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 86

Author: Beers (J.H.) & Co., Chicago, pub
Publication date: 1902
Publisher: Chicago, J.H. Beers & co.
Number of Pages: 1040

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 86

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When a young man, in 1848, our distinguished subject married Mary K. Cook, who was born Dec. 9, 1829, a daughter of John and Mary ( Munson) Cook, the former of Cheshire, the latter of North-

ford, and to this union were born:Sarah, who mar- ried Dr. Presley Carr Lane, of St. Louis, Mo .; George T., M. D., now a resident of Spokane, Wash. ; and John A., a resident of New Haven.

Mrs. Mary K. (Cook) Doolittle is also a de- scendant of an early and prominent family of Con- necticut, being in the eighth generation from Henry Cook, who came from Kent, England, to Plymouth, Mass., before 1640, where he is supposed to have remained.

Samuel Cook, a son of Henry the emigrant, came to New Haven in 1663. He (first) married Hope, daughter of Edward Parker, of New Haven, and they went to Wallingford, in April, 1670, with the first founders of that town. Samuel was the first and perhaps the only shoemaker and tanner in the place, frequently held public office in both town and church, and was regarded with respect by his neighbors. He died in 1702.

Samuel Cook (2), son of Samuel, was born in 1667 in New Haven, and in 1692 married Hannah daughter of William Ives, of New Haven. He was a farmer, and died in 1725.

Samuel Cook (3), son of Samuel (2), was born in 1695, and in 1721 married Hannah, daughter of Ebenezer Lewis, of Wallingford. He became a wealthy shipping merchant from the port of New Haven, died in 1745, and was buried at Cheshire, where he gave generously to the church and to the poor.

Col. Thaddeus Cook, son of Samuel (3), was born in 1728, and for his second wife married Sarah, daughter of the Hon. Benjamin Hall, of Cheshire. Col. Cook served in the war of the Revolution under Gen. Gates, and his townsmen gave him almos: every office of trust within their gift. His death oc-

Samuel Cook (4). son of Col. Cook, was born in 1758, and married Constant Kirtland, of Walling- ford, who passed away in 1893. He was a thrifty farmer in the west part of the town, and died in 1824.

John Cook, son of Samuel (4), was born about 1801, and in 1823 married Mary Munson, of North- ford. The death of Mr. Cook took place in 1858.

GEORGE LAMPING (deceased), who was one of Meriden's well-known and highly respected citizens, a leading druggist, was born in Nyeneen, Holland, Feb. 11. 1848. His father. Dr. Herman Lamping, a medical practitioner, died when George was but two years old. The son was educated in his native home. and took up the study of the science of medicine in Utrecht, Holland, where he received the degree of M. D. He immediately set out for the United States, intending to locate here in the practice of his chosen profession. The ship in which he sailed came in collision with another vessel in the English Channel, and out of the two hundred and fifty persons comprising the passen- gers and crew only three were saved. Dr. Lamping

Cuotampina

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remained in the water several hours, and was finally picked up by an Italian vessel bound for New York, to which port he was carried. All his belongings were lost in the wreck, and he arrived at New York with but fifty cents in his pocket. This mis- fortune prevented his going West, as he had in- tended, and he was obliged to seek employment at once in order to maintain himself. He found a po- sition in a drug store in New York, and subse- quently worked in drug stores in Brooklyn and Hoboken. Having a liking for the drug business, he entered the College of Pharmacy and secured a diploma, after which he became manager of one of the largest drug stores in the metropolis, con- tinuing in that capacity until 1879.

Having saved some money, Dr. Lamping sought a location for business on his own account, and found it in New Haven, where he bought out a store. He conducted same three years, and after keeping a drug store in New Britain for a like period he came to Meriden, in 1886, and established a branch store in the Morse & Cook block, on East Main street. He continued to operate both establishments until 1890, when he sold out his New Britain interest and gave his entire attention to the Meriden business. In 1896 he removed his store to the Cahill block, and continued to do a success- ful business until his death, which occurred April 1, 1900. His remains rest in Walnut Grove cem- etery.

Dr. Lamping was a man of broad views, and gave much time and freely of his means for the benefit of local beneficent efforts, and was ever ready to lend a helping hand to those in need of en- couragement. Among the objects of his care were the Young Men's Christian Association, the Boys' Club and the German-American School. He served several years on the official board of the last named institution, and was ever ready to aid any work calculated to benefit the community at large. A fine linguist, he spoke German, French and Latin, be- sides English and his native tongue. His genial nature made him a pleasant companion, and he was ever popular with a large element in the city. A member of the Turners' Society and the Amaranth Club, he was an active factor in the social life of the town. Enterprising and progressive, he aided in establishing business undertakings outside of, as well as in, his home town. He was president of the Goodwin & Kintz Co., of Winsted, Conn., and was interested in the Cardonez Mining & Milling Co., of Guanajara, Mexico. In politics Dr. Lamp- ing was an earnest Republican, always ready to further the propagation of his principles. He was chairman of the board of assessors of Meriden at the time of his death, in which the city lost one of its most large-hearted and worthy citizens.

In 1885 Dr. Lamping was married, at New Britain, Conn., to Hedwig ( Hattie) Kaunitz, who was born near the city of Stettin, Germany, daugh- ter of Ludwig Kaunitz, a native of the same place.

Mr. Kaunitz received a good education, having been trained to be a bookkeeper, and held such position with a shipbuilding concern near his native home. There he married Clementine Wolkner, who bore him six children, namely : Bertha, Margaret, Frank, Elizabeth, Hellene and Hedwig. The first named is the widow of Henry Heck, and is residing in Meri- den. The second died in Germany. Frank is man- ager for the Consumers' Oil Co., at Macon, Ga. Elizabeth is the widow of Carl Heuer. Hellene married Hans von Metzardt, and after his death became the wife of Edward Seeling, of Austin, Texas. In 1882 Mr. Kaunitz came with his fam- ily to America and located in New Britain, where he found employment with the Russell & Erwin Manufacturing Co., with whom he continued eight years. He died suddenly, from heart failure, July 24, 1890, and his remains were brought to Meriden and interred in Walnut Grove cemetery. His widow survived him nearly three years, dying at the home of Mrs. Lamping, in Meriden, June 2, 1893; she was buried beside her husband. She was a true Christian, a devoted wife and mother, and a faith- ful member of the Congregational Church. Mr. Kaunitz adhered to the teachings of the Lutheran Church.

Mrs. Lamping is a lady of much ability, as well as culture, and continues the business established by her husband with the same success which char- acterized his efforts. She is a useful member of the Lutheran Church, and highly regarded in Meri- den society.

EDWARD KILBOURN ROBERTS, M. D., is one of the well-known physicians of New Haven, Conn., who have been prominently identified with the city's interests for a number of years.

Dr. Roberts was born in Milwaukee, Wis., Nov. 15, 1857, son of John Roberts, a native of Morris, Conn. The father married Louisa M. Coe, a na- tive of Litchfield, Conn., a member of one of the oldest families of the State, and to Mr. and Mrs. Roberts were born three children: Walter C., who is an Episcopal clergyman in Corning, N. Y. ; Helen, who married John H. Fitzgerald, an Episcopal clergyman of Hebron, Conn .; and Edward K., our subject. John Roberts, the father, was for many years a carpenter, builder and superintendent in a planing mill in New Haven. At the time of his death he was a superintending architect. and testi- monials to his ability may be seen in the Normal school buildings of Willimantic, New Britain and New Haven. In politics Mr. Roberts was a Repub- lican ; for many years he was one of the prominent members of the Church of the Ascension and St. Thomas' Episcopal Church ; and he carefully reared his family in the same faith.

At about the age of two years our subject was taken to New Haven, in the family removal from Milwaukee to the eastern city, and passed his boy- hood in this beautiful place. Finishing a course in

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the Sheffield Scientific School, he in 1878, entered the Medical Department of Yale, graduating there- from in 1880, after which he went West to enter upon his first practice. Settling in Minneapolis, Minn., he remained there some time, and then re- turned to the congenial surroundings of his Con- necticut home, where he has remained ever since, building up what is generally conceded to be one of the most lucrative practices in the whole city.

On Aug. 29, 1880, Dr. Roberts married Miss Clara N. Ludington, of New Haven, a daughter of Nelson A. and Adeline ( Permin) Ludington. Mrs. Roberts' maternal grandfather came to America from Denmark. Two children have come to Dr. and Mrs. Roberts: Clifford L., born May 7, 1882; and Edward K. Jr., born Aug. 19, 1886. The latter is a student in the New Haven High School, class of 1904, and intends to enter Yale. Although an ardent Republican, Dr. Roberts has never accepted any political office. He is a well-known member of various medical and fraternal societies-the Royal Arcanum, of which he is the examiner ; the Forest- ers; the American Medical Association, and the State and County Medical Societies. He and his wife are members of Grace Episcopal Church, and possess the esteem of a very large circle of social and professional friends.

ARTHUR A. BENHAM is one of the influen- tial citizens of West Haven, that town having been his birthplace and the sphere of his active life. He was born Dec. 9, 1848, and, while he has yet scarcely passed middle life, the natural development of his innate qualities has both challenged and enforced respect.

For several generations antecedent to our sub- ject the family has resided in the same town, and the ancestral homestead is well-nigh a landmark. The Benhams are of English origin, and John Ben- ham, the first American ancestor,' sailed from Plymouth, England, in the ship "Mary and John" March 20, 1630, and arrived at Nantasket Point May 30, 1630. Next day Capt. Squib put them on shore and left them. By the aid of planters they obtained a boat and went up the Charles river to a place called Watertown, where they landed. They found a neck of land at Mattapan and removed there, naming their town Dorchester. They had many cattle. John's two sons, John and Joseph, probably came with him. John Benham was one of the first set of "freemen" of Boston of May 18, 1631. In 1639 he and his sons came with the orig- inal colony of Eaton and Davenport to New Haven, he being one of the seventy heads of families that settled that place. To him was assigned one each of the four-acre house lots and sixteen-acre out lots set off to those first principal colonists.

John Benham, Jr., and his brother Joseph took the oath of fidelity in 1654. Joseph removed to Wallingford in 1669 or 1670. John remained on the original grant. Probably the sixteen-acre out lot

was on Main street near the public square, as rec- ords show they owned land there and later moved to "Benham Hill," two miles west of West Haven. The holdings were extensive. The first John fol- lowed to some extent his trade of brickmaker, as well as agricultural pursuits, which pursuits his sons and succeeding generations also followed, likewise filling prominent and influential places in the com- munity. Many of them filled town offices, a distinc- tion which in those early days was highly prized and carried a deep significance. The family united with the Congregational Church, and were among its earliest and most liberal contributors. John (2) married in 1654 Sarah Wilcoxson, and for his second wife Mercy Smith, in 1669, and had trine children. He died in 1690.

John Benham (3), son of John (2), died in 1745. He and his wife Comfort had five children. John Benham (4), son of John (3), had nine children. He died in 1777.

Gamaliel Benham. son of John (4), married Lydia Painter, and had five children. He was born in 1738, and died in 1811. He served in the Revolu- tionary war in Capt. Bradley's company, enlisting June 5, 1780, and was discharged Jan. 1, 1781.

Elisha Benham married Phoebe Keeler, of Litch- field, and had six children. He was born in 1782. and died in 1876, attaining the good old age of ninety-four years. He served in the militia in the war of 1812. His two sons lived at the old home- stead until the marriage of Elijah E., father of Arthur A.

Elijah E. Benham was born in March, 1820, and in 1842 married Mary E. Hine, who descended from the earliest settlers of Milford, being one of a family of four children born to Andrew P. Hine, a farmer and innkeeper of Orange in the days of the old-fashioned coach. She died at the age of seventy-five. Her brother, Albert A. Hine, yet lives in the old family homestead in Orange. Arthur A. was the only child of Elijah E. and Mary E. Ben- ham. Elijah E. Benham built a house and lived on a farm adjoining the old homestead, was a suc- cessful farmer, and as a citizen influential and re- spected. He possessed sound judgment and was eminently public-spirited. In early life he was a Whig, and later a Republican, and he was a select- man of the town and held various minor offices. He lived to see his seventy-second birthday, dying in 1892. His brother, Lucius A., remained on the old homestead, was likewise a successful farmer and prominent in town affairs, and was a deacon of the Congregational Church. In 1854 he married Sarah L. Plimpton, of Sturbridge, Mass., and they had four daughters, only one, Catharine MI., living at the present time. Arthur A. and Catharine M. Benham are the only ones bearing the name of this branch of the family.

Arthur A. Benham was educated in the public schools. For many years his life was devoted to agricultural pursuits, in connection with which he.

arthur Q Benham

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carried on a wholesale produce commission business in New Haven. At his father's death lic came into possession of the farm and disposed of it in 1899, the old homestead having been previously sold, in 1897. He built his present home in West Haven in 1889. Mr. Benham is held in high esteem by his fellow townsmen on account alike of his keen sense, excellent judgment and blameless life, and has been repeatedly elected to the office of assessor, and is at present chairman of that board. He is also member of the board of relief and board of burgesses. In political faith he is a Republican.

On Nov. 17, 1870, Mr. Benhanı married Mary Baker, of New Haven, now the sole survivor of a family of three children. Her father, Capt. Otis Baker, commanded a merchant vessel sailing to Havre. Mr. and Mrs. Benham had one child, a daughter named Albertina M., born in Utica, N. Y., Aug. 22, 1876. She was educated in the public schools in West Haven, and was highly esteemed, and her death, on July 14, 1899, at the early age of twenty-three, was a source of deep grief to her parents.

BENEDICT. The family at Waterbury bear- ing this name is one of the oldest in New England and Connecticut, as well as one of the most prom- inent. Several generations of the family covering a period of one hundred and thirty years, have lived in and been leading citizens of Waterbury. The late Deacon Aaron Benedict, of whom special mention is made in what follows, was one of the great, use- ful and noble citizens of his day, and there are still residing in the city some of the descendants-useful men and women in the various callings of life.

Deacon Benedict was in the sixth generation from Thomas Benedict, his first American ancestor, the line being through Lieutenant Daniel Benedict, Daniel Benedict (2), Capt. Daniel Benedict and Lieut. Aaron Benedict.

(I) Thomas Benedict of Nottinghamshire, Eng- land, born in 1617, came to America in 1638, in the same vessel with Mary Bridgman, a daughter of his stepmother, and whom he afterward married. They lived for a time at places about Massachusetts Bay, then moved to Southold, L. I., where their children were born. After a residence at other points on Long Island they removed to Norwalk, Conn., it appearing of record that in 1665, he was chosen clerk of the town. He was a leading man in all of the places where he resided, and held a number of high public trusts.

(II) Lieut. Daniel Benedict, son of Thomas Benedict, the emigrant, born in 165-, after his re- moval to Norwalk, Conn., married Mary, daughter of Matthew and Mary Marvin, of Norwalk, Conn. Daniel Benedict was a soldier in the direful Swamp fight in 1675. He removed from Norwalk to Dan- bury, Conn., and the records show he sold prop- erty March 25, 1690.

(III) Daniel Benedict (2), son of Lieut. Dan- 24

iel Benedict, married Rebecca, daughter of Thomas and Rebecca ( Ketcham) Taylor, original settlers of Danbury, Conn. His will was made March 26, 1762, and proved Aug. 5, 1776.

(IV) Capt. Daniel Benedict, son of Daniel Bene- dict (2), born in 1705, married in 1728, Sarah, daughter of Thomas and Mary ( Bronson) Hickok. From the inscription on his tombstone we read: "He was for many years Deacon of this town [Dan- bury] and by an exemplary life and conversation endorsed the sincerity of his Christian profession. 'The memory of the righteous is blessed.'" He died Nov. 9, 1777.

(V) Lieut. Aaron Benedict, son of Capt. Daniel Benedict, born in 1745, married in 1769, Esther, daughter of John and Mary (Comstock) Trow- bridge. The year after his marriage he removed to Waterbury, and settled in the eastern part of what is now the town of Middlebury. He was in the French war, probably, and was a lieutenant in the war of the Revolution, served before Quebec, and became a pensioner. He was one of the leading men of the town, which he represented in the Legis- lature in 1809 and 1810. In 1818 he was a delegate to the Constitutional Convention for Middlebury. Mr. Benedict was a remarkable and superior type of the old time, strong-minded, straight-forward, square men. He died Dec. 16, 1841.

The late DEACON AARON BENEDICT, of Water- bury, was born Aug. 9, 1785, in what is now the town of Middlebury, Conn., a son of Capt. Daniel and Esther (Trowbridge) Benedict. He entered Yale College, but, owing to ill health, had to aband- on his college course after having pursued it for a year and a half. At the age of nineteen years he removed from the out-skirts of the town, and set- tled within the limits of the "First Society," where in 1804 he became partner of Joseph Burton in mer- cantile business. After several years of experience as a merchant he began in 1812, the manufacture of bone and ivory buttons, a business in which he continued until 1823. He then formed a partner- ship with Bennet Bronson, of Waterbury, and three New Haven gentlemen, for the manufacture of gilt buttons, he having the exclusive management of the concern. "The prosperity of Waterbury as a manufacturing town," says Dr. Henry Bronson, in the history of Waterbury, "may be said to date from the formation of this company," the capital of which was $6,500. It was a small beginning, but industry, perseverance and skilled labor were not long in securing success. The partnership was re- newed in 1827, and the capital increased to $13,000. In 1829 a new partnership was formed under the name of Benedict & Coe, with a capital of $20,000, and in addition to the manufacture of gilt buttons, the firm undertook the rolling of brass for market, this establishment becoming one of the most import- ant and lucrative departments of their rapidly ex- tending business. The firm also dealt in merchan- dise. On Feb. 10, 1834, at the expiration of the

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COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

partnership of Benedict & Coe, a new one was en- tered into with a capital of $40,000 under the name of Benedict & Burnham. This partnership was re- newed in 1838, and the capital increased to $71,000, "and again renewed in 1840, with a capital of $100,- .000. In 1843 the firm of Benedict & Burnham be- came The Benedict & Burnham Manufacturing Co., the first joint stock corporation formed in the town of Waterbury. Mr. Benedict was chosen president of the company, and remained as its executive head until the close of his life.

This Benedict & Burnham Manufacturing Co., which has developed into such a great industry, was the parent from which sprang the American Pin Co., .in 1846, the Waterbury Button Co., in 1849, the - Benedict & Scovill Co., in 1852, and the Waterbury Clock Co., in 1857.

Mr. Benedict was a member of the State Legis- lature in 1826 and 1841. and State Senator in 1858- 59. He became a member of the First Congrega- tional Church of Waterbury, in February, 1817. In 1832, he was chosen to the office of deacon, the du- · ties of which he fulfilled for forty years in the most · exemplary manner. He was noted throughout his life, not only for fidelity in all religious duties, but for his practical benevolence. In his later life his . gifts bestowed in the most unostentatious way amounted to thousands of dollars annually. He con- -tributed $10,000 to the erection of Divinity Hall. "New Haven: $10,000 for the endowment of the : Benedict professorship of Latin in Iowa College; fand $30,000 toward the erection of the First Con- -gregational Church edifice, Waterbury. "Mr. Bene- !. dict's death will be keenly felt not only in the church · where he has worshiped so long and served faith- fully, but throughout the community and State. In : his death, another of the ties is broken by which the .. Waterbury of to-day is connected with the Water- bury of fifty years ago. The transformation of the insignificant village, which some of us remember, into the busy and prosperous city, which now fills -the valley and over spreads the hillside is due to . Aaron Benedict more perhaps than to any other man. It fulfilled our conception of the fitness of things, that he was permitted to see and enjoy the fruits which sprang from his early labors, and to .stay amongst us for so many years as a representa- · tive of what is past, and at the same time a beauty ilover of the present."

At the time of his death the New Haven Palla- - dium said : "Mr. Benedict was one of the most prom- - inent men of the State, more particularly in con- .nection with its manufacturing interests, and was a Every public-spirited and greatly honored citizen. ,He was at one time somewhat active in politics, and , was chosen on different occasions a member of the State Senate. His energy and exemplary character as a business man gave him a controlling interest -as a counselor in matters engaging the attention of -men of interest. His death will be greatly re- gretted."

On Sept. 17, 1808, Mr. Benedict was married to Charlotte A., daughter of Abel and Hannah ( Eliot) Porter, and their children were: Charlotte A. mar- ried Scovill M. Buckingham; Frances J. died single ; George W .; Charles; and Mary L. married John S. Mitchell, of Tarrytown, N. Y. Aaron Benedict died Feb. 9, 1873, and his wife died May 9, 1870.

GEORGE WILLIAM BENEDICT, son of Aaron and Charlotte A. (Porter) Benedict, was born Nov. 26, 1814, married Feb. 6, 1838, Caroline R., daughter of Austin and Polly ( Beecher) Steele, of Water- bury. She was born March 13, 1824, and died Dec. II, 1860. Mr. Benedict was reared in Waterbury, and received practical training in the manufactur- ing business of his father, and his business life was given to the interests of the business of the compan- ies originated by his father. The son was an ardent Whig and Republican, and took an active interest in local affairs. He was warden of the borough from 1843 to 1846, a selectman in 1851 and 1859, and mayor of the city from June, 1855, to June, 1856, councilman in 1859 and 1860. In 1857 he represented the town in the State Legislature. He was a man of integrity and honesty, a man of action rather than words ; interested in every thing relating to the prosperity of the town ; reserved but possessed of a generous heart. He died April 12, 1862. His children were: Mary C., married Lewis D. Griggs, of Waterbury ; Frances J., married Edward L. Rice ; George H., was a soldier in company A, 23rd Conn. V. I., in the Civil war; Aaron A .; and Clata L.

SUMNER T. THAYER. a well-known retired citizen of New Haven, was born in Worcester, Mass., April 24, 1850, only child' of Alexander Thayer.

Alexander Thayer was born in Bellingham, Mass., June 15, 1812, a son of Marvel Thayer, who also was a native of Bellingham, and for a number of years was a successful farmer of that town. Marvel Thayer married Julia Bullard, and became the father of five children, namely: Sewell; George, who became a carpenter and builder and moved to Providence, R. I .; Levina; Alexander ; and a daughter who died young. Alexander Thayer was a lad of twelve years when he lost his father. Being of a mechanical turn of mind, he early in life took up work along that line. Practically thrown on his own resources, his energetic and in- dustrious disposition helped him to fight life's battle alone. He was only a boy when he went to Wor- cester, Mass., and there secured work calculated to develop the natural mechanical skill he possessed. In toolmaking and in machinist's work he secured much practical experience, while his steady habits and industry enabled him to accumulate some cap- ital, with which he soon went into business for himself. He was one of the founders of the well- known firm of Thayer & Houghton, tool and ma- chinery manufacturers, of Worcester, Mass. The product of this firm was shipped to various parts

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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 86

Author: Beers (J.H.) & Co., Chicago, pub Publication date: 1902 Publisher: Chicago, J.H. Beers & co. Number of Pages: 1040

Author: Beers (J.H.) & Co., Chicago, pub
Publication date: 1902
Publisher: Chicago, J.H. Beers & co.
Number of Pages: 1040