Community Corner

Milford Inducts 5 Into Its Hall of Fame

Milford history stays alive with display at Parsons Government Center.

With the five latest inductees, there are now 30 members of the Milford Hall of Fame.

"We go through five centuries of Milford's past life, five centuries of history, as we choose who should honor this hall of fame," Jerry Patton, the chairman of the Milford Hall of Fame Committee, said at a induction ceremony last week.

Patton, a former state representative, started the Milford Hall of Fame about seven years ago. The plaques line a wall at the Parsons Government Center, across from Milford City Hall.

Find out what's happening in Milfordwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

The individuals inducted last week follow, along with the description inscribed on their respective plaque.

--

Find out what's happening in Milfordwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Jasper Gunn

1606 – 1671

Milford’s First Doctor, a lawyer, legislator, diplomat, judge, Sealer of Weights and Measures, miller, Deacon of the church, original planter, metal worker, scholar, first teacher and headmaster of the first school in Milford. Gunn was a Renaissance Man of the 1600s.

Edward Rodolphus Lambert

1808 – 1867

He was a teacher, scholar, map maker, antiquarian and author. His 1838 landmark, “History of the Colony of New Haven Before and After the Union with Connecticut,” is perhaps the best record of the colonial Milford region.

Herbert Mathewson

1856 – 1927

As teacher, principal and Superintendent of Schools from 1883 to his death in 1927, he led Milford from one-room schools to one modern district, four-year high school, college prep curricula, and many new schools.

Captain Jehiel Bryan

1728 – 1823

A revolutionary war defender of Milford. He hosted Lafayette and repulsed British invaders, capturing their officer’s sword. A carpenter by trade, he rebuilt the National Register listed historic Buckingham House on North Street.

Fannie Elizabeth Beach

1867- 1967

A descendant of the original Milford Planters, 50-year teacher and principal in her native Woodmont, she was a kind, thoughtful, nature-living inspiration to all. The Fannie Beach Community Center is named for her.


Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here