USA > Connecticut > Hartford County > West Hartford > West Hartford, Connecticut > Part 19
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On the sixtieth anniversary of his installation as pastor of the West Hartford Church, he preached a sermon in which he gave a general summary of his ministerial labors. He stated that he had preached four thousand written sermons and three thousand extemporaneous ones, had attended sixty installation and ordination councils and preached twenty sermons on such occasions, had attended one hundred ecclesiastical councils, and had fitted one hundred fifty young men for college.
In 1836, Mrs. Lydia H. Sigourney, the Hartford poet, in consideration of Dr. Perkins' remarkable record, wrote a poem addressed to his inkstand, which was printed in The New York Commercial Advertiser.
To An Ancient Inkstand used more than sixty years in the study of the Rev. Dr. Nathan Perkins, of West Hartford.
Capacious vase, so long decreed The roots of intellect to feed, And, patient, aid the graphic art, To tinge the thought, and touch the heart, Who can thy varied toils portray,
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Thy tireless zeal, both night and day? Ordained to serve from youth to age, The saint, philosopher, and sage, Who, laboring for his Saviour's sake ยท The slumber of the soul to wake, Beholds with clear and heavenward eye Time's frosty years pass harmless by; Oh, still that honored master's will With faithful diligence fulfill, Until, his high commission o'er, He needs such humble friend no more; Then take thy place, with ancient state, Mid relics of the good and great."
Noah Webster. The most distinguished native of West Hartford in all the years of its history was Noah Webster, son of Noah Webster, Sen. He was born in 1758. His boyhood home was on an eighty acre farm located on the main road running from north to south through the town, now known as West Hartford Main Street, and about half a mile south of the South Middle Road to Farmington, now Park Road. The Webster farm embraced some of the land in the section now known as Webster Heights.
Noah Webster was a descendant on his father's side of Gover- nor John Webster of Connecticut, and on his mother's side of Governor William Bradford of Massachusetts. Noah Webster, Senior, was a prominent citizen of the community, rendering service as a justice of the peace or local judge, and as a deacon of the local church for many years. During the War of the Revolution he was in service as captain of a company of soldiers.
After Noah Webster, the son, had completed the studies of the public school, probably the one known as the South Middle School, which was nearest to his home, he attended for a time the Hopkins Grammar School of Hartford. Having an earnest de- sire to obtain a college education, he studied with Rev. Dr. Nathan Perkins, pastor of the village church, and was one of the one hundred fifty young men who were prepared for college by Dr. Perkins during his long pastorate in West Hartford.
In 1774 Noah Webster entered Yale College, making the journey to New Haven on horseback. When the War of the Revolution broke out, the course of instruction and study in the college was interrupted for a time but he graduated in 1778. While he was in college, General George Washington passed through New Haven on his way to Cambridge to take command
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of the American army. It is related that he and his companions were escorted from New Haven for a distance on their way to Hartford by a drum and fife band in which Noah Webster played a fife.
After graduating from Yale College, he taught school for a time in Glastonbury, West Hartford, and other communities, including Goshen in the State of New York. While teaching in Goshen he prepared and published his first book, which was a
NOAH WEBSTER
combination of reader and grammar, called by him "A Gram- matical Treatise." He was conscious of the scarcity of suitable textbooks and material for use in the public schools of those times, and was intent on providing for the more satisfactory edu- cation of the young.
His next publication was "The Webster Spelling Book," which was first published in 1783 and which for many years had a large sale in all parts of the country. It is related that Mr. Webster's income from the royalty which he received from the sale of the spelling book was sufficient for his family and personal expenses for a number of years.
Probably Noah Webster is most widely known and most highly distinguished as the compiler of the dictionary of the English language which bears his name. This was first published in 1828.
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For several years he resided in Amherst, Mass., while en- gaged in his literary pursuits, and became greatly interested in promotion of a movement for the founding of a college in that community. In 1821, when the college was finally founded, he was elected President of the board of trustees.
Noah Webster was recognized in this and in other countries as one of the foremost authors, educators, and statesmen of his day and generation.
He cherished always a fond affection for his boyhood home. It was sold to Mr. Samuel Hurlburt, whose family resided there for many years. Mrs. Hurlburt told the writer of Mr. Webster's visit to the home of his boyhood and of his pointing out to her
BIRTHPLACE OF NOAH WEBSTER
objects of interest to him, including some trees which he had planted in his boyhood. He manifested a substantial interest also in the community, donating to it a considerable number of volumes from his own library as the nucleus for the establishment of a public library in the community.
West Hartford citizens in his day and generation and sub- sequent years seem to have been slow to recognize and honor their most distinguished son, but in these later years such recog- nition has been given in connection with the erection of the li- brary building which bears his name and the portrait which adorns its walls, the gift of the school children of the town, and
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there are public spirited citizens at the present time who speak of some additional token of appreciation and honor.
Mr. Webster died in New Haven, 1843. A large, substantial monument marks the place of his burial in the Central Cemetery of that city.
Moses Goodman. In 1777, when the American soldiers were suffering on account of hardships and want at Valley Forge, the people of this section of Connecticut around Hartford con- tributed the sum of $30,000 to be sent to them for their relief. When question arose as to how this money could be safely con- veyed, Moses Goodman of West Hartford bravely volunteered to take it to Valley Forge on horseback.
SADDLEBAGS OF MOSES GOODMAN
He placed the money in his saddlebags, mounted his fine trained horse, and in due time accomplished the daring feat, returning to his home in safety. It is related of him that when he stopped for the night on his journey at some tavern or inn, he would throw his saddle-bags down in a corner or under a bench, thus disarming suspicion. It is also related that at some of the places where he spent the night, some of the people were very desirious of obtaining possession of his fine horse, and that at one time he greatly feared that his horse would be taken from him.
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As he was about to start out in the morning, he would say to those who were desirous of securing his horse,
"You don't want a lame horse."
"No," they would reply, "but your horse isn't lame."
"He is quite lame at times," Mr. Goodman would say giving his horse the signal to limp in accordance with a trick which he had taught him, and so rode away in safety.
Mr. Goodman's saddlebags are now in the possession of his great-great grandson, Henry H. Selden, of Selden Hill. The girl represented holding them for the photographer is Virginia Selden, grand-daughter of Henry H. Selden, and daughter of Henry Selden, Jr.
Benjamin Gilbert. Benjamin Gilbert was one of the influen- tial leaders in the company of Quakers who for a period of years
BENJAMIN GILBERT
maintained a meetinghouse for worship and a school for the education of their children on Quaker Lane. He was a man of large stature and genial manners, familiarly spoken of by friends
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and associates as Uncle Ben. He was a farmer, well-to-do, interested in public affairs, a large landholder. At one time he and his brother Charles, who lived near him, owned all the land between the now West Hill property to the river at the Center now called Trout Brook, and also considerable land north of Fern Street, east of Steele Road and south of Farmington Avenue, east and west of Quaker Lane.
BENJAMIN GILBERT HOUSE
The Benjamin Gilbert home was formerly on the north side of Farmington Avenue and the west side of Quaker Lane. It was moved to the north a few years ago to make room for the brick apartment houses now on that corner.
Judge Samuel H. Huntington. Judge Samuel H. Hunting- ton was born in Suffield, Connecticut, in 1793, a member of a distinguished New England family. He graduated from Yale College in 1818, was judge of the Hartford County Court from 1842 to 1850 and later, judge of the Court of Appeals in Washing- ton, D. C. He was a trustee of Trinity College from 1830 to 1858.
For many years he was a resident and influential citizen of West Hartford. He owned a large tract of land on the south side of Albany Avenue, east of Steel Lane. His house, which stood on high ground just east of Steel Lane, was one of the finest
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residences of the town at the time. Judge Huntington was one of the leaders in the organization of St. James Episcopal Church at West Hartford Center in 1843, and was also a leader and stock- holder in the reorganization of the old Academy Association and
JUDGE SAMUEL HUNTINGTON
in the erection of the new Academy building on the east side of the park.
He removed later to Hartford, purchasing land on the north side of Asylum Avenue and building a residence near which Huntington Street named in his honor was later opened. He died in 1880.
Dr. Edward Brace. Edward Brace was born in 1798 in the old Brace homestead which was located in the western part of the town on a farm which has in these later years been known as Sunset Farm. After his graduation from college and medical school, he began to practice as a physician in West Hartford
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and for many years was the only practicing physician in the town. He was highly esteemed for his Christian character, serv- ing many years as a deacon in the Congregational Church. He died in 1879.
DR. EDWARD BRACE
Charles Boswell. Charles Boswell, born in Norwich, Con- necticut, in 1802, moved to Hartford when he was 16 years old, and later engaged in business as a wholesale grocer. He became a prosperous and permanent citizen of the city, serving as presi- dent of the Farmers' Mechanics Bank. He was connected with the Hartford Fire Insurance Company for more than 40 years. He was one of the founders of the Atheneum, and an influential citizen. He moved to West Hartford in 1861, where he became deeply interested in the welfare of the town and rendered ser- vices in various positions of influence, having the esteem of his fellow citizens. When it was contemplated to build a new Con- gregational Church in West Hartford in 1882, Mr. Boswell sug-
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gested that if the people would build a stone church, he would make a personal contribution of $10,000 for that purpose, and his suggestion was adopted.
He represented the town at the legislature. He also held other positions of influence and contributed in a liberal way to the welfare and prosperity of the community.
Dr. Warren S. Crane. One of the most familiar figures seen in West Hartford in 1844 and for many years thereafter was that of Dr. Warren S. Crane, dentist, riding in his gig every week day from his home to his office in Hartford and returning at night. Dr. Crane was of distinguished lineage, a descendant of several prominent early Hartford families.
In 1836 he bought the office at No. 8 State Street, Hartford, where cousins of his had practiced dentistry since 1827, and where he practiced until 1853, when he was succeeded by his son, Dr. Samuel L. G. Crane, who occupied the office until his death in 1917. This is a remarkable record of continuous prac- tice by members of the Crane family in the same office.
Dr. Crane's home in West Hartford was the house still standing on the southwest corner of South Main Street and Park Road, which is now the property of the Thomson family.
Dr. Crane had a large family of children. One of his daugh- ters, Mrs. John M. G. Brace, was a talented musician and served as the organist of the Congregational Church from the date of the installation of the first organ in 1867 for twenty-three years. She was most efficient and devoted in this long continued and highly appreciated service. Mrs. Harriet Crane Pitblado of Hartford, well known as an accomplished musical artist, is a granddaughter of Dr. Warren S. Crane.
Col. Solomon S. Flagg. Solomon S. Flagg was a native of West Hartford, a son of Abijah Flagg, and one of a large family of children. His home was in the northern part of the town on West Hartford Main Street, where he owned one of the largest farms in the town, embracing at the time of his death in 1876 about six hundred acres. In 1843 he built for his residence a new house which at the time was considered one of the finest modern houses in the town. Later, it was the residence of James Miller. It has been recently removed to make way for real estate developments.
He acquired his title of Colonel in connection with the old militia company that used to parade on Goodman Park and throughout his life was usually spoken of by those who knew him as Colonel Flagg. He held important official positions in the Ecclesiastical Society and was a constant attendant and loyal member of the Congregational Church, driving from his home
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every Sunday to the church, returning during the midday inter- mission, and driving back to the Center for the afternoon service. He always drove a pair of horses.
When the movement was made in 1854 for the separation of West Hartford from Hartford, he was one of the prominent citizens to circulate the petition and was the first person to sign it. After West Hartford became a separate town, he was the first person to be elected to the office of First Selectman and at
THE SOLOMON S. FLAGG HOUSE, BUILT IN 1843
different times in later years held that position. He was often moderator at town meetings, and on election days presiding at the ballot box and was able to call every voter by name. He was a strong Republican in politics, having but little considera- tion for those of the opposite party, and was vigilant in watch- fulness of young men casting their first ballot to make sure that they were on the right side.
Leonard Buckland. Leonard Buckland was born in Hartford December 22, 1812. His father died while Leonard was still a boy, and he was "put out" to be brought up in the family of a farmer who lived in the northern part of West Hartford. The farmer was of a penurious disposition and the boy committed to his care fared hard in respect to food, clothing, opportunities for play and recreation and for obtaining an education.
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When he was old enough to "look out for himself," he left the home of the farmer and entered the shop of Capt. George Flagg at the North End to learn the trade of a shoemaker. He continued in the employ of Capt. Flagg for several years, be- coming an expert workman, and then removed to West Hartford Center to work in the shoe shop of Nathan Burr, which was lo- cated on the second floor of a plain two-story building which stood on the southwest corner of Farmington Turnpike and the main street of West Hartford.
LEONARD BUCKLAND
Here on this corner he was destined to spend the remainder of his life, purchasing the property and enlarging it to provide for a family residence in connection with the store, succeeding Mr. Burr as postmaster, building up a substantial grocery busi- ness, and for thirty-three years serving as the town clerk of West Hartford, keeping the records in a room devoted to the purpose in the rear of the store.
Mr. Buckland was greatly interested in reading, and improv- ed every opportunity to secure information in respect to history,
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science, and literature. In the later years of his life he was a well informed man, despite his lack of educational opportunities when he was young. He was a fine musician, playing the flute and violin. He was an expert penman and at one time taught classes in penmanship.
While his voice was not often heard in public meetings, he improved every opportunity in private conversation to advocate measures for the promotion of the highest interests of the com- munity and in this way was regarded as a public spirited citizen. His fellow citizens honored him by electing him twice to repre- sent the town in the General Assembly of Connecticut. He mani- fested such a public spirit and rendered such effective service that he may properly be considered one of the leading citizens of the town.
Henry Talcott. Henry Talcott, a descendent of Joseph Tal- cott, who was Governor of Connecticut from 1725 to 1742, was born in that section of West Hartford now called Elmwood in 1815. He attended the local public schools in the South district and later attended and graduated from the Academy in Farm- ington, Connecticut, which was considered to be a very fine preparatory school. He was greatly interested in reading history, literature, and educational books, and was considered to be one of the most highly educated men in the community. He became a Civil Engineer, and for a number of years was County Sur- veyor for Hartford County.
In 1840 he championed a movement for the erection of a modern schoolhouse in the South district, but his ideas were so far in advance of those of his fellow citizens that his project met with strong opposition. It was only after a prolonged discussion of the matter that he and his associates were successful in carry- ing out their plans in 1852.
Mr. Talcott served a number of years as acting school visitor for the town, examining teachers and giving them their certifi- cates, visiting the schools, and in a general way caring for their interests. In 1872 he advocated the opening of a high school for the benefit of the older boys and girls of the community, and was successful in securing a vote of the town by which that school was established in December, 1872.
He was active in the affairs of the town in other lines, serving for several years as first selectman. He was greatly interested and very active in connection with the affairs and work of the Congregational Church, serving on important com- mittees from time to time, and for many years conducted a very large and successful adult Bible class in connection with the Sunday school.
Mr. Talcott was elected chairman of the town school com- mittee in 1885, and served in that capacity until his death, which occurred February, 1888.
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At a meeting of the town school committee held February 18, 1888, the following resolution was unanimously adopted: "By the recent death of Mr. Henry Talcott, this committee has been deprived of its efficient and esteemed chairman, and the community of an intelligent and active citizen. Mr. Talcott, during all the years of his citizenship, which have been many,
HENRY TALCOTT
has always maintained a warm and active interest in educational methods and in various positions of influence and trust. He has labored continually and successfully for the improvement of our schools and the advance of the cause of education. We desire, hereby, to record our deep sense of loss as a committee and as citizens, and to extend to his family our tender sympathy in that great affliction."
William Faxon. William Faxon, a descendent of Capt. Ebenezer Faxon, was born in the Faxon Home in West Hartford in 1822. In his manhood he became a member of the firm of Boswell & Faxon, proprietors of the Courant Press Company,
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publishers of the Connecticut Courant. During the Civil War he served as Chief Clerk of the United States Navy Department, to which position he was appointed by Gideon Welles, Secretary of the Navy. Mr. Faxon was one of the prominent leaders in the organization of the Phoenix Fire Insurance Company of Hartford.
Hon. Yung Wing. Yung Wing was one of three Chinese young men who were brought to the United States in 1841 for the purpose of obtaining an English education. They were brought by Rev. Samuel R. Brown, an American missionary in China. Mr. Brown was a native of the town of Monson, Massa- chusetts, and he took the young men to the Academy in that town to be taught. When Yung Wing had completed the course of study in Monson Academy, he entered Yale College and at- tained high rank as a student. He graduated in 1854, the first Chinese youth to graduate from that college.
He returned to his native land and remained there, occupying positions of high rank and honor until 1873, when he came again to the United States with a company of thirty Chinese young men who were to be educated in our public schools. They, and others who came later, attended some of the public schools in Hartford, and also a school established for them under the direc- tion of Yung Wing in a building which was erected on Collins Street.
At a later period Yung Wing was appointed to the position of Chinese Minister, representing his country at Washington.
In 1880 he purchased property on the northwest corner of Fern Street and Prospect Avenue and built a fine residence there, in which he and his family lived for a number of years. The house was afterwards the residence of A. L. Foster, a clothing merchant of Hartford.
Yung Wing became a legal voter and a public spirited citizen of West Hartford, discharging the duties of a loyal and interested citizen and honoring the town as the first and most distinguished native of China to occupy such a position. He was highly es- teemed in the community.
Rose Terry Cooke. Rose Terry was born in West Hartford in 1827. The Terry home was on a farm on the south side of Albany Turnpike just west of Steele Lane, where St. Mary's Home for aged people is now located.
She attended the Hartford Female Seminary, from which she graduated in 1843. She wrote many stories and poems and published a book of miscellaneous poems in 1860. Among her stories the most prominent were "Happy Dodd," "Somebody's
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Neighbors," "Root Bound," and "Two Villages." Her writings abound in interesting sketches of New England life.
In 1843 she was married to R. W. Cooke of Winsted, and had her home in that community for many years.
Hiram W. Elmer. In 1856 when the struggle broke out be- tween the forces of the slave states and the free states, to deter- mine whether Kansas should come into the Union as a free state or a slave state, many New England people rushed to Kansas
HIRAM W. ELMER
to become citizens of that state and help decide the question as to its future. West Hartford had its representative in that struggle in the person of Hiram W. Elmer, son of Oliver S. Elmer, whose home was on Albany Turnpike, where Mr. John A. Haw- ley now lives. Shortly after, he had a severe illness as the result of the hardships which he endured in that struggle, and was obliged to return to his home in West Hartford the next year.
On August 14, 1862, he enlisted as private in the First
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Division, Connecticut Cavalry, First Brigade, under General Custer, Third Division, under Sheriden, Company I, in response to Abraham Lincoln's call for 75,000 men. He was in many battles, and at one time had his hat shot off from his head and his horse killed under him. He captured the horse of a Confederate soldier who had been killed, and so escaped. He served for a time as a clerk in the office of the Adjutant General.
In 1864 he was appointed hospital steward and surgeon's assistant, and held that position until his discharge at the end of the war. His duties took him into the battle-field, where he cared for the dead and wounded. He was given a testimonial by the Government for his faithful discharge of duty as hospital steward. He returned to West Hartford and later made his home in Parkville, where he became a prominent and efficient citizen. Dr. E. O. Elmer, a well-known physician of Parkville, is his son.
Ralph Gaylord Wells. Ralph Gaylord Wells was born in a house which stood on the south side of Albany Turnpike well up to the top of Talcott Mountain. He lived in that house until his death, which occurred in 1888. During his lifetime he had the unique experience of being a resident of three towns, first of Farmington, then of Hartford, and finally of West Hartford.
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