USA > Connecticut > Evening post annual 1882: biographical sketches (with portraits) of the state officers, representatives in Congress, governor's staff, and senators and members of the General Assembly of the state of Connecticut > Part 6
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
Mr. Cooke in addition to the office work and ac- tive management of the Manufactory. In the face of every obstacle, existing and since follow- ing, the company has become solidly established.
Mr. Cooke lias been greatly attached to liis do- niestic life. After ten years of happy married life, he was greatly afflicted by the death of his wife in 1868, without issue. In December, 1870, he married, as a second wife, Josephine E., daughter of Michael Ward, Esq., for many years a manufacturer in Riverton. Three children liave been born to them : Edward Levi, a most promising boy, who died at the age of six years ; Ward, who died, aged one year ; and Edna, now three years of age.
Since his removal from Colebrook, Mr. Cooke has been sought for to fill other positions of trust. Living in a town strongly Democratic, his Repub- lican principles have been in the way of his hold- ing public positions therein. He has been re- peatedly placed in nomination by his fellow Rc- publicans, and elected once as a minority Select- man. Nominated once as Representative, he re- duced the minority from fifty in other cases to fifteen in his own. As candidate for Senator in the 15th district in 1875, hc was defeated with the whole ticket, but he received a very flattering vote in his own town. In thic reconstructed 18th district, he last fall received a majority of 328 ; twenty-three ahead of the majority 'in the pre- vious Presidential ycar, carrying every town ex- cept Colebrook. For four years he has been Post- master at Riverton.
In all this record it should be broadly stated and carefully noted that every position Mr. Cooke has ever been placed in has come to him unsought. Ardently attached to the principles of the Re- publican party, he does not favor inen who can- not be trusted, even if they so call themselves by that name.
Mr. Cooke became connected with the Congre- gational church in Colebrook, in 1860, and for most of the time until his removal was Superin- tendent of its Sunday-school. In Colebrook he was, and in Riverton lie is an efficient officer in that church.
-
79
HON. MILO B. RICHARDSON.
FDISTRICT NO. 19 .
HON. MILO B. RICHARDSON is the Democratic Senator from the Nineteenth District. Mr. Rich- ardson's maternal grandfather, Milo Barnnm, removed to Lime Rock, a village in the town of Salisbury, Conn., in 1820. He was born at Do- ver, Dutchess County, N. Y., July 16, 1790. At the time of his removal, although he had previ- ously acquired a considerable fortune, for those days, his worldly possessions were very limited. With that indomitable energy which always characterized him, and which he has transmitted in a very large degree to his descendants, he set about to recover his ruined fortunes. In a few years he had accumulated a liberal property. fonuded the great house with which his name is still connected, the Barnmu-Richardson Co., und retired from business with the respect and esteem of his neighbors. He was n man of positive charueter, honest und true to his convictions, un
excellent citizen, and a kind and faithful friend He died May 10, 1860. Leonard Richardson, the father of Senator Richardson, was born at Wills- borough, Esses Co., N. Y., September, 10, 1505. His ancestors emigrated from Scotland to Que bet about 1775, whence they removed to Willshor- ough. While Leonard was quite young his parents migrated to Sharon, Com. In 1525 he engaged as a clerk in the store of Milo Barnum, nt Lime Rock April 16, 1882, he married Lan Ann, daughter of his employer, by whom he had three cluldren, Milo Barnum, James Leonard, and Caroline Barnum. In 1830, i conjuction with his father-m-law, with whom he had the me jsstal- ited in business, he built in formdis for re-melting pigiron, and in a few vous, Willem II , em of these prospered greatly, and became de ton la tion of the great corporation which now outras
80
the entire Salisbury iron interest. Beside the manufacture of pig-iron, the house is largely en- gaged in the manufacture of car wheels at Lime Rock, Jersey City, and Chicago, and of cars at Huntington, West Virginia, in each of which places are extensive works. They send wheels to foreign countries, and supply the principal roads of this country with the product of their foun- dries and furnaces.
February 13, 1849, the Hon. Milo B. Richard- son, the subject of this sketch, was born at Lime Rock. He was educated principally at the Rocky Dell Institute, in his native village, under the charge of Mr. J. H. Hurlburt. He also attended Edwards Place School, at Stockbridge, Mass., for a short time. Since his majority, he has been actively engaged in the management of import- ant interests of the Barnum-Richardson Company, and other corporations. He is at present a di- rector and assistant treasurer of the former con- cern, and a director of many other corporations engaged in the mining and manufacture of iron in this and other States.
In the spring of 1872, when only twenty-thrce years of age, he was nominated on the Demo- cratic State ticket for Treasurer, with Richard D.
Hubbard. He was chosen a Representative from Salisbury in 1874 by the largest majority ever before given in that town. The same year hc was appointed an aid on the staff of Governor Charles R. Ingersoll, with the rank of Colonel. He has been for many years prominent in the politics of Connecticut. Since 1875 he has been an active member of the Democratic State Cen- tral Committee. He was elected to the Senate November, 1881, by a very large majority over his Republican competitor, securing the unpre- cedented majority of 440 in his own town, only 104 votes being cast against him.
In 1872 he married Ellen Caroline, daughter of U. H. Miner, Esq., of Falls Village, Conn., and granddaughter of Lee Canfield, a pioneer manu- facturcr of Salisbury iron, by whom he has had three children, Lucy Caroline, Jessc (deceased), and Milo Barnum. Senator Richardson is an active business man, public-spirited, and a kind and affable gentleman. He is very popular wherever known, and his political honors [have always been thrust upon him. He was nominated by acclamation for his present position, and has never souglit office.
81
MOSS V6 ca YY
HON. ALBERT P. BRADSTREET.
DISTRICT NO 90
HON. ALBERT P. BRADSTREET, of Thomaston, was a member of the Senate last year, serving as Chairman of the Insurance Committee. He rep- resented the town of Thomaston in the House during the years of 1877 and 1878, also serving the last year on the Insurance Committee. Sen- ator Bradstreet graduated from Yale College in the class of 1871, and from the Columbia Lan School in 1873. As a member of the Legisla- ture his clearness of judgment, intelligence, and foresight have won for him the highest esteem of his associates. During the session of 1850 he was elected Associate Judge of the Waterbury City Court, and has held various local offices, in- eluding that of Town Clerk of Thomaston since
its incorporation in 1875. He has also been a member of the Board of Education, and Justice of the Peace. Senator Bradstreet is the first Republican elected to the Senate from the old Sixteenth District since 1573. His majority was 164, which is a gain of 257 in the district as compared with the returns of 1875, when the Democrats carried the election In ninety-three votes. Mr. Bradstreet was born at Thomaston June 9, 1846, and is one of the most popular young men in his locality. He is an adunmale debater, presenting has arguments clearly and forcibly, und is thoroughly sound in his views et legislation.
=
HON. RICHARD PRATT SPENCER.
DISTRICT NO. 21
HON. RICHARD PRATT SPENCER of Saybrook, Republican Senator from the Twenty-first Dis- triet, has been president of the Deep River National Bank since 1866, and was formerly president of the Pratt, Read & Co. corporation. engaged in manufacturing ivory goods. He has also held the treasurership of the Deep River Savings Bank, and has had large acquaintance and experience with banking interests. He was a resident of New York city for ten years, but the greater portion of his business life has been spent at Deep River, where he is at present erecting a fine residence for himself on the site of the old homestead, nearly opposite the National Bank building on Main street. His father, the Inte George Spencer, commenced the manufac ture of ivory goods nt Deep River in 1816. He lived there until three years ago, when he died at
the age of ninety-one years. Senator Spencer was born at Deep River, February 12, 1820, and received an academic education, including a course of study at Parish's Seminary at Berlin. He has been prominently identified with interests connected with his native town, and possesses the fullest confidence of his constituency. He was elected to the Senate in November by a majority of 105 in his district. Senator Spencer is a gen- theman of means and culture, and possesses at very valuable private library. He is, in fact, a well known bibhophilist, and owns one of the prest collections of old books in the State. Is ripe experience, business training, and Judgment enable him to take a promment position in the Legislature, and insure him a successful career us Senator
85
HON. JOSEPH W. ALSOP.
DISTRICT NO. 22.
HON. JOSEPH W. ALSOP of Middletown, Dem- ocratic Senator from the Twenty-second District, was a member of the Senate last year, serving with ability and snecess in that body. He was born in New York city in August, 1838, and was educated at the Yale and Columbia Scientific Schools. He also pursued a complete medical course of study, graduating from the Medical School, University of New York, in 1864. Ile has served in both boards of the Middletown Court of Common Couneil, and was a member of the House from Middletown in 1573, holding the position of Chairman of the School Fund Com-
mittee on the part of that body. He is a memt- ber of the board of trustees of the Connecticut General Hospital for the Insane, at Middletown. Connecticut Industrial School for Girls, also of the Russell Library of that city, trustee an l treasurer of St. Luke's Home, and occupies other local offices of trust and responsibility. Senator Alsop is interested in agricultural experiments and the breeding of stock. He is a gentleman of scholarly attainments, prominent in all that ters of public good, and exceedingly popular ( his own city and among hus senatorial assous
87
Hos. RALPH P. GILBERT.
DISTRICT NO. 28.
HON. RALPH P. GILBERT, the first Senator chosen from the new 23d senatorial district, was born in Hebron (Gilead Society), Aug. 30, 1819. His ancestors were among the earliest and most prominent settlers of the town, and all of the highest character and strictest integrity. Hon. Sylvester Gilbert established the first Law School in Eastern Connectient, and had the training of 56 students therein. He served as a member of the State Legislature thirty-two sessions, and was a member of the U. S. Congress in the years 1818 and 1819. He was also one of the commit- tee appointed by the Legislature of this State to sell the lands known as the " Western Reserve," which brought 81,200,000 ; the interest of which is used for the support and encouragement of our common schools. His father, Peyton Randolph Gilbert, was the senator first elected from the
old 21st district, filling the office in 1830 and 1831. The subject of our sketch received an excellent common school education, and in hils 17th year commenced teaching a district school in the winter season and working upon the farm the rest of the year. In the town of Hebron. where Mr. Gilbert resides, a town, until quite re cently, so evenly divided politically that que party has been about as likely as the other to carry the election, he received 55 more votes than his com petitor; and in the district A majority of 111. His business has been mainly farming, but withen the last few years the more adungs dutles have been transferred to his sell He hàs always lach a Republican, and as such has heldl various town offices of trust and responi sitihty, mu all of which he has done his duty. He was a member of the House of Representatives in the session af 1550.
88
at which time he was a member of the Commit- tee on Finance, of which the late Hon. David P. Nichols was chairman on the part of the House. Benevolent, philanthropic, and educational inter- ests command his warm approval and effort, and
he occupies a prominent position in church and society affairs. For twenty-one years he has been at the head of the Sunday-school at Gilead, and is an active and influential member of the church.
89
HON. EBENEZER C. DENNIS.
DISTRICT NO. 21
HON. EBENEZER C. DENNIS, Republican Sena- tor from the Twenty-fourth district, holds over from 1881, serving last year as Chairman of the Committee on Claims. He was born at Hard- wiek, Worcester County, Mass., July 26, 1834, and received a common school and academic education. He was for twenty years engaged in the wholesale hide and leather business, but at present is ocenpied with the grain trade, manag-
ing wholesale and retail transactions. He has held the office of Assessor at Stafford for a number of years, is Chairman of the Board of Selectmen, and has been a director of the Stafford National Bank for many years. He has also been Warden of the Borough of Stafford, and has taken prominent part in local affairs. Senator Dennis has been a member of the Republican party sure its organization
12
91
GEORGE GRISWOLD SIL.L.
Elected Representative from Hartford by the Democratic party at the November election, was born in Windsor, October 26, 1829, being now in his fifty-third year. In early life he attended the academy at Ellington, then under the direction of Mr. Charles L. Brace, well known through his labors in the Children's Aid Society in New York, and prepared for college by private tuition. In 1848 Mr. Sill entered Yale College, and grad- uated from the university in 1852. After receiv- ing his diploma he attended the lectures at the Yale Law School for a year, and then entered the law office of ex-Governor Richard D Hub- bard, where he remained until 1854, when he was admitted to the bar. Since that time he has engaged in the practice of his profession. For twenty seven successive years he has been a Justice of the Peace, was long a prosecuting Grand Juror, and in this capacity was very active during the years when an attempt was made to enforce the
law which prohibited the sale of intoxicating liquors. He was also chosen side judge, with the late Hon. Eliphalet A. Bulkeley, and on the re- tirement of the latter, succeeded him as Recorder of the City Court of Hartford, and retained the position for two years. He has also served three Years as a member of the City Conned, a part of the time ns Alderman. He is at present a memu- ber of the Board of Police Commissioners. In business enterprises he has taken an net re part He is president and a director in the Hartford Governor Company, and a director in the Muthal Benefit lafe Insurance Company He has also served as a director in the Merchants Load and Trust Company of Rocky He and Willnot. In 1-72, under the lord of Horice Greeley, Regne sontative Sill lett the Republicregents, believing that a more conciliatory policy should be posted In the government toward the people of the Southern StatesUntil then he had ban ale
92
publican, and was especially prominent in support of the Union in the war of the Rebellion. In his office the first company of the First Connecticut regiment was raised. In the spring of 1873 he was nominated Lieutenant-Governor upon the Democratie ticket, ex-Governor Ingersoll being at the head of the ticket, and was elected to the office for four successive terms. He is noted for his success as a public speaker, not only upon the platform, but upon social occasions. For several
years he was Judge-Advocate of the Putnam Phalanx, at a time when Isaac W. Stuart, Henry C. Deming, and others, whose brilliant wit and polished culture added no little to the fame of that body, were enrolled upon its list of member- ship. His long experience in public life, and his intimate acquaintance with legislative matters, has made ex-Lieutenant-Governor Sill a valuable member of the House.
93
CHARLES H. COOLEY.
Representative from the city of Hartford, was born in Middletown, May 15, 1839, and is now forty-two years old. His school days were passed at the common and high schools in Middletown and at the academy of which Daniel II. Chase was formerly principal, in the same place. After leaving school he was employed for a time with the dry-goods house of W. A. & J. N. Camp, in Middletown, and in the year 1854 came to Hart- ford and entered the employ of the Col Patent Fire Arms Manufacturing Company. At that time the volunteer fire department was in exis- tence, and Mr. Cooley was for several years a member of Pioneer ( now Stillman ) hose compuns . when that organization was domiciled in the brick house still standing on Temple street. When the Republican party was organized in 1856, he be- enme an energetic worker in it, and has since been identified with its interests. When the first company of widenwakes was organized in the
Buckingham campaign of 1>60, he was one of the original members. The influence of this or- ganization, which was founded in Hartford, spread rapidly throughout the country, and in the Lincoln and Hamlin campaign became one of its most important features In May, 1560, Mr. Coules went to Providence, R 1 , and assisted at the starting of the Burnside Ride Company, whose manufacture was the invention of the late General Ambros 12 Burnside. One you later. at the outfrenk of the war, he returned to Hart tord, and found employment with the Sharps Rifle Company In September, 1502. he enlisted in Company . Twenty-second regiment, (' ) . Colonel George Bank nding, d. tumed the muk at personnt, and served during the term of the regiment When mitered ont of service he returned to Hartford, and nan en tered the employ of the Skarp Bitte Company, nt remained there with the case of the way
94
when he became engaged with the Pratt & Whit- ney Company as a contractor, and has remained there since, having built up a successful business. In the days when necessity compelled Union men to band together to promote the interests of the country, Mr. Coolcy joined the Loyal League of Hartford, and was an active member of that organization during its existence. At the con- clusion of the war he became one of the organizers of the Grand Army of the Republic, and was for many years a comrade of Nathaniel Lyon Post, No. 2, of Hartford. During its successful period he was president of Hartford Council of the Sov- ereigus of Industry. He is a member of Lafay- ette Lodge, F. and A. M., and a director in the Pratt & Whitney Mutual Benefit Association. of which he was one of the organizers. Through his connection with the Sunday-school of the First Universalist Church of Hartford, Mr. Cooley is well known. Of this he was for several years superintendent, and through his efforts the mem- bership was raised to the largest of any school in Hartford. He has also becu for many years a leading member of the order of Good Templars. In the fraternity of the Knights of Honor he has served with distinction, being at present Past Dietator of Pioneer Lodge of Hartford, and Grand Dictator of the Grand Lodge of Connectient. Hc is also a member of the Suprenic Lodge of the World, and in the sessions of that body at Charleston, S. C., in May, 1880, and at Minneap- olis, Minn., in May, 1881, represented the Con- necticut Grand Lodge, his colleagne being Gen- eral Frank D. Sloat of New Haven. Representa- tive Cooley is and always has been since its organization a member of the Republican party. In State and national politics lie is especially well versed, having throughout his life paid close at- tention to political affairs and the questions which have so often interested all voters.
FREDERICK RIPLEY
Of Avon, was born in Vernon, May 20, 1833, and is now forty-cight years old. His cducation was acquired at the common schools. In business he
is a dealer in Connecticut sccd-leaf tobacco, and has followed this pursuit for the past twenty-five years, having an extended acquaintance through- out this section. He is a Republican, and has previously held the offices of Constable, Collector, and Grand Juror in Avon.
HENRY NORRIS GALPIN
Of Berlin, has already served two terms in the General Assembly, having been a member of the House in the years 1863 and 1880. He has been Postmaster at Berlin, and now holds the office of Town Auditor. Mr. Galpin was born in Berlin in 1820, and passed · his sixty-first birthday De- cember 22d last. His edneation was acquired at the common schools and academy, and he is en- gaged in mercantile pursuits. He was elected by the Republicans.
HENRY D. BARNARD
Of Bloomfield, was chosen a member of the Gen- eral Assembly, at the last election, by the Demo- cratic party. He was born in Bloomfield, August 11, 1828, and is now iu his fifty-fourth year. He was educated at the common schools, and is a farmer.
CHARLES S. TREADWAY
Of Bristol, is a native of the town he now repre- sents in the General Assembly, having been born there in Jannary, 1848. His education was dc- rived from the common schools and the high school in Waterbury. During his active life he has been engaged in the banking business, and is now cashier of the Bristol National Bank. He is a Republican.
95
CONY
ELIJAH MANROSS
Of Bristol, has already served one term in the legislature, having been elected a member of the House in 1880. In that year he served ou the Committee on Sale of Lands. He was born at Bristol, June 27, 1827, and received a common- school and academic education, completing his course of study at Williston Seminary, East Hampton, Mass. Upon entering active life Mr. Manross learned the clock business, and was a manufacturer until 1867, when, owing to ill health, he was obliged to retire and give himself over to absolnte rest. After rugged treatment. including a year and a half passed in the wilds of the Adirondueks, he regained his strength, nud now enjoys good health. Of late years he has engaged in ont door employment.
The father of Representative Manross was the late Captain Manross, a pioneer in the manufac-
ture of brass clocks in America, with which indus- try he was prominently identified. Three of his brothers served in Connecticut regiments during the war of the rebellion, one of whom (Captain Newton S. Manross) was killed while loading his company (K, of the Sixteenth regiment ) into the sanguinary field of Authetam. Sergeant Eli Man- ross, of the Fifth Connectient, was wounded at Chancellorsville, and John Manross, also a bro- ther, was disabled at Cold Harbor.
Besides his previous term in the legislature. Mr. Manross has held the office of Justice of the Peace, und has served upon the Republican Town Committee for several years, and now holds the office of Constable, He has acted with the Re publica party for more than darty vous, and been found always means that sait during the prescht session
96
CHARLES C. McALEER
Of Burlington, is thirty-eight years of age, and was born in County Fermanagh, Ireland. His education was derived from national schools, and he is now in the grocery and provision business. This is the first time that he would accept any office, having been elected a member of the Legislature by the Democratic party at the last election. He is the first Irishman ever elected to the Legislature from the town of Burlington.
GEORGE MILLS, 2D,
Of Canton, has previously held a number of local offices, among them that of Town Surveyor and Assessor. His birthplace was Avon, where he was born in 1817, his present age being sixty-four years. Throughout his life he has followed farm- ing as a pursuit. He is a Democrat.
JEFFERSON R. HOLCOMB
Of East Granby, has throughout his life pursued the avocation of farming. He is now forty-four years of age, and was born in East Granby, April 12, 1837. In his youth lie attended the common schools of his native town, and this course of study was supplemented by a short term at the Suffield Literary Institute. Politically he is a Democrat.
ARTHUR G. OLMSTED
Of East Hartford, was born in the town he now represents, November 11, 1839, and is forty-two years of age. He received a good education from the common and high school, and during his life lias followed the vocation of farming. In the war of the rebellion he enlisted with the Twenty- first Regiment Connecticut Volunteers, and served the full term of the regiment in Company A. of which he was a sergeant. At present Mr. Olm- sted is a member of Drake Post No. 4, G. A. R., of Manchester. Politically, he is a Republican.
CHARLES W. ROBERTS
Of East Hartford, is forty-one years of age, hav- ing been born in East Hartford, May 30, 1840. His education was acquired at the common schools, and his avocation is that of a farmer. For five years he held the office of First Select- man of East Hartford, and is now Auditor of the town accounts. Although elected a member of the Legislature by the Democratic party, he sup- ports only those measures which he deems for the public good, whether from Democratic or Repub- lican sonrecs.
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.