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 4 > Part 35
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.George B. Spencer received his elementary ed- ucation in the common schools of Guilford, and when sixteen years of age began work in the foun- dry, thoroughly learning the business step by step. On his father's death, as set forth in the foregoing, he became a partner in the business. Mr. Spencer is president of the Guilford National Bank. He has been prominently identified with the municipal ad- ministration and local progress in public matters generally. In 1877 he was treasurer of the Agri- cultural Society. He is at present a member of the school committee ; has served several years as selectmian and burgess ; was warden of the borough, 1871-75: was elected to the State Legislature in 1874; and in 1894 served on the building committee which superintended the erection of the town house. His political support is given to the Democratic party. Mr. Spencer's religious connection is with the Episcopal Church, of which he has been a com- municant since ten years of age. Since April 1, 1872, he has been a warden of Christ Church. Fra- ternally he is a Freemason.
In September, 1869, Mr. Spencer married Emma Frances Beckley, who was born Jan. 24, 1850, daughter of Chester and Mary A. ( Redfield ) Beck- ley, of Clinton; their ancestors were among the old families of the town. Two children have blessed this marriage, namely: Samuel, born Oct. 20, 1871, is connected with the business of his father ; Chester Stowe, born Sept. 27, 1873. is a civil en- gineer in the employ of the New York, New Haven & Hartford Railway Company.
ily. Ile was educated in the common schools, at Waramaug Academy, and at Yale University.
The early life of Col. Pickett was spent on the farm in Sherman, Conn., where his father engaged in agriculture after returning from the business of contractor and builder in Waterbury. In 1884 he was associated with Hon. Lynde Harrison, then chairman of the Republican State Central Com- mittee, and in 1885 became a member of the Palla- dium editorial staff. In 1888 he was made financial clerk of the town of New Haven, and in 1889 be- came deputy collector of internal revenue. In 1892 he organized the Evening Leader Company, and assumed his present responsibility as part owner and editor of that paper. In 1896 he was appointed aide on the staff of Governor L. A. Cooke. Other political offices held by him include that of council- man and alderman of the city of New Haven and chairman of the Court of Common Council, in which latter capacity he served on the committee which gave New Haven the charter from which other cities have copied extensively. He is a mem- ber of the Connecticut Society of Sons of the Amer- ican Revolution, of the Union League, Young Men's Republican, Congregational and Civil Service Re- form Clubs, and he is fraternally associated with Hiram Lodge, No. 1, F. & A. M .; and also with the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks, and the Royal Arcanum. He served five years in the Conn. N. G., enlisting in Company F (the Grays), Second Regiment, and he has been identified with military life in several capacities.
JOSEPH GERARD, A. M., principal of the Church street school, of Meriden, is one of the best known educators in this section of Connecticut, a man of scholarly attainments, intellectual strength and pleasing personality.
The birth of Prof. Gerard occurred at Mount Bethel, N. J., his ancestral tree having had its origin in France. His parents were William and Susan ( Anthony ) Gerard, natives of New Jersey, and the latter is still surviving.
Prof. Gerard was one in a family of six children born to his parents, and his early life was passed on a farm. Until the age of nine years his educa- tional opportunities were limited to the district . schools in his vicinity, but his parents soon rec- ognized that better advantages must be provided for one of his quick intelligence. Entering the Centenary Collegiate Institute, at Hackettstown, N. J., he graduated at that institution in 1877, and then entered the Wesleyan University, at Middle- town, Conn. Fulfilling every promise of his youth, Mr. Gerard graduated from this learned institu- tion in 1882, with the well-won degree of A. B., soon after adopting the profession of teaching. His first year was spent in East Hartford, Conn., and from there his labors were transferred to the public schools of Southington. Conn., where he continued
COL. CHARLES WHITTLESEY PICKETT, born in Waterbury, June 13, 1858, is a son of John Mason and Elizabeth Lucy ( Cogswell) Pick- ett. On the maternal side he is a direct descendant of the famous Cogswell and Whittlesey families, and on the paternal side of the Roger Sherman fam- ! until 1884, at which time he came to Meriden. He
Jas Gerard
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was appointed to take charge of the Old Road school, where he spent ten useful years, and estab- lished a reputation as an educator which has never been lost. Having been tendered a position in the United States Custom House, in New York, he resigned his position as a teacher and accepted the new opening, passing the civil service ex- amination and remained in the Government service for some two years.
However, the claims of the old profession out- weighed the advantages of this office, and Prof. Gerard decided to return to the educational field. After resigning he was tendered a position in the schools of New York, but the memory of the good people of Meriden was still with him, and hither he returned. Soon after he resumed his old place as principal of the Old Road school, but when the schools were consolidated he succeeded C. M. Will- iams, who was appointed superintendent, and re- mained at the West Main Street school two years. When Prof. A. B. Mather became school super- intendent he appointed Prof. Gerard principal of the Church Street school. Here he is ably assisted by fourteen other teachers, the school roll number- ing over 600 pupils. Besides the Church Street school he has partial supervision over four annexes, from which he receives classes yearly, and which register in all over 1,800 pupils.
Prof. Gerard was married in Middletown, Conn., to Miss Martha J. Chapman, who was born in Port- land, Conn., a daughter of Owen Chapman, the two children born to this marriage being: Ruth Wil- helmina, who died in infancy; and Owen Stephen, who is now a student in the Meriden high school. Fraternally Prof. Gerard is a Roval Arch Mason, and is a member of A. O. U. W., Silver City Lodge, of Meriden. Socially he belongs to the Home Club, State Teachers Association and the Schoolmasters Club. Politically he is an Independent. Reared in the Methodist Church, of which his mother is a consistent member, he retains his connection with it. and liberally supports its enterprises. In Mrs. Gerard he finds an intellectual companion, and both are prominent in the social life of this city.
HENRY PAINTER MITCHELL, a prosper- ous and successful farmer of Southbury, has throughout his entire life lived in that town. He is one of the substantial and highly esteemed agri- culturists, who wield a wide influence throughout the community by the exercise of sterling and lofty principles. Mr. Mitchell was born in South- bury, Jan. 24, 1843, a son of Amos and Thalia M. ( Painter ) Mitchell, and the third child in a family of six children, namely: Josephine, the wife of Herman Perry, a farmer of Southbury; William, who died in infancy ; Henry Painter, our subject ; George W., a merchant in South Britain; William E., a farmer of South Britain; and Julia, wife of Samuel Averill, a farmer of Southbury.
Henry P. Mitchell was reared on a farm in
Southbury, receiving an excellent education in the common schools and in the private schools at Wood- bury, and also in Patterson, N. Y. He assisted during his youth in the work of the farm, and re- mained on the home place with his father until he attained his majority.
On Nov. 14, 1865, Mr. Mitchell was married to Miss Phoebe Stoddard, daughter of Samuel J. Stoddard. He moved to a farm adjoining the homestead, and there began for himself his long and prosperous career as a farmer, and, in Novem- ber, 1874, he located on the farm which he now oc- cupies. There he has made all the improvements and now owns and cultivates a splendid farm of 400 acres, carrying on general farming and a large dairy business. To Mr. and Mrs. Mitchell have been born seven children, namely: Thalia, wife of Robert C. Mitchell, one of the prominent young business men of Southbury ; Martha, wife of Will- iam H. Wakelee, a farmer of Southbury; Amos P., of Stamford; Samuel J. and Harry, both deceased ; Bessie, at home ; and Philip, in Yale University. In politics Mr. Mitchell is a Republican. Himself and family are prominent members of the South Britain Congregational Church.
FRANKLIN E. FOWLER, one of the well- known citizens and real-estate men of Meriden, re- sides at his fine and comfortable home in Cook avenue, that city. Mr. Fowler was born in the town of Guilford, New Haven Co., Conn., Nov. 24, 1845, son of Dennis and Hannah Maria (Coe) Fowler.
The patronymic, Fowler, at once suggests the idea of a race of hunters, or sportsmen. The Con- necticut family of this name is one of the oldest and most distinguished in New England. William Fowler, the American progenitor of the family, crossed the sea from England in 1637, landing in Boston. He subsequently joined the New Haven Colony, and was one of the four pioneers to whom was given, in 1639, a deed of the land which now constitutes the town of Milford, the consideration named in the conveyance being six coats, ten blankets, one kettle, together with a number of knives, hoes, hatchets and mirrors. This William Fowler became an extensive landed proprietor. He appears to have been a man of keen, ready sense and quick perception. Seeing that a saw and grist mill was one of the coming necessities of a new settlement, he secured from the authorities the grant of thirty acres and the full control of a stream, upon the condition of his erecting a mill. This was the first mill to be built in New Haven county, and is yet owned by his descendants. The site is one of historic interest, and in 1889 a memorial bridge and tower were built near the location of the old structure, the first mill there being given a con- spicuous place. William Fowler was a successful business man, magistrate, and a pillar of the church. shrewd yet upright, influential, public-spirited and wholesouled. His son, Ambrose, removed to West-
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field, Mass., and his grandson John ( son of Am- brose) married Mary Hubbard, and settled in Guilford, in 1649. He was a man of substance, prominence and influence, being a deacon in the church, and a deputy in the General Assembly for many years. In recognition of his many services he was given 100 acres of land in Coginchang, now the town of Durham. He died in 1676, and the records show his estate to have been appraised at £612, 28, Iod. Of his six children, Abraham was next in line of descent to Franklin E. Fowler.
Abraham Fowler was an influential and wealthy citizen in the early days. He sat in the General Court at Hartford, as a deputy, and was for many years a justice of the peace, as well as judge of the county and higher courts. The appraisement of his estate, after his death, showed him to have died worth £7,421, 18s and gd. Popular gossip, as evidenced by legendary report, called him the most interesting man in town. He married Elizabeth, daughter of Deacon George Bartlett, and became the father of eight children. During King Philip's war he served as a sergeant, and was wounded in the fight at Narragansett Swamp, in consideration of which, he was presented with the munificent sum of £4 from the public purse. His son, Joshua, mar- ried Hannah Bald, and removed to Durham. Prof. William Chauncey Fowler, of that town, is one of his descendants. Another son of Abraham, Eben- ezer Fowler (2), the ancestor of Franklin E. Fowler, was a soldier in the Revolutionary war. : He married Desire Bristol, and settled in North Guilford. Eleven children were born to him: De- sire, Beulah, Ebenezer ( who married a Rossiter), William, Nathan, Thomas, Ruth ( the wife of Erastus Dudley), Isaac, Caleb, James and Oliver. Of these Nathan Fowler was the great-grandfather of the subject of this sketch. He married and had five sons and two daughters, named as follows: James, Asa. Augustus, Nathan, Robert, Polly and Sally. Nathan married Chloe Davis, and became the father of eight children, the fifth of whom, Rachel, married Bishop Atwell, and was the mother of Waldo P. Atwell, a well-known and highly es- teemed merchant of Durham.
James Fowler, the eldest son of Nathan Fowler, was born in Guilford, March 18, 1774. The old house in North Guilford in which he passed the latter years of his life stood on the Middletown and Guilford turnpike, half way between the two points, and had been formerly used as a hotel. In those days it was owned by Col. Baldwin, and was known as "Baldwin's Inn." Mr. Fowler died there May 6, 1854. He was a farmer, and in addition to agri- culture carried on the manufacture of the "Fowler whip lash," well known in its day, which found a ready and extensive sale through New England and the State of New York. The lash was made from leather tanned by himself. and was honestly mani- factured, his children working at braiding the long thongs during the winter evenings. It was used |
chiefly in driving oxen, and the business was fairly prosperous. Mr. Fowler was noted for his sound judgment, but chiefly for his absolutely incorruptible integrity. He was commonly called "Honest James," and was repeatedly called upon to appraise estates. In liis home he was a strict disciplinarian, but just and kind. He was a firm believer in the teachings of Thomas Jefferson, and always deeply interested in the success of the Democratic party, holding, from time to time, various town offices. He was a capital shot and an enthusiastic sports- man, and in his younger days devoted not a little time to the pleasures of the hunt. On Sept. 13, 1804, he married Anna Johnson, a grandniece of David Brainerd, the famous missionary to the In- dians. She was born in New York, May 17. 1778, and died Nov. 16, 1861. Their children were ten in number, and their numerous descendants have formed an organization known as the "Descendants of James Fowler," whose annual meetings are large- ly attended by representatives from the towns of Guilford, Durham, Middletown and Middlefield. Of the children of James and Anna (Johnson) Fowler, ( 1) Eunice, horn June 26, 1805. married Isaac Page, a farmer of Durham, where she passed her life. She was the mother of Henry Page of that town. (2) Austin, born Jan. 22, 1807, mar- ried Merah Chittenden. He was a prosperous farmer in North Guilford. (3) Ruth Ann, born Sept. 5, 1808, died in early womanhood on the farm of her husband, Russel Scranton, in North Guil- ford. (4) Isaac H., born July 24, 1810, married the sister of his brother Austin's wife, whose bap- tismal name was Harriet, and passed his life upon the farm in North Guilford. (5) Asa, born June 6, 1812, married Laura L. Camp. He, too, was a North Guilford farmer, and is deceased. His wid- ow lives with her son, Silas W. Fowler, who is one of the prominent citizens of Durham. (6) Hannah, born July 28, 1814, married Charles Hickox, a shoemaker of Durham, in which town they both died and are buried. (7) Sophronia and (8) Cynthia (twins) were born Nov. 2. 1816. Sophronia died Sept. 14, 1818. Cynthia grew to womanhood, and was united in marriage to Edwin Hall, a North Guilford farmer. Both she and her husband have passed away. (9) Sophronia (2),. was born Dec. 4, 1818, and became the wife of Noves H. Griswold, a farmer of Killingworth; both are interred in the graveyard there. (10) Dennis, the youngest of the family, was the father of Franklin E. Fowler.
Dennis Fowler's birthplace was the farm of his father in Guilford, the date of his birth being Jan. 14, 1821. He was reared a farmer's boy, and his life was passed in the same pursuits as had been those of his ancestors, for many antecedent gener- ations. After his marriage to Hannah Maria Coe, Sept. 19, 1844, he removed to North Guilford. but within a few years bought a farm in Middlefield, which is now owned and cultivated by Luther W.
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Fowler. In addition to general farming he was largely interested in stock-raising, devoting much attention to the breeding of horses and cattle of fine blood. He was successful in a financial way, and left a handsome estate; was prominent in public affairs, serving the town as selectman for several years, besides holding various minor offices. He was bitterly opposed to the tolerance of slavery, and was for many years affiliated with the Republican party. Later becoming more and more deeply impressed with a sense of the evils attendant upon the vice of intemperance, lie espoused the political tenets of the Prohibition party, and acted with that party during the latter years of his life. In re- ligious faith he was an earnest and devout Meth- odist. Of the church of that denomination in Mid- dlefield, he was an active member and liberal sup- porter, contributing generously toward the erection of a new edifice, not only in money, but also in the use of teams for the purpose of excavation and haul- ing. He was a man of great physical strength, indefatigable energy and tireless industry, and im- pressed traits of industry upon his sons by both ex- ample and precept. His complexion was both ruddy and clear, his eye bright, and his tread at once firm and elastic. His blameless and exemplary life came to a close Sept. 5, 1893. His wife was born in Middlefield, June 15, 1824, daughter of Elias and Hannah M. (Lyon) Coe, of South Farms. The children of Dennis and Hannah Maria ( Coe) Fowler were christened: Franklin E., Hannah E., Harriet A., Alvin C., Amy S., Luther Wilbur, Arthur D. and Rosa M. Franklin E. is mentioned below. Hannah E. is the wife of Andrew Horton, a butcher in Meriden. Harriet A. became the wife of Charles D. Edwards, a contractor in Meriden, and died there. Alvin C. is a builder and meat dealer in Middlefield ; he married Alta M. Nettle- ton. Amy S. has been twice married; her first husband, William Hall, lost his life in a railroad accident; after his death she married Alonzo Dormer, a clerk and bookkeeper in Meriden. Luther WV., who resides at the homestead, 'married Edith M. Pendleton, and they have had seven children, Franklin Henry, Frederick Luther, Ethel May, Leon Wilbur, Ruth Esther, Percy Merritt and Les- ter Dennis. Arthur D. married Leonora Benedict, and he, too, is one of Meriden's well-to-do butchers. Rosa MI. became Mrs. William Venter, and they resided at Trenton, N. J., where she died ; she was a woman of strong Christian faith and earnest piety, and her husband was for many years secretary of the Trenton Y. M. C. A.
same line in Middlefield. After two years he re- turned to Middletown, and became a partner of Coe & Newell, who carried on a meat business. The firm later became Newell & Fowler, who were en- gaged in business in Middletown for twelve years. In 1883 Mr. Fowler came to Meriden, where he stated in business with Horton & Eaton, under the firm name of Horton, Eaton & Fowler, as meat dealers in the Colony street market. At the end of seven years he withdrew from the business, and has since been engaged in real estate dealing; in this connection he has built over. seventeen houses in Meriden. He has also been engaged in the raising of high-grade poultry, the finest in the State, in which he takes great pride, having taken many prizes at poultry shows in Connecticut and Massa- chusetts. He is a noted breeder of poultry, and gives special attention to that branch of his business.
Mr. Fowler's home on Cook avenue is one of the finest in that street. The interior is fitted up with all modern improvements, and Mrs. Fowler. who is a lady of artistic tastes, and one of the finest taxidermists in Meriden, has one of the best collec- tions of stuffed birds in the city. She is a model housewife, and has been a helpmate to her husband in every sense of the word. Their devotion to one another is sincere and marked. Mr. Fowler was married in 1873, in Middletown, to Sabina A. Nettleton, who was born Oct. 15, 1849, in Durham. daughter of Henry E. and Cornelia M. (Camp) Nettleton. They have had no children. Mr. Fowler is a member of St. John's Lodge, A. F. & A. M., of Middletown; Keystone Chapter, No. 27, R. A. M .; and Hamilton Council, No. 9. R. & S. M., of Meriden. Politically he is a Republican. He was elected to the city council from the Third ward and served two terms, also two years as alderman. He was a member of the committees on Streets, Bylaws and Parks; he served five years on each the Street and Fire committees, for a year being their chair- man. He was elected a member of the board of relief in October, 1901, and is chairman of the board. On Feb. 27, 1902, he was appointed by Mayor Seeley and the board of Public Works, Sup- erintendent of Streets of Meriden, succeeding Ed- ward H. Higginson. In religious connection he is a member of the M. E. Church. He has proved himself a good citizen, honored and respected in all his relations, and industrious and enterprising in everything he undertakes.
THE NETTLETON FAMILY, to which Mrs. Fowler belongs, is one of the oldest and best known in Connecticut. Samuel Nettleton, the founder of the family in America, was one of the men who bought Totoket ( Branford) for a settlement. They came to occupy their purchase in 1664. Samuel Nettle- ton died in Fairfield. His wife's name was Maria. Their descendants are numerous in Killingworth, Killingworth branch of the family that Mrs. Fowler
Franklin E. Fowler grew up on the home farm, and attended the district school, later the Durham and Meriden academies. He worked on the farm with his father until twenty-one years old, when he started out for himself; going to Middletown. He engaged in the butcher business, working for S. & . Durham, Madison and Guilford. It is from the I. C. Coe & Co., with whom he spent one year, at the end of which time he started for himself in the | descends. Her grandfather, Eliphas Nettleton, was
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born about 1760, in Killingworth. When a young man he went to Durham, locating on a farm, and followed agricultural pursuits during the rest of his life. His wife, Lydia, was born about 1708, and died Oct. 28, 1860. Eliphas Nettleton was one of the pillars of the Methodist Church in Durham, and was very active in church work. His eight chil- dren were as follows: (1) Joseph, a farmer in Durham, married Esther Bailey, of Haddam. (2) Maria, married (first) Stephen Buckley, and later Jeremiah Bailey. She lived in Durham, where she died. (3) Polly married Selden Stephens, and died in Orange, Conn. (4) Harriet and (5) Henry (twins). Harriet married Osmar Fowler, and lived in Durham. Henry E., was the father of Mrs. Fowler. (6) James, married a Miss Dunham, lived in Durham for a time, and later moved West. (7) Isaiah died when a young man. (8) Amanda, married Edward Hawley, a farmer, and lived in the southern part of Durham, near the Guilford town line.
Henry E. Nettleton, the father of Mrs. Fowler, was born March 25. 1807, in the southern part of Durham. He received his education in the district schools, and lived on the home farm until he was twenty-one years old. He then hired out as a farm hand to Capt. Richard Robinson, a farmer in Dur- ham, receiving very good wages for those times, for he was a hard working young man, and thoroughly understood farming. One day he threshed by hand eighteen bushels of rye. He remained with Capt. Robinson for a year, then hired out. to a Capt. Allen, becoming foreman in the latter's marble quarry at Marbledale, Conn. Capt. Allen also owned a quarry at Dover, Dutchess Co., N. Y., which Mr. Nettleton operated for a year and one-half. He was there joined by his brother, Isaiah, who was also employed in the quarry, and they both sent money home to their father from their wages. Henry E. worked for Capt. Allen about ten years. He returned home at the time of his father's death, to look after the farm. Later he purchased the interest of the other heirs in the farm, and took charge of the same, car- ing also for his mother. He resided on the home place until a few years after his marriage, when he purchased the property now occupied by his son Henry I., then known as the "Crane Farm," going into debt for it. The home farm he rented. To his new possessions he added in acreage, built many buildings, and carried on in addition to general farming the fattening of cattle. He also burned a great deal of charcoal. He so improved the land that at one time his farm was considered one of the best in Durham. Later he moved to the home farm near by. He and Henry I. then ran both farms together. Henry and the eldest daughter, Rose C., now the wife of C. O. Stone, of Middle- town, occupying the Crane farm. The father later removed to Clinton, Conn., where he lived retired, until his death, Jan. to. 1886. He is buried in Dur- ham. Henry E. Nettleton was a hard working
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