History of Litchfield county, Connecticut, Part 173

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

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White, Daniel, must. as a substitute for Newell Osborn Sept. 3, 1863. Wheeler, Curtis, Co. I, 2d Heavy Art .; enl. Aug. 8, 1862; wounded at Cold Harbor through both thighs by the same bullet; removed to Armory Square Hospital, Washington, D. C., where he died June 14, 1864; buried in Arlington national cemetery.

Williams, George, Co. F, 28th Conn. Vols .; cul. as & substituto fur Fred- erick Ward at New Haven Sept. 10, 1862.

Wilsey, Ambrose H., Co. I, 2] Heavy Art .; enl. Aug. 12, 1862; disclı. Aug. 17, 1863, by order of the Secretary of War.

Winton, Albert B., Co. E, 6th Conn. Vals .; en1. April 22, 1861 ; must. at IIartford, July 22, 1861 ; pro. to corporal; re-enl. as veteran Dec. 21, 1863; must. uut July 19, 1865.

Winton, Eugene, Co. F, 6th Conn. Vols .; onl. Sept. 7, 1861 ; disch. Sept. 11, 1861, at expiration of term.

Winton, Jared B., Co. I, 2d llenvy Art .; enl. Aug. 6, 1862; must, out at Washington, D. C., July 7, 1865.

Wordell, William, Cu. I, 2d Ileavy Art. ; enl. Jan. 2, 1864.

Woodruff, Roderick Steole, Co. A, 23d Conn. Vole .; enl. Aug. 20, 1862; pro. to hospital steward ; taken prisoner at Lafourche Crossing Hus- pital, La., June 25, 1863 ; must. out Aug. 31, 1863.

Wyant, Wilson, enl. April 22, 1861, at Woodbury; must. July 22, 1861, at Ilartford, as captaln Co. E, 5th Conn. Vols .; resigned for dis- ability Jan. 31, 1863.

BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.

STILES CURTISS AND HIS SONS, JOHN AND HENRY S.

Stiles Curtiss was born in Stratford, Conn., April 13, 1771. He was the son of John Curtiss and Mary, his wife, and belonged to the Stratford branch of the Curtiss family ; the earliest record of which in that town is in 1652, and is of widow Elizabeth Curtis, mother of John and William. From her children have descended all of that name claiming origin in Stratford. The family is of English origin, having the right to bear arms as knights from about the Norman conquest. During the reign of Charles I., their right to their coat-of-arms was confirmed by Parliament. Mr. Curtiss emigrated to Woodbury im- mediately after his marriage; became a farmer on Good Hill, and resided in town all of his days. He was actively interested in church and publie matters, and was one of the town's representative farmers. He had nine children, eight of whom attained ma- turity. He lived to be seventy-eight years of age, and died, Jan. 20, 1850, mueh respected. His wife survived him twelve years, living with their youngest son, Henry, and dying at the advanced age of eighty- eight. She was a good Christian woman, and with her husband belonged to the Congregational Church.

JOIIN CURTISS.

John Curtiss, second son of Stiles and Sarah (Beard) Curtiss, was born in Woodbury, Conn., July 31, 1797. He was educated at the schools of Woodbury, and, at the age of nineteen, taught the winter term of Rox- bury school, and was continued as teacher for several winters. When he arrived at age he received a por- tion of the old homestead, consisting of about fifty acres, and afterwards became owner of one hundred more, all on Good Hill. He married, Oct. 18, 1818, Maria, daughter of David Gilhert, of Woodbury. She was born in Kent, Conn., Nov. 9, 1797. For sixty-two years this worthy couple walked life's patlı- way together, performing its duties faithfully, and helping to bear each other's burdens in the spirit of true affection. They had two children,-Sarah H. and Harriet M. Sarah married Benjamin S. Russell, of Woodbury, and still resides in the town. Harriet married James H. Linsley, of Woodbury, and died in June, 1879. After his marriage Mr. Curtiss taught the district school of Woodbury during several winter terms, and those who remember him as teacher speak of his marked ability in that profession. But he was a farmer, and as a farmer had a pride in having all his surroundings neat, thrifty, and convenient, and his crops equal to his brother agriculturists. He never sought position save in one direction. About 1813 he enlisted in the Woodbury Independent Company be- longing to the Twelfth Regiment of Connecticut militia, and step by step wns steadily advanced to its captainey. He was appointed sergeant Oet. 25, 1814;

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HISTORY OF LITCHFIELD COUNTY, CONNECTICUT.

commissioned lieutenant by Governor Oliver Wolcott, April 26, 1823, and captain by Governor Gideon Tom- linson, Aug. 23, 1827. Mr. Curtiss had positive po- litical convictions ; was first a.Federal, then a Whig, then a Republican, and has voted at every election held in the town since he became a voter. About 1860, Mr. Curtiss sold his farm on Good Hill, and pur- chased the pleasant home where he now resides, and where Mrs. Curtiss, after nearly twenty years' enjoy- ment of its pleasures, died, Feb. 18, 1880. Both Mr. and Mrs. Curtiss were members for many years of the South Congregational Church of Woodbury.

HENRY S. CURTISS.

Henry S. Curtiss, youngest son of Stiles and Sarah (Beard) Curtiss, was born in Woodbury, Feb. 24, 1814. He passed his early life with his father; re- ceived his education at the schools of Woodbury, and became a farmer on the old homestead. He was a man who shrank from notoriety, and preferred the quiet retirement of home to any other society, and although he represented Woodbury one term in the State Legislature, preferred that the matters of pub- lic interest should be attended to by those who had more desire for them than he.

Mr. Curtiss was especially characterized by modest and unassuming manner, strong social feelings, frank- ness and honesty of purpose, to which may be added a firm belief in Christianity. Both he and his wife were long connected with the South Congregational Church of Woodbury. In the domestic relation Mr. Curtiss was an affectionate husband and father, and his friendships were warm and lasting. His marriage to Miss Elizabeth L., daughter of Gamaliel and Abigail (Warner) Benham, occurred June 10, 1840. She was of an old Connecticut family, her ancestors settling at Benham Hill, West Haven, in the first days of the commonwealth. She was born in South Britain, Nov. 22, 1814. Their only child, Henry B., was born Feb. 24, 1842. He gave promise of an active manhood, but died suddenly after an illness of only one week, Oct. 19, 1853.

Mr. Curtiss died at his residence in Woodbury, Oct. 23, 1869. Mrs. Curtiss still survives, patiently waiting till the summons comes for her to join her husband and son in the " better land."

HON. DANIEL CURTISS.

Of an old and honorable family, famed for chivalric deeds in the days of knighthood in the earlier times of "Merrie England," the historian can find no worthier character to point a moral on the pages of the history of Woodbury than Hon. Daniel Curtiss. The energy which marked the possessors of the name in the olden days appeared intensified in him, and whatever his hand found to do was done with all his might, and he has made an impress on the town second to none of its various residents.

Mr. Curtiss was a lineal descendent of Capt. Wil- liam Curtiss, of Stratford, Conn., one of the original proprietors of Woodbury (1672), and who probably came from England in early manhood, with his mother and brother John, about 1650, as the first record of them in Stratford "town records" is of " widow Elizabeth Curtis, mother of John and Wil- liam." The Curtiss coat-of-arms is used by " Daniel Curtiss' Sons" as their trade-mark on their manufac- tured goods, and is thus described in heraldry : " Az. a fess dancetteê betw. three crowns or. Crest, a lion in his pp. colors, issuing forth of his colors or and azure, thereon a fess dancetteê; or maritted gules doubled argent. Motto, Sapere aude." Their right to hear this coat-of-arms was confirmed during the reign of Charles I. "by grant uuder 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 appear- ing by ould seales and records and other good testi- monie and proofes 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 bare, they were, to them, and their issue and posterity, in memory thereof, forever ratified and confirmed, according to the law of armes and cos- tome of England."

Hon. Daniel Curtiss was fifth child of David S. and Sybilla (Huntington) Curtiss, and was born in Woodbury, Conn., Sept. 18, 1801. In education he had only the advantages of the public schools of that day, when the student graduated oftener with knowledge of axe and scythe than that of books, but acquired sufficient knowledge to enable him to teach two or three terms of winter school, in Middlebury and Litchfield, before he became of age. Then going to New Jersey, he peddled for some time for a New Jersey firm, both on foot and with a horse. Return- ing to Woodbury, he established himself as a dry- goods and grocery merchant, and continued in trade for years. In connection therewith he commenced the manufacture of silver-ware,-spoons, thimbles, specta- cles, etc.,-and was the pioneer in this branch of man- ufacturing in this part of the State. He was the in- ventor of "German silver," and was the first person to manufacture goods made of this article. These goods were sold by peddlers, who traveled through the country for that purpose. Of these Mr. Curtiss had sometimes seventy-five employed at one time. About 1840, he disposed of this manufacturing interest, and it was carried to Waterbury. Soon after, or about that time, he commenced manufacturing woolen goods, with which he was ever after connected, and which is now carried on by his sons under firm-name of " Daniel Curtiss' Sons." Selling out his mercan- tile interests in 1845, he thereafter gave his attention to manufacturing and farming.

Mr. Curtiss married, Jan. 27, 1837, Julia F., daugh- ter of Hon. John Strong and his wife, whose maiden

STANLEY E. BEARDSLEY.

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WOODBURY.

name was Flora Preston. She was born in Woodbury, Feb. 9, 1812. Her grandfather was a lieutenant in the colonial army throughout the Revolution. Their children are Walter S., Emily A. (Mrs. Homer Tom- linson), Ellen C. (Mrs. Perry Averill, of Jackson, Mich.), Horace D., Cordelia S. (Mrs. George C. White, Jr., of Brooklyn, N. Y.), Edward J., Frances J., Eliz- abeth S. (Mrs. Edward F. Cole, of Waterbury, Conn.).

About the time of his marriage Mr. Curtiss pur- chased the Jabez Bacon place, where he resided until his death, which occurred May 16, 1878. Mr. Curtiss was prominent and active in public affairs, was often called to take public trusts, was selectman, represent- ative for Woodbury three years, and senator for this district in the State Senate one year. In politics he was a Whig in early life, and a Republican from the organization of that party. He was active during the Rebellion, and gave largely in time and money for the preservation of our free institutions.

In 1851, the Woodbury Bank was established, and Mr. Curtiss was chosen its president. He always com- manded the esteem and confidence of the citizens of the town for which he has done so much. He was essentially a self-made man, and his life was one of steady and active devotion to business. His great success, which built up a large fortune, was the nat- ural result of his ability to examine and readily com- prehend any subject presented to him, power to decide promptly, and courage to act with vigor and persis- tently in accordance with his conviction.

STANLEY E. BEARDSLEY.

Stanley E. Beardsley, son of Grandison and Mary A. Beardsley, was born in Woodbury, Aug. 4, 1841, and died Feb. 23, 1879. He was educated in the common schools and in the Woodbury Academy, then conducted by Mr. P. B. Hulse. He made a rapid advance in mastering the English branches of educa- tion taught therein. At an early age he showed a decided aptitude for mercantile business, and his father took him into his store, where he soon became familiar with all the branches of trade carried on therein. He became the leading salesman and book- keeper, and in a few years relieved his father princi- pally from the purchasing of goods in the market. During the last few years of his young life he super- intended the entire purchases and sales, and had the sole care of the books. He was a rapid accountant and an excellent bookkeeper. He possessed indefat- igable industry,-never on any occasion leaving his post of duty when there was business to be done. He never attended publie gatherings in town, deeming it his duty, then of all other times, to be in his place of business to attend to the wants of the public. He was always active, attentive, and polite to his custom- ers. It was his rule to let none go away dissatisfied. In consequence of this attention to business, and his

Son secured a larger trade in its line than any other firm in all this part of the county. He was absolutely a man of no recreations and no holidays. He had no taste for and did not go into general society. Perhaps this ntter engrossment in business, and excessive labor in it, were the principal cause of his early death. It may have weakened his constitution so that he was less able to bear the shock of the final blow upon the head which carried him off. Human endurance can- not last forever,-though in this case he had been re- markably well for three or four weeks preceding his death.

His decease was sudden and untimely. On Sunday morning, the 23d of February, 1879, as he did not go home to breakfast at the usual hour, his parents be- came alarmed for him, and his father went to the store, in the chamber of which he slept at night to pro- teet the property, and on trying to open the door of the store found that he was lying against it. On gaining an entrance the father assisted the son to sit up on a bale of cotton. He was weak, and put his fingers under the fastenings of the bale to support himself. He told his father that he had stumbled upon the bale and fell, hitting his head violently against the door. A load of goods had arrived the evening before, and this bale had been left in the way. He had arisen, dressed himself, gone into the store below, taken the coal-hod to go for some coal, and fell, as before stated, the store being dark on account of the shutters being closed. Help and a physician were called, and he was borne to his home a little distance away, where everything possible was done to save his life, but he gradually failed and breathed his last about four hours after he was found, dying of concussion of the brain.

He was a young man of genial and kindly disposi- tion, warmly attached to his friends, and devoted to his parents. A strong and lasting attachment existed between him and the writer, such as will sometimes spring up between persons of a considerable disparity of age. As the survivor he feels a personal loss, and will never cease to regret his early death.

He was thoroughly self-reliant, though modest and retiring in his demeanor. He was very reticent in his intercourse with others, and was much more likely to divine your secret than to disclose his own. He was careful in speech. No vulgar or profane word escaped his lips. He was thoughtful of the wants of others, and liberal and kind to the poor. He was for a number of years town treasurer and justice of the peace, and was postmaster from Oct. 19, 1867, to April, 1869, when he resigned the office.

In his death his parents, the community, and espe- cially the business community, suffered a very great loss. A prominent business man remarked at his de- ecase, that by his death and that of his neighbor, the late William E. Woodruff, the pillars of business seemed to have fallen, and there were none to replace tact in its management, the firm of G. Beardsley & | them. Such removals are providences we cannot nn-

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HISTORY OF LITCHFIELD COUNTY, CONNECTICUT.

derstand, but we must reverently believe that the Ruler of the universe knows what is for the best, and " doeth all things well."

THOMAS BULL.

It is with pleasure that the historian stops the nar- ration of events, for the purpose of sketching the character and life of one who has for so many years been identified with the history of Woodbury, and who has done so much in his way for its improvement and advancement, that coming generations may read and take example from its teachings.

Thomas Bull, son of David Samuel and Elizabeth (Mitchell) Bull, was born in Woodbury, Conn., Dec. 29, 1801. His father was brought up in New London, and often, in early life, went as supercargo to the West Indies. He afterwards became a merchant in Woodbury, and in the latter part of his life was a farmer. He died in October, 1810. Thomas Bull, grandfather of the subject of this sketch, and from whom he was named, was a major of cavalry in the Revolutionary war, and died in February, 1804. The first settlers of the Bull family came from Farm- ington, and were originally from Hartford. Deacon Samuel Bull settled on the place now occupied by Mr. Bull, and it has been in the possession of the family ever since.

Mr. Bull was educated at the best schools of Wood- bury, has been trying justice of Woodbury for forty years, was judge of probate for several years, and has always been a man known and prized for his frank- ness, acumen, and sterling integrity.' As a justice, he carefully weighed the evidence, and decided with such good judgment as to give justice, and never was a decision of his reversed by a higher court. He was brought up a farmer and always was a farmer, but through his financial ability was often enabled to extend aid to his townsmen, and by many of them was considered a private banker. He was in posses- sion of a handsome competency, the result of inherit- ance, business ability, and prudence. He was a man of no common intellect, and his reasoning powers and memory are far better now than many much younger than he. He is respected, esteemed, and honored. On the last portion of a long and useful life he can look back and see a life that will be pointed to with pride by his descendants, and from which he need not wish to erase a single line. He married Jan. 15, 1824, Susan, daughter of Aaron and Anna (Curtiss) Sherman. Their children are Elizabeth A., David S., Julia E., and Susan J. (Mrs. Dr. Shove). Both Mr. Bull and wife have been for many years members of the Congregational Church.

BENJAMIN FABRIQUE.

Benjamin Fabrique is of French ancestry. His grandfather, John Fabrique, emigrated from France, and settled in Newtown, Fairfield Co., Conn., at an

early day, where he raised a large family, of which Bartimeus, the father of Benjamin, was the youngest. He was born in 1751, was apprenticed to and learned the carpenter's trade, and settled in Southbury, mar- rying Lucy, daughter of Nathan Judson, of Wood- bury. He had three children that attained maturity, -Betsey, who married Nathaniel Tuttle, of South- bury; William L., and Benjamin, and died at the good old age of seventy-eight years.

Benjamin Fabrique was born in Southbury, Conn., Oct. 26, 1799. He received such advantages of edu- cation as were afforded by the common schools of that period, and, after arriving at manhood, engaged as farm hand on a farm in Woodbury. For twenty- six years he followed this labor, by economy and thrift gradually laying up a capital for future years. When about fifty-four years of age he was called to attend to the business of a sick nephew, a resident of New Haven, and for two years he was absent from Woodbury. Returning here in 1855, he has ever since devoted himself to the care of his business in- vestments, and the business which others have con- fided to his careful attention.

Mr. Fahrique is a man who has taken care of him- self, and consequently is possessed of youthful ap- pearance. He is possessed of correct habits; is a man of unusual regularity, careful, painstaking, and accurate in everything. He does not jump at hasty conclusions, but weighs every side before he forms his judgment, which, once formed, he rarely finds occasion to change. For years he has been familiar in his dealings, and his "comings and goings," to the people of Woodbury, and none to-day have aught to say of him but words of respect and esteem. He has been chosen at various times selectman of the town, and the last time he held that office was con- tinued in it for several successive years. He also rep- resented Woodbury in the Legislature in 1856, 1863, and 1864. He has been for years an auditor and a corporator of Woodbury Savings Bank. In politics was formerly a Whig, but a Republican from the organization of that party. He is a member of the First Congregational Church of Woodbury.

HIORACE HURD.

Among the inhabitants of Meriden, Conn., who went to Stratford, John Hurd went so early as to represent the town in 1649. His brother, Adam, was residing there at the same time. Both married and had chil- dren, each a son named John. From this has arisen some trouble to genealogists, as the greatest pains has to be taken in order not to confound the two Johns.

John Hurd, son of Adam, came to Woodbury in its pioneer days, and the family has been an industrious, honorable, and respected one in Woodbury from that day to this. Those who desire to trace the long line of lineage with its numerous ramifications, will find

.. .....

Thomas Bule

Banj Fabrique

HWShows HS.

george B. LEwin

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WOODBURY.

the work well done in Cothren's "History of Ancient Woodbury."

Isaiah Hurd was probably born in Woodbury before the Revolution, and grew up, married, and lived there till about 1805. He married Eunice, daughter of Seth Minor, of Woodbury, in 1794-95, and had children born in Woodbury, as follows: Gideon, Marcus, Horace, Burr, and Diah. He then moved to the "Hurd Settlement," Bethel, N. Y., and passed the rest of his life in that State. There his son Seth and a daughter, who died in infancy, were born. Mr. Hurd was a hard-working farmer all of his days, and died about 1850.

Horace Hurd was born in Woodbury, March 15, 1801. He went to New York with his father when but a mere child, and remained until he became of age. He then came to Woodbury and resided with an uncle-Seth Minor-for several years. He mar- ried Roxa, daughter of Wait and Susan Minor, of Woodbury, and commenced housekeeping. Already his industry and economy had given him a small cap- ital, and he purchased a farm of about sixty acres, on which he erected a house the next year after marriage. To this farm he added by purchase about one hun- dred acres more. Mrs. Hurd died Oct. 3, 1863. Of their children, only their oldest-Marcus A .- lived to grow up. He married Eunice Warner, of Woodbury, and resides on the place first purchased by his father, who, about 1852, removed to the pleasant home he now occupies, which formerly belonged to Seth Minor, his uncle, and which he had purchased some time previously.

Mr. Hurd has been all his life a hard-working, practical farmer, and is in all respects a true repre- sentative of that class. His fields, his plowing, his sowing, all were models, which others would have done well to imitate. He has never sought office, and, although often solicited to do so, has steadily refused. He is justly considered one of Woodbury's estimable citizens. He united with the "South Church" in 1836, and has held his membership from that date. Ile is a man of positive convictions, and, having once formed a course of action, is slow to change. For ex- ample, when a youth of thirteen, he took a stand against liquor and tobacco, and has never indulged in the use of either during his long life, even abstaining from cider that had fermented, and he says his health has been as good, and, in fact, better than those who have used these articles. Mr. Hurd is a Republican in politics, and was an "Old-Line Whig" in former days. He was married, May 14, 1856, to Mrs. Clarinda Barnes, daughter of Philo and Grace (Nichols) Tou- sey, of Newtown, Conn. She was born in Perrington, N. Y.

GEORGE B. LEWIS.

George B. Lewis, second son and third child of Abijahı and Sally (Fairchild) Lewis, was born in Roxbury, Conn., Dec. 3, 1820. His grandfather,

John Lewis, emigrated from Stratford to Roxbury in the latter part of the last century, and located there permanently as a farmer. He died in Roxbury, leav- ing a large family of children. Abijah Lewis was the oldest son of John Lewis, and was born prior to the Revolution. He became a farmer also, passed his life in Roxbury, living to a hale old age, and dying about 1852, at the age of eighty-one. His chil- dren were three girls and two boys.

George B. Lewis spent his early years at home, but, when about ten years of age, went to work for farmers in the neighborhood, and from that time returned only at intervals to his father's. When about sixteen he came to Woodbury, and served· an apprenticeship at the tinning business with Tuttle Dayton. And right here we will make a singular statement in these days of workmen of unsettled and roving disposition and habit. Mr. Lewis, after his apprenticeship, worked at his trade for a time for Mr. Dayton, and, after his death, purchased his in- terest and continued the business. For thirty-five years he continned in the same trade and occupied the same buildings. He was ever thorough in his business, careful, economical, and a good investor of funds. He is frank, social, and pleasant in his inter- course with others, and his relations with his fellow- townsmen have ever been agreeable. His business qualities have been appreciated by them, and he has been chosen to administer many estates. He lias been first selectman for five years, and bas repre- sented Woodbury in the State Legislature. He has been president of Woodbury Savings . Bank from its incorporation. His industry and attention to business have brought him a fine property and enabled him to retire from active life in 1871. He has a beau- tiful home in Woodbury, where he has resided since he closed his business. He has traveled much, visit- ing nearly every State in the United States. He is a Republican in politics, and has been one from the organization of the party. He married, May 19, 1848, Miss Charlotte L., daughter of Capt. Judson and Charlotte (Leavenworth) Hurd, also of Roxbury. His success is a lesson to every young man, showing what steadiness, industry, and proper attention to business will accomplish for any one under our Amer- ican institutions and laws.

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History of Litchfield county, Connecticut, Part 173

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