USA > Connecticut > Evening post annual 1884: 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 11
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HENRY CROFUT
Of Danbury, was born at Danbury, and is a hat manufacturer. In polities he is a Republican.
BENNETT SEELEY
Of Easton, was born there Jime 16, 1824, and received a common-school and academie course of study, graduating from Staples Academy, at Easton. He has held the office of First Select- man for a number of years, and is at present a member of the Board of Assessors, and Registrar of Voters. For the past twelve years he has been engaged in farming ; but previous to that period he was interested in manufacturing enterprises. In politics he is a Republican.
ANDREW P. WAKEMAN
Of Fairfield, was born at Fairfield in 1838, and received a common-school and academic ednea- tion. He has held the positions of Selectman and Grand Juror, and was a member of the House during the session of 1881. Mr. Wake- man is a Democrat in polities, and a farmer by occupation.
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ALMON B. RUGGLES
Of Huntington, was born at Brookfield, March 15, 1540, and received a common-school and aca- demie education. At the age of sixteen he comt- mented duty as clerk in the dry-goods store of Win. H. Clark, in Danbury. At seventeen years of age he was teaching public school in Bridge- water ; but after one term was induced to take a position in the store of Starr, Clark & Co. of Watertown, where he remained two years. In 1861 he commenced mercantile business in South- bury, with a brother, under the style of HI. & A. B. Ruggles. After one year the firm was changed to Ruggles & Randall, his brother having sold his interest to C. W. Randall, a brother in law. This latter firm continued for eighteen years, the last six being in Shelton and Birmingham. After that nnother partner was added, and the firm became A. B. Ruggles & Co .. continuing until 1551, when Mr. A. B. Ruggles retired. He com meneed business early and with very mengre
capital. His business life has been a sheeessful one. Mr. Ruggles has held various offices. Ile is a member of the Episcopal church ; has been warden, clerk, and treasurer of the church in Southbury, and treasurer of St. James church in Birmingham for five years. For deven years le was Postmaster at Southbury, and Justice of the Peace and Grand Juror for several years Ile has been Borough Assessor and Town Andher in Huntington, and Chairman of the Repobile de Town Committee there for ten years Whole resident of Southbury be was Chairman of the Republican Committee, cumplir det posto for eleven years. He is at prosent Town Andour and Deputy Registrar, He was istonoont den securing the charter of Shelton, no Loog, and alou in ferreting out the Democrathe ludlet bux stunt ing in Huntington, in Is, The contest which grew out of the investigation resulted in the heat ing of F. G Perry, the Republicug meslety lus
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the House, Mr. Perry being declared entitled to the seat. Mr. Ruggles is engaged in manufactur- ing and mercantile business. He is a director in the Derby Savings Bank, the Housatonic Water Company, the Shelton Water Company, and in the Honsatonie Valley Railroad Company recently organized. He is also a member of the firm of Ruggles & Clark of Shelton, dealers in hardware, paints, oils, glass, and entlery, and is its active business manager. Mr. Ruggles is a member of the Committee on Banks in the present Legis- laturc.
WILLIAM BROWN GLOVER
Of Fairfield, was a member of the House during the session of 1883, serving as Chairman of the Committee on Constitutional Amendments, and as member of the Committees on Engrossed Bills, and Cities and Boroughs. As Chairman of the Committee on Constitutional Amendments lie submitted the report in favor of sending to the people, for approval, the amendment prohibiting the manufacture and sale of intoxicating liquors, and supported that course in an able and logical speech. He also submitted the report in favor of biennial sessions of the Legislature, and the pro- posed amendment will come up for final disposal by the House during the current session. Mr. Glover was studious and industrious in his work as Chairman of the Committee, and made a tlior- ough personal investigation of the measures con- sidered. As a member of the Committee on Engrossed Bills, one of the most important in the Legislature, he was equally careful and pains- taking, and his work in the Committee on Cities and Boroughs was of a valuable character. He is an able debater, and was one of the most influ- ential members on the Republican side of the House last year. He was called to the Chair dur- ing the debate on the Temperance bill, and pre- sided with notable success over the deliberations of the day. Mr. Glover was born at Philadel- phia, April 7, 1857, and was educated at the Fairfield Academy, General Russell's Military Sehool at New Haven, and at Yale College, graduating in the class of 1878. Two years later he graduated from the Columbia Law School, and was admitted to the bar in New York State. In 1881 he was admitted to the Fairfield County
bar, and has since that year been in practice there. He has occupied the positions of Town Auditor, Justice of the Peace, Town Treasurer, and Judge of Probate, being at the present time the incum- bent of the latter office.
CORNELIUS MEAD
Of Greenwielu, has had six years of service in the House, having been a member for the years 1873, 1874, 1877, 1880, 1881, and 1882. He is thor- oughly acquainted with local and State interests, and stands high in the estimation both of political friends and opponents. He is universally liked at the State House, and has the most cordial friends here. Mr. Mead was born at Greenwich ·in 1829, and received an academic education. He has served his town in various capacities, including that of Assessor, member of the Board of Relief, and also of the Board of Education. He is engaged in farming as an occupation. Politically Mr. Mead is a Democrat.
NEHEMIAH H. HUSTED
Of Greenwich, holds the position of Town Treas- urer of Greenwich, having been elected for three consecutive years. He has also served for three years on the Board of Selectmen. Last year he was a member of the General Assembly, and has had considerable experience in local and State interests. He is a farmer by occupation, and in politics is associated with the Democratic party. Mr. Husted was born at Greenwich, April 14, 1843, and received a common-school education.
EDWIN STEVENS
Of Monroe, was born at Brookfield, February 7, 1822, and received a common-sehool education. He is engaged in farming at present, but for twenty years was oceupied with the hatting busi- ness. He was originally a member of the old Whig party, but has been identified with the Republicans since their first organization. The present is his first term in the Legislature.
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GEORGE R. COWLES
Of Norwalk, has represented that town in the House, during the past three sessions, Ili- elec- tion for the fourth term is an exceptional honor. The only time in the history of the town when it has occurred before, was when Mr. Win. M. Betts was elected Representative for four successive years, from 1799. With this exception, now eighty years ago, Mr. Cowles is the only man the people of Norwalk have united upon to send four years consecutively. Last year Mr. Cowles was Honse Chairman of the Committee on Incorpora- tions, and in 1582 he was the Chairman of the Claims Committee. This year he is again Chair- man of the Committee on Incorporations. In both of these positions his services have been of great value. He is careful, painstaking, and con scientions in his legislative work, and his views on questions of public policy are well founded. Mr. Cowles was born at New Hartford, and is 57 17
years of age. He graduated from Williams Col- lege, in the class of 1845, and studied law in the office of Chief Justice Butler. After several years' practice at the bar his health failed, compelling him to retire from active work. Subsequently he engaged in insurance business, acting as agent for a number of Hartford companies, including the Etna, the Hartford, and the Phoenix ; at the same time representing several leading foreign companies, and doing an insurance busines prob- ably exceeding in amount that of any other agency in the State. In 1-60, on the incorporation of the Norwalk Insurance Company, he became its secretary, and still retains the position. He is actively interested in local affairs, has been very prominent among the leading advocates of the Parallel railroad, and for several years has held the office of Burgess of the borough of Norwalk, In politics Mr Cowles is a Republican,
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FRANCIS E. WEED
Of New Canaan, was born there November 26, 1841, and received a common-school education. He is a member of the Board of Relief, and Justice of the Peace. During the war he served in the Thirteenth Connecticut, holding the posi- tion of First Sergeant in Company B of that com- mand. From 1868 to 1879 he was the general freight and ticket agent for the New Canaan Railroad Company. In 1880 he engaged in the coal and lumber business, which he still follows. In politics Mr. Weed is a Republican.
HORACE G. BETTS
Of New Fairfield, is a Democrat, and appears in the House as a member for the first time this year. He was born at Trumbull in 1826, and received a common-school education. By occu- pation he is a farmer.
EDWARD TROY
Of Newtown, was a member of the Third Con- necticut Independent battery during the war, and is now engaged in the hotel business at Newtown. He has held the office of Constable for several years, and is a Democrat in politics. Mr. Troy was born in County Limerick, Ireland, and is 37 years of age, most of his life having been spent in the United States. He was educated in the cominon schools of Connecticut.
MICHAEL J. BRADLEY
Of Newtown, was born there February 1, 1858, and received a common-school and academic edu- cation. He holds the office of Registrar of Voters, and is a mechanic by occupation. He is a Dem- ocrat.
CHARLES W. BELL
Of Norwalk, was a member of the House last year, and also in 1882, rendering efficient services in support of the interests of oystermen in Fair- field County. He is an able and forcible speaker, and his speeches on questions affecting the inter-
ests of his constituents were listened to with marked attention. He was a member of the Committee on Contingent Expenses, serving with keen discrimination and judgment in that capac- ity. Mr. Bell was born at Cornwall, Orange County, N. Y., and is 47 years old. He received a good cominon-school education. He was ap- pointed by Governor Andrews a member of the Commission for revising the oyster laws, and is thoroughly popular with his constituents. He has held a number of local offices, including that of Justice of the Peace. In politics Mr. Bell is a Republican.
JESSE L. SANFORD
Of Redding, has been a member of the Board of Assessors, and is serving his ninth term as Road Commissioner. He is a farmer by occupation, and belongs to the Republican party. He was born at Redding Ridge, January 4, 1831, and received a sound education in the common schools of his town, and in an educational institution in New York State.
ELI OSBORN
Of Redding, is also a farmer by occupation, and a member of the Republican party. He was born at Redding, February 14, 1822, and enjoyed the advantages of a common-school education. He has been a member of the Board of Assessors, and also of the Board of Relief. The present is his first term in the Legislature.
JOEL LAWRENCE ROCKWELL
Of Ridgefield, was formerly engaged in business at New Haven as a merchant tailor, being a niein- ber of the firm of Mason & Rockwell. He was also a member of the firm of Lounsbury Bros. & Rockwell, New Haven Shoe Manufacturers, in which he remained for upwards of eleven years. At present he is the owner of a farm at Ridge- field, and is living in retirement. Mr. Rockwell was born in New York city and is 57 years of age. He was educated in the New York public schools and at Oxford Academy. He has held the offices of Grand Juror and Justice of the Peace. In politics he is a Republican.
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WILLIAM CHAUNCEY LODER
Of Ridgefield, was born at Bedford, N. Y., and is 40 years of age. He received the advantages of a common-school education. During the war he served in the one hundred and sixty-first New York, spending three years in the field. In poli- ties Mr. Loder is a Republican. He was formerly engaged in railroading, but is now interested in the sewing machine business. The present is his first term in a legislative body.
JOIIN O. NORTHROP
Of Sherman, was born at Sherman, June 27, 1804, and is now in his eighty-first year, being the oldest man in the General Assembly. He was educated in the common and select schools, and early engaged in farming, which he still fol- lows. He has also been employed considerably in the settlement of estates, and has dealt quite extensively in his day in northern New York and Michigan pine lands. For the past thirty-four years he has been the clerk and treasurer of the First Ecclesiastical Society at Sherman. He has also held the offices of Notary Public, Justice of the Peace, Assessor, and Treasurer of the Town Deposit Fund. Mr. Northrop belongs to the Republican party.
SETH SMITH COOK
Of Stamford, was born at Long Ridge, in the town of Stamford, August 23, 1823, and received a connnon-school and academic education, includ- ing a course of study at Bedford Academy, West- chester County, N. Y., under the tuition of Dr. Joseph C. Howe. He taught school himself after becoming of age, but subsequently engaged in business, principally manufacturing. For seven years he was interested in the manufacture of agricultural machinery and chain punge, the firm name being Marshall & Cook. Afterwards the firm name was Scofield & Cook, and still later Scofield, Cook & Co. For the last seventeen years Mr. Cook has been engaged in the mann facture of shoes, the firm being Cook & Louns
bnry. The partnership has just been dissolved, the existence of the firm name ceasing January 1st. Mr. Cook has held numerous offices in his town, including that of Assessor, Grand Juror. School District Clerk for twenty years, member of the School Board, and Representative to the General Assembly in 1866. He was one of the incorporators of the Citizens Savings Bank at Stamford, and is a director in the First National Bank at New Canaan, and also in the Citizens Savings Bank. In early life he learned the trade of a cabinet-maker, but did not follow that pur- suit long. He was engaged in mercantile busi- ness for a number of years, and has been a successful man of affairs. In politics Mr. Cook is a Republican.
SAMUEL C. WATERBURY
Of Stamford, was born at Darien, April 4, 1523, and was educated in the common and private schools of the town. He has held a number of public offices, including that of First Selectman for six years, and Justice of the Peace. He is at present a member of the Board of Selectmen. Mr. Waterbury is a prominent Odd Fellow, and has been Grand Master of the State. He has been engaged in farming and the grocery business, and is now interested in the wholesale cattle trade. In politics he is a Republican.
STILES JUDSON
Of Stratford, was a member of the House in fase, serving from the town of Stratford. He was born there December 27, 1526, and received a common school and neademic education. At the age of 17 he went to sea, and five years after he was made first mate of a vesel. Soon after he left the sea and went to California, where he was engaged in the drug business for two years. NA years were spent in mining operations, In 155; Mr. Judson returned to Stratford, where be has since been engaged in agriculture and merchan dising. Ile is one of the Waslington Bridge Commissioners In poline Mi Judion is a Republican
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WESLEY B. COAN
The Representative from Trumbull, is a Demo- crat, and was born at Woodbury, March 21, 1842. When three years of age he removed to Trumbull, and has lived there ever since. He never served his time, but can make a wagon- iron, wood-work, and all-and paint it well. In the carriage and the jobbing line he has built up a good business, which he now prosecutes at Long Hill. His majority at the fall election was quite flattering. Albert S. Coan, his father, was in the House of 1868, and is a first consin of the lately deceased Rev. Titus B. Coan, the famous mis- sionary to the Sandwich Islands. The present Representative has filled most all the ininor offices in the town, has been president of the Union Agricultural Society of Huntington (of which he is now a director), deacon for ten years in the Congregational church, and superintendent of the Sunday-school for seven years. He is a member of the Committee on the Sale of Lands.
JOHN M. LOCKWOOD
Of Weston, is a farmer by occupation, and in polities is a Democrat. He was born at Weston,
March 6, 1848, and received a common-school education. The present is his first term in the Legislature.
MOSES SHERWOOD
Of Westport, was born at Westport, May 18, 1839, and received a common-school and academic education. He was a member of the Legislature in 1883, serving on the Democratic side of the House. For several years back he has been a member of the Board of Relief, and has ocenpied other local offices. He is engaged in farming, and in politics is a Democrat.
CHARLES A. AMBLER
Of Wilton, was born at Danbury, and is 38 years of age. He received a common-school education, and is a farmer by occupation. In politics he is a Republican.
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CHARLES N. ALLEN
Of Putnam, was a member of the House last year, and was reelected to the present Legislature by an increased majority; although an out- spoken Democrat, and his town, strongly Repub- lican, never before for twenty-seven years had a Democratic Representative, his elevation to this responsible position by the popular vote of his townsmen is a well-deserved tribute to his upright- ness of character, geniality, and the ready tact which he has displayed while holding various local offices, and as head salesman in an extensive commercial house in the town which he repre- sents. His services in the Legislature last year not only gave satisfaction to his constituents, but received the commendations of the press of both political parties throughout the State. Mr. Allen was born in Union, January 25, 1552, but has
made his home chiefly in Woodstock and Putnam, having resided in the latter town for twelve years. He has been a member of the Demo- cratic State Central Committee for the last two years, where his influence in partisan delibera tion> is always recognized. He is an enthusiastic worker in all enterprises that enlist his aproba- tion and sympathy, which characteristic renders him a valuable ally in any canse which ke es ponses. His record in last year's Legislature furnishes an apt illustration of this fact, and of the appreciation which earnest public service is likely to receive from intelligent constituer ches of both political parties. Mr. Allen is serving the present session on the Committee on lucerne- rations.
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GEORGE BROWN
Of Brooklyn, was born in Brooklyn, July 30, 1832. He has never sought office, but has been School Visitor and member of the Board of Relief, and has filled other local offices. Farming has been his general pursuit; but he has taught school seven terms. He is a staunch Republican.
EVERETT M. DURKEE
Of Ashford, is a member of the firm of Buck, Durkee & Stiles, wholesale dealers in groceries and provisions in Willimantic. He was born in Ashford, July 11, 1857, and received a common- school education. He has had no experience as a maker of laws.
THOMAS F. DUNHAM
Of Ashford, is a Democrat, who enjoyed the ad- vantages of the common schools, and then became a farmer. He has been a Grand Juror and a member of the Board of Relief, and was born in Ashford, August 7, 1831.
GEORGE L. CAREY
Of Canterbury, was a Sergeant in Co. A, First Connecticut Cavalry, is a farmer, educated in the common schools, and was born in Canterbury, 1843. He is a Republican.
GEORGE T. KENDALL
Of Canterbury, has been twice before in the Legis- lature, serving in 1859 on the State Prison Com- mittee, and in 1881 a member of the Committee on Fisheries. Hle is a Democrat and a farmer ; was educated in the common schools, and has been an Assessor, Collector, Selectman, and mem- ber of the Board of Relief. He was born in Can- terbury, October 30, 1821.
EDSON D. FULLER
Of Chaplin, has frequently acted as a Juror; is a farmer and Republican ; was educated in the common schools, and claims Chaplin as his birth- place. He was born in 1827.
MONROE F. LATHAM
Of Eastford, who has always acted and voted with the Republican party, believes that the party " needs to reform itself in some particulars." He was born in Phoenixville, January 3, 1843, is a miller, sawyer, and farmer, and studied in the common schools. He is now on the Board of Relief for Eastford, and has been Selectman for three successive years, Justice of the Peace, an Assessor, and a member of the Board of Relief.
DAVID P. WEAVER
Of Hampton, was a Corporal in Co. F, 10th C. V. He was in nearly all the engagements in which his regiment participated, and was wounded at Deep Bottom, Va., August 14, 1864, for which wound he receives a pension. He was mustered out in 1865. He is a Republican, and his first vote was cast in April, 1864, for Gov. Bucking- ham ; his next for President Lincoln. He has never held office before, was educated in the com- mon schools, and has chiefly followed farming. He was born in Windham, January 4, 1842.
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CHARLES T. PRESTON
Of Killingly, was elected as a " temperance Dem- ocrat," and hopes "to do nothing inconsistent with either title." He was born in Smithfield, R. I., May 10, 1848, and studied in the common schools of Killingly and the Danielsonville high school. He was an Assessor in 1879 and 1882, and is a house-painter and paper-hanger.
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PRESCOTT BARTLETT
Of Putnam, was born at Killingly, Connecticut. December 1, 1841, and is now forty-two years of age. Ile received a common-school education, and has been in office on the Killingly Town Committee for two years, and as Assessor three years. He was returned to the General Assem- bly as Representative of Killingly in 1579, and
now holds the office of Assessor in Putnam. lle is engaged in business as a merchant. He enlisted in the First Connecticut Artillery, but was discharged on account of ill health after a few weeks' service. Mr. Bartlett is a Repub- lican, and was in last year's Home. He is this year on the Finance Committee.
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FRANK P. WARREN
Of Killingly, is a farmer, has lield district offices, received a common and high-school education, and was born in Killingly, Nov. 25, 1852. He is a Democrat.
DAVID EMERSON
Of Plainfield, born in Wenham, Mass., in Jan- mary, 1824, enjoyed very limited educational advantages, but is much respected in his com- innity. He has had charge of all the wood- work at the Wanregan Mills for the last fifteen years, and served for two years and ten months as a private in the 18th C. V. He is a member of the Republican party.
EDWARD E. HILL
Of Plainfield, has been in mercantile pursuits for the last thirty years, was born in Plainfield, Sep- tember 25, 1823, and educated in the common schools. His political bias is Republican ; but he does not feel bound to go with that party unless it is " strictly temperate."
CHARLES G. WILLIAMS
Of Pomfret, was born in Pomfret, and is fifty-two years of age. The common school and academy furnished him liis education. For fifteen years he was Postmaster at Pomfret Landing, and in 1880 was a Censns Enumerator. He is now a Justice of the Peace. For twenty years he was in mercantile business, and for ten a school- teacher. He is a Republican, and sat in the House of 1883.
CHARLES PAYSON GROSVENOR
Of Pomfret, a native of Abington, in that town, was born November 17, 1844, and educated in the common schools. He has had two years' pre- vious legislative experience, being in the lower
House in 1879 and 1880. He is a farmer by profession, a Republican in politics, and is at present serving as Selectman of his town.
RUFUS T. HASKINS
Of Scotland, was born in Rochester, Mass., De- cember 29, 1839, studied in tlic district school, and went to sea at the age of 15. For twenty years he sailed the ocean, occupying every berth on a whale-ship. He was captain one cruise. For the last ten years he has been a farmer. He has also been a Grand Juror, and is now a Selectman. He has always voted the Republican ticket, and has no desire to change.
EDWIN A. CARD
Of Sterling, is Postmaster at Sterling, and has generally followed the mercantile business. He was born in Sterling, is 45 years of age, graduated from the Lapham Institute, R. I., and is a Re- publican.
MARCUS F. TOWNE
Of Thompson, is a Republican, 59 years of age, having been born in Thompson, June 1, 1824. He is a result, in education, of tlie common-school system. He lias "farmed it " to quite an extent, and in 1873 had the honor to represent Thomp- son in the Honse. He is president of the Wood- stock Agricultural Society, and a director in the Dime Savings Bank. For seven years he was Selectman-for four years Chairman of the Board -and he has been an Assessor for several years.
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