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 60
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On Jan. 1, 1882, Mr. Gager became associated with his preceptors as a partner, the firm name changing from Wooster & Torrance to Wooster. Torrance & Gager. Three years later, in 1885, Judge Torrance was appointed to the Bench of the
Superior Court of Connecticut and withdrew from the firm. On April Ist of that year he was suc- ceeded to the firm by William H. Williams, and the firm has continued in prosperous business and gained in knowledge, experience and standing from that time until the present, or, rather, until in the fall of 1900, when the death of Col. Wooster left it Williams & Gager. Through these twenty years Mr. Gager has been most actively engaged in professional duties and not without making for himself a most ereditable reputation and name among the legal profession in Connecticut. He became a member of the State Bar Examining Committee in 1890, and still continues on the board, a distinction worthy of notice, since it was the first State committee appointed for that purpose. Since 1892 he has been instructor in Mortgages in the post-graduate course in Yale Law School, and since 1894 has been instructor in Equity to the Senior class at the Law School.
In politics Judge Gager is a Republican, though never an aspirant for political preferment. From 1889 to 1895 he served as Judge of the Town Court of Derby. He has kept up his interest in educa- tional matters, and has served on the school board of the town of Derby. A writer has thus referred to him: "His literary tastes are of a high order. His English is pure and chaste, idiomatic and ex- pressive. He is an excellent literary critic. His speeches are sought for at local banquets and pub- lic meetings, both in his town and elsewhere; and they always exhibit the thought and taste of the scholar. His law papers, so far as they betray the sources from whence they came, are manifestly drawn as to form, literary style, from a scholarly mind and a cultured taste. He is fond of the work being done week by week by the Nous Club, of which he is a member, and follows the line of philosophical inquiry with keen relish. He has shown his interest not merely in the weekly dis- cussions, but on the anniversary occasions, when his poems and addresses are among the exquisite parts of the programme."
On October 15, 1885, Judge Gager was nfar- ried to Miss Nellie A. Cotter, daughter of Sam- uel A. Cotter, who for many years was superintend- ent of the Ansonia Brass & Copper Co. Since 1889 the family have resided on Atwater avenue, Birmingham, where they have a beautiful home, which they make delightful to themselves and to their numerous friends. The children are: Ed- win B., Jr., W., Charles C., and Harriet H.
RUSSELL COE. Among those who have con- tributed to the industrial stability of New England the Coe family is recognized as an important factor, and of those bearing the name one of the most hon- ored and influential was Russell Coe, for many years identified with Meriden and New York, and well known as a manufacturer.
Eli Coe, Esq., the honored grandfather of Rus-
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sell Coe, was a native of Middlefield, Middlesex Co., Conn., where he was born April 11, 1758. His native town has reason to be proud of his career, for he became prominent in its affairs, serving for many years as justice of the peace, appointed to that office by the State Legislature. For thirteen years he filled the office of selectman, and his political service was free from personal aggrandizement or undue ambition. His life was exemplary, and his death, March 27, 1835, was deeply regretted. He married Rachel Miller, who was born in 1761, and who died in May, 1844. As a woman of the highest Christian endowment, no praise of her could be too fulsome. The hospitable home of Grandfather Coe was one of the pleasantest in the neighborhood, and both of its honored heads were active workers in the Congregational Church. Their children were: Bela, born in 1778, first married Hannah Ward, and second, Ruth (Ward) Birdsey; Rachel, born in 1783, married Elisha Coe; Eli, born in 1785, mar- ried Lois Coe; Lucy, born April 26, 1786, married Gershom Birdsey; and Levi, born July 11, 1788, married Sarah Ward, daughter of William Ward, and they were the parents of Hon. Levi E. Coe, of Meriden.
Eli Coe, the father of the late Russell Coe, of this city, was born on the Coe homestead in 1785. His life was given to agricultural pursuits, and he was a man who was noted for his high moral char- acter, and helpful citizenship. His death occurred at his home in Middlefield, Conn., and both he and his wife are buried in the cemetery there. Both had been most worthy members of the Methodist Church. He married Lois Coe, who was born in Middlefield, and was a daughter of Joseph Coe. Six children were born to this union : Nelson, who married Phebe Crowell, resides, at an advanced age, in Middlefield; Lewis is deceased ; Russell is men- tioned below; Isaac, who married Sarah Bacon, is deceased : Emma married George H. Bliss ; and Jo- seph E. is mentioned elsewhere.
Russell Coe was born in Middlefield, Middlesex Co., Conn., and was there reared to manhood on a farm, agriculture having been the occupation of many of his forefathers. However, as he advanced to early manhood, the restrictions of rural life, with its limited opportunities, for all around develop- ment, caused young Russell to seek the larger field at Meriden where he became a clerk in a store. In the course of time his energies sought vet a broader opening, and from his first interest in the possibili- ties of land fertilizers, until he had become the head and front of great manufactories in New York and New Jersey, he pushed this business with an energy and ability which brought wealth and prominence. His death occurred in his beautiful residence on East Main street, in Meriden, and he was reverently laid to rest with his ancestors in the old cemetery at Middlefield. Mr. Coe was a type of the success- ful, self-educated, self-made man, a type that is
very generally found at the head of the largest and most substantial industries. He was endowed with extraordinary energy and remarkable business capacity, and his integrity was unquestioned at home and abroad. He was an ardent supporter of the Republican party.
Russell Coe married Catherine Birdsey, a daugh- ter of Seth and Ruth ( Ward) Birdsey, and a repre- sentative of one of the old established families of New England. She still resides in the home on East Main strect, Meriden, and is widely known for her liberal and consistent charities.
WARD. The Ward family, of which the Hon. Levi Coe and Mrs. Russell Coe are worthy descend- ants on the maternal side, is an old and highly respected family of New England. Their ancestor, Stephen Ward ( supposed to have been the husband of Widow Joyce Ward, who died in 1640, and son of James and Anna (Fawkes) Ward) is thought by some never to have come to America, but the late Sherman W. Adams, from his investigation in the Wethersfield records, has virtually substantiated his emigration, and also the fact that he was killed by the Indians at Wethersfield.
Ensign William Ward, supposed to have been a son of Stephen, was among the first settlers of the town of Middletown, Conn., as early as 1655, and was granted several tracts of land in that section. He died March 28, 1600, and the inscription on his tombstone reads: "Here lies the body of Insine William Ward age about 58 years dyed March 28, 1690." His title was obtained from the train band. William was twice married. After the death of his first wife Sarah, he married March 28, 1660, Phebe (surname not known), who died Sept. 1, 1691. Of the first union, a son, William, was born June 24, 1659, but died shortly after his mother. The eight children of the second marriage were: Thomas, born Feb. 7, 1661 ; Phebe, April 17, 1663; William, Aug. 2, 1665 ; Sarah, Dec. 18, 1667; Anne, born in March, 1670, married James Trappin; Dorothy, March 5, 1671-72; Susanna, born June 6, 1674, mar- ried John Southmayd; and John, born May , 12, 1678.
Capt. Thomas Ward, son of Ensign William, was born Feb. 7, 1661, and having grown to man- hood in Middletown, became quite active in public affairs. He filled the office of selectman in 1696, was commissioned lieutenant of the South Company of the train band in 1699, was made captain in 1712; and received his appointment from the Gen- eral Assembly in 1706-11-12, as justice of the peace. Capt. Ward was a large landowner, and died in the town of Middletown, June 2, 1728. His first mar- riage was in December, 1683, to Anna Tappan, daughter of James Tappan, who was born Sept. 28, 1662, and died in November, 1712. His second mar- riage was to Elizabeth Browell. The children of Capt. Ward were: Thomas, born Oct. 17, 1685, married Deborah Stowe; William was born April
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14, 1687; Anna, born in 1680, died Oct. 5, 1703; James died young ; Phebe, born in 1695, married Daniel Hall ; Mary, born in 1702.
William Ward, son of Capt. Thomas, was born in Middlesex County, and settled in what is known as Newfields, where he owned both land and slaves. His death occurred March 28, 1762, and his burial was in the old Indian Hill cemetery, in Middle- town. Jan. 18, 1710, he married Mary Harris, who was born Jan. 11, 1685, and died Aug. 14, 1776, a daughter of Capt. Daniel Harris. Their eight chil- dren were: Mary died young; Patience, born in November, 1712, married a Mr. Plumb ; Anna, born Nov. 3, 1714, married a Mr. Elton; Mary, born Dec. 2, 1716; William, born Oct. 29, 1720; James Tappan, born Sept. 22, 1722; Abigail, born Dec. 30, 1724, married a Mr. Galpin ; and Joseph, born Jan. 11, 1727-28.
William Ward (2), son of William, was born at Newfields, Oct. 29, 1720, and settled in Middle- field, where he owned a tract of land and a number of slaves. In 1767 he was appointed lieutenant of the 14th Co., 6th Reg., by the General Assembly, and was commissioned captain in 1771. Capt. Ward was also appointed by the town of Middletown to provide necessities for the families of soldiers who were in the Revolutionary army, 1777 to 1779. His death occurred on his farm, Feb. 25, 1786, after peace had been restored, and freedom gained. His first marriage. in 1742, was to Martha Bowe, who was born Aug. 23, 1718, and who died Dec. 17, 1770. On July 4, 1771, he married widow Hannah Spencer. His children were: William, born Sept. 17, 1744; Edward, born Oct. 22, 1746, married Lydia, daughter of Thomas Alkins; Anner, born Jan. 9, 1748, married first Richard Miller, second Joseph Wetmore, and third Capt. David Birdsey ; James T., born April 3, 1751, married Elizabeth, daughter of Ichabod Miller ; Martha, born May 30, 1753, married Capt. David Birdsey; Asher, born Oct. 13, 1755, became a physician, and died Aug. 12, 1788; and Mary, born Sept. 9, 1759, married Braddock Dickinson.
William Ward (3), son of Capt. William, and the grandfather of Mrs. Coe, was born in Middle- field Sept. 17, 1744. His life was divided between agricultural pursuits and the sailing of vessels to the West Indies, and he was also appointed to look after the families left fatherless and in want by the ravages of the Revolution. His arduous duties were faithfully performed, and he is recalled as a conscientious and enterprising citizen. His death occurred Nov. 26, 1819, and the following inscrip- tion is seen on his tombstone in Middlefield ceme- tery :
"How blest the pair whom Christian love unites.
Joy smiles upon their days and crowns their nights. In peace their happy moments glide away
Till both are welcomed to Eternal day.
The happy domestic relations which must have
existed between himself and wife are indicated by the following inscription upon the tomb of the latter:
"Thrice happy Christians who when time is o'er, Shall meet in realms of bliss to part no more."
Grandfather William Ward was married Aug. 20, 1765, to Mary Miller, born Nov. 28, 1746, who died Oct. 15, 1817, two years before the death of her husband. Her father was Ensign Benjamin Mil- ler. She was noted in youth for her beauty, but in middle life became a victim of what was then called "fever and ague," but which bears a more scientific name in these days. As her health and beauty passed away, she exemplified Christian patience which endeared hier all the more to those who knew her. A remarkable incident was connected with her final cure. When she had grown so that no resource of the time seemed to help her, she, three times in succession, dreamed of a remedy which would restore her to health, and upon her husband securing the same for her, it was found to fulfill all expectations. From then until her death she was a robust woman. The children born to William Ward and wife were: Benjamin, born in 1768, died in 1775; Timothy, born in 1773, died Jan. 7, 1795; Molly, born Dec. 2, 1775, married Asa Johnson ; Ruth, born Feb. 10, 1777. married first Seth Bird- sey, and for her second husband Bela Coe; Han- nah, born in 1780, married Bela Coe; Lucy, born in 1782, married Ezra Spencer; Eunice, born in 1784, married Capt. Joseph Coe; and Sarah, born April 2, 1788, married Col. Levi Coe.
WILLIAM PITT BALDWIN, M. D., one of the leading among the younger physicians of New Haven, comes on both sides from English origin, descending on his father's side from the illustrious Baldwin family of New England.
Dr. Baldwin was born May 12, 1867, in New Haven, son of Charles Amos and Hannah Pitt (Smith) Baldwin.
Richard Baldwin, the emigrant ancestor of this branch of the Baldwin family, was baptized in Parish Aston Clinton, Buckinghamshire, England, in 1622. He was a son of Sylvester, who died in June, 1638, on the ship "Martin" in passage from England. Richard Baldwin came to New England either before or with his father. His name appears of record (first page) in Milford, Conn., in 1639. He was an active, energetic, man of business and took a prominent part in the affairs of the town, and was a deputy to the General Court. He mar- ried about 1643. Elizabeth Alsop, of New Haven, and died in 1665.
From this Richard Baldwin Dr. Baldwin is a descendant in the eighth generation, his line being through Barnabas. Timothy, Enoch, Alexis, Darius and Charles A. Baldwin.
(II) Barnabas Baldwin, son of Richard. born in 1665, in Milford, married (second) Abigail. He
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was one of the grantees to the charter of Derby, and in 1738 was one of the fifteen inhabitants of Milford, who, with others of New Haven, incor- porated to make the Parish of Amity. He served as a selectmian of Milford.
(III) Timothy Baldwin, son of Barnabas, born in 1695, in Milford, married ( first) in 1719, Zur- nah Johnson, of Derby, and lived in that town or Woodbridge (his land was in both towns). His second wife bore the name of Mabel. He joined in the formation of the church at Amity. His death occurred in 1766.
(IV) Enoch Baldwin, son of Timothy, born in Derby, in 1736, likely to the second marriage, con- tinued to live in that town.
(V) Alexis Baldwin, son of Enoch, born in 1778, in Derby, married Comfort Baldwin, and lived in Woodbridge, Conn. He died in 1821 and his widow in 1857.
(VI) Darius Baldwin, son of Alexis, born in 1804, in Woodbridge, was a blacksmith in Orange, thence removed to New Haven where he was resid- ing in 1875. He married Thirza, daughter of Amos Dorman, of Oxford, and wife Hannah Baldwin.
(VII) Charles A. Baldwin, son of Darius, born Jan. 28, 1832, in Orange, Conn., married Dec. 3, 1863, Hannah Pitt Smith, of Lima, Delaware Co., Pa., and to them were born children as follows : Charlena H., born in 1865: William Pitt, born in 1867; Mary E., born in 1870; and Sherman H., born in 1873.
Dr. William Pitt Baldwin, our subject proper, received his education in the schools of New Ha- ven, attending the Dwight public school and the Hillhouse High School. He then entered Yale College, and was graduated from the academic de- partment in 1888, and from the Yale Medical School in 1890. In 1891 he was at the New York Homeo- pathic Medical College and Hospital. After a term of service in Ward's Island Hospital, New York, in 1892 he became assistant to Dr. L. P. Jones, of Greenwich, Conn. The winter of 1893-94 he passed in study abroad in the University of Vienna. Re- turning to this country he settled in the practice of medicine in New Haven in the fall of 1894, which year he became junior surgeon at Grace Hospital, and is now associate senior surgeon. Since 1895 he has been sanitary officer and medical director of the Connecticut Masonic Home, Wallingford.
Dr. Baldwin is a member of Wooster Lodge, No. 19, F. & A. M., and the Royal Arcanum; of the Young Men's Republican Club and the New Haven Republican League, now called Union League. He has always been interested in public affairs, and in 1898-99 he represented the First ward in the council, and in 1899-01 on the board of aldermen. For two years he has been a member of the Park board. Through his active work in Masonic affairs he has been made a director of the Masonic Mutual Benefit Association.
On Oct. 10, 1895, Dr. Baldwin was married to Gertrude Louise Lockwood, of Riverside, Conn., who died July 12, 1896.
R. BURTON LEETE, a brother of Richard M. and Roger C. Leete, whose sketches, found elsewhere, contain a full family history, was born June 22, 1843, on the homestead farm, and was educated at the district school and in Guilford Academy. Since the death of his father he has had charge of the paternal estate. Like his brotli- ers, he is of a genial and winning disposition, quiet and undemonstrative, but of a warm-hearted and friendly spirit. He works hard, and loves his home. In politics he is a Democrat, but has never had as- pirations for political honors.
Ezra S. Bishop, grandfather of the Leete broth- ers, was born in Guilford, where he received a good common-school education. He was a shoemaker, and learned his trade of a Mr. Frisbie, and followed the same during the winter season in the Southern States. He was a shoemaker all his life, and died at the home of his daughter, Mrs. Rufus N. Leete, who cared for him tenderly and devotedly during his old age. He was buried in the West Cemetery. In politics he was a Democrat. Although a good man, he took little active interest in church mat- ters. Mrs. Leete, his daughter, and mother of R. Burton, is still living, and is the center of a large circle of friends. She is highly regarded, and is still active in every good work which commands the interest and attention of her kind heart.
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GEORGE P. MERWIN. The ancestors of George P. Merwin, the successful and well-known contractor and builder, of New Haven, came to America from Wales, and when the great-grand- father, John Merwin, came to Connecticut, he lo- cated at Milford. Here he engaged in agricultural pursuits, and his son, Samuel Merwin, following his father's example, farmed also, and died, upon the same land, at the age of sixty-two. His chil- dren were named Charles, Susan, Caroline, John, Dorcas, Homer, and Orange.
Charles C. Merwin, the father of George P., was born in Milford, and followed farming all his life on the old homestead. He married Amelia C. Platt, who was born on Pond Point, and reared the following children: George E .; Mary, deceased ; William, of New Haven ; John W., located on the farm; Caroline, who married Jolin R. Johnson ; Charles H., who resides with our subject; and Samuel, deceased. The beloved mother, who was a devoted member of the Congregational Church, died at the age of seventy.
George P. Merwin was born in Milford, Conn., Oct. 16, 1828, and spent his early life on the farm, meanwhile speculating upon more ambitious pro- jects beyond the boundaries of the old home. At the age of eighteen he went to New Haven and
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learned the carpenter trade, of Richard F. Mer- win, and followed it as a journeyman for several years. Afterward, with John H. Bristol and Her- man . Nettleson, he formed a partnership in build- ing and contracting, but the latter withdrew, and several years later Mr. Merwin bought out Mr. Bristol's interest, and then associated himself with William R. Hubbell. For thirty-eight years this firm was one of the strongest in New Haven, and not only secured some of the largest contracts in the town, but gave universal satisfaction. After the death of Mr. Hubbell, Mr. Merwin continued alone until 1896, and then took into partnership his two capable sons, Charles F. and George W. The firm carries on a general contracting and jobbing busi- ness, making a specialty of residences and fine build- ings. Kent Hall is but one of the numerous testi- monials to their ability. Mr. Merwin is one of the oldest in his line in New Haven, his first building having been completed in 1852. He has every ap- pliance and convenience for his work, and his own mill makes all his mouldings and decorations, sashes, doors and blinds. At times, when five or ยท six houses are in course of construction at once, as many as thirty men are kept employed.
In 1856 Mr. Merwin married Laura S. Whit- ing, in Colebrook, Conn., and of this union were born two sons, Charles T. and George W., who are with their father in business, and a daughter, Grace Lily. In politics, Mr. Merwin has been an active Republican, and for two years was a member of the council. The year that the city authorities changed the fire department from hand to steam, Mr. Mer- win was on the fire department committee and was instrumental in having the new engine bought from the Amoskeag Engine Co. Later, he was made foreman of the committee, and one year served on the ward committee, at the time of the election of President Lincoln.
Socially, Mr. Merwin is connected with the Ma- sonic fraternity, Hiram Lodge, F. & A. M., and in the I. O. O. F. Relief Lodge, he has been a trustee many years. His eldest son is a Royal Arch Ma- son, and both are highly valued in this connection. The youngest son of Mr. Merwin is possessed of great musical talent and is also a skilled pottery decorator. Since the Humphrey Street Church was a mission, Mr. Merwin has worked earnestly for its growth, and was one of the most helpful of the committee to build a new church. As one of its supporters of the church he has been very liberal, and has held almost all of its offices. In New Ha- ven, Mr. Merwin is held in high esteem, and his business standing is of the very best.
JOSEPH SCHWANDER, now living retired in Meriden, is one of the most respected German residents of that city, with which he has been iden- tified since 1874.
Mr. Schwander was born March 14, 1832, in Seckenheim, Baden, Germany, son of Urban
Schwander, also a native of Baden, who passed his entire life there. He followed farming for a time, and later purchasing a mill was engaged in flour- milling for the remainder of his life. He died in 1854, his death being caused by a fall, while pick- ing fruit from a pear tree. He was buried at his native place. Urban Schwander married Monica Apner, who was also born in Baden, where she died, and they had a family of six children: Mary. who died young ; Cunigunda, now deceased ; Fred- erick, who remained in Germany; Joseph, our sub- ject ; Alexander, who located in Chicago; and Ben- edict, who also resides in the West. The parents were both members of the Catholic Church.
Joseph Schwander received a good practical ed- ucation in the public schools of his birthplace, where he remained with his parents until he reached the age of eighteen years, learning the trade of miller and working in the flour mill with his father. Going to Switzerland, he followed mill- ing in that country for three years before decid- ing, in 1854, to try to better his condition in Amer- ica. He took passage at Havre de Grace on a sail- ing vessel, and after a voyage of forty days landed at New York, where he spent a year, engaged at the carpenter's trade. From that city he came to Connecticut, locating first at Chaplin, where he was employed three years in the paper mills. Thence he removed to South Coventry, where he found work in the woolen mills, and there spent two years, learning the trade of fuller. For the next four years. he was at Eagle Mills, in the woolen mills, and in 1874 he came to Meriden. Mr. Schwander's first employment in this city was in the Wilcox Woolen Mills, where he spent ten years, part of the time as foreman of the fulling depart- ment. Thinking that outdoor life would improve his health, he bought a farm at Westfield, Conn., where he spent one year, but the work was hard and uncongenial, so he sold out and returned to Meriden. He obtained employment with Whit- more, Peet & Post, who conducted the woolen mills as successors to J. Wilcox & Co., and was foreman with them for five years, at the end of which time he removed to Great Barrington, Mass., where he was engaged five years as foreman of the fulling department with Russell Bros. On his return to Meriden he bought a piece of land on West Main street, with a house over one hundred years old, and there opened a saloon, which he conducted, however, only one year, the business not proving to his liking. He then accepted a position with C. T. Dodd, as box-maker, and spent five years at that business, at the end of which time he retired. His time has since been given to looking after his real- estate interests, which are extensive. Mr. Schwan- der commenced life empty-handed so far as finan- cial aid of any kind was concerned, but he has al- ways been industrious and economical, has made judicious purchases, and now, in his declining days, has a comfortable competence. In 1897 he built
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