USA > Connecticut > Illustrated popular biography of Connecticut > Part 66
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
details. His success is not measured by his own personal profit only, but in the advancement of the interests of others with whom he has been associ- ated, and in contributing largely to the material wealth, prosperity, population, and industries of his adopted city, notwithstanding the many obstacles that would discourage or dismay the average man, but which the subject of this sketch has resolutely met and overcome. He still looks on the bright side of life with undimmed vision, and spirit apparently as buoyant as in earlier days ; and while he carries a full share of the burdens and responsibilities of life, he extends the hearty greet- ing of a friend, and richly deserves the reputation he has won and the magnificent success he has achieved.
[Mr. White died at his home in Rockville, May 10, 1891, after the above sketch had been prepared. -ED.]
WINTHROP M. WADSWORTH, FARMINGTON : Farmer.
Mr. Wadsworth is one of the most favorably known of public officials in Hartford county. He has been a member of the general assembly through four terms, and introduced there the con- stitutional amendment changing the sessions of the legislature from May to January. The amend- ment when submitted to the people was carried by a large majority. Mr. Wadsworth also intro- duced the resolutions some years ago, discount- enancing the back pay scheme which had been W. M. WADSWORTH. carried through the na- tional congress. These resolutions were copied and passed by the legislatures of several of the states, and produced a marked impression on the public. For twenty-eight consecutive years Mr. Wadsworth was the first selectman of his town. He has been the president of the Dairymen's Association, and president of the Farmington Creamery Com- pany, the first established in New England. He was a justice of the peace for a number of years, and has been prominent in town interests for fifty years. He was a Hartford county director in the State Agricultural Society, and is the president of the Farmington Savings Bank. Mr. Wadsworth is a republican and a member of the First Congrega- tional society. He has twice married. His first wife was Lucy A. Ward, who died in ISS3. The second wife, Elizabeth F. Wadsworth, is still living. There are four sons in the family. The eldest,
360
AN ILLUSTRATED POPULAR
Adrian R. Wadsworth, remains on the farm which has been in the family for five generations. The remaining sons, Harry H. and Frank H., lawyers, and Frederick A., real estate manager, reside in Minneapolis. Mr. Wadsworth owns a farm of three hundred acres, which he has managed per- sonally until within a short period, in addition to his extensive public duties. It has been a marked advantage to the town of Farmington, and the state at large, in fact, that so capable and honest a man has been willing to bestow so much of his time and experience to the public service.
Mr. Wadsworth was born in Farmington, Nov- ember 27, 1812, and received his education in the public schools and at Farmington Academy. His long life has been one of great honor and useful- ness, and for a great many years there has been no one in his community whose advice and counsel was more sought after or depended upon.
WILLIAM M. STANLEY, EAST HARTFORD : Farmer.
Mr. Stanley was born in East Hartford Novem- ber 18, 1817, and received a common school and academical education, and in early life followed the business of bookbinding, but since 1840 has been farming in East Hartford, one of the finest farming towns in the state. Mr. Stanley is a republican, casting his vote for Wil- liam Henry Harrison in 1840, and by virtue of that act is an influential member of the Harrison Veterans of Hartford. He has often been honored W. M. STANLEY. by the votes of his towns- men, and for fourteen years was the first selectman of the town, from 1856 to 1870. He was justice of the peace from 1853 until 1887 when he was disqualified from age, serving one of the longest terms in that capacity of any man in the state. He has the confidence of the financial men of central Connecticut, and is a trustee of that honored institution, the Pratt Street Institution for Savings in Hartford, the strongest savings bank in the state. Mr. Stanley's wife was Mary E. Newton, and they have three children liv- ing. He is prominently connected with the Con- gregational church in East Hartford. Mr. Stanley is one of the Sons of the American Revolution, and takes pride in the fact that his grandfather, Theo- dore Stanley, was among the patriots who hurried to Boston in response to the Lexington alarm in 1775.
WARREN W. WOODWARD, DANIELSONVILLE : Druggist.
Mr. Woodward was born in Brooklyn, Conn., in 1834, and is a graduate of the Brooklyn academy. He is a druggist, and has resided in Brooklyn, Lis- bon, and Danielsonville. His business career was begun in Brooklyn as a news dealer, afterwards in a general store, and for two years in Eagle- ville (Lisbon) he kept a general store and was postmaster. Since 1868 he has been in the drug business in Danielson- ville in his own name. He has been a republican from the date of the organiza- W. W. WOODWARD. tion of the party. He has been a grand juror of the town of Brooklyn, and has served as juror in the United States District Court at Hartford. He has been prominently connected with the Baptist denomination in the eastern part of the state, being one of the organizers of the Baptist church in Danielsonville, and for several years was a member of both the church and society committees, and clerk and treasurer of both organizations. He was a member of the building committee when the church was erected. His wife was Anna E. Ross, and they have three children.
ASHER S. BAILEY, EAST HARTFORD : Flour and Grain Merchant.
Mr. Bailey, who is one of the best-known busi- ness men of East Hartford, was born in Haddam, Conn., January 6, 1851. He was educated in the common schools of Had- dam, and spent his life there until he was twenty- six years of age, working at his trade of a carpen- ter and joiner, when he removed to East Hart- ford. Since residing in the last-named town, he has been justice of the peace and school commit- tee for ten years, and is well known for his active interest in public affairs. A. S. BAILEY. He is an earnest republi- can. His religious connections are with the First Baptist church of Hartford. He has been in mer- cantile business for the past twelve years. He is without any family, having lost by death his wife and only child.
36r
BIOGRAPHY OF CONNECTICUT.
JAMES H. BEACH, NEW BRITAIN : Ex-Probate and City Court Judge.
Judge Beach was born in Litchfield, Feb. 10, 1819, and was educated at the common schools of that town. For thirty years he followed the trade of a carpenter and joiner, and has lived sixteen years in Litchfield, nine years in Waterbury, twenty-five in Plymouth, and twenty-two in New Britain. He has been con- stable and deputy sheriff for eighteen years, select- man for two years, justice of the peace for seventeen years, judge of probate six years, and judge of the New Britain city and J. H. BEACH. probate court for four years. In all these public capacities he has won the esteem of the citizens whom he served, and is one of the honored residents of New Britain to-day. He has been an attendant of the Episcopal church for many years, always taking an interest in its affairs. He is a democrat in politics. His wife, who is still living, was Ann M. Coy, and he has had five children, of whom four are now living. Mr. Beach is thoroughly known and respected by a large circle of friends in the central and western part of the state.
H. D. PATTERSON, NAUGATUCK: Merchant.
Henry De Witt Patterson was born in Seymour, November 2, 1834, and is a graduate of the Connec- ticut Literary Institute at Suffield. He enlisted as a private in the First Con- necticut Artillery May 23, 1861, and served with that famous regiment un- til October 5, 1865, hold- ing the rank of lieutenant and brevet captain when he was mustered out. Naturally he takes a great deal of interest in all matters connected with the veteran soldiers, and is an enthusiastic member of the Grand Army of the Republic. He has H. D. PATTERSON. followed the business of a merchant in Seymour, New Haven, and Naugatuck, dealing in general Although an dry-goods on his own account. earnest republican, he has found no time for public office. He is an Odd Fellow and Mason, a member of Shepherds Lodge, Allerton Chapter, Clark Commandery, and Lafayette Consistory,
reaching the thirty-second degree. He is a Con- gregationalist in religious faith and membership. His wife was Ellen R. Potter, and they have two children. Mr. Patterson is an active man, and has a host of acquaintances in the Naugatuck Valley.
SIMEON ABEL, FITCHVILLE (BOZRAH): Farmer.
Simeon Abel, a native of Bozrah, was born in 1822 and educated in the common schools. He is a farmer, and is prominent in the community in which he has been so long a resident. In the days of the old state militia Mr. Abel held the com- mission of a lieutenant. He is a republican in poli- tics and has been assessor, member of the board of relief, selectman, consta- ble, and collector, the lat- ter for twenty years. In 1869 he represented Boz- rah in the legislature, serving on the committee on banks. He was the SIMEON ABEL. census enumerator in his town for 1880 and 1890, and is now a justice of the peace. These offices he has filled with great acceptance to his constituents and the town, whose interests he has always earnestly striven to promote to the best of his ability. He is a member of the Congregational church, and its clerk. His wife, who is living, was Fanny E. Stark, and he has three sons.
HON. RALPH S. TAINTOR, COLCHESTER: Farmer.
The Hon. Ralph Smith Taintor was one of the prominent organizers of the republican party in this state. In 1857 he represented the old ninth dis- trict in the senate, his colleagues including Judges Carpenter and Loomis of the supreme court. Mr. Taintor was born in Colchester, Nov. 13, IS11, and was edu- cated at Bacon Academy. With the exception of nine years from April, 1839, which were spent in the town of Pomfret, he has resided in Colchester. He is a direct lineal descend- ant from Michael Taintor, R. S. TAINTOR. one of the original nine incorporators of that tow11 in 1698, and for twenty-six years a delegate to the general court of Connecticut. Ex-Senator Taintor
362
AN ILLUSTRATED POPULAR
was married June 2, 1834, at Lyme, to Miss Phœbe Higgins Lord, who was born in that town June II, 1814, and died December 16, 1890. There were eight children in the family, seven of whom are still living. The sons include Judge Taintor of New York city and Secretary James U. Taintor of the Orient Insurance Company, both of whom are graduates of Yale College. Mr. Taintor was a lieutenant in the old state militia. He has held various local offices, including that of selectman. He is a member of Wooster Lodge No. 10, F. and A. M. of Colchester, and also of Grange No. 78. He has pursued the avocation of a farmer most of his life, and has been an earnest representative of the farming interests in the state. He has also been an extensive purchaser of wool on commission, and has been widely known in business circles. He was originally a Whig, but has been identified with the republican party since its formation; and during his active political life was frequently dele- gate to the state, congressional, and senatorial con- ventions of his party. He is a member of the Congregational church at Colchester, and is held in the utmost respect and esteem in the community where he resides.
WILLIAM F. DANIEL, STAMFORD: Stock Broker. William F. Daniel is one of the active citizens of the Borough of Stamford, and the captain of Company C, Fourth regiment, C. N. G. On October 8, 1880, he enlist- ed as a private in the Seventh regiment, N. G. S. N. Y., and was made corporal, January 13, 1882. October 20, 1885, he was discharged from the com- mand. He was one of the organizers of Com- pany C of the Fourth in this state, and became captain of the company, December 26, 1884. With the exception of Captain W. F. DANIEL. Sheridan of Bridgeport, he is the ranking line officer in the regiment. Cap- tain Daniel was born in Stamford, December 30, 1858, and received a high school education. He is engaged in the brokerage business, being the senior member of the firm of Wm. F. Daniel & Bro., with office at No. 62 Broadway, New York city. Captain Daniel spent one year at sea as purser between New York and the West Indies. He is a member of the Manhattan Athletic Club, one of the crack clubs of the metropolis, the Re- publican Club, and the New York Wheel Club. He was at one time president of the Young Men's Re-
publican Club of Stamford. He is a director of the New York Consolidated Stock and Petroleum Exchange and a director of the clearing house con- nected therewith. He is associated with St. John's Episcopal church in Stamford, and is unmarried.
WILLIAM CONRAD WILE, A.M., M.D., DAN- BURY : Physician.
This well known physician and surgeon was born in Pleasant Valley, Dutchess county, N. Y., Jan- uary 23, 1847. He was the son of the Rev. Benja- min F. Wile, a noted Presbyterian minister, and Betty Buckley, a lady from one of the prominent families of the state.
His early education was acquired under the direc- tion of the Rev. Edgar Poe Roe, who occupied at the time a prominent place among the teachers of that state, and among whose pupils were num- W. C. WILE. bered many who have since gained prominence and reputation. Under this efficient tutorship he remained several years, acquiring an extensive knowledge and proficiency in various branches of learning. In 1871 he was married to Miss Eliza Scott Garrison of New York, who, after several years of devoted companionship, succumbed to disease of the lungs, perpetuating, however, in an only daughter her many prominent and endearing qualities. At the beginning of the rebellion he re- sponded to the urgent demands of the occasion, and became a member of Company G, 150th New York volunteers, serving as private for two years and eight months, during this time marching with Sherman to the sea. In accordance with a long- cherished desire to practice medicine, he began in 1865 the study of that profession, and in 1870 received his degree of M.D. from the medical department of the University of the city of New York. After graduation he engaged in medical practice in New Brunswick, N. J., and High- land, N. Y., but afterwards removed to Newtown, Conn., where for years he was engaged in profes- sional work, which was distributed over a large territory, and of which surgery formed a prominent feature. During this period he conceived the idea of founding a medical journal, and the outcome was the New England Medical Monthly -a publication which, by reason of its many distinct- ive features, soon acquired popularity and took a foremost position among the medical journals of the day, its circulation in this (the tenth) year of its
363
BIOGRAPHY OF CONNECTICUT.
existence being equaled by few medical publica- tions of this country.
His professional and literary attainments were destined ere long to receive further recognition, for in 1887 he was tendered the professorship of Mental and Nervous diseases in the Medico-Chirurgical Col- lege of Philadelphia, where his success as a prac- titioner and his skill in imparting information ren- dered him a highly popular and valued teacher. Yet, as might be inferred, this specialty and the conditions attending city life were not wholly con- genial; so that, having received urgent inducements to go elsewhere, he removed to Danbury, Conn., where he has ever since been engaged in the duties of his profession. Soon after his return to Connecti- cut he was united in marriage to Miss Hattie Adele Loomis of New Haven, an accomplished lady, who, with his daughter, Miss Alice, supply all the pleas- ant features of domestic life, and dispense their hospitality with a lavish hand.
The specialty of surgery has always received from him more or less attention, and by reason of his knowledge of anatomy and his marked me- chanical ingenuity he has made, from time to time, valuable contributions to this department of medi- cine. His success in nearly all the major opera- tions, as well as in the specialty of abdominal surgery, have likewise added to his reputation, and given him an extended consultation practice throughout the southern portion of the state. He holds the positions of Medical Examiner of the town of Danbury and surgeon of both the Housatonic and New England railroads. His deep interest in medical organizations of various kinds is well known, and has gained for him an extended ac- quaintance among the members of the profession, both in this country and Europe. Among the offices which he has held may be mentioned those of vice-president of the American Medical Associa- tion, president of the American Medical Editors' Association, president of the Fairfield County Medical Society, president of the Danbury Medical Society, secretary of the Section of Anatomy of the Ninth International Medical Congress, as well as member of the British Medical Association (to which he has been a delegate), member of the Medico-Legal Society, Connecticut State Medical Society, and various other organizations.
Dr. Wile is a prolific writer, and has contributed to these societies, and to the medical publications of this and other countries, many important papers upon surgical, medico-legal, and other subjects. In addition to such work, he is occupied with the editorship of the Monthly, and another more re- cent publication entitled, The Prescription, which has already acquired a large circulation. His literary acquirements, which are of a high order, and his interest in educational matters, have won
for him a deserved recognition from the Central College of Kentucky, which a few years ago awarded him the honorary degree of A.M. Dr. Wile is likewise well known in social circles. He is a prominent Knight Templar, and Thirty-Second Degree Mason, and a member of many fraternal and business organizations. In politics he has always been identified with the republican party.
His wide professional knowledge and executive ability have won for him a foremost place in the medical profession, while his many attractive qualities of mind and heart have placed him high in the esteem of all who know him.
J. J. B.
JOSEPH HOWARD NORTH, M.D., GOSHEN : Town Clerk and Registrar.
Dr. North has resided in Goshen since the fall of 1873. He graduated from the Long Island Col- lege Hospital, June 26, 1873, and immediately es- tablished himself in prac- tice in the town where he now resides. He was born at Cornwall, Janu- ary 15, 1846, and received a thorough English edu- cation at Alger Institute in Cornwall, then man- aged by Colonel Petti- bone, and in the public grammar schools of New York city. While in the metropolis he was espe- cially influenced by Dr. J. H. NORTH. Jackson Bolton, father of H. Carrington Bolton, Ph.D., (who was until recently identified with Trinity College of Hart- ford, as Professor of Chemistry,) and by Col. B. S. Alexander of the United States Engineer Corps. The former was a relative by marriage of the Doc- tor's father, Mr. Joseph North. Colonel Alexander desired the lad's matriculation at West Point, but the outbreak of the war interfered with the plan. In 1868 Dr. North commenced the regular study of medicine under the direction of his uncle, Dr. B. B. North of Cornwall, remaining under his instruc- tion until IS71. He then removed to Potter county, Pa., with a brother-in-law, L. N. Whiting, and en- gaged in business. There he married Miss Mary C. Hurd, daughter of Harry Hurd, Esq., of Gene- see, Pa., and returned to Connecticut. He has taken an active part in public affairs, and has held numerous local offices, including that of constable and school visitor in Cornwall, town clerk in Goshen, and member of the legislature from that place in 1884, serving with credit on the democratic side. He belongs to the Patrons of Husbandry, and is a member of the Litchfield County Medical
al
re a
h
al
364
AN ILLUSTRATED POPULAR
Society and the Connecticut Medical Association. There are three children in the family, two sons and a daughter.
RODNEY DENNIS, HARTFORD: Secretary Trav- elers Insurance Company.
The subject of this sketch was born at Topfield, Mass., January 14, 1826 ; the son of a Congrega- tional clergyman of considerable distinction in his profession, whose minis- try covered a period of fifty years. Within a few years after the birth of this son, the family re- moved from Topfield to Somers, in Tolland county, Conn., where the young man spent several years in acquiring an ed- ucation at the public schools. At the age of sixteen he came to Hart- RODNEY DENNIS. ford, and for ten years was engaged in mercan- tile pursuits, first as a clerk, and later in busi- ness on his own account. He afterwards spent two years in business in Augusta, Ga., and was for a short time a resident of Albany, N. Y. Re- turning to Hartford in 1855, he engaged with the Phoenix Bank of this city as an accountant, contin- uing this connection for nine years. In 1864 the Travelers Insurance Company of Hartford was chartered ; and at the request of its president, Mr. J. G. Batterson, and the newly-elected board of directors, Mr. Dennis became secretary of the com- pany, and has ever since held that position, - a pe- riod of twenty-seven years. He was by education and training admirably qualified for the duties of his office, and brought to this comparatively untried field of insurance effort a vigilant and active mind which quickly and easily grasped every situation ; a tenacity of purpose which pursued every possible advantage to a successful issue ; a painstaking and methodical habit which enabled him to present al- ways a lucid and orderly solution of all the intricacies of his department ; a disposition disciplined by expe- rience, which made him an agreeable official with his associates and patrons ; and an inflexible sense of honor and rectitude, which secured for him the implicit confidence of the company and the public. He has been a conscientious and earnest worker, and any intelligent analysis of the phenomenal suc- cess which has attended The Travelers Insurance Company during the last quarter of a century must include his efforts among those which have contrib- uted thereto most effectively.
Mr. Dennis is prominently identified with various
charitable and humane enterprises and institutions in Hartford. He is, and has been since its founda- tion, president of the Connecticut Humane Society; auditor and member of the executive committee of the Connecticut Bible Society, and chairman of its finance committee; vice-president of the Young Men's Christian Association ; a director in the Con- necticut Fire Insurance Company, and one of the three American trustees of the Lion Fire Insurance Company of London ; a trustee in the Society for Savings and the Hartford Trust Company ; a director in the Hartford City Gas Light Company and the Farmington Power Company ; and is officially and otherwise connected with various other financial institutions in which The Travelers is interested. In politics Mr. Dennis is a republi- can of the truest type. His religious connections are with the Center church (Dr. Walker's) of Hart- ford.
CHAUNCEY B. WEBSTER, WATERBURY.
Chauncey B. Webster was born in Burlington, June 19, 1826, and received a common school and academic education, completing the course in the academy at Harwinton. He has served two years in the general assembly, and has held numerous public offices in the city of Waterbury. For ten years he was a member of the board of aldermen, two in the council and eleven on the board of assessors. He is at pres- ent chairman of the Cen- ter school district finance committee. In politics Mr. Webster is a demo- C. B. WEBSTER. crat. He was a charter member of the City Guard in 1854, and has been prominently associated with the Masonic order for years, being a member of Harmony Lodge in Waterbury and of Clark Com- mandery, Knights Templar. He is also a member of the order of Odd Fellows, Knights of Pythias, and Red Men. He is connected with the Congre- gational church in Waterbury, and has retired from business. His various occupations have included that of house painter, carman, and coal dealer. He removed to Waterbury in 1843 and has since resided in that city. From the time he was nine years of age until his removal to Water- bury he worked on a farm. His success in life has been due to his personal energy and man- agement. His wife, who is now living, with three children, was Miss Louisa Thayer prior to her marriage.
365
BIOGRAPHY OF CONNECTICUT.
GEORGE W. ROUSE, VOLUNTOWN Post-
master.
·
George W. Rouse was born at Griswold, Febru- ary 20, 1847, and received a public school educa- tion. His boyhood was spent in a cotton-mill at Voluntown, but at the age of sixteen he obtained employment in a Nor- wich hotel. One year later he enlisted in the Twelfth Connecticut and served with that com- mand at New Orleans and in the Shenandoah under Sheridan, being in the hottest of the fight at Cedar Creek. He is a member of the Grand Army and is actively in- G. W. ROUSE. terested in the welfare of the soldiers. Mr. Rouse is a member of Mount Vernon Lodge, No. 75, F. and A. M., of Jewett City, and is connected with the order of Odd Fel- lows and the Ancient Order of United Workmen. The family of Postmaster Rouse consists of his wife and four children, three sons and one daughter. The former was Hattie Maynard be- fore her marriage. He has held the offices of grand juror, notary public, and registrar of births, deaths, and marriages. He is a republican in politics. He is engaged in the grocery and con- fectionery business.
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.