History of Fairfield County, Connecticut : with illustrations and biographical sketches of its prominent men and pioneers, Part 41

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 41

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HISTORY OF FAIRFIELD COUNTY, CONNECTICUT.

as alderman, member of Council, and board of road and bridge commissioners. In all these departments he laborcd faithfully and diligently to subserve the best interests of the city, by his efforts to have its affairs conducted on strictly business principles. His best service to the town was undoubtedly as first selectman, which position he held during our late civil war. His stalwart Republicanisin and unbounded confidence in the justice and final success of the cause made him a hearty supporter and worker in respond- ing to the calls for recruits made by the general gov- ernment,-his plain, unassuming manner and strict business integrity enabling him to fill Bridgeport's quotas for troops rapidly and with great success finan- cially. It would hardly be possible to find any one man so thoroughly identified with Bridgeport growth and progress during the last half-century.

He was married in 1827 to Miss Lucelia A. Remer, of Derby, Conn. At the golden wedding of this venerable couple, which was celebrated May 17, 1877, a pleasant feature of the occasion was the presenta- tion by the Ladies' Charitable Society of a beautiful silver piecc, for fruit and flowers, to Mrs. Parrott, she being one of the oldest living members, having joincd it in 1828. The occasion was one of special interest and was a marked social event.

HON. SHERWOOD STERLING.

The Sterling family date their ancestry back to Jacob Sterling, who was born in England about the ycar 1677. He emigrated to this country and settled at Haverhill, Mass., a short time before the Indian massacre at that place. Hc fled to Cape Cod; later removed to Fairfield, and finally located in Stratficld (now Bridgeport). His children were Joseph, Jacob, John, Stephen, and Mary. Upon reaching maturity, Jolin and Steplien located near their father, and Jo- seph settled in the town of Trumbull. Jacob settled at Newtown.

Stephen was born about the year 1712, and married Eunice Sherman. Their children were Abijah, Ste- phen, Jr., Sylvanus, and Eunice. Abijah located in Bridgeport and married Eunice Sherwood, and their family consisted of David, Danicl, Abijah, and Sher- wood. David also located in Bridgeport. He married Deborah Strong, daughter of Joseph Strong, of Strat- field. Their issue were John W., David, George, Sher- wood, Ann, Cornelia, and Cordelia.

The malc line in the ancestry of the subject of this sketch died as follows : Jacob, Jan. 9, 1769; Stephen, 1792; David, June 15, 1843, aged seventy-three; and Abijalı, June 19, 1862. Deborah, the wife of David, died March 10, 1849, aged seventy-thrce. She was the daughter of the Hon. Joseph Strong, who was descended in the following line: Selah and Thomas from Elder John Strong. The latter, who was born at Taunton, England, in 1605, sailed from Plymouth,

England, March 20, 1630, and in the following May landed at Nantasket (Hull), Mass.

The subject of this sketch, Hon. Sherwood Sterling, was born in Bridgeport, May 23, 1803, where his entire life was passed. He married Jane Elizabeth Hawley, a lady whose mental and social worth en- deared her to all who knew her. Their family con- sisted of twelve children, ten of whom survive.

Mr. Sterling was closely identified with all enter- prises for the religious, moral, and material advance- ment of his native city. From his youth he was greatly interested in religion, and was always an ac- tive, energetic worker in the church, also practically exemplifying his profession in his daily life. He was deacon in the South Congregational Church from 1833.

At different periods of his life he was engaged in commerce, and was chiefly instrumental in establish- ing the Newfoundland and whale fisheries, which were successfully prosecuted for many years.

One of the originators of the Bridgeport Savings Bank, he was president of that institution from 1864 until his death. He also held the office of president of the City National Bank at the time of his de- cease, having been elected in 1857.

In politics Mr. Sterling was an old-line Whig, sub- sequently a Republican, and though never an active politician,-avoiding publicity, and declining office unless convinced it was his duty to accept,-yet his advice was frequently sought and his influence felt in the councils of his party. He was mayor of the city in 1847 and 1848, and was repeatedly elected a State representative, serving with honor and marked ability during the troubled period of the war. He was inti- mately associated in council with the Hon. William A. Buckingham, then Governor of the State, who, re- lying upon his sound judgment and discretion, ofttimes advised with him during those gloomy and memorable days.

The iron business established by his father, David Sterling, in 1798, and in which Sherwood continued until within ten years of his death, still remains in a prosperous condition, conducted by his eldest son, under the old firm-name of "S. Sterling's Sons."

Sherwood Sterling inspired all with whom he came in contact with unbounded confidence in his common sense and uncompromising integrity. Possessing great energy and marked business ability, he was frequently selected to act as arbitrator, trustee, guardian, and advisor.

He was a man of fine presence, and commanded universal respect. Of exceptionally cven tempera- ment, probably no person ever saw him in an angry mood. Extreme suavity of manner and gentleness of demeanor characterized him at all times. "None knew him but to love him, none named him but to praisc."

He died Oct. 31, 1869. Upon his decease resolu- tions of condolence were passed by the directors of

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the Bridgeport Savings Bank and City National Bank, also by the Board of Aldermen and Council of the city. One of the city papers, referring to his death, said, "He was a great and good man, honored by all who knew him."

His was an active and eventful career. Death at last laid his hand upon the strong man, and he passed to that higher life which he had endeavored to exem- plify in his daily walk and conversation.

" The boast of heraldry, the pomp of power, And all that beauty, all that wealth, e'er gave, Await alike the inevitable hour:

The path of glory leads but to the grave."

NATHANIEL HEWIT, D.D .**

This eminent theologian and reformer was born in New London, Conn., Aug. 28, 1788. He graduated from Yale College in 1808, and at first determined to follow the profession of the law, but afterwards chose the gospel ministry. He was licensed to preach Sept. 24, 1811, but, feeling the need of further preparation, repaired to Andover for more thorough training. His first charge was the Presbyterian Church at Platts- burgh, N. Y., over which he was installed July 5, 1815. At that time Plattsburgh was but little more than a military outpost. Its rigorous climate told upon his health, and he was obliged to resign.

He was dismissed Oct. 2, 1817, and on the 14th of the following January was installed pastor of the Congregational Church at Fairfield, Conn., where he continued to labor half a score of years, rejoicing in a richi fruitage of souls born into the kingdom. He was bold in his warnings and denunciations against intemperance, and enlisted multitudes on the side of total abstinence. His fame spread abroad, and the American Temperance Society engaged his services. In 1827 he spoke in the principal cities of Connecti- cut, Rhode Island, New York, and Pennsylvania, and organized many temperance societies.

On the 18th of the following December he was dis- missed from his church in order to give himself more effectually to the work, and travelcd far and wide for a number of years proclaiming total abstinence. The results were marvelous. Everywhere multitudes were convinced and converted, and without doubt what Luthier was to the Reformation, Nathaniel Hewit was to the early temperance movement. After having thus successfully inaugurated this grand reformation, he returned to his first love, and Dec. 1, 1830, was installed pastor of the Second Congregational Church of Bridgeport, Conn.

On the 18th of May, 1831, he sailed for England to give impetus to the temperance cause in the Old World. He arrived in London June 28th, and delivered an ad- dress in Exeter Hall the next cvening. On the 19thı of July he assisted in the formation of the Britishı

and Foreign Temperance Society and then visited Paris, returning afterwards to London, and delivering addresses there and in Birminghamn and Liverpool. In the fall of the same year he returned to Bridge- port and resumed his pastoral duties. For more than twenty years he ministered to his flock, his fame and influence as a theologian continuing to increase till he became known and felt as a power in the church.

In 1853 a division arose in his congregation in re- gard to procuring him an associate. A large number withdrew and formed the First Presbyterian Church, to which they called their "old, revered, and beloved pastor, whose ministrations they could not consent to forego." He was dismissed, from his former charge September 21st, and October 31st was installed over the latter, where "he continued to preach the Word and feed the flock of God" till nearly fourscore years of age.

During all these years he retained his remarkable vigor. In stature more than six feet, of imperial form and visage, he bore the impress of a prophet. His in- tellect was gigantie, his voice of unequaled compass, power, and melody, and his eloquence unrivaled. During the theological controversies that for scores of years agitated the churches he bore a most decided part, holding fast to the Westminster standards. And yet, with all the courage of a soldier and always in the thickest of the battle, his heart was tender as a woman's, and he had the simplicity of a child. Though often subject to fits of despondency, in con- versation he was most charming, and the seed sown by the magnetism of personal intercourse will con- tinue to bear fruit through successive generations.

Dr. Hewit was twice married. His first wife, Miss Rebecca Hillhouse, of New Haven, died Jan. 4, 1831. His second wife, Miss Susan Eliot, of Fair- field, died May 1, 1857.

In the fall of 1858, having arrived at the age of seventy years, he tendered his resignation, which his people refused to accept. Four years later, April 1, 1862, he relcased huis salary to the congregation, and in August of the same year Rev. Horace G. Hinsdale was called as associate pastor. To this colleague and successor he cordially handed over his charge, preaching occasionally, until on Sabbath morning, Feb. 3, 1867, he "fell asleep." Of the three children who survived him, one, Henry S. Hewit, M.D., late surgeon of the Army of the Cumberland, has since died; another son, Rev. Augustus F. Hewit, is one of the Paulist Fathers, of New York; the other, Sarah, the widow of the late William S. Bowen, M.D., sur- geon U.S.N., resides in New Haven. A marble tablet to his memory, which was destroyed when the church edifice was burned in 1874, has been replaced in the new sanctuary by a handsome memorial baptismal font of carved stonc, the gift of the children of the Sunday-school.

To a memorial discourse delivered on the occasion of his funeral, Feb. 6, 1867, by Rev. Lyman H. At-

* By Alexander Wheeler.

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HISTORY OF FAIRFIELD COUNTY, CONNECTICUT.

water, D.D., of Princeton, N. J., we are indebted for much of the foregoing sketch. Of him it may be well said,-

"He being dead yet speaketh."

EZRA CURTIS.

Ezra Curtis was born in Monroe, Fairfield Co., Conn., Sept. 24, 1813, and died in Bridgeport Oct. 17, 1879. He was third child of Geo. P. and Sarah Cur- tis. His grandfather, Dr. Ezra Curtis, was widely and favorably known for his professional skill, as well as his probity and manly worth.

The ancestry of Mr. Curtis was of the English knighthood, and in the time of Charles I. " by grant under the Great Seal, reciting that search having been made in the Register and Records for the true and antient armes belonging to the Curtis name and family, and the same appearing by ould seales and other good testimony and proofs in the custody and keeping of Richard St. George, Clarencieux King of Armes, to be the proper and antient armes thereof, and which they did theretofore beare, they were to them and their issue and posterity in memory there- of forever ratified and confirmed, according to the law of armes and the custom of England." This coat of arms has been in possession of the American family from the early days when their ancestors emi- grated from England.

Mr. Curtis was educated at the common and pri- vate schools of Fairfield County ; learned the carpenter trade and engaged in business in New Haven, where he remained until 1847 or 1848, when he removed to Bridgeport, and in company with Asahel Lyon, his first wife's brother, established one of the first, if not the very first, lumber firms in Bridgeport, under title of Lyons & Curtis. The business was profit- ably conducted, and still continues as Lyon, Curtis & Co., S. M. Cate, Sr., and C. A. Grannis having been admitted as members.

Mr. Curtis was a man of far-seeing sagacity in busi- ness aud practical in attention to details. He attended strictly to his own affairs, taking but few into his confidence, and never intruding himself into matters concerning others, except to quietly and effectually relieve such cases of suffering as came to his notice, and, in passing, we would here note that, although one of the quickest persons to respond to any call for aid, and a liberal coutributor to church purposes, his generosity was not proclaimed from the house-tops, but desired by him to be known only by its results.

For years a member of the Baptist Church, he was universally acknowledged a good Christian man, who strived to follow his Master in all respects. He was a deacon for some time, and his counsels were sought and heeded in all important matters.

In the family circle he found his highest earthly pleasure, and was an affectionate husband and a loving

father. He preferred the society of home to that of public life, and never would consent to allow his name to be put forward as a caudidate for any public office, although from the time of the organization of the Republican party he gave it his vote and strongest influence. In all the relations of life Mr. Curtis did his work well, and the void caused by his death will not soon be filled.

Mr. Curtis married Miss Mary E. Lyon, of New Haven, in 1839. (She was sister of Asahel Lyon, so many years a partner of Mr. Curtis, and whose biog- raphy appears elsewhere in this work.) She died in 1867, leaving no offspring. He married, Oct. 6, 1869, Miss Mary Elizabeth, daughter of Robert and Eliza- beth E. (Bishop) Ells, of Norwalk. Their only child, George Ells, was born Jan. 20, 1871.

CHARLES B. HOTCHKISS.

Charles B. Hotchkiss was born in the town of Waterbury, now Naugatuck, July 4, 1820. He re- ceived the rudiments of his education at the common schools of his native town and completed it at the Middlebury Academy. His father was a manufac- turer of buttons and clocks in Naugatuck, and at the early age of eighteen Charles B. assumed the management of his business. About this time ex- periments were being made at Naugatuck in the manufacture of rubber goods under the Goodyear patent, and the management of the business soon passed into the hands of Mr. Hotchkiss and two others, and it was conducted under the firm-name of The Naugatuck India-Rubber Company. It was con- tinued with varied success about three years, when, in consequence of trouble with the Union Rubber Company of New York, the factory was closed. The establishment was subsequently, however, opened by Mr. Hotchkiss, who continued the business a short time, when he disposed of the whole concern to the National Rubber Company of New York, and, re- moving to New York City, took charge of the business of the Union Company, and in the following year superintended the erection of the present large factory owned by this company at Harlem, New York City. He remained in charge of the business in New York about four years, during which time he visited Paris to negotiate the sale of rubber patents, and soon after, an American company having decided to commence the' manufacture of rubber goods in Paris and in other parts of France and Germany, he removed with his family to that city aud took the entire charge of their foreign mauufacture. His characteristic energy and determination displayed itself here, and about one year later he became a partner in the establishment, which was known as Hutchinson, Henderson & Co. The business increased with amazing rapidity, and the manufacture was not only carried on in Paris exten- sively, but large establishments were also located in

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Montargis and in Mannheim, Germany. Mr. Hoteh- kiss remained in Paris ten years, when he withdrew from the business, and, returning to his native State, located in the city of Bridgeport, where he has since resided.

Mr. Hotchkiss is a public-spirited eitizen, and is interested in various enterprises both at home and abroad. In 1867 he purchased an interest iu the Pe- quonnoek National Bank in this eity, and was made its vice-president, and at the next annual meeting was elected president, a position which he has sinee held. He is still interested in the Union Rubber Company in New York ; is a stockholder in the Tom- linson Spring and Axle Company, located at Newark, N. J., in the Derby Gas Company, and various other companies.

In 1879, Mr. Hotchkiss, in company with John Hurd, Esq., of Bridgeport, and Peter McFarlane, of Evart, Mich., purchased the Evart and Osceola Rail- road, with the contract to put sixty million feet of logs into the Muskegon River. In addition to this they also purchased a large tract of pine timber-land and commenced operations at once, and up to August of the following year-a period of about nine months -have put into the river about fifty-three million feet of lumber, the largest business of the kind ever done by any firm in the State up to that time. They em- ploy about four hundred men, forty pair of horses, and several yokes of oxen. Although the business is now of gigantie proportions, it will be largely inereased during the ensuing year. Messrs. Hotchkiss and Hurd are now also prospecting for the purchase of a very large tract of timber-land located in Wisconsin.

Dec. 24, 1845, Mr. Hotchkiss united in marriage with Elizabeth, eldest daughter of Richard Hine, a native of Seymour, Conn., and their family consists of six children, three sons and three daughters,-viz., Edward M., who resides in Newark, N. J., and is treasurer of the Tomlinson Spring and Axle Com- pany ; Marie Louise, wife of John E. Parker, super- intendent of a branch of the Meriden Britannia Com- pany, located at Hamilton, Ontario; Nellie A., wife of F. A. Nickerson, superintendent of the Dickinson Hard Rubber Company, Springfield, Mass .; Emma A .; Charles L., who is also employed in the Dickin- son Hard Rubber Company; and William L.

Politically, Mr. Hotchkiss is a Republican, and has been since the organization of that party. He was previously a Whig. He is an Episcopalian and a member of the vestry of Christ Church, in this eity. Mr. Hotehkiss has never been an active politician, but has given his whole attention and energy to his business. He has a remarkable capacity for large business transactions, and is possessed of social and marked characteristics that make him esteemed by all with whom he comes in contact.

JACOB KIEFER.

Jacob Kiefer was born in Bavaria, Germany, in 1829. His mother died when he was but one year of age, and three years later (1833) he came with his father to this country.

He received a common-school education at Public School No. 7 in New York City, and in 1839 entered the service of Benjamin Mooney & Co., wholesale hardware merchants in Pine Street, as an apprentice. He remained with this firm about four years, when he commenced the manufacture of guitars in his father's cabinet-shop, under the direction of Signor Bini. The superiority of the workmanship and tone of the in- struments made by young Kiefer soon attracted the attention of the musical public, and at the American Institute Fair, held in New York in 1846, his guitars received the first premium, and his competitors werc among the best makers in the United States. His father having consented to give him his "time," he came to Bridgeport and began work as a journeyman cabinet-maker. Conceiving the idea of manufactur- ing furniture by the aid of machinery, in 1850 he commenced business on his own account in a small building, and with the use of steam-power manufac- tured furniture for his old employers. In 1852, in connection with several business men of Bridgeport, he organized the Furniture Manufacturing Company, and for several years le acted as superintendent and built up the largest furniture business in the Eastern States, employing four hundred hands. Since 1868 he has been the sole proprietor of this immense estab- lishment, and the goods manufactured by him are known throughout the country as the standard of excellence.

Mr. Kiefer is a public-spirited and enterprising citizen, Republiean in polities, and was reared in the Dutch Reformed Church.

SAMUEL CLAYTON KINGMAN.

Samuel Kingman was the son of John and Hannah Kingman, and was born in Hingham, Nov. 20, 1802, and settled in South Redding, Mass. (now Wakefield), in 1824, commencing business as a tailor, which oeeu- pation lie followed for thirty years. In 1827 he was married to Sarah Ring Pope, daughter of Jesse and Annie (Hay) Pope. Their children now living are Abner Augustus, William W., Luey Ellen, Charles E., Orlando P., Annie E., Arthur H., and Samuel Clayton, the subject of this notice. Samuel King- man was highly esteemed in the community in which he lived. He served the nation, commonwealth, and town in various offices of trust and usefulcss. He served as postmaster twenty-one years, as representa- tive in General Court, as captain of the "Washington Rifle Grays," as selectman and assessor, and was jus- tice of the peace for eleven years. His death occurred Nov. 23, 1880. His wife still survives him.

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HISTORY OF FAIRFIELD COUNTY, CONNECTICUT.

Samuel Clayton Kingman, the second son of Samuel Kingman, was born in South Redding, Mass. (now Wakefield), in 1830, graduated in the high school, and was the valedictorian of his class. The following year he spent at sea for the benefit of his health, after which he served his time as a machinist in the cele- brated Lawrence Machine-Shop, with such appren- tices as Amos Whitney, Joseph Marble, F. Higgins, and J. A. Taylor, after which he spent one year in the service of Col. Anderson, at the Tredegar Works at Richmond, Va. Upon his return he entered the employ of the Wheeler & Wilson Manufacturing Company, at Watertown, Conn., organized about that time, and still remains in their employ. He has in- vented a number of machines for the Company which have resulted in a great saving of labor.

Mr. Kingman was married in 1853 to Miss Emily Eustis Brooks, at Haverhill, Mass., a descendant of Governor Eustis. He has ever been a benefactor to the poor and sorrowing, and his gifts, with those of his companions, have been many. The bell of the Park Street Church, to which they belonged, memorizes the death of a soldier, friend, and brother, Albion D. Brooks, killed at Cold Harbor, Junc 3, 1864. The clock and communion-table presented by them attest their interest in the welfare of their church.

Mr. Kingman resides at Washington Park, in a de- lightful residence, surrounded by his family, which consists of his wife and five daughters. He has occu- pied many positions of public trust, and enjoys the confidence and esteen of the citizens of the city in which he resides.

THOMAS TILESTON WATERMAN.

In presenting a sketch of one whose activity in life was so remarkable, and whose career of usefulness extended over so large a field, a detailed narrative would be impracticable in a work of this character ; but it is proposed to give the salient points in the life of one who was so long identified with the moral and religious interests of the territory treated in this work-the late Rev. Thomas Tileston Waterman.

He was born in Windham, Conn., Sept. 24, 1801, and four years later removed with his parents to ancient Stratfield, now the city of Bridgeport. He was prepared for college by his father, Rev. Elijah Waterman, and at Hartford, and was graduated at Yale in the class of 1822. He entered Yale with the purpose of becoming a lawyer, and was led to change his mind from a remark made by an irre- ligious companion. He studied theology with his father, and was ordained as pastor of the Richmond Street Congregational Church, Providence, R. I., Dec. 13, 1826, Dr. Lyman Beccher, then of Boston, preaching the ordination sermon. In 1837 he became pastor of the Fifth Presbyterian Church of Philadel- phia. This pastorate continued until 1843, when he

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History of Fairfield County, Connecticut : with illustrations and biographical sketches of its prominent men and pioneers, Part 41

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