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 8
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GILBERT H. HOLCOMBE
Of Burlington, is a Republican in politics and has held the office of First Selectman and also that of Registrar of Voters, still retaining the latter position. His election was a Republican gain. He was born at Granby in February, 1838, and received a common school education.
Mr. Holcombe is engaged in the manufacture of hardware. The present is his first term in the Legislature.
ANSON W. BRISTOL
Of Canton, is a native of Canton Center, where he was born June 9, 1840. He was educated in the graded school at Collinsville, and is a farmer by occupation. He has been the Town Clerk at Canton since 1875, and is also a Justice of the Peace. During the war he was a fifer in Com- pany I of the Twenty-Second Connecticut Regi- ment. In politics Mr. Bristol is a Republican.
PETER GROHMAN
Of East Granby, was born in Germany, Decem- ber 22, 1828, and received an academic and theo- logical education. In 1852 he removed to the United States, and has spent most of the time since in Hartford County. During the war he was a member of Company D of the Sixteenth Connectient, holding the rank of Orderly Ser- geant. He was captured with his regiment at Plymouth, N. C., April 20, 1864, and passed eleven months in rebel prisons, the greater por- tion of the time being at Andersonville. From that place his regiment was removed to Charles- ton and Florence, S. C., the sufferings and priva- tions in the latter prison being almost as bad as they were at Andersonville. Many of Sergeant Grohman's company were natives of Germany, and enlisted from the cigar manufacturing firms at Suffield. Captain Hintz was their commander for a considerable period, but was transferred at last to Company C, the color company of the regiment. Grolunan was a brave soldier, and was engaged in the battles of Antietam and Freder- icksburg, and also in the siege of Plymouth. On returning home he settled at East Granby, and has resided there for sixteen years. He has been a member of the School Committee and Clerk of the School District. In polities he is a Democrat, and is engaged in manufacturing cigars. This is his first term in the House.
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JOHN C. RUSSELL
Of Bristol, was born at Portland, October 16, 1548, and was educated in the public schools and academy. He is a member of the firm of D. B. Judd & Co., lumber and coal dealers, and was formerly a director in the Wilcox Judd Coal
and Lumber Company. He is a member of the Board of Relief at Bristol, and a Democrat in politics. The present is his first term in the Legislature, where he is serving on the Commit tee on Education.
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SETH S. ALLEN
Of East Windsor, was a member of the Board of Selectmeu for three years from 1878, and is a Republican in polities. He was a member of the Twenty-fifth Connectient during the war, serv- ing in the ranks. By occupation Mr. Allen is a farmer. He was born at East Windsor, July 21, 1839, and was educated in the common schools. The present is his first term in the Legislature.
CLINTON T. INSLEE
Of East Windsor, was born at Warehouse Point, in 1846, and received a common and select school education. For the past three years he has held the office of Town Auditor, and is one of the Ferry Commissioners at Warehouse Point. He is a manufacturer and dealer in cigars and tobacco. Politically Mr. Inslee is a Democrat. In 1883 he contested the seat in the House with Mr. John N. Clark, but the decision was against his claim, the seat being awarded to Mr. Clark.
JAMES MORRISON
Of Enfield, is a prominent Temperance leader and popular citizen at Thompsonville, where he las resided since 1860. He is a brother of Mr. Charles F. Morrison, who was a member of the House from Enfield in 1876, and will ably represent the interests of his town in the Legis- lature. Mr. Morrison has charge of one of the carding and spinning departments of the Hart- ford Carpet Company's works at Thompsonville. He was born at Peacham, Vt., and is forty-nine years of age. He was educated in the common schools at Framingham, Mass., where his early years were spent. He also aequired his occupa- tion there, working in the Saxonville mills before removing to Connecticut. On coming to this State he entered the employ of the Greenville Worsted Company, residing at Norwich. He was also engaged with the Sterry Faucet Com- pany for three years. In 1860 he removed to Thompsonville, and has lived there since that time. He is deeply interested in the Temperance cause, and is an active member of the Temple of
Honor at Thompsonville, and one of the lead- ing members of the Order of Good Templars in the State. He is also a member of the Knights of Honor order. Mr. Morrison has been a member of the School Committee at Thompson- ville, and is interested in the progress of educa- tion in his town. In politics he is a Republican. The present is his first term in the Legislature.
JOHN MIDDLETON
Of Enfield, was a member of the House during the session of 1883, serving on the Claims Com- inittee. His duties in that capacity were dis- charged with marked ability and discrimination. He was careful and painstaking in his investiga- tions, and presented his views forcibly on the floor of the House. Mr. Middleton is one of the most popular men in Enfield, and his election last fall, as well as in 1882, was highly compli- mentary to his personal standing with his fellow townsmen. In that part of the town comprising the school district in which he resides he received the vote of every Republican and Democratic elector, and led his ticket in each of the voting precincts. He was born in the County of Sligo, Ireland, aud is forty-two years of age. He was a student in the University of Dublin when he decided on removing to America, and possesses a sound education. On reaching the United States he settled in Enfield, and has since resided there. He is engaged in farming and the lumber business, furnishing timber supplies extensively for railroad equipment. His lumber mills are at Melrose on the Connecticut Central road, and he employs a number of sets of hands in different parts of the State cutting supplies for his business. Though an active man in town affairs, he has never sought public distinction, but has repeatedly declined the acceptance of official position. It was only in response to an urgent call that he ran for Representative during both years that lie has been elected. He is a pronounced Republican in polities, but is not guided in his course by party restrictions when publie interests require eon- servative and independent action. He has made a useful legislator in all matters either in eom- mittee or on the floor, where strong common sense is needed.
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SAMUEL D. BULL
Of Bristol, was born at Burlington, October 11. 1844, and received a common-school education in the schools of the town. Ile is now serving his eighth year as a member of the Board of Selectmen, and for two years has been First
Assistant Engineer of the Bristol Fire Depart- ment. He is a Democrat politically and is engaged in the livery business. The present is his first term in the Legislature. He is serving on the Committee on Constitutional Amendments.
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ERASTUS GAY
Of Farmington, was a member of the House last year, serving on the Committee on Banks. He was born in the town which he represents, July 26, 1843, and was fitted for college there in Principal Hart's School, but subsequently engaged in mercantile pursuits, entering into business with his father, Wm. Gay. He has been a member of the Republican Town Committee at Farmington sinee he was twenty-two years of age, and has frequently represented his town in the Republican State Conventions. Two years ago he was elected Town Treasurer by botlı politieal parties, receiving practically the whole vote of the town for that offiee. Mr. Gay is also treasurer of the Town Deposit Fund. He is a member of the Board of Directors of the State Bank in Hartford, the Farmington Savings Bank, and of the Standard Rule Company of Union- ville. He is also one of the managers of thic Farmington Creamery, and is in all respects an able and successful man of affairs. His course in the House last year was conservative, and his influence was recognized throughout the session by both political parties.
SHERMAN SANFORD
Of Farmington, was born at Avon, March 18, 1835, and was edueated in the common schools. He has held the offices of Assessor and member of the Board of Relief, and is engaged in farm- ing and lumbering. In politics he is a Repnb- lican. The present is his first term in the legisla- ture.
P. HENRY GOODRICH
Of Glastonbury, was born at Portland, May 27, 1840, and was educated at Chase's Select School
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at Middletown. He served as Sergeant in Com- pany D., Twentieth Connectieut, and was with Sherman in the famons march through Georgia. He was in the battles of Chancellorsville, Gettys- burg, Averysborough and Bentonville, N. C. In the latter engagement, which was fought March 19, 1865, lie was wounded. He was the first Union soldier to receive Major Henry L. Pasco of the Sixteenth Connectieut, when he eseaped from the rebel prisons, and made his way through to the Union lines. Mr. Goodrich was an excel- lent soldier, and served three years with his eom- mand at the front. At the close of the war he settled in Glastonbury, where he is engaged as a merchant and dealer in seed-lcaf tobacco. He holds the office of Justice of the Peace, and in politics is a Republican.
EUGENE S. STRICKLAND
Of Glastonbury, has been a member of the board of selectmen for three years and is engaged in farming. Ile was born at South Glastonbury, October 5, 1842, and received a common school and academic education. In politics he is a Republican. The present is his first term in the Legislature.
JOHN W. RUIC
Of Granby, has held the office of First Selectman for four years, and is thoroughly well informed concerning town and State interests. He is a farmer by occupation, and has one of the best farms in Granby. In politics he is a Republican. Mr. Ruic was born at Granby, February 2, 1833, and received a common school and academie education. He possesses the fullest confidence and esteem of his fellow townsmen and represents their interests faithfully in the Legislature.
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GEORGE W. DARLIN
Of East Hartford, has been engaged in the grocery and provision business in the meadow district, for a number of years, and is a well- known Democratic citizen of the town. He is
at present a member of the Board of Relief, and treasurer of the Meadow School District. He was born at Rupert, Vt .. February 13, 1825, and received a common school education.
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WILLIAM CULLEN CASE
Of Granby, was born in Granby, February 17, 1836, and graduated from Yale College in the class of 1857. Among his classmates were Pro- fessors Cyrus Northrop, D. C. Eaton, and A. M. Wheeler of Yale College, Railroad Commis- sioner George M. Woodruff, Rev. Storrs O. Sey- mour and Jolin C. Day of Ilartford. After grad- uation lie immediately entered upon the study of the law with the late Judge James D. Holt of Pittsfield, Mass., with the diligence and persever- ance that had characterized his school and col- lege days. When first admitted to the bar lie took a higli position, and for many years has been classed in the front rank of Connecticut's law- yers. In his preparation of causes lie is thorongli and exhaustive, and as an advocate and orator lias but few equals in the entire State. He is, perhaps, best known by his political life, having represented the town of Simsbury in the House of Representatives during the years 1869, 1870, 1872, 1873, 1874, and in 1881, when he was chosen Speaker, and discharged the duties of the office with the highest ability and snecess. ITis splendid equipment as a debater, and good sense and sound judgment, made him a leader of his party, and largely to his efforts is dne the wise and conservative legislation of that period. In 1876 he was nominated by the Republicans for the State Senate, and though the district was hopelessly Democratic, lie made strong and vigor- ous inroads upon the customary Democratic majority. During the presidential campaigns of 1876 and 1880, he labored indefatigably for the success of the Republican nominees, and the party which has commanded his allegiance and services for so many years. The present session he is chairman of the Judiciary Committee, which makes him the acknowledged leader of the House.
WESLEY A. MILLER
Of Hartland, was born there September 17, 1852, and received a connnon school education. HIe holds the position of Superintendent of the Con- gregational Sunday-school at Ilartland, and is actively interested in church affairs. But he has not held political office before. He is a Repub- lican, and acts with that party in the Legislature. Mr. Miller is a farmer by occupation.
ALBERT N. STILLMAN
Of Hartland, has held the office of Constable for a number of years, and has been Deputy Sheriff under Sheriff A. W. Spaulding. He has resigned the position, however, in order to accept of the office of Representative. Mr. Stillman was born at Hartland, February 2, 1848, and received a common school education. He is a Republican politically, and is engaged in farming.
M. BRADFORD SCOTT,
The Republican member from Manchester, is engaged in the insurance business. He was born at Warehonse Point in 1843, and was educated at the Connectient Literary Institute at Suffield, aud Wesleyan Academy at Wilbraham, Mass. The present is his first term in the Legislature.
CLINTON W. COWLES
Of Manchester, was a member of the Honse dur- ing the sessions of 1881 and 1882, and was an active and influential member on the Democratic side. He has hield the office of First Selectman for one term, Judge of Probate one term, and Notary Public for twelve years. Mr. Cowles was a good debater in the House, presenting lis views ably and forcibly, and with good effect, not only with his political friends, but also with his opponents. He was born at Manchester, July 9, 1841, and was educated at the Suffield Institute. Ile is engaged in the hotel and livery business, and in farming.
CHARLES ANDREW CLARK
Of Marlborough, is a Democrat politically, and is engaged in farming. Ile has been a member of the Board of Selectmen for one year, and lias served as Clerk and Treasurer of the school dis- trict in which he resides. He was born at Marl- borough, January 28, 1847, and received a com- mon school education. The present is his first term in the Legislature.
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PATRICK GARVAN
Of East Hartford, was born at Castletown Roche. County Cork, Ireland, March 8, 1836, and attended the national and private schools there until he was fifteen years of age, when he came to America. He attended school after arriving here at East Windsor Hill, and at sixteen years of age he was apprenticed to the carpenter trade in East Hartford. At twenty-one he engaged in business for himself, and met with success as a contractor and builder. Eight years ago he retired from the building business and engaged in the paper trade at 207 State street. Hartford, where he had held a partnership interest for a considerable period. Mr. Garvan has been she
cessful in his business enterprise- and is an able manager. He is actively interested in local affairs, and was one of the originator- of the East Hartford Village Improvement Society. He was chosen its first president. For the past three years he has been the Chairman of the Board of School Visitors in East Hartford, and has been the treasurer of the Center District, where he resides, for a number of years. Mr. Garvan was a member of the State Convention which nominated Governor Andrews, and he has taken a deep interest in educational and political affairs in his town ever since he commenced his residence there thirty one years ago
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JAMES ANDREW PICKETT
Is one of the most prominent and successful business men in New Britain, and Mayor of the City. He is President of the Landers, Frary & Clark Company, and also of the Union Mannfac- turing Company, Vice-President of the New Britain National Bank, Director in the New Britain Savings Bank, and is interested in other financial and industrial institutions. His rank as a publie officer, business man and citizen is very high, and seeures for him an influential position in the House. He was for ten years an active member of the Sewer Commission in New Britain, and has given a great deal of time and attention to improving the sanitary condition of the city. Mayor Pickett was born at New Milford, March 9, 1829, and received a common school eduea- tion. In polities he is a Republican.
CROMWELL O. CASE
Of New Britain, was born at West Granby, July 15, 1845, and received a common sehool eduea- tion. The early years of his life were spent in North Canton. From 1863 until 1867 he resided in Hartford, serving an apprenticeship at Wood- ruff & Beach's. For the past fifteen years lie has been in the employ of P. & F. Corbin at New Britain, holding the position of foreman of the machine department. He is one of the best machinists in New England. Mr. Case is a member of the Council Board at New Britain and is a Republican in politics.
HENRY FIELDS
Of Newington, was born at Waterbury, March 23, 1846, and received a common school educa- tion. He was formerly a night watchman at the State Prison at Wethersfield, but is now engaged in farming. Mr. Fields is a Republican in poli- ties, and a member of the Board of Relief at Newington.
AQUILA H. CONDELL
Of Plainville, is the President of the Condell, Mastin & Butler Company of Plainville, carriage manufacturers, and one of the leading business men of the place. He was born in the Province of Ontario, Canada, July 3, 1849, and graduated from the Victoria High School at Brockville, Ontario. He is a member of the School Board at Plainville. In polities Mr. Condell is a Repub- liean.
ALBERT D. GRISWOLD
Of Rocky Hill, was born at Wethersfield, July 28, 1834, and was edneated at the Suffield Liter- ary Institute. He has been a member of the Board of Selectinen, acting School Visitor for ten years, and Town Auditor. He is at present Chairman of the Board of School Visitors. Mr. Griswold is engaged in farming, and in politics is a Deinocrat.
JEFFERY O. PHELPS, JR.,
Of Simsbury, was born at Simsbury, August 30, 1858, and graduated at Williston Seminary, at East Hampton, Mass., in the class of 1879. From January, 1880, until February, 1883, he held the position of Treasurer of the Blodgett & Clapp Company of Hartford, dealers in iron and steel. He is at present Treasurer of the lowa Mortgage Loan Company, and has his office at 295 Main Street. In polities Mr. Phelps is a Democrat. The present is his first term in the House. He comes of a representative family, as will be understood by the following record : Jeffery O. Phelps, his father, served one term in the House, and one in the Senate; Jeffery O. Phelps, his grandfather, served five terms in the House; Noah A. Phelps, his great-grandfather, served five terms ; Noalı Phelps, his great-great- grandfather, served nineteen terms; David Phelps, his great-great-great-grandfather, served seven terms; Joseph Phelps, his great-great- great-great-grandfather, served eighteen terms. Seven generations in a direct line.
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GEORGE P. MCLEAN
Of Simsbury, was a member of the House dur- ing the session of 1883, serving as Chairman of the Committee on State Prison and also as mem- ber of the Committee on Rules. It was princi- pally due to his efforts that the new rule, adopted at the commencement of the session, restricting the floor to members, was abolished. Under the rule as it existed, the public were excluded from the floor. Mr. McLean as Chairman of the State Prison Committee reported the bill establishing a Board of Pardons, and delivered a strong and forcible speech in support of the measure. His facility in the debate and the cogeney of his arguments made him one of the most influential members on the Republican side of the House. On the organization of the Board of Pardons in November, Mr. MeLean was elected clerk, the position coming to him unsought. He was born in Simsbury, October 7, 1857, and was admitted to the Hartford County bar in 1881, after a thorough course of legal study in the office of Hon. Henry C. Robinson. Ile is a brother of the novelist, Miss Sally P. McLean, author of " Cape Cod Folks." Mr. McLean was formerly connected with the Hartford Evening Post, but gave up journalism for the law, for which he has especial taste and inclination. lle has his law office in Hartford, but resides at Simsbury. Ile is a graduate of the Hartford High School, his class being that of 1577.
ELISHA J. NEAL
Of Southington, was born at Bristol, December 16, 1848, and received a common school and academic education, being a graduate of Lewis Academy at Southington. He has been Deputy Registrar of voters for several years, and Chair- man of the Democratic Town Committee, hav- ing hold the latter position for ten years. He is employed by the Peak, Stow & Wilcox Company, is book-keeper and salesman. In less he was a member of the House for three weeks, but on content the seat was awarded to his opponent Mr. J. F. Pratt, the latter having one majority. At the election in November, Mr. Neal's majority was ninety nine. Many of the Republicans in the town voted for him on account of disati-face- tion with their own nominees, making his major
ity larger than it would have been under ordinary cirennistances. Mr. Neal made a speech last vear against awarding his seat to Mr. Pratt. the Republican contestaut, and presented his fact- and positions with ability and clearness. While not a practiced public speaker, he know - how to express his convictions when occasion demands.
THOMAS B. ATWATER
Of Southington, was born at Southington, March 7. 1546, and received a common selbol and ac- demic education. He has been a director in the Atwater Manntheturing Company and a member of the Democratic town committee at Southing- ton. His father, Orrin Atwater, and his brother, James A. Atwater, have both been members of the General Assembly. He is engaged in the grain and feed business, and is a Democrat in politics. Mr. Atwater was elected by a majority of one hundred and one.
FRANK AVERY
Of South Windsor, is a native of that town. having been born there, February 12. 1>47. 1Ie received a common school education, and is engaged in farming and the tobacco business. Mr. Avery isa Republican in politics. The pres- ent is his first session in the Legislature.
JAMES W. SPELLMAN
Of Suffield, was born at Granville, Mas .. April 1.5. 1-22, and resided there until pas, when he removed to Suffield. He held the offices of Selectman, Assessor, and member of the School Board, while living at Granville, and he is an active aml inthential Congregationalist, being Deacon of the Church of that denomination ht Suffield, and superintendent of the Sunday school He has held the office of descon continuously, with the exception of one year, shee Isso In early life he was rigged in school t ling. but most of his business has been that of fire ing He has always been a Republican in pal ties, uml nets with that party in the Legaltin
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BRAINARD L. ALDERMAN
Of Suffield, Mr. Spellman's colleague, is a Dem- ocrat, his election being a gain for the Democrats of Suffield. He was born at East Granby, October 10, 1837, and received a common school education. The present is his first term of pub- lie office. He is also a farmer by occupation.
BENJAMIN S. BISHOP
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Of West Hartford, was a member of the Board of Selectmen for six years, Collector of Taxes for two years, Registrar of Voters from the time the registry law went into force until 1883, and has been a Justice of the Peace for sixteen years. He was also a member of the House during the years 1863 and 1874. He was born at West Hartford, Angust 1, 1819, and received a com- inon school and academic education. In poli- ties he is a Republican.
HENRY BUCK
Of Wethersfield, was born in Wethersfield, De- cember 6, 1834, and was educated in the com- mon schools and academy in that town. He has been a member of the Board of Selectmen three terms, two of them as First Seleetman, and lias held various minor offices within the gift of his townsmen. He is engaged in farming. Polit- ically Mr. Buek is a Republican, and has always voted and acted with that party.
LYMAN HEWITT
Of Wethersfield, was born at Eastford, June 23, 1837, and received a common school and aca- demie education. While residing at Eastford he was under the tutorship in the common school there of Samuel F. Jones of Hartford. Subse- quently he studied at Bacon Academy at Col- chester, and in the Conneetient Literary Institute at Snffield. He holds the position of Postmaster at South Wethersfield, and is a Republican in politics. Mr. Hewitt is engaged with his brother, R. T. Hewitt, in the manufacture of mattresses, the firm name being L. & R. T. Hewitt. The present is his first term in the Legislature.
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