USA > Connecticut > Representative citizens of Connecticut, biographical memorial > Part 46
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Mr. Estlow was affiliated with the Congregational church, and was a hard worker in its cause and especially for that of the South Congregational Church of Hartford, of which he had been a member for many years. He
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Alfred Jennings Estlow
was particularly identified with the charitable work of the congregation, of whom there was no member who gave more generously in behalf of the poor and needy members of the community of whatever faith. He was a member of the Society of the Sons of Veterans, in virtue of his father's service with the Twenty-second Regiment, but was not otherwise affiliated with clubs, being of an extremely retiring and home-loving disposition, except as member of the Hartford Business Men's Club.
Mr. Estlow married, September 14, 1881, Belle Knox, a native of Hart- ford, and a daughter of Robert and Elizabeth (Balmer) Knox, old and highly-respected residents of that city. Two daughters were born to Mr. and Mrs. Estlow, both of whom died in infancy.
Mr. Knox was born in Hartford, April 13, 1831, and was a lifelong resident of the place, and a member of an old Hartford family which was identified with Hartford for many years. His parents were Daniel and Isabella (Gardner) Knox, whose abode had been in the old Knox homestead on Lafayette street, where also their son Robert was born. In the early days this old house had stood in the center of a noble estate, which has since been divided up into city lots, and is now entirely built up, a process which Mr. Knox was a witness of, as he grew from youth into manhood and old age. This estate formed the tract now bounded by Lafayette Park, Russ and Hungerford streets, the latter being known in those days as Knox Court. He moved from the old homestead into a house at No. 25 Russ street, about 1872, having built this house about this time, and there con- tinued to make his home for the remainder of his life. He was engaged in a number of business ventures, the first being a grocery store on Albany avenue, and after conducting this successfully for some time, he went into contracting in the making of sewing machines and was employed by a number of concerns in the locality to work on their machines. About 1894 Mr. Knox found it possible to retire altogether from active business, and from that time to his death led a life scarcely less busy than before, but devoted to more general activities. He was of a most winning personality, fond of social intercourse and athletics generally, but particularly of base- ball, in which he took the keenest interest, faithfully attending the games, and doing much toward the encouragement of the game in the city. Mr. Knox's death occurred October 19, 1912, and he is survived by his wife and two of their three children: Belle, now Mrs. Estlow, and John B. Knox, secretary of the Phoenix Fire Insurance Company of Hartford. The eldest child, now deceased, was Harry R. Knox, for many years treasurer of the Hartford Club, and the partner of Mr. Estlow in the Sanitary Laundry Company.
The house at No. 25 Russ street was always a delightful home, the Knox family being remarkably harmonious in the relations of its members, nor did the coming of Mr. Estlow to live with Mr. Knox introduce the least friction. A man of the keenest sense of justice and the most sensitive temperament, he simply added another member to the already united household, winning and holding the love of all. Both he and Mrs. Estlow lived with Mr. and Mrs. Knox after their marriage until the time of his death, and she still resides there. To the fundamental virtues of honesty and simplicity, Mr. Estlow
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Alfred Jennings Estlow
added the graces of culture and refinement, so that among all his associates, whether in the way of business or the more personal relations of life, he was both loved and admired, and a complete confidence was felt in him that he would fulfill both spirit and letter of whatever he engaged to do. He was possessed of the most charitable nature, and could not bear to witness need without an attempt to alleviate its circumstances. Although his support of charitable movements of a public and semi-public nature was most gener- ous, his private philanthropy was even larger, and he gave away with a prodigal hand a really large proportion of his income. Probably no one, certainly no one outside of his immediate family, knew the extent of these benefactions, for he gave with that Christian humility which is recom- mended to us, and his one response to those who cautioned him against such liberality was to express regret that he had not more to give. He died a comparatively young man, yet he had won a degree of respect and affection from the community at large which would gratify any man, and was espe- cially welcome as the reward of real merit. His death was a loss not merely to his immediate family and the large circle of devoted friends which his good qualities had won for him, but to his fellow citizens generally, none of whom had not benefited in some way by his life and example.
Joseph Selden
I T IS NOT often that we find a character so simple and definite in outline that we can refer it unreservedly to this or that type; it is not often, even in America, that we meet with a personality that we can say with regard to that it conforms at all points to the highest standard of American manhood, for, by a strange paradox, the type is always more simple than the complex individuals of which it is the compound. With the actual man that we meet with in real life, no matter how carefully we proceed to classify him, there is always a residue of traits and qualities left to show our classification as imperfect and to illustrate to us once again that, as one of the greatest of modern philosophers has said, "Nature is always more complex than our interpretation of her." In the case of such a man as Deacon Joseph Selden, the distinguished gentleman whose name heads this brief sketch, this residue is reduced to a minimum, however, and we can say with as much accuracy as it is ever possible to, that he was the very type of New England manhood as we love to think of it, displaying, together with a thoroughly practical grasp of the world's affairs, that central core of profound religious belief and feeling without which life is but of slender significance and its endeavor barren of fruit.
The career of Joseph Selden was in its outward appearance very similar to that of many of his fellows who have won worldly success. He was the son of Hezekiah and Eunice Selden, of West Hartford, Connecticut, where his father operated a successful farm, and it was in that place that he was himself born October 17, 1824. It was in the midst of the wholesome but difficult surroundings of the farmer's life that he grew to manhood, gaining his education in an academy at West Haven and an academy in Westfield, Massachusetts, and spending such time as he had free from that occupation in aiding his father with the farm work or in the healthy pastimes of country boys. He was full of ambition, however, and upon reaching young manhood he decided to enter a mercantile or industrial line of business, and accord- ingly he went to the town of Rockville and there found employment in a woolen mill. He began at the very lowest step of the ladder as a dyer, but his quickness and natural aptitude in all kinds of work and his industry and strong character were not long in making an impression upon his employers and his promotion became rapid. He remained connected with this com- pany for a number of years and eventually established himself in the same business. He was a man of much enterprise and himself became the owner of a large woolen mill and later of a thread mill which he founded in Rock- ville. These various ventures all proved most prosperous and he became one of the leading men of the town and a factor of importance in the industrial world in that region. About this time, when his fortunes seemed at their highest, he suffered a reverse that, although it was a very serious and painful matter for him at the time, served better than almost anything else to illus- trate the wonderful courage and persistency of the man. The four years
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Joseph Selden
between 1855 and 1859 were a time of tension and difficulty in the business world of New England, the depression, indeed, extending throughout the whole country and causing widespread suffering. Mr. Selden did not escape the evil conditions, but was, as a matter of fact, a particular sufferer, losing practically his whole property. Many men would have sunk under such a blow coming thus at the very time of prosperity, but the indomitable will and steady faith of Mr. Selden came to his rescue and with the most amazing cheerfulness he began life over again. He went for a short time to New Britain, but shortly afterwards received an offer from Nathaniel B. Stevens, the owner of a large business in Norfolk, Connecticut, known as the Norfolk Axle Works, and who was acquainted with Mr. Selden's ability, to come to that town and take the management of the establishment. This he readily assented to and remained in that position until he was able to organize a silk manufacturing concern himself in connection with a group of partners. These men made use of one of the buildings of the Norfolk Axle concern for a time, and then purchased what is known as the upper silk mill, originally erected as a shoe manufacturing plant, for their purposes. The concern prospered remarkably and in course of time Mr. Selden became very nearly the sole proprietor, continuing the same until the time of his death. In addition to this business Mr. Selden was interested in a great number of concerns in the various places where he resided, especially in Norfolk where he was instrumental in securing the charter for the Norfolk Sewer District and acted as the superintendent of that system during the remainder of his life. The Center Cemetery Association was another institution in which he was greatly interested. The interest of Mr. Selden was not by any means confined to the business he had established, however, and he took an active part in the general life of the community in all its aspects. While still residing in Rockville he was prominent in military circles and was a member of the volunteer militia of the State. He rose to the rank of lieutenant- colonel and was known throughout the region for his talents and ability as a soldier. He acquired the erect and soldierly bearing that training gives a man and this never deserted him to the end of his life and at the age of ninety-one he still maintained the same fine carriage. In Norfolk he took part in politics and for many years was a favorite presiding officer for town meetings. In 1885 he was elected to the State Legislature to represent Norfolk and during his term in that body performed an invaluable service to his constituents and to the community-at-large.
But it was in relation to his church, the Church of Christ in Norfolk, that Mr. Selden was best known to his fellow citizens. His deep religious feeling there found its expression in his relations to the other members of the congregation and the act of worship in divine service. For many years he was the senior deacon and his advice was valued as perhaps no other man's in all the affairs of the church and congregation. In a memorial prepared for this church at the time of Mr. Selden's death a brief and appre- ciative resume of his life and character is given by the Rev. W. F. Stearns, pastor of the church for eighteen years, who was one of the most intimate friends of Deacon Selden. In the course of this he says:
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Joseph Selben
While Mr. Selden will always be gratefully remembered as one of Norfolk's most highly respected and useful citizens, and also for his personal relations to individuals, intimate and loving, it is by the Church of Christ in Norfolk, which he so long and faith- fully served, that the loss will be most deeply felt. Indeed, such was his love and devo- tion to his church here that we are confident that he would appreciate, above all else, that his memory and service be cherished by his fellow members. As senior deacon he was always looked up to for the final word in the settlement of all questions coming before the church, whether in relation to its material or spiritual welfare and of the wisdom of his advice there has been no question. Always cautious and conservative in judgment, when once convinced after mature deliberation, he was adamant and ready to act. When doubt existed as to any question how often would he say, "Let it mull." Questions large and vital to the church have come up in these many years and to him more than to any one has been deferred the final decision. We remember, too, his intense loyalty and keen sense of preserving the dignity of the church in the selection of officers and the conduct of its services. All will recall his gracious presence as he greeted strangers at the church entrance and bowed them to seats on the center aisle. *
* He was also loved and admired by the summer people who were pleased to call him "Norfolk's grand old man." This church has lost its most conspicuous figure, one of an old-fashioned type now so rare. Can his place be filled?
Deacon Selden was twice married. His first wife was Lavinia Fuller, born October 4, 1823, at Vernon, Oneida county, New York, to whom he was married January 14, 1847, and who died June 17, 1857. On October 14, 1858, he was united in marriage with Emma Fuller, of Vernon, New York, sister of his first wife, who survives him. To them one child was born, Julia, deceased at the age of twenty-nine years, the wife of John D. Bassett, of Norfolk, Connecticut, a banker of Spokane, Washington, and the mother of three children, Joseph, Mary and Emma.
Clark A. hunt
I 'T IS NOT always the men who occupy the offices who mold public opinion and leave the impress of their individuality upon public life, but frequently the men who in the per- formance of their daily duty wield the power that is all the more potent from the fact that it is moral rather than political, and is exercised for the public weal rather than for personal ends. The late Clark M. Hunt, of New Milford, Litchfield county, Connecticut, was one to whom the world instinctively paid deference, not alone because of the success which he achieved, but by reason of the straightforward business policy which he ever followed and the methods he employed to attain the honorable success which came to him. He commenced business life as the great majority of the world's workers do-without especial assistance or advantages save those afforded by the district schools, and it was through the force of his character, his strong purpose, and his laudable ambition that he gained his high position in com- mercial life and the esteem of his fellow townsmen.
Clark M. Hunt, son of Merritt Hunt, was born in Northville, Litchfield county, Connecticut, October 10, 1857, and died at his home in New Milford, Connecticut, February 24, 1908. He was a child four years of age when his father enlisted in the Union army during the Civil War, and at that time the bonds which united him with his mother appeared to be drawn more closely, and this close relationship continued uninterrupted until severed by death. He was still a very young lad when his natural ambition prompted him to enter upon his business career, and his first venture was in his own home, in which he placed a small stock of groceries, and sold these to the people living in the vicinity of the old homestead. This venture proving successful, he felt emboldened to build a small store on the homestead and this paid sufficiently well to make it necessary to build a larger store, which was also successfully conducted. In the course of time he added a soda water business to the original enterprise, and conducted both with profit. In 1885 he removed to New Milford, Connecticut, and remained a resident of that town until his death. Here also he established a soda water business, locating it under the post office, and in 1890 associated himself in a partner- ship with Lindsley R. Miller, in the grocery and soda water business, the firm name becoming Hunt & Miller, and their place of business located on Railroad street, in the building now occupied by Will Clark. A few years later they sold this business and established themselves on the Bostwick property, a five-acre tract on Grove street, where the store is still conducted, in which Mr. Hunt was the leading spirit until obliged to retire by reason of illness. Many years ago he had purchased the Pixley place on High street, and resided in this for a period of eighteen years. Some years ago he had his fine residence on Bridge street erected, which he was occupying at the time of his death. He was a member of the local lodges of the Independ-
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Clark &. hunt
ent Order of Odd Fellows, the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks and the Knights of the Maccabees.
Mr. Hunt married, November 7, 1883, Jennie E. Ives, daughter of Reuben H. and Julia A. (Lee) Ives, of Leedsville, New York, and to them was born one son, Harold I. Hunt, born April 12, 1893, at New Milford, Connecticut ; is superintendent of music in public schools of New Milford, and is pipe organist of All Saints Episcopal Church. Mrs. Hunt is a member of the Congregational Church at New Milford, as is also her son. Mrs. Hunt is a woman of much amiability, whose gentleness and devotion to her esteemed husband aroused the admiration of all. She was a fitting help- mate to her lamented husband, whose life record needs little comment or elaboration. That he was a man of broad public spirit is indicated between the lines of this review. He fully realized individual responsibility and met the obligations that rested upon him in his relations to his fellowmen. His lifework contributed in a substantial measure to those interests which indicate an advanced civilization in the care of the unfortunate and destitute.
William henry Kellogg Godfrey
C F THE MANY remarkable men who have made their way to a conspicuous place in connection with the development of the great brass industry in Connecticut, none deserves more to be remembered than William Henry Kellogg Godfrey, of Waterbury, Connecticut, whose death there in 1910, re- moved from the community one who not only took a promi- nent place in the industrial and financial world, but was an influence for good in many aspects of the city's life as an example of scholar- ship and the fruits of culture and general enlightenment.
A descendant of fine old New England stock, Mr. Godfrey was the only child of Clement Jennings and Mary (Cooley) Godfrey, of Coventry, Mas- sachusetts, in which place he was born May 14, 1838. When he was three years of age his parents removed to Waterbury, Connecticut, taking him with them so that all his associations, even those of earliest childhood, were with the city which became his permanent home. When he came of an age to attend school, he went for a time to the local public institutions, but later was sent by his parents to an academy at Watertown, where he completed his formal education although, as a matter of fact, he never ceased to be a student during his whole life, but was ever pursuing some course of study, generally of a scientific nature, though by no means always so, and familiar- ized himself through a very wide miscellaneous reading with a notable range of subjects. Upon leaving school Mr. Godfrey, still a mere youth, took up the work of practical telegraphy and became an expert in that line, following it steadily until he had reached the age of twenty-three years. All who came in contact with young Mr. Godfrey at this time realized his intelligence and ability, despite a somewhat retiring manner, and had he cared to change his employment he might easily have done so before he did. One of those who appreciated his talent, however, was Lyman W. Coe, of Waterbury, a sketch of whom precedes this in the work, who approached the young man with an offer of the position of paymaster in the great concern of which he was owner. Mr. Coe was one of the largest manufacturers of brass and brass- ware in the State, his concern, the Coe Brass Works, having a very wide reputation, and Mr. Godfrey accepted his offer gladly, thus beginning a double association-the personal one with Mr. Coe which was only ended by the death of the older man, and that with the great business which lasted until the retirement of Mr. Godfrey from all active business. Starting with a position as responsible as that of paymaster, Mr. Godfrey steadily rose in the employ of the company to higher and higher posts of trust and for many years was regarded as one of the most important figures in the development of the brass industry in that region. And indeed it was a well deserved regard, as no one could have given a more devoted and intelligent service than he to the great interests with which he was identified. He continued in this work until within four years of his death when he finally withdrew
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William Henry Kellogg Godfrey
from business life and removed to Litchfield, Connecticut, where he passed these latter years engaged in the scientific pursuits of which he was so fond.
But in spite of his prominence in the business world it was not in that connection that Mr. Godfrey was best known in the community, but rather in the role of scholar and literary man. He was an authority on historical subjects and was a member of the Waterbury and Litchfield Historical societies and also of the scientific societies of those two places. Other than this he was not fond of club and fraternity activities, seeking rather that happiness and recreation that most men find in such circles in the more intimate intercourse of his own family by his own hearthstone. One very attractive manner in which his literary talents found expression was in the writing of a book, which was a description of some early travels in a most charming and individual style. There were but few aspects of life that did not interest him and the political was no exception to this rule, yet his retire- ment of nature was strongly displayed in this connection, preventing him, as it did, from thrusting himself into the public notice as he might easily have done. He was a strong Republican in belief and his prominence in the community made him more than usually available as a candidate, but, though urged by his colleagues to accept official responsibility, he consist- ently refused and never held public office. In the matter of religion Mr. Godfrey was a Congregationalist and a lifelong member of the Second Con- gregational Church of Waterbury, to which he contributed liberally both of his wealth and time, especially in connection with its philanthropic activities.
On November 31, 1866, Mr. Godfrey was united in marriage with Ade- laide E. Coe, daughter of his old employer and friend, Lyman W. and Eliza (Seymour) Coe, of Waterbury and Torrington. To Mr. and Mrs. Godfrey was born one daughter, Helen. now the wife of N. D. Holbrook, of Thomaston, Connecticut, and the mother of two sons, Deuel N. and Clement. Mr. Holbrook is prominently connected with the Plumb & At- wood Brass Works of Thomaston. Mrs. Godfrey survives her husband and now resides in the handsome house which he purchased in Litchfield.
The character of Mr. Godfrey contained in combination a number of elements which it is not very usual to find together. He was at once the idealist and the practical man of affairs and it is difficult to say which pre- dominated. It must always be remembered that he was eminently success- ful in his business, in our expressive American phrase, "a selfmade man," a fact that to anyone who knows industrial conditions in New England is positive assurance of his grasp of worldly things. But, if it is not possible to say which character was predominant, it is quite easy to say which was the most conspicuous to the casual observer. In appearance and manner Mr. Godfrey was the student, the enthusiast for the things of the mind and the spirit, and seemed nearly all the time wrapped up in the pursuit of truth, a wanderer in the realm of ideas. It is probably in this rôle that he exerted the greatest influence upon the community and it is unquestionable that it is thus that he will live longest in the memory and affection of his friends.
L. W. Com
Lyman Wetmore Cor
N EW ENGLAND, during the latter part of its eventful history, has given to this country and to the world some of the most able and brilliant of the great captains of industrial enter- prise whose appearance is so characteristic a feature of the modern world. Among these the name of Lyman Wetmore Coe is conspicuous, alike for the genius displayed by him as an organizer and for the actual success that so fully crowned his efforts. For over half a century he was connected with the brass indus- try in Connecticut and for thirty of these years was president and held a con- trolling interest in the Coe Brass Company, the largest concern of the kind in the United States. A man of great capacity in his own line and of large sympathies and a broad public spirit, he was one of the chief factors, not only in the development of the great industry of which he was the head, but in the growth of the community in which he dwelt so that his death on February 9, 1893, was felt by it as a serious loss.
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