USA > Connecticut > Encyclopedia of Connecticut biography, genealogical-memorial; representative citizens, v. 8 > Part 17
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In 1873 Mr. Dolge inaugurated on a small scale in Brooklyn a new industry,
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the manufacture of felt for piano ham- mers, a quality that had hitherto been imported, owing to the pecuniary losses which had until that time attended the then scarcely understood manufacture of this product in the United States. Mr. Dolge was the first one to overcome these difficulties and in a short time was pro- ducing a grade of felt of such excellence that it found ready sale on the European markets. In less than three years the Brooklyn factory proved inadequate to supply the constantly increasing demand and the plant was transferred to a small village in the Adirondacks, called Brock- ett's Bridge, where can be seen today the immense buildings of a prosperous com- pany whose existence is due solely to the superior abilities of Carl B. Dolge.
Through the efforts of his numerous employees, to whom he had endeared himself by his equitable and kind dealings, Mr. Dolge was appointed postmaster, and the name of the village changed by legal enactment to Dolgeville ; all the positions of honor, road commissioner, school trus- tee, the presidency of various commercial enterprises and societies were given to him. However, the strain placed upon his physical and mental powers soon became so great that in order to avoid fatal con- sequences Mr. Dolge was compelled to abandon these various activities and re- turned to Brooklyn, where in complete rest and quiet he for a long time tried to restore his shattered health.
As soon as his health permitted him- again to engage in business, he embarked with a Mr. Huncke in the manufacture of the celebrated embalming fluid, "Utopia." That was in April, 1886, and although this new venture was entirely different from the business in which he had for so many years engaged, Mr. Dolge in a short time mastered all the details and soon suc-
ceeded in bringing his embalming fluid, "Utopia," before the undertakers of America. During all his life his policy was to give the best article possible for the price charged, and on that foundation Mr. Dolge developed a large and suc- cessful business. His inventive genius was always active in devising new and improved appliances and instruments for the use of embalmers, among which may be mentioned : The atmosphere pump ; the extracting needle; the arterial binders ; the draining tube; the infant trocar and needle ; the professional wallet ; tube sup- porters; graduated bottle; hypodermic instrument ; leecher, etc.
The achievement in which he took the most pride was the founding alone, un- aided, and in the face of discouraging opposition, of the United States College of Embalming. This was the dream of all progressive undertakers, and through Mr. Dolge's efforts it became a reality, and a place of instruction in the art of embalming. This Mr. Dolge accom- plished in opposition to friendly admoni- tions ; in spite of the effort of competitors to impede ; without any certainty of fu- ture pecuniary returns commensurate with the large investment and the expense of demonstrators, costly paraphernalia, etc. His enterprise and unswerving hon- esty won for him the esteem and sincere friendship of all with whom he came in contact.
Among other valuable discoveries cred- ited to Mr. Dolge were the value of for- maldehyde as an embalming fluid, and the introduction of the first nonpoisonous em- balming fluid. In 1886, the same year in which Dr. Dolge became identified with the manufacture of embalming fluids, he formed a partnership with Jean D. Ben- der, and established the Atlantic Starch Works in Brooklyn. The plant was de-
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stroyed by fire in 1890; a factory site was then purchased in Westport and the busi- ness carried on there for many years. Dr. Dolge sold his interest in this company in 1892.
So great was the attachment of many of his employees for Mr. Dolge that when he began his operations in Westport some of these removed there from Dolgeville. The business in Westport is carried on under the name of the C. B. Dolge Com- pany, and the product manufactured, dis- infectants, is sold direct to institutions, hospitals, factories, and to the retail trade jobbers.
As a pastime and recreation from his business, Mr. Dolge took up landscape painting. He painted for his own pleas- ure and also that of his immediate friends, and his work has been admired and praised by many. One who had been privileged to see his paintings wrote: "It was indeed a rare treat to be allowed to inspect the many water colors and oil paintings which adorn his handsome home and fill several portfolios beside. Genuine love of nature is in evidence in every particular picture." His favorite sketching place was Lake George, and here he summered with his family for many years. His treatment of Lake George is historically, as well as artis- tically, a noteworthy achievement. In the parlor of his late home hangs a full length portrait of his father, one of the heroes of the German revolutionary movement, the loving work of C. B. Dolge. Mr. Dolge was a man of liberal Democratic views, most considerate to- wards his employees, and beloved by them.
Mr. Dolge married Henrietta Slister, and they were the parents of two sons: Karl Alfred, and Arthur H., sketches of whom follow.
DOLGE, Karl Alfred,
Manufacturer.
Karl Alfred Dolge, the eldest son of Carl Bruno and Henrietta (Slister) Dolge (q. v.), was born in 1880. He attended Packard's Business College in New York City, and then entered his father's busi- ness. He was soon promoted to the of- fice of treasurer, which position he held until the death of his father, in 1916. In the latter year Mr. Dolge became presi- dent, succeeding his honored father. He is among the leading citizens of West- port, and active in all public matters. Mr. Dolge is a member of the Westport Club ; the Westport Country Club, and the Old Colony Club of New York.
Mr. Dolge married Betty Lloyd, and they are the parents of a son, Lloyd Dolge.
DOLGE, Arthur H., Manufacturer.
Arthur H. Dolge, youngest son of Carl Bruno and Henrietta (Slister) Dolge (q. v.), was born in Dolgeville, New York, May 13, 1882, and was educated there in the public schools. His education was completed at the Norwalk University, and soon after this time Mr. Dolge became associated with his father in business. After he had learned the details, he was made vice-president of the company, and after his father's death, he succeeded his brother as treasurer. Mr. Dolge now holds both these offices and is capably carrying on the responsibilities which have come to him. He enters ac- tively into the social and business life of Westport, and is highly esteemed among his fellow-citizens. He is a mem- ber of the Westport Country Club; the Westport Club, and the Old Colony Club of New York.
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Mr. Dolge married Josephine Reeves, daughter of George H. Reeves, of Brook- lyn, New York.
COMSTOCK, Samuel, Retired Farmer.
In Devonshire, England, there is a lit- tle village called Culmstock, with a few hundred people living there. It is situ- ated on a small stream, called the River Culm, from which it derives its name. Residents in and near this village were wont to retain the name as a surname, and the immigrants coming to this country brought it with them. It is today one of the oldest and most respected names of early Colonial families. Members bear- ing the name are found in the business and professional world in large numbers. The family of which Samuel Comstock, one of the leading citizens of South Nor- walk, is a member, descends from one of the first Colonial settlers.
In 1650 Christopher Comstock came to Fairfield, Connecticut, and in 1661 he was in Norwalk. He is believed to have been a son of William Comstock, who was early in Massachusetts. Christopher Comstock served as a deputy, and mar- ried, October 6, 1663, Hannah Platt, of Milford. She was baptized October 6, 1643. Christopher Comstock died De- cember 28, 1702.
Moses Comstock, son of Christopher and Hannah (Platt) Comstock, was born May 4, 1685, in Norwalk, and died there, January 18, 1766. He married, February 23, 1709-10, Abigail Brinsmade, of Hart- ford, and they were the parents of Abijah Comstock, of whom further.
Abijah Comstock, son of Moses and Abigail (Brinsmade) Comstock, was born in Norwalk, November 19, 1721, and died in New Canaan, June 22, 1807. He mar-
ried Deborah Benedict, of Norwalk, May 30, 1745.
Samuel Comstock, son of Abijah and Deborah (Benedict) Comstock, was born in Norwalk, July II, 1767, and died in New Canaan, November 9, 1819. He married, December 6, 1793, Catherine Clock, of Darien. She was born Novem- ber 18, 1769, and died March 20, 1839, daughter of Jonathan Clock. Samuel Comstock was a farmer in New Canaan, and the farm which he owned is now owned by his grandson ; it has been con- tinuously in the family. Samuel Com- stock was commissioned ensign and rose through the ranks to major, receiving his commission from Governor Trumbull.
Samuel (2) Comstock, son of Samuel (I) and Catherine (Clock) Comstock, was born in New Canaan, July 4, 1802, and died there March
II, 1871. He married, October 3, 1837, his cousin, Sarah Comstock, born in 1812, died February 7, 1901 ; she was a daughter of David Comstock, of Norwalk. Sam- uel (2) Comstock was raised on his father's farm, and engaged in farming all his life. In his younger days he was a Whig and in later life an Independent in politics ; he held various town offices. His children, only four of whom grew to ma- turity, were: Sarah; Ann Eliza ; Joseph- ine ; Clementine, wife of Dr. J. R. Conklin, of Omaha, Nebraska; and Samuel (3), of further mention.
Samuel (3) Comstock, son of Samuel (2) and Sarah (Comstock) Comstock, was born November 29, 1851, and was brought up on the home farm. In due course of time he succeeded his father as owner of the farm, and successfully operated it for about forty years, when he retired to enjoy a well-earned rest. Mr. Comstock has been one of the substan- tial citizens of Norwalk for many years; he is the type of man who is an asset to
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any community, a man of honor and in- tegrity. Since retiring from active duties Mr. Comstock has spent his winters in Florida, where he has a winter home.
Mr. Comstock married Florence May Benedict, daughter of William Henry Benedict, of Norwalk, and the house in which they live has been in the Benedict family for four generations. Mr. and Mrs. Comstock attend and aid in the support of the South Norwalk Congregational Church.
GORHAM, Henry, Business Man, Public Official.
The memory of those whose lives have been spent in useful activities, with the welfare of the community always at heart, will ever be a favorite topic with the bi- ographer. Generation after generation the family spirit lives and thrives through all the hardships of pioneer existence, forms and governs new conditions, merg- ing into that supreme spirit of National progress and independence which has made America the foremost Nation of the world today. Henry Gorham, prominent in the Stamford of the early part of the nineteenth century, was a noteworthy member of one of the oldest of American Colonial families.
The origin of the name of Gorham reaches back to ancient English times. It is one of those names derived from the location of the home of its first bearer. It was formed from two words: Gore, which signifies a three-cornered piece of land, and ham, signifying an enclosure. It is thus clear that some early ancestor of this family built his home close to a piece of land of this shape, which was enclosed for the protection of his posses- sions. From the earliest form of John of Gore-ham, or John atte-Gore-ham, the form has gradually changed to its present
form, Gorham. The arms of the Gorham family are: Gules, three shacklebolts, conjoined in the fesse point, or.
(I) Captain John Gorham, an early an- cestor of this family, was born at Bene- field, Northamptonshire, England ; he was the son of Ralph Gorham, and the grand- son of James Gorham. He was born in 1550, and died in 1576. He married, in 1572, Agnes Bernington.
(II) Ralph Gorham, son of Captain John and Agnes (Bernington) Gorham. was born in 1575, and died about 1643. He came to New England with his family, and was in Plymouth in 1637.
(III) Captain John (2) Gorham, son of Ralph Gorham, was baptized January 28, 1620. He was a devoted professor of the Puritan faith. He married, in 1643, Desire Howland, daughter of John and Elizabeth (Tilley) Howland, born ir Plymouth, died October 13, 1683. John Howland was among the passengers of the "Mayflower," as was also John Til- ley, grandfather of Desire Howland. In 1646 John Gorham removed from Plym- outh to Marshfield, and in 1648 he was chosen constable of the latter town. He was admitted a freeman, June 4, 1650, and in 1652 removed to Yarmouth. He be- came a very prominent man in the little pioneer community, and owned a grist mill and a tannery. He was deputy from Yarmouth to Plymouth Colony, April 6, 1653. He filled the important office of surveyor of highways in Yarmouth. He did gallant service in King Philip's War, in which struggle he lost his life. For his services at this time his family were awarded one hundred acres of land. He lived in Barnstable and there made his home most of his life.
(IV) Shubael Gorham, son of Captain John (2) and Desire (Howland) Gorham, was, born October 21, 1667, in Barnstable, Massachusetts. His parents wished him
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to enter one of the professions, but he was more interested in the establishment and development of the Colony. He learned the carpenter's trade, and had a share in the actual constructive work of the vi- cinity. He became a prosperous and well- to-do business man, keeping a tavern and owning a number of shares in a fulling mill. He married, in 1696, Puella Hussey, of Nantucket, and later they removed to South Sea. His will was dated Septem- ber 23, 1748, and proved August 7, 1750.
(V) George Gorham, son of Shubael and Puella (Hussey) Gorham, was born in Barnstable, Massachusetts, January 29, 1696 or 1697. In early life he was a sea captain, but was located in Rye, New York, in 1727. He still kept an active in- terest in commerce by water. He had a flour and grist mill at Rye, and sent his product to the West Indies in his own vessels. He was licensed, in 1727, to sail from New London to the Barbadoes, with the sloop "Hannah." Some years after this he came to Stamford, Connecticut. He married, in Rye, New York, July 20, 1726, Hannah Banks.
(VI) Daniel Gorham, son of George and Hannah (Banks) Gorham, was born in Rye, New York, May 17, 1737. He was for many years a resident of Darien, Con- necticut. He was very prosperous, and became a large land owner. Besides con- ducting a farm of considerable size, he was one of the most important millers in that section. He married Jane Bates, July 15, 1780.
(VII) Henry Gorham, well remem- bered by many residents of Fairfield county, son of Daniel and Jane (Bates) Gorham, was born in Darien, Connecti- cut, in the house now occupied by his daughter, August 28, 1792. This house was built in 1789, replacing a much older one. Here his childhood was spent. He received his elementary education in the
public schools of the town, then later at- tended a private school. He then taught school for a time, leaving the impress of his high ideals and splendid personality on a group of young people who were later to bear a part in the development of this section into what it is today. He then went to New York City, where he became a clerk in a wholesale dry goods house. Later he went into business for himself as a member of the firm of Gor- ham & Mott. Various outside influences, which the young men had the foresight to analyze, deterred them from attempt- ing any expansion, and led them at length to close up the business. Mr. Gorham determined to do nothing hastily, and wishing to look about for some promising opening, went to Ohio, leaving his wife and two children in the care of his sister. The section did not particularly appeal to him, nor did he find his health as good as in his former home section, thus it did not require much urging on the part of his brother to induce him to return to Darien to engage in the milling busi- ness. They formed a partnership, pur- chased the family homestead, and erected a thoroughly up-to-date flouring mill. The vast plans of the West were still un- broken prairie, but the fertile Genesee Valley, in New York State, was just reaching the height of its production as a wheat growing section. As the mills there handled the grain without the trans- portation inevitable for the Connecticut millers, the brothers soon found that it was not worth while to attempt to com- pete with the mills which were more ad- vantageously located. They continued in the business, however, for Connecticut farmers then grew a large share of the grain required by their stock, and the Gorhams did an extensive business, grind- ing corn, both for culinary purposes and for feed. Flour they bought and sold. In
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1857 the mill was destroyed by fire. Mr. Gorham was then quite advanced in years, and feeling no need nor inclination to reestablish the business retired to the comfort and leisure for which his busy life had left neither time nor opportunity. He lived but four years to enjoy the quiet pursuits of his choice, passing away Sep- tember 21, 1861.
Mr. Gorham married Julia B. Raymond, daughter of George Raymond, of New York City. Her mother was Susan (Parker) Raymond, a Southern lady. They were the parents of eight children : Helen, who married John J. Warren, of Stamford, deceased; Francis, now de- ceased, formerly of Brooklyn, and Mount Vernon, New York; George Raymond, deceased, formerly of Noroton ; Henry, deceased, formerly of New York City ; Joseph, deceased, formerly of Savannah, Georgia; James, deceased, formerly of Brooklyn ; Caroline, of Darien, who lives at the old homestead, and is a prominent member of the Stamford Historical So- ciety ; and Charles Leary, deceased.
Mr. Gorham is remembered in the com- munity as a man of lovable personality, and genuine, sterling worth. Of genial presence, fond of a telling anecdote, full of the true, deep goodness of heart which keeps alive the brotherhood of man, and thus strengthens one's faith in the Fa- therhood of God, he was a man whose friendship was valued and whose con- victions were respected by all who knew him. He possessed too generous a nature to amass great wealth. He could always see the justice and right on the side of the other man. He was sincerely devoted to the public welfare, holding a high inter- pretation of his personal duty as a citizen. He served as selectman for many years, and such was his public spirit that he would never put a price on his services, and declined more than an honorarium of
ten dollars per year. In the truest sense of the term he was a public servant, seek- ing not his own but the public welfare, and the same spirit of unselfishness was evident through all his life. He was a man whose memory lives though the years have gone by since his passing.
SAXTON, William Henry, Manufacturer, Banker.
There were many and varied ways of deriving surnames, yet the two most gen- erally found are from the location of the ancestral home, and from occupation of an early ancestor. Authorities differ re- garding the origin of the surname Saxton ; some claim that it is derived from Sax- town, meaning a town of the Saxons, and others, that it is derived from the office of the church, the same as sexton. How- ever, the name is a very ancient one and is found on record at an early date in English history. The family from which Mr. Saxton descends was early settled on Long Island, and there his father, Ste- phen R. Saxton, was born July 30, 1813.
The latter grew to manhood in Long Island, and soon after attaining his ma- jority went to New York City, where he engaged in business. Very early in his life he proved himself to be possessed of more than the ordinary business acumen, and from the outset was very successful in business. He learned the trade of cabinet maker, which occupation he fol- lowed until his marriage. Mr. Saxton then entered business as a manufacturer and importer of artificial flowers. The business was conducted under the name of S. R. Saxton, and later a nephew of Mr. Saxton was admitted to partnership, at which time the name was Saxton & Vanvelsor. Mr. Saxton was one of the incorporators and during his life a mem- ber of the board of directors of the Sau-
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gatuck Bank, which later became the First National Bank, of Westport, and in 1913 was reorganized as the Westport Bank and Trust Company. Mr. Saxton married, in 1841, Samantha Marietta Por- ter, born August 29, 1817, in Danbury, Connecticut, and died in Westport, March 14, 1903, daughter of Menander and Clarissa (Sanford) Porter. Menander Porter was born February 17, 1789, and died October 18, 1838; he married Clarissa ยท Sanford, born November 6, 1794. His father, Philo Porter, was born in August, 1767, and died March 30, 1830. He mar- ried, in November, 1785, Lois Baldwin, born in July, 1768. Mr. and Mrs. Saxton were attendants of the Congregational church, of Westport.
The only son of Stephen R. and Saman- tha M. (Porter) Saxton was William Henry Saxton, born May 1, 1842, in New York City, and lived there until he was fourteen years of age. It was at this time he removed to Saugatuck, Connecticut, with his family, and there he has resided practically all his life since, with the ex- ception of trips abroad. His schooling was obtained in the Greens Farms Academy, and subsequently he went to New York and entered his father's business as a clerk. He learned the business in detail, and later was admitted as a partner. For almost ten years Mr. Saxton was the firm's representative in Paris, France. Since 1887 Mr. Saxton has been connected with the Westport Bank and Trust Com- pany, and now serves that institution as vice-president and director. Mr. Saxton has a beautiful home in Saugatuck, situ- ated on the Saugatuck river and com- manding a wonderful view. He has al- ways been represented among the promi- nent citizens there, and is held in high respect and esteem.
In 1867 Mr. Saxton married Emily F. Sherwood, daughter of Captain Frederick
and Emily (Banks) Sherwood (see Sher- wood VIII).
Mr. and Mrs. Saxton were the parents of four children, only one of whom, An- gie, Mrs. B. L. Woodworth, is now living. The others were: Clara H., married Rev. H. M. Burr; Emily F., died in Paris, France; Edward R. The family attend the Congregational church and Mr. Sax- ton has been a deacon there for many years.
(The Sherwood Line).
(I) The Sherwoods are one of the old- est families in Fairfield county, being de- scended from Thomas Sherwood, the immigrant. The latter came from Ips- wich, England, in the "France," in 1634. He was born in England about 1586, and died in 1655 in Fairfield. After coming to America, Thomas Sherwood lived for several years in Massachusetts, and thence removed to Fairfield, Connecticut. He married (first) Alice Seabrook, born in 1587, daughter of Robert Seabrook, and the Christian name of his second wife was Mary.
(II) Thomas (2) Sherwood, son of the immigrant, Thomas (1) Sherwood, was born in 1624, and died in 1698. He was admitted a freeman in Hartford, Connec- ticut, October 13, 1664, and was the first miller in Mill River, Fairfield. He mar- ried Ann Turney.
(III) Samuel Sherwood, son of Thomas (2) and Ann (Turney) Sherwood, was born in June, 1725. He married and was the father of Daniel, of whom further.
(IV) Daniel Sherwood, son of Samuel Sherwood, was born in 1708, and died in 1874. During the Revolutionary period, Daniel Sherwood and his wife, Martha (Hull) Sherwood, kept a tavern.
(V) Daniel (2) Sherwood, son of Dan- iel (1) and Martha (Hull) Sherwood, was born November 20, 1735, and died in 1819. In 1756 he was graduated from
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Yale College. He married Abigail An- drews, born in 1736, died in 1793, daugh- ter of Deacon John Andrews.
(VI) Daniel (3) Sherwood, son of Daniel (2) and Abigail (Andrews) Sher- wood, was born June 8, 1761, and died December 19, 1828. He was a farmer in Greens Farms, part of which estate is still in possession of the family.
(VII) Frederick Sherwood, son of Daniel (3) Sherwood, was born Septem- ber 3, 1810, one of the famous Sherwood triplets, the other two being named Fran- cis and Franklin, all sea captains. Sher- wood's Island is named for this family. Captain Frederick Sherwood married Emily Banks.
(VIII) Emily F. Sherwood, daughter of Captain Frederick and Emily (Banks) Sherwood, became the wife of William Henry Saxton (see Saxton).
LELAND, George Benton, Manufacturing Executive.
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