a family of five sons and four daughters, Julius being eighth in the order of birth. He was born Oct. 13, 1857, in the town

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with whose interests he has been for many years identified. His father died while he was a mere youth. and at the age of sixteen he began work as clerk in a store at Glastonbury. After four and one-half years spent thus, the recollections of his old home brought him back to Rocky Hill, where he engaged in farming. Besides his line of general work he is an extensive fruit grower, having a large and valuable peach orchard.

Mr. Bulkley was married, Jan. 22, 1890, to Miss Dorothy Stephens, who has borne him three chil- dren-Herbert C .. Julius William and Jessie D. Mr. Bulkley is a member of one of the oldest and most respected families in Rocky Hill town, and has been singularly successful in all that he has undertaken, having brought to bear upon every enterprise both native ability and trained judgment. In politics he belongs to the Republican party.

THOMAS DENNIS, JR., a well-known brick manufacturer and enterprising business man of West Hartford, was born in Haverstraw, N. Y., Sept. 5. 1856. a son of Thomas and Eliza ( Wise) Dennis, natives of England, where the father was engaged in the manufacture of brick for some time.

At the age of thirty Thomas Dennis, Sr., emi- grated to the New World, and located in Haver- straw. N. Y., but he now makes his home in New- ington, Hartford Co .. Conn., where he has been ex- tensively engaged in the brick business for about a quarter of a century. In his family are nine chil- dren : William H. and James, both residents of Newington; Sarah Ann, wife of George Walker. of New Britain, Conn .; George, also a resident of New Britain ; Thomas, our subject : Annie, wife of George Rollings, of Berlin, Conn .; Joseph, of West Hartford: John E., of Newington ; and Elizabeth, wife of William King. of West Hartford.

Our subject was educated in the public schools of Haverstraw, N. Y .. and Newington, Conn., and during his youth learned the art of brick making with his father at the latter place. In 1889 his fa- ther and brother James came into possession of the plant of the West Hartford Brick & Ice Co., and Thomas, Jr., has since had charge of the same as superintendent, a position he has most capably and satisfactorily filled. The firm name is now Dennis & Co. Our subject has been a resident of West Hartford for the past ten years, and has become widely and favorably known in this section of the county. In New Britain, Conn., he married Miss Eliza Orton, and they have five children : Eddie. Wallace. Mabel, Gracie and Oliver.

OLIVER A. BECKWITH, JR., a prominent and influential citizen of Unionville, who is now living practically retired from business cares and respon- sibilities, was born in Bristol. Hartford Co., Conn .. July 28. 1851, and is a son of Oliver A. Beckwith, Sr., whose birth occurred in the town of Burling- ton. Hartford county, in 1826. The grandfather,

Lot Beckwith, was a resident of Burlington in early manhood, from there removed to Newington, and later took up his residence in Canton, where he died. He was one of the original clock peddlers selling in the South, but for many years his time and atten- tion were devoted to farming and butchering in Canton. He married Miss Marian Allyn, whose father was a sea captain, and to them were born four children: Oliver Allyn, the father of our sub- ject ; Marian, deceased wife of Samuel F. Stevens, of Detroit, Mich., by whom she had one son, Fred- erick B. ; Samuel, deceased ; and James, who died in infancy.

Oliver A. Beckwith, Sr., was reared and edu- cated in Newington and Canton, and was one of the early commercial travelers from Boston, handling gents' furnishing goods. At one time he conducted the Union Trading Company's store for the Clock Companies in Bristol, and later a store for the Bris- tol Copper Mining Company at that place. He then engaged in mercantile business on his own account in Collinsville, Conn., from 1860 to 1889, and sub- sequently had charge of the book and stamp depart- ment for the Banner Tobacco Company at Detroit, Mich., but is now living retired with his son in Unionville. He has taken quite a prominent part in public affairs, and while a resident of Collinsville served as deputy sheriff of Hartford county. He was married, in Hartford, to Miss Sarah J. Thomp- son, a daughter of Silas Thompson. She died in Collinsville in 1894. They had three children : Oliver Allyn, Jr .. our subject ; Corinne B., wife of Jasper H. Bidwell, of Collinsville; and Minnie, de- ceased.

During his boyhood Oliver A. Beckwith, Jr., pursued his studies in the schools of Edgewood, Canton and Collinsville, Conn. After reaching man- hood he was engaged in general mercantile busi- ness with his father for a short time, and then en- tered the employ of the Michigan Stove Company, of Detroit. On his return to Connecticut he worked for O. D. Hunt & Co., in Winsted, for a time, and later conducted a general store at Collinsville. In 18So he came to Unionville, and after traveling for the Standard Rule Company about a year, he built the store now occupied by Adams Brothers, and engaged in general mercantile business there. Sub- sequently he was interested in the wall paper busi- ness, selling all over the State, but he is now liv- ing retired from business, enjoying the fruits of his former toil

Mr. Beckwith was married, first, in Detroit, to Miss Carrie O. Perry, by whom he had one son, Oliver Russell, who is a graduate of the Collinsville high school, and was also graduated from Cornell University with the class of 1898; he read law with T. C. Maltbie, in Hartford, and was admitted to the Bar in 1890. For his second wife our subject married Miss Martha E. Fuller, of Unionville, a daughter of George H. Fuller, and to them has also been born one son, Royce Edward. Fra-

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ternally Mr. Beckwith is a member of the Order of United American Mechanics. He has traveled ex- tensively throughout Europe and over the greater part of the United States, and has acquired the knowledge and culture which only travel can bring. Travel and his social, genial nature have made him an enterprising companion, and he is a stanch and loyal friend, fond of good fellowship, and devoted to those who have his confidence.

HENRY HALSEY, a representative and prom- inent agriculturist of the town of Windsor, was born Sept. 10, 1842, on the farm where he now re- sides, and is the only male representative of his generation of the family now living.

Mr. Halsey traces his ancestry back to Philip Halsey, who was born at Southampton, Long Island. N. Y., in 1760, a son of Zebulon and Sarah ( Sayre ) Halsey. He was a tanner and shoemaker by trade. and was one of the men who fought so bravely for the independence of the Colonies during the Revo- lutionary war. When independence was declared his regiment was on the retreat from New York. and, passing through Westchester county. N. Y .. were discharged at White Plains. He started for home, but hearing that a company of British dra- goons were in the vicinity of his father's house he and his comrades crossed the island to Oyster Point, then by boat crossed the Sound, and entered the Connecticut river. He made his way to Wind- sor, where he afterward married Esther Moore, a (laughter of Elisha Moore, and to them came three sons : Philip, born July 6, 1783: Henry, our sub- ject's grandfather, born Oct. 17. 1784: and James L., born Sept. 2. 1787. The father of these died in 1846.

Henry Halsey was a sea captain and in com- fortable circunstances. He was three times mar- ried, first to Abigail Allyn, second daughter of Col. Job Allyn, and a sister of Timothy Allyn, who at one time was proprietor of the "Allyn House" in Hartford. The only child born of this union was Henry A .. father of our subject. For his second wife Mr. Halsey married Laura, a daughter of Dr. Christopher Wolcott, and the widow of Capt. Ells- worth Mather. By this marriage there were two daughters: Mary Richards and Charlotte L. His third wife was Eunice Talcott. The grandfather clied in Windsor.

Henry A. Halsey, father of our subject, was born at the foot of Stony Hill, in early life fol- lowed shoemaking and tanning near kis home, and in later years engaged exclusively in farming. He received a fair education for his dav, was a man of sound common sense and good judgment, well posted. and his opinions carried weight on almost any subject. He was one of the most prominent and popular men of his town, and most creditably filled the office of selectman for some time. In politics he was a Democrat. Physically he weighed about 130 pounds, and was rather thin. He mar-

ried Miss Fanny Maria Ellsworth, a daughter of Giles Ellsworth, and the children born of this union were as follows: Abigail, wife of F. D. Hughes, of Larimore, N. Dak. ; Fanny, who died unmarried at the age of thirty years: Henry, our subject ; Eunice, wife of Frederick Halsey, of St. Joseph. Mo. : and Ellen, who died unmarried at the age of twenty-six.

During his boyhood and youth Henry Halsey pursued his studies in the Stony Hill district school. Windsor Academy, and also Deacon Woodford's private school for a few winters. He was reared in much the usual manner of farmer boys, and re- mained at home until he entered the service of his country during the dark days of the Rebellion, en- listing in October, 1861, for nine months, in Com- pany A, 22d Conn. V. I. While at Yorktown, Va .. he was off duty for a short time on account of sickness, but with that exception was in active serv- ice with his regiment until honorably discharged. July 7. 1862. On his return home he worked for his father for a time. and in 1868 went to Long: Branch, Neb., where his brother-in-law, Frederick Halsey, had located the year previous, and there he was engaged in farm work for four years. On his return to Connecticut, in 1872, he commenced farming on his own account upon rented land, and has since given special attention to the raising of tobacco, which has proved a profitable source of income to him. He has always resided upon the old homestead. but the house which his grandfather erected thereon was destroyed by fire April 8. 1890. and has since been replaced by our subject's pres- ent comfortable home, which was built on the same site.

On Dec. 25. 1878, Mr. Halsey was united in marriage with Miss Josephine C. Watrous, of Ches- ter. Conn .. and to them have been born two chil- dren: Harry A. and Howard P., both at home. Politically Mr. Halsey is a Democrat. but at town elections votes for whom he considers the best man; regardless of party affiliations. He is a quiet, unas- suming man. upright and honorable in all the rela- tions of life, and is one of the highly respected as well as substantial citizens of his community. His wife is a member of the Episcopal Church, and a most estimable lady.

JOHN J. O'MELIA, foreman of the East Wind- sor branch of the New York, New Haven & Hart- ford railroad, and also a prosperous tobacco grower of the town of East Windsor, was born in County Galway, Ireland, April 12, 1854, and is a son of John and Emily ( Burke ) O'Melia. the latter of whom is still living in Ireland at the age of sixty- five years. John O'Melia, father of John J., was a well-to-do farmer, and was entitled to the privilege of voting-a distinction accorded only those pos- sessed of landed property. His wife's parents. John and Emily Frances ( Blake) Burke, were also prop- erty owners and in good circumstances.

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John J. O'Melia, the eldest of a family of six sons and five daughters, was educated in the pa- rochial schools of his native county, and worked at farming and road contracting in Ireland until twen- ty-seven years of age, when, having saved from his wages sufficient money to pay for his passage, he embarked Feb. 21, 1881, at Queenstown, on board the steamer "City of Richmond." and after a not unpleasant voyage of eleven days landed in New York City, whence he came to Connecticut, and for seventeen months worked at farming for his uncle. Henry Burke, near Rockville, Tolland county, at $3 per month and board. He then went to work as a section hand on the section of the New York & New England railroad between Melrose and Rockville, and eleven months later was promoted to be fore- man on the section between East Long Meadow and Springfield. Mass., being two months later transferred to the Melrose section on the Spring- field division, on which he was employed until 1898, when he came to the East Windsor ( Conn. ) section.

On Feb. 13, 1897, Mr. O'Melia purchased the Chapin farm of 130 acres of very desirable land, one mile south of Broad Brook, Hartford county, and here engaged in tobacco growing. hiring help to do the labor, but overseeing the work himself ; he still retains his position as a railroad employe. however, in which capacity he punctually performs his duties.

Mr. ('Melia was united in marriage with Miss Mary E. Norton, a native of Broad Brook, and a (laughter of Peter and Bridget Norton, and this union has been blessed with two children: Mar- garet Mabel and Emily Frances, who are being reared in the faith of the Catholic Church. the par- ents being members of St. Catherine's Congrega- tion.

In politics Mr. O'Melia is an ardent Democrat, and, although the character of his employment pre- vents his taking an active part at the polls, he is always to be found at the caucuses and conventions of his party, in which his voice is frequently heard. and in which his labors have received the warm ap- probation of the party leaders. Mr. O'Melia is a thorough railroad man, is honest and industrious, and by these qualities has raised himself from the condition of a poor young man, with a capital of only one sovereign when he arrived in the United States, to the position of affluence, as well as in- fluence, which he now enjoys.

ISAAC WHITE KING, a substantial citizen and prosperous farmer of South Windsor, has de- scended from ancestors on both sides who were early emigrants to New England and of its best citizens.

Mr. King is a descendant in the eighth gen- eration from Capt. John King, of Northampton. Mass .. the line of his descent being through Thomas. Thomas (2), Zebulon. Alexander, Roderick and John Newberry King.

(I) Capt. John King, the emigrant ancestor, was born in 1629 in Northampton, England. At the early age of sixteen, in 1645, he came to Amer- ica, locating in Northampton, Mass. In 1656 he married Sarah, daughter of Deacon William Hor- ton, theirs being the second marriage celebrated in the town. The town granted him a homestead on King street. At his suggestion, or in honor of him, it is thought, the town took its name. He was a tanner by trade, an estimable member of the Church and community, often serving as select- man. His wife died in 1683, and he was married again, this time to Sarah, widow of Jacob Mygatt, and daughter of William Whitney. Capt. King died in 1703, and his second wife passed away in 1705.

(II) Thomas King, son of Capt. John King, the emigrant, born in 1662, married for his third wife a lady who died in 1711. the year in which he himself died.

(III) Thomas King (2), son of Thomas King. (1\') Zebulon King, son of Thomas King, born in 1717, married, in 1743, Keziah Loomis. She died in 1782, and he in 1793. He located in what is now South Windsor, Connecticut.

(\') Alexander King. son of Zebulon King, born in 1749. married. in 1781, Abigail Olcott. She died in 1837, and he in 1831.

(VI) Roderick King, son of Alexander King, born April 20, 1790, married, Dec. 26, 1813. Sally, daughter of John Newberry, who was born June 27. 1793. Both died in 1866, and were buried in one grave, he passing away January 17, and she January 20.

(\'ll) Hon. John Newberry King, son of Rod- erick King, and the father of Isaac White King, was born March 24, 1822. He married, Dec. 25, 1848. Julia Ann, daughter of Isaac and Adocia (White) Keeney, and a direct descendant of Peri- grene White, who, it is said, was the first white child born after the landing of the Pilgrim Fathers. Mr. King was one of the first to introduce tobacco growing in the town of South Windsor ; was among the first to build tobacco sheds, and to engage ex- tensively in the cultivation of that plant. He was one of the substantial men of his period, a man of good ability, excellent judgment and an all-round good and useful citizen. He was a farmer all through his active, busy life, which was lived in a manner worthy of his New England ancestry, and which is to the credit of his posterity. For many years he was active and prominent in the councils of the Democratic party of his section. He served that party on its central committee and in 1879 rep- resented his town in the General Assembly of the State. He was prominently identified with the Ma- sonic Fraternity, and was the principal mover in organizing Evergreen Lodge, No. 114, F. & A. M., of which he was a charter member, and for a num- ber of years its worshipful master. He was suc- cessful in the management of his business interests,

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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 125

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