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 2

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 2

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Our subject was born in Glastonbury Feb. 13,

Frederick Welles

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COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

1825, and was educated there, attending the com- mon schools until the age of twelve, and a select school for five years following. He was reared to work, gaining valuable practical ideas from his fa- ther, and as a boy he began to plan for business life, the success of his brothers in the tobacco business naturally inclining him to that line of effort. Ilis brother Oswin employed him for three years at $1.50 per day, and in 1856 he became a member of the firm of O. Welles & Co., with which he remained thirteen years, until in 1869 he engaged in buying tobacco on his own account. In 1884 he retired, but he still grows tobacco, partly as a pastime, having always been interested more or less in that work. He has had a larger experience with tobacco than any other man in Glastonbury, and is considered one of the best judges of the weed in this State. Mr. Welles' business methods have always been straight- forward, his word being as good as his bond, and while he pays every penny of obligation, he expects the same upright dealing in return. In 1870 he completed his present home, a comfortable and com- modious dwelling, which is tastefully and even luxu- riously furnished, although he and his wife are averse to display. He is fond of good horses, and some fine specimens are usually to be found in his stables. In politics he is a Republican, of Whig antecedents, and at one time he represented his town in the State Legislature, but he has preferred business to public life. When the Grange was or- ganized in Glastonbury he became a member, and since 1849 he has been identified with the Congrega- tional Church at Glastonbury, declining, however, to hold office in the Society.

On Dec. 9, 1846, Mr. Welles was married at Glastonbury to Miss Catherine Saltonstall Welles, and they have passed more than fifty years of happy wedded life, their Golden Wedding having been suitably observed in 1896. Both are well-preserved in mind and body, and their geniality has enabled them to keep in touch with younger generations to a marked degree. Mrs. Welles was born in Glaston- bury May 17, 1826, daughter of Dorrance and Ame- lia (Goodrich) Welles, attended the schools of the third district and later a select school in Glaston- bury and a private school at Portland, Conn., and for some time taught school at $1.50 per week, "boarding 'round" among the patrons, after the cus- tom of that day. She united with the Congrega- tional Church at Glastonbury in 1845, and has al- ways been a sympathetic helpnieet to her husband in the varied duties of life. Two children have blessed their union: (1) Sarah A., born Jan. I, 1854, married H. J. Curtis, of Hartford, and has two children: Alice Louise, who graduated from the Hartford Public High School, and is now at- tending Smith College, Northampton, Mass .; and Mary Bertha, who graduated from the Hartford Public High School in June, 1899. (2) Harriet A., born Sept. 21, 1856, married S. P. Turner, of Glas- tonbury, and has one child, Isabelle Benton, who is a graduate of Steel's Select School, Hartford.

Mrs. Welles is a descendant of Gov. Thomas Welles, the line being traced as follows: Gov. Thomas Welles (died in 1660) ; Samuel (died in 1675) ; Samuel (1660-1731) ; Thomas ( 1693-1767) ; Jonathan ( 1732-1792) ; Gurdon ( 1773-1852) ; Dor- rance ( 1799-1887). Dorrance Welles, born May 3, 1799, married Amelia Goodrich, born in 1802, and they died Dec. 25, 1887, and June 12, 1877, respect- ively. He was a Republican in political sentiment, and a great worker for the success of his party, but he never sought office. In 1844 he joined the Con- gregational Church, to which his wife also belonged. They had three children: Catherine S., wife of Frederick Welles; Mary, who resides with our sub- ject and wife; and Alsop, born February 4, 1829, who died March 28, 1892. The last-named mar- ried Augusta M. Brown, of Essex, by whom he had no children. After her death, which occurred in 1861, he wedded Cynthia Payne, of Portland, who died in 1892, and by whom he had two children, Henry B. and Amy. He was a farmer by occu- pation.

JUDGE RALPH MORGAN GRANT, who is one of the prominent young attorneys of South Windsor, and who, though scarcely past thirty years of age, has been honored by election to several re- sponsible judicial and public offices, is a son of Sheldon J. Grant, whose sketch appears elsewhere in this volume, and a representative of one of the oldest families of the State.

Ralph M. Grant was born May II, 1868. on the farm of his father in the town of South Windsor, near Wapping, and received his early education in District No. 7, completing the course in the high school at Hartford, from which he was graduated in 1887. He was president of the debating club of the school. In 1888 Mr. Grant entered the Fresh- man class at Wesleyan University, Middletown, Conn., and completed the course of study with the class of 1892, graduating with A. B. Throughout his course he maintained a high standing in his studies, especially in mathematics, history and po- litical economy, and he was always identified with college interests, being chosen by his classmates in his Junior year as one of the editors of the Olla Podrida, the annual literary publication of the Uni- versity. In his Senior year he was one of the par- ticipants in a class debate on the free coinage of silver. His university course completed, Mr. Grant entered the law office of Judge William J. McCon- ville, of Hartford, and read law for two years, meantime qualifying as a notary public. He was admitted to the Bar in 1894, and immediately en- gaged actively in the practice of law. In the fall of 1898 he opened an office in the Sage Allen build- ing, No. 902 Main street, Hartford, which he has since maintained, devoting Monday and Saturday of each week to his business in South Windsor, his office then being at East Windsor Hill. Our sub- ject's legal practice has been interrupted partially by the assumption of judicial duties, to which he

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has been called by the franchises of his fellow townsmen. He was elected in the fall of 1894 judge of the probate court of the district of East Windsor, and served two years. About the time of his elec- tion he removed to East Windsor Hill where he now resides. In 1895 he was elected town clerk and town treasurer of South Windsor, and to these offices he has been continuously re-elected ever since. Judge Grant was again elected probate judge in the fall of 1898, and is now filling the duties of that office. Ever since the fall of 1892 he has served as justice of the peace.

Judge Grant was married, May 1, 1895, to Miss L. Lillian Shepard, of Melrose Highland, Mass., and to them three children have been born, Lloyd S., Thane C. and Miriam H. In politics Judge Grant is a Republican. He is a member of the Masonic fraternity, also of the Royal Arcanum, and in college days was an active member of the D. K. E. fraternity. Judge Grant is a member of the Congregational Church, and is superintendent of the Sabbath school. He is prominent in social, public and legal circles, and by the earnestness and force of his character is winning wide recognition throughout Hartford county.

JOHN MADISON MORSE. The Windsor Locks Journal, of which the subject of this brief biography is editor and publisher, has become a recognized factor in local progress, its advocacy of beneficial measures winning the approval of the best classes of people, irrespective of party. The paper was established April 30, 1880, by the late S. T. Addis, who conducted it until a short time previous to his death, on Feb. 25, 1896. When failing health compelled him to relinquish it he sold it to Mr. Morse, the transfer being made Dec. 13. 1895, and under its present able management it is constantly gaining in reputation.

Mr. Morse comes of good New England stock, and was born Jan. 8, 1866. at Springfield, Mass. His father, James G. Morse, for many years held a responsible position in the mechanical department of the Springfield Republican. During his boyhood John M. Morse attended school in his native city, and after the death of his father, in 1876, at Chester, Mass., where he also assisted his grandfather, Loring Otis, in farm work. At the age of seven- teen he went to Thompsonville, Conn., to learn the printer's trade, in the office of the Thompsonville Press, and soon after remaining there twelve years he opened a job printing office at Windsor Locks, which he conducted successfully for two years be- fore buying the Journal.

On Dec. 31, 1895, Mr. Morse was married, in the Congregational church at Enfield, Conn., to Miss Sara Moody Means, daughter of the late Rev. George Jarvis Means, of Augusta, Maine. While Mr. Morse and his accomplished wife are much es- tcemed socially, he is not identified with any fraternal organizations. They are both members of the Con- gregational Church of Windsor Locks.

PROF. EDGAR H. PARKMAN, a well known and popular educator, who is now serving as Princi- pal of the high school of Enfield, was born in North Brookfield, Worcester county, Mass., Aug. 28. 1862, and is a son of Charles and Caroline C. (Shumway) Parkman, also natives of Worcester county, Mass., and of English and French Hugue- not descent.

Mr. Parkman's paternal grandfather was Eb- enezer Parkman, a farmer of North Brookfield, Mass., and a son of Ebenezer Parkman, whose fa- ther, Rev. Ebenezer Parkman, was a clergyman of the Congregational Church and a descendant of the Parkmans, ship owners of Boston, Mass. Francis Parkman, the historian, is also a direct descendant of this family. The maternal grandfather of Mr. Parkman was Alpheus Shumway, a native of Stur- bridge, Mass., and a farmer by occupation. His ancestors, who were French Huguenots, came from the Isle of Wight, and settled in the eastern part of Massachusetts at an early date. Some of the same name were among the first settlers of Sturbridge, Massachusetts.

Charles Parkman, our subject's father, is a farmer, and still a resident of North Brookfield, Mass., in which town Prof. Parkman was reared, receiving his early education in the district schools of his native place. At the age of thirteen he en- tered the town high school and was graduated in 1879, at the head of his class. He then became a student in the old academy at Monson, Mass., and after completing his preparation for college taught for a few years in the Massachusetts public schools, after which he took the full classical course in Amherst College, graduating from the latter insti- tution in 1889. In the fall of that year he located in Thompsonville, Conn., having been elected Prin- cipal of the Enfield Public High School, and so acceptable and satisfactory have his services proven that he has been continuously re-elected. He is a thorough and competent instructor, and has met with excellent success in his chosen profession.

On Dec. 23, 1890, Prof. Parkman married Miss Cora M. Fellows, a daughter of Frank and Eliza (Gilbert) Fellows, of Belchertown, Mass., and to them have been born three children, namely: Doro- thy Gilbert, Cora Eleanor and Deane Winthrop. Mrs. Parkman's mother is a lineal descendant of both Sir Walter Raleigh and Sir Humphrey Gil- bert, of early Colonial fame. The Professor and his wife are members of the First Presbyterian Church of Thompsonville. He is a member of the Amherst Chapter of Phi Beta Kappa, the Massa- chusetts Beta Chapter of the Phi Delta Theta So- ciety ; belongs to Doric Lodge No. 94, F. & A. M., of Thompsonville, of which he is now worship- ful master; and is an associate member of Samuel Brown Post No. 56, G. A. R., of the same place, his father having served one year in the Civil war as a member of Company F, 42d Mass. V. I. Pro- fessionally he is a member of the Western (Mass.) Head Masters' Club, and at this writing a member

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of the executive committee of the Connecticut Clas- sical and High School Teachers' Association. Po- litically Prof. Parkman is a stanch Republican. Mrs. Parkman's father was also a soldier of the Civil war, serving three years in the Signal Corps, and both of the Professor's great-grandfathers were among the number of those who so valiantly fought for the independence of the Colonies during the Revolution.

LUCIEN B. LOOMIS comes of good old pio- neer stock, being of the eighth generation in descent from Joseph Loomis, who was born in England in 1590, and came in 1639 to Windsor, where his death occurred Nov. 25, 1658.

(II) Deacon John Loomis, son of the pioneer, was born in England in 1622, and accompanied his father to this country. On Oct. II, 1640, he was admitted to Windsor Church, in which he became an active and influential worker.

(III) Sergt. Daniel Loomis, son of Deacon John, was born June 16, 1657, and died June 25, 1740. He married (first) Mary Ellsworth, daugh- ter of Josiah Ellsworth, and (second) wedded Han- nah Drake, a widow.

(IV) Benjamin Loomis, the next in the line of descent, was born Feb. 7, 1699, to his father's first marriage, and died Jan. 2, 1763. He married Joanna Alford, and had six children : Joanna, Ben- jamin, Tabitha, Benjamin (2), Rachel and Serajah.

(V) Serajah Loomis, our subject's great-grand- father, was born Dec. 4, 1740, and died in 18II. He built a house in Windsor, the timber for which was cut at New Hartford and rafted down the Farm- ington river, and it is still standing, well-preserved. Serajah Loomis married Sybil Loomis, and they had four sons: Nider, Ira, Asher and Horace.

(VI) Asher Loomis, the grandfather of our subject, was born April 4, 1772, in the house men- tioned above, and died in March, 1819. For some years he was engaged in business in Winsted, Conn., as a tanner and shoemaker. On Oct. 5. 1796, he was married, in Winsted, to Rosinda Cook, a native of that town, and they had one son, Roman W., and five daughters: Minerva (Mrs. Wrisley) ; Sarah, who married a Mr. Smith, of Winsted ; Alma (deceased), who never married; Nancy ( Mrs. Moses Loomis) ; and one who died in childhood.

(VII) Roman W. Loomis, our subject's father, was born Sept. 2, 1801, in the house built by Sera- jah Loomis, and was reared in Windsor, his educa- tion being secured in the local schools. When a young man he taught school successfully, and for a time he was a private tutor in the family of a Mr. Williams, in Virginia. History, ancient and modern, always interested him greatly, and when the Loomis genealogy was being prepared he sup- plied much of the data. For years he led the choir of the Congregational Church at Windsor. Politi- callv he was first a Whig and then a Republican, but he never sought or held office. While he was reared a farmer boy, he learned the shoemaker's

trade in early life, and at times he followed that busi- ness in Windsor and elsewhere. After his marriage, in October, 1834, Mr. Loomis located at the old homestead with his father, later removing to our subject's present farm, where he died in 1883. His wife, whose maiden name was Ann G. Barber, was born Jan. 12, 1797, a daughter of Gideon Barber, She died Dec. 16, 1867, and her remains rest beside those of her husband in the cemetery in Windsor. Our subject was the elder of two sons ; the younger, Arthur HI., born July 3, 1842, died June 16, 1852.

(VIII) Lucien B. Loomis was born Dec. 6, 1835, at the old homestead, and first attended school in the Stony Hill District of Windsor. Among his early teachers were Miss Frances Loomis, Edward Allyn, and Mr. and Mrs. E. N. Phelps. On completing an elementary course in the common schools he was sent to Windsor Academy, while in the summer season he assisted his father in farm work and in shoemaking. He remained at home until his mar- riage, June 2, 1863, when he settled at his present farm. For twenty-eight years, from 1862 to 1890, he manufactured brick in addition to following gen- eral farming. The former industry was a leading business in Windsor, and at one time, when taking brick to Hartford, he counted twenty-four yoke of oxen in one line hauling sled loads of brick to that city. From boyhood he has been a firm supporter of the principles of the Republican party. His first presidential vote was cast for Abraham Lincoln, as he was just one month too young to vote for Fre- mont.

In 1863 Mr. Loomis married Miss Maria J. Woodward, of Mansfield, Tolland Co., Conn., who died leaving no children. His second wife, whose maiden name was Abby H. Marcy, was born March 2, 1843, at Ashford, Windham Co., Conn., and married (first) C. B. Knox, of South Manchester, Conn., now deceased.

WILLIAM H. LAWRENCE, D. D. S. (de- ceased ), late a prominent dentist of Thompsonville and Suffield, was born in Louisville, Ky., in May, 1854, and spent the early part of his life in that State. Later, after studying dentistry, he practiced his profession in New York City for fourteen years, and still later he located in Hartford, where he was connected with a dental association until, in 1889, he opened an office in Suffield. After locating in Suf- field he had branch offices in Windsor and Thomp- sonville, opening an office in the last named village in 1891, but his increasing business in later years compelled him to give up the Windsor office and de- vote his whole time to Thompsonville and Suffield. He was an artist in his profession, and his genial ways and careful attention to the needs of his pa- tients gained for him an enviable reputation as a dentist, and secured for him an extensive practice.

Dr. Lawrence was a member of Apollo Lodge, F. & A. M .: Washington Chapter. R. A. M. ; Lv- man Cotincil, O. U. A. M., of Suffield; Asnuntock Lodge, K. P., of Thompsonville ; Putnam Phalanx,

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of Hartford ; was also an Odd Fellow, and a member of the Order of Foresters. He was a member of the Grand Lodge of Knights of Pythias, and was district deputy grand chancellor of the Eleventh dis- trict at the time of his death. The interest taken in Pythianism by Dr. Lawrence was an active one. To him can be credited the institution of Gideon Granger Lodge, of Suffield, and the work already accomplished in forming lodges at Warehouse Point and Windsor Locks. He was a man of character, lived up to the true principles of brotherly love, and those who knew him well enjoyed the pleasures of his company at all times. His genial presence was felt in the lodge room, where his devotion to the order he represented was echoed by words of wis- dom and love for his fellowmen. In his noble heart he carried the true principles of fraternity ; he prac- ticed its teachings in his walks in life ; and ever by word and deed made his efforts an example of what fraternity teaches. To have known Dr. Lawrence was to like him. As a friend and brother he shone pre-eminent, and his charities were conducted in that unostentatious manner that becomes a knight and a true man. His kindly ways are sadly missed in his home and the various organizations in which he was interested. He died Jan. 8, 1899.

ALMOND JOEL CUTTING, D. D. S., a prom- inent and successful dentist of Southington, was born in Shrewbury, Mass., Sept. 21, 1856, a son of Joel and Susan (Kennan) Cutting, natives of Holden, Mass., and of English and Irish descent. The father, a shoemaker by trade, is now a resident of Amherst, Mass., and is engaged in his vocation. During the Civil war he served for two years in the 32d Mass. V. I.

Dr. Cutting grew to manhood in his native State. Although possessing an ardent love for books and education, circumstances prevented him going far- ther than the public schools, and he worked on a farm most of the time until eighteen years of age, when he spent a season in his father's shop, and later accepted a position as attendant in the State Retreat for the Insane. During this period he decided to take up his present profession. In 1876 he began the study of dentistry in Worcester, Mass., and two years later located at Barre, Mass., where he con- tinued his studies. In 1884 he was graduated from the dental department of the University of Mary- land, standing at the head of his class, and receiv- ing honorable mention in the final examinations. In July, of the same year, he located in Southington, where he has since been in active and successful practice.

On July 21. 1878, Dr. Cutting was united in mar- riage with Miss Lizzie J. Ballou, a daughter of Hiram Ballou, of Pelham, Mass., and of the chil- dren born to them one is now living, Mabel L. For his second wife the Doctor married Miss Sarah E. Bell. daughter of Charles Bell, of Plantsville, Con- necticut.

Dr. Cutting is an active member of the Meth-

odist Episcopal Church, and has been superintend- ent of the Sunday-school since 1885. He is also a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, the Order of United American Mechanics, and the Sons of Veterans. He has belonged to the Con- necticut State Dental Association since 1889, and in May, 1898, was elected its president. Dr. Cut- ting's personal magnetism is felt by all his patients who trust themselves to his treatment, and he enjoys a large and lucrative practice. He has ever been 1literested and identified with the public affairs of his town, all of which receive his hearty co-opera- tion, and politically he is a stanch advocate of Pro- hibition.

WINTHROP BUCK was one of the oldest and most respected citizens of Wethersfield, where he was born on the old Buck homestead Dec. 16, 1816. His family is not only among the most esteemed, but also among the oldest and most influential in Wethersfield, in the records of which town they enjoy the distinction of having been among the early settlers. In fact, the Bucks were among the early pioneers of Connecticut, and may be ranked among that advance guard whose members, from religious conviction and through sturdy manhood, aided in making New England what it is to-day- the mother of colleges and the fountain head of sturdy and aggressive patriotism.

The first one bearing the family name to settle in Wethersfield was Emanuel Buck. At that time, if tradition be correct, he was young, strong and fearless, and his name appears on the record in connection with those of Henry and Enoch Buck. who are supposed to have been his brothers. There is little question that the family is of English origin. Emanuel was born in 1623, and settled at Wethers- field in 1645. He seems to have been a leading citi- zen in the young settlement, becoming a landowner, and being made a freeman and elected constable in 1669. He was one of three men (the other two being George Riley and Samuel Boardman, also of Wethersfield) who were granted the privilege of building a sawmill at what was then known as "Pine Stave Swamp," but is now the site of New- ington. He was twice married, was the father of a large family, and died at Wethersfield an old man. His first wife was Sarah Deming, and his second-to whom he was united on April 17, 1658 -was Mary Kirby, who was born in Middletown. a daughter of John and Elizabeth Kirby, and died Jan. 12, 1712. The fruit of the first marriage con- sisted of three children: Ezekiel, born on Jan. I, 1650; John, born in November, 1652; and Jona- than, born April 8, 1655. The second wife bore him seven children: Mary, born Jan. 1, 1659: David, April 13, 1667: Sarah, April 1, 1669; Hannah, April 12, 1671 ; Elizabeth, Jan. 4, 1676; Thomas, Tune 10, 1678: and Abigail, Aug. 1, 1682. David, Emanuel Buck's eldest son and second child by his second marriage, was a farmer of Wethersfield, in which town he was born, and where he died Sept.

PrinThead Buch

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30, 1728 (or 1738). As were his ancestors, so was he, a man of quick intelligence, unassuming man- ners and unassailable integrity, beloved by his friends and honored by all. On June 14, 1690, he married Elizabeth Hubbard, whose father was Daniel Hubbard, of Guilford. She was born in 1666, and died March 25, 1735. She was the mother of ten children: Elizabeth, born Feb. 16, 1691; Ann, April 25, 1693 ; Daniel, Sept. 13, 1695; David, March 13, 1698; Mary, Sept. 9, 1700; Josiah, Jan. 16, 1703; Joseph, April 5, 1705 (died Sept. 14, 1717) ; John, July 18, 1707 (died March 9, 1726) ; Eunice, Dec. 19, 1710; and Mabel, June 5, 1712.

Josiah Buck, lineal descendant of the first Win- throp, and great-grandfather of the present gentle- man of that name, was a farmer, as had been his ancestors for several generations. He passed his life at Wethersfield without ostentation, yet with a native kindliness of heart and deed fostered and stimulated by Christian faith. He died Feb. 8, 1793. His wife, Ann Deming, was born at Weth- ersfield May 28, 1711, daughter of Charles and Ann (Wickham) Deming. Charles Deming was a son of Jonathan and Sarah Deming, and a grand- son of John Deming, who married Honour Tread. Mrs. Buck's maternal grandparents were Thomas and Sarah (Churchill) Wickham. She married Josiah Buck on May 28, 1731, and died March 9, 1772, having borne her husband seven children: Ann, born Feb. 26, 1732; Mary, Oct. 31, 1733; Elizabeth, April 7, 1735; Prudence, Dec. 15, 1737; Josiah, April 23, 1742 (he died Oct. 16, 1807; Daniel, June 13, 1744; and Mabel, March 22, 1748 (she married Justus Riley, and died May 28, 1843, at the age of ninety-five years).

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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 2

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