Commemorative biographical record of Middlesex County, Connecticut : containing biographical sketches of prominent and representative citizens, and of many of the early settled families, Part 171

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 171

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Willis Isaac Parmelee was born in the house where he now resides, and which has been in the possession of the family for many generations. He attended the district schools, and later the Durham Academy for two win- ters. He began agricultural life on the home farm, first assisting his father, but soon as- suming full charge, and has conducted the same most successfully ever since. In 1884 he began dairy farming with three cows, and year by year added to this stock until he now owns over one hundred cows. In fourteen years he hauled over 1,200 tons of milk to the cream- ery at Durham. He is now shipping all his milk to one firm in New Haven. In 1892 Mr. Parmelee improved his farm by the erection of a large barn. In the fall of 1901 he bought the Eli S. Camp farm, in Durham. He is very careful in business matters, but his keen judgment, especially in reference to stock, has enabled him to buy and sell stock extensively and profitably. He has made many improve- ments upon his place, and, beginning life 'as he did, in a small and inconspicuous way, his success must be accredited to his own integrity, industry and business talent for general af- fairs.

In politics Mr. Parmelee is a Republican. He is a prominent member of Durham Grange, and has held many offices. Since 1895 he has served as second selectman of Durham, and one time acted by appointment as assessor. He is one of the most creditable citizens of the town, and holds the esteem and respect of a wide acquaintanceship throughout the county.

W. J. TREVITHICK. Seldom in any community will be found a young man who came an entire stranger and opened up a busi- ness against old and formidable competitors, and who has in so short time secured a lead- ing position in his line, as W. H. Trevithick,

of Middletown. As the proprietor of the Peo- ple's Market, he has come to be regarded as one of the leading citizens.

Mr. Trevithick was born in 1864, in Corn- wall, England, where his parents, William and Mary (Jose) Trevithick, lived, and where the father was employed in the tin mines. For years back his ancestors had been tin miners, and Cornwall had long been the family home. Of the other children in the family, Fred was for five years in the mines of South Africa, and then came to this country, being now engaged in mining in Montana; Richard spent some time in the South African mines, and is now in the western part of the United States; and James is a miner in South Africa.

Mr. Trevithick was reared in his Corn- wall home, and had the advantage of the pub- lic schools in his youth. The family support- ed itself by day's work, and each of the boys as he grew up had early to take up the burden of life. Our subject learned the trade of butcher and meat cutter, serving an appren- ticeship of seven years, beginning at his twelfth year. He left his native land in Janu- ary, 1883, and came to the United States. Lo- cating in New Britain he at once entered the employment of Charles Lydall as market man, and remained with him until 1889. That year, with Patrick Toohey, he went into business for himself, and in 1894, in addition to his inter- est with Mr. Toohey, he opened a market on Rapello avenue, Middletown. He then sold his New Britain business to his partner, and has devoted his entire attention for some years to his Middletown establishment. In Decem- ber, 1899, he moved his business to No. 508 Main street, and there has a most convenient stand, where he maintains an elegant market.

Mr. Trevithick married Miss Mary E. Phillips, of Cornwall, England, whose father, John Phillips, came to this country with his family in 1883, and located at New Britain. Mr. and Mrs. Trevithick are the parents of the following children: Harry P., Addie M. and Frederick William. Mr. Trevithick takes little interest in politics, and is deeply devoted to Church and religious matters, being a ready and hearty supporter of any movement look- ing to the moral uplift of the community. He is a deacon of the Baptist Church in Middle- town, and superintendent of the Sabbath- school, and he is a director of the Y. M. C. A. Socially he is a member of the A. O. U. W.,

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of Phoenix Lodge of Odd Fellows, of New Britain, and is a charter member of the Order of Pilgrim Fathers in Middletown. He has crossed the Atlantic nine times, visiting his native land in 1888, 1894, 1898 and 1902. He is a good illustration of success in life that comes from honesty and hard work, and he holds a high position in the business world, with an integrity that is unquestioned.

FRED E. GIBBONS is a well-known citi- zen of Middletown, Middlesex county, where he is generally recognized as a leading and rep- resentative man. From the age of sixteen he has been in the office of the W. & B. Doug- las Company, and he has risen from the posi- tion of office boy through every department of work in their extensive business.

The Gibbons family is of English extrac- tion, the great-grandfather of Fred E. com- ing to this country in the closing part of the eighteenth century. He landed at New York, where he made his home for some years. He was drum major in the Brooklyn navy yard during the war of 1812, and gave instructions in the use of the drum. Robert Gibbons, his son, married Margaret Martin, and reared a family of children, among whom was Elijah, father of Fred E.

Elijah Gibbons was born November 29, 1831, in New York, came to Middletown while still a young man, unmarried, and there estab- lished his home. On November 24. 1853, he was married by Rev. E. L. James, to Miss Susan E. Prior, a native of Middletown, born July 13, 1834. She died December 23. 1891, in Hartford, where she was living with her second husband. Eli Hawes. She had no chil- dren by Mr. Hawes, but to Mr. Gibbons she bore two children: Fred E., born October 19, 1854. and Henry J., born May 30, 1859. Elijah Gibbons was for many years in the em- ploy of the W. & B. Douglas Company, and at the time of his going to the war was foreman in that factory. He was a young man who took great interest in milithry matters, and before the war was captain of the MeDononghi Gnards. When the news came that Fort Sin- ter liad been fired upon he went to the shop where he was foreman and asked who would volunteer to go to the front. The names were put down, and his led all the rest. This was before the call for volunteers, and was really the first enlistment in Middletown. Mr. Gib-

bons enlisted May 22. 1861. in what became Company G. First Connecticut Heavy Artil- lery, and was appointed first lieutenant. He participated in all the engagements of his com- mand. Resigning from the heavy artillery be- cause he preferred more active service, he re- turned to Middletown and assisted in raising over one hundred men in three days, and on July 14, 1862. became captain of Company B. Fourteenth Connecticut Volunteer Infantry. He was wounded at Fredericksburg. and was taken to Falmouth, Va., where he died Decem- ber 19, 1862. In later years his remains were brought to Middletown and interred in Morti- mer cemetery. He was a faithful and capable soldier, and had he lived would probably have risen to eminence. Ile was a Republican, and a man of strong force of character. He was one of the most popular young men of his time, and his comrades give only the most complimentary accounts of his bravery. He was sexton of the Baptist Church, and tolled the bell at the death of John Brown, an act for which he was forbidden to toll the bell : it was his sense of duty to the larger idea that made him do what he did.

Fred E. Gibbons attended school in Mid- dletown, and his parents took advantage of the very excellent schools that were maintained by private teachers in his boyhood days. . 1 Miss Stevens, an old colored lady, was one of his earliest teachers. He was a pupil in the Pearl street school, and then in the high school. at that time on the site of the present Central school. He left school at the age of fifteen, and has since been engaged at office work with the W. & B. Douglas Company : at times he has been on the road in their interest. but for the most part has done office work.

Mr. Gibbons and Miss Mary I .. Leonard were married May 21. 18;O She was bom June 13, 1855. daughter of Capt, Horace and Lucy \. ( Harding) Leonard. Mr. and Mrs Gibbons are the parents of two children : Louis F., born March 18, 1880, bookkeeper at the Connectiont Hospital for the Insane: and Ernest 1 ... born September 18, 1881. who is employed in the office of Wilcox, Crittenden

Mr. Gibbons has always been a Republican. and has taken an interest in the success of his party. He has served in the common comuneil. and has refused in be a candidate for other positions, though he was on the bond để cả-

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ucation nine years. He was one of the prime movers in starting the Middletown Building and Loan Association, holds its first share of stock, was its first treasurer, and has held that position to the present time. He is master of St. John's Lodge, F. & A. M., and an officer of Washington Chapter and Cyrene Com- mandery. Mr. and Mrs. Gibbons are mem- bers of the South Congregational Church, and he is secretary of the society. He is a promi- nent and highly respected citizen of his com- munity.

ALONZO SHAFFER, M. D., a success- ful physician of Essex, Middlesex county, has built up a substantial practice within a short time. He is a native of Philadelphia, Pa., where his immediate ancestors still reside. His great-grandfather came to America from Ger- many.

John Shaffer, the grandfather of Alonzo, was a native of Philadelphia, where he en- gaged in the iron ore business. He became the father of twelve children, and died when his son Jonathan, the Doctor's father, was yet young. Jonathan Shaffer at the early age of twenty years was obliged to assume the care of his father's large family, and he displayed rare good management throughout his life, be- coming a wealthy and successful man. Until within a few years of his death he managed the iron ore business, remaining in Philadel- phia, where he married Anna M. Livzey, a na- tive of Philadelphia, and a daughter of Will- iam D. and Rachel ( Hare) Livzey. Mr. Shaffer died in 1884, at the age of sixty-two, and the mother is still living with her son Alon- zo, their only child.

Alonzo Shaffer was born September 7, 1871, in Philadelphia, and was educated at the Friends school, located at 15th and Race streets, from which excellent institution he graduated in 1890. Because of the thorough training he was eligible to enter the University of Pennsylvania, in the college department, as a Junior, and graduated from there with the degree of B. S., later taking a four-years course in the Medical Department of the same university, from which he graduated in 1895. Dr. Shaffer was prominent in athletics in his class, being a member of the class foot-ball team and rowing crew. Following his gradua- tion he spent some time in the Methodist Hos- pital at Philadelphia, and in the Polyclinic

Hospital. Dr. Shaffer also studied under the watchful care of Dr. Edwin Holmes, a famous Philadelphia surgeon, for one year, locating then, on October 12, 1895, in Essex, Middle- sex Co., Conn., having bought the practice of the late Dr. W. A. Russell. Since his loca- tion here Dr. Shaffer has added extensively to the original practice, his reputation for accu- racy, medical knowledge, skill and successful diagnosis having brought him patients from this vicinity and from towns some distance away. Having won the confidence of the com- munity, he should have no trouble holding it, being a close and careful student, and apply- ing personal tests to all modern discoveries and appliances, while he possesses the cool head and steady hand of an older physician.

In politics Dr. Shaffer is a Democrat, but cast his vote for the Republican candidate at the last election. Since locating in Essex he has taken an active interest in public matters in the town, has served as grand juror and on the school board, and is health officer for Es- sex. A member of St. John's Episcopal Church, he officiates as vestryman of the same, and is also senior warden.

Dr. Shaffer was married in Parkesburg, Pa., on March 8, 1894, to Alice I. Irwin, a na- tive of Sunbury, Pa., and three children have blessed this union: J. Irwin, born January I, 1895; Milton N., born January 17, 1898 ( died December 21, 1899) ; and Robert B., born Jan- uary 22, 1902. Both Dr. and Mrs. Shaffer are prominent in the social life of Essex, and are popular and esteemed, as they deserve to be.

JOHN B. CLARK. Unflagging industry is the highway on which earnest men travel to competence and success. It is the highway by which John B. Clark, one of the enterprising and promising young farmers of the town of Durham, Middlesex county, is attaining prom- inence. He began life's struggle without the aid of a father's care, and without means. The well tilled farm which he now owns and culti- vates represents his savings for many years, and is a well invested capital, now' yielding handsome returns.

Mr. Clark is a representative of an old Connecticut family, having descended from William Clark, one of the original proprietors of Haddam. Tallatiah Clark, his great-grand- father, was for many years a farmer in Had- dam, and spent his last days at Middletown,

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at the home of his son Alfred. Alfred Clark, grandfather of our subject, was born in Had- dam, the youngest of a large family of chil- dren, and received a district school education. He followed farming with the exception of two years, when he worked in a brass foundry. His wife, Christina A. Clark, was a daughter of Ebenezer and Mary (Clark) Clark. They had eight children, as follows: Mary married Levi Clark. Alpheus D. married (first) Mary Henze and (second) Ellen A. House; he lives retired in East Glastonbury, Conn., where he is one of the leading citizens. Jeanette mar- ried Alfred L. Morgan, of South Farms. Smith married Loretta Spencer, and was a well- known farmer and school teacher at Durham. John B. was the father of our subject. Emily P. married George Tuttle, a mechanic of Meri- den. Whitney P. married Mary Camp, and is a farmer, living in the southern part of Durham. Ruella died in infancy.

John Buckley Clark was born January 22, 1842, in Haddam, and, being deprived by death of his parents at an early age, was placed out to neighbors, in Haddam, where he worked for many years, meantime attend- ing the district schools. Later, with his sav- ings, he was enabled to become a student at a select school in Poughkeepsie, N. Y., from which he was graduated. Returning to Mid- dletown, he made his home with his sister, Mrs. Alfred Morgan, until he enlisted, Aug- ust 30, 1862, becoming a private in Company A, Twenty-fourth Connecticut Volunteer In- fantry. He participated in many engagements, and while eating his dinner, July 4, 1863, after the battle of Port Hudson, was severely wounded by a spent ball. He was seated near a log, with his head resting in his hand, and his left elbow resting on the log. The ball struck him in the left side of the neck, glanced downward, and lodged in the left lung. He was picked up for dead, but later, showing signs of life, was removed to the hospital, and was discharged from the service for disability on September 30, 1863.

Returning to Durham Mr. Clark remained there a short time, then found employment in East Glastonbury, Conn., as night watchman in the mill of the Crosby Manufacturing Com- pany, where he remained about two years. His health grew steadily worse, and many nights he was assisted in his duties Is his wife. The poor condition of his health finally compelled

him to give up his work in East Glastonbury. He came to Durham and purchased the farm occupied by the late Asael Nettleton. There he resided until 1869, when he left the farm and moved to the house now occupied by his widow. and there resided until his death, June 4, 1873. After his death the bullet was removed from his body. It had settled in the left lung. which had entirely wasted away. The ball is now in the possession of our subject.

Mr. Clark was married in Durham, Janu- ary 29. 1867, to Samantha Nettleton, who was born March 18, 1841, a native of Durham, and daughter of Joseph and Esther ( Bailey) Net- tleton, farming people there. Two children came to John Buckley and Samantha Clark. Bertha M. and John B. Bertha M. was born June 29. 1869, and married Bradford A. Latham, of Gales Ferry, Conn. ; they reside in Meriden. The mother of our subject mar- ried, for her second husband. Edwin Atkins, and they now reside in Durham.

John B. Clark was born in Durham Decem- ber 16, 1872. in the house where his father died about six months later. His schooling was such as the district schools afforded, and end- ed when he reached the age of fourteen years. Beginning at an early age. he worked on farms in the summer, attending school in the winter. He was employed by his uncle Asael Nettleton. When he was thirteen years old he received $o per month and board. and at fifteen his wages were increased to $8 per month and board. From 1892 to 1895 he was employed by Mr. Nettleton, and then for three years he worked on his present farm, in sun- miers, for Edgar T. Elliott, his father-in-law. He was employed during six winters of this time in the witch hazel mill of E. E. Dickin- son & Co., in Durham. In 180; he ran his present farm on shares for Mr. Elliott, an l, in IS08, with his savings, he purchased the farm. consisting of 110 acres. He has since then made many improvements, and now carries on general farming and dairying, giving partien lar attention to the latter He is industries and a man of model habits

On November 20. 1800. Mr Clark mu- riedl Marjorie B Ethott, who was born in Southington. Com, daughter ant Folgar 1 and Esadore : Woodruff: Elfoot Her father was a well-known farmer m Dutham To Mr. and Mrs. Clark were born tive children, as tol- lows: Esther E. Kenneth W . Gazell .V.

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Edgar L. and John A .; the latter died in in- fancy.

In politics Mr. Clark is a Democrat, but he cast his last vote for Mr. Mckinley. Frater- nally he is a member of Coginchaug Council, No. 62, O. U. A. M., of Durham. He is pop- ular among the people of Durham town, his well directed efforts, in making his way in the battle of life, winning for him high praise and credit.

EMILY A. SELDEN, an intelligent and cultivated lady, who resides in Middletown, has a very vivid memory of the days when that city was passing through a period of reshap- ing and remaking. She has lived in her pres- ent home since 1849, and has a host of friends among the older families of the city who are well acquainted with her good qualities, and appreciate her real worth.

The Seldens belong to the older families of Chatham, Middlesex county, and since the early part of the century have been residents of Middletown. The first ancestor in America, Thomas Selden, was among the early settlers of Hartford, in 1636. The first settler in Mid- dletown was John Selden, who was born in Middle Haddam, Middlesex Co., Conn., June 25, 1788, and died September 22, 1831, in Middletown. He was a son of David Selden, known as "Priest" Selden, who was for forty years a minister in the Congregational Church -one of the old-fashioned ministers, a schol- arly gentleman, and a preacher of ability and standing. He was a graduate of Yale, and was born in Chatham January 14, 1761, son of Thomas Selden. On August 17, 1784, he mar- ried Miss Cynthia May, who was born July 25, 1761, daughter of Rev. Eleazer May, for forty-seven years a preacher at Haddam, Conn. Rev. David Selden was baptized by Rev. Mr. Bowers, and united with the church May 2, 1780, while he was a student at Yale. Rev. Samuel Lockwood was his theological precep- tor, and he received his license to preach June 3, 1783. He was invited to settle in Hebron, Conn., as colleague with Dr. Pomeroy, but he returned to his birthplace and passed a min- istry of honor and usefulness. He was or- dained pastor of the Middle Haddam Congre- gational Church October 19, 1785, and soon after his accession to the pastorate a new con- fession of faith was adopted, which continued in use many years. He wrote 2,565 sermons,

only one of which was left in print, a funeral sermon published at the especial request of the mourning family. Rev. Mr. Selden was a good man and highly respected. During his pas- torate two hundred and twenty-three persons united with the church. He died January 18, 1825, and his wife passed away March 29, 1850. They were the parents of seven chil- dren : David, born June 4, 1785, was a mer- chant in Liverpool, England, for years, and then removed to New Haven to educate his sons, three of whom graduated from Yale. Sylvester, born October 19, 1786, was a Con- gregational minister. John was born June 25, 1788. Huntington was born November 17, 1789. Cynthia, born March 14, 1791, married Dr. Munger, and became the mother of Rev. Theodore T. Munger, of New Haven, Conn. Elizabeth, born November 16, 1792, married a Mr. Thayer, of Palmyra, N. Y .; she took a cold while on her way to that place, and died within a year of her wedding day. Hezekiah M., born September 27, 1794, was a farmer, and lived on the old farm in Middle Haddam.

John Selden was reared in Middle Had- dam, and when a young man began 'the dry goods business in Middletown, his store be- ing on Main street, nearly opposite where the municipal building now stands. He built at this place in 1827, and the massive door lock for the front door was presented to him by Capt. Joseph W. Alsop, the famous West In- dies merchant. This lock is now in the pos- session of Miss Emily A. Selden. Mr. Selden had a partner for a short time, but for the most part carried on his business by himself. He was highly regarded for his integrity and upright business methods, a man who was very much respected and beloved. For years after his death his name was a synonym for those qualities among those who knew him. He was very strict in church matters.

John Selden was married May 31, 1815, to Miss Emily Sage, who was born April 17, 1789, in what is now the town of Portland, and survived him five years, dying in Febru- ary, 1836. She was the daughter of Abner Sage, and granddaughter of David Sage. Her father lived in Rose Hill, now a part of Port- land, and the family were among the first set- tlers of Middletown Upper Houses, now Cromwell. They settled in Chatham very early in its history, and the family has long been prominent in the business and social

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world. John and Emily Selden had two chil- dren, John Sage and Emily A., both of whom are still living, and have their home on Wash- ington street, Middletown.

JOHN SAGE SELDEN was born September 26, 1816, in Middletown, and married Susan C. Brooks July 18, 1838. She was a native of Middle Haddam, daughter of Noah and Hannah (Cone) Brooks, and died January 10, 1879, at Essex, Conn. For the last twenty- five years Mr. Selden has been living retired in Middletown. He and his wife had two chil- dren : Helen M., who married James M. Hay- den, of Essex; and Hannah Emily, who was born in Chatham, and lives with her father and aunt. John Sage Selden remembers well the visit of LaFayette to Middletown, and the reception tendered him at the Berkeley Divin- ity School.

HARRY C. TERRILL. For a detailed history of the genealogy of the family of which this popular and enterprising young bus- iness man of Middlefield, Middlesex county, is a member, the reader is referred to the bi- ographical sketch of his uncle, Moses W. Ter- rill, which may be found elsewhere.

Carlos Terrill, father of Harry C., was born in Morristown, Vt., in 1837. Leaving his native State while yet a young man, he came to Middlefield, where for several years he was employed in the Wringer factory, and where he married Mary, daughter of Cornelius and Julia (Stowe) Hall; her father was a prominent and wealthy farmer of the town. Returning to his native State, after the death of his wife, Mr. Terrill engaged in the grocery business, which he still conducts at Morris- town. Mrs. Terrill died September 13, 1877, leaving three young children, the eldest of whom had not reached five years. Of these, Harry C. was second in the order of birth. Rose H., born February 10. 1873, was mar- ried June 27, 1894, to Delos Warner, a me- chanic, and lives in Middlefield: she is the mother of three children. Isaac L., Lucy May and Ethel Julia, the last named born April 16. 1901. Leo C., born September 17, 1876, was married October 30, 1895. to Miss Lillie Scran- ton, and is also a resident of Middlefield ; they have one daughter, Doris Made, born May 28, 1898. Carlos Terrill, the father, married for his second wife Julia A. Bachin.

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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 171

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