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 46
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Mr. Coen cherishes a deep interest in the G. A. R., and it was through his efforts that posts of that order were established at Naugatuck and Water- bury. He is also a member of the International Order of Odd Fellows, a Catholic organization, and of the Young Men's Catholic Institute, of which society he was the first president. In private life Mr. Coen is generous, kind and social, faithful to every duty, and charitable to the faults and frailties of others.
GEORGE GOERING, the intelligent and trust- worthy foreman of the mechanical department of the W. R. A. Co., at New Haven, was born in Bavaria, "Germany, May 6, 1847, a son of Christopher Goer- ing, also a native of Bavaria.
Christopher Goering was a cabinet-maker, and followed that trade all his life. in which were comprised eighty vigorous and useful years. He wedded his first wife, whose maiden name was Meyer, in Germany, and she died there at the early age of twenty-seven, the mother of several children, of whom four are living: Jacob, who has been es- tablished for forty years at No. 248 Water St., N. Y .; George; Christopher, who is in New Haven ; and Katie, who married a Mr. Miller. In 1854 Mr. Goering came to this country and located in New York, where he worked at his trade, and then estab- lished himself in business. For a time he was in business in Port Chester, and when he retired he settled in Brooklyn. He took an active part in po- litical affairs of the day, and he belonged to a num- ber of German societies. For his second wife Mr. Goering married a Miss Raber, who is still living ; she became the mother of four children.
became assistant foreman, and in 1890 was made foreman of the mechanical department, having some seventy men and an assistant foreman under his direction. His services are in demand as an expert, and he thoroughly understands his business. There is one man in his department that started with him; all the others have since come on duty.
On Jan. 16, 1870, Mr. Goering was married to Miss Katie Freedman, a native of Pennsylvania, and one of the six children born to Peter Freedman, an old soldier. To this marriage have come five children: George, a machinist, who married Minnie Downs, and had two children-Harry C. and Evalina -- and died at the age of twenty-nine years (he was a member of the Masons and the Odd Fellows) : William, a pattern maker at Pittsfield, Mass., who married Ada Boutell, and has one child, William; Ida, who is at home, and who is a fine pianist ; F. J., who graduated from Hillhouse high
school, and then entered the W. R. A. Co. as an ap- prentice to the machinist trade; Harry, who is a toolmaker under Mr. Kelly in the W. R. A. Com- pany. Mr. Goering is a stanch Republican, and was a councilman in 1883. He is a member of Day Spring Lodge, No. 30, F. & A. M., of Centerville. In the A. O. U. W. and the K. P. he has been very active. Mr. Goering has acquired some real estate, and the home in which he resides was erected by him, as was also the house at No. 86 Henry street, which he rents.
BELA CARTER (deceased), who during his life was a well-known citizen of Meriden, was de- scended from Rev. Thomas Carter, the first pastor of the church in Woburn, Mass. Rev. Thomas Carter died Sept. 5, 1684, in the seventy-fourth year of his age, and in the forty-second year of his min- istry. He was born in England, and was educated. in St. John's College, at the University of Cam- bridge, where he received the degree of B. A., in 1629, and that of M. D., in 1633. He came to New England in the ship "Planter," in 1635, and was ad- mitted as an inhabitant of Dedham shortly after its incorporation in September, 1636. He removed thence to Watertown, where he united with the church, and at once became active in the service thereof. He preached first at Woburn, in 1641, and was ordained Nov. 22, 1642. There is evi- dence that he was a pious, exemplary man, and a sound orthodox preacher. Prior to settling in Woburn, he married Mary Dalton, who died March 28, 1687. Their children, Samuel, Judith, The- ophilus, Mary, Abigail, Deborah, Timothy and Thomas, were born between the years 1640 and 1655.
George Goering was only seven years of age when his mother died, and when he was ten years old he came to the United States. Two years were "spent by him in school learning the English language, and then he secured employment in a screw factory in Port Chester, where he learned the Timothy Carter, son of Rev. Thomas, the pio- neer, was born June 12, 1653, and married May 3. 1680, to Anna Fiske, daughter of David Fiske, of Cambridge Farms, Lexington. Timothy Carter was a husbandman and with Thomas, his brother, machinist trade. For some three years he worked with Russell, Birdsell & Ward, and was employed in New York and New Haven until 1871. That year he associated himself with the W. R. A. Co., as a journeyman. His rise was rapid, and he soon ; was proprietor of several large tracts of land in
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Woburn. His thirteen children, born between 1681 and 1704, were: David, Timothy, Anna, Timothy (2), Theophilus, Thomas, Abigail, Sarah, Elizabeth, Benjamin, Mary, Martha and Benjamin (2). Anna, wife of Timothy died Jan. 27, 1715-16, and Timothy died July 8, 1727.
Benjamin Carter, son of Timothy, born Nov. 8, 1704, and whose birth is recorded in Woburn, made his home in Sutton, Mass., and died at the age of one hundred and one years. He married Sarah Stone.
Timothy Carter (2), son of Benjamin, born Dec. 15, 1738, married Sarah Walker, born Oct. 24, 1735. Their children were: Timothy, born Nov. 27, 1768; Sally, born May 10, 1770; John, born Oct. 29, 1771 ; Abigail, born Nov. 19, 1773; Luther, born Aug. 10, 1779; and Elias, born May 30, 1781.
John Carter, son of Timothy (2), born Oct. 29, 1771, married Ruth Goodnow.
Silas Johnson Carter, son of John, was born in 1796, in Petersham, Worcester Co., Mass., where he married Ruth Vining, who died May 23, 1880, at the age of eighty-three years. They were the par- ents of eight sons and two daughters, viz .: Ed- win, Ruth, Galen, Alba, Bela, Porter, Darius, Sarah, Jared and Calvin.
Bela Carter, son of Silas J., born Feb. 6. 1828, in Hardwick, Mass., married Dec. 5, 1850, Mary J., daughter of Capt. Butler and Polly (Converse) Barrett, of Belchertown, Mass. Mr. Carter re- ceived a common school education in his native town, and at sixteen years of age began teaching penmanship. In the middle forties he learned the trade of painter and paper hanger, at Palmer, Mass., and after two years in the city of Springfield, Mass., located in Meriden, Conn., in 1850, engaging in business two years later.
widow who, survives him and resides in Meriden, is honored and respected by all who know her. Eight children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Carter. Three of these, Henry Johnson, Agnes Smith and Wilbur Barrett, died with diphtheria during one week, and sleep in one grave in West cemetery; Elmer Bela, who is a sheep ranchman in Montana, married Laura M. Edwards, of Billings, Montana, Mary C., who is the widow of the late Edward H. White, of Meriden ( see White family ) ; Bertha S., who married Frederick E. Bemis, of Meriden; Rob- ert William ; and Annie Z. .
RORERT W. CARTER, son of Bela Carter, and sec- retary of the Wilcox & White Co., was born in Meriden, Conn., Aug. 29, 1871, and acquired his education in the Church St. grammar school and the High School, graduating from the latter in 1888. After leaving school he was associated in business with his father until about twenty-one years of age. and for the following five years was employed in the invoicing department of the Meri- den Britannia Co. Going then to New York City, he entered the employ of W. J. Kingsland, export manufacturer's agent filling the position of cashier until his return to Meriden, in 1900. Here he succeeded his brother-in-law, Edward H. White, as secretary of the Wilcox & White Co., and at the present time is a director in that large business. Fraternally he is a member of the Alfred H. Hall Council, R. A., and belongs to the social organiza- tions, the Home, the Meriden Golf, and Arcanum Clubs. In politics he is a Republican, and at the age of twenty-four was elected a councilman from the Second ward.
FRED E. BEMIS, son-in-law of the late Bela Carter, and the efficient superintendent for the Wil- cox & White Co., was born in Boston, Mass., Feb. 6, 1863. a son of Orlando and Frances (Cheney) Bemis, the former engaged in the meat business in Oakland, Cal., and the latter a daughter of Samuel Cheney, and granddaughter of a Revolutionary sol- dier. Two children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Bemis, Fred E. and Martha, the latter the wife of C. R. Crosbey, of Brattleboro, Vt.
During the Civil war Mr. Carter held the office of first. selectman of the town, and he was a member of the Common Council one term, and chairman of the Corner school district committee six years. He was treasurer of the military fund four years, served for the same length of time as alderman, and was notary public for thirty years. In politics he was a Whig in early life, but later became iden- Mr. Bemis was educated in Brattleboro, Vt., where his parents resided, and in 1875 accompanied his father to Oakland, Cal., and attended the Oak- land schools for two years. He then returned to Vermont and remained in his native State until his removal to Meriden in 1879. Since its estab- lishment Mr. Bemis has been connected with the Wilcox & White Co. in various capacities, prin- cipally of an official nature, and from the position of assistant superintendent of E .. H. White, suc- ceeded to the superintendency upon the death of the latter. in 1899. He has shown marked managerial and general business ability and is one of the most substantial and reliable citizens of the community. tified with the Republican party. He was prom- inently connected with many public enterprises, for twenty years was a director in the First National Bank, and for many years dealt extensively in real estate. In the latter capacity he handled and sold the land upon which are located the buildings of "Factory E" of the International Silver Co., on State St. During the stormy years of the Civil war, when feeling ran high, the unerring judgment and wise discretion of Mr. Carter elicited com- mendation on all sides, and he filled public office in a manner which won him the confidence of his fellow- citizens, and the grateful remembrance of those who now profit by his efficient public service. His Fraternally Mr. Bemis is connected with Meri- dian Lodge, No. 77. A. F. & A. M. ; Keystone Chap- death occurred at his home at Meriden, Sept. 28. 1893. and he was buried in West Cemetery. The | ter, No. 27, R. A. M .; Hamilton Council, No. 22,
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R. & S. M .; and the Alfred H. Hall Council, Royal Arcanum. In politics he is a Republican. In Meri- den he married Miss Bertha S. Carter, daughter of the late Bela Carter, and one son has been born to this union, Leslie Carter Bemis.
COL. HENRY M. BLAKESLEE, one of the oldest living citizens of North Haven, is a repre- sentative of a fine old family, whose record can . be traced as far back as 1636.
Samuel and John Blakeslee came from England to America in 1636, bringing with them the tools of their trade, blacksmithing. After landing in Boston they bought what was known as "Boston Neck," where they established their families, but a few years later removed to Guilford, Conn., where business prospects seemed more promising. The name of Samuel first appears in New Haven in 1646, Jolin removing to Woodbury. Samuel Blakes- lee died in 1672, leaving a large estate to his chil- dren, who were named: John, Hannah, Mary, Samuel, Ebenezer, Hannah, Jonathan, Jonathan (2): The fifth of the family was the direct an- cestor of Colonel Henry M. He died in 1735, leaving the following children: Ebenezer, Han- nah, Susanna, Grace, Abraham, Isaac, Samuel and Thomas.
Lieut. Isaac Blakeslee, of this family, was born July 21, 1703, served in the French and Indian war, and was selectman in North Haven in 1753. On May 31, 1733, he married Mary Frost, who was born in 1710, and died in 1793. His death occurred in 1767. The children born to them were: Isaac, Mary, Sarah, Hannah, Abigail, Beulah, Ruth. The last-named married Capt. Ebenezer Rogers, who served in the Revolution under Capt. Douglas as a member of the Fifth Connecticut Regiment.
Lieut. Isaac Blakeslee, eldest son of Lieut. Isaac, the great-grandfather of our subject, was born in 1733, in the eastern part of the town of North Haven, and a part of the house in which he was born in still standing and is occupied. His title came from his rank in a local militia company. He was a farmer by occupation. His death oc- curred in 1814, and his remains lie in the old ceme- tery with those of the honored ancestors of so many of Col. Blakeslee's present neighbors. He married Lydia Alcock, a daughter of Thomas and Mary (Gedney) Alcock, and she died in 1796. The children born of this union have become connected by marriage with the best families of New England, many of them winning distinction in various lines.
Amos Blakeslee, the grandfather of our subject, was born in North Haven, in the old homestead, and became a prominent man in that locality, en- gaging extensively in farming. He held the office of constable, his fearlessness making him very suc- cessful in capturing evil doers. His death took place Feb. 22, 1827. He married Eunice Confer, who survived him until 1834, and they had children
as follows: Anson, born Aug. 28, 1783; Eunitia, born in 1786, married Frederick Barnes ; Chauncey. born in 1787, who died in infancy; Willis, born in 1792; Chauncey (2), born in 1789; and Julia, born in 1795, who married Augustus Hemingway.
Anson Blakeslee was reared on his father's farm and was sent to the district school. He early began to teach, being thuis employed fourteen winters. The farm demanded his attention during the summer season, but he also found time to learn the trades of cooper, carpenter and stone mason, was noted for his industry and intelligence, and was respected throughout the community. His farm, which is now occupied by E. C. Warner, became one of the best in the neighborhood under his management. He grew fine fruit, and our subject well remembers the choice apricots which at one time were grown. Mr. Blakeslee was much appreciated in the Congre- gational Church of North Haven, and his seat there was seldom vacant. Anson Blakeslee was united in marriage with Julia, daughter of Titus Frost. and the children which came to this union were: Lavinia, born in 1822, married Lyman Clinton, a manufacturer of agricultural implements, and lived in Clintonville. Chauncey, born in 1825, married Merah Heaton ; he lived in North Haven and Bris- tol, where he was engaged in the soda business with James Heaton. Henry M. was born June 25, 1813. George E., twin of Henry M., married Elizabeth At- water, of New Haven, and passed his last years in North Haven, where he erected the residence north of the home of H. P. Smith; he was a merchant, and became a capitalist, making the bulk of his fortune as a dealer in saltpeter during the Civil war. Sophronia married Isaac L. Stiles, of North Haven. Eliza married Henry P. Smith, and resides in North Haven.
Henry M. Blakeslee was born in the old home- stead in North Haven, and enjoyed but limited edu- cational opportunities, the farm requiring much of his time during his early years. Removing to New Haven, he engaged in the agricultural implement business with his brother-in-law, Lyman Bishop, continuing thus for three years, when he returned to the farm and continued its culture until 1868. In the meantime he had bought and sold many cattle, in company with Samuel Chidsey and Willis B. Hemingway, buying in Canada, New York and Vermont, and had made much money hy the various contracts. On the death of his father, Mr. Blakeslee bought the interests of the other heirs, and farmed the estate until 1868, when he sold it to Edwin C. Warner. Coming to North Haven, he then engaged in the brick business, leasing the yard of the Culver estate, and in connection with Willis B. Hemingway, under the firm name of Blakeslee & Co., conducted this business for some five years, at the expiration of which time he bought the interest of his partner and managed the same alone until he disposed of it, in 1878. With his wife Mr. Blakeslee then made
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a visit to California, and six months later, upon his return, located in New Haven, where in association with H. P. Smith he embarked in the fruit busi- ness, which was a successful venture, and in which he continued for six years. After leaving that he engaged in the tea and coffee trade, with Henry Dawson. Upon the death of Mr. Dawson, three years later, Mr. Blakeslee removed to North Haven, where he has resided ever since.
On May 3, 1835, Mr. Blakeslee married Char- lotte Pierpont, who died Feb. 16, 1837. His second marriage, on Sept. 17, 1837, was to Polly Good- year, whose death occurred Sept. 25, 1876. His third marriage, Dec. 7, 1878, was to Cornelia An- drews, who was born Feb. 12, 1832, in North Haven, a daughter of Jesse and Mary Jeanette ( Bradley) Andrews. Her father was a school teacher, and taught twenty-two winter terms. Mrs. Blakeslee is a granddaughter of Jesse Andrews, a brick manufacturer, and great-granddaughter of Timothy Andrews, who, in 1780, built the old hotel still standing in North Haven. Her brother, Dr. J. B. Andrews, of Utica, N. Y., was first assistant 'superintendent of the insane asylum at Utica, and later was superintendent of the Buffalo asylum, one of the finest in the country.
By his second marriage Mr. Blakeslee had the following named children: Theodore, who mar- ried Susan Drake, of Middleboro, Mass .; Charlotte, who married Julian Tuttle, of North Haven ; George Goodyear, who married Florence Todd, of New Haven; and Harriet, whose death, in 1876, at the age of nineteen years, threw a shadow over the community, her kindness and sweet disposition hav- ing won for her many friends.
Mr. Blakeslee has efficiently filled many of the local offices, for seven years acting as assessor, and for many years as constable. He is best known in his locality as "Col." Blakeslee, receiving his title for service in an old militia company, and it has clung to him these many years, until now it is al- most a term of affection among the old neighbors who have known him so long. The punctuality and honesty of his business methods were specially illus- trated in his service as official tax collector, when he settled with the town before the time appointed by law, and he has the distinction of being the only collector who did this. In the Congregational Church Col. Blakeslee has ever taken a great inter- est, and he has been a liberal supporter of its work in the direction of improving the community. That his long life has been a temperate and upright one his present physical health testifies, and his reten- tive memory makes a visit to his hospitable mansion a pleasant and profitable one. As one of the oldest residents he has seen many wonderful changes in his surroundings and in the country at large, and his intelligent and active mind has kept in touch with all. Mr. Blakeslee possesses the esteem of the en- tire community of North Haven.
MYRON C. READE, a highly respected citi- zen of New Haven, has for more than a third of a century been connected with the Winchester Re- peating Arms Co., first at Bridgeport, and since 1871 at New Haven. He was born at Ashford, Conn., June 24. 1843, son of Daniel and Armina (Knowlton ) Reade, and grandson of Samuel Reade, a native and a lifelong resident of Ashford, where he was engaged in farming and conducted a general country store.
Daniel Reade, the father of Myron C., was born at Ashford in 1800. Early in life he taught school at New Haven. For a number of years he was in business in Willimantic, and was later a farmer in the town of Mansfield, Tolland county. In politics he was a Whig and Republican, and he was elected to many of the local offices, including that of justice of the peace. Religiously he was a member of the Baptist Church. He died in 1878, and his wife survived until 1887. To Daniel and Armina (Knowlton) Reade were born twelve children, as follows: (1) Daniel K. was a hotel-keeper in New York City, where he died. (2) William P., who was a manufacturer of covered cloth buttons in New Haven, is now deceased. (3) Adeline mar- ried a Mr. Newell. (4) Eliza married Alonzo Cheever, who has for years been editor of the New England Farmer. (5) J. Waterman, a machinist by trade, and now a merchant at Willimantic, was for years inspector of guns at Ilion, N. Y., for the United States Government. (6) Emeline, Mrs. Dr. Simmons, resides in Ashford. (7) Henry, who was a manufacturer of jewelers' tools, dies, etc., at Newark, N. J., is now deceased. (8) Augusta married Charles Austin, of Worcester, Mass., a retired merchant. (9) Darwin is head of a depart- ment of the Willimantic Linen Co. (10) Myron C. is the subject of this sketch. ( II) Herbert, who was a machinist and toolmaker, is now deceased. (12) Louise married Edward Fisk, a merchant, of Worcester Massachusetts.
Myron C. Reade spent his boyhood on the farm, where he remained up to the age of seventeen years, attending the district schools and also the schools at Willimantic. In 1860, at the age of seventeen, he entered the Springfield Armory, where small arms were manufactured, remaining about three years. In 1864 he enlisted in the 30th Massachusetts Heavy Artillery, unattached, served one year, and was dis- charged in 1865.
Returning from the service, Mr. Reade was for a short time with the Colts Fire Arms Co., of Hart- ford, and then became connected with the Wheeler & Wilson Co., Bridgeport, where he remained a short time. He next entered the service of the Winchester Repeating Arms Co., at Bridgeport, and in 1871, when they removed to New Haven, he came with them to that city, and has since been with them continuously, as contractor. Mr. Reade is one of the oldest contractors in point of service
Myron C. I Peade
Bears & Co
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COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
with the Winchester Repeating Arms Co., having been with the firm about thirty-five years. He is a skilled mechanic, and possesses excellent business ability, and by strict integrity and honesty of pur- pose has made his way to a high position. He is a self-made man in the best sense of the term, and has risen by merit alone. His application and thoroughness have been specially marked character- istics of his business life.
Mr. Reade married, May 14, 1868, Harriet S. Sturdevant, who was born in Brookfield, Conn., February 12, 1846, daughter of John and Sophia (Olmstead) Sturdevant, and granddaughter of Rufus Sturdevant. Her maternal grandfather, Thomas Olmstead, was a native of England, but lived in Halifax. John Sturdevant, the father of Mrs. Reade, was a hatter by trade. The pleasant home of the Reades, at No. 165 Whalley avenue, was built in 1887, and they have resided there ever since. Mrs. Reade is a member of the Dwight Place Congregational Church.
In politics Mr. Reade is a Republican. He is prominent among the fraternal orders, has been a . member of the I. O. O. F., and is now affiliated with Wooster Lodge, No. 79. F. & A. M., Admiral Foote Post, G. A. R., and other societies. A man of high character, he is influential and thoroughly esteemed among a wide circle of friends and ac- quaintances.
CHARLES LYMAN WRIGHT, proprietor of the popular Nonpareil Laundry, No. 271 Blatchley avenue, New Haven, was born at Westhampton, Mass., Jan. 7, 1847, a son of Thaddeus King Wright, and a direct descendant of Samuel Wright, who was one of the first settlers of Springfield, Mass., in 1636.
Tradition says that Samuel Wright, above men- tioned, was a son of John Wright, of Kalvedon, who in turn was a son of John Wright, of Wright's Bridge, Essex, about forty miles from London. Samuel married and became the father of three sons, Samuel, Judah and James.
James Wright, son of Samuel, died in 1723. He and his wife Abigail had children: James, Abigail, Helped, Lydia, Samuel, Preserved, Hester, Jona- than and Hannah.
Preserved Wright, son of James, married Sarah Hannum, and had five children, Ephraim being the eldest.
Ephraim Wright, son of Preserved, born in 1712, died Jan. 25, 1794. In 1745 he married Mar- iam Wright, and they became the parents of three sons and four daughters.
1777, died May 9, 1846; Charlotte, born May 22, 1779, died Feb. 10, 1814; Medad, born June 9, 1781, died April 14, 1864; Abigail, born June 13, 1783, died Dec. 2, 1851 ; Zenas, born Sept. 10, 1785, died Nov. 11, 1861; Zadoc Lyman, born Jan. 24, 1788, died Dec. 10, 1844; Marian, born Oct. 31, 1790, died July 10, 1864; and Martin, born Feb. I, 1793, died Oct. 21, 1852.
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