Commemorative biographical record of Middlesex County, Connecticut : containing biographical sketches of prominent and representative citizens, and of many of the early settled families, Part 13

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 13

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COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

of the Old Line. He served efficiently as first selectman of Middletown, but was never an aspirant for public preferment. In his youth he identified himself with the Baptist Church, in whose spiritual work and collateral benevo- lences he maintained a deep and abiding inter- est, liberally contributing to the cause.

On January 2, 1839, Henry C. Bacon was united in marriage with Miss Emily Bishop Galpin, who was born January 7, 1819, in Ber- lin, Conn., daughter of Capt. Joseph (Jr.) and Cecilia (Bishop) Galpin, the former of whom received his title from having served as captain in the State militia, he having been in active duty during the war of 1812, at New London. He died December 2, 1820, at the age of forty- one years, and his wife, Cecilia, survived him many years, passing away December 23. 1865, aged seventy-three ; both were laid to rest in In- dian Hill cemetery, which has been so frequent- ly manhood. Capt. Galpin was a son of Col. Joseph Galpin, who served under Washington during the war of the Revolution, and who was a prominent and distinguished man of Berlin, Conn. Of the children born to Henry C. and Emily B. (Galpin) Bacon, five died in early youth, namely : Norman Henry, Emma Jane, Emily Augusta, Henry and William Galpin. Henry .C., Jr.,, was drowned in Little river June 6, 1863, when twelve years and seven months old. Edwin Vincent likewise died young, and Clarence Everett, the subject of this reveiw, is the only one of the children now sur- viving. His mother, who still resides with him, is now of venerable age, but is exception- ally well preserved in both physical and mental faculties ; she has ever received from her son the deepest filial solicitude. She has been a devout member of the Baptist Church from her youth up, and is still a faithful attendant of the services, retaining the love and esteem of the community where so many years of her life have been passed.

Clarence E. Bacon received his preliminary educational discipline in the public schools of Middletown, where he was born November I'I, 1856. He was graduated from the local high school in the class of 1873, and soon af- terward, in 1874, matriculated at Wesleyan University, where he was a member of the class of 1878. While in college he devoted considerable time to music and elocution, was bass singer on the College Quartette, and dur- ing his course took two prizes in elocution,

and was one of the Commencement orators at graduation. Fond of athletics, he held the position of pitcher on both class and 'Varsity base-ball teams during the entire four years. He was elected a member of the Xi Chapter of Psi Upsilon Fraternity, also of C. & C., a junior class society, and of Skull and Ser- pent, a Senior class society. After gradua- tion he took a short course in vocal culture att Boston, Mass. For twelve years Mr. Bacon was solo basso in the choir of Holy Trinity Church and was heard as a soloist in many concerts.

Mr. Bacon began his work of technical preparation for the law in 1878, reading under the preceptorship of Judge Silas A. Robinson, of Middletown, and was admitted to the Bar of the State in 1882. During 1881- 1882 he was clerk of the Probate Court for the District of Middletown, and from 1884 tc 1896 he was Corporation Counsel for his native city, while since 1883 he has been at member of the directorate for the Connecti- cut Industrial School for Girls, and for severa years has served as secretary and treasurer for the board. Since 1888 he has been a director of the Central National Bank, of Mid dletown, and he is also a trustee and di rector of the Farmers & Mechanics Saving: Bank, and of the Middlesex Mutual Assurance Company, at Middletown. In 1897 he wa. appointed counsel for the New York, Nev Haven & Hartford Railroad Company, i Middlesex county, and he has since held thi preferment. Mr. Bacon was a member of th first State Examining Committee for admis sion to the Bar, having been appointed to th office by the Judges of the Superior Court i 1890, and being still a member of the board He is a member of two of the Greek lette college fraternities, the Psi Upsilon and th Phi Beta Kappa, to the latter of which 1. had the honor of being elected on the sco1 of effective post graduate work which he ha done. In 1895 Mr. Bacon made a tot abroad, visiting the British Isles, and Ge many.

Since 1889 Mr. Bacon has been a member of the vestry of Holy Trinity Church, Protes ant Episcopal, of which both he and his wi are communicants. While in no sense a po tician, Mr. Bacon gives his allegiance to tlj Republican party. The various positio which he has held or is now holding shc

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COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

mast conclusively the estimate placed upon him in professional, business and social circles. The records of the courts attest the fact that he has been remarkably successful in winning cases for his clients. He has at- tained a high reputation in his profession, in which he does not touch criminal law, and is known as a man of scholarly attainments, broad culture and thorough legal learning, and controls a practice of a distinctively rep- resentative character, while his gracious per- sonality has gained for him a popularity which is worthy the name. Like his father, he is thoroughly public-spirited in his attitude, and is one of the loyal upholders of the interests of his native town.

On March 28, 1883, Mr. Bacon was united in marriage, at Hartford, Conn., with Miss Katharine Sedgwick Whiting, who was born in Hartford, only child of Gurdon Saltonstall and Catherine (Sedgwick) Whiting, repre- sentatives of distinguished old families of New England. Mrs. Bacon is a descendant of Major Gen. Robert Sedgwick, who fought under Cromwell. Major Gen. John Sedgwick, who fell in the war of the Rebellion, was a rel- ative on the maternal side. Mrs. Bacon is also a descendant of John Haynes, the first gov- ernor and of William Whiting, the first treas- urer of Hartford Colony, Gov. William Brad- ford, of Plymouth Colony, and Gov. Guddon Saltonstall of Conecticut. Mrs. Bacon is one of the influential members of the Daughters of the American Revolution in Connecticut, and at present is secretary of the State organiza- tion.

Mr. and Mrs. Bacon are the parents of three children, namely: Katharine Whiting. born May 26, 1884; Roger Whiting, born Oc- tober 5, 1888; and Clarence E. Jr., born Au- gust 18, 1890.

HON. ABNER ROBERT'S was one of the oldest and most respected citizens of the town of Middletown, Middlesex county. Hc was born August 12, 1811, in South Farm, where he resided at the time of his death, and descended from a very old Connecticut family of considerable note.

Henchman Roberts, grandfather of Abner, was a farmer, and lived near the late home of our subject. He had born to him five children, viz .. : Henchman, father of Abner : William, a farmer, who married Sally Bailey; Norris, a

blacksmith, who married Martha Collins; Per- cy, who married Israel Driggs; and Wickham. Henchman Roberts met an accidental death, breaking his neck in a fall in his barn.

Henchman Roberts (2) was a farmer all his life. He was a member of the old militia. On May 26, 1796, he married Mary Johnson, of Johnson Lane, and they had a family of ten children, namely: Nancy, born March 30, 1797, married Rufus Bailey, a joiner in Mid- dletown; Henchman, born December 7, 1798, died Alugust 7, 1800; Percy, born April II, 1801, married Alpheus Dickinson October 10, 1824, and moved to Randolph, Portage county, Ohio, where she died April 1, 1826. (Mr. Dickinson was a farmer; he was married six times) ; Henchman, was born February 5. 1803, was extensively engaged in farming in Durham, where he married Mary Nettleton, and where he died July 4, 1872; Diana, born January 26, 1805, died June 26, 1807; Diana (2), born May 31, 1807, died December 31st, of the same year; Comfort, born October 28, 1808, died in Middletown November 21, 1827, unmarried; Abner is mentioned below ; Alvin, born August 28, 1813, a farmer and joiner, married Charlotte Arnold in January, 1843, and died in South Farm; Lucretia, born Feb- ritary 12, 1816, was married to Charles Cooper January 14, 1852, and died January 4, 1853. ( Mr. Cooper, who was a seafaring man, is liv- ing in Middletown at an advanced age). Henchman Roberts (2) was a regular church- goer. H'e died May 10, 1838, at the age of sixty-eight years, his widow surviving until February 17, 1850.

Abner Roberts was born near the place where he made his home, and received a dis- trict-school education in the old brick school house that stood opposite the late home of Benjamin Douglass, the pupils being taught by a Mr. Bartlett, of New Haven. When about eighteen years old Abner came to Mid- dletown, lived with William Roberts, a cousin, and paid for his board by doing chores. In summer he worked on his father's farm un- til he was twenty-five years old when he was presented with a half acre of land, on which he erected his late dwelling, which in its day was considered a very good one. He cared for his father until the close of the lat- ter's life, after which the mother was cared for by her daughter Lucretia. It was not un- til his father's death that Abner Roberts moved

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COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

to his late home. He went in debt for the house, diligently farmed his half-acre, and did farm work and odd jobs in the vicinity, re- ceiving sontetimes less than a dollar per day, but his wife aided him, and together they saved all they could. Mr. Roberts also worked on the hospital building, hauling stone and other material. By industry and economy he was enabled to add to his farm from time to time, and he came to own fifty-four acres, on which he made all the improvements. He car- ried on general farming and raised tobacco for years, and was an active worker until June, 1890, from which time until his death in 1901, he was confined to the house.

Abner Roberts was united in marriage, De- cember 6, 1838, with Miss Mary S. Hubbard, who was born March 21, 1813, at Farm Hill, daughter of Asa and Sally ( Sears) Hubbard. Three children came to this union, viz. : Fran- cis Eugene. born October 16, 1843, married Emma, widow of his brother, Charles E. ; Charles Edgar, born May 20, 1846, married Emma Van Sands, was a dealer in meats in South Farm, and died March 14, 1889: Mary Emma, born September 21, 1852, is the wife of Charles Frisbee, of Cromwell, sketch of whom appears elsewhere.

Mr. Roberts was a lifelong Democrat, and prominent in his party. His first Presidential vote was cast for James K. Polk and George M. Dallas ( 1844). He served on the board of selectmen two years ; in 1872 represented his town in the State Legislature, his colleague being Benjamin W. Douglass, a very intimate friend and lifelong acquaintance; and was for several years a justice of the peace. Mr. and Mrs. Roberts were members of the Methodist Church for over forty years, and for a long time he was a class-leader at South Farm.

Mr. Roberts stood among the most hon- ored residents of Middletown, and made a suc- cess of life, which success may be attributed to a considerable extent to the assistance of his hard-working and economical wife, who for a number of years before his death, when he was almost helpless and confined to his house, was unremitting in her attention and care.

HON. ELIHU SPENCER, whose death produced a profound impression in the com- munity, had won by his gifted mind and un- blemished character, an enviable distinction

among his fellow citizens. To those who knew him intimately his early departure had a touch- ing and impressive significance. He was born in Warren, Trumbull Co., Ohio, February 26, 1820. His father, Elihu Spencer, Esq. was a son of the Hon. Isaac Spencer, for many years treasurer of the State of Connecticut; and grandson of Gen. Joseph Spencer, of East Had- dam, who was a distinguished officer in the Revolutionary army.

Elihu Spencer, Esq., was a lawyer by pro- fession, and a man of strong mind and spotless integrity. He died of pulmonary disease at Warren, a few months before the birth of his only son, the subject of this article. The lat- ter was thus in one sense an orphan from his birth ; but although never enjoying the aid and counsel of a father, he was by no means an or- phan in that desolate sense in which we so often use that term to designate children who are bereft of all those delightful and blessed ex- periences which spring from parental love, pro- tection and nurture. It was his good fortune to enjoy almost uninterruptedly through life, the society of his mother, who, in her maiden- hood, was Sarah Sage, daughter of Abner and Ruth (Ellsworth) Sage. Abner Sage was one of the prominent men, of Portland ( then Chath- am) in his day.

. Of Sarah (Sage) Spencer, nothing but praise can be said. She possessed superior en- dowments and rare excellencies of character, and by her unwearied assiduity, and her scrupu- lous care for his education, both moral and in- tellectual, she contributed powerfully to unfold and develop that character in her son which won respect wherever he was known. Soon after the birth of her son, Mrs. Spencer re- turned to Connecticut, her native State, and after a few years, settled in Middletown, where, for the greater part of their lives, they resided. He entered Wesleyan University when he was but fourteen years of age, and graduated in 1838, after completing the usual course of study, with the reputation of a good scholar, and with the dawn of a brilliant future appar- ently opening upon him. He afterward spent one year in Rochester, N. Y., reading law in the office of Orlando Hastings, Esq., at the same time residing with the family of Judge Selden. He subsequently entered the office of Judge Storrs; and after completing the usual course of legal studies, was ad- mitted to the Bar of Middlesex county when

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COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

he was twenty-one years of age. He soon ac- quired a high reputation as a lawyer and was retained in important causes, and became one of the eminent men in his profession. For several years he held the office of Clerk of the Courts for Middlesex county, which he dis- charged to the entire satisfaction of the Court, the Bar and the public. This pos tion brought him into intimate relations with the judges of all the courts, and in a very remarkable degree he enjoyed their confidence as a lawyer and as a man .. He served as town clerk, and judge of Probate, and several times represented Middle- town in the State Legislature, filling these places with great usefulness and distinction, discharging their duties with that thoroughness and scrupulousness which distinguished all his labors. In 1855 he was a prominent member of the House, where he used his influence in favor the new Judiciary Bill, and would undoubtedly have been appointed one of the Superior Court judges provided for in the bill had not his already failing health warned him that the severe duties and sedentary habits, incident to a seat on the Bench, would accelerate his decline. Mr. Spencer's brilliant legal attainments gave him such a position at this session as required untiring labor, which exhausted his strength in investigation and debate. It was while thus en- gaged that an insidious disease, which had long I been tampering with his constitution, struck the fatal blow and marked him for the grave. Had he been permitted to live he would doubtless have enjoyed positions of eminence in the State.

In his early life Mr. Spencer was an ad- herent to Democratic principles, but he sep- arated from the Democratic party, and was chosen Presidential elector in 1856 on the Fre- mont ticket : he was nominated in 1857 by that party for the office of lieutenant-governor, but declined. For the last two or three years pre- ceding his death he withdrew from practice, and spent the remainder of his days in compara- tive seclusion, solacing his hours in the society of his gifted mother and in the companionship of books, of which he was an extensive and discriminating reader. His final departure, although it was long expected, fell with the weight of a sudden calamity on his friends and on the community in which he lived.

Mr. Spencer was an ardent and consistent friend of temperance, but chose to enforce his principles by a quiet and uniform example rather than by vehement assertion. Although

never formally connected with any denomina- tive church order, his life afforded a brilliant example of that true charity and benevolence which are peculiar to the Christian character. Possessed of high intellectual qualities, exten- sive information, superior social excellencies and a heart pure and- generous, he was beloved by all denominations of Christians, for all were embraced in the abundant charity and kindness of his own heart. That he was gifted with extraordinary powers no one who knew him well could doubt. His mind was acute, critical and vigorous, pursuing whatever subject he took up, with a clear vision and steady step, to the very limit of investigation. He was com- paratively destitute of imagination, and conse- quently never gave color and splendor to his diction. He rarely indulged in figurative ex- pression, and never sought to captivate the fancy, and thus carry the judgment of a jury by specious analogies or brilliant illustrations, but his fluent thought flamed forth in lucid and copious language. His manner was courteous and unpretending, as his argument was severe and logical. His good taste always preserved the purity of his style, and his gentle heart would have shrunk from the least display of violence. He cherished an honorable ambi- tion for that distinction in the profession of which he was a member which is founded upon solid merit, and had his physical constitution been as robust as his mind he would soon have been regarded as one of its brightest orna- ments. His culture was not confined to the law, but he was familiar with the best depart- irents of literature, always delighting in those works which belong to a high range of thought. He carried into his literary and philosophical reading the same clear and ex- acting judgment which guided him in his legal investigations, and that judgment was never confused by poetical conceits, nor bewildered by eloquent declamation. His power to ab- stract ideas was very great, sometimes leading him to insist. too rigidly, on their practical application, while the very abundance of his n ental resources, by which he was able to for- tify his own ideas, together with his capacity for philosophical speculation, too often led him to underrate the value and force of great authorities. Principle was more cogent than precedent, and he was occasionally impatient to break up and relay foundations, and adapt then to the support of superstructures which

COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

his reason could more fully approve. He never worshiped at the fallen shrine of an- tiquity, nor indulged in poetical reveries among moss-covered stones, or "ivy-mantled ruins." With him Time could never make error venerable, nor consecrate a wrong. But his moral character surpassed, in beauty and symmetry, his intellect. He was kind-hearted, gentle and affectionate, always careful not to wound the sensibilities of any one. To his seniors at the Bar he was respectful, and to his juniors he was courteous, ever ready to aid them by his enlightened council. Just to others, he rarely failed to acknowledge merit wherever it existed. No jealous feeling ever darkened his countenance, or shot a pang through his heart. Owing to his feeble health, he never had the opportunity of displaying his abilities on an extended and conspicuous stage, yet he did not repine, but diligently employed his talents within the narrow com- pass allowed by his physical strength, and the thoroughness and finish of all his produc- tions attest his scrupulous fidelity, and the just sense he entertained of the dignity and responsibility of his profession. Though without the ostentatious generosity which often secures ephemeral applause, he was equally destitute of that intense selfishness which, like a cankerworm, consumes the bloom and verdure of life. Upon all subjects Elihu Spencer entertained very decided opinions, but never intruded his views upon others. Frank, independent and unequivocal in the expression of what he thought just and true, he was never dogmatical, over-confident, or intolerant of the opinions of others. He was upright and honorable in his professional conduct, ever ad- dressing the reason and understanding of the court and jury, and, disdaining to appeal to personal or party prejudices, he rested his causes upon their own independent merits. He was singularly modest and unobtrusive, never crowding hintself on the notice of others, nor securing position by art and management.

Like all who occupy a tenement of flesh, Mr. Spencer had imperfections. These he ac- knowledged with the deepest humility, and constantly strove to improve his character. He was cut off in the prime of life and in the midst of his usefulness. He struggled against the stern but certain prog- ress of his malady, the termination of which

was accompanied with much suffering. His wish, however, was justified in having his consciousness continue to the last, when, with an expression of resignation, his spirit quietly passed away. His business transactions were carefully arranged, and he spoke freely of his approaching dissolution, begging those around him not to encourage an expectation of his recovery. For every attention he was consider- ate and grateful. Of his cousin, Miss Emily A. Selden, who from infancy had been as a sister, and was a constant and devoted nurse with his mother, he said that she was to him like an angel of mercy. He never married, but continued to reside with his mother, to whom he was devotedly attached. His tastes and habits were simple, and the whole conduct of his life was distinguished for its unpretend- ing dignity. His integrity was not only with- out a stain, but without suspicion. He was a pure, single-hearted, just man, and his best eulogy was to be found in the deep sense of personal bereavement felt in every heart that knew him well. The death of Elihu Spencer occurred April 11, 1858.

Mrs. Spencer survived her son until Oc- tober 8, 1863. The following poem was com- posed by her during a wakeful night in her seventy-fourth year : :

A PATRIOTIC ODE.

Come on, come on, my loyal men, Come on to meet our foes ; They've done us every kind of wrong, As all the world well knows.

Come on, come on, but not in wrath- Come on in sober might ; Our foes are men-but erring men, And we must set them right.

Come on, come on, and bravely figlit, Nor dread a soldier's grave, If it should chance to be your lot To fall among the brave.

Come on, come on, your friends will mourn, Yet proudly tell your fate ; "He died to save the honor bright Of country and of state."

Come on, come on, the time has come When we can bear no more ; The Rebel chiefs have found us loth To stain our earth with gore.

Come on, come on, we now must fight To conquer or to fly ; And who would rather do the last Than in the battle die?

COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

Come on, come on, your country needs Your utmost strength and skill; Come on and save her from reproach, And all her hopes fulfill.

MIDDLETOWN, November, 1861. S. S.

The following maxims were written by Mr. Spencer in 1846, when he was twenty-six years of age, and twelve years before his death. A short time before his demise, while looking over his papers, and while consigning many to the flames, he handed a little package to his mother, and said, "Mother, I don't quite like to destroy this ; it has cost me considerable time and thought; you may have it." On the opening of the paper, a short time after his death, these maxims were found. They had probably never before met any eye except his own :

MAXIMS OF MORALITY.

(I) INDEPENDENCE. Be your own judge. Though you relish praise, never make it the leading object. Let your self-respect be suffi- cient. You cannot please all. Without inde- pendence, you cannot be consistent. Nothing is more ridiculous than an undue fear of ridi- cule. Yet be not indifferent to reputation. Deserve it, and it will follow. Virtue will be- get gratitude, and gratitude, commendation. The good will honor goodness, and the wise wisdom. As for the wicked and foolish, be- hold what idols they worship; and seek not their adulation! Be ashamed only of what is shameful! Beware of false pride! You will not be dishonored for doing that which is hon- orable. If some sneer, others will admire. In- dependence is the nucleus of character. It gives influence. It is necessary to greatness.

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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 13

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