USA > Connecticut > Fairfield County > Bridgeport > Reports and papers. Fairfield County Historical Society, Bridgeport, Conn. 1882-1896-97 > Part 37
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The following resolutions were adopted by the historical society and ordered upon the records.
RESOLUTION OF RESPECT.
At a special meeting of the Fairfield County Historical society, hield January 16, 1823, to take proper action concern- - ing the sudden, violent and startling death of its recording secretary, Rev. Samuel Orcutt, on Saturday, January 14. it was
Resolved, That the services rendered to this community and state by the deceased as a historian, entitles him to the grate- ful recognition of all who are interested in the collection and preservation of the annals of our state.
Resolved. That this society is under special obligations to him for his untiring zeal, abundant labors and great abilities so cheerfully and patiently exercised in its behalf.
Resolced, That his social and agreeable manners, his self- denying and modest deportment. his real merit and knowledge won our regard, and we deeply deplore his loss.
Resolved, That these resolutions be spread upon the records as a memorial of our appreciation of his worth.
H. N. WAKEMAN, Secretary pro tem.
Mr. Oreutt left a wife (with whom he had not lived for a number of years), a son Edward S. Oreutt, residing in Provi- dence, R. I. a son William H. and a daughter with husband and five children in Crescent City, California. Mr. Edward Orentt was immediately advised of his father's death and arrived here at 5 o'clock Monday morning, January 17 prepared to do everything requisite for the funeral and interment, but the society anticipated him, provided for the funeral as a testimonial of personal regard, which was largely attended at the First Congregational church, the Rev. Charles Ray Palmer, D. D, officiating, and the following gentlemen (members of the Historical Society) acting as pall bearers: Thomas Calef,
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James R. Burroughs, Silas Burton, James M. Somers, N. H. Jones, E. S. Phillips. His burial was in a beautiful location in the old Stratfield cemetery, in which he had felt a deep interest, and to which he had given much time and labor.
The "kind and thoughtful attention" of his friends has been gratefully acknowledged by the children.
Mr. Oreutt was a member in good standing of the New Haven West Association of Congregational Ministers, embrac- ing many of the professors and faculty of Yale college and Theological seminary, and was very faithful in his attendance upon its stated meetings when living within reasonable dis- tance. From his early education and intercourse, as well as from study, he was not in sympathy with the severer features of a Calvinistic theology, but was sound in his belief and trust in Jesus Christ and him crucified as the only hope of a lost world.
He preached acceptably as an occasional supply in the churches of the vicinity and performed special labor in the Putney district of Stratford, which was much prized and was expected to be repeated this opening season.
He was much interested in the union daily prayer meetings held in the chapel of the First Congregational church and which he occasionally led.
Some extracts from a small journal or diary in the posses- sion of the society, exhibits his character at this period in an interesting light.
Saturday, April 5, 1890 .- Enjoyed the day very much at cousin -, especially in reading old letters of my kindred.
Saturday, April 12, 1890 .- A beautiful day, and this day I am 66 years old : a perfeet astonishment to me, as I look back or think of the years that are past, which have gone, Oh so swiftly. I am in full vigor of body and mind, the energy and grasp of intellect being greater than in any former period. With great interest I think of and make preparations for the future of this life and the next.
Thursday, Nov. 13, 1890 .- One of the most glorious morn- ings I ever experienced, and it will long be remembered.
Wednesday, Dec. 31, 1890 .- Thus ends the year 1890. so far as I can judge, it has been to me, the most satisfactory
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year of my life. I have had good health, worked steady about 9 months and traveled more (or in a vacation) than ever be- fore. My reading and study have profited me more than any previous year, probably because I know what to read and how to use it.
I am truly thankful for life through this year to HIM who gives all life.
He was a very genial man socially and made many friends. The following are specimens of the letters received since his death, which bear testimony to the above fact and verbal ex- pressions of a like tenor have been abundant :
MIDDLETON, Conn., Jan. 17, 1893. Monday a. m. R. B. Larey. Esq. :
DEAR SIR :-- I was really shocked on reading of Mr. Oreutt's tragic death in this morning's Courant. I had found him a gentle, kindly, lovable man, and had become much attached to him, and was anticipating many pleasant meetings and trips with him in genealogical searches.
I don't know when or where his funeral is to be, but if I can I shall attend it, and I shall surely remember and miss him, be my life long or short.
Yours truly,
HENRY E. BURTON.
HOOSICK FALLS, N. Y. Jan. 18. 1893. To the President of the Fairfield County Historical Society:
SIR :- I have just read the statement that the Rev. Samuel Orcutt, secretary of the society, was almost instantly killed `by the Consolidated railroad on Saturday evening. I am shocked and deeply grieved.
I have corresponded with him for years. Within the past month I have received two or three letters from him. In one he says "so many old friends have gone out of this life within the past year that I am almost heart broken." Again alluding to my own grievions afflictions, he says "I do not see how you and others have lived through such woes." There was a sad- ness pervading his last letters that impressed me. I was abont sending some genealogical and biographical manuscript to him for his examination. I am indeed grieved, and feel that I have met with a personal loss. My intercourse with him was always most pleasant.
He has done a valuable work for the Fairfield County His- torical society, and gathered and recorded material facets that no other person had done, and which, but for him, might have
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been irrecoverably lost. Whatever aetion is taken by your society in reference to his tragic departure I hope to be in- formed of.
Very respectfully yours, GEORGE HUNTINGTON NICHOLLS.
SAVILLE, L. I., N Y., Jan., 15, 1893.
Dear Mr. Lacey :
I read in to-day's paper the painful news of the death of our esteemed friend and office associate, the Rev. Samuel Orentt. We shall feel quite keenly the void his death will make in the little eirele, as a missing link in the chain of un- alloyed friendship. My deepest sympathy is extended to all.
Very respectfully. HENRY HARDING. BUFFALO, N. Y., Jan. 20, 1893.
My Dear Mr. Lacey :
Your postal with its sad announcement reached me while in the very midst of the labors of a quarterly meeting of our hospital. I did not acknowledge its receipt, as I was so busy and expected soon the kind letter (of date 18) this month.
This is one of the very few incidents of the kind which have ever effected me in that peculiarly indescribable manner. which requires some word having in it the combined sense of respect, regret and sorrow, and the questions why and for what purpose.
There is no such word. and if I should attempt to convey to you my feeling on the event. I am certain the expressions would all appear a sad lot of conventionalities falling infinitely short of what I would desire to say of the character and ability of the Rev. Samuel Orcutt.
As you know, a two-year intimate association with him gave me abundant opportunity to become famili ir with his personal traits, and if I were to write an obituary, it would draw heavi- ly on the good side of the nabridged dictionary.
I enclose a draft to your order as president of the society. Please use one-half of it for funeral expenses and one-half towards a proper headstone, both as contributions of the "society."
I am glad the remains are to be buried in old Stratfield ground. It is proper and fitting that a faithful and painstak- local historian should rest in locally historie ground.
The members of my family join with me in expressing deep regret for the sad end of a good friend and worthy man.
Very respectfully yours. ELIAS S. HAWLEY.
REV
SAMUEL ORCUTT
This Stone marks the grave of REV. SAMUEL ORCUTT in the Old Stratfield Cemetery, near the corner of North and Clinton Avenues. It is centrally located on highest ground, in close proximity to that of the eminent Mr. Samuel Sherman, the emigrant ancestor of the Shermans of Olt Stratford, Woodbury, Bridgeport and vicinity.
It is fitting that the remains of our friend and brother should rest in this Ancient and Historic burial place, upon which and the history it illustrates, he hestowed so much lahor, and to which more than any other he became attached.
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IN MEMORIAM.
HORACE NICHOLS
who died March 12, 1894, the result of a fall on Saturday, was a native of Greenfield in the town of Fairfield. Connecti- cut, born May 29, 1812, the son of Elijah and Julia (Banks) Nichols.
He had the advantage of the public school and academy of his native village, also the Staples Easton academy, and ex. celled in penmanship and mathematics, making navigation a specialty. He taught in the public schools and for a short time in the Fairfield academy. In the spring of 1836 he en- tered the Connecticut bank as teller and bookkeeper, succeed ing the late George Burroughs, of excellent memory, who left for a better position in New York city. He served the bank faithfully until 1840. On the opening of the Housatonic rail- road be became the assistant of Mr. Jesse Sterling, the first treasurer of that company, and on his early retirement Mr. Nichols succeeded him as treasurer.
He continued in this position until the organization of the Naugatuck Railroad Company in 1848, when he was elected secretary and treasurer of that company and was succeeded in the Housatonic company by Mr. Charles K. Averill. Mr Nichols continued the faithful and efficient treasurer of the . Naugatuck company until its absorption with the Consolida ted company in 1888-a period of 40 years.
The Rev. Mr. Orcutt in his Derby history, among the more elaborate notices of several men, prominent in the inception and management of the Naugatuck railroad, has this to say of Mr. Nichols: "When the Naugatuck railroad was started, he was elected secretary and treasurer, and was continued therein a faithful. honorable, prompt and energetic officer, until the present time (1880.) He is unostentatious, scarcely allowing a notice to be made of him in public print."
Mr. Nichols had in his make up a vein of quiet humor, which would crop out and seintilate in witty and sage remarks, in his intercourse with those with whom he was somewhat familiar. In his early days he was proficient on the violin,
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which he kept secluded under his bed in his room in the old Sterling hotel, but was occasionally induced to bring it out and regale his friends who had learned to appreciate his skill. He could blow the fife and beat the drum, and being liable for military duty, on occasion led the old militia company of that period under Captain George Thatcher, in its marches and evolutions, notably the exhibition of the "double quick" on Golden hill, past the residence of "Uncle Daniel" Thatcher.
In 1843 the Mutual Life Insurance company of New York was organized, and Henry W. Hubbell, son of Captain Ezekiel Hubbell of Bridgeport, was one of the original board of trus- tees. Mr. Daniel Thatcher, a relative by marriage, had suc- ceeded Captain Hubbell as president of the Connecticut-bank. and took such interest in the new life insurance organization (then regarded as an experiment) as to act as local agent for Bridgeport. Other arrangements, however, soon led him to relinquish the agency, and he turned it over to Mr. Nichols fully 50 years ago, who has continued it in his quiet way all this long period, witnessing a prosperity and growth almost, if not quite, unparalleled.
Mr. Nichols was continued in the directorship of the Hous- atonie railroad company after his retirement from the office of treasurer many years.
He was among the original corporators of the Bridgeport Gas Light company in 1849 and was a director at the time of his death. One of the corporators of the City Savings bank he was elected a member of its first board of trustees in 1859 and has had a continuous and faithful service since: recogni zed in his advance to the presidency on the death of Mr. Ira Gregory in 1883. This position he retained to the day of his death and contributed his full share to its remarkable success.
He was an active director of the First National bank from 1867 to the present time and died in the service.
Mr. Nichols was also a member of the Fairfield County Historical society. He was much interested in its work and made several contributions to its library, among them several volumes of rare old mathematical works.
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A wise and faithful public servant in all these relations, his removal makes a void difficult to fill.
The domestie features of Mr. Nichols's life were exceedingly happy. He was uuited in marriage October 28, 1830, with Miss Julia Bishop, a sister of Mr. Alfred Bishop, and soon settled in the pleasant home No. 94 Courtland street, which he has ever since occupied, a highly esteemed neighbor and friend. The union was blessed with a daughter (Clara), now the wife of Mr. George M. Baldwin, who with the widow sur- vive him, and in their great sorrow have the deep sympathy of their large eirele of friends.
Mr. Nichols had a great attachment for the parental home - at Greenfield and tenderly eared for his venerable mother who continued to occupy it until a recent period, when she died at the great age of 92 years. It is still occupied by his sur- viving brother, William Nichols.
Mr. and Mrs. Nichols were early identified with the South Congregational church, during the pastorate of the Rev. Dr. N. Hewitt, of whom they were ardent admirers. They were prominent among the company which in 1853 organized the First Presbyterian church and society, of which Dr. Hewitt was the first pastor, and they have ever been among its staunchest supporters.
-Republican Standard, Mar. 16, 1894. -Daily Standard. Mar. 13, 1894.
IN MEMORIAM.
GENERAL WILLIAM H. NOBLE.
General William H. Noble, so long one of the most promi- nent and esteemed men in Bridgeport's history and one whose commanding figure was known to all, died at 12:30 p. m, to day.
The general's physical condition was considerably weakened by wounds and prison life in the late war, where he made so brilliant a record. But his business activity has suffered little diminution until laterly when the weight of years have been
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added to drain his strength, his form remaining upright and soldierly to the last.
During the recent fall, he has been comparatively well, has attended to his duties as park commissioner, and has been active in various ways. Last week Tuesday he took coll while superintending operations at the filling-in along the harbor, adjoining his property on Kossuth street. Grip en- sued, and two days ago developed into broncho-pneumonia, since when his physician, Dr. C. H. Bill has had little hope. He died without suffering. His wife, his daughter Henrietta, his son, John F. Noble, and the doctor were at his bedside.
General William Henry Noble, son of the Rev. Birdsey Glover Noble, and Charlotte Noble, was born in Newtown, Auguut 18, 1813, at the home of his grandfather, John San- ford. His father was then rector of Christ church, Middle- town, and later was made a trustee of Trinity college, Hart- ford, then Washington college. General Noble was educated at the military school of Captain Alden Partridge, at Middle- town.
He came to Bridgeport early in 1834, as a teacher of French and Spanish in the school of his father, who occupied a house on Golden Hill, afterward owned by the Rev. G. B. Day.
Very soon after he entered the law office of Judge Joseph Wood as a student, and was admitted to the bar of Fairfield county in 1836. In that year he was instrumental in securing the charter of the city of Bridgeport and the charter of the Housatonic Railroad company, and was secretary of that company for a number of years.
He was clerk of the courts in Fairfield county for several years and in 1839 he married Harriet Jones, daughter of Ben- jamin Brooks, Esq., of this city. In 1846 he was appointed the state's attorney of this county, and in 1850 he was nomi- nated for congress from this district but was defeated.
It was about this time that he began the layout of East Bridgeport, in which work he was actively engaged for 10 years, building or assisting in the construction of houses. hotels and factories, opening the streets, setting out trees and sharing with the city the cost of repairing the bridges,
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leading to the center. He rendered invaluable aid to the churches erected in the settlement, gave money, land and a great amount of time to the city for nothing. In 1852, he, with the late P. T. Barnum, dedicated Washington park to public use.
It was in 1853 that he purchased the charter of the Bridge- port Water company in behalf of Nathaniel Greene and his associates, who carried out the undertaking. This enterprise becoming complicated with Mr. Greene's other affairs, fell into the hands of the bondholders, for whom Mr. Noble in 1857 obtained a grant of incorporation under the name of the Bridgeport Hydraulic company, under which charter the water supply of the city is now procured. He was a commis- sioner of both companies and sanctioned their bonds issued.
In 1856 he was instrumental with Francis Ives, Esq., in dis- entangling the affairs of the Jerome Clock company and Mr. Barnum, to admit of the Wheeler & Wilson Manufacturing company getting possession of the property of the clock com- pany and subsequently removing to this eity.
In 1860, as a Douglass Democrat, he took a prominent part in the organization of the Union party in this state, the elec- tion of Governor Buckingham and the support of all war measures. In 1862 he was commissioned by the governor as colonel of the Seventeenth Connecticut volunteers.
General Noble's war record is one of which this city and his friends were always proud. He received his commission on July 22. 1862, and within 30 days 1,000 men were ready for the front. They were mustered into service in August 28, and left for the front on September 3. The regiment was severely taxed by marches and countermarches but finally set- tled down into winter quarters at Brooks Station, Va., until the Chancellorsville campaign.
At the battle of Chancellorsville Colonel Noble's regiment bravely
WITHSTOOD THE TERRIBLE ONSLAUGHT
of Stonewall Jackson. Colonel Noble was wounded, having the main artery of his left arm ent by a minnie ball, being struck on the left knee by a fragment of shell and having his
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horse shot under him. He was led fainting from the field, the fortunate clogging of the artery preventing his bleeding to death, but circulation having stopped in the lower arm he only saved his arm from immediate amputation at the field hospital where he was taken, by insisting upon waiting to see Dr. Hub- bard, the surgeon of his regiment Dr. Hubbard said the arm could be saved and the wounded colonel was given a furlough of 20 days.
His work throughout the war was marked by valor and perseverenee. On July 4, 1863, he charged with his brigade into the town of Gettysburg early in the morning and recap- tured it.
On December 24, 1864, he was captured by a band of gue- rilias and taken to the horrible prison at Andersonville. He remained in confinement until the following April, when he with a number of other officers was exchanged. In 1864, for meritorious service, he was commissioned by congress as brigadier general by brevet, upon recommendation of General Grant, and was mustered out of service in July 1865.
Since the war, although much reduced in health, General Noble has followed his profession and filled
VARIOUS PUBLIC TRUSTS.
He has been a member of the conneil several times, was for years chairman of the board of park commissioners, and was a member of the state legistature in 1884.
At Hartford he was chairman of the military committee of the house and a member of the committee on ceremonies at the unveiling of Governor Buckingham's statue in the capitol. In the midst of a busy life he found time to devote much at- tention to horticulture and fruit growing, having, probably, the largest variety of pears in the state. At the request of the state pomologist, Gen. Noble exhibited specimens of his fruit in the Connecticut collection at the centennial exposition in Philadelphia and in the New Orleans exposition in 1884-5.
HIS HOME LIFE.
In the death of General Noble. Bridgeport loses another of her prominent and influential citizens, who has done much for her welfare, and whose record was always to her honor.
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General Noble was among the first to forsee and appreciate the future of Bridgeport while she was still a small town, and in connection with the late P. T. Barnum to open up and ren- der available the valuable portion known as East Bridgeport.
He was energetic, active and enterprising and although not so successful in his schemes at first as others, the develop- ments of later years have fully vindicated his foresight and sagacity. In every walk of life he was honorable and distin- guished and as a citizen and a soldier he bore himself above reproach. In his family he was the most lovable of men and only those who knew personally of his domestie life can appreciate his entire character. He was senior warden of Christ church, a position which he had occupied for many years and while physical infirmity had prevented his active participation in church affairs of late years, he was always generous and prompt in bearing his share of all the burdens.
General Noble was one of the early members of the Fairfield County Historical Society, and for many years, and up to the time of his death one of its Vice-Presidents. Ife took an active interest in its affairs and promoted its welfare in every- way within his power.
Generosity and hospitality were prominent traits of his character, and he was endeared to a wide circle of friends by his open-handed liberality. He manifested these qualities in his dealings as a pension agent with his fellow veterans, whom he assisted in every way in his power. He cherished the recollections and associations of the service as saered memories to be shared with all who had known them. and was beloved and admired by his associates of the army.
His wife and four grown up children survive him. the latter being John F. and Henrietta MI., of Bridgeport, Clarence MI., of New York, and Mrs. H. E. DePuy, of Philadelphia.
ALFRED HOPKINS.
Alfred Hopkins was born in Bridgeport, October 1831, the son of Mr. John Hopkins a well known shoe dealer for many years prior to 1860. His mother was Abigail Booth, daughter of Mr. James Booth of Stratford. His Grand Father John
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Hophins came to Stratfield from the North of Ireland in com- pany with MIr. Patrick Keeler during the period of the Revo- lution and located on the Valley Road so called, a few rods from the point where it leaves the upper cross road leading from Truck street, (Clinton avenue) to the site of Toilsom Hill School House. His wife was Mehitable Smith. Hopkins was a strong Presbyterian, while his friend Keeler was a firm · adherent of the Church of England party. Though differing in religious sentiment in the times that tried men's souls, they ever remained fast friends and rest peacefully in elose prox- imity, in the old Stratfield Cemetery. Alfred Hopkins had the benefit of the public and private schools of Bridgeport, especially of that notable teacher, Warren W. Selleck and thus became well grounded in the rudiments of a good business education. At proper age his father placed him as an appren- tiee with the firm of Porter & Booth, the leading tin ware and stove manufacturers of the place. Changes in their business released him before he attained his majority and he finished with the new firm of Loekwood & Zane, practical plumbers. This latter art had just come into prominence, through the in- troduction of a larger supply of public water.
In 1853 Mr. Hopkins started in business on Water street, just below State, in the briek store owned by Mr. N. S. Wor- din, expecting to be joined by a fellow workman Alfred Gould, but he did not come to time. Edward Beardsley of Stratford was with him a part of his first year. After that he went on alone, until he was joined by his brother Lewis Miles Hopkins. now of 352 Main street. Mr. Frank Booth entered his em- ploy in 1854 and remained with him through his whole busi- ness eareer of forty years. The late Daniel S. Stratton was also a faithful employee for nearly the same period.
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