USA > Connecticut > Litchfield County > Woodbury > History of ancient Woodbury, Connecticut : from the first Indian dead in 1659 to 1872, Vol. II > Part 56
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).
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 | Part 46 | Part 47 | Part 48 | Part 49 | Part 50 | Part 51 | Part 52 | Part 53 | Part 54 | Part 55 | Part 56 | Part 57 | Part 58 | Part 59 | Part 60 | Part 61 | Part 62 | Part 63 | Part 64 | Part 65 | Part 66 | Part 67 | Part 68 | Part 69 | Part 70 | Part 71 | Part 72 | Part 73
As a teacher, Dr. Mitchell took great pains in inculcating the first principles of science. These he set forth distinctly, in the very beginning of his instructions, and he never let his pupils lose
1441
HISTORY OF ANCIENT WOODBURY.
sight of them. When brilliant and complicated phenomina were presented for their contemplation, he sought not to excite their wonder, or magnify himself in their eyes, as a man of surprising acquirements, or as a most dexterous manipulator, but to exhibit such instances as most clearly set forth fundamental laws, and de - manded the exercise of a skillful analysis. Naturally of a cautious disposition, such had been his own experience, and so large was his acquaintance with the experience of others, that he was not easily excited, when others announced unexpected discoveries among the laws and the phenomina which he had been studying for years, as they appeared. While others were busy prophesying revelations in social or political economy, he was quietly awaiting the decisions of experience. He consequently taught his pupils that there were times wherein they must turn from the voice of the charmer, charm he ever so sweetly. His influence on the de- velopments of science was eminently conservative, for he loved the old landmarks. As a disciplinarian he was vigilant, consci- entious, long-suffering, firm and mild. Believing that the preven- tion was better than the cure of the ills of a college life, he was constantly watching to guard the students from a violation of the rules of morality, and common propriety. When offences were committed, to the offender he set forth his conduct in its true light, and often in very plain language. But when punishment was to be inflicted, he generally proposed that which appealed to the culprit's better feelings, and left him a door open for a return to a better mind, and an earnest attempt for his reformation. Many cases are known where such unwearied and unostentatious kindness has produced the happiest results. How widely extend- ed it was no one can tell now, for it was almost always shown to the receiver alone. It sprang from a love to man and fear of God, for Dr. Mitchell never feared the face of his fellow.
Dr. Mitchell enjoyed being busy. Neither laziness nor idleness entered into his composition, so that he always had something that he was doing heartily. Besides being a professor, he educa- ted his own children, and especially his daughters, to a degree not often attempted. He was a regular preacher in the College Chapel, and in the village church, the College Bursar, a Justice of the Peace, a Farmer, a Commissioner for the village of Chapel Hill, and at times its magistrate of Police. Whatever plans he laid were generally sketched on a large scale, and when executed, they were, commonly, well done. Although a man of strong feelings,
1442
IIISTORY OF ANCIENT WOODBURY.
his excitement rarely lasted long, and he did not harbor resent- ment, even when he had to remove unjust suspicions, or forgive unmerited injuries. His generosity was abundant, and was often appealed to, again and again. No friend of his ever asked him for help without getting all he could give him.
Such were the leading characteristics of Dr. Mitchell, who loved God, and everything he had made; and now, while colleagues mourn for one, who counselled with wisdom, and executed with vigor-while men of science miss the co-operation of a learned associate, members of the Cabinet and Ministers to foreign coun- tries, with Senators and Representatives in Congress, Governors of the States, with their Judges and their Legislators, Ambassa- ders from the Court of Heaven, and men of renown in the pro- fessions, learned professors, with famons school-masters, and thou- sands of other pupils in more retired positions, rise up in all parts of our country, to do their revered preceptor high honor. His bow abode in strength to the last, neither was his natural force abated. He died as Abner died, and because they loved him, unlettered slaves, as well as mighty men, followed his bier weeping.
Dr. Mitchell perished on Saturday, June 27th, 1857, in the 64th year of his age. He attempted alone to descend Mount Mitchell, the highest peak of the Black Mountain, which is in Yancey Co., N. C. But a thunder storm detained him on the mountain, so that it was evening and dusk, as he was groping his way down the mountain's sides. Not far from nineteem minutes past eight-for his watch marked that time-he pitched headlong some forty feet down the precipice, into a small, but deep pool of water, that feeds the sugar Camp Fork of Carey River. At the bottom of this pool he was found, July 8, 1857, by Mr. Thomas D. Wilson, who, with some 200 other mountain men, were seeking for him in every glen on the sides of that fearful mountain mass. This was the fifth visit that Dr. Mitchell had paid to the Black Mountain, the others being 1835, 1838, 1844 and 1856, respective- ly. His object this time was partly personal, and partly scientific. He wished to correct the mistakes into which some had been led, concerning his earlier visits, and to compare the indications of the Spirit Level and the Barometer, that future explorers of mountain heights might have increased confidence in the results afforded them by these instruments. His untimely end left both parts of this work to be completed by the pious hands of others.
Dr. Mitchell was buried in Aberville, N. C., July 10th, 1857, by
1443
HISTORY OF ANCIENT WOODBURY.
the side of one of his College mates. But at the earnest solicita- tion of many friends, and especially of the mountain men of Yan- cey County, his family allowed his body to be disinterred and de- posited on the top of Mount Mitchell, the highest mountain peak east of the Rocky Mountains. This was done June 16th, 1858. There he shall rest till the Judgment Day, in a mausoleum such as no other man has ever had. Reared by the hand of Omnipo- tence, it was assigned to him by those to whom it was given thus to express their esteem, and it was consecrated by the lips of elo- quence, warmed by affection, amidst the rights of our Holy Reli- gion. Before him lies the North Carolina he loved so well, and served so faithfully. From his lofty conch, its hills and vallies melt into its plains, as they stretch away to the shores of the Eastern ocean, whence the dawn of the last day, stealing quietly Westward, as it lights the mountain top first, shall awake him earliest to hear the greeting :- " Well done good and faithful ser- vant."
SIMEON H.
Was born in Woodbury, in the house near Freckerick M. Mi- nor's, in Transylvania. He was admitted to the Bar in 1831, re- moved to Stamford, and resided there the remainder of his life. He rapidly won a high position at the Fairfield County Bar, of which he was a prominent member till his death, Aug. 2d, 1840. The Stamford Advocate of that week paid a high tribute to his professional ability. "Possessed of a strong mind, and sound legal judgment, no member of the Bar commanded a larger share of practice, until his health began to fail him, than he. For fourteen years he discharged the duties of the office of State's attorney. He represented his town six sessions of the Legislature, and was Judge of Probate several years. In the discharge of all his offi- cial duties, he was prompt and efficient. He married in Stamford, May 31, 1812, Catherine Lockwood, of Greenwich. They had children : James Hinman, born Nov. 17th, 1813 ; Hou. William Thomas, born Oct. 3d, 1815 ; and George Albert, born June 19th, 1817. His wife died March 29th, 1819.
.
1444
HISTORY OF ANCIENT WOODBURY.
HON. WILLIAM THOMAS MINOR, LL.D.,
Son of Simeon H. above. He graduated at Yale in 1834, and studied law with his father. After being admitted to the Bar, he commenced the practice of the law in his native town of Stam- ford, where he continued to reside. He has always been popular at home, and his townsmen, from the first, had looked to him as a leader for them in all local movements for the prosperity of the town. IIe has represented the town in the Legislature seven times, and once his distriet in the Senate. In 1855, he was chosen Governor of Connecticut, and was re-elected the next year. He received, in 1855, the honorary degree of LL.D, from the Wes- leyan University, at Middletown. In 1864, he was appointed, by President Lincoln, Consul-general to Havana, which office he re- signed in 1867. He married, April 16th, 1849, Mary C., daughter of John W. Leeds, Esq., of Stamford. They have had five chil- dren, of whom two are now living-a son, who is a graduate of the University of Munich, Bavaria, and a daughter.
On returning from Havana, he was chosen to represent his town . in the State Legislature , and by the Legislature he was appointed judge of the Superior Court of the State, which position he now holds. 1
1 REV. BENJAMIN C. MEIGS.
Rev. Mr. Meigs was the son of Dr. Phineas Meigs by his wife Sarah, who was the youngest daughter of Capt. Isaac Tomlinson, of Woodbury, and was cousin of the late Mrs. Harriet J. Bene- diet, widow of Hon. Noah B. Benedict. He was born in Bethle- hem, where his father, mentioned on page 387, was then a practi- sing physician. The father studied medicine with Dr. Joseph Perry, of Woodbury, and practiced his profession five years at Norwalk, before his removal to Bethlehem. The mother of the subject of this notice lived to be more than 90 years old, before her death at Quakers' Farms, Oxford.
Rev. Mr. Meigs graduated at Yale College in 1809. Studied theology, and went as a missionary to the island of Ceylon, where he remained for more than forty years, in faithful and successful efforts for the conversion of the heathen. He then returned to this country, and was engaged in the service of the Bible House, at New York, till his death, a few years ago.
1 Huntington's Hist. of Stamford.
1445
HISTORY OF ANCIENT WOODBURY.
HON. CHARLES BARTLETT PHELPS.
Quite a full account of the life of Judge Phelps, appears on page 394. Since that date he has deceased, and a more extended account, written by his son-in-law, Rev. Alonzo Norton Lewis, of New Haven, Conn., is introduced here. Mr. Lewis studied law in the office of Judge Phelps, and was admitted to the Litchfield County bar; but on account of failing health he was obliged to go South. On recovering it, he studied theology, and was admitted priest. Since then he has acted as Rector in Bethlehem, Conn., Dexter, Maine, and Marblehead, Mass. He resides now at New Haven, Conn .:-
" Charles Bartlett Phelps was born at Chatham, now Portland, Conn., May 31st, 1788. He was the eldest son of Dr. Elisha Phelps, a physician of some repute. He entered the Litchfield Law School, when he was only eighteen years of age, where he had as fellow-student John C. Calhoun, John M. Clayton, and others, who have since become illustrious as lawyers, jurists, and statesmen.
So assiduously did he apply himself to his studies, in order to keep pace with his fellow-students, most of whom had the ad- vantage of age and a superior education, that his health failed. In his Diary may be read frequent entries like the following :- " Stud- ied eighteen hours this day." At last, being threatened with pulmonary disease, he left Litchfield for Woodbury, where he en- tered his name as a student with Hon. Noah B. Benedict. Here he became an inmate of the house which he occupied until his death-since known as the "Judge Phelps Place," but more re- cently as the " Parker Academy."
In 1809 he married Elsie, youngest daughter of the Rev. John Rutgers Marshall, first Rector of St. Paul's Church, Woodbury. The following are his children by this marriage. George Butler Phelps, of Pittsburgh, Pa., Charles Elisha,* Edward Marshall, Judge of the Ohio District Court, St. Mary's, O., John Rutgers, Paolo, Ill., Susan Moseley, wife of Daniel Judson, Esq., Ogdens- burgh, N. Y., and Elisha.
He married, 2d, Amanda, daughter of Dr. Joseph Parker, of South Farms, now Morris. Children by this marraige, Elsie Amanda, and Sarah Maria, wife of the Rev, Alonzo Norton Lewis,
* Deceased.
1446
HISTORY OF ANCIENT WOODBURY.
a clergyman of the Protestant Episcopal Church, now of New Haven, Conn.
After the usual course of study, he was called to the Bar, and was a trusted and honored counsellor and advocate, to the day of his death. He was Judge of Probate for the District comprising Woodbury, Bethlehem, Southbury, and Roxbury,2 from 1823 to 1834; and was re-appointed in '35, '36, '37, '42, '43, and '46 ; and again from 1849 to 1858, when his age rendered him ineligible. During the twenty-five years that he held this most responsible office, he never had a decision reversed by the higher courts. He was elected most of the time " by favor," the I'robate Distret be- ing largely against him in politics.
He was a member of the Connecticut House of Representatives in 1831, '37, and '52. The latter year he was chosen Speaker. In 1843 he was a member of the Senate and President of that body. He was Postmaster of Woodbury from 1831 to 1841. In 1850 he was appointed Judge of the County Court for the County of Litchfield, and was re-appointed in 1852. He was admitted to the Bar of the Supreme Court of New York.
On the 21st of Dec., 1859, he was present at a meeting of the Committee appointed by the Connecticut Legislature to superin- tend the erection of a monument to Col. Seth Warner, an officer of the Revolution. The Committee, (of which Judge Phelps was chairman,) met in Roxbury, at the house of Nathan Smith, Esq. Gov. Buckingham and other distinguished citizens were present. He was addressing the Committee and other gentlemen, upon the subject under discussion, when he suddenly paused, as if hesita- ting for a word, put his hand to his forehead, sank back into his chair, and expired without a struggle, aged seventy years, six months and twenty-one days.
No one ever saw Judge Phelps without being struck with his genial face, portly form, and dignity of manner. No one ever knew him intimately, without becoming deeply attached to him. For more than two years, the writer of this sketch was most con- fidentially and intimately associated with him, and he has no hes- itation in affirming that " he was a man, take him all in all, we shall not look upon his like again!" Born soon after the Revo- lution, and familiarly acquainted with many of the actors in that great drama, he was a connecting link between the generation of '76 and the present. In his tastes and habits, a " gentleman of the
2 Since erected into a District.
1447
HISTORY OF ANCIENT WOODBURY.
old school; " with a high-toned sense of honor too rarely found in these modern times ; his mind unnsually stored with that knowl- edge which only habits of observation can inspire; a never-failing flow of wit, and anecdote, and keenest irony, if the occasion de- manded ; of great power as a public speaker and an advocate; full of " wise saws and modern instances," and quaint sayings and comparisons, which convulsed the listener with merriment ; a kind and unselfish neighbor; an ever faithful and sympathizing friend ; strong in his likes and dislikes; a man who read character at a glance ; hospitable, charitable, and generous to a fault,
" As many a beggar and impostor knew ;"
though a lawyer a peace-maker ; (his proudest boast being that he " had settled more cases than he had tried) ; " to those who knew him in the sanctity of his home, (whatever he may have seemed to the world), a man of deep religious feelings and yearnings; in the language of another,
" Not, like too many, worser than he seemed, But always better than himself had deemed ; 1
Charles B. Phelps, " the old Judge," will never be forgotten, so long as there is one who knew him left to cherish his memory !
" The upright judge, the wit, the mind intent, With the large heart, that always with it went, Passing his years among us, softened, sage, Almost the feature of another age .-
. In one dread moment sent to that far shore,
Where praise nor blame shall ever reach him more."?
On learning of the death of Judge Phelps, a large public meet. ing was held at the Town Hall, to express in an appropriate man- ner the sentiments of the people, at their sudden and great loss.
Rev. Wm. T. Bacon ofiered some very laudatory resolutions in relation to the character of the deceased, accompanied by some eloquent and feeling remarks. The author responded as follows, after which the resolutions were unanimously passed :-
MR. CHAIRMAN :- I cheerfully and heartily second the resolu. tions just offered by my Rev. friend, Mr. Bacon. There are times
* Rev. W. Thompson Bacon's Woodbury Centeniel Poem, July 4th, 1859. 2 Ibid.
1448
HISTORY OF ANCIENT WOODBURY.
when a whole community is brought to a sudden pause, by some unexpected calamity. If a thunder-bolt should fall out of a clear, sunny and serene sky, all would be shocked, startled, electrified. In such a manner as this, fell the intelligence of the decease of our honored fellow-townsman, Hon. Charles B. Phelps-suddenly and unexpectedly, while he was in the act of discharging a public and patriotic duty, upon our affrighted ears, two short evenings ago. The deceased had gone to Roxbury, on Tuesday morning, to meet the Committee on the Warner Monument. He had left his house in a very cheerful state of mind, and at the moment the grim mes- senger of death approached, he was addressing the Committee on the subject which had called them together. Raising his hand in his accustomed manner, when about addressing a pointed remark, he faltered, fell back, and his hand remained raised in the rigidity of death. Thus suddenly was he called to meet his God. Truly did he "die with the harness on." And beautiful is it to die thus, if we are prepared to hear the dread summons to another world. It seems more like translation than death.
Although, my friends, I feel as the senior surviving attorney of this town and vicinity, though young in years, there is a peculiar fitness in my responding to these resolutions, and the more espe- cially as my relations of friendship and professional courtesy with the deceased, were of the most intimate and pleasant character, yet since the mournful news met me at the cars on yesterday noon, having been engaged in such offices of kindness to the bereaved family, as my deep sympathy with their great affliction dictated, I have not had a moment to make fit preparation to direct your thoughts or collect my own.
It gives me much satisfaction to speak of our pleasant profes- sional relations. Our departed friend was, in every sense of the word, an honorable practitioner. He was particularly urbane in his practice. During the last thirteen years, being for the greater part of the time the only lawyers in this town, he and I have been almost constantly on opposite sides in the trial of cases, and yet I speak it to his unusual praise, that he has not called me three times before the Court, to decide any of the preliminary questions which arise previous to the trial of cases; nor have I had occasion to call him three times before the Court, for a like purpose. We al- ways agreed on such points, and it was very pleasant to do so. He was kind-hearted and genial in his disposition-emphatically so. He possessed a keen knowledge of the character and motives
1449
HISTORY OF ANCIENT WOODBURY.
of men, and often have I seen him, when asperities arose in a case, as they will, and must sometimes arise, by the dexterous use of his never-failing fund of wit and humor, turn that into a hearty laugh " all round," which might otherwise have turned into an exchange of blows. The same trait of character enabled him to learn the secrets of the camp of his antagonist, and to interpose at the op- portune moment, to arrest the progress of litigation, and settle contested cases. He always avoided a trial, if possible. He often said to me that he intended to so live, that one thing of truth could be said of him, when he was dead; and that was, that he " had settled more lawsuits than any other lawyer in his part of the State." And this can be truly said of him. He would allow canses to go on a while in Court, but he generally found the favor- able moment to settle them without trial.
A man of superior intellect, such as the deceased certainly had, cannot reside as he did, for fifty years, in a community, without becoming identified with every fibre of its institutions. It is no matter that you may be opposed to him and his views in politics, in religion, in everything. He will have a hold upon you -an abiding influence in the community. The death of such a man is a public loss. It is a removing of the " ancient landmarks." We do well, then, to meet in this public manner to commune of our public loss.
This is an occasion, the full import of which should sink deep into our hearts. As we gather thus mournfully together, and gaze into the open grave of our departed friend, it becomes us to consider " what shadows we are, and what shadows we pursue." Here we may take an effecting view of the follies and vanities of life. Here we may consider how much sorrow and misery we cause each other, and how heartlessly we often destoy each other's happiness and our own. It is well to pause on the brink of the grave, and learn useful lessons for our future lives. May we here pledge each other to imitate the virtues of the deceased, avoid his errors, and labor earnestly for the happiness of our race, while life remains. All animosities, if any existed, in noble minds, end here. There are no contests in the grave. But I will not detain yon longer. I know full well your own thoughts outrun my words, and more eloquently express your feelings.
1450
HISTORY OF ANCIENT WOODRURY.
REV. JOIIN PURVES, A. M.
Mr. Purves is a native of Scotland, studied law in the city of Edenburgh, came to the United States in 1834, studied theology and was ordained Deacon in the Diocese of Conn. in 1840, and Priest in 1841, by Bishop Brownell. He was Rector of St. Mat- thews' Church, Wilton, from 1840 to 1843; of St. Thomas' Bethel, from 1843 to 1845; at Humphreysville, from 1845 to 1847; at Bethel again, from 1847 to 1853; was next, Rector of Christ Church, Westport, from 1853 to 1860; Rector of Holy Trinity, Westport, from 1860 to 1862 ; Rector of St. Paul's Wood- bury, from 1863 to the present date.
IION. IIENRY SHELTON SANFORD, LL.D.,
Son of Nehemiah C. Sanford, was born in Woodbury. After receiving his education, he engaged for a time in mercantile pur- suits. But, for a long period of years, he has been exclusively engaged, in one position or another, in the diplomatic service of the country. He has been Secretary of Legation to France and Spain, and Minister to Belgium. During the War of the Rebel- lion, he made patriotic presents of improved cannon for the ser- vice.
DR. AVERY JUDD SKILTON.
This skillful, intelligent and conscientious physician, was the son of James and Chloe (Steele) Avery, and born Feb. 1, 1802, at Woodbury. He was, during his life, an intimate friend of the writer, and he desires to record his worth upon these pages. The following account is taken principally from the Troy Daily Times, N. Y., of the date of March 22d, 1858 :-
" Death, the busy reaper of Life's harvest, has stricken down one of nature's noblemen. Dr. Avery J. Skilton is dead. After a long and painful illness, he has gone to obtain the reward of a well-spent life. The hopes of recovery, based upon more favorale symptoms of his case, have been sadly and finally disappointed. ' The golden cord is loosened, and the silver pitcher broken at the
HISTORY OF ANCIENT WOODBURY. 1451
fountain.' In stopping to pay the merited tribute to one we have so long known and so highly esteemed, a flood of conflicting emo- tions crowd upon us. What the heart feels, the pen is powerless to trace.
" Dr. Skilton died shortly after four o'clock on Saturday after- noon. On the 6th of December, he was seized with a violent pul- monary attack, which confined him to his room. He persisted, however, in attending to his professional duties, at intervals of comparative relief from pain, until the 10th of December, when he was obliged to resign himself to an invalid's couch. From that day, he never left his room. His disease was of a most severe and aggravated nature, and completely prostrating in its effects. A life of unremitting labor in a toilsome ard hazardous profession had broken down a constitution naturally robust and vigorous, and he wasted rapidly away. It was only at intervals during his confinement that he was able to converse, and only once during the long period was he observed to smile. On Thurs . day last, he became partially delirions, and it was not until imme- diately preceding his death that he was able, and then apparently only by a great effort, to comprehend the queries propounded to him, and respond to them coherently.
" Dr. Avery J. Skilton was born at Woodbury, Litchfield Co, Conn., on the 1st of February, 1802. He was descended from pure revolutionary stock,-his ancestors having been among the earliest settlers in the locality, and his great-grandfather the first practising physician in the vicinity, He retained until his death the mortar and pestle which this venerable progenitor used in compounding his preparations, The father of our honored friend was a well-to.do farmer, who ranked high in that community which has produced so many eminent men, and of which numbers of our most esteemed fellow-citizens were originally members. The first fact which strikes ns in looking back upon his history, is his early aptitude for study, and his disrelish of manual labor, He was by no means calculated to become a valuable appendage upon the farm ; his capacities and inclinations fitted him for a course of develop- ment purely intellectual. At school, to which he was early sent, he was distinguished for rapid acquirement of various branches of information, such as are taught in primary institutions of the char- acter. He was always in advance of his course. There was no dodging of duty by him-the complaint was that he studied too fast. At the early age of fifteen, he was removed from school,
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.