History of Middlesex county, Connecticut, with biographical sketches of its prominent men, Part 122

Author: Whittemore, Henry, b. 1833; Beers, J.B. & Company, publishers
Publication date: 1884
Publisher: New York : J. B. Beers & co.
Number of Pages: 818

USA > Connecticut > Middlesex County > History of Middlesex county, Connecticut, with biographical sketches of its prominent men > Part 122

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His intercourse with the people of the South made him familiar with their views and policy in reference to the institution of slavery, and perceiving the growing antag- onism between free and slave labor, which foreshadowed serious difficulty to the country, he resolved to withdraw from mercantile business (then conducted largely upon credit) and retire, for a time, to private life. He there- upon removed from New York, and established his resi- dence where his family now resides. Being in active sympathy with the government of the United States in its efforts to maintain its integrity, and suppress the Re- bellion, he received an unsought nomination to represent the Nineteenth Senatorial District, in the State of Con. necticut, and was elected thereto in 1863, and again in 1864, and in both years was chairman of the joint stand- ing committee on finance, whose labors were of the highest importance in that critical period of public affairs, when the State was raising money for the war. The financial measures recommended by that committtee and

adopted by the Legislature, not only enabled the State to creditably place its full quota of men in the field, but es- tablished a policy in the revision of the tax laws, which has met the approval of the people of the State for 20 years, and reduced to a minimum amount the public debt. The present equitable method of taxing railroad property, on the basis of what it will sell for, by which the market value of its stock and bonds is made the measure of value of such property for purposes of taxa- tion, was suggested by him.

On the 17th day of June 1864, Mr. Allen introduced into the Connecticut Legislature the first resolution in favor of the abolition of slavery by constitutional amend- ment, which resolution was as follows:

"General Assembly, May Session, 1864.

" Whereas: The formidable rebellion now existing against the authority of the United States originated in a conspiracy to subvert our free institutions and establish a separate government based upon the institution of human slavery; and whereas such slavery is incompatible . with the peace, prosperity and union of all portions of our common country; therefore be it

" Resolved: That our Senators and Representatives in Congress be and they are hereby requested, to use their efforts to secure the passage by Congress of the proposed amendment of the Constitution of the United States, for- ever prohibiting human slavery within the limits of the National Union."

Mr. Allen was one of the delegates from Connecticut to meet a convention of loyal Southerners at Philadel- phia on the 3d day of September 1866, called to give ex- pression to the sentiments of the people in support of Congress against the defection of Andrew Johnson. He was prominent in the movement that arrested the "peace flag " heresy at Saybrook, or the raising of any flag not representing all the States of the Union. He was one of the Fellows of the corporation of Yale College while he was senator in the years aforesaid, the old law being that the six senior senators were members ex officio of that corporation.

In the Hayes presidential campaign of 1876, he was a republican presidential elector in this State.

In 1867, he was elected president of the Peoria, Pekin & Jacksonville Railroad Company, of the State of Illi- nois, which position he held in the active administration of the property for many years, during which time that part of its road from the town of Virginia to the city of Jacksonville, was constructed.

In 1883, he was again elected to the State Senate front the Twenty-first District, formerly the Nineteenth, and was made chairman of the joint standing committee on railroads, for which his experience in railroad affairs eminently qualified him. During the session of the Legis- lature of 1884, he was appointed chairman of the com- mission raised by the General Assembly to inaugurate, with appropriate ceremonies, the Governor Buckingham Statue, which ceremonies took place on the 18th of June. 1884.

As such chairman, it devolved on Mr. Allen to intro-

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HISTORY OF MIDDLESEX COUNTY.

duce the speakers participating in the exercises at the State Capitol. His opening address, in the battle flag vestibule, was as follows:

" Men and Women of Connecticut:

" You have assembled in testimony of your regard for the illustrious patriot, statesman, and Christian, chosen to be the supreme Executive of the people of this State and voice their will, during a period in which their 'lives and fortunes and sacred honor' were at stake, in the greatest struggle for free government the world has wit- nessed.

" In the presence of these battle flags, and the sur- vivors of those who bore them to victory, you have come to dedicate a statue, erected, in love and gratitude, to the memory of William A. Buckingham.

" As he looked to the source of all strength for guid- ance, it is fitting to this occasion, that his pastor for many years, the Rev. Dr. Merriman, commence the ex- ercises with prayer. It is my privilege to present to you Dr. Merriman."

After the prayer, the Hon. Henry B. Harrison, of the commission for the procurement of the statue, made an address of presentation. The statue was unveiled and received by Governor Waller, on behalf of the State, and an oration was delivered by Senator O. H. Platt, from a platform at the north entrance of the Capitol. The benediction was pronounced by President Smith, of Trinity College. Major John C. Kinney was the grand marshall of the day. 7,500 war veterans were present in the parade, and a large concourse of people were assem- bled on that occasion.

On the Ioth of November 1847, Mr. Allen married Mary Ann, daughter of Hon. Elisha Phelps, of Simsbury, Conn., whose father, Major-General Noah Phelps, served in the French and Indian wars, and was a distinguished officer of the American Revolution.

Seven children were the issue of that marriage: Lucy Phelps, Jane Jennett, Edith Electa (who died in the sixth year of her age) Mary Constance, John H., William Hall, and Grace Electa. Lucy Phelps, the eldest, mar- ried Charles Leslie Morgan, of New York; Jane Jennett married Hon William Hamersley, of Hartford; and Mary Constance married Benjamin Knower, of Scar- borough on the Hudson, and New York.

Mr. Allen has a keen love of the beautiful in nature, is simple in his habits, thorough in all matters of business, a man of quiet yet dignified demeanor, thoughtful of the wants of others, zealous and earnest in his efforts to promote the public good, conscientious, fearless, truth- ful, and independent.

His beautiful home is at Old Saybrook, on Maple avenue.

DANIEL CHAPMAN SPENCER.

The life of Daniel C. Spencer affords a striking exam- ple of what the young men of America are capable of. Commencing the battle of life at nine years of age, he has not reached half the period allotted to man ere he becomes associated with the largest commercial house in

the United States, and when most men are still actively engaged in business pursuits, he is leading a quiet life of retirement, with a sufficient competence to place him beyond the possibility of want during his remaining years. He comes from a race of men, however, who have left their impress on every age, from the time of William the Conqueror, when Robert de Spenser became the steward or " dispenser of the king's bounty," down to the present time.

His American ancestor was Jared Spencer, who came to this country about 16to, and settled first at what is now Cambridge, Massachusetts, and in 1662 removed to Haddam, in this county, from which place Thomas, one of his sons, removed, in 1685, to Pochaug, now West- brook. The descendants of Thomas were mostly farmers, but David, the father of Daniel C. Spencer, was a farmer, mason, and blacksmith. He was born in West- brook, but removed, early in life, to that part of the town of Saybrook known as Oyster River. He married Rachel, daughter of Asa Bushnell, of Westbrook, a descendant of one of the first settlers under the Fenwick patent. By her he had eleven children: David jr., Nancy, Charles Chauncey, Una Maria, Edwin, Alvin Benjamin, Julia Elizabeth, Daniel Chapman, Harriet Amelia, Emily Ann, and Mary Augusta.

Daniel Chapman, the eighth child and fifth son, was born in that part of Saybrook designated as Oyster River, on the 3d of December 1823. He attended the public school until he was nine years of age, when he went to work on his father's farm, where he continued until he was 22 years of age. During this period he at- tended the public school and academy for a time in the winter. He might have lived and died a farmer, but a Providential misfortune changed the whole current of his life. About this time, while working in the field, he had a sunstroke, the effects of which compelled him to give up farming, and for three years he filled a clerk- ship in the stores of his native town and in Westbrook. During this period he familiarized himself with the class of goods usually kept by country merchants, and learned their wants. This was the stepping stone to his subse- quent advancement. He next entered the employ of L. L. Bishop, of New Haven, as traveling salesman, the stock of goods at that time being carried in peddlers' wagons. He entered into the business with his whole soul, and soon acquired a reputation as a salesman that extended beyond the limits of his own State.

Messrs. Moulton, Plympton, Williams & Co., one of the leading wholesale dry goods firms of New York, heard of him, and after a brief personal interview offered him the entire charge of their fancy goods departnient. He was fearful that they had overestimated his ability and was reluctant to accept the position, but so anxious were they to secure his services that they at once gave him a check to purchase the time of his unexpired contract from his employer. He remained with the new firm for two years, until their failure, and so well pleased were they with his management of their affairs that Mr. Moul- ton, one of the firm, prepared the way for his entrance

490

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49I

OLD SAYBROOK-BIOGRAPHIES.

into the house of Claflin, Mellen & Co., then the second largest dry goods house in the United States. They were at that time located at the Trinity Building, No. III Broadway. The firm was then contemplating open- ing a notion department. After a brief interview Mr. Spencer offered to take charge of it for one year without any compensation. Mr. Claflin declined the offer and insisted on paying him a salary, with the promise of further compensation at the end of the year should the venture prove successful. The department was limited to a small space in the basement; but Mr. Spencer at once devoted his whole energies to the busi- ness, and at the end of the year his purchases and sales had nearly equaled those of some other departments long established. The balance sheet was so satisfactory to Mr. Claflin that he at once gave Mr. Spencer a check for $1,000 in addition to his salary. The engagement was renewed on the basis of a percentage of the profits, and so rapidly did the business increase that the firm was soon after compelled to change their quarters for the purpose of increasing their facilities. They con- sequently purchased a site on the corner of Church and Worth streets, extending through to West Broadway, covering nearly

an acre of ground. On this they erected a mammoth building six stories high. The notion department, under the management of Mr. Spencer, covered a large portion of the third and also a portion of the fifth floor. This soon equaled in importance that of other departments connected with the business. To handle the immense quantities of goods re- quired the aid of over forty clerks; and to control and direct this number of men, to attend to all the details of the business, required great powers of combination and organization, together with a strong will and decision of character. Mr. Spencer, however, proved himself equal to the great responsibility. During his connection with the business, covering a period of thirteen years, the house rose from being the second largest to the largest dry goods house in the United States, the sales exceed- ing those of its distinguished rival by several millions of dollars. The strain, however, proved too great for Mr. Spencer's powers of endurance, and in the fall of 1867 he broke down completely, and was compelled to give up business. Mr. Claflin urged him to continue his busi- ness connection with the house, and to take as much time as ne chose for recuperation and rest; but Mr. Spencer knew that the mere physical rest would be of little help to him so long as the care and responsibility rested upon him, and this he found it impossible to shake off. He therefore determined to give up business alto- gether and to spend the remainder of his days, which he then thought were few, in retirement and rest. This he did on the ist of January 1868.

Soon after it became known to the different employés of his department that he was about to sever his con- nection with the house, a most touching scene awaited him, which for the time completely unnerved him. It is thus described in the New York Tribune of February 8th 1868:

" Mr. D. C. Spencer, for many years past, the genial and able manager of the Fancy Goods Department of the well known house of Messrs. H. B. Claflin & Co., having been obliged, on account of ill health, to retire from business, his late employés, headed by his worthy and efficient successor, Mr. James H. Day, presented Mr. Spencer with a superb silver service of the richest, yet most chaste workmanship, contained in a truly elegant black walnut casket. Each piece of the service bears the following inscription:

'Presented to D. C. Spencer, By his late employés, On his retiring from business, Jan. 1, 1868.'

" Accompanying the service was a very handsome card, 36 by 40 inches, incased in a heavy gilt frame, on which is a photograph of the house of Claflin & Co., and one of each of the donors. In the center of this card, in an oval space surrounded by the photographs, are these words:

"'We, whose familiar faces surround this Card of Presentation, would respectfully state that in your retire- ment from business and our midst, we feel that we lose a genial face, a good counseling friend, an exemplary Christian, and a true business man.

"'Expressive of our feelings of high respect for you and our deep regret that your impaired health compels our separation, we ask that you receive this card and service in the spirit in which it is presented as a me- mento of past pleasant associations.

"' We would further add'that it shall be our earnest prayer that your health may be restored, and that you may long be spared to your family and for society's good.'

"To these costly testimonials of the regard of his late employés, and their regret at losing him from their midst, Mr. Spencer replied in the following characteristic and appropriate letter:

"'Gentleman: No language, however eloquent, can picture the surprise and pleasure awakened in my breast by the elegant present of which you have made me the recipient, and which I shall always prize most highly for its intrinsic worth, and far more as being a testimonial of your regard and esteem for me, and of the pleasure and benefit you have derived from our business relations. " ' When the heart is full, many words seem but to weaken the expression of our gratitude. I will therefore only say that for your handsome gift and the accompany- ing kind wishes in my behalf, I thank you from the bottom of a grateful heart.

"' It has not been without sincere regret on my part that I have ended our business connection by withdraw- ing myself from your midst; but although the state of my health has rendered that withdrawal necessary, I shall ever treasure up in my mind the many pleasant memories arising from our past relations, and not one of your faces shall ever cease to be remembered with feelings of the deepest interest. I shall always

492

HISTORY OF MIDDLESEX COUNTY.

pray earnestly and hopefully that none of those faces may be overcast by clouds of sorrow or disappointment, but that each one of your lives may be crowned with success and happiness.'

" This happy affair will long be remembered, both by the recipient and the donors, and the recollection of it will doubtless be a source of great pleasure to them in after years."

Mr. Spencer had previously purchased a number of holds the office of warden and clerk.

acres contiguous to the old homestead property in Say- brook, known as the Chalker farm. Here he retired to spend his days. The old place was enlarged and im- proved and soon made to "blossom like the rose." The meadows were turned into cranberry patches on which he spent several thousand dollars in working and improving. He surrounded his residence with trees and flowers until it now has the appearance of a fairy land. Amid these surroundings he soon recovered his health and then devoted his energies to making such public improvements in the town as should tend to attract others to this beautiful spot selected by Col. Fenwick as the "garden spot of the earth," more than two hundred years ago. Mr. Spencer purchased 100 acres of land at Guard House Point, and subsequently, in connection with John F. and R. M. Bushnell, purchased 250 acres of what was known as the Lynde farm, which comprised a part of the Fenwick estate. This property was sold to the New Saybrook Company, and subsequently laid out in building lots, most of which were disposed of to parties who contemplated erecting summer residences. Soon after Mr. Spencer had disposed of his interest in this property he became connected with the New Say- brook Company as a stockholder and director. In the erection of the hotel known as the Fenwick Hall, and other extensive improvements made by this company, Mr. Spencer took an active part.

His strong religious and benevolent nature has led him to make other improvements for the benefit of his neigh- bors and fellow citizens. He was largely instrumental in the erection of the beautiful stone building occupied by the Grace Episcopal Church, and one of the largest contributors to the building fund. He has been an ear- nest and devout member and a liberal contributor to its support since he became connected with the church. He

He was one of the pioneers in the Valley Railroad enterprise and was instrumental in securing the present location as the terminus of the road. He is still a director in the company, which position he has held for many years.

Mr. Spencer is a man of strong and positive convic- tions, naturally reticent about his own affairs, but always seeking to promote the good and happiness of others. Owing to his strongly sympathetic nature and his kindness of heart he is frequently imposed upon by parties who take advantage of his well known lib- erality.

On the 12th of October 1851, he married Emily Maria, daughter of William Stokes, of Westbrook, one of the most ardent and enthusiastic patriots, and a volunteer in the war of 1812. He was one of the brave men who shouldered his musket and intercepted the retreating British troops after the burning of Essex, in 1814.

The issue of Mr. Spencer's marriage with Miss Stokes, was eight children: William David, the eldest, born in 1852, became a practicing physician; Ella Maria, born 1856, married Dr. B. W. Leonard, a prominent dentist of Saybrook; Daniel Stokes, born 1860; Grace Emily, born 1861; George Jarvis, born 1866; Edmond Chapman, born 1869; Frederick Clarence, born 1870; and Henry Russell, born 1875, died on the fifth of May 1876.

TOWN OF PORTLAND.

BY MRS. J. S. BAYNE.

GEOGRAPHICAL AND DESCRIPTIVE.

PORTLAND is one of the two northern towns of

Middlesex county. It was first known as East Middletown, being constituted the Third Society of Mid- dletown, in 1714. In 1767, it was incorporated as Chat- ham, that township also including the societies of Mid- dle Haddam and East Hampton.

In May 1841, that part which was known as the First Society of Chatham was set off as a separate town, with the name of Portland. It is bounded on the north by the town of Glastonbury, on the east by Chatham, and the Connecticut River forms its western and southern boundary. It is nine miles long and three miles wide.

The population of the township at the several census dates has been reported as follows: 1840, included with Chatham; 1850, 2,905; 1860, 3,657; . 1870, 4,694; 1880, 4,156.

The assessors statistics, for 1883, are as follows: Acres, 11,642; valuation of real estate, $788,430; per- sonal property, $1,155,597; debt, $318; total taxable property, $1,944,027; polls, $755; school tax (State), $9,211.07; county tax, $387.98; road tax, $2,255.16; poor tax, $5,028.50.

The village is beautifully situated upon the eastern bank of the Connecticut River, where it sweeps around the bend opposite Middletown and Cromwell. Any one looking at Portland, as represented upon a good map, will see at once the significance and appropriateness of its Indian name, Wangunk, " The Bend."

It is celebrated chiefly for its fine quarries of brown or sand stone; these, with other geological formations, are described at length in another place. There are some fine farming lands, principally near the river. In some places it is very rocky, but well adapted to sheep farm- ing. Its location, in regard to the river, and its other natural advantages, make it, after its rather uninviting approaches are passed, one of the most delightful of vil- lages.

The Main street is about two miles long, and four rods average width. It is shaded by beautiful old elms, and in some places by a double row of maples. It is partly lighted and paved. It has a fine soldiers' monument,

six churches, two post offices, stores, two public halls, and nine school houses.

The shipyard of Gildersleeve & Sons is at the upper end of the village called Gildersleeve. This village has a post office and a large brick store. An account of the shipyard, churches, schools, and industries of the town will be found under those respective heads.

Besides the great brownstone quarries for which Port- land is famous, it has other quarries, which in other lo- calities might be considered remarkable. The granite quarry on Calling s Hill, now disused, furnished the stone for the railroad bridge across the river.

On this same hill is a chalybeate spring, known for many years, but never much used for medicinal purposes. There is also a spring near the top of Bald Hill, said to be strongly impregnated with iron. In 1789, appearances of iron were noticed on Calling's Hill, but the ore was imbedded in so hard a rock that no efforts were made to mine it. The fine feldspar mine, near Deacon Ralph Pelton's, has been worked by him since 1872. Several thousand tons of the stone have been taken out. A sample of the feldspar taken to the Centennial was pro- nounced the finest there. Fine beryls, garnets, etc., have been found here. Mica has been mined in several places. Coal of good quality was found at Indian Hill, about 1780. Plumbago has been found in small quantities.

The cobalt mine, at the foot of Great Hill, was opened by Dr. Stephannes, but the operations were mostly carried on within the limits of Middle Haddam.

Pacansett Pond and Job's Pond-so named from Mr. Job Payne, who formerly owned the land-are the largest bodies of water within the limits of Portland. Job's Pond has been thought very remarkable. It has no apparent outlet, and is in some places 40 and 60 feet deep. Says Dr. Field in his history:

" It rises and falls as much as fifteen feet but not from such causes as affect other ponds. It is often the high- est in the dry season and lowest in the wet season of the year. When it begins to rise it rises regularly for six or twelve months and then falls for about the same period."

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History of Middlesex county, Connecticut, with biographical sketches of its prominent men, Part 122

Author: Whittemore, Henry, b. 1833; Beers, J.B. & Company, publishers Publication date: 1884 Publisher: New York : J. B. Beers & co. Number of Pages: 818

Author: Whittemore, Henry, b. 1833; Beers, J.B. & Company, publishers
Publication date: 1884
Publisher: New York : J. B. Beers & co.
Number of Pages: 818