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 54
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At the age of twenty-one years our subject was without a home, and had no property, save an in- terest in a small piece of land that his father left, worth, perhaps, $200. After serving out his time he worked for his master three months at $14 per month, and at the close of this period he took his $42 and started on foot to a neighboring town to purchase some tools. On his way he lost his money -all he had in the world-but by good luck he found it again, and returned and engaged in busi- ness in opposition to his former master, who en-
deavored to encourage him by telling him he was a fool, and would not make enough money with which to pay his board. But the young man was am- bitious and pushed on, and soon had so much to do that his former master saw the drift of matters and later offered to sell out to him. Mr. Bush accepted the offer and hired help to meet his engagements.
Mr. Bush now found the necessity of some- thing which had been entirely neglected; for he could neither read nor keep accounts. Therefore lie gave up his business for a time, hired a room and for two winters devoted himself to study, three months of which time were given to learning to read. Then he recommenced business, and pursued his trade with considerable success. In 1816 he married Eunice Kirtland, of Saybrook, and com- menced keeping house, taking two apprentices to board, but about this time he was taken with typhus fever, and for a long time was very ill and for two ycars was unable to work. During this illness all of his accumulated means were spent, and he was obliged to go several hundred dollars into debt. As soon as able, however. he applied himself so closely to business that he not only paid off his indebted- ness but bought the house he lived in.
In April, 1824. Mr. Bush removed from Say- brook to Meriden, and became interested in the comb business, in connection with Julius Pratt. Here he worked with untiring diligence, twelve hours a day, for $1.25 per day ; after a few years the time was reduced to eleven hours and the wages were increased to $1.75 per day. For twenty years he labored here, and at the end of this period his shop was destroyed by fire, and twenty years' earn- ings were swept away. Undismayed, he started to rebuild, and through his energy new and improved machinery was soon housed in a new factory, and he bravely forged on, being rewarded at last by the prosperity he so well carned. Mr. Bush continued. interested in the manufacture of combs through the active years of his life, and achieved great success, became one of the largest stockholders of an ex- tensive and prosperous business, and made a name for himself in the business world and an honorable position in society. His energy and enterprise con- tributed in a large degree to the development of that branch of manufacturing which in a few years de- stroyed foreign competition and built up a business the products of which were exported to almost all parts of the world. He was one of the first directors of the Home National Bank of Meriden.
The story of Mr. Bush's life serves as an il- lustration of what courage, perseverance and in- dustry can accomplish, and should be to young men a guide and an inspiration. Mr. Bush was what is termed a whole-souled. big-hearted man, liberal and generous, beloved and esteemed by all who knew him. He gave largely to worthy benevolent ob- jects, assisted liberally in the building of three churches and five school houses, and was a gen- erous contributor to the anti-slavery cause, and also
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to the cause of Christianity. Mr. Bush was also a patriot, and served as a soldier in the war of 1812, and in 1848 served with efficiency and ability in the State Senate from the Sixth district.
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Two daughters were born to Mr. and Mrs. Bush: Temperance Janet, who became the wife of Randolph Linsley; and Eunice Kirtland, who mar- ried Partrick J. Clark.
The Kirtland family of Old Saybrook was one of the earliest families to come to that point, and contributed many of the distinguished citizens of that historic old town. Nathaniel Kirtland, the sup- posed progenitor of many of the name in this coun- try, came early to Lynn, Mass., and is reputed to have resided previous to his emigration in Silver street, London, England. John Kirtland, son of Nathaniel, was one among the first thirty-six set- tlers of Saybrook, Conn., in 1635. His marriage there was to Lydia, the daughter of Lieut. William Pratt, and of their ten children, Rev. Daniel Kirt- land, a graduate of Yale, in the class of 1720, was for nearly thirty years pastor of the Congrega- tional Church, at Newent, Conn .. and was the father of Rev. Samuel Kirtland, the noted missionary.
During the war of the Revolution a number of the name from Saybrook served in the Continental army. From the diary of S. Tully it appears that early in the summer of 1775 a company was en- listed from Saybrook, probably commanded by Mar- tin Kirtland, which marched to camp near Boston. Martin Kirtland was appointed in 1776 first lieu- tenant of the artillery company stationed at New London, and it appears that in July of the same year he was appointed captain of a company at New London, and Daniel Kirtland was made an ensign.
The Clark family, of which the late Patrick J. Clark, one of Meriden's well known citizens, was a descendant, was an old one of New England. David Clark, the grandfather of Partrick J., was born in Middlesex county in 1750, and died in 1812. His father was Joseph Clark, a gallant sol- dier during the Revolutionary struggle. He mar- ried Abigail, daughter of Charles Hazelton. Pat- rick Clark, the son of David, was born in Mid- dlesex county, became a soldier in the war of the Revolution, married Lydia Taylor, of Middletown, and became a well known and successful manufac- turer of Meriden.
Partrick Jeremiah, son of Patrick Clark, was born Jan. 18, 1816, in Meriden, and was educated in the district schools, and later graduated from the Episcopal Academy at Cheshire. Subsequently he engaged with his father in the manufacture of tinware, and then became connected with the Meri- den Malleable Iron Co., where he invented and patented several valuable articles. His later years were spent in retirement, and his death occurred in 1896. his burial being in West cemetery. Although interested in public affairs, and a lifelong Repub-
lican, he was no office-secker, but was one of Meri- den's most respected citizens.
Partrick J. Clark married Eunice Kirtland, a daughter of Fenner Bush, who has always been one of the ornaments of Meriden society, and a con- sistent member of the Congregational Church. The two children of this marriage were Emma Bush, who married Wolcott A. Hull, of New York; and John, who died in infancy.
Perhaps no one in Meriden so thoroughly loved good books as did Mr. Bush, and the youth who at twenty could not read a page at his death owned one of the finest libraries in this city, the volumes numbering 1,500. He set a high value on educa- tion, and proved in his own life that such a pos- session was possible to any one with sufficient de- termination to secure it. His whole life was an example and a benediction-the highest type of a Christian gentleman.
ROBERT OUGHTON (deceased) was for nearly a half-century a well-known builder and con- tractor in Meriden, and one of that city's most highly esteemed residents.
Mr. Oughton was born on Harlem lane, now St. Nicholas avenue, New York City, Jan. 1, 1822. His father, Robert Oughton, was born near Lon- don, England, where he learned the trade of car- penter and builder. He married Sarah Walton, who was born in Garstang, Lancashire, England, and about 1817 they emigrated from England, making the voyage on a sailing vessel. For many years the city of New York was their home, and there Mr. Oughton became well known in his line of work, such contracts being given to and executed by him as St. Mary's Episcopal Church, at Man- hattan, and many similar handsome edifices. He died at the age of forty-eight years. and was buried in the M. E. cemetery at Harlem, but Iater his re- mains were transferred to White Plains, N. Y. His widow, who died in Meriden in 1866. was tenderly cared for by her devoted son, the late Robert Ough- ton, of Meriden. One of the family of six chil- dren born to. Mr. and Mrs. Oughton died in in- fancy, the others being: Faith, who married Will- iam H. Gantz; Robert; Sarah Ann, who married Peter B. Sawyer, and since the death of her hus- band makes her home with Mrs. Yale : Walton, who died in New York, where he was prominent in Ma- sonic circles ; and William Edward, who died at Sacramento, Col., where he was connected with the State printing department (he, also, was well known in Masonry).
Robert Oughton, the subject proper of this sketch, went to school in New York City, but as soon as of sufficient age learned the trade of ma- son, becoming proficient in every detail of same. After following this trade for a short time in New York he moved to Saybrook, Middlesex Co., Conn., where he remained until 1850, working at his trade.
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At this time, when Meriden was but a village, he cast his lot with the other citizens, and there built up a business of large proportions. For over forty years he was identified prominently with the build- ing and contracting which went on so rapidly in the city, many of the most tasteful and attractive dwell- ings erected in those years being the result of his skill and knowledge, while the stately First Na- tional Bank building, on West Main street, stands as a testimonial to his ability. He was so ab- sorbed in his work, and so carefully carried out lis contracts, that his health finally gave way, and for several years lie was obliged to give up his contract work and limit his activity. For several years he was connected with the H. Wales Lines Co., in the capacity of superintendent of mason work, his last work being the superintending of the laying of the first sewer system in Meriden. This important en- terprise absorbed nine months. Mr. Oughton took to his bed in February, 1893, and his death oe- curred July 22 following. He was buried in the East cemetery, Meriden, where there are so many memorials of his useful life. Mr. Oughton was a member of the Baptist Church, and was a Christian in profession and conduct. His devotion to his fam- ily was one of his beautiful characteristics, and his interest in his eity made him generally respected in the community. He took an active part in public affairs, as a member of the city council he en- .couraged all enterprises looking toward Meriden's development, and was liberal and public-spirited. In politics he was a stanch Republican.
Mr. Oughton was one of the first organizers of the volunteer fire department in Meriden, and was the first chief engineer, holding that office for sev- eral years. In fraternal circles he was known far beyond the limits of his own city, being a mem- ber and past master of Meridian Lodge, No. 77, A. F. & A. M., of Meriden ; a member of Keystone 'Chapter, No. 27, R. A. M .; Hamilton Council, No. 22, R. & S. M .; St. Elmo Commandery, No. 9. K. T .- in all of which Masonie bodies he took a deep and continued interest. He was also a member of Meriden Center Lodge, No. 68, I. O O. F., and Atlantic Encampment, No. 28, and at one time was a member of the K. of P., the A. O. U. W., and the Sons of Temperance.
On Jan. 9, 1843, Mr. Oughton married Miss 'Sarah Emeline Lathem, who was born March 6,- 1822, in Hebron, Conn .. daughter of William and Lydia (Knight) Lathem. Five children were born to this union, namely: (1) John Walton, who is a mason and builder, resides in Guilford. Conn. He married Mary Eliza Skinner, of Saybrook, and they had five children -- Bertha. who married Al- bert Dudley; Minnie, who married Herbert Mills, of Meriden ; Robert A .: Mattie, who died in Say- brook; and William Edward. (2) Mary G. (de- ceased) married David Crosley, of Bridgeport, and they had one son, Robert J., who resides in Cam- bridge, Mass. (3) Martha J. married Charles W. Yale, who for four years was a member of Com-
pany C, 7th Connectieut Regiment, during the Civil war, with the rank of corporal. Their three chil- dren-Lottie M., Elmer E. and Etta C .- are de- ceased. Mrs. Oughton lives with them. (4) Emma G. married Willis J. Fuller, of Hartford. (5) Robert W. resides in Bridgeport. He married Jennie Morrison, who is now deceased, and their children were Etta (wife of Waldron E. Shaw), Harry W., Earl Charles and Ruth.
WILLIAM LATHIEM, father of Mrs. Oughton, was a native of Gosberton, Lincolnshire, England, where he learned the trade of shoemaker, and was engaged in that occupation when the war of 1812 broke out between the United States and England. He and several other young men were pressed on board the English ship "Macedonian," although they protested against becoming soldiers. They all made up their minds that they would desert as soon as they reached the shores of the Unitd States. They were taken prisoners by Commodore Decatur and were placed in confinement at New London, Conn., where they remained until they convinced the American authorities that they were soldiers against their wishes. After his release Mr. Lathem went to Hebron, Conn., and there engaged in the shoe business, remaining in that place until his death, in October, 1822; his remains rest in the Hebron cemetery. He married Lydia Knight, who was born at Waterford, New London Co., Conn., daughter of John and Lydia Knight, and their children, only one of whom is now living, were as follows: John, Mary Ann, William, and Sarah E. ( who married Robert Oughton). After the death of Mr. Lathem Mrs. Lathem married Elias Barrelle, who died at Saybrook. Three sons were born to this union, James E., Charles and John H., all of whom are de- ceased. MIrs. Barrelle died in Saybrook also, and was buried there. She was a member of the Baptist Church.
Mrs. Oughton is also a member of the Baptist Church, and is a lady honored and beloved both in her family eircle and in the community. She pos- sesses a remarkable memory, and hier reminiscences of early days in Meriden are most interesting and instructive.
BALDWIN. Connectieut has long been a State of lofty traditions, and has long been also one which has bred families who can trace ancestry back to the first settlements made in New England. Promi- nent among these family names is that of Baldwin, worthy representatives of which are found in Meri- den in the persons of Nathan Smith Baldwin and his sons, Edgar N. and William H.
Joseph Baldwin, the first of the name in Con- neeticut, was born in England and came to Amer- iea with his two brothers, Nathaniel and Timothy, all of whom in 1639 settled in Milford, Conn. Of the first wife of Joseph we only know that her name was Hannah, but his second marriage was to Isabel Northam, a daughter of James Northam. She came from New Jersey to Hadley, Mass., and
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she died there Dec. 8, 1676. His third wife was Elizabeth ( Hitchcock ), the widow of William War- rener, of Springfield, Mass., and she died April 25, 1696. He died in Hadley, Mass., Nov. 2, 1684. His children were: Joseph, born in 1640; Ben- jamin, born in 1642; Hannah, baptized June 23, 1644, married May 6, 1658, Jeremiah, son of Rich- ard Hull, of New Haven; Mary, baptized June 23, 1644, married John Catlin; Elizabeth, baptized in 1645, married March 31, 1664, James Warrener, a step-brother; Martha, baptized in 1645, married Dec. 26, 1667, John Hawkins, and she died Jan. 7, 1676; Jonathan, born Feb. 15, 1649; David, born Oct. 19, 1651 ; Sarah, born Nov. 6, 1654, married Samuel Bartlett, of Northampton, Mass., and died in 1717.
Joseph Baldwin, son of Joseph and Hannah, was born in Milford about 1640, and baptized March 23, 1644. With his parents he removed to Hadley, Mass., where he became a prominent citizen, but died before his father, Nov. 1, 1681. He married Sarah Celey, of Milford, a daughter of Benjamin Celey, and she was baptized in . 1648, and died in 1689. Their children were: Joseph, born Oct. I, 1663; James ; Mehitable, born in June, 1670, died July II, 1670; Hannah, born April 13, 1673; Mary, born Nov. 10, 1674, died Dec. 17, 1674; Hannah, born March 9, 1676, died Oct. 31, 1676; Mary mar- ried Samuel Allen of Northampton, Mass. ; Samuel, born April 7, 1679; and Hannah (3), born April 27, 1681.
James Baldwin, son of Joseph and Sarah, was born at Malden, Mass., about 1664, and was a weav- er by occupation. He removed to Milford, Conn., where he united with the Church, in 1696, as did his wife Elizabeth, on July 18, 1703. On Jan. 2, 1692, with Eleazer Rogers, he settled up his grand- father's estate, in Milford. His children were: Elizabeth, born March 2, 1697; David, born Oct. 2, 1699; Phebe, baptized June 17, 1701, died Jan. I, 1702; Elizabeth (2), born July 18, 1703; Moses and Aaron, twins, born April 15, 1705 ; and Hannah, baptized in 1710.
Moses Baldwin, son of James and Elizabeth, was born in Milford, Conn., but later removed to Saybrook, where he ended his days. He married Abigail Royce, a daughter of Deacon Robert Royce, born in Meriden, later removed to Wallingford. Their children were: Aaron, born Oct. 26, 1729, died Feb. 26, 1730; Moses, born July 6, 1731 ; Han- nah, born Sept. 23, 1733, married Mr. Cramer ; James, born Nov. 26, 1735, died young: Royce, Nov. 23, 1737; David, born March 8, 1740; James, born May 20, 1742: Noah, born April 13, 1745; and Joseph, born Aug. 20, 1747.
Moses Baldwin, son of Moses, was born July 6, 1731, at Saybrook, Conn., and, under Capt. Red- field, was a participant in the French and Indian war. After marriage he and his wife, Elizabeth, settled in the parish of what was then Cheshire, but now is Wallingford, and there he died, leaving
four children: James, born Jan. 29, 1760; Sarah A .; Alfred, who died in Meriden; and Lucretia, who also died in Meriden.
James Baldwin, son of Moses (2), was born in Cheshire, but later settled in Meriden, where he bought a farm, and also engaged in the mill busi- ness, in the eastern part of the town, and died there March 3, 1839. James Baldwin was a soldier in the Revolutionary war, and served his country well. His first marriage was to Bethia Goodsel, in October, 1785, who died in 1798, at the age of thir- ty-four years. His second marriage occurred Dec. 20, 1798, his bride being Mary Rice, who died June 19, 1839, and all were buried in the Broad street cemetery. The children of James were: Alma, born July 18, 1786, died .Feb. 19, 1803 ; Moses, born June 10, 1788; Asahel. born July 13, 1791 : Ransom, born March 1, 1793; James, born Dec. 4, 1795 ; and Benona, born May 9, 1798.
Moses Baldwin, father of Nathan Smith Bald- win, was born in Meriden, June 10, 1788, and grew to manhood on the homestead, but as his inclinations did not lead him to farming, he began peddling Yankee notions, dry-goods etc., and made of this business quite a success, covering a large extent of country, and establishing a reputation for strict in- tegrity. Later, he settled on the Timothy Ives farm, in Meriden, where he made much improve- ment, and also owned and operated a mill which is known now as the Baldwin mill. Mr. Baldwin was an honest, industrious man, well-known and highly respected and took a part in the civic affairs, being a selectman for some time. His political affiliation was with the Democratic party. During the war of 1812, he saw service and was stationed at New London. All his life, he was a consistent member of the Baptist Church.
Moses Baldwin was married in Meriden, to Eda Lyman, who was born in Meriden, in 1793, a daughter of Phineas Lyman. Her death occurred May 29, 1864, at the age of seventy-one, and she was laid to rest in East cemetery. She had been a devoted member of the Baptist Church. Her hus- band had preceded her a few years, his death having occurred May 5, 1860. Their children were: Alma, born June 21. 1816, married hrst a Mr. Knowles, and second, Jared Cotton ; Frederick, born Aug. 13. 1818, died July 11, 1863, at Middletown, Conn .; Sophronia, born Oct. 22, 1819. died Aug. 4, 1840, married Erastus Wilcox; Henry L., born Jan. 10, 1821, died Oct. 24, 1862, at Branford, Conn. ; Linus, born May 19, 1822, died April 27, 1880: Ira, born July 5, 1823, died Dec. 17, 1823: James and Jane, twins, born Dec. 5. 1825; of these, James was a soldier in the Civil war, in an Iowa regiment, and died June 8, 1864, in the army ; Jane married John R. Andrus and died May 11, 1858: Ellen, born Dec. 1I, 1830, died March 25, 1831 ; Lyman, born Dec. 29, 1831, died Jan. 22, 1832; Merritt, born Feb. 8, 1833, died April 5, 1885; and Nathan S., born Nov. 3, 1835.
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NATHAN SMITH BALDWIN, a leading citizen of Meriden, was born on the old Baldwin homestead, and after attendance at the district schools received academic training in the Meriden Academy. Being the youngest of the family, he remained on the homestead with his parents, and after his father's death assumed the homestead farm and has been ever since engaged in general farming, stockraising, dairying and fruit culture. Adding to the original farmi, he now operates over 150 acres of land, which he has much improved. The Baldwin mill, for flour and feed, is also operated by him very suc- cessfully, and Mr. Baldwin is justly considered one of the substantial agriculturists of his section of the county.
In 1860, in Meriden, Mr. Baldwin was married to Maria Hayden, of Westbrook, a daughter of Elias and Maria (Smith) Hayden, and an adopted daughter of the late William H. and Maria ( Hub- bard) Yale. Mrs. Baldwin is one of the superior ladies of this community, having been thoroughly educated, and for two years was engaged in teach- ing. For many years she has taken great interest in taxidermy, and owns some beautiful bird speci- mens which she has prepared herself. Of great artistic ability, her finished work displays exception- al talent. For several years Mr. Baldwin taught school, also, and an air of refinement and educa- tion pervades the beautiful home where the family resides. Socially he is connected with the Meriden Grange, and for three years was Master, and he has filled nearly all the offices in Pomona Grange. Both he and his wife are members of the State and Na- tional Granges. Since he was seventeen years old Mr. Baldwin has been connected with the Baptist Church, in which his pious parents reared him, but in politics he prefers to be independent, tied to no party. He takes great interest in the Agricultural Society of Meriden, and is a highly valued mem- ber. The two children of Mr. and Mrs. Baldwin are: Edgar N. and William H. The former, born Oct. 4, 1861, was educated in the public schools, and also Meriden Academy, and is engaged with the Adams Express Company, at Wallingford; he married Miss Alina Hull, a daughter of Charles Hull.
WILLIAM H. BALDWIN was born Oct. 9, 1870, received his early education in the district school in Meriden, and then entered Yale Business College, in New Haven, from which he graduated in 1891. His youth was spent on the homestead, where lie re- mained until his majority. He then became a book- keeper for the Meriden Gravure Co., but after a short time he took charge of his father's mill, and also became engaged in the fertilizer business. Since then he has operated the Baldwin mill, and is ex- tensively engaged in farming. His farm consists of 155 acres adjoining the homestead. In public life Mr. Baldwin has been active in the Republican party, and in 1898 was elected a member of the board of relief, serving one year, and in 1899 he
was made a member of the board of assessors, being elected chairman, which office he fills with ef- ficiency, entirely to the satisfaction of the public. His personality is pleasant, and he has the reputa- tion of ability in almost every line in which he is engaged. His interest in Sunday-school work has made him widely known among religious teachers, and he is superintendent of the Park Avenue Bap- tist Sunday-school, second assistant superintendent of the Broad Street Baptist Sunday-school, and quite active in other church affairs. Frater- nally, he is connected with Centre Lodge, No. 97, A. F. & A. M., and Keystone Chapter, No. 27, R. A. M .; Meriden Center Lodge, No. 68, I. O. O. F .; and is a member and secretary of the Meriden Grange. William H. Baldwin was united in marriage with Mary Esther Yale, who was born in Meriden, a daughter of Julius Wilcox and Mary (Hobart) Yale. One son, Nathan Yale, born Dec. 22, 1900, has blessed this union. Mrs. Baldwin, a representative of one of the old and established families of Meriden, is a lady of charming disposi- tion and manner. She belongs to the Meriden Grange, and is a valued and consistent member of the Congregational Church.
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