Commemorative biographical record of Middlesex County, Connecticut : containing biographical sketches of prominent and representative citizens, and of many of the early settled families, Part 42

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 42

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Mr. Wilcox was married, June 4, 1873, 1 Sarah E. Page, of Westbrook, born Septembe II, 1851, daughter of Dana B. and Eliza A (Stokes) Page. One child has blessed th union, William A., born June 1, 1876, who wa educated at the Morgan school, in Clinton, an New Haven Business College, and is now er gaged in the bicycle business in Westbrook. H. is one of the popular young men of the town While a substantial business man, looking we after his personal affairs, Mr. Wilcox has als served his town well, being a member of tl Legislature during 1886, town treasurer sin 1887, and twice postmaster, from 1874 to 188 and 1888 to 1892. As previously mentione he has been judge of probate since 1900. Sin 1887 he has been the efficient treasurer of ti Congregational Ecclesiastical Society. In fac in every way, Mr. Wilcox has been an ide citizen, devoted to his family, his town and h State.

MERWIN. MILES has been the fami name for many generations, the first MILJ MERWIN in this country having come fro North Wales to Milford, Conn., as early ; 1645. He was born about 1603, and learn in England the trade of a tanner. In Milfor he became the owner of a large tract of lai on the shore of Long Island Sound, no known as Pond Point and Merwin's Poi and a part of which is still owned by his d scendants. His gravestone, now standing Milford cemetery, is the only one remainii

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o the early settlers. He lived to be ninety- for years of age. He married young, and, i: he family record is correct, became the fa- tl'r of fifteen children, by three different n thers.

His son MILES, born December 14, 1658, cried Hannah Wilmot, of Milford.

Their son DANIEL, born in Milford, mar- ril Sarah Botchford, also of Milford, and re- n b ved to Durham, Conn., about 1721. He ame prominent in Durham affairs, and is caed the Hon. Daniel Merwin. He pur- cl sed 100 acres of land for £200 in the north- w tern part of the town, besides 100 acres e in Haddam and Middletown, for which hepaid £500. This land in Durham had nev- eipeen occupied by any white man. and was a fart of that granted by the General Court to Alon Cook in 1689, the original deed of that da: being now in the possession of the fam- il and labeled "Deed of Land in Cogon- she," that being one way of spelling the In- din name (Coginchaug) of the place before it as settled as a town.

Daniel and Sarah Merwin had five children, of whom the second son, MILES, was the an- cefor of the Durham Merwins. He was bei March 29, 1721. In May, 1757, he was appointed, by the General Assembly, "Cornet ofthe troop of horse in the 10th Regiment in thị Colony," and in May, 1764, was appoint- ed lieutenant in the same regiment. The swrd which he wore in the French and In-

di. war, and probably also in the war of the Rd lution, is still a valued heirloom in the ession of his descendants. He may have se ed earlier in some other capacity, as a idge box marked "IInd Comy Xth Regt," ill in the possession of his great-great- dson, Miles Talcott Merwin. He married

ca is gr y Talcott, granddaughter of Col. John Tal- col one of the original proprietors of Durham, an they lived in Durham, in the second house no|1 of the factory of the Merriam Manu- fadiring Company, which he inherited from his ather, Daniel. They had eight children, the rst-born being named Miles.

This MILES, the fifth in line of descent in thi country, married Mary Parmelee, grand- da liter of Joel Parmelee, who was one of the firs proprietors. They had eleven children, thebird child and first son receiving the name of iles.

MILES MERWIN, last mentioned, known to the generation now passing as Miles Merwin, Sr., the sixth in line of descent in this country, was born in Durham February 2, 1772, and died July 31, 1859.

He lived in an age when farming was the principal occupation, and included most kinds of manufacturing, and Durham made nearly everything that was used there. The family raised their own flax, broke it, spun and wove it, and made the cloth into garments. They raised the sheep and sheared them. The girls carded, spun and wove the wool, and made clothes for the men from the cloth. Indus- tries were varied, and a successful farmer must needs be a good business man.

In his early youth, a colony of Merwins went forth from Durham, Conn., and settled a town in Greene county, N. Y., calling it Durham after their native village. For many years it was his custom to make them an an- nual visit, driving with his family 120 miles in three days.

Like his fathers before him, and his de- scendants after him, he took his part in the world's work. He feared God, but not man ; attended church fifty-two Sundays in the year, and twice each Sunday; commenced the Sab- bath at sundown on Saturday; brought up a family of eight children; settled his two sons upon farms adjoining his own; and proved himself in every way a true member of the Merwin family, viz., a typical son of New England. He ruled over his family, as was his right and duty according to the doctrine of the age, and was resolute in maintaining his position when he knew he was right. His children honored him. Let his many descen- dants do likewise.

Miles Merwin, Sr., was married. Novem- ber 27, 1794, to Phebe Camp (born February 4, 1773, died December 1, 1812), who was a descendant of Nicholas Camp, one of the car- liest settlers in Milford. They had nine chil- dren : Miles, born September 7, 1795. died July 17, 1879: Alva, born October 12, 1796, died June 3. 1802: Phebe Camp, born March 31, 1798, died October 8, 1884: Ruth, born December 11, 1799, died April 3. 1854: Mary Parmelee, born November 12, 1801, died No- vember 8, 1873: Alva, born October 29. 1803, died May 1, 1892; Rhoda, born September 11, 1805, died November 27. 1868; Noah,

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COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

born June 24, 1807, died May 21, 1849; Nan- cy Maria, born March 29, 1810, died Febru- ary 9, 1857.

Two years after the death of the mother of his children he was married, January 2, 1814, to Abigail Seward (born January 30, 1772, died March 23, 1837). He was again married, October 11, 1837, to Grace Kirby (born January 17, 1775, died August 13, 1856), of Cromwell, then known as Middle- town Upper Houses. The Merwin homestead, an engraving of which appears here, was owned and occupied by his father and by him, and this sketch principally concerns his de- scendants.

MILES MERWIN, eldest son of Miles and Phebe (Camp) Merwin, known to the present generation as Miles Merwin, Jr., was the seventh in line of descent in this country. He lived in the house built by Samuel Fair- child, whereof the chimney bears the date "1727," and which stands next east of the Merwin home shown in the engraving. While still a youth he served in the war of 1812. He was enterprising and vigorous. He add- ed to the occupation of farmer that of drover, bringing each year large droves of cattle which he purchased in northern and eastern New York. He was influential in the estab- lishment of the Merriam Manufacturing Com- pany, which has contributed so much during more than fifty years to the prosperity of Dur- ham. He was a large stockholder at its or- ganization, and for many years continued to be its first president. In the early days he was very frequently called upon to try cases before justices, and exhibited much legal tal- ent. He especially delighted in a victory over Henry B. Harrison, won in the early days of his practice in an arbitration case. For a long time in the latter part of his life he was the trial justice of the town.

Mr. Merwin was married October 17, 1821, to Wealthy Sage (born October 22, 1795, died September 10, 1825). Their chil- dren were: Miles Talcott, born October II, 1822; Henry Sage, born July 20, 1824. Mr. Merwin married (second) December 21, 1827, Harriet (White) Keith (born January 12, 1795, died June 10, 1858). Their chil- dren were: Wealthy Sage, born November 24, 1828; Caroline Ellen, June 28, 1831 (died

February 19, 1863) ; Phebe Camp, Octobe 24, 1832 (died January 5, 1869) ; Margaret July 10, 1836; Maria White, September 25 1839. Mr. Merwin married (third) June 3 1863, Mary (Wooster) Leavenworth (bori July 27, 1806, died March 12 , 1880).

MILES TALCOTT MERWIN, son of Mile Merwin, Jr., and Wealthy (Sage) Merwir and eighth in line of descent, received the nam of Talcott in memory of his great-great-grand mother, M'ary Talcott, who was descende from Col. John Talcott, of Hartford, one o the original proprietors of Durham. Hi business has been mainly that of lumberma and farmer, in both of which he has been ver successful. In 1867 he purchased the large part of a township on the side of Blue Moun tain, in Hamilton county, in the Adirondack: and built there the original "Blue Mountain House," overlooking Blue Mountain lake which later was and still is owned by his eldes son. Two other sons have also married an settled in that region, and he now has thre sons and thirteen grandchildren there.

Mr. Merwin has always been a steadfas Republican and an unfailing supporter of th church. He has been especially noted fc his firmness and courage in adversity, takin his part wherever it lay without regard to praise or blame, and his tenacity in doing h work without regard to bodily ailments. C late years he has given his attention entirel to the management of his farm in Durham.

Mr. Merwin married, November 20 1848, Elizabeth Ann Tyler (born October 2 1821, died December 10, 1849), and their son Miles Tyler, was born November 9, 1849. M Merwin married (second) May 8, 1851, Elle Agnes Foote (born December 14, 1823, die March 18, , 1889). Their children: El Elizabeth, born April 17, 1852; Walter Le March 23, 1854; Benjamin Foote, August 2. 1855; Emily Foote, September 17, 185; Ralph Linsley, April 22, 1860; Agnes Dicl erman, May 16, 1864.

Miles Tyler Merwin, son of Miles Ta cott and Elizabeth A. (Tyler) Merwin, ar ninth in line of descent, is the proprietor of tl "Blue Mountain House," a summer hotel in tl Adirondacks. He is also engaged in lumberir during the winter and operates a sawmill the spring and fall. He has held the office ( justice of the peace for sixteen years, and ju

MERWIN HOMESTEAD, RESIDENCE OF MILES MERWIN, SR. NOW OWNED BY HIS GRANDSON, EDWARD PAYSON MERWIN.

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COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

ce of sessions for six years; also school ustee, fire warden, postmaster and other inor offices. He is very active in church ork and has been Sunday-school superinten- nt for several years. Benjamin Foote Mer- .n and Ralph Linsley Merwin, the two others who followed Miles Tyler to Blue ountain Lake some years later, have been nnected with the place in carrying on busi- ss and holding offices, and are doing their are in making "the wilderness blossom as the se."

Miles Tyler Merwin married Fannie O. urker November 24, 1879, and they have de children . Miles Herbert, born August 1881; Helen Elizabeth, March 20, 1883; . Fissell Lee, June 25, 1886; Gertrude Estelle, ttober 2, 1889; Theodore Edwin, May 5, 99. Miles Herbert Merwin, eldest son of Files Tyler Merwin, and tenth in the line of (scent, is studying for the profession of civil fgincer.

Ella Elizabeth Merwin, Emily Foote Mer- vn and Agnes Dickerman Merwin, daugh- ts of Miles Talcott and Ellen A. (Foote) Herwin, reside at their father's home in Dur- In. All three were well educated, and have len capable and efficient teachers ; Ella and Thily in Durham and Middletown, and Agnes i at present teaching in Springfield, Massa- cisetts.

Walter Lee Merwin, son of Miles Talcott al Ellen A. (Foote) Merwin, prepared for clege at Durham Academy, and graduated a Yale in 1878. He was for three years pro- fior of Greek and mathematics in New Undsor ( Md.) College, then read law with In. Charles S. McCormick, at Lock Haven, Gaton Co., Penn., was admitted to the Bar 11 1883, and began the practice of law in that pec. In 1880 he removed to Pittsburg, 1 in., where he has since been successfully aged in the practice of the law. He mar- 1 Maria Louise Moore December 24, 1885, they have three children : William Wal- a

te., born July 11, 1887; Miles Henderson, 7 23, 1892; and Margaret Russell, July 30, I 5.

Benjamin Foote Merwin, son of Miles T cott and Ellen A. (Foote) Merwin, was nfried to Clara Griffin February 22, 1883. Their children are: Grace Clara, born Feb- rury 24, 1884; Charles Benjamin, November

15, 1885; George Barber, January 5, 1887; Emily Lottie, July 10, 1890; Earl, August 15, 1893; Milford, September 12, 1895; Benja- min Foote, April 12, 1897.

Ralph Linsley Merwin, son of Miles Talcott and Ellen A. (Foote) Merwin, mar- ried Mary Ella Pascoe December 2, 1887. Their children : Walter Cyrus, born June 5, 1889; Ethel May, born April 12, 1891, died July 13, 1894.

HENRY SAGE MERWIN, son of Miles Mer- win, Jr., and Wealthy (Sage) Merwin, re- ceived the name of Sage from his mother, who was the aunt of Edmund Sage ( who married Rhoda Merwin), and the great-granddaugh- ter of David Sage, the emigrant to this coun- try. He is thus a cousin of Russell Sage, the New York financier. In his youth he taught school four winters, and also spent a year in business in Richmond, Virginia.

Henry S. Merwin married carly in life, and built a house in Durham, near to those occupied by his father and grandfather. He has been mainly engaged in farming, and pur- chased a large amount of land around and near his home, including a part of that owned by the first Daniel Merwin. His buildings were extensive, and he was well known through the county and, to a considerable extent, through the State. He continues hale and vigorous.

He exhibited well the Merwin charac- teristic of resistance to oppression when an attempt was made by State commissioners to condemn a pair of fine horses. In spite of persuasion and threats, to which most would have succumbed, he maintained his position, and two General Assemblies of the State rec- ognized that he was right and compensated him for his expense in the contest ; while the horses lived on to a good old age. thus set- ting at naught the diagnoses of a host of vet- erinarians.

Mr. Merwin was married May 16. 1848, to Sylvia Minerva Merriam (born March 20, 1827, died September 20, 1900), of Meriden, Conn. Their children: Asaph Merriam, born November 2. 1849: Sylvia Elizabeth, July 5. 1851; Elisha Sage, October 29. 1853 (died December 22, 1853) ; Frank Howard, September 25, 1855 (died August 30, 1873) : Arthur Henry, June 18, 1860; William Page, October 13, 1862 (died January 4, 1866) .

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COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

Asaph Merriam Merwin, eldest son of Henry S. and Sylvia M. (Merriam) Merwin, left his father's farm in 1872, and for eight- een years was engaged in the manufacture of building brick, near Perth Amboy, N. J. In 1890, lie returned to Durham, and two years later purchased the family homestead, former- ly owned by his grandfather, where he is en- gaged in farming and poultry raising. He married Mary Ball Tappan, of Elizabeth, N. J., September 20, 1877, and they have one son, Harry Merriam Merwin, who was born at Perth Amboy, January 14, 1886.

Sylvia Elizabeth Merwin, daughter of Henry S. and Sylvia M. (Merriam) Mer- win, was a teacher for several years, being a graduate of the State Normal School at New Britain in 1874, and her eldest daughter is now taking a course in the same school. She was married May 19, 1880, to ,William Curtis Barhite, now merchant and postmaster in Ridgefield, Conn. Their children: Sylvia Maria, born March 17, 1882; Helen Iola, March 12, 1884; Emma Agnes, October I, 1887.

Frank Howard Merwin, son of Henry S. and Sylvia M. ( Merriam) M'erwin, was edu- cated at Durham' Academy. Faithful and reliable, he was becoming of much use in the family and the church. He was drowned while bathing in the mill pond on Allyn's brook, near the center of the town, when near- ly eighteen years of age. The bearers at his funeral were the six other members of the Bi- ble class to which he belonged, all seven of the young men having united with the church about a year previous.

Arthur Henry Merwin, son of Henry S. and Sylvia M. ( Merriam) Merwin, was with his father extensively engaged in farm- ing in Durham, and was also for several years deputy sheriff of Middlesex county. In 1900 he removed to New Haven, where he now re- sides. He married Kate A. Bailey, of Hig- ganum, Conn., December 20, 1883. Their children: Phebe White, born October 6, 1884; Ruth Ella, April 17, 1887 (died Abril 30, 1891) ; Edna Althea, March 9, 1889; El- sie Margaret, June 5, 1891; Myra, June 20, 1895.

WEALTHY SAGE MERWIN, daughter of Miles Merwin, Jr., and Harriet ( White) Mer-

win, was engaged in teaching for ten years, i. Durham, Conn., and in Morristown, N. J She is a member of the Daughters of th American Revolution. She was married De cember 5, 1858, to John Ives (born Decembe 25, 1825), of Meriden, Conn., senior membe of the firm of Ives, Upham & Rand. Thei children : Leland Howard, born October It 1859; Harriet White, born September 14 1861.

Leland Howard Ives, son of John an Wealthy S. (Merwin) Ives, is connected wit his father in the dry-goods business in Meri den, and is also engaged in the care of rea estate.

Harriet White Ives, daughter of Joh and Wealthy S. ( Merwin) Ives, was mai ried December 2, 1885, to James Perry Plat of Meriden, Conn., Judge of the United State District Court, and son of O. H. Platt, Unit ed States senator. They have had two chi. dren : Margery, born December 30, 1886 and James Perry, Jr., born February 20. 1889, who died July 19, of the same year.

CAROLINE MERWIN, second daughter of Miles, Jr., and Harriet (White) Merwir spent most of her life at her father's home i Durham. She was always thoughtful for the comfort of others, possessing ability and goo. judgment, and was a favorite among her si: ters, who considered her much like their Aur Phebe White. Through a long illness of te years she was bright and cheerful .. She die at the age of thirty-one, at the home of he sister in Meriden, where she passed the la: two years of her life.

PHEBE CAMP MERWIN, daughter of Mile; Merwin, Jr., and Harriet (White) Merwil was married in April, 1853, to Gershom Birc sey (born May 5, 1832, died September 1856), of Meriden, Conn. Their son, Eddi- was born January 15, 1856, and died Augu: 15, of the same year. Phebe C. (Me: win) Birdsey was married (second) in Jai uary, 1861, to Abner Canfield Wetmore, ( Meriden, Conn. Their children: Marth Scovil, born October 8, 1861 ; Julia Merwi born April 20, 1868.

Martha Scovil Wetmore, daughter of Al ner C. and Phebe C. (Merwin) Wetmor was for three years a pupil at Mt. Holyok Seminary. She left the Seminary after th

There 6. White

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COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

dith of her father, in 1883, and has been a cher for seventeen years in the schools of 7 riden.

I Julia Merwin Wetmore, daughter of Ab- r. C. and Phebe C. (Merwin) Wetmore, 's married to William L. Hatch April 3, V 39, and their son, Harold Wetmore, was bn January 24, 1890.

MARGARET MERWIN, daughter of Miles Mrwin, Jr., and Harriet (White) Merwin, vs a pupil at Mt. Holyoke Seminary, and vis for thirteen years a teacher in the schools o Durham, Meriden and New Haven. She ws married April 2, 1870, to Abner Can- fi 1 Wetmore (born October 21, 1815, died Jie 3, 1883), of Meriden, Conn. Their daughter, Fannie Canfield, was born April 8, I.6.

Fannie Canfield Wetmore, only daugh- toof Abner C. and Margaret ( Merwin) Wet- nfre. resides with her mother in Meriden. S : has had a business education and has been foiseven years in the office of the C. F. Monroe Conpany, manufacturers of cut glass, in Meri- d

MARIA WHITE MERWIN, youngest daugh- to of Miles Merwin, Jr., and Harriet hite) Merwin, was married July 31, 1865, ( tc Edwin Jerome Black (born August 4, I), who served in the Civil war, as a 1 n'Inber of Company D, Twentieth Regiment, Chinecticut Volunteers, being one year with tl Army of the Potomac, and two years with

S rman's Army in the Southwest. They ne' reside in Rockfall, Conn. Their children : Wliam Jerome, born February 13, 1867; Crie Phebe, born October 23, 1870.

William Jerome Black, son of Edwin J. Maria W. ( Merwin) Black, served e years in the regular army, then t11

sted at New Orleans in the Second Lou- 5

1.5 a Regiment, and served in Cuba during Spanish war.

Carrie Phebe Black, daughter of Edwin J. nd Maria W. ( Merwin) Black, was mar- ri. to Edward Safford in May 1888; and the daughter, Katie Eaton, was born in July, 18).

PHEBE CAMP MERWIN, daughter of Mes Merwin, Sr., and Phebe (Camp) Mer- .11 was fourteen years of age when her m her died, leaving her the eldest of six

daughters and next to the eldest in a family of eight children. Thus early in life placed in a responsible position as head of her father's household, she developed great decision of character and executive ability. Two years later, when relieved of the burden by the com- ing of a stepmother, she resumed her place as a dutiful daughter and loving sister, until most of her brothers and sisters were settled in life; then, on October 5, 1836, she was united in marriage to Seymour White (born in 1794, died March 18, 1838), of her native town, who was engaged in the shoemaking business. Mrs. White's wedded life was of brief duration. She returned to her father's house after the death of her husband, and some months later was offered the position of matron of the Asy- lum for the Deaf at Hartford. She assumed its duties in the autumn of 1839, with many mis- givings, but for thirty-two years filled the po- sition with "rare fidelity, devotion and suc- cess.'

The high esteem in which she was held is shown by the following extract from the "Annals of the Deaf and Dumb," published at Washington, D. C .: "Mrs. White was a woman of great equanimity, common sense and large charity for all, with rare poise of Christian character. Prompt, energetic, firm, kind, she ruled the servants with a strong yet gentle hand, and no negligence was tolerated in her department of the Asylum. To the teachers and other officers she was ever courte- ous and kind-a trusted counsellor and friend ; to the pupils she was a faithful, wise, ju- (licious mother, winning the love and respect of all; and the hundreds of graduates whom she has watched over and befriended will ever keep her in affectionate remembrance."

In the autumn of 1871, at the age of sev- enty-three, Mrs. White resigned her position and returned to the home of her childhood. there to pass her remaining years. She out- lived all her brothers and sisters except one. a widowed sister, who came to be a companion for her in the house in which they were born. Here, for thirteen years, "surrounded by a large circle of relatives and friends, her Chris- tian character bore richest fruit in large-heart- ed benevolence and charity."

Mrs. White was always interested in church and Sunday-school work, and, at the time of her death was still a member of the

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COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

Bible class. Upon the organization of the first Sunday-school in Durham, about 1818, she was the female superintendent. Sixty years later she gave a cabinet organ to the same school, and in her will left a fund to provide a yearly addition to its library. She also left by will a gift to the church which became the nucleus of the fund for the building of the parlors, which are now so important in its so- cial life. She remembered, also, the benevolent societies of the Congregational Churches.

Mrs. White ever maintained a lively in- terest in the members and numerous descend- ants of her father's family, and her advice and aid were often sought and freely given. Al- ways generous and helpful to them during her life, she was also enabled by economy and pru- dence in the management of her income, to leave by will a substantial legacy to each of her twenty nephews and nieces.

This sketch of the Merwin family is in- serted here through the contributions of her nephews and nieces, as a token of their appre- ciation of her thoughful and loving remem- brance of them, and in the hope that it may cause her to be kept in mind, and assist in maintaining among succeeding generations the recognition of relationship and interest in each other which she did so much to foster, and which has characterized those of our time.

RUTH MERWIN, daughter of Miles Merwin, Sr., and Phebe (Camp) Merwin, was married September 28, 1829, to James Edward Lee (born October 20, 1800, died November 18, 1889), who occupied the farm in Guilford, Conn., which has been in the possession of his family since the settlement of the town. Here she resided with her husband until her death, which occurred twenty-five years later.

Before her marriage she learned the mil- liner's trade in Middletown, Conn., and was for some years engaged in that business. She was a devoted wife and mother, loving and tender, self-sacrificing to a fault, and her Christian character impressed itself upon all with whom she was connected. > Her early married life was saddened by the loss of their first three children, Charlotte Elizabeth, Ed- win Merwin and William Henry, who died in infancy. Their other children were: Mary Elizabeth, born July 20, 1833; Edward Mer-

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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 42

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