History of Middlesex county, Connecticut, with biographical sketches of its prominent men, Part 46

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 46

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163

MIDDLETOWN-BIOGRAPHIES.

WILLIAM DOUGLAS.

It is the boast of Virginia that she has produced more presidents than any State in the Union, but the State of Connecticut has a nobler, grander record than this. In war she has given the ablest generals and the best soldiers; in peace she has given the ablest jurists, statesmen, and divines, and, what is of equal if not of greater import- ance, she is the parent of those industries and inventions that have added more to the wealth of the country than those of any State in the Union. The first manufacture of woolen goods by machinery, the first practical appli- cation of steam as a motive power, were conceived and developed by Connecticut men; and the first successful manufacture of metal pumps in this country was by William Douglas, of Middletown.

He was the eldest son of William Douglas, of North- ford, Conn., and was born in Branford, Conn., April 19th 1812. As a child he evinced a taste for mechanical in- ventions, and he left home when quite young to join his brother John, who was carrying on a brass foundry and machine works at New Haven. He soon acquired a knowledge of the business, and subsequently went to Hartford where he remained for about a year. In 1832, he came to Middletown and commenced the manufac- ture of steam engines and other machinery in connec- tion with W. H. Guild, under the firm name of Guild & Douglas. This firm built all the brass and iron work for Fort Pulaski, at Savannah. He continued in this busi- ness for about six years, and during this period he re ceived the first patent for pumps, which was granted on the 20th of August 1835, signed by Andrew Jackson, president of the United States.

In connection with his brother Benjamin, he com- menced, in 1839, the manufacture of pumps and hydraulic rams, and soon after this invented the celebrated revolv- ing stand premium pump. One invention and improve- ment followed another, the active brain of William Doug- las being continually at work, never tiring, never resting. As soon as the brain conceived an invention it was im- mediately brought forth by the mechanical genius of the man and put to a practical test. The productions of his genius are now known in every part of the habitable globe, and though he has long since passed to his rest he has left an enduring monument to his name.

He was quiet and unostentatious in his demeanor, modest and retiring in his habits, devoted to his family, kind and charitable to his neighbors, and his purse strings were ever open to relieve the wants of the suffer- ing and the unfortunate.

On the 12th of April 1835, he married Grace, daughter of Elias and Grace Totten Mansfield Parker, and niece of Major-General Joseph K. Mansfield, by whom he had two children: William, born May 19th 1836, died Sep- tember Ist 1836; Joseph W., born January 29th 1838.

His first wife died on the 19th of February 1840; and on the 12th day of May 1845, he married Catharine C., daughter of Capt. Allen Riley, of Wethersfield, by whom he had five children: George Totten, born February 14th 1846; Grace C., born May 18th 1848; Mary A., born

August 9th 1850; Ellen, born October 22d 1852; Sarah Kirtland, born May 20th 1857.

George Totten Douglas was for many years connected with the mechanical department of W. & B. Douglas, and one of the most valuable assistants. He was a promi- nent mason, an earnest and active temperance man, con- stantly seeking some means of doing good, and contrib- uting to the happiness of others. He died on the 30th of May 1874, mourned by a large circle of friends.

Ellen was married on the 2d of October 1872, to S. Clarence, son of Dr. P. M. Hastings, of Hartford.

Mary A. was married to Jonathan B., son of Jonathan Kilbourn of Middletown, September 2d 1873. Sarah Kirtland was married, on the 6th of June 1877, to George P. Raymond, of Lockport, N. Y.

Grace C. was married to Charles B., son of J. E. Bid- well, of Middletown, on the 6th of June 1872.

HON. BENJAMIN DOUGLAS.

A young man once inquired of Daniel Webster whether he thought it advisable for him to adopt the law as a pro- fession. Webster replied: "There's always room in the upper story." In the great race of life there are few who ever climb to the upper story, and where one out- strips his thousands of competitors we naturally inquire whether the elements that have conduced to. his success are hereditary or acquired. Hon. Benjamin Douglas in- herited those remarkable traits of character which may be traced back through several generations to his Scotch ancestry. The Douglas coat of arms is: " Argent, a man's heart; Gules, ensigned with an imperial crown proper; on a chief Azure, three stars of the first." The motto "Jamais Arriere" (never behind). This is the secret of Mr. Douglas' success. The distinguishing elements of his character are an indomitable will, perseverance, and a firm trust in an allwise Providence that

" Shapes our ends Rough hew them as we will."

Mr. Douglas was born at Northford, Conn., April 3d 1816. His father was a farmer whose ancestors were among the earliest settlers of New England. His grand- father was Colonel William Douglas of a New Haven regiment, an officer in the Revolution. The only educa- tional advantages enjoyed by the younger Douglas were a few months' attendance at the district school during winter, the remainder of the time being spent on the farm. In 1832, when he was but 16 years of age, he ap- prenticed himself to a machinist in Middletown. In 1839, he joined his brother William, who was previously one of the firm of Guild & Douglas. For three years they carried on the business of an ordinary foundry and machine shop. In 1842, they invented the celebrated revolving stand pump, which proved a great success, and the business of manufacturing pumps increased from year to year, the trade extending throughout the United States, South America, the Sandwich Islands, the West Indies, Australia, Europe, and Asia.

While Mr. Benjamin Douglas attended strictly to his business, he found time to devote to public enterprises

164

HISTORY OF MIDDLESEX COUNTY.

and works of benevolence. He has been a faithful and earnest friend of the colored people, and when the irre- pressible conflict was brought to a final issue by force of arms, he was foremost among his fellow citizens in pro- viding the means for crushing the rebellion. He has filled many positions of honor and trust. He was mayor of the city from 1850 to 1855; he was a member of the General Assembly in 1854, and again in 1872. He was presidential elector in 1860, casting one of the six elect- oral votes of the State for Abraham Lincoln; was lieu- tenant governor of Connecticut in 1861 and 1862. It is as a Christian, however, in the humble walks of life, that the brighter and more beautiful phases of his character appear. He first united with the Congregational Church at Northford, Connecticut, in 1831. He united by letter with the South Congregational Church of Middletown in 1832, and from that period to the present time has been one of the main pillars of the church.

For nearly 30 years he has filled the office of dea- con, and was for many years superintendent of the Sabbath school.

On his 22d birthday, April 3d 1838, he married Mary Adeline, daughter of Elias and Grace Totten Mansfield Parker, and a niece of Major General Joseph K. Mans- field. By her he has had six children:

John Mansfield, born in Norwich, Connecticut, Feb- ruary 6th 1839; Sarah Kirtland, born March 21st 1841, died September 21st 1841; Benjamin, born November 17th 1843, died December 18th 1843; William, born August 5th 1845; Benjamin 2d, born August 8th 1849; Edward, born June 17th 1854, married, on the 16th of December 1875, to S. Emma, daughter of Daniel H. Chase, LL. D.

JOSEPH W. DOUGLAS,

The second son of William, inherited from his father distinguishing traits of character that have ever been the pride of his Douglas ancestors, while from his mother's side he inherits the strong love of country and self sacri- ficing devotion to principle that have always character- ized the Mansfields. He was born at Middletown on the 29th of January 1838. His early education was re- ceived at the public school, and subsequently at Pro- fessor Chase's school. At the age of 14, he entered his father's factory in the pattern maker's department, at the same time continuing his studies at night under a private tutor. He was quick to learn and displayed great ex - ecutive ability. When he was but 18 years of age he was made foreman of the factory, acting under his father's supervision. At the age of 22, when President Lincoln issued his proclamation calling for volunteers to defend the Union, he was among the first to offer his services, and was foremost in organizing Company A. of the Mansfield Guards, of which he was elected first lieuten- ant. He was in the first battle of Bull Run, and con- tinued with his company till it was mustered out of service with the other three months' troops. He would gladly have continued to serve his country to the end of the war, but the death of his father necessitated his tak-

ing charge of the mechanical department of the exten- sive works of W. & B. Douglas, there being no one else in his father's family who was qualified to fill that posi- tion. Feeling the great responsibility resting upon him, he devoted all his energies to the further development of the business, and proved himself a worthy son of his honored sire. He continued to make further improve- ments in the manufacture of the almost endless variety of pumps, several of which were covered by letters patent, the result of his own inventions.

In 1878, he was elected mayor of the city on the re- publican ticket. His wise and judicious administration of public affairs receiving the approval of his fellow citi- zens without regard to party affiliations, he was nomi- nated by his friends for a second term, but his other duties compelled him to decline the nomination. He was for six years a member of the Common Council, and was senior alderman for two years. He has been treas- urer of McDonough Lodge, Knights of Honor, since its organization, is president of the Century Club, trustee of the Farmers' and Mechanics' Savings Bank, director of the People's Insurance Company, and of the corporation of W. & B. Douglas, and is also an active member of Mansfield Post, G. A. R.

He is a man of fine physique, quiet and dignified in his manner, and a perfect specimen of the bon homme.

On the Ist of June 1859, he married Julia W., daughter of William Dabney, and granddaughter of Captain Robert Johnson, a prominent manufacturer of fire arms during the war of 1812. By her he has had three chil- dren: Kate, born March 19th 1860; William B., born September 19th 1863; Grace, born February 15th 1872.

Kate, the eldest, was married on the 13th of October 1881, to William C. Wallace, member of the well-known law firm of Arnoux, Rich & Woodford, New York city. William, the second child, is at the present time com- pleting his education at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.

Mr. Douglas resides in the elegant brick mansion on Broad street, the internal arrangements of which indicate a refined taste and a just appreciation of the beautiful.

GEN. E. W. N. STARR.

Elihu William Nathan Starr was the oldest son of Nathan and Grace (Townsend) Starr, and was born at the residence of his maternal grandfather, Ebenezer Townsend, at New Haven, August 10th 1812. His parents removed to Middletown when he was but a few months old. He attended private schools till he was 12 years of age, and was then placed in Captain Partridge's Military Acad- emy in that city." On completing his education he entered his father's office as bookkeeper and subse- quently became a partner in the business. His tastes and education inclined him to a military life. At the age of 18 he was appointed seargent major, and, subse- quently, quartermaster and adjutant of the 2d Artillery Regiment of Connecticut. In 1836, he was elected cap- tain of the Ist Rifle Company, 6th Regiment of Infantry, and in 1839, was promoted to be lieutenant colonel, and

S' TORE DE MUEBLES COUNTY

Mamaul and (0g charge af the mucha nei dopamment i the compra nephew Faire y works of W, & B. Douglas, there being to one hh hh No & Enol ore by force of : in his father's family who was qualified to fill that Be amery In tellwy culitis in pro- cion Decling the great responsibility resting Apon Ver emang im quali . He has hed voted illis charges in the further develop . st. He was mavor of the busines, and proved himself a worthy son of Tto des hewasa member of the honored sire. H. congo led va make furth & mpe ly x 1854, and gaan in 1872 Le was, ments in the manufacture of the alm of endless van Imtoo, casin, one of the Fix elect. o. pumps, several of which were covered by led If Jor Flat is Abraham Lincoln; was s lieu- ba en, the result of his own inventions.

020:0 : 04)-0) gt Connecticut in 1861 and 1862. It is! In 1 72, he was elected mayor of the city on the Die ties, however, in the liumble walks of lit that geld a ticket

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& how regard to party affili tions, he was not

Non ford, Connecticut, in 1831. Pour rally lene wel by his friends for a second term, but his wmo the South Congregational Church of Momento delas camp led him to decline the nomination. He 1834, and from that period to the present time fall In ; was for six years a waiver of the Common Council, She one of the main pillars of the church,

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On his zed birthday, April 3d 1838

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JOSEPH W. DOUG: AS,

fem of Anc Yoloid, New York city

leston of William, nor pool xon. 1 father, Villing, the se Pode . actor present time com- dhanwag quits of chargeme matar varighet leting his ho Botglas ancestors, white 1

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the Sunachusetts Institute of Mr. 1) ... P wi gan. brich mansion en 2 Ako eurents of which indica e The id = med appreciation of the beautiful.

CE . E. W. N. SFARR.

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father attended private solco's till he was In years of age, and forcola, was then plated in Captain Parages Militar Ared

mo defind my in that city " On completing in education entered his father's office as bookkeeper and stbse

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the war, but the death of his father necessitated his tak- | and in 1839, was promoted to be lieutenant colonel, and

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was sen o alderman ros ovo gears. ITe has been trees urer of MeDonous Langs Khigh of Honor, since its organization, s pres'de tu Mecentury Club trustee Ci The Farmers' and Mechanics Som - Sant, director of People's Insurance Company, and of the corporatio P Douglas, and is also an active member of G A. R

one of ane physique, quiet and dignified da if et specimen of the bon homme. Til @ 1859 he married Julia W., danghte. and granddaughter of Copian At Tuineit manufacturer of fire arms 1.12. Dj he he has had three chi. Go born March roth idoo; Wdham B. bori mar 14th 1863, Grace, born February 25th 1872. te, the eldest, w muned ao the 13th of Detoly r i to Will .10 C Wy 01 of the vcl - known

Bern Douglas

Dos W. Douglas,

165

MIDDLETOWN-BIOGRAPHIES.

in 1841, was made colonel of the regiment, resigning in 1844. In 1847, he was elected captain of the 7th Light Infantry Company (which he organized as the Mansfield Guards) of the same regiment, and in 1853, was again elected colonel.

During the administration of Gov. Thomas H. Sey- mour, he was adjutant general of the State. In 1860, he was elected brigadier general of the 2d Brigade, Con- necticut Militia. The reorganization and concentration of the militia system into one division, in 1861, relieved him of this position. On the appointment by the Legis- lature of James T. Pratt as major general of the State militia, he appointed General Starr as division inspector; both, however, resigned the same year, in October, in consequence of the refusal of the State Legislature to so amend the militia laws as to render them efficient.

Soon after the breaking out of the Civil war, the com- mand of the 4th Regiment Connecticut Volunteers was offered to General Starr by Governor Buckingham, but his delicate health prevented his acceptance of the posi- tion; but, nevertheless, he was well represented, inas- much as, during the first year of the war, there were over 30 commissioned officers in the field, all considered effi- cient men, who owed their knowledge of military tactics to his gratuitous tuition. He was subsequently appointed by Governor Buckingham to the command of the mili- tary post at Middletown, during the organization of the 24th Regiment Connecticut Volunteers.

This was the last of his military services to the State, which covered a period of about 30 years. He was postmaster at Middletown during a portion of President Van Buren's administration, and was the one to remove the office to its present position in the government building. With the exception of one year, he has held the position of town clerk and registrar from 1852 to the present time, and excepting one year, was judge of the Probate District of Middletown from July 1866 to 1872. While acting in this position, although having no legal education, his decisions were invariably confirmed by the higher courts. From January 1856, to January 1864, he held the position of city clerk and treasurer.

In person, General Starr is tall and erect, of spare build, but of fine military bearing. In his private life, he is "sans peur et sans reproche."

WILLIAM WALTER WILCOX.

'Most of the representative men of this country are born and educated in the school of adversity, and their suc- cess in life is achieved by honest, hard work and perse- vering effort. To this class belongs William W. Wilcox. Two brothers, viz., Thomas and John, one of whom was his American ancester, came from Hartford to Middle- town in 1650, and settled in the second and third eccle- siastical parishes, viz., Middletown Upper Houses and Westfield Parish. William W. was the only child of Wil- lianı W. and Mary Wilcox. The death of his father oc. curred before he was born, and his mother died before he was two years old. He was placed in the care of his

grandmother until he was six years of age, when he was taken into the family of his aunt, the wife of Ira K. Pen- field, of Portland, Connecticut, where he remained until he was nineteen years of age, attending school a portion of the time, the remainder working in his uncle's shop. Being in delicate health he went to New York and en- gaged himself to a book concern, as traveling agent. He visited different parts of the South and finally recovered his health. In 1848, he returned to Middletown and engaged himself for seventy-five cents a day to Eldridge H. Penfield, who had just commenced the manufacture of grommets for sails. Here he learned the mechanical operations connected with the manufacture of grommets. Penfield having insufficient capital to continue the busi- ness, through the influence of Mr. Wilcox, his uncle, Ira K. Penfield, sold out his business in Portland, and buy- ing a half interest, the new firm of E. H. & I. K. Pen- field continued the manufacture of grommets. Consign- ing goods to agents brought small returns, and at the end of two years E. H. Penfield became discouraged and sold his interest to Ira K. Penfield. By strict economy young Wilcox had saved $250 while in the employ of E. H. & I. K. Penfield. This was his capital in the new firm of Penfield & Wilcox, which, with his services, gave him one-quarter interest in a business which had thus far not proved a success. An impetus was given the business at once by closing the agencies, and dealing di- rectly with consumers. With trunks full of grommets, and tools to insert them, Mr. Wilcox started out with the determination to visit all the sail lofts along the coast to Halifax, Nova Scotia, showing the use and utility of the new metallic grommet, presenting a gross or two to those who could not be induced to buy. In this way the business became a success, notwithstanding the op- position of journeymen sail makers, who opposed their use for several years, as lessening the amount of labor in making sails.

A new round edge sail thimble was soon after invented by Mr. Wilcox. Cast of malleable iron and galvanized, they soon came into general use, and entirely superseded the wrought sharp edge thimble, which cut and wore the ship's ropes. He was the first in this country to intro- duce galvanized iron work for ship's use.

At the end of ten years, having accumulated a capital of $4.500, he dissolved partnership with his uncle and started in business for himself, having hired a building on the Pameacha River, at the present location, for $75 a year. About this time he invented an improved grom- met, made in three parts, which he patented. He also added to his stock a variety of sailmakers' and ship chandlery goods. The increase of business that followed necessitated an increase of capital, and he subsequently took in Joseph Hall jr., of Portland, as partner. At the end of the next ten years he purchased Mr. Hall's inter- est, and a new copartnership was formed, consisting of W. W. Wilcox, E. Bound Chaffee, A. R. Crittenden, and Homer Churchill; who now comprise the firm of Wil- cox, Crittenden & Co. The house is now one of the largest in this line of business in the United States. Mr.

166

HISTORY OF MIDDLESEX COUNTY.

Wilcox has recently invented a new grommet for which he received a patent, August 26th 1884.

He has always confined himself strictly to his business, at the same time manifesting a deep interest in the affairs of his native town, and, in 1877, he was solicited by his friends to accept the republican nomination for the On the 27th of December 1795, he married Esther Miller,a descendant of the fourth generation from Thomas Miller. Her father was Joshua Miller and her mother was Anna Starr, daughter of Captain Daniel and Esther Starr. . They had six children: Anna, the eldest, was born September 26th 1796, married Joseph J. Badger; William, born January 25th 1798, never married; Mary, Legislature, and was elected by a considerable majority. As an evidence of his personal popularity, it may be stated that for ,thirteen years previous to this time Mid- dletown was represented in the Legislature by demo- crats. In 1879, Mr. Wilcox received the nomination and was again elected. He has held other public positions of trust and responsibility. In 1880, he was nominated born January 20th 1800, married Caleb Miller; Esther, for State Senator, but was defeated by a small majority, his opponent being Dr. J. W. Alsop. He has also served as a. member of the Common Council.

His investments have been confined strictly to his legitimate business. In 1883, he was solicited to become a director in the Middletown National Bank, and was elected to the position.

There are few men who have lived in Middletown during the last century who have borne a more enviable reputation or have been held in higher esteem by their fellow citizens. His life presents a worthy example to the rising generation, affording a practical demonstration of the self made man.

On the 17th of November 1853, he married Elizabeth, daughter of George and A. E. Crittenden, of Portland, by whom he had three children, two of whom, William Walter, born April 11th 1862, and Mary C., born August 8th 1866, are now living.

CAPTAIN JOSEPH J. HENDLEY.

The records of the paternal and maternal ancestors of Captain Hendley form an interesting contribution to American history. His great-grandfather, William Hend- ley, married a German lady. They came from England about 1745, and settled in Boston, and bought land on Wheeler's Point, now South Boston, where they kept a dairy farm. They had four children. William, the eldest, the grandfather of Captain Hendley, was born in Boston, in 1747. He was an ardent patriot in the war of the Revo- lution, and composed one of the famnous " Boston Tea Par- ty." He fought in the battles of Concord and Bunker Hill, enlisted in the rebel army, and continued in the ser- vice of his country to the close of the war.

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History of Middlesex county, Connecticut, with biographical sketches of its prominent men, Part 46

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