History of Middlesex county, Connecticut, with biographical sketches of its prominent men, Part 45

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 45

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lished, based as these latter were upon a mass of reading and a rare experience, aided by a peculiarly clear judg- ment.

In 1866, Mr. Johnson made a survey at the Falls of Niagara, for a ship canal and marine railway, in which he had long been interested. In 1867, he became chief engineer of the Northern Pacific Railroad. This he resigned in 1876, to take the place of consulting engineer, which position he held until his death.

Mr. Johnson fully identified himself with the business interests and prosperity of his adopted city, Middletown, Conn., during the forty years he was a resident. Here he was married and here his remains rest. He held many positions of honor and trust, and was always actively interested in the cause of education. He was mayor of city in 1856-57, and State Senator at the same time. Three times he declined a nomination to the Legislature. In 1862, he was called to Washington in consultation with the president and secretary of war on the then situ- ation. He was offered, but declined a general's commis- sion and a command in the Southwest, and later the position of assistant secretary of war. At the request of the War Office in 1863, he gave his opinion upon a general plan of operations, and made a report upon the north- eastern coast defenses. He was the author of many valuable professional works and numerous scientific, philosophical, and political papers, and contributed to re- reviews and journals of the day. He was the recipient of honorary degrees from many colleges, and held honor- ary memberships in scientific and philosophical associa- tions. His life was one of constant activity, of steadfast faith, and faithful endeavor. He died in New York, April 12th 1872.

JESSE G. BALDWIN.

Jesse G. Baldwin was the son of a farmer in Meriden, Connecticut, where he was born, in 1804. He received a common school education, and at the age of 19 became a peddler. In 1827, he was a merchant in Oxford, Con- necticut, in partnership with his brother, Seymour W., and in 1833, they came to Middletown, where they were merchants and manufacturers of silver spoons and plated ware. He continued business, with different partners and alone, till the temporary failure of his health.

In 1858, he became president of the Central National Bank of Middletown, and he still holds the position. He is also president of the People's Insurance Company, and of the Indian Hill Cemetery Association.

In 1835, he took a firm stand and an active part in the anti slavery movement that then commenced, and he was actually subjected to mob violence. He lived, how- ever, to see the principles, which he had the courage to advocate when they were unpopular, triumph. He has been distinguished for his firm adherence to his convic- tions of right.

His wife was Lydia Rice of Meriden. They had six

160

HISTORY OF MIDDLESEX COUNTY.

HON. SAMUEL D. HUBBARD.

The subject of this sketch was born in Middletown, on the Ioth of August 1799. He was the son of Hon. Elijah Hubbard, and Abigail, daughter of Dr. John Dickinson, of Middletown. He attended school until he was nine years of age, when he was sent to boarding school, at Rocky Hill. He was subsequently placed under the tutorship of Rev. David Smith of Durham, who prepared him for college. He graduated at Yale, in 1818, and studied law with his uncle, Judge Dickinson, of Troy. After completing his studies, he returned to his native city, intending to commence the practice of his pro- fession, but the death of his father in the interim com- pelled him to devote his whole time to the settlement of the estate; and in furtherance of this object he subse- quently entered into partnership with Mr. John R. Wat- kinson in the manufacture of woolen goods, etc. This proving a successful venture enabled him in the course of a few years to complete the settlement of his father's estate and retire with a competence. He then devoted himself to public affairs, and as a member of the whig party he became a firm advocate of a protective tariff. On this issue, he was elected to the 29th Congress, re- ceiving 7,266 votes, while Stewart, his democratic oppo- nent, received but 5,814. He was re-elected to the 30th Congress, receiving 7,325 votes, while his democratic oponent, Hon. Samuel H. Ingham, of Saybrook, re- ceived 6,668, there being at this time 416 Aboli- tionist and scattering votes. He remained in Con- gress from 1845 to 1849, and during this period he distinguished himself as a public debater, and by his up- right course and firm adherence to the principles of his party, he made many warm friends, among whom were Hon. Millard Fillmore and General Winfield Scott. On the death of Zachary Talor, Fillmore became president of the United States and Mr. Hubbard was appointed postmaster-general; his term of office extending from August 31st 1852 to March 7th 1853. He was a warm supporter of Scott for the presidency, and had Scott been elected Mr. Hubbard would have been a member of his cabinet. While he was acting as postmaster-general, a scene occurred in the rotunda of the Capitol, similar to that enacted in the halls of Congress between Preston Brooks and Charles Sumner. A Southern Congressman, named Briggs, who had applied to Mr. Hubbard for an appointment for one of his constituents and was refused, met him in the rotunda and struck him unawares a violent blow. The affair caused a great excitement and an hour afterward his house was surrounded with inquiring friends, desiring to know the extent of his in- juries, and expressing in the strongest terms their indig- nation at the outrage. They were informed, however, that Mr. Hubbard had gone out to dine with a friend and that he took no further notice of the affront. In those days, when all differences were settled by a resort to the "code," it required more courage to refuse than to accept a challenge. In Mr. Hubbard's own words the alternative was instantly forced upon him: "Shall I de- fend myself and perhaps conquer my assailant, and thus

present to the world the spectacle that a cabinet minister engaged in an unseemly broil; or shall I maintain my own dignity and that of the administration by utterly ig- noring the attack ?" and among those who most ap- plauded his decision were many prominent southerners.

Mr. Hubbard was one of the few men who predicted the final issue of the " irrepressible conflict," which then agi- tated both the North and South. He foresaw the end from the beginning, but was firmly opposed to any com- promise with the South. He never lived to witness the birth of a new union through the " baptism of blood."

In February 1835, he married Jane, daughter of Isaac Miles, of Milford, Connecticut, who still survives him. He had no children. His niece, Miss S. C. Clarke, has filled the place of a daughter. With filial love and devo- tion she cared for him during his life; and since his death (which occurred on the 8th of October 1855) she has been the constant and faithful attendant of the widow. Viewing it from the standpoint of a Republican govern- ment, of which she is justly proud, Miss Clarke comes from a line of illustrious ancestors. She is a daughter of John Hopkins Clarke, who was a grandson of Admiral Esek Hopkins, the first admiral of the United States Navy, and a grand nephew of Stephen Hopkins, one of the signers of the Declaration of Independence.

HON. HENRY G. HUBBARD.

" Some men are born great; Others achieve greatness; Others have greatness thrust on them."

-Shakspeare.

The combined elements of mind and heart that consti- tute true greatness are often transmitted from one gen- eration to another, being developed more or less in each succeeding generation.

In the life of Hon. Henry G. Hubbard, it will be found . that the qualities of mind and heart that have made him one of the most successful business men in the country, as well as one of the most popular men among his politi- cal constituents, were inherited from his father and grandfather, and have been developed in him to a re- inarkable degree. He comes from a long line of paternal and maternal ancesters who have distinguished them- selves in the various walks of life. His grandfather was a successful West India merchant both before and after the Revolutionary war, and during the war was commissary and superintendent of stores for the army. He was for twenty-eight years member of the General Assembly, and for a number of years was president of the Middletown Bank. Elijah, his son, and the father of Henry G., was born in Middletown, July 30th 1777, was graduated at Yale, studied law at Litchfield, and subsequently prac- ticed law in New London. He returned to Middletown af- ter the death of his father, and, on the 26th of October 1810, he married Lydia, daughter of Samuel Mather, of Lyme, by whom he had four children: Elijah Kent, born Octo- ber 18th 1812; Henry Griswold, born October 8th 1814; Margaret Sill, born October 7th 1817; and John Mar- shall, born July 28th 1832.

Henry G., the above mentioned, attended school in

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walne alar man promo ci southern Mr Gabbard nastaju the law men who predict Hated with the North and South. H. wesw the fromthe beginning, Du ess Army of posed to anv com

w.c -1 ; is muviss he returned to his nas elirty of @ rew onion Through the " rism of Lion ierung 1. commence the practice of his p

wir mpidiv >533, He married Janc, daughter of Is a- " du har ose death of his Father in the interim ... . 11 Milford, Connecticut, who till survives him rad Min Todo .we his whole time to the setieniem Mo dos children. His niche, Mis S. C. Clarke eis caffe and the Melerance of this object her apy . grace of a dichter With filial love and devo ureth entered into partnership with Mr. jeg . Ver wo legend - h during his life; and since his used in the jun cture of woolen gond, as His death (which occurred of the 8th of October 1855 proving - suggest venture eachled him in the course.

has been the constant of road 'davendant of the widow at A low profile complete the settlement of My father's Viewing it from the Mandpothe of a Republican gover Citate and retirs with a competei .. He ti leven Wwwelf to peldi: affairs, ind Es ment, of which sick. maly wwwal, Miss Clarke com_s from a live of Hustrimis Queestar She is a daughter of Dole Hopkin Clarke, who was a gra. dson of Admiral Oh Lu issue he was elected to main ; MEINE 7,256 Pote. while Site .. Unghie, 'b. first admiral of the United States od nephew of Stephen Hopkins one of Declaration of Independence.

de unanished himself as & pouze debates, and is das y. r mance and firm adherence to the principle of his id ba mide muro wany friends, among whom were . MIR Fil more and General Winfield Schatt On succeeding generation

De inte Zachary Talor, Fillmore brame resident ; Gr Inden States and Mr Hubbard was appointed Finger his form, o wir sind og ly ph bue of the most

12 th March 7th 1553 for the presidency, and hals vol. 4 161 11 would have bern a besler .

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anernative was mustduuy ivietu upou nun.

fend myself and perhaps conquer my assailant, and thus |

TION LIVERY C. HUBBARD.

Ce gritnes . Med ceities thrus on them.

The comm med den cats of mind and heart that conel Low fare premess are often transmitted trom one ge- er ton to mother, being developed more or less in ear

In the life of Hon Memy. Hit rd, it will be found . hat the qual tira i woongend war that have made him . baci in the country ar wed as vil of the most po, der man among his politi .i.vigents, wer machtel from his father and find har freen developed in him to av. degree He comes from a long line of paternal erna res ers who have distinguished then- In the , If ous walks of life. His grandfather way maxi Best India merchant Loth before and after he wn wery wer, hind during the war was commissari and intendent y stores for the army. He was for twenty- ght years menin of the General As. embl a for a number of years www president of the Middleto y Baik. Elijah, his son, and the father of Henry G., w born in Middletown, July 30th 1777, was graduated Y de, studied law at Lit Gold and subsequently pro ured liwin Nos Lo.do' Fle ret ired to Middletown Thedeath ofhis father. mu do theart of October ISw rried Cyd.a. dauga of mmel Nather, of Lym liv includ Durch . Le Kent, Forn Oct Ver with ISI2: Hen tremolo bro October 8th y

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161

MIDDLETOWN-BIOGRAPHIES.

Middletown until he was 14 years of age, when he was sent to Captain Partridge's Military Academy, at Norwich, Vermont. He subsequently attended Ellington High School and afterward entered Wesleyan University. His health failing, he was compelled to seek more active pur- suits. At 17, he entered the office of J. & S. Baldwin, as clerk. He subsequently went to New York, where he was engaged as a clerk with Jabez Hubbard, a commis- sion merchant in woollen goods. This was the founda- tion of his mercantile education. In 1833, he returned to Middletown where he opened a dry goods store, in connection with Jesse G. Baldwin. When he was but 2 I years of age, he became a stockholder in, and soon after manager of, the Russell Manufacturing Company.

In 1866, he was elected State Senator, from the 18th Senatorial District, which then consisted of Middletown, Durham, Chatham, Portland, and Cromwell. He has been a director in the Middletown National Bank since 1844; has been trustee and manager of the Middletown Savings Bank for several years, and was at one time president of that institution.

The great powers of mind and inventive genius of Mr. Hubbard have been developed in his connection with, and management of, the Russell Manufacturing Company.

At a period of life when most men think of retiring from business, his mind is as active as ever, and he guides and controls this great combination of human machinery with as much ease as the commander-in-chief of an army moves his forces on the field of battle. His individual history is indelibly inscribed in the history of this com- pany, and among the hundreds of men, women, and children employed in the five great mills, many are known to him personally, and have been the recipients of a thousand little acts of kindness unknown to the outside world, for in these he has invariably obeyed the Scrip- ture injunction, "Let not thy right hand know what thy left hand doeth." When the Russell Manufacturing Company shall be forgotten, his name will be remem- bered, for it is written upon the hearts of hundreds who have been the recipients of his kindness, and they will tell it to their children, and to their children's children, and to the generations yet unborn.

While possessed of great wealth, Mr. Hubbard is quiet and unostentatious in his private life, and is equally ap- proachable to the humblest mechanic or the highest potentate, for he recognizes the fact "that all men are born free and equal." There is no display in his public charities. The Episcopal church at South Farms was erected and is maintained principally by his individual contributions. He is liberal in his religious views, rec- ognizing equally the claims of his Catholic or Protest- ant employes, and he offered to erect a Catholic church at Higganum, so that those of a different faith might worship according to the dictates of their own conscience.

On June 20th 1844, Mr. Hubbard married Charlotte R., daughter of Commodore Thomas Macdonough, by whom he has had three children: Margaret Sill, born March 30th 1845; Lucy Macdonough, born November 6th 1846; Charlotte Elizabeth, born June 3d 1848.

Lucy Macdonough was married to Samuel Russell, grandson of Samuel Russell, who is a large stockholder in and vice-president of the Russell Manufacturing Com- pany. Lucy Macdonough Russell died February 2d 1876.

HON. JULIUS HOTCHKISS.

Hon. Julius Hotchkiss was a remarkable example of a self made man. With no other capital in life than a strong, robust constitution, a brave and honest heart, and an indomitable will, he rose from the humble position of a farmer's son to wealth, influence, and honor.

He was the son of Woodward Hotchkiss and Mary Castle, who had seven children. Julius, the fourth child, was born at Waterbury, Connecticut, on the 11th of July 1810. He was educated at the public school, with a few months' tuition at the Litchfield Academy, and completed his studies at the early age of 16. When he was but 17, he commenced teaching school in his native village, and not long after this he went on the road as a traveling salesman, and continued for two or three years. He then opened a store at Birmingham, Conn., which proved a successful venture. There was at that time but two or three houses in the place. He continued in business at Birmingham for about five years, and then returned to his native village, where he commenced the manufacture of cotton webbing and suspenders, under the firm name of The Hotchkiss and Merriman Company, subsequently known as The American Suspender Company. He finally disposed of his interest in that company, and in 1857, re- moved to Middletown and acquired a large interest in the Russell Manufacturing Company, of which he was for some years manager. When Waterbury was incor- porated a city, he was nominated by both parties for mayor, and received nearly the unanimous vote.

In politics he was an old line whig, but, on the disso - lution of that party, he joined the democratic ranks, and became an active partisan. In 1867, he was elected from the Second District as representative to the Fortieth Congress. This was during the administration of Presi- dent Johnson.

In 1870, he was elected lieutenant governor of the State, Hon. James English being governor. This closed his public career, and he returned to private life, and devoted himself to reading and study, of which he was excessively fond; his large and well-assorted library affording him ample opportunity to gratify his tastes.

He was an earnest and devout Christian, and was a member of what was known as the "New Church," which was founded on the teachings of Emanuel Swe- denborg. As there was no established church of that denomination in Middletown, he offered one of the other churches $2,000 if they would allow a Swedenborgian minister to occupy their pulpit two Sabbaths in the year. The offer, however, was declined. He seemed anxious to impart to others a knowledge of what he believed to be the teachings of the Word of God, and on this account he was looked upon by many as rather eccentric, but his so-called " eccentricities " were the outgrowth of his

I62

HISTORY OF MIDDLESEX COUNTY.

honest convictions, and a sincere desire on his part to do good and make others happy. He was exceedingly liberal and charitable towards all who entertained opposite views to his own: and as an illustration of his liberality to other churches, it is stated that when an appeal was made to him to aid in the erection of the Episcopal church in Middletown, he gave his check for $1,000.

He was somewhat reserved in his demeanor, but kind and genial in his disposition, and ever ready to lend a helping hand to the poor and unfortunate. He believed in and practiced the command, " Let not thy right hand know what thy left hand doeth."

On the 29th of April 1832, he married Melissa, daugh- ter of Enoch Perkins, of Oxford, by whom he had five children: Cornelia Augusta, Minnie Amelia, Marian, Fannie J., and Charles Frederick.

Minnie Amelia married Charles G. R. Vinal, of Mid- dletown; Marian married Martin A. Knapp, of Syracuse, N. Y .; and Charles Frederick married Jennie L. Marsh, of the same place.

The death of Mr. Hotchkiss occurred on the 23d day of December 1879. His mother lived to be nearly roo years old.

Mrs. Hotchkiss, the widow, resides with her three children at the beautiful homestead at Pameacha, where she manages the extensive business and other interests of her deceased husband. She is a woman of rare ex- ecutive ability, and, faithful to the memory of her hus- band, her remaining years are spent in doing good, and in trying to inculcate the faith cherished by herself and her husband. While time has marked its furrows on her cheeks and the snows of many winters have whitened her hair, she is still strong and vigorous, her mental fac- ulties are clear, and her strongly sympathetic nature im- presses all who come in contact with her.

JONATHAN KILBOURN.

Brayley, in his work entitled " The Beauties of England and Wales," says: " The family took the surname from Kilburne, in Yorkshire, where they were originally seated." The first mentioned was John Kilburne, of Kil- burne, in Yorkshire, 1426. Thomas Kilborne, the ancestor of the American Kilbornes, embarked with a portion of his family from London for New England, in the ship In- crease, on the 15th of April 1635, and settled with his family in Wethersfield, Connecticut. Jonathan, the fa- ther of the subject of the present sketch, was born in East Haddam, Connecticut, January 28th 1769; married Elizabeth Farnham, April 21st 1791; and settled in Clin- ton, Connecticut, where he died October 10th 1850. His wife, Elizabeth, died March 11th 1828. Their children were: Abner, Leonard, Phenetta, Aaron, Jonathan and Betsey (twins), and Peter Edward, born nine years after- ward.

Jonathan Kilbourn, one of the twins and the fourth son of the above named, was born in Killingworth, Con- necticut, November 4th 1801. The virtues of his ances- tors, as shown by the motto of the Kilbourns, Vincit parents at the homestead.

Veritas (Truth Conquers), have been fully exemplified in him. With only the limited advantages afforded by a common school education, he has risen step by step in life, and has filled many positions of trust and honor. He worked on the farm with his father until he became of age. In 1825, he removed to Middletown and en- gaged in the manufacture of rifles for the Government. He subsequently removed to Whitneyville, Connecticut, where he remained for two years. While living here he became a member of the Day Spring Lodge, F. & A. M. On the 16th of January 1827, he married Sallie B., daughter of Godfrey Hopkins, of Chatham. By her he had one child which lived only eleven days. He returned to Middletown in 1828. In 1829, he opened a grocery in the old building formerly used as a post office and custom house, nearly adjoining the present Kilbourn House. He continued in this business until 1838, and was very successful. In 1836, he opened a hotel on the present site of the Kilbourn House, which was a popular place of resort for many years. He sold the property in 1873, which was subsequently burned, and the new brick edifice erected.

In his adopted town and city, where he has resided for over 50 years, he has been much of the time in public life. He has been a selectman of the town, member of the Common Council for three or four years, and chief engineer of the fire department. In 1846, he was ap- pointed State bank director by the Legislature, and in 1850 he was appointed State committee on the Middle -. sex Turnpike Company. He has been director of the Middlesex County Bank, director of the Meriden Bank, director of the Connecticut River & Long Island Steam- boat Company, director of the Middlesex Insurance Com- pany, and director of the Boston & New York Railroad Company. He has been one of the "bright and shining lights " of masonry for nearly sixty years. He affiliated with St. John's Lodge in this city, in 1828, passed through the several chairs of the "blue lodge," and is now the oldest past master of St. John's Lodge living and is prob- ably one of the oldest if not the oldest in the State. He was master of St. John's Lodge during the Morgan ex- citement, when a man's reputation was at stake and sometimes his life was in jeopardy, but with a conscious rectitude of purpose he took a firm, bold stand, and brought the lodge safely through all its difficulties.

He has been equally prominent in the Royal Arch Chapter, the Commandery, and Council, and for many years has attended as delegate to the State and National gatherings.

The first wife of Mr. Kilbourn died December 29th 1835, and in 1837 he married Mrs. Sophia Hart, widow of William Hart, and daughter of Burwell Newton, of Durham. The issue of this marriage was two children: Sophia Elizabeth, born September 8th 1840; and Jona- than Burwell, born Angust 22d 1843. The son, Jona- than, is at present living in Pueblo, Colorado, where he is engaged in business. The daughter resides with her

JONATHAN KILBOURN.

Wh Douglas

MIDDLETOWN CONN.

The Douglas

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History of Middlesex county, Connecticut, with biographical sketches of its prominent men, Part 45

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