Commemorative biographical record of Middlesex County, Connecticut : containing biographical sketches of prominent and representative citizens, and of many of the early settled families, Part 12

Author: Beers (J.H.) & Co., Chicago, pub
Publication date: 1903
Publisher: Chicago : Beers
Number of Pages: 1502

USA > Connecticut > Middlesex County > Commemorative biographical record of Middlesex County, Connecticut : containing biographical sketches of prominent and representative citizens, and of many of the early settled families > Part 12

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HON. HEZEKIAH SCOVIL. At Hig- ganum, in the town of Haddam, Middlesex county, is located the hoe industry founded by Daniel and Hezekiah Scovil, more than half a century ago, still conducted under the time- honored name of D. & H. Scovil, although Dan- iel Scovil died in 1881.

Hezekiah Scovil is a direct descendant of one of the oldest families in New England.

The residence of the Scovil family in England is somewhat uncertain. The earliest of the name mentioned in this country seems to have been Daniel, one of the earliest settlers off Stamford, Conn., in 1641. He died in 1671, leaving children as follows: Daniel, John, Richard, Joseph, Sarah (the wife of John Pettit) and Mary (or Marcy). Daniel Scovil's widow became the wife of Miles Munson. For many years two of his sons and their descend- ants remained residents of Stamford, but many perished through the hardships of King Philip's war. Richard Scovil, who came over from Eng- land in 1648, in the "Susan and Ellen," from London, in his twenty-second year, may have been the third son of Daniel, and probably re- mained in England, his father coming over in advance of him, and perhaps other members of the family. Richard Scovil died in 1671. His son, Richard, was "propounded" for freeman in 1670. No mention is made of his having any children, but John Scovil (our subject's an- cestor) may have been a son of Richard (I). John Scovil was an early settler of Farmington, Conn., married March 29, 1666, Sarah, daugh- ter of Thomas Barnes, of Farmington, and re- moved to Waterbury in 1677, becoming one of the original plantation settlers of that town. He was the ancestor of the Scovils of Water- bury. Barbour, in his history of Connecticut, says "that eight acres were apportioned to each settler, and every settler shall within four years after date hereof be required to build a good and fashionable dwelling house, 18x16 with 9 feet between joints and with a good chimney." `John Scovil, already mentioned above, lived at the corner of Main and Wil- low streets, Waterbury. On July 18, 1694 or 1696, 'he conveyed by deed to his son, John, all his estate in 'Waterbury, includ- ing his house and lot of two acres, butted south and east on Highway, together with nine other parcels of land. In 1696 he removed to Haddam, Conn., where he died about 1709, leaving an estate of over £176. His sons were John, William, Benjamin and Edward.

John Scovil remained in Waterbury, oc- cupying his father's old home, and his three brothers came to Haddam. The Farmington records, date of 1709, contain the reference: "William and Benjamin Scovil of Haddam con- veyed land which our honored father John Sco- vil stood possessed of when he died." John Scovil, Jr., of Waterbury, married February 6.

Hezekiah Scovil

COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

1694, Hannah, daughter of Obadiah Richards, of Waterbury. He had a son, John, born Janu- ary 12, 1695, and probably other children. He was constable and also representative in 1714. He died in 1729. His wife died in 1720.

Edward Scovil, son of John ( I), of Farm- ington, married Hannah Benton in Haddam in 1699. He died in 1703, leaving an estate of £III, IOS, 6d. His children were: Susannah, born in Haddam in 1701 ; Hannah, born Janu- ary 25, 1702-03. His widow married Benja- min Smith prior to 1706.

Benjamin Scovil (the third son of John (I), of Farmington and Waterbury) and his wife Ann were members of the Congregational Church in Haddam in 1715. Note from the records of East Haddam Church : "Benjamin Scovil and his wife were declared to stand as members in full communion among us, being dismissed from ye Church of Christ in Had- dam West Side to us by ye Rev. Mr. Phineas Fisk, Pastor of that Church." Their children were: Edward, born in April, 1704; Sarah Scovil Spencer, born in 1706; Ann, born in March, 1708; Keziah Scovil Steward, baptized in September, 1716; Lemuel, baptized in Au- gust, 1719; Nathan, baptized in 1725. Ben- jamin Scovil, the father, died at Haddam, Au- gust 13, 1729.

William Scovil, son of John of Farming- ton, born in 1672, settled in Haddam. He (pre- sumably ) married Martha Bailey, January 20, 1701-02. He died November 10, 1712, aged forty years, and was buried in the old Haddam burying-ground. He left an estate of £169, 3s. 8d. He owned considerable land in Had- dam. The first record in relation to the schools of Haddam occurs in 1705, when Nathaniel Spencer, John Ventrous and Thomas Brooks were chosen by the town a committee for the school on the west side of the river Novem- ber 8, 1708. The town decided to procure a "sufficient school master to be employed 10 months in the year from the middle of Febru- ary." The master was obliged to teach all the children sent by their parents to the school both reading and writing. On the Ioth of the following March the town voted to employ William Scovil as school master "according to that plan." The school was first accommodat- ed in a private house. The question of building a school was agitated in 1709, and a vote to build one near the house of Capt. Samuel Clark was passed that year. William Scovil left two

children : William, born June 13, 1706; and John, born June 20, 1712.

William Scovil (2), son of William (I), settled at Candlewood Hill, among the first settlers there, about 1734, coming from the lower part of Haddam, where he was a large landowner. His old home is still standing, and is occupied by Mrs. Phebe Scovil Bonfoey, a great-grandchild. William Scovil married, April 4, 1734, Hannah who was born August 17, 1715; they were both mem- bers of the Church of Christ in Haddam, Rev. Eleazer May, pastor. Their children were: (I) Samuel, born February 21, 1735, died June 2, 1808. (2) Martha, born September 26, 1736, died February 8, 1765. (3) Hannah was born April 17, 1739. (4) Sarah, born April 10, 1741, died September 14, 1744. (5) William (3), born October 25, 1744, died in 1806. (6) Sarah born August 2, 1746, died February 14, 1807. (7) Catherine was born January 16, 1748. (8) John was born October 18, 1749. (9) Thomas, born July 14, 1750, died in Au- gust, 1752. (10) Thomas (2), born in Janu- ary, 1754, died in 1755. (II) Dorothy was born July 14, 1755. (12) Joseph, born March 31, 1757, died March 1, 1839. (13) Timothy, born November 2, 1759, died March 29. 1777. The father died November 27, 1788, the mother on August 23, 1802.

The Scovil family of Waterbury and Had- dam was well represented in the war of the Revolution. Corporal John Scoville, of Water- bury, enlisted April 11, 1777, and served three years in Col. Watson's Regiment. He was honorably discharged April 1I, 1780. He also served one month in 1781. John Scovil, of Haddam, was also in the war. Samuel Sco- ville, of Haddam, was a sergeant in the Con- tinental army. Lemuel and Nathan Scoville, brothers, of Haddam, served in the war. Lieut. Elisha Brainerd, also a Revolutionary soldier, married Ann Scovil; both were from Haddam. Marcus Cole, who married Phebe Scoville. served in the French and Indian wars, and was minute-man at Lexington, April 19, 1775. He became an ensign and lieutenant in the Continental army. He died February 7, ISII, aged seventy-seven. His wife. Phebe, died October 3, 1823. aged ciglity-seven, Charles J. Cole, deceased, an attorney of Hartford, was their grandson.

Ensign Joseph Scovil. the Revolutionary soldier, and the grandfather of our subject,

COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

was born March 31, 1757, and died March I, 1839, aged eighty-two. He was baptized in April, 1757, by Rev. Eleazer May. He was married to Sarah Spencer, daughter of Daniel and Elizabeth Clark Spencer. The children of this patriot soldier and his wife Sarah were: Daniel, born in 1782, died in 1814, aged thirty- two. Fannie, born in 1784, died in 1805, aged twenty-one. Sylvester, born February 8, 1786,' died April 26, 1850, aged sixty-four. Heze- kiah was our subject's father. Joseph Scovil and his wife were members of the Congrega- tional Church and Society of Haddam. His remains lie in the Higganum cemetery. He was a man of much energy and great force of character. He served his town in a civil capac- ity, and in 1782 had charge of the collection of arrearages of taxes. He was a representative from 1817 to 1823.

Hezekiah Scovil, son of Joseph, was born January 29, 1788, and died October 9, 1849. He had during his life time a wide and varied experience in iron and steel working, becoming one of the most skillful mechanics in the coun- ty. He learned the trade of blacksmith, having been apprenticed at the age of fourteen to his uncle, David Spencer, of Ponsett, who was a direct descendant of Gerrard Spencer. The house of David Spencer in which Hezekiah lived, is still standing. He remained with his uncle until he was twenty-one, when he began business for himself at Candlewood Hill, in Haddam, meeting the wants of the community around him. which included the making of hoes, hammers, chains, caulking irons, and all other such articles needed, for miles around, and nearly everything used for agricultural purposes came from his skillful hands. He hauled his iron from Salisbury, the journey tak- ing two days each way. Later he became ac- quainted with Eli Whitney, who came to see him at his home, and spent one night with Mr. Scovil. Mr. Whitney was a very tall man, and the following morning Mr. Sco- vil inquired of his guest how he had rested. Hesitating some little, Mr. Whitney answered the question of his host by saying: "Well, pretty well if the bed had been longer." As the result of this visit Mr. Scovil turned his skill to the making of gun-barrels by hand, power being substituted later on. He went to New Haven, engaged in this work, and then returned to Candlewood Hill, where he made the gun barrels for Mr. Whitney, who sent

his goods to the various United States arsenals. In the course of years he forged every kind of gun-barrel used by the Government.

Politically Mr. Scovil was a Whig, but he was not in favor of the United States Bank, and, holding Gen. Jackson's views on this sub- ject, he left his party and ever afterward affil- iated with the Democrats. He was a public- spirited man, worked for the welfare of his town, was a member of the Legislature in 1845 and 1847, and like his revered father was possessed of much energy, and had many friends. The best legacy he left to his children was the record of his faithful, progressive and industrious life, and his high sense of honor.

Hezekiah Scovil was married, June 18, 18II, Rev. Dudley Field officiating, to Hannah Burr, daughter of Capt. Jonathan Burr, a lin- eal descendant of Benjamin Burr, the first American ancestor, who is believed to have come over with Gov. Winthrop, and settled in Hartford. The following children were born to this union: (1) Fannie, born October 14, 1812, died May 25, 1854. She married John Porter, of Hebron, who was a descendant of John Porter, of Windsor, Conn. (2) Whitney, born December 26, 1813, died December 23, 1837. On January 18, 1837, he married Eliza- beth Tyler, daughter of Capt. Selden Tyler, of Haddam. (3) Daniel, born November 23, 1815, died July 8, 1881. On June 6, 1849, he mar- ried Tamson E. Gladwin, who died in June, 1859. For his second wife he married Esther J. Adams, who died January 15, 1896, aged sev- enty-one. (4) Elizabeth, born November 16, 1817, died January 16, 1840. (5) Hezekiah, Jr., is the immediate subject of this review. (6) Hannah, born May 15, 1822, married Christopher Tyler, November 5, 1846. She died May 10, 1859. (7) Cynthia, born March 7, 1824, died April 21, 1832. (8) Joseph, born January 26, 1826, died June 7, 1830. (9) Josephine, born June 10, 1829, died January 8, 1878. (10) Laura Louisa, born October 3, 1835, died October 1, 1838.

Hezekiah Scovil, Jr., was born February 13, 1820, and was baptized June 18, 1820. He attended the district schools until his tenth year, when he was sent to Middletown, where he was instructed by Peter Coan, in his private school. Mr. Coan was the brother of Rev. Titus Coan, the missionary to the Sandwich Islands. Remaining one year in Middletown, Mr. Scovil became a pupil of the Foster private

COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

school, on "Mt. Parnassus," of East Haddam. From that school he returned to Middletown, and took a course in bookkeeping and kindred lines, later going to Westfield (Mass.) Acad- emy, and after six months' study there attended the Bacon Academy, at Colchester, Conn. He subsequently went to New Haven for further study in bookkeeping, also taking up the study of French. In the intervals of these periods of study Mr. Scovil assisted his father during the summers in the shop, where he and his brother Daniel acquired a practical knowledge of the father's business, including the making of hoes, and both sons were in this way thor- oughly educated in mechanics, the practical re- sult of this training being shown later in life. At the age of twenty our subject was a good mechanic, ready to do business for himself, but he remained with his father until he was twenty-two, when, his health becoming in a measure impaired, he removed to Middletown in 1842, and became the teller in the Middle- sex County Bank, remaining there two years. Meanwhile, his brother, Daniel, was traveling through the South, residing with the planters, and while there it was suggested to him that a good planter's hoe was much needed. Re- turning North, Daniel induced his brother Hezekiah to leave Middletown and return to Haddam, and join him in an attempt to make better hoes than the planters were then using. which were all imported from Europe. At this time all the Government gun-barrels were made of iron alone. Later steel was used, and that change necessitated the use of different ma- chinery, and the father discontinuing the man- ufacture of gun-barrels, and having no further use for the forging shops, decided to hand them over to his sons, Daniel and Hezekiah, so that they might engage in the manufacture of plant- er's hoes. This ( 1844) was the beginning of the well known firm of D. & H. Scovil. They were the first to manufacture the cotton plant- er's hoe by power other than hand labor, in this country, and the first to apply to the hoe the name by which it is universally known, the "Planter's hoe." In all these years, with the exception of the period in the Civil war, when it was entirely employed in making ramrods for the United States Government, the firm has manufactured these hoes. The industry is con- lucted in four groups of mill buildings, lo- cated on the banks of Candlewood Hill brook, i tributary to the Higganum river. Mill No.

I was built by the firm in 1849, they having previous to that date occupied the manufactur- ing premises of their father; and it was en- larged to its present proportions in 1855. No. 2 was started in 1859, and enlarged the year following. No. 3, which includes the offices, was built in 1867. No. 4, built in 1880, was greatly enlarged from time to time, until 1887, when a fine brick building, with boiler and en- gine house, was added thereto. To all of these mills power is furnished by the water of Can- dlewood Hill brook, and Mill No. 4 is also equipped with a 100-horsepower steam engine.

For many years the management of this industry has devolved on Hezekiah Scovil, and since the death of his brother he has been the sole proprietor. Thoroughness is charac- teristic of him, and in the hoe business, as in everything he undertakes, it is markedly ap- parent. Quality has ever been his aim, and as a result his business well illustrates the value of a deservedly good reputation. The Scovil hoe is made specially for use in cotton-growing States, and time has proved that it has no equal for the purposes intended, a fact which is tes- tified to wherever it is used, for it has been confirmed and declared to be the best hoe in the world. So widely is it known, and so thor- oughly is its reputation established, that, fig- uratively speaking, it sells itself. Orders come to the office at Higganum, no soliciting is necessary, and the name "Scovil's Planter's hoe" is a recognized guarantee of quality wherever it is sold.

Politically Mr. Scovil is a Democrat, and represented the town in the Legislature in the sessions of 1857, 1861 and 1869. In the ses- sion of 1861 he was a member of the commit- tees on Schools and Agriculture, and of the famous Military committee, which included the well known and able Gov. Buckingham, Col. Wooster, of Derby, Col. Henry C. Deming. mayor of Hartford, Conn., Judge Elisha Car- penter, of Pomfret, Gen. Elihu Gear, of Lyme. Gen. Pease, of Somers, and Senator Briscoe, of Enfield, who was chairman. In the session of 1869 Mr. Scovil was associated with the late James C. Walkley, and they were both selected and elected by their townsmen to labor for the interests of the Valley railroad, which they did to the entire satisfaction of their constituency.

On December 12. 1860, Mr. Scovil was married to Caroline A., a daughter of Ben- nanuel Bonfoey, of Haddam. To this union

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COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

came: Whitney Daniel, born September 30, 1861, who died September 28, 1867. Mr. and Mrs. Scovil are both members of the Congre- gational Society at Higganum, and Mrs. Sco- vil is a member of the church, to which they both liberally contribute, doing everything in their power to promote its work and good fel- lowship. In 1875 Mr. Scovil erected a resi- dence in one of the more elevated parts of the town, a large and handsome brick structure, commanding extensive views on all sides, and surrounded by pleasing, well-kept grounds, which are adorned by ornamental trees, shrubs, etc. The green old age of Mr. Scovil has been lengthened far beyond the scriptural allotment to man, but although he is in his eighty-third year he still possesses remarkable energy of mind, though his bodily vigor and strength are greatly lessened. Mr. Scovil fills the full out- line of that sentiment happily expressed by one of England's noble bards, "An honest man's the noblest work of God."

CLARENCE EVERETT BACON. Con- spicuous on the roll of the representative law- yers of Middlesex county appears the name of Clarence Everett Bacon, who likewise is a member of the family which has long been iden- tified with the annals of Connecticut. He is of the eighth generation resident in Middle- town, Middlesex county, of which his agnatic ancestor in the direct line was one of the orig- inal proprietors.

In no profession is there a career more open to talent than in that of the law, and in no field of endeavor is there demanded a more careful preparation, a more perfect appreciation of the absolute ethics of life, or of the underlying principles which form the basis of all human rights and privileges. Unflagging application, intuitive judgment, and a determination to fully utilize the means at hand, are the concomitants which insure personal success and prestige in this great profession, which stands as the stern conservator of justice; and it is one into which no one should enter without a recognition of the obstacles to be overcome and the battles to be won, for success does not perch on the falchion of every person who enters the com- petitive fray, but comes only as the direct and legitimate result of capacity, determinate effort and unmistakable ability. Possessing all the essential qualifications of the able lawyer, Mr. Bacon, though yet a young man, has attained a

commanding position at the Bar of Middlesex county, and has gained public recognition of a notable order, while he remains entirely unas- suming in his intercourse with his fellow men, and yet has the highest regard for the dignity of his profession.

Mr. Bacon is in the ninth generation in line of direct descent from William Bacon, of Stretton parish, Rutlandshire, England, and in the eighth generation from Nathaniel, son of William, and the original ancestor of the fam- ily in Middletown, the line leading to the im- mediate subject of this sketch being given briefly as follows: William Bacon, 1608, of Stretton parish, 'Rutlandshire, England; Na- thaniel, 1630-1705, one of the first settlers of Middletown, Conn., in 1650; Elder John, 1662-1698; Lieut. John, 1695-1781; Joseph, 1728-1785; Capt. John, 1776-1839; Capt. Horace. 1794-1840; Capt. Henry C., 1816- 1861 ; Clarence E., 1856.

Capt. Horace Bacon, grandfather of Clar- ence E., was born in the old family home, in North Main street, Middletown, about the year 1794, the eldest child of Capt. John Bacon and his first wife Olive (Ward), who had six children, of whom only three lived to attain years of maturity, Horace, Leverett and Olive. Leverett married and died in Hartford; Olive married Seth Turner, and removed to Ashta- bula, Ohio, where her death occurred.

Capt. Horace Bacon maintained his home in Middletown, living in Cherry street, between Ferry and Washington streets. He was well known in maritime circles as a mariner and navigator, having been for a number of years a captain of a coasting vessel. He reared a good family, and was a man of ability and in- flexible integrity. In politics the Captain gave his support to the Democratic party. He died November 10, 1840, and his remains repose in Indian Hill cemetery. Capt. Bacon was mar- ried, about the year 1815, to Miss Delia John- son, whose death occurred February 29, 1880, when she was aged eighty-eight years, and she, too, was interred in Indian Hill cemetery. Of the four children born to this union we incor- porate a brief record, as follows: (1) Henry C. is the father of Clarence E., and will be duly mentioned in later paragraphs. (2) James D., who is president of a manufacturing company in Boston, married Augusta Bristol, of New Haven, and they became the parents of two children, Roger and Maud. (3) Mary

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COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

C., born May II, 1821, was first married to Henry Smith, and of this union two children were born -- Helen M.' who died November 19, 1879, and Eugenia B., who married George Parker, of Thomaston, Conn. After the death of her first husband Mrs. Smith became the wife of William R. Galpin, who was born Oc- tober 10, 1814, and they became the parents of one son, William S., who died in March, 1899. Mr. Galpin's death occurred November 20, 1891, his wife having been summoned into eternal rest July 15, 1889 ; both are interred in Indian Hill cemetery. (4) Frederick Stanley, the fourth child of Capt. Horace Bacon, was graduated at Tuft's College, and became a clergyman of the Universalist Church. He never married, and his death occurred in Bos- ton, December 14, 1873, when he was forty- two years and six months old ; his remains were brought to Middletown for interment in the old cemetery where lie the mortal remains of so many members of the family.

Capt. Henry C. Bacon, the father of the immediate subject of this review, was born Au- gust 1, 1816, in Middletown, and there his death occurred March 9, 1861. In his boy- hood he attended the schools of the town, and early manifested a signally alert and receptive mentality, individually taking up the study of the sciences of trigonometry and navigation, in which, as in many other branches of knowl- edge, he thoroughly schooled himself by his own efforts. Like his father, he became iden- tified with the coasting trade, and for many years he commanded a vessel plying between Middletown and New York City, the boat, un- der his supervision, holding for a long time the record of rapid voyages between the two points mentioned. He carried much of the valuable freight between Connecticut and New York points, attaining a high reputation in his chos- en vocation, and was a particularly skillful navigator and competent vessel master, ever commanding the unequivocal confidence and esteem of those with whom he came in con- tact. Though he was a strict disciplinarian, he had the sterling attributes of character which caused him to ever retain a strong hold upon he regard and good-will of those who served inder him, and no more trustworthy man ever commanded a vessel along the Atlantic sea- board. He finally abandoned a seafaring life 11dl engaged in merchandising in Middletown, where he devoted his attention to the ship

chandlery and coal business, while his interest in all that pertained to the welfare and material progress of his native town was insistent and of unmistakable value.

The Captain was a man of indomitable energy and clear mental grasp, and the char- acteristics dominant in his nature may be in- ferred when we revert to the fact that while a mere youth he purchased his time of his father, and that he was master of a vessel when less than twenty years of age. After retiring from the sea Capt. Bacon's sphere of effort was not confined within the limitations of the business mentioned, for his public spirit and enterprise led him to be ever zealously pro- moting some object for the advancement of the interests of his native town. Thus it may be mentioned that he purchased the ruins of what was known as the "Power building," on the northwest corner of Church and Hamlin streets, and offered inducements for manufac- turers to make use of the structure, which he rebuilt. He was one of the founders of the Ketcham Mowing Machine Company, and built a great portion of the building now occupied by the Goodyear Rubber Company, and he was just entering upon the most vital portion of his business career when he met his death, has- tened by an accident which he suffered in fall- ing down a hatchway. He passed away March 9, 1861, when less than forty-five years of age. and in his demise Middletown lost one of its most honored and valuable citizens, and one whose loyalty liad been as pronounced as his integrity, which was ever inflexible, and which touched every relation of his life. With him friendship was inviolable, and he was never known to make the slightest compromise for the sake of personal policy. That a man of so marked individuality should have been one of strong convictions was a foregone conclusion, but lie was never intolerant in his judgment. and was ever ready to perform a kindly act, or to help those in affliction. He was a man of marked executive ability. He had accumu- lated a competency ere his death, and there can be no reason to doubt that had his life been spared it would have been prolific in counection with affairs of wide scope and importance, and stich as would have redonnded to the benefit of his town and his State. In his political pro- clivities he was a stanch Republican, from the time that party was organized, having pre- vionsly given his allegiance to the Whig party

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Commemorative biographical record of Middlesex County, Connecticut : containing biographical sketches of prominent and representative citizens, and of many of the early settled families, Part 12

Author: Beers (J.H.) & Co., Chicago, pub Publication date: 1903 Publisher: Chicago : Beers Number of Pages: 1502

Author: Beers (J.H.) & Co., Chicago, pub
Publication date: 1903
Publisher: Chicago : Beers
Number of Pages: 1502