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 75

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 75

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duties were in the rag room, but he steadily worked his way upward, gaining an excellent knowledge of each department as he advanced. On his father's retirement as manager of the Hartford Pa- per Co.'s mills he seemed a fit successor, and was given the position which he so efficiently and satis- factorily filled until his removal to Mechanicsville, N. Y., where he is now located.

Mr. Duncan was united in marriage with Miss Lucinda Davis, a daughter of Humphrey Davis, a veteran of the Civil war, and they now have four children: Grace B., Edgar T., Roy Leslie and Earl H. The parents are both active and prom- inent members of the Congregational Church, in which Mr. Duncan has served as secretary and superintendent of the Sabbath-school. He is the kind of a man who wields an excellent influence in any locality, and is a true type of our best American citizenship, being always ready to aid any under- taking for the good of the public. While his at- tention has been well occupied by his business af- fairs, he yet found time to serve his fellow citi- zens as representative to the State Legislature in 1893. This honor came unsolicited, but in the ca- pable discharge of the duties of the office the people found that their faith in his ability was correct. He is an earnest advocate of a high protective tariff, and, as a Republican, takes quite a prominent part in local politics. Fraternally he is a member of the Masonic Lodge at Windsor, and of the Grange at Poquonock.

MRS. HARRIET ARABELLA (SPENCER) FULLER is a native of Suffield, born Jan. 5, 1850, and is descended from one of our oldest and most honored families, of which an account is given below. Her education was obtained in the com- mon schools of Suffield and at Lexington, Mass., with a supplementary course in the Connecticut Literary Institute, and on April 25, 1877, she mar- ried William F. Fuller, a prominent tobacco dealer of Hartford. Two children blessed the union : Bessie Y., born Feb. 24, 1881, was graduated from the Connecticut Literary Institute; and William S., born Oct. 28, 1885.

The Spencer family is descended from (I) Michael Spencer and his wife Elizabeth, residents of the parish of Stratford, Bedfordshire, England, the line being traced through twelve generations to our subject.

(II) Jerad Spencer, son of Michael, was born in the parish of Stratford, where he was baptized May 20, 1576. He married Alice -, and had five sons, all of whom came to America. Thomas settled in Hartford; John returned to his native country ; William located in Hartford ; Jerad in Haddam, Conn .; and Michael in Cambridge, Massachusetts.

(III) Thomas Spencer, known as Sergeant Thomas, was the progenitor of the Suffield branch. He was born March 27, 1607, at the old home in

Bedfordshire, England, and on coming to Amer- ica with his four brothers located first at Cam- bridge, Mass., in 1632. In 1635 he removed to Hartford with Rev. Thomas Hooker's company, be- ing among the first settlers in that town. He served in the Pequot war in 1637, being promoted to the rank of sergeant, and later he received a grant of sixty acres of land for his good service. By his first wife, he had three children: Adaiah, Thomas and Samuel. By the second there were six chil- dren, viz .: Jerad; Sarah, who married Thomas Huxley ; Elizabeth, who married Samuel Andrews, of Hartford; Hannah; Mary; and Martha, who married a Mr. Benton.

(IV) Thomas Spencer, the next in the line of descent, was born in Hartford, Conn., and settled at Suffield, Conn., in time to be made a voter at the first town meeting. He located on a tract of land known as the "Norton & Morgan Place," on Main street, originally High street, and there engaged in farming. He died July 23, 1689, and was buried in Suffield. His wife, Esther (Andrews), daugh- ter of William Andrews, died in Suffield March 6, 1698. They had seven children : Abigail, Thomas, Samuel, William, Anna, Elizabeth and Esther.

(V) Samuel Spencer was born in Suffield, where he was engaged in farming many years, his death occurring Nov. 23, 1743. He was married, March 18, 1700, to Elizabeth Mancroft, a daughter of Daniel Mancroft, of Roxbury, Mass., and two children were born to them: Thomas and Daniel

(VI) Thomas Spencer was born Jan. 13, 1702. in Suffield, and there he spent his life, engaged in farming. He served as a lieutenant in the French and Indian war. He died Feb. 14, 1764, at his home in Suffield, and his remains were buried in Suffield cemetery. His wife, Mary (Trumbull), a relative of Gov. Jonathan Trumbull, of Connecti- cut, was born in Suffield Dec. 2, 1701, and died ir 1755. They had nine children: Elizabeth ; Thomas and Mary, who both died in infancy; Ann; Mary. who died in infancy ; Mary ; Thomas ; Eliphalet ; and Hezekiah.

(VII) Hezekiah Spencer was born Dec. 16 1740, and engaged in farming in Suffield, where he died in August, 1799. On March 4, 1762, he married Olive Natt, who was born in Wethersfield Oct. II, 1735, and died Feb. 2, 1771. Five chil- dren were born to this union. His second wife was Deborah Easton, to whom seven children were born.

(VIII) Hezekiah Spencer, son of (VII) Heze- kiah by the first marriage, was born in Suffield April 30, 1766. He was a farmer by occupation, and in politics was a stanch Whig, while for many years he was a leading member of the Congrega- tional Church, to which his family also belonged. On June 5, 1793, he married Jerusha Nelson, who was born in Suffield Dec. 17, 1771, and d'ed Aug. 7, 1834. Four children were born to them: Heze-

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kiah; Mindwell, who married Julius Sheldon; Al- fred ; and Jane, who married H. P. Kent.

(1X) Hezekiah Spencer, our subject's great- grandfather, was born in Suffield, and was en- gaged in farming there throughout life. He mar- ried Cecelia Spencer, and had four children : Thad- deus H., Israel L., Calvin C., and Jennie C., who married F. P. Loomis.

(X) Alfred Spencer, our subject's grandfather, was born on the Spencer homestead July 12, 1801, and was educated in the district schools of Suffield, where he was engaged in farming in later years. He died Oct. 17, 1838, and was buried in Suffield. On Oct. 16, 1823, he married Harriet King, who kvas born in Suffield Sept. 30, 1802, and died Dec. 15, 1844. Three children were born to them: Al- fred; Bethenia, who married James M. Pendleton, of Westerly, Washington Co., R. I .; and Harriet, who married James F. Pendleton, of the same place. (XI) Alfred Spencer, the father of our subject, was born on the old homestead Jan. 21, 1825, and lied Dec. 30, 1891. He was educated in the dis- rict schools of Suffield and the Connecticut Lit- erary Institute, became an extensive dealer in to- pacco, and owned a large amount of land. On March 26, 1846, he married Caroline Frances Reid, of Colchester, Conn., who was born Oct. 22, 1827, and died Aug. 31, 1898, on the homestead. They had eight children: James P., born Sept. 6, 1848; Harriet A., our subject ; Alfred, born Oct. 29, 1851, married Ella S. Nichols, of Suffield, and is now the president of the Ætna National Bank of Hartford; Mary Reid, born March 15, 1853, died Oct. 7, 853 ; Clinton, born Jan. 2, 1856, served as a mem- ber of the Legislature from Suffield in 1899; Carrie E., born Dec. 7, 1857; Jennie, born July 20, 1859, married George M. Montgomery, of Windsor Locks; and Samuel Reid, born Nov. 4, 1871, now resident of Windsor Locks.

The FULLER family is also well-known in this section, the first to locate in Suffield being Joseph Fuller and his wife, Abigail Dibble, who were mar- ied Feb. 1, 1681, and resided for a time in Ipswich, Mass., previous to coming to Connecticut.

(II) Joseph Fuller, the next in the line of de- cent, married Bathsheba Hanchett.

(III) Joseph Fuller, born May 29, 1772, mar- { As a business man he has a record of which he may tied Rebecca Norton.

(IV) Apollos Fuller was a farmer in Crooked Lane, in the town of Suffield, and was one of the rfluential men of that locality in his day. He married and had a large family of children, among whom was a son William.

(V) William Fuller was thrown upon his own esources at an early age, but through his energy and bility became successful in business. Althoughi elf-educated, he taught school in early manhood. Iis first home was on Feather street, and later he emoved to the corner of Main street and Crooked ane, where his remaining years were spent, his leath occurring at the age of seventy. He was

prominent in religious work as a member of the Baptist Church, and politically was first a Whig and then a Republican, his work for party success being limited, however, to voting regularly. His wife, Emily Granger, who died at the age of fifty-nine, was a daughter of Thaddeus and Silent (King) Granger. They had three children: William H .; Catherine, who died when seven years old; and Edward A., a well-to-do tobacco dealer of Suffield.

(VI) William H. Fuller, father of William F., mentioned above, was a graduate of Brown Uni- versity, and for some years conducted book stores in Springfield, Mass., and Hartford, Conn. He then took charge of the old Eagle Mills Paper Co.'s interest at Stony Brook, and later engaged in in- surance business. For twenty-two years he was deputy collector of Internal Revenue. He died Dec. 28, 1890, in Suffield, where his last years were spent in retirement. His wife, Sarah A. Hare, of East Brookfield, Mass., died in Suffield Jan. 23, 1888, leaving three children: William F .; Charles S., cashier of the First National Bank of Suffield : and Emily A., widow of I. Luther Spencer, of Suf- field.

EDWARD P. EMMONS was born at New. Haven, Ohio, Nov. 20, 1833. When he was a child of four or five years his parents removed to Connec- ticut, settling at East Haddam. Thirteen years after- ward they made their home at West Hartford, and subsequently moved to Guilford, where they resided for four years.

Edward P. Emmons attended the common schools, also the Robinson Institute at Guilford, and when he was a youth of eighteen or nineteen ycars his father removed to New Britain, and en- gaged in business there as a painter, employing his son as an assistant. In 1861 the young man bought his father's interest, and conducted the establish- ment alone. In 1871, he added the sale of wall- paper to dealing in paints, and paper hanging has now become an important feature of the business, as are also house and sign painting. From 1866 to 1879. Mr. Emmons had a partner, George D. Stew- art, the firm name being Emmons & Stewart. With this exception he has carried on his affairs alone.

justly feel proud. For thirty-eight years he lias occupied the same location, although he lias doubled his frontage. During the busy seasons he not in- frequently employs twenty men. His life story is a tale of hard work, sobriety, thrift. sound judg- mocht and success. Fair dealing in business and probity in small matters have won for him the re- spectful esteem of his fellow townsmen. In private life he is affable, courteous and generous ; a man of the class of whom New Britain is justly proud. He is an attendant upon the services of the First Con- gregational Church, and a liberal contributor to the cause of religion and to charity. He is a member of Harmony Lodge, No. 20, A. F. & A. M., and of the

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Order of United American Mechanics ; he has al- ways been a Republican in politics, National and State, although independent in his action in local affairs. He has never been an aspirant for office. Mr. Emmons married Charlotte, a daughter of Will- iam and Anna Miller, formerly of the Beckley Quarter. Four children have been born to them : Ida, George, Charles N., and Annie E. The two first named died in infancy, and Annie E. is the wife of Frel K. Thompson, of New Britain.

The following statement of Mr. Emmons' an- cestry will be found of interest, for which the pub- lishers acknowledge their obligations to "Andrews' Genealogical and Ecclesiastical History." N. F. Emmons was admitted to the Church on Aug. 6, 1854, on a letter presented from the church in Guil- ford, of which Rev. E. E. Hall was pastor. The baptismal name given was Noadiah Franklin, and Mr. Emmons was said to have been the son of Noadiah Emmons and his wife, Betsey Cone. The clder Noadiah was born Feb. 23, 1782. N. F. Emmons married Nancy Carpenter, of Norwich, Conn., a daughter of James and Elizabeth Carpen- ter. Mrs. N. F. Emmons died Aug. 27, 1837, and April 10, 1849, Noadiah F. Emmons married Ame- lia S., daughter of Childs and Sarah ( Porter) Goodman. She was born Sept. 24, 1824. His chil- dren by his first wife were Edward Payson, who was born Nov. 20, 1833, at New Haven, and mar- ried Charlotte Miller, on June 15, 1857 ; and Ade- line, who was born May 25, 1836, at Defiance, Ohio, and died when only two years old. By his second wife he became the father of Alexander Franklin, born April 4, 1850, at Guilford ; Adeline Elizabeth, born July 13, 1852; Mary Sophia, born March 8, 1860, who died within three weeks after birth; and Harriet Amelia, born July 4, 1861.

WILLIAM J. COX, the well-known and pop- ular grain merchant, was born Dec. 31, 1850, in Bloomfield, same county, and is the survivor of the three children born to the marriage of John and Amy (Young) Cox, his twin sisters having died unnamed. The mother was called away when our subject was three and one-half years old.

John Cox was born in England, in the town of Thames, about the year 1809, a member of a family of seven. He learned the trade of miller in his na- tive town, and in 1847, accompanied by his brothers, George and Isaac, embarked on board a sailing ves- sel at Liverpool, and after a voyage of five weeks duration landed at the city of New York, whence he came direct to Glastonbury, Conn. He found employment in a gristmill, where the Naubuc Paper Co.'s mills now stand, and in which he continued about one year, when the Hartford steam mill was put in operation by his brothers, George and Isaac, whom he at once joined, and remained with them three years. Mr. Cox then went to Bloomfield, where, in company with a Mr. Gillett, he operated a gristmill a few years, and then bought the Gaines

oil mill, which he conducted until, in 1857, he re- moved to Hartford and purchased a grocery from a Mr. Steele, on Albany avenue. This business occupied his attention three years, when he returned to Bloomfield and rented the mill he had formerly operated, and of this he held possession until 1865, when he removed to East Windsor Hill and pur- chased the Dry Brook mill, operating same with success until his death, which occurred in 1889.

By his marriage to Amy Young, a native of Hartford, Mr. Cox had three children, as men- tioned above. His second marriage was to Louisa Martenson, also a native of Hartford, and to this union were born seven children, in the following order: Louisa, who is married to Horace Granger, and is living in East Hartford; Edward, who mar- ried Mary Fowler, and is also residing in East Hartford ; George, who married Marie Allen, and lives in Vernon; Isaac, married to Jennie Brewer, and making his home in Hockanum; Frank, who married Carrie Williams, and lives in Naubuc; James, who is also married, and is living in Hart- ford; and Howard, who married Bertha Arnurius, since deceased, and is a resident of East Hartford.

William J. Cox, whose name opens this article, and now a prominent business man of East Hart- ford, was educated in the schools of the various districts in which his father's business interests re- quired him to reside from time to time, but he was an apt pupil, and acquired a sound knowledge of everything taught in the common schools of his youthful days. At the age of twenty years he left the paternal home, and for three years was em- ployed on the farm of G. H. Sloan, from which time on he became self-sustaining, which, indeed, ir. imight be said he had been for some years pre- viously. He next went to Scantic, where for one year he was employed in Osborne's mill, and then went to Broad Brook, where for several years he worked for S. G. Parsons; then went to Farming- ton, and shortly afterward came to Hockanum and purchased his present business concern from George L. Wheeler; in this he has since, by honest deal -. ing and affable treatment of his patrons, met the same success which had crowned all his previous undertakings.

Mr. Cox was united in marriage, Dec. 3, 1877, with Miss Helen Parsons, daughter of Solomon G. and Rhoda ( Bissell) Parsons, natives of East Wind- sor, and to this union has been born one son, How- ard Orren, whose birth took place May 20, 1879, and who is now assisting his father in the grain business.

In politics Mr. Cox is a Republican, but has never sought office, neither has he ever joined any secret society. He and his wife and son attend the Fourth Congregational Church at Hartford, and all do their full share in contributing to its sup- port. They lead truly Christian lives, not at all ostentatious in their outward manifestations of piety, but quietly conducting themselves in such a

William& Cop

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manner that the sincerity of their convictions is fully evident to all with whom they come in con- tact.

Mr. Cox, although quiet and retiring in man- ner, is a shrewd, keen business man. He worked hard in his earlier years, and, being temperate in all things, was able to put by a good share of his earn- ings, which he invested sagaciously and judiciously. His present grain business he has greatly increased since he first purchased it. In 1898 he built a store and warehouse on Main street, opposite the depot in East Hartford, where he does a wholesale and retail feed business in connection with his mill at Hockanum, and his urbanity and strict integrity have established for him an enviable reputation in business circles. He owns a very neat and pretty dwelling, which is the abode of complete domestic felicity, as well as of a genuine hospitality.

EDWARD CONE TALLMADGE, one of the most popular and public-spirited citizens of East Granby, has been and is distinctively a man of affairs, and one who has wielded a wide influence. A strong mentality, an invincible courage, a most determined individuality have so entered into his make-up as to render him a natural leader of men and a director of opinion.

Mr. Tallmadge was born in Springfield, Mass., Dec. 27, 1830, and belongs to a family of English origin which was founded in New England at an early day. His grandfather, Daniel Tallmadge, was a native of New Haven county, Conn., and spent his entire life near the city of New Haven, where he was engaged in farming. He took an active part in the Revolutionary war, and participated in many battles. He was one of the prominent and influ- ential citizens of his community, and was highly esteemed by all who knew him. He died in 1832, and was buried at New Haven. He was twice mnar- ried, and had several children.

Marcus M. Tallmadge, our subject's father, was born in 1798, near New Haven, where he was rcared and educated, and where he also learned the gunsmith's trade with Eli Whitney, working at the same for several years in both New Haven and Mid- dletown, Conn. Removing to Springfield, Mass., lie was employed in the Springfield Armory until 1840, and for the following five years conducted a hotel in West Springfield, and also engaged in farming. In 1845 he returned to Spring- field, where he engaged in general merchan- clising for seven years, and in 1852 came to Granby, Hartford Co., Conn., where he carried on a hotel and engaged in farming for several years; he spent his last days in retirement from active labor in East Granby, near Tariffville, where he died Nov. 22, 1879, his remains being interred in Spring- field, Mass. He was a self-educated man, and well posted on current topics and events. Politically he was an ardent Democrat, but no office seeker, and religiously was an active and prominent mem-

ber of the Episcopal Church, in which he served as vestryman and warden. In 1824, he married Miss Abigail Andrews, who died Oct. 1, 1875. in East Granby, Conn, her remains being interred at Spring- field, Mass. To this worthy couple were born the following children: Elizabeth died young. Julia married George Church, and both are now deceased. Edward C. is next in the order of birth. Andrew Jackson and Rachel Jackson were twins, the former died in May, 1844 ; the latter was a school teacher for many years, and made her home with our subject. Thomas enlisted during the Civil war in the 9th Conn. V. I., under Col Cahill, and died in New Or- leans in November, 1862. Henry H. is engaged in the real-estate and insurance business in Washing- ton, D. C .; he served three years in the Civil war in a Connecticut battery. Marcus Morton died at the age of seventeen years ; and Lewis Cass is a resident of Chicago, Il1. He also was in the war under Gen. Banks. As the twins of the family were named for Andrew Jackson and his wife, that President sent to the father a picture of himself and wife, painted on ivory and mounted in gold. This is still in the possession of our subject and his sister Rachel, by whom it is highly prized.

Edward C. Tallmadge attended the public schools of West Springfield, Mass., and also the academy at Westfield, that State, then under the direction of Rev. M. Beebe. At the age of fifteen he commenced clerking in a store in Springfield, receiving $40 (first year) per year, and his board, and remaining there until 1852, when he came to Granby. Com., with his parents. At the age of twenty-four he was appointed postmaster at Granby, and after filling the position two years connected himself with the V. B. Palmer Advertising Agency, of New York, Philadelphia and Boston, continuing thus until Feb. 1, 1858. He was then given a position in the Treasury Department at Washington, D. C., under Howell Cobb, Secretary of the Treas- ury, James Buchanan, President, and remainel until June, 1869, during the administrations of Buchanan, Lincoln, Johnson and Grant, receiving first $1,200 per year, and, later, $1,600. While residing in that city he became interested in the real-estate and in- strance business with his brother, being a member ci the firm of Tallmadge Bros., and continued this connection until 1878, when he returned to East Granby, Connecticut.

Mr. Tallmadge has since taken an active and prominent part in public affairs, and in 1880 most ably and acceptably represented East Granby in the State Legislature ; by a Republican speaker he was appointed teller of the House, and also served on several important committees. He was elected by the people to the office of justice of the peace, which he filled for fourteen years, and his rulings were always fair and impartial. He has also been a juryman for twenty years from East Granby, in the courts of Hartford, a member of the board of relief, grand juror, constable and assessor. His

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official duties have always been most promptly and efficiently discharged, winning the commendation of even his political enemies. He is unwavering in his support of the Democracy, and is a recognized leader in the ranks of his party in East Granby. He is now living retired near Tariffville, but still takes an active interest in public affairs, and keeps well- informed on the issues and questions of the day.

SELDEN PHILO SEARS, who passed away Jan. 10, 1900, was a prominent citizen of West Hart- ford, and one of the men who make old age seem the better portion of life.

Mr. Sears was born in the town of Chatham, Middlesex Co., Conn., July 21, 1813, and traced his ancestry back to Richard Sears, whose birthplace is unknown, and who came to this country prior to 1632. He died in Yarmouth, Plymouth Colony, in 1676.

(II) Capt. Paul Sears, son of Richard, was born Feb. 20, 1637, and died in Yarmouth, Mass., Feb. 20, 1707. He took the oath of fidelity in 1657, and held a captain's commission in the militia. In 1658 he married Deborah Willard, who died May 13, 1721, and to them were born ten children.

(III) Paul Sears, a son of the Captain, was born in Yarmouth June 15, 1669, and died Feb. 14, 1739. In 1693 he was married, in Harwich, to Mercy Freeman, who was born Oct. 30, 1674, and died Aug. 30, 1747 ; her mother was a granddaughter of Elder William Brewster. In their family were twelve children.

(IV) Joshua Sears, born in Yarmouth, Mass., Nov. 20, 1708, died in Middletown, Conn., Sept. 27, 1753. In Eastham, Mass., Feb. 10, 1731, he married Rebecca Mayo, who was born Oct. 10, 1713, and they had twelve children.

(V) Capt. Elkanah Sears, born in Harwich, Mass., April 12, 1734, died in East Hampton, Conn., Nov. 24, 1816. He removed with his parents to Middletown, Conn., in 1746, and after his marriage lived on a farm west of Pocotopaug Lake. After the Revolutionary war broke out he equipped a privateer, which he commanded, and which was captured by the British, but he escaped from cap- tivity at night by eluding the sleepy guards. In 1780 he was a member of a committee to provide necessities for the army. After the war he engaged in mechanical and agricultural pursuits. In Middle- town he was married, Jan. 6, 1757, to Ruth White, a daughter of Joseph White, of that place, and to them were born six children.

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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 75

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