USA > Connecticut > Illustrated popular biography of Connecticut > Part 26
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BIOGRAPHY OF CONNECTICUT.
wards he represented Hamden in the state legisla- ture during the sessions of 1878-79, and for six years served as first selectman of the town, to which position he was chosen as the candidate of the democratic party. Mr. Mix has been many years married, his wife's maiden name being Maria N. Hendrick. They have three children, one of his sons being associated with him in business. He is a member of the Methodist church, of the Odd Fellows, and of the Masonic fraternity.
LUZERNE I. MUNSON, WATERBURY: Druggist. L. I. Munson was born in Wallingford (North- ford Society), in March, 1838. He received a com- mon school education, and also attended for two years the Durham Acad- emy. In 1854, at the age of sixteen, he came to Waterbury and engaged as a boy in the service of Apothecaries' Hall Com- pany, where he remained until 1861, when he went as bookkeeper and ship- ping clerk with the City Manufacturing Company, since merged with the Benedict & Burnham Manufacturing Company, occupying the position for L. I. MUNSON. a year and a half. In 1862 he moved to Meriden to take the offices of secretary and treasurer of Julius Pratt & Co., and later was secretary and treasurer of Pratt, Read & Co., when the three firms, of which that firm was constituted, were consolidated. In 1863, at the age of twenty-five, he returned to Waterbury and re-entered, as secretary and treasurer, the establishment where he had pre- viously been employed as a boy, the Apothecaries' Hall Company, of which he has since been the active manager. Aside from his large political ac- quaintance, Mr. Munson is widely and popularly known throughout the state as one of the original members of the Connecticut Pharmaceutical Asso- ciation, for several years the chairman of its execu- tive committee, and for one year its president. He is also a member of the American Pharmaceutical Association. Mr. Munson's political record is that of a party leader and worker rather than that of an office-holder. He has served for years as a mem- ber of the board of fire commissioners, assessor, and member of the board of sewer commissioners. Twice he has been the candidate of his party for mayor of the city of Waterbury, and in 1885 and ISS6 was state comptroller, having been clected on the republican state ticket with Hon. H. B. Harri- son at its head. His administration of the affairs
of that important position was conspicuously suc- cessful.
As a business man Mr. Munson exhibits industry, honesty, and ability, and has achieved a substan- tial success. As a political leader he possesses similar qualities, with corresponding results. The openness of his political methods and the frankness of his manners makes him popular alike with sup- porters and opponents, and he has escaped, in a large degree, the personal bitterness and hostility which political activity often entails. He be- longs to the Waterbury Club and the Republican League of New Haven. He has a wife and two daughters. He is active in all public affairs relat- ing to the community in which he lives.
GEORGE H. BURDICK, HARTFORD: Secretary Phoenix Insurance Company.
Mr. Burdick is a native of Granville, Washington county, New York, where he was born in Decem- ber, 1841. He is descended from Connecticut stock, his grandfather, David Burdick, being a native and long a resident of Stonington. He removed to Granville, New York, where his son, A. S. Bur- dick, the father of the subject of this sketch, was born and resided the most of his life, engaged in the practice of the law. His standing as a lawyer was very high, and his legal practice extended over Washington and Saratoga G. H. BURDICK. counties, in which last-named county the closing years of his life were spent.
As a boy, Mr. Burdick attended the public schools of his native town, and at about the age of fifteen came to Hartford and entered the dry-goods store of C. S. Weatherby, then located on the corner of Main and Morgan streets. The dry-goods trade did not, however, seem to be well suited to his tastes, and after remaining in the store a few months he returned to Granville, and soon after entered the academy at Poultney, Vt., where he prepared for and afterwards entered the University at Troy, N. Y. It was the hope of his father that the young man would take a theological course and enter the ministry, but this plan did not harmonize with his own ambitions; and after a year at the university he fully decided to abandon all thoughts of a profession, and to engage at once in active business. Having relatives in Hartford, and hav- ing made some pleasant acquaintances during his brief residence here, as before noted, he came to
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this city in search of business, and almost imme- diately entered the office of the Phoenix Insurance Company as a clerk. He was advanced through succeeding grades of promotion, and in 1867 was made assistant secretary of the company, retaining that position until September, 1888, when he was elected secretary. This latter office he now holds.
Mr. Burdick was married in 1865, and three child- ren have been born to him, only two of whom- a son and a daughter- are now living. He is an active member of the Asylum Avenue Baptist church, and has been the clerk of the church since its organization in 1872. In politics he is always to be found acting with the republican party.
HON. CHARLES ADDISON RUSSELL, KIL- LINGLY: Manufacturer; Congressman from the Third District.
Charles A. Russell was born at Worcester, Mass., March 2, 1852. He received his primary education in the common schools of that city, and prepared for college under the tuition of Rev. Harris R. Greene. He gradua- ted at Yale in the class of 1873, taking high rank as a student, as well as winning popularity in his class by his genial man- ner and his enthusiasm in college sports. After his graduation, he immedi- ately devoted himself to newspaper work, and C. A. RUSSELL. was, up to 1878, actively engaged on the Worcester Press as city editor, and was for a short time there- after connected with the Worcester Spy. Since that time Mr. Russell has been engaged in the business of manufacturing at Dayville, in the town of Killingly, as treasurer of the Sabin L. Sayles Company, woolen mills, incorporated. In 1881 he was appointed aid-de-camp on the staff of Governor Bigelow, and was a very popular member of the official gubernatorial family. He served the town of Killingly in the house of representatives in 1883, and was chairman of the committee on cities and boroughs on the part of the house. While in the legislature he distinguished himself by his readi- ness in debate and skill in disposing of public busi- ness. He was secretary of the state in 1885-86, having been elected on the republican state ticket with Hon. H. B. Harrison at its head. Thus the stages were very natural that in the fall of 1886 led to his elevation as candidate for congress in the third district; and, as before whenever a candidate for public office, he received a victorious support at
the polls. The honor thus bestowed has since been twice repeated, Mr. Russell now serving his third term in the house. The record shows that the in- terests of the third district were wisely entrusted and have been safely guarded at the national capi- tol during Mr. Russell's incumbency of the high and honorable office.
Of Congressman Russell's genealogy, it may be mentioned that his paternal ancestors settled near Cambridge, Mass., and lived there long enough to take a hand in the celebrated Lexington fight be- fore they migrated to New Hampshire, where the father of the subject of this sketch was born in 1820. The mother -a Wentworth - traces her lineage directly to the old colonial Governor Went- worth of New Hampshire. The well-remembered Henry Dunster, first president of Harvard College, was also of kin with the ancestry alluded to.
Mr. Russell was married in 1880 to Miss Ella. Frances Sayles, daughter of Hon. Sabin L. Sayles of Killingly, and they have two children.
HON. WILBUR B. FOSTER, ROCKVILLE: Presi- dent " The Boston Clothing Company."
Wilbur B. Foster was born in Monson, Mass., March 31, 1853, and educated at the Monson Academy. At twenty years of age he went to Rockville and established himself in the ready-made clothing trade, which business he has continu- ously followed until the present time, being now the senior member of his firm, and representing the largest clothing estab- lishment in the city. In 1874 he married Miss Edna Winchell, only daughter of Cyrus Winchell, Esq., one of the leading manu- facturers of Rockville. W. B. FOSTER. In 1886 he was appointed postmaster of Rockville, holding the office four years. He was secretary of the local board of education for a number of years, and is at present acting school visitor. He has held many important town and city offices. and last fall was elected state senator from the twenty-third district, being the candidate of the democratic party. He is a prominent member of several secret organizations; is past Chief Ranger Court " Heartsof Oak," Ancient Order of Foresters of America; and has twice been selected by Foresters as their representative to national conventions, at Chicago and Minneapolis. He has recently been appointed a trustee of the Connecticut Hospital for the Insane, at Middletown.
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BIOGRAPHY OF CONNECTICUT.
HENRY A. BAKER, OAKDALE (MONTVILLE): Postmaster.
Henry Augustus Baker occupied the offices of judge of probate and town clerk for twenty-five years, and has been a notary public for thirty. Since 1875 he has been engaged in the fire insur- ance business, but was formerly a carpenter and farmer. He is also the postmaster at Oakdale, receiving the appointment in 1889 as a republican. For the past sixteen years Judge Baker has been engaged in compiling a history of Montville and a genealogy of the first settlers there. The work is now nearly ready for Η. A. BAKER. publication. From 1853 until 1857 he rerided in Norwich. The judge is a native of Montville, the date of his birth being October 29, 1823. He re- ceived a common school education. May 18, 1846, he was married to Miss Hannah Fox Scholfield, who is still living. There are also two children living, three having died. Judge Baker is a deacon in the First Congregational church at Montville, and clerk and treasurer of the church. He is also a member of Oxoboxo Lodge, F. and A. M., at Montville, and has held the position of chaplain of the organization.
JAMES W. BRASIE, WASHINGTON : Town Clerk.
James W. Brasie was born at Norfolk, February I, 1868, and was educated at Winsted. He was elected town clerk of Washington by the democrats the first year of his ma- jority, and is now serv- ing for the second term. He is also clerk of the probate court for the dis- trict of Washington. He is the station agent of the Shepaug, Litchfield &- Northern road at Wash- ton depot, and is an active business man. Mr. Brasie is a member of the First Congregational church at Winsted. His wife, who J. W. BRASIE. is still living, was Miss Minnie G. Cook prior to her marriage. The subject of this sketch is thoroughly popular in his com- munity. His election as town clerk was carried by a majority of 47 votes.
C. W. BARKER, NORTH BRANFORD: Printer.
Clarence W. Barker was born in the town of Branford, Oct. 6, 1856, and was educated in the common schools. He has been engaged in the card and novelty business for twelve years, his avoca- tion being that of a card printer and novelty deal- er. Most of his life has been spent in Branford. Eight years ago he re- moved to North Branford, where he has since resid- ed. During President Cleveland's administra- tion he held the office of postmaster. He is a mem- ber of the grange at North Branford and of the C. W. BARKER. Knights of Pythias lodge in Branford. He is also actively connected with the Congregational church, and the Young People's Society of Christ- ian Endeavor work and is an influential member of the society. Mr. Barker has a wife and four children. The former was Miss Minnie G. Barthol- omew of Northford prior to her marriage.
ANDREW JACKSON BOWEN, WILLIMANTIC : Attorney.
Andrew J. Bowen was born in 1845 at Eastford, and educated on his father's farm and in: the schools of his native town. A desire at one time to enlist was not approved by his parents, and consequent- ly his military record did not materialize. After teaching school a few terms he engaged in trade in one of the village stores of Eastford, doing a good business, amounting one year to $20,000. While living in his native town he held the offices of school visitor, school dis- trict committee, bank di- rector, constable, board A. J. BOWEN. of relief, justice of the peace, postmaster, and rep- resentative in the state legislature. The latter position was occupied in isso, when he served on the committee on incorporations. He introduced several bills and resolutions, part of which were passed and became law. He studied law four years, some of the time with Judge Richmond of Ashford; after which, in issi, he moved to Willi- mantic, where he has since resided and practiced law. He has become identified with the moral and busi-
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ness interests of Willimantic, and at one time was president of the Morrison Machine Company of that place, and is now the treasurer of said company. In politics he was reared a democrat, but always votes republican, and uses pen and voice in advo- cacy of the principles of the latter party. Since 1865 he has been a member of the Congregational church. He married Hannah R. Rindge at the age of twenty-two, and has three children, namely, Bessie, Clarence, and Ernest.
S. A. GRANGER, WINSTED: Secretary and Treas- urer The Morgan Silver Plate Company.
Salmon Algernon Granger was an officer in Litchfield county's favorite regiment, the Second Heavy Artillery, during the war, and possesses a record that commands admiration wherever it is mentioned. He enlisted April 25, 1861, as a pri- vate in the Second Con- necticut under the late 1 General Alfred H. Terry, and was at the first bat- tle of Bull Run. He re- enlisted in the nineteenth infantry, which was sub- sequently designated as the Second Connecticut S. A. GRANGER. Heavy Artillery and com- manded Company I at the time of Lee's surrender. In 1864 he was with Sheridan in the great Shenandoah campaign. At the close of the war he accepted the position of su- perintendent of the New England Pin Company of Winsted and remained in that capacity for twenty- two years. In 1888 he was one of the organizers of the Morgan Silver Plate Company of Winsted, and became the secretary and treasurer. Mr. Granger was born in New Marlborough, Mass., August 12, 1839, and was educated in the common school. He acquired the trade of a carpenter, but failed to pur- sue it after the war. He was married December 19, 1860, his wife being Miss Carrie A. Potter, daugh- ter of Newton C. Potter of Torrington. He has two sons, one sixteen and the second twelve years of age. In politics his position is that of an indepen- dent. He is a member of the school committee and a trustee of the Methodist church of which he has been a member since 1859. He is a past master of St. Andrew's lodge of Winsted, F. and A. M., past H. P. of Meridian Chapter R.A.M., and has attained the 32º in Masonry. He also belongs to the order of Odd Fellows, and is past grand regent of the Connecticut Royal Arcanum, and grand treasurer of the N. E. O. P. of Connecticut. He has also held the office of junior vice-commander of the Grand Army in this state.
RICHARD BULLWINKLE, MIANUS (GREEN- WICH): Stock Farmer.
Richard Bullwinkle was born in New York city, May 12, 1860, and was educated in Grammar School No. 18 and the College of the City of New York. He began the study of medicine, but was com- pelled to relinquish it on account of ill health. He has spent a great deal of time in traveling in this country, and is a gentle- man of extensive observa- tion and culture. He has held the office of town treasurer in Greenwich, and is a republican in politics. He is connected with the Universalist church and the Independ- RICHARD BULLWINKLE. ent Order of Odd Fellows. Formerly he was of the firm of R. Bullwinkle & Co. in Greenwich, and is now president of the Volunteer Rock Drill Com- pany at South Beach, Conn. Practically he was compelled to give up business in October, 1890, and is now spending most of his time on the stock farm which he owns at Mianus. His wife was Miss Estella A. Bowen before marriage. There are three children, all of whom are living.
FRANK ELDRIDGE HYDE, HARTFORD: At- torney-at-Law.
Frank E. Hyde, at present a member of the prominent law firm of Hyde, Gross & Hyde at Hartford, was born at Tolland January 21, 1858. He was educated in the public schools of Hartford, and at Yale College, grad- uating in the class of 1879. After completing his col- lege course he pursued his legal studies at the Colum- bia and Yale Law Schools, graduating from the latter in 1871. He was immedi- ately admitted to the bar, and has since been in ac- tive practice in Hartford. Mr. Hyde represented Hartford in the legislature F. E. HYDE. in 1887, and was re-elected for the succeeding ses- sion of 1889, being the fourth generation in his family to be represented in the general assembly of the state. His father, Hon. A. P. Hyde, served several terms in the house, representing the town of Tolland; his grandfather, Alvin Hyde, and his great-grandfather, Nathaniel Hyde, representing
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BIOGRAPHY OF CONNECTICUT.
the town of Stafford, each in his day serving with honor and distinction. All have been democrats. The late Judge Waldo, for many years among the foremost lawyers of the state, was the grandfather of Mr. Hyde on his mother's side, and he also achieved a most honorable legislative career. Mr. Hyde has successfully followed in the footsteps of his ancestors, ably and honorably serving the in- terests of his constituents and clients, whether in the execution of public trusts or of his professional duties.
JOSEPH HALL BARNUM, HARTFORD: Editor and Proprietor "The Hartford Sunday Jour- nal."
Captain Barnum was born in East Hartford, May 27, 1838, and received a common school and academic education. His father was Eli Barnum, who was a hatter by trade, and a cousin of the late P. T. Barnum, the family originating in Danbury. On his mother's side Cap- tain Barnum is a descend- ant of Colonel Peter Har- wood of Massachusetts, who served with credit in the Revolutionary army. At the age of fifteen years the subject of this sketch removed to Hartford and entered the employ of the Sawyer Silver Spoon JOS. H. BARNUM. Works. At sixteen he went to The Hartford Times, where he acquired an insight into the printer's trade. From the composing rooms of The Times he entered the employ of The Morning Post, under James M. Scofield, and was in that office when the war com- menced. Meanwhile he had served in the Volun- teer Fire Department of the city, advancing from old No. 5 on Church Street to the assistant fore- manship of the Ætna Hose Company. Captain Barnum was among the first in this city to respond to the call for troops, and enlisted April 20, 1861, in the Light Guard Infantry, Company A, First Con- necticut. During the previous February he had enlisted in the Light Guard as one of the city mili- tary companies, and proceeded with it to the field, when the first call for volunteers was issued. He was in the first battle of Bull Run with his regi- ment. At the conclusion of the three months' ser- vice he returned home and again found employ- ment on The Morning Post. In July 1862, his ardor made it impossible for him to remain longer at the case, and he became a worker in enlisting the Bee Hive Company of the Sixteenth Regiment, the old firm of Starr, Burkett & Company being especially interested in the organization. Captain
Barnum was mustered as first lieutenant of the company, August 24, the command being assigned to the left of the regiment, the second place of honor in the organization. First Lieutenant Bar- num was placed in charge of regimental supplies at Arlington, when the Sixteenth started for the mem- orable Maryland campaign of 1862, which culmi- nated in the battle of Antietam. After that engage- ment Lieutenant Barnum was promoted to the cap- taincy of Company H, his commission dating Sep- tember 20, 1862. He was selected for this position by Colonel Frank Beach, who was one of the most impartial judges of military attainments. Captain Barnum was at Fredericksburg, serving at the head of his company. Owing to the illness of his wife he was compelled to resign, February 23, 1862, and return to Hartford. The vacancy in the company was not filled, however, and in May Captain Bar- num was called to an interview with Governor Buckingham, and earnestly requested to accept the return of his old commission. Governor Bucking- ham supported his own wishes in the matter by re- ferring to the personal desire of Colonel Beach that Captain Barnum should be induced to return. He was again mustered, May 12, 1863, and joined the command at Suffolk, Va., in time to participate in the Peninsula campaign of that year. During one of the protracted marches of that campaign, Cap- tain Barnum was prostrated by the heat, and com- pelled for the first time in his life to fall out of line. The effects of that day's service have been felt from that time until now. When the Sixteenth was ordered from Virginia into North Carolina, Jan- uary, 1864, Captain Barnum, as officer-of-the-day at the time of the regiment's departure, was called upon at a critical juncture to perform an important service. The incident referred to was in connection with the destruction of the regimental camp at Getty's station near Portsmouth, Va. The attack at Plymouth, N. C., which resulted in the capture of nine companies of the Sixteenth was commenced April 17, 1864. Three days prior to that event, Captain Barnum was selected with Company H to relieve the Union forces on Roanoke Island. Sun- day morning, April 17, he started on that mission. Ten hours later the bombardment of the outpost by the rebels had commenced. During the summer of 1864, Captain Barnum remained at Roanoke, where the nucleus of the regiment was preserved, and the field and staff reports and muster rolls of the absent companies kept intact. An important ex- pedition was made under Colonel D. W. Wardrop, the destruction of mills and property in the neigh- borhood of Plymouth being the objective point. Captain Barnum commanded the Sixteenth, and is deserving of the greatest credit for the work which lie accomplished in its behalf. In March, rsos, he was ordered with his command to Newberne. N. C ..
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and relieved the troops in that city, which were then performing provost duty. He commanded the escort that accompanied General Grant from New- berne to Raleigh, the object of General Grant's visit being a conference with General Sherman. Captain Barnum remained in command of the Six- teenth until April 19, 1865, when he was relieved by the late Captain Thomas F. Burke of this city, the senior line officer. June 24, 1865, the subject of this sketch was mustered out of service, and returned home at the head of his company. His military career was one of strict devotion to duty. He was one of the best disciplinarians in the regiment, and instinctively a soldier from head to foot. After re- turning home he started The Soldiers' Record in company with Lieutenant Wm. E. Simonds, who has since represented the First district in congress. Afterwards he assumed the management of The Gas Light, a bright theatrical paper of the time, and The Travelers Journal. In 1874 The Gas Light was dropped, and in April of that year The Journal was established as a Sunday paper, the Captain becoming one of the pioneers in Sunday journalism in Connecticut. The Sunday Journal has been his life work in the field of business. From the outset it has been a successful enterprise. Its owner and manager is an able newspaper man, and the success which it has attained is due to his intelligence and administration. Captain Barnum was unanimously elected commander of the Buck- ingham Rifles after the war, and served in the National Guard for a while. His military instincts, however, found full opportunity for development in Washington Commandery No. I, K. T., of which he has long been a member. He held the position of Captain-General in the Commandery for three terms, and was in military command of the organ- ization during the Chicago pilgrimage. Captain Barnum is a 32º Mason, and is also a member of Pyramid Temple, Nobles of the Mystic Shrine, Bridgeport. He is a Past Chancellor of Crescent Lodge, Knights of Pythias. Captain Barnum was one of the vice-presidents of the great assemblage that was held here, in recognition of General Grant's death. He has never sought political office of any kind, having devoted himself to his news- paper enterprises. Captain Barnum has been married twice. His present wife, Mary A. Root, was the daughter of Lyman Root of Westfield, Mass. On her mother's side Mrs. Barnum is con- nected with the poet, William Cullen Bryant, and with General Nathaniel Lyon. The surviving son by the first marriage, Charles H. Barnum, is connected with The Sunday Journal, occupying a responsi- ble position in the management. Captain Barnum has been a resident of Hartford since 1853. He is an independent in politics, and his paper has been guided essentially on that principle.
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