History of Litchfield county, Connecticut, Part 133

Author: J.W. Lewis & Company (Philadelphia, Pa.)
Publication date: 1881
Publisher: Philadelphia : J.W. Lewis & Co.
Number of Pages: 1532

USA > Connecticut > Litchfield County > History of Litchfield county, Connecticut > Part 133

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In 1854, Mr. Holley was nominated and elected Lieu- tenant-Governor on the ticket with Hon. Henry Dut- ton, of New Haven, as Governor. In 1857 he was elected Governor, Hon. A. A. Burnham, of Windham County, being elected Lieutenant-Governor on the same ticket. During his term of office, Mr. Holley made several official visits into other States, in which he formed many pleasant associations, which have con- tinued as among the most agreeable of his life. Not- able among the visits were one to Bunker Hill, to participate in the ceremony of unveiling the statue of Gen. Warren, of Revolutionary memory. Among the visitors from the Southern States at that time was James M. Mason, of Virginia, who admonished the assembled multitudes from the North of their duty to adhere to the union of the States, a union which, in less than three years thereafter, he attempted, with his associates, to overthrow, and who, with his associate Slidell, were subsequently captured on board of a British vessel on their way to Europe in behalf of the cause of the Confederacy.

Another was to Richmond, Va., to witness the same ceremony of unveiling Crawford's statue of Washing- ton. Other chief magistrates were present on the oc- casion, and all were cordially received and hospitably entertained; nevertheless there were then slight breathings of discontent, which finally culminated in the great Rebellion.

Mr. Holley was not an exclusive devotee to his own private business, but was an earnest promoter of pub-

Silly B.Moore

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lic improvements, taking a lively interest in the con- struction of the Housatonic, Harlem, Dutchess and Columbia, and Rhinebeck and Connecticut Railroads, notably in the Harlem and the Connecticut Western. He spent many months in 1851-52 and 1853 in aiding and urging forward the extension of the Harlem road, and was efficient in aiding to organize the Connecti- cut Western, of which he has been a director from the commencement. He was also one of the origin- ators of the Iron Bank at Falls Village, Conn .; was for twelve years a director, and for two years president of the same. He was also warmly engaged, with officers of other New England banks, in the establishment of the Bank of Mutual Redemption, in the city of Bos- ton, and was for several years one of a committee to make semi-annual examinations of its condition. Having withdrawn somewhat from the active busi- ness of life, Mr. Holley indulged himself in visiting various parts of his own country, and made three voyages to Europe, the first in 1862, with his son, the engineer, who has recently crossed the ocean for the twenty-sixth time, the second with his family, for a year, and the third, with his valued and esteemed friend,'H. M. Knight, M.D., who was the founder of the "Connecticut School for Imbeciles." His im- paired health rendered a voyage necessary, and on Mr. Holley's part it was undertaken for the doctor's sole benefit. All of them were enjoyed, and were no doubt promotive of his own health, as he is now liv- ing, at the age of seventy-seven years, in vigorous health, at his pleasant home at Lakeville, on the banks of one of the most beautiful lakes in the State, evidently enjoying the respect of his fellow-citizens, having made his native village his home for his en- tire life.

MOORE FAMILY OF SALISBURY.

Thomas Moore during the sixteenth century came from Wales to Southold, Suffolk Co., Long Island, then the province of New York, and settled there. Two or three generations of Moores have existed there, dispersed, and died; as many as four Thomas Moores have lived there.

The records of Sonthold as early as 1698 show that the families of Moores were numerous.

Samnel Moore, son of Thomas, was born at South- old in 1715. Leaving there in early life, as tradition says, for a locality where firewood could more easily be obtained, he located in Litchfield, Conn., where he purchased land, as appears by deeds, in 1735, 1736, and 1737, and was married Oct. 9, 1735, at Litchfield, to Rachel Landon, by Rev. Nathaniel Marther; com- menced housekeeping there, and continued in the capacity of a farmer from 1735 to 1743. Two of their sons, Samuel (2d) and John, were born here. During the year 1743 Samuel Moore disposed of his real estate at Litchfield and removed to Salisbury, where he purchased the property of Aaron Austin, where Silas B. Moore resides.

Samuel Moore was made a resident and an inhab- itant of Salisbury, by taking the oath of allegiance, Dec. 24, 1744, in the eighteenth year of the reign of our sovereign lord, George the Second, of Great Britain, and was appointed one of the town officers that year.

Was appointed town treasurer in 1748, and held the office consecutively until 1776; represented the town in the General Court in both sessions of 1759 and 1765. When Samuel Moore first settled here there were but nine English families in this section of the town. Dutch families from the province of'New York had settled in Weatogne and along the Housatonic River; the population being sparse, the Indians at times became warlike and troublesome. Block-houses were built about the town for protection of the fam- ilies; one of these block-houses was built southeast of the centre of the town, on Stiles' grant, so called. Samuel Moore's wife and children were occasionally taken there nights for protection.

Samuel Moore in. early life was made a sergeant, and finally captain, of a military company. Military supplies were kept at his house during the French war of 1756-57. The war then. existing was a war between England and France in relation to the Can- adas.

Capt. Moore was ordered from time to time to im- press men for soldiers into His Majesty's army, of which the following is one of said orders :

"Salisbury, Ang.8, A.D. 1757. To Elijah Russell, Greeting : You are here- by Commanded in his Majestie's name To impress Luman Surdam and Ruluff Dutcher, Son of John Dutcher and Cornelius Dutcher, and Ituluff Dutcher, 2d, furthwith to procede for the relief of Fort William Henry, &c., with arms and ammunition complete, and provision for the march, to be under the command of Capt. John Marsh, of Litchfield, who will join them on the road or at Furt Edwards.

" By order of SAMUEL MOORE, Captain.

The children of Samnel Moore and Rachel Lan- don, his wife, were born and died as follows :

Samuel Moore (2d) was born in Litchfield, Oct. 27, 1736; was an eminent mathematician of his day. Judge Church, in his centennial address, in 1841, speaks of him as follows :

"In connection with the professional gentiemen who have been our inhabitants I ought not to omit the name of the late Samuel Moore (2d). lle was the first of our inhabitants who practiced the science of land surveying, and was the oldest son of the firat emigrant here of that name. le wos a distinguished mathematician of his time, and was the author of a valuable and extensively circulated treatise upon surveying, which, I believe, was the first American work on that branch of mathe- matical aclenco. He died In the year 1810, aged seventy-five years."

John Moore was born in Litchfield in 1739, and died at Salisbury, May 6, 1802, aged sixty-three years, married Mary Bingham, of Salisbury, March, 1762.

Mary, daughter of Samuel and Rachel, born Jan. 28, 1748, and married Capt. Nathaniel Evarts, Dec. 12, 1770; died March 9, 1841, aged ninety-two years.

MIannah, daughter of Samuel and Rachel, born Nov. 15, 1751, and married Samuel Lee, Esq., Oct. 12, 1779.

l'hebe, daughter of Samuel and Rachel, born Jan.

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17, 1756, and married Hon. Joseph Ketcham, attorney- at-law, Plattsburgh, N. Y.

David, son of Samuel and Rachel, born Sept. 2, 1758; died at Salisbury, aged twenty-four years. Single.

Silas Moore, son of Samuel and Rachel, was born Sept. 9, 1762, and married to Marville Brewster, June 24, 1798, in the brick house built by Governor Chit- tenden, on the Brewster farm, so called now, owned by Alexander Surdam; was a farmer by occupation the principal part of his life, represented the town in various capacities, was a member of the General As- sembly for both sessions of 1810, lived and died in the same house in which he was born, Jan. 21, 1830, aged sixty-seven years. Marville Brewster, his wife, was born at Preston, New London Co., Conn., Jan. 31, 1771. The late Joseph Brewster, of New Haven, says that she was of the fifth generation in a direct ancestorial line of Elder Brewster, of the Pilgrims, and died at Salisbury, Aug. 23, 1855, aged eighty-four years.

Albert Moore, son of Silas and Marville, was born at Salisbury, May 12, 1799; followed agricultural pur- suits principally, was treasurer of the town from 1833 to 1847, represented the town in the General Assem- bly at its session, May, 1846, and succeeded the late Hon. Robert N. Fuller, in 1861, as probate judge for the district of Salisbury, which office he occupied until relieved by the limitation of statute, having arrived to the age of seventy years, and died at his residence after a short illness, Feb. 3, 1877, aged seventy-eight years.

Albert Moore married for his first wife Jane W., daughter of the late Dr. Bradford Hubbard, of New Haven, Jnne, 1833, and died at Salisbury, March 26, 1866, aged fifty-seven years. No heirs exist from this marriage.

Albert Moore married for his second wife Mrs. Cordelia P. Hnlbert, of Great Barrington, Mass., June 4, 1868, who survives her husband.

Silas Brewster Moore, son of Silas and Marville, was born at Salisbury, Oct. 21, 1808; commenced the business of merchandising at Falls Village, May, 1832, with Asa S. Brewster, the surviving partner of the firm of J. & A. S. Brewster, and continued in that occupation until 1835, returning to Salisbury that year in connection with his brother and others en- gaged in the manufacturing of wronght iron of fine quality, which was then extensively used by the na- tional armories for arms and other uses, also in the manufacturing of pig metal with others at Chapin- ville; was made town treasurer from 1849 to 1855, and town treasurer again in 1863, which office he con- tinnes to hold to the present time (1881) ; represented the town in the Legislature of 1861, the year of the Rebellion, witnessed the first soldiers passing through Connecticut on their way to the seat of war in the Southern Confederacy, and was returned the next year to the General Assembly of 1862. Succeeded

his brother in the office of probate judge from 1869 to 1876, and arriving near the age of seventy, law re- quired him to retire, and Hon. Lorenzo Tupper suc- ceeded him in said office, which he continues to hold.

Silas B. Moore was married to Cornelia, daughter of Horace Landon, Esq., and Cornelia, his wife, June 15, 1864, at Chapinville.

Samuel Landon Moore, son of Silas B. and Cornelia, his wife, was born Sept. 20, 1865, and died Dec. 1, 1865, aged two months and eleven days.

Hattie Landon Moore, daughter of Silas B. and Cornelia, his wife, was born June 11, 1869.

In the early part of this century the family name was quite numerous, Samuel Moore (1st), having a number of grandchildren living in Salisbury and married,-John, Luther, Calvin, and William, each of them respectively having families of eight and ten children. The name has become nearly extinct,- cannot recall but one male member bearing the name in town, and his sands are fast running out, and the glass is nearly empty.

FREDERICK MILES.

The ancestry of the Miles family is traced in this country to one Richard Miles, who emigrated from England, landing at Boston in 1635, subsequently settling in New Haven.

Hon. Frederick Miles was born in Goshen, Conn, in 1815. He received a common-school and academic education, and in 1832 entered a dry-goods store in New Haven as clerk at thirty dollars per year and board. In the fall of 1833 he returned to Goshen, and entered his father's store as clerk, in which ca- pacity he remained until 1838, when he became a partner in the establishment. He continned in this business until 1857, when he removed to Twin Lakes, Salisbury, and engaged in the iron business, which he has continued with success to the present time.

Mr. Miles is an enterprising and popular citizen. In November, 1877, he was elected to the State senate from the Seventeenth Senatorial District, and in November, 1878, was elected member of Congress, and in November, 1880, was re-elected, representing the Fourth Congressional District, composed of Litch- field and Fairfield Counties.

HENRY M. KNIGHT, M.D.

Henry Martyn, fifth child of Joseph and Reuba Knight, was born Aug. 11, 1827, at Stafford, Conn., where his father was then settled as pastor of a Congregational Church. Mr. Knight was a divine of the old school, sound in Calvinistic theology, revered in later years by younger men in the ministry, who affectionately termed him "Father Knight." During his long ministry he suffered from the effects of a fever sore, which, however, did not prevent his faith- ful discharge of all pastoral duties, though rendering

ALBERT MOORE.

Frederick Miles

yauto very tel.

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him almost a eripple. It is said that this faithful man of God, when absolutely unable to walk, preached frequently from a seat in his own house, packed with his congregation, while his wife in her lap held the aching limb. This quality of steadfast discharge of duty at no matter what cost of physical suffering was fully transmitted to his son. Henry's boyhood was passed in the pure and healthful atmosphere, moral and physical, which surrounded the home of the good old minister at Stafford and at Granby, and Peru, Mass., later on.

As the boy grew up he was subjected to that best of all disciplines, the practice of a rigid economy. A country minister with a family of eight children on a salary of five hundred dollars per annum could barely afford even the necessaries of life, and luxuries were unknown at the parsonage, the father's mantle doubt- less descending in a literal way in divers forms upon Henry and the other boys, and spending money being unheard of in the youngsters' pockets. So, when the grand idea of obtaining an education began to develop itself in the boy's eapaeious brain, he knew well that his own energy, his own denials, his own frugality must win for him the coveted prize. At the age of sixteen then we find him a student in Easthampton, at the already celebrated Williston Seminary, building upon the good foundation laid at the common schools of Stafford and Granby. His vacations were occupied in teaching, and this led him one season to Norfolk, where he became acquainted with his future wife, Miss Mary Fitch Phelps. His want of time and means did not permit him to grad- uate at Williston, and, having decided upon the study of medieine, he entered the office of Dr. Smith, at Monson, Mass., in 1847, at which place, and also at the office of Dr. Minor, in South Braintree, afterwards, he obtained sufficient medical knowledge to qualify him for a course at the Berkshire Medical College, from whence he graduated in 1849. He was married in October, 1850, and began to practice medicine at Stafford Springs, Conn., having elarge also of the post-office and a drug-store. In November, 1850, he removed to Lakeville, entering into partnership with Dr. Benjamin Welch, theu a noted surgeon and gen- eral practitioner.

In 1855, while a member of the State Legislature, he was appointed by that body one of a committee to ascertain how many imbecile children there were in this State. His previous reading and observation, and the knowledge acquired while serving on this commission, inspired him with the idea of founding that school which is his best monument and memorial. In 1856 he presented his plans to the Legislature and asked that Connecticut should establish a school for imbeciles similar to those already conducted by Mas- sachusetts, Pennsylvania, and other States. The measure, after passing the House, was defeated in the Senate by one vote. Defeated but not discour- aged, the doctor in 1858 retired from general practice

and opened his own house for the reception of feeble- minded patients.

In due time, with meagre aid from the State, and more from his friends, he was enabled in 1863 to ereet a more suitable building, which has since been enlarged, and at the time of his death, 1880, about eighty of this unfortunate class of all ages were gathered into an orderly, comfortable, and happy community. The school from 1861, when Dr. Knight was appointed superintendent of the "Connectieut School for Imbeciles," has been nominally a State institution. The State has never been very liberal in its support, although from time to time aid has been given towards construction of buildings and for indigent pupils. Legislative committees have annu- ally visited the school from that time, and have uni- formly recommended its support by the State. Dr. Knight published annual reports of the condition of the inmates and the results of education among them, and lavished upon his school a tenderness and force of character which, evinced in other diree- tions, would have assured him of a prominent place in political or professional life. Cunningly, tenderly, in the care of his pupils, the doctor would feel about all the dull gateways of their minds, until at last, in every case, some way of approach, however slight, could be found, and then, with intelligent individu- ality, he would enlarge and develop it. This was his life-work, and he brought into its service all the strength, firmness, decision, benevolence, charity, and hope of a nature possessed of these qualities in a much more than ordinary degree.

Dr. Knight was a member of the "Connectieut Medical Society," " American Medical Association," and honorary member of the "New England Psycho- logical Society," " New York State Medical Society," and "California State Medical Society." Endowed by nature with a splendid physique, which is in itself the promise of great length of days, he also possessed that nervous, ardent, impetuous temperament which lavishes itself on the moment, and consumes itself be- fore its time. In 1874 he was deeply interested in tem- peranee, and delivered in many places n lecture, illus- trated with colored plates, showing the effect of alcohol on the human stomach. Greatly exhausted, and suffer- ing from violent pains in the head, he still insisted on keeping an engagement at New Britain, thoughi unable, while he spoke, to see his audience, so se- vere was his agony. There followed this nn attack of cerebro-spinal meningitis, from which he never fully recovered. Near the 1st of January, 1880, he found that, while at home, he could not resist the demands made upon him, not only by his institution, but by a multitude of causes in which he was deeply inter- ested, and, also, that his strength seemed steadily ebbing away, and left home to spend a few months at Onovo, on the upper St. John's, in Florida. Seized by a chill between Savannah and Fernandina, his disease became so aggravated that after four days'

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illness he died at Fernandina, Jan. 22, 1880. He left two children, Robert P. and George H.

In his chosen field Dr. Knight had a national reputation, and his help was sought by other States in forming similar schools to his. In England he was known even better than in America. His loss is felt in many places. In the church, where he gave the service of an earnest Christian, in the community, among the whole extent of a large circle of tenderly attached friends, in every enterprise of benevolence, reform, or spiritual endeavor, there is no one to lift his mantle or occupy his place. As deacon of the Congregational Church for a long time, as superin- tendent of the Sabbath-school for many years, as citi- zen, physician, and friend, he won the ever-widening love of all who knew him, and had an influence be- yond the expression of words. We cannot better close this sketch than by publishing the following from the proceedings of the General Assembly of Con- neetieut.

Mr. Colyer, of Darien, introduced the following resolutions :

. "That in the death of Dr. Il. M. Knight, late superintendent of the Connecticut School for Imbeciles, the State haa sustained a great loss, humanity is deprived of one of ite noblest benefactors, and science will miss en earnest disciple.

"That as & mark of respect to his memory a committee, consisting of one senator and two representatives, be appointed to attend his funeral, and that these resolutions be placed upon the journals, and an engrossed copy, signed by the President of the Senate and Speaker of the House, be forwarded to the family as an assurance of the deep sympathy of the State Legislature."

Mr. Colyer, of Darien, said,-

"These resolutions give but a faint expression to the profound sorTOW felt by many hearts within these halls to-day. This State, as well as humanity at large, has sustained & great loss in the death of Dr. Knight, of Lakeville. For over twenty years, in his quiet retreat among the hills at Lakeville, he has labored with a self-denying devotion to which no worde of mine can do justice.

"Selecting 66 the objecte for his benevolence the poorest, most despised, and forsaken of his heavenly Father's children, the wretched imbeciles, he lifted them out of their degraded helplessness and made them, in a large degree, self-sustaining and objects of respect.

" Peace, Mr. Speaker, pesce has its triumphs as well as war, and there are other fields of human activity worthy of honor besides the field of battle. To labor unseen by the admiring eye of man, and unceasingly to ameliorate the condition of the neglected and the outcast of the earth, is an occupation only undertaken by the noblest natures and the most unselfish among men. We justly honor the soldier who lays down his life on the battle-field for his country ; to-day let us honor the hero who, in the quiet, retired halls of the asylum, sacrifices his life for the eleva- tion of humanity. Thus died Dr. Knight, following the sublime example of his Master, the Saviour of mankind. There are many in this hall who knew him and loved him. The duties of his office called him annually to the capital, and always on the one errand,-the care of the poor people whose care he had undertaken ; but io these halls, Mr. Speaker, we shall see his menly face, note his eager, intelligent look, or heer his pathetic appeals no more. Ile always got what he asked for, because he always asked for that which was reasonable. We know all about his pleasant, unpretentious home, a plain, neat wooden building, so charmingly located by the side of the beautiful Twin Lakes in Northwestern Connecticut. We knew of his economy, and, better, we knew of his splendid success; up- wards of thirty-five per cent. of his pupils were changed from being a burden to their friends to a blessing to those around them.

"Mr. Knight was born in Stratford, the son of a Congregational clergy- man, and studied for the medical profession. It is over twenty years ago since he began this benevolent work on which rests & fanie which has reached the farther side of the civilized world. In England, a land

famous for its organized benevolence, he was even better known then in this country. Minnesota had just invited him to help her organize an institution similar to the one et Lakeville, and other fields were opening to him, when he was suddenly called home. All honor to his memory, for in honoring him Connecticut but honore herself." .

Mr. Hollister, of Litchfield, said in substance,-

" Mr. Speaker, I rise with pleasure to second the passage of the reso- lutions offered by the gentleman from Darien. I do it, sir, because I have known Dr. Knight long as a citizen, a friend, and a scholar. He was a man who devoted his life to the care of those who could not take care of themselves. In the adoption of these resolutions the Assembly will give a fitting recognition to the honorable services of one of its best citizens."

The resolutions then passed unanimously, and were immediately transmitted to the senate.

PETER POWERS EVERTS.

Peter Powers Everts was born in Salisbury, Conn., July 17, 1811, and has always resided in said town. He is descended in the seventh generation from John Everts, the emigrant, who was one of the early settlers of Massachusetts Bay colony. In 1638 we find him at Concord, Mass. ; about 1649 he moved from thence to Guilford, Conn. July 29, 1651, he purchased the home-lot on State Street now owned by John Benton. He is the ancestor of ex-Secretary of State Wm. M. Ev- arts, and all bearing that name who have come to our knowledge. One hundred years after his settlement in Guilford (1749), four of his great-grandchildren, broth- ers andchildren of Nathaniel Everts (1st), came to Salis- bury. John settled on the place now the residence of Samuel S. Robbins. He kept a publie-house, was one of the king's magistrates, and the first representative from this town in the General Assembly, which honor he received in eleven sessions of that body. He pro- cured from Gov. Wentworth, of New Hampshire, the charters for the towns of Middlebury, New Haven, and Salisbury, in Vermont. The proprietors of Middle- bury, mostly of this town, held their first meeting at his hotel, and elected their first selectmen. He died in 1786, and he and his wife are buried south of the highway, near their former residence. Silvanus settled near the southwest corner of the town. He married the sister of Thomas Chittenden, the Governor of Ver- mont from 1778 to 1797, and removed to Vermont before the Revolution.

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History of Litchfield county, Connecticut, Part 133

Author: J.W. Lewis & Company (Philadelphia, Pa.) Publication date: 1881 Publisher: Philadelphia : J.W. Lewis & Co. Number of Pages: 1532

Author: J.W. Lewis & Company (Philadelphia, Pa.)
Publication date: 1881
Publisher: Philadelphia : J.W. Lewis & Co.
Number of Pages: 1532