History of Fairfield County, Connecticut : with illustrations and biographical sketches of its prominent men and pioneers, Part 204

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 204

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Blair, Francis, enl. Sept. 10, 1862. Carroll, Terrence D., enl. Sept. 10, 1862; hon. disch. Ang. 28, 1863. Corbit, Matthew, eul. Oct. 21, 1862.

Crossman, Charles E., enl. Sept. 9, 1862.

Disbrow, Richmond, enl. Oct. 9, 1862; died Aug. 1, 1863.

Davis, George W., enl. Oct. 10, 1862; hon. disch. Aug. 28, 1863. Delaney, John, enl. Nov. 4, 1862.

Fillow, Henry B., enl. Sept. 10, 1862; died July 25, 1863.

Foote, Peter R., enl. Sept. 10, 1862; hou. disch. Aug. 28, 1863. Furgurson, Ralph, eul. Oct. 21, 1862.

Gregory, John G., enl. Sept. 9, 1862; hon. disch. Aug. 28, 1863. Green, Byron, cnl. Sept. 10, 1862; hon. disch. Aug. 28, 1863. Glinn, Thomas, Jr., enl. Sept. 10, 1862; hon. disch. Aug. 28, 1863. Hickey, John, enl. Sept. 9, 1862; hon. disch. Aug. 28, 1863. Howe, Stephen H., enl. Oct. 21, 1862; hon. disch. Aug. 28, 1863.

Lockwood, William H., enl. Sept. 10, 1862.

Lock wood, George B., enl. Sept. 10, 1862.

Little, John, enl. Sept. 10, 1862.

Mills, William H. (Ist), enl. Sept. 10, 1862; hon. disch. Aug. 28, 1863. Mills, William H. (2d), enl. Sept. 8, 1862; died June 19, 1863. McBride, Andrew J., enl. Sept. 9, 1862; hon. disch. Aug. 28, 1863. Meeker, Charles A., enl. Sept. 10, 1862 ; hon. disch. Aug. 28, 1863. Mahoney, Patrick, enl. Sept. 10, 1862; hon. disch. Ang. 28, 1863. McNeal, George, eul. Nov. 4, 1862.

Nelson, George, enl. Nov. 4, 1862.

Richardson, George A., enl. Sept. 10, 1862; disch. for re-enl. July 23, 1863.

Rouan, Garrett, enl. Sept. 10, 1862; hon. disch. Aug. 28, 1863. Smith, William HI., enl. Sept. 8, 1862; hon. disch. Aug. 28, 1863. Smith, Charles F., enl. Sept. 10, 1862.

Sherwood, Edward F., enl. Sept. 10, 1862; disch. March 30, 1863. Sherwood, Jesse, enl. Sept. 10, 1862; hon. disch. Ang. 28, 1863. Williams, Oran, enl. Oct. 9, 1862.

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WESTPORT.

Warren, Janics, enl. Sept. 10, 1862; hon. disch. Aug. 28, 1863. Youngs. William II., cnl. Sept. 10, 1862; died Dec. 25, 1862. Youngs, Charles J., cnl. Sept. 10, 1862; hon. disch. Aug. 28, 1863.

Company II.

Dickins, Frank H., enl. Nov. 10, 1862.

TWENTY-NINTH REGIMENT (COLORED).

Company B. Johnson, William H., enl. Dec. 28, 1863; must. out Oct. 24, 1865.

Company E.

Frye, Jolın, enl. Dec. 23, 1863. Jackson, Jos, H., enl. Dec. 22, 1863 ; must. out Oct. 24, 1865.

Company F.

Benson, Sammel II., enl. Dec. 24, 1863; disch. for disability, March 1, 1865.

Gregory, Thomas, enl. Dec. 24, 1863 ; must. out Oct. 24, 1865.

Williams, Charles C., enl. Dec. 22, 1863 ; must. ont Oct. 24, 1865.

Company G.

Burns, James, enl. Dec. 29, 1863; must. ont Oct. 24, 1865. Jackson, William HI., enl. Dcc. 24, 1863; nmust. ont Oct. 24, 1865. Jackson, Frank, enl. Dec. 24, 1863; mmst. out Oct. 24, 1865. Johnson, William H., enl. Dec. 29, 1863; must. ont Oct. 24, 1865. Benson, Thomas, enl. Dec. 24, 1863; died Jan. 7, 1864. Jackson, Abram, enl. Dec. 29, 1863. '

Limoson, Enos, enl. Dec. 29, 1863.

Company II.

Thompson, Jolin, enl. Dec .. 22, 1863: died Nov. 26, 1864. Vantross, Charles, enl. Dec. 21, 1863 ; died Oct. 9, 1864.

BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.

HON. RICHARD HENRY WINSLOW.

Hon. Richard Henry. Winslow, son of Richard and Mary Corning Winslow, was born in Albany, N. Y., Sept. 16, 1806, and was a direct descendant of Kenelin Winslow, one of the "Mayflower" pilgrims ifi 1620.

His schoolboy days were spent in Albany ; on leav- ing sehool, at the age of sixteen, he commenced his business career with R. J. Knowlson, who was at that time one of the leading business men of that city ; from there he removed to Canandaigua, N. Y., and entered the service of Deaeon Thomas Beals, who was then one of the prominent merchants of Central New York.

In 1825 he left Canandaigua, and went to join his unele, Leonard Corning, in South America, who at that time and for many years afterwards was Amer- iean consul at Maranham, Brazil. Here he was placed in charge of important interests .in connection with the consulate and his uncle's affairs; among other duties made a voyage to Franee as supercargo, return- ing to Brazil within twelve months, after a successful accomplishment of the objects of the voyage.

In consequence of ill effects of the climate upon his health he returned to New York in 1828, and not long after entered into copartnership with Mr. M. C. Morgan, in the general produce commission business, under the firm of Morgan & Winslow ; this connec- tion continued until 1832, when a copartnership was formed with Mr. Tilley Allen, in the stock and money exchange business, in Wall Street.

mained in the firm but a year or two, Mr. Winslow continuing the business on his own account for a year or more, when he associated himself with J. Newton Perkins, under the firm of Winslow & Perkins, From thenceforth the business was greatly extended, em- bracing banking, the negotiating of State stock, mort- gage bonds for the construction of railroads, this house being the pioneer in introducing to the public in this country railway mortgages with bonds based thereon, the Cleveland, Columbus and Cincinnati Railway securities being the first of this class that were placed upon the American market. The re- markable success of that negotiation was soon followed by other like issues, and gave sueh position and promi- nence to the firm as made it the leading negotiator of many subsequent transactions of like character.

On Mr. Winslow's retirement from the stock ex- change a pair of silver pitchers were presented to him on which was the following inscription : " Presented by the New York Stock and Exchange Board to their Vice-President, Richard Henry Winslow, Esq., Nov. 6, 1839." About the year 1848, Mr. Perkins retired from the firm, and was immediately succeeded by Mr. J. F. D. Lanier, of Indiana, where he had become prominent in the management of banking and State finances ; the firm then became Winslow & Lanier. Shortly afterwards two younger brothers of Mr. Wins- low were added to the firm, and the name changed to Winslow, Lanier & Co., and, while the membership of the house has in the mean time undergone several changes, the firm-name remains unaltered up to this day, and takes rank among the foremost banking- houses of the country.

In 1859, Mr. Winslow's health being seriously in- paired by his intense devotion to the business that had become greatly extended, retired to his beautiful country home at Westport, Conn., to reap the fruits of no ordinary business career that had extended through a period of nearly forty years.

In 1858, Mr. Winslow was a member of the General Assembly, House of Representatives, and in the year 1859 he was a candidate for Lieutenant-Governor. In the year 1860 (April), Mr. Winslow was State Sen- ator, Tenth Senatorial (Bridgeport) District ; served his term with acceptance, seenring the friendship of the late Governor Seymour and other leading citizens of the State, who remember him with feel- ings of singular attachment. In 1829 he married Miss Robertson, of New York, by whom he had three daughters who survive him, and two sons who died in infancy.

In 1854 he contracted a second marriage, with Miss Mary E. Fitch, of Norwich, Conn., who survives him in the enjoyment of an ample fortune bequeathed to her at his death. Mr. Winslow died at Westport. Fairfield Co., Conn., Feb. 14, 1861. Mr. Winslow in his intercourse with the men of his time, in the varied relations in active life, impressed himself with being

Mr. Allen re- a gentleman of marked characteristics, which made

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HISTORY OF FAIRFIELD COUNTY, CONNECTICUT.

him sought for by all who appreciate character and administrative ability.

In conversation illumined by extended reading and knowledge of the world he was singularly interesting, in sagacity clear, as well as positive in his views. In the conception of measures he was far-reaching, and bold in their execution ; in the power of winning

others to aid iu carrying out his plans he had few equals and no superiors. He was affectionate by nature, unshaken in his attachments and confidences, faithful in his friendships, and large in his benefac- tions; while those who knew him as brother, husband, and friend will never cease to love and cherish his memory.

HPW

" HOKANUM,"

RESIDENCE OF THE LATE MORRIS KETCHUM, WESTPORT, CONN.

MORRIS KETCHUM.

Morris Ketchum, whose home at "Hokanum," in the town of Westport, Conn., has for many years been known as one of the most attractive and elegant country-seats, was born in Waterford, Saratoga Co., N. Y., in the year 1796. His father, Amos Ketchum, was descended from one of the earliest settlers of the county.

At an early age young Ketchum came to Westport to attend school ; he here formed the acquaintance of the ladies who subsequently became his first and sec- ond wives ; they were sisters, daughters of Mr. Silas Burr. At the age of sixteen he commenced his busi- ness studies in New York City; two years later he visited Savannah, Ga., where he established business as a cotton broker, making himself thoroughly ac- quainted with the grading of cotton, and the manner of handling it from the field to its delivery into the

manufacturer's hands. His success was immediate; he soon obtained the confidence and patronage which justified his opening a commission house in New York, in association with his father. The sagacity and business ability thus early exhibited naturally attracted attention. Mr. Ketchum was offered a partnership with Mr. Rogers, famous as the builder of locomotive-engines, at Paterson, N. J. The firm- style was Rogers, Ketchum & Grosvenor. In the distribution of duties and functions Mr. Ketchum became the financier of this prosperous firm, and in his transactions with the railroad magnates of the entire continent gave abundant evidence that in the world of finance he had found his legiti- mate sphere of action. The firm described above entered the banking business in addition to manufac- turing. On Mr. Grosvenor retiring from it the style was changed to Ketchum, Rogers & Bement, later

Morris Ketchum

837

WESTPORT.

VIEWS AT "HOKANUM."

its style became Ketehum, Howe & Co., and finally Morris Ketchum, Son & Co. These partnerships cov- ered nearly forty years of Mr. Ketchum's eventful life, and many very important enterprises were undertaken and carried to successful completion under their auspices.

At a day when many deemed the scheme impractical Mr. Ketchum gave a hearty support to the building of the New York and New Haven Railroad, and it is safe to say no man contributed more than he to its success- ful establishment.

Of the Illinois Central Railroad he was one of the earliest projectors, aiding in seeuring its wonderful land grant and finding a market for its bonds. To rightly estimate the magnitude of this work it should be considered not in the light of to-day, but of that early time in the history of railroads in the West ; but few men had the sagacity to anticipate the re- sources of the country now tributary to that important railway. Mr. Ketchum not only appreciated its pro- spective importance, but he inspired confidence in others in a remarkable manner.

Confidence is said to be a plant of slow growth. How had Mr. Ketchum acquired it? This lc- gitimate inquiry regarding him may be answered in two ways: First, his judgment was sound; always based on thorough knowl- edge of all attainable facts in the case, a comprehensive mind qual- ified him to grasp a financial scheme with clearness. He was a courageous man, and a man of honor; he asked no one to follow where he would not lead. Again, he was one of the very few men who had foreseen the commercial panie of 1837 ; he not only pre- dieted it, but, against entreaty and protestation, withdrew his capital from his then sanguine partners, and prepared himself to outride the financial storm in safety. The period from 1837 to 1842 found him in a position to take advan- tage of this foresight, and gave him the unbounded confidence of business cireles ; these years of ruin to many were years of pros- perity to him.

When Hon. S. P. Chase, then Secretary of the United States Treasury, found himself face to face with the gigantic financial problems of our civil war, he found in Morris Ketchum a tower of strength, a man of undoubted patriotism, combined with financial experience, taet, and resource. He was the trusted adviser of the government during the darkest hours of its peril; when doubt and dis- trust prevailed he courageously met the exigency : took personally large amounts of the bonds first issued, inspiring confidence by his prompt action. He gave Mr. Chase such counsel in critical junctures as to have ealled from that official the heartiest acknowledg- ments.

In 1864 a quarrel between the directors of the Fourth National Bank of New York threatened to ruin the institution and force it into liquidation. Mr. Ketchum was selected as a compromise president ; by his shrewd and careful management the bank was brought safely through its troubles. He resigned the presidency of the bank in July, 1865, and in the sum- mer of that year, owing to the failure of his old firmi, he was obliged to retire from business. Great sym- pathy was felt for Mr. Ketchum in this misfortune, but he made an honorable settlement with his credi- tors, and by his indomitable pluck and energy again acquired a comfortable fortune.

Mr. Ketchum passed many years of his eventful life at his home in Westport. He had acquired by

838

HISTORY OF FAIRFIELD COUNTY, CONNECTICUT.

marriage an estate containing about one hundred acres of wild rolling land, situated about a mile north of the village, and forming a part of what was known as Burr's Plains ; to this estate he had added by pur- chase from time to time, until at present it contains over five hundred acres. By large expenditure of

money, under skillful direction, this once uninviting property has been converted into a magnificent do- main. By thorough drainage, improved methods of agriculture, and tasteful adornment, Mr. Ketchum has set an example that must ever have a beneficial influence. Thousands of trees were placed by the

PORTER'S LODGE.

hand of the master: their groupings are after the most approved taste in landscape gardening; the drives through the estate (which are open to the public) are most delightful .. . As might be expected, the best breeds of cattle and domestic animals have been found at "Hokanum ;" their brceding and raising have made them familiar to the farmers of the neighbor- hood, and secured one result of their [introduction, -viz., the elevation of public taste in stock-breeding.

GARDENER'S COTTAGE.

To the outside world Mr. Ketchum has been known as the great private banker; to his family and asso-

GRAPERY.

当书省

DANIEL NASH.

8:39

WESTPORT.

ciates he is remembered as the true and generous friend, as the public-spirited supporter of all projects to elevate and strengthen the cause of religion, edu- cation, and civil order, as a devoted husband and father, a just administrator of affairs, a peace-maker, a friend of merit, a generous patron, a man of pure morals and great integrity. His manner was quiet and reticent; a close observer always, not only of men, but of nature, his love of children and animals was re- markable. He possessed a firmness that often assumed the aspect of sternness, and even coldness; this aspect might be seen when in the battle of the giants he marched with close-set lips and firm step direct to the object of his ambition, but in the walks of domestic life no one feared to approach him, for his gentleness won confidence and love.

Mr. Ketchum had profound reverence for the Christian religion; he was a constant attendant and

SUMMER 10

supporter of public divine worship. While residing at Westport, his family attended the Congregational church. In New York City their connection was with the Presbyterian Church of which the late Rev. Dr. W. Adams was pastor. Not only was he liberal to the denomination of his adoption, but when called on by the friends of other churches, both Protestant and Catholic, to aid in building houses of worship, he contributed generously.

Many of his tenants and domestic servants were of the Catholic faith ; it gave Mr. Ketchum pleasure to secure for them the privileges of worship in the church of their choice; furthermore, he recognized the con- servative influence of religious instruction upon the whole community, and as a friend of civil order he responded to these calls for aid.

In politics Mr. Ketchum was in early life a Whig, a personal friend and admirer of Daniel Webster; in later years he was in full sympathy with the cause of the Union and the Republican party.

Mr. Ketchum married for his third wife (who sur- vives him) the daughter of Judge Silvanus Miller, of New York City, a man of ripe scholarship and eminent legal ability.

Of Mr. Ketchum's living children there are five sons and two daughters. Mr. Ketchum died Jan. 1, '1880, at his home in New York City. He had en-

joyed uninterrupted health for a long term of life,- at eighty was vigorous and active. His death was the result of paralysis. A list of the pall-bearers indicates the class of men who were proud to be named as his intimate friends. They were John J. Cisco, Junius S. Morgan, William E. Dodge, Dr. Willard Parker, P. C. Calhoun, B. B. Sherman, W. W. Phelps, Horace Staples, Theodore A. Neal, President Jenkins, of the Bank of America, Dr. J. H. Janeway, and Gouver- neur Morris.

The accompanying views are of the residence and grounds at " Hokanum."

DANIEL NASH.

In the records of the carly Connecticut colonies is often found the name of Nash. Micajah Nash, pa- ternal grandfather of the second Daniel, married, in Norwalk, Mary Scribner, in 1744, and had three sons, -Jesse, Daniel, and Samuel. This Daniel, born Dec. 2, 1747, resided at Patchogue, L. I., at the time of the birth of his son Daniel, whose history we are writing. This occurred May 12, 1770, and when the lad had at- tained the age of fourteen his father, Daniel, Sr., moved to Westport. This was in 1784. The elder Daniel purchased some land and a mill, which latter he put in care of the young lad, and which he faith- fully attended for fifty years. This mill is still stand- ing, and is now one hundred and five years old. In 1809 the father and son nnitedly built the house now owned and occupied by Edward H. Nash, and resided together all the lifetime of the father. He, Daniel, Sr., died Sept. 6, 1824. The education of the young Daniel was derived from the primitive schools of that day, where the young student graduated oftener with knowledge of the axe and scythe than with that of books. His was a life of toil, unwearying labor, and a continual battle with the forces of nature. It would be strange if the life thus developed would not early know the value of a dollar this acquired, and cherish it as an article not lightly won. In early life he showed the true business man by putting his money, whenever any came into his possession, at interest, and keeping it there. With all his tact in acquiring and retaining money he was very liberal where his conscience approved, and was noted for the interest he took in church matters, and the great liberality with which he supported its institutions. When the Episcopal Church in Norwalk (to which his father at one time contributed two hundred dollars) was organ- izing a " church fund," Mr. Nash gave at one time five hundred dollars for that purpose, and without his hearty and exceedingly liberal financial support no song of praise would have cheered the place where now stands Christ church in Westport. He and his sons Edward and Andrew have, far beyond others, not only built, but sustained it. Mr. Nash was, as is shown above, an Episcopalian, and member of the building committee, and also warden of Christ Church.

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HISTORY OF FAIRFIELD COUNTY, CONNECTICUT.

This was built in 1835, and named by Bishop Kemper, -dear to all Episcopalians. Mr. Nash was first a Whig, afterwards a Republican. During the Rebel- lion a gentleman sent word to him not to invest in United States government bonds. As quick as a flash he turned and said, " What would you have,-Confed- erate ?" Mr. Nash was noted for his skill and love of telling stories. He neither desired nor held political offices. He was quick, positive, and independent in his nature, and had a fine sense of right and wrong. Tenacious of his rights, he wauted all his own, but never an unjustly-acquired dollar. His word was as sacred as his bond, and neither were ever repudiated.

Mr. Nash married, Oct. 9, 1809, Rebecca, daughter of Jonathan Camp, of Norwalk. Their children were Edward H., Andrew C., Julia Ann (Mrs. J. W. Wood), Hannah (Mrs. Ezra Morgan).

Mr. Nash was over uinety years of age at the break- ing out of the Southern Rebellion, aud left the entire control of his money to his sou Edward. By his ju- dicious investment in United States bonds-gold- bearing-thousands of dollars were added to the cstatc.

Mr. Nashı died Aug. 2, 1865, at the place so long his home, at the advanced age of ninety-five years.

Edward H., his son, married Abigail Gorham, Oct. 9, 1836. She died Jan. 16, 1861. For his second wife he married Margaret N. Williams, Sept. 16, 1861. She died Oct. 18, 1871. Their children are Adelaide, Lloyd, Louisa, and Fanny. For his third wife Ed- ward married Mrs. Mary E. Tuttle, daughter of Lewis Partrick, April 17, 1872.

Andrew C. Naslı married Eliza A. Adams, Jan. 18, 1835. Their children are Mary Frances (Mrs. Dr. Bouton), Daniel C., Edward A., Andrew S., Celestia A., Eliza A., and Amelia R. Mrs. Andrew Nash died Nov. 12, 1876.

DR. GEORGE B. BOUTON.

In the old town records of Norwalk is recorded, " John Bowten of Norwake, tooke to wiffe Abigall, dau. of Math. Marvin, seu'r. of the same, January the 1st, 1656." Thus among the earliest settlers of Fair- field County were the ancestors of Dr. Bouton.

John Bouton was a French Huguenot, but at what time lis immigration occurred is unknown. From the marriage above given came five children, the eld- est, John, born Sept. 30, 1659. This John had two sons, Jakin and Joseph. Jakin was twice married, and, by his second wife, had two sons, Esaias and Moses, and many daughters. Esaias Bouton was great-grandfather to Dr. Bouton, and married Phebe Byxbee, May 30, 1753. Stephen, their fourth child, born July 4, 1760, married Hannah, daughter of Jona- than Camp, May 26, 1792. Their children were Han- nah, Stepheu, and Josiah. Stephen was born March 18, 1797. He married, May 5, 1823, Harriette, daugh- ter of Beriah Bradley, of New Haven, Coun. She was born Dec. 30, 1801. Mr. Bouton accompanied his father as a lad to Troy, Rensselaer Co., N. Y., and

after arriving at maturity became senior member of the grain-dealing and forwarding firm of S. & J. Bouton. He was an active member of the Episcopal Church, and, as the building of Christ church was then going on, he became largely interested-finan- cially-in it, and, by indorsing for the rector, was rendered bankrupt. He then engaged in the grocery trade, and after conducting it a few years moved to New Haveu, where he died, shortly after, on Feb. 10, 1855. His wife, surviving him, lived till October, 1870. Of their four children, only two-George B. and Grace Bradley (who married William C., son of ex- Mayor Peck, of New Haven)-survive.

George Beriah Bouton was born in Troy, N. Y., April 27, 1828. When about nine years old, he was placed at the boarding-school of the Episcopal Insti- tute, in charge of the rector of Christ Church, previ- ously alluded to, and through whose fraudulent actions his father was ruined. (It might be well for the moral to add, en passant, that, for these and subsequent ac- tions the rector was deposed from the ministry.) Here George remained three or four years until his father's failure, when our young student went into the hardware store of an uncle, Edward Bradley, as clerk. Performing his duty well, he remained in that store three years, then accompanied Mr. Bradley to New York City, and took a position in the large establishment of Edward Corning & Co., which he occupied for four years. (A singular circumstance in the life of this uncle, Edward Bradley, is the fact, that after thirty years of mercantile life, he studied divinity, and was ordained a clergyman of the Episco- pal Church, his ordination sermon being preached by his son.) When Stephen Boutou removed to New Haven, George accompanied him, and began to study medicine under Dr. Charles Hooker, professor of anatomy in Yale College. In January, 1856, he gradu- ated at Yale, and in March of the same year at New York Medical College. Preferring a metropolitan life, Dr. Bouton located in New York City. He had, even before graduatiug, received the appointment of ex- amining physician and deputy coroner, and at once entercd upon the duties. He held that position for three successive terms of three years each, except an interval of nearly a year, which was spent as surgeon to Gen. Walker's troops in Nicaragua, where he was located at St. George's and Rivas.

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History of Fairfield County, Connecticut : with illustrations and biographical sketches of its prominent men and pioneers, Part 204

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