History of Middlesex county, Connecticut, with biographical sketches of its prominent men, Part 132

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 132

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He enjoyed the limited educational advantages afforded by the district school, but acquired sufficient knowledge of the rudimental branches to fit him for the occupation he had chosen. At the age of 17, he commenced in his father's yard to learn the business of shipbuilding, and soon acquired a thorough knowledge of the details of the business. At the age of 25, he was taken into partner ship with his father, under the firm name of S. Gilder- sleeve & Son. In December 1872, he associated himself with the house of Bentley, Gildersleeve & Co., shipping and commission merchants, on South street, New York. He retained his connection with the Portland shipbuilding firm and at the end of ten years he retired from the New York firm, resigning in favor of his son, Sylvester, who still continues the business in connection with his brother, Oliver, under the firm name of S. Gildersleeve & Co. Henry Gildersleeve, since retiring from his New York business, has devoted his whole time and attention to the shipbuilding and other interests with which he is connected in his native town.

On the 29th of March 1839, he married Nancy, daugh- ter of Samuel Buckingham, of Milford, Conn., by whom he had one child, viz: Philip, born February Ist 1842. His first wife died on the 14th of March 1842, and on the 25th of May 1843, he married Emily F., daughter of Oliver Northam, of Marlborough, Conn., by whom he had seven children: Oliver, born March 6th 1844; Emi- ly Shepard, born September 8th 1846; Mary Smith, born March 8th 1848, died October 18th 1851; Anna Sophia, born February 26th 1850, died August 27th 1854; Syl- vester, born November 24th 1852; Louisa Rebecca, born May 9th 1857; Henry, born September 4th 1858.

The death of the second wife of Henry Gildersleeve occurred on the 11th of November 1873, and on the 12th of June 1875, he married Amelia, daughter of Col. Orren Warner, of East Haddam, by whom he had one child: Orren Warner, born November 26th 1878. Her paternal ancestor was Rev. David Brainerd, the apostle to the Indians. Her maternal ancestor was Hon. Calvin Willey, of East Haddam.

Emily Shepard, the second child of Mr. Gildersleeve, was married on the 20th of September 1871, to Captain H. Fuller, of Osterville, Mass.

Sylvester, the fifth child, married Minerva E. Johnson, December 9th 1874. He is one of the firm of S. Gil- dersleeve & Co., shipping and general commission mer- chants, 84 South street, New York.

Louisa Rebecca married Charles L., son of Charles A. Jarvis, of Portland, on the 13th of September, 1882.

Mr. Gildersleeve has been identified with many public enterprises outside of his shipbuilding interests. He was for a number of years a director in the Hartford Steamboat Company, and is now president of the Port- land and Middletown Ferry Company, and a director in the Middlesex Quarry Company, also the First National Bank of Portland; and trustee of the Freestone Savings Bank. He has been for many years an active member and a liberal supporter of the Trinity Episcopal Church at Portland, was a large contributor to the fund for the

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HISTORY OF MIDDLESEX COUNTY.

erection of the building, and a member of the building committee.

In 1860, he represented the democratic party in the State Legislature, and sustained every measure for the vigorous prosecution of the war.

FERDINAND GILDERSLEEVE.

Ferdinand Gildersleeve, the fourth child of Sylvester and Emily Shepard Gildersleeve, was born on the 20th day of August 1840, in the part of the town of Portland now called Gildersleeve. The Gildersleeves came originally to this country from Holland, and the Shepards from England, so that the Dutch and English charac- teristics combine in the subject of this sketch. He attended the district school in his native vil- lage till nearly twelve, and was for the three fol- lowing years at boarding school. He then, in 1855, at the age of fifteen, entered his father's store, and soon after becoming twenty-one he was admitted to membership in the firm of S. Gildersleeve & Sons, ship- builders and merchants. He is now and has been con- tinuously connected and identified with the business since first entering it.

The establishing of the post office at Gildersleeve, in May 1872, was largely the result of his efforts. He was the first postmaster and continues to hold the office.

In 1879, he succeeded his father as president of The First National Bank of Portland, and held the office for two years; is now a director in che same bank, and in The Middlesex Quarry Company; a trustee and director in The Freestone Savings Bank; a vestryman of Trinity (Episcopal) Church; and for many years has been a notary public. He was a member of the town board of education for several terms; has been on various com- mittees on enterprises and improvements in the town, and trustee for school and other funds.

The well known Portland Lyceum was organized mainly by his brother, Sylvester Shepard Gildersleeve, in 1848. At Sylvester's death, in 1852, the Lyceum was closed. Ferdinand, with a few others, revived it in 1861, when it began its second series of interesting meet- ings and lectures.

Mr. Gildersleeve married, on the 29th of October 1879, Adelaide Edna, born March 12th 1845, daughter of Wil- liam R. and Mary A. Smith, of Portland, by whom he had one child, William, born September 23d 1880. His first wife died September 28th 1880.

On the 12th of September 1883, he married Harriet Elizabeth, born January 8th 1860, of Hartford, Conn., eldest daughter of Ralph and Sarah A. Northam, formerly of Portland. Her paternal grandmother, Sophia Smith, was a descendant of Ralph Smith who came over in the May Flower.

Mr. Gildersleeve was the first child born on the home- stead, where he now lives with his father, and where he has made his home, with the exception of his boarding school days, six months travel in Europe in 1864, and various trips in his own country at different times and in Canada.

OLIVER GILDERSLEEVE.

The eldest son of Henry and Emily F. Gildersleeve is a worthy representative of his honored sire and grand- sire-a man of robust constitution and great force of character, combined with excellent business qualifica. tions. He was born on the 6th of March 1844. He re- ceived his education at the Hartford high school, and at the age of 17 entered his father's shipyard, where he soon acquired the art of practical shipbuilding, and at the age of 21 became a partner; since which time he has largely increased the business, having added a marine railway capable of hauling vessels of 700 tons burden, and built a large ice house, provided with steam ma- chinery and all the necessary appliances for gathering ice from the Connecticut River, for shipment to New York and southern ports.

In 1881, he becanie a member of the firm of S. Gilder- sleeve & Co., shipping and commission merchants, 84 South street, New York, he being the active managing owner of the fleet of vessels controlled by that house, which are owned principally by the Gilversleeve family. As a young man he was very desirous of seeing the world, and at the age of 27 had visited the principal cities of his own country, Europe, and Canada. Pos- sessing an excellent memory, he acquired a fund of in- formation which has been utilized to good advantage in his business. In his works of charity and benevolence he has fully sustained the reputation of the Gildersleeve family. He is a junior warden of Trinity Episcopal Church of Portland, and has variously officiated as lay reader, Sunday school superintendent, and teacher.

He is a trustee of the "Gildersleeve High School Fund," and has served three years on the district school committee; also for a number of years was a prominent . debater and officer in the " Portland Lyceum."

On the 8th of November 1871, he married Mary Ellen, daughter of Hon. Alfred Hall, a representative of one of the oldest and most influential families in the town of Portland, who were among the first settlers of the town of Chatham. By her he has five children: Alfred, born August 23d 1872; Walter, born August 23d 1874; Louis, born September 22d 1877; Emily Hall, born June 9th 1879, died August 12th 1880; Elizabeth Jarvis, born June 6th 1882, died January 18th 1883.

GEORGE OGLEVIE JARVIS, M. D.

In the Jarvis genealogy, it is stated that the Jarvis families of the United States and of British America are of English extraction, though originally from Normandy, whence they emigrated into England. The original name was Gervais. Their seal was at Bretagne, and the first name found is Jean Gervais, who lived about the year 1400. The arms of the Gervais family was a shield, "D'or, a une pomme de piu, places au canton dextre du chef : et un chouette places au canton senestre accompagnee en pointe d'un crapaud, le tout de sable."

Both in this country and Europe, the name Jarvis has been enrolled in almost. all the learned professions and pursuits in life. It has given dignity to the bench and

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pursuits in life. It has given dignity to the bench and

GEORGE O JARVIS. M.D

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PORTLAND-BIOGRAPHIES.

bar; it has graced the professions of medicine and surgery; it has adorned the pulpit and the stage; it has entwined its garlands of poetry with music and painting, and has thundered its deeds of daring over the ocean wave and among the distant islands of the sea. Earl St. Vincent, Sir John. Jarvis, the renowned British admiral, was a noble type of the hero and English sailor. The late Bishop Jarvis and his son, the Rev. Samuel Farmar Jarvis, D. D., LL.D., were among the most prominent divines of the Episcopal Church. John Wesley Jarvis was one of the most accomplished artists of his time

The earliest records of any settlement of the Jarvises in this country, show the name of one John Jarvice as. living in Virginia, February 16th 1623; and John Jarvis is mentioned in the records of Boston as one of a cor- oner's jury, September 28th 1648.

Dr. George Oglevie Jarvis, the subject of this sketch, was the son of John Jarvis and Elizabeth Boutle, and was born in New Canaan, Conn., on the 14th of July 1795.

He was a thorough English-scholar and an educator of youth during his earlier manhood and scholastic life. He studied his profession with his brother-in-law, Dr. Truman Spencer Wetmore, of Winchester, Conn. He was licensed to practice medicine and surgery in 1817, and first settled in Torrington. After the expiration of two years, he removed to Colebrook, where he remained until 1840, when he left for Portland. There he practiced his profession with increasing patronage and success un- til he died, a victim to erysipelas and diphtheria. He re- ceived the degree of M. D. from Yale College in 1846.

He was greatly beloved by the people of Portland with whom he lived for so many years, and at his death left a large circle of friends to mourn his loss.

Dr. Jarvis was of an inventive turn of mind and his genius and skill were largely exercised in that direction. His " Adjuster," an instrument for the more ready and easy manner of reducing and replacing fractures and dis- locations proved a success, and gave him an enviable notoriety. At one time he visited Europe, where he re- mained several months. In London they recognized his genius and ability, and, by special invitation, he delivered a course of lectures on "Fractures and Dislocation," be- fore the learned magnates of that ancient and intellectual city. These were published at the time in the London Lancet. As a mark of respect for the man, and as an ac- knowledgment of his genius, learning, and skill, the " So- ciety for the Promotion of Arts and Commerce " pre- sented him the largest gold medal ever received by an American. Prince Albert was president of the society, and the doctor had the distinguished honor of receiving it at the hand of the prince himself.

During the last days of the doctor's life he prepared a work on electricity and ozone. It was carefully written and showed that the author was not only an ac- complished scholar, but a profound thinker and sci- entist.

genial friend and companion. He was the soul of hos- pitality and honor, and was never more happy than when surrounded by a circle of his neighbors and friends. With a keen and appreciative musical ear, his whole life seemed rounded as with pleasant harmonies.

Dr. Jarvis married a very estimable lady, Miss Phila- mela Marshall, by whom he had six children, who were devoted to their parents, and who loved to meet with them around the domestic hearth. Firm in the doctrines of the Episcopal Church, their Christmas and other holi- days were the occasions of the most happy and interest- ing reunions, and of the renewal of delightful associa- tions.

Charles Alpheus, the eldest son of Dr. Jarvis, has been for many years secretary of the Middlesex Quarry Com- pany, in Portland.

Dr. George C. Jarvis, the youngest son of Dr. George O. Jarvis, is one of the most prominent and successful physicians in Hartford, Conn. His early education was received at the district school, which he attended until he was fifteen years of age, after which he spent a year at the [Military Academy at Norwich, Vt., and a year with the Rev. S. M. Emery, of Portland, Conn. He en- tered Trinity College in 1851, and remained through the junior year, leaving in 1853. He spent the next three years as clerk in a drug store in Middletown, thereby acquiring a practical acquaintance with the materia medica.

Doctor Jarvis commenced the study of medicine with his father, whose extensive surgical practice gave unusu- al facilities for illustrations in this branch of the pro- fession. He studied, also, about a year, with the distin- guished gynecologist, Dr. J. Marion Sims. He attended lectures at the Medical Department of the New York University, from which he received the degree of Doctor of Medicine, March 1861. He commenced the practice of his profession in Stamford, but remained only a few months, entering the army as assistant surgeon, First Battalion Connecticut Cavalry, receiving his commission December 1861. He was promoted as surgeon of the Seventh Connecticut Volunteers, October 1862, and served honorably and with distinction through the war, being mustered out July 20th 1865. His army record was noted for bravery and gallantry, as well as that of a skillful and reliable surgeon, as is shown in many places of trust and responsibility.

On the return of Dr. Jarvis from the war, he settled in Hartford, Connecticut, and soon won position as one of the leading surgeons in the State, thereby receiving a large general and consultation practice.

In 1869, he was appointed examining surgeon for pen- sions, and on the organization of the board in Hartford, was appointed its president. For six years he was a member of the examining committee for conferring de- grees at the Medical Institution of Yale College, and re- linquished the position through ill health.

In 1874, he was appointed one of the visiting surgeons

Dr. Jarvis was a model husband and father, and alto the Hartford Hospital.

534

HISTORY OF MIDDLESEX COUNTY.

THE HALL FAMILY.

John, the progenitor of the Hall family in this country, was born at Kent, England, in 1584, and died in Mid- dletown, Conn., May 26th 1663. He came to this coun- try in 1633, and settled at Cambridge, Mass., but soon after removed to Roxbury, where the prefix of respect, Mr., was accorded to him on the records of Mr. Elliot's church.

In those days the prefix of Mr. was given to very few persons, and generally indicated that they were entitled to a coat of arms.

Six years later he removed to Hartford, Conn., where he was subsequently made surveyor of highways.

He drew the home lot No. 77, of six acres, on the brow of Lord's Hill, which he sold, in 1650, to William Spencer.

The Hall lot No. 77 is the same as the Sigourney place, and since occupied by Governor Catlin.

In 1650, he removed to Middletown, of which town he was one of the original settlers.

The home lot, containing five acres, was located on the corner of Main and Washington streets, running to the Great River, and adjoining, on the north, the home lot of his son-in-law, Thomas Wetmore.

On the 19th of March 1659, he received the appoint- ment by the General Court " for the entry and recording such goods as are subject to customs for Middletown."

Concerning the second generation, we find that John Hall, who was also born in England, was town clerk and recorder from 1665 to the end of his life in 1694.

He also represented the town in General Court in 1653, and at several other times.

The following epitaph appears on his tombstone in the old cemetery, near the Connecticut River:

" Here lyes our Deacon Hall, who studied peace with all,j Was upright in his life, void of malignant strife. Gone to his rest, left us in sorrow,

Doubtless his good works will him follow."

Samuel Hall, of the third generation of Middletown Halls, and the progenitor of the same family in Port- land, settled first at Middletown, Upper Houses, now Cromwell. As appears by the records he was made deacon of the church at that place, February 10th 1716. He subsequently removed to East Middletown, now Portland, where he purchased a farm. On the 9th of November 1721, he was elected deacon of the Congrega- tional church and held the office during life.

John Hall, of the fourth generation, was born at Middletown, Upper houses, August 19th 1699, but moved to East Middletown, now Portland, where he died Janu- ary 3d 1767.

John Hall, of the fifth generation, was born at East Middletown, now Portland, June Ist 1723, and died March 7th 1754.

Joel Hall, of the sixth generation, was born at Port- land, April 5th 1753, and died May 25th 1818.

He, with Nathaniel Shaler, first started the quarrying business, and formed the Shaler & Hall Quarry Com- pany, which was afterward, with other quarry interests,

in 1842, organized as the Middlesex Quarry Company.

He was married, May 29th 1774, to Hannah Ranney, by whom he had seven children: Joel, born January roth 1776; Samuel, born November 20th 1777; Abigail, born January roth 1780, married John Coleby; Esther, born March 18th 1786, married Robert Patten; Jesse, born June 28th 1787; Joseph, born August 21st 1789; Han- nah, born August 14th 1791, married John Payne.

Samuel Hall, of the seventh generation, was born November 20th 1777, and died October 6th 1849. He was married October 6th 1798, to Ruth, daughter of David and Ruth Bates, by whom he had ten children.

He settled at Turin, N. Y., where he had a farm, and was a civil engineer. He laid out the first road from Rome, N. Y., to Sackett's Harbor.

About 1804, he removed to Portland, and joined his father in the quarrying business, in which he took an ac- tive part until 1834, at which time he retired from busi- ness.

Hon. Alfred Hall, of the eighth generation of the Halls of America, was born in Portland, November 15th 1809. His father was Samuel Hall, who married Ruth, daughter of David and Ruth Bates. The issue of this marriage was Io children, Alfred being the sixth. He attended the public school until he was 12 years of age, when he was sent to the Episcopal Academy at Cheshire, Connec- ticut, where he fitted for college. At the age of 14 he entered Washington (now Trinity) College, Hartford, he then being among the first students who entered at its organization. He graduated in 1827, and was soon after appointed tutor at the college in Geneva, New York, now Hobart College, where he remained for two or three years. In 1830, he delivered the masters' oration at Trinity College. He then attended Cambridge Law School, after which he returned to Middletown, where he com- . menced the study of law with Judge Samuel Storrs. He was admitted to the bar in 1832, and practiced law at that place until 1834, when he removed to Portland, and joined his father in the Shaler & Hall Quarry Company, now Middlesex Quarry Company. This business arrange- ment continued until 1845.

He identified himself with the present Shaler & Hall Quarry Company, which was organized about that time, and he subsequently acquired a large interest in it, and became its president and agent, which positions he held until 1858, when he resigned and again took up the prac- tice of law.

He always took an active part in politics and public education, and was elected to the Legislature in the years 1847, 1851, 1852, and 1858. In 1853, he was elected to the Senate from the 18th District. He was one of the trustees of the State Normal School for many years.

His oldest son, Samuel, was the first son of a graduate to graduate from Trinity College.

He was exceedingly popular with the masses and was a liberal supporter of all public enterprises. He was an active member of the Episcopal church during his life, and gave freely to all works of charity and benevolence.

Hon. ALFRED HALL.

Erastus PRament

535

PORTLAND-BIOGRAPHIES.

He was greatly beloved by his friends and honored and respected by his political opponents.

On the roth of September 1833, he married Maria L., daughter of Seth and Maria Whiting, of Hartford, by whom he had eight children: Samuel, born October 14th 1834; Alfred G., born February 6th 1837, died Sep- tember 15th 1867; Maria W., born July 3d 1839, died March 13th 1844; Jane W., born August Ist 1841, died March 21st 1844; James P., born May 18th 1844; Mary E., born December 29th 1846, married Oliver, son of Henry Gildersleeve, November 8th 1870; John H., born March 24th 1849; Alice E., born November 6th 185 1.

Mr. Hall died on the 10th of September 1873. His wife survived him nine years, and died on the 11th of July 1882.

John H., the fourth son and sixth child of Hon. Alfred Hall, was born at Portland, March 24th 1849. He at- tended school at Portland until he was 12 years of age, when h was sent to Professor Chase's preparatory school at Middletown. Subsequently . he attended the Episcopal Academy, at Cheshire, Conn., where he re- mained until he was 17, when he removed to New York and entered the house of Sturges, Bennett & Co., as clerk. He continued with this firm for five years, when he re- turned to Portland and assisted in the organization of the Heath & Smith Manufacturing Company. In 1872, he again went to New York and engaged in the printing business, but returned to Portland in 1877, and pur. chased of T. R. Pickering, a half interest in the manu- facture of the Pickering steam engine governors. In this he has been very successful and they have a large business which extends throughout the United States and Europe. He also owns a large interest in the Shaler & Hall Quarry Company.

On the 9th of February 1870, he married Sarah G., daughter of William H. and Elizabeth Loines, of New York city, by whom he has had four children: Clarence L., born December 17th 1871; Alfred W., born January 8th 1873. died September 22d 1873; Grace L., born De- cember 24th 1878; Mattie P., born January 2d 1883, died August 8th 1883.

Mr. Hall is one of the most enterprising and pushing young men of Portland, and takes an active part in all public undertakings.

ERASTUS BRAINERD JR.

The eldest son of Erastus Brainerd sen., was born at Portland, Conn., July 27th 1819. He attended the public school in his native town for a short time, and was then sent to a private school in Boston where he re- mained for two years. He then took a preparatory course of study, commencing with Rev. Mr. Corson, at Windham, Conn., and afterward at Guilford, intending to enter the military school at West Point. Circum- stances, however, induced a change, and at the age of 21 he entered the office of the quarry company, which was then owned principally by his father and his uncle.

Subsequently the management of the business de- volved on him in connection with Mr. Frederick Hall,

and after his father's death he assumed the management of the entire business. It was then a partnership concern, but owing the complications arising from a diversity of interests it was organized into a stock company and Mr. Brainerd was elected president and general manager.

It is to his ability, his honesty, integrity, and up- rightness of character that he owes his advancement in life, although he inherits from his worthy ancestors those virtues that have characterized them through each successive generation. His individual history is stamped on the history of the Episcopal church of Portland, of which he has been a lifelong member, and his generous gifts to that and other benevolent objects are too well known to require repetition in a biographical sketch.

While he has always been ready to assist in every political movement that tended to promote honest legis- lation and place good men in office, he has invariably declined to accept office himself except on one occasion, in 1880, when he was one of the presidental electors that helped to elect Garfield.

On the roth of October 1843, he married Emily H., daughter of Captain Henry Churchill, of Portland, by whom he had one child, Emily C., who was married to Charles H., son of Captain Charles Buckley, of South- port, and who, while traveling with his wife on the Con- tinent, died in Paris, leaving three children. She was subsequently married to George P. Hart, of New York city.

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History of Middlesex county, Connecticut, with biographical sketches of its prominent men, Part 132

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