Reminiscences of Oxford
Homes and People
By B. H. Davis
Published 9-16-1913 in THE SEYMOUR RECORD

Chapter 1
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I will commence my reminiscences by giving the readers of the RECORD a brief description of that part of Oxford known as Chestnut Tree Hill which most of know has been noted for the longevity of the old time residents, for its fertile and well cultivated farms and for the general hospitality of the earlier proprietors as well as the present residents.

All of the old people who lived on the hill when the writer was a boy have passed on to the land of mystery. Beginning at the foot of the hill near where stood long ago the old Sam Wire woolen mill, which is located at the intersection of the Chestnut Tree Hill road and the old Woodbury turnpike.  Proceeding north we pass through a long stretch of woodland road. The first place worthy of notice is the old Davis farmhouse located on the top of the hill, where the tableland begins. This farmhouse, which is of colonial style, was built about the year 1820 and was owned and occupied by Otis Davis, a son of Col. John Davis.  He had three sons. Isaac lived many years in Seymour and built the Davis block, which still bears his name. He died in Hartford several year ago.

The second son, John R. Davis, lived at home until he married Jenette Wheeler, daughter of Liman Wheeler, of Rimmon Hill, then bought a farm at the upper part of Chestnut Tree Hill. The youngest son, Wm. H. Davis, was born in 1831. He lived on the old farm most of his life. He married for his first wife Frances Mailett of Trumbull and had two sons and one daughter. One of the sons,, William O. Davis lived in the old farmhouse many years and filled several town offices and was elected twice to t he legislature. Later he moved to Seymour and conducted a profitable livery business for several years. He died in Seymour in 1912. He is survived by his wife and one daughter, who lives on Bank street, in Seymour.

The fourth son was George Davis, who left home at an early age to learn the machinist trade in Hartford, where he now lives.

Lucy, the first daughter, married Fred Candee of Oxford. She died the following year leaving no children.

The next house is the Tucker homestead. The old weather beaten structure that has withstood the storms of a hundred and fifty years was the home of Stiles Tucker and his wife, Abigal (Lewis) Tucker, for over sixty years. The couple celebrated their golding wedding in March 1871,  Mary Ann, their oldest child, married Horace Holbrook of Seymour, a carpenter.

Miss Susan Tucker, the second daughter, was born in 1840 and has followed the occupation of school teaching during her long and eventful life. She has retired from the arduous duties of teaching and is resting on her hard-earned laurels.

Burton S. Tucker, the youngest child and only son of Stiles and Abigail tucker, was born in 1844 and lived all his long and checkered life at the old homestead.  He married Mary Wooster of Oxford and six children were born to them, five sons and one daughter.  Lewis, who works in Seymour as carpenter and builder; Erving has been employed for many years by El. L. Hoadley, married Miss Peck, formerly of Oxford. They live in Seymour near the Oxford town line; 3d Lorena, who teaches the Center School in Oxford, 4th Stiles, who is located in Boston, in the interest of S. B. Church; 5th, William and 6th, Sherman who live at the old homestead.          (NOTE:  The Tucker Homestead is house #141 in the EARLY HOUSES OF OXFORD, CONNECTICUT book, published 1976, Historic House Committee of  Oxford's Bicentennial Commission).

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