Commemorative biographical record of Middlesex County, Connecticut : containing biographical sketches of prominent and representative citizens, and of many of the early settled families, Part 165

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 165

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Elijah Austin, the father of Millard Wood ford, was born in China, Maine, where he spent his life. He was quite extensively engaged in farming, and also in buying and shipping farm produce to Boston, and became quite well to do. He married Ruth Hussey, a native of China, who is now deceased. To them were

born: Estey is now living in Paradise Val- ley, Nev .; his wife, Rose, was from Philadel- phia. Adelina married William Ladd, and died in Everett, Mass. Millard W. is our subject. Luella died young. Elwin L. mar- ried Jane Goodrich, and is living in Hartford. Willard is a widower and lives in Meridian. Id- aho. Lucia married William Maitland. and lives in Torrington, Conn. Charles lives in Nevada.

Millard Woodford Austin was born March' 10, 1852, in China, Maine, where he passed his boyhood, having the advantages of the district school until he was sixteen years of age. when he hired out to a neighboring farmer. with whom he remained two seasons. He had had plenty of experience at farming on his father's place, and received $20 a month-good wages for a boy, but he did a man's work. After recovering from a long spell of illness, and scarcely able to work, he went out into the world to make his own way, with a few del- lars in his pocket, which his father lind given him. Entering the factory of Reed & Barton, at Taunton, Mass., to learn the burnisher's trade, he received fifty cents a day for the first month, and later was put on piece work. as he demonstrated his skill and ability. He was industrious and persistent, and very soon received good wages. For two yeus he re- mained with this firm, and then worked for Porter & Company for about six months. hu 1872 Mr. Austin came to Middletown. Com .. answering an advertisement from the Mi klk- town Plate Company, and, engaging with then continued in their employ for several soll's. Following this engagement he entered the sei- vice of the Britanma Company, ani recen ed $3.50 a day. With this company he remanied a year, and while with them he married. Going back to Middletown he was agafft with the Middletown Plate Company, on somthing contract which vielded hun trom toft to sell dollars a day. Poor health deve luni out of the factory, and in 188; he came to Cromwell. and purchased the meat Business then con- ducted by Mr. Briggs. In this Micaress Mi. Austin met with marked and unmeliste sic- cess. lle rims two and three wig os. suppe ing Cromwell, List Beihin and Rocks Hill. Mr. Austin built Is present malern and at- tractive home in 1803, and he owns the block in which he is doing business

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On July 26, 1874, Mr. Austin was mar- ried to Eliza Baker, a native of Cromwell, and a daughter of Lott Baker, a farmer and quarry- man. To them were born: Mary Elizabeth, who married Edward W. Johnson, of Crom- well; Grace L., a graduate of the Middletown high school, now a teacher in the West District of Cromwell; Alice P., a graduate of the Mid- dletown Business College, now a bookkeeper for her father; and Millard B., at home.

Mr. Austin is a Republican in politics. Fraternally he is a member of Washington Lodge, No. 81, F. & A. M., at Cromwell; of the N. E. O. P., and of the O. U. A. M. The family are all members of the Baptist Church, and are highly esteemed in the community.

AUGUST JOHNSON, a well-known and highly respected citizen of Middletown, Mid- dlesex county, comes of a good family of Swe- den, in the standing army of which country his father was a soldier for thirty-one years. His grandmother, who is still living in good health at the great age of 105 years, is the oldest woman in Sweden, and not long ago received money to the value of one hundred dollars and a congratulatory letter from King Oscar.

Mr. Johnson was born January 26, 1862, in Sweden, where he received a good common school education. In 1881 he came to the United States, and for some months after his arrival found employment in Dutchess county, N. Y., with the National Ice Company, of New York City. In the following year ( 1882) he came to Middletown, and for a few months was employed in the Brainerd stone quarry of Portland; then for some two years he worked for the Rogers & Hubbard Manufacturing Company, following which, in February, 1885, he was in the employ of the late Eldon B. Clark, whose place of business was on Main street, Middletown. There he acquired a good knowledge of the business in which he has since successfully been engaged. In October, 1887, he opened his present liquor business on Main street, where he enjoys a wholesale and retail trade. He transacts considerable busi- ness in wines, liquors, ales, etc., making a spe- cialty of first-class goods, while his wholesale trade extends throughout the greater part of Middlesex county. To all this Mr. Johnson recently added a bottling establishment, and he is wholesale agent for leading breweries, such

as the Newark Brewing Company, and the Springfield Brewing Company.

In 1885, at Middletown, Conn., August Johnson was married to Miss Christina Aran- son, a native of Sweden, who came alone to this country in young womanhood. Two chil- dren have graced this union, Jennie Matilda and Herbert M. In politics Mr. Johnson is a Republican in National affairs, but in State and municipal elections he holds himself indepen- dent, voting for the candidate he thinks best qualified for office, no matter what his politi- cal faith might be. Socially he is a member of Arawanna Lodge, No. 17, Improved Order of Redmen, and a charter member of Middle- town Lodge, No. 771, B. P. O. E. Mr. John- son enjoys the reputation of being a thrifty, generous-hearted, liberal-minded man, and is universally popular.

JOSEPH BRAZOS, a member of the firm of A. Brazos & Sons, who are extensively en- gaged in the contracting and construction business at Middletown, Middlesex county, is the eldest son of Antoine and Ann ( Neale) Brazos, a sketch of whom appears elsewhere. The story of the career of his father is one of sober fact, but it reads like a romance.

Joseph Brazos is one of the thrifty young men of Middletown, and the knowledge of his business has come to him early in life. He was born on College street, Middletown, Jan- uary 6, 1860, and began his education in the private school taught by the Misses Starr, lat- er attending the Central school. His last schooling was obtained at Farm Hill, and when he reached the age of seventeen he went into his father's office, to take a share in his busi- ness. He was already quite familiar with that business, as for a number of years, in the intervals of his schooling, he had helped his father at his work, and his assistance was of no little value. He immediately took hold of the work of his father, displaying such ability that in 1877 he became a member of the firm of A. Brazos & Sons.

Joseph Brazos and Miss Mae Steeple were married November 22, 1894. She is a native of Washington, N. J., born August 16, 1870, daughter of George Alexander and Emma Louisa (Hopper) Steeple, Mrs. Emma L. Stee- ple died May 2, 1900, and is buried in Pine Grove Cemetery, Middletown. Mr. and Mrs.

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Brazos are the parents of the following named children : Ronald Steeple, born August 5, 1895; Anna Mae, June 22, 1898; and Emma Florence, May 14, 1901.

Mr. Brazos is a Republican, especially on all State and National matters. He votes reg- ularly, and prefers to question ability and fit- ness for the work in local matters. He is a member of Central Lodge, No. 12, Indepen- dent Order of Odd Fellows, and was a charter member of the local lodge of the Ancient Or- der of United Workmen. Mr. and Mrs. Brazos attend the Episcopal Church. They are people highly regarded by all who know them.

WILLIAM HAMILTON MITCHELL, who died March 8, 1901, was one of the pros- perous business men of Deep River, and one who attained his prominence through his own unaided efforts. He was a native of the State, having been born in Hadlyme, June 9, 1867, a son of Henry and Sarah A. (Collins) Mitch- ell.

Henry Mitchell, the father, was a native of Norwich, Conn., where he resided a number of years, engaged in teaming. Later, he removed to East Haddam, where he married Sarah A. Collins, also a native of Norwich, and a de- scendant of one of the old New England fam- ilies. The father is now deceased, but the mother is living, residing at Deep River. To this worthy couple were born: Hattie, who died in infancy ; Minnie, who died when twen- ty-six years of age; William Hamilton, our subject ; Stella, who died when two years of age.

William II. Mitchell was educated in the schools of East Haddam, attending school when the opportunity offered, which was not as often as the ambitious boy desired, as he was forced to earn his own living from the time he was nine years old. When but twelve, he came to Deep River and obtained employ- ment, working for three years for George F. Spencer, as clerk and teamster. Later, he be- came foreman for Pratt, Read & Co., of Deep River, in their lumber yard, remaining with them for six years. During the entire time. Mr. Mitchell had carefully saved his money, and in 1896, was able to purchase the flourish- ing business of E. W. Rogers, who conducted a liver and hotel. From that time Mr. Mitchell

built up both lines, until he had one of the best equipped livery and boarding stables in Deep River, while his hotel was the best of its kind. He was very popular with the commer- cial travelers who always made his house their headquarters when in the vicinity of Deep Riv- er. His stables give accommodation to twen- ty horses, in addition to his own for livery purposes. and every care is taken of the animals entrusted to his charge.

On September 19. 1895. Mr. Mitchell was married to Miss Dolly L. Tyler, who was born on June 3. 1867. daughter of Davis M. and Cynthia (Lane) Tyler. Mr. Tyler has been a lifetime resident of Deep River, and closely identified with its best interests. Mrs. Mitchell is one of a family of three, born to her pa- rents: Dolly L .. Mrs. Mitchell : Harry D .. born in February. 1860. married Grace Ing- ham of Saybrook, and had one child. Dolly L .. deceased ; and Arnold D .. born on Inh 2. 1876. died when but fifteen. Politically. Mr .. Mitchell was an ardent Republican, but never had the time to give to public office. He was president of the Union Driving Club, and a member of the Wahginnicut Club. Pos- sessed of a genial disposition, he was a gen- eral favorite and had many warm friends. Mrs. Mitchell is very popular, and the high respect in which she is held is certainly deserved.

JAMES HENRY MORTON. Tradition says that the Morton family traced their an- cestry back to the time of the English Con- quest. during which time they attained partic- nlar prominence. The family are of Scotch descent, and grandfather Heury Morton was a native of Sheffield. England, where he was an extensive contractor and coal merchant, at one time having a stable of fully one hundred horses. One of his sons went to Australia to purchase horses for this business, and there died : while another saw service in the Light Guards.

James Morton, the father of our subject. was born in Sheffield, England, in 1827, grew up there, and married Jane E Greene, a dangh- ter of one of the city officials. Some time at- ter marriage, with one son, they came to America and located m Newark, & 1. where Mr. Morton engaged in the manufacture of the ble cutlery, a busmess he had learned m his native city. Sheffield being the edge tool mann

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facturing center of the world. For many years, Mr. Morton carried on this business, and at one time, during the Civil war, employed as many as sixty hands. As an example of his business standing, the following incident is cited. A New York merchant, a Mr. Sander- son, who was a business acquaintance of Mr. Morton, requested him to furnish a certain number of gross of ivory mounted table ware. Mr. Morton was obliged to inform him that he had not the capital to turn out so large an order, when Mr. Sanderson, without the least security for Mr. Morton's honesty, paid for a cargo of ivory, costing $30,000, and sent the same to Mr. Morton's cellars, with instructions to the latter to turn out the manufactured goods as ordered. For a number of years prior to his death, he lived a retired life at Meriden, Conn., where he died in 1895, aged sixty-eight; his wife died in 1866, at the age of thirty-seven years.

James H. Morton was born in Newark, N. J., September 19, 1862. He received a good common school education, and at the age of eighteen years entered the Wilcox Silver Plating Co., at Meriden, Conn., to learn the silver plating business. For three years he re- mained in their employ, then entering the Hartford Silver Plating Co. In 1886 he came to East Haddam, and secured a position as bookkeeper with W. R. Goodspeed, who was then engaged in the mercantile, lumber and coal business. The following year our sub- ject became teller in the National Bank of New England, under Mr. Gross, cashier, continu- ing until the time of the latter's death, when he was promoted to Mr. Gross' position. At present, he is one of the directors, as well as cashier, and through his close attention to bus- iness has gained the entire confidence of his associates. Coming from a family that has never betrayed a trust he takes a pardonable pride in that fact, and enjoys the esteem in which he is held.

On June 3, 1886, Mr. Morton was married to Miss Ella McCabe, a native of this town, and a daughter of James and Eliza McCabe. One son has been born of this union: Arthur Henry, born May 10, 1888. Politically, Mr. Morton is a stanch Republican. Since 1894 he has been treasurer of the town, and is also treasurer of the School Deposit Fund. Fra- ternally he is connected with Middlesex Lodge,

No. 3, I. O. O. F., and Columbia Lodge, No. 26, A. F. & A. M., being an officer in both organizations. He is also an officer in vari- ous other enterprises, including W. & B. Doug- las Co., of Middletown, Conn., and the Law- rence Dye Works Co., of Lawrence, Mass., in both of which he is a director. Although Mr. Morton retains his membership in the South Baptist Church at Hartford, Conn., he now at- tends, and is serving as vestryman in, St. Ste- phen's Episcopal Church, at East Haddam.

WALTON C. GRISWOLD. Among the old and highly esteemed families of Con- necticut is that of Griswold, and their loca- tion in America can be traced to 1639, when Edward and Mathew, brothers, the latter the ancestor of the two governors of that name, came across the ocean in a vessel sent out by William Whiting. In the company were Rev. Ephraim Huit and several members of his congregation, from Warwickshire, and they made settlement at Windsor, Conn. Edward Griswold was born in England in 1607. Late in life he became one of the first settlers in Killingworth, where he was universally known as a man of much enterprise and influence, be- ing a commissioner and land owner. He died in 1690. His son, John, was born in 1652, and went with his father from Windsor to Kil- lingworth, became a deacon of the church, and died in 1717. His son, Walter, born in 1700, was probably the ancestor of the Griswolds of Essex. The latter married Sarah Wright, and one of his descendants was Selah Gris- wold, great-great-grandfather of Walton C.

Selah Griswold married Mary Starkey, and they resided on Saybrook road, between Centerbrook and Old Saybrook. When the war of the Revolution demanded his services, he enlisted in the patriot army as a private, served through the struggle, and was dis- charged a lieutenant. He followed the busi- ness of farmer and tanner in his later years.

Daniel Griswold, his eldest son, born in 1780, married Fanny Babcock, of Saybrook, an aunt of Samuel Babcock, of Middletown, who was once the president of the Valley Rail- road Company, and mayor of Middletown.

William D. Griswold, son of Daniel, was the grandfather of Walton C. For many years he was a manufacturer of bone and ivory j goods, located where Tiley, Pratt & Company

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are now engaged in business, following this line some thirteen years. In later life he be- came a farmer. He was originally a Democrat in politics, but during the Civil war changed to the Republican belief. Prior to William, the family had been connected with the Con- gregational Church, but he was a consistent member of the M. E. Church.

Clement D. Griswold, the father of Wal- ton C., was born in Centerbrook January 15, 1838, and there grew up and received his schooling. He passed a short time in New Haven. In early life he learned the trade of carpenter, and for twenty years was in the em- ploy of Pratt, Read & Company, at Deep Riv- er. Politically he was a Republican, and he and his family belonged to the Congregational Church. He died May 12, 1901. On July I, 1860, he married H. Frances Bushnell, daugh- ter of Richard and Abigail Bushnell, and granddaughter of Samuel Bushnell, who was one of the Colonial settlers, Lieut. William and Francis settling in Saybrook, while their brother Richard, located in Lyme. Lieut. Bushnell was a man of considerable note, rep- resented Saybrook several times, and married a sister of Robert Chapman.

Walton C. Griswold was the only son of his parents, and was born March 14, 1863, in Cen- terbrook, Conn., where he grew to manhood, receiving his education in the excellent home schools, although when but a boy in years he began to provide for himself. His first em- ployment was with D. W. Spencer, in the ca- pacity of clerk in a general store, but his nat- ural tendency was in another line, and he gradually began his lessons in the printing of- fice of the New Era, at Deep River, continu- ing his manipulation of types, rollers and press- es for nine months, and then returning to his position of clerk. However, a short time af- terward he was to be found in the card print- ing establishment of a firm in Centerbrook, and there remained for four years, in 1886 engaging in business for himself.

Since 1800 Mr. Griswold has devoted his entire time to the printing business, doing com- mercial printing, although for two years he published a weekly paper in Essex. The cat- ) pacity of his plant is sufficiently taxed with job work, which Mr. Griswold thoroughly un derstands, producing some of the neatest and most attractive cards, bills, posters, etc., Scell

outside of a city office. As a side line he en- gages in farming.

On February 11, 1885, Mr. Griswold was married to Eva M. Willard, of Madison, daughter of Chauncey Augustus and Eliza- beth M. ( Beebe) Willard, and one daughter, Mary, born to them December 2, 1889. passed away in infancy. The father of Mrs. Gris- wold resides in Essex. Her mother died in 1895. Of the rest of her family: Sarah Elizabeth married William H. Hull, of Es- sex ; Albert B. is a resident of Madison, Conn .; and Frank A. lives in Kansas City, Missouri.

In politics, Mr. Griswold follows the tra- ditions of his family and votes the Republican ticket. Socially he is connected with Essex Lodge, No. 14, A. O. C. W., and Jefferson Council, No. 49, O. U. A. M., of Centerbrook, being treasurer of both organizations. He is also treasurer of the Second Ecclesiastical So- ciety of Saybrook, which organization is lo- cated in Centerbrook. In the community both Mr. and Mrs. Griswold are highly esteemed, and in his integrity and upright living he is a fit representative of an old and honored name.

GIDEON SCHAEFFER WILBUR was born in Schoharie, N. Y .. April 27. 1857. sen of Thomas J. and Amelia .( Schaeffer ) Willaunr. The latter was the daughter of Gideon Schaef- fer, who died at Schoharie January 15, 1899: he was a prominent man in that community for many years, holding various official psi- tions, and commanding the respect and conti- dence of the community.

The history of the Schaeffer family has been traced so far back that Mr. Wilbur's son. Thomas Henry, is in the twelfth generali 1. of which there is record. Gerhardt and Anna Maria Schaeffer came to America 11 1709. There is still in the possession of the family a quaintly drawn certificate of character and 100- commendation of this young couple to friends in America, dated May 6, 1700, which certifies that they were of the class of people whom the Fatherland would be glad torretam at home if it had "been God's will that he should re man longer here," and is signed by eight of the leading citizens, including the manor of llilbert Dorf, Germany. The Schaetters are in honorable and respected tanuly in Nes. York.

Thomas J. Wilbur, a native ft Washington

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county, N. Y., learned the trade of blacksmith under the instruction of his father, who fol- lowed that trade all his life in New York. Thomas J. came to Portland soon after the Civil war, and engaged in farming on the "Covell place," for the sake of his health, be- ing in need of our-of-door exercise. He was there some four years, and then went back to Schoharie, but returned to Portland to work as a blacksmith with his son, Gideon S., who had a contract for the blacksmith work in the quarries. He and his wife are now living in Schoharie. They are the parents of the fol- lowing named children : Matilda died young. Gideon S. is the subject of this article. Sey- mour is a conductor on the Delaware & Lack- awanna railroad, and resides in Oneonta, N. Y. Mary L. is Mrs. Arthur Houk, of Tel- luride, Colorado.

Thomas Wilbur, the grandfather of Gid- eon S., was born in Rhode Island about 1784, and died in March, 1872, in Portland. He was a son of Benjamin Thompson Wilbur, who was reared in Rhode Island, and when a young man went to Washington county, N. Y., where he married Miss Rachel Pease, a na- tive of Nantucket, Mass., born in 1787, daugh- ter of Barzillai and Deborah (Coffin) Pease. Her father was a ship captain in the early part of his life, and was twice shipwrecked, the last time losing almost his entire fortune. With that he gave up a seafaring life, and engaged in the cultivation of a small farm at Easton, N. Y., devoting the remaining years of his life to agriculture. He was the father of eleven chil- dren. Thomas Wilbur, after his marriage, lived in Easton, N. Y., where he had a ma- chine and blacksmith shop. There he reared his family: Louisa Maria, the first child, never married, and died when past eighty years of age, in Hartford. Ambrose was a black- smith for years at Whitehall, N. Y. John was a manufacturer of novelty goods and also conducted a grocery business in New York City, where he died. Susan was the wife of Zebulon Birdsall, and lived many years in Troy, N. Y .; she died in New York City. Phoebe Ann was killed when a young lady, un- married, by an avalanche of land in Troy, N. Y., while living with her sister, Susan; the house in which she was at the time was crushed to a shapeless mass. Samuel died in child- hood. Mary married David West, and lived

and died in Minerva, N. Y. Harriet Jane is the widow of Elisha Covell, of Portland. Thomas J. is spoken of above. During the last eight years of his life the father of this family lived at Portland with his daughter, Mrs. Covell. He was a member of the Baptist Church, and found much comfort in the conso- lations of his faith. He was a Republican, and took considerable interest in political mat- ters. He kept his health remarkably well, and up to the age of eighty had not known a seri- ous illness, until attacked by the paralysis with which he was afflicted for some years previous to his death. He was buried in Portland, where his wife, who died in 1873, was also buried.

Gideon S. Wilbur was reared in Schoha- rie, and studied at the Schoharie Academy, be- ing fifteen years old when his parents moved to Portland. He attended school both at that place and at Gildersleeve. He accompanied his parents on their return to Schoharie, where his schooling was completed, learned the black- smith's trade, and worked at it for a time in the city of New York, after which he came to Middletown, where he was employed for a short time. In the fall of 1879 he was in the employ of Henry Williams, of Portland, who had a contract for smith work in the Shaler & Hall quarry, and from that year worked at his trade continuously in the quarries, except for one season, when he had charge of a gang of men engaged on outside work. He was the contract smith in the Shaler & Hall quarry for a number of years, and was then made the regular smith at the quarry, which position he left in August, 1900. Mr. Wilbur is a skilled veterinarian, and devotes much attention to the field of veterinary dentistry, in which line he is called upon to do considerable work. Here he has displayed much skill and origi- nality. He makes all his own tools, and has invented some of the best in use in veterinary dental work.

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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 165

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