JAMES BRECK, a native of Boston, was for twelve years, from 1804 to 1816, the leading merchant and one of the most influential men in Croydon. While here, he was Selectman five years and Representative four. In 1811, he married Martha Burr, daughter of Capt. Martin Burr, one of the early settlers of the town. They had a large family. Martin B., the oldest son, followed his father’s calling. WILLIAM and JAMES, the second and third sons, graduated at Dartmouth College and turned their attention to law. The former, appointed Consul to China, has been, with his lady, for several years enjoying a residence in the ” Celestial Empire.” The latter settled at Chicago. From this town Mr. Breck removed to Newport, where for a long time he was a leading man in all public enterprises, in trade, in politics and the religious society to which he belonged. He is now living at Rochester, N. Y., and, at the advanced age of eighty-seven years, still retains a vivid recollection of his many happy hours at Croydon, the birthplace of his companion and the spot where were first developed those qualities which gave him so marked an influence and laid the foundation of his extensive fortune. In 1861 they had a brilliant golden wedding.
