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 12
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GEORGE M. HARRINGTON
Of Windham, is a Republican, who was Post- master at Versailles in 1870, and Warden of Wil- limantic in 1882. He has held minor offices. Mercantile business has been liis support; the common schools gave him his education, and lie was born in Killingly, September 25, 1849.
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DAVID CHASE
Of Thompson, born in Killingly, April 3, 1845, has always acted with the Republican party. In the House of 1851 he served on the Insurance Committee. He has been Postmaster at Mechan- iesville, and for two years was a Selectman. He
is now a director in the Thompson Savings Bank. and the Thompson National Bank, has generally followed mercantile pursuits, and secured his edu- cation in the common schools. He serves the present session on the Committee on Banks.
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FRANK S. FOWLER
Of Windham, enlisted in the Connecticut National Guard-Co. E, 3d regiment-August 21, 1871, and after being promoted through the various grades to the captaincy, resigned and was honor- ably discharged December 2, 1882. He is a clerk in Carpenter & Fowler's hardware store, and a Republican. He was born in Lebanon, March 3, 1851, attended the common schools of that town and Windham, and has been for three years a member of the Windham Board of Relief and that of the borough of Willimantic.
VERNON E. WALKER
Of Woodstock has been a Republican since the party was organized. He was born in North
Grosvenordale, October 20, 1840, secured a com- mon-school education, and became a farmer and a trader in farmers' produce. He shouldered a musket for three years, in the war for the Union, in Company G, Eighteenth C. V. He is a Trus- tee of the Methodist Church.
CALVIN ARNOLD
Of Woodstock is a sturdy temperance Republi- can, who was born in Union, July 29, 1842. He served from January, 1864, until the close of the war in the First Connecticut Cavalry ; for about eleven months he was a corporal. He is a carri- age manufacturer, a member of the firm of Arnold Brothers. He has never held public office before.
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F. RATCHFORD STARR
Of Litchfield, was born at Poplar Grove, Halifax, N. S., June 19, 1821. His early life was one of much activity, devoted, after his removal to the States, exclusively to the insurance business, from which he retired some years since, and became proprietor of the well-known "Echo Farm," in Litchfield, which connection he still retains. Mr.
Starr is an enthin-iast in his profession, a gentle- man of great energy, exerting a wide influence among the agriculturists of this State. In poli- ties he is a Republican. He was a member of the Legislature last year, serving as Chairman of the Committee on Humane Institutions. He occupies the same position the present session.
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EDWARD E. CHAMPLIN
Of Litehfield, was born in Dorehester, Mass., June 13, 1841. His father is a native of West- erly, R. I., where his aneestors settled in 1661, but removed early to Stonington, Conn. His mother was a Bostwick, of New Milford, Conn. Ile was edneated at the common schools and at the Woleott Institute, Litehifield, Conn., and was for a time in Transylvania University, Lexington, Ky. Mr. Champlin was engaged in eotton- planting in Louisiana for several years, and was afterwards a Railway Contraetor in the South and West; was Deputy Sheriff in Litchfield County for three years from June, 1878, and has been Chairman of the Board of Relief in the Town of Litehfield. He belongs to the Demo- eratie party, and has never before served in the Legislature.
THEODORE L. JOHNSON
Of Barkhamsted, was born in that town July 27, 1843, and was edneated in the common sehools. The present is his first term in publie offiee. He is a Demoerat in polities, and a farmer by oeeupa- tion.
JUSTIN HODGE
Of Barkhamsted, was born at Roxbury, April 21, 1816, and was edueated in the common schools of that town and the Academy at Washington. He has held a number of loeal offiees, inelnding that of First Selectman, Justice of the Peace, and Board of Relief. At present he is a Justice of the Peace, and Notary Publie. Mr. Hodge is engaged in the insuranee business, and is a Dem- ocrat in politics. He became a resident of Bark- hamsted in 1835, and has had his home there ever sinee. At the opening of the Mexican war he was appointed First Lieutenant of Company K, Ninth United States Infantry, his commission dating from Mareh, 1847. For meritorious con- duct he was promoted to the position of Regi- mental Quartermaster. In 1848 he was mustered out of the service. From 1858 until 1861 he was connected with the Ellington High School. At the breaking out of the Rebellion, he was ten-
dered the office of Brigade Quartermaster, which he accepted, and was mustered into the service, April 19, 1861. For meritorious conduct at Bull Run he was promoted to the rank of Captain, by Act of Congress, August 5, 1861. His conduct at the battle of Cedar Mountain, Angust 19, 1862, resulted in his being promoted to the posi- tion of Chief Quartermaster of the Banks Expe- dition, which left New York December 16, 1862. His gallantry at the first advance on Port Hudson won him the Coloneley of the First Regiment of Louisiana. After the capitulation of Port Hud- son, Colonel Hodge was ordered to Texas, where he held an important command from September, 1863, until August, 1864, when his health failed, and he was ordered to Washington. In Deeem- ber, 1864, he was ordered to join General Sher- man's command at ('hattanooga, and was appoint- ed to the command of a bridgade, participating in the " famous march to the sca." In the spring of 1865, he was assigned to a command in North Carolina, with headquarters at Fayetteville. He returned to his old home at the elose of the war, and has traveled extensively through Mexico, South America and Canada sinee 1865. Colonel Ilodge is a man of fine ability, and large experi- ence of men and affairs.
FRANK H. THOMPSON
Of Bethlehem, belongs to the Demoeratie party, was born in Bethlehem, January 22, 1858, and received a common-school edneation, ineluding a course in the Hartford graded schools. He is a farmer by oeeupation.
FREDERICK A. PECK
Of Bridgewater, was born in Bridgewater, Janu- ary 29, 1841, and received a common-sehool cdu- cation. He was a member of the Board of Select- men from 1865 to 1882, with the exception of two years, most of the time oceupying the position of First Selectman. He has been a member of the Board of Assessors, and also of the Board of Education. He is a Justice of the Peace. By oceupation Mr. Peek is a farmer, and in politics he is a Democrat.
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LINUS B. WINEGAR
Of Kent, was a member of the Legislature during the session of 1883, serving on the Democratic side of the House. For thirty years he success- fully conducted the wagon and carriage business at Kent, but retired from it April 1, 1560. Mr. Winegar is a member of St. Andrews' Episcopal church at Kent, and one of the vestrymen. He enjoys the fullest confidence of his townsmen, and has received numerons proofs of their friendship and esteem. A year ago last fall he was elected to the House by a practically unanimous vote of
the town, there being only two votes against him. He has several times represented hi- church in diocesan conventions, and is an active member of St. Luke's Lodge of Masons, ut Kent, in which he has hell the office of junior warden for three years. Mr. Winegar is a Justice of the Peace and Grand Juror. He was born at Kent, April 29, 1825, and received a common- school education. He is this session serving on the Committee on School Fund.
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ELISHA B. GILLETTE
Of Canaan, is engaged in farming and the lumber business, and is 54 years of age, having been born at Canaan, September 27, 1829. He was educated in the common schools, and has taken an active interest in the schools of his town, having served for years on the School Committee and Board of Education. Mr. Gillette is a Democrat.
GEORGE S. IVES
Of Colebrook, was a member of the House in 1862, and is at present Postmaster. He has served on the Board of Selectinen for three terms, and is actively interested in local affairs. He is also interested in mercantile pursuits. Mr. Ives was born at Colebrook November 27, 1832, and received a common-school education. In politics he is a Republican.
ORRIN W. OLES
Of Colebrook, was born at Otis, Mass., May 12, 1827, and received a common-school education. He has been a member of the School Committee, Tax Collector, and Grand Juror. At present he is a member of the Board of Assessors. He is a carpenter aud joiner, and is also engaged in farm- ing. In politics he is a Democrat.
GEORGE W. SHEPARD
Of Cornwall, is engaged in farming, and belongs to the Democratic party. He has not before held public office of any kind. Mr. Shepard was born at West Cornwall, December 25, 1854, and re- ceived a common-school education.
SEYMOUR JOHNSON
Of Cornwall, was born at Cornwall, August 16, 1812, and resides on the estate which has been in the possession of the Johnson family since the settlement of the town. IIc has been engaged in farming for half a century, and is an extensive land proprietor. Mr. Johnson has a thorough common and select school education, graduating from Rev. Wm. Andrews' private academy. Ile is a firm advocate of the common-school system, and served twelve years on the School Committee in his district. He has also held the office of
Selectman, Justice of the Peace, and other town offices. Mr. Johnson was formerly a member of the Whig and Republican party, but of late years lias been a Democrat. He supported Horace Greeley for President.
JOSEPH HOWARD NORTH
Of Goshen, is engaged in the practice of medi- cine, receiving his degree of M. D. from the Long Island College Hospital, June 26, 1873. He was formerly Constable and Acting School Visitor in Cornwall. At present he is Town Clerk and Registrar of birthis, deaths, and marriages at Goshen. IIe received a good education at Colonel Ira Pettibone's school at Cornwall, and studied medicine with his uncle, Dr. B. B. North. Mr. North was born at Cornwall, January 15, 1846, and resided there until 1873, when he removed to Goslien. He is a Democrat in politics.
SIMMONS W. SCOVILLE!
Of Goshen, is an independent Democrat, and a member of the Board of Selectmen at Goshen. IIe has been engaged in blacksmithing and wagon making for the past fifty-four years. He was born at Middlebury, Angust 21, 1811, and re- ceived a common-school education.
JAMES S. BALCH
Of lIarwinton, is a member of the Republican party. He was born April 21, 1825, and received a common-school education. Mr. Balch is a far- mer by occupation.
HENRY VON TOBEL
Of Harwinton, is the Republican Tax Collector of that town, and is engaged in farming. He was born in New York, April 16, 1849, and was edu- cated in the common schools. The present is his first term in the Legislature.
GEORGE HIRAM PAGE
Of Morris, has been a member of the Board of Selectmen, and is engaged in farming. He was born at Canaan, June 16, 1845, and received a common-school education. He has acted with the Democrats during his term in the Legislature.
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DARIUS B. SMITH
Of New Hartford, is a prominent manufacturer of New Hartford, and has been an active business man there for more than forty years. He was born at East Haddam, November 19, 1515, and received a substantial common-school education. Ilis father was Asa Smith, a well-known cotton- manufacturer in his day. Ilis mother was Mary Brainard Beckwith, of Lyme. Mr. Smith was one of a family of fourteen children, seven boys and seven girls, all of whom, with one exception, reached maturity. When he was a child his father engaged in partnership with Joseph Whit- more, (who, by the way, reared a family of four- teen girls,) and built with him what is now the stone mill in Moodns. Subsequently they built the works now owned by Harper Boise. Mr. Smith really commenced his active life in this mill, engaging in work there when he was but nine years of age. At eighteen he removed to Great Barrington, Mass., entering the employ of Mr. Perley Whitmore, brother of the late R.
Whitmore, of Hartford, and at twenty he was intrusted with charge of Mr. Whitmore's machine- shops, having twenty men under his supervision. He established a partnership at twenty-one with A. T. H. Spencer, and conducted works at Great Barrington for the manufacture of machinery. The financial crisis of 1837 impeded the progress of the firm ; but with shrewd management their business was successfully piloted through the en- barrassments that resulted in disaster to so many concerns at that time. When twenty -six years old he established himself with his brother, A (. Smith, at New Hartford, and huid the found- ation for the extensive cotton-works which, le afterwards built up there. In April, 1845, their mills were burned, and new ones were built at Pine Meadow. In 1575 Mr. Smith's mills were again burned out and rebuilt. During the war his factories were kept running constantly in the manufacture of tout material for the angy W1.co the government levied the 5 per cont tiry on
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manufacturers, he paid taxes on his goods to the amount of $1,200 per month. Mr. Smith is a man of exceptional business qualifications, and has been a close observer of politics, though not practically participating in political management. He has never been an office-seeker, but has stren- nously avoided office. In all practical ways lie is a temperance man. He has decided views with regard to railroad issues, and believes in regulat- ing freight transportation rates. In politics Mr. Smith is a Republican. He has served the pres- ent session on the Committee on Incorporations.
GEORGE R. ADAMS
Of New Hartford, was born April 16, 1814, in the house where he now lives, in the south part of New Hartford. He comes of an old and re- spected New England family. Ilis father, George Adams, was deacon of the old church at Nepaug; lic died in 1872 at the great age of 92 years. His mother's maiden name was Lucy Russell of Salis- bury ; she was a niece of John Russell, a former editor of the Hartford Times. The first member of the family who came to the town from Hart- ford was William, whose mother was sister of Rev. Thomas Hooker; he settled on the farm and in the house now occupied by his grandson, the subject of this sketch, about 1785. Mr. Adams is a man of much intelligence, and re- ceived better educational advantages than were usually granted to the sons of farmers in his boy- hood. He attended for two years the academy at Torringford, which was between 1830-40, quite a noted school in this region. Mr. Adams is by profession a teacher, having taught almost continuously for forty years in Hartford County and vicinity. He is an active man in the church, a ready speaker, and a dignified presiding officer. He is greatly respected by all who know him, has never sought political honors, but was a member of the Board of School Visitors for several years, and is now on the Board of Relief. He married in 1839 Sophronia, danghter of Jacob O. Catlin of IIarwinton, by whom he has one son.
AMOS H. BOWERS
Of New Milford, was a member of the House in 1882, serving on the Committee on Cities and Boronghs. During the past twenty years he has
taught school during the winter. For the past five years he has been Acting School Visitor, and has also served on the Board of Education. He was Census Enumerator for District No. 30, in 1880. Mr. Bowers was born at New Milford, February 2, 1845, and was educated in the com- mon schools. He is a Democrat in politics.
. EDWARD J. TRESCOTT
Of North Canaan, was formerly engaged in farm- ing; but for the past seven years he has been in the butchering business. He has served as Assessor and Juror. Politically he acts with the Democratic party. He was born at North Ca- naan, June 25, 1848, and received a sonnd com- mon-school education.
FREDERICK EDWARD PORTER
Of Norfolk, is a prominent business man at Nor- folk, where he is at the head of a large and snc- cessful industry. For the past twenty-five years he has been engaged in the manufacture of the Norfolk and New Brunswick hosiery, a class of goods that stands high in the New York and New England markets. Mr. Porter was born at Cole- brook, and is 61 years of age. His father was Captain Henry Porter, and the family have been residents of Colebrook ever since the settlement of the town, going there from Windsor. Mr. Porter has always been a Republican.
IIOMER E. COOK
Of Plymouth, has held the office of Constable and Collector at Plymouth for the past seventeen years. He is a native of Wallingford, where he was born, June 20, 1825, and was educated in the common schools. Mr. Cook is in the employ of the Eagle Lock Company. Politically he is a Republican.
WILLIAM A. SPAULDING
Of Norfolk, is engaged in farming, and is a Re- publican in politics. He was born at Norfolk, June 3, 1847, and received a common-school and academic education. The present is his first term in the Legislature.
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NICHOLAS STAUB
Of New Milford, is First Representative from that town. He was born in the Province of Lor- raine, France -- now in Germany, but still strongly attached to the French Republic-February 1. 1541. His father died when he was 12 years of age, thus leaving him to meet the responsibilities of life alone in boyhood. Of American institu- tions he read munch, and like many other worthy young men in France, longed to breathe the nir af the free United States. At 15 he started across the ocean, reaching New York the day before Christmas. His careful plaus were interrupted by a thief, who made off with every cent of hi- money while he slept. Nothing daunted, how- ever, he found employment and assistance. Then he went to Pennsylvania, where he lived for two years. In the spring of 140 he onne to Con- nectient and settled in the town of Bridgewater, where he held an important local office, for which he was nominated without his own knowledge.
He has been similarly honored by New Milford. and is now the president of the Agrienkural Society of that town, and a director in the same organization. Mr. Staub is n farmer and a dealer in seed-leaf tobacco. He made such an honored name for himself in the tobacco market that, in 1575, a brilliant dinner was tendered him by the tobacco growers of the Housatonic valley. They presented him with a fine gold watch, suitably inscribed with date of presentation and his mono- gram, and chain. This token he esteem- highly. At this banquet he was cheered as one born on the banks of the Rhine, and happiks responded by calling for cheers for a country that made no distinction against foreigners. In 1876 he was chosen a member of the Home of Represent atives, and served upon the Committee on Backs In that capacity he had the distinction of offering the Savings Bank bill, to which it was iteladded to burden the citizens with $35,000 of auditie od
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taxation. Notwithstanding that his was the only negative vote in a committee of nine, he succeeded in defeating the measure both in the House and Senate. He was returned to the present House by a majority of 234-a larger majority than any other person has ever received in New Milford in a party issue. In 1872 the Democratic majority was only twenty-four. This year he is serving upon the Committee on Insurance. Mr. Staub is a staunch Democrat, and is thoroughly well informed about eurrent affairs. In 1878 he re- visited his native Lorraine with his wife and oldest boy. His wife is the youngest daughter of Jolm Peck, Esq., of New Milford. He has three ehil- dren by her, all sons.
PHILIP W. WELLS
Of Roxbury, was a member of the House last year, serving with the Democrats. He has been engaged in manufacturing and milling, and is now farming. He was for five years Postmaster, and Justice of the Peace for one term of four in the State of New York, before his return to Con- nectieut, having removed originally from this State to New York. He is at present a Grand Juror. Mr. Wells was born at New Milford, and is 61 years old. He was educated in the common schools, and at the Friends' Institute at Washing- ton, N. Y.
SILAS B. MOORE
Of Salisbury, was a member of the House for the years of 1861 and 1862, and Judge of Probate for the Salisbury district from 1869 to 1876, and Town Treasurer of Salisbury for twenty-six years. He has been engaged in farming and as an iron and woolen manufacturer for twenty-five years. Judge Moore is a Democrat in politics. He was born at Salisbury, October 21, 1808, and received an academie education.
GEORGE B. CLARK
Of Salisbury, was a member of the House in 1873, and has been a member of the Boards of Selectmen and Relief. By occupation lie is a farmer, and in politics a Democrat. He was born at Salisbury, March 6, 1817, and was educated in the common schools and at Amenia Seminary.
NELSON G. WILLSON
Of Sharon, was born in the town of North East, Dutchess County, N. Y., and is 41 years old. He was educated in the common schools, and at Amenia Seminary. During the war he served in the One Hundred and Fiftieth New York regiment. Mr. Willson is a farmer by occupa- tion, and a Republican in politics.
CHARLES CHAUNCEY GORDON
Of Sharon, was born at Brooklyn, N. Y., and is 33 years of age. Sinee he was 11 years old le has lived in Sharon. He has held the office of Town Clerk, and is engaged in mereantile pur- suits. Politieally, Mr. Gordon is a Democrat.
PORTER DARROW
Of Thomaston, is a native of Bristol, where he was born in April, 1829, and received a common- school education. He is a contractor by occupa- tion, at the clock works in his town. In politics he is a Republican. The present is his first term in the Legislature.
BURTON C. PATTERSON
Of Torrington, was born at Cornwall, September 10, 1839, and received a common-school educa- tion. He has hield the offices of Selectman and Justice of the Peace, still retaining the latter position. He is the owner of Golden Farm, and is engaged in the milk business, furnishing New York consumers by special arrangement. In politics Mr. Patterson is a Republican.
FRANKLIN A. CURTISS
Of Warren, was born at Warren, December 2, 1821, and received a common-school and acade- nic education. He has held the offices of Select- man, Grand Juror, member of the Board of Relief, Justice of the Peace for twenty-five years, and School Visitor for twenty. He is engaged in farming, and is a Republican in politics.
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ISAAC W. BROOKS
Of Torrington, was born at Goshen, November 5, 1538, and was educated at Goshen Academy, receiving in addition a two years course at Brown University. For ten years he was Town Clerk at Goshen. He is at present Town Treasurer at Torrington, Justice of the Peace, treasurer of the Torrington Savings Bank, and president of the Torrington Water Company. He has been ch- gaged in the banking business for eleven year -.
Before that he was interested in mercantile pur- suits. Mr. Brooks is a brother of ex-Insurance Commissioner John W. Brooks, at present presi- dent of the Orient Fire Insurance Company. He is a business man of superior qualifications, and has been a successful manager of financial inter- ests. In politics Mr. Brooks is a Republican. He serves the present session as Chairman on the part of the House of the Committee on Finance.
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MYRON E. CABLE
Of Washington, was born at New Preston, Jann- ary 17, 1852, and received a common-school and academic education. He is engaged in mercan- tile pursuits, and in politics is a Republican. The present is his first term in public office.
CHARLES P. LYMAN
Of Washington, was a member of the House last. year, serving with the Democratic party in that body. He is a merchant by occupation. Mr. Lyman was born at New Preston, May 9, 1858, and received a common-school education.
GEORGE P. WOODWARD
Of Watertown, is a member of the Republican party. He is a traveling agent by occupation, for hardware and agricultural implements. Mr. Woodward was born at Litchfield, October 22, 1850, and was educated in the common schools and at the Watertown Academy.
SAMUEL B. HORNE
Of Winchester, was a member of the Second Connecticut Regiment, three months volunteers, and re-enlisted in the Eleventh Connecticut, serv- ing with honor and distinction through the war. He was wounded three times, and was promoted for gallant conduct ou the field, rising from the ranks to a captaincy in the Eleventh. Ile was Provost Marshal of the Eighteenth Corps under Generals Gibbon, Ord, and Weitzel, and proved himself an able officer. He is an active Grand Army man, holding the position of Judge Advo- cate of the State department in 1882, and during the past year that of Assistant Inspector of the department. He was born at Balleek, King's County, Ireland, March 3, 1843, and received a common-school and academic education. In 1869 he commenced the practice of law, removing to Michigan, where he remained until 1879. He has held the office of Deputy Sheriff in Litchfield County for three years, and was Tax Collector for one year at Winchester. He has been a Not- ary Public for eight years, and is a Commissioner of the Superior Court, and a Justice of the Peace. In 1869 Mr. Horne was Messenger of the Connecticut Senate. In politics Mr. Horne
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