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 89

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 89

Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).

Samuel Ely, son of Nathan Ely, was born in Cambridge, and in 1659 married Mary Day, born in 1641, in Hartford, a daughter of Robert and Editha (Stebbins) Day, and accompanied his fa- ther to Springfield, Mass., where he was success- ful in the acquisition of property, and where he died.

Deacon John Ely, son of Samuel, was born in 1678, in Springfield, Mass., and in 1703, married Mercy Bliss, born in 1680, a daughter of Samuel and Mary (Leonard) Bliss. Deacon Ely died in 1758, and his widow in 1763, both in West Spring- field.

Caleb Ely, a son of Deacon John, was born in 1714, in West Springfield, and in 1740 married Mary Edwards, who was born in Hartford in 1721, a daughter of Deacon John and Christianna (Will- iamson ) Edwards, the former of whom was an uncie to Rev. Jonathan Edwards, once president of Princeton College.

William Ely, son of Caleb, was born in 1743, in West Springfield, and in 1766 married Drusilla Brewster, born in 1745, a daughter of Willian Brewster, who was a descendant of the Elder Brewster of the "Mayflower." William Ely died

in West Springfield, in 1825, and his widow two years later.

Eli Ely, son of William, was born in 1772, in West Springfield, and in 1798, in Hartford, mar- ried Bathsheba Blake, born in 1777, a daughter of Abraham and Hannah ( Babcock) Blake, of Milton, Mass. For years he was a successful merchant of Hartford. His wife died in 1832, and he survived ten years. -

William B. Ely, son of Eli, was born in 1812, in Hartford, and in 1845, in that city, married Elizabeth Smith Morgan, born in 1821, a daughter of William H. and Margaret J. ( Chenevard) Mor- gan. Mr. Ely was long known in the wholesale grocery, flour and feed business, in Hartford.

William Henry Ely, son of William B., was reared in Hartford, Conn., where he received his early education, and graduated from the Hartford High school, in 1873, and then entered Amherst ( Mass.) College, from which he graduated in the class of 1877, with credit to himself and his Alma Mater. Selecting the law as his choice of profes- sion, our subject became a student in the office of the well-known firm of Briscoe & Maltbie, of Hartford, and applied himself so diligently that he was admitted to the Bar in that city, May 27, 1879, commencing the practice of his profession in Win- sted, Conn., in the following September. Possess- ing those qualities which insure success, Mr. Ely came rapidly to the front, and remained in Win- sted until he desired a wider field, locating in New Haven on June 28, 1884, where he entered into a partnership with William C. Case, and this con- nection has lasted until the present time.

Taking a prominent position among the leaders of thought, Mr. Ely soon became identified with the active wing of the Republican party, and in January, 1895, was elected to the honorable posi- tion of Corporation Counsel of the city of New Haven, so efficiently performing the duties of this position that he was unanimously chosen as his own successor in 1897, irrespective of party lines, a testimony of value to any public citizen.

On Oct. 18, 1881, Mr. Ely was married to Miss Mary Gertrude Little, a native of Sheffield, Mass., and one son has been born to this union, William Brewster, born Oct. 19, 1882. Activity has marked the career of our subject in almost every line, his social relations being with the Quinnipiac Club, the Sons of the Revolution, and his political affiliations with the Republican League and the Young Men's Republican Club.

I. P. BRONSON, a well-known contractor and builder, who now makes his home in Hamden, is a native of New Haven county, born in Middle- bury, Aug. 4, 1854. His father, Lester Bronson, and his grandfather, Jared Bronson, were born on the same farm in that town. The first of the fam- ily to locate there was Amos Bronson, the great- grandfather of our subject, who was born in Wood-

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bury, Litchfield Co., Conn., and became a large land owner and extensive farmer of Middlebury. He lived to be nearly ninety years of age. By oc- cupation the father of our subject was a farmer, wood and lumber dealer, and also engaged in the manufacture of charcoal. He was quite a promi- nent and influential man' in his community, and was elected to several local offices, including those of selectman and assessor. He married Miss Sarah Scoville, of Middlebury, and to them were born six children: Francis E., Chester B., Alice I., I. P., Julia E. and Beverly, all residents of Middle- bury with the exception of our subject. The fa- ther died at the age of fifty-six years, and the mother at the age of forty-eight.

The first fifteen years of his life, I. P. Bronson spent upon the home farm, and then went to Sey- mour, Conn., to learn the carpenter's trade with Samnel D. Bronson, serving a three years' ap- prenticeship. He continued to work at his trade in Seymour for fourteen years, the last two as a contractor and builder, and then went to Florida, where after a year spent in contracting and build- ing he went to St. Augustine, that State, and ac- cepted a position as foreman with the contractors building the Ponce de Leon Hotel at that place, where he remained three years and two months. On his return North, he located in Hamden, where he worked at his trade two years, and since that time has been principally engaged in contracting and building houses in New Haven.

Mr. Bronson was married, Nov. 14. 1880, to Miss Lizzie J. Benham, of Handen, and to them have been born two children : Isabella F. and Irvin P., Jr. In 1890 our subject erected a beautiful modern residence on Dixwell avenue, where he and his family now reside, and where. they delight to entertain their many friends. Politically he is iden- `tified with the Republican party, and fraternally is a member of the Masonic Lodge of New Haven, and the Knights of Pythias. He also belongs to the Highwood Club. He is quite popular both in business and social circles, and wherever known is held in high regard.

EDGAR K. PARKER, one of the prominent and highly respected citizens of New Haven, was born in Windsor, Vt., Oct. 12, 1845, son of Reuben M. Parker, who was born in Woodstock, Vt., in 1818, and died Nov. 11, 1882.

Ebenezer Parker was his great-grandfather, and his grandfather was named Joseph Parker, a shoemaker and tavern-keeper, who married a Miss Muzzy and settled in Woodstock, where he reared a family of four children: Sarah, Reuben M. ( fa- ther of Edgar K.), John and Eliza. John Par- ker. the third in this family, was a dealer in shoes until the war broke out, when he went to Washing- ton. D. C., and there held a government position until his death, which occurred after many years of faithful service.

Reuben M. Parker grew to manhood in Wood- stock, following the trade of shoemaker. Later he was employed in a government gun factory at Windsor, Vt., where he died. He married Julia Burnham, a native of Windsor, Vt., who died Sept. 25, 1855, and five children were born to them : Harriet, who married John Parker, and resides in New Haven; Marian, who died unmarried ; Ella, who married John Boyd; Edgar K .; and Lizzie, who is unmarried. Politically Reuben M. Parker was a Republican, but never an office seeker. The entire family were members of the Episcopal Church.

Edgar K. Parker spent his boyhood days in Windsor, Vt., attending school in Windsor and Woodstock. At the age of fifteen, in 1860, he re- moved to New Haven, Conn., and worked in a gun shop for a short period, and iater was a con- ductor on the New York, New Haven & Hartford Railroad from New Haven to New York, being engaged on that line for about twenty years in all. His first service was from 1860 until September, 1863, when he enlisted in the United States navy for one year, serving under Lieut. Commander William B. Cushman. He previously had made two trips to Europe. At the expiration of his term he returned to the employ of the New York & New Haven Railroad Co. (now known as the New York, New Haven & Hartford Railroad Co.), and re- mained with them until Jan. 2, 1879, after which he was in the electroplating business until 1881. On the request of the officers of the railroad company he returned to them for about one year. In May, 1883, he entered the employ of the Connecticut Lighting Co., continuing with them until they discontinued business, in August of the same year. On Sept. 23, 1883, he was engaged by the New Haven Electric Co., which was absorbed by the United Illuminating Co., of which he is now super- intendent in New Haven.

On Feb. 21, 1876, Mr. Parker was married to Louisa E. Gedney, of Mamaroneck, Westchester Co., N. Y., daughter of John Gedney, of the same place. The Gedney family is an old one in New York State. Four children have been born of this union : May L. ( who died in 1891, at the age of fifteen ), Herbert G., Edgar K. and Julia B.

Mr. Parker is a Republican, but has never ac- cepted office, although nomination to various po- sitions within the gift of the people has been of- fered him; he has also refused appointment as police commissioner. Socially he is a member of the Masonic fraternity, uniting with Wooster Lodge, No. 79; New Haven Commandery, No. 2: Lafayette Consistory, of Bridgeport; and Pyramid Temple, A. A. O. N. M. S., having attained to the thirty-second degree. Mr. Parker is also a member of the Veterans of the Navy and Admiral Foote Post, G. A. R. The family are members of the Episcopal Church, and are very active in its work.

EK Parker

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Ever since coming to New Haven Mr. Parker has had the welfare of the city at heart, and has proved himself a public-spirited, energetic man. Mr. Parker is a past master in his line of business, thoroughly understanding its every detail. In man- ner he is genial and pleasant, and makes friends wherever he goes.

JESSE EDWIN STILLMAN. the popular and successful manager of the Singer Sewing Machine Co., for the district of Meriden, which includes Wallingford and Cheshire, is a descendant of one of the old and honorable families of Connecticut.

George Stillman, the founder of the family in America, was a native of London, England, where he was born in 1659, a son of a London merchant. "The family were stanch supporters of Oliver Crom- well, during the days of the Commonwealth, and upon the restoration of Charles, the Second, were forced, for safety, to assume another name, select- ing that of Pritchard, or Pickering. George Still- man became a merchant. He was married in Lon- don, and had a son, George. Those were stormy times and soon many of the Cromwell advocates found it necessary to secretly emigrate to America. This was the case with Mr. Stillman, and in 1680, leaving little George with friends in London, he with his wife, set ont on the voyage to the free Iand across the ocean. Mrs. Stillman never reached it, dying on the voyage, but her husband located at Hadley, Mass., and in 1685 there married Re- becca Smith. Later, he moved to Wethersfield, Conn., and there spent the remainder of his days. dying there in 1728. and lris remains lic in the old cemetery there, with the dust of so many other early settlers. George and wife were the parents of eleven children: George, whom he left in Eng- land, came later to America, with a party of Sev- enth Day Baptists, and settled in Rhode Island; Nathaniel ; Benjamin; John; Henry ; 'Martha; Re- · becca ; and others.

John Stillman, son of George, was born in Had- ley. Mass., on Feb. 19. 1693. and removed to Weth- ersfield, Conn., with his parents, where he spent the remainder of his days, engaged in farming. A prominent citizen, and a deacon in the church, he died, full of years, in 1775, and was buried in Wethersfield. He was married May 26, 1715, to Mary Wolcott. born May 14. 1694. a daughter of Mrs. Judith Wolcott and a granddaughter of Sam- uel Appleton, of Wethersfield, and she died in 1777, the mother of the following children : John : May ; Abigail; Martha; Sarah; Elisha; Abigail (2) ; Ap- pleton ; Huldalı : and Benjamin.

John Stillman, son of Deacon John, was born in Wethersfield. Aug. 9. 1717. and there he grew to manhood, and married, on Oct. 26, 1738, Rachel Robbins, a daughter of Richard and Martha (Curtis) Robbins, of that town. In 1757, he re- moved with his wife and family to Sandisfield, Berkshire Co., Mass., where he spent the remainder

of his days, and died July 15, 1782. His widow removed to Colebrook, Litchfield Co., Conn., where she died, July 12, 1807, at the age of eighty-nine years, and was buried in the old cemetery there. John Stillman was one of the founders of the church in Sandisfield. The children born to John and Rachel were: Joseph, born April 1, 1740; Hannah, born Feb. 13, 1742; John, born Jan. 6, 1744; Joshua : Roger ; Appleton ; and Robert.

Roger Stillman, son of John, was born in Wethersfield, on July 4, 1754, and removed with his parents to Sandisfield, where he grew to man- hood, and later removed to Colebrook, Conn., where he located. Roger Stillman was one of the first to enlist in the patriot army, for service in the Revolutionary war, participating in the battle of Bunker Hill, and many other engagements, being finally honorably discharged at Lake Champlain. In 1780 he located at Colebrook, where he spent the remainder of his days, dying Dec. 8, 1832, and was engaged in building his house on the morning of the Dark Day. Both his name and that of his wife occur among the founders of the church in Colebrook. His wife was Mehitable Hurd. who was born March 4. 1757. in Killingworth. Conn., now Clinton, and died in Colebrook, Aug. 24. 1828. She was buried there, having been the mother of ten children, five of whom were sons: William, Daniel. Osburn, Edmund and Chester.

Chester Stillman, son of Roger, was born in Colebrook, Conn .. April 9. 1797, on a farm, one- half mile south of the main road. He became a landowner and farmer in Colebrook, where he built a home in 1825, and made other improve- ments. His death occurred Jan. 25, 1865, and he was buried in Stillman's cemetery, in Colebrook. On Dec. 10, 1815. he united with the Church and was appointed deacon in 1838. On March 2, 1820, he was married to Clarissa Esther De Wolf, born Aug. 1, 1797, at Otis, Mass., and died May 14, 1864, and was laid to rest in Stillman's cemetery. Her ancestry was French. Eight children were born to Chester Stillman and wife, four of whom were sons: Edwin C., Dorwin E., Lester. R. and Collin L.

Edwin C. Stillman, the father of our subject, was born in Colebrook, in Beach Hill district. Sept. 14. 1821, and grew to manhood in his native home, making his avocation farming. He graduated from Oberlin College and studied for the ministry, but failing eyesight compelled him to abandon his plans in that direction. Later, with his family, he moved to Southington, Conn., where he settled down to farming and dairying and spent the balance of his days, and where he died, June 6, 1895. and was buried. Mr. Stillman was a consistent member of the Congregational Church, liberal minded and progressive, a most worthy citizen, an exemplary father and husband. In politics he was a Republi- can. but was never an office seeker.

On June 28, 1846, Mr. Stillman was married

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to Sarah M. Doolittle, who was born in Westfield, Middlesex Co., Conn., April 18, 1828, a daughter of Seth Doolittle, who removed from Westfield to Pleasant Valley, then to Barkhiamsted, where he died. The children born to Mr. and Mrs. Still- man were: Frank R .; William C., a dealer in butter and eggs, in Meriden ; Jesse E .; and Waldo R., the proprietor of a restaurant in this city.

The Doolittle family of which Jesse Edwin Stillman is a descendant, on the maternal side, is one of the oldest in Wallingford. Abraham Doo- little, the first of that name in Wallingford, was a native of England who came to America and lo- cated in New Haven before 1642, later removed to Wallingford, as one of the earliest settlers, and there died Aug. 11, 1690. He was twice married, the second wife being Abigail Moss, who died Nov. 5, 1710.

Daniel Doolittle, the tenth child of Abraham Doolittle, was born Dec. 29, 1675, and married Hannah Cornwall, of Middletown, Conn., and later removed to Middletown, where he spent several years, returning again to Wallingford, where he died, in 1755 at the ripe old age of eighty. His wife had passed away on Jan. 16, 1736.

Daniel Doolittle, son of Daniel Doolittle, was born Feb. 3, 1707, and was engaged in farming near the North Haven line, where he spent his days, and died there in September, 1791, at the age of eighty-four. His marriage was to Eliza- beth Dayton, and to them seven children were born.

Michael Doolittle, son of Daniel, was a farmer by occupation, and became a deacon in the Bap- tist Church, in Wallingford, where he lived to a ripe old age. He married Millicent Hough, of Wallingford.

Seth Doolittle, son of Michael and Millicent Doolittle, was born in Wallingford, but later re- moved to Westfield parish, Middletown, where he followed the trade of wagon-maker, but still later removed his family to Barkhamsted, where he pur- sued his trade and died there. His marriage was to Betsey Healey, and their daughter, Sarah M. Doolittle, married Edwin C. Stillman, who is at present a resident of Southington.

Jesse Edwin Stillman, the immediate subject of this biography. was born in Colebrook. Litchfield Co., Conn., in 1856, and attended the district schools of his native home until the age of eight years, removing then, with his parents, to Southington, where he resumed attendance at school and as- sisted his father in the farm, later entering the dairy business. In 1878 he came to Meriden and entered the employ of Rogers Bros., later was with the Edward Miller Co., and also was employed at one period in Plainville. In 1893 Mr. Stillman ac- cepted the agency of the Meriden district, for the Singer Sewing Machine Co., and has been its ef- ficient manager ever since, employing additional men and giving excellent satisfaction over a large

district. His success in this line has demonstrated the fact that he possesses tact, industry and en - ergy, and is a very valuable acquisition to the great business with which he has connected himself.

Mr. Stillman was married, Dec. 25, 1882, in Meriden, to Miss Lucretia, daughter of Theodore Bailey, an old and respected citizen, whose biog- raphy appears elsewhere. One child has been born of this union, Emily M., a student in the Meriden high school. Mrs. Stillman is a cultured and re- fined lady, assisting her husband ably in the social matters which claim a part of their attention, pos- sesses good business ability, and is a devoted wife and mother. She is a member of Susan Carring- ton Clark Chapter, D. A. R. Mr. Stillman is fra- ternally connected with the I. O. O. F., at Plain- ville, and Alfred Hall Council, No. 1423, Royal Arcanum. He is also a charter member of the club. Both he and his wife attend the Congrega- tional Church.

WILLIAM HALE (deceased) was during his long life a well-known and highly respected citizen of Meriden. His birth took place in Middlefield. Middlesex county, Feb. 15, 1812, and he was a worthy descendant of an old and esteemed family of New England.

Hezekiah Hale, grandfather of the late William Hale, was one of Middlefield's highly respected citizens, was prominent in the church there, and for many years was the sexton. His house stood on Jackson Hill, almost opposite to the Joseph Coe home. His death occurred Nov. 18, 1813. He was twice married, and became the father of children as follows: . Hezekiah, born Oct. 31, 1778: Joseph, born Aug. 26, 1780, who died Aug. 16, 1855 (he. married Julia Stowe Sept. 15, 1810) ; Hannah ; Je- rusha, who married Thomas Bailey, of Canton, Pa. : Eunice, Mrs. Turner ; and Submit, who married Samuel Geer, who died in 1835, she surviving until 1852.

Hezekiah Hale, son of Hezekiah, was born Oct. 31, 1778, in Middlefield, Conn .. became a large land owner there, and passed his life in agricultural pur- suits. He died Oct. 31. 1826, at the age of forty- eight years, and was buried in his native place. On Oct. 30, 1805, he was united in marriage with Nancy Miller, who was born April 6, 1786, and died Aug. 31, 1878, at the ripe old age of ninety- two years and four months. Their children were: (1) Cornelia, born July 31. 1806, was married April 25, 1826, to David B. Miller; and died Sept. 14. 1844, of consumption. She had children-Nancy. born March 26, 1827, died in September. 1855; Hezekiah Hale, born Oct. 22. 1820. married Har- riet Atwood (he is a member of the grocery firm of Collins & Miller, of Meriden) : Cornelia, born Dec. 5. 1832, died Dec. 30, 1864 ( she was the wife of Ichabod M. Roberts) : Lucy J., born Aug. 14. 1835. married Dec. 20, 1866, Walter P. Hall, who died in 1892, and she is now the wife of Charles I.

William Hale

Thele & ybale

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Miller, of Middlefield ; Isaac R., born April 4, 1839, died July 20, 1865, of consumption ; and Milton H., hornt Nov. 27, 1842, married Nov. 20, 1866, Frances D. Hubbard. (2) Eunice, born Dec. 3, 1808, died unmarried June 6, 1836, of consumption. (3) Will- ism was born Feb. 15, 1812. (4) Roswell, born Sept. 4. 1816, died Feb. 6, 1849, of consumption, on the old homestead. (5) Phineas. born Aug. 9. 1818, died Jan. 20, 1845. of consumption.

William Hale, son of Hezekiah (2), was edu- cated in Middlefield, Conn. He grew up on the home farm, and cared for his mother, who was left a widow when the son was fourteen years old. When he reached manhood he married, and there- after lived five years on the homestead. In 1839 he settled on a large farm in the town of Meriden, which he operated for some six years. However, this life did not altogether satisfy him, as he was of a mechanical turn of mind, and he resolved to become a manufacturer, beginning this business as a maker of suspenders on the farm. He subse- quently located his factory in what was then called West Meriden, and in time added carpet bags to his output. He was associated in this line with H. H. Miller and E. H. Loomis. This business was dis- posed of to Jedediah Wilcox. and Mr. Hale then began the manufacture of sewing birds and tape measures, being interested with Junius Norton. For a long period he was the owner of the "Meri- den House." in Meriden, and he also had several other pieces of realty in the city. For many years that hostelry was his home, and there he died Oct. 16. 1874; he was buried in the East cemetery. A man of industrious habits. he achieved success in business by his own efforts. Both he and his wife were valued members of the Baptist Church, and he was an honest and worthy citizen in every way. A lifelong Democrat, he never sought any political honors, being thoroughly satisfied to uphold law and order through the ballot. in the way he considered best for the happiness of the whole country. De- voted to his family, health not permitting. he gave little attention to outside matters. His tastes were fine, and he spent money in a manner then consid- ered lavish, for the adornment of his home and fam- ily interests. All his actions were ruled by a kindly heart, and he was charitable toward the faults of his fellow men. He was a lover of animals, es- pecially of fine horses, and owned a number of them. Horseback riding was then in vogue, and he kept saddle horses for family use, and single and double carriage horses. Looking for perfection, Mr. Hale never quite found his ideal in horseflesh. He gave some time to hunting and fishing, of which he was very fond.

William Hale was married in Meriden, in April, 1833, to Phebe Ann Ives, who was born in Meri- den, daughter of Watrous and Polly (Yale) Ives, and two children were born to this union, Frances Augusta and Hezekiah Watrous. The lattter, born Dec. 8, 1835, married Harriet Endecott Haven, of

Worcester, Mass., and both now sleep in the old East cemetery. He died of consumption. They left two children, William Henry and Susan Nellie, both of whom were reared and educated by their grandfather. The former was born Sept. 25, 1857, graduated from the Cheshire Military Academy, and is a thorough master of English ; he was sev- eral years engaged in newspaper work, and is now a resident of New York. Susan Nellie was born July 27, 1859, in Meriden. Like her husband, Mrs. Hale was an expert in handling horses. She was a brilliant and attractive woman, who shone in society, where she was much at home.

Frances Augusta Hale was married in Meriden, Dec. 5, 1853, to Edwin H. Loomis. a native of Coventry, Conn., who was born July 9, 1827, and died in March, 1899. They had three children : Frederick Hale, born Jan. 6. 1868; and two that died in infancy. Mrs. Loomis has an active mind, and a great desire to acquire knowledge and be helpful to her fellow travelers on life's journey. She is a moving spirit in the higher intellectual circles of the city of Meriden. Her early education was received in Meriden Academy, and later she at- tended a young ladies seminary in Hartford, con- ducted by the Miss Drapers. Perhaps no one in the city is better known as the instigator and pro- moter of humane and charitable enterprises. Mrs. L.comis was one of the organizers of the Hutmane Society of Meriden. Wherever she is located she exerts an uplifting and refining influence upon her surroundings, being a lady of culture, traveled, and thoroughly educated on many subjects far beyond the usual trend in social life, and she is valued as a friend and intellectual comrade by some of the brightest intellects of the dav. Many abstruse sub- jects have claimed her attention, and she has become much interested in the teachings of Catherine Thinglev, in theosophy, is president of the Theoso- phical Society of Meriden, and has attended its con- ventions at headquarters at Point Loma. Cal .. and other points. With a trained and analytic mind. she best enjoys life when surrounded by her books and music, or deep. in meditation upon her favorite science.

· HERMAN D. CLARK. Success is determined by one's ability to recognize opportunity, and to pursue this with a resolute and unflagging energy. It results from continued labor, and the man who thus accomplishes his purpose usually becomes an important factor in the business circles of the com- munity with which he is connected. Mr. Clark. a well-known silk manufacturer of Mt. Carmel, has, through such means. attained a leading place among the representative men of Hamden, and his well-spent and honorable life commands the respect of all.

The Clark family is one of the oldest and best known in New Haven county. Amos Clark, the great-grandfather of our subject, was a native of

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the town of Chatham, Middlesex Co., Conn., where he later owned and operated a farm. He served as an officer in the Colonial army during the Revo- lutionary war, and during the remainder of his life drew a pension of $112 per year from the govern- ment. He died in East Hampton, in the town of Chatham, and was buried in Lake View cemetery. In politics he was a Whig and in religious faith a Congregationalist. He married a Miss Sears, of East Hampton, who . was also a member of the Congregational Church, and at lier death was laid to rest in Lake View cemetery. In their family were five children: Amos, the grandfather of our subject ; Abner, a physician ; Philena, who married Nathan Hardin and had twelve children, one of whoni was Gen. Hardin, of the Civil war; Annie, who married a Mr. Waters and had eleven chil- dren; and Sarah, who married a Mr. Meach, of East Haddam. All are now deceased.

Amos Clark, grandfather of our subject, was born Dec. 26, 1794, in Chatham and received a good common school education, which he put in practical use as a school teacher for several seasons. He also engaged in farming, and while still a young man sold clocks throughout the Southern States, and later sold books, etc., as a traveling salesman. He made his home in East Hampton, where he died, and his remains were interred in the Lake View cemetery. Religiously he was a member of the Congregational Church, and politically was first a Whig and later a Republican. In the town of Chatham he married Betsey Mary Smith, a na- tive of that place and a daughter of Sparrow Smith, who belonged to an old and highly respected family, and enlisted in the Continental army dur- ing the Revolutionary war at the age of sixteen years. She too was a consistent member of the Congregational Church. Both she and her hus- band lived to the advanced age of ninety years. They had nine children, namely. Allen Cushman, a resident of Chatham; Amelia, deceased wife of C. Bevin ; Orlando L., a retired manufacturer of Montreal, Canada: Richard Sparrow, father of our subject ; Mary Elizabeth Norton, who mar- ried Reuben Payne, of Portland, Conn .. and both are now deceased; Edward L., a retired citizen of New Haven; Herman D., also a resident of that city; Matilda, deceased wife of Leverett Sexton, of East Hampton : and Rufus Don. deceased.

Richard S. Clark, father of our subject. was born in East Hampton, Dec. 26, 1825. and during his boyhood attended the schools of his district and of New Haven, completing his education, how- ever, at the Colchester Academy. He successfully engaged in teaching school for nine terms in Chatham, four terms in Glastonbury, and two terms in Portland and Wethersfield, Conn. For a time he worked at the manufacture of bells with Bevin Brothers, and then embarked in the same business on his own account in partnership with Messrs. Congh and Abel. Later he was connected

with D. W. Watrous for eight years, during which time he established a branch manufactory at Mon- treal, Canada, of which his brother Orlando L. had charge. They finally dissolved partnership, Mr. Watrous taking the business at East Hampton, and Mr. Clark that at Montreal, which he continued to carry on until 1867, in that year selling out to his brother and coming to Hamden, where he also en- gaged in the manufacture of bells until 1882. Dur- ing this time he became interested in the manufac- ture of silk, but after meeting with business re- verses lived retired near Mt. Carmel, in the town of Hamden. He was a well read man, keeping thoroughly posted on matters of general interest and the leading questions and issues of the day. He was progressive and enterprising, and in dis- position genial and pleasant. Religiously he was an earnest member of the Congregational Church, and politically always affiliated with either the Whig or Republican parties. He passed away June 17, 1900. On June 22, 1852, at Bolton, Conn., Mr. Clark married Miss Elizabeth Strong, a good Christian woman, who died in Hamden, in 1882, and was buried in Centerville cemetery. To them were born seven children, namely: George, a metal dealer in Boston ; Herman D .. our subject; Cor- nelia P. ("Nellie"), wife of Willis Doolittle; Amelia F., of Brooklyn, N. Y. : Clarence L., a resi- dent of Brooklyn, N. Y .; Cleon R., a resident of New York; and one who died in infancy.

Herman D. Clark was born March 1, 1856, in East Hampton. Conn., and is indebted to the dis- trict schools of East Hampton, and the high schools of New Haven, for his educational privileges. Dur- ing his youth he worked at the bell business with his father, and also became familiar with silk man- ufacture, so that when his father retired he was able to take up the business, and for the past twelve years has engaged in the manufacture of silk, fur- nishing employment to a number of hands. He is a thorough business man, energetic and pro- gressive, and upright and honorable in all his deal- ings. He is a member of the Episcopal Church, and in politics is a Republican. Fraternally he affiliates with Day Spring Lodge, No. 30, F. & A. M., of Hamden, of which he is a past master.

. On Oct. 9. 1889, Mr. Clark was married, in North Haven, to Miss Ida E. Fowler.

CHARLES F. TUTTLE (deceased). for many vears a well-known business man of New Haven, was a native of Connecticut, born April 25, 1831, in New Haven, in the old Tuttle homestead. a small wooden structure located on the site of his late com- modions residence.

The first of the family in this country was Will- iam Tuttle, who was born in 1609. in Devonshire. England, where he married. and whence, in the year 1635, he came to this country with his wife and sev- eral children, on the ship "Planter." He arrived in Boston, Mass., in July, after a voyage of some

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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 89

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