History of New Haven County, Connecticut, Volume I, Part 84

Author: Rockey, J. L. (John L.)
Publication date: 1892
Publisher: N. Y. : W. W. Preston
Number of Pages: 966

USA > Connecticut > New Haven County > History of New Haven County, Connecticut, Volume I > Part 84
USA > Connecticut > New Haven County > History of New Haven County, Connecticut, Volume I > Part 84

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Edward A. was educated at the Cheshire Academy, and was de- signed by his father for the medical profession. Ill health compelled him to relinquish that purpose, and he became a farmer at the village of Cheshire. For many years, however, nearly all his time was de- voted to public affairs. On the 11th of September, 1825, he married Eunice, daughter of Abijah and Jemima (Cornwall) Beach, of Chesh- ire, and after 64 years of married life she survives him. He died July 31st, 1889, full of honors and years. Four children were born to them, but one only reached the years of youth and manhood: Thomas Ed- ward, born December 8th, 1836, and died May 15th, 1873. The latter was married September 21st, 1857, to Mary E. Rice (born April 6th, 1838), and they were the parents of Doctor Edward Thomas, born Sep- tember 22d, 1858; and Mary E., born February 23d, 1865.

Judge Edward A. Cornwall was honored by his townsmen to an unusual extent. He filled nearly all the minor offices of the town, and served as clerk fourteen years, treasurer sixteen years, and select- man ten years. He was judge of the probate district of Cheshire nine years. His service as a notary public extended from 1833 until his death. He was also a county commissioner one term, and was elected as a representative from Cheshire in the state legislature in 1831, '32, '33, '44, and again in '73 and '74. In the session of 1833 his associate member was John A. Foote, son of Governor Foote, and after fifty years, in 1883, these two ex-legislators visited the house of represen-

Edward ACornwall

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tatives. The event was so rare that body took note of it, passing reso- lutions congratulating the happy occurrence, and presented copies of the same to these aged visitors. In 1837 he served as state senator from the Sixth senatorial district, in all these offices acquitting him- self to the satisfaction of his constituents. So favorably was he known and so well was his judgment esteemed that the superior court of the state appointed him 35 times to act in cases of arbitration. His neigh- bors manifested equal confidence in his business qualifications and integrity by entrusting him with the settlement of 150 estates, some of them involving large amounts of money and requiring most pru- dent management. In all these affairs every interest entrusted to him was well preserved. Few men in the town enjoyed public confidence to a greater degree or were more frequently consulted in private affairs than he. His convictions on all matters were clear and strong, and he expressed himself so tersely that his views generally carried conviction with them. In his habits he was methodical. industrious and frugal, which enabled him to acquire a competency.

Judge Cornwall was a democrat of the Jeffersonian school, and like that great statesman, firmly believed in the right of the people to govern themselves, which, coupled with his sturdy nature, was one of the attributes of his popularity among his townsmen. He was a mem- ber of the Congregational church, in which, and the society support- ing it, he held various offices.

Doctor Edward T. Cornwall, born in Cheshire September 22d, 1858, is a son of Thomas E. and grandson of Doctor Edward T. Corn- wall. His preliminary education was received at the Episcopal Acad- emy in Cheshire and at the Abbott School, Hartford. In 1877 he com- menced the study of medicine under Prof. Henry B. Sands. In 1881 he graduated from the College of Physicians and Surgeons of New York. He commenced the practice of medicine in the fall of 1881 at Meriden, Conn., where he remained until the fall of 1884. He then came to Cheshire and has practiced here since. Doctor Cornwall is a member of the New Haven County and State Medical societies. He is a member of the Masonic and Odd Fellows orders. In 1881 he was married to Sarah A. Morse, of Cheshire. They have one son. The doctor is a democrat, and has served one term in the legislature.

Alexander Doolittle, born in Cheshire in 1824, is a son of Amos, grandson of Amos and great-grandson of Amos, all natives of Chesh- ire. This is one of the pioneer families of Cheshire. The Doolittles were all Episcopalians except Alexander, who is a Congregationalist. In his younger days he worked at manufacturing oyster kegs for nearly 20 years, since which time he has followed farming. He was educated in the Episcopal Academy in Cheshire. He has held all the town offices except town clerk. In 1849 he married Mary A. Andrews, of Wallingford. They have three children: Judson A., born 1853, inarried Nellie F. Baldwin, and is engaged as civil engineer in Wood-

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lawn Cemetery, New York; Emma C., born 1856; and Edgar B., born 1858, a physician practicing in Pennsylvania.

Ira A. Doolittle, born in Cheshire in 1829, is a son of Levi and Esther Doolittle, who had ten children, nine of whom are living. Adolphus died in 1875, leaving a family of seven children. Three brothers live on the old homestead in Cheshire-Levi, Leonard and Ira A. Ira A. was educated in the common schools of Cheshire and at the Episcopal Academy of Cheshire. He married Margaret A .. daughter of Eben and Lucy (Barnes) Frisbie. They have one dangh- ter, Julia E., who is married to Charles B. Wallace, and has two sons: Bennie A. and Walter D. The family are members of the Congrega- tional church of Plantsville.

Leonard Doolittle, born in 1827. is a son of Levi and grandson of Ezra, all born in Cheshire. Levi Doolittle died in 1875. By his wife, Esther Tuttle, he had ten children, nine of whom are living. Leonard, the third son, was educated at the common school of Cheshire. He has been twice married; first to Mary Bristol, who died in 1856. His second wife was Marietta Hotchkiss, of Cheshire, whom he married May 26th, 1857. They have three children: William A., Emma E. and Louise S. Mr. and Mrs. Doolittle are members of the Advent church of Southington, Conn.

John L. Foote, born in 1817 in Cheshire, is a son of Doctor William L. Foote. He was educated in the Episcopal Academy of Cheshire. He was the youngest of six children, three of whom are now living in Cheshire: John L., Abigail H., born 1808. married Edward Doolittle, of Brooklyn, N. Y. (he died in 1837, since which time she has lived in Cheshire with her brother, John L.); and Eliza S., born in 1812. John L. Foote commenced business in Cheshire in the drug trade when 14 years old, and had not missed a day up to 1889. Doctor William L. Foote practiced medicine in Cheshire about 40 years and was a very prominent physician in his day. He died in 1849. He was a brother to Governor Foote, of Cheshire.

Ralph H. Guilford, born in Massachusetts in 1820, was a son of Micah and brother of Timothy Guilford. He came to Cheshire in 1850 from Waterbury, where he had been working in the button fac- tory. He helped establish the Cheshire Manufacturing Company, and was the die sinker a number of years. At the time of his death, in 1886, he was superintendent and secretary of the company. He mar- ried Martha A. Tolles, of Plymouth, Conn, in 1851. They have had two sons and three daughters: Emma J., died 1856: Irving T., died 1881: Annie A., Mary L. and Thomas H. Mr. Guilford was a Free- mason. He was a strong temperance man and took great interest in temperance work. He was a member of the Episcopal church in Cheshire, and was warden, secretary and treasurer of the society at the time of his death.

Timothy Guilford, born in Waterbury, Conn., in 1828, is a son of

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Micah Guilford, born in Williamsburgh, Mass. He had three sons who grew to manhood: Ralph H., Timothy and William O. Timothy Guil- ford was educated in the common schools and academy at Waterbury. He served an apprenticeship at tool making for the manufacture of cloth buttons. He came to Cheshire in 1859 and engaged with the Cheshire Manufacturing Company; was foreman of the cloth button depart- ment, making the tools for the manufacture of the same. He intro- duced an improved method for the manufacture of these buttons. In 1862 he assisted in enrolling a military company in Cheshire, and was elected captain of the same. The company was assigned to the 20th Connecticut Regiment, which participated in the great battles of Vir- ginia. He led his company in the battles of Chancellorsville and Get- tysburgh. This regiment was transferred to the army of the Cumber- land in the fall of 1863. He served until the spring of 1864, when he was discharged on account of ill health. He was next employed by the Waterbury Button Company to add the manufacturing of cloth buttons to their business. He was manager there for five years. In 1878 he engaged in the manufacture of a button made from pressed hoof. The company was located in Leominster, Mass. Under his management the business was a success, and in 1880 was removed to Babylon, Long Island, that it might be nearer to New York city. He is still connected with it. He was married in 1856 to Harriet J., daughter of Samuel Taylor, of Waterbury. They are both members of the Episcopal church of Cheshire. He is a member of the I. O. O. F. of Waterbury.

Samuel Hitchcock, born in Cheshire in 1813, is a son of Joseph Hitchcock, also born in Cheshire. Samuel was brought up on a farm and when 19 years old engaged in the mercantile trade, following that business until about 1860. He later engaged in manufacturing sus- penders, built the large factory at West Cheshire, and operated it as the Hitchcock Manufacturing Company. The factory was sold to the American Braid Company, and they afterward added the manufacture of vegetable ivory buttons. Mr. Hitchcock had the entire charge of these industries. He retired from active business in 1882. He was married in 1835, to Lucy S. Bradley, of Cheshire. They lost their last child in October, 1889. They celebrated their golden wedding in 1885.

REVEREND SANFORD JACKSON HORTON, D. D., widely known as the honored principal of Cheshire Academy and as an able minister of the Episcopal church, was born in Franklin, Mass .. September 24th, 1817. His father, Jabez Horton, a respected farmer of that town, was a son of Comfort Horton, of Rehoboth, Mass., who was a descendant of one of several Horton brothers who came from England to America at an early day. There is a tradition that from this same stock of Hortons originated the families of Haughton and Houghton. the name being changed or perverted to the latter forms. In England the fan-

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ily held a respectable position, and there is in that country a neat village bearing that name. His mother was Martha Miller, a daugh- ter of Philip Miller, also of the town of Rehoboth, and sister of Doctor Nathaniel Miller, who removed to Franklin, where he became one of the most distinguished physicians and surgeons in that part of the state, and was for many years the vice-president of the Massachusetts Medical Society. Others of the Millers also became prominent in professional life, and the family is one of the oldest in that portion of Massachusetts and Rhode Island. Jabez and Martha Horton reared seven children, Sanford J. being their youngest child, and is now the only survivor.

Early in his youth Doctor Horton evinced an inclination for pro- fessional life, and it was determined that he should be thoroughly educated. He prepared for college partly in Franklin Academy, but completed his studies for that end in the Worcester High School. Having increased his knowledge and experience meantime by teach- ing school himself, he entered Trinity College, at Hartford, from which he was graduated in 1843; and in 1869 that institution bestowed upon him the degree of D. D., which he had well earned and which he has worthily honored. After leaving college he began preparation for the work of the ministry by studying theology in the Episcopal Semin- ary at Alexandria, Va., completing that course in two years. In

August, 1845, he was ordained as deacon in the Protestant Episcopal church, in Providence, R. I., and as priest, in the same place, in 1846. In the same year he became rector of St. Andrew's church (now the All Saint's Memorial church), at Providence. From 1848 to 1852 he was the rector of Grace church, New Bedford, Mass., and the next ten years succeeding he was the rector of St. Paul's church, in Windham, Conn. The last rectorship ended his active work in the ministry, but he subsequently preached many times, in connection with his other duties, his discourses being thoughtful, vigorous and effective. Sev- eral of them, delivered on special occasions, have been published. As a minister he is esteemed a sound theologian, an able sermonizer and a pleasing and fluent speaker. The latter aptitude has well served him in his various addresses on many subjects not in the domain of his professional work, at meetings held in Cheshire and other places. On such occasions his speech has been most favorably heard, and was a potent factor in the cause in which it was evoked.

Having been elected principal of the Episcopal Academy at Chesh- ire, Doctor Horton resigned his charge at Windham and assumed his new duties January 1st, 1862, since which time he has been a citizen of this town. In this position he has achieved most creditable and note- worthy success. Under his energetic and prudent administration, continued more than thirty years, this old academy, founded in 1794, not only recovered its former prestige, which had given it local dis- tinction, but it became one of the foremost institutions of the kind

Wonder

S. J. Harlow

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in the entire southern part of New England. The number of stu- dents was increased four-fold, and the nature of the buildings was almost completely changed, being now one of the most extensive and best equipped academies in the state.

In his capacity as principal of the Cheshire Academy, Doctor Hor- ton has acquitted himself a wise teacher, a skillful disciplinarian and most efficient manager, his worth and merits being lovingly cherished by hosts of young men who have gone from this institution, half a score or more having completed its course yearly. His practical knowledge and able discernment enabled him to select an experienced corps of teachers, who loyally assisted him in thoroughly imparting the elements of an education which have made it possible for a large proportion of the former students to become successful professional and business men; and through the benevolent aid and kindly offices of Doctor Horton a number of deserving poor young men have also gone forth, well equipped for the duties of life. Their success is suf- ficient proof that his charity was not misapplied, and he has thus already received some of the rewards of a faithful teacher. Near the close of his 30th year he tendered his resignation as principal, to take effect July 1st. 1892.

Doctor Horton has found time, amidst his duties as an educator. to cultivate his love for literary pursuits, and he has contributed a number of articles for current periodicals. His genius for poetry, although cultivated only to a limited degree, has found expression in some beautiful poems, several of which have been published and have been well appreciated. Especially fine is his poem, "The Real and the Ideal," dedicated to his friend and co-laborer in the cause of edu- cation, the Reverend Charles William Everest, which was published in 1877, but which was first read before the alumni of Trinity College, June 27th, 1866. His " Centennial Poem " and " Centennial Hymn," read November 11th, 1890, to the members of Temple Lodge of Masons (of which order he is also a member), are masterpieces in beauty of diction and clearness of expression, as the following lines from the poem and the hymn will show:

"One hundred years ! No force can mortal bring' To check the speed of time's on-sweeping wing, Gone like a meteor, from the pathless skies, A flash, and vanished from our wondering eyes! How brief a century to our sight appears Set side by side with God's eternal years; Or measured onward in the time to be, By countless ages that are ours to see! One Hundred Years! How short indeed the span, Compared with thousands since the world began! By centuries count we, as on history's page We read the record of each passing age. Scan each event in panoramic view, The old soon passes, swiftly comes the new ."

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"O, God, our strength, whose guiding hand Through all our life appears, On Thee, alone, our hopes depend And wait the coming years.

"Though ceaseless roll the wheels of time, Obedient to Thy will, As centuries come and centuries go, Thou art unchanging still.

" Thy love Divine can never fail, But, like a fountain's flow, Shall constant spread its streams around And all its gladness know.

" The years eternal. God, are Thine, In this we rest secure, That Justice, Truth and Charity Most evermore endure."

Reverend S. J. Horton, D.D., was twice married. He was first joined in wedlock September 14th, 1846, to Annie E., daughter of Paschal Allen, of Warren, Rhode Island, who died September 13th, 1850, leaving two sons: Paschal, born February 2d, 1848, educated at Cheshire and Brown University, now resides at Saugus, Mass .; and Nelson Leprelitte, born August 1st, 1850, living in Boston. For his second wife Doctor Horton married April 20th, 1852, Sarah S., daughter of James S. Wickham, of Hartford, Conn., by whom he had two children: a daughter, Mary Elizabeth, born May 30th, 1859, who died June 7th, 1863, a most beautiful and lovable child; and a son, William Wickham, M. D., born November 8th, 1854. He was educated at Cheshire and the New York Medical University. Having inherited the Miller talent for surgery, he has become a very successful practi- tioner. He is now located at Bristol, Conn.

In his relations to the community, where for a score and a half of years Reverend Doctor Horton has resided, he has shown himself a public-spirited citizen, and has thoroughly identified himself with the best interests of this town. He has actively promoted the improve- ment of Cheshire, aiding its material development by building up his own property, and encouraged the location and operation of manu- facturing industries, to afford occupation for his fellow townsmen. He is esteemed a just man and a kind neighbor, and the popular re- gard shown for him by the hundreds of students he has instructed, and who have gone abroad, is also felt by those who come in contact with him at his home.

Henry Hotchkiss, born in Prospect, Conn., September 24th, 1812, is a son of Dyer Hotchkiss, also born in Prospect. Dyer moved to Naugatuck when Henry was one and one-half years old. The latter stayed with his father until he was 23 years old, when he married Rosett Beecher, of Naugatuck, and moved to Sharon, Conn. He was

Daniel Houmiston

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HISTORY OF NEW HAVEN COUNTY.

engaged in hauling ore and iron there seven years. Through the rascality of his employer he lost all his earnings, and left there $800 in debt. He removed to Waterbury, and engaged in teaming between that place and New Haven for eight years, and during that time paid his debts, and was able to move to Cheshire in 1853, and buy a farm there. In 1864 he moved to the farm on which he now resides, and contracted with the Stamford Manufacturing Company to draw the baryta from the mines to the railroad. He was thus engaged until 1873. During the first two years he drew 1,000 tons a month, for which he received from 75 to 95 cents a ton. He carted coal back from the railroad to the mines, receiving the same price per ton. He has had seven children. One son died in the army.

DANIEL HUMISTON was born in Cheshire September 23d, 1788. He was a son of Jesse and Lois (Doolittle) Humiston, who were descend- ants of early settlers in Wallingford, and had two sisters and two brothers: Lois, who died aged 20 years; Alma, who married Samuel Hall; Jesse A. and John, all of whom deceased in Cheshire, where the family became well known.

At the age of three years young Daniel received a physical in- jury which it was thought would unfit him for the active work of farm life, when it was determined to prepare him for a profession. He now pursued a thorough course in the Episcopal Academy of his native town, from which he graduated at the age of 17, his scholarship being highly commended by his teachers and classmates. His ailment having, meantime, much improved, he resolved to engage in farming, to which occupation he was always partial. He industriously pursued that vocation as his lifework, and was rewarded with a fair measure of success. When 28 years of age, June 16th, 1816, he married Juliana, a daughter of Jared and Achsah (Doolittle) Ives, also of Cheshire, and located on a farm of his own, in the southwestern part of the town, three miles from his father's homestead. Here, after a long but quiet life of usefulness, he died October 22d, 1865. His wife preceded him in death, December 23d, 1833. They had a family of three chil- dren: Chauncey I., who resided on the home farm until his death, November 11th, 1884; John D., who was a business man in New York city, where he died January 19th, 1867; and Julia A., the only daughter and surviving member of the family, who is now the owner of the homestead.

Daniel Humiston was a modest, unobtrusive man, with no inclina- tion for public life, but his townsmen, appreciating his good qualities, called him to serve in various offices, and in 1840 elected him as one of their representatives in the state legislature. In politics he was a whig, and later a republican. Mr. Humiston was reared a church- man, and until his death was a leading member of St. Peter's parish of Cheshire. He served on the board of vestrymen and for many years was the parish clerk. In the welfare of the church he was

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HISTORY OF NEW HAVEN COUNTY.

warmly interested, and conformed his life to its precepts. In all his dealings he had the esteem of his fellow men, who loved and honored him for his force of character. The example of life richly deserves imitation, for the world is always made better by having in it such men as was Daniel Humiston.

George R. Ives, born in Cheshire in 1841, is a son of Charles Ives, whose children were: George R., Charles E., Mary C. and Lucy M. George R., the eldest, was brought up on the farm, and for a number of years worked at farming with his father. When 26 years old he commenced the business of market gardening, which he followed until 1884, when he gave it up on account of ill health and moved to the village of Cheshire. He was married in 1867, to Grace A. Hart, of Wallingford, Conn. They have one adopted son, Herbert D., born in 1874. Mr. Ives has served one term in the legislature, and has been selectman six years.

TITUS B. IVES, of Cheshire, is a descendant in line of John Ives, one of the first planters of Wallingford. One of his sons, Joseph, born in 1672, located in the southwestern part of the old Wallingford " West Farms," now Cheshire, in 1694, and was one of the very first settlers of this town. He was a deacon of the first church organized here, and in his day one of the leading and most useful men. His son, Joseph, was the father of sons named Stephen and Titus (the third generation in Cheshire). The latter was born in 1747 and died while a soldier in the revolution, at Harlem, in 1777. He left three sons: Joseph, Chauncey and Titus, who was the grandfather of Titus B. Ives.

In 1796 Titus Ives married a daughter of the above Stephen Ives, and of their family of ten children six grew to mature years: Benajah, Joel, Stephen, Luther, Augustus and a daughter, who married Samuel H. Hickox. The oldest son, Benajah, born February 26th, 1798, be- came one of the most useful men of the town in the present century, and was very influential.

Benajah Ives was married to Mary A., daughter of Samuel Ufford Beach, of Cheshire, and lived in the Ives homestead, built in 1796, which was burned to the ground January 11th, 1891. For many years he carried on farming and the manufacture of oyster kegs, being suc- cessful in both occupations. He died much lamented July 29th, 1868; his widow, Mary A., deceased September 3d, 1879, at the ripe age of 80 years. Three of their children lived beyond the years of youth: Titus B., Frederick A., who died July 14th, 1858, aged 20 years; and Caroline, who married William Allen.

Benajah Ives was a man of good spirits and many excellent parts. He was enterprising, active and possessed a fine judgment of affairs. These traits commended him to his townsmen, who called him to fill many offices of honor and trust. In addition to his services in many town offices, he was elected to the state legislature, as a representative

Situs B. Aves

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from Cheshire, six terms, from 1828 to 1839, and was chosen state senator in 1840. By his associates in these bodies he was highly es- teemed. The superior court also appointed him a number of times to serve on boards of arbitration, and his advice on other matters was much regarded. In the Congregational church and society he took an active interest and was one of the committee which selected the site for the present meeting house. He also served these bodies in vari- ous official capacities, and in every moral movement was on the side of truth and right.

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History of New Haven County, Connecticut, Volume I, Part 84

Author: Rockey, J. L. (John L.) Publication date: 1892 Publisher: N. Y. : W. W. Preston Number of Pages: 966

Author: Rockey, J. L. (John L.)
Publication date: 1892
Publisher: N. Y. : W. W. Preston
Number of Pages: 966