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 80
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In 1893 Mr. Rattelsdorfer entered politics, and has been one of the most active members of the Republican party in this locality ever since. In 1895 he was a member of his ward committee, and was elected alderman, and served through 1895-6, in 1895 the vote being a tie. A new election was called and the result was the seating of our subject by twenty-five votes, although the ward was some 400 votes Democratic, which made Mr. Rattelsdorfer the first Republican alderman ever elected in it. Only one Republican has been elected since then, which followed our subject's term of office, he hay- ing declined a re-election. Ever since that time he has been a leader in his ward. belongs to its com- mittee ; was elected a delegate to the State Conven- tion at .Hartford, one of the four from this city. In 1901 he was appointed chairman of the board of Charities, by Mayor Studley, which is considered a wise selection on account of the conscientious manner in which he performs public duties. Mr.
Rattelsdorfer lias been very active in furthering measures of public benefit, and it was through his instrumentality that permanent pavements were laid.
Fraternally our subject is very popular, and is connected with the Masonic fraternity in Connecti- cut Rock Lodge, Franklin Chapter, and Harmony Council ; and he also belongs to the Royal Arca- num, New England Order of Protection, Ancient Order of United Workmen, Knights of the Mac- cabees, Patriotic Sons of America, the German so- ciety Deutsche Gesellschaft, and others, and he is a member of the 2d Company of the Governor's Foot Guards.
On Oct. 20, 1878, Mr. Rattelsdorfer was mar- ried to Miss Anna B. Oppel, who was born in New Haven, although her parents were native Germans. Five children have blessed this union: John V., Jr. ; Charles D .; Anna T. ; Bessie J. ; and Minnie V. Of these John V., Jr., married Minnie Rogerson. The religious connection of the family is with the St. Paul's Episcopal Church.
EDWARD J. MORSE, a well-known and highly esteemed citizen of New Haven, retired cap- tain of the Second Company, Governor's Foot Guards, and the owner and successful manager of large greenhouses near Morris Cove, was born in Durham, Middlesex Co., Conn., Aug. 9, 1851.
Joseph I. Morse, the father of Edward J., was born in Wallingford May 24, 1810, a son of Jona- than, Jr., and grandson of Jonathan, Sr., and his wife, Esther Curtis. Jonathan Morse, Jr., who was a farmer in Wallingford, married Thankful Blakes- lee. Joseph I. Morse married Elizabeth Hill, of Guilford, in 1833. and four children were born to them, as follows :. Jane 'A., who married Charles L. Shepard and resides in New Haven; Augustus WV., who is married and lives in Guilford; Lois E., who married Wilson Clark and lives in New Britain; and Joseph, the youngest, died in child- hood. The mother of these children died in 1839. Joseph I. Morse married (second) Mary Nettle- ton, who was born in North Killingworth, and passed out of life in 1861. A family of seven chil- dren were born of this union, five of whom grew to maturity: Eckford I. is a painter in Durham ; Rosella died young; Harriet L. married William T. Hayden and lives in Hartford; Frederick L. is an engineer and lives in West Haven; Herbert H. is an engineer in North Haven: Nelson died in infancy; Edward J. was the fourth in the family. In 1863 Joseph I. Morse married a third time, Phobe Wedmore becoming his wife. Their chil- dren were: Nellie, Joseph, Charlotte, George and Bertha, some of whom are now deceased. In poli- tics Mr. Morse was a lifelong Democrat, and both he and wife were valued and consistent members of the Methodist Church. He died in 1881.
The boyhood of Edward J. Morse was spent in Durham, and there he attended school. When he
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was twelve years old he began to assist neighbor- ing farmers during the summer months, and at- tended school during the winters, in both North- jord and Wallingford. At the age of fifteen his school days were over, and a year later he went to Westville, where for four years he clerked in a meat market, and for seven years was a valued employe of S. E. Merwin, the pork packer, going then to Fairhaven, where he opened up a meat business of his own, which he conducted for ten years. Returning to Mr. Merwin, he took charge of his business in Allentown, and was successfully engaged there for five years, but in January, 1897. he opened up his present business, which is that of a florist. Mr. Morse is well situated for this line, near Morris Cove, and has extensive grounds, large greenhouses, fitted with all modern appli- ances, and has a very large trade which is con- stantly increasing.
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On April 24, 1879, Mr. Morse was married to Miss Ida V. Smith, of New Haven, a daughter of Edward D. Smith, and a family of three children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Morse, Jessie M., Ruby A. and Edward S. In politics Mr. Morse has been an active Republican, and is now efficiently serving as alderman of the Fifteenth ward, to which office he was elected in April, 1900. For eight years he served as captain of the Foot Guards, but has since retired from that body. Socially he was connected with Quinnipiac Lodge, No. 1, I. O. (). F., and he and family are highly regarded in the Methodist Church.
FRANK HENRY WHEELER. M. D. The subject of the present biography has been more than a spectator in the evolution of medical practice in the State of Connecticut, where he has passed the best years of his life. and is still an active fac- tor in the profession. Dr. Wheeler was born in Montville, New London Co., Conn., July 18. 1856. Grandfather Henry Wheeler, also a native of Con- necticut, married Lucretia Loomis, and reared a family of three children: William H. ; Edwin ; and Maria, who married Harvey Derrin, and resided in New Haven, Connecticut.
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William H. Wheeler, the father of our subject. was a prominent man in Montville, and when he removed in 1873, to New Haven. he threw himself . heartily into all public enterprises, soon after being elected president of the board of councilmen. So- cially he was connected with Somerset Lodge of Norwich, F. & A. M. Later he became a manufac- turer of cotton goods. and also conducted both a saw and grist mill, but late in life engaged in the life insurance and real estate business. He mar- ried Waitselle E. Whalley. a native of Chesterfield, Conn., a daughter of James Whalley, who was a , farmer of that locality, of English descent. Mrs. Wheeler is still living, Mr. Wheeler having died in 1886, in New Haven.
An only child, Frank Henry Wheeler had many
educational advantages superior to those of many of his present colleagues not so fortunately situated. At the age of sixteen, after attendance on the dis- trict schools in Montville, his parents decided to leave the village in order to give their son oppor- tunities he could not have at the old home. Mr. Wheeler was a man of education himself, particu- larly in the law, but our subject did not incline to that profession. After passing through the Hop- kins Grammar school, graduating in 1876, he en- tered Yale College, graduating from the academic department in 1880, and he then entered the Med- ical school from which he graduated in 1882, the next year becoming an interne in the New Haven Hospital, acting for six months as house physician, and as surgeon for seven months, following this practice with a special course in New York, in the College of Physicians and Surgeons.
Enthusiastic in his profession, Dr. Wheeler then returned to New Haven, and here has won many triumphs by his skill as a surgeon and his thorough knowledge as a physician. Dr. Wheeler was married on Feb. 28, 1889, to Miss Florence Woodhouse, of New Haven, a daughter of Capt. James H. and Lucretia Charlotte (Gillette) Wood- house, the latter of New Haven, the former of Wethersfield. Two children have been born to Dr. and Mrs. Wheeler: James Woodhouse born April 5, 1890, and Harold Whalley, born Aug. 26, 1898.
Dr. Wheeler has been prominently identified with the progress of medicine in New Haven, and for nine years was assistant professor of Pathol- ogy in Yale College, and at the same time at the New Haven Hospital; for six years he was con- nected with the New Haven Dispensary, and for fifteen years has been attending physician at the New Haven Orphan Asylum.
Politically Dr. Wheeler is a Democrat. In July, 1901, he was appointed by the Hon. Mayor John P. Studley as a member of the Board of Police Com- missioners. . Fraternally he belongs to Hiram Lodge, No. 1, A. F. & A. M., of which he is Past Master ; is district deputy Grand Master for New Haven County and is a member of Franklin Chap- ter, No. 2; Harmony Council, No. 8: New Haven Commandery, No. 2; New Haven Chapter. Rose Croix: Lafayette Consistory, of Bridgeport: and Pyramid Temple, of the Mystic Shrine. For a number of years he has been connected with the A. O. U. W., and is now Grand Medical Examiner for Connecticut ; in the Foresters he has been Supreme Treasurer, and has held other offices, and he is a valued member of the Graduates and of the Pe- quot Clubs. He is now President of the Yale Medical Alumni Association. Professionally, Dr. Wheeler is a member of the New Haven Medical Society, of which he is president ; also of the New Haven County Medical Society and the Connecti- cut State Medical Society.
Dr. Wheeler is one of the busiest of men, at-
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tends to the various organizations mentioned, looks carefully after a large practice, meets in consulta- tion with other surgeons and physicians, and pre- serves the activities and medical tests which have made him well and favorably known over so wide a field, and an honor to his profession. With all the calls made upon him, he finds time to keep thor- oughly posted upon the advances in his profession, and to maintain an intimate acquaintance with his well filled library.
HUBERT LITTLE, a member of the well- known firm of Little, Somers & Hyatt, wholesale dealers in paints, papers and similar goods, is one of the prominent business men of Meriden, and was born in the town of Columbia, Tolland Co., Conn., Nov. 14, 1848, a descendant of one of the oldest and best families of the State. A full his- tory of the family is found in connection with the biography of Saxton Bailey Little, which appears on another page.
William Buckingham Little, the father of Hu- bert, was born in Columbia, Conn., June 6, 1815, and died Dec. 16, 1897. He was a son of Samuel Little, and a brother of Saxton B. Little, of Meri- den, and was reared on the farm of his father. His education was acquired in the Columbia schools, and nearly all his life was spent on a farm which he owned and operated in Columbia. He was a man very well known and much respected by the con- munity, in which he served as probate judge for Columbia many years. As a member of the State Senate, to which he was elected on the Republican ticket, he served his constituency faithfully and well. His remains are resting in the Columbia Cemetery. In the Congregational Church he was known as a faithful and devoted member, and his domestic habits were keyed to high and pure mo- tives. Mr. Little was married in Vernon, May 19, 1841, to Harriet N. Palmer, of Vernon, a daughter of Elliot and Ann (Loomis) Palmer. She is still living in Columbia, Conn., and is known as a lady of much domestic character, a devoted wife and mother, and an earnest and consecrated member of the Congregational Church. To Mr. and Mrs. Lit- tle were born the following children: (1) Myron Winslow, born Oct. 11, 1842, married Emily Wright, Nov. 15, 1869; (2) Elliot Palmer, born July 3. 1844, died June 31, 1855: (3) Anna Maria, June 23, 1846, died Oct. 25, 1855; (4) Hubert; (5) Alonzo, born April 17, 1851 : (6) Elbert Cor- nelius, born Oct. 24, 1853; (7) Prescott Palmer, born Sept. 16, 1856; and (8) Payson Elliot, born Aug. 31, 1859.
Hubert Little spent his boyhood days on the parental farm, where he attended the local school, and he finished his literary training in the high school in Willimantic. Until he was eighteen years old he worked at home, and at that age he came to Meriden, where he learned the painter's trade with Charles L. Little, his cousin, with whom he worked ]
for several years. At the end of that period he bought out his instructor's establishment, and formed a partnership with his brother, Elbert C., to deal in paints and papers and conduct a general decorating business under the firm name of H. Little & Company. This partnership continued until 1884 when Mr. Somers bought out the inter- est of E. C. Little. In 1886 Isaac B. Hyatt bought into the firm, and for the past sixteen years it has been Little, Somers & Hyatt.
On Nov. 14, 1871, Mr. Little was married to Alice L., a daughter of Egbert Brown, of Colum- bia ; she died May 20, 1877. Three children were born of this union: Flora L., born Nov. 18, 1872, died Jan. 14, 1875 ; Clayton E., born Dec. 19, 1874, died March 27, 1875; and Clinton E., who was born May 8, 1877, is a traveling salesman for the Beacon Falls Rubber Company. Mr. Little mar- ried for his second wife, Martha L., a daughter of William Williams, of Westfield, Conn. To this umion were born: Edna M., born Jan. 28, 1879, died April 9, 1883; Thomas Saxton, born Nov. 27, 1882, died May 12, 1883; Harold Saxton, born July 7, 1884; and Burton Elbert, born May 4, 1890, died Oct. 30, 1891.
Mr. and Mrs. Little are members of Trinity Methodist Church, and he is a member of Pacific Lodge, I. O. O. F., and Pilgrim's Harbor Council, Roval Arcanum, at Meriden. In politics he is a Republican, but no office seeker. His domestic habits are of the best, and he is a good citizen, with a host of friends.
HORATIO NELSON SMITH, one of the leading citizens of Middlebury, first selectman of the town, and a butcher by occupation, is a native of that village, born June 22, 1851, in the house where the first Ecclesiastical society met over one hundred years ago.
Horatio Nelson Smith, his father, was a native of Naugatuck, Conn., and was a son of Elisha Smith, an old settler of that locality. Our sub- ject's father received a common school education, and further instructed himself by abundant reading. He learned the trade of blacksmith in his native town, and when a young man removed to Middle- bury, where he bought the home now owned by our subject (the one above referred to), and built a shop, in which he did general blacksmithing and re- pairing ; he also engaged in general farming. Here he passed the rest of his days, dying in 1866, and was buried in Middlebury. He was a member of the M. E. Church. and in politics a Democrat. Twice married, his first wife was Nancy Nichols, of Naugatuck, who died in Middlebury, leaving two children : Nancy, who married Marlin J. Platt, of Torrington, Conn .: and Anna, deceased wife of Alvic Wooster. For his second wife Mr. Smith wedded Maria Booth, daughter of Lewis Booth. and children as follows were born to them: Frederick, of Seymour, Conn .; Frank, proprietor
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of a livery in Waterbury; Perry, a farmer in the town of Middlebury; Charles, who died in Middle- bury; Horatio Nelson, a sketch of whom follows; Ama, wife of George Curtis, of Torrington, Conn .; and Emma, who died unmarried. The mother of these died at the home of her daughter in Torring- ton, Conn., at the age of eighty-two years, and was buried in Middlebury. . She was a member of the M. E. Church, a good Christian woman.
Horatio N. Smith, whose name introduces this sketch, received a liberal education at the schools - of Middlebury, and while yet a youth followed the trade of carpenter, working as a jobber until 1881, in that year commencing the butchering business, which he has since followed in connection with farming pursuits. Through perseverance, indus- try, honorable dealing and politeness he has built up a fine trade and a constantly-increasing custom.
In 1880, in the town of Bethany, New Haven county, Horatio N. Smith was married to Mary A. Wright, who was born in Sullivan county, N. Y., a daughter of Artemus Wright, and eight children were born to them: Harry, Florence, Burton Grover, Lyman, Rodger, Wynford, Ray, and Ken- neth E. Mrs. Smith is a lady of refinement and cul- ture, a sterling wife and mother. She and her hus- band attend the Congregational Church. In poli- tics Mr. Smith is a Democrat, and in 1895 he was elected to the State Legislature by the people of his native town ; in 1897 was elected first selectman of the town, and re-elected in 1898, in itself showing his well-merited popularity.
DR. GEORGE I. HEMINGWAY, whose office is at No. 86 Broadway, New Haven, takes a promi- nent position among the physicians of the city, not only by reason of his high attainments and scien- tifie spirit, but also by his personal attributes of high character. He was born in Woodbridge, Conn., May 26, 1867, a son of John I. Hemingway, a native of the same town.
Isaac Hemingway (2), the grandfather of George I., was born in Woodbridge in 1794, a son of Deacon Isaac, who was born in East Haven, in 1762, and was an early settler in Woodbridge where he followed farming. He was a deacon of the Congregational Church, and a prominent man in the community, and passed away at the age of eighty-seven. Isaac Hemingway (2) was also a farmer, and owned part of the original land grant to the family. He died at the early age of thirty- six. Abraham Hemingway, his brother, lived in New Haven, and died when seventy-five years old. Isaac Hemingway (2) married Esther Smith, who was born in Woodbridge, in 1793. She was the mother of only two children. John I. and Nancy. of whom the latter is still living in Westville unmar- ried. Mrs. Hemingway, who died at the age of fifty-two years. belonged to the Congregational Church, and was a lady of much character and many excellencies of mind and heart.
John I. Hemingway was born in Woodbridge, Dec. 13, 1828. His education was obtained in the public school and the Orange Free Academy. For many years he was a painter and decorator, making his home in Westville, and at New Haven. In his old age he came back to Westville, where he died March 25, 1901, at the age of seventy-two. Mary Platt Hemingway, his wife, who is still living, was born in Milford, Conn., a daughter of Col. William Platt, prominent in Milford affairs. One child, Dr. George I., blessed the home of John I. and Mary ( Platt ) Hemingway.
Col. William Platt, who was born in Milford in 1794, descended in the seventh generation from Richard Platt, the first settler in that town. He was a Colonel of the militia, and was a large and influential farmer. By his marriage with Anna Stowe, daughter of Jedediah and Sarah (Clark) Stowe, he became the father of seven children, six of whom are still living: William, Richard and Phineas all live in Milford: Charlotte married William C. Hall, who was employed for fifty years in the car shops in New Haven; Sarah married Linus Cornwall, of Berlin ; and Mary is Mrs. Hem- ingway. Mrs. Anna ( Stowe) Platt was born in Mil- ford in 1793, and lived to be over ninety years old. With her husband, she belonged to the Congrega- tional Church. Jedediah Stowe, father of Mrs. Platt, was a soldier in the Revolution, and in his later years drew a pension from the government for his services: he married Sarah Clark, who was born in Milford, and died in the faith of the Con- gregational Church at the age of eighty-eight, the mother of seven children. Stephen Stowe, the father of Jedediah, was also a hero of the Revolu- tion, and gave food and shelter to American pris- oners who escaped from the British prison ships by swimming ashore on a cold, bleak winter's night. These prisoners brought ship fever and smallpox with them, and while Mr. Stowe ministered to their needs, he fell a victim to the disease and died in the path of duty.
Dr. George I. Hemingway spent his early years in Westville, where he received his elementary edu- cation in the common schools, and in the Hopkins Grammar School. His medical education was be- gun in the College of Physicians and Surgeons, and was continued in the University of Vermont, from which institution he was graduated in 1897. The same year, after giving not a little thought to the matter, he selected New Haven for his home, and opened his office for practice here, Nov. 29, 1897. A very flattering success has attended his career in this city, and he has won an enviable standing both professionally and personally.
On Nov. 29. 1892, Dr. Hemingway was married to Miss Ida Hallenbeck, a native of Catskill, N. Y .. where her father was a prominent citizen. She was the only child of her parents, and is the mother of one bov, Thornton W. Dr. Hemingway is a Re- publican, and is a member of the State and County
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Medical Societies of New Haven, where his devo- tion to his profession and high character command attention and inspire respect.
HORACE TEMPLE SMITH, who died Aug. 14, 1898, at his home in Meriden, was one of the most respected residents of that city. He was born Sept. 30, 1833, in Landgrove, Bennington Co., Vt., where his father, Solomon Smith, was a farmer.
Solomon Smith was a native of Guilford, Vt. He continued to till the soil in Landgrove and Plymouth, that State (going to the latter town soon after 1840), until past middle life. He came to Meriden about 1867, making his home with his son. He was killed by a train at Drury's crossing Feb. 14, 1873, and was buried in the West cem- etery. Mr. Smith was much respected for his up- right character. He married Hannah Holman, who died Oct. 23. 1850, in Plymouth, Vt., and was buried in Springfield, that State. They were the parents of eight children. Chauncey, the eldest, · born Aug. 30, 1818, is a resident of Hiawatha, Neb. Sally, born July 12, 1820, died in San Ber- nardino county, Cal. Lucy died in infancy. Lydia, born April 30, 1826, first married Charles P. Still- well, and for her second husband James Lawton ; all are now deceased. Alva, born Nov. 4, 1828, is deceased. Lucy A., born June 30, 1821, is the widow of Almon Pratt, who was killed by a train in Meriden. Horace T. was the seventh. Sibyl, born March 30, 1836, married James Roberts, and resides in Ludlow, Vermont.
Horace T. Smith grew up in a rural com- munity, and had such educational advantages as the region afforded. Before attaining his majority he engaged in teaming on his own account in Plym- outh, Vt. In 1855 he settled in Meriden, and was employed until 1859 by Deacon R. B. Perkins, in the express business. At the end of this period he set up in business for himself, beginning with four horses. His genial manners, integrity and faithful attention to the wants of the public had already made him popular, and his business stead- ily increased until at the time of his death he was the owner of thirty-six horses, and had the largest patronage, by far. of the kind in Meriden. In 1897 he suffered a shock of paralysis, and further attacks ultimately took away-Aug. 14, 1898-one of the most enterprising and industrious citizens Meriden ever held. His remains rest in the West cemetery.
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While not affiliated with any religious organi- zation, Mr. Smith led an exemplary life, and sought to follow the injunction laid down by the Divine Master in the golden rule. He was not a politician, but supported the principles of the Re- publican party, and served the city three years as superintendent of streets. His broad and benevo- lent disposition is indicated by the fact that he was affiliated with the three principal fraternal and benevolent orders of the world. He held member- ship in Pacific Lodge, No. 87, I. O. O. F .; Myrtle
Lodge, No. 4, Knights of Pythias ; and Meridian Lodge, No. 77, A. F. & A. M., Keystone Chapter. No. 27, R. A. M., Hamilton Council, No. 22, R. & S. M., and St. Elmo Commandery. K. T., all of Meriden. He was always a patriotic supporter of the government, and when the Civil war began he wished to go to the front as a soldier, but the de- mands of his family kept him at home. However, when his name was found among those drawn by chance to serve, he procured a substitute, and this aided in suppressing rebellion.
Mr. Smith was married, May 15. 1855, to Ade- line Allen, daughter of Cyrus and Sally ( Hall) Allen, of Ludlow, Vt. Four children came to Mr. and Mrs. Smith: (I) George P. is now a part owner of the H. T. Smith Express Co., of Meri- den ; he married Ella Desmond, and has five chil- dren, Horace T., Carl D., Allen C., Adeline T. and Stephen L. (2) Allen, the second child of Horace T .. died when three years old. (3) Charles S., the third, is engaged in the express business at Shel- burne Falls, Mass. ; he married Lena Rachor, who. died leaving one child. Harold F. (4) Nellie be- came the wife of Charles Tredennick, who is in- terested in the H. T. Smith Co., and has a son, Charles Max. Mrs. Smith has been connected with Meriden Chapter, No. 8, O. E. S., since 1869. and has served over twenty years as secretary of the chapter. She is also identified with Merrianı Womans Relief Corps. A lady of high Christian character, she enjoys the esteem of a wide ac- quaintance, and takes part in many good works.
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