USA > Connecticut > Illustrated popular biography of Connecticut > Part 60
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tions to the improvement and advancement of his native town. His own private residence, " Wood- lawn," is a charming spot, where he dwells in great comfort, and dispenses liberal hospitality to his friends.
FRANK M. MESSENGER, THOMPSON : Cotton Manufacturer.
The subject of this sketch is occupying the responsible position of agent of the mills of the Grosvenor Dale Company, one of the largest cotton manufacturing corporations in the state, and located at North Grosvenor Dale, in the town of Thompson. He has performed the duties of this office since 1884, and in so efficient a man- ner that during this term the capacity of the mills has been increased fully twenty-five per cent. Mr. Messenger is a native of Stoddard, N. H., where F. M. MESSENGER. he was born April 3, 1852. He remained with his father on the farm until four- teen years of age, attending school a part of each year. The following two years he continued his studies while working in a chair factory ; and after- ward for a period of three years divided his time between clerking and work in a cotton mill. En- tering a cotton factory at Winchendon, Mass., at the age of nineteen, he was promoted from card grinder to second overseer, and finally, after a short period spent in the employ of the Amoskeag Com- pany in Manchester, returned to Munsonville in the capacity of overseer. He afterwards filled the same position successively in several Massachusetts manufacturing concerns, his longest stay being in Mauchaug, where he spent four years. At the ex- piration of this period he went to Shirley, Mass., as superintendent of the Phoenix and Fredonian mills, which he in turn resigned to accept, in No- vember, 1884, the position which he now occupies in Grosvenor Dale. Mr. Messenger is one of the directors of the Thompson National Bank, a mem- ber of the Fredonia Lodge of Odd Fellows, a mem- ber of the Baptist church of Mauchaug, Mass., and was for three years the superintendent of its Sun- day-school. He is a republican in politics, and takes active interest in all religious, social, and ed- ucational affairs in his neighborhood. He married first, Eliza J. Smith of Winchendon, Mass., who died within a year ; and second, Mary A. Young of Newton, Mass. Their children, three in num- ber, are Frank M., Mabel W., and Don E. Mes- senger.
LEWIS SPERRY, EAST WINDSOR HILL (SOUTH WINDSOR): Attorney-at-Law.
Lewis Sperry was born in the town of South Windsor, January 23, 1848. He has always resided at East Windsor Hill. He prepared for college at
Monson Academy in the class of '69, and gradu- ated from Amherst in 1873. He studied law in the office of Waldo, Hub- bard & Hyde, in Hart- ford, and was admitted to the bar March 30, 1875. He opened an office in this city shortly after, and has continued in legal practice here ever since. He was married, Novem- ber 7, 1878, to Miss Eliza- beth Ellsworth Wood, LEWIS SPERRY. daughter of Dr. Wm. Wood of East Windsor Hill, and they have two children. Mr. Sperry held the appointment of county coroner for Hartford county from June, 1883, to April, 1891, when he re- signed. In politics he is a democrat; in religious sym- pathies a Congregationalist, though not a church member. He was elected November 4, 1890, to represent the first district in the national house of representatives, taking his seat at the assembling of the fifty-second congress.
HON. JAMES GRAHAM, ORANGE : Brass Founder.
Hon. James Graham, a resident of Orange, with business connections principally in New Haven, is one of the best-known manufacturers and public men in the state. He was born in Albany, N. Y., January 23, 1831, and educated at the public schools. He moved to Branford, Conn., in 1852, and was employed by the Squire & Parsons Lock Company for nearly ten years. In 1861 he started the business of a brass foundry in New Haven, and is now the senior member of the firm of James Graham & Co., JAMES GRAHAM. carrying on an extensive business. He is also a director in the New Haven & West Haven Horse Railroad Company; president of the Bear Valley Irrigation Company, of Redlands, California; and a director in the West Haven Water Company. Mr. Graliam is a thorough-going republican and has
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for many years been prominent in the councils of that party in the state. In 1878, 1885, and 1886 he represented the town of Orange in the Connecticut legislature, the last year serving as chairman of the committee on railroads on the part of the house. He was elected state senator from the sev- enth district for 1887-8 and again for 1889-90. His familiarity with railroad legislation naturally fitted him for the chairmanship of the railroad com- mittee, in which position he served both terms, during sessions in which the struggle between the Consolidated road and the Housatonic system was at its fiercest. Mr. Graham is an example of per- sistent, energetic endeavor in all that he under- takes, and he has the universal esteem and respect of the people of the state.
J. B. MERROW, MERROW (MANSFIELD) : Manu- facturer and Merchant.
Joseph Battell Merrow was born in East Hart- ford, June 12, 1819, and is one of the best-known men in the eastern part of Tolland county. He was educated in the com- mon schools, and has fol- lowed manufacturing and mercantile pursuits. He removed from East Hart- ford to Mansfield, where he has since been engaged in various branches of stockinet manufacture, carries on a large mer- cantile business, has been postmaster and station agent at that point, as he J. B. MERROW. says, pretty much ever since, the post-office and railway station being named after him. He is the oldest station agent on the New London Northern road in point of service. He is at present senior partner of the firm of J. B. Merrow & Sons, doing business at Merrow and at Norwich, manufactur- ing knit goods, and now engaged in building spe- cial machinery for this manufacture in Norwich. He has been a selectman of the town of Mansfield, and a justice of the peace for several years. In 1867 he represented his town in the lower house of the legislature, and was in the senate in 1873. His first vote was cast for William Henry Harrison for . president in 1840, and he has been a republican since the organization of the party. His wife was Harriet L. Millard of Manchester. They have five children, one of the daughters being the wife of Prof. Washburn, principal of the Rhode Island Agricultural College. He has been an active, en- ergetic man, and has his full share of friends, both in business and socially.
.the summer seasons.
REV. STEPHEN B. CARTER, WESTMINSTER: Pastor Congregational Church.
Stephen B. Carter, son of Adin and Polly C. Carter, was born in Brooklyn, Conn., Sept. 2, 1839. At the age of four years his parents removed to Westminster in the town of Canterbury. Here he attended the district school near his home both summer and winter un- til he reached the age of twelve years, after which he worked on a farm summers, attending school during the winter months until he became eighteen years of age. He then commenced teaching winters, continuing his S. B. CARTER. labors on the farm during At the age of twenty-three he began work as a moulder in one of the iron foundries of Westminster, and followed this occu- pation for about three years. He then resumed the profession of teaching, in which, being very successful both as an instructor and a disciplinarian, he continued almost without interruption for several years. He was married, Sept. 3, 1865, to Miss Louisa Button, an estimable lady of West- minster. Two children are the fruit of this mar- riage, Edwin M., born February 26, 1870, and Annie E., born July 12, 1873.
In the spring of 1872, he removed with his family to Brooklyn, where he held the position of principal of the East Brooklyn Grammar School for nine successive terms. In 1874, he returned to Westminster, where he resided till January, 1876, when, having given some attention to the study of theology, and been licensed by the Windham County Association of Congregational ministers, he received a call to become acting pastor of the church in Ekonk, commonly known as the Congre- gational church of Voluntown and Sterling. He continued his pastorate here for five years, having been ordained in August, 1879. In January, 1881, he resigned this position, and again returned to Westminster. He was called to take the pastoral charge of the Congregational church in this place in March of the same year, in which relation he still continues.
Mr. Carter has been eminently successful as a teacher in an experience of more than thirty terms. By the clearness and simplicity of his illustrations, by his power to awaken the interest and arouse the energies of his pupils, and by the healthfulness of his own moral character, he has left an influence for good upon the minds of many of the youth of his charge which will never be lost. He possesses
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a well-balanced mind, and is master of his mental powers. He is a deep thinker, with rare powers of memory. As a man he stands high among men. As a minister, he is highly esteemed; and his ser- mons, which are much admired, are all largely and some of them wholly unwritten. His early and fre- quent practice as a debater in the lyceums of his own and other towns have made him a close and logical reasoner, while as an extemporaneous speaker he ranks among the best. He also enjoys a very pleasant local reputation as a poet.
Mr. Carter has always been closely identified with the republican party; he has also for several years been a member of the school board of Canter- bury, and for a part of that time acting school visitor.
F. B. NOYES, STONINGTON: Dealer in Western Securities.
Franklin Babcock Noyes was born in Westerly, R. I., June 22, 1831, and received a common school education, preparing him for an active and success- ful business life. He has held the positions of sec- retary, ticket agent, and paymaster on the New York, Providence & Bos- ton railroad, and is one of the burgesses of the bor- ough of Stonington. In politics Mr. Noyes is a re- publican. He has also held an agency for west- ern loans, and is at pres- ent engaged in that busi- ness. Formerly he was engaged in business in F. B. NOYES. New York, and resided in that state for nine years. He is a member of Asylum Lodge, No. 57, of Ston- ington, and of the Royal Arcanum. He has been married twice, his first wife being Miss Harriet A. Thompson of Ithaca, N. Y. The second was Mrs. Harriet E. Palmer of Chicago, formerly Harriet E. Wilder of Lancaster, Mass. There is one child liv- ing. Mr. Noyes is a member of the Congregational church. His father was a volunteer in the war of 1812. He has the commissions of his grandfather as lieutenant, IIth Co., Second regiment, R. I., dated August 26, 1776, and signed by John Han- cock ; first lieutenant artillery, dated May 29, 1777 ; second major, senior class, May 7, 1792 ; first major, senior class, May 6, 1793, and lieu- tenant-colonel, commanding second-class regi- ment, May 12, 1794. His great-grandfather, Dr. Charles Phelps, was one of the first physicians in Stonington. He is also a great-grandson of Col. Henry Babcock of the revolutionary army. Mr. Noyes is an active and influential business man in the community where he resides.
CHARLES H. STILLSON, ANSONIA : Real Es- tate.
Charles Hubbell Stillson was born at Newtown February 18, 1843, and was educated at the New- town academy. At the age of twenty-one he re- moved to Ansonia, where he began business as a joiner and carpenter, and has since resided there. He is a republican in poli- tics and a member of the board of assessors. He took an active part in securing the division of the old town of Derby two years ago. Mr. Stillson has been a member of the order of Odd Fellows for twenty-four years and is also a member of the An- C. HI. STILI.SON. sonia Club. He is engaged in the real estate busi- ness, being especially interested in that line. He is a member of the Episcopal church. His wife was Marion E. Kelley prior to her marriage. There is one son living.
HENRY B. CARTER, WOLCOTT : Farmer.
Mr. Carter was born in Wolcott, New Haven county, December 2, 1839. He is the eldest son of Deacon George W. Carter, who in his time repre- sented that town in the Connecticut house of rep- resentatives, and the fifth senatorial district in the senate. Mr. Carter's whole life has been spent in his native town. His educa- tion was obtained at the district school. Early in life he married Mary R. Hotchkiss, only daughter of Stiles L. Hotchkiss of Wolcott. He has followed farming as an occupation chiefly, but has also made H. B. CARTER. quite a business of light and heavy teaming. He is a member of the Wolcott Congregational church, of which he was appointed deacon soon after the death of his father, who held that office before him. For many years he has been superintendent of the Sunday-school connected with his church; also has been, and now is, on the list of the society's com- mittee. He has held the office of president of the Wolcott Agricultural Society for several years, and was re-appointed at its last annual meeting. He is chairman of the republican town committee; is first selectman of Wolcott; is chairman of the
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board of education; has served the town as assessor and road commissioner; and is at present master of Mad River Grange, No. 71, Patrons of Hus- bandry. He represented the town of Wolcott in the general assembly twice - in 1883 and 1884 - serving the first term on the committee on new towns and probate districts, and the last session on the joint select committee on temperance.
HON. HENRY B. GRAVES, LITCHFIELD: At- torney-at-Law.
Henry B. Graves was born in Sherman, Conn., and is sixty-eight years of age. He had a common school education and spent one year in the academy at Westfield, Mass. He was admitted to the bar in April, 1845. He has been a judge of probate in Litchfield and Ply- mouth. Mr. Graves comes of legislative ancestry, his grandfather, Ezra Graves, representing New Fairfield in the general as- sembly several sessions, and his father, Jedediah Graves, representing Sherman many times. 4 H. B. GRAVES. His father was also a member of the constitutional convention of 1818, and one of the last survivors of that memorable body of men. In 1849 Mr. Graves was clerk of the state senate, in 1854 executive secretary; was clerk of the superior and county courts of Litchfield county in 1854-55, and has been a justice of the peace for forty-four years. His legislative career has been as remarkable and as useful as that of any man in the state. He was a member of the lower house for the first time in 1858, when he served on the judi- ciary committee and on contested elections; in 1867, again on the judiciary committee; in 1868 he de- clined service on the judiciary, and at his own re- quest served on the committee of education; and was active in support of the law making the schools free. Governor English gave him the credit of being largely influential in the success of that measure. In 1876, after an interval of eight years, he again entered the legislature, and was house chairman on railroads and chairman on contested elections. In 1877 he was again a member of the judiciary committee, and also in 1879. In 1889 he was house chairman on the school fund. Many of the existing statutes were drafted by him, notably the act to prevent frauds in the sale of patents. This act Governor Hubbard pronounced one of the best specimens of legal mechanism. In 1889 he strongly advocated the bill to protect the policy-
holders of the Phoenix Mutual Life Insurance Com- pany, and when the veto of Governor Bulkeley came into the house it was on his motion passed over the veto, without debate and nearly unani- mously. In 1879 he defeated a resolution that had passed the senate without dissent, concerning an order on the state treasury for $118,000, in fa- vor of the policy-holders of certain defunct in- surance companies of New Haven. Subsequently the senate unanimously rejected the resolution. It will be seen from his record that he has made an unusual impress upon the legislation of the last thirty years in this state, which argues well for his ability and his untiring devotion to a cause when once enlisted, and for his energetic individuality. He has enjoyed a large practice at the bar and has been counsel in most of the important cases in Litchfield county, both civil and criminal. He is a democrat, but has never received honors from his party except in election to the legislature. His ac- quaintance throughout the state is very extensive, and he is universally considered one of its ablest lawyers and a man of integrity and honor.
EDWARD MORTON BULKLEY, SOUTHPORT: Sea Captain.
Edward M. Bulkley was born at Southport Jan- uary 31, 1827. He received his education at the academy in Danbury, also some nautical instruc- tion, for which he evinced an early fondness. Proba- bly the circumstances sur- rounding his early life had a tendency to confirm his tastes, as his father for many years followed the sea and was largely inter- ested in shipping, while a majority of the men of his town were or had been commanders of vessels. Edward Bulkley sailed, first, on the brig Edward as cabin boy, and when E. M. BULKLEY. nineteen years of age took command of the vessel, running from Boston to Savannah. He was suc- cessively master of the ships Julia Howard, Henry P. Russell, Maria Morton, and the steamers Carolina, Zodiac, Virgo, and Cleopatra. A strange fatality seemed to attend the vessels which he abandoned, as after he left them three were almost immediately destroyed. Captain Bulkley married, for his first wife, Miss Alvord of Southport, by whom he had four children, two sons and two daughters; for his second wife, Miss Hadlock of Vermont, grandniece of Colonel John Lovewell, whose name was made famous by his
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fight with the Indians, which battle was afterward commemorated in verse; also a descendant of Lord Mansfield. Two children were the result of this marriage. Captain Bulkley was the means, during his long service at sea, of saving the lives of many, having rescued several crews of disabled or wrecked vessels. He was particularly fortunate in his nau- tical experience, never meeting any serious losses or accidents, and has had many testimonials given him by passengers in recognition of his courage and great presence of mind at a time when such qualities are most needed and appreciated. It has been said of Captain Bulkley that to really know and appreciate his sterling qualities one must be with him at sea in command of his own vessel. Captain Bulkley retired from the water in the year 1879, the Cleopatra being the last vessel he com- manded. In politics he is a democrat, but always intends to vote for the best man irrespective of party ties or prejudices. He has held one or two minor town offices, is a member and vestryman of Trinity church, and at the age of sixty-four is en- joying the best of health and often wishes to tread again the deck of some good vessel.
CHARLES F. BROOKER, TORRINGTON: Manu- facturer.
Charles F. Brooker was appointed one of the alternate commissioners for the world's fair from this state in 1890 by Governor Bulkeley, and is amply fitted by training, travel, and experience for the position. Mr. Brook- er has spent a great deal of time in Europe and the West Indies in the interest of the Coe Brass Manu- facturing Company, with which he has been promi- nently associated for the past twenty years. He has made as many as a dozen trips abroad during C. F. BROOKER. that period. He is a member of the Union League Club of New York and also of the Engi- neers' Club of that city. Mr. Brooker is a promi- nent republican, being a member of the state cen- tral committee from his section of the state. In 1875 he was a member of the general assembly from Torrington, his colleagues from Litchfield county including Henry Gay, the Winsted banker, and State's Attorney James Huntington of Wood- bury. Mr. Brooker is director in various banks and manufacturing corporations, being one of the most active business men in western Connecticut. He was born at Torrington March 4, 1847, and was
educated in the common schools of old Litchfield county. He is a member of the Congregational church and is unmarried.
GEORGE D. STANTON, STONINGTON: Physi- cian and Surgeon.
Dr. George Dallas Stanton was born in Charles- town, R. I., April 13, 1839, and was educated in the common schools until he was thirteen years of age, when he entered the se- lect school of Dr. David S. Hart of Stonington, remaining there for five ycars. He was trained in the languages, survey- ing, and civil engineering, and pursued that profes- sion until he was twenty- three years of age. He then commenced the study of medicine in the office of Dr. William Hyde of Stonington, and com- G. D. STANTON. pleted his course at Belle- vue Hospital Medical College, graduating in 1865. Since 1847 Dr. Stanton has been a resident of Ston- ington. In 1867 he married M. Louise Pendleton: three sons, two of whom are living, being the re- sult of this union. Mrs. Stanton died in 1871, and in 1875 he married Miss Annie Whistler Palmer, youngest daughter of the late Dr. George E. Palmer, and a niece of Major George W. Whistler, one of the pioneer railroad engineers in this country and Russia. One son is the result of the latter union. Dr. Stanton has been in official position, either as health officer, warden of the borough of Stonington, or selectman of the town, most of the time for the past twenty years. He is at present first selectman and agent of the town deposit fund. He is also medical examiner for the town of Stonington, and has held the place since the present coroner system was established. The Doc- tor is a Democrat of the old school. He was chair- man of the executive committee of the Cleveland clubs at Stonington during both of the campaigns in which Mr. Cleveland was the candidate for the presidency. President Cleveland appointed him postmaster, the appointment being confirmed by the senate, but, owing to the fact that local affairs of first selectman and agent of the town deposit fund could not be held in conjunction with the post- mastership, he declined the latter. The matter of salary entered in no way into the decision, as the offices which he retained in preference to the gov- ernment appointment were without salary. Dr. Stanton is a past master of Asylum Lodge, No. 57, F. and A. M. of Stonington. He has been deputy
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grand lecturer, district deputy grand master, and senior grand deacon of the Grand Lodge of A. F. and A. M. of Connecticut. Dr. Stanton is con- nected with the Protestant Episcopal church, and is held in the highest honor and respect by the com- munity in which the whole of his professional life has been spent.
CHARLES E. THOMPSON, HARTFORD: With Connecticut Mutual Life Insurance Company.
Lieutenant-Colonel Charles E. Thompson, whose career as a National Guardsman is deserving of the highest admiration and approval, was born in Rockville February 26, 1847, and was educated in the Rockville High school. He resided in Rockville until 1863, when he removed to Hartford, remaining in the city for ten years. He was in the city of Providence for two years, but returned to Hartford in 1875 and has since resided here, being engaged with the Connec- C. E. THOMPSON. ticut Mutual Life Insur- ance Company. In Au- gust, 1865, he enlisted as a private in Battery D, Light Artillery, which was attached to the First Regiment, C. N. G. He was appointed corporal January 20, 1868, and was discharged July 24, 1871. He was the originator of Company K of the First Regiment, enlisting in the command February 10, 1879. On that date he was elected to the first lieutenancy. January 31, 1883, he was elected captain of Company F, Hartford City Guard, of the First Regiment, and was advanced to the lieutenant-colonelcy of the regiment January 22, 1885. During the period that Captain Thompson commanded the City Guard the company stood at the head of the brigade in figures of merit. The credit and distinction which he won as a line officer were accorded to him without dissent throughout the National Guard as a field officer of the First. In personal honor, instinct and training, Lieutenant- Colonel Thompson is the ideal military leader. In March, 1890, he was elected major-commanding the Veteran City Guard. In 1889 he was captain- commanding Company K, Veteran Corps. He has also been the military instructor at the West Mid- dle school in this city, holding the position for one year. During the presidential campaign of 1888 he was in command of the Harrison and Morton battalion of this city, ranking as major. Lieuten- ant-Colonel Thompson originated the present signal for calling out the city companies in case of emer- gency, the call being made by means of the alarm
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