My Genealogy Hound

FLAVEL GAYLORD, a well-to-do farmer of Amherst, Mass., a man of ability and integrity, prominent in public affairs, was born at Windsor Locks, Conn., April 27, 1827, son of Eleazer and Hannah (Haskell) Gaylord. His first ancestor in this country, whose name was William Gaylord, came from England to America in 1630. He had a grant of land in Dorchester, Mass., in 1633, and there held the office of Selectman; but in 1638 he removed to Windsor, Conn., where he died in 1673, aged eighty-eight. He is said to have served as a member of the General Court during forty-one semi-annual sessions. He was a landed proprietor, and was a Deacon of the church at Windsor. He had four sons and one daughter, his eldest son also bearing the name of William. In the second volume of Stiles’s “History and Genealogies of Ancient Windsor,” it is stated that Nathaniel Gaylord, son of the second William, took his portion of his father’s estate at Pine Meadow, now Windsor Locks, of which he was the second settler. Nathaniel’s son Nathaniel was the father of Eliakim, who was born in 1717, and married Elizabeth Hayden. Flavel Gaylord’s grandfather, Eleazer Gaylord, born in 1753, son of Eliakim, was a life-long resident of Windsor Locks, where he was engaged in farming; but his son and namesake, who was born there October 11, 1785, moved to Amherst in 1827.

He settled on the farm where his son Flavel now lives, and was an industrious and successful farmer and a prominent man in the town. In politics a stanch Whig, he was also an abolitionist. Eleazer Gaylord, the younger, served as Selectman of Amherst for some time. In the Congregational church he was Deacon nearly thirty-five years, and a zealous worker for the good of the parish. His death occurred in August, 1865, while he was on a visit in New Haven. His wife, Hannah Haskell, was born in Connecticut, November 4, 1787, and became Mrs. Gaylord in February, 1819. She died October 7, 1830, leaving five children, Flavel, the youngest, being then only in his fourth year. The eldest, Martha, born March 14, 1821, is the wife of the Rev. Nelson Scott, residing in Amherst. Frances Gaylord, born March 18, 1822, married George Cutler; and they also reside in Amherst. Eleazer Gaylord, born November 22, 1823, is a farmer in Melrose, Wis. Ebenezer, born September 18, 1825, is a retired grocer in New Haven, Conn.

Flavel Gaylord was educated in the schools of Amherst, finishing his studies at the academy. He owns and occupies the old Gaylord place and gives his attention to general farming and dairying. His farm, which comprised one hundred and ten acres when his father took possession of it, he has enlarged and improved, making it one of the finest in the vicinity. The fine old house is one of the landmarks of Amherst. It is solidly built and of generous proportions, the clapboards being all handmade, the nails forged by hand; and there is a fireplace in almost every room. Mr. Gaylord is quite an extensive real estate owner, being the landlord of several residences in the village.

On June 7, 1855, he was united in marriage with Fidelia S., daughter of Dennis and Amelia (Turner) Howe. Mrs. Gaylord was born in North Brookfield, Mass., August 17, 1828. Dennis Howe was a miller. He was born in Spencer, and died in that town at the age of sixty-nine. His widow, Mrs. Amelia T. Howe, who is now ninety-five years of age and is living with her daughter, Mrs. Gaylord, is a native of Pelham. Mr. and Mrs. Gaylord have one son, Walter F., who works in the paper-mills in Holyoke. Flavel Gaylord votes the Republican ticket, and is prominent in town affairs. He has been County Commissioner twelve years continuously, has served as Selectman three years, as Assessor for some time, and has held other offices. He and his wife are members of the Congregational church. Mr. Gaylord is the oldest resident in the part of the town where he lives.

A portrait* of this well-known and highly esteemed citizen will be seen on a neighboring page.

*Editor's note: Portrait was included in the original printed book.