History of New
Haven County, page 549-550
Edited by J. L. Rockey, Volume II, New York, W. W. Preston & Co.,
New York, 1892
SAMUEL PIERPONT SANFORD, one of Oxford's most active and
successful business men, was born in that town July 1st, 1827. He was a
son of Marcus and Harriet (Perry) Sanford, being the oldest of
three children, there being a younger son, George P., also a son of
Oxford, and a daughter, Augusta H. who married J.M.D. Hendrick of New
Haven. Both parents deceased many years ago, the father dying on his
farm on Five Mile hill when he was about 48 years of age. He was a son
of Doctor Samuel Sanford, a native of Bethany, who was the first
physician at Humphreysville, where he died, January 25th, 1803, aged 38
years. In December, 1797, he was given permission to build a smallpox
hospital north of Castle Rock for the purpose of inoculating against
that disease. Another son of Doctor Sanford, Marvin, was a cooper and
joiner at Quakers' Farm, and a third son, Samuel P., after living in
the south, died in New York.
Samuel Pierpont Sanford, the subject of this sketch, working on his
father's farm until he was 17 years of age, attending ini that period
for a short time the common schools of the town. He was now apprenticed
to learn the carpenter and joiners' trade, which he followed five years
after he obtained his freedom. In the fall of 1852 he turned his
attention to mercantile pursuits, becoming a clerk in the store of Frederick A. Candee
(See photo here) [WEBSITE
NOTE: Candee married Louisa Augusta Hotchkiss, the
older sister of Henrietta
and William Hotchkiss
who signed the quilt.] , of Oxford Center. After
five years of
diligent application and faithful service, he succeeded Mr. Candee in
his business in December 1857, and since that time has been almost
continuously in trade for himself. During the rebellion the post office
was kept at his store, which was burned down in 1870. The store
building now occupied was erected in 1875. Here he has been engaged not
only as a general merchant, but his transactions have extended to many
other operations, including large contracts in railway lumber.
In all his affairs Mr. Sanford has been energetic and industrious,
persevering when many other men would have been discouraged, and has
been rewarded by a large measure of business success. Although so
actively devoted to his own affairs, he has not lost his interest in
the welfare of his native town. His influence in the furtherance of
necessary public improvements if frequently felt, but he has always
preferred the walks of private life, wherein he is known as one of the
plainest, most unassuming citizens of the town, but pone whose advice
on business matters is often sought and safely followed. He is prudent
in his own affairs, and his judgment is clear and positive.
Mr. Sanford was married April 10th, 1863 to Julia A., daughter of
Beecher and August (Sherman) Fairchild, of Oxford, and five children
were born to them: Lewis B., born July 26th, 1864, died August 29th,
1865; Robert I., born September 18th, 1866; Sherman, born September
22nd, 1868; Ruth, born August 31st, 1871; Edward F., born August 23d,
1876. All the members of the family remain in Oxford, the elder
sons being engaged with their father in business, and are active,
promising young men.
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