Yale University. Class of 1867.
Report of the trigintennial meeting with a biographical and statistical record online
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where recognized, and his associates all felt they had in him a firm friend and judicious coun-
sellor.
"His devotion to his business was equaled only by his devotion to his Church, Christ
Episcopal, of which he was long a member, and here the practical and earnest side of
his character was continually manifested in his untiring efforts to promote its interests.
Simple, unaffected and earnest, he was, at the same time, an acknowledged leader, and the
genuine Christian character he always displayed was in a high degree inspiring to all of his
associates. He was particularly interested in the Sunday-school work, and was superintendent
for some time of the parent school, and one of the chief promoters of this mission work.
His relaxation from business was mainly found in field sports, of which he was a great
lover. Few men had a wider or more accurate knowledge of hunting dogs, and he enjoyed
a national reputation for the value and reliability of his judgment in such affairs. His latest
. public work was in and of the new board of trade, and it was while returning from a meet-
ing of its board of managers, of which he was a member, that he met his untimely fate."
He married Bessie Lowe, of Daji:on, Ohio, November 10, i863.
CHILDREN.
Mariana A., born September 30th, 1869. Dayton, O. ; died April 6th, 1870, Dayton, O.
268
Frances, born, March 6th 1873, Dayton, O.
John Lowe, born Oct. 12, 1875, Dayton, O.
Carrie, born January ist, 1879, Dayton, O.
COLLEGE SOCIETIES, HONORS, RANK.
Brothers, "Sigma Eps," Phi Theta Psi, Psi Upsilon. Spoonman. First Dispute.
269
* MOSES STRONG.
* Moses Strong, son of Hon. Moses M. Strong (Dartmouth, 1829) and Caroline Frances
(Green) Strong, was born at Mineral Point, Wisconsin, June 17, 1846. Died August 18,
1877.
He fitted for College (Yale) under G. M. Skinner at Mineral Point, Wis., and en-
tered the Class of '67 in the Fall of 1863.
His father was a lawyer.
Mrs. Moses M. Strong was Caroline Frances Green, daughter of Dr. Isaac Green, of
Windsor, Vt. Moses M. Strong was born in Vermont in 1810, his parents living in Rutland.
He came to Wisconsin in 1836, was appointed U. S. Attorney for Wisconsin Territory
in 1838 ; was President of Legislative Council in 1842-43 ; was Speaker of Wisconsin As-
sembly in 1850; was delegate to Constitutional Convention in 1846 and a member of the As-
sembly in 1857. Was President of State Bar Association of Wisconsin from its organization
271
until he resigned the office, in July, 1894. Shortly before his death he was appointed Chan-
cellor of the diocese of Milwaukee in the Episcopal Church.
Moses Strong was drowned August 18, 1877, in the Big Flambeau River, near Stevens
Point, Wis.
After graduating from Yale he remained at the Sheffield Scientific School until July,
1868. In 1869 he became a student at Clausthal Hartz, Germany; in 1870, was a student
at Freiburg, Sachsen, Germany. From 1871 to 1872 he was civil engineer on the Northern
Pacific and Wisconsin Central Railways. From 1873 to 1877 was on the Wisconsin Geo-
logical Survey, acting as Assistant State Geologist. We have received the appended notices
concerning his melancholy death :
The following from the pen of the State Geologist, which we find in the Madison
"Journal," will be read with pleased interest in this community, where Mr. Strong's worth
was so generally recognized and so highly appreciated. The details of the circumstances
attending his death, as published in the "Democrat" at the time, are so accurate and com-
plete as to forbid any attempt on our part to improve upon it, hence we reproduce the
important part thereof.
(From the National Democrat.)
" His object was to make a geological examination of all the branches of the Chippewa
River, one of the largest of which is the Flambeau River, laid down on some maps as the
Manedowish.
"He left Stevens Point on Thursday, the i6th, accompanied by William P. Gundry, of
Mineral Point, and John Hawn, of Stevens Point, a guide whom he had hired, who was
familiarly known as 'Sailor Jack,' and who was an experienced woodman, and an expert in
canoe navigation. The party went by railroad to the crossing of the Flambeau River, where
they arrived about 6 o'clock P. M. The next day — Friday — was spent in procuring boats and
other preparations for ascending the river. Mr. Strong obtained a light skiff, made of riven
white cedar, which he thought well adapted to the purposes for which he wished to use it.
He also obtained a birch bark canoe, in which were to be transported the supplies and camp
equipage for the party of three.
They commenced the ascent of the Flambeau on Saturday morning, and continuea it
for nine or ten miles without any remarkable incident, until nearly 3 o'clock P. M., when
they came to some rapids, supposed to be in Sec. 28, T. 41, R. i, E. The rapids were about
150 feet from the foot to the head. The bed of the river was filled with numerous rocks,
over and about which the water rushed rapidly. 'Sailor Jack' took the lead in the bark canoe
and its freight, followed by Mr. Strong and young Gundry in the cedar skiff. Jack had
reached the head of the rapids, or nearly so, as the others were entering upon the ascent.
Strong was standing in the bow of the skiff, using a long light pole for propelling it, while
Gundry was sitting in the stern, using the oars for the same purpose. Near the foot of the
rapids was a rock, past which they pushed the skiff far enough so that the current struck its
bow and turned it around the rock in such a manner that the whole force of the current.
272
striking the boat broadsides, tipped it over. As it was about going over, Strong jurrjped from
it into the water, and stood upon a rock in the bed of the river, over which the water was
about three and a half feet deep and came up to his waist. Immediately below the rock
where he was standing and holding on to the skiff the water was twelve feet deep, into which
Gundry went, as the skiff upset. At that instant he halloed to Strong: 'I can't swim.' who
replied, 'Hold to the boat.' Gundry held on at first, but in attempting to get a better hold,
or in some way, lost his hold of the boat, and was carried into the water, into which he was
sinking. Simultaneously the skiff went down stream, and Strong left his position of com-
parative safety and was immediately in the deep water, and sunk to the bottom of it, to
rise no more.
" Why he left the place where he was standing and let the boat go, is a matter of
conjecture. One theory is that he slipped and could stand there no longer, but this is not as
probable as is the theory of the men who were engaged in searching for his body, which is
that as soon as he saw that his friend and protege, Gundry, had lost his hold of the boat and
was sinking, he threw himself into the deep water in the vain (as it proved) effort to save
his companion from drowning. He was a good swimmer, very self-confident and self-reliant,
and would not have been likely to apprehend any disaster to himself in an effort to save his
friend, and if he had, the apprehension would not have deterred him.
" The reason why he did not reach Gundry is very satisfactorily explained by Gundry him-
self, who says that while he was under water he distinctly saw Strong, with his legs drawn
up, as in a sitting position, and his arms bent in front of his breast, in which position he sank. It
therefore would seem to be quite certain that in his effort to save Gundry Mr. Strong was
seized with cramps, which deprived him of the power of swimming, and resulted in
his own drowning, and the certainty is increased by the fact that the body was found on the
bottom of the river, not more than thirty or forty feet from where he had been standing."
(From the State Journal.)
" Rarely have we been called upon to chronicle a sadder event than that borne to us yes-
terday in the announcement of the sudden death of Moses Strong, Assistant State Geologist.
A young man in the early prime of life, in the full exercise of manly strength and vigor-
ous health, in the rich endowment of a rare intellect, in the midst of active duty, on the eve
of realizing the first grateful fruits of his faithful labors, amid the dawn of promising hopes
of a bright future, rejoicing in the love of a devoted wife, fondly called father by loving and
tender children, devotedly loved by parents and kindred, admired by friends and honored
by the Commonwealth, to be suddenly called from all these is an event of no common sad-
ness. Yet through this sadness shines the grateful fact that his last hour was devoted to the
performance of duty and the development of truth.
" Early in the season Mr. Strong had explored a large tract, occupied by the copper-
bearing formation in the region of the Upper St. Croix River, in continuation of his import-
ant investigations of last year, and, having completed that, had examined the Huronian for-
273
mation of Barron County with his accustomed abiHty and success. Subsequently he spent
a short time at his home, and in Madison, revising the proof of his contribution to the forth-
coming volume of the report of the Geological Survey. He had but just returned to the
field, and was entering upon an extensive series of explorations in the valley of the Chip-
pewa River and its tributaries, which were to complete his field work upon the survey, when
the sad accident befell him. His loss to the survey will be irreparable. Yet such were his
careful and painstaking habits that his clear and accurate notes and sketches will reduce this
loss, as far as the past is concerned, to a minimum. He had elaborated, so far as the state of
progress of the field would advantageously permit, the results of his last year's explorations
upon the copper-bearing series. The notes, sketches and maps of the work are left essen-
tially as they were taken in the field, and never can receive at the hands of another that full-
ness and completeness of elaboration which they would have received from their author.
" Mr. Strong possessed an education of unusual excellence. To a sound academical edu-
cation, he added the classical culture of Yale College and a professional training of a Ger-
man University. In character he was modest and unassuming, and commanded respect
rather by the merits he could not conceal than by any that were assumed. His quiet manner
never fully revealed the real administrative strength which he possessed. With most men a
liberal discount may be made in what they seem to do, in ascertaining what they really ac-
complish, but with Mr. Strong a generous percentage was always to be added to appear-
ances to obtain the fact. To attractive personal traits he added an integrity that was ab-
solutely above question, and a candor and honesty of expression that were eminent. As a
co-laborer in the scientific investigation of the structure of the State, he enjoyed the unhesi-
tating confidence and admiration of his associates.
" The shadow of a deep loss has thrice been thrown across the history of the survey ; a
Lapham, an Eaton, a Strong : honored names, yet alas the sacrifice. • T, C. C."
In a letter to the Secretary from Hon. Moses Strong we are informed that his son was a
Royal Arch Mason and a Knight Templar, and was buried at Mineral Point, Wis., his home,
on the 22nd of August, by the Knights Templar, according to the rules of that order.
He married Julia M. Jones at Mineral Point, Wisconsin, February 13th, 1873. She died
July 4th, 1879.
CHILDREN.
Agnes Allen McCure. born February 19th. 1874, Mineral Point, Wis. ; died January 4th.
1878. Mineral Point, Wisconsin.
Anna Mary, born May 19th, 1875. Mineral Point. W^is.
Anna M. graduated from the University of Wisconsin in the Class of '94. She was
married at Mineral Point, Wis.. December 31st. 1895. to John Monroe Parkinson, son of
Prof. J. B. Parkinson, Vice-President of the University of Wisconsin, and Professor of Con-
stitutional and International Law in the University.
COLLEGE SOCIETIES, HONORS, RANK.
Brothers. Delta Kappa, Phi Theta Psi. Second Colloquy.
274
JAMES ANDREW SWAN.
James Andrew Swan, son of Joseph Rockwell and Hannah Ann (Andrews) Swan,
was born at Columbus, Ohio, September 15th, 1844.
He fitted for College (Yale) in Gen. Russell's School in New Haven, Conn., and entered
the Class of '67 in the Summer of 1863.
His father, Joseph Rockwell Swan, was educated at the Aurora Academy, Aurora, N. Y.,
and was born in Westernville, N. Y., and his ancestors came from Petersboro, N. H., origi-
nally from the North of Ireland. About 1820 he went West and studied law with an uncle in
Columbus, Ohio, and died there in 1884.
His mother was born at Derby, Conn. Her father having lost his fortune in the War of
1812, the family went West and settled in the present city of Rochester, N. Y., when there
were but two other white families there. ?Ier father and also her grandfather were grad-
uates of Yale and Episcopal Clergymen.
27s
Since graduating has been in business, engaged in the manufacture of hinges at Colum-
bus, Ohio. In 1871 he removed to Joliet, 111., engaging in the hardware business.
In the year 1876 he went again to Columbus, Ohio. About the Fall of 1880 he re-
moved to Newport, R. I., where he now resides. He is not engaged in any business at
present.
He married Jane Parsons, of Columbus, O., June 4th, 1885.
COLLEGE SOCIETIES, HONORS, RANK.
Linonia, Delta Kappa, Delta Beta Chi, D. K. E. and Spade and Grave. Honorary Wolf's
Head 1895. Second Colloquy.
276
*PETER RAWSON TAFT.
* Peter Rawson Taft, son of Hon. Alfonso Taft (Yale, 1833) and Fanny (Phelps;
Taft, was born at Cincinnati, Ohio, May loth, 1846; died June 3d, 1889.
He fitted for College (Yale) at Phillips Academy, Andover, Mass., and entered the
Class of '67 in the Fall of 1863.
His father, Alphonso Taft, was a distinguished lawyer and judge, and was appointed At-
torney General in the second term of General Grant's administration.
His four brothers graduated as follows: Charles P., Yale '64; VVm. H., Yale '78; Henry
W., Yale '80; and Horace D., Yale '83.
A few months after he was graduated Taft had a severe attack of typhoid fever, pro-
ducing violent delirium, to which serious later results may be traced. As soon as he had
recovered sufficiently he went abroad and spent three years in study and travel. With
characteristic thoroughness, he devoted himself to the languages, and acquired fluency in
2-]-}
both French and German. Returning to Cincinnati, he entered upon the study of the law, and
was admitted to the practice in 1870. At this time his father, Alphonso Taft, then on the
bench of the Superior Court of Cincinnati, resigned to resume the practice with his sons —
Charles, of Yale '64, and Peter — as A. Taft & Sons. The firm was a succesbful one. Peter,
the youngest member, developed a remarkable capacity for the practice of the law, and in the
next six years demonstrated that he must soon become a leader of the Bar.
Taft's devotion to business and legal study grew unnatural in its intensity until it became
evident that his mind was seriously affected. Finally he broke down and gave up the prac-
tice altogether. As is not unusual in such cases, he withdrew from all intercourse with
society and lived the life of a recluse until his mind, intensely active and restless, wore out
his body, and he died of consumption on June 3rd, 1889, at the age of 44.
He married Anne Matilda Hulbert, of Cincinnati, Ohio, December 28th, 1876.
CHILDREN.
Hulbert. born September 20th. 1877, Cincinnati, Ohio.
Hulbert fitted for Yale at the High School. Cincinnati. Ohio, and Phillips Academy,
Andover, Mass., and entered the Class of 1900 in the Fall of "96.
COLLEGE SOCIETIES, HONORS, RANK.
Brothers, "Sigma Eps," Alpha Sigma Phi, Delta Beta Chi, D. K. E. and Skull and Bones.
Valedictorian; Stand. 3.62, the highest ever taken up to that date. Woolsey Scholarship
Freshman year, 3rd prize English Composition second term Sophomore and 2nd prize third
term Sophomore. 2nd prize Sophomore Prize Debate Brothers. Excellence in Greek second
term Junior year. Phi Beta Kappa.
278
JAMES HAZLETON TALLMAN.
James Hazleton Tallman, son of Thomas and Frances Maria (Hazleton) Tallman,
was born at Scotland, Conn., June 3rd, 1847.
He fitted for College (Yale) under Josiah Clark at Williston Seminary, Easthampton,
Mass., and entered the Class of '67 in the Summer of 1863.
His father, Thomas Tallman, was graduated from Yale with the Class of ' 2)^ and from
the Yale Theological Seminary with the Class of 1840. His father's early ancestors lived in
Rhode Island, and were descended from Peter Tallman, who was General Solicitor for the
Colony of Rhode Island in 1661. Later ancestors were shipbuilders at Providence, and built
privateers and sloops of war during the War of the Revolution, also serving in the army at
that time. His mother's early ancestors (Hazleton) were among the first settlers of the
town of Haddam, Conn. A later ancestor, Capt. James Hazleton, was an officer in the 7th
Regiment of the Colony and a deputy in the General Assembly, 1779-80.
279
After graduation resided the first year at Thompson, Conn. The next year he spent at
the Harvard Law School. In September, 1869, he commenced practicing the profession of
the Law at Hartford, Conn. Was admitted to the Hartford County Bar October 29th, 1869.
In July, 1881, was admitted as a member of the firm of George W. Moore & Co., dealers in
Southern and Western securities, having special charge of the examination of papers con-
nected with mortgage loans. Has made two business trips abroad, one in Summer of 1890,
and the other in Fall and Winter of 1890-91. Most of the time was spent in Edinburgh and
London. He was Chairman of the Committee of the West Middle School District of the
city of Hartford for the past ten years. This is one of the largest grammar schools in the
city, employing thirty teachers, and has recently erected, under his supervision, the finest
kindergarten building in the State.
Was married to Alice Elizabeth Graves, of Boston, Mass., October 30th, 1873.
CHILDREN.
Grace, born February 20th, 1875, Hartford, Conn.
Alice Parker, born November 23rd, 1877, Hartford, Conn.
Marion, born August 7th, 1881, Hartford, Conn.
Grace attended the Public Schools of Hartford, Conn., and was also a student at Brad-
ford Academy, Bradford, Mass., during the years 1893-94. She was married at Hartford.
Conn., to Edgar Brainerd Burr, of the same city, October 12th, 1898.
Alice Parker attended the public schools of Hartford, and also the Beacon School, in
the same city, during the years 1895-96.
Marion is attending the Hartford High School.
COLLEGE SOCIETIES, HONORS, RANK
Linonia, ''Sigma Eps." Second Colloquy.
280
WILLIAM THOMSEN.
William Thomsen, son of Laurence and Emily Jane (Jones) Thomsen, was born at
Baltimore, Md., June 20th, 1846.
He fitted for College (Yale) under Messrs. Topping and Casey at Baltimore, Md., and
entered the Class of '67 in the Summer of 1863.
His father was a merchant.
Since graduation has been in the wholesale liquor establishment of Laurence Thomsen &
Co. at Baltimore, Md. He was admitted to the firm January, 1881, and in 1889 became the
senior member. Is Warden of Grace Episcopal Church, one of the oldest Episcopal churches
in Baltimore.
Was married to Lena O'Brien, of Portland, Me., October 17th, 1872.
CHILDREN.
Bertha Leland, born January 5th, 1874. Baltimore, Md.
William Edward, born September 20th, 1875, Baltimore, Md.
281
Helen, born December 26th, 1886, Baltimore, Md.
Bertha Leland was educated in the public schools of Baltimore, Md.
William Edward graduated at the Baltimore City College in 1893; is now employed in
the Baltimore City Water Department.
Helen attends school at home.
COLIEGE SOCIETIES, HONORS, RANK.
Linonia, "Sigma Eps," Delta Beta Chi and D. K. E.
282
EDGAR ABEL TURRELL.
Edgar Abel Turrell, son of Abel and Adelia (Catlin) Turrell, was born at Montrose,
Pa., August 5th, 1845.
He fitted for College (Yale) at Montrose Academy, Pa., and entered the Class of '67 in
the Fall of 1863.
His father, Abel Turrell, led a general business life at Montrose, Pa., having been succes-
sively teacher, editor, druggist and merchant, and later was engaged in banking, real estate
investments and farming.
Abel Turrell was the son of Leman Turrell, a native of New Milford, Litchfield County,
Conn., and one of the pioneer settlers and land surveyors of Susquehanna County, Pa. He
was a descendant of Roger Turrell, one of the founders of Milford, Conn., in 1639, and a
native of Sussex County, England, through his son Daniel, and his wife, Mary Fitch. Daniel
was one of the proprietors of the town of NewMilford, in Litchfield County, by purchase from
283
the Indians in 1706. His wife was the niece of the wife of Rector Pierson, first President
of Yale, and aunt of Governor Thomas Fitch, who drafted the first charter of Yale College
in 1745-
His mother, Adelia Catlin, was the daughter of Erastus Catlin, a native of Litchfield
County, Conn., and one of the pioneer settlers of Susquehanna, Pa. He was the grandson of
John Catlin and Margaret Seymour, of Litchfield County, Conn. John was the son of Thomas
Catlin, who settled in Hartford, Conn., about 1642. Margaret Seymour w^as a sister of Moses
Seymour, of Litchfield County, and a granddaughter of John Webster, of Hartford, fifth
Governor of the Connecticut Colony.
Entered Colimibia College Law School, October, 1867, and graduated in May, 1869. En-
tered Heidelberg University, Germany, Law Department, in October, 1869 ; left in March,
1870. Was in Europe during the "Triennial." Spent the winter of 1870-71 in Rome. In
May. 1871, returned to America, remaining at his home in Montrose, Pa., till January, 1872;
then took up his abode in New York City, and began the practice of Law, where he has since
resided.
COLLEGE SOCIETIES^ HONORS, RANK
Brothers, "Sigma Eps," D. K. E. and Spade and Grave. Honorary Wolf's Head 1892;
3rd prize English Composition third term Sophomore. Dissertation, Phi Beta Kappa.
284
BOYD VINCENT.
Boyd Vincent, son of Bethuel Boyd and Sarah Ann (Strong) Vincent, was born in Erie.
Pa., May i8th, 1845.
He fitted for College (Yale) at Erie Academy, and entered the Class of '67 in the Summer
of 1863.
His father was Bethuel Boyd Vincent, of Erie, Pa. He was not a college man. At his
death he was by profession a banker. His ancestry on the paternal side is French Huguenot.
His ancestors in this country emigrated from the little town of Soubise, on the west coast of
France, in the closing years of the 17th century. His immediate ancestors lived in New
Jersey and Pennsylvania.
On the maternal side his ancestry was Puritan, his mother's maiden name being Strong.
His theological studies were carried on at Berkeley, where he completed his course
in 1871.
In the same year Bishop Kerfoot ordained him to the diaconate, and he began his ministry
285
as assistant to the Rev. J. F. Spalding, then rector of St. Paul's, Erie, and now Bishop of
Colorado. The little Mission of Cross and Crown, connected with St. Paul's, was the field of
Vincent's first ministerial work. He had alread}^ done service there as lay reader and Super-
intendent of the Sunday School. In 1872 he was advanced to the priesthood by Bishop Kerfoot
in St. Paul's Church.
In 1874 Calvary Church. Pittsburg, was without a rector. The parish was in a critical
condition. The Rev. Mr. Wilson, its former rector, a man of unquestioned ability, earnest-
ness and devotion, respected and beloved by all the congregatioift had felt it his duty to with-
draw from the ministrj' of the Church, and to give his strength and himself to the new move-
ment (for which great things were then hoped), which was led by Bishop Cummins. Mr.
Wilson had resigned his rectorship and organized a Reformed Episcopal congregation made
up of his followers from the Parish Church. They had built a little meeting house, a stone's
throw from Calvary. Everything was in deplorable confusion.
It was at this juncture that Bishop Kerfoot told the Calvary vestrv that the man they
needed lived in Erie, and that his name was Vincent. The vestry followed the Bishop's
advice, and Vincent accepted the forlorn rectorship. At once things began to change. Separ-
ation ceased, people began to come back and get in their old places. The Rev. Mr. Wilson was
called to a new field and accepted the call, and not long after the little Reformed Episcopal
sellor.
"His devotion to his business was equaled only by his devotion to his Church, Christ
Episcopal, of which he was long a member, and here the practical and earnest side of
his character was continually manifested in his untiring efforts to promote its interests.
Simple, unaffected and earnest, he was, at the same time, an acknowledged leader, and the
genuine Christian character he always displayed was in a high degree inspiring to all of his
associates. He was particularly interested in the Sunday-school work, and was superintendent
for some time of the parent school, and one of the chief promoters of this mission work.
His relaxation from business was mainly found in field sports, of which he was a great
lover. Few men had a wider or more accurate knowledge of hunting dogs, and he enjoyed
a national reputation for the value and reliability of his judgment in such affairs. His latest
. public work was in and of the new board of trade, and it was while returning from a meet-
ing of its board of managers, of which he was a member, that he met his untimely fate."
He married Bessie Lowe, of Daji:on, Ohio, November 10, i863.
CHILDREN.
Mariana A., born September 30th, 1869. Dayton, O. ; died April 6th, 1870, Dayton, O.
268
Frances, born, March 6th 1873, Dayton, O.
John Lowe, born Oct. 12, 1875, Dayton, O.
Carrie, born January ist, 1879, Dayton, O.
COLLEGE SOCIETIES, HONORS, RANK.
Brothers, "Sigma Eps," Phi Theta Psi, Psi Upsilon. Spoonman. First Dispute.
269
* MOSES STRONG.
* Moses Strong, son of Hon. Moses M. Strong (Dartmouth, 1829) and Caroline Frances
(Green) Strong, was born at Mineral Point, Wisconsin, June 17, 1846. Died August 18,
1877.
He fitted for College (Yale) under G. M. Skinner at Mineral Point, Wis., and en-
tered the Class of '67 in the Fall of 1863.
His father was a lawyer.
Mrs. Moses M. Strong was Caroline Frances Green, daughter of Dr. Isaac Green, of
Windsor, Vt. Moses M. Strong was born in Vermont in 1810, his parents living in Rutland.
He came to Wisconsin in 1836, was appointed U. S. Attorney for Wisconsin Territory
in 1838 ; was President of Legislative Council in 1842-43 ; was Speaker of Wisconsin As-
sembly in 1850; was delegate to Constitutional Convention in 1846 and a member of the As-
sembly in 1857. Was President of State Bar Association of Wisconsin from its organization
271
until he resigned the office, in July, 1894. Shortly before his death he was appointed Chan-
cellor of the diocese of Milwaukee in the Episcopal Church.
Moses Strong was drowned August 18, 1877, in the Big Flambeau River, near Stevens
Point, Wis.
After graduating from Yale he remained at the Sheffield Scientific School until July,
1868. In 1869 he became a student at Clausthal Hartz, Germany; in 1870, was a student
at Freiburg, Sachsen, Germany. From 1871 to 1872 he was civil engineer on the Northern
Pacific and Wisconsin Central Railways. From 1873 to 1877 was on the Wisconsin Geo-
logical Survey, acting as Assistant State Geologist. We have received the appended notices
concerning his melancholy death :
The following from the pen of the State Geologist, which we find in the Madison
"Journal," will be read with pleased interest in this community, where Mr. Strong's worth
was so generally recognized and so highly appreciated. The details of the circumstances
attending his death, as published in the "Democrat" at the time, are so accurate and com-
plete as to forbid any attempt on our part to improve upon it, hence we reproduce the
important part thereof.
(From the National Democrat.)
" His object was to make a geological examination of all the branches of the Chippewa
River, one of the largest of which is the Flambeau River, laid down on some maps as the
Manedowish.
"He left Stevens Point on Thursday, the i6th, accompanied by William P. Gundry, of
Mineral Point, and John Hawn, of Stevens Point, a guide whom he had hired, who was
familiarly known as 'Sailor Jack,' and who was an experienced woodman, and an expert in
canoe navigation. The party went by railroad to the crossing of the Flambeau River, where
they arrived about 6 o'clock P. M. The next day — Friday — was spent in procuring boats and
other preparations for ascending the river. Mr. Strong obtained a light skiff, made of riven
white cedar, which he thought well adapted to the purposes for which he wished to use it.
He also obtained a birch bark canoe, in which were to be transported the supplies and camp
equipage for the party of three.
They commenced the ascent of the Flambeau on Saturday morning, and continuea it
for nine or ten miles without any remarkable incident, until nearly 3 o'clock P. M., when
they came to some rapids, supposed to be in Sec. 28, T. 41, R. i, E. The rapids were about
150 feet from the foot to the head. The bed of the river was filled with numerous rocks,
over and about which the water rushed rapidly. 'Sailor Jack' took the lead in the bark canoe
and its freight, followed by Mr. Strong and young Gundry in the cedar skiff. Jack had
reached the head of the rapids, or nearly so, as the others were entering upon the ascent.
Strong was standing in the bow of the skiff, using a long light pole for propelling it, while
Gundry was sitting in the stern, using the oars for the same purpose. Near the foot of the
rapids was a rock, past which they pushed the skiff far enough so that the current struck its
bow and turned it around the rock in such a manner that the whole force of the current.
272
striking the boat broadsides, tipped it over. As it was about going over, Strong jurrjped from
it into the water, and stood upon a rock in the bed of the river, over which the water was
about three and a half feet deep and came up to his waist. Immediately below the rock
where he was standing and holding on to the skiff the water was twelve feet deep, into which
Gundry went, as the skiff upset. At that instant he halloed to Strong: 'I can't swim.' who
replied, 'Hold to the boat.' Gundry held on at first, but in attempting to get a better hold,
or in some way, lost his hold of the boat, and was carried into the water, into which he was
sinking. Simultaneously the skiff went down stream, and Strong left his position of com-
parative safety and was immediately in the deep water, and sunk to the bottom of it, to
rise no more.
" Why he left the place where he was standing and let the boat go, is a matter of
conjecture. One theory is that he slipped and could stand there no longer, but this is not as
probable as is the theory of the men who were engaged in searching for his body, which is
that as soon as he saw that his friend and protege, Gundry, had lost his hold of the boat and
was sinking, he threw himself into the deep water in the vain (as it proved) effort to save
his companion from drowning. He was a good swimmer, very self-confident and self-reliant,
and would not have been likely to apprehend any disaster to himself in an effort to save his
friend, and if he had, the apprehension would not have deterred him.
" The reason why he did not reach Gundry is very satisfactorily explained by Gundry him-
self, who says that while he was under water he distinctly saw Strong, with his legs drawn
up, as in a sitting position, and his arms bent in front of his breast, in which position he sank. It
therefore would seem to be quite certain that in his effort to save Gundry Mr. Strong was
seized with cramps, which deprived him of the power of swimming, and resulted in
his own drowning, and the certainty is increased by the fact that the body was found on the
bottom of the river, not more than thirty or forty feet from where he had been standing."
(From the State Journal.)
" Rarely have we been called upon to chronicle a sadder event than that borne to us yes-
terday in the announcement of the sudden death of Moses Strong, Assistant State Geologist.
A young man in the early prime of life, in the full exercise of manly strength and vigor-
ous health, in the rich endowment of a rare intellect, in the midst of active duty, on the eve
of realizing the first grateful fruits of his faithful labors, amid the dawn of promising hopes
of a bright future, rejoicing in the love of a devoted wife, fondly called father by loving and
tender children, devotedly loved by parents and kindred, admired by friends and honored
by the Commonwealth, to be suddenly called from all these is an event of no common sad-
ness. Yet through this sadness shines the grateful fact that his last hour was devoted to the
performance of duty and the development of truth.
" Early in the season Mr. Strong had explored a large tract, occupied by the copper-
bearing formation in the region of the Upper St. Croix River, in continuation of his import-
ant investigations of last year, and, having completed that, had examined the Huronian for-
273
mation of Barron County with his accustomed abiHty and success. Subsequently he spent
a short time at his home, and in Madison, revising the proof of his contribution to the forth-
coming volume of the report of the Geological Survey. He had but just returned to the
field, and was entering upon an extensive series of explorations in the valley of the Chip-
pewa River and its tributaries, which were to complete his field work upon the survey, when
the sad accident befell him. His loss to the survey will be irreparable. Yet such were his
careful and painstaking habits that his clear and accurate notes and sketches will reduce this
loss, as far as the past is concerned, to a minimum. He had elaborated, so far as the state of
progress of the field would advantageously permit, the results of his last year's explorations
upon the copper-bearing series. The notes, sketches and maps of the work are left essen-
tially as they were taken in the field, and never can receive at the hands of another that full-
ness and completeness of elaboration which they would have received from their author.
" Mr. Strong possessed an education of unusual excellence. To a sound academical edu-
cation, he added the classical culture of Yale College and a professional training of a Ger-
man University. In character he was modest and unassuming, and commanded respect
rather by the merits he could not conceal than by any that were assumed. His quiet manner
never fully revealed the real administrative strength which he possessed. With most men a
liberal discount may be made in what they seem to do, in ascertaining what they really ac-
complish, but with Mr. Strong a generous percentage was always to be added to appear-
ances to obtain the fact. To attractive personal traits he added an integrity that was ab-
solutely above question, and a candor and honesty of expression that were eminent. As a
co-laborer in the scientific investigation of the structure of the State, he enjoyed the unhesi-
tating confidence and admiration of his associates.
" The shadow of a deep loss has thrice been thrown across the history of the survey ; a
Lapham, an Eaton, a Strong : honored names, yet alas the sacrifice. • T, C. C."
In a letter to the Secretary from Hon. Moses Strong we are informed that his son was a
Royal Arch Mason and a Knight Templar, and was buried at Mineral Point, Wis., his home,
on the 22nd of August, by the Knights Templar, according to the rules of that order.
He married Julia M. Jones at Mineral Point, Wisconsin, February 13th, 1873. She died
July 4th, 1879.
CHILDREN.
Agnes Allen McCure. born February 19th. 1874, Mineral Point, Wis. ; died January 4th.
1878. Mineral Point, Wisconsin.
Anna Mary, born May 19th, 1875. Mineral Point. W^is.
Anna M. graduated from the University of Wisconsin in the Class of '94. She was
married at Mineral Point, Wis.. December 31st. 1895. to John Monroe Parkinson, son of
Prof. J. B. Parkinson, Vice-President of the University of Wisconsin, and Professor of Con-
stitutional and International Law in the University.
COLLEGE SOCIETIES, HONORS, RANK.
Brothers. Delta Kappa, Phi Theta Psi. Second Colloquy.
274
JAMES ANDREW SWAN.
James Andrew Swan, son of Joseph Rockwell and Hannah Ann (Andrews) Swan,
was born at Columbus, Ohio, September 15th, 1844.
He fitted for College (Yale) in Gen. Russell's School in New Haven, Conn., and entered
the Class of '67 in the Summer of 1863.
His father, Joseph Rockwell Swan, was educated at the Aurora Academy, Aurora, N. Y.,
and was born in Westernville, N. Y., and his ancestors came from Petersboro, N. H., origi-
nally from the North of Ireland. About 1820 he went West and studied law with an uncle in
Columbus, Ohio, and died there in 1884.
His mother was born at Derby, Conn. Her father having lost his fortune in the War of
1812, the family went West and settled in the present city of Rochester, N. Y., when there
were but two other white families there. ?Ier father and also her grandfather were grad-
uates of Yale and Episcopal Clergymen.
27s
Since graduating has been in business, engaged in the manufacture of hinges at Colum-
bus, Ohio. In 1871 he removed to Joliet, 111., engaging in the hardware business.
In the year 1876 he went again to Columbus, Ohio. About the Fall of 1880 he re-
moved to Newport, R. I., where he now resides. He is not engaged in any business at
present.
He married Jane Parsons, of Columbus, O., June 4th, 1885.
COLLEGE SOCIETIES, HONORS, RANK.
Linonia, Delta Kappa, Delta Beta Chi, D. K. E. and Spade and Grave. Honorary Wolf's
Head 1895. Second Colloquy.
276
*PETER RAWSON TAFT.
* Peter Rawson Taft, son of Hon. Alfonso Taft (Yale, 1833) and Fanny (Phelps;
Taft, was born at Cincinnati, Ohio, May loth, 1846; died June 3d, 1889.
He fitted for College (Yale) at Phillips Academy, Andover, Mass., and entered the
Class of '67 in the Fall of 1863.
His father, Alphonso Taft, was a distinguished lawyer and judge, and was appointed At-
torney General in the second term of General Grant's administration.
His four brothers graduated as follows: Charles P., Yale '64; VVm. H., Yale '78; Henry
W., Yale '80; and Horace D., Yale '83.
A few months after he was graduated Taft had a severe attack of typhoid fever, pro-
ducing violent delirium, to which serious later results may be traced. As soon as he had
recovered sufficiently he went abroad and spent three years in study and travel. With
characteristic thoroughness, he devoted himself to the languages, and acquired fluency in
2-]-}
both French and German. Returning to Cincinnati, he entered upon the study of the law, and
was admitted to the practice in 1870. At this time his father, Alphonso Taft, then on the
bench of the Superior Court of Cincinnati, resigned to resume the practice with his sons —
Charles, of Yale '64, and Peter — as A. Taft & Sons. The firm was a succesbful one. Peter,
the youngest member, developed a remarkable capacity for the practice of the law, and in the
next six years demonstrated that he must soon become a leader of the Bar.
Taft's devotion to business and legal study grew unnatural in its intensity until it became
evident that his mind was seriously affected. Finally he broke down and gave up the prac-
tice altogether. As is not unusual in such cases, he withdrew from all intercourse with
society and lived the life of a recluse until his mind, intensely active and restless, wore out
his body, and he died of consumption on June 3rd, 1889, at the age of 44.
He married Anne Matilda Hulbert, of Cincinnati, Ohio, December 28th, 1876.
CHILDREN.
Hulbert. born September 20th. 1877, Cincinnati, Ohio.
Hulbert fitted for Yale at the High School. Cincinnati. Ohio, and Phillips Academy,
Andover, Mass., and entered the Class of 1900 in the Fall of "96.
COLLEGE SOCIETIES, HONORS, RANK.
Brothers, "Sigma Eps," Alpha Sigma Phi, Delta Beta Chi, D. K. E. and Skull and Bones.
Valedictorian; Stand. 3.62, the highest ever taken up to that date. Woolsey Scholarship
Freshman year, 3rd prize English Composition second term Sophomore and 2nd prize third
term Sophomore. 2nd prize Sophomore Prize Debate Brothers. Excellence in Greek second
term Junior year. Phi Beta Kappa.
278
JAMES HAZLETON TALLMAN.
James Hazleton Tallman, son of Thomas and Frances Maria (Hazleton) Tallman,
was born at Scotland, Conn., June 3rd, 1847.
He fitted for College (Yale) under Josiah Clark at Williston Seminary, Easthampton,
Mass., and entered the Class of '67 in the Summer of 1863.
His father, Thomas Tallman, was graduated from Yale with the Class of ' 2)^ and from
the Yale Theological Seminary with the Class of 1840. His father's early ancestors lived in
Rhode Island, and were descended from Peter Tallman, who was General Solicitor for the
Colony of Rhode Island in 1661. Later ancestors were shipbuilders at Providence, and built
privateers and sloops of war during the War of the Revolution, also serving in the army at
that time. His mother's early ancestors (Hazleton) were among the first settlers of the
town of Haddam, Conn. A later ancestor, Capt. James Hazleton, was an officer in the 7th
Regiment of the Colony and a deputy in the General Assembly, 1779-80.
279
After graduation resided the first year at Thompson, Conn. The next year he spent at
the Harvard Law School. In September, 1869, he commenced practicing the profession of
the Law at Hartford, Conn. Was admitted to the Hartford County Bar October 29th, 1869.
In July, 1881, was admitted as a member of the firm of George W. Moore & Co., dealers in
Southern and Western securities, having special charge of the examination of papers con-
nected with mortgage loans. Has made two business trips abroad, one in Summer of 1890,
and the other in Fall and Winter of 1890-91. Most of the time was spent in Edinburgh and
London. He was Chairman of the Committee of the West Middle School District of the
city of Hartford for the past ten years. This is one of the largest grammar schools in the
city, employing thirty teachers, and has recently erected, under his supervision, the finest
kindergarten building in the State.
Was married to Alice Elizabeth Graves, of Boston, Mass., October 30th, 1873.
CHILDREN.
Grace, born February 20th, 1875, Hartford, Conn.
Alice Parker, born November 23rd, 1877, Hartford, Conn.
Marion, born August 7th, 1881, Hartford, Conn.
Grace attended the Public Schools of Hartford, Conn., and was also a student at Brad-
ford Academy, Bradford, Mass., during the years 1893-94. She was married at Hartford.
Conn., to Edgar Brainerd Burr, of the same city, October 12th, 1898.
Alice Parker attended the public schools of Hartford, and also the Beacon School, in
the same city, during the years 1895-96.
Marion is attending the Hartford High School.
COLLEGE SOCIETIES, HONORS, RANK
Linonia, ''Sigma Eps." Second Colloquy.
280
WILLIAM THOMSEN.
William Thomsen, son of Laurence and Emily Jane (Jones) Thomsen, was born at
Baltimore, Md., June 20th, 1846.
He fitted for College (Yale) under Messrs. Topping and Casey at Baltimore, Md., and
entered the Class of '67 in the Summer of 1863.
His father was a merchant.
Since graduation has been in the wholesale liquor establishment of Laurence Thomsen &
Co. at Baltimore, Md. He was admitted to the firm January, 1881, and in 1889 became the
senior member. Is Warden of Grace Episcopal Church, one of the oldest Episcopal churches
in Baltimore.
Was married to Lena O'Brien, of Portland, Me., October 17th, 1872.
CHILDREN.
Bertha Leland, born January 5th, 1874. Baltimore, Md.
William Edward, born September 20th, 1875, Baltimore, Md.
281
Helen, born December 26th, 1886, Baltimore, Md.
Bertha Leland was educated in the public schools of Baltimore, Md.
William Edward graduated at the Baltimore City College in 1893; is now employed in
the Baltimore City Water Department.
Helen attends school at home.
COLIEGE SOCIETIES, HONORS, RANK.
Linonia, "Sigma Eps," Delta Beta Chi and D. K. E.
282
EDGAR ABEL TURRELL.
Edgar Abel Turrell, son of Abel and Adelia (Catlin) Turrell, was born at Montrose,
Pa., August 5th, 1845.
He fitted for College (Yale) at Montrose Academy, Pa., and entered the Class of '67 in
the Fall of 1863.
His father, Abel Turrell, led a general business life at Montrose, Pa., having been succes-
sively teacher, editor, druggist and merchant, and later was engaged in banking, real estate
investments and farming.
Abel Turrell was the son of Leman Turrell, a native of New Milford, Litchfield County,
Conn., and one of the pioneer settlers and land surveyors of Susquehanna County, Pa. He
was a descendant of Roger Turrell, one of the founders of Milford, Conn., in 1639, and a
native of Sussex County, England, through his son Daniel, and his wife, Mary Fitch. Daniel
was one of the proprietors of the town of NewMilford, in Litchfield County, by purchase from
283
the Indians in 1706. His wife was the niece of the wife of Rector Pierson, first President
of Yale, and aunt of Governor Thomas Fitch, who drafted the first charter of Yale College
in 1745-
His mother, Adelia Catlin, was the daughter of Erastus Catlin, a native of Litchfield
County, Conn., and one of the pioneer settlers of Susquehanna, Pa. He was the grandson of
John Catlin and Margaret Seymour, of Litchfield County, Conn. John was the son of Thomas
Catlin, who settled in Hartford, Conn., about 1642. Margaret Seymour w^as a sister of Moses
Seymour, of Litchfield County, and a granddaughter of John Webster, of Hartford, fifth
Governor of the Connecticut Colony.
Entered Colimibia College Law School, October, 1867, and graduated in May, 1869. En-
tered Heidelberg University, Germany, Law Department, in October, 1869 ; left in March,
1870. Was in Europe during the "Triennial." Spent the winter of 1870-71 in Rome. In
May. 1871, returned to America, remaining at his home in Montrose, Pa., till January, 1872;
then took up his abode in New York City, and began the practice of Law, where he has since
resided.
COLLEGE SOCIETIES^ HONORS, RANK
Brothers, "Sigma Eps," D. K. E. and Spade and Grave. Honorary Wolf's Head 1892;
3rd prize English Composition third term Sophomore. Dissertation, Phi Beta Kappa.
284
BOYD VINCENT.
Boyd Vincent, son of Bethuel Boyd and Sarah Ann (Strong) Vincent, was born in Erie.
Pa., May i8th, 1845.
He fitted for College (Yale) at Erie Academy, and entered the Class of '67 in the Summer
of 1863.
His father was Bethuel Boyd Vincent, of Erie, Pa. He was not a college man. At his
death he was by profession a banker. His ancestry on the paternal side is French Huguenot.
His ancestors in this country emigrated from the little town of Soubise, on the west coast of
France, in the closing years of the 17th century. His immediate ancestors lived in New
Jersey and Pennsylvania.
On the maternal side his ancestry was Puritan, his mother's maiden name being Strong.
His theological studies were carried on at Berkeley, where he completed his course
in 1871.
In the same year Bishop Kerfoot ordained him to the diaconate, and he began his ministry
285
as assistant to the Rev. J. F. Spalding, then rector of St. Paul's, Erie, and now Bishop of
Colorado. The little Mission of Cross and Crown, connected with St. Paul's, was the field of
Vincent's first ministerial work. He had alread}^ done service there as lay reader and Super-
intendent of the Sunday School. In 1872 he was advanced to the priesthood by Bishop Kerfoot
in St. Paul's Church.
In 1874 Calvary Church. Pittsburg, was without a rector. The parish was in a critical
condition. The Rev. Mr. Wilson, its former rector, a man of unquestioned ability, earnest-
ness and devotion, respected and beloved by all the congregatioift had felt it his duty to with-
draw from the ministrj' of the Church, and to give his strength and himself to the new move-
ment (for which great things were then hoped), which was led by Bishop Cummins. Mr.
Wilson had resigned his rectorship and organized a Reformed Episcopal congregation made
up of his followers from the Parish Church. They had built a little meeting house, a stone's
throw from Calvary. Everything was in deplorable confusion.
It was at this juncture that Bishop Kerfoot told the Calvary vestrv that the man they
needed lived in Erie, and that his name was Vincent. The vestry followed the Bishop's
advice, and Vincent accepted the forlorn rectorship. At once things began to change. Separ-
ation ceased, people began to come back and get in their old places. The Rev. Mr. Wilson was
called to a new field and accepted the call, and not long after the little Reformed Episcopal
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