USA > Connecticut > Hartford County > Farmington > History of New Britain, with sketches of Farmington and Berlin, Connecticut. 1640-1889 > Part 38
USA > Connecticut > Hartford County > Berlin > History of New Britain, with sketches of Farmington and Berlin, Connecticut. 1640-1889 > Part 38
USA > Connecticut > Hartford County > New Britain > History of New Britain, with sketches of Farmington and Berlin, Connecticut. 1640-1889 > Part 38
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Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28 | Part 29 | Part 30 | Part 31 | Part 32 | Part 33 | Part 34 | Part 35 | Part 36 | Part 37 | Part 38 | Part 39 | Part 40 | Part 41 | Part 42 | Part 43 | Part 44 | Part 45
106. DAVID WHITTLESEY, 1775-1851.
David, son of Eliphalet and Comfort (Waller) Whittle- sey, was born Feb. 14, 1775. He married, Oct. 15, 1804, Rebecca Smalley, youngest daughter of Rev. John Smalley, D.D., and had his home with Dr. Smalley, on East Main Street. In early life he taught school several winters, but his time was principally occupied with his farm. He was much respected for his integrity and public spirit, and was frequently appointed to offices of trust and responsi- bility. He was a civil magistrate, represented the town of Berlin in the Legislature, and was repeatedly appointed
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one of the school visitors of the society. He became a mem- ber of the First Church, Oct. 13, 1805, was appointed to the standing committee in 1807, and elected deacon the same year. In 1816 he was largely instrumental in organ- izing the Sunday-school, the first in Hartford County, and was elected the first superintendent. He was actively engaged in the anti-slavery and temperance reforms, and in many ways sought to benefit society. He died July 21, 1851.
CHILDREN. 1. William, b. Sept. 19, 1805, m. Sept. 9, 1845, Louisa Hart; 2. Nancy Smalley, b. Feb. 19, 1807, m. Feb. 19, 1827, Thomas Stanley; 3. Sarah Guernsey, b. Sept. 15, 1808; 4. Mary, b. Sept. 2, 1809, m. Sept. 4, 1827, Dan Clark; 5. John Smalley, b. Jan. 8, 1811, d. in infancy; 6. John Smalley, b. Oct. 2, 1812, m. March 19, 1834, Eliza Haskell; 7. Rebecca Smalley, b. June 26, 1814, m. Daniel Fairchild; 8. David Waller, b. March 31, 1816, m. Sept. 4, 1839, Dolly B. Averill; 9. Calista Curtiss, b. Nov. 7, 1818, m. Oct. 10, 1843, Amos M. Ebersol; 10. Eliphalet, b. May 14, 1821, m. Oct. 31, 1854, Ann A. Pattin; 11. Elizabeth Pamela, b. Nov. 1, 1822, m. Oct. 27, 1847, Rev. Charles W. Camp.
107. EZEKIEL ANDREWS, 1775-1852.
Ezekiel, youngest son of Hezekiah and Anna (Stedman) Andrews, was born May 25, 1775. He married, Dec. 11, 1796, Roxana Hinsdale. He inherited the homestead of his father, with the saw-mill near, and a large farm, much of it uncultivated. He was a hard working, successful farmer, accumulating what, at that time, was considered a good property. He was patriotic, and exhibited his indomitable spirit in public matters, as well as for the promotion of his private interests. In the war of 1812 he held a cap- tain's commission, signed by Jonathan Trumbull. His first wife died in 1832, and he married (2) Oct. 20, 1833, Huldalı Goodrich, widow of Luther Moses. He died Sept. 3, 1852.
CHILDREN. 1. Alfred, b. Oct. 16, 1797, m. Dec. 16, 1818, Caroline B. Hart and (2) Mary L. Shipman; 2. Thesta, b. Dec. 16, 1798, m. Nov. 27, 1823, Bryan Porter; 3. Allura, b. April 16, 1801; 4. Edwin Norton, b. June 27, 1804; 5. Mary Bidwell, b. April 13, 1807, m. April 21, 1830, Samuel E. Curtiss; 6. Ezekiel, b. July 19, 1809, m. Aug. 7, 1833, Sarah E. Parker; 7. Nathan Hosmer, b. June 22, 1812; 8. Roxana, b. April 6,
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1815, m. May 20, 1835, Enos M. Smith; 9. Jane Louise, b. Feb. 2, 1818, m. Sept. 11, 1837, William Miles; 10. Elijah Hinsdale, b. Aug. 11, 1820, d. in infancy; 11. Ellen Maria, b. Sept. 18, 1824.
108. JAMES BOOTH, 1776-1859.
James, son of James and Thankful (Winchell) Booth, was born Sept. 11, 1776. He married, Dec. 22, 1800, Olive Wilcox. He was grandson of Nathan Booth, the first set- tler of the central part of New Britain. He learned the tan- ner and shoemaker's trade, and carried on the business opposite his father's homestead, having his tannery on the east side of Main Street, north of the present railway cross- ing. His home was on the west side of Main Street, north of Myrtle Street, where he kept a tavern and boarding-house several years. Since his death his house has been occupied by his son, Horace. He died Jan. 2, 1859.
CHILDREN. 1. Aurelia, b. Feb. 10, 1802, d. young; 2. Lyman Wilcox, b. Feb. 9, 1804, m. May 5, 1825, Keziah L. Andrews; 3. George W., b. Jan 30, 1806, m. Oct. 2, 1828, Abigail S. Cornwell; 4. Ralph, b. April 29, 1811. d. young; 5. Lucetta, b. Aug. 6, 1814, m. Sept. 28, 1836, Henry B. Phelps; 6. Ralph, b. May 25, 1818, m. Jan. 26, 1846, Julia Daily; 7. Horace, b. Nov. 6, 1821, m. May 5, 1847, Almira Beckley.
109. THOMAS LEE, 1776-1840.
Thomas, son of Isaac and Abigail (Goodrich) Lee, born Nov. 28, 1776, married Electa Riley, Oct. 10, 1797. She died and he married Laura, daughter of Martin Kellogg, of Newington, and widow of Asaph Whittlesey, Feb. 2, 1831. Four years afterwards she died, and he married (3), Jan. 3, 1838, Esther, daughter of John Meigs, Middletown, and widow of Solomon Lusk, New Britain. Thomas Lee was one of the first manufacturers in New Britain. He had traveled in the Southern States, selling goods sent from the North. He had been an agent of the Patersons, of Berlin, and soon after his first marriage he established a shop for the man- ufacture of tin ware, on West Main Street. He was associ- ated with his brother, Isaac, and after their tin shop was in successful operation they built and opened the first store in
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the village. He was also engaged in the manufacture of jewelry for a short time, and had an interest in other manu- factures. He represented the town of Berlin in the legisla- ture several sessions, was justice of the peace, judge of pro- bate, and held other public offices. He was an active pol- itician, and was instrumental in securing the establishment of a post-office in New Britain. He died Aug. 20, 1840.
CHILDREN. 1. Minerva, b. April 22, 1798, m. Sept. 8, 1818, Norman Hart; 2. Lorenzo P., b. April 12, 1800, m. Nov. 3, 1828, Jennette Hills; 3. Thirza, b. Nov. 19, 1801, m. Sept. 20, 1849, Rev. David Tilton; 4. John R., b. April 22, 1804; 5. Electa, b. March 24, 1806, m. Aug. 20, 1826, Wells Hubbard; 6. Thomas G., b. Sept. 1, 1808, m. April 21, 1835, Susan Clark; 7. Caroline, b. Nov. 8, 1810, m. Oct. 18, 1840, Rev. Joshua Phelps; 8. Almira S., b. Aug. 9, 1812, m. Oct. 17, 1836, Andrew K. Hunt; 9. William H., b. Feb. 10, 1816, d. young; 10. William H., b. May 19, 1818, m. Jan. 6, 1849, Louisa Northam; 11. Angeline, b. Jan. 4, 1824, m. Oct. 13, 1852, Mark Howard.
110. JAMES NORTH, 1777-1825.
James, eldest son of James and Rhoda (Judd) North, was born Dec. 19, 1777. He married, May 1, 1800, Rhoda Belden. He worked for a time in his father's blacksmith shop, but in accordance with his father's wishes, went to learn the business of manufacturing articles of brass of Joseph Barton, at Stockbridge, Mass. A few months before his mar- riage he commenced manufacturing sleigh-bells in a room of a dwelling-house belonging to his father, and located near the corner of South Main and Park streets. He commenced business with Joseph Shipman, but he soon carried it on by himself, and then with his brother, Seth J. North, until he removed to Cherry Valley, N. Y., leaving to Seth the business in New Britain. He was, for a time, quite successful at Cherry Valley, but at last lost his property and returned to New Britain. He commenced again in the brass business near his father's residence, and continued for a few years, respected and beloved for his unselfish, generous spirit. He died Sept. 9, 1825.
CHILDREN. 1. Marcia, b. Aug. 27, 1801, m. Aug. 7, 1825, William H. Smith; 2. Maria, b. Sept. 10, 1803, d. young; 3. William, b. Sept. 23, 1805, d.
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in infancy ; 4. Nancy, b. Nov. 22, 1806, m. Dec. 28, 1823, Philip Lee ; 5. William, b. March 13, 1809 ; 6. Mary, b. Aug. 21, 1811, m. May 23, 1834, Samuel Raymond; 7. Henry, b. Oct. 19, 1813 ; 8. Maria, b. June 14, 1816, m. May 18, 1836, Cornelius B. Erwin ; 9. Augustus, b. March 8, 1819, m. May. 12, 1845, Martha Stanley ; 10. Adeline, b. May 26, 1823, m. 1847, Robert R. Kimbal.
111. AMON STANLEY, 1778-1846.
Amon, the second son of Lot and Rhoda (Wadsworth) Stanley, was born March 10, 1778. He learned the hatter's trade of his father, and worked at it first with his father and then by himself, collecting furs from the west, and after making them into hats, sending these to New York State and elsewhere for sale. He married, Oct. 10, 1802, Abi North, daughter of James North. He bought of the other heirs their interest in the homestead of his father, at the corner of the Stanley road and the "new highway," and this became his home. He for a time carried on the business of distilling cider-brandy, which was then considered respectable and right, but his wife having scruples in regard to the business, he was induced to give it up, first selling the distillery to others, and then re-purchasing it that he might destroy the establishment and stop the manufacture. He did this at a sacrifice, but it was indicative of his purpose to be guided by principle rather than interest. The latter part of his life was occupied principally in the care of his farm. He died Feb. 2, 1846.
CHILDREN. 1. Julia, b. Dec. 24, 1803 ; 2. Thomas, b. Sept. 22, 1805, m. Feb. 19, 1827, Nancy Smalley, and (2) widow Cordelia S. Cornwell ; 3. Henry, b. Sept. 24, 1807, m. June 10, 1829, Eliza S. North, and (2) Sept. 5, 1838, Catharine A. Stanley; 4. James, b. Oct. 22, 1809, d. in infancy ; 5. James, b. March 31, 1813, m. July 5, 1836, Anna N. Stow, (2) widow Minerva E. Case, and (3) widow A. D. Gaylord; 6. Augustus, b. April 11, 1814, m. Oct. 5, 1842, Elvira A. Conklin; 7. Timothy W., b. July 13, 1817, m. Oct. 24, 1841, Adaline G. Cornwell, and (2) Theresa B. Stanley; 8. Lot, b. July 8, 1820; 9. Martha, b. Aug. 11, 1822, m. May 12, 1845, A. W. North; 10. Amelia, b. Jan. 1, 1825, m. Feb. 29, 1848, Henry Walter; 11. Mary A., b. Sept. 22, 1828.
112. JOSEPH LEE SMITH, 1779-1846.
Joseph Lee, second son of Elnathan Smith, was born May 28, 1779. He studied law at Litchfield and Hartford, and prac-
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ticed law in Connecticut until the war with England of 1812. When this war broke out, he was appointed major in the twenty-fifth U. S. Infantry, and had the command of the regiment in the invasion of Canada. For gallant service, he was soon appointed lieutenant-colonel and brevetted colonel. He remained in the army an efficient and much valued officer until 1819, when he resigned his commission to accept the position of United States Judge of the Superior Court of Florida, to which he was appointed by President Monroe. He was an eminent jurist; his thorough knowledge of law and his excellent judgment led him to render decisions which commanded the attention of the bench and were seldom or never reversed. In physical appearance, he was six feet two inches in height, with great breadth of shoulders and chest, attractive features, and pleasant manners. He was married, in 1804, to Frances Marvin Kirby, daughter of Col. Ephraim Kirby,* a distinguished citizen of Litchfield. Col. Smith died in St. Augustine, May 27, 1846.
CHILDREN. 1. Ephraim, b. at Litchfield, graduated at West Point, served through the Mexican war, and was killed storming the works at Molino del Rey ; 2. Frances Marvin, b. at Litchfield and m. Col. L. B. Webster; 3. Josephine Lee, b. 1818, d. Nov., 1835; 4. Edmund Kirby, b. May 16, 1824.
113. SETH J. NORTH, 1779-1851.
Seth J., son of James and Rhoda (Judd) North, was born Aug. 13, 1779. He married, Sept. 27, 1801, Elizabeth Stanley. He learned the blacksmith's trade in his father's shop on Main Street, and worked in that shop until about twenty- one years of age, when he engaged in the manufacture of sleigh-bells with his brother James, on South Main Street. He enlarged the business after his brother moved away, building new shops and adding to the variety of articles manufactured. In 1807, he was a partner with Thomas Lee, William Smith, and others, in the manufacture of articles of
* Colonel Kirby was the author of Kirby's Law Reports, Supervisor of U. S. Revenue in Connecticut, U. S. Land Commissioner, and U. S. Judge of Missis- sippi, and Judge of the Superior Court of New Orleans.
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jewelry. In 1812, he entered into partnership with his brother, Alvin North, and H. C. Whipple, in making plated wire, coat and cloak clasps, etc. He was afterwards associated with John Stanley, William H. Smith, Henry Stanley, Oliver Stanley, and others, in hardware and other manufactures. He was for several years successfully engaged in the manu- facture of neck stocks and hooks and eyes. He was instru- mental in the organization of the New Britain Knitting Com- pany, and was its president at the time of his death. He was interested in other manufactures, and contributed largely to the business prosperity of New Britain.
He was one of the projectors and original stockholders of the Hartford & New Haven Railroad, and also of the Hart- ford, Providence & Fishkill Railroad. He was active in military affairs, held the office of major, and was usually known in the community as " Major North." He was one of the leaders in securing the organization of the South Congre- gational Church in 1842, and in procuring its first place of worship, and was a liberal contributor to its support. He was an active friend of education, and was largely instru- mental in the establishment of the State Normal School and of other schools and academies. He was an intelligent business man, shrewd in planning, and generally successful in his business projects ; and before his death had become one of the wealthiest men of Hartford County. He died March 10, 1851.
CHILDREN. 1. Charlotte, b. April 5, 1804, m. Jan. 1, 1824, John Stanley, and (2) July 29, 1844, Rev. Samuel Rockwell ; 2. Eliza Stanley, b. Nov. 27, 1807, m. June 10, 1829, Henry Stanley; 3. Walter Judd, b. Aug. 3, 1810, d. Aug. 28, 1828; 4. Frederick Henry, b. Aug. 10, 1824, m. Aug. 28, 1850, Mary Elizabeth North.
114. EMANUEL RUSSELL, 1779-1863.
Emanuel Russell was born at Litchfield, Conn., in 1779. He had a store in the village, and at the same time superin- tended his farm. He removed to New York in 1835, where he engaged in trade with Smith Matteson under the name of Russell & Matteson. His son, Isaac, afterwards became a
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partner, and the firm was Russell, Matteson & Co. Emanuel Russell removed to Middletown and then to New Britain, where he was a member of the firm of Stanley, Woodruff & Co. On the first of January, 1839, his interest was tranferred to his son, Henry E. Russell, and he retired from active business. He was one of the original members of St. Mark's Parish, his name standing first in the list of vestrymen appointed on the organization of the parish. He died in 1863.
115. JOSEPH WRIGHT, 1779-1855.
Joseph, son of Deacon Benjamin and Elizabeth (Culver) Wright, was born Oct. 7, 1779. He married, Feb. 3, 1814, Dorothy Hart. He inherited the farm of his father at the south end of East Street, and lived upon it many years, but in 1850 he sold the homestead and built on the south side of Chestnut Street in the city. He was much in public life, was one of the selectmen, judge of probate, a member of the school committee, and he represented the town in the General Assembly. For several years he was connected with the military, holding at last the office of colonel. He died July 19, 1855.
CHILDREN. 1. Lucy Hart, b. Dec. 11, 1814 ; 2. Benjamin Gaylord, b. Oct. 26, 1816, m. Prudence Hubbard, and (2) Frances E. Trowbridge; 3. Oliver Cromwell, b. Sept. 16, 1819, m. Oct. 6, 1841, Mary H. Jones ; 4. Edwin Culver, b. Dec. 4, 1821, m. July 27, 1852, Louisa C. Jessup ; 5. Emily Elizabeth, b. Dec. 11, 1828, d. young ; 6. Hercelia Ann, b. April 21, 1833.
116. JOSEPH SHIPMAN, 1779-1859.
Joseph, son of Samuel and Sarah (Stanliff) Shipman, was born Dec. 23, 1779. He married, July 11, 1802, Mary Lee. He learned his trade of working in brass and other metals, of Joseph Barton of Stockbridge, Mass. At the expiration of his apprenticeship, and when but twenty years of age, he commenced business with James North, Jr., in the room of a dwelling-house, at the corner of South Main and Park streets, but in less than a year was in business by himself, on a capital of fifty dollars borrowed of Dr. Smalley. He now occupied
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HISTORY OF NEW BRITAIN, ETC.
one end of his father's joiner's shop on East Main Street, and manufactured sleigh-bells until the shop was burne . In January, 1803, he bought a place on the west side of £ anley Street, a short distance south of the school-house in Shipman District, and gradually extended his business, buildir . new shops and adding to the variety of articles manufactur d. In 1827, he bought a new site near the north end of Hartford Avenue, built larger shops, and enlarged his business, saving his sons in partnership with him. His shop became the place where many young men who were afterwards quite sur essful, were trained to business. Mr. Shipman, by his public sp rit and generous manner, won the esteem of his fellow citizens. Un- fortunately, in the financial revulsion of 1837, his business was closed, and he passed the last years of his life with his children at Yonkers and New Hartford. He died at the latter place, March 9, 1859.
CHILDREN. 1. Ralph, b. March 4, 1803, m. Nov. 2, 18: ›, Marilla Welles; 2. Mary Lee, b. April 14, 1805, m. Sept. 15, 1824, Alfred Andrews; 3. Eliza, b. Feb. 18, 1807, m. April 24, 1827, Henry A. Hart, M.D., and (2) Feb. 22, 1837, David Martin, M.D., and (3) Sanford Brown; 4. Abigail Goodrich, b. Oct. 13, 1809, m. Dec. 22, 1830, Rev. Spofford D. Jewett; 5. Horatio Waldo, b. Sept. 10, 1811, m. Nov. 4, 1835, Elizabeth Wadsworth; 6. Orpha, b. Dec. 12, 1813, m. Oct. 20, 1833, Isaac N. Lee.
117. ALVIN NORTH, 1781-1865.
Alvin, son of James and Rhoda (Judd) North, was born Sept. 4, 1781. He married, July 15, 1804, Anna Stanley, who died June 26, 1815, and he married (2) Clarissa Burn- ham. Soon after marriage, he moved into the house which Anthony Judd built but had vacated, which vas at the corner of East Main and Stanley streets. Some years later, he moved this to the east side of the street and built a larger and more commodious house. He engaged in manufacturing, his principal shop being near his house, but he became in- terested in several companies. His partners at different times were Hezekiah Whipple, his brother, Seth J. North, Henry Stanley, Horace Butler, his sons, and perhaps some others. He was quite successful in business, a man of ster-
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lingsintegrity, one of the original members of the South Church, and ever interested in its prosperity. He was the first member appointed on the standing committee, in 1843, and was in office at the time of his death. After he was un- able?to meet with the committee at the church, the meetings were held at his house. He died Sept. 1, 1865.
CHILDREN. 1. Orrin Stanley, b. July 13, 1805, m. Feb. 3, 1831, Sarah Clark: 2. Harriet A., b. March 5, 1807, d. in infancy ; 3. Henrietta, b. Aug. 16, 1809, d. in infancy ; - by second wife: 4. Oliver Burnham, b. March 13, 1815$ m. 1843, Martha E. Post; 5. Harriet A., b. Sept. 28, 1818, m. July 17, 1839, Roger H. Mills; 6. Sarah Rogers, b. Aug. 28, 1820, m. Aug. 19, 1847, Samuel Brace; 7. Hubert Franklin, b. Nov. 13, 1822, m. Sept. 1, 1852, Jane M. Hendrick; 8. Mary Cordelia, b. July 1, 1825, m. Sept. 1, 1852, Rev. Joseph Emerson; 9. Henrietta Clarissa, b. Sept. 16, 1829, m. July 18, 1855, Josiah Shepard.
118. SAMUEL KELSEY, 1782-1861.
Samuel Kelsey, son of William and Dorothy (Goodrich) Kelsey, was born in Kensington, Feb. 2, 1782. He married, Dec. 17, 1804, Lydia Bronson, daughter of Luke Bronson. He lived for some years after his marriage in Kensington, making and repairing wagons and carts, his residence being about half a mile south of New Britain line on the Kensing- ton road. In 1819, he bought a farm on South Stanley Street, New Britain, and became a resident of this parish. He was often called to public business, being appointed assessor and selec man of the town of Berlin and representing the town in the legislature. He died April 23, 1861.
CHILDREN. 1. Sarah A., b. Sept. 14, 1805, m. H. W. Whiting ; 2. Amelia, b. April 20, 1807, m. Philo Andrews.
119. MOSES D. SEYMOUR, 1782-1839.
Moses D. Seymour, New Britain, son of Aaron Seymour of West Hartford, was born June 3, 1782. He married, Jan. 29, 1807, Abigail Hart. He learned the clothier's trade before he left West Hartford, and after coming to New Britain, had a clothier's shop near the bridge on Kensington Street. He built a house on the east side of the street some rods north of his shop. He lived at this place for several
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years, and then sold it and built another house near the foot of Dublin Hill, where he afterwards lived. He died July 7, 1839.
CHILDREN. 1. Orson Hart, b. Sept. 1, 1807, m. Sept. 17, 1827, Hen- rietta M. Stanley; 2. and 3. twins, d. in infancy; 4. Mary Ann, b. July 8, 1811, d. young; 5. Mary Ann, b. Oct. 14, 1813, m. June 8, 1844, William Palmer, and (2) Bradford Bullock ; 6. Henry Phelps, b. Aug. 2, 1818, m. Jan. 31, 1844, Laura A. Pierce, and (2) May 8, 1848, Isabel O. Taylor ; 7. Oliver Dewitt, b. Dec. 31, 1820, m. Oct. 18, 1843, Harriet H. Marsh.
120. SELAH HART, 1784-1851.
Selah Hart, New Britain, second son of Deacon Elijah and Anna (Andrews ) Hart, was born Nov. 6, 1784. He married, Oct. 5, 1805, Jemima, daughter of David Webster of Berlin. His home was in Hart Quarter, a few rods from that of his great-grandfather, the first Deacon Elijah Hart. He learned the cooper's trade and worked at it part of the time, but he gave his attention principally to farming, except when en- gaged in the care of his public houses. He kept tavern in Hart Quarter, and for a time had a hotel in Saratoga, N. Y. He was actively engaged in the military service, having the rank of major. He died Sept. 7, 1851.
CHILDREN. 1. Edward, b. Sept. 4, 1806, m. March 26, 1834, Viana Perry; 2. Selah, b. Nov. 25, 1808, m. Nov. 11, 1829, Sarah North; 3. Nelson, b. Nov. 25, 1812, m. Oct. 8, 1834, Lucy Jane Dewey ; 4. Lura Ann, b. Nov. 15, 1816, m. April 13, 1837, Anson W. Francis ; 5. Harriet, b. Dec. 10, 1821, m. Oct., 1835, Cary B. Moon.
121. DR. SAMUEL HART, 1786-1863.
Samuel Hart, M.D., New Britain, third son of Deacon Elijah and Anna (Andrews) Hart, was born April 7, 1786. He married, March 18, 1812, Orpha, daughter of James North. He studied medicine, receiving his diploma dated Oct. 27, 1809. New Britain was at that time but a straggling village, and Dr. Hart thought of establishing himself in Farmington, then a much larger place. But he was induced to locate in New Britain, building his house upon the west side of the public square, where Rogers' Block now stands. He was of
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slender form and constitution, but had an extensive practice, being for many years the principal physician of the town, and often answering calls from neighboring parishes. " His medical practice was characterized by thorough and careful research, by long and familiar observation of the nature of diseases and by prompt and efficient treatment, without being blindly wedded to any fanciful theory." He became a mem- ber of the First Church in 1802, and in 1842 was one of the original members of the South Church. He was an active supporter of religious and benevolent institutions, was deeply interested in the cause of education, and was instrumental in the establishment of the Academy and other schools. He was much afflicted in his later years by rheumatic affection, but retained the full use of his mental powers. He died June 20, 1863.
CHILDREN. 1. Anna, b. Sept. 9, 1813, d. young ; 2. Samuel B., b. Sept. 23, 1818, d. in infancy ; 3. Lucinda Andrews, b. Aug. 30, 1820, m. April 27, 1842, William H. Smith; 4. Samuel Waldo, b. May 23, 1825, m. Oct. 22, 1851, Cordelia M. Smith, and (2) Nov. 10, 1864, Margaret C. Smythe ; 5. Louisa, b. Oct. 5, 1828, m. Dec. 1, 1846, Rev. Jared B. Flagg.
122. ISAAC BOTSFORD, 1786-1851.
Col. Isaac, son of Isaac Botsford of Berlin, was born Oct. 7, 1786. His father owned a farm of six hundred acres in the south part of Berlin and extending into Wallingford, now Meriden. He was the prime mover in securing the building of the road through the famous Cat Hole mountain pass, and his residence was a short distance north of the pass. His son, Col. Isaac, assisted in constructing this difficult road, and also worked upon his father's farm. In 1821, he married Melissa H. Porter of Middletown. His business consisted principally in the management of his large farm, which was cultivated with care, but in the later years of his life he was engaged to some extent in manufacturing, and was himself the inventor of important tools and machinery for working metals. He was lieutenant-colonel of the Fourteenth Regi- ment of Infantry, receiving his appointment in 1820. He
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was a deacon in the Kensington Church and superintendent of the Sunday-School. He was one of the pioneers in the anti-slavery cause, suffering pecuniarily for his advocacy of the cause. He was active in religious work and in efforts to benefit the general public. He died Aug. 14, 1851.
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