Commemorative biographical record of Middlesex County, Connecticut : containing biographical sketches of prominent and representative citizens, and of many of the early settled families, Part 18

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 18

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inently successful, winning high plaudits from an appreciative public and the genuine respect and esteem of his pupils.

While with his brother at Winsted our subject resolved to make the study and prac- tice of medicine his life work. Dr. Steele, then an old and esteemed practitioner of that city, lent him the first medical work which he ever perused. His first preceptor was Dr. Rufus Mathewson, one of the most successful physi- cians of Middlesex county. In 1880 he matric- ulated at the New York College of Physicians and Surgeons, the medical school connected with Columbia University. The prescribed course of study covered three years, but Dr. Bailey remained for another year, and later spent a year and a half at the New York Post Graduate School and Hospital. Upon leaving the institution last named he opened an office in the city of New York, remaining there until the death of his father, when he returned to Connecticut. In September, 1885, he located at Middletown, with but little thought, how- ever, of making that city his permanent home. Pleased alike with the place and its people, he found himself loth to leave it, and there he yet remains. His practice was excellent at the out- set and as his skill and success have become more and more widely known it has both stead- ily and rapidly grown, until at present he has perhaps a greater number of patients, chiefly among the better classes, than any other Mid- dletown practitioner. He is a close student. keeping fully abreast of every advance in med- ical science, and a thorough, patient investi- gator, never willing to accept any important physical assertion as truth until he has weighed and tested it for himself. A strict observer of the unwritten code of professional ethics. he is held in high esteem by his brethren, who both admire him as a physician and honor him as a man. He is a member of both the State and County Medical Societies, as well as of the I. O. O. F.

On National and State issues Dr. Bailey affiliates with the Republican party, but in local elections he subordinates partisanship to the character of candidates. His professional duties, however, prevent him from taking any active part in politics. He is a member of the Congregational Church, as is also his wife. The Doctor married Chryssa L. Sheldon, of Cleveland, Ohio, who was born in Hadlyme, Conn., daughter of Asa Sheldon, who came

COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

from Hopkinton, now Westerly, R. I. To the Doctor and his wife have been born two sons and one daughter, Paul D., Doris M. and Philip A. Their substantial, well-appointed home is on Washington street, and there is also located Dr. Bailey's office.

WILLIAM H. BURROWS, cashier of the Middletown National Bank, is one of the best- known men in the business and financial circles of his city. He is a descendant of one of the oldest families of New England, whose mem- bers have taken a conspicuous part in molding its history.

The Burrows family was founded in this country early in the history of New England, three brothers, John, William and Robert, from Manchester, England, locating here early in the seventeenth century. Robert Burrows first settled at Boston, removed to Wethersfield, and while residing in that village married Mrs. Mary Ireland. In 1643 he, with others, set- tled permanently at Pequot, now New London, Conn., where a special grant of land was made to him, dated June 2, 1650. Later he resided on the west bank of the Mystic river, in Groton, Conn. His two sons, Samuel and John, were presented to be freemen of the Colony in 1669. Owing to the absence of documents it is dif- ficult to trace the deeds of the descendants of Robert Burrows until Rev. Silas Burrows, fifth from the founder in line of descent, and great-grandfather of the subject of this record.

Rev. Silas Burrows founded the Second Baptist Church of Groton, Conn., known as the "Fort Hill Church," which was built in 1765. During the stirring events of his time he took a deep interest in the struggle, his sym- pathies being with the Colonies. Two of his brothers, Elisha and Matthew, as well as a large number of relatives were in the horrible Fort Griswold massacre. The next morning this good pastor, with his mother, hurried to the fateful spot, looking for loved ones and giving comfort to the afflicted. The two brothers had been taken prisoners, but finally escaped, although sadly broken in health. Al- though a man of learning, and an eloquent preacher, Rev. Silas Burrows considered that his strong point was prayer, and many were the sinning ones he brought into the fold through this marvelous gift. He brought con- viction to thousands. In person he was of commanding height, but his mild blue eyes and

gentle expression denoted the tender dispo- sition. His powerful voice could be heard a mile away. After seventy-seven years of use- fulness this good man died upon his birthday, in 1818.

Rev. Daniel Burrows, son of Rev. Silas, was born at Fort Hill, Groton, Conn., October 28, 1766, and passed his early life upon a farm, learning the trade of saddle and harness maker. After attaining to maturity he com- menced in business for himself, at New Lon- don, manufacturing and selling to the trade carriages, wagons, etc., and was very success- ful. He was a resident of Hebron, Conn., where he was often called upon to fill respon- sible public offices, and was several times elect- ed to the State Legislature; he was a member of the committee which framed the constitu- tion of Connecticut, and also a member of the committee which settled the boundary line be- tween Connecticut and Massachusetts. In 1821 he was elected one of the members of the XVIIth Congress, and made a record there of which his descendants may well be proud. From 1824 to 1854 Daniel Burrows made his home at Middletown, and early in the admin- istration of John Quincy Adams, without so- licitation on his part, this excellent patriot was made surveyor and inspector of customs of the port of Middletown, which office he held for twenty-four years, when he resigned. Early in life he connected himself with the Baptist Church, but afterward became a Methodist, and in 1803 was ordained deacon, at Hebron, by Bishop Francis Asbury; and in 1835, at New York, elder, by Elijah Hedding. On January 23, 1858, this excellent man passed away, aged ninety-one, at Mystic River, Conn., at the home of his daughter. Rev. Daniel Burrows married Mary Avery, who was born December 12, 1768, daughter of Jasper Avery, who was killed at the massacre of Fort Gris- wold; she died in Middletown, about 1850. To Rev. and Mrs. Daniel Burrows were born: Daniel, Silas, Mary, Gilbert, Urbane, Francis, Edward, Leonard and Elizabeth.

Leonard Burrows, father of William H., was born July 7, 1807, in Hebron, Conn., and in 1831 married Charlotte A. Smith, who was born October 5, 1810, in Stonington, Conn., daughter of John Dennison and Grace Smith. After his marriage Leonard Burrows located at Rush, Susquehanna Co., Pa., where he con- ducted a general store, and also a lumber busi-

COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

ness, until 1843, when he removed to Syracuse, N. Y. In 1847 he returned to Connecticut, locating in Middletown, where he died October 29, 1868; his wife died in 1881. Prior to the Civil war Mr. Burrows was a Democrat, but subsequently he supported the principles of the Republican party. He was a member of the Masonic fraternity. To himself and wife came six children, of whom three reached maturity : (1) Wilbur F., born February 27, 1837, in Rush town, Pa., attended school in Middle- town, entering at ten years of age the school of D. H. Chase. In 1852 he was apprenticed in the factory of Churchill & Stanley, in New Britain, for five years, but after serving that time found the trade did not agree with his health. He enlisted in Company A, Second Connecticut Volunteer Infantry, Capt. David Dickison, served his term of three months, re- turned to Middletown, and engaged in busi- ness, and when the Rogers & Hubbard Com- pany was organized became its secretary and treasurer, and is still holding that position. On December 15, 1864, he married Miss Ellen H. Hubbard, daughter of Hon. Alfred Hub- bard, of Middletown. She died in March, 1886, and he married Miss Alice Franklin, of Middletown, daughter of Henry M. Frank- in. For fourteen years Wilbur F. Burrows las been a member of the board of water com- missioners, and ten years president of the same. He is a member of St. John's Lodge, F. & A. M., director of the Middletown Savings Bank, vas a director of the Middlesex Assurance Company (from which incumbency he re- igned), and is considered one of Middle- own's representative men. (2) Mary Grace, orn February 2, 1839, is the widow of James i. Dolebare, of Norwich, Conn., and has three ons. (3) William H. is the subject proper of is article.

and in May, 1857, he entered upon his new duties, which were varied, including work at the counter. Displaying aptitude and ability, Mr. Burrows' services were recognized, and he became assistant cashier, in 1883 succeeding M. B. Copeland as cashier, when the latter gentleman was made president. Mr. Burrows is also a director of the Middletown National Bank; vice-president of the Russell Manufac- turing Company ; a trustee of the Middletown Savings Bank and of the Russell Library; a director of the Connecticut Industrial School ; of the Middlesex Quarry Company; of the Keating Company; president of the Middle- town Gas Company ; a director of the Middle- town Electric Light Co .; vice-president of the Middletown & Portland Bridge Company ; treasurer of the Middlesex Hospital Fund, and one of the incorporators of that institution; and a director of the Indian Hill Cemetery As- sociation of Middletown.

Mr. Burrows married Miss Fanny E. Stroud, of Middletown, who died leaving no children. Mr. Burrows married a second time, his choice being Miss Amelia B. Southmayd, of Middletown, daughter of Alfred and Susan C. ( Baker) Southmayd, old and honorable res- idents of Middletown, the well known Allen Southmayd having been the grandfather of Mrs. Burrows.

When twenty-one Mr. Burrows became a member of St. John's Lodge, F. & A. M., at Middletown. Although reared a Methodist he has for many years been a member of the South Church and a member of the society's committee. His wife also unites with that con- gregation. Mr. Burrows, by virtue of his de- scent, is a member of the order of Sons of the American Revolution, and Mrs. Burrows is connected with the Daughters of the American Revolution. Politically Mr. Burrows' affilia- tions have been with the Republican party. However, his interest in political matters has been that of a business man and public-spirited citizen, not that of one seeking political hon- ors. Aside from having represented his ward in the city council he has remained aloof from any active participation in politics.

William H. Burrows was born October 18, 840, in Rush town, Susquehanna Co., Pa., nd was but seven years of age when his par- its returned to Middletown to live. Conse- uently his education was received in the ex- ellent schools of that city. In 1856 Mr. Bur- >ws entered the Middletown post office as eneral utility boy, Norman Smith then being As a banker, in all that the term implies, his sphere of activity and prominence has been greatest. Taking up that business when six- teen years old, he has, by careful study and close application, combined with a native fit- ostmaster. There his courtesy, intelligence id willingness attracted such attention that e following year, when a boy was required the Middletown Bank, now the Middletown ational Bank, the position was offered him, I ness, acquired, probably, as thorough a knowl-

COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

edge of the banking business, in its every detail, as any man in Middletown possesses. His judgment on matters of finance, like his opin- ion on almost any business project, is regarded as highly valuable and extremely safe. Seldom is found in any community one in whom such general confidence is placed, as well as one in whom abuse of the same is so entirely unknown. In whatever posi- tion of trust, among the many he has filled, Mr. Burrows' fidelity has always been a characteristic feature. Many times during his life he has acted for others, necessitating the care and handling of large sums of money, in which capacity no bonds have been asked of him except the nominal bond required by law. Whatever has been his success, or whatever may be his position as a business man and cit- izen, it is the direct result of his inherent qual- ities and a careful cultivation of those gifts which are essential in a good business man.

FREDERICK WILCOX, late of Middle- town, belonged to an old and prominent family that had long been identified with the history of Middletown and the Upper Houses, which is now called Cromwell. He lived in his na- tive town until 1895, when he came to Middle- town, where his marked ability and genial and courteous spirit won ready recognition, and was the center of many warm personal friend- ships. He was a brother of George S. Wilcox, of Cromwell, and in the biography of that gen- tleman will be foun ancestral and historical data relating to the Wilcox family.

Mr. Wilcox was born April 18, 1819, in Cromwell, and there he had his early training. Ebenezer Pelton, Mr. Gear and Mr. Stocking were among his teachers, and the last named was afterward a missionary to Persia. Mr. Wilcox concluded his schooling at the Crom- well Academy, and was very well prepared for an active and creditable career. In October, 1842, he was married to Miss Caroline Shep- ard, who was born in the north part of Port- land, November 9, IS22, a daughter of Erastus and Monor (Goodrich) Shepard, and a sister of Nelson Shepard, of Portland. She was a good woman, and at her death September 30, 1890, left behind a noble name. Mr. and Mrs. Wilcox had two children: Marion E., who died when twenty-four years and four months old; and Frederick Shepard, who died at the age of seven years. -

Mr. Wilcox cast his first vote for president William Henry Harrison, and on the organi- zation of the Republican party joined its ranks, and always voted its ticket. At one time he was a member of the Know-Nothing party, but the imminence of the war drove all such ideas out of his mind. He served a number of times as a member of the board of relief in his old home. In religious faith he was a member of the Cromwell Congregational Church, and while he lived in that town, was one of its most faithful and generous members.

After his marriage Mr. Wilcox and his wife lived for a time in the house that had been his home for more than half a century, and it was one of the neatest in the town. Mr. Wilcox carried on farming, and was very systematic in all his work. He was a director of the Mid- dletown National Bank for a number of years. Up to the last, while not actively engaged in business, he kept his health and vigor surpris- ingly well, and attended to his own investments. Mr. Wilcox despised ostentation and parade and loved simplicity, and was a man of genuine worth. The son of a wealthy father, he never felt the pressure of privation and want. He was active and capable, and displayed those qualities that would have gone far to have won success for him had he been compelled to wrest success from a frowning fortune. The death of his estimable wife was a great blow to Mr. Wilcox. He continued to reside in Cromwell until the month of April, 1895, when he dis- posed of his old home, and resided with his sister, Mrs. Haskell, of Middletown, until his sudden death from heart failure March 30, 1900.

HON. OTIS A. SMITH, of Rockfall, town of Middlefield, Middlesex county, is one of the best known manufacturers of small fire- arms in the United States, having been identi- fied with the business for almost half a cen- tury-for more than forty years as a manu- facturer. He is possessed of rare mechanical skill and inventive genius, which traits of char- acter are hereditary, his father having been a most skillful mechanic, and, on the maternal side, the Jenks having been renowned for gen- erations.

The paternal ancestors of Mr. Smith were of good Scottish stock, and his maternal an- cestors came from one of the oldest of the New England families. Joseph Jenks, who is the

Otis a Smith

MART91.4

COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

six times removed grandfather of the subject of this sketch, was one of Gov. Winthrop's party. He was the pioneer machinist of America and built the first fire engine in this country.

James Smith, father of Otis A., was a na- tive of Inverness, Scotland, and when a young man came to the United States as an attache of the British Government, and, later, became identified with the manufacture of cotton goods. While an employe of a firm of which his future father-in-law was a member he met and married Miss Sabrina, daughter of Gideon and Mary (Tucker ) Jenks. Mr. Smith's abil- ity, in his line of work secured his rapid ad- vancement, and he became one of the best known experts in the United States. He filled responsible positions with several large cotton goods manufacturing concerns, and was agent for the Schuyler Mills, Schuylerville, N. Y. Although he began work at the bottom of the ladder, he climbed persistently until he reached its top, and he knew the business from Alpha to Omega.

Comparatively early in his married life Mr. Smith purchased a farm at Long Meadow, Mass., where he had a beautiful home, and where his widow died June 20, 1900, at the age of ninety-one years. Mr. Smith was stricken with paralysis some years prior to his death, which occurred at his home when he was over eighty years of age. In his political affiliations he was a Democrat, but his busy ife precluded his taking any active part in public affairs. As a citizen he was greatly re- spected wherever he resided.

Otis A. Smith was born September 19, 836, in Ludlow, Mass., second of the family of six children born to James and Sabrina (Jenks) Smith. He was but a child when aken by his parents from his birthplace to Chicopee Falls, Mass., afterward to Spring- ield, Mass., and then to the homestead at Long Meadow. At these places he attended common chools until he was seventeen years of age, when he began a five years' apprenticeship to he machinist's trade in Springfield ; but, after wo years' experience there, he saw an oppor- inity to better himself, and went to Holyoke, Iass., where he finished his trade, and then worked as a journeyman at Chicopee for the mes Company, who were then turning out un machinery for the English Government. le next entered the employ of the Colt Fire 7

Arms Company, at Hartford, Conn., and from there went to the Sharpe Rifle Company of the same city ; his next employment was with the Wheeler & Wilson Sewing Machine Company, in Bridgeport, whence he came to Middletown, and became a contractor with the Savage Fire Arms Company.

In 1862, in company with Charles King, Mr. Smith leased the building which had hith- erto been occupied by the Henry Ashton Com- pany, at Rockfall, to fill Government contracts for firearms, and from which the first percus- sion lock pistol ever made for the Government in the United States was turned out. In this building Mr. Smith and Mr. King were en- gaged in the making of musket locks for the Government. Later on Mr. King sold his in- terest in the concern to Ira N. Johnson, the owner of the building, and Mr. Smith and Mr. Johnson were in partnership until the latter sold out to Edward B. Savage, and for a term of eleven years this firm manufactured pistols of Mr. Smith's invention. In 1879 Mr. Smith purchased and assumed the entire control of the business. In September of the same year the factory was destroyed by fire and Mr. Smith hired other quarters. He later bought the burned-out site, and in 1882 erected the well-designed and well-equipped factory he now occupies at Rockfall. His revolver stands equal to any of the pocket firearms. For a number of years a large New York firm han- dled Mr. Smith's output entirely, but this firm went into bankruptcy, causing Mr. Smith an immense loss. However, being a man of en- ergy and many resources, he kept on with his business when many a man would have suc- cumbed. Mr. Smith now manufactures other styles of revolvers besides those of his own in- vention, and a variety of hardware specialties designed for the use of linemen, carpenters, and others, which are used by thousands. The name of Otis A. Smith is a household word with almost every class of mechanics through- out the United States, as well as in many for- eign countries.

In 1861 Mr. Smith married Martha .1. Kimball, a native of Middletown, and a de- scendant of two of the oldest families of the State. To this felicitous union have been born five children, -namely : Mary Belle graduated from Mount Holyoke College, became profi- cient in her line of work as an educator, was superintendent of schools at Brattleboro, Vt.,

COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

a professor in Kent's Hill Seminary, in Maine, and is now the wife of William A. Sawn, of Springfield, Mass .; Mattie Jane died when nine months old; Olive Alexander was educated at the private school taught by Miss Bangs, in New Haven; Percie Janet is a graduate of Wesleyan University, Middletown, Conn., class of 1900 ; Mattie May died when six years of age.

Mr. Smith is a stanch Republican, and was sent as a representative from the town of Mid- dlefield to the Assembly of 1897, where he served on the committee on Manufactures. Fraternally Mr. Smith is a member of St. John's Lodge, F. & A. M., and Cyrene Com- mandery, K. T. He and his wife are prom- inent members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Although Mr. Smith is a gentleman of unassuming demeanor, he is a keen business man, and there is not the slightest detail in the transactions of his factory of which he does not take cognizance and superintend; nor is there a detail with which he is not thoroughly familiar and capable of executing as well, if not better, than any man on his force. Since he was a boy he has relied on his own re- sources, and has secured a comfortable com- petence entirely through his own efforts. He has reared an excellent family, and has given each of his children a first-class education, the value of which he is fully capable of appreciat- ing, and, above all, he has followed the coun- sel, "To thine own self be true," his integrity never having been questioned.

WALLACE K. BACON is a member of the well-known insurance firm of Bacon & Guy, Middletown, Conn., and is a descendant of one of the oldest families of the city. Those who know him best pronounce him a capable and worthy representative of his ancestry, and a maintainer of the business integrity of Mid- dletown. He knows every phase of insurance, and the firm with which he is associated is doing a business second to none in the State, in a city the size of Middletown.

Mr. Bacon is a descendant in the seventh generation from Nathaniel Bacon, one of the original proprietors of Middletown; and in the eighth generation from William Bacon, who lived and died in the parish of Stretton, County Rutland. England. He is the only member of the Middletown contingent of the family who has visited England, and viewed the

old town where his ancestors lived in the long ago. His lineage is as follows : William, 1608, lived in Stretton parish, County Rutiand, England; Nathaniel, 1630-1705, the first. of the family in Middletown; John, 1662-1732; Lieut. John, 1695-1781; Joseph, 1728-1785; Isaac, 1766-1856; Jefferson, 1802-1877; and Wallace K., 1846.

Isaac Bacon was the third child of his par- ents, Joseph and Rhoda ( Plumb) Bacon, and was born on North Main street, May 30, 1766. He inherited a portion of the family estate, and December 14, 1785, married Dorathy Stow, who died September 13, 1836. Like a sentinel oak the career of Isaac Bacon looms with unique distinction against the background of life in Middletown during the latter part of the previous and the forepart of the last cen- tury. Educated principally in the schools of practical experience, he yet possessed business sagacity which enabled him to accumulate a large competence for those days, his dominat- ing, picturesque and almost dramatic person- ality permeating with controlling force affairs of whatsoever nature he had to do. Independ- ence of thought and action was written in every line of his face, and expressed in every gesture of his hand, and neutrality was a state foreign to every fibre of his being. A sailor by preferment in his earlier life, he became the owner and commander of a vessel engaged in carrying stone from the Portland quarries to New York City, and though a lover of the sea, and scornful of the dangers of the ele- ments, was nevertheless keenly alert to land affairs. A rabid Democrat, his allegiance to his party won him the position of customs col- lector, but as if in retaliation lost him his stanch sea-faring craft. Happening at the Portland docks just before voting time, he learned that those for whom he worked were curious as to his voting intentions. To one who brooked in- terference from no human being this was par- ticularly galling, and he then and there vowed never more to carry stone for the company. The sailors were ordered to cast off those lines from the docks with empty hold, and though the vessel had cost its owner the greater part of his patrimony, it was abandoned by him and later destroyed by the British near Saybrook. A powerful voice was one of the striking at- tributes of Isaac Bacon. It rose above the tempest in command of his boat, and when on land could announce a fire in the town so that

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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 18

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