Commemorative biographical record of Middlesex County, Connecticut : containing biographical sketches of prominent and representative citizens, and of many of the early settled families, Part 163

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 163

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In Boston Mr. Wiseman married Mary A. McConnell, who was born near Bandon, Coun- ty Cork, Ireland, in August, 1829, fourth child and second daughter of John and Elizabeth (Wood) McConnell, and who came to this country when about eighteen years old. John McConnell was a merchant in Ireland and be- longed to a most respectable family ; he died

there and his widow came to this country. They were the parents of seven children, of whom two were boys. Elizabeth ( Wood) McConnell was a second cousin to Benjamin F. Gash, a noted divine of the Episcopal church in Ire- land, and she had other relatives who were prominent professional men and government employes.

The following children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Wiseman: Mary E., born in Kan- sas, died unmarried in Portland, when thirty- three years old; John C., a machinist in Hart- ford, is the father of five children : George T., who had graduated from the Middletown high school with honors, died at the age of nineteen, while he was a student at Wesleyan Univer- sity ; and Frances E. married Oliver Anderson, of New Haven, and is the mother of two chil- dren. Mrs. Wiseman is a member of the Episcopal Church ( with which her late hus- band was also identified), and was confirmed by Bishop Ludlow Thompson, when she was but sixteen years old. Mr. Wiseman belonged to the order of Odd Fellows, and was a stanch Republican. He, as well as his wife, came of a very superior ancestry, and always enjoyed the respect due to good breeding and right living.

DANIEL W. PRIOR, an enterprising young farmer in the Hubbard District of the town of Middletown, Middlesex county, was born at South Farms, in the same town, Feb- ruary 3, 1859, and when about twelve years old came to his present home with his parents.

Mr. Prior is of remote English ancestry, tracing his descent to the founder of the family in America, Humphrey Prior, who settled in the town of Windsor, Hartford Co., Conn., on the east bank of the "Great River," and was married November 12, 1663, to Ann Osborn, who was born January 15, 1648, and who bore him two children: John, born February 14, 1665 ; and Daniel, born December 18, 1667. Humphrey Prior died in Hartford county Sep- tember 29, 1682. Daniel Prior, the younger of the two children, was the first of the family to come to Middletown, where he married, February 9, 1693, for his first wife, Sarah Eg- gleston; for his second wife he married Mary, widow of John Lucas, March 9, 1708-09.

William Prior, grandfather of Daniel W., was born in the Bow Lane District of Middle- town, was a farmer all his life, and died when

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but little past middle age. He married Susan Harris, of Johnson Lane, who lived to be about sixty-four years old. Eight children were born to them, in the following order : Martha mar- ried Buckley Whitmore, of Maromas, and became the mother of Edward, Chauncey and Noah, of Maromas; William, who married Susan Bailey, was a farmer, and died on the old homestead; Lucy married Talcott Brooks, a farmer in the Hubbard Dis- trict, where she ended her days; Daniel H. was the father of Daniel W .; Josiah was a farmer on a large scale in the Bow Lane Dis- trict, where he died; Warren, a machinist, married Caroline Newell, and died at his home in South Farms ; Susan, who was a mute, died unmarried; Olive married Joseph Johnson, a farmer on Farm Hill, where her deathi took place.

Daniel H. Prior was born October 14, 1814. in the Bow Lane District, in a house which has since been demolished. He attended the district schools until sixteen years of age, and was then apprenticed to the blacksmith's trade at Middletown, under the father of Marvin R. Warner. now a resident of West Cromwell. A few months before the time stipulated in his indentures he purchased his liberty. He had learned the trade thoroughly, and forthwith went to Springfield, Mass. After working a short time in the Armory he was offered a bet- ter position by Richard Hoe, the famous print- ing press manufacturer in New York, by whom he was employed for about three years, dur- ing which period he was rewarded by frequent increases in salary, and was appointed a fore- man. He was the first blacksmith in the great city to weld steel. As he was obliged to work under gaslight his eyesight became impaired and he resigned.

On his return to Middletown Mr. Prior erected a shop at South Farms and carried on his trade until sixty-eight years old, when he purchased the farm now owned by his son. Daniel W., and prospered as a farmer until within a few years of his death, when failing health necessitated his retirement. He passed away March 20, 1803, and was buried in Farm Hill cemetery. He attended the Universalist Church, was a Democrat in polities, and served two years on the board of selectmen. Frater- Bally he was an Odd Fellow, and no man was more highly respected than he in the various

communities in which he had lived, and in the different relations of life.

Daniel H. Prior was first married. May 23, 1837. to Chloe Hubbard. a native of Mid- dletown, and a daughter of Simeon and Chloe ( Williams ) Hubbard. To this union came three children, viz. : Emma Jane, born March 27, 1838, was married June 25, 1873. to Sam- uel Bidwell, a farmer at South Farms, and has one child, Ernest S., born February 13. 1881. Martha S., born January 19. 1840, was mar- ried October 5, 1869. to C. C. Tryon. a black- smith at South Farms, and has four children- Charles W., born September 4. 18;0, who mar- ried Lucy Stenson ; Jennie L., born September 27. 1873, who married Louis Davis: Daniel E., born December 18. 1875: and Louis, born August 8, 1878. Chloe Almira, the youngest of the three children born to Daniel H. and Chloe Prior, was born January 29, 1842, and dicd August 20th, same year.

Mrs. Chloe ( Hubbard ) Prior died in the city of New York January 27, 1852, and for his second wife Daniel H. Prior married. April 7, 1857. Miss Joanna L. Burr, who was born April 26, 1826, in Haddam, Conn. They had one child, Daniel W., whose name opens this biographical review.

The parents of Mrs. Joanna 1. Prior were William and Sally ( Johnson ) Burr. the former of whom was born April 15, 1793, and died May 3, 1883: the latter born April 7. 1794. died November 6, 1865. They were married April 26, 1812, and became the parents of eight children, viz. ; Martin 1., born May 18. 1813. married Lucretia Kelsey, was a farmer, and died in Killingworth. David C., born Decem- ber 28, 1811. married Martha Miller, was a quarryman at Maromas, and was killed by an accident. William Il., born July 2. 1817. mai- ried Elizabeth Brainard, was a farmer and miller, and died in Haddam.

March 19. 18to, married Rebecca Wilcox, was a farmer, and also died in Haddam Silves ter, born August 3. 1822, married Betsey Burr. and was also a farmer in Haddam, where his death took place. Joanna 1. married Daniel H. Prior. Sarah R. (deceased ) was the wife of Halsey Thomas, of Middletown. born May 2, 1832. maried Jane Spencer, and died on his farm in Haddam

Daniel W. Prior was primanly educated in South Farms, and afterward attended the Mil

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COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

dletown high school, from which he graduated in 1876, his class being the largest that had, up to that time, ever been enrolled in that school. He was at once proffered promising and remunerative positions in business houses, bit declined them and returned to the home farm (he being the only son), assisting his fa- ther until the latter's death, when the place, comprising forty-five acres, came into his own possession. He also owns a large sandbank, which, for twenty-five years or more, has sup- plied sand for building purposes, which he hauls to Middletown, being the owner of several good teams.

Mr. Prior married, October 1I, 1888, Miss Alice C. Wright, a native of Clinton, Middle- sex county and a daughter of David L. and Amelia Wright; to this union no children have been born. Mrs. Prior is a member of the Methodist Church, which Mr. Prior also at- tends.

In politics Mr. Prior is one of the most ac- tive and enthusiastic Democrats in the town of Middletown. He served on the board of select- men in 1894, 1895 and 1896, has been assessor two years, and is a member of the Democratic State Central Committee. Fraternally he is a member of Apollo Lodge, No. 33, Knights of Pythias, of Middletown, and of Mattabessett Council, No. 704, Royal Arcanum. He is a very popular young man and is considered one of the most enterprising citizens of his age in Middletown town.

JOHN FRANKLIN WALKER, one of Portland's self-made, reliable and thrifty bus- iness men. conducts the leading ice and truck- ing interest of that town. He was born in Portland September 1, 1861, eldest child of Thomas and Eliza (Downey) Walker.

Thomas Walker was born in Lanca- shire, England, in December, 1830, a son of Thomas Walker, Sr., a joiner by trade. He was a man of large and majestic proportions, standing six feet and two inches in height, and weighing over two hundred pounds. When he was but a young man he left his native coun- try and came to the United States. Having a love for adventure and exploration, he trav- eled through this country quite extensively, es- pecially through the Southern States. He re- turned to England for a brief period, and then came back to the United States, locating in Portland, where he found employment in the

quarries. It was in this city that he met and inarried Eliza Downey, who was born in Coun- ty Armagh, Ireland, July 26, 1826, daughter of James and Jane ( Nesbit) Downey, the latter of Scotch birth. Mrs. Eliza (Downey) Walker came to the United States in 1851, on the Black Star Line, leaving England May 12th, and reached her destination at Little Falls, N. J., June 12th. She entered the home of William F. Beattie, the great carpet manufacturer, whom she had known in Ireland. Her parents followed in a short time and settled at Astoria, L. I., where in course of nature they died, and were buried. Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Walker settled at Portland soon after their marriage, and here he worked in the quarries for years, and was in the employment of a quarry com- pany at the time of his death, in July, 1892. Previous to this time he had been performing the duties of night watchman in the Brainerd quarries for some time. In April, 1863, he removed his family to the home where his son, John F., is now living. At that time the house was small and inconvenient, but he added to it and greatly improved it, and built a better house in front, until it was made a very com- fortable and attractive structure. He was a hard-working and industrious man, and with the aid of an excellent wife, reared a family that would do credit to any parentage. His widow is still living, and has her home on the old homestead. She is very active for her ad- vanced years, and is a highly estimable Chris- tian woman, having been a member of the Methodist Church for over fifty years. Mr. Walker was a Republican and a good citizen. To him and his wife were born five children : (I) John F. (2) William, born August 14, 1863, was killed by falling from his father's ice house when it was in process of construction, in January, 1888; he was learning the plas- terer's trade in New York, and was home on a visit. (3) Mary E., born April 8, 1865, mar- ried the Rev. Jesse Rawlins, of the Methodist church, and is the mother of five children. (4) Eliza A., born June 14, 1867, is unmarried and resides at home. (5) Thomas J., born March 29, 1870, resides on the old homestead, and is one of the steady and reliable young men of Portland.

John F. Walker had a district school educa- tion, and as the eldest child of his parents, he was early called into active life. While still a lad he was given a horse and truck, and began

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doing odd jobs and light work. His first horse he owned in partnership with his father, and when he became sole owner of a horse he felt as if a great step had been taken in the devel- opment of his fortune. He proved thoroughly reliable and trustworthy, and as he was indus- trious his rise in the world was sure, though gradual. Each year saw his condition some- what improved, and as his finances improved he added to his equipment until it is now the most extensive in his line in the town. He is a general truckman and ice dealer, and wher- ever he is known his word is accepted unques- tioningly.

In April, 1891, Mr. Walker was married to Miss Camille Brochon, who was born in Portland October 2, 1869, a daughter of George and Catherine (Cunot) Brochon. They have one child, Gladys E., born in January, 1893. Mr. Walker lived with his parents until his marriage, and after his father's death, bought the land belonging to the paternal estate, and built his comfortable home, which is kept up in the most creditable manner. He conducts an extensive business, employs from four to six men, and works six horses. His standing in the business world is excellent, and his credit at the bank good for any amount he may need. In politics he is a Republican, and he takes a keen interest in seeing that honest and upright men hold the public offices. He is a charter member of the Portland branch of the New England Order of Protection, and is also a charter member of the A. O. U. W., at Port- land. Mrs. Walker is a Methodist.

JAMES LONGWORTH, whose position among the substantial and reputable citizens of Middletown is beyond question, is the son of Samuel Longworth, who was born in Lanca- shire, England, June 4, 1810, and was left an orphan at a very carly age, the father dying when Samuel was only nine years of age, the mother a little over a year carlier. The chil- dren were scattered and Samuel went to live with an uncle. He had already begun the bat- tle of life for himself, working in a factory as helper to block printers in the making of oil cloth. His wages were small, and went to the support of the family. This uncle with whom Samuel Longworth made his home was em- ployed in the same factory, and the lad contin ned at his trade, remaining with his uncle until he had learned same. Then he started out as

a journeyman, and, traveling about, worked in different factories in England and Scotland. He made his way from factory to factory. mostly on foot, and finally, locating in Scot- land, was employed in a factory there when a cousin, John Berry, came to the United States to establish a rubber cutting department for the Russell Manufacturing Company, at Middle- town. This cousin, finding the demand for experienced workmen good. sent for Mr. Longworth, and that gentleman arrived in 1854, taking his place in the Russell factory. These two were the first workmen to put rub- ber in webbing, such as is used to-day for web- bing. The panic of 1857 threw Samuel Long- worth and many others out of work. He went to the State of New York, and found employ- ment as a block printer at Troy. When times became better he came back to Middletown. and resumed his work as a rubber cutter with the Russell Company, sending for his family in 1859. In 1862 he purchased a farm in the Johnson Lane District of Middletown. which was known as the William McGee farm. con- sisting of forty acres, and at the time of his purchase he owed for nearly its entire value. There he put up all the buildings and made very extensive improvements, and followed farming all the rest of his life. lle met with marked success and at the time of his death owned 250 acres. Mr. Longworth went into tobacco culture very extensively, and was also engaged in dairying. He died suddenly from pneumonia, March 23, 1898. and was buried in the Farm Hill cemetery. A strong Republi- can. he was no office seeker. In religious con- nection he belonged to the Congregational Church. He was a quiet and unostentatious man, very honorable and upright in all his dealings, and had the respect and esteem of the entire community.

Samuel Longworth married Mrs. Marga- ret ( Pettigrew ) Logan, who was born in Sent- land November 22. 1818. and first married William Logan, to whom she bore the follow- ing children: (1) John, born January 8. ISto, is mentioned elsewhere. (2) Margaret V., born July 25, 1841, is the wife of D. D). Chattaway. (3) Jeanette, born November 23. 1843. married Ales Ritchie, and died in Rock- ville, Conn. (1) Mes, born January 18, 1816. died February 7. 1897. William Logan diedl November 17. 1816, and the widow married Samuel Longworth They had the following

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children : James, born July 2, 1854 ; and Eliz-

abeth, born in 1855, who died at the age of seventeen. Mrs. Longworth died March 4, 1897, and is buried in Farm Hill cemetery.

James Longworth was born in Paisley, in the southern part of Scotland, near Glasgow, and came to the United States with his mother and other members of the family in 1859, liv- ing at South Farms, where he began attend- ing the district school. He studied at the John- son Lane school, and when he was older worked for his father on the home farm. When the infirmities of age overcame that gentleman, he took charge of the farm, where he has re- mained to the present time, displaying much business ability and becoming very prosperous. Mr. Longworth builds from four to six tene- ment houses yearly, and now owns about thirty houses, which he rents at good figures, all but two built by himself. He has sold others which he built. The history of Mr. Longworth fur- nishes an excellent example of what push, en- ergy and business foresight can accomplish. His success has not come without periods when to many the prospects would have been discouraging, to say the least; but with the persistency and vim so characteristic of his nationality, he overcame all obstacles, and won for himself a substantial position as a business man and a most honorable one as a citizen. Mr. Longworth was for two years engaged in brick manufacturing with Eugene Strick- land, in Cromwell, Conn., disposing of his in- terests in that industry in 1902, his extensive real estate holdings and management of his property demanding all his time. In his po- litical affiliation he is a Republican, and has been a member of the board of relief since 1894. Mr. Longworth was formerly enrolled in Central Lodge, No. 12, I. O. O. F., and is a charter member of Mattabessett Grange, in which he has filled offices.

Mr. Longworth was married December 4. 1890, to Mary A. Roberts, of Middletown, a native of Durham, Conn., born December II, 1859, daughter of Almer J. and Martha C. (Hickox) Roberts, and they have three chil- dren: Samuel A., born January 10, 1895; Muriel H., August 5, 1896; and Martha R., January 22, 1900.

MRS. CLARINE A. SKINNER, of East Hampton, is a representative of one of the hon- ored old families of Middlesex county, the

Markhams. Her paternal grandfather, John Markham, Sr., was twice married, his first wife being Asenith Smith, his second Annie (Esterbrook) Niles. By the first union there were four children, one of whom, John Mark- ham, Jr., the father of Mrs. Skinner, was born in 1792, in the Chestnut Hill District, town of Chatham, Middlesex county, and died May 31, 1874. In his native town he married Ruby Bolles, daughter of William and Abigail (Strong) Bolles. She died at the age of fifty- six years. In their family were seven children, namely: Amanda, who was married October 7, 1839, to Vine B. Starr; Louisa, widow of Thomas H. Winstandley, who lived in Ken- tucky many years, but now resides with Mrs. Skinner; Lydia Ann, wife of Anson Hyde, of Columbia, Conn .; John Smith, who married Eliza Young, and is engaged in farming in Middle Haddam, Conn .; Abigail Aurelia, who died October 18, 1854, at the age of twenty- eight years; Clarine A., Mrs. Skinner; and William Watson, who died at the age of five and one-half years.

Clarine A. Markham was born in Middle Haddam Society, town of Chatham, January 5, 1828, and attended what was then known as the academy, near her home, in the center of the Chestnut Hill school district. On October 7, 1849, she was united in marriage with Henry Skinner, and to them came the following chil- dren: (I) David Hawley, born October 30, 1850, married Imogene C. Latham, and died June 2, 1888. (2) Adelle A., born July 18, 1853, married David L. Stewart, of Bath, N. Y., and they have five children, Bertha, Haw- ley S., Henry P., David L. and Imogene. (3) Warren A., born July 12, 1856, married Eliz- abeth M. Mathew, and is engaged in the lum- ber business in Brooklyn, N. Y. (4) Clarence H., born October 18, 1866, married Martha Post, a native of St. Remy, N. Y., and they now reside in Jersey City, New Jersey.

HENRY SKINNER was an active, wide- awake business man of the town of Chatham. In early life he learned the wheelwright's trade, and was called upon to build many mills, dams, waterwheels, etc., in all parts of the State. The largest waterwheel within its bor- ders, located at Turnerville, was built by him, and he erected and operated a large grist and saw mill in the section of the town of Chatham commonly called Skinnerville. He was a member of the Congregational Church. In

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early life he was a Democrat, but after the split in that party during the Civil war he united with the Republican, and was ever after- ward a strong upholder of the principles of that party, being an active political worker, though not an office seeker. He died May 14, 1892, honored and respected by all who knew him on account of his sterling worth and many excel- lencies of character. His estimable wife still survives him, and has a large circle of friends in the community where she has so long made her home.

CHARLES H. EMILY. Among those who for years have been closely identified with the mercantile interests of Moodus, Middlesex county, is Charles H. Emily, a man of probity and uprightness of character, possessed of pro- gressive business instincts, and one who has the entire confidence of his own community as well as of the people in the surrounding dis- tricts. .

Charles H. Emily was born in Marlboro, Conn., October 9, 1851, son of Joseph and Tamar ( Ivison ) Emily. Joseph Emily was born in Carlisle, England, March 21, 1815, and died December 8, 1887. His wife was a daugh- ter of George and Nancy (Lancaster) Ivison, was born in Carlisle, England, November 14, 1815, and died December 9, 1897. The father was engaged in factory work in England where he married and where one child was born to him, that died infancy. In 1841 he came to America, locating at Newport. R. I., where he remained about six months. He then moved to Willimantic, later to Marlboro, and then to Moodus, Conn., where for more than thirty years he resided, deeply interested in manufacturing. Both he and his good wife are buried in the beautiful cemetery at Moodus. To them were born: William: George I. : Annie ; William: Sarah A. : Charles H. ; and Ellagene.

Charles H. Emily came to Moodus when but twelve years of age, and after attending the public schools spent two terms at the Con- necticut Literary Institute, Suffield, Conn. While still a mere boy he became clerk in a gen- eral store owned by William R. Brainard, and for a number of years held a similar position in the stores of D. S. & A. E. Purple, of Mood u.s. For two years he was in the grocery busi ness with John H. Cone, under the firm name of Cone & Emily. In June. 1890, Mr. Fmnily 57

was appointed postmaster, but was succeeded by a Democrat when Mr. Cleveland became President. During his tenure of office he gave unbounded satisfaction. During all of his vot- ing days Mr. Emily has closely identified him- self with the Republican party, and he has held various local offices.

On November 18, 1884, Mr. Emily mar- ried Miss Frances Electa Fuller, who most charmingly presided over their pleasant home. She was a lady of many graces of mind, and united with her husband in promoting the good work of the Congregational Church, of which she was an active member. Mrs. Emily de- parted this life October 4, 1901. and October 7th she was laid to rest in the cemetery at Moodus.

Among the many interesting and beautiful decorations of the Emily home are two earth- enware pitchers, bearing the names of Mrs. Emily's great-grandparents. Isaiah and .\zu- bah ( Williams ) Arnold, and brought by them from England to America.

EUNICE W. EDWARDS, widow of Sol- omon Edwards, was born February 29. 1828. in South Glastonbury, a daughter of Lewis and Amy (Tennant) Strickland.

Stephen Strickland, her grandfather, was a farmer, and lived on the banks of Roaring Brook. He died at the advanced age of nine- ty-four years, and was buried in South Glas- tonbury. He had a family as follows: Je- seph, who was a farmer, and lived in South Glastonbury; Lewis, who is mentioned above as the father of Mrs. Edwards: Nancy and Nellie, who both died unmarried ; and Mary. who went West.

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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 163

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