Person Page - 642

     Elizabeth Collins married Joab Griswold, son of George Griswold and Zerviah Griswold, on 6 October 1763 at West Hartford, Hartford Co., CT.¹

     Luther G. Holcombe was born circa 1908 at CT.¹ He was the son of Alfred Holcombe and Louise Christoff.¹

     Helen Louisa Phelps was born on 20 August 1846 at New York City, NY.¹ She was the daughter of Isaac Newton Phelps and Sarah Maria Lusk.² Helen Louisa Phelps married Anson Phelps Stokes, son of James Boulter Stokes and Caroline Phelps, on 17 October 1865.¹

     Lester Elwin Holcombe was born on 10 February 1910 at CT.^1,2 He was the son of Alfred Holcombe and Louise Christoff.¹ Lester Elwin Holcombe married Marjorie Hill Robinson on 5 June 1934 at NY. Lester Elwin Holcombe died on 3 November 1999 at age 89.

     Louise Christoff was born circa 1888 at Germany.¹ She married Alfred Holcombe, son of William Whiting Holcombe and Amelia Emily Stevens, circa 1906.¹

     Henry R. Holcombe was born on 5 September 1916.^1,2 He was the son of Alfred Holcombe and Louise Christoff.¹ Henry R. Holcombe died on 24 July 2007 at Easton, Fairfield Co., CT, at age 90.²

     Ann Brown married Thomas Phelps, son of John Phelps Sgt. and Sarah Buckland.¹

     Herbert Brown Winterstein was born in 1885. He was the son of David Wilson Winterstein and Juliet Arselia Brown. Herbert Brown Winterstein died in 1913.

     Sarah Maria Lusk was born on 7 March 1808 at Enfield, Hartford Co., CT.¹ She married Isaac Newton Phelps, son of Jospeh Phelps and Elizabeth Ladd, on 10 November 1828.¹ Sarah Maria Lusk died on 7 March 1867 at New York City, NY, at age 59.¹

     Philetus Clark was born on 9 October 1782.¹ He married Penelope Godard, daughter of Filley Godard and Ada Holcombe, on 25 February 1806 at Granby, Hartford Co., CT.¹ Philetus Clark died on 12 January 1852 at age 69.

     Dr. Asaph M. Clark was born on 22 March 1808 at Granby, Hartford Co., CT. He was the son of Philetus Clark and Penelope Godard. Dr. Asaph M. Clark died on 22 May 1884 at age 76.

A.M. and Rebecca were enumerated in the 1850 Snyder, Jefferson Co., PA, federal census. He was a physician, age 45, she was 38. Children in the household were Hilpa 18, Penelope 14, Sarah 8, Asaph 6, and Peter 2.

A. M. and Rebecca were enumerated in the 1860 Brookville, Jefferson Co. PA, federal census. He was a doctor, age 52, she was 48. Children in the household were Sarah 18, Asaph 16, and Willie Dwight 6.

A. M. and R. M. were enumerated in the 1870 Snyder, Jefferson Co., PA, federal census. He was a physician, age 62, she was 59. The only child in the household was Willaim 16. Enumerated next door was daughter Sarah and her husband Thomas, and their family.

     Sarah Stoughton was the daughter of John Stoughton Jr. and Eunice Bissell.¹ Sarah Stoughton married Roger Bissell on 24 October 1743.¹ Sarah Stoughton married Jerijah Phelps, son of Capt. Joseph Phelps and Abigail Bissell, on 10 February 1763.¹ Sarah Stoughton died on 10 September 1794.¹

     Capt. Asaph Milton Clark was born on 11 February 1844 at Jefferson Co., PA. He was the son of Dr. Asaph M. Clark and Rebecca Mason Nichols. Capt. Asaph Milton Clark married Clara F. Butler on 13 June 1869.

From the York County, Pennsylvania Biographical History, John Gibson, Chicago: F.A. Battey Publishing Co., 1886:

Captain Asaph M. Clarke was born in Jefferson County, Penn., February 11, 1844. His parents, Dr. Asaph M. and Rebecca M. (Nichols) Clarke, were of English extraction. The subject of this sketch is the eldest of six children--four daughters and two sons.

At the beginning of the war he enlisted in Company K, Eighth Pennsylvania Infantry, 8th Regiment, (three months' men), and served chiefly in Virginia, taking part in the battle of Falling Water and others. He was honorably discharged July 9, 1861, and in November following entered Company F, Sixty-seventh Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry, 67th Regiment as orderly-sergeant, and was promoted to second lieutenant July 27, 1863.

December 13, 1864, he was made first lieutenant of Company K, and commissioned as captain of the same company May 1, 1865. During his latter term of service he took part in the battles of Berryville, Opequan, Winchester, Mine Run, both engagements at Weldon Railroad, both at Hatch's Run, Brandy Station, Petersburg, Cedar Creek, Middletown, Wilderness, Cold Harbor, White House, Fisher's Hill and a number of others of minor importance.

At Winchester, June 15, 1863, he received a wound in his left ankle, breaking the bone, which caused his capture and subsequent confinement in Libby and Belle Isle until August, 1863. The promotions he received were for meritorious conduct and distinguished services, and since the close of the war he receives a pension on account of his wound.

After his discharge he spent some time in the study of medicine, and afterward registered as a law student, but did not complete a course in either. He was married, June 13, 1869, to Clara F. Butler, of Brookville, and has one son, Milton B., living, having lost a daughter, Nora, in infancy. Captain Clarke is a member of the Masonic fraternity, Grand Army, Odd Fellows, I. O. K. M., K. of P. and other societies; is at this writing a justice of the peace, and was a candidate for the legislature in 1884. He is engaged in the jewelry business at Delta.

The father of our subject, Dr. A. M. Clarke, was born in Hartford, Conn., March 22, 1808, was taken by his parents in infancy to St. Lawrence County, N. Y., and in 1819 brought to what is now Elk County, this State. He was married, March 6, 1831, and celebrated his golden wedding in 1881, and died suddenly in the spring of 1884.

     Sarah Bacon was born in 1808.¹ She was the daughter of (?) Bacon and Eunice Gillett.¹ Sarah Bacon married (?) Brown.¹ Sarah Bacon died in 1893.¹

     Collins D. Holcombe was born in 1813 at CT.^1,2 He was the son of CT Holcombe.¹ Collins D. Holcombe was also known as C. D. Holcombe. He married Mary (?)¹ Collins D. Holcombe died in 1889.² He was buried at West Torrington Cemetery, Torrington, Litchfield Co., CT.²

Collins and Mary were enumerated in the 1850 Torrington, Litchfield Co., CT, federal census. He was 37, she was 35. Children in the household were Sarah A. 12, George 10, and Adeline 5.

Collins and Mary were enumerated in the 1860 Morris, Litchfield Co., CT, federal census in the household of son-in-law, David C. Munson. He was a shoemaker, age 46, she was 46. Also with them was Adeline 15.

     Sarah Elizabeth Brown was born in 1875.¹ She was the daughter of Henry Asaph Brown.¹ Sarah Elizabeth Brown married Lester Edward Tuller, son of Erskine E. Tuller.¹

     Milton Butler Clark was the son of Capt. Asaph Milton Clark and Clara F. Butler.

     Nancy Tuller was the daughter of Levi Tuller and Nancy Griswold.¹ Nancy Tuller married Dryden Warner on 20 June 1821 at Simsbury, Hartford Co., CT.¹

     George Holcombe was born circa 1839 at NJ.¹ He was the son of Collins D. Holcombe and Mary (?)¹

     David C. Munson was born on 7 August 1832. He married Sarah A. Holcombe, daughter of Collins D. Holcombe and Mary (?), on 27 April 1857 at Litchfield, Litchfield Co., CT. David C. Munson died on 23 May 1922 at New Haven, New Haven Co., CT, at age 89.

     Sarah M. Stokes was born circa 1867 at NY. She was the daughter of Anson Phelps Stokes and Helen Louisa Phelps.

     William Holcomb Munson was born on 10 December 1862 at Torrington, Litchfield Co., CT.¹ He was the son of David C. Munson and Sarah A. Holcombe.¹ William Holcomb Munson died on 5 January 1900 at age 37.

     Helen Stokes was born circa February 1870 at NY. She was the daughter of Anson Phelps Stokes and Helen Louisa Phelps.

     Clifford Benton Munson was born on 13 November 1875 at New Haven, New Haven Co., CT. He was the son of David C. Munson and Sarah A. Holcombe. Clifford Benton Munson died on 6 February 1892 at age 16.

     William A. Schram married Hilpa A. Clark, daughter of Dr. Asaph M. Clark and Rebecca Mason Nichols.

     Electa Tuller was the daughter of Levi Tuller and Nancy Griswold.¹

     Penelope Godard was born on 6 December 1787.¹ She was the daughter of Filley Godard and Ada Holcombe.¹ Penelope Godard married Philetus Clark on 25 February 1806 at Granby, Hartford Co., CT.¹

History of Jefferson County : with illustrations and biographical sketches of some of its prominent men and pioneers. Syracuse, N.Y.: D. Mason & Co. 1888:

Asaph Milton Clarke was born in the town of Granby, Hartford county, Connecticut, on the 22d day of March, 1808. His ancestors were among the early settlers of New England, having crossed the ocean from old England, in what year is not certainly known. Philetus Clarke, his father, was a son of Joel and Chloe Clark née Reed, and was born October 9, 1782. His mother was Penelope Godard, daughter of Tilley Godard and Adah Holcomb, his wife. She was born December 6, 1787. The progenitors of Dr. Clarke seem to have been remarkable for their longevity. John Godard, father of Tilley, died at the age of ninety-six years; his wife, Molly Hillyar, at ninety-seven; Ephraim Holcomb, father of Adah, died at the age of eighty-four years, and his wife, Dorcas Hays, at the age of sixty-five, while Adah, the grandmother of Dr. Clarke, lived to the great age of one hundred and two years. Philetus Clark married Penelope Godard on the 20th of February, 1806. He died January 12, A.D. 1852. When A. M. Clarke was about six months old his parents removed to Russell, St. Lawrence county, New York, where they remained until 1819, when they removed to Little Toby, now in Elk county.

He was born amid the scenes of frontier dangers, and his home was within hearing distance of the roar of the cannon during the war of 1812. One incident of his infancy is given in his own words: "Perhaps it might have been a joke of the old Canadian Indian who came to our house when mother was alone. I was sleeping in the cradle. The savage, taking out his knife and moving towards the cradle, said: ‘Ugh! kill me dam Yankee!’ My mother cried’: ‘No, Socksusup, you will not!’ And, perhaps fortunately for my childish scalp, I was left unmolested. My mother, who related the story to me, said she was not afraid; but a quivering, ghost-like thrill of horror creeps over me yet to think of it."

His parents were among the first to penetrate into the Little Toby wilderness, and, with those who were associated with them in reclaiming those untrodden wilds, have been noticed in the earlier pages of this work, The educational advantages in those days were limited in the extreme, but young Clarke was possessed of an inquiring mind, and the older he grew the more insatiate became his thirst after knowledge. As he says, his first lessons were received at his mother’s knee; that mother whom he loved and revered so tenderly, and who made her home near him until called from earth, only a few short years before him.

He was quite quick at repartee, and while in Huntington county in 1828, he fell in with a burly wood-chopper who had conceived an antipathy for him just because he was a "Yankee." One day young Clarke happened to step into the bar-room of the Glenn Hotel, in Half Moon Valley, where he was boarding, and found himself among a crowd of wood-choppers. The burly fellow aforesaid, who had noticed him frequently with a book, suddenly confronting him, said: "Ha! have you got your dictionary?" "No, sir," said his victim, "but I will bring it if you wish." He replied, "All you are fit for is to dance at a dog’s funeral." "I am aware of it, and I expect a job when you die," was the unexpected rejoinder. And the giant said no more, while the landlord and bystanders enjoyed his discomfiture.

At an early age he evinced a love for the medical profession, and studied under Dr. Jonathan Nichols the pioneer physician of that part of the State, and to whom, he says: "I am more indebted than to any other person for my success in after years."
Dr. Clarke was married on the 6th of March 1831, to Rebecca Mason Nichols, the daughter of his friend and preceptor, Dr. Nichols, and on the fiftieth anniversary of this event they celebrated their golden wedding at their home in Brockwayville, in the presence of their children, grand-children and friends.

Of Mrs. Clarke’s ancestry, the record is not so complete. Her father, Dr. Jonathan Nichols, who has already been noticed in this work, was the first settled minister of the gospel in Jefferson county. He was born March 4, 1775, and was the son of Jonathan and Rhoba Nichols, née Martin. Dr. Nichols married Hannah, daughter of Hezekiah and Sarah Mason, née Wood, January 17, 1796, and died May 16, 1846. His wife died June 1859, aged eighty-two years.
The aged wife of Dr. Clarke, who was in very truth a helpmeet to him, still lives and resides at the old homestead in Brockwayville.

Dr. Clarke practiced his profession almost constantly to the day of his death, and was one of the best known physicians in the county. He was of the Eclectic school of medicine and was a graduate of the Cincinnati Eclectic Medical Institute.
He was identified with the northern part of Jefferson county for over sixty years. In 1836 he removed to Brockwayville, where he laid out the town and done much to give it its, "first start in life," and where for almost fifty years he made his home, and whose every upward stride he watched with a zealous eye. Much of his history has been given in the history of the medical profession, of which he was an honored member, and his patient, faithful and gentle ministrations at the bedside of the sick and dying will not soon be forgotten. His studies were not confined to medicine, but he was well versed in general literature, and had a loving acquaintance with the poets. Books were his delight and the solace of many a weary hour.

On Thursday evening, May 22, 1884, Dr. Clarke died very suddenly, at his residence in Brockwayville, of neuralgia of the heart. On the Monday evening previous he attended a meeting of the Borough Council, of which he was a member, walking home afterwards. This effort proved too much for him, and he was ill all night and continued indisposed until Thursday, when he seemed better and moved about the house singing, as was his wont, and laying plans for the morrow. As evening drew near he complained of pains in his limbs, back, and loins, and his loving, faithful wife rubbed the affected parts with mustard water, which gave him almost instant relief. Shortly after, while lying on his bed talking to her, he suddenly put his hand over his heart, and said "Oh, this terrible pain, it will kill me!" closed his eyes and quietly expired.

His death brought sorrow not only to his own immediate household and friends, but to the community at large, for all felt that a "good man had fallen" one whose place could not be filled. The funeral took place on Sunday, and was one of the largest ever held in Brockwayville, over one hundred carriages following the remains to the cemetery, where Rev. E. R. Knapp, pastor of the Methodist Episcopal Church, conducted the burial services.

The family of Dr. Clarke consisted of ten children, six daughters and four sons: Hilpa A., married to William A. Schram, of Ridgway; Adaline, drowned October 9, 1843; Penelope, G., married to Dr. W. J. McKnight, of Brookville; Julia died January 23, 1839; Myrton died March 31, 1842; Sarah, married to Thomas M. Myers, of Brockwayville; Asaph M., residing in York county; an infant son died April 16, 1847; Frances Ada, married to John A. Green, of Brockwayville, and William D., residing in Brockwayville.
The following fitting tribute to Dr. Clarke was written at the time of his death by one who loved him for his many good qualities of head and heart:

"Deceased was intellectually a remarkable man. Denied the advantages of wealth and education, he became not only a learned and skillful physician, but a literary man of high order. Books were the mine in which he delved, and from their pages he brought forth jewels of information and thought most rare. He loved poetry with an ardor words cannot express, and was not only familiar with the leading poets of the past and present, but was himself the author of a number of fragments which show him to have been possessed of a poetic fire, that, in the hands of one less modest and unassuming than he ever proved himself to be, would have made him an enduring name. His qualities of heart were no less choice than were those of his head. He was generous to a fault, and as meek and gentle as a child. Nothing seemingly gave him more pleasure than to do good to his fellow-men, and many there are who have partaken bountifully of his store. In the sickroom his presence was always a sweet solace, and his delicate touch almost as soothing as a narcotic. In the social circle he was ever popular, the diversity of his knowledge and the easy flow of his language rendering him a delightful companion. As a man and citizen he was highly respected, as was proven by the spontaneity with which his neighbors’ gathered about his grave and dropped a tear to his precious memory. His death, like his life, was peaceful, and the name he leaves behind as pure as the lily and as fragrant as the rose."

     Thomas M. Myers married Sarah Clark, daughter of Dr. Asaph M. Clark and Rebecca Mason Nichols.

     Mary Hotchkiss Ward married Chauncey Marshall, son of Elihu Marshall and Sabrina Griswold.¹

     John A. Green married Frances Ada Clark, daughter of Dr. Asaph M. Clark and Rebecca Mason Nichols.

     William Dwight Clark was born circa 1853.¹ He was the son of Dr. Asaph M. Clark and Rebecca Mason Nichols.

     Eunice Gillett was born in 1777.¹ She was the daughter of Thomas Buckland Gillett and Rhoda Goddard.¹ Eunice Gillett married (?) Bacon.¹

     Harrison Gray Otis Gillett was born on 12 April 1830 at Southwick, Hampden Co., MA.¹ He was the son of Sardis Gillett and Ursula Wright.² Harrison Gray Otis Gillett married Estelle Phelps. Harrison Gray Otis Gillett died on 23 June 1891 at age 61.

Harrison and Estelle were enumerated in the 1880 Waterford, Erie Co., PA, federal census. He was 50, she was 33. Children in the household were Harrison P. 11, Clark W. 6, and Cornelia E. 11 months.

     Sardis Gillett was born on 1 September 1798 at Southwick, Hampden Co., MA.¹ He was the son of Rodolphus Gillett and Eunice Cushman. Sardis Gillett married Ursula Wright on 23 December 1821.¹ Sardis Gillett died on 28 December 1878 at Southwick, Hampden Co., MA, at age 80.¹

     Clara F. Butler married Capt. Asaph Milton Clark, son of Dr. Asaph M. Clark and Rebecca Mason Nichols, on 13 June 1869.

     Rodolphus Gillett was born on 28 September 1773.¹ He was the son of Seth Gillett and Elizabeth Campbell.¹ Rodolphus Gillett married Eunice Cushman on 11 August 1794.¹ Rodolphus Gillett died on 18 November 1848 at Southwick, Hampden Co., MA, at age 75.¹ He was buried at Southwick Cemetery, Southwick, Hampden Co., MA.²

     Silvia Clark was the daughter of Philetus Clark and Penelope Godard.

     Seth Gillett was born on 14 November 1750 at Turkey Hills, Simsbury, Hartford Co., CT.¹ He was the son of Isaac Gillett and Honorah Stevens.¹ Seth Gillett married Elizabeth Campbell on 17 May 1771 at Southwick, Hampden Co., MA.¹

     Nora Clark was the daughter of Capt. Asaph Milton Clark and Clara F. Butler. Nora Clark died; in infancy.

     Dr. Isaac Phelps was born on 22 July 1722 at Windsor, Hartford Co., CT.^1,2 He was the son of Cornelius Phelps and Sarah Mansfield.¹ Dr. Isaac Phelps married Martha Mills on 5 September 1745 at Wintonbury (now Bloomfield), Hartford Co., CT.³ Dr. Isaac Phelps died on 18 September 1777 at age 55; probably in the Army.³

Nancy J. Pennington in the April 2009 New England Historical and Genealogical Register presented detailed evidence that there were three Isaac Phelps' at the same time that were combined and confused by Servin and Phelps. The three Isaacs are presented here and following using the information she presented.

Phelps and Servin show a daughter Clara; Ms. Pennington does not, but rather assigns Clara to Isaac Phelps of Turkey Hills. See her notes on page 132 of the NEHGS for details.

     Edith Minturn was born in July 1867 at NY. She married Isaac Newton Phelps Stokes, son of Anson Phelps Stokes and Helen Louisa Phelps, circa 1894.

     Lancelot Phelps was born in 1724 at Windsor, Hartford Co., CT.¹ He was the son of Cornelius Phelps and Sarah Mansfield.¹

     Helen Stokes was born circa 1905. She was the daughter of Isaac Newton Phelps Stokes and Edith Minturn.