USA > Connecticut > New Haven County > History of New Haven County, Connecticut, Volume I > Part 52
USA > Connecticut > New Haven County > History of New Haven County, Connecticut, Volume I > Part 52
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HISTORY OF NEW HAVEN COUNTY.
delphia, in 1866. He graduated with all the honors of a full-fledged M. D. from that institution in 1870, when he practiced his profession in East Tennessee one year.
On the 8th of June, 1871, Doctor McGaughey married Sara V. Can- non, daughter of Burdett and Juliett (Merriam) Cannon, of Walling- ford, who is also a granddaughter of Deacon Lyman and Sally Can- non, of the same town. In 1872 they removed from Tennessee and settled permanently in Wallingford, where the doctor has, by his in- dustry, worth, and unremitting professional activity and honorable life, won the esteem of his fellow men, and has become one of the foremost citizens of the town. He manifests in his life the many ex- cellent traits of his honorable lineage, being a temperate, straightfor- ward Christian member of the community. He has built up an ex- tensive and lucrative practice in his chosen profession. and is the med- ical examiner for the town of Wallingford and post surgeon for ex- emption from military taxes. He is also the examiner for a number of other boards and insurance companies. As a member of the Con- necticut State and New Haven County Medical Societies he has taken an active interest, and has contributed papers to current medical periodicals. He belongs to the Knights of Pythias and is a member of Accanant Lodge of Odd Fellows of Wallingford. His duties to the town have not been neglected, and he has served in several offices. In 1880 he represented Wallingford as one of the members of the state legislature, and took part in the debate on the final settlement of the boundary line between New York and Connecticut, which had been in dispute over two hundred years.
Doctor McGaughey and his wife have had five children ; one son and one daughter died in infancy. Three survive-two daughters and one son.
eighteen miles, on a dark, rainy night. That story is entirely mythical, for she was out of town that night and did not know anything of Morgan's having been in Greenville until after the fight the next morning.
There is one historical fact which the doctor well remembers: The last Union flag to wave in public in the South after the war commenced was at Greenville, the home of Andrew Johnson and other outspoken loyalists. They erected a liberty pole 100 feet high, on which they placed a large and beautiful flag, which waved in full sight of the railroad, while over 30,000 confederates passed over it, on their way to Virginia. Finally the Louisiana Tigers came along, stopped their train, cut down the pole and took away the flag, after which they made the town feed the whole regiment. Before the door of the doctor's father's house, he counted twenty-two muskets, while the men were eating their breakfast, and he was greatly tempted to make off with one.
After the battles of Chickamauga and Fort Sannders, Longstreet's whole force mustered in the town, and his entire staff boarded at the doctor's father's house, and he thought it a great favor to be permitted to eat at the same table with, what seemed in his boyish eyes, such grand officers as Colonel Fairfax, of Virginia ; Major La Trobe, of Baltimore ; Colonel Dunn, of Nashville, and Gen- eral Jones, of Georgia. They were kind, courteous gentlemen, and won the respect of the family by their chivalric behavior.
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HISTORY OF NEW HAVEN COUNTY.
James A. Mckenzie, born in 1842, is a son of William and Mary (Hall) Mckenzie, and grandson of William Mckenzie. Mr. Mckenzie has been wood turner in the Parker box shop at Yalesville for 25 years. He married Adaline, daughter of Sanford Tuttle, and they have three children: William T., Albert S. and Mabel L.
Almer I. Martin, youngest son of Henry and Julia ( Hall) Martin, was born in 1866. He has been in the grocery and grain business since April, 1885. Until October, 1888, the firm was Martin Brothers (John A. and Almer I.); since that time Mr. Martin has been alone. He is a member of Accanant Lodge, No. 71, I. O. O. F.
Garry I. Mix, born in 1819, is a son of John and grandson of John Mix. His mother was Olive, daughter of Joel Ives, who lost his right arm in the battle of White Plains at the time of the revolutionary war. Mr. Mix has been engaged in spoon manufacturing since 1839. In 1855 he started in business for himself at his present location. He was state senator in 1868. He was three years captain of the old Con- necticut National Guards of Wallingford. He married Almira White. Their children are: Eliza (Mrs. Doctor Glenney) and Frances (Mrs. W. A. Kendrick).
John B. Mix, born in 1845, at Cheshire, is a son of William and Mary (Gregory) Mix, grandson of John, and great-grandson of John Mix. He served in the late war from August, 1862, until July, 1865, in Com- pany K, 15th Connecticut Volunteers. Since 1865 he has been a buffer of silver ware, and since 1876 he has been contractor for R. Wal- lace & Sons. He was representative in 1887. He is a member of Compass Lodge, No. 9, F. & A. M., and of Arthur H. Dutton Post, No. 36, G. A. R. He was sergeant in the Wallingford Militia Company six years. He married Emily E., daughter of Lyman N. Hull, grand- daughter of Willis, and great-granddaughter of Doctor John Hull. They have one daughter, Grace B., and have lost one, Lilian.
William N. Mix, son of William and Mary (Gregory) Mix, grand- son of John, and great-grandson of John Mix, was born in 1843, in Cheshire, Conn. Mr. Mix served during the late war from July, 186], to July, 1865, having reënlisted as veteran in January, 1864. He was discharged as first sergeant of Company A, 5th Connecticut Volunteer Infantry. He was one of the organizers of the militia company here, and held different offices for nine years, when he retired as captain. He is a member of Arthur H. Dutton Post, No. 36, G. A. R., and was the first commander. He is a member of Compass Lodge, No. 9, F. & A. M., and treasurer and collector of the Episcopal church. He married Catharine S., daughter of Frederick A. Rich. Their children are: Edith F., Herbert G., William E., John V. and Dorothy G. Mr. Mix has been superintendent for the Simpson Nickel Silver Company since July, 1887.
Lyman H. Morse, born in 1783, and died in 1878, was a son of Captain Joel Morse. He married Sally Francis, who was the mother
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HISTORY OF NEW HAVEN COUNTY.
of twelve children, five of whom are living: Sarah E., Emily M., Car- oline E., Mary A. and Amos. One son, Henry L., died November 10th, 1890. One daughter, Elizabeth H., lived in New Haven. Caro- line E. married Selden D. Dowd, who was born in 1831. He enlisted in 1862 in Company K, 15th Connecticut Volunteers, and died in a rebel prison in November, 1864. They had two daughters: Lula A., who died, and Ella H.
William J. Morse, born in 1839, is a son of Samuel and Betsey E. (Doolittle) Morse, grandson of Theophilus, who was a son of Ebenezer, whose father, Theophilus, was a son of Samuel, he a son of John, and he a son of John Morse, who came from England in 1639, and in 1670 came to Wallingford. Mr. Morse was a soldier from August, 1862, until July, 1865, in Company K, 15th Connecticut Volunteers. He was then engaged in various business enterprises until 1880, when he took charge of the work for the Maltby, Stevens & Curtiss Company as con- tractor, and continued eight years. He is now doing a general insur- ance business. Since January, 1889, he has been water commissioner, is president of the town board of health, justice of the peace, and holds other minor offices. He is past commander of Arthur H. Dutton Post, No. 36, G. A. R. His first wife was Frances J. Addis, and his present wife was Catharine H. Maher. They have two children: Flora E. and Willie M.
Michael O'Callaghan, born about 1830, in Cork, Ireland, is a son of John O'Callaghan. He came to America in 1857, and after residing two years in Wallingford went to Australia, where he remained for thirteen years, when he returned to Wallingford, where he now resides. Mr. O'Callaghan is a thorough farmer, an experienced wool grower and wool sorter and an excellent judge of sheep and cattle. While in Australia he was for nine years the manager of Molka station, Murchison. He has been on the board of water commissioners since 1883, and is now its chairman. He was four years on the board of relief, and was representative one term, 1889-90. He married Bridget Dailey for his first wife, and his present wife was Lizzie Colbart. They have two children: Bridget and John M.
Joel H. Paddock, youngest of seven children of Charles and Eliza- beth D. (Hall) Paddock, and grandson of Samuel Paddock, was born in 1849. He came from Meriden to Wallingford in 1871, where he has since been a farmer. His farm suffered severely by the tornado of August, 1878, being damaged to the amount of $2,000. Mr. Pad- dock is a member of Accanant Lodge, No. 71, I. O. O. F., and a charter member of Wallingford Grange, No. 33, P. of H. He married Dela- phine, daughter of Elizur and Eunice G. (Nettleton) Hall. Their children are: Jennie D. and Grace D.
General W. R. Pease, born in 1831, at Utica, N. Y., is a son of Jolin and Louisa (Bartlett) Pease. In July, 1851, he entered the United States Military Academy at West Point, graduating four years later.
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HISTORY OF NEW HAVEN COUNTY.
He served on the frontiers until 1862, when he was commissioned colonel of the 117th Regiment New York Volunteers. He was brevetted major U. S. Army in May, 1863, for gallant and meritorious conduct in the seige of Suffolk, Va., and brigadier general for gallant and meritorions services during the war. He is on the retired list of the army for disability in the line of duty. His first marriage was with Rowena C., daughter of Reverend Hart F. Pease, of Brooklyn, N. Y. His present wife was Frances E. Strickland. They have one son. Robert W. Pease.
George J. Peers, born in 1853, in England, is a son of John M. Peers. He came from England to Wallingford in 1868, and choosing the trade of his father, he opened a blacksmith shop in March, 1873, since which time he has been serving the people of Wallingford in that line of work. He married Kittie E. Robinson and has one daughter, Jennie MI. He is a member of Compass Lodge, No. 9, F. & A. M.
Frank W. Phelps, son of Chester Phelps, was born in 1852, at Northampton, Mass. He came to Wallingford in April, 1875, and for seven years was a partner with L. M. Phelps in the stove and tin ware business, firm of L. M. & F. W. Phelps. In 1882 they dissolved part- nership and divided the business, and Frank W. has continued the branch store on North Colony street. He is a member of Accanant Lodge, No. 71, I. O. O. F. He married Sarah L. Hastings, of South Deerfield, Mass.
1 .. M. Phelps, born in 1841, in Northampton, Mass., is a son of Spencer Phelps. He came to Wallingford in 1875, and established the hardware, stove and plumbing business which he has since con- tinned. He was two years a member of the court of burgesses. He was in the late war as a nine months' man in Company C, 52d Massa- chusetts Volunteers. He is a member of Arthur H. Dutton Post, No. 36. G. A. R., of Accanant Lodge, No. 71, I. O. O. F., and of Com- pass Lodge, No. 9. F. & A. M. He married Jennie Hastings, of South Deerfield, Mass.
John J. Prior, son of Daniel Prior. opened a store for the sale of boots, shoes, hats, caps and men's furnishing goods in October, 1888, where he is now conducting the business.
Joel Rice. born in 1829, is the only surviving son of Joel and Lucretia (Vale) Rice, grandson of James, and great-grandson of James Rice. Mr. Rice followed the sea from 1846 to 1886, and was master of vessels after 1859. He married Lydia, daughter of Alfred Parker, and has one daughter, Mary L.
Augustus F. Rich, son of Frederick A. and Catharine (Hall) Rich, and grandson of Harvey Rich, was born in 1837. He is one of eleven children, ten of whom are living. He is a spoon maker, and was foreman for Hall, Elton & Co., for 20 years, and eight years for the Maltby, Stevens & Curtiss Co. He married Mary A., daughter of Albert Ward.
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HISTORY OF NEW HAVEN COUNTY.
William S. Russell, M. D., born September 7th, 1858, is a son of Henry, and grandson of Lewis Russell. He was a student in French's school at New Haven, prior to entering Yale, where he was graduated in 1880. After studying one year in the College of Physicians and Surgeons of New York, and practicing in the New Haven Hospital one year, he opened practice in Wallingford in July, 1882. He is a member of both state and county medical societies. He married Eliza C., daughter of Edward Hall, of Auburn, N. Y.
Luther B. Scranton, born in 1847. in North Branford, is a son of Martin and Sally (Thomas) Scranton, and grandson of Torry Scran- ton. He has been a wagon maker since 1870. In 1873 he came to North Farms, Wallingford, where he started business, and in October. 1884, he came to his present place of business near the depot. He is a member of Accanant Lodge, No. 71, I. O. O. F. He married Martha J., daughter of Nelson T. Crowell, and has two daughters, Grace I. and Alice L.
SAMUEL SIMPSON was born in Wallingford, Conn., April 7th, 1814. Mr. Simpson resides on Main street, in the center of the borough of Wallingford, where for more than 55 years he has been known as one of the most prominent and prosperous business men, and has been honored for his business thrift and ability, his integrity and high character. Yet the omens attending his boyhood were not propitious, unless an honest, industrious, judicious and aspiring nature be counted in. He inherited these qualities, but not wealth or social eminence. His parents were estimable people, who gave to the society of their day a quality of excellence and solidity, but in 1806, like other Con- necticut farmers, they purchased land in the Western Reserve of Ohio, thirty miles from physician or store or mill. Emigration thither was made in the primitive manner of travel by oxen and horses. But Mr. Simpson lived on his western farm only five years, for residence wrought severely against his wife's health, and they returned to Wal- lingford. Their slender fortune was considerably curtailed by the expensive moving to and fro and change of residence; and Samuel, the youngest of their seven children, went from home at the age of eleven years to work for a physician as office and chore boy. But evi- dently he was not to become a physician. Two years only did he re- main in the employ of Doctor Gaylord. At about fifteen years of age he was apprenticed to Charles Yale, of Yalesville, for a term of five years. At the close of the term he became journeyman in the same shop, and very soon foreman, in the manufacture of Britannia ware. He continued in this position until January 1st. 1835, when, by dint of economy, he had saved of his earnings about two hundred dollars.
We have been minute in the sketch of Mr. Simpson thus far, for it is both interesting and informing to watch the progress of a young man at the beginning of his career, for then usually his quality will
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HISTORY OF NEW HAVEN COUNTY.
appear. Mr. Simpson was now ready for independent business, and in partnership with another purchased Mr. Yale's Britannia ware in- dustry. We cannot enumerate in detail the vicissitudes of Mr. Simp- son's career before he became permanently settled in the great indus- tries, whose development was determined so largely by his discriminat- ing judgment and business ability. For a series of years change was as typical of that career as was success. In 1847 he sold out his Britannia and tin ware business, and soon after purchased the old flouring, wool carding and cloth dressing mills of Wallingford, known as the Humiston mills.
Just now experiments were making in the plating of metal by electricity, and Mr. Simpson was a pioneer plater, and probably the earliest manufacturer in this country to apply the process to hollow ware. The mills just purchased were soon fitted for the manufacture of electro-plated silver ware. But January 1st, 1854, this industry was merged in the Meriden Britannia Company, then one year old, Mr. Simpson becoming one of the directors and largest stockholders of the company. He now formed a partnership with his neighbor, Mr. Rob- ert Wallace, under the firm style of R. Wallace & Co., for the manu- facture of nickel silver spoons and forks, and leased the new concern a part of the Humiston mill property. This was a partnership limited to ten years, and the Meriden Britannia Company, which afterward became a partner, entered into contract to take the goods manu- factured. At the close of the ten year period, in 1865, Messrs. Simp- son and Wallace formed a joint stock company, under the title of Wallace, Simpson & Co., the capital stock being placed at $100,000. Mr. Simpson was chosen president. It was at this time that the ex- tensive plant located at the old Humiston site, dates its greatly in- creased growth. The next year, 1866, Mr. Simpson organized a new company, with the title of Simpson, Hall, Miller & Co., locating the factory for the manufacture of electro-plated silver ware on the east side of the village of Wallingford. Mr. Simpson became president of the new company. In 1871 he sold his interest in the joint stock con- cern of Wallace, Simpson & Co. to his partner, and organized the Simpson Nickel Silver Company to manufacture nickel silver goods. Mr. Simpson was chosen president also of this company.
This outline of the more important industries in which Mr. Simp- son has been a chief factor, gives evidence of his superior business ability already asserted. They absorbed a great deal of capital, and have employed many hands. And while able executive men have been associated with him in the development of these industries, it is beyond dispute that he has been the guiding genius and power, con- trolling and mapping out the lines of advances.
When his fifty years of business life had passed in the town in 1885, he thought to celebrate the event by inviting his coadjutors and business associates to a banquet. But no sooner was the festival
-
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HISTORY OF NEW HAVEN COUNTY.
placed in the hands of his friends than they made the event, not sim- ply an occasion of mutual congratulation among those who had been pleasantly associated for business in the town, but an ovation for him- self ; and not before did Mr. Simpson have any suspicion of the sort of person he was. He has since hardly known how to explain the happenings of that evening.
It is often a little surprising that men who control in chief part great private industries can find time for public duties. But the power to do the one seems to include the time as well as the power to do the other. Mr. Simpson is naturally very public spirited, taking pride in public works and improvements. Indeed, it is the testimony of his fellow-townsmen that he is quite without a peer in the promo- tion of public werks and the development of Wallingford, though his modesty or his unassuming nature does not allow him to think of himself as anything more than the ordinary citizen. He has been frequently called out to serve in various town offices, and has been a leader in the development and perfecting of the school system and the fire department of Wallingford.
Mr. Simpson also aided greatly in establishing the Dime Savings Bank of Wallingford in 1871, and has since been its president. In 1881 the First National Bank of Wallingford was chartered, and he became its president. Besides, at the founding of the First National Bank of Meriden, he subscribed for one-tenth of the stock, and has since been a director.
Mr. Simpson's political affiliations have always been with the Dem- ocratic party, of which he has been a distinguished representative. He was chosen to the general assembly of the state in the years 1846, '59, '65 and '79. He has served his party in the most prominent coun- sels, whether state or national.
In religion, Mr. Simpson is an Episcopalian and a member of St. Paul's church of Wallingford. He has borne the interests of Chris- tianity as manifest in his church with a fatherly love and pride. For more than thirty years he has been the senior warden, and during all his business life a principal supporter. His wisdom and devotion have borne the affairs of the parish through hard places. His gener- ous feeling is known throughout the parish, while the poor and the suffering have constantly received relief from his warm-hearted char- ity. And it is not too much to say that himself and his family are not only greatly respected in all the town, but genuinely beloved. His wealth and influence have seemed to him to be sacred trusts, and he must be the faithful steward both for righteousness' sake and for the account of his stewardship he must give some time.
Mr. Simpson was fortunate in choosing a kindred spirit for his .companion-Miss Martha De'Ette Benham, of Cheshire, Conn. They were married July 6th, 1835. She was the daughter of Joseph Ben- ham, whose ancestor of the same name was one of the original " plant-
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HISTORY OF NEW HAVEN COUNTY.
ers" of Wallingford. Six children have been born to them, four sons and two daughters, five of whom have passed away-Samuel Augus- tus, George Williams, Martha De Ette, Willis Duryee and Samuel George. Their mother, Mrs. Simpson, has erected a fine chapel, “St. Paul's Parish Building," in connection with the family church, as a religious memorial to them. The surviving daughter is Mrs. Eliza- beth Malinda, wife of Gurdon W. Hull, who reside with the parents in the spacious homestead, where the comforts and luxuries of life are plentiful.
F. C. Slate, born in 1840, in Franklin county, Mass., is a son of Chauncey J. Slate. He has been a merchant since 1873, and in 1883 he came to Wallingford and established the dry goods business which he is now conducting. He married Hattie A. Lewis, who died in 1889.
Fred. H. Smith, born in 1852, at Brasher, N. Y., is a son of Stephen and Harriet (Ober) Smith. He came to Wallingford in 1873. He was for eleven years a traveling salesman, and since 1884 has been carrying on the grocery business. He married Ida E., daughter of Asahel Talmage, and has one son, Leslie F.
George A. Smith, son of Charles A. Smith, was born in Hartford in 1860. He was a drug clerk for eight years in Waterbury, and in January, 1882, he came to Wallingford and purchased a drug business of H. C. Goddard, and moved it to his present store, corner of Colony and Centre streets. He has been first assistant engineer of the fire department three years. He is a member of Compass Lodge, No. 9, F. & A. M.
John P. Stevenson, son of Francis Stevenson, was born in 1860, at Clinton, Mass. He has been in the clothing business since 1876, and since 1883 at Wallingford. He is a member of the New England combination clothiers. He married Sarah L., daughter of Trumball and Josephine (Harrison) Jones, and granddaughter of Street Jones. They have one daughter. Josephine.
Colonel B. R. Townsend is a son of Nathaniel Townsend. He was a florist and market gardener at Austin, Texas, until 1877, when he came to Wallingford, where he has since been a farmer. In August, 1862, he enlisted in the First U. S. Sharpshooters, was afterward transferred to the 125th N. V. Volunteer Infantry as second lieutenant, Company D, then first lieutenant of Company F. After having been appointed major of 2d U. S. Colored Infantry, he was promoted to lieutenant colonel, and subsequently colonel, which rank he held when the regiment was discharged in January, 1866. He is a member of Wallingford Grange, No. 33, P. of H. He married Alice F., daughter of Reuben B. and Catharine L. (Perry) Merriman. They have three children: Frederick P., Edward B. and Alice.
Captain B. A. Treat, was born in 1842, at Oxford, Conn. He grad- uated from Cheshire Academy and from the normal school, and after
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HISTORY OF NEW HAVEN COUNTY.
teaching two years, began the wheel manufacturing business, which he has followed since that time. He is now president and treasurer of the Wallingford Wheel Company. He was captain of Company K, 2d Regiment, Connecticut National Guards, six years, until he resigned in 1888. He was six years warden of the borough, and representative in the legislature two years, 1888-9. He is also shell fish commis- sioner. He married Sarah Hill, and has six children: Charles C., Emma A., Eddie B., Kittie I., Frank L. and Marion A.
ROBERT WALLACE, manufacturer, was born in Prospect, Conn., November 13th, 1815. The two great branches of Anglo-Saxon stock on the soil of Great Britain, the Scotch and the English, are united in him. His father, James Wallace, though a small farmer of Prospect, had floating along his ancestry the heroic traditions and deeds of Scottish history, while his mother bore the name of Urania Williams, a name well embedded in English history and life.
It would be difficult to find a finer illustration of life-long, steady, persistent attention to business than Mr. Wallace. Many attempts have been made to turn him aside, many allurements have been thrown before him, such as entice most other men, but none of them have moved him in all his life from his single aim of being a first- class and foremost manufacturer in his special line of goods. He has been for many years one of the heaviest tax-payers in the town of Wallingford, and it has been the desire of many of his townsmen that he should serve them in official capacity, and receive the honors of the town, but he has as steadily withdrawn himself from all appear- auce of notoriety, and preferred his daily business routine to political emoluments.
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