BABCOCK, Charles H,, Stonington: Principal of Public School No. 16,
was born in Groton in 1838, and has been engaged in teaching since he was
sixteen years of age. He was educated in the seminary at East Greenwich,
R.I., preparing him for the profession which has occupied him through life.
He was an instructor in the New Jersey schools for a number of years. Mr.
Babcock has held numerous offices in the town of Stonington, being at present
a member of the boards of education and health, and a justice of the peace.
He has also been a member of the board of assessors. He is an attendant of
the Baptist church, and is connected with the Masonic order, being a member
of the lodge in Stonington. In politics he is a republican. Principal Babcock
has a wife and three children. The present Mrs. Babcock, who is his second
wife, was Miss M Emma Gardner, of South Kingston R.I. previous to marriage.
The first wife was Miss Abbie Hinckley of Stonington.
BACKUS, William W, Norwich, the son of James and Dorothy Church Chandler
Backus of Woodstock, was the sixth of a family of eight children, and at
the time of his father's death was but thirteen years of age,-having been
born October 22, 1803. His mother was the daughter of Charles Chandler, a
member of the Windham country bar, and one of the leading lawyers a the bar
of the state. His whole life have been spent in Norwich, except part of the
year 1819 spent in Marietta, Ohio, in the mercantile establishment of Dudley
Woodbridge, Jr. Ill health necessitated his return to Norwich, where, since
1819, he has resided at the home of his ancestors, completing seven generations.
His time has been spent mainly in farm operation, causing the old farm, with
large additions, to bud and blossom, raising large crops of corn, rye, potatoes,
grass, ect; keeping a large amount of stock-annually fattening one hundred
head and buying and selling many more. His losses have been many and his
gains all the time. An eager student, he worked days and studied nights after
going to bed-sometimes into the small hours. His genealogical researches
have been tireless, and he has recently published an exhaustive record of
the Backus family in a book of about 400 pages, including memoirs, poems,
and many other papers of general interest beyond the limits of the family
involved. Mr. Backus is a gentleman of large means, and his private charities
and public benefactions illustrated his wisely philanthropic disposition.
His recent gift of $75,000 toward the founding of the W.W. Backus hospital
in Norwich is an example of his practical sympathy for the unfortunate and
distressed. He is now living quietly at his home in Norwich in fairly comfortable
health, though bent under the burden of nearly ninety years.
BAILEY, Asher S, East Hartford: Flour and Grain Merchant, was one
of the best-known business men of East Hartford, was born in Haddam, Conn.,
January 6, 1851. He was educated in the common schools of Haddam, and spent
his life there until he was twenty-six years of age, working at his trade
of a carpenter and joiner, when he removed to East Hartford. Since residing
in the last-named town, he has been justice of the peace and school committee
for ten years, and is well known for his active interest in public affairs.
He is an earnest republican. His religious connections are with the First
Baptist church of Hartford. He has been in mercantile business for the past
twelve years. Hi is without any family, having lost by death his wife and
only child
BAILEY, Hon Ezra Brewster, Windsor Locks; Secretary and Treasurer
and Manager of the E. Horton & Son Company; Collector of Customs for
the Port of Hartford: is a native of the town of Franklin, in New London
county, where he was born March 29, 1861. He is of the strudiest New England
stock, his early ancestry through both branches representing prominent families
of both the revolutionary and puritanic periods in our country's history,
who, with their descendants, have been distinguished for physical vigor and
intellectual attainments, as well as for inflexible integrity and patriotism.
He is a son of Aaron and Eliza (Brewster) Bailey of Franklin, and through
the maternal line is ninth in direct descent from Elder William Brewster
of the Mayflower through the eldest son, Johnathan Brewster, who joined the
Connecticut colonists in his early manhood and settled below Norwich. Mr.
Bailey's paternal ancestors were the Baileys of Groton, whose lineage through
the Puritans establishes theirs as among the most ancient of English families.
It may be mentioned here, although out of chronological order, that Miss
Katie E. Horton, who became the wife of Mr. E B Bailey in 1871, is a descendant
in the eighth generation from John Alden and Priscilla (Mullens) Alden, prominent
characters in Puritanic history; thus in the present generation mingling
several strains of ancient English blood which have separately quickened
the best subjects of American history. The Hortons of Windsor Locks represent
one of the oldest and best of New England families which, since colonial
times, has contributed numerous and distinguished names to the country's
service and history. Mr. Bailey's early life in Franklin was spent on the
ancestral farm (of which the subject of this sketch is now the proprietor),
where he was nutured in habits of industry, and acquired at the district
school the elementary education which is the basis of all literary
accomplishments. His daily toil in the hayfield or cornfield, in the woods
and meadows, or at the old mill where his father made the shingles which
supplied the covering for the roofs of all the houses in the neighborhood,
gave the boy a rich experience of the hardships and the pleasures of farm
life, and sharpened his appetite for the healthy farmer's fare on which he
throve and grew to the stature of vigorous manhood. Here he laid the foundation
of his future success, while he imbibed inspiration from the precept and
example of his God-fearing parents and deported himself in a way to secure
the respect and esteem of his associates and neighbors. The breaking out
of the rebellion in 1861 found Mr. Bailey still in his minority, but his
patriotic impulses impelled he to enlist for the defense of his country,
and he joined Company B of the Twenty-sixth Connecticut regiment, going into
camp September 5, 1862. While in camp, however, he was prostrated by a severe
attack of typhoid fever, and was taken home, still in critical condition,
on the fifth of the following November. Although he was for a long time unable
to rally from this attack, his health gradually returned, but at no time
thereafter during the progress of the war was he in a condition for active
service, and his patriotic designs were of necessity abandoned. As soon as
able to preform any laborious work he again engaged in farm duties with his
father, and remained at the homestead until 1867, when he removed to Windsor
Locks, and for one years carried on a farm there, devoting considerable attention
to the raising of tobacco. He then was made assistant postmaster at Windsor
Locks, and in connection therewith had charge of a store for two or three
years, and held a general agency for various publications sold on subscription
by canvassers. He afterwards made an engagement with W J Holland & Co.,
a large subscription book publishing firm of Springfield, Mass., and exercised
the prerogative of a supervisor of agencies. In the discharge of the duties
of this position he traveled extensively, visiting nearly every town and
village in the Northern States, Canada, and the provinces, having charge
of most of the company's outdoor work for four years, and building up a very
large and profitable business. In 1873, upon the organization of the firm
of E Horton & Son of Windsor Locks as a joint stock company, under the
corporate name of the E Horton & Son Company, manufactures of the Horton
Lathe Chuck, he became its secretary and treasurer, continuing in the position
for three years. In 1876 he severed the connection, and removed to his farm
in Franklin, a delightful country place, whose attractions include some of
the most romantic spots to be found in the state, the shady vales and hillsides
of which have become of late favorite resorts for picnic and excursion parties.
Here he devoted his time to agricultural pursuits and the raising of Jersey
stock until 1880, when he was called to assume control of the E Horton &
Son Company at Windsor Locks; since which time he has remained its secretary,
treasurer, and general manager. He is also connected with other important
business enterprises, being president and director, as well as an incorporator,
of The Windsor Locks Electric Lighting Company, in the establishment of which
he was intimately concerned; a director in The Windsor Locks Savings Bank;
also in the Connecticut River Company, an important corporation which owns
the Enfield and Windsor Locks water power, and furnishes water power for
all the mills in Windsor Locks; a director in The Dwight Slate Machine Company
of Hartford, manufacturers of fine tools and special machinery; director
and one of the original incorporators and a prominent promoter of The Windsor
Locks Water Company, which furnishes the village with water for domestic
purposes; and a director in The J F Montgomery Company, manufacturers of
warps and fancy yarns, recently re-organized as a joint stock corporation,
with a large capital, doing a large and profitable business, and at the head
of all enterprises of its class in the county. Mr. Bailey is an ardent and
active republican, and as such has been elected to various positions of public
trust. He has held the office of selectman, and is now a member of the school
board and acting school visitor. He was elected to the legislature from Franklin
in 1879 and from Windsor Locks in 1882, carrying the former town by the largest
majority and candidate ever received, and although it is naturally heavily
democratic. During the session on 1883 he was on the committee on incorporations,
and did essential service for the Incorporation of The Windsor Locks and
Warehouse Point Bridge Company. He was elected state senator in 1887, running
ahead of his ticket in seven towns of his district, and as chairman of the
fisheries committee and of the committee of education carried through a number
of important measures. He was active and prominent in support of the measure,
in the senate, giving to towns the control and management of school district
affairs, his efforts in this reform giving him favorable notoriety among
the friends of education all over the state. He was appointed United States
Collector of Customs for the port of Hartford in 1890, for which position
he was warmly endorsed by both Senator Hawley and Congressman Simonds, the
duties of which office he preforms with characteristic ability and fidelity.
Mr. Bailey's social connections include membership with the American Society
of Mechanical Engineers, an "organization for promoting acquisition of that
knowledge which is necessary to the mechanical engineer to enable him most
effectively to adapt the achievements of science and art to the use of mankind,"
with whose high reputation all are familiar; the Law and Order League, of
Windsor Locks, whose object is the enforcement of laws relative to the sale
of intoxicants; the Connecticut Society of the Sons of the American Revolution;
and, in the Masonic fraternity, with Euclid Lodge, No 109, FAM of Windsor
Locks, Washington Chapter, No 30, RAM of Suffield, Washington Commandery,
No I, stationed at Hartford, and Pyramid Temple, AAONMS at Bridgeport. His
social instincts and tastes are strong; he engages with enthusiasm in all
the activities of the various organizations with which he is connected. He
is a member of the Congregational Ecclesiastical Society of Windsor Locks,
and a liberal supporter of its institutions and charities. He is a excellent
representative COnnecticut citizen, and always equal to his opportunity whenever
it comes. He has been successful in whatever he has undertaken, and occupies
an important and influential position in Business, politics, and social affairs.
As already mentioned, Mr. Bailey was married, December 14, 1871, to Miss
Katie E Horton of Windsor Locks, daughter of Eli Horton, celebrated as the
inventor of the Horton Lathe Chuck. They have two children, a son and a daughter;
the former, Philip Horton Bailey, in his eighteenth year, is a member of
the senior class at the Hartford Public High School; the latter, Helena Ellsworth
Bailey, in her fifteenth year, is at school in Windsor Locks.
BAILEY, James Montgomery, Danbury; Journalist; proprietor "Danbury
News", is one of the most popular writers in this state. For years his humorous
productions have been the delight of circles far beyond the boundaries of
Connecticut, and his name is a household word throughout the country. Mr.
Bailey is not only an admirable humorist, but he is also a first-class business
man. At the meeting of the state board of trade in January, 1891, he was
elected first vice-president of the Danbury board. He was born in Albany,
NY, Sept 25, 1841, and received a public school education. He began business
life as a carpenter's apprentice. In 1860 he removed to Danbury and in 1862
enlisted in the Seventeenth Connecticut regiment, serving in that command
for three years. He is a prominent Mason, belonging to all the bodies in
the order, from the blue lodge to the mystic shrine. He was the first president
of the Danbury Hospital Association and is a member of the executive committee
of the Danbury Relief Society, Mr. Bailey is one of the most active and
influential citizens of the new city of Danbury and is thoroughly interested
in its progress and prosperity. He is connected with the Baptist church.
His wife, who is still living, was Miss Kate D Stewart prior to her marriage.
BAIRD, John G, Ellington: Congregational Clergyman, was born in Milford,
Conn., November 27, 1826. He was educated at the Milford High school, graduated
at Yale College in 1852, and at the Andover Theological Seminary. His life
has been spent in ministerial and educational work. He taught to Ellington
from '52 to '54; was a student at Andover from '54 to '57; was pastor of
the Second Congregational church in Saybrook from '59 to '65; was in educational
work in New Haven from '65 to 78'; resided in Hartford, in same occupation,
from '78 to '83; resigned his position in the office of the state board of
education in '83, and removed to Ellington in 1884, where he has since resided.
Hi wife was Miss Eliza Hall of Ellington. They have no children. Mr Baird
is a republican, but has never held any elective office. Hie is a member
of the First church in Hartford.
BAKER, Davis A, Ashford: Merchant, has twice been a member of the
general assembly, the first term occurring in 1867, when his colleagues from
Windham county included Henry M Cleveland from Brooklyn, George Danielson
from Killingly, Thomas Tallman and Lucius Briggs of Thompson, Frank S Burgess
of Plainfield. Mr. Baker was also a member of the house in 1887. The local
offices which he has held include that of acting school visitor for seventeen
years, constable and collector two years, judge of probate eight years, town
clerk and treasurer eighteen, and was postmaster under President Cleveland's
administration. He is on of the leading and most successful member of the
democratic party in his town. He was educated at the Ashford Academy and
the State Normal school at New Britain, and began life as a public school
teacher, proving himself especially adapted to that avocation. He was a
contractor and builder for a number of years, but for the past decade or
more he has devoted himself exclusively to mercantile interests, managing
a prosperous business in the line. His two sons are associated with him.
The wife of Mr. Baker, Miss Eliza H Walbridge, is still living. Mr. Baker
was born in Ashford, October 28, 1834, and has spent his life in that town,
where he is thoroughly honored and esteemed.
BAKER, Henry Augustus, Oakdale (Montville): Postmaster, occupied the
offices of judge of probate and town clerk for twenty-five years, and has
been a notary public for thirty. Since 1875 he has been engaged in the fire
insurance business, but was formerly a carpenter and farmer. He is also the
postmaster at Oakdale, receiving the appointment in 1889 as a republican.
For the past sixteen years Judge Baker has been engaged in complying a history
of Montville and a genealogy of the first settlers there. The work is now
nearly ready for publication. From 1853 until 1857 he resided in Norwich.
The judge is a native of Montville, the date of his birth being October 29,
1823. He received a common school education. May 18, 1846, he was married
to Miss Hannah Fox Schofield, who is still living. There are also two children
living, three having died. Judge Baker is a deacon and clerk and treasurer
of the church. Hi is also a member of Oxoboxo Lodge, F and A M at Montville,
and has held the position of chaplain of the organization.
BALDWIN, Herbert C, Beacon Falls: Farmer, was born in Oxford, in this
state, Sept 3, 1840. He was one of four sons of Lucian Baldwin, and grandson
of Mathew Baldwin, of what was formerly called Salem, now Naugatuck. His
educational accomplishments were derived mainly from the district school.
At the age of fifteen his father died, throwing the young man upon his own
resources. He hired out upon a farm and for several years was occupied in
working summers and attending school winter. At the outbreak of the civil
was he enlisted in Company K, Thirteenth regiment, Connecticut Volunteers,
commanded by Colonel Henry W Birge. This regiment was included in the great
New England division for the extreme south, under Major-General B F Butler,
and was sent to sea to Ship Island in the Gulf, where expedition was fitted
out against New Orleans. He served in the department of the Gulf until July,
1864, participating in the Bayou Lafourche campaign, Teche, siege of Port
Hudson, and Red River campaigns. He was one of those who volunteered under
general order No 49, dated before Port Hudson, La, June 15, 1863, the day
after the general advance had been made, to carry the rebel works, in which
the Union forces suffered defeat. The language of the order, after congratulation
the troops upon the steady advance made upon the enemy's works, conveyed
the "commanding general's summons to the bold men of the corps, to the
organization of a storming column of a thousand men to vindicate the flag
of the Union and the memory of its defenders who have fallen," and promised
a just recognition of their services by a medal of honor" fit to commemorate
the first grand success for the freedom of the Mississippi." This promise
has never been fulfilled by the government. In 1864 that portion of the army,
the 19th corps, was transferred north into Virginia, under General P H Sheridan,
and took part in the general clearing out of the Shenandoah Valley. Mr. Baldwin
was wounded in the battle of Cedar Creek, Va., October 19, 1864; the following
December his regiment was transferred with his division to Savannah, Ga.,
where they met Sherman's army and remained with them through the Carolinas
until the final surrender. Mr. Baldwin was in active service for four years
and six months, being present with his command in every battle and skirmish
in which the regiment took part, serving as private and through the succeeding
grades to that of second lieutenant and being brevetted for gallant and
meritorious services.After the war closed Mr. Baldwin bought the farm in
Beacon Falls, on which he still resides. He married Josephine H Jones of
Central New York, and settled down to farming. They have five children, four
sons and one daughter. He has been called to fill most of the local offices
of his town, has been elected selectman seventeen years, during sixteen of
which he was chairman and town agent, justice of the peace, secretary of
the board of education, and representative of his town in the general court.
He has previously represented the town in the house during the sessions of
1876, 1880, 1883, and 1884. He has always been a republican, and a zealous
worker for the principles which that party represents. His health is greatly
impaired, and he feels that he should be relieved from any further public
service.
BALDWIN, Jerome B, Willimantic: Merchant, was born in the town of
Mansfield, September 14, 1843. The common schools of the town afforded him
his education, and at the age of eighteen he enlisted as a private in Company
D, Twenty-First regiment Connecticut Volunteers, serving three years; rose
to the rank of sergeant, was in all the principal battles of his gallant
regiment, and was seriously wounded in the second day's engagement in front
of Petersburg. Returning from the war, after three years' active service,
he turned his attention to mercantile pursuits, and for many years was senior
member of the firm of Baldwin & Webb in the clothing and furnishing goods
trade, doing business in Willimantic. For the last few years, since the
retirement of Mr. Webb from the firm, he has conducted the business alone.
He married Miss Ella M Adams, and has three children, daughters. Mr. Baldwin
filled the position of town and borough assessor for three years and was
on the board of water commissioners for a similar term, which latter position
he still occupies. He is a member of the republican party, and as such was
elected to represent the town of Windham in the state legislature in 1885,
serving as chairman of the engrossed bulls committee and also on the committee
of military affairs. He is a member of the Grand Army organization in
Willimantic. Mr. Baldwin is a highly respected citizen, and though never
an aspirant for public office, takes a active interest in whatever promotes
the public welfare.
BALL, Stephen, Hartford: Secretary Hartford Life and Annuity Insurance
Company. The accompanying vignette fairly presents the familiar features
of Stephen Ball, who for twenty-four years has been officially connected
with one of the most popular and progressive life insurance corporations
of Connecticut. Mr. Ball is a native of New Have, where he was born in 1839.
Most of his life has been spent in this state, and a large part of his active
business experience has been in Hartford with the company in whose service
he is still engaged. He was in the employ of the government at New Orleans
before coming from that city to Hartford in April, 1867. In the following
August he formed a connection with the hartford Life and Annuity Company
as its assistant secretary. In 1874 he became its secretary, and has since
been its chief manager. Mr. Ball has a thorough knowledge of the science
and practice of life insurance, and in the management of that company he
has been instrumental giving it a reputation and standing which few kindred
corporations have achieved. He is so thoroughly indentified with the company
that its history is practically his biography. Mr. Ball, at fifty-two years
of age, is still in the prime of life, and devoting his undivided energies
to the maintenance of the high standard of excellence in life insurance which,
under his management, this company long ago reached.
BANKS , Frederick Jesup, Bridgeport, Cashier City National Bank, has
always resided in Bridgeport, where he was born, July 20, 1854. He was educated
in Strong's Military Institute, where he received ample preparation for the
business career which he has since developed. His first start in business
life was as bookkeeper and teller for the banking firm of Hatch & Watson
for three years. His faithfulness gained him promotion to a position in the
City National Bank in 1874 as a bookkeeper, from which he was advanced to
be the receiving teller, and later, for ten years the courteous and very
efficient paying teller. He now fills the honorable and very responsible
position of cashier, most acceptably to the institution, and to the gratification
of his many friends. Mr. Banks married, January 23, 1889, Miss Julia L Whitehouse
of Brooklyn, NY and their beautiful and hospitable home is on Clinton avenue.
Mr. Banks has never sought public honors or distinction; he is however, the
trusted treasurer of the Bridgeport hospital, and is deeply interested in
its welfare--as of everything that tends to promote social, moral, and charitable
interests of his native city. He is a member of St. John's Episcopal church
of Bridgeport.
BANNING, Joseph B, Deep River (Saybrook): Judge of Probate, is a native
of the town and village where he now resides; he was born December 16, 1840,
the only son of Arba H and Hannah M Banning. He was educated in the public
schools of his native town, learned the trade of shoe making, and was connected
as junior partner with the firm of A H Banning & Son, until the death
of his father in 1880, since which time he has conducted the business alone.
At the age of twenty-two he married Miss Ansolette A Smith, daughter of Charles
D Smith, Esq., of Deep River. Mr. Banning's father was judge of probate for
the district of Saybrook for a period of sixteen years, up to the time of
his decease. Mr. J B Banning was chosen as his successor, and has thus held
the judgeship since 1880. He is a member of the Connecticut Probate Assembly,
and has been its secretary and treasurer since the death of Judge West of
Rockville. He is also a justice of the peace for the town of Saybrook. Mr.
Banning has been in the boot and shoe trade all his life. In 1886 he erected
the building on Main Street, Deep River, which he new occupies both as store
and residence. He is a member of the Congregational church, and undoubted
republican, and a member of Webb Lodge, IOOF of Deep River.
BARBER, Peleg S, Stonington: President People's Savings Bank of Pawcatuck,
was born in North Kingston, RI, April 29, 1823. He received the advantages
of a good common school education, and has ben largely engaged in mercantile
and manufacturing business, though at present confining his attention chiefly
to transaction in real estate. He was for sixteen years in cotton manufacturing,
and from 1850 to 1853 was in the gold mines of California. He married, early
in life, Miss Sarah Gardner, who is still living. Mr. Barber is largely
interested in the Pawcaktuck National Bank, of which hi is , and for sixteen
years has been, a director. He is president of the People's Savings Bank
of Pawcatuck; also treasurer of the Pawcatuck Fire District since its
organization in 1887, for sixteen years treasurer of his school district,
fifteen years a member of the town board of relief, and a notary public.
He was on the board of assessors for several years, and has held various
other local offices in the town in which he resides, where he has led an
active and useful life for thirty-four years, and is highly respected and
esteemed by all his townsmen. Mr. Barber comes from an ancestry which have
been prominently identified their formation. In the fall of 1884 he became
the candidate of the republicans for representative from Stonington in the
general assembly, to which position he was elected by a large majority. He
served in the house on the committee on appropriations. As an ardent supporter
of republican principles and a consistent advocate of temperance, he did
good work for his constituency and the state during the session of 1885,
and made a honorable record as a legislator. Mr. Barber is a member of the
Baptist church and takes an active interest in all moral and religious
enterprises in the town, which he is always ready to aid whenever called
upon to do so.
BARBOUR, Henry S, Hartford: Attorney-at-Law, was born at Canton, Conn.,
August 2, 1822. After the usual preparatory course, he was admitted to the
bar at Litchfield in 1849, and began the practice of his profession in
Torrington, where he resided and practiced law for twenty-one years. There
he held the offices of judge of probate, town clerk, and town treasurer over
fifteen years, and represented that town in the house of representatives
in the years 1850 and 1865; and was senator from the then Fifteenth district
in 1870, acting as chairman of the judiciary committee. He removed to Hartford
in 1870 to enter into a law partnership with his brother, Herman H Barbour,
who died in 1875; since which date he has continued to practice law in Hartford.
He married Miss Bartholomew of Sheffield, Mass., in 1851. The have two children,
a son and a daughter; his son is the Rev. John Humphrey Barbour, a professor
in the Berkeley Divinity School in Middletown. Judge Barbour is of Revolutionary
stock; his father was a son of a soldier of the Revolution. His grandfather,
Solomon Humphrey, was a Revolutionary soldier; his great-grandfather, Town
Brown of Simsbury, was also a Revolutionary soldier, and was a grandson of
Peter Brown, who came over in the Mayflower. John Brown, the martyr, was
a grandson of the above-mentioned John Brown of Simsbury, making him the
second cousin of Mr. Barbour. Sylvester Barbour of Hartford and Edward P
Barbour of Ansonia are brothers of the subject of the biography.
BARBOUR, Joseph L., Hartford: Attorney-at-Law, was born in Barkhamsted,
Litchfield county, December 18, 1846, and was educated in the Hartford High
School and Williston Seminary at East Hampton, Mass. He is a son of the late
Judge Barbour of Hartford, a gentleman of eminent philanthropy, and has spent
the most of his life in the city of Hartford, in 1864 Mr. Barbour was obliged
to give up his plans for a college course, and engaged in teaching. This
avocation was pursued for two years. In 1867 Mr. Barbour commenced a successful
career of journalism in this city, and was associated for seven years with
the Hartford Evening Post. He retired from that paper in 1874, and has since
devoted his attention to the law. Mr. Barbour is one of the ablest jury lawyers
in the county , and has a large and steadily increasing practice. He is a
republican in politics, and has held a number of important and responsible
positions within the gift of his party. He was clerk of the common council
board in this city for four years, and has held the house and senate clerkships,
proving himself a man of unusual competence in these offices. Mr. Barbour's
work in connection with the house and senate journals was of the highest
order. For eight years he was elected prosecuting attorney by the court of
common council here, and discharged the duties of the office with marked
success. Mr. Barbour has been assigned to no place of public service in which
he has not shown exceptional tact and ability. His best political service
has been rendered on the stump through successive presidential campaigns.
There is not a republican speaker in the state who can surpass Mr. Barbour
as a campaigner. His reputation is not limited to Connecticut. New York and
New Jersey he has been on of the most popular favorites. In other fields
his oratorical efforts have been equally brilliant. Mr. Barbour's Memorial
Day orations have been models of eloquent and fascinating eulogy. He was
a member of the Connecticut National Guard for six years, and is a member
of the Veteran Association of the Hartford City Guard. He is also a member
of St. John's Lodge, F and AM of this city, and of Charter Oak Lodge, IOOF.
His church relationships are with Rev. Dr. Parker's, where he is a regular
attendant. Mr. Barbour's family consists of a wife and three children, the
former being a daughter of Assistant Postmaster Oliver Woodhouse of the Hartford
post-office. A daughter of Mr. Barbour is now a student at Vassar College.
BARBOUR, (General) Lucius A, Hartford: President Willimantic Linen
Company, was born at Madison, Ind., January 26, 1846, and was educated at
the Hartford High School, graduating from that institution in 1864. He was
appointed teller of the charter Oak Bank, and held the position until 1870,
when he resigned for the purpose of spending town years in European travel.
He is a man of wide culture, and his civic and business career has been
exceptionally brilliant and successful. His Military advancements, however,
have the widest notice in the state. September 9, 1865, he enlisted as a
private in the Hartford City Guard, then attached to the First regiment as
Battery D. Rapid promotion awaited him, his instincts and tastes entitling
him to the place of a military leadership from the outset. In 1871 he resigned
from the company and was out of service until Feb 1, 1875, when he was elected
major of the First regiment. Dec 29, 1876, he was elected lieutenant-colonel
and was advanced to the command of the First at the Yorktown Centennial in
1881, and won a national reputation by the splendid efficiency and discipline
which his organization displayed.The memorable visit to Charleston, SC, was
made in connection with the Yorktown anniversary, and resulted in the attainment
of the highest military praise. The tribute paid to Colonel Barbour's command
by the celebrated London war correspondent, Archibald Forbes, was deserved
by the superb esprit de corps which prevailed in the First. Colonel Barbour
resigned the command of the regiment Nov 12, 1884. He was one of the most
popular officers connected with the National Guard, and his selection as
adjutant-general met with universal satisfaction throughout the state. General
Barbour was a member of the house of representatives in 1879, being the colleague
of Hon. Henry C Robinson. His legislative career was in keeping with the
course which he had followed in other callings of life, and added to his
reputation and popularity. He was prominently identified with Battle Flag
Day, being a member of the legislative committee which had the arrangements
in charge. He is honored throughout the state as a distinguished representative
of the national guard. General Barbour is at the head of the Willimantic
Linen Company, of which he has been the president and treasurer since 1884,
and is regarded as one of the ablest business managers in Hartford. He is
also a director of the Charter Oak National Bank, and a member of the firm
of H C Judd & Root. In politics he is a republican, and his religious
connections are with the First Congregational church of Hartford. General
Barbour married Miss Harriet E Barnes of Brooklyn, NY, a daughter of A S
Barnes, the head of the well known New York publishing house of A S Barnes
& Co. They have two children.
BARBOUR, Sylvester, Hartford: Lawyer, was born in Canton, this state,
Jan 20, 1831, the son of a farmer of moderate means, one of the family of
nine chldre, all of whom lived until the youngest was forty years old; the
mother being a sister of Rev. Dr. Heman Humphrey, for many years president
of Amherst College, and first cousin of John Brown. He spent his childhood
and youth partly at hard work on the rugged farm of his father, and partly
in the district school. He spent the subsequent portion of his minority in
like work in summer, at school in autumn--first in the Connecticut Literary
Institute in Fuffield, and afterwards in Williston Seminary, East Hampton,
Mass., taking a classical course, and teaching district schools in winter,
to obtain means for pursuing his education. The next four years of his life
were spent partly on the farm, partly at the seminary, partly in teaching
select schools and academies, and partly in the study of law in the office
of his brother, the late Judge Heman H Barbour of Hartford, and in the
Poughkeepsie Law School; and he was admitted to the bar in Hartford in July
1856, having the honor of being examined and recommended for admission by
the late Governor Richard D. Hubbard. In November of that year, the day after
casting his first presidential vote (for John C Fremont), he removed to Iowa,
practicing in Osage, Mitchell county, until 1860, when he returned to
Connecticut, practicing for a year in New Hartford, fourteen years in Ansonia,
and since that time in Hartford. While practicing in Anosonia he held many
offices, such as secretary and treasurer of the Water Company, Opera House
Company, Saving Bank (all of which corporations he assisted in forming),
town clerk, registrar of births, deaths,a dn marriages, chairman of school
and Congregational society committees, school visitor, and judge of probate
for the district of Derby. Politically he acted with the republicans until
1872, when he joined the liberal party, and supported Horace Greeley for
president, and has since that time acted with the democratic party. While
in New Hartford he was president of the Wide Awake Club, and in Ansonia,
during the dark days of the civil war, was amember and officer of the Union
Loyal League. In 1860 he married the daughter of Hon. J F Collin, ex-member
of Congress, of Hillsdale, New York, and she is still living, with a son
and daughter, the latter being a member of the senior class in the classical
department of Smith College, Northampton, Mass., with which she graduated
in June 1891.
BARKER, Clarence W, North Branford: Printer, was born in the town
of Branford, Oct 6, 1856, and was educated in the common schools. He has
been engaged in the card and novelty business for twelve years, his avocation
being that of a card printer and novelty dealer. Most of his life has been
spent in Branford. Eight years ago hi removed to North Branford, where he
has since resided. During President Cleveland's administration he held the
office of postmaster. He is a member of the grange at North Branford and
of the Knights of Pythias lodge in Branford. He is also actively connected
with the Congregational church, and the Young People's Society of Christina
Endeavor work and is an influential member of the society. Mr. Barker has
a wife and four children. The former was Miss Minnie G Bartholomew of Northford
prior to her marriage.
BARKER, Nathaniel C., Lebanon: Merchant, was born in Middletown, RI,
August 31, 1838, attended the common schools, and graduated at Lebanon academy.
He has been honored by his fellow citizens by being chosen town clerk and
treasurer for five years, and in 1886 was elected as a republican representative
from that town to the lower house of the legislature. He is also a justice
of the peace. He is prominently connected with the Baptist church, with the
Masonic fraternity, and the Ancient Order of United Workmen. He is engaged
in mercantile pursuits, being at the head of the house of N C Barker &
Co., in the village of Lebanon. His wife was Maria F Sweet, and the have
three children. BARLOW, John Henry, Shelton: Superintendent Packing and Shipping
Department of the Shelton Company,who has held the highest position in the
Grand Lodge of Connecticut, F and AM. was born in Ridgefield, November 7,
1832, and received a common school education. In 1849 he removed to Birmingham,
and remained there until 1889, when he transferred his residence to Shelton.
He was the borough clerk for ten years at Birmingham, and is at present chairman
of the board of releif in the town of Huntington. Mr. Barlow holds the place
of superintendent of the Packing and Shipping Department in the Shelton Company,
which is engaged in the manufacture of tacks and bolts, and is a man of superior
business ability. He is a member and associated with the vestry of the Episcopal
church, and is held in high regard by the community where he resides. For
thirty years he has been the secretary of the Odd Fellows lodge in Birmingham,
but his highest honors in this direction have been attained in the Masonic
fraternity. He is one of the past masters of King Hiram Lodge, No 12, of
Birmingham, and has held the exalted office of grand master of the Grand
Lodge of the state, entitling him to permanent membership in this important
and influential body. At the last meeting of the Grand Lodge in Hartford
Mr. Barlow was present as one of the representatives of King Hiram Lodge,
and served on one of the special committees during the conclave.In politics
he is a republican, though originally and for many years connected with the
democratic party. He have been twice marrried. His first wife, woh was Miss
Emeline Gilber, died in 1875 after a married life of fourteen years. Mr.
Barlow's second marriage occured in Ansonia, May 29, 1877, the bride being
Miss Lina Ells. He has one daughter, twenty-six years of age, and one son,
nineteen. The second wife is also living.
BARNES, Charles Dennis, Southington: Merchant, and President Southington
National Bank, senior member of the boot and shoe firm of Charles D Barnes
& Son, was born in Southington, December 12, 1841. He enjoyed the ordinary
advantages of the district schools, with a finishing experience at the Meriden
High School; and became an apprentice at the carpenter's and joiner's trade,
which he followed until 1872, and then took charge for two years of the shipping
department in the bolt works of the Peck, Stow & Wilcox Company. In 1874
he established the boot and shoe business in Southington now conducted under
the firm name of C D Barnes & Son. Mr. Barnes sustains official relations
with several of the business institutions and corporation of his native town,
being secretary, treasurer, and general manager of the Southington Lumber
and Feed Company, which position he has occupied since 1881; the Southington
Savings Bank; a director, and elected vice-president, of the Southington
National Bank in January, 1889, and appointed president of the institution
in January, 1890; also president of the Oak Hill Cemetery Association. He
was a selectman and grand juror in 1873; town clerk, treasurer, and registrar
of births, marriages, and deaths in 1874, and continuously since with the
exception of a single year; also treasurer of the school fund. When the borough
of Southington was formed, he was nominated for warder on the only ticket
in the field, but declined and was finally persuaded to accept a position
as one of the burgesses; and is now on the committee on highways and sidewalks,
and chairman of the sewer committee. He is representing the town of Southington
in the general assembly the present years, being a member and clerk of the
appropriations committee. Among his society connections it may be mentioned
that he is vice-president of the Merchants Club of Southington; was one of
the charter members of Trumbull Post No 16, Grand Army of the Republic, and
its first post commander, holding the office for some years. Mr. Barnes was
in active military service during the war of the rebellion. He enlisted in
Infantry Company B Fifteenth Connecticut Volunteers, June 22, 1862, and was
with that regiment every time it left camp, until wounded and captured at
the battle of Kinston, NC, March 8, 1865. He spent the remaining time, until
Richmond was surrendered, in "Hotel Libby" and was discharged as sergeant,
June 9, 1865. Mr. Barnes has been twice married; first to Sarah E Hamlin
of Southington, in September, 1865, the issue of which marriage was two children,
one dying in infancy, the other, a son, Frank H, now living and in business
with his father. Mr. Barnes' second marriage was with Sarah H Gridley, widow
of Lieut. Henry Lewis of the Twentieth Connecticut Volunteer Infantry. Mr.
Barnes has always been a staunch republican, as may be inferred from the
many positions of trust to which he has been called as the candidate of that
party. He is a member of the First Congregational church of Southington,
active in church and society work, and in harmony always with whatever is
undertaken to elevate and improve the moral and religious status of the
community.
BARNES, Seth, Bristol: Clock-Maker, was born in Norfolk, March 13,
1846, and was educated in the common schools at Torrington, where his earl
years were passed. His father died in 1853 and at the age of fourteen he
commenced work on a farm, where he remained for three years. He then engaged
in the employ of the Seth Thomas Clock Company. On the13th of March, 1866,
when he was twenty years of age, entered the employ of E Ingraham Clock Company
at Bristol, where he has since remained. He has been an active and influential
citizen of the place, and has been a member of the High school committee
since 1887, and of the building committee, which has had the erection of
the High school in charge, the structure costing $30,000. He was a member
of the Bristol fire department for fifteen years, serving as assistant chief
engineer during the last two years of the time. Mr. Barnes is a past master
of Franklin Lodge, No 56, F and AM, of Bristol, and is a prominent representative
of the order. He holds the office of a trial justice of the peace. He is
a republican in politics, and has been member of the town committee for a
number of years. His wife, who was Miss Margaret E Phetzing prior to marriage,
died in June 1890, leaving two sons, Arthur S and Fred H Barnes. The former
is a member of the junior class in Yale, while the latter is studying at
Bristol. Mr. Barnes has taken an active interest in education, and has served
as committee of his district for a number of terms, in addition to the place
which he has held on the High school committe. He is a public-spirited citizen
and is held in high esteem in Bristol.
BARNUM, Joseph Hall, Hartford: Editor and Proprietor "The Hartford
Sunday Journal" was born in East Hartford, May 27, 1838, and received a common
school and academic education. His father was Eli Barnum, who was a cousin
of the late P T Barnum, the family originating in Danbury. On his mother's
side Captain Barnum is a descendant of Colonel Peter Harwood of Massachusetts,
who served with credit in the Revolutionary army. At the age of fifteen years
the subject of the sketch removed to Hartford and entered the employ of the
Sawyer Silver Spoon Works.At sixteen he went to The Hartford times, where
he acquired an insight into the printer's trade. From the composing rooms
of The Times he entered the employ of The Morning Post, under James M Scofield,
and was in that office when the war commenced. Meanwhile he had served in
the Volunteer Fire Department of the city, advancing from Old No 5 on Church
Street to the assistant foremanship of the AEtna Hose Company. Captain Barnum
was among the first in this city to respond to the call for troops, and enlisted
April 20, 1861, in the Light Guard Infantry, Company A, First Connecticut.
During the previous February he had enlisted in the Light Guard as on of
the city military companies, and proceeded with it to the field, when the
first call for volunteers was issued. He was in the first battle of Bull
Run with his regiment. At the conclusion of the three months' service he
returned home and again found employment of The Morning Post. In July 1862,
his ardor made it impossible for him to remain longer at the case, and he
became a worker in enlisting the Bee Hive Company of the Sixteenth Regiment,
the old firm of Starr, Burkett & Company being especially interested
in the organization. Captain Barnum was mustered as first lieutenant of the
company, August 24, the command being assigned to the left of the regiment,
the second place of honor in the organization. First Lieutenant Barnum was
placed in charge of regimental supplies at Arlington, when the Sixteenth
started for the memorable Maryland campaign of 1862, which culminated in
the battle of Antietam. After that engagement Lieutenant Barnum was promoted
to the captaincy of Company H, his commission dating September 20, 1862.
He was selected for this position by Colonel Frank Beach, who was one of
the most impartial judges of military attainments. Captain Barnum was at
Fredericksburg, serving at the head of his company. Owing to the illness
of his wife he was compelled to resign, February 23, 1862, and return to
Hartford. The vacancy in the company was not filled, however, and in May
Captain Barnum was called to an interview with Governor Buckingham, and earnestly
requested to accept the return of his old commission. Governor Buckingham
supported his own wishes in the matter by referring to the personal desire
of Colonel Beach that Captain Barnum should be induced to return. He was
again mustered, May 12, 1863, and joined the command at Suffolk, Va., in
tome to participate in the Peninsula campaign of the year. During one of
the protracted marches of the campaign, Captain Barnum was protracted by
the heat, and compelled for the first time in his life to fall out of line.
The effects of the day's service have been felt from that time until now.
When the Sixteenth was ordered from Virginia into North Carolina, January,
1864, Captain Barnum, as office-of-the-day at the time of the regiment's
departure, was called upon at a critical juncture to preform an important
service. The incident refered to was in connection with the destruction of
the regimental camp at Getty's station new Portsmouth, Va. The attack at
Plymouth, NC which resulted in the capture of nine companies of the Sixteenth
was commenced April 17, 1864. Three days prior to that event, Captain Barnum
was selected with Company H to relieve the Union forces on Roanoke Island.
Sunday morning, April 17, he started on that mission. Ten hours later the
bombardment of the outpost by the rebels had commenced. During the summer
of 1864, Captain Barnum remained at Roanoke, where the nucleus of the regiment
was preserved, and the field and staff reports and muster rolls of the absent
companies kept intact. An important expedition was made un Colonel D W Wardrop,
the destruction of mills and property in the neighborhood of Plymouth being
the objective point. Captain Barnum commanded the Sixteenth, and is deserving
of the greatest credit for the work which he accomplished in it behalf. In
March, 1865, he was ordered with his command to Newberne, NC and relieved
the troops in that city, which were then preforming provost duty. He commanded
the escort that accompanied General Grant from Newberne to Raleigh, the object
of General Grant's visit being a conference with General Sherman. Captain
Barnum remained in command of the Sixteenth until April 19, 1865, when he
was relieved by the late Captain Thomas F Burke of this city, the senior
line officer. June 24, 1865, the subject of this sketch was mustered out
of service, and returned home at the head of his company. His military career
was one of strict devotion to duty. He was one of the best disciplinarians
in the regiment, and instinctively a soldier from head to foot. After returning
home he started The Soldier's Record in company with Lieutenant Wm E Simonds,
who has since represented the First district in congress. Afterwards he assumed
the management of The Gas Light, a bright theatrical paper of the time, and
The Travelers Journal. In 1874 The Gas Light was dropped, and in April of
that year The Journal we established as a Sunday paper, the Captain becoming
one of the pioneers in Sunday journalism in Connecticut. The Sunday Journal
has been his life work in the field of business. From the outset it has been
a successful enterprise. Its owner and manager is an able newspaper man,
and the success which it has attained is due to his intelligence and
administration. Captain Barnum was unanimously elected commander of the
Buckingham Rifles after the was, and served in the National Guard for a while.
His military instincts, however, found full opportunity for development in
Washington Commandery N 1, K T of which he has long been a member. He held
the position of Captain-General in the Commandery for three terms, and was
in military command of the organization during the Chicago pilgrimage. Captain
Barnum is a 32 (degree) Mason, and is also a member of Pyramid Temple, Nobles
of the Mystic Shrine, Bridgeport. He is a Past Chancellor of Crescent Lodge,
Knights of Pythias. Captain Barnum was one of the vice-presidents of the
great assemblage that was held here, in recognition of General Grant's Death.
He has never sought political office of any kind, having devoted himself
to his newspaper enterprises. Captain Barnum has been married twice. His
present wife, Mary A Root, was the daughter of Lyman Root of Westfield, Mass.
On her mother's side Mrs. Barnum is connected with the poet, William Cullen
Bryant, and with General Nathaniel Lyon. The surviving son by the first marriage,
Charles H Barnum, is connected with the Sunday Journal, occupying a responsible
position in the management. Captain Barnum has been a resident of Hartford
since 1853. He is an independent in politics, and his paper has been guided
essentially on that principle.
BARROWS, Albert, Willimantic: Farmer, was born in Mansfield,
June 27, 1825, and received a common school education. With the exception
of four years in Norwich and two in this city, his life has been spent in
Tolland county. H has been engaged in the meat business and farming as an
avocation. Mr. Barrows was one of the Putnam Phalanx, and served fourteen
years in the battalion. He has been married three times. The first and second
wives, Mary J and Angeline M Slate, were daughters of the late Deacon N Slate
of Mansfield. The third, Fanny M Case, was the daughter of the late Luther
Case of Norwich. She died on the 4th of April of the present year. There
are three children, one son and two daughters. One daughter resides in Lowell,
Mass., and the other at Mansfield. Mr. Barrows is a member of the Baptist
church, and is a republican in politics, having united with that political
organization after the repeal of the Missouri compromise. Prior to that act
he was a democrat. In 1857 he represented the town of Mansfield in the
legislature. He was a member of the school board in Windham for nine years,
and truant officer for the same period; assessor of the town and borough
for fourteen years; and has occupied other minor offices. His father, the
late Deacon Samuel Barrows, was one of the first settlers of
Willimantic.
BARROWS, Frederick F, Hartford: Public School Teacher, principal of
the Brown school, Hartford, and one of the best know educators in New England,
was born in Mansfield, September 4, 1821. He received a common school, select
school, and academical education, and has followed the profession of teaching
since the winter of 1839, although he did not enter upon it as a determined
life-work until 1843. His early life was that of a farmer in his native town.
He taught school winters from the time he was eighteen years of age, teaching
two terms in Springfield. He taught in Willimantic for six years, and his
record in equipping young men especially for a life work was so marked that
attention was attracted to him in Hartford and in Norwich, both of which
cities were in competition for his services in 1850. He was finally engaged
as principal of the First school district in Hartford, a position which he
has held for forty-one years; being the longest continual term of service
of any school teacher in the state. His work in Hartford has been of the
greatest value to the public of his district, which is in that part of the
city know as the Fifth and Sixth wards, and has a large element of foreign
population. He was the inspiring agency in the construction of the fine Brown
school building named after Flavius A Brown, who was chairman of the school
committee for many years, and in close sympathy with the efforts of Mr. Barrows
for the establishment of a first-class school for the masses. Mr. Barrows
outlined to him what he desired, and, the district approving of his plans,
the building was erected; which at the time of its construction was without
doubt the finest school edifice in the state. Within a few years past the
main building has been enlarged by the addition of a kindergarten department,
which is carried on under the most approved modern system after Froebel,
the founder of that style of teaching the young. Mr. Barrows's school numbers
between 1,500 and 1,700 pupils, and requires a trained corps of thirty-five
teachers and special instructions in German, penmanship, drawing, and singing
to carry on the work. At a celebration of the fortieth anniversary of Mr.
Barrow's connection with the school a portrait of him was presented to the
school by his many friends, and some souvenirs of the occasion were given
to him. Hon M J Dooley, then United States bank commissioner, a graduate
of the school, made the address of presentation and most fittingly characterized
the school when he said: "Mr. Barrows's genius has here reared an institution
which is for the Protestant and Catholic, the Jew and the Gentile, absolutely
without a rival." Mr. Barrows has frequently been called upon to address
teachers' conventions and educational gatherings upon his mode of instruction
in numbers, in which he has a wonderful talent amounting to genius. Graduates
of the Brown school may be found in all parts of the country, and they uniformly
testify to the healthful influence and wholesome results of his training.
He has been a rigid disciplinarian, but tempers his school government with
the rarest judgment and tact. It has been an every-day spectacle at the Brown
school to see Mr. Barrows near the gateway, and hundreds of little children
grasping him by the hand to say, "Good day, Mr. Barrows," as school closes.
He knows children intuitively, and has had wonderful success in bringing
forth from what seemed unpromising minds excellent citizens and intelligent
men in all walks of life. In 1882 his friends sent him to Europe on a tour
for recreation, a kindness which he greatly appreciated. Mr. Barrows has
been prominently identified with the Park Congregational church in Hartford.
He has never taken any active part in political life, but has been in sympathy
with the republican party from its foundation. His wife was Harriet Harris
of Willimantic, and he has five children living. Volumes might be written,
full of instances connected with his teaching, in which his acute knowledge
of human nature and his power of "reading" persons have been most remarkable.
He is as much an institution of Hartford and Connecticut as is the school
system itself, and his life work has been more than ordinarily successful
in that it has tended to the uplifting and betterment especially of the children
of the poor of his city.
BARTLETT, Reuben E (Rev.), Lebanon: Pastor of the First Baptist Church,
was born at Shutesbury, Mass. May 25, 1843, and was educated at Madison
University. During the war he served as a member of the Thirty-seventh
Massachusetts Volunteers, belonging to Company F of the command, from July,
1862, until the conclusion of hostilities in 1865. His pastorates have been
in the states of Delaware, Kansas, New Hampshire, and North Dakota. Prior
to his settlement in Lebanon he was engaged under the auspices of the Home
Mission Society, in North Dakota and Montana. He became the pastor of the
Lebanon Church in October, 1890. In politics he is a republican. The courage
and heroism exhibited by the subject of the sketch on the battlefield has
entitled him to membership in the Grand Army of the Republic, in which he
is an honored representative. He was distinguished for gallantry at the battle
of Winchester, Sept 19, 1864. Mr. Bartlett has been twice married. His firs
wife, Josephine Moore, died in 1882; the second, Lydia M Dyer, was the daughter
of the late C H Dyer of Boston, Mass. The latter marriage occurred April
4, 1884. There are seven children by the first wife, all of whom are now
living.
BARTLEY, Joseph Dana, Bridgeport: Educator and Author, was born in
Hampstead, NH, September 17, 1838. His father was Rev. John M C Bartley,
who was pastor of the Congregational church of that town for over twenty
years. His paternal grandfather was Dr. Robert Bartley, who was educated
in Edinburgh University, Scotland. His mother, Susan Dana was the daughter
of Rev. Daniel Dana, D D, who was a pastor in Newburyport for over fifty
years, and was for one year president of Dartmouth College. His
great-grandfather, Joseph Dana, was pastor of the south church of Ipswich,
Mass., for sixty-two years. Mr. Bartley was fitted for college at the academy
in Atkinson, NJ, and took the regular course at Williams, graduating in 1859.
We quote the following from the quarter-centennial report of his class. "After
graduation, he spent one year of theological study at Princeton, and then
became assistant in the academy at Blairstown, NJ, and afterwards, principal
of the Susquehanna Institute at Duncannon, Pa. In 1863 he was called to the
charge of Skaneateles Academy, where he remained till April, 1866, when he
became principal of the Female High School at Newburyport, Mass. In 1868
he was elected to the head of the High School of Concord, NJ and in 1875,
in response to a second call, accepted the principalship of the High School
at Burlington, Vt, where he remained until 1882, when he took charge of the
High School at Bridgeport, Conn., in one of the finest school buildings of
the state. He has complied several school books, made his gift of song useful,
and entered generously into all good citizenship. He has had active membership
in the Teachers' Associations of the several states of his service, has been
vice-president and director of the American Institute of Instruction, member
of the New Hampshire Historical Society and of the Philharmonic Society of
Burlington, trustee of the Concord Public Library, and examiner of Dartmouth
College, had part in the Peace Jubilee at Boston, and has contributed to
various educational journals, notably the New England Journal of Education,
and in all methods, old and new, has kept well at the head of his profession.
In Bridgeport, Mr. Bartley has been a director of the YMCA from its foundation,
and it vice-president of the Choral Society. He has recently resigned his
position in the High School after ten years of service.
BARTRAM, Ezra Harris, Sharon: Town Clerk and Treasurer, was born in
the town Sherman, Fairfield County, Conn., July 26, 1820. He depended upon
the district schools of his native town for his education. at the age of
fifteen quitted both the town and school and took up his residence in Sharon,
where he has since remained. He has followed mercantile pursuits for a
considerable part of his life, and has otherwise been engaged in farming.
At twenty-two years of age he was married to Miss Laura Williams who died
March 9, 1884. Six children survive her. Mr. Bartram is a member of the Methodist
Episcopal church of Sharon. He is also a democrat, and has, as the candidate
of the party, been frequently chosen to fill public offices in his town.
He has been constable, assessor, and was a justice of the peace until excluded
from further holding that office by his age. He is still a notary public,
and continues to fill the important position of town clerk and treasurer.
Mr. Bartram has not been conspicuously prominent in public affairs, on account
of his quiet disposition and habits; but his life has been one of the great
usefulness, and he has the confidence and respect of all who know him.
BARTRAM, Isaac Newton, Sharron: Architect and Builder, is of Scotch descent.
His father, Isaac Bartram, was a son of Isaac Hamilton Bartram, who, with
three brothers, served through the revolutionary war fro the town of Redding.
His mother was Lydia Platt, daughter of Isaac Platt, who was an artificer
for that town during the same trying period in the countr
's history, Isaac N Bartram, the subject of this biography, was born in Redding,
March 25, 1838, where, and in the town of Sharon, his whole life has been
spent, and of which latter town he has been since 1864 a prominent and
influential citizen. He received a common school and academic education,
the latter having been acquired at Redding Ridge Academy. His marriage was
with Miss Helen D Winans, which union has been blessed by two daughters.
Mr. Bartram's business connections have been as an iron founder, architect,
builder, and contractor. He is now superintendent of the Sharon Water Company.
His religious affiliations are with the Methodist church, and in politics
he is a member of the Masonic fraternity, the "Old Put Club" association,
and the Connecticut Sons of the Revolution, and was elected last May one
of its directors. He has held numerous public offices, having served his
town as selectman, treasures, and in several minor capactities. His legislative
record is one of long, important, and almost continuous srevice for more
than a score of years. He represented Sharon in the General assembly in 1868,
1872, 1876, 1886, 1887, and 1890, and is again serving as a member of the
house thepresent year. He represented the nineteenth district in the state
senate in 1889, when he was chairman of the committee on roads and bridges,
and took an active part in making the ole Hartford bridge a free avenue of
public travel. He presented the bill for making all bridges dependent upon
the counties in which located their support and maintenance. The towns on
the Housatonic River are indepted to him for the bill makinging their bridges
free, under support by their respective counties. He is a strong believer
in and advocate of the farmer's rights, and was the only democratic senator
in the session of 1889 that woted to pass the farmers' bill over the governor's
veto. In the house