USA > Connecticut > Fairfield County > History of Fairfield County, Connecticut : with illustrations and biographical sketches of its prominent men and pioneers > Part 168
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WAR OF THE REBELLION.
Ridgefield was one of the first towns in the State to respond to the President's call for troops and to ex- press her loyalty to the old flag.
MILITARY RECORD.
The following is a list of those who represented the town in the war of the Rebellion :
Avery, Treadwell, Ist Art., Co. E; must. Jan. 5, 1864; diseh. Sept. 25, 1865.
Austin, David, 17th Regt., Co. C; must. Aug. 11, 1862 ; diseh. July 10, 1865.
Austin, Hiram, 17th Regt., Co. C; must. Ang. 11, 1862; disch. Sept. 25, 1863.
Austin, Jacob, 17th Regt., Co. C ; must. Aug. 11, 1862; disch. July 19, 1865.
Avery, W. Charles, 17th Regt., Co. C; must. Aug. 11, 1862; diseh. Jan. 19, 1863.
Avery, William, 17th Regt., Co. C; must. Jan. 6, 1864.
Avaunt, William, 17th Regt., Co. C; must. Jau. 15, 1862; disch. March 29, 1863.
Brown, Franklin, 17th Regt., Co. C; must. Jan. 13, 1862; disch. Feb. 24, 1863.
Brown, Jefferson, 17th Regt., Co. C; must. Jan. 12, 1862; diseh. Oet. 20, 1863.
Brown, Nehemiah, 17th Regt., Co. C; must. Jan. 12, 1862; disch. Sept. 25, 1865.
Benedict, Charles H, 17th Regt., Co. C; must. Aug. 12, 1862; disch. Feb. 26, 1863.
Bennett, Alfred, 17th Regt., Co. C; must. July 26, 1862 ; diseh. Jan. 17, 1863.
Brinkerhoff, B. F., 17th Regt., Co. C; must. July 13, 1862; diseh. July 19, 1865.
Benjamin, C. M., 9th Regt., Co. K; must. April 1, 1862 ; disch. April 25, 1862.
Burt, Francis E., 10th Regt., Co. G; must. Oct. 2, 1861 ; disch. Aug. 16, 1865.
Burt, Charles H., 10tlı Regt., Co. G ; must. Feb. 26, 1862; diseh. Sept. 11, 1864.
Baxter, Samuel B., 11th Regt., Co. B ; must. Dec. 16, 1863; disch. Oet. 25, 1864.
Bates, Francis H., 12th Regt., Co. E; must. Dee. 31, 1861 ; disch. Aug. 12, 1865.
Brown, James P., 15th Regt., Co. B ; must. Aug. 6, 1862 ; disch. June 27, 1865.
Bradley, D. B., 23d Regt., Co. G; must. Sept. 7, 1862 ; disch. July 7, 1863. Burt, Stephen, 23d Regt., Co. G ; must. Sept. 7, 1862; diselı. Aug. 31, 1863.
Barker, William E., 23d Regt., Co. K ; must. Sept. 5, 1862; disch. Aug. 31, 1863.
Bentley, Benjamin, must. Oct. 23, 1863.
Bahreng, Ernest, must. Nov. 7, 1863.
Beers, Charles, Ist Art., Co. E; must. Jan. 5, 1864 ; diseh. Sept. 25, 1865. Betts, William H., 5th Regt., Co. G ; must. March 17, 1862 ; diseh. Oet. 17, 1863.
Boyle, Richard, nrust. Oet. 20, 1863.
Burns, John, must. Oct. 20, 1863.
Burr, Daniel D., 17th Regt., Co. G ; must. Aug. 13, 1862; disch. July 19, 1865. .
Carney, Lawrence, 17th Regt., Co. G ; must. Aug. 14, 1862; disch. July 1,1863.
Creeden, William, 17th Regt., Co. G; must. Aug. 13, 1862; diseh. July 19, 1865.
Coe, HIenry, 5th Regt .; must. July 22, 1861.
Casey, William E., 15th Regt., Co. B; must. Feb. 5, 1862; disch. Jan. 6, 1865.
Canfield, S. C., 15th Regt., Co. B; must. Aug. 6,1862; disch. June 27, 1865.
Compton, Joseph, must. Jan. 5, 1864.
Dauchy, J. L., 11th Regt., Co. A ; must. Oet. 24, 1861; disch. Sept. 13, 1865.
De Forrest, Sylvester, 11th Regt., Co. A; must. Oet. 24, 1861; disch. Dee. 20, 1862.
Davis, James W., 12th Regt., Co. E; must. Dec. 31, 1861 ; diseh. Aug. 12, 1865.
Dykeman, Nirmn, 17thi Regt., Co. G; must. Aug. 11, 1862; disch. Nov. 17, 1862.
Dove, D. G., 17th Regt., Co. G; must. Aug. 13, 1862; disch. July 19, 1865.
Diekens, Charles H., 17th Regt., Co. G; must. Aug. 11, 1862; disch. Jan. 14, 1863.
Dann, Levi, 23d Regt., Co. E ; must. Sept. 5, 1862; diseh. Ang. 31, 1863. Davis, George, must. Oct. 24, 1863.
Degeneres, Charles, must. Oct. 22, 1863.
Devins, George, must. Sept. 23, 1861.
Edmond, E. 1I., 17th Regt., Co. G; must. Aug. 11, 1862; diseh. Feh: 27, 1863.
Enriglit, James, 23d Regt., Co. G ; must. Sept. 7, 1862; diseh. Aug. 31, 1863.
Finch, N. A., 17th Regt., Co. G; must. Aug. 14, 1862; dischi. July 19, 1865.
Fry, John G., 17th Reg., Co. G; must. Aug. 13, 1862; diseh. Jan. 18, 1863.
Foote, Gaius St. John, 17th Regt., Co. H; must. Aug. 16, 1862; diseh. Nov. 17, 1863.
Faroon, Robert, 17th Regt., Co. C; must. Aug. 12, 1862; disch. May, 1863.
Fox, Aaron, must. Sept. 23. 1861.
Godfrey, George F., 17th Regt., Co. G; must. Aug. 13, 1862; disch. July 19, 1865.
Gilbert, Smith, 17tlı Regt., Co. G; must. Aug. 14, 1862; diseh. Fcb. 14, 1863.
Gregory, David, 17th Regt., Co. G; must. Aug. 13, 1862; diseh. Dec. 10, 1862.
Gilbert, John, 5th Regt., Co. A; must. July 22, 1861; diseh. July 22, 1864.
Gilbert, George, 5th Regt., Co. E; must. July 22, 1861; diseh. Aug. 5, 1864.
Gilbert, Edwin B., 5th Regt., Co. E; must. July 22, 1861; disch. July 19, 1865.
Grumman, Fredcriek A., 5th Regt., Co. E; must. March 3, 1864; diseh. Sept. 7, 1864.
Godfrey, Sylvester, 8th Regt., Co. H ; must. Sept. 23, 1861; disch. Sept. 18, 1864.
Gage, Edwin B., 11th Regt., Co. A ; must. Oct. 24, 1861 ; disch. Dee. 21, 1865.
Gage, Rlomanza, 11th Regt., Co. A ; must. Oct. 24, 1861 ; disch. May 10, 1862.
Gilbert, Charles F., 12th Regt., Co. E; must. Nov. 30, 1861 ; disch. July 3, 1865.
Grannis, John H., 17th Regt., Co. C; must. July 26, 1862; disch. Aug. 30, 1864.
Gray, George, 17th Regt., Co. G ; must. Aug. 15, 1862; disch. March 28, 1863.
Gilbert, Charles, 23d Regt., Co. G; must. Oet. 31, 1862; disch. Aug. 31, 1863.
Gage, Seely, 23d Regt., Co. K ; must. Sept. 6, 1862.
Gibbons, Edward, must. Oct. 24, 1863,
Gilbert, Charles, must. Oct. 22, 1863.
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RIDGEFIELD.
Harrington, John II., 17th Regt., Co. G; must. Aug. 11, 1862; disel. July .19, 1865.
Hoyt, John W., 17th Regt., Co. G; must. Ang. 12, 1862 ; disch. Jnuo 28, 1863.
Hull, Silas, 17th Regt., Co. G; must. Aug. 13, 1862; disch. March 25, 1863.
Holmes, J. W., 17th Regt., Co. G; must. July 26, 1862; disch. June 8, 1864.
Hall, Ezra S., 17th Regt., Co. G; urust. Ang. 12, 1862; di-ch. Jan. 27, 1863.
Hendricks, Henry, 8th Regt., Co. H; must. Sept. 23, 1861 ; disch. May 1,1865.
Hubbell, Frank, 8th Regt., Co. II ; must. Sept. 23, 1861; disch. Sept. 22, 1864.
Hendricks, David, must. Sept. 23, 1861.
Judd, Horace I., 17th Regt., Co. G; must. Aug. 13, 1862 ; disch. Aug. 12, 1865.
Jennings, Charles A., 17th Regt., Co. G; must. Aug. 13, 1862; disch. July 1, 1865.
Jennings, William H., 17th Regt., Co. G; must. Aug. 13, 1862; diseh. March 9, 1865.
Jarvis, J. J., 17th Regt., Co. G ; must. Aug. 11, 1862 ; disch. July 19, 1865. Juergens, Theodore, 6th Regt., Co. C ; must. Oct. 11, 1863; disch. Aug. 11, 1865.
John, Frederick, must. Oct. 24, 1863.
Johnson, Samuel J., must. Nov. 3, 1863.
Johnson, William L., must. Dec. 22, 1863.
Knapp, Henry, 1st Art., Co. E; must. Jan. 5, 1864 ; disch. Sept. 25, 1865. Knapp, Lewis, Ist Art., Co. E; must. Jan. 5, 1864 ; disch. Sept. 25, 1865. Keeler, O. H., 5th Regt., Co. A ; must. July 22, 1861 ; disch. July 22, 1864. Keeler, Rufus D., 5th Regt., Co. K; must. March 17, 1862; disch. Dec. 19, 1862.
Keeler, Smith, 10th Regt., Co. G; must. Oet. 9, 1861; disch. Dec. 10, 1862. Keeler, Eli J., 17th Regt., Co. G; must. Aug. 11, 1862; disch. July 19, 1865.
Klinefelter, J. C., 23d Regt., Co. G; must. Sept. 7, 1862; disch. Aug. 31, 1863.
Keeler, Oscar H., must. July 22, 1861.
Lockwood, Andrew, 17th Regt., Co. G; must. Aug. 13, 1862; diseh. July 19, 1865.
Lee, A. W., 17th Regt., Co. G; must. Aug. 11, 1862; disch. July 19, 1865. Lockwood, William II., 5th Regt., Co. A; must. July 22, 1861 ; disch. July 19, 1865.
Lannon, Patrick, 11th Regt., Co. A; must. Oct. 24, 1861; disch. Oct. 24, 1864.
Lounsbury, P. C., 17th Regt., Co. C; must. Ang. 11, 1862; disch. Dec. 24, 1863.
Les, Jort, must. Oct. 22, 1863.
Lloyd, Michael, must. Jan. 5, 1864.
Mead, Smith, 5th Regt., Co. A ; must. July 22, 1861; disch. March 14, 1863.
Memitt, William M., 7th Regt., Co. D; must. Sept. 5, 1861; disch. Sept. 12, 1864.
Moffatt, Edward, 7th Regt., Co. D ; must. Sept. 6, 1861; disch. Sept. 12, 1864.
Mead, Benjamin L., 13th Regt., Co. B; must. Feb. 5, 1862; disch. Nov. 14, 1865.
Mead, Jeremiah O., 17th Regt., Co. G; must. Aug. 13, 1862; disch. July 19, 1865.
Main, James C., 17th Regt., Co. G; nmist. Ang. 11, 1862 ; dischi. July 19, 1865.
Monroe, A. L., 17th Regt., Co. G; must. Aug. 11, 1862; disch. Dee. 29, 1862.
McConnell, John, 17th Regt., Co. G; must. Ang. 11, 1862; disch. July 19, 1865.
Mead, R. N., 17thi Regt., Co. G; must. Ang. 11, 1862; disch. Nov. 29, 1862.
1
Maher, Dennis, must. Oct. 21, 1863.
Northrop, David (2d), 17th Regt., Co. G ; must. Ang. 13, 1862 ; disch. July 19, 1865.
Nickerson, B. V., 17th Regt., Co. G ; must. Ang. 11, 1862; disch. April 13, 1863.
Northrop, John, 7th Regt., Co. D ; must. Oct. 30, 1863; disch. Aug. 18, 1864.
Osterman, Frank, must. Oct. 24, 1863.
Oakley, Miles, must. Jan. 5, 1864.
Platt, Alfred, Ist Art., Co. B; must. Jan. 22, 1862; disch. Sept. 25, 1865.
Phelan, S. S., Ist Art., Co. G; must. Dec. 9, 1863; diech. April 7, 1865. Platt, Charles, 10th Regt., Co. G; nmust. Dec. 11, 1863; disch. Aug. 25, 1865.
Platt, Georgo, 10th Regt., Co. G; must. Dec. 11, 1863; disch. Aug. 25, 1865.
Payne, Thomas, 11th Regt., Co. A; must. Oct. 24, 1861; disch. April 27, 1862.
Pickett, E. D., 17th Regt., Co. G; minst. Aug. 9, 1862; disch. July 1, 1863.
Prichard, William, nmist. Oct. 22, 1863.
Rasco, C. B., 17th Regt., Co. G; must. Aug. 11, 1862; disch. Dec. 10, 1862.
Rich, Jarcd, 17th Regt., Co. G; must. Sept. 2, 1862; disch. Dec. 4, 1862. Rhan, C. A., 17th Regt., Co. G; must. Aug. 12, 1862; disch. July 10, 1865.
Roche, James T., 2d Art., Co. I; must. Jan. 29, 1864; disch. Aug. 18, 1865.
Rasco, Janics, 5th Regt., Co. A; must. July 22, 1861; disch. Nov. 16, 1862.
Ruggles, Elbort, 13th Regt., Co. B; must. Feb. 18, 1862; disch. April 25, 1864.
Ruggles, Sidney B., 13th Regt., Co. B ; must. Feb. 5, 1862; disch. April 25, 1865.
Raymond, Amos, 17th Regt., Co. C; must. July 19, 1862; disch. July 19, 1865.
Ruff, Anthony, must. Oct. 22, 1863.
Rowley, John, must. Nov. 2, 1863.
Scot, John A., must. Jan. 5, 1864.
Smith, S. II., 17th Regt., Co. G; must. Aug. 11, 1862; disch. July 10, 1865.
Stevens, Levi B., 1st Art., Co. E; must. Dec. 21, 1863 ; disch. Sept. 25, 1865.
Solleek, Eben, 1st Art., Co. I ; must. Jan. 5, 1864 ; disch. Sept. 25, 1865. Scofield, O. K., 7th Regt., Co. D ; must. Sept. 5, 1861 ; disch. July 20, 1865.
Stone, Irving, 7th Regt .; must. June 11, 1863 ; disch. July 31, 1863.
Smith, A. V. S., 8th Regt., Co. HI ; must. Oct. 16, 1861; disch. Jan. 20, 1864.
Sturges, Frederick L., 13th Regt., Co. B; must. Feb. 5, 1862; disch. Dec. 12, 1862.
Smith, Charles, Jr., 17th Regt., Co. G; must. Aug. 11, 1862 ; disch. July 19, 1865.
Seymour, Fr. E., 17th Regt., Co. G; must. Ang. 15, 1862; disch. April 26, 1863.
Smith, Allen, 17th Regt., Co. G ; must. Aug. 13, 1862; disch. July 19, I863.
Stevens, George W., 17th Regt., Co. G ; must. Aug. 14, 1862; disch. July 19, 1865.
Smith, David E., 23d Regt., Co. E; must. Sept. 5, 1862; disch. Aug. 31, 1863.
Thomas, John, 8th Regt , Co. H ; must. March 14, 1864; disch. May 19, 1865.
Ulmer, Charles, must. Jau. 5, 1864.
Vau Seoy, John A., 13th Regt., Co: B ; must. Fcb. 20, 1862; disch. Nov. 27,1864.
Viely, John, must. Oct. 21, 1863.
Williams, Sylvester, 17th Regt , Co. G; must. Aug. 12, 1862; disch. July 19, 1865.
Wood, George L., 17th Regt., Co. G; must. Ang. 13, 1862; disch. Feb. 13, 1864.
Williams, Hawley, Sth Regt., Co. II ; must. Sept. 23, 1861 ; disel. Dcc. 12, 1865.
Williams, Sidney, 8th Regt., Co. HI ; must. Sept. 23, 1861 ; disch. Dec. 12, 1865.
Warren, Rufus, 17th Regt., Co. C; must. Aug. 11, 1862; diseli. July 17, 1863.
Whitlock, Joseph 11., 17th Regt., Co. C; must. July 25, 1862.
Whitlock, Nephi, 17th Regt., Co. C; must. July 25, 1862 ; disch. July 24, 1865.
White, E. P., 17th Regt., Co. G; umst. Aug. 11, 1862; disch. Aug. 10, 1865.
Word, George L., must. Ang. 13, 1862; dischi. Feb. 13, 1864.
Wecd, William A., must. Jan. 5, 1864.
Walters, Johu M., must. July 25, 1862.
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HISTORY OF FAIRFIELD COUNTY, CONNECTICUT.
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.
SAMUEL SYDNEY ST. JOHN.
Samuel Sydney St. John traces his descent from the original settler of that name, as shown in the gen- ealogy of the family herewith appended.
His father, Thomas St. John of the seventh gen- eration, married Anna Gray, daughter of Joseph and Lydia (Keeler) Gray, of Ridgebury. Sydney was the only child, and was born Sept. 6, 1806, at Ridgebury. His father removed to New York City when Sydney was twelve years old, remaining there ten years, dur- ing which time his son enjoyed the educational ad- vantages of a large city, graduating at Columbia Col- lege in 1828. Sydney, soon after graduating, returned to Ridgebury and opened a store. Sept. 13, 1829, he was married to Lucy Amy, youngest daughter of Eliphalet and Eunice (Hull) Brush. Their children were Thomas Platt (deceased), Jolin Watson (de- ceased), and Mary Anna. The last was married to Smith G. Hunt, and settled at Brewster's, N. Y., where he died, leaving two children,-Sydney St. J. and Emeline Keeler Hunt.
In 1832, Mr. St. John removed to Ridgefield village, opening there a classical and commercial school. This school was well patronized by the citizens of Ridgefield and adjoining towns, receiving also many pupils from New York City, many of whom were pre- pared for Yale and other colleges.
In 1837, Mr. St. John was elected to the Senate from his district. In 1841 he accepted a position in the Mechanics' Society School, New York City, and in 1843 he was appointed principal of the Ward School No. 26, in the Fourth Ward, and intrusted with the care not only of the several departments of that school, but also with the general supervision of the other schools of the ward, comprising, in the ag- gregate, more than four thousand pupils. This posi- tion he held until he left New York, in 1859. He served as commissioner of schools in the Board of Education of the city of New York for the years 1848-49. For seventeen years he was vestryman in the Church of the Epiphany ( Rev. Lot Jones), having been confirmed in this church in 1842. In 1859 he returned to his farm in Ridgebury. In 1864 he rep- resented the town of Ridgefield in the Legislature.
In the death of his eldest and only surviving son, which occurred Oct. 13, 1865, Mr. St. John experi- enced a grievous loss. Thomas Platt St. John was a young man of more than ordinary promise. His death is thus noticed in an obituary : "Thomas Platt St. John graduated at Columbia College at the age of eighteen. His frank and genial nature and well-developed con- versational powers made him an agreeable companion to all. Intending himself for the legal profession, on leaving college he entered the law school of New Haven, then under Judge Bissell, and continued there during two terms. Returning to New York, he com-
pleted his studies in the office of an eminent lawyer. It was about this time that he entered the arena of politics, and with an enthusiasm seldom found in one so young. At all the gatherings of his party he took a prominent part, advocating what he considered to be right with a fearlessness only equaled by his elo- quence. In 1851, when at the age of twenty-one, he represented the Thirteenth Assembly District of the city of New York in the Legislature of that State, and was re-elected the following year. He was an able writer, and contributed frequently to the press in prose . and verse, often surprising his immediate circle of friends by the variety and extent of his reading. He was a great admirer of Shakspeare, and would quote with remarkable accuracy voluminous portions of that celebrated author. Preferring the life of a farmer, he accompanied his father on his return to Ridgebury. The death of his wife, in February, 1864, was followed by deep despondency on his part, and a presentiment that he would not long survive her. This proved but too true."
The families of Mr. and Mrs. St. John are true rep- resentatives of New England character. As private citizens, discharging their duties in such a manner as to entitle them to the respect of their fellows, and whenever called to positions of trust they have per- formed their duties with fidelity and integrity.
Thomas St. John was postmaster at Ridgebury from 1835 till his death ; was for several years justice of the peace, and member of the Legislature from his town for the years 1832, '33. He died March 4, 1848.
Joseph Gray, a native of Redding, was one of the first to volunteer in the war of the Revolution. He accompanied Arnold in his perilous march through the wilderness, and was present at the execution of the boy deserter at Redding. His brother, Lieut. Nathaniel Gray, was killed in the battle of Ridgefield, April 23, 1777.
Eliphalet Brush was born in New Fairfield. He served in the Revolutionary war, and was the first to fire on the British at the burning of Danbury. His brother Thomas in this action had a bullet pass through the crown of his liat, without, however, in- jury to the owner. Capt. Brushi was at the battle of Long Island, and on its retreat to New York his di- vision encamped in Trinity churchyard. His old " long gun" is still kept in the family as a cherished relic. Capt. Brush was a representative from Ridge- field in the Legislature for 1800 and 1801. He died in 1847, at the age of more than ninety-seven.
Eunice Hull was the eldest daughter of Jedediah and Mary Chapman Hull. Lieut. Hull was at the assault on Quebec, and at the side of Montgomery when that hero fell. Mary Chapman was the daugh- ter of Rev. Daniel Chapman, who was educated at Oxford. He was the son of Hon. Robert Chapman, who came from England with Lords Say, Seal, and Brook. A portrait of Mary Chapman, painted in 1743, is in possession of the family.
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Photo. by J. H Folsom, Danbury. Saml. S. I Solen
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RIDGEFIELD.
Samuel Sydney St. John's earliest predilection was for the law. He was admitted to the bar while re- siding in New York, and, although never making any pretentions as a practitioner, yet his counsel is often solicited. His last employment at teaching has been to so far revive his classical studies as to enable him to prepare his grandson for Columbia College, where he is now a member of the sophomore class. Mr. St. John is passing the evening of his days in the supervision of his farm, and in the enjoyment of a library well sup- plied with the works of ancient and modern authors. His farın and its surroundings possess many places of historic interest. On the ridge first cast of the Congregational church the French army under Ro- chambeau encamped while on its way to the decisive conflict at Yorktown ; a little to the south stood the house once owned by Samuel Keeler, where Gen. Washington on two occasions spent a night when traveling between Peekskill and Hartford ; the house in which he was born and now lives was fired into by the British under Tryon while on their hurried march from Danbury to Ridgefield.
Sept. 13, 1879, Mr. and Mrs. St. John celebrated the fiftieth anniversary of their marriage, on which occasion more than one hundred of their kindred were present.
DAVID II. VALDEN.
David H. Valden is of Holland descent, and was born in Ridgefield, June 15, 1828. His father came to the latter place when he was quite a young man and engaged with J. M. Gilbert as a journeyman tanner and curricr, having learned the trade pre- viously in Philadelphia.
He was married soon after to Mary, daughter of R. Stevens, of Ridgefield, and their children were Eliza (deceased) ; Sarah, now Mrs. Wm. Slosson, of New Canaan ; Maria, now Mrs. John Robinson, of Danby, N. Y .; Anna, now Mrs. Levi Snyder, living in Michi- gan; and David H., subject of our sketch.
David H. Valden was taken when an infant by his grandmother, who lived in Tompkins Co., N. Y., and was kept by her until his ninth year, when he returned to Ridgefield. Early thrown upon his own resources, he developed an independence and self-reliance that have made him the man he is. At the age of eighteen he began the trade of his father, that of tanner and currier, and in 1857 he engaged in the business on his own account in that part of the town of Ridgefield called Titticus.
In 1852 he was married to Sarah A., youngest daughter of George and - (Slosson) Weed, of Darien, Conn. Their children-Charles H., Lewis L., and Minnie D .- are living.
In 1857, Mr. Valden purchased the Gilbert tannery at Titticus, together with the farm, water privilege, ete., afterwards buying the Samuel S. Olmstead place,
on which he has erected his beautiful residence, a view of which is elsewhere shown in this work.
In 1877, Mr. Valden represented his town in the State Legislature. In politics he is Republican.
Mr. and Mrs. Valden, also their children, are mem- bers of the Methodist Episcopal Church of Ridgefield, to the support of which they liberally contribute.
WILLIAM W. BEERS.
William W. Beers was born in Ridgefield, Conn., Sept. 11, 1821. His father, Lewis Beers, followed farming in Ridgefield. He was married carly in life to Rhoda, daughter of Samuel and Rhoda Gregory, of Wilton. William W. was their only son.
William W. Beers enjoyed the best educational ad- vantages the country afforded, and at the age of ser- enteen began teaching in Ridgefield, teaching after- wards in Bethel and Hawleyville, following the profession for thirteen years.
In 1851 or 1852 he began his career as a merchant in Branchville, where he continued to reside till his death, which occurred very suddenly, Aug. 20, 1879. He began in a small way, at first keeping only lum- ber, to which he afterwards added coal, then hardware of all kinds, and later a general assortment of crockery.
Mr. Beers was married twice. His first wife was Paulina M. Edmunds, only daughter of Robert and Abbey (Darling) Edmunds, of Ridgefield, Conn. The issue of this marriage was twins, which were named Carrie G. (now Mrs. Lewis L. Valden) and Mary E. For his second wife he married Louisa, daughter of Benjamin and Charlotte (Birchard) Gilbert, of Wil- ton. Their children have been Louis G. and M. Louisa.
William W. Beers was the first postmaster, also the first station-agent on the Norwalk and Danbury Railroad in Branchville.
Mr. Beers' death cast a gloom over the whole con- munity, of which he was a shining member. All felt that they had lost a valuable friend and the stricken family a loving father. Strictly upright in all his business transactions and rigidly honorable, he was at the same time kindly benevolent, always ready to help the poor and needy, and his door was always open to the worthy but destitute wanderer.
In matters relating to the church Mr. Beers was not active, but contributed liberally of his means to support the gospel. Said the one officiating at his funeral, "I have known the deceased only a year, but at times I have known him to be ardent in his feelings relating to Christianity."
684
HISTORY OF FAIRFIELD COUNTY, CONNECTICUT.
CHAPTER LXVII.
SHERMAN.
Geographical -Topographical-Early Settlers- Physicians, etc .- The Congregational Church-Mission Church-St. Polycarp's Church- Recollections of Morgan Stuart-The Hoyt Murder-Civil and Mili- tary History.
SHERMAN is the extreme northern town in Fair- field County, and is bounded as follows: On the north and east by Litchfield County; on the south by the town of New Fairfield; and on the west by Dutchess Co., N. Y. It is about nine miles in length, with an average width of between two and three miles. Its surface is uneven, consisting principally of high hills and decp valleys. The soil is well adapted to the raising of tobacco.
GRAND LIST FOR 1802.
The following is the grand list of the town of Sher- man for 1802 :
Allen, Gideon. $381.26
Allen, Samnel
268.21
Allen, James.
439.21
Allen, John.
207.62
Ackley, David .. 397.78
Briggs, Zephaniah. 597.54
Barns, Stephen.
136.55
Barns, William
180.36
Bartram, G
145.73
Barns, Andrew
78.78
Barns, Gerard
70.00
Barlow. David.
600.70
. Bostwick, William
90.68
Bostwick, David ..
14.12
Buck, Josiah
17.00
Buck, Daniel
49.95
Brownson, Alfred
68.00
Barham, Isaac.
97.00 67.00
Cordry, John.
67 00 7.00
Cargo, Joel.
289.47
Disbrow, Asa.
122.20
Disbrow, Jesse.
65.84
Dutton, Titus
74.00
Graves, Ezra.
663.53 65.00
Geddings, B. Gamaliel.
192.36
Geddings, Jonathan.
454.83
Geddings, Jonathan, Jr. 127.17
Geddings, William.
201.98
Geddings, George
122.95
Geddings, David.
60.40
Geddings, Zebulon.
182.64 67.00
Goreham, Meher.
212.55
Goreham, David.
87.69 7.11
Gaylord, Nathan.
49.17 6.12
Gaylord, David.
6.80
Gaylord, Daniel
Goossill, Medad
Graves, Ruth
61.71
Gunnings, William
84.51
Gunnings, Andrew
178.25
Hungerford, Ezra.
246.65
Hungerford, Horace
90.00
Hungerford. Urical.
200.70
Hungerford, Sirenus ..
70.00
Hungerford, Josiah
130.49
Hungerford, Thomas
184.90
Hunger ford, Levi.
60,00
Hungerford, Jesse.
77.00
Hoag, Samuel.
544.00
Habbel, Amoy.
60.00
Holyter, Ebenezer.
96.11
Hoyt, Enoch
110.50
Holmes, Thatford.
206.67
Holmes, Walter.
77.00
Hatch, John. 150.80
Haws, E. B ..
141.73
.
Haws, Edmond
295.41
Havilon, Thomas. 156.03
Hubbel, Levi. 132.87
Ingersoll, Isaac 185.04
Kellog, Thomas. 129.00
Foster, Asaph.
$29.50
Richeyar, Samuel.
102.14
Stewart, Silvenus.
Stewart, Elihu.
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