Report of the trigintennial meeting with a biographical and statistical record online

dren. He entered the Military Academy of the late General Wm. H. Russell, and was the
j'oungest boy in that school. In 1859, he was obliged by illness to give up active study for two
years. At this time he began the collection of coins and medals which, before he entered Col-
lege, became so large and valuable that he was recognized as a singularly successful and in-
telligent collector. At that period, in almost every New England country store, a box was
kept containing money received in business, but afterwards found to be uncuirent. Wyllys
Betts, being advised by his physician to lead an out-door life, spent his time in traveling,
principally in walking through the country, seeking in shops and farmhouses specimens of
this uncurrent money. In this ingenious manner he collected early colonial coin^s, pieces from
almost every foreign country, occasional Roman pieces, of silver and copper, and in one in-
stance an Egyptian coin of the time of the Ptolemies. In his will he bequeathed his whole
collection to Yale University. He also made a study of history in connection with coins, and
acquired a remarkably accurate knowledge of historical events both ancient and modern.

Having fully recovered his health he entered Yale College in 1863. His College record
there is familiar to all of us. In College, as at school, he was always noted among his class-
mates for his gentle, generous and chivalrous character. As he reached early manhood he
became earnestly and deeply religious.

He was a good scholar, fond of composition, musical, very popular throughout the Class,
and beloved by all who knew him well enough to appreciate the true qualities of his character.
He was graduated at Yale in 1867, and at the Columbia College Law School two years later,
and spent two years more in the Post-Graduate department of Yale College, pursuing a course
in English Language, History and Literature. At this time he contemplated for a while enter-
ing the ministry, and with that view spent several months in the Berkeley Divinity School at
Middletown, Conn.

But early in 1872 he returned to New York and began active practice in connection with
the firm of Whitney & Betts (Wm. C. Whitney. '63, now Secretary of the Navy, and Frederic
H. Betts, '64, his brother). Upon the dissolution of that firm he formed with his brother the
firm of F. H. & C. W. Betts. and afterwards that of Betts. Atterbury & Betts (Chas. L. Atter-

94



bury, '64). At first he was engaged in Real Estate practice, then in Patent, Trademark, and
Copyright litigation. The Western Union Telegraph Company, Baltimore & Ohio Telegraph
Company, Yale Lock Mfg. Co. and the Celluloid Company were among their clients, and a
large number of the most prominent suits relating to infringement of patents during the last
ten years were placed in their charge.

In these litigations his brother states that Wyllys Betts had a most important share ; that
"though not often appearing in court, much of the efficient preparation which led to final suc-
cess was due to his thorough and intelligent examination of witnesses, and to his capacity for
clear and accurate statement in the preparation of briefs. He also in a peculiar manner suc-
ceeded in impressing upon the judges and even upon those members of the Bar with whom he
was brought in contact, a feeling of affectionate regard most unusual under such circumstances
of acquaintance." He spent many Summer vacations in Europe, and continued to make rare
and costly additions to his collection of coins, and he made a rare collection of antique silver
illustrative of the progress of design and ornamentation in this branch of art. Among the
beautiful examples in this collection are : a chalice and patin of the reign of Queen Elizabeth,
cups of the time of Charles H., William HI., Anne and George II.

He was a man of culture and of varied accomplishments, being something of an artist, as
is indicated by small specimens of his work which show a refined taste for color and accurate
drawing. He was fond, too, of music and had a melodious, well trained voice. For several
years he was a volunteer member of the choir of Trinity Church. His genial disposition, cul-
tivated manner, and above all the constant spirit of kindly consideration for others, and his
quick tact in perceiving and governing his conduct by their feelings, won the affection of those
who came into friendly contact with him ; and his fondness for society gave him a large circle
of warm friends, young and old, among men and women of refinement.

Yet though he mingled in worldly gayeties, Wyllys Betts led a pure, conscientious Chris-
tian life from boyhood.

When in the prime of manhood and success he was suddenly stricken unto death by that
dread disease, pneumonia, he bore it cheerfully, and when the end came he called about him
those he loved, bade them farewell, and with quiet courage and steadfast hope passed forever
from their view into the "silent land."

The following letters received by his brother immediately after his death indicate the
position he had acquired and the feeling with which he was regarded by those with whom
he came in business contact :

(From Hon. William J. Wallace, Circuit Judge of the United States, for the Second Cir-
cuit.)

"New York, April 28th, 1887.
"Dear Mr. Betts :

"I was inexpressibly shocked to hear of your brother's death, although I knew from what
you told me yesterday that his condition was very critical. I had come to feel a warm regard
for him which was more than respect and friendly interest, and was, indeed, affection.

95



'•He was such a perfect type of health and manly vigor, and the future seemed to hold
so much in store for him, that it is very hard to reconcile his death with any theory that it is
for the best. I have been thinking of him all the day.

"You have my heartfelt sympathy. Very sincerely yours,



'William J. Wallace."



'"To Frederic H. Betts, Esq."



(From Hon. Alfred C. Cox, United States District Judge for the Northern District of
New York.)

"Utic.'v, April 28th, 1887.
"My Dear Mr. Betts :

"I was shocked to see in to-day's paper the announcement of your brother's death. I had
supposed, from what I learned in New York, that the danger had passed. I hope you will
pardon me for intruding on your grief at such a time, and yet I cannot refrain from telling
you how keenly I sympathize with you in this hour of affliction.

"Your brother was respected and admired by all who knew him. I have heard him
spoken of by men of business and men of leisure, by members of the Bench and of the Bar,
and always in terms of regard.

"I can hardly realize that his voice is to be heard no more in the forum which was so
often adorned by his presence and enlightened by his careful and conscientious labors.

"He possessed, in an uncommon degree, two characteristics seldom found in such har-
monious union — capacity for hard intellectual labor, which gave him so enviable a position
in his profession, and, on the other hand, the unchanging courtesy, the genial enthusiasm, the
innate refinement which so endeared him to his friends in social life. At all tinics and on all
occasions, 'he bore, without abuse, the grand old name of gentleman.'

"That such a life, so full of hope and promise, should be hidden by the shadow of the
sable wing seems almost inexplicable. And. yet, those who loved him best may surely gain
consolation 'in the truth to flesh and sense unknown,' that now, freed from the troubles and
perplexities which surround us here, he is beyond 'the rock-waste and the river,' at rest amid
the serene and changeless peace of the eternal world. Sincerely,

"Alfred C. Cox."

college societies, honors, rank.

Linonia, Delta Kappa, Phi Theta Psi, Psi Upsilon and Scrpll and Key; third prize decla-
mation ; third term Sophomore.



96





WILLIAM HENRY BISHOP.

William Henry Bishop, son of Elias and Catherine (Kelley) Bishop, was born at Hart-
ford. Conn., January 7th, 1847. On his father's side he is descended in direct line (through his
grandmother, Harriet Hemingway,) from Governor James Bishop, of the New Haven Colony;
and through his father, Elias Bishop, from John Bishop, one of the founders of the Colony of
Guilford, Conn., in 1639. Governor James Bishop was Secretary to the New Haven Colony
in 1651 and Deputy Governor from 1683 till his death in 1691. John Bishop was one of those
chosen to purchase the lands for the Guilford Colony from the Indians; he was one of the first
five Magistrates of the Colony, who field supreme power for several years.

He entered '67 at the commencement of the Sophomore year. Passed Freshman year at
St. John's College, Fordham, N. Y. On graduation he studied architecture, and was employed
in the Government Architect's Office in Washington. D. C, until 1871. Then, in conjunction



97



with H. A. Chittenden, Jr., his classmate, he became editor and proprietor of the " Milwaukee
Journal of Commerce," until January, 1875, when he became editor and proprietor of the
"Daily Commercial Times." On the 25th of April, 1874, he went to Europe for six months.
Some figure sketches of his in the Winter Exhibition of 1872, at the Academy of Design, New
York City, sold for good prices. Has contributed several sketches of ^lilwaukee and its
surroundings to " Frank Leslie's Newspaper." In November, 1876, he was nominated and
ran for the Legislature, but was defeated. He has contributed several articles, both prose and
poetrj'. to the different magazines of the country from time to time. The following among
others appear : In the "Atlantic " for January, 1876, "One of the Thirty Pieces " ; also in the
same monthly, " Notes on Turgeneflf " ; verses called " Endless and Evanescent ; in " Scrib-
ner's " for July, 1877, " The Battle of Bunkerloo " ; in the " Atlantic," " The Canadian Side."
which appeared in 1879, and was published by Houghton, Mifflin & Co. In 1882 he published
in twelve installments a novel entitled "The House of a Merchant Prince." He spent the
year 1878 in Europe, having been delegated to do the articles in the " Atlantic " on the Paris
Exposition of that year. Half of the j^ear 1881 he spent in Mexico, and most of the rest in
California and Arizona in the service of " Harpers Magazine."

In 1883 three of a series of articles on Mexico appeared in that magazine, and five others
on California and Arizona, the whole forming a book entitled " Old Mexico and Her Lost
Provinces."

In 1885 appeared " Fish and Men in the Maine Islands " ; also a work entitled " Choy
Susan and Other Stories," published by Houghton, Mifflin & Co.

In 1887 " The Golden Justice " was published.

Since 1887 he has published the following books : " The Brownstone Boy and other Queer
People" (Carroll & Co.), 1888. being a collection of short stories by him from the leading mag-
azines; "The Yellow Snake," a novel or romance, scene laid in Mexico (Lovell & Co.), 1891 ;
"A House Hunter in Europe" (Harper Brothers), 1893 (the contents appeared first as a
serial in the " Atlantic Monthly") ; " A Pound of Cure." a novel — the scene in the South of
France (Scribner & Co.). 1894 (it appeared first as a serial in " Scribner's Magazine");
"Writing to Rosina." a novelette (The Century Company). 1894 (this appeared first in two
parts in the "Century Magazine") ; also " The Faience Violin," translated from the French
of Champfleury, with preface on Champfleury (D. Appleton & Co.). 1893; and also "Ser-
geant Von," a novel, anonymous (Carroll & Co.), 1889. In the .April "Century" of 1897 ap-
peared a humorous story by him, called "Anti-Babel, or Prof. Sandfog's Universal Lan-
guage."

On returning to America in September. 1893. he accepted the position of Instructor in
French and Spanish at the Sheffield Scientific School of Yale University.

He went abroad again two years ago in the summer of 1895 for a new trip to Spain, and
also for some genealogical investigation in England.

He married, on July 28th. 1896, Miss Mary Dearborn Jackson, daughter of Dr. George
F. Jackson, of Washington Heights. New York City.

98



CHILDREN.

Duquesne, born Paris, France, December 3d, 1888; died New Haven. Conn., November
25th, 1894.

Julian Brocklehurst, born New York City, Jime i8th, 1891.

COLLEGE SOCIETIES, HONORS, RANK.

Linonia, " Sigma Eps," Delta Beta Chi, D. K. E., Honorary Wolf's Head, 1895. Editor
Yale " Courant," Prize Poem Sophomore year, Class Poet.



99





ARTHUR DOUGLASS BISSELL.

Arthur Douglass Bissell, son of John and Isabella Jeanette (Halley) Bissell, was born
at New London, N. Y., January loth, 1844. He fitted for college under Dr. Benj. W.
Dwight at Clinton, N. Y., and entered '67 in the Fall of '63. After graduation he was en-
gaged till 1885 in the transportation business at Buffalo, N. Y. In the Spring of 1885 he was
appointed by President Cleveland. Collector of the Port of Buffalo, N. Y. This position he
held until May 20th, 1889, when he was elected Vice-President of the People's Bank, and has
continued actively in its management ever since.

He married Fanny Casite, of Buffalo, N. Y., June i6th, 1874.

CHILDREN.

Thomas Halley, born March 27th, 1875, Buffalo, N. Y. ; died December 21st, 1897,
Buffalo, N. Y.

Mary Eleanor, born October 22d. 1876, Buffalo, N. Y.



lOI



Howard, born September 30th, 1878, Buffalo, N. Y.

Raymond, born October 26th, 1880, Buffalo, N. Y.

Arthur Douglass, Jr., born July 25th, 1883, Buffalo, N. Y.

Isabella Jeanette, born March nth, 1886, Buffalo, N. Y.

Lloyd, born August 12th, 1891, Buffalo, N. Y.

Thomas Halley was a senior in the Massachusetts Institute of Technology when he died
from a severe attack of typhoid fever on the 21st of December, 1897. He was an exceptionally
bright boy. The following account is taken from the Buffalo " Courier" of December 21st,
1897:

" A Great Bereavement — Death of Thomas Halley Bissell. Eldest Child of Arthur D.
Bissell and Fanny C. Bissell. — Thomas Halley Bissell, eldest child of Arthur D. Bissell, died
last evening at the family home on Delaware avenue in the 23rd year of his age. Death was
caused by typhoid fever.

" One who has known the young man all his life said of him :

" ' He was born in Buffalo in March, 1875. He was a graduate of the High School in
the Class of 1893. He always distinguished himself in his studies. This was to have been
his last year at the Institute, where he stood high in every class. His was one of the noblest
characters I ever knew. His mates loved him. He was gentle, manly, strong and honest,
high-minded, of a singularly loving disposition, and exceptionally gifted intellectually. He
was an ideal son and friend, and I know of no young man of his years so well beloved as he
was.' "

Mary Eleanor is studying at Pratt Institute, Brooklyn, N. Y.

Howard is a Sophomore at Yale in the Class of lyoo.

The other children are attending school at Buffalo, N. Y.

COLLEGE SOCIETIES, HONORS, RANK.

Linonia. "Sigma Eps," Delta Beta Chi. D K E and Skull and Bones. University Crew,
1866-67. Spoonman.






* WILLIAM EDWARD BLISS.

* William Edward Bliss, son of George and Catharine (Sanford) Bliss, was born in
New York City, July 8, 1846. He fitted for college at the Rectory School, Hamden, Conn.,
under Rev. C. W. Everett, and entered '67 in July, '63. He left the class in 1866, and became
engaged for a time in the dry goods business of Eldridge, Dunham & Co.

He traveled extensively in Europe and America.

While in college the condition of his health made it necessary for him to spend a portion
of two winters in a milder climate. This necessity continued during the remainder of his life,
so that till the winter preceding his death, when he was too feeble to travel, he passed the
cold months of each year in a Southern latitude, either in this country or in the vicinity of the
Mediterranean. He was a member of a firm that succeeded his father in business in 1869, but
his health continuing feeble, he retired at the end of three years. He died at his father's
house in New York City, December 12th, 1880, in his 35th year.



103



COLLEGE SOCIETIES, HONORS, RANK.

Linonia, Delta Kappa, Delta Beta Chi and D. K. E. Yale University conferred upon
him the degree of M. A. in 1878.



104





GEORGE COTTON BRAINERD.

George Cotton Brainerd, son of Joseph Hungerford Brainerd (Yale, 1822) and Fanny
(Partridge) Brainerd, was born at St. Albans, Vt., November 23d, 1845. He fitted for college
under John S. D. Tayler at St. Albans, Vt., and entered '67 in the Fall of '63. His father was
a prominent member of the Governor's Council of the State of Vermont in the years 1832-3.
He was a member of the Bar and was County Clerk of Franklin County, Vt., for 38 years,
and deacon of the Congregational Church at St. Albans, Vt., for 40 years. His mother,
Fanny Partridge, was the daughter of Cotton Partridge and Hannah Lyman Partridge.
Hannah Lyman was the daughter of Rev. Joseph Lyman, S. T. D., who graduated from Yale
in 1767, and was one of the Presidents of the American Board of Commissioners for Foreign
Missions. On his father's side he is descended from Daniel Brainerd, who settled near Had-
dam, Conn., in the year 1640. On his mother's side he is a descendant of Thomas Dudley and
Simon Bradstreet, early Governors of Massachusetts Bay Colony, and of Rev. John Cotton,



lOS



who came over from Boston. England, to Boston, Mass.. in the ship Griffin in 1633, and out of
compHment to whom Boston was named. He is also a descendant of the Dwight. Strong,
Huntington and Lyman families of New England.

After graduation he taught one year at Easton, Conn. He then visited for a few months
friends in the West and, returning to St. Albans, commenced the study of the law. He en-
tered the Harvard Law School at Cambridge, Mass., in 1869, graduating in 1871. He was
admitted to the Bar of the State of Vermont in 1871, and to the New York Bar in 1872, and
took up his residence in Brooklyn, N. Y., where he practiced his profession until 1880. when
he moved his office to New York City, where he has been practicing ever since.

He ran in 1892 on the Republican ticket for the Assembly from the First Assembly District,
Kings County, N. Y., but was defeated.

COLLEGE SOCIETIES, HONORS, RANK.

Brothers, Gamma Nu and Alpha Delta Phi. Dissertation.



106





JOSEPH JUDSON BROOKS.

Joseph Judson Brooks, son of Joseph Judson and Judith (Twing) Brooks, was born at
Sakm, Ohio, November 23d, 1845. He fitted for college at Williston Seminary, Mass., and en-
tered '(>^ in the Fall of '63. His father was a graduate of the Wilbraham Institute. Massa-
chusetts, and a lawyer by profession. He was born in Vermont, and emigrated to Salem
Ohio. At the time of his death he was attorney for the Pittsburg, Fort Wayne & Chicago
Railroad, and was prominently connected with the banking interests of the State. His
mother was a native of Vermont.

After graduation he studied law at Salem. Ohio, and graduated from the Cambridge
Law School. He resided at Cleveland, Ohio, where he remained till 1881, when he came
to Pittsburg and accepted a position as assistant counsel of the Pittsburg, Cincinnati. Chi-
cago & St. Louis Railway Co.. known as the Pennsylvania lines West of Pittsburg.

He married Henrietta Faber at Pittsburg. Pa.. September 2d, 1869.



107



CHILDREN.

Joseph Judson, born May i8th. 187 1. Cleveland, Ohio.

Frank Faber. born December 15th, 1873. Cleveland, Ohio.

Alexander Montgomery, born 3tlay i8th, 1878, Cleveland, Ohio.

J. Twing, born February 27th, 1884, Pittsburg, Pa.

The three eldest prepared for college at Easthampton, Mass.

Joseph Judson graduated from the Yale Scientific School in 1893, and is now in the
Traffic Department of the Pennsylvania Railroad's lines West of Pittsburg.

Frank Faber graduated from the Yale Scientific School in 1896, and is now with the Title
& Trust Company, of Pittsburg, Pa.

Alexander Montgomery is a Junior in Yale S. S. School.

The youngest child is studying at home.

COLLEGE SOCIETIES, HONORS, RANK.

Brothers, "Sigma Eps," Delta Beta Chi, D. K. E. Honorary Wolf's Head 1897, 2d prize
Freshman and Sophomore Prize debate.



TOR




WILLIAM ALEXANDER BROTHER.

William Alexander Brother, son of Alexander and Sidney P. (January) Brother, was
born at New Orleans, La., November 12th, 1844. He fitted for Yale at Andover, Mass., under
Dr. S. H. Taylor, and entered '67 in the Fall of '63. The Secretary has only heard once from
him since graduation, and as his letter is very full and covers all the ground necessary for a
biographical .sketch, it is hereby reproduced in full.

â– ' Denver, Colo., March 27th, 1897.
" W. H. Morse, Esq., New York City :

"Dear Classmate — With mingled feelings of pleasure and regret, I sit down to write you
a short history of my life — pleasure at the thought of once again writing to my Classmate, and
regret that I cannot give a more satisfactory account of myself.

"I was shipping clerk in New York City during the winter of 1867-1868, then entered my
father's bank in New Orleans, La., for nine months, was then established in the cotton busi-



109



ness for two years under the firm name of Green. Crump & Brother. For three years after-
wards was a member of the firm of L. R. Simmons & Co., Shreveport, La., in the Blank
Book and Job Prindng business. The yellow fever of 1873 practically rumed my business.
so I sold out for a nommal sum, stayed in St. Louis about a year, then went to San Antonio,
Texas, intending to go into the sheep business, but instead lost my money in a "Bat" Cave
Fertilizer scheme.

"In the Spring of 1879 I took the Leadville tever, came out here to Colorado, where I
have remained ever since, following mining principally.

"As a prospector I have had poor luck in selling any mining claims at good figures, but
have worked hard, suffered privations, been hungry, slept on the ground, climbed high moun-
tains, and in every way 'rustled.'

"I have been over three years in the Cripple Creek District, but with poor success, and
am at present thinking of going to Idaho Springs (about 35 miles from here) to put in the
Summer at whatever work I can obtain.

"My health is fair, my hair is quite gray, and I look to be, as I am, 52 years old.

"Brother Peck showed me the Class pictures to-day and says I look just like my picture,
only a little older. I left my Class Book with my sister in St. Louis in 1879, and the sight
of the faces of '67 brought to mind many pleasurable reminiscences as well as regrets. I
cannot possibly attend the meeting, but will try to send my picture in time.

"Please give my kindest regards and warmest wishes to all my Classmates, and hope
that they will all live long and prosper. It hardly seems possible that thirty years have elapsed
since we marched forth so strong and confident, all unconscious of the trials of this terrible
world. I would especially like to hear from J. J. Brooks, George Adee, J. M. Spencer and
Nate Chapman. I will send my address to Mr. Peck as soon as I get settled. Good-bye, my
Classmate and friend, and, believe me, yours sincerely,

"W. A. Brother,
" Class of '67, Yale."

COLLEGE SOCIETTES, HONORS, RANK.

Brothers, " Sigma Eps " and D. K. E.





ANSELM BYRON BROWN.

Anselm Byron Brown, son of Joseph and Mary Elizabeth (Hunt) Brown, was born
April 28th, 1845, at Sebago. Cumberland County, Maine.

No word has ever been received from him by the Secretary since graduation. The fol-
lowing account has been prepared and given by his brother, Edward F. Brown, Yale '63 :

" He is a son of the late Joseph Brown, born in Baldwin, Cumberland County, Maine,
April 23d, 1805, died at New Haven, Conn., March 3d, 1866, and of the late Mary Elizabeth
Hunt, born in Concord, Mass., 21st of June, 181 1, died at 1008 Madison avenue. New York
City, 2d September, 1874. His great-grandfather commanded a company of minute-men in
the battle of Concord, April 19, 1775.

" Anselm Byron Brown prepared for College at Bridgton Academy, North Bridgton.
Maine, and in New York City under the tutorship of Rev. Dr. Thomas C. Strong. For
a short time he had also the instruction of Eli T. Mack, of New Haven, Conn. He en-



III



tered Yale as a Freshman in the Summer of 1863 and graduated with the class of 1867. He
remained in New Haven after his graduation from the Academic Department, and took the
regular course in the Divinity School and graduated in 1870. While studying in the Di-
vinity School he had charge of a mission chapel in New Haven (the name of it I do not now
recall) until he accepted a call to a Congregational Church in Lockport, 111. He remained