The Newtown bee. (Newtown, Conn.) 1877-current, 1901-05-24

WHOSE DEATH OCCURRED ON APRIL
EIGHT.
Dea James H. Linsley, whose death
occurred April 8, was one of the best
known and most esteemed citizens of
Woodbury.. He was born in Woodbury.
April 18, 1927, in a house which stood
opposite his late residence. He was
son of Harvey J. and Mary Summers)
Linsley, and grandson Of Daniel Lins-
ley, who lived and died in his native
town.
Daniel Linsley married Miss Jones
of Branford, ana their son, Harvey j.,
was also native of that town. He
learned the cabinet-maker's trade
when a boy, and byIeconomy and indus
try saved money enough to start in bust
ness in small wayas a cabinet-maker
and undertaken. In 1922 he purchased
a lot of land in Woodbury., where he
built a small shop, and here engaged
in the manufacture of household fur
niture. He brought with him hearse;
and as it was the first one seen in town
it was an object of wonder. His fur
niture business soon beginning to in
crease, he took in number of appren
tices, and enlarged his factory, which
eventually grew to generous proper
tiOas, and was furnished with horse
power to turn out bedsteads. This
curious machinery his son has preserv-
ed. Harvey J. Linsley was rcputcd
the finest mechanic ever know in
Woodbury., and the fame of his skill
spread far and near. His taste also
was admirable, and the trees which he
planted are to-day a pleasing orna-
ment to the town. He became quite
wealthy, and was large property own
er at the time of his death, which oc-
Cured in 1853. Politically. he was a
member OF the old Wing party. He
was public-spirited and generous and
was universally respected. In re-
ligious belief he was a Congregation
alist. Mr. Linsley was twice married.
His first wife, Laura Clark, of South
ington, died in 1924, leaving one daugh-
ter, Mary A. His second wife, Mary
Summers, of Huntington, died on jan
uary II, 1879, of old age. She was the
mother of three children; James H.,
the subject of this sketch; Laura, wife
of E. F. Bassett; Jane, who died De-
cember q, 1855, aged 81 years.
James H. Linsley received his edu-
cation in the public schools of Wood
bury. He served as an apprentice I'M
der his father, and adopted his MOTTO
"Good work always" and in 1852 took
full charge of the business, disposing
of the furniture manufacturing indus
try about 1880 but retaining the sales
rooms and the undertaking depart
ment. In the meanwhile he devoted
his spare time to farming and CATTLE
dealing, purchasing largely in the
West. For years he carried on an ex-
tensive trade in live stock. and he al
so owned several farms, including the
Nathaniel Smith and the Curtis farms
on Good Hill and the Benedict and
Minor farms on the Pomeraug river.
AS he was the only undertaken in town
the demand for him in that line was
very great. He had charge of over
$500 funerals, including the obsequies
of a number of centenarians. Mr. Lins-
ley inherited his fathers fine taste,
and his beautiful home, surrounded by
well kept lawns and shaded by mag
nificent elm-trees which heIplanted in
1850, is one of the handsomest pieces
of residential property in the county.
About two years ago, owing to fail
ing health, Mr. Linsley disposed of his
NEUTRALITY-SUSPICIOUS. to G. w. Swan.
October ., 1849, Mr. Linsley married
Harriet E., daughter of John and
Maria (Gilbert) Curtis, of Woodbury.,
and received from his father Il home
and land for a wedding present. Mrs
Maria &. Linsley died lin 1879, at the
age Of 80. She was the mother of three
children: Sarah E., born in September,
1851, who died March IL, 1871; Anna,
who died June IS, 1869, in chldhood;
and Wilbur c., born in May, 1855. Mr.
Linsley was again married Septem DER
p, 1880, taking for his second wife
Sarah E., daughter OF Samuel Smith,
of South Britain.
Politically a republican, James H.
Linsley represented the town in the
in 1880 and 1887. He was
a deacon of the First Congregational
church of Woodbury. and treasurer of
the society 20 years. For 40 years he
was member OF the choir, of which
he was leader II years, and his pro-
in music caused IL demand for
his services as a singer on various pub
lie occasions. In his passing away the
lost a good neighbor, and
the town citizen Of the best type.
For stif neck there is nothing bet
ter than a free application of Chamber
aims Pain Balm. It quickly relieves
The stiffness and soreness, effecting
complete cure. Sold by r. H. Beers &
To-, Newtown; Taylor, Curtis &
To-, Sandy. Hook; w. N. IIurd,