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 82
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Mr. Munson was a Republican politically, and had much to do with the management of that party, in whose councils his influence was great. It was not that of a dictator or a schemer, but that of a level-headed and honorable man, one able to dis- cern the effect of things and measure with remark- able accuracy the strength of popular feeling. Mr. Munson was comptroller of the State in 1885 and 1886, and was twice candidate for mayor of Water-
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bury, suffering the fate of his party. He served several terms as alderman, and at different times was fire commissioner, assessor and sewer commis- sioner. Mr. Munson never sought to have anything done which he did not feel was a necessity to the health and prosperity of the city, and his fellow citi- zens, recognizing the fact, valued his services ac- cordingly.
In religion our subject and his family were con- nected with the First Congregational Church, and for many years he was usher in that church. Fra- ternally he was an Odd Fellow, much devoted to that order, belonging to Nosahogan Lodge, Canton T. R. Martin and Ansantawae Encampment. He was grand master in 1882, was grand representative for two years, and was a past grand patriarch of the grand encampment. Mr. Munson was also a Mason, holding membership in Continental Lodge and Eu- reka Chapter. He was also a member of the Water- bury Club, the Republican League and the Society of the American Revolution.
In 1861 Mr. Munson was united in marriage with Mary Bronson, daughter of the late Archibald E. Rice, and besides his widow is survived by two daughters, Mary Edna and Sara Rice. Susie R. died in 1864, in infancy.
ARCHIBALD ELIJAH RICE, father of Mrs. Luzerne I. Munson, was born in Hamden Aug. 13, 1809, and died March 14, 1893. He was a son of Isaac and slary (Roberts) Rice, of Hamden, and grandson of Isaac Rice, who was a pensioner of the Revolu- tionary war. His early life was spent in Hamden, Woodbridge and Prospect, and coming to Water- bury at the age of seventeen, he entered the em- ploy of Mark Leavenworth & Co., manufacturers of clocks. Learning the carpenter's trade, he became a carpenter and builder, following that occupation between 1830 and 1842, and having charge of the erection of many of the important buildings of that time. In 1843 Mr. Rice moved to Hudson, Ohio, and while there had charge of the erection of the Western Reserve College buildings, coming back to Waterbury after four years. Here he engaged in the lumber business until 1883, when he gave up active pursuits, although he remained president of the Apothecaries Hall Co. He was at one time president of the American Ring Co. Mr. Rice held many public offices ; he was a member of the com- mon council in 1856; in 1876 and 1877 he was mayor of Waterbury; and for seventeen years he served as county commissioner of New Haven county, during this time superintending the erection of the courthouse and jail at New Haven.
In 1832 Mr. Rice married Miss Susan Bronson, a descendant of John Bronson, one of the original settlers of Farmington, and to them were born seven children : Edward J., who died in 1890; one that died in infancy; Mary Bronson, widow of Luzerne I. Munson; Frederick B .; Mrs. L. M. Camp, who died in 1877: another that died in in- fancy ; and Mrs. S. P. Williams.
LEMUEL HENRY BOARDMAN, contractor at the Parker Brothers' gun shop, and an ex-soldier of the Civil war, is one of Meriden's well known and representative citizens. He was born Sept. 18, 1837, in the town of New Hartford, Litchfield Co., this State, and is a descendant of one of the oldest and best families of the commonwealth. His father. Jason Boardman, was born in the town of Rocky Hill, Hartford Co., a son of Jason Boardman, Sr., a sea captain who was engaged many years in the East India trade.
Jason Boardman grew to manhood on a farm in Rocky Hill, where he attended school. When a young man he removed to Litchfield county and located at New Hartford, remaining there some time. He married Miss Maria Bradley, whose par- ents were natives of the town of Burlington, Hart- ford county. After a time, he returned to his birth-place, with his family, and subsequently worked in various places at clock-making, and was also employed by John Porter in the manufacture of pianos at Middletown, Conn. Mr. Boardman was possessed of much mechanical genius, and was one of the first in the country to make all parts of a piano by hand, including even the keys. An ex- pert mechanic, an industrious workman, he. died regretted as a good citizen, and was buried near his former home in Rocky Hill. Of quiet tastes and domestic habits, he mingled little in the strife of public affairs. He attended the Episcopal Church and sought to regulate his life by the Golden Rule. Like most of his contemporaries, he was a Democrat in early life, but joined the Republican party on the outbreak of the Civil war and ever after sustained its principles. His wife was a member of the M. E. Church, an exemplary, Christian wo- man. She died at her home in Rocky Hill, and was buried there. They were the parents of ten chil- dren, namely: Eliza, who married Truman Gris- wold, of Palmer, Mass .; Andrew J., who was a sol- dier of the Civil war, and is now deceased ; Lemuel H .; James, an ex-soldier of the Civil war, now re- siding in Hartford; Julia, wife of Frederick Was- sum, of Palmer, Mass .; Frederick, who served in the Union army, resides in East Haddam, Conn .; Lydia, unmarried; John, a citizen of Providence, R. I .; Anna, married Walter Gamwell, of Spring- field, Mass .; and Susan, wife of Hubbard Church, of East Haddam. Mrs. Boardman's father, Selah Bradley, was a farmer in Burlington.
Lemuel H. Boardman went with his parents when a small boy, to Rocky Hill, where he attended school and grew up on a farm, remaining there until seventeen years old. He then went to Hartford. where he learned the blacksmith's trade with the firm of Hayden & Keeney, later working as journey- man with C. S. Blair. He was thus engaged when the Civil war began, and was among the first to re- spond to the call for troops. He became a mem- ber of Co. H, 2nd Conn. V. I., under Col. Terry and Capt. Gore, and was in the battle of Bull Run.
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At the completion of his term of service, he returned to Hartford and again enlisted for nine months, being assigned to Co. I, 22nd Conn. V. I., under Col. Burnham and Capt. Whittlesey. He went out as second lieutenant, and was promoted in Virginia to first lieutenant. At the end of his term of ser- vice, he was mustered out at Hartford.
After spending one year as blacksmith in Colt's armory, he went to Springfield and spent a like period in the employ of the American Machine Co. In 1865 he became a resident of Meriden, and for a period of one and one-half years was employed by Snow, Brooks & Co., at South Meriden. The next year was spent in New York and Pennsylvania, and he again took up his residence in Meriden, en- tering the employ of the Meriden Cutlery Co., with which concern he continued until 1874. During the last twenty-eight years, he has been connected with the Parker gun shops, where he began in the forging department. He is now one of the leading contractors of the establishment, where his skill as a workman, and his industry and upright character have won for him the respect and esteem of pro- prietors and employes.
On Jan. 9, 1882, Mr. Boardman was married at Clinton, Conn., to Miss Nettie Stevens, a native of Killingworth, Conn., and daughter of Carlos and Janet (Hull) Stevens, residents of Killingworth and members of old and respected Connecticut fam- ilies. One child, Clyde, born Oct. 8, 1887, has blessed this union ; he is now a student at the public schools of Meriden. Mr. Boardman is a member of Merriam Post, No. 8, G. A. R. He is fond of home and its quiet pleasures, and does not seek to mingle in the direction of public affairs, though he performs the duty of a good citizen in expressing his choice at the polls, acting with the Republican party because he believes in its principles. A straightforward and reliable citizen, he is esteemed by those who know him for his manly worth.
GEORGE B. FOOTE, in his long and respon- sible connection with the Meriden Britannia Co., of Meriden, has placed himself on a substantial footing among the useful and respected residents of that city. In his career he has sustained the reputation long borne by members of his family for honor, industry and other characteristic traits of the sturdy New Englander.
(I) Nathaniel Foote, the first of this family in America, is of record in the Colony of Massachu- setts Bay as early as 1633, in which year he took oath as freeman. He was first of Watertown, and was among the first settlers of Wethersfield, Conn., receiving a distribution of land in the latter town in 1640. In 1644 he was deputy to the General Court. He was an intelligent, pious and industrious man. He was married in England in 1615, to Eliza- beth Deming, and died in Wethersfield in 1644. His widow married Thomas Welles. later governor of the Colony ; she died July 28, 1683.
(II) Robert Foote, son of Nathaniel, the settler, born about 1627, married in 1659. He was of Wethersfield and later of what is now Wallingford, Conn., and in 1668 and thereafter until his death. in 1681, of Branford, Conn. In 1686 his widow. Sarah, married Aaron Blachley, of Branford, and subsequently of Guilford, Connecticut.
(III) Joseph Foote, son of Robert, born March 6, 1665, married (first) in 1690 Abigail. daughter of John Johnson, of New Haven, and lived in Northford Society, Branford. He died March 6, 1751.
(IV) Daniel Foote, son of Joseph, born Aug. 16, 1701, married in 1726 Sarah Thompson, of East Haven, Conn., and lived in Northford Society, Branford. Mr. Foote died in November, 1742, and his widow married May 9, 1745, John Taintor, of Branford. She died Sept. 6, 1774.
(V) Daniel Foote (2), son of Daniel, born June 5, 1734, married Feb. 13, 1755, Mary, daughter of Isaac and Hannah Ingraham, of Saybrook, Conn., and lived in Northford Society, Branford. Mr. Foote died March 6, 1797, and his widow June 23, 1822.
(VI) Benjamin Foote, son of Daniel (2), born Aug. 1, 1778, married April 24, 1803, Sally Parmele Hall, daughter of Joel Hall, of Wallingford. She died July 24, 1804, and on June 2, 1805, he married Betsey Hall, daughter of Andrew Hall, of Walling- ford. Mrs. Betsey Foote passed away Sept. 20, 1831, and on May 3, 1832, for his third wife, he wedded Mrs. Harriet Homiston, widow of Willis Homiston, of Wallingford, and daughter of New- berry Button, of North Haven, Conn. Mr. Foote was a resident of Wallingford.
(VII) Benjamin Foote (2). son of Benjamin, was born Oct. 8, 1817, in Wallingford, and there learned the trade of tinner, which he always fol- lowed, engaging in manufacturing. However, he departed this life at the comparatively early age of thirty-three years, and he was laid to rest in the Wallingford cemetery. On Nov. 19, 1840, he mar- ried Sarah A. Hall, who was born in Wallingford, daughter of Hiel Hall, of that place, and a descend- ant of John Hall, one of the first settlers of Walling- ford. Mrs. Foote died at the age of thirty-seven years and was buried beside her husband. Both were members of the Episcopal Church. Three children were born to them, viz .: Charles C., who is with the International Silver Co., at Hamilton, Ontario, Canada; George B .; and Sarah, who died in infancy.
George B. Foote was reared in Wallingford, where he was born April 23, 1844, and where his parents resided. His education was received in the district schools. He was but fourteen years old when his mother died, and he was thus left to battle with the world alone at an early age. a fact which puts his subsequent success in a still more favorable light. In 1858 he came to Meriden to live with his uncle and aunt, Mr. and Mrs. Marshall
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L. Forbes, and immediately commenced work in the plating room of the Meriden Britannia Co., under his uncle. His trade learned, he continued to work there, as a journeyman, in 1876 was promoted to the position of foreman, and later to that of super- intendent of the flat ware department, which in- cumbency he continues to fill at the present day. A quarter of a century in so responsible a position argues well for his efficiency, trustworthiness and skill, and he has never failed to meet the require- ments of his incumbency, giving eminent satisfac- tion. Mr. Foote has the unqualified respect of the men who are employed in his department, both for his personal worth as well as for his ability and knowledge of his work. He is familiar with every detail pertaining to the conduct of his department.
On Jan. 8, 1868, Mr. Foote was united in mar- riage, in South Hadley, Mass., with Cornelia Ingra- ham, daughter of Warren Ingraham, and they had one child, Lillian, who married Lewis Leismann, an employe of the Meriden Britannia Co., and has one child, Warren. Mrs. Foote died in 1883, and was buried in Walnut Grove cemetery. She at- tended the Episcopal Church. On Jan. 5, 1885, Mr. Foote married, for his second wife, Miss Hattie Pomeroy, the ceremony taking place in Meriden. Mrs. Hattie ( Pomeroy) Foote is the youngest daughter of Noah Pomeroy, one of Meriden's "grand old men." She is a woman of character and marked intelligence, unusually well read, and especially devoted to her home, from which a cordial hospitality is extended to the many friends of the family. The residence is one of the finest on Chestnut street. Mr. Foote is also domestic in his tastes and fond of his home. He is genial and sympathetic in disposition, and is much esteemed by all who come in contact with him, whether in business or social life. Fraternally he unites with Center Lodge, No. 68, I. O. O. F., of Meriden, and Mrs. Foote is a member of Ruth Hart Chapter, D. A. R., of that place. They attend the Universalist Church, but Mr. Foote considers the Golden Rule the simplest and best guide of action. He is a Re- publican in political sentiment, but beyond voting takes little interest in party affairs.
HALL. The Hall family, of whom Mr. George B. Foote is a descendant on the maternal side, is an old and highly respected one in New England, complete record of which may be found elsewhere in this volume.
Thomas Hall, son of John Hall, the emigrant, was one of three brothers who settled in Walling- ford, and was one of the signers of the Plantation Covenant, 1669-70. He made his home in Walling- ford, where he followed agricultural pursuits and where he died Sept. 17, 1731, at the age of sixty- two years. He married Grace Watson, and she died in May, 1731. They were the parents of ten chil- dren.
Peter Hall, fifth son of Thomas, was born in Wallingford, Dec. 28, 1686, and married Rebecca
Bartholomew, Oct. 19, 1732. She died Oct. 31, 1776, at the age of eighty-seven years, and he died Sept. 25, 1776, one month before his wife, at the ripe age of ninety years. They were the parents of eleven children.
Hiel Hall, the elder son of Peter, was born May 6, 1735, and married, it is supposed, Catherine Whittlesey, who died June 4, 1788. He died Sept. 7, 1807, aged seventy-two years, the father of eight children.
Hiel Hall, son of Hiel, and grandfather of Mr. Foote, was born in Wallingford, Feb. 7, 1782, and was engaged in farming in Wallingford, where he spent his life, and where he died. He was buried in Wallingford cemetery. His wife, Sarah Kirt- land, was a daughter of Isaac and Sarah (Ives) Kirtland, and granddaughter of Constant and Martha ( Brockett) Kirtland. The children born to Hiel and Sarah Hall were as follows: Sarah A., who married Benjamin Foote, and became the mother of George B. Foote; Susan C., who mar- ried Marshall L. Forbes, who was born in East Hartford, Conn., a son of Orrin Forbes; Harriet, who married a Mr. Thomas; Catharine, who mar- ried Henry C. Foote; and Constant Kirtland, who died in Texas.
MARSHALL L. FORBES was born in East Hart- ford and attended the schools of his native home. growing up on a farm where he remained until sey- enteen years old, when he came to Meriden and began work in the Meriden Britannia Co.'s factory. He remained with the company the remainder of his days, having charge of the silver plating de- partment for a number of years. He died in April, 1891, and was buried in Walnut Grove Cemetery. An Episcopalian in religion, he was affiliated with St. Andrews parish, Meriden. In politics he was a Republican, and served in the city council. Fra- ternally he belonged to the A. F. & A. M., also the Council and the Chapter, and St. Elmo Commandery K. T. In 1849, he married Susan C. Hall, who is still living, and makes her home in Meriden. One child was born to them, Henry, who died in 1881; he married Mary Ward, of Wallingford, Conn., and had one child, Susan M., who died at the age of twenty years. .
HENRY W. MORSE, who for fifty years has been connected with the Candee Rubber Co., of New Haven, is a well-known and highly esteemed citizen of this city. He was born in Wallingford, Conn., March 14, 1838, a son of Truman L. and Electa (Moulthrop) Morse.
Truman L. Morse was born in Meriden in 1812. a son of Jonathan Morse, who died prior to the birth of Henry W. Morse, of this sketch. Truman Morse married Electa Moulthrop, who was born in North Haven, a daughter of Martin Moulthrop, a farmer of that town; she died in 1867. A family of four children were born to Truman L. Morse and wife, namely: Harriet L., deceased, was the
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wife of Charles Thompson; Charles L. resides in New Haven ; Frederick E., a needle maker, also resides in New Haven; and Henry W., of this sketch. Truman L. Morse and family resided at various times, in Quinnipiac village in North Haven, and Centerville village in Hamden. In his political views he was a Republican ; and in religious con- nection, he was a devout member of the Episcopal Church. He died in 1878.
Henry W. Morse was five years old when his parents moved from Wallingford to Quinnipiac, Conn., where they resided six years, and he acconi- panied them when they removed to Centerville. His education was acquired in both of the latter towns and after completing his school course, at the age of fourteen years, he entered into the employ of the Candee Rubber Co., beginning then upon a business connection which has continued for fifty years. Mr. Morse performed the duties of engineer in this fac- tory for two years, and was then promoted to the hand cloth cutting department. During his earlier years with this concern, Mr. Morse worked only .during the summers, his winters being spent in school. Through his energy and ability he soon gained the confidence of his employers, and was continually promoted and trusted with more im- portant work, until now he is a contractor in the de- partment of cloth cutting by hand, a most re- sponsible position.
On Feb. 20, 1871, Mr. Morse was married to Mary I. Beck, born in Trumbull, Conn., daughter of Peter Beck, of German extraction. She died July 16, 1899, leaving no children. Mr. Morse re- sides in his beautiful home at No. 751 Orange St., New Haven. Politically he is identified with the Republican party. He is an active member of Har- mony Lodge, No. 5, I. O. O. F. In the First Methodist Church he is highly esteemed, where he has been a faithful attendant. Mr. Morse has been successful in his business life, and the reason of it may be understood by those who have watched his career from his first entrance into the Candee fac- tory. His industry, fidelity and reliability have con- tributed to it, and his personal characteristics have won him the esteem of employers, employes and his social associates.
ALBERT ABRAHAM MAY, general manager of the Pequod Business College, and president of the Sturgis & May undertaking establishment, Meriden. is one of the highly esteemed residents of that city He was born in Northfield, Vt., March 17, 1844, son of Hustin and Nufflet ( Duphiney) May, and is of English and French ancestry.
Albert Abraham May was reared and educated in Ludlow, Vt., graduating from Black River Acad- emy in 1860. When the first call was made for troops, at the outbreak of the Civil war, Mr. May was one of the earliest to respond. enlisting April 20, 1861, and serving as a private in Company I. 2d Vt. V. I. He participated in the battles of Bull Run,
Fredericksburg, and Falls Church, and was honor- ably discharged in 1863, only to re-enlist in the same company and regiment, becoming corporal. As a veteran he took gallant part in the battles of the Wil- derness, the Seven Days Fight before Richmond, Gettysburg, Ilagerstown, and the two battles of l'etersburg, participating altogether in twenty-seven engagements. Perhaps it was not wonderful that M1. May should suffer for his gallantry, but he is one whom his country should ever remember with pride and gratitude. He was wounded six times, the first time in the face, in 1862, at Falls Church. Va. Carried from the battlefield of the Wilderness, in 1864, with a shattered leg, he bravely won his promotion, and was honorably discharged July 15, 1865. as second lieutenant.
Returning home, Mr. May, after a season of re- cuperation, went to Boston, and later to Dedham, Mass., and there engaged in the grocery business for seven years. In 1878 he located in Salem, Mass., and was there engaged as a carpenter for the Boston & Maine Railway Co. until 1886, when he was ap- pointed a member of the police force of that city, and served most acceptably for nine years. Since that time he has been occupied with his college in Meri- den, establishing himself there in April, 1896. The Pequod Business College is justly regarded as one of the best institutions of its kind in the State. It has been brought to its present high standing through the efforts of our subject and the ability of Mrs. May, who is not only an expert stenographer and a past master in the art of instructing in this useful branch of industry, but also a business woman of rare foresight. Mr. May is general manager of the college, and Mrs. May has charge of the short- hand department, which is a special feature.
Mr. May has been twice married. On Dec. 31. 1865, he married Charlotte E., daughter of James E. Hooker, of Dedham, Mass. She died Nov. 15, 1895, the mother of one son, George Albert, a dentist of Boston, who died Dec. 23, 1899, leaving a widow, Mrs. Eva (Ellsworth) May, and two children, Al- bert Ellsworth and Gladys Irene. The second mar- riage of Mr. May was celebrated Oct. 3, 1897, Rose Emery, daughter of Job and Abigail (Simpson) Emery, of South Berwick, Maine, becoming his wife.
Mr. May is a busy, progressive citizen, and is connected with a number of enterprises outside of his college, among which is the undertaking estab- lishment of The Sturgis & May Co. Socially he is connected with Merriam Post, No. 8, G. A. R., of which he is now commander, having been unani- miously re-elected to that position : belongs to Merid- ian Lodge, No. 77, A. F. & A. M .; Meridian Chap- ter, Eastern Star, of which he is W. P. : the Pilgrim Fathers, of which he is now governor: Meridian Conclave. Independent Order of Heptasophs, of which he is archon : the N. E. O. P .: and several other beneficiary and social organizations. In his political affiliations he adheres to the Republican party. Mr. May is a leading member of the Metho-
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albert a. may
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dist Church, and for many years has been a teacher in Trinity Methodist Church Sunday-school, of which he is now the capable and beloved superin- tendent. In every way he is a good citizen, and en- joys the respect and esteem of all who know him.
Mrs. May, in spite of her many duties at the college, into which she puts her own personality, giving the pupils under her charge not only the knowledge of stenography requisite to fit them for successful business careers, but also the benefit of her personal experience, still finds time for social obligations, and is an active member of Meridian Chapter, of the Order of the Eastern Star, being its present conductor ; a member of the Woman's Re- hef Corps, G. A. R., in which she has also held office ; lieutenant governor of O. H. Platt Colony, of the Pilgrim Fathers ; and a member of the N. E. O. P. As may be inferred. she is a lady of high attainments, social and intellectual.
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CARRINGTON. Few names indeed in the history of New Haven for the past sixty years have been more potent and influential than the one intro- ducing this sketch. The late John B. Carrington and John B. Carrington, Jr., the latter now presi- dent and treasurer of the Carrington Publishing Co., of New Haven, have in turn conducted the newspaper styled the Journal and Courier for sixty- five and more years, and aided materially in shap- ing and supporting measures which have led to the development of the city and its institutions.
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