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 2, Part 67

Author: Beers (J.H.) & Co., Chicago, pub
Publication date: 1902
Publisher: Chicago, J.H. Beers & co.
Number of Pages: 1010

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 2 > Part 67

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On Sept. 6, 1877, Mr. Brooks was united in marriage with Miss Jennie Allen, of New Haven. a native of Northampton, Mass., and daughter of William B. Allen. Of this union two children have been born, Alice L. and Harold A., both of whom are attending school at the time of this writing. Mr. Brooks is a communicant of the Protestant Episco- pal Church, as is also his wife, and he is at the pres- ent time a member of the vestry of St. Paul's Church, whose parish is one of the important ones of the city. He is a man of broad Christian tol- erance and charity, mindful of the springs of human thought and action, and not passing undue judg- ment on his fellow men of "all sorts and conditions." This epitome of his career will be perused with pleasure by those who know him and have cogni- zance of his worthy and upright career.

JOHN H. PLATT. In these days of lavish expenditure and beautiful furnishings the estab- lishment of well-appointed apartments for the dis- play and sale of high class interior decorations has become a necessity and in this line the city of New Haven takes a front rank. Among those who through exquisite taste and excellent judgment have become leaders in the trade mentioned is John H.

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Platt, whose beautifully arranged and completely stocked store, at No. 90 Orange street, supplies every reasonable demand. There may be found the rar- est and most expensive of Oriental or other decora- tions and also those which come within the reach of a moderate income.

John H. Platt was born in Prospect, Conn., Dec. 1, 1842, a son of Henry P. and Rebecca ( Nichols ) Platt, the former of whom was a son of Capt. Ben- jamin Platt.

Capt. Benjamin Platt was born in Milford, Conn., but later moved to Prospect and located on a farm, becoming also.a drover. Taking a great interest in military affairs he was made the captain of a militia company and was well-known all through the State. He married Nancy Bristol, who was born in Milford. Conn., and she was a most excellent wife and the devoted mother of a family of ten children : Benjamin, who long was connected as a contractor with the Seth Thomas Clock Co., of Thomaston, Conn .; Henry P .: Harris, who was a farmer, lived and died in Prospect : William R .. who lived and died in Waterbury: John R., who is a farmer in Prospect, Conn .: Adelia, who married Luther Morse: Mary, who married a Mr. Clark ; Nancy, who married M. Kelsey: Jane, unmarried ; and Augusta, who first married Henry Stevens and second a Mr. Hall. Capt. Platt was prominent in political life, held many of the local offices and served in the State Legislature. In the Congrega- tional Church he was also conspicuous, taking an active part in all charitable enterprises and liberally contributing to its support.

Henry P. Platt, a son of Capt. Platt, and the father of John H. Platt, of New Haven, lived all his life in Prospect, Conn., where he was a carpen- ter and joiner, a most worthy citizen and estimable and upright man. He married Rebecca Nichols. of Waterbury, Conn .. who was born in Waterbury and died in Prospect. Their children were: Benjamin, who died at the age of twelve years; Caroline, who lived until her thirteenth year : and John H. Mr. Platt was a stanch Whig in his earlier years, later becoming an active Republican and he served the town as deputy sheriff for many years. The family all belonged to the Congregational Church.

Growing up in his native town of Prospect, John H. Platt was a school boy of eighteen years at the outbreak of the Civil war. The stirring events of 1861 awakened in his young breast the fires of pa- triotism and he became one of the soldiers sent from his village, enlisting in Co. A. 20th Conn. V. I., and serving until the close of the war, taking part in the battles of Chancellorsville. Fredericksburg. Gettys- burg, and after being transferred to the Western Division went with the army of Gen. Sherman on his memorable journey to the sea. A wound that he received at Bentonville. N. C., still troubled him and kept him in Prospect for the year succeeding the close of the struggle, but by 1866 his injured arm had recovered sufficiently to enable him to make

use of it and he came to New Haven to engage in business. Here he has remained ever since, having been identified with the same line of business during all these years. For fourteen years he was con- nected with F. A. Gilbert, a merchant dealing in in- terior decorations, since which time he has conducted a similar business in his own interest, having now the most elaborate and costly display of goods of any house in the city, catering particularly to a wealthy and cultured, as well as to a traveled pat- ronage. Few houses in New England afford better facilities in the line of interior decorations, includ- ing paper, rugs, tapestries and bric-a-brac from every land.

Jolin H. Platt was first married in 1875. his bride being Miss Mary Munson, a native of Ham- den, Conn., a daughter of Henry Munson, a well- known resident of that locality. Her death took place in 1879. In 1883 Mr. Platt was united in mar- riage to Miss Mettie H. Bishop, who was born in this city, the daughter of Merritt Bishop, of New Haven. No children have been born to Mr. Platt. In spite of absorbing business interests Mr. Platt has found time to show interest in public affairs, filling the position of police commissioner for three years, during which time many municipal reforms were instituted. An active member of the Republi- can party he takes a deep interest in the Union League and the Republican Club and exerts con- siderable influence in political circles. Fraternally he is a popular member of the Quinnipiac and the Ansantawae Clubs, the Country Club, the Forest and Stream Club, and New Haven Commandery, Knights Templar, while in the Commercial Club he lias most efficiently served on the committee for the promoting of new industries. In religions connec- tions Mr. Platt is a member and one of the vestry- men of Trinity Episcopal Church of this city.

CHARLES ALONZO KING, superintendent of the gun and machine shops of Parker Brothers, Meriden, is one of the best known and most highly respected residents of that city. His birth occurred in Franklin, New London Co., Conn., Feb. 10, 1837, and he comes from one of the old families which was established in this State long prior to the Rev- olutionary war.

Samuel King and his wife, Mary. appear to have been the first of the name recorded in Mansfield, Conn. Their children were born there and the printed records show that James was born March 20, 1748; Samuel, March 22, 1751 ; and Ruth, Nov. 9, 1753.

James King, son of Samuel and Mary, was mar- ried Nov. 25, 1779, to Irene Jennings, and accord- ing to the Mansfield records their children were : Alpheus, born April 2, 1781 ; Jehiel, Dec. 8, 1783 ; Irene, Feb. 13, 1786; and James, Aug. 12, 1788.

Jehiel King, son of James, was married Nov. 15, 1804, to Zerviah Dunham.

Jehiel Dunham King, son of Jehiel and Zer-

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ـد بن عطية الإلمن الأثر سبع السخدمة

Calling

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COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

viah, was born Oct. 9, 1805, and, his father dying when he was an infant, he was reared to manhood in the home of an uncle, assisting in the farm work, and remaining there until his marriage. Then he removed to New London county, locating first at Franklin, where he followed farming, and later re- moving to Norwich, where he spent the remainder of his life, dying there April 25. ISS2. Few men followed the teachings of the Golden Rule more successfully than did Mr. King. All his life an in- dustrious man he tried to live up to the highest ideals of citizen, husband and father .. In political belief he adhered to the Jeffersonian principles of Democracy.

On Feb. 11, 1827, Mr. King married Emmeline Eliza Jennings, who was born in Mansfield, Conn., daughter of Asahel and Emmeline ( Parsons) Jen- nings, the latter a daughter of Jesse Parsons, a soldier in the Patriot army during the Revolutionary war. Nine children were born to Mr. and Mrs. King, one of whom died in infancy. Mary Eliza married George W. Symonds, of East Hartford. Asahel A. is now living at Mystic. Conn. Nancy married George Wilber, now a resident of Shelton, Conn. Martha D. (deceased) married John L. Wilbur, of New Haven. Charles Alonzo is our subject. Newell D. was a soldier in the Civil war for three years, serving in the 21st Conn. V. I. William Wallace was also a soldier in the Civil war. serving four and one-half years in the 13th Cont. V. I. Emmeline J. married Millen Shumway, of Middlefield, Conn. The beloved mother of this family died in June, 1874. in Springfield. Mass., and was buried in Indian Hill cemetery, at Middletown, Conn. She was a good, Christian woman, kind and sympathetic, devoted to her family and a valued member of the Methodist Church.

Charles A. King, of Meriden, was reared on the home farm and attended the district schools of his native locality up to the age of eight years, at which time his parents removed to Fitchville. There he also entered school, and he subsequently attended at Norwich until his sixteenth year, when he en- tered the machine shop of J. S. & S. J. Mowry, re- maining until he had become a skilled machinist. When the business depression of 1857 fell on the country it affected Norwich also, and Mr. King left that town for Middletown, where he found em- ployment in the sewing machine factory of Pratt & Johnson. Later he became connected with the Wheeler & Wilson Sewing Machine Co., of Bridge- port, Conn., remaining in that employ for a short time. In 1860 he went back to Middletown and there entered the gunmaking department of the Savage Fire Arms Co., continuing with that concern until 1867 when he accepted the position of superintend- ent with the Smith & Wesson Co., manufacturer; of pistols, at Springfield, where he remained until coming to Meriden. in 1874. While at Springfield he invented and patented the automatic ejector sc

widely used on revolvers. This patent was sold to his employers. He also made many improve- ments in the machinery for manufacturing inter- changeable work, and the high rating of the Smith & Wesson weapon is largely due to his skill.

Probably no house in the United States is better or more favorably known in its line than that of Parker Brothers and it was as superintendent of their gun and machine shops that Mr. King came to Meriden. For the past twenty-seven years he has been the efficient incumbent of that position. He is the designer and patentee of the hammerless breech-loading shot gun, now so widely known throughout the world. With from 200 to 300 men in his charge Mr. King has not only satisfactorilv performed the responsible duties of his office, but he has also earned the confidence and affection of both employers and employes. A position of this kind requires the possession of attributes wholly apart from skill in workmanship. In these days of general business discontent he has so managed the affairs of Parker Brothers in his department that there has been little friction.

In 1859 Charles A. King was married in Nor- wich to Frances Ann Balch, who was born in Nor- wich and died in Middletown, leaving two children : Minnie F., who married C. E. Gaskell, of Mystic, Conn .; and Charles Winfield, who is a bookkeeper for the H. Wales Lines Co. The second marriage of Mr. King took place in Springfield, Mass., to Adeline R. Austin, a daughter of John Austin, of Canterbury, Connecticut, and the children of this union are: Walter A. and Raymond Earle. The former is connected with the Parker gun works. He' married Martha W. Landis and they have one daughter, Dorothy Elizabeth. The younger son, Raymond, is a student in the Meriden high school.

In 1875 Mr. King erected a fine residence in King street, Meriden, designed and finished accord- ing to Mrs. King's ideas. It is not only one of the most attractive homes in the city but is also one of the most hospitable. The religious connection of the family is with the Universalist Church, Mr. King giving liberally and generously to its support.

Fraternallv Mr. King is connected with St. John's Lodge, A. F. & A. M., and Washington Chapter, both of Middletown, and is also a member of St. Elmo Commanderv. No. 9. K. T., of Meriden, In politics he is a stanch Republican. During his residence in Springfield he served in the city coun- eil, representing the Third Ward. In Meriden he was for four years an alderman, chairman of the Police and Claims committees, a member of the Water committee and has been president pro tem. of the council, and was appointed police commissioner by Mayor Seeley in January, 1902; he is a trustee of the Meriden Savings Bank. Mr. King is a man of intellectual attainments and studies on many sub- jects, taking intense interest in the advance of sci- ence.

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COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

HORACE B. PERRY, long and favorably known in the mercantile circles of New Haven, was born in Oxford, Conn., Nov. 10, 1843, a son of Capt. Herman A. Perry. The father was a farmer and was born in 1807 in the house in which he died in 1898.

Cyrus Perry, the grandfather of Horace B., was born in the old home, a son of Gideon Perry, and there died. He was a farmer by occupation.

Capt. Herman A. Perry derived his title from his connection with the State Militia, and was a veterinary surgeon of note, serving in that capacity at Harper's Ferry during the Civil war. Emma J. Swift, his wife, was born in Monticello, Sullivan Co., N. Y., and she died in Oxford, Conn., at the age of eighty-four. The Swift family was of Eng- lish origin and Mrs, Perry's father was a joiner and builder. Three children were born to Capt. and Mrs. Perry: Henry A. and Horace B. were twins; and Frederick. Henry A. is a resident of Water- bury, Conn. ; and Frederick, who is a farmer, is now living retired at Bethany Center. Capt. Perry was a Whig and later a Republican. With his wife he belonged to the Episcopal Church.

Horace B. Perry spent his boyhood days on the old farm at Oxford. Conn., where so many of his name had been reared, and attended the district school. When he was thirteen years old he was sent to Sullivan, Hancock Co., Maine, to live with an uncle and attend school, where he remained four years. At the end of that period he came home to enter upon the active duties of life and for two or three years was employed as a clerk in the store of H. W. Randall, at Seymour, Conn. For a year. he was a clerk in Ansonia in a store also belonging to Mr. Randall : and in 1867 he entered the New Ha- ven store of Sherman Smith, a noted center of trade in dry goods and carpets. From Mr. Smith he went to Beacon Falls, Conn., where with a partner he opened a general store and for five years was in business at that point. Circumstances seemed to make it advisable that he sell out at the expiration of that period and buy from Sherman Smith his store in New Haven, which he did, and the move has been attended with the happiest results. For thirty years Mr. Perry has been in business at the old stand, No. 914 Chapel street, dealing in carpets, dra- peries, paper hangings and similar goods, and his store has become a landmark in the local trade.

Mr. Perry was married July 1, 1868, to Sarah - J. Beecher, a daughter of Jolin Beecher, and a native of Oxford, Conn. To this union were born two children : John B. and Harry L. Mr. Perry is a Republican and has represented his ward in the com- mon council four years. He is a member of the Chamber of Commerce and for years has served in the Governor's Foot Guards. Mr. Perry is a Mason and belongs to New Haven Commandery, No. 2. K. T., being also connected with City Lodge. No. 36. I. O. O. F., and the Red Men. In religion he is as- sociated with the Episcopal Church. Wherever he

is found he is recognized as a true and honorable man, of high character, fine spirit, genial disposi- tion and the most excellent motives and ambitions.

EDGAR J. PERKINS, superintendent of the Charles Parker Co. spoon shop on East Main street. Meriden, Conn., was born in the town of Meriden Nov. 20, 1852, and is a descendant of an old and highly respected Massachusetts family.

Russell G. Perkins, the grandfather of Edgar J. Perkins, was a native of Springfield, Mass., and a son of Elisha Perkins, who was a soldier in the Revolutionary war and later a resident of Spring- field. Elisha Perkins was one of the heroes of Bunker Hill and after his marriage to Lois Newton settled in Springfield, where he carried on a mill- ing business. Both husband and wife lived a long and happy domestic life, and when the husband died the wife, worn out by anxiety and want of rest. passed away on the same day, and their solemn burial was made in one grave. Russell G. Perkins learned the milling trade from his father and fol- lowed the same at Ludlow, Mass., and later at Pittstown, N. Y. Still later he removed to Meri- den, Conn., and locating on the Middletown road. went to work in the spoon shop of Parker & Per- kins, his son being the junior member of the firm. His death occurred in his old home when he was aged seventy-five and his remains were interred in Fast cemetery, Meriden. All his life he was a close Bible student, was a faithful member of the Baptist Church, believed in the efficacy of daily prayer, was a living exponent of the religion he professed and in which he died. Russell G. Perkins married Sally Bartlett and to them were born seven children : Russell, who became a partner with Charles Parker in the business of Parker & Perkins; James Mon- roe, deceased ; Sarah, who married Jerard D. Chase : Electa, who married George Cook, deceased ; Orson. who lives near Eustis, Fla. : Mary Adeline, who first married Frederick C. Booth and second Dr. Jerard Chase, her brother-in-law; and Louise, at home. The mother of this family died in Meriden, was laid to rest by the side of her husband. she also hay- ing been a most worthy member of the Baptist Church. Mr. Perkins was a Whig in his early days but later became a Republican.

James Monroe Perkins was born in Ludlow. Mass., where he grew to manhood and accompanied his parents on their removal to the State of New York. For several years lie held a position with the New York & Erie Railroad, as engineer on the Lightning Express, but later came to Meriden and entered the employ of Parker & Perkins, his brother, Russell. being one of the partners. After a short time here. with several others, he made trip to Iowa, and after prospecting a while, located at what is now the thriving little city of Grinnell, which was settled by J. B. Grinnell in association with several other pioneers from Meriden. Here Mr. Perkins spent three years but finally decided to return to

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COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

the vicinity of his former home. When he reached Meriden he re-entered the employ of Parker & Perkins, being made assistant superintendent, under his brother, Russell, and he held this place until he was made superintendent, when the partnership was dissolved. Until his death Mr. Perkins, by faithful attention to his duty, retained the confidence of the firm, his decease Aug. 2, 1898, leaving a vacancy which was immediately placed at the disposal of his son, Edgar. He was buried with his parents in East cemetery, in Meriden. Although not a member of any church he lived up to Christian precepts and was known as an honorable man. He was a mem- ber of the Masonic fraternity, was a Republican in his political sentiments but never accepted office. The marriage of James M. Perkins took place in the State of New York, his bride being Almira Al- len, a native of that State, and the children born to this union were: Charles, who died in 1896; Edgar j., of Meriden ; and Harvey, who resides at Erie, Colorado. Mrs. Perkins died Jan. 1, 1870, and she was laid to rest in East cemetery. The second mar- riage of James Monroe Perkins was to Abbie Bel- den, of Meriden, who is still surviving and she re- sides in West Hartford.

The educational advantages afforded Edgar J. Perkins, of Meriden, were of a limited nature, and while still a youth he faced the fact that he must carve out a career for himself. This is not always the worst thing that can confront a young man and it brought to the surface the energy and industry of Edgar Perkins, which has resulted in his efficient superintendency of this important branch of the great manufacturing business of the Charles Parker Company. His first work was on the neighboring farms, but later he went as a coal heaver to New York, New Jersey and as far south as Virginia, on the Old Dominion steamship line. After drifting around for several years, gaining much experience which has been of use to him in the management of the large force of men under his control in his pres- ent position, he returned to Meriden and at the age of eighteen started in to learn the trade of too! maker in the spoon shop of which his father was the superintendent. Later he was employed as a ma- chinist by the Elm City Shirt Company, of New Haven, where he remained for three years and then went back to Meriden, accepting a position as fore- man of the spoon shop of the Parker establishment. Later he entered the die-sinking shop where he con- tinued until the death of his father, at which time he was appointed to fill the position he so ably holds. Mr. Perkins has a force of 100 hands in charge and l:as the ability. to manage both work and men to the i of the genial Meriden Doctor, was born in Lyme, satisfaction of the latter, and in the quantity and degree of excellence demanded by his employers in the former.

Mr. Perkins was married in Meriden to Miss Ellen M. Smith, a native of this city, and to them were born three children : Belle, who married Leon Brainerd, of Hartford; Daisey, who married George

Farrow, of Middletown, and Howard, who is a maker of tools. In 1900 Mr. Perkins completed al fine residence which is one of the most complete and attractive on the Middletown road, from plans of his own, a delightful, comfortable and most hos- pitable mansion.

Although Mr. Perkins has long been an active member of the Republican party he has sought no political honors, his good citizenship being shown in his upholding of law and his encouraging of all beneficial public enterprises. Mr. Perkins has served as grand juror of the town of Meriden and for some years was school tax collector and was very active on the school board under the old distriet sys- tem, taking great interest in the educational ad- vancement of his district. He is a valued member of Center Lodge, No. 97, A. F. & A. M., and in his religious views he is liberal.

SAMUEL DICKINSON OTIS, M. D., one| of Meriden's best known medical practitioners, was born in old Saybrook, Middlesex Co .. Conn., Dec. 27, 1856, and is a worthy representative of a sturdy an- cestry that dates back to the early Colonial period.

John Otis emigrated from England to Hing- "ham, Mass., in 1635, and emoved to Weymouth, Mass., where he died in 1657. aged seventy-six.| His first wife, Margaret, came from England and died in Hingham in 1653. This John Otis was the ancestor of the Otis family that first settled in New London and Colchester, Conn.

There was an Israel Otis. born June 28, 1781, apparently of the Montville, Conn., family, who was a descendant in the seventh generation from John (above), his line being through ( II) John, of Eng- iand and New England ; ( III) Joseph. of Montville. Colchester and Salem (all in Connecticut) : (IV) : Nathaniel, of Colchester, Conn .; (V) John (3). of Colchester. Conn .: (VI) Nathaniel (2), of New London, Conn .: and (VII) Israel, born June 28, 1781. Israel Otis, grandfather of Dr. Otis, of Meri- den, was a native of Lyme, New London county, where he grew to manhood on a farm. He married in his birthplace. where he followed farming for sev- eral years, and later removed with his family to Old Saybrook, Middlesex county, where he spent the remainder of his days in agricultural pursuits, and where he died. He was a communicant of the Episcopal Church and politically was a Democrat of the Jefferson and Jackson type. He married a Miss Babcock, who died in Old Saybrook. She, too, was a member of the Episcopal Church.

Israel Sabine Otis, son of Israel and the father Conn .. removed to Old Saybrook with his parents and there attended the public schools. He studied for the medical profession under the well-known practitioner. Dr. Thomson, and later with Dr. Sperry. He began his practice in Lyme, his birth- place, where he continued for four years, when he moved for the second time to Saybrook and started

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COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

in the fish and oil business, becoming a large manu- facturer of fish oil, also dealing extensively in fish. He built up a successful business and was a well- known business man, noted for his upright character and honest dealings. He was a consistent member of the Episcopal Church and died in Saybrook in March, 1868. In politics he was a Democrat. Israel Sabine Otis was married in Saybrook to Caroline Dickinson, a daughter of Samuel Dickinson. She is a lady of culture and refinement, a worthy mem- ber of the Episcopal Church, still making her home in Saybrook. Five children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Otis : James E., manufacturer of oil in Tuck- erton, N. J. : Josephine, wife of Ely Spencer : Lucy Caroline, at home ; Samuel Dickinson ; and Virginia, at home.

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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 2, Part 67

Author: Beers (J.H.) & Co., Chicago, pub Publication date: 1902 Publisher: Chicago, J.H. Beers & co. Number of Pages: 1010

Author: Beers (J.H.) & Co., Chicago, pub
Publication date: 1902
Publisher: Chicago, J.H. Beers & co.
Number of Pages: 1010