USA > Connecticut > Representative men of Connecticut, 1861-1894 > Part 67
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OOKER, JOHN, of Hartford, ex-reporter of judicial decisions for the Supreme Court of the state, was born at Farmington, Conn., in 1816.
After receiving the usual preparatory education, Mr. Hooker entered Yale College, and was graduated in the elass of 1837. Being of a legal turn of mind, he studied law at the Yale Law School, and was admitted to practice in the courts of the state. His careful attention to the interests of his clients, combined with a thorough knowledge of Connecticut law, soon gained for him an increasing list of patrons.
In 1858, Mr. Hooker was appointed " Reporter of Judicial Decisions " for the supreme court of the state, and the responsible duties of this office proved to be his life work. For thirty-six years he filled the position, retiring Jan. 1, 1894, then in his seventy-eighth year. The greater part of the extended series of Connecticut Law Reports was prepared and published by him, and the value of his painstaking work can hardly be over-estimated. Not many of the lawyers who search through these dry legal volumes ever think of the hand and brain which arranged them for convenient use and then handed them down to posterity.
Mr. Hooker, in early manhood, was one of the leading anti-slavery men of the state, and when this cause had providentially reached a successful eulmination, he afterwards espoused the cause of woman suffrage. In recent years, he has investigated the phenomena of spirit- ualisin, and after subjeeting them to the most rigid tests has become a believer in the reality of cominnnieations from departed spirits. He is a member of the Congregational Church, and has served as deacon for the greater of his life. In his theological beliefs, hie ranks with the most liberal of the progressive branch of that body of Christians.
Mr. Hooker was married in 1841, to Isabella, daughter of Rev. Dr. Lyman Beecher and sister of the authoress, Harriet Beecher Stowe. The golden wedding was appropriately cele- brated in 1891.
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OF CONNECTICUT, 1861-1894.
ILES, FREDERICK, a distinguished citizen and business man of Salisbury, Conn., prominently identified for many years with extensive iron industries in Columbia County, N. Y., and during three terms the representative in the Congress of the United States from the Fourth congressional district of Connecti- cut, was born at Goshen, Litchfield County, Conn., Dec 19, 1815.
He is a member of one of the oldest families of New England, being descended in a direct line from Richard Miles, who arrived in Boston from England in 1636, and who was one of the early settlers of New Haven. His father, the Hon. Augustus Miles, a promi- nent citizen of Goshen, served with distinction in both branches of the Connecticut legisla- ture, and is still remembered in the state as an able and upright public official. In his youth Frederick Miles attended the public schools at Goshen, and completed his education by a thorough course of study at the local academy. At the age of seventeen, being then a well-educated youth, he secured a clerkship in one of the leading dry-goods houses at New Haven, where he devoted a year to gaining an insight into business methods. When eighteen years of age he took a responsible clerkship in his father's store at Goshen, and, in 1838, he was admitted to partnership. He remained associated in business with his father until 1857.
In the spring of 1858, he removed to Salisbury, where he has since resided. Shortly after retiring from mercantile business, Mr. Miles became interested in iron mines at Copake, Columbia County, N. Y., and this industry under his fostering care and able management has developed into one of considerable magnitude and importance, giving employment to a large number of workmen. As a citizen, having large and valuable business interests at stake, Mr. Miles has always kept abreast of American legislation. He has made a close study of the leading questions which have engrossed public attention for many years, particularly those bearing on finance and the tariff, and became known in the business world as a gentleman of sound and practical views upon these and upon legislation in general. A Republican in political faith, he was brought forward by that party, in 1878, as its candidate for Congress in his district -the Fourth -an acknowledged stronghold of the Democracy. Mr. Miles was one of the best known men in this district and no one stood higher in public esteemn. His integrity as a business man, his broad views on public questions and his great personal popularity caused him to be supported at the polls not only by the voters of his own party, but also by many of the opposition, who felt that he could be relied upon to represent the interests of his constituents in a non-partisan spirit and for the general welfare. Notwith- standing that the Democratic nominee was a man of irreproachable character, Mr. Miles was the choice of the people, being elected by a majority of eleven hundred and seventy-nine votes. This astonishing victory was repeated in 1880, Mr. Miles, who had been a second time nominated, being reelected by a heavy majority. In 1888, he was again placed in the field by his party, and was a third time elected to represent his district in the National Congress.
Mr. Miles's congressional career was marked by an earnest sympathy with Republican institutions, by the vigor with which he upheld the interests of the important constituency he represented, and by the breadth and logic of his views upon all great national questions. He defended the credit of the country against all plots and schemes which could in any way impair its high standard, and as a firm friend of the American workingman he earnestly supported the protective tariff measures inaugurated by his party. Although not conspicuous as a debater, he was a power in the committee room, where the real work of legislation is mainly accomplished. Able and dignified in all his dealings, he was held in the very highest respect by his colleagues and the various high officials of the national government with whom he held public relations. To his intelligence and zealous care of the interests of his constituents
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on all occasions lic added a courtesy of demeanor which contributed in no small degree to chance his popularity. He was particularly courteous to the people of his own state, and 110 man from Connecticut ever visited him at thic national capital, or sought an interview with him at home, without feeling that Congressman Miles was heartily his friend, and willing to serve his interests to the best of his ability.
I11 1890, Mr. Miles was a fourth time nominated by the Republicans of Fairfield County for congressional honors, but the political complications of that year in Connecticut were inimieal to the success of his party, whichi failed to elect its candidates for national offices. Mr. Miles's personal standing and popularity, however, have been in no way impaired or lessened, and he is to-day, as for many years past, one of the strongest inen politically in the whole state. In private life lie is noted for his kindliness and courtesy. Faithful to his friends, and watchful of every interest confided to his care, he has merited and received the highest respect both as a private eitizen and a public official. In person he is the embodi- ment of manly vigor and honest self-reliance. His forehead is broad and high, his eye is large and kindly in expression, and his mouth and chin indicate great strength of character. He bears his ycars as easily as he does his honors, and clearly belongs to that class of men who " would rather be right than President."
ILSON, FREDERICK MORSE, M. D., of Bridgeport, was born in Hebron, Maine, Dec. 8, 1850. It is a Maine family, Dr. Wilson being the first in his line to settle outside of the state. William Wilson, son of Thomas and Ann Wilson, was a respectable fariner at Topsham, and his youngest son, Adam, set his heart upon having a better education than the youths around him. The father offered the old farin as an inducement for the ambitious son to remain at home and become a tiller of the soil. Upon Adam's deelining the proffered farm, his father incontinently refused to give him further assistance, and consequently the youth shouldered a bundle contain- ing his " earthily all " and walked from Topsham to Hebron, a distance of thirty miles. Here he found a place to " do chores " for his board, and fitted himself for college at the Hebron Academy. Entering Bowdoin College, he was graduated in the class of 1819, being in his twenty-sixth year. Deciding to enter the sacred ministry, Mr. Wilson went to Philadelphia and took a course of theological studies under Rev. Dr. Stoughton and Rev. Alvali Chiase. He was ordained at Topshamn, Me., Dec. 20, 1820, and first supplied a pulpit at New Haven, Conn., at the same time continuing his studies under Dr. Fiteh of Yale College. Leaving this field, he preached successively as Wiscasset, Turner and New Gloucester, Me.
In1 1828, he established a denominational paper in Portland, which is still published under the name of Zion's Advocate. Besides being both editor and proprietor of a paper, Rev. Mr. Wilson also preached quite regularly on the Sabbath, supplying different pulpits. At the end of nine years he gave up editorial work, and again resumed his labors as a pastor, taking charge of the First Baptist Church of Bangor. Three and one-half years were spent here, two more at Turner, and then he assumed his old place again as editor of Zion's Advocate, a connection which lasted until 1848. Disposing of his paper he moved to Hebron, and after passing three years here and five more at Waterville, he gave the last fourteen years of his life to the poorer churches of Maine, staying with each only a sufficient time to get them in a condi- tion to be self-sustaining. In this work lie was especially successful. As preaehier, pastor and editor, he took rank with the ablest mnen of his denomination. Waterville College gave him the degree of Doctor of Divinity in 1854.
GEO. E. Berry
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OF CONNECTICUT, 1861-1894.
Dr. Wilson married Sarah H. Ricker, who was a lineal decendant of Maturin Ricker, who emigrated from England to America about 1670, being closely followed by his brother, George Ricker. Both brothers married and became the heads of families not far from what is 110w Dover, N. H., and both of them were killed by the Indians on the same day, June 4, 1706. Joseph Ricker, son of Maturin, was said to have been "a man of large worldly substance." His son, Capt. Joseph Ricker, had a son Dominicus, who was the father of Mrs. Wilson.
Frederick M. Wilson, the subject of this sketch, was the youngest of the four children of Dr. Adam and Sarah H. (Ricker) Wilson. He was prepared for college at the Waterville Academy, and entering Colby University at the age of sixteen, he was graduated in the class of 1871. The medical profession being attractive to his tastes, he at once commenced its study. Taking one course of lectures at Bowdoin College, he entered the Medical Department of Harvard University, and received his degree of M. D. in 1875. He practiced his profession at Waterville, Me., for two years. He then moved to New York City, and for a year gave his whole time to study of the eye and ear.
In January, 1879, Dr. Wilson opened an office in Bridgeport, Conn., and has since made that thriving city his home. These fifteen years have been filled with liard and continuous work. At the end of three months he gave up general practice, and has since treated only diseases of the eye and ear. During all this time, he has served regularly on the staff of the Manhattan Eye and Ear Hospital in New York City. Many interesting and difficult cases have come under his care, but a technical description would only be of value to the student or specialist in the same field. During the years 1882 and 1886, he was in England and on the Continent engaged in the study of his specialties.
Dr. Wilson is a member of the Bridgeport, Fairfield County, and Connecticut Medical Societies. Of the city and county societies lie has served as president. He is ophthalmic and aural surgeon to the Bridgeport Hospital, and is instructor in the Post Graduate School at New York. For the year 1893, he was vice-president of the Bridgeport Scientific Society, and he is a member of the American Ophthalmological Society ; also of the American Otological Society. He read technical papers before both these societies at the Congress of American Physicians and Surgeons, at Washington, in May, 1894. The Connecticut State Medical Society elected lıim "Dissertator " for 1895.
Doctor Wilson was married Nov. 13, 1883, to Mrs. Carrie A. Marsh, daughter of E. H. Somers, Esq., of West Haven, Conn. The family consists of two daughters.
ERRY, GEORGE EDWARD, of Waterbury, attorney-at-law, was born in Bristol, Conn., Sept. 15, 1836, and is a lineal descendant from Samuel Terry, who emigrated from England, and settled in Springfield, Mass., in 1650.
The foundation of Mr. Terry's education was laid in the common school. He was preparing for college at the Albany (N. Y.) Academy, and also read- ing law in his uncle's office, when his healthi broke down, and he was obliged to seek more active employment to save his life. His next experience was in a clock shop, where he had been previously employed ; later, he learned the machinist's trade, but this routine work grew exceedingly irksome to him, and one day while engaged in a pin factory at Winsted, he suddenly decided to throw up his position and become a lawyer. Acting promptly, he at once commenced the study of legal technicalities in the office of Samuel P. Newell, Esq., of Bristol. Here he industriously wrestled with the intricate problems laid down in
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Blackstone for more than two years, and, in the summer of 1857, he cutcred the office of John Hooker, Esq., of Hartford. Mr. Terry was admitted to the bar of Hartford County at the March term, 1858. He did not enter immediately upon thic practice of his chosen profession, but spent the next year looking out for some land interests of his father's in the state of Virginia.
In January, 1859, the real occupation of Mr. Terry's life began by his opening an office in Plainville, Conn., commencing without a partner. The spring of 1860 saw him elected a member of the legislature for the town of Farmington. He had the honor of being the youngest member at that session, and his committee appointment was chairman on fisher- ies. In the fall of 1862, his patriotic desires to serve his country could no longer be restrained, and he enlisted in the Twenty-fifth Connecticut Regiment, under Col. George P. Bissell. The regiment was placed in the army of General Banks, in Louisiana, where they had a share in the battle of Irish Bend. Later they followed the rebel general, Dick Taylor, to Shreveport, from which point they took transports for Port Hudson, where they remained until its surrender. Mr. Terry was in all the engagements in which his regiment partici- pated, and was honorably discharged in August, 1863, and he came home with the sense of duty faithfully performed, and with no bullet wounds in his body.
September, 1863, found him located at Waterbury, where he has since continued to reside. He at once formed a partnership with Hon. Stephen W. Kellogg, under the title of Kellogg & Terry, a connection which lasted until March, 1881. Until July, 1888, he pursued the practice of his profession alone, and at that time he entered into a partnership with Nathaniel R. Bronson, the firm name being Terry & Bronson. This connection still exists. Among the more important cases with which Mr. Terry has been associated are Terry vs. Bamburger, the point involved being the right of a receiver to recover property in another state, then in the hands of an assignee in bankruptcy. A number of delicate and sharply contested issues were brought out, and the case werit to the Supreme Court of the United States, but was finally decided in his favor. It established a principle which is now considered most excellent law.
He was also counsel in the case of Donovan's appeal from Probate. This was an action for money loaned to a married woman on her own account, and the question involved was whether her property generally would be holden in equity for its repayment, or only that held by hier for her sole and separate use. The case was carried to the Supreme Court of Connecticut, which held that her property generally was holden.
As Mr. Terry's practice has been general in its nature, his high reputation is based on his comprehensive knowledge of law, rather than on a special study of a single line of legal questions. Noted for his careful preparation of a case, his battle has been half won before he ever appears in court. He easily stands in the front rank of the lawyers of the state.
The list of Mr. Terry's official positions are quickly enumerated. He has been assistant state's attorney for New Haven County since 1891 ; was clerk of the City Court of Water- bury from 1866 to 1872, and city attorney from 1883 to 1891. For two years he has been president of the Waterbury Gas Light Company, and he is a director of the Fourth National Bank, of the Waterbury Savings Bank, of the West Side Savings Bank, and of the Water- bury Traction Company. In none of these stations is he a figure-head, but his counsel is valued and his influence felt in all important operations.
George E. Terry was married September 20, 1862, to Emnina, daughter of Benjamin Pollard. She died in April, 1868, leaving one son, Fred L., who is now in the office of the Waterbury Button Company. He was married for the second time to Fannie E. Williams. Two children were the result of this marriage, both of whom are now dead.
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OF CONNECTICUT, 1861-1894.
E FOREST, ROBERT E., of Bridgeport, member of Congress from the Fourth Congressional District, was born in Guilford, Conn., Feb. 20, 1845. His grand- father, George Griswold, was a worthy farmer of Guilford. His father, George Cleaveland Griswold, and his mother, née Julia Chapman, are still residents of that town.
Mr. DeForest's youthful days were passed on the paternal farin, attending Guilford Academy as opportunity afforded, and from that institution lie entered Yale College in 1863, and was graduated with honors four years later. While in college, he was noted for his ability as a writer and for his capacity to turn off large quantities of work, as well as for his readiness in debate and his graceful fluency of speech. He labored under the disadvantages of poverty, and endured the sacrifices and hardships which inany a New England boy has passed through while struggling to get an education. Just before he came to Yale a gentleman named DeForest had left a certain sum of money to be used in educating any young inan who would pass the best examination and take the name " DeForest." Suchi was his thirst for knowledge that, having the ability to fulfil the first requirement, he decided to accept the condition attached to the bequest, and it was from this reason that a change in his surname was effected.
After leaving college, Mr. DeForest decided to enter the legal profession, and engaged in teaching as a means of support, at the same time studying the technicalities of law most diligently. He was admitted to the bar in 1868, and, settling in the city of Bridgeport, he continued to earn his livelihood by teaching night schools and acting as a private tutor, until clients, recognizing the young man's worth and industry, pressed upon him eager to secure his services. As a lawyer he has been especially successful, and as an advocate he is unex- celled at the bar of Fairfield County. Learned in the law, easy in manner and fertile in resources, he is a dangerous opponent and always makes a brilliant presentation of a case. The younger inen at the bar count him as their best friend, and they come to him more frequently for advice and assistance over the rough places in law than to any other member of the legal fraternity of the county. For several years lie was associated in practice with the late Judge Sidney B. Beardsley.
From his earliest inanhood, Mr. DeForest has taken an active interest in public matters, and has been honored with a goodly share of official stations. In 1872, he was appointed prosecuting attorney for the city of Bridgeport, and two years later, at the age of twenty-nine, he was elected by the legislature judge of the Court of Common Pleas for Fairfield County. At the close of his three years' term upon the bench, Judge DeForest retired, carrying with him the respect and confidence of the entire bar, and witli an established reputation as a keen, able and honest lawyer.
The citizens of Bridgeport had been watching and appreciated his manly course on numerous occasions when it had been put to the test. In 1878, Judge DeForest was nominated and elected mayor of the city. He placed the direction of the city finances on a practical basis, and by his prudent management reduced the municipal debt by a sum of $31,000, a fact which speaks volumes for his conservatism and discretion. When the town and city govern- ments of Bridgeport were consolidated in the spring of 1889, the Democratic party turned to him as the one man who could safely hold the rudder of municipal government through this time of new ways and imethods. In the three preceding years the debt of the city had been increased over $200,000, but this year he secured a reduction of $50,000. The following year he was nominated for the mayor's chair against the most popular man in the Republican party, and who had previously filled the office for two terms. After one of the hardest political con- tests ever fought in Bridgeport he was again elected mayor by an unexpectedly large vote over his competitor. His administration was admirable and satisfactory to his constituents.
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I11 1880, the Democratic party elected Judge DeForest to the state legislature by a hand- some majority, where, from the very opening of the session, his force, eloquence and ability enabled him to take a commanding position. He deservedly won considerable repute for the favorable stand he took toward the oyster-growers of the state, and almost single-handed he carried thronghi a minority report in their interest. The oysterinen have never forgotten that the solid basis on which the oyster legislation of the state rests is largely due to his carnest efforts in their behalf. After a memorable contest in 1882, he defeated the late Hon. Amos S. Treat for the state Senate, and the record he made in that body gave him an enviable repu- tation in all parts of the commonwealthi. For several terms Judge DeForest has served as corporation counsel for the city of Bridgeport, and, in 1888, he was unanimously endorsed by the bar of Fairfield County for a position on the bench of the Superior Court.
His name was brought forward in the Democratie Congressional Convention of the Fourth Distriet in October, 1890, and he was enthusiastically nominated as the standard bearer of the party. The opposition candidate was the incumbent of the office, but with the chances decidedly against him he was victorious at the polls. In the course of a forcible speech accepting the nomination, Judge DeForest said :
How true it is that "eternal vigilance is the price of liberty ! " How restless is the spirit, how watchful are the eyes, how manifold and subtle are the resources and expedients of despotic power! How it has dogged the footsteps of humanity from land to land and from age to age! Wherever the experiment of human government has been attempted - how, everywhere and always has it insinuated itself into the places of authority, and bowed down the backs of God's children to tribute! Here, in these United States of America, in this age of enlighten- ment and toleration under the Ægis of our popular system, we flattered ourselves, forsooth, that we should be safe. Vain and delusive hope ! The spirit of despotisin is here, under the form of free institutions; under the knavish disguise of a pretended philanthropy ; under perjured oaths of allegiance to law and justice, the spirit of despotism is here. It stalks in our midst ; it lurks in the shadows of our National Capitol; it ascends its vestibule ; it haughtily and insolently treads its halls. There, among those patriotic and sacred associations and memories ; there, under tlie folds of the flag; there, in the very central shrine and by the very altar of our freedom it enthrones itself, in all the hideousness and hatefulness that ever smirked and snarled under a British crown, when the men of '76, with far less provocation than we suffer, rather than endure it longer unsheathed the bloody sword of revolution.
It is the same old spirit, engaged in the same old work. Taxation and tyranny -the lust of power and the lust of gold -joining hands, sordid, unholy and cursed alliance, with its feet upon the prostrate and bleeding forni of betrayed and outraged liberty. Is it not indeed so? Is there fancy or exaggeration in this picture? Nay ! Nay ! What was the taxation against which our fathers rebelled, compared with that by which the Republican party has harassed, oppressed and impoverished this people for a quarter of a century? It was the same in principle, but in magnitude, in enormity, it was not a drop in the bucket in comparison with that which this Republican conspiracy of tyranny and avarice is imposing upon us. Necessary taxation, reasonable taxation, fair, just and honest taxation, no one will complain of. But we charge the Republican party, and the charge cannot be evaded or palliated - we charge the Republican party as our ancestors charged King George with unnecessary, unreasonable, unjust, unfair, dishonest and ruinous taxation ; taxation that discriminates against the poor and in favor of the rich ; taxation upon the simple necessaries of life; taxation that concentrates and consolidates enormous wealth in a few selfish hands and grinds the face of poverty ; taxation that deprives capital of its profits, labor of its wages and agriculture of every phase of prosperity. Can this be gainsaid ?
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