USA > Connecticut > Encyclopedia of Connecticut biography, genealogical-memorial; representative citizens, v. 10 > Part 52
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Samuel Perry Russell, father of George Daniel Russell, was born September 16, 1821, in Hubbardston, Massachusetts. He learned the shoemaker's trade, which he followed all his life, living for a time in Worcester, Massachusetts, and then removing to Syracuse, New York, and later to Auburn, in the same State. On his retirement from business he became a resident of Brooklyn, New York. Po- litically he was a Democrat, and in Au- burn served as a member of the Com- mon Council. He was a captain in the Worcester Light Infantry, and a major in the New York State Guard. During the last two years of the Civil War he served with the rank of captain in the Third Regiment, New York Artillery.
After the war he returned to Auburn, where he had enlisted and also recruited a company. He affiliated with St. John's Lodge, Ancient Free and Accepted Ma- sons, and with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, both of Auburn. He mar- ried, March 5, 1844, Mary Louise Stone, whose ancestral record is appended to this biography, and they became the par- ents of the following children: George Daniel, mentioned below; Martha, de- ceased; James, also deceased; Minnie, married George Sheldon, of Punxsutaw ney, Pennsylvania ; Frederick P., of New York City; Nellie, married Dr. Walter S. Blaisdell, of Punxsutawney, Pennsyl- vania; and one who died in childhood. The family were members of the Univer- salist church. Mr. Russell died March 15, 1900, in Brooklyn, and the death of Mrs. Russell occurred December 25, 1910, in Norwalk, Connecticut.
George Daniel Russell, son of Samuel Perry and Mary Louise (Stone) Russell, was born June 4, 1848, in Worcester, Massachusetts. He received his educa- tion in the public schools of Syracuse and Auburn, New York. After serving as clerk in several stores, he established himself in Auburn in the grocery busi- ness, but after some years sold out and removed to Brooklyn, where he engaged in the same line of business. In 1901 Mr. Russell came to Norwalk, Connecticut, and purchased the Norwalk Hotel, which he has ever since conducted with marked success, maintaining it as the first hotel in the city. As a staunch Republican, Colonel Russell has long been active in the political life of his community, hav- ing occupied a seat in the Common Coun- cil of the city of Norwalk. He is a cor- porator of the Norwalk Savings Society, and never neglects an opportunity of as- sisting with his influence and means any institution or movement which he deems
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worthy of encouragement. He affiliates with St. John's Lodge, No. 6, Ancient Free and Accepted Masons, of Norwalk, and is past master of Orion Lodge, No. 717, Free and Accepted Masons, of Brooklyn, also affiliating with the Be- nevolent and Protective Order of Elks. He is a member of Aurora Grata Con- sistory, of Brooklyn.
While a resident of Auburn, Colonel Russell enlisted in the Forty-ninth Regi- ment, New York National Guard, which was later merged with the Thirteenth Regiment of Brooklyn. Going into the Spanish-American War as the Thirteenth, it affiliated with the Twenty-second and was sworn in as the Twenty-second. Colonel Russell went to the front as major and was promoted to lieutenant- colonel of the Thirteenth, becoming col- onel by brevet after the war.
Colonel Russell married (first) Anna Cecelia Fuller, daughter of John W. Ful- ler, of Auburn. Mr. Fuller was a native of England. Colonel and Mrs. Russell became the parents of two sons: Fred- erick Fuller, whose biography follows this; and Charles Samuel, who died at the age of sixteen. Colonel Russell mar- ried (second) Harriet L. Hubbell, of Nor- walk. The family are members of the Congregational church.
As soldier and citizen, Colonel Russell has made a record which is independent of eulogy and will be a precious legacy to his children and grandchildren.
(The Stone Line).
The Stone family, which was origi- nally of County Essex, England, traces back to 1285, when Edward the First was the reigning monarch, and is therefore to be numbered among the ancient houses of the United Kingdom.
(I) Gregory Stone, founder of the American branch of the family, was born
in the parish of Great Bramley, Essex, and baptized there April 19, 1592. In 1635 he came to New England on the ship "Increase," and settled in Water- town, Massachusetts, afterward remov- ing to Cambridge. He married (first), in England, Margaret Garrad, and (sec- ond), also in England, Lydia Cooper, a widow. He was made a freeman, and served as deacon in the church. His death occurred November 30, 1672.
(II) Deacon Samuel Stone, son of Gregory and Lydia (Cooper) Stone, was born in Mayland, Suffolk, England, and baptized there February 4, 1631. He be- came a freeman of the Massachusetts Colony, and served as a trooper in the Indian War. He settled in Cambridge, where he was prominent in church and town affairs, holding a number of offices. He married (first) Sarah Stevens, and (second) Mrs. Abigail (Center) Fowle- Walker, who had been twice widowed. Samuel Stone died in 1715.
(III) Deacon Samuel (2) Stone, son of Deacon Samuel (1) and Sarah (Ste- vens) Stone, was born October I, 1656, in Cambridge Farms, and served in King Philip's War. He held the office of select- man. Deacon Stone married Dorcas Jones. His death occurred in 1743.
(IV) Captain Samuel (3) Stone, son of Deacon Samuel (2) and Dorcas (Jones) Stone, was born August 12, 1684, in Cambridge Farms. He removed to Concord and then to Sudbury, where he owned a farm on what was known as Pelham's Island. On that land he built a house which is still in use and is shaded by a pair of magnificent elms which he himself planted. The estate was subse- quently acquired by the Hurd family. Captain Stone was one of the early pro- prietors of Rutland, securing nearly nine hundred acres of land on which he estab- lished his sons. He removed to Lexing-
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ton to take charge of the ancestral estate years famous throughout the civilized world.
of his father to which he succeeded. The position of selectman was filled by him, and he also served as captain of militia. He married Abigail Reed. His death oc- curred in 1769.
(V) Nathan Stone, son of Captain Samuel (3) and Abigail (Reed) Stone, was born April 28, 1722, in Sudbury, Massachusetts, and served in the French and Indian wars. He married Mary Rob- bins. He removed to Rutland. His death occurred in 1758, doubtless during military service, as neither a record of it, nor a gravestone bearing his name, is to be found in Rutland.
(VI) Jeduthan Stone, son of Nathan and Mary (Robbins) Stone, was born February 13, 1749, in Rutland, succeeded to part of his father's homestead, and al- ways lived in his native place. During the Revolutionary War he served in the Continental army. He married Elizabeth How. His death occurred March 8, 1829.
(VII) Augustus Stone, son of Jed- uthan and Elizabeth (How) Stone, was born December 20, 1777, and always lived on his farm in Rutland. He married (first) Thankful Banks, and (second) Mrs. Hepsabeth (Hill) Maynard. Mr. Stone died February 20, 1863.
(VIII) Mary Louise Stone, daughter of Augustus and Thankful (Banks) Stone, was born February 22, 1825, and on March 5, 1844, in Rutland, became the wife of Samuel Perry Russell, as stated above.
RUSSELL, Dr. Frederick Fuller,
Professional Instructor and Author.
Professor of Pathology and Bacteriol- ogy, Army Medical School, the name of Dr. Russell, as that of the discoverer of one of the greatest truths known to med- ical science, has become in the last few
Frederick Fuller Russell was born Au- gust 17, 1870, in Auburn, New York, and is a son of George Daniel and Anna Ce- celia (Fuller) Russell (q.v.). The edu- cation of Frederick Fuller Russell was begun in the Brooklyn High School, whence he passed to the Brooklyn Pre- paratory School. He then took a three years' premedical course in Cornell Uni- versity, graduating in 1890. In 1893 he received from the College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, the degree of Doctor of Medicine, and then spent three years as an interne in Belle- vue Hospital. In 1896 he spent three months in the Sloane Maternity Hospital, and in 1897-98 took post-graduate courses at the University of Berlin. In 1915 George Washington University conferred upon him the honorary degree of Doctor of Science.
In 1898 Dr. Russell entered the Med- ical Corps of the Army, and is still a member of that body. From 1907 to 1913 he served as curator of the Army Med- ical Museum. In 1907 he became Pro- fessor of Pathology and Bacteriology in the Army Medical School, retaining the position until 1913. In February, 1918, he again assumed it and has retained it to the present time. From 1909 to 1912 he was Professor of Pathology and Bac- teriology in the Medical School of George Washington University, in Washington, District of Columbia. From 1913 to 1914 he was Lecturer on Tropical Diseases in the New York Post-Graduate Medical School and Hospital.
The event which has caused Dr. Rus- sell's career to mark an epoch in the his- tory of medicine is his discovery of ty- phoid vaccine. This wonderful protec- tion against a dread disease is regarded by many as having been the means of
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averting much suffering and saving myr- iads of lives. Dr. Russell's writings on the subject include the following : An ar- ticle on "Typhoid Vaccination," Apple- ton, 1914; "Bacillary Dysentery," Tice's "Practice of Medicine," Pryor and Com- pany, New York, 1920; and "The Prophy- lactic Use of Vaccine," Nelsons' Loose Leaf "Practice of Medicine," New York, 1920. He has also published numerous articles in periodical medical literature ; an article on "The Progress of Medicine," Hale; "Science and the World War ;" a chapter on "Protozoa," Appleton, 1916, and other papers of a kindred nature.
While never mingling in public life, Dr. Russell has always been civic-spir- ited and ready to do all in his power for the betterment of community conditions. He affiliates with Orion Lodge, No. 717, Free and Accepted Masons, of Brooklyn, New York, and belongs to the Zeta Psi fraternity, of Cornell University. His clubs are the Army and Navy and Cos- mos, of Washington, District of Colum- bia, and the Century Association, of New York. He and his family are members of the Protestant Episcopal church.
Dr. Russell married, November 7, 1899, at Vincennes, Indiana, Mathilda J. Busse, daughter of William Busse, and they are the parents of one son: Frederick Wil- liam Russell, born December 7, 1901, in Washington, District of Columbia.
The true physician, however circum- scribed may be his sphere of action, is always a benefactor. Dr. Russell's real- ization of this ideal has been of world- wide influence, for the great blessings of his famous discovery have brightened the lives of multitudes in two hemispheres.
HEGEMAN, Cramer C., Lawyer, Legislator.
This is the day of the young man. We find a striking illustration of this state-
ment in the career of Cramer C. Hege- man, one of the leading attorneys of South Norwalk, Connecticut. Mr. Hege- man is but thirty-four years of age, yet he has achieved much, and it is a safe prophecy that the later years of his life will unfold an interesting story.
The common ancestor of all who bear this ancient name was Adriaen Hegeman, born about 1639. In 1650 he emigrated to this country from Amsterdam, and died in April, 1672. In 1653 he was living in New Amsterdam, and was a man of public prominence. He was magistrate of Flatbush from 1654 to 1663; Schout- fiscal of the five Dutch towns, in 1661 ; secretary of Flatbush and
Flatlands, Brooklyn, and Utrecht, from 1662 to 1665, and was an auctioneer in 1671. The Christian name of his wife was Cather- ine, and she survived her husband many years.
The Hegeman family, of which Cramer C. Hegeman is a member, were long among the prominent citizens of Sara- toga county, New York State.
(I) Christopher Hegeman, grandfather of Cramer C. Hegeman, was born in Fish- ers Ferry, Saratoga county. New York, and was a builder and operator of canal boats on the Erie canal. He was the leading business man of the village and also kept a general merchant store. A man of wide resources, his mental pow- ers were remarkable. He was the owner of a stable which was a relay station for canal-boat horses.
(II) Cornelius Hegeman, son of Chris- topher Hegeman, was born at Fishers Ferry, in 1845. He grew to manhood there and attended the public schools, also receiving private instruction. He went into the boat business of his father, who built boats for use on the Erie canal, and as soon as he was old enough assumed charge of the business in connection with
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his father's brother. Finally, when trans- portation via the canal began to decrease, the business was closed. Mr. Hegeman then turned his attention to teaching school, and subsequently worked as book- keeper for several years in New York City for the firm of Thorne & Pearsall. When they built their summer residence at Black Rock, Connecticut, Mr. Hege- man removed to Bridgeport, that State, where he has since resided, and has al- ways been identified with some phase of the transportation business. He seven years with the New York, New Haven & Hartford Railroad Company, and nine years with the Norwalk Steam- boat Company. Mr. Hegeman is now en- gaged in the trucking business on his own account. He is a member of St. John's Lodge, No. 3, Ancient Free and Accepted Masons, of Bridgeport.
Mr. Hegeman married Olive Lorraine Adsit, daughter of Brainard Adsit. Mrs. Hegeman was born in Bemis Heights, Schuylerville, New York, in the house in which the famous General Fraser died. Mr. and Mrs. Hegeman were the parents of three children: I. Pauline, married Thurie Berg, and is the mother of four children : Arthelta, Evelyn, Reginald, and Henrietta. 2. Cramer C., of further men- tion. 3. Ethel, wife of Murray Callender, of Bridgeport, and the mother of one son, Murray, Jr.
(III) Cramer C. Hegeman, son of Cor- nelius and Olive Lorraine (Adsit) Hege- man, was born July 9, 1886, in Bridge- port, Connecticut. He received his ele- mentary education in the public schools of that city and was graduated from its high school in 1904. Four years later, Mr. Cramer graduated from Yale Law School, and the same year was admitted to the bar. He began the practice of his profession in New York City, remaining
about two years, thence removing to South Norwalk, Connecticut, where he has since been engaged in general prac- tice. From the time of his removal to South Norwalk, Mr. Hegeman has been particularly active in matters of public interest. He has frequently been called upon to give of his ability and time in the interests of the public, and the manner in which he has served the interests of his constituents has been such as to draw forth very favorable comment. At the present time (1920) Mr. Hegeman is the liquor prosecutor of Norwalk as well as the prosecuting attorney.
In politics, Mr. Hegeman is a Repub- lican and for five years has been presi- dent of the Norwalk Republican Club. In 1915-1917, he was representative to the State Legislature, and was chairman of the committee on contested elections, also serving on committees on forfeited rights and on incorporations and state li- brary committee. In the discharge of the duties incumbent upon these positions, Mr. Hegeman displayed the remarkable mental power with which he is gifted, and was highly esteemed by his associates. The fraternal and social associations of Mr. Hegeman are many. He is a member of Old Well Lodge, No. 108, Ancient Free and Accepted Masons ; Butler Chap- ter, Royal Arch Masons, both of South Norwalk. He is a member of Clinton Commandery, Knights Templar, and of Monker Grotto, of Norwalk, also being secretary of the latter organization. Fur- ther affiliations of Mr. Hegeman include membership in Olive Branch, Knights of Pythias, of Norwalk, of which he is past chancellor; he is also a member of the Craftsmen's Club and of the South Nor- walk Club, and in previous years was a member of the Old Well Hook & Ladder Company.
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BLAND, Thomas,
Contractor, Builder.
In a city like Stamford, rich in old tra- ditions, yet ever looking forward into a bright and prosperous future, the con- structive workers build not only their own lives and their own successes, but they build in the broadest sense the city itself. Their material handiwork not only stands and endures for use and beauty, but it embodies the ideals of the build- ers, their standard of workmanship, their constant forward and upward reaching toward that which is best, highest and most worthy. Thomas Bland is such a builder. He holds a foremost place among Stamford's self-made men, for he has lit- erally built his own success. The amount of cash and capital with which he started was so small as to be negligible, but he had ambition, energy, character, intelli- gence, qualities and attributes which are the foundation of all success. Who can estimate the incentive such a career gives to youth and mediocrity toward higher, nobler effort?
The surname of Bland is undoubtedly an Anglo-Saxon personal name with the suffix dropped, as was a very common custom. It is from the Old English blandan, meaning to blend, and the com- pound, blanden-feax, "having mixed col- ored or grey hair," is also derived from this source, thereby making the name both descriptive and occupational.
(I) Moses Bland, grandfather of Tho- mas Bland, like so many of our most substantial citizens, came from England. He was a resident of the city of Man- chester, where for some years he was en- gaged in the butchering business. Hav- ing passed his youth and reached the age when most men feel that they have set- tled down for life, he broke the ties which bound him to the mother country and
came to America to begin life over again. He settled in Stamford, Connecticut, and became a captain of a coasting vessel. He was drowned in Long Island Sound during a storm. He married Sarah E.
(II) Charles Bland, son of Moses and Sarah E. Bland, was born in Manchester, England, where he received a common school education. He then became asso- ciated with his father in the butchering business. Not long after his marriage, he joined his father's party and came to America, bringing his bride to the new country, where they established a home. He came to Stamford, Connecticut, and there became connected with the Stam- ford Manufacturing Company, remaining in their employ for thirty-five years as a cooper. He died about 1877. Mr. Bland was a quiet, studious man, and supple- mented his somewhat meager education with wide reading on well chosen sub- jects until he was really a man of excel- lent education. He married Margaret Charles and Margaret Bland were the parents of three children : Sarah E., who married D- - Waterbury, and was left a widow; Thomas, of whom further ; and Charles J., deceased.
(III) Thomas Bland, son of Charles and Margaret Bland, was born in Stam- ford, Connecticut, April 4, 1852. He was a real boy, taking the keenest interest in every phase of the town and harbor life, but giving his school work earnest atten- tion because it could be disposed of most promptly in that way and gave him more freedom for out-of-door life. After he had finished the public school course, he completed his education at the private school of G. B. Glendining. When eight- een years of age, he was bound out to work for Kirk & Schofield for the term of three years to learn the carpenter's trade. He worked at this trade for a year after
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he became of age, but was so actively in- been an adjuster for fifteen years for the terested in other lines of effort that he London & Liverpool, the London & Lan- caster Insurance companies, the Royal Insurance Company of Great Britain, and the Aetna of Hartford. could not content himself to follow this trade to the exclusion of all else. He went to Bridgeport and began operations in real estate, then for two years con- Mr. Bland married, in Stamford, Con- necticut, Carrie F. Whitney, daughter of George Whitney, of New Canaan, Con- necticut, and their children are: Louise Pauline; Charles T., of Flemington, New Jersey, married Caroline -; Ethel, married Charles E. McLaughlin, and they are the parents of one son, John T., and live in Stamford. ducted a house furnishing store in that city. At length he disposed of this busi- ness and returned to Stamford. For six years he was foreman in the factories of the St. John Woodworking Company. During all this time. however, he was about town, in all his leisure time, con- ducting a real estate business, which grew in importance year by year, and af- ter a time he bought a lot at No. 204 Main street, where he erected a building. For three years he was engaged in the house furnishing business, then returned to the St. John Woodworking Company, re- maining for a period of two years. He was now salesman and shipping clerk.
In May, 1897, Mr. Bland became inter- ested in the development of Suburban avenue, and took up contracting work. His thorough and practical knowledge of carpentry placed him at an advantage, and with his business experience, his un- limited capacity for work, and his splen- did executive ability, success was only a matter of time. He studied conditions, and with a fine appreciation of the tastes and fancies of the better class of home builders erected some very beautiful resi- dences. This was only the beginning ; he has gone on from one success to an- other, leaving upon the beautiful city the stamp of the man who makes business an art and art his business. In 1912 Mr. Bland built the Stamford First National Bank building. He also built the Sub- urban Club building, the Apartment building, the Woolworth building, and many of the important blocks. He is now living in the thirteenth house he has built for himself. Mr. Bland has also
Personally Mr. Bland is a genial, wide- awake man, full of the spirit of progres- sive citizenship, proud of his work, but never satisfied with what has been done, always looking forward to a bigger and better future. He has met his public ob- ligations in the spirit of service rather than of leadership. Mr. Bland is a Re- publican, is a member of the Council, and was assessor of Stamford for nine years. He is a member of Union Lodge, No. 5, Free and Accepted Masons, and was for many years a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. He has been a member of the Suburban Club for twen- ty-one years, and is a member of St. John's Episcopal Church.
STEVENSON, William J.,
Physician.
A name which merits the respect and honor of the citizens of Georgetown, Con- necticut, is that of Dr. William J. Stev- enson. For the past twenty years Dr. Stevenson has practiced his profession in this little town, and during those years has not only ministered to the physical wants of his patients, but through his devotion to their interests, has won their confidence, and many times renewed their hopes. Dr. Stevenson was born in County
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Armagh, townsland of Derrytrasna, par- ish of Moyntaaghs, Ireland, April 4, 1851, son of William and Eleanor (Turking- ton) Stevenson, and grandson of Chris- topher Stevenson.
(I) Christopher Stevenson was born in the townsland of Derryadd, on a farm which had been in the family for many years. He was brought up on this farm and followed agricultural pursuits throughout his lifetime.
(II) William Stevenson, son of Chris- topher Stevenson, was born in the towns- land of Derryadd. He was also a farmer, and after his marriage received a present of a farm from his father. His farming was of a general character, including dairying, and he raised a good many horses. Mr. Stevenson married Eleanor Turkington, daughter of Joseph Turk- ington, of the same parish and townsland, and they were the parents of six chil- dren. Of these Dr. Stevenson was the only one who came to America and he also is now the only surviving member of the family.
(III) Dr. William J. Stevenson, son of William and Eleanor (Turkington) Stev- enson, pursued his classical studies under the tutorship of Rev. John Rutherford in the town of Bannbridge, and matriculated at Queen's College in Belfast, Ireland, graduating in 1874 with the degree of M. D. During his medical studies at col- lege he also received his hospital exper- ience, and subsequent to receiving his degree he practiced his profession in his home townsland for a few years.
In March, 1893, Dr. Stevenson left his native shores and came to America. Nat- urally, on account of landing in New York City, Dr. Stevenson practiced there a while. This also gave him an oppor- tunity to choose his future location. Af- ter seven years he removed to South Nor- walk, Connecticut, and from there to Georgetown, where he has since been lo-
cated. He travels over a wide radius of country and is ever ready and willing to respond when called upon. While in Ire- land Dr. Stevenson became a member of the Masonic order, and since coming to Georgetown has entered actively into the organization there. He is a past master of Ark Lodge, Ancient Free and Accepted Masons; member of Washington Chap- ter, No. 24, Royal Arch Masons; mem- ber of the Episcopal church.
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