USA > Connecticut > Encyclopedia of Connecticut biography, genealogical-memorial; representative citizens, v. 11 > Part 12
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John Carpenter, son of James Car- penter.
William Carpenter, son of John Car- penter.
William Carpenter, son of William Car- penter, born in 1576, a resident of London, who came over in the "Bevis" in 1638 with his son William and wife Abigail, and returned in the same vessel in which he came over.
William Carpenter, the American pro- genitor.
From: "A genealogical history of the Rehoboth branch of the Carpenter fam- ily," 1898.
The statements in Playfair, Burke, and MILLER, Frank, Davis and Owen, in regard to the descent of the Tyrconnel Carpenters from John Business Man, Financier, Philanthropist. Carpenter, of 1303, and also from William Civic, financial, industrial, fraternal and social circles were irremediably invaded Carpenter, of Homme, establishes the fact that the Homme Carpenters are all de- by a severe loss in the passing of Frank
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Miller, on August 13, 1921, out from all these scenes of his activities at his home city of Bridgeport, in which, at the time of his death, he was a great outstanding . figure of the community, particularly in matters of finance, wherein he was an acknowledged peer. Veteran also of the Civil War, as well as of many a com- mercial campaign, he made a large suc- cess of his life. He was a sound captain of finance, a safe and sane leader of in- dustry, a wise counselor of the citizenry in their municipal affairs-a positive asset of the community. "By the sudden death of Frank Miller," said the editor of the "Bridgeport Times" anent the death of this leader in so many avenues of the city's life, "Bridgeport loses one of its oldest and best-known business men, a man of forceful personality, a keen stu- dent of financial affairs, and easily the dominant figure in local financial circles. Largely through his careful handling of its affairs, he brought to its present posi- tion the City National Bank, which now ranks as one of the foremost financial institutions in the East. He was the most democratic of men, and the door of his office was always open to those in need of advice or assistance. Bridgeport can ill afford to lose such men of his type."
Frank Miller was a descendant of Thomas Miller, the founder of the family in America, who settled in Rowley, Mas- sachusetts, as early as 1643. He was a carpenter by trade, although he was "li- censed to draw wine." He and his wife removed to Middletown, Connecticut, where he became the town miller. He died August 14, 1680. He married (first) Isabel (date of marriage not recorded). He married (second) June 6, 1666, Sarah Nettleton, died March 20, 1727-28, at the age of eighty-six years. Thomas, the eld- est child of Thomas and Sarah (Nettle-
ton) Miller, was born at Middletown, May 6, 1667, and died September 24, 1727. He caried on the milling business of his fa- ther. He married (first) March 28, 1688, Elizabeth, born December 14, 1668, died February 9, 1695, daughter of Edward and Mary (Sanford) Turner. He married (second) December 25, 1696, Mary Row- ell. Stephen, son of Thomas and Mary (Rowell) Miller, was born at Middletown, March 5, 1699, and died August 15, 1783. It is supposed that he was a saw and grist miller. He married, July 2, 1730, Anna, born in 1710, and died June 10, 1777, daughter of Richard and Hannah (Bulk- eley) Goodrich.
Coming down to the fourth and fifth generations in the lineage, paternal side, of Frank Miller, one is made acquainted with personal history of interest in con- nection with this memoir. Stephen Mil- ler (in the fourth generation), son of Ste- phen (I) and Anna (Goodrich) Miller, was born February 11, 1739-40, and died July 21, 1822. He married (first) Octo- ber II, 1761, Thankful, born September 12, 1739, and died April 12, 1777, daughter of Daniel and Mehitable (Hubbard) Whitmore. He married (second) April 2, 1780, Lucy, born in 1755, and died Jan- uary 10, 1837, daughter of William and Elizabeth (Jones) Roberts of Middle- town. Stephen (2) Miller, grandfather of Frank Miller, was an importer and a ship- owner. He was engaged in trade of im- mense proportions in rum, sugar, molas- ses, and other products of the West In- dies. He became one of the most prom- inent men of Middletown. During the War of 1812 he lost sixteen of his vessels, sunk or captured by the British. Stephen (3) Miller, father of Frank Miller, and son of Stephen (2) and Lucy (Roberts) Mil- ler, was born in Middletown about July 4, 1795, and died September 26, 1877. He
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carried on farming extensively in Middle- town, and owned and operated a grist mill and conducted a lumber business. He was associated with other important enterprises in his home town. At the age of sixty years he retired from all active business pursuits, and lived at ease in Middletown until his death. He mar- ried (first) October 5, 1820, Clarissa, died in August, 1825, daughter of Noadiah Whitmore of Middletown. He married (second), December 2, 1827, Lucretia, daughter of Elisha and Lucretia (Tryon) Fairchild. Children by the first marriage: Stephen Whitmore, born October 22, 1821; Benjamin, born May 6, 1824. Chil- dren by the second marriage: Darius, Nathan Gladwin, Charles, Kate (Miller) Strickland and Frank Miller, deceased (see forward).
Frank Miller, son of Stephen (3) and Lucretia (Fairchild) Miller, was born at Middletown, August 3, 1848, and died at Bridgeport, August 13, 1921. He received his preliminary education in the public schools of his native town. He afterward studied at Chase Institute under the in- struction of the celebrated Dr. Chase. In 1863, regardless of the fact that he was but fifteen years of age, he enlisted for service in the Civil War and was assigned to the Ist Connecticut Heavy Artillery. He was with the Army of the Potomac under General Ulysses S. Grant, and served until the close of the war, having participated in many severe engagements. He came to Bridgeport to make his home in the early 70's, and soon organized a coal business, taking into partnership Er- win Strickland, the firm becoming known as Miller & Strickland. He later pur- chased the Strickland interest and the firm now became Frank Miller & Co., who car- ried on an extensive business in their line until 1907, when Mr. Miller disposed of
his interest to Archibald McNeil & Sons. Mr. Miller then became active in other fields of endeavor, among which the lum- ber trade attracted his major attention, and he organized the Frank Miller Lum- ber Company, which became one of the largest factors in that line in the Bridge- port territory. He remained as president of the company until his death. In 1889 Mr. Miller made his beginning in the financial career that was to see him at the very top among the leaders in banking affairs in Bridgeport. In that year he was elected a director of the City National Bank, afterward becoming vice-president, and in 1906, on the death of Edwin G. Sanford, Mr. Miller was made president, in which office he gave invaluable service until 1919, in which year his services be- ing so highly esteemed he was elected chairman of the board of directors. Ow- ing to his sound judgment, keen insight and business acumen, his cooperation in other lines of business was often sought, and he became actively and financially interested in a number of highly import- ant-some of them epoch-making-enter- prises. At the time of his death he was, in addition to being chairman of the board at the City National Bank, treasurer of the Lake Torpedo Boat Company of Bridgeport; president of the Citizens' Coal Company of Waterbury, Connecti- cut, and was an officer in a number of other business undertakings. While not actively engaged in political affairs of late years, Mr. Miller had been prominently identified with the Democratic party, and had held a number of offices, civic and political. These included membership in the Bridgeport Board of Education and the Board of Apportionments. He was deeply interested in religious and philan- thropic advance, and at his death he re- membered churches, hospitals, and the
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Salvation Army of Bridgeport with gifts totaling one hundred and fifty thousand dollars. These bequests have aided very materially the beneficiaries in promoting along extensive lines the causes that come under their respective care. Mr. Miller was an important member of the Masonic fraternity, and was affiliated with Corin- thian Lodge, No. 104, Free and Accepted Masons; Jernsalem Chapter, No. 13, Royal Arch Masons; Hamilton Com- mandery, No. 5, Knights Templar ; Pyra- mid Temple, Ancient Arabic Order No- bles of the Mystic Shrine; and a 32d de- gree Scottish Rite Mason. For many years he was an active member of Elias Howe Post, Grand Army of the Republic.
Mr. Miller married, November 29, 1869, at Waterbury, Connecticut, Emily Lou- ise Clinton of Woodbury, Connecticut, daughter of Ira A. and Mary Lewis Clin- ton. She died October 4, 1907. They were the parents of three children, all of whom are deceased. Mr. Miller married (second), November 5, 1908, at New York City, Anne Drew Hallock, daughter of Henry E. and Mary Frances Drew Hal- lock, of Bridgeport.
A fitting conclusion of this review of such an important and conspicuous figure and his life and deeds is embraced in the following tribute paid to Mr. Miller by organizations with which he had to do either directly or indirectly during his long and varied career :
BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF THE CITY NATIONAL BANK OF BRIDGEPORT.
WHEREAS, Frank Miller lived nearly all his busi- ness life in Bridgeport, and by his strong person- ality, broad vision and active participation in finan- cial and public affairs made himself a leading spirit in the growth and life of this city, and
WHEREAS, In recent years his chief business activity centered in the City National Bank, which he served as president for sixteen years and direc- tor for thirty-one years, and whose affairs he
managed with great fidelity and rare skill; now, therefore, be it
Resolved, That we, the directors of the City National Bank, keenly feel the irreparable loss of Frank Miller; and, be it further
Resolved, that a copy of these resolutions be con- veyed to his immediate family and to his associates through the press, and that these resolutions be inscribed on the minutes of this bank.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF THE CITY NATIONAL BANK.
CHARLES E. HOUGH, President. L. S. CATLIN, Clerk.
COMMON COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF BRIDGEPORT.
With profound sorrow we record the passing from this life of one of our most prominent citi- zens, Frank Miller. Mr. Miller was a conspicuous figure in the community through his active partici- pation in the many phases of communal develop- ment, financial, industrial and philanthropic. He served the city faithfully in numerous official capacities, and at the time of his passing was a member of the Financial Advisory Board. .... His passing from the scene of his earthly labors excites not only sorrow and grief, but a deep sense of loss, for his opinions were of inestimable value, and his energy, wisdom and loyalty were in con- stant demand. The city of Bridgeport and all who have been associated with him in the many years of his active, resourceful and successful career, in the many industries in which he was engaged, will greatly miss him.
Resolved, That the Common Council, in record- ing its sorrow on the death of Frank Miller, add its testimony to his sterling qualities, worth and services.
Resolved, That we extend our heartfelt sym- pathy to the bereaved family in their irreparable loss.
Resolved, That these resolutions be spread upon the minutes of the Common Council and a copy thereof suitably engrossed be presented to the bereaved family.
CLIFFORD B. WILSON, Mayor ; J. ALEX. H. ROBINSON, Clerk.
DIRECTORS OF THE LAKE TORPEDO BOAT COMPANY OF BRIDGEPORT.
WHEREAS, Frank Miller, late of this city, was for many years a director and officer of the Lake Torpedo Boat Company; therefore, be it
Resolved, That the service of Mr. Miller to this company in planning and assisting in the building
Conn. 11-6
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of weapons of defense for this country was con- sistent with that patriotism which was an integral part of his entire life from his early boyhood; and, be it further
Resolved, That the directors of the Lake Tor- pedo Boat Company mourn the loss of Mr. Miller as that of a true friend and earnest fellow-worker and a patriot with most lofty ideals; and, be it further
Resolved, That a copy of these resolutions be spread upon the minutes of the company and that a copy be sent to the family of the deceased.
THE LAKE TORPEDO BOAT COMPANY. HERBERT S. MILLER, President.
Endowed with the material of which heroes are made, Frank Miller, though nearly always in the van of every move- ment or enterprise in which he had been enlisted, never played to the galleries. He was energized by that propelling power the results of which are to be ob- served in that type of men who by sheer force of character, a forceful personal- ity and a compelling capacity for doing large things, find themselves naturally and logically at the front. If self-conscious- ness or an exaggerated retiring manner restrains them from forging ahead to the place that they should fill, their fellows are apt to impress them into the service for which they are by nature and train- ing eminently fitted. It was so with Frank Miller ; and for the very good reason that this was so, the city of Bridgeport as a community, its financial, industrial, and municipal institutions have been inspired to do the best things in a better way -- and no man, from the world point of a vision of greatness, could have done more than he in having been a substantial citizen and a source of inspiration to his fellow-men.
WHEELER, Nathaniel,
Organizer, Head of Large Industry.
Nathaniel Wheeler, organizer and pres- ident of the Wheeler & Wilson Manufac-
turing Company, makers of Wheeler & Wilson sewing machines, was born in Watertown, Litchfield County, Connect- icut, September 20, 1820, and died at his home on Golden Hill, Bridgeport, in the same State, December 31, 1893.
(I) He was of the seventh generation of his family in America, and a descend- ant of Moses Wheeler, born in England in 1598, who came to New England with a company from the County of Kent. In 1643 he received a tract of land in New Haven. Some four or five years later he removed to Stratford. His deed was the first recorded at Hartford of the lands bought from the Indians at Stratford. Orcutt's "History of Stratford and Bridge- port," says: "The first record found in re- gard to public convenience is concerning a ferry : The motion made by Mr. Ludlow concerning Moses Wheeler for keeping the Ferry at Stratford." He was a farmer and ship carpenter, and established the ferry across the Housatonic River. He lived to the age of one hundred years, and at the time of his death was an ex- tensive landowner.
(II) Moses Wheeler, son of Moses Wheeler, was born in 1651, and died Jan- uary 30, 1724-25.
(III) Samuel Wheeler, son of Moses Wheeler, was born February 27, 1681-82, died in 1721.
(IV) Captain James Wheeler, son of Samuel Wheeler, born 1716, died in Derby, Connecticut, July 9, 1768.
(V) Deacon James Wheeler, son of Captain James Wheeler, born April 6, 1745, died in Watertown in 1819.
(VI) David Wheeler, son of Deacon James Wheeler, was born September 6, 1789. He was a general builder and far- mer, and had on his farm a small shop where he employed a few men in various ways, including the making of wagons and
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sleighs. He married for his first wife Phoebe De Forest, by whom he had two children : Joseph and Mary. His second wife was Sarah De Forest, of the same family, by whom he had four children : Nathaniel, of whom further; George, Jane and Belinda. The De Forests were descendants of a Huguenot family of Avesnes, France, some of whose numbers fled to Leyden, Holland, to escape re- ligious persecution. One of these, named Isaac De Forest, son of Jesse and Marie (DeCloux) De Forest, emigrated from Leyden to New Amsterdam in 1636, and there married Sarah Du Trieux. One of their sons, David De Forest, settled in Stratford, and was the ancestor of the mother of Nathaniel Wheeler.
(VII) Nathaniel Wheeler, son of David and Sarah (De Forest) Wheeler, attended the schools of his native place, and, as often related by his father, took his full share of whatever work was to be done on the farm or in the shop. It was this helpfulness to others that prevailed throughout his life, and wherever he was there were always numberless examples of those to whose welfare he contributed. He was especially solicitous for the welfare of those associated with him. His associates and employees shared generously in the fruits of his success. He was early taught, by one skilled in the work, the elaborate painting then in vogue for vehicles, especially sleighs. This enabled him in later years to devise meth- ods for finishing woods, which changed the processes in this work throughout the country, and in other countries as well, and to conduct experiments, leading to the most successful results in finishing the products of the Fairfield Rubber Works. On coming of age he took entire charge of the business of the shop, his father retiring to the farm. A few years lat-
er he learned die-sinking, and took up the manufacture of various small metallic ar- ticles, largely buckles and slides, and by substituting machinery for hand labor greatly reduced the cost of production. He was now well equipped with a knowledge of metals, which qualified him to direct work with marked success in all these branches. In 1848 he united his business with that of Alanson Warren and George Woodruff, manufacturers of similar arti- cles, the new firm taking the name of Warren, Wheeler & Woodruff. They bought a water privilege on the stream flowing through Watertown, some mile and a half below the center, and erected a factory for the enlarged business, with Mr. Wheeler in charge. While in New York on business and looking for some- thing to more fully occupy the new prem- ises, he was shown the sewing machine invented by Allen B. Wilson, which was then on exhibition and attracting atten- tion.
While it is true that the art of sewing by machinery was American in its origin and development, European genius had been groping toward it for nearly a cen- tury before, Weisenthal, as early as 1755, Heilman, Thomas Saint (granted an Eng- lish patent in 1790), Thimonier (who first obtained a patent in France in 1830). Newton, and Archbold of England, and possibly others, essayed the invention, but not one of these pointed the way to a practical sewing machine. Something was said to have been done by Walter Hunt, of New York, as early as 1832; but the contrivance alleged to have been made was abandoned or neglected until the success of others had become publicly known. The invention of Elias Howe, patented in 1846, was undoubtedly the first important step toward a practical machine, but the perfected "Howe" was
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not patented until 1857. The inventor who first reached satisfactory results in this field was Allen B. Wilson, a native of Cortland County, New York. While working at his trade as cabinetmaker in Adrian, Michigan, in 1847, he conceived the idea of a sewing machine. He knew nothing of what others had thought or done in this direction. In 1848, in Pitts- field, Massachusetts, while still working at his trade, he completed the drawings of his machine, and in the spring of the following year finished his model. Al- though not a machinist and not able to procure suitable tools, he made with his own hands every part of the machine, whether of wood or metal. Authorities agree that "this was the first machine ever constructed, meeting to any extent the requirements of a sewing machine." This machine enabled the operator to control at will the direction of the stitch- ing, and thus to sew continuous seams of any length, either straight or curved. Continuing to improve and invent, he ob- tained patents in 1850, 1851, 1852, and 1854. The important improvements were developed after Mr. Wheeler became in- terested, and with his cooperation and suggestion. Impressed with his first views of Mr. Wilson's achievement, Mr. Wheeler contracted with Messrs. E. Lee & Company, of New York, then controlling the patent, to build five hundred machines at Watertown, Mr. Wilson agreeing to re- move to that place and superintend their manufacture. Shortly afterwards, rela- tions with Lee & Company ceased, and a partnership was formed between Messrs. Warren, Wheeler, Woodruff, and Wilson, under the title "Wheeler, Wilson & Com- pany," for the manufacture of sewing ma- chines. They manufactured the original "Wheeler & Wilson Sewing Machines," and made them successful. This was
largely due to the efforts of Mr. Wheeler, who became the mercantile head of the company, and led the improvements into practical lines. The introduction of the machine, placing it in factories and work- shops and demonstrating its value in fam- ilies, was carried out under his control. Opposition, prejudice and disbelief melted away before enterprising activity and per- severance. In a brief period the machine was in operation in New York and other cities. In October, 1853, the business was reorganized as a joint stock company un- der the title "Wheeler & Wilson Manu- facturing Company." The capital of the corporation was one hundred and sixty thousand dollars, the patents being valued at one hundred thousand, and the machin- ery at sixty thousand. The new subscrib- ers to this stock, the foundation of the fortunes of so many, enjoyed the profits of the business without any cost whatever to themselves, as they gave their notes for the stock, but were never called upon to pay any part of them, as Mr. Wheeler financed the business, providing whatever cash was necessary, and the notes were paid by the profits of the business as they became due. For a year or two Mr. Wheeler acted as the general manager. In 1855 he became president, and filled that office during the remainder of his life.
About the time that the Wheeler & Wilson machine began to attract public attention, the sewing machine invented by Isaac M. Singer became known, also the Grover & Baker sewing machine. All these machines contained principles that Elias Howe thought were covered by his patents, and he commenced suits which brought them together in defense. While these were being contested, with the best obtainable legal talent in the country on all sides, Mr. Wheeler proposed that, as
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these machines varied so much, they col- lectively seemed to cover thoroughly the field of sewing by machinery, yet each obviously had extensive fields to which each was particularly adapted, and as Elias Howe's patents strengthened all, it seemed wise that all should respect his patents and the patents and devices of each other, and in this way join in the defense of each other's rights. This plan was adopted, and led to many years of successful business for all concerned. Mr. Howe for many years received a royalty for each machine manufactured by all these companies, but for several years did nothing himself in the way of manu- facturing.
Mr. Wilson, eager to devote attention in other directions and explore other fields of invention, among which were cotton picking machines, illuminating gases and photography, early retired from active participation in the business, retaining stock in the company and receiving the benefit of dividends, a regular salary thereafter without services and substan- tial sums on renewals of his patents. He invested largely in building in North Adams, Massachusetts, the scene of part of his early life. He built a residence on a beautiful site overlooking the Nauga- tuck River opposite the city of Water- bury, and continued to live there until his death, April 29, 1888. The residence enlarged, has since become the Water- bury Hospital. His inventions have been declared by high authorities to be "as original, ingenious, and effective, as any to be found in the whole range of me- chanics."
In 1856 the factory was removed from Watertown to Bridgeport, Connecticut, the company buying and occupying the works of the Jerome Clock Company. Mr. Wheeler also removed thither and at once
identified himself with the interest of the city. With increased factory space and improved machinery, the business ad- vanced with rapid strides. The capital stock was increased from time to time, and in 1864 to one million dollars. Fire swept a portion of the buildings in 1875, but they were rebuilt immediately on an improved plan. Additions were frequent- ly made until the company's works cov- ered a ground space of some fifteen acres. In recognition of Mr. Wheeler's services in his department of industry, he was decorated at the World's Exposition held in Vienna in 1873 with the Imperial Order of Francis Joseph, and at the Paris Expo- sition in 1889 he received the cross of the Legion of Honor of France. In addi- tion to many sewing machine patents, either as sole inventor or jointly with others, he held patents for wood filling compounds, power transmitters, refriger- ators, ventilating cars, heating and ven- tilating buildings. The system for ven- tilating school houses, originated by him, was the forerunner of the best modern practice, and was widely sought after and copied.
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