Nathan Starkweather

"Nathan Starkweather, 5Jabez, 4Jabez, 3Richard,2John, xRobert), brother of the preceding, was b. in Plainfield, Conn., 23 April, 1813; m. in Hartford, Conn., 7 Nov., i838,*Cynthia Loomis, dau. of Benjamin and Mary [Gaylord] Loomis. She was b. in Hartford, Conn., 31 Dec, 1813; d. there 22 Dec, 1891. His parents moved to Mansfield, Conn., when he was two years old and he resided there during his minority, so was familiar with the families of eastern Connecticut. He was educated in the common schools and in the Brooklyn Academy. In 1835 he took up his residence in Hartford, Conn., where he spent the remainder of his life.

He had the unusual distinction of having his name printed in every issue of the Hartford Directory from its publication in 1835 to the date of his d. 17 Jan., 1902. He was a city sheriff from 1843 to 1846, serving with Henry Hastings and was a member of the common council from 1868 to 1870 and again in 1872, representing the old First Ward. He was a staunch Republican and secretary of the Harrison Veterans of 1840. He voted for William Henry Harrison for President and afterwards for his grandson, Benjamin Harrison. He was a great reader on political affairs and knew the history of all the important public measures of the last half century, of the positions of the public men upon them, and his knowledge seemed to be instantly available making him a most instructive and entertaining companion. The Hartford Courant in speaking of Mr. Starkweather said, " He was one of the rare old men, having a wonderful memory, was a recognized authority on all matters connected with the people and property of Hartford for more than half a century. " His business was that of a surveyor and engineer. He was employed so long and in so many sections of Hartford and in Connecticut, that he knew of a great deal of useful information. He was frequently called upon by the courts as an expert witness and was always a good one in matters pertaining to titles and boundary lines. He frequently assisted lawyers in preparing cases in which disputes over property occurred, making suggestions of great value. He surveyed and laid out several of the streets in the northwest section of Hartford, east of Vine street. His personal appearance was said to be striking. He had a splendid physique and was the kind- est and most considerate of men, making friends everywhere he was known.

Source: Source: A brief genealogical history of Robert Starkweather of Roxbury and Ipswich, Massachusetts. by Carlton Lee Starkweather. Published 1904 by Press of Knapp, Peck & Thomson in Auburn, NY, page 194-195.