History of New Haven County, Connecticut, Volume II, Part 86

Author: Rockey, J. L. (John L.)
Publication date: 1892
Publisher: New York : W. W. Preston
Number of Pages: 1138

USA > Connecticut > New Haven County > History of New Haven County, Connecticut, Volume II > Part 86
USA > Connecticut > New Haven County > History of New Haven County, Connecticut, Volume II > Part 86

Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).

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HISTORY OF NEW HAVEN COUNTY.

The ancestors of George M. Allerton were descendants of Isaac Allerton, one of the pilgrim fathers, he being in the eighth generation of that lineage. Isaac Allerton was born in England about 1583, and removed to Holland on account of his religious principles in 1609. Later he entered into the project to remove to America, and he and his family were among the passengers of the " Mayflower," who land- ed at Plymouth in 1620. His relative importance in the founding of that colony appears in his signature to the compact, his name being fifth on the list, those signing before him being Carver, Bradford, Winslow and Brewster. Besides being a man of wealth, he was just and fair-minded, with a tendency to more liberal views than some of his compeers, and his subsequent course in public matters gave of- fense to these colleagues. He also suffered financial misfortunes, and these circumstances led to his withdrawal from the Plymouth colony and to his settlement in New Haven about 1647. There he was occu- pied as a trader and shipmaster, ranking among those who were enti- tled to the prefix Mister in connection with their names. He built "a grand house on the creek, with Four Porches," on two acres of land, located where is now Union street, in the city of New Haven. There he died about the beginning of 1659, his estate being inventoried in February of that year. He was twice married and had five children, the fifth one being a son, Isaac, the only child by his second wife, Fear Brewster. This son was born in Plymouth in 1630, and graduated from Harvard in 1650. Like his father, he was a man of much ability, and became prominent in business affairs. He, also, had a son Isaac, born in New Haven in 1655, whose son, John, born in New Haven in 1685, had a son Isaac, in the fifth generation, born in 1724, at Norwich, who had a son, Jonathan, who was the father of the Joshua named above, and who was the grandfather of the subject of this sketch- Every generation of this branch of the Allerton family has had mem- bers of superior qualities, the honored name of Isaac Allerton, the Puritan, being thus worthily perpetuated.

George M. Allerton's family consisted of five children, the fruits of two marriages. He was first joined in wedlock October 5th, 1858, to Lois Mabbett, of Dover, New York, who died in February, 1865, leaving three sons, all born in New York city, namely: George Mil- ton, January 27th, 1860, who married Josephine D., daughter of Judge J. W. Webster, of Waterbury, June 20th, 1883, who is secretary of the rubber company; Charles Goodyear, September 9th, 1862; and Louis Mott, February 11th, 1865. The second wife, now the surviving widow, was Mary Alida, daughter of Reuben Leggett, of New York city, to whom he was married January 24th, 1877, at Naugatuck, where their two children were born: Anna Ogden, October 14th, 1877; and Robert Wade, August 14th, 1882. All the family now reside in Water- bury.

The recital of the early history of Mr. Allerton's life differs but very

young Tinky

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HISTORY OF NEW HAVEN COUNTY.

little from the story of the lives of most of our successful business men. He was taught to work in his boyhood and to depend upon his own efforts for a living. After serving as a clerk in a dry goods store, he began business for himself, becoming interested in the sale of rub- ber goods. He had no capital but his own energy and a natural capac- ity for affairs where prudence, pluck and perseverance, if judiciously exercised, are bound to ensure success. After having charge of the company's store in New York, he assumed the management of its · business in 1856, and his subsequent career, as expressed in the elo- quent language of his friend, Judge S. W. Kellogg, was as follows:

"The capital was then small, and somewhat impaired; its articles of production were very limited. While the Goodyear patent existed, the company's manufacture was confined pretty much to the articles indicated by its original name, for which only they had a license. For several years following the panic of 1857, it was a continued struggle of the company for existence. Men less enthusiastic, less energetic than Mr. Allerton would have given it up and sought other business. For two or three years during the war, the company was almost wholly engaged in the manufacture of goods for the army, especially for hos- pital and surgeon's supplies. The company sought no government contracts, but manufactured largely for Philadelphia and other con- tractors. When the war closed it found the glove company, with a large force of help, engaged almost entirely in the making of army goods. All that work came to a sudden end. Many companies in the country engaged in army work, like those making woolen blankets and cloths, were forced to stop for want of orders. It was then that Mr. Allerton's happy faculty and tact as a business man stood the com- pany in good stead. He was quick to foresee some new thing to which the use of rubber could be applied, some new article or some improve- inent upon an old one, which would take with the trade, as the say- ing is, and find a ready and a profitable market. The old Goodyear license no longer confined the company to a single class of goods.

"I think it was one great element in Mr. Allerton's successful man- agement of the business in those years, that he had the faculty of see- ing in advance what new things could be manufactured with profit, which would command a ready sale. And yet he was always modest in his own claims of what he did, giving credit to those associated with him for much of the company's prosperity. How often have I heard him speak of the invaluable services of his superintendent all these years, Mr. B. M. Hotchkiss, of Naugatuck. How often have I heard him speak of the successful management of the affairs of the company in New York by his associate, Mr. J. D. Vermeule, who to- day takes Mr. Allerton's place in the company. How often of late years have I heard him speak in high commendation of younger men who have come in with their assistance as the business has grown, in the office and factories and the stores in New York.

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HISTORY OF NEW HAVEN COUNTY.

" Mr. Allerton came from New York to Naugatuck in the year 1867, as the enlarged business of the company seemed to require his resi- dence here. It needs no poor words of mine to tell the people of Naugatuck how valuable a citizen they have lost. He came as a stranger to most of them, but he speedily identified himself with all their best interests. In town, school and all matters of public interest, he lent a hearty and a helping hand. With a load of business as heavy as any man ought to bear, he took in addition his full share of the public burdens. His good nature was such that he allowed his friends to impose more public and social work upon him, than he ever ought to have taken with all his other duties and cares.

"Every man has his faults and imperfections. Mr. Allerton had his, but his faults were on the side of generosity and honest impulse. He was nervous and impulsive, and ardent in espousing the side of any question that he believed to be right. If he differed with a man, it was a good-natured difference on his part. He had not one element of meanness or malice in his nature. He took no pleasure in speak- ing of the faults of another: he loved to talk of their good traits of character. He was full of generous charity wherever it was deserv- ing; and God and they only who received its benefits, knew all that he did to help others. The humblest man in his employment could go to him in trouble and find a friend."

Mr. Allerton was buried at Dover Plains, N. Y., his native village, in which he had never lost his interest, the last rites being performed by the Masonic fraternity, to which order he was much attached; and for him Allerton Chapter of Royal Arch Masons, of Naugatuck, was named. The benediction of Brother Kellogg expresses the high re- gard entertained for him by this brotherhood:

"Peace to thy ashes, and rest to thy soul, departed brother; and may we learn by thy example to be more charitable to others, to do more kindly deeds for our fellow-men, and to be more tender, loving and true to family and friends until the end."

George S. Andrew was born in Orange, Conn., in 1833, and mar- ried Harriet L. Scott, sister of Seabury Scott. They had eight chil- dren: Emina S., Samuel J., George W., Charles B .. and Bradford S., now living, and three that died in infancy. Samuel J. is in business in New Haven with his uncle, F. S. Andrew. Charles B. Andrew is in the boot and shoe business. Emma S. married J. Alvin Scott, and resides in Everett, near Boston, Mass. The rest of the family live in Naugatuck. Mr. Andrew died in 1888. He carried on a general store in Naugatuck a number of years, and afterward was in the coal, wood and lumber business. His son, George W., succeeded in the coal, wood and lumber business, in the spring of 1888. He had conducted the business five years prior to this for his father. George S. Andrew occupied a prominent place in the affairs of Naugatuck. He was post- master under Buchanan's administration, and held several town offices.

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HISTORY OF NEW HAVEN COUNTY.

George WV. was educated in the schools of Naugatuck, and took a course at Vale Business College. He married Mary A. Gillette, of Prospect, in 1883. They have three children: Alvin G., Leroy S. and Ruby.

Samuel N. Andrew, born in Orange, Conn., September 27th, 1824. is a son of Samuel, and grandson of William Andrew. Samuel, Sr., was born in 1800, married Salina Smith of Orange, Conn .. and settled there. They had five children: Samuel N., Caroline A., Esther L. (deceased), George S. (deceased), and Frank S. The father moved to Oxford, Conn., when Samuel N. was 14 years old, and he died in the village of Naugatuck in 1875. Samuel N. was educated at the com- mon schools and the Naugatuck High School, and chose the business of farming. He has been assessor, justice of the peace and mem- ber of the board of relief. He has been twice married: first, Octo- ber 26th, 1846, to Amelia Thompson of Oxford, by whom he had five children: Ella A., born May 13th, 1848; Floyd L., born June Sth, 1849; Noyes T., born July 10th, 1852; Esther L., born March 26th, 1858; and Frederick S., born December 18th, 1860. His wife, Amelia, died May 22d, 1885, and he married Adelaide U. Hall, of Waterbury, December 14th, 1886.

Canfield B. Booth, born in Roxbury, Conn., in 1844, is a son of Captain Ira and Louisa (Bishop) Booth. He came to Platt's Mills in 1866, remained there until 1870, then came to Naugatuck. Captain Ira Booth had eight children, of whom Canfield B. was next to the youngest. He was twice drafted in the war of the rebellion, but was too young to serve. He had three brothers that served in that war, and one died at Newbern, N. C. Mr. Booth married Catherine E. Roberts of Waterbury, and they have five children: Charles C., Grace L., Wil- liam H., Winfred G. and Edith M.

Andrew Brennan, born in Ireland December 15th, 1833, landed in America January 3d. 1855, went first to New Jersey, four months later removed to Hamden, Conn., and came to Union City in 1857. He was engaged with the Malleable Iron Company until 1877. In 1878 he established the business of the Union City Coal Company. He married Elizabeth Martin of Naugatuck, May 16th, 1858. She is a native of Ireland. They have nine children living.

Miles S. Clark was born in Prospect, Conn., June 8th, 1824. He commenced to learn the carpenter trade when he was 16 years old, and two years later came to Naugatuck, and finished his trade with Amos Hotchkiss. He was afterward engaged in the hoe shop of E. C. Tuttle. In 1861 he went to Canada and helped Mr. Tuttle put the machinery in a shop there. Returning to Naugatuck he worked at Platt's Mills 15 years, and has since been engaged in various enter- prises pertaining to his trade of builder and joiner. He moved to Union City in 1882, and lives in the old Clark Warner house. He married, in 1872, Adella E. Platt of Waterbury. They have two chil- dren: Allerton F. L. and Ludella S. G.

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HISTORY OF NEW HAVEN COUNTY.

Patrick Conran was born in the parish of Freshford, Kilkenny county, in Ireland, on St. Patrick's Day, 1827, came to this country in 1846, and finally settled in Naugatuck in 1849, where he has since re- sided. He is the oldest foreign born citizen in this town. He was the first one to collect a dollar for the Catholic church here in 1857, and before that he subscribed largely to aid in the erection of the first Catholic churches built in Waterbury and Birmingham, Conn. He has taken a deep interest in the improvement of the town, and has been a member of every committee appointed by the town since he resided here, wherein the town has been interested in making public im- provements. He drove a team from Naugatuck to New Haven before the railroad was built. He married Julia Purcell, who was born in the same county, and they have had four children : Thomas, Katie E., Mary A. and Lucy. Thomas has been selectman for 11 years. Mrs. Conran died in 1884. Although Mr. Conran has been a dealer in liquor, he has never tasted a drop of it or used tobacco in his life. He was pres- ent at the first funeral of a Catholic buried in Waterbury, Conn., Christmas Eve, 1847. He is now the largest individual owner of real estate in Naugatuck, and the fourth largest tax payer. In politics he has always been a democrat, and has never accepted any office, although often nominated.

Amos Culver, born in Naugatuck, April 21st, 1841, is a son of Josiah and Melina (Hotchkiss) Culver. She was the youngest daughter of Major Orin Hotchkiss, of Naugatuck. Josiah Culver was born in Naugatuck in 1799. His father was Amos Culver. Josiah died at the home of his son, Amos, in 1888. He had held most all the prominent offices of his town, and was a member of the legislature in 1863. He was a life long democrat and a self-made man. He was twice mar- ried. His first wife died, and in 1841 he married for his second wife, Abigail Hotchkiss. By his first wife he had one son, Amos ; by his last marriage, Josiah R., who died in 1880. Amos, the only one of the family living, received a common school education in Naugatuck, and first engaged in farming. For five years he was engaged in the mer- cantile trade in Naugatuck. He is a large real estate owner. He has held several of the most important offices in his town, such as justice and assessor, but his private business has prevented him from accept- ing office as he otherwise would. He married in 1872, Julia, daughter of Henry Church, of Seymour, Conn. He is at present building one of the finest blocks in Naugatuck, on the site where his father kept store for 20 years.

Harvey G. Denniston was born in Blooming Grove, Orange county, N. Y., August 23d, 1829, removed to Prattsburgh, Steuben county, N. Y., in 1857, and practiced law in Penn Yann, N. Y., until 1862. In that year he enlisted as private in Co. G., 107th regiment, N. Y. Vol., was commissioned as second lieutenant in 1862, and as first lieutenant in 1863. He was in the battles of South Mountain, Antietam, Freder-

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HISTORY OF NEW HAVEN COUNTY.

icksburgh, Chancellorsville, Gettysburgh, Falling Water and Lookout Mountain. He resigned April 4th, 1864, and was mustered as captain in the 188th regiment, N. Y. Vol. He served in the battle of Hatcher's Run, was A. A. A. general of the 2d Brigade 1st Division of the 5th Army Corps, and fought in the battles of Weldon Railroad, Dabney's Mills, the second Hatcher's Run, Lewis Farm, Gravelly Run and Five Forks. After the last battle he was brevetted lieutenant colonel, and colonel and brigadier general. He was in the Danville fight and was at Appomattox at the surrender of Lee. He was mustered out July 1st, 1865. He practiced law in Prattsburgh, N. Y., until 1872, when he removed to Connecticut. In 1874 he moved to Union City, where , he has since resided. He married, in 1870, Emogene A. Tuttle, of Auburn, N. Y. They have had one son, Franklin Tuttle, born October 25th, 1882.

William J. Freeman, born in Naugatuck March 9th, 1855, is a son of Pierce and Julia Freeeman. They were both born in Ireland, and came to this country and settled in the town of Naugatuck. William's father died when he was but four years old, and he lived with his mother until he was 9 years old, then went to work in a woolen fac- tory. He next worked on a farm, then one year on the New York & New England railroad. This work not being congenial to his taste, he went to work for L. B. Tucker, a butcher, then of Middlebury, Conn. He had never had the opportunity of acquiring an education, so 110w he hired out by the year, with a chance of three months schooling, for four years, which he greatly improved. He purchased the business of his former employer, and removed to Naugatuck. He does busi- ness in both Naugatuck and Millville. He was elected 3d selectman in 1889. He was married to Mary F. Booth of Long Island, in 1876. They have one daughter, Nellie E., born in 1880.

Billious C. , Hall, born in Wallingford, Conn., in 1834, is a son of Edward L. and Mary K. (Cook) Hall, and grandson of Deacon Josiah Hall. The Halls were among the earliest settlers in Wallingford, and are of revolutionary stock. Mrs. Edward L. Hall is still living. Billious C. came to Naugatuck in 1859. He has been twice married; first to Grace, daughter of Oliver and Harriet Evans, in 1859. She died in 1861, and in 1863 he married Addie, daughter of Asahel and Elizabeth Smith of Naugatuck. They have three sons: Clarence D., Edward C. and Louis H. Mr. Hall served nine months during the late war, in Company B, 27th Regiment Conn. Vol. He was in the bat- tles of Fredericksburgh and Chancellorsville, was taken prisoner at the latter battle and sent to Libby Prison, remaining there about 10 days, when he was paroled. He was discharged July 22d, 1863.

Thomas Hartle, born in England in 1833, came to this country in 1852, and settled in Union City. He was employed by the Union Knife Company until they burned out, and is now engaged in caring for his real este. He married Mary Drable, born in England. They

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HISTORY OF NEW HAVEN COUNTY.

have five children: Sarah Ann, Emily, Mary Elizabeth, Thomas and Lillie. They were all born in this country except Sarah Ann, who was born in England.

George Hine, son of Reuben L. Hine, of Middlebury, Conn., was born in that town December 31st, 1825. He was educated at the com- mon schools, and afterward studied the classics with N. J. Wilcoxson of Oxford. He studied surveying and after teaching school eight years, entered a store in Naugatuck, where he worked seven years. Then he commenced to study law, in 1857, with George F. Gardiner, of Naugatuck, and was admitted to the bar in 1860. He has practiced law in several different states, and always has had a lucrative practice. He has been twice married; first to Louisa P. Brown of Sandisfield, Mass., in 1856. They had one son, George Hine, Jr. Mrs. Hine died in 1858, and Mr. George Hine, Jr., died January 24th, 1890. Mr. Hine married for his second wife, Eliza J. Flynn, July 4th, 1858. They have four children: Sadie, Charles, Eliza J. and Don.

Charles B. Hoadley was born January 10th, 1832, in Waterbury, and came with his parents to Nangatuck. His pioneer ancestor was William H., who was born in England in 1630, landed in Saybsook in 1663 ; his name appears on the new Plantation Covenant book January 20th, 1667. He was one of the representatives of the town of Bran- ford for nine sessions. He was the father of William, 2d, who died May 2d, 1738. The latter was the father of William, 3d, born 1739, died 1825, who was the father of Jude. The latter died in 1822. He was the father of Asa, born 1772, died 1805 ; he the father of Erastus, and Erastns was the father of Charles Burton Hoadley, the subject of this sketch, who is engaged in blacksmithing. He served two terms in our late war ; enlisted first September 2d, 1862, in Co. H, 23d regi- ment, as corporal, and was discharged August 1st, 1863 ; the second time in the 3d Independent Battery as sergeant. He was in front of Petersburg from November 25th, till April 14th ; also received injuries on the march, for which he gets a pension. He is a member of the F. & A. M., of the G. A. R., and of the I. O. G. T. He married Lucinda Wooding, of Cheshire, December 14th, 1854. They have four children : Charles W., Howard B., Frank L. and Carrie A. Erastus William was sometimes called Skipper to distinguish him from William, the son of William. He is remembered as a man pos- sessing wonderful ingenuity. He was a very useful man to repair or improve the machinery used in his time. The gilt button burnishers employed at the Benedict shop in Waterbury would always wait for him to repair their lathes, believing that he could do it better than anyone else. It is said that he made a valuable improvement for mak- ing button eyes. It is also said that on one occasion he appeared on the street holding in his arms a button eye machine ; on one arm he carried a coil of wire, he working with vigor his machine while a stream of button eyes issued and fell to the ground. He died Feb-

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HISTORY OF NEW HAVEN COUNTY.

ruary 14th, 1836, a comparatively young man, at a time when the new era of invention was about to commence, for soon after his death there was a wonderful revolution in constructing new machinery. Had he lived, he probably would have been foremost in the planning of the new machinery made about that time. It is said that he often de- clared that he could send signals over a copper wire, but was laughed at, no one believing at that time that the telegraph would ever be used. He married Abigail B., daughter of Henry Porter. Their children were : Caroline, married Robert B. Hine, who is now deceased ; and Charles B.

Lemuel B. Hoadley, born in Naugatuck August 5th, 1830, is a son of Marshal and grandson of William Hoadley, all natives of Nauga- tuck. Marshal married Nancy Judd. They had seven children. Lemuel was the fourth child. One brother, John, lives in Nauga- tuck. Lemuel B. was first engaged in business in Naugatuck as a car- penter and joiner, and followed that trade until 1865, when he engaged with the G. M. R. Shoe Company, and has remained with them since, first in the mill room, and since 1880 as superintendent of the repair- ing department. He has been twice married. His second wife was Catharine Adamson, died March 11th, 1891. They had four children: William C., Mary, Nancy and David. Mr. Hoadley was selectman of tlie town in 1888 and 1889.

Burritt M. Hotchkiss was born in the town of Cheshire, Conn., in 1821, and died July 5th, 1891. At the age of 11 years, he went to Ohio. He received his education there, and engaged in farming. In the spring of 1844, he came East and settled in Naugatuck. He was employed for two years by the G. M. R. Shoe Company, then returned to Ohio, and remained there two years, and in 1848 came again to Naugatuck. In 1849, he began work for the G. I. R. G. Company. At this time there were only two other men at work in this factory, one . of them was the president. Mr. Hotchkiss was connected with this company from 1849 until his death. In 1856, he took charge of the factory, at which time the company employed five men and ten women. They now employ about 800 hands. In 1882 Mr. Hotchkiss was chosen vice-president of the company. He was twice married ; first to Adeline M. Hall, of New Hartford, Conn., in 1844. . They had three children: Robert, born 1849; Frank, born 1851; and Ella, born 1855, died 1881. Mrs. Hotchkiss died in 1873. His second wife was Emily J. Smith, of Naugatuck. His sons are both engaged in the rub- ber business; Robert with the Boston Rubber Company in Massachu- eetts, and Frank with the Fairfield Rubber Company in Fairfield, Conn.

Harry S. Hotchkiss, born in New Haven, October 27th, 1845, is a son of Lucius E. and Harriet L. (Cooper) Hotchkiss. He was educa- ted in Naugatuck, and at a boarding school in New Jersey. He learned the trade of a mason from his father, who came to Naugatuck in 1855.

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HISTORY OF NEW HAVEN COUNTY.

and built the brick part of the Malleable Iron Works, and also the masonry of the Congregational church. Harry S. came to Naugatuck about the same time, and has lived here ever since. He has been en- gaged in mason work in Naugatuck and other towns for the past 25 years. He married Miria R. Beach, of Winchester, Conn., daughter of Hezekiah Beach. They have a daughter, Cora I., married to Harry A. Bennett, of New York city. Mr. Hotchkiss has held the office of first selectman one year, and third selectman two years, and has been assessor two years. He is a member of the F. & A. M. of Naugatuck, has taken the 32d degree, and is a member of the Mystic Shrine at Bridgeport.

Hooker Hotchkiss, born in Bethany, Conn., in 1841, is a son of Eber and Thirza (Driver) Hotchkiss, the former born April 1st, 1797, died 1849, and the latter born September 30th, 1802. They had eight children: Dillazon, Gracia, Samantha, Jane, Samuel, Eliza, Eber and Hooker. Hooker moved to Naugatuck about 1875 and is engaged in farming and the real estate business. He married in 1888 Elizabeth Culver, daughter of Henry Hotchkiss of Cheshire.

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History of New Haven County, Connecticut, Volume II, Part 86

Author: Rockey, J. L. (John L.) Publication date: 1892 Publisher: New York : W. W. Preston Number of Pages: 1138

Author: Rockey, J. L. (John L.)
Publication date: 1892
Publisher: New York : W. W. Preston
Number of Pages: 1138