USA > Connecticut > Representative men of Connecticut, 1861-1894 > Part 17
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 | Part 69 | Part 70 | Part 71 | Part 72
For a long series of years, Judge Baldwin has been recognized as a leading factor in the political affairs of his native state. During the presidential campaign of 1884, he was president of the Independent State Committee, which advocated the election of Grover Cleve- land to be chief executive of the nation. In 1889, he was president of the State Democratic Club, and was reelected annually up to the time of his going on the bench. He has also been president of the Monticello Club, which is the leading Democratic social organization of the state, and the only Democratic club owning a building in the New England States. In religions faith Judge Baldwin affiliates with the Congregational Church, and has served as moderator of the General Conference. At different times he has been president of the New Haven Congregational Club, and also of that organization which is accomplishing so much of good-the Young Men's Christian Association of New Haven. He was one of those who were instrumental in securing East Rock Park, and since the Commission of Public Parks was instituted by the legislature he has been vice-president of the board. Here again his wide experience and carefully trained inind have made his counsels of great value.
His reputation as a lawyer is secure, and is based on the solid foundation of long con- tinued success. His influence as an author, and the value of his writings, increases with each succeeding year. And in his new position as associate judge of the Supreme Court of Errors, he has given proof of Governor Morris's wisdom in selection. Wherever he has been placed he has always been equal to the situation, and he has never disappointed his constituents or those who had honored him in the elevation to office.
Simeon E. Baldwin was married Oct. 19, 1865, to Susan, daughter of Edmund Winchester of Boston. Three children were the result of this union, of whom two are living. Roger Sherman, a graduate of Yale College in 1890, and of the Law School in 1893.
Ma acur Letts Funding A Ev_att. Mass.
Walter Keney
ag
Why My m 14 blog
by beleid som thinghe he he phyte!
lin dat by thông opp on clothing funge h
Med bylophere egy pterthat he had ware " he he he he
a.
Massachusetts Publishing Co. Everett, Mass
105
OF CONNECTICUT, 1861-1894.
ENEY, HENRY, senior member of the old and well-known firm of H. & W. Keney of Hartford, was born March 20, 1806.
Mr. Keney's direct ancestors were among the ancient inhabitants of East Hartford, some of whom spelled the naine Keeney, as will appear by monu- mental inscriptions bearing dates in the latter half of the seventeenth century. His father, Joseph Keney, removed to Hartford about the year 1800, and established a grocery business in the same store subsequently occupied by his sons Henry and Walter. Joseph Keney died in 1811, leaving a widow and the two little boys. Madamn Keney's maiden name was Rebecca, daughter of Samuel Turner. She died in 1848, but lived so long in the enjoyment of a mother's pride that her boys had won success, by business methods which gave them the highest reputation for integrity and honor.
Henry was educated in the public schools of Hartford, and at the early age of fifteen entered the grocery store of Alva Gilman as a clerk. The reliable and energetic character of the boy was so quickly developed and appreciated, that at the age of twenty-two he was admitted as a partner, with Stephen Spencer, under the firm naine of Gilman, Spencer & Keney. Two years later he retired from the firmn, and with his brother Walter commenced business on their own account, under the name of H. & W. Keney, in the store forinerly occupied by their father, and the business they established has continued to this day. In 1855, Ebenezer Roberts and James N. Goodwin were taken into the firin, and the style became Keneys, Roberts & Goodwin. This continued until the death of Mr. Goodwin in 1867, when it was changed to Keneys & Roberts. The death of Walter Keney in January, 1889, necessitated another change. Williamn Tucker and H. H. Goodwin were then admitted as partners, under the style of Keney, Roberts & Company ; and thus after sixty-four years the business is still being pushed with energy and success, and under the same roof. The building was first occupied by Joseph Keney, then by E. & R. Terry, next by James Goodwin, 2d, then by H. & W. Keney, and has had no other tenants.
Various enterprises occupied the attention and capital of the original firin of H. & W. Keney, other than the mercantile affairs of the partnership in their store; and their success gave them first rank as ideal business men. They were never separated in business, nor in personal affairs, and they had no separate accounts. The expenses of one were the expenses of the other. What one received the other received, and the gifts of one were the gifts of the other. If they gave largely it was without ostentation, but with the business purpose of accomplishing the object in view. In a smaller way the aggregate, though large, was charac- terized by that discretion which gives temporary help, without creating permanent dependence.
They had a substantial interest in everything which was useful and looked to the welfare of Hartford. The Public Library, Hartford Library, Trinity College, Old People's Home, Goodwill Club, Young Men's Christian Association, Hartford Hospital, Orphan Asylum, etc., all have received largely from their munificence, and in the best sense of the word they loved to do good.
Henry Keney is personally the subject of this sketch, but the history of one brother is so closely the history of the other, that it is impossible to speak of one without mentioning the other. It is a singular fact that he never changed his residence but once. The house where he was born is on the east, and the house where he lives on the west side of the store, and but a few rods apart ; he now owns thein both.
In June, 1842, Henry Keney was elected director in the Hartford Fire Insurance Com- pany, and in 1885 was chosen vice-president. He has been director of the Farmers' and Mechanics' Bank since May, 1840, and vice-president since January, 1869, and has held the same office in The Hartford Carpet Company for many years. £ He is a director in The
106
REPRESENTATIVE MEN
Hartford & Wethersfield Horse Railroad Company, and a trustee in the Society for Sav- ings, Hartford Hospital, Old People's Home, Orphan Asylum, and others in which he lias taken special interest.
An ardent admirer and a great lover of good horses, his stables are never without witnesses to his unerring judgment of their desirable qualities. To be Henry Keney's horse is evidence of qualifications to whichi few attain, and of which those owned by him have reason to be proud. They are his faithful servants, and he is their faithful friend.
Henry Keney fills a very large place in the community which has enjoyed his prosperity, and profited largely by tlic example of a well balanced, consistent, and useful life. It is enough to say that for the work of his hands the world has been made better. He has passed the age when the strength of inan is but labor and sorrow, but there are none who will not pray that his days may be lengthened, and his strength increased.
ENEY, WALTER, born July 10, 1808. Married Mary Jeannette Goodwin, June 3, 1840. Died Jan. 21, 1889, without children.
The family and business history of his brother, Henry, having been made the subject of the previous sketch, his story need not be told, as they are substantially the same; nevertheless he had personal characteristics which lent a peculiar charin to his life, and will ever remain in the memory of his numerous friends. His quiet and unobtrusive humor, which so frequently disclosed the keen and appreciative sense of passing events, and the peculiarities of other men, was often the only evidence that he had noticed so carefully those things which were supposed to have been unobserved. Those who received his benefactions were often surprised to find that he knew how great was the necessity, which had been relieved with so much delicacy and thoughtfulness. Demon- strations of gratitude were embarrassing; he knew that his object had been accomplished ; his inner consciousness was satisfied, and that was enough.
His judgment was accurate and just, and, with great toleration for the opinions of others, he adhered to his own convictions. A single word, question, or sign, which betrayed an opposite opinion, often had more weight than strong declamation, in which he never indulged.
A life long and most intimate friend made the following public contribution to his memory: "Few men have lived more industrious, prudent, and honorable lives than Walter Keney. To his quiet disposition, great evenness of temper, and sound judgment, was added altogether more of a firmness of opinion than many would suspect. A violent opposition to the views of another was no part of his nature, so he did not make himself offensive by his contradictions, or bring reproach by his silence. Those who knew him well were often astonished by his ready recollection of what he had read, and the aptness of the quotations which he made. He was singularly attentive to his friends, keenly enjoying their society, and mindful of their interests; his sympathy was kindly manifested in all their trials and afflictions; his pleasure was increased by their success and prosperity. While he was an active benefactor to the parish, he could look beyond its borders for his gifts. His generous nature found refuge in his kindly help to the poor and afflicted, and to the furtherance of all objects for good. Few have lived more useful lives in our town, or have afforded a better example to young men."
He was a director in various institutions, which profited by his influence and advice. A large estate was left to his wife, whose will expressed the aim and purpose of a successful life, which was not only valuable in the times which have past, but reaches far into the future, with a kindly beneficence which cannot be expressed with words.
Massachusetts Fublisrang Co. Everett, Mass.
Change Referto
107
OF CONNECTICUT, 1861-1894.
OBERTS, EBENEZER, of Hartford, member of the firm of Keney, Roberts & Company, was born in Westfield, Conn., Oct. 28, 1819. He was a son of Enoch Cornwall Roberts and grandson of Ebenezer Roberts, Esq. The latter was an officer in the War of the Revolution, and with Washington in operations about New York and the Northi River, and the battles in New Jersey and Yorktown, Va. After the war hie settled in Westfield, near Middletown, Conn.
At the age of fifteen years, Ebenezer Roberts entered the employ of H. & W. Keney of Hartford. His promptness, efficiency and the conscientious care with which he performed all the duties assigned him, soon found appreciation by his employers. Gradually advanced from point to point in management of affairs, in 1855 he was taken into partnership in the firm, the name being changed to Keneys, Roberts & Goodwin. On the death of Mr. Goodwin, the name became Keneys & Roberts, and in March, 1889, after the death of Mr. Walter Keney, William Tucker and Henry H. Goodwin were taken into the firin, and the title was changed to Keney, Roberts & Company, which it still retains.
This house is the oldest wholesale grocery house in the state, and has been doing business on the same location for over half a century. As the Messrs. Keney advanced in age, the active management has been left more and more in the hands of Mr. Roberts, and he has well sustained the traditions of the past. Bringing into the concern only the capital of sterling qualities in the shape of energy, integrity and great capacity for business, he has risen to his present position in the mercantile world of Hartford simply by his own endeavors. No concern in New England is better known or more highly respected for its reliability and fair dealings.
The responsibilities of public office have had little attraction for Mr. Roberts, but lie has devoted a sinall share of his time to finance and insurance. He has held a directorship in the Hartford National Bank for many years, and he fills a similar position in the Travelers' Insurance Company and in the National Fire Insurance Company. In all these boards his counsel is valued, and his opinions command the fullest respect.
Jan. 18, 1843, Mr. Roberts was married to Clarissa, daughter of Bela and Clarissa Bancroft of Granville, Mass. Mrs. Roberts died Jan. 12, 1883, and is mourned by a wide circle of friends. One child, a daughter, Florence C., wife of Col. William C. Skinner, is still living.
RENCH, CARLOS, of Seymour, ex-congressman from the Second District, was born in Humphreysville (now Seymour), Aug. 6, 1835.
His first American ancestor, Francis French, came over exactly two hun- dred years previously in the ship "Defence," and landed in Boston in 1635. He was at that time a mere boy, and later transferred his residence to Milford, Conn. From him the family line comes down through(2) Francis, Jr., (3) Israel, (4) Charles, to (5) Raymond, who lived in Humphreysville, and married Olive Curtis of Middlebury, Conn., and of their children the subject of this sketch was the oldest.
Young French's education was largely obtained at General Russell's school at New Haven. After spending several years in his father's factory and gaining an intimate acquaint- ance with business affairs and at the same time becoming a thorough mechanic, in 1859 he entered the manufacturing world on his own account, the line of goods produced being car springs. In 1866, he, with others, set the Fowler Nail Company in operation, and three
108
REPRESENTATIVE MEN
ycars later lic became its president, and is now holding that office. As a director, Mr. French is interested in the Seymour Manufacturing Company, the United States Pin Com- pany, the Seymour Electric Light Company, and the H. A. Mathews Manufacturing Company, his comsel and experience adding in no small degree to the success of each corporation. A sliare of his financial interests are placed in New Haven, and he has been a director of the Second National Bank of that city for many years.
Men of Mr. French's ability and force of character must expect to be asked to accept official station at thic hands of their fellow-citizens. In1 1860 and again in 1868 he was elected to represent the town of Seymour in the lower branch of the state legislature, and the latter year served on the committee on general railroad law. He had been previously mentioned as a candidate for the office, but in 1886 he was nominated by the Democrats of the Second Congressional District as their standard bearer, and the nomination was ratified at the polls. In Congress he was no drone, but represented the best interests of the entire congressional district. He served as a member of the committees on invalid pensions, on claims and on labor, though his principal work was in connection with the first-named com- mittee. The states of Massachusetts and Connecticut were assigned to him, and he looked out carefully for the old soldiers within their borders. Mr. French has ever been reluctant to accept office on account of his engrossing business responsibilities, but has served on the local school board, and has been energetic in matters relating to the improvement and growth of the village of Seymour.
Always a friend to every movement tending to the development of the Naugatuck Valley, he has naturally been a zealous advocate of the railroad which runs through its entire length. As the Naugatuck road had been leased to the New York, New Haven & Hartford Rail- road Company, it was very fitting that when there was an election to fill some vacancies at the last meeting of the corporation, that he should be chosen a director in the latter road.
In an article allnding to the changes in the board, and the personnel of the new inem- bers, the Hartford Courant said of him :
The Hon. Carlos French of Seymour has long been interested in the Naugatuck road and is another of the leading men of that busy valley. He is a man of large ability, held in high esteem by a wide circle of friends. The board has a number of influential Republicans in its membership, but Mr. French will prevent it from tipping over that way. He is a Democrat from 'way back, and is supposed to carry the ark of true Democracy about with him. Mr. French belongs these days with Governor Ingersoll and other Democrats of that sort, who are used by their party as candidates at the time when they are sure of defeat-evidences of respectability rather than of hope.
Although made by a paper belonging to the opposite party, the point regarding Mr. French's faithful adherence to Democratic principles is most fitly taken. Ever since the close of the war he has been prominent in the counsels of his party in Connecticut, and on the death of Senator Barnim, he was deemed the most suitable person to succeed him in a still wider field of action, and was chosen a member of the National Democratic Com- mittee. The Courant rightly voices the sentiment of the state, that whether men agree with his political principles or not, for his business ability and sturdiness of character they enter- tain the highest respect.
Carlos French was married April 29, 1863, to Julia H., daughter of John Miles Thomp- son of Bridgeport. Two children have been born to them, of whom one, Raymond T., is now living, and is associated with his father in manufacturing.
J. Halsey
109
OF CONNECTICUT, 1861-1894.
ALSEY, JEREMIAH, LL.D., an eminent lawyer of Norwich, several terins a inember of the State House of Representatives, was born at Preston, Conn., on Feb. 8, 1822.
A sketch in Biography of Connecticut says that "He is the son of the late Jeremiah S. Halsey, a respected citizen of Preston, and through him is descended from Revolutionary stock, his grandfather, Col. Jeremiah Halsey, also of Preston, a lawyer of great ability and extensive practice, having served with credit as an officer in the Continental arıny. The maiden name of his mother was Sally Brewster, and on her side he traces his ancestry to Elder William Brewster, who came over in the "Mayflower," and of whom he is a descendant in the seventh generation. In childhood his health was delicate and, in conse- quence, his early education was obtained under serious disadvantages. After the usual years of instruction in the primary and grammar schools of his native village, he attended the old Academy at Norwich, which was one of the best institutions of the kind in the state. Here, an affection of the eyes gave him a great deal of trouble and, in connection with continued ill- health, interfered with his regular attendance and made it impossible for him to pursue the full classical course, thus defeating his laudable desire to complete his education at Yale College. By a degree of perseverance, which, under the trying circumstances, entitles him to great credit, he obtained, nevertheless, an excellent education, although it cost him no inconsider- able suffering.
A change of climate being ordered by his family physician, he went to live at Haw- kinsville, Ga., and there studied law in the office of Messrs. Polhill & Whitfield. He was admitted to the bar by the superior court for the southern circuit of Georgia, at Hawkins- ville, on April 23, 1845, and on December 1Ith of the same year, having returned to the north, he was duly admitted to the bar of Windham County, Conn. His health being still in a precarious condition, he was obliged to devote further time to travel, but he continued his studies, notwithstanding many drawbacks, and laid a solid foundation upon which to base active practice when his physical health permitted him to enter the legal arena. In September, 1849, being somewhat improved in health, he opened law offices at Norwich, in partnership with the late Samuel C. Morgan. Devoted to professional duties and desirous only of eminence at the bar, he had no thought or wish for political honors. But his fellow- citizens of Norwich insisted upon his serving them in the legislature, and in 1852, being nominated on the Whig ticket for the state House of Representatives, he was elected to that body by a vote which proved the respect entertained for him by the people irrespec- tive of party. In 1853 he was reelected to the House, and in that year also was appointed city attorney of Norwich. After holding the latter office some eighteen years, winning golden opinions by his skilful defense of the city's interests, he resigned it in order that he might have more time to devote to his duties as a member of the commission charged with the task of building the new State House at Hartford, upon which he had been appointed by Governor Ingersoll. These duties terminated with the completion of the structure named, in 1880. They were performed in the most conscientious manner and received grateful recognition from the highest officials and from the press and public in all parts of the state.
A man of clear views and decided opinions, Mr. Halsey has never been a doubtful sub- ject upon political issues, although he has never courted prominence as a politician. The principles of the Republican party met his warmest approval from the outset, and he joined this organization as soon as it enunciated its platformn. In 1859, he was elected to the legis- lature a third time, and was reelected in 1860. During the trying period of the Civil War he was ardent in his support of the federal authorities and did all that lay in his power
I10
REPRESENTATIVE MEN
to keep the state of Connecticut up to the highest requirements of patriotism. In April, 1863, Mr. Halsey was admitted to practice in the United States Circuit Court, and on Feb. 24, 1870, lic was admitted to the bar of the Supreme Court of the United States. A contemporaneous writer says : "The reports of many cases determined by the Supreme Court of the United States, in which Mr. Halscy made elaborate and effective arguments, will ever be monuments of his great ability and learning as a lawyer." Two of the 111ost marked cases, " Wright vs. thic Norwich & New York Transportation Company," reported 13 Wallace, p. 104; and " The City of Norwich." 118 U. S., p. 468, settled tlie construction of the act of Congress limiting the liability of ship owners on the basis of the maritime law of Europe, giving full protection to the vast shipping interests of the country.
Mr. Halsey's eminence at the bar has been won by patient industry and heroic battling with adverse circuinstances. Only the greatest determination of character could have enabled him to overcome the serious obstacles which he has encountered from his earliest years through the feebleness of his health, and only a will of iron could have sustained him in his ascent to eminence in his profession despite these obstacles. Few of his contemporaries have labored more assiduously to cultivate their intellects, to broaden their knowledge, or to elevate their profession. Respected alike for his solid acquirements-general as well as professional- and his pure character, he stands with the foremost members of the legal profession of Connecticut, and is known and honored far beyond the boundaries of the state which has been the principal theatre of his forensic efforts. Mr. Halsey combines a gift of pure logical power with an absolute lucidity of statement. In these most important qualities of an advocate and counselor, he has had few equals in his state and few superiors in the country. He is always abounding in common sense, and his judgment as a manager of causes is almost infallible. His gifts flow out of a clean, honorable, truthful nature. Trinity College gave him the degree of LL. D. in 1882.
A devout Christian, Mr. Halsey has been a regular attendant at Christ Church (Episcopal), Norwich, ever since taking up his residence in that city, and during most of the time has held the office of warden or vestryman. He is liberal in his donations for Christian purposes, missionary and charitable, and is a generous friend of the poor and needy who seek his counsel and assistance. The inheritor of two honored names, he has added to their lustre by a blameless and a brilliant life, and his example and the lesson to be derived from it is a gift of 10 mean value to his native state.
Mr. Halsey was married on June 1, 1854, to Elizabeth Fairchild, the daughter of Andrew Fairchild of Redding, Conn. Mrs. Halscy is a woman of great refinement and high culture, and her home is one of the most charming and hospitable in the state. She has been active in church work for many years, and her charities have drawn upon her the blessings of a host of grateful recipients.
1 1
III
OF CONNECTICUT, 1861-1894.
B JACON, FRANCIS, M. D., of New Haven, was born in that city Oct. 6, 1832. The records of the First Church in Woodstock, Conn., show, in the fair hand- writing of Abiel Leonard, then pastor of that church, that on the 9th of August, 1764, "Joseph Bacon of Stoughton, Mass., and Abigail Holmes of Woodstock " were married. Stoughton was originally part of Dedham, and Michael Bacon, of whoin Joseph is known to have been a descendant, was among the planters of that town, his name appearing on the records as early as 1640. Joseph Bacon seems to have been both ingenious and enterprising, but never in any high degree successful from a worldly point of view. David, fifth child of Joseph and Abigail Bacon, had all his father's mechanical ingenuity and dexterity, and at the same time possessed a strength of character not equalled by his father. Using the word in a noble sense, though it is commonly uttered with a sneer, David Bacon was a visionary man. The vision which he had was a vision of this world made better and happier through his willing toil and suffering, and to this heavenly vision he was not disobedient. The pathetic story of his marriage to Alice Parks, a saintly and heroic girl of seventeen, of his mission to the wilderness of the northwest, and his subse- quent efforts in behalf of emigration, is too long to be more than barely mentioned in this brief sketch. He died in his forty-seventh year of a broken heart, "not having received the promise."
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.