Commemorative Biographical Record of Fairfield County, Connecticut

the large number of cripples at that time found in all our large cities, when prosthetical art had not reached its present stage of development, and moved by an humanitarian impulse he had set him- self to work to devise some means of ameliorating the sufferings of these unfortunates. The result of his labors was an artificial leg quite superior to the noisy, clumsy one then in use, and far more com- fortable to the wearer, and in 1863 he invented the rubber foot, a new feature, which was the means of giving his business its first important impetus, and from that time on he met with most encouraging success. Continued study and ex- perimenting led to discoveries which in a short time brought Mr. Marks prominently before the public and gave him a high reputation in this line, and his name became synonymous with prog- ress in the science of prosthesis, governments, corporations, hospitals, societies, etc. , being quick to recognize his talent and adopt his pro- ductions, for he is the inventor of such useful devices as the rubber foot, the adjustable knee- joint, and the rubber hand with ductile fingers. Through his enterprising business methods these products of his thought and experiment have become known and used in every country on the globe, and he has been repeatedly honored at expositions, etc., with medals, first diplomas and premiums. In 1864 he received a contract from the United States Government to furnish artificial limbs to the unfortunate soldiers and sailors of the war of the Rebellion, and he has since carried a perpetual contract to renew these limbs as required. The American Institute in its palmiest days acknowledged Mr. Marks ae the authority in his profession, the Franklin Institute has awarded him its medals in recognition of his inventive skill, and the press has often presented his achievements to the public with glowing en- comiums. Mr. Marks removed his business from its first stand to No. 307 Broadway, and in 1863 to No. 575 Broadway, being a tenant of W. B. Astor for eighteen years; thence he located at No. 691 Broadway, and later at his present qu-arters. No. 701 Broadway. He remained sole proprietor until ten years ago, when his sons were taken into c^-partnership, but the firm name re- mains the same, and the Marks establishment has been, as above remarked, a land mark in New York for nearly a half century, and has attracted notice and patronage from many dis- tinguished persons, of both this country and for- eign lands. Santa Ana, the Mexican warrior, made his first visit to New York for the purpose of having Mr. Marks replace the limb he lotst in 1838, during the French assault on Vera Cruz, and General Larranaga, the Peruvian Revolu- tionist, Iglasius, the son of the president of Peru, Okuma, Japanese count, are among the world- renowned people who have been able to sub- stantially appreciate his productions. As will be judged by tliis brief narration of his business career and success, Mr. Marks is an indefatiga- ble worker, and like his father he is a man of strong character, sincere in all his actions, and progressive and impressive in everything he has undertaken. It is through his efforts and study that the science of prosthesis in New York, and indeed, in the United States, has been brought to its present high state, and he is deservedly hon- ored by all who realize the importance of this art from any point of view. In 1850 Mr. Marks was united in marriage with Miss Lucy A. Piatt, of New York, daughter of Charles Piatt, and seven children blessed this union, namely: Charles A., who was educated for the Episcopal ministry; George E. (a member of the firm), who graduated from Union College; Lucy E., who died in 1863; Frederick, deceased in 1866; Mary, who died young; William L. (member of the Marks firm), and Anna A. (un- married), who lives at home. The mother died at the age of sixty-three years, and her remains rest in Sound Beach. Mr. Marks resided in New York City until 1871, since which time he has had his home in Sound Beach, selecting the beautiful spot now known as "Willowmere" for his residence, which he had built. He first pur- chased twenty-five acres, and he has been con- stantly improving and beautifying his grounds until his property is now one of the most charm- ing in this region. The grounds border the waters of Long Island Sound for over half a mile, and are equipped with every convenience for comfort or luxury, no expense having been spared in this direction. A reservoir of 40,000 gallons capacity, supplied from living springs, furnishes water to the house. Mr. Marks has been equally zealous in the improvement of the town where he has chosen to reside; it was he who suggested the name "Sound Beach" when the place was named. He has given liberally of his time and means to all worthy enterprises, and was partic- ularly influential in having the railway station at Sound Beach established. Although retired from business, he has continued his interest in local afiaise, and works hard and zealously for the prog- ress of Greenwich and particulary Sound Beach. Though past ' ' three score and ten " he is the pic- ture of health and vigor, and his unassuming man- ners and habits have made him popular with all classes in this part of Fairfield county. Mr. Marks cast his first Presidential vote for 78 COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. Martin Van Buren in 1848, and is a stanch Re- publican to this day, taking a deep interest in the welfare of the party and keeping himself well posted in public issues. For twelve years he served as school visitor in Greenwich town- ship, during the greater part of that time acting as chairman of the board; he was an active worker for the new schoolhouse in Sound Beach, which at the time it was erected was the best in the town. He was a most efficient member of the board. Mr. Marks has been justice of the peace. Religiously, he is a prominent member and liberal supporter of the South Beach Con- gregational Church Society, and he acted as chairman of the building and finance committee when the present beautiful stone house of wor- ship • was built. Fraternally, he is a member of Manitou Lodge No. 106, F. & A. M., New York, and, socially, he holds membership with the Riverside Yacht Club. fON. CHARLES MILLS, of Westport, is one of the ablest and best-known citizens of Fairfield county. As the representative of his town in the State Legislature in 1885 and 1886, he did notable service, and in private life he has given his influence toward developing and sustaining the interests upon which the progress of a community depends. His fine farm in West- port is a model, his artistic taste and his sound practical judgment as an agriculturist combining happily in its management. Mr. Mills comes of good Colonial stock, and his grandfather, John Mills, who was born prob- ably in the town of Westport, served eight years in the Revolutionary army under Washington, enlisting when he was but sixteen years old. After the war closed he settled upon a farm in Westport, where his remaining years were spent. In politics he was a Democrat, and he and his wife, whose maiden name was Frazier, were members of the Congregational Church. They reared a family of nine children, as follows: Moses, who engaged in farming in Massachu- setts; Seth, a farmer in Weston, this county; Samuel, a resident of Greens Farms, where he was engaged in farming and also followed the mason's trade; John, our subject's father; David and Ebenezer, who were farmers in Westport; Charity, who married Hezekiah Mills, a black- smith by trade and a veteran of the war of 18 12; Mary, wife of Robert McClure, a machinist of Stamford; and Sally, who married Samuel Bar- low, of Westport. John Mills (2), the father of our subject, was born at Greens Farms, in the town of Westport, where he followed farming for many years, his death occurring in 1855. For about thirty years he followed the trade of stone mason in addition to the management of his homestead. Like his father he was a Democrat in politics, and a de- vout member of the Congregational Church, the family having always taken an active part in re- ligious work in their locality. His wife, Sarah (Batterson), who died in 1883, was a daughter of Burr Batterson, a well-known citizen of West- port. Our subject is the eldest in a family of three children, the others being John, a farmer and stone mason now residing in the town of Westport; and David, a carpenter in Bridge- port. Hon. Charles Mills was born February 25, 1833, on the old homestead at Greens Farms, and during his youth he learned the details of farm work by assisting his father. He also learned the stone-mason's trade, which he has followed at intervals up to the present time, and, as he possesses marked ability in various lines, he has at times turned his attention to other occupations, making a notable success in each. He has speculated profitably, but he has especial reason to be proud of his skill as a landscape gardener, many of the most attractive estates in town having been improved under his direction. His farm, which contains eighty acres of choice land, is devoted to general crops, and he has the reputation of raising larger and better crops to the acre than any other farmer in the township. His beautiful dwelling house was built in 1882, previous to which he resided at the old home- stead at Greens Farms. He is a stanch Demo- crat, and, aside from his service as a representa- tive, he has held various township offices, includ- ing that of highway surveyor. At one time he was appointed justice of the peace, but declined to qualify. Though not a member of the Church, he believes in Christianity, and any movement which promises to benefit the community re- ceives from him hearty sympathy.