USA > Connecticut > Illustrated popular biography of Connecticut > Part 47
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MOSES F. GRANT, NORFOLK: Farmer.
Moses F. Grant was a member of the Connecti- cut house of representatives in 1878, his colleagues from Litchfield county including the Hon. Charles B. Andrews, now chief justice of the state, and Judge A. P. Bradstreet of Thomaston. The Hon. Charles H. Briscoe of Eu- field was speaker of the house, and the roll of members included the names of the Hon. Ly- man D. Brewster of Danbury, the Hon. W. W. Wilcox of Middletown, the late Dwight Marcy of Vernon, ex-Speaker M. F. GRANT. John H. Perry of Fair- field, Increase W. Carpenter of Norwich, ex-Mayor Henry I. Boughton of Waterbury, and County Commissioner Thaddeus H. Spencer of Suthield. Mr. Grant served on the republican side, discharg-
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ing his duties ably and successfully. He is at present the first selectman of Norfolk, and has served as selectman for fourteen years. He was postmaster at Grantville for seventeen years, and has been a member of the board of assessors. He has also been associated with the settlement of various estates. Mr. Grant is a member of West- ern Star Lodge, No. 37, F. and A. M., of Norfolk, and is thoroughly devoted to the interests of Masonry. His wife, whose maiden name was Mary Ann Gilbert, is still living. There is one daughter, Miss Lillie E. Grant. Mr. Grant is a native of Norfolk, where he was born, June 26, 1835; obtained his education in the common schools, and has been chiefly engaged in lumbering and farming.
GEORGE MAHL, HARTFORD: Contractor and Builder.
Alderman George Mahl was born in New York city, February 26, 1848, and was educated in the public schools of Norwich in this state, the family removing from New York to Connecticut when the subject of this sketch was but a lad. Mr. Mahl re- mained in Norwich until he was twenty-four years of age, acquiring there the avocation of a practical plumber and steam-fitter. He became a resident of Hartford not far from twenty years ago and has since resided here. In company with his brother, GEORGE MAHL. Frederick Mahl, he estab- lished himself in the plumbing business on Main street, and met with success from the outset. At the end of four years he purchased his brother's interest and has since conducted the business alone. Ten years ago he engaged in building enterprises, buying land and constructing dwellings thereon both for private residences and tenements. In this way he has erected upwards of forty structures in the city, realizing a handsome income from the course which he has pursued. He has been, in fact, one of the most successful builders in the city. He was the first to build on Florence street, developing one of the most attractive sections of the city. Six years ago he engaged in politics, and was elected to the council board from the seventh ward. He held the office of councilman for two years, and was then elected to the board of alder- men, where he has served for four consecutive years. During the whole of this period he has been the chairman of the city hall committee. He is also the chairman of the seventh ward republican
committee and is an influential member of that party in the city. Alderman Mahl belongs to St. John's Lodge, No. 4, F. and A. M. of this city, and is a member of Washington Commandery, Knights Templar. He is also connected with the National Provident Union. January 1, 1873, le married Miss Ellen L. Hills of this city, who is still living. The family of Mr. and Mrs. Mahl consists of six children, two sons and four daughters. They are members of the Windsor Avenue Congregational church. As a business man and citizen Mr. Mahl is regarded with high esteem in this city.
STEPHEN GOODRICH, HARTFORD: Druggist.
Bank Commissioner Stephen Goodrich of this city was born in Simsbury, April 13, 1836, and re- ceived a common school education. In 1852 he re- moved to Hartford, where he acquired the profes- sion of a druggist, begin- ning his career in the place of business which has been under his man- agement and proprietor- ship for a number of years. He is one of the best-known druggists in the state and has occupied the highest positions at- tainable in that avocation. Mr. Goodrich was one of the founders of the STEPHEN GOODRICH.
Connecticut Pharmaceutical Association, and one of the first presidents of the organization. He was also influential in the movement resulting in the organization of the State Board of Phar- macy, and held the place of commissioner for three years, the appointment being an executive one. As a commissioner his work was invaluable to the druggists of the state. He insisted on a higher standard of examinations, and was instrumental in elevating the scholarship and attainments of the profession throughout the state. Commissioner Goodrich has served in both branches of the court of common council in this city and has served eight years as a member of the board of police com- missioners. His career as a member of the city government was one of great credit and success, his influence in both boards being recognized as that of a man of unfaltering personal integrity and judgment. In the police board his work has been equally important and valuable to the eity. He has been resolute in his demands for the best ser- vice, the efficiency and morale of the department receiving his special attention. In 1889 he was ap- pointed bank commissioner by Governor Bulkeley for the term of four years, and the appointment
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was confirmed by the senate with a unanimity that reflected the utmost credit upon the standing of Mr. Goodrich as a public citizen. He has dis- charged the duties of the office with complete ac- ceptance, and has been a faithful custodian of the interests that have been committed to his care and watchfulness. The office of bank commissioner is one of the most important in the state, requiring exceptional adaptation and judgment in the incum- bent. Mr. Goodrich has fully exemplified his fit- ness for the position. In politics he is a pro- nounced republican and is a staunch supporter of the principles and achievements of that party. He is a member of St. John's lodge, F. and A. M., of this city, and has attained the Scottish Rite degree. The wife of Commissioner Goodrich, who is still living, was Miss Alice G. Kellogg prior to marriage. The only child of Mr. and Mrs. Goodrich is the wife of Capt. Wm. B. Dwight of the First regiment. The family are connected with the Park church in this city and occupy a high social position in the community. Commissioner Goodrich is at the head of the drug firm of S. Goodrich & Co.
W. L. SQUIRE, NEW HAVEN: Treasurer New York, New Haven & Hartford Railroad Com- pany.
William Lyman Squire was born.in West Gran- ville, Mass., October 1, 1831. His education was acquired principally in the old Hartford Grammar School and the Hartford Public High School. At eighteen years of age he engaged as clerk in the grocery store of Messrs. Collins & Co., Meriden, remaining there until De- cember, IS51; from that date until July, 1853, he was employed in a cotton commission house in New Orleans, La .; from Sep- tember, 1853, until July, W. L. SQUIRE. 1868, was paymaster for the Hartford & New Ha- ven Railroad Company; from that time until Feb- ruary 1, 1879, was with the Charter Oak Life Insur- ance Company in Hartford ; and from 1879 until the present time has been treasurer of the New York, New Haven & Hartford Railroad Company. He was united in marriage to Miss Lucy Cowles Butler of Meriden, and they have three sons,- Wilbur H., in insurance business at Meriden; Allau B. and Frederick N., both in the service of the N. Y., N. H. & H. R. R. Company. Mr. Squire is a member of the United (Congregational) Church of New Haven. In polities he is a republican.
LUCIUS M. GUERNSEY, MYSTIC: Editor of " The Mystic Press."
Lucius M. Guernsey was born in East Hartford, February 17, 1824, removing with his parents in early childhood to Northampton, Mass., where he secured the foundation of an education in the com- mon schools, adding thercto by study while learning and working at his trade there, and after- wards with book open upon the hand-press while printing, in the office es- tablished by G. & C. Mer- riam in Springfield, Mass. He commenced business for himself in that city as a book and job printer, L. M. GUERNSEY. removing thence to New Britain, in this state, in 1854, where he established the first permanent newspaper of the place, The North and South, Elihu Burritt, the " Learned Blacksmith," being its editor, and advocating through its columns his scheme of " compensated emancipation "- the United States government to pay the owners for their slaves when given their freedom by the several states - a plan afterwards publicly endorsed by President Lincoln and others. The name of the paper was subsequently changed to The True Citizen, Mr. Guernsey becoming sole editor and publisher, the present Record being its successor. He removed from New Britain in 1868, and after some three years spent in Cromwell and Middletown went to Mystic River (uow Mystic), where in 1873 he established The Mystic Press, an independent republican newspaper, of which he is still editor, cylinder pressman, and sometimes com- positor, notwithstanding he has been more than fifty years in a printing office.
Mr. Guernsey was married at Springfield, Mass., in 1850, to Mary A., youngest daughter of Captain John Beaumont, a native of Lebanon, this state, who is still living, with two sons, George M. and John B., who are his assistants in his business. I11 religious faith he is a Baptist, having been actively identified with a church of that denomination aud its Sunday-school work in every place where he has lived since the age of sixteen years. In politics lie was in early days an anti-slavery whig and free- soiler, and subsequently a republican from the birth of that party. Always an advocate of liberty and temperance, he believes and maintains that the party of which he is a member is called in the name of God and humanity to give the negro whom it has freed his rights under the laws of the land, and, as far as practicable by law, to free that land from the curse of intemperance. He has filled various
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offices in churches and societies, and also in the towns where he has resided; has for several years been a justice of the peace and an officer of the board of health for Mystic, in the town of Groton; is corresponding secretary of the Mystic Valley Board of Trade, and is proud to be identified with all the interests of that delightful locality by the sea.
JOHN LATHROP HUNTER, WILLIMANTIC: Attorney-at-Law.
John L. Hunter was born in Gardiner, Me., March 13, 1834. His father and mother were both lineal descendants of the pioneer stock of Maine. He attended school at Gardiner and Wiscassett (Me.) academies; entered Bowdoin College in 1851, and graduated there in 1855; studied law at Gar- diner, Me., with Hon. Charles Danforth, LL.D., who was one of the judges of the supreme court of that state from 1861 to his decease in March, 1890. He was admitted to the bar in Maine in 1859; prac- J. L. HUNTER. ticed law in Gardiner sev- eral years, residing in the adjoining town of Farm- ingdale, where he was supervisor of schools. In 1863, in connection with his law practice, he edited The Age, a long-established democratic weekly newspaper, published at Augusta, the capital of Maine, and of which the present chief justice of the United States had been an editor. He went to Willimantic, in this state, and entered upon the practice of law, in 1871, and has continued his legal practice at that place ever since. He is married, and has two daughters.
In politics Mr. Hunter has always been a demo- crat, and for twelve years was one of the demo- cratic state committee of Connecticut. He repre- sented the democracy of his congressional district in the national democratic conventions of 1872 and 1876. He was elected to the legislature of Connec- ticut in 1879, his democratic colleague on the demo- cratic ticket, although a popular man, being de- feated by a large vote. The legislature was strongly republican, but the speaker placed Mr. Hunter on the judiciary committee, where he did effective work, as well as on the floor of the house, in accomplishing the change from the old technical common law forms to the present form of practice. He has been town and borough attorney, under democratic régime; has served many years on the school board of his town, and is at present the chairman of the high school committee.
B. P. BEACH, WASHINGTON: Builder.
Benajah Peck Beach was a member of the legisla- ture in 1867, his colleagues in the house including Seth Thomas of Plymouth, ex-Governor Waller, Hon. John T. Wait of Norwich, ex-Congress- man George M. Landers, and States Attorney Til- ton E. Doolittle of New Haven. Mr. Beach served on the democratic side of the house. He has held the offices of grand juror, justice of the peace, and constable. He is a builder by avocation. He was born in Woodbridge, No- vember 27, 1820, and re- ceived a public school B. P. BEACII. education. Most of his early life was spent in the towns of New Haven and Woodbridge. Since 1842 he has resided in the town of Washington. His wife, who is still living, was Miss Huldah A. Titus. There are two children in the family.
JAMES BOLTER, HARTFORD: President Hartford National Bank.
The subject of this sketch, now at the head of the oldest banking institution in Connecticut, was born at Northampton, Mass., June 27, 1815. Most of his early life was spent in his native town, and there his education was acquired in the public and private schools. With the excep- tion of two years in St. Louis, Mo., since leaving Northampton, Mr. Bolter has resided only in Hart- ford. His first business experience here was as a clerk in the grocery estab- lishment of C. H. North- am. JAMES BOLTER. Afterwards he en- tered the Phoenix Bank as discount clerk, occupying that position for a few months. He then formed a partnership with Mr. Ellery Hills in the wholesale grocery business, under the firm name of Hills & Bolter. In 1843 he became a partner with his old employer, C. H. Northam, and the firm of C. H. Northam & Co. continued until 1860, when Mr. Bolter was made cashier of the old Hartford Bank, afterwards re- organized as a national bank, with a present capi- tal of $1,200,000. This connection continued until 1874, when he was promoted to the presidency of the institution, which position he still holds. Dur-
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ing his administration of its affairs, the history of the Hartford National Bank has been one of almost phenomenal prosperity, giving it rank among the very foremost of the banking institutions of the city and state. Mr. Bolter is by political faith a democrat, though rarely engaging actively in poli- tics, and never seeking public office. His only ac- ceptance of public preferment, on record, was that of membership on the board of aldermen, some years ago. His time and attention are chiefly de- voted to his duties as president of the bank, though he holds a directorship in the National Fire Insur- ance Company, the Dime Savings Bank, the Hart- ford County Mutual Fire Insurance Company, and the P. & F. Corbin Company of New Britain; he is also a member of the Hartford Club. His reli- gious connections are with Christ church (Episcopal) of this city. Mr. Bolter was married, in 1846, to Miss Mary S. Bartholomew, and they have three children, one son and two daughters, the younger daughter being the wife of John W. Gray, Esq., of Hartford.
PROF. HENRY A. PARSONS, SALEM: Teacher of Music.
Among the distinguished names of the Revolu- tionary era, and in later days, which have shed a lustre upon the country, that of Parsons stands prominent. The subject of this sketeh was born in Franklin, Delaware County, New York, July 7, 1839. His childhood days were spent in the common school, which experience was supple- mented by a thorough course in the Delaware Literary Institute at Franklin, New York, to which was added a finish- ing course in music in H. A. PARSONS. Brooklyn, N. Y. He be- gan teaching music in his native town in 1860, and to study art while teaching. He has taught paint- ing more or less during the past twenty-five years. In Oxford he taught music two years; in Rich- mond, Va., two years; in Cooperstown, N. Y., one year; in East Greenwich, R. I., six years; and in New London, Conn., until failing health caused him temporarily to abandon his chosen profession and enter a new field more for recreation than profit, that of the " Tribune Fresh Air" work, traveling in New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Vermont, Massachusetts, and Connecticut, making arrangement for the work to be donc in each of the states named, and entertaining children. This
new field of labor has proved of great physical advantage to him. He married, May 30, 1866, Hattie R. Miner, youngest daughter of the late Rev. Nathaniel Miner, at Salem, Conn. She died March 24, 1888, in Salem, at the residence of her brother, deacon N. E. Miner. Professor Parsons is a republican, believing that the principles of that party are conducive to the best interests of the country. In local affairs he is in the habit of giv- ing his support to the men best qualified for minor offices, irrespective of party. He has never been an office-holder, preferring honors that are the direct result of patient study in his chosen profes- sion. He is an intelligent Christian gentleman, a useful and respected citizen, and a self-made man in the best sense of the term.
A. M. PARKER, PUTNAM: Boot and Shoe Mer- chant.
Alfred M. Parker was born at Boston Highlands, Mass., October 26, 1853, and was educated in the Dearborn School in Boston and at the High School in Medford. He has been engaged in the boot and shoe trade for twenty-two years, serving with one of the leading wholesale houses in Boston for a long period and also with the largest firm in St. Louis, Mo., residing in the latter city from 1869 until 1873. He is a brother of H. B. Parker of Boston, senior member of the wholesale boot and shoe firm of Parker, Holmes & A. M. PARKER. Co. In 1877 the subject of this sketch succeeded the firm of Houghton & Crandall in Putnam, and has since been engaged in business there, control- ling one of the best trades in his business in eastern Connecticut. He was formerly an officer in Com- pany G, of the Third Regiment, Connecticut National Guard, and was an aid-de-camp on the staff of Gen. Graham for two years, ranking as captain. His selection for staff service was a high compliment, showing the confidence that was placed in his ability as a national guardsman. He resigned when the military troubles began in the state in 1890, retiring from the service with his chief. Cap- tain Parker is a republican in politics. He is a prominent Mason, being worshipful master of Quinebaug Lodge and past high priest of Putnam Chapter Royal Arch Masons. He is connected with the Congregational church at Putnam, and is married. There are no children in the family.
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MYRON P. YEOMANS, ANDOVER: Attorney-at- Law.
M. P. Yeomans was born in Columbia, Tolland county, Conn., April 1, 1837. He spent the entire term of his minority in his native town, where he was first a pupil at the district schools, after- wards studying at the Connecticut Literary In- stitute at Suffield and the Wesleyan Academy at Wilbraham, Mass. After graduation he was three years in Charleston, Mo., whence he returned to Connecticut and estab- lished himself in the prac- tice of law at Andover, M. P. YEOMANS. which has been his resi- dence for thirty years. He was admitted to the bar of Tolland County in 1862, and has been a prominent practitioner in all courts most of the time since that date. He has been judge of probate for his district, represented Andover in the Connecticut legislature in 1875, is a justice of the peace, and has held many other pub- lic offices. He is a democrat in politics, and always occupies an influential position in the councils and activities of his party. He is a member of the Andover Congregational church and society, also of the Masonic fraternity, and is a Granger. He is at present secretary of the Andover Creamery Company. Mr. Yeomans is married and has two children, his wife being Miss Marion A. Cheney before their marriage.
CLIFTON PECK, FRANKLIN: Farmer.
Clifton Peck was born in Canterbury, July II, 1844, and received a public school education. He also pursued a business course at Eastman's College in Poughkeepsie, N. Y. He has devoted his time principally to farming and teaching, pursuing the lat- ter avocation from 1861 until 1869, when he en- gaged in the wood and lumber business. In 1882 he removed to Franklin, where he has a large and profitable farm under his control. He is one of the directors of the Lebanon Creamery, in which he CLIFTON PECK. takes a great interest. He is a member of the Lebanon Grange of the Patrons of Husbandry, the Franklin Farmer's League, and the Lebanon Lodge of the Ancient
Order of United Workmen. He is a firm believer in legislation in favor of the farmers. In 1873 Mr. Peck represented the town of Canterbury in the legislature, serving on the democratic side of the house. He was a member of the board of select- men from 1869 until 1873, assessor and member of the board of education in that town. He is at present first selectman in Franklin and has been a member of the board of relief. Prior to his removal to Franklin Mr. Peck was connected with the Reade Paper Company in Sprague for one year. October 5, 1870, Mr. Peck married one of his pupils, Miss Hul- da M. Preston, and has four daughters, one of whom became the bride of E. A. Hoxie of Lebanon last February. January 12, 1891, Mr. Peck lost his left arm while running an Ensilage cutter, the injury requiring amputation below the elbow. In politics he is an independent.
TRACY B. WARREN, BRIDGEPORT: Proprietor Atlantic Hotel.
Tracy Bronson Warren, who was a member of Governor Harrison's staff, is one of the best-known National Guardsmen in the state. In 1872 he was a lieutenant in the New Haven Grays, and is a member of the Veteran Association of that com- mand. He had served as adjutant of the Fourth regiment prior to his ap- pointment as an aid-de- camp by Governor Har- rison. He is a gentleman of great personal popu- larity in military circles, and belongs to the Old Guard of New York, in addition to his Connecti- T. B. WARREN. cut connections. He is a prominent republican in Bridgeport, where he has served for two terms in the board of aldermen, and held the position of city treasurer. He is a member of Corinthian Lodge, No. 104, of Bridgeport, F. and A. M., and is connected with the higher Masonic bodies of the state. For fourteen years Colonel Warren has been a vestryman of St. John's church in Bridgeport. He was born at Watertown, December 20, 1847, and was educated at the Collegiate and Commercial Institute in New Haven. He is the proprietor of the Atlantic Hotel in Bridgeport, and is the son-in- law of John F. Mills of the Parker House in Bos- ton, his wife being Clara A. Mills. There are four children in the family. The Colonel is a member of the Seaside Club, the finest organization of the kind in Bridgeport, and also of the Scientific Society in that city.
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CYRUS B. NEWTON, M.D., STAFFORD SPRINGS: Physician and Surgeon.
The subject of this sketeh is an able and widely- known physician, who stands in the front rank of his profession in eastern Connecticut. Dr. Newton was born in Ellington in 1831. He received his preparatory training in the high schools of Somers and Ellington, attended the Connecticut Literary Institute at Suffield, and graduated from the medi- cal department of Yale College in 1856. In the latter year he came to Stafford Springs, where he has since resided. During this time he has C. B. NEWTON. devoted himself to a con- stantly increasing medical practice and has per- formed more surgical work than any other physi- cian in this part of the state. Dr. Newton is by natural inclination a student and he has kept well abreast with the best work of scientific discovery as it pertains to his chosen profession. This is espec- ially true of the advances made in his favorite studies, chemistry, botany, physiology, and hygiene. His interest in the latter subject has led him into the examination of sanitary questions, the conclu- sions from which have been from time to time pub- lished in the medical journals of New England. Dr. Newton has long been an active member of the state medical association, and has frequently pre- sented papers before the medical conventions of Connecticut and Massachusetts, and the county medical societies, advancing new methods of treat- ment; among others, one upon Pneumonia, and one concerning improved methods of using plaster splints in the treatment of fractures of lower extrem- ities, read before the State Medical Society of Con- necticut. An article upon the thermometer pub- lished in the New England Medical Monthly, and one entitled "Our Armamentarium," pub- lished in the Philadelphia Medical and Surgical Reporter in 1884, were prepared by Dr. Newton. He has also written sketches of the life of Dr. Orson Wood of Somers, of Dr. Joshua Blodgett and Dr. William N. Clark of Stafford.
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