History of Fairfield County, Connecticut : with illustrations and biographical sketches of its prominent men and pioneers, Part 153

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 153

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tram, Redding, fourth sergeant; Aaron O. Scribner, Wilton, fifth sergeant ; William D. Gilbert, Wliton, first corporal ; Aaron Ji. Davis, Redding, second corporal ; Alonzo Dickson, Redding, third corporal ; Jeremiah R. MiHer, Wilton, fourth corporal; Edward Thompson, Redding, fifth corporal; Seth P. Bates, Redding, sixth corporal; George W. Gould, Redding, seventh corporal; Albert D. Sturges, Wilton, eighth corporal.

Privates,-John W, Mead, Ridgefield; Moses Comstock, WIlton; Jarnew Lobdell, Wilton; James F. Jelliff, Weston; Hezekiah B. Osborn, Redding; Joseph R. Lock wood, Wilton; Henry Parsons, Redding; William II. Canfield, Redding; Minot S. Patrick, Redding; Charles A. Jennings, Wilton ; Edwin Gilbert, Redding ; David E. Smith, Red- ding; Hliram Cobleigh, Redding; Samnel A. Main, Redding ; Anton Stommel, Redding; George L. Dann, Wilton ; Jonathan Betts, Wes- ton; Charles Olmsted, Wilton; Charles Albin, Redding: Frederick D. Chapman, Redding ; Henry Holman, Redding ; William B. Smith, Redding; Williant E. Brothwell,, Wilton ; Azariah E. Meeker, Red- ding; Charics S. Gregory, Redding; Charles S. Decker, Redding; Charles II. Downs, Redding; William Coley, Redding; Lorenzo Jones, Redding; Henry F. Burr, Redding; Obadiah P. Coleman, Redding; Charles II. Canfield, Redding; John L. Godfrey, Wilton; Sylvester Albin, Redding.

The company uniformed itself and drilled until August, 1862. When Governor Buckingham called for troops to serve for nine months, the entire com- mand volunteered its services, and was accepted. The company was immediately recruited up to one hundred and eight men, and reported for duty at Camp Terry, New Haven, where it was mustered into the United States service as Company E, Twenty- third Regiment Connecticut Volunteers. On the formation of the Twenty-third Regiment, Capt. Mil- ler was promoted to be major of the regiment. George M. Godfrey was elected captain of Company E, to fill the vacancy caused by the promotion of Capt. Miller, and John N. Main promoted to sccond lieutenant, to fill vacancy eaused by the promotion of Licht. Godfrey.

The company was sent with the regiment from New Haven to Camp Buckingham, on Long Island, and from thence by steamer "Che Kiang" to New Orleans, where it was embodied in the Nineteenth Army Corps, under Gen. Banks. It was engaged at La Fourche Crossing, La., on June 21, 1863, with a superior force of the rebels, but came ont victorious. It was mus- tercd out of the service at New Haven, Sept. 3, 1863, after serving nearly thirtecu months.

BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.

THOMAS SANFORD.

Thomas Sanford was born in Redding, Fairfield Co., Conn., Sept. 27, 1823. He is the youngest of the children of Jonathan R. Sauford, and was named for his grandfather, Thomas Davies, M.D., one of the early practitioners of medicine in Redding. His early edneational advantages were very limited, being confined to an attendance upon the public schools of the town, and upon them, after an early age, only during the winter term ; and two or three terms in a private school in his native place. It was his expec-

* Date of muster from Aug. 15 to Sept. 20, 1862,

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HISTORY OF FAIRFIELD COUNTY, CONNECTICUT.

tation to be a farmer, and it was thought that there was need of little study of books, but of much work for that pursuit. He followed his chosen business on the paternal estate till 1850, when he was appointed deputy sheriff, continuing in that office six years. In 1860 he was elected sheriff of the county. This office lie held for three years to the great satisfaction of his constituents, being a favorite of the members of the bar of the county. At the expiration of his term he declined a renomination.

He represented the town in the State Legislature in 1856 and 1877. The latter time he was chairman of the committee on the part of the House on the school fund, and also served on other important com- mittces. During this session he took some part in the debate upon measurcs under consideration, and was very favorably regarded by the members of both po- litical parties in the Legislature. After its adjourn- ment, the Hartford Courant, opposed to Mr. Sanford in politics, in an article remarking upon the leading members of the House, paid a tribute of respect to him as one of the forcmost men of that body on the Democratic side. At this session he. was appointed by the Legislature a member of the committee, to take into consideration increased accommodations for the indigent insane.

Mr. Sanford has served on several important com- missions appointed by the Governor. To one of these was committed the duty of reyising and condensing the pauper laws of the State. The existing statutes on this subject are the work of this committee, in which he took a prominent part. He has also acted fre- quently as a member of a committee of the Superior Court in the trial of cases and in the assessment of damages where lands have been taken for railroads and other purposes.

He was one of the selectmen of the town for ten consecutive years until, in 1879, le declined a renom- ination. He was also at various times one of the as- sessors, and a member of the board of relief and agent of the town. At one time he received the nom- ination for comptroller of the State by the Demo- cratic party, but failed of an election.

It is proper here to remark that Mr. Sanford never souglit office. His extensive information, excellent knowledge of public affairs, sound judgment, sturdy honesty, kindly heart, and affable manners caused the offices to seek him, and he has never disappointed expectations.

Since his retirement from the sheriffalty, Mr. San- ford has been largely engaged in the settlement of estates. He has also held many funds in trust for children. While he has pursucd the work of culti- vating the ancestral acres, his time is mainly occupied in attending to business intrusted to him by his fel- low-citizens, who have entire confidence in his ability and trustworthiness.

He resides in the old home in Redding where his father and grandfather dwelt. He is a member of

the Congregational Church, and takes a lively inter- est and active part in the affairs of the Ecclesiastical Society therewith connected, and is an efficient sup- porter of the same.

Mr. Sanford has fine social qualitics, is a good con- versationalist and a genial companion, and has the esteem of a very extensive circle of acquaintances in the town, county, and State, and is a worthy descend- ant of an honored ancestry.

JUDGE LEMUEL SANFORD.

Judge Lemuel Sanford was born in Redding, Conn., Sept. 18, 1816.

His father, Jonathan R. Sanford, through a long life enjoyed in an eminent degree the confidence and respect of the community in which he lived. Having been appointed in 1808 to the office of town clerk and treasurer, he held them by consecutive annual appointment till his decease, in 1858. He frequently represented his town in the State Legislature, filled the office of Probate judge, and discharged the duties of various trusts, both of a private and public nature, and exhibited in all his acts a stern integrity and purity of purpose seldom equaled.

His mother, a woman of more than ordinary intel- ligence and strength of mind, was a daughter of Dr. Thomas Davis, long a leading physician of Fairfield County.

The early days of Lemuel Sanford were spent with his father, aiding him in the cultivation of his farm, and frequently assisting him in the discharge of his official dutics. Laboring on the farm in summer for several seasons, he taught the winter school. While yet a young man he was elected a justice of the peace, and still holds that office. During the time his father was judge of Probate, Lemuel was Probate clerk, and when Mr. Sanford the elder reached the age of sev- enty, Lemuel was appointed to succeed him in the office of Probate judge in 1858, which office, with the exception of one year, he has held till the present time. At the annual town-mceting immediately succeeding his father's death he was appointed town clerk and treasurer, and has ever since held the same with the exception of one year. He served his dis- trict (Eleventlı Senatorial), in the State Senate in 1847 with credit to himself and to the entire satisfac- tion of his constituents. Since the retirement of his father, in 1856, he has been clerk and treasurer of the Congregational Society of Redding, having been appointed at that time. He has also filled the office of selectman and other town offices.

JAMES SANFORD.

James Sanford was born in 1799, in the town of Redding. His occupation was first that of a tanner, which he followed for some years, when he turned his attention to farming. Inventing a straw- and hay-

Photo. by J. H. Folsom, Danbury.

HON. JAMES SANFORD.

STEPHEN SANFORD.

Tonathan Russell Samford

J. It Sanford

Photo. by J. H. Folsom, Danbury.

Jesse & Sanford

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cutter in 1843, he built a foundry for their manufac- ture which he continued for about fifteen years. He married early in life Eliza, daughter of John French, of Easton. Their children have been eleven, nine of whom are still living, namely : Turney, Scenah, James, Sarah, Stephen, Betsey, Abbie, Henry, and Charles, John (deceased), and Perkins (deceased).

Mr. James Sanford has probably devoted more time to public service than any man now living, and quite as much as any man who has ever lived in the town of Redding. He has been State Senator, repre- sentative, and selectman. He has been a member of the Episcopal Church in Redding since a very young man, and its senior warden for a great many years.

Stephen Sanford, the fourth son, was born in Red- ding, Conn., March 28, 1835 ; received his education at the district school, after leaving which worked on his father's farm until he attained the age of twenty- two, when he engaged in business for himself, carry- ing on the foundry and machine-shop which up to this time had been conducted by his father. This business he sold at the end of five years to engage in the manufacture of horn buttons, which, with farin- ing, has been his business ever since. His residence and factory are situated in the eastern part of the town of Redding, known as Sanfordville.

Mr. Sanford gives employment to about twenty operatives, and manufactures about fifteen thousand great gross of buttons annually. His establishment was burned in the winter of 1874, but was rebuilt the following spring. He was married Nov. 23, 1864, to Miss Mary S., eldest daughter of Francis B. and Al- mira Sherwood Banks, of Fairfield. Their children are Emory, Perkins, and Stephen Ernest.

Mr. Sanford united with the Episcopal Church when quite young, of which he has always been a consistent member and of which he is senior warden.

In politics he is a staunch Democrat ; has been selectman a number of years and is one of the present board.

JONATHAN RUSSELL SANFORD.

Jonathan Russell Sanford, son of Jonathan R. Sanford, was born in the town of Redding, Oct. 25, 1819. What education he received was at the district school.

He was married May 16, 1847, to Clarrissa, daugh- ter of the late Deacon Samuel Read, a descendant of Col. John Read. But one child was born to them, a daughter, who died without a moment's warning at the age of twenty-five.

Mr. Sanford's occupation has always been that of farming, with the exception of two years in the earlier part of his life spent in mereantile pursuits.

He was a member of the Connecticut House of Representatives for the town of Redding in the years 1854, '70, '74, and senator from the Eleventh Sena- torial District in 1878-79. He has repeatedly hield

the office of assessor, member of the board of relief of the town of Redding, and registrar of marriages, births, and deaths, retiring from the latter office in 1864. Mr. Sanford has often acted as appraiser and commissioner in estates, and holds at the present time the office of clerk of Probate for the district of Redding, having held the same continuously since 1851, with the exception of one year. He has also frequently held the office of selectman.

A Meriden paper, in commenting upon the Legis- lature, the qualifications of its members, etc., at the close of the first session of Mr. Sanford's service, although opposed to him in politics, paid him this tribute :

"Senator Sanford, representing the Eleventh Dis- trict, is one of the most popular and deserving mem- bers of the upper House. He has represented the town of Redding three terms in the lower House, and has correct views regarding the duties of a legislator. He intuitively grapples with the most difficult prob- lems of State legislation, and very readily conies to a correct conclusion whether a pending measure is for the public good, or whether it is being advanced by the lobby in the interest of a select few. He is an energetic worker in the committee room, and although modest and retiring in his manner, making no osten- tatious display on the floor of the capitol, he exerts a wide influence in a quiet, effective way, and his vote is always given in the direction of the greatest good to the greatest number. This is Mr. Sanford's 'first term as senator, he holding over from last year under the new regime. We hope to see him re-elected under biennial reform which is to be."

JOIIN WHEELER SANFORD.

John Wheeler Sanford was born at Weston, Fair- field, Co., Conn., May 21, 1799. His father and grandfather were both named John. The former, a farmer by occupation, was a man possessed of con- siderable mechanical ingenuity, and was engaged at various times in the manufacture of lasts, plows, etc. He married Lydia Wheeler, daughter of John Wheeler, of Weston. His children were Betsey (now Mrs. Aaron Lyons, a widow, living in Redding, over ninety), Ruth (now Mrs. David Duncomb, over eighty- eight), Margaret (deceased), Sally (deceased), John W., Eli (deceased), and Lydia Ann (deceased). His mother dying when he was but eight years old, John W. remained with his father until he was eleven, when he was put out to labor with Daniel Holmes, of Weston, living with him four years. The next year he spent on a farm and the following he went to learn the carpenter's trade, serving an ap- prenticeship of five years. The next year he worked as journeyman in Orange Co., N. Y. In the spring of 1822, March 5th, he was married to Altha, daughter of Capt. Abel and Jerusha (Sturges) Fanton, of Wes- ton. The children born to them have been Mary

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HISTORY OF FAIRFIELD COUNTY, CONNECTICUT.

Ann, George W. (deceased), Harriet S. (deceased), Flora M., Edward J., and Georgiana.

For two years after Mr. Sanford's marriage he de- voted himself exclusively to his trade. At this time he purchased the place on which he lives. At the time of its purchase by Mr. Sanford it consisted of an old house and out-buildings, and thirty acres of land. The contrast inust, indeed, be striking between its appearance then, to those who remember its old tum- ble-down, unpainted buildings, its irregular stone fences carelessly thrown together, offering no barrier to the free ingress and egress of cattle and swine, and the rock- and stump-covered and ill-defined field, to its present thrifty appearance, its commodious, well- painted house and snug out-buildings, its regular fields protected by mathematically correct built walls, its well-tilled fields and luxuriant orchards ; not a post of the original structures remains, and to the original purchase has been added from time to time until the farm contains one hundred acres of excellent land.

Mr. and Mrs. Sanford and all the children are members of the Episcopal church of Redding.

In politics Mr. Sanford was formerly Whig, now Republican. He represented his town in the Legisla- ture in 1842. He is now living with his consort of fifty-eight years, both in the enjoyment of excellent general health. Their son Edward J. is of the firm of Sanford, Chamberlain & Allen, wholesale druggists of Knoxville, Tenn.

JESSE LEE SANFORD.

Jesse Lee Sanford was born Jan. 4, 1831, in Red- ding, Fairfield Co., Conn. His father, Aaron San- ford, was probably as prominent a man as the town of Redding has produced. For many years of his life he did virtually the town business. He held all the town offices at various times ; was either selectman or justice of the peace for nearly fifty years. He died at the age of eighty-six.

Jesse L. Sanford was the fifth son of Aaron and Fanny (Hill) Sanford. His education was derived from the common school and Amenia Seminary, in Dutchess Co., N. Y., at which institution he spent a year and a half. He remained with his father on the home farm until his marriage, March 19, 1863, to Miss Fanny M., only daughter of George and Sarah (Goodsel) Osborn, of Redding, when he took up his residence on the farm joining his father's on the north, a portion of which consisted of a part of the homestead, and devoted his entire time to farming. His father-in-law, the late Mr. Osborn, was a promi- nent man in his town. An extensive farmer and cattle-dealer, he found time to do considerable busi- ness for his town, representing it in the Legislature during two sessions.

The children of Jesse L. and Fanny Sanford are Marshal D., Jessie O., Samuel H., Sarah E., Fannie O., and George O.

WILLIAM H. HILL.

William H. Hill was born May 1, 1845, in the town of Redding, Fairfield Co., Conn. He comes of a long line of ancestry, tracing his descent from William Hill, the name of his earliest ancestor in this country, who arrived here about 1632, twelve years after the "Mayflower." "He settled for a while at Dorchester, Mass., and then after a time removed to Windsor, on the Conneticut River, above Hartford, where he bought land and set out an orchard. From there he very early removed to Fairfield, where he lived and died, and his last will and testament is recorded in an ancient volume of the records of the 'Particular Court' for Fairfield County, in the above-named library." (From "Genealogy of the Hill Family.")

John L. Hill, father of the subject of this memoir, was born June 15, 1810, in Redding. He was mar- ried to Miss Harriet N., eldest daughter of David and Ruth (Sanford) Duncomb, of Redding, May 4, 1840. Their children were William H. and Josephine E. The latter married Rev. E. W. Burr, of the Newark Conference. Their children are Harriet and Eugene W. William H. Hill is married to Mary A., daughter of Frederick A. and Caroline (Parsons) Hotchkiss, of Sharon, and their children are John R., Carrie L. (deceased), Frederick H., and Ernest W.

John L. Hill carried on the business of lime- making for a number of years, but about ten years before his death he turned his attention to farming, purchasing the place on which his family now lives. The lime-kiln which the late Mr. Hill operated was probably the oldest in the State, having been built by Col. John Read, his great-grandfather. The farm purchased by the elder Hill was known as the Read place, and at the time of its purchase was in a most dilapidated condition ; but before his death, by his energy, he brought it into the present snug and thrifty condition, which his son has since maintained. He also built the beautiful residence which still graces the place. He died in his seventieth year. His son, William H. Hill, had every advantage of district school and academic education, finishing his education at Mr. Selleck's, in Norwalk. On reaching his majority he took entire charge of the extensive farm, and enjoys the enviable reputation of being one of the best farmers of his town.

In politics he is Republican, and has filled many town offices. In 1869 he represented his town in the Legislature. His mother has been a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church of Redding for more than forty years, and to this church the family has attached itself as they have reached years of discretion.

WALKER BATES.

Walker Bates was born in Redding, Fairfield Co., Conn., June 4, 1796, and was the son of Elias Bates, an esteemed citizen of the town. He obtained his early education in the common school of his district and

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Corte Marchant

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REDDING.

under the instruction of Rev. Jonathan Bartlett, who was a native of Redding and for thirteen years pastor of the Congregational Church there, and after his pas- torate prepared many persons for the work of teach- iug. When still young Mr. Bates commenced teach- ing, and pursued that avocation for several years in the common schools of this and adjoining towns. In 1825 he opened a boarding- and day-school for boys, and continued it for many years. At the same time he engaged in agriculture on a somewhat scientific plan. His school was a great success, as he was well fitted for the work by his mental acquirements and discipline, and by an intense interest in the young, as well as by his genial manners and a happy faculty of imparting knowledge, thus stimulating the youth- ful mind for the work of an educator. Not a few who have occupied and are now filling important and honorable stations in life enjoyed his faithful tuition. He was an enthusiast in the pursuit of knowledge, and his pupils caught something of his spirit. His powers of conversation were so good and his manners so affable that the youth gathered around him with eager interest, and enjoyed greatly their intercourse with him. He was also an author, and wrote in po- etic numbers. He had a Bible-class in the Sunday- school, and had no lack of members. He was a great favorite with the young.

Mr. Bates has filled most of the offices in the town, and was for a number of years the moderator of the town-meetings, over which he presided with efficiency. He often acted as executor and administrator in the settlement of cstates, performing the various trusts reposed in him to the satisfaction of those concerned.

He represented the town in the General Assembly in 1832, 1835, 1840, 1854, 1862, and 1864, taking, too, quite a prominent part in the business of the Legislature. In several instances, when a member of that body, he was called by the Speaker to the chair during his absence.

It may be well said of him that in all the acts of his life, both public and private, hc exhibited a sense of honor and integrity rarely surpasscd.

Mr. Batcs is a member of the Congregational Church in his native town, and for a number of years was the leading committee of the Ecclesiastical Society therewith connected.

He is now in his eighty-fifth year, confined mostly to the house, and is obliged generally to keep his bed, being a great sufferer from mental and physical dis- ease.

CORTES MERCHANT.#

The first record we find of the Merchant family figuring to any extent in matters of public interest connected with the town of Redding appears in the person of Gurdon Merchant, who was the first town

treasurer and hield many other offices of local trust and importance. He married Eleanor Chauncey, a sister of Admiral Chauncy and daughter of the first Episcopal minister in Newtown. Joel Merchant was the sixthi child of Gurdon and Eleanor Merchant. The first twenty years of his life was passed in dissi- pation and idleness. After squandering the whole of his patrimony he became disgusted with his mode of life, and making a resolve, as he said, never to return to Redding until he could bring back with him as much money as he had squandered, left his birth- place and went to New Jersey in pursuit of employ- ment. He was so successful as to be able in a short time to return to his native town, his end accom- plished.

He then erected the old stone house now standing near Redding Station, and within sight of the Dan- bury and Norwalk Railroad, fashioning it after the models of the early Dutch settlers which he had secn while laboring to replace his lost fortune in New Jerscy.

He married Molly Sanford, daughter of David San- ford, an old Revolutionary soldier. They had eight children, of whom. Cortes, the third child, was the eldest son.

Cortes Merchant was born June 9, 1797. His early education was obtained in the publie schools which the town afforded ; but having drank to the dregs the cup of knowledge which they offered, he received in- struction from the Rev. Daniel Crocher, then resi- dent pastor of the Congregational Church.

Commodore Chauncy (when on a visit to his nephew, Joel Merchant) offered young Cortes, then fifteen years of age, a midshipman's berth on board the admiral's ship. This advantageous offer, though at first ac- cepted, was declined by the young aspirant upon witnessing the excessive grief his mother evinced at parting from her cldest son.

Arrived at manhood, lie, in partnership with his brother Orton, erected a factory for the manufacture of woolen goods. But a disastrous fire soon took pos- session of both building and stock, and the business was discontinued never to be resumed. He married Rebecca Rockwell, daugliter of Thomas and Deborah Rockwell, of Ridgebury, Oct. 1, 1828, after which he purchased the farm on Umpawaug, where he resided at the time of his death.

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History of Fairfield County, Connecticut : with illustrations and biographical sketches of its prominent men and pioneers, Part 153

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