USA > Connecticut > New Haven County > Commemorative biographical record of New Haven county, Connecticut, containing biographical sketches of prominent and representative citizens and of many of the early settled families, V. I, Pt 1 > Part 40
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"In all political contests Mr. Harrison has heen found in the front ranks of his party. One of its founders, he has never failed to be a champion and a leader. His political foes have always been ready to acknowledge his justice and fairness, his sin- cerity and unimpeachable honesty, and they have rejoiced as neighbors and fellow citizens in his many honors. The evidences of his public spirit, of his in- terest in private and public enterprises, of his char- ity and courtesy, of his activity in behalf of all the institutions of New Haven, and of Yale College, in whose corporation he has been enrolled since 1872, all this should be rehearsed. It must all be im- plied in the description of him as a citizen worthy in every way of the community which esteems and respects him, and of the State which honors him."
In early life Governor Harrison was married to Miss Mary E., daughter of Hon. Thomas B. Os- borne, of Fairfield county, at one time a member of Congress, and a judge of the County Court.
ERUS BLAKESLEE BISHOP. The name of Bishop is not unknown over a wide range of coun- try, but in North Haven, Conn .. for generations it has been familiarly recognized, intermarriage hav- ing connected it with very many of the prominent families of New Haven county, and its numerous representatives filling many positions of life with honor, and all with credit. The subject of this sketch is the oldest living member of this family in North Haven, and is one of the self-made, substan- tial citizens.
James Bishop came to America from England and located in New Haven, being secretary and dep- uty governor of the colony, and became lieutenant governor, serving from 1681 to 1601. He lived at the northeast corner of State and Elm streets. His first wife was Mary Lamberton, a daughter of Cap- tain George Lamberton, of the ship "Phantom." The children of this marriage were: Hannah. Grace, Sarah, Elizabeth. Abigail, John and Ruth. His second wife. Elizabeth, daughter of Micah Tompkins, of Milford, bore him: Samuel (who
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became town clerk of New Haven, being succeeded by his son and then by his grandson, a nephew fol- lowing, the office being in the family for 116 years ), Mary, James and Rebekah. .
(II) James Bishop followed farming in North Haven and married Abigail Bennett. Their chil- dren were: Elizabeth; Mary; James; Rebecca, who married Stephen Hill (remarkable because he never weighed over '100 pounds, while his wife weighed over 200), who was styled "Uncle Silver" on account of his hair; Abigail ; Ruth ; and Joy.
(III) Joy Bishop, youngest son of James, was born in 1711 and married Marian Perkins, who died in 1794. He died in 1796. Their children were; Elisha, Benjamin, Jesse, Ruth, Meriam, Joy, Eunice, Asa and Ruth.
(IV) Joy Bishop, the sixth of his father's fam- ily, was born in 1745, enlisted in the company of Capt. Caleb Mix, in the Revolutionary army, was at the battle of White Plains, and did garrison ser- vice in the forts along the Hudson river. He married Abigail Tuttle in 1767 and died in 1837. Their chil- dren were: Elisha, Mabel, Joy, Abigail, Penina, Stephen, Riah, Rachel and Chauncey. A second marriage, with Mehitable Culver, resulted in two children, Mary and Mariam. Mehitable Culver was a native of Vermont, and her death occurred at the home of Dennis Thorpe in North Haven. Elisha, Penina, Joy and Stephen Bishop moved to Reads- boro, Vt., and their posterity is scattered over New England and some of the western States.
(V) Joy Bishop, son of Joy, was a farmer in North Haven and lived near the location of Smith's old carriage shop, a little less than one-fourth mile north from Mansfield's bridge, and was also ex- tensively engaged in shad fishing in the river, his catch amounting to several thousand in a season. His son also engaged in the same business and MIr. Erus Bishop has tools that were then in use. Joy Bishop later moved to the farm now owned by Isaac Mansfield, and on this place he died, having been a successful farmer and the owner of a large extent of land.
(VI) Riah Bishop, son of Joy Bishop, was born April 20, 1783, on the farm where his father died. When we recall these dates and remember the pro- gress the world has made since, the wonderful de- velopment in every line, it is with added respect that we view the successful efforts of those who, with none of our advantages, so well accomplished their life work. The old house was torn down when Erus Bishop was but a youth of twenty years, and upon the site Rial Bishop erected a new one, the son doing the work from plans of his own. This house still stands and is occupied by his daughter, Mrs. Edwin Mansfield. Riah Bishop married Con- tent Blakeslee, a daughter of Seth and Jemima ( Tut- tle) Blakeslee, born Sept. 24. 1793, and died Dec. 26, 1848. The children of Mr. and Mrs. Bishop were: Andrew B .; Merab, born in 1811, married Merlin Bradley; Bela, born in 1813, married Sally
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Abby ; Orrin Orson, born in 1815, married Maria Phillips; Erus Blakeslee; Aurelia, born in 1819, married Horace Johnson and lived in Cheshire; Amelia, a twin sister, married Amos Stone, who after the death of his wife removed to Salt Lake City, Utah, where he became an elder in the Mor- mon Church; Betsey A., born in 1821, married Or- rin Mansfield and moved to Harrison, Calumet Co., Wis. ; an infant daughter, unnamed ; Polly Content, born in 1824, married Edwin Mansfield ; James E., born in 1826, married Elizabeth Turner, of Fair Haven; George, born in 1828, married Clarissa Buckingham; Jason, and an infant daughter, born in 1830, the former living three years, the latter but one day : Laura, born in 1833, died in 1836; and Ellen, born in 1837, married George M. Beach, in Sherwood, Wis., and is now deceased. This large family claims kindred with many of the prominent ones of this part of the State.
Erus Blakeslee Bishop was born March 13, 1817, in the old home and enjoyed but limited oppor- tunities for acquiring an education. Quite early he sought work outside the home farm, as the old place became crowded with the coming of the numerous family, and being of a mechanical turn of mind, he successfully pursued some lines without any in- struction. The house which still stands is a sample of his boyish labor, a testimonial to the energy and natural ability which afterward made of him so skilled a workman. About 1834 he began work in a brick yard, working two summers, afterward en- gaging in carpenter work, and five years later went to Meriden where he followed this trade. being con- sidered an expert in fraine making, and his wages of $25 per month were considered excellent. After several years in Meriden Mr. Bishop returned to North Haven, bought a farm and erected his pres- ent house in the year 1847, performing all the work of this more pretentious structure also. The mason work, plastering and everything pertaining to its erection, except the chimney, is the work of his own hands.
The fertile brain of Mr. Bishop was constantly at work, and the result has been a number of valut- able inventions in the making of brick, including moulds and a machine which was in general use throughout New England for many years, and in the western States. Mr. Bishop re-commenced the making of brick, locating his vard on the east side of Quinnipiac river, south of the Stiles Brick Co.'s plant. Here he and his brother, James Bishop, en- gaged in the business under the firm name of Bishop Bros., and continued for four years, when Erus bought his brother's interest and remained in the business until 1887. He was succeeded by F. H. Brockett, a son-in-law, who continued several years, later leased another yard and the old yard is discontinued. Mr. Bishop then retired to his farm, where he employs himself for recreation.
On April 17, 1844, Erus B. Bishop married Charlotte Thorpe, who was born May 11, 1825, a
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daughter of Amasa and Cliloe ( Bassett) Thorpe, both of whom lived to an advanced age in this com- munity, the former attaining eighty-two years and the latter eighty-eight, and were well known to the older citizens. The children born of this union were: (1) Charles Elbert, born in 1845, died in 1872; he was an educated man and superior in many lines, a fine mathematician, an expert short- hand writer and bookkeeper and the compiler of the family history, and was connected in business with his father. (2) Julia Amelia, born in 1850, married Elizur Z. Clinton in 1869 and lived in Clintonville until her death in 1873. (3) Susan Aurelia, born in 1852, married Stephen A. Smith in 1869 and lives in Clintonville. (4) Hattie, born in 1856, married James Munson, of North Haven, in 1876. (5) Charlotte T., born in 1859, married Frederick Brockett in 1882. (6) Lucie, born in 1861, mar- ried Andrew D. Clinton in 1885 and lives in Clin- tonville. (7) Edgar S., born in 1865, died in 1877. (8) John F., born in 1869. died in 1870. Democ- racy seems to Mr. Bishop the best form of politics, and he always does his public duty by casting his vote, but does no active party work, nor has lie taken any interest in office holding. His social con- nection with the North Haven Grange is a pleasant and congenial one. He attends the Congregational Church, to which he liberally contributes. It is not given to all to celebrate a golden wedding, but Mr. Bishop and his estimable wife had that happi- ness on April 17, 1894, when their four daughters gave a reception in their honor at the home of Mrs. Brockett. There were eight of the original guests present, besides relatives and friends, who contrib- uted much to the joy of the occasion by poems and congratulatory speeches. An original poem, written for the occasion by Whiting S. Sanford, was also read. Mr. and Mrs. Bishop are rounding out lives of charity and benevolence, and the wish of the whole community is that they may be spared many more years.
EMERSON M. HOTCHKISS, the founder of Hotchkiss Paper Co., of Waterbury (since Novem- ber, 1901, Hotchkiss Paper Co., Incorporated), deal- ers in nearly all kinds of paper and paper goods, twines, manufacturers' supplies. woodenware, baskets, brooms, brushes, oil cans, lamp chimneys, lanterns, grocers' and butchers' scales, coffee mills, meat grinders, and a great line of similar goods, is one of the solid and successful business men of that city. In the business world his standing is above reproach, in private life his character is un- blemished.
Ezekiel Hotchkiss, his great-grandfather, was a sergeant in the Continental army, and served with marked bravery throughout the Revolutionary war. with honor to himself and to his country. With the surrender of the British he returned to Con- necticut, and bought a farm in Woodbridge, upon which he settled and passed the remainder of his
days. In after years, to his children and grand- children, his stories of hardships endured, and of battles fought in which he and his comrades par- ticipated, were of the most interesting and thrill- ing nature.
Miles Hotchkiss, Sr., son of Sergt. Ezekiel, was born in Woodbridge, New Haven Co., Conn., and became a farmer and blacksmith. After his mar- riage he located in Southington, this State, where he reared the following children : Miles and Mar- tin, twins; Benoni; Selden; Susan; and Emeline. Miles is mentioned below. Martin was a farmer and mechanic in Southington, where Benoni was a farmer and stonemason; Selden was an iron and brass molder in the same town; Susan married Charles Thompson, a farmer of Southington, and Emeline married Burton Hine, also a farmer of that town.
Miles Hotchkiss, Jr., son of Miles, Sr., was born near Compounce Lake April 16, 1822, and died in Plantsville May 17, 1898. He was a man of modest, retiring, cheerful disposition, a most highly esteemed and respected citizen, one whose honesty was never questioned and whose sterling merits were acknowledged by all. In early life he was for several years a boatman on the Farmington canal, running from New Haven, Conn., to Northampton, Mass., but later he became a mechanic, and finally a gardener and produce dealer. He was noted for giving full measure, weight or count, and his gen- erous nature impelled him to give even more than he expected in return. In 1846 he married Miss Celia Andrews, a native of Cheshire, New Haven Co., Conn., and a daughter of Hiram and Martha M. ( Hotchkiss ) Andrews. The Andrews family is an old historic one in Connecticut, and was rep- resented among the soldiers of the Revolution, as were also the Royce and Hotchkiss families, with whom the Andrews had intermarried. Hiram An- drews was a son of Thomas and Sarah ( Brooks) Andrews, and his wife, Martha M. ( Hotchkiss) Andrews, was a daughter of Israel and Martha (Royce) Hotchkiss, all of Cheshire. To Miles Hotchkiss and his wife were born two children : Celia M., who married William M. Bigelow, of Springfield, Mass., a mechanic and man of fine ability and high standing; and Emerson M. One of the best mothers, grandmothers and great-grand- mothers that ever lived. Mrs. Hotchkiss could never do enough, in her own estimation, for those whom she loved and respected. She was essentially do- mestic in her tastes, firmly believing that a woman's first duty is caring and working for her family and immediate friends, and in her unselfish, noble life beautifully exemplifying this belief. Loval to all. she was a loving, faithful helpmeet. an ideal mother. companion and friend. Hospitable to the core, her first thoughts were always for the comfort and en- joyment of others, and to that end she was ever willing and happy to sacrifice her own time, health and even life itself. Tenderly and cheerfully she would nurse and care for any of her family when
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sick, and when they were in health she was no less solicitous, seeking to lighten their burdens by every means in her power. Thus she lived, happiest in making others happy, until, at the age of seventy- six, she was stricken with the dread disease pneu- monia, and she calmly passed away after one short week's illness, Jan. 27, 1902.
Emerson M. Hotchkiss was born in Southing- ton, Conn., May 13, 1849, and passed the earlier years of his life in Plantsville, Conn., attending the public schools of that place. as well as. those of Milldale and Cheshire. In the Lewis Academy at Southington he completed his school education in 1865, and immediately thereafter entered upon his business career as clerk in a general store in Plants- ville, where he spent several months. The post office was in this store, and the young man gained a good insight into general business matters. In his ambition to make himself valuable to his em- ployer, Mr. Hotchkiss overworked, was taken seri- ously ill, and finally passed through a severe attack of typhoid fever. During his illness the term of the postmaster (his employer) had nearly expired, and another man, of political views in harmony with those of the new administration, secured the appointment. He, too, conducted a general store, and, being favorably impressed with the manner in which young Hotchkiss had attended to his duties and conducted himself generally while in the em- ploy of his competitor, and previously, called upon him during his convalescence. and urged him to enter his employ at as early a date as he was able, to take charge of the post office as soon as it should he moved into the new quarters. After several interviews the young man consented, although strongly importuned by his former employer to re- turn to his store as head clerk and bookkeeper. After a few months in his new place Mr. Hotchkiss was offered and accepted the position of book- keeper in the office of the S. Stow Manufacturing Co., of Plantsville ( later the Peck, Stow & Wilcox Co.), where he remained until 1871, spending part of the time during his last two years there on the road as salesman. His experience and schooling while with this firm gave him a most thorough practical knowledge of office work and the conduct of business in general, which has proven to be of inestimable value to him in his life work.
Previous to entering the office of the Stow Man- ufacturing Co. Mr. Hotchkiss had managed to save a portion of his wages, and with his increased sal- ary he was enabled to save still more, which accu- mulation, when it amounted to a few hundred dol- lars, he invested in stock in the Stow Co., adding to same until, with cash and stock dividends which had been declared, his holdings in 1871 amounted to about eight thousand dollars. He then deter- mined to sell out and to engage in business for himself, and accordingly, although strongly urged by the officers of the company to remain with them at a largely increased salary, he sold his stock, launched out, purchased the Mad River Paper Mill
at Wolcott, New Haven Co., Conn., and at once began extensive alterations and improvements with the intention of making it a first-class wrapping paper and straw board mill. With the high prices then ruling for these goods the outlook was bright, but prices soon declined, and within two years had reached so low a point through competition with western mills -- that had the advantages of cheap stock, fuel and labor-that the eastern mills running on these common grades of paper could dispose of their product only at a loss, the actual cost to them of stock and fuel (reckoning nothing for labor and other expenses) being more than their western competitors were asking for the finished goods.laid down in the eastern market. Then followed the panics of 1874-75, and Mr. Hotchkiss, with his small capital and twice as much more tied up in real estate, buildings and fine new machinery, no sales for his product except at much less than cost. his customers on every hand failing and others winding up their business, met with heavy financial losses and found himself unable to pay the running expenses of the mill and to carry on the enterprise longer without getting more deeply involved and also further involving his friends, many of whom had advanced and were ready to advance still more money if he so desired. Taking into consideration all the existing conditions, he decided to discon- tinue operations. The mill property he transferred to the mortgagee. sold the stock on hand, collected outstanding accounts, and with the proceeds paid his indebtedness as far as possible. However, there was still a balance of many thousands of dollars standing against him, which he proposed to pay from his future earnings, and this self-imposed task was faithfully performed. For over fifteen years succeeding he paid all that could possibly be spared from salary or profits, and eventually all these claims were satisfied, in nearly every case with interest added. During his stay with the Stow Manufacturing Co. Mr. Hotchkiss had proven him- self an expert accountant, and now, as soon as he was again in position to take up that class of work, his services were promptly secured to unravel some intricate and complicated accounts for firms with whom his old employers and business associates were connected. After several months in employ- ment of this character, he accepted a position in the office of a manufacturing firm in Indianapolis, Ind .. whither he removed. The climate of Indiana . proved disagreeable to his family, especially so to his two small boys, and, his official connection also proving unsatisfactory and generally disappointing. he resigned his position in 1876 and returned to Connecticut, where in a short time he secured a po- sition as superintendent in the burner department of the Plume & Atwood Manufacturing Co., of Waterbury. But the longing to be out again in the business world made him feel dissatisfied; and in 1877 he severed his connection with this company, and, with a capital of six or seven hundred dollars. bought a small stock of paper and paper bags.
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With this very limited capital, against the advice of his friends, he worked, soliciting orders, deliver- ing, hauling and caring for his stock in the day- time, and doing his office work at night, often con- tinuing until one or two o'clock in the morning, utterly regardless of pleasure, comfort and health. There were old-established and wealthy concerns already in the field, and some of them boasted openly that they would completely annihilate the young man within six months, but Mr. Hotchkiss proved himself to be a good fighter, able to keep up the pace as long as they desired, and in no sense a "quitter." For a year or more he was obliged to do practically all the work himself in order to keep down running expenses. Rent was an item to be considered, and he first stored his stock in a small basement on Cherry street. later moving it to a more central and convenient basement on Bank street, where he employed one man as a helper. As his trade increased he occupied a store on Phoenix avenue, in addition to the Bank street basement, and then employed two men. In 1880 his business had grown to such proportions that additional store room and help were needed, so he purchased the property at the corner of Grand and Cedar streets, where in 1883 he erected the five-story brick block which he occupied until Nov. 15, 1901, at which time he leased it to the newly incorporated com- pany. Since 1883 he has bought adjoining prop- erty, and added new storehouses, until now there is over 26,000 square feet of floor space, so thoroughly crowded with goods that more space must be found in the near future. Five men are out as salesmen and collectors, eight men and two ladies are em- ployed in the warehouses and office, and the busi- ness is still on the increase.
Within the past year or two. the demands for the devotion of all his time and attention to his New Haven business (mention of which follows) and other interests outside having become almost im- perative, Mr. Hotchkiss finally decided to retire permanently from the paper and woodenware trade, and therefore, in November. 1901, he sold his entire stock of merchandise, equipment and good will in the Waterbury business to a newly organized cor- poration, which continues in the same line under the style of Hotchkiss Paper Co., Incorporated.
Through his successful management of the paper business, and some profitable outside ven- tures, Mr. Hotchkiss was in 1886 enabled to buy the old Blackstone farm and homestead in the town of. Bran ford, New Haven county-a most beautiful and picturesque country and seaside home on the shore of Long Island Sound. He still owns nearly all of this property, and has at great expense and labor improved the same, built several tasty cottages there- on for summer guests, and made of it an ideal fam- ily summer resort, which is known as Hotchkiss' Grove. The old red farmhouse which was built by the Blackstones nearly two hundred years ago still stands there, well-preserved, a famous landmark for miles around, and especially so for sailors on
the Sound. Mr. Hotchkiss is the owner of prop- erty in other sections of the country, and has en- gaged in other business as well. He owns the plant and is sole proprietor of the business which he is conducting under the style of E. M. Hotchkiss Co., of New Haven. In 1898 he bought this large fac- tory property, formerly the Manvill Carriage Works, corner of Wooster and Wallace streets, New Haven, and equipped a portion of the five- story brick building with the latest improved machinery for metal working and an experimental machine shop. For about two years he employed expert mechanical engineers to build and perfect a superior and thoroughly reliable motor for auto- mobiles, but the results not being entirely satisfac- tory he took up other lines, and now, in addition to general machine work, he is manufacturing for home and export trade the New Era Lawn Mowers, Crescent Wave Lawn Sprinklers, World Hose Couplings, and other patented specialties. The outlook for his having a large. constantly increas- ing, and profitable business in this line is most en- couraging. Mr. Hotchkiss is also largely inter- ested in several other manufacturing and financial enterprises, both in and out of the State.
About twelve years ago, through too close ap- plication to business, Mr. Hotchkiss' health became impaired, and for several years he was unable to fol- low his occupation as closely as formerly. During this period his younger son, Irving M., for whom a brilliant career was anticipated, was taken ill and passed away, very suddenly and unexpectedly. This was a great blow to the father, and such was his weakened condition at the time that his family and friends greatly feared the outcome. Soon after the physicians recommended the entire abandonment of care and work, a foreign trip, or a prolonged so- journ in some remote section of this country, where complete rest and change of scene could be had, but Mr. Hotchkiss declined to drop the business which he had worked so long and so hard to build up, and with his characteristic grit remained at his post, letting his elder son, Winford E., who was then with him, attend as far as possible to details. As a result of this more careful husbanding of his strength, coupled with skillful medical treatment, he practically regained his health in a few years, and took hold of his various enterprises with increased vigor : but the added strain proved to be more than he could yet stand, and early in the spring of 1897 he was again stricken, this time with such sudden- ness and severity that he fell unconscious in his room, where he was found later by his family, rigid. set and apparently lifeless. By heroic treat- ment, however. he was brought back to conscious- ness. A raging fever then developed, running so high and proving so obstinate that, with extreme prostration, weakness and complete collapse of stomach, the complications were so exceedingly dangerous that on several occasions throughout this sickness it seemed impossible for him to live more than a very short time, a few hours at the most,
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