History of Fairfield County, Connecticut : with illustrations and biographical sketches of its prominent men and pioneers, Part 104

Author: Hurd, D. Hamilton (Duane Hamilton) comp. cn
Publication date: 1881
Publisher: Philadelphia, J. W. Lewis & co.
Number of Pages: 1572

USA > Connecticut > Fairfield County > History of Fairfield County, Connecticut : with illustrations and biographical sketches of its prominent men and pioneers > Part 104

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).

NELSON HI. DOWNS.

The subject of this sketch is one of the most promi- nent self-made men now residing in the town of Huntington. His aucestors for generations had been tillers of the soil and residents of Fairfield County. His father, Lewis Downs, is to this day remembered as one of the thriving representative farmers of the ante-bellum period.

Until eighteen years of age Nelson H. remained upon his father's farm, doing customary labor during the spring and summer and attending the common schools during the winter season; his education, therefore, was limited to an acquaintance with the ordinary English branches, yet, by his large and varied experience in subsequent years, and through general reading, he now has a mind well stored with much useful information, and holds that place in society that belongs only to a gentleman of esteem and intelligence.

When cighteen years of age, with the acquies- cence of his parents, he left the farm and engaged in business with his brother, who was then a mer- chant in the new village of Birmingham. In con- sideration of health and general preferences, at the expiration of seven years Mr. Downs disposed of his mercantile interests and embarked in manufacture upon his own account, and he has since been more or less engaged in this kind of industry. He first made carriage-joints, next matches, then tacks. He was among the first to manufacture hoop-skirts, and the very first to make corsets, in the village of Bir-

420

HISTORY OF FAIRFIELD COUNTY, CONNECTICUT.

mingham. His extraordinary foresight revealed the advantages, and with characteristic promptness he anticipated all others in the erection of the first fac- tory on the west bank of Ousatonic; he was also attracted by the beautiful eminence beyond, and quickly made purchases to the right and to the left, and early crected upon a point commauding a charm- ing view one of the most sightly and desirable residences to be found in the surrounding country. Altogether, Mr. Downs has erected four factories, and quite a number of dwellings and other buildings. For eighteen ycars he gave his personal attention to his manufacturing business, and throughout the whole time it was his invariable rule to pay all of his employees, every fortnight, with his own hands; he failed but once, and then on account of sickness. Using money only as he made it, he conducted his affairs on the pay-as-you-go system, and in all of his varied enterprises gave but two notes, and at no time executed a mortgage on property. His factory was the first industry of Shelton, his residence the sixth building ; and this thriving village owes much of its rapid progress, both as to its manufactories and pri- vate residences, to the energy and exertions of Mr. Downs.

The family mansion is worthy of special note. Beautifully located upon the commanding eminence that here runs parallel with the river, the view is superb, taking in Birmingham, Derby, Ansouia, aud miles of the Ousatonic River. In coustruction it is characteristic of the man : from basement to garret it is filled with original conceptions and home-like conveniences.

Mr. Downs, we are told, never had political aspira- tions, aud, though frequently urged by his party to accept nominations, always declined to do so, and never attended a political caucus. Before the war a Whig of the Bell and Everett stamp, he has since voted with the Republicans. He has held various offices of public trust, the duties of which were faith- fully and satisfactorily performed.

Warm-hearted aud generous in his friendships, liberal and open-hauded in his charities, his ready and vigorous aid is always counted upou in matters of public weal. No work of public utility failed to receive his assistance, and no poor man was ever turned away from his door. Although Mr. Downs is not a member of any church, he has always been liberal in his contributions both to the erection and support of religious institutions.

Mr. Downs has retired from active business, owing to bad health, and is now enjoying that leisure which his successful business career las sccured him.

On May 8, 1843, he was united in wedlock to Elizabeth B., oldest daughter of Abijalı Wallace, by whom he has had four children, named in the family genealogy given below. Mrs. Dowus is an excellent lady, justly esteemed by a large circle of acquaint- ances.

GENEALOGY.

Joseph Dowus, born Jan. 14, 1768, died March 17, 1823; Hannah Patterson, wife of Joseph Downs, born July 28, 1767, died June 9, 1857. To this couple were born the following children : James, born July 13, 1786, died Aug. 27, 1868; Philo, born Aug. 1, 1788, died June 15, 1862; Lewis, born Dec. 19, 1790, died March 19, 1876; Ezekiel, born March 2, 1793, died March 28, 1866; Hepsey, born Sept. 2, 1795, died Aug. 11, 1874; Beach, born Dec. 18, 1797, died July 28, 1865; Hannah, born Jan. 8, 1800, died Feb. 13, 1853; Webb, born July 25, 1802, died March 9, 1874; Eliza, born July 2, 1804, died Oct. 24, 1846.

Lewis Downs was united in marriage to Mary Gil- bert, and to them were born the following children: Sidney A., born Aug. 13, 1817 ; Henry L., born Feb. 7, 1820, died Feb. 10, 1872; Nelson H., boru Nov. 18, 1821.

Eli Gilbert, father of Mrs. Lewis Downs, died Oct. 18, 1847, at the age of eighty-four ; his wife died Sept. 2, 1840, at the advanced age of eighty-two ; and their daughter, the wife of Lewis Downs, lived to the ripe old age of eighty.

To N. H. Downs and wife were born the following: Sarah E., born July 30, 1845, who lived but one month ; Hattie W., boru Feb. 28, 1849; Edward W., born Oct. 20, 1852; Lizzie, born Jan. 15, 1863.

Hattie W. was married to H. F. Wauning, June 14, 1869. There were three children,-to wit, Gracie E., Frankie N., and Hattie D.

Edward W. was married to Maggie Barker, May 4, 1874; at the expiration of two years this union was dissolved by the death of his beloved wife, leaving a son named Frank Westley. On April 30, 1879, Ed- ward W. Downs was married to Alice Benedict.

Abijah Wallace was boru Nov. 3, 1794, and died Dec. 26, 1877. Pauline Wakeman, his wife, was born Aug. 15, 1797, and died Sept. 15, 1847. Their daugh- ter, Elizabeth B., wife of N. H. Downs, was born Nov. 6, 1821.

D. W. PLUMB.

Among those thoroughly identified with the busi- ness and social interests and general prosperity of Huntington, particularly the part embraced by Shel- ton, none are more worthy thau he whose name ap- pears at the head of this sketch.

D. W. Plumb was born Oct. 13, 1808; he is of Eng- lish descent, though his ancestors were early settlers in the town of Milford, New Haven Co., Conn. His father Noah, his grandfather David, and his great- grandsire Noah, were all farmers of highly respectable stauding, and residents of this section of New Eng- land.

When David was five years of age his father re- moved with his family to what is now known as North Bridgeport, where he resided until his death, in 1862, at fourscore years of age. He was a citizen of esti-

The

Бу бажлы

DM Plumb

Nm Wilkinson

421

HUNTINGTON.

mable worth, and always wielded a good influence in the community where he resided. He represented Bridgeport many times in the Legislature, and in the year 1841 both father and son David were representa- tives of their respective districts in the State Senate.

David's mother, whose maiden name was Urania Welles, was. of Stratford. She was a descendant of Hon. Thomas Welles, who was Governor of the State in 1655 and 1658. She died in her eighty-second year.

David was the eldest of eight children, whom we name in the order of their birth,-viz. : David W., Louisa T. (deceased), Mary N. (deceased), Hepsy B. (deceased), Sally E., Elias N. (deceased), Emily M., and Horace S.

David enjoyed the advantages of the common and select schools of his day, and at twenty-four years we find him selling goods on his own account in a small country store in North Bridgeport. He closed busi- ness here in 1836 to engage in the manufacture of wooleu goods at the new village of Birmingham, where he continued till 1848, when, to enlarge the business, he removed to Ansonia, and there remained in the same line of industry till 1865, when he dis- posed of his interests to the Slade Manufacturing Company. Three years later he erected in Shelton his present residence, upon a site that commands a view of the grandest business enterprise with which he was ever identified. To the brain, nerve, and money of E. N. Shelton, D. W. Plumb, and others, thousands who once knew nothing of the beautiful Ousatonic are indebted for the opportunity they to- day enjoy for obtaining an easy support-yes, in many instances, considerable fortune.

From the beginning of the enterprise, Mr. Plumb has been prominent iu the affairs of the Ousatonic Water Company.

In addition to his varied business cares and trusts, Mr. Plumb has been active in his investigation and elucidation of questions affecting the nation's history, the State's prosperity, and his county and town's gen- ral interests. He represented the town of Derby in the State Legislature in the years '38, '52, '60, '62, and '64, the ouly person who has been so frequently chosen to represent the town siuce the adoption of the constitution. He was a senator from the Fifth Dis- trict in 1841.

In 1860 he procured the passage of the act author- izing the removal of the Bauk of North America from Seymour to Ansonia, and in 1862 obtained the charter of the Savings Bank of Ansonia. The Bank of North America on its removal to Ansonia had its title changed to that of "The Ansonia Bank," of which he was president for quite a time, and until his . resignation. He is now vice-president of Birming- ham National Bank. In 1864 he obtained the charter for the borough of Ansonia and the incorporation of the Ousatonic Water Company. The latter was strongly opposed by parties who were interested in shad-fisheries.

It will thus be seen that the life of Mr. Phimb has been one of active business enterprises, beginning in early boyhood and attaining practical results rarely realized as the fruits of one's own unaided exertions. In addition to business concerns and official duties, he has been thoroughly identified with the growing interests of the villages of Ansonia, Birmingham, and Shelton. He has grown up with them, they have grown up with him. By honesty and constancy of purpose, sound judgment, and strict integrity in all dealings, he was enabled to carly gain the confidence of the community and to successfully terminate mat- ters that he undertook. He never stooped to any meanness in all his varied- transactions: there has been no double-dealing. He hates shams of all kinds ; pretensions and superficial scemings he ab- hors. He constitutes a notable specimen of the American growth which starts from small beginnings, encounters adversity, yet conquers, and develops into wealth, wide personal influence, and financial control.

In politics a staunch Republican ; in religion not an avowed professor, yet churches and ministers of all denominatious could testify to his liberality.

Mr. Plumb has been married twice, but has no children,-first to Miss Clarissa Allen, of Derby, who died in 1865 without issue; and in 1875 he married Miss Louise Wakelee, of Huntington.

WILLIAM WILKINSON,

of Wilkinson Bros. & Co., was born in Nottingham, England, in 1834. When six years of age his father moved to Canada East and bought a farm. William remained with his father for ten years, in the mean time receiving from the district schools a good English education.

At sixteen years of age William went into the pine- woods of the Adirondack Mountains and engaged in the lumbering business for one year. Next we find him a pupil at Dunham Flat Academy, where he re- mained eighteen months. Upon quitting school, with the capital accumulated in the mountains, he began the sale of merchandise, traveling through the coun- try with a horse and wagon while disposing of his wares. Quitting his business at twenty-oue years of age, he emigrated to the territory of Minnesota, where he followed the trade of a mason for four years. At twenty-two he married Miss Elizabeth E. Fay, by whom he had one daughter, Emma, now deceased. As an evidence of Mr. Wilkinson's popularity at his new home, it is worthy of remark that within four years after locating he was elected to the responsible office of high sheriff of the county, which position he filled for three consecutive terms.

At twenty-six he went to Pike's Peak,-the year of the discovery of gold in that locality. Along with thousands of others from the States, he found in his search for gold a bitter experience and disappoint- ment. He was fortunate in losing only one-half of his

422

HISTORY OF FAIRFIELD COUNTY, CONNECTICUT.

capital, which at that time amounted to fifteen hun- dred dollars.

Returning to Minnesota he resumed his business as a mason, which he continued until the death of his wife, an event that occurred when he was thirty years of age. Pretty soon we find him in New York City with a cash capital of three dollars. At the sugges- tion of an older brother, he invested two dollars and seventy-five cents in one ream of tissue paper, which he disposed of at three dollars and twenty-five cents. His next sale was one bundle of twenty-four by thirty-six paper, which was sold to Barnum Bros., clothiers, of Chatham Square. Heassisted his brother at chores, who was employed at Wm. H. Parson's store, and made that place his headquarters, doing business in the manner above named for about twelve months. At the expiration of this time he and his brother Joseph began business on their own account at No. 42 Duane Street, their joint capital being two thousand two hundred and eighty-five dollars. They prospered for eighteen months, when William pur- chased his brother's interest for eight thousand dol- lars. He admitted as a partner his brother Thomas P., who added four hundred dollars to the capital. Two years later William H. Leach was admitted into the firm. In 1870, owing to the increase of business, larger and better quarters were taken at No. 72 Duane Street. Prosperity again followed, and in 1871 they decided to build a mill of their own, to be oper- atcd in connection with the store, and it was agreed that William Wilkinson should locate, build, and run the mill. His attention was carly called to the ad- vantages of the power of the Ousatonic Water Com- pany, and, after examining the location, he decided on erecting the mill at Shelton, in the town of Hunting- ton. A fine establishment was built and and run suc- cessfully until the fourth day of November, 1878, when, at 4.30 P.M., it was totally destroyed by fire. The insur- ance was adjusted on the 28th of November, and in the afternoon of the same day work was begun on the new mill, and, through the force and energy of Mr. Wilkinson, it was completed and the manufacture of paper begun in just four months and eighteen days from the date that rebuilding was commenced. The total length of the mill is four hundred and thirty- five feet, and it covers about two acres of ground. Owing to the increase of business, on the 1st of Feb- ruary, 1879, two new partners were admitted, -Charles A. Whedon, of New York, and George S. Arnold, of Birmingham, Conn.,-and another store, No. 74 Duane Street, New York City, was occupied. The company deals in all kinds of paper and twines in New York, and manufacture A No. 1 Manillas, all the different colored papers, English hardware and Bristol boards. The " Derby Mills " are among the largest in the man- ufacture of paper in the United States. They employ about seventy hands and have a daily capacity of twenty thousand pounds of paper. In addition to their own mill, Wilkinson Bros. & Co. control five others,

selling them their stock and taking their product. The company are at the time of this writing engaged in erecting a large wood-pulp mill over two hundred feet long, to be run in connection with the present estab- lishment. The firm's annual business is in excess of one million five hundred thousand dollars,-an out- growth of a cash capital of three dollars,-all of which has been accomplished in sixteen years.

Mr. Wilkinson is a man of extraordinary energy, kcen judgment, and great foresight. He knows no such word as failure; undertakings which would stagger the majority of men are inaugurated by him and pushed through to successful consummation. Sharp and curt at times when busy, at others he is one of the most courteous and agreeable of gentlemen. In charity, he is one of the rcadiest and most liberal; he lends substantial encouragement to all enterprises that are for the public good.

He has built two elegant residences in Shelton, one of which is occupied by himself and family, the other by the relict of a former employee, who lost his life while doing hazardous work for the company. Mr. Wilkinson is a living example from which all may learn to conquer fortune and meet with general success.

It will be seen that it was by no mere luck or chance that he is to-day at the head of such a stu- pendous enterprise as the Derby Mills; it is owing to early formed habits of economy, persevering dili- gence, and unfaltering application to whatsoever he had undertaken. Never idle himself, he has no sym- pathy whatever with the drones of society. We meet with no more apt disciple of the school that teaches " whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do it with thy might."

Mr. Wilkinson devotes himself to his business rather than to political affairs, and, although frequently urged to do so, he has never allowed his name to be used for office by either party.

For his second wife Mr. Wilkinson married Hannah Maria Briggs, by whom he has three children,-John A., Frederick Charles, and Albert Theodore.

HON. ROYAL M. BASSETT.

This gentleman was born in the town of Derby, Nov. 22, 1828. His education was obtained at the common district schools, except one year that was spent at the Academy of Stiles and French, at New Haven, and two annual terms at the Haddem Academy.

His father, Sheldon Bassett, was one of the leading men of Derby, and a pioncer in the business enter- prises of Birmingham, which have brought to the towns of Derby and Huntington their present pros- perity.

He was long engaged as a merchant, then as a manufacturer. He held many official positions with credit, but after the purchase of the Colburns' iron- foundry, in 1850, he devoted all his time to this busi-

Royal Ne Sapete

423

HUNTINGTON.

ness enterprise until his death, which oceurred June 26, 1864, in the sixtieth year of his age.

On the decease of his father, Royal M., with his brother Theodore, managed the iron-foundry with great success, giving steady employment to about one hundred and twenty-five hands for sixteen years, making it a valuable and most desirable establish- ment to Birmingham.

Under its present management it is among the first solid manufacturing concerns in the Naugatuck Val- ley.

Royal M. Bassett has been engaged in various manufacturing enterprises, railroads, and real estate operations during more than a quarter of a century. Is now director in three railroad companies, and president of a Northern railroad. His adaptation to this kind of business is remarkable, and he lias man- aged with such skill and judgment as to gain the confidence and good will of all with whom he lias been associated.

President of the iron-foundry sixteen years, warden of the borough of Birmingham for two years, an active, efficient, and influential committeeman of the Birmingham public schools for twelve years, besides filling with honor many other loeal positions. These united have placed him among the reliable and public-spirited men of his native town.

The Ousatonic water enterprise, which is the out- growth of Shelton, and makes an enterprising and flourishing spot in Fairfield County, was encouraged and fostered by Mr. Bassett. He was one of its active company workers, also one of the original incorpo- rators of the company, and is now one of its directors. He was also one of the incorporators of the Derby Gas Company, located in Shelton, and being now a stockholder and principal director, identifying him largely with the interests of this infant village, for these reasons he very properly deserves the place accorded him in this history.

In all his business transactions he has proved him- self a thoroughly upright man, and has been remark- ably successful in his large and diversified pursuits. Mr. Bassett's mother was Harriet Hull, a nicce of Gen. William Hull, of Detroit notoriety. In 1858, Royal M. was married to Mrs. Frances J. Stratton, of Bridgeport, by whom he has had three children, two sons and one daughter.

Mr. Bassett has never mingled much in politics, though he has always been a warm Democrat, and has represented the Fifth Senatorial District in the Legislature with credit to himself aud honor to his party.

Social, affable, of great gentlemanly bearing, liberal, and ever willing and ready to forward any needed work for the public good, he stands among the popu- lar and influential citizens of his native place and the adjoining town of Huntington.

EDMUND LEAVENWORTH."

Edmund Leavenworth was born in Huntington, Conn., Dec. 14, 1766, and was closely identified with the affairs of the town for nearly three-quarters of a century. His early life was spent in active work on his father's farm and in shipbuilding. Having a constitution naturally robust, this carly training de- veloped a fine physique and great muscular strength, and lie became very fond of athletic sports, jumping, wrestling, hunting, and horse-racing. He was fond of deer-hunting on horseback, and mnade frequent visits to Long Island to enjoy this sport. He was the owner of many fine horses at different times, and races on the road lying along the river-bank near his resi- denee were of frequent occurrence. At these races many of the best horses of the surrounding country were competitors. With Mr. Leavenworth, however, these sports were but the spicing of a very active and busy life. His place was noted for the amount of business done there. At all hours of the day men and teams could have been seen busily engaged, somne scoring and hewing and others hauling timber for the building of bridges, wharves, and ships. In these pursuits a large number of horses and oxen were employed, and, true to his taste, Mr. Leaven- worth took particular pride in the best animals that could be obtained. His judgment of such stock was remarkably good. Indeed, his judgment of work- manship in scoring and fitting was such that journey- men, as recommendation to themselves, would refer to the fact that they had hewed timbers for Edmund Leavenworth. He built several sloops at his ship- yard, the last two of which were fitted out for the West India trade, but, being captured by French pri- vateers in the war of 1812, involved him in financial ruin. His claims for indemnity were covered by the "French Spoliation Bill," but these claims were never paid by the United States government.

Genial, warm-hearted, benevolent, strongly attached to his friends, he possessed great persoual popularity. His influence in town affairs was such that he could command a majority for any measure he wished to carry. He was elected selectman for thirteen succes- sive years, and the poor of the town were never better cared for than during this time. In his political pref- erences he was Democratic, having never voted any other ticket in his life. He cast a vote at every Presi- dential election from Washington's to Buchauan's, and in later life referred to this fact with great pride. At one time he left New London in a sloop on the morning of election-day and arrived at the voting- place (Stratford) fifteen minutes before the polls were closed.

Mr. Leavenworth was truly an original character, having attended school but three days. Familiarly called " Uncle Ed" by those who knew him late in life, he is still quoted as the author of pithy and quaiut

* This name is sometimes spelled without the "a."

424

HISTORY OF FAIRFIELD COUNTY, CONNECTICUT.

remarks, expressions, and anecdotes. His manners and language were unpolished, but the roughness was outward rather than within, for there was a kindness and sympathy within him which but few possess.

In his maturer years he inclined more to the ways of religion, and, his choice being the Episcopal Church, he united with them, and was a member of that eom- munion when he died. Fairfield County doubtless contained many more highly cultured than Edmund Leavenworth, but it had very few who were more whole-souled and generous and ready to help the suf- fcring in time of need.

Although but twelve years of age in 1777, when his father, Capt. Edmund, was ordered to Fairfield with his company, he volunteered to go, and served as a waiter to his father in that eampaign, joining the company as a private April 2, 1777. When his father with his company was again ordered out, in 1779, Edmund again enlisted as a private, and served during the campaign.

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.

History of Fairfield County, Connecticut : with illustrations and biographical sketches of its prominent men and pioneers, Part 104

Author: Hurd, D. Hamilton (Duane Hamilton) comp. cn Publication date: 1881 Publisher: Philadelphia, J. W. Lewis & co. Number of Pages: 1572

Author: Hurd, D. Hamilton (Duane Hamilton) comp. cn
Publication date: 1881
Publisher: Philadelphia, J. W. Lewis & co.
Number of Pages: 1572