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 88

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 88

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Our subject was born April 24, 1848, at the old home in Plainfield. His education was limited to the common schools of the localities where his par- ents resided, and during much of his boyhood he only attended in winter. He remained at home until he reached the age of nineteen ; but as he thought a trade would be more to his liking than farming he then went to Hartford to learn the art of copper- plate engraving and printing. For five years he worked at this business in Hartford, spending most of the time with Case, Lockwood, Brainerd & Co., and his ability and skill gained for him a high repu- tation as a workman, thereby enabling him to com- mand excellent wages. Going to New York City, he was employed for some time by the National Bank Note Co., on the top floor of the Cooper Insti- tute building, and later he worked for the Colum-

bia Bank Note Co., of Washington, D. C., leaving there when a re-organization made it a stock com- pany. His experience of city life has made him turn with appreciation to the wholesome scenes and activities of country life, and it was from deliberate choice that he gave up his trade and devoted his attention to farming. In 1878 he came to Windsor, where some of his sisters had located, and soon af- terward he engaged in market gardening on the farm of Mr. Bushnell, who was also a dealer in meat. After three years Mr. Olin leased the land, which was known as the old "Capen farm," and continued the business on his own account, meeting with such success that he purchased the place in 1887.

Although he has had his misfortunes like all business men, Mr. Olin always rises superior to them, and his homestead, upon which he has made many improvements, is a tangible reward for his years of hard work. At present he deals more ex- tensively in garden produce than any other man in that neighborhood, and while he is of most unas- suming disposition he is regarded as a substantial and valuable citizen. He has an attractive daughter, Minnie, and his interests center in his home to the exclusion of outside affairs. While he is in sym- pathy with the Democratic party in national issues, he has voted but once since attaining his majority. He possesses a fine voice and decided talent for music, and for some years was a member of the choir of the M. E. Church at Windsor.

JOHN DEEBLE, a well-known traveling sales- man, and one of Southington's leading German citizens, was born in Hersfeld, Province of Nassau, Germany, May 29, 1834, a son of Jacob and Eliza ( Fuller ) Deeble.

In April, 1854, Mr. Deeble crossed the Atlantic, and landed in New York, where he remained sev- eral weeks, but in August of the same year located in Southington, Hartford Co., Conn. Being a blacksmith by trade, which occupation he had fol- lowed in his native land for six years, including his apprenticeship, he secured employment with the Peck-Smith Co. in that capacity, and after a short time spent with them entered the service of the Plant Manufacturing Co., of Plantsville, where he remained two years. Subsequently he was em- ployed in the Millen Bolt Works, and by Roys & Wilcox, at East Berlin, where he was engaged in forging various implements for about a year. Ile also spent seven years in the forging department of the Stow Manufacturing Co., Plantsville, and worked on die and drop forging for the Henry D. Smith Co. In the meantime he patented an anti- rudder for the fifth wheel of carriages, which he afterward manufactured in New York City for eight months, and then sold to G. B. Savage, of Southington, managing the business for him three years. From 1874 to 1879 Mr. Deeble ran a step machine, for the making of carriage steps, in the factory of the Atwater Manufacturing Co., and

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while there secured seven patents for ox shoes, the first to be made by machinery in the United States. He met with excellent success in the manufacture of these shoes, turning out from sixty-five to sev- enty tons of the manufactured article per year, and selling them on the road himself. About 1887 G. B. Savage sold out his business to, the Scranton Forging Co., of Scranton, Penn., and Mr. Deeble spent seven months in that city, but on account of ill health he returned to his home in Southington at the end of that time. In 1888 he embarked in the fancy grocery trade, in which he successfully engaged until 1899, and is now a traveling salesman. Mr. Deeble has taken out about fourteen patents on ox shoes and other inventions, and has sold the ox shoe patents to the Scranton Forging Co. He has steadily prospered since coming to this coun- try, and has never yet had occasion to regret his emigration.

On Nov. 26, 1854, Mr. Deeble married Miss Agnes Krollman, daughter of Jacob and Margaret (Miller) Krollman, of Southington, formerly of Hessen-Darmstadt, Germany. Of the six children born to them, only two are now living: Charles and Ida Mary. In 1892 Mr. Deeble returned to Germany, to visit his old home and the graves of his parents. The latter he found sadly neglected, but he at once had them put in order, and erected suitable monuments to the memory of his parents. When this had been accomplished he invited his brothers and sisters to see what he had done, and tried to impress upon them the fact of the success one can achieve in the New World. After spend- ing two months abroad Mr. Deeble returned to his Connecticut home, content to remain on this side of the Atlantic. He first came to America in search of home and fortune, and his ambitious dreams have been more than realized. He has contributed liberally toward the erection of the Lutheran church in Southington, of which he is an active and prom- inent member ; is also a member of the D. O. H. or Harugari Society; is president of the Germania Hall and Liederkranz Society; and politically is a supporter of the Republican party. He is highly respected and esteemed by all who know him, and has many friends throughout the town.

HENRY A. POTTER is one of the representa- tive agriculturists of Glastonbury town, and his beautiful homestead, which he purchased in a worn- out condition, has been restored by him and brought to a high state of cultivation.

The Potter family originated in England, and our subject is a descendant of a branch which be- came identified with Rhode Island at an early day. A town in that State is named Potter, and many members of the family now reside in the vicinity of Kingston, R. I. Our subject's grandfather, Henry Potter, followed the sea, and was lost while on a voyage. He had five children, among whom was a daughter Fannie, who married William Babcock, a

native of Lebanon, Conn., and removed to a farm at Freeport, Ill., where both died.

Thomas Cranston Potter, our subject's father, was born at Kingston, R. I., but his life was mainly spent in Lebanon, Conn., where he followed the blacksmith's trade. He married (first) Harriet Bennett, who was buried at Lebanon, and (second) Lucinda Loomis, of Lebanon, whose remains now rest in the cemetery at Glastonbury. By his first marriage he had two children: (1) Julian C., born May 15, 1822, died May 15, 1884. He married Harriet Kendall, of Falls Village, Mass., and was a merchant in Boston. (2) Jane E., born Aug. 25, 1830, married William H. Hardy, and lived in Mas- sachusetts. By the second marriage there were six children, of whom three are living: (1) Sarah F., born Nov. II, 1832, married Jason Stevens, a farmer of Glastonbury, and died Feb. 7, 1882. (2) Mary Angeline, born Dec. 20, 1833, died April 12, 1834. (3) Calista Angeline, born Dec. 16, 1835, married Henry C. Robinson, and is living in East Hartford. (4) Lucinda E., born June 2, 1837, died Oct. 2, 1862, unmarried. (5) Henry A. is mentioned more fully below. (6) Mary Ann, born Feb. 5, 1840, and now residing with our subject, married (first) Newton Thrall, of Glastonbury, and (second) Warren F. Childs, of Boston, both now deceased.

Our subject was born in Lebanon, June 21, 1838, and had only common-school advantages, his fa- ther being a poor man, with a large family. During boyhood he worked away from home at small wages for three or four years, but later returned to the home farm and worked in summer, while attend- ing school in winter. At the age of seventeen and for some time following he was night clerk in the "Hotel Easton," corner of South and Whitehall streets, New York City. After leaving the hotel he went to Andover, Conn., and worked on a farnı for two years, and in 1868 he settled at Glastonbury. He located first on Main street, renting land at va- rious places, and in 1877 he purchased his present farm from Ambrose Bidwell, the place containing twenty-five acres, well adapted to general farming, on which he has built sheds, barns and made other substantial improvements. He makes a specialty of fruit and tobacco raising. Politically Mr. Pot- ter is a Democrat, and he served as selectman in 1897-98. He is a member of no secret societies. He united with the Baptist Church in Lebanon some years ago, but now attends the Congregational Church in Glastonbury. Mr. Potter occupies a po- sition among the substantial men of his locality, and deserves high credit for the success he has made.

In 1864 Mr. Potter married Miss Abbie Jane Perry, a native of Norwich, who died in 1883. In 1886 he married Miss Amanda White, a native of Hebron, and daughter of James A. and Jerusha (Kellogg) White. There were seven children by the first marriage: (1) Frank H., born April 18, 1866, is a farmer in Glastonbury. He married Miss

Henry A. Potter

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Mary Grant, and has four children, Hazel, Lillian, Ethel, and one son. (2) James, born Oct. 25, 1869, died June 16, 1870. (3) Alfred N., born July 27, 1872, resides in Seattle, Wash., where he is engaged in the lumber business. (4) Harry W., born May 23, 1875, is at home. (5) Edward, born Dec. 7, 1877, died Sept. 10, 1883. (6) Lillian, born Nov. 24, 1879, also died Sept. 10, 1883. (7) Louis M., born April 10, 1882, is at home. Two children were born to the second marriage, both dying in infancy, unnamed.

James A. White, father of Mrs. Potter, was born in Lebanon, Conn., and was brought to He- bron when a child. He is still living, now ( 1900) aged eighty-three years. By occupation he was a farmer. Mr. White first married Jerusha Kellogg, who died in August, 1856, and had four children by this union : Edward J. (a farmer in Hebron), Fred K. (deceased), Amanda (Mrs. Potter) and Emma. By his second marriage, to Harriet Rath- bone, there were also four children: Wilfred A., Adele, John B. (deceased), and Harley (deceased ). In political sentiment Mr. White is a Republican.

JUDAH PHELPS, a leading agriculturist of West Suffield, is a worthy representative of a fam- ily of Hartford county which has been prominent in this section from pioneer times, its members in each generation displaying the sturdy independ- ence of thought and uprightness of character which form the basis of good citizenship. He traces his descent from one of the first settlers of Windsor, namely,

(I) William Phelps, who was born in 1599 at Tewkesbury, Gloucestershire, England, son of Will- iam Phelps, and thence removed to Somerset, in Dorsetshire, where he married. In 1630 he came to the New World and located in Dorchester, Mass., being one of the party of Rev. Mr. Warham, of whose church (found in Plymouth, England) he was an original member. He was accompanied hither by his wife, Elizabeth, and five children, and by his younger brothers, George and Richard. On Oct. 19, 1630, William Phelps applied to be made freeman. On Nov. 9, 1630, he was one of the jury empaneled for the trial of Walter Palmer for the murder of Auston Brotchur-the first trial by jury held in New England. In the spring of 1636 he removed with his children to Windsor, Conn., where his brother George had located in 1635, and there resided the balance of his life, dying July 14, 1672. He held several influential offices. For his second wife he married Mary Dover, a native of England. His children were: William, born in 1620; Sarah, in 1623 (married William Wade) ; Samuel, in 1625; Nathaniel, in 1627: Joseph, in 1629; Timothy, in 1635; and Mary, in March, 1644 (married Thomas Barber, and settled in Simsbury ). (II) Joseph Phelps, son of William, was born in England, came to America with his parents, and lived in Dorchester and later in Windsor, Conn.,

where he was made freeman in 1664. He finally removed to Simsbury, where he died in 1684, and where his remains were buried. On Sept. 20, 1660, he married Hannah Newton, daughter of Roger Newton. She died in Simsbury in 1671, and on Jan. 9, 1676, he married Mary Salmon, widow of Thomas Salmon. She died Jan. 16, 1682. Chil- dren: Sarah, born in 1662, married John Hill; Joseph, born Aug. 2, 1667; Hannah, born Feb. 2, 1668-69; Timothy, born in 1671; and William, born in 1676 (died in October, 1689).

(III) Joseph Phelps was born in Windsor, re- moved to Simsbury with his parents, and there spent the remainder of his life. He was a repre- sentative of the town in the General Assembly, 1.709-27. Joseph Phelps first married Mary Collier, who died in 1697, and on March 9, 1699, he mar- ried Sarah Case, daughter of John and Sarah (Spencer) Case. She was born in August, 1676, and died May 2, 1704. For his third wife Joseph Phelps married May Case (daughter of Richard and Elizabeth Case), who died in September, 1757. He died Jan. 20, 1750, in Simsbury. Children : Joseph, born Oct. 9, 1689; IIannah, Oct. 23, 1693 (married Samuel Humphrey ) ; Mary, Oct. 17, 1696 (died Jan. 9, 1713) ; Sarah, Aug. II, 1700 (died Jan. 14, 1714) ; Damaris, March 5, 1703 (married John Mills) ; John, Feb. 14, 1707 (died Jan. 5, 1713) ; Amos, 1708 (married Sarah Pettibone) ; Elizabeth, April, 1709 (married, July 23. 1725, Daniel Hoskins) ; and David, 1710.

(IV) Joseph Phelps was born in Simsbury Oct. 9. 1689. He settled on Turkey Hill, in what is now East Granby, where he died June 18, 1763. He owned a negro man and woman, and in his will made a proviso that they should be free after his death. On Jan. 7, 1713, in Simsbury, he married Rebecca North, of Farmington, who died Nov. 8, 1732, and on April 23, 1735, he married Hannah Clark, of Hartford, born in 1693, who died Feb. 10. 1765. Children : Hannah, born May 28, 1714 (died June 3, 1714); Joseph, born Oct. 18, 1716; Hannah, June 7, 1718 (married Abel Forward) : Elijah, May II, 1720 (great-grandfather of our subject) ; Ezekiel, March 8, 1723: Rebecca. Jan. 22, 1724 (married Joel Harmon ) : Elizabeth, Nov. 24, 1726 (married Moses Holcomb) : Lydia, Sept. 10. 1728 (married Jacob Gillette) ; Abel, May 22, 1730 (mar- ried Mary Eno) ; and Hezekiah and Keziah, twins, Feb. 18, 1732 (the former married Hannah Hay- den, the latter James Harmon).

(V) Elijah Phelps was a native of East Granby (then Simsbury), but settled in early manhood in Suffield, where he engaged in farming and became one of the prominent citizens of that time. He and his wife, Esther Kent, had the following chil- dren : Esther, Ada. Diana, Abigail, Rhoda, Elijah Daniel (a Revolutionary soldier). Judah, and Silas ( who married Mary Warner ).

(VI) Judah Phelps, the grandfather of our sub- ject, was born in Suffield, and became a prosperous

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agriculturist at what is now known as Warner- town, in West Suffield, where he owned a large amount of land. He was a devout Christian, and his consistent life made him respected throughout the community. While he was born under British rule, he lived to see his country independent and rejoiced in the establishment of free institutions. He married Abigail Bishop, and had children as fol- lows: Judah, Abigail, Israel, Sylvanus, Apollos, Betsey, Beulah, Joel, Anna, Justus, Sally and Judah.

(VII) Capt. Apollos Phelps, our subject's fa- ther, was born in Suffield Feb. 3. 1786, and died there Dec. 3, 1878, at the advanced age of ninety- two years and ten months. For about ten years he was the oldest inhabitant who was a native of the town. He inherited from his parents an excellent constitution, which he never impaired by dissipa- tion, and while several of his brothers were noted for their great physical strength he surpassed them all, standing six feet high, with an erect and com- pact frame, capable of rare endurance. His mar- velous feats in lifting won him the title of the "Samson of Connecticut," and it is recorded that he once lifted a millstone in Windsor weighing more than 1,700 pounds. He was one of the principal real estate holders of the town of Suffield, owning over 500 acres, and was interested in general farm- ing, dairying and tobacco raising. Although a self- educated man, the schools of that day affording but meager opportunities for learning, he became an able and eloquent speaker, especially on religious topics. In early life he was a Whig, later he be- came a Republican, but he never sought official hon- ors. He was married first, on March 9, 1809, to Miss Rhoda Griffin, who died' March 9, 1841, leav- ing no children. On March 9, 1842, he married Miss Marietta Griffin, who survived him, her death occurring Dec. 31, 1891, and their remains now rest in the Phelps cemetery in West Suffield. Mrs. Phelps was a woman of superior character and a devout member of the Methodist Church, and was much esteemed among her associates. They had seven childrn: Jasper, who died at the age of thir- ty-seven ; Judah, our subject ; Rhoda, deceased wife of Jason Viets, of East Granby ; Harriet, deceased wife of John La Floure ; Sarah, who died unmar- ried ; Mary, wife of John B. Cannon ; and Ltanna, who died at seventeen. The religious work of Capt. Phelps was so remarkable and produced such lasting effects in this region that it should find a permanent record, and we quote from the sermon preached at his funeral by his nephew, Rev. S. Dryden Phelps, D. D., of New Haven.

"Capt. Phelps had godly ancestors and pious parents, and though he lived an upright moral life it was not until he was thirty-nine years old that he 'experienced religion.' I use this old-time phrase because it pertinently expresses the marked and decisive change wrought in his striking conver- sion. It occurred Feb. 8 or 9, 1825, there being quite

a religious awakening at the time. He used to think pretty well of himself morally, but a remark made to him by his father produced a deep and lasting im- pression, though at the time it aroused the resent- ment of his soul. It was: 'I fear I shall have to justify God in your condemnation-what have you done with your convictions?' During three days preceding his conversion his convictions, like those of Bunyan, were deep and pungent. The law-work upon his heart and conscience was powerful. The Spirit of God laid bare his sinful, lost state, and he so clearly saw the Divine justice in his condem- nation that his mind sunk under harrowing despair to such a degree that he even meditated self-de- struction. He attended an evening meeting at his father's, led by Deacon Gillett, and at the close the leader of the meeting asked him if he was not in- terested enough to seek salvation. He thought the devil helped him to a text in reply: 'Can the Ethi- opian change his skin, or the leopard his spots ?' The next morning as he went to nis barn, and his cattle and sheep looked at him, he thought how these dumb creatures had fulfilled the design of their Creator, while his life was full of sin and re- bellion. He was reproved and humbled, and fell on his knees for the first time to confess his sins, while the barn seemed to be cracking as if it would fall and crush him to the dust. He went out to help a hired man load some heavy green logs, and his excitement seemed to augment his great strength so that he threw the immense timbers clean over the sled, to the danger of the other man. Under the awful weight of his convictions he wandered away upon the mountain above his residence, and pros- trate under a cedar tree he called upon the rocks and mountain to hide him from the face of a holy God. But at length the conflict ended, and the burden was removed in his passing from death to life, by the manifestation to him of Christ the Saviour of sinners and the author and finisher of his faith. It seemed to him that an angel was near him under the cedar, and also that an evil spirit or dragon sought to reach and overcome the good spirit, but could not. The next morning he went out to the wood-shed and took his ax, but his feet seemed to be fast to the ground while a voice said to him, 'Labor not for the meat that perisheth, but that which endureth unto eternal life.' With this came the dawn of hope. About this time a splendid form seemed to catch him up to Heaven's gate, where he heard wonderful voices and songs, and where he saw lights so brilliant that for three days he was partially blind. He had now come into a new world. The storm and darkness had passed away in the bright shining of the of the Sun of Righteousness which had risen upon his soul with healing in its beams. The change was wonderful. All nature seemed to share in it. The trees clapped their hands for joy. Everything praised God. A calm rapture filled his spirit-it was the inexpress- ible peace of Jesus flowing like a river. He said

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to a young friend and relative, E. P. Stevens, 'the Saviour leads my soul into green pastures and be- side the still water.' He came to my father's to bring the good news. I remember it well, child as I was. The household came together. His brother Judah was present also. All kneeled down, and uncle Apollos poured out his soul in prayer and thanksgiving to God. It was his first prayer in the presence of others. I can recall now some of the expressions he used, his terms of endear- ment in addressing his Heavenly Father. All wept, but they were tears of sympathy and joy. Mrs. Phelps was converted about the same time, and was a devoted and earnest Christian while she lived. He united with the Second Baptist Church in Suffield, being baptized by the pastor, Rev. Cal- vin Philleo, in September, 1825. As an instance of his fidelity, for a number of years after he united with the church, though he had to go six miles and over a mountain to attend its services, he did not miss on an average one Sabbath in a year. And he was generally present at the Saturday afternoon monthly covenant-meetings, and sometimes at the close of the Sunday sermon, liberty being given, his voice was heard in earnest and impressive ex- hortation. For many years there was a Sabbath evening union prayer-meeting held alternately in the neighborhood, and he frequently led and al- most. always took part with these faithful brethren and others, so that the meetings were sustained with great interest and usefulness. His influence was felt for good wherever he went, Christ and His salvation being his great theme. There are sev- eral remarkable instances of this, of which I give a few. In the autumn of 1829, while at work with his men getting in rowen, he felt a strong impres- sion to go to East Granville, Mass. It seemed a Divine call, and he immediately left his work, har- nessed his horse to the wagon, and drove to the village. He called on Elder Silas Root, the Baptist minister, and inquired as to the state of religion in the church and place. He replied that it was a low time, and many were dying with scarlet fever. On leaving Elder Root's, and querying what pur- pose the Lord had in his visit, my uncle met a man by the name of Granger, inquiring for cows that had strayed away, and asking if he knew anything of them. Before the interview closed he asked the man if he knew anything about the grace of God. He said 'No.' He then asked him if he would get over the wall and pray if he would pray with him. 'Yes,' he said, and there they bowed together be- fore the mercy-seat, and the already convicted sin- ner was then or soon converted. My uncle went back to the pastor's house, and on invitation piit out his horse and stayed over the Sabbath. The Elder asked him to take the pulpit. 'No,' said he, 'appoint a prayer meeting at noon.' The meeting was held. A powerful revival followed and many were converted, and what is remarkable there were no more deaths at that time of scarlet fever. As

my uncle went to Granville on this occasion, he passed the house of Deacon V. Stevens, who had then got out for the first time on crutches after a broken limb, and who felt grieved that his neighbor did not stop and speak to him. On his return my uncle called and apologized for his seeming neg- lect. 'The Lord,' said he, 'impressed me to go to Granville, and to salute no man by the way.'

"In 1830 he visited relatives in Chenango val- ley, N. Y., and while there, with the blessing of God on his personal labors, a precious revival of religion was enjoyed, many were converted, and the Baptist Church at Castle Creek was resuscitated from an almost extinct condition, and started on a course of growth and prosperity which it still maintains. Rev. Mr. Philleo, after leaving Suf- field, took charge of a church in Pawtucket, R. I., and in a series of successful revival meetings there, was aided by my uncle, who as requested went there and labored in the meetings, exhorting with power, and praying and conversing from house to house, and saw the salvation of God. I heard him spoken of with interest and gratitude as years afterward I visited there while in college at Provi- dence. He was once a delegate to an ordaining council at Northampton, Mass. He overheard a minister talking of a fast horse, and with what speed he could run. The Captain ventured the in- quiry if he could go as fast as sinners were rushing down to hell. Instead of going to his supper he went to the bank of the Connecticut river and prayed for the outpouring of the Spirit on the coun- ci! and the place. There was such a heavenly atmosphere about him that in it the river seemed preternaturally clear and beautiful. He went back and wanted them to have a preliminary prayer meet- ing. There was objection, but at his solicitation one was held at the close of the ordaining services, and it was so deeply interesting that some stayed late into the night. One asked for prayers and was converted. It was the beginning of a blessed revival. I have alluded to his following sermons with ex- hortations. On one occasion, at Busby Hill in Granby, after the preacher had closed his discourse, Capt. Phelps spoke with such power and effect that several dated their conversions from that time, and similar instances and labors might be mentioned did space allow. A number of boys and young men were from time to time brought up in his househokl. and almost all of them were converted and became earnest Christians, as well as his own children. He was a good and helpful neighbor, as well as a kind husband and loving father, and would cheer- fully disoblige himself to accommodate others. He was a useful citizen and true patriot. In his departure a strong link is sundered and his friends and neighbors may well say, in the language of the Scripture, 'How is the strong staff broken and the beautiful rod.'

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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 88

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