USA > Connecticut > Encyclopedia of Connecticut biography, genealogical-memorial; representative citizens, v. 8 > Part 14
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28 | Part 29 | Part 30 | Part 31 | Part 32 | Part 33 | Part 34 | Part 35 | Part 36 | Part 37 | Part 38 | Part 39 | Part 40 | Part 41 | Part 42 | Part 43 | Part 44 | Part 45 | Part 46 | Part 47 | Part 48 | Part 49 | Part 50 | Part 51 | Part 52 | Part 53 | Part 54 | Part 55 | Part 56 | Part 57 | Part 58 | Part 59 | Part 60 | Part 61 | Part 62 | Part 63 | Part 64
95
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
Judd Hamilton Redfield has helped to found and develop a business which has a national reputation, and occupies a place among the leading citizens of his community. He is entitled, beyond all question, to be called a truly successful man.
MATHER, David Nelson,
Business Man.
The name of Mather can be found on record among the oldest English sur- names. In the parish records of Leigh, about two miles from Lowton, Lanca- shire, England, is found mention of Ma- ther baptisms as early as 1558. There are few names so prominently connected with our early New England history as that of Mather. The name is derived from math, and signifies honor or reverence. The motto of the Mather family, "Virtus vera nobilitas est," is an ample presenta- tion of the qualities of the family which in England and New England has held a place of conspicuous prominence in the history of both countries.
The Mather family of which David Nel- son Mather is a worthy scion has been settled in Darien, Connecticut, for four generations. The great-grandfather of Mr. Mather, Joseph Mather, being the pi- oneer. The latter receives extended men- tion in the ancestry which follows. The old homestead in Darien is still called the "Old Mather Homestead," and it is one of the ancient landmarks which are fast dis- appearing. The members of this family have followed agricultural pursuits for generations : they have been producers and among the worthy men of their day.
(I) Rev. Richard Mather, immigrant an- cestor, was born in Lowton, Winwick parish, Lancashire, England, in 1596, and died in Dorchester, Massachusetts, April 22, 1669. He attended the public school in Winwick, and in the summer time
walked four miles to school. At the age of fifteen years he was recommended for teacher of a school near Liverpool. There Rev. Mr. Mather remained for several years, and during this time was brought within the good influence of Aspinwall, and also listened with earnest attention to the preaching of Harrison, all of which seemed to instill in him a desire to enter the ministry. This he did, taking his theological studies at Oxford, and at the age of twenty-two years was ordained minister at Toxeth. There he served the ministry faithfully for many years. Even- tually, religious oppression forced him to leave England and he sailed on the "James" from Bristol, arriving in Boston, Massachusetts, in August, 1635. On Oc- tober 25, of the same year, he and his wife joined the Boston church. In Au- gust, 1636, Rev. Richard Mather settled in Dorchester, where he remained until his death. He married (first), September 29, 1624, Catherine Holt, daughter of Ed- mund Holt, of Bury, England, and she died in 1655. She was the mother of Tim- othy Mather, of whom further.
(II) Timothy Mather was born in Liv- erpool, England, in 1628, died in Dor- chester, January 14, 1684; he was the only one of his father's sons that grew to ma- turity and did not enter the ministry. He always lived near his father's home, and was a farmer. His death was caused by a fall while at work in his barn. Mr. Mather married (first) Mary Atherton, daughter of Major-General Humphrey Atherton, and they were the parents of six children, of whom Richard Mather is the next in line of descent.
(III) Richard (2) Mather was born December 22, 1653, and died in Lyme, Connecticut, August 17, 1688. His life was spent in farming, and he was among the early settlers of Lyme. He married, July 1, 1680, Catherine Wise, and they
96
David M Mathe
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
were the parents of Captain Timothy Ma- ther, of whom further.
(IV) Captain Timothy (2) Mather was born March 20, 1681, and died July 25, 1755. He married Sarah Noyes, and they were the parents of Rev. Moses Mather, of whom further.
(V) Rev. Moses Mather was born in Lyme, Connecticut, February 23, 1719, and died in Darien, Connecticut, Septem- ber 21, 1806. He graduated from Yale College in 1739, and was a fellow of that institution from 1777 to 1790. Rev. Mr. Mather was early settled in Darien as pastor of a church there established in 1740. In 1791 the degree of D. D. was conferred on him by the College of New Jersey. During the Revolutionary War he was subjected to many indignities at the hands of the Tories who were very numerous in that vicinity. He was made prisoner by them and confined for some time. During his imprisonment his food was of the worst and his surroundings were very poor. There was a woman, said to be the mother of Washington Ir- ving, who sent him food and clothing and in other ways managed to make his forced stay endurable. Rev. Mr. Mather mar- ried (first) September 10, 1746, Hannah Bell, and she died April 21, 1755. They were the parents of Joseph Mather, of whom further.
(VI) Joseph Mather was born July 21, 1753, and died February 29, 1840. He was known as Deacon Joseph, and was one of the most influential citizens of Darien, Connecticut. His home was back from the main traveled path a consider- able distance, and because of this fact was not so easily found by the British enemy. It was customary for many of the neighbors to bring their silver and other valuables to Deacon Mather's house to conceal them there until such time as
they could be carried to a better place of safety. In the spring of 1781 the enemy learned of this practice and before the val- uables could be taken away they came to the house and confiscated everything. Deacon Mather married, May 29, 1777, Sarah Scott, and she died August 27, 1843. They were the parents of Joseph (2) Ma- ther, of whom further.
(VII) Joseph (2) Mather was born September 30, 1789, and died September 27, 1864. He was a farmer and a useful citizen of the community. The house in which Joseph Mather was born is now the summer home of his grandson, Ste- phen T. Mather, who receives extended mention in the following sketch. For several terms Joseph Mather served as selectman; he was originally a Whig in politics, and later a Republican. For many years he attended the Congrega- tional church, a consistent Christian and active worker of the church. On Janu- ary I, 1812, he married (first) Sally Jar- vis, and (second) October 6, 1816, Happy Osborne Wakeman. His second wife died December 31, 1871.
(VIII) David Banks Mather, son of Joseph (2) and Happy Osborne (Wake- man) Mather, was born in the same neigh- borhood, October 16, 1817, and died De- cember 18, 1876. In his younger days he was a school teacher and was also a farmer throughout his lifetime. He mar- ried, November 10, 1841, Julia Everett, and they were the parents of the follow- ing children: I. Anna Eliza, now the widow of James S. Weed, of Stamford, Connecticut. 2. Sarah Cornelia, deceased, married Michael Newbauer, of New York City. 3. David Nelson, who receives ex- tended mention below. 4. Julia Louise, deceased, married Theodore Scofield, of Danbury, Connecticut. The Mather fam- ily were active members of the Congrega-
Conn-8 7
97
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
tional church, and David B. Mather was active in church work during his lifetime.
(IX) David Nelson Mather, son of Da- vid B. and Julia (Everett) Mather, was born on the place he now occupies in Darien, Connecticut, October 23, 1852. He was educated in the public schools of his native town, and immediately after completing his schooling became asso- ciated with his father in caring for the home farm. After the death of the latter in 1876, Mr. Mather succeeded to the in- terests of the farm and for forty years has been engaged in the retail milk business in the village. Mr. Mather is among the best known citizens of Darien, and has always been found willing to aid in any of the public enterprises. For many years he has served as constable, which office he now holds. In politics he is a Republican, and staunchly adheres to the interests of that party.
Mr. Mather married Ida Matilda Mc- Ewen, daughter of Daniel Chattel and Sarah Amelia (Sale) McEwen. Daniel C. McEwen was born in Paisley, Scotland, son of Daniel and Sarah McEwen. The former was eighteen years old when he came to America and learned the trade of tailor, which he followed in New York City until the Civil War. Mr. McEwen died in 1864, at the early age of twenty- eight years. Mr. and Mrs. Mather were the parents of three children: 1. Fred- erick Clinton, born September 21, 1876, now deceased. He married Murilla Louise Smith, and left a daughter, Mabel Pier- pont. 2. Florence Amelia, born Decem- ber 26, 1878, married Samuel Lewis Rice, and has one son, Clarence Chattel, born July 17, 1903. 3. Clarence Sale, born June 21, 1884, married Margaret Loretta Clark, and has three children: Alberta Ida, Marguerite Mary, and Loretta Ellen. Mr. Mather and his wife attend the Con- gregational church of Darien.
MATHER, Stephen Tyng,
Manufacturer, Director of National Park Service.
(VIII) Joseph Wakeman Mather, son of Joseph (2) and Happy Osborne (Wake- man) Mather, whose ancestry appears in the preceding sketch, was born in Darien, Connecticut, January II, 1820. He was educated in the public schools and for some years taught in the schools of Dar- ien and surrounding towns. Then Mr. Mather went to New York City and at first worked in mercantile establishments, but soon resumed teaching, finally be- coming principal of one of the downtown grammar schools. Returning again to business life, he became identified with the old importing house of Alsop & Com- pany, with whom he remained a number of years, until 1863, when he went to California to assume the office of secre- tary of the Quick-Silver Mining Com- pany. There he remained a number of years, and for part of the time was en- gaged in business as a commission mer- chant. While in San Francisco, Mr. Ma- ther served as a member of the school board. In 1888 he returned to the East as representative of the California Borax Company, with headquarters in Wall street, remaining with this company until 1897, in which year he retired. Mr. Ma- ther's summers were always spent in the home of his forefathers at Darien. He died there, August 21, 1905.
One of the most interesting phases of his career was his membership in the original Fremont & Dayton Glee Club, which was organized for the campaign of 1856. He had a fine tenor voice, which he retained in splendid volume and qual- ity until late in life. In politics Mr. Ma- ther was a Republican, and was always active in political matters. He was an attendant of the St. George Episcopal
98
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
Church in New York City, and was a singer in the choir of this church previ- ous to 1863. He married, June 27, 1864, in New York City, Bertha Jemima Wal- ker, born March 31, 1844, daughter of Edward and Sophia (Shedell) Walker, of New York City. Their children were: Ella Maria, deceased; Stephen Tyng, of further mention; Joseph Wakeman, born January 18, 1869, died February 4, 1888.
(IX) Stephen Tyng Mather, the only surviving child of Joseph Wakeman and Bertha J. (Walker) Mather, was born July 4, 1867. He was educated in the University of California, from which he was graduated in 1887 with a B. L. de- gree. For five years subsequently he worked as a reporter, and from 1892 to 1894 was associated with his father in the borax business. He went to Chicago in the interests of this business and estab- lished an agency there, remaining until 1903. In the latter year he developed his own borax business, which is incorporated under the name of the Thorkildsen-Ma- ther Company, the same interests having a corporation in California known as the Sterling Borax Company, and since their organization Mr. Mather has been vice- president of these corporations, and since 1894 has maintained his legal residence in Chicago.
While a student at the University of California, Hon. Franklin K. Lane, Sec- retary of the Interior, was a classmate, and this friendship has continued through- out the years. He asked Mr. Mather to take up park work, and in 1915 Mr. Ma- ther became assistant to the Secretary of the Interior. In 1917, when the bureau known as the National Park Service was created, Mr. Mather was made the first director. He has charge of nineteen Na- tional parks, and is responsible for their administration.
Mr. Mather has taken a great interest
in mountain climbing, and was one of the directors of the Chicago Geographic So- ciety for a number of years. He is also a member of the Prairie Club and of the Sierra Club. One of the expeditions of the latter club was a climb to the top of Mt. Rainier. Mr. Mather is a member of Sigma Chi, and the Golden Bear, an hon- orary society of the University of Cali- fornia, and he has been an active mem- ber of the City Club of Chicago since its organization, also serving this institution as vice-president. He was a member of the building commission that erected its present fine clubhouse. He is also a mem- ber of the University Club of Chicago; the Chicago Athletic Club; and a life member of the Chicago Art Institute. Mr. Mather has always been more or less ac- tive in the United Charities and served as chairman of its activities in the stock- yards' district for a number of years. He helped to build the House of Social Serv- ice. Other clubs of which Mr. Mather is a member are: Down Town Club of New York; New York Chemists', the New York Drug Club, and the Cosmos Club, of Washington, D. C.
Mr. Mather married Jane T. Floy, daughter of James T. Floy, of Elizabeth, New Jersey, and they were the parents of a daughter, Bertha F. Mather. The fam- ily are members of the Church of the Re- deemer of Chicago, of which Mr. Mather has been vestryman for ten years.
(The Wakeman Line).
Mrs. Happy Osborne (Wakeman) Ma- ther's ancestry is equally as ancient and prominent as her husband's. She was born January 27, 1794, and died Decem- ber 31, 1871, a descendant of John Wake- man, the immigrant.
The origin of the name of Wakeman has an added interest because of its great antiquity. It was a title originally given
99
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
to the chief magistrate of Rippon, in York- shire, England, and literally signified, "wide-awake man." This title descended from father to son, and in this manner the surname originated. The family has long been settled in New England, the founder, John Wakeman, being listed among the freemen in New Haven, Con- necticut, as early as June 4, 1639.
(I) John Wakeman was born about 1598-99, in Bewdley, Worcestershire, Eng- land, and died in Hartford, Connecticut, in 1661. He was a son of Francis and Anna (Goode) Wakeman, of Bewdley. On January 28, 1628-29, John Wakeman married, at Bewdley, Elizabeth Hopkins, daughter of William and Helen (Vick- aris) Hopkins, baptized October 7, 1610, in Ribbeford Church, England, and died at New Haven, in 1658.
(II) Rev. Samuel Wakeman, son of John and Elizabeth (Hopkins) Wakeman, was born, probably, in 1635, as he was baptized June 7, of that year, and died March 8, 1692, at Fairfield, Connecticut. He was ordained September 30, 1665, as second pastor of the church at Fairfield. His early education was obtained at Har- vard College. Rev. Mr. Wakeman mar- ried, August 28, 1656, Hannah Goodyear, daughter of Governor Stephen Goodyear, of New Haven, Connecticut, and she died in 1721.
(III) Captain Joseph Wakeman, son of Rev. Samuel and Hannah (Goodyear) Wakeman, was born in 1670, and died December 5, 1726. He was particularly prominent in affairs, and was considered a good business man. Sufficient warrant of this fact is found in his will showing his estate at his death to be £5,000. On December 13, 1704, he was appointed lieutenant by the council (Queen Anne's War), and was appointed captain in Fair- field, in May, 1708. Captain Wakeman held many offices of trust and responsi-
bility, and was held in high esteem by his fellow-citizens. He served as justice of the peace of Fairfield, and as probate judge and judge of the County Court. He was a member of the governor's council from 1724 to 1725, and was deputy twenty- eight sessions. His house, which was built in 1670, was for many years a land- mark in Fairfield. This house and that of his grandson were the only ones the British did not burn. At one time Cap- tain Wakeman had been kind to some pris- oners and it was in consideration of this that they spared his house. It is said that Captain Wakeman often wished they did not spare it as he was afraid his neigh- bors would think he was a Tory. At one time several British officers were quar- tered in his home and in one of the rooms they had considerable gold money. One of Captain Wakeman's daughters, hoping to save some of it, concealed a gold piece under each bedpost, but it was discovered. Captain Wakeman married, in 1697-98, Elizabeth Hawley, born May 6, 1679, died August 18, 1753, daughter of Ebenezer and Esther (Ward) Hawley.
(IV) Stephen Wakeman, son of Cap- tain Joseph and Elizabeth (Hawley) Wakeman, was born in 1716, and died March 23, 1760. He graduated from Yale College in 1738, with the degree of B. A. On January II, 1734, Stephen Wakeman married Mary Adams, born in 1717-18, and died August 16, 1741, daughter of Stephen Adams.
(V) Jesup Wakeman, son of Stephen and Mary (Adams) Wakeman, was bap- tized September 25, 1748, and died Janu- ary 2, 1780. He married, at Greenfield, Connecticut, December 29, 1768, Amelia Banks, born in 1746, died December 17, 1833, daughter of Nehemiah and Abigail (Bradley) Banks.
(VI) Banks Wakeman, son of Jesup and Amelia (Banks) Wakeman, was born
100
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
September 12, 1769, and died March 29, 1835. He married (first) Happy Os- borne, and (second) in Fairfield, Connec- ticut, November 20, 1796, Eleanor Jen- nings, born April 28, 1776, died March 25, 1861, daughter of Joshua Jennings.
(VII) Happy Osborne Wakeman, a daughter of Banks and Happy (Osborne) Wakeman, became the wife of Joseph (2) Mather, as above noted.
MATHER, William Francis, Building Contractor.
In the death of William Francis Mather early in 1921 there was removed from the Norwalk community one of its oldest citizens, a man who for seventy of his ninety-two years followed his calling in this place. William Francis Mather was a son of Joseph (2) and Happy Osborne (Wakeman ) Mather (q. v.), and was born on the old Mather homestead, May 13, 1829. He was educated in the district schools, grew to manhood on the home farm, and remained there until 1847, when he was apprenticed to the carpen- ter's trade. For seventy years he was active in this line as journeyman and con- tractor, and his long career placed to his credit the building of more houses than have been constructed in Fairfield county by any other man. His four sons, all of whom were trained in the same trade, were associated with him in his opera- tions, and in 1851 Mr. Mather built the house that was his residence at the time of his death, a home on Five Acre lot. Mr. Mather was orderly sergeant in the Norwalk Artillery Company, and served three years before attaining his majority. He was widely acquainted and popular in his locality, interested in all that con- cerned the welfare of his fellows, and held by them in the respect that is always rendered to one who lives an upright,
moral life. William Francis Mather died January 13, 1921.
Mr. Mather married, December 30, 1850, Emeline L. Gregory, daughter of George B. and Nancy (Taylor) Gregory, of Cranbury Plain, in the town of Nor- walk, Connecticut, who was born Febru- ary 18, 1829, and died September 27, 1912. Children: 1. William Joseph, born No- vember 27, 1851 ; married, September 10, 1874, Fannie M. F. Hitchcock. 2. George Wallace, born August 31, 1855; married, March 12, 1881, Minerva Crabb. 3. Happy Isabell, born January 23, 1857; married, April 8, 1875, Thaddeus B. Johnson. 4. Charles Francis, born June 25, 1859 ; mar- ried, March 6, 1881, Jennie F. Knapp. 5. Edwin Lincoln, born April 22, 1861 ; mar- ried, August 14, 1883, Maud Platts. 6. Nellie Frances, born October 3, 1874.
LEES, John A., Head of Important Business.
The history of the Lees Manufacturing Company of Westport is a very interest- ing one. It is not only the oldest business enterprise of that town, but there have been four generations of the Lees family at the head of its management continu- ously. The present plant stands on the same site as the original. The plant was started in 1814 in the face of much local opposition and doubt as to its feasibility. An interesting item in the contract for the original building was the stipulation that in raising the frame, the building committee should supply one gallon of West India rum and three gallons of elderberry brandy. The mill started with fifteen employees, and the depression fol- lowing the War of 1812 made the enter- prise unprofitable. It sustained a pre- carious existence until 1834, when Joseph Wood and Robert Raymond rented the mill and operated it for four years. From
IOI
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
1838 to 1843 the enterprise lay dormant, and in the latter year John Lees took it in hand.
John Lees was the founder of his fam- ily in America. He was born in Glhn- clonch, township of Preswick, County Lancashire, England, in 1786, and sailed from Liverpool, England, February 20, 1810, landing in New York City the fol- lowing April. He was a man of skill and enterprise, and infused new life into the business when he assumed its manager- ship in 1843. He spent much money and labor in improvements, and kept the mill running all the time on a paying basis. After fifteen years of faithful endeavor, the warnings of age made him retire, and in 1858 his son succeeded him. John Lees married, at the Friends Meeting, August 5, 1812, Martha Comstock. Their son, Thomas Robert Lees, is mentioned be- low
Thomas Robert Lees was born in Hol- den, Massachusetts, and died in Westport, Connecticut. After succeeding his father as the head of the mill, he continued to successfully manage the affairs for twenty years. He had practiced running the mill for years before he became owner, and in 1878, when fire destroyed the mill, he had been a manufacturer for thirty-five years. Thomas R. Lees was a director of the Westport Savings Bank; he was a Republican, and served as representative in the State Legislature. He married, in Auburn, Massachusetts, Elizabeth Clarke, daughter of John and Sarah (Rice) Clarke. They were the parents of Robert T. Lees, mentioned below.
Robert T. Lees became president and treasurer at the time the business was in- corporated in 1881. The capital was $25,000, afterwards increased to $50,000, and the work of rebuilding on the old site began. The new factory of stone and brick, in every way larger and more com-
modious than the old one, was completed in ninety days. It was equipped with the latest and most improved machinery, and in this respect the equipment has always been kept abreast of the latest develop- ments. Robert T. Lees was accustomed to work in his father's factory at the early age of twelve, and obtained by prac- tical experience a thorough knowledge of every detail of the business. In 1874 he entered the commission house of Lees & Kelly, and for six years traveled over the entire country as their representative. He married Lucy P. Lees. Robert T. Lees died September 19, 1913.
John A. Lees, son of Robert T. Lees, was born in Brooklyn, New York, Janu- ary 21, 1875. He attended school there. He was ten years of age when he came to Westport, Connecticut, and six years later entered the plant of the Lees Man- ufacturing Company. Mr. Lees began at the very bottom and learned each de- tail of the business, preparing himself for the time when he would be at its head. His father was his able preceptor, and in 1905 John A. Lees had progressed suf- ficiently to hold the office of secretary and general manager. The company's prod- ucts consist of cotton cordage, twines, wicks, yarns, braided goods, glazed and polished twines and threads. The factory buildings include a large modern dye plant for coloring its twines, threads and yarns. The products are shipped to all parts of the world under its well known registered trade-marks-"La Favorita" and "Octagon" brands. The company's water power is drawn from the beautiful Saugatuck river, the mill being located on the banks of one of its tributaries. The recent purchase of an additional factory site and brick building in Norwalk, Con- necticut, will afford the company a sub- stantial increase in its production. The Lees family has always owned control of
102
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
the company, and at the present time the business of the Lees Manufacturing Com- pany is headed by John A. Lees, who is of the fourth generation of the family.
Fraternally, John A. Lees is a member of Temple Lodge, No. 65, Ancient Free and Accepted Masons ; Pyramid Temple, Nobles of the Mystic Shrine, of Bridge- port, and the Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite; Lafayette Consistory, Sublime Princes of the Royal Secret, thirty-second degree, Bridgeport; also Clinton Com- mandery, No. 3, Knights Templar, Nor- walk, Connecticut. He is a member of the Saugatuck Congregational Church, and was a member of the church com- mittee. In 1913 Mr. Lees purchased a site in the Catskill mountains where he built a summer home and spends part of each summer with his family.
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.