USA > Connecticut > Men of mark in Connecticut; ideals of American life told in biographies and autobiographies of eminent living Americans > Part 8
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CALEB THOMAS WINCHESTER
W INCHESTER, CALEB THOMAS, educator, lecturer and writer, professor of English literature at Wesleyan Uni- versity, Middletown, Connecticut, was born in Montville, Connecticut, January 18th, 1847, and is a descendant of John Win- chester, who was born in England in 1616, settled in what is now Brookline, Massachusetts, and died in 1694. Professor Winchester's father was Rev. George H. Winchester, a "plain and earnest" minister in the Methodist Episcopal Church. His mother was Lucy Thomas Winchester, a woman of quick intellect, refined tastes and gentle manners, to whom he credits "everything good" in his character. Through her, Professor Winchester is descended from Dr. Francis Le Baron, a native of France who settled in Plymouth, Massachusetts, about 1635 and who was, according to tradition, a French nobleman and refugee.
From the time he was seven until he was sixteen years of age Caleb Winchester lived on a small farm in southeastern Massachusetts, and for the hard but profitable experience in all kinds of work where farming is of the poorest he heartily thanks God. The labor strength- ened his none too robust constitution and stored up health and vigor sufficient to keep him a well man all his later days, and, he says, "more than that, it opened my eyes to the charm of outdoors, taught me the ways of plants and animals and the look of land and sky. It taught me what manual labor is and what it costs, and gave me a first-hand knowledge of a most interesting set of opinions, customs and preju- dices that I should otherwise never have learned." He was naturally a student, and though the range of reading accessible in his early life was not wide, it was good and afforded him an intimacy with history and poetry. His education was for the most part self-earned and was acquired at an academy in Middleborough, Massachusetts, at Wesleyan Academy, Wilbraham, Massachusetts, and at Wesleyan University, Middletown, Connecticut, where he was graduated in 1869. At the beginning of the following college year he entered upon the duties of
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librarian of Wesleyan and he has been connected with the college ever since.
In 1872 Professor Winchester took the chair of English litera- ture at Wesleyan, and he has held it ever since, giving to the students courses that are both scholarly and popular and winning a place second to none in the field of literary appreciation and criticism. He has been a frequent and favorite lecturer at Amherst, Princeton, Johns Hopkins, Wells, and many other colleges and institutions of learning and before many more general audiences. In 1880 and 1881 he studied abroad, mostly in Leipsic, and, though he took no degree there, he has since received the honorary degree of L.H.D. from Dickinson College. In 1892 he published his compact, stimulating, and scholarly book "Five Short Courses of Reading" and in 1900 he put forth a revised edition of this valuable work. In 1899 he pub- lished "Some Principles of Literary Criticism" which has the useful- ness of a handbook and the merit of true literary worth as well. He has been a constant and well known contributor to a number of the leading magazines and journals. His last work, "The Life of John Wesley," issued in the spring of 1906, has received high commenda- tion from the best critics.
Professor Winchester has made teaching his vocation and lecturing his avocation. As a teacher he is most certainly a master of the art, for he is enthusiastic and inspiring, approachable and sympa- thetic, thorough and earnest, with a lively interest in both subjects and students. His courses are among the most popular in the Uni- versity, to which many go to specialize in English literature. The clear diction and incisive reasoning, deep humor and sharp wit, the charm of delivery, the keen, critical ability and strong intellectuality that have made him such a favorite on the lecture platform are all at their best in the class room. As a critic of Shakespeare he has given the literary world some truly original matter and his lectures on the Lake Poets of England and the English Essayists are real works of literature, so pure and graceful is his English, so thorough and sen- sitive his appreciation and so charming is his literary style.
Though Professor Winchester's life is one of devotion to his pro- fessional work, that devotion does not exclude but rather affiliates with the other "good things in life." He is a most sincere and active member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. In politics he is an
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independent voter, having been a Republican until 1884, when, with many others, he was unable to support Mr. Blaine. His favorite out- of-door recreation is bicycling, in which he has found benefit and pleasure for fifteen years. Professor Winchester is a great lover of home life and is a man of most domestic tastes. In April, 1880, he married Alice G. Smith.
The love of the literary life grew gradually upon Caleb Winches- ter during his college days and determined for him a lifelong literary career. One has only to read or listen to his words to know that this love of literature is the dominating influence in his life and the cause of his great success. For the benefit of others he says: "Think less of your success and more of your work ; have some one line of work to which you can always give your best energies and some pleasant fad to unbend on; always spend less than you earn, but otherwise don't pay much attention to money ; marry a good woman and make a home, big or little, rich or poor matters not, but a home. If every one will do that, society is safe enough."
HERBERT WILLIAM CONN
C ONN, HERBERT WILLIAM, Ph.D., biologist, educator, lecturer, author and practical bacteriologist, professor of biol- ogy at Wesleyan University, president and instigator of the Society of American Bacteriologists, founder of Agricultural Bacteri- ology, and one of the most eminent scientists of our day, was born in Fitchburg, Worcester County, Massachusetts, January 10th, 1859. He is descended from John Conn, who came from Ulster County, Ireland, to the United States in 1730 and, on his mother's side, from John Barrows, who settled in Salem in 1635. Professor Conn's father, Reuben Rice Conn, was a watchmaker and jeweler and a man of marked integrity of character. His mother was Harriet Elizabeth Conn, a woman of great moral and spiritual strength and influence. The boy Herbert Conn was rather weak and sickly and he was brought up in a small city with few duties to perform outside of his school work. He was an ardent student and showed a propensity for scientific research at a very early age. He attended a private school, Cushing Academy, Ashburnham, Massachusetts, and then entered Boston Uni- versity, where he received his A.B. degree in 1881 and his A.M. degree in 1883. He entered Johns Hopkins University in 1881, where he was granted the degree of Ph.D. in Biology in 1884. During his last year of study at Johns Hopkins he also taught in that university and he was acting director of the Johns Hopkins Summer Laboratory during the summer that followed.
In 1884 Mr. Conn became instructor of biology in Wesleyan University, Middletown, Connecticut, and he became professor of biol- ogy in that university in 1887 and still holds the chair. He was biol- ogy instructor at Trinity College in 1889-1890; acting director of the department of zoology, Martha's Vineyard Summer Institute, in 1887; director of the Cold Springs Biological Laboratory 1890-1897; bacteri- ologist of Storrs School Experiment Station from the time it was founded until the present time and he has been lecturer on bacteriol- ogy at the Connecticut Agricultural College since 1901. He was the
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first to suggest and one of the chief organizers of the Society of American Bacteriologists, of which he was secretary for the first three years of its existence and of which he was president in 1902. He was the founder and has been for some time the chief exponent in America of the growing subject of Agricultural Bacteriology, which is to-day revolutionizing many agricultural methods and doing a work of the ut- most importance in promoting health and economy. Some of his most valuable, radical, and fruitful investigations have been those concerning bacteria in milk products, of which scientific study Pro- fessor Conn was the pioneer in America. In 1905 he was made State Bacteriologist of Connecticut and director of the State Bacteriological Laboratory that was organized under his supervision. He has pub- lished about one hundred and fifty scientific papers upon this and kindred subjects, which have brought about definite and practical results. He was the first to prove that typhoid fever is distributed by oysters, doing so by investigations of an epidemic at Wesleyan. He is the author of "Evolution of To-day," published in 1886; "The Living World," 1891; "The Method of Evolution," 1900; "The Story of Germ Life," 1897; "The Story of the Living Machine," 1899; "Agricultural Bacteriology," 1901; "Bacteria in Milk and Its Products," 1902; "Bacteria Yeasts and Molds in the Home," 1903; "Elementary Physiology and Hygiene," and "Nociones de Microbiologie," and also a series of widely used school text- books on Physiology. Several of these books have been trans- lated into Spanish, Italian, and Hungarian. In these books his treatment of his subjects is masterful, thorough, and modern, avoiding all unnecessary detail and aiming at a résumé of salient points and a solution of practical problems. He writes clearly with no trace of pedantry and with apt and illuminating illustrations. He believes that the study of evolution is in a transition period and that the rising generation of students will study it from a new view point, and writes with so scientific and scholarly a caution that it is almost prophetic, and it is safe to say that his books will have true value in the coming as well as in the present generation. As a specialist on the bacteriology of dairy products Professor Conn has performed some very important and advanced experiments with most beneficial results. He spent three years in searching for a species of bacteria which the butter-maker might inoculate into his cream to insure a uniformly
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pure product and the adequate organism was obtained in 1893, and has been used with the most satisfying results in creameries all over the country. By the inoculation of "Bacillus No. 41" the growth of injurious bacteria is checked and cream and butter are given their own desirable flavor.
Professor Conn's able, thorough, and progressive work in scientific research has placed him among the foremost biologists of to-day. His recognized importance in scientific circles is due to his careful and fruitful experiments, his clear and authentic writings and lectures and his ability as an educator. In the advice he offers others we may discover the fundamental reasons of his own great success, for he says, "Aim to discover essentials and distinguish them from unim- portant details. Place the emphasis of endeavor upon the essentials that count and don't waste energies in too much attention to unim- portant minutiæ." He has truly bent all of his energies to the pur- suit of the branch of science that is his life work and, except for a constant interest in the Methodist Church to which he belongs, con- scientious casting of his political vote, usually for the Republican party, and membership in his college fraternity Beta Theta Pi, he has no social connections. For relaxation he enjoys bicycling and moun- tain climbing, and, when tired, light fiction. In August, 1885, Pro- fessor Conn married Julia M. Joel, by whom he has had two children. Their home is in Middletown, the seat of his professional duties.
ABIRAM CHAMBERLAIN
C HAMBERLAIN, ABIRAM, former governor of Connecticut and a prominent banker in New England, was born in the town of Colebrook, Litchfield County, Connecticut, December 7th, 1837. His ancestors on both sides were of the oldest and purest New England stock, one of the oldest on his father's side being Jacob Chamberlain, who was born in Newton (now Cambridge), Massa- chusetts, in 1673. On his mother's side Mr. Chamberlain is descended from Henry and Eulalia Burt. Mr. Chamberlain's father was Deacon Abiram Chamberlain, a most skillful and experienced civil engineer and surveyor. He was a man of great uprightness and stability of character, and was widely known for his attractive personality. Mr. Chamberlain's mother was Sophronia Ruth Burt.
After receiving a public school education, Mr. Chamberlain studied at Williston Seminary, Easthampton, Massachusetts, where he made a special study of civil engineering, his father's calling. In 1856 the family moved to New Britain, where Mr. Chamberlain learned the trade of rule making and practiced civil engineering with his father. He soon abandoned this course to become a teller in the New Britain National Bank and this step was the turning point of his career, for Mr. Chamberlain was destined to be identified from that time on with finance instead of engineering. In 1867 he moved to Meriden and became cashier of the Home National Bank. In 1881 he became president of that bank, which position he still holds.
Though few men have had more thorough experience in banking than Mr. Chamberlain, he has found time for many other interests, as his many public offices have shown. He was at one time city auditor and a member of the City Government and has represented his town in the State Legislature. In 1901 and 1902 he was state comptroller and in September, 1902, he was nominated for governor of the State of Connecticut and elected by a large majority. From the time his first address won public applause, he was in high favor, not only be- cause of his dignity and executive ability, but for his kindness and
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geniality. Soon after his election the Waterbury Trolley Strike occurred and the decision and mastery with which Governor Chamber- lain quelled the disturbance proved him thoroughly worthy of his great trust.
Mr. Chamberlain has always been a promoter of everything pos- sible for the welfare of Meriden and he is actively interested in many of its leading institutions. He is vice-president of the Meriden Savings Bank, director in the Meriden Hospital, Meriden Cutlery Company, in the Edward Miller & Company, also a director of the Stanley Works in New Britain. He is a member of the Home and Colonial clubs of Meriden, the Hartford Club, the Union League Club of New Haven, and the Metabetchouan Fishing and Game Club of Canada. Mr. Chamberlain has served five years in the State Militia and is fond of outdoor life, especially golf, baseball, and fishing. In politics he is a Republican and in religious affiliation a Congrega- tionalist.
In 1872 Mr. Chamberlain was married to Charlotte E. Roberts. Two sons have been born to them, both of whom are now living, Albert Roberts and Harold Burt.
Mr. Chamberlain may be called a self-made man in the best sense of the word-in everything that he has undertaken, he has reached the top; although he has never sought political office, he has been honored with the governorship of the State. In the business of bank- ing he has attained to a position of importance and has been compli- mented by being elected president of the Connecticut Bankers' Association, and a vice-president, representing the State of Connecti- cut, in the American Bankers' Association. Perhaps the best tribute to his mental capability was the honorary degree of LL.D. conferred upon him by Wesleyan University, in 1903.
GEORGE PAYNE MCLEAN
M CLEAN, GEORGE PAYNE, one of the ablest and most popular of the former governors of Connecticut, was born in Simsbury, Hartford County, Conn., October 7th, 1857. From Colonial days his forefathers have been counted among the leading men of Simsbury, and he has always resided in that town, ex- cept when he was compelled to move to Hartford to attend the High School. His father, Dudley B. McLean, is remembered as a pros- perous and influential farmer and as the son of the Rev. Allen McLean, who was for fifty years the pastor of the Simsbury Con- gregational Church. His mother, Mary Payne, was a daughter of Solomon Payne, one of the leading men in Windham County, and a direct descendant of Governor William Bradford and Captain John Mason.
Like so many of Connecticut's foremost sons, Governor McLean spent his early days as a sturdy country boy, working on his father's farm during the busy summer months and attending school during the winter. To this wholesome life and especially to the careful teachings and high example of his father and mother can doubt- less be traced all the strong and admirable physical, mental, and moral characteristics of the former governor. In looking back over his successful career he gratefully acknowledges his moral and spir- itual debt to his mother. After acquiring all the advantages offered by the public schools of Simsbury he went to Hartford to attend the High School. This was to be the end of his school education and he took full advantage of his opportunity. In his junior year he received the distinction of being chosen editor of the school paper. He was graduated in 1877.
Having received his High School diploma, he started out in his twentieth year to earn his own livelihood. It was doubtless his experience on the school paper which turned his immediate thoughts to journalism. He became a reporter on the Hartford Post at a salary of $7 a week. Journalism is an enticing career, but many
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school editors change their opinion of it after they become real reporters. This may have been the case with Governor McLean, for he did not find the occupation to his taste. However, he stuck to it with his usual perseverance, did good work, and during two years made himself more and more valuable to his paper. The experience he gained here broadened his knowledge of men and affairs and has no doubt been helpful to him in later life. Having determined to join the legal profession, he left the Hartford Post and entered the law office of the late Henry C. Robinson at Hartford. While a stu- dent here he supported himself by keeping books for Trinity Col- lege. In this manner he earned $300, which was then sufficient for the modest wants of the future governor. He studied his law books with understanding and enthusiasm and in 1881 he was admitted to the bar in Hartford.
Having acquired a good groundwork in the law he started to practice for himself in the office of Mr. Robinson, going each evening to his home in Simsbury. He made immediate and rapid progress in his profession and it soon became evident that he was learned in the law, of a judicial temperament and an able trial lawyer, a for- tunate combination of qualities, but one seldom found in individual lawyers, yet always a guarantee of success. As he prospered in his profession, so he grew in influence in the political world. In 1883, two years after he was admitted to the bar and but six years after he left the High School, he was chosen by the Republicans of his district to represent the town of Simsbury in the State House of Representatives. His career in the legislature was active from the start, and he soon won for himself a place of prominence in the General Assembly. As chairman of the committee on state's prisons he prepared a bill which created the present Board of Pardons. Formerly any inmate of the state's prisons who applied for a pardon was required to submit his petition to the General Assembly, a slow and cumbersome method, which took up the time of the State Legis- lature which should have been devoted to matters of more general interest. Mr. McLean's bill brought about a radical and progressive change, by providing for a board to consist of the Governor, ex officio, the Chief Justice and other members of the bench, a representative of the medical profession, and other citizens. He not only prepared the
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bill, but also saw that it passed the General Assembly at once. This substantial public service was rendered by him in 1884, only one year after he had become a member of the assembly. He was made clerk of the Board of Pardons, a position which he held until he became Governor of the State.
In 1885 Governor Harrison appointed Mr. McLean a member of the commission to revise the statute laws of the State. His asso- ciates on this commission were Judge Hovey, Judge Fenn, and Judge Walsh, and although it was but four years after he was admitted to the Bar, he was of valuable assistance to the other commissioners. Subsequent events proved how well they accomplished the delicate and difficult task of revising the state's laws. The same year of his appointment on this important committee he was urged to take the Republican nomination for state senator from the Third District. He was elected by a large majority and took his seat in 1886. In the Senate, as in the House of Representatives, his ability as an orator, parliamentarian, and politician soon manifested itself and made him one of the leaders of the majority. In the presidential campaign of 1888 he did effective work for the national ticket, mak- ing speeches to appreciative audiences throughout the State, and it was in no small degree due to his efforts that Connecticut gave such a large majority to President Harrison. In 1890 he was a candi- date for Secretary of State, but this was the year of the famous "deadlock," and he was not elected. But Mr. McLean was by this time one of the recognized public men of the State and this slight check did not hinder him in his rapid advancement. In 1892, and on the advice of the entire Congressional delegation from Connecti- cut, President Harrison appointed him United States Attorney. During the four years which he held this position he won for the government every criminal case and lost but one civil case. At the same time he acted as counsel for the State Comptroller and the State Treasurer. When in 1893 the corporation of Yale University brought an action against the State Treasurer to enjoin him from paying to Storrs' Agricultural College any part of the funds acquired by the state under certain Congressional enactments, Mr. McLean represented the state and defeated the corporation. Eleven years later Yale University conferred upon the successful attorney, who had in the meantime become an ex-governor, the honorary degree of
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M.A. This is the most recent honor bestowed upon Governor Mc- Lean and it is significant for two reasons. It shows how a man, whose school training ends with a High School diploma, may through useful activity in life receive scholastic distinction from one of the first universities of the country; and it shows furthermore the impartial manner in which a great and broad institution of learning will confer deserved recognition even upon one who opposes it in a matter of importance.
In 1900 the Republican State Convention, which met in New Haven on September 5th, nominated George Payne McLean for Gov- ernor. When informed of his nomination he entered the convention and thanked his supporters in a short speech which is remembered as a model of tact, sincerity, and oratorical effect. "It is un- necessary for me to say," he declared, "that if elected, I shall be elected without pledge or promise to any man save the one I shall make to every citizen of Connecticut, without regard to party, when I take the oath of office. It is unnecessary for me to say that my sole hope and effort will be to keep unspotted before God and man the bright shield of the State I love." To his hearers these eloquent words had the ring of sincerity, and time has shown that during the two years he was chief executive of the State he never forgot the promises he here made.
After receiving the nomination the Governor-to-be threw all his enthusiasm into the campaign. He addressed large audiences throughout the entire State. His speeches were eloquent, but more than that. He delivered them with tact; he gave his listeners facts and he presented them with all the skill of an able and well-trained lawyer. During recent years a candidate's personality has had a great effect upon the voters. Mr. McLean's was all in his favor. He went among the people and they did not fail to notice his sin- cerity, his frankness, his amiable disposition, and his pleasing per- sonality. When the ballots were counted there were 95,822 for McLean and 81,421 for Judge Bronson, his Democratic rival. He was inaugurated Governor on Wednesday, January 5th, 1901, and held office for two years. Regarding his record as Governor of the Com- monwealth it suffices to say that he fulfilled his ante-election prom- ises and more than justified the expectations of his friends and sup- porters. He has shown himself to be an able and reliable man, of
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