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 173

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 173

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WALTER S. MATHER, son of Timothy, was born April 3, 1851, on Upper Windsor avenue, Hartford, where he lived all his life, dying Feb. 22, 1899. He was an active factor in the life of the north end of the city, an energetic, hard-working man, carrying on large enterprises under his personal direction. He was formerly an extensive grower of tobacco, and was interested on a large scale in all branches of farming. In recent years he had been interested in the development of real estate in the northern part of Hartford, buying a large tract of land west of the Old North cemetery, where he laid out a street which he named after his son Pliny. There he built ten houses of modern style and convenience. He had other holdings in the northern section of the city, including his own residence, which was erected a few years ago. a few rods north of the former residence of his par- ents. He gave up the active management of his farm a few years ago, that duty since devolving upon his son Dexter.

Mr. Mather was a Democrat, and interested in the welfare of the party, was on the town com- mittee of the party, and had often been a candi-

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date for public office. He served on both boards of the city government from the old Seventh ward, and while on the board of aldermen was chairman of the City Hall committee. He had also served on the board of assessors and board of relief, and was considered a good judge of the value of realty. He served several terms on the Northeast District school committee, and was active in all matters pertaining to that school. In the autumn before his death he was the Democratic candidate for sheriff of Hartford county, entering into the con- test with characteristic energy and bustle, and never for a moment doubting his success until with- in a day of the election, when he saw the inevitable re-election of Sheriff Smith. Mr. Mather's health for two or three years prior to his death had been precarious, and several times he had been confined to his house with chances of recovery against him, on account of organic disease of the heart. In the summer of 1898 he took a trip to Europe for rest and recreation, and on his return appeared to have improved in health materially. Mr. Mather was a member of Hartford Lodge, F. & A. M., Hart- ford Lodge of Elks, the Ancient Order of United Workmen, and the Putnam Phalanx, in which he was a second lieutenant. Religiously he was con- nected with the Windsor Avenue Congregational Church. He was widely known in all this sec- tion, and counted his friends by the hundreds, be- ing of a genial. companionable temperament, and a man of large heart. He will be missed, not only by those who were thrown in contact with him in business matters, but by a wide social circle of friends. Mr. Mather was a man of strong natural ability, and of very positive convictions.

On Nov. 16, 1869, Mr. Mather was married to Adelaide E. Phelps, daughter of Edward and Elvira ( Denslow) Phelps, of Hartford, and they liad children as follows: Pliny C., born July 12, 1871, died Jan. 30, 1894: Edith A., born Feb. 14. 1874, married Joseph P. Tuttle, an attorney of Hartford; and Dexter P. was born Oct. 24, 1880.

HENRY BREWSTER COOK, of Bristol. was born in that town Nov. 1, 1843, and is a son of H. T. and Sophia (Crampton) Cook.

H. T. Cook was born in Albany, N. Y., in 1809, but when young moved to Harwinton, Conn. He was a shoemaker by trade, but for many years kept a shoe store and did a great deal of custom work. In politics he was originally a Whig, afterward a Republican, and an equally strong advocate of temperance. To his marriage with Sophia Cramp- ton, daughter of Stephen Crampton, of Farming- ton, were born four children, viz .: Ann Maria (I), who died in infancy: Ann Maria (2) : Henry Brewster : and Ellen S., who lives with Henry B. The father of this family died in 1869, a member of the Congregational Church.

Daniel Cook, father of IT. T. Cook, was a shoe- maker and had a shop in Harwinton for a time, but later came to Bristol and worked for his son

H. T. for some years before his death. He was twice married, and had several children, among whom are Mrs. Julia Nott; Adaline, now Mrs. Henry Wilson; Flora, the wife of Albro Griswold ; H. T .; and Charles S., whose life was sacrificed in the war of the Rebellion.

Henry B. Cook left school in Bristol when six- teen years old, and went to work in E. L. Brews- ter's clock factory for a year or two ; he then worked for R. G. Ives on crinolines until his enlistment, Aug. 24, 1862, in Company K, 16th C. V. I. He took part in all the engagements, skirmislies, marches and other military duties in which his- regiment participated, passed through all without a wound, and was mustered out as corporal at New Berne, N. C., June 24, 1865.

After returning from the army Mr. Cook worked a year in Noah Pomeroy's clock factory, and then clerked for three years in Julius Nott's grocery store; he then clerked in his father's shoe store on Main street near the New York, New Haven & Hartford railroad depot, until his fa- ther's death, and afterward continued the business. at the same stand until 1886, when he removed to the Eber Block on North Main street.

Henry B. Cook was first joined in marriage in 1870 with Miss Caroline Birge, of Waterbury, who died in 1873, together with her infant. five weeks after the birth of the latter. The second marriage of Mr. Cook took place in 1873 to Miss Alice Robinson, a native of Bristol and a daugh- ter of Asahel T. Robinson. This union has re- sulted in the birth of two children, Harry Rob- inson and Alice C., born respectively July 25, 1879. and Jan. 22, 1889. Harry Robinson Cook is a graduate of Huntsinger's Business College of Hart -: ford, and is at present employed in the office of the Bristol Brass & Clock Company.

Henry B. Cook is a member of Gilbert W. Thompson Post, No. 13, G. A. R., of Franklin Lodge, No. 56, F. & A. M., of Bristol, and of Ethan Lodge, No. 9. K. of P. He was likewise a mem- ber of the Royal Arcanum, of which he was treas- urer from its organization, fourteen years ago, until 1899, when he resigned. In politics he is a stanch Republican, but would never accept office. He and wife are consistent members of the Con- gregational Church, and are among the highly re- spected residents of Bristol.

MAJOR C. B. BOARDMAN, proprietor of the largest livery, feed and sales stable in Hart- ford, located at No. 356 Main street, was born Nov. 28, 1839, on Washington street, Hartford, and is a representative of one of the oldest and most prominent families of the city.

Our subject's paternal great-grandfather was among the pioneers of Hartford, and his grand- father. Rev. Mr. Boardman, was an honored min- ister in the Congregational Church, and preached for many years in a church which he assisted ma- terially in building; it stood diagonally opposite

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from our subject's place of business. His name is one of the historic ones of this section, and wherever known he was held in the highest esteem.

Allen C. Boardman, our subject's father, was born in Wethersfield avenue, Hartford, and be- came a farmer, his land being where Washington street now lies. He died aged forty-five years, and his wife aged fifty-four. He married Elizabeth Barnard, sister of Hon. Dr. Barnard, the greatest educator and writer of educational books of the century. She was born in the house where Dr. Barnard now lives, daughter of Clancy Barnard, a sea captain, who died in Hartford. Our subject was the youngest of four children, and is now the only one living. Both parents were members of the church in which the grandfather ministered so long.

Major Boardman was but eight years old when his father died, and for some years he made his home with his uncle John. He was educated in the schools of the city, and when eighteen began learn- ing the carpenter's trade, which he followed eight- een months. On Jan. 1, 1859, he started in the feed and stable business on State street, buying a half-interest of George Gait, and later he bought the other half. In 1873 he sold out and located at his present stand, where he has since remained. He has been in the livery business longer than any other man now in the city, and has the largest stable, keeping over seventy horses. His specialty is supplying coaches for private use and public occa- sions, and he has a large patronage in this line, as he owns the finest coaches in all that section, fur- nishing vehicles for all of the society affairs, such as weddings, afternoon teas, evening and theater parties, and also doing a large amount of private work. In addition he keeps the finest line of single and double rigs to be found in the city. The Major has been engaged somewhat extensively in real estate, having come into possession of the old farm, a part of which he still owns, and upon which he has three houses ; he has also cut a street through the property. He resides in the house built by his father when he was a mere boy. As an employer he is a notable exception : of the twenty-four men which he employs, eighteen have been with him from ten to twenty years; and one man has been with him thirty-four years. At no time in his busi- ness career has he been compelled to ask any of them to wait for their money, which they have re- ceived promptly every Saturday night. As a busi- ness man he ranks very high, and in the city of Hartford is widely known.

In 1861 our subject married Sarah G. Lamb, who was born in Trumbull street. Hartford, daugh- ter of James Lamb, and they had three children : (I) Grace married David J. Post, owner of the Veeder Cyclometer, and has three children, Eliza- beth, Grace B. and David J. (2) Isabella mar- ried Henry J. Thompson, steward of the Retreat. Hartford, and has two children, Chauncy and Hattie B. (3) Harriet B. died in 1895, when twenty-two

years of age, her loss being the greatest sorrow which has come to the Boardman family. She was a young lady of superior intelligence, and endowed with all the higher qualities of noble womanhood, had a host of friends, and was greatly admired by all who knew her ; she was the only child at home, and the only one remaining unmarried. After her death one of the married sisters returned home, where she has since remained, and the other daugh- ter lives in the house next door. The daughters all graduated from the Hartford Public High School, and have held an enviable position in so- cial life.

· Our subject is a Republican in politics, and was a member of the common council two termis, and alderman one term. He is a member of St. John's Lodge, No. 4, F. & AA. M., and was connected for many years with the Governor's Horse Guard, the most popular military organization in the city. Mr. Boardman rose from private to major, which position he held for fourteen years ; when he re- signed, in 1891, he was the oldest officer on the staff, and one of the oldest members of the Guard, having served continuously for twenty-four years. His grandfather was at one time major in the Guard, and later his father (Allen C.), and an uncle, Major Henry, held this rank. Including our subject, the family has served in the Governor's Horse Guard continually for over half a century.

GEORGE BURNETT. one of Burlington's most industrious and successful farmers, was born in 1829, in the parish of Furney, County Longford. Ireland, a son of John and Susan (Roger) Bur- nett, also natives of that county and members of the Church of England. By occupation the father was a farmer. Our subject was educated in the private schools of his native parish, and remained at home with his father until nineteen years of age, when he came to America. He proceeded from Dublin to Liverpool, and there took passage on the sailing vessel "Greenland." which after a voyage of thirty-seven days landed him at New York.

Mr. Burnett came at once to Burlington, Hart- ford Co., Conn., by way of Chicopee Falls, Mass .. and found employment on the farm of William Gaylord, with whom he remained for a year and a half. Later he worked in the Alderman family for almost three years, and then went to Collins- ville, where lie was employed in the Collins Co.'s ax factory for a time, but as the work did not prove agreeable to him, he did not remain there long. Returning to Burlington, he secured a position on the farm of C. Barnes, and during the three years he continued in his employ saved enough money to purchase a small farm of his own in Burlington Centre. For two years he operated his own land, but at the end of that time he sold his place and returned to the employ of Mr. Barnes. His next purchase was the Hodge farm, a tract of seventy- five acres now owned by Mr. Alderman, and while living there he bought his present fine farm of 112

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acres, known as the William Gaylord farm, where he first worked on coming to America. For the past thirty-five years he has been extensively en- gaged in general farming, stock raising and dairy- ing, and for a number of years he was also engaged in the manufacture of charcoal. Industrious, per- severing, energetic and enterprising, he has through his own well-directed efforts and the able assist- ance of his wife met with success in the New World, and is now the owner of a valuable and well-improved farm.

In New Britain, Aug. 27, 1853, Mr. Burnett married Miss Bridget Lyneugh, a most estimable lady, and a devout member of the Catholic Church, who is noted for her piety and charity, and also for her devotion to her husband and family. She is a native of the parish of Kill, County West- meath, Ireland, and a daughter of Edward F. and Mary Lyneugh. The children born to our subject and his wife are as follows: Jane, born Aug. I. 1854. is now the wife of Thomas Mahoney. of Unionville ; Susan, born June 18, 1856, was a school teacher in early life, and is now the wife of Rich- ard Conlan, of Burlington; Ann, born July 10, 1858, is at home : John, born Nov. 29, 1860, mar- ried Ann Cochran, and resides in Unionville ; Ed- ward, born April 6, 1863, died April 8. 1863 : George, born Nov. 1, 1865, died April 1, 1868; Katherine Elizabeth ( Kate), born Oct. 3. 1867, is the wife of Michael Meyers, of New Hartford: Martin, born April 7, 1871, married Elizabeth Luclar, and resides in Bristol : Sophia, born Oct. 11, 1873, died Oct. II, 1891 ; and Caroline, born Oct. 30, 1876, was educated at Notre Dame Convent, Waterbury, and is now Sister Maria Frances in the Sisters of Mercy Convent, Hartford.

Mr. Burnett usually votes with the Democratic party, but is not strictly partisan, supporting the men whom he believes best qualified to fill the offices regardless of party ties. He has served his fellow citizens as selectman, a member of the board of relief, and a member of the school committee. He is a faithful member of the Catholic Church, and lias always been found true to every trust reposed in him. The family is one of the highest respecta- bility, and occupies an enviable position in the best social circles of the community.

SETH 'HOWARD CLARK. Twelve years have passed since this eminent citizen of Hartford, great in all the elements of trie greatness, was summoned from earth to his heavenly reward, yet his memory is still green in the hearts of those who admired him for his talent and learning, hon- ored him for his nobility of soul, and loved him for hi- rare qualities as a man and friend.

Born in Hartford April 27, 1814, Mr. Clark passed liis long and useful life of seventy-four years in that city. entering into rest April 3. 1888. lle was a son of Capt. Samuel and Mary (Buck- landı Clark, and grandson of Samuel and Eliza- beth { Bunce ) Clark, who were born Aug. 13. 1743,

and June 25, 1753, respectively. Samuel Clark lived in an old house standing opposite the present site of the Retreat, on Washington street. Capt. Samuel Clark was engaged in the West India trade. His children were nine in number, three sons and six daughters: Lavinia died unmarried : Cynthia became the wife of David Selden, of West Hart- ford; Caroline married David Moody; Elizabeth was united to John Pratt; Lucy Ann married Hon. Mr. Kane, of Milwaukee, Wis .; and Mary B. died at the age of sixteen. The sons were George, Charles and Seth Howard.

Seth H. Clark, the subject of the present mem- oir, was one of the most skillful and successful wood engravers of his time. To rare deftness in the use of the tools of his craft he joined the eve and touch of an artist. Ilis reputation extended over New England and New York, and the leading publishers of the Eastern States were glad to avail themselves of his services, as were also authors who appreciated his work. Among the famous works which he illustrated were Peter Parley's geography, Mrs. Emma Willard's books, Com- stock's Philosophy, and Smith's Geographical Se- ries, as well as many of the subscription books of higher grade published in New England during the first half of the nineteenth century. During the latter years of his active life, however, his ener- gies were chiefly devoted to the execution of fine work for manufacturers' catalogues, among his pa- trons being P. & F. Corbin, of New Britain, Conn., and Byron Weston, of Dalton, Mass. Many of his pictures are well known, although he is not recog- nized as the artist. Perhaps one of the most fa- miliar is his spirited sketch-the first sketch made- of the historic Charter Oak, so frequently seen and so universally admired.

Mr. Clark was a many-sided man, vet all the traits of his character blended into one harmonious whole. His love for nature, in all her works and aspects, was profound and undying, and his knowl- edge relative thereto deep and scientific. The flora of New England formed for him an open book, while he was scarcely less versed in natural history, and was justly famed for his knowledge of ornithol- ogy. Indeed, so well established was his reputation as a naturalist, that his friendship was sought and cultivated by many men whose names are familiar in the world of science. Yet, like other men whose learning is truly profound, he was unassuming in tone and simple in diction. Friends who had no scientific knowledge-even children-loved to stroll with him through field and wood. along the banks of streams, and in the orchard and garden. Nothing escaped his observing eve. ever watchful for new discoveries in either the animate or the inanimate world.

Scarcely less intense than his love for nature was Mr. Clark's fondness for literature. He was a deep and earnest, although a discriminating. reader : while his singularly retentive memory made his mind a veritable treasure-house of historical facts, as well

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as of the gems of standard poetry and fiction. It is. therefore no wonder that he possessed rare powers as a conversationalist, which, with his other endow- ments of mind and heart, made his society eagerly sought. One of his distinguishing characteristics was his love for young men, and notably college students. While his own early educational advan- tages, other than those which he made for himself, had been confined to a course in the common schools of his native city, his shop and office formed a gathering place and rendezvous for many under- graduates of Yale and other universities where lit- erature was discussed, courses of reading arranged, and plans of life debated and formed. In such con- ferences the keen intellect, ripened judgment and genial nature of Mr. Clark made him easily the cen- tral figure ; and his wise counsels, joined to a truly paternal interest, made of many of these young men his lifelong friends. He was also the guiding spirit of the Derby Club, and for many years its president. This was in its day the chief literary society of Hartford, and Mr. Clark was justly one of its most esteemed and influential members. One of his con- temporaries in the association thus writes of him: ".He is one whom anyone who values true friend- ship is proud to reckon as a friend. His tastes and sympathies are universal. Is one in distress? None is more quick to offer sympathy and aid. Nor when the merry joke and light laugh pass through the coterie, is any one more ready to lead the merriment or quicker at repartee. None has a keener poetic in- stinct, or a more fervant love or keener appreciation of art than he. His influence in our midst is always potent in favor of that high standard of morality which is at once the outcome and the earthly glory. of Christianity. He not infrequently plays the part of a wise and gentle mentor, and an ill-timed or ir- reverent jest is sure to draw forth his reprobation. His is the animating spirit of the club, and he it is who wields its incongruous parts into a compact, smoothly working entirety. Without entering into disputations, he averts incipient quarrels ; and his personal influence-gentle yet firm-is ever at work on both our collective existence and our individual lives."

Mr. Clark was an earnest and sincere Christian, in both profession and life. For half a century he was a member of the South Congregational Church of Hartford. To him its worship was precious, and the advancement of its work a matter of deep con- cern. The earnestness and depth of his convic- tions, no less than the blamelessness of his life, al- ways endeared him to its large membership, compo- site as it was in character. To quote the quaint, yet peculiarly expressive words of his pastor (between whom and himself there subsisted deep-seated confi- dence and esteem). "he made little noise, but shed considerable light." He was one of the "old-fashi- ioned" believers, to whom the actual inspiration of the Bible was an actual and indisputable verity. Praverful he was, alike for his own sanctification of heart and for the advancement of the Master's

kingdom throughout the world, his highest concep- tion of happiness being absolute fidelity to truth.

In the relations of domestic life Mr. Clark was always kind, affectionate and scrupulously faithful. His temperament was sunny and his disposition sin- gularly unselfish. Always generouly anticipating the wants of others, he never failed to regard their mistakes, follies, or even faults with that tender char- ity which was inculcated by Him who forgave even the erring woman and pardoned the thief upon the cross. A model husband and a loving father, he left behind him a devoted wife and dutiful son, whose grief at his loss was assuaged by the recollection of the words of St. John the Divine: "Write, blessed are the dead who die in the Lord yea saith the Spirit, for they rest from their labors, and their works do follow them.'

PATRICK RYAN, a molder by trade, and an honored veteran of the Civil war, now residing in Southington, was born in County Limerick, Ire- land, about 1830, son of Patrick and Johanna (Maher) Ryan. He was reared upon a farm in his native land, and received a common-school educa- tion.

In 1849 Mr. Ryan emigrated to America,and for six months was employed on a farm in Grafton, Worcester Co., Mass. In 1850 he moved to Litchi- field, Conn., where he followed farming four years, and later made his home in Naugatuck for a short time, in 1854 taking up his residence in Southing- ton, where he has since lived, and has followed the occupation of a molder.

Mr. Ryan has been twice married. By his first wife, Catherine McMara, of Southington, he had four children, all now deceased. For his second wife he married Bridget Wrinn, of Southington, and of the seven children born to them only two survive, Mary and James.

During the dark days of the Civil war Mr. Ryan manifested his love for his adopted country by en- listing in Company C, 7th N. Y. V. I., and he par- ticipated in the battles of Hatcher's Run and Pe- tersburg. After one year's service he was honora- bly discharged, and returned home. He is now a member of Trumbull Post, G. A. R., of Southing- ton. Mr. Ryan belongs to the Catholic Church. Politically he is identified with the Republican party.

JOSEPH L. BESSE, than whom, as a public caterer of the first class, ice-cream and confectionery manufacturer, none has a higher reputation in the State of Connecticut, is a native of Switzerland, born May 18, 1854, in Lucerne, close by the beautiful lake of that name.

James Besse, his father, a farmer by occupation, was born in Germany, moved to Switzerland, for a time locating at Lucerne, and finally came to this country, where in Boston, Mass .. he passed the rest of his days, dying at the age of seveny-six years. By his wife, Louise ( Molyer). an Italian lady, he

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had fourteen children : Peter, in business in Boston ; Sarah, living in Switzerland; Joseph L., the subject of this sketch; and Mary, wife of Mr. Mano, in Boston. The mother of these passed away in 1868, a member of the French Catholic Church, as was also the father.

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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 173

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