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 81

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 81

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Senator Niles, besides his political labors, em- ployed his pen in other fields as an author. His first undertaking was that of editing the re-publica- tion of an English work, entitled "The Independent Whig," a large quarto of over five hundred pages, published in 1816. This was followed, in 1819, by a "Gazetteer of Connecticut and Rhode Island," in the compilation of which he was assisted by his brother-in-law, Dr. John C. Pease. He also pre- pared a very useful and serviceable book, called "The Civil Officer," of which several editions were published. "A History of Mexico and the South American Republics," written by him, ran through many editions. He also wrote a biography of Oliver H. Perry, a quarto volume of about 400 pages, as well as numerous pamphlets, orations and addresses on political, agricultural, financial and miscellaneous subjects, which during a period of forty years emanated from his prolific pen, and which had extensive circulation and influence. His speeches in the Senate were many, and on almost every important question before that body while he was a member. Some of them were very ef- fective, and distinguished for great research and argumentation. Those on the Bank, the Deposits, the Expunging Resolutions, the Independent Treas- ury, the Tariff, the Mexican war and the Jefferson Ordinance, as applicable to the newly acquired ter- ritory, may be specified as among his ablest efforts. Mr. Calhoun, with whom he often and widely dif- fered, awarded him the possession of the most

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eady and accurately discriminate mind of any mem- ber of the Senate. Col. Benton said, that not only vere his opinions eminently sound and correct, but hat his political and moral courage exceeded that of tis associates. Silas Wright declared he always listrusted the accuracy of his own conclusions when he differed from Senator Niles. Such were he estimates of some of the master minds of the Senate, men with whom he was associated in daily, ocial and official intercourse for years. The re- nark publicly made by Mr. Van Buren, that "Sen- tor Niles spoke as Franklin wrote," conveys a correct impression of the matter and manner of he man. Indeed, his marked traits were good, practical common sense, without pretension, unas- sumingly but honestly and fearlessly expressed.

President Van Buren showed his high appre- :iation of the qualities and abilities of Senator Niles by tendering him unsolicited a seat in his cabinet, ind that, too, when the department was laboring inder serious embarrassments. The reforms which le introduced into the department not only con- ributed to its immediate relief, but constituted the basis of future action in the administration. He romply discontinued the transportation of mails on Sundays except on the principal routes, and ad- 'ised another great reform which was soon carried nto effect, namely: The reduction of the rates f postage, as a means of promoting mail facilities nd thereby increasing the revenue, a proposition hat was to many a seeming paradox.

Senator Niles was twice married, but left no hildren. In the fall of 1824 he married Mrs. Sarah Iowe, a native of Worcester county, Mass., who ied in the autumn of 1842. His second marriage vas with Miss Jane H. Pratt, of Columbia county, T. Y., in the latter part of 1845. She died in the ummer of 1850. A considerable portion of the ears 1851 and 1852 he spent in visiting the various ountries of Europe. Unostentatious, plain and rugal, Mr. Niles acquired by industry and economy

handsome estate. Humane and benevolent, he xercised active charity during life, and dying desired alleviate suffering humanity. Besides numerous gacies to individuals, he bequeathed twenty thou- and dollars in trust to the City of Hartford, as charity fund, the income from which he directed be annually distributed to the poor. This noble enefaction to the city of his adoption was the owning act of a useful and well-spent life.

JOHN GANTLEY, second selectman of the wn of Windsor Locks, is a man whose sterling alities of character have won the confidence of s fellow citizens in a marked degree. As a busi- ess man he is able and successful, and in his career an official he has given to the public affairs the ime careful attention which has brought satisfac- ry results in his private enterprises.

Mr. Gantley was born April 1, 1858, in the town : Windsor, and like many of our successful men,

is of Irish ancestry. His grandparents, Herbert and Margaret ( Hessian) Gantley, passed their lives in County Galway, Ireland, upon a farm.

Patrick Gantley, our subject's father, was born March 17, 1821, in County Galway, where he was educated, and in 1852 came to America with his sister Mary, locating in the town of Windsor Locks. For five years he was employed by a farmer in South Windsor, and later he engaged in tobacco growing, purchasing the present family homestead in Windsor Locks in 1859. He built the present residence and farm buildings, and his last days were spent there in well earned comfort, his death oc- curring April 20, 1894. On Oct. 13, 1856, he was married in Windsor Locks to Miss Mary Cunniff, daughter of Patrick and Mary (Kilgarf) Cunniff, natives of County Galway, who survives him. Our subject was the eldest of twelve children born to. this worthy couple, the others being: Mary, a resi- dent of Windsor Locks; Margaret, who died in in- fancy; James, of Windsor Locks; Thomas, a resi- dent of the same town, who married Delia Con- nors ; Margaret; Katie; Patrick, a butcher at Windsor Locks, who married Katie Kelley; Edward D .; Elizabeth C .; Annie C .; and Francis C.

John Gantley was reared at the homestead, his education being obtained in the public schools of Windsor Locks. Since the death of his father he has carried on the farm in partnership with his brothers James, Thomas and Francis, under the firm name of Gantley Brothers, and they now do an ex- tensive business as dairymen and growers of leaf tobacco. Our subject has always taken an active interest in public affairs, and is a stanch supporter of the Democratic party. For three years he was auditor of his town, and at present he is serving his fourth term as selectman. In religious faith he is a Catholic, and he and his family are leading mem- bers of St. Mary's parish.

On June 26, 1895, Mr. Gantley was married, in the town of Windsor Locks, to Miss Nellie Mc- Carty, daughter of Charles and Ellen McCarty, the former of whom was a native of Cork, Ireland, coming to the United States when a young man. Mr. and Mrs. Gantley have two sons: James, born Nov. 7, 1896; and John Timothy, born March 20, 1899.

HENRY W. BARBOUR, a leading and repre- sentative farmer of Farmington, was born in New Britain July 29, 1840, and belongs to one of the early families of the county, being a grandson of Lewis Barbour, who was born and reared in the town of Burlington, and there spent the early part of his life. Subsequently he made his home in Farming- ton, where he followed agricultural pursuits, and from there removed to Harwinton, Conn., where he died. By his wife, Polly ( Frisbie), he had three children : Augustus Lewis, Augusta and Mary.

Augustus L. Barbour, father of our subject, was born in the town of Burlington in 1814, and was

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COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

educated in the schools of Burlington, Farmington and New Britain. In Farmington he was married, in 1836, by Dr. Noah Porter, to Miss Ann Thomp- son, a daughter of Asahel Thompson, and to them were born four children: Frederick L., now de- ceased : Henry W., our subject ; and Theodore A. and Walter E., both deceased. The father followed farming in New Britain for some years, and later made his home in New York State for a time.

The subject of this sketch began his literary ed- ucation in the schools of Farmington, while living with his uncle, Mr. Thompson, and 'ater attended the Simeon Hart Boarding School, at Farmington, and the Farmington Academy. In 1861 he re- sponded to his country's call for aid in her efforts to crush out the Rebellion, enlisting in Company A, 25th Conn. V. I., and he was in the service for a year. In 1862 he embarked in the life insurance business at Hartford, as general agent for the Con- tinental Insurance Co., which position he held for about a year. On account of the death of his uncle, Mr. Thompson, he then returned home and took charge of the estate. Later he sold that property and bought his present farm, which he has since successfully operated. He is also interested in other business, but gives the greater part of his time and attention to agricultural pursuits.

In Pleasant Valley, Conn., in 1868, Mr. Barbour was united in marriage with Miss Harriet W. Youngs, a daughter of Daniel Youngs, and to them has been born one child, Anna. Fraternally our subject is an honored member of Burnside Post, G. A. R. He is a member of and deacon in the First Congregational Church of Farmington, and chairman of the committee of the First Ecclesiasti- cal Society. He is also secretary of the school board, and was acting visitor for some years ; is vice- president of the Farmington Savings Bank; treas- urer of the Cemetery Association ; and superintend- ent of the Farmington Creamery. His devotion to the public welfare has made him a valued factor in the community where he resides, as he materially aids in the advancement of all social, educational and moral interests.

MARSHALL NOTT. Hartford county has many well-to-do and successful farmers who are the architects of their own fortune, and who are numbered among its most useful and valued citi- zens. Among these is the subject of this personal history, who for over thirty years has owned and operated his present farm in the northeast district of Farmington.

A native of Connecticut, Mr. Nott was born in Glastonbury, April II, 1825, a son of John and Elizabeth (Blinn) Nott. The father was born in the town of Rocky Hill, this county, and throughout life followed his trade of boot and shoe making. In the family were five children, namely : Julius and Edward, both deceased; Marshall, our subject ;

Selah, a resident of Hartford; and William, a resi- dent of Bristol.

Marshall Nott was educated in the public schools of Rocky Hill, which he attended until fifteen years of age, and then went to Griswoldville, in the town of Wethersfield, where he remained eleven years, working in the chisel shop at Dividend, Conn., after leaving that place, and later in the hammer shop at Cromwell. For two years he was employed in the car shops at Hartford, and afterward in Colt's fire- arm works. Subsequently he engaged in farming in Rocky Hill for a short time; worked in Glaston- bury ; and was engaged in the milk business on Park street, Hartford, two years ; and on Blue Hills ave- nue, six years. In 1868 he purchased his present farm in the northeast district of Farmington, where he engaged in farming and also in the wood busi- ness with marked success. Returning to Gris- woldville, he bought land and built a cottage, there to pass the remaining days of his life.

In Rocky Hill Mr. Nott married Miss Mary Ann Whitman, born in South Coventry, Conn., Dec. 12, 1834. Wherever known they are held in high re- gard, and they have a host of warm friends in the community where they have so long made their home.

JAMES COLTER, one of the most respected foreign-born citizens of West Suffield, and an enter- prising farmer and tobacco grower, is a native of Maybrick, County Down, Ireland. He was born May 1, 1839, and is a son of James and Mary ( Sloan) Colter, natives of the same town and mem- bers of the Presbyterian Church. The father was a farmer. The family consisted of five children: Margaret, now the wife of Simon McCarel, of West Suffield; James, our subject ; Joseph, deceased ; Mary Jane and Eliza, also deceased, as are the fa- ther and mother, who died in their native land.

James Colter, whose name opens this article, was educated in the national schools of Ireland, and, until twenty years of age, worked on the home farm, when, desirous of seeing the New World, he set sail at Liverpool, England, with a single pound sterling, after paying his passage money. Landing at Philadelphia, he at once proceeded from there to New England, as he had a half-brother living in Agawam, Mass., and at Feeding Hills, in the same county, found employment as a farm hand at $12 per month. A year later, in 1861, he came to Suffield, Conn., where he was employed by W. P. Allen at farming, his wages being $360 per annum, and for him he labored until 1876, when, having saved the greater part of his earnings, he bought his present farm of fifty acres, then known as the Granger tract, and here he has since been success- fully engaged in tobacco growing, dairying and gen- eral farming. On this property he has made won- derful improvements, including one of the finest dwellings in the vicinity, barns, tobacco sheds, etc., at a cost of over $7,000.

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COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

In April, 1875, in Suffield, Mr. Colter married Miss Martha Mary Graham, who was born in the same county as himself, and is a daughter of Samuel and Harriet (Nicholson) Graham, the former of whom died at his home in Ireland, and the latter in West Suffield, Conn. To Mr. and Mrs. Colter have been born seven children : Sarah Jane and Samuel [., both still at home; Joseph; Herman; Florence ; und two that died in infancy. The parents have aken and still take a deep interest in the education of the surviving children, all of whom are phenom- nally intellectual. Mrs. Colter is also a lady of rare intelligence, and is noted for her excellent housekeeping.

The Graham family, of which Mrs. Colter is a descendant, is of Scottish origin, and famous in heir native land. Samuel Graham, grandfather f Mrs. Colter, was born in the County of Gallo- vay, Scotland, whence he moved to County Down, reland, where he ended his days, dying in the faith f the Presbyterian Church. To his marriage with arah Nicholson, also of Scottish lineage, were born even children : John, who passed his life in County Down; Thomas, who made his home in Scotland ; ames, who came to the United States and settled Philadelphia, Penn .; Samuel ; Ann, who married ndrew Hamilton, and with him settled in St. John, ew Brunswick; Jennie, who married Samuel ivingston, and went with her husband and family Indiana, settling in Lake City (eight of her chil- ren-Robert, John, Samuel, James, Thomas, Hart- ord, Moses and William-became soldiers in the ivil war) ; and Bettie, wife of Robert Hamilton.

Samuel Graham, the father of Mrs. Colter, was native of Dromore, County Down, Ireland, passed s whole life as a farmer at his birthiplace, and died 1875. Like all the Grahams, he was a Presby- rian, and was a stanch supporter of the British rown. To his marriage were born seven children : obert, now of Suffield, Conn .; William J., of arnertown; Sarah Jane, wife of Samuel Barr, Suffield; Martha Mary, wife of James Colter, :bject of this sketch; Margaret Ann, who married porge Fertion; Lizzie, wife of Daniel Cole; and gnes, now Mrs. John Barresford, of West Suf- jld, at whose home the venerated mother of the mily passed from earth, having brought her chil- den to America a short time after the death of her 1 sband.

Mr. Colter, a quiet, unassuming man, and a ¿tleman of refined tastes, is quite domestic in his 1bits, but is recognized as one of the most ener- ¿tic and progressive men of his town. His honor- ale walk through life, and his upright, dealings have von for him the esteem of all his neighbors, and te good-will of all who know him. In politics he i a Republican.

EDWIN HILLS, a well-known manufacturer ( saddlery hardware and other specialties, is one of t: prominent citizens of Plainville, and the lives of

few business men furnish a more worthy example of the wise application of sound principles and safe conservatism than his. The story of his success is short and simple, containing no exciting chapters, but his business and private life is pregnant with interest and incentive, no matter how lacking in dramatic action-the record of a noble life, consist- ent with itself and its possibilities in every particular.

Mr. Hills was born in Plainville, March 11, 1842, and is a descendant of William Hills, a native of England, who came to America in 1632, and was one of the first settlers of Hartford, where he died in 1683. Our subject's great-grandfather, Chaun- cey Hills, was born in Farmington, in 1761, and followed the occupation of farming throughout life, dying June 21, 1731. He married Eleanor Gillette, who was born in 1760, and died Oct. 26, 1836.

Elias Hills, our subject's grandfather, was born in what is now Plainville, Feb. 26, 1782, and was a wheelwright and builder by trade. He was married, March 8, 1800, to Sally, daughter of Abner and Mabel (Squires) Curtiss, of Farmington, and they had a family of eleven children : Harriet, wife of James Hamlin; William, who married Charlotte Purdy ; Charlotte, wife of Jeremiah Neale; Hiram, who married (first) Betsey A. Ludington and (second) Olive Augur; George, who married (first ) Charlotte Eddy and (second) Caroline Eddy ; Eliza, wife of Amon Woodruff ; Franklin, who mar- ried Huldah C. Parmalee; Julia, wife of Leonard A. Wheeler; Sheldon, who married (first ) Almeda N. Recor and (second) Nancy E. Clark; Sally M .; and Jeannette E., wife of Emner McIntire. For his second wife the grandfather married Mrs. Lydia ( Barnes) Pitkins.

Hiram Hills, our subject's father, was born in Plainville, Oct. 9, 1810, and spent his entire life there, engaged in the manufacture of wooden hames. He also owned and operated a saw, shingle and grist mill, a sash and blind factory, and was interested in the grain business. He was one of the founders of the Plainville Water Co., and at the time of his death was sole owner. Mr. Hills always took a great interest in public affairs and in the growth and development of Plainville, and in 1869 was the first representative from that town to the State Legis- lature. He was a member and officer of the Con- gregational Church, and was highly esteemed and respected by all who knew him. He died June 25, 1875. For his first wife he married Betsey A. Lud- ington, and to them were born seven children : Jus- tin; Burritt; Mariette, wife of Elbert Manchester; Edwin; Aldine, wife of Lorenzo O. Strickland; Jane E., wife of Charles Sutliff ; and Wallace. His second wife was Olive Augur.

Our subject grew to manhood in Plainville, and was educated in its public schools. He began his business career in partnership with his father, in the manufacture of wooden hames, which connection existed for three years, and at the end of that time he

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COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

and his brother Burritt purchased the father's inter- est and continued the business together for ten years, or until 1875, since which time our subject has carried it on alone. He has a large plant, em- ploying sixty hands and manufacturing 300 pairs of iron hames per day, besides a variety of harness trimmings. He makes various articles of his own invention, and caters to the kitchen hardware trade in five and ten cent articles, the demand for which exceeds the capacity of his plant.

Mr. Hills has been twice married, his first wife having been Alzina Welch, daughter of Henry L. Welch, of Plainville, and to them were born two children, Antoinette and Grace L. For his second wife he married Emma Bullen, daughter of William F Bullen, of English descent, and by this union he has one son, Edwin. Religiously Mr. Hills is a member of the Congregational Church, and politi- cally he is a Republican.

OLIVER CLARK. The subject of this sketch, save for the two years when he was in business in Hartford, has been a lifelong farmer, devoting a half-century to that vocation. He has been a prosper- ous and progressive farmer, but not a farmer only. Mr. Clark, while giving strict heed to the demands of his business, has been ever interested in affairs re- lating to the common good. He has been public- spirited. He has fostered industries. He has con- tributed his services whenever occasion required.

Mr. Clark was born near Wapping, in the town of South Windsor, Dec. 14, 1828, son of Norman Clark, a native of East Windsor, and grandson of Capt. Oliver Clark, an officer in the State militia. Norman Clark was married three times. His only child by his first wife, Emily Loomis, was Oliver, the subject of this sketch. Norman Clark was a farmer by occupation, and in religious faith was a . member of the Congregational Church. He died in Poquonock July 31, 1878.

Our subject was reared on his father's farm in South Windsor, and received a good common-school education. He has always resided in the town of his nativity, except during the years 1854 and 1855, when he conducted a wholesale meat business at Hartford. Mr. Clark was married May 28, 1850, to Abbie Snow, by whom he had four children : Emily, now deceased ; Amelia, wife of Wilbur Hills ; Joseph N., deceased ; and Ann Eliza, who died in April, 1876. The mother of these died Jan. 12, 1876, and on May 24, 1877, Mr. Clark married Miss Alice B. Pruden, born in Hartford, a daughter of Nathaniel Pruden. Two children were born to this latter marriage : Oliver P., who is at home; and Albert N., deceased. Mr. Clark is the owner of II7 acres of land, variously located, the home farm comprising thirty-five acres. He carries on tobacco growing extensively, and is also engaged in the dairy business and in general farming.

Mr. Clark has served for seven years as select- man of South Windsor, and for three years has been

assessor. In 1873 he was elected as a representa- tive to the State Legislature. He was one of the promoters of the Wapping high school and one of its organizers, serving on the building committee. In politics he is a Democrat. Mr. Clark has been pres- ident of the Wapping Creamery Co., and for four- teen years has been a director of the same. He has been prosperous in business affairs, and is one of the leading and well-respected citizens of the town of South Windsor.

SAMUEL ASHWELL was born Aug. 15, 1843, in the town of Bloomfield, Hartford Co., Conn. He was one of a family of five children born to James and Mary Ann (Somerfield) Ashwell, of whom two died in infancy; Elizabeth, William and Samuel growing to maturity. The Ashwells are of English origin, our subject's father and mother having been born in England.

When Samuel was about five years old his mother died, and he was sent to live with an aunt. At the age of eight years he was put to work upon a farm, in consideration receiving his board and clothing, attending school in the winter. When seventeen years old he walked a distance of three miles morning and evening to attend the winter term at the Bloomfield Academy. In the following spring the Civil war broke out, and on Aug. 8, 1861, before his eighteenth birthday, he enlisted for three years in Company C of the First Squadron, Conn. Cavalry, and subsequently, at New York, was transferred to the Harris light cavalry or 2d N. Y. He received his "baptism of fire" in a charge upon the Rebel cavalry near Falmouth, Va., in the spring of 1862, when the Army of the Potomas ad- vanced to Fredericksburg. The Rebels fled, but one of their bullets killed Lieut. Decker, who led the charge. He was in numerous cavalry fights, in- cluding Aldie and Brandy Station, and in the Stone- man raid and the famous Wilson raid, also in the second battle of Bull Run.

On Oct. 12, 1863, ne and several of his regi- ment were captured by Rebel cavalry near Warren- ton, Va., and taken to Richmond. From there he was sent to Belle Isle, where he was held a prisoner for five months, when he was paroled and sent to Annapolis, Md. For several weeks Mr. Ashwell was confined in the hospital with rheumatism, the result of privation and exposure in prison. As soon as able he rejoined his regiment at the front. He was honorably discharged and mustered out of service at New York City, Sept. 15, 1864.

In 1867 Mr. Ashwell commenced farming for himself on a small farm in West Rocky Hill, to which he has added about one hundred acres, erected nearly all new buildings, and is now carrying on quite a large dairy and poultry business, and is successful in both pursuits. As a side issue he also ·sells grain and feed. He is respected by his neigh- bors and fellow citizens, having held the office of assessor ten years, has been one of the board of

Samuel ashwall

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COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

relief at different times nearly as many more ; select- man three years; tax collector three years; and is now chairman of the school board.and justice of the peace. He has also served one term in the Legis- lature, of which body he was elected a member in 1886.

In politics Mr. Ashwell is a Republican, and in religious faith a Congregationalist, being a mem- ber of the Congregational Church of Rocky Hill. Socially he is connected with the F. & A. M .; with the Grange at Rocky Hill, of which he was the first master, and with the O. U. A. M., in which he has passed all the chairs.

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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 81

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