History of Litchfield county, Connecticut, Part 134

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

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Nathaniel (2d) settled on the place now the estate of Esther Everts Bradly, his granddaughter, who died Jan. 8, 1879. He was a large, powerful man, weighing more than three hundred pounds. He was an officer in the French and Indian war, and was under fire at Lewisburg, Cape Breton, where they say the bullets flew as thick as hailstones. He traded swords with an English officer, getting two shirt- cloths in the bargain. The sword is shown by his great-grandson, Peter P. Everts. On his return he had sent for his son Nathaniel, then about eight years old, to meet him on horseback, which he did at Spencertown, N. Y., after resisting several efforts of returning soldiers to get the horse away from him.

Peter. P. Everts.

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SALISBURY.

Capt. Nathaniel Everts (3d) was brought from Guilford, Conn., on horseback, in his mother's arms. Mrs. Lemon Bradley, his granddaughter, has a rose- bush that was brought from Guilford at the same time, now one hundred and thirty-two years old. He possessed the homestead and the large landed estate of his father, nearly all of which is still in the family. He possessed great physical strength and dexterity. He was a proprietor in the Old Hill ore-bed and the forge at Mount Riga from 1783 to 1816. He was cap- tain of militia, and served with Gen. Putnam at Horse- neck. He and his widow were Revolutionary pen- sioners. He and his father were active supporters of the Congregational Church. But when the Methodists came around, his daughter Hannah, his wife, and soon himself became zealons Methodists, and his house ever after was the preaching-place and home of the Method- ist itinerant. His name is on the bell of the Methodist Episcopal church at Lakeville as one of the build- ing committee in 1816. His daughter Hannah was a member of the first class organized in town. His wife, Molly, as she was called, was the daughter of Capt. Samuel and Rachel Moore, of this town. She was noted for her gift and power in prayer. In her family devotions she always prayed for her children and her children's children down to the latest generation. Nine of her ten children became heads of families, and her descendants are numerous and highly re- spectable. Bishop C. D. Foss, of the Methodist Episcopal Church, married her granddaughter. She died in 1841, aged ninety-five.

Silas Everts, oldest son of Capt. Nathaniel Everts (3d), inherited the sterling character of his fathers. He was a zealous Methodist, active in social meetings, and very seldom absent from the regular services of the sanctuary. He was a staunch Democrat. IIe was a frugal farmer and husbanded well his inherit- ance. He was a man whose advice was sought, and was universally esteemed, and strictly temperate in his habits. His first wife was the mother of his chil- dren. His homestead was at the Corner, just west of his father's. His youngest son, the subject of this sketch, received a common-school education. When a young man he was noted for his agility. While yet a boy he drove ox-team, drawing ore from the Old Hill. When of age he commenced life for himself as an ore-digger, which business he has followed in some capacity ever since. For several years life was a struggle almost unaided, but he was successful. He has owned and worked various mining claims in the Old Hill hed, and has been longer than any other person connected with the working of this mine. In 1848 he bought one-sixteenth of the proprietors' right of Thomas Chittenden, which be still retains. In 1849 he was appointed agent for the proprietors, to look after their interests at the mine. This position he retained until 1871, when he was succeeded by his son Charles. He was active in forming the Brook l'it Mining Company, and was appointed its first 86

superintendent, also secretary and treasurer. He owns about one-seventh of the stock, and has been a director and officer of the company since its incor- poration in 1864. He married Tryphene Barnett, daughter of John and Amelia Knapp Barnett. His mother-in-law celebrated her eighty-ninth birthday a few days since. A few months after his marriage he bought (1835) the homestead where he resides, near the east boundary of the ore grant. He has added to his estate till he now owns his father's and much of his grandfather's landed estate. He is sur- rounded by his children and their children with one ex- ception. His youngest son, William P. Everts, is in the office of the Michigamme (iron) Mining Com- pany, Marquette Co., Mich. He represented his town in the Legislature in 1856, and has been a Republican since the organization of the party.

He has held various town offices, and has often been intrusted with public business, and is known as a reliable business man. He and his wife are members of the Methodist Church at Lakeville, of which he has been an official member some thirty years. He always contributes liberally to the church, and has an open hand to encourage every public enterprise in his native town. His son, Col. Charles Everts, who has to a certain extent superseded him in the mining business, was in 1879 appointed aide on Governor Andrews' staff.

FAMILY GENEALOGY.

Jolın Evarts, the cmigrant, was born about 1620, and died May 10, 1669. Had children,-Elizabeth, James, Daniel, John, and Judah. His son John was born Feb. 29, 1640, married Mary French, Sept. 14, 1665; also Mary Bow, second wife; died Dec. 28, 1692. Had ten children,-Mary, John, Hannah, Sarah, Na- thaniel, Mehitabel, Ebenezer, Silence, Elizabeth, and Patience.

Nathaniel (1st) was born July 24, 1675, married Margaret Hastings, May 11, 1707, died June 13, 1739. Ilad five children, -John, Margaret, Elijah, Na- thaniel, and Silvanus.

Nathaniel (2d) was born May 9, 1718, married Esther Jones, died June 2, 1792. Had seven chil- dren,-Nathaniel, Esther, Eber, Abner, Sybil, Silas, and Mabel.

Nathaniel Everts (3d), born June 17, 1748, married Mary Moore, Dec. 12, 1770, died May 17, 1835. Had ten children,-Mary, Silas, Hannah, Sarah, David, Nancy, Betsy, Orra, Phebe, and Esther.

Silas, his son, born Oct. 1, 1773, married Betsy Warner Underwood; also Betsy Lee, second wife; died March 10, 1859. Had three children,-Milan, Electa, and Peter P.

Peter P. Everts, born July 17, 1811, married Tryphene Barnett, Dec. 28, 1834. They had seven children, viz .: George, born March 22, 1836, died April 2, 1851; Jeannette, born May 10, 1838, mar- ried Elias F. Sanford, July 3, 1867 (one child, Mary Dalzell, born May 6, 1871); Charles (colonel),

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HISTORY OF LITCHFIELD COUNTY, CONNECTICUT.

born Dec. 20, 1840, married Mary C. Gibbs, Jan. 22, an academy. He began at the early age of eight 1873 (has two children,-Peter P., (2d), born in 1874; , years to work in the "coal bush," and continued burning charcoal (in various States) until he was thirty-three years old. At that time he bought his father's farm of one hundred and sixty acres, in Sal- isbury, east of the Twin Lakes, and owned it until 1867. Arthur M., born July 29, 1877) ; Frederick B., born Feb. 28, 1844, married M. Emma Dauchy, April 6, 1869 (one child, William F., born Dee. 17, 1875) ; William P., born Jan. 4, 1849, married S. Jennie Knox, Oct. 23, 1879 (one child, George B., born Nov. 5, 1880) ; Emma Julia, born March 27, 1857.

NEWTON J. REED.

Newton J. Reed, son of Josiah M. Reed, was born in Salisbury, Litchfield Co., Conn., April 13, 1817. The Reed family is scattered through various parts of the adjoining towns, and, in fact, throughout the entire West. We have no date at hand telling us when or where the first of the name settled in Liteh- field County. Joshua M. Reed, a worthy man of Salisbury, had a large family of children, all of whom were among the most highly respected citizens that ever lived in the county.

'Newton J. Reed was a farmer by occupation. He had also an interest in the "ore-bed" at Ore Hill, where he always resided.' He married Mary, daugh- ter of Charles MeArthur, a son of a Scotchman, Dec. 29, 1838. She was born Oct. 24, 1817, in Hillsdale, N. Y. Of their three children, one only, Sarah A., is living. In politics he was a Republican, in religion a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. He died Feb. 3, 1860. Mr. Reed had gathered around him all the conveniences of life, and was just prepared to live and enjoy life, when, lo ! "He was not, for God had taken him." The estimate placed upon him by the community in which he lived was indicated by one of the largest funerals witnessed in the place for many years. His loss will be long and severely felt, as well by the church and community as by the family he left.

COL. HARLO P. HARRIS.

Col. Harlo P. Harris is a lineal descendant from John Harris, who emigrated from Wales, and settled in Columbia Co., N. Y., at an early day. He was a farmer, and had a son John, born there, who became a farmer also, and was in comfortable circumstances. This John had six children,-John, David, Daniel, Milo, Lnther, and Olive, all born in Alford, Berk- shire Co., Mass.,-and died at a good old age. Milo, born in 1797, married Abigail Sugdan, whose ances- tors came from Holland, and was father of eleven chil- dren,-Eleanor, Orra, Miles, Martin, Abigail, Milo, Susan, Calista, Llewellyn, Harlo P., and Hannah D. They were all born in Salisbury, Conn., but Milo and Susan, whose birthplace was Canaan. Mr. Harris was a farmer and charcoal-burner. He held several town offices, and died in 1875.

Harlo P. had very limited advantages for edu- cation, never attending school in the summer-time after he was eight years, and never but one term at

In 1865, Mr. Harris became superintendent of the "Richmond Iron-Works." Holding that position two years, in 1867 he became book-keeper for the "Davis Digging Company," and remained there one year. With other parties, he formed a land company in the spring of 1868, and purchased twelve thousand acres of land in Iowa. He passed the winter of 1868-69 in Vermont, and in September, 1869, again returned thither, in the interests of the "Millerton Iron Company," and Barnum, Richardson & Co., and superintending the opening of coal-kilns until April, 1871, when he returned to Salisbury. He was connected with the construction of the Connecticut Western Railroad as foreman, remaining in this posi- tion till January, 1872, and during the same time built seventeen miles of fence under contract. From 1872 until the present (April, 1881), Col. Harris has been superintendent of the "Chatfield Mining Com- pany," at Ore Hill. Col. Harris has always been active in everything in which he became interested. Business, politics, local improvements, all were "pnshed" by the main strength of an active and vigorous nature. He was a Democrat in politics until 1855, when he joined the American or "Know- Nothing" party. In 1856 he became identified with the Republican organization, just formed, and voted for the Fremont electors. He continued to act with that party until 1872, when he supported Horace Greeley for President, and has since been a Demo- crat. He was a candidate for member of Legislature in 1860 and 1865, and again in 1872, when he was elected. In 1868 he was commissioned by President Johnson assistant assessor of the Thirty-second Dis- trict of the State of New York, and performed the duties of that office for a short time. Jan. 27, 1877, he, Guernsey S. Parsons, of Waterbury, and Charles M. Joslyn, of Hartford, were appointed by Governor Richard D. Hubbard "aides-de-camp," with rank of colonel. He is assistant quartermaster on the staff of Maj .- Gen. F. M. Brown, of the "Putnam Phalanx," receiving that appointment in 1878. Col. Harris has never been a candidate for local office, with the single exception of member of school board, which position he has held since 1879.

Col. Harris married, April 2, 1854, Margaretta A., daughter of L. B. Sweet, of Copake, N. Y. They have had two children,-Maggie (born in 1863, and died in 1865) and Harlo, Jr., born Aug. 12, 1866.

Mrs. Harris is a member of the Congregational Church, and Col. Harris is a supporter of the same.

NEWTON J. REED.

DAN . B. COOK.

Robert Liste

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SALISBURY.

DANIEL B. COOK.

Daniel B. Cook, second son of Henry and Hannah (Bowen) Cook, was born in Harwinton, Conn., March 26, 1808. His father was son of Jonathau Cook, of Harwinton, where Henry also was born, and where he (Henry) married Hannah, daughter of Bazeliel Bowen, aud where his six children were born. He moved to Salisbury about 1819, brought all of his children with him, and settled permanently at Ore Hill. He was actively engaged as a farmer all his life, and died at the age of fifty-seven years. His wife survived him several years, and was at her death seventy-six years old.

Daniel B. Cook commenced life poor, but by his industry, economy, and careful management he has made money. He was brought up a farmer, and a farmer he has continued to be through life, although he has dealt more or less in real estate, and been con- cerned in several mining companies at Ore Hill. In politics Mr. Cook has, from the organization of the Republican party, been a supporter of it. He has been called to the office of selectman by his fellow- townsmen, and discharged the duties faithfully and well.

Mr. Cook married Harriet, daughter of Alexander McAllister, of Northeast, N. Y., on April 11, 1839. Her grandfather, Archibald McAllister, was an emi- grant from County Antrim, Ireland, and settled in Northeast before the American Revolution, and he- came a farmer. He had several children, one of whom was the father of Mrs. Cook. He was a farmer and miller, and was a well-to-do person, and had the characteristics of the Gaclic nature,-intelligence, in- dustry, frugality, and honesty,-and the impress of that nature is stamped on all its descendants.

Mr. and Mrs. Cook are both members of the Meth- odist Episcopal Church, and both have been liberal in its support, as well as all good works. Their chil- dren are Edward D., George, Cassius, and Henry A., all married, and settled near their parents.

ROBERT LITTLE.

Robert Little, son of Ralph Little and Maria Fox, his wife, was born in Sheffield, Mass., Oct. 5, 1822. His father was a good business man, and combined the avocations of merchant and farmer. Robert was early inducted into the practical details of farming, and his advantages for education were only those derived from attendance at the district schools of Sheffield, until he was fifteen years of age, when he became a clerk in the store of his brother, Lucius Little, where he remained until he was of age.

In the spring of 1844 he married Cornelia M., daughter of Erastus Eldred and Maria (Ball), his wife. Mrs. Eldred being a widow, Mr. and Mrs. Little commenced their married life on Mr. Eldred's former place, in Salisbury, where they have since re- sided. Mr. Little's farm consists of about four hun-

dred acres of land, beautifully situated in the pleasant valley of the Housatonie, and the buildings on the farm are the best to be seen in Salisbury. In politics Mr. Little is a staunch Republican, and earnest in his support of the principles of that party. He is a di- rector of the " National Iron Bank" of Falls Village. Both Mr. and Mrs. Little are attendants at, and lib- eral supporters of, the Congregational Church. Mr. Little is one who stands high in the estimation of all, and one who is in full accord with all things tending to improve, advance, or elevate humanity, or develop the resources of his town.

Erastus Eldred, father of Mrs. Little, was born in Warren, Conn., and settled in Salisbury when a young man, became a farmer and merchant, and died Nov. 13, 1830, at the early age of thirty-nine years, leav- ing two children,-Elizabeth (deceased) and Cornelia M., now Mrs. Little. Mrs. Eldred survived him nearly fifty years, dying Jan. 25, 1880.

Minnie, the only child of Mr. and Mrs. Little, was born Feb. 7, 1857. She married, Oct. 23, 1879, Mr. E. J. Hornbeck, and after only seven short months of married life died, May 30, 1880. Although tread- ing only the flowery paths of life's morning, she had already made many warm and loving friends by the many beantiful traits of her lovely character. Her kind and loving ministrations to the poor and needy, her tender regard and solicitude for her friends, her kindly feelings towards all, had won for her that uni- versal esteem which is enjoyed by comparatively few of her years. When but nineteen she united with the Congregational Church of Salisbury, and was devoted to her church, Sabbath-school, and all re- ligious things. She seemed set apart as one too pure and delieate for the harsh scenes of life, and so, ere the way grew rough, and cre the meridian heat of life's noontide could scorch her fragile form, she was called away, leaving a whole community wrapped in gloom. In this we cannot enumerate all the influences which caused ler associates to feel such regret for the de- parted, or such a great heart-throb of sympathy for the bereaved. From an article in the Connecticut Western News, shortly after her death, we extract the following : "An only child, reared in luxury, in love, in indulgence, the idol of her tender parents' hearts, just beginning life, with everything that this world can give to bind her here. . . . Seldom have we seen so few dry eyes as in the assemblage which attended her funeral. Her remains were arrayed in her bridal robes, unfohled for the first time since her marriage, placed in an elegant casket, surrounded by lovely flowers, and all that wealth and affection could do. Prayer was offered at the house of her father, after which the funeral cortege, consisting of some sixty carriages, proceeded to the Congregational church. The services commenced by the singing of the hymn 'Thou art gone to the grave, but we will not deplore thee.' Appropriate selections of Scripture were then read by the pastor, Rev. C. L. Kitchel, after which

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HISTORY OF LITCHFIELD COUNTY, CONNECTICUT.

was sung that touching piece of music, 'Watching and Waiting,' a favorite of our departed friend. Then followed the sermon, by Mr. Kitchel, from the text, 'She is not dead, but sleepeth.' The services closed by the singing of the hymn, 'My Jesus, as Thou wilt,' and the long line of weeping friends proceeded to the cemetery, where all that was mortal of the loved one was committed to the dust, whence we are sure she will come in the resurrection morning, far brighter and more beautiful than ever, to a blissful immortality."

JAMES M. SELLECK.

James M. Selleck, son of Albert and Celina (Mor- gan) Selleck, was born in that part of Salisbury known as Selleek Hill, Nov. 27, 1836. His paternal ancestor, Betliel Selleck, was a native of Darien, Fair- field Co., Conn., and settled on Selleck Hill, Salisbury, Conn. Tradition says the first of the name to settle here was John Selleck.

Bethel was a farmer ; died in 1818, in the eighty-sixth year of his age. He had five sons and five daughters.

Samuel Selleck, son of Bethel, was born on Selleck Hill; was always a farmer, and a member of the Con- gregational Church. He married Olive Andrews, and had seven children, viz. : Samantha, Harmon, Albert, Harvey, Sarah A., Maryette, and Phebe. Mr. Selleck died Jan. 6, 1849, aged eighty-one years.

Albert Selleck, son of Samuel and Olive (Andrews) Selleck, was born on the "old Selleck homestead," on Selleck Hill, Conn., June 29, 1802. In his younger days he was engaged in the manufacture of cloth. At the age of thirty, in 1832, he turned his attention en- tirely to farming, which he followed till his death, Jan. 11, 1868. In politics a Democrat. He was a member of the State Legislature, besides holding minor town offices. He married Celina Morgan, daughter of James Morgan and Sally Booth, of New Milford, Feb. 7, 1829. Mrs. Selleck was born July 21, 1802. Their children are as follows :

(1) Samuel H., deceased at thirty-three, was a merchant at Lakeville, Conn.

(2) Laura A., wife of Edmund Conklin (deceased), of Salisbury.

(3 and 4) James M. & George Booth, twins. George was a farmer with his brother, James M .; died Nov. 19, 1873, leaving a wife and four children.

(5) Maryette (Mrs. George Bower, of Salisbury).

(6) Phebe S. (Mrs. James R. Eggleston, a merchant miller in Salisbury).

Mrs. Selleck is a member of the Congregational Church, and Mr. Selleck was an attendant of the same.

James M. Selleck has always been an enterprising farmer. He received his education at the district schools of his native town. He has dealt more or less extensively in cattle, and stock generally, and has been successful. In 1874 he entered into partnership

with his brother-in-law, James R. Eggleston, and purchased the Salisbury Flouring-Mills, the firm being known as Eggleston & Selleck. He is one of the largest farmers in Salisbury, and a man who has the confidence of his fellow-townsmen. In politics a Re- publican, and as such has been assessor and select- man. On the 20th of December, 1866, he married Mary P., daughter of Charles A. and Maria (Pierce) Hollister.

ERASTUS D. GOODWIN.

Ozias Goodwin, an Englishman, born in 1596, set- tled in Hartford in 1636, and died in 1683. He was a Revolutionary soldier, and settled in Sharon after the close of the Revolution ; became a farmer and publie man, and reared a large family. He was the first American ancestor of Erastus D. Goodwin.

Hezekiah Goodwin, son of Hezekiah, was born in Sharon, March 21, 1796, married Harriet Deming, Feb. 13, 1819. He served an apprenticeship to the combined trades of tanner and currier in his younger days; went to Central New York and followed that business for several years, when he returned to Sha- ron, and after remaining a short time settled in Salis- bury, where he was an agriculturist until his death, Nov. 27, 1848. He was a modest, unassuming man, never aspiring to political positions; was an active, enterprising, accommodating business man, and very successful. He served as soldier in the war of 1812. His wife died Oct. 11, 1829. Their children were Laura A., wife of John E. Ensign, of Tennessee; Charlotte G., wife of Henry Daball, of Onondaga Co., N. Y .; Erastus D .; Julia G., wife of James En- sign, now residing on the old homestead; and Har- riet, who died, aged twenty-three. By a second mar- riage, to Fanny Lowrey, he had one child, Frances (deceased), wife of Joseph Hallock, a prominent citi- zen of Catskill, N. Y. Mrs. Fanny L. Goodwin survived her husband many years.

Erastus D. Goodwin was born in Sharon, Jan. 7, 1823, and was conveyed by his parents to Salisbury in April of the same year ; came up under his father's instruction on the farm; was educated at common schools and academy ; became a farmer, and is truly a representa- tive of the better class of agriculturists, owning a farm of several hundred acres. He is a Democrat in politics, and, elected by that party, represented Salisbury in the Legislature of 1869. He was select- man of Salisbury for two years. He married, Nov. 29, 1865, Julia, daughter of Samuel Emmons, of New Marlboro', Mass. Their children are Julia E., Heze- kiah, Martha E., and Mary E.

JAMES LANDON.

James Landon, of Salisbury, is a lineal descendant from one James Landon, who was a native of Wales, and who emigrated to America and settled in the vicinity of Boston, Mass .; married and had a family

ALBERT SELLECK.

James om Selleck

James Landon

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SALISBURY.

of children, one of whom was named -, born in Boston in 1685, and removed to Southold, L. I., where he married Nancy Vaill, and had the following chil- dren, viz. : Joseph, James, Daniel, David, John, Mary, Rachel, and Lydia. There is no record of his name or death.

Daniel Landon, grandson of James Landon, who came from Wales, was born at Southold, L. I., in 1714 ; married Martha Young, daughter of Rev. John Young, a Presbyterian minister of Southold, May 22, 1736. He was the first of the name to settle in Litchfield, Conn., and was numbered among her early settlers. He was very zealous in working for the welfare of St. Michael's Church, at Litchfield, Conn. From records we quote the following: "Capt. Daniel Landon officiated as lay-reader, being always anxious to promote the wel- fare of the church ; all his family attended with him, through honor and dishonor, through good report and evil report." The war coming on, the salary ceased. Churchmen became unpopular. They were persecuted throughout the war of the Revolution. The church of St. Michael, in Litchfield, was a mark for the ma- liciously disposed, and its windows stood as shattered monuments of the vengeance of adversaries. When Gen. Washington passed through Litchfield in the Revolutionary war, the soldiers, to evince their at- tachment to him, threw a shower of stones at the windows; he reproved them, saying, "I am a church- man, and wish not to see the church dishonored and desolated in this manner."

Capt. Daniel Landon died suddenly, July 11, 1790, aged seventy-seven years. The following is the in- scription on his monument in the West graveyard at Litchfield, Conn .:

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History of Litchfield county, Connecticut, Part 134

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