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 45
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In 1880, at the Church of the Immaculate Con- ception, in Waterbury, Mr. Moran was married by Father Walsh to Miss Catharine Brophey, and to them have been born six children, namely: Annie, Thomas, John, Michael, Robert and Stephen. The family are members of the Catholic Church. Mr. Moran belongs to Court Shields, Foresters of America ; Sheriden Council, K. of C .; and Connecti- cut Lodge O. U. A. M. He affiliates with the Democratic party, and was a member of the town committee for eight years. In all the relations of life he has been found true to every trust reposed in him, and he is recognized as a valued citizen of the town.
WILLIAM J. BRADLEY, who has been with the Singer Sewing Machine Co. for forty years, and is now manager of the office at New Haven, is a native of that city, born Dec. 3. 1833. He is a member of one of the old established families of New Haven, and we have the following record of the line to which he belongs, taken from papers now in the possession of George T. Bradley, his cousin.
"William Bradley, who took the oath of fidelity in New Haven, Conn., in 1644, was the ancestor of this branch of the Bradley family. Tradition, con- firmed by research, according to the Hon. Charles W. Bradley, who was at one time secretary of the State of Connecticut, and a resident of New Haven, states that William Bradley came from the West. Riding of Yorkshire, England.
Homes Maran
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"(I) William Bradley married Alice Prichard, daughter of Roger Prichard, of Springfield, Mass., and Milford, Conn., Feb. 18, 1645. His will was recorded in the New Haven Records, Vol. II, page IIO. He probably died in 1690. She died, as it is thought, in 1692. They had issue: Joseph, bap- tized Jan. 4, 1646, died Jan., 1705; Martha, Oct., 1648, died Jan. 9, 1707; Abraham, born Oct. 24, 1650, died Oct. 19, 1718; Mary, born April 30, 1653, died Oct., 1724; (II) Benjamin, born April 8, 1657, died 1728; Esther, born Sept. 29, 1659, died -; Nathaniel, born Feb. 26, 1661, died Aug. 17, 1743; Sarah, born June 21, 1665.
(II) Benjamin Bradley, called sergeant, mar- ried Elizabeth, daughter of John Thompson, of New Haven, Oct. 29, 1677. She died Nov. 3, 1718.
. His will was recorded in the New Haven Probate Records in Vol. V, page 446. Their issue: Eliza- beth, born Sept. 11, 1678; Sarah, born June 7, 1680; Hannah, born April 18, 1682; Susanna, born July 10, 1684; Mary, born April 15, 1687; Desire, born April 29, 1690; Benjamin, born Oct. 1, 1692; Abner, born March 6, 1695; (III) Caleb, born 1700.
"(III) Caleb Bradley married Dec. 30, 1731, Thankful Gilbert, of New Haven. He died prob- ably in 1783. Their issue: (IV) Jonah, born Oct. 26, 1732, died March 6, 1814; Elizabeth, born May 3, 1737, died Feb. 8, 1815; James, born Nov. 9, 1739.
"(IV) Jonah Bradley married Aug. 12, 1759, Rachel, daughter of James Atwater, born April 26, 1737, died Oct. 2, 1809. Their issue: Caleb, born July 20, 1760; Lydia, born Dec. 29, 1761, died Oct. 12, 1847 ; Phebe, born Jan. 9, 1764; Esther ; Huldah ; Betsey; (V) Justus, born Jan. 20, 1772, died Dec. 28, 1857; Sarah.
"(V) Justus Bradley married April 12, 1797, Sarah, daughter of Ezekiel Hayes, born Dec. 28, 1777, died March 5, 1837. Their issue: Russell, born April 30, 1798; Justus, born April 21, 1800; Maria, born May 5, 1802; George Hayes, born Oct. 31, 1804, died Oct. 4, 1880; Charles, born Nov. 4, 1806; Elizabeth R., born Nov. 14, 1808; William, born July 20, 1811 ; Sarah A., born Feb. 26, 1814; Jane C., born Sept. 28, 1816."
(VI) Russell Bradley, father of the gentleman whose name opens this sketch, was born in New Haven April 30, 1798, and passed all his life in his native city, dying there Aug. 2, 1878. He received his education in the public schools, and learned the tailor's trade, which he always followed. He mar- ried Huldah M. McNeil, who was born in New Haven Jan. 21, 1800, and died June 23, 1875, and six children were born to this union: Ann M., Sarah C., Jane R., William J., Elizabeth and John D. Mr. and Mrs. Bradley were Methodists in re- ligious connection. In politics he was originally a Whig, finally joining the Republican party.
Boarding School, and he commenced work as a clerk in the general store of Daniel Trowbridge, with whom he remained about six years. In 1861 he entered the employ of the Singer Sewing Ma- chine Company, in an humble capacity and at a small salary, but industry and fidelity won for him the confidence and respect of his employers, and he re- ceived steady promotion, having continued with the company up to the present day. He is now man- ager of the New Haven office, and his business terri- tory covers the State of Connecticut. Mr. Bradley has displayed many sterling qualities as a business man, and the appreciation shown by his company is but the just reward of faithful and efficient service.
Mr. Bradley, like his father and brother, gives his political support to the Republican party. He worships at the M. E. Church. He has never married.
DAVID LAWRENCE CLINTON, the popular and efficient postmaster at Clintonville, New Haven county, belongs to the family to which the village owes its name. The first of the Clinton family of whom anything is known was Lawrence Clinton, of Dover, Mass., in 1675, who was probably one of three brothers that came over together. The family is of Scottish extraction, and was numbered among the first families of North Haven. A son of the above named, (II) Lawrence, was the head of the North Haven branch of the family, and his son, (III) Lawrence, seems to have been a prom- inent man in his time. In 1776 the latter was ap- pointed ensign, later lieutenant, and in 1781 captain of a train band. He was one of six owners of clocks in the town and was a part owner of the Sabbath Day House, in 1786. He married Eliza- beth Todd, and their son, (IV) Jesse, born in 1762, was the direct ancestor of the subject of this sketch. He married Patience Todd, and became the father of David.
(V) David Clinton, born June 20, 1790, became a farmer and mechanic, and was the founder of the agricultural works in Clintonville, in 1830. The early part of his life was spent in farming, and dur- ing the winter seasons his active and ingenious mind was exercised in inventing and perfecting agri- cultural implements. His first workshop was in the house now occupied by Burton Clinton, but later the business grew to such dimensions that Mr. Clinton's entire time was required in its manage- ment, and he found it necessary to build a factory. His inventions were many, and some of the most useful agricultural implements now used have been made from suggestions which emanated from the fertile brain of David Clinton. Had he lived at a later date, with propitious surroundings, his name might have been as celebrated as those of other ! great inventors of the present. A very strong Whig ; in politics, he was ever ready to defend his prin-
Like his father, William J. Bradley has passed all his life in New Haven. The greater part of his literary training was received in Amos Smith's | ciples, and was often called upon to do so, as his
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brothers were Democratic adherents. In his young- er days he was a very active member of the Con- gregational Church, and ever deeply interested in its affairs. His personal appearance can still be recalled by many of the older people of Clintonville, as, being musically inclined, he led the singing in the church. On Dec. 29, 1812, he married Lucy Smith of North Haven, whose death occurred Aug. 29, 1883; he passed away in 1879. Children as follows were born of this union: Lyman; Julia Salina, who married John B. Johnson ; Lavinia, wife of Ezra S. Munson; Eunetia, who married Sereno B. Todd; Delia, who married Mr. Todd after her sister's death ; and Celia, wife of Lyman Bassett.
(VI) Lyman Clinton was born in Clintonville, in 1818, and had but meager school advantages. After a few years of work in his father's factory he went to New Haven, and there established a store for the sale of the implements made in the factory. Later, selling the store, he returned to Clintonville, again to engage in the manufacture of the machines. His death occurred there Jan. 29, 1888. He married Lavinia Blakeslee, a daughter of Anson and Julia ( Frost) Blakeslee, and their chil- dren were: Margaret, who married G. S. Vibbert, of Clintonville; Josephine J., wife of Edward S. Minor, of Burrville, Conn .; David L .; Frederick L., who married Ida Marks, and engages in the printing business in New Haven; Anson B., who married Mary Stiles, and is proprietor of, and en- gaged in, a music store in New Haven ; and Delia E., Mrs. Willoughby Fowler, of Clintonville.
David L. Clinton was born June II, 1849, and after passing through the district school course in his native place, he attended the New Haven Busi- ness College. In company with his father and brother, Frederick, he formed the firm of Clinton & Sons, engaging in the manufacture of agricultur- al implements for many years. They finally sold out to the firm of Carr & Hobson, of New York. Mr. Clinton then became interested in the fancy name card printing business, until his appointment to the position of postmaster by President Harrison, in 1888. Four years later a change in the adminis- tration gave the place to a member of the Demo- cratic party. For the following three years our subject filled the duties of deputy sheriff, his resigna- tion from this position being accepted when Presi- dent Mckinley re-appointed him postmaster, in June, 1897; he was again re-appointed postmaster March 1, 1902. He is still a dealer in agricultural implements.
Mr. Clinton married Fanny M. Vibbert, a daugh- ter of Nelson and Lucy ( Hosmer) Vibbert, and the only child of this union is Gertrude L., born Jan. 5, 1879. Socially Mr. Clinton is a member of Corinthian Lodge, No. 103, A. F. & A. M., of Northford; of North Haven Lodge, No. 61, A. O. U. W .; and of the North Haven Grange. His friends are many in Clintonville, and his adminis- tration of the duties of his position is satisfactory to |
the community at large. With his family he holds membership in the North Haven Congregational Church, and is a liberal and willing contributor to the cause of religion, always being ready to forward any good work in the Church or the community.
JOHN HENRY BLACK. It is astonishing to witness the success of young men who have emi- grated to America without capital, and who from a humble position have worked their way upward to one of affluence. The readiness with which they adapt themselves to circumstances and take ad- vantage of opportunities offered, brings to them suc- cess, and wins for them a place among the leading men of the community in which they reside. To this class belongs Mr. Black, owner and proprietor of the well-known Hillside farm of Cheshire, New. Haven county.
Mr. Black was born in Bally-Vanen, County Antrim, Ireland. Feb. 2, 1837, a son of Michael and Margaret ( Lynn) Black, who spent their entire lives in that county. He was reared and educated in his native place, and was the first of the family to conie to America. He now has two sisters and a half brother in New York City. It was in 1857 that our subject bade good-by to his old home and friends, and after a voyage of seven weeks and three days, landed in New York City. He pro- ceeded at once to Westchester county, N. Y., where he made his home for several years. While. resid- ing there he was married in New York City, July 6, 1862, to Miss Mary Smith, a native of Drogheda, Ireland, and to them have been born five children, namely: James, Edward, John, Grace and George. Mr. Black continued his residence in Westchester county, N. Y., until coming to Cheshire, in 1881, when he purchased of William L. Hinman the farm of 100 acres upon which he has since made his home. Ít was first occupied by Jared Ives, and is one of the oldest places in the town, the house hav- ing been built about 1774. Here Mr. Black is suc- cessfully engaged in general farming, but also gives considerable attention to fruit culture. In political principle, Mr. Black is a Democrat. He is well and favorably known, and merits the high regard in which he is uniformly held.
FRANK NATHANIEL HASTINGS, chief engineer of the Wilcox & White Co., and boiler in- spector of the City of Meriden, is one of the best- known and oldest engineers of the city. He was born Sept. 17, 1850, at Scarborough, Cumberland Co., Maine.
Nathaniel Hastings, his father, was a native of the same county, where he spent all his days. He was a landowner, and engaged in farming as an occupation. He died there and was buried in the local cemetery. His wife, Dorcas Johnson, died when the subject of this sketch was a small boy. Those living of her children are: Mary, Mattie, Lizzie and Frank N. Of these Mary is the wife
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of James Small, of Taunton, Mass .; Mattie married Joseph Henry Alden, of the Foxborough ( Mass.) Review; and Lizzie is the wife of William Moss, of Foxborough, Mass. Three are deceased, name- ly: Alvin, a soldier of the Civil war, who died in middle life; Louise, who died unmarried, at the age of twenty-one years; and Ellen, who married Joseph Lane, of Taunton.
Frank N. Hastings was born and reared on the home farm, and received such educational training as the local schools afforded. At the early age of fourteen years he left home and went to Worcester, Mass., where he learned the art of making machine tools, in the employ of the L. W. Pond Tool Com- pany. He spent four years in this connection, and then engaged with the. Wheelock Steam Engine Company, of the same place. He traveled about the country, engaged in setting up or repairing the product of his employers. In 1877 he came to Meri- den to set up the engine used by the Wilcox & White Organ Co., and his evident understanding of his business attracted the attention of the pro- prietors of the plant. The result was that, soon after his work was completed, while doing similar work in Maine, he was tendered the position of engineer by the Meriden house, with which he has ever since been connected. Before the close of that year he came here and took up his duties, in charge of the machinery of this large plant, which he has helped to build up and install. He is the oldest engineer in Meriden, in point of service, and one of the best known in the State. He is not only respected as a thorough mechanic, but enjoys the public esteem as a man and gentleman. During the incumbency of Benjamin Page as mayor, Mr. Hast- ings was appointed boiler inspector for the city, and continued to serve under Mayor Levi E. Coe. He was re-appointed by Mayor E. E. West, and is now serving his fourth term under Mayor Seeley. This fact alone demonstrates his faithful and ef- ficient character as a public servant. He is a mem- ber of the. National Association of Stationary En- gineers and assisted in organizing the State Asso- ciation, and was its first president. He is identified with Meridian Lodge, No. 77, A. F. & A. M .; Key- stone Chapter, No. 27, R. A. M .; and Hamilton Council, No. 22, R. & S. M .. besides being a member of Pacific Lodge, No. 87, I. O. O. F., of which he is Past Grand, and which he has represented in the Grand Lodge of the State. For some time he was connected with Atlantic Encampment, of the latter order, and is now affiliated with the Meriden branches of the Ancient Order of United Workmen, and the Order of United American Mechanics.
While he does not speak for political honors or emoluments, Mr. Hastings takes an intelligent in- terest in the progress of his country and votes with the Republican party. He seeks to follow the lines laid down by the Savior for the conduct of human life, though not connected with any religious organ- ization. A man of broad mind and generous im-
pulses, he is justly popular with all classes of citi- zens.
Mr. Hastings has been twice married. At Nor- walk, Conn., Dec. 31, 1878, he was joined in wed- lock to Miss Annie Green, a native of that place, daughter of Hiram and Adeline Green. She died in 1887, and was buried in Norwalk Cemetery. Of her two children, Ida, the youngest, died in in- fancy ; Addie L. was educated in the district and high schools of Meriden, and the State Normal School at New Britain, and is now a successful teacher in the public schools of Wallingford, Conn. For his second wife, Mr. Hastings wedded Ida B. Clark, a native of New Haven, Conn., daughter of Eleazer Clark, who, it is claimed, was the in- ventor and first manufacturer of sulphur matches, and one of the greatest horticulturists of his day. The only child of this marriage, Faith, died in in- fancy. Mrs. Hastings is a member of St. Andrew's Episcopal Church, and a lady of social and personal graces, devoted to her home and husband, the true helpmeet of a worthy citizen.
JAMES MONROE HUNT, late owner and proprietor of the "Guilford Point House," and a well-known resident of Guilford, where his career was honorable and successful, was born in the town of Glastonbury, Conn., March 4, 1823, son of Robert Hunt, who was born in the same town.
John Hunt, of Canaan, Conn., the grandfather of James M., was an iron worker in Glastonbury, where he was principally engaged in the manu- facture of anchors. He died and was buried in Glastonbury. Robert Hunt, noted above, was also engaged in the iron business until 1836, when he met with reverses, and was forced to give up the factory and remove to Guilford, where he took charge of a hotel, renting the "Guilford House" and conducting it successfully. In 1847 it passed into his ownership, and for many years he was its genial and hospitable landlord, being in charge at the time of his death, April 1, 1870. Robert Hunt was a man of fine character, much ability, and took a leading part in the affairs of the town, where he was highly respected, not only for his genial spirit, but for his sterling manhood and genuine worth. As a representative of his town to the State Legislature he displayed much ability, and was re- garded as a useful member of that body. In re- ligion he was a member of the Episcopal Church, and in politics a Democrat. Robert Hunt and Katurah Shipman were married in Glastonbury, where she was born, a daughter of John Shipman, a successful farmer. Mr. and Mrs. Hunt were the parents of the following children: (1) Kate, who is single; (2) James M .: (3) Mary, widow of Bernard McGee; (4) Ralph and (5) Martha, both of whom died young. Mrs. Robert Hunt died in 1857.
James M. Hunt attended the district school and the academy at Glastonbury, and came to Guilford
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with his parents while still young. Remaining at home with his parents until he was seventeen years of age, he had a good, practical education, and at that age secured a good position in the post office at Hartford. This he held only four months when his father sent for him to have his help in the hotel, and as the health of the senior Hunt gave way on account of the infirmities of age, the son was pushed more to the front, until it came about some years be- fore his father's death that he had entire charge of the liotel. As a hotel man he built up an en- viable name, and enjoyed a reputation second to none in the State.
The "Guilford Point House" is an attractive es- tablishment, finely furnished, and has accommoda- tions for sixty guests. Part of the house was de- stroyed by fire in 1897, but with characteristic enter- prise, many substantial and permanent improve- ments have been made since that time, and the house is more attractive and pleasant than ever. There are guests in the hotel who have been there twenty- seven years and more. The table is supplied with the best the market presents, served in an attractive manner.
Mr. Hunt was married Nov. 9, 1854, in Guil- ford, to Miss Lucy A. Norton, a daughter of Horace Norton. Mr. and Mrs. Hunt had one child, Har- riet L., who married Scott M. Bryan, and had three children, Mabel Dudley, Catherine Hunt and Scott M., Jr. Mr. Hunt was a Democrat, but did not unite with any church. He was an honorable and upright man, and his death, which occurred July 13, 1901, at his home on Leete's Island, was sincerely mourned.
The NORTON Family, to which Mrs. Hunt be- longs, has long been settled in Guilford and Bran- ford. Richard Norton, the first of the family in Guilford; was a native of Sharpenham, England, and was a son of William, a grandson of Richard, and a great-grandson of John Norton, all natives of the same Bedfordshire town. Richard Norton lived in London, England, where he married Letitia, daughter of Luke Norton, and their son, John, who was born in 1622, came to America and located in Branford in 1644. Fourteen years later he removed to Farmington, where he spent the re- mainder of his life, and where he died Nov. 5, 1709. He was three times married and became the father of seven children.
John Norton, the oldest son of the above, was born in Branford, May 24, 1651, and removed to Farmington with his parents, where he spent his life, dying April 25, 1725. He married Ruth Moss, who was born Jan. 5, 1657, and was a daughter of Deacon Isaac Moss. She became the mother of ten children.
John Norton, a son of the above, was born in Farmington in 1684, and spent the last part of his life in Kensington, where he died in 1750. On May 6, 1708, he married Anna Thompson, and to this union were born thirteen children.
Charles Norton, the second child of the above, was born Dec. 17, 1710, in Farmington, and came to Guilford, where he died Dec. 24, 1786. He was married for the first time, Aug. 9, 1738, to Rebecca Munson, of North Haven ; and later married Mary Gould, who was born Feb. 2, 1716, and who died Sept. 25, 1793. He was the father of seven children: (1) Rebecca was the oldest child; she was born May 11, 1739, married Samuel Hart, and died July 28, 1769. (2) Charles, born May 12, 1742, married Sarah Street, and died March 19, 1818. (3) Olive, born March 20, 1750, married Timothy Baldwin, and died March 7, 1805. (4) Abel, born April 3, 1753, married Lucy Bartlett Jan. 13, 1788. (5) Gould G., a physician, born Aug. 18, 1751, married Martha Hitchcock, and died Nov. 21, 1813. (6) Henry, born Nov. 11, 1756, married Polly Brace. (7) Gideon, born July 3, 1759, married Lucy Russell, and died April 16, 1822.
Gideon Norton and Lucy Russell, who were married Dec. 2, 1787, were the parents of four chil- dren : (1) Charles Russell, born April 19, 1789, married Sarah Wolcott, and died Feb. 21, 1818; (2) Alfred, born May 12, 1791, married Abigail Rus- sell, and died March 29, 1850. (3) Horace, born June 29, 1794. (4) Ebenezer, born Dec. 1, 1797, died April 2, 1820. Lucy ( Russell) Norton was born May 24, 1760, and died Aug. 23, 1831, in Guil- ford.
Horace Norton, father of Mrs. Hunt, was a farmer, landowner and man of affairs at Leete's Island, where he spent his life, and where he died March 12, 1886. He married April 14. 1818, Par- melia Frisbee, who was born Oct. 22, 1796, and died Sept. 20. 1876. She was a daughter of Daniel Frisbee, and the mother of: (1) Charles Russell, born Jan. 15. 1819, died July 27, 1825; (2) Lucy Ann, born Sept. 20, 1829, married James M. Hunt, and resided on the old Leete's Island homestead.
MICHAEL PATRICK COEN is an Irishman by birth, but a loyal American by instinct and train- ing. His father and brother attested their love for this country on the hotly contested battlefields of Virginia and the Southwest during the Civil war.
Mr. Coen was born in Queens county, Ireland, July 12, 1843, and had scarcely passed his eleventh birthday when he crossed the ocean with his par- ents. His first schooling was obtained in Ireland, `and his school life ended in Waterbury, when, in 1861, he enlisted in the Federal army. His first service was in the ranks of the three months' volun- teers, and after that term had expired he re-enlisted for three years in Company F, 9th Conn. V. I. Throughout his term he saw active service in the field. It was not long before he was transferred to the signal service. After receiving his honor- able discharge, in 1865, he returned to Waterbury, and for the next four years was in the employ of the Farrell Foundry Co., bringing to the perform-
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M R. Com
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ance of his duties constant attention, industry and integrity. He invested huis savings in real estate, and little by little drifted more and more into the handling of property, although not neglecting fa- vorable opportunities for investment in stocks. His ventures proved successful, thanks to his keen in- tuition and sagacious forcsight. Gradually his cap- ital accumulated, the interest was managed with rare discretion, and he is now an extensive owner of real estate. In 1895 Mr. Coen was chosen sec- retary and treasurer of the Salem Spring Ice Co., of Naugatuck, a position which he still fills, having meanwhile served also as president of the company. His intelligent supervision and constant, watchful care have insured its prosperity.
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