Commemorative biographical record of Middlesex County, Connecticut : containing biographical sketches of prominent and representative citizens, and of many of the early settled families, Part 48

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 48

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Henry Page was born on the farm wl'e he now resides and attended district school til he was sixteen years old, going sometime the South and Northwest District schools ff Durham. After leaving school he returned the home farm, and there assisted his fair until the latter's death, when he assured charge, buying the interests of the other h }; He has since engaged in general farming, c coal burning and dairying, in addition to fe operation of the creamery mentioned, es- lished in 1886. The butter from his crean y finds a ready market in the retail and why- sale trade of Wallingford, where he has d it for many years. His pleasant and como- dious home he erected in 1885.

Mr. Page married, November 24, 1.3. Phebe L. Coe, who was born in Durham e 3, 1831, daughter of William C. and Cardle E. (Allen) Coe. The mother of Mrs. Ire survives at the age of over ninety-one yes. To this union have been born the follow g named children: (I) Eddie, born Au;lit 29, 1854, died February 18, 1856. (2) I - riett A., born July 18, 1856, was married ?- cember 29, 1881, to John Stevens, a farme Durham, and they have had seven child Annie L. (deceased), Alice M., Harold Ralph P., Ellis, Nita and Walter. (3) ron W., born December 2, 1859, died in My, 1860. (4) Lavina A., born June 25, I married Wilbur L. Davis, of Durham. :)

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COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

Hry I., born May 26, 1865, married Harriet L. tone April 12, 1893; they have two chil- dr., Theodore S. and Eunice E. (6) Saralı E.born December 20, 1867, married Charles G. SStone October 25, 1894. (7) Benjamin F. born July 12, 1870, was married June I, 19%, to Annie R. Fowler, and they have had tw children, Dorothy and Ellsworth. (8)

erick H. was born January 3, 1874.

n politics Mr. Page is a Democrat, but he vo l for President Mckinley. He was elected to nie State Legislature in 1869-70-71, and seied on the Finance and Railroad commit- tee He is a prominent and active member of theM. E. Church and is now serving as trus- tceof the same.

`HE COE FAMILY, of which Mrs. Henry Pap is a descendant, came to the United States froi the County of Suffolk, England, where they had been residents for many generations. Ro rt Coe was born in Suffolk in 1596. His Anna, was born in 1591. With three they sailed from Ipswich, Suffolk, in the

Sol shi "Francis," April 10, 1634, arriving at Boon, Mass., in June of that year, and set- tlir in Watertown, near Boston. The first Co in Durham of whom we find any record wa Lieut. Joseph Coe, son of John Coc, of Str ford, who was a grandson of Robert Coe, wh came from England. This Joseph Coe -

wa Du

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one of the proprietors, or first settlers, of am in about 1700. There was also a Rob- Foc, who was one of the proprietors ( w ther they were brothers or not is not n). Mrs. Page is of the ninth genera- tion rom Robert Coe, the founder of the fam- ily | America, her line of descent being as follvs: (I) Robert Coe, born in 1596; (II) Rolrt (2). born in 1627; (III) John, born in 558; (IV) John, born in 1693; (V) Sinon, born in 1721, who married Annie Mois, daughter of Adonijah Morris (from the forris family came, through Simeon Coe, the resent homestead in Durham) ; (VI) Fin thy (1), born in 1746, who married Phe: Thomas; (VII) Timothy (2), grand- rath. of Mrs. Page, and (VIII) William C., her ither.

VII) Timothy Coe (2) was born in Dur-' han in 1781. He was an extensive farmer and also operated a blacksmith shop and a c|ling mill. He was an active and in- fluefal man, a member of the Congrega-

tional Church of Durham, represented Dur- ham in the Legislature, and was known as "Squire Coe." His death occurred August 14, 1849. He married Polly Callender, who was born in 1787, and died February 22, 1866, and their children were: (1) Edwin T., born December 4, 1803, married (first) Phebe Hart, of Westfield, and for his second wife Cornelia Parmelee, of Durham. He was a farmer in Durham, where he died in 1880. (2) William L., born February 28, 1806, died in Septem- ber, 1806. (3) William C., born January I, 1808, was the father of Mrs. Page. (4) Mary A .. born November 1, 1809, married Abram Camp, a farmer in Durham. (5) Henry M., born October 12, 1811, married Betsey Robinson. He was a merchant and a. local preacher, and died in 1865. (6) Jewett T., born January 9, 1819, married Ann Hull. He is a tinner and butcher and lives in Middle- town.

William Callender Coe, the father of Mrs, Page, was born in Haddam, Conn., where his parents resided for a short time. They re- turned to Durham when he was a few months old and located on the farm now occupied by his son, William T. Coc. He was reared to agricultural pursuits, and assisted his father at blacksmithing. He followed farming all his life, and died on the farm mentioned June 12, 1877. In politics he was a Democrat. He was a very active member of the Methodist Church of Durham, which he attended regularly, the weather making little difference to him, de- spite the distance of three miles from his home to the church. He was a class-leader for many years. Physically Mr. Coe was a large man, powerfully built, and he was a hard- worker. He married Caroline E. Allen, who was born February 11, 1811, in Wallingford, daughter of Ebenezer and Sally ( Kimberly) Allen. Her father was a carpenter and joiner. To William C. and Caroline E. Coe were born the following named children : (1) Phebe L. is the wife of Henry Page. (2) Tlenry W., born November 14. 1832, married ( first ) Eliz- abeth Davis, and (second) Grace Talmadge. of New Haven. Ile is a carpenter and resides at East Haven, Conn. (3) George died in infancy. (4) William T., born May 20. 1844, married. November 15, 1865. Harriet A. Barnes, of New Haven, and is a farmer in Durham.

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COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

HON. DANIEL CHAPMAN SPEN- CER, of Old Saybrook, Middlesex county, who is widely known as one of the representa- tive men of that historic community, a stand- ing justified alike by his character, ability and wealth, was born December 3, 1823, in that part of the town known as Oyster River, a son of David and Rachel ( Bushnell) Spencer.

The Spencer family has a history that runs back as far as Robert de Spenser, who is re- corded as a "dispenser" of the king, William the Conqueror. The first of the line of Daniel C. Spencer to come to America was Gerrard Spencer, who with his brothers, William, Thomas and Michael, located at Cambridge, Mass., in 1634. Gerrard Spencer was born in Stotfold, Bedfordshire, England, and was bap- tized April 28, 1634. He came to New Eng- land in 1632, and was admitted a freeman of the Massachusetts Bay Colony March 9, 1637. He was a resident of Cambridge in 1634, and owned land on the south side of the river. Later he moved to Lynn. In 1660 he came to Connecticut, and was probably in Hartford a short time. In 1662 he and his son John, were among the twenty-eight purchasers of the town of Haddam, which was then, and for many years thereafter, a part of Hartford. He was the wealthiest man of the town. Ger- rard Spencer died in 1685.

(II) Thomas Spencer, fifth child of Ger- rard, was born in Lynn, Mass., about 1650, removed with his parents to Haddam, and may have settled in Saybrook before 1679. He was voted an inhabitant December 8, 1687, and re- sided in that part of the town known as Po- chaug (now Westbrook). He married Eliz- abeth Bates, daughter of James Bates, of Dor- · chester, Massachusetts.

(III) Caleb Spencer, born June 19, 1695, in the parish of Westbrook, town of Say- brook, was ensign of the train band, and was chosen surveyor of highways, December 12, 1732. After the death of his first wife, Han- nah, he married Temperance Wright.

(IV) Joseph Spencer was born in West- brook parish April 18, 1720. He married Lydia Grinnell, daughter of Paybodie and Ruth (Nettleton) Grinnell.

(V) Joseph Spencer (2), born in the par- ish of Westbrook August 12, 1744, married Elizabeth, daughter of John and Elizabeth (Williams) Clark, November 2, 1769. For

his second wife he married Lucy, daughter Benjamin and Mary (Colt) Post.

(VI) David Spencer was born Decem 16, 1785, in that part of the town of Saybre known as Westbrook. He married Rac Bushnell, and they had children as follow David, born July 24, 1808, died August 1851. Nancy, born October 19, 1810, died / gust 8, 1882. Charles Chauncey, born J uary 8, 1813, died September 6, 1876. [ Maria, born October 27, 1814, died Septem 2, 1896. Edwin, born January 12, 1817, ( April 12, 1882. Alvin Benjamin, born F ruary 1, 1819, died February 22, 1856. Ji Elizabeth, born October 10, 1821, died A 17, 1902. Daniel Chapman was born Dec ber 3, 1823. Harriet Amelia, born Decem 21, 1825, died June 9, 1852. Emily A born May 5, 1828, died June 28, 1895. M Augusta born August 19, 1832, died Octo II, 1900. David Spencer, the father of family, received a common school education Saybrook, now Westbrook. He was a mai much energy and large ambition, and, w farming was his life work, he also engage blacksmithing and manufacturing. He longed to the Episcopal Church, and was v' den for many years. Rachel Bushnell, wife, was a daughter of Asa Bushnell, at. descendant of one of the first settlers of State under the Old Fenwick Patents.

Daniel C. Spencer was born and reared his father's farm, and received a district sc". education in the home neighborhood, sup mented by the instruction of the village demy. When he was twenty-two years old; suffered a sunstroke which necessitated! change of occupation. For several years clerked in the stores of his native village, acquired that familiarity with mercantile its and requirements which has always s./l him so well in hand throughout life. L Bishop, attracted by the personality of : young man, sent for him to come to his ] Haven establishment, and put him on je road as traveling salesman. In his work Mr. Bishop he proved peculiarly succes, and in 1853 was offered charge of the fly goods department of the wholesale dry-g.'s house of Moulton, Plympton, Williams & one of the leading establishments of the 1 d in New York City. Mr. Spencer, diffider f his ability, and afraid that the firm had pijn

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COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

stravagant estimate on his work, was reluc- nt to take up so responsible a position, but le firm, wishing his immediate services, pur- lased the unexpired time of his contract with r. Bishop. Mr. Spencer was with them for vo years, during which time he conducted mself in so systematic and business-like a shion that when the firm went by the board the financial difficulties of the time he was at ice taken into the famous house of Claflin, .ellen & Co., at that time located at No. III roadway, in the old Trinity building, who ere contemplating the opening of a notions partment. Mr. Spencer, in conversation ith Mr. Claflin, offered to take charge of the partment the first year without salary. Mr. aflin insisted on paying him well, and a con- tional sum at the end of the year if the ven- fre proved successful. The new department 1 so well that at the end of the year Mr. affin not only paid Mr. Spencer all that his Intract called for, but made him a present of de thousand dollars in addition. The engage- ent was renewed on a percentage basis, and "der Mr. Spencer's enthusiastic management ie business of the firm increased so rapidly that they sought larger quarters at the corner

1 Church and Worth streets, where a six- sbry building was erected. The notions de- Artment had the third and fifth floors, and . Spencer was given the aid of forty clerks. Is position demanded great powers of com- Iation, quick judgment and an instinctive lowledge of men. While he was connected yth the house it became the leading one of t kind in the United States, and its annual ses exceeded those of its nearest competitor 1 several million dollars. The pressure of the rk was too great for Mr. Spencer's health, I vever, and he became utterly prostrated. all was obliged to sever his relations with the ise, much against the desire of the mem- 1) s of the firm, who were willing to give any t t e for recuperation. But Mr. Spencer felt t recovery would be impossible so long as pressure of the position rested upon him, afl on January 1, 1868, he retired. In this c nection an article from the New York Tri- 'e is apropos :

Mr. D. C. Spencer, for many years past the genial able manager of the fancy goods department of Il. la'ın & Co., having been compelled on account of ill 1h 1o retire from business, his late employes, headed

by his efficient successor, Mr. James H. Day, presented Mr. Spencer with a superb silver service of the richest, yet most chaste workmanship, contained in a truly ele- gant black walnut case, each piece bearing the following inscription: "Presented to D. C. Spencer, by his late employes, on his retiring from business, January 1, 1868." Accompanying the service was a very handsome card, thirty-six by forty inches, encased in a heavy gilt frame, on which is a photograph of the house of Claflin & Company, and one of each of the donors.

Warm words of appreciation and regret at the parting were spoken to Mr. Spencer. To these evidences of esteem in which he was held by the members of the force over which he had charge, Mr. Spencer replied in a characteristic letter. The event is still remembered as a touching termination of his mercantile career.

Mr. Spencer had purchased what was known as the Chalker farm, near the old Say- brook homestead, and there he settled with the intention of making this his permanent home. He lived close to the earth in inaugur- ating and carrying out vast and extensive im- provements on the old place. The house was greatly enlarged and modernized, and the swampy meadows soon became cranberry patches, on which he spent many thousands of dollars. Health and energy returned, and Mr. Spencer soon became involved in large busi- ness deals. He was quick to see the possibili- ties of the pleasant and beautiful country around him, and bought on his own account one hundred acres near Guard House Point. With John F. and R. M. Bushnell he bought 250 acres of what was known as the Lynde farm, a part of the Fenwick estate. This tract was sold to the Saybrook Company, of which he was afterward a director, and under its management became widely known as an ideal summering region. It was divided and sold as sites for summer cottages. Mr. Spencer was much interested in this work and in the erection of Fenwick Hall. Hle has taken a leading part in many local improvements, such as the organization and location of the Valley Railroad, of which for many years he was one of the directors and auditor.

Mr. Spencer has never been a very active or aggressive character in political affairs, but off several occasions has been called to import- ant and responsible positions. In 1885 he was a representative in the State Legislature, and again in 1886, serving with credit to lumself and satisfaction to his constituency. During the first session he was chairman of the Li-

1 hı

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COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

brary committee, and during the second term he was on the Railroad committee. The rec- ognized financial ability and commercial knowledge which Mr. Spencer has largely ex- hibited in his active business career have been influential in commending him to many criti- cal and responsible positions. For many years he was a director in the Deep River National Bank, and he has filled the office of auditor sev- eral times.

Mr. Spencer belongs to the Episcopal Church, and while he was living in New York he was at various times warden, treasurer and vestryman of St. Timothy's Church. In Say- brook he did much to secure the erection of the beautiful and stately edifice in which the con- gregation of Grace Episcopal Church now worships, and was one of the most generous contributors to the building fund. In Say- brook he has been clerk, treasurer and vestry- man of the church for more than thirty years, and is now senior warden. He is a life mem- ber of the Connecticut Humane Society and of the Acton Library.

On October 12, 1851, Mr. Spencer was married to Miss Emily Maria Stokes, who was born November 21, 1831, in Westbrook, daughter of William Stokes, a soldier in the war of 1812. They became the parents of the following children: (1) William David, born in 1852, is now a practicing physician. (2) Ella Maria, born in 1856, married B. W. Leonard, and died November 7, 1900. (3) Daniel Stokes, born September 2, 1860, mar- ried Mary E. Fish, and is the father of one child, Daniel S. Fish. (4) Grace Emily, born November 1I, 1861, is the wife of John Clayton Wood, of the city of New York. (5) George Jarvis, born May 2, 1866, was a stu- dent at Yale, and died November 10, 1892. (6) Edmund Chapman, born January 8, 1869, married Florence J. Burr, and is the fa- ther of one child, Clayton Burr. (7) Fred- erick Clarence, born March 27, 1870, gradu- ated at Yale. (8) Harry Russell, born July 9, 1875, died May 5, 1876. Mrs. Spencer died October 5, 1895, leaving precious mem- ories of a long and beautiful life. -

GEORGE L. TUTTLE (deceased), founder of the Tuttle Brick Company, of Mid- dletown, whose yards are at Newfield, Middle- sex county, was born in 1822 in Windsor,

Hartford Co., Conn., and was a descend: in the seventh generation of William Tuti who came from England in the ship "Plant in 1635, landing in Boston, Mass. There remained until 1638, when, with others, settled at Quinnipiack, now New Haven. was joined at Boston by his wife in 1636.

(II) Samuel Tuttle, son of William, ! emigrant, born January 9, 1659-60, was m ried in June, 1684, to Sarah Newman, daug ter of Samuel' Newman, of New Haven, a they joined the church in New Haven, in 160 He married for his second wife, Abigail, daug ter of John and Mary Frost. Samuel Tu was a large landowner. He was a stone r. son by trade.

(III) Daniel Tuttle, son of Samuel, bo August 23, 1702, married April 26, 17 Mary Mansfield, and resided in New Haven (IV) Samuel Tuttle, son of Daniel, bo February 12, 1727, married May 12, 17 Sarah Humison, who was born September 1723, daughter of John and Hannah (Ra Humison, and widow of Thomas Turner. I Tuttle died November 23, 1784, in North I ven.

(V) Samuel Tuttle, born in 1759, m ried Chloe, daughter of Titus Todd, and moved from North Haven to Middletoy Conn. Mr. Tuttle was a soldier of the Re lution, and was one of those confined in "Jersey" prison ship. His death occur July 9, 1802, the result of an accident ; he from a load of hay, and was run over by cart. After his death his widow returned North Haven. His children were: ( Sally, born September 15, 1787, was marr October 4, 1813, in Litchfield, to Willi Way. (2) Edward, was married in N Haven to Sally Clinton, and died in Tod: City, Utah, in July, 1867. (3) Lyman w; born June 15, 1790. (4) Maria mari Daniel Todd. (5) Samuel, born June 1795, learned the carriage business with Jai Brewster in New Haven, and for a number years carried on a business for that gentlen -nine years in New Haven. In about I !! Mr. Tuttle removed to the State of Louisia and there died December 12, 1834. Titus T., died at the age of sixteen. Esther, born February 3, 1799, married Jab Doolittle, and resided in North Haven.

George & Tuttle

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COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

jose married Rachel Bartholomew. (9)

I niel.

(VI) Lyman Tuttle, father of George L., ys born June 15, 1790, in North Haven, and ven a young man moved to Windsor, where 1- engaged in the manufacture of brick and in f ming. Later he removed to Newfield and Il chased a brickyard from George, Gaylord a|1 John Cornwall, which yard he operated .il he was obliged by rheumatism to aban- du active labor. His son, George L., then afumed charge and continued the business, hped to pay off the indebtedness, and cared ff his father in his declining years and until hf death, at the age of eighty-four years. Ly- n n Tuttle married Martha Tuttle, who was bin March 7, 1794. in Rowe, Mass., daughter of Judge Tuttle. They resided in Hartford. If this union were born three sons and four duighters: Luzern, who died in Kensington, Cın .; Angeline, wife of Henry Norton, liv- i1 in Berlin, Conn .; Miss Julia, who also lives in Berlin ; George L .; Edward W., who went Vist; Harriet, Mrs. Samuel Bowers, of South- jifton, Conn .; and Jane, who married John Ntleton, of Middlefield, this county.

George L. Tuttle lived in Windsor until 1. 2, when he came to Newfield with his fahrer. His education was limited, as his early was spent in hard work, aiding to support li 11|

family, and from the first the bulk of the k in his father's brickyard fell to his hands.

1 ran this business successfully, however, dling by the old hand process, and, with the 11 hub of one or two hands. could turn out about 3.00 brick per day. At the time of his death wich occurred March 10, 1890, he was mak- 111 about 1,000,000 brick annually.

111 1/1

George L. Tuttle was quite well-to-do at 11 time of his death, and his wealth was aquired through his own industry and good mpagement. Like all progressive men, he W esteemed by his fellow citizens for his CI gy, foresight and indomitable enterprise, pertinacious pursuit of any object he had view. He was, moreover, popular with public in general, and as the choice of the socratic party served in 1868 in the Gen- Assembly, in which body he was the col- 1c.

ne of the late Michael Griffin, of Middle- In 1.

Mr. Tuttle married Miss Lydia Nettleton, a itive of Durham, Conn., born January 8,

1831, daughter of Joseph and Esther (Bailey) Nettleton, and to this union were born five children, viz .: George L., Willis W., Lilla E., Wallace M. and Lewis M.

GEORGE L. TUTTLE, now president of the Tuttle Brick Company, was born May 31, 1854, and married April 12, 1882, Miss Agnes A. Ross, who was born January 2, 1855, daughter of Abraham and Elizabeth (Steed) Ross. To this marriage have been born five children : Belle E., January 16, 1883 ; Ernest E., February 12, 1884; Lilla E., July 22, 1885; Arthur R., February 21, 1887; and George H., January 2, 1889.

WILLIS W. TUTTLE, a stockholder in the Tuttle Brick Company, and foreman of the yard, was born December 29, 1855, and married April 2, 1881, Miss Catherine J. Stone, a native of New Haven, born June 10, 1859, daughter of John H. and Julia A. (Street Stone. To this union also five children have been born: Elmer LeRoy, October 23, 1885; Willis Harold, June 26, 1889 (died suddenly August 12, 1891) ; Harriet, October 9, 1892; Catherine S., March 17, 1894; and Marion E., December 28, 1896.

Lilla E. Tuttle was born January 13, 1858, was married October 13, 1881, to William S. Bacon, of Newfield, and is a mother of four children, born as follows: Fannie E., June 6, 1882: Clarence H., September 1, 1883: Ella R .. May 20, 1893: and Frank W., September 12, 1898.

WALLACE M. TUTTLE, general manager and treasurer of the Tuttle Brick Com- pany, was born July 30. 1862, and on Novem- ber 18, 1889, married Miss Jennie Bassett, a native of North Haven, Conn., born Novem- ber 24. 1870, daughter of Munson A. and Ella | M. (Terrell) Bassett. Five children have been born of this union: Raymond M .. born De- cember 12. 1800 (died July 5. 1891) ; Edna Luella, born September 23, 1892: Monroc W., September 5. 1803: Warren B., November 14, 1807 (died January 7. 1898) ; and LeRoy, November 14, 1901.

LEWIS M. TerriE, secretary of the Tuttle Brick Company, born October 22. 1871. graduated from Hlamum's Business College, of Hartford. On February 13, 1806. he mar- ried Miss Brizella Clew, a native of Cork, Irc- land, born May 15, 1873. daughter of Michael and Katherine ( Rumley ) Clew, and this union

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COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

has been graced with four children : George B., born January 21, 1897 ; Milton Lewis, April I, 1898 (died August 2, 1898) ; Mary L. June 17, 1899; and Laura Isabelle, April 21, 1901. The Tuttle Brick Company, of which the late George L. Tuttle was the founder, in 1842, as has been mentioned above, was not incor- porated until April, 1896, after his death, and is officered as follows: President, George L. Tuttle; secretary, Lewis M. Tuttle; and treas- urer and general manager, Wallace M. Tuttle -all children of the deceased George L., as mentioned in previous paragraphs. All these members of the company were reared to the business by their father, and are practical in all the details of brick manufacture. The plant is now the third largest in the State, em- ploying about one hundred men, and its out- put has become famous for its quality through- out a large extent of territory, near and far. Since the death of George L. Tuttle the capac- ity has increased to 90,000 per day or about 14,000,000 brick per annum, and the company has furnished the brick for many of the sub- stantial blocks, public buildings and residences in Middletown, in fact, most of the brick used in that city come from this well-known yard. The company also ships brick very largely to Massachusetts and Rhode Island. The latest appliances for the manufacture of pallet, face and sewer brick have been established at its yards. and its equipment is of the most modern kind. Business energy and push have char- acterized the conduct of the business since its establishment.

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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 48

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