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 3 > Part 64
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WILLIAM E. DAVIS is a leading representa- tive of the business interests of Hamden, where he is extensively engaged in the manufacture of brick. A man of excellent business ability and broad re- sources, he has attained a prominent place among the substantial citizens of this part of the county, and has won success by his well-directed, energetic efforts, the prosperity that has come to him being well deserved.
. A native of Hamden, Mr. Davis was born Jan. 30, 1848, a son of Edward and Betsey M. (Augur) Davis, a sketch of whom appears elsewhere. He was reared upon the home farm, and was educated in the common schools of Hamden and the private schools of New Haven. He remained under the parental roof until eighteen years of age, when, in company with his brother, James A., lie began business as a contractor in New Haven, grading streets, laying sewers, etc., for five years. Subse- quently he was engaged in putting down concrete sidewalks and roads for six years, and then pur- chased land and established a brick yard. In the spring of 1883 he opened another yard, and still continues to operate both plants, giving employ- ment to between eighty and ninety men. In 1896 over 10,000,000 brick were here manufactured, and the product turned out being of a superior quality, finds a ready sale in the market.
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On Dec. 21, 1874, Mr. Davis was united in marriage with Miss Sophia M. Tamblingson, a native of England, who came to the United States when in her teens to her older sister, Mrs. Howard Sherman, and made her home at Whitneyville until her marriage. The parents of Mrs. Davis died in England previous to her coming to the United States. To this union four children have been born, namely: William E., Jr., is a member of the class of 1902 at Yale; Jessie has been educated at the Orton and Nichols private school of New Haven, and is now at home; Harold M. is at home; and Howard S. died in infancy. The family occupy one of the most beautiful homes in Handen. where Mr. Davis owns ten acres of land which he has im- proved in a most artistic manner. He and his wife are active and prominent members of the Congre- gational Church, and they hold a high position in the best social circles of the community. In politi- cal sentiment our subject is a Republican, but has
been distinctively a business man, his interest in. party matters practically ending with the regular casting of his vote. In town affairs he invariably selects the best men, regardless of political affili- ation. In State and national matters he is stanch in the support of Republican principles. . He is plain and courteous, unassuming in manner, neither dis- playing his virtues nor attempting to hide his faults. His sympathy and kindness of heart have frequently been shown always in a substantial man- ner. Mr. Davis is progressive, and a warm friend and patron of higher education. He is domestic in his tastes, taking a keen interest in his home and family. His career has been such as to commend him to the confidence and respect of all with whom he has come in contact, and he has become one of the most prominent business men of Hamden, per- petuating an honored name in that town.
LEANDER F. RICHMOND, a progressive and enterprising citizen of East Haven, New Haven county, who is now successfully engaged in dairy farming, was born in 1825, in Madison, this State. He is a son of Dwight F. Richmond ; grandson of Vial Richmond, who was a soldier in the war of 1812; and a great-grandson of Thomas Richmond, a Revolutionary soldier.
Dwight F. Richmond was a shoemaker and farmer by occupation. He married Lucy A. Field. daughter of Harry and Polly (Leach) Field, and they had four children: Leander F., whose name opens this sketch; Frances A., widow of Martin Chalker, of Durham, Conn., who now lives in Bos- . ton; Celestia MI., who is unmarried and lives with our subject : and Anstress E., who married Monroe Burr, of Killingworth, Conn. Mrs. Richmond was related to Cyrus Field and Rev David Dudley Field. Her mother's brother, Leverett Leach, was a merchant ; his two sons, Marsden and Oscar, both now deceased, were residents of Durham, Con- necticut.
Leander F. Richmond was reared upon a farm in his native town, and there remained until eight- cen years of age, when he commenced work at the butcher's trade in Middletown. From there he went to Meriden, and four years later removed to Guilford, where he conducted a meat market for three years. At the end of that time he sold out his business and went to Essex, Conn., where he followed the same business one year. Coming to East Haven, he was engaged in the wholesale butcher business here until 1862. The following two years he spent at Plainville, Conn., but at the end of that time he returned to East Haven, where he had purchased a farm before his removal to Plainville, and he made his home there until 1892, when he removed to his present place, in the same town. He has been quite successful in his under- takings. and is today one of the well-to-do and substantial citizens of his community. He is also a man of considerable prominence in town affairs.
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bat has never cared for political lionors. Ile af- filiates with the Republican party, and gives liis support to those measures which he believes calcu- lated to prove of public benefit. In 1861 he joined the Governor's Horse Guards, in which he served until 1875.
On Dec. 5, 1854, Mr. Richmond was united in marriage with Miss Delia A. Grannis, and to them have been born three children, namely: Alice E., who died in infancy; Bertha B., wife of Leroy Kirkham (no children) : and Clifford Sherwood, who died in 1871, at the age of two years and seven months.
Thomas Grannis, the father of Mrs. Richmond, was born Aug. 22, 1802, a son of Samuel Gran- nis, and grandson of Joseph Grannis. Samuel Grannis married a lady named Chidsey, and Thomas was the youngest in a family of six chil- dren, the others being: Joseph; Nancy, who mar- ried Hezekiah Sheppard, and, for her second hus- band, Thomas Landcraft : Betsey, wife of Stephen Smith; Olive, wife of Justin Ludington; and Har- riet, second wife of Justin Ludington. Thomas Grannis and his brothers were among the first in this locality to engage in the oyster business, and in the interest of that trade used to make regular trips to Albany, N. Y., by team. He also carried on farming with marked success, and was one of the highly respected citizens of East Haven. He married Miss Almira Andrews, who was born Dec. 3, 1805, a daughter of Nathan and Mahitable (Pardee) Andrews, the former a soldier in the Revolution. Mrs. Grannis died Oct. II, 1866, and Mr. Grannis' death occurred July 4. 1860. In the family of this worthy couple were seven children. as follows: Thomas, now a resident of Fair Hav- en ; Edwin, who was born March 6, 1828, and died April 2, 1889: Miles, who died in infancy ; William Miles, a prominent farmer of East Haven, who died Oct. 18, 1898; Delia A., wife of our subject : Sarah, wife of S. D. Bradley, of Fair Haven; and Mary A., wife of Charles Packard.
JOHN AVINGTON PHELPS, a noted citizen of Guilford, was born March 21, 1842, in Hadlyme, this State. He was one of the prime movers in the establishment of a national bank in Guilford, of which. he is vice-president and a director.
Niles Phelps. his grandfather, was a native of Connecticut, and a farmer and extensive land owner in Hadlyme, where he spent his life, and died at the age of seventy-six years. Mrs. Esther Phelps, his wife, died in March, 1825, at the age of fifty-five years.
Alvan . P. Phelps, the father of John A., was born in Hadlyme, July 30. 1798. and learned the trade of a clothier, at which he worked for a num- ber of years. After a somewhat varied experience, in which he was employed in Hadlyme. River Head, Long Island and Killingworth, he spent the balance of his life in the last named town, where he became
engaged in farming and stockraising. He died in Killingworth July 31, 1875, and was buried in the local cemetery in the Southwest district. He be- longed to the Congregational Church. In his po- litical relations he was originally a Whig, on the dissolution of that party becoming a Repub- lican. He filled several local offices, was frequently before the publie in a business capacity, and became widely known as an upright and able business man, as well as a good citizen. On May 21, 1823, Mr. Phelps was married, in Hadlyme, Conn., to Azubalı Hungerford, who was born in Hadlyme April 7, 1797, a daughter of Elijah and Rhoda Hungerford, and died in Killingworth Oct. 14, 1879; she was. buried in the local cemetery. She was the mother of nine children: (1) Azubah J., born June 21, 1824, married, Dec. 20, 1844, Philander Harrison, of Hadlyme. (2) Alvan C., born Feb. 15, 1826, was a traveling tobacco salesman ; he was married May 5, 1850, in Wethersfield, to Louisa L. Wood- house. (3) Sylvester P., born Jan. 6, 1828, died May 5. 1843. (4) Orris C., born Jan. 24, 1830, married, Oct. 17, 1849, Stephen E. Wilcox, of Killingworth, and died Oct. 17, 1899. (5) Fred- erick O., born March 17, 1832, married Eudora. Eldridge, and died July 6, 1875, in Sag Harbor, L. I. (6) Charlotte M., born Aug. 7, 1834, mar- ried G. C. Phelps. (7) Ulysses C., born July 10, 1837, married Isabella H. Tiffany March 10, 1863. (8) Elijah Hungerford, born Jan. 4, 1840, became a teacher and was professor and principal of an engineering college in Peoria, Ill. He married Mary A. Reed April 24, 1862. (9) John A. was born March 21, 1842.
John A. Phelps was educated in the Killing- worth district and select schools. Until the break- ing out of the Civil war he lived at home. On Sept. 7, 1861, at the age of nineteen, he enlisted for service in the Civil war, as a member of Com- pany K, Sth Conn. Volunteers, Col. Edward Har- land commanding the regiment, and Capt. Charles L. Upham the company. Mr. Phelps re-enlisted Jan. 4, 1864. in Company H, 2d Connecticut Heavy Artillery (Col. Elisha Kellogg being in command of the regiment, and Capt. James M. Coe in com- mand of the company), and served through the war. He was promoted to corporal, and proved himself a brave and capable soldier, participating in the various battles in which his regiment was engaged, in the Army of the Potomac. He was in the Grand Review at Washington. Returning home, he resumed farming, at which he continued until 1873, in which year he was made foreman for Townsend Brothers. at East Haven, remaining with them one year. Coming back to Guilford, he bought a farm of sixty acres from Samuel D. Crit- tenden, on which he made many improvements. He was one of the pioneer peach and berry growers in his town. Mr. Phelps was a general fariner until 1881. when he became connected with the Phelps Publishing Co., of Springfield, Mass. By
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the purchase of the Orange Judd Co., of New York, he becanie a stockholder, and these two companies are now doing business with a capital stock of $700,- 000, publishing the leading agricultural papers in the country. In this work Mr. Phelps has been very successful, during the twenty-one years he has followed it, and during which time he has cov- ered New England, New York and Long Island in his canvass for subscriptions to the New Eng- land Homestead, The Farm and Home and the' American Agriculturist.
Mr. Phelps was married. March 23, 1865, in Clinton, to Ellen Griswold Wright, a daughter of Capt. Jeremiah and Laura Ann ( Hurd) Wright. Her father, who was a sea captain, was a son of William Wright, of Westbrook. To this union have come four children: (I) Albert H .. . born Nov. 7, 1866, is engaged with his father in the paper business, and has his home in Clinton. He married Edith I. Griswold, of Killingworth, a daughter of Washington E. Griswold, of Guilford, and they had one child. Edith Griswold Phelps. This wife died Dec. 1, 1894, and Mr. Phelps mar- ried Frances Burnham. (2) Oscar A., born Jan. 18, 1869, is a resident of Hartford, and is super- intendent of the Waberton Chapel. He married Edith C. Foster, a daughter of Ralph Foster, and they have two children, Dorothy Foster and Alice Buckland. (3) Emma L., born Aug. 29, 1874, married George Walters, of Guilford, Oct. 11, 1899, . and died Feb. 1, 1901. She was a teacher in the public schools before her marriage. (4) Mary E., born April 14, 1878, is a graduate of the Guilford high school and is living at home.
Mr. Phelps is a stanch Republican, and is active in public life, served as burgess of the borough of Guilford, and also as tax collector, and justice of the peace. He strongly opposes any form of ma- chine politics. He is well posted on the events of the day, and is acquainted throughout the Eastern States. He and his wife belong to the First Con- gregational Church, and he belongs to Parmelee Post, No. 2, G. A. R., at Guilford; St. Albans Lodge, No. 38, F. & A. M .; and is a prominent member of the Veteran Mason Association of Con- necticut. He was raised to the third degree of Masonry, Nov. 23, 1868, at Jeptha Lodge, No. 95, Clinton, Conn., joining St. Albans Lodge by demit. Mrs. Phelps and daughter are charming and cul- tured ladies. Since 1889 the family have lived in Guilford, where they occupy a pleasant and attrac- tive home.
CAPT. JOHN B. ZIMMER, a retired sea cap- tain and farmer in the town of Wallingford, was born at Wallersangen, near Saaluis, in the Rhine Province, Germany, April 25, 1843.
Jacob Zimmer, the father of Capt. John B., was born in the same place, and was a sailor. rising to the command of several important vessels on suc- cessive voyages. He died in his native village, pass-
ing away in the communion of the Catholic Church. Mary Ann Rambot, his wife, was the mother of the following children : Jolin B., whose name appears above; Jacob, who is a farmer, as well as a con- tractor and builder; Nicholas, an engineer in the Imperial service in Germany; Anthone, a commis- sion merchant in Chicago; John, deceased; Con- stantine; William, a godson of Wilhelm IV, King of Germany; Frederick and Adolph, both deceased.
Captain Zimmer had a good education in Ger- many, and also worked out for himself a mastery of mathematics, so that when he went to sea with his father, as he did at a very early age, he was prepared to study the science of navigation with an understanding mind. He remained with his father until he reached the age of twenty years, and had become second mate. During these years he had learned the art of navigation in the Holland lan- ! guage. Leaving his father, lie secured a position on the packet "Dunsburg," plying between Rotter- dam and New York, where he was rated as an able seaman and second mate. For a year and a half he was first mate on board the American vessel "Waverly." In 1870 he entered the United States Navy as quartermaster on the U. S. Frigate "Colo- rado," under command of Admiral John Rodgers, with Capt. George H. Cooper as executive officer. He took part in the expedition to Corea, and was also engaged in that which went to Japan. The "Colorado," with other United States vessels, was sent to Manila to obtain the freedom of certain Americans who had been unjustly incarcerated by the Spanish Government. Needless to say, their freedom was promptly conceded. After three years in the United States service Quarter Master Zim- mer was honorably discharged at New York, and at once resumed his work in the mercantile marine. He became sailing master of the three-master "A. B. Perry." was also master of the three-master "Vinyard" two years and then mate on board the "Ruby," under command of Capt. Rice, and re- tained this position for five years, and he then con- manded the "Ruby" for two voyages. Mr. Zim- mer. was captain on board the brig "Pearl" for two years in foreign voyages, and was in command of the brigantine "Constance" for a year and a half, engaging in the West Indies trade. In 1889 he be- came half owner of the "William Graham," and in this venture he met with disaster. The vessel was overtaken by a severe storm, and though Capt. Zimmer saved the ship, he lost all he had. The ship, itself, was so greatly damaged, that he gave it up, more especially as the failure of the Baring Brothers had so greatly crippled the mercantile service. The command of the brig "Cuba" was given him, and after some time the bark "Teils- man." This last vessel was owned by W. P. Arm- strong, of New Haven, and after fifteen months' service at sea with her, Capt. Zimmer gave up a sailor's life, and settled down on shore. He had | been on sea thirty-nine years after attaining his
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majority, and was mate of seven vessels, and cap- tain of eight. Owning a good farm in Walling- ford, he came to the town to make it his home. This land came into his possession in 1885, when he bought it from Dr. Harrison. In 1894 he added to his original purchase, and now has one of the most attractive country homes in Wallingford. The Captain gives special attention to the manufacture of cider. Captain Zimmer is of a genial disposi- tion, and a friendly spirit. For many years on the ocean, he has visited nearly all the large seaport towns and cities the world over, and possesses a fund of valuable information. A well-read man, and a thorough mathematician, he is a man of marked individuality, and would attract attention as a capable and efficient character anywhere.
Capt. Zimmer was married in 1877 to Miss Catherine Donahough, in Brooklyn. Mrs. Zim- mer was a woman of cheerful disposition, and was known as a good and faithful wife and mother. She died June 7, 1889, and was buried in the Cath- olic Cemetery at Wallingford. . To this union were born three children: Mary, who resides in New York. Elizabeth, at home: and John B .. also at home. Capt. Zimmer was married to Miss Ellen Connor in 1895. This lady was born in Kerry, Ireland, and is a daughter of Patrick and Mary (Cortney) Connor. Capt. Zimmer and all his fam- ily are members of the Catholic church. In pol- itics he is independent ; whenever he comes to cast his vote, he asks for the character and fitness of the candidates for the positions to which they aspire.
J. FREDERICK PAYNE, for a number of years foreman in the shoe department in the factory of the Goodyear India Rubber Shoe Co., at Nauga -. tuck, was a native of this county, born in Pros- pect Nov. 9, 1858, and was of English descent. The family to which he belonged was founded in this country during Colonial days, and his grandfather, Silas Payne, also a native of Prospect, was a sol- dier in the Revolutionary war. He was a farmer by occupation, and spent his entire life in his native town. He married Lois Farrell, who was born in the town of Wolcott, this county, and they became. the parents of four children : J. F., a wheelwright. who lived in Prospect, and died in Waterbury, Conn .; Esther, widow of Alonzo Grannis, superin- tendent of a rolling mill; Jane, who married Will- iam Woods, a painter, both now deceased ; and Ed- ward, father of our subject.
Edward Payne was born and reared on a farm in Prospect. In early life he was a carriage-spring maker, but later was a rubber worker in Nauga- tuck, where he died Feb. 10, 1889. He was a Democrat in politics. He married Mary Mahoney, a native of New York, who survives him, residing in Aetna street, in the borough of Naugatuck. She is a daughter of Jeremiah and Johanna ( Murphy) Mahoney, who were born in Ireland, and were farming people.
Our subject, who was an only child, passed his boyhood and youth in Naugatuck, and was in- debted to its public schools for his educational privileges. After leaving school he worked for the Goodyear Metallic Rubber Shoe Co. for six years, and on Sept. 9, 1881, entered the. employ of the Goodyear India Rubber Glove Co. He was placed in charge of the boot room Aug. 4, 1882, and on May 4, 1883, was made foreman of the shoe de- partment, which important position he held until his death, on Dec. 31, 1899.
Mr. Payne was married, June 4, 1890, to Miss Grace Langdon, who was born in Canaan, Litch- field Co., Conn., and lie left one child, Hazel Gene- vieve. The Democratic party found in our subject a stanch supporter of its principles, and he was an honored member of Shepherd Lodge, No. 78, F. & A. M .; and Allerton Chapter No. 39, R. A. M. He attended the Congregational Church and Sabbath- school.
MATTHIAS NEIDHARDT, general mechanic of the M. I. F. Co., of Branford, is one of the lead- ing German citizens of that community. He was born in Flieden, Hessen-Cassel, Germany, Jan. 24, 1842, son of Joseph and Katrina (Ruppel) Neid- hardt. The father was a miller and farmer, own- ing a gristmill and farm in Flieden, where he lived and died. He was a son of Nicholas Neidhardt, who was engaged in the same business. The ma- ternal grandfather of Mr. Neidhardt was a farmer and innkeeper in Flieden.
Matthias Neidhardt was reared and educated in his native country, and at the age of fifteen was apprenticed to the roofer's trade in Frankfurt, Ger- many, where he served three years. He then be- came a journeyman roofer, and followed that trade until 1866, when he came to the United States, lo- cating in Branford. In Branford, with. the ex- ception of two years in which he worked on a farm, he has been in the employ of the M. I. F. Co. up to the present time. .
In November, 1872. Mr. Neidhardt was married to Margaret, daughter of Jeremiah and Joanna (Monaghan) Sullivan, of Branford, natives of Ire- land. To this union have been born six children, four of whom are now living: Anna K., Joseph, Julia and Frances. Mr. Neidhardt and his family are members of the Catholic Church, and he be- longs to the Woodland Lodge, No. 39. K. P., and to the Harugari, Lodge No. 600. In politics he is a Republican. He is a man of honor and reliabil- ity, much respected by all who know him:
WILLIAM H. CONKLIN, M. D., whose rep- utation as a physician and surgeon of skill and cx- perience is known far beyond the limits of An- sonia, was born in Fairfield, Conn., a son of John Conklin, whose carlier years were spent in Ireland. Dr. Conklin spent his early life in Fairfield. where his general literary education was received
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in the public schools. He was graduated from the Medical Department of the University of New York in 1882, and spent the following year in study in Dublin and London. In 1883 he opened his office for the practice of his profession in Ansonia, and has remained here continuously since that date, so that with one exception he has been longer in prac- tice here than any other member of his calling. His genial manners and courteous ways with his thorough knowledge of medicine have won him many friends, and he is regarded as one of the most successful physicians in this part of the state.
In 1888 Dr. Conklin was married to Mary A. J. Walsh, a native of Ansonia, and a daughter of the late Matthew Walsh, a business man of this city. To this union were born seven children : Cor- nelius, Judith, Henry, John, Paul, Mary, and Genevieve. Dr. Conklin is a Democrat, and holds to the gold-minority ideas of that party. Since 1889 he has been coroner's medical examiner for the city. He is a member of the Library Board, and a director of the Board of Trade. Dr. Conk- lin .belongs to the Knights of Columbus, and is Past President of the State Counch, C. B. C. Pro- fessionally he is a member of the Medical Asso- ciation of New Haven County. The Doctor and his family all belong to the Catholic Church.
CHARLES JOHNSON MINOR, a successful farmer and popular citizen of Wolcott, was born in that town Aug. 29. 1855, and is a representative of one of its old and highly respected families.
Marvin Minor, his grandfather, a son of Jo- seph and Elizabeth ( Marvin) Minor, was born on the old Minor homestead in Wolcott, in August, 1792, and throughout life engaged in farming in that town, his death occurring there Nov. 7, 1864. He was unwavering in his support of the Demo- cratic party, and was a member of the State Legis- lature several terms. He was an earnest member of the Congregational Church. He married Amanda Johnson, of Bristol, Conn., who died June 22, 1851, and the remains of both are interred in Wolcott. They had six children, as follows: Caroline, born April 29, 1819: Augustus, March II, 1821 ; James W., Feb. 1I, 1828; Elvira, July 28, 1831; Emo- gene; and Emerett.
Augustus Minor, father of our subject, received a district-school education in Wolcott, and in early life learned the carpenter's and joiner's trade, which he followed for a number of years. As a contractor he erected many residences and other buildings in Wolcott but later in life he settled down to farming on a tract of 150 acres, upon which he built a fine house, barn and other out- buildings. He also dealt in wood. He was a man of temperate habits, domestic in his tastes, and was highly respected by all who knew him. Politically he was an ardent Democrat. and most efficiently served his fellow citizens as a member of the State Legislature, assessor and tax collector of his town,
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