History of Livingston County, New York, with illustrations and biographical sketches of some of its prominent men and pioneers, Part 97

Author: Smith, James Hadden. [from old catalog]; Cale, Hume H., [from old catalog] joint author; Mason, D., and company, pub. [from old catalog]
Publication date: 1881
Publisher: Syracuse, N.Y., D. Mason & co.
Number of Pages: 744


USA > New York > Livingston County > History of Livingston County, New York, with illustrations and biographical sketches of some of its prominent men and pioneers > Part 97


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).


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Mr. Campbell was to receive a salary of $500 per annum, of which the people in York were to pay one-fifth, and receive one-fourth of the pas- tor's time.


In November, 1813, Mr. Campbell entered upon his labors, which he continued successfully until his death, May 1, 1817. During his ministry 109 persons were added to the church. With his death the connection with York was severed, and that people were organized into a separate congre- gation in 1818. His successor was the Rev. Wm. Boyce. Concerning this pastor there are very meager records. He was called in 1820 and was released at the request of the congregation, about 1824. In the interval between these pastorates the congregation erected a house of worship at a cost of $6,000. It was finished in the spring of 1819. The next pastor was Rev. Donald C. Mc- Laren, at the time pastor of the Associate Re- formed Church of Cambridge, Washington county, N. Y. The congregation had now become quite strong. It embraced 117 families. In these therc were 142 children over, and 310 under sixteen years of age.


The number of communicants was 174. The relations between the two congregations were also more amicable than they had ever been since the disruption. Besides the opposition to the settle- ment of Mr. Denoon, differences had arisen between the two parties respecting the property donated by Col. Williamson, and which, ever since the disruption in 1808, had continued to be a bonc of contention. In 1823, however, the matter was settled by the equitable division of the property. The Associate Reformed congregation received the east half of each tract, and the Presbyterians the west half of cach; together with the log church on the village lot. In December, 1824, the con- gregation made a settlement of the business of their church building, when it was found that they were indebted to Robert Mckay in the sum of $2,227.69. In order to indemnify him for this sum, which he had advanced to complete the church, the Society agreed to lease to him all the land falling to its share, on the condition that the lease was to be of a durable nature, and that the


459


CALEDONIA-WAR RECORD.


lease-holder was to pay a rental of one barley corn yearly on the call of the trustees. The lease thus ordered was duly executed Feb. 23, 1826, and the lands virtually passed out of the hands of the Society. The pastorate of Mr. McLaren was a very successful one, lasting until July 14, 1852. On the evening of Sunday, Feb. 24, 1833, the church building was destroyed by fire. The con- gregation immediately began the erection of an- other, which was completed on the 30th of the following November, and is the fine stone church which now stands in the village. Its cost was about $4,000. At the sale of seats on the third of December, this amount was more than realized, and the congregation entered the new house free from debt.


Near the close of Mr. McLaren's pastorate a new organization was formed in the northwest part of the congregation. Into this society 27 persons were received. The organization was effected Feb. 24, 1852; and the circumstances attending it being so favorable-the society start- ing with a good building free from debt-it was christened Beulah. After a briefvacancy the con- gregation called the Rev. William S. McLaren, the eldest son of the former pastor. He began his labors Dec. 19, 1852, and was installed April 19, 1853. He resigned on account of ill health and was released Sept. 8, 1869, and removed to Santa Barbara, Cal., where he died July 12, 1874. During his pastorate a parsonage was erected at a cost of about $3,300.


A change also occurred in the congregation's ecclesiastical relationship in 1858. In that year a union was effected between the Associate and As- sociate Reformed Presbyterian churches in this country, resulting in the formation of what is now known as the United Presbyterian Church of North America, into which union this congregation entered .* On the the 13th of May, 1869, a new congregation was formed in the village of Mum- ford, about one mile north of Caledonia, and into that organization went from this church 27 mem- bers. In December, 1870, the congregation in Caledonia called the present pastor, Rev. D. F. Bonner.t He began his labors the first Sabbath in January, 1871, and was formally installed Feb. 28, 1871. Various changes have taken place during his pastorate, among which was the re- modeling of the church building in 1875. This


was effected at an expense, including furnishing, of $5,225. The congregation is in a flourishing condition and numbers to-day 160 communicants.


WAR RECORD OF 1812 AND OF THE REBELLION .- When the war of 1812 broke out, the Scotch set- tlers in Caledonia had for the first time an oppor- tunity to show how strong was their love for the land of their adoption. Malicious reports were in circulation soon after the beginning of the war to the effect that the Scotch residents would prove treacherous, and lend their assistance to the British invaders. Little did the calumniators know of Scottish character who could thus charge them with treachery. Treason finds no lodgment in the head or heart of a Scotchman. Such of those resi- dents as had not yet become naturalized, on hear- ing this report, at once made application for citi- zenship, and so gave ample proof of their loyalty and honesty of purpose. They did more. A com- pany was formed among them, with Robert Mckay as Captain, and Thomas Duer as Lieutenant. These Scotch Highlanders marched at once to Lewiston, where they remained until relieved by the regular troops. Capt. Mckay was promoted to the rank of Colonel in 1813, and in 1814 he and others of this company marched to defend Buffalo from the British who had crossed the Niagara, had taken the fort of that name, and burned Youngstown and Lewiston. On arriving in Buffalo they were en- rolled under the command of Major General Amos Hall and Col. Blakeslee, and at the battle of Black Rock, Col. McKay and several others were taken prisoners and carried to Montreal where they were confined until regularly exchanged the next year.


In the war of the Rebellion, Caledonia sent to the defense of the Union two hundred and seven men,* besides contributing liberally in other ways to the Federal cause.


The town furnished in August, 1862, 62 men, with a bounty of $100 each ; in July, 1863, 22 commuted; in October, 1863, 28 men, with a bounty of $423 each ; in February, 1864, 9 men, three at $300 each, and six at $320 each ; in July, 1864, 33 men at about $900 each ; in December, 1864, 25 men at $600 each, and $100 hand money ; also 28 men who enlisted at various times from this town, without bounty and with bounty to the credit of other towns.


The War record of the town was quite carefully kept, and from it is given here the names of those who enlisted from the town of Caledonia.


* The title of the church is now the United Presbyteriao Church of Caledonia.


t To this kind pastor we are indebted for the most of this church his- tory, having drawn for some facts on the writings of Donald Mckenzie.


* This number includes those who enlisted from other places to fill the quota of Caledonia.


460


HISTORY OF LIVINGSTON COUNTY.


8th IV. Y. Cavalry. Enlistments of 1862 .- William W. McNaughton, Co. K, enlisted Aug. 27 ; born in Caledonia, Sept. 4, 1836. Served on picket duty only, was taken sick about April 20, 1863, and died at Carver Hospital, Washington, D. C., May 2, 1863. His body was brought home to Caledonia for interment.


John William McNaughton, Sergeant, Co. K, enlisted Aug. 14; born in Caledonia, March 23, 1840. Was in engagements at Beverly Ford, Mid- deburgh, and Gettysburg, and was stationed at Alexandria, Va., at the date of the surrender of General Lee, was discharged about June 16, 1865. Now living in Caledonia, N. Y.


Enos Sullivan, Corporal, Co. K, enlisted Aug. 21, was slightly wounded at the battle of Gettys- burg. Now in Flint, Mich.


Thomas Bradburn, Co. B, enlisted in August, was killed in a skirmish at Shepardstown, August 25, 1864.


William Tygart, Co. K, enlisted Aug. 19. Now in Caledonia, N. Y.


John Bradburn, Co. H, enlisted Aug. 28. Pro- moted to Corporal in May, 1865, was captured by the Rebels at Lacy Springs in Jan., 1865, but escaped in a few hours. Was wounded on the shoulder by a sabre cut from which he recovered. Now in Caledonia, N. Y.


Thomas Tygart, Co. K, enlisted Aug. 28, was wounded in the right knee, at Gettysburg. Now in the west.


David R. Stewart, Co. M, enlisted Aug. 18. Promoted to Corporal Jan. 1, 1865. Now in Caledonia, N. Y.


Jeremiah Casey, Co. K, enlisted Aug. 21. Pro- moted to Corporal in Jan., 1864 ; was taken pris- oner about June, 1864. and confined the most of the time in Andersonville prison, where he died Nov. 26, 1864.


Almond Duane Robinson, Co. K, enlisted Aug. 18, was disabled by the fall of his horse at the bat- tle of the Wilderness, and discharged May 18, 1865. Died in 1880.


Daniel Donohue, Co. K, enlisted Aug. 20. Pro- moted to rank of Sergeant, Jan. 6, 1864. Was in sixty-two engagements up to June 24, 1864, at which time he was taken prisoner and was confined the most of the time in Andersonville prison ; died at Florana, S. C., Nov. 1, 1864.


William Ball, Co. K, enlisted Aug. 19 ; wastaken prisoner March 4, 1863, and confined for sixteen days in Libby prison, was then exchanged, rejoined his regiment, and was at the surrender of General 1


Lee. He returned in Co. F, of the same regi- ment. Now living in Caledonia, N. Y.


William A. Lynn, Corporal, Co. K, enlisted Ang. 20, was wounded in the head at Gettysburg, nearly recovered, and was taken prisoner March 9, 1863, and confined in Libby prison twenty-three days.


James K. Polk Walker, Co. K, enlisted in Aug .; born in Caledonia, N. Y., Feb. 3, 1845, was in the several battles of the regiment, and was taken pris- oner at the battle of the Wilderness and confined the most of the time in Andersonville prison, where he died Oct 3, 1864.


Wilson Caruthers, Co. M, enlisted in August ; wounded at Beverly Ford, June 9, 1863, and was discharged Jan. 21, 1864. Now in Caledonia, N. Y.


Robert Robertson Orr, Co. K, enlisted August 14; born in Caledonia, March 10, 1841. Pro- moted to Q. M. Sergeant Jan. 1, 1875. Was in thirty-five engagements, including the battles of Upperville, Gettysburg, Boonsboro, Brandy Plains, and Stephensburg, at which place he was wounded in the right side, and confined to the hospital some three months. Was taken prisoner March 5, 1863. Exchanged in June, 1863, rejoined his regiment, and was discharged in June, 1865. Now in Indiana.


Robert M. Place, was discharged before cxpira- tion of his time. Now a druggist in Caledonia, N. Y.


William Bradbury, Jr., Co. K, supposed to have deserted some time in September, 1862, from the encampment in Rochester, N. Y.


Alexander M. Caruthers, Corporal, Co. M, en- listed August 25. Died in rebel prison.


Samuel Burgett, Co. K, enlisted in August, sup- posed to have deserted in September, from the en- campment in Rochester, N. Y.


George A. Hickey, enlisted in this regiment and was afterwards transferred to the Second Battalion Veteran Reserve Corps ; was discharged about June, 1865. Now somewhere in Southern New York.


Daniel J. McVean, died in the service.


Andrew Mckenzie, Co. K, enlisted in August. Shot dead on picket duty near Dumfries, Va., March 5, 1863. Body brought home and buried in Caledonia, N. Y.


John Caragher, Co. L, enlisted Aug. 30. Taken prisoner May 5, 1864, and died in Andersonville prison in October, 1864.


Andrew Kennedy, enlisted in August. Killed in the service.


461


CALEDONIA-WAR RECORD.


Daniel Calder, died in the service. Body brought home for burial.


Daniel McMartin, Jr., Co. I. Discharged in June, 1865.


William Brown, Co. K, enlisted Aug. 14, was in service until June, 1865. Now in Scottsville, N. Y.


Lewis Yorks, enlisted in August. £ from encampment in Rochester, N. Y.


Deserted


C. C. Rockafellow, Co. K, enlisted in August. Died in rebel prison.


Lewis J. Cox, enlisted in August. Died in rebel prison.


William Solomon, Co. K, enlisted in August. Died in Union Hospital.


Harvey Murell, enlisted in August. Deserted from Camp in Rochester, N. Y., in Sept. 1862.


Jacob Hemluk, enlisted in August. Deserted from camp in Rochester, N. Y., in Sept. 1862.


Frederick Simmimur, Peter Farley, Jeremiah Kelley, Benjamin Aldridge, Co. K, Jacob Guen- ter, Co. M, George W. Moore.


Enlistments in other Companies and Regiments. -John D. Campbell, enlisted August 29, 1862, in a company of sharp-shooters. At the battle of the Wilderness he was wounded in the thigh. Died since close of the war.


Peter William McNaughton, N. Y. Sharp-shoot- ers, enlisted August 27, 1862. Born in Caledo- nia, N. Y., October 14, 1834. Promoted to Cor- poral March 4, 1864. Was in the siege of Suffolk, Baltimore Cross Roads, Rappahannock Station, and Weldon R. R. Now in Caledonia, N. Y.


Duncan D. Cameron, Co. K, 9th U. S. Colored Troops. Enlisted August 26, 1862. Born in Cale- donia, N. Y., January 18, 1839. Promoted to Lieutenant, November 29, 1863. Was in the siege of Suffolk, Deep Bottom, at John's Island, S. C., and in front of Petersburgh. After being in ser- vice thirty-one months he resigned March 9, 1865, and his resignation was accepted. Now in Cale- donia, N. Y.


Andrew Beattie, Corporal, Co. C, 4th N. Y. Heavy Art. Enlisted August 5, 1862. Promoted to Corporal August 25, 1864. Now in LeRoy, N. Y.


Archibald Walker, Co. C, 4th N. Y. Heavy Art. Enlisted as private, October 1, 1862. Born in Broadalbin, N. Y., May 31, 1833. Was pro- moted October 1, 1863, to Captain of Co. I, 7th U. S. Colored Troops. Killed before Petersburg, September 6th, 1864. Body was brought home and buried in Caledonia, N. Y.


Newton Thompson, Co. E, 27th N. Y. Infantry. Enlisted in April, 1861. Promoted to Sergeant in June, 1862. Now in Caledonia, N. Y.


Sylvester Clark, Co. C, 4th N. Y. Heavy Art. Enlisted August 5, 1862. Was taken prisoner August 25, 1864, at Ream's Station and sent to Libby Prison, then to Belle Isle, and from there to Salisbury, N. C., where he was exchanged in Feb- ruary, 1865. Now in La Crosse, Wis.


Gaylord Henry Hatch, 6th Ind. Co. N. Y. S. Sharp-shooters. Enlisted September 30, 1862. Promoted to Corporal in February, 1863. Was wounded in the left side at Gravel Run, March 30, 1865. Now living in Rochester, N. Y.


Alexander Robert Fraser, Co. B, Ist District of Columbia Cavalry. Born in York, Livingston county, January 5, 1842. Enlisted July 27, 1863. Promoted in May or June, 1864, to Corporal. Was company clerk from time of enlistment to the time of his death. Was wounded at Ream's Sta- tion on the Weldon R. R., August 23, 1864, and died from the effects of his wounds in the field hos- pital, August 24, 1864, and was buried on the Je- rusalem Plank Road about four miles north of Petersburg.


John Elliboat, Co. B, 15th N. Y. Cavalry. Promoted to Corporal July Ist, 1865. Now in Rochester, N. Y.


Edward McEnrae, Co. G, 136th N. Y. Infant- ry. Went from Caledonia to the credit of the town of Leicester. Now in Caledonia, N. Y.


Alexander W. Carmichael, 6th Ind. Co. N. Y. S. Sharp-shooters. Was discharged about June 1, 1865. Now in the West.


John Campbell, Co. C, 4th N. Y. Heavy Art. Enlisted August 5, 1862. Was wounded in right arm. Discharged in June, 1865. Now in the West.


Albert Crawford, Co. C, 4th N. Y. Heavy Art. Enlisted August 5, 1862. Promoted to Sergeant July, 1864. Commissioned Second Lieutenant in April, 1865, and was promoted to First Lieuten- ant in May of that year. Died in 1866.


James Walker, First Lieut. Co. C, 4th N. Y. Heavy Art. Born in York, Livingston county, July 18, 1835. Enlisted November 15, 1861. Was shot dead at the Battle of the Wilderness, May 6, 1864. His body was left on the field and was probably buried with the army's dead.


Hugh Brady, Co. C, 4th N. Y. Heavy Artillery. Enlisted Aug. 4, 1862. Was discharged from the service in January, 1863. Now in Caledonia, N. Y. Alexander William Ross, 6th Ind. Co., N. Y. S.


462


HISTORY OF LIVINGSTON COUNTY.


Sharp-shooters. Enlisted in September, 1862. Was in the service three or four months and was discharged, on account of disability. Now in Dansville, N. Y.


James E. Cameron, enlisted in 1862 in 26th N. Y. Battery. Was discharged about August, 1865. Now in Caledonia, N. Y.


William Moreland, enlisted in August, 1862, in 6th Ind. Co., N. V. S. Sharp-shooters. Present whereabouts unknown.


James Ryan, enlisted in August, 1862, in First N. V. Light Artillery ; whereabouts unknown.


Samuel Whitmore, enlisted in August, 1862, in 146th N. Y. Vol. Infantry. Present location un- known.


William G. Coon, enlisted in August, 1862, in 4th N. Y. Heavy Artillery. Dead.


Sylvester Coon, enlisted in August, 1862, in 4th N. Y. Heavy Artillery. Present location not known.


John Whitmore, enlisted in August, 1862, in 146th N. Y. Vol. Infantry. Whereabouts un- known.


Oscar Smith, enlisted in 1864, in 14th N. Y. Heavy Artillery. Whereabouts unknown.


Francis Loving, enlisted in January, 1864, in 14th N. Y. Heavy Artillery. Was taken prisoner June 1, 1864, and died in Andersonville prison Nov. 2, 1864.


John Duncombe, enlisted January 4, 1864, in Co. C, 4th N. Y. Vol. Artillery. Whereabouts not known.


Lemen B. Granger, enlisted Jan. 4, 1864, in Co. C, 4th N. Y. Vol. Artillery. Whereabouts unknown.


William Henry Gibbs, Co. L, First N. V. Light Artillery. Enlisted Sept. 27, 1861.


Amos Gibbs, Co. L., First N. V. Light Artillery. Enlisted Sept. 27, 1861. Was wounded in the wrist at Chancellorsville, Va., May 2, 1863, and in the shoulder at Gettysburg, July 1, 1863; was in the hospital about six months ; was discharged at expiration term of service, Oct. 24, 1864.


John McPhail, Co. B, 100th N. Y. Infantry. Enlisted Sept. 20, 1861. Was discharged from the service Jan. 30, 1865. Now in Riga, N. Y.


John M. Campbell, enlisted in 1861, in 100th N. Y. Infantry. Dcad.


Lyman Taylor, enlisted in 1861, in 100th N. Y. Infantry. Dead.


John Davis, enlisted in 1861, in 100th N. Y. Infantry. Whereabouts unknown.


Donald McIntyre, Co. B, 100th N. Y. Infantry.


William Reed, Sergeant, Co. G, 6th U. S. Reg. Enlisted Aug. 10. 1861. Was six months in prison on Belle Isle. Was exchanged and re- joined his regiment about August 1, 1864, and was discharged Ang. 10, 1864. Now in Texas.


Alfred Melancton Hotchkin, enlisted in 1861, in 13th N. V. Infantry. Now in Meadville, Pa.


John J. McColl, enlisted in 1861, in 100th N. Y. Infantry. Dead.


Albert Augustus Hotchkin, enlisted in 1861, in 13th N. Y. Infantry. Now in Rochester, N. Y.


Joseph E. Stewart, Co. L, 4th Michigan Caval- ry. Enlisted Aug. 8, 1862. Now in Caledonia, N. V.


Norman Meldrum, enlisted in 1861, in rooth N. V. Volunteer Infantry. Now Secretary of the State of Colorado, of which State he was also a Senator since the war.


Charles Englart, Co. B, ILIth N. V. Infantry. Enlisted Aug. 15, 1864. Was discharged in June, 1865.


W. S. Bogart, Lieutenant in 100th N. V. In- fantry. Enlisted in 1861.


John Adams, Co. D, First N. V. Veteran Cav- alry. Enlisted Aug. 20, 1862. Was taken prisoner at Newmarket, Va., June 15, 1864, ex- changed Feb. 18, 1865, and was discharged Aug. 20, 1865.


David F. Sinclair, Co. G, 136th N. V. Infantry. Enlisted Sept. 7, 1864. Born in Caledonia, N. Y., May 24, 1839. Was discharged June 22, 1865. Now in Wisconsin.


John Connell, 136th N. Y. Infantry. Enlisted Sept. 7, 1864, to the credit of Leicester, N. Y.


James Sullivan, 1 16th N. V. Infantry. Enlisted April 13, 1864. Was in 12th U. S. Regulars three months ; was also in Co, F, 26th N. Y. Infantry. Was shot dead before Petersburg, July 1, 1864.


George Wright, enlisted in 6th U. S. Regiment.


BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.


WILLIAM HAMILTON.


William Hamilton is the eldest son of James Hamilton, who was born in Lanarkshire, Scotland, · June, 1808, and who was son of William Hamil- ton, a farmer of the same place. James remained upon the homestead with his parents till twenty- three years of age, when, in March, 1832, he mar- ried Grace Naron, and soon after immigrated. to America. In 1833 he settled in Livingston coun-


AmHamilton


463


WILLIAM HAMILTON-ANGUS CAMERON.


ty, where he followed the occupation of farming, and died in February, 1878. His wife died in De- cember, 1873. They had eight children, as fol- lows : William, James who died in infancy, James 2d, now residing in Ohio, Jeannette, Alexander, who died in Nevada from injuries received in the mines, John B., Grace Ann, and Margaret.


William Hamilton was born in LeRoy, Genesee county, December 25, 1832. His early life was spent on a farm, and his education was such as the common schools afforded. In 1853 he taught school in Michigan, and in 1856 went to Minne- sota, returning in 1857. In 1859 he was mar- ried to Jane, daughter of Robert Vallance, Esq., of York, and settled in Caledonia, where he now resides, and is one of the lead- ing business men of the place. It is to his invincible energy and active business ability that Caledonia is in- debted for many im- provements. Mr. Ham- ilton is a farmer, grain dealer and maltster. In politics he is a Demo- crat, and although al- ways taking a lively in- terest in important puh- lic questions, has never aspired to political posi- tion. He has been Highway Commissioner for nine years, and town Supervisor six years, LITTLE holding the latter office at the present time. In religious sentiment he is a Presbyterian, and is now acting as Secretary and Treasurer of the First Presbyterian church of Caledonia.


Mr. and Mrs. Hamilton have had five children, four of whom are now living, viz. : William Val- lance, who is now at Cornell University, Nellie Jane, Mary Elizabeth, and James Alexander.


Mr. Hamilton has ever been ready, not only to lend a helping hand and render assistance to all feasible movements towards furthering the indus- trial interests, growth and public improvements of his town, but has always taken a great interest in the agricultural pursuits of the county, and has given the most hearty support to all efforts and measures tending to the advancement of the agri- cultural interests of Western New York. Mr. Hamilton is a man of unusual enterprise and ac- tivity. He early learned to rely upon self-efforts for advancement in the world, and by business habits, persevering industry, integrity of purpose, and honorable dealing, has won a deserved success.


(ANGUS CAMERON.)


He is eminently a self-made man and one of the representative business men of Livingston county.


ANGUS CAMERON.


Angus Cameron was of Scotch descent, his parents John and Catharine Cameron, having emi- grated to this country in 1804, the former from Inverness, and the latter from Argyleshire, Scotland. He was born at Geneva, N. Y., July 10, 1805, and the following Oc- tober removed with his father to Caledonia, where, after attaining a suitable age, he attend- ed the district school of the town, and the select school at LeRoy, N. Y.


When about twenty- one years old he en- gaged himself as a clerk in the general store of Mr. Butterfield, of Cal- edonia, and after re- maining there several years he accepted a similar position with Donald McDonald of the same village. He was also, for a short time, salesman in a store in Canandaigua, whence he removed to Caledonia and opened a general store for him- self. This he conducted for five or six months only, when he sold out to Mr. Collen Mc- Vean.


He then purchased several farms, in the town of Caledonia, which he rented, and the residue of his life spent the most of his time in speculating in real estate, collecting his rents, and loaning money.


He was a man possessing unusual shrewdness, business tact and ability, having in an eminent degree those sterling Scottish characteristics, thrift and industry.


In politics he was a strong and true Democrat, and his first ballot cast was for General Andrew Jackson. He died at Caledonia on the 20th of October, 1866, at the age of sixty-one years, and though never having married, he was a man, who through his geniality and kindness to others made many and lasting friends and at his death it was felt by all that though absent he would not be for- gotten.


Having left no will, the large fortune which he had amassed was inherited by his brothers and sisters.


464


HISTORY OF LIVINGSTON COUNTY.


GILES PHELPS GRANT.


Giles Phelps Grant, the subject of this memoir, was born in Norfolk, Litchfield county, Conn., May 26, 1801. His father was a farmer and until Giles became of age his history was similar to that of other New England farmer's sons-working on the farm and attending the district schools.


This occupation not suiting the inclinations and temperament of young Grant, he decided to strike out for himself, and in 1822, at the age of twenty- one, he left home and went to Hartford, where he leased a store and immediately entered into the mercantile business. Having but little money, his beginning was necessarily small, though in self- reliance, enterprise, and energy he possessed an ample fortune, and his sagacious business tact soon developed a large and rapidly increasing trade.




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