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LIBRARY
Brigham Young University
97^.6
G28
221509
Digitized by the Internet Archive
in 2011 with funding from
Brigham Young University
http://www.archive.org/details/genealogicalbiog1905chic
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL
RECORD
OF
NEW LONDON COUNTY
CONNECTICUT
CONTAINING
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES OF PROMINENT AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS
AND GENEALOGICAL RECORDS OF MANY OF THE EARLY
SETTLED FAMILIES.
ILLUSTRATED
221 sag
CHICAGO
J. H. BEERS cS; CO.
1905
PROVO, UZ
PREFACE
HE importance of placing in book form biographical history of representative citizens —
both for its immediate worth and for its value to coming generations — is admitted by all
thinking people : and within the past decade there has been a growing interest in this com-
mendable means of perpetuating biography and family genealogy.
That the public is entitled to the privileges afforded by a work of this nature needs no assertion
at our hands ; for one of onr greatest Americans has said that the history of any country resolves itself
into the biographies of its stout, earnest and representative citizens. This medium, then, serves more
than a single purpose ; while it perpetuates biography and family genealogy, it records history, much
of which would be preserved in no other way.
In presenting the Genealogical and Biographical Record to its patrons, the publishers have to
acknowledge, with gratitude, the encouragement and support their enterprise has received, and the
willing assistance rendered in enabling them to surmount the many unforeseen obstacles to be met with
in the production of a work of this character. In nearly every instance the material composing the
sketches was gathered from those immediately interested, and then submitted in typewritten form for
correction and revision. The volume, which is one of generous amplitude, is placed in the hands of the
public with the belief that it will be found a valuable addition to the library, as well as an invaluable con-
tribution to the historical literature of the State of Connecticut.
THE PUBLISHERS.
INDEX
•'li
PAGE
Abel, Elijah 11 663
Abel Family 664
Abell, Charles J 370
Abell Families 370. 77X
Abell, Myron R 77S
Aborn, Alonzo R 188
Aborn Family 188
Aborn, Frank C 189
Adams, Andrew A 434
Adams Families 433, 773
Adams, Jeremiah K 434
Adams, Walter L 775
Aiken Family 77
Aiken, John 77
Aiken, Gen. William A 76
Aiken, William B 76
Alexander Family 830
Alexander, George W 830
Allen Families 7^2, 857
Allen, Miss Ruth E 753
Allen, Mrs. Ruth W 753
Allen, Capt. William H 857
Allis, Hon. Wallace S 78
Allyn, Carlos \Y 364
Allyn Families 182, 362. 048
Allyn, Gurdon S 649
Allyn, Henry A 184
Allyn, Louis P 648
Allyn, Mrs. Louis P 437, 649
Allyn, William 1 183
Almy-Ballou Families 144
Almy, Major Leonard Ik, M. D. . 145
Anderson, Axel F 544
Andersi >n Family 275
Anderson, Jerome S 275
Andrews. Benjamin F 512
Andrews Family 512
Appley Family 481
Armstrong Family 773
Armstrong, Frederick S 773
Ashbey, William A 528
Astheimer, William 650
Atwood, Eugene 835
Atwood Family 835
Auclair. Douglas P 321
Austin Family 40
Austin, James L 163
Austin-Rogers 40
Austin, Mrs. Sarah A 164
Austin. Willis R 41
Auwood, William 3^7
Avery, Albert G 859
Avery. Allen 878
Avery, Mrs. Cornelia C 561
Avery, Dwight 548
Avery Families .
347. 548. 560. 780, Sv. 878
Avery, Griswold G \ ^60
PAGE
A\xry, Isaac G 780
Avery, Sherwood G 842
Avis, Woodburne R.. M. D. . . . 933
Aver Families 498, 536, 692
Aver, Lloyd P 498
Ayer, Hon. Nathan H 536
Ayling, Nelson J 460
Babcock, Charles D 595
Babcock Families 354, 543
Backus, Asa 193
Backus, Cynthia M 193
Backus Families 192. 695
Backus. William W 235
Bacon Families Ill, 331
Bacon, Morris W 11 1
Bacon, Nelson A 331
Bailey Families ...587, 642, 889, 907
Bailey, Henry L 907
Bailey, Jefferson 0 890
Bailev. Marvin L 642
Bailey, Ralph H 880
Bailey, Stephen A 587
Baker Family 510
Baldwin Family 756
Baldwin, Wilbur E 756
Ballon Family 146
Ballon. Leonard 147
Barber Family 213
Barber, Hon. Noyes 213
Barber, Oscar M., M. D 507
Barber, Pelcg S 895
Barker Family 242
Barker, Nathaniel C 241
Barstow Family 738
Barstow, John P 593
Hartlett, Charles G.. A. M 703
1-artlett Families 459, 703
Bartlett, Reuben S 459
Beach, Mrs. Ann E 789
Beach Family 788
Beach. John T 788
Beckwith, Annie E 907
Beckwith, Ansel A 332
Beckwith. Ansel E 334
Beckwith, Benjamin F 906
Beckwith, Elias II 135
Beckwith, Airs. Emma P 852
Beckwith. E. Park 850
Beckwith, Eugene K 881
Beckwith Families
332, 348, 540- 737- 850, 906
Beckwith. Francis E 541
Beckwith, Fred A 737
Beckwith, Joseph M 348
Beckwith, Justin 667
Beckwith, Mrs. Margaret J 135
Beckwith, Raymond C 881
PAGE
Beckwith. William U 869
Beebe, Sherman A 443
Belden Family 170
Belden, Commander Samuel .... 170
Benham, Mrs. Ida W 841
Benjamin Family 753
Benjamin, Capt. George G 136
Benjamin, Jacob D 753
Bentley, Andrew J 818
Bentley, Rev. David N 817
Bentley Families 817, 940
Bentley, Wareham W 940
Benton Family 94
Benton, Rev. Josiah T 95
Bill Families 82, 665
Bill, Frederic 168
Hill, Frederic A 83
Bill, Hon. Henry 81
Bill, Hon. Jephthah G 664
Billings, Byron 814
Billings Families 62, 813
Billings, Capt. James A 158
Billings, Sanford N 814
Bills Family 217
Bills, George C 217
Bindloss Family 485
Bingham Family 189
Bingham, Nathan A 189
Bishop, Edson S 786
Bishop, Elias 343
ihop Families 341, 786
Bidiop, Gilbert 342
Bishop, Henry 344
Blackstone Family 4
Blackstone, Mrs. Grace W 7
Blackstone, Hon. Lorenzo 5
Black-tone. Louis L 7
Blackstone, Timothy B 5
Blackstone. William N 6
Bodenwein, Theodore 324
Borthwick, Alexander C 422
Boss, Charles D., Sr 128
Boss, Mrs. Elizabeth M 128
Boss Family 127
Bosworth, Mrs. Mary 664
idbury, John H 421
Bradford Family 508
Bradford, George H 508
Bradlev Family 35 r
Bradley. Robert D 351
Brainard Family 344
Brainard,- Martin V. B 344
Brandegee, Hon. Augustus .... 53
Brandegee Family 52
Brandegee, Frank B 54
Brayton. Charles E.. M. D 320
Brayton Family 320
Breed, Andrew H 3-5
1XDEX.
PAGE
Breed Families 325, 652
Breed, Mrs. Sarah A 653
Breed. William S 652
Brewer. Arthur H 134
Brewer Family 133
Brewer, Frederick 11 929
Brewster Families No. 767
Brewster, Frank W 88
Brewster, John D 87
Brewster, .Mrs. M. Adaliza .... 87
Brewster, Simon 767
Briggs, Charles E 397
Briggs, Charles S 310
Briggs. Charles W 29
Briggs, Ezra 156
Briggs Families 152, 319, 396
Briggs, ( ieorge T 157
Briggs, George W 155
Briggs, Horace A 396
l'.riggs, Ira G 153
Briggs, Hon. Lucius 28
Briggs. Wanton. Jr 15;
Brockway Family <<oo
Brockway. Lee L 600
Bromley Family 399
Bromley. John G 399
Bromly. Charles B 470
Bromly Family 470
Brooks, Charles II 227
Brook- Family 226
Brooks. Henry L 226
Brown. Mrs. Annie E. M 904
Brown, Hon. Ar;nur M 793
Brown, Edward T 140
Brown Families . .784. 929. 933. 941
Brown, 1 [on. Frederick J 462
Brown. Frederick 0 463
Brown. Israel F 140
Brown. James E. F 941
Brown, Palmer A 784
Brown, Robert 627
Brown, Russell M 929
Brown, Samuel S 905
Brown. William 11 945
Brown. William W 100
Browne. Daniel M 105
Browne Families 105. 309
Browne. Jeremiah H 310
Bn wne, Randall 310
Browne. William T 107
Brownell, Augustus G 546
Browning. Arba
Browning, Ezekiel H 854
Browning Families . 397, 551. 854, 867
Browning, Frank W 397
Browning, Mrs. Lillian M 551
Buckingham, Hon. William A..
LI. 1) 1
Buckley. Samuel H 476
Buell Family 352
Buell, llarley P 352
Burdick. Mrs. Joseph M 732
Burleson. F.dward F 279
Burleson Family 270
Burnham Family 84
rnham, Waterman R 84
Burrows Family 476
Burtch, Francis D 955
Burton. Mrs. Margaret 591
Burton, William 590
Bushnell Family 171
Bushnell, Deacon Henry P 171
Butler. Hon. Charle< \V 771
Biu'cr Family 771
Butt-, Charles R 951
KAOE
Butt- Family 951
Butts. Henry L 052
Buzzell Family 582
Buzzell, Orrin' A 382
Byles Family 720
Byles, George S 720
Byrne Family 896
Byrne, John F 896
Calkins. Arthur B 803
Calkins Family 803
Camp Family 385
Camp, Frederick S 386
Camp. Mrs. Harriet B 386
Campbell Family 869
Card. Edwin A 24 3
Carpenter. Albert X 490
Carpenter Family 496
Carrier, Erin -t E 661
Carrier Family 661
Carroll. Adams P 761
Carroll. Mrs. Emma F 763
Carroll Family 761
Carroll. George W 761
Carroll, Lucius W 71 <2
Caruther<. Hon. William 623
Carver. William R
Casey. Thomas W 431
Champlin. Charles F 793
Champlin Family 793
Champlin, John R 228
Champlin. Mrs. Orline 228
Chandler, Charles E 716
Chandler Family 715
Chaney. Mrs. Clara M 291
Chapel Family 831
Chapman. Amos R 519
Chapman. Charles B 345
Chapman. Charles K 921
Chapman, Dudley P 34"
Chapman. Enoch F 89
Chapman Families
80. 345- 347, 355- 860. 921
Chapman. Frank 860
Chapman. Lyman A 888
Chapman. Lyman L 335
Chapman, Sara A 861
Chappell. Alfred H 683
Chappell, Edward 51
Chappell Families 293. 683. 824
Chappell, Griswold A 825
Chappell. John 1 825
Chappell. Oliver A 293
Chappell. William H. H 825
Chase. Albert H 114
Chase. Mrs. Albert H 8. 115
Cheesebrough Family 177
Cheesebrough, Gideon P 177
Chesebro. Erastus S 939
Chesebro Family 353
Chesebro, Samuel H 353
Chesebrough. Dyer L 356
Chesebrough Families ..177. 356, 938
Chesebrough, Mrs. Nancy D... 357
Chester. Augustine S 874
Chester Family 158
Chester. Wayland M 159
Cbipman. Edwin C. M. D 500
Cbipman Family 500
Church. Mrs. Anstiss W \<-
Church, Mrs. Eliza M 207
Church, Capt. Erastus 166
Church Families. . .165, 206, 201. 932
Church. Capt. James L 167
Church, Lewis R 261
r.M.E
Church. Rollin R 931
Church. Captain Simeon 207
Church. William A 208
Clark. Mrs. Augusta M 578
Clark, Byron 228
Clark. Elizur 578
Clark Families 229. 350. 918
Clark, James X 350
Clark. William F 423
Clarke. Alfred M 730
Clarke, Elbert W 731
Clarke Families 729. 849
Clarke. John 849
Gift Family 447
Coates. Frank A. M. D 643
Coates. Frank A 643
Coggeshall Family 200
Coggeshall. John A 200
Coggeshall. Mrs. Mary S 202
Coit. Augustus 132
Coit, Charles 13*1
Coit, Col. Charles 130
Coit, Col. Charles M 130
Coit Families 12. 128
Coit, Deacon George 132
Coit. George D 132
Coit. James D 132
Coit. Robert 13
Coit, William B 14
Collins. Anson B
Collins, Daniel 484
Collins, Daniel P 484
Collins Family 35
Collins. Hon. Gilbert
Collins. Jerome J 524
Colver. Courtland E 816
Colver Family 816
Comstcck Family 257
Comstock. John J 257
Cone, Charles H 524
Cone Family 622
Cone, George W 622
Converse, Hon. Abiel 120
Converse Family 120
Cook Families 168. 805
Cook, Hiram 168
Cook. James A 805
Cottrell, Arthur M 37
Cottrell. Calvert B 36
Cottrell. Calvert B.. Jr
Cottrell. Charles P tf
Cottrell. Edgar H 37
Cottrell Families 36. }
Coult Family 615
Coult. William E :
Coult. William F 615
Crandall, Mrs. Charlotte E 749
Crandall Family 747
Crandall. Herbert L 749
Crandall. Lewis 748
Crane. Everett L 928
Crary Family 306
Crary. Jesse D 308
Cummings. Edwin L 760
Cummings. Mrs. Ida E 761
Daniels. Austin P 466
Daniels. Court b ... C 4 -
Daniels FamiU 464
Danielson, Edwin L.. M. D 624
Danielson Family
Darrow Courtland S 115
Darrq Iv Family 115
Dav [son, William H 905
D" s. Charles B 537
IN HEX.
vn
PAGE
Davis Families
99. 401. 537. 55-'. 743. 852
Davis. Capt. Henry E 852
Davis, J. Daniel 403
Davis, Joel H 552
Davis. Warren R.. M. D 743
Dawley, Arthur J 638
Dawley, Charles H 798
Dawley Families 638, 798
Dawley, Herbert F 638
Day Family 705
Day, James 1 705
Denison, Daniel B 682
Denison Families . .250. 258, 487, 682
Denison, Frederic 258
Denison, Ralph H 250
Denison. Walter R 486
Devotion Family 697
Devotion. Col. John L 697
Dewey Family 557
Dewhurst. Rev. Eli 231
DeWolf. Asahel R 713
DeYYolf Family 712
DeWolf, George W 713
DeWolf. John A 713
DeWolf. Roger W 713
Dickinson. Mrs. S. Spicer 34
Dimmock Family 530
Dimmock, Leverett N 530
Dion, Philias 439
Dolbeare Families 752, 899
Dolbeare, John 899
Donovan, Joseph T 415
Douglas, Albert G 44
Douglas Family 43
Douglass. Edmund P., M. D.... 412
Drake. Norman L.. M. D 861
Duchette, Napoleon 563
Dudley Family 765
Dudley, Samuel 765
Eaton, Dwight M 785
Eaton Family 785
Fccles, John 231
Eccleston Family 671
Edgcomb, Howard A S32
Edgecomb Family 955
Edgecomb, W. Carey 955
Ely Families 236, 859
Ely, Judge George 859
Ely, J. Griffin, M. D 216
Ely. Gen. William G 236
Evarts, Daniel R 79
Faitoute. Mrs. Harriet B 888
Fanning Family Si 1
Fanning. Frederick H 81 1
Farnsworth Family 60
Farnsworth, Dr. Frederick 62
Farnsworth, Ralph, M. D 60
Faulkner Family 836
Faulkner. Francis W 836
Fay. Xahum 464
Fenner Family 437
Ferguson, Charles F 427
Finn, Hon. James H 801
Fish, Alden 296
Fish, Alden (1808) 296
Fish, Hon. Asa 296
Fish Families 294, ?J )
Fish, John 0 295
Fish, J. Randall 297
Fish, Julia A 580
Fish, Nathan S 297
Fish, Simeon 297
PAGE
Fitch Families 45, 646
Fitch, Horace M 442
Fitch, James 646
Fitch, William H 47
Fletcher Family 714
Fletcher. William S 714
Fones Family 416
Fones, William A 416
Foote Family 222
Foote, Horace 222
Ford, Mrs. Elizabeth J 805
Ford Family 804
Ford, Henry N 804
Forsyth, John 324
Foster, Hon. Lafayette S., LL. D. 57
Fournier, Albert A 867
F( umber. Alexander 877
Fowler Family 821
Fowler, Frank P 821
Fowler. Mrs. James 116
Francis. Alvah 286
Francis, Dr. David P 660
Francis Family 286
Francis, George F 287
Freeman, Samuel H 463
Frink, A. Elizabeth 290
Frink Families 289, 668
Frink, George A 669
Frink, George W 668
Frink, Henry 670
Frink, Lemuel W 669
Frink, Solomon A 289
Frink. Wayland B 670
Fuller, Mrs. Angelina X 10
Fuller. Daniel T 865
Fuller Family 865
Gager Families 68. 597. 724
Gager, Othniel 68
Gallup, Charles D 99
( lallup. E. Byron 864
Gallup Families 96, 390, 86_i
Gallup, Henry H 98
Gallup. Isaac 98
Gallup. Origen S 503
Gardiner Family 513
Gardiner, John N 513
Gardner, Benjamin B 454
Gardner, Douglas W 887
Gardner Families 393, 452. 946
( lardner, George H 452
Gardner, Henry 946
Gardner, Horace 453
Gardner, Maj. Nathan R 483
Gardner, Noel B 453
Gardner. Stephen 454
Gardner, Washington R 303
Gardner. William B 453
Gates Family 184
Gates. Hon. William F 184
Gavitt, F. Ft 483
Gay, William R. 78
( ieer, David A 440
Geer. David H / 4->iS
Geer. Erastus S 582
Geer Families
... .55. 414, 428, 440. 582. 739, 914
Geer, Nathan 9*4
( leer. Dr. Sidney L 413
Geer. Thomas II 55
Gilbert Family 707
Gilbert, Nathan S 707
Gillette Families 388, 874
Gillette. Isaac 388
Gillette. Deacon William W. . . . 874
PAGE
Glasbrenner, Paul P 952
( iledhill, Eli 424
Grant, Charles W 441
Grant, Daniel W 603
Grant Family 441
Grant, George G 545
(.ray. William IF, M. D 362
Greene, Augusta B 57
Greene Families 141, 678
Greene, Gardiner 680
Greene, Mrs. Mary A 143
Greene, Capt. Samuel 141
Greene, William P S7- 679
Greeneberg, Louis W 880
Greenman, Hon. George 256
Griffin Family 127
Griswold, Elizabeth 659
Griswold Families 91. 658. 691
Griswold, Richard S 91
Grumley. Capt. Edward M 876
Guile, Daniel S 758
Guile Family 758
Guile, Mrs. Lydia A 759
Haley. Albert 506
Haley. Caleb ^ij^
Halev Families 50^. 815. 893
Haley, John R 815
Hall Family 618
Hall. Nathan H 618
Halsey, Hon. Jeremiah 15
Hamilton, Col. Richard J 8gr
Hamilton, Hon. Thomas 375
Hancox Family 456
Hancox, Lucy A 457
Hancox, Nathaniel 457
Hancox, Peleg 457
Hanford Family 502
Hanford. Dr. William J 502
Hanover, Clinton D 4;r
I lanover Family 451
Hardwick, Mrs. Cassie V 306
Harland. Gen. Edward 248
Harris Families 70. 556
Harris, George R., M. D 557
Harris, Hon. Jonathan N 70
Harvey. Allen W 617
Harvey, Uriah D 616
Harvey. William E 893
Harwood, Hon. Calvin L ^,22
I [awkins Family 458
Hawkins, Frank 457
Hazen. Charles T 700
Hazen Family 700
Heath. Charles R 945
Hebard Family 326
Hempstead Family 598
Hempstead, George R 636
Hempstead. William S 598
Henderson, Ro! t 299
Herrick, Alonzo 90
Merrick. Burrill A 90
Herrick Family 90
Hewes, Frank W., M. D 253
Hewitt. Albert F 873
Hewitt, Alden W 859
Hewitt, Charles E 886
I [ewitt, Charles T 859
Hewitt Families. . . . 122. 466. 858. 885
I I ewitt, George E 122
Hewitt. George W 466
Hewitt. Mrs. Rachel B 859
Higgins, Michael 813
1 [illard Family 149
Hillard, William A.. M. D 152
\
V11I
INDEX.
PAGE
Hillard, William II
I tinckley, Judge Elias B
Hinckley Family
1 linnian. Capt. Elisha
I [olbrook, Charles S
I I olbrook Family
llolbrook. Hon. Supply T
Holmes Families 357, 70s,
Holmes, George N
Holmes, Capt. Joseph \Y
Holmes, Shubael
I [olmes, William K
Holt Family
Holt, William A
Home, Dan D
1 Ionic Family
Home, William II
I lopkins, Charles L
1 lopkins, Charles W
Hopkins Family
Hopkins. Henry 11
1 lough Family
I lough, Jabez B
House, John C
Hovey Families 268.
1 Iovey, Henry
Hovey, James A
>enison E
Hoxie, Edward A
Ffoxie Families 446, 629
Hoxie, George H
1 [oxie, John II
Hubbard, Charles L
Hubbard Family
1 [ubbard, Howard A
1 lull Family
Hull, G. Curtis
Huntington, Channing M
Huntington Families. -.'. -28r, 683,
Huntington, Lucy A
Huntington, Lynde L
Hurlbut, Alfred
Hurlbut, Mrs. Elizabeth B
Ibut Family
Hurlbutt Family
Hurlbutt, Henry VV
1 1\ de, Albegence
Hyde, Burrell W
1 lyde. Eugene P
1 lyde Families
-'47. -'40, 322, (.oj. 828,
1 lyde, Frank E
. Rev. Frederick S
Hyde. Janus II
I lyde. Samuel N
. William II
Jensen, Mrs. Susan M
me, Benjamin W
] Families 37..',
Jeromi . Franklin S
Jerome, I [enry G
Richard A I
] uilily
Laban R
1 iin, Raymond J
on, ( lharles S
Johnson, I 'avid A . Jr
Families
+07, 562. 72.
Mr-. !■'. Eliza
. I lenry I )
Johnson, Jehiel 1
Nathan, M. I)
Johnson, Oliver I
152
-'45
245
706
12
11
11
833
833
359
795
360
159
159
4-7
4-'7
428
235
234
232
233
315
315
461
709
268
709
629
636
7'>7
797
446
20
r8
505
534
534
743
74-'
283
283
764
-65
764
872
872
894
870
804
870
-'47
222
602
828
392
523
37.}
438
404
438
372
118
[l8
448
407
"54
70
547
7?"
713
OK)
PAGE
Johnson, Samuel 561
Johnson. Dr. Samuel 723
Johnson, Samuel G., M. D 723
Johnson, Samuel H 70
Johnson, Samuel N 954
Johnson, William G 407
Johnston, Mrs. Clarina B. (an-
cestry of) 569
Johnston, Cornelia 572
Johnston, William S. (ancestry
of) 568
Jones Family 635
Jones, Frank J 636
Jones. Deacon Gurdon A., Jr... 635
Jones. Isaac S 635
Jordan Family o.22_
Jordan, Frederick D 923"
Jordan, William P 923
Kampf, George 58 1
Keeney Family 845
Keener, Frank G 845
Keeney, George A 847
Keigwin. Daniel A 500
Kelsey, Dwight 843
Kenyon. Charles H 163
Kenyon, Edward C 52$
Kenyon, Mrs. Emeline 1! 163
Kenyon Families 334, 525
Kies Family 371")
Kies, ( ieorge W 370
Kies. Marietta 376
Kilbourne Family 514
Killeen, Joseph F 034
Kilroy Family 488
Kilroy, William 488
King Family 807
King, J. I lenry 807
Kingsley, 1 lenry II 319
Kingsley. Hon. Henry W 317
lie. Charles II.. Ph. D 403
Kinne, Mrs. Charlotte B [03
Kinne Family 503
Knapp Family 391
Knowles, Edwin II.. M. D 882
Ladd, Andrew T 034
204
Ladd, Deacon Austin 477
Ladd. Charles II 412
Ladd Families. .202, 260. 412. 477, 716
Ladd, Frank M 718
Ladd. Mrs. Louise P> 261
Ladd. Marvin 717
I. add, N. Austin 478
Ladd. William 260
Lamb. Charles W 882
Lamphere, Bertha M 630
Lanphear Family 193
Lanp P 196
Lanphere, Albert H 605
Lanphere Families 695. 606
1 arkin, William H 550
Lan \dam on
1 .arrabee Familv qtt
tham, Capt. Benjamin W 380
ham Families 70. 588, 800
Latham, 1 renry "... 588
Latham. Mrs. ('• 678
ipt. Silas I! 677
Latham. Thomas A 672
Latham. Cant. William IT 588
Latham. Williai 1 W 450
PAGE
Lalhrop, Arthur I) 411
Lathrop, Edwin II 410
Lathrop Families 103, 408, 676
Lathrop, Frank L 105
Lathrop, John P> 411
Lathrop, James H 410
Lathrop, Jonathan L 104
Lathrop, William B 676
Latimer, Mrs. Arabella P 220
Latimer Family 225
Latimer, Joseph S 224
Lawrence Family 755
Lawrence, Francis W 756
Lawrence, Sebastian D 755
Lawton. Harold 417
Learned, Major Bela P 100
Learned. Billings P 701
Learned Families 101, 701
LeClaire, Jean 1! 950
LeCount, Mrs. Georgiana 396
LeCount, Thomas E 305
Lee. Charles B 384
Lee Families 384,
Lee. John H I
Leffingwell, 1 Janiel C 600
Leffingwell Families. .. .430, 502.
Leffingwell, John 430
Leffingwell, John H 593
Leffingwell, Orrin B 593
Lester Family •
Lester, Reuben II 7
Lewis Families 202. 444. !
Lewis, Henry 93c
Lewis, I [orace G 444
Lewis, Capt. Ira F 8
Lewis, Hon. John N 292
Lewis, Mrs. Lucy A 820
Lewis. Napoleon 15., M. D
Lewis. Nathan B $20
Linicus, Jacob 855
Linnell, Edward II.. M. D 652
Linnell Family 651
Linnell, Jonathan E 65;
Lippitt, Mrs. Charles C 373
Lippitt, Costello 80
Lippitt Family 80
mis, Alba W 298
harles C 790
Loomis, Charles IT 490
1 ,( 11 imis, Edwin A
mis Families
. .. .92, 298, 490. 511. 54->, ;
Loomis, Hon. Francis B
Loomis, Mrs. Phebe S 543
rniis, William B 542
d Families 126, 492
I.i rd, < r -
L - mily 520
ing. George II 5->r
Loring, W;
Lucas, Aaron 529
Lucas, Benjamin 526
Lucas. Samuel 7'<-
Lucas, Hon. Solomon 884
I. nee. Cathcart 666
Luce. Edward 666
Luce, Edward C 1
Luce. Francis C '
I. nee, Capt. James V :
Luce. Tohn F 667
e, John W 1
Ludington, Charles II 124
Ludington Family i-'4
Lyman Family 5*8
Lyman, George W 518
INDEX.
IX
PAGE
McCall Family .' 531
.McDonald Family 311
McDonald, Tohn E 310
McDonald, John W 674
McDougall, John 838
McNicol, Archie 948
MacDonald Family 227
MacDonald, Michael B 227
Main, Alonzo 629
Main, Appleton 340
Main, Charles E 421
Main Families 338, 628
Main. Isaac 944
.A I am, Seth W 34°
Main, William L 629
Main, William L. (dec'd) 628
Maine, Albert B 266
Maine, Charles H 863
Maine Families 266, 786
Manierre Family 647
Manierre, William B 647
Manning Family 108
Manning, Francis M 108
Manwaring, Mrs. Ellen B 213
Manwaring Families 208, 329
Manwaring, James H 329
Manwaring, Robert A 208
Manwaring, Wolcott B 213
Maples, Capt. Charles 558
Maples Families 558, 805
Maples. Frank T 316
Marquardt Brothers 917
Marshall. Rufus W 617
Marvin Family 512
Marvin, Hon. William 512
Mason Family 160
Mason, Mrs. Frederick T 149
Mason, James F 160
Mason, Hon. Jeremiah 162
Matson Family 48
Matson, Mrs. Harriet H 49
Matson, Col. Israel 48
Matthewson Family 617
Maxson, Charles P 437
Maxson Family 436
Maxson, William E 436
Maynard Family 330
Maynard, Sylvester H 330
Meech, Andrew H 745
Meech, Charles S 589
Meech, Dwight T 607
Meech Families 607, 745
Meeker Family 107
Meeker, George W 107
Meeker, Mrs. Louise L 108
Middleton, Mrs. George W 735
Miller, Albert B 902
Miller, Calvin M 611
Miller, Charles W 902
Miller, Herbert T 533
Miller, John P 532
Miner, Alton T 913"
Miner, E. Jndson 432
Miner, Elisha M 197
Miner, Mrs. Emily 197
Miner, Erastus D 109
Miner Families. 109, 196, 273, 432, 913
Miner, Frederick R 275
Miner, Sidney 272,
Miner, Sidney H 275
Miner, Thomas- A 197
Miner, William H 197
Minson, John H 610
Mitchel Family 890
Mitchel, Henry A 891
PAGE
Mitchel, Mrs. Sarah A 891
Mitchell, Albert G 84
Mitchell, John 83
Moon, Jesse A 506
Morgan, Augustus V 279
Morgan, Benedict W 186
Morgan, Christopher 374
Morgan, Elias F 826
Morgan, Elijah A no
Morgan Families. ..42, no, 186,
277, 284, 290, 357, 374, 471,
480, 545, 644, 696, 826, 897, 904
Morgan, Francis W 279
Morgan, Frederick P 644
Morgan, James A 480
Morgan, Capt. John A 827
Morgan, John A 284
Morgan, John C 286
Morgan, John S 291
Morgan, John W 897
Morgan, Luther A 696
Morgan, Nathan M., M. D 544
Morgan, Nelson 278
Morgan, Robert A 291
Morgan, Deacon Roswell A.... 279
Morgan, Samuel N 471
Morgan, Mrs. Sarah S 291
Morgan, Stanley G 43
Morgan, Walter C 187
Mowry Family 148
Mowry, Col. William C 148
Murray, James 794
Newbury Family 577
Newbury, Thomas H 577
Newton Family 704
Newton, George L 704
Newton, John M 427
Nichols, Franklin 51
Norman Family 559
Norman, Samuel G 559
Norton, Clarence H .883
Norton Families 8, 386, 883
Norton, Henry B 9
Norton, Mary F 10
Norton, William A 10
Norton, William T 10
Nott, Rev. Samuel, D. D 63
Noyes, Benjamin F 375
Noyes, Charles R 720
Noyes, Edwin B 206
Noyes Families. .. .204, 554, 718, 746
Noyes, Franklin B 746
Noyes, Henry 72n
Noyes, Henry B. (1873) 747
Noyes, Henry B. (1837) 204
Noyes, Nathaniel P 554
Noyes, Walter C 719
O'Brien, John T 956
O'Hea, John 583
Osgood, Charles, M. D 220
Osgood, Charles H 220
Osgood Family 218
Osgood, Frederic L 221
Osgood, Gilbert 220
Osgood, Hon. Hugh H 16
Osgood, Mrs. Mary G 220
Osgood, Mrs. Mary R 17
Osgood, William C 221
Ostman, Frederick J 892
Otis Family 493
Owen, John A 287
Packer, Daniel F 72
PAGE
Packer Family 72
Palmer, Benjamin H y^
Palmer, Charles C 895
Palmer, Edward A 66
Palmer, Hon. Elisha H 65
Palmer, Elisha L 67
Palmer, Mrs. Emeline 820
Palmer, Eugene 381
Palmer Families. 64, 381, 612, 819, 910
Palmer, Frank L 67
Palmer, Franklin W 819
Palmer, George S 68
Palmer, Henry F 612
Palmer, Henry M 819
Palmer, Mrs. Isabelle M 66
Palmer, James B 910
Palmer, Noyes S 819
Palmer, Hon. Robert 116
Palmer, Robert, Jr 118
Palmer, Shepard B 368
Palmer, Hon. William H 179
Palmer, William W 660
Parish Family 288
Parish, Nathaniel 288
Parish, Raymond N 288
Park, Angus 312
Park, Burrows R 744
Park Family 364
Park, William 364
Parker, Augustus A 750
Parker, Ebenezer F 522
Parker Families 521, 750
Parker, Gerard L '. 523
Parker, Henry F 523
Parker, Henry L 523
Parker, John F 523
Parker, Theodore R 752
Parsons, Hon. George E 308
Peabody Family 263
Peabody, Joseph 263
Peck, Charles L 577
Peck Family 810
Peckham Families 823, 924
Peckham, John 0 924
Pecor, Thaddeus 935
Pember, Andrew G 919
Pember Family 9'9
Pendleton, Alexander B 728
Pendleton, Charles A 728
Pendleton, Charles M 7^7
Pendleton Families 191, 726
Pendleton, Moses 191
Pendleton, Moses A 192
Perkins, Charles A 366
Perkins, Charles C 926
Perkins Families 366, 630, 925
Perkins, Thomas A 630
Perreault, Rev. Joseph P 423
Phelps, Hon. Erskine M 179
Phelps Family 178
Phillips, Charles H 449
Phillips Families 449, 831
Phillips, John W 878
Phillips, Thomas D 831
Pierce, Moses 21
Piatt, Charles B 738
Piatt Family 74°
Piatt. Mrs. Olive W 741
Pollard, Mrs. Ann E 181
Pollard, William J. H 180
Pope Family 763
Potter, Elihu H 901
Potter, Hon. Elisha 361
Potter Families ,^2, 901, 902
Potter, John 361
INDEX,
PAGE
Powers, ( ieorge H 7-s
Pratt Family 578
Pratt, George II 578
Prentice, Hon. Amos W 7
Prentice, Andrew T 641
Prentice, Charles W 621
ntice, Ephraim 621
Prentice Families ~. 621, 640
Prentice. Deacon Samuel 640
Purdy, Alexander M., M. D.... 255
Randall, Benjamin F
Randall, Erastus R
Randall Families 585,
Randall. Capt. Jason L
Ransom. Mrs. Emeline T
Ransom. Rev. George R
Rathbun Family
Rathbun, Judge Herbert W
Rathbun, J. Alden
Rathbun, Capt. Latham
Rathbun. Walter P
Rathbun, William O
Raymond Families 276,
Raymond, James L
Raymond. J. Lawrence
Raymond, Richard
Raymond, Richard II
Reade. Mrs. Faith B. P
Reade, Hezekiah L
Reed. James L
Richmond, Albert E
Richmond Family
Richmond, George J
Richmond, 1 lenry A
Richmond. Tohn M
Riley. William J
Riple\ Family
Ripley, George B
Ripley, Hannah L
R.x. Orrin S
th, Edwin A
Roath Family
Re >ath. Frank A
Roath. Louis P
Robinson, Mrs. Anna K
Robinson, Capt. Charles
Robinson Families
371. 4^4- 616, 625,
Robinson. Francis
Robinson, Frank E
Robinson. John
Robinson, Deacon Lavius A. ...
Rogers, Albert W
Rogers, F.lisha
Rogers, Mrs. Elizabeth
Rogers Families. 40, 223, 054. S44.
rs, Deacon (Ieorge W
Rogers, John P>
Rogers, President M
Reuben P
Ruggles Family
Ruggles, 1 ton. I lenry ■. . .
58S
531
861
861
400
400
238
240
239
240
240
239
404
277
277
404
406
122
121
-jo
253
-754
-'54
253
947
112
112
114
591
199
197
200
199
486
625
73-'
7V
615
486
4-'4
657
04S
845
948
223
844
538
312
312
Family 40S
Sawyer Family 879
Sawyer. Roswell P SSo
Scholfield, Benjamin F 303
Scholfield, Charles F 302
Scholfield Family 300
Scholfield, John F 302
it Family 304
[bhn \ 305
itt, Capt. Thomas A 304
•t. Thomas A., Jr 444
W.
N
Smith.
Smith.
Smith
Smith,
Scranton, Mrs. Mary F. . .
Seymour. Maxcy
Shaw, Alexander F
Shay. Clarence M
Sheffield Family
Sheffield, Mrs. Harriet P. .
Sheffield, Dr. Washington
Sheldon. Mrs. Mary L. . . .
Sherman, Mrs. Caroline M
Sherman, Frederick M
Sherman, John F
Sherman. Lucy A
Sherman. Oliver
Sholes Family
Sholes, Jeremiah F
Sholes. Ransom S
Sisson Family
n. 1 lenry B
Si stare Family
Sistare, Capt. James H
Smith, Charles 11
Capt. Charles 11
Emma A
Families. .. .175, 378. 90S,
Capt. 1 lenry A
Smith. Rev. James J
Smith. John C
Smith, Joseph E
Smith, Owen S
Soule, Mary
Soule. William, M. D
Spalding, Archibald S
Spalding. D. Burrows
Spalding Families 539,
Spalding, Mrs. Henry A
Spencer, Charles E
Spencer Families 516,
Spencer. Wilbur L. L
Spicer, Edward E
Spicer. Elihu
Spicer, Capt. Elihu P
Spicer Families 32, 137.
Spicer, James C
Spicer, John S
Stafford, Albert
Family
Amos G
Benjamin F
Families. 29, 172, 257.632
Howard L
John D
Oscar F
Stanton. Robert A
Starbuck. Mrs. Richard H
Stark. Everett X
Stark Families 248,
Steiner. John
Stevens Family
Stevens, William R
Steward. Herbert
Stewart Charles E
Stewart Family
Stiles. Edward A
Stiles Family
Stoddard. Mrs. Dorcas R
Stoddard. I lenrv
Stoll, Charles B
Stoll, Mrs. Louisa
Storer, Egbert
i" Family
Storer. John II
Story, Mrs. Mary T. F
Story, William T
Strong. Charles B
Stron-. Edward F
Standish
Stanton,
Stanton,
Stanton
Stanton.
Stanti m.
Stanton.
PAGE
■ 95
■ 953
• 382
. 812
■ 435
• 43C
• 435
■ 283
• 77"
. 848
• 737
• 730
• 675
675
. 720
• 853
■ 853
782
. 782
911
175
177
936
90S
5L5
93o
634
380
165
164
606
539
606
137
516
596
596
691
34
33
687
139
517
796
754
889
172
70S
05-'
173
29
-
265
265
687
770
770
77"
048
948
875
875
r77
576
580
58]
474
475
47"
551
55-'
481
455
PAGE
Strong. Edward L 454
Strong Family 481
Sullivan, James P 442
Sutton, James B 263
Swan. Coddington W 927
Swan Families 731. 927
Swan. Lucius 73 r
Swan. Mrs. Susan 92S
Sweet, Dr. Charles 328
Sweet Family 327.
Sweet, Dr. J. Byron 335
Swift, Caroline L 712
Swift Family 711
Swift. Solomon E., M. D 712
Taylor. Charles H 456
Taylor, Charles M 456
Taylor Family 455
Taylor, John C. M. D 515
Taylor. Nelson 514
Taylor, William 546
Terry, William H 710
Thomas, Elisha S 650
Thomas Families 472, 649
Thomas, George H 474
Thomas. Deacon James V 473
Thomas, William G 474
Thomas. William S 650
Thompson Family 777
Thompson, Isaac W 777
Thompson. Mary E 778
Thompson, Dr. George 451
Thompson, (ieorge D 671
Throop Family 598
Tift Families 1 s7. sS4
Tift. Henry H 585
Tift. William H 856
Tompkins, Deacon Benjamin W 56
Tompkins Family s6
Tompkins, Odell D 1S7
Tracy Families 39. 782
Tracy, Henry B., Esq 241
Tracy. John II 783
Trumbull Families 22. 693
Trumbull, Frank 692
Trumbull, Horace X 693
Trumbull, Jonathan 26
Tucker. Thurston 77
Turner, Edward L 917
Turner Family 917
Tyler Family 135
Ulmer, Mrs. Eleonore 490
Ulmer, Frank 489
Walden Family 604
Walden, William B 604
Walt mi. William 772
Ward Family 510
Ward. Capt. William D 510 .
Warner. Edgar M 27
Warner Family 27
Way Family 340
Webb. Charles f>
Webb Families 251. 693
Welib, I. Theodore 2^2
Wells, Hon. David A 49
Wells Family 40
Wheeler, Arthur G I
Wheeler, Charles E 202
Wheeler. Charles II 271
Wheeler. Dudley R 41 S
Wheeler Families .. 269, 418, (120. (>Sr
Wheeler, Fernando 6S2
IN HEX.
XI
Wheeler, George A
Wheeler, Grace D
Wheeler, Henry D
Wheeler, Horace N
Wheeler. Joshua B
Wheeler, Nelson H
Wheeler, Richard
Wheeler, Judge Richard A.
Wheeler, William E
Wh
Wh
Wh
Wh
Wh
Wh
Wh
Wh
Wh
Wh
Wli
Wh
Wh
pple Families 634,
pple. Timothy T
pple, W. F
te, Charles D
te, Edwin F
te Family
te, James R
ton, David E
ton Family
ton, Lucius E
ttlesey Family
ttlesey, George D
ttlesev, Mrs. George D...94,
Wiggin, Charles D., M. D
Wiggin Family
Wilbur Families 389,
Wilbur, James T
Wilbur, Capt. Robert P
PAGE
. 682
• 505
• 419
. 271
. 400
. 68l
. 620
• 504
2/0
840
840
634
802
672
672
645
337
336
338
252
252
253
73J
733
903
808"
903
PAGE
Wilbur. Prof. William A 389
Wilcox, Capt. Elias F 468
Wilcox Family 468
Wilcox, Leander 468
Wilcox, Orrin A 469
Wilcox, Capt. Rowland H 469
Willard Family 789
Willard, Rev. Samuel G 789
Willard, Samuel P 790
Williams, Benjamin F 264
Williams, Charles C 479
Williams, Charles M 724
Williams, Mrs. E. A. W 505
Williams, Elias 609
Williams. E. Winslow 38
Williams Families 38,
88, 264, 479, 527, 564, V5,
608, 654, 724, 735, 912, 920. 94-'
Williams, Hon. George 143
Williams, George C 144
Williams, Giles 736
Williams, Horace 0 912
Williams, Capt. Jerome W 368
Williams, Joseph S 609
Williams, Leonard N 920
Wrilliams, Mrs. Nancy B. (ances-
try of) 567
PAGE
Williams, Nathaniel B 574
Williams, Simeon B 564
Williams. William A 942
Williams, William C. (ancestry
. of) 566
\\ illiams, Winslow T 40
Winchester Family 554
Winchester, Isaac 0 554
Winship, Theophilus Y 244
Winters, Charles J 47_8
Witter Family 134
Wood, Howard L., M. D 957
Woodward, Ashbel, M. D 74
Woodward Family 229
Woodward, Henry R 230
Woodward, Russell G 229
York, Benjamin F 886
Young, Adelbert R 311
Young, Alfred A 809
Young. Alfred A. (1864) 811
Young, Charles 393
Young Families i8r, 673, 809
Young. Mrs. Phillipina 393
Young, William B 181
Young, William P 673
ClfMuJz
BIOGRAPHICAL
ator Buckingham in
ON. WILLIAM A. BUCK-
INGHAM, LL.D., former
governor of Connecticut and
United States Senator, a
resident of Norwich. (The
sketch as follows was pre-
pared by the late Noah Por-
ter, D.D., LL.D., at the time
president of Yale, and ap-
peared as a Memoir of Sen-
the New England Historical
and Genealogical Register of January, 1876, and
without question it is the most complete character
sketch of Mr. Buckingham in print, and one most
appropriate for the Commemorative Record of his
native county. "The writer of this sketch knew
Senator Buckingham from before the beginning of
his public career to the end of his life, and had fre-
quent opportunities to judge of him in almost every
one of the relations which have been named. After
abating all that might be required from the partic-
ulars of personal friendship, he can honestly give
his testimony that a conscientious sincerity and a
graceful symmetry gave the strength and beauty to
a character which other generations may reasonably
hold in the highest honor.")
William Alfred Buckingham was born in Leba-
non, Conn., May 28, 1804. His father, Samuel, was
born in Saybrook, and was a descendant in the direct
line from the Rev. Thomas Buckingham, the minis-
ter of Saybrook (1665-1709), one of the ten found-
ers of Yale College, and one of the moderators of
the Synod which framed the Saybrook Platform.
Thomas was the son of Thomas, one of the original
members of the New Haven Colony, but soon re-
moved to Milford, where he was one of the "seven
pillars" of the Church at its organization. His
mother, Joanna Matson, was born in Lyme, Conn.,
Jan. 25, 1777, died Dec. 9, 1846. The parents began
their married life at Saybrook, but soon removed to
Lebanon, where they died and were buried. Will-
iam was the second of six children, the others being
Abigail, born March 26, 1801, died June 2y, 1861 ;
Lucy Ann, born Oct. 25, 1806, died Sept. 2, 1853 ;
Samuel Matson, born July 12, 1809, died Nov. 26,
1810; Samuel Giles, born Nov. 18, 1812; Israel
Matson, born Aug. 5, 1816.
Lebanon is a quiet, pleasant country town,
scarcely a village, eleven miles from Norwich, on the
high road to Hartford. Its broad and grassy street
is bordered by a few farmhouses, comfortable and
neat rather than elegant, which are distributed at
convenient distances for the uses of the more than
usually comfortable farmers who own them. Near
the meeting-house are a few dwellings a little more
distinguished, as the former residences of the Gov-
ernors Trumbull, with the "store," which, during
and ever since the war of the Revolution, has been
dignified by the name of the "Old Wrar Office."
Lebanon had been for nearly fifty-four years — from
December, 1772, to February, 1826 — trained and
honored by the ministry of Solomon Williams. D. D.,
brother of Elisha Williams, Rector of Yale College,
and himself a leader among the Connecticut divines.
Here was born, in 17 10, the first Jonathan Trumbull,
who graduated at Harvard College in 1727, and was
chosen Governor of Connecticut annually from 1769
to 1783 — which office he resigned after fifty years
of public service. His son Jonathan, born at Leb-
anon, graduated at Harvard College, 1759, was pay-
master to the army, 1776- 1 778 ; secretary and aide to
Washington, 1780-1783 ; in 1789, member of Con-
gress; in 1791, Speaker of the Lower House; in
1794, senator; and from 1798 to 1809, Governor of
Connecticut. An academy also graced this village
green, and had been sustained for many years with
more or less regularity.
Here were all the conditions for the training of a
character like that of Senator Buckingham. A small
population all known to one another ; nearly enough
upon a level to be animated by a common sympathy,
and yet sufficiently varied in position and culture
to be able to give without condescension, and to re-
ceive without servility ; all devout in their habits,
and worshiping with simple rites in the one church
which their fathers had planted ; all laboring for a
livelihood, and therefore industrious in habits and
simple in manners ; all believing in intelligence and
courtesy as only inferior to godliness. No thought-
ful vouth could live in such a community without
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
special incitements to public spirit and the love of
country. The traditions of the old war office would
stir the heart of any aspiring boy who saw with his
own eyes the marks of the spurs left by orderlies and
aides-de-camp as they sat waiting for dispatches,
and listened with bated breath to the stories of the
Revolution, which fell from the lips of all the elders
of the town, and heard them describe, as they had
seen, the persons of Washington, LaFayette, Knox
and Rochambean. Xor could such a boy stand be-
fore the Trumbull tomb in the old burying ground.
where were garnered the sacred dust of the two gov-
ernors, of Joseph, the first commissary-general in the
war of the Revolution, and of William Williams,
one of the signers of the Declaration of Independ-
ence, without imbibing some of that patriotism.
Living from his earliest vears under such influ-
ences, the dignity of a life of public duty, and of
sacrifice for God and country, could not but be
impressed upon a nature so sensitive and high-
minded as was that of young Buckingham. Most
influential of all was the atmosphere of his own
home, over which the grave but gentle father pre-
sided with unpretending dignity, and which was
pervaded by the cheerful sunlight of an active and
loving mother, whose ministries of love and blessing
filled the whole community. Besides the education
of his home, with its lessons of industry and duty,
of self-sacrifice and courtesy, and the education of
the community, with its patriotic memories and
pride, Mr. Buckingham had the best advantages
of the public schools and academy of Lebanon, and
of the Bacon Academy at Colchester, which at that
time was much resorted to. One of his schoolmates
at Colchester, from a distant part of the State, had
described him as being in his youth what he was in
manhood, singularly manly, earnest, noble and at-
tractive. He labored upon the farm with a willing
heart and strong hands. He taught a district school
at Lyme a single winter, when eighteen years old,
with great success. When twenty years of age he
entered a drv floods house in Norwich as clerk.
After a year's experience there and a few months
in a wholesale bouse in New York, he opened a
dry goods store in Norwich. In 1830 he engaged in
the manufacture of ingrain carpets, which he con-
tinued for eighteen years. In 1848 he relinquished
both these occupations and embarked in the manu-
facture of India-rubber goods, and was made the
treasurer and an active director in the Hayward
Rubber Company. Subsequently he became inter-
id in several important manufacturing enter-
prises. As a man of business he was distinguished
for industry, integrity and promptness. He uni-
formly fulfilled his engagements, and his credit was
unquestioned for any sum which he required for
himself, or for his country.
( )n Sept. 27. 1830, he was married to Miss Eliza
Ripley, daughter of Dwight Ripley, of Norwich, she
being eminently fitted to make his life cheerful and
public-spirited, and whose hospitality was as cordial
and liberal as his own. Mrs. Buckingham died
April 19, 1868, leaving his home and heart desolate.
His only son, William Ripley, died in early child-
hood, and his surviving daughter, Eliza Coit, born
Dec. 7, 1838, was married Aug. 28, 1861, to William
A. Aiken, who served upon his staff, as quarter-
master general, during the war, and since his mar-
riage has made his home in Norwich.
In 1830 he became a communicant in the Second
Congregational Church, and was prominent in the
organization of a new church in 1842, of which he
was a deacon, and a conspicuous and most zealous
friend and benefactor. He was a Sunday-school
teacher for thirty-seven years of his life, excepting
four years during the war. He was principal chair-
man of the National Congregational Council in Bos-
ton in 1865. He was always in public and private
pronounced in the avowal of the Christian faith,
and always fervent and decided in the expression of
Christian feeling. The prayers which hallowed his
home and edified many Christian assemblies will not
soon be forgotten by those who heard them. His
Christian liberality was from the first to the last uni-
formly generous, cheerful and systematic. He was
in principle and in practice a decided friend of tem-
perance, and from the beginning to the end of his
public life, which was distinguished for lavish and
refined hospitality, he never deviated, in public or
in private, from the letter or the spirit of his avowed
pledges and principles. His interest in education
was intelligent, constant and most liberal. He was
foremost in all the movements of his fellow citizens
for the improvement of the public schools, was active
and generous from the first in the endowment and
management of the Norwich Free Academv, and
was a princely benefactor of Yale College, especially
of the Theological Department. Some of his liberal
contributions were the spontaneous offerings of his
conscientious and willing generosity. He was not
content with giving himself, but was active in
prompting others to contribute, and always with
refined courtesy. His benefactions were by no
means confined to public societies and institutions.
To the poor and unfortunate he was a sympathizing
and tender-hearted friend, giving with a cheerful
heart, with wise discretion, with a delicate regard
to the feelings of those whom he helped, and with
unfeigned modesty. Before he entered political life,
he was known as a quiet and modest citizen, unob-
trusive in manners, though firm in principle, rarely
if ever participating in public discussion, conspicu-
ously intelligent, courteous and refined, and as con-
spicuously unobtrusive in the public manifestations
of his opinions.
Though decided in his political sympathies and
opinions, and though not infrequently solicited to be
a candidate for a seat in the Legislature of the State,
he consented but once, and was defeated. In 1849,
1850, 1856 and 1857 he was mayor of Norwich. In
1858 he was elected Governor of Connecticut, not so
much on the ground of his eminent political services
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
or any special gifts of statesmanship, as on account
of the universal confidence which was reposed in his
good sense, his integrity, his courtesy, and his emi-
nent moral worth. He had not been known to the
people of the State as a public leader. He had been
least of all prominent as manager or leader in any
party relations, although he had been decided and
zealous at home in the councils of the Republican
party from its first organization, as he had previously
been in the \\ 'big party before it. He had never
had the opportunity of being known to the leading
men of the State as a speaker in legislative assem-
bly, or in any other than small assemblies of men,
and in them only as they were gathered for some
philanthropic or religious object. But he was well
known and thoroughly respected in Norwich, and
in all eastern parts of the State, as an honest, single-
minded, firm-hearted, public-spirited Christian gen-
tleman, who united in himself a rare combination of
qualities which are fitted to command the respect and
to win the confidence and love of his fellow men.
He was first elected by a small majority, later
elections giving him very large majorities, and for
eight years was continued in the office, until he re-
signed its duties and honors.
At the time of his election to the office of Gov-
ernor, neither he nor his friends anticipated what
was before him. Had he either known, or even dimly
foreboded, that the office, from being little more than
a place of easy routine and formal administration,
would be suddenly transformed into a post of the
most serious responsibility, involving perplexity,
toil and anxiety, both he and his friends would have
hesitated in thinking that he was the fittest man to
fill the place and to fill it so long. No one would
have dared to predict that he would meet all its
responsibilities with such distinguished success.
But in review it may be confidently affirmed, that
from the time when the first mutterings of war were
heard, to the moment when they died into silence, no
citizen of the State was ever thought of as in any
respect superior to, or comparable with, the noble
"war Governor" who represented the State of Con-
necticut. Whether his relations are considered to
the Executive of the United States, to the Governors
of the other States, to the party of Connecticut op-
posed to the war, to the soldiers and officers from
Connecticut, to the men who were recruited or
drafted, who were sick or in prison, to the banks and
men of business all over the country, or to the
American people as far as they knew of him, his
fitness for his place was unquestioned. Whether on
horseback at an election parade or in a public recep-
tion, whether reading his own messages or speaking
at a sudden call, often under very trying circum-
stances, whether writing stirring letters to Presi-
dent Lincoln, or addressing regiment after regiment
as each was hurried away to the field, whether con-
ferring with his staff or trusted friends in sudden
exigencies, he was always heroic, patient, self-con-
trolled and courteous. He met the demand of every
public occasion with dignity and self-possession. At
the time when he was elected he had been little ac-
customed to public speaking, or to writing anything
more than letters of business. Though familiar with
political topics, he had not been trained to write or
speak on them in public, because the necessity of
defending and enforcing his political opinions had
never been imposed upon him.
His friends could never doubt that he would suc-
cessfully meet all the practical demands of his office,
while they might reasonably question whether he
would meet its intellectual requisitions with any
special eclat. It was interesting to see how quickly
he came up to the requirements of the position in
these respects ; how well from the first he wrote and
spoke on the many occasions on which he was called
upon. It was still more interesting to notice, when
the country was first aroused to defend its life, how
clearly his mind was enlarged and his heart glowed
with patriotic feeling, and how nobly he spoke and
wrote. His messages and correspondence were not
only important documents in the history of the war,
but they reflect the highest honor on the mind and
head of their author. His own clear and practical
intellect discerned earlier than many practiced states-
men what the issues were, and how stern and lasting
the struggle would be. His decisive and ringing
words bespoke serious and painful forebodings on
the one hand, but they breathed only courage and
triumph on the other. He wrote and spoke as a
prophet, because he wrote and spoke from those
firm convictions which were inspired by his faith in
the right, and in God who had defended the right in
the past and could not desert it in the present. The
people of Connecticut believed in him, because they
recognized in his measured yet fervent words, and
read in his consistent character and acts, their own
strong convictions and their unshaken purposes.
Whatever might have been thought of single acts
of his, no Connecticut man who believed in the war
failed to believe in Governor Buckingham. He re-
flected so perfectly the wishes and resolves of his
fellow citizens, and they did not hesitate to accept
him as their leader. In multitudes of households
his portrait was conspicuously displayed, and his
name is still pronounced with love and honor. The
services rendered by him to Connecticut and to the
Union were also self-sacrificing and laborious. His
private business was to a great extent transferred
to others. His days and nights were spent in un-
remitted labor. His mind was oppressed by public
care and his heart was tried by ready sympathy.
While it was also true that he had grown in intellect
and character under the noble opportunities to which
he so nobly responded, it was also true that he had
given to others the best strength and the best days
of his life. It was not surprising that after he re-
signed his office, in 1866, he was elected in May,
1868, to fill the first vacancy which occurred in the
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
Senate of the United States. In that office he con-
tinued until his death, which occurred one month
before his term expired. As a senator he was digni-
fied, courteous and conscientious, and won the re-
spect and affection of men of all parties. In debate
he was always clear, pointed and brief.
He comprehended with great clearness the politi-
cal and financial difficulties incident to the process
of reconstruction, and he endeavored to meet these
difficulties with entire fidelity to his convictions. No
man ever doubted his honesty or his uprightness
during the years of experiment and doubt in which
he filled his high position. If it is premature to
pronounce upon the wisdom of every measure which
he supported, or of every individual action which he
performed while a Senator, it is not premature to
assert that he retained his personal and his political
integrity from the beginning to the end. His home
in Washington was elegant and hospitable, and it
was hallowed by domestic worship ; and in his public
duties he never overlooked or lightly esteemed his
duties to God, or to his own Christian profession.
In the summer preceding his death he showed symp-
toms of debility. These increased as the winter
came on. In the anticipation that his life might soon
be terminated, he was entirely serene, and on the
night of Feb. 4, 1875, he died.
Senator Buckingham was especially remarkable
for the symmetry of his constitution and character.
In person, in bearing, in manners, in disposition, in
intellect, in industry, in patience, in reserved energy,
in the knowledge of affairs, in an affectionate and
sympathizing nature, in scrupulous conscientious-
ness, in fervent and enlightened religious feeling, he
was harmoniously endowed and moulded into a rare
example of human perfection. In his own home
this example shone most brightly. To his friends
he was frank and open-hearted. To the poor and
friendless he was ever sympathizing and helpful.
To his fellow-citizens he was the soul of probity and
honor. To the community he was eminently public-
spirited and generous. To the State and the coun-
try he gave all that he was and all that he could
perform. To God he gave a filial and trusting heart
and an obedient and conscientious life, in which he
followed his Great Master in meek and humble dis-
cipleship.
A bronze statue of Governor Buckingham was
unveiled in the State House at Hartford, Conn., on
June 18, 1884.
His residence in Norwich — now known as "The
Buckingham Memorial" — is owned and Occupied by
Sedgwick Post, No. 1, Department of Connecticut,
< i. A. R., and also used by its affiliated organizations,
the Womans Relief Corps and the Sons of Veterans,
who cherish it and its historic associations (as also
connected with visits from Lincoln, Grant and many
other noted men), with the most scrupulous tender-
ness. Upon his granite monument in Yantic ceme-
tery, Norwich, is the following inscription:
William Alfred Buckingham,
Governor of Conn.
1 858- 1 866.
U. S. Senator, 1869-1875.
His Will Was Inflexible; His Courage Daunt-
less; His Devotion to Duty Supreme; His
Faith in God Absolute.
The paternal lineage of Senator Buckingham is
as follows, the Roman characters indicating genera-
tions :
(I) Thomas, the Puritan settler, and his wife
Hannah. He came from England to Boston, 1637;
New Haven, 1638; and Milford, 1639.
(II) Rev. Thomas and Hester (Hosmer).
(III) Daniel and Sarah (Lee).
(IV) Daniel and Lydia (Lord).
(V) Samuel and Lydia (Watrous).
(VI) Deacon Samuel and Joanna (Matson).
BLACKSTONE. In the death of Hon. Lo-
renzo Blackstone, Norwich lost one of its leading and
honored citizens and grand old men, one who, for
nearly one-third of a century, was identified with
the manufacturing interests of Connecticut.
Born in the town of Branford, New Haven Co.„
Conn., June 21, 1819, he was a descendant in the
seventh generation from Rev. William Blackstone.
The latter was a graduate in 161 7 of Emanuel Col-
lege, Cambridge, England. He received ordination
in that country after graduation, but soon became
of the Puritan persuasion, left his native country on
account of his non-conformity, and became the first
white settler on the neck of land opposite Charles-
town, which is now the city of Boston. Upon his
invitation the principal part of the Massachusetts
Colony removed from Charlestown and founded the
city of Boston on land Mr. Blackstone desired them
to occupy. Rev. Mr. Blackstone was the first in-
habitant of Boston, and the first man admitted a free-
man of that town. Soon after 1635 he removed to
Rhode Island, residing near Providence until his
death, which occurred May 26, 1675. He was a
religious man with literary tastes, of correct, indus-
trious, thrifty habits, and of kind and philanthropic
feelings. He married, in July, 1659, widow Sarah
Stephenson. From this immigrant settler, Rev.
William Blackstone, the late Lorenzo Blackstone's
lineage is through John, John (2), John (3), Tim-
othy and James Blackstone.
(II) John Blackstone, only son of Rev. Will-
iam, married in 1692, and about 1713 removed to-
Branford, Connecticut.
(III) John Blackstone (2), son of John, born in
1699, married and died in Branford, passing away
Jan. 3, 1785, aged nearly eighty-six years.
(IV) John Blackstone (3), son of John (2),
born in 1731, in Branford, died Aug. 10, 1816, aged
eighty-five years.
(V) Timothy Blackstone, son of John (3), bom
^Cc>Oc.S2-*^f*
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
in 1766, in Branford, died there in 1849, when
eighty-three years of age.
(VI) James Blackstone, son of Timothy, and
father of Lorenzo, was reared on the homestead
which had been occupied by five generations of the
family, all of whom possessed the traits of char-
acter of the immigrant ancestor — industry, modesty
and marked executive ability. Like his forefathers,
James Blackstone was a farmer. At the age of
twenty he was chosen captain of a company of Con-
necticut militia, and was in command of same for
several months while serving as coast guard during
the war of 18 12. He was chosen to a number of
town offices, serving as assessor and selectman ; was
several times a representative from his town in the
General Assembly of the State; and in 1842 was a
member of the State Senate from his district. His
political affiliations were with the old Federal and
Whig parties, and later with the Republican party.
A man of fine intellect and good judgment, his
•counsel and advice were sought by persons of Bran-
ford and other towns. He was a man of character
and remarkable ability, and "if his tastes had led
him to a larger place for the exercise of his ability
no field would have been so large that he would not
have been a leader among men." Mr. Blackstone
was a cousin in the fifth degree to Sir William
Blackstone, the great authority upon the common law
of England, and the portraits of the two men bear
a marked family resemblance. Mr. Blackstone's
useful life of prominent citizenship covered only a
little less than a century, for he lived to the re-
markable age of ninety-three years, dying Feb. 4,
1886, in Branford ; he was buried in the beautiful
•cemetery of that town.
Mr. Blackstone married Lucy Beach, of Bran-
ford, Conn., and six children were born to this
union: (1) George died unmarried in 1861. (2)
Mary died May 10, 1900. She married Samuel O.
Plant, and resided in Branford with her daughter,
Ellen Plant. Her grandchildren through her daugh-
ter, Sarah, are William L., Paul W., and Gertrude
Harrison. (3) Lorenzo is mentioned below. (4)
Ellen married Henry B. Plant, late of New York
City, who died in 1900. She died in 1861, leaving
one son, Morton L. Plant, who married and has one
son, Henry B. Plant. (5) John died some years
ago, leaving three children, George, Adelaide and
Mrs. Emma Pond. (6) Timothy B. is mentioned
"below.
Timothy B. Blackstone, the youngest son of
the above family, was born in Branford in 1829.
In 1868 he married Miss Isabella F. Norton, of Nor-
wich, Conn., who was a descendant of early Con-
necticut settlers. After his marriage his home up
to the time of his death, which occurred May 26,
1900, was at No. 252 Michigan avenue, Chicago, 111.
He left the East nearly fifty years ago. For more
than thirty years he managed with consummate skill
the affairs of the most successful of all the great
railways of the West, and was best known as presi-
dent of the Chicago & Alton Railway Company.
Timothy B. Blackstone was the donor of the
handsome and costly library at Branford, Conn.,
which is styled "The James Blackstone Memorial
Library." This building he had erected, and pro-
vided an endowment for the maintenance of the
library, in memory of his father. The library build-
ing is one of imposing beauty, standing on high
ground in the main street of the town. It is designed
in the purest Grecian Ionic style, the architectural
details being taken from the beautiful Erechtheum of
the Athenian Acropolis ; it is constructed of Tennes-
see marble of a very light tone. The public exercises
of dedication were held in the building June 17,
1896, and the building was thereafter open for use.
In June, 1901, the library contained 11,800 books.
Over a hundred periodicals are taken for the main
reading room, and twelve for a branch library which
was opened in Stony Creek in February, 1900.
Surely the people of Branford have reason to rejoice
that James Blackstone lived there and gave to them
a son whose affection for his native town, and filial
devotion to his father's memory, led him to place
there this enduring monument of architectural
beauty.
Hon. Lorenzo Blackstone was born in Bran-
ford, Conn., June 21, 1819. His boyhood was spent
in his native town, where he attended the district
school and the academy. Early in life young Black-
stone had inclination for business activity, and spent
some time in clerical and practical business work.
In 1842, when but twenty-three years of age, he
concluded to go into business for himself. Going to
Liverpool, England, he there established an agency
and commission house for the sale of American mer-
chandise. In this line of business he was a pioneer.
Taking into consideration his years and the business
ability requisite in such an undertaking, its success
from the first only reflects great credit upon him. He
entered into the business with energy and persever-
ance, and it rapidly increased until he had branches
in London and Manchester, and his transactions
reached every part of Great Britain, even extending
to the continent and Australia. Some few years
later he added to the business the sale of rubber over-
shoes, and was the first to introduce the Goodyear
rubber goods into Great Britain. He had built up a
large trade in this particular line of business when
he was notified by Charles Mackintosh & Co., the
great rubber manufacturers of Manchester, that he
was infringing on their rights as owners of the
patents of Thomas Hancock, who was in litigation
with Charles Goodyear. It was at this time that the
characteristic foresight and business tact of Lorenzo
Blackstone came prominently to the front. He at
once entered into an arrangement with Messrs.
Mackintosh & Co., which gave him the exclusive
right to sell rubber boots and shoes in every part
of Great Britain, thus at the same time securing
GENEALOGICAL AXD BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
himself against the competition of American manu-
facturers and their English agents. For a time he
purchased goods indiscriminately of various Ameri-
can companies, but in 1846 he began to sell the goods
of the Hay ward Rubber Company, of Colchester,
Conn., in which concern he was later extensively
interested. The sales of rubber boots and shoes
through Mr. Blackstone's agencies amounted to sev-
eral hundred thousand dollars per year. Mr. Black-
stone continued in this business until 1855, when he
returned to Branford, Conn. His house, however,
continued the business with its branches in England
until about 1859.
Lorenzo Blackstone's intimate relations with his
brothers-in-law, the Messrs. Norton, who were
prominent merchants in Norwich, Gov. Bucking-
ham, and other officers of the Hay ward Rubber
Company, resident in Norwich, were instrumental in
causing him to select Norwich as a place of resi-
dence. In 1857 he removed there, intending to re-
tire from business, and he built the mansion on
Washington street where he resided until his death.
However, his intention of retiring from business was
never carried out, as inactivity was impossible to
a man of such busy instincts, so full of varied inter-
ests. As a successful business man, active, far-
seeing, energetic and public-spirited, he became and
remained a progressive capitalist, as such contribut-
ing much toward the development and wealth of
his adopted city.
In 1859 Mr. Blackstone built the Attawaugan
Mills, at Dayville, and engaged in the manufacture
of cotton goods. In 1865 he purchased the Leon-
ard Ballou Mill property, at Dayville, and erected
a new mill. Both of these mills were subsequently
enlarged, and have since been successfully and
profitably operated by the Attawaugan Manufactur-
ing Company. He purchased, in 1870, the Totoket
Mills, at Occum, which were formerly utilized in
the manufacture of woolen goods, and converted
them into cotton mills. In 1877 the company added
to their already extensive mill property, erecting the
Pequot Mills, at Montville. As a promoter of cot-
ton mill industries and a manufacturer of cotton
goods Mr. Blackstone's efforts were crowned with
the same signal success that attended his earlier
career in other business lines.
Mr. Blackstone was greatly interested in the wel-
fare of his adopted city, and was a most busy man.
He was ever a most useful one, and in various ca-
pacities performed the duties of good citizenship
with that grace and dignity characteristic of the
man. Possessed of wealth, he was largely interested
in many corporations and enterprises. He was a
director and one of the executive committee of the
Ponemah Manufacturing Company of Norwich,
one of the largest cotton manufacturing companies
of New England ; was a director in the Thames
National Bank ; and for thirty years was the presi-
dent of the Chelsea Savings Bank. He was for
some vears a member of the board of trustees of
the Norwich Free Academy. He served for a num-
ber of years as a member of the common council of
Norwich ; served four years ( 1866-1870) as the hon-
orable mayor of the city ; represented Norwich in
the General Assembly of Connecticut in 1871 ; and
in 1878-79 represented his district in the State Sen-
ate. Mr. Blackstone was largely interested in West-
ern railways, and was a director in the Chicago &
Alton Railway Company, of which his brother was
the president. Himself a man of great ability and
achievement, he was a member of a great family,
as one readily sees by reading between the lines of
the foregoing family sketch. In every particular in
life he proved capable and efficient, and was as
highly esteemed for his private virtues as for his
superior business qualifications and public service.
Mr. Blackstone was married in October, 1842,
in Branford, to Emily Norton, a native of Bran-
ford, daughter of the late Capt. Norton, and sister
of the late Henry B. Norton, of Norwich. Six chil-
dren blessed this union, three of whom were born in
England: (1) James De Trafford married Lillian
Osburn, and left one son, Lorenzo, who married a
Miss Caruthers, and lives in Norwich. (2) Harriet
B. married F. S. Camp, and has three children. Wal-
ter Trumbull, Talcott Hale and Elizabeth Norton.
(3) Ella F. married F. J. Huntington, and resides
abroad. (4) William Norton is mentioned below.
(5) Mary Elizabeth died in 1861. (6) Louis L. is
mentioned below. The mother of this family passed
away Oct. 1, 1896, and was laid to rest in the Yan-
tic cemetery.
William Norton Blackstone, son of Hon.
Lorenzo, is one of the leading manufacturers of
Norwich, and a worthy successor to his father. He
was born in the city of Norwich, Sept. 1, 1857, was
educated in the public schools of his native city,
and finished at the Free Academy of Norwich.
After leaving school he entered the employ of his
father, where he learned the business in detail, and
at the death of the latter he became the head of the
business, which he has continued ever since with
uniform success. He has also been prominently
identified with banking interests, being a director of
the Chelsea Savings Bank and of the Thames Na-
tional Bank, and was president of the Uncas National
Bank for a number of years until he resigned, in
January, 1903. In 1903 he was elected vice-presi-
dent of the Thames National Bank. Mr. Black-
stone is also interested in other enterprises, and is
noted for his honorable standing among his business
associates. He takes no part in politics, only doing
his duty as a citizen by voting for the candidates of
his choice. He is a stanch supporter of the policy
of the Republican party. In his religious connection
he is a member of the Park Congregational Church.
His home on Washington street, one of the finest in
Norwich, was remodeled a few years ago under his
supervision.
Mr. Blackstone was married in New York, in
June, 1883, to Julia Squire, a daughter of Louis L.
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
Squire, of New York, and a descendant of an old
Branford family.
Louis Lorenzo Blackstone, youngest son of
the late Hon. Lorenzo Blackstone, was born in Nor-
wich, March 17, 1861. He received his early edu-
cation in his native city, attending the public schools
and the Free Academy, and later was a pupil at the
"Gunnery," Washington, Conn. His school days
over, he entered the manufacturing business under
his father, and for several years held a responsible
position with the Attawaugan Company, proving
himself a capable and reliable business man. He
suffered much for several years before his death,
which was quite sudden — in December, 1891. His
remains rest in the family lot in the Yantic cemetery
at Norwich.
On Nov. 19, 1887, Mr. Blackstone was married,
in Christ Episcopal Church, Norwich, to Grace
Prentice Webb, who was born in Norwich, daugh-
ter of Julius and Martha (Thompson) Webb, the
former of whom is deceased. Two children, Justine
and Phyllis, came to this union. Mrs. Blackstone
and her children are members of Christ Episcopal
Church, Norwich, which Mr. Blackstone also at-
tended. He was a Republican in political senti-
ment.
HON. AMOS W. PRENTICE, late of Nor-
wich. In every community, large or small, there are
a few men who by their force of character are intui-
tively recognized as leaders, men who are success-
ful in their business undertakings, generous and
fair in their relations with others, and who perceive
and warmly advocate those measures which insure
the public well-being. In the city of Norwich there
is no name better known than that of the gentleman
whose name appears at the opening of this sketch.
He was intimately associated with those enterprises
through which the city has attained a higher and
broader life. He aided or led in every movement
for the public good, and as a merchant and banker,
as well as popular and eminent citizen, he was prom-
inent in its material growth.
Mr. Prentice was a native of what is now the
town of Griswold, Conn., born Dec. 20, 18 16, a son
of Amos and Lucy (Wylie) Prentice, and a de-
scendant in the eighth generation from Capt.
Thomas Prentice, of Cambridge, Mass., his lineage
being through Thomas (2), Samuel, Joseph,
Eleazer, John and Amos Prentice.
(I) Capt. Thomas Prentice, born in England in
1621, appears early at Cambridge. Mass., the birth
of two of his children being of record there in 1650.
The family lived in the eastern part of Cambridge
village and later in Newtown, Mass., where Mr.
Prentice died July 6, 17 10. He was appointed cap-
tain of the troop of horse in the Indian war, June 24,
ID75- The Christian name of his wife was Grace.
She and their eldest child accompanied Mr. Pren-
tice to this country. Their children were : Grace,
baptized in England in 1648; Thomas, born in
1649; Elizabeth, baptized Jan. 22, 1650; Mary, born
in 1652; John, baptized in 1653; and Hannah, born
in 1 66 1. The mother, Grace, died Oct. 9, 1692.
(II) Thomas Prentice (2), born in 1649, mar-
ried March 20, 1675, Sarah, daughter of Capt.
Thomas and Ann (Lord) Stanton. Mr. Prentice
died April 19, 16 — 5, and his widow married (sec-
ond) Capt. William Denison, and died in 17 13.
Children: Thomas, born Jan. 13, 1676; Grace, 1678;
Samuel, about 1680 ; and John, 1682.
(III) Samuel Prentice, born about 1680, mar-
ried Esther, daughter of Nathaniel Hammond, of
Newtown, Mass. Before 1700 Mr. Prentice owned
a large tract of land in Stonington, Conn., and went
there to live not far from 1709. His children were :
Samuel, born Nov. 25, 1702; Joseph, Jan. 26, 1704;
Grace, Jan. 16, 1705; Mary, April 12, 1708; Jonas,
Sept. 28, 1710; Esther, Dec. 12, 1713; Eunice, Dec.
8, 1717; Thomas, Oct. 25, 1719; Oliver, Oct. 25,
1720; Dorothy, Dec. 13, 1723, and Lucy, May 20,
1727.
(IV) Joseph Prentice, born Jan. 26, 1704, in
Newtown, Mass., married Nov. 10, 1725. Mary
Wheeler. Their children were : Joseph, born Aug.
24, 1727; Priscilla, Jan. 20, 1729; Eleazer, Sept. 28,
1735 ; Elisha, Jan. 1, 1737 ; Jonathan, May 28. 1740;
Mary, June 19, 174 — ; Hannah, March 7, 1747: and
Manassah and Ephraim (twins), July 22, 1749.
(V) Eleazer Prentice, born Sept. 28, 1735, in
Preston, Conn., married there, Oct. 19, 1757, Sarah,
daughter of John Stanton (3), of Preston. She
died in December, 1805, aged seventy years. Their
children were: Sarah, born March 8, 1759: Lucy,
March 27, 1761 ; Olive, Oct. 9, 1763; John, Sept. 1,
1766; Desire, June 16, 1771 ; Nathan, Aug. 4, 1773 ;
and Rufus, Dec. 24, 1776.
(VI) John Prentice, born Sept. 1, 1766. married
Dec. 25, 1791, Betsey Cleft, and resided in Preston,
Conn. Their children were: Amos, born Aug. 5,
1792; Sally, May 21, 1794; Frederick, May 14,
1796 ; John, Nov. 28, 1800 ; Charlotte, Oct. 26, 1802 ;
Betsey C, April 15, 1805; William C, March 6,
1807; Frances H., March 5, 1809; and Caroline A.,
March 12, 1812.
(VII) Amos Prentice, born Aug. 5, ij\ )2. was
a farmer, and resided jn Griswold, Conn. He mar-
ried Jan. 16, 1816, Lucy Wylie, and their children
were: Amos W\, born Dec. 20, 1816, and Samuel
T., born Jan. 9, 1820. The latter served in the Civil
war, and died in New York.
Amos W. Prentice, the subject proper of this
article, was but a small boy when his father died,
and when about seven years old, in 1823. came to
Norwich and made his home with his uncle, Freder-
ick Prentice, who resided there. He received some-
what meagre educational advantages, but improved
every opportunity. When a boy he was a clerk in
the store of William A. Buckingham, and in 1831
he entered the hardware store on Water street kept
by Joseph and John lireed. This business was
founded in 1764 by Gershom Breed, who was sue-
8
GENEALOGICAL AXD BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
ceeded by Jesse and Simon Breed, and they in turn
by Joseph and John Breed. Mr. Prentice proved to
be industrious and competent, and in 1840 was ad-
mitted to membership in the firm, the name being
changed to John Breed & Co. After the death of
Mr. Breed Mr. Prentice became the senior partner,
and in 1864 the firm name became A. \Y. Prentice
& Co. Mr. Prentice continued in active business
lyitil 1889. when he retired, and the firm was
changed to Eaton, Chase & Co. Mr. Prentice's
career as an active business man covered a period of
fifty-seven years. Such a record is seldom equalled,
and is one of which any man might well feel proud.
Being public-spirited and progressive, and de-
siring to see Norwich advance, Mr. Prentice took a
deep interest in public affairs early in life. In poli-
tics he was an old-time Whig, and, after the exit of
that party, a stanch Republican. Bi 1854 he repre-
sented the Eighth District in the State Senate,
among his colleagues in that body being James
Dixon, of Hartford (afterward a United States
senator). Henry B. Harrison (afterward governor),
of Xew Haven, and ex-Gov. William T. Minor, of
Stamford. From 1858 to i860 he was mayor of the
city, and in 1877 ne represented the town in the State
Legislature in company with the late Horace Whita-
ker. Besides being mayor he was a member of the
court of common council for a period of ten years.
He possessed rare ability as a presiding officer and
often guided the deliberations at town and city meet-
ings. He sometimes served on commissions to settle
disputes and questions, and never failed to give
satisfaction. Mr. Prentice did not seek prominence
at the hands of his fellow citizens, for in his case it
can be truthfully said the office sought the man. He
was always fair in politics, and never tried to force
his political opinions on any one. Mr. Prentice
always took a deep interest in religious matters and
in 1842 aided in organizing the Broadway Congre-
gational Church, of which he served as clerk and
member of the Society's committee. In 1875 he suc-
ceeded the late Governor Buckingham as deacon of
the church. He was a liberal contributor to all kinds
of religious work. Mr. Prentice was a trustee of
the Free Academy for many years and always at-
tended the graduating exercises. In him education
always had a firm friend.
Mr. Prentice occupied a prominent and enviable
position in business circles. For many years he was
a director of Norwich Savings Society, one of the
largest and oldest institutions of its kind in the
State, succeeding the late Franklin Nichols as presi-
dent on Nov. 15, 1890. He was a director of the
First National Bank and also of the Richmond Stove
Company, and also held other positions of trust. He
was one of the very first in New England to suggest
the name of Abraham Lincoln for the office of Presi-
dent of the United States, doing this in a public
meeting when Mr. Lincoln was just beginning to
gain fame. Before and during the Civil war, when
meetings were held in Norwich to discuss the ways
and means of helping the soldiers and Union, Mr.
Prentice almost invariably presided at such meetings,
and no man in Norwich did more than he for the
cause. During the dark days of the war he was
Gov. Buckingham's true friend and adviser, and did
all in his power to aid the cause of the Union and
assist the soldiers.
Amos \Y. Prentice was easily the ideal citizen
of Norwich. He was the soul of honor, and enjoyed
the full confidence of the people of this vicinity.
He possessed a broad mind and a kindly disposition,
and was charitable to all in need. One of the best
testimonials to his high character is that during
all his years in business those in his employ held
him in high esteem, and the best of feeling prevailed
between employer and employe. His family rela-
tions were happy. His death occurred after a short
illness, on Dec. 14, 1894. and he is buried in Yantic
cemetery, at Norwich.
On May 18, 1840. Mr. Prentice was married to
Hannah E. Parker, a native of Middletown, Conn.,
a daughter of Elias and Grace (Mansfield) Parker.
Mrs. Prentice passed away Dec. 24, 1887, aged
sixty-five years.
Air. and Mrs. Prentice had four children, viz. :
( 1 ) Mary Tyler married Francis A. Dorrance, who
died in Norwich. Their only son, Amos Prentice,
now resides in Helena, Mont. Mrs. Dorrance for
her second husband married John Willard, and she
died in Norwich May 30, 1892, aged fifty years.
(2) Grace Caroline died at the age of ten years.
(3) Amy Breed died when six months old. (4)
Anna E. is the wife of Albert H. Chase, of Norwich,
a member of the firm of Eaton, Chase & Co.
Their children are: Pauline, born Jan. 24, 1891 ;
Anna Prentice, Aug. 20, 1893 ; Amos Prentice, Dec.
30, 1894; Elizabeth, July 13, 1897.
NORTON. The Norton family of Norwich, of
whom the late Henry B., Timothy P. and William
T. were the founders, is one of the oldest families
of Connecticut. Thomas Norton, the founder of
the family in New England, was born in the County
of Surrey, England, and was a descendant in the
fourteenth generation from
(I) Le Sieur de Norville, who came to England
with William the Conqueror and was his constable.
He married into the house of Yalois.
(II) Sr. de Norville married into the house of
Barr.
(Ill) Sr. de Norville married into the house of
Dolbermmonto.
(IV) Sr. de Norville married Auelina. daughter
of Neuil De Witt, of Raby.
(V) Sr. de Norville married Jorica, daughter of
Sieur Dumpre de Court.
(YI) Sr. de Norville, alias Norton, married the
daughter of Sir John Hadsooke.
I YII) Sr. de Norville, alias Norton, married the
daughter and co-heiress of Monseigneur Bassing-
bourne.
Iri/^u
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
(VIII) Sir John Norton, alias Norville, married
the daughter of the Lord Grey de Ruthyn.
(IX) John Norton, of Sharpenhow, in Bedford-
shire.
(X) John Norton, of Sharpenhow, married a
daughter of Mr. Danie. She married for her second
husband John Cowper.
(XI) Thomas Norton, of Sharpenhow, married
(first) Elizabeth Merry.
(XII) Richard Norton married Margery, daugn-
ter of Wingar, of Sharpenhow.
(XIII) William Norton married (first) Mar-
garet, daughter of William Howes. Among his
children was Thomas (of Guilford, Connecticut).
(XIV) Thomas Norton married in 1625 Grace
Wells, and with his wife and children came from
Ockley, in Surrey, near Guilford, England, to Bos-
ton, Mass., 1639. There he remained a short time,
and while there his wife gave the land on which the
old South church was built. He joined Rev. Henry
Whitfield's company to the New Haven Colony, lo-
cating at Guilford, where he spent the remainder of
his life and where he died. He and his wife had
four children: Thomas (born about 1626, who set-
tled in Saybrook, Conn.), John, Grace, and Mary
(who married Samuel Rockwell).
(XV) John Norton, son of Thomas and Grace
(Wells) Norton, born in England, came to the New
World with his parents and located at Guilford,
Conn., where he spent the remainder of his life,
and where he died. He married (first) Hannah
Stone and (second) Elizabeth Hubbard. Children:
(1) John, born Nov. 18, 1666, died Jan. 10, 1667.
(2) John was born May 29, 1668. (3) Samuel,
born Oct. 4, 1672, married Abigail Ward Jan. 25,
1693. (4) Thomas, born March 4, 1675, married
Rachel Starr. (5) Hannah, born Feb. 4, 1678, mar-
ried Ebenezer Stone Jan. 16, 1702. (6) Jeruiah
married Simon Leete. (7) Elijah. (8) Benjamin.
(9) Martha.
(XVI) Thomas Norton, son of John, born in
Guilford March 4, 1675, married May 28, 1701,
Rachel Starr. She died Sept. 30, 1755, and he died in
1744. Children: Rachel, born May 12, 1702;
Thomas, Oct. 4, 1704; Daniel, Jan. 17, 1707; Reu-
ben, April 6, 171 1 (married Hannah Hooker) ; Leah
April 3, 1715 ; Evin, Nov. 8, 1718 (married widow
Ruth Everts) ; Timothy, Feb. 3, 1721 (married July
1, 1748, Elizabeth Ward).
(XVII) Thoma.s Norton, son of Thomas and
Rachel (Starr) Norton, born in Guilford Oct. 4.
1704, died Sept. 8, 1789. His wife, Bethiah, died
Sept. 28, 1776. Children: Thomas, born in 1732,
who married Mary Tyler ; Ashael ; Jediah ; and Be-
thiah, who married Deacon Peletiah Leete, of Guil-
ford, in 1770.
(XVIII) Thomas Norton, son of Thomas and
Bethiah Norton, born in 1732, died May 4, 1797, in
Branford, Conn. He married March 26, 1762, Mary
Tyler, who was born in Branford in 1737, and died
Oct. 21, 1824. Children: Timothy, born Dec. 19,
1762: Thomas, Sept. 11, 1765 (died Oct. 28, 1805) ;
Bethiah, May 29, 1768 (died Oct. 10, 1809) ; Mary,
Sept. 2, 1772 (died Dec. 6, 1797) ; Elizabeth, Sept.
24, 1775 (died Oct. 1, 1802) ; Timothy, Aug. 10,
1777; Asa, Dec. 8, 1783.
(XIX) Capt. Asa Norton, son of Thomas, born
in Branford Dec. 8, 1783, grew to manhood there,
and followed a seafaring life. He was master of a
packet line between Branford and New York, and
spent his life in Branford, where he died in 1854.
He was buried in Branford cemetery. He married
Sophia Barker, who was born in Branford, daugh-
ter of Edward Barker and Sarah (Brown), who
were married May 24, 1763. He was a son of Ed-
ward Barker, who on March 9, 1732, married Han-
nah Baldwin, born Nov. 7, 17 14, daughter of John
and Hannah (Tyler) Baldwin. John Baldwin was
a native of Branford, a son of George Baldwin and
grandson of John Baldwin. Mr. and Mrs. Norton
had children as follows : ( 1 ) Henry Barker, born
May 5, 1807, in Branford, died Oct. 25 1891. (2)
Jehiel L., born April 5, 1809, died Jan. 13, 1861, in
Mentone, France. (3) Elizabeth, born Oct. 24,
181 1, married Abrahm Rogers, and died April 10,
1897. (4) Mary, born April 21, 1814, never mar-
ried, and died June 4, 1886. (5) Timothy P., who
was born Nov. 23, 1816, passed away Dec. 3, 1877.
(6) Emily, born July 19, 1820, died Oct. 1, 1896;
she married Lorenzo Blackstone, who has a sketch
elsewhere in this volume. (7) William G., born
Aug. 23, 1823, died June 13, 1826. (8) William T.,
born Dec. 5, 1826, died Nov. 22, 1871.
Henry Barker Norton was reared in his na-
tive town and given a common-school education. In
1824 he cast his lot with the people of Norwich, and
at the time his cash capital consisted of only one
dollar. He began his career there as a clerk with
the firm of Willis, Gray & Co., and three years later
became associated as a partner in the wholesale gro-
cery business of Backus & Norton, continuing in
business in that connection and the successive
changes in the firm of Norton, Converse & Co., and
Norton Bros., until his retirement from active busi-
ness, in 1877, a period of fifty years. At this time
(1877) tne wholesale grocery house of Norton Bros,
was one of the largest in Connecticut, and its reputa-
tion second to none.
Through his long and active career as merchant,
manufacturer and citizen in his adopted town and
city, Mr. Norton was deeply interested in all that
pertained to its interests. All measures for the de-
velopment of material, religious and educational af-
fairs found in him an earnest supporter and gener-
ous contributor. His many acts of benevolence were
appreciated by all. He was one of the original in-
corporators of the Norwich Free Academy in 1854,
and for years was president of the board of trustees
of that institution of which for years he was presi-
dent. He was the first president of the Norwich &
New York Transportation Company. For some
years he was a large stockholder and the president
10
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
of the Attawaugan Manufacturing Company of
Norwich. Ho was a director of the Norwich Bleach-
ing, Dyeing & Printing Company and the Richmond
Stove Company. He was interested in a number of
western railroads and outside corporations. He was
a director in the Bulletin Company, and in the Peo-
ple's Line of Steamers between New York and Al-
bany, being for some years president of the line.
Mr. Norton's religious connections were with the
Broadway Congregational Church, in which he was
a deacon. His political affiliations were with the
Republican party. During the Civil war his services
were of great value to Gov. Buckingham.
"Henry B. Norton was another of our citizens
whose services, ever generous and unceasing, en-
deared him to all Norwich soldiers. His name is
one which they speak to this day with the warmest
feelings. Quick to perceive what should be done,
and eager to help wheresoever he could, he rendered
the most timely assistance to the Governor. Super-
intending the transportation of troops, the charter-
ing of vessels, the purchasing of the army supplies
in the early period of the war, and thereafter at-
tending personally to the wants and comforts of our
men in the field, his labors were invaluable. Sol-
diers came to feel that if he was on the lookout for
them they would not suffer for the lack of anything
his thoughtful care and means could provide. Mem-
bers of the Fourteenth and Eighteenth Regiments
write him down as their friend, one whose presence
and aid tided them over many a day of pressing
need. His services, from first to last, were the free-
will offering his patriotism alone inspired him to
render in the way of compensation."
Mr. Norton was chosen a Presidential elector on
the Republican ticket in 1880. He never sought
political preferment. He acquired and retained dur-
ing his long life the esteem and respect of the com-
munity, and as a beautiful result he seemed to be
without enemies. "Seldom has the death of a citi-
zen of Norwich excited so deep and such profound
regret. It was a loss that was felt in the circles of
business and public improvements, and in the de-
partments of education and philanthropy."
Mr. Norton was personally popular, was genial,
kind, affable and hospitable. In his death, which
occurred at his home in Norwich Oct. 25, 1891, there
passed away one of New England's sterling char-
acters, a man who, by his upright life, industry, en-
ergy and thrift, impressed himself upon the com-
munity in which he had lived the greater part of a
century. He was a man, too, of the self-made mold,
one who was calculated to inspire confidence and
bear incentive for those beginning a life wherein self-
reliance and self-depending is their only hope.
On June 19, 1831, Mr. Norton married, in Bran-
ford, Emeline Frisbie, daughter of Calvin and Polly
(Harrison) Frisbie. She was born in. Branford,
May 29. 1808, and died in Norwich May 14, 1887.
and is buried in the Yantic cemetery, where Mr.
Norton is also interred. Seven children, two sons
and five daughters, were born to this union, four
living to maturity : Isabella Farnsworth, who mar-
ried Timothy B. Blackstone, and resides in Chicago,
111., and Emeline Frisbie, Mary Fowler, and Ella M.,
all of whom reside in Washington street, Norwich.
William Tyler Norton, brother of Henry
Barker Norton, was born in Branford, Dec. 5, 1826,.
and there attended the public schools, finishing at the
Norwich Academy. He spent his younger manhood
in New York, and later joined his brothers in the
wholesale grocery business, being a member of the
firm of Norton Brothers, the Attawaugan and Pe-
quot Companies, and other concerns, up to the time
of his death, which sad event took place while he was-
on his way from New York to New London, on
board the steamer "City of New London," which
took fire. Mr. Norton, instead of saving himself,
aided an elderly woman by getting her a life pre-
server, and also assisted an elderly man, sacrificing
his own life, and dying the death of a hero, Nov.
22, 187 1. His body was not found until Jan. 20,
1872; it was laid to rest in Yantic cemetery. Mr.
Norton was a man popular with all classes, and dur-
ing the Civil war he aided the cause in many ways,,
being a friend and supporter of the war governor,
Buckingham. He equipped three substitutes for the
war. Mr. Norton was a Republican, but not a poli-
tician. He was a member of Broadway Congrega-
tional Church, a good Christian man, and a devoted
father and husband.
On Nov. 9, 1852, in Branford, Mr. Norton was
married, by Rev. John P. Gillett, to Mary Elizabeth
Plant, who was born in Branford, Conn., Oct. 13,
1826. She died Sept. 19, 1879, and *s buried in Yan-
tic cemetery. Mrs. Norton was a daughter of John
and Angelina (Beach) Plant. She was a lady of
culture and refinement, and was much devoted to her
family. The untimely death of her husband was a
great burden of sorrow to her, and she died from
its effect while still in middle life, and was buried
beside her husband. She was a member of the
Broadway Congregational Church. The following
named children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Norton:
(1) Angelina Plant Norton, born Aug. 30. 1853,
was educated in Norwich and in Miss Porter's
School at Farmington, Conn. She married Oct. 5.
1876. Edward D. Fuller, of Norwich, and they had
one child, Mary Norton, born Dec. 25, 1880, who
died Aug. 15, 1881.
(2) Henry Asa Norton, born Aug. 15, 1859,
married Sept. 12, 1883, Elizabeth Roath Parker,,
daughter of Henry Lester and Ann M. (Roath)
Parker, and they reside in Norwich, Conn. Henry
A. Norton attended the Norwich public schools and
Norwich Academy, and graduated from the "Gun-
nery" at Washington, Connecticut.
(3) William Anderson Norton, bom March
10, 1866, was educated in the public schools of Nor-
wich, the Free Academy, and the Boston Institute
of Technology. He then spent four months abroad,
visiting several foreign countries and many places
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
ii
of interest, including the North Cape of Norway.
He worked in the Attawaugan Mills, filling differ-
ent positions, for three years, after which he trav-
eled through the Western States, Mexico and
Alaska. On his return he was employed in the
wholesale dry-goods commission house of Tibbitts,
Harrison & Robbins, at New York, during which
time he became connected with the wholesale gro-
cery firm of E. D. Fuller & Co., successors of Nor-
ton Bros., and after the assignment of the New
York house he returned to Norwich. In 1898 he
became a member of the firm of The Edward Chap-
pell Co., and was elected secretary and assistant
treasurer, which position he has filled the past six
years. He attends the Park Congregational Church.
Socially he is a member of the Norwich Club, and
of the Chelsea Boat Club. In politics he is a Re-
publican.
In 1898 Mr. Norton married Martha Witter
Brewer, daughter of Arthur H. Brewer, of Norwich,
and they have three children : Arthur Brewer, born
June 9, 1899; Eleanor Plant, June 4, 1900; and
Louise Tyler, July 6, 1902.
HON. SUPPLY TWYNG HOLBROOK. In
the death of Judge Holbrook, which occurred at
his home on River avenue, Laurel Hill, Norwich,
on April 19, 1895, the community lost one of its
best known and most prominent citizens.
Born Sept. 7, 1822, in Roxbury, Mass., Judge
Holbrook was a son of Sabin and Mary (Whitte-
more) Holbrook, and came on both sides from
early New England ancestry. On his father's side
he was a descendant in the eighth generation from
Thomas Holbrook, of Weymouth, Mass., from
whom his lineage is through Thomas (2), Peter,
Joseph, Joseph (2), Seth and Sabin Holbrook.
The name of Holbrook is one both ancient and
distinguished. As early as the reign of Richard II
one of the name was advanced to the order of
knighthood and a coat of arms given him. In books
of heraldry there are many coats of arms under the
name. The details of the generations referred to
above and in the order there named follow :
(I) Thomas Holbrook, of Weymouth, Mass.,
as early as 1640, is thought by Morse to have prob-
ably come with the colony of settlers from Wey-
mouth in Dorsetshire, England, in 1624. For a
number of years betweeen 1641 and 1654 inclusive
he was a selectman of the town. He died in
1674-76. His widow, Joanna, died before April 24,
1677. Their children were: John (born in 1617),
Thomas, William and Ann.
(II) Thomas Holbrook (2) was a resident of
Scituate, Weymouth and Braintree, and was a man
of enterprise and wealth. He died in 1697, and was
survived by his wife, Joanna. Their children were :
Thomas ; Mary ; John, born 15th of 8th month, 1653,
at Braintree ; Peter, born 6th of 7th month, 1655 ;
Joanna, born 30th of 8th month, 1656; Susanna;
and Joseph, born 10th of 12th month, 1660.
(III) Peter Holbrook, born 6th of 7th month,
1655, married (first) Alice and settled at Mendon^
and (second) Elizabeth Poor. Alice died April 29,
1705. Mr. Holbrook was an important man for his
day, and laid the foundation of great good to his
race, many of whom are still enjoying it within the
circle of his former influence and possessions. The
lands which he left to his sons were mostly subse-
quently included in Bellingham. He died May 3,
1712. His children were : John, born Sept. 24,
1679; Peter, Oct. 16, 1681 ; Joseph, May 8, 1683;.
Silvanus, Aug. 15, 1685; Jonah, March 7, 1686-87;
Richard, May 30, 1690; Eliphalet, Jan. 27, 1691-92;
William, March 28, 1693-94; Samuel, Feb. 2.7 y
1695-96; and Mary, Oct. 14, 1702.
(IV) Joseph Holbrook, born May 8, 1683, mar-
ried Dec. 29, 1710, Mary Cook, was a husbandman^
and resided in Bellingham, Mass. He died April
25, 1750. His children were: Alice, born Feb. 14.
1712, at Mendon; Joseph, Nov. 24, 1714; Rachel,
Jan. 16, 1716-17; Asahel, Jan. 3, 1718-19; David,
March 15, 1721 (at Bellingham) ; Mary, Oct. 13,
1723 ; and Martha, Dec. 28, 1726.
(V) Joseph Holbrook (2), born Nov. 24, 17 14,
died July 14, 1784. His wife, Grace, died May 13,
1791. Their children were: Esther, born April 1^
1739; Bethia, April 13, 1741 ; Phebe, Nov. 28, 1743 ;
Jonathan, May 31, 1746; Joseph, Oct. 15, 1748;
Seth, Nov. 24, 1751 ; and Melatiah, Feb. 28, 1755.
(VI) Seth Holbrook, born Nov. 24. 1751, mar-
ried, in 1775, Dinah Holbrook, and resided in Bel-
lingham. He was a soldier of the Revolution, being
a member of a company of militia which marched
from Bellingham, Mass., April 19, 1775, under com-
mand of Capt. Jesse Holbrook. He was also a ser-
geant of Capt. Cowell's company in the Suffolk
and York Regiment, commanded by Col. Robin-
son, in March, 1776. Mr. Holbrook became a Uni-
ted States pensioner. He died Nov. 13, 1839. His
children were: Rachel, born Jan. 17, 1777: Clary,
Jan. 22, 1779; Esther, Nov. 5, 1780; Roxanna, July
24. 1782 ; Luke, July 12, 1784; Sabin, Oct. 19, 1786;
Seth, July 29, 1789; Persis, Oct. 14, 1791 ; Merinda,
Sept. 3, 1794: and Valentine R., Dec. 14, 1800.
(VII) Sabin Holbrook, born Oct. 19, 1786. re-
sided in Dorchester and Bellingham, Mass. He died
in 1833, and his wife, Mary, born March 27, 1787,
died in 1824 or 1825. Their children were: Sabin,
born Sept. 18, 1813: Mary, Nov. 5, 1815: Joseph
Warren, Jan. 18, 1817; Amanda, June 2, 1819; Sup-
ply Twyng, Sept. 7, 1822.
Supplv T. Holbroook was given a good educa-
tion by his parents, and being musically inclined
proper attention was given to his talents in this line
until he became well versed and proficient in music.
In early manhood he became a resident of Hartford,
and while there was a member of a brass band.
From Hartford he went to New London, and after a
year there, in about 1844, located at Norwich, which
ever afterward for fifty and more years was his
place of residence. Here he soon was identified
12
GENEALOGICAL AXD BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
with the musical interests of the town. He accepted
the position of organist of the Second Congrega-
tional Church, at that time under the pastorate of
Rev, Dr. Bond, and for many years most efficiently
and to the satisfaction of the congregation sustained
such relations to the choir and church. In his earlier
years Mr. Holbrook also taught vocal music in the
basement of the Universalist Church. He bore the
reputation of being a good teacher and was popular
with his scholars, among whom was the late Judge
Charles W. Carter, of Norwich.
Acting on the advice of the late Henry Bill Mr.
Holbrook decided to prepare himself for the legal
profession, and began the study of law in the office
and under the direction of the late Hon. Jeremiah
Halsey, of Norwich. He was admitted to the Bar
in New London county in 1856, and in that same
year was elected judge of probate, a position he held
by re-election with intelligence, ability and to the
satisfaction of the people of the district for twelve
consecutive years. After an intermission of a de-
cade he was again, in 1879, chosen judge of pro-
bate, and held the office by continuous re-election
until 1892, when he became legally disqualified from
further tenure of office on account of having reached
the age limit — seventy years. While serving as pro-
bate judge he was several times elected president of
the Connecticut Probate Assembly. "Judge Hol-
brook was a man of broad culture, and was looked
upon as an authority in matters connected with prac-
tice in the probate court. His studies extended into
various fields of learning." During his long period
of service as judge of probate — twenty-five years —
he fulfilled the obligations with dignity and grace,
and although he was by virtue of his office entitled
to fees, they were rarely taken by him from people
who could ill afford to pay. Between the periods of
Judge Holbrook's service as judge of probate he
■was chosen to preside over the county court, whose
jurisdiction was similar to that of the present court
of common pleas, and held the position until the
court was abolished.
Judge Holbrook was twice elected a member of
the State Legislature, first in 1873, when he had for
a colleague the late Hon. John Turner Wait; and
second in 1876, at which time his brother member
from Norwich was Hon. George B. Hyde. During
both terms Judge Holbrook took an active and
prominent part in the business of the House. When
not in office Judge Holbrook was engaged in the
practice of law and did not lack clients. He was
often chosen to settle estates. The loss of his law
library and a portion of his other collection of
books, by fire, about a year before his death, was a
serious one, as his annotations in his law books could
not be replaced. He was a member of the Second
Congregational Church at Norwich. He was a man
of sunny and cheerful disposition, the kind of man
it was a pleasure to meet in the daily walks of life.
His home was perfect. As a citizen he was always
above reproach. He was a kind friend and neigh-
bor, and went to his reward with the high esteem
and regard of the community in which he had moved
so long.
Judge Holbrook was married first to Sarah
Shepard, of Norwich, and (second) to Miss Carrie
Stark. His widow and children still survive. The
two sons are Charles S., of Norwich, and Frank W.,
of New Haven. The daughters are Mrs. E. G.
Tewksbury, of China ; Mrs. Robert A. France, of
New Haven; and Mrs. B. P. Sands, of Boston.
Charles S. Holbrook, son of the late Judge
Supply T. Holbrook, and the present town clerk of
Norwich, was born in the city of Norwich Oct. 28,
1856. He attended the public schools of his native
city and the Norwich Free Academy, and at an
early age entered the store of Lee & Osgood, where
he learned the drug business and where he spent
twenty-five years as a druggist. In 1900 he was
elected town clerk, to succeed the late Samuel H.
Freeman, and he fills that office with dignity and sat-
isfaction to the general public. He is noted for his
genial manner and gentlemanly demeanor, and is
popular with all classes. Politically he is a Republi-
can. Mr. Holbrook attends the Congregational
Church, and socially is a member of the Arcanum
Club of Norwich. He was married in Norwich,
June 15, 1892, to Ella P. Plummer, daughter of
Frank J. and Josephine (Wyman) Plummer, of
Norwich, and they have one child, Josephine A.
COIT (New London Branch). For upwards of
250 years the Coits have been prominently identified
with the interests of the ancient town of New Lon-
don, in the social life and in public affairs, in which
members of a number of generations during this
long period have figured more or less conspicuously.
Until June 19, 1904, active in the town's life was
Hon. Robert Coit, president of the New London &
Northern Railroad and of the Union Bank, and an
honored and respected citizen. Still left is Judge
William B. Coit, the only son of Hon. Robert Coit,
who is judge of the city and police court of New
London.
The progenitor of the New London and Nor-
wich Coits was John Coit, the first of the name in
New England, who came probably from Glamorgan-
shire, Wales, between 1630 and 1638. He was in
Salem, Mass., where he had a grant of land in 1638.
In 1644, he removed to Gloucester, and in 1648 was
selectman there; he was a freeman in 1647. He had
considerable land on Wheeler's Point and Planter's
Neck, and received a grant of land in New London,
Conn., in 1650, to which he came the next year. In
England he wedded Mary Ganners, or Jenners, and
in that country all of his children were born pre-
vious to emigration. He died Aug. 29, 1659, and
his widow died Jan. 2, 1676. Their children were :
John, Joseph, Mary and Martha.
From this John Coit the lineage of Robert Coit,
late of New London, is through Deacon Joseph,
John (2), Joseph, Hon. Joshua and Robert Coit.
GENEALOGICAL AXD BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
J3
(II) Deacon Joseph Coit, born about 1633, prob-
ably came with his father from Gloucester to New
London about 165 1, and passed the most of his life
there, carrying on the trade of ship builder with
his brother-in-law, Hugh Mould. He married, July
15, 1667, Martha, daughter of William and Edith
Harris, of Wethersfield ; both joined the church in
1 68 1, he later becoming a deacon. He died March
27, 1704, and Mrs. Coit passed away July 14, 1710.
Nearly, if not all the Coits of America, says the gen-
ealogist of the Coit family, are descended from him.
His children were : John, Joseph, William, Daniel,
Solomon and Samuel, all born between 1670 and
1692, inclusive.
(III) John Coit, born in New London, Conn.,
Dec. 1, 1670, married Jan. 25, 1693, Mehetabel
Chandler, daughter of John and Elizabeth Chandler,
of Woodstock. Mr. Coit passed a long life in New
London in ship building, for which business in 1699,
the town granted him land for shipyard near the
Point of Rocks, where in 1729 he built a wharf.
Mr. Coit died Oct. 22, 1744. His wife survived
him, dying Nov. 3, 1758. Their children were:
John, Joseph, Samuel, Thomas, Elizabeth and Mar-
tha, all born between 1696 and 1706, inclusive.
(IV) Joseph Coit, born Nov. 15, 1698, in New
London, married, in June, 1732, Mary, daughter of
Rev. Nathaniel Hunting, of Easthampton, L. I. ;
she died March 29, 1733, leaving one child only —
Jonathan, born in that year. He married (second)
Jan.9, 1 739-40, Lydia Lathrop, of Norwich, and their
children were : Elizabeth, Lucy, Lucretia, Joseph,
Thomas, Daniel, Jerusha and Joshua, all born be-
tween 1 74 1 and 1758, inclusive. The mother of
these was born in 1718, and died Jan. 10, 1794. The
father died April 27, 1787. He passed the most
of his early life in sailing as master from New Lon-
don, and later in mercantile and commercial pursuits
until the disturbance of Revolutionary times, when
he removed to Norwich. In middle life he was act-
ive in matters of public interest. He was received
into the church in 1718.
(V) Hon. Joshua Coit, born Oct. 7, 1758, in
New London, married, Jan. 2, 1785, Ann Boradill,
born in 1764, daughter of Nicholas and Elizabeth
Hallam, of New London. Mrs. Coit was a superior
woman and brought up her children with singular
discretion. She died March 22, 1844. To Mr. and
Mrs. Coit were born the following children : Rob-
ert, born Nov. 6, 1785; Lydia, born Dec. 12, 1787;
Leonard, born Nov. 12, 1789; Fanny, born Feb. II,
1792; Nancy, born June 10, 1795; and Susan, born
April 28, 1798. Joshua Coit was a rare man. He
was graduated from Harvard in 1776, studied law
and early settled in practice in New London. There
he attained an honorable position, receiving numer-
ous offices of trust from his fellow citizens. He
represented the town in the lower house of the
General Assembly in 1784, 1785, 1788, 1789, 1790,
I792 and 1793, serving repeatedly as clerk and
speaker. He was a representative in the United
States Congress from 1793, until the time of his
death, Sept. 5, 1798, when but forty years of age.
In politics he adhered mainly to the" Federal party,
but separated from that party on particular points
in Congress, illustrating his own independent char-
acter and incurring some displeasure. In 1798 yel-
low fever prevailed in the central part of New Lon-
don, and he fell a victim to that scourge.
(VI) Robert Coit, born Nov. 16, 1785, married
Oct. 15, 182 1, Charlotte, daughter of David and
Elizabeth (Coit) Coit. After making a few voy-
ages on commercial business to the West Indies,
Mr. Coit settled in New London in the ship-chand-
lery business, and later was a dealer in lumber and
coal. Mr. Coit passed a long life of honorable and
successful industry, receiving in many ways tokens
of the respect and esteem of his fellow citizens. He
was for a period the president of the Union Bank,
withdrawing from the office prior to 1867, but re-
tained the presidency of the Savings Bank, of
which he was one of the founders. He served as a
deacon in the Congregational Church in New Lon-
don. He died in October, 1874, and his wife passed
away in January, 1874. Their children were : Fanny
L., born Feb. 16, 1823, was married on Aug. 26,
1 86 1, to Rev. Aaron L. Chapin, a former president
of Beloit College, Wis., and she died at Beloit in
September, 1904; Charlotte, now deceased, born
May 27, 1825, was married May 9, 1866, to Rev.
Thomas P. Field, D. D., a former pastor of the First
Congregational Church in New London ; Ann Bor-
adill, born March 5, 1827, died unmarried; Robert,
born April 26, 1830; Joshua, born Feb. 4, 1832,
was married Oct. 2, i860, to Mary L. Chandler, and
is a Congregational minister at Winchester, Mass. ;
Alfred, born May 2^, 1835, married Ellen Hobron,
and became the father of Judge Alfred Coit, of New
London; and Ellen, born Nov. 3, 1837, married Rev.
Thomas P. Field, D. D., now deceased, and she re-
sides in Beloit, Wisconsin.
Robert Coit, late president of the Union Bank
and of the New London Northern Railroad Com-
pany, a son of the late Robert Coit, was born April
26, 1830, in New London. He was prepared for
college in private schools in his native town and
Farmington, Conn. He entered Yale College, and
was graduated with the class of 1850. Studying law
with William C. Crump, and at the Yale Law
School, he was admitted to the Bar in New London
county in 1853, and commenced the practice of law
in his native town. In i860 he was elected judge
of probate for the New London district, and effi-
ciently performed the duties of that office for four
years. Following this service he was for a time,
and continuing in office as long as it was in force,
Register in Bankruptcy, for his district. After
1867, when chosen treasurer of the New London
and Northern Railroad Company. Mr. Coit's active
business life was greatly taken up with the interests
of that corporation, and he lived to see the value of
its business more than doubled, and the value of its
14
GEXEAL0G1CAL AXD BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
stock increased in like proportion. He was elected
mayor of New London in 1879, and directed the
affairs of the city with ability and good judgment
In that same year he was elected to the lower house
of the General Assembly of Connecticut, and served
on the Judiciary committee and the committee on
Constitutional Amendments. Following this serv-
ice he was for four years a member from the Ninth
District of the State Senate, where he served on
various committees, being chairman of the commit-
tee- on Corporations, Cities and Boroughs and on
Insurance. During his second term of two years,
Senator Coit was President pro-tempore of the
Senate. In 1897 he was again elected to the Gen-
eral Assembly, and was chairman of the committee
on Corporations. While in the House and Senate
Air. Coit was recognized as one of the most influen-
tial members. He had been elected to both branches
by handsome majorities, and in the Eastern part
of the State, where he' was most widely known, his
popularity was and remained great. His ability,
conscientiousness and acumen were recognized by
those of both political parties. For many years Air.
Coit was identified with the banking interests of
Xew London, and, too, with other corporations and
enterprises, being president of the Union Bank,
vice-president of the Xew London Savings Bank,
president of the Xew London Steamboat Company,
and also of the Xew London Gas & Electric Com-
pany. He was secretary and treasurer of the Smith
Memorial Home, and a trustee of the J. X. Harris
estate.
The following complimentary notice of Mr.
Coit. written by his fellow townsman, Hon. Augus-
tus Brandegee, appeared some years ago in the Xew
London Telegraph.
He was just entering upon a successful career at the
Bar, when some evil genius persuaded him to take the
position of treasurer of the Xew London Northern Rail-
road, from which he was ultimately promoted to be its
president. He had every quality to have made a great
lawyer and ultimately a great judge. He was cultured
in ancient and modern literature. He was familiar with
the useful, as well as graceful sciences and arts. He had
a diction and power of speech when once aroused that car-
ried not only persuasion but conviction with it. He knew
how to express his thoughts with the pen as well as
the tongue in pure English, undehled. He had studied law
as a science from its deep English foundations, and his-
mind was broad enough and strong enough to apply it
with its limitations and adaptations' to the whole business
of life. And then he had a character as pure as the
sun-light which had come to him through a long line of
noble ancestors, with whom honesty, fidelity, integrity
and honor were hereditary transmissions, and to whom a
stain was a wound. So equipped. I hoped to see him pass
from the front rank of the Bar to the front rank of the
Bench, as one of the great names in our judicial history.
But just as his sun began to mount to its meridian he left
the Bar for the more congenial activities of a business life
resident of the Xew London Xorthern Railroad. To
him more than any and all others, it is due, that the stock
of that local corporation, in which so many of the people
of this vicinity are interested, stands higher in the mar-
ket, with but two or three exceptions, than any other rail-
road in the United States.
On Aug. I, 1854. Air. Coit was married to Lu-
cretia Brainard. daughter of William F. and Sarah
(Prentis) Brainard, of Xew London, and to them
came children as follows: (i) Alary Gardiner,
born Jan. 21, 1857, died in childhood. (2) William
Brainard was born July 23, 1862.
William Brainard Coit was reared in Xew
London, Conn., his present place of residence and
field of operation. He was graduated from Phil-
lips' Academy. Andover, in 1881. and from the Yale
Scientific School in 1884. He pursued his law stud-
ies in the office of Hon. John C. Crump, of New
London, and was admitted to the Bar in Xew Lon-
don county, in 1887, and has since been identified
with the legal profession in the courts of that coun-
ty. He has served efficiently as prosecuting attor-
ney for the city of Xew London, and has long been
the assistant clerk of the Court of Common Pleas of
Xew London county, a genial and popular official
and a citizen of the highest type. He succeeded his
father as secretary and treasurer of the Smith Ale-
morial Home. He is vice-president of the Union
Bank. In 1901. and again in 1903, he represented
Xew London in the State Legislature. In the for-
mer session he was chairman of the committee on
House Rules, also member of the committee on cities
and boroughs, and a member of the committee on
Revision of Statutes. In the latter session he was
chairman of committee on Cities and Boroughs. In
1903 he was elected by the General Assembly. Judge
of the city and police court of Xew London. On
Oct. 20, 1886, Air. Coit was married to Anna Blan-
chard Bancroft, a daughter of Alajor E. A. Ban-
croft. U. S. A., and Eleanor (Croes) Bancroft.
The Hon. Robert Coit passed away on Sunday
night June 19, 1904. As late as the Wednesday be-
fore he had been down town, and the news of his
death, so unexpected, caused universal and sincere
regret among all classes of society. His strong per-
sonality, his high attainments, his sterling intergity,
and his great good heart were appreciated by his
fellow citizens, who revered him as a man and
citizen — one who reflected credit on the town and
the business interests with which he was identified.
The flags on the city hall and the liberty pole were
at half mast in his honor.
Air. Coit believed strongly in birth, feeling it a
duty he owed to his ancestors to maintain unsullied
the family escutcheon. He was an active worker
in the Society of Colonial Wars in Connecticut, and
he was chairman of the commission to place a bronze
statue of John Winthrop in Xew London. In his
death the whole State mourns with the bereaved
widow and son, for the noble man who entered into
rest.
Of him the Xew Haven Register said :
The death of Robert Coit of Xew London removes
from the life of that city one of its foremost citizens. He
had reached a ripe old age, and at the moment of his
death was enthusiastic in a state service designed to honor
the first governor of Connecticut, and the city of New
London in which he lived. Personallv he was a most
GENEALOGICAL AXD BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
charming man. fond of his friends and delighting in their
company. Keen as1 a man of affairs, his probity of char-
acter and his rare sense of humor made him a representa-
tive son of old Connecticut.
The Norwich Bulletin of date June 20, 1904,
paid this tribute to his memory :
Endowed with keen intelligence, marked executive
ability and conservative judgment in financial affairs, he
always held the confidence of the public, faithfully dis-
charging the duties of a number of important offices. He
-was an esteemed member of the Republican party.
HON. JEREMIAH HALSEY (deceased).
The Connecticut Bar lias given to New London
county some of the most brilliant legal minds the
-world has ever known, and among these none held
a more honored place, won not alone by his clear
reasoning, sound conclusions, and thorough mastery
of the technicalities, but by his native nobility and
dignity of character, than the late Jeremiah Halsey,
■who entered into rest on Sunday, Feb. 9, 1896, at
Washington, D. C.
Mr. Halsey was born in Preston, Conn., Feb. 8,
1822, a son of Jeremiah S. and Sally (Brewster)
Halsey. and a grandson of Col. Jeremiah Halsey, of
Preston, who was an active officer in the Continental
army. Mrs. Sally (Brewster) Halsey was a de-
scendant in the sixth generation in direct line from
Elder William Brewster, of the "Mayflower"
company.
Jeremiah Halsey received his literary training in
the public and private schools of Preston, and for a
time was a student at Norwich Academy. It had
been his intention to enter Yale, but ill health made
that an impossibility, and he was obliged to go
South in search of a milder climate. He located at
Hawkinsville, Ga., and became a student in the law
office of Polhill & Whitfield. On April 23, 1845. he
was admitted to the Bar in Georgia, and on Decem-
ber nth following to that of Windham county, Conn.
His health had not improved sufficiently for him to
engage in continued work, so that until September,
1849. ne passed his time in travel and study. He
then opened a law office in Norwich with the late
Samuel C. Morgan, and from that time until his
death was actively engaged in the practice of the
profession he so loved. When, as a young lawyer,
he faced the Bar of New London county, he found
many there who had acquired far more than a local
fame, but Mr. Halsey in a very short time displayed
the ability and erudition that made him their equal,
and that firmly fixed his place in the front rank of
the foremost lawyers of the State. In April, 1863,
he was admitted to the Bar of the United States
Circuit court, and on Feb. 20, 1870, to the Supreme
court of the United States. In the courts of the
State and nation his practice was most varied, but
in all departments of law he seemed equally at home.
Mr. Halsey preferred his profession and the hon-
ors of legal battles, bravely and honorably fought
and won, to distinction in the political arena. Or-
iginally he was a Whig, but later became a Repub-
lican. While he held many offices, the office always
sought him. In 1852 and 1853 he represented Nor-
wich in the State Legislature, and again in 1859 and
i860. In 1873 he was appointed by Gov. Ingersoll
one of the commissioners to supervise the construc-
tion of the new statehouse at Hartford, and he so
served until the completion of the building, in 1880.
This statehouse. to the honor of the commissioners
be it said, was built within the appropriation. In
1853 ^r- Halsey was made city attorney, and for
fifteen years efficiently discharged the duties of that
office, and for several years he was corporation
counsel. Men of all parties reposed confidence in
him. because of his uncompromising honesty and his
absolute impartiality. Among the lawyers of the
State he early became first. His cases were always
well studied, and his logical reasoning and perfect
command of language literally gave to his opponent
no loophole. Judges and lawyers admired him as a
brilliant member of their profession, and they re-
spected him as a man among men. His life was
pure, his habits simple and democratic, and his ca-
reer showed no shadow or stain. While his disposi-
tion was somewhat retiring, his friends knew him to
love him. His pupils found in him a sympathetic
listener and a most congenial companion, and in his
home he was a most devoted husband.
Mr. Halsey was a trustee of the Norwich Free
Academy; a member of the advisory council of the
United' Workers ; a member of the citizens corps of
Sedgwick Post, G. A. R. ; trustee and counsel of the
Norwich Savings Society ; director of the First Na-
tional Bank ; counsel for the Chelsea Savings and
Thames National Banks ; director of the New Lon-
don Northern Railway Company ; and, associated
with Rev. W. W. Sylvester (former rector of Trin-
ity) and Hon. John T. Wait, was one of the original
incorporators of the Huntington Memorial Home.
In his religious belief Mr. Halsey was an Epis-
copalian, and a member of Christ Church parish,
taking an active interest in its welfare. His death
occurred at the "Hamilton Hotel," in Washington,
D. C. whither he and his wife had gone for the
winter. His health had been poor for some time,
but such was his power of endurance and self-efface-
ment that few realized his race was so nearly run,
and the sad intelligence that all was over was a
severe shock to the many friends at home. Services
at the capital were attended by many whose names
are household words all over the land — men whom
he had met in public life and who had learned to
admire him for his upright character and his great
abilitv. All gathered to pay a last tribute to this
sturdy son of Connecticut. Final services were held
at his Norwich home, and were attended by the
mayor, the city council, town and county officials,
representatives of the great financial institutions of
the county, and a large number of the members of
the New London county Bar. Besides these, noted
judges from all over the State came to do honor to
i6
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
one they loved and esteemed. The interment took
place in Vantic cemetery, the burial services being
read by Rev. Erit B. Schmitt, of Stonington
(formerly of Trinity, this city), and closing with
the beautiful hymn, "Now the Laborer's Task is
Done."
On June I, 1854, Jeremiah Halsey was united
in marriage with Elizabeth Eairchild, of Ridgefield,
Conn., who survives him.
HON. HUGH HENRY OSGOOD (deceased),
for a number of years one of the leading druggists
of the State of Connecticut, at the time of his death
president of the Norwich Druggists' Association,
and associated with numerous other enterprises,
commercial and otherwise, in his city, county and
State, was one of the most progressive, successful
and altogether creditable citizens Norwich has ever
had the honor to claim. Perhaps no better descrip-
tion of the character of the man could be given than
that which appears on the tablet at the entrance to
the beautiful parish house of Park Congregational
Church, erected to his memory : "An interested and
generous member of Park Congregational Church
from its organization ; a sincere and earnest Chris-
tian; a public-spirited citizen; a broad-minded pa-
triot ; a wise counsellor ; a devoted and unselfish
friend ; a man of noble powers, nobly used." The
last clause is the keynote to his whole life.
Col. Osgood was born Oct. 10, 1821, in South-
bridge, Mass., son of Artemas and Saloma (John-
son) Osgood, and passed his earlier years at his na-
tive place. At the age of ten he came to Norwich,
and first lived with an uncle, but his parents came
hither later, from Pomfret, and the family resided
in what is now the Young block, on Franklin Square.
Mr. Osgood's early ambitions inclined him toward
the drug business, and he entered the employ of
Samuel Tyler & Son (afterward Tyler & Devotion),
who conducted a drug store in a small wooden build-
ing on Water street, where the Tyler Building now
stands. In March, 1842, in company with his uncle,
Dr. Charles Lee, he opened a drug store under the
firm name of Lee & Osgood, occupying the room
later used for part of their wholesale business. Dr.
Lee remained as a member of their firm until his
death, in the middle sixties, and Mr. Osgood con-
tinued in the business for over half a century, until
his death on Oct. 22, 1899. The concern prospered
beyond all expectation, in time requiring two large
buildings, and Mr. Osgood came to the front not
only in that line, but in every branch of commercial
enterprise in his section. At the time of his death
he was president of the Uncas Paper Company, the
Goodwin Cork Company, the Dime Savings Bank,
and the Sterling Dyeing & Finishing Company of
Sterling, Conn. He served a long time as president
of the Worcester Thread Company, of Worcester,
Mass., and the Glasgo Yarn Company, of Glasgo,
Conn., until they were absorbed by the American
Thread Company. He served a long time as presi-
dent of the Norwich Bleaching, Dyeing & Printing
Company, and when it was merged into the United
States Finishing Company, of New York, he be-
came vice-president of the new concern. He was a
director of the Thames National Bank, the First
National Bank, the Ashland Cotton Company, of
Jewett City, the Norwich Gas & Electric Company,
the Yantic Woolen Company, and the Richmond
Stove Company. Ever on the alert to advance the
interests of his own city, he was one of the early
promoters of the Norwich Bulletin, and acted as
president of the Bulletin Association and the Bulle-
tin Company ; and he was one of the prime movers
in the organization of the Norwich Board of Trade,
was the first president of that body, and never lost
his interest in it.
Mr. Osgood was equally active in the public
life of the community. He served several terms as
a member of the court of common council, and was
subsequently honored with the mayoralty of the city,
serving from 1875 to 1876, and from 1877 to 1886,
with what satisfaction may be best judged from the
length of his term. Whenever he consented to run
he was elected with flattering majorities, which were
fully explained by the character of his administra-
tion. Many public improvements were inaugurated
and carried through while he was in office, among
the most important being a sewer system in the cen-
tral part of the city, and the introduction of the fire
alarm telegraph. He was always interested in the
fire department. When the Wauregan Steam Fire
Engine Company was organized, his name headed
the list, and he was foreman several years, and al-
ways a warm friend of the organization, in which he
retained an honorary membership until his death.
Public education was another matter to which he
gave especial attention. He was a Fellow of the
Corporation of the Norwich Free Academy, and for
over forty years served as treasurer of the Center
school district.
During the Civil war Mr. Osgood was an ardent
Union man, aided in raising and sending troops to
the front, and was a member and on the executive
committee of the Loyal League, an organization
formed to advance the Union cause. While William
A. Buckingham was governor Mr. Osgood was a
member of his staff, ranking as colonel, and he was
the only one on the staff who served through that
governor's entire administration. He was a pro-
moter of the organization of the Buckingham Rifles.
His political allegiance was originally given to the
Whig party, and he joined the Republican party at
its organization, and was ever after one of its stanch-
est supporters.
Socially Mr. Osgood was one of the organizers
of the Kitemaug Association, of which he was presi-
dent ; was a charter member of the Norwich Club ;
and held membership in the Arcanum Club. Fra-
ternally he stood high in Masonic circles. In i860
he joined Somerset Lodge, Xo. 34. F. & A. M., and
in 1872 he became a charter member of St. James
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
17
Lodge, No. 23, F. & A. M. ; he also affiliated with
Franklin Chapter, No. 4, R. A. M. ; Franklin
Council, No. 3, R. & S. M. ; Columbian Command-
ery, No. 4, K. T. ; and all of the Scottish Rite bodies.
He was one of the trustees of the Masonic Temple
Corporation bonds.
Air. Osgood's religious connection was with the
Park Congregational Church, of which he was one
of the constituent members, and he served for years
as chairman of the Society's committee. He attend-
ed services regularly, and was active in every branch
of work undertaken by the congregation, but he was
particularly interested in the Parish House Asso-
ciation organized to promote Church work and build
a parish house to accommodate the needs of an in-
creasing membership, and afford room for the vari-
ous entertainments and social functions of the con-
gregation. In February, 1895, it was voted to pur-
chase a piece of land south of the chapel, which had
been offered to the association for $3,000. Col. Os-
good purchased the land himself, and before his
death deeded it to the association. He was much
interested with the idea of having this needed build-
ing, and on the Easter morning after his death it
was announced that Airs. Osgood would make a gift
of a parish house in memory of her husband. The
beautiful building, complete in every detail, and
ample for every requirement, was dedicated on Sun-
day, November 2, 1902, and is a fitting memorial to
the high Christian character in whose honor it was
reared. It is the most beautiful structure of the kind
in eastern Connecticut. Colonel Osgood was inter-
ested in all benevolent and charitable work, was a
vice-president of the Y. Al. C. A., was a member of
the advisory committee of the United Workers, and
for two years was president of the Norwich City
Alission. In all these organizations, as, indeed, in
every body with which he was connected, Air. Os-
good was a power for good, possessing much influ-
ence with all his associates — the result of a life of
unimpeachable integrity, combined with ability of
a high order. The welfare of his employes was al-
ways a matter of concern to him, and he had their
unbounded confidence and esteem, and the same
might be said of his relations with his patrons,
among whom he was regarded with feelings of the
utmost respect. He was often chosen to act as
chairman at public meetings, and invariably gave
satisfaction in such positions, his remarks being few
and well chosen, typical of his unassuming and re-
tiring disposition. All the honors he received came
to him entirely unsolicited, and Dr. Howe expressed
the general sentiment when, in his funeral address,
he said: "No office in his reach could have brought
him added honor. The few offices of trust and re-
sponsibility which his fellow townsmen thrust upon
him added nothing to the name he won, and were
only accepted as the means of rendering his city a
needed service." Such was the impression he made
upon those with whom he daily associated.
On June 23, 1892, Air. Osgood was married, by
2
Rev. Dr. S. H. Howe, to Miss Mary Ruth Lee, of
Manlius, X. Y., who survives him. He was also
survived by his twin sister. Miss Jane E. Osgood
(now deceased), and several nieces and nephews.
Mrs. Osgood is a most estimable lady, and, like her
husband, deeply interested in works of a benevolent
and charitable nature. She has been connected with
the W. W. Backus Hospital since it was established,
and is chairman of the advisory committee of that
institution. Airs. Osgood is a member of the local
chapter of the D. A. R.
On Oct. 7, 1899, Air. Osgood and wife left Nor-
wich for Niagara Falls, where Air. ( )sgood attended
the National convention of wholesale druggists. On
the return trip he was taken ill, but not regarding his
cold as serious proceeded to Manlius, N. Y.. near
Syracuse, where Airs. Osgood resided before her
marriage. There he was again prostrated, and be-
came sick with penumonia, which, with heart failure
caused his death, on Oct. 22. His health had not
been good for the last several years. The death of
a citizen whose interests were so numerous, whose
sympathies were so wide, caused universal grief in
Norwich and throughout that part of the State in
general, and many were the expressions of sorrow
at his demise. A number of prominent citizens met
the remains at the depot, and all honor was shown
to one who had throughout life shown himself
worthy and highly deserving. During the funeral
almost every place of business in the city was closed,
and the court house bell was tolled for half an hour
at noon that day — the first time such an honor was
ever paid to a private citizen. There were many
other unusual marks of respect. At the funeral
services in the church were members of the city and
town government, bank officials and representatives
from the various organizations to which Air. Osgood
belonged, and the members of Sedgwick Post, No.
1, G. A. R., were present in a body, in citizens dress.
Relatives, friends, neighbors, business associates,
employes — all came to do honor to the memory of
one who had ever commanded their respect and
affection, and a most touching address was delivered
by his pastor, Rev. Dr. Howe. Among the resolu-
tions of sympathy passed by the organizations with
which he had been connected, Coolcy's Weekly of
PYiday, Oct. 2.7, 1899, published those from the
common council, the Norwich Board of Trade. Sedg-
wick Post, No. 1, G. A. R., the Alasonic Temple
Corporation, Hugh H. Osgood Lodge, I. O. O. F.,
Al. U., the Wauregan Steam Fire Engine Company,
the Dime Savings Bank, the Norwich Savings So-
ciety, the Thames National Bank, the First National
Bank, the Norwich Druggists Association, the Lu-
cas Paper Company and the Crescent Fire Arms
Company. A few extracts from these will not be
out of place in this connection. From the Alasonic
Temple Corporation :
At a meeting of the directors of the Masonic Temple
Corporation, held in Masonic Temple Monday evening, the
following minute and vote were unanimously passed :
i8
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
While Hon. I!. 11. Osgood, 326 degree, was not a
director. n< r even an incorporator, of this corporation, it
IS felt that his death should receive something more than
a passing notice from us. In spite of the almost innumera-
ble interests, public, corporate or private, which demanded
his attention, he took a deep interest in the formation and
success of this corporation, subscribing liberally for our
bonds, willingly consenting to act as trustee for the bond-
holders, in which capacity his autograph appears upon all
the bonds.
He was ever ready with his mature judgment, to give
us the benefit of his vast experience at the time of our
organization and later in the conduct of affairs, and the
success which has attended the corporation was a source
of deep gratification to him.
It is therefore voted: That a page in the records of
this' corporation be set apart to the memory of Hon. Hugh
Henry Osgood, the upright citizen, the incorruptible public
official, the firm and devoted friend, in short the consistent
Mason, with all that is implied thereby.
Official : Arthur H. Brewer,
Chas. B. Chapman, Secretary. President.
The Thames National Bank :
By the death of the Hon. Hugh H. Osgood there is
lost to the state and community a patriotic and public-
spirited citizen of the best type, to our business interests
an exemplar of enterprise, thrift and honorable conduct
of affairs, to the poor friend ever sympathizing, helpful
and generous.
Full of years and honors he has gone to his rest with
the respect, the esteem and the love of all to whom he was
known. No man has been more widely identified with all
the varied interests of a community, with its political and
social life, its churches and schools, its manufacturing,
mercantile and financial enterprises', and in all he was a
leader, not by reason of self seeking, but by the common
consent of his fellows, who have recognized in him a
superiority in wisdom, in self control, in tact and disin-
terestedness.
Kindly in heart, and genial in bearing, he invited con-
fidence and from the stores of his large experience, gave
counsel to the inexperienced or perplexed. No measure
for the public welfare, no plan to relieve private distress,
but enlisted his ready sympathy and active assistance.
Always progressive he kept pace with the advance of
the age, and in appreciation of every material improvement
in social, scientific and industrial affairs he was as one
entering upon a career and desirous of equipping himself
with the best instruments of success. Large minded and
far seeing, he wrought for the best interests of the com-
munity in which he lived, and among the successful insti-
tutions of his town, there are few which do not bear the
impress of his energy, knowledge and public spirit.
In voicing its own severe loss this board but joins' in
sympathy with a community which is bereaved of its
foremost citizen.
Voted: That this banking house be closed during
the hours of the funeral and that the directors attend the
services in a body.
Chas. W. Gale, Cashier.
The First National Bank:
The death of Hon. Hugh H. Osgood has fallen upon
this community with suddenness, and with almost par-
alyzing force. On every side spontaneous expressions of
respect and affection are heard, and sincere regret that this
community has lost its first citizen.
No eulogistic expression can completely portray his
character, which had for its broad foundation truth, honor
and integrity and all those characteristics which marked
the moral, the social, the religious and the business life of
an upright man.
He was in touch with and his force was felt in busi-
ness enterprises to a greater extent than is the choice or
possibility with few men only. He yielded his personal
comfort and pleasure at the solicitation of friends, who
leaned upon him in association for advice and assistance.
In business his was notably the strong arm.
In church and school, and in the broader walks of life,
he was an intelligent, sympathetic and strong leader, the
supporter of all that is good and true.
In charities the kindest sympathies and the generous
impulses of a Christian philanthropist took expression in
the deeds done, the number of which none can know.
Joining in the universal expression of sorrow, and in
sympathy and love for a true friend, this hoard desires
to record their appreciation of the man, and their pleas-
ure in having so long enjoyed his friendship and asso-
ciation, as well as his valuable advice and co-operation in
its affairs.
It is' further ordered that the bank be closed on the
afternoon of Thursday, 26th, and that the directors attend
the funeral services.
F. S. Jerome, Cashier.
Following is the editorial which appeared in the
paper mentioned, and in which the foregoing no-
tices appeared :
In the death of Hon. Hugh H. Osgood, Norwich, as
a community, suffers an almost irreparable loss, that is
universally recognized and sincerely felt. The many large
business interests with which he was so long and closely
identified are deprived of a wise counsellor and hundreds
of individuals mourn the departure of a personal friend
whose substantial aid has time and again been unosten-
tatiously tendered them.
Col. Osgood was a self-made man, who achieved the
highest measure of usefulness and influence in both public
and private life. He was successful not only in promoting
business enterprises but also in winning by honest and
able effort the hearty esteem of his fellow citizens. Firm
in his own convictions, he was yet tolerant of opposing
opinions, and his advice for years had been sought by men
of affairs in all walks of life. His going out creates vacan-
cies many and varied. He will be sadly missed, yet the
genuine public sorrow that marks his passage from the
scenes of his life work is mellowed by the realization that
his years of activity were prolonged nearly a decade beyond
the allotted life of man. His work is done, and the mem-
ory of it will long be gratefully cherished by his appre-
ciative townsmen.
HUBBARD. For nearly two hundred and seventy
years the name of Hnbbard has been a conspicuous
one in New England history. Perhaps for a century
and a quarter the name has been continuously identi-
fied with the history of Norwich, where either to-
gether, or in turn, the posterity of Capt. Russell
Hubbard has figured prominently, especially in com-
mercial and manufacturing lines. Such names as
Capt. Russell, Thomas, Amos H.. James L., and
Charles L. Hubbard, are indelibly stamped upon the
community in the development of the city's natural
resources and its commercial and manufacturing
growth. The ancestors of Capt. Russell Hubbard,
and the allied families by marriage of his posterity,
have been those of the best of New England. Of
the Hubbards, many of the early generations were
graduates of cither Harvard or Yale, and men of
the learned professions, as will be observed in the
following family sketch of the Norwich Hubbards
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
l9
and their lineage. From William Hubbard, of Bos-
ton, the emigrant ancestor, the present Charles L.
Hnbbard's lineage is through Rev. William, John,
Rev. John, Daniel, Capt. Russell, Thomas, Amos H.,
and James L.
(I) William Hubbard was born about 1595. He
was graduated from Cambridge University, Eng-
land, in 1620, and in 1635 sailed from London, in
the ship "Defence," coming from Tendring Hun-
dred, County Essex, and landed at Boston. He was
accompanied by his wife Judith (Knapp), daughter
of John and Martha (Blosse) Knapp, and six chil-
dren, namely : Martha, Mary, John, William, Na-
thaniel and Richard. Mr. Hubbard was made a
freeman in 1638, and was Deputy to the General
Court for six years between 1638 and 1646. He was
the founder and principal benefactor of the Ipswich
Grammar School in 1636, and there held many im-
portant offices and was considered a very learned
man. He removed to Boston in 1652, where he died
Aug. 19, 1670.
(II) Rev. William Hubbard, born in 1621, in
County Essex, England, was graduated from Har-
vard College in 1642, in the first class ever graduated
from an American college. He also studied medicine
in connection with his other work there. He was
made a freeman in 1653. He married about 1646,
Mary (or Margaret) Rogers, the only daughter of
Rev. Nathaniel and Margaret (Crane) Rogers,
formerly of Coggeshall, County Essex, England. Mr.
Hubbard began preaching in Ipswich, Mass., in 1656,
and was ordained in 1658. Many of his sermons
have been printed. He was the author of a number
of works, among them "Indian Wars" (1677), and
""History of New England." He remained pastor of
the Ipswich Church until 1703, resigning owing to
advanced age. He died in September, 1704. He
had married (second) Mary, widow of Samuel
Pearce. His children born to the first marriage were
Margaret, Nathaniel and John.
(III) John Hubbard, born in 1648 in Ipswich,
Mass., united with the Church in 1673T' He married,
in 1671, Ann Leverett, born Nov. 23, 1652, daughter
of John and Sarah (Sedgwick) Leverett. Mr. Hub-
bard and his family removed to Boston in 1680,
where he soon became a leading merchant, and he
was for many years treasurer of Suffolk county.
He died Jan. 8, 1709-10. His children were : Mary,
Sarah, John, William, Nathaniel and Richard.
(IV) Rev. John Hubbard, born Jan. 9, 1677,
in Boston, was graduated from Harvard College in
1695, and in 1698 he was settled as pastor of a
church in Jamaica, L. I. He was a Congregational
clergyman, and the first buried there. On June 12,
1701, he married Mabel Russell, only daughter of
Rev. Daniel Russell and his wife Mehetabel (Wyl-
lis), the latter a daughter of Samuel and grand-
daughter of Gov. George Wyllis, of Hartford. Rev.
Hubbard's children were : John and Daniel.
(V) Daniel Hubbard was born probably in New
Haven, Conn., April 3, 1706, and was graduated
from Yale in 1727. On Aug. 13 (or 18), 1731, he
married Martha, younger daughter of John and
Mehetabel (Chandler) Coit, of New London, Conn.,
and settled in that town in the practice of law. He
was appointed sheriff of the county in 1735, and so
continued until his death, March 24, 1741-2, at the
age of thirty-six. He left three sons and two daugh-
ters. His widow married Thomas, son of Nathaniel
Greene, of Boston, Sept. 6, 1744, by whom she had
four children; she was left again a widow in 1763,
and later resided in Norwich, Conn., dying in 1784,
at the age of seventy-eight. Daniel Hubbard's chil-
dren were: Russell, born in 1732; Lucretia, born in
1734; Daniel, born in 1736; Elizabeth, born in
1738; and William, born in 1740.
(VI) Capt. Russell Hubbard, the eldest child of
Daniel Hubbard and Martha (Coit) Hubbard, was
born in New London, Conn., June 28, 1732. When
he was ten years of age his father died, and two
years later his mother married Thomas Greene, of
Boston. Mr. Hubbard was graduated from Yale
College in 1751, and settled as a merchant in his
native town, and was largely interested in the ship-
ping trade of that port; he had previously gone in
person on some voyages, as shown by his title of
"Captain." His house and shop being burnt by the
British in 1781, he then removed to Norwich, where
he died Aug. 5, 1785, in his fifty- fourth year. The
inventory of his estate amounted to i2,300, and in-
cluded sixty volumes of books. He married in Bris-
tol, R. I., on Jan. 30, 1755 (or 1754), Mary, daughter
of Ebenezer and Mary (Prentice Coit) Gray, then
of New London, formerly of Newport, by whom he
had four daughters and two sons who grew to ma-
turity; of the daughters, one married Elijah Backus
(Yale, 1777), and another married his classmate,
Ebenezer Bushnell. The Hubbards of Norwich are
a branch of the New London family and it of the
Boston Hubbards. The family is one of distinction
in New England, where it has figured conspicuously
for nearly 270 years. The Norwich branch has been
especially prominent in commercial and manufactur-
ing lines and this point has been their field of opera-
tion since about 1781. Such names as Capt. Russell
Hubbard and James L. Hubbard, Thomas Hubbard,
and Amos Hallam Hubbard, men all now deceased.,
and that of the son of James L. Hubbard — Charles
L. Hubbard — have been conspicuous in Norwich
history a century and a quarter. Russell Hubbard's
children were : Mary, born in 1756 ; Thomas, born in
1758; Lucretia, born in 1762; Russell, born in
1764; Martha, born about 1766; and Susan, born in
1768.
(VII) Thomas Hubbard, born in 1758, married
in 1781, Mary Hallam, born in 1760, daughter of
Amos and Sarah (Denison) Hallam, of New Lon-
don, Conn., and resided in New London and Nor-
wich. He died in 1808, and she in 1825. Their chil-
dren were: Thomas, born in 1783 ; Russell, born in
1785 ; and Amos Hallam, born in 1791.
(VIII) Amos Hallam Hubbard, born in 1791,
20
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
married, in 1821, Eliza Lanman, born in 1800,
daughter of Hon. James and Mary Anne (Chan-
dler) Lanman. Mr. Hubbard died Dec. 17, 1865,
and Mrs. Hubbard passed away April 7, 1872. Amos
Hubbard was one of the leading and wealthiest citi-
zens of eastern Connecticut. In 1817, according to
Miss Caulkins, Amos H. Hubbard returned to his
native town of Norwich from Batavia, Java, where
he had been living for about five years. In 18 18,
in company with his brother, Russell Hubbard, he
established the business of papermaking at the Falls,
removing to Greeneville in i860. On Dec. 14, 1827,
he bought from James Lanman the land on which
the new postoffice is located, and there built the
massive and elegant residence which he occupied
during the rest of his life. Not only was this, at the
time it was built, the finest residence in this section,
but in the entire city.
The present A. H. Hubbard Company of Nor-
wich, of which company Charles L. Hubbard is
president and treasurer, is the legitimate successor
of Christopher Leffingwell, the first maker of paper
in Connecticut. He began the manufacture of paper
above the Falls of Yantic in 1766. It is also the suc-
cessor of Andrew Huntington, who began making
paper below the falls in 1790. In 181 1 the executors
of the Leffingwell estate sold the mill property to
Russell Hubbard and others. Mr. Hubbard pur-
chased the interests of his partners in 1815, and in
1818 Amos H. Hubbard bought of Andrew Hunt-
ington the paper mill below the Falls. In 1829
Amos H. Hubbard placed and operated the first
Fourdrinier machine made in America. Paper had
been previously made by hand, a sheet at a time.
After the land adjoining each mill had been in-
creased by further purchase, in 1837, Russell Hub-
bard and Amos H. Hubbard (brothers) each con-
veyed their several mills to the firm then formed, to
be known as R. & A. H. Hubbard. This partnership
and ownership continued for twenty years, and until
the death of Russell Hubbard, whose executors con-
veyed his share in all the mills to Amos H. Hub-
bard. In i860 Amos Hubbard bought of the Nor-
wich Water Power Company the land now used by
the A. H. Hubbard Company, at Greeneville, and
moved the business. In 186 1 he conveyed the mills
at the Falls to the Falls Company. Amos H. Hub-
bard died in 1865, and his son, James L. Hubbard,
continued the business under the name of A. H.
Hubbard & Company.
(IX) James L. Hubbard, born Dec. 25, 1833,
received a substantial education. In early youth he
entered the employ of the firm of R. & A. H. Hub-
bard at the Falls, and after the death of his uncle,
Russell Hubbard, he became associated with his
fatber in the firm of A. H. Hubbard & Co. (the
business having been removed to Greeneville), un-
der which name the business of manufacturing of
paper was carried on the rest of his life. He thor-
oughly understood the paper manufacturing'business
in all its details. Mr. Hubbard died Dec. 30, 1890,
after having suffered from poor health for many
years. He was a very well known man in his line,,
and accumulated a large property. He was a di-
rector of the Thames National Bank. Politically he
was a Republican, but his interest never extended to
that of accepting office. He was interested in the
erection of the Park Congregational Church, and
presented to that society the splendid organ there,,
which was made to his order abroad. He was an
attendant of Christ Church, Norwich, and a very
liberal supporter.
On April 12, 1854, Mr. Hubbard married Miss
Charlotte P. Learned, a native of Norwich, born
May 15, 1835, daughter of Ebenezer and Matilda
Denison (Hurlbut) Learned. Mrs. Hubbard was
an excellent woman, of many virtues. She suffered
from poor health for a number of years previous
to her death, which occurred at her summer home
at Eastern Point, Aug. 2, 189 1. Their children
were: Charles L., who is mentioned below; and
Matilda D., born Mav 4, 1858, who died May 12,
1866.
(X) Charles Learned Hubbard, born July
21, 1855, president and treasurer of the A. H. Hub-
bard Company, is a leading citizen and one of the
most prominent members of the Masonic fraternity
in the State. He was educated in the schools of his
native town, and at the age of nineteen years entered
the employ of his father, acquiring a thorough and
practical knowledge of the business. His father's
poor health made it necessary that the active work
of the business in later years should be attended to
by Charles L., who after the death of his father
became president of the company, continuing as such
to the present time. He is also a director of the
Thames National Bank, the Norwich Savings So-
ciety, the Occum AYater Power Company, and the
Berkshire Cotton Manufacturing Company.
Mr. Hubbard is a member of St. James Lodge,.
No. 23, F. & A. M. ; Franklin Chapter, No. 4,
R. A. M. ; Franklin Council, No. 3, R. & S. M. : and
is past eminent commander of Columbian Com-
mandery, No. 4, Knights Templar, at present serving
on the standing committee in that body, and is grand
warden of the Grand Commandery of Connecticut.
In Scottish Rite Masonry he has been equally pro-
ficient. He is a member of King Solomon Grand
Lodge of Perfection ; Van Rensselaer Council,
Princes of Jerusalem ; Norwich Sovereign Chapter
of Rose Croix ; Connecticut Sovereign Consistory of
Norwich ; on September 18, 1894, was made a
member of the Supreme Council of Sovereign Grand
Inspectors General of the Thirty-third and Last
Degree for the Northern Masonic Jurisdiction ; and
on Sept. 15, 1903, he was crowned an active member
of the Thirty-third degree and also made Deputy of
State of Connecticut. He is a member of the board
of directors of The Masonic Temple Corporation.
Mr. Hubbard is vice-president of Backus Hospital ;
President of the Norwich Club ; a Fellow of the
Norwich Free Academy ; member of the New York
c
4>-
~^
GEX LA LOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
21
Yacht Club : of the Arcanum Club ; the Chelsea Boat
Club : the Citizens' Corps of the Grand Army ; the
American Paper and Pulp Association ; and a di-
rector in the United States Finishing Company.
Politically he is a Republican, and has repeatedly
declined candidacies on local and State tickets.
( )n June 6, 1877, Mr. Hubbard was married to
Katherine Frances Mather, daughter of Capt.
Samuel and Frances (Tiffany) Mather, and they
have had three children: (1) Rosalie was educated
in the Norwich public schools and select schools at
New York. She is a member of Connecticut So-
ciety of Colonial Dames of America. (2) Samuel
M. is deceased. (3) James Lanman is attending
Yale University, Class of 1907. Mr. Hubbard is a
member of Christ Church, and one of the wardens.
MOSES PIERCE, whose death, Aug. 18, 1900,
removed from Norwich, one of her most useful and
progressive citizens, was born in Pawtucket, R. L,
then known as North Providence, July 3, 1808,
eldest of the eight children — five boys and three
girls — of Benjamin B. and Susan (Walker) Pierce,
the former a native of East Greenwich, R. L, and a
tanner by trade, but later in life a cotton manufac-
turer.
Moses Pierce received his literary training in
the district schools of his native State, between the
ages of four and twelve, at the latter age beginning
work as a chore boy in a factory store, at the muni-
ficent wages of seventy-five cents per week. At the
age of fourteen years he became the bookkeeper,
and from that time until he was twenty he was en-
gaged in that and other capacities in the cotton mill
business, thereby gaining a thorough knowledge of
•cotton manufacturing. In 1828 he located in Willi-
mantic. Conn., and as superintendent took charge of
a small cotton mill, one of the first in that now thriv-
ing manufacturing center. The bleaching business
had begun to attract attention, and at the solicitation
of men of capital Mr. Pierce became the junior
member of an enterprising firm, and built, started
and superintended mills in Rhode Island and Mass-
achusetts.
In October, 1839, on the invitation of the late
Jedediah Leavens, Mr. Pierce came to Norwich to
consider the outlook for the bleaching business.
The following May, having concluded his other en-
gagements, he secured a lease of water from the
Water Power Company, and the ground was broken
for the first mill on the site of what was, until re-
cent years, the Norwich Bleaching & Calendering
Company. On Sept. 10, 1840, the machinery started,
and the history of that great company was begun.
From 1840 to 1888 Mr. Pierce was the real head of,
first, the company, and, afterward, the corpora-
tion.
In 1863 Mr. Pierce, with about twenty others,
chiefly of Norwich, united to form the Occum Com-
pany, to acquire lands and flowage rights which
should enable them to control the Shetucket river
from the tail race of the Baltic mill to the upper end
of the Greeneville Pond. Three years later Taft-
ville began its career. Associated with .Mr. Pierce
in this enterprise were E. P. and Cyrus Taft, of
Providence, and James L. Arnold, of Plainfield.
A charter was obtained from the Legislature,
though violently opposed because of the large
amount of money involved, permitting a capital of
$1,500,000. The stock was marketed, and when the
company was organized Mr. Pierce became a direc-
tor, holding this place until 1887, when, by a sale
of certain stock, the management passed into other
hands.
Among other ventures in which Mr. Pierce
played a conspicuous part was the Ashland Cotton
Company at Jewett City, of which he was president
for thirty-five years. Another was the Aspinhook
Company of the same village. From 1873 tne water
power at Jewett City, easily made serviceable by a
dam across the Quinebaug, was a pet project of
Mr. Pierce. Twenty years later he saw his dream
realized by the erection of a printing, bleaching and
calendering plant on the plateau south of the falls,
and of this company he was president up to the time
of his death. In all the various concerns with which
Mr. Pierce was prominently connected, about 2,000
persons are constantly employed, and the annual
payroll cannot be less than a million of dollars.
In the political world Mr. Pierce was, from 1831,
a strict advocate of temperance principles, giving of
his time and money to further the cause. He was an
Abolitionist until the close of the war, and after-
ward voted with the Republican party. In 1854 he
represented his district in the State Legislature.
Although positive in his own opinions he was tol-
erant toward the views of others. While residing at
Fall River, in 1834, Mr. Pierce united with the
Congregational Church, for many years was a mem-
ber of the Church at Norwich town, and remained
connected with that denomination for the remainder
of his days, later transferring his membership to the
Park Church, in Norwich.
Mr. Pierce's charities were legion. From the
beginning of his career he gave in proportion to his
means. In 1878 he gave to the United Workers the
large house at Norwich town, now known as the
Rock Nook Children's home. One of the buildings
connected with the training school for Negroes and
Indians at Hampton, Ya., made famous by its
founder. Gen. Armstrong, costing way up into the
thousands, was built with Mr. Tierce's money. His
practical consideration has assisted many an object
whose end was the good of humanity. Until a few
years before his death his constitution was robust, a
fact which he attributed to his temperance in all
things. He was able to ride out up to within ten
days of his death. Mr. Pierce was a very method-
ical man, and possessed of a great deal of energy,
his native energy being far superior to his strength
in his old age, and he was always in danger of over-
taxing himself. He loved to be doing something,
22
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
and always did as much as his strength would allow.
He retained every faculty until the last.
Wholly without any solicitation on his part Mr.
Pierce was called to many public positions. In Fall
River, at the age of twenty-two, he was captain of
a fire company of eighty-six men. In 1858 he was
elected director of the Norwich & Worcester Rail-
road. He was president of the Norwich & New
York Steamboat Company for eleven years, and was
for years a member of the board of directors of the
Second National Bank and the Chelsea Savings
Bank. In the forties he was vice-president of an
Association of Inventors, holding their meetings in
the Franklin Institute, Philadelphia. He was trus-
tee of the Hampton school, which he often visited.
At the time of his death he was a member of the
Metropolitan Museum, of New York; a fellow of
the American Geographical Society in New York,
and of a library association in Boston ; and a member
of the Cotton Manufacturers' Association, and of
the Home Market Club of that city.
Mr. Pierce had traveled extensively, crossing
the Atlantic eight times for business and rest. His
faith in the future of his own country made him
venture much, and amply was he repaid. In his
business affairs he was ever found honest and prog-
ressive, faithful to duty, and considerate of his em-
ployes. His life, showing what one man can ac-
complish by industry, honesty and perseverance, sug-
gests possibilities and gives courage to those aspir-
ing youths who are obliged to hew their own way.
In this age when the worker — the doer — is the man
most honored, the career of Moses Pierce cannot
fail to give a lofty conception of right and pur-
poseful living. His remains rest in Yantic ceme-
tery at Norwich.
TRUMBULL. The Trumbulls of New London
county. — Seven successive generations of the Trum-
bull family have resided in what is now New Lon-
don county. The first of the name residing within
these limits was Joseph Trumbull, who was a grand-
son of John, the emigrant ancestor of his line, a
cooper, who came to New England from Newcastle-
on-Tyne, and settled in 1640 at Rowley, Mass.,
where he held the position of town clerk and school-
master. He brought with him his wife, Ellinor,
whose maiden name was Chandler, and a son John.
The family line runs as follows :
(II) Children of John and Ellinor (Chandler)
Trumbull, who were marrried in 1635 : Beriah, born
in 1637, died in infancy ; John, born in 1639, mar-
ried Deborah Jackson, and died in 1690.
(III) Children of John and Deborah (Jackson)
Trumbull : John, born in 1670, died in 1751, married
Elizabeth Winchell (removed to Suffield, Conn.) ;
Hannah, born 1673 I Mary, born 1675, married Capt.
Job Ellsworth ; Joseph, born 1678, died June 16,
1755 (removed to Lebanon, Conn.), married Han-
nah Higley, Aug. 31, 1704, who was born at Wind-
sor, April 22, 1683, and died Nov. 8, 1768; Ammi,
born 1 68 1 (removed to East Windsor), married Ann
Burnham; Benoni, born 1684 (removed to Hebron).
(IV) Children of Joseph and Hannah (Higley)
Trumbull: Joseph, born March 27, 1705, died 1732,.
marrried Sarah Bulkley, Nov. 20, 1727. Jonathan,,
born Oct. 12, 1710, died Aug. 17, 1785, married Dec.
9, 1735, Faith Robinson. Mary was born Aug. 21 ,
1713. Hannah, born 1715, died young. Hannah
(2) was born Sept. 18, 1717. Abigail was born
March 6, 1719. David, born Sept. 8, 1723, died July
9, 1740.
(V) Children of Jonathan and Faith (Robin-
son) Trumbull: Joseph, born March 11, 1737, died
July 23, 1778, married March, 1777, Amelia Dyer.
Jonathan, born March 26, 1740, died Aug. 7, 1809,.
married March 26, 1767, Eunice Backus. Faith,,
born Jan. 25, 1743, died Nov. 24, 1775, marrried
Col. (afterward Gen.) Jedediah Huntington. Mary,
born July 16, 1745, died Feb. 9, 1831, married Feb.
14, 1771, William Williams, signer of the Declara-
tion of Independence. David, born Feb. 5, 1751-52,
died Jan. 17, 1822, married Dec. 6, 1778, -Sarah
Buckus, who was born Feb. 7, 1760, died June 2,
1846. John, born June 6, 1756, died Nov. 10, 1843,
married in London.
(VI) Children of Jonathan and Eunice
(Backus) Trumbull: Jonathan, born Dec. 24, 1767,
died young. Faith, born Feb. I, 1769, married Dan-
iel Wadsworth, of Hartford. Mary, born Dec. 2."jy
1777, died young. Harriet, born Sept. 2, 1783, mar-
ried Prof. Benjamin Silliman, of Yale College,
Sept. 17, 1809. Maria, born Feb. 14, 1785, married
Henry Hudson, of Hartford.
(VI) Children of David and Sarah (Backus)
Trumbull : Sarah, born Sept. 6, 1779, died Oct. 3,
1839, married William T. Williams. Abigail, born
Jan. 2, 1 78 1, married Peter Lannan. Joseph, born
Dec. 7, 1782, died Aug. 4, 1861, removed to Hart-
ford. John, or John M., born Sept. 19, 1784, mar-
ried (first) Ann H. Gibbons, of Savannah, Ga.,
March 15, 1810; second, Hannah W. Tunis, of
Elizabeth, N. J., Jan. 17, 1819; third, Eliza Bruen,
of Belleville, N. J., Jan. 11, 1825. Jonathan George
Washington, born Oct. 31, 1787, died Sept. 5, 1853,
married Jane Eliza Lathrop, who was born July 26?
1795, died Oct. 21, 1843.
(VII) Children of John M. and Ann H. (Gib-
bons) Trumbull : Thomas Gibbons, born Jan. 30,
181 1, at Norwich; John Heyward, born Feb. 24,
1812, at New York ; Ann Heyward, born Dec. 8,
1813, at Hartford; Sarah Backus, born June 25,
1815, at Elizabethtown ; Joseph, born May 29, 1817,
at Elizabethtown (died young).
Children of John M. and Hannah W. (Tunis)
Trumbull: David, born Nov. 1, 1819, at Elizabeth-
town; Susan Landis, born March 21, 1821 (died
young) ; Julia Gorham, born March 5, 1823 (died
young) .
Children of John M. and Eliza (Bruen) Trum-
bull: Caroline Ward, born Feb. 4, 1826; James
Hedden, born Jan. 16, 1828; Jane Lathrop, born
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
23
June 6, 1830; Joseph, born Nov. 24, 1832 (died
young) ; Harriet Silliman, born March 13, 1835.
(VII) Children of Jonathan George Washing-
ton and Jane E. (Lathrop) Trumbull: Daniel Lath-
rop, born Aug. 21, 1816, died March 31, 1873, mar-
ried Nov. 16, 1841, Alexandrine Navarre Wilson.
Lvdia Lathrop, born Oct. 13, 1818, died Oct. 2,
1822. Joseph, born June 11, 1821, died Jan. 23,
1826. William Williams, born March 28, 1825,
died Oct. 19, 1830.
(VIII) Children of Daniel Lathrop and Alex-
andrine Navarre (Wilson) Trumbull: Jane Lath-
rop, born Sept. 9, 1842, died March, 1869, married
Lieut, (afterward Col.) Robert Watkinson Hun-
tington, U. S. Marines. Jonathan, born Jan. 23,
1844, married Dec. 17, 1868, Harriet Roosevelt
Richards, of Poughkeepsie, New York.
(IX) Children of Jonathan and Harriet Roose-
velt (Richards) Trumbull: Jonathan, born Nov.
19, 1869 (died Sept. 26, 1871) ; Harriet Roosevelt,
born March 19, 1871 ; Alexandrine Navarre, born
Feb. 25, 1873; Thomas Brinckerhoff, born June 1,
1877; Elizabeth Maria, born July 13, 1882.
Of the first of the Trumbulls of New London
county, loscph, who was of the third generation of
his line in America, we find that he removed from
Suffield, then in Massachusetts, now in Connecticut,
to Simsbury, Conn., in 1703, where in 1704, he mar-
ried Hannah Higley, removing to Lebanon in the
following year. At this time the town had been
organized by act of the General Assembly for about
four years, but the boundaries of the proprietors
and of the township were not definitely established
until 1705, when Lebanon sent her first delegates to
the General Assembly, and commenced her career
as a part of Windham county.
Joseph Trumbull established himself as a mer-
chant and farmer in Lebanon, buying the homestead
of Rev. Joseph Parsons, the first minister of the
town, and mortgaging it for £340 at the time of
purchase. He appears to have been enterprising
and probably prosperous, as we find him later send-
ing ships to foreign ports and sending his son to
Harvard College. During his residence in Lebanon
he was a lieutenant, and later a captain, in the troops
of the county.
loscph, his eldest son, was, during his short ca-
reer, his father's right-hand man. In June, 1732,
while on a voyage to London, in the interests of his
father's growing business, he was lost at sea, thus
ending a promising career at the age of twenty-
seven.
Jonathan, the second son of the first Joseph, was
destined to an important career, especially through
the eventful period of the Revolution. His long,
eventful life can only be sketched in outline in this
connection. In 1727, at the age of seventeen, he
graduated from Harvard College, with a good rec-
ord for proficiency in the studies of the day, in
which the dead languages, including Hebrew, were
prominent. He commenced the study of divinity
under Rev. Solomon Williams, of Lebanon, and in
due time became a licensed clergyman. At the time
of the death of his brother Joseph he had under con-
sideration a call to become pastor of the church
in Colchester. The loss of this brother, however,
changed the current of his life, for his father needed
the assistance of his son to take the place of the
lost brother. Duty, perhaps, rather than inclination,
called the son Jonathan to fill this place. His busi-
ness career and his public career commenced within
the following year. In 1733 he was elected a dele-
gate to the General Assembly, which position he
again held continuously from 1730 to 1739. in which
year, at the age of twenty-nine, he was made
Speaker of the House of Representatives. In 1740
he was elected Assistant, which position made him
a member of the Council of the Colony. He occu-
pied this position for twenty-two years. At the
same time, he occupied several judgeships. In
1766 he was elected deputy governor of Connecticut
and in 1769 was elected governor, to fill the unex-
pired term of Gov. Pitkin, who died in office. From
that time until 1783 he was annually re-elected, de-
clining re-election at the close of the Revolution,
thus completing a period of public service covering
exactly fifty years. His mercantile career extended
over a large portion of this time, proving a failure
in 1766, but resumed until the outbreak of the Revo-
lution, from which time to the close of his public
career he devoted himself exclusively to the cause
of his country.
From the beginning of the oppressive measures
of Great Britain which finally resulted in our inde-
pendence, Jonathan Trumbull was a firm and stead-
fast supporter of the rights of the Colonies. When
Gov. Fitch, in 1765, insisted on taking the required
oath to enforce the Stamp Act, Trumbull, with six
of his associates, withdrew from the council, refus-
ing to sanction this hateful ceremony by their pres-
ence. And when, in March and April, 1768, appli-
cation was made to him as Chief Justice of the
Superior Court to issue Writs of Assistance to cus-
toms officers of the Crown, he refused the applica-
tion; and with this refusal the General Assembly
when appealed to, declined to interfere. From the
outbreak of the Revolution to its close he was in
constant correspondence with Washington, who
continuallv applied to him for men. money and mate-
rials, and never applied in vain. Of all the govern-
ors of the thirteen Colonies at the beginning of the
war he was the only one who was not a Loyalist
or Tory, as they were then called. The relations be-
tween Washington and Trumbull were of so con-
fidential a nature that a cherished tradition of Con-
necticut tells us that when supplies or counsel were
needed in the darkest days of the war a favorite re-
mark of Washington's was, "We must consult
Brother Jonathan." From this, it is said, origi-
nated the popular name of the American people.
The War Office at Lebanon, now preserved and
owned In the Connecticut Society of Sons of the
24
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
American Revolution, was during the Revolution
the customary place of meeting of the Council of
Safety — a council appointed to assist the Governor
when the General Assembly was not in session.
Within the walls of this little building more than
eleven hundred meetings of this council were held
during the war.
The wife of Gov. Trumbull, Faith Robinson,
was a daughter of Rev. John Robinson, of Duxbury,
Mass. It is stated by Stuart that she was a lineal
descendant of John Robinson, of Leyden, the Puri-
tan leader, but this statement lacks proof, though
much research has been made to establish it. She
was, however, a lineal descendant of John Alden, the
pilgrim ; and such memorials as are left of her show
that she was a patriotic and devoted wife and
mother, and was held in the highest esteem in the
community.
Gov. Trumbull lived but two years after retiring
from public life. These two years were passed in
study, and in carrying out the intention expressed
in his farewell address, where he says * * *
"that at the evening of my days, I may sweeten
their decline, by devoting myself with less avoca-
tion, and more attention to the duties of religion,
the service of my God, and preparation for a future
happier state of existence."
The children of Gov. Trumbull were, as might
be expected, all ardent patriots. loseph, the eldest
son, was destined to a career which, if less distin-
guished than that of his father and two of his
brothers, was no less important. A Harvard grad-
uate, like his father, he also in close imitation of his
father's early career engaged in business, becoming
a partner in his father's firm at the age of twenty-
seven, and losing his all in the subsequent failure
of the firm. From 1767 he was for six years a dep-
uty from Lebanon in the General Assembly, and
during this time was a captain in the First Company
of the Twelfth Regiment of Connecticut militia.
He was a member of the "Committee of Correspond-
ence and Enquiry" in 1773, and in 1774 was ap-
pointed as an additional or substitute delegate to
the Continental Congress. It does not appear, how-
ever, that he was a member of this Congress. In
April, 1775, he was appointed by the General As-
sembly Commissary-General of Connecticut. This
position sent him at once to the seat of war. On
the arrival of Washington at Cambridge, in July,
1775, to assume command of the army, he com-
mends especially, in a letter to Congress, the com-
missariat of Connecticut, and recommends the ap-
pointment of Joseph Trumbull as Commissary-
General of the Continental Army. This appoint-
ment was immediately made. The duties of this
newly created office were of a most perplexing and
exacting kind. The lack of money, the difficulties
of transportation and the dissatisfaction occasioned
by jealousies between men of different Colonies,
were some of the burdens of the situation. The con-
flict of authority with commissaries appointed by
their own Colonies and by Congress formed still
another burden. At last, in June, 1777, the Con-
tinental Congress, which had already hampered the
department by orders and commissions which con-
stantly interfered with its usefulness, undertook a
complete re-organization of the commissary depart-
ment, which rendered the position of Commissary-
General so ineffective that Joseph Trumbull at once
resigned his office. This criminally foolish piece of
legislation resulted in the terrible winter at Valley
Forge, and with this lesson before it Congress prac-
tically re-instated the former organization of the
commissary department.
On the 27th of November following his resig-
nation Joseph Trumbull was elected a member of
the Board of War, but failing health prevented him
from active service in this capacity, and he was
obliged, for this reason, to resign in the following
April. From this time his health continued to fail
until his death, on the 23d of July, 1778. The in-
cessant care and overwhelming difficulties of the po-
sition in which he was placed undermined his natur-
ally vigorous constitution, and brought him to a
comparatively early grave. His services were fre-
quently commended by Washington. A portion of
the inscription on his tombstone at Lebanon reads
as follows :
"Sacred to the memory of Joseph Trumbull, eld-
est son of Governor Trumbull, and first Commis-
sary-General of the United States of America, a
service to whose perpetual cares and fatigues he fell
a sacrifice, A. D. 1778, AE 42."
Jonathan Trumbull, Jr., the second son of Gov.
Trumbull, was more distinguished in his public serv-
ices and offices than any of his brothers. Like his
father and elder brother, he was a graduate of Har-
vard College, in which institution he completed his
course with honor in 1759. The opening of the
Revolution finds him a deputy from Lebanon to the
General Assembly of Connecticut. In 1775 he was
appointed Deputy Paymaster-General for the North-
ern Department of the army, a position which he
held until the close of the northern campaign of
1778. Upon the death of his brother Joseph, it
was necessary that his accounts should be settled,
and this duty devolved upon his brother Jonathan,
necessitating his retirement from the army, for the
time being. During this interval he was re-elected
as a deputy to the General Assembly. During the
presentation of his brother's accounts to the Con-
tinental Congress at Philadelphia he became ac-
quainted with the leading members of this Congress,
who recognized his financial abilities in such a way
that in November, 1778, he was appointed Comp-
troller of the Treasury, under Roger Sherman's
plan of organization, being the first holder of this
important office, a position which, as Roger Sher-
man wrote his father, placed him at the head of the
Treasury Department. During the following year
this department was re-organized by placing it in
control of a board of five commissioners, of whom
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
25
he was made one. The salary of each of these com-
missioners was fourteen thousand dollars in Con-
tinental money ; but it mnst be remembered that
this was a very uncertain value, and that before the
close of this year a dollar in "hard money," or
specie, was worth forty-five Continental dollars. In
the following year, 1780, he was appointed secre-
tary and first aid to General Washington, a position
which placed him in intimate relations with that
great man during the remainder of his life. He
remained in the field until the close of the war, and
.was present at the surrender of Cornwallis.
After a short interval of private life he was, in
1788, elected once more a deputy to the General
Assembly, and was made Speaker of the House of
Representatives. He was, in the following year,
called to the more important position of a represen-
tative from Connecticut in the first Congress of the
United States under the Constitution. In 1791 he
was made Speaker of the House of Representatives
of that body, and in 1794 he was elected a Senator
in the Congress of the United States. Upon his
election as Lieutenant Governor of his native State,
in 1796, he resigned his seat in the Senate of the
United States, and devoted himself to the duties of
the new office to which his State had called him.
Upon the death of Gov. Oliver Wolcott, in 1798,
Trumbull was elected Governor, and held that posi-
tion by continuous re-elections until his death, in
1809, a period of nearly twelve years.
He bore, in a marked degree, the distinguishing
traits of his father — punctuality, close and patriotic
attention to duty, and fixedness of purpose when
once convinced that he was in the right. His dis-
position, like his father's, was benevolent, and his
manners and bearing entirely free from that for-
bidding dignity and pomp which were sometimes to
be noticed even among his compatriots in the then
budding great republic. Like his father, too, he
left behind him a clean record. It is said by his
contemporaries that in the times of bitter political
controversy through which he passed his personal
character was never assailed, and only his public
measures were criticised.
Daz'id, the third son of Gov. Trumbull, pursued
a career which, while it has not enrolled him among
the heroes of the Revolution, entitles him to credit
for continual and active service to the cause. Of
the four sons of the Governor, he was the only one
who was not a Harvard graduate. At the time when
he was prepared to enter college the disastrous fail-
ure of his father in business rendered the expense
of a college course for this son impracticable. He
received, however, a good education, at the then
famed school of Nathan Tisdale, of Lebanon. The
growing cares and increasing responsibilities of his
father's public position at this time rendered it nec-
essary that, at the beginning of the Revolution, one
of his sons should remain at home as his father's
right hand man. It fell to the lot of the son David
to occupy this position. In addition to this duty lie
was entrusted by the Council of Safety with many
important duties, conspicuous among which were
the care and custody of arms and ammunition, the
purchase of supplies for the departments both of the
Commissary and the Quartermaster, and the furnish-
ing of transportation of these supplies. He was
also entrusted with large sums of money by the
State and by Congress, for all of which, as for the
munitions of war in his custody, he appears to have
accounted with scrupulous exactness. His services
were of such a nature that, although he never bore
a military title, his widow was granted a pension by
Congress after his death. Although each of his
brothers attained much higher official positions than
he did, none served as continuously in the incon-
spicuous but important duties which devolved upon
him.
John, the fourth and youngest son of Gov.
Trumbull, pursued a career which distinguished
him from his brothers, and which, as it proved, was
almost unique for the times in which he lived. In
his boyhood his health was delicate, and he joined
but little if at all in the sports of his companions.
He lived, however, to the ripe old age of eighty-
seven years. Although his military career is worthy
of notice, he is principally remembered as a painter,
and as one of the pioneers in American art. He
graduated from Harvard College in 1773, having
entered at the age of fifteeen in the middle of the
Junior or third year, graduating in full standing at
the age of seventeen, and having, to the surprise of
his family, learned the French language by private
instruction during his college course. His taste for
painting developed in his boyhood, and he pursued
the study and practice of the art at his home in
Lebanon, soon after his graduation, though he was
interrupted by being called to take charge of Mr.
Tisdale's then celebrated school during the illness
of the schoolmaster, which continued for nearly six
months. In 1774 he became intensely interested
in the impending struggle with the Mother Coun-
try, and made careful studies of military science to
prepare himself for the life which seemed to open
before him. In the following year he joined the
army, as an aid to Gen. Spencer. Learning, soon
after the arrival of Washington at Cambridge, that
he was anxious to procure a plan of the enemy's
works, Trumbull stealthily approached the works,
and, being skilled in drawing, made a plan which
proved to be so accurate that Washington's atten-
tion was called to the young draughtsman, who
was soon made second aid-de-camp to the Com-
mander-in-Chief. This position was not congenial
to Trumbull, owing to the formalities, both social
and military, which it involved. He was soon ap-
pointed to the more congenial office of Major of
Brigade, and became a favorite officer of ( Jen.
Gates, by whose authority he was appointed adju-
tant and quartermaster-general, with the rank of
colonel.
The Continental Congress was slow in recogniz-
26
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
ing such appointments, and when, at last, Trum-
bull's commissison arrived, it bore a date several
months later than the date of the appointment, at
which he took great offense, returning his commis-
sion to Congress, accompanied by a letter, written
Feb. 22, IJ/J, which was rather more spirited than
respectful. This terminated his official connection
with the army. It was during his service in the
Northern army that he made a discovery, which,
had his advice been followed, would have made a
great difference in the campaign. In August, 1776,
when the army was posted at Fort Ticonderoga
and in its vicinity, Trumbull insisted that the posi-
tion would be untenable if the enemy should occupy
Mount Defiance, bringing artillery to bear from
that commanding point. He was laughed to scorn
by his seniors, who claimed that the point was out
of range and that it would be impossible to carry
even light artillery to the summit. Both these state-
ments Trumbull had the satisfaction of controvert-
ing by actual experiment, but the position remained
unoccupied by the Americans. Burgoyne later ad-
vanced upon the position, "established a battery of
heavy guns on the summit of Mount Defiance, the
shot from which plunged into the old French fort
and lines, so that, as I [Trumbull] had predicted,
the whole position became untenable, and was im-
mediately abandoned."
In this year, 1777, he went to Boston for the
purpose of resuming his studies in art. but finding
no suitable instructor, he was at last persuaded to
go to London, with letters of introduction to Ben-
jamin West, under whose auspices he was much
helped and encouraged in the pursuit of his chosen
profession. While in London, on the 15th of No-
vember, 1780, when the news of the capture and
execution of Andre was received, Trumbull was
arrested on the charge of being in the military serv-
ice of the Americans, and was kept in prison for
seven months, still practicing painting, and finally
released on bail, West and Copley being his sureties.
His release was upon the condition of his leaving
the kingdom within thirty days, not to return until
peace should be declared between Great Britain and
America.
After a trip to Holland and a perilous voyage to
America he remained at or near his home, engaged
principally in assisting his brother in carrying out
a contract for supplies for the army. He passed a
part of this time at headquarters on the North river,
where he renewed his acquaintance with Washing-
ton, who received him kindly. Upon the declaration
of peace, and contrary to the advice of his father
and the previous advice of the President of Har-
vard College, he resumed his career as an artist,
continuing it uninterruptedly to the time of his
death, passing much of his time in London and in
Continental Europe. He married, rather mysteri-
ously, an English lady in London, a woman of rare
beauty and of noble birth.
Trumbull is principally known as an historical
painter, who, far more than any other American
artist, has commemorated the important events of
his times by paintings familiar to every schoolboy
of to-day. Principal among these are : The Battle
of Bunker Hill, The Death of Montgomery, The
Sortie from Gibraltar, The Declaration of Independ-
ence, The Surrender of Cornwallis, Capture of the
Hessians at Trenton, The Battle of Princeton, The
Surrender of Burgoyne, The Resignation of Gen-
eral Washington. He was also noted as a portrait
painter. The largest collection of his works, which
is in the Yale School of Fine Arts, was given to
Yale University during his life, under an agreement
for an annuity, at a time when he had reached ad-
vanced age. [See Autobiography, Reminiscences
and Letters, by John Trumbull, 1841 ; John Trum-
bull : a brief sketch of his life, to which is added a
catalogue of his works ; by John F. Weir, N. A.,
M. A.. 1901.]
Of the children of David and Sarah (Backus)
Trumbull, loscpli removed to Hartford soon after
graduating from Yale College. He was first ad-
mitted to the Bar of Windham county in 1803, but
commenced the practice of law in Hartford in the
following year. In 1828 he was made president of
the Hartford Bank ; was. a member of the General
Assembly of Connecticut in 1832 and 1848; member
of Congress, 1834-35. filling the vacancy caused by
the resignation of William W. Ellsworth. He was
again a member of Congress, 1839-43. In 1849 ne
was elected Governor of Connecticut, and served
for one term. In the year of his election to this
office he received from Yale College the degree of
LL. D. He was connected with many of the indus-
trial and educational interests of Hartford.
His brother, lolvi M., after a business career in
Georgia and New Jersey, returned to Connecticut,
and settled in Colchester, where he died at an ad-
vanced age. His children removed from the County,
his son David going to Yalparaiso. Chili, where he
established the first American mission, which he
conducted with marked success. Another son,
James, also removed to South America, and estab-
lished himself as a physician in Yalparaiso.
Jonathan George Washington, the third son of
David Trumbull, established himself at Norwich
after graduating from Yale College. He com-
menced the practice of law at Norwich, but soon
abandoned it for manufacturing and mercantile pur-
suits, becoming in later life identified with the man-
agement of banking and industrial corporations of
Norwich.
His son, Daniel J^athrop Trumbull, was the
only son who lived to manhood. He was also a
business man, being connected principally with
banking and manufacturing interests.
His son. Jonathan Trumbull, also pursued a
business career for some thirty years, but aban-
doned this for literary pursuits. He is now libra-
rian of the Otis Library of Norwich ; president of
the Connecticut Societv of Sons of the American
GEXEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
27
Revolution ; treasurer of the William W. Backus
Hospital ; president of the Connecticut Library As-
sociation ; honorary member of the Society of the
Cincinnati; president of the Board of Education of
the Central School District of Norwich ; besides be-
ing a member of the Connecticut and New London
County Historical Societies, and occupying several
other positions in charitable and banking institu-
tions. He has contributed several articles on the
study of Shakespeare, to the magazines ; and has
also contributed to the historical and patriotic soci-
eties of which he is a member several papers on
Connecticut history which these societies have
printed. He has also contributed for the Encyclo-
pedia Americana an article on Connecticut and has
written for a history of Connecticut now in the
hands of the publisher that portion which covers
the Revolutionary period. He has also contributed
to the Library Journal articles on library history
and administration.
WARNER. The representatives of this family
in the present generation come through several lines
from a sturdy New England ancestry of the Colon-
ial period and of the first comers to the old and his-
toric county of Windham.
(I) Andrew Warner, the American ancestor of
the family, is of record at Cambridge, Mass., in
1632, and was admitted a freeman of the colony May
14, 1634. He removed to Hartford with the body of
original proprietors of that town, and thence with a
new wife, Esther, widow of Thomas Selden, to Had-
ley, Mass., in the first settling of that point. Mr.
Warner died Dec. 18, 1684, aged nearly ninety-three
years, and his widow, Esther,' died in 1693. His
nine children, all born to a former marriage, were :
Andrew, Robert, Jacob, Daniel, Isaac, Ruth, a
daughter whose name is not given, Mary and John.
Of these, Robert and Andrew died in Middletown,
Conn., and John also resided in that town.
(II) Isaac Warner, born about 1645, married
May 31, 1666, Sarah, daughter of Robert Boltwood.
In about 1686 Mr. Warner removed from Hadley to
Northfield, and thence to Deerfield, where he died in
1691. His widow married, in 1696, Deacon John
Loomis, of Windsor, Conn. Mr. Warner's fourteen
children were: Sarah, Isaac. Mary, Andrew (set-
tled at Saybrook), Hannah, Ebenezer, Daniel, Sam-
uel. Ruth, Mercy, Ichabod, Lydia, Thankful and
Mehitable.
(III) Ichabod Warner, born about 1687. married
March 5. 1712. Mary Metcalf, and seems to have
lived in Lebanon, where the births of his children
are recorded. The names and dates of birth of his
children are: Ichabod, Dec. 10, 17 12; Daniel, July
10, 1714; Isaac, Jan. 4, 1717; Ebenezer. March 20.
1 7 1 9 : Nathaniel, Feb. 18, 1722: Timothy, Dec. 21,
[724; Samuel, Aug. 21, 1720; .Mary and Hannah
(twins), Sept. 13, 1730; Ruth. Oct. 17, 1732: and
John. May 22. 1734. An Ichabod Warner, of Leb-
anon, bought land in Windham of James Babcock,
June 29, 1721, and there is of record in Windham
the death of Mary Warner (wife), April 26, 1747,
and of Ensign Ichabod Warner, Jan. 18, 1767, and
filed the inventory of Ichabod Warner, March 23,
1767 ; also a record of the deaths of children of Icha-
bod and Mary Warner, viz. : Mary died Jan. 29,
1747; Samuel, June 21, 1747; and Hannah, Sept.
28, 1750.
(IV) John Warner, born May 22, 1734, married
Feb. 28, 1762, Priscilla Wood. The inventory of
John Warner was recorded Jan. 2, 1775.
(V) Ichabod Warner married Hannah Collins.
Their children were : Betsy, Emily, Lucia, Earl,
William, Nancy, John and George.
(VI) Earl Warner married (first) Harriet Gil-
bert and (second) Adeline Lester. His children
were (by second marriage) : Adeline E., of Nor-
wich, unmarried ; Earl, of New London, who mar-
ried Hattie Champlin and had two children. Jewell
and Harry ; Frances Lester, widow of George A.
Robinson (he was librarian of Otis Library, Nor-
wich, Conn., from 1875 to 1892, and she is now
assistant librarian of same ; her children are Frank
Tyler and Juliet W.) ; Sarah Belton, who died when
nineteen months old ; Louis Belton, of St. Joseph,
Mo., unmarried; Edgar Morris; and a twin sister
of the latter who died when one day old.
Edgar Morrls Warner, son of Earl, was born
June 16, 1850, in Worcester, Mass. He attended
the common schools of the neighborhood in which
his youth was passed, and the Bartlett high school,
at New London, Conn. He taught school for sev-
eral years and also sold books for a time, and for
some two years clerked in a store at New London.
He began the study of la wwith Judge Hiram Wil-
ley, of New London, with whom he remained a
couple of years, when for a time he again taught
school to aid in the furtherance of his legal studies.
He then entered Harvard Law School, from which
institution he was graduated in June, 1872. being
admitted to the Bar in New London county in Sep-
tember, 1872. He began the practice of the law at
Norwich, entering the office of Hon. George Pratt, a
leading lawyer there. Remaining in Norwich
three years, he removed to Central Village, Plain-
field, Conn. In 1885 he opened an office in Putnam,
removing thither in 1887. Between 1875 and [885
Mr. Warner passed one year — 188 1 -1882 — at Little-
ton. N. H.. but the climate not agreeing with him he
returned to Connecticut.
Mr. Warner was clerk of the Connecticut Gen-
eral Assembly in iSyj-J^-jy), and clerk of the Senate
in 1880. He represented the town of Putnam in the
Legislature of 1895. and although serving his first
term as a legislator was a prominent candidate for
Speaker. However, he withdrew in favor of
Speaker Samuel Fessenden. lie served as chairman
of the committee on Incorporations, and his legis-
lative record was one of distinguished value. Mr.
Warner was frequently called to the chair during the
absence of the Speaker, and gave a fitting address
28
GENEALOGICAL AXD 'BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
of welcome in his capacity as presiding officer upon
the occasion of the visit of Gov. William McKinley,
of Ohio. Yet perhaps the greatest service ever ren-
dered to the public by Judge Warner occurred in
1895-96, during the prosecution of the Putnam liquor
case, when he acted as attorney for the Law and
Order League of Connecticut, and succeeded in ob-
taining the conviction and imprisonment of the
liquor dealers who had been selling without a license.
Mr. Warner took an active part in the incor-
poration of Putnam as a city, and was a member of
the committee which formed a charter for presen-
tation to the Legislature, and was appointed by the
Legislature of 1895 to the position of first judge of
the City court of Putnam, which position he held
from Jan. 1, 1896, until September, 1901, resigning
to assume the clerkship of the Supreme and Superior
courts, to which office he was appointed June 4,
1901. Judge Warner also served for a number of
years on the school board of Putnam, during which
time he was acting school visitor.
The Judge and his wife are members of the Sec-
ond Congregational Church at Putnam, and the
Judge for several years' was superintendent of the
Sunday school of the church.
On Aug. 3, 1887, he married Jane Elizabeth Car-
penter, eldest daughter of Judge John A. and Mar-
cia (Chandler) Carpenter, both of old and prom-
inent New England families, and the union has been
blessed with children as follows, all born in Putnam :
Frances Lester, born July 19, 1888 ; Gertrude Chan-
dler. April 6. 1890 ; and John A. C. July 12, 1893.
Judge Warner justly takes pride in his ancestry
and family connections. John Warner Barber, the
Connecticut historian, was a cousin. On the mother's
side the Judge descends from Capt. John Avery, of
Groton, a patriot of the Revolution.
HOX. LUCIUS BRIGGS. In the death of Mr.
Briggs, which occurred at his home in Norwich,
Jan. 27, 190 1, the community in which he resided
lost an upright man and good citizen, his household
a devoted parent and husband, and the business
world one of its zealous and leading characters.
Born Dec. 21, 1825, in Coventry, R. I., Mr. Briggs
was for fifty years identified with the manufacturing
interests of Connecticut, and was a conspicuous
character in the industrial life of that section,
which included those interests in the neighboring
States. He was the fifth son and sixth child of
Wanton and Mary (Tift) Briggs, a full history of
which family appears elsewhere in this volume.
As a boy Lucius Briggs went and came to the
ring of a factory bell until nineteen years of age, be-
tween times and at intervals attending the neighbor-
hood schools, which training was supplemented by
one year's attendance in the Smithville (R. I.)
Academy. In these years he became proficient in
the several departments of cotton manufacturing.
At nineteen he entered the shop of Nicholas Potter,
in Coventry, and served an apprenticeship of three
years at the machinist's trade. For the next two
years he was the machinist in the mills of Gov. Har-
ris, in that town. In 1849 tne discovery of gold in
California allured young Briggs and his brother
Wanton, Jr., to the New Eldorado. They sailed
from Warren, R. I., on January 28 of that year, in
the ship "Hopewell," and on the 9th of August fol-
lowing reached San Francisco. Two years later Lu-
cius decided he would return, and return he did.
married, and located at Mason ville, a point in the
town of Thompson, Conn. There he entered the
employ of the Masonville Manufacturing Company,
and soon was in charge of the repairs in all t'rree of
that company's mills. This relation was agreeable
all around, and led to Mr. Briggs's becoming super-
intendent of the mills and the local agent or all die
company's business and interests in the village. In
less than one year after be became superintendent
Hon. William Grosvenor, of Providence, the agent
for the mills, and a son-in-law of Mr. Mason, pur-
chased all of the holdings of his father-in-law, ex-
cepting 1- 16 inherited, which Mr. Briggs bought.
Soon thereafter Mr. Grosvenor and his sons pur-
chased all ether interests excepting that held by Mr.
Briggs. These purchases marked an era in the con-
cern's life, and, too, in that of its owners. The three
small mills then operated less than 8,000 spindles
and only 189 looms, the machinery in main was old
and out of date, as was nearly all of the equipment.
The new holders modernized the property. The two
upper mills were made into one, making a mill of
11,000 spindles. The third mill was converted into
tenements, and a new mill of brick, with 20.000
spindles of the very best patterns, took the place of
the 2,700 worn-out ones and the wooden mill. In
1864 Mr. Briggs and Mr. Grosvenor bought the
mill at Fisherville, a village just above Masonville,
the mill being one of 5,000 spindle capacity, but with
much undeveloped water power. This property
was soon developed to its full proportions. An im-
mense brick factory was built, of splendid architec-
tural design, capable of holding 60.000 spindles, and
was put in operation in 1872. This brought the
number of spindles owned and operated by the com-
pany to about 96,000. In the meantime, and while
these great changes were in progress, the names of
Fisherville and Masonville had given place to Gros-
venor Dale. At that time this company possessed
one of the finest manufacturing plants in New Eng-
land, and the masterful mind and hand of Mr.
Briggs were conspicuous in the transformation
made. From the day of the new ownership to the
close of his connection with the property, in 1883,
Mr. Briggs had full charge of manufacturing and
building, and was the deviser of all plans and pro-
jects for developments and enlargements, purchased
all machinery and material of every kind, made all
contracts for building, etc. From the start Mr.
Briggs gave his entire time and abilities to the con-
ducting of the manufacturing and the development
of the property. His health became so impaired that
GENEALOGICAL AXD BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
29
he was ordered by his physician to go abroad, and in
December, 1875, with his daughter Evelyn for a
companion, he sailed from New York for Liverpool,
and they passed six months in travel in England,
France, Italy and the East, visiting Alexandria,
Cairo and other points in Egypt, Constantinople and
minor cities in Turkey, the Ionian Islands, Athens,
and various other interesting localities in Greece.
In 1883 Mr. Briggs sold his interests in the
Grosvenor Dale Mills, and became half owner and
manager of the Glasgo Yarn Mill Company, of
Glasgo, Conn., taking np his residence at the latter
point. In 1898 he sold his interest in the Glasgo
Company to the American Thread Company, and
at that time retired from active business. After 1896
he resided in Norwich, which city is the home of his
son Charles W. Briggs, for years a prominent busi-
ness man of Xew York City, and now a leading citi-
zen of Norwich.
Lucius Briggs was president of the Thompson
Savings Bank, was a director in the Thompson Na-
tional Bank, and at the time of his death was a di-
rector in the Thames National Bank at Norwich, in
the Uncas Paper Company of that city, and in the
Manufacturers Insurance Company ; for years he
was a director in the Greeneville Bleachery. Mr.
Briggs's political affiliations were with the Repub-
lican party. He was a representative from the
town of Thompson in the Lower House of the State
Assembly in 1867, and in 1875 served in the State
Senate from the Fourteenth District. He was a
Presidential elector on the Republican ticket at the
time of the second election of Gen. Grant as Presi-
dent. Mr. Briggs was a well-read man.
Soon after his return to Rhode Island from Cali-
fornia, on April 21, 1851, Mr. Briggs was mar-
ried to Miss Harriet Taylor Atwood, of Coventry,
R. I.. Rev. Thomas F. Waterman officiating. This
union was blessed with four children — two sons and
two daughters — two of whom, a son and a daughter.
died in infancy; the others are Charles W. Briggs
and Evelyn Clara. The latter married Floyd Cran-
ska, of Moosup, Conn., a successful manufacturer
of fine combed yarns, and died on March 26, 1900.
Mrs. Briggs died Sept. 9, 1887.
Charles Wanton Briggs, son of the late Lu-
cius Briggs, was born in Grosvenor Dale, in the
town of Thompson, Windham Co., Conn., Oct. 2,
1855. He attended the public schools of Thompson,
and later the Highland Military Academy, at Wor-
cester, Mass., where he graduated in 1874. After
leaving school he entered the employ of the Gros-
venor Dale Company, where his father was super-
intendent, beginning at the bottom, and working
himself up to the position of assistant superintend-
ent, which position he filled until 1870. In that year
his father bought a mill at Haydenville, Mass.. and
Charles W. was appointed superintendent of same.
continuing thus until his father bought the mills at
Glasgo and consolidated both mills. Then tin
went to Boston as special agent of the company for
two years, when he was sent to New York, filling the
same position there until 1898, when his father sold
his interest to the American Thread Company.
Charles W. Briggs then engaged in the manufacture
of folding box-board paper at Bogota, Bergen Co.,
N. J., acting as treasurer and general manager of
the Bogota Paper Company, and he conducted the
business for five years, during which time he in-
creased the capacity of the factory from seven tons
to twenty-five tons of paper per day, it being one of
the six largest establishments of that kind in the coun-
try. In July, 1902 the company sold out to the paper
trust, and Mr. Briggs came to Norwich, where he is
now residing in the beautiful home left by his father.
He has not relinquished business activities alto-
gether, being a director in the Davenport Fire Arms
Company, and is also interested in several other en-
terprises in Norwich. Mr. Briggs is a Republican
in political faith.
In February, 1880, Mr. Briggs was married,
to Sadie Elizabeth Home, who was born in Somers-
worth, N. H., daughter of Samuel P. and Mary
Home. They have had three children: (1) Lu-
cius, born in 1882, was educated in a New York high
school, in the New York City College and in Pack-
ard's Business College. New York. He was subse-
quently engaged with his father at the head office in
New York. He married Miss Mary Goffe Brewer,
daughter of Arthur H. Brewer, of Norwich, and
they have one son, Lucius Goffe. (2) Charles
Walter, born in October, 1885, was educated in what
is now the Morris high school, New York, and Nor-
wich Free Academy. (3) Robert Elmer, born in
June, 1893, is attending the Norwich Academy. The
family attends the Congregational Church.
OSCAR FITZALLAN STANTON, Rear Ad-
miral. United States Navy, now living in retirement
in New London, was for many years one of the
most distinguished figures in the naval service in
this country. In that connection he voyaged over
all the globe, visiting the principal ports and many
interesting parts of the world, and the record of his
experiences is most entertaining. He is a descend-
ant of one of the oldest families i<i Xew England,
one which has held an honored place in the annals
of American history from the days of Winthrop
and the early Puritans.
Thomas Stanton, his first ancestor in America,
known as Capt. Thomas Stanton, was i.n English
birth. He was educated for a cadet, but not liking
the profession of arms, and taking a deep interest in
the religious principles o\ the migrating Puritans,
he came to the Colonies in the ship "Bonaventura,"
in 1635, embarking at London, England, Jan. 2.
He landed in Virginia, thence going to Boston,
where he was recognized by Winthrop and his asso-
ciates as a valuable man. worthy of their unlimited
confidence. The next year he was selected by the
Boston authorities to accompany Mr. Fenwick and
Hugh Peters as interpreter on a mission to Say-
30
GEXEALOGICAL AXD BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
brook. Conn., to hold a conference with the Pequot
Indians relative to the murder of Capts. Stone and
Newton. He possessed an accurate knowledge of
the language and character of the Indians which
gave him prominence in the new settlements of
Connecticut. In 1637 he took up his home at Hart-
ford, where the General Court declared he should be
a public officer to attend the court upon all occa-
sions, either general or particular, at the meetings
of the magistrates, to interpret between them and
the Indians, at a salary of ten pounds per
year. He became the intimate and special friend of
Gov. YVinthrop of Connecticut, acting as interpreter
in all of his intercourse with the Indians. He was
the first white man who joined William Chese-
brough in the new settlement in the Pawcatuck
Valley, and in the spring of 1650 or 165 1 he estab-
lished a trading house in Stonington, on the west
bank of the Pawcatuck river. For a few years his
family resided in Xew London before permanently
locating in Stonington, in 1657. After this he took
an active part in town affairs, becoming prominent ;
and he was elected to almost every position of pub-
lic trust in the new settlement ; he served as magis-
trate from 1662 until his death, was appointed a
judge of the court in 1666, and was a deputy to
the General Court, 1666-1675. Mr. Stanton mar-
ried in Hartford, in 1637. Anna, daughter of Dr.
Thomas and Dorothy Lord, and they had ten chil-
dren : Thomas, John, Mary, Hannah, Joseph, Dan-
iel, Dorothy, Robert, Sarah and Samuel. Through
these they became the progenitors of a numerous
race in the country about Stonington. Thomas
Stanton died Dec. 2. 1677, aged sixty-eight years,
and his wife passed away in 1688. Before the
removal of the family from Hartford they had come
into possession of a considerable quantity of land,
and were considered well-to-do for the times.
Joseph Stanton, grandfather of Oscar Fitzallan
Stanton, died in 1840 or 1841. He married Fanny
Miner, and they had two children, Frances (known
as Fanny, who died when about twenty, unmarried),
and Joseph.
Joseph Stanton, father of Admiral Stanton, was
born April 12, 1804. in Stonington, Conn. By call-
ing he was an architect and builder, but he also, for
many years, ran a sawmill at Sag Harbor, L. I., and
furnished fresh water for vessels plying Long Is-
land Sound, his being the first steam engine used
for that purpose in that section. He led a useful,
industrious life, throve well in his business affairs,
and was a respected member of the community
where the greater part of his active life was spent.
He was actively interested in the State militia, being
captain of an artillery company. In political senti-
ment he was a stanch Republican, and in religion
he was a consistent member of the Methodist
Church of Sag Harbor, where he passed away Oct.
22, 1866. Joseph Stanton was married, in June,
1833. to Elizabeth (Havens) Cooper, of Sag Har-
bor, daughter of Elias Matthus Havens, and she
survived him many years, dying Feb. 26, 1892. at
Sag Harbor. The children of this union, all born
in Sag Harbor, were as follows : ( 1 ) Oscar Fitz-
allan, the eldest, is further mentioned below. (2)
William Cooper went to sea, sailing to Chinese
ports, and later settled in San Francisco, where he
was engaged in the grocerv business. When the
war of the Rebellion broke out he enlisted in the
United States navy, and he died in Key West in
1863. He never married. (3) Charles Wesley and
(4) Harriet Frink died young. (5) Mary Eliza-
beth, who is still living at Sag Harbor, has never
married. (6) Joseph Briggs is a resident of Ruther-
ford, X. J., where he is engaged in the domestic
goods business, having been associated with James
Talcott & Co.. of Xew York, since the Civil war.
He married Jennie Eden, of Brooklyn, and has one
son, William, who married Mary Bell, of Mt. Ver-
non, and has one son. (7) Emma died young. (8)
Helen Augusta is the widow of Harold Booth, of
Brooklyn, and is now living in Sag Harbor. She
has two daughters — Florence, who married Regi-
nald Seeley, and Ethel, who married, in September,
1904, William Youngs, of Sag Harbor. Long Island.
Oscar Fitzallan Stanton was born July 18, 1834,
in Sag Harbor, Long Island, and there pursued his
education until fifteen years old. In 1849 ne entered
the Xaval Academy at Annapolis, to which he was
appointed from the First Congressional District
on the recommendation of John A. King, at that
time Congressman, who later became governor of
Xew York State. After almost a year's stay at the
academy he went to sea as midshipman on the steam
frigate "Susquehanna.'' bound for China, the voyage
lasting until June, 1853. He was then transferred
to the sloop of war. "Saratoga." as midshipman,
remaining on that ship until she arrived in Boston
in September. 1854, during which time they were
with the fleet of Commodore Perry, on the Japan
expedition. Returning to Annapolis, he took a
year's academic course, the four years' course in the
meantime having been inaugurated. In June, 1855,
he became passed midshipman and sailed on the
"Constellation"' to the Mediterranean Sea. that voy-
age covering a period of three years, during which
time, in September. 1855. he was promoted to mas-
ter in the line of promotion. On April 2, 1856. he
became lieutenant and finished the cruise in that ca-
pacity, in August, 1858. He next sailed as lieuten-
ant on the Paraguay expedition, on the "Memphis,"'
which was chartered and fitted out as a cruiser by
the United States Government. Coming back from
this expedition in 1859, he sailed to the west coast
of Africa on the store ship "Supply." and upon his
arrival on the southwest coast of Africa was trans-
ferred to the "Portsmouth." and later to the sloop
of war "Marion." finishing the cruise on the last
named vessel, at Portsmouth. X. H.. in October,
i860.
In December, i860. Lieut. Stanton sailed to
Colon on a mail steamer, to join the sloop of war
GENEALOGICAL AXD BIOGR.iril ICAL RECORD.
3i
"St. Mary's." of the Pacific Squadron. After land-
ing- at Colon, the company went by rail across the
isthmus of Panama to Panama, where the ship was
at anchor, this cruise lasting until March. 1861,
when he was ordered to the East by a mail steamer
to the gunboat "Tioga," of the James River and
Potomac River flotilla. In July, 1862, he was pro-
moted to lieutenant commander, which office had
just been established by Act of Congress, and he
continued to serve on the same vessel, with the
Flying Squadron, in the West Indies, until Novem-
ber, 1863, when he was ordered to the command of
the gunboat "Pinola," of Admiral Farragut's West
Gulf Squadron. On this boat he participated in the
famous blockade at Mobile, the "Pinola" being one
of the fleet with Farragut when the admiral raised
the blockade by successfully passing the forts of
Mobile, and he remained on her until relieved, in
November, 1864. Proceeding North, he was
ordered to Ordnance duty at the New York Navy
Yard, where he remained until March. 1865, when
he went to Norfolk, Ya., joining the "Powhattan"
as executive officer of the East Gulf Squadron, with
which he continued until Oct. 1, 1865, returning to
Boston.
Lieutenant Commander Stanton was next or-
dered to the New York Navy Yard again, until
November, 1865. when he went to Annapolis as
assistant to the superintendent, acting as such until
the summer of 1866, when he was put in charge
of the practice vessel "Winnepec" for a short time.
In the fall of 1866 he returned to the Annapolis
Naval Academy, where he remained until the fol-
lowing April, when he was ordered to the gunboat
"Tahoma," of the Gulf Squadron, as commander,
retaining that command until October, 1867. Dur-
ing this time he cruised in the Gulf of Mexico, and
was engaged in the laying of the telegraph cable
from Havana to Key West. In December, 1867, he
was promoted to the full rank of commander, and
ordered to the vessel "Purveyor" in that capacity in
1868, on her cruising to the west coast of Africa,
where he broke up the Government storehouse,
bringing the stores back. He arrived in New York
in April, 1869. His next orders were to proceed to
Portsmouth, N. H., where he took charge of the
receiving ship "Yandalia." on which he remained
until April, 1871. In January, 1872, he was ordered
to China by way of San Francisco, where he took
passage on a mail steamer for China, becoming
commander of the "Monocacy," on which he re-
mained until June. 1873. His next command was
the "Yantic." of the China Squadron, with which
he continued until October, 1874, when he returned
home.
In November. 1874. Commander Stanton was
ordered to the Norfolk Navy Yard, as senior aid
to the commandant, and was thus engaged until
March. 1877, when he was sent to the Newport
(R. I.) torpedo station, together with other com-
manders, to attend a three mouths' course of instruc-
tion. This concluded, he became commander of the
sailing frigate "Constitution," at New York, on a
voyage to Hampton Roads and the West Indies, and
during this cruise, which lasted until May, 1881,
he was appointed captain, being thus honored June
19, 1879. In November, 1881, he went to the United
States Naval Home at Philadelphia as executive
officer and acting governor, remaining there until
October, 1884, when he was ordered to another
command, taking the steam frigate "Tennessee," the
flagship of the North Atlantic Squadron, on which
he remained until October, 1885. That month he
was ordered to the New London Naval Station, as
commandant, in which capacity he served until
April, 1889, and in June of the following year he was
placed in command of the Naval Training Station at
Newport, R. I. On May 19, 1891, he was promoted
to commodore, and on July 1, 1891, became governor
of the Philadelphia Naval Home. Commodore Stan-
ton remained at that post until August, 1893, when
he was ordered to the command of the South Atlan-
tic Squadron, with the rank of rear admiral, on the
flagship "Newark," cruising to Rio Janeiro. Re-
turning home in November, he took command in
December of the North Atlantic Squadron, on the
flagship "Kearsarge," the command of which he re-
tained until she ran on the rocks during the night
of Feb. 2, 1894, at Roncador, off Nicaragua, about
one hundred miles southwest of Jamaica. The crew
were compelled to take to the small boats, the
"Kearsarge" becoming a total wreck, and the Ad-
miral was saved by taking to a raft, in that way
reaching the small boats anchored on the reefs.
His flag was then transferred to the "San Fran-
cisco," of the same squadron, on which he remained
until July 30, 1894, when he applied for retirement,
after nearly forty-five years of active service.
Admiral Stanton had established his home in
New London, Conn., in 1893. and thither he retired
to enjoy a well-earned rest. In 1898. when war
was declared against Spain, he was made command-
ant of the Naval Station at New London, serving as
such until ( )ctober of that year. He continues to
make his home at that place, and is deservedly
ranked among its honored citizens. Admiral Stan-
ton has numerous social connections, being a mem-
ber of the Military ( )rder of the Loyal Legion of the
United States; of the Society of American Wars;
of the United States Associated Veterans of Far-
ragut's Fleet, of which he is one of the vice-presi-
dents ; of the Naval ( )rder of the Naval Station,
New York Commandery; of the Army and Navy
Club, of New York; and of the Thames Club,
New London.
( )n July C), 1859, Oscar F. Stanton was united
in marriage with Caroline Eliza Gardiner, ^\ Sag
Harbor, daughter of Charles Fox and Eliza Ann
re) ) Gardiner, the former of whom was a mer-
chant in Sag Harbor Un many years. Mrs. Stanton
also comes of an old Colonial family, being a direct
descendant of Lyon Gardiner, after whom Gardi-
32
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
ner's Island was named. He was a friend of Capt.
Thomas Stanton, the earliest of these Stantons in
America, and kept up a correspondence with him.
To Oscar F. and Caroline Eliza (Gardiner) Stan-
ton came two children : ( i ) Fanny Gardiner, born
in Sag Harbor, became the wife of Daniel Latham,
of New London, and they are now living in London,
England, Air. Latham being manager of the Sym-
onds Stores Company, of America, with headquar-
ters at City Road, London. They have one son,
Stanton Latham. (2) Elizabeth Havens, born in
Sag Harbor, married William Seeley Burrell, of
Xew York City, where he is engaged in business
as a dealer in imported linings, etc. They reside in
Xew York City. They have one son, Gardiner
Seeley Burrell.
The Admiral and his wife hold membership in
the Presbyterian Church of Sag Harbor. His
. political support is given to the Republican party.
SPICER. The Spicer family of New London
county is an old and numerous one. The ancestral
line of Levi Spicer, of Noank, is traced through
Silas, Edward, John, Edward and Peter.
Levi Spicer was born in that part of Groton
that is now Ledyard, Feb. 20, 1767, and he died
April 26, 1850. He married (first) Lavina Chese-
brough, who died April 13, 1794, leaving one son,
Levi C, born Dec. 7, 1793, and who settled in Ash-
tabula county, Ohio. Levi Spicer married (second)
Prudence Palmer, who was born June 5, 1771,
daughter of Elihu and Ruth Palmer, and a direct
descendant of Walter Palmer, who came from Eng-
land to New England as early as 1628, and later to
Stonington, Conn. Airs. Prudence Spicer died Aug.
14, 1846.
Levi Spicer received a common school education,
and was reared a farmer, also learning his father's
trade of wheelwright. When about twenty-eight
years of age he removed to Stonington, where he
became acquainted with Aliss Palmer, whom he mar-
ried, and they soon after removed to Noank, where
he built a home and engaged in agricultural pursuits
along with shipbuilding, continuing until after the
death of his wife in 1846. He then made his home
with his son Elihu, and there died April 26, 1850.
For many years Air. and Airs. Spicer were esteemed
and honored members of the Baptist Church. He
was fond of his home and family, was of a social,
genial nature, and had hosts of friends. Loving a
good story he enjoyed its hearing or telling. His
political affiliations were with the Democratic party.
The six children of Levi and Prudence (Palmer)
Spicer were :
(i) Elihu Palmer, born Oct. I, 1796, is men-
tioned farther on.
(2) Eldridge, born June 23, 1798, was in early
life a sea captain, but later a farmer, and he died
Jan. 30. 1865. On Alay 31, 1821, he married, in
North Stonington. Lydia G. Stanton, daughter of
Deacon John Stanton, a soldier in the war of the
Revolution; she died June 19, 1854. He married
(second), Oct. 31, 1861, Airs. Prudence Latham
Reynolds. His nine children, all born in Groton,
were: (a) William Eldridge, born April 12, 1822,
was a sailor in early life and resided at Noank un-
til his death in 1904. He married, Alarch 22, 1846,
Narcissa Ingham, who died Oct. 7, 1887, the mother
of three children, Judson, born June 6, 1848, died
June 23, 1848, Alarion, born Sept 2, 1849, married
Eugene H. Davis, of Noank, and has a daughter,
Edna, and William Albert, born in 1847, married
June 9, 1870, Jane A. Douglas, resides at Noank,
and had three children, George A., Jane (deceased)
and Eliza, (b) Lydia Ann, born June 14, 1824,
married Sept. 20, 1855, George E. Tripp, and died
Nov. 24, 1887, at Alystic, leaving no children, (c)
John Stanton, born Alarch 3, 1827, died Feb. 28,
1894, in Calaveras county, Cal., unmarried, (d)
Hannah, born April 22, 1829, died in Poquetanuck,
Sept. 16, 1859. On Oct. 15, 1848, she married
Gurdon Wilcox, of Preston, Conn., born Alarch 20,
1825, died Dec. 27, 1883, son of Gardner U. and
Nabby (Egglestone) Wilcox; their children were:
Josephine, born July 19, 1849, married Edward
Steere, died Oct. 11, 1880, leaving two daughters,
Annie who married Gustave A. Johnson, and resides
at Norwich, and Eva, who married John Smity, and
resides at Poquetanuck. Everett and another son,
both born Aug. 3, 1858, the former dying July 8,
1863. Ce) Lucy Latham, born June 3, 1831, mar-
ried, Alay 24, 1853, Winthrop Ward, of Stonington,
Conn., and in 1866, they removed to Alystic. They
had children: Lucibell, born June 19, 1854, mar-
ried Oct. 29, 1877, Ira C. Hoxie, and lives in Chi-
cago; Flora, born Oct. 15, 1858, died Nov. 26. 1865 r
and George E., born Jan. 19, 1868, married Sept. 6,
1894, E. Bertha Cheney, of Alystic, a graduate of the
New York College of Dentistry, and is engaged in
practice at Alystic. (f) Silas, born July 19, 1835,
married (first) Hattie Brewster; (second) Celia
A. Hurlburt of South Carolina, who bore him three
children, Sarah, Addie and Lydia; and (third) Airs.
Agnes (Abbott) Wood, by whom he had two chil-
dren, Edward and Stanton. Silas Spicer is now
superintendent of the 14th street ferry, having been
deputy-harbor master at Port Royal, and master of
the port of Savannah, (g) Alary E., born Dec. 2,
1837, died April 2, 1858. (h) Charles H., born
Feb. 14, 1840, married, Nov. 2j, 1872, Nancy W.
Gates, of Worcester, Alass. He served in the war
of the Rebellion and lives at Cleveland, Ohio, (i)
Emmeline married, Alay 20, 1861, her brother-in-
law, Curdox Wilcox, and had children — a daughter
born in 1864; Charles, born Alarch 10, 1866, died
Jan. 30, 1867; and William, a resident of Poqueta-
nuck, born Aug. 20. 1862, married. Nov. 30, 1882,
Lillian Parkhurst, daughter of Chauncy and Susan
(Chapman) Parkhurst, and they have four chil-
dren, Alaurine, Harry, Ward and Hope.
(3) Lucy C, born June 8, 1803, died Alarch 28,
1866. On Oct. 6, 1822, she married Henry Latham,
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
33
born Oct. 24, 1797, son of William and Sabrina
Latbam. They had the following children: Will-
iam Henry, born July 13, 1823; Catherine Crarey,
born March 22, 1827; Charles and Albert.
(4) Sarah P., born Nov. 10, 1806, died April 13,
1867. On Nov. 18, 1827, she married Peter D.
Irish, and had two children William O., who resided
in New London and there died; and Sarah, who
married a Mr. Cutter and died in New York.
(5) John Palmer, born Sept. 14, 1808, died May
3, 1877. On Sept. 30, 1830, he married Abby Jane
Latham, daughter of William and Sabrina Latham,
born May 2y, 1810, died Dec. 22, 1889. They had
eight children: (a) Sabrina, born June 21, 1831,
married Sept. 12, 1852, Henry Rockwell, of Groton,
and has two children, Edward Kidder and Grace
Middleton. (b) Prudence Abbie, born Feb. 14,
1834, married, Oct. 26, 1853, George P. Wilbur,
son of Nathaniel and Angeline Wilbur, and died
Jan. 10, 1874, leaving one daughter, Emma Estelle.
(c) John Dennison, born Aug. 22, 1835, married
Sarah Jane Hill, born July 22, 1841, daughter of F.
Austin and Mary Jane Hill. They had children,
Sarah, born in May, 1867, died in May, 1867; and
Harrie Austin, born Aug. 11, 1871. (d) Twin sons,
born in 1844, died in infancy, (e) Jane Steward,
born June 27, 1846, died Aug. 7, 1875. (f) Adelaide
was born March 6, 1848. (g) Alice Hunter was
born Aug. 24, 1850.
(6) Silas, born April 29, 181 1, was a mariner,
and settled at Noank, and there he died Oct. 8,
1888. He married, Dec. 4, 1839, Mary Ann Mor-
gan, daughter of Gilbert and Catherine (Edge-
court) Morgan, and their six children were: (a)
Mary Helen, born Oct. 22, 1841, married, Feb. 14,
1862, Charles H. Fitch, and died April 29, 1866,
leaving no children, (b) Sarah P., born Nov. 2J,
1843, tued April 3, 1867. (c) Catherine, born
March 27, 1846, married, Oct. 22, 1872, Joseph Y.
Adams, of Westerly, R. I., and resides at Noank.
Her one daughter Helen B., born April 18, 1874, is
deceased, (d) Prudence A., born Dec. 20, 1847,
married, Sept. 9, 187 1, Walter Chesebro, of Noank,
and has two children, Katherine Spicer and Lyle S.
(e) Silas, born Feb. 9, 1850, died in infancy, (f)
Ludlow C, born May 25, 1856, died unmarried,
Feb. 25, 1891.
Capt. Elihu Palmer Spicer, eldest son of Levi
and Prudence (Palmer) Spicer and father of the
late Capt. Elihu Spicer, of Noank, was born Oct.
I, 1796. Like his father and grandfather before
him he was trained for life's duties on the farm and
secured his fragmentary education in the district
schools of Noank. He was only a lad when he went
first to sea, becoming cook on the "Thetis," one of
the first fishing smacks engaged in the business in
that locality. From that time on until a man of
about forty-five years, he followed the sea, and rose
successively from cook to captain. During the war
of 1812, while fishing in open boats, he was often
compelled to run the British blockade, was a num-
3
her of times chased by their cruisers, and had many
narrow escapes. The first vessel of which he was
master was the fishing smack "Luzerne," which was
engaged in Southern waters, and also, in addition
to being in the fishing, he was in the wrecking
business. Later on he commanded the schooner
"Empress," which was engaged in the Southern
coaling and West Indian trade. For several years
he was master of the schooner "Magellan," which
also was engaged as above, and following these
commands, he had charge of the big transport "Apa-
lachicola," which transported the troops under Gen.
Scott to take part in the Seminole war. Still later
he continued in the Southern coasting trade. He
had the reputation of being a careful, skillful, pru-
dent and successful mariner. Through his long,
active sea-faring life he never met with serious loss
or accident. During the war of 18 12, when the
town of Stonington was attacked by the British,
Capt. Spicer was on duty, assisting in repulsing the
enemy in their attempts to land, and in extinguish-
ing the fires caused by the bursting of the enemy's
shells.
Elihu Palmer Spicer died March 17, 18S5. While
a man of reserved manner, he possessed strong opin-
ions, and was known for his positive character, as
well as for the warm and sincere friendships he
cherished. His considerate treatment of the large
body of men who, at various times, were under his
command, and often in most trying conditions, elic-
ited universal commendation and won him undying
regard. In business he was an excellent manager
and a very successful financier.
For years Capt. Spicer held the government ap-
pointment of United States Tide Master of the Mys-
tic river. His political affiliations were with the
Democratic party, of the times when Jeffersonian
principles prevailed, and to the close of his life he
never swerved in his admiration for and support of
those cardinal principles of true Democracy. He
was twice elected representative from the town of
Groton in the State Assembly, and he stood high in
that body as a legislator. During many years he was
a consistent member of the Baptist Church, liber-
ally contributing to its support. He was a repre-
sentative member of a most honorable family and to
his numerous descendants left a spotless name.
Capt. Spicer was twice married. I lis first wife,
Jemima Fish, who was born July 21, 1S17, daughter
of Ebenezer and Lydia Fish, died May 22, 1849.
They had these children: (1) William, born Aug.
1, 1819, died Jan. 15, 1820. (2) Prudence, born
May 19, i82r, married. August 4. [842, Capt. Par-
don Taylor Brown, and died Nov. 21, 1850. Her
three children were: Pardon and Levi, who both
died young; and William Hiram, born April 26,
1850. (3) Emeline, born June [6, [823, died Sept.
2. [836. (4) Elihu, born April 13. 1825. is men-
tioned in full farther on. (5) Levi, horn June I,
[830, married Aug. 31, [859, Caroline Manchester.
daughter of Shadrack and Clarissa (Coe) Man-
34
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
Chester, and died March 26, 1897. He was a mer-
chant of Xoank, where his family still reside. His
children were : Annie Coe, William I. and Sarah
D. ; (6) Sarah, born May 20, 1833, married Oct.
6, 1857, Andrew G. Dickenson, of Brooklyn, X. Y.,
and they had three children, Mary, Sarah and Car-
rie, all of whom died young. (7) Hiram, born Nov.
27, 1839, died July 8, 1842. On April 30, 1850,
Elihu Palmer Spicer married (second) Eliza Huldah
Roath, who died Nov. 1, 1874.
El 1 11 u Spicer, fourth in the family born to
Elihu Palmer and Jemima (Fish) Spicer, was born
in Xoank, Conn., April 13, 1825. With the open
sea before him from his birth, he instinctively adop-
ted the profession of a sailor. From cabin boy he
rose to the command of the bark "Fanny" at the age
of twenty-two, and successively to that of the ships
''Hound," "Samuel Willetts" and the "Mary L.
Sutton." In them he sailed every sea, meeting with
all the vicissitudes of a sailor's life, including ship-
wreck, and he made many prosperous voyages dur-
ing the years when San Francisco and China were
the only stopping places in circling the globe. These
voyages were made by clipper ships, carrying the
American flag, and their fleetness has never been
exceeded by sailing vessels. In 1861 Capt. Spicer
left his ship at San Francisco and came home by
way of Panama, in company with his life-long friend
and brother sailor, Charles H. Mallory. They
formed a partnership founding the present firm of
C. H. Mallory & Co.. of which company Capt. Spicer
served as president for several years until his death.
This company inaugurated a line of steamers in the
coasting trade between Xew York and Galveston.
During the Civil war the demands for vessels
for the use of the Government, as transports, re-
quired the services of all available steamers, and the
closing of the Southern ports of the United States
having put an end to all coastwise trade, this firm
engaged their vessels to the Government, and Capt.
Spicer commanded the steamer "Victor" for a time.
At the close of the war, the Galveston trade again
occupied the firm's attention, and from this time
forward, to the running of their ships and the build-
ing new vessels, Capt. Spicer gave his attention.
His long experience at sea had made him familiar
with all the requirements of this work, and to the
small and ill-adapted vessels of 1861, there succeeded
a fleet of eleven ships, designed especially for the
work they had to do, and able to carry cargoes safe-
ly over a bar where there is little tide and the sands
are constantly shifting.
However, with all his prosperity, the man never
changed, still finding his greatest happiness at his
home in Mystic, surrounded by old friends. His at-
tachment to his birthplace was as strong in his ma-
ture age as though he had never left it, and the
memories of his deceased wife and child were ever
fresh and unfailing. His disposition was full of
sweetness and friendship for everyone. With a
vigorous and determined temperament, strong in his
opinion when formed, yet, under the most trying
circumstances, when deceived by those in whom he
had placed great trust, he displayed no feeling to-
ward them but that of sorrow for their fault. With
his increasing wealth, in the words of his favorite
poet: "Large was his bounty and his soul sincere."
He gave liberally in charity, but of this little was
ever known. He presented a library to the Poly-
technic Institute of Brooklyn, in memory of his son,
Uriah D. Spicer, together with a large sum of money
to which he added in his will. At the time of his
death he was erecting a building for a library, which
he designed to present to the people of Xoank and
Mystic. It has since been completed by the heirs,
its shelves filled with books and presented to trus-
tees who will manage it for the people's benefit and
thus carry out the wishes of the donor.
Capt. Spicer gave a farm, with buildings on it,
and a large sum of money for the use of the indigent
of the town of Groton, during his lifetime, and he
left an additional amount to this charity in his will.
The schools of Xoank were frequent beneficiaries
also. At the time of his death he was a member of
the Chamber of Commerce of Xew York, and a
Pilot Commissioner of the Port of Xew York, a
trustee of the Sailors' Snug Harbor, and a member
of the Marine and Xew England Societies, as be-
came "a man who loved the sea."
Xew England has produced few better men than
Elihu Spicer. His were the qualities of solid worth,
having no care for idle display. Beneath his unas-
suming exterior there beat as warm a heart, as gentle
a spirit, as kindly and generous a disposition as in a
century adorns and sweetens humanity. There was,
in his mental equipment and moral make up, some-
thing suggestive of the serenity of the sea he had so
long and often traversed, and his nature seemed to
alternate between the profound peace of an ocean
calm, and the musical ripples that, sunlighted, wel-
come the coming of the morning breeze. His soul
seemed free from storms, and the tempests of earth-
ly contention never disturbed his courteous demean-
or, or ruffled his clear and elevating mind. Without
vain pretense, he harbored qualities that made him
the valued associate, the trusted adviser, and the
congenial companion of the very flower of our citi-
zenship.
The career thus too briefly told, is that of an up-
right and honorable figure in the life of this com-
munity. It could be said of him accurately that he
"nobly bore, without reproach, the grand old name
of gentleman." His gentle spirit took flight, Feb.
15, 1893, from his home, Xo. 7 South Oxford street,
Brooklyn, X. Y., and he was buried in the town of
his birth. His memory will survive in the record of
public and private benefactions, in the wide range of
reputable commercial distinction, in the annals of
refined and healthy social association and in the
hearts of all who knew and liked him.
On Jan. 21, 1852, Elihu Spicer wedded Mary
M. Dudlev, now deceased. Of the three children
V /
GENEALOGICAL AXD BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
35
born to them, Mary and William both died young:
■and Uriah D. died at the age of twenty- four in the
flower of young manhood.
HON. GILBERT COLLI XS. ex-mayor of Jer-
sey City and a Justice of the Supreme Court of New
Jersey, is a descendant of a family prominent in
Stonington, Conn., for many generations.
(I) Daniel Collins, the progenitor of the family,
was born in 1710, and died July 16, 1797. His
birthplace is not known, but at the time of his mar-
riage he dwelt in New London, afterward removing
to Stonington. On Feb. 7, 1731, he married Alice
Pell, of Xew London, and had one son, Daniel, Jr.
On July 7, 1754. he married (second) Rebecca,
widow of Samuel Stanton. She died childless in
1755-
It is supposed that Daniel Collins, Sr., built,
about the middle of the eighteenth century, on the
old Boston Post Road, opposite the present meeting-
house of the First Congregational Church, the tav-
ern house which was taken down only a few years
ago. This was a large double, wood-colored house,
with roof sloping nearly to the ground at the rear,
and two stories in front — being thus built it escaped
the tax upon two story houses. At the west end of
the house, hung a swinging sign, ornamented by the
figure of an Indian, and the word "Tavern." From
the front door entrance the stairs leading above and
below were in plain sight. At the right was the great
east room — the favorite resort for friends upon the
Sabbath Day before meeting began, or when any
gathering was held at the Road. At the rear of that
room was the long kitchen, with a small bed room at
either end, while in a large room up-stairs occasional
dances were held. At the left of the front door was
a smaller room with a fireplace in it and windows on
the south and west sides, which was called the "bar
room." On the north side of the room was the coun-
ter running east and west, and completely shutting
oft the narrow room where were kept the jugs of
West India rum, sugar, tea, and decanters of vari-
ous kinds of liquors. A red painted door, suspended
from the ceiling, was lifted or closed at will by the
person behind the counter, and was supported by
two long, narrow sticks, arranged to hold it in posi-
ti' m. In those days even the minister and best people
regaled themselves, and no one was considered hos-
pitable who did not offer to his guest some good
rum, home-made wine or cider.
The Tavern was kept for years by Lieut. Daniel
Collins, son of Daniel Collins, Sr., and by his son,
Gilbert Collins, grandfather of Judge Gilbert Collins.
(II) Lieut. Daniel Collins, only child of Daniel
Collins, was born March 10, 1732, in Xew London.
He died April 6, 1819, after passing the greater part
of his life in Stonington. From 1775 he served in
the Continental army, and was First Lieutenant in
the First Regiment of the Connecticut Line, forma-
tion of 1776. ( )n Dec. 26, 1756, he married Dorothy
Wells, by whom he had eight children : William, Pell.
Hannah, Daniel, Lydia. Polly, Eley and John Wells.
I lis children all migrated west, and their descendants
live in Xew York State and in Toledo, ( )hio. He mar-
ried (second) Anne Potter, widow of John Hilliard,
by whom he had six children : Robert, born April 14,
1788, who married Ruth Browning; Gilbert, born
April 14, 1790; Rebecca, who married Henry Wor-
den; Maria, who married Justin Denison; Betsey,
who died young; and Anne, who married John D.
Noyes.
(III) Gilbert Collins was born April 14, 1790,
and became a farmer in Stonington, where he was
long prominent in public affairs, for several terms
representing the town in the State Legislature. He
died March 24, 1865. On May 3, 1807, he married
(first) Prudence Frink, born Oct. 6, 1788, a de-
scendant of John Frink, who came to Stonington in
1666. To this marriage came three children: Ben-
jamin Franklin, born Sept. 10, 1808, married Mary
Denison ; Anne married John Robbins ; and Daniel
Prentice, born Aug. 21, 1813. died in February, 1862.
Gilbert Collins married (second) April 28, 1816,
Lucy Breed, born May 20. 1787, daughter of Joseph
and Mercy (Holmes) Breed. The six children of
this union were: Gilbert William, born Feb. 19, 1817,
married Mary Randall, and died Jan. 19, 1865;
Ethan Allen, born Nov. 24, 1818, married Lucy
Grant, and died in 1896; John Xoyes died young;
Thomas B., born Feb. 10, 1823, married (first)
Frances Morgan, (second) Lucy Ann Morgan, and
(third) Susan A. Collins, daughter of .Robert Col-
lins; Francis Marion died young; and John Pierce,
born Oct. 21, 1827, married Mary Margaret Palmer,
and died Feb. 28, 1857. For his third wife Gilbert
Collins married Mrs. Susan (Wells) Dickens.
(IV) Daniel Prentice Collins was born Aug. 21,
1813, and died Feb. 17, 1862. He spent his boyhood
in the Road District of Stonington. and after his mar-
riage lived in the borough of Stonington, where he
and his brother, Gilbert William, under the firm
name of D. P. & G. W. Collins, engaged in the man-
ufacture of sash, doors and blinds, also keeping a
lumber yard and hardware store, and taking con-
tracts for buildings. They had a resident agent in
Jersey City, X. J., and did an extensive business out-
side of Stonington, shipping large quantities of
goods. Mr. Collins, however, was a legal resident of
Stonington all his life, and was prominent in social
as well as business life. In February, 1839. he mar-
ried (first) Maria E., daughter of Roland and
Maria (Palmer) Stanton, who bore him three
children, as follows: Daniel Webster, born Dec.
13, 1839, died Feb. o. [858; Maria Smith, born Dec.
3. 1840, married in June, 1867, Lewis Xeil, and
died Jan. 5. [868, in Jersey City. X. J.; and Han-
nah Elizabeth, died in infancy. On Dec. 25, 1843,
Mr. Collins married (second) Sarah, daughter of
John and Clarissa (Wells) Quinn, and to them was
born one son, Gilbert, Aug. jo. 1S40. Mrs. Collins
died in 1894.
(V) Gilbert Collins was born in Stonington bor-
36
GEXEALOGICAL AXD BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
ough Aug. 26, 1846. Up to the time of his father's
death in 1862, he attended the schools of the borough,
and also Dr. Hart's private school, where he pre-
pared for the sophomore class at Yale. After his
father's death the family removed to Jersey City,
X. J., where Mr. Collins read law. He was ad-
mitted to the New Jersey Bar in February, 1869, and
began practice in Jersey City, where he has ever since
remained. In March, 1897, he was appointed a jus-
tice of the Supreme court of New Jersey, which office
he resigned in January, 1903, resuming practice as a
member of his former firm of Collins & Corbin.
From 1884 t0 1886 he was mayor of Jersey City. In
1899 the honorary degree of LL. D. was conferred
upon him by Rutgers College.
The Judge was married June 2, 1870, to Harriet
Kingsbury Bush, of Jersey City. N. J., and they have
had a family of six children : Gilbert. Jr., who died
in infancy; Walter, born Aug. 9, 1872, who was
graduated from "Williams College in 1893, was ad-
mitted to the New Jersey Bar in 1896, and died Nov.
1 1, 1900 ; Mabel, who died in infancy ; Blanche, born
Feb. 9, 1875; Harriet, who died in infancy; and
Marjorie, born June 15, 1885.
The summer home of Judge Collins in Stoning-
ton, though remodeled and seemingly almost new,
is in fact the oldest house in the town. It was built
by John Hallam in 1683, and has been owned only
by the Hallam family, Charles H. Phelps, James \Y.
Noyes and the present occupant.
COTTRELL. This is one of the oldest families
in Rhode Island, and one made conspicuous not only
in America, but in foreign countries, through the
wonderful achievements in mechanical lines of the
late manufacturer and inventor — Calvert Byron
Cottrell, of Westerly. This town for upward of
260 years has been the abiding place of his fore-
fathers and is now the home of his immediate fam-
ily, his several sons, Edgar H., Charles P. and Ar-
thur M., being, respectively, president, treasurer and
secretary of the C. B. Cottrell & Sons Company,
whose plant is not only one of considerable magni-
tude, but of celebrity, owing to the almost universal
use of its product by the printers of magazines and
periodicals of the world.
Nicholas Cottrell, the original ancestor and pro-
genitor of the Rhode Island Cottrells, appears in the
list of inhabitants of Newport, May 20, 1638, and
he was admitted a freeman of that town in 1655.
He represented his town (Westerly) in the Colonial
Assembly in 1670. He was one of the signers of
the Misquamicut (Westerly) Purchase. He was
twice married, and died in 1680. In his will are
mentioned eight children, namely : Nicholas, John,
Gershom, Eleazer, Mary, Hannah, James and Jabez.
From this Nicholas Cottrell, of Newport and
Westerly, the lineage of the late Calvert Byron Cott-
rell is through Nicholas (2), John, Major John,
Elias and Lebbeus Cottrell.
( II ) Nicholas Cottrell (2) was admitted a free-
man of Westerly, Oct. 28, 1668, and was a soldier
in the Narragansett war of 1675. He held a num-
ber of important offices evidencing his character as a
citizen. Like his father he represented his town in
the Colonial Assembly. He served as constable,,
then an important office, and his name appears as a
juryman, fence viewer and councilman. He was
married, the name of his wife not being known, and
died in December, 171 5, in Westerly, leaving a will
in which are mentioned children as follows : Nich-
olas, John, Mary, Elizabeth and Dorothy.
(III) John Cottrell and wife Penelope.
(IV) Major John Cottrell and wife, Lois Board-
man, of Preston, Conn. Major Cottrell died in
Westerly in 1778.
(V) Elias Cottrell married Nov. 7, 1776. Phalley,.
born May 13, 1752, daughter of John and Thank-
ful Gavitt, and to them were born children as fol-
lows: Thankful, born Sept. 2^, 1779; John, May
19, 1781 ; Elias, Dec. 2, 1782; Russell, March 31,.
1785 ; Phalley, March 3, 1787; Lois, April 11. 1789;
Lebbeus, Jan. 29, 1792; and Joshua G., Feb. 10,
1794.
(VI) Lebbeus Cottrell, born Jan. 29, 1792, mar-
ried Lydia Maxson, who was a descendant of Rich-
ard Maxson, of Portsmouth, R. I., in 1638, and of
Newport a year later.
(VII) Calvert Byrox Cottrell, born Aug. 10,
182 1, in Westerly, R. I., married May 4, 1849, Lydia.
W. Perkins, daughter of Elisha and Nancy (Rus-
sell) Perkins, a descendant of John Perkins, of Ips-
wich, 1632, and six children blessed this union :
Edgar Henry, Harriet Elizabeth, Charles Perkins,.
Calvert Byron, Jr. (deceased), Lydia Anngenette
(deceased), and Arthur Maxson.
Calvert B. Cottrell received his education in the
public schools. In 1840, when nineteen years of age,,
he apprenticed himself to the firm of Lavalley,
Lamphear & Co., manufacturers of cotton machinery
at Phenix, R. I. He remained with this concern
some thirteen years, most of the time in the capacity
of employing contractor. During this period his in-
ventive genius was brought into action, and he made
many improvements in labor-saving tools and ma-
chinery. The success that followed his efforts was
such that he determined on beginning business for
himself. A partnership was formed with Nathan
Babcock. in 1855, and under the firm name of Cott-
rell & Babcock the manufacture of machinery in
general was begun, but gradually the firm devoted
itself entirely to the production of printing presses
and printing mechanisms. At a later date Mr. Cott-
rell determined to devote himself exclusively to in-
vention and improvements in matters belonging to-
printing press manufacture. Among the first of his
devices was an improvement on the air spring, for
reversing the bed of the press. The peculiar feature
was the yielding plunger, a vacuum valve, and a
governing attachment. The air springs, as applied
bv him to cylinder presses, lessened in a marked de-
gree the jar of the press in its action. His inven-
GENEALOGICAL AXD BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
37
tions, increasing as they did the capacity of the
printing presses from twenty-five to thirty per cent,
for fine as well as fast work, were so far-reaching
in their effects that they immediately brought Mr.
Cottrell into the notice of the printing and mechan-
ical world as one of the leading inventors of the
day. Among his many important inventions is the
tapeless delivery, for delivering printed sheets with-
out the use of tapes ; the patent hinged roller frames ;
patent attachment for controlling the momentum of
the cylinder, insuring perfect register at any speed ;
a patent sheet delivery for delivering the sheets in
front of the cylinder without the use of tapes ; a
patent rotary color printing press feeding from a
roll of paper, and printing 300,000 labels in three col-
ors per day. One of his latest and most successful
inventions is a shifting tympan for a web perfecting
press, which prevents offset on the second cylinder,
and enables a press, which has heretofore been ca-
pable of printing only the ordinary newspaper, to
execute the finest class of illustrated printing. This
invention was generally adopted and successfully
operated. Mr. Cottrell was granted over one hun-
dred patents in this country and Europe. The first
one was granted in 1858; subsequent patents were
nearly all on improvements in printing presses.
In 1880 the firm of Cottrell & Babcock was dis-
solved, Mr. Babcock retiring. Mr. Cottrell contin-
ued the business under the firm name of C. B. Cott-
rell & Sons, associating with him his three sons, all
•of them inheriting the father's genius for invention.
The new firm doubled the capacity of the works in
Westerly, and entered upon a degree of prosperity
eminently satisfactory. Mr. Cottrell died in May,
1893, and was buried in the town of Westerly, where
all of his ancestors, with the exception of Nicholas
(1), were buried. The extensive works located in
Westerly, R. I., are an evidence of the busy life he
led, and the accomplished facts which bear the im-
press of his name. He was one of the influential
men of the town, and his labors in its behalf prob-
ably had more to do with the town's growth than
those of any other person. The business was in-
corporated in 1892, being capitalized at $800,000.
The concern has offices at No. 41 Park Row, New-
York, and No. 279 Dearborn street, Chicago. Mr.
Cottrell's four sons have taken active part in the
affairs of the company, aiding materially in produc-
ing up-to-date improvements, and in advancing the
interests of the concern. The death of the third son.
Calvert B. Cottrell, on April 8, 190 1, was a sad
event for the town, and a great blow to the company,
as he had made his personality an important factor
in the business of the concern.
This company is now manufacturing printing
presses, including rotary web printing presses for
high-class work, two revolution, stop cylinder, litho-
graph and drum cylinder presses. Probably none
of the numerous large manufacturing companies of
Rhode Island has given the State so striking a rep- I
utation as this printing press concern in the town of
Westerly, because there is scarcely a magazine or
periodical of any kind issued in the United States
with a circulation of any extent, which it not printed
upon one of their presses, and there are very few
printers in this country who aim to do the finest work
who are not using the Cottrell printing presses,
which produce the finest illustrated work that is
possible to be obtained by the art of printing.
Edgar H. Cottrell, son of Calvert B. Cottrell,
president of the C. B. Cottrell & Sons Co., of Wester-
ly, R. I., has been actively engaged in the business of
the company since his boyhood, and no little of the
success of this great manufacturing plant is due to
his efforts. For a number of years Mr. Cottrell was
a trustee of the Westerly Savings Bank and a di-
rector in the Washington National Bank. He now
holds the office of director in the Washington Trust
Co., of Westerly. While he claims Westerly as his
residence Mr. Cottrell's time is mostly spent in New-
York City at the offices of his company, which are
located at No. 41 Park Row.
Charles P. Cottrell, treasurer of the C. B.
Cottrell & Sons Co., was born in Westerly, on the
Connecticut side of the Pawcatuck river, March 9,
1858, and has had charge of the works at Westerly,
R. I., since 1880. His duties have kept him a resi-
dent of Westerly, and the town owes much to him
for the active interest which he has taken in public
affairs. Mr. Cottrell was a trustee of the Westerly
Savings Bank and vice-president of the Washing-
ton National Bank. He is now a director in the
Washington Trust Co., also secretary and a trustee
of the Westerly Memorial and Library Association.
On May 26, 1886, Mr. Cottrell was married, in the
town of Stonington, Conn., to Harriet Morgan,
daughter of John Avery Morgan, and to them were
born: Calvert B. (3), born in Stonington, Conn.,
Dec. 4, 1888; Margaret, born in Stonington, July 20,
1890; L. Anngenette, born in Stonington, March o.
1896; Charles P., Jr., born in Westerly, R. I., May
11, 1898.
Arthur M. Cottrell, secretary of the C. B.
Cottrell & Sons Co. since 1901, was born in Wester-
ly, R. I., Dec. 8, 187 1. He was graduated from
Brown University in 1897 and since that time has
been identified with the works at Westerly, K. I. In
1901 he was made plant superintendent, a position
which he holds at the present time. On Dee. 1,
1903, Mr. Cottrell married Kate Virginia Hunkins,
of Chicago, 111. To them was born a daughter,
Kate Virginia, on Dee. 20. 1904.
Calvert Byron Cottrell, Jr., the fourth child
of the late Calvert I!. Cottrell, was born at Pawca-
tuck, in the town of Stonington, New London I
Conn., Aug. 12, i860, and died April 8, 1901. He
received his education in the public schools of that
town and in Westerly. R. I., graduating from the
Westerly high school with the class of 1S7S. After
leaving school he at once associated himself with
the business <<i his father, and in July, [88o, he be-
came a member of the firm ^i C. P>. Cottrell & Sons.
38
GENEALOGICAL AXD BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
When the firm was incorporated Mr. Cottrell was
chosen secretary, a position which he occupied at the
time of his death. Mr. Cottrell married Nov. 24,
1891, Agnes Clark, daughter of the late William
Clark, of the William Clark Thread Company.
Children as follows came to their union : Donald
Clark, born Aug. 17, 1892 ; Kathryn, May 27, 1895 ;
and Mary Stuart, July 7, 1901.
E. WINSLOW WILLIAMS. For three gen-
erations— a period covering the greater part of the
nineteenth century — the branch of the Williams
family of which this gentleman was a member has
been prominent in the social and business circles of
Norwich, especially conspicuous in the city's indus-
trial life. The male members of the generations
referred to have been grandfather, son and grand-
son, in the persons of Capt. Erastus, E. Winslow,
and Winslow Tracy Williams, successively at the
head of the Yantic Mills, now the Yantic Woolen
Company.
To those familiar with Xew England annals the
mere mention of the names Williams, Winslow and
Tracy indicates alliance with the first families of
this commonwealth and of the Colonies before it,
and of an historic connection in their formative
period. The Williams family traces back to Charles
Williams, who died in Saybrook (now Essex),
Conn., in 172^. His son, Benjamin, had a son
Samuel, who was born in 1751, and died in 1822.
His son, Capt. Erastus Williams, was born April
14, 1793, in Essex, Conn. Retiring in early man-
hood from the active life of his shipping interests,
he located in Norwich and became interested in the
various manufacturing operations. In 1824 he pur-
chased at Yantic the premises of R. R. Baker, a
native of Scotland, who through his agents, John
and George Tisdale, had erected about 1820 a
cotton mill on the old site of the iron works of
Elisha Backus, which were of historic note and great
usefulness in the war of the Revolution. On this.
the present site of the fine mills of the Yantic
Woolen Company, in the village of Yantic, there
had been at an early date grist and saw mills, and a
carding machine later. As stated, Capt. Williams
purchased the premises and erected a woolen mill.
and was engaged in the manufacture of woolen
goods the remainder of his active business life. The
property in 1865 passed into the hands of his only
son, E. Winslow Williams. The old mill was de-
stroyed by fire in that year, and the present fine stone
mill was erected in its stead by E. Winslow Will-
iams, who also was identified with the business
through his lifetime, and was succeeded by his son,
Winslow Tracy Williams, who has since been active
in the business of the concern, which, since 1877.
has been operated as a joint-stock company.
The principal mill of the Yantic Woolen Com-
pany is 170 feet by 54 feet, five stories high, with
wings about 200 feet by 50 feet, three stories high.
60 feet by 120 feet, and 44 feet by 96 feet, one stor)
high. About 175 horsepower is furnished by a fall
of 12 feet in the Yantic river, acting on wheels 48
and 42 inches in diameter. The dam is located about
half a mile above the mill, and the water is led to
the wheels through a natural cleft in the ledge, of
great picturesqueness. The mill is finely and mod-
ernly equipped throughout. Ten sets of cards and
88 broad looms are used in making about 2.250.000
yards of flannels and dress goods annually. The
goods are dyed and finished at the works, anil are
sold through Boston and Xew York houses. The
mills give employment to some 150 hands, and pay
them about $60,000 annually. Capt. Williams was
one of the charter members, and the first president
of the Norwich Bleachery (now the United States
Finishing Company), and held a controlling influ-
ence in the institution.
Capt. Erastus Williams had married, in 1829,
into one of the prominent old Colonial families of
Norwich — the Tracy family, of which more will be
said farther on. He was one of the leading citizens
of his community throughout his life, which closed
April 16, 1867. For a term of two years, beginning
in 1853, he was the honored mayor of Norwich,
succeeding in that office the distinguished son of
Franklin, Hon. LaFayette S. Foster. Capt. Will-
iams was an active member of Christ Church, at
Norwich, was warden for many years, and served
on the building committee when the present church
was erected. He was a soldier in the war of 18 12.
E. Winslow Williams was born in Norwich,
Aug. 16, 1830. He was prepared for college at the
school in Flushing, N. Y., taught by Dr. Muhlen-
berg, and entered Trinity College, at Hartford,.
Conn., from which he was graduated in 1853. Soon
thereafter he began a career in his native town as a
woolen manufacturer with his father, succeeded him
at his death, and in turn at his own death was suc-
ceeded by his son, Winslow Tracy Williams, all
identified with the business in the establishment
whose history is outlined in the foregoing.
E. Winslow Williams was married in 1858 to
Lydia Marvin McNulty, of New York, and the
union was blessed with four children : Louis
Brinckerhoff. who died in 1884, aged twenty-eight
years, was superintendent of the Yantic mill ; Wins-
low Tracy is mentioned below ; Jessie Huntington
and Lilian Marvin are unmarried and reside in
New York.
Mr. Williams' political affiliations were with the
Republican party. His church relations were with
Christ Church, Norwich, and Grace Episcopal
Church, at Yantic, of which he was a liberal sup-
porter. During a busy career he found time to take
part in public affairs, and all measures tending to
advance the interests of his native town found in
him an earnest advocate and a ready helper. He
was one of the leading citizens of the town. Al-
though never having held public office, he took an
active part in town and State politics, and was ever
a liberal contributor to his party's needs, both of
GENEALOGICAL AXD BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
39
work and money. He was one of the incorporators
of the Norwich Free Academy and for years one
of its trustees. He was a trustee and Fellow of
Trinity College, and for many years, until his death,
was on the executive committee. In October, 1887,
he was appointed chairman of the committee named
at a town meeting to investigate the affairs of the
town and read the report at an adjoined meeting,
which, with some modification, was accepted. Air.
Williams was a man of positive opinions and strong
personality. His memory remains green and his
influence is still felt in the town and community to
which he devoted his life. He was a kind friend and
was greatly respected and admired. His death oc-
curred rather suddenly on July 31, 1888, from an
affection of the heart, at his residence in Yantic.
On his mother's side, she being formerly Eliza-
beth Dorr Tracy, Air. Williams was a descendant in
the seventh generation from Lieut. Thomas Tracy,
the immigrant ancestor, his lineage being through
John, Capt. Joseph, Dr. Elisha, Col. Elisha and
Elizabeth Dorr (Tracy) Williams.
(I) Lieut. Thomas Tracy, born in 1610, in
Tewkesbury, Gloucestershire, England, probably a
son of Sir Paul Tracy, Baronet, and his first wife
Anna, daughter and heiress of Raffe (Ralph) Shar-
kerly, of Ayno-on-the-hill, County of Northampton,
and grandson of Richard Tracy, Esq., of Stanway,
in early manhood crossed the sea to the Massachu-
setts Lay Colon}-. In 1637 he removed from Salem
to Wethersfield, Conn. He was in Saybrook in
1649, 1652 and 1653. In 1645 ne arRl Thomas
Leffingwell, with others, relieved Uncas, the Sachem
of the Mohegans, with provisions, when he was be-
sieged at Shattuck's Point by Pessachus, Sachem of
the Narragansetts, which led to the subsequent grant
of the town of Norwich in 1659. In 1660 he and his
family removed to Norwich, of which town he was
one of the proprietors. He was deputy to the ( len-
eral Court at nearly all of its sessions from 1667 to
1678, and from Preston in 1683 and 1685. He was
a man of education, held other offices of importance
and was a man of consequence in the community.
In 1641 he married (first), at Wethersfield. Mary,
widow of Edward Mason. She was the mother of
his seven children, and died in Saybrook. He mar-
ried (second) in Norwich, before 1679, Martha,
widow of Gov. Bradford's son John, and a daughter
of Thomas Bourne, of Marshfield, Mass. He mar-
ried (third), in Norwich, Mary, a daughter of
Nathaniel and Elizabeth ( Deming) Foote, of Weth-
ersfield, and at the time twice a widow, lli- chil-
dren were: John, horn in 1642; Thomas. [644;
Jonathan, 1646; Solomon. 1651 ; Daniel, 1652; Sam-
uel, 1054; and Miriam, [648.
(II) John Tracy, born in 1642, in Wethersfield,
Conn., married Aug. 17, 1070. Mary Winslow, who
was born in 1646, daughter of Josiah Winslow, bom
in [606, at Deitwich, England, and Margaret Bourn,
born in Marshfield. Mass.. a niece of Gov. Winslow,
of the "Mayflower." Mr. Tracy was one of the
original proprietors of the town of Norwich, was
a justice of the peace, and represented the town for
six sessions in the General Court. He died in Nor-
wich, Aug. 16, 1702, and his widow- died there July
21, 1721. Their children were: Josiah, born Aug.
10, 1671 ; John, Jan. i<;. [673; Elizabeth. July 7,
1678; Joseph. April 20, 1682; and Winslow, Feb.
9, 1689.
(III) Capt. Joseph Tracy, born April 20. 1(^2,
in Norwich, married Dec. 31, 1705, Margaret Abel,
who was born in 1685, in Norwich, daughter of
Caleb and Margaret (Post) Abel. She died Jan.
17, 1751. He died April 10. 1765. Their children
were: Joseph, born Oct. 17, 170'): Mary. Jan. 4,
1708: Margaret, May it, 1710: Elisha, May 17,
1712; Zervia, Dec. 14, 1714: Lydia, Dec. 10. 1;
Irine, Jan. 15, 1719; Phineas, Jan. 1. 1721 : Jerusha,
Ala}- 2},, 1/27,: and Elizabeth.
(IV) Dr. Elisha Tracy, born May 17. 1712, in
Norwich, married (first) June 16, 1743. Lucy,
daughter of Ebenezer and Sarah (Leffingwell)
Huntington and settled in Norwich. Air. Tracy was
the earliest college graduate from Norwich West
Farms (now Franklin). He was graduated from
Yale in 1738. It was the wish of his friends that he
should enter the ministry, but following his own pre-
dilections he began the study of medicine under the
direction of Dr. Theophilus Rogers, of his native
village, and settled to practice in Niorwich. His
wife Lucy died Oct. 12. 1751, leaving five daugh-
ters. He next married .April 10. 1754. Elizabeth,
daughter of Edmund and Mary (Griswold) Dorr,
of Lyme, Conn. She bore him four sons and four
daughters, and died Alarch 27,, 1781. He married
(third) Oct. 19. 1781, Lois, widow of Nehemiah
Huntington, of Bozrah Society, in Norwich, and
daughter of Gersham and Mary Hinckley, i^i Leb-
anon. She survived him, dying in Norwich. ( )ct.
3, 1790. He died in Norwich West Farms, May 1,
17S3, leaving two sons and seven daughters. Lis
children were: Lucy, born July 20, 1744: Alice,
Oct. 11. 1745: Lucretia, Sept. 5, 1747; Lydia. Dec.
2(), i74<): Philma, Sept. 30. 1751: Phineas, June
29, 1755: Philemon, May 30. 1757: Elizabeth, June
20. 1760; Charlotte. June 27. [762; Mary. May 3.
T7O4: Elisha, May 27, [766; Joseph. Aug. 11. [769;
and Deborah I).. Nov. 7. 1770.
Dr. Tracy represented Norwich in the General
Assembly at four sessions — in 1752. 1753 and 1755.
In 1755 he was appointed on the committee to ex-
amine all candidates for positions as surgeon. For
his earnest advocacy of inoculation for the small-
pox he encountered a storm of prejudice and even
persecution. lie was distinguished for social at-
tainments, as well as for professional -kill and for
moral and social qualiti*
(V) Col. Elisha Tracy, born May 27. 1766, in
Norwich, married Oct. 31. [796, Lucy Coit Hunt-
ington, of Norwich, daughter of Judge Andrew and
Hannah (Phillips) Huntington. Col. Tracy was a
lawyer by profession and settled in the practio
40
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
the law in Norwich. He was frequently a member
of the General Assembly, was a justice of the peace,
and a colonel of the militia. He died May 10, 1846.
His children were: William S., born Feb. 4, 1799;
Winslow. Jan. 13, 1801 ; Elizabeth D., July 22, 1803 ;
Lucy H.. May 11, 1808; Hannah P.. April 13,
1809; Elisha, Jan. 4, 1810; Stephen D., July 4.
1812; Mary G.. May 1, 1816; Charlotte I., Sept. 3,
1819 ; Elisha \\\. April 8, 1823.
(VI) Elizabeth Dorr Tracy, born July 22, 1803,
in Norwich, married Oct. 29, 1829, Capt. Erastus
Williams, and settled in Norwich, where she died
Sept. 13, 1855. Their children were: Erastus
Winslow. born Aug. 16, 1830: and Elizabeth Tracy,
born Sept. 17, 1832.
Winslow Tracy Williams was born in Nor-
wich Jan. 29, 1863, and was prepared for Yale at the
Norwich Free Academy. He was in his Junior year
at Yale when his brother died, and he left college to
come home and assist in the mill and learn the busi-
ness. He began at the bottom and learned every
detail of the business, and upon the death of his
father succeeded him in the position of secretary
and treasurer of the Yantic Woolen Company. He
is a director of the Chelsea Savings Bank of Nor-
wich. Mr. Williams was an incorporator of the
Norwich Free Academy.
Mr. Williams is a Republican, and in 1900 he
was chosen a Presidential elector to express the will
of the people in re-electing William McKinley for
the Presidency. Socially he is a member of the
Yale Club of New York, the Union Club of Boston,
the Norwich Club and the Society of Colonial Wars
of Connecticut. His religious membership is with
Grace Episcopal Church, toward which he is a very
liberal contributor, and he serves as senior warden
of same.
Mr. Williams was married in New York, Jan.
17, 1889, to Florence Prentice, of that city, and
they have had two children : ( 1 ) Erastus Winslow,
born Oct. 8, 1891, and (2) Florence Arietta, born
Sept. 1, 1897.
Mrs. Williams is in the eighth generation from
Henry Prentice, the planter, who died in 1654, and
she is a member of the Society of Colonial Dames.
Like her husband, she holds membership in Grace
Church.
AUSTIN-ROGERS. These families allied by
marriage are among the oldest of the Common-
wealth of Connecticut, their coming to the Amer-
ican colonies reaching back to the middle of the
Seventeenth century. The especial family here
treated is that of the late Hon. Willis Rogers Austin,
a lawyer and long a prominent citizen of Norwich,
and whose only representative, his namesake, Willis
Austin, is now a citizen of that city.
The name of Austin appears among those of the
earlier settlers of New Haven, and frequently and
prominently in the records of the town since. The
name is said to have been derived from the sect of
Christians who were followers of St. Augustine. It
is certain the Austins who came to Connecticut were
devout Christian people, as is evidenced by the de-
vices of their antique coat of arms, which they
brought from England, and which was in the
possession of the late Willis R. Austin, who was a
descendant in the sixth generation from John Austin,
the immigrant ancestor of this branch of the Austin
family, his lineage being through David, David (2),
David (3), and John Punderson Austin. The de-
tails of each of these generations follow and in the
order indicated.
(I) John Austin, of New Haven, married
(first) Nov. 5, 1667, Mercy, born Feb. 29, 1647,
daughter of the first Joshua Atwater; she died in
1683, and he married (second) Jan. 21, 1684, Eliza-
beth Brockett. Mr. Austin was one of the Green-
wich petitioners in favor of New Haven in 1650.
His children were : John, David. Joshua, Mary, John,
Mary (2), a son unmarried, and Sarah.
(II) David Austin, born Feb. 23, 1670, married
April 5, 1699, Abigail, daughter of John Ailing, and
their children were : Abigail, David, Stephen, Jona-
than, Mercy and Lydia.
(III) David Austin (2), born Oct. 25, 1703,
married (first) Feb. 11, 1732, Rebecca Thompson,
born Feb. 26, 1709, and (second) Hannah Punder-
son. His children were : David, Samuel, John,
Hannah, Punderson and Jonathan.
(IV) David Austin (3), born March 6, 1733,
married (first) Dec. 14, 1752, Mary Mix, born in
1733; she died Sept. 3, 1781, and he married (sec-
ond) Esther, widow of Daniel Allen. Mr. Austin
was a deacon in the North Church in New Haven
from 1758 to 1 80 1, a period of forty-three years. He
was the founder and first president of the New
Haven Bank, and to him and Hon. James Hillhouse
New Haven is indebted for the stately elm trees
that have for so many years adorned the New Haven
Green. He was collector of customs for the port of
New Haven. He served as a soldier in the Revolu-
tion, going to the defense of New Haven July 5,
1779, and was wounded there. Mr. Austin lived on
the southwest corner of Church and Crown streets,
and built two large houses on opposite corners for
his sons David and John P. He died Feb. 5, 1801.
His children were: Rebecca, born Dec. 16, 1753;
Mary, born Oct. 24, 1755; Sarah, born in 1757;
David, born March 19, 17 — ; Ebenezer, born June
18, 1761 ; Sarah (2), born July 4, 1763; Elizabeth,
born June 1, 1765; Hannah, born Oct. 26, 1767;
Elisha, born March 2^, 1770; John Punderson, born
June 28, 1772; Ebenezer E., baptized Feb. 16, 1772;
and Mary, born in 1776.
( Y) John Punderson Austin, born June 28, 1772.
in New Haven, married Sept. II, 1797, Susan Rog-
ers, born Sept. 15, 1778, and to them came thirteen
children, all of whom grew up and married. Mr.
Austin was graduated from Yale College, from
which institution an older brother had also been
graduated and became an eminent divine, and from
c^CCcJ
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
4i
which institution younger members of the family
have since been graduated. The father of John P.
Austin had been a man of wealth, which on his
death had unfortunately been lost through an older
son, and this embarrassment caused the removal of
John P. to Norwich, Conn., where he passed the
remainder of his life. He was an intellectual and
cultured gentleman of the old school. On going to
Norwich he engaged in teaching, and gave his time
largely to the rearing of his large family of children,
thirteen in number, three of whom were born in
Norwich. Mr. Austin died June 24, 1834, while
temporarily absent from home, in Brazos, Texas.
His wife survived until 1870, dying Aug. 24th, when
aged ninety-one years.
Willis Rogers Austin, son of John Punder-
son Austin, was born in Norwich, Conn., Jan. 31,
18 19. He was educated for the legal profession, was
graduated from Yale Law School in 1849, an<^
shortly after this event visited Texas. It was his
intention to have located there in the practice of the
law, but after some successful operations in cotton
he concluded to return North, and, locating in Phila-
delphia, he engaged in the banking business. In this
he was also successful, and, having gathered in a
few years a fair amount of this world's goods, he
determined to retire from business and take relaxa-
tion in travel. He first traveled extensively in this
country, and then went abroad and traveled over
Europe and Asia, spending three years on his tour.
Upon returning to the United States he fixed upon
Connecticut, the State of his ancestors, and Norwich,
his native city, as his future home, and there he
spent the rest of his life. Mr. Austin died March 4,
1896, and was buried in Yantic cemetery. He was
fond of out-door life, and remained active until his
•death, which was unexpected, coming after a brief
illness. He was very fond of hunting, of his horses
and his dogs, owning a number of blooded animals.
Mr. Austin had never sought political preferment.
Personally popular, however, he had often been
urged to accept office, but steadily refused until, at
the urgent solicitation of his fellow citizens of Nor-
wich, he consented to be one of their representatives
in the General Assembly of 1874. In 1875 he was re-
elected a representative in the General Assembly,
and in 1876 he was elected senator from the Eighth
District of the State. His service in the Legislature
was characterized by the most constant and faithful
attendance and attention to his duties. During the
sessions of which he was a member he served upon
the committees on Finance and Railroads, and on
'Constitutional Amendments.
After Mr. Austin's term of service in the Senate
he was induced to serve as a member of the Repub-
lican State Central Committee for a period of five
years, and during the years 1877-80 he was president
of the New London County Agricultural Society.
These four years the society experienced marked
prosperity, the grounds were enlarged, new buildings
erected, premiums and expenses all paid, and a con-
siderable sum of profit remained each year. He also
served as chairman of the Connecticut Board of
Charities. Mr. Austin was a confirmed believer in
the maxim that occupation and usefulness are re-
quirements for the health and happiness of mankind ;
hence he selected his home with ample grounds, that
he might see the growth of various objects of orna-
ment and necessity. He always held himself ready
to discharge all the duties of friend and citizen.
For nearly thirty years Mr. Austin was a prom-
inent resident of Norwich and stood high in business
circles. In all public matters he took a deep in-
terest, and was anxious to see Norwich progress.
He was vice-president of the Dime Savings Bank
and a director in the Second National Bank. While
"The Elms" existed he was a prominent member,
was an incorporator of the Norwich Club, and a
member of the Arcanum Club. He was also an
active worker in the Board of Trade. For many
years he was a member and faithful attendant of
Christ Church.
At the first meeting of the Norwich Club, some
years ago, Mr. Austin was elected president, which
office he held at the time of his death. He was a
Mason, holding membership with a Philadelphia
lodge, and at the centennial meeting of Somerset
Lodge, in Norwich, a short time previous to his
death, he occupied the seat of honor in the East.
"Mr. Austin is one of the most cultured men in the
State. He is a clear and forcible speaker when oc-
casion requires, and his judgment is entitled to the
fullest deference." He was widely known as Col.
Austin, having been colonel of a regiment of local
militia during his residence in Philadelphia. Mr.
Austin was a member of the Connecticut Society of
the Sons of the American Revolution, admitted as
a descendant of David Austin, of New Haven, Conn.,
wounded in the defense of New Haven during
Tryon's raid, July 5, 1779, and of David Rogers, a
surgeon in the army.
In 185 1 Mr. Austin was married to Louisa,
daughter of the late E. 1!. M. Hughes, of New Ha-
ven, well remembered for her personal attractions
and true excellence of character, whose death oc-
curred in Philadelphia, where they resided, in 1854.
She left a daughter of two years, who died at the
age of eighteen. In 1864 Mr. Austin married (sec-
ond) Mary McComb, a very accomplished woman,
who was born in Geneva, X. Y., daughter of John
McComb, of a well-known and prominent New York
family, and granddaughter of John McComb, who
was identified with almost all the progressive im-
provements of the day. One child, a son, named
Willis Austin, was born of this union I Vt. 18, 1S7S.
He was educated in Norwich Free \cademy. and
under private instruction, and when in his early teens
spent three years abroad. He was married Nov.
26, loot, to Annie Huntington Brewer, daughter of
Arthur H. and Mary (Young) Brewer, and they
42
GENEALOGICAL AXD BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
have a son. Willis Phipps. born Oct. 21, 1903. Mrs.
Willis R. Austin died Feb. II, 1894, aged fifty-four
years.
The Rogers lineage of the late Willis Rogers
Austin follows, and as in the foregoing in regular
order from the immigrant ancestor. John Rogers.
(I) John Rogers, born about 161 5, of New Lon-
don, Conn., is generally conceded to have been the
John Rogers who at the age of twenty embarked
in the ship "Increase," in 1635. for America. He
married, at Stratford, Conn., Elizabeth, daughter of
Samuel Rowland, and became an inhabitant of New
London, Conn., as early as 1660. He died there in
1687. and his widow in 1709.
(II) James Rogers, born Feb. 15, 1652, married
in Milford, Conn., Nov. 5, 1674. Mary, daughter of
Jeffrey Jordan. Mr. Rogers died Nov. 6, 1714.
(III) James Rogers (2), born Feb. 2, 1676,
in Xew London, Conn., married (first) Elizabeth,
and (second) June 29, 1713, Freelove Hurlbut. Mr.
Rogers was prominent in public affairs, was deputy
to the General Court sixteen times, and served as
the speaker of that body. He died July 9. 1735, in
Xorwalk, whither he had removed in 1726.
(IV) Dr. Uriah Rogers, born Oct. 10, 1710,
married, about 1734. Hannah, daughter of James
and Lydia (Smith) Lockwood. He died in Nor-
wich Conn., May 6, 1773.
(V) Dr. David Rogers, born Aug. 21, 1748,
married Martha, daughter of Charles Tennent. of
Maryland, and twelve children, ten sons and two
daughters, were born to them. Dr. Rogers was a
distinguished physician of Xew York City, and for
years was city physician. He served in the Con-
tinental army in the Revolution. He passed the
last vears of his life in Norwich, Conn., residing:
with his daughter. Mrs. John Punderson Austin,
and died there in 1831.
MORGAN. The Morgan family represented in
the present generation by Stanley G. Morgan, of
Water ford, is descended from (I) Richard Rose
Morgan, who arrived at Boston in 1660. In the
record of his marriage at Charlestown. Mass., to
Hopestill Merrick, Oct. 7, 1664, his second name,
which is the very common Welsh name Rhys — often
found there written Rees — is spelled Rose and he
seems to have adopted and retained that method of
spelling it to distinguish his family from the James
Morgan family. After his marriage he and his wife
removed to New London, taking up their residence
in the western part of the town known since as
Waterford. He was one of the first settlers, and
lived there until his death in the year 1698, leav-
ing his widow. Hopestill. and sons. John, Richard
Rose, Benjamin, and several daughters. His wife,
according to the History of New London, was born
Feb. 20. 1643, and died June r. 1712.
(II) John Morgan married Ann. daughter of
Richard Dart, of New London, and their children
were: Bethia, born April 2, 1700; Stephen. Sept. 23,
1701 ; Richard, Dec. 9, 1703 ; Ann. March 16. 1705 ;
Elizabeth. May 30. 1708: John, Jr.. Jan. 16. 171 1;
Peter. July 10, 1713 ; Hannah. April 18. 1714.
(III) John Morgan, Jr.. was born Jan. 16, 171 1.
On Oct. 16, 1735. he married Grace Morgan, prob-
ably daughter of Abraham and granddaughter of
Richard Morgan, and their children were : Edward.
John, Isaac, George, Lucy, Mary, Martha, Rebecca
and Phebe.
(IV) Edward Morgan, born May 23. 1736.
married, April 9. 1760, Zerviah Shipman, who was
born Jan. 13, 1735. daughter of William and Han-
nah Shipman. Their children were : Anne, born
Aug. 2. 1761, died March 3, 1762: Guy. born Nov.
20, 1762, died April 26. 1763 ; Grace, born March 4,
1764, married a Mr. Douglas: Stephen, born July
19, 1765, is mentioned below ; Hannah, born May
26, 1767, married a Mr. Waterman ; Martha was
born Aug. 28. 1768 ; Ezra, born April 30. 1770. mar-
ried Desire Tinker: Anne was born July 16. 1771 ;
Sarah, born May 27. 1774. married a Mr. Thomp-
son: Zerviah was born Sept. 10, 1776.
(V) Stephen Morgan, born July 19. 1765. died
in Waterford. He married Mary Douglas, born
Dec. 25, 1757. daughter of William and Mary
(Lucas) Douglas. They removed to Wethersfield.
The children born to them were as follows : Guy.
born Sept. 17. 1786. married Nancy Clark Griswold :
Maria, born Aug. 11, 1788, married Daniel Wolcott ;
Mary Ann. born June 7, 1799. married Romanta
Wells; Martha, born Aug. I. 1801. died July i6r
1804: Elizabeth Douglas, born May 14, 1804. died
April 21, 1822: Mary was born Aug. 9. i8o'>. Mrs.
Mary (Douglas) Morgan died Dec. 14. 1817. and
is buried in the Wethersfield (Conn.) cemetery.
(VI) Guy Morgan, born Sept. 17. 1786. in
Wethersfield. Conn., was married Oct. 19. 1806. to
Nancy Clark Griswold, of Wethersfield, daughter of
Ozias and Anne (Stanley) Griswold, of Wethers-
field. She was born Sept. 10, 1788. and died Oct.
3. 1853. in Waterford. whither she had come on a
visit. When a young man Guy Morgan removed to
Ohio, where he remained until his death, which oc-
curred Oct. 9. 1842. at Prairie Depot, that State.
He was extensively engaged in farming there. He
and his wife became the parents of the following
named children: Justus, born May 2. 1807: Stephen,
Feb. 28. 1809: Nancy Ann Maria. Feb. 1, 1811 (died
in infancy) ; Griswold, June 5. 1813: Guy Douglas,
Jan. 29. 1816: Edward. Aug. 15. 1818: Ezra. March
11, 1821 ; Stanley. March 6. 1824; Riley. Feb. 13.
1827: Andrew Jackson. May 10. 1829. The first
three children were born in Berlin, Conn., the others
in Wethersfield. New Vork.
(VII) Edward Morgan, born Aug. 15. 1818. in
Wethersfield. Wyoming Co.. N. Y., died March 12.
1888. in Waterford. He was sent back to Water-
ford when twelve vears of age. to live with his
grandfather Morgan, with whom he remained until
twenty-one years of age. He then married and took
up his father-in-law's farm of about one hundred
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
43
acres, to which he added until there are now about
200 acres. Able, energetic, persevering and hard-
working1, he became a prominent citizen. He was a
man of military tastes, and was captain of a com-
pany for many years. In political faith he was a
stanch Democrat, and he served as selectman, town
collector, and in other important town offices, taking
an active interest in public affairs in his younger
days. During his young manhood he became a mem-
ber of the Baptist Church. Mr. Morgan was stout
and thickset, weighing about 185 pounds, was always
very healthy and rugged, and in disposition was
genial, jovial and good-natured.
On Oct. 15, 1837, Mr. Morgan married Sarah
Margaret Gibson, only child of George and Sarah
(Powers) Gibson, both of Waterford. Her grand-
father resided in Xew London until his house was
sacked and burned by the British in 17S1. when he
settled on the farm now owned by Stephen Morgan.
Mrs. Sarah M. (Gibson) Morgan passed away July
12, 1902. She was the mother of the following
named children: (1) Nancy married Edgar Smith, a
farmer, of YVethersfield, Conn. (2) Martha M. is
the widow of Henry Way, of East Lyme, and now
lives in Xiantic, Conn. (3) Stanley Griswold, born
May 9, 1846, is mentioned below. (4) Stephen, born
April 7, 1853, is unmarried. He has been running
the home farm, since his father's death. For six
years, from the age of fifteen until he was twenty-
one, he was clerk for J. D. T. Strickland, in his gro-
cery and coal yard in Xew London, and for two
years he was traveling in the interest of a garden
seed firm. (5) Rowena married Martin Cadwell, of
\\ ethersfield. who was a tobacco commission mer-
chant. She is now residing in Hartford, at the "Lin-
den Hotel.'' (6) Strong is a traveling salesman in
the hardware line, and his home is in Meriden,
Conn. He married Mary Leary. (7) Kittie Lucrctia
is unmarried, and living at the homestead : she took
care of her mother in the latter's declining years.
Mrs. Morgan having been feeble and quite helpless
for several years before her death. (8) Lottie mar-
ried Frank S. Seymour, of Hartford, where he is en-
gaged in the teaming business.
Stanley G. Morgan was born in "Waterford
May 9, 1846, and received his schooling in Lake's
Pond district, Xo. 1. Leaving school at about fif-
teen years of age. he then remained at home until
1889, when his father-in-law died and he removed to
his present farm. He has about 330 acres where he
carries on general farming, and keeps from eighl to
ten cows. He has prospered steadily in this line.
The family are members of the First Baptist Church
in Xew London, although one daughter attends the
nd Congregational Church in Xew London.
He has served as road commissioner and grand juror
in his town, but has not taken a particularly active
interest in public affairs, having refused many p<
tions of trust. His political support is given to the
iblican party.
Stanley G. .Morgan was married Sept. 28, [88
to Julia Alice Douglas, daughter of Albert G. and
Lucy A. (Fox) Douglas, of Waterford, where Mr.
Morgan now lives. Three children have come to
this union, all born in Waterford: (t) Anna Haven
attended the district schools of her native town, and
graduated in 1901 from Williams Memorial Insti-
tute, of Xew London, later taking the post-gradu-
ate course in that institution, finallv entering Welles-
ley College. She is preparing herself for teaching.
(2) Stanley Douglas attended the district schools,
and is now in the Nathan Hale Grammar School of
Xew London. (3) Christine E. attends the Robert
Bartlett school at Xew London.
Douglas. "Douglas is one of the most
ancient and honored names in the annals of Scot-
land." [See article on the Douglas family in Cham-
bers Encyclopaedia.] (I) William Douglas, born in
1610, probably, in Scotland, and a son of Robert
Douglas, married Ann Mattle, born in 1610, only
daughter of Thomas Mattle, of Ringstead, North-
amptonshire, England, and with their two children,
Ann and Robert, they came to America in 1640. For
a time they were at Gloucester, Mass., but in that
same year removed to Boston, thence to Ipswich
and back to Boston, where he purchased property
in 1646. He there followed his trade, that of a
cooper. In December, 1659, he bought property in
Xew London. Conn., and removed thither in 1660.
taking with him his family, which comprised his
wife and children, Robert, Sarah and William. Mr.
Douglas was chosen one of the first two deacons of
the church in 1670. He was one of the townsmen in
1663, 1666 and 1667; was chosen deputy to the
General Court in 1672, and held other offices, show-
ing him to have been one of the active and prom-
inent public men of the town. He died July 20.
1682. His children were: Ann and Robert, horn in
Scotland ; Elizabeth and Sarah, born in Ipswich ; and
William, horn in Boston.
ill) Robert Douglas, born in 1639, in Scotland,
married Sept. 28, [665, .Mary, daughter of Robert
Hempstead, of Xew London, she being the first
child of English parents horn in the town of which
her father was one of the founders. Mr. Douglas
had lauds set off to him in Xew London in [663, and
he inherited a house on Xew Street, and also had
other property. By trade he was a cooper. His
name occurs frequently on both church and town
records. From time to time he served on important
town committees. Me died Jan. 15. 1715-10. and his
wife died Dec. 26, 171 1. Their children were:
William, born Nov. 11. [666; Mary. June 13. [668;
Ann, Dec. 2^. [669; John, July 17. 1071 ; Hannah,
May 14, 1073: Sarah, Dec. _'. 1074; Elizabeth, April
jo. [677; Thomas, May 15. [679; Phebe, Jan. 20,
1681 : Susanna, about [683; and Ruth, about [685.
(Ill) Thomas Douglas, born May 15. 0.7.,. in
Xew London, married. Nov. -'5. 1703, Hannah
Sperry, of Xew Haven. Mr. Douglas was admitted
hurch privileges April 9, 1710. and was a prom-
inent member of the Xew London Church. He held
44
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
several important town offices, was chosen collector
in 171 1, and died March 3, 1724-25, leaving prop-
erty inventoried at £776. His widow married Sam-
uel Chapman, and died in 1758. Mr. Douglas's
nine children were: John, born Sept. 7, 1704; Rob-
ert, Dec. 28, 1705; Thomas, Feb. 18, 1707; James,
April 5, 1710; Daniel, Sept. 18, 1713; Mary, Feb.
13, 1715-16; Stephen, May 18, 1719; Nathan, April
15, 1 72 1 ; and John, April 8, 1724.
(IV) Robert Douglas (2), born Dec. 28, 1705,
in New London, married, Aug. 5, 1731, Sarah
Edgecomb, and they resided on the farm which had
been his father's. Both he and his wife were mem-
bers of the church Oct. 5, 1735. His house was fre-
quently the place of church meetings, and at one
time nine were baptized there. Mr. Douglas died in
October, 1786, and his widow in about 1797 removed
with her son Daniel to Wallingford, Vt., where she
died in a few months. Their children were : Han-
nah, born June 5, 1732; Thomas, Aug. I, 1734;
Sarah, July 15, 1738; Robert, Aug. 7, 1740; Mary,
Dec. 4, 1742 ; Samuel, Feb. 26, 1744-45 ; Mehetabel,
Sept. 8, 1747; Joseph, June 1, 1750; and Daniel,
May 22, 1752.
(V) Thomas Douglas (2), born Aug. 1, 1734, in
New London, married in 1761, Grace, daughter of
David and Elizabeth (Edgecomb) Richards of New
London, and they resided on the old Douglas place
on the Colchester road (near the late residence of
Albert G. Douglas), settling there many years before
the Revolutionary war. He was a farmer, and in
his leisure time engaged in tanning and shoemaking.
He died in Water ford in 1826, aged ninety-two,
and his widow died July 13, 183 1, aged ninety-four.
Their children, all born in New London, were :
Guy, born Jan. 7, 1762; Elizabeth, in 1764; Mary,
in 1766; Sarah, in 1768; Hamill, June 1, 1771 ;
Esther, February, 1772; Robert, Jan. 18, 1774;
Grace, January, 1776; and Abigail, in 1779.
(VI) Robert Douglas, born Jan. 18, 1774. in
New London, Conn.,' married, June 13, 1802, Abiah
Douglas, born May 25, 1775, daughter of George
and Elizabeth (Lucas) Douglas. Robert Douglas
and his family lived on the Douglas homestead.
They were farmers in good circumstances. He died
in Waterford, Oct. 8, 1834, and she died June 30,
1 85 1. Their children, born in what is now Water-
ford, Conn., were: Abiah, born May 4, 1803, mar-
ried William Gorton, of Waterford. Henrietta, born
July 18, 1805, married, Oct. 16, 1856, Isaac Watrous,
of Waterford, and both are now deceased, he dying
Sept. 5, 1857, and sne Sept. 23, 1863. Thomas was
born March 29, 1807. Albert Gallatin, born Feb.
11, 1809, is mentioned below. John, born Feb. 23,
181 1, married Ann E. Raymond. Robert, born
Jan. 18, 1813, was educated at Phillips Academy,
Andover, and was a railroad civil engineer living in
the West. Guy, born Jan. 18, 181 5, married Eme-
line Browning. Elizabeth Lucas, born July 14, 181 7,
married the late Hon. H. P. Haven, of New London,
•Conn. Thev are all now deceased.
Robert Douglas was a prosperous farmer, and
owned and operated a sawmill which stood near his
home, and which remained there many years after
his demise as a monument to his thrift and frugal-
ity. His was a devout Christian character, and he
was a worthy member of the First Congregational
Church of New London. In politics he was an old-
line Whig, and took an active part in the councils
of that party.
Albert Gallatin Douglas was born Feb. 11,
1809, in Waterford, in the house where his daughter,
Mrs. Stanley G. Morgan, now resides. He received
a common-school education, supplemented by one
year at Hamilton (New York) Academy, during
which time he had for a classmate, the late Hon.
Henry B. Payne, who later became United States
Senator from Ohio. Returning from school at the
age of twenty-one years, he went to live with his
uncle, Guy Douglas, with whom he remained for
twenty years, or until the death of his uncle, which
occurred in May, 1849. In March, 1851, Mr. Doug-
las removed to the old home farm adjoining, and
there continued to reside during the remainder of
his life. This old home, which has been in the pos-
session of the family for several generations, is still
occupied, by a descendant, Mrs. Stanley G. Morgan.
Mr. Douglas was a prosperous and successful
farmer, and was also extensively engaged in lumber-
ing. He was an extensive land-owner, having had
in his possession over 600 acres of land.
In political faith Mr. Douglas was an old-line
Whig, and upon the organization of the Republican
party in 1854 he became an adherent of its prin-
ciples, and was active in the councils of the party.
He served his native town as selectman several
years, and also held other town offices of trust. He
represented the town in the State Legislature two
terms. Although not a member Mr. Douglas was
an attendant and liberal supporter of the Baptist
Church, to which his wife belonged. Mr. Douglas
was an acknowdedged leader in the community in
which he resided. He was a careful, conservative
business man, whose advice was often sought and as
often given, yet he was a man of few words, and
given to keeping his own counsel except when called
upon. In disposition he was quiet and reserved, but
possessed a genial, pleasant manner, by which he
gained many stanch and warm friends. He was
charitable and benevolent, always ready to assist
the needy and unfortunate.
Mr. Douglas was married, Oct. 10, 1849, to Lucy
A., daughter of Otis P. and Mary Ann (Thompson)
Fox, of Maine, and to them came two children, both
born in Waterford : ( 1 ) Julia Alice, born July 28,
1850, married Stanley G. Morgan, of Waterford.
(2) Albert, born May 4, 1854, married Mira Fisher,
of New London, where they reside ; they have two
children, Lucy Wilhelmina and Williams Douglas.
Albert G. Douglas passed to his reward Dec. 11,
1889, and his wife died Feb. 18, 1885, both passing
away at the old homestead in Waterford. In the
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
45
summer of 1876 Mr. Douglas had torn down the
old house, which had stood for over a century, and
erected upon the site a new one of modern style.
FITCH. From the very dawn of the settlement
of Norwich through a period of nearly two and a
half centuries, the name of Fitch has been con-
spicuous in the annals of that or neighboring towns.
For a hundred years and more, from soon after the
middle of the eighteenth century, Col. Asa Fitch,
his sons, and in turn some of his grandsons, have,
with little exception, been among the foremost men
of business activity, enterprise and public spirit
among their contemporaries in their locality. En-
ergetic, active men, they were not content with the
old New England farm and forge, but went to the
East — across the sea, and some to the Golden Gate,
and were there as at home princes among business
men and most successful in their pursuits. Such
names as Rev. James Fitch, the first minister of Nor-
wich, Col. Asa Fitch, Asa Fitch (2), Stephen, Doug-
lass Woodworth, William, Asa Douglass, and Will-
iam Huntington Fitch will long live in connection
with history of the old town of Norwich and Bozrah,
and some of them as well with cities in France, on the
Pacific coast, and in our Eastern Metropolis — New
York.
It is with these men and their Fitch lineage this
article is to treat. The last of this group of men,
William Huntington Fitch, a leading citizen and
wealthy man of Norwich, passed away Oct. 28,
1904.
The Rev. James Fitch, a native of the County of
Essex, England, born Dec. 24, 1632, was brought
by his mother, with other sons, to America in 1638.
It appears that the father of the family had previ-
ously died. All that is known of young Fitch
previous to his ordination, in 1646, is the statement
of his birth, emigrating at the age of sixteen, and
seven years of theological instruction at Hartford
under Revs. Hooker and Stone. After a pastorate
of fourteen years at Saybrook he with the larger
portion of his Church removed to Norwich in 1660.
He was a useful and valued citizen, one of the most
prominent of the founders of the town. "As a pas-
tor he was zealous and indefatigable. In addition
to his other labors, he trained several young men for
the ministry, as he himself had been trained by
Mr. Hooker. Rev. Samuel Whiting, of Wind-
ham ; Taylor, of Westfield ; and Adams, of New
London, received a part at least of their theological
instruction from him." Mr. Fitch was twice mar-
ried and had fourteen children, the first six of whom
were born at Saybrook. He married (first) in
October, 1648, Abigail, daughter of Rev. Henry
Whitefield. She died at Saybrook, Sept. 9, 1659,
and in October, 1664, he was married to Priscilla
Mason, who survived him. Rev. Mr. Fitch, in the
in the year 1701, retired to the new plantation of
Lebanon — a plantation in which he took great in-
terest, having figured in lands there, and where
several of his children had established their homes.
Here he died November 18 or 19, 1702, when in the
eightieth year of his age. Of his sons, James went
to Canterbury; Samuel settled on a farm in Preston ;
Daniel became an inhabitant of the North Parish
of New London, in the immediate neighborhood of
Norwich, but not within its bounds ; John went to
Windham ; Jabez pursued his ministerial calling at
Ipswich and Portsmouth, and the four others took
up farms in Lebanon. The five daughters of Rev.
Mr. Fitch were connected in marriage as follows:
Abigail with Capt. John Mason (2) ; Elizabeth with
Rev. Edward Taylor, of Westfield, Mass. ; Hannah
with Thomas Meeks, or Mix; Dorothy with Na-
thaniel Bissell ; and Anna, the only daughter of the
second marriage, with Joseph Bradford.
From the foregoing source came the Fitches of
whom we write, and through Stephen Fitch of tin-
Lebanon branch of the family. From this Stephen,
William H. Fitch, of Norwich, descended through
Col. Asa and Stephen Fitch, sketches of whom with
others of the family follow.
Col. Asa Fitch, son of Stephen of the Lebanon
branch, born Feb. 14, 1755, in Bozrah, married
(first) Feb. 8, 1781, Susanna Fitch, born June 4,
1757, in Bozrah, and after her death, which occurred
April 22, 1814, he married (second) Mary House.
The children born to the first marriage were : Ne-
hemiah H. ; Lois F. ; Clarissa; Asa, born May 6,
1787; Susan; Stephen, born Aug. 21, 1790; Fannie;
Douglass W., born Feb. 18, 179''); William, born
October 27, 1800; Clarissa (2). born June 5. 1802
(married Oct. 14, 1824. Major John W. Haughton,
and died in Bozrah Oct. 8, 1886).
Mr. Fitch, familiarly called "Col. Fitch." was a
farmer and manufacturer of iron at Fitchville. He
lived to advanced years, and his career was one of
usefulness. He was industrious and energetic in
business affairs, and active in matters pertaining to
the welfare of the town, having held various town
offices, the duties of which he performed with effi-
ciency. He and his wife were members of the Con-
gregational Church. His political affiliations were
with the Democratic party. His upright character
and purity of purpose were known and admired by
all. Col. Fitch died Aug. 19. 1844. Miss Caulkins
in her History of Norwich ( [866) thus refers to
Col. Fitch: "Col. Asa Fitch, the proprietor of the
old iron works at this place ( Fitchville), was a man
of marked character, full of energy and decision.
In the Revolutionary war. whenever an alarm was
sounded that the enemy were threatening the Con-
necticut coast, he was almost invariably the first of
his company to shoulder the musket and start for
the scene of action. I le was a son of Stephen Fitch,
of the Lebanon line of descent from Rev. James.
His first wife, Susanna, was a daughter of Rcnajah
Fitch, of East Norwich, or Long Society."
Stephen Fitch, son of Col. Asa. born Aug. 21.
1700. in Bozrah, Conn., married March 23, 1S17.
Mary I. Rogers, ln.rn Jan. 4. 1794, in Norwich.
46
GENEALOGICAL AXD BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
Mr. Fitch was reared on the farm in Bozrah, and
to the iron business with his father, and he con-
tinued thus occupied until his marriage. He then
removed to New Hartford. X. Y.. and was there
engaged in agricultural pursuits until 1832, when he
returned to his native State, settling in Norwich.
Here he remained until after the death of his wife,
Sept. 22, 1837. After this event he removed to
Bozrah. and for many years was actively engaged in
the manufacture of cotton goods, associated in busi-
ness with his brother Asa, at Fitchville. Mr. Fitch
held a number of town offices, and was a representa-
tive in the General Assembly of Connecticut. He
was an energetic and active business man of good
ability and judgment and he held the esteem and
respect of his fellow townsmen. His political affilia-
tions were with the Democratic party — the party
of his forefathers. He died in Bozrah, Oct. 6,
1868.
The children of Mr. Fitch and his wife were :
(1) Sophia Ingraham Fitch, born Dec. 10. 1817.
married William S. Cruft. of Boston, and died in
Paris, July 1, 1873.
(2) Asa Douglass Fitch was born March 27,
1820, at Xew Hartford, X. Y. In early boyhood he
attended common and select schools, and later en-
tered Washington Institute in Xew York State.
(where he was a schoolmate of William H. Yander-
bilt), from which he was graduated in 1837. After
his graduation young Fitch began a business career
as a clerk in the Xew York house of his uncles, Asa
and William Fitch, who were then engaged in the
wholesale commission business. In 1842 the nephew
left Xew York, and took charge of the stores of
his uncle and father, located at Fitchville, Xew Lon-
don Co., Conn. He remained so occupied until
1849, when he went to Stockton. Cal., via Cape
Horn. After a year's residence in Stockton, he went
to Portland. Oregon, where for ten years he was as-
sociated with his brother, William Huntington
Fitch, in mercantile pursuits. True to the family
and education, he was a Democrat of the old school.
While in the West he held a number of public trusts,
and was a prominent citizen of Portland, being a
member of the common council of the city and for
several terms served as treasurer of the county in
which Portland is located. He was also commis-
sioner of the penitentiary during the building of that
institution, and while Oregon was yet a territory.
He died Xov. 2j, 1891. at the home of his brother,
William H., in Xorwich Town.
(3) Mary Elizabeth Fitch, born July 27, 1827,
married (first) Hon. R. H. Winslow. of Westport,
Conn., and (second) Dr. R. C. M. Page, of Yir-
ginia. Mrs. Page is a woman of superior accom-
plishments, and has been a liberal contributor to the
Episcopal Church of Westport.
Mr. Winslow in his lifetime began the erection
of a new church, but he died before he had it fairly
started. His widow as a memorial to him built the
church (Holy Trinity), and is a most liberal con-
tributor to its support.
(4) William Huntington Fitch is referred to
farther on.
Asa Fitch (2), son of Col. Asa. born May 6,
1787. in Bozrah. never married. In youth he was
possessed of a delicate constitution and broke down
in an attempt to pursue an academic course of study,
a clerkship in Xorwich, and also to obtain a mechan-
ical trade. At eighteen years of age, in the hope of
bettering his physical condition by a sea voyage, he
embarked as a passenger in the brig "Walton,"
bound on a fishing and trading- vovage to Green
Island, Newfoundland and Europe. He left the
vessel at Lisbon in October. 1805, just prior to re-
ceipt of the news there of the battle of Trafalgar and
the death of Lord Xelson. Finding the climate
invigorating and beneficial he went to Alicante, and
for a time was employed in the office of the Ameri-
can consul. Later he engaged in mercantile affairs,
and remained some ten years, during which period
he made the reputation of a substantial man and
merchant. In 18 14 he removed to Marseilles, where
he established a commission and banking house that
soon became recognized as a link in the chain of
commerce between France and the United States.
At Alicante Mr. Fitch had favored in monetary
matters certain royal exiles, who, when later re-
turned to power, showed their appreciation of the
accommodations, and through them he was wel-
comed to the best society in France, and he afterward
entertained at his table nobles, statesmen and lit-
erary men of the first reputation in the country.
Mr. Fitch was there joined by his brother,
Douglass Woodworth Fitch, under the firm name of
Fitch Brothers & Co. Yessels from many of the
large ports of the United States were consigned to
this house. These men were also agents of the
United States navy, furnishing supplies and making
payments to the government vessels in the Med-
iterranean. They executed orders from America
for the purchase of French goods, and had corre-
spondents in the United States to receive consign-
ments of French produce from the merchants and
manufacturers in France.
In 1828 Asa Fitch returned to America to take
charge of the affairs of the house in this country.
The office of the Xew York house was on Exchange
place. In that city Mr. Fitch purchased a number of
lots on Broadway. Xew street and Exchange place,
upon which subsequently he built a number of stores
which proved most profitable investments. Grad-
ually Mr. Fitch retired from the details of business,
and returned to his native place, where he lived ; '
and for more than twenty-five years was fairly
occupied in the improvement of a naturally rough
country district. He built a mansion house beside
the old iron works, where his father and elder
brother had labored. Here, too. he built a cotton
mill, a grist mill and a church — and even a village
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
47
itself. He here purchased farm after farm until his
domain was measurable by miles, and his outlay of
money in these, and his operations, amounted to
more than a million of dollars.
In body and mind Asa Fitch was ever alert and
active. He was full of energy, one of his chief
characteristics being ceaseless activity. He was
a remarkable man in many ways, especially in plan-
ning, laying out and constructing work, and few
persons have had a more eventful life. His death
occurred Oct. 31, 1865. The following reference
to Fitchville and its founders is from the history of
Norwich (1866) by Miss Caulkins :
"No part of the nine miles square has a stronger
claim to notice in our history than Fitchville. It is
not only a striking example of what may be done
bv persevering enterprise in softening the sterile
and homelv features of nature into productiveness
and beauty, but it furnishes a pleasing link to con-
nect our reminiscences with the founders of the
town.
The present proprietor, from whom the village
derived its name, is a descendant through both
parents from the Rev. Mr. Fitch, the first minister
of Norwich , of whose parish this was a part ; the
Abells and Huntingtons, the first owners of the land,
were members of the church and congregation of
Norwich town plot, etc.
'"We can not close this sketch of Bozrah with-
out adverting to the improvements that have been
effected in a portion of the town since 1832, by
wealth, energy and perseverance, under the control
of Asa Fitch, Esq. The taste and efficiency that
have converted an ancient iron works and a rugged
farming district into the village of Fitchville, with
its large agricultural area, its mansion house beauti-
fully embowered and skirted with landscape beauty,
its symmetrical, well-built church, its cotton-mill,
its lines of heavy stone wall, and its two miles of
graded road, prepared for a railway, command our
unqualified admiration."
Douglass W. Fitch, son of Col. Asa, born Feb.
18, 1796, in Bozrah, Conn., married in October,
1834, Louisa Clemence Beck, of Marseilles. Mr.
Fitch became associated with his brother at Mar-
seilles, France, and shared with him the development
and successful operation of their extensive business.
With his wife and family Mr. Fitch visited America
in 1838. Of their children, Harold, born Oct. 10,
1837, died in Marseilles ; and Charles D., born Oct.
10, 1845, resides in Marseilles. The father died
June 11, 1848.
William Fitch, son of Col. Asa, born Oct. 27,
1800, in Bozrah, Conn., was reared on his father's
farm, and there assisted in season in the farming
operations, and in the winters attended the neigh-
borhood schools. He had manifested at an early
age a desire for study, became deeply interested in
books, and at about fifteen years of age furthered his
studies at Bacon Academy, Colchester, from which
institution he was graduated. He taught several
terms of school before he was twenty years of age,
entering the New York branch of the Fitch estab-
lishment in 1820. There he remained until 1848,
and was in charge of the correspondence of the
house. Owing to failing health he returned in 1848
to his native town, and for several years thereafter
was engaged in the manufacturing business, asso-
ciated with his brother, Asa. In the summer of 1858
Mr. Fitch settled in the town of Norwich, Conn., and
there resided until his death, Dec. 23, 1880. He was
for several years postmaster at Fitchville. Mr.
Fitch "was a member of Trinity Church and was
characterized for benevolence among that people. He
was a man of generous impulses, and will be missed
by many poor families. His was a long and useful
life, peacefully closed with a full hope of im-
mortality."
On Oct. 14, 1857, Mr. Fitch was married to
Mary E. Williams, born June 23, 1825, in Bethle-
hem, Conn., daughter of Dr. Elias and Mary Ann
(Hillhouse) Williams. Six children were born to
the marriage, namely: William Asa (who died in
infancy), Marian H., Susan L., Elizabeth M.,
Fanny R., and Sarah G., all born in Norwich.
William Huntington Fitch, son of Stephen,
was born Nov. 4, 1830, in New Hartford, N. Y.
Though a native of the Empire State, he was by in-
heritance, education and residence a son of New
England. When he was two years old his parents
and family returned to Connecticut, residing in
Norwich until the death of the mother, in 1837. In
that year the family removed to Fitchville. William
H. received good common-school advantages in
Norwich and vicinity, and then furthered his studies
in the Cheshire Academy, from which he was grad-
uated. When about twenty years of age, in the
spring of 1850, he turned his course westward, go-
ing to California by way of the Isthmus. There he
tarried for a time, and there he joined his brother,
Asa D., and thence proceeded on to Portland, Ore-
gon, in which place the brothers established a mer-
cantile business. Young Fitch was associated in
business with his brother until 1859, in which year
he returned East, and became associated in a part-
nership with his uncle, Asa Fitch, at Fitchville,
under the firm title of W. H. Fitch & Co., manufac-
turers of cotton goods. This partnership was con-
tinued until the death of Asa Fitch, and then con-
ducted by the nephew until 1867, in which year he
retired to a farm of some 300 acres, beautifully situ-
ated between Fitchville and Yantic. This extensive
farm is one of the best in the locality, well-watered
and improved, its buildings commodious and mod-
ern. Mr. Fitch (as was his father) was fond of
blooded and speed horses, and on his farm he had
one of the best half-mile tracks' in the State. He kept
some very fine horses. A couple of years ago he dis-
posed of the farm. His late residence is near the
Green, in Norwich Town, and there he died Oct. 28,
1904 ; he was laid to rest in the family burial lot in
Bozrah. Mr. Fitch for a number of years past was
48
GENEALOGICAL AXD BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
a director of Uncas National Bank, and in 1903 was
elected vice-president of that institution. At a meet-
ing of the directors of the bank the following min-
utes were entered upon its records :
Upon the occasion of the death of William H. Fitch, the
vice-president of this- bank, his fellow directors desire
to place upon record their appreciation of his efficient
services in the interests of this institution and of those
personal qualities which he possessed, and which so well
entitled him to the respect and confidence of this com-
munity.
Mr. Fitch has been a director of this bank since 1896,
and since 1903 its vice-president. His extensive and varied
business training and practical knowledge of human nature
as well as a prior service as director in another bank in
Norwich and his close touch with many of the financial
interests of the city, entitled his judgment to much con-
sideration and rendered his services with us of much more
than ordinary value.
He was a man of independent views, positive convic-
tions and the strictest integrity. With him there was no
such thing as any deviation as a matter of policy from
what he considered as right. His own rights were no more
sacred with him than those of others. His presence upon
the board of any institution was an element of safety in
its financial management.
Altogether, Mr. Fitch was a man of rugged and
marked personality. He possessed qualities which justly
entitled him to the regard and respect with which he was
held by those who knew him. Such men are too few
among us, and s'eem sometimes to belong, too often only,
to the training of a past generation. In his death, not only
this institution, but this community has suffered a great
loss.
In his memory we enter this minute upon our records,
and direct that this bank be closed at one o'clock on the
day of the funeral, and request that its directors attend
the services in a body.
Mr. Fitch's political affiliations were with the
Democratic party, the party of his forefathers. He
never sought political preferment or offices of any
kind, but he had various honors bestowed upon him,
among them the position of judge of probate for his
district. While in Oregon (and, by the way, this
was before that territory had assumed Statehood)
he served as assistant commissary during the Indian
troubles on the frontier. A man of means, Mr. Fitch
was also one of influence and power in eastern Con-
necticut. He ably sustained the reputation made
by the earlier generations of the family.
On Jan. 13, 1870, Mr. Fitch was married to
Louise C. Smith, born Dec. 3, 1844, in Bozrah,
Conn., daughter of Capt. William Smith of Nor-
wich. Three children blessed this union, namely :
Mary L. now deceased; Stephen D., also deceased;
and William D., born Oct. 25, 1879, who graduated
from Norwich Free Academy and then entered Yale
Law School, graduating with the class of 1903.
COL. ISRAEL MATSON, late of Old Lyme,
and one of the most highly esteemed citizens of the
town, was born there Dec. 25, 1826. Tradition says
that the first Nathaniel Matson resided in Boston,
was a shipmaster, married a sister of Ray Thomas,
and died when his son was about two years old, his
widow dying soon after.
(II) Nathaniel Matson (2), son of Nathaniel,,
born in 1684, died in 1776. By occupation he was a
ship carpenter. He married Ruth Roe, by whom
he had no children. He then came to Lyme, where
he married Joanna Ely, daughter of William Ely,
and they lived where his descendant, the late Col.
Israel Matson, lived. His children by the second
wife, Joanna (Ely), were: Ruth married Joseph
Sill. Elizabeth married Timothy Mather; Nathan-
iel married Dinah Newton, of Colchester ; Rechama
married Travers Avers, of Saybrook ; Joanna mar-
ried Joseph Mather, of Lyme ; Mary married Joseph
Smith, of East Lyme ; Abigail married John Coult,
of Lyme ; William married Eunice Skinner ; and
Deborah married Samuel Sanford.
(III) Nathaniel Matson, born in 1727, in Lyme,,
died in 1787. He married Dinah Newton, and their
children were: Susanna married Remick Waite;
Abigail died unmarried; Nathaniel married (first)
Polly Sill (by whom he had no children), and
(second) Anna Ely, daughter of Elihu Ely; Dinah
died unmarried ; Israel married (first) Catharine
Johnson, and (second) Phoebe Ely, daughter of
Elihu Ely ; Lois died unmarried ; and Joanna mar-
ried Samuel Buckingham. Of these, Nathaniel was
a merchant in New London in early life, but re-
turned to Lyme, and was for many years deacon in
the Congregational Church, and was active in
church and benevolent organizations.
(IV) Israel Matson, father of Col. Israel, was
born in Lyme, Conn., April 6, 1770, and died Sept.
4, 1853. He spent his early school days in Lyme.
He was married (first), in what is now Old Lyme,,
to Catharine Johnson, of Lyme, who lived only a.
short time, and who bore him one son, Stephen
Johnson Matson, who married and has three sons
and two daughters living in New York State. Israel
Matson married (second), in what is now Lyme, on
Feb. 11, 1821, Phoebe Ely, of Lyme, who was born
Aug. 1, 1787, and died Feb. 26, 1874. They had
three children : Catherine Ann, born Jan. 28, 1823,.
became the wife of Rev. James P. Terry ; Nathaniel,,
born Oct. 18, 1824, was a lawyer in Hartford,
and died Jan. 24, 1851, unmarried; and Israel was
born Dec. 25, 1826. Israel Matson, the father, re-
sided all his life in Old Lyme, and there built the
house where his son Israel lived to the time of his
death. He engaged in farming all his life. He was
a leading member of the Congregational Church and
Society, and in political sentiment was an old-time
Whig, and was very active in town matters. Socially
he was a member of the Masonic fraternity.
Rev. James P. Terry, who married Catharine
Ann Matson, was a native of Enfield, Conn., born in
181 2. He was pastor of the Congregational Church
at Somers, Conn., and at South Weymouth, Mass.
Mr. and Mrs. Terry were the parents of seven chil-
dren, born as follows : Nathaniel Matson, April 6,
1844; James Luther, May 23, 1846; Anna Ely, Sept.
21, 1848 (died Oct. 20, 1851) ; Israel Newton, Feb.
20, 1851; Catharine Margaret, April 28, 1853 (died ,
^^ ^tu^e
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
49
April 30 1864); Frank Augustus, July 24, 1855;
Charles Appleton, March 2, 1858. Of these,
Prof. Nathaniel Matson Terry was born in Old
Lyme, graduated at Amherst College, and then
spent two years at Heidelberg and Guttenberg,
Germany. For about thirty years he has been con-
nected with the Naval Academy at Annapolis, Mary-
land.
James Luther Terry, born in Old Lyme, grad-
uated from Amherst College, and the College of
Physicians and Surgeons, and is settled in practice in
Philadelphia.
Israel Newton Terry, born in South Weymouth,
Mass., graduated from Amherst, and studied theo-
logy in Hartford and the Theological Seminary in
New York. He has been located in New Hartford,
N. Y., and Utica, N. Y. He married Emily Butler,
of New Hartford, New York.
Frank Augustus Terry, born in South Wey-
mouth, Mass., graduated from Yale Scientific School
and is a chemist in Philadelphia. He took a year's
post-graduate course at Harvard.
Charles Appleton Terry, born in South Wey-
mouth, Mass., graduated from Amherst, studied law
in New York City, and is now attorney for the West-
inghouse Electric Company. In 1886 he married
Mary E. Cady, of New Haven, and they have had
two children, Catharine Louisa and Matson Cady.
Col. Israel Matson spent his early school days in
Old Lyme and Old Saybrook, Conn. He engaged
in farming and resided in Old Lyme all his life, be-
ing one of the town's best citizens. Col. Matson was
in the State Legislature three terms, and served on
the staff of Gov. Buckingham (his cousin) for four
years. He was married (first) Sept. 14, 1864, to
Sarah McCurdy Lord, who died July 10, 1865, and
on Sept. 27, 1887, at South Weymouth, Mass., he
married for his second wife, Harriet Howe, daugh-
ter of Dr. Appleton Howe, a physician of South
Weymouth for over fifty years. Her mother was
Eliza Loud, of Weymouth, Mass. Col. Matson was
a member of the Congregational Church, in which
he was very active, serving as superintendent of the
Sunday School for over thirty years. He was one
of the most active and influential men in the So-
ciety affairs of the Church, and his death, which
occurred July 9, 1903, was deeply mourned in re-
ligious circles, as well as in other activities of the
town.
HON. DAVID AMES WELLS, economist,
Norwich. For many years this city, the "Rose of
New England," was honored as the home of this
distinguished man and writer, a sketch of whom,
with that of his family and lineage, follows : Dr.
Wells was in the eighth generation from his Amer-
ican ancestor, Thomas Welles, his line being through
Thomas Wells (2) Ichabod, Jonathan, Jonathan (2),
Lieut. James and James Wells (2).
Thomas Welles, born in 1598, in Essex, Eng-
land, came to Saybrook, Conn., as secretary to Lord
Save and Sele, for the purpose of co-operating in the
founding of a settlement. Lord Save and Sele re-
turned to England, and Thomas Welles removed
with the company to Hartford, where he was chosen
one of the nine magistrates of the new Colony in
1637, holding the office until his death. He was
treasurer in 1639 ; secretary in 1641 ; one of the
commissioners of the United Colonies in 1649; dep-
uty governor of the Colony ; and governor in 1655-
58. He died in Wethersfield, Conn., Jan. 14. 1660.
It is stated in "American Ancestry" that Gov. Welles
was probably related to William Shakespeare's fam-
ily, as Dame Elizabeth, wife of Sir John Barnard,
the granddaughter of Shakespeare, bequeathed in
her will £50 to be given to her cousin, Thomas
Welles, of Carlton, Bedford, England. Thomas
Welles married (first) in 1618, in England,
Hunt, who died in Hartford about 1640, and he mar-
ried (second) in Wethersfield, Conn., in 1646,
Elizabeth Foote, daughter of John Deming, of Eng-
land, and widow of Nathaniel Foote. Gov. Welles
had issue : Anne, born about 1619 ; John, about 1621 ;
Robert, about 1624; Thomas, about 1627; Samuel,
about 1630; Sarah, about 1632; Mary, about 1634;
and Joseph, about 1637.
(II) Thomas Welles (2), born about 1627, in
Northamptonshire, England, came with the family
to America in 1636, landing at Saybrook. He was
taken to Hartford the same year, and to Wethers-
field in 1637, where he passed the remainder of his
lifetime, and died in the spring of 1668. "He was
the largest and tallest man of his time, in Hartford,
with a strong mind, and sterling and honorable
character." He was quartermaster under Major
John Mason, of Hartford, and a deputy magistrate.
He was married in Hartford, June 29, 165 1, to Han-
nah, widow of John Pantry, of that town, and
daughter of William Tuttle, of Boston. His chil-
dren, all born in Wethersfield, were : Rebeckah, born
in May, 1655 ; Thomas, in October, 1657 ; Sarah, in
April, 1659; Ichabod in November, 1660; Samuel,
in October, 1662 ; Jonathan, in September, 1664 : and
Joseph, in August, 1667. The mother of these died
in Hartford Aug. 8, 1683, aged fifty years.
(III) Ichabod Welles, born in November, 1660,
in Wethersfield, died in Hartford after 1706.
(IV) Jonathan Welles, born Sept. 17, 1689, in
Wethersfield, died in West Hartford in 1752.
(V) Jonathan Welles (2), born in 1718, in West
Hartford, died in 1795.
(VI) Lieut. James Welles, born in 1753, died
in 1837. Mr. Welles was a soldier in the Revolu-
tion, serving as a lieutenant in the 2d Regiment,
Connecticut Light Dragoons, Col. Sheldon's Com-
pany, I777-I783-
(VII) James Wells (2), born November 14,
1783, in Hartford, Conn., married Rebecca, born in
1787, daughter of David Ames, who was born in
West Bridgewater, Mass., in February, \y6o, and
died in Springfield, Mass., in August, 1847. James
Wells resided in Springfield, Mass., and died No-
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
49
April 30 1864) ; Frank Augustus, July 24, 1855 ;
Charles Appleton, March 2, 1858. Of these,
Prof. Nathaniel Matson Terry was born in Old
Lyme, graduated at Amherst College, and then
spent two years at Heidelberg and Guttenberg,
Germany. For about thirty years he has been con-
nected with the Naval Academy at Annapolis, Mary-
land.
James Luther Terry, born in Old Lyme, grad-
uated from Amherst College, and the College of
Physicians and Surgeons, and is settled in practice in
Philadelphia.
Israel Newton Terry, born in South Weymouth,
Mass., graduated from Amherst, and studied theo-
logy in Hartford and the Theological Seminary in
New York. He has been located in New Hartford,
N. Y., and Utica, N. Y. He married Emily Butler,
of New Hartford, New York.
Frank Augustus Terry, born in South Wey-
mouth, Mass., graduated from Yale Scientific School
and is a chemist in Philadelphia. He took a year's
post-graduate course at Harvard.
Charles Appleton Terry, born in South Wey-
mouth, Mass., graduated from Amherst, studied law
in New York City, and is now attorney for the West-
inghouse Electric Company. In 1886 he married
Mary E. Cady, of New Haven, and they have had
two children, Catharine Louisa and Matson Cady.
Col. Israel Matson spent his early school days in
Old Lyme and Old Saybrook, Conn. He engaged
in farming and resided in Old Lyme all his life, be-
ing one of the town's best citizens. Col. Matson was
in the State Legislature three terms, and served on
the staff of Gov. Buckingham (his cousin) for four
years. He was married (first) Sept. 14, 1864, to
Sarah McCurdy Lord, who died July 10, 1865, and
on Sept. 27, 1887, at South Weymouth, Mass., he
married for his second wife, Harriet Howe, daugh-
ter of Dr. Appleton Howe, a physician of South
Weymouth for over fifty years. Her mother was
Eliza Loud, of Weymouth, Mass. Col. Matson was
a member of the Congregational Church, in which
he was very active, serving as superintendent of the
Sunday School for over thirty years. He was one
of the most active and influential men in the So-
ciety affairs of the Church, and his death, which
occurred July 9, 1903, was deeply mourned in re-
ligious circles, as well as in other activities of the
town.
HON. DAVID AMES WELLS, economist,
Norwich. For many years this city, the "Rose of
New England," was honored as the home of this
distinguished man and writer, a sketch of whom,
with that of his family and lineage, follows : Dr.
\\ ells was in the eighth generation from his Amer-
ican ancestor, Thomas Welles, his line being through
Thomas Wells (2) Ichabod, Jonathan, Jonathan (2),
Lieut. James and James Wells (2).
Thomas Welles, born in 1598, in Essex, Eng-
land, came to Saybrook, Conn., as secretary to Lord
Save and Sele, for the purpose of co-operating in the
founding of a settlement. Lord Save and Sele re-
turned to England, and Thomas Welles removed
with the company to Hartford, where he was chosen
one of the nine magistrates of the new Colony in
1637, holding the office until his death. He was
treasurer in 1639 ; secretary in 1641 ; one of the
commissioners of the United Colonies in 1649 ; dep-
uty governor of the Colony ; and governor in 1655-
58. He died in Wethersfield, Conn., Jan. 14. 1660.
It is stated in "American Ancestry" that Gov. Welles
was probably related to William Shakespeare's fam-
ily, as Dame Elizabeth, wife of Sir John Barnard,
the granddaughter of Shakespeare, bequeathed in
her will £50 to be given to her cousin, Thomas
Welles, of Carlton, Bedford, England. Thomas
Welles married (first) in 1618, in England,
Hunt, who died in Hartford about 1640, and he mar-
ried (second) in Wethersfield, Conn., in 1646,
Elizabeth Foote, daughter of John Deming, of Eng-
land, and widow of Nathaniel Foote. Gov. Welles
had issue : Anne, born about 1619 ; John, about 1621 ;
Robert, about 1624; Thomas, about 1627; Samuel,
about 1630; Sarah, about 1632; Mary, about 1634;
and Joseph, about 1637.
(II) Thomas Welles (2), born about 1627, in
Northamptonshire, England, came with the family
to America in 1636, landing at Saybrook. He was
taken to Hartford the same year, and to Wethers-
field in 1637, where he passed the remainder of his
lifetime, and died in the spring of 1668. "He was
the largest and tallest man of his time, in Hartford,
with a strong mind, and sterling and honorable
character." He was quartermaster under Major
John Mason, of Hartford, and a deputy magistrate.
He was married in Hartford, June 29, 165 1, to Han-
nah, widow of John Pantry, of that town, and
daughter of William Tuttle, of Boston. His chil-
dren, all born in Wethersfield, were : Rebeckah, born
in May, 1655 ; Thomas, in October, 1657 ; Sarah, in
April, 1659; Ichabod in November, 1660; Samuel,
in October, 1662; Jonathan, in September, 1664; and
Joseph, in August, 1667. The mother of these died
in Hartford Aug. 8, 1683, aged fifty years.
(III) Ichabod Welles, born in November, 1660,
in Wethersfield, died in Hartford after 1706.
(IV) Jonathan Welles, born Sept. 17, 1689, in
Wethersfield, died in West Hartford in 1752.
(V) Jonathan Welles (2), born in 1718, in West
Hartford, died in 1795.
(VI) Lieut. James Welles, born in 1753, died
in 1837. Mr. Welles was a soldier in the Revolu-
tion, serving as a lieutenant in the 2d Regiment,
Connecticut Light Dragoons, Col. Sheldon's Com-
pany, 1 777- 1 783.
(VII) James Wells (2), born November 14,
1783, in Hartford, Conn., married Rebecca, born in
1787, daughter of David Ames, who was born in
West Bridgewater, Mass., in February, 1760. and
died in Springfield. Mass., in August, 1847. James-
Wells resided in Springfield, Mass., and died No-
50
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
vember 14, 1843. His wife survived him, dying in
1871. She descended from William Ames, who was
born in 1605 in Breton, England, and died in Brain-
tree, Mass., in 1654, her line being through John
Ames, of West Bridgewater (1647-1725), Thomas
Ames (1682- 1 774), Capt. John Ames (1738- 1805)
and David Ames. The latter was one of the lead-
ing iron manufacturers in America. He was a sol-
dier of the Revolution, and by reason of his ac-
knowledged ability and large experience in business
was selected by President Washington in 1794 to
construct a national armory at Springfield, Mass., of
which he was made the first superintendent in 1794,
serving until 1805. Later he was a pioneer in the
manufacture of paper in the United States. He was
commissioned a colonel in the United States army.
(VIII) Hon. David Ames Wells, M. D., LL. D.,
D. C. L., economist, was born June 17, 1827, at
Springfield, Mass. He was graduated from Will-
iams College in 1847. He was associate editor of
the Springfield Republican in 1848-49, and was ap-
pointed assistant professor at the Lawrence Scien-
tific School, Harvard University, in 1850. In 1852
he received the degree of B. S. from Harvard, and
in 1863 tne honorary degree of M. D., from the
Berkshire Medical College. In 1857-58 he was en-
gaged in the general book and publishing business
in Xew York, as a member of the firm of G. P.
Putnam & Co. He removed to Troy, N. Y., in
1858, and thence to Norwich, Conn., in 1870. In
April, 1865, he was made chairman of the United
States Revenue Commission, and was appointed
special commissioner of Revenue of the United
States in 1867. The same year he was sent on a
mission to Europe by the United States Government.
He retired from the office of special commissioner
of United States Revenue by limitation of term of
office in July, 1870, and received on retirement a
letter of thanks for his official services from a ma-
jority of both branches of Congress. In July, 1870,
he was appointed by the governor of Xew York a
commissioner to revise the laws for the assessment
and collection of taxes in the State of New York,
and in this new position he prepared and submitted
to the Legislature, in 1872 and 1873, two reports
and a code of laws. All of these reports have been
since reprinted in the United States, and in Europe ;
and one of the first acts of the French National As-
sembly, after the conclusion of the German war, was
to order the translation and official publication of
Mr. Wells's reports as special commissioner for
1868-69. This compliment was further supple-
mented, in the spring of 1874, by the unanimous
election of Mr. Wells by the Institute of France to
fill the chair of Foreign Associate, made vacant by
the death of the late John Stuart Mill; and later by
the voting to him of the degree of D. C. L., by the
University of Oxford, England. The honorary de-
gree of LL. D. had been given him by the college
of his graduation — Williams, and on his retirement
from Washington a testimonial of the value of sev-
eral thousand dollars was also presented him by the
merchants of New York, without distinction of
party, as a "token of their esteem for his unsullied
integrity, high personal character, and as a slight
recognition of his inestimable services to his coun-
trymen."
In 1872 the corporation of Yale College elected
Mr. Wells university lecturer on Political Science.
In 1873, on invitation of the Cobden Club, he visited
England and delivered the address at the annual
meeting and dinner of the Club. The name of Mr.
Wells was brought prominently forward in the
spring of 1874 as a candidate for United States sen-
ator for Connecticut. In the spring of 1875 he was
elected president of the Democratic State convention
of Connecticut ; and as such firmly committed the
party in the State to the doctrine of hard money and
taxation for revenue only. In March, 1876, he was
chosen president of the American Association for the
Promotion of Social Science. Originally he was a
believer in the economic system of protection, but
his experience abroad, in investigating the indus-
tries in competition with those of the United States,
resulted in his acceptance of free trade doctrines. He
was a delegate to the Democratic National Conven-
tions of 1872 and 1880, and in 1876 he was a can-
didate for Congress from Connecticut. He was ap-
pointed by the United States court in 1876 one of
the trustees and receivers of the Alabama & Chat-
tanooga Railway Company, and in fourteen months
rescued the corporation from bankruptcy and ex-
pended a considerable sum for improvements and
repairs, without incurring an additional dollar of
indebtedness. In 1877 he was appointed by the
State Board of Canal Commissioners chairman of a
commission to consider the subject of tolls on the
New York canals, and in 1878 made an exhaustive
report. He was one of the trustees of the bond-
holders that bought under foreclosure and sale, and
reorganized, the Erie Railway Company. In 1879
he was elected by the associated railways of the
United States a member of the board of arbitration,
to which they agreed to refer all disputes and ar-
rangements for "pooling" or apportioning their re-
spective earnings. Mr. Wells was elected a foreign
associate of the Academy dei Lincei of Italy, receiv-
ing its medal of honor in 1863. He was president
of the American Social Science Association in 1875-
79; president of the New London County (Conn.)
Historical Society in 1880, and of the American
Free Trade League in 1881.
Mr. Wells was a prolific writer in pamphlets on
economic subjects, some of the best known of which
are "The Creed of the Free Trade" (1875) ! "Pro-
duction and Distribution of Wealth" (1875) ; "Why
we Trade and How we Trade" (1878) ; "The Silver
Question or the Dollar of the Fathers vs. the Dollar
of the Sons" (1878) ; and "Principles of Taxation"
(1886). In book form he published "Year Book of
Agriculture" (Philadelphia, 1856) ; "Wells' Science
of Common Things" (New York, 1856) ; "Report
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
5i
of United States Revenue Commission" (Washing-
ton, 1866) ; "Reports of United States Special Com-
missioners of Revenue" (4 Vols., 1866-69) ; "Rob-
inson Crusoe's Money" (New York, 1876) ; "Our
Merchant Marine ; how it Rose, Increased, became
Great, Declined, and Decayed" (1882) ; "A Primer
of Tariff Reform" (1884) ; "Practical Economics, a
Collection of Essays" (1885) ; "A Study of Mexico"
(1887) ; "A Short and Simple Catechism" (1888) ;
and "Relation of the Tariff to Wages" (1888).
With others Mr. Wells published "History and
Sketches of Williams College" (Springfield, 1847).
In Cambridge he began with George Bliss, in 1849,
the publication of the "Annual of Scientific Dis-
covery," which he continued until 1866. He com-
piled "Science of Common Things" (New York
1857) ; "Elements of Natural Philosophy" (1857)
■"Principles and Applications of Chemistry" (1858)
and "First Principles of Geology" (1861), of which
works two were translated into Chinese, and that on
chemistry was adopted as a text book at the United
States Military Academy.
On May 9, i860, Mr. Wells was married to Mary
Sanford D wight, born Oct. 13, 1826, daughter of
James Sanford and Elizabeth Dwight, he a mer-
chant of Springfield, Mass. After her death, Mr.
Wells married (second) June 10, 1879, Ellen A.
Dwight. One son, David Dwight Wells (now de-
ceased), was born to the first marriage, April 22,
1868. David Ames Wells passed away at Norwich
Nov. 5, 1898.
EDWARD CHAPPELL. The death of this
gentleman removed one of the best known and most
successful business men of eastern Connecticut, and
was a distinct loss to the city of Norwich. He de-
scended from one of the oldest families in New Lon-
don county, being a son of Ezra and Wealthy Chap-
pell, and was born in New London Nov. 3, 1815.
Mr. Chappell came to Norwich in 1839 and as-
sociated himself in business with John G. Hunting-
ton. After a year or two the copartnership was dis-
solved, and he went into business for himself. He
made a hard struggle for success, but in 1848 he
became embarrassed and failed, with large liabilities.
His creditors had faith in his strict business ability
and integrity, and he immediately resumed busi-
ness on a new basis. Enoch F. Chapman then en-
tered his employ as clerk, and became his partner in
1863, remaining his business associate for forty-
three years ; the association was only broken by the
death of Mr. Chappell. The firm prospered, and
the business grew to its immense proportions,
Arthur H. Brewer being added to the firm, he hav-
ing acquired a one-third interest in the business.
Mr. Chappell left Norwich with his wife and daugh-
ter Miss Julia Chappell, for a business and pleasure
trip to New York. He was as well as usual when
he left the city, but while in New York was taken
suddenly ill, and died Oct. 13, 1891, and his death
was a surprise and shock to his family and the
public. His remains were brought to Norwich and
interred in Yantic cemetery.
In politics Mr. Chappell was a Republican, and
at one time represented his ward in the common
council. He was not a man who sought office, but
office sought him, and he had been urged to accept
the nominations from his party as representative to
the Legislature, and as mayor of the city. But he
always declined public honors, and showed no taste
or ambition for political or ecclesiastical offices. He
was a member of Christ Church, and a liberal sup-
porter of same. He was a man who disliked osten-
tatious display and the laudation which so often
marks generous giving. He was a liberal giver to
all good works, and was a large dispenser of private
charity, but he placed upon all his personal dona-
tions the seal of silence, and only those whom his
bounty blessed were ever permitted to know any-
thing about it. He was a shrewd business man, and
as he increased his capital he became interested in
manufacturing establishments in his vicinity, and at
the time of his death was the largest stockholder in
the Ashland Mills at Jewett City ; the largest local
stockholder in the Ponemah Mills at Taftville ; and
the largest stockholder in the Falls Company. A
tribute from a friend published at the time of his
death was as follows :
The sudden death of Mr. Edward Chappell, Tuesday
noon, at the "Marlborough Hotel," New York, fills the
hearts of a host of friends in Norwich and elsewhere
with profound sorrow. To know him was to esteem him
for his* many sterling qualities of character. Among
business men his strong, active mind won respect, which
was fully warranted by his more than usual success. His
sense of honor was of the highest order, and his word was
considered as" good as a gold-bearing bond. Like many
another man he had met disasters in his business career.
At the age of thirty-two years he failed for over one
hundred thousand dollars. Ten years later, by dint of
tremendous energy and great economy, he was again on
the road to prosperity. Unlike many another man, he
paid his creditors in full and with interest. And in his
prosperity he took sincere pleasure in saying that he was
ever grateful to those who treated him with consideration
when he was down. Norwich has lost one of her most
valued citizens, who at the time of his death was most
largely interested in its commercial and manufacturing
enterprises. The church to which he belonged and chari-
table societies of the city found a reliable supporter in
Mr. Chappell, and when he gave he was a cheerful giver,
and many of his' charities were marked by our Savior's
injunction, "Let not thy left hand know what thy right
hand doeth."
Mr. Chappell married Elizabeth E., daughter of
Lyman Brewer, of Norwich, and she survived him,
with two daughters, but all are now deceased. One
of the daughters, Mary Brewer, married Edwin S.
Ely, of Norwich, and died March 19, 1895, leaving
four children. Mrs. Chappell passed away on May
10, 1897, and the remaining daughter, Miss Julia
Chappell, died in San Francisco in 1899.
FRANKLIN NICHOLS, whose death occurred
Oct. 30, 1890, at Norwich, was widely and prom-
inently known throughout eastern Connecticut from
52
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
his long connection with the banking business, be-
ing at the time of his death, and for many years prior
thereto, president of the Thames Bank, and for fifty
and more years engaged in the banking business.
Born Aug. n, 1805, in the town of Thompson,
Conn., he was a son of Elijah and Millicent (Brack-
ett) Nichols. Young Nichols passed his boyhood
in his native town, and in the public schools of the
locality received his elementary book training. He
inherited extensive farming lands from his father,
and early in life began the improvement and develop-
ment of these, in this work being associated with an
older brother until 1840. In that year he removed
to Norwich, in the same State, where he became as-
sociated in a partnership with Mr. Eddy in the whole-
sale grocery business, which was carried on under
the firm style of Nichols & Eddy. The firm later
became Nichols & Evans, and, still later, Nichols,
Evans & Almy. Air. Nichols withdrew from the firm
in 1844, and m company with the late Leonard Bal-
lon engaged in the cotton business, a connection that
lasted some two years. Ever afterward Mr. Nichols
was engaged in banking. He had, in the spring of
1833, assisted in obtaining a charter for the Thomp-
son Bank, which was organized in the fall of the
same year, with eleven directors. Of these eleven
men Mr. Nichols was the sole survivor at the time of
his death. In 1846 he became identified with the
Thames Bank at Norwich, with which he remained
prominently connected until the time of his demise
— a period of more than forty years, during which
he was the bank's president thirty-nine years, from
185 1. He was trustee of the Norwich Savings Bank
for thirty-nine years, from 185 1, and its president
from 1879. He was the last survivor of the forty
trustees of that institution at the time of his election.
He was one of the Thames Loan & Trust Company
in 1869, and for several years its president. On the
organization of the gas company at Norwich, Mr.
Nichols was chosen a director, and, at the time of
his death, was the sole survivor of the original board.
He also served as president of the Gas Company.
He was one of the promoters of the Bank of Mutual
Redemption in Boston, and again he survived all of
the original board. Like the old oak of the forest,
venerable and grand, this distinguished financier out-
lived all of his contemporaries. Mr. Nichols, too,
was a director of the Norwich & Worcester Railroad
Company. Such a record needs no comment — the
life of such a man no eulogy. One has only to read
between the lines to measure the prominence and
worth to a community of the man.
On Oct. 17, 1839, Mr. Nichols was married to
Hannah T. Fairfield, of Pomfret, Conn., and to the
union came oiie child, Franklin, who is now de-
ceased. Mrs. Nichols died July 12, 1894.
BRANDEGEE. For a hundred and fifty and
more years the name of Brandegee has been identi-
fied with Connecticut history, and at least since the
period of the Revolution, the family, and those
allied with it through marriage, have played a con-
spicuous part in American history. New London
has given to the country two sons of the name — in
the personages of Hon. Augustus Brandegee and
his only living son, Hon. Frank Bosworth Brande-
gee— whose achievements have reflected honor upon
themselves, upon the family name, the city of their
birth and their country. Each in turn has served as
a member of the General Assembly of the State,.
Speakers of the Lower House of that body, and each
a member of the United States Congress, and both
as members of the law firm of Brandegee, Noyes &
Brandegee, of New London.
Jacob Brandegee, Jr., the progenitor of the
Connecticut family, came to the locality about New
Britain toward the middle of the eighteenth century,
and when only a lad in his teens. He was a weaver
by trade, and was born in 1729, at Nine Points,.
N. Y., where his brothers, David and Joseph, were
also born. The Newington records show his mar-
riage, on Oct. 11, 1753, to Abigail Dunham, presum-
ably- a sister of Solomon Dunham, who came from
Martha's Vineyard to that locality, where he was for
many years a magistrate and prominent man. Mr.
Brandegee kept a store at Great Swamp Village,,
and was engaged in the West India trade, running
vessels from Rocky Hill. His death occurred at
sea in March, 1765, when he was aged thirty-six.
John Brandegee, a descendant of Jacob, and the
father of the late Hon. Augustus Brandegee, was
born in Berlin, Conn. He was but a young man
when he went to New Orleans, where he engaged in
business as a cotton broker, in which line he ac-
cumulated a competency. He was an officer in the
City Guards there, and took part in the famous
battle of New Orleans, Jan. 8, 181 5, under Jackson.
About 1818 he came to New London, Conn., and
here became interested in the whaling industry, and
was one of the founders of the Whaling Bank.
Many other local enterprises claimed his interest and
attention, such as the old Bartlett school, of which
he was one of the incorporators, and the New Lon-
don, Willimantic & Palmer railroad, in the building
of which he was largely interested. He also dealt
very extensively in real estate. That he had an un-
usually good bank account for the times is evidenced
by the fact that in 1820 he advertised in the Repub-
lican advocate, a newspaper then published in
New London, for a check which he had lost, and
which was drawn to himself for $5,000. Soon after
his removal to New London, Mr. Brandegee mar-
ried Mary Ann Deshon, and they lived in the brick
house built by the well known Dr. S. H. P. Lee ; it
stood on what is now the site of the "Crocker-
House," with the side toward the street. Mr. Bran-
degee was a man of remarkable ability and force
of character, was enterprising and progressive to
the last degree, and was a leader in the business act-
ivities of the times. He died in 1857. Mrs. Brande-
gee was a lineal descendant of Daniel Deschamps,.
a Huguenot who fled from France on the revocation
^-^2
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
53
of the Edict of Nantes. Capt. Daniel Deshon, her
father, was appointed in 1777 to command the
armed vessel "Old Defence," which was built and
commissioned by the State of Connecticut for serv-
ice against the British in the Revolution. Two other
members of this Deshon family — John and Richard
— also served with conspicuous gallantry as captains
of Connecticut forces in the Continental army in the
Revolution. Through the veins of the Brandegees
courses the blood of both Puritans and Huguenots,
one branch of the family tracing back to Elder
Brewster, of the "Mayflower." Mr. and Mrs. Bran-
degee had three sons, all of whom inherited the in-
tellect, ability and energy which characterized their
father. John became an Episcopal clergyman. Frank
was a physician and practiced in New London, where
he died.
Hox. Augustus Brandegee, like his brothers,
became a professional man, and was well known all
over the State of Connecticut as a member of the
legal fraternity. He was born July 12, 1828, in
New London, and laid the foundations of a classical
-education at the Union Academy in that town. He
completed his preparation for college at the Hopkins
Grammar school, New Haven, under the tuition of
the celebrated Dominie Olmstead, and entered Yale
in 1845, during the last year of President Day's ad-
ministration, graduating with the class of 1849.
Although he was necessarily absent during the
.greater part of his sophomore year, he was grad-
uated fourth in a class of students, an unusual num-
ber of whom afterward became distinguished.
Among these, President Fiske, of Beloit University
(who ranked first in the class), President Timothy
Dwight of Yale (who ranked third), Judge Finch,
of the New York Court of Appeals, and William D.
Bishop, may be named as conspicuous examples.
After studying a year at the Yale Law School, at that
period under the superintendency of Ex. -Gov. Bis-
sell, and Dutton, Mr. Brandegee entered the law
office of the late Andrew C. Lippett, then the leading
-attorney of New London, with whom he soon after-
ward formed a partnership which continued until
1854, when Mr. Brandegee was elected to repre-
sent his native city in the House of Representatives
of the State of Connecticut. The old Whig party
was then in the throes of dissolution after the disas-
trous political campaign under General Scott ; and
the proposed repeal of the Missouri Compromise
had stirred the moral sense of the North to its
foundations. Mr. Brandegee threw himself with
the ardor of a young and enthusiastic nature into the
anti-slavery movement. Although the youngest
member of the house, he soon developed talents of a
very high order as a parliamentarian and debater,
and became its leader. He was appointed by Speak-
er Foster — afterward Senator — a member of the
Judiciary committee, and also chairman of the se-
lect committee to carry through the "Bill for the
Defense of Liberty," a measure drafted by the late
Henry B. Harrison, subsequently governor of the
State, the practical effect of which was to prevent
the enforcement of the Fugitive Slave Law in Con-
necticut. He was also appointed chairman of the
committee on the Maine Law, and, as such, carried
through the Assembly the first and only prohibitory
liquor law ever passed in Connecticut. Mr. Bran-
degee was largely instrumental in the election of that
section of Speakers Foster and Francis Gillette to
represent the anti-slavery sentiment of Connecticut
in the United States Senate.
Returning to his practice Mr. Brandegee was
elected judge of the city criminal court of New
London. In the enthusiastic campaign for "Free
Speech, Free Soil, Freedom and Fremont," which
followed the anti-Nebraska excitement, Mr. Bran-
degee took an active and conspicuous part. He made
speeches in the principal towns and cities of Con-
necticut, and soon became noted as one of the most
popular and well known campaign orators of his
party. He was chosen as one of the electors of the
State on a ticket headed by ex-Gov. Roger S. Bald-
win, and with his colleagues cast the electoral vote
of Connecticut for the "Path-Finder," and first can-
didate of the Presidential party, John C. Fremont.
In 1858 he was again elected to represent the town
of New London in the Connecticut House of Rep-
resentatives, and in 1859 he was a third time chosen.
Although selected by his party, then in a majority,
as their candidate for speaker in 1859, he was obliged
to decline the office on account of the death of his
father. In 1861 he was a fourth time elected to the
House, and was honored by being elected its speaker.
This was the first "war session" of the Connecticut
Legislature. The duties of a presiding officer, al-
ways difficult and delicate, were largely enhanced by
the excited state of feeling existing between the two
parties, and the novel requirements of legislation to
provide Connecticut's quota of men and means for
the suppression of the Rebellion. The duties of the
chair were so acceptably filled by Speaker Brande-
gee that at the close of the session he was presented
with a service of silver by Hon. Henry C. Deming,
the leader of the opposition, in the name of the
members of both political parties without a dissent-
ing voice.
Air. Brandegee took a very active part in the
great uprising of the North which followed the
firing on Fort Sumter. His services were sought
all over the State in addressing patriotic meetings,
raising troops, delivering flags to departing regi-
ments and arousing public sentiment. In 1863 he
was elected to the NXXVIIIth Congress of the
LJnited States as a representative from the Third
Congressional District of Connecticut, and in 1865
he was re-elected, and served in the XXXIXth
Congress. Although the youngest member of the
body, he at once took a prominent position, and was
selected by Speaker Colfax as a member of the com-
mittee on Naval Affairs, at that time next after the
Military committee, one of the most important. He
was also one of the committee on the Auditing of
54
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
Naval Accounts, and chairman of a special commit-
tee on a Post and Military Route from New York
to Washington. Mr. Brandegee continued a member
of the House during the four historic years covered
by the Civil war and the re-construction period, act-
ing with the most advanced wing of his party, and
was trusted and respected by his associates, among
whom were Garfield, Blaine, Schenck, Conklin,
Dawes, Winter, Davis and Thaddeus Stevens. He
was admitted to frequent and friendly intercourse
with President Lincoln, who always manifested a
peculiar interest in Connecticut, and who was wont
to speak of Gov. Buckingham, its executive at that
time, as the "Brother Jonathan" upon whom he
leaned, as did Washington upon Jonathan Trumbull.
In 1864 Mr. Brandegee was a member of the
Connecticut delegation to the National Republican
Convention, held at Baltimore, which nominated
Lincoln and Johnson. It was largely due to this
delegation that Johnson was selected instead of
Hamlin for the vice-presidency, the Connecticut dele-
gation being the first to withdraw its support from
the New England candidate. In 1871, notwithstand-
ing his earnest protests, he was nominated for the
office of mayor of the city of New London. He re-
ceived very general support and was elected, but re-
signed after holding office two years, being led to
this step by his large and growing legal practice.
In 1880 Mr. Brandegee was chairman of the Con-
necticut delegation to the Republican National Con-
vention, held in Chicago, nominating Washburne for
the- Presidency. His speech attracted favorite no-
tice not only in the convention, but throughout the
country, and gave him wide reputation as an orator
and party leader. In 1884 he was again chairman
of the Connecticut delegation to the Republican Na-
tional Convention, also held at Chicago, and made
the nominating speech for General Hawley, the can-
didate of the State for the Presidency.
For, perhaps, the last decade Mr. Brandegee was,
of choice, gradually retired from public life and de-
voted himself almost exclusively to the practice of
law at New London ; and although he was repeated-
ly urged by the leaders of his party to take its' nom-
ination for governor, and was frequently talked of as
an available candidate for the United States senator-
ship, he uniformly declined this and all other public
offices and honors, preferring to devote his entire
time and energies to professional work, in which he
was actively engaged until his death, having as as-
sociates his only son, Frank B. Brandegee, and Wal-
ter C. Noyes. As a lawyer Mr. Brandegee was
ranked as one of the very foremost in the profession ;
as a politician, one of the highest ability and integ-
rity ; and as a citizen, one of the most honored and
respected. His death, Nov. 10, 1904, removed from
Connecticut one of the strongest men in her history.
Frank Bosworth Brandegee, son of Augustus
and Nancy (Bosworth) Brandegee, is a native of
New London, where he was born July 8, 1864. He
attended the common schools of his native town and
was graduated from Bulkeley High school in 1881.
After this event he immediately entered Yale Uni-
versity, and was graduated with honor in 1885.
While in college he took a lively interest in athletics
and for three years pulled the bow oar on his class
crew. Following his graduation he traveled abroad
for a year making an extensive tour of Great Britain
and the Continent. Mr. Brandegee has also trav-
eled extensively in his own country, visiting nearly
every state and territory and Alaska, as well as the
Hawaiian Islands and Canada. Since 1888, in which
year he was admitted to the Bar in the county of his.
birth, he has been settled in the practice of his pro-
fession in New London, as a member of the law
firm of Brandegee, Noyes & Brandegee, one of the
leading and most successful in Eastern Connecticut.
Mr. Brandegee is rapidly following in the foot-
steps of his distinguished father, the two careers thus
far being quite alike, furnishing an example seldom
occurring in one family. In November, 1888, he was.
elected to the Lower House of Representatives of
Connecticut and served with conspicuous ability as
chairman on the committee on Cities and Boroughs.
In 1889 Mr. Brandegee succeeded Major John M.
Tibbits to the office of corporation counsel of the city
of New London, and for seven years served with
ability, good judgment and discretion. Mr. Brande-
gee is one of the most prominent Republicans in his.
section of the State. He was chosen a delegate to
the Republican National Convention held at Minne-
apolis in 1892. From youth he has enjoyed a large
acquaintance among the leading Republicans of the
State. In 1894 he was favorably spoken of for gov-
ernor as the candidate of the younger element of his
party. In 1898 he was chosen a member of the
Republican State Central Committee, and the deci-
sive Republican victory in that portion of the State
demonstrated that the interests of the party were
committed to competent hands. He is still a member
of that committee. Mr. Brandegee was again elected
to the Lower House of Representatives of Con-
necticut in the fall of 1898, and on the convening
of the session following he was chosen the Speaker
of that body and served with signal ability, making
a model Speaker. He is widely known throughout
the State, and by his frank and cordial manner and
winning personality makes friends wherever he goes.
At the Republican Convention held at Norwich,
Oct. 28, 1902, Mr. Brandegee was nominated unan-
imously as Representative to the United States Con-
gress from the Third district, as successor to the late
Charles A. Russell for the rest of the unexpired term
as well as the following term. At the election which
followed on Nov. 4th, Air. Brandegee*s plurality
was 4,183. He was unanimously renominated as
representative in Congress in October, 1904, and
elected by a majority of 5,625. He is a member of
the committee on Naval affairs.
Of Mr. Brandegee a writer has said : "He is art
easy and forcible writer, a strong and persuasive
speaker, and has the courage of his convictions.
j&'/4404i*w$
n
Cs
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
55
His character is unblemished, and his public and
private life without stain."
The only other surviving child of Augustus
Brandegee is his daughter Helen, who is the wife
of Major M. G. Zalinski, of the United States Army.
GEER. The family bearing the name of Geer
is one of the oldest in New London county. The
lineage herewith given is that of the late Captain
Nathaniel Bellows Geer, of Ledyard, one of the most
beloved and highly esteemed citizens of that town,
and of his son Thomas H. Geer, of Cleveland, Ohio,
one of the leading and best known local insurance
agents in the United States.
The Geers in America are descended from
George and Thomas Geer (brothers), who came to
America in 1635, and landed in Boston. Thomas
settled in Enfield, Conn., in 1682, and George came
to New London about 165 1, in 1653 settling at the
place now known as the Geer homestead, which has
since been continuously in the possession of his de-
scendants, and which was located in that part of the
town which has since been set off as the North So-
ciety of Groton, and is now the town of Ledyard.
In 1658 he married Sarah Allyn, and they had eleven
children. From them the line of descent is through
Robert Geer and Martha (Tyler), Ebenezer Geer
and Prudence (Wheeler), Robert Geer (2) and
Lucy (Fitch), James Geer and Sarah (Lewis), to
Nathaniel Bellows Geer.
Captain Nathaniel Bellows Geer was the second
son of his parents, and was born at the Geer home-
stead in North Groton (now Ledyard), Jan. 31,
1801. He was reared to farming, which he followed
in his earlier years, afterward teaching in the public
schools of Ledyard and adjoining towns. He also
followed surveying. In 1832 he was appointed to the
captaincy of the Fifth Company of the Eighth Regi-
ment of Infantry in the State, and always retained
the title. In politics Capt. Geer was an active Re-
publican, and he held the offices of constable, as-
sessor, tything man, justice of the peace, and treas-
urer of the town deposit fund. As judge of probate
he served several successive terms, and on reaching
the age of compulsory retirement from that office,
he was continued in charge as clerk of the court.
He was one of the original trustees of the Bill Li-
brary Association, and a president of the Poqueta-
nuck Cemetery Association. In early life he became
a member of St. James Church, Poquetanuck, of
which he was an active member until his death, serv-
ing as Sunday-School teacher, member of the choir,
player of the bass viol, vestryman, collector, delegate
to the convention, parish clerk (for sixty years) and
warden (for twenty-six years).
The following is from the Nciv York Church-
man : "Capt. Geer, as he was affectionately styled for
the half century following his meritorious service in
the organization of the militia of his native State,
was a man of mark, one of those whom a commun-
ity easily counts among pillars of Church and State.
He combined with the sweet humility of a disciple
of the Christ, the power which qualifies a guide and
leader of men. His silent example was a living
force. Such men as he, combining high ability with
the modesty which never seeks official promotion, are
thev who have been and continue to be the 'makers'
of this nation. And such men as he, as humble-
minded as they are brave and true-hearted, are they
whose light of Christian living, shining in a naughty
world, gives truest glory to Almighty God."
On Nov. 19, 1837, Capt. Geer married Julia
Davis, born Feb. 8, 181 4, eldest daughter of Thomas
and Mary (Shaw) Davis, of Preston, Conn., and
they had a wedded life of nearly sixty years, Mrs.
Geer dying Feb. 17, 1896, and Mr. Geer on Aug. 18,
1898. Mrs. Julia Davis Geer traced her lineage from
John Davis, of England and" Easthampton. L. I.,
through Thomas Davis and Abigail (Parsons). John
Davis and Catherine (Talmage), Thomas Davis (2)
and Mary (Conklin), Thomas Davis (3) and Mary
(Shaw). Soon after his marriage Capt. Geer pur-
chased the farm adjoining the Geer homestead on
the south, and there lived fifty years, in 1887 return-
ing to the ancestral home, where he passed the re-
mainder of his days. He was survived by two sons
and three daughters : ( 1 ) Thomas Henry is men-
tioned below. (2) Albert D. resides in Binghamton,
N. Y. He married Alice C. Cook, and has one child,
Harold M. Geer. (3) Juliette and (4) Mary A. are
unmarried. (5) Maria Adaliza is the widow of John
D. Brewster, of Norwich.
Thomas H. Geer was born Sept. 3, 1840, in Led-
yard, and there his boyhood days were passed. His
educational advantages were excellent. After re-
ceiving a good foundation in the public schools of
his native town, he went to Irving Institute, at Tar-
ry town, N. Y. He then attended the State Normal
School at Westfield, Mass., from which he was grad-
uated in 1859. At this time he looked upon the
teacher's profession as his life's work, and he began
teaching in the Haskell Grammar School at West
Gloucester, Mass., meeting with unqualified success
both as an instructor and as a disciplinarian. In
i860 he was elected to the principalship of the high
school at Rockport, Mass. His devotion to his work
was marked, and he was ambitious to equip himself
further in the higher branches. He entered upon a
special classical course at Norwich Free Academy,
where he gave evidence of a deep and logical mind.
In the spring of 1862 he became a tutor in Burling-
ton College at Burlington, N. J., and there continued
through the summer term of 1865. Close application
to study undermined his health, and he was obliged
to give up his school work and to find some other
avenue of usefulness. In April, 1866, he became
special agent in Eastern Massachusetts for the Char-
ter Oak Life Insurance Company, of Hartford,
Conn., and so well did he meet the exigencies of that
position that in the following October, he became
resident agent for the company at Cleveland, Ohio.
In 1876 he added fire insurance to his work, and has
56
GENEALOGICAL AXD BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
since continued in general insurance at Cleveland,
with spacious offices at Xo. 158 Superior street. He
has built up one of the largest agencies in that line
in the city, representing a fine list of companies. Mr.
Geer is one of the best known local agents in the
country, and has always been interested in associa-
tions organized for the benefit of the various
branches of insurance. He has been secretary and
president of the Cleveland Life Underwriters Asso-
ciation, secretary of the Life Underwriters Asso-
ciation of the State of Ohio ; president of the Cleve-
land Board of Underwriters in 1894-95, of which he
had previously been treasurer and vice-president. He
was active in the organization, and served as first
chairman of the executive committee, of the Ohio
Association of Local Fire Insurance Agents for
three years. In 1903 he served as president of the
National Association of Local Fire Insurance
Agents, having previously served as vice president
of that body.
In the financial world in Cleveland Mr. Geer is
well known. He was one of the organizers, and he
served as vice-president, and a director of, the Sav-
ings, Building and Loan Company, and when it was
merged into the present Reserve Trust Company, he
became a director and a member of the Finance com-
mittee of that organization.
Politically Mr. Geer is an uncompromising Re-
publican. At the age of eighteen he was confirmed
in St. James Episcopal Church at Poquetanuck.
Conn., by the late Rt. Rev. John Williams, bishop of
Connecticut. Since his residence in Cleveland, he
has been a communicant of Trinity Cathedral, and
for many years a member of the vestry and Cathedral
Chapter, chairman of the Music committee and for
twenty years a member of the vested choir.
On June 30, 1868, Thomas H. Geer was married
in Poquetanuck, to Fanny Halsey Brewster, who was
born in Ledyard, daughter of Hon. John and Mary
Esther (Williams) Brewster. To this union came
one daughter, Mary Brewster, who married Edwin
L. Thurston, a graduate of Brown University, and
now a member of the firm of Thurston & Bates, lead-
ing patent attorneys of Cleveland, and they have a
son, Thomas Brewster, born May 9, 1899. In spite
of nearly four decades that Mr. Geer has been a resi-
dent of Ohio, he still has a great love for the home of
his youth, to which he is a frequent visitor. Suc-
cess has attended his efforts, and today he stands at
the head of his profession, honored and respected,
as a man whose word is good, and whose character
is above reproach.
DEACON BENJAMIN WILDMAN TOMP-
KINS was one of the venerable and esteemed citi-
zens of Norwich, where he resided for considerably
over half a century, and occupied a prominent place
among the best citizens of that city, and a foremost
position among the successful manufacturers of Con-
necticut. His ancestral line is as follows :
(I) John Tompkins was of Concord, Mass., in
1640, and of Fairfield, Conn., in 1644. His children
were: Ruth, born April 1, 1640; John, born Aug.
25, 1642 ; and Nathaniel.
(II) Nathaniel Tompkins, son of John, died in
East Chester, N. Y., Sept. 6, 1684. His wife's
Christian name was Elizabeth, and their children
were : Nathaniel, Stephen and Elizabeth.
(III) Nathaniel Tompkins (2), son of Nathaniel,
married, and he died in East Chester, N. Y., Feb.
15, 1732. His children were: Edmund, born in
1702, and perhaps Nathaniel.
(IV) Edmund Tompkins, son of Nathaniel (2),
was born in 1702 ; married Hannah , and he died
June 30, 1783, in Waterbury, Conn., and their chil-
dren were: Edmund, Else, Hannah, Jerusha, and
Susanna, the place of birth of whom is unknown ;
Elizabeth, born Dec. 4, 1735, in Woodbury, Conn. ;
Nathaniel, born March 20, 1738, in Woodbury,
Conn.; and Rachel, born Jan. 23, 1740-41: .Mary,
born March 11, 1742-43; Philip, born May 6, 1748,
all in Waterbury, Connecticut.
(Y) Edmund Tompkins (2), son of Edmund,
married July 10, 1754, Bertha Wetmore, daughter
of Benjamin Wetmore. The record of his children
is as follows: Edmund, born May 21, 1757; Ina,
born Oct. 18, 1758; infant, born and died in 1756;
Mercy, Feb. 24, 1760; Elizabeth, born Oct. 18, 1761 ;
Joseph, born Oct. 10, 1763: Philip, born March 25,
1765; Benjamin, born Jan. 30, 1767; and Frances,
born Feb. 14, 1769.
(VI) Edmund Tompkins (3), son of Edmund
(2), born May 21, 1757.. married Aug. 29, 1783, Lu-
anda Wildman.
(VII) Elihu Tompkins, son of Edmund (3),
father of Benjamin W., was the next in line.
(YIII) Deacon Benjamin Wildman Tompkins
was born in Southbury, Conn., Sept. 3, 1808. He
grew to manhood in his native town, and in 1837
he came to Norwich, where he became connected
with the Bozrahville Manufacturing Company,
where he continued up to 1878 serving as president
of the company for many years, after which he re-
tired from active business life. He was a stanch
Republican, and represented the town in the State
Legislature one term. On Jan. 6, 1852, he was
elected Deacon of the Broadway Congregational
Church, and held that office for over forty-one years
until his death. He was deeply interested in relig-
ious work of all kinds, and was widely known as a
true and devout supporter of the Gospel. In 1869 he
was elected president of the National Congrega-
tional Council that was held at Chicago. He was
much interested in the cause of temperance, and
was president of the Connecticut State Temperance
Society for a number of years. His generosity to
the Church and all good work was best known to
those who were intimately connected with him. and
many deeds of charity were hidden — one of his
most lovable characteristics as any parade of be-
nevolence or publicity of his goodness was exceed-
ingly distasteful to him. In all his transactions he
'A ///// ////// /////////////. '/>///////<
////////.)
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
57
-was as upright and straightforward as it is possible
for men to be, and he left a name unsullied by any
unworthy word or deed. He died Feb. 3, 1892, at
his home on Washington street, and was buried in
Yantic cemetery.
On April 4, 1830, Deacon Tompkins was united
in marriage with Miss Eliza A. Album, who was
born Sept. 23, 1807, in New York City, a member of
a prominent and wealthy family there. One child
came to this marriage, Theodosia, who married Will-
iam P. Greene, of Norwich (a sketch of whose life
appears below), and became the mother of two chil-
dren : Augusta Borland and Benjamin Tompkins.
Mrs. Greene died Oct. 14, 1896, survived by her hus-
band, who died June 7, 1898. Benjamin Tompkins
Greene passed away just nine days before his father.
Miss Augusta B. Greene, the only surviving
descendant of the subject of this sketch, resides a
portion of the year in Norwich, the rest of her time
being spent in travel.
Mrs. Benjamin W. Thompkins lived to the ripe
old age of ninety-two years, her death occurring
April 12, 1900, after an illness of only a few days
duration. In reference to her death the Norwich
Evening Record said in part: "Mrs. Tompkins was
in many respects the most remarkable old lady of
Norwich. She retained all her faculties up to the last
day of her illness. Her mind was unusually reten-
tive, and her memory was as strong and green as a
person's a score of years younger. She was rigidly
methodical in her habits, and was a regular attend-
ant at the Broadway Congregational Church up to
a few days prior to her death. Neither rain or snow
kept her away from divine service, and her's was a
familiar figure in the church, sitting as she always
did in the family pew, two rows from the front.
She had been a member of the Broadway Church
since 1849, and for several years before that was a
member of the Sachem Street Church, while it was
a Congregational church. Mrs. Tompkins was an
honest believer in open air exercise, and within a
few weeks of her death she could daily be seen in her
garden in the rear of her house, carefully tending the
plants and giving directions regarding" the care of
the grounds. Her open air work she believed was
the cause of her wonderful activity and excellent
body health. Regularly she enjoyed her morning
ride.
"The deceased's energy found a willing chan-
nel in many charitable works. She endowed a bed
in the Backus Hospital, the endowment fund
•amounting to $5,000, and in many ways needy and
worthy persons had cause to be deeply thankful for
her thoughtful generosity and unostentatious char-
ity. Her interest in religious matters was great, and
her pride in the growth and prosperity of her
Church intense. Her Christianity was sincere and
earnest. Her deeply religious nature, her beautiful
character and her strong and earnest personality,
won for Mrs. Tompkins many warm friends, who
will sincerely mourn her death?'
William Parkinson Greene (deceased), who
during his life was one of the best known citizens of
Norwich, was born in that city March 26, 1831, a
son of the late Hon. William Parkinson Greene and
brother of the late Gardiner Greene, sketch of whom
appears elsewhere. Mr. Greene received his early
education in the schools of his native city, and in the
Norwich Free Academy. He also attended the
Episcopal Academy of Cheshire, Conn., under Pro-
fessor Paddock. After returning from school, he
became associated with his father in the manufactur-
ing business, and was for many years director in the
Shetucket Mills, and also in the Mills at the Falls,
and when the Bozrah Mills came under new man-
agement, in 1879, Mf- Greene became one of the
principal stockholders and a director, and during his
life he was quite active in business affairs.
On Oct. 18, 1854, Mr. Greene married, in Nor-
wich, Theodosia Tompkins, daughter of Benjamin
Wildman Tompkins, to which union two children
were born, Augusta Borland and Benjamin Tomp-
kins. Mr. and Mrs. Greene were members of the
Centre Congregational Church. He was a stanch
supporter of the Republican party, but never sought
office. His death occurred at his home on Washing-
ton street, June 7, 1898, and he was buried in Yan-
tic cemetery. He was a man noted for his charity,
and for his devotion to his family. His only son,
who was his inseparable friend and companion dur-
ing life, died just nine days before the father, May
29, 1898, and he too, sleeps in Yantic cemetery. He
was a young man of pleasant disposition and was
much devoted to his parents. Mrs. Greene died Oct.
14, 1896, and was buried in Yantic cemetery. She
was a lady of culture and refinement, and found her
chief enjoyment in her home.
HON. LAFAY'ETTE SABIN FOSTER,
LL. D., scholar, lawyer, statesman and jurist, was
one of New London county's sons whose ripe schol-
arship, legal acquirements and statesmanship car-
ried him out and beyond town, county and State
lines into the nation.
Born Nov. 22, 1806, in the town of Franklin,
Conn., Mr. Foster was a son of Capt. Daniel and
Wealthea (Ladd) Foster, both of whom were also
natives of Franklin. The mother was a woman of
more than ordinary intellectual gifts and remarkable
energy, and was connected by blood with many
of the leading colonists in this section of Connecti-
cut. Capt. Foster distinguished himself for gal-
lantry, and efficiency as a military commander, in
several of the battles of the Revolution, serving
under Gen. Gates in the battles of White Plains,
Saratoga and Stillwater. His stirring patriotism
and the stories of the war, which formed the earliest
recollections of his son, probably had much to do in
establishing indelibly that love and pride in his na-
tive land which was so manifest in the after life of
the subject of this sketch. Mr. Foster was a di-
rect descendant from Capt. Miles Standish, the
5§
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
eminent Puritan leader, and also a lineal descendant
of Dr. John Sabin, a citizen of Connecticut who was
prominent in the list of its early settlers.
Young Foster's only inheritance from his parents
was an honored name and an unstained character.
He had to depend upon his own resources to gain an
education, which in his childhood was begun in the
common schools. At the age of sixteen he studied
for nine months under Rev. Abel Flint, D. D., of
Hartford, and during the two following winters
taught school in his native town. In 1824 he com-
pleted his preparatory studies with Rev. Cornelius
B. Everest, of Windham, and in February, 1825,
entered Brown University, where he was graduated
in September, 1828, with the highest honors of his
class.
The following narrative of Mr. Foster's career
is taken, owing to its reliability, from the memoir of
him published in Vol. I, Records and Papers of the
New London County Historical Society (1890) :
"Ardent and aspiring, he had decided at an
early age to pursue the profession of law. Animated
by an honorable ambition, determined to succeed in
this controlling purpose, confident in his own ability
to overcome all ordinary obstacles, from means prin-
cipally obtained by teaching, supplemented by such
pecuniary aid as a devoted mother could render, Mr.
Foster qualified himself to enter and sustain himself
through college and acquired his profession. At the
November term of the New London County court,
1 83 1, he was admitted to the Bar of the county, and
at once commenced to practice in the courts. The
early friends of Mr. Foster will recollect that he at-
tracted attention at that time as a young man of un-
usual promise, and his future prominence as a jurist
and advocate was then anticipated. At the time that
he commenced practice, the Bar of New London
county presented an array of gifted men, who had
already won distinction. Goddard, Strong, Child
and Rockwell, at Norwich ; Law. Isham, Brainard,
Perkins and the younger Cleveland, at New Lon-
don ; and McCurdy, at Lyme, were the recognized
leaders, and were formidable competitors of the
young aspirant for professional honors. But though
the task was arduous and the struggle severe, it was
not many years before Mr. Foster succeeded in win-
ning a high reputation as a lawyer. He had been a
close student, not only when preparing for admission
to the Bar, but also in the early years after he was
admitted, when he had leisure to familiarize himself
with the principles of the common law. the statutes
of the State and the practice of the courts ; so that
when he was subsequently called to the trial of im-
portant causes he realized the fruits of the course
of study, and was prepared to successfully contend
with men who enjoyed the advantages of a larger
experience and longer established reputation. Mr.
Foster's exertions to take a high rank in his profes-
sion and obtain a lucrative practice were soon
crowned with success. His retainers rapidlv in-
creased, his engagements multiplied, litigants that
appreciated his great ability eagerly sought his serv-
ices, and not only his rise at the Bar of his county
but that of the State was marked and rapid. He
was soon enrolled in the highest rank of counselors,
and advocates. Even when in the full enjoyment of
public honors, he clung to his profession. On his
retirement from the Senate he returned to that pur-
suit to which he had devoted his early life, and of
late years has often been engaged in the trial of im-
portant causes. In the argument of cases Mr. Fos-
ter's manner was easy and impressive, his voice was
clear and well modulated, he had a wonderful com-
mand of language, an adroitness in grouping the
telling facts developed by the testimony, and a forc-
ible mode of presenting the same, that had a potent
effect on the court or jury. All through his long
and brilliant professional career he so conducted
himself as to win the respect of his associates at the
Bar, and to lead the public to place unlimited con-
fidence in his professional honor and integrity.
"It was not as a lawyer of rare ability only that
Mr. Foster at an early age became favorably known
to the public and won merited distinction. While
engaged in the study of the law he took a deep in-
terest in public affairs, and immediately after enter-
ing his profession connected himself with the Na-
tional Republican, and subsequently with the Whig
and present Republican parties. He loved his pro-
fession, but at the same time he had a laudable am-
bition to take a prominent part in the exciting" and
arduous duties of public life. His political friends
in Norwich felt, if he would consent to enter the
General Assembly of the State, that they would have
in him a faithful and efficient representative, and his
party an able and reliable champion. He was many
times elected a member of that body — from 1839 to"
1854 — and was three times chosen Speaker of the
House. He entered that service in the freshness of his
youth, and he was called from it to a higher and
broader field of public duty in the maturity of his
manhood. He had remarkable gifts for a successful
performance of the duties of the speakership. He
was quick, self-possessed, firm of purpose, had an
iron control over his temper, and thoroughly under-
stood those parliamentary rules that clothed him
with authority and commanded the obedience of the
House. Each time that he retired from the Speak-
er's chair, the members of the House, without dis-
tinction of party, bore ample testimony to the abil-
ity, courtesy and impartiality that he displayed as its
presiding officer.
"In 1855 Mr. Foster entered the Senate of the
United States and remained a member of that body
twelve years. He was elected its president pro
tempore in 1865, and held the position until his retire-
ment from the Senate in 1867. After the assassina-
tion of Mr. Lincoln and the advancement of Mr.
Johnson to the Presidency he became the acting
Vice-President of the United States, and held that
office while he remained a member of the Senate. As
the presiding officer of the Senate he maintained the
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
59
same reputation for great ability that he had earned
as Speaker of the Connecticut House of Representa-
tives : and by blandness of language, firmness of
purpose, and personal dignity, commanded the
respect and won the esteem of the members of that
body.
"While Mr. Foster was connected with the Sen-
ate it numbered among its members some of the
most illustrious statesmen that this republic has ever
produced. Fessenden of Maine, Foot and Collamer
of Vermont, Anthony of Rhode Island, Seward of
New York, Trumbull and Douglass of Illinois, Sum-
ner and Wilson of Massachusetts, Sherman and
Wade of Ohio, Grimes of Iowa, Breckenridge and
Davis of Kentucky, Salisbury of Delaware, Mc-
Dougall of California, and Frelinghuysen of New
Jersey, were among his intimate Senatorial as-
sociates.
"As a scholar, a lawyer and a statesman, Mr.
Foster ranked among the most distinguished mem-
bers of the Senate, and the record that he made, dur-
ing the twelve years that he was a member of that
body, is one of which the State that honored him by
placing him there may well be proud. When he first
took his seat in the Senate the slavery question,
which had long and violently agitated the country
had nearly reached its culmination. Mr. Foster
united with his associate senators from the northern
States in resisting the arrogant demands of the
slave power, and by voice and vote sustained the doc-
trine of human freedom, and the equality of all men
before the law. In the great struggle to save the
life of the nation and to preserve our free institutions
for posterity, from the day when the first Southern
State attempted to secede from the Union till the final
surrender of the Rebel leaders at Appomattox, he
took no hesitating nor uncertain part. All his declar-
ations and acts, in the National council or at home,
were such as loyalty inspired and love of country
demanded.
"In 1870 the town of Norwich again sent Mr.
Foster to the Legislature of the State ; he was once
more chosen Speaker ; and, before the close of the
session, he was elected a judge of the Supreme court,
a position which he filled until 1876, when, having
reached seventy years of age, he was disqualified by
a provision of the Constitution. As a member of the
court Mr. Foster so conducted himself as to win
favorable opinions from lawyers and litigants. His
courteous manner to counsel, the patient attention
which he exhibited in the trial of cases, his digni-
fied demeanor on the Bench, and the strict impar-
tiality and unbending integrity that governed him in
his decisions, led the people of the State to hold him
in high estimation. His opinions, which he gave as
a judge of the court of last resort, and are contained
In the recent published volumes of our State re-
ports, disclose extensive research, great legal ac-
quirements and a clear, active and. well-balanced in-
tellect.
"Other honors were at different times bestowed
upon Mr. Foster. He was twice elected mayor of
Norwich ; twice he was the candidate of his party for
the office of Governor of the State; and in 185 1 his
Alma Mater conferred upon him the honorary de-
gree of Doctor of Laws, a distinction eminently due
to his well-known attainments as a scholar as well
as a jurist.
"He was also interested in all that pertained to
the history of his country, State and locality, and
from its incorporation, in 1870, to his death, was
president of the New London County Historical So-
ciety, evincing an interest in its object, and an en-
thusiasm in its work, that was inspiring to those
associated wiith him. His addresses before the
Society were, like his arguments at the Bar and in
the Senate, careful and logical productions, always
interesting and useful, often rising, as in the case
of his oration at Fort Griswold, to impassioned elo-
quence. This was but the natural result to be ex-
pected from a man of Mr. Foster's ability and ac-
quirements.
"The friends of Mr. Foster who knew him in-
timately can bear testimony to the versatility of his
genius, his untiring industry in the pursuit of knowl-
edge of every kind, and his familiarity with ancient
and modern history, and English and American lit-
erature. His mind was a storehouse of interesting-
and valuable information ; and his fertile imagina-
tion, great command of language and easy utter-
ance made him a most interesting and instructive
companion."
On Oct. 2, 1837, Mr. Foster was married to Jo-
anna Boylston Lamman, daughter of Hon. James.
Lamman, a judge of the Supreme court of the State
and a United States senator. Mrs. Foster was born
March 29, 1808, and died April 11, 1859. To this
marriage were born two daughters and one son, all
of whom died in early childhood. Mr. Foster mar-
ried (second) Oct. 4, i860, Martha Prince Lyman,
a daughter of Hon. Jonathan Huntington Lyman,
of Northampton, Mass., a prominent lawyer of his
day in that State, who died in comparatively early
life. The second Mrs. Foster shared with her hus-
band the excitements and interests of the greater
part of his public career, and has given to the world
in a most interesting volume, a memorial of him.
Of this the late Phillips Brooks said : "It ought to be
in every Young Men's Library in the land.*' With
her Mr. Foster enjoyed such leisure as he was able
to snatch from a life filled with political and profes-
sional obligations. Their chief pleasures were in
the summers spent at their beautiful home in Nor-
wich, and in later years in trips to the South in the
winter. Mr. Foster passed away Sept. 19, 1880,
and she survived him many years, dying Jan. 20,
1903.
"Those of us who through his married life have
seen him in his home can truly say that he was be-
loved beyond expression in the family circle, and
that his house was the abode of generous hospitality
and of unalloyed domestic happiness."
6o
GENEALOGICAL AXD BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
FARXSWORTH. Through much of the last
century there have resided at Norwich several gen-
erations of the family whose name introduces this
article. Reference is made to the late Dr. Ralph
Farnsworth, his children and grandchildren. The
Doctor, himself a prominent man and forceful char-
acter, practiced medicine in Norwich for almost fifty
years, came of a prominent ancestry, and married
into a prominent family — that of Billings. This
New London county Farnsworth family is of the old
Groton (Massachusetts) family. Of the Norwich
branch — that of Dr. Ralph and lineage — this article
is to deal. From the immigrant New England set-
tler— Matthias Farnworth — to the present the gen-
erations in detail follow :
(I) The Farnsworths in the United States are
of English origin, and without doubt derive their
names from one of two places in Lancashire, Eng-
land, and most likely from Farnsworth, in the parish
of Dean, not far from Manchester, in Salford Hun-
dred. Matthias Farnworth, as first written, and
pronounced "Farnoth,'' appears first in America in
1657, at Lynn, Mass., but he is believed to have been
here at Lynn some years before that. He was prob-
ably married twice, second to Mary Farr, daughter
of George Farr, of Lynn. Mr. Farnsworth later
removed to Groton. He died Jan. 21, 1689, at which
time he was about seventy-seven years of age. His
widow died in 1717. Mr. Farnsworth was a member
of the church, as were all his children. He filled
many town offices, among them those of constable
and selectman. He was a weaver by occupation.
His children were : Elizabeth, Matthias, John, Ben-
jamin, Joseph, Mary, Sarah, Samuel, Abigail and
Jonathan.
(II) Benjamin Farnsworth, born about 1667,
married in 1695 Mary, born Feb. 3, 1674, daughter
of Jonas and Mary (Loker) Prescott. Mr. Farns-
worth owned considerable land in Groton. He
held several town offices, among them that of select-
man. Both himself and wife were members of the
church, and their children were all baptized ; they
were : Mary, Martha, Benjamin, Isaac, Ezra, Amos,
Lydia, Aaron, Martha, Jonas and Deborah. The
father died Aug. 15, 1733, and the mother passed
away Oct. 28, 1735.
(III) Amos Farnsworth, born Nov. 27, 1704,
married Nov 20, 1735, Lydia Longley, born June 26,
1716, daughter of John and Sarah (Prescott)
Longley, the latter of whom witnessed the murder of
his parents and several of their children by the In-
dians, and he himself was captured, taken into Can-
ada and retained five years. Amos Farnsworth was
a man six feet, four inches, in height, and of striking
appearance. He was possessed of much energy,
and was well-educated for a farmer of his time.
After the conquest of Canada, when the lands opened
for settlement, he went thither, engaged in survey-
ing and received grants of land. He erected build-
ings thereon and prepared to remove his family
there. He placed agents on the property and re-
turned for his wife and children, and took them on,
but during his absence the agents had through cer-
tain misrepresentations to the officials of the Nova
Scotia government had the title to the lands trans-
ferred to them. He was crowded out and returned
to Groton in 1774 with a part of his family. The
Revolutionary war soon followed, in which he took
great interest, but on Dec. 5, 1775. he and his young-
est son, Benjamin, were both drowned by the upset-
ting of a boat in the Nashua river. His widow died
in 1810. Their children were: Sarah, Rachel, Ly-
dia, Susanna, Lucy, Amos, Jonas, Mary, Amos (2),
and Benjamin.
(IV) Major Amos Farnsworth, born April 28,
1754, in Groton, married May 7, 1782, Elizabeth
Rockwood, born April 17, 1757, in Groton, daughter
of Elisha and Elizabeth (Adams) Rockwood. At
the age of eleven years Mr. Farnsworth went with
his father to Nova Scotia, and returned with him in
1774. Directly on his return he united himself with
a company of "minute men"' that was organized in
Groton under the command of Capt. Henry Farwell
for the defense of popular rights. On the Lexing-
ton Alarm young Farnsworth marched with the
company for the scene of action, but arrived too late
to participate in the fight. Mr. Farnsworth at the
battle of Bunker Hill fought behind the breastworks
until they were captured by the British forces ; in
the retreat his right arm was shattered by a ball.
In 1776 he was ensign in Capt. Shattuck's company
at Ticonderoga. The next winter he was in New
Jersey. In 1780 he helped to organize the artillery
company of Groton, with which he remained as lieu-
tenant, captain and major until 1798. Major Farns-
worth had the reputation of being an efficient and
very popular officer. In addition to his military
services he was for several years a deacon of the
church in Groton, and he served the church in many
business ways until old age diminished. his powers.
He died Oct. 29, 1847, in his ninety-fourth year,
and his widow passed away Dec. 11, of that same
year, aged ninety years. Their children, all born in
Groton, were : Luke, Amos, Elizabeth, Ralph and
Walter.
Ralph Farnsworth, M. D., was born Sept. 20,
1795, in Groton, Mass., the fourth child and third
son of Major Amos Farnsworth.
After working on his father's farm until he had
arrived at the age of twenty-one he determined to
acquire a thorough education. His was naturally a
strong intellect, and he was able to fit himself for
college at the Groton Academy in eleven months, and
entered Harvard in 181 7. There, by sheer force of
intellect and hard work, he graduated among the
first seven of the noted class of 1821. This was a
noted class, inasmuch as many of its members be-
came eminent men in their professions, among them
being Ralph Waldo Emerson, philosopher ; Edward
Kent, LL. D., eminent lawyer, ninth and eleventh
governor of Maine ; Robert Woodward Barnwell, a
noted Southern lawyer ; Josiah Ouincy, son of Presi-
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
61
dent Quincy of Harvard, and fourth mayor of Bos-
ton ; Oliver Hunter Blood and Cyrus Briggs, eminent
physicians.
After graduating Ralph Farnsworth taught
school for a time at Portsmouth, N. H., where he
stood so well as an educator that Dartmouth College
gave him the honorary degree of A. M. in 1825. He
studied medicine with Dr. John C. Warren, of Bos-
ton, and took his degree of M. D. at Harvard Medi-
cal School in 1826, and the thesis which he prepared
for the occasion was so well appreciated by the ex-
aminers that it was awarded the Boylston prize. He
located at Norwich, Conn., that same year, and began
the practice of medicine, which he pursued with en-
thusiasm to the end of his life, which came to him
July 16, 1875. He was a -splendidly developed man
physically, capable of enduring any amount of con-
tinuous work, and he was also as well equipped men-
tally. Dr. Willard Parker spoke of him as "several
men in one." He brought to his professional labors
a mind fit for the work, thoroughly equipped with
all that was then known to his profession, and he
never ceased adding to his knowledge by carefully
examining all the current medical literature of his
time, and making it subservient to the wants of his
practice. He was unfitted by nature to be a mere
routine physician, bringing all new discoveries, not
only in his profession, but in general science, to as-
sist his work, and he won a reputation for skill and
capability as a practitioner throughout the State.
He enjoyed one of the best practices of any physi-
cian in eastern Connecticut.
The Doctor took a strong interest in all public
movements, and was a man of very strong opinions.
He was among the first to take the position that
slavery was a great wrong, and was to be attacked
wherever it could be reached. He did not, however,
favor the formation of a third political party to se-
cure the desired end, but thought slavery could be
best opposed in the old Whig party until the forma-
tion, by a sort of natural selection, of the Republican
party, with which he united, and his strong convic-
tions made him an ardent supporter of it. Such a
constitution, with such convictions, usually aroused
opposition ; they did so in this case. Weaker and
less positive minds do not see things with the dis-
tinctness with which they appear to the stronger
man. But he usually expressed his opinions with
such clearness that they could be understood by all,
and they were acceded to because his logic was in-
vincible. Yet he was a man of the kindest heart and
tenderest sympathies. No man was ever looked to
by people of all grades and associations in times of
real trouble with more confidence that he would
both understand and appreciate their conditions than
Dr. Ralph Farnsworth. Dr. Farnsworth was a large
and well-proportioned man, six feet in height and
weighing nearly two hundred pounds.
Dr. Farnsworth married, Nov. 25, 1828, Miss
Eunice Williams Billings, iof New London, the
daughter of Coddington Billings, Esq., and Eunice
(Williams) Billings. Mrs. Farnsworth died Sept.
26, 1877, and is buried with her husband in the
family lot in Yantic cemetery, Norwich. The chil-
dren of Dr. Farnsworth, all born at Norwich, were :
Coddington Billings, born Sept. 9, 1829; Walter W.,
born Oct. 10, 1830; Isabella S., born Dec. 11, 1832;
William W., born Nov. 4, 1834; Charles, born Jan.
30, 1836; Noyes B., born April 12, 1839; George E.,
born Aug. 20, 1840; Frederick, born Dec. 5, 1842;
and Elizabeth R., born May 5, 1845. Of this family
three sons lived to maturity, Coddington Billings,
Charles and Frederick. The first named was a prac-
ticing physician and succeeded his father. He died
at Norwich, Conn., May 5, 1897.
Charles Farnsworth, at the breaking out of the
war of the Rebellion, enlisted Oct. 18, 1861, in the
1st Regiment, Connecticut Volunteer Cavalry, and
at once was commissioned adjutant by Gov. William
A. Buckingham. He was mustered in as captain of
Company B, and Oct. 1, 1863, was promoted to
major, on Jan. 20, 1864, being made lieutenant-col-
onel. This latter commission was revoked at his
own request, and his resignation as major took place
May 17, 1864. In April, 1862, while scouting with
twelve men, he was attacked by a strong force of
Rebels, and was severely wounded. He halted his
men and formed them into line of battle, but fainting
from loss of blood he was brought into camp. Recov-
ering from his injuries, he rejoined his command.
He was appointed major as a recognition of his val-
iant services. His regiment had headquarters much
of the time at Camp Cheeseborough, Md., and Capt.
Farnsworth had charge of the camp.
On July 14, 1863, at the engagement of Bolivar
Heights, he was ordered with forty-nine men to re-
connoitre the enemy's position. He did so, charged
upon a cavalry picket of two hundred men and drove
them within their lines, capturing many prisoners.
The enemy, finding that his force was small, rallied,
and a hand-to-hand fight followed. His horse was
shot, and he, with twenty-six of his men, was taken
prisoner and put in Libby prison, where he re-
mained for nine months. He was then appointed
lieutenant-colonel, but his health was so broken by
wounds and imprisonment that he resigned, and
was honorably discharged May 17, 1864, with the
rank of colonel, and with the record of a brave and
spirited officer, well adapted to his arm of the serv-
ice. The report on Rebel prisons says :
' Among those who contributed testimony, based
on personal knowledge, was Lieut.-Col. Charles
Farnsworth. His letters were of great interest ; his
evidence on points of fact emphatic, exposing clear-
ly the suffering and horrors incident to life in Libby
prison and at Belle Isle."
In another place the report says : ''Lieut.-Col.
Farnsworth of the 1st Connecticut Cavalry was also
an inmate of Libby, and while there did what he
could to see that those of his command captured
with him, as well as others whom he knew, shared
with him the good things sent to him from his home.
62
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
His thoughtfulness and zeal in this particular were
remembered with devout gratitude by those who re-
turned to speak of it, and who felt their own pre-
servation from death by starvation was due to him.
When he was exchanged and returned home he not
only had words of testimony concerning the in-
human treatment which prevailed at Richmond, but
he forwarded as early as possible to those he left
behind him in confinement a box containing such
things as he knew from experience would comfort
and cheer them."
By the time Col. Farnsworth had recovered from
the effects of his wounds and imprisonment, the
bitter struggle had come to an end. He married,
Nov. i, 1865, at Norwich, Conn., Harriet Peck
Lester, and removed to Savannah, Ga., and was en-
gaged in rice culture. His death, by drowning,
caused by the sinking of his boat during a storm on
the Ogeechee river while en route from his residence
to his rice plantation, occurred April 15, 1867. He
left a posthumous son, Charles, born June II, 1867,
who graduated from Brown University with the de-
gree of A. B. in 1889, and then took a law course at
Harvard University. He married Miss Edith Win-
slow, of Brookline, Mass., and now resides at Colo-
rado Springs. He has extensive mining interests in
the West.
Dr. Frederick Farnsworth, youngest son of
Dr. Ralph, born Dec. 5, 1842, in Norwich, married
Nov. 12, 1878, in Philadelphia, Lydia W. Sanderson,
who died in 1888 in New London. Dr. Farnsworth
was liberally educated, taking the degree of Ph. B. at
Yale University in 1864, and studied medicine in
Bellevue Medical College, receiving the degree of
M. D. in 1867. During 1867 and 1868 he was pro-
fessionally employed in the Nursery Hospital, New
York. He soon thereafter went into the manufac-
turing business in Philadelphia, where he resided
until his retirement from active business, in 1887.
In the latter year he removed to the city of New
London and has since made his home at No. 25
Federal street, in one of the old Colonial houses of
that ancient and historic city. It was the mansion
home of a member of the old Ledyard family, and
afterward for some fifty years the home of the late
William W. Billings, the Doctor's uncle. This
mansion is one of the generous architecture of a
century ago.
BILLINGS. The family bearing this name in
Eastern Connecticut, itself one of the leading famil-
ies of that region, has allied itself by marriage with
the best families there and given to the communities
of that section of the State and county men of learn-
ing and achievement. Among these were Codding-
ton Billings, and his sons — the Hon. Noyes Billings
(Yale, 1819), lieutenant governor of Connecticut in
1846; and Hon. William Williams Billings (Yale,
1821), one of New London's most prominent and
successful business men. This article deals espec-
ially with the lineage of these men.
(I) William Billings, says Somersby, the noted
genealogist of Massachusetts, came from Taunton,
England, to New England, appearing first in Febru-
ary. 1658. at Dorchester, Mass. His name appears
at Stonington, Conn., among the planters. He be-
came by grants and purchases a large land owner.
He died in 1713. and the following knowledge of
his children comes through his will : William, born
in 1660; Margaret; Mary; Abigail: Dorothy; Pa-
tience and Ebenezer.
(II) Ebenezer Billings, son of William, married
March 1, 1680, Anna Comstock. Mr. Billings per-
formed service in the early Colonial wars. His
children were : Anna, born Oct. 7, 1681 ; Ebenezer,
Jan. 1, 1684: William, April 4, 1686; James, Oct. 4,
1688; Margaret, in 1690; Zipporah, April 4, 1693;
Jemima, April 15, 1695; Increase, May 13, 1697;
Thankful, Feb. 8, 1699; and Benjamin, Sept. 15,
1708.
(III) Lieut. Ebenezer Billings, son of Ebenezer,
born in 1684, married April 2, 1706, Phebe Deni-
son, daughter of John B. and Phebe (Lay) Deni-
son, of Saybrook. Mr. Billings lived in Stonington,
Conn., and served as ensign in 1721, and lieutenant
in 1 73 1. His children were: Abigail, born March I,
1707; John, Dec. 8, 1708; Ebenezer, March 20,
171 1 ; Phebe, April 4, 1714; Grace, May 27, 1716;
Ann, Jan. 21, 1718; John, Sept. 29, 1720; Christo-
pher, Feb. 10, 1725 ; Nathan, April 9, 1727 ; and Ann
Borodell, April 18, 1732.
(IV) Ebenezer Billings (3), son of Lieut. Eben-
ezer, born March 20, 171 1, married (first) Nov. 20,
1733, Mary, baptized Jan. 26, 171 1, daughter of
Capt. Thomas and Elizabeth (Sanford) Noyes, of
Newport. R. I., and granddaughter of Rev. James
and Dorothy (Stanton) Noyes, Rev. Noyes being
ordained pastor of the Congregational Church in
Stonington in 1674. Mr. Billings married (second)
Mrs. Sarah (Cheesebrough) Geer, born Aug. 14,
1 71 5, daughter of Samuel Cheesebrough and his
wife Priscilla Alden, great-granddaughter of John
Alden and Priscilla Mullins of the "Mayflower,"
and of Duxbury. Mass. The children of Ebenezer
Billings were : Elizabeth or Abigail, born Aug. 6,
1734; Sanford, April 20, 1736; Phebe. March 21,
1738; Ebenezer, Feb. 26, 1740; Rebecca, April 5,
1742; Gilbert, Sept. 15, 1744; Mary, April 5, 1747;
and Elisha, Aug. 6, 1750.
(Y) Sanford Billings, son of Ebenezer (3),
born April 20, 1736, married, Jan. 24, 1760, Lucy
Geer, of Groton, Conn., and they died, he April 25,
1806, and she April 9, 1810. Their children were:
Ebenezer, born Jan. 21, 1761 ; Sanford, April 15,
1763 ; Robert, Dec. 15, 1764; a son born and died in
April, 1767; Gilbert, Nov. 25, 1768; Coddington,
Oct. 25, 1770; Noyes, March 20, 1773: Lucy, June
20. 1775 ; James Geer, Oct. 4, 1777: Sarah, July 17,
1781 : and Washington, Dec. 21, 1783.
(YI) Coddington Billings, son of Sanford, born
Oct. 25, 1770, married (first) Sept. 13, 1797, Mrs.
Eunice (Williams) Wheeler, born Jan. 30, 1767,
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
63
daughter of William and Eunice (Prentice) Will-
iams, of Stonington. He married (second) July 18,
1819, Mrs. Ann (Wilcox) Babcock. Mr. Billings
died Feb. 6, 1845. His children were by his first
wife: Coddington, born Sept. 3, 1798; Noyes,
March 31, 1800; William, Feb. 16, 1802; Eunice W.,
June 15, 1804 (married Dr. Ralph Farnsworth, an
eminent and successful physician of Norwich,
Conn.) By his second wife: Ann, born May 14,
1821 ; Harriet, Jan. 13, 1832; Coddington, Feb. 8,
1834 (married Nov. 15, 1855, Mary B., born Sept.
20. 1835, daughter of Charles P. and Betsey Smith
Williams).
REV. SAMUEL NOTT, D. D. (deceased), of
Franklin, was born in Saybrook, Conn., son of
Stephen and Deborah (Selden) Nott, and was of the
fifth generation from John Nott, Sr., of Wethers-
field. It is said that he was favored with an ex-
cellent mother, "and it is doubtless due to the fos-
tering care of this tireless woman," says the bio-
grapher of Rev. Eliphalet Nott, D. D., a brother of
Stephen, "that the foundations for his future em-
inence were early and securely laid." This same ex-
pression no doubt, is also applicable to the subject of
this sketch. Samuel Nott was graduated at Yale
College in 1780. "He was licensed at Durham in
1781, and commenced preaching in Franklin, Conn.,
in October of the same year. His ordination oc-
curred in March, 1782. From the beginning he gave
himself with characteristic energy to the labors of
the ministry. For several years after his settlement
his health was so feeble that no one would have
ventured to predict for him a long career. But his
physical strength gradually improved and during his
long ministry he was very rarely prevented by sick-
ness from the performance of official duty. That
ministry was, from the beginning, one of marked
success. He has left interesting memoirs of it in
two published sermons, whose statements need not
be re-capitulated here. At the time of his settlement
the church numbered seventy-two. The number
received into it by him was 427. For forty years
there was no very marked revival of religion, but
there were almost constant accessions to the church.
\\ itli Dr. Nott it seems to have been always seed-
time and always harvest. By the blessing of the
Spirit he was ever reaping what he had sown in
earlier years, and ever sowing what he was to reap
in the years to come. The years 1821, 1831, and
1843 were marked by special outpourings of the
Spirit, and large additions to the church.
"Of Dr. Nott's characteristics as a man and a
preacher, it is difficult for one who had no personal
acquaintance with him to speak to those who were
familiar with his character and life. His image will
rise vividly before the minds of many of you who
have gathered here today as associated with much
that is most precious and most hallowed in the
memories of by-gone years. Here are those to whom
in infancy the seal of God's covenant was applied by
his hand ; those who even in childhood learned to
venerate, and at the same time to love him ; those
who by him were united in the sacred bonds of mar-
riage ; those who at the funeral of many a loved one
listened to his words of instruction and sympathy ;
those who felt honored in receiving him as a guest
in their houses ; those who Sabbath after Sabbath
were led by him to the throne of grace, and heard
the divine word clearly and faithfully explained ;
some who went to him in periods of trial and per-
plexity for counsel, and received sage advice, for
which they have never ceased to bless God and re-
vere his servant ; and many whose opinions and
character to-day bear the clear impress of his sound
and faithful teachings.
"As a man, Dr. Nott was distinguished for his
energy and decision of character. The circumstances
in which he obtained his education illustrate this.
Until he was twenty years old his life was passed
in mechanical labor. Then, with little to depend
upon but his own exertions, he resolved to secure an
education ; and through many embarrassments he
persevered until the end. So in his ministry, what-
ever he did was done heartily and with a will, and
the momentum of' his own determination carried
others along with him. For punctuality he might be
ranked with Gen. Washington himself. He came
and went, began and ended by the clock, and ex-
pected others to do the same. He was a man of great
industry. 'One duty follows another,' was his motto,
and he was ready for each duty as it came round. He
accomplished a larger amount of labor than many
others, because he kept doing while other men were
resting or deciding what to do. His working power
was increased by his remarkable cheerfulness of
spirit, the result both of his native temperament and
of his Christian faith. With usual serenity of soul
he passed through the many domestic and public
trials appointed to him, maintaining habitually that
rare qualification for usefulness, 'a heart at leisure
from itself.' In addition to his ministerial labors and
the cares of a large family, he gave instruction for
many years to young men placed in his household.
He fitted many for college, and not a few ministers
received their theological training with him. Thus
he became 'a maker of public men.'
"He was a man of sound judgment, discreet in
dealing with men, and in managing the affairs of his
parish ; possessing much of that common sense
which is often worth more than learning or elo-
quence, and without which the wisest will often play
the fool ; skilled in estimating men and things at
their true value. He was also of a highly affection-
ate and social disposition, entering readily into the
joys and sorrows of others, even to the last of life,
and having a peculiar aptness in introducing relig-
ious themes in conversation. 'He was a man,' says
Dr. McEwen, 'whose social affections never wore
out. Rarely has a very aged minister lived who,
having buried his generation, could be so social, so
happy, and so useful among survivors.'
64
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
"As a preacher, Dr. Nott has been thus described
by one who was a native of his town, and who knew
him well : 'His sermons were marked by great sim-
plicity of thought and style, and were devoted to the
inculcation of the great doctrines and duties of re-
ligion. He was not learned, but had a quick and
strong sense, an imagination of sufficient power
to illustrate his thoughts often by bold figures, and a
tenderness and fervor of feeling that gave them a
deep impression on his hearers. He never indulged
in abstruse speculation, nor wasted his efforts, on
trifles. In the pulpit he was grave, dignified, earnest
and impressive, and had eminently the air of an em-
bassador of God. When animated, his attitude and
air often became commanding, and occasionally
thoughts and emotions flashed from his lips that were
strikingly beautiful and impressive. In prayer he
was simple, pertinent, and fervid, and he read the
Scriptures with unusual propriety and force.' — [See
Sprague's Annals of the American Pulpit, Vol II,
p. 190, etc.]
"This church has great reason to bless God that
such a man was given to, it for so many years of
usefulness, as its teacher and guide. As it was a
privilege to enjoy his ministrations, so the recollec-
tion of his faithful teachings and his faithful life
should make us all stronger and more true to the
work which God has assigned us.
"At the age of ninety-three Dr. Nott was no
longer able to perform the stated duties of the min-
istry, and Mr. George J. Harrison was ordained as
associate pastor in March, 1849. In May, 1852, Dr.
Nott, at the age of ninety-eight, passed away to his
reward." — [Sermon of the Rev. Franklin C. Jones,
Franklin, Conn., 1868.]
PALMER. For several generations, and all
through the nineteenth century, members of the
Palmer family have been engaged in manufacturing
of one kind and another on the site of the present
extensive bed-quilt manufacturing plant of the
Palmer Brothers Company, sons of the late Elisha
H. Palmer, of Montville, long a prominent citizen of
that community. These brothers are in the eighth
generation from Walter Palmer, the emigrant an-
cestor of their branch of their family, their lineage
being through Deacon Gershom, George, Gershom
(2), Elder Reuben, Gideon and Hon. Elisha H.
Palmer.
(I) Walter Palmer, who was born in England
as early as 1598, came with a brother, formerly a
merchant in London, England, and others to the
American Colonies as early as 1629. He settled at
Salem, and was one of the founders of Charlestown,
where, it is said, he built the first dwelling house in
the town. In 1643, he removed to Plymouth Colony,
and with others joined in the organization of the
town of Rehoboth, Mass. After figuring conspicu-
ously there and in other points in Massachusetts, he
finally located in Stonington, Conn., in 1653, where
he died Nov. 10, 1661. He was twice married, his
second marriage occurring June 1, 1633, to Rebecca
Short. His children by the first marriage were :
Grace, William, John, Jonah and Elizabeth, while
those by the second marriage were : Hannah, Elihu,
Nehemiah, Moses, Benjamin, Gershom and Re-
becca.
(II) Deacon Gershom Palmer, born in Rehoboth,
Mass., located permanently in Stonington, and there
died in 1719. He served in the Colonial wars of his
time. On Nov. 28, 1667, he married (first) Ann,,
daughter of Capt. George and Ann (Borodell) Den-
ison, who died in 1694; he married (second),.
Nov. 11, 1707, Mrs. Elizabeth (Peck) Mason. His
children, all born to the first marriage, were : Mercy,
Gershom, Ichabod, William, George, Ann, Walter,
Elihu, Mary and Rebecca.
(III) George Palmer, born May 29, 1681, mar-
ried, March 24, 171 1, Hannah Palmer. Their chil-
dren were : Christopher, Zebulon, Joseph, George
and Gershom.
(IV) Gershom Palmer (2), born Oct. 13, 1722,.
lived in Preston. On Nov. 5, 1747, he wedded Dor-
othy Brown, of Preston, Conn., and their children
were: Prudence, Dorothy, Zervia, Reuben, Naomi,
Lois, Esther, Lucretia, Keturah and Amy.
(V) Elder Reuben Palmer, born June 12, 1759,.
was ordained a Baptist elder in North Ston-
ington, and while pastor of a church there re-
ceived a call to the old Baptist Church at Montville.
He was its active pastor from May 3, 1788, to Dec.
25> J793> at which date, a council having been called,
he was publicly installed pastor of the church, in
which office he continued until his death, April 22,.
1822, when he was aged sixty-three years. On Nov.
16, 1780, he married Lucretia Tyler, daughter of
Caleb and Hannah ( Barnes) Tyler, of Preston. She
survived him, and passed away Aug. 15, 1855, aged
ninety-one years. His children were: Hannah,
Sally, Reuben, Lucretia, Mary, Caleb, Tyler, Gideon,
Joshua, Samuel, Gershom, Rhoda, Peter P., Achsa,
Louisa, Emma and Thankful.
(VI) Gideon Palmer, born Oct. 2^, 1793, mar-
ried July 11, 1813, Mercy Maria Turner, daughter
of Isaac and Anna (Comstock) Turner, and settled
in Montville, where they owned large tracts of land
on both sides of the Oxoboxo stream, controlling
several water powers. In his earlier years, he was
associated with his father in various occupations,
among which was the extraction of oil from flax
seed. While thus engaged he developed and obtained
a patent for extracting oil from cotton seed, now
one of the large industries of our country. This
interesting patent document, which is now in the
possession of his son, I. E. Palmer, of Middletown,
Conn., reads as follows :
The United States of America, To all whom
these Letters Patent shall come :
Whereas, Gideon Palmer, a citizen of the Uni-
ted States, hath alleged that he has invented a new
and useful improvement in the mode of extracting-
oil from Cotton Seed, which improvement he states
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
has not been known or used before his application ;
hath affirmed that he doth verily believe that he is
the true inventor or discoverer of said improve-
ment; hath paid into the treasury of the United
States the sum of thirty dollars, delivered a receipt
for the same, and presented a petition to the Secre-
tary of State, signifying a desire of obtaining an ex-
clusive property in the said improvement, and praying
that a patent may be granted for that purpose. These
are therefore to grant, according to law, to the said
Gideon Palmer, his heirs, administrators or assigns,
for the term of fourteen years, from the fourteenth
day of December, one thousand, eight hundred and
thirty, the full and exclusive right and liberty of
making, constructing, using and vending to others
to be used, the said improvement ; a description
whereof is given in the words of the said Gideon
Palmer himself, in the schedule hereto affixed, and
is made a part of these presents.
In Testimony Whereof I have caused these
Letters to be made Patent, and the Seal of the Uni-
ted States hereto affixed.
Given under my hand, at the City of Washing-
ton, this fourteenth day of December, in the year of
Our Lord one thousand eight hundred and thirty,
and of the independence of the United States of
America the fifty-fifth.
Andrew Jackson,
The President.
(Seal) M. Van Buren.
City of Washington, To-wit:
I do hereby certify, That the foregoing Letters
Patent were delivered to me on the fourteenth day
of December, in the year of our Lord one thousand,
eight hundred and thirty, to be examined ; that I
have examined the same, and find them conformable
to law, and I do hereby return the same to the Sec-
retary of State, within fifteen days from the date
aforesaid, to wit: on this fifteenth day of December
in the year aforesaid.
(Signed) M. MacPherson Berrin.
Attorney General of the United States.
The schedule referred to in these Letters Patent,
and making part of the same, containing a descrip-
tion in the words of the said Gideon Palmer himself
of his Improvement in the mode of extracting oil
from Cotton Seed :
Be it known that I, Gideon Palmer, of Mont-
ville, in the County of New London, and State of
Connecticut, have made an improvement in the
mode of extracting oil from Cotton Seed, which is
described as follows :
The seed being hulled in the usual way is ground
in an oil mill like flax-seed. About three quarts of
water are mixed with about 75 lbs. of seed. The
flour is then put into an iron cylinder and heated
over a fire until steam is produced. It is then put
into my patented oil press, and the oil extracted.
The effect of the process is to extract much more
oil than in the common mode of pressing the seed
with the hull on. The oil cakes are also made much
more valuable.
What I claim as my invention, and which I wish
to secure by Letters Patent, is the before described
mode of extracting oil from cotton seed with the
hull off, and not in the usual way with the hull on.
Gideon Palmer.
Witnesses :
W. B. Elliot,
Charles M. Keller.
Previously Mr. Palmer had invented and patented
an oil press, the principles of which are used in one
of the popular baling presses of the present time.
In time his son, Hon. Elisha H. Palmer, became as-
sociated with him in business, establishing the cot-
ton seed oil business in several parts of the South.
Through this channel he became interested in the
cotton gin, and established at his home in Connect-
icut a foundry and machine shop for the manufac-
ture of cotton gins. Later they added to these sev-
eral industries the manufacture of cotton twine, rope,
batting, etc.
Gideon Palmer was a man of public spirit, and
favored enterprise in all matters of public interest.
He was ever aiming and planning public improve-
ments; was the projector of the mill privilege first
occupied by Francis B. Loomis, and afterward by
R. B. Hooper & Co., and also the water privilege
afterward occupied by C. M. Robertson on the
stream next above his own. It was mainly due to
his untiring energy that a highway along the north-
erly side of the Oxoboxo stream from the Rockland
Paper Mill to Uncasville was built. He was a
strong advocate of temperance and the Abolition of
slavery, and fought for both with much ardor and
zeal until his death, which occurred July 12, 1854.
His widow died Sept. 17, 1870. Their children
were: Elisha H., born June 23, 1814; Gideon, born
Oct. 30, 1816; Sarah A., born March 30, 1818;
Cornelia, born Oct. 14, 1819; William H., born Oct.
14, 1821 ; Matthew T., born Sept. 26, 1823, died in
1828; Reuben T., born Sept. 24, 1825; Maria T.,
born July 30, 1830; Joseph C, born Jan. 22, 1833;
Isaac E., born Feb. 27, 1836, and Herbert F., born
Oct. 23, 1838.
(VII) Hon. Elisha H. Palmer, son of Gideon,
born June 23, 1814, in Montville, married Nov. 30,
1837, Ellis Loomis, born Jan. 26, 1814, daughter of
Joel Loomis, of Lyme, Conn., and his wife, Ellis
Chappell. Mr. Palmer early in life became engaged
in the manufacturing business in Montville, and
continued in it through life with success, and while
thus actively engaged he did not lose sight of the
interests of his native town, in the promotion of all
moral reforms, in which he ever took a leading part.
Party ties had but little weight with him, and he
was an enthusiastic advocate of the prohibition of
the use, manufacture and sale of alcoholic liquors,.
66
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
and devoted much of his time in the last thirty years
of his life to public speaking in the cause of tem-
perance. In any office or position where he could
serve the cause, he never faltered nor failed to put
forth all his powers to make prohibition a success.
He was an early advocate of anti-slavery principles,
and fought against the slavery of the African to the
last, and lived to see the day when slavery was
abolished. He was elected a representative to the
State Legislature by the citizens of his native town
in 1854, and voted in the Legislature for the "Maine
law"; he again served in 1864; two years later, in
1866, he represented the Ninth Senatorial district
in the Senate ; he held the office of town clerk for
four years, was selectman for several years, and
was for several years the nominee for member of
Congress on the Prohibition ticket for the Third
Connecticut district. He was president of the Pal-
mer Reunion Association, and enthusiastically en-
gaged in the gathering of names of those who were
descendants of the first American ancestor. He
was an upright citizen, a good business man, and a
model father. He had exceptionally good health all
his life, and his death was unexpected. Mr. Palmer
died Jan. 17, 1895. His wife passed away Jan. 9,
1893. Their children were : Elisha L. ; Edward
A., deceased; Frederick C, born May 18, 1845, who
married Estelle Darrow ; Mary Alice, born Dec. 26,
1847, wno married William S. Mitchell; Arabella,
born March 3, 1849, wno married Joseph S. Lati-
mer ; Frank Loomis, and George S.
The Palmer Bed-Quilt Mills are located on the
Oxoboxo stream in Montville, and consist of two
stone structures, connected with each other, and
run by both stream and water power. These mills
stand, one on the right of the old oil mill built by
Elder Reuben Palmer in 1798; and the other on the
opposite side of the stream. In 1797 Elder Reuben
Palmer purchased the water privilege at this point,
and converted the old building there into an oil
mill. A grist mill was added a short itime previous
to 1814. The grist mill was afterward converted
into a distillery, which was run by Elder Palmer
and others, until it was sold to Gideon Palmer in
1820. The distillery was soon abandoned, and only
the oil business was carried on. In 1850 Elisha H.
Palmer and others bought the privilege, together
with the oil mill, and commenced the manufacture
of cotton rope, twine, batting, etc., which business
was continued until the present owners came into
possession. Elisha H. Palmer, in 1866, built the
stone mill on the north side of the stream, and great-
ly enlarged the business. The old oil mill was burned
down and a small stone one was erected in its place,
and the factories have been enlarged by Palmer
Brothers. Mr. Elisha H. Palmer continued to carry
on the cotton business until his sons commenced the
manufacture of bed-quilts, when he gave up the
plant to them, although he retained the oversight of
a portion of it.
EDWARD A. PALMER, born in Montville,
Conn., May 28, 1843, died m nis native town, Jan.
13, 1899, where his widow still resides. Mr. Palmer
was the son of Hon. Elisha H. and Ellis (Loomis)
Palmer, a sketch of whom appears elsewhere.
The New London Day, under date of Jan. 14,
1899, in speaking of the death of Mr. Palmer, said:
"The town of Montville mourns the loss of one
of its most highly esteemed citizens. In every house-
hold in the community there is genuine sorrow at
the death of Edward Augustus Palmer, which oc-
curred at his home in Uncasville, on Friday evening.
Mr. Palmer's sickness was of brief duration. A
week ago, returning home from New York, he had
symptoms of the grip. He was attended by a phy-
sician, but the disease proved to be of a more serious
character and all that. medical science could do for
him was unavailing. He gradually grew worse until
death ended his useful career.
"The firm of Palmer Bros., the extensive bed-
quilt manufacturers, of which Mr. Palmer was a
member and practically the founder, has been built
up into an immense business, and no small part of
its success is due to the ability and energy of .Ed-
ward A. Palmer. Mr. Palmer had charge of the
firm's New York office, and was a most capable
business man.
"The deceased had a great love for his native
town and its interests were always dear to his heart.
His public-spiritedness is evidenced by the gift of a
large, sum of money for the construction of an im-
proved highway, and the part he took in giving the
town the magnificent schoolhouse at Palmertown,
which will be an enduring monument to the family.
"His liberality was one of the unobtrusive kind,
and was by no means confined to public benefactions.
His heart was full of sympathy for the unfortunate.
Many men and women have cause to revere his
memory for the help he has given them in their time
of need.
"Socially, Mr. Palmer was one of the most
charming men one could meet. He was of a happy
disposition, and to know him was to love him. The
fact that he has attained wealth and success in life,
did not make him one whit the less companionable,
and the poorest operative in his employ was as sure
of a kindly word of greeting, as his best customer.
No one appreciates better the worth of the de-
ceased than the common people in Montville. To
them his death is indeed a sad loss.
"Mr. Palmer owned a beautiful home on the
banks of the Thames river, a short distance south
of the Montville Station. He was also an extensive
traveler, generally spending the winter abroad."
Edward A. Palmer served his country as a sol-
dier in the War of the Rebellion, enlisting from New
York, and was a brave and gallant man.
On May 28, 1870, Mr. Palmer married Isabelle
Mitchell, daughter of William Minott and Delia
(Silliman) Mitchell, the former a prominent attor-
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
67
ney in New York, and the latter a daughter of Will-
iam Silliman, and a descendant of Benjamin Silli-
man, who has justly been called "The Father of
Natural Science" at Yale University, which depart-
ment of investigation he created at that famous
school of learning, where he was a professor for
some fifty years, his appointment having been given
him when he was but twenty-three years of age.
President Woolsey, of Yale, said of him at the time
of his death: "I think we can truly say today
(after an interval of nearly forty years) he was
among all the men who have lived in New Haven
City during the century, as I think will be conceded
by everybody, the most finished gentleman, and this
was true of him in the highest sense. I mean that it
pertained not to his exterior, but to his character
and his soul."
Mrs. Palmer is also a descendant of Roger Min-
ott Sherman, who was one of the signers of the
Declaration of Independence. Her father was a
prominent attorney of New York City, and asso-
ciated with him in the firm of Mitchell & Bar-
ney, attorneys-at-law, was Hiram Barney, ex-col-
lector of the port of New York. Minott Sherman
Mitchell, the paternal grandfather of Mrs. Palmer,
was a successful lawyer of New York City, and for
a number of years served as a judge at White
Plains, New York.
Mrs. Palmer is closely related to the Mitchell
family, from which Hon. Chauncey Mitchell De-
Pew descends.
To Mr. and Mrs. Edward A. Palmer were born
children as follows : Edward Augustus, who grad-
uated from Thacher's school in California, and later
entered Yale, where he was compelled to give up his
studies on account of ill health; Grace Estelle, at
home ; Percy Silliman, who is associated with the
Palmer Bros, at their Fitchville mill, and who mar-
ried Edna Pratt, daughter of George H. Pratt, of
Norwich.
ELISHA LOOMIS PALMER, vice-president
of the well-known corporation, The Palmer Broth-
ers Company, of New London, is one of the well
known business men and citizens of New London,
was born in Montville, Conn., Feb. 14, 1840, son of
the late Hon. Elisha H. Palmer, and is a member of
the Palmer family, the ancestral record of which has
been given heretofore.
The early training of Mr. Palmer was received
in the Montville district schools, but he later spent
a year in the Connecticut Literary Institute at Suf-
field, Conn., and then took a course in a business
college at Providence, R. I., leaving the same at the
age of eighteen years. Going to New York City, he
was engaged as a clerk in a wholesale house for
about three vears.
About this time, the War of the Rebellion broke
out, and Mr. Palmer enlisted in April, 1861, in
Company I, 57th N. Y. V. I., as a private, serving
until the close of the war. During this term of service
he was a prisoner in Libby Prison for nine months,
and was in the prison at Columbia, Charlestown, for
nine months more. He was promoted several times,
and returned home with the commission of Her ten-
ant.
At the expiration of his war experience, Lieut.
Palmer returned to Montville, and a year later en-
tered business in New York City, forming a part-
nership with his brother Edward A., under the firm
style of Palmer Brothers, commission merchants.
This enterprise was continued for about twelve
years, when Elisha L. Palmer returned to Montville,
and became identified with the extensive bed-quilt
manufactory, conducted under the firm style of Pal-
mer Brothers, and in 1900, at the incorporation of
the above named concern, he was made vice-presi-
dent, which office he still holds. In 1880 he took up
his residence in New London, purchasing the well
known "Mount Vernon House."
Mr. Palmer is prominently identified with the
interests of New London and Montville, where one
of the plants of The Palmer Brothers Company is
located. He is a member of a number of clubs,
among them being the Thames Club of New Lon-
don ; the Loyal Legion of New York ; the Army and
Navy Club of New York ; the National Arts Club, of
New York; the Grolier Club of New York; the
Bibliophile Society of Boston. Mr. Palmer affili-
ates with the Republican party. He has been a
vestryman for several years of the St. James Episco-
pal church of New London.
On June 6, 1866, Mr. Palmer was married to
Miss Cornelia Kissam, of Brooklyn, N. Y., daugh-
ter of James A. Kissam. The children born to them
were: (1) Courtland K., who married Mary L.
Rudd, daughter of Arnold Rudd, of New London,
is associated in the grain and feed business in New
London, with Mr. Rudd. One son and one daugh-
ter have been born to them. (2) Adeline E. mar-
ried Alfred S. Chappell, son of William S. Chappell,
of New London, and he is associated with the firm
of F. H. & A. H. Chappell Company, wholesale and
retail coal dealers of New London. One son and
one daughter have been born of this marriage. (3)
Emily Gertrude is at home.
FRANK LOOMIS PALMER, of New Lon-
don, Conn., president of the extensive bed-quilt
manufacturing concern, known as The Palmer
Brothers Company, and one of the most prominent
and influential citizens of New London, was born
at Montville, Conn., June 9, 1851. He began his
early scholarly training in the Montville district
schools, but later spent two years at Claverack-on-
the-Hudson, New York. Returning home from the
latter institution at the age of seventeen years, he
took up the manufacturing line, becoming associated
with his brothers, and has continued the extensive
manufacturing interests, greatly enlarging the field
of operation.
At the age of sixteen years Mr. Palmer made
68
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
an extended western business trip, covering many
of the largest cities in the interests of his father's
output. In 1900, the firm of Palmer Brothers was
incorporated, and Mr. Frank Loomis Palmer was
elected president, an office he has since held.
Socially Mr. Palmer is a member of a number of
clubs, among which may be mentioned the Thames
Club, of New London. He affiliates with the Re-
publican party.
On May 16, 1876, Mr. Palmer married Miss
Louisa Townsend, daughter of Samuel Townsend,
of Yicksburg, Miss. The children born of this mar-
riage are : Charles Townsend, who attended Brown
University for two years, and is now associated
with Palmer Bros. ; and Theodora and Virginia,
both at home.
The business of The Palmer Brothers Company
has, by their industry, ingenuity, tact and ability,
developed from a small beginning into one of large
proportions. At first the work was done by hand,
the sewing of the goods being done at the homes of
the farmers by their wives and daughters. Grad-
ually they brought machinery and inventions into
use until the corporation is now able to compete with
the world in quality and in price in their line of man-
ufacture.
GEORGE S. PALMER, youngest son of the
late Hon. Elisha H. Palmer, and one of the prom-
inent manufacturers of eastern Connecticut, was
born March 20, 1855, in Montville. He received his
education in the schools of his native town, later
attending the Norwich Free Academy, where he
prepared for Yale, and entering that institution, he
graduated from the academic department in 1878.
He then returned to Montville. and became asso-
ciated with his brothers in the Palmer Brothers'
corporation, continuing his interests in that organ-
ization to this day. In 1880 Mr. Palmer removed
to Norwich, where he lived until 1904, when he re-
moved to Pequot avenue in New London.
On Dec. 10, 1879, Mr. Palmer married Ida
Amelia Cook, born Aug. 10, 1855, daughter of
Dwight and Abbie (Avery) Cook, the former a
successful citizen of Norwich. Mrs. Palmer died
June 7, 1896. Two children were born of this mar-
riage : Arthur Cook, who died in infancy ; Howard
Palmer, born Nov. 28, 1883, attended' the Free
Academy, and is now a student at Yale. On Sept.
17, 1 90 1, Mr. Palmer was married to Neva L. Fen-
no, of Geneseo, N. Y., daughter of Willis W. and
Annie (Clark) Fenno. One child has been born to
them, Neva, born Aug. 11, 1902. Mr. Palmer, like
the other members of his family, is a Republican,
but has never sought office. While at Yale, he be-
came a member of D. K. E. and Phi Beta Kappa
fraternities.
In addition to his connection with The Palmer
Bros. Company, Mr. Palmer is a director of the
Thames National Bank, and of the Uncas National
Bank ; is a member of the board of trustees of Otis
Library ; one of the corporators of the William W.
Backus Hospital ; a director and one of the organ-
izers of the Broadway Theatre Corporation. He is
a vice-president of the board of trustees of the Con-
necticut Agricultural College, and is also one of the
trustees of the Free Academy at Norwich. He is a
member of Park Congregational Church, Norwich.
Mr. Palmer is one of the influential business men
and public-spirited citizens of New London county.
He is not only successful and prominent, but he is
honored for his many excellent traits of character,
and is recognized as one of the most representative
men of New London county.
OTHNIEL GAGER, in his life time an honored
and esteemed citizen who served as town clerk of
Norwich for forty-nine years, descended from one
of the oldest families of the county.
The founder of the family of Gager in America
was Dr. William Gager, who came to the United
States in 1630, with Gov. Winthrop, and died the
same year, from disease contracted at sea from poor
diet, many of the emigrants dying from the same
malady. Contemporary records speak of Dr. Gager
as a skillful surgeon, a right godly man and one of
the deacons of the church. His son John, the only
child that has been traced, was one of the company
that settled at New London with John Winthrop,
the younger, and his name is found on the earliest
extant list of inhabitants. John Gager(i)had a grant
from the town of New London of a farm of 200
acres, east of the river, near the straits, now in Led-
yard. Conn., to which he removed soon after 1650,
and there dwelt until he joined in the settlement of
Norwich, removing thither. His house lot in the
new town bears the date of the oldest survey, No-
vember, 1659. In 1674 and 1688 he was constable
of Norwich. He died Dec. 10, 1703, at an old age,
leaving two sons and one daughter, one of the
former being Samuel Gager.
Samuel Gager was a man of good repute and
considerable estate, a resident of the parish of New
Concord (now Bozrah), Conn., but was interred, at
his own request, in the old, neglected graveyard in
the town of New London. In 1695, he married Mrs.
Rebecca (Lay) Raymond, wTidow of Daniel Ray-
mond. Their children were : Elizabeth ; John ; Sam-
uel ; William, who graduated from Yale College in
1721, and was pastor at Lebanon, Conn., until his
death, in 1739; Sarah; Simon; and Rebecca.
John Gager (2), son of Samuel, was a farmer,
who located at what is now North Franklin, Conn.
He married Jerusha Barstow, and their children
were : Jerusha, John, Jason, Samuel, Lydia, Daniel,
Simon, Aaron and Levi.
John Gager (3), son of John, was born in what
is now Franklin, and there resided all his life, fol-
lowing the occupation of farmer on the farm now
owned and occupied by his granddaughter, Mrs.
Elizabeth E. Hyde. He was prominent in town af-
fairs, having held a number of the local offices. His
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
69
death occurred Nov. 10, 1817, when he was aged
eighty-one years. He was married first to Lydia
Avery, who died Nov. 9, 1785, aged forty-seven
years. Their children were : Irene, who died young ;
Lydia, who married Cherub Abell; John, who died
unmarried ; Asenath, who married Greene McCall,
of Lebanon ; Othniel ; Amos, who married Sarah
Throop, and had a son, Dan T., who located in Leb-
anon (a granddaughter, Kate E., is wife 'of W. L.
L. Spencer, of that town) ; a son that died in in-
fancy ; and Alvan and Annie, who both died young.
The second wife of John Gager was Phebe Hyde,
who died Oct. 24, 1838, aged eighty-three years.
To this marriage were born : Phebe, who lived to
an old age, and died unmarried ; Hermon, who mar-
ried (first) Elizabeth Hartshorn, and (second)
Emeline Gager (one of his two children by his
second wife is Elizabeth E., now the widow of
Joseph Isham Hyde, residing at North Franklin, to
whom we are indebted for the data pertaining to the
Gager family) ; and Job, who died unmarried at the
age of ninety years.
Othniel Gager, son of John (3), was born Aug.
25, 1769. By occupation he was a farmer, and he
also operated a sawmill. He died at his home in
North Franklin April 18, 184.1, at an advanced age,
and was buried in the Gager cemetery there. He
was a member of the Franklin Congregational
Church. His wife, who was Rebecca Rudd, of
Franklin, survived him, and died March 30, 1857,
aged ninety years. Their children, two in number,
were Becca (Rebecca), who died young; and Oth-
niel.
Othniel Gager, son of Othniel and Rebecca, was
born in North Franklin, Jan. 11, 1794, and he re-
ceived a good education in the district schools, and
in a select school on Franklin Hill, kept by Rev.
Samuel Nott, D. D. Owing to a frail constitution
in early life, he found farm work too taxing for his
strength, and he was obliged to follow some less
strenuous occupation. He began teaching school in
his native town, and later taught in the towns of
Preston and Norwich. For some time after he
quit teaching, he was employed as an accountant
and in similar clerical work, but this work, prevent-
ing as it did any original effort on his part, was not
particularly congenial, and he determined to enter
the business world for himself. He then engaged in
the crockery business with Horatio Willes, under the
firm name of Willes & Gager, their store being lo-
lated on Water street. Later in the same line his
partner was R. M. Havens, when the firm was
known under the name of Gager & Havens. Mr.
Gager was a man who made a thorough study of
whatever he undertook, and when he entered busi-
ness for himself, he mastered every detail, kept him-
self posted on all the work, and by his ability and
painstaking care made a success of his line. His
obligations were promptly met, and he stood high in
commercial circles for his open, honest methods, and
his unwavering personal integrity.
First a Whig, and then a Republican, Mr. Gager
was a power in his party. He held decided views
on the public questions, and never allowed his per-
sonal advancement or prosperity to prejudice him in
favor of any measure he did not deem absolutely
just to every other interested citizen. In 1839 ne
was elected town clerk of Norwich, and held that
office continuously for the remarkable period of
forty-nine years, relinquishing it in 1888. This
period marks the longest term in that office ever
served by an individual in the county, if not in the
State. During this time Mr. Gager was elected town
treasurer and agent of the town deposit fund, which
positions he held at the time of his death. The pub-
lic interests confided to his keeping were held as a
sacred trust, and he never allowed anything to in-
terfere with the conscientious performance of these
duties. A local paper said of him at the time of his
death: "Mr. Gager's life was quiet and uneventful,
but it was that of a truly honest, honorable, modest,
industrious and model citizen. He was also a model
town clerk, and it has been well said that his best
monument is the 'forty nine volumes of records in
the town vaults,' which for accuracy, neatness and
precision of writing, are hardly to be equalled any-
where." For a man of his age he accomplished his
work with remarkable endurance, nor did the ad-
vancing years make him more careless — his last
work in no way giving evidence of any laxity in the
methodical manner that characterized it from the
start. In his religious views he was a Congregation-
alist, first uniting with the Second Congregational
Church at Norwich, later transferring to the Broad-
way Church, when it was organized in 1842. He
was a strict churchman, and always gave as liber-
ally as his means permitted. For many years he
held the office of deacon ; but when the infirmities
of age prevented his assuming too many burdens,
he resigned. His mind remained unclouded to the
last, and he died June 15, 1889, a man honored by
all who knew him. He was buried in the Gager
cemetery at North Franklin. The three selectmen
and town clerk acted as pall bearers, and the flag
on the city hall floated at half mast.
Othniel Gager was twice married. On Oct. 12,
1820, he wedded Free love Ayer, who was born in
Franklin, a daughter of Bailey Ayer. Of the three
children born of the union, the first and third, Re-
becca R. and John, died young; the second, Oliver
A., who married Mary Willard, became a well known
and prosperous manufacturer of crockery and china,
and was associated with the Havilands, but he died
in Brooklyn, N. Y., in 1889. For his second wife,
on Jan. 28, 1827, Othniel Gager married Eliza
Backus, who was born Nov. 10, 1801, a daughter of
Oliver and Dice (Hyde) Backus, of Bozrah ; she
died in 1883, aged eighty-two years. Two children
blessed this union ; ( 1 ) Freelove Eliza was born
Dec. 5, 1827. (2) Rebecca Rudd, born Dec. 7,
1839, is the widow of Alfred A. Peck, a successful
insurance man, who was engaged in business in New
70
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
York, but who resided in Brooklyn, where he died
Dec. 10, 1896. Their two children were: Helen G.,
who died young ; and Alfred C, a promising young
man who died in early manhood.
On Dec. 20, 1847, Freelove Eliza Gager was
married to Samuel Hyde Johnson, and their chil-
dren were : Abbie E., widow of Henry A. Speeler,
of Norwich ; Samuel Hyde, Jr., employed in Xew
York, by G. F. Bassett & Co., crockery dealers ; and
Lillian R. and Frederick, at home.
Samuel Hyde Johxsox was born in Franklin,
Aug. 30, 1822, son of Capt. Oliver and Abigail
(Hyde) Johnson. For many years he was engaged
in the crockery business both as a manufacturer
and as a salesman. He made the trip to California
in 1852, but remained only a year or so. Later he
returned to the Golden Gate and engaged in the
lumber business. He died near San Francisco July
20, 1878, and was buried at San Rafael, Cal. Airs.
Johnson and her family reside in Norwich, at the late
home of her father, the lamented Othniel Gager, and
they also have a pleasant summer home situated on
a high hill in North Franklin. Airs. Johnson is a
representative of an old and honored family, and
though crowned with more than three score years
and ten, is an active, gracious mistress of a cultured
home, and she is greatly beloved in the city she has
known so many years.
HON. JONATHAN NEWTON HARRIS,
late of New London, merchant and philanthropist,
whose death occurred Oct. 18, 1896, was long one
of that city's foremost business men and useful
citizens. Born Nov. 18, 1815, in the town of Salem.
Conn., Air. Harris was a son of Jonathan and Lu-
anda (Jones) Harris, farming people of that town.
and in the paternal line a descendant in the sixth
generation from James Harris, of Boston, from
whom his lineage is through Lieut. James, Jonathan,
Nathaniel and Jonathan Harris (2). These gener-
ations in detail follow in the order named.
(I) James Harris, of Boston, born about 1640,
married, in 1666, Sarah Denison, of that place. The
births of seven of their eleven children are recorded
in Boston ; all excepting one who died an infant and
the youngest three were baptized in "Old South
Meeting House," Boston, in 1683. Air. Harris and
his wife and all three of their sons — James, Asa and
Ephraim — came from Boston to New London,
Conn., about 1690. Issue (Boston record) : Sarah,
born Alarch 2, 1668; Deborah, born July, 1670:
James, born April 4, 1673 ; Alargaret, born Jan. 16,
1675 J Alan-, born Feb. 3, 1677 ; Elizabeth, born in
June. 1678; Asa, born Nov. 10, 1680; Hannah, born
April 22, 1682; Ephraim born in Alay, 1684: Alary
(2), born in June, 1686 ; and Ephraim (2), born July
11, 1688.
(II) Lieut. James Harris, born April 4, 1673,
married, in 1696, Sarah, born in 1676, daughter of
Samuel Rogers of New London. She died Nov. 13,
1748, and he married (second) in 1750 Widow
Sarah Jackson (nee Harris), daughter of Lieut.
Joseph Harris, of New London. In 1698 Air. Harris
removed to Alohegan and settled on a tract of land
granted by Owaneco to his wife Sarah, adjoining
the lands of her father, who had already settled
there, being the first white settler, in about 167 1.
Lieut. Harris, weaver and husbandman, became an
extensive landholder. Between the several genera-
tions of the Sachems and the Rogers family their
existed a strong and intimate friendship, and in this
family relation James Harris and his wife, Sarah,,
warmly participated. Owaneco and his successors
were lavish in their grants of land to Lieut. Harris
and his wife. In 17 14 Air. Harris was commis-
sioned lieutenant of the North Company of New
London, and by this title was ever known, although
afterward he was commissioned captain of a com-
pany in Colchester. He removed in 17 18 to the
south part of Colchester, now Salem, and there con-
tinued to live until a short time before his death, in
1757. He was a man of position and importance in
his town, was selectman of Colchester in 1730, 1731
and afterward, and served in relations of importance
in public affairs. Lieut. Harris and his wife were
admitted to the Alontville Church in 1732. He died
Feb. 10, 1757. His second wife died Oct. 8, 1752.
His children, all born to the first marriage, were :
Sarah, born Sept. 27, 1697; James, born Jan. 26,
1699 > Mary, born Nov. 1. 1702 ; Jonathan, born June
15, 1705 ; Alpheus, born Feb. 29, 1708 ; Abigail, born
Alay 17, 1711; Lebbeus, born Aug. 11, 1713 ; Al-
pheus (2), born Aug. 31, 1716; and Delight, born
Oct. 17, 1720.
(III) Jonathan Harris, born June (or Jan.) 15,
1705, in Alohegan. now Alontville, married July 28„
1735, Rachel, daughter of Hon. Joseph Otis, of what
is now Alontville, and a man of distinguished serv-
ices who came from Scituate and became a large
landholder in a number of towns in Connecticut.
Air. Harris and his wife settled at first in Salem.
He was admitted a freeman in Colchester Sept. 3,
1739, and in 1756 and several other years served as
selectman. He was a man of commanding force
and dignity of character, and fine personal presence.
His wife Rachel was a woman of marked natural
abilities, a noble mate to her husband. Both died in
September, 1761. Their children were: Alpheus,
born Alarch 22, 1736: Rachel, born Sept. 30. 1737;
Jonathan, born June 6, 1739 ; James, born Dec. 13,
1740; Nathaniel, born April 2, 1743; Hannah, born
Oct. 13, 1746; Abigail, born Dec. 22, 1748; Bethia^
born Sept. 14, 1752; Joseph, born Oct. 17. 1754;
Alary, born Jan. 1, 1756; Ruth Ann. born Alay 10,
1758; and Delight and Dolly, born in 1760.
(IV) Capt. Nathaniel Harris, born April 2, 1743,.
in Salem Parish, Colchester, married Feb. 1, 1764,
Alary, daughter of Samuel Tozer, of Colchester.
They settled on the old Harris homestead in Salem
Parish, now Salem town, where they lived and died,
and where all their children were born. Air.
Harris was a farmer. He served in the Revolution
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
in the summer and fall of 1777 for at least six
months. He is said to have been a proud and high-
toned man — proud of his lineage and blood ; proud
of his little wife and of his daughters ; proud of his
farm stock, etc. Of stalwart form and stately bear-
ing, he was ever tender and gentle as a belted knight
to all womankind and to children ; but among men
he was dignified, austere and even imperious and
lordly. He died March 12, 18 12, and his widow
died March 22, 1834. Their children were : Leb-
beus, born Sept. 19, 1764; Joel, born July 8, 1766;
Lois, born July 1, 1768; Mary, born Sept. 14, 1770;
Sarah, born Sept. 10, 1772; Maria, born Feb. 3,
1775; Nathaniel, born Feb. 24, 1777; Samuel, born
Dec. 10, 1780; Rachel, born Jan. 17, 1783; Lydia,
born Nov. 16, 1784 ; Hannah A., born Sept. 19,
1786; and Jonathan, born Aug. 21, 1788.
(V) Jonathan _ Harris, born Aug. 21, 1788, in
Salem, Conn., married April 7, 1813, Louisa Jones
born Oct. 27, 1794, daughter of Capt. Daniel Jones,
of Salem, and settled on the old Harris homestead of
his father and grandfather in Salem, as a farmer.
There he died April 28, 1850. His widow died July
13, 1861, in Rockville. Their thirteen children were:
Louisa M., born Feb. 28, 1814; Jonathan N., born
Nov. 18, 1815; Fannie L., born May 3, 1818; Leb-
beus, born March 14 1820; Mary A., born April 15,
1822; Joel, born April 15, 1824; Caroline L., born
Sept. 18, 1826; Nathaniel, born Feb. 3, 1828; Na-
thaniel (2), born June 2, 1829; Henry Wesley, born
Dec. 24, 1 83 1 ; William W., born Aug. 20, 1835;
George W., born Aug. 16, 1837; and Robert H.,
born March 6, 1842.
The career of Jonathan Newton Harris, the sub-
ject proper of this article, affords a striking ex-
ample of what is within the possibilities of any
American boy, and its simple story is an encourag-
ing example to the youth of our land and an inspira-
tion. Reared to toil and on a small and hard farm,
he was placed when in his seventeenth year as a
clerk in a small country variety store in Hamburg,
Conn., where he remained some two years. From
1836 to 1838 he was a clerk in the grocery store of
Smith & Cady, of New London. In the latter year,-
with a capital of $100 only, he engaged in the gro-
cery business on his own account and was success-
ful in its conduct. In 1844 ne to°k into partnership
with him his brother-in-law, George W. Brown, the
business being conducted under the firm name of
Harris & Brown. This partnership continued until
1848, in which year Mr. Harris became sole owner of
the business and carried it on alone until 1853, m tne
meantime greatly extending it and adding a large
line of farm tools and agricultural implements, and
also hardware, iron, steel, etc., of his own importa-
tion, he being the first direct importer of these ar-
ticles in New London. In 1853 Mr. Harris asso-
ciated others with him in the business, the firm title
becoming Harris, Ames & Co., and in 1857 the firm
changed to Harris, Williams & Co., and continued
with increasing success in the business until 1865,
when Mr. Harris retired from merchandising with
a handsome fortune.
In June, 1848, Mr. Harris, in company with Mr.
Perry Davis, of Providence, R. I., established the
extensive medical house of J. N. Harris & Co., at
Cincinnati, Ohio, a concern which has continued in
business for upward of fifty years, and been emi-
nently successful ; and from 1862 to 1873 Mr. Har-
ris was a partner and the capitalist of the firm of
Hill & Harris, owners and operators of the cele-
brated "Hill & Harris" coal mine in Pennsylvania,
which was another success.
For forty and more years Mr. Harris was an ac-
tive director in the Bank of Commerce, later the
National Bank of Commerce, at New London. In
1876 he was elected president of the New London
City National Bank, and sustained such relations to
it from that time on until his death. He was one of
the organizers of the Fellows Medical Manufactur-
ing Company, of Montreal, Canada, with branches
in New York and London, England, and for several
years was its president. He was a director in the
Davis & Lawrence Company of Montreal, a director
in the New London Northern Railroad Company,
in the New London Steamboat Company and in
other companies.
Mr. Harris was a member of the city government
of New London for a number of years and mayor of
the city from 1856 to 1862. He represented New
London in the Connecticut Assembly in 1855, and
served as a member of the joint standing committees
on Banks and Finance. In 1864 he served ably and
effectively as State senator from the New London
district, and was chairman of the joint standing com-
mittee on Banks.
In religious work and educational matters Mr.
Harris ever took a deep interest. He was an early
and firm friend of the late evangelist Dwight L.
Moody, and aided materially in founding Mount
Hermon School and Northfield Seminary. He was
chosen president of the board of trustees of this in-
stitution in the autumn of 1893. "This honor," said
the College paper, "is a most fitting one to bestow
upon him because of his long connection with the
school as trustee, and his untiring interest and aid
in its development. A more satisfactory choice could
not have been made. As students of Mount Hermon
we feel that the interests of our school will be looked
after under a president so eminently fitted for that
position in the management — and we hope he may be
spared to us many years to aid in the fuller develop-
ment of the institution which he knows from its in-
ception."
Mr. Harris took a deep interest in the religious
and educational work in Japan. In 1889 he founded
and endowed the Harris School of Science, the
scientific department of the Doshisha University at
Kioto, Japan, his contribution amounting to $100,-
000. The School of Science was opened in 1890.
Mr. Harris built and presented to the city of New
London the Memorial Hospital which was opened
7^
GENEALOGICAL AXD BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
Aug. i. 1893. The Harris Building in New Lon-
don stands as a monument of his public spirit and
enterprise. In 1875 Mr. Harris was made chairman
of the State Executive Committee of the Y. M. C.
A. of the State of Connecticut, and he devoted him-
self to the high objects of that association with a
liberality, energy and zeal even more fervent and
effective than he ever manifested in his own private
enterprises. He was a charter member of the Con-
necticut Bible Society ; a corporate member of tne
American Board of Commissioners for Foreign
Missions ; a charter member and president for sev-
eral years of the board of trustees of the Interna-
tional Committee of the Y. M. C. A. of Xew York ;
was a charter member and president of the Y. M. C.
A. of Xew London, and a member of the board of
trustees. From 1874 to 1894 he was president of the
board of trustees of Bradley Street Mission. He was
a director of the Evangelical Association of Xew
England. Through the summers for many years
Mr. Harris was active in sustaining open-air relig-
ious meetings on the streets of Xew London. He
held membership in the Second Congregational
Church at Xew London, and was one of its deacons.
"The same faithful and diligent attention to bus-
iness ; the same high sense of honor and the same
unspotted integrity of character, which first gave to
this young grocer, with a capital of only a hundred
dollars, an unlimited credit wherever known, have
ever been the marked and distinguishing characteris-
tics of his whole life." He was a man about whom
there can not be truthfully said anything but good.
Many of his kind and extremely generous acts have
been hidden from the public, and those that have
become known have been told of by the recipients
of his generosity. Xo man could hand down to
posterity a cleaner, better record, as a useful man
whose influence was always exerted for good.
On May 8, 1843, Mr. Harris was married to
Jane M. Brown, daughter of Benjamin Brown, of
Xew London, who was the mother of his eight chil-
dren, all of whom are now deceased. He married
(second) July 19, 1869, Martha Ann Strong,
daughter of Hon. Lewis and Maria (Chester)
Strong, of Xorthampton. Mass., and granddaughter
of Hon. Stephen Chester, former high sheriff of
Hartford County.
DAXIEL F. PACKER. In the death of Daniel
F. Packer, on April 16, 1904, at Mystic, Conn., there
was removed from life one of the successful manu-
facturers of Xew England, and one whose success
was solely the result of his own efforts. With char-
acteristic originality and business shrewdness, he
originated and developed a manufacturing business
whose product not only became a household word,
in America, but found ready sale in the markets of
the world. Mr. Packer descended from an old Xew
England family.
The first member of the old and honorable fam-
ily of Packer that came to this part of America, of
whom we have any information, was John Packer,
who settled in Xew London in 1651, and the next
year was one of the three purchasers of a tract of
land extending more than a mile north and south,
and a half mile east, embracing the most of a tract
of land upon the southern and eastern. slope of the
Pequot and Prospect Hills, and the hills and valley
lying between Old Field and Palmer's Cove. He
settled on these lands as early as 1655, and was re-
puted to be the largest proprietor. When the Xoank
Indians, a remnant of the Pequots, squatted on his
lands, he complained to the General Court of the
Colonw The question was not finally settled until
his son's day, when a commission was appointed by
the Court, the results of which are given further on.
Captain James Packer, christened Sept. 11, 1681,
died April 24, 1765. He married (first) Abigail
Avery, born June 18, 1679, and died Xov. 16, 1722,
daughter of John, granddaughter of James, and
great-granddaughter of Christopher Avery. They
had children as follows: Ichabod, born June 15,
1707, died May 10, 1758, married Abigail Eldredge ;
Abigail, born Oct. 2^, 1708, married Thomas Eld-
redge; James, born Xov. 2, 1710, married Saviah
Eldredge; Desire, born Sept. 11, 1712, married Capt.
John Burrows ; Lucretia, born Aug. 2, 1717, married
John Fish ; Ann, born Feb. 9, 1719, married William
Havens ; John, born Sept. 16, 1720, died March 4,
1797, married Hannah Avery ; Joseph, born Xov 2,
1722, died Xov. 28, 1804, married Eleanor Ashbey.
Capt. James Packer married (second) Elizabeth
Springer, and they had children : Samuel married
Freelove Satterly ; Molly married Philip Covil ;
Thankful married James Chester ; Elizabeth mar-
ried Edward Ashbey ; and Rebecca married Christo-
pher Ellis. Captain James married (third) Thank-
ful Fanning.
Captain James Packer had a controversy about
the title to a portion of his estate with the town of
Groton, as well as that with the Xoank Indians. In
1735 a compromise was effected by commissioners
appointed by the General Assembly. This was an
occasion of great local interest, and on Aug. 5. 1735,
when the commissioners — Major Timothy Pierce,
Mr. West of Lebanon and Sheriff Huntington of
Windham — left Xew London on their way to view
the contested premises, they were accompanied from
Xew London by 40 mounted men from the town
and found their train constantly increasing as they
proceeded, by farmers from Groton Ferry. Poquo-
nock and other places, while on the ground a large
assembly had already convened. The neighboring
farmhouses of Smith, Burrows, Xiles, Fish. Pal-
mer, Park and Packer were filled to overflowing
with g-..ests. Xo such turnout of the yeomanry of
the land, of a like nature, is recorded in these parts.
At this time, the place of crossing the Mystic River
was called Packer's Ferry, and was so called both
in the town records and in newspapers until the
building of the bridge across the river in 1818. Capt.
James Packer's house was situated a few rods from
c^^T^/tt^-
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
73
the West Mystic depot. Capt. James met death by
fire, being burned in his own barn.
James Packer, son of Capt. James, was born
Nov. 2, 1 710, and died prior to 1765. He married
Saviah Eldredge, born Oct. 6, 171 5, daughter of
Daniel Eldredge, and they had children as follows :
Saviah married James Brown; James, born 1734,
died Aug. 24, 1803 ; Charles ; Eldredge, born Jan.
1, 1756, died May 19, 1834; Basheba married John
Ashbey ; Joshua was drowned in Long Island
Sound; Nathan; and Molly married Samuel Fox.
Eldredge Packer, of the above family, was mar-
ried Jan. 7, 1779, to Sabrina Packer, born June 4,
1760, daughter of Daniel Packer ; she died April
26, 1843. They had one son, Charles, born June 6,
1780, who died Sept. 10, 1840. Eldredge Packer
was a man of attractive and remarkable personality,
and a man of exceptional business ability. He was
the father of ship-building in Mystic, the first fleet
of fishing vessels being mainly built by him. He
was the builder of the "Fox," which was captured by
the British, and was used as a fast privateer, with
which they captured twenty-seven vessels in two
weeks in the spring of 181 3. He also built the
"Hero,'' fitted out as a privateer, to recapture the
"Fox." The "Hero" overhauled and captured .the
older vessel, ten miles southeast of Block Island,
with the British squadron in sight to the southwest,
and brought the prize into Mystic.
Charles Packer, son of Eldredge, married Abi-
gail Latham, born Sept. 14, 1782, died Oct. 19, 1828,
and they had children : Eldredge, born Aug. 18,
1799, married (first) Christina Mead, and (second)
Mary Morton; Saviah, born March 17, 1801, mar-
ried Daniel Chesbrough ; Abby Ruth, born Sept. 6,
1804, died March 14, 1882, married (first) Dr. Che-
valier, and (second) a Mr. Bissell ; Adelia, born in
January, 1808, married George Holdredge ; Latham,
born Nov. 7, 1810 ; James, born March 4, 1812, mar-
ried Mary Ann Appleman ; Hannah Williams, born
Jan. 11, 1814, married Samuel S. Latham; Augusta,
born Dec. 25, 1816, married Alfred Ashby ; Henry,
born May 7, 1817; Sabrina, born Nov. 25, 1818,
died in 1825 ; and Daniel F., born April 6, 1825.
This long and interesting family record brings
to attention Daniel F. Packer, the inventor and
founder of the Packer Manufacturing Company, of
New York. To recapitulate briefly Mr. Packer's
great-grandfather came to New London county,
Conn., from Plymouth, Mass., in the seventeenth
century and settled at Mystic, Conn. Here was born
his son, Eldredge, who became a noted shipbuilder
and launched the first large vessel in the Mystic. It
is supposed that he owned or commanded a priva-
teer during the war of the Revolution. He attained
the age of four-score-and-four years. His son,
Capt. Charles, was born at Groton, near Mystic,
June 6, 1780, and was a mariner, engaged princi-
pally in the coast trade. For some years he did an
extensive fishing business as captain of a fishing
smack. In the great Christmas snowstorm of many
years ago in this locality, he had a narrow escape
from death, being one of the castaways of Long
Island Sound. He was very successful in his busi-
ness ventures, and through industry and thrift ac-
quired a fortune. The mother of our subject was
born in Mystic. The only survivor of the original
eleven children is Hannah W., widow of Samuel S.
Latham, residing at Noank and previously men-
tioned. The father died in 1834, aged three-score,
and the mother in 1829, at the age of forty-seven
years. They and the grandparents, with three of
Mr. Packer's sisters and his brother Eldredge, are
laid to rest in the Packer burial ground in Mystic.
Daniel F. Packer, who won a world-wide reputa-
tion as a manufacturer of choice soaps, was born
April 6, 1825, in the historic town of Groton. The
greater part of his life was spent in Mystic. His
early education was obtained in the district school of
Fish-town and he completed his studies at a board-
ing-school at Weston, Fairfield Co., Conn. At the
age of fifteen years, in 1840, he went to New York
to assist his brother Eldredge, who was conducting
a poultry market in that city, and in the following
year he shipped before the mast on the packet ship
"Emerald," under Capt. George Howe, a most daring
and able skipper. With Capt. Howe, Mr. Packer
made two voyages to Havre, France, each lasting
from thirty-four to forty-five days. Subsequently
he was engaged in the market business in New York
City for four years. In 1847 ^e went to Key West,
Fla., with Capt. C. H. Mallory, and was afterward
employed for a year by Capt. Latham Brightman.
Six days before attaining his majority he bought
and assumed charge of the "Plume of Mystic," hav-
ing for first mate, Augustus Williams, of North
Stonington, and for two years coaster along the
reefs of the Tortugas and Florida.
The gold fever found a victim in him in 1851,
and during that and the two succeeding years he was
in California mining for gold. While on the Pacific
coast he began the manufacture of different soaps,
to which he ever afterward devoted his attention
with such great success. He was the originator
of the pine tar soap which was the nucleus of the
famous "Packer's All Healing Tar Soap" so well
known all over this continent and Europe, and it can
be bought in far-away China. In expanding his
business he engaged in the manufacture of another
product, making a specialty of "Packer's Cutaneous
Charm." Beginning in a very modest way, he con-
tinually found it necessary to enlarge and expand
until his business reached immense proportions.
His largest enterprise wras the manufacture of
"Silver Pearl" soap at Pittsburg, Pa., which was
before the time of his beginning the manufacture of
his famous product. Thirty-four years ago Mr.
Packer established a factory at Mystic, which has
since been one of the leading industries of the place.
In 1900 Mr. Packer sold the rights of the "All-heal-
ing" soap to E. A. Olds, retiring because of ad-
vanced as^e and ill health, and the firm is now known
74
GENEALOGICAL AXD BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
as The Packer [Manufacturing Company of New
York, though the manufacturing is continued in
Mystic under the original name. Mr. Packer, with
business judgment, brought his goods before the
public by attractive advertising.
On June 7, 1849, Air. Packer was married to
Margaret M. Norcross, of New York City, who died
in 1855, leaving one child, Arline M., who married
(first) Robert A. Packer, (second) Benjamin Mil-
ler, and (third) John S. Rathbone, of Mystic. On
Feb. 21, 1 86 1, Mr. Packer married (second) Carrie
A. Randall, of Ridgefield, Conn., who survives him.
The only child of this union, Samuel Edward, died
at the age of four years and eight months.
After his return from the West Mr. Packer re-
sided in New York and New Jersey until coming
back to Mystic, where his substantial and commo-
dious residence on High street was erected in 1868 ;
it is beautifully located on the hillside of the Mystic
river, commanding an extensive view. In politics
Mr. Packer was a Republican. He was long one
of the leading members and a trustee of the Method-
ist Church, and before his illness attended services
faithfully. Air. Packer passed away April 16, 1904,
and was laid to rest in Elm Grove cemetery.
In studying the lives and characters of prominent
and prosperous men we are naturally led to inquire
into the secret of their success and the motives which
have prompted their action. Success is a question
of genius, as held by many, but is it not, rather, a
matter of experience and sound judgment? For
when we trace the career of those who stand highest
in public esteem we find, in nearly every case, that
they are those who have risen gradually, fighting
their own way in the face of all opposition. Self-
reliance, conscientiousness, energy, honesty, these
are the traits of character that ensure the highest
emoluments and the greatest success. To these may
be attributed the business success of Daniel F. Pack-
er, whose name is known the world over. He was
a conservative man, honest and upright in all his
dealings, and was held in the highest esteem by all
who knew him. His death was widely mourned in
the communitv with which he had so long been iden-
tified.
ASHBEL WOODWARD. M. D. The death of
Ashbel Woodward. M. D., of Franklin, Conn., Dec.
20. 1885, closed a long, laborious and eminently use-
ful career. He was born June 26, 1804, in Willing-
ton, Conn., the ancestral farm lying on the border
line, partly in that town and partly in Ashford. He
was in the seventh generation in descent from Rich-
ard Woodward, who embarked in the ship "Eliza-
beth" at Ipswich, England, April 10, 1634, and whose
name is on the earliest list of proprietors of Water-
town, Massachusetts.
Graduating at the Medical Department of Bow-
doin College in May. 1829, Dr. Woodward settled
two months later in Franklin, where he continued to
reside till the end. As a physician he was noted for
quickness and accuracy of perception. In the sick
room nothing escaped his attention. He was espe-
cially successful in desperate cases, detecting with
the rapidity of intuition the slightest change in the
condition of the patient, and anticipating every emer-
gency. The estimation in which he was held by
medical brethren is shown by the trusts confided to
him, and the distinctions conferred upon him. Be-
sides filling many other positions he was. from 1858
to 1861, president of the Connecticut Medical So-
ciety. His annual addresses on "Life," '"Medical
Ethics" and "An Historical Sketch" of the Society,
attracted much attention at the time, and are still re-
membered. He was also from its formation an active
and deeply interested member of the American Medi-
cal Association, and an honorary member of several
State societies.
In the early days of the Rebellion he was ap-
pointed by Governor Buckingham one of the board
to examine surgeons for the volunteer regiments of
the State. Into the conflict for the preservation of
the union he threw his feelings and efforts with the
ardor which characterized all his undertakings. As
the drain upon the resources of the country became
more pronounced, he decided to go to the front him-
self, and as surgeon of the 26th Connecticut, shared
in the siege and capture of Port Hudson. He was
then nearly sixty years of age, and his friends at-
tempted to discourage the purpose on the ground that
he was too old to bear the privations and hardships
of life in camp. Indeed the warnings nearly proved
true, for on his return home, after serving out the
term of enlistment, he was long and dangerously ill
with malarial fever.
Although driven with professional work. Dr.
Woodward in some way found time to accomplish
much with the pen. In addition to the addresses al-
ready referred to, he contributed numerous papers
which are preserved in the "Proceedings" annually
published by the Connecticut Medical Society. At
the request of the family of Gen. Nathaniel Lyon, he
prepared for the Union a biography of that early
martyr, whose skill as a soldier was not less conspic-
uous than his devotion as a patriot. He had previ-
ously written a memoir of Col. Thomas Knowlton, a
grand-uncle of Gen. Lyon on the maternal side. Col.
Knowlton commanded the Continentals stationed be-
hind the rail fence at Bunker Hill, and was killed in
battle at Harlem Heights, Sept. 16, 1776. Joel Mun-
sell, of Albany, in 1878, published a small volume
written by Dr. Woodward, upon "Wampum" — a
subject to which he had given long attention. As a
member of the committee of arrangements, he took
an active part in the celebration of the two hundredth
anniversary of the settlement of the town of Nor-
wich, Sept. 7 and 8, 1859, and for the book contain-
ing the records of that event, furnished the paper on
the "Early Physicians of Norwich."
On Oct. 14. 1868, the Congregational Church of
Franklin celebrated the one hundred and fiftieth an-
| niversary of its organization, when Dr. Woodward
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
75
delivered the historical address. This was after-
wards expanded into a "History of Franklin."
Dr. Woodword had great fondness for local his-
torical, and especially for genealogical, investiga-
tions. His knowledge of the lineages of old New
England families was extensive, and at instant com-
mand. His writings on this class of subjects are to
be found in the "New England Historical and Gen-
ealogical Register," and in other publications. In
accumulating a library he made a specialty of town
and county histories, and of monographs on im-
portant events. He was one of the most thorough
and reliable Xew England antiquaries, and had ac-
cumulated a vast fund of information upon family
and local history, particularly of his native State,
which he was always ready to communicate to those
engaged in investigating these subjects. He took
much interest in the Xew England Historic Genea-
logical Society, of which he was elected a corre-
sponding member in 1853. He manifested his in-
terest in the "Register" by subscribing for two cop-
• ies of the work, and contributed many valuable
papers for its pages. He was a collector of rare
books, pamphlets, coins, Indian relics, and auto-
graphs.
In the early autumn of 1879 the neighbors of Dr.
Woodward, on a sudden impulse, improvised a social
gathering to celebrate the semi-centennial anniver-
sary of his settlement among them. Informal verbal
invitations were passed from one to another to meet
at his residence on the afternoon of Sept. 5th. Short
as was the notice, people came in throngs from near
and far till the house was filled, while the overflow
mingled in conversation on the lawns and beneath the
trees without. Some drove fifteen miles and more.
The inclosures, swarming with vehicles and ani-
mated groups, presented an appearance as pictur-
esque as it was unusual. The day proved to be one of
rare beauty, cool for the season, coming and going in
cloudless splendor. Floral testimonials decorated the
tables, including several of rare flowers and of elab-
orate arrangement. As the shadows from the western
hills began to fall across the valley Rev. C. F. Jones,
from the front steps, in the presence of the guests,
addressed Dr. Woodward in a few sentences ex-
pressive of the esteem and affection of the com-
munity.
"I have been commissioned to the pleasant duty
of making the presentation address to you. You have
outlived nearly all who began practice with you as
your contemporaries. To have lived long is a dis-
tinction, but to have lived well is a still greater dis-
tinction, and that distinction we regard . as yours.
Few occupations afford more opportunities for doing
good than that of a physician. We recognize your
sincerity, integrity and professional enthusiasm. In
summer and winter, sunshine and storm, by night
and by day, you have gone over these hills and
through these valleys, seeking to relieve distress, pro-
longing many lives and affording much happiness.
Faithful, true and self-sacrificing, you have endeared
yourself to many, and it is with thanks that we
gather here to-day. We desire to recognize your
services in public affairs, educational, civil and re-
ligious. Through your writings, professional skill
and reputation, you have honored this community.
It is with sentiments of this kind that I am commis-
sioned to present to you this testimonial of our affec-
tion, esteem and enduring friendship. May it be an
emblem of the strong, unbending attachment of those
gathered here."
Dr. Woodward was then presented with an ele-
gant gold-headed ebony cane. On it was engraved :
1829.
Presented to
Ashbel Woodward, M. D.,
as a memorial
of 50 years
of professional
service.
1879-
In accepting the gift, the recipient with much
feeling made a few personal remarks, substantially
as follows :
"I came here fifty years ago with an uncertain fu-
ture before me, but I desired success only on the con-
dition that I should be fully qualified for the prac-
tice of my profession, and should so discharge its
duties as to entitle me to the favor of my employers.
I posted no bills ; I had no runners ; I did not adver-
tise. I procured a shingle, but did not put it out. I
never sought business. The favors which came were
spontaneous. But I do not stand here to boast. My
career with you has been ~a living epistle to be read
by all. And now I desire to thank you most sin-
cerely for the gift which you have placed in my
hands. Nothing could be more appropriate for an
antediluvian to lean upon than a trusty staff. I shall
esteem it a precious reminder of your favor."
Hon. La Fayette S. Foster, a native of Franklin
and ex-United States Senator, then added a few
words appropriate to the occasion, after which re-
freshments were served.
During the active career of Dr. Woodward great
changes were effected in the distribution of the in-
tellectual and social energies of New England. In
relative importance and prosperity the country towns
steadily declined. Early in the century divines of
conspicuous ability labored contentedly in rural par-
ishes, while physicians of eminent skill found ample
scope for ambition in serving the scattered popula-
tion around them. Meanwhile the development of
manufactures and the construction of railways have
accomplished a revolution. Shadowed by growing
cities, rural communities must now struggle to avoid
palpable retrogression. So preponderant are the cen-
trifugal forces, that from many the old family names,
with their traditions and pride, have well nigh dis-
appeared. Dr. Woodward preferred rural scenes.
Located in a quadrangular valley of remarkable
beauty, amid orchards and vines of his own plant-
ing, devoted to his profession and to his home, he
76
GENEALOGICAL AXD BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
could heartily quote the remark often repeated by the
venerable Samuel Xott, D. D., whose residence
crowned the neighboring hill, and whose pastorate in
Franklin, beginning in 1782, covered a period of
sixty-five years, "Our lines are cast in pleasant
places.'"'
There are solid reasons for believing that the for-
tunes of our country towns will ere long experience
a marked and permanent revival. Indeed, at various
points the improvement has already made substantial
headway. The West, which has remorselessly
drained us of our youth, is filling up. She no longer
offers boundless areas of virgin soil to tempt immi-
gration. At home the financial extravagance dis-
played in the government of cities, enhancing both
directly and indirectlv the cost of living, will more
and more direct attention to the fair fields and limpid
brooks once threatened with desertion. What is
lost in the heroic virtues by the withdrawal of the
hard conditions of the past, will be made up by the
growing cultivation of the beautiful. Gardens will
bloom, art will be pursued, homes will be made
lovely, the surroundings of life will become attrac-
tive, where communities now find difficulty in keep-
ing alive the religious and educational institutions
established by the fathers.
From early manhood Dr. Woodward was a mem-
ber of the Congregational Church of Franklin, and
never wearied in efforts to sustain and strengthen it.
He was not only a devout but also an unquestioning
believer in the teachings of Christianity. His last
Sunday on earth found him in his accustomed place,
officiating as deacon.
During his long term of active service Dr. Wood-
ward ministered in sickness to at least six succes-
sive generations, and from the beginning to the end
commanded the unqualified confidence of his clien-
tage. Often appealed to for counsel and guidance,
he was never known to discuss or even mention a
matter that came to his knowledge in the sacredness
of professional intercourse. Scrupulous in perform-
ing the work of each day, thorough in all undertak-
ings, intolerant of sham and pretense, direct in aims
and methods, he pursued uncompromisingly the
paths marked out by his conceptions of duty. In
some respects he seemed to belong more to a former
age than to the present. On the maternal side inher-
iting from a clerical ancestry the stern theological
opinions of early New England. Dr. Woodward him-
self in beliefs, sympathies and character was a
marked survival of the Puritans.
His wife, Emeline Bicknell, to whom he was
married in May. 1832. with two sons, survived him.
— ["New England Historical and Genealogical Reg-
ister,"' for April, 1886.]
GEN. WILLIAM APPLETOX AIKEN, born
April 18, 1833, in Manchester, Yt.. married in
Norwich, Conn., Aug. 28. 1861, Eliza Coit Buck-
ingham, born Dec. 7. 1838. daughter of Gov. (and
afterward Lnited States Senator) William A.
Buckingham, of Norwich. Their children were
as follows: (1) Eliza B.. born May 21. 1862, mar-
ried Prof. Benjamin W. Bacon. D. D., of Yale
Divinity School, and has two children. Dorothv
Buckingham (born Nov. 13. 1886) and Benjamin
Selden (born April 6. 1888). (2) William B.,
born Jan. 24, 1864, is mentioned below. (3) Mary
A. was born April 5. 1866. (4) Jane McG. was
born Aug. 4, 1867. (5) Alfred L., born July 6,
1870, graduated from Yale in 1891, and is now as-
sistant cashier of the State National Bank at Boston,
Mass. He married Elizabeth Peck Hopkins, daugh-
ter of Col. W. S. B. Hopkins, of Worcester, Mass.
(6) John, born Nov. 3, 1871, is mentioned below.
(7) Edith M., born April 5, 1873. married Charles
H. Palmer, Esq., of Milwaukee, Wis., had one
daughter, Gertrude Buckingham, and died May 8,
1898.
During the Civil war Gen. Aiken served first
as paymaster in the United States Navy, and later
until the close of the war as quartermaster general
on the staff of Gov. Buckingham, and he is said
to have been one of the first to reach the seat of
government at Washington with dispatches from
the North after hostilities were under way, and
when the capital was beset with enemies and the
avenues of approach were all obstructed. He left
Norwich, Conn., for Washington. April 22, 1861.
Since the war Gen. Aiken has been a manufacturer
in Norwich. He is now president of the Norwich
Nickel & Brass Company, also president of the
board of trustees of the Otis Library, chairman of
trustees of Broadway Congregational Church, com-
mander of Sedgwick Post, No. 1. G. A. R.. a com-
panion of the Military Order of the Loyal Legion
of the Lnited States, a member of the Army and
Navy Club of Connecticut, of the Sons of the Amer-
ican Revolution, of the Executive Council of the
National Civil Service Reform League, and of
other organizations.
William Buckingham Aikex was born in
Norwich, Jan. 24, 1864. In 1878 he entered the
Free Academy, and in 1882 he entered Amherst
College, where he became a member of the Psi
L'psilon fraternity. At his graduation in 1886. he
took a prize of S60 awarded for the highest im-
provement of the college course. He was much be-
loved by all at college, and made there many firm
friendships which lasted through life ; and he was
secretary and treasurer of his class at Amherst after
his graduation. On the completion of his college
course he returned to Norwich, and after
studying law. with the late Jeremiah Halsey and
Willis A. Briscoe, was admitted to the Bar Dec.
8. 1888. He practiced law in the office with W. S.
Allis until 1893. when, upon the death of his brother.
John, he took his place in the Norwich Nickel &
Brass Company, afterward becoming its secretary,
which position he held at the time of his death. He
was made one of the corporators of the Norwich
Free Academy, in which institution he always took
?/^. 6UJ.
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
77
the deep and reverent interest of an alumnus. For
some time he was president of the Young People's
Union of the Broadway Congregational Church,
was a member of the Church, and for about two
years taught a class of young men in the Sunday
School. He was a companion of the second class
of the Military Order of the Loyal Legion of the
United States. He was a member of the Arcanum
Club at one time, and was a member of the Norwich
Club at the time of his death.
John Aiken, the youngest son, was born in
Norwich, in 1871, and was educated at the Free
Academy and the Massachusetts Institute of Tech-
nology. In 1892 he entered the employ of his
father in the Norwich Nickel & Brass Company,
which position he held at the time of his death in
February, 1893.
W. A. Aiken was descended from a New Hamp-
shire family, his descent being as follows :
(I) Edward Aiken came to Londonderry, New
Hampshire, in 1718, from Londonderry, Ireland,
to which his ancestors had emigrated one hundred
years previously from Lanarkshire, Scotland. His
wife was Barbara Edwards.
(II) Nathaniel Aiken married Margaret Coch-
ran. He lived on his father's farm which remained
in the possession of the family for more than a
century.
(III) John Aiken removed from Londonderry,
New Hampshire, to Bedford, that State. His wife
was Annis Orr.
(IV) Phineas Aiken was a soldier of the Revo-
lution, in Capt. Jonas Kidder's Company, Colonel
Moses Nichols Regiment, New Hampshire Militia.
He was a prominent man, and held offices in State,
town and Church. His wife was Elizabeth Pat-
terson.
(Y) John Aiken was twice married. His sec-
ond wife was Mary Means Appleton, eldest daugh-
ter of Jesse Appleton, D. D., President of Bowdoin
College. He was graduated at Dartmouth College,
studied law, and became principal of Burr Semi-
nary, Manchester, Yt. Upon the establishment of
the city of Lowell, Mass., he became agent succes-
sively of the Suffolk, Tremont, and Lawrence Man-
ufacturing Corporations, and later treasurer of the
Cocheco and Salmon Falls Manufacturing Com-
panies. He was a prominent member and officer of
the Congregational Churches of Lowell and Ando-
ver, Mass. ; president of the board of trustees of
Andover Phillips Academy and Theological Semi-
nary ; also for many years a prominent member of
the Prudential Committee of the American Board
of Commissioners for Foreign Missions, and a mem-
ber of the Executive Council of Gov. George N.
Briggs, of Massachusetts.
THURSTON TUCKER, who passed away at
an advanced age, after a busy and well spent life, was
one of the most highly esteemed citizens of Lebanon,
of which town, he was a resident for nearly forty-five
years. The Tucker family is a very old and numer-
ous one in Rhode Island.
Augustus Tucker, father of Thurston, was born
in South Kingston, R. I., where he followed the oc-
cupation of farmer, until he moved to Connecticut
and located at Lebanon, on the farm now occupied by
his grandson, Edgar J. Tucker. At a later date he re-
moved to Columbia, Conn., where he resided for a
number of years, and then returned to Lebanon,
where he lived for a time on Cook Hill and still later
on Liberty Hill. His old age was spent in the home
of his son, Ira Tucker, where he died at the age of
eighty-six years. He was buried at Willimantic. He
was twice married, first to Mercie Johnson, who was
the mother of all his children, born as follows : Azel,
a sailor, was lost at sea in young manhood ; Ira, a
farmer married Elizabeth Brown, and died in Leb-
anon ; Augustus, who engaged in farming, married
Annie Tucker, and died in Lebanon, and one of his
sons, Elisha Tucker, still resides there ; Ezekiel, also
a farmer, married Mary Brown, and died in Leb-
anon, leaving two sons, Edgar J. and Alfred L. ;
Thurston, born April 6, 1818; and Mercie married
Joseph Tucker, a farmer, and resided at Lebanon.
Thurston Tucker was born at South Kingston,
R. I., and was reared there. While still a small boy
he became a sailor in the coasting trade between
Providence and New York, and followed the sea for
some years. At the age of eighteen years he went
to Dutchess county, N. Y., accompanied by his
brothers Ira and Ezekiel, and they all were engaged
there for three years in farm work, all returning
then to South Kingston, where Thurston Tucker en-
gaged in a fishing business, in which he continued
until he removed to Columbia, Conn. There he
rented a farm on Pine street and remained upon it
for seven years. In 1858 he came to Lebanon, and
purchased from Amos Babcock, the Dr. Comstock
place, a tract of twenty-two acres, where he erected
new buildings, made many improvements of a sub-
stantial character and brought the land to a high
state of cultivation. He was enthusiastic in the pro-
ducing of fine fruit, and was eminently successful in
his efforts. Mr. Tucker continued active in the man-
agement of his farm until about 1887, when his son,
Orlando C, assumed its operation, and from that
time until his death, Mr. Tucker remained retired.
After a decline of six months and an illness of a few
weeks, he passed away July 30, 1902. He was a self-
made man whose industry and frugality in youth
were rewarded in age by a comfortable competency.
In politics Mr. Tucker belonged to that class of
Whigs, who adopted the principles of the Republican
party on its formation. He never sought or de-
sired public office. Both he and wife united with the
Baptist Church at South Kingston, and the latter
transferred by letter to the Lebanon Church.
On Jan. 4, 1841, in South Kingston, R. I., Mr.
Tucker married Amy P. Tucker, born April 28, 1820,
a native of South Kingston, a daughter of Nathan
and Fanny (Champlain) Tucker, the latter of whom
78
GENEALOGICAL AXD BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
died Oct. 6. 1884. in Lebanon. They had the fol-
lowing children born to them : Phebe C, born Jan.
17, 1842, married Dec. 11. 1862, George Irish, a
farmer residing in Lebanon ; Mercie F., born Jan.
11. 1844. is the wife of Judge Isaac Gillette, of Leb-
anon ; Azel T., born Feb. 25. 1846, married Mary
G. Fowler, and was a farmer residing in Goshen So-
ciety of Lebanon, where he died Oct. 4, 1877 : Or-
lando C.. born Aug. 25, i860, married Dec. 29, 1881,
in Amherst. Mass., Minnie C. Bronson born Sept.
14. 1859. a daughter of Rev. Asa C. and Catherine
(Congdon) Bronson the former of whom was a
Baptist clergyman, and their children are : Hattie
Maud ( born Nov. 14. 1882), Ella Mercie (born Sept.
12. 1886) and Fannie May (born June 10, 1888).
WILLIAM REED GAY was one of the leading
and substantial citizens of Lebanon, at which place
his death occurred March 21, 1900.
Asahel Gay, grandfather of William Reed, was a
distiller and farmer by occupation, and settled in
Lebanon, where he lived until his death, March 24.
1843, m his eighty-eighth year. Temperance, his
wife, died Sept. 27, 1843. in her eighty-eighth year.
Their daughter, also Temperance, died Feb. 17, 1864,
aged eighty-two years.
Asahel Gay, Jr., son of Asahel and father of
"William R.. was born in Connecticut. He married
Mary Reed, and had two sons. Francis La Fayette,
who died young: and William Reed. By occupa-
tion the father was a merchant. His death occurred
Nov. 30. 1828. aged thirty-eight years and two
months. His wife died Nov. 24. 1827. aged twenty-
nine vears. and both are buried at Whitesboro. New
York'.
William Reed Gay was born in Floyd. N. Y..
June 17. 1827. and as his mother died when he was
only five months old. and his father when he was
seventeen months of age. he was left to the tender
care and sympathy of his paternal grandparents, and
his Aunt Temperance, who was always a mother to
him. and whose memory he cherished as long as he
lived.
After attending the common schools of his
neighborhood, Mr. Gay received the further advan-
tage of one term at the academy at Westfield. Mass.
Being brought to Lebanon when only two years old,
he spent his life upon his grandfather's farm. The
house now standing thereon, was erected by him in
1858. and in 1859 he made other important and
necessary improvements. During a long and suc-
cessful career, he conducted his farm and became one
of the most prosperous farmers of the place, and for
many years he served as president of the Lebanon
Creamery. In politics Mr. Gay was a stanch Republi-
can, but he never aspired to office. Both he and his
wife were consistent members of the Consreg-ational
Church, in which he served as clerk until his death.
In appearance he was a man of medium height, of
light complexion, and he possessed a modest and
retiring disposition, and industrious and frugal hab-
its. For his many virtues he was beloved bv all
who knew him.
On May 24. 1853. Mr. Gay married Catherine
Wetmore, born April 14, 183 1, a daughter of Augus-
tus and Sarah (Hinckley) Wetmore : she died Feb.
16. 1902. at the house of her daughter. Mrs. Edwin
L. Danielson of Lebanon. The children born of this
union were : Emma Frances, who married Dr. Ed-
win L. Danielson. of Lebanon ; Mary Reed, who
married William A. Mason, of Franklin. Conn. ; and
Sarah Jane, who died when two years old.
HOX. WALLACE S. ALLIS. lawyer of Nor-
wich, president of the Uncas National Bank of that
city, and a former Senator from the Tenth District,
while not a native of Connecticut, is bv education,
business and professional training and achievement a
full-fledged citizen of the State, and of the city of
his adoption.
Allis is an old New England name, especiallv of
long and honorable standing in the Commonwealth
of Massachusetts, and as well in Connecticut. The
parents of Wallace S. Allis were Andrew S. and
Laura M. (Walbridge) Allis. the former an exten-
sive farmer and raiser of choice high-grade stock in
the town of Brookfield. Yt., where the subject of
this sketch was born Aug. 7. 1862. The boy received
the rudiments of an education in the district school
of his neighborhood in Brookfield. He furthered his
studies at Norwich. Conn., to which point he came
in 1877. and was graduated with honors from the
Free Academy ; then he entered Yale University,
and was graduated therefrom also with honors, in
1884. being one of the five Townshend prizes speak-
ers, and being chosen a commencement speaker.
Following his graduation at Yale he was for five
years a member of the Faculty of the Norwich Free
Academy, discharging his duties ably and satisfac-
torily to all concerned. One year of this period, in
addition to his academy work, he studied law in the
office, and under the direction, of the late Hon. Jere-
miah Halsey. He was also for a time in the office
of Wait & Greene, and was admitted to the Bar
in New London countv June 22. 1888. two years later
beginning the practice of his profession at Norwich.
His scholarly attainments, studious habits and in-
dustry commanded the attention of the public and
brought him position and influence and merited suc-
cess. He soon won the confidence of the commun-
ity and has held it. For two years he was city at-
torney for Norwich. Mr. Allis was elected to the
State Senate in the fall of 1900. and in the session
following — January. 190 1 — was a member and chair-
man of the important committees on Banks and Re-
vision of the Statutes. He is a member of a number
of social and business clubs, among the former the
Chelsea Boat Club and the Arcanum Club, being an
officer in the former and he is eligible for member-
ship in the Sons of the American Revolution. He
was vice-president of the Uncas National Bank for
several years, until January, 1903. when he was
GENEALOGICAL AXD BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
79
elected president. He is also a corporator of the
Norwich Free Academy, a trustee of the Chelsea and
the Dime Savings Banks, and is attorney for the
Chelsea Savings Bank. Fraternally he is a member
of Shetucket Lodge, Xo. 27. I. O. O. F. His re-
ligious connection is with the Second Congregational
Church, and he is chairman of the Society's Com-
mittee. Mr. Allis is unmarried.
DANIEL REDFIELD EYARTS (deceased)
was one of the most highly respected citizens of
Norwich. Conn., where his death occurred May 1.
1899. He was born in Athens, N. Y., a son of
George and Susan (Howland) Evarts, and of a
family long an old and numerous one in Guilford,
Conn., and vicinity.
George Evarts, the father, was engaged in trans-
portation along the Hudson river between Athens
and New York City. Both he and wife were thor-
oughly upright Christian people, and, although they
were removed from earth while their six sons were
still young, the good advice and pious example they
had set cast an influence which was reflected through
the lives of these children. They all became honored,
successful and useful men.
Daniel Redfield Evarts was survived by only one
brother, Charles E., who has since also passed away.
He was for many years cashier in the Railroad
offices of the Pennsylvania road in New York, hav-
ing been connected with that corporation for forty
years.
Daniel R. Evarts received a common school edu-
cation, and as he was still young when he lost his
parents, heavy burdens fell on him as the second
oldest of the family. Early in his teens he sought
employment as a clerk in the store of an uncle at
Athens, and some time after went to New York,
where he accepted a position as head clerk with the
Dispatch line of boats running between New York
and Philadelphia. This line did an immense busi-
ness in transportation, and as his superior officer was
very frequently absent, much of the work and re-
sponsibility fell upon the young clerk. At times the
line was operating twenty-eight vessels. He contin-
ued in the position of chief transportation clerk in
New York for a period of twenty-eight years, and
it was said of him that in this capacity he had no
superior. In 1875 the business was sold to the
Pennsylvania company, and he then resigned and
came to Norwich, which city remained his home
during the balance of his life. He lived in quiet re-
tirement, but when health permitted, met his friends
and performed social obligations with enjoyment.
His remains lie in the Yantic cemetery. His pleas-
ant home was erected by him in 1884. at No. 13 Lin-
coln Avenue, and is now occupied by his widow.
On Aug. 6. 1 86 1, Mr. Evarts was married to
Elizabeth "Woodward, a daughter of Daniel J. and
Mary A. (Griffin) "Woodward, the former of whom
was a native of Worcester. Mass.. and for forty
years was connected with the paper manufacturing
business of the A. H. Hubbard Co. Both Mr. and
Mrs. Woodward died at Norwich, and of their five
children, only two survive: Mary A., widow of Earl
S. Martin, resides at Norwich: and Mrs. Evarts.
Mrs. Evarts survives her two children, of whom ( 1 )
Mary Elizabeth died in 1879, at the age of sixteen
years. She attended the Norwich Free Academy,
and was a bright pupil, an excellent musician and a
young lady of extraordinary goodness, and amia-
bility of character. Her death was a blow from
which her parents never recovered. At the age of
fourteen she united with the Park Congregational
Church and her father dedicated a library fund to
the Church Sunday School as a memorial to her.
(2) Daniel Woodward died in 1868, aged three
years.
Mr. Evarts was a Republican in political views,
and always cast his vote, but would never accept
office. He united with the Park Congregational
Church, and was always in attendance upon the
services when his health permitted. He was a man
of great sincerity, despising shams of all kinds, and
by nature he was sociable and friendly, kind and
benevolent. He attracted attention by his distin-
guished and dignified appearance.
LATHAM FAMILY. The available facts in re-
gard to the Latham ancestry are as follows : William
Latham, then a youth in charge of Gen. Carver, was
a passenger on the "Mayflower" in 1620, and though
not named as one of that company of venturers his
passage on the first ship is vouched for in Bradford's
history. Young Latham was at Duxbury in 1637, at
Marshfield in 1643 and 1648, and the same year went
to the Bahamas, where he died.
Robert Latham, who was a constable in Marsh-
field in 1643. is made a son of the "Mayflower" voy-
ager by Mitchell, in his Family Register, published
in Bridgewater. Mass., in 1840. Robert lived at
Cambridge for several years, and took the oath of
fidelity at Marshfield in 1657. removing to East
Bridgewater in 1667. In 1649 ne married Susanna,
daughter of John Winslow (a brother of Gov. Ed-
ward Winslow) and of his wife, whose mother was
the historic Mary Chilton, said to be the first female
to set foot on Plymouth shores. Mary Chilton was a
daughter of James and Susanna Chilton, both of
whom died the first winter after reaching America
in 1620. The children comprising Robert Latham's
family were as follows : Mercy, born at Plymouth
in 1650 ; James ; Chilton ; Joseph ; Elizabeth ; Han-
nah, and Sarah.
Cary Latham, whom Savage declares probably
a brother of Robert the constable, married Eliza-
beth, daughter of John Masters, who married the
widow of Edmund Lockwood. To Cary Latham and
his wife were born children whose births are re-
corded in Boston as follows : Thomas and Joseph,
born respectively in September, 1639. and October,
1642. Mr. Latham removed to New London, Conn.,
and became prominent in affairs of the town, serving
So
GENEALOGICAL AXD BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
for sixteen years as selectman and as deputy to the
General Court from 1664 to 1670, inclusive. He
died in 16S5. His children born in New London
were : Elizabeth, Jane, Lydia and Hannah.
Thomas and Joseph, the two sons of Gary La-
tham, settled on the Groton side of the river, in New
London, where the name has been perpetuated, many
of the descendants residing in that vicinity. On Oct.
15. 1673. Thomas married Rebecca, daughter of
Hugh Wells, of YVethersfield, and had but one son,
Samuel. Thomas died in 1677. In New Found-
land Joseph married his wife Mary, by whom he had
Gary, born July 14, 1668, besides ten other children
born in New London. Joseph Latham died in 1706.
leaving seven sons and one daughter.
COSTELLO LIPPITT. secretary and treasurer
of the Norwich Savings Society, at Norwich, and
one of the most prominent Masons in the State, is
one of the leading men of the city. He descends
from an old Rhode Island family.
(I) John Lippitt is the sixth name in a list of
fifty-two persons, who. in 1638. had "home lots*' in
Providence. R. I. Two years later. May 2~j. 1640.
he signed a compact containing proposals for a
form of government, and in 1647 ne was on a com-
mittee from Providence, which, with other commit-
tees from Portsmouth, Newport, and Warwick, met
at Portsmouth "for the purpose of organizing a
government." under the first charter. He removed
to Warwick. R. L, where his name is found in
1665. on "Ye Roll of Freemen." His children were:
Nathaniel. John, Moses, Joseph and Rebecca.
(II) Moses Lippitt married, Nov. 19. 1668.
Mary Knowles. a daughter of Henry Knowles. Mr.
Lippitt was one of the Deputies for Warwick, at
the General Assembly at Newport in 1681, 1684.
1690 and 1698. He died Jan. 6. 1703. He was the
father of children, as follows : Mary. Martha. Re-
becca and Moses.
(III) Moses Lippitt (2). born about 1683. mar-
ried. Nov. 20. 1707. Ann Phillis Whipple, daughter
of Joseph and Alice Whipple of Providence. Mr.
Whipple was admitted a freeman of the Colony in
1704. and was a Deputy to the General Assembly
six years between 171 5 and 1730. He died Dec.
12. 1745, and was buried in his own ground at
Warwick, his funeral sermon being preached by
Rev. James Sparran. D. D. The children of Mr.
and Mrs. Lippitt were: Moses, born Jan. 17. 1709:
Jeremiah. Jan. 27. 171 1; Christopher. Nov. 29.
1712: Joseph. Sept. 4, 1715; Ann Phillis. Aug. 29.
1717: Freelove. March 31, 1720: Mary, Dec. 2.
1723: John. Dec. 24. 1731.
(IV) Christopher Lippitt. born Nov. 29. 1712.
married. Jan. 22. 1736. Catherine H olden, born Oct.
13, 1717. daughter of Anthony and Phebe (Rhodes)
Holden. Mr. Lippitt removed from Warwick to
"Lippitt Hill." in Cranston, where his father built
for him a large house. Mr. Lippitt died Dec. 7.
1764: his widow died May 4, 1807, and both are
buried in die family grounds on "Lippitt Hill."
Their children were : Anthony, who died Oct. 2^,
175 1. aged thirteen years; Freelove: Mary: Chris-
topher, born Oct. 28. 1744. the Colonel and General
Lippitt of Revolutionary note ; Catherine ; Warren ;
Phebe. born Dec. 6. 1749: Moses, Sept. 10. 175 1;
Charles. March 2, 1754; London. April 17 1756;
Waterman May 2. 1758: and John. Feb. 14. 1763.
Of these Christopher. Moses. Charles and John
were soldiers of the Revolution, two of them being
officers.
(V) Moses Lippitt, born Sept. 10. 175 1 . married
j Jan. 8. 1775. Anstis Holden, a daughter of Charles
Holden. They had thirteen children. Mr. Lippitt
moved to Killingly. Conn., about the beginning
of the Nineteenth century, and lived there the rest
of his life. He was an officer in the 3d Company
of the Cranston Militia in 1780. and 1781. and re-
ceived a pension for his services at that time.
(VI) Edward Lippitt was married, .Dec. 24.
1815. to Lois, born April 29. 1794. daughter of
Zadoc and Mary (Cady) Spaulding. at Killingly.
Conn.; she died in Norwich. March 31. 1887. m ner
ninety-third year.
(VII) Norris G. Lippitt was born in Killingly,
Conn., in October. 1817. The common schools fur-
nished a good foundation for his superior educa-
tion, which was all later self acquired. When four-
teen years old he was converted to Methodism at a
camp meeting held at Thompson, in which town he
was baptized and received into the Church. In 1846
he was licensed by the Rev. R. W. Allen as a local
preacher, and entered the service of the Methodist
Church : in 1851 he was ordained a local deacon, and
in 1858 a local elder. He preached seventeen
months at North Killingly. and. moving to Nor-
wich in 1852. supplied the church at Eagleville in
1853 and 1854. The following three years he
preached at the North Church in Norwich, and
also preached at Greeneville, and at some time in
his life in nearly every church in Windham and
New London counties. Previous to 1852 he was en-
gaged in the cotton manufacturing business at East
Killingly, being associated with a Mr. Truesdell,
under the firm name of Truesdell & Lippitt.
Mr. Lippitt was a member of Franklin Chap-
ter. R. A. M.. of Norwich. As citizen, pastor, hus-
band, father and friend, he was a most estimable
man.
Norris G. Lippitt was twice married, first to
Eliza M. Leffingwell. daughter of Calvin and Lucy
I Buck) Leffingwell. of Killingly. and a descendant
of Lieutenant Thomas Leffingwell, one of the orig-
inal proprietors of Norwich, her descent being
through Samuel. Samuel (2). Jeremiah, Prosper
and Calvin. She died in Norwich Dec. 17. 1863,
aged forty-four, leaving one child. Costello. For his
second wife Mr. Lippitt married Mrs. Harriet Bart-
lett. who survives him. He died Feb. 4, 1887. and
was buried in Yantic cemetery.
Costello Lippitt was bora Dec. 12. 1842. in East
■ -
; ■. .. ■ | 1
,.->^'.
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
8r
Killingly, and was ten years old when his parents
moved to Norwich. He received his education in
the district school of East Killingly, the public
schools at Norwich, and the Free academy. He
then entered Wesleyan University, was graduated
from there with the degree of A. 15., and in 1867
the degree of M. A. was conferred upon him by
that institution. After his graduation he returned
to Norwich, and in the following October (1864),
he was employed as clerk in the Thames National
Bank, being in charge of the stock book; he was
there when the capital stock of that bank was raised
from $500,000 to $1,000,000. In January, 1865, he
accepted a clerkship in the Norwich Savings Soci-
ety, his position being the lowest one in the bank.
Charles Johnson was president of the Institution at
that time, and Benjamin Huntington was secretary
and treasurer ; the deposits then were about $4,000,-
000. Mr. Lippitt through industry and ability
worked his way up, and in 188 1 was elected secre-
tary and treasurer to succeed Mr. Huntington,
which position he now holds. The Norwich Sav-
ings Society was organized in 1824, and now has a
savings deposit of nearly $15,000,000, being the
second largest in the State, and one of the largest
in New England. Mr. Lippitt is the leading active
official.
Costello Lippitt is a Republican, but has never
accepted an elective office. For fifteen years pre-
vious to July, 190T, he served as a member of the
board of trustees of the Connecticut Hospital for
the Insane at Middletown, when he resigned, and
was succeeded by David A. Billings, of Norwich.
He is a member of the board of directors and trus-
tees of the Norwich Savings Society, and is senior
member of the board of directors of the Merchants'
National Bank. He has also been made a trustee
of the Norwich Free Academy, and is secretary and
treasurer of the Eliza Huntington Memorial Home
at Norwich, succeeding his father on the board. In
1903 he was elected the first president of the board
of trustees of the new Norwich Hospital for the
Insane, and he is a director of the Norwich Street
Railway Companv.
Mr. Lippitt is one of the best known members
of the Masonic fraternity in the State. He was
made a Master Mason in Somerset Lodge, No. 34,
F. & A. M., Norwich, and when St. James Lodge,
No. 2$, was formed in 1873, he was a charter mem-
ber of that lodge. He is a member of Franklin
Chapter, No. 4, R. A. M. ; Franklin Council, No.
3- R. & S. M. ; and is Past Eminent Commander of
Columbian Commandery, No. 4, Knights Templar.
For thirty consecutive years he has held office in the
Commandery, at present holding the office of Pre-
late. He is Past Grand Commander of the State ;
Treasurer of the Grand Commandery of the State ;
and President of the Past Grand Commanders' As-
sociation Knights Templar of Connecticut. In
Scottish Rite Masonry he has been equally profi-
cient : He is a member of King Solomon Grand
6
Lodge of Perfection ; the Van Rennselaer Council
of Princes of Jerusalem ; Norwich Sovereign Chap-
ter of Rose Croix ; Connecticut Sovereign Consis-
tory of Norwich, and has served three years as
Commander-in-chief of the last body. He is at
present a member of the finance committee. He
also belongs to the Sphinx Temple, Mystic Shrine,
at Hartford. On Sept. 20, 1898, at Cincinnati, he
was made a member of the Supreme Council of the
Sovereign Grand Inspectors General of the Thirty-
Third and Last Degree for the Northern Masonic
Jurisdiction. He is a member of the board of direc-
tors of the Masonic Temple corporation, and treas-
urer of the same.
At the age of fourteen years Mr. Lippitt united
with the East Main Street M. E. Church, and later
transferred his membership to the Central M. E.
Church, and then to the Sachem Street M. E.
Church; in 1895, when the Trinity Methodist Epis-
copal Church was organized, he was one of the lead-
ing spirits and became president of the board of
trustees, holding that office to the present time. For
the past twenty years he has served as superin-
tendent of the Sunday School, and over forty years
as organist of the churches, only lately resigning.
He is yet Sunday School Superintendent. He is a
member of the American Missionarv Board of the
Alethodist Church, and has a wide acquaintance in
Methodist circles, and also belongs to one of the
societies in connection with the Weslevan Uni-
versity.
On Aug. 16, 1864, Mr. Lippitt was united to
Emily Hyde Standish, of Norwich, adopted daugh-
ter of Nathan Standish. Mrs. Lippitt died May 20,
1889, aged forty-six years. She bore her husband
two children: (1) Mary 15., born July 28. 1805, is
the wife of C. J. Wolcott, of Norwich, and has two
children, Marion Belle, and Marguerite Standish.
(2) Norris S.. born Dec. 25, 1867, ls assistant teller
in the Norwich Savings Society, and is a 33d de-
gree Mason ; he married Inez P. Doolittle, and they
have one child, Mary Esther.
On May 31, 1891, Mr. Lippitt married for his sec-
ond wife, Gertrude H. Lamphere, a direct descend-
ant of Stephen Hopkins, one of the signers of the
Declaration of Independence. Mrs. Lippitt is a
member of the Faith Trumbull Chapter, D. A. R.
Mr. Lippitt is well known, is very kind and oblig-
ing, and holds the entire confidence of a large circle
of friends, in both the business and social world.
HON. HENRY BILL, late of Norwich, a
former State Senator, useful citizen, and prominent
business man, himself a New Englander of the best
type, reflected in that life an ancestry no less sturdy
and patriotic.
Born May 18, 1824, in that part of the town of
Groton now Ledyard. Conn., Mr. Bill was a son of
Gurdon and Lucy (Yerrington) Bill, and a repre-
sentative in the seventh generation from John and
Dorothy Bill, the progenitors of this branch of the
82
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
Bill family in America. From them Mr. Bill's line-
age is through Philip, Joshua, Phineas, Joshua (2),
and Gurdon Bill.
(I) John and Dorothy Bill were of record in
Boston in 1638-39, the year in which Mr. Bill died,
and the one in which Dorothy Bill, a widow, was of
the household of Richard Tuttle. It is assumed by
the author of the Bill genealogy that John and Dor-
othy were man and wife ; that she was a sister of
Tuttle ; that they came from England prior to 1635,
and brought with them several children. Their chil-
dren were : James, Thomas, Philip, John and Mary.
(II) Philip Bill, born about 1620, in England,
was early in Boston and vicinity. He was in New
London in 1668, and settled on the east side of the
Thames river in that portion of the town which
became Groton in 1705. He became possessed of
considerable property. He died July 8, 1689. His
widow, Hannah, married Samuel Bucknall, of New
London, and died in 1709. The children born to
Philip Bill and his wife Hannah were : Philip, Mary,
Margaret, Samuel, John, Elizabeth, Jonathan and
Joshua.
(III) Joshua Bill, born Oct. 16, 1675, in New
London (now Ledyard), Conn., married (first) Nov.
1, 1699, Joanna Potts, born in May, 1679, daughter
of William Potts, of New London ; she died Nov.
3, 1718, and he married (second) Oct. 4, 1719, Han-
nah, born in December, 1697, a daughter of Will-
iam Swodel, of Groton, and in the latter town Mr.
Bill became a prominent public man, and was held in
high esteem. He died in 1735. His wife Hannah
survived him, and was the administratrix of his es-
tate. His children by his first wife were : Joshua,
Edward, Benajah and Mary ; and those by the second
were: Phineas, Naomi, Orpha, Hannah, Sarah,
Esther, Joanna and Phebe.
(IV) Phineas Bill, born Sept. 3, 1720, in what is
now the town of Ledyard, married Mehetabel Wood-
worth, and lived in Ledyard. He was a cooper by
trade, and an industrious and honorable man, and
enjoyed the respect and confidence of his neighbors.
He died in February, 1780. His widow survived
him many years, and died in Ledyard, in July, 18 13.
Their children were : Phineas, Mehetabel, Mary,
Benajah, Joshua, Gurdon and a daughter whose
name is unknown.
(Y) Joshua Bill (2), born May 14, 1762, in
what is now Ledyard (then Groton), married Abi-
gail Miner, born Dec. 15, 1759, and settled in the
town of his nativity. He learned the cooper's trade
and followed it in connection with farming. He pos-
sessed many estimable traits of character, was
strictly temperate in his habits and exhibited eminent
Christian virtues. While serving his country as a
soldier in the Revolution he was wounded in one of
his legs, and late in life was granted a pension by
the Government. He died Dec. 20, 1841, when in
the eightieth year of his age. His wife Abigail died
Feb. 14, 1813. The children of Joshua and Abigail
Bill were: Gurdon, born Jan. 18, 1784; Sabrina, Jan.
14, 1786; Sarah, Sept. 16, 1787; Phineas, Sept. 16,
1789; Abigail, Aug. 29, 1791 ; Betsey, Aug. 24,
1793; Fanny, March 9, 1795; Avery, Oct. 1, 1796;
and Nancy, June 2, 1798.
(VI) Gurdon Bill, born Jan. 18, 1784, in Groton
(now Ledyard) married Nov. 18, 1820, Lucy Yer-
rington, born Jan. 6, 1795, daughter of Joseph and
Anna (Witter Park) Yerrington, of Preston, Conn.
Their children were: Edward M., born April 24,
1822; Henry and Joshua (twins), May 18, 1824;
Joseph, Feb. 12, 1826; Gurdon, June 7, 1827; Fred-
eric, April 6, 1829, died in infancy; Eliza, May 7,
1831 ; Frederic (2), Sept. 7, 1833 ; Ledyard, May 14,
1836; Harriet, April 28, 1838; and Charles, June 7,
1840.
Nature had endowed Gurdon Bill with mental
faculties of no common order. At the age of twen-
ty-one, feeling greatly the want of an education, he
resolved to make an effort to obtain it. He was
admitted to the Plainfield Academy in one of the
lower classes. He rapidly rose from class to class,
and on leaving the institution he was among the fore-
most. His aim had been to fit himself for a teacher,
and on returning to his native town he at once en-
gaged in that calling, and pursued it for seven suc-
cessive winters. The intervening summers he spent
in farming. He taught the first grammar school held
in Groton. Long before the close of the seven years'
period he had acquired a wide and honorable reputa-
tion as a teacher and citizen. During the war of 1812
he was temporarily stationed on picket duty at Ston-
ington, while the British fleet was cruising off that
port. Mr. Bill was for a brief period in the whole-
sale fish trade at the old "Fly Market," in New York
City ; leaving there he embarked in mercantile busi-
ness with Philip Gray in Groton (Ledyard), where
afterward he purchased land and resided. Later he
bought the interest of his partner, and continued the
business on his own account until his family had con-
siderably increased in numbers. His children being
most boys, he deemed best to engage in farming, so
as to rear them in habits of industry. He had already
purchased parts of two farms. Mr. Bill's voice and
influence as a citizen was always on the side of truth
and justice; he despised a mean action, and was the
friend of the defenseless, and was charitable every-
where. "Do unto others as you would have them
do unto you," was his rule in life. In 1828 he rep-
resented his native town in the State Legislature.
Few men in the State led so quiet a life, and yet
impressed society as much as he. In the division of
the old town of Groton he was chiefly instrumental.
Mr. Bill died Sept. 10, 1856, and was buried with
ceremony by the Masonic fraternity, in the family
burying ground located on his farm. His wife died
Oct. 1, 1846. Her character, as her person, was one
of great loveliness. ■ She expressed but one wish for
which she desired to live, and that was that she
might see her children grow to man's estate. She
was a member of the Baptist Church at Preston, and
her life ever exemplified that of the true Christian.
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
83
Henry Bill, at the age of fourteen, was appren-
ticed to John J. Hyde, in the office of the old New
London Gazette, but remained only four months,
when he returned home to assist his father on the
farm. He returned to New London in a few months,
and engaged for a short time as a clerk for Robert
Chapman, in a confectionery store. The following
winter he engaged as a teacher in the Broadbrook
district, Preston, receiving for his services nine dol-
lars per month. Having decided on teaching as a
profession, to this end he attended in the succeeding
fall a teacher's preparatory school, in Plainfield,
Conn. The following winter he taught a school in
Plainfield, and at Groton the next winter: In 1842,
at the age of eighteen, he, after the fashion of enter-
prising boys of that day, purchased his time until he
should arrive at the age of manhood. He now en-
gaged with his cousin, James A. Bill, of Lyme, as a
traveling agent for the sale of books. At the age of
twenty-three, having acquired a practical knowledge
of this business, and having married, he went to
Norwich, Conn., and established himself as a book
publisher on his own account. Here he passed the
remainder of his life. Although at the start he had
no capital and no influential friends, he became pros-
perous and successful at once, and for about thirty
years continued an unbroken career of prosperity.
While a traveling agent Mr. Bill had traveled exten-
sively through several of the Western and some of
the Eastern States, and it was through the encour-
agement of Messrs. Harper & Brothers, of New
York City, that he had in 1847, engaged in the pub-
lication and sale of books by subscription.
Among the celebrated works Mr. Bill published
were the "Travels of Stephens and Catherwood in
Central America," "Chiapas and Yucatan," "Dr.
Kitto's Illustrated History of the Bible," "A History
of the World," and Abbott's "Civil War in Amer-
ica," which last he issued in conjunction with his
brothers Gurdon and Ledyard. In the dissemina-
tion of these books he gave employment to thousands
of agents. Mr. Bill was one of the oldest subscrip-
tion book publishers in the country. Subsequently
he put his business into a joint stock company, plac-
ing the management into the hands of others, and
gave his whole time to the care of other interests,
which had accumulated on his hands, and the recup-
eration of his health, which had became seriously im-
paired.
In 1850 Mr. Bill, in company with two other gen-
tlemen, engaged in developing a large tract of land
on the south bank of the Shetucket, at its junction
with the river Thames, now Laurel Hill. He was the
active partner in this enterprise, and lived to enjoy
the satisfaction of seeing what was a ragged and
apparently worthless tract of land, when he put his
hand to it, one of the most flourishing villages in
the State, connected with Norwich by a substantial
bridge. Here he had his residence, and enjoyed all
the comforts and luxuries of a New England home.
Later he purchased a fine home on Broadway, which
was his residence at the time of his death.
Mr. Bill devoted much time to politics. In 1853
he was nominated by the Democrats to represent the
Eighth Senatorial District in the State Senate. Mr.
Bill was elected, and was the youngest member in
the Senate. In 1856 he espoused the Free Soil cause,
and was ever, from this time on, an earnest worker
in the ranks of the Republican party, but never ran
for office save that one time. During the Civil war
he was a trusted counselor of Gov. Buckingham, and
gave largely of his time and money to the support
of the Government. Mr. Bill never forgot his na-
tive town. His love for it and its people was unfail-
ing. During his life he endowed an ample free pub-
lic library for the town, and by his will he left a sum
sufficient to build a fire-proof building for the books,
besides giving to the Congregational Church of the
town his family homestead as a parsonage, and a
large sum of money.
Mr. Bill was an earnest patriot, strongly attached
to his country and her institutions, was a true friend,
a good neighbor, and all in all, one of the best pro-
ducts of the institutions of old Connecticut.
Mr. Bill maintained a summer residence at East-
ern Point, in the town of Groton. Here his death oc-
curred Aug. 14, 1891, this event being sudden and
unexpected although he had been for twenty years in
impaired health.
On Feb. 10, 1847, Mr. Bill was married to Julia
Octavo Chapman, who was born in Groton, Conn.,
Dec. 14, 1824, a daughter of Simeon Chapman ; she
died in November, 1903. This marriage was blessed
with children as follows : Henry Gustavus, born
Nov. 18,1847, cued Nov. 3, 1853 ; John Harper, born
June 21, 1851 ; Henry Sumner, born June 19, 1856;
Julia Florence, born April 29, 1858; Jennie Eliza,
born April 8, i860 ; and Frederic Abbott, born March
12, 1864.
JOHN MITCHELL, who passed away at his
home in Norwich Jan. 7, 1901, full of years and
honor, was truly one of that city's grand old men,
and was throughout his active life closely identified
with the commercial progress of Norwich and vi-
cinity, the line of his chief interest being the iron
business, with which he and his father were con-
nected for over forty-five years.
Mr. Mitchell was a native of Stourbridge (near
Birmingham), England, born Aug. 29, 1819, son of
Thomas and Elizabeth (Williams) Mitchell, the
father born in 1798. In 1828 the family, consisting
of parents and five children, came to America, the
father to enter the employ of the Sterling Iron Com-
pany, of New York City, whose works were located
on Broadway. After three years' residence in New
York City the family removed to Wareham, Mass.,
where Mr. Mitchell conducted the Washington Iron
Works, and in 1845 *ney settled in Norwich, where
he took the management of the Cold Springs Iron
84
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
Works, at Thamesville, which he purchased in 1850.
He was also interested in the Gosbold Mills, at New
Bedford, Mass. In 1852 James M. Huntington (de-
ceased) became interested in the Cold Spring
Works, which were conducted by the firm of J. M.
Huntington & Co., until 1862, when Mr. Huntington
withdrew. In 1867 Thomas Mitchell died, aged
sixty-nine years, and his sons, John and Thomas,
carried on the business under the firm name of
Mitchell Brothers. Thomas Mitchell was killed in
the works May 9, 1865, and subsequently John
Mitchell's elder son, Albert G., and Azel W. Gibbs
(now deceased) entered into partnership with him;
in 1879 ^r- Mitchell's younger son, Frank A., was
given an interest in the business, and the same year
the company purchased the Thames Iron Works.
Both works enjoyed a profitable patronage until
Western competition spoiled the business in the East,
and Mr. Mitchell close the plant in 1891. During the
Civil war the Cold Spring Iron Works were quite
important, supplying quantities of iron to the United
States Government for the Armory at Springfield.
John Mitchell received scarcely any schooling
whatever, as he only attended in New York, and the
methods of instruction being very crude in those
days he had little of the benefits of what is now
called education. He early went into the mill, and,
beginning at the bottom, mastered every detail of
the work. Having a wonderfully retentive memory,
by study and observation he became well informed.
acquiring by his own exertions, and in contact with
men of intellect, the breadth of mind and intellectual
grasp which his early opportunities did not supply.
He was a kind and courteous gentleman of the old
school, admired, loved and respected by all. ( Jut-
side of the iron business, to which he devoted his
principal attention, Mr. Mitchell was interested in
various other commercial enterprises of Norwich and
vicinity, having ever been ready to give practical
aid and encouragement to any project which would
promote the growth or advance the welfare of his
adopted town. For thirty years he was connected
with the Norwich Savings Society, of which he
acted as president during the last five years of his
life : for twenty-seven years he was a director of the
Thames National Bank ; was one of the founders,
and for seventeen years president, of the Richmond
Stove Company ; was a member of the Uncas Paper
Company, of which he was one of the original board
of directors ; and was a director of the Crescent
Fire Arms Company. He also took a patriotic in-
terest in the public affairs of the city, and served as
a member of the court of common council for two
years, being elected to that body by the Republican
party, of which he was a stanch member. Free ed-
ucation was a matter of particular interest to him,
and he was trustee of the Free Academy, and a
fellow of the corporation. He was also interested
in the Y. M. C. A. and the United Workers.
On June 6, 1841, Mr. Mitchell married Miss
Joanna Dexter Gibbs, daughter of Capt. Joshua and
Deborah (Washburn) Gibbs, of Wareham, Mass.,
and they had a family of four children, two of whom
died in infancy. Of the survivors. Albert G. is a
resident of Norwich ; he married Martha S. Laigh-
ton, and has one son, John L., a clerk in the First
National Bank, who married Helen S. Gilbert.
Frank A. married Martha H. Collins, and
has one daughter, Joanna D. Frank A. Mitchell
was for several years engaged in the iron business
in Belleville, Canada, but now resides in Norwich;
in 1885 he represented Norwich in the State Legis-
lature. Mrs. John Mitchell also survives. Mr.
Mitchell was also survived by two sisters and two
brothers, Charles, William. Mrs. George W. Geer
and Mrs. Francis Davis, all of Norwich.
Mr. Mitchell found his chief recreation in fish-
ing, and he was one of the most enthusiastic of fish-
ermen, indulging in the sport as long as he was able.
He attended the Second Congregational Church, of
which he was a generous supporter, and he was
always active and zealous in church work and
benevolent enterprises, being liberal and kind to
those less comfortably situated than himself. In
business a man of great industry and sterling integ-
rity, in his home relations thoroughly domestic and
kindly, in society a congenial and pleasant compan-
ion, both because of his intellect and happy disposi-
tion, his death was mourned in many places, and he
was even where spoken of in terms of the highest
praise.
WATERMAN RUFUS BURNHAM, one of
the well-known citizens of Norwich, living retired
after a successful business career, is descended from
an old Massachusetts family, whose coming to Amer-
ica dates back almost to the founding of that Colony.
(I) Deacon John Burnham, and his brothers
Thomas and Robert, sons of Thomas and Alary
(Andrews) Burnham. of Norwich, county of Nor-
folk, England, while they were yet boys came to
America, in 1035, in the ship "Angel Gabriel." in
care of their maternal uncle, Capt. Andrews, and set-
tled in Chebacco, in the Colony of Massachusetts
Bay. John became a deacon in the church there.
He joined the expedition against the Pequots in
1637, and received grants of land for his services,
becoming thereby the owner of a large tract of land
on the east side of Haskell's creek. He died in Che-
bacco, Nov. 5, 1694. The Christian name of his
wife was Mary, and their children were John. Josiah,
Ann and Elizabeth.
(II) Josiah Burnham was born May 9. 1662,
and married July 12, 1687, Abigail, daughter of
Thomas Yarney. They lived in Ipswich, where he
died Oct. 25, 1692. His wife died Oct. 31, 1692.
Their children were Josiah, Jacob and Ebenezer.
(III) Ebenezer Burnham was born Dec. 28,
1691, and lived in Hampton, Conn. In 1733-34 he
purchased a farm bounding on Merrick's brook. He
and his wife Dorathy joined the church in Hampton
Oct. 20, 1734. Mr. Burnham died March 10. 1746,
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
85
and Mrs. Burnham passed away June 26, 1760, aged
sixty-three years. Their children were Joshua,
Ebenezer, Joseph, Andrew, Isaac and Dorathy.
(IV) Andrew Burnham, born March 28, 1726,
married May 11, 1757, Jane, daughter of William
Bennett, and lived in Hampton, Conn. He died
in 1787, leaving eight children: Andrew, William,
Elizabeth, Sarah, Adonijah, Mercy, Rufus and
Enoch.
(V) Deacon William Burnham was born March
5, 1764, and resided in what is now Scotland, Conn.,
where he was quite extensively engaged in farming.
He was a man of influence and prominence in town
affairs, and held many of the town offices. He was
a deacon of the church for many years. He died at
Scotland, April 20, 1847. He was married Dec. 2,
1790, to Lois Grow, of Eastford, Conn., an aunt of
the Hon. Galusha A. Grow, of Pennsylvania. She
died Nov. 22, 1843, the mother of the following chil-
dren: Elisha, who died in infancy; Elisha (2);
William ; Rufus ; Lucius ; Marcus ; Mason ; Lois ;
and Marvin.
(VI) Rufus Burnham was born Jan. 25, 1799,
in Scotland, Conn., and followed the occupation of a
farmer all his life, in the town of Windham, meet-
ing with much success financially. He held a num-
ber of town offices, and was a man much beloved and
respected. He was an earnest Christian, and was a
member of the Christian Church whose place of
worship was known locally as the "Burnham Meet-
ing House," which was located in the town of Scot-
land. Politically he was a Whig. His death, which
occurred March 16, 1847, was caused by pneumonia,
and he was buried at North Windham. He married
Maria Smith, born in 1797 in Vermont, who after
the death of her first husband became the wife of
Capt. John Day, of Dayville, Conn., to whom she
was married in 1849. She survived him, and died
at the home of her daughter, Mrs. F. M. Lincoln, at
North Windham, June 25, 1866, at the age of sixty-
nine years. Her children were all by her first mar-
riage: (1) Mary Ann, born April 2, 1823, was
married Nov. 22, 1846, to Frank M. Lincoln, a mer-
chant and a prominent citizen of North Windham,
Conn. She died Aug. 21, 1884, leaving one daugh-
ter, Edith M., wife of M. Eugene Lincoln, a prom-
inent citizen of Willimantic. (2) William, born
Feb. 22, 1826, married Miss Ellen Bass, of Scotland,
Nov. 26, 1848. He was a farmer and resided in
Windham. He died April 13, 185 1, leaving one
son, Rufus W., who is manager of the Southern
California agency of R. G. Dun & Co., and resides
at Los Angeles, Cal. (3) Waterman Rufus.
Waterman Rufus Burnham was born Dec. 4,
183 1, in Windham, and attended the district school
and the village school kept at Windham Center, by
Miss Jane Fuller and others. He later attended the
Connecticut Literary Institute, at Suffield. Conn.
After completing his schooling he entered the drug
store of Col. Samuel Tyler, of Norwich, Conn., in
the capacity of clerk, remaining there four years,
and then, in company with his brother-in-law, F.
M. Lincoln, bought the drug store of Edward Moul-
ton, Willimantic, and engaged in business there un-
der the firm name of Burnham & Lincoln. Later he
purchased the interest of his partner, and for a time
conducted the business alone. Mr. Burnham dis-
posed of the drug business in 1855, and at the re-
quest of his 'father-in-law became connected with
the business owned by Mr. Wood, known as the
Uncasville Manufacturing Company. Mr. Burn-
ham was at first an accountant, later became assist-
ant treasurer, and finally treasurer. He was serving
in the later capacity when he retired from the posi-
tion, in 1897, after a term of service with that firm
covering forty-two years.
Mr. Burnham was married, Dec. 25, 1853, to
Miss Julia A. Wood, daughter of Willet R. and Julia
A. (Reed) Wood, the former a successful cotton
manufacturer at Uncasville. Mr. and Mrs. Burn-
ham had one son, William, who died at the age of
three months. Since 1873 Mr. Burnham has been a
resident of Norwich, where he has a handsome resi-
dence located on the corner of Alain and Park
streets.
Mrs. Burnham died Jan. 21, 1882, and Mr. Burn-
ham was married again Dec. 4, 1883, to Miss Ella
A. Bradford, a daughter of Rev. E. B. Bradford, a
minister of the Methodist Episcopal Church at Hyde
Park, Mass. They have had two children : Harold,
who died in infancy, and Rufus Bradford, born
April 11, 1886, who graduated from the Thacher
School, at Nordhoff, Cal, and concluded his pre-
paration for Yale at the Norwich Free Academy.
Mr. Burnham is a Republican in politics, and
during his residence at Uncasville was called to
many positions of honor and trust. In 1862 he rep-
resented the town of Montville in the Legislature;
he also served as chairman of the board of relief in
Montville, and was for many years school visitor in
that town. He took a very active interest in educa-
tional matters and was instrumental in securing the
building of the present school house at Uncasville.
Mr. Burnham attended the Congregational Church
at Windham when a boy, during the pastorate of
Rev. John Tyler, and 011 removing to Lncasville,
where there was no Congregational Church, he at-
tended the Methodist Church. When the question
of building a new Methodist Church at Uncasville
arose, it was Mr. Burnham who raised the funds,
and served on the building committee. When the
edifice, which was a much more elaborate one than
it was thought possible to have, was dedicated,
it was entirely free from debt. His interest and
activity in church work by no means ended with
this, as, in addition to being one of its main stays,
he took a foremost part in its Sunday-school work,
serving as superintendent for a number of years.
Since his residence in Norwich he has been quite
active in the affairs of the Broadway Congrega-
tional Church, where he served as superintendent
of the Sundav-school for many vears, and is a dea-
86
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD,
con in the church. Mrs. Burnham and her son are
also members of this church. Mr. Burnham was
one of the State Sunday-school representatives at a
large number of the International Sunday-school
Conventions, serving on various committees, and for
some years was a member of the International Sun-
day-school Executive Committee. In 1880 he rep-
resented Connecticut at the Centennial of Modern
Sunday-schools in London, at that time spending
several months in travel in the Old World. As a
conductor of Sunday-school institutes, and a leader
at conventions throughout the State, as a presiding
officer and as a practical and earnest speaker, his
words and work will long be remembered. The in-
tense and active interest taken by Mr. Burnham in
all kinds of religious and charitable work is best
shown by his prominent and extensive connection
with such societies. He was for years chairman of
the State Sunday-school Association ; was for years
chairman of the New London County Sunday-
school Union ; is a corporate member of the Amer-
ican Board of Commissioners of Foreign Missions ;
is a corporate member of the Connecticut Bible So-
ciety; was the first president of the Norwich Y. M.
C. A. and served in that office for five years ; is one
of the oldest members of the State Y. M. C. A. com-
mittee and for many years has been the State Cor-
responding member of the International Y. M. C.
A. committee. "When the Norwich City Mission, an
organization now under the auspices of The United
Workers, was in existence, he served as its presi-
dent for several years. In his long and useful life,
the work which stands out most prominently is that
done in religious and charitable bodies, a work that
has been to him the most pleasant, and marked by
zeal and sincerity.
Mr. Burnham in business circles is equally as
well known. He is vice-president and one of the di-
rectors of the Dime Savings Bank, and when the
Second National Bank was in existence he served
as one of its directors for seventeen years. For
some time he was a director of the New London
Fire Insurance Company. He is an active member
of the New England Cotton Manufacturing Asso-
ciation ; member of the Home Market Club ; and a
member of the Norwich Board of Trade.
As a citizen, none in his city enjoys to any great-
er extent the respect and high esteem of all who
know him. A man of the strictest intesrritv, he en-
joys to an unusual degree the marked confidence of
his business and social acquaintances. Personally
he is a man of most pleasing address. His friends
are numerous, and in business and social life he has
always been a prominent figure. Mr. and Mrs.
Burnham spend considerable time in travel. For
several years past they have made annual trips to
the Pacific coast.
BREWSTER. This honored family is one of
historic prominence in New England. This article
treats of the branch of the family of Capt. John
Brewster, late of Ledyard — one of New London
county's most highly esteemed and well known citi-
zens, and one of God's noblemen — and two of Capt.
Brewster's sons, the late John Denison Brewster, of
Norwich, and Frank W. Brewster, who resides on
the old homestead.
Two of Capt. Brewster's great-grandfathers,
Lieut. Parke Avery and Capt. William Latham, were
heroes of the Revolution. The first of the Brewster
family in America was
(I) Elder William Brewster, born in 1590, in
England, "the excellent elder of Plymouth." who
came to America in the ''Mayflower." in 1620. He
died in 1644. His wife was Mary (presumably)
Love.
(II) Jonathan Brewster, came to New London in
1649, from Duxbury, Mass.. and later bought land
from Uncas at Brewster's Neck, and there estab-
lished a trading post. He was the first town clerk
of New London. His wife was Lucretia Oldham.
(III) Benjamin Brewster, born in 1633, married
Anna Dart. He died in 1710.
(IY) Jonathan Brewster married Judith
Stephens.
(V) Joseph Brewster married Dorothy Witter.
(YI) Jabez Brewster was the next in line.
(ATI) John Brewster, grandfather of John D.
and Frank W.. was born in Preston, Dec. 15, 1782,.
and died Nov. 12, 1848. His wife was Mary (com-
monly called Polly), daughter of Capt. Israel Mor-
gan, a soldier of the Revolution. In 1820 John Brew-
ster purchased the homestead, then known as the
"Capt. Israel Morgan farm.'' and there resided until
his death. His family consisted of three sons and
one daughter.
( YIII) Hon. John Brewster was born May 13,
1816. in Preston, and grew to manhood on the farm.
He was educated in the common schools and Bacon
Academy, at Colchester. When in his eighteenth
year he enlisted as sergeant in a rifle company from
Groton and Stonington, and afterward was chosen
captain, by which title he was well known throughout
life. Previous to his marriage he taught school for
several winters. Shortlv after his marriage Mr.
Brewster brought his wife to the home where he
lived for over eighty years, and with his wife over
sixty years. This farm, situated in the town of
Ledyard. and just South of the village of Poque-
tanuck, four miles from Norwich, contains about
140 acres. In addition to farming Capt. Brewster
bought wool in company with the late L. W. Car-
roll, of Norwich, and also for the Yantic Woolen
Company. In the capacity of appraiser, trustee and
administrator, he often assisted in settling estates,
some of them requiring the handling of large
amounts of property and involving knotty and
troublesome problems. He was always conspicuous
for broad intelligence and sound judgment, and was
honest, kind hearted and generous to a fault. With
his family he always attended St. James Episcopal
Church, of Poquetanuck, and was a liberal supporter
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
87
of the same. He represented the town of Ledyard
in the House of Representatives in 1847, 1851, and
1878, and the Tenth district in the Senate in i860,
1885 and 1886. For several years he held the office
of selectman (first and second), was probate judge
of the town of Ledyard, and president of the Bill
Library Association. He was president of the Mer-
chants' National Bank of Norwich for twelve years,
and several years was first vice-president of the
Norwich Savings Society. In addition he was a di-
rector, president and treasurer (until his health
failed) of the New London County Agricultural So-
ciety, and for several years a member of the State
Board of Agriculture. In politics Mr. Brewster was
a Republican. "Capt. Brewster and his wife were
noted in their own neighborhood for their charity to
the needy, and sympathy in sorrow. No poor neigh-
bor ever went to them in trouble who did not come
away with a more hopeful heart and heavy purse.
Their generous deeds were not the impulse of the
moment, but the fruit of their religious principles."
Capt. Brewster died April 22, 1902, and his
widow a week later, on April 30, 1902. Both were
buried in the old Brewster cemetery on Brewster's
Neck which was established in 1660.
Mr. Brewster was married April 2, 1840, to Mary
Esther Williams, born March 13, 1818, daughter of
Denison Billings and Hannah (Avery) Williams,
and they had children as follows: (1) Mary Han-
nah, born Jan. 19, 1841, died Sept. 2, 1842. (2) John
Denison, born Jan. 29, 1843, is mentioned below.
(3) Fanny H., born Sept. 14, 1845, is the wife of
Thomas H. Geer, a leading citizen of Cleveland,
Ohio, who has a sketch elsewhere. (4) Phoebe
Esther, born July 21, 1848, was married Oct. 22,
1873, to Benjamin F. Lewis, Jr., and resides in Nor-
wich. (5) Frank Williams, born April 24, 1854, is
mentioned farther on.
John Denison Brewster, eldest son of Capt.
Brewster, in early life engaged in teaching, and was
most successful in that calling in various schools in
New London County. In 1867 he engaged in the
mercantile business, which he followed assiduously
for more than a quarter of a century, in the building
located on the Northwest corner of Main and Ferry
streets, Norwich. He was held in high esteem in
commercial, banking, municipal and social circles, as
evidenced by the important positions of trust which
he had been called to fill, and by the resolutions of
respect which were adopted by the various bodies of
which he was a member at the time of his death. Ac-
tion was taken at a special meeting of the common
council of the City of Norwich, called by Mayor
C. L. Harwood, who, in opening the council, said :
"It is my painful duty tonight to inform you in this
official manner of the death of Councilman J. D.
Brewster. In his death the city has lost an honest,
upright public servant, and the council has lost one
of its most respected members. Good judgment,
business ability, and firm convictions, a genial and
social disposition made him many warm and lasting
friends." The resolutions presented by Alderman
Palmer, and adopted by the council, referred to
Councilman Brewster as one "whose genial nature
and unfailing courtesy endeared him to all his fel-
low members," and "whose sound judgment, ster-
ling integrity and knowledge of city affairs, made
him a most useful public servant. His conduct was
controlled by strong convictions which were always
at the service of his fellows, but never obtruded.
Shunning prominence with an almost morbid sensi-
tiveness, he spared neither his time nor his strength
in the modest discharge of his official duties, and
almost the last act of his life was in the service of
the public."
At the time of his death Mr. Brewster was a
trustee of the Norwich Savings Society, and a di-
rector in the Merchants' National Bank of Norwich,
whose recorded resolutions recite that his "manly
character, his fidelity in attending to his official du-
ties, his good judgment and conservative ways, his
independence in presenting his views upon business
matters, his inclinations to be considerate and help-
ful, combined to exemplify in him a true and able
director. In the death of our associate we are made
sensible of a severe loss. To each one of us comes
with unmistakable force the feeling that a safe and
reliant counselor and honored and honorable friend
has been taken from our board. We shall miss the
support and encouragement of his valued and con-
spicuous services. In thus bearing testimony to the
merits of his official life, we do not forget to record
our appreciation of the fact that he stood high in the
community, and that as a citizen his name was en-
rolled among the worthiest and best."
At the time of his death Mr. Brewster was also
treasurer of the New London Agricultural Society,
which also placed in its records its "high apprecia-
tion of the valued services he had rendered the so-
ciety as the custodian and manager of its finances,"
and bearing testimony of him as one "whose pure
life and Christian character as a citizen has always
been marked by unsullied integrity and a high sense
of honor in the discharge of his duties in public and
private life." He died suddenly April 30. 1894.
Mr. Brewster was a Republican in politics. His
religious connections were with the Protestant Epis-
copal Church.
On Oct. 18, 1 87 1, John D. Brewster was married
to Maria Adaliza Geer, born in Ledyard, Conn.,
daughter of Nathaniel Bellows Geer, of Ledyard,
and his wife Julia (Davis), a native of Preston,
Conn., and to the marriage came two children, both
born in Norwich ; Clara Louise on May 8, 1878, and
Arthur M., on May 11, 1880. Clara Louise was mar-
ried April 29, 1901, to James Morton, Jr., of New
York City, and they reside in Melbourne, Australia,
where he is manager and agent for the Crucible
Steel Company, of America. They have had two
children : John Brewster, born Feb. 20. 1902 ; and
88
GENEALOGICAL AXD BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
Geer, born May i, 1903. Mrs. Morton is a mem-
ber of the D. A. R., having the right to membership
through several lines.
Frank Williams Brewster, youngest of the
children born to Capt. Brewster and his wife, was
born April 24, 1854. in the house he now occupies,
and received his education in the district school, East
Greenwich Academy, and the Mystic Valley Insti-
tute, at Mystic. He taught school three terms in his
native town, two terms in the Avery District, and one
term in the Lester District of Ledyard. At the age
of twenty-four years he took the management of the
farm, his father having many other interests to en-
gage his attention, and conducted the farm for his
father as long as the latter lived, after his death com-
ing into full possession of same. The place com-
prises 240 acres, located in the towns of Ledyard and
Preston. Mr. Brewster also conducts a milk route
in the neighboring villages of Poquetanuck and Hall-
ville.
On Oct. 24, 1878, Mr. Brewster was married to
Mary L. Brown, of Preston, daughter of Lott K.
and Elizabeth (Burdick) Brown, and they have had
three children: (1) Frank died in infancy. (2)
Hannah Elizabeth is a graduate of Miss Bard's In-
stitute at Xorwalk, Conn. (3) Phoebe Halsey is a
member of the class of 1904 of the Norwich Free
Academy.
Mr. Brewster is a Republican, and in 1901 was
elected a member of the board of selectmen, the
following year being chairman of the board for one
year, and declining a re-election in 1903. He suc-
ceeded his father as a trustee of the Norwich Savings
Society, and director and one of the vice-presidents
of the New London County Fair Association. All
of the family are members of St. James Episcopal
Church at Poquetanuck, and he is one of the vestry-
men. Mr. Brewster personally is popular, and is
one of the leading men of the town.
Williams. The Williams family to which
Mrs. Mary Esther (Williams) Brewster belonged,
figured conspicuously during the Colonial period, in
the struggles of the early settlers against the Indians.
(1) Robert Williams, the emigrant ancestor of this
branch of the Williams family, was born in 1598, a
son of Stephen and Margaret (Cook) Williams, and
was baptized in Great Yarmouth, England. He mar-
ried Elizabeth Stalham, of Great Yarmouth, and
sailed for America in the ship "Rose," landing in
New England in 1635. Mrs. Williams died July 28,
1674, aged eighty years, and he married (second) it
is assumed, Martha Strong. She died Dec. 22, 1704.
Mr. Williams died in Roxbury, Mass., Sept. I, 1693.
His children were : Elizabeth, Deborah, John, Sam-
uel, Isaac, Stephen and Thomas.
(II) Isaac Williams, born Sept. 1, 1638, in Rox-
bury, married Martha Park, born March 2, 1641,
daughter of Deacon William Park of Roxbury. She
died Oct. 24, 1674, and he married (second) Judith,
daughter of Peter and Elizabeth (Smith) Hunt. Mr.
Williams died Feb. 11, 1707. The second Mrs. Will-
iams died in 1724. His children were: Isaac, Isaac
(2), Martha, William, John, Eleazer, Hannah, Eliz-
abeth and Thomas, born to the first marriage, and
Peter, Sarah, Mary and Ephraim, born to the sec-
ond marriage.
(III) Eleazer Williams, born Oct. 22, 1669, mar-
ried in 1695. Mary (Rediat) Hyde, of Newton,
Mass. Mr. Williams went first to Lebanon, Conn.,
whence he removed, in 171 2, to Stonington, Conn.,
and there he purchased a large tract of land on
Ouaugutaug Hill, and built him a house, where he
lived the remainder of his days. He died May 19,
1725. His children were : Nehemiah, Martha, Mary,
Hannah, Elizabeth and Priscilla.
(IV) Nehemiah Williams, born Feb. 4, 1696,
married (first) June 16, 1719, Deborah Williams, of
Stonington; she died Jan. 31, 1756, and he married
(second) March 2, 1757, Hannah Stoddard, who
died Aug. 7, 1818, aged seventy-seven years. Mr.
Williams died Aug. 25, 1788. His children, all born
to the first marriage, were : Deborah, Nehemiah,
Eunice, Martha, Eleazer, Lucretia and Prudence.
(V) Deacon Eleazer Williams born Aug. 1,
1730, married March 14. 1754, Abigail Prentice, who
died Aug. 18, 1786. Their children were: Martha,
Deborah, Eleazer, Gilbert, Martha, Amos, Daniel,
Prentice, Fanny, Elam and Hannah.
(VI) Eleazer Williams (3), born June 27, 1759,
married Nov. 5, 1786, Mary Billings, of Stonington.
He died March 20, 1814. Their children were : Mary,
Eliza, Eleazer, Denison, Matilda, Frank, Noyes,
Giles, Austin, Alfred, Phebe and Ira.
(VII) Denison Williams born March 2, 1793,
married Hannah born March 3, 1794, daughter of
Youngs and Eunice (Latham) Avery, of Groton,
Conn., and granddaughter of Lieut. Parke Avery,
and of Capt. William Latham, both of Groton, Conn.,
and heroes of the Revolution.
Lieut. Parke Avery of Groton, Conn., was en-
gaged in the battle of Groton Heights, Conn., Sept.
6, 1781, where he was wounded by a bayonet which
took off part of the cranium, and destroyed his right
eye. He was left for dead, but he came to his senses
while being carried out of the fort on the shoulders
of those who were collecting the bodies, recovered
and lived to old age.
Capt. William Latham of Groton, served under
Washington, near Boston in 1775. He was captain
in command at Fort Griswold, Sept. 6, 1781, until
the arrival of Col. Ledyard, who had general com-
mand of the defenses of New London harbor.. Capt.
Latham was wounded in the battle of Groton
Heights, taken prisoner and carried off to New
York.
The children of Denison B. Williams and his wife
Hannah (Avery), were: Mary Esther, born March
13, 1818; Denison, June 30, 1819; Celia, July 9,
1822; Luke L., Jan. 12, 1824; Parke A., Feb. 28,
1826; Eunice March 1, 1828; Frank, April 26, 1830;
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
89
Youngs A.. May 25, 1833; and Elam V., July 1,
1837.
(\ III) Mary Esther Williams born March 13,
18 1 8, married April 2, 1840, Capt. John Brewster.
EXOCH F. CHAPMAN, long of the firm of E.
Chapped & Co., extensive coal and lumber dealers on
Central Wharf, and whose death occurred Jan. 24,
1898, at his home on Laurel Hill, was identified with
Norwich from his early boyhood, and became one
of the leading" citizens and substantial men of that
place.
Mr. Chapman was born Feb. 25, 1828, in the city
of New York, a son of the late Enoch C. and Eliza-
beth (Demarest) Chapman, latterly residents of
Norwich. He was of English origin, and a descen-
dant in the fifth generation from his immigrant an-
cestor, John Chapman.
(I) It is traditional history that one John Chap-
man, a son of John and Joanna (Sumner) Chap-
man, residents of the neighborhood of fifty miles of
London, England, was forced or pressed into the
British navy, the vessel of which he was aboard
later arriving at- Boston, where Mr. Chapman re-
gained his liberty. He fled, and for a time took up
his abode with one Samuel Allen, in what is now
Wakefield, R. I. He was a weaver by trade, and
went from Wakefield to North Stonington, Conn.,
where he followed that occupation the remainder of
his life. On Feb. 16, 1 7 10, he married Sarah
Brown. He died in 1760. Their children were:
Sarah, born Nov. 25, 1710; Jonah, Sept. 2, 1712;
John, Sept. 9, 1714; William, Dec. 19, 1716; An-
drew, March 3, 1719 ; Thomas, about 1721 ; Sumner,
about 1723 ; and Eunice.
(II) Sumner Chapman, born about 1723, mar-
ried Feb. 23, 1756, Elizabeth Herrick, and they re-
sided in Westerly, R. I. Their children were : John ;
Sumner; Elizabeth; Timothy, born May 28, 1760;
Joseph, born in 1767 ; Israel, born in 1769 ; and Case,
oorn in 1771.
(III) Capt. Timothy Chapman, born May 28,
1760, married Nancy Pendleton, born June 19, 1766,
daughter of Major Joseph Pendleton, of Westerly,
R. I. Both Capt. Chapman and his wife died in
Franklin, Conn., he Aug. 29, 1827, and she Aug. 20,
183 1. Their children were: Nancy, born Aug. II,
^83; Joseph P., March 21, 1789 (died Nov. 22,
1825) ; Demarious, Jan. 31, 1792 (died October 4,
1871) ; Betsey, Dec. 8, 1795 (died in July, 1859) ;
Oliver R., Feb. 5, 1797 (died Sept. 15, 1814) ; Sum-
ner, April 1, 1798 (died Dec. 27, 1805) ; John C,
Sept. 13, 1799 (died Aug. 27, 1825) ; Enoch C,
March 22, 1802 (died July 31, 1868) ; Freeman C,
Oct. 9, 1804 (died in Norwich) ; William P., Feb.
16, 1808 (resided in Sandusky, Ohio) ; Dudley B.,
June 15, 181 1 (died in Norwich).
(IV) Enoch C. Chapman, son of Capt. Timothy,
and father of Enoch F., was born March 22, 1802.
He spent his early life in New York and later came
to Norwich, where he passed the remainder of his
days, and where he died July 31, 1868 ; he was buried
in Yantic cemetery. Mr. Chapman married in New
York City, Nov. 24, 1826, Elizabeth Demarest, a de-
scendant of an old French Huguenot family, who
was born in New York Nov. 19, 1803, and died in
Norwich Aug. 14, 1875 ; she, too, was laid to rest in
Yantic cemetery. Their children were : ( 1 ) Enoch
F., born Feb. 25, 1828, died Jan. 24, 1898. (2)
Simon D., born May 7, 1829, died May 13, 1853. (3)
Joseph P., born May 6, 1831, died Sept. 30, 1863.(4)
Ann Elizabeth, born Nov. 14, 1833, resides in New
York City. (5) George Washington, born Oct. 6,
1835, died Jan. 3, 1856. (6) William H., born March
30, 1839, is a well-known citizen of Norwich. He
married Nov. 16, 1881, Miss Ella L. Herrick, and
they have one child, Ruth Herrick, born Aug. 2,
1890. (7) Sarah W., born Dec. 14, 1844, died July
21, 1867. She married Hon. Charles P. Stnrtevant,
and left one child, Lillian C, who married Dr. John
Kurrus, of New York City.
Enoch F. Chapman, when a small boy, was
brought by his parents to Norwich, where he was
reared, schooled and ever afterward resided. He
was for a time a clerk in a store, and during his
father's term of service as postmaster assisted in the
duties of that office. In 1848 he became an assistant
in the office of the late Edward Chapped,
a lumber and coal merchant of Central Wharf. In
1863 Mr. Chapman became associated with his em-
ployer in a partnership, and the business was there-
after conducted under the firm name of E. Chapped
& Co. Later on these gentlemen took into partner-
ship Arthur H. Brewer. Mr. Chapped died in 1891,
and the business until the death of Air. Chapman, in
1898, was continued by Messrs. Chapman & Brewer.
These men all— Chapped, Chapman and Brewer —
were successful in business, among the substantial
and leading business men of Norwich, and Mr. Chap-
man had a good reputation for shrewdness in busi-
ness affairs.
Mr. Chapman was a plain man, unostentatious,
and rather quiet, utterly devoid of show. He gave
generously to the poor and to charitable and worthy
causes in state and church. The success with which
he managed his own business afl'airs, with his fidel-
ity and integrity, made him an available man for pub-
lic trusts, but he had no taste for such, and declined
overtures in that direction. He took a great inter-
est in public affairs, believed in the future of Nor-
wich, and was enterprising and public-spirited. He
was a member of the court of common council for a
number of years. He was a member of the board of
managers of the Central Baptist Church, of which
he was an attendant and a generous supporter.
Mr. Chapman was one of the oldest members of
Somerset Lodge, No. 34, F. & A. M., at Norwich, in
which he held membership for upward of forty years,
and was a Knight Templar, belonging to Columbian
Commandery, No. 4 : he was a member of Uncas
Lodge, No. 11, I. O. ( ). F. ; and was a charter mem-
ber of Wauregan Lodge, No. 6, K. of P. He pos-
90
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
sessed a kindly disposition, and was a great home
man.
On Sept. 24, 1857, Mr. Chapman married Phebe
Noyes, who died July 27, 1868, and was buried in
Yantic cemetery. They had two children : Charles
E., of New York City ; and Elizabeth D., who mar-
ried Burrill A. Herrick, of Norwich.
HERRICK. The Herricks in England are an
ancient family, to whom were granted a coat of arms.
Here in New England the history of the family be-
gins with the early Colonial period, and from early
in the Eighteenth century a branch of the family
has lived in the old town of Canterbury, and later in
Norwich, Conn., where died on June 9, 1901, the
late Alonzo Herrick, father of the present Norwich
druggist, Burrill A. Herrick. It is with the family
of the late Alonzo Herrick and his lineage this
article is briefly to treat.
Born Dec. 18, 1827, in Bozrah, Conn., the late
Alonzo Herrick was a son of Daniel and Olive
(Adams) Herrick, of Canterbury, and a descendant
in the eighth generation from Henry Herrick, of
Salem, Mass., the emigrant New England settler of
this branch of the Herrick family, from whom his
lineage is through John, John (2), Robert, John (3),
Daniel and Daniel Herrick (2). These generations
follow in detail and in the order given.
(I) Henry Herrick, of Salem, Mass., the fifth
son of Sir William Herrick (this based on circum-
stantial rather than direct evidence), was born at
Beau Manor, Leicestershire, England, in 1604, and
probably came first to Virginia. Upham, in his
"Salem Witchcraft" (Vol. I, p. 153), has the follow-
ing : "Henry Herrick, who, as has been stated, pur-
chased the Cherry-Hill farm of Alford, was the fifth
son of Sir William Herrick, of Beau Manor Park, in
the parish of Loughborough, in the County of Lei-
cester, England. He came first to Virginia, and then
to Salem. Herrick became a member of the First
Church at Salem in 1629, and his wife Editha about
the same time." Mr. Herrick was a husbandman in
easy circumstances. He settled on the Cape Ann
side of Bass river (now Beverly). He married
Editha, daughter of Hugh Laskin, of Salem, and
their children who survived infancy were : Thomas ;
Zachariah, baptized Dec. 25, 1636; Ephraim, bap-
tized Feb. 11, 1638; Henry, baptized Jan. 16, 1640;
Joseph, baptized Aug. 6, 1645; Elizabeth, baptized
July 4, 1647; John, baptized May 25, 1650; and
Benjamin. The father purchased several farms at
Birch Plains and Cherry Hill, on which he settled his
sons Zachariah, Ephraim, Joseph and John. He died
in 1671.
(II) John Herrick, baptized May 25, 1650, mar-
ried March 25, 1674, Mary, daughter of John and
Mary (Gould) Redington, of Topsfield, Mass., who
was born May 4, 165 1. Mr. Herrick settled on a
farm given him by his father, at Birch Plains. He
died in Beverly, Mass., in 1680. His children were :
John, born in April, 1675 I Mary, born in 1677 ; and
Daniel, born and died in 1679.
(III) John Herrick (2), born in April, 1675,.
married, in 1696, Sarah Kimball, and lived in Bev-
erly, Mass. He died Jan. 29, 1722-23. His chil-
dren were: John, born March 2, 1698-99; Robert,
born May 2, 1701 ; Daniel, born Aug. 17, 1706; and
Jonathan, born Aug. 10, 1710.
(IV) Robert Herrick, born May 2, 1701, mar-
ried in September, 1722, Mary Edwards, and settled
first in Wenham, Mass., removed to Manchester,.
Mass., in 1725, and thence to Canterbury, Conn., in
May. 1 75 1. His child was John.
(V) John Herrick (3), born Aug. 7, 1723, in
Wenham, was of Manchester, Mass., and removed
to Canterbury, Conn., in 1751. He married (first)
Nov. 30, 1744, Rachel Driver, of Manchester, and
their children were: Rachel, Robert, Rachel (2)
and John. After the death of Rachel Mr. Herrick
married (second) Elizabeth Smith, and their chil-
dren were: Robert, Daniel, Elijah, Joseph, Mary,
Ann and Ruth.
(VI) Daniel Herrick, of Canterbury, Conn.,
married Olive Fiske, and their children were : Daniel
and Orra.
(VII) Daniel Herrick (2) married Olive Adams,
a descendant of the old Braintree Adams family, and
their children were : Eliza, Alonzo and Augustus D.
Alonzo Herrick, son of Daniel Herrick (2),
was reared and bred a farmer and also prepared for
the business of a millwright. For years he was en-
gaged in farming, but not to the exclusion of what
business came to him in the other line of his trade. In
1876 he located in Norwich, and from that time on
followed his trade, passing the remainder of his life
in that town, where he was an esteemed and re-
spected citizen. His vocation brought him in contact
with many people throughout that section, making
him widely known. He held a number of local of-
fices in his native town, and discharged them with
efficiency and to the satisfaction of all interested. He
was an attendant of one of the Congregational
Churches.
In 1853 Mr. Herrick was married to Freelove A.
Ladd, daughter of Luther and Wealthy Ladd, of
Franklin, Conn., and a descendant of one of the old
and prominent families of this commonwealth. Mrs.
Herrick died Jan. 15, 1895. She was a good Chris-
tian woman and a devoted wife and mother. This
marriage was blessed with two children, namely r
Burrill A. and L. Ella.
Burrill A. Herrick, son of the late Alonzo
Herrick, was born Nov. 26, 1857, in Bozrah, and
after receiving a common school education in the
public schools of Norwich he learned the drug bus-
iness in the establishment, and under the direction of
Lanman & Sevin, of Norwich. In 1884 he went into
business for himself, and is now conducting a suc-
cessful drug business in the Wauregan block. Mr.
Herrick is worthily bearing the family name, is a
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
9i
good citizen and useful man in the community, and
is deservedly popular. He is a member of the State
Pharmacy Association.
On Nov. 19, 1879, Mr. Herrick was married to
Miss Elizabeth D. Chapman, a daughter of Enoch F.
Chapman, and two children have come to them :
Earle C. and Edith D., both of whom are still in
school.
GRISWOLD. The Griswold family has been
one of prominence in Lyme from its earliest settle-
ment, representatives of the family in every gener-
ation being among the most honored citizens of the
town.
Richard Sill Griswold, who died suddenly at
his home in Old Lyme June 30, 1904, was a descen-
dant in the eighth generation of George Griswold,
through Matthew, Matthew (2), Rev. George,
George, George, and Richard Sill (1).
(I) George Griswold was born in England, and
his birth is recorded in the Solihull registry, April
23, 1548.
(II) Matthew Griswold, son of George, was born
in 1597, and with his brother Edward came to Amer-
ica in 1639. He located first at Windsor, then went
to Saybrook, and was the pioneer in the movement
from Saybrook to Lyme. He received his grant of
land from Col. Fenwick, sometime in the year 1639,
and called it Blackball. He passed the remainder of
his life in Lyme, dying in 1698. His wife, Anna,
daughter of Henry Wolcott, died in 1693. Matthew
Griswold was a typical Englishman — hardy, ven-
turesome, energetic, and with all of an Englishman's
hunger for land, the number of a man's acres, in
England, being supposed to be the measure of his
respectability. He was a stone cutter by trade, and
there is registered at Saybrook a receipt for 700
pounds, dated April 2, 1679, and signed by Mat-
thew Griswold, in payment for the tombstone of
Lady Fenwick. To Matthew and Anna (Wol-
cott) Griswold were born the following children:
(1) Elizabeth, born in 1652, who married (first)
John Rogers, (second) Peter Pratt, and (third)
Matthew Beckwith ; (2) Matthew, born in 1653,
who married (first) Phebe Hyde, and (second)
Mary DeWolf Lee; (3) John, who died without
heirs ; (4) Sarah, born in 1655, who married Thomas
Cotton; and (5), Martha, born in 1656, who mar-
ried Lieut. Abraham Brownson, the latter being
buried at Old Saybrook.
(III) Matthew Griswold (2) lived at Blackball,
in a house built by himself, which was blown down
in the September gale of 1815. He was a man of
great size and strength, and was the champion se-
lected by the citizens of Lyme, who fought and won
in the great battle with New London. He married
(first) Phebe Hyde, and (second) Mary DeWolf
Lee, and died in 171 5. He was the father of eleven
children, as follows: (1) Phebe, born Aug. 15,
1684, who died in 1702 ; (2) Elizabeth, born Nov.
19, 1685, who died in 1704; (3) Sarah, born May
19, 1687, who died in 1706; (4) Matthew, born Sept.
15, 1688, who died in April, 1712; (5) John, born
Dec. 22, 1690, who died in 1764; (6) Rev. George,
born Aug. 13, 1692, who died Oct. 14, 1 76 1 ; (7)
Mary, born April 22, 1694, who married Edmund
Dow, and died Feb. 21, 1776; (8) Deborah, born in
1696, who married Col. Robert Denison, and died in
1730; (10) Patience, born in 1698, who married
John Denison, and died Nov. 8, 1776; (9) Samuel,
born in December, 1697, who died June 10, 1727;
and (11) Thomas, born in February, 1700, who died
July 27, 1716.
(IV) Rev. George Griswold was pastor of the
Congregational Church at Niantic, for thirty-nine
years, and is buried in the church yard near where
stood his church. He married (first) Harriet Lynde,
and (second) Elizabeth Lee, and had the following
children: (1) George, born in 1726, who married
Elizabeth Lee, and died in 1816; (2) Elizabeth, who
married I. Raymond; (3) Lucretia, who married
I. Latimer ; (4) Sylvanus, who married Elizabeth
Marvin; (5) Samuel, who married Mary Marvin;
(6) Hannah, who died without heirs ; (7) Eunice,
who married E. Weeks ; and (8) Andrew, who mar-
ried Eunice Prince.
(V) George Griswold (2) lived at Giant's Neck,
and died in 1816. He married Elizabeth Lee, by
whom he had the following children: (1) Matthew,
who died without heirs; (2) Hannah, who married
S. Sill; (3) Elizabeth, who married J. Sill; (4)
Candace ; (5) Anice and (6) Matthew, who died
without heirs; (7) Jane, who married J. Lee; (8)
Nathaniel, who married P. Hayden ; (9) Ursula,
who married E. Wells; (10) George, who is men-
tioned below ; ( 1 1 ) Phebe, who married E. Calkins ;
and (12) Eunice, who married A. Gillette.
(VI) George Griswold (3), was born March 6,
1777, and died in 1858. He removed to New York
when a young man, where he was one of the found-
ers of the firm of M. L. and George Griswold, East
India merchants. He married (first) Elizabeth
Woodhull, and (second) Maria M. Cummings, and
became the father of seven children, as follows : ( 1 )
Richard Sill, who is mentioned below; (2) Maria,
who married George Winthrop Gray; (3) Cornelia,
who married Joseph W. Haven; (4) Sarah Helen,
who married John C. Green; (5) Matilda, who mar-
ried Frederick Frelinghuysen ; (6) George Catlin,
who married Lydia Alley; and (7) John Noble Al-
sop, who married Jane Emmett.
(VII) Richard Sill Griswold was born in New
York City, in 1809, and died in Lyme, April 2, 1847.
He graduated from Yale College with the class of
1829, immediately after which he went as his father's
agent to China, where he remained several years. Be-
fore his return from China he was taken into part-
nership by his father, and throughout his life was a
capable and successful business man. About 1840
he built a mansion in Old Lyme, and there made his
home, although still carrying on his business in New
York City. He married (first) Louisa Griswold
92
GENEALOGICAL AXD BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
Mather, who was born June 15, 181 5, and died
March 21, 1840; and (second) Frances Augusta
Mather, who was born June 4, 1822, and died Dec.
17, 1889. These two ladies were sisters, daughters
of James and Caroline (Tinker) Mather, and de-
scendants of Rev. Richard Mather, who died in Dor-
chester, Mass., in 1669. Richard Sill Griswold had
three children, as follows: (1) Louisa Mather, who
married Gen. Joseph G. Perkins, and had these chil-
dren: Edith Green (who married Wolcott G. Lane),
Louisa Griswold and Griswold; (2) Richard Sill
(2), who is mentioned below ; and (3) Frances Au-
gusta, who married Prof. Nathaniel Matson Terry,
of Annapolis, and had these children, Fanny, Gris-
wold. Nathaniel Matson. and Louisa Griswold.
(VIII) Richard Sill Griswold (2) was born
in Lyme, June 3, 1845, and died June 30, 1904.
His childhood was passed in Lyme ; at the age of
eleven he went to New Haven where he entered the
Hopkins Grammar School, and later he attended
school in Xew York City. He made nearly twenty
voyages across the Atlantic. Ids business for a num-
ber of years being on Xew York and Liverpool
packets. He was also in business with Brown &
Brother, brass manufacturers of Waterbury. for
seven years. On Feb. 9, 1869, he married, in Water-
bury, Rosa Elizabeth Brown, daughter of Dr. Janus
Brown, of that place. Mrs. Griswold was born in
Aberdeen. Miss., Nov. 25, 1849. an(-l traces her de-
scent through her father Dr. James Brown. Col.
James. Stephen. Stephen, Capt. Francis and
Samuel, to Francis Brown, an early settler
in Connecticut, who was one of the seven
men who stayed in New Haven, through the hard
winter of 1639, at the place which is now the corner
of Orange and Church streets. The children of
Richard Sill and Rosa E. | Brown) Griswold. were
as follows: Richard Sill (3), born Nov. 15, 1869. in
Waterbury, attended the Bartlett School in Lyme,
and graduated as a physician from Bellevue Hos-
pital, in Xew; York City. He practiced medicine in
Hartford for a time, and at the breaking out of the
war with Spain enlisted in the 1st Connecticut, as
surgeon. He went to the Philippines with the 26th
U. S. V. I. as lieutenant and assistant surgeon, and
was killed in the massacre at Samar Sept.
28, 1901. (2) James Brown, born Dec. 10,
1870, in Waterbury, lives in Morristown, X.
J. He is a graduate of the Bartlett School,
in Lyme, of Dartmouth Medical College, and
of the College of Physicians and Surgeons in Xew
York City. He married Mary A. Stokes, of East
Hampton, L. I. (3) Daniel Eddie, born April 11.
1874, in Lyme, attended the Bartlett School and
graduated from Williams College, and from the Co-
lumbian Law School, and is a practicing attorney in
Lyme and Xew London. He married Helen, daugh-
ter of Major Bancroft, of New London. (4) George,
born March 8, 1876, in Lyme, is a graduate of the
Bartlett School, and of the Biltmore School of For-
estry. He is engaged in the insurance business and
resides in Lyme. (5) Harry Todd was born Jan. 22,
1879, m New Haven ; he attended the Bartlett School
and studied music in Xew York City. He is in the
engineering department of Westinghouse, Church,
Kerr & Co.. with his headquarters in Xew York.
(6) Rosa Elizabeth, born Jan. 29, 1880. in Xew
Haven, is a graduate of Miss Porter's School in
Farmington, Conn. (7) Joseph Perkins, born Sept.
15, 1881, in Lyme, is a graduate of the Bartlett
School. (8) Woodward Haven, born July 28, 1885,
is also a graduate of the Bartlett School.
Richard Sill Griswold was a well known man in
fraternal circles, being a thirty-second degree Mason,
and member of the lodge, chapter, council and com-
mandery. in Waterbury. He is also a member of
Lodge of Perfection, Cyrus, Goodale Chapter. Rose
Croix, Hartford. Connecticut Sovereign Consistory.
Norwich, Mecca Temple. Xew York City, and the
Yeteran Masonic Association. He represented
Lyme in the Legislature in 1878 and 1879. In 1890
the Boxwood School for Girls was established in
Lyme, which is under the direction of Mrs. Gris-
wold. The school, with its ample grounds, is
ideally situated between the Connecticut river and
the Sound, and every care is taken to insure the well
being of its pupils, the aim being to secure for them
the best physical, mental, moral and spiritual devel-
opment.
HOX. FRANCIS B. LOOMIS, late of Xew
London, whose death occurred July 13. 1892, at the
home of his daughter in Hartford, had for forty
and more years been a prominent and influential
citizen of Xew London, as manufacturer, banker,
legislator, etc. He was descended in paternal lines
from a family known in England, and one of dis-
tinction for 450 years, and of earlier existence in
Lombardy and Spain.
Born April 9, 1812, in Lyme, Conn., a son of
Joel and Ellis (Chapped) Loomis, the deceased was
a descendant in the seventh generation from To-
seph Loomis, the immigrant ancestor of this branch
of the family in the United States, his lineage being
through Deacon John, Deacon Samuel, Daniel, John
(2) and Joel Loomis.
(I) Joseph Loomis, a woolen draper in Brain-
tree, County of Essex, England, born probably
about 1590, came to Boston in 1638. sailing from
London in the ship "Susan and Ellen." It is of
record in Windsor, that in 1640, he had granted him
from the Plantation twenty-one acres of land adjoin-
ing Farmington river, on the west side of the Con-
necticut river ; also several large tracts on the east
side of the Connecticut river (partly by purchase),
the Judge Loomis home there still standing. His
wife, whose name seems not to be known, died Aug.
2T,y 1652. He died Nov. 25, 1658. There came with
them eight children, all born in England, as fol-
lows : Joseph, a daughter, Elizabeth, John, Thomas,
Nathaniel, Mary and Samuel.
(II) Deacon John Loomis, born in 1622, in Eng-
a
GENEALOGICAL AXD BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
93
land, married Feb. 3, 1648-49, Elizabeth, daughter
of Thomas Scott, of Hartford. He was admitted
to the Church in Windsor in 1640, and in 1643 had
granted him from the Plantation forty acres of land.
From 1652 to 1660, he resided in Farmington, then
returned to Windsor, and was a deacon in the church
there. He was deputy to the General Court in
1666, and in 1667, and also from 1675 to 1687. He
died Sept. I, 1688, his wife surviving him. Their
children were : John, Joseph, Thomas, Samuel, Dan-
iel, James, Timothy, Nathaniel, David, Samuel (2),
Isaac, Elizabeth and Alary.
(III) Deacon Samuel Loomis, born Aug. 12,
1666, married (first) July 2, 1688, Elizabeth, born
Nov. 13, 1667, daughter of Daniel White, of Hat-
field; she died Feb. 10, 1736, and he married (sec-
ond) Oct. 25, 1738, Mrs. Elizabeth Church, a widow,
who died Aug. 10, 1751, aged seventy-six years.
Deacon Loomis removed to Colchester in 1700,
where in 1702 he was chosen deacon. His death oc-
curred May 20, 1754. His children were: Eliza-
beth, Samuel, Samuel (2), Isaac, Jacob, Azariah,
Elizabeth, Sarah, Caleb and Daniel.
(IV) Daniel Loomis, born Feb. 20, 1709, mar-
ried Oct. 7, 1 73 1, Hannah Witherell, and resided in
Colchester. He died March 28, 1784, and his wife
passed away March 1, 1779, aged seventy-six years.
Their children were: Hannah, Mary, Daniel, Eliza-
beth, John, Israel and Samuel.
1 V) John Loomis, born June 6, 1741, married
Dec. 18, 1760, Rachel Harris and lived in Salem.
Mr. Loomis died May 4, 181 1, and his widow passed
away June 23, 1827, aged ninety-two years. Their
children were: Jacob, John, Rachel, Elizabeth, El-
sie, Harris, Joel, Hubbel, Guy, Elias and Elijah.
(VI) Joel Loomis, born May 6, 1773, married
(first) Hannah Angel; she died June 12, 1806, aged
twenty-eight years, and he married (second) Ellis
Chappell, who died May 17, 1853, aged seventy-four
years. They lived in Lyme, Conn., where Mr.
Loomis died March I, 1867. Their children wrere
Hannah, James, Eliza, Charlotte, Joel, Almena,
Sarah G., Francis B., Christopher, Emma A., Ellis
and Cordelia F. Joel, the father, "was an influential
public man, a frequent representative of his town in
the General Assembly, judge of probate for many
years, for a brief period an associate judge of the
County Court, and an intimate friend of the late
Chief Justice Wait, of Connecticut." ' Ezekiel
Chappell, the father of Ellis (Chappell) Loomis,
was a soldier of the Revolution, serving throughout
its long period.
In boyhood Francis B. Loomis had the benefit
of a five years' tuition in a private school. On at-
taining his majority he engaged in the manufacture
of woolen goods in Lyme, Conn. Success followed
him in this business from the very beginning. Later
on he erected woolen mills at Montville, and became
the owner of the Rockwell mills at Norwich and
other factories in that town. He removed to New
London in 1848, and with the business interests of
that city and vicinity he was ever afterward prom-
inent through the active period of his life. He then
built, and for a time managed, the steam woolen mill
at that city — the first factory ever built there for the
making of textile fabrics, and of this he was the
sole owner. He erected the woolen mill in Coventry,
Conn. Subsequently he acquired the exclusive title
to the large steam cotton mills at Sag Harbor, N.
Y. In these enterprises Mr. Loomis was alone. In
the development of woolen manufacture in this coun-
try between 1840 and 1870, Mr. Loomis was one of
the conspicuous factors. During the Civil war his
manufacturing was conducted on a more extensive
scale than that of any other man in Connecticut.
His numerous establishments were running night
and day, and his employees numbered a thousand or
more. He possessed great ability as a financier. He
organized the First National Bank, of New London,
which was one of the first of its class in the county.
He was the owner of nearly the whole of the capital
stock of that institution, and in person directed its
operations from its organization until it went out of
business in 1877. It proved, as an investment, lu-
crative, dividends for many years averaging twelve
per cent in gold, and the surplus accumulations more
than equal to the capital. The First National Bank
was the government depository for Eastern Con-
necticut throughout the Civil war, and for a long
time held average government deposits of upwards
of $4,000,000. It was also trusted with the sale of
government bonds, and floated over $20,000,000 of
the several issues.
In early life Mr. Loomis paid some attention to
military affairs, and at twenty-one years of age was
chosen colonel of the Third Regiment of Connecticut
Militia. His political affiliations were with the
Whig party, with which he acted until it ceased to
exist, after which he was with the Republican party.
On the breaking out of the Civil war he as a patriot
supported the government. He was liberal to the
fund for raising the first company of volunteers sent
from New London. In 1864, an<f Just before the
carnage and horror of the battle of the Wilderness,
he offered to furnish and equip at his own expense
1,000 men for 100 days in order to relieve the gar-
rison at Fort Trumbull, that the regulars stationed
there might be sent to the front." This offer was not
accepted, but the patriotic act brought a compliment
from President Lincoln who wrote him in part : —
"I cannot pass unnoticed such a meritorious instance
of individual patriotism. Permit me, for the govern-
ment, to express my cordial thanks to you for this
generous and public-spirited offer, which is worthy
of note among the many called forth in these times
of National trial." The letter from which this is
taken is in the possession of the granddaughter,
Miss Julia Loomis Havemeyer.
In 1872 Col. Loomis acted with the Liberal Re-
publican movement. He was nominated an elector-
at-large on the Greeley and Brown ticket, and from
that time on he was identified with the Demo-
94
GEXEALOGICAL AXD BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
cratic party. In that same year he declined the un-
animous nomination as candidate for Senator of the
Seventh district, and soon thereafter the Congres-
sional nomination of the Third district. He was a
delegate to the National Democratic Convention held
at St. Louis, which nominated Tilden and Hen-
dricks for President and vice-president. He was
also made a presidential elector-at-large on that
ticket from the State of Connecticut. He was
elected lieutenant-governor of Connecticut on the
Democratic ticket in November, 1876, and presided
over the Senate with dignity and skill, and so accept-
ably that the Senate presented him with a large
photograph of the old State House, with the picture
of the 21 senators grouped around it (the session
over which he presided being the last held in that
building), as a testimonial of friendship and es-
teem. In this farewell of the Senate to its presiding
officer Senator Browne, in part, said: "In your
official position, on every occasion, you have treated
all questions fairly and honorably, and in a manner
to command the respect and approval of all. Strange
as it may seem, yet it is true, that during the two
years that you have presided over this body no ap-
peal has been made from the rulings of the chair.
In all personal relations, coming together strangers
to each other as it were, we have come to love and
esteem you, and no member of this Senate will sever
the relations which have bound us together without
feelings of pain and regret at the parting which will
extend far into the future ; but that pain will be
softened by a pleasure in the new friendships which
have been the growth and product of this session,
which we seriously hope will only terminate with
life. It brings feelings of sadness as we review the
history of this session to think of parting ; but we
must not let its sadness oppress us. We must re-
member that life is like a picture, it has its sunshine
and its shadow ; let us not forget that we have for
weeks walked together with you in the sunshine, in
this parting hour we stand within the shadow. But
as we part, whether in sunshine or in shadow, may
God be with us all."
In 1880 Col. Loomis was a prominent candidate
for the Governorship, but before the assembling of
the convention withdrew his name from that con-
nection.
On Dec. 20, 1836, Mr. Loomis was married to
Miss Betsey Ingham, of Saybrook, who died March
20, 1839. 'He married (second) May 3, 1842, An-
genora Beckwith, of Kentucky, who survived him,
dying Jan. 5, 1895. One daughter, Betsey Ingham,
was born to the first marriage, and to the second
came three, two of whom died in infancy, the other
being now Mrs. Charles YV. Havemeyer, of Hart-
ford, who has two children. Julia Loomis, and
Loomis. Betsey I. is now the widow of the late
George D. Whittlesey, of New London (mentioned
elsewhere), in which city she still resides.
At the time of the death of Col. Loomis, the
New London Telegraph said editorially: ''Francis
B. Loomis. who died yesterday morning, was a
familiar figure in Xew London, where his death is
greatly regretted by men of both parties. Mr.
Loomis was a Democrat of the good old fashioned
kind. He had been a prominent man here for a half
a century. He was a quiet and exceedingly unos-
tentatious man, who loved to live in a simple un-
assuming way. He possessed a fund of varied in-
formation with regard to the affairs of State and
country, and had an extensive acquaintance with
leading men in both parties. Though not a great
speaker, it was everywhere conceded he was a man
of individual thought and unquestioned ability."
The New London Day on the same occasion
said: "Though an especially active and energetic
man in all the affairs of life in his earlier days, he
was not known to the present generation. He
amassed a fortune, at one time a great one, and made
it the instrument of much good in helping those who
had a claim on his interest, and many who had no
special claim, and in extending a generous hospitality
to his friends. To the younger men about him,
whose ability he recognized, he was ever a warm
friend, and encouraged them with advice and ma-
terial aid."
BEXTOX. Among the Xew England families
that have been represented in all walks of life since
the days of the Pilgrims, is that bearing the name of
Benton. This family was planted on the strange
shores of the Xew World by Andrew Benton, who
was born in the County of Essex, England, in 1620,
and who came to America between 1630-1635 with
an older brother Edward. In 1639 ne ^s recorded as
a license holder in Milford, Conn., and his first house
was built probably in 1648-49. On March 5, 1648,
he was admitted to the church. He moved to Hart-
ford about 1660. and was a prominent member of the
First Church there, but with others organized the
Second Church Feb. 12, 1669. From allotment and
purchase he became the owner of considerable land
in Hartford, and was one of the wealthy men of those
days. It is known that he was twice married, first
to Hannah Stocking, who bore him eight children,
and second to Anna Cole, who bore him four chil-
dren. Xo record of either marriage, nor of the first
wife's death, is extant, but Hannah was admitted to
the Milford Church Oct. 13, 1650. He died at
Hartford July 31. 1683, and is buried near First
Church in that place.
(II) Samuel Benton, sixth child of Andrew and
Hannah, was born in Milford, Aug. 15. 1658, and
he was but two years of age when his parents re-
moved to Hartford, where he spent the rest of his
life. From the records it would seem that he was
quite an important citizen. He owned land in Tol-
land. Conn., which he gave to his son, Samuel. His
death occurred April 10, 1746. when he was aged
eighty-eight years. His wife was Sarah Chatterton,
of Xew Haven.
(III) Samuel Benton (2), son of Samuel, was
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
95
the eldest of nine children. He was born in Hart-
ford, Conn., Jan. 28, 1680, and on reaching manhood
went to Tolland, where he lived most of his life.
He married Alary Pomeroy, of Northampton, Mass.,
Jan. 2, 1704, and his death occurred in Tolland Feb.
8, 1763, aged eighty-three years.
(IV) Samuel Benton (3), next to the youngest
of the seven children in the family of Samuel (2),
was born Aug. 11, 1717. On Dec. 22, 1743, he mar-
ried Jane Bradley, of Tolland, and they became the
parents of ten children, of whom four, Elisha, Jon-
athan, Samuel and Zadoc, served in the Revolution-
ary army. There is no record of the death of Sam-
uel Benton (3).
(V) Ozias Benton, third child of Samuel (3),
was born Feb. 25, 1748. On Nov. 19, 1772, he mar-
ried, at Tolland, Sarah Day, of East Windsor. He
and his wife, and three of their children died in
March, 18 16, with what is recorded as an epidemic
of congestive pneumonia.
(\T) Adonijah Benton, eldest of the seven chil-
dren of Ozias and Sarah, was born May 11, 1775. On
Nov. 25, 1803, he married Anna Post, of Tolland,
and his death occurred March 24, 18 16. He was a
prominent member of the Congregational Society.
(VII) Erastus Benton, the first of five children
born to Adonijah and Anna, was born in Tolland,
Jan. 17, 1805. His education was acquired in the
district schools, and for some years he engaged in
teaching in Connecticut and Massachusetts. It was
not until after the birth of his two children that he
entered the ministry. In 1833 and 1834 he was pas-
tor of the Church at Plainfield and Sterling. He
later was pastor successively in the Franklin Circuit
in New London county, Eastford, Mansfield, Uncas-
ville and Montville, Thompson, Woodstock and
South Glastonbury. In 1847 ne was appointed pre-
siding elder of the New London district, and resided
at Norwich as such for four years. Resuming the
regular duties of pastor, he had charges in Norwich
town. North Bridgewater (now Brockton), Mass.,
Wellrleet, Mass., and Stafford Springs, Thompson-
ville and Portland, Conn. After another two years
as presiding elder of the New London district, with
residence at Stafford Springs, Conn., he served as
pastor at North Dighton, Mass., and Rockville,
Conn. The last years of his life were passed in
Stafford Springs. For fifty-one years he was a mem-
ber of what is now known as the Southern confer-
ence of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Erastus
Benton was twice married. On May 24, 1827, he
married Almira Towne, of Belchertown, Mass., who
died at Stafford Springs, Conn., Oct. 4, 1871, the
mother of two children : Josiah Towne and Man-
Fletcher. His second wife was Mrs. Louisa
(Towne) Phelps, a sister to the first wife. Erastus
Benton died Jan. 24, 1884.
This family presents a remarkable record for
ministerial and religious work. As stated above
Erastus Benton devoted fifty-one years of his life to
the Church ; his son, Josiah Towne Benton, spent
fifty years as a minister ; and his daughter, Mary
Fletcher, who became Mrs. Scranton, was for nine-
teen years treasurer of the Woman's Foreign Mis-
sionary Society of the Methodist Episcopal Church
in Corea, and while there organized the first school
ever known for girls in that far-away land, while
her son, Rev. W. B. Scranton, M. D., who graduated
from Yale in 1878, a classmate of Gov. Taft, now
Secretary of War, and who received the degree of
M. D. from the College of Physicians and Surgeons
of New York, was superintendent of missions in that
country. When his mother returned to America on
account of ill health, he accompanied her, and for two
years was engaged in the practice of medicine in
East Hartford. In August, 1904, he and his family
and his mother returned to Corea, he having again
been made superintendent of missions. Rev. Stephen
Olin Benton, son of Rev. Josiah Towne, has had thir-
ty-five years of faithful work in the Master's cause,
and his sister, Emma Jane Benton, went to Yoko-
hama, in 1882, and remained as a missionary in
Japan seven years. She married Rev. G. W. Elmer,
now a member of the New England Southern Con-
ference. If the services of the Rev. Paul Townsend,
uncle of Rev. Josiah T. Benton, and those of his son-
in-law. Rev. Elmer, are added, there is a total of two
hundred and fifty years of ministerial and mission-
ary work in this family, and those closely allied to it
by marriage.
(VIII) Rev. Josiah Towne Benton was born
in Tolland April 10, 1828, and was educated in the
schools of Plainfield, the high school at Thompson,
and a private school in Glastonbury. After leaving
school he engaged in the mercantile business in Glas-
tonbury, and for a time was accountant in Collins
Brothers' cotton factory in the same place. In 1853
he was licensed to preach, and his first charge was in
his native town of Tolland. Afterward he preached
in the following parishes : Lyme, East Lyme and
Lebanon, Conn. ; New Bedford, Fourth Street ; First
Church, Taunton ; Provincetown, Mass. ; Stafford
Springs, Conn. ; East Greenwich, St. Paul's in Prov-
idence and Centerville, R. I. ; and in Thompsonville,
Lncasville and Niantic, Conn. In 1879 on account
of ill health he was obliged to give up active regular
work in the ministry. On Nov. 24, 1847, ne married,
in South Glastonbury, Maria E. Granniss, who died
Feb. 22, 1899. Their children were: Stephen Olin;
Elizabeth Almira ; Herbert Granniss, who died aged
seven years ; and Emma Jane, who married Rev. G.
W. Elmer, and has five children, Eva, Irvin, Herbert,
Ernest and Mildred. On Oct. 31, 1903, in Niantic,
Rev. Josiah T. Benton entered into rest at the age of
seventy-five years.
(IX) Stephen Olin Benton, eldest son of Rev.
Josiah T., was born in Middletown, Conn., April 30,
1849, and was educated in the public schools, gradu-
ating from the high school in Providence. For a time
he engaged in teaching, and then pursued an ad-
vanced course in East Greenwich Academy. \\ nen
only seventeen years of age he was licensed to
96
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
preach, and when about twenty he joined the con-
ference. The degrees M. A. and D. D. were con-
ferred upon him by Wesleyan University. He served
as pastor successively at Dighton, Mass. ; Vernon,
Conn.; Norwich; East Main St., East Greenwich, R.
I. ; Danielson, Conn. ; Burnside, Conn. ; New Lon-
don. Conn.; County Street, Xew Bedford. Mass. ;
and Chestnut Street, Providence, R. I. He then
spent six years as presiding elder of the Providence
District, after which for five years he was pastor of
the First Church, Fall River, Mass. He was later
presiding elder of the Xew Bedford district. In
August, 1902, he was elected recording secretary of
the Missionary Society of the Methodist Episcopal
Church, and now resides in Mt. Vernon, X. Y.,
with his office at Xo. 150 Fifth Avenue, Xew York
City. For eighteen years he was secretary of his
conference, and was five times a delegate to the Gen-
eral Conference, for three of which he led his dele-
gation, and for three times he was one of the secre-
taries of the General Conference. Ten years of
efficient services as one of the managers of the Mis-
sionary Society have greatly advanced the practical
and beneficent work of that body. During one
quadrennium he was a member of the Book com-
mittee.
In 1869 Rev. Stephen O. Benton was married, at
Stafford Springs, Conn., to Nellie M. Taft, of that
village. To this union came one daughter, Eva May.
(IX) Elizabeth Almira Benton, daughter of Rev.
Josiah Towne, received an excellent education, grad-
uating from the East Greenwich Academy. For some
years she was an efficient and popular teacher in the
schools at Thompsonville and Centerville, and for
nineteen years she was engaged most successfully in
the drug business at Niantic. She is one of the few
women of the State to be a licensed pharmacist. She
retired from business in 1896, and continues to reside
in Niantic.
GALLUP. The Gallup family of Connecticut
is one of 270 and more years' standing in Xew Eng-
land, and of only a few years less in this Common-
wealth. Its usefulness in the very dawn of our
cultivation, in the conspicuous part it bore in the
struggles against the Indians, its large representa-
tion in the war of the Revolution, as well as the
part it has taken in the subsequent affairs of the
State, are matters of history.
The branch of the family under consideration
here is that of Hon. Henry Haskell Gallup, now
serving his second term as treasurer of the State
of Connecticut, and one of the leading and influen-
tial citizens of Xorwich, and his younger brother,
Charles Davis Gallup, sons of Isaac and Maria T.
(Davis) Gallup, of Preston. They are descendants
in the ninth generation from John Gallop, the immi-
grant settler, their lineage being through Capt.
John, Benadam, Lieut. Benadam, Col. Benadam,
Isaac, Isaac (2), and Isaac (3).
(I) John Gallop came to America from the
Parish of Mosterne, County Dorset, England, sail-
ing from Plymouth in 1630, in the ship "Mary and
John," and arriving at what is now Hull. His
wife Christobel and children followed in 1633. Mr.
Gallop was a son of John Gallop, and a grandson
of Thomas and Agnes (YYatkins) Gallop, of Xorth
Bowood and Strode, and whose descendants still
own and occupy the Manors of Strode. John Gal-
lop, the immigrant, went first to Dorchester and
soon to Boston, where both himself and wife were
admitted to the First Church in 1634. He owned
Gallup's Island. He was a skillful mariner, and
achieved distinction by piloting the ship "Griffin,"
in September, 1633, through a newly found channel,
when she had on board Rev. John Cotton, Rev.
Thomas Hooker, Rev. Mr. Stone and others among
her 200 passengers. Mr. Gallop died in Boston,
Jan. 11, 1055. and his wife died there Sept. 27,
1655. Their children were: John, Joan, Samuel
and Nathaniel.
(II) Capt. John Gallup, born in England, came
to this country in 1633. He married at Boston, in
1643, Hannah, daughter of John and Margaret
Lake. Mr. Gallup became distinguished as an In-
dian warrior. It is supposed he was with his father
and assisted him in the capture of John Oldham's
vessel off Block Island. He was engaged with his
father and with Massachusetts forces in the Pequot
war and for his services the General Court of Con-
necticut in 167 1 gave him a grant of 100 acres of
land, and in 1650 or 165 1 he came to Xew London.
He was also given other tracts of land, and in 1654
he with his family removed to the east side of the
Mystic river, now Stonington. He represented the
town in the General Court in 1665 and 1667. Capt.
Gallup at the head of the Mohegans joined the
Xew London County Company under Capt. John
Mason of Xorwich, and with others of the Colo-
nies was engaged in the fearful "Swamp fight" at
Xarragansett Dec. 19. 1676. Here, while at the
head of his men storming the fort, Mr. Gallup was
one of the six captains who fell in the fight. His
children were: Hannah, John, Esther, Benadam,
William. Samuel. Christobel, Elizabeth, Mary and
Margaret.
( III ) Benadam Gallup, born in 1655, in Stoning-
ton, married Esther Prentice, born July 20. 1660,
daughter of John and Esther Prentice, of Xew
London. Both were members of the Stonington
Church. He died Aug. 2, 1727. His wife died
May 18, 1751. Their children were: Hannah, born
in 1683 ; Esther, born in 1685 ; Mercy, born in 1690;
Benadam, born in 1693 : Joseph, born in 1695 : Mar-
garet, born in 1698: and Lucy, born in 1701.
(IV) Lieut. Benadam Gallup, born in 1693. in
Groton, married, Jan. 11, 1716, Eunice Cobb. He
died Sept. 30, 1755, and his wife died Feb. 1. 1759,
aged sixty-three. Their children were : Benadam,
born Oct. 26. 1716: Esther, born Feb. 24. 1718;
Eunice, and Lois (twins), born March 29, 1721 ;
William, born July 4, 1723 ; Henry, born Oct. 5,.
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
97
1725; Nathan born in 1727; Ebenezer ; Thomas P.,
baptized July 28, 1734; Hannah; and Sarah.
(V) Col. Benadam Gallup, born Oct. 26, 1716,
married Aug. 11, 1740, Hannah Avery, of Groton.
Col. Gallup was a brave officer in the Revolution.
He served with the militia in the Second Battalion
of Wadsworth's Brigade, raised ;n June, 1776; and
was at the Brooklyn front, battle of Long Island,
Aug. 2", 1776; in the retreat to New York, Aug.
27-30 ; in the retreat from New York City, Sept.
15, with the main army at White Plains. Col. Gal-
lup died at Groton, May 19, 1800, and his wife died
July 28, 1799. Their children were: Benadam,
born June 29, 1741 ; Isaac, Dec. 22, 1742; Hannah,
Nov. 4, 1744; Esther, Dec. 9, 1746; James, May 1,
1749; Jesse, Feb. 2, 1751 ; John, Jan. 13, 1753; Pru-
dence, Jan. 30, 1755; Susan, in 1756; Josiah, in
1760; and Abigail, in T762.
(VI) Capt. Isaac Gallup, born Dec. 22, 1742,
married Oct. 5, 1786, Anna Smith, born Dec. 8,
1765, a daughter of Nehemiah and Abigail (Avery)
Smith. Capt. Gallup served with such rank in the
war of the Revolution. He died in Ledyard Aug.
3, 1814. His widow remarried, marrying Jan. 30,
1825, Seth Williams, of Ledyard, and died Dec.
21, 1848. Capt. Gallup's children were: Anna,
born Sept. 3, 1787; Isaac, Jan. 21, 1789; Russell,
April 11, 1791 ; Sarah, Nov. 9, 1792; Jabesh, Aug.
23, 1794; Avery, April 6, 1796; Elias, April 14,
1798! Erastus, July 31, 1800; Shubael, March 6,
1802; and Elihu, Dec. 12, 1806.
(VII) Isaac Gallup, born Jan. 21, 1789, in
Groton, married March 12, 1812, Prudence, daugh-
ter of David and Mary (Stanton) Geer. Their
children were: Mary Ann, born Dec. 10, 1812;
Prudence Almira, March 4, 181 5 ; Emeline, Feb. 27,
1818; Isaac, Nov. 13, 1820; and Julia, April 4, 1823.
Isaac Gallup began life in a good home, and
springing from a strong, brave, patriotic and capa-
ble ancestry, and possessing a robust constitution,
a keen and active mind and a resolute spirit, in youth
he seems to have been a natural leader and an ex-
ample to his younger brothers in the energy, earn-
estness and faithfulness with which he accomplished
his tasks. He early acquired the rudiments of a
sound practical education, was active and thorough
in scholarship, and at an early age showed a taste
for solid, substantial reading. He always had an
aptitude for acquiring practical knowledge, and
learned so well how to use his mental powers that
he was able to meet the requirements of the varied
pursuits of a long and busy life. Being of an ener-
getic temperament, his mind readily turned to active
pursuits, and in his youth he served an apprentice-
ship in the trade of a carpenter with Col. Joseph
Smith, one of the leading contractors and business
men of Stonington. He seems also to have culti-
vated a taste for good architecture and the thor-
oughness of construction so characteristic of his own
work all through life. While still a young man
Mr. Gallup went into the business of building and
7
contracting on his own account. Much of his work
later centered about Norwich Falls, and he felt it
advisable to remove his family to that point, which
he did in the spring of 1828. In the spring follow-
ing he removed to Greeneville, then a mere hamlet,
but soon to be the scene of great and varied activity.
Here Mr. Gallup found full scope for his business
talents and executive ability, for in 1829 was begun
a great enterprise there, the construction of a dam
and the bringing into use of the wonderful water-
power. Mr. Gallup superintended the work of the
large force of carpenters employed in the construc-
tion of the dam. At the end of the year, the work
being virtually completed, Mr. Gallup purchased a
farm in Preston, adjoining the Geer homestead, the
birthplace of his wife. His connection with Greene-
ville continued for some time longer, although his
family removed to Preston in 1830, and he held for
a number of years the position of agent of the Nor-
wich Water Power Company.
Mr. Gallup took a great interest in improving
his farm in Preston, and in building the large, com-
fortable and well-appointed house which he felt
would be a fitting and permanent home for his
family. That house, now standing and still in the
name of the family, has a beautiful and healthful
situation, and, with its well-tilled fields, large
orchards and substantial buildings, is a good speci-
men of the Connecticut country home. For many
years after his removal to Preston Mr. Gallup car-
ried on business as a builder, handling many im-
portant contracts. Though often absent from home
he skillfully directed the labor of his farm, on which
he was constantly making improvements. In addi-
tion to other business he was much occupied in sur-
veying. His father had followed this pursuit to
some extent, and of him he likely acquired some
knowdedge of it. His work was always marked by
the thoroughness, accuracy and nice regard for de-
tails which were characteristic of the man.
Possessing a strong mind, a positive character
and sound judgment, Squire Gallup, as he was gen-
erally called, was held in the highest regard by his
friends and townspeople, who often sought his ad-
vice and always valued his counsel. With his fine
administrative ability, his wide experience and per-
fect integrity, he was singularly well qualified for
the adjustment of estates, and his services were in
demand in his own and neighboring towns. For
many years he transacted business for the Treat
and Doane families of Preston, whose affairs he
managed to their entire satisfaction.
Mr. Gallup was a man of strong convictions,
and took an active part in the early movement for
temperance reform, uttering a resolute protest
against the habit of treating and the drinking cus-
toms of society, and aiding many of his friends and
neighbors to shake off the bondage of alcohol. In
his mature manhood Mr. Gallup united with the
Congregational Church of Ledyard, of which he
was a strong supporter all through life. His pastor
98
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
and lifelong friend. Rev. Timothy Tuttle, found
him a ready helper and counted him his strong
right hand in every good work. He exerted an ex-
cellent influence on the young men who served him
as apprentices. Though a kind master, he was an
earnest advocate of good morals, correct habits
and honest work. Of a broad and progressive
spirit, he always welcomed signs of enterprise and
ambition in the young men of his town, whom he
often aided in making a start in life by friendly
encouragement and practical assistance.
Mr. Gallup was devoted to his home and happy
in the relations of domestic life. He had married
when twenty-three years of age a young woman
fully as energetic, ambitious and capable as himself,
who proved herself a faithful wife and helpmeet
during all the years of their married life. They
began housekeeping in a small but comfortable
home in what is now the town of Ledyard. During
the first year of their married life occurred the
bombardment of Stonington, and the young hus-
band did duty as a soldier in the war of 1812. The
house referred to. in which they began housekeep-
ing, continued to be their home for sixteen years.
Mr. Gallup was truly a public-spirited citizen,
a friend and promoter of good schools, sound gov-
ernment and public improvements. He was the
worthy head of a good family, and a tower of
strength in his day and generation. He died May
2, 1867, and his widow passed away July 6, 1871.
( YIII) Isaac Gallup, born Nov. 13, 1820, in
Preston. Conn., was a school teacher for several
years. He married March 23, 1845, Maria The-
resa Davis, who was born May 23, 1823, daughter
of Thomas and Mary (Shaw) Davis, and settled
as a farmer near Poquetanuck, in Preston. They had
children as follows: (1) Henry H. was born June
2, 1846. (2) Ella M., born April 29, 1850, married
Nov. 2. 1870, Avery D. Wheeler, of the firm of
Wheeler Brothers, on Cliff street, Norwich. Mr.
and Mrs. Wheeler have two children — Nellie May,
the wife of Leon F. Hutchins, of Norwich, and
Louis A., who married Maude E. Perkins. (3)
Charles Davis was born May 16, 1857.
The venerable Isaac Gallup and wife, who at
this writing (1904) are aged eighty-three and
eighty-one years, respectively, are passing the even-
ing of their lives amid the scenes of their long,
happy and useful married life, in comfort and ease,
surrounded by children and grandchildren. What
memories cluster about this old homestead, to which
Mr. Gallup came when nine years old! He is now
the only surviving member of the large family of
his parents. Here were born his children, and by
its hearthstone they were so trained that they went
forth in the world to become useful men and women,
and occupy high public positions in the State. Here
nearly sixty years of wedded life have been passed,
and here was celebrated the golden wedding on
March 23, 1895. Here for years it has been the cus-
tom of children, grandchildren, and now great-
grandchildren, in holiday season, to gather about
the family table, partake of its repast, and listen to
the story of the years. Each Thanksgiving Day
the family gather at the homestead, and on that day
in 1903 three children, and their sons, daughters,
sons-in-law and daughters-in-law, with the latter's
children, in all nineteen, were gathered there. And
here, in the possession of remarkable mental and
physical activity, both are now only awaiting the
final summons. Mr. and Mrs. Gallup are members
of St. James Episcopal Church, and he has been
warden many years, also treasurer of the church.
Hexry Haskell Gallup, born June 2,
1846, in Preston, received his education in public
and private schools, and then for four winters taught
school, working on the home farm through the sum-
mers. When twenty-two years of age he began his
business career as a clerk in a store in Norwich.
Soon thereafter he was employed as bookkeeper for
Barstow & Palmer, with whom he remained three
years. On March 1, 1871, in that city, he became
associated as a partner with George S. Smith, estab-
lishing the firm of Smith & Gallup, engaged in the
leather and findings trade. Associated with Frank
Ulmer and Mr. Smith purchasing the tannery of the
late Charles N. Farnam, he in 1873 established the
Norwich Belt Manufacturing Company, with which
he has ever since been associated, and from Decem-
ber, 1892, he was the sole proprietor of the business,
Mr. Smith retiring in 1883, and Mr. Ulmer in 1892.
In January, 1902, the Norwich Belt Company was
incorporated, and H. H. Gallup became treasurer
and general manager. At these plants of Mr. Gal-
lup— the tannery at Greeneville and the factory in
Norwich — an extensive business is done, giving em-
ployment to many hands. The concern maintains
an office and sales house in the city of Chicago.
Mr. Gallup was chosen a director of the Thames
National Bank at Norwich in 1888, and has since
continued in that relation with the bank. He has
been president of the Norwich Industrial Building
Company since its organization. He was chosen
second president of the Norwich Board of Trade,
and served in that capacity for two years. He is
president of the Norwich Bulletin Company, vice-
president of the Chelsea Savings Bank, president of
the Crescent Fire Company, treasurer of the W. H.
Davenport Fire Arms Company, president of the
Smith Granite Company, of Westerly, R. I., and in
1903 became president of the New London County
Fire Insurance Company.
Mr. Gallup, as a Republican, was elected a treas-
urer of the State in 1900, was unanimously renomi-
nated, and re-elected in 1902. One has only to read
between the lines to judge of the man. He is a
warden in Christ Episcopal Church, at Norwich, of
which his family are all members. The elegant fam-
ily residence is on Washington street.
On Sept. 26, 1871, Mr. Gallup was married to
Irena H. Breed, daughter of Edward and Harriet
L. (Hebard) Breed. Children have been born to
<A^t ,
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
99
them as follows: (i) Walter Henry, born April
13, 1873, received his education in the high school
and Free Academy. He is now secretary of the
Norwich Belt Manufacturing Company. He married
Maude A. Morgan, and they have two children,
Maria Theresa and Henrietta Hebard. (2) Fannie
Ella, born Dec. 8, 1876. died Sept. 26, 1878. (3)
Clarence Breed, born Dec. 25, 1880. died June 16,
1881. (4) Susie Irena, born April 17, 1884, grad-
uated from the Norwich Free Academy in the class
of 1903, and is now attending Lasell Seminary, Au-
burndale, Massachusetts.
Mrs. Gallup is very active in religious and char-
itable work and is chairwoman of the Employment
Bureau of the United Workers. She is a member
of Faith Trumbull Chapter, Daughters of the Amer-
ican Revolution, and Mr. Gallup is a member of the
Connecticut Society, Sons of the American Revolu-
tion.
Charles Davis Gallup was born May 16, 1857,
in Preston, and received his early education in the
district school, later attending the Norwich Free
Academy. In the fall of 1875 ne entered the employ
of the Norwich Belt Manufacturing Company, and
has held a responsible position with that concern up
to the present time. In January, 1902, when the
Company was re-organized and incorporated, he be-
came a member of the board of directors. He has
been, a director of the W. H. Davenport Fire Arms
Company since its organization.
Politically, Mr. Gallup is not bound by party
ties, voting for the best men and issues regardless
of party. Fraternally, he is a member of Somerset
Lodge, No. 34, F. & A. M. ; Franklin Chapter, No.
4, R. A. M. : Franklin Council, No. 3, R. & S. M. ;
Columbian Commandery, No. 4, Knights Templar ;
of all the Scottish Rite bodies ; and of Sphinx Tem-
ple, Mystic Shrine, Hartford. He was a charter
member of Norwich Lodge, A. O. LT. W., and is
a past master workman of that lodge. He is also
a member of the Connecticut Society, S. A. R. In
religious connection, he is a member of Christ
Church, Norwich. He was clerk of the parish for a
time, served as choirmaster for several years, and
assisted in organizing the first boy choir in that
Church.
On May 12, 1880, Mr. Gallup was married to
Grace Rogers Aldrich, a native of Norwich, daugh-
ter of Harrison Randolph and Mary (Rogers) Aid-
rich. Grace Rogers Aldrich was born Jan. 16,
1861. She is a descendant on the paternal side, in
direct line, of George Aldrich, who came to this
country from England in 163 1. On the maternal
side she is a descendant in a direct line of James
Rogers, one of the early settlers of New London.
Her father, Harrison Randolph Aldrich, lost his
life in the terrible disaster of the burning of the
steamer "City of New London," in the Thames
river, on Nov. 22, 1871. Mrs. Gallup is also a mem-
ber of Christ Church. She has for several years been
prominent in musical circles, and is member of Faith
Trumbull Chapter, D. A. R., at Norwich. Mr. and
Mrs. Gallup have one son, Harry Wallace, born
June 8, 1 88 1, a most promising young man. He
received his early education in the public schools
and was graduated from Norwich Free Academy in
1899, with honors. He entered the Massachusetts
Institute of Technology, and took a course in chem-
istry and metallurgy with the class of 1904; he is
a member of the American Chemical Society. The
family hold a high place in the community. Their
residence is at No. 186 Laurel Hill avenue, in the
house Mr. Gallup built in 1885.
Davis. The maternal lineage of Messrs. Gallup
is set forth in the following, each generation from
the immigrant ancestor appearing in its order and
designated by a Roman character.
(I) John Davis, born in England in 1612, with
wife and four children came to America and settled
in Easthampton, L. I., where the wife died Dec.
17, 1696. Mr. Davis was married again Nov. 3,
1703, this time to Susanna Osborne, who died in
July, 1704. Mr. Davis died Dec. 22, 1705. His
children were: John, born in 1676; Hannah, born
in 1680; Thomas, born in 1686— all born in Eng-
land ; a child which was born to the last marriage
died in infancy.
(II) Thomas Davis, born in 1686, married Jan.
11, 1722, Abigail Parsons, who died in December,
1745, aged sixty years. Mr. Davis was a merchant
in the village of Easthampton, where he died Aug.
30, 1751. His children were: John, born March
(or May) 4, 1723, and Abigail, born April 26,
1725, both in Easthampton.
(HI) John Davis, born May (or March) 4,
1723, married (first) Dec. 31, 1744, Catherine Tal-
mage, only child of Enos and Catherine (Baker
Townsend) Talmage. of Easthampton. Mrs. Davis
died April 11, 1759, and he married again. Mr.
Davis died Dec. 15. 1798, in Easthampton. His
children by the first marriage were : Catherine, born
March 13, 1746; John, Jan. 20, 1748; Benjamin,
Jan. 4, 1750: Thomas, Nov. 27, 1751 ; Benjamin
(2). May 15, 1754; Enos, Oct. 14, 1755: and Cath-
erine and Abigail (twins), April 5, 1758 — all born
in Easthampton. The father was a farmer of East-
hampton. and carried on in connection with farm-
ing the manufacture of leather and shoes. In 1765
he rented a farm in Stonington, Conn., purchased
it in 1772, and removed his family thereto. Here
he resided until 1784, when he returned to East-
hampton.
(IV) Thomas Davis, born Nov. 27, 175 1, mar-
ried Dec. 25, 1780, Mary Conklin, born Aug. 30.
1756, in. Amagansett, L. L, and soon after his mar-
riage removed to the house of his father in Ston-
ington, Conn. He was a tanner and currier, and
worked at that business and the manufacturing of
shoes with his father. In the spring of 1802, in
company with his brother Enos, he purchased of
Jonathan Brewster land which they later divided,
located some two miles below Norwich city. Here
IOO
GENEALOGICAL AXD BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
Thomas resided, carrying on in addition to farm-
ing- the business of making leather and shoes, until
his death, Jan. 23, 183 1, when in the eightieth year
of his age. His children were : Thomas, born Sept.
21, 1781 ; Mary, July 12, 1784; Henry, Aug. 26,
1788; Dudley T.. March 18, 1795: Julia, Aug. 24,
1796; and Clarissa, Feb. 25, 1800 — all born in
Stonington.
(V) Thomas Davis, born Sept. 21, 1781, mar-
ried April 4. 1813. Mary Shaw, born March 14,
1797, daughter of Peleg and Lucretia (Billings)
Shaw, of Westerly, R. I. Mr. Davis died in Pres-
ton, Conn., Feb. 4, 1848. Mrs. Davis died March
29, 1871, in Norwich, Conn. Their children were:
Julia, born Feb. 8, 1814; Lucy, April 4, 1816;
Albert H., July 19, 1819; Maria Theresa, May 23,
1823 ; Charles L., May 19, 1827 ; and Mary L., Oct.
20, 1 83 1 — all born in Preston, Connecticut.
WILLIAM WASHINGTON BROWN, a ven-
erable citizen of Lebanon who passed away on Feb.
16, 1903, descended from an old family in Rhode
Island.
William Brown, his grandfather, resided in Mid-
dletown, R. I., where he was an extensive and well-
to-do farmer. During the Revolutionary period, he
was a soldier, and also in the War of 1812 he was
very active in espousing the American cause. He
attained a position of prominence, and lived to be
an old and honored man. Religiously he was a
member of the Second Baptist Church of Newport,
R. I. William Brown married Mary Coggshall,
of Newport, and her death occurred many years
, prior to his. Sixteen children were born to them —
twelve sons and four daughters. To each of his
sons he gave a farm, ten being in the vicinity of
Tioga, N. Y. The daughters were given the equiv-
alent of the farms. Two of his sons, Abraham and
George, remained in Rhode Island, the latter being
a farmer and resident of Newport, where his death
occurred.
Abraham Brown, father of William W., was
born in Middletown, R. I., and was brought up to
farm work. He remained on the homestead and
took care of his parents, and after their death, he
came into possession of the farm. There he made
his home until his death July 31, 1830, aged forty-
nine years. His death resulted from cholera, con-
tracted during an epidemic, and he was buried at
Middletown. He was a lieutenant in the local mil-
itia and served in that capacity during the war of
1812. Like his father he was a member of the
Baptist Church. Abraham Brown married Lucy B.
Little, of Little Compton, R. I., daughter of Nathan-
iel Little. After the death of Abraham Brown, his
widow and children made their home until 1840,
with Mr. Little, her father, at Little Compton; she
then removed to Lebanon. Her death occurred at
the home of our subject. July 20. 1878, aged seven-
ty-nine years. The children, born to Abraham and
Lucy B. (Little) Brown were : William Washing-
ton ; Charles Feques. a farmer residing on Scott
Hill in the town of Colchester, Conn., married
Emma Spicer, and, having no children of their own,
they have reared a number of homeless little ones;
Mary Burr married Edward Hubbard, a spinner in
early life, but later a farmer, and he died in Kill-
ingly, Conn. ; Lydia Briggs married Hezekiah Cong-
don, a carpenter and died in Willimantic, her hus-
band and one child, Herbert Trueman (who married
Teresa Tilden, and resides in Willimantic), sur-
viving ; Abraham Trueman was a sailor for many
years, visiting the different foreign ports, but died in
1880 at the Marine hospital, N. Y., aged fifty-one
years, unmarried ; Lucy Electa, born in Middle-
town, R. I., March 24, 1831, was nine years of age
when her mother moved to Lebanon, and she at-
tended Lebanon Academy under Julius Strong, later
a member of Congress, and she took care of her
mother and brother, being kindhearted, generous
and tenderly sympathetic, and a most consistent
member of the Lebanon Baptist Church.
William Washington Brown was born May 17,
1821, in Middletown, R. I., and was ten years of age
when his mother removed to her father's home at
Little Compton. When eighteen years of age he
shipped as a boy before the mast, from Fall River,
Mass., and made several successful whaling voy-
ages. He was in the merchant marine, and at one
time was captain and part owner in a merchant ves-
sel. He spent sixteen years on the water, having
many interesting and exciting adventures, and visit-
ing numerous foreign ports. Nothing pleased Mr.
Brown and his friends more than for him to relate
some of these adventures, which were quite enter-
taining.
Retiring from the water, Mr. Brown located in
Lebanon, and there purchased of Alvin Lyman a
farm of sixty-two acres, to which he added until he
owned 185 acres, and had long been noted as a gen-
eral farmer and fruit grower. All of his life he had
been a hard working man, although for the last
couple of years he hired all of the heavy work done
for him. He never married, but he and his sister
Miss Lucy Electa resided together. In politics he
was a Republican, but never desired office.
MAJOR BELA PECK LEARNED. The New
London and Norwich branch of the Learned family
springs from the old Killingly (Conn.) branch, and
it from the ancient Massachusetts family which
dates back to onlv a little later than the coming of
the Pilgrim Fathers. It is the purpose here to treat
briefly only of the family and lineage of the late
Ebenezer Learned, of New London and Norwich,
some of whose children and posterity are now active
and prominent in the social and business life of that
city, among them Major Bela Peck Learned, the
latter's son, Ebenezer Learned, and Charles Learned
Hubbard, a son of Mrs. Charlotte Peck (Learned)
Hubbard. The children of the late Ebenezer Learn-
ed, referred to, were in the ninth generation from
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
101
William Learned, their emigrant ancestor, their line-
age being through Isaac, Isaac (2), William (2),
Ebenezer, Hon. Amasa, Ebenezer (2), Ebenezer
Learned (3).
(I) William Learned appears an inhabitant of
Charlestown in 1630. He was admitted a freeman
May 14, 1634. His name and that of his wife,
Goodeth, are the first two on the list of members of
the present First Church of Charlestown, to which
they were admitted "1632 10 mo., day 6." Mr.
Learned was highly esteemed for his intelligence and
virtue, as is evidenced in his appointment with others
of the Church to "consider some things tending to-
wards a body of laws." He was a subscriber to the
town orders from W'oburn, drawn up at Charles-
town, Dec. 16, 1640; was one of the seven original
members of the Church in Woburn, which was
gathered Aug. 14, 1642-43 ; was one of the first
board of selectmen, chosen in 1644, and was re-
elected the following year. He was also elected con-
stable from 1644 to 1645. He died in Woburn,
March 1, 1645-46, leaving a widow. His children
were: Sarah, born about 1608; Bethia, baptized
Oct. 29, 1612; Mary, baptized Sept. 15, 1615 ; Abi-
gail, baptized Sept. 30, 1618 ; Elizabeth, baptized
March 25, 162 1 ; and Isaac, baptized Feb. 25, 1623-
1624.
(II) Isaac Learned, baptized Feb. 25, 1623, in
Bermondsey Parish, County of Surrey, England,
probably came to New England when about seven or
eight years old, and when about seventeen or eight-
een went with his father to Woburn. He married at
Woburn, July 9, 1646, Mary, daughter of Isaac
Stearnes, of Watertown. She was a native of Eng-
land, baptized Jan. 26, 1626, in the Parish of Way-
land, Suffolk. Mr. Learned removed to Chelmsford
probably in 1652, and there died Nov. 27, 1657.
He was chosen selectman of Chelmsford in 1654,
sergeant of the trainband in 1656, and served on
committees, etc. His widow, Mary, was married,
in 1662, to John Burg. Isaac Learned's children
were : Mary, born Aug. 7, 1647 ! Hannah, Aug. 24,
1649; William, Oct. 1, 1650 (all born at Woburn) ;
Sarah, Oct. 18, 1653 ; Isaac, Sept. 16, 1655 ; and
Benoni, Nov. 29, 1657 (all born at Chelmsford).
(III) Isaac Learned (2), born Sept. 16, 1655,
married, July 23, 1679, Sarah Bigelow, who was
born Sept. 29, 1659, daughter of John and Sarah
(Warner) Bigelow, of Wratertown, and settled in
Framingham, near Learned's Pond, which was so
named from him. As a soldier he took part in the
Narragansett fight, and was wounded. He served
in Capt. Davenport's company. His children were :
Isaac, born May 10, 1680; Sarah, March 16, 1682;
Abigail, March 11, 1684; Mary, April 12, 1686;
William, Feb. 12, 1688; Ebenezer, Aug. 31, 1690;
Samuel, Oct. 4, 1692; Hannah, Sept. 16, 1694;
Elizabeth, July 27, 1696 ; Moses, April 29, 1699 ; and
Martha, May 21, 1702.
(IV) William Learned, born Feb. 12, 1688,
married Nov. 24, 171 5, Hannah Bryant, born in
1696-97, daughter of Simon and Hannah Bryant,
of Killingly, Conn, (formerly of Braintree, Mass.)
Mr. Learned had removed from Framingham to
Killingly, purchasing land in what is now Putnam
in 17 12. Later he removed to Sutton, and there was
one of the original members of the Church in 1720.
He later (1721) bought land in Killingly, and prob-
ably removed there soon after. He was admitted to
the Church in Thompson, Conn., in 1731 (Thomp-
son Parish had formerly been the North Society of
Killingly). He was chosen a deacon in 1742. He
was surveyor of highways in 1729; selectman from
1740 to 1744, and town treasurer from 1742 to 1746.
He died June 11, 1747. His widow, Hannah, mar-
ried Oct. 17, 1755, Joseph Leavens. Mr. Learned's
children were : Hannah ; Samuel, born Dec. 28,
1718; Simon, Feb. 10, 1721 ; Ebenezer, March n,
1723; William, April 15, 1725; Abijah, April 26,
1729; James Dec. 24, 1733; and Asa, March 29,
1736.
(V) Ebenezer Learned, born March 11, 1723,
married Dec. 28, 1749, Kesiah Leavens, who was
born March 8, 1730, daughter of Justice Joseph
Leavens, of Killingly, Conn., one of the first settlers
of the town. Mr. Learned was for many years a
deacon in the Church at North Killingly. He was
selectman in 1760. His death occurred Dec. 6,
1779. He was one of the original proprietors of the
Connecticut Susquehanna Company, and took part
in organizing it. At the Lexington Alarm, 1775,
he was in the company of Capt. Joseph Cady,
Eleventh Regiment. His children were : Amasa, born
Nov. 15, 1750; Noah, Oct. 20, 1752; Joseph, Aug.
28, 1754; Ebenezer, Aug. 12, 1756; Theophilus,
July 1, 1758; Asa, May 30, 1760; Judith, April 30,
1762; Chloe, June 14, 1764; Keziah, March 8, 1767;
Erastus, Sept. 20, 1769; and Sarah, Feb. 25, 1772.
(VI) Hon. Amasa Learned, born Nov. 15, 1750,
married, April 1, 1773, Grace Hallam, of New Lon-
don, Conn., who was born Oct. 14, 1754, daughter
of Nicholas and Elizabeth (Latimer) Hallam. Mr.
Learned was graduated from Yale College in 1772,
and soon after went to New London as a teacher in
the Union school. He studied theology with Rev.
Mr. Atkins, at Killingly, and was licensed to preach
by the Windham County Association, Oct. 12, 1773.
He preached, it is said, for some time at Newport,
R. I. He resided in Killingly until 1780, and then
moved to New London, and settled there. It does
not appear that he was ever ordained or settled as a
clergyman, or that he continued long in the ministry.
His wife's family were influential merchants of New
London, and he became somewhat prominent in po-
litical affairs. In 1788 he was a member of the
Convention which ratified the Constitution of the
United States, and voted for it. He was in the Uni-
ted States Congress from 1791 to 1795, and was
also an "assistant" of the State. He was a member
of the Council. While in Congress he became en-
gaged in some land speculations, which resulted dis-
astrously, and this result seemed to have changed
102
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
the current of his life. From about 1798 he gave up
all active business pursuits. Mr. Learned was a
man of courteous manners, general information and
remarkable acquisitiveness as to all the topics of in-
terest of his day. He died of pleurisy May 4, 1825.
His wife died Nov. 20, 1787. Their children were
as follows (the first four born in Killingly, and the
others in New London) : Elizabeth, born Jan. 31,
1774; Frances, Jan. 20, 1776; Grace H., Feb. 21,
1778; Ebenezer, March 27, 1780; Nicholas H.,
March 10, 1783; Ann, June 16, 1784; and Edward,
April 2, 1786.
(VII) Ebenezer Learned (2), born March 27,
1780, married (first) Oct. 10, 1808. Charlotte Peck,
daughter of Bela and Betsey (Billings) Peck, of
Norwich. She died March 8, 18 19, and he married
(second) March 28, 1820, Lydia Coit, who was
born Dec. 12, 1787, daughter of Joshua and Ann
Boradill (Hallam) Coit, of New London, Conn.
She died March 19, 1877, and he died Sept. II, 1858.
Mr. Learned entered Yale College at fourteen, but
was unable to finish his course on account of his
father's misfortune. He, however, received his
diploma of A. B., with his class in 1798. He taught
in the Union school in New London in 1799 ; studied
law and settled first at Groton, Conn. After prac-
ticing his profession for twenty years or more, he
took the position of cashier of the Union Bank, of
New London, and continued in that office for sev-
eral years and then retired from active business.
For one or two years he held the office of bank com-
missioner, but declined all other public offices. He
was a man of the purest and most estimable char-
acter, the friend and adviser of all who were in
trouble ; of perfect integrity and admirable good
sense. For man}' years he was deacon of the First
Congregational Church of New London ; and was
always ready to aid in any benevolent work. He
was a man six feet tall and of corresponding size ;
he inherited his father's swarthy complexion, with a
countenance rather severe at first appearance, but
warmed with a quiet humor and tender feeling. His
children were : ' Betsey Peck, born Nov. 25, 1809 ;
Ebenezer, Nov. 3, 181 1; Billings Peck, June 24,
1813; Charlotte, Oct. 11, 1815; and William Law,
July 24, 1 82 1.
(VIII) Ebenezer Learned (3), born Nov. 3,
181 1, in New London, married (first) Aug. 20,
1834, Matilda D. Hurlbut, daughter of Samuel and
Matilda (Denison) Hurlbut, of New London. She
died March 23, 1837, and he married (second)
April 9, 1842, Mrs. Harriet M. (Vail) Townsend,
of Troy, N. Y. Mr. Learned was graduated from
Yale College in 183 1. After his marriage he settled
in Norwich, where he engaged in mercantile pur-
suits in partnership with William McEwen, of New
London. This partnership was soon dissolved, and
Mr. Learned began the study of law. In November,
1839, he was admitted to the Bar, and at once
opened an office in Norwich, where he continued in
practice until he was appointed secretary of the
1837,
Nor-
Har-
1891,
Y., and
born in
engaged
Norwich Fire Insurance Company, of which com-
pany he was afterward made president. Through-
out life he was identified with the most important
public interests of the city, holding various positions
of trust. His services as a trustee and treasurer of.
the Norwich Free Academy, during its entire organ-
ization, were especially valuable, as also his interest
in the organization, and his earnest support of the
Park Congregational Church ; he served on the
building committee when the Church was erected.
He gave largely of his time, money and energies for
the advancement of the Union cause in the Civil war.
Mr. Learned died at his home in Norwich July 29,.
1887. His second wife survived him until Dec. 31,.
1898. His children were: (1) Charlotte Peck, bom
May 15, 1835. married, April 12, 1854, James L.
Hubbard, of Norwich, and their children are :
Charles Learned, born July 21, 1855, who married
June 6, 1877, Katherine F. Mather ; and Matilda D.„
born May 4, 1858, who died May 12, 1866. (2)
Bela Peck is mentioned below.
Maj. Bela Peck Learned, born March 9,
married, Oct. 31, 1867, May Y\". Bulkley. of
wich, and their children are as follows : ( 1 )
riet W, born in 1868, was married April 22,
to Dr. George T. Howland, of Athens, N
has one child, Elizabeth. (2) Ebenezer,
1876, graduated from Yale in 1899, and is
in the insurance business in Norwich. He was mar-
ried April 29, 1903, to Roberta Traill Howard, of
Washington, D. C, and they have one child, Con-
stance Traill, born May 28, 1904. (3) Mary was
born in 1882.
Major Learned was graduated from Yale Col-
lege in 1857. Early in the Civil war. Feb. 21, 1862,.
he joined Company D, First Volunteer Heavy
Artillery, being mustered in as second lieutenant of
the company. He was promoted to first lieutenant
of Company A, May 26, 1862; was made adjutant
of the Regiment Oct. 13. 1862; promoted to captain
of Company I, Jan. 2, 1865 ; and on April 9th of the
last named year, was breveted major. He was mus-
tered out of the United States service Sept. 25, 1865,.
with an honorable war record. The engagements of
the First Heavy Artillery were : Siege of York-
town, Ya., April 30 to May 4, 1862 : Hampton Court
House, Ya., May 27, 1862 ; Gaines Hill, Ya., May 31
to June 20, 1862 ; Chickahominy, Ya., June 25,.
1862; Golden Hill, Ya., June 27, 1862; Malvern
Hill, Ya., July 1, 1862 ; siege of Fredericksburg, Ya.,.
Dec. n-15, 1862 (Companies B and M) ; before
Fredericksburg, Ya., June 5 to 13. 1863 (Company
M) ; Kelley's Ford, Ya. (Company M), Nov. 27,.
1863; Orange Court House, Ya. (Company B)„
Nov. 30, 1864; siege of Petersburg and Richmond,.
Ya., May, 1864, to April, 1865 : Fort Fisher, N. C.„
Jan. 14 and 15, 1865 (Companies B, G and L).
Major Learned returned to Norwich in October,
1865. and has since been quite successfully engaged
in the insurance business. He holds many positions-
of trust and honor, among them that of vice-presi-
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
103
dent of the Norwich Savings Society and trustee of
the Norwich Free Academy. He is a past com-
mander of Sedgwick Post, No. 1, G. A. R. ; past
junior vice-commander of the Department of Con-
necticut, a member of the Army and Navy Club, of
Connecticut, and a companion of the Military Order
of the Loyal Legion of the United States ; a member
of the Sons of the American Revolution ; lieutenant
governor of the Society of Colonial Wars, in the
State of Connecticut ; and a member of the Society
of Founders of Norwich. He is a member of Park
Congregational Church, and quite active in its af-
fairs, at the present time serving as deacon. Po-
litically he is a Republican.
Airs. Learned is a member of Faith Trumbull
Chapter, Daughters of the American Revolution,
and has served as regent of the same. She is also a
member of the Connecticut Society of Colonial
Dames of America.
LATHROP. For nearly two and a half cen-
turies the name of Lathrop has had an important
place in the social, commercial and religious life of
Norwich. At the present time it is worthily rep-
resented by Jonathan L. and Frank L. Lathrop,
father and son, comprising the successful insurance
firm of J. L. Lathrop & Son, of that city.
(I) In direct line Jonathan L. Lathrop traces his
ancestry to Rev. John Lathrop, minister at Egerton,
in Kent, England, who in 1624 removed to London,
where he was pastor of an Independent (now called
Congregational) Church. The archbishop caused
his arrest and that of forty-three members of his
flock April 29, 1632, the majority of them being im-
prisoned for two years for the offense of practicing
the teachings of the New Testament, as they under-
stood it. During the time he was in prison Rev.
Mr. Lathrop's wife died. Upon the condition of
their leaving the country he and a few members of
the church were released, and they accordingly came
to New England. Mr. Lathrop and his children ar-
rived in 1634, and soon thereafter he organized a
church at Scituate, Mass. He was admitted a free-
man of Plymouth Colony in 1636-37, and two years
later, with the principal part of the church, he moved
to Barnstable. Pope's "Pioneers of Massachusetts"
says : "He married a second wife whose name is
not on our records, who came here with him, joined
the church June 14, 1635, and survived him." Rev.
Mr. Lathrop was a man of deep piety, great zeal and
large ability. His children were : Jane, Barbara,
Thomas, Sarah, Samuel, Joseph, John, Benjamin,
Barnabas, Abigail, Bathshua, and two that died in
infancy.
(IT) Samuel Lathrop, son of Rev. John, was
born in England, and came with his father to Scit-
uate in 1634. He became a housebuilder in Boston,
and afterward combined with that occupation exten-
sive farming operations. He later settled in Barn-
stable, and from there moved to Pequot (now New
London), Conn., where he became one of the judges
of the local court, organized in 1649. 1° J668 he
removed to Norwich, where he served as constable
and townsman. On Nov. 28, 1644, in Barnstable, he
married Elizabeth Scudder, who had been dismissed
from the church in Boston Nov. 10, 1644, to remove
her church relation to that in Barnstable. Their
children were: John, baptized Dec. 7, 1645; Eliza-
beth, born in March, 1648 ; Samuel, born in March,
1650 ; Sarah, born in 1655 ; Martha, born in January,
1657 ; Israel, born in October, 1659 ; Joseph, born in
October, 1661 ; Abigail, born in May, 1665 ; and
Anne, born Aug. 7, 1667. The mother died, and in
1690 Samuel Lathrop married (second) Abigail
Doane, born Jan. 29, 1632, daughter of Deacon John
Doane, of Plymouth. He died in 1700, and his "wife
survived until 1734. On her one hundredth birth-
day a large concourse of friends assembled at her
home, and a sermon was preached by the pastor of
the church. At this time she had preserved in a
remarkable degree the intelligence and vivacity of
her earlier years.
(III) Israel Lathrop, son of Samuel, was born
in October, 1659. He located in Norwich, where he
became a prominent man of affairs, acquiring by
thrift and industry a considerable property. On
April 8, 1686, he married Rebecca, daughter of
Thomas Bliss, of Saybrook and Norwich. He died
March 28, 1733, and his wife on Aug. 22, 1737.
His gravestone is the oldest in the cemetery at Nor-
wich. Their children were: Israel, born Feb. 1,
1687; William, Sept. 20, 1688; John, Oct. 2, 1690;
Samuel, July 12, 1692; Rebecca, April 20. 1695;
Mary, Nov. 15, 1696; Martha, Nov. 15, 1696; Ben-
jamin, July 21, 1699; Ebenezer, Feb. 7, 1702-03;
and Jabez, Jan. 11, 1706-07.
(IV) William Lathrop, son of Israel, born Sept.
20, 1688, settled on Plain Hill, in Norwich, and be-
came a well-to-do farmer. In religion he was an
earnest and zealous worker. On Dec. 18, 171 2, he
married Sarah Huntington, daughter of Deacon
Simon and Lydia (Gager) Huntington. She died
April 20, 1730. On Aug. 5, 1731, he married
(second) Mary Kelly, who united with the church
the same year. They became leaders in the Separ-
atist movement. To this second union were born
four sons : Eben, born July I, 1732 ; Jonathan. July
3, 1734; John, May 17, 1739; and Jack, April 6,
1742. Mrs. Mary (Kelly) Lathrop died April 19,
1760, and on May 20, 1761, Mr. Lathrop married
Phebe French. He died Sept. 27, 1778.
(V) Jonathan Lathrop, son of William, born
July 3, 1734, resided on Plain Hill, Norwich, where
he followed farming and became a large landholder,
owning property in both Norwich and Bozrah, and
at his death left a large estate. He was a man of
considerable importance in the town, and took a
prominent part in public affairs. On March 16,
1758, he married Thede Woodworth, who died Dec.
27, 1816, aged eighty years. He died Dec. 14. 1817,
and was buried at the side of his wife in the old
cemeterv in Norwich Town. Their six children
io|
GENEALOGICAL AXD BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
were: Betsey, born Feb. 2, 1759. died unmarried
Oct. 13, 1822; Darius, born July 14, 1760, is men-
tioned below : Roger, born Nov. 9, 1762, located at
Coventry, Conn., where he died ; Jesse, born May 6,
1765, married Rhoda Hyde, and located in Franklin,
where he died; Lucy, born Feb. 28, 1767, married
Dyer McCall, and lived in Franklin : and Ezra, born
Dec. 9. 1770, married (first) a Mrs. Huntington
and (second) Mary Lester, and located in Bozrah
on the farm now occupied by his grandson, Edwin
Lathrop.
(VI) Darius Lathrop, son of Jonathan, was born
July 14. 1760. He made his home on Plain Hill,
where he followed farming all his life. Like all his
family he was an active member of the church, be-
longing to the First Congregational Church at Nor-
wich, as did also his first wife. On Nov. 23. 1786,
he married Lydia McCall, who was born Feb. 4,
1759, daughter of John and Elizabeth (Ford)
McCall. and died March 22, 1814. On May 6, 1818,
Darius Lathrop married, for his second wife, Man-
Little, of Columbia. Conn. She survived him, and
after his death, which occurred Sept. 15, 1827, she
returned to her old home in Columbia, where she
died. The children of Darius Lathrop, all born of
his first marriage, were: Sophia, born Sept. 15,
1788, married Daniel Morse, a fanner of Plain Hill,
and survived him, dying Aug. 26, 1854, at the home
of her brother, John B., in Lisbon, Conn. ; Mira,
born Jan. 27,, 1792, married Chester Bill, a farmer,
and died on Plain Hill, leaving one son, Orrin H.,
who died in young manhood ; Elizabeth, born Feb.
11, 1797. married Seymour Morse, a farmer on
Plain Hill, and, surviving her husband, died May
27), 1886, aged eighty-nine years, leaving one daugh-
ter, Lydia E., wife of Stephen X. Yerrington, of
East Great Plain ; John Backus was born Jan. 25,
1800.
(VII) John Backus Lathrop, son of Darius, was
born on Plain Hill, Norwich, Jan. 25, 1800, and, be-
ing the only son in the family, he remained at home,
assisting his father in the management of the home
farm. After the death of his parents he succeeded
to the farm, which he continued to make his home
until about 1848, when he sold it and purchased an-
other in Hanover Society, Lisbon, now known as
Sprague. There he made his home until his death,
which occurred Sept. 11, 1854. His remains rest
in the cemetery at Norwich, known as Yantic cem-
etery. He was very public-spirited and always in-
terested in the affairs of his town and country. In
politics he was a Whig, and during his residence in
Norwich he held some minor offices, while after his
removal to Lisbon he became selectman, grand
juror and member of the board of relief. While in
Norwich, too. he was a member of the old artillery
company. He was a very religious man. He united
with the First Congregational Church at Norwich,
and after his removal to Lisbon became a member
of Hanover Congregational Church.
On Nov. 27, 1823, Mr. Lathrop married in Nor-
wich, Harriet Mary Lester, who was born Aug. 24,
1800. daughter of William and Elizabeth (Burgess)
Lester, and survived her husband, dying Feb. 16,
1878 ; she was buried in Yantic cemetery. They
were the parents of six children, as follows : ( 1 )
Richard B., born July 31, 1825, was a farmer in Lis-
bon, where he died Nov. 10, 1859. He married
Nov. 3, 185 1. Katherine Waters, who bore him two
children, Clinton L., deceased, and John V., who re-
sides in Montrose, Colo. (2) Harriet E., born Sept.
5, 1827, married Charles T. Smith, and resided in
Norwich, where she died March 12, 1880. Her chil-
dren were Emma E.. Addie A., Charles T., and
Carrie F. and Annie E. (twins). (3) Jonathan Les-
ter was born July 10, 1829. (4) Jane M., born
March 17. 1831, was married Oct. 30. 1854, to Jo-
seph A. Fargo, and resides at West Woodstock,
Conn. She had one son, Joseph O., who died May 1,
1865, aged eight years. (5) Lucy S.. born Dec. 13,
1832, married (first) Oct. 15, 1857, Nelson F. Allen,
and for her second husband Charles S. Miner;
she resides in Norwich. (6) William D., born
June 24. 1837, enlisted for sendee in the Civil war
becoming a private in an Illinois regiment, and took
part in the battle of Pittsburg Landing, where he
was wounded, dying a few days later, April 22,
1862 ; he was buried at Paducah. Ky. He married
Amelia R. Hayden, and resided in Illinois. He left
no children.
(VIII) Joxathax Lester Lathrop was born
on Plain Hill, Norwich, and there his boyhood and
youth were spent. He was nineteen years old when
the family moved to Lisbon. His education had all
been acquired previous to that time, first in the dis-
trict schools and later in the old Norwich Academy,
which was then presided over by a Mr. Pettis. He
was brought up to the hard work of a farm, and
previous to his marriage he had been engaged as a
farm laborer, working by the month. When he
married he rented a farm in Franklin, where he
began housekeeping, but later he purchased a farm
at Peck Hollow, in the same town, where he re-
mained for two years. Disposing of his property, he
moved to Lisbon and there rented a farm for a time,
later purchasing one in Newent Society, which was
his home until 1877. when he located in Putnam,
Conn., to become local agent for the Agricultural
Insurance Company, of Watertown, N. Y. For a
number of years previous to that time he had been
an agent for the company, and had met with such
great success that the local agency at Putnam came
in the light of a promotion. The agency at Putnam
had not been yielding satisfactory returns, and the
company asked Mr. Lathrop to go there and see
what he could do in the way of building up the bus-
iness. This responsibility he accepted, and in a com-
paratively short time he had increased the business
beyond the expectations of those concerned. Three
years later he located at Plainfield. where he met
with his usual success, but at the end of two years,
in August, 1881, he located in Norwich, where he
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
IO:
formed a partnership with his son, Frank L., under
the firm name of J. L. Lathrop & Son, and they have
since been successfully engaged in a general insur-
ance business. The firm of J. L. Lathrop & Son is
one of the largest of its kind in eastern Connecti-
cut, now representing seventeen different compan-
ies, and handling all kinds of insurance except life.
However, the greater part of their business is in the
line of fire insurance. Their methods are clear and
business-like, and they are prompt in meeting all
their obligations, so that their standing in the bus-
iness world in unquestioned. Both are exceedingly
popular, being pleasant, genial men of good social
qualities, who win warm friends and make most
pleasant companions. J. L. Lathrop is senior direc-
tor of the Xew London County Mutual Fire Insur-
ance Company.
On July 17, 1853, Jonathan Lester Lathrop was
linked in marriage with Harriet E. Bliss, who was
born Nov. 17, 1832, daughter of Austin Bliss, of
Norwich, and died Oct. 4, 1875. Three children
blessed this union: (1) Hattie Lester, born Oct. 15,
1854, married, July 5, 1876, Charles A. Witter, and
died at Redlands, Cal., in June, 1893, leaving one
daughter, Martha Lathrop. (2) Frank Leslie, born
Sept. 26, 1856, is mentioned below. (3) George
Austin, born Sept. 21, 1858, is a traveling salesman
for a wholesale jewelry house, and fraternally is a
thirty-second degree Mason ; he married Carrie B.
Curtis, and resides in Norwich.
On Feb. 3, 1876, Jonathan L. Lathrop married,
in Sprague. Jane E. Chapman, who was born in
Plainfield March 31, 1850, daughter of Josiah Fuller
and Harriet Elizabeth (Haxton) Chapman. This
marriage was also blessed with three children,
namely: (1) Alice Chapman, born Jan. 25, 1877,
was married Oct. 19, 1898, to Henry Downer John-
son, clerk in the Chelsea Savings Bank, Norwich,
and has three children. Jonathan Lathrop, born Dec.
14, 1899; Robert Ebenezer, May 2, 1901 ; and Henry
Downer, Jr., May 16, 1903. (2) Jennie Crary, born
Feb. 15, 1878, died in infancy. (3) Chester Arthur,
born Sept. 8. 1881, graduated from the Norwich
Business College, and is a bookkeeper in the office of
J. L. Lathrop & Son ; he is a member of Somerset
Lodge. No. 34, F. & A. M, and of the Y. M. C. A.,
being particularly active in the latter, in which he
has served on several important committees. He is
very active in the Second Congregational Church.
Jonathan L. Lathrop is a firm believer in the
principles advocated by the Republican party, and is
always ready to uphold by logical argument the
measures of his party. In 1873 he was the repre-
sentative from Lisbon in the General Assembly,
serving on the committee on Constitutional Amend-
ments. He has also been a member of the board of
selectmen (in. Lisbon), was chairman of the board
one year, and has also been assessor, grand juror
and tax collector, holding the last named office sev-
eral years. He is a member of Mt. Vernon Lodge,
No. 75, A. F. & A. M., at Jewett City. He and his
.family are valued members of the Second Congre-
gational Church. Since his removal to Norwich he
has shown himself to be an acquisition to the town,
as he is not only a good business man, with the
genial nature that makes him a power socially, but
he is a fine example of the noble Christian gentle-
man, upright in his own life and ever ready to do his
part for the betterment of humanity.
Frank Leslie Lathrop was born in Franklin,
Conn., and received a good substantial education, at-
tending-first the district schools and later Plainfield
Academy. At the age of nineteen he began work
at the machinist's trade in the factory of Hopkins &
Allen, and remained there until August, 1881, when
he became associated with his father in the insurance
business. On Sept. 25, 1884, he was married to
Gertrude J. Barrows, who was born April 15, 1857,
daughter of Henry E. Barrows, of Norwich. She
died April 17, 1888, leaving one child, William
Barrows, born Aug. 26, 1887. On Sept. 27, 1892,
Mr. Lathrop was married to Agnes M. Wheeler, of
Stonington, Conn., and two children have come to
this marriage : Bertha Lillian, born July 26, 1893,
died Oct. 1, 1901 ; Marion Wheeler was bora June
9, 1895. Mr. and Mrs. Lathrop attend the Baptist
Church, in which he is one of the trustees. Fra-
ternallv he is a member of Somerset Lodge, No. 34,
F. & A. M.
Since January, 1903, Mr. Frank L. Lathrop has
been secretary of the New London County Mutual
Fire Insurance Company, in which he is a director.
The offices of the company are located at No. 28
Shetucket street, Norwich.
DANIEL M. BROWNE, who in his life time
was one of the leading citizens of Lisbon — a citizen
upon whom all others relied in any and every emer-
gency, and one who never betrayed the trust — came
of the Browne family, long known in eastern Con-
necticut.
In direct line the lineage of the Browne family
is traced to (I) Edward Browne, who was born in
1570, at Inchboro, Worcestershire, England. He
married Jane, daughter of Thomas Lyde, and in
their family of children was a son, Nicholas.
(II) Nicholas Browne, born about 1600, by his
wife Elizabeth, became the father of several chil-
dren, among them a son, Thomas. Nicholas Browne
came to America and settled in that part of Lynn (at
first called Lynn Village) , which in 1644 was char-
tered as a town under the name of Reading.
(III) Thomas Browne, born in England in 1628,
accompanied his father to America. In 1658, he
married Marv Newhall, who was born in 1637,
daughter of Thomas Newhall, of Lynn. Their chil-
dren were: Thomas, Joseph, John, Eleazer, Eben-
ezer, Daniel and Mary.
(IV) Thomas Browne (2) removed from Read-
ing or Lynn with his brothers, John and Eleazer,
and settled in Stonington. Their cattle marks are
recorded in the latter place in May, 1688, and they
io6
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
purchased farms near the eminence known as
Browne's Mountain. On Jan. 8, 1677, Thomas'
Browne married Hannah Collins, daughter of John
Collins, of Lynn. They had children before their
removal to Stonington, and after that event were
born : Jerusha, Thomas, Elizabeth, Daniel, Pris-
cilla and Humphrey.
(V) Daniel Browne was born in Stonington,
Oct. 9, 1696. On June 21, 1721, he married Mary
Breed, daughter of John and Mary (Palmer) Breed.
Among their children, they had a son Samuel.
(VI) Samuel Browne was born Oct. 14, 1722.
In 1748 he wedded Phcebe Elizabeth Wilbur, of
Little Compton, R. I., and they had several children,
of whom the next in direct line is William.
(VII) William Browne was a farmer by occu-
pation, and was for many years a resident of the
town of Preston. He married Elizabeth Tyler,
daughter of Deacon John Tyler, of Preston, and
their children were : William, Betsy, Tyler, and
others.
(VIII) Tyler Browne, son of William and father
of Daniel M., was born in Preston, and spent his early
life there. Upon reaching manhood he removed to
Lisbon, and opened a general store, a business he
continued all his life. He was charitable, not only
of his time and means to the aid of the needy, but to
the faults and weaknesses of others. His friendship
was highly prized, and he was very popular with all
classes of people. Fraternally he was a Mason. His
death, which occurred April 25, 1836, when he was
aged but fifty-five years, was a sad blow to his fam-
ily and to the community at large, and his remains
repose in the Ames cemetery at Lisbon. On Feb.
22, 1810, he married Rhoda Morgan, of Preston,
daughter of Daniel and Joanna (Brewster) Morgan,
the latter a lineal descendant of Elder William
Brewster, of the "Mayflower." She survived him
until Sept. 30, 186 T, when she died at the age of
seventy-five. To Tyler Browne and wife were born
children as follows: (1) George Morgan, who grad-
uated from Yale University, and became a success-
ful attorney in Boston, Mass., was for many years
president of the Eastern railroad, and he became
quite wealthy. He died in Washington, D. C. He
was three times married, and his third wife, Caro-
line Cabot, bore him a son, George Morgan, Jr., an
attorney in New York. (2) Ann Elizabeth died
unmarried. (3) William Tyler died at the age of six-
teen years. (4) Joseph died in infancy. (5) Daniel
M. completed the family.
Daniel M. Browne was born in Lisbon. Feb. 23,
1819, in a house that stood near the site of his late
home. He acquired a good education by attendance
at the district schools and Plainfield Academy. His
natural tastes inclined him toward the legal pro-
fession, but just as he was about to enter upon his
studies to that end, his father died, and his services
were needed at home. Cheerfully putting aside his
own ambition he sold the store, and applied himself
diligently to the management of the farm — a work
he continued to pursue all his life. He became very
successful, and carried on operations on a large
scale, cultivating at one time over 300 acres, but
later he disposed of a large portion of it. He made a
specialty of vegetable produce, and was one of the
first to sell his products in the surrounding villages.
He was a man of rare foresight and sound judg-
ment, and by economy and wise management be-
came one of the most successful men of the town.
For some ten years prior to his death he suffered
from ill health, and he entered into rest Aug. 13,
1900, and was buried in Ames cemetery.
Politically Mr. Browne was a stanch Republican,
and while always attentive to his personal affairs,
he did not neglect those duties incumbent upon every
good American citizen. He held at various times
about every office in the gift of his fellow towns-
men. In 185 1 he represented the town in the Leg-
islature, and among the minor offices held mav be
mentioned those of town clerk, treasurer and select-
man. In 1861. when a portion of the town was set
off to become a part of the town of Sprague, he
was called upon to look after the interests of Lisbon
before the Legislature, and very ably did he perform
his task. The confidence of the people was his, and
he bent every energy to the honorable and success-
ful performance of the duties imposed upon him.
His word was as good as a bond, and his decisions
when once given were regarded as unalterable. As
a trustee of the Jewett City Savings Bank, he proved
his intimate knowledge of financial affairs. He was
an attendant of the Newent Congregational Church,
which he liberally supported, and he was a member
of the Ecclesiastical Society. When the present
church edifice was erected, he was one of the active
members of the building committee.
On Feb. 11. 1856, Mr. Browne was united in
marriage with Phcebe Bidwell Burnham, who was
born in Kinsman. Trumbull Co., Ohio, of Pilgrim
stock, daughter of Jedediah and Sophia (Bidwell)
Burnham, natives of Lisbon, and Canton, Conn., re-
spectively. Her grandfather. Jedediah Burnham,
was a surgeon in the Revolutionary service. Jede-
diah Burnham (2), her father, went to Ohio in
young manhood, and died there, at the age of eighty-
four years, while his wife passed away at the age of
fifty-four. He served as a captain in the War of
1812, and his son Jedediah (3) was in the United
States signal service in the Civil war. The remains
of son, father and grandfather lie side by side in
the cemetery at Kinsman, Ohio. Jedediah Burnham
(2) and wife were the parents of twelve children,
all but four of whom are now deceased. Mrs.
Browne graduated from the famous Grand River
Institute at Ashtabula. O.. and previous to her mar-
riage engaged in teaching. She now resides at the
old home in Lisbon, dearly beloved by all who know
her. She is an earnest worker in the Xewent Con-
gregational Church. To Daniel M. Browne and
wife came one son, William Tvler, born Dec. 26,
1856.
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
107
William Tyler Browne attended school in Lis-
bon, and then spent three years in the Friends
School at Providence, R. I., later attending Phillips
Academy, Andover, Mass., and he graduated in
1878, from the Sheffield Scientific School at Yale.
In 1882 he received his medical degree from Har-
vard University. Locating at Lisbon for the active
practice of his profession, he built up a good prac-
tice. After some years he located in Norwich,
where he has made a specialty of diseases of the
eye, ear, nose and throat, and of treatment by elec-
tricity and the X-Ray, meeting with unqualified
success. On Dec. 25, 1889, he married Gertrude
Bell, of Monson, Mass., a graduate of Monson
Academy, and a daughter of George Edward Bell
and Jane M. (Bailey) Bell, and granddaughter of
Dwight Bailey, of Franklin, Connecticut.
GEORGE WATERMAN MEEKER (de-
ceased), was one of New London's leading citizens,
and his memory is held in loving remembrance by
those who knew and appreciated him. He was
born April 29, 1839, m Norwalk, Conn., and died
May 17, 1897, in New London, Connecticut.
William Meeker, his father, was born Oct. 22,
1807, in Fairfield County, Conn., and died Feb.
20, 1872, in New London, Conn., aged sixty-five
years. On March 18, 1828, he married Caroline
Hawkins, born March 24, 18 10 and died Nov. 4,
1870, in New London, Conn. Their family was as
follows : George W. ; Sarah Elizabeth, born July 28,
1833, married Capt. Joseph Tinker, of New London,
where they both died ; Charles Henry, born Jan. 12,
1845, died in infancy.
William Meeker was a merchant in New Lon-
don for a number of years, and he and his son
George W. conducted a hat and cap store in that
city, in which business they were successful. He
was a man of strong personality, who endeavored
to do what he felt was his duty, and he endeared to
himself a host of friends. He possessed a pleasing
manner and kindly disposition, and his death was a
public loss.
Sillimano Meeker, father of William and grand-
father of George W., was born Feb. 3, 1769, in Fair-
field, Conn. He married Sarah Thorpe, and they
had children as follows : Burr, Eunice, Sarah,
Easter, William, Walter, Aaron Burr, Eliphalet and
Abby.
Benjamin Meeker, the father of Sillimano
Meeker, was born in November, 1741, on land in
Fairfield, Conn., still in the possession of members
of the family. On Feb. 3, 1765, he married Abigail
Burr, a relative of the famous Aaron Burr, vice
president of the United States under Thomas Jef-
ferson, and children were born to them as follows :
Sarah, Anne, Sillimano, David, Rachel, Benjamin,
Jr., Stephen, Abigail, Burr and Jonathan.
Samuel Meeker, father of Benjamin, was bap-
tized Aug. 25, 1700. On Aug. 1, 1722, he married
Abigail Gregory, and died between January and
March, 1770. The children born of this marriage
were: Abigail, Seth, Daniel, Benjamin, Molly,
Stephen and Joseph.
Daniel Meeker, father of Samuel and great-
great-great-grandfather of George Waterman, mar-
ried Elizabeth Ogden, daughter of Richard Ogden,
the first Ogden in Fairfield, Conn. Their children
were as follows: Joseph, Benjamin, Samuel, Jona-
than, Isaac, Rachel, Daniel, David, Hannah, Eliza-
beth and Esther.
Robert Meeker, father of Daniel and great-
great-great-great-grandfather of George W., died in
Fairfield between Nov. 12, 1693 (the date of his
will) and Nov. 25, 1694-5 (the date of the inven-
tory). He had three children according to the will :
Daniel, John and Mary.
Robert and William Meeker, no doubt brothers,
are first found in the New Haven Colony, and prob-
ably settled there about 1640, where they took the
oath of fidelity July 1, 1644. They were sailors, and
from New Haven William Meeker went to New Jer-
sey. He married Sarah Preston and had two sons,
Joseph and Benjamin, and from them have de-
scended what is called the New Jersey branch of the
original family. Robert Meeker (younger than
William) married Susanna Turberfield in New
Haven, Sept. 16, 165 1, and removed to Easttown, in
the New Netherlands, about 1657. He afterward
removed to Fairfield, Conn., before 1664, and as
early as Feb. 8, 1668, he is mentioned in a drawing
of lots, so that he had probably been a resident of
Fairfield for some time. He also took a contract
from the town to do a certain amount of fencing,
for which he was granted land by the town. In
December, 1681, we find him possessed of 387 acres
of land besides an interest in the "common lands."
Included among his possessions was a "long lot." He
probably took part in the French and Indian war in
1670, and is mentioned as receiving various lots of
sacking and canvas to make bedding for the soldiers
(he being a sailor, this work was known to him).
Among the articles mentioned of personal prop-
erty in the inventory handed in by Susanna Meeker,
his widow, is a gun and a sword. At present noth-
ing is known beyond the above documentary men-
tion. The native land of William or Robert is not
known, although the family has been traced in the
early history of England, and before that in some of
the German provinces.
George Waterman Meeker, our subject, now de-
ceased, was born as before mentioned, in Norwalk,
Conn., April 29, 1839. He came to New London
with his parents during his childhood, and attended
the schools of that place, after which his father and
mother desired him to study for the ministry, but he
was of an active and somewhat roving disposition,
fond of travel and pleasant company, and he disliked
to think even of entering the ministry. However,
although strenuously refusing to enter the sacred
calling which he felt himself so utterly unfitted for,
he was as honest, upright and manly a young fellow
io8
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
as any one could find. The family having finally
concluded that there was no way of overcoming the
young man's convictions, he was taken by his father
into his hat and cap business, when it was located
in the Lawrence block on Bank street. After serv-
ing as clerk for a time, the son was taken into part-
nership, and the father and son so continued very
harmoniously for a number of years.
At the outbreak of the Rebellion, he early en-
listed in the army, and joined Company K, 5th
Conn. V. I., June 28, 1861, was given a commis-
sion, but resigned Xov. 24, 1862, his health having
been greatly impaired. Later he went out West, but
returned to' spend his last days in the old home he
loved so well. He never united himself with any
church, but in the latter years of his life was quietly
and deeply meditative, thinking profoundly upon
religious subjects.
On May 20, 1857, George W. Meeker was mar-
ried to Miss Louise Lax Crandall, daughter of Josh-
ua and Emeline (Tinker) Crandall, New London.
To Mr. and Mrs. Meeker was born one daughter,
Carrie Louise, born Aug. 1, 1858, in New London,
who was married July 2, 1877, to Capt. William Mer-
cer, of New London^ an officer in the United States
armv, and at present superintendent of the Indian
School at Carlisle, Pa. They have one daughter,
Edith, born April 19, 1881, in Columbus Barracks,
Ohio, now the wife of Dr. George H. Gosman, of
the United States Army.
Mr. Meeker was a man of striking presence in
his youth and prime, and an active, energetic busi-
ness man who in a larger field would have controlled
vast enterprises. He possessed. all of the qualities
which endear others, and was an agreeable com-
panion in a marked degree. In the days before the
war, the young people of the city counted upon him
to lead all social gatherings. In spirit he was genial
and generous, quick to see the humorous side of
things, and was very loyal to his friends. All
through life he was devotedly attached to his fam-
ily. Mr. Meeker was a stanch Republican, and
served his town in several capacities, being faithful
to his duties in all.
FRANCIS MASOX MAXXIXG, one of the
substantial and influential business men of Mystic,
in the town of Stonington, Conn., was born at Old
Mystic, town of Groton. Aug. 21. 1822, and he
descends from a long and honorable line of an-
cestry.
(I) William Manning, the emigrant ancestor
of the family of the town of Stonington. and his
wife Susannah, came to New England with its early
planters, and settled in Cambridge, Mass., where
he purchased valuable real estate in 1638.
(II) William Manning (2), born in 1614,
in England, was brought by his parents to Massa-
chusetts, and inherited their mansion at Cambridge.
He engaged in a mercantile business, and became
a prominent and successful merchant. His wife,
Dorothy, died July 26, 1692, aged eighty years. He
died March 14, 1690, aged seventy-six years.
(III) Samuel Manning, born July 21. 1644, re-
moved to Billerica where he became prominent in
business, social and political circles, representing
the town in the Massachusetts General Court in
1695-1696. He married (first) Elizabeth Stearns,
of Watertown, Mass., born April 13, 1844. Their
children were : Samuel and John. On May 6, 1673,
Mr. Manning married for his second wife, Abia
Wright, and they had twelve children.
(IV) Samuel Manning came back in early life
to Cambridge to live, where his father in 1698, gave
him a deed of the real estate which his grandfather
had purchased in 1638. For reasons not now fully
understood, he became dissatisfied with Cambridge
as a place of residence, and between 1720 and 1724,
sold nearly all his real estate there, and removed
the family to that part of Windham now known as
Scotland. Conn., where he passed the remainder
of his life, dying Feb. 24, 1755. His wife, Deborah,
died June 30, 1723.
(V) Hezekiah Manning, born Aug. 8, 1721,
married, Sept. 22, 1745, Man- Webb. Their chil-
dren were: Calvin, born March 4, 1747; Luther,
born Sept. 5, 1748; Jerusha. born Dec. 14, 1750:
Lucy, born July 1, 1753; Elizabeth, born July 7,
1755. He was a man of shrewd common sense, had
a clear, incisive way of arriving at truth, and a
quaint, original way of expressing himself. He
served as justice of the peace for many years to the
satisfaction of his townsmen.
(VI) Luther Manning, born Sept. 5, 1748,
studied medicine and practiced successfully as a
physician in that part of Xorwich now known as
the town of Lisbon. During the Revolutionary
war, he held the position of assistant surgeon, and
was stationed at New London, when the town was
burned by the British. He was often called into
consultation with the leading physicians of eastern
Connecticut, and was prominently connected with
the organizations of the State and county medical
societies. He was a selectman, and represented
Lisbon in the Legislature for several terms. Until
his death, which occurred May 7, 1813, he was
in active practice, and was regarded with the high-
est esteem. In religious affiliation he was a Con-
gregationalist. He married Sarah Smith, and their
children were : Olive married Abiah Perkins ;
Luther was a physician at Scotland, Conn., where
he died ; Lucius died young ; and Mason.
(VII) Dr. Mason Manning was born in Xor-
wich Town, Conn., Aug. 27, 1796, and received a
common school education, supplemented by attend-
ance at Yale College, where he was graduated from
the Medical Department with the class of 1818. He
at once entered into co-partnership with his brother
Luther, a practicing physician of Scotland. Two
years later he went to Milltown. and soon there-
after to Stonington, where he settled at the head of
the Mystic river, and entered into practice.
7\ #/^Ct«x^c<
7
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
109
On Nov. 20, 1 82 1, Dr. Manning married Fanny
Hovey. born Jan. 8, 1799, daughter of Dudley and
Mary Hovey. of Scotland, and to them was born
one son, Francis Mason Manning. Mrs. Manning
died Sept. 23, 1822, her remains being first interred
at Scotland, but later removed to Elm Grove cem-
etery at Mystic. For his second wife Dr. Man-
ning married Harriet C. Leeds, who survived him.
He enjoyed a large and lucrative practice, and not
being content to rest with the knowledge already
acquired, he was always a close student, and took
rank with the best physicians of the county. His
quiet, unobtrusive manner, and sympathy with all
suffering, made him extremely popular, and his ac-
knowledged skill did not cause him to relax any
of his efforts to keep abreast of medical discoveries.
He was an active member of the New London
County Medical Society, and the Connecticut Medi-
cal Society, and was several times elected delegate
to the annual meetings of the National Medical As-
sociation. Dr. Manning continued in active prac-
tice, until disqualified by age. He was too much
occupied by his professional duties to accept of pub-
lic office, but always voted first the Whig, and later
the Republican tickets. In early life he affiliated
with the Congregational Church, later uniting with
the Methodist Episcopal Church at Old Mystic.
Dr. Manning was also very prominent socially for
many years. The best people gave him their confi-
dence and warmest friendship, and none were more
esteemed, and none occupied a higher position in
their regard. He was ever modest and unpreten-
tious, and a man of sterling character, upright, hon-
orable and possessed of great sympathy and kind-
ness of heart for all with whom he came into contact,
and especially for those in need. Morally, he was
an example to the rising generation. His death
occurred Feb. 10, 1883, and he was buried in Elm
Grove cemetery at Mystic.
(VIII) Francis Mason Manning was educated in
Old Mystic, the Connecticut Literary Institute, Suf-
field, which he attended in 1839, and the East Green-
wich Academy of Rhode Island. He learned the
trade of a druggist at Norwich, Conn., under Col.
John L. Devotion, where he remained two years,
and then in 1846, he embarked in the drug busi-
ness in Mystic, and later building the store where
Wheeler's drug store is now located. He continued
there until 1880, when he disposed of it to Mr.
"\\ "heeler. He became director of the Mystic River
National Bank, later being chosen its president, in
which capacity he still serves. He has also been
deeply interested in the grain business with his son.
He is -one of the substantial citizens of his town,
and in addition to his other interests, he is presi-
dent of the Elm Grove Cemetery Association ; pres-
ident of the Mystic Oral School, trustee of the
Mystic & Noank Library, and has always taken an
active part in every measure calculated to prove
beneficial to the town.
On Dec. 8, 1847, Mr. Manning was married.
at Old Mystic, to Ann E. Williams, daughter of
Eleazer and Nancy (Avery) Williams. The only
child born of this happy marriage was John Leeds.
(IX) John Leeds Manning was born at Old
Mystic Sept. 15, 1848. He engaged in the grain
business at Mystic, and has continued in the same
for many years, his father later becoming associated
with him. Their firm is one of the prominent and
most reliable in the town.
Mr. John Leeds Manning married Julia
Wheeler, daughter of Joseph Wheeler. Their one
child is
(X) Mason Manning, born Jan. 29, 1883.
ERASTUS D. MINER. The surname of the
Miner family originated in England in the 14th
century, and the descendants of the present day can
trace their lineage in direct and unbroken line as far
back as the days of King Edward III.
While preparing for war with France, King Ed-
ward made a royal progress through Somerset and
arriving at Mendippe Hill, found a man there named
Bullman, who by extraordinary efforts had suc-
cessfully gathered a company of 100 powerful vol-
unteers for the King's service. In recognition of
this patriotic loyalty and devotion to the cause, the
King granted him a coat of arms with the name of
Henry Miner thereon. This (I) Henry Miner died
in 1359, leaving four sons, Henry, Edward, Thomas
and George.
(II) Henry Miner (2) married Henrietta Hick.
(III) William Miner married a Miss Greeley.
(IV) Lodowick Miner married Anna Dyer.
(V) Thomas Miner married Bridget Hervie.
(VI) William Miner married Isabella Harcope.
(VII) Clement Miner married Sarah Pope.
(VIII) Thomas Miner, born April 23, 1608,
married April 2^, 1634, Grace, daughter of Walter
Palmer, in Charlestown, Mass. He served in the
Indian wars of the Colonial days.
(IX) Ephraim Miner, baptized May I, 1642,
was married, June 20, 1666, to Hannah Avery. He
was a soldier in the war against King Philip, the In-
dian chieftain. His remains were buried at Taug-
wonk.
(X) James Miner, born in November, 1682,
married Abigail Eldredge, Feb. 22, 1705.
(XI) Charles Miner, born Nov. 15, 1709, was
married Dec. 9, 1740, to Mary, widow of Isaac
Wheeler and sister of Paul Wheeler.
(XII) Christopher Miner, born March 16, 1745,
married Aug. 17, 1765, Mary Randall, daughter of
Lieut. John and Dorothy (Cottrell) Randall.
(XIII) Elias Miner, born March 4, 1775, mar-
ried (first) Phcebe Brown and (second) Betsey
Brown. His children were : Christopher ; Thomas ;
Mary, wife of Benjamin Spaulding ; Phcebe, who
married (first) James Wheeler and (second) Clark
Davis; Alfred, born March 14, 1809, who married
Minerva Niles : Latham, March 4, 1814, who mar-
ried (first) Lydia Dodge and (second) Maria John-
no
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
son ; Almira, wife of Rev. I. B. Maryott ; Elias, Nov.
23, 1825, who married Clarissa Miner; Erastus Den-
ison, Dec. 16, 1829, who married Jane Breed; and
Martha, wife of Noyes Chapman.
(XIV) Erastus Denison Miner was born in
1829, in Taugwonk Valley, Stonington, and lived
on the home farm until he was twenty-four years
old, when he moved near Avondale, R. I., and en-
gaged there in farming for four years. In 1857 he
bought his present farm in Stonington, the Ichabod
Dickerson place, and later bought the Noyes farm,
adjoining, having in all about 95 acres, upon which
he has been actively and successfully engaged in
agricultural pursuits.
On Aug. 15, 1852, Mr. Miner married Jane P.
Breed, who was born Nov. 15, 1831. The follow-
ing children blessed this union : ( 1 ) Herman E.,
married (first) Fanny Gavitt and (second) Fanny
Wilcox. He lives on a part of the Noyes farm,
which he bought Aug. 9, 1882. (2) Sarah J. mar-
ried Herman C. Brown, and has five children,
Ethel, Howard, Lewis, Emma and Wilson. They
reside in Stonington, within two miles of the Miner
homestead. (3) Mary E. is the wife of Frank Wil-
cox, and resides on the home farm where she was
born. (4) Annie E. married John Seymour, and
they live in a comfortable home in Pawcatuck, built
in 1898. Erastus D. Miner early in life became a
professor of religion, and has throughout his long
life taken a deep and active part in all religious
work, and for nearly forty years has been deacon of
the Broad Street Christian Church in Westerly,
R. I., and of this same church, his son, Herman E.
was chosen deacon in 1902.
ELIJAH A. MORGAN, of old Mystic, who
passed away May 6, 1904, was a descendant in the
seventh generation from James Morgan, the founder
of the family in America.
(I) James Morgan, the emigrant, was born in
1607, in Wales, and came to America, being made a
freeman at Roxbury, Mass., May 10, 1645. ^n l^S°
he had lands granted him in Fequot, now New Lon-
don, was selectman there, and deputy to the General
Court ten terms. On Dec. 25, 1656, he sold his
property in Pequot, and moved across the river near
what is now Poquonnock. He served in the Colon-
ial wars. On Aug. 6, 1640, he married Margery
Hill, of Roxbury, and died in 1685.
(II) James Morgan, son of James, was born
March 3, 1644, and married, Nov. 3, 1666, Mary
Vine, of England.
(III) William Morgan, son of James (2), born
March 4, 1669, married, July 17, 1696, Margaret
Avery.
(IV) Solomon Morgan, son of WTilliam, born
Oct. 5, 1708, married, July 1, 1742. Mary Walworth.
(V) Nathan Morgan, son of Solomon, born Jan.
2, 1752, married, Sept. 8, 1774, Hannah Perkins.
(VI) Elijah Bailey Morgan was born March I,
1809, at Groton Bank. In early youth he went to
sea, serving as a ship's boy, and in 1843 was captain
of the ship "Herald," of Stonington. He was con-
cerned wholly with whaling vessels, being mate
with Capt. George Brewster, of Stonington, and a
sailor with Capt. Billings Burtch. During the gold
excitement of 1849-51 he was in California. He died
suddenly, of heart disease, while in command of
the ship "Contest," of New Bedford, in 1861, off
the coast of Brazil. On March 6, 1832, he married
Mary Ann Perkins, who died in 1841, leaving one
son, Elijah A., born Aug. 11, 1836. His second mar-
riage was to Jane M., daughter of Rev. John G.
Wightman, and they had children : John C, of New
Lisbon, Wis. ; Anna, wife of Charles Chapman, of
Center Groton, Conn. ; Myron, a policeman of Nor-
wich, Conn. ; George R., deceased ; and Emma, wife
of Edgar Crumb, also deceased. Mr. Morgan rep-
resented Groton in the State Legislature. Early in
his political career he was a Democrat, but later a
Republican.
Elijah A. Morgan, whose name introduces this
sketch, spent his boyhood days in Center Groton,
where he was born, and obtained his education in the
public schools. At the age of fourteen years he ac-
companied his father on a two-years voyage to
Desolation Island, afterward named Kerguelen
Island, discovered by Capt. Cook. Mr. Morgan then
passed one year at the Connecticut Literary Insti-
tute, at Suffield, Conn., and for a few months was in
business at the Fulton Market, New York. In 1854
he came to Old Mystic to close out a stock of goods,
and during the next eight years kept a store there.
In i860 he embarked in the ice business, which he
followed for over forty years, when, on account of
ill health, he sold the business to John W. McDon-
ald. In 1873 Mr. Morgan erected one of the finest
dwellings in Old Mystic, in which he continued to
reside until his death, one of the most esteemed
citizens. He was prominently identified with public
affairs, serving as selectman of the town of Stoning-
ton in 1877, 1878, 1880 and 1881, and in the latter
years represented Stonington in the State Legisla-
ture, doing good service as a member of the com-
mittee on Roads and Bridges. For six years he was
county commissioner, and the records of his incum-
bency show that he was a useful official, careful and
diligent in protecting the interests of the public.
In 1858 Mr. Morgan was united in marriage with
Mary F. Davis, daughter of Capt. Daniel and Mary
(Heath) Davis. She died in 1886, the surviving
children being: Elijah D., who is in the ice business
at Hartford, Conn.; and Fannie M., who married
John E. Hart, president of the Elroy (Wis.) Bank,
and has had three children, Jeannette, Raymond and
Edmund. In 1888 Mr. Morgan married (second)
Sarah Lawton, of Newport, R. I., and they had one
son, Earle, now a resident of Elroy, Wis. Frater-
nally Mr. Morgan was a Mason, affiliated with
Charity and Relief Lodge, No. 72, F. & A. M., of
Mystic. For many years he was a member of Old
Mystic Methodist "Church. Known throughout the
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
1 1 1
State as a man of honesty and integrity, he was
genuinely respected, while his genial, social nature
won him many friends.
M ORRIS W. BACON, of New London, now
retired from business, has engaged in many enter-
prises which have left lasting monuments along
the road of progress in this city, and he has also
won renown in the world of sport, both through his
horses and his yachts — one of his yachts a few years
since, being a cup winner at New York City.
( I ) The Bacon family was founded in New Eng-
land by Nathaniel Bacon, one of the original pro-
prietors of Mattabassett, now Middletown, Conn.,
who was born in 1630, in the Parish of Stratton,
Rutlandshire, England, and who came to America
about 1649. I11 tne fall of 1650 he settled in Middle-
town, Conn. He was twice married, first to Ann
Miller, who became the mother of all his children.
Nathaniel Bacon died Jan. 27, 1705.
(II) John Bacon (known as "Elder John") son
of the above, born March 14, 1662, in Middletown,
married Sarah Whetmore, and for his second wife
wedded Mary, widow of Jacob Cornwall, and daugh-
ter of Ensign Nathaniel White. "Elder" John died
November 4, 1732.
(III) Lieut. John Bacon (son of "Elder" John),
born Jan. 30, 1695, in Middletown, Conn., married
Sarah White, of Upper Houses. He died Aug. 8,
1781.
(IV) John Bacon (son of Lieut. John and the
^reat-great-grandfather of Morris W. Bacon), born
April 21, 1723, in Middletown, settled in Westfield,
Conn. On March I, 1748, he married Rhoda Gould,
daughter of John and Mabel Gould, of Cromwell,
and children as follows came to them : ( 1 ) Thomas
Gould, born May 9, 1749, removed to Susquehanna,
Pa., and died there leaving a large estate. (2) John,
(great-grandfather of Morris W.), born Jan. 22,
1 75 1, is fully mentioned farther on. (3) Ebenezer,
born Aug. 4, 1755, removed to Cohoes, N. Y., mar-
ried there when well advanced in life, and had a
family. (4) Rhoda, born July 12, 1757, married
Josiah Churchill. (5) Sarah, born in 1760, died in
infancy. (6) Sarah (2), born Jan. 29, 1765, also
died in infancy. John Bacon's second wife was
Molly Ely, of Lyme, Conn., who bore him one child,
Mollie, born in 1768; she married Seth Wilcox, and
had four children.
(V) John Bacon (great-grandfather of Morris
W. Bacon), born Jan. 22, 1751, in what is now Mid-
dlefield, Conn., settled on the homestead as a farmer.
He was twice married, first, on Dec. 28, 1774, to
Grace Griswold, of Wallingford, and to this union
came children as follows: (1) Rhoda, born Nov. 5,
1775, married Joel Miller, .Feb. 11, 1796. (2) Sarah,
born Nov. 19, 1777, married Joseph Clark, Jan. 30,
1800. (3) John (grandfather of Morris W. Bacon),
born Dec. 15, 1779, is fully spoken of farther on.
(4) Anne was born March II, 1781. (5) Daniel was
born July 28, 1783. (6) Matthew, born Sept. 9,
1785, located in Middletown, later settling in
Lyme, Conn. (7) Joseph, born June 28, 1787,
removed to South Carolina. (8) Jonathan born
May 10, 1789, removed to the Black river
country, New York State. The mother of these
died Sept. 30, 1797 ; and on Jan. 4, 1798, John Bacon
married Olive Atkins, daughter of Joel and Mary
Atkins. By this marriage there were no children.
John Bacon died Sept. 17, 1804.
(VI) John Bacon, born Dec. 15, 1779, in Mid-
dlefield, Middlesex county, managed a farm and
kept a hotel in his native town. At one time he was
considered wealthy, but through indorsing papers
for a friend he lost some $15,000, and at his death
Dec. 6, 1859, he had little to leave his family. His
homestead, however, is still in the possession of the
family. On Jan. 27, 1803, John Bacon was married
to Amy Coe, who bore him five children, as follows :
(1) Curtiss, born April 17, 1804, married Ann Stow,
and died July 7, 1883. (2) William is mentioned
below. (3) John L. was for a time associated with
his brother William in the hotel business, removed
to Middletown, and died there. (4) Lucy, twin to
John L., married Oliver L. Foster, and resided in
Westfield. Their only child wars Amy A., who mar-
ried Henry Wetherell, and had a son Frank W.,
who was in business in New London, until his death
in 1904. In 1872 she married Joel Guy, of Meriden,
and is now his widow, residing in Middlefield, Conn.,
and (5) George W. married Phoebe Birdsey, and
lived in Middlefield. Mrs. Amy (Coe) Bacon, a
noble woman, strong in the Methodist faith, died
Oct. 30, 1865, when over eighty years old. She
was a daughter of Nathan and Abigail (Parsons)
Coe, and a descendant in the seventh generation
from Robert Coe, a native of Suffolkshire, England,
who with his wife Anna and three sons, in company
with seventy-nine others, sailed from Ipswich in the
ship "Francis" April 10, 1634, reaching Boston in
June following. Robert Coe and family settled in
Watertown, Mass. From Robert Coe, Amy (Coe)
Bacon's lineage is through Robert Coe (2), and-
Hannah ; John Coe and Mary Hawley ; Capt.
Joseph Coe and Abigail Robinson ; Capt. David Coe
and Hannah Camp ; and Nathan Coe and Abigail
Parsons.
(VII) William Bacon, son of John, was
born in Middlefield, July 20, 1805. His first
venture toward making his own way was
in partnership with his brother Curtiss. They
purchased a farm of 100 acres for $1,200,
giving a mortgage for the purchase price. Energetic
and capable, the young men soon paid for the farm.
On April 18, 1839, William Bacon took charge of
the "Bacon Hotel" in New London, which was
owned by his uncle, Matthew. In this sphere of ac-
tion he was very successful, and became very popu-
lar. His kind hearted and ready sympathy never
permitted him to turn any one away hungry because
he had no money : yet he himself asked no favors,
always paying one hundred cents on the dollar. He
112
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
died in Lyme, Conn., May 28, 1882, aged seventy-
seven, and he is survived by his second wife, form-
erly Anna M. Lay, of Lyme, and now living in that
town. On April 21, 1828, William Bacon wedded
his first wife Elmira Johnson, one of the six chil-
dren of Asa and Molly (Ward) Johnson, of Middle-
field, whose other children were : Timothy, of
Charleston, S. C. ; Harriet, who married Amos Coe ;
Levin, who married Louisa Brainard ; Mary, who
married John Couch ; and Ellen, who married
Henry Tilton. Asa Johnson died in early manhood,
but his wife lived to be seventy years of age, pass-
ing away in 1846. Mrs. Elmira (Johnson) Bacon
died July 22, 1866, aged fifty-nine years, the young-
est of her family to pass away. She had two chil-
dren, Morris W., of New London ; and Watson Coe,
who died the day he was nine months old.
Morris W. Bacon was born Oct. 11, 1830, on the
100-acre farm purchased by his father and his uncle
Curtiss in Middlefield. He acquired his primary
education in the district school in that neighborhood,
and completed his studies in the public schools of
New London. At the age of fifteen years he went
to work, engaging as a clerk for Cady & Xewcomb,
with whom he remained three years, his salary being
raised as his services became valuable. On Nov. 22,
1849, he assumed the duties of passenger clerk on
the steamer "Connecticut," remaining in the employ
of the steamboat company until 1874. Between
1855 and 1872 he was also a member of the jewelry
firm of Gordon & Bacon, whose place of business
was at the corner of Main and State streets, New
London.
Mr. Bacon was engaged in some important trans-
actions in real estate that have caused a marked
improvement in property in New London. He
erected a handsome marble block on State street
containing spacious stores and a hall, and for ten
years prior to 1890 he managed a billiard room in
this block, which was one of the finest in this part
of the country. The room was eighteen feet in
height, and 62 x 41 feet in dimensions, and not a
post broke the harmony of the space. It was fitted
with seven billiard tables. Mr. Bacon purchased a
handsome residence property on State street in
1876, and building a fine barn, bought a number of
thorough-bred horses. Some noted animals were
bred on this place, and at one time he was the owner
of twenty-one. He brought out "William H. Allen"
and "Mary A. Whitney," and others known to the
racing world. This State street property he sold in
December, 1895, disposing of his horses at the same
time. Mr. Frank A. Munsey, who was induced by
Mr. Bacon to come to New London, purchased the
estate for $30,000 and erected what is now the
Mohican Hotel and apartments building. Mr. Ba-
con's identification with real estate matters in New
London has resulted in the building of some of the
city's finest homes, and invariably improvements of
the highest class.
Prior to 1877 Mr. Bacon was actively inter-
ested in yachting, owning a number of boats, some
of which he had built. He was licensed as a captain
while he was in the employ of the steamboat com-
pany, and he always sailed his own boats, being his
own pilot. In 1859, with the sloop yacht "Rowena"
he won the cup in the New York Yacht Club
regatta, for several years being a member of that
famous club. For some years he was manager of
the Pequot and Ocean Transit Company.
On Oct. 11, 1853, Mr! Bacon was married to
Jane E. Gordon, daughter of Abram and Betsey
(Gorham) Gordon, of New London; she died July
19, 1 89 1, leaving two children, Charles G. and
Lizzie J.
Charles G., who was educated at Exeter, N. H.,
died Feb. 22, 1901, in New London, and Lizzie J.,
who was educated at Auburndale, Mass., and is an
accomplished artist, married Henry M. Whittemore,
of New York, now of New London.
Mr. Bacon contracted a second marriage, Oct.
3, 1892, Jane D. Carroll, daughter of the late Will-
iam Carroll, of this city, becoming his wife. William
Carroll, who was extensively engaged in teaming,
died in 1882, leaving a widow, Mrs. Ellen Carroll,.
and two daughters, Martha and Jane D., all resi-
dents of New London. In politics Mr. Bacon is
nominally a Democrat, but he reserves the privi-
lege of voting for the candidate he deems best fitted
for the office. He has refused all offers of public
preferment. He attends the First Congregational
Church of New London.
GEORGE BURBANK RIPLEY, whose death
occurred at his home in Norwich, July 9, 1858, was
close to the hearts of the people of that community :
"no man was better known among them, or more
beloved."
A native of the town, a son of Major Dwight
Ripley, who for nearly half a century was a promi-
nent merchant in Norwich, and his wife Eliza
(Coit) Ripley, the daughter of Capt. William Coit,
captain of militia in the Revolution, Mr. Ripley
came on both sides from the first families of the
town. He was a direct descendant from Gov. Wil-
liam Bradford, of the "Mayflower." In the paternal
line he was a descendant in the seventh generation
from William Ripley, the emigrant ancestor of the
family, from whom his lineage is through John,
Joshua, Joshua (2), Ebenezer and Major Dwight
Ripley.
(I) W'illiam Ripley, with his wife, two sons
and two daughters, came from England in 1638,
and settled in Hingham, Mass. He was admitted
a freeman May 18, 1642. On Sept. 29, 1654, he
married (second) Elizabeth, widow of Thomas
Thaxter. He died July 20, 1656. His widow mar-
ried John Dwight, of Dedham, and died July 17,
1660. His children, all born in England, were:
John, Abraham, Sarah, and a daughter whose name
is not known,
(II) John Ripley, who was born in England,
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
ii3
died in 1684. He married Elizabeth Hobart.
daughter of Rev. Peter Hobart, first pastor of the
Church at Hingham. Mass. Their children were:
John. Joshua. Jeremiah and Peter.
(III) Joshua Ripley, born May 9. 1658, died
May 18, 1730- He married Nov. 28, 1682. Hannah
Bradford, born May 9, 1662. who died May 28,
1738. She was a daughter of William Bradford,
Jr., deputy-governor of Plymouth Colony, and
granddaughter of Gov. William Bradford, of the
"Mayflower. "' 1620. Mr. and Mrs. Ripley settled
first in Hingham. Mass., removed to Norwich,
Conn., Oct. 10, 1688, and to Windham, March 23,
1691. He was chosen clerk and treasurer of Wind-
ham at the first town meeting, June II, 1692, and he
also served as a justice of the peace. Their children
were: Alice, born Sept. 17. 1683: Hannah, March
2. 1685: Faith. Sept. 20. 1686; Joshua, May 13,
1688: Margaret. Nov. 4, 1690: Rachel and Leah,
(twins), April 17. 1693: Hezekiah, June 10, 1695;
David. May 20, 1697; Irene, Aug. 28, 1700; and
Jerusha and Ann, Nov. 1. 1704. As far as can be
traced this is the inscription on the stone at the
grave of Joshua Ripley in the old Windham Cem-
etery : "Here lies peacefullv interred the body of
Joshua Ripley. Escp. one of His Most Worshipful
Majesty's Justices of the Peace, for the County of
Windham." The town record says he died May
8, 1739. The inscription on his wife's tombstone is
more easily traced — "Here lies interred the body
of that most worthy, and virtuous, and most inge-
nious gentlewoman, Mrs. Hannah B. Ripley, the
well beloved consort of Joshua Ripley, who after
she had led a most lovely and eventful life, fell
asleep in Jesus. May 28, 1738, in ye 76th year of
her age."
(IV) Joshua Ripley, born May 13, 1688, mar-
ried Dec. 3, 171 2. Mary Backus, daughter of John
and Mary (Bingham) Backus, of Windham, Conn.
Mr. Ripley died Nov. 18, 1773. Their children
were: Mary, born Nov. 18, 1714: Phineas, Nov.
21, 1716; Hannah, Jan. 12, 1 7 1 9 : Nathaniel, June
30, 1721 ; Elizabeth. Nov. 4. 1724: Joshua, Oct. 30,
1726: Ebenezer, June 22, 1720: William, Feb. 12,
1734: and John, March 31. 173S.
(V) Ebenezer Ripley, born June 22, 172c). mar-
ried June II, 1752. Mehetabel Burbank. He died
June 11, 1811, and she passed away May 20. 1813,
aged eighty-four, at Windham. Conn. Their chil-
dren were: Hannah, born April 28, 1753 (died
Feb. 16, 1803); Eleanor, Aug. 16, 1754: Jerusha,
May 28, 1756: Juliana, July 31, 1757: Justin, Jan.
I, 175*): Abraham. Feb. 2^,, 1761 ; Abiah, Dec. 12.
1702 : Dwight. Aug. 7, 1764; Ebenezer, March 26,
1766; Thaddeus, Oct. 22. 1767; Anna, June 20,
1770. and Horace, Aug. 20. 1772.
(VI) Major Dwight Ripley, born Aug. 7, 1764,
married Feb. 24, 1796, Eliza Coit, of Norwich.
Conn., daughter of Capt. William Coit. Major
Ripley died Nov. 18, 1835, in Norwich, and his wife
passed away July 30, 1846. Their children were:
8
Martha, born March 15. 1797; Eliza C. April 3,
1798; William D.. Sept. 2. 1799; George B., March
13, 1801 ; Lucy C. Jan. 11, 1803; Joseph, Aug. 17,
1804; James L., March 18, 1806; Eliza? March 22.
1808 (married Hon. William A. Buckingham, gov-
ernor and United States Senator); Harriet, April
7. 1810: Daniel C, July 8, 1812 (died in Washing-
ton, D. C. ( )ct. 2-, 1893) ; and Jane, May 16, 1815
(died in Norwich Dec. I, 1891).
Major Ripley removed to Norwich, Conn.,
where he became associated in the drug business
with Benjamin Dyer, the firm Dyer & Ripley ap-
pearing first in 1793. This partnership was not of
long duration, the firm title changing to Ripley &
Waldo, and the goods sold were drugs, dry goods
and groceries ; and this was the first firm in Norwich
to start in a wholesale trade. Major Ripley was a
druggist and merchant in Norwich for forty-five
years, while his residence for forty years was in
the house on Broadway previously occupied by
Joseph Howland, who removed to New York, he'
and his sons becoming prominent merchants in
the metropolis. The mansion is now gone, and the
Y. M. C. A. building stands on the site of the old
homestead. Major Ripley was a man of great force
of character, and early Norwich owed much to his
determined efforts in its behalf. His wife was a
woman of singular sweetness and gentleness, which
characteristics found full play in the bringing up of
her eleven children.
George Burbank Ripley, son of Major Dwight
and the subject of this article, was born March 13,
1801, in Norwich, and there married, Oct. i»;,
1825, Hannah Gardiner Lathrop, who was born
March 9, 180Y a daughter of Thomas and Han-
nah (Bill) Lathrop. of Norwich. The marriage
was blessed with children as follows: William L..
born April 30, 1827: Dwight, June 8. 1829 ; Hannah
L., Nov. 4, 1830: Harriet, Sept. 6, 1832; James
Dickenson, Nov. 14, 1837 ; George (Ait. Aug. 24,
1839; and Emily Lathrop. June 15. 1841.
George 1'.. Ripley was graduated from Yale Col-
lege in 1822, and among his classmates were Will-
iam H. Law and John A. Rockwell, both of whom
were from Norwich, and subsequently rose to dis-
tinction at the Bar of New London County ; and also
William L. Lathrop, of Norwich, who died before
entering the legal profession. Young Ripley was a
student of law in the office of Judge Swift, at Wind-
ham, Conn., until the latter's death, in 1823, and
thereafter he continued and completed his studies
under the direction of Judge Staples, at New
Haven. He was admitted to the Bar and entered
the legal profession in 1824. but a natural fondness
for agricultural pursuits soon allured him from the
law, and he became a farmer. He was a man of
high literary and scientific attainments. o\ elevated
and religious character, and of unusual urbanity of
manner and warmth of heart. He was chosen to
various municipal offices by his fellow townsmen.
and. it is needless to say, performed their duties
II 1
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
with intelligence and efficiency. For a number of
years between 1850 and the time of his death he was
judge of probate for the Norwich district. His
rare wit and charm in conversation made him the
center of a large circle of admiring friends.
.Mrs. Hannah Gardiner (Lathrop) Ripley lived
to the age of ninety-one. '"with keen appreciation
of all about her. in nature, in art, and society, love
of the beautiful and good, with ready sympathy and
large hospitality," and with deep love for her church
and its work at home and in mission fields. She died
Sept. 17. [897. She was descended in the paternal
line from
Rev. John Lathrop. who came from England to
Scituate. Mass.. in 1634, her lineage from him be-
ing through Samuel. Samuel (2). Thomas. Joshua
and Thomas Lathrop. and in the maternal line she
descended from John Bill, through Philip, Sam-
uel. Samuel (2), Ephraim and Hannah (Bill).
Thomas Lathrop, the father of Airs. Ripley, was
born, reared and died in Norwich, 'die well sus-
tained the social position to which he was born. He
was especially held in remembrance as one who
used his large wealth generously for the deserving
poor, and as exhibiting to his generation a noble
specimen of the old-time gentleman.'" He passed
away Dec. 28, 1817. and his widow lived to be
ninety-two years of age. passing away Jan. 28,
[862. Mrs. Lathrop was said (by .Mrs. Sigourney)
to be the most beautiful woman, who, in the old
times, ever entered the Uptown Meeting House.
Her faculties remained clear to the end of her long
life, and her Christian faith never faltered.
Following is a brief record of the children of
George B. and Hannah Gardiner (Lathrop) Rip-
ley:
William Lathrop Ripley, born April 30, 1827.
was a merchant in Michigan. During the Civil war
he was in the commissary department, holding the
rank of major in a Michigan regiment. In 1854 he
married Jerusha Gilchrist, and they had three chil-
dren: Mary Lathrop, born Jan. 15. 1855 (died April
23. 1874); George Bradford, Feb. 10. 1857; and
Charles D wight, Feb. 2$, 1858. The sons reside in
Minnesota. William Lathrop Ripley died at Sauga-
tuck. Mich., April 8. 1878.
Dwight Ripley, born June 8. 1829. was a mer-
chant in New York, as a member of the firm of
Crane. Hamilton & Ripley. He was in the South
when the Civil war began, and became a major in
the C. S. A., on duty in Texas and Mexico. After
the war he was a member of the firm of Melius,
Trask & Ripley, in New York City. He married
July <,i. 1873, in Loudoun county, Va., Eliza Chinn
McHatton, and they have one daughter, Elise, born
in New York May 2^. 1874, who on April 5, 1902,
married Joseph Ripley Noyes, and has one daughter,
Katherine, born Dec. 15, 1902.
Hannah Lathrop Ripley, born Nov. 4. 1830, re-
sides in the old homestead at Norwich. Connecticut.
Harriet Ripley, born Sept. 6, 1832, by profession
an artist, resides at the old homestead. Norwich,
Connecticut.
James Dickenson Ripley, born Nov. 14, 1837.
was acting assistant surgeon of the 18th Connecticut
regiment during the Civil war, in which he served
three years. At the commencement of his services
he was a medical student, and he served as hospital
steward before he became assistant surgeon. He
lost his life in the burning of the steamer "Common-
wealth.'' at Groton, Conn.. Dec. 29, 1865.
( leorge Coit Ripley, born Aug. 24. 1839, grad-
uated from Yale College in 1862. He enlisted in the
10th Connecticut Regiment, was appointed aid to
( ien. ( ). S. Terry, and was on his staff until the
close of the war. On Nov. 14. 1867. at Harrisburg,
Pa., he married Lizzie Mann. They had two chil-
dren : Faith, born Aug. 10, 1869, was married at
Buenos Ayres, Argentina. S. A., Sept. 10, 1900. to
Howard E. Atterbury; Eleanor Ihicher. born Eel).
8. 1872. died at Colorado Springs, Colo., May 2,
[893. George Coit Ripley is a lawyer in Minne-
apolis in the firm of Ripley & Lum.
Emily Lathrop Ripley, born June 15. 1841, mar-
ried May 23. 1871, Charles Avery Collin, Yale,
[866, law professor at Cornell for seven years, now
a lawyer in Xew York City, of the firm of Shehan
& Collin. Mr. and Mrs. Collin have had two chil-
dren: ( 1 ) Dwight Ripley, born Jan. 26, 1873. edu-
cated at Cornell, is an architect for the Brooklyn
Rapid Transit Co. in Brooklyn, X. Y. : he was mar-
ried at Buffalo, X. Y., Oct. 16, 1901, to Julia Town-
send Coit. and they have one son. Charles Avery,
Jr., born Aug. 10, 1902. (2) Grace Lathrop. born
March 22. 1874. Smith College, 1896. Columbia,
[899, journalist ami author, resides in Brooklyn.
ALBERT HI' XT CHASE, member of the well-
known Norwich firm of Eaton, Chase & Co., whole-
sale and retail hardware dealers, was born April 3,
l86l, in Middletown. Middlesex Co., Conn., and
comes of one of the oldest families in the State, be-
ing a descendant of Aquila Chase, who came to
America prior to 1639.
Daniel H. Chase, LL. D„ father of Albert H..
was born March 8. 1814. in Hoosick. X. Y.. and
still survives, making his home in Middletown.
Conn., of which place he is one of the oldest resi-
dents. He was graduated from Wesleyan Univer-
sity in 1833. and for nearly a quarter of a century
has been the only survivor of his class. For many
years he conducted a select school which became
famous as an educational institution, the Doctor
ranking among the ablest educators in his State, if
not in Xew England. He married Caroline E.
Smith.
Albert H. Chase attended the public schools of
Middletown. and prepared for college under the
private tuition of his father. He entered Wesleyan
University, which he left at the beginning of the
Junior year, however, to go to Buffalo, X. Y. In
that city he was employed as bookkeeper by an
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
ii
elder brother engaged in business there. He re-
mained in Buffalo four years, at the end of that
period going to New York City, where he became
bookkeeper in the New York office of W. & B.
Douglas, of Middletown, with whom he continued
until April, 1888. He then came to Norwich, and
was connected with the hardware firm of A. W.
Prentice & Co. for a few months, when, Mr. Pren-
tice retiring from business, the present firm of
Eaton, Chase & Co., was formed, in February, 1889.
They continued in business at the old location on
Water street, where the business was established in
1764, until early in 1903, when they removed to their
present quarters, at No. 129 Main street, where they
have five floors and basement. Mr. Chase has been
prominent in the business life of Norwich ever since
his removal to that city. After the death of his
father-in-law, Mr. Prentice,, he was chosen to suc-
ceed him as a director of the First National Bank,
and is also a director of the Richmond Stove Com-
pany. He has taken a leading part in the progress
of his community, and is one of the corporators of
the Norwich Free Academy. But his attention has
been given principally to the direction of his busi-
ness affairs, and he has avoided public preferments
of any kind.
Mr. Chase was married, June 5, 1888, to Miss
Anna E. Prentice, daughter of Hon. Amos W. and
Harriet E. (Farker) Prentice, and four children
have blessed this union, born as follows : Pauline,
Jan. 24, 1891 ; Anna Prentice, Aug. 20, 1893; Amos
Prentice, Dec. 30, 1894; Elizabeth, July 13, 1897.
Both Mr. and Mrs. Chase hold membership in the
Broadway Congregational Church of Norwich. So-
cially he is a member of the Alpha Delta Phi Society
of Wesleyan College.. His political support is given
to the Republican party.
COURTLAND S. DARROW (deceased), one
of New London's best known citizens, was de-
scended from a family identified with that city for
over two hundred years.
(I) Sergt. George Darrow is first known of in
New London between 1675 and 1680; he married
Mary, the relict of George Sharswood, whose death
occurred previous to 1678. Their children were :
Christopher, George, Nicholas, Jane and Richard,
all baptized between 1678 and 1704. Many of the
descendants of Sergt. Darrow have been noted min-
isters of the Gospel in the Baptist denomination.
Nearly every generation has furnished one or more
of the name who have adorned the profession.
(II) Nicholas Darrow, baptized May 20, 1683,
married Millicent Beeby, and probably settled in
Waterford or New London. Their children were :
Nicholas, Sarah, Mary, Daniel and Nathaniel.
(III) Nicholas Darrow (2) married Mary
Griffin.
(IV) Nicholas Darrow (3) married Sarah
Rogers.
(V) Joseph Darrow rnarried Sabra Maynard,
and they became the grandparents of Courtland S.
Darrow. They had six children : Caroline* who
married Nicholas Rogers, and has two children,
Nicholas and Euretta (who died in 1868) ; Elias
Lewis, who is mentioned below ; Charles, who mar-
ried Amanda Hempstead, and died in June, 1899 ;
Edward ; Catherine, born Nov. 19, 1827, who mar-
ried William Parker, (born Oct. 23, 1827), and died
in February, 1855 ; and James. The mother of this
family died April 22, 1865.
(VI) Elias Lewis Darrow, born Jan. 23, 1812,
died in 1890. He married Mary Tinker, who was
born Feb. 24, 1824, and five children came to bless
their union : Courtland Shepard, born Jan. 9, 1845 ;
Annie Williams, Sept. 1, 1848; Elias Mortimer, Feb.
7, 1854, who married Henrietta Hodson, and had
two children, Mortimer Suthard and Arthur ; Eu-
gene Augustus, Sept. 1, 1855, who married Annette
Neff; George Everet, Nov. 22, 1857, who married
Olive Curtis, and had two children, Annie Williams
and Viva.
(VII) Courtland S. Darrow was born Jan. 9,
1845, in New London, in a house on Coit street. His
early education was obtained in the public schools
of New London, and he graduated from the Bartlett
high school when he was less than fifteen years of
age, being one of the youngest pupils who ever grad-
uated from that school. When the Civil war broke
out, he was full of patriotism and gladly offered him-
self as a volunteer. His youth prevented his accept-
ance in the service in the city, but he was determined
to go to the front, and enlisted in Company I of the
Seventeenth Connecticut Infantry on March 28,
1 86 1, and served his country faithfully until he was
mustered out on July 19, 1865. The hardships and
exposures that he encountered as a soldier under-
mined his health and laid the foundation for the dis-
ease that finally caused his death. Returning from
the war, Mr. Darrow took up his residence in New
London again, and was variously occupied till 1876.
For one year he tried the fishing business ; he then
went into the revenue service for four years, and
next was occupied in the express line, which he
followed for sometime. It was in this business that
he was able to save up a little and really start in
life. His first venture was to buy out the grocery
business of Charles Brown, which was small, and
which in those days had a small ship chandlery bus-
iness. He began in the building at what is now
No. 128 Bank street, and there he laid the founda-
tion for the success of the firm which he founded
and of which he was the senior member during his
lifetime, the other member being Fitch L. Comstock,
and the firm name Darrow & Comstock. Later the
firm bought and moved to the stone building, which
they still occupy, and extended the business, adding
ship hardware and a variety of other articles and
building up a large trade. In 190 1 Mr. Comstock
retired from the firm and the business is now car-
ried on by the Darrow & Comstock Co. incorpor-
ated, Mr. Darrow's son, William M. Darrow, being
n6
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
secretary and treasurer, and Mr. Darrow's widow-
being the president of the company.
For the last few years the feeble condition of his
health had compelled Mr. Darrow to avoid the rigors
of the winter in his vicinity by going South, and he
spent the cold months in Florida. Not only in bus-
iness affairs had Mr. Darrow made an enviable rep-
utation, but also as a representative of the city in the
court of common council. He served the city well
as a councilman and was later chosen as alderman,
in which capacity he acted for several terms. He
was at the head of important committees, and so
well did he look after the interests committed to
him that he was at one time strongly mentioned as a
candidate for the office of mayor, and could no doubt
have had the nomination from the Republican party
had he wished to accept it.
Mr. Darrow was a chartered member of YY. W.
Perkins Post, Xo. 47, Grand Army of the Republic,
and for many years served as post commander. In
the councils of the Department of Connecticut he
had taken an important part, and his interest in the
organization was rewarded a few years since by
his choice as senior vice-commander of the Depart-
ment. Mr. Darrow was for many years connected
with the Masonic fraternity, and was a member of
Brainard Lodge, Xo. 102, F. & A. M., Xew Lon-
don. His religious connection was with the First
Baptist Church.
On June 5, 1867, Mr. Darrow was married to
Miss Sarah A. Manning, daughter of William and
Charlotte Manning, of Xew York City. Two chil-
dren came to them: William Manning, born Jan. 5,
1869, married Miss Grace Crandall, by whom he had
three children, Grace Elizabeth, Sarah Manning and
Courtland Shepard : for his second wife he married
Sarah Magowan. Carrie Scott, born Sept. 13. 187 1,
is the wife of James Fowler, a contractor of Xew
London, by whom she has had one son, Lester
Courtland, born April 20, 1900. Mr. Darrow passed
away Jan. 11, 1903.
HOX. ROBERT PALMER, one of the best
known and most successful ship builders in America,
is a representative of an old Xew London County
family. At Xoar.k, Conn., the residence of Robert
Palmer, is located the plant of the Robert Palmer
& Son Shipbuilding and Marine Railway Company,
one of the foremost concerns in their line on the At-
lantic coast. This immense business was founded
nearly one hundred years ago by John Palmer, the
father of Robert, and from the time of its incep-
tion, three generations of this family have borne a
most conspicuous part in its affairs. From time to
time the firm name has undergone changes, until
on Dec. 10, 1897, a stock company was formed, un-
der the laws of Connecticut, with Robert Palmer,
president ; Robert P. Wilbur, Vice-president : Robert
Palmer, Jr., Secretary and Treasurer ; and John E.
McDonald, Superintendent, comprising the Robert
Palmer & Son Shipbuilding and Marine Railway
Company.
In the ancestral history of Robert Palmer, his
great-grandfather, Elihu Palmer, was a native of
Xew London county, and a resident of Ledyard in
early life. He was a farmer by occupation, and a
man much esteemed. He married Ruth Eldredge,
who bore him two children, Elihu, the grandfather
of Robert Palmer ; and Prudence, who married
Francis Clark, of Greenport, Long Island.
Elihu Palmer, the grandfather, was a seafaring
man, and was lost at sea about 1789. He left a
widow and one son John, who at the time of his fa-
ther's death was but a child of two years. The
widow, who was formerly Miss Ann Latham, after-
ward married Benjamin Ashby, and bore him five
children, viz.: Moses, Benjamin, Latham, William
and Nancy.
Deacon John Palmer, father of Robert Palmer,
was born June 11, 1787, at Xoank, in the town of
Groton. His opportunities for an education were
found in the common schools of his time. He en-
gaged in fishing for a few years, but early learned
the trade of boat and shipbuilding, which he began
at Xoank. When he started in the business for
himself it was in a very small way, and in this man-
ner it was continued until about 1832, when he en-
tered into partnership with James A. Latham. They
enlarged and extended the business somewhat,
sometimes employing help, and often doing the work
themselves. Along about 1836 they began building
fishing smacks. The superior quality of their prod-
uct soon built up quite a reputation, and the business
steadily increased. About 1845 Jonn Palmer, re-
tired from active labor, and Mr. Latham formed a
co-partnership with his brother John D., and upon
the death of Mr. Palmer in 1859, his two sons, John
and Robert, became his successors.
John Palmer was a man of industry, persever-
ance and activity in every direction. He was a man
of firm personal and political convictions, a strong
supporter of first the Whig, and later the Republican
party, always being very outspoken. In his religious
life he was a faithful and devoted Christian, for
nearly forty years being a deacon in the Baptist
Church. He was constantly interested in church
and religious work, and was always at the service of
the congregation, on many occasions materially as-
sisting an over-worked pastor by holding various
meetings for him. Stern and unyielding where
principle was at stake, his whole life was an example
of Christian charity. His liberality might almost
have been called a fault, for no case of distress
brought to his notice, was ever forgotten or disre-
garded, worthy or unworthy. In connection with
his deep piety and great scriptural knowledge, he
was a wise and discreet councilor, and one of the
pillars of the church. Probably no man in the
Xoank Baptist Church, contemporary with him, did
so much to advance her interests and usefulness. His
&7>
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
117
loving, Christian influence made itself felt, not only
in the early development of religion in his children,
but through the entire community, doing good good
to many and manifesting itself a power which is yet
of potent influence.
Deacon John Palmer, as he was commonly
known, was twice married, first on October 19,
1809, to Abby, daughter of John Fish, of Groton.
She was the mother of his children, and passed away
Dec. 10, 1856. On Dec. 22, 1857, Deacon Palmer
married Asenath Whittlesey, who survived him, his
death occurring on July 16, 1859. ^s children were
as follows : Prudence, born in August, 1810, and
died Oct. 11, 181 1 ; Lucy, born Oct. 14, 181 1, mar-
ried (first) Capt. William A. Wilbur, and (second)
Capt. Jeremiah Wilbur, a surviving son being Rob-
ert P. Wilbur, a sketch of whom will be found else-
where; Abby, born Dec. 25, 1812; Mary, born Oct.
11, 1814, married M. T. J. Sawyer; Caroline, de-
ceased, born June 10, 1816, married M. P. Chip-
man; John, born July 16, 1818, died Sept. 30, 1876;
Sally, born in April, 1820, died Oct. 21, 1820; Elihu,
born Oct. 20, 1823, died June 10, 1824; Lydia, born
Sept. 2, 1821, married John D. Latham, deceased ;
Robert, born May 6, 1825 ; William, born April 5,
1827, died Feb. 28, 1881 ; and Roswell, born April
19, 1828, died Oct. 1, 1858.
Hon. Robert Palmer was born May 6, 1825, at
Noank, Conn. The public schools of his native town
which he attended until about the age of twelve
years, afforded him his literary training. Inheriting
a love of the sea he began going on the water when
but ten years old. When he was thirteen, he went
on a fishing trip to Nantucket, and for several years
after he went on fishing trips regularly to different
places, being for two years on a vessel commanded by
his brother, John.
When about nineteen years old he went to Ston-
ington, where he began work at the trade of boat
builder under Samuel Bottom, and later for Stiles
West. After about one and one-half years there he
worked for Charles P. Williams on the ship "Betsey
Williams," then under construction. As his services
were needed by his father in his shipyard at Noank,
young Palmer returned home, and entered upon an
active business life at that place, where he has con-
tinued ever since. On the withdrawal of Mr. La-
tham from the business, John and Robert Palmer,
our subject and his brother, entered into a partner-
ship, which continued until 1855, when Robert, in
company with his cousin Daniel E. Clark, of East
Marion, purchased the lower shipyard. After sev-
eral years Mr. Clark sold his interest to John and
Robert Palmer, who continued the work in both
yards until the partnership was closed by the death
of John, in 1876. In i860 the firm made many im-
provements, putting in a set of marine railways, then
the largest between New York and Boston, into the
upper yard, the Civil war giving them an immense
■amount of work.
In 1879 Robert Palmer bought his brother's
interest, at which time he made added improvements,
putting in gigantic steam marine railways, which at
that time were probably the largest in the world.
The first vessel placed on them was the steamer
"Narragansett" of the Stonington line, to rebuild
in. the winter of 1879-80. In August, 1880, she was
launched after having been repaired, during the
previous two months, of damages received in col-
lision with the "Stonington" in June, 1880. The
growth of the business was rapid and substantial,
and in 1880, Robert Palmer, Jr., and Simeon W.
Ashbey became members of the firm of Robert Pal-
mer & Sons — a firm name which was retained un-
til supplanted by the present stock company in 1897.
This firm conducts a large and strictly up-to-date
general merchandise business at Noank.
The Palmer plant has turned out more than 550
vessels, varying in size from the ordinary fishing
vessel to the palatial Sound steamer, and is one of
the largest plants for wooden shipbuilding in this
country, with a reputation second to none. Their
work has been exclusively devoted to coasting con-
struction, together with extensive repair work. The
growth of the coasting service can well be followed
in the increased dimensions of the car floats con-
structed by this company. Formerly they were from
160 to 180 feet long, with a capacity for eight cars ;
while today it is a common thing to build floats 330
feet long, having three tracks, and a capacity for
22 cars. The size of barges, too, has been greatly
increased, until now the popular size is one carry-
ing 3,300 tons, with good freeboard.
The name of Robert Palmer is a familiar one
among shipping interests the country over, and his
acquaintance is a most extensive one. His career
has been most successful, not alone in the accumula-
tion of worldly possessions, but as a citizen, and as
an individual. The wholesome influence he has
wielded, has been felt in his community for more
than half a century. He enjoys to an unusual de-
gree the marked confidence of his business and so-
cial acquaintances ; with a keen sense of honor, a
kindly affectionate nature, his friends are numerous.
A consistent Christian, his active zeal has done much
for the church and society of his locality. Since
1839 he has been a member of the Baptist Church,
of which he has been a deacon for over fifty years,
and he is now serving in his fifty-ninth year, as
superintendent of the Sabbath school. While he
does not let it be known he is the largest contributor
to religious and charitable work in that section of
the country, giving away for this purpose every year
many times more than he spends for his own living.
His long and prominent connection with the church
has caused him to become known as Deacon Palmer,
and where he is best known, he is invariably referred
to as such.
In public affairs Mr. Palmer has never shirked
the duty of a public spirited and progressive citizen.
A stanch Republican, he represented the town of
Groton in the Legislature in 1858, and again in
n8
GENEALOGICAL AXD BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
1869. He is president and chairman of the board of
trustees of the Mystic and Xoank Library, and trus-
tee of of the Mystic Oral School for the Deaf and
Dumb. Notwithstanding his active and busy life,
and though now in his eightieth year, Mr. Palmer
is remarkably well preserved, vigorous in mind
and body, and with a seemingly undiminished ca-
pacity for work.
It is doubtful if elsewhere in Connecticut will be
found an industry so much an actual and essential
part of a town's thrift and prosperity, as is the Pal-
mer shipyard to Xoank, where, outside of the fish-
ing and lobster business, it may be truly said that
nearly every resident of the place is dependent
upon, or in some way is connected with, this insti-
tution. Mr. Palmer distinctly remembers the town
when it contained but thirteen houses.
As an individual Mr. Palmer is in many respects
a remarkable man. During his long and active
business career, he has taken but one vacation,
at that time spending one week at Vineyard Haven,
during the annual camp meeting of the Baptist
Church. His wonderful vigor is but the reward for
a most exemplary and temperate life. His personal
acquaintances and many of his warmest friends
are to be found among men of wealth, as a result of
business relations. Often a guest at their homes or
on board the craft of this hale, well-met class, Mr.
Palmer has had abundant opportunity to partake of
their lavish hospitality, which is done to the exclu-
sion of intoxicants. In the use of tobacco he has
been equally as abstemious. Naturally possessed of
a strong constitution, and with boundless energy and
a resolute purpose, he is in the best sense of the word
a self-made man. Courage, fidelity, thrift and in-
tegrity are the price that has been paid, and Mr.
Palmer has settled in large and overflowing measure
for all that favoring fate or fortune has brought him
in the gold of character.
On Oct. 15, 1845. ^r- Palmer married Harriet
Rogers, daughter of Deacon Ebenezer and Grace
(Gallup) Rogers, and granddaughter of Gurdon
Gallup. Of their children, Robert died in infancy ;
Harriet died aged three years ; Jane is the widow of
Benjamin Humphrey, of Noank, and has one daugh-
ter, Jessie; Harriet married (first) Henry Knapp,
had one child, Grace, and (second) Rev. William L.
Swan, of Westerly, R. I. : Robert, Jr. ; and Jessie,
who died at the age of five years. The married life
of Mr. Palmer has been a most congenial one. For-
tunate in his selection of a wife, his abundant suc-
cess can in no small degree be attributed to her faith-
ful co-operation, his industry being fully equalled by
her thrift and providence. Now in their sixtieth
year of married life it is notable that Mrs. Palmer
is physically able to attend personally to the care
of their elegant home, and this to her is one of her
greatest pleasures.
Robert Palmer, Jr., was born Feb. 15, 1856,
and he received his education in the schools at
Noank and Mystic, and at Scholfield's Business Col-
lege, at Providence, R. I., finishing the latter at the
age of twenty-one. He entered his father's employ,.
and has thoroughly familiarized himself with every
branch of the business. In 1877 he was admitted to
partnership, the firm name being Robert Palmer &
Son, which was afterward changed to Robert Pal-
mer & Sons. On Dec. 10, 1897, when a stock com-
pany was formed, Mr. Palmer became the secretary
and treasurer, and has proved himself a most im-
portant factor in the progress of the Palmer ship-
yard. He has shown himself a genius as a ship-
wright, and under his direction the Company has
built several fast boats of unique design, which have
carried off a number of regatta prizes.
The 'Trma." built in 1894, and owned by Fred
Allen of Galveston, Texas, was one of the first of
these prize winners, showing remarkable adaptabil-
ity for racing in both the calm waters of the Bay,,
and the rough waters of the Gulf. She was thrice
a prize winner, and became known as the "Queen
of the Gulf."
The "Novice," built a year later, strictly of or-
iginal design, a sail boat 27 feet long and 10 feet
wide, proved a wonder, easily distancing all class
boats, and taking the prize over all the noted boats
and yachts in Southern waters. She was of the
skimming dish type with an overhanging end, and a
center-board.
The "Jennie,'' a steam yacht 33 feet long. 8 feet
beam, attracted much attention among yachtsmen
along the Atlantic coast.
The "Gleam," a 24-foot cat boat, but eligible to
the 20- foot class, was built in 1895, and won three
of a series of races at Bushby Point, July 11, 25, and
31, 1896.
In March, 1881, Mr. Palmer married Miss Eliza-
beth L. Murphy, of Noank, daughter of Charles and
Nancy Murphy. Their only child, Bernard Led-
yard. died March 5, 1885, aged two years and eleven
months. Like his distinguished father, Robert Pal-
mer, Jr., has long been an interested participant in the
political life of his locality, a representative and
influential member of the Republican party. The
same high standard of citizenship that has so long
characterized the Palmer family at Noank, is
found in him. In 1886 he represented the town in
the Connecticut Legislature, serving on the commit-
tee on Appropriations. He is a prominent member
and liberal supporter of the Baptist Church.
CAPT. LABAN RUSSELL JEWETT, who for
more than half a century was identified with the
business interests of Norwich, and who for many
years commanded vessels bound to all ports of the
globe, was born in the town of Lisbon. New London
county, April 12, 1833, a descendant of one of the
oldest families in the county.
The Jewett family in Connecticut comes from
English stock and the first emigrant to the New
World was a son of Edward Jewett. of Bradford,.
Yorkshire. In 1634. this Edward married Mary„
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
119
daughter of William Taylor, also of Bradford, and
in February, 1615, died there, leaving four children:
William, born Sept. 15. 1605 ; Maximilian, Oct. 4,
1607; Joseph, Dec. 31, 1609; Sarah, in 1613. Joseph
and Maximilian came to America in 1639, and the
latter settled in Rowley, Mass., where he was a dea-
con in the Church forty-five years, and many times
a representative to the General Court. He had
married before leaving England his first wife, Ann,
who died in Rowley, Nov. 9. 1667, and in 1675 ne
was united with his second wife, Ellinor Boynton.
His death occurred in Rowley, Oct. 19, 1684, and he
left seven children.
(II) Joseph Jewett married in Bradford, York-
shire, Oct. 1, 1634, Mary Mallinson, and five years
later brought his wife and their son, Jeremiah, to
America ; they, with Maximilian, formed a part of
the congregation of the Rev. Ezekial Rogers, who
embarked at Hull, England, in the fall of 1638, on
the ship "John," and arrived in the spring of 1639,
at Boston. The whole company settled in Rowley,
forming the first Church of that town. Mrs. Alary
Jewett passed away April 12, 1652, leaving the fol-
lowing children : Jeremiah, born in 1637 ; Sarah,
1639: Hannah, 1641 ; Nehemiah, 1643; Faith and
Patience, twins, 1645. In May, 1653, Air. Jewett
married Airs. Ann Allen, a widow, and they had one
child, Joseph, born April 1, 1656, wdio was in turn a
carpenter, a merchant and a captain, and who mar-
ried Ruth Wood, and died Oct. 30, 1694, while his
wife died Nov. 29, 1734. The parents, Joseph and
Ann Jewett, passed away Feb. 25, 1661, and Feb-
ruary — , 1661, respectively.
(III) Jeremiah Jewett was about two years old
when brought to Rowley, and there he spent his
whole life, dying in Alay, 1714. In Alay, 1661, he
married Sarah Dickinson, who survived her hus-
band ten years. They were the parents of seven
children: Jeremiah, born Dec. 30, 1662, deceased
Feb. 15, 1732, married Jan. 4, 1688, Eliza Kimball,
who died in August, 1728; Joseph, born in 1665;
Thomas, 1668; Eleazer, 1670; Nehemiah, 1675;
Ephraim, 1680; Caleb, 1681.
(IV) Eleazer Jewett, born in 1670, was baptized
in 1673, and grew to manhood in Rowley. In 1698
he moved to Connecticut, bought a large tract of
land in what is now Lisbon, and spent the remainder
of his life there in agricultural pursuits. There is
no record of his death, but it must have been later
than 1747. On April 1, 1700, he was married to
Alary, widow of E. Lamb, whose death occurred
Jan. 16, 1 715. For his second wife he chose Alary,
widow of Jonathan Tracy, the marriage occurring
Sept. 3, 1717. By her death Sept. 18, 1723, he was
again left a widower. His five children, all by the
first wife, were: Alary, born in 1700, died the same
year; Sarah, born in July, 1702, married, June 29,
1730. Thomas Perkins ; Eleazer, born Sept. 22,
1704; Hannah, born in 1707, married Nov. 5, 1729,
B. Knight; Caleb, born June 25, 1710, married Re-
becca Cook, Feb. 3, 1736, had five children, and
went to Sharon, Conn., in 1741, was elected repre-
sentative eleven times, and died in 1778.
(Y) Eleazer Jewett, born in Norwich, now Lis-
bon, married Alarch 17, 1726, Elizabeth Griggs. He
died Jan. 5, 1747, and his widow passed away in
April, 1781. They were the parents of: Eleazer,
born Aug. 31, 1731 ; Alary, 1733; Thomas, July 19,
1736; Ichabod, Feb. 5, 1738; Hannah, Aug. 10,
1741 ; Sarah, Aug. 5, 1743; Elam, Alarch 5, 1746,
married a Aliss Richardson and removed to Wey-
bridge. Yt., and left numerous descendants.
(VI) Eleazer Jewett, born in Lisbon, settled in
Griswold, then Preston, in the borough now called
Jewett City in his honor. At first a farmer, he after-
ward operated a gristmill and a sawmill, located on
the Pachaug river. In 1790 he was joined by John
Wilson, his son-in-law, a clothier from Alassachu-
setts, and, encouraging the latter to set up a fulling
mill, a flourishing village began to grow up around
these industries. A pioneer in nearly all the busi-
ness enterprises of the place. Air. Jewett lived on
there in the place he had really made, to the good
old age of eighty-seven. His tombstone in the cem-
etery at Jewett City bears the following inscription :
''In memory of Air. Eleazer Jewett, who died De-
cember 17, 1817, in the 87th year of his age. In
April, 1 77 1, he began the settlement of this village,
and from his persevering industry and active benev-
olence it has derived its present importance. Its
name will perpetuate his memory."
Eleazer Jewett married Olive Chapman, a
daughter of Rufus Chapman, and children were born
to them as follows: Lydia, born June 1, 1756, who
married John Wilson Aug. 1, 1782, and died Alay
15, 1794; Olive, Oct. 23, 1757; Elizabeth. April 11,
1759, who married Jonas Boardman, June 12, 1788;
Eleazer, Jan. 11, 1761, deceased in 1776; Joseph,
Dec. 12, 1762.
(VII) Joseph Jewett, grandfather of Capt.
Laban R. Jewett, spent his life in his native town of
Lisbon, engaged in farming and died in 1833. On
Oct. 13, 1785, he married Sally Johnson, and after
her death, was united to his second wife. Betsey
King, Alarch 4, 1790. She died in 1838, the mother
of nine children: (1) Betsey, born in 1790. married
a Air. Palmer. (2) Sarah, 1792, married a Air. Dex-
ter. (3) Lydia, 1794. married a Air. Bottom. (4)
Ann, 1796, was the wife of a Air. Bliss. (5) Eleazer
was born Jan. 4, 1799. (6) Henry L., April 2, 1801,
married first Harriet Bentley, by whom he had one
child, Harriet. By his second wife, Eliza Chapman,
there were four children: Joseph H. (of Westerly,
R. I.), Eliza, Adelaide and Anna, the last named of
whom married John C. Kellogg and resides on
Laurel Hill, Norwich. (7) Joseph King, born Dec.
18, 1802, married, in 183 1, Abigail Simons, who was
born in 1798, and died in 1877, seventeen years after
her husband's death. Three children were born to
them: Joseph, in 1831; Lydia, 1835; Jemima. 1837.
(8) Thomas, born Sept. 30, 1804, married Eliza
Godfrey, and had three children : Jane, Thomas and
120
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
Arthur. (9) Charles, born Sept. 5, 1807, married
May 5, 1830, Lucy Adams Tracy. He died April
3, 1879, leaving a family of eight, viz. : Charles, born
in 1831, deceased in 1887; William, 1832; Richard,
1834; Lucy, 1840; John, 1842; Frank, 1844; Sarah
Eliza, 1846; William Parker, 1848. The father of
these children was Dr. Charles Jewett, for many
years State Temperance Lecturer of Massachusetts,
and Prof. Jewett, Professor of Chemistry in Ober-
lin University, is one of the sons.
(YIII) Eleazer Jewett, born in Lisbon, Jan. 4,
1799, was a manufacturer by occupation, engaged in
making nails at Norwich Falls. Later he returned
to Lisbon and was occupied in farming till his death
in December, 1.837, m tne verv prime of life. His
remains were interred in the Lisbon cemetery. He
was a well-known and enterprising citizen, and in
every way a good man. He was married first in
1820 to Mary Clark, who died in 1824, leaving one
son, Eleazer, born Jan. 2, 1821. This son was mar-
ried Jan. 2, 1842, to Sarah Sherman, and died March
17, 1895, leaving one son, also named Eleazer, born
in 1844, wno married Mary Greenhalgh, and has two
daughters, Leila and Harriet. For his second wife
Mr. Jewett married, in 1829, Mary A. Russell, who
was born May 10, 1803, and died Aug. 14, 1883.
Their children numbered three. (1) Washington
was born in 1830, and died at the age of fifteen.
(2) Marshall, born Oct. 23, 1831, married, in 1866,
Sarah Burr, and had two children : Edward, born in
1867, who died in Leavenworth, Kan., in 1901 ; and
Henry, born in 187 1, died in Leavenworth, 1901.
Marshall Jewett, the father, died in Leavenworth
in 1900. (3) Laban Russell was the youngest.
(IX) Laban Russell Jewett, born April 12, 1833,
was only nine years old when he left Connecticut
and was taken to Rye, N. Y., where he attended
school and received a good education. When the
California gold excitement struck the country in
1849, Capt. Jewett, though only in his teens, was
one of those who rushed to the West, but having a
liking for the sea, he soon entered upon his sea-far-
ing career. Beginning as a sailor he rose rapidly to
the command of a vessel of his own, and for thirty
years he was an expert navigator, commanding clip-
per ships to China from both New York and San
Francisco. He was also in charge of vessels in the
East India trade, owned in London, Liverpool or
New York, plying between London and Calcutta.
Capt. Jewett was an officer on the first side-wheel
steamer "Washington," owned by an American com-
pany, that crossed the Atlantic, and he has com-
manded vessels for both American and English
owners, and has sailed around the world several
times, on many occasions entering the harbor of
Manila. He was a commander of unusual force,
combined with tact in handling men, while his tech-
nical knowledge was fully adequate to every situ-
ation.
In 1876 Capt. Jewett gave up the sea, engaged in
the coal business in Norwich, and for a quarter of a
century was at the head of an extensive enterprise
in that line, but has now retired and is living quietly.
He is one of the prominent men of the city, well-
known and highly respected, and a conspicuous fig-
ure in both social and municipal life ; he is a mem-
ber of the Broadway Congregational Church, be-
longs to both the Norwich and the Arcanum clubs,
while in the political arena he was elected in 1900
as an Independent Republican to the city council,
where he served one term, a member of the Public
Grounds and Police commission.
In 1864 Capt. Jewett was married to Miss Eliza-
beth L. F. Robinson, a lady of culture and refine-
ment, whose devotion to her husband and home has
made their domestic life a most happy one. Like
her husband, Mrs. Jewett belongs to the Broadway
Church.
HON. ABIEL GONVERSE, a retired lawyer
of Putnam, Conn., venerable in years and full of
honors, comes of an historic family, one ancient in
the history of this as well as the old world.
The Converse family of America dates back hun-
dreds of years to Normandy, France, where it held
a distinguished place among the Norman nobles of
the day in the possession of large estates around the
Chateau Coignir. Roger De Coigniries accompanied
William the Conqueror in his invasion of England
in 1066, was one of his trusted captains, and was
distinguished at the battle of Hastings, his name be-
ing entered upon the Roll of Honor in the record of
Battle Abbey. The name after the conquest was
changed to Coniers or Conyers, and was transmitted
with vast estates by lords and barons and nobles for
more than five hundred years as the records show.
In that line was. born in 1590 Edward Conyers, who
came to America in the fleet with Winthrop in 1630,
his wife, Sarah, accompanying him. Mr. Conyers,
Convers or Converse, as; the name is variously
spelled, settled first in Charlestown, where he was
made a freeman in 1631, served as selectman in
1635-40, was one of the founders of the church there
(First Church, Boston) in 1630, and was dismissed
in 1632 to form the First Church of Charlestown.
He became one of the first settlers of Woburn,
Mass., and one of the founders of the church there,
being chosen one of the first deacons' and continuing
in office until his death in 1662. He was long a
selectman of Woburn, from 1644 until his death.
From this emigrant settler Abiel Converse's lin-
eage is through Samuel, Samuel (2), Ensign Ed-
ward, Jonathan, Elijah and Riel Converse.
(II) Samuel Converse, born in Charlestown
(baptized March 12, 1637), married in 1660 Judith,
daughter of Rev. Thomas Carter. He settled in Wo-
burn, and was there made a freeman in 1666.
(III) Sergt. Samuel Converse (2) was born
April 4, 1662. In 1710 he located in Thompson
parish, in Killingly, Connecticut.
(IV) Ensign Edward Converse, born Sept. 25,
1696, in Woburn, Mass., came to Thompson with
v-^
GEXEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
121
his parents when fourteen years old. On Aug. 6,
171 7, he married Elizabeth, daughter of John and
Elizabeth Cooper. She died Feb. 19, 1774, and he
died July 9, 1784.
(V) Jonathan Converse, born in Thompson, bap-
tized April 28, 1723, married June 19, 1743, Keziah
Hughes, daughter of Jonathan Hughes.
(VI) Elijah Converse, born June 20, 1745, died
June 14, 1820. In 1790 he built a house in Wilson-
ville, where Albert Converse, his grandson, now
resides. He was a soldier in the Revolutionary war.
On Jan. 25, 1770, he married Experience Hibbard,
who was born Sept. 5, 1746, daughter of Jonathan
and Experience Hibbard. Their children were :
Sarah, born April 26. 1772, married Daniel Barrett;
Lois was born March 4, 1775; Elijah, born April
10, 1777, died April 22, 1846; Riel was born Feb.
24, 1782.
(VII) Riel Converse married (first) Ada Barnes
of Dudley, and for his second wife married Alice
Bixby, daughter of Jacob and Eunice (Leavens)
Bixby. His third wife was Sarah Pierce. By trade
Mr. Converse was a house carpenter and joiner,
which he followed throughout life in connection with
farming. He was a well known and well liked citi-
zen, doing what he thought right in every relation
of life, and his death, which occurred Oct. 26, 1874,
was deeply mourned ; he is buried in Wilsonville
cemetery. He was, by his second wife, the father of
two children, Abiel and Albert, who now reside on
the old homestead. Mr. Converse was a Democrat
in politics.
(VIII) Abiel Converse, son of Riel, born Dec.
13, 1815, in Thompson, Conn., married Nov. 17,
1842, Matilda Sly, daughter of Xathan and Cynthia
(Corbin) Sly, of Dudley, Mass., and to their mar-
riage came two children, as follows : Mary Ellen,
born July 17, 1847, died Nov. 19, 1884. Martha
Anna, born Oct. 28, 1848, married Dec. 26, 1871,
Major Charles C. McConnell, U. S. A. ; she died
at Fort Adams, Newport, R. I., Jan. 9, 1874.
Abiel Converse spent his early life and received
his education among the primitive people, amid
primitive scenes and in the most primitive schools.
From childhood to manhood, in keeping with the
conditions about him, and the circumstances of the
times, he was subjected to exacting labor upon a
rugged New England farm. The vigor of such a
life, however, was not without its good side, for it
strengthened his constitution and made it possible
to live these nearly four-score years and ten in the
possession of good health and unimpaired faculties.
During his later youth Mr. Converse was accus-
tomed to teach school through the winter months,
but continued his work upon the farm during the
rest of the year. At about nineteen years of age he
entered the YVesleyan Academy, at Wilbraham,
Mass., where he was prepared for college. He next
matriculated at YVesleyan University, Middlefown,
Conn., from which institution he was graduated with
the class of 1839. At intervals during his college
course he taught school to aid in defraying his ex-
penses. He commenced the study of law upon his
graduation, in the office of and under the direction
of Hon. Peter C. Bacon, of Worcester, Mass., pur-
suing his studies with this gentleman for some two
years, after which he became a student of Hon. L.
F. S. Foster, of Norwich, Conn. In February, 1842,
he was admitted to the Bar in New London county,
Conn., and began the practice of law at Danielson,
Conn. There he remained until 1854, in which year
he located in New London, continuing some twenty
years in active practice, when he retired and moved
to the town of Thompson, his birthplace. There he
lived, in the enjoyment of the fruits of a well-spent
life, until 1904, when he changed his residence to
Putnam, Connecticut.
Mr. Converse was born and bred a Democrat of
the Old School, and has been a party worker and
leader through much of his active career. Of stu-
dious and industrious habits, he possessed the neces-
sary ability and qualifications for useful citizenship,
all of which made him a valued member of the com-
munity. A man of integrity and honor, he won
and held the confidence of his fellow citizens. In
1844 he received the appointment of the court as
attorney for the State and for Windham county, and
by appointment held the office for a number of years.
In 1845 he. represented the town of Killingly in the
General Assembly. He was appointed in 1848, and
again in 1849, by the General Assembly, as judge of
probate for the Killingly district, and after his re-
moval to New London was clerk of the court of
probate for that district, judge of the city police
court and also of the city civil court. He was also
city attorney for several years. Directly after the
Civil war Mr. Converse was his party's candidate
for Congress in his district, and though not elected
polled the full party vote. Mr. Converse has also
been active and ever deeply interested in educational
matters, and has served on school boards in all of
the places in which his lot has been cast. He is still
quite active in public affairs, and is in full posses-
sion of his faculties, now, in his ninetieth year, en-
joying good health.
HEZEKIAH LORD READE, who passed
away at noon, Jan. 28. 1903, at the Owaneco home-
stead in the town of Lisbon. New London county,
was one of the most able and prominent citizens of
eastern Connecticut. Seldom has there lived so
many-sided a man. Equally successful in manu-
facturing, financial and literary enterprises, he was
eminently fitted for the leadership of men. and he
bent his marvelous energy and executive ability to
the reforms that best further the higher moral de-
velopment of the race.
The ancestry of the Reade family is traced back
to the early days of the New England colonies, the
early emigrants coming from England to Ipswich,
Mass., but subsequently moving to Norwich, Conn.,
where was purchased of Owaneco, half-brother of
122
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
Uncas, the famous Mohegan chief, a tract of land
one mile long by one-half mile wide, a portion of
which is still in the possession of the family, as is
also the original deed bearing the date 1686.
Hezekiah Lord Reade is in the seventh gener-
ation from John Read, who came to this country
from England in 1630, and the name of John Read
is five times repeated in the direct line of descent
from the first-named ancestor. On Mr. Reade's ma-
ternal side tradition traces the line back to a Col. Wal-
bridge, of the Scottish army, who, for his heroic
deeds and because a price was put upon his head,
was obliged to flee and came to this country. He is
said to have landed at Newport. R. I., and to have
married a daughter of King Philip, chief of the
Xarragansetts.
Hezekiah Lord Reade was born Oct. 1, 1827,
only child of Silas and Sarah (Meech) Reade, was
educated in the common schools of Lisbon, and later
attended the select schools of Jewett City and Plain-
field Academy. During his early manhood he
worked on the old farm, spending his evenings in
study by an open fire, with the aid of a tallow candle.
For sixteen winters he taught school, five of these
acting as principal of the graded school at Jewett
City. In 1864 he added to his farm work and other
occupations that of manufacturing paper. He
bought out a paper mill, which under his good man-
agement was highly prosperous, and the business
eventually grew into the Reade Paper Company,
which owned and operated three mills. Five years
later, being called to take charge of the Agricul-
tural Department of the Hearth & Home, a leading
New York illustrated journal, edited by Donald G.
Mitchell. Mr. Reade sold out his interest in the
paper-mills, and from that time until his last sick-
ness devoted much of his time to literary work, for
which he developed a fondness and ability far be-
yond the ordinary.
Mr. Reade was an able writer. Among the
books from his pen are: "Money and how to Make
It and Use It," "Boys' and Girls' Temperance
Books," "Reade's Business Reader," "Story of a
Heathen and His Transformation," "The Way Out,"
and others which have been widely read. He first
became interested in temperance and Sunday school
work in 1849, and in evangelistic work in 1875. He
was the originator of the system of compulsory tem-
perance teaching in public schools, and introduced a
bill into the Connecticut Legislature to that end in
1 88 1. the first ever submitted to a legislative body for
consideration and adoption. Mr. Reade traveled ex-
tensively in furtherance of this system, speaking
before legislative committees, and publishing leaf-
lets on the subject which have been widely quoted.
The work was afterward taken up by the Woman's
Christian Temperance Union. He commenced writ-
ing for the newspapers at the age of twenty-two,
had been a constant contributor to the religious and
secular press, and had editorial connection with
Connecticut journalism for a quarter of a century.
All this time he had been active in church and evan-
gelistic work, and it may be said that every good
cause had his sympathy, and. so far as he could give
it. his substantial help. He was a director of the
Missionary Society of Connecticut, and had often
represented a wide constituencv in the meetings of
the Congregational churches of his State and the
c< luntry.
In spite of the time taken by his journalistic and
evangelistic work Mr. Reade was never content with
one form of activity. In 1873 ne conceived the idea
of founding a Savings Bank in Jewett City, and
upon its organization was chosen president, serving
in that capacity continuously until his death. Dur-
ing and after the Civil war he served as assessor,
while in 1848-1850 he was deputy sheriff, and for a
number of years, until a short time before his death,
he served as treasurer and a member of the board
of education of his town. His politics were Re-
publican.
In 1867 Mr. Reade was united in marriage with
Faith Bingham Partridge, who survives him. They
had no children, but have educated in the schools
of this country Mary Ella Butler (Reade) and given
a university education (both in America and Ger-
many) to Riechiro Saikii, a Christian Japanese. The
former was for many years a missionary in Japan *
she suffered from poor health, and while on a voy-
age in the vicinity of Martinique the vessel she was
aboard took fire during the eruption of Mont Pelee,
and she received burns from which she died a few
hours later. May 8, 1902. Her remains were
brought home and deposited in the cemetery at
Jewett City. Riechira Saikii is a prominent officer
in the Japanese navy, a writer of books, member of
the faculty of the Japanese University at Kioto, and
a most influential Christian leader in the empire.
Mr. Reade had been in ill health about two
years before his death. He was much beloved, and
many expressions of affection and many eulogies ap-
peared in print at the time of his death. His re-
mains rest in the cemetery at Jewett City. In even-
walk in life he proved himself a man whose large
heart pulsed in sympathy with the ills of mankind,
yet whose sunny nature kept him cheerful and
happy, and all who came within the radiance of his
hopeful Christian nature felt the inspiration of his
presence.
GEORGE ELI HEWITT, one of the oldest
and most substantial, as well as highly respected,
citizens of Lebanon, is descended from one of the
early settled families of Xew England.
'(I) Thomas Hewitt is referred to and first
known of in Stonington. in the diary of Thomas
Miner. Sr.. who speaks of him as in command of his
vessel in Mystic river in 1656 : he was receiving the
surplus products of the early planters there, in ex-
change for Boston goods. He married April 26,
1659, Hannah, daughter of Walter Palmer. Pur-
chasing land on the east side of Mystic river, he
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
123
there built a dwelling-house, pending which he con-
tinued his coasting trade, extending his business to
the West Indies. He is supposed to have been lost
at sea in 1662.
(II) Benjamin Hewitt, born in 1662, married
Sept. 24, 1683, Marie, daughter of Edward and
Ellen Fanning.
(III) Major Israel Hewitt, baptized July 24,
1692, married March 8, 1714, Anna Breed, who was
born Nov. 8, 1693, daughter of John and Mercy
(Palmer) Breed.
(IV) Charles Hewitt, born Aug. 16, 1730, mar-
ried Oct. 28, 1756, Hannah Stanton, who was born
Aug. 8, 1736, daughter of Joseph and Anna
(Wheeler) Stanton.
(V) Eli Hewitt, born July 31, 1764, married
April 24, 1796, Betsey Williams, who was born Aug.
II, 1772, daughter of Bednam Williams and Han-
nah (Lathrop) of Stonington, Conn., and Chelsea,
Mass., respectively. Eli Hewitt was a resident of
Xorth Stonington, where he followed the occupa-
tion of farmer. He was quite successful, owning a
large tract of land, and erecting a house thereon. He
was buried at Xorth Stonington. He and his wife
Betsey were the parents of the following named chil-
dren : George is mentioned farther on ; Charles, a
farmer on the homestead, married (first) a Miss
Randall and (second) a Miss Wheeler; Benadam, a
farmer, married a sister of the first wife of his
brother Charles, and died in Xorth Stonington ; Eli,
a wealthy farmer, married Mary Lamb, and died in
South Windham ; Hannah married Rowland Stan-
ton, and died in Xorwich, Connecticut.
(VI.) George Hewitt, son of Eli and father of
George Eli, was born in North Stonington, Jan. 26,
1797. He was brought up to farm work, and re-
ceived such education in the district school as was
usifal for a farmer's boy of that period. When he
was sixteen years old his father died, and, being the
eldest of the family, he remained at home and man-
aged the farm for the others. When the children
became of age so that the estate could be distrib-
uted he disposed of his interest to his brother
Charles, who resided on the old homestead the rest
of his life. Several years previous to this time
George Hewitt had been married, and he then re-
moved to a rented farm in the same town, soon
after purchasing a farm in North Franklin, to
which, however, he did not move for about twenty
years afterward. Until 1843 ne continued to reside
on the rented farm in Stonington, and that year re-
moved to Xorth Franklin, where he was success-
fully engaged in farming the rest of his active life.
He spent his latter years in retirement, and died at
Groton, Conn., where he was then residing. His
death, which occurred Oct. 16, 1884, was due to a
cancer on his hand. He was well-to-do, a good bus-
iness man, and was self-made. In politics he was
firmly convinced of the good in Republican prin-
ciples, but cared nothing for the holding of office.
He was a member of the Congregational Church,
and was regular in his attendance on its services.
On Xov. 26, 1818, George Hewitt married Bridget
W'heeler, who was born in North Stonington March
9, 1799, daughter of Nathan and Desire Wheeler,
and died in Franklin, Conn., May 30, 1874; her re-
mains lie beside those of her husband. Their chil-
dren were: George Eli, born May 27, 1820; Giles
W., who died young; Bridget W., born July 8, 1823,
who married Dec. 12, 1844, Thomas A. Miner, a
farmer in Groton, where she died Feb. 15, 185 1 ; and
Elizabeth Stanton, born April 1, 1831, who was mar-
ried Jan. 23, 1856, to Thomas A. Miner (for his
second wife) and has one son, George Owen, who
resides in Groton, engaged in the grain business.
George Eli Hewitt was born in Xorth Stoning-
ton, in the house erected by his grandfather. He
attended first the district school and then select
schools presided over by Major Francis Peabody
and Latham Hull, who had a school at Milltown, in
the town of Xorth Stonington. He was early trained
to farm work, and he remained at home, assisting
his father, until about the time of his marriage. He
was married at the age of thirty-five years, up to
which time he was in the constant employ of his
father, at no fixed wages. When he was married
his father gave him five shares of bank stock, a
dozen steers and some farming tools. The spring
following his marriage Mr. Hewitt removed to the
farm of his father-in-law, in Lebanon, and assumed
the management of that farm, where he resided until
1869, 'when he removed to his present home, which
was known as the "Priest Ely farm." It was pur-
chased by Mr. Hewitt some time previous to his
removal. Mr. Hewitt has added other land to his
possessions, and now owns 150 acres of land in the
town of Lebanon, and several tenement houses. He
has followed general farming, at which he has been
quite successful. In past years he was engaged in
the buying and selling of live stock, and he made
frequent trips to the famous stock market at Brigh-
ton, Mass., to buy cattle and bring them to Lebanon
and fatten them for butchering. A close student of
the markets, he profited much thereby. Being natur-
ally neat, he has made many improvements on the
farm and in the buildings, and his home is one of
the most pleasantly situated in the town.
Mr. Hewitt was one of the prime movers in the
organization of the Lebanon Creamery, and when,
through mismanagement, the property was in dan-
ger of being lost, he took charge of its affairs, had it
incorporated under State laws, and through splen-
did business judgment and management it was placed
on a paying basis, to-day ranking as one of the best
in the State. He has been a director since its or-
ganization, was treasurer for many years, and is the
heaviest stockholder in it.
In his political affiliations Mr. Hewitt is a Re-
publican, and in 1873 he was a representative from
Lebanon to the State Legislature at the last meet-
ing of that body in the city of Xew Haven. During
his residence in Xorth Stonington he held the com-
124
GENEALOGICAL AXD BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
mission of a lieutenant in the local militia for three
3rears. He united with the Congregational church
shortly after his marriage, and has been a constant
attendant since.
George Eli Hewitt was united in marriage with
Anzeline Williams, who was born in Lebanon Oct.
28, 1825. daughter of Henry and Harriet (Babcock)
Williams, the former a wealthy farmer of Lebanon.
Mrs. Anzeline (Williams) Hewitt was a very su-
perior woman, possessing many lovable traits of
character, splendid business ability and a most
kindly disposition. Her death, which was a severe
blow to her family, occurred Sept. 3. 1899. The
children of this union were : George Henry, born
Aug. 9, 1857, attended Wilbraham Academy, and is
a farmer in Lebanon ; he was married Aug. 13, 1881,
to Louise Josephine Xoyes, who was born Feb. 28,
1850, and they have two children, Ethel Beatrice
and Hazel Adele. Harriet E. (twin of George
Henry ) is unmarried and resides at home. Erwin
Wheeler, born Oct. 10, 1859. attended Wilbraham
Academy, and is now engaged in farming in Leb-
anon ; he was married Nov. 18. 1880, to Nellie Eliza
Stiles, who was born Sept. 19, 1863, in Lebanon,
Conn., daughter of Edmund Anlonzo and Sophia
(Sweet) Stiles, and they have had eight children,
Arthur Erwin (born June 20, 1881, married Elsie
Gardner), Lawrence Alonzo (born May 6, 1883,
died A.pril 1. 1885), Charlotte Eliza (born June 5,
1884. married John E. Burgess, and has one son),
Everette Delos (born March 1, 1886) , Rodney Will-
iams (born Aug. 4, 1889), Bernice Anzeline (born
June 8, 1892), Gladys Eva Miriam (born Dec. 24,
1894), and George Edmund (born Feb. 9, 1898).
CHARLES HEXRY LUDIXGTOX, a well
known merchant of Xew York, comes of a family
which settled early in Massachusetts and Connect-
icut, and to him is Old Lyme indebted for exten-
sive public improvements. Chief among his many
benefactions to the town was the building and en-
dowment of the Phoebe Griffin Xoyes Library, a
memorial to the mother of Mrs. Ludington.
Charles Henry Ludington was born at Carmel,
Putnam Co., X. Y., Feb. 1, 1825, grandson of Col.
Henry Ludington, a prominent officer in the Revolu-
tionary war, one of the foremost citizens of Dutch-
ess (afterward Putnam) county, and a direct de-
scendant of William Ludington, of Branford, Conn.,
who died in 1662. The children of (I) William
Ludington were as follows : William, Henry, Han-
nah, John and Thomas.
(II) William Ludington (2) married Martha
Rose, and their children were : Henry, Eleanor and
William (born Sept. 25, 1686). By a second mar-
riage, William Ludington (2) had several other
children.
(III) Henry Ludington married, in 1700, Sarah
Collins, and their children were: Daniel, William,
Sarah, Dinah. Lydia. Xathaniel, Moses, Aaron,
Elisha, Sarah (2) and Thomas.
(IV) William Ludington (3), born Sept. 6.
1702, married, in 1730, Mary Knowles, and they had
children : Submit, Elisha, Mary, Col. Henry, Lydia,
Samuel, Rebecca, Anna and Stephen. This family
lived in Branford, where their house was burned,
May 20, 1754, Rebecca and Anna perishing in the
flames.
(Y) Col. Henry Ludington was born May 25,
1738, and at the age of seventeen enlisted in Capt.
Foote's Company, of the 2d Regiment of Connect-
icut troops, commanded by Col. Xathan Whiting.
He served through the French war, from 1756 to
1760, and took part in the battle of Lake George,
where he witnessed the death of his uncle and
cousin. Xear the close of the war, through which
he had served as a private, he was chosen to conduct
home from Canada, a party of invalided soldiers.
This difficult task he accomplished in safety, leading
his feeble band through the sparsely settled wilder-
ness of northern Xew England back to their homes.
On May 1, 1760, he married his cousin. Abigail,
who was born May 8, 1745, daughter of Elisha
Ludington, the direct ancestor of Major General
Marshall I. Ludington, late Quartermaster General
of the United States Army. Soon after his mar-
riage he moved to Fredericksburg precinct, which
has since borne the name of Ludingtonville, in Put-
nam count}", X. Y. From the time of his locating
in Dutchess (now Putnam) county to the day of his
death, Col. Ludington was prominent in public af-
fairs. His military career was marked by the great-
est energy and patriotism, and the same qualities dis-
tinguished him as a member of the committee of
Safety, consisting of three members, Col. Henry
Ludington, John Jay and Col. Thomas, from the
counties of Dutchess and Westchester. Col. Lud-
ington received a commission as captain from Will-
iam Tryon, the last British governor of the Cofony
of Xew York, while his first commission as colonel
was from the "Provincial Congress of the Colony of
Xew York" June 10, 1776, Xathaniel Sackett. sec-
retary (a very rare document), and his second from
George Clinton, the first governor of the State of
Xew York, May 28, 1778. These three commis-
sions are now in the possession of Charles H. Lud-
ington, of Xew York and Lyme. From 1778 to
1 78 1, and from 1786 to 1787, Col. Ludington was a
member of the Legislature from Dutchess county
(of which Putnam county was then a part). At the
battle of White Plains he was an aide of Gen. Wash-
ington, the regiment of Col. Ludington participating
in that battle, and also in the battle of Ridgefield. His
death occurred Jan. 24, 1817, his widow surviving
him until Aug. 3, 1825. Their children were as fol-
lows: (1) Sybil, born April 5, 1761. married Henry
Ogden, and died in 1839, and ner grandson. Major
Ogden. of the United States army, died while con-
structing Fort Riley. Kans. ; (2) Rebecca, born Jan.
24, 1763, married Henry Pratt ; (3) Mary, born July
31. 1765, married David Travis ; (4) Archibald, born
July 5, 1767; (5) Henry, born March 28, 1769; (6)
&^lsC*-~7
JV*^*-' fl^lstsU
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
12:
Derick, born Feb. 17, 1771, died in 1840; (7) Ter-
tullius, born April 19, 1773; (8) Abigail, born Feb.
26, 1776; (9) Anna, born March 14, 1778, married
Joseph Colwell, and her sons, Lewis and Joseph,
were the builders of three of the "Monitors;" (10)
Frederick, born June 10, 1782, died July 23, 1852;
(11) Sophia, born May 16, 1784, married a Mr.
Ferris; and (12) Lewis, born June 25, 1786, died
Sept. 3, 1857.
(VI) Lewis Ludington was born in Fredericks-
burg, Dutchess Co., N. Y. (now the township of
Kent, Putnam county). [An extended account of
his life may be found on pages 378-380 of the "His-
tory of Putnam County" (1886).] Lewis Luding-
ton went to Wisconsin in 1838, and was early iden-
tified with the settlement and history of that State,
having founded the firm of Ludington & Co., in the
city of Milwaukee, in 1839. His partners, who
conducted the business (Mr. Ludington never re-
sided in Wisconsin) were, Harrison Ludington, a
nephew, afterward governor of Wisconsin, and Nel-
son Ludington, afterward president of the First Na-
tional Bank of Chicago. Lewis Ludington founded
the city of Columbus, Wis., and his son, James Lud-
ington, founded the city of Ludington, Mich. His
death occurred Sept. 3, 1857, at Kenosha, Wis., in
the seventy-second year of his age. He married
Polly, eldest child of Samuel Townsend, and their
children were as follows : Laura Ann, Delia, Will-
iam Edgar, Robert, Charles Henry, James, Lavinia
Elizabeth, Emily and Amelia.
(VII) Charles Henry Ludington was born in
Carmel, N. Y., Feb. 1, 1825, and attended the acad-
emy in that place, when it was the charge of Valen-
tine Vermilyea. He was also a pupil in the Poly-
technic School conducted by Rev. Dr. Hunter, at
Owensville (now Croton Falls), and in the Gram-
mar school held in the house formerly occupied by
"Peter Parley" at Ridgefield, Conn. The master of
this latter school was Hugh Stocker Banks, a faith-
ful and able instructor. At the age of seventeen,
Sept. 18, 1841, Mr. Ludington went with his father
to New York City, where he became a clerk in the
wholesale dry-goods store of Woodward, Otis &
Terbell. This store was located at No. 53 Cedar
street, near the old Middle Dutch Church, now the
site of the magnificent building of the Mutual Life
Insurance Company. He remained with this house
until 1846, when Harrison Gray Otis severed his
connection with the firm, and, in partnership with
Edward Johnes, formed the company of Johnes,
Otis & Co., by which concern Mr. Ludington was
employed as a salesman until Jan. 1, 1849. ^n Feb-
ruary of that year he became a member of the im-
porting and wholesale dry-goods house of Lathrop
& Ludington, established at No. 18 Cortlandt street,
Richard D. Lathrop and Charles Henry Ludington,
general, and James W. Johnson and Charles T.
Pierson, special, partners. Notwithstanding the
gloomy predictions of many of the older business
houses, this young firm, with two others, like-
minded, crossed Broadway, leaving the time-honored
localities of Hanover Square, Pearl, William and
Cedar streets, and became the pioneers in a move-
ment which soon completely changed the location,
and even the character, of this important branch of
business. Their energy and enterprise made them
successful from the start, and after eight years they
moved to a much larger store in Park Place. This
store, running through to Murray street, was built
on the site of the former residence of Dr. Valentine
Mott. On the retirement of the special partners,
the firm name was changed to Lathrop, Ludington
& Co., and partners afterward included were, John
H. Morrison, Robert J. Hunter and William Faxon.
During the Civil war the business of Lathrop,
Ludington & Co. grew steadily, and increased to
what, for that time, was of great magnitude — the
annual sales ranging from $8,000,000 to $11,000,-
000. The house sold goods to every part of the coun-
try north of Mason and Dixon's line, from the At-
lantic to the Pacific, and possessed the respect and
confidence of the entire trade. Their southern trade,
never very extensive, was fortunately much reduced
when the secession agitation first began, for their
name was among the first to be published in the cele-
brated "black list,'' or list of Abolition houses,
printed by the Southern Confederacy, and various
notorious papers of Georgia and other Southern
States. This list was published with the design of
injuring, or ruining, in the South, the trade of such
firms as, in the words of Henry C. Bowen, editor
later of the Independent, "Sold their goods, but
not their principles," and included at first the firms
of Bowen, Holmes & Co., Lathrop, Ludington &
Co., and a few others ; it was afterward extended
until it included about forty of the leading whole-
sale business houses in New York, Philadelphia,
Boston and Baltimore. Unable to go to war him-
self Mr. Ludington sent a substitute, and, person-
ally, as well as in connection with his firm, assisted
by large contributions in the raising of regiments in
New York. One entire regiment was recruited
mainly through the efforts of this house. After the
war the firm of Lathrop, Ludington & Co. moved to
the elegant store at Nos. 326, 328 and 330 Broad-
way, which was built on the site of the old Broadway
Theatre.
In 1868 Mr. Ludington retired from business,
and has since occupied himself with the care of his
private interests in New York and the West. He is
a director in a number of leading institutions in the
city, trust, insurance, and other companies. His
home has been for the last forty years at No. 276
Madison avenue.
At the opening of the Phoebe Griffin Noyes Lib-
rary in Old Lyme, Daniel C. Gilman, LL. D., Presi-
dent of the Johns Hopkins University, in his ad-
dress, said in part :
"It is fine to see the spontaneous recognition of
the obligation which men owe their fellowmen, to
contribute their best, whatever that may be, for the
126
GENEALOGICAL AXD BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
promotion of those among whom they have dwelt.
That is what Mr. Ludington has done. He has pro-
vided a commodious, spacious and attractive build-
ing to be the literary center of Lyme. It furnishes
a suitable place for the books already brought to-
gether by the members of the Library Association.
The ample shelves are suggestive of future acces-
sions. The reading room silently invites the neigh-
bors to enjoy the quiet companionship of the best of
contemporary writers and illustrators. Here, too.
is a place for occasional lectures and readings, and
for exhibitions of historical mementoes or works of
art. The building is placed on a beautiful site, and
it is associated with the life of a woman whose rare
gifts and noble character are to be perpetuated as a
memory and an example."
Miss Elizabeth Griswold, president of the Ladies'
Library Association, said in her acceptance of the
Library for the Association :
"Our dear friend, Mr. Ludington, most gener-
ously came forward, and anticipating every need,
planned this touching memorial and has erected this
building for the use and benefit of this town and the
surrounding towns that wish to avail themselves of
it. Truly it is a good and noble work, and we honor
him and extend to him our heartfelt thanks.'*
This Library was built by Mr. Ludington in
1898, on the site of the former home of Phoebe Grif-
fin Noyes, and Sept. 1, 1899, it was endowed by Mr.
Ludington, together with Daniel R. Xoyes and
Charles P. Xoyes, of St. Paul, Minn., sons of Mrs.
Noyes.
In the spring of 190 1 Mr. Ludington with char-
acteristic public spirit bought and remodeled what is
now known as "The Old Lyme Inn," for the benefit
of the town, making it one of the most comfortable
hotels along the Sound.
Mr. Ludington married Josephine Lord Xoyes,
fourth child of Col. Daniel Rogers and Phoebe
Griffin (Lord) Xoyes, both prominent people, who
are mentioned at length, below. To Mr. and Mrs.
Ludington have been born three sons and three
daughters. Col. Daniel Rogers Xoyes, father of
Mrs. Ludington, was born Aug. 22, 1793. at Wester-
ly, R. I. He was the fifth son of Col. Thomas
Xoyes, who was born Oct. 3, 1754. and who married
Jan. 31, 1781, Lydia, daughter of William and Sarah
Rogers, of Xewport. Col. Thomas Xoyes was an
officer in the Revolutionary army, and died at Wes-
terly, R. I., Sept. 19, 1819. He was the eldest son
of Joseph Xoyes, who was born Oct. 9, 1727, at
Stonington ; grandson of Capt. Thomas Xoyes. of
Stonington, born Aug. 14. 1679, and his wife, Eliza-
beth, daughter of Gov. Peleg Sanford, of Rhode
Island. His great-grandfather was Rev. James
Xoyes. born March 11. 1640. the first minister of
Stonington, who married Dorothy Stanton. Rev.
James Xoyes was one of the founders and first trus-
tees of Yale College, and was Moderator of the As-
sembly which drew up the Saybrook Platform.
Mrs. Phoebe Griffin (Lord) Xoyes, mother of
Mrs. Ludington, was a remarkable woman, of great
ability and strong religious principles. She was
born Feb. 20, 1797, second child of Joseph and
Phoebe (Griffin) Lord, the latter a woman of rare
intelligence and distinction. Mrs. Phoebe Griffin
(Lord) Xoyes was educated in Xew York, in the
family of her uncle. George Griffin, a distinguished
lawyer. Even in childhood she manifested a great
aptitude for teaching, and was finally led to estab-
lish in her own home a family school, of unusual
excellence for the time. She had spent much time
in Xew York in the study of water color painting,
and also excelled in miniature painting on ivory, an
art which she taught with great success to the many
young girls of the two generations who were edu-
cated in her school. Some of her pupils lived to be
ornaments of the highest society, in this country and
in Europe, and it would be impossible adequately to
estimate the value of her refining and elevating in-
fluence upon her school and her neighborhood, to
which, in large degree, must be attributed the marked
intelligence and refinement to be found in Old Lyme.
Mrs. Xoyes died Oct. 12, 1875. She was the mother
of the following children : Caroline Lydia, born in
1828, who married E. B. Kirby, of St. Louis, Mo.;
Julia Lord, born in 1833, who married George Love-
land, an attorney, of Wilkesbarre, Pa. ; Daniel Rog-
ers, born in 1836; Josephine Lord, born in 1839,
who married Charles Henry Ludington ; and Charles
Phelps, born in 1842. Of these, Daniel Rogers and
Charles Phelps Xoyes founded the extensive whole-
sale drug house of Xoyes Brothers & Cutler, at St.
Paul, Minnesota.
LORD. The Lord Family, from which Mrs.
Ludington is descended through her mother, was
also one of note from the earliest days of Connecti-
cut.
(I) Thomas Lord, born in England in 1583, came
to America, and was in Xew ton, Mass., in 1635-36.
He became an original proprietor, and the first set-
tler, in Hartford, Conn., in 1636. He and his wife
Dorothy, who was born in 1589, and died in 1675,
came over in the ship "Elizabeth and Ann." He
was a merchant and mill owner, and lived on the
north side of Hartford, fronting Mill river.
(II) William Lord, of Saybrook and Lyme
about 1645. was born in 1623, and died May 17,
1678. He married (first) Dorothy, and (second)
Lydia Brown. They came to Xewton, Mass., in
1635, and moved from there in 1636 to Hartford,
where they had land assigned to them. In 1645 they
settled in Saybrook. William Lord being a large land
owner there and in Lyme, purchasing from the In-
dians one large tract in the latter place. William
Lord died in 1678, and his wife in 1676. They were
the parents of thirteen children.
(III) Lieut. Richard Lord, born in 1647. died
20, 1727. He married, in 1682, Elizabeth,
Aug
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
127
daughter of Samuel Hvde. Mrs. Lord was the first
white child horn in Norwich. Conn. She died July
(I\ ) Judge Richard Lord, born in Lyme in
1690, died there Aug. 20, 1770. In 1720 he married
Elizabeth Lynde, who died in 1778. He was com-
missioner of the peace, and judge of the quorum.
{V) Capt. Enoch Lord, born Dec. 15, 1725, died
Eeb. 16, 1814. His wife, whom he married March
31, 1749, was Hepzibah Marvin, who died in 1813.
They were the great-grandparents of Mrs. Luding-
ton.
{VI) Richard Lord, son of Capt. Enoch, born
Sept. 15, 1752, was a soldier in the Revolutionary
war. He married Dec. 9, 1790, Ann, daughter of
Capt. William Mitchell, of Chester, and they were
the grandparents of Mrs. Salisbury.
CVI) Joseph Lord, another son of Capt. Enoch
and Hepzibah (Marvin) Lord, was born at Lyme.
June 3, 1757, and died March 15, 1812. He in-
herited a Marvin farm, and married, Nov. 25, 1794,
his third cousin, Phoebe, daughter of George and
Eve (Dorr) Griffin, and sister of the distinguished
lawyer, George Griffin, of New York City. As a
girl Mrs. Phoebe (Griffin) Lord studied the college
books of her talented brothers, and was considered
their equal in mental ability. She was eminently
fitted to adorn any position in life which might have
opened to her, and her daughters followed in her
footsteps. She became the acknowledged leader in
the intellectual society that surrounded her, and was
one to whom all her neighbors turned for wise and
kindly advice, and for ready sympathy and help in
times of sickness and trouble. Her memory will al-
ways be cherished by those who know of her life.
The children of Joseph and Phoebe (Griffin) Lord
were as follows: (1) Harriet, born Sept. 25, 1795.
died June 5, 1882. She was a woman of strong
character, a great student of history and literature,
well informed as to public affairs, a woman of warm
feelings, and of a generous, self-sacrificing spirit.
(2) Phoebe Griffin, born Feb. 20, 1797, married
May 16, 1827, Col. Daniel Rogers Noyes ; they were
parents of Mrs. Ludington. (3) Hepzibah, born in
1799, died in March, 1844. (4) Juha Ann. born
March 6, 1803. died Dec. 31, 1884, a woman of
some peculiarities, but possessing much talent, and
a faithful and active Christian. (5) Lucy, born
March 6. 1805, died Aug. 31, 1884. (6) Catherine.
horn in 1807, married Enoch Noyes, and died Nov.
25, 1844. (7) Frances Jane, born in 1810, died Feb.
13, 1888. (8) Josephine, born in 1812, married.
March 17, 1837, Alexander Lynde McCurdy.
(VII) Stephen Johnson Lord, son of Richard
and Ann ( [Mitchell) Lord, was born in Old Lyme.
March 26, 1797, and was married Aug. 24, 1829, by
Rev. Chester Cotton, to Sarah Ann McCurdy, only
daughter of Richard McCurdy. Their children
were as follows: (1) Richard Henry, born Aug.
24. 1830, died at the age of five years. (2) Dr.
Robert McCurdy, born Jan. 10, 1833, died May II,
1894: he practiced in New York City, and was ex-
amining surgeon during the Civil war ; later he re-
sided in Kansas City, Mo., and his death occurred
in San Diego, Cal. He was of good height and
figure, with dark curling hair, a man of firm char-
acter, but very reticent and sensitive in tempera-
ment. For some years he was a merchant, and he
devoted much time to public interests. He married
Lucy Johnson, and their children were, Robert Mc-
Curdy (deceased), Richard Lynde (deceased) and
Henry Johnson. (3) John McCurdy, born June 24,
1835, lives in Kansas City. (4) Sarah McCurdy,
born April 14, 1838, married Col. Israel Matson,
and died July 10, 1865; Col. Matson married
(second) Harriet Howe. (5) Gertrude McCurdy,
born March 3, 1840, married Dr. Edward Dorr
Griffin, who is mentioned below. (6) Charles Mc-
Curdy, born Jan. 31, 1842, died Feb. 7, 1877. He
was in the regular army, rose to the rank of captain,
and was stationed at various posts in the South.
GRIFFIN. The Griffin family has given many
distinguished men and women to the country, among
whom special mention is here made of Dr. Edward
Dorr Griffin, who was born at Catskill, Greene Co.,
N. Y., Oct. 2, 1839. His descent is traced to (I)
Jasper Griffin, and his wife Hannah, through (II)
Jasper and Ruth (Peck) Griffin, (III) Lemuel and
Phoebe (Comstock) Griffin, (IV) George and Eve
(Dorr) Griffin, (X) George Griffin, a celebrated
New York lawyer, and his wife, Lydia, daughter of
Gen. Zebulon Butler, and (VI) George and Ann
Augusta (Neilson) Griffin.
Dr. Edward Dorr Griffin spent his early school
days in a boarding school at Boonetown, N. J., and
graduated from the College of Physicians and Sur-
geons in New York City. He was a prominent Free-
mason, and a member of the Order of the Cincinnati.
He practiced medicine in Old Lyme from 1864 until
his death. May 10, 1887. The loss of this "beloved
physician" was felt as the greatest bereavement to
the town where his cheerful cordiality, Christian
helpfulness and tender sympathy, as well as his pro-
fessional skill, had won him the love and confidence
of all. Dr. Griffin married Gertrude McCurdy Lord,
daughter of Stephen Johnson and Sarah Ann (Mc-
Curdy) Lord, and their children were, Augusta
Neilson and Sarah Lord. The latter married Prof.
Horace L. Wells, of New Haven, and they have two
children. Gertrude Griffin, and Evelyn McCurdy
Salisbury.
BOSS. The family of this name at New Lon-
don, the head of which was the late Charles D.
Boss, who for a half century was one of the leading
business men of that city, and whose son. the present
Charles D. Boss, has for more than half of that
length of time successfully continued the business
established by the father and worthily perpetuated
the name, is one of nearly two hundred years' stand-
ing in the State of Rhode Island.
128
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
It is set forth in American lineage that the name
Boss, formerly Bosch, then Bos, is of Dutch origin.
Edward Boss, the progenitor of the Rhode Island
family of the name, appears of record there in 1 710,
when, on May 17th ot that year, he, in company with
seventeen others, purchased 7,000 acres of land in
Narragansett. This pioneer married Susannah Wil-
kinson, born Feb. 6, 1662, daughter of Lawrence and
Susannah (Smith) Wilkinson, and to them came
children as follows : Edward, born Jan. 20, 1684-85 ;
Susannah, born July 21, 1687; Peter, born Sept. 15,
1695; and Jeremiah, born Aug. 15, 1699. The Mat-
ter son married, March 22, 1722, Martha Spencer,
born Sept. 8, 1700, daughter of Robert and Theo-
dosia (Whaley) Spencer, and was of Westerly and
Richmond, R. I. His death occurred in 1774. His
children were: Richard, born Feb. 26, 1724; Ed-
ward, April 20, 1725 ; Susannah, Feb. 19, 1728; Jer-
emiah, May 17, 1729; Martha, Feb. 12, 1731 ; Peter,
Sept. 30, 1732; Joseph, March 2, 1734; John, Oct.
14, 1735; Hannah, Oct. 11, 1737; Philip; and Jon-
athan.
Edward Boss (2), the eldest son of the pioneer,
born Jan. 20, 1684-85, married, April 20, 1709,
Phillip (likely Phillipa) Carr, born Dec. 28, 1688,
daughter of Caleb and Phillip (Greene) Carr, and
they were of Newport, R. I., he a merchant there.
Their first child, Mary, was born in Narragansett
Sept. 1, 1 7 10, and the others were born in Newport,
as follows: Freelove, Dec. 5, 1712; Abigail, Feb. 18,
1715; Edward, Nov. 23, 1716; Hannah, April 17,
1719; Susannah, Nov. 2, 1720; Joseph, Jan. 20,
1723; Philip, Sept. 16, 1725; and Benjamin, July
23, 1727.
Concerning the posterity of Peter Boss, the other
son of the pioneer, nothing definite has been ascer-
tained.
From the foregoing source came the New Lon-
don branch of the Boss family of Rhode Island. The
late Charles D. Boss, of New London, was born
March 27, 1812, in Newport, R. I., where for a
few years he received instruction in the public
schools. When ten years of age he started work in
his native town wheeling a bread cart, and began an
apprenticeship at the baking business, continuing
with his employer, George Allen, for nine years,
until nineteen years of age. His mother had died
when he was only eight years old, and his father
when he was but twelve. In 1831 William Gray, of
New London, a pioneer in the cracker line and the
principal cracker manufacturer of New London,
went to Newport for a baker, and Mr. Boss, being
recommended to him, came to New London to en-
ter his employ. He lived with Mr. Gray's family
until shortly before his marriage. After one year's
service with Mr. Gray, young Boss, associated with
his brother, Philip Martin Boss, began the manu-
facturing of crackers on his own account, their place
of business being on Potter street, where they had
converted a barn into a bake shop. About a year
later, as Mr. Gray wanted to sell, the Boss brothers
purchased his establishment, and a year later Charles
D. Boss purchased the hard bread factory, and con-
tinued that branch of the business alone, Philip M.
running a bakery on Potter street, making cakes and
bread for about a year. Some years after that he
entered the employ of his brother, Charles D. In
1863 Charles D. Boss, Jr., a son of the proprietor,
became associated in the business with his father,
and from that time on the style of firm has been
and remains C. D. Boss & Son. These two men,
father and son, have built up one of the largest
cracker and biscuit manufactories in the country,.
and in that business have been most successful. At
this establishment over one hundred different kinds
of crackers and biscuits are made.
Charles D. Boss, Sr., was for fifty years identi-
fied with that business, and with the city of New
London, during which long period he did much
toward the city's advancement in a commercial line,
and for the good and welfare of the people's morals.
He was a member of Second Congregational Church
of the city, and a strong advocate of temperance,
and by his life and work set an example worthy any
young man to follow. He was first a Whig, then a
Republican in his political affiliations. He passed
to his reward Jan. 16, 1896, after several years of
poor health. He bore the esteem and respect of the
entire community.
On May 18, 1835, Mr. Boss was married to Miss
Elizabeth Mason, who was born in New London
June 10, 18 1 7, and to this union came children as
"follows : Thomas, who became a minister in the
Congregational Church, married Anna Lee, of Mad-
ison, Conn., and died at Leavenworth, Kans., in
1898, survived by his widow and four children,
Edith S., Roger C, Charles L. and Agnes; Charles
D., Jr. ; Eliza Edith, married Robert R. Congdon,
and died in November, 1903, leaving two sons, Carey
and Charles L. Mrs. Boss was the only child of
Thomas and Elizabeth (Potter) Mason, of Hart-
ford, Conn., the former of whom was first mate on
a brig and died at sea soon after his marriage;
Thomas Mason was a son of Isaac and Rebecca
(Kilbourne) Mason, of Hartford, Conn., though the
Mason family came originally from Rhode Island.
COIT. (Preston-Norwich Branch). The
Coits of eastern Connecticut have been prominently
and conspicuously identified with the history of that
section of the Commonwealth for upward of 250
years, the earlier generations figuring especially in
the town of New London and Plainfield, and later
generations as well in Preston and Griswold, and
since the Revolutionary period in the ancient town
of Norwich. The earlier generations of the family,
especially in New London, were men of avocations
pertaining to a seafaring life, builders of vessels,
masters and men of commerce, but among them were
men of the learned professions and some farmers,
in particular, perhaps, in Plainfield and Preston ;
later generations have pursued the law, in which
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
129
they have distinguished themselves, and others led
mercantile lives. Many have filled positions of high
public trust.
Under the head of the Preston-Norwich branch
of the Coit family it is designed to treat briefly of
the lineage and family of the late Col. Charles Coit,
a merchant of Norwich, and a soldier of the war of
1812, including his sons, the late Col. Charles Mor-
gan Coit, a gallant soldier of the Civil war and for-
mer postmaster of Norwich, and George Douglas
Coit, treasurer of the Chelsea Savings Bank of that
city, and their sons, Charles Coit, Augustus Coit
and James Dana Coit ; also of Deacon George Coit,
a brother of Col. Charles, and for many years one
of the most worthy citizens of Norwich.
John Coit, the emigrant ancestor of the New
London and Norwich Coits, came probably from
Glamorganshire, Wales, between 1630 and 1638.
He was in Salem, Mass., where he had a grant of
land in 1638. In 1644 he removed to Gloucester,
and in 1648 was selectman there. He had consider-
able land on Wheeler's Point and Planter's Neck.
He was a freeman in 1647. In 1^>S° ne received a
grant of land in New London, Conn., and came to it
in 165 1. He married Mary Ganners, or Jenners, in
England, where all of his children were born pre-
vious to emigration. He died Aug. 29, 1659,
and his widow passed away Jan. 2, 1676. Their
children were : John, Joseph, Mary and Martha.
From this ancestor the lineage of the late Col.
Charles M. Coit and the present George D. Coit, of
Norwich, is through Deacon Joseph, Rev. Joseph,
Col. Samuel, John, Nathanael and Col. Charles
Coit.
(II) Deacon Joseph Coit probably came with
his father from Gloucester to New London about
165 1, and he passed the greater part of his lifetime
in the latter place, carrying on the trade of ship-
building with his brother-in-law, Hugh Mould.
On July 15, 1667, Deacon Coit married Martha,
daughter of William and Edith Harris, of Wethers-
field ; both joined the church in 1 681, he later becom-
ing a deacon. He died March 2y, 1704, and Mrs.
Coit passed away July 14, 1710. Nearly, if not all,
the Coits of America, says the genealogist of the
Coit family, are descended from him. His children
were : John, Joseph, William, Daniel, Solomon and
Samuel, all born between 1670 and 1692, inclusive.
(III) Rev. Joseph Coit, born April 4, 1673, in
New London, married Sept. 18, 1705, Experience
Wheeler, daughter of Isaac Wheeler, of Stonington,
Conn., and the union was blessed with ten children,
namely: Elizabeth, born Feb. 19, 1706-07; Samuel,
in 1708; Joseph, baptized in 171 1 ; Martha, born in
1713; Isaac, Dec. 26, 1714; Abigail, about 1716;
Mary, about 1718; William, Nov. 20, 1720; Ex-
perience, about 1722; and Daniel, in 1731. Mr.
Coit was graduated from Harvard College in 1697,
and was admitted to the Master's degree at the first
commencement at Yale College in 1702. In the
latter part of 1698 he preached at Norwich, and was
invited to settle there, but he soon went to Plainfield,
where he preached the greater part of the time for
five years. In 1704 he received and accepted a call
to settle as pastor of the church at that point, and
for forty-three years, until 1748, he sustained such
relations with the church, at the close of which pe-
riod, owing to age, he asked for dismissal. Rev.
Mr. Coit continued to reside in Plainfield until his
death, July 1, 1750. Mrs. Coit passed awav Jan.
8, 1759-
(IV) Col. Samuel Coit, born in 1708, in Plain-
field, married (first) March 30, 1730, Sarah, daugh-
ter of Benjamin Spalding, of Plainfield. Col. Coit
settled in the North Society, Preston (now Gris-
wold), and there spent a long and honored life, dy-
ing Oct. 4, 1792, when eighty-four years of age.
In military life he rose to the rank of colonel, and in
1758 had command of a regiment raised in the neigh-
borhood of Norwich which wintered at Fort Ed-
ward. Col. Coit represented Preston in the Gen-
eral Assembly in 1761, 1765, 1769, 1771, 1772 and
1773. In the time of the Revolution he sat as judge
on the Bench of the county court and of a maritime
court. He also served in other public capacities.
He was received into the church at Preston in 1742,
and his wife in 1733. His wife, Sarah (Spalding),
died July II, 1776, aged sixty-five years. Their
children were: Benjamin, born March 28, 1731 ;
Samuel, July 23, 1733; William, Feb. 13, 1735;
Oliver, Feb. 23, 1736-37; Wheeler, Feb. 24, 1738-
39; John, June 4, 1741 ; Sarah, May 12, 1743; Jo-
seph, baptized May 2, 1746; Isaac, baptized Oct. 3,
1748; and Olive, baptized April 5, 1752.
(V) John Coit, born June 4, 1741, married Feb.
6, 1766, Mehitabel Tyler, daughter of John Tyler, of
Preston, and passed his life there. Mr. Coit was
the owner of a large farm in Preston, and occupied
himself in its oversight. His death occurred March
3, 1808, and the death of his wife Jan. 3, 1806.
Their children were: Lydia, born Dec. 13, 1766;
Nathanael, May 5, 1768; Sarah, May 1, 1770; Olive,
Feb. 22, 1772; John, Dec. 20, 1773; Sophia, Oct.
14, 1775; James Tyler, Oct. 1, 1778; Rebecca, Feb.
2, 1783 ; and Roger, Jan. 25, 1786.
(VI) Nathanael Coit, born May 5, 1768, in
Preston, married (first) March 14, 1792, Betsey
Morgan, of that town, daughter of Daniel and Eliza-
beth (Lord) Morgan. Capt. Coit (by which title
he was known and which he acquired in military
service) settled in Preston as a farmer, in which
pursuit he was quite successful. A number of hon-
ors were bestowed upon him by his fellow towns-
men, who had great confidence in his judgment, in-
tegrity and faithfulness. His moral character was
beyond reproach, but not until late in life did he
make a profession of religion, then uniting with the
church in Jewett City. Capt. Coit died at that place,
which was formerly included in Preston, March 11,
1848.. His wife died March 13, 1831. Their chil-
dren were: Charles, born Feb. 19, 1793: Martha,
Dec. 12, 1795; Charlotte, Aug. 11, 1797; Olive, Oct.
130
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
12, 1799; Betsey, Jan. 10, 1802; a son, March 2,
1804 (died in infancy) ; Charlotte (2), Sept. 20,
1805 ; Hannah M., May 28, 1808; George, April 29,
181 1 ; and William.
(YII) Col. Charles Coit, born Feb. 19, 1793,
married (first) May 21, 1821, Lucretia Tyler,
daughter of Col. Moses and Olive (Coit) Tyler. She
died in 1822, and he married (second) Lydia Tyler,
a sister of his first wife. She died in October, 1834,
and he married (third) Sarah Perkins Grosvenor,
daughter of Gen. Lemuel Grosvenor, of Pomfret.
Col. Coit took part in the war of 1812, and after-
ward continued in the militia service, rising to the
rank of colonel of artillery. In about 18 17 he re-
moved to Norwich and engaged in mercantile busi-
ness, which, in various forms, particularly in the
grocery line, he carried on until his death, Oct. 26,
1855, when aged sixty-two years. Col. Coit united
with the Second Congregational Church in Norwich
in 1822 and for many years officiated as deacon and
as superintendent of the Sabbath school. In all the
relations of life he exhibited a character seldom
equalled for blamelessness and faithfulness. His
fellow citizens generally acknowledged him to be a
pillar in society, contributing essentially to the
strength and beauty thereof by his intelligence, dig-
nity, uprightness, sincerity, discretion and benevo-
lence. Two children were born to the second mar-
riage of Col. Coit, Lucretia and one unnamed, both
of whom died in infancy. Four children were born
to the last marriage, namely : Ellen Grosvenor, Nov.
15. 1835; Charles Morgan. March 28, 1838 (died
July 3, 1878) ; Sarah Perkins, Oct. 16, 1840 (died
May 17, 1843) ; and George Douglas, Jan. 2, 1845.
(VIII) Miss Ellen Grosvenor Coit resided at
Norwich until a few years ago, but she now spends
her winters in Brooklyn. N. Y.. and her summers at
her cottage at Eastern Point, town of Groton, Con-
necticut.
(VIII) Col. Charles Morgan Coit, son of Col.
Charles, was born in Norwich, March 28, 1838.
During his seventeenth year the death of his father
changed all his plans for life, and led him with deep
regret to exchange a college course for a business
situation. He first entered the Uncas Bank, but at
the age of twenty-one was made treasurer of the
Chelsea Savings Bank, which responsible position
he occupied at the breaking out of the war of the
Rebellion. Although ardently desirous of enlisting
under the first call for troops, the claims of his fam-
ily, of which he was the oldest male member, seemed
to render imperative for him the duty of remaining
at home. But as reverses occurred to our armies and
President Lincoln's second call for troops was made,
young Coit, after mature and prayerful deliberation,
decided that the claim of his country was paramount
to all others, and entered the service as adjutant of
the 8th Conn. V. I., then being organized under.
Col. Edward Harland. His military record in brief
is as follows: Enlisted Sept. 18, 1861, mustered
Oct. 5, 1861 ; promoted from adjutant of the 8th
Connecticut Volunteer Infantry to captain of Com-
pany B, of that regiment, March 2/, 1862; wounded
Oct. 28, 1864, at Fair Oaks, Ya. ; promoted lieuten-
ant-colonel by brevet March 13, 1865; discharged
May 2y, 1865. But to give more in detail the man-
euvers of the 8th Regiment and Col. Coit's identity
with it the following is appended, taken from a
sketch of Col. Coit in the chapter on the military
history of Connecticut published in the History of
New London County by Hurd :
"This regiment left the State Oct. 17, 1861,
joining the Burnside expedition to North Carolina,
and on the 8th of January following had its first ex-
perience of actual battle at the capture of Roanoke
Island, when by their coolness and good discipline
the men won the heart}' approval of Gens. Burnside
and Foster. From this time onward until the close
of the war the career of this gallant regiment was
one of unusual hardship and honor. Almost unin-
terruptedly in the front and in active service, its
engagements were many, its losses, both from the
casualties of the field and from the exposures inci-
dent to the service, terribly severe, and the record
always of work well and bravely done. After its
North Carolina campaign, in which the regiment
had borne a prominent part at the siege of Fort
Macon and the capture of Newbern, .and during
which Adjutant Coit had been promoted to a cap-
taincy, the 9th Army Corps, to which the regiment
was attached, was ordered north to join Gen. Mc-
Clellan, and participated in the fiercely contested
battles of South Mountain and Antietam. Espec-
ially in the latter action was the gallantry of the 8th
Regiment conspicuous and of the highest service to
its whole corps. Nine color-bearers were struck down,
yet another always stood ready to fill the vacant place
and uphold the fiag. The entire list of casualties in-
cluded more than one-half of those who entered the
battle. The regiment was in front of Burnside's ad-
vance with the Army of the Potomac, helping to
lay the pontoon bridge at Fredericksburg, and after
the battle serving on the picket line beyond the city,
and being among the last to recross the river. In
the spring of 1863 the 8th saw active service at the
siege of Suffolk and the brilliant storming of Fort
Huger. During the following fall and winter,
while the regiment was enjoying its longest experi-
ence of the comparative comfort of quiet camp life,
Capt. Coit was ordered to duty at the conscript camp
at New Haven, a service which, though in some re-
spects an exceedingly agreeable change from field
service, was in other respects most unpleasant and
difficult. Returning to the regiment before the
commencement of active operations in the spring of
1864, he was constantly on duty with his command
through the terrible campaign on the James, com-
mencing with the severe engagement at Walthall
Junction, in which the regiment lost seventy-four
men, and immediately followed by the four days'
battle at Drury's Bluff, with further heavy loss.
During the 'battle summer' that followed, in the ab-
c^<
Z>
■
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
131
sence of the field-officers, the regiment was com-
manded by Capt. Coit. Its history and his is a
record of marches and battles almost daily, until
the latter part of June, when it was ordered to the
front of the line investing Petersburg. From June
21 to Aug. 27, under the scorching summer sun,
the men lay in their rifle-pits, rarely by day or night,
beyond the range of the enemy's cannon. In one of
the regiment's charges on the enemy's works so gal-
lantly did the men do their work that their com-
mander, Gen. 'Baldy' Smith, said he 'felt like giving
a commission to the whole regiment that had done
that gallant deed.' The last severe fighting of the
regiment at Fort Harrison, Sept. 29, was another of
its most gallant achievements. Charging across
nearly a mile of open field, still commanded by Capt.
Coit, the men stormed the fort, driving the gunners
from their places and planting their flag on its ram-
parts. The regiment lay in the trenches about the
fort nearly a month, repulsing in the meantime all
the attempts of the enemy to regain their lost
ground. When at the end of the month the men
were relieved and assigned to lighter duty, the regi-
ment had become so reduced by the casualties of the
field, 'fatigue duty, watching, picketing, storms, and
lack of even shelter tents, which were not then al-
lowed at the front,' that but ninety muskets could
be mustered.
"Soon after the capture of Fort Harrison, Capt.
Coit was assigned to duty as assistant adjutant-gen-
eral on the brigade staff, and while here received a
commission as major of his regiment, which he de-
clined. He had been with his regiment in every
action in which it had taken part without receiving
a wound ; but Oct. 28, while on staff duty at Fair
Oaks, in one of the latest engagements of the army
before Richmond, he was wounded, it was supposed,
mortally. He was removed to Chesapeake Hospital,
Fortress Monroe, where he remained four months,
lying for many weeks with the scales trembling be-
tween life and death, suffering not only from his
wound but from the almost fatal effects of the se-
vere service of the past summer. But skillful treat-
ment and the tender care of loving friends, aided
by his naturally strong constitution and good habits,
were finally blessed to his recovery. As soon as
health would permit he returned to his regiment,
but the war being over, army life had no charms
for him, and he resigned May 30, 1865. He was
brevetted lieutenant-colonel from March 13, 1865.
''Soon after his return to Norwich from the war
Col. Coit was chosen to his former position as treas-
urer of the Chelsea Savings Bank, and filled the po-
sition with marked ability and to the entire satis-
faction of all interested. He served one term as
postmaster of Norwich. He was an aide on the
staff of Gen. Joseph R. Hawley, when that gentle-
man was governor of Connecticut. Col. Coit was
prominent among the founders and early supporters
of the local post of the G. A. R., and was a member
of the Boston Commandery of the Loyal Legion of
the United States.
"Col. Coit was a consistent and active member
of the Second Congregational Church, holding the
offices of deacon and treasurer of the Church, and
librarian of the Sunday school. Col. Coit lost his
life on July 3, 1878, by drowning in New London
harbor ; his little son had fallen overboard from a
yacht and in an effort of the father to rescue him, in
which he was successful, he lost his own life."
On June 18, 1872, Col. Coit was married to Miss
Mary B. Hillard, and to them came two children,
both of whom are living: Charles, born March 28,
1873, and Augustus, born April 29, 1876.
At a meeting of the directors of the Chelsea Sav-
ings Bank, held July 5, 1878, the following resolu-
tions were unanimously passed :
Resolved, That in the recent sudden death of Col.
Charles M. Coit, our secretary and treasurer, this bank has
suffered the greatest loss which it has1 ever been called upon
to bear. We have lost one who has been identified with the
bank for nearly twenty years, in whose sound judgment
and business capacity we have always had the greatest
confidence, one whose integrity, both in thought and deed,
was such that it seems impossible to replace him.
Resolved, That in Col. Coit's death this community
suffers a loss of one who, having passed his entire life
among them, except that portion given to his country, had
gained their confidence, respect, and love to a very unusual
degree. As a citizen, a patriot soldier, and a public officer,
he has always shown those qualities of mind and heart
which endeared him to all who were brought in contact
with him. Though cut off in his prime, the example of
such a life is of incalculable value to the community.
Early profess'ing his love for Christ, Col. Coit ex-
hibited through the pleasures of youth, the trials and
temptations of army life, and the cares of business, such
a sincere, unostentatious, but decided Christian spirit as
left no room for question or cavil. His unswerving
allegiance to his God controlled all his life, and has, we
believe, won for him at the judgment on high the same
verdict so heartily given by all who knew him here. — "Well
done, good and faithful servant."
Charles Coit, born at Norwich, March 28, 1873,
since his graduation from Yale College, in the class
of 1896, has been almost constantly engaged in rail-
roading. His first experience was in the general
offices of the New York Central & Hudson River
Railroad Company, in New York City. While there
he was offered a very promising position in the em-
ploy of the Honduras Syndicate, an organization of
New York Central capitalists who were building
and operating a railroad and other valuable conces-
sions in Honduras. Mr. Coit shared the novel ex-
perience of railroad builders in the tropics for be-
tween one and two years, until the Spanish war so
interfered with the business of the company as to
bring it to a practical standstill. He returned to this
country in the summer of 1898, and after a short
stay at his home entered the service of the Great
Northern Railway Company, by whom he has since
been employed in various capacities, at the general
offices at St. Paul, and in the division offices at
Everett, Spokane, Grand Forks, and elsewhere.
132
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
Augustus Coit. born at Norwich April 29, 1876,
was graduated in 1S97 with high honor from the
Sheffield Scientific School of Yale University, be-
ing elected to membership in the Sigma XI. He was
for a time in the superintendent's office of the Nor-
wich & Worcester division of the New York, New
Haven & Hartford railroad, at Norwich, and since
1899 has been connected with the Uncas National
Bank of Norwich, being now its assistant cashier.
George Douglas Coit, son of Col. Charles, and
brother of Col. Charles Morgan Coit, was born in
Norwich, Jan. 2, 1845. He was graduated from the
Sheffield Scientific School of Yale College in the
class of 1866. Entering the employ of the Norwich
Fire Insurance Company, he was made assistant
secretary, but on account of ill health was obliged
to resign his position early in 1868, and give up all
business for more than a year. In the fall of 1869
he was made treasurer of the Dime Savings Bank,
just organized, and which was eminently successful
under his management until July, 1878, their de-
posits being about one million and a quarter. At
this time, on the death of his brother. Col. Charles
M. Coit, he was chosen to succeed him as treasurer
of the Chelsea Savings Bank, which position he still
retains.
While public life has been distasteful to Mr.
Coit, and he has never held a political office, he has
been called to many positions of trust and responsi-
bility in financial, church and community affairs.
He has been connected as executor and trustee with
some of the largest estates which have been settled in
this probate district ; is a director in several manu-
facturing concerns ; and has been treasurer of vari-
ous organizations, including the Otis Library, City
Missionary Society, Young Men's Christian Asso-
ciation, and of the Chapel and other associations at
Eastern Point, his summer home. For many years,
until obliged by ill health to give up his work, he
was very active in church and Sunday school, hav-
ing at one time or another filled all the various of-
fices of the church. Ecclesiastical Society and Sun-
day school of the Second Congregational Church.
It is somewhat remarkable that for more than forty-
five years the superintendency of this school was
held practically continuously by three members
of this family. Deacon Charles Coit was elected
Aug. 1, 1 84 1. and was succeeded on his death, in
1855. by his brother. Deacon George Coit, who, ob-
liged by failing health to retire in 1872. was in turn
succeeded by his nephew. George D. Coit, who, ex-
cepting for an interval of less than two years, held
the office until 1889, when he also was obliged by ill
health to decline a re-election.
In 1870 Mr. Coit was married to Frances Hen-
rietta, daughter of Prof. James D. Dana, of Yale
University. They have had four children : George
Grosvenor, born Sept. 29, 1873, died Oct. 4, 1885;
a son, born Nov. 4, 1875, died Nov. 7. 1875; Helen
Grosvenor. born Feb. 9. 1879. died Jan. 2J, 1880;
and James Dana, born Dec. 5, 1880.
James Daxa Coit was prepared for college at
Holbrook's Military Academy, at Sing Sing on the
Hudson, and entered the Sheffield Scientific School
of Yale University in 1900, but in his second year
was obliged to give up his studies on account of his
eyes. He has since resided in Norwich, and is at
present a clerk in the Merchants' National Bank.
Deacox George Coit, who passed away at his
home in Norwich May 6, 1879, aged sixty-eight
years, was throughout his exemplary life one of the
most esteemed citizens of that community. Mr. Coit
was born April 29, 181 1, at Griswold, Conn., son of
Nathaniel and Betsey (Morgan) Coit, who had a
family of ten children. The father owned a large
farm, where George passed his boyhood, meantime
receiving the advantages the local schools afforded,
and finishing at Plainfield Academy, a well-known
institution of learning. His school days over Mr.
Coit came to Norwich, and there passed the remain-
der of what proved to be an eminently useful career.
He entered business life as a clerk in the store of
his brother, Col. Charles Coit. and was afterward in
partnership with him. For some time he was en-
gaged in the steamboat business with Capt. William
W. Coit, and subsequently, for many years, carried
on a lumber business on Central Wharf, leaving
same in 1862, at which time he took an interest in
the rolling-mill of Messrs. Mitchell Bros. & Co. In
1874 he retired from all active business, because of
a nervous affection of the right hand — the beginning
of the infirmity which caused his death, and which
toward the last caused him much suffering.
As a business man. as a patriotic citizen, in re-
ligious and social circles, everywhere, in fact, that
his name was known, Mr. Coit commanded the high-
est respect. He was scrupulously honest, prompt in
the settlement of every obligation, and invariably
courteous to his associates in whatever walk of life.
And, as he prospered, he gave others the benefits of
his industry and good management, giving liberally
and gladly to those less fortunate than himself, and
making no display in the distribution of his charities.
He was the champion of every good cause, and was
one of the early advocates of temperance and the
anti-slaverv movements, at a time when such alle-
giance called forth ridicule and scorn. However, it
was his high Christian character and activity in re-
ligious circles that made Mr. Coit best known and
beloved. He lived up to the tenets of his faith in
his daily walk through life. "He was singularly
pure and upright in all his walk and conversation,
his sympathies ever ready to be enlisted in even-
good cause, while the refinement and geniality of his
nature always awakened confidence and affection in
return.''
In 183 1 Mr. Coit joined the Second Congrega-
tional Church of Norwich, in which he retained
membership to the time of his decease, active in all
the work of the congregation, and holding various
official positions. In 1858 he was elected deacon,
and continued to hold that office until 1876, when
Jy ^^OchX
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
133
failing health made it necessary for him to decline
re-election. But his special interest was in the Sun-
day school, for he was a lover of little children. In
1855, on the death of his brother Charles, he suc-
ceeded him as superintendent of the Sunday school,
and was actively engaged as such for a period of
seventeen years, until 1872, when the state of his
health obliged him to relinquish the work. But he
was annually honored with re-election until his
death, an assistant relieving him of the responsibil-
ity. He always tried to keep in close touch with the
Sunday school pupils, making himself personally
acquainted with each and every one, looking after
the sick and needy, and endeavoring by his own life
to teach the beauty and truth of the religion he pro-
fessed.
On April 23, 1835, Mr. Coit married (first)
Elizabeth Bull, who died the following year. On
Aug. 27, 1838, he married (second) Mary Bull,
sister of his first wife, who, although for many years
in delicate health, lived until May 1, 1858. On Dec.
20, i860, he was married (third) to Mary H. Belden,
who survived him fourteen years, dying May 17,
1893, at her house in Norwich, aged seventy. While
modest and unassuming to a marked degree, Mrs.
Coit's life was one of constant usefulness and help
to others. Through the church and Sunday school,
to which both she and her husband were devotedly
attached, the United Workers, the City Charitable
Organization, of which she was an officer and faith-
ful worker, and in the more personal ministries of
her private life, she served the Master whose name
she professed with a charity so generous, a sym-
pathy so tender, and a friendship so strong and true,
that to an unusual extent the community at large uni-
ted with the smaller circles of her intimate relatives
and friends to mourn her death as a public loss and
to call her memory blessed.
BREWER. The Brewers have long been prom-
inent and influential at Norwich. Reference is made
to the late Lyman Brewer, his children and grand-
children. Members of this family have been allied
by marriage to the first families, both as to time and
position, of the ancient and historic Norwich. It is
here the purpose to refer briefly to the posterity and
lineage of the Lyman Brewer family and especially
to Lyman Brewer, his son, Charles, and the latter's
son, Arthur H. Brewer, men prominent in the social,
religious, financial and mercantile life of the city for
nearly a century, and the latter at this time one of
the city's most prominent and influential citizens.
From Daniel Brewer, the immigrant New Eng-
land ancestor of the family under consideration, the
lineage of Arthur H. Brewer is through Daniel (2),
Rev. Daniel, Isaac, Lieut. Isaac, Lyman and Charles
Brewei .
(I) Daniel Brewer, husbandman, came from
England to Boston, in the ship "Lion," in 1632, and
settled at Roxbury. He was made a freeman May
14, 1634. His wife was Joanna, and their children
(as mentioned in his will) were : Daniel, Nathaniel,
Ann, Joanna and Sarah. The father died March 28,
1646, and his widow, Joanna, died Feb. 7, 1688, aged
eighty-seven years.
(II) Daniel Brewer (2), born in 1624, married
Nov. 5, 1652, Hannah Morrill, daughter of Isaac,
and lived at Roxbury. He died in 1708. His
widow, Hannah died in 1717. His children were:
Hannah, born July 5, 1665; Daniel, born Feb. 7,
1669 ; and perhaps others.
(III) Rev. Daniel Brewer, born Feb. 7, 1669, in
Roxbury, Mass., married Catherine Chauncey,
daughter of Rev. Nathaniel Chauncey, and their
children were : Catherine, Eunice, Isaac and prob-
ably others. Mr. Brewer was graduated from Har-
vard College in 1687. On May 16, 1694, he was or-
dained a minister, and settled at Springfield, Mass.
He died Nov. 5, 1733.
(IV) Isaac Brewer, born in November, 1713, in
Springfield, Mass., settled in W Abraham, Mass. He
married (first) in April, 1736, Mary Bliss, born
March 14, 1716, daughter of Ebenezer Bliss, of Wil-
braham. She died in 1759, and he married (sec-
ond) in that same year, Widow Stebbens. Mr.
Brewer was a farmer in Wilbraham, where he died
in May, 1788.
(V) Lieut. Isaac Brewer, born in August, 1742,
in Wilbraham, married in 1769, Sybil Miller, of
Ludlow, Mass., and lived in the latter town where
he died in July, 1788. He was a large land holder in
Ludlow. His wife died in July, 1834. Their chil-
dren were : Daniel ; Catherine ; Betsey : Chauncey ;
Abigail ; Isaac, born Sept. 5, 1784 ; and Lyman, born
in 1786.
(VI) Lyman Brewer, born in 1786, married
Harriet Tyler, daughter of Rev. John and Hannah
(Tracy) Tyler, of Norwich. Eleven children were
born of this marriage. Mr. Brewer settled in Nor-
wich, Conn., where in early life he was engaged in
mercantile business for a few years, and when the
Thames National Bank was organized, in 1825, he
became its first cashier, and served for over thirty
years, until his death, which occurred June 19. 1857.
He was one of the founders of that bank, and also
one of the founders of the Norwich Savings So-
ciety. He left behind him a name for honesty and
benevolence. His residence, what is known as
the "old Brewer house," at No. 92 Washington
street, is now occupied by his daughter. Miss Louisa
J. Brewer, the only survivor in Norwich of his
eleven children. This house, now over a hundred
years old, has been occupied by members of the
family for about ninety-three years. Harriet
(Tyler), his widow, died Nov. 3, 1880, aged ninety
years and eleven months. The family went forth
into the country, and everywhere they settled be-
came excellent citizens.
(VII) Charles H. Brewer, born Aug. 9, 1824,
in Norwich, Conn., married in 1847, Martha L. Wit-
ter, born in 1828. She died Dec. 9, 1873 ; Mr.
Brewer died Jan. 10, 1891. Their children were:
134
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
Arthur H., born in 1848; Frank C, born in 1856, is
comptroller of Provident Institute for Savings, of
Boston, Mass., an institution with deposits of over
$44,000,000 ; Annie Louise, born in 1858, is the
wife of "Walter Wellington, a wholesale dry goods
merchant of Brooklyn, N. Y. ; and Kate Tyler, born
in i860, is the wife of Robert DuBois, who is also
engaged in the wholesale dry goods business, and
resides in Brooklyn, New York.
Charles H. Brewer passed little of his career in
his native city. For about a dozen years he lived at
San Mateo, Cal., where he was associated with his
brother. Rev. Alfred L. Brewer, D. D., in conduct-
ing a military school. In November, 1890, he left
his home in Norwich for California to look after
some real estate there. He was attacked with heart
failure, dying suddenly in San Francisco, Jan. 10,
1891. His remains were brought to Norwich, and
interred in the Yantic cemetery. He was a man of
high character and spotless integrity, always agree-
able and kind.
Arthur H. Brewer, son of Charles H., was
born May 17, 1848, in Norwich, and received his
education in Boston, where he remained until enter-
ing the employ of the late Edward Chappell, some
years later acquiring a one-third interest in the busi-
ness (the other was held by Enoch F. Chapman).
Upon the decease of Mr. Chappell, the business re-
verted to the remaining partners, and after the death
of Mr. Chapman in January, 1898, Mr. Brewer, be-
came the sole owner. Since 1898, the firm has been
The Edward Chappell Company. The concern
handles coal and lumber, and is one of the largest,
and, perhaps, the oldest, in its line in eastern Con-
necticut. It is one of the best mercantile establish-
ments in the city. Mr. Brewer is a stanch Republi-
can, but never would accept office and has declined
many. He was a delegate-at-large from Connecti-
cut to the Republican convention in 1896, which
placed the late President McKinley in nomination.
To enumerate all the institutions, Mr. Brewer is,
and has been, connected with, would require con-
siderable space ; a few, however, are given. He is
president of the Hopkins & Allen Arms Company ;
president of the Falls Company ; president of the
Ashland Cotton Co., at Jewett City ; one of the vice-
presidents of the Norwich Savings Society ; director
in the Thames National Bank ; ex-president of the
Board of Trade ; secretary and treasurer of the
Uncas Hall Company ; and vice-president of the
Norwich Club. Mr. Brewer is a member of the
Arcanum Club, and was one of the prime movers in
its reorganization. He is trustee of the Norwich
Free Academy ; Mr. Brewer is a member of the
Society of Colonial Wars in Connecticut ; was vice-
president of the Ponemah Mills Company, for sev-
eral years, and when Mr. William A. Slater, the
president, made his trip around the world, Mr.
J hewer was the acting president. He is a director
of the Eliza Huntington Memorial Home, of the
Norwich Gas & Electric Company, the Crescent Fire
Arms Company, the Norwich Water Power Com-
pany, the Uncas P'aper Company, the Bard Union
Company, and sundry other corporations. He is
one of the most prominent members of the Ma-
sonic fraternity in the State, a member of Somer-
set Lodge, No. 34, A. F. & A. M. ; Franklin Chap-
ter, No. 4, R. A. M. ; Franklin Council, No. 3, R.
& S. M. ; Columbia Commandery, No. 4. Knights
Templar ; and Sphinx Temple, Mystic Shrine, at
Hartford. In Scottish Rite Masonry he has been
equally as proficient : Member of King Solomon
Grand Lodge of Perfection, of which he is one of
the trustees : Van Rensselaer Council, of Princes of
Jerusalem ; Norwich Sovereign Chapter of Rose
Croix, Connecticut Sovereign Consistory. On Sept.
14. 1886, he was made a member of the Supreme
Council of Sovereign Grand Inspectors, General of
the Thirty-third and Last Degree for the Northern
Masonic Jurisdiction. In the Council of Delibera-
tion he is Grand Master of Ceremonies. He is
president of the Masonic Temple Corporation, and
holds honorary membership in St. James Lodge, the
only Mason holding membership in both lodges.
On Aug. 4, 1873, Mr. Brewer was united in
marriage to Miss Mary P. Young, born Oct. 26,.
1847, a native of Norwich, daughter of Caius C. and
Mary G. (Phipps) Young. Their children are:
(i) Martha W., born Dec. 7, 1876, was married
Nov. 2. 1898, to William A. Norton, who is secre-
tary of the Edward Chappell Company. Their chil-
dren are Arthur Brewer (born June 9, 1899), Elea-
nor Plant (June 4, 1900), and Louise Tyler (July.
6, 1902). (2) Annie H., born Oct. 10, 1878, was
married Nov. 26, 1901. to Willis Austin, of Nor-
wich, and has one child, Willis Phipps, born Oct.
21, 1903. (3) Mary Goffe, born April 12, 1882,
was married to Lucius Briggs, of Norwich, and they
have one son, Lucius Goffe. Mrs. Brewer died
quite suddenly Feb. 22, 1903. She was a woman of
fine personal qualities, a devoted, loving, and kind
wife and mother, and was greatly admired and re-
spected for her generous hospitality and extensive
charities. She was a member of Christ Episcopal
Church. A memorial has recently been placed in
the chancel of the church.
Witter. Mr. Arthur H. Brewer's maternal
lineage from his first American ancestor, Ebenezer
Witter, follow- :
(I) Deacon Ebenezer Witter, born in 1668, in
Scotland, came to America, and settled in Preston,
Conn. He died in 1712, aged forty-four years. His
widow, Dorothy, died in 1750. aged eighty-four
years. Their children were Joseph. Ebenezer, Will-
iam and four daughters.
(II) Ebenezer Witter (2), born in 1699. mar-
ried in 1729, Elizabeth Brown, born in 1708. and
resided in Preston. Six of their fifteen children were
sons, namely: Nathan, Jacob, Jonah, Josiah, John
and Asa.
(III) Nathan Witter, born in 1731. married
Keziah Lranch. of Boston, and settled in Brooklyn,
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
U35
Conn. Their children were thirteen in number, the
sons being : Jacob, Josiah and Ebenezer.
(IV) Jacob Witter resided in Brooklyn, Conn.
His children were : Sophia, John, Amos, Eunice,
Asa, Lana, Lucas, Fanny and Iris.
(V) John Witter, born in 1785, married Eliza
Buckley, and resided in Plainfield, Conn. He was a
professor at Yale University, and later principal of
the academy at Plainfield. Their children were:
Mary A., born in 1821 ; Martha L., born in 1828;
and Henry M., born in 1830.
(VI) Martha L. Witter married Charles H.
Brewer.
Tyler. Through his grandmother, Harriet
(Tyler) Brewer, and great-grandmother, Hannah
(Tracy) Tyler, Mr. Arthur H. Brewer descends
from Rev. John Tyler (Yale, 1765), the first rector
of Christ Episcopal Church, Norwich, which he
served for fifty-four years, and from Lieut. Thomas
Tracy, of Tewksbury, England, and America, whose
lineage is traced back to several of the Anglo-Saxon
kings of England, to Egbert, the first Saxon King
of all England, who was eleventh in descent from
Cerdic, the Saxon who founded the West Saxon
Kingdom of the heptarchy at the commencement of
the Sixth Century. Mr. Brewer also descends from
Col. Thomas Leffingwell, one of the original settlers
of Norwich, Conn., who was a large land owner
of that section.
ELIAS HILLARD BECKWITH (deceased)
was for many years one of the most highly respected
citizens of Norwich, where a long and useful life
was spent. Mr. Beckwith was born in Norwich,
June 23, 1822, a son of Israel and Eunice (Hillard)
Beckwith. His early life was passed in Chesterfield
and Colchester, and his education acquired in the
district schools and at the famous Bacon Academy
at Colchester, which was the Alma Mater of many
of the leading citizens of that section of the State.
In young manhood he became a book canvasser, and
traveled by team all through New York and Ohio,
gaining much experience of men and things, and at
the same time making a success of his business.
Through life he possessed the same pleasant, en-
gaging manner, which served him so well when dis-
posing of his literary wares at the beginning of his
business career. Upon his return to Connecticut he
became associated with his father in a factory store
at East Lyme, and was located there for a number of
years, then removing to Colchester, where he mar-
ried. He located at Norwich, in 1863, at which time
he entered upon his duties as jailor at the Norwich
jail. This appointment came from Sheriff Richard
A. Wheeler, with whom he remained until the ex-
piration of Mr. Wheeler's term of office. When a
change of sheriffs took place, and Sheriff Orlando
Raymond entered into office, Nathan Bates was
made jailor, but when Mr. Bates succeeded Mr.
Raymond as sheriff, he appointed Mr. Beckwith as
his jailor, although they were of different political
parties. This position Air. Beckwith most efficiently
filled continuously until 1884, when he resigned,
after having been jailor of Norwich jail for a
period of twenty years. He left the office without a
stain upon his record, having been under all trying
circumstances an official of uncorruptible integrity.
In the intervening time between his two terms
of office, Mr. Beckwith had engaged in a successful
grocery business, being associated with Thomas L.
Reynolds, under the firm name of Beckwith & Rey-
nolds. After resigning from the arduous duties at
the jail, he embarked in the real estate business in
partnership with Charles F. Setchell, and the firm
was known as Beckwith & Setchell, a business as-
sociation which lasted until Mr. Setchell removed to
Colorado, where he is now located. Mr. Beckwith
continued in the real estate business during the re-
mainder of his life, in which line he was remarkably
successful. He possessed that keen, business ability
and foresight which enabled him to judge accurately
the safety of investments and their earning power.
He became a heavy owner of land on West Thames
street, and laid out Cahoon street, Kinney avenue
and Newcomb street, and there he displayed great
public spirit in making the locality attractive, and
much is due to his enterprise in that direction. In
1896 he erected his own handsome residence at No.
no West Thames street, which is yet the home of
his widow.
Mr. Beckwith was one of the best known men
in the count}', and few of the old residents were
strangers to him. He handled in a business way
many of the farms of New London county, and he
was regarded as such an excellent authority on
values that his advice wras often sought by both
buyers and sellers. He possessed an infinite amount
of information on all subjects, and was a most enter-
taining talker. Had Mr. Beckwith been given the
advantages which are offered the young men of to-
day, he had the natural ability to have become prom-
inent in the professions. His personal appearance also
commanded attention, he being of large frame and
well-proportioned, while his friendly manner made
it a pleasure to know him. After being in declining
health for several years, he passed away at his home
in Norwich, Dec. 20, 1898, leaving a bereaved
widow and one son, together with a very wide
circle of friends.
In his political views, Mr. Beckwith was a Re-
publican, but he never sought rewards at the hands
of his party. For many years he was a member of
Somerset Lodge. No. 34, F. & A. M., and of Frank-
lin Chapter, R. A. M. He was an active member
of Central Baptist Church, and when the present
building was erected he served on the building com-
mittee, and was a most liberal contributor to relig-
ious purposes.
On June 4, 1862, Mr. Beckwith was united in
marriage with Miss Margaret J. Davis, born in
Preston, Conn., daughter of Joseph and Watie
(Crandall) Davis, mention of whom will be found
136
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
elsewhere. The one son born to this union, Will-
iam W., born June 23, 1863, was given an excellent
business education, and married Lillian W. Sears,
by whom he has one son, Myron Hillard. William
W. Beckwith is engaged in business as a traveling
salesman, but his home is located in Norwich.
Mrs. Beckwith enjoys the esteem of a large circle
of congenial friends in Norwich. She is a lady of
education and business ability, and was on many
occasions a counselor whose advice was valued by
her husband, and to which he attributed a consid-
erable portion of his success. For twenty years
prior to her marriage, she engaged in teaching
school in the towns of Preston, North Stonington,
and for the last seven years, was located at Jewett
City. Mrs. Beckwith is a member of the Central
Baptist Church. Through her grandfather, Shora
Davis, who was a Revolutionary soldier, she is elig-
ible to membership in the D. A. R.
CAPT. GEORGE GREENE BENJAMIN (de-
ceased), one of the best known citizens of his town,
and one whose death caused a wide-spread feeling
of sorrow, was descended from an old New England
family.
Major Asa Benjamin, grandfather of Capt.
George Greene, was a native of Connecticut, where
he followed his trade of harness maker and saddler.
He served as a soldier in the war of the Revolution.
He left one son, Ephraim.
Captain Ephraim Benjamin resided in the town
of Preston, where he was engaged in farming. Po-
litically he was a Democrat, and was prominent in
public affairs, holding a number of offices. He was
a captain of the State Militia, and was widely known
and as widely respected. In his young manhood he
married Sarah Greene, daughter of Peter and Sarah
Greene, of East Greenwich, R. I. His death oc-
curred in 1859 or i860, when he was aged seventy-
three years, and his wife survived him till 1876,
when she passed away, aged eighty-two years ; both
were buried in the cemetery at Long Society. They
were the parents of eight children. (1) George
Greene was the first born. (2) Harriet married
George Palmer, a farmer of Griswold, and died
there. She had three children : George B., of Gris-
wold ; Eunice M., deceased ; William D., in Meri-
den, Conn., president of Brown & Dowd Company,
manufacturers. (3) Charles was the captain of a
whaling vessel, and was drowned in the harbor at
New Bedford, Mass. (4) William, who was also
the captain of a whaling vessel, married Cynthia
Palmer, and resided in Mystic, Conn., where he died
leaving two sons : William, deceased ; Charles, of
Mystic. (5) Sarah is the widow of Reuben Heath,
and resides in Mystic. She has two children :
Charles R., of Mystic; and Bessie, the wife of Her-
bert Wolf, of Mystic. (6) Asa, who was in the
whaling trade, died very suddenly in Norwich, un-
married. (7) Mary married George Washington
Crandall, a well known business man, and died in
New London, where they resided. Their children
were : Frank A., of Yonkefs, N. Y. ; and Minnie,
the wife of J. Paul Les Strade, of Providence, R.
I. (8) Edwin married Phrozenia Barnes and re-
sides on the home farm in Preston. They have had
three children : Mary, who died aged nineteen
years; Frederick E., of Preston; and Grace S., a
school teacher.
Captain George G. Benjamin, the immediate
subject of this sketch, was born in the town of Pres-
ton, Feb. 11, 1813, and remained on the home farm
until he was seventeen years of age, his educational
advantages being limited to the schools of his na-
tive town. From boyhood he cherished the idea of
going to sea, and as soon as he was old enough
presented himself to Major Thomas W. Williams,
of New London, who immediately employed him,
and sent him out as a common sailor before the mast,
in his ship "Connecticut," Capt. Robert Tate in com-
mand. This first voyage was a whaling expedition
to the South Seas, and Mr. Benjamin was gone ten
months. He made six different voyages to the
South Seas, and elsewhere, before he himself was
made captain of a vessel named "Clematis," owned
by Williams & Barnes ; in this he made two voyages,
both successful, but the first voyage in "Clematis"
was the one of his whole career, which per-
haps merits special notice. The "Clematis," fitted
out by Williams & Barnes, arrived July 4, 1841,
after a voyage around the world of ten months and
twenty-nine days, and brought home two thousand,
five hundred and forty-eight barrels of oil. This
voyage, when the time, the distance sailed, and the
quantity of . oil brought home are considered in
connection, deserves to be ranked among remark-
able achievements.
In no associated line of business were the profits
more equitably divided among those engaged in it
than in the whale fishery. The owners, agents, of-
ficers and crew were all partners in the voyage, and
each had his proportionate share of the results. It
operated, therefore, to enlarge the means and multi-
ply the comforts of the many, as well as to add to
the wealth of the few. The old West India trade,
which preceded it, was destructive in a remarkable
degree to human life and health, besides engender-
ing habits of dissipation, turbulence, and reckless
extravagance. The whaling business was a great
advance upon this, not only as regards life, but in its
relation to order, happiness and morality, and the
mass of the people, the public as well, certainly
gained by the exchange.
Captain Benjamin made two voyages in the ship
"Lowell," owned by Messrs. Williams & Barnes, and
then was given his third ship, the "Montezuma."
Besides visiting the South Seas very frequently, he
circumnavigated the globe seven times, and visited
nearly all the important islands. He commanded
different vessels for sixteen years, working in all
more than twenty-three years as a whaler, until 1854,
when he settled in Preston, in that part of the town
\
:^^^._- tf S^,t/r<
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
137
known as Poquetanuck, and there lived retired until
his death. He suffered a decline of health for many
years, and the death of his wife was a severe blow
from which he never recovered ; it undoubtedly has-
tened his own death, which occurred March 27,
1893. He was buried in the family lot at Poque-
tanuck. where rest the remains of his wife and
daughter.
The narrative of such lives should not end with
the mere mention of their termination by death.
Men like Captain Benjamin leave an influence which
survives them, as the roseate hues of a glowing sun-
set linger long after the sun has sunk to rest. Faith-
ful in every relation of life, the architect of his own
career, he left to his family a handsome competence,
bequeathing to them at the same time a legacy of
far greater worth — a name unsullied and a reputa-
tion without a blot.
Captain Benjamin in his political principles was
a Democrat, as were his ancestors. In 1856 he was
elected to the Legislature by both parties, only one
vote being cast against him. He also held at various
times the other principal offices of the town. The
captain was a liberal supporter of the Episcopal
Church, of which his daughter is a member, al-
though his wife belonged to the Baptist denomina-
tion.
On March 29, 1843, Capt. Benjamin married
Elizabeth M., daughter of Henry C. and Sarah
(Chapman) Avery, who was born in Preston, June
22, 18 17, and passed away Dec. 11, 1886. Two
daughters were born to them, of whom Hen-
rietta A., the elder, died in 1864, aged fifteen years.
Amanda W. was born June 28, 1855. and became
the wife of Henry A. Spalding, who was born Sept.
I. 1850, in Brooklyn, Conn., and spent his boyhood
days in Jewett City. He was in poor health for
many years and died July 9, 1900. His widow re-
sides at Xo. no Washington street, Norwich. Mrs.
Spalding is eligible to the Society of Colonial Dames
and to the Daughters of the American Revolution,
but has never cared to present her claims to mem-
bership in either.
Capt. Benjamin was a genial, free-hearted man
and was greatly esteemed, was a fine looking man,
nearly six feet tall, well proportioned, of great physi-
cal strength and of commanding presence, while his
kindly face was a truthful index to his genial free
hearted nature. The loss of few men would have
been felt so widely or have touched men so deeply.
SPICER. The family of Spicer, most worth-
ily represented in the town of Preston, New London
county, by James C. Spicer, and in the town of Gro-
ton. same county, by John O. Spicer, has long been
known in Connecticut. Members of it have taken
active part in historic events of the State and Na-
tion, and all have been honorable, upright citizens.
The first of whom there is any definite data was one
(I) Peter Spicer, whose son (II) Edward became
the father of a son (III) John.
(III) John Spicer grew to manhood and married
Mary Geer, and of his children there is record of
two sons, Edward and John (2).
(IV) John Spicer (2), son of John and Mary
(Geer) Spicer, was born in Groton, Conn., Feb. 17,
1724. He died in the same place June 28, 1769, of a
strange disorder of his throat, which, according to
tradition, grew together so that it was impossible
for him to eat. By his will, which was probated at
Stonington, Conn., he left quite a goodly estate to
his sons and daughters. On Oct. 25, 1744, he mar-
ried, in Groton, Mercy Chapman, who was born Oct.
13, 1723, daughter of William and Mary (Stoddard)
Chapman ; she died in Pittstown, N. Y., Sept. 21,
1812, at the home of her son Cyrus, and at that time
was the widow of Daniel Ellis. The nine children
of John and Mercy (Chapman) Spicer were all born
in Groton, and were as follows: (1) Mercy, born
Aug. 4, 1745, died Aug. 7, 1745. (2) Mary, born
Jan. 28, 1747, died Jan. 10, 1750. (3) John, born
April 20, 1749, died Oct. 8, 1826, in Groton. He
married, Dec. 29, 1774, in Groton, Mary Parke,
daughter of James Parke, born Dec. 1, 1756, died
July 19, 1839, in Ledyard. John Spicer served in
the Revolutionary war, in 1775, as a corporal in a
company under Capt. Abel Spicer, regiment com-
manded by Col. S. H. Parsons, and participated in
the battle of Bunker Hill, and he was also in the
siege of Boston. In 1776 he served as sergeant under
Col. Smith, in Capt. Oliver Spicer's regiment, in the
campaign about New York. To John and Mary
(Parke) Spicer were born, all at Groton, children
as follows: (a) Mary, born Nov. 24, 1775, died
June 16, 1866, in Ledyard Union, (b) Hannah, born
in December, 1777, married a Brumley, had a son
John, and died in Greeneville in 1841. (c) James,
born Nov. 30, 1779, married (first) Lydia Pride
(daughter of William and Abigail (Stoddard)
Pride), who died Jan. 3, 1812, and (second) Eunice
Pride (sister to his first wife), and he died April
22, 1867, the father of the following children:
William (born Feb. 9, 1803, married Polly Part-
ridge, and died Sept. 19, 1869), John Grant (born
Nov. 26, 1804, married Feb. 26, 1834, Mrs. Clarissa
(Kimball) Stoddard, daughter of William and Bet-
sey (Harvey) Kimball, and died Aug. 2J, 1882),
Herbert Pride (born Nov. 17, 1806, married, Feb.
7, 1836, Hannah Spicer, born Oct. 12, 1804. daugh-
ter of Abel and Sarah (Park) Spicer, died Sept. 12,
1859, ancl ne died July 12, 1886), Lydia (born July
21, 1809, married March 29, 185 1, Ira Judd. and
died March 25, 1879), Mary (born Nov. 21, 181 1,
married Feb. 12, 1832, Francis Averill of Jewett
City, and died May n, 1895). Abigail (born in
1813, married, Jan. 29, 1854, Jacob Maclin), Sarah
(born in 1814, married Nov. 29, 1838, Butler Benja-
min, and died Aug. 3. 1898), James (born June 25,
181 7. married Oct. 8. 1848, Susan Ann Griswold,
daughter of Samuel and Hannah (Darrow) Gris-
wold, was a prosperous farmer, and died Sept. 29,
1878), and Charles (born Jan. 31, 1820. married,
138
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
Aug. 19, 1844, Lucy Dennis, daughter of James Den-
nis, of Griswold, \vhere she died Feb. 24, 1862, and
he died April 9, 1882). (d) Eunice, born Feb. 26,
1782, married Palmer Stanton, (e) Clarissa, born
Dec. 30, 1785. married, May 24, 1807, Randall
Stanton, son of Rev. Robert and Elizabeth (Palmer)
Stanton, the former a Baptist minister. She died at
Belchertown, Mass., Dec. 12, 1822, the mother of
children as follows: Randall (born July 21, 1808,
married Lucy Hamiten or Hamilton). Mary Eliza
(born June 8, 1810, married Cyrus Williams, of
Lebanon, and died in Iowa April 25, 1891), James
Park (died unmarried), John Whitman (born Aug.
30, 18 14, married (first) Betsey Kimball, (second)
Caroline D. Hinckley, has a son William, and resides
in Hinckley, X. Y.), Rev. Robert Palmer (born
Jan. 20, 18 1 8, married, Jan. 17, 1848, Harriet Jones,
has two children, and is a Baptist minister), Clar-
issa Alvira (born April 20, 1820, married William
Henry Palmer, and died April 17, ), and
Charles Bromley (born Aug. 10, 1821, died May 5,
1826). (4) Cyrus, born March 13, 1750, died Feb.
1, 1826, in Pittstown, X. Y. He married, July 28,
1771, in Groton, Mary Eddy, born Dec. 16, 1750,
daughter of Constant and Mary (Winslow) Eddy;
she died in Pittstown, X. Y., July 31, 1828, the
mother of seven children born in Groton, and of one
born in Pittstown. They resided in Groton until
1788, when they removed to Pittstown. Cyrus
Spicer was a prosperous man and his descendants
have all been successful. (5) Molly was born Jan.
27, 1753. (6) Keziah was born March 13, 1755.
(7) Solomon, born Oct. 6, 1757, died Oct. 11, 1757.
(8) Abel, born June 1, 1760, died in Preston,
Conn., July 7, 1849. He was married three times,
first, Nov. 13, 1788, in Groton, to Sarah Park, born
May 23, 1769, daughter of Abijah and Elizabeth
(Morse) Park; she died in Preston July 27, 1815.
He married, second, Elizabeth Morse, born May 15,
1776, died July 27, 1817; his third marriage, which
occurred on March 18, 18 18, was to Sarah Rose,
born Jan. 28. 1777. daughter of Peleg and Mary
(Spicer) Rose; she died May 5, 1874. He learned
the trade of blacksmith, but never followed it, as he
preferred school teaching, and after his marriage he
purchased a farm in Preston. At the age of sixteen
he was drafted in the army for the war of the
Revolution, and served in Rhode Island, and after
that was a volunteer on the Continental frigate
"Confederacy." In 1780 he went with Capt. Hunt-
ington's Company to Danbury, Conn., and from
there formed part of the Ninth Regiment, com-
manded by Col. Huntington, of Norwich, which was
stationed near the place where Major Andre was
hung. He, with others, was sent to West Fbint
to assist in drawing in the chain which had been
stretched across the Xorth river to keep out the
British. By his first wife he had children as fol-
lows: (a") Sarah, born Oct. 18, 1789, married, on
Dec. i, 1814. Cyrus Newton, of Preston, Conn., son
of Abel and Sylvia Xewton, and died Aug. 25, 1861,
in Des Moines, Iowa, the mother of the following
children: Abel (of Wilkes Block, Louisville, Ky.,
who married in Kentucky, and has two sons, Thomas
and Clarence, the latter of Butte, Mont.). Dwight
(who married at Medina, Ohio, and has six chil-
dren, Dexter, Curtis, Jennie, Orlando of Oakville,
Wash., Cornelia and Grace), Sophia (who resides
at Des Moines, Iowa, the wife of Curtis Bates) ,
Lucy (who married Ruel W. Mills, and resides at
Sharon, Medina Co., Ohio), Orinda (who married
Augustus Griswold, and resides at Robinson, 111.)
and John (who married Emma Xewton McCracken,
of Rush county, Kans.). (b) Peter, born Dec. 7,
1791, married, Oct. 15, 1815, Mary Park, daugh-
ter of Simeon and Annie (Button) Park," and died
June 24, 1861, in Westminster, Conn. His children
were: Mary (born Sept. 29, 1816, died Jan. 2. 1832,
leaving a son. George, residing in Connecticut),
Sarah Maria (born May 18, 1819, at Westminster,
married Thomas Palmer, and they had a son. Vir-
gil), Abigail (born May 29. 1822, married James D.
Ransom, had a daughter, Mrs. William Imes, of
Westminster, Conn., and died Sept. 7, 1877), Har-
riet Persis (born Aug. 1, 1824, married Orrin V.
Franklin, and resides at Westminster), Flora Mar-
cella (born Sept. 23, 1828, died Oct. 19, 1831), Mar-
cellus (born May 16, 1832, resides at Westminster),
Lucy (born Aug. 18. 1836, married for her third
husband Edward Smith, of Easthampton. Conn.),
Elmira (born Oct. 9, 1837, resides at Webster,
Mass.) and Albert (born Jan. 2, 1840). (c) Park,
born Feb. 23. 1794. married Oct. 30, 1823, Adah
Griswold, and died Nov. 8, 1879. at Homer, Cort-
land Co., X. Y. His children were: Abel F. (born
Aug. 2, 1827, at Cortland, X. Y.. has two children,
Henry and Agnes, of Cuvler, X. Y.), David H.
(born June 8, 1830, has two children, Anna and
Clinton, and resides at St. Cloud, Minn., where
he is the patentee and manufacturer of Spicer's
kitchen cabinet and refrigerator combination), Al-
bert L. (born June 3, 1840, resides at Homer. X. Y.,
and has a son, Clarence) and Sarah Adah (born July
4, 1842. married Deloss Williams Burdick. and re-
sides at Whitney Point, X. Y.). (d) Abel C, born
July 29, 1796. married Dec. 23. 1825, Lucy Bab-
cock, daughter of Gideon and Tryphena Babcock,
and he was drowned in the Thames river Feb. 24,
1859. Of his four children, only Addison lived to
maturity, and he had two sons, of whom one is liv-
ing, Walter Edwin, who was lately of Xew Lon-
don, but now resides at Xew Haven, Conn, (e)
Isaac, born Jan. 7, 1799, married Feb. 2$, 1827,
Francina Chapman, daughter of Avery and Wealthy
Chapman, and died in Xorwich, Conn., in May,
1856. He was a builder and inventor and became
prominent in local affairs. His children were: Hon.
Worthington (who left a son George W., the father
of three children, now orphans, who reside at Xor-
wich. Conn.), Ellen (who died unmarried) and
Sarah (who married Charles Warren Clark, and re-
sides in Xew London), (f) Daniel, born Sept. 2^,
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
139
1801, married, Dec. 18, 1827, Phoebe Butts, and died
July 5, 1873. (g) Hannah, born Oct. 12, 1804, mar-
ried Herbert Pride Spicer, as before stated, (h)
Eunice, born Sept. 20, 1808, married April 23,
1843, John D. Kingsley, had two daughters, Sarah
and Phebe, and died July 26, 1888. (i) Mary, born
May 6, 1813, married, Dec. 10, 1848, Noah Gates,
and is still living, residing with her sister, Mrs.
Rachel Packer, of Preston City, Conn., and she is
a real Daughter of the Revolution, (j) The only
child of the second marriage of Abel Spicer was
born in 1817, and lived but a day. (k) Elizabeth,
the first child of the third marriage of Abel Spicer,
born Aug. 6, 1820, married, Feb. 17, 1846, Findley
Fox, resided at Woodstock, Conn., and she, too, is
a real Daughter of the Revolution. Her only child,
Justina, died some years ago. (1) Rachel, born Sept.
n, 1822, married Nelson G. Packer, July 1, 1875,
and lives at Preston City, Conn. (9) Mercy, born
Aug. 5, 1764, died Feb. 21, 1842, in Sweden, N. Y.,
married Joseph Randall, who was born in North
Stonington Aug. 6, 1758, son of Benjamin and
Ruth (Brown) Randall. They had six children,
their descendants now being scattered throughout
the West.
Herbert F'ride Spicer, son of James and Lydia
(Pride) Spicer, by his wife, Hannah Spicer, had the
following children: Herbert, born Aug. 7, 1839,
married March 31, 1867, Esther S. Sweet, daughter
of Peleg (Briggs) Sweet, and has two children,
Gorton P. and William; Hannah, born Sept. 15,
1844, married Sept. 30, 1868, William Lewis, son of
Pardon and Susan (Peckham) Lewis, and resides at
Giles Ferry, Conn. ; Park, born Sept. 30, 1846, mar-
ried Sept. 16, 1869, Cynthia A. Carpenter, and died
in 1902, leaving four children, Jennie Bell (who
married Walter Johnson), Mary Josephine (wife of
Charles Saunders of Jewett City), Lizzie and
Frances.
Mary Spicer, daughter of James and Lydia
(Pride) Spicer, married, as above stated, Francis
Averill, of Jewett City. Their daughter, Frances
Mary Louise, born Jan. 24, 1833, married Feb. 24,
1850, Samuel Griswold.
Abigail Spicer, daughter of James and Eunice
(Pride) Spicer, by her marriage with Jacob Maclin
had one daughter, Eunice Elizabeth, born April 29,
1855, who married Ogden Stanton, has two daugh-
ters, and resides at Long Society, Preston, Con-
necticut.
Sarah Spicer, daughter of James and Eunice
(Pride) Spicer, married Butler Benjamin, and of
their three children, James Elan, born Sept. 28,
1839, died June 13, 1866; Lucy died young; and
Abigail resides at Long Society, Preston.
James Spicer, son of James and Eunice (Pride)
Spicer, by his marriage with Susan Ann Griswold
became the father of James C, who has been twice
married, first, in 1876, to Josephine Spicer, had
three children, Lucy M., James H. and Bessie,
and lives at Long Society, Preston.
Charles Spicer, son of James and Eunice (Pride)
Spicer, married Lucy Dennis, and of their children,
Charles served in the war of the Rebellion, and died
from the effects of exposure ; James Elisha lives
near Norwich ; Lucy E. married a Mr. Franklin, and
lives at Jewett City; Eunice P. died in 1857; Jose-
phine, born Aug. 23, 1852, married James C. Spicer
and died June 29, 1899 ; Ellen married Edwin T.
Haszard, and lives at Providence; Emma married
George Wheat, and died several years ago.
Cornelia Newton, daughter of Dwight Newton,
granddaughter of Cyrus and Sarah (Spicer) New-
ton, great-granddaughter of Abel Spicer, and great-
great-granddaughter of John and Mercy (Chap-
man) Spicer, married Watson Allen, and resides at
Seattle, Wash. Her daughter, Delia M. Medcalf,
is living in Oakville, Chehalis Co., Washington.
James Spicer, mentioned above as son of James
and Eunice (Pride) Spicer, was born in Ledyard
June 25, 18 1 7, and died in Preston, Sept. 29, 1878.
By occupation he was a lifelong farmer. In his
boyhood his parents removed to Preston, locating 011
the farm now occupied by his son, James C. His life
was one of industry, and in time he prospered, be-
coming quite well-to-do. In appearance he was tall
and slender, while in disposition he was quiet and
reserved. He was a Whig in early life, but later
became a Republican, and while he held some minor
town offices he did so because he felt a citizen should
never shirk his duty, his own personal inclinations
leading him to a quiet private life. On Oct. 8, 1848,
James Spicer was married to Susan Ann Griswold,
who was born June 3, 1822, in Brooklyn, N. Y.,
daughter of Samuel and Hannah (Darrow) Gris-
wold, and a descendant of Roger Griswold, of
Lyme, Conn., governor of the State in 1811-12. The
only child of this marriage was James C, and with
him the mother made her home, until her death Oct.
15, 1904.
James C. Spicer was born in Preston,.
Conn., Sept. 20, 1849, and received his education in
the district schools of that town, supplemented by a
three years' course in the Norwich Free Academy.
Leaving school at the age of seventeen on account
of the ill health of his father, he assumed the respon-
sibilities attendant upon the cultivation of the home
farm. He took up the work with a will, and proved
himself master of the situation. Since the death of
his father he has continued on the farm, and now
has about eighty acres under a fine state of cultiva-
tion. He recently sold off 1 10 acres. He also runs
a milk route in Norwich, which he began some
twenty years asjo, and is still delivering milk to
some of those who were among his first customers.
He keeps from fourteen to sixteen cows, and uses
all the best methods of sanitation, thus insuring good
pure milk to his patrons. Like his father. Mr.
Spicer is a stanch Republican in political faith, but
has always declined to accept any office.
Mr. Spicer has been twice married. On April
6, 1876, he wedded Josephine Spicer, daughter of
140
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
Charles and Lucy (Dennis) Spicer, of Griswold,
Conn. She died June 29, 1899, in Preston, aged
forty-six years. Three children were born of this
marriage: Lucy M., who married Stephen E. Peck-
ham, and has one son, Lester Allen, and one daugh-
ter, Laura Susan ; James Harry, who died Dec. 26,
1894, aged fourteen years ; and Bessie, who is un-
married and at home. On April 19, 1901, Mr.
Spicer married Emeline Jennings Bradbury, daugh-
ter of Charles Wesley and Lena Elizabeth (Bald-
win) Bradbury, of Norwich. Mr. Spicer and his
family all attend the Greeneville Baptist Church. He
is a progressive and successful farmer, and is a
representative of the sterling upright Xew England
citizen.
EDWARD T. BROWN, president of the Brown
Cotton Gin Company, is one of the leading residents
of New London, and his father was a time-honored
citizen of that place. Mr. Brown was born July 20,
1839, in Macon, Ga., and his father, Israel F. Brown,
was born Dec. 31, 1810, in Salem, Connecticut.
William Fanning Brown, grandfather of Ed-
ward T., was born in the year 1771, at Gale's Ferry,
Conn., and died in 1837, in Macon, Ga. He was a
son of William Brown, who was one of seven
brothers, all of whom were musicians in the war of
the Revolution. Having learned the trades of cab-
inetmaker and shipjoiner, William F. Brown was
engaged for some time in the manufacture of fur-
niture in Montville, Conn., sending his goods to the
West Indies. In 1823 he went South, and for some
five years was in the furniture business in Macon,
Ga., where his son, E. E. Brown, was afterward the
proprietor of '* Brown's Hotel." E. E. Brown erect-
ed this hotel and was a prominent man in Macon,
serving as a justice of the peace for several years,
and was associated with Gen. Winfield Scott in mil-
itary service at the time of the Seminole war in
Florida.
William F. Brown was married, in 1795, in Nor-
Avich, Conn., to Sarah G. Edgerton, of that place,
who also died in 1837 in Macon, Ga. They were
the parents of five sons and two daughters, of whom
Eunice died at the age of sixteen years. Elizabeth
Leffingwell was the wife of Samuel Jacob Hicks, of
Brooklyn, N. Y., and died at the age of eighty-three
years, in Prattville, Ala. Alexander D. was a skill-
ful mechanic and inventor; he died in Columbus,
Ga., when eighty-three vears of age, leaving a fam-
ily.
Israel F. Browx received his schooling in Nor-
wich, in the common schools, having been left with
a brother in that city when his parents went South,
in 1823. Two years later, on Dec. 31, 1825, he and
his brother followed, and in 1828 he was engaged
with Samuel Griswold in the manufacture of cotton
gins at Clinton, Ga. After spending three years in
that employment, he returned to Macon, whence
he went to Girard. Ala., across the river from
Columbus, Ga.. where he was engaged for
some years in the same industry. Then with
Dr. E. T. Taylor, of Columbus, Ga., he formed
the firm of E. T. Taylor & Co., and carried
on a successful business, manufacturing cotton gins
at Columbus, Ga., for the ensuing eight years. In
1858 Mr. Brown returned to Connecticut and es-
tablished a cotton gin factory in New London, the
firm being known as W. G. Clemons, Brown & Co.,
until 1 861. About this time Mr. Brown began mak-
ing these machines for New York firms in his own
name. The war of the Rebellion put an embargo
on the trade in the South, but he soon found a ready
market for his machines in Brazil and other Span-
ish-American countries, until after peace was de-
clared. In April, 1869, he formed a stock company,
the Brown Cotton Gin Company, of which he was
made president, in which capacity he continued un-
til his death, which occurred March 24, 1900, in
New London.
In 1882 the Brown Cotton Gin Company pur-
chased the Dawson property on Pequot avenue and
erected a new and commodious brick structure, nec-
essary for its rapidly growing business. This plant
has been still further enlarged from time to time by
numerous new buildings, large additions to the old
ones, by the replacing of old machines with new
ones and by the introduction of the most modern and
labor-saving tools, until today it has one of the
largest and best equipped shops of the kind in this
country. Mr. Brown invented many machines in
connection with the gin, among which may be men-
tioned especially a machine for filing the teeth of
saws, used in gins. He was active until his death.
The original capital of the company was $20,000. to
which has been added a very substantial surplus.
One of the leading industries of its kind in the Uni-
ted States, the business gives employment to up-
ward of 500 hands, and has turned out as many as
1,800 cotton gins in one year, ranging in price from
$180 to $250 each. In addition to the manufacture
of cotton ginning machinery they run general found-
ry and machine shops.
Mr. Brown was an interested member of the Ma-
sonic organization, being enrolled as a member of
the Columbus (Ga.) Lodge, and he was also a mem-
ber of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows at
Columbus, Ga. In political belief he favored the
Democratic party, and took an active interest in its
affairs, and he served as councilman in New Lon-
don. He was well-read, and was possessed of unus-
ually good judgment. In disposition he was quiet
and retiring. His religious belief was that of the
Universalist Church, to which he was an adherent.
Israel F. Brown was married (first), about
1835, to Maria L. Martin, of Jones county, Ga.. who
lived but a year afterward. On Dec. 26. 1837. he
was again united in marriage, this time to Miss Ann
Smith, of Macon, Ga., daughter of William and
Elizabeth Smith. She passed away Jan. 12, 1865. in
New London, in her forty-sixth year, the mother of
five children, as follows: (1) Edward Tracy was
/S/0 *2*^c+-c^<??^V^ri*si^ /Joo
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
141
born July 20, 1839. (2) William Rodney, born
March 25, 1843, died young. (3) Sarah Angeline,
born April 18, 1846, married George Colfax, of
New London, who died in 1903, in New London.
(4) George Chalmers, born May 3, 1849, was em~
ployed by the American Bank Note Co., of New
York, some ten years, and then went to Georgia to
take charge of "Brown's Hotel" in Macon, where he
died in 1886, in the very prime of life. He married
Kate F. Shorter, of Columbus, Ga., daughter of
Ruben S. Shorter, and they had three children,
Kittie, George C. and Edward L. (5) Charles Wise,
born March 24, 1852, died young.
On May 17, 1866, Mr. Brown married for his
third wife Miss Emma Conant Albertson, daughter
of William Albertson, of New London. By this
union there were no children.
Edward T. Brown attended school in Columbus,
Ga., until about fifteen years of age, and then went
to work with his father in the cotton gin business. A
little later on he became the "Co." in the firm of
Albertson, Flynn & Co., furniture 'manufacturers,
continuing there for two years, and learning the
business. He then went to Albany, N. Y., and took
a course in Bryant & Stratton's Business College,
which he left in May, 1858. In August of that year
he came to New London and entered the shop with
his father, remaining there for a time, and finally
becoming secretary of the Albertson & Douglass
Machine Co. He left this position in 1865 to be-
come secretary and treasurer of the Wilson Manu-
facturing Co., with which he continued for four
years, until 1869. In that year, on the formation of
the Brown Cotton Gin Co., he was made secretary
and treasurer, and continued to serve in that ca-
pacity until the death of his father, when he was
made president and treasurer. His son was then
made secretary and assistant treasurer, which ar-
rangement still continues. Edward T. Brown is a
director of the Union Bank of New London and of
the Lyceum Theater Company, of which latter he is
secretary and treasurer.
Fraternally Mr. Brown is a prominent Mason,
being a member of Brainard Lodge, No. 102, F. &
A. M. ; Union Chapter, No. 7, R. A. M. ; Cushing
Council, No. 4, R. & S. M., and Palestine Com-
mandery, No. 6, Knights Templar, of New London.
He is also vice-president of the Brainard Lodge Ma-
sonic Corporation, of which he is also one of the
trustees. His social connections also include mem-
bership in the Thames Club, of New London, of
which he has served as treasurer for a number of
years. He is an attendant of the First Congrega-
tional Church, of New London. In politics Mr.
Brown is a Democrat. He has served as city clerk
of New London, and represented the town in the
State Legislature in 1873, during his term serving
on the Finance committee. He has also been coun-
cilman of the city. In 1887 he was elected a member
of the board of Water Commissioners and served
until October, 1902. He was secretary of the board
from 1893 until his retirement.
Mr. Brown was married, April 24, 1866, to
Sarah A. Lee, daughter of Daniel Lee, of New Lon-
don, and they have had two children : ( 1 ) George
T. attended the schools of New London, and later
studied for two years in Germany. He married
Gertrude V. Shepard, daughter of the late Julius T.
Shepard, of New London, and they have one daugh-
ter, Patricia. (2) Nancy Lee married George C.
Morgan, a practicing attorney of New London, and
has one child, Adelaide Matilda.
CAPT. SAMUEL GREENE (deceased) was
one of the best known and most highly esteemed
whaling captains of New London. His' parentage
on both sides was of old New England stock, his
mother being a direct descendant of Gov. William
Bradford, of Plymouth, who came over on the
"Mayflower," and his father being of the eighth
generation in direct line from Robert Greene (or
Green, as the name was sometimes spelled) of Not-
tingham, England, whose descendants were among
the earliest settlers in New England.
The Green or Greene families of WTaterford and
Montville, are descended from (III) John Green, of
Warwick, Rhode Island, son of (II) Richard, and
grandson of (I) Robert Green, of Nottingham,
England. (Ill) John Green was born about 1597, at
Bowridge Hall, Gillingham, Dorsetshire. England,
and was a surgeon in Salisbury, where he married
his first wife, Joan Tattersall, Nov. 4, 1619. On
April 6, 1635, Jonn Green, his wife, Joan, and
their children, sailed from Southhampton, in the
ship "James," arriving at Boston, June 3d, of the
same year. For a time they lived in Salem, Mass.,
but in August, 1637, John Green appeared in Prov-
idence, R. I. He was one of the twelve persons to
whom Roger Williams, Oct. 8, 1638, deeded land
which had been purchased of Canonicus and Mian-
tonomi, chiefs of the Narragansetts, and was also
one of the twelve original members of the first
Baptist Church in Rhode Island. On the death of
his wife Joan he married (second) Alice Daniels, a
widow, and (third) Phyllis , who died March
10, 1688. John Green died in 1658. His seven chil-
dren, all by his wife, Joan, were born in England,
between the years 1620 and 1633, and baptized in
St. Thomas Church, Salisbury. They were as fol-
lows: John, Peter, Richard (who died young),
James, Thomas, Joan and Mary.
(IV) John Green (2), eldest son of John and
Joan (Tattersall) Green, was born in England about
1620, and married Ann Almy, born in 1627, daugh-
ter of William Almy. He was quite a public man,
holding many offices in the town of Warwick. R. I.,
and in the colony. He was commissioner from 1652
to 1663, recorder for three years, general solicitor in
1655, attorney-general from 1657 to 1660, and as-
sistant and deputy of the colony. He was one of
I-p
GEXEALOGICAL AXD BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
several who sent a letter of congratulation to Will-
iam and Mary on their accession to the English
throne, and Dec. 22, 1686. received his appointment
by Gov. Andros, as a member of his council. On
June 2y, 1 69 1, he was voted ten shillings by the As-
sembly for drawing up an address to their majesties.
He died Nov. 27, 1708, and his wife May 17th, of
the following year. Their children, all born in War-
wick, R. I., between the years 1649 and 1671, were
as follows : Deborah, John, William, Peter, Job,
Philip, Richard, Anne, Catherine, Audrey and
Samuel.
(V) Samuel Greene, youngest son of John (2)
and Ann (Almy) Green, was born Jan. 30. 1671. in
Warwick, R. P, married Mary Gorton, and had one
son, Benjamin.
( VI) Benjamin Greene, son of Samuel and
Mary (Gorton) Greene, was born in Warwick, about
1702, and about 1730 married (first) Almy Angel,
daughter of James Angel. She died about 1740.
and he married (second) Margaret, daughter of
Peter Strickland. His children were all born in
Warwick, between the years 1732 and 1757. and
were, by his first wife, Mary, Christopher, Delight,
Stephen and Almy; and by his second wife, Benja-
min. Samuel. Margaret and Anne.
(VII) Benjamin Greene (2), eldest son of Ben-
jamin and Margaret (Strickland) Greene, was born
April 7, 1752, and married, Jan. 11. 1776, Abigail
Dodge, born Aug. 18. 1759. He settled at Quaker
Hill. Waterford, Conn., where he engaged in farm-
ing. His wife died Sept. 9, 1834, and he passed
away Aug. 14. 1839. Their children were as fol-
lows: (1) Sarah, born Sept. 2, 1777. who married
Elkanah Comstock : (2) Margaret, born July 27,
1779. who married Zebediah Bolles : (3) Nancy,
born March 5, 1783, who married Alexander Rog-
ers: (4) Samuel, born Dec. 30, 1784, who married
Betsey Holmes: (5) Stephen, born Feb. 1, 1794.
who married Sarah Bolles: and (6) Frances, born
Sept. 9. 1796. who married (first) Malcomb Cul-
pepper, and (second) Christopher Greene.
(YIII) Samuel Greene, eldest son of Benjamin
(2) and Abigail (Dodge) Greene, and father of
Samuel, of this sketch, was born in Waterford, Dec.
30. 1784, and died Jan. 17, i860, in Montville. In
181 1 he married Betsey Holmes, who was born in
1787, and died April 28, 1827. She was a daughter
of Dr. Seth Wyman and Mary (Bradford) Holmes,
of Boston. Mass., and later of Montville, Conn., the
latter a direct descendant of Gov. William Brad-
ford. Samuel Greene spent his life as a farmer in
Montville and that vicinity, where he enjoyed the
honor and respect of the entire community. His
children were as follows : ( 1 ) William Henry, born
in Montville. July 8. 181 2. who died in his native
town, unmarried: (2) John, born Aug. 21, 1813. in
Montville. who died there, unmarried: (3) Samuel,
born Nov. 11, 1815, who is mentioned below; (4)
Mary Holmes, born Jan. 20, 1817, who married
Benjamin G. Rogers, of Montville, where she died
June 8, 1896: (5) Isaac, born Feb. 4, 1819, who
died at the age of nineteen: (6) Abby Ann, born
March 19, 1820, who married John P. Hempstead;
Harriet, born May 4. 1821, who died in Mont-
ville, unmarried; (8) Louisa L., born Aug. 7, 1822,
who married Nicholas C. Stebbins, of Montville ;
and (9) Orrin, born Feb. 20, 1827, who died at sea
at the age of seventeen.
(IN) Samuel Greene (2), third son of Samuel
and Betsey (Holmes) Greene, was born in Water-
ford. Conn., Nov. 11, 1815. He remained at home
on the farm, and attended school until he was four-
teen, when, preferring a seafaring life to that of a
farmer, he went to New London, at that time the
headquarters of the whaling industry. There he
shipped under Thomas W. Williams, for a whal-
ing voyage on the ship "Neptune/' Capt. Nathaniel
Richards, master, a thorough sailor and an honor-
able and upright man. Whaling voyages in those
days often covered a period of several years, the
route being around the Cape of Good Hope, into the
Indian Ocean, alid frequently into the Arctic Ocean,
as the whales there were double the size of those
found in lower latitudes. Some idea of the enor-
mous size of these whales may be formed when it is
understood that the tongue alone sometimes pro-
duced twenty-five barrels of oil, and 2500 pounds of
bone might be taken from the head. Three of the
large whales captured by Capt. Greene when on the
ship "Morrison" yielded about 800 barrels.
Capt. Greene made seven voyages under differ-
ent sailing masters, before he became master of a
ship. He sailed twice in the "Julius C:esar." under
Capt. Frank Smith, and Capt. Hobron ; twice in the
"Flora," under Capt. Richard Smith, and Capt.
Sylvester Keeney ; twice in the "Neptune,'' the sec-
ond time under Capt. Warren Andrews ; and made
a year's voyage in the famous "Tuscarora." The
latter was the vessel which figured so prominently in
the political speeches of the late John Bishop, when
he alluded to the prosperity of New London in the
days when that gallant ship came sailing up the har-
bor filled with oil. When he was twenty-three years
of age Capt. Greene sailed as master of the "Nep-
tune." having worked his way up from the place of
helmsman to be second, and then first, mate, and
finally captain. After three voyages as captain of
the "Neptune." he sailed in the "Morrison." on the
longest voyage of his experience, being gone three
years and seven months. On his return from this
voyage he had his first glimpse of his eldest son,
Orrin, then a child of three years and three months.
The "Morrison" was the finest vessel that ever
sailed from the port of New London, the largest
with the exception of the "Atlantic," owned by
Lawrence & Co. Her timbers were of live oak, and
she was built for the East India trade by old Stephen
Girard — the last ship which he built.
Capt. Greene's first season in the "Morrison" was
the most unfortunate that he ever knew. After fast-
ening to a whale, and killing him according to the
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
143
most approved method, when everything was ready
to tow him to the ship, he would suddenly sink, and
in order to prevent the small hoat from going down
with him, it was necessary to cut the line. This
meant the complete loss of the whale, for while a
whale that sinks in water of thirty fathoms will
usually rise after thirty-six hours, in deep water
the pressure keeps him down. Capt. Greene es-
timated that during the first season he lost fully
2000 barrels of oil in this manner. The remainder
of the voyage was more fortunate, the "Morrison"
bringing home 4300 barrels of oil — Capt. Greene's
largest catch. The largest amount of oil ever
brought into Xew London port was 4800 barrels, in
a vessel commanded by Capt. Lorenzo Baker, of
Groton. The next voyage made by Capt. Greene
was in the ship "Catherine." whose principal owner
was Thomas Fitch, who fitted her out for the trip.
This voyage, of which Mr. Fitch never tired of tell-
ing, was very successful. It was during this voy-
age that a monster whale, into which the captain's
practiced hand had hurled the harpoon, raised him-
self straight into the air, overturned the boat, and
brought his gigantic head down upon it with such
force. that no piece large enough to pick up was ever
found. All the men. fortunately, were rescued, by
another small boat sent out from the ship.
Capt. Greene sailed next in the "George and
Mary," owned by Capt. Lyman Allyn, of Xew Lon-
don : and after that in the "Neptune," which was
then at the Sandwich Islands, fitting out for the Arc-
tic Ocean. His next voyage was in the "Ockmulgee,"
owned by Abram Osborn. of Martha's Vineyard. He
then sailed from Xew Bedford, in the "Nassau,"
Swift & Perry, owners. This vessel was one of the
last victims of the Confederate privateer "Shenan-
doah." and was the only ship lost by Capt. Greene.
She sailed from Xew Bedford in December, 1864,
and in June. 1865. was off the coast of Siberia, fif-
teen miles east of Cape East. Suddenly the "Shen-
andoah" appeared upon the scene, and captured all
the whalers in the vicinity, taking the clothing and
money of the crews, and burning the whalers, many
of them laden with oil. The sailors were crowded
onto two vessels, one of them the "Nile" of Xew
London, and carried to San Francisco. Capt. Greene
was on the "Nile," and from San Francisco came
home by way of Panama. It was such acts of re-
prisal as this of the "Shenandoah," the "Alabama,"
and other Confederate privateers, that led to the
Alabama claims. After this adventure Capt. Greene
sailed for the Arctic Ocean from the Sandwich
Islands, in the ship "Jairy Perry," owned by Swift
& Perry, of Xew Bedford. His next, and last, voy-
age was in the "Trident." Swift & Perry, owners,
sailing from the Sandwich Islands. On this voyage
Capt. Greene had a miraculous escape from being
crushed by ice-bergs, and the horror of this experi-
ence led him to abandon whaling. Nothing could
induce him to tempt the Arctic waters again, al-
though Swift & Perry offered to build him a new
vessel and let him sail on his own terms. He re-
turned home from San Francisco by the Union Pa-
cific railroad, then newly completed, and remained in
Xew London until his death, May 6, 1898. He had
made altogether eighteen voyages, eleven of them as
captain, and, with short intervals of rest, had been
on the high seas over forty years.
On April 22, 1839, Capt. Greene married Mary
Ann Crandall, born May 2^, 1821, in Xew London,
daughter of Lewis and Bathsheba (Crandall) Cran-
dall. The children of this union were as follows :
(1) Orrin, born March 25, 1845, m ^~ew London,
died Oct. 13, 1890, in Xew York, unmarried. He
was connected with the Atlantic Mutual Insurance
Company for a number of years. (2) Alice, born
Jan. 5, 1854, in Xew London, married Herbert L.
Crandall, of the same place. (3) Frank Stanton,
born Nov. 2, 1862, in Xew London, married Laura
Doane, of that place, and has children, Samuel Stan-
ton, Clark Doane and Alice Crandall. He is con-
nected with the Xew London City Xational Bank.
Capt. Greene was independent in politics, voting for
the man whom he considered best qualified for the
office. A quiet, unostentatious man, he never sought
nor cared for office, nor for the activity of public
life, preferring the quiet of his own home, to which
he was greatly devoted. He was a member of the
First Baptist Church of Xew London, to which
he was a liberal contributor.
HON. GEORGE WILLIAMS, in his lifetime
prominent in affairs of state, and one of the useful
public-spirited citizens of Xew London, was a son of
Edward and Jane (George) Williams, the former
one of the Queen's Guards, and was born in Buck-
ingham Palace, London, May 25, 1814. The greater
part of his life was spent in Xew London, Conn.,
and his death occurred there Aug. 10, 1902.
Edward Williams saw service in the battle of
Waterloo under Wellington. Two of his brothers,
George and John, were also in the Queen's Guard,
all three being men of fine physique and over six feet
tall. Edward Williams died when his son George
was only seven years old, and he left three other
children, viz. : Joseph, a sea-faring man who em-
barked on a whaling vessel and was heard from
again in California ; Thomas, born Dec. 8, 1819 ; and
Jane Ann, who married a Mr. Chandler, of Leaming-
ton, England. Thomas Williams settled in Xew
York, on first reaching America, but later went to
Meriden, Conn., then to Tarrytown, X'. Y., and
Westerly, R. I., in all the places following his trade
as a baker. He married Miss Frances Sweet, of
Xew Haven, but no children were born to them.
Mr. Williams died May 30, 1895, and was buried in
Meriden. Connecticut.
George Williams first visited America in 1837,
and was so favorably impressed with all that he saw
that he determined to make it his permanent abode.
He returned to England, however, as he had origi-
nallv intended, married, and did not come back with
144
GENEALOGICAL AXD BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
his wife to make their home here till 1840. They
settled first in New York, and remained in that city
till 1845, when Mr. Williams removed to New Lon-
don, and started anew there, with no capital save his
hands and brain. He had learned the baker's trade
in England, and for three years after his advent in
New London he worked at that as a journeyman.
At the end of that time his employer failed and he
managed to secure the possession of the remnant of
the business. He made a success where his prede-
cessors had failed, and as his trade steadily increased
Mr. Williams, in 1856, transferred his plant to the
. corner of Greene and Golden streets, where he made
his business headquarters for forty years. When
his son, George C., returned from the war he was
given an interest in the concern, and the firm was
known as G. Williams & Son until a few years ago,
when they disposed of their business to John O'Hea.
George Williams married Miss Comfort Byett,
who was born in Gloucester, England, July 3, 1804.
Mrs. Williams died March 1, 1893. She was the
mother of four children, viz. : George Cornelius, born
Dec. 8, 1839 ; Ellen, Sept. 18. 1841 ; Jane A., wife of
Joseph Robert Hammond, of Xew London, who has
one daughter. Ellen, married to Henry M. Dunham,
a professor of music in the Xew England Conserva-
tory, and organist at Shawmut Church ; Josiah
Charles, Sept. 1, 1848, who died Dec. 26, 1887.
Mr. Williams never in the slightest degree
sought official preferment, but so apparent were his
qualifications for political life, as a representative of
his fellow citizens, that he was repeatedly chosen for
positions of trust and responsibility. For more than
twenty years he occupied a seat in the common coun-
cil and the aldermen's board. In 1877, 1885, 1886,
1888 and 1889 he was elected to the State Legisla-
ture, and during three of these years he was on the
committee on Military Affairs, while he also served
on the State's Prison committee. In the fall of 1890,
although he was opposed by an exceptionally strong
candidate, Mr. Williams was chosen mayor of Xew
London ; this office he resigned because of dissatis-
faction with some of his party associates in the coun-
cil. The fire department is yet another field in which
Mr. Williams' ability was displayed : he acted as
chief engineer, and also as chairman of the commit-
tee on that Department, and it was entirely due to
his instrumentality that steam fire engines were in-
troduced into Xew London at the time they were.
He belonged to the Veteran Firemen's Association,
and served as its president from the time of its or-
ganization. Mr. Williams was also chairman of the
committee on Police, and prepared many of the rules
which now govern the force.
In social organizations also Mr. Williams did his
part, and took an active interest in the two fraternal
bodies to which he belonged, Union Lodge, F. &
A. M.. and the Palestine Commandery, of Xew
London. In church work, too, he was prominent,
serving for many years as senior warden of St.
James Episcopal Church.
It is evident that Mr. Williams' life was an ex-
ceptionally busy one, and one with an unusually close
connection with the municipal welfare. Time, how-
ever, dealt gently with him, and not till almost the
very end of his life did he show the burden of his
ninety years. His sturdy physique and strong men-
tality illustrate forcibly the value of a temperate and
well spent life. He was a man of strong convictions,
and was ever faithful to them, while his keen and
ceaseless interest in the home of his adoption re-
sulted in a constant giving of himself to the public
welfare, a proof of the truest citizenship.
George Cornelius Williams, eldest son of
Hon. George, was born in Gloucester, England, and
was only an infant when his parents came to Amer-
ica. He was educated in Xew London, but as he
was taken out of school when only thirteen, his edu-
cation was necessarily a limited one. He went into
his father's bakery to learn the trade, and was kept
there until the war broke out. On July 16, 1861, he
enlisted in Company F, 14th Conn. V. I., under Gen.
Stone, the second man to enlist in that regiment.
That company was known as the "fighting 14th.""
and as such earned a wide-spread reputation. Mr.
Williams was detailed as quartermaster's clerk,, and
in 1 86 1 promoted to quartermaster-sergeant. He
was under fire in all the battles in which the regiment
was engaged, and an active participant in that at
Gaines' Mills, where he was given a medal of honor
for brilliant service, an honor recommended by two
captains. Mr. Williams was one of the bravest men
in line, and was offered a commission as second lieu-
tenant if he would remain in the regular service. He
was mustered out July 16, 1864, having never missed
a day with his regiment.
Returning home when the war was over. Mr.
Williams went into his father's business, and they
built up what was truthfully known as one of the
best in Connecticut. This continued to be his pre-
dominating interest until he retired. He is at
present a trustee of the Mariner's Savings Bank.
Fraternally he belongs to Brainerd Lodge. F. and
A. M.. and religiously is an attendant upon the Sec-
ond Congregational Church. In his politics he is
essentiallv independent, but takes no active part in
public affairs, although he has been school visitor
and was once elected a selectman. This latter office
he resigned.
George C. Williams was married May 5, 1865,
to Anna Sistare Raymond, born Dec. 9. 1841, daugh-
ter of Edmond A. and Lucy (Coit) Raymond, of
Xew London. They have one son, George Ray-
mond, born Jan. 27, 1867.
ALMY— BALLOU. The Almy and Ballou
families were among the earliest of the Colonial
families of Rhode Island, and Maturin Ballou. the
founder of the latter family, was a co-proprietor
with Roger Williams in his Providence Plantation.
Since early in the nineteenth century both families
have been prominently identified with the history of
ML *
i
£yOvi^CL^t^ S3 CuLCen+j
C&CcU^y
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
J45
eastern Connecticut, especially with the develop-
ment of its industries. The forerunners of this
branch of these families were the late Humphrey
Almy and Leonard Ballou, who finally located and
lived and died in Norwich. Of these men, their
families and lineage, it is the purpose of this article
to deal. At Norwich these families are now worth-
ily represented by Major Leonard Ballou Almy, M.
D., one of the leading physicians of the city.
(I) William Almy, of Sagus, near Lynn, Mass.,
from whom the Rhode Island and Connecticut
branches descend, was of that town, perhaps, as early
as 1 63 1. He returned after a time, but again came
over June 13, 1635, in the ship "Abigail," bringing
with him his wife, Audrey, and children, Annis and
Christopher. He removed, in 1637, to Sandwich,
and in 1641, to Portsmouth, Rhode Island.
(II) Christopher Almy, born in England in
1632, came to this country in 1635, and in 1690 was
a Deputy from Portsmouth, R. I., to the General
Court, and assistant to Gov. Andros. In 1693 he
was elected governor, and refused to serve. That
same year he was sent by the Colony of Rhode Is-
land and Providence Plantation to England to pre-
sent the grievances of the Colony to the Crown. He
was a captain in 1692. In July, 1661, he married
Elizabeth Cornell, daughter of Ensign Thomas
Cornell, who served under Gen. Kief against the In-
dians. She died in 1708, and Mr. Almy passed away
on June 30, 1713.
(III) William Almy, born Oct. 27, 1665, died
July 6, 1747. On July 12, 1688, he married De-
borah Cook.
(IV) Job Almy, born April 28, 1696, died Jan.
10, 1766. He was married in East Greenwich, R.
I., in July, 1717, to Lydia Tillinghast, who was born
Oct. 6, 1 70 1, and died May 17, 1746.
(V) Job Almy, born Oct. 10, 1730, died Sept. 6,
1793. On April 27, 1750, he was married to Annie
Slocum, who was born March 6, 1732.
(VI) Tillinghast Almy, born March 16, 1754,
died Sept. 22, 1830. He was married in 1777 to
Hannah Chase, who was born March 16, 1750, and
who died Jan. 6, 1840.
(VII) Humphrey Almy, grandfather of Major
Almy, was born July 25, 1789, and died Feb. 16,
1873. On Jan. 15, 1816, he married Sarah Burgess.
Early in the nineteenth century Humphrey Almy,
one of the descendants of William, of Lynn and
Portsmouth, associated with Joseph K. Angell, Na-
than Burgess and other non-residents of Plainfield,
Conn., arranged to occupy the water privileges long
owned by Nathan Angell, under the name of the
Moosup Manufacturing Company.
Humphrey Almy and his wife celebrated their
golden wedding Jan. 15, 1866, at the residence of
their son, William T. Almy, at Norwich, Conn.,
where he resided for a number of years previous to
his death, which occurred there Feb. 16, 1873. "Mr.
Almy was a director in the Norwich Water Power
Company ; he was never brought prominently into
10
public notice, leading rather a quiet, retired life.
He was a man of amiable character, universally es-
teemed and respected." — Norwich Bulletin, Feb. 18,
1873-
(VIII) Albert Henry Almy, father of Dr. L. B.
Almy, was born Aug. 3, 1820, in Ashford, Conn.,
and his early life was spent there. He received only
a common school education. In about 1840 he came
to Norwich, and soon after engaged in the manu-
facturing business, which he followed for many
years. During the Civil war he was engaged in the
manufacturing of firearms, on the site of the factory
of the Hopkins & Allen Manufacturing Company.
Later he was connected with the New York Tribune
as financial editor, and since 1897 he has lived re-
tired. He was one of the original corporators of
the Norwich Free Academy, and is the oldest living
member of that body. His home is in Buffalo, New
York.
On Oct. 4, 1847, Mr. Almy married Amelia
Ballou, and their children were : Frank Ballou,
born Aug. 23, 1848, who died Sept. 9, 1850; Leon-
ard Ballou, born July 17, 185 1 ; Anna Eliza, born
Oct. 9, 1854, who died Oct. 12, 1856; and John Bur-
nett, born Sept. 23, 1857, who died Feb. 2, 1858.
The mother of these died July 1, 1887. Her death
was noticed by one of the Norwich papers, in which
appeared the following :
In the death of Mrs. Amelia Almy, wife of Mr. A. H.
Almy, there falls upon a wide circle of friends a sense
of personal bereavement and loss which is irreparable, if
not inconsolable. Taken away in the fullness of life and
in the full maturity of what has been to those who knew
her a superb, albeit an ideal, womanhood, she leaves a
place in the social life of the city and in the hearts of
her friends which cannot be filled. The daughter of the
late Leonard Ballou, she came by inheritance into a herit-
age of rare advantage and refining influences, which assured
to her culture of a high order and yet these alone were
insufficient to account for the rare and rounded complete-
ness of her character, for the gracious and winning
courtesy of her manners, which won and charmed all who
came in her presence, or for the wealth of womanly vir-
tues, which would give her eminence among the best and
truest of her sex. Those who knew her well, her zest
for and interest in life, her unfailing good cheer, her
facile ease and grace of conversation, her love for and
exact knowledge of art, and the rare charm of her generous
hospitality, will bear testimony to the difficulty of speaking
of her except in seeming terms of extravagance. She was
a Christian, a faithful and valued member of Park Church,
on which falls a sense of sore bereavement in her death.
Major Leonard Ballou Almy, M. D., was
born July 17, 1851, at Norwich. He was educated
at the Highland Military Academy, Worcester,
Mass., 1864-65 ; Edwards Place school, Stockbridge,
Mass., 1865-69 ; Yale University, A. B., class of
1873 ; and attended three courses of lectures at Belle-
vue Hospital Medical College, from which he was
graduated in 1876, being ambulance surgeon to
Bellevue Hospital in 1875-76. He then, 1876-77,
pursued his medical studies in La Pitic, L' Hotel
Dieu, and L'Ecolle de Medecine in Paris, Moor-
fields Hospitals in London, and the Rotunda Hos-
146
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
pital in Dublin. Returning to the United States in
1877, he has practiced medicine in Norwich ever
since. Dr. Almy has a large practice among the
very best class of people in the city, the standing
and intelligence of his patrons being a high tribute
to his own worth and skill. Dr. Almy has served as
president of the city, county and State medical so-
cieties ; as vice-president of the surgical section of
the Connecticut Medical Society, centennial meet-
ing ; is a charter member of the Association of
Military Surgeons of the United States ; presi-
dent of the Executive Board of the William W.
Backus Hospital at Norwich, and since 1893 has
been surgeon and gynecologist to the same ;
has served as a member of the medical board of
examiners of Connecticut ; physician to the Eliza
Huntington Memorial Home for old ladies ; State
delegate to the Pan-American Medical Congress,
section on military surgery ; and is also a member of
the board of medical visitors, Hartford Retreat for
the Insane. In 1886 he became major and surgeon
of the Third Regiment, Connecticut National
Guard ; in 1892 he became lieutenant-colonel and
medical director to the Connecticut National Guard,
and held that position until he was placed on
the retired list in 1897. Shortly after the outbreak
of the Spanish war he was offered (unsolicited), by
Surgeon General Sternberg, the position of chief
surgeon of United States Volunteers, with the rank
of Major, and left a large practice to accept same,
his commission to date from May 20, 1898. He was
mustered into the service of the United States
May 30th, and assigned to Second Army Corps; re-
ported for duty June 27th, and same day was made
chief surgeon, Second Division, Second Army
Corps ; was in Camp Alger till August 3d, then
marched across Virginia to Thoroughfare Gap,
Aug. 12th, relieved from duty of chief surgeon,
Second Division, Second Army Corps, and ordered
to report at Camp YVykoff, Montauk Point ; Aug.
20th ordered annex built to United States General
Hospital, and was chief surgeon-in-charge until
Sept. 25th when Annex Hospital was closed. He
served until Oct. 5, 1898, and was honorably dis-
charged. Dr. Almv was one of twenty-seven ap-
pointed in the United States at that time, and the
only one from Connecticut, and he was the medical
man from Connecticut to be appointed by the
President. Dr. Almy now holds the rank of
Lieutenant-colonel in the Connecticut National
Guard, and Major in the United States
Volunteers. He is a member of the Naval
and Military Order of Spanish War ; of the Mili-
tary Order of Foreign Wars ; an associate member
of the Military Service Institution ; a member of the
Army and Navy Club : of the Sons of the American
Revolution, and is eligible through eight lines to the
Society of Colonial Wars, of which organization for
many years he was a member, until he resigned.
While in college Dr. Almy was a member of the Psi
Upsilon Society.
Dr. Almy gives his attention to surgery, as well
as to general practice, and has devised instruments
for taking false membrane through small tracheo-
tomy tubes, and a pocket double spud for foreign
bodies in the eye. His medical writings include arti-
cles on : "Pyoktanin," published in transactions of
Connecticut Medical Society (1891) ; "Camp Hygp-
ene ;" "Diseases of the Ear following Scarlet Fever ;"
"Cancer of the Uterus ;" "Some old Doctors of Nor-
wich ;"' and a "Manual of Litter Drill for Hospital
Corps," published by the Adjutant-General's office,
Connecticut, and adopted by the State for use in the
National Guard.
On Jan. 21, 1876, Dr. Almy was married to Caro-
line S. Webb, daughter of Julius Webb, mentioned
elsewhere. Their children are: (1) Lydia Ballou,
born Nov. 5, 1879, was educated in private and select
schools, and on Oct. 28, 1903, married Donald Chap-
pell. (2) Marguerite Leonard, born Aug. 1, 1885,
had the same educational advantages as her sister.
The family attend Christ Church. Their beautiful
home is at No. 173 Washington street, in the house
erected by the Doctor's grandfather, Leonard Ballou.
Ballou. The Ballou family is descended from
(I) Maturin Ballou, born probably between 1610
and 1620, of a good family, in Devonshire, Eng-
land, who came to New England, and was a co-
proprietor with Roger Williams, the Colonial found-
er of Rhode Island, in his Providence Plantations.
Ballou appears first on record there in 1646. "The
strong probability, if not absolute certainty, is that
we (the Ballous of America) are the remote de-
scendants of a Norman chieftain, who, in 1066, came
over from France into England with William the
Conqueror." Maturin Ballou was admitted a free-
man at Warwick May 18, 1658. He married, be-
tween 1646 and 1649, Hannah Pike, daughter of
Robert. Mr. Ballou, with Robert Pike and family,
located in Providence as early as January, 1646. He
died between 1661 and 1663. His children were:
John, James, Peter, Hannah, Nathaniel and Samuel.
(II) James Ballou, born in 1652, in Providence,
R. I., married Susanna Whitman, born Feb. 28,
1658, daughter of Nathaniel and Mary Whitman
(alias Weightman). Their children, all probably
born in what is now Lincoln, R. I. (originally Prov-
idence), were: James, Nathaniel, Obadiah, Samuel,
Susanna, Bathsheba and Jeremiah. The parents
settled in Lincoln soon after their marriage, in the
vicinity of Albion Factory village, on the Blackstone
river. He died probably soon after 1741. His wife
'probably passed away during the year 1725. Mr.
Ballou was a man of superior abilities, enterprise,
judgment and moral integrity.
(III) Nathaniel Ballou, born April 9, 1687, in
Providence, married Mary Lovett. born in 1696,
daughter of James Lovett. Their children, all born in
what was then Wrentham, Mass., afterward Cum-
berland, R. I., were: Hannah, Ruth, Amariah,
Noah, Stephen, Sarah and Mary. The parents im-
mediately after their marriage settled on what was
; , ^nj^o^cc
"V
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
147
afterward called "Beacon Pole Hill," from its use in
the Revolutionary war as an alarm signal station.
There they reared their seven children. Mr. Ballou
was one of the first town council and court of pro-
bate chosen by the citizens of Cumberland after its
corporation in 1746-47, and he held that office at his
decease. He died Jan. 11, 1747-48, and his widow
passed away Oct. 14, 1747.
(IV) Noah Ballou, born Aug. 31, 1728, in
Wrentham, Mass. (afterward Cumberland, R. I.),
married (first), Oct. 17, 1750, Abigail Razee, daugh-
ter of Joseph, and their eleven children were : Ab-
salom, Mercy, David, Keziah, Noah, Silence, Abi-
gail, Oliver, Ziba, Elsie and Amariah. The mother
lived to see all of these children grow up to man-
hood and womanhood, and she departed this life
Sept. 10, 1794, in the sixty-ninth year of her age.
Mr. Ballou married (second), July 7, 1796, Abigail,
widow of Daniel Cook, and whose maiden name was
Blackmore. Mr. Ballou lived in the Ballou neigh-
borhood— east of "Beacon Pole Hill." He was a
very religious man, a devout and constant reader of
the Bible, a scrupulous attendant on public worship,
and an exemplary professor of Baptist Christianity.
He died March 20, 1807. His second wife and
widow died Sept. 18, 1808, aged sixty-five.
(V) Noah Ballou (2), born July 29, 1759, in
Cumberland, R. I., married (first), June 10, 1784,
Lydia Ware, born in Wrentham, Mass., Dec. 11,
1758, daughter of Henry and Esther (Cheever)
Ware. She died March 5, 1786, aged twenty-seven,
and he married (second), April 12, 1787, Abigail
Thurston, born about 1763, daughter of Dr. James
and Phebe (Perkins) Thurston. To the second
marriage were born children as follows : Lydia, born
Oct. 2j, 1789, married, Nov. 26, 1815, Lewis C.
Brown; Susanna, born Sept. 16, 1791, married
(first) Feb. 14. 1810, Cyrus Ballou, and (second)
L. C. Brown; Leonard was born Feb. 23, 1794; and
Thurston, born Nov. 30, 1803, married, Nov. 23,
1823, Caroline Follett. Noah Ballou, his wives and
children earned a good reputation, and their memory
is deservedly honored. At the age of sixteen, just
after the battle of Bunker Hill, he went to Cam-
bridge and took his brother Absalom's place in the
Continental Army (Absalom had enlisted for six
months, but became too ill for duty) and served out
the term of enlistment. He subsequently served
through several short campaigns and became a ser-
geant. He later became a seafaring man, and still
later followed the occupation of boatbuilding, being
the first boatbuilder in his native town, where he
also farmed, and was prosperous. He rose in mili-
tary affairs to the rank of major. He finally went
to live with his son Thurston, in Franklin, Mass.,
where he and his wife both died in the same year —
1843 — she Sept. 12, and he Dec. 20, aged eighty and
eighty-four, respectively.
(VI) Leonard Ballou, born Feb. 23, 1794,
in Cumberland, R. L, married (first), Nov. 6, 1822,
Ann Eliza Amsbury, born March 25, 1801, daughter
of Jabez and Nancy (Miller) Amsbury, of Cum-
berland, R. I., and to the union came : Lydia, born
May 22, 1824, in Cumberland, married John B.
Young, of the firm of Tiffany & Young, now Tif-
fany & Co., of New York, and died in Norwich (she
had no children) ; Amelia, born June 27, 1828, in
Killingly, Conn., became the wife of Albert H.
Almy. The mother of these died in Norwich,
Conn., May 9, 1852, and Mr. Ballou married (sec-
ond), Nov. 13, 1854, Dolly A. (Tracy) Kingsley,
widow of Simon, of Franklin, Conn., and daughter
of Guidon Tracy, of Windham, Conn. She died
in Norwich, Conn., May 13, 1862, without issue.
Mr. Ballou died at his residence in Norwich, Conn.,
Aug. 5, 1880, at the age of eighty-six years. His
death was due to a fall which he received a few
weeks previous.
Mr. Ballou in youth was prepared for a class-
ical education, but because of circumstances a col-
lege course was abandoned. He taught school for
a time, but early turned his attention to mechanical
pursuits, and soon became a skilled millwright. His
services were much sought after by the Wilkin-
sons, the Slaters and the Browns, who were the lead-
ing manufacturers of that period. In 1825 he pur-
chased a mill privilege on Five-Mile river, in Kill-
ingly, Conn., and from this small mill he developed
the Ballou Mills, which now run 26,000 spindles.
In this enterprise there was associated with him his
father-in-law, Jabez Amsbury, the firm being Ams-
bury & Ballou. In the spring of the next year these
gentlemen removed their families to the locality
named. Mr. Ballou became the sole owner of the
mills, which had several times been increased in
capacity, in 1836. His success in the manufacture of
cotton goods was unusual, and his unimpeachable
integrity, and promptness in meeting his payments,
contributed to make him respected and honored by
all who knew him. His opinions were sought on all
occasions with reference to manufacturing changes
and methods, even to the last years of his life. He
closed his career as a manufacturer in 1864, when
three-score and ten years old, and sold all his prop-
erty in Killingly to the Attawaugan Company. The
village where he first commenced operations is now
known as Ballouville. During the long business
life of Mr. Ballou he never sued any person, and
was never sued himself for any obligation.
Mr. Ballou was a resident of Killingly for twenty
years, and in the autumn of 1845 removed to Nor-
wich, where he passed the remainder of his life.
He had been for years a member of the Congrega-
tional Church in North Killingly, and on his removal
to Norwich joined the Second Congregational
Church there, and afterward became identified with
the Park Congregational Church. He was an active
promoter of the enterprise for erecting the church
edifice for that religious society in 1873. He was a
director in the First National Bank of Norwich for
thirty-five years, and trustee of the Norwich Sav-
ings Society, the second largest institution for sav-
148
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
ings in the State, and until increasing years rendered
the work too onerous, his services were of great
value to the institution. He was president for many
years of the Norwich Water Power Company, and
at the time of his death was president of the Occum
Water Power Company, a director of the Norwich
Bleaching & Calendering Company, and of the Nor-
wich City Gas Company.
In politics Air. Ballou was a Whig of the old
school, and a decided Republican. He was a man
of strong convictions and uncompromising for the
right. To a fine, manly physique he added superior
intellectual qualities, a well-balanced mind and sound
judgment, with great kindness of heart and a calm
and even temperament. Always a consistent Chris-
tian he was peace maker in all difficulties.
(VII) Amelia Ballou, born June 27, 1828, in
Killingly, Conn., married Oct. 4, 1847, in Norwich,
Conn., Albert H. Almy.
COL. WILLIAM C. MOWRY. The Mowry
family is one of long and honorable standing in
Rhode Island and Eastern Connecticut. For one
hundred years several successive generations have
been prominent in the industries in and about Nor-
wich, Conn., among them in turn Havilah, Deacon
Samuel, James D. and the late Col. William C.
Mowry, whose name introduces this article and who
was prominent, too, in public affairs and in Masonry,
having represented his town several times in the
General Assembly of Connecticut and served as sec-
retary of the Commonwealth.
Born June 26, 1850, in Norwich, Col. Mowry
was a son of the late James Dixon and E. Louise
(Smith) Mowry and a descendant in the ninth gen-
eration from Nathaniel Mowry, the first American
ancestor of this branch of the family, from whom his
lineage is through Capt. Joseph, Capt. Daniel, Capt.
Joseph (2), Thomas, Havilah, Deacon Samuel and
James Dixon Mowry. The details of these several
generations and in the order given, follow :
(I) Nathaniel Mowry, born in 1644, appears
among the early settlers of Providence, R. I. He
married in the fall of 1666 Johannah Inman, daugh-
ter of Edward Inman. Mr. Mowry was admitted
a freeman in Providence, May 1, 1672. He died
March 24, 1717-18, aged seventy-three years. His
children were : Nathaniel, John, Henry, Joseph,
Martha, Sarah, Mary, Johannah, Patience, Marcy
and Experience.
(II) Capt. Joseph Mowry was married on June
3, 1695, to Alice Whipple. In 1708 Capt. Mowry
built a fine large house, one of the largest in the
Colony, which was still standing in 1878 and lo-
cated probably one mile northwesterly from the vil-
lage of Stillwater. Here Capt. Joseph lived and
died, and was buried in the family burial lot upon the
farm, where many of his descendants from the sev-
eral generations since his time now sleep. But
little is known of his character more than a few
meagre facts, which, however, are sufficient to show
that he was a man of strong purpose, great deter-
mination, an inflexible will, and was honored and
respected by his fellow citizens. His children were :
Daniel, Joseph, Oliver, Alice and Waite, all born
between 1697 and 1716 inclusive.
(III) Capt. Daniel Mowry, born Sept. 6. 1697,.
married Mary, daughter of Thomas and Catherine
Steere; Capt. Mowry died May 27 or 28, 1787, aged
nearly ninety. Mary, his wife died Jan. 2, 1776, in
her seventy-fifth year. Their children were : Joseph,
born Nov. 10, 1723; Thomas, born May 27, 1726;
Daniel, born Aug. 17, 1729; Elisha, born March 28,
1735 ; Mary born Sept. 7, 1737 ; and Alice, born Dec.
27> I739- Two of these sons — Judge Daniel and
Col. Elisha took a prominent part in town and State
affairs during the long period comprised in the
French and Indian war, the Revolutionary war, and
the intervening years.
(IV) Capt. Joseph Mowry (2), born Nov. 10,
1723, married Feb. 12, 1743, Anne Wmipple. Mr.
Mowry was a lawyer — a man of good abilities. He
had many cases at the several terms of the courts
from 1757 to 1764. He received from Gov. Hop-
kins, in 1 76 1, a commission as captain of the 3rd
company of the town of Smithfield. He died in the
autumn of 1764. His children were: Job, born
Jan. 24, 1744; Manor, born March 15, 1746; Rich-
ard, born Feb. 11, 1748-49; Andrew, born April 4,.
1751; Ruth, born Aug. 13, 1753; Anne, born Dec.
14, 1755 ; Phebe, born Nov. 14, 1758; and Augustus,
born Aug. 9, 1761.
(V) Thomas Mowry, born March 15, 1746, mar-
ried Rhoda Aldrich. Mr. Mowry was a man of in-
telligence ; was a good penman and taught school.
He built a house, which he painted red, on Chip-
munk Hill. During the Revolution he raised a liber-
ty pole, from which the British vessels in Newport
Harbor could be seen. In 1813 he removed to
Killingly, Conn., and afterwards to New York State.
His children were : Thomas ; Jared, Havilah, Cy-
rus, Polly and Rhoda.
(VI) Havilah Mowry, born in November, 1776,
in Scituate, R. I., married Fanny Dixon, born June
14, 1774, in Killingly, Conn. He early removed to
Connecticut, where he resided some years, then went
to the State of New York. He taught school in
Connecticut and in New York State. He died April
11, 181 1, at Warren, N. Y. His wife died Aug. 9,
1809. Their children all born in Killingly, Conn.,
were: Samuel, born June 14, 1796; Achsah. born
Sept. 3, 1798; Sally, born Sept. 12, 1800; Havilah,
born March 22, 1803; Harriet, born June 22, 1805;
and Jared, born June 16, 1809.
(VII) Deacon Samuel Mowry, born June 14,
1796, in Killingly, Conn., married (first) Oct. 5,
1817, Cynthia Cary. Deacon Mowry moved to Nor-
wich, Conn., and became identified with the manu-
facturing interests there from the start in 183 1, be-
ginning with the first mill, that of the Thames Manu-
facturing Company, having the management of the
business, and also superintending the factories at
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
149
Norwich Falls and Bozrahville, until the spring of
1852. After a period of ill health he resumed active
business in 1857, as a manufacturer of machinery,
springs, axles, etc. He was one of the founders of
the Congregational Church in Greeneville, and from
1834, up until the time of his death, was one of its
deacons. He was at one time a member of the State
Legislature. He lived to be upwards of eighty years
of age. Two children were born to the first mar-
riage of Deacon Mowry, namely : Ann R., born Feb.
26, 1819, in Coventry, R. I. and James Dixon, born
Nov. 5, 1820, in Canterbury, Conn. Deacon Samuel
married (second) April 7, 1825, Rebecca Story, -and
their children were: John S., born Jan. 1, 1826;
David S., born March 10, 1827 ; Stephen J., born
June 26, 1828 ; and Cynthia R., born Nov. 13, 1830,
all born in Bozrahville, Conn. Deacon Samuel mar-
ried (third) June 10, 1833, Elizah Miller, and to
them were born: William H., born June 8, 1835,
and Eliza R.. born Xov. 10, 1837, both at Greene-
ville, Connecticut.
(VIII) James Dixon Mowry, born Nov. 5, 1820,
in Canterbury, Conn., married March 19, 1844, E.
Louise Smith, daughter of David Smith, and their
children were : David S., born March, 1845 > Will-
iam C, born in June, 1850; S. Louise, born in
August, 1858 ; and Lucy C. married Frederick T.
Mason, and has one daughter, Louise Mowry Ma-
son. The father, as his father had been before him,
was prominent in the affairs of the town, and a man-
ufacturer. "In January, 1862, James D. Mowry con-
tracted to furnish the government with 30,000 rifle
muskets of the latest Springfield construction. The
barrels were made at Cole & Walker's, Norwich,
the locks by C. B. Rogers & Co., of West Chelsea,
and other pieces at Mowry 's factory, Greeneville."
He died February 22, 1895, in Norwich.
William C. Mowry, the subject proper of this
article, received his education in the Broadway
Grammar school, and the Norwich Free Academy,
being graduated from the latter institution in 1868.
He had prepared himself for a course in the Shef-
field Scientific school of Yale, but was prevented
from entering that institution on account of an af-
fection of his eyes. Later, having recovered the use
of his eyes, he accepted a position in the Mowry
Axle and Machine Company, in Greeneville, for the
purpose of obtaining a practical knowledge of the
business. Remaining in the mechanical department
two years he was promoted to the business depart-
ment of the company, which place he retained until
1876. A short time afterwards the Page Steam
Heating Company was organized for the purpose
of making steam heaters, and Mr. Mowry was
treasurer and business manager for a long time.
Later he was the managing director of the Hopkins
& Allen Manufacturing Company. He was identi-
fied with a number of the business enterprises and
institutions of Norwich. He was a director in the
Norwich Savings Society, First National Bank,
Norwich Water Power Company and Norwich Gas
and Electric Company. He was one of the organ-
izers of the Norwich Club and was a member of the
Arcanum Club and Board of Trade. In all these
organizations he took an active interest.
Col. Mowry was a Republican and took an act-
ive interest in the advancement of. the party, and
was always ready to aid with his time and means.
In company with W. T. Lane he represented Nor-
wich in the Legislature in 1889, and in 1893 he was
again a member from this town in company with W.
H. Palmer, Jr. Mr. Mowry filled positions on im-
portant committees, one of which investigated af-
fairs in the state prison. He was an aide on the
staff of Gov. Harrison in 1886. He was elected sec-
retary of State in 1894 and received the largest vote
of any candidate on the ticket. He proved to be a
capable official and was popular. His religious con-
nections were with the Park Congregational Church,
Norwich, of which he was one of the Society Com-
mittee.
Col. Mowry was prominently connected with Ma-
sonry in Norwich. He was made a member of Som-
erset Lodge, No. 34, F. & A. M., in 1882, and took
the thirty-second degree in Connecticut Sovereign
Consistory April 21, 1890. He belonged to Frank-
lin Chapter, Franklin Council and Columbian Com-
mandery in the York Rite and to all the bodies of
the A. and A. Scottish Rite in this city. In the
building of the Masonic Temple in 1893 and 1894
Mr. Mowry was closely connected with the work.
He represented Columbian Commandery in the Ma-
sonic Temple Corporation, and during the erection
of the temple was a member of the building com-
mittee, serving faithfully as far as his health would
allow, which at that time was poor. He was vice-
president of the corporation at the time of his death
and was also on the board of directors. He held
next to the highest office in Connecticut Sovereign
Consistory, thirty-second degree, that of illustrious
first lieutenant commander. Among his Masonic
brtheren he was most popular, and his genial pres-
ence among them was always desired.
Col. Mowry had positive convictions on all mat-
ters in which he was interested, and he had the
courage of his convictions, but he was willing to
give his opponents all due consideration. He was
always cheerful and regarded highly by all who
knew him. He was well-known throughout this
state. His death occurred July 2, 1898, at Watkins,
N. Y., where he had gone for the benefit of his
health.
HILLARD. (I) Hugh Hillard. the progenitor
of the family in America, came from England prob-
ably about 1630 and located at Salem, Mass. He
became a freeman Sept. 3, 1634, but is not named in
Felt's list of church members. He married Mar-
garet, whom he left a widow about 1640, and she
married John Elson, who died in 1648 at Wethers-
field, leaving his estate to the widow and two boys.
Mrs. Margaret Elson married for her third hus-
150
GENEALOGICAL AXD BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
band Thomas Wright, of Wethersfield, and died in
1671. In her will, dated 1670, she names her de-
ceased son Job Hillard and his children, and her son
Benjamin Hillard, whom we may presume to have
been the older. She had no children by her sec-
ond marriage, and probably none by her third. The
children born to Hugh Hillard and his wife Mar-
garet were: (1) Benjamin, who may appear in the
town records of Wethersfield as "Benoni," keeper
of town herd in 1648 ; there is also the following
record — "Benjamin, a fisherman of Salem, 1653,
killed by the Indians at Hampton, June 13, 1677."
(2) Job died in March, 1670.
(II) Job Hillard and his wife Sarah had two
children : William (born in 1642, died Jan. 24, 1714)
and Sarah. Mrs. Sarah Hillard died Oct. 14, 1660,
and Job Hillard married (second) April 1, 1661,
Mary Oliver, said by Savage to have been the
daughter of Thomas Oliver, of Salen. In Septem-
ber, 1670. she administered the estate of Job, which
amounted to 123 pounds and thirteen shillings. By
his second marriage Job Hillard had children as
follows: Abigail, born July 26, 1662; Benjamin,
May 4, 1664; Job, June 1, 1669 (who died un-
married).
(III) William Hillard married Deborah in 1676,
at Little Compton, R. I., where he died Jan. 24,
1714. She was born in 1652, and died Feb. 15, 1718.
By trade William Hillard was a cooper. His will.
proved Feb. 1, 1714, names his wife Deborah as
executrix, giving her a life interest in all his estate.
Deborah Hillard's will, dated Jan. 23. 1717, proved
March 3, 1718, names her son David as executor.
William's estate amounted to 866 pounds, three shill-
ings, two pence. Deborah's estate amounted to 100
pounds, sixteen shillings. The children born to
William and Deborah Hillard were: (1) David,
born in 1677, died Jan. n, 1749. (2) Deborah,
born in 1685, married Nov. 11, 1706, John Pad-
dock, son of John and Ann (Jones) Paddock. (3)
Esther married Jeremiah Gears, son of George and
Sarah (Allyn) Gears, and had issue, Oliver, Han-
nah, Esther, Zebulon, Ziporah and Jerusha. (4)
Mary, born April 3, 1687, died in 1717 ; she married
Dec. 25, 1704, John Palmer, son of John and Eliza-
beth Palmer, who was born Nov. 24. 1687 ; and they
had issue. Bridget (born March 17, 1706), Amy
(born May 24, 170S), Deborah (born July 30,
1710), and John (born Oct. 20, 1712). (5) Abigail,
born July 12, 1690, married April 25, 1714, Warren
Gibbs. (6) Sarah was born June 28, 1692. (7) Jon-
athan, born Nov. 8, 1696, married Abigail Wilbur,
daughter of William, May 13, 1716; she was born
April 1, 1697, and died Oct. 5, 1741, the mother of
David (born Sept. 3, 1718), Azariah (born Nov.
30, 1719, died June 16, 1724), Joanna (born May 24,
1722, married Dec. 30, 1740, Nathaniel Hancox),
Isaac (born Oct. 2. 1726, married April 5, 175 1, at
Westerly. R. I.. Victorious Coats, and had chil-
dren— Abigail, born March 30, 1752, Jonathan, Feb.
27> 1754< Jorriah, Feb. 14, 1758, Elizabeth, Feb. 5,
1763, Delight. Aug. 18, 1764, and David, Feb. \jy
1767), John (born March 12, IJ29, married March
5, 1 76 1, Hannah Rosseter), and Ambros (born Feb.
6, 1731, died Jan. 24, 1732).
(IV) David Hillard and Joanna Ambros were
married in Stonington, Conn., July 13, 1699, by
Joseph Church, J. P. She died April 14, 1716, in
her thirty-ninth year. They were both taken into
the Road Church, Stonington. Conn.. April 4. 1708,.
and he was dismissed to the church in Little Comp-
ton, R. I.. May 16, 1717. He lived in Stonington
and New London, Conn., and Little Compton, R. L
He owned land in Plainfield, Conn., which he sold
Sept. 15, 171 1, and also bought and sold land in
Stonington, Conn., and Salem. Mass. His will, dated
Aug. 1, 1748, proved Feb. 7, 1749, names his wife
Susanna as executrix. He was a military officer,
and up to the time of his death was called captain.
By will he left his swords to his sons. The children
of his first marriage were : ( I ) Deborah, born April
4, 1700. baptized at Stonington. Conn., April 8„
1708, married June 29, 1719, Isaac Wheaton. (2)
Lydia, born Oct. 4, 1702, died young. (3) William
was born Oct. 28, 1703. (4) Priscilla, born Nov. 2,
1705, baptized at Stonington, Conn.. April 8, 1708,
married Sept. 1, 1725, Job Palmer, and had four
children legatees under the will of David ; her death
occurred at Norwich, Conn. (5) John, born Nov.
17. 1707, baptized at Stonington, Conn., April 8,
1708, died young. (6) Oliver, born in 1709, bap-
tized Nov. 28, 1709, by Rev. James Noyes, at Road
Church, Stonington, Conn., married Nov. 18, 173 1,
Sarah Wilbur, of Little Compton, R. I., who was
born Feb. 28, 17 13. He had part of his father's
farm in Little Compton. and was a deputy from
there in 1762. They had children. Joanna (born
March 26. 1733). John (April 5, 1735). Isaac (April
1. 1737, married Feb. 28. 1759, Sarah White). David
(April 21, 1743). William (twin of David, died in
!756), Joseph (May 8, 1745). Oliver (Aug. 15,
1747, died Oct. 18, 1756), and Sarah (Aug. 15,
1747). (7) Joseph, born in August. 171 1, baptized
Aug. 12, 171 1, by Rev. James Noyes, at Road
Church, in Stonington, was married Feb. 25, 1735-
36, by Joseph Fish, to Freelove Miner. (8) Dorothy,
born in 1713. baptized May 24, 1713. married June
18, 1736, Joseph Cole. (9) Benoni. born March 12,
1716, baptized by Rev. James Noyes. at Road
Church, April 22, 1716, married (first) Martha Lord
and (second) Fatience Pierson, and died Aug. 19.
1801.
David Hillard, father of the above given nine
children, married for his second wife Susanna
Luther. She was born in 1686. and died April 6,
1777. Their children were: (1) Mary, born June
23, 1718. died Aug. 8, 1740; she married June 24,
1737, William Shaw, Jr. (2) Joshua, born Oct. 27,
1719. married, in 1744, Esther Burgess. (3) Han-
nah, born Oct. 11. 1721. married Dec. 12, 1746. John
Wilbur, Jr. (4) Samuel, born March 19, 1723, died
Aug. 6, 1 741. (5) David, born Sept. 21, 1726, died
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
151
in July, 1816; he married Sept. 19, 1746, Ann Mercy
Irish, and he was doubtless a lieutenant-colonel in
the 2d Regiment, Militia, of Providence, in 1776.
(6) Susanna, born June 9, 1730, died Aug. 26,
1730. (7) Abigail, born Oct. 11, 1732, married Dec.
15, 1750, Champlin Potter. In May, 1774, Oliver,
Joseph and David Hillard were three of the eighty-
three who petitioned the Assembly of Connecticut
for permission to build a church at Long Point, in
Stonington.
(V) William Hillard was baptized April 8, 1708,
at Stonington, and was living in Stonington on
lands given him by his father in 1745. He died
Oct. 4, 1783. in the eightieth year of his age.
(VI) William Hillard, jr., son of the above
William, was married Feb. 20, 1755, in Stoning-
ton, to Mary Denison, born Jan. 24, 1735, daughter
of Beebe Denison, granddaughter of Daniel Deni-
son, great-granddaughter of John Denison, and
great-great-granddaughter of George Denison.
William Hillard, Jr., died June 7, 1815, in his eigh-
ty-fourth year. The children born to him were :
John, born Oct. 4, 1756, died March 1, 1826; Will-
iam was born Jan. 10, 1759: Azariah, born Jan. 25,
1761, married Nov. 20, 1788, Sarah Brown; Mary
was born April 13, 1763; Phebe was born Oct. 24,
1765; Priscilla, born March II, 1769, married Feb.
15, 1807, Jonathan Records; Guairden (Gordon)
was born Feb. 10, 1771 (his wife's name was Pe-
curah).
( VII) John Hillard and Betsey Worthington
Mather were married in Stonington May 25, 1783.
She was born Dec. 16, 1763, and died Feb. 9, 1817.
Their children were: Sarah, born Jan. 30, 1784,
married Jesse Miner; Betsey, born June 9, 1786,
married a Jenks, and became the mother of Phy-
lander and Sally; Charlotte was born Feb. 14, 1788;
John, born Feb. 14, 1790, died May 21, 1790; John,
born April 9, 1791, removed to Ohio; Nabby, born
Sept. 5, 1793, married David Brient, and they re-
moved to Pennsylvania ; Clarissa, born Feb. 14,
1795. married Martin Winchester, of Marlboro,
Vt. ; William Mather, born May 26, 1798, died Aug.
10, 1885 ; Elias, born Oct. 30, 1800, married Oct. 10,
1824. Eliza Hewitt, and died Nov. 14, 1868, the
father of Frank, Charles, Frances, Albert Clinton
and John ; Hiram was born April 2lj 1803 ; Worth-
ington was born Nov. 6, 1805. John Hillard was
corporal in Capt. Hyde's Company, Fourth Regi-
ment, Connecticut Line, Formation of 1777-81. He
enlisted for the war, Jan. 1, 1777, and was honor-
ably discharged Jan. 1, 1780.
'(VIII) W'illiam Mather Hillard, born May 26,
1798, died Aug. 10, 1885. He was married Aug. 7,
1825, by Elias Hewitt, J. P., to Cynthia S. Wheeler,
who was born Aug. 26, 1803, and died in 1829. They
became the parents of the following children : Will-
iam Horace, born Aug. 8. 1826, is spoken of ex-
tensively hereafter ; Albert Wheeler, born Oct. 18,
1828, married, Nov. 25, 1851, Emily Miner Ran-
dall, daughter of William Randall. William Mather
Hillard was married (second) May 18, 1830, by
Rev. Asher Miner, to Lucy Morella Dewey, born
Feb. 4, 1810, daughter of Christopher and Margaret
(Brown) Dewey. Mrs. Hillard is yet living (1905),
spry and active for her years. Their children were :
(1) Lucy Morella, born April 18, 1831, married Oct.
13, 1852, Charles Henry Crandall, son of Nathan and
Catherine (Brown) Crandall, who was born March
25, 1828, and who died Jan. 2, 1898; he was the
father of Charlie, born March 21, 1854, died April
18, 1854: Cornelius Blackledge, born Feb. 21. 1856,
married Nov. 11, 1891, Mabel Gertrude Swift, and
their children are Maurice Hillard (born March 21,
1893) and Mildred (born July 14, 1899) '■> Geneva,
born Sept-. 22, 1858, married Charles Pendleton
Trumbull, March 2, 1881, and their children are
Eliza Niles (born Jan. 29, 1882, married Edwin
Loomis King, June 29. 1904), Maria Babcock (born
March 22, 1884, died Jan. 13, 1896), Geneva Hil-
lard (born March 30, 1886), Horace Niles (born
Jan. 23, 1890) and Charles Pendleton (born Dec. 1,
J&97)- (2) Margaret, born Feb. 13, 1833, married
Oct. 9, 1867, Benjamin Franklin Sisson, son of Gil-
bert and Desire (Maine) Sisson, who was born
April 11, 181 1, and died Sept. 8, 1885 ; their children
were : Fannie Abbott, born July 2, 1868, died Feb.
15, 1871 ; Edward Carlton, born March 11, 1870,
married Aug. 22, 1895, Edith Jones, and became the
father of Edward Albert (born July 18, 1896),
William (born May 6, 1898) and Margaret Carlton
(born May 15, 1901) ; Cora, born July 26, 1872,
died March 7, 1876; and Madge, born Dec. 12. 1876.
(3) Eliza Ann, born Feb. 20, 1835, married Feb. 22,
i860, Charles Edwin Hewitt, of North Stonington,
Conn. He was the son of Stanton and Mary
( Avery) Hewitt, and was born Feb. 1, 1834. Their
children were : Mary Eliza, born Jan. 18, 1862, died
Marcb 6, 1889; Jennie Morella, born Nov. 14, 1863,
married Frank Elwin Bentley, and became the
mother of Elwin Hewitt (born April 2, 1898), Har-
old Stanton (born June 5, 1899) and Fernando
Waterman (born Dec. 18, 1900) ; Kate Amelia, born
Dec. 11, 1865, died May 28, 1888: Margaret Hil-
lard was born Nov. 22, 1867 ; Edna, born Nov. 7,
1877, married April 30, 1901, George Wyman
Tryon. (4) Luke, born April 19, 1838, married
Oct. 9, 1866, Minnie L. Nichols, daughter of John
D. and Mary E. (Webster) Nichols, who died Feb.
18, 1888. (5) Paul Herman was born Jan. 13, 1842.
(6) Sabrina was born March 11, 1849.
William Mather Hillard was a member of the
Baptist Church in North Stonington, of which he
was a trustee. He was a man of sterling qualities
an I held many offices of trust in his native town.
Prior to him the family name was spelled Hilliard,
but he dropped the "i," and since then it has been
spelled Hillard.
(IX) Paul Herman Hillard, born Jan. 13, 1842,
was married Jan. 16, f868, in New London, Conn.,
by Rev. A. P. Buell. to Caroline Matilda Noyes, who
was born Dec. 15, 1846, daughter of Avery Denison
i;2
GENEALOGICAL AXD BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
and Bathsheba (Dickens) Xoyes. On Aug. 20,
1862, he enlisted, becoming a private in Company
G, 2 1 st Regiment Conn. V. I., and was honorably
discharged July 5. 1865. After the war he re-
ceived an appointment in the office of the adjutant
general of Connecticut as clerk in charge of pensions,
back pay and bounty claims, which position he held
for three years and then resigned for political rea-
sons. He then engaged in mercantile business at
Binghamton. X. Y., until the spring of 1871. Since
that time he has resided in Pawcatuck, where he has
been engaged in the manufacture of novelties, and
also in the life and accident insurance business and
as a pension attorney. Mr. Hillard has always been
prominently identified with the Masonic fraternity
and with the Grand Army of the Republic, and is
one of the leading men in his locality.
( X ) William Avery Hillard, M. D.. physi-
cian and surgeon of Pawcatuck, town of Stonington,
was born in Binghamton. X. Y.. Aug. 20, 1870. The
young man graduated from the 'Westerly high
school, and then, following his natural bent, entered
the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Xew
York City, from which he was graduated June 14.
1893. In the fall of that same year he located at
Pawcatuck, where he remained for six months.
The succeeding three years were spent in active
practice at Manchester. X. H., but in April, 1897,
he returned to Pawcatuck. where he has since built
up a large practice, which extends throughout the
neighborhood and into Rhode Island.
On Dec. 25. 1895, Dr. Hillard was united in
marriage, by Rev. George F. Babbit, with Miss
Addie Woodbury Palmer, who was born at Haver-
hill, Mass., April 22. 1874. daughter of Osmer Asa
and Abbie Jane (Cummings) Palmer, at Ames-
bury, Mass. One child, in the eleventh generation,
Paul Xoyes. was born to Dr. and Mrs. Hillard
March 21, 1898. Dr. Hillard is a member of the
Xew Hampshire State Medical Society, the Ameri-
can Medical Association, the Washington Countv
(R. I.) Medical Society (of which he is an ex-pres-
ident) and of the Sons of the American Revolution
in five different lines. He has spent a great amount
of time and energy in historical and genealogical
research, and is a verv scholarlv man. thorou^hlv
abreast of modern research and medical discoveries.
As a physician he stands high in his profession, and
socially is very popular.
(IX) William Horace Hillard, now one of
the venerable residents of Xorth Stonington, Conn.,
and one of its representative and prominent men,
who has nobly borne his part in its development,
was born in District Xo. Nine, of Xorth Stonington.
Aug. 8. 1826, and spent his early school days in that
district, where he was educated. Until he was
twenty-six years of age he farmed, and then for a
few years was a teacher in Xorth Stonington and
Rhode Island. In i860 he began clerking for
Charles X. Wheeler, who kept a general store in
Xorth Stonington. and a year later bought him out,
and since then has carried on the business alone, be-
coming very successful. Mr. Hillard is a man who
has always taken a deep interest in political matters.
Prior to the formation of the Republican party, he
was a Whig, and since then has been a strong sup-
porter of the principles of the new party. Mr. Hil-
lard has had a busy life, having been called upon, in
addition to his business cares, to fill more than one
position of trust and responsibility, among which
may be mentioned those of school visitor ; town
clerk, for a period of twelve years ; j*udge of pro-
bate for the same length of time : town treasurer of
deposit fund : and from 1877 to 1878 he was a mem-
ber of the Legislature. Since 1861. with the excep-
tion of the two terms when President Cleveland
ruled, Mr. Hillard has been postmaster, and fills
the position ably and to the entire satisfaction of
the patrons of the post office. Religiously Mr. Hil-
lard has been connected with the Baptist Church
since he was twenty years of age. and he is now
deacon and trustee, serving with Henry E. Breed
and George A. Pendleton.
Mr. Hillard has been married three times, his
first wife having been Miss Maryette Burdick. In
1878 he married Miss Nancy Mary Y\ "heeler, and on
March 15, 1903, he was united to Miss Mary E.
Chapman, daughter of Rev. Daniel Franklin and
Rebecca (Getchell) Chapman. The Rev. Mr. Chap-
man was pastor of the Pendleton Hill Baptist
Church for twelve years, until his death in 1892,
and was a most excellent man and eloquent preacher.
This old and highly honored family is one of the
best known in Xew London county. From earliest
times, as may be seen by the records given above,
its members have been connected with the history
of the several localities in which they have resided,
and there is nothing but good written of them. Those
bearing the honored name to-day are manfully up-
holding the standard of excellence, and following
the examples set by those who helped to make our
nation what it is to-day. and who assisted in estab-
lishing and maintaining law and order when what is
now a flourishing commonwealth was almost a
wilderness.
BRIGGS. The branch of this family which for
nearly a half century has been identified with manu-
facturing interests in eastern Connecticut is an old
one in the State of Rhode Island.
We have been able to trace to John Briggs. who
is recorded in Kingston, R. I., in 1671. as a clerk of
a military company, and the next year as a land pur-
chaser. He was a freeman in 1673. and constable
in 1687. It is assumed by Austin, in his Genealogi-
cal Dictionary of Rhode Island, that Thomas Briggs.
of Kingston and Greenwich, and Daniel Briggs. of
East Greenwich, were his sons, his other children
being : John, of Xorth Kingston : James, of East
Greenwich and Kingston. Portsmouth and Crans-
ton ; Frances : Richard, of Kingston and East Green-
wich ; and Robert, Marv Ann and Sarah, who seem
/
.
/
yjs).
'/
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
153
to have left no posterity. Frances, the wife of John
Briggs, died in 1697, the same year as her husband.
James Briggs resided in East Greenwich, where
he became the father of the following children :
Henry, who served in the French and Indian war,
and died at East Greenwich ; Anderson, who was a
soldier in the war of the Revolution, and died in
West Greenwich ; and Jonathan,
Jonathan Briggs, son of James, was born in
1755, in East Greenwich. As a boy he went with
Giles Pierce to Block Island, where he worked on a
farm. During the Revolutionary war he enlisted
and served nearly seven years. At first he belonged
to Capt. Thomas Hughes's Company, and in 1779
he was assigned to Col. Israel Angell's regiment.
In 1782 he became corporal. He participated in the
historic battles of Germantown, Monmouth and
Yorktown, and for some years was a United States
pensioner, receiving S8 per month. After the close
of the war he engaged in farming at Coventry, R.
I., near Greene Station. While taking a load of
potatoes from the field he was caught between the
gatepost and the hub of the cart wheel, and his
thigh was crushed, from the effect of which he died
Dec. 23, 1837. at the advanced age of eighty-two
years. He was buried on the homestead farm. He
was a man much respected by the community and
beloved by his family. His wife, Abigail Greene,
who was born June 17, 1758, at Harkney Hill, Cov-
entry. R. I., daughter of Nathaniel Greene, died
July 9. 1847. Jonathan Briggs and wife were the
parents of the following children : Giles, born in
Coventry, went to Medina county, Ohio, where he
died, leaving several children ; Wanton is mentioned
below : Olney, born in Coventry. R. I., July 9, 1791,
married Eleanor Arnold, and died on the homestead
farm at the age of ninety-two ; Polly, who married
a Jordan, died in Coventry ; Xiobe married a Blan-
chard (by whom she had two children, Almira, who
married Williard Yickery, and Hulda, who married
John Carpenter), and second Albert Brown: Hulda
became the second wife of James L. Ross, of Cov-
entry. R. I., and Clarissa, her daughter, married
Lawton Corey, and settled in Bureau county,
Illinois.
Wanton Briggs, son of Jonathan, was born Oct.
5- 1788, and was a farmer in his native town of
Coventry. He served as a soldier in the war of
1812. At a time when cotton factories were spring-
ing up all over New England, and particularly in
Rhode Island. Mr. Briggs decided to leave his farm
and locate in the factory village of Harrisville, R.
I., which continued to be his home for many years,
and where he reared his children to a thorough
knowledge of the cotton business, which several of
them followed successfully as a life occupation. He
was a man of good ability and sound judgment. As
a justice of the peace, his decisions were marked for
their impartiality and good common sense. His
death occurred at Phenix. R. I.. March 27, 1849. anc^
he was laid to rest in the Manchester cemeterv in
Coventry, R. I. On Dec. 22, 1816, he married Mary
Tift, who was born May 13, 1792, daughter of
Solomon and Eunice (Burrows) Tift, of Groton,
Conn. This marriage was blessed with the follow-
ing children: (1) Eunice A., born in Coventry,
Feb. 5, 1818, died May 18, 1833. (2) Jonathan,
born April 22, 1819, died July 6, 1819. (3) Ira
Greene was born April 29, 1820. (4) Wanton was
born Nov. 25, 1821. (5) Jonathan T., born May 3.
1823, lives in Sheridan, Cal., where he is engaged
in mercantile business. He married Maria Wood-
worth, and they have six children, Jonathan, Laura,
Lucy, Susan, Ira and Mary. (6) Lucius, born Dec.
21, 1825, has a sketch elsewhere in this volume. (7)
Sarah B., born July 7, 1827, married Thomas Wil-
bur, of North Grosvenor Dale, Conn., a sketch of
whom appears elsewhere in this volume. (8) George
Washington was born April 19, 1829. (9) Ezra
was born Oct. 9, 1830. (10) Mary A., born March
17, 1832, married Jonathan L. Spencer, now de-
ceased, of Providence, R. I. They had nine chil-
dren, among whom were Grace, who married John
W. Tinkler, of Providence ; Flora, wife of Howard
Preston, of Providence ; Robert L., of Providence ;
Mary T., wife of Harry Holmes ; and Ralph, who
died young. (11) James Henry Clay, born Nov.
16, 1834, died May 8, 1857. (12) Eunice Ann, born
July 21, 1836, is the widow of Levi Bowen Arnold,
and lives in Putnam, Conn. They had six children,
Ernest M., Walter S., Mary E., Lucius F., Clifford
B. and Edwin T., the last named deceased. Mrs.
Wanton Briggs died at Yoluntown, Conn.. July 9,
1866, and was buried beside her husband in the
Manchester " cemetery. Wanton Briggs was a
Whig, and a member of the Baptist Church at Rice
City, Rhode Island.
Ira Greene Briggs, born in Coventry, R. I.,
April 29, 1820, received a district school education.
He worked on the farm until he was twelve vears
old, when his father removed to the village since
known as Harrisville, where he was employed by
Elisha Harris, a well known manufacturer and after-
ward governor of the State. Ira entered Mr. Har-
ris's factory, beginning in the picker-room, where
he remained four years. He then worked about two
years in the other parts of the factory, and became
expert in all the processes of cotton manufacturing.
At eighteen he entered the machine shops of Laval-
ley, Lanphere & Company, in the adjoining village,
Phenix, and worked there three years, becoming fa-
miliar with the building of cotton machinery. Hav-
ing attained his majority, he again entered the em-
ployment of Mr. Harris, continuing with him for
seven years, having charge of the repairs of the ma-
chinery. At the end of that period the factory of
Brown & Ives, at Hope Village, two miles above
Harrisville, on the same stream, was being built un-
der the supervision of David Whitman, and Mr.
Briggs was employed to superintend the erection of
the shafting and to get the machinery in running
order. Having finished this task, he was engaged
154
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
by Brown & Ives to take charge of the machinery
and repairs, and he remained in that capacity in the
Hope factory until 1852. He was then appointed
superintendent of the Rockville Mills, at Hopkin-
ton, R. I. These mills, built in 1845, were then
owned by John C. Harris, Oliver D. Wells and Har-
ris Lanphear. The latter, a brother-in-law of Mr.
Briggs, had been superintendent. The business had
not been successful, and the company was embar-
rassed in its finances. In the four years of Mr.
Briggs's agency, by his able administration, the in-
debtedness was materially reduced, and the affairs
of the company became more prosperous.
Early in 1856, with other gentlemen, he pur-
chased from the insolvent estate of James S. Treat,
the mills and adjacent real estate formerly belong-
ing to the Industrial Manufacturing Co., at Yolun-
town, Conn., and at once commenced business as the
Beachdale Manufacturing Co., in the manufacture
of cotton cloth. In the same year such changes in
the ownership took place that at its end Mr. Briggs
owned two-fifths and Jonathan R. Wells and Thomas
R. Wells three-fifths of the whole interest, and in
this proportion it was held by the same persons un-
til Nov. 20, 1857, when the Messrs. Wells sold their
interest to John L. Ross, of North Providence, R.
I. This partnership continued for three years. It
was then dissolved, Mr. Briggs purchasing the in-
terest of his partner and becoming sole proprietor
Nov. 17, i860. On Dec. 12th, ensuing, he sold
an interest of two-fifths to his brother-in-law, Jona-
than L. Spencer, of Hopkinton, R. I., forming with
him the firm of Briggs & Spencer. On Feb. 15,
1861, Briggs & Spencer bought a mill and privilege
half a mile below the Beachdale mill, on the same
stream, from Samuel Gates. Mr. Gates had several
years before built the mill and a temporary dam, but
had not operated the mill. Briggs & Spencer did
not occupy it, but leased it to Hiram Jencks for four
years as a twine mill. The partnership continued
until Oct. 1, 1863, when Mr. Spencer sold his inter-
est to John L. Ross, the style of the firm being
changed to Ross & Briggs.
On July 1, 1865, Mr. Briggs sold to his young-
est living brother, Ezra, one-fifth of his interest,
amounting to one-tenth of the whole interest, the
business being afterward conducted in the name of
Ross, Briggs & Co. On Aug. 21, 1868, Ira G.
Briggs purchased John L. Ross's interest and sold to
his brother, Ezra, an additional one-tenth of the
whole business and mill property, forming with him
the firm of Ira G. Briggs & Co. Their interests in
it were, respectively, four-fifths and one-fifth. -Dur-
ing both the periods of the partnership of Ira G.
Briggs and John L. Ross, the latter had no active
connection with any part of the business, his capital
only being invested. On Sept. 21, 1870, Ira G.
Briggs & Co. purchased for further uses the mill
privilege below the Gates mill formerly belonging to
Alice Branch, having a fall of twenty-four feet, and
-a capacity nearly double that of either of the privil-
eges owned by them, which had been leased to sup-
ply power to a sawmill, a gristmill and a shoddy-
mill. The next year, 1871, they purchased the
Doane mill, on the same stream, below the Branch
privilege. This property had passed from the own-
ership of Joseph H. Doane by the foreclosure of a
mortgage, Dec. 7, 1852. During the period between
that date and its purchase by the Messrs. Briggs it
had been owned by different firms, neither of whom
had been successful in operating it. Since it came
into the hands of its last proprietors it has been
profitably used for the manufacture of yarns and
warps. After Mr. Briggs acquired, in i860, the con-
trolling interest in the Beachdale mills, he expended
large amounts out of the profits in increasing the ca-
pacity and facilities of the mills by erecting new
buildings, introducing improved machinery, and
providing a larger and more continuous supply of
water-power. He purchased the right of persons
controlling the outlet and flowage of Beach pond, a
principal means of supply of water power to the
mills in Yoluntown, and below on the Pachaug river,
erected a new dam at the outlet of the pond, and
raised the highway for half a mile. These works
enlarged this natural reservoir to some 1,200 acres,
and increased the depth of the water by ten feet,
thus enabling the Messrs. Briggs to run their mills
throughout the year instead of nine months. The
work was done under the supervision of Ira G.
Briggs, and mainly at the expense of the firm.
In 1873 Mr. Briggs became a stockholder, and
the next year a director, in the Rockville Mills, at
Hopkinton. R. I., in which, from 1852 to 1856, he
had had his first experience in mill management.
He was the general manager and agent after 1874,
with the personal supervision of the purchase of ma-
terial and the manufacture and sale of the goods.
There are three of these mills, situated on successive
privileges of the same stream, like the mills of the
Messrs. Briggs of Yoluntown. The Rockville Mills
were ably managed, and, in a period of general de-
pression, were kept in constant operation, paying
their current expenses, together with the interest on
a large debt and heavy expenditures in improve-
ments in the mills and machinery. In the same year,
1873, Ira G. Briggs bought an interest in the Still-
man Manufacturing Co., at Westerly, R. I. Their
mill was engaged in the manufacture of cassimeres.
Mr. Briggs continued as the head of most of these
industries until 1896, when he retired from active
work. He still retained, however, a large interest
in the Briggs Manufacturing Co., the successor of
Ira G. Briggs & Co., of which he was president until
his death.
While Mr. Briggs was engaged in these enter-
prises he occupied many positions of trust and
honor. He was first selectman of the town nine
years in succession, a member of the lower branch
of the General Assembly in 1865, 1866 and 1868,
and of the Senate in 1870. In the Senate he was
a member of the joint committee on Banks and
u^iu^/^A
GENEALOGICAL 'AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
155
Banking. During the Civil war he actively engaged
in the raising of money for the equipping of troops,
and, in 1884, he was a delegate to the Republican
National Convention which nominated James G.
Blaine. In politics he was a stanch Republican.
Mr. Briggs was a man of splendid character,
strong and honest in his purposes, and of lofty am-
bition. He was energetic and straightforward in
all his business relations, and, as can be seen by a
glance at the sketch of his business career, was never
idle, but was laboring ceaselessly for the interests
which he owned and represented. He was also kind
and charitable, and he numbered many friends all
over Connecticut and Rhode Island. He was a sin-
cere Christian gentleman, and was a member of the
Baptist Church in Phenix, R. I. He was a frequent
contributing member, and held a seat there until he
died. His death is a distinct loss to Voluntown.
Fraternally he was a member of Somerset Lodge,
No. 34, F. & A. M., of Norwich.
On Oct. 1, 1846, Ira G. Briggs was united in
marriage with Lydia Andrews, who was born June
7, 1824, in Coventry, R. I., daughter of Holden
Andrews. Holden Andrews was born in Warwick,
R. I., Sept. 16, 1793, and died in 1875, in Coventry,
R. I. Airs. Briggs died Oct. 17, 1892, and was
buried in Manchester cemetery. The children of
this worthy couple were : Lucy Ella, born Oct. 2,
1850, in Scituate, R. I., married, Sept. 8, 1874,
Thomas H. Peabody, of Westerly, R. I.; Emily
ces, born May 8, 1854, died July 4, 1856; Emma
Frances, born Jan. 27, 1861, in Voluntown, Conn.,
married, Oct. 1, 1884, George Wyman Carroll, of
Norwich, Conn., and has one child, George Wyman,
Jr., born May 9, 1886 (Mrs. Carroll belongs to the
D. A. R.) ; Ira Elmer, born March 3, 1864, died
July 23, 1864; and Ira Everett was born Aug. 26,
1866, in Voluntown. Ira Greene Briggs died at his
home in Voluntown, Conn., Jan. 6, 1902.
Wanton Briggs, Jr., was born in Coventry, R.
I., Nov. 25, 1 82 1. Like his brothers he attended the
district schools, and commenced work in the mills
at Harrisville at the age of eleven years, afterward
attending school during the winter season. He con-
tinued in the mill for several years, but being de-
sirous of obtaining more of an education he attended
the Pawcatuck Academy at Westerly, R. I., and
Smithville Seminary, at North Scituate, R. I. For
two terms he taught school, in Coventry and
Knightsville. In January, 1849, during the gold
fever, he and his brother Lucius went to California
by way of Cape Horn, and Wanton spent fifteen
years in the Golden State, during twelve of which
he was engaged in ranching in Placer county, near
Sacramento. In August, 1864, he returned East,
and after a short residence in Voluntown went to
Hope, R. I., where he bought a place and settled
down to gardening, etc., spending twenty-five years
there. At the end of that time he sold out and moved
to Danielson, Conn., where he bought a three-acre
tract of land on which he has since resided, and en-
gaged in gardening. He built a home and is nicely
located.
In Voluntown, Conn., in 1865, Mr. Briggs mar-
ried Julia A. Douglass, who was born in Griswold>
Conn., daughter of George Douglass, and they had
two children: Alice M., who is at home; and J.
Herbert, a printer, who married Edwina Burdick,
and resides in Danielson.
Mr. Briggs from early childhood has had a crav-
ing for the knowledge to be found in books, and
steady persistency has enabled him to master many
of the branches for which he has shown special apti-
tude. He is a constant reader, and is continually
adding to his store of information. One of his fav-
orite studies is astronomy, a subject which he is
fond of discussing, and upon which he can discourse
very entertainingly. In politics he is a stanch Re-
publican, but he has never had a desire for political
preferment, the absence of any wish for prominence
being one of his marked characteristics. Although
he has passed the four-score mark he is still quite
active. He is a good Christian man, temperate in
his habits, and enjoys the respect of all who know
him.
George Washington Briggs, superintendent
of the Briggs Manufacturing Company at Volun-
town, was born in Coventry, R. I., April 19, 1829.
He attended the district schools until seven years
old, when he started to work in the mills of the Har-
risville Company. There he remained until sixteen,
and during that time attended school a few short
terms. For one year he worked on the home farm.
In 1845 ne became a clerk in Gov. Harris's store,
where he worked one year, at the end of that time
starting to learn the trade of machinist with the
Lavalley & Lanphere Company. He continued with
that concern until 1849, when he caught the gold
fever, and with sixty-four other boys and men
formed a company which started for California
around Gape Horn in the 260-ton barque "Rio."
The company was formed for three years, and Mr.
Briggs, though little over eighteen years old, was
made a director. After spending one year in the
gold fields he had to give up on account of ill health,
and returned home by the Panama route, which was
then being surveyed for a railroad. After returning
home he worked at the machinist's trade in Peck's
machine shop for a short time, when he accepted a
position as foreman in the machine shops of Brown
& Ives, at Hope, R. I., where he spent fifteen years.
In 1867 he came to Connecticut, locating at Gros-
venor Dale, where he became superintendent of the
lower mill, which was under the management of his
brother, Lucius Briggs. He was thus engaged for
six years, when he came to Voluntown, in 1873, and
bought an interest in the mills of Ira G. Briggs &
Co. After a short stay there he returned to Gros-
venor Dale and for fourteen years was master me-
chanic for the Grosvenor Dale Company. On ac-
count of ill health he resigned and in company with
his wife went to California, on a five months trip,
156
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
recuperating. On his return he bought a home in
Danielson, Conn. In 1890 he came to Voluntown
and became superintendent of the Briggs Manufac-
turing Company, where he has continued to fill that
position for fourteen years, still making his home in
Danielson, however. Socially Mr. Briggs is a mem-
ber of Warwick Lodge, No. 16, F. & A. M., at
Warwick, R. I. He unites with the Republican
party on political issues, but is not active in such
matters.
In 1852 Mr. Briggs was married, in Hope, R. I.,
to Mary Jane Eldred, who was born in North Kings-
ton, R. I., daughter of Ezra Eldred, and they had
one child, Edna J., who married William Kelly, and
has had four children, Robert, George, Arabella and
Henry. Mrs. Briggs died in i860, and was buried
in the family lot in Manchester cemetery. In 1861
Mr. Briggs married Mary Anna Arnold, daughter
of Hervey Arnold, and they have had four children :
(1) Mary married George E. Elliott, of Grosvenor
Dale, and had two children, Ruth F. and Rose, the
latter now deceased. (2) Ezra Justin died when
twenty-one months old. (3) Justus attended Wor-
cester (Mass.) Academy, graduating therefrom at
the head of his class, and in 1893 graduated from
Yale College ; he is now residing in Kobe, Japan,
where he is engaged in mercantile business. On
Sept. 28, 1902, he married Sarah Gibberson. (4)
Elizabeth Warner married Andrew S. Parsons, of
New Britain, Conn., and has one child, Clifford
Briggs.
Mr. and Mrs. Briggs are members of the Baptist
Church at Phenix, R. I. George W. Briggs is a
representative of the best type of American citizen-
ship. Faithful in every relation of life, he is re-
spected most where best known.
Ezra Briggs was born in Coventry, R. I., Oct.
9, 1830. In his native place he attended school un-
til he was eight years old, when he began working
in the cotton mills at Harrisville, and later at Phenix,
where he continued until he was nineteen, with the
■exception of one year spent on the farm. In the
spring of 1849 ne entered the machine shops of the
Lavalley & Lanphere Company, where he spent two
years in learning the trade. Desiring to acquire
more education he left the shop and entered East
Greenwich (R. I.) Academy, where he took a gen-
eral course and fitted himself for teaching. He
taught school for five terms in Coventry and Smith-
field, during intervals working at the machinist's
trade. In 1854 he accepted a position as bookkeeper
with the Harris Lime Rock Company, with which he
spent two years, and in the spring of 1856 he kept
books for James H. Read & Co., cloth merchants,
of Providence. In the fall of the same year he ac-
cepted the position of bookkeeper with the Brown &
Ives Cotton Manufacturing Company, at their mills
in Hope, R. I., and was also paymaster, continuing
to discharge the duties of that position of trust and
responsibility for nine years. In 1865 he came to
Voluntown, Conn., buying an interest in the mills
of his brother, Ira G., under the firm name of Ira
G. Briggs & Co., which company was formed into
a corporation in 1886, until which time he had
charge of the financial management of the business.
On the formation of the new company he became
secretary and treasurer, continuing as such until
1901. In that year, on account of his age, he
dropped active interest in the business except as an
adviser, but still retains the positions of secretary
and assistant treasurer. In March, 1897, Mr.
Briggs bought a controlling interest in the Briggs
Manufacturing Company. He is now practically
retired from business, spending his leisure hours in
his library, among his books, of which he has a fine
collection. Mr. Briggs is well-read and well in-
formed on all the leading events of the day. He
takes a deep interest in the family history, as on
both sides of the house he is a descendant from Revo-
lutionary stock, and takes great pride in one of his
possessions — the sword carried by his grandfather,
Jonathan Briggs, who served more than six years in
the regular army during the Revolution.
In 1883 Mr. Briggs took his first holiday and
with his daughter went to Europe, visiting the prin-
cipal cities and places of interest on the continent.
Since then he has traveled through the Southern
and Western States with his wife and daughter, as
far as the Pacific coast and lower California, visiting
all the places of interest. He is a keen observer of
men and things, and travel and reading have de-
veloped these qualities notably. Mr. Briggs is noted
for his genial disposition and pleasant manner. Al-
though now in his seventy-fifth year he is still active,
and possesses a wonderful store of knowledge. In
politics he is a Republican, and during his residence
in Voluntown has taken a deep interest in school
matters, serving as a member of the school board for
a number of years. In 1872 he was elected to the
State Legislature, and served on the committee on
Cities and Boroughs. In 1898 he was again elected
to the Legislature, and during the session served as
a committeeman on Manufactures and Judicial
Nominations. Socially he is a member of Warwick
(R. I.) Lodge, A. F. & A. M., which he joined in
1863. In religious views he regards the Golden
Rule as the highest standard, and attends the Bap-
tist Church, which he liberally supports. While
living at Hope, R. I., during the Civil war, Mr.
Briggs was in 1863 commissioned captain in the
local militia.
On Sept. 28, 1857," in Olneyville, R. I., Mr.
Briggs married Christina Knight, who was born in
Abington, Pa., daughter of Zuroyal and Lucinda
(Tompkins) Knight. Zuroyal Knight's father,
Barzilla Knight, of Rhode Island, was a Revolu-
tionary soldier. Mrs. Briggs is a member of the
Baptist Church of Voluntown, a good Christian
woman, devoted to her home, husband and family,
of whom she feels proud. We give the following
record of their children : ( 1 ) George Tift, born Dec.
11, 1858, is mentioned fully below. (2) Marion Jo-
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
157
sephine, born Sept. 18, 1861, married Arthur H.
Eddy, of Hartford, Conn., and died April 17, 1890;
she was buried in Cedar Hill cemetery. She had
two children, Gertrude Briggs and Norman Tift.
(3) Arthur Lincoln, born May 7, 1864, was educa-
ted in the Yoluntown public school and the mili-
tary school at Worcester, Mass. He resides in Vol-
untown, and is vice-president of the Briggs Manu-
facturing Company. He married Helen Rose, of
Hartford, who is now deceased. (4) Sarah Lil-
lian, born Jan. 20, 1871, was educated in the Volun-
town public school and graduated from the Hart-
ford high school. She married Will H. Barron, Jr.,
of Providence, R. I., and they reside in Danielson,
Conn. They have had two children, Elizabeth Cate
and Margaret Briggs, the latter deceased. (5)
Emily Frances, born Feb. 23, 1875, attended school
at Yoluntown and later graduated at a young ladies'
seminary in Windsor, Conn. She also graduated
from the Boston University with the degree of M.
D., in the class of 1898, and now practices her pro-
fession in Danielson. (6) Ezra Knight, born April
7, i860, died Sept. 7, 1864, and (7) James died in
infancy.
George Tift Briggs, president and general man-
ager of the Briggs Manufacturing Company, was
born at Hope, in the town of Scituate, R. I., Dec. 11,
1858, eldest son of Ezra Briggs. He came to Yolun-
town with his parents, and there grew to manhood,
attending the public schools, and later was a pupil
in the Connecticut Literary Institute, at Suffield,
Conn., and the Plainfield Academy. From there he
entered the Polytechnic Institute at Worcester,
Mass., where he graduated in the class of 1880,
with the degree of Bachelor of Science. On return-
ing from school he entered the mills of Ira G. Briggs
& Co., and learned all the branches of the business,
becoming superintendent. From there he went to
Westerly, R. I., where he was agent for the Still-
man Manufacturing Company, and where he spent
nine months. 'When the Briggs Manufacturing
Company was incorporated, in 1886, he became a
stockholder and director. In 1888 he went to Hart-
ford, Conn., and became a stockholder and director
in the Eddy Electric Manufacturing Company, at
Windsor, Conn., and during his connection there-
with he was general superintendent. Resigning his
position in April, 1897, he returned to Voluntown,
and was elected general manager and vice-president
of the Briggs Manufacturing Company, as his uncle,
Ira G., on account of age, was withdrawing from
the active management of the business. After the
death of his uncle, in January, 1902, Mr. Briggs was
elected president and continues as general manager
of the business. During his administration the
Griswold Cotton Company's mill, known as the
stone mill, was bought and put into operation, mak-
ing four mills under his able management. Mr.
Briggs is a man of ability and a worthy successor
of his uncle in this responsible connection. In man-
ner he is genial, and he is popular with his employes
and much devoted to his home, wife and children.
On Sept. 24, 1884, Mr. Briggs married, in Dan-
ielson, Conn., Marion B. W. Hovey, who was born
in Killingly, Conn., daughter of Dr. Daniel and
Alary (Butts) Hovey, and niece of the late Judge
Hovey, of Norwich. Mrs. Briggs was educated in
the schools of Killingly and the high school at Dan-
ielson, and taught school in Killingly, Plainfield,
Brooklyn, Sterling and Voluntown. She is a woman
of culture and of refined tastes, and is a very devoted
wife and mother. Three children blessed the union
of Mr. and Mrs. Briggs : Marion, Katharine Knight
and Christina Mary.
Mr. Briggs is a member of the A. F. & A. AL,
Washington Lodge No. 70, at Windsor, and of
Pythagoras Chapter, at Hartford, and also affiliates
with the Royal Arcanum of Hartford. He is one of
the prominent residents of Voluntown, prominent in
every department of that town's activities, and a
worthy representative of a family of high standing.
In politics he is a Republican.
Alary Tift, the wife of Wanton Briggs, Sr., was
a daughter of Solomon Tift, who was born in South
Kingstown, R. I., Alay 28, 1758, son of Joseph and
Lucy (Brewster) Tift. He was a soldier during the
Revolutionary war. At Arnold's attack on New
London, Sept. 6, 1781, he was made a prisoner of
war by the British, and was put on board the prison
ship "Jersey," where he came near dying of fever.
He was a United States pensioner in 1832, and re-
ceived from the government $40 per year. He en-
listed in Rhode Island in Alarch, 1777, and in a pri-
vate company called the "Kingston Reds" served
three months under Col. John Gardner, and in July,
1778, he enlisted for nine months in the company of
Capt. West, under Col. Laphan, of New Jersey.
His wife was Eunice Burrows, of Groton. He died
Dec. 2, 1850.
(I) John Tift (or Teft or Tefft as the name is
variously spelled), a brother of William Tefft, of
Boston, lived in Portsmouth, Kingston, R. I. He
died in 1676, and his wife Alary died in 1679. Mr.
Tift was a freeman, 1655, an<^ vvas recorded as an
inhabitant of Pottaquamscott in 1671. Issue: Sam-
uel, Joshua, Tabitha.
(II) Samuel Teft, born in 1644, in Providence,
married Elizabeth Jenckes, who was born in 1658
and died in 1740, a daughter of Joseph and Esther
(Ballard) Jenckes and a sister to Joseph Jenckes,
deputy-governor of Rhode Island. Issue : John,
Samuel, Peter, Sarah, Elizabeth, Esther, Mary,
Tabitha and Alercy. Samuel Teft was a freeman,
1677 ; was taxed in Kingston, 1687, and was one of
twenty-seven who, in 1709, bought the tract of land
called Swamptown, being part of vacant lands in
Narragansett ordered sold by the General Assembly.
(III) John Tefft married Joanna Sprague,
daughter of Jonathan and Mehetabel (Holbrook)
Sprague, and resided in South Kingstown. He died
158
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
in 1760, and she in 1757. Issue: John (born Dec.
4, 1699), Joseph, Samuel, James (born April 21,
1715), Nathan, Mary, Mercy, Mehetabel, Tabitha
and Sarah. Mr. John Teft was one of those engaged
in the Shannock Purchase in 1703. Previous to his
death he had given his son Joseph a tract of land in
Richmond, Rhode Island.
(IV) Joseph Tefft married Feb. 22, 1729, Esther
Brownell (of record in South Kingstown), and had
issue : Elizabeth, born Dec. -20, 1730 ; William, Feb.
29, 1732; Joseph, March 19, 1737; Benjamin, June
3, 1741 ; Esther, Aug. 6, 1743; Thomas, Nov. 10,
1745; Sarah, Aug. 24, 1747; and Samuel, Aug. 2J,
1749 (all born in Richmond).
(V) Joseph Tefft was born March 19, 1737. He
was the father of Solomon.
(VI) Solomon Tift married Eunice Burrows,
daughter of Amos and Mary (Rathbun) Burrows,
of Groton, Conn., Dec. 2, 1779.
(VII) Mary Tift married Wanton Briggs,
Senior.
CAPT. JAMES ALLYN BILLINGS (de-
ceased) was one of the prominent citizens of Led-
yard, where he was held in high esteem by his fel-
low townsmen. He was born in Ledyard on the
farm which for many generations had been in the
possession of the Billings family, and which is now
occupied bv his granddaughter, and her husband,
William I. Allyn.
Capt. Billings was the son of Stephen and
Martha (Allyn) Billings, and received a good, sound
education. He began, when quite young, to teach
school, and was a successful teacher during winter
and summer seasons in Ledyard and neighboring
places, until he was thirty years of age. He then
settled down to farming on the home place, and there
passed the remainder of his life, dying Dec. 7, 1896.
On Dec. 28, 1852, Capt. Billings married Margaret
J. Allyn, who was born in Ledyard, Nov. 17, 1834,
daughter of Abel and Mary (Hakes) Allyn. Their
children were as follows : ( 1 ) Martha B. married
Orrin E. Stoddard, who is a wealthy retired grain
merchant of Middletown, Conn. Of their four chil-
dren, two daughters and one son are living, one
daughter having passed away. (2) Mary Jane mar-
ried Benjamin J. Gardner; their home was in Gro-
ton, where Mrs. Gardner died, leaving two chil-
dren. One of these has since died ; the other, Martha
A., is the wife of William I. Allyn, of Ledyard. (3)
Stephen Allyn married Blanche Hall, and they have
five children. Their home is in Meriden, where Mr.
Billings is in the grain business. (4) Anna Estella
married Henry P. Hallock, and became the mother
of five children, of whom four are living. Mr. Hal-
lock is manager of a large 'dairy establishment at
Brooklyn, N. Y., and the family home is at Wood-
haven, Long Island.
Capt. Billings served in the old local militia, and
there gained his rank and title. In early life he was
an adherent of the Whig party, and later became a
Republican. At one time and another he held nearly
every office which was within the gift of his fellow
citizens. He represented his town in the Legislature
for one term, was town clerk for a number of years,
and held the office of judge of probate until ex-
empted from office by age. He was a man of means
and of great capability in many directions and pos-
sessed the respect and confidence of everyone. He
was an earnest member of the Ledyard Congrega-
tional Church, as is also his widow. Mrs. Billings
still lives on the old farm, where her entire married
life was passed.
CHESTER. The Chester family is one of the
oldest in Connecticut, and Nathan Chester, the pa-
ternal great-grandfather of Wayland Morgan Ches-
ter, was born April 14, 1765, on the Chester farm
near Eastern Point, in Groton, New London county.
He passed his entire life in his native town, follow-
ing farming on the old homestead (which is now oc-
cupied by Judge A. S. Chester), and lived to the
good old age of ninety-one years. He married Abi-
gail Walworth, daughter of Elijah Walworth, and
they became the parents of nine children, all now de-
ceased, and of whom we have the following record :
Nathan removed to Delaware, Ohio, and became
president of the Ohio Wesleyan University. Charles,
the grandfather of Wayland Morgan, is mentioned
below. Elijah was a resident of Noank. Abigail
died in infancy. Emily married Frank Ingham, and
lived in Cleveland, Ohio. Asa and Eldredge, twins,
were residents of Kankakee, 111., and Albion, N. Y.,
respectively. Daniel lived in Noank. Albert resided
at Noank.
Charles Chester was born in Noank, Feb. 25,
1793, and passed the greater part of his life in that
place, engaged in the fishery business and boatbuild-
ing. He was industrious and unassuming, a man
of very quiet disposition, and an earnest member of
the Baptist Church. He married Betsey WTilbur,
who was born Nov. 3, 1800, and they had a family
of four children, viz. : William, born July 22. 1822,
who died in 1863 ; Delia, born June- 22, 1825, widow
of George Chipman, of Noank ; Charles Ira, born
May 2, 1834; and Daniel Webster, born Jan. 14.
1839. The father of these died Dec. 28, 1849, the
mother surviving until 1884.
Capt. Charles Ira Chester was born May 2, 1834,
near his present residence in Noank, and there re-
ceived his education. But his school days were soon
over, for he was but ten years of age when he went
on the water with his father, and after the latter's
death he engaged with other fishermen. At the age
of twenty-two vears he became master of the sloop
"Fulton,''' fishing off Nantucket. Later he built the
"Restless," which he ran until he sold her in 1869.
Capt. Chester was engaged in the coasting trade for
sixteen vears, and besides the commands mentioned
already he served as master of the "Triumph"
(which was lost near Stamford), "Agnes" (five
years), and "William C. Bee" (ten years). In 1885
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
159
he retired from the coasting trade, and he has since
followed the water only in summer time.
On Feb. 2, 1869, in Xoank, Capt. Chester mar-
ried Miss Harriet Morgan, daughter of Roswell
Augustus Morgan, and three sons have blessed this
union: Waylahd Morgan, born March 10, 1870;
Harry Wilbur, born Nov. 27, 1872, who died Oct.
22, 1887; and Daniel Webster, born Oct. 31, 1876.
The Captain and his wife reside on Pearl street, in
Noank, and he is one of the most highly respected
residents of his locality.
Wayland Morgan Chester, born March 10,
1870, began his education in the public schools of
Noank, and subsequently attended Mystic Valley
Institute — in preparation for Colgate University,
from which he was graduated in 1894, with the de-
gree of A. B. He further pursued his studies in
Colgate University, where he took post-graduate
work in biology, receiving the degree of A. M. from
that institution in 1896. Since then he has been en-
gaged there, first as instructor, and now as profes-
sor of Biology. During the summer of 1896, he
studied in the Biological Laboratory of the Brooklyn
Institute of Arts and Sciences, at Cold Spring Har-
bor, L. I. ; in the summers of 1898 and 1900 he
studied at the Marine Biological Laboratory, Wood's
Holl, Mass. During his post-graduate life at Col-
gate he was assistant in geology and natural his-
tory. He was a member of the Beta Theta Pi and
the Phi Beta Kappa fraternities. Mr. Chester mar-
ried Laura Davis, daughter of Capt. Henry E. Davis,
of Xoank, and thev have had three children : Mor-
gan Elliott, born Jan. 15, 1900; Harry Wilbur, born
July 24, 1 90 1, and Margaret Ashbey, born Jan. 21,
1904. His religious connection is with the Baptist
Church.
Daniel Webster Chester received his early educa-
tion in Noank, and later was a pupil at the Bulkeley
high school, in New London, and the Connecticut
Literary Institute, at Suffield, before entering Col-
gate University, from which he was graduated in
1900. He has, like his brother, made a specialty of
Biology, and did post-graduate work in that line at
Harvard in 1902-03. For two years he was engaged
in teaching at New London, N. H., and he is at
present teaching biology in Colby College, Water-
ville, Maine. He was a member of the Beta Theta
Pi while at college. In religion he is a member of
the Baptist Church.
WILLIAM A. HOLT, in his lifetime one of
New London's leading business men and prominent
and substantial citizens, is descended from a long
and honorable ancestry. (I) William Holt, born
about 1610, is the first of whom there is definite
knowledge. On July 1, 1644, he was a signer of the
New Haven constitution. His original home lot
was on Water street, and it comprised ten acres.
About 1675 he removed to Wallingford. His wife's
Christian name was Sarah, and three of their chil-
dren were baptized in her right in July, 1656. Mr.
Holt died in Wallingford Sept. 1, 1683, aged seven-
ty-three years. His widow married (second) Dea-
con William Peck. To William and Sarah Holt
were born children, as follows : John, Nathaniel,
Mercy, Eleazer, Thomas, Joseph and Benjamin.
(II) Sergeant Nathaniel Holt, son of William,
was born in 1647, m New Haven. In 1673 ne re~
moved to New London. He held the rank of ser-
geant in King Philip's war, was at the Great Swamp
fight in the Narragansett country, and was wounded
in one of his shoulders, on that occasion, Dec. 19,
1675. While a resident of New London he fol-
lowed the trade of ship carpenter. He married
(first) April 5, 1680, Rebecca, daughter of Thomas
and Millicent (Ash) Beebe, who died in 1689. After
her death Mr. Holt removed to Newport, R. I., and
there had a second wife of whom little is known. He
died at Newport May 28, 1723.
(III) Nathaniel Holt (2), son of Sergeant Na-
thaniel, was born July 18, 1683, in New London. On
Dec. 20, 1706, he married Phebe Tomlin, who died
at New London Jan. 3, 1739. He died March 19,
1751. Their children were: Elizabeth, William,
Phebe and Nathaniel.
(IV) Nathaniel Holt (3), son of Nathaniel (2),
was born in New London, Feb. 28, 171 5. On July
29' I735< ne married Mary, daughter of Thomas
Strickland. She died Feb. 14, 1793, aged seventy-
six years, and he died about 1770. Their children
were: Nathaniel, Nathaniel (2), Thomas, James,
Peter, Phebe, and several who died in infancy un-
named.
(V) Thomas Holt, son of Nathaniel (3), was
born in New London, in 1743. On Sept. 24, 1769,
he married Martha Morgan, and they had twelve
children. Their family, however, seemed pursued
by some fatality as nine of their children died before
reaching the age of seventeen. The children were:
Thomas, James, Nathaniel, Dolly, James (2),
Martha, Nathaniel (2), Mary, Martha (2), and
three unnamed.
(VI) James Holt, son of Thomas, was born
March 19, 1778. In 1797, he. married Jerusha,
widow of John Coffrey. Mr. Holt died in 1824. His
children were: Nancy, Thomas, Nathaniel, Harriet,
Mary and Phebe.
(VII) Nathaniel Holt, son of James, was born
April 3, 1804, and in 1825, he wedded Hester Mor-
rison. He died in 1832, and his widow then married
Jefferson Avery, of New London. To Nathaniel
and Hester Holt were born the following children :
Nathaniel, born May 26, 1827, died in 1832; and
William A., born Feb. 23, 1829, both in New Lon-
don county.
William A. Holt, mentioned above as a son of
Nathaniel, acquired his education in the common
schools of his native town. At the early age of
twelve years he entered upon his business career as
a clerk in the grocery store of John Douglas, and
before he attained his majority he was familiar with
the wavs of the commercial world. Going to New
i6o
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
York City, he spent several years with his uncle,
Benjamin Gomperts, manufacturer of awnings. In
1850 he went to California, sailing around Cape
Horn, in the schooner "Cynosure." They began the
long trip in March, and reached the land of golden
promise the following September. For eight years
Mr. Holt was engaged as a salaried agent to sell
miners' supplies in Calaveras county, Cal. Re-
turning to Connecticut, he made the homeward
journey by way of the Isthmus of Panama in 1858,
and at once engaged in the grocery business on his
own account. Later he had as a partner Jefferson
Avery, under the firm name of Holt & Avery. They
were first located at Xo. 16 Main street, later remov-
ing to Xo. 50 Main street. Mr. Avery died in 1884,
and Mr. Holt then carried on the business alone
until his own death Dec. 29, 1897. He was a strict
business man, meeting all his obligations with unfail-
ing prompitude. While generous to the failings of
others, he ruled himself strictly, and his standing
either in business, social or private life was above
reproach.
On Aug. 16, 1858, soon after his return from
California, Mr. Holt was united in marriage with
Sarah Skinner, of Xew London, Conn., daughter of
Deacon Joseph Skinner, and his wife, Betsey Searles,
of Groton, daughter of John Searles. Deacon Skin-
ner was in the trucking business for a number of
years, retiring a few years prior to his death, which
occurred when he was aged seventy-eight years : he
was a deacon in the Universalist Church. Mrs.
Betsey (Searles) Skinner died in Xew London, in
i860, aged sixty-seven years. Of the children of
Deacon and Mrs. Skinner, besides Mrs. Holt, but
one is living — Mrs. Laura A. Meade, of Xew Lon-
don ; the other four children died in youth. To
William A. Holt and wife were born six children,
namely : Thomas C, who died in infancy ; Jennie
Sarah, who died at the age of four years ; Edward
Stanley, who was educated in the common schools
and in Buckley school, graduating from the latter,
and who managed the business left by his father
until his own death, June 13. 1904, in the prime of
promising young manhood ; Emma Louise, at home ;
Xellie Mary, who married Franklin MacCamraon,
of Little Falls, X. Y.. and they now reside in Xew
York, where he is engaged in the clothing business ;
and William A.. Jr., who graduated from Harvard
in 1897, who was for some time salesman for the
Xational Cash Register Company, but at present is
manager of the mercantile interests of his father's
estate.
Mr. Holt was long identified with the Demo-
cratic party, and from the time of the adoption of the
new city charter in 1874, until his death, he was in
some capacity or other connected with city affairs.
He served for several years as a member of the
board of aldermen, and during his incumbency he
was instrumental in bringing about many improve-
ments. While his connection with the Democratic
party began with the Republican nomination of
Fremont for the Presidency, he was liberal in his
views, and was always read}- to find good in the
other side. His interests were centered in Xew
London county, and he was naturally very much in-
terested in the upbuilding of the city and county.
From the time of its organization he was a member
of the Board of Trade, and for two years was its
president. Fraternally he was a Mason, being affili-
ated with Union Lodge Xo. 31, F. & A. M. Of the
Universalist Church, of which he was a member,
he was a generous supporter, and to those in need
he was an ever helpful friend. Xo man in Xew
London had more friends than William A. Holt, and
he had won them by his upright, manly traits of
character, and his pleasant, charitable disposition.
JAMES F. MASOX, a successful farmer of
Franklin, resides upon a fine farm in the latter town
which has for many generations been in the posses-
sion of the family, the Masons being old and estab-
lished residents of this section. The Mason family
of Xew London county are descendants of the fa-
mous Capt. John Mason, who was born in England
in 1600, and who was Sir Thomas Fairfax's com-
panion in arms in the Xetherlands, and probably
bore the rank of lieutenant. He seems to have been
made captain between 1630 and 1632. We quote:
"The first occurrence of his name in the history
of Xew England is in the year 1632-33 when he and
Capt. Gallup, a kindred spirit, were appointed by
the magistrate of Massachusetts to suppress the
rapine and cruelty of Bull's band of pirates on the
coast. The court granted to him, for his services,
ten pounds, and in the terms of the grant he is called
Lieutenant Mason."
In Xovember of the year 1633 he was named by
the court, Captain Mason, when Sergeant Stough-
ton was chosen the ensign of his company in Massa-
chusetts. Having settled at Dorchester he was ad-
mitted a freeman in 1634-35, and represented this
town at the General Court in 1635- 1636. He re-
moved with Mr. Warham's party from their first
location, and thus became, in 1636, one of the first
planters of the new colony at Windsor. He is to be
distinguished from his contemporary, Capt. John
Mason, governor of X'ew Foundland, the associate
of Sir Ferdinand Gorgee and others, who claimed
the territory of Xew Hampshire. He and his friend
\\ 'hiting were for many years distinguished leaders
of the people, celebrated for their care and protec-
tion of the colonies.
Xinety men for the Pequot war were furnished
by the three settlements of Hartford. Windsor and
Wethersfield, and these, together with seventy Mo-
hegans and other friendly Indians soon proceeded on
their expedition towards Saybrook fort. The friend-
ly Indians were led by the celebrated Uncas, sachem
of the Mohegans, and the whole force was under the
command of Capt. Mason. Xot long after the term-
ination of the war, on March 8, 1638, Captain Ma-
son was appointed Major-General of all the Con-
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
161
necticut forces, and so remained until the close of
his life. From 1642 to 1660 he was chosen a mag-
istrate; 1647, 1654, 1657 and 1661 a commissioner
to the congress of the United Colonies ; 1664 to 1670
chief judge of the county court; and for nine years
from 1660 to 1669, deputy-governor. On the set-
tlement of the town of Saybrook, as early as the year
1637, he was one of the five principal planters, and
in 1647 ne resided there, and was chosen one of the
two magistrates to whom was confided the govern-
ment of the town. In testimony of their apprecia-
tion of his services, and especially of his exploit at
the Mystic river, the General Court, after the ex-
ample of the ancient Greeks who gave portions of
land to their victorious heroes, in 1641 bestowed
upon their valiant captain 500 acres of Pequot terri-
tory, and a tract of equal extent for distribution
among his comrades. On a previous occasion, 1639,
the Court had granted him ten pounds "for his good
services against the Pequots and otherwise."
While Gov. YVinthrop was absent in England on
the business of the colony, for a renewal of their
charter, at the accession of King Charles II, on De-
puty-Governor Mason devolved the chief conduct
of civil affairs ; and when the charter was sanctioned
by the royal authority, he was appointed, in 1662,
by the king, deputy-governor until an annual election
could be had, and at that election his appointment
was continued. He was one of the nineteen peti-
tioners to the king who were selected to sign the
document in the colony's behalf.
Having for many years resided at Saybrook,
Major Mason in 1660 removed to Norwich, where,
advanced in years and disabled by bodily infirmities,
he excused himself from the service of the common-
wealth, and soon after died, previous to the 4th day
of June, 1672, in his seventy-third year, honored and
lamented. He was no more a sagacious, valiant and
intrepid military leader than he was a wise and just
legislator and magistrate. His house at Norwich
was a little south of the old Court House, on the old
road leading to New London, near the bridge over
the Yantic, and was bought by the town in 1692, for
a parsonage. In a neighboring field of graves re-
pose the ashes, where a monument designates the
last resting place of the first military officer and the
deputy-governor of the colony of Connecticut. He
left three sons and four daughters by his second
ife, whom he married at Windsor. They were :
riscilla, born October, 1641 ; Samuel, born Jul}-,
1644 ; John, born August. 1646 ; Rachel, born Octo-
ber, 1648; Anne, born June, 1650; Daniel, born
April, 1652 ; and Elizabeth, born August, 1654. To
hese children are to be traced the genealogies of
ery many descendants conspicuous for intellectual
endowments and moral worth.
Lieut. Daniel Mason, the third son of Captain
John, resided at Lebanon, and was, for a time, in
1679, a school master at Norwich. He died in 1736
at Stonington, at the age of eighty-five years.
Daniel Mason, son of Lieut. Daniel, was born in
11
1676, at Roxbury, his mother having been sent
thither to her friends on account of the Indian
troubles at Norwich, and he was baptized there Feb.
9, 1676, by the pastor of the first church at Rox-
bury, Rev. John Eliot, the apostle to the Indians.
Daniel Mason was married April 19, 1704, to Dor-
othy, daughter of Rev. Jeremiah Hobart, of Had-
dam, and died July 4, 1706, a resident of Lebanon.
Jeremiah Mason, only child of Daniel, was born
March 4, 1705, and married May 24, 1727, Mary,
daughter of Thomas, son of William Clark, one of
the first settlers at Haddam. After his marriage he
removed to Franklin, Conn., and there had born
to him four sons and four daughters. The farm on
which he settled is now owned by James F. Mason.
Jeremiah Mason was a deacon in the Congregational
Church, and an influential man in the town. He
died in 1779, and his widow died at the advanced
age of ninety-six years in the house in Lebanon,
Conn., where their great-great-granddaughter,
Nancy Fitch Mason, now resides.
Jeremiah Mason (2), son of Jeremiah, was born
in 1730, at Franklin, Conn., and married Elizabeth,
a descendant of Rev. James Fitch, who was born at
Bocking, County Essex, England, Dec. 24. 1632,
and settled at Saybrook, Conn., removing thence to
Norwich, where he was the first pastor of the Con-
gregational Church. He passed away at Leb-
anon, Nov. 18, 1702. Elizabeth Fitch was born in
1732, and died in 1809. Jeremiah Mason served
with distinction in the Revolutionary War, and was
known as Colonel Mason. He was prominent in
town and county affairs, and ever endeavored to be
a good and useful citizen. By occupation he was a
farmer, and he reared his children in habits of in-
dustry and sobriety. He is recalled as a good man,
one who was affectionate to his family, kind and
obliging to his neighbors, and faithful and strict in
the observance of all moral and religious duties. His
death occurred in 1813. We have the following
record of his children : Abigail, married Capt. An-
drew Fitch, a captain in the Revolutionary war
Elizabeth married John Hillhouse, of Montville
Ann married Christopher Raymond, of Montville
Mary married John N. Peabody : Rhoda married
Mumford Dolbeare ; James Fitch, was our subject's
grandfather ; Jeremiah became a United States Sen-
ator and a renowned lawyer of Boston ; and Daniel
married Eunice, daughter of Capt. William Hunt-
ington, a farmer and manufacturer of woolen goods.
James Fitch Mason, sixth child of Jeremiah Ma-
son (2), was born in 1762, at Lebanon, was a farmer
and resided in the house now occupied ( 1904) by
his granddaughter, Nancy F. Mason. Shortly after
his marriage he settled there and spent his whole life
in the same home, dying May 7, 1835. He was
known as a man of impulse and nervous tempera-
ment, and of precise habits of life. He married
Nancy, daughter of Joseph Fitch, of Montville, who
died June 10, 1832, aged sixty-six years, leaving
children as follows: Elizabeth married Hon. Elisha
1 62
GENEALOGICAL AXD BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
Waterman, who was one of the most prominent citi-
zens of Lebanon ; Nancy F. died Sept. 4, 1850, aged
fifty-eight years, unmarried ; Jeremiah is mentioned
later : James Fitch entered Yale College at the age
of seventeen years, being at that time the youngest
student ever admitted, became a lawyer at Hartford,
and defended the Masonic order during the Morgan
episode, but owing to the strong factional feeling
he left that city and went to Lockport. X. Y., and
died there May 25. 1836; Sarah died unmarried.
April 9, 1866. aged sixty-six years ; Alfred went
West in early life, and died there ; William was a
farmer and died in Lebanon. May 28, 1840.. aged
thirty-five years ; and Edward.
Hon. Jeremiah Mason, above mentioned, was
born in the family home. March 4. 1795. His edu-
cational advantages were of a liirrited nature, yet by
that same energy which had always marked his
progress, he acquired a good, practical education.
His life work was farming, and by frugality, per-
severance and sound business judgment he became
one of the largest and best fanners of Lebanon. In
family relations he was in every way admirable,
serving as a kind and tender father to the children
of his deceased brother Edward. After the latter's
death he invited the widow and the three children,
the eldest thirteen, and the youngest three years of
age, to make their home with him and his two sis-
ters, expressing a wish that the family might be
kept together, and he spared no expense that a father
could bestow upon his children. This was but one
phase of his character, for he was very liberal to the
church as well as charitable to the poor. Through
life he was always attracted by children, and they
reciprocated his kind feelings. He never married.
Jeremiah Mason was a man of progressive ideas and
kept abreast of the times, attending to the demands
of business according to modern methods. In poli-
tics he was a Republican, and while of a quiet, pa-
cific nature, delighting most in his own home fire-
side, his realization of the duties of good citizenship
induced his acceptance of the office of representative
in 1862. He was universally respected, and had a
wide circle of most attached friends. Mr. Mason's
days were prolonged on the earth, his death taking
place May 7. 1886. at the age of ninety-one years,
and he was buried in the cemetery west of Lebanon
Green.
Edward Mason, the youngest child of James
Fitch Mason, was born in Lebanon, and was reared
to farm work. He obtained his education in the dis-
trict schools and remained at home until his mar-
riage. Soon after this event he removed to the town
of Franklin, near Yantic. where he engaged in a
butchering business. Later he removed to a farm in
Goshen, the Jeremiah Mason (2) farm, and was
prospering when he was stricken with some fell
disease, while apparently in the best of health, and
died March 30. 1849. aged thirty-nine years. In
politics he was a Whig. In 1834. he married Phy-
lura O. Stiles, born Jan. 4. 1814, at Guilford, Conn.,
daughter of Edmund and Wealthy (Loomis) Stiles,
extended mention of this prominent family being
found elsewhere. She in widowhood married Gid-
eon Hoxie, of Lebanon, and she died in November,
i860, leaving one child, George H. Hoxie. The
children of Edward and Phylura O. Mason were:
James Fitch ; Xancy Fitch resides on the homestead
in Lebanon; George Edward died April 10, 1842,
aged four years : William Alfred enlisted in the 8th
Reg. Conn. Y. I., at the age of seventeen years, dur-
ing the Civil war, and lived but six months, dying
at Xewbern. X. C. May 2, 1862, an early victim of
the Rebellion ; and Jeremiah died Feb. 20, 1846,
aged four months.
James Fitch Mason, the eldest of the above fam-
ily, was born Dec. 22, 1835, near Yantic, in the
south part of the town of Franklin. He was but a
youth when his father died, and he was reared under
the kind care of his uncle Jeremiah. His education
was secured in the district schools and the Connecti-
cut Literary Institute at Suffield, and after leaving
school he returned to the farm, and assisted his uncle
until the time of his marriage. This event was made
possible by the continued kindness of his relative,
who presented him a farm of 175 acres, to
which he removed, and where he has ever since re-
sided. This home place is now a very valuable and
desirable piece of property, owing its improvements
in the way of buildings to our subject, who in 1884-
85 erected the present handsome residence, one of
the best in Franklin. He has also added acreage to
his farm, and now owns some 600 acres of land, part
of which are located in both the towns of Lebanon
and Franklin. Mr. Mason has made the growing of
stock his leading employment, and has met with ex-
cellent success. In past years he has been partial
to Durham cattle, and always kept large herds which
have attracted much favorable attention and have
been exhibited many times. He has also fattened
and shipped beef for market, by his thorough knowl-
edge and good management making this a very prof-
itable business. As he has the management of his
sister Xancy's farming interests in his care, he
operates about 1.100 acres of land, and handles a
large amount of live stock, but during the past few
years has turned much of his agricultural business
over to his son and son-in-law. Mr. Mason may be
said to have one fad, if fad it be. and that is. the
possession of some fine, high-bred horses. He is an
admirer of the noble beast, and is one of the most
enthusiastic members of the Gentlemen's Driving
Club at Xorwich.
On Nov. 5. 1 86 1. Mr. Mason was married to
Fannie G Hoxie. born April 18, 1833. daughter of
Samuel and Phebe A. (Lillibridge) Hoxie. extended
mention of this family being found elsewhere. The
children of Mr. and Mrs. Mason are: (1) William
Alfred, born March 25. 1863. obtained his educa-
tional training in the district schools. Williston
Academy and Eastman's Business College at Pough-
keepsie, X. Y. He assists his father and relieves
HAM MA.
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
163
him of many of the active duties of the large estate.
On Jan. 26, 1888, he married Mary R. Gay, born
Nov. 15, 1858, daughter of the late William R. Gay,
of Lebanon, and they have children as follows : Al-
fred Gay, born Feb. 13, 1889; Harold James, born
Jan. 11, 1891 ; Edward William, born May 29,
1897; and Marion Nancy, born March 9, 1900. (2)
Fanny Fitch, born Aug. 12, 1871, married, Nov. 16,
1893, Frederick W. Hoxie, a farmer who assists in
the operation of Mr. Mason's estate. Mr. and Mrs.
Hoxie have had children as follows : Frederick
James, born July 3, 1896, died in April, 1900; Her-
bert Mason, born Aug. 19, 1897 ; and Mabel Gladys,
born Nov. 5, 1899.
In politics Mr. Mason has always been identified
with the Republican party, but has had no political
aspirations. He has been active, however, in all
matters pertaining to the advancement of the agri-
cultural interests of this section, and served for
many years as president of the Lebanon Creamery
Association. Through his encouragement and that
of George E. Hewitt, the business was continued and
made profitable to the stockholders, at a time when
it was threatened with disaster. He was a charter
member of the Grange, but at present does not be-
long to that organization. Mrs. Mason is an active
member of the Congregational Church, and Mr.
Mason has been its chorister for the past forty-six
years. His early musical talent was cultivated at the
Boston Conservatory of Music. Mr. Mason is
known all through this section of the State, and en-
joys the esteem of those with whom he has either
business or social relations. He impresses a stranger
as a man of character and firmness, and such is the
estimate given by his fellow-citizens.
CHARLES H. KENYON, in his lifetime a well
known figure in the manufacturing world of Con-
necticut, was born in Richmond, R. I., Aug. 21,
1825, a son of Lewis and Ann (Sherman) Kenyon
(the father also a native of Richmond), and a grand-
son of Elijah Kenyon, an early settler of "Little
Rhody" — Rhode Island. Of the eleven children of
Lewis Kenyon but one, Miss Susan, is living, and
she resides at the old home at Kenyon, Rhode
Island.
Mr. Kenyon received a liberal education in the
schools of his native village and in an Academy at
North Scituate, R. I., and then made use of his ad-
vantages by teaching in Richmond. His early work
was in the mills with his father, and in young man-
hood he came to Connecticut, locating at Laurel-
glen, this State. There he became engaged in wool
manufacturing, and continued in that line until
186 1, when he located in Norwich and bought the
mills in South Coventry, Tolland Co., Conn., which
he devoted to wool manufacturing as long as he
lived. While he always devoted the greater part
of his time and attention to wool manufacturing, he
was interested in the cotton mills at Bozrahville,
Connecticut.
Mr. Kenyon was a Republican in politics, but,
while always interested in public matters, he was of
too retiring a disposition to care to pose in the
fierce light that shines on those in official position.
He was of kindly disposition, charitable in his views,
and consistently carried into the walks of every-day
life the simple, unaffected manners of the old-time
Quakers, in whose faith he had been reared. His
ideas were progressive, and he was ever ready to
adopt new methods in his business. He was just
and considerate in his rule, and his employes looked
to him as a friend they honored and respected, and
who would, in need, stand faithfully by them. He
died Sept. 20, 1 891, and was laid to rest at Kenyon,
Rhode Island.
In 1861, in Stonington, Conn., Mr. Kenyon was
united in marriage with Emeline Newell Bentley,
who was born in that town, a daughter of Russell
and Susan (Stanton) Bentley. Three children
blessed this union: (1); Carrie Stanton married
William S. Slocum, a merchant at Brookline, Mass.,
and has two children, Rodney Kenyon and Stanton
Farrier. (2) Charles Henry, who is treasurer of
the National Machinery Co., at Providence, R. I.,
married Clara Hankey, of Arlington, N. J., and has
one child, Clarice. (3) A son died in infancy. Mrs.
Kenyon survives her husband, and still plays an im-
portant part in the social life of Norwich. She is a
member of Faith Trumbull Chapter, D. A. R., and
is a member of Broadway Congregational Church.
The Bentley family, to which Mrs. Kenyon be-
longs, is descended from William Bentley, who came
to New England in the ship "Arabella" in 1671.
The Stanton family, to which Mrs. Kenyon is
related in the maternal line, is traced to Capt.
Thomas Stanton, the first ancestor in America, who
embarked at London, England, Jan. 2, 1635, in the
merchant ship "Bonaventura," bound first for Vir-
ginia, and thence to Boston. He settled in Hart-
ford, Conn., in 1637, and there married Ann, daugh-
ter of Dr. Thomas and Dorothy Lord, of Hartford.
JAMES LEWIS AUSTIN (deceased) was one
of the leading and prominent farmers of the town of
Franklin, and he belonged to an old and honored
family of Rhode Island, of which State he was a
native.
Pardon Austin, father of James Lewis, was born
Aug. 20, 1788, and during his active life, was a
resident of Charlestown, R. I. He learned the trade
of tanner, at which he worked in early life, but later
devoted his attention exclusively to farming. After
giving up active work, he went to Franklin in 1872,
and there resided with his son James L., until his
death, which occurred April 29, 1877. His remains
were buried in River Bend Cemetery, Westerly,
R. I. His death was due to old age, for he had been
a man of excellent health. In politics he was first
a Whig, and later a Republican ; and his religious
connection was with the Baptist Church at Charles-
town. R. I. He married Nancy Sheffield, born Nov.
164
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
20, 1792, in Charlestown, R. I., and she died in that
town in 1859. The children born of this union were :
(1) Stanton, Sept. 14, 1812, was a Methodist min-
ister, and was located for many years at Hopkinton,
R. I., where he died. He was married twice. (2)
Mathew, born Feb. 14, 1817, married Mary Hull. He
was a stone mason, and lived and died in Westerly,
R. I. (3) Charles P., Sept. 10, 1822, was drowned
at sea when a young man. (4) James Lewis was
born Oct. 22, 1829. (5) Ann Maria, born Sept. 9,
1832, married George Boss, and resides at Hope
Valley, Rhode Island.
James Lewis Austin was born in Charlestown,
R. I. In the winter seasons he went to the district
school, and during the summers he worked at farm
tasks. While a boy yet in his teens, he went to
sea on a whaling vessel, and made several voyages,
some of them covering one or more years. He gave
up whaling voyages, however, and was engaged in
the coasting trade as mate, for two years. He then
began farming on a rented farm in Charlestown,
and there continued three years. In 1862 he re-
moved to Norwich Town, Conn., and resided on two
different rented farms, which were located along the
Baltic road, remaining nine years, until 1871, when
he settled in Franklin, again upon rented land, ad-
joining the farm which he later purchased. The
latter is now owned by Abial Browning, but was
then in the possession of George E. Hewitt. There
he lived for about eleven years, or until 1882, when
he purchased the adjoining farm from Lathrop
Williams, consisting of 130 acres. He added to this
property, and at the time of his death owned over
180 acres. Upon this farm he made very exten-
sive improvements, erecting a large barn and a silo,
and was recognized as one of the prominent dairy-
men in the town. He also had a reputation for
breeding fancy Swiss stock, and was successful in
all his undertakings.
On Oct. 1, 1855, Mr. Austin was married in
Stonington, Conn., to Sarah A. Gavitt, a native of
Westerly, R. I., daughter of Charles P. and Hannah
(Gavitt) Gavitt. She now resides upon the home
farm at North Franklin. The children born to
Mr. and Mrs. Austin were: Benajah, born Dec. 30,
1856, died at the age of thirteen years ; Sarah Louise,
born April 17, 1859, married James O. Babcock, of
Westerly, R. I., and has one child, Lewis Austin;
Mary Elizabeth, born May 31, 1862. married Dea-
con Archibald Gallup, of Scotland, Conn., and they
have one child. Winslow Sprague ; a daughter and
a son died in infancy unnamed : Minnie Carrie, born
Nov. 25, 1868, is the widow of William T. Bab-
cock, and resides in Franklin (she has one daugh-
ter, Martha).
In politics Mr. Austin was a Republican, and
had served as a member of the board of selectmen
of Franklin for many years, and he also held many
of the other town offices, being active and influential
in town affairs. Mr. Austin was one of the incor-
porators of the Lebanon Creamery Association, and
served for a number of years as a director in the
same. Early in life he united with the Baptist
Church at Baltic, but after removing to Franklin,
he attended the Baptist Church in Lebanon, and
later the Congregational Church at Franklin. His
death was preceded by failing health for several
months, and the end came Sept. 26, 1902, when he
passed peacefully away, sustained by his faith in his
religious creed, and the love of those dear to him.
The funeral services were very largely attended,
friends and acquaintances gathering in large num-
bers to do honor to one who in life had never failed
in any duty, either as a private citizen or public of-
ficial. The remains were tenderly laid to rest in
the Yantic cemetery in Norwich.
Mr. Austin was a self-made man, progressive
in his ideas, and his methods of conducting his
affairs were, and are, followed by many of the best
farmers and dairymen of the town. During their
long happy married life Mr. and Mrs. Austin la-
bored together, he always declaring that a large
measure of his success was due to her industry and
thrift, both in the household and in the management
of their children. With him she always enjoyed the
highest confidence of the community, and now in her
widowhood there is added for this most excellent
lady, the sympathy of those who knew Mr. Austin
and appreciated his many noble traits of character.
WILLIAM SOULE, M. D., entered into rest on
May 15, 1900, in Jewett City, after an active life
filled with good deeds. With respect to age he was
the oldest physician in the city, while the years of
his practice were more than a quarter of a century
in excess of any other practitioner here. He was
essentially one of that fast-disappearing class — the
family physician. For generations he administered
to the ailments of his patients, from grandparents to
grandchildren — all knew him, employed him and be-
lieved in him. He was the confidant of all the
troubles — physical, mental, or financial — that beset
the families in his clientele. Patient, gentle and
sympathetic, he was always the same courtly gentle-
man, whose own trials were put aside while he so
constantly ministered to others.
Born Aug. 24, 1827, in Chaplin, Conn., son of
Ivory and Marilla (Bingham) Soule, he was a de-
scendant of George Soule, who came to America in
the "Mayflower," and was the thirty-fifth signer of
the Cape Cod Compact, November, 1620. He was
at Plymouth, and afterward (1643) settled Dux-
bury. He had a grant of one acre of land at Ply-
mouth, which he sold to R. Hicks and Thomas
Southworth. He was among those taxed in 1633.
He was a representative in 1645, and some years
later was among the proprietors of Bridgewater,
Mass., as, in 1652, he had been among the purchas-
ers of Dartmouth. Mr. Soule married Mary Becket,
and their children were : (1) John. (2) George in-
herited one half of his father's lands in Dartmouth.
(3) Benjamin was killed by the Indians in the
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
165
spring of 1675. (4) Zachariah lived at Powder
Point and died in 1663. (5) Nathaniel inherited
land in Dartmouth. (6) Elizabeth married Francis
Walker, of Middleboro, Mass. (7) Susannah. (8)
Mary married John Patterson.
George Soule, the pilgrim, was one of the peti-
tioners for a church in Duxbury. He died in 1680,
very old, and his wife passed away in 1677. There
followed the name in New England a long line of
sea captains — men always to the front in maritime
affairs.
William Soule passed his early years in a typi-
cal New England home. Taught habits of industry
and frugality by his father, who at one time con-
ducted a large boot and shoe factory, his Christian
mother instilled in his mind those stern principles of
morality that characterized the early Puritans. His
nature was gentle, and his disposition studious. His
preparatory studies were pursued in Woodstock
Academy, and he became proficient in the ordinary
literary branches taught in the schools of the day,
and early engaged in teaching. Determining to en-
ter the professional world, he began the study of
medicine, and graduated from Yale in 1851. After
receiving his degree in medicine he first located for
practice at Pascoag, R. I., and then went to Hamp-
ton, Conn. On October, 1854, he located at Jewett
City, where he made his home until his death. For
many years he conducted a drug store in connection
with his practice. When the Civil war broke out he
was appointed assistant surgeon, with rank of cap-
tain, of the 1st Connecticut Heavy Artillery, and at
the end of a year he was promoted to the position of
surgeon of the 21st Conn. V. I., and with the latter
regiment was present at the battle of Fredericks-
burg.
Dr. Soule was twice married. His first wife,
Harriet A. Hall, daughter of Jeremiah Hall, of
Chaplin, died in 1857. Three children of that union
survive : Mary, teacher in the Jewett City schools ;
George, a physician at Wickford, R. I. ; and Delia,
wife of George Robinson, of Willimantic. For
his second wife Dr. Soule married Martha P. Chap-
man, of Voluntown, who bore him two children :
Carrie, who married E. D. Cady, of Oxford, Mass. ;
and William O., at home. The family home was
erected by Dr. Soule in 1857. In his political faith
the Doctor was a Republican, and in his busy life al-
ways found time to keep abreast of the times. For
twelve years he was a member of the board of edu-
cation, and for twenty-five years justice of the peace,
during twenty of which he was principal trial justice
of the town. His religious connection was with
the Congregational Church, of which for several
years he was senior deacon, and for twenty-five years
superintendent of the Sunday-school. Fraternally
he affiliated with the K. P., holding membership in
Undaunted Lodge, in which he passed all the chairs,
and he belonged to the Grand Lodge of Connecticut,
and was Supreme Representative of the Grand
Lodge of the World for four vears. The Doctor's
mind was well stored, and he possessed the gift of
easy, fluent speaking, never being at a loss for some-
thing to say. He was a prominent figure at public
meetings, and his genial presence has been greatly
missed. In his death Jewett City suffered a loss that
every citizen of the town felt was irreparable.
CHURCH. That branch of the Church family
so worthily represented in Montville by Capt. Erastus
Church and Capt. James Leander Church is directly
descended from Col. Benjamin Church, who helped
drive the Indians from Mount Hope, in the t6wn of
Montville. Benjamin Church was a son of Richard
Church, who married Elizabeth, daughter of Rich-
ard Warren, of Plymouth, Mass. His wife was
Alice, daughter of Constant Southworth. The fam-
ily coat of arms is as follows : Gules, a crosier, re-
served, in bend sinister, surmounted by a sword in
bend dexter, ppr., on a chief, argent, a thistle,
leaved, also ppr. Crest: A hand holding a sword,
erect between two branches of laurel entwined
around the blade, all ppr. Over the crest the word
"Virtue."
(I) Jonathan Church, the first member of the
family in America of whom much is known, was a
descendant of Richard Church, and an early settler
in North Parish, New London, where be came from
Colchester, Conn. A full record of his life is given
in the sketch of Capt. Simeon Church. The children
of Jonathan Church were : Jonathan, Fairbanks, Jo-
seph and Peleg, the latter being the ancestor of Capt.
Erastus and Capt. James Leander, through the fol-
lowing line: Jonathan (1), Peleg, Sr., Peleg, Jr.,
Erastus, Erastus (2) and James Leander.
(II) Peleg Church, Sr., born about 1738, son of
Jonathan Church ( 1 ) and Abigail Fairbanks, mar-
ried Elizabeth Congdon, daughter of Jeremiah and
Ann (Chapel) Congdon, of Montville. He was a
blacksmith by trade, and first started a shop on the
land he purchased of Joseph Church in 1764. He
afterward moved on to the "Fort Hill" farm at
Mohegan, in the town of Montville, where he is said
to have lived for thirty years. He owned, in 1788,
as is shown by the tax-list, thirty-five head of cattle,
five horses and one hundred fifty sheep. He died
previous to 1805. His children, all born in Mont-
ville, were: Elizabeth, Peleg, Jr. (born about
1766), Sanford (born about 1768, married Sarah
Monroe), and John (born about 1770, married
Sarah Leach).
(III) Peleg Church, Jr., born about 1766, son of
Peleg, Sr., and Elizabeth Congdon, married Mary
Leach, daughter of John and Mary (Gray) Leach.
He was a farmer and lived at Mohegan, town of
Montville, where he died. His children, all born in
Montville, were: (1) Erastus, born April 6, 1792,
married (first) Nancy Ford, and (second) Fitche
(Comstock) Church. (2) Peleg, born about 1793,
married Jane Harrington, and had children, Jere-
miah, Austin and Lydia. (3) Henry, born about
1795, married Parthena Bradford, and had children,
i66
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
Perez, Frank and Betsa. (4) Nancy, born about
1796, married Ebenezer Story. (5) Maria, born
about 1798, married Joshua Rogers. (6) James B.
married Julia O'Brien. (7) Lydia married Joseph
Fuller. (8) Eliza, born April 2, 1800, married John
Marwaring. (9) Harriet, married Samuel H. At-
well. (10) William L. married Harriet Lucas. (11)
Abby married George F. Dolbeare.
(IV) Erastus Church, born April 6, 1792, son
of Peleg, Jr., and Mary (Leach) Church, married
(first) about 1811, Nancy Ford, daughter of John
Ford. After the death of his first wife he married
Fitche (Comstock) Church, born about 1790, widow
of George Whitman Church, of Montville, and
daughter of Ebenezer and Desire (Comstock)
Comstock, of Montville. She died Dec. 27, i860.
His children by his first wife, Nancy Ford, were
as follows: (1) Mary, born Nov. 2, 1812, now lives
in Norwich, the wife of a Mr. Carpenter. (2) Henry
F., born June 5, 1814, married Caroline Church.
He was master of vessels, and, off the coast
of Patagonia, fell from aloft, while looking
at a whale through his glass, and was killed.
(3) Elisha R., born April 2, 1816, married
(first) Augusta O'Brien, and (second) Mercy
Williams. He was engaged in the oyster
trade, and died in Preston, Conn. (4) Almira, born
April 23, 1821, died Sept. 24, 1822. (5) Emeline,
born Sept. 20, 1822, married (first) George Crans-
ton, (second) Dr. King, of Norwich, Conn., and
died in Norwich. (6) Tliza, born Jan. 16, 1824, mar-
ried Nathan Champlin Chappell, of Montville, where
she died. (7) Nancy, born Dec. 20, 1826, married
Edward Burdette, of New London, Conn., and died
in Brooklyn, N. Y. The children of Erastus Church
by his second wife, Fitche (Comstock) Church,
were as follows: (1) Capt. Erastus, born April 13,
1834, is mentioned below. (2) Charles E., born Feb.
14, 1837, died May 23, 1902, in Montville. He fol-
lowed the sea for a number of years, and in 1872
returned to Montville and engaged in farming. He
married Sept. 20, 1859, Isabella Utley Beebe, daugh-
ter of Francis and Emeline (Comstock) Beebe, of
New London. They had one daughter, Lottie Beebe,
now Mrs. Jerome W. House, of Montville. (3)
Nicholas W., born May 24, 1839, married (first)
Ellen Congdon, and (second) Juliet Maynard. He
is living in Montville, and for years was boss dyer
at Uncasville. They have five children : Nellie,
Clarence, Julian, Fanny and Abby.
Erastus Church was a farmer all his life, and in
his younger days helped to improve about 1,500
acres of land in that part of Montville known as
Mohegan, and had charge of the lands there inhab-
ited by the Indians. He was of a social, pleasant
nature, and well-liked by all who knew him. He
served in the cavalry in the war of 18 12, riding his
own horse to the field of action. He was an old
line Jeffersonian Democrat, and held several of the
town offices. He was an industrious, hard-working
man, and enjoyed good health the greater part of
his life. He retired from active farm work about
twenty years before his death, which occurred in
Montville, June 10, 1882, when he was aged eighty-
nine years. He was a member of the Uncasville
Methodist Church.
The first husband of Fitche (Comstock) Church
was George Whitman Church, who was engaged in
the fish and oyster trade on the Thames river, at that
time the leading industry among the residents on
the banks of that stream. He met his death by
drowning in the Thames, in the winter of 1833, the
ice on which he was walking suddenly giving away
at Moses' Island, near Gale's Ferry. To him and
his wife, Fitche Comstock, were born the follow-
ing children: (1) Mary Ann Church, born Dec. 21,
1815, married a Mr. Carpenter, of Norwich, Conn.
(2) James Leander (Capt.), born Jan. 19, 1819, in
Montville, is mentioned below. (3) George W. (4)
Electa, born Aug. 20, 1821, married (first) John
Chapman, and (second) Levi Lester. (5) Dudley
died young.
(V) Capt. Erastus Church, born April 13, 1834,
was the eldest son of Erastus and Fitche (Com-
stock) Church. He was born in Montville, Conn.,
where he attended school until he was fifteen years
of age. After leaving school, having a liking for
the water, he went to sea on a whaling voyage, sail-
ing from New London, with Capt. Charles O. Brew-
ster, on the "Phoenix," a vessel which had been a
privateer in the war of 181 2. On this voyage he
was gone about thirty months. He then sailed on
the "Jefferson," Capt. James Williams, remaining
on board twenty months, and leaving the vessel at
Honolulu, from whence he took sail on the "New-
ark," of Stonington, Conn., Capt. Dickens, of West-
erly. He remained on this vessel some sixteen
months as third mate. He then returned home and
shortly sailed as second mate with Capt. Stephen
Bolles, on the "Iris," this voyage lasting about thirty
months. He then became mate of the brig "Geor-
gianna," Capt. George Tyson, remaining with her
about fifteen months. After this he sailed on the
"George Henry," as mate with Capt. Christopher
Chapin. They set sail March 12, 1863, and in
August, 1863, the vessel was lost in Hudson Straits,
the ice driving her onto the shore. They abandoned
her as she had been cut in two. Her crew was picked
up by Capt. Spicer, who succeeded in getting the
provision from the wreck. Capt. Church returned
home on the "Monticello," and soon again set sail
on the "Pioneer," Capt. Ebenezer Morgan, known as
"Rattler" Morgan.
fhev were gone fifteen months
and eleven days, and brought back a $220,000 cargo.
On this voyage Capt. Church was mate of the
vessel.
Capt. Church then went to Friendship, Alle-
gany Co., N. Y., and for a year was engaged in
farming. He then returned to Montville and en-
gaged in farming for another year, but his fond-
ness for the water again asserted itself, and he once
more sailed as mate with Capt. Christopher Chappell
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
167
on the bark "E. B. Phillips," this covering about one
year. After this he sailed on the bark "Niles,"
Capt. John Williams, as mate, to the Antarctic
Ocean, on a fur sealing voyage, being gone about
eight months, and returning with 5,301 fur seal
skins and about 600 barrels of sperm oil. The skins
brought about 130 to 160 English shillings each, or
an average of $40 each, in all a cargo of about
$200,000 value. He and Capt. Williams were then
fitted out by Lawrence Brothers, of New London, on
the schooner, "Golden West," and were gone about
eight months on a sealing voyage. Capt. Church
next sailed as mate with Capt. Simeon Church, on
the "Charles Colgate" on a sealing voyage, on which
they were gone eight months. He then went to New
Bedford, Mass., and sailed from there as master of
the vessel, "Franklin," on a whaling voyage, which
occupied about fifteen months. He then sailed from
the same port on a new vessel, the "Adelia Chase,"
being gone sixteen months, and on his return being
fitted out for another voyage around Cape Horn in
search of seals. During this voyage Capt. Church
estimates he passed around Cape Horn about one
hundred times. He then became master of the
"George and Mary," out of New Bedford on a
whaling voyage, on which he was gone for fifteen
months. He next sailed as mate, but on an equal
percentage with the captain, on the "Tamerlane,"
of New Bedford, on a whaling voyage, but left the
vessel at Port Stanley, Falkland Islands. He then
returned home, and was quarantined on account of
the yellow fever epidemic in Pensacola, Florida.
His next voyage was as mate of the "Colgate," with
Capt. Benjamin Rogers. They were gone about
eleven months, returning with 1,250 barrels of sea-
elephant oil, taken from Desolation Islands. Capt.
Church gave up whaling voyages after this expedi-
tion, and was engaged in the coal trade between
Norfolk, Va., and Philadelphia, New York, Boston,
and Portland, Maine, until Sept. 3, 1897, when he
retired from the water, and has since been engaged
in farming and in the ice business. He has earned
a well-deserved rest from the water, having fol-
■ lowed it for about forty-seven years.
On June 1, 1859, Capt. Church married Helen
M. Sawyer, daughter of Jeremiah Sawyer, of Mont-
ville. Their children, all born in Montville, are as fol-
lows : (1) Irving B., born April 23, i860, married
Hattie M. Weaver, of Lebanon. He is engaged in
the meat business in Lebanon. Their children are
Ernest and Roy. (2) Winnifred S., born April 20,
1867, married Frederick L. Clark, of Willimantic,
a stock and horse dealer in Providence, R. I. They
have no children. (3) Oscar, born Dec. 12, 1872, is
engaged with his father in the ice business. Fra-
ternally Capt. Church is connected with Union
Lodge, F. & A. M., of New London. In political
principle he is a Democrat, but votes for the man
who, in his opinion, is best fitted for the office. He
has served on the town board of assessors.
Capt. James Leander Church, born Jan. 19,
1819, in Montville, was, as before stated, the second
child of George Whitman Church and Fitche Corn-
stock. He attended the district schools of his na-
tive town, but left his studies when quite young. He
had a fondness for the water, and when a mere lad
went to sea on a whaling voyage. By close appli-
cation to the duties of his place he early earned the
confidence of his captain, and under his instructions
studied navigation, fitting himself for the intelligent
performance of the responsible duties which after-
ward devolved upon him as an officer. In his deal-
ings with his crew he was ever kind, though a thor-
ough disciplinarian, and was greatly beloved by his
men.
From the time he was eighteen for over forty
years Capt. Church was engaged in whaling voyages.
He sailed from New London for the Lawrences,
with the old whaling fleet which traversed the north-
ern and southern waters in search of seals and
whales. In the course of his voyaging he visited
all quarters of the globe, going seal fishing in the
Indian Ocean, and whaling off the coast of Green-
land, and making a record as a skillful captain.
Among the vessels which he commanded were the
"Roswell King," the "Golden West," on which he
went to Desolation Islands, the bark "Erie," and the
"E. B. Phillips," which he navigated on a whaling
trip to Greenland. In 1883 he experienced his first
shipwreck, about 100 miles off Montauk Point. At
the time he was captain of the "Flying Fish," which
had just returned from the South Shetland Islands
off Cape Horn. With this experience he gave up
the seafaring life and located in Montville, where he
purchased a farm at the head of Haughton's Cove,
the well remembered place of his boyhood days.
There he lived until ten years before his death, when
he exchanged his farm for property in Norwich,
and built a summer home in Montville, spending
the winter months in Providence, R. I. He always
looked forward with the greatest pleasure to the
time passed at his summer cottage.
Capt. Church married in Providence, Anstiss
Wentworth Sweet, daughter of Nathaniel and Bet-
sey (Ellis) Sweet, of Providence. Their children,
all born in Providence, were as follows : ( 1 ) Ans-
tiss Virginia, married (first) Alvah Crawley,
of Norwich, to which union were born two children:
Charles and Edgar, and (second) Harvey H. Lath-
rop, of Norwich, Conn., there being no children of
this union. (2) Nathaniel Sweet, who is a travel-
ing salesman, married Lillian Atwood, of Provi-
dence, R. I., and they have one son, Arthur Sweet
Church. (3) Mason Burnsides is a registered phar-
macist, living in Providence, R. I. He married
Annabella Guest, and they have one son. Mason B.
Church, Jr. (4) James Arthur died in Montville at
the age of seventeen years.
Capt. James Leander Church died at his winter
home in Providence, R. I., Jan. 15, 1901, at the age
of eighty-two, from an illness incident to old age.
) He was a Democrat in politics, but never cared for
1 68
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
office. Of a quiet, unassuming nature, he was a
man who loved his home above all else. He was,
perhaps, the last survivor of the older generation of
whaling captains, and was well-known and highly
respected throughout his native State of Connecti-
cut, where he was evervwhere familiarlv known as
"Captain Jim."
FREDERIC BILL, of Groton, son of the late
Hon. Gurdon Bill and a descendant in the seventh
generation from John Bill, the immigrant ancestor
of this branch of the Bill family, through Phillip,
Joshua, Phineas, and Joshua (2), was born in that
part of the old town of Groton, which is now Led-
yard, Sept. 7, 1833.
His early life was spent upon the home farm.
He was educated in the public schools, Robert's
Academy at Poquetanuck, and Suffield Literary In-
stitute, afterward teaching school in the western part
of his native town. Though successful as a teacher,
he chose a more active life, and traveled in the Brit-
ish Provinces, visiting Canada, New Brunswick,
Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island, subse-
quently spending a considerable time in the South
and West in the sale of books.
On May 19, 1858, Mr. Bill was married to Lucy
G. Denison, daughter of Nathan F. Denison, of
Groton. In 1856 he became a partner of his brother
Gurdon in the book publishing business at Spring-
field, Mass., continuing in the business until the
breaking out of the Civil War in 1861, when he
disposed of his interest to his brother. In 1865,
after the close of the war, he engaged in the importa-
tion and manufacture of linen goods under the firm
name of Tracy & Bill, with an office and salesroom
in New York City. In 1870 he purchased the inter-
est of his partner, disposing of his entire business,
and retiring from commercial life in 1873. The fol-
lowing year he made a tour of Europe with his wife,
spending a year abroad. In 1872 he purchased a
farm in Groton, Conn., near the mouth of the river
Thames, where he still resides. His wife died
April 2, 1894. On Aug. 14, 1895, he married Julia
O. Avery, daughter of E. D. Avery, of Groton, im-
mediately going abroad, visiting many countries on
the continent, including Norway, Sweden and Spain,
and extending his travels to Egypt and the river
Nile.
In 1888 Mr. Bill presented to a board of trustees
for the use of the inhabitants of Groton a library
in memory of his deceased sisters, which was in-
corporated under the title of the Bill Memorial Li-
brary, and in 1890 he erected a granite library build-
ing at a cost, including grounds, etc., of nearly $20,-
000, which he also presented to the trustees of the
library. Subsequently he gave the board of trustees
$10,000, as an endowment fund.
As chairman of the building committee, it was
largely due to Mr. Bill's taste and financial aid that
the Congregational Church of Groton, was enabled
to build its present beautiful house of worship. Al-
though declining political preferment, he has by no
means been indifferent to public affairs, and has al-
ways been found ready to give his aid and support
to the worthy enterprises of his town. Mr. Bill is a
director in the Chelsea Savings Bank of Norwich,
and in other institutions.
HIRAM COOK. The name of Cook has been
familiar in the annals of Connecticut and New Lon-
don county, since the early Colonial period, and is
well represented in the present generation by Hiram
Cook, a civil and hydraulic engineer of Norwich, of
which town he is an influential and prominent citi-
zen. He is a lineal descendant of Richard Cooke,
who moved to Norwich (now Preston), probably in
the latter part of 1680, and took possession of a
thirty-acre tract of land deeded him that year by
Greenfield Larrabee, in consideration that he
(Cooke) should live thereon with his family at least
five years. He bought other land of Oneco, and
was granted several tracts by Norwich, of which
town he became a citizen.
Richard Cooke served as volunteer in King
Philip's war, and in consideration thereof a tract
of one hundred acres in the town of Voluntown was
granted him, his heirs and assigns. He had, by his
wife, Grace, the following children, namely : Eliza-
beth, baptized in the church at Stonington June 30,
1678, married Joseph Benjamin; Lydia, baptized in
the same church April 27, 1679, married Samuel
Leonard; Obed, born Feb. 1, 1681 ; Mary married
John Carter ; Sarah married John Andrews, and Jane
died in 1721. Richard Cooke died in 1695.
Obed Cook, son of Richard, dropped the "e" in
writing his name. He was a farmer and married
Phebe, daughter of John Clark, of Norwich, July 18,
1704. Their children were: Richard, born Aug. 16,
1705, married Mary Parish, of Preston, Dec. 18,
1729; James, born May 8, 1708, married Elizabeth,
daughter of Francis Tracy, of Preston, March 16,
1732; Nathaniel, born Dec. 17, 1713, married Han-
nah ; and Priscilla, born Dec. 17, 1716, died
in 1731. Obed Cook died April 7, 1755.
James Cook, son of Obed, had by his wife Eliza-
beth : Priscilla, born June 22, 1733, never married;
Mabel, born June 8, 1735, married Alpheus Jones,
Jan. 15, 1761 : Elizabeth, born June 24, 1736, married
Mathew Grinnold : Reuben, born June 10, 1738;
Hannah married Elijah Tracy; Reuel ; Lurena mar-
ried Reuben Yarington, and Lucretia never married.
James Cook died in 1794.
Reuel Cook, son of James, was a school teacher
in early life, but later he became a farmer. He died
in 1779, before his son Reuben was born. On June
17, 1772, he wedded Elizabeth Jones. He was the
father of the following children, namely : Reuel, Jr.,
born 1772, married Amy Packer: Elizabeth mar-
ried an Ames or Amos ; and Reuben.
Reuben Cook, son of Reuel, was born Sept. 12,
1779, and when a young man, spent several years as
a sailor in the West India trade. On April 27, 1806,
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
169
he married Wealthy Huntley, born Nov. 15, 1789,
daughter of Thomas Huntley, a soldier in the Revo-
lutionary war. Reuben Cook died May 6, 1866, and
his widow died Aug. 6, 1879. In politics he was first
a Whig, then a Democrat,, but during the Civil war
he became a Republican. The following were his
children, namely: Reuben, Jr., born May 21, 1807;
Denison Palmer, born Jan. 13, 1809 ; Albert, born
May 18, 181 1 ; Hannah, born July 27, 1813; Abby
Jane, born Aug. 27, 181 5 ; James Monroe, born Feb.
14, 1818; Elizabeth, born June 27, 1820; Mary Ann,
born Dec. 30, 1822; John Harrison, born Sept. 15,
1825: Hiram, born Dec. 11, 1827; and William
Greene, born March 27, 1830.
Reuben Cook, Jr., was a foundryman until past
middle life, and then became a farmer. On Oct. 6,
1833, he married Abby Barnes, daughter of Avery
Barnes, of Preston, and first moved to North Java,
N. Y., then to Neenah, Wis., where he died July 25,
1891. His wife was born July 31, 1806, and died
March 16, 1882.
Denison Palmer Cook was a carpenter, and died
in Preston Jan. 16, 1862. On Oct. 6, 1839, he mar-
ried Clarissa H. Story, born Sept. 8, 181 1, died Nov.
5, 1848. On Nov. 21, 1850, he married Betsey Will-
iams, born April 28, 1826, died March 26, 1875.
Albert Cook was a foundryman for a number of
years, but later he engaged in farming in Preston.
During his last years he was with his daughter
Wealthy in Norwich, where he died April 23, 1899.
He married Susan Perigo June 12, 1837. She was
born in November, 1809, and died Oct. 11, 1893.
Hannah Cook married William Strong, a farmer,
born 1814. They settled in North Java, N. Y.,
where he died Nov. 17, 1867, and she died Sept. 19,
1888.
Abby Jane Cook married James L. Bassett, July
5, 1843. They moved to Lenox, N. Y., where she
died March 21, 1856. Mr. Bassett was born July
17, 1814, and died June 29, 1883.
James Monroe Cook left home when about
eighteen years of age and never returned.
Elizabeth Cook married, Oct. 28, 1854, Simon
Brewster, a farmer in Griswold, born May 29, 1801,
and died Aug. 17, 1867. She died April 16, 1890.
Mary Ann Cook married, Nov. 13, 1854, John
Gubbins, a machinist, but during the latter part of
his life he became a farmer in Preston. He was
born June 15, 1825, and died Feb. 28, 1897. She
died Feb. 7, 1897.
John Harrison Cook was brought up to farming,
but became a carpenter. He first moved to Lenox,
N. Y., then to Ames, Iowa, where he died March
24. 1 89 1. He married Jane Light, of Lenox, March
30, 1852. She was born May 10, 1834, and died
Jan. 12, 1889.
William Greene Cook was last heard of in Cali-
fornia about 1867, and was then unmarried. He
was brought up on a farm, but became a carpenter.
Hiram Cook was born in Preston and remained
at home until he was twenty-one years of age, work-
ing at farming. He attended the district school
until the age of fifteen years, and then received
private instruction from Joseph H. Gallup, a well
known teacher at that time. He first commenced
to study for a physician, but finding it to his distaste,
he resolved to become a civil engineer, and thereafter
devoted such time as he could to the study of that
profession. When he attained his majority, he went
to Lenox, N. Y., where a brother-in-law was resid-
ing, and spent a few months there. Returning to
Preston, he taught a district school near Poque-
tanuck one term, and after this he taught school
near North Java, and also at Lenox, N. Y. During
these years he had by self-study, acquired a good
theoretical knowledge of civil engineering, and he
first began practical work at the business under A.
S. Robbins, of Norwich, as engineer in the con-
struction of the New London, Willimantic &
Palmer Railroad, which is now operated by the
Central Vermont. With Mr. Robbins he remained
nearly two years, and then went to Venango, Pa.,
where he was employed as a leveler on the prelim-
inary survey for a railroad. He was next at Clare-
mont, N. H., and was employed there on preliminary
railroad work. After this he went to Dedham, Mass.,
and was there an engineer in the construction of
the Midland Railroad, which is now operated by the
New York, New Haven & Hartford Railroad Com-
pany. This was followed by the relocation and con-
struction of the Baring ,& Princeton Railroad in
Maine, after which he went to St. John, New Bruns-
wick, on the European & North American Railroad.
In a short time he was obliged to leave on account
of his health, and he went again to Lenox, N. Y.,
and taught school there one term. After this he
returned to Norwich and assisted his former em-
ployer, Mr. Robbins, a few months, and then taught
school at Poquetanuck. On June 1, i860, he entered
the employment of the Norwich & Worcester Rail-
road Company as clerk in the Machine shop, and in
1866 he was appointed engineer and road master
of said railroad. He remained in this last position
until July, 1881, a term of fifteen years, having
charge of the maintenance of the track, bridges and
buildings between Allyn's Point and Worcester.
Later he located an extension of the road from
Allyn's Point to Groton. After severing his connec-
tion with the Norwich & Worcester Railroad Com-
pany, he became connected with the Boston & Maine,
and later with the Boston, Concord Railroad as an
expert inspector. Since 1890 he has done but little
engineering work, except what he performs for the
Norwich Water Power Company. Mr. Cook was
president of this company for several years prior to
1887, and in 1896 he again became president, and
continues as such to the present time.
On Dec. 21, 1856, Hiram Cook was married to
Hannah S. Woodcock, of Baring. Maine, born Feb.
24, 1835. To this union came one son, Asahel Rob-
bins, born Dec. 7, 1857, who attended the Episcopal
Academv at Cheshire, Conn., after which he took
170
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
up engineering- under his father, and is now assist-
ant engineer on the Northern Pacific Railroad, sta-
tioned at Seattle, Wash. ; he was married, May 26,
1898, to Ida A. Greene, of San Francisco, born
Nov. 2$, 1867, and they have one child, Richard
Hiram, born Aug. 11, 1900.
Mr. Cook is a Republican in politics, and is very
much interested in current events. He is a 32d
degree Mason, being a member of Somerset Lodge,
Franklin Chapter, Franklin Council, Columbian
Commandery, and a charter member of the Scottish
Rite Orders, all of Norwich. Finally, as the theo-
retical knowledge of civil engineering was mostly
acquired through his own efforts, so was its adapt-
ability to practice when the opportunity came. In
like manner his success is largely owing to himself,
and though he has not laid up many shekels, he has
what he esteems of much greater value, the good
opinion of his fellow men.
COMMANDER SAMUEL BELDEN, a re-
tired officer of the United States Navy, and a de-
scendant of an old New England family, is one of
New London's representative citizens. This Belden
family has been identified with the history of Con-
necticut since shortly after its first settlement. The
first of the name in Connecticut was Richard Bayl-
don (Belden) and William Beklun, who were among
the early settlers of Wethersfield, Conn., Richard
being among the earliest of the town. He is first
noticed in public documents in 1640. The location
and description of eight pieces of his lands, those he
bought and those that were given to him. are
given in the Land Records, 1641. In the
summer of 1650, Richard Bayldon was one of the
additions to the Pequot (New London) Plantation,
but proved to be only a transient inhabitant, return-
ing to Wethersfield.
From this Richard Bayldon, Samuel Belden, our
subject, is a representative of the eighth generation,
the line of descent being as follows: (I) Richard;
(II) John (1631 in England) ; (III) Daniel (1670) ;
(IV) Daniel (1696): (V) Samuel (1733); (VI)
Richard (1773) ; (VII) Richard Nathaniel (1811) ;
(VIII) Samuel (1836).
The name was originally spelled, Bayldon, Bel-
don, Beldun, Belding, etc. "The erroneous manner
of spelling the name Belden was changed and re-
stored to its original and true orthography, through
the exertions of Rev. Joshua Belden, about the year
1772, he being convinced by Col. Elisha Williams,
the Town Clerk, of its corrupted spelling. By him,
he was shown three several and distinct autographs
of the elder John Belden, in the early records, at-
tached to as many distinct public instruments, to all
of which he signed his name, distinctly and legibly,
John Belden." [Hon. H. R. Hinman, of New York,
1861.]
Richard Nathaniel Belden, father of Samuel
Belden, was born 181 1 in New York City. There
in early life he learned the trade of jeweler and fol-
lowed it for several years. When a young man,
he came to New London with his parents, later re-
turning to New York to learn his trade. Coming
back to New London he established himself in the
watchmaking and jewelry business on Main street,
and he continued in that line for several years. Sub-
sequently he entered the New London Bank (now
New London City National Bank) as a clerk, and he
was identified with that financial institution at the
time of his death, which occurred Feb. 3, 1891, in
New London. On account of his close application
to business affairs he advanced rapidly in the bank,
rising from clerk, through the various positions,
until he was made president. However, he retired
from the presidency a few years before his death,
but was elected vice-president, which position he
held to the close of his days.
In political faith Mr. Belden was a Republican,
and he served the city in several capacities, being
councilman for several terms. He was a member
and liberal supporter of the First Congregational
Church, of New London. Mr. Belden possessed a
genial, jovial disposition, and his kindly nature was
a great attraction for children, of whom he was par-
ticularly fond. In 1834 he married Marian Hop-
kins, of New York, who died in New London in
1 90 1. She was a daughter of John Hopkins and
Mary Harper, who were married by Bishop Moore,
of old Trinity Church. Children as follows were
born to Mr. and Mrs. Belden: (1) Samuel is men-
tioned below. (2) Sarah died young. (3) Edwin
died in young manhood.
Samuel Belden was born in New London, April
27 or 28, 1836, and received his early education in
the public schools of his native town, leaving school
at the age of fifteen years. Having a desire to follow
the water, he entered the clipper trade on the "Tele-
graph," running from New York to California and
the China trade, returning to Boston in 1857, as
man before the mast. Mr. Belden continued in this
trade for about ten years, and when hostilities broke
out between the North and South, he, in 1862, en-
tered the service of his country as an Acting En-
sign. The record of his service in the General Navy
Register, list of officers of the United States Navy and
of the Marine Corps, 1775-1900 (L. R. Hamersley),
reads as follows : "Belden, Samuel : Acting En-
sign, 8 Sept., 1862. Acting Master, 19 Feb., 1864.
Acting Volunteer Lieutenant, 18 May, 1865. Hon-
orably discharged, 21 March, 1866. Acting Master,
5 April, 1867. Ensign, 12 March, 1868. Master,
18 Dec, 1868. Lieutenant, 21 March, 1870. Lieu-
tenant-Commander, 7 July, 1883. Commander, 25
Feb., 1893. Retired List, 27 April, 1898."
In 1898 Mr. Belden retired from the United
States Naval Service, having reached the age limit
of sixty-two years, and he has since been living in
retirement in New London. In January, 1899, he
was elected a director of the New London City Na-
tional Bank, and is still serving as such. He is a
trustee of the New London Savings Bank.
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
171
Mr. Belden was married June 14, 1864, to Mary
C. Shepard, daughter of George and Ann (Beebe)
Shepard, of New London, and three children have
blessed this union : Mary Coit, who died at the age
of six years ; Richard E., who is associated with the
Palmer Bros. Company (he married Daisy Horner,
of Groton, Conn., and has a son, Richard Nathaniel,
born Sept. 11, 1904) ; and Annie W., at home. With
his family Mr. Belden attends the First Congrega-
tional Church of New London. Socially he is a
member of the Army and Navy Club, of New York.
In political sentiment he is a stanch Republican.
Commander Belden built his present home on Broad
street, New London, in 1887, and it is one of the nice
homes of that pleasant residential portion of the city.
DEACON HENRY PARTRIDGE BUSH-
NELL. The Bushnell family has long been prom-
inent and highly esteemed in Connecticut. Its rep-
resentatives in each generation have been God-
fearing, law-abiding men, and have left an impress
for good upon the communities in which their lives
have been passed. In 1638 six brothers of the name
of Bushnell left England on account of religious per-
secution, and joined the Massachusetts Bay Colony.
Four of them later came to Connecticut, locating at
Guilford, and of these, three, Francis, William and
Richard, later moved to Saybrook. These hardy
pioneers were the ancestors of all of the name in
Connecticut.
John Bushnell was a farmer residing near Oc-
cum, on the farm now occupied by a descendant,
Frederick H. Bushnell. He married a Miss Roath,
who survived him. Their children were : Sabra,
who married (first) Ichabod Corbin, (second)
Thomas Talbot, and died in Southbridge, Mass. ;
James, mentioned below ; and Leonard, who was
twice married, and who resided for several years in
Norwich, Conn., later moving to Mountain Grove,
Mo., where he died.
James Bushnell, son of John, was born in Nor-
wich May 16, 1793, and followed farming all his
life. In his early manhood death deprived him of a
father's fostering care, and he was obliged to as-
sume the responsibility of his own support. For a
couple of years after his marriage he resided in the
town of Lisbon, but his mother desired his assistance
in the management of the home farm, and he re-
turned there, taking charge of it as long as his
mother lived. After her death he purchased the
interests of the other heirs, and passed the re-
mainder of his days there, dying June 26, 1872. In
politics he was a Democrat. On Nov. 3, 1816, James
Bushnell married Sinda Smith, who was born in
Canterbury, Conn., a daughter of Eleazer Smith,
and died Sept. 17, 1862. Six children blessed their
union: Fanny, born Nov. 13, 1817, married March
17, 1845, Joseph B. Noyes, a farmer of Lisbon, and
died Sept. 20, 1898; Eleazer, born March 28, 1819,
is mentioned below; Mary Ann, born Jan. 26, 1821,
died Oct. 2, 1822 ; Lucinda, born Jan. 11, 1824, mar-
ried Nov. 17, 1842, Stephen B. Ray, a farmer of
Norwich, where she now resides ; William H., born
Nov. 14, 1826, married Jane G. Prentice, and is a
farmer residing in Norwich ; and James F., born
Dec. 9, 1829, married Jan. 15, 1854, Hannah Benja-
min, of Preston, and is a farmer residing on the old
homestead near Occum.
Eleazer Bushnell, son of James, was born in
Norwich, and acquired all his education with the
meagre facilities afforded by the district schools.
He was early inured to hard work, and as a young
man he worked as a farm laborer in Norwich and
vicinity, being so employed up to the time he was
married. He then located on his father-in-law's
farm in Lisbon, but after one year there he moved
to the "Stone Barn" farm in the north part of the
town, and conducted that farm on shares for five
years. Thence he removed to Hanover Society, and
for nine years rented a farm there, and then, in 1855,
he purchased his father-in-law's farm — the latter
having died — and there spent the rest of his life. He
died Nov. 5, 1873, and for some years prior to his
decease he was engaged in the insurance business
in addition to farming, being agent for the Wind-
ham County Mutual Insurance Company. Politi-
cally he was a Democrat, and held a number of town
offices. In 1863 he represented Lisbon in the Leg-
islature. For some years before his death he had
been first selectman, and so ably did he manage the-
town's affairs, that when he died the town was free
from debt. He was an earnest member of the New-
ent Congregational Church. On Nov. 18, 1839,.
Eleazer Bushnell married Elizabeth Partridge, who
was born in Lisbon, daughter of Cyrus and Sally
(Whipple) Partridge, and a representative of one
of the oldest families of the town. She died at the
home of her daughter in Norwich Town in her
eightieth year. Four children were born of this
union : Henry Partridge ; Mary Elizabeth, widow of
Curtis Webb, resides in the town of Norwich ; James
E., a farmer and teamster in the town of Norwich,
married Elizabeth Stephens ; and Cyrus P., a car-
penter and farmer, who died in Sprague, married
Marianna Crocker.
Henry Partridge Bushnell, the well known dea-
con of the Newent Congregational Church, was born
April 4, 1841, in Lisbon, and he received the train-
ing usual with farmers' sons of that period. For a
few months each winter until he was eighteen years
old, he attended the district school, and then for one
term he was enrolled in the Jewett City high school.
He lived at home until he was twenty-one years old,,
at which time he went to Westport, Conn., where
during the next ten years he was employed chiefly
at farm labor. The death of his father recalled him
to Lisbon, and he assumed the management of the
home farm, which later became his by purchase. He
now has over 100 acres under cultivation and de-
voted to general farming. In addition to his farm
work for the last decade he has gathered cream in
Lisbon for the Griswold creamery.
172
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
On Jan. 1, 1867, Mr. Bushnell wedded Sarah
Jane Whitney, who was born Aug. 13, 1846, in
Westport, Conn., daughter of David and Lucretia
(Lockwood) Whitney. Six children have been
born of this union : ( 1 ) Irvin Henry, born Oct. 29,
1867, is a carpenter and farmer in Norwich Town.
He married Agnes Galeni, and their children are
Earl (deceased), Herbert, Bessie, Ethel and Edith
(twins) and Ruth M. (2) George Eleazer, born
Jan. 24, 1870, died Aug. 20, 1870. (3) David Ed-
ward, born Jan. 3, 1873, is a motorman in the elec-
tric railway service. He married Emma Jane Gard-
ner, and has one child. Curtis E. (4) Dolly Bertha,
born July 27, 1875, became the wife of Jay Traver,
and died in Lisbon Aug. 2, 1898. (5) Ida May,
born Feb. 13, 1881, married William Bentley, agent
for the New York, New Haven & Hartford Rail-
road, at W'ebster, Mass., and has three children,
LeRoy, Leola and Verna May. (6) Robert Quincy,
was born June 20, 1889. Politically Deacon Bush-
nell was originally a Democrat, but believing that
the only way to overcome the evils of the liquor traf-
fic is in the total prohibition of its manufacture and
sale, he has of late years cast his influence in the
support of the party advocating that reform. At the
age of fourteen he united with the Newent Congre-
gational Church, and has never faltered in his alle-
giance. He has been active in church work, and has
exerted himself to practice in his daily life the pre-
cepts of his faith. He was elected deacon in 1893,
and for some years served as superintendent of the
Sunday school. Mrs. Bushnell ably seconds her
husband in all his work. She, too, is active in
church work, having united with the Congregational
Church at the age of twenty-two. All of the chil-
dren, except the youngest, are members of the same
denomination. Deacon Bushnell has lived an up-
right life, and no citizen in New London county is
more deserving of the universal esteem in which he
is held.
BENJAMIN FRANKLIN STANTON, the fa-
ther of the Stanton Brothers, of Stonington, Conn.,
was a descendant in a direct ancestral line of Robert
Stanton, who was born in England in 1599, came to
this country in 1638, with his wife Avis, and settled
at Newport, R. I., where he resided until his death,
Aug. 5, 1672. The line of descent is as follows:
(I) Robert Stanton and wife Avis.
(II) John Stanton (son of Robert and Avis),
born in Newport in 1645, grew to manhood there,
became a merchant and joined the Society of
Friends. He was married in one of their meetings
to Mary Horndale, in 1667. They had seven chil-
dren. After the death of the first wife he married
Mary, widow of Gov. Cranston, and daughter of
Gov. Jeremiah Clark.
(III) John Stanton (son of John) commenced
life as a merchant and continued to live in Newport
until 1733, when he removed his family to Rich-
mond, R. I., settling on what was then known as
the Stanton Purchase. He was born in April, 1673,
and married Feb. 9, 1698, Elizabeth Clark, daughter
of Latham Clark of Portsmouth, N. H. They had
twelve children. She died at Newport, Sept. 10,
1730. In 1734 he married (second), at Richmond,
R. I., Susannah Lamphere. She was nineteen years
of age. They had thirteen children. He died at
Richmond, Jan. 22, 1762, is his eighty-ninth year.
(IV) Job Stanton (son of John and Susannah
Lamphere), born in Richmond Feb. 3, 1737, married
Elizabeth Belcher and settled in Stonington, Conn.
They were married Nov. 11, 1764. By his first wife
he had three children. She died Dec. 29, 1773. For
his second wife he married Amy Bell, widow of John
Bell and daughter of Nathaniel and Amy (Hewitt)
Williams, and sister of the wife of Col. William Led-
yard, who fell at the battle and massacre of Fort
Griswold, Connecticut.
(V) Benjamin F. Stanton, the third son of this
marriage, was born Feb. 25, 1782, and married Maria
Davis in September, 1808. She was a descendant
of John Davis, born in England 1612, who settled
in East Hampton, Long Island, and died in 1705.
Thomas (son of John) married Abigail Parsons.
John (son of Thomas) married Catherine Talmage.
Their son John married Abigail Baker. The five
children of this marriage were all born in the old
homestead in Stonington, Conn. Mrs. Maria (Da-
vis) Stanton, the fourth child, was born Oct. 16,
1786.
Benjamin F. Stanton was a farmer and com-
menced life in Stonington, Conn. He was ambitious
and progressive, always on the alert to extend his
business. In the spring of 1819 he removed to Fish-
er's Island, where he carried on an extensive farm-
ing business. While there he employed a tutor to
attend to the education of his children. In 1823 he
returned to Stonington, occupying a farm previously
purchased by him, which became his home for the
remainder of his life. Mr. Stanton was an active,
enterprising man, held in high esteem by his neigh-
bors and townspeople. By industry and thrift he
accumulated a competency and established a com-
fortable and substantial home. Mrs. Stanton was a
true helpmeet of her husband, a kind, loving and
patient mother and a wise manager of a large house-
hold. This was a home of prudence and industry and
yet of generous living and whole-hearted hospitalitv.
It was, in fact, an ideal New England home, and the
unfailing courtesy and sincere friendliness of this
family were highly appreciated by their large circle
of friends and relatives, who were always glad to
enjoy the warmth of their fireside and the good cheer
of their well-furnished board. In this home, and sur-
rounded by the best and most wholesome influences,
the five sons and four daughters of this family grew
to maturity and were prepared to fill places
of honor and usefulness. The record of the
family is as follows : John Davis, born March
25, 1809, died Sept. 19, 1882. Abby Jane,
born Jan. 13, 181 1, died Aug. 9, 1841.
^y^i^^a^t £?%^
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
173
Emma Ann, born Aug. 10, 1813, died April
16, 1833. Daniel Davis, born Sept. 9, 181 5,
died April 23, 1887. Benjamin Franklin (2), born
Oct. 28, 1817, died Sept. 25, 1891. Marice, born Dec.
30, 1819, died Dec. 5, 1880. Fanny, born July 18,
1822, died Sept. 18, 1863. Paul Burdick, born
Nov. 28, 1824, died July 8, 1884. Mason Manning,
born Dec. 7, 1826, died Aug. 16, 1894.
Tbe eldest daughter of the Stanton family, Abby
Jane, was married to Giles Williams, March 23,
183 1. Mr. Williams, who was born in March, 1801,
left Stonington, his native town, at an early age
and engaged in business in New York City, going
later to Syracuse and thence to Chicago, 111., where
he conducted important business for a number of
years. Mrs. Williams was a capable, attractive
young woman, who readily adapted herself to the
new scenes and surroundings of her married life,
and endeared herself to a large circle of friends.
She was a passenger on the ill-fated steamer "Erie,"
burned on Lake Erie, Aug. 9, 1841, and, with many
others, sank under the waters of the lake. The
early death of this fine young matron, under such
peculiarly sad and tragic circumstances, was a heavy
blow to her family and friends. Mr. Williams re-
mained in Chicago for several years, but subse-
quently returned to New York City. He lived to
an advanced age and had a successful business ca-
reer. For his second wife he married, Dec. 12,
1848, Mary Elizabeth Vanderpool. He died April
3, 1888. She died May 8, 1900. The children of
Giles and Abby Jane (Stanton) Williams were:
Abby Jane, born Aug. 10, 1832, died Nov. 5, 1881.
Josephine, born in November, 1839, died March 9,
1865. Abby Jane Williams married Charles A.
Jones, of New York, June 5, 1875. Josephine Will-
iams married Oct. 22, 1863, Joseph Oscar Cottrell,
of Stonington, Conn. She died March 9, 1865,
leaving a daughter, Josephine Williams Cottrell,
born Jan. 18, 1865, who married June 4, 1889,
George Walworth Middleton, of New York City.
They have had four children: Josephine, born
March 22, 1890, died March 26, 1890; Harold Cott-
rell, born May 5, 1893; Marjorie Williams, born
June 21, 1896; and Einna Stanton, born March 23,
1898.
Some eight years previous to the death of Mrs.
Williams, the Stanton family were called to ex-
perience a like bereavement in the loss of Emma, the
second daughter of the family. She had just com-
pleted a course of study at the Norwich Female
Seminary, when she became the wife of Capt.
Charles H. Smith. This lovely and amiable young
woman was summoned hence when her earthly
prospects were of the brightest. She was not spared
to enjoy the beautiful home in Stonington which
her husband had built for her with loving care, but
was called to leave a devoted husband and the little
daughter who had come to gladden the home, and
the wide circle of relatives and friends, going hence
in all the brightness and freshness of her young
womanhood. The daughter who survived has
worthily borne the name of her mother and has al-
ways held a very high place in the love and regard
of the Stanton family.
An extended sketch of Miss Maria Stanton need
not be attempted here. Her life record is a part
of the history of her town, her county and her State.
A noble, large-hearted woman, she ably performed
every task which her hands found to do, and in good
works her zeal and enthusiasm knew no bounds.
Of rare executive ability, warm sympathy, keen in-
sight and strong common sense, she was richly en-
dowed by nature with the qualities which would have
made her eminent had she chosen a professional
career, but she followed the call of duty as she un-
derstood it and gave herself freely and unreservedly
to the high service of humanity. Her memory is
revered and cherished by the church, which she
loyally and lovingly served, by the homes cheered
by her presence in times of trouble and sorrow, and
by the hearts which she led to the knowledge and
love of Christ. Always devoted to the interests of
her church, her neighborhood and her home town, as
the years passed Miss Stanton was called into a
larger sphere of action. Her ability as a leader and
organizer and her rare personal character could not
pass unnoticed, and she was sought for to fill posi-
tions of honor and great responsibility. She en-
joyed the friendship of Frances Willard and many
able women who valued her counsel and recognized
her as a kindred spirit in the great work of temper-
ance reform. A precious legacy is the life record of
this noble, strong, consecrated woman.
Fanny, the youngest daughter of the Stanton
family, had a less vigorous constitution than her
sister Maria. She led a quiet, domestic life, but had
a part, and an important one, too, in the making of
the home. Ever a faithful and devoted daughter
and sister, her gentle ministry cheered the homestead
and her tender care comforted her mother in her
declining years. She had fine tastes, too, and a
true regard for the beautiful things of life. Speci-
mens are preserved of her exquisite embroidery,
which show her patient industry and the rare skill
of her delicate hands. When this gentle, womanly
woman was called home it was noticed that the
mother's hold on life visibly weakened and in a few
short weeks, mother and daughter were united in
the Heavenly Home.
John Davis Stanton, the eldest son of the fam-
ily, always remained at the paternal home, taking
an active part in the management of the farm. After
the death of his father, in 1836, he became the strong
stay of the family, greatly assisting his mother in
the care of her large household.
In 1836 Daniel Davis, the second son of the
Stanton family, went to Chicago, 111. This was the
period in which so many young men of Connecticut
went forth to seek their fortunes in the great West.
It was not strange that Daniel should have yielded
to the persuasions of his brother-in-law, Mr. Giles
*74
GENEALOGICAL AXD BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
Williams, who had gone out in 1830 when the me-
tropolis of the West had only a few thousand in-
habitants, half of whom were Indians. Daniel Stan-
ton entered into partnership with Mr. Williams and
they established the first grain house in Chicago.
Records of the early history of Cook county show
that the firm of G. Williams & Co. did a flourishing
business for many years and that their shipments of
grain were heavy. The great industries of Chicago
were then in their infancy, but it was a favorable lo-
cation for business, being the shipping point of a
rich agricultural section and the headquarters of the
live stock raiser. Daniel seems to have entered quite
fully into the social as well as business life of the
young metropolis. He was for years a member of
the Calumet Club. He also appears to have been
quite an enthusiastic sportsman, returning from his
hunting trips laden with deer and other trophies of
the chase. While Daniel Stanton achieved a fair
measure of success during his stay in the West, he
would undoubtedly have enjoyed a much higher de-
gree of prosperity had he chosen to remain there.
But in 1847 he was urgently requested by his brother
B. F. Stanton (2) to return East and assist in the
management of the home farms. This course
seemed the more desirable to Daniel, as his health
was much impaired by malaria, the bane of early
Western settlers. He closed up his affairs in Chi-
cago and returned home in the spring of 1847. The
farming of the home property was on so large a
scale that there was always plenty of active employ-
ment for all of the five brothers. Their father had
pursued the wise and far-sighted policy of increas-
ing his landed estate by the purchase of small hold-
ings and adjoining farm lands, thus bequeathing to
his heirs one great continuous tract of well-improved
land. The same principle seems to have been faith-
fully carried out by the sons, who as opportunities
came went on adding field to field and farm to farm.
It is evident that Daniel's Western experience gave
him new ideas and a broad grasp of the live-stock
industry, which became such an important part and
such a characteristic feature of the large business
so successfully carried on by the Stanton Brothers
for many years. In February, 1855, they purchased
the Squire Elias Brown property, comprising a fine
tract of land in Quocataug Hill and a large stone
mansion, commanding a prospect of surpassing vari-
ety and beauty. In January, 1858, the landed estate
of the Stantons was still further increased by the
purchase of the Eleazer Williams farm, also on
Quocataug Hill. This was the birthplace of Mr.
Giles Williams and was an old family home, the
land having been owned by the Williams family pre-
vious to 1712. While all the brothers worked to-
gether in perfect harmony and all shared financially
in their large enterprises, it devolved upon Daniel
and B. F. (2) to take leading parts in transactions
of a business nature. Although their farming lands
were of great extent, they were all well-improved
and abundantly stocked. In fact the flocks and herds
of the Stantons were so numerous that the islands
along the shore were sometimes secured for addi-
tional pasturage. They were always ambitious to
keep a high grade of stock, to have large barns and
well-equipped farm buildings and to bring the land
to its highest productive value. They were licensed
brokers in live stock, in which they carried on an
extensive business, going at stated intervals to the
Boston and Brighton markets, and bringing home
carloads of fine cattle. They also dealt in poultry,
hides and wool. The business of the Stanton broth-
ers was well-known throughout southern New Eng-
land. They were recognized judges of live stock
and their opinions were quoted far and wide. The
fields of the home farms in former days presented
the appearance of a veritable live stock exchange,
and buyers and sellers who drove in at the Stanton
gateways were always sure to be well served and
handsomely treated. While all of the brothers were
much honored and esteemed, B. F. Stanton (2) was
most prominent in public life, holding many positions
of trust and responsibility. In his youth he did mili-
tary duty, being a sergeant-major in the 8th regi-
ment of Connecticut militia. For many successive
years he represented the town in the General As-
sembly and was always active in promoting local in-
terests. In his later years he was frequently called
upon to settle estates and to serve as guardian for
minor children, always fulfilling such important
trusts in the most faithful and honorable manner.
When B. F. Stanton was in his early manhood he
established a separate home, taking up his residence
in the house on the farm west of the homestead. He
was accompanied by his youngest brother Mason,
and very ably assisted by his capable and talented
sister Maria. The new home was established after
the most approved traditions of the homestead and
was always a center of good influences and cordial
hospitality. Miss Stanton remained the presiding
spirit of the home until the close of her useful and
honored life. Her mantle fell on the shoulders of
her niece, Miss Emma Smith, who made the home
a bright and happy place for her uncles, and min-
istered faithfully to them in their declining years.
John, Daniel and Paul Stanton remained in the
paternal homestead and Paul was the only one of the
brothers to bring home a bride.
On May 25, 1864, he was married to Marcia,
daughter of Mr. Oliver Denison, and a direct de-
scendant of Capt. George Denison, one of the first
settlers of Stonington. The only child of this mar-
riage was a daughter who died in infancy. Mrs.
Stanton has filled her position with grace and dig-
nity, faithfully discharging the duties and respon-
sibilities of this favored and time honored home.
All of the Stanton brothers lived to advanced
years, but none to extreme old age. One after an-
other they were called away from their pleasant
homes and the scenes of their earthly labors. Paul
and Mason went suddenly, the others yielded to the
slow progress of disease. The Stanton brothers
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
175
were men of a strong substantial type, distinguished
for energy and enterprise, for just and honorable
dealings, and for sterling character. Mrs. Marcia
Stanton (widow of Paul) resides at the old family
home ; surrounded by all the comforts and blessings
of life, she takes an active interest in the affairs of
home and farm, and is spending the afternoon of life
in serene content. A cordial welcome always awaits
the guests and friends who come to this fine old
homestead. The many friends of Miss Emma Smith
in the old Road church and society rejoice that she
retains her residence in the home where she spent so
many happy years with her uncles and her aunt Miss
Maria Stanton. She takes an active interest in the
affairs of church and society and greets the friends
who visit her pleasant home with true Stanton hos-
pitality.
Within recent years a new departure has come to
the old stone house on Quocataug Hill and we note
with pleasure a bright page in its history. Mrs.
Middleton, who inherited it with the large tracts of
land adjoining has had wide experiences of travel
and has spent many years of her life abroad. She
has, however, a very loyal regard for the homes and
haunts of her ancestors, and has chosen to make the
great stone house the summer home of her family.
While the architecture remains the same Mr. and
Mrs. Middleton have judiciously improved the in-
terior, introducing many comforts and conveniences.
Fine colonial furniture, rare curios, and works of
art from foreign lands, adorn the rooms ; but the
matchless views from the windows surpass the work
of any artist and are an unfailing source of pleasure
and inspiration. The old house standing in all its
rugged strength and noble simplicity makes a sum-
mer residence of unique interest and charm. In
summer time the large household of Mr. and Mrs.
Middleton makes the place lively and cheerful. It
it not strange that their guests love to linger under
their hospitable roof, or that their children look for-
ward to the summer at Quocataug, finding health
and happiness on the pleasant hillsides of the old
ancestral home.
CAPT. CHARLES HEWITT SMITH, of
Stonington, was a direct descendant of Daniel
Smith, an early settler of Watertown, Mass., and a
landholder, as shown by entries in the town's books.
Authentic records are preserved of the second
Daniel Smith, and it is evident that the family was
well established in Watertown previous to 1695. At
about that date the son of the second Daniel, John,
appears to have left Watertown to make a home in
Connecticut, thus following in the line of that south-
western migration, which explains the founding of
many of the oldest Connecticut towns. For three
generations, represented successively by John, Dan-
iel and Joseph, we find this branch of the Smith
family located in the eastern Connecticut towns.
The early records of Plainfield, Voluntown, Pres-
ton and North Stonington show that they were set-
tlers of importance, having large holdings of land
and filling positions of responsibility in early Colo-
nial affairs. John, the first Connecticut settler,
seems to have been a pioneer of the best type, a
pillar in church and State. The church records of
1699 show that he was a member of the committee
appointed to make provision for a stated ministry.
He was appointed by the General Court land in-
spector and timber warden. In the year 1700 John
Smith served as representative from Plainfield. He
was one of the 160 persons who shared the benefit
of a grant called the "Volunteer land." In the set-
tlement of this tract, little progress was made for
several years, as the soil was poor and the location
remote and inconvenient, offering few inducements
to settlers. The name Voluntown was appropriately
given the plantation. He was one of the committee
on the division of the land in 1704. In 1706 John
Smith was appointed by the General Court surveyor
of two 1,000-acre farms for Wait Winthrop. He
was deputy for Plainfield in 1712-1714-1715-1716.
In 1721 meetings for divine service were held at the
house of John Smith. In 1723 he was one of the
voters to call Rev. Samuel Dorrance, and gave 5,000
shingles to the new meeting-house. He was a sub-
scriber to the Westminster confession of faith and
was in full communion. In 1725 John Smith was
petitioner for a patent of several tracts of land, then
said to be of Boston. In 1730 the Assembly confirmed
John Smith, of Stonington, as Lieutenant of the
Second company of train-bands. In 1732 he was
appointed a surveyor of highways. In 1740 he was
chosen one of the elders of the church. In 1747
John Smith was appointed Justice of the Peace for
Windham county.
History shows that this branch of the Smith
family was well represented in the eastern Connect-
icut towns for about eighty years previous to the
Revolution. There was a general movement south-
ward, as the younger sons pushed out to take up new
land and found homes for growing families. The
line of descent is as follows: (I) John; (II) Dan-
iel; (III) Daniel; (IV) John, born in July, 1672;
(V) Daniel, born in 1700, who married Thankful
Billings in 1725; (VI) Joseph Smith, born in 1729,
who married Zipporah Branch in 1751 ; (VII) Col.
Joseph Smith, born in 1755, who married Hannah
Hewitt in 1783.
The early life of Col. Joseph Smith was spent
on the farm of his father in Xorth Stonington. He
served as a second lieutenant in the war of the Revo-
lution. Some time after his marriage, in 1783. he
became a resident of Stonington Point. There his
family grew up, and there he carried on, for many
vears, an extensive business. He was a master
builder and had many important contracts, often
employing a large number of men. After the Revo-
lution the growth of Stonington was marked. Of
increasing importance as a commercial town and
shipping point, it made a favorable location for
Col. Joseph Smith, a man of unusual energy and
i/6
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
business talent. About this time may be • noted
great progress in the manufacturing industry of this
section, calling for the erection of new and substan-
tial mills. Among those built by Col. Joseph Smith
were the Stone factory at Westerly, R. L, in 1814;
the oil factory at New London ; repairs on factory
of Williams Manufacturing Co., of Norwich, and
many others. In the defense of Stonington, during
the war of 1812, Col. Smith took an active part. As
a contractor and builder he maintained a high repu-
tation, many buildings now standing bearing wit-
ness to his thorough workmanship and nice finish
of details. The house built by Col. Joseph Smith
for his family, in 1800, is a handsome and spacious
dwelling and, probably, the best specimen of
colonial architecture which Stonington borough
affords. The fine old doorway, with knocker and
latch of burnished brass, is surmounted by a hand-
some fanlight window and enriched on either side
by tall Muted pilasters, while some good hand carv-
ing adorns the cornice under the eaves. The spa-
cious and well-finished interior shows large rooms,
with high ceilings and fine cornices and handsomely
carved mantels and doorways. Scattered through
the rooms are the chairs, tables and high boys of the
olden time, substantial pieces of solid mahogany,
some finely inlaid and perfect specimens of the Hep-
pelwhite design. The house is in an excellent state
of preservation and still remains in the family. It
was the home of the late Giles C. Smith, Col. Jo-
seph's youngest son, and is now occupied by his
daughters, the Misses Mary and Hannah Smith,
and Mrs. Charlotte (Smith) Eldred.
Col. Joseph Smith died March 6, 1834, in his
seventy-ninth year. Mrs. Hannah (Hewitt) Smith
died April 10, 1839, aged eighty years. The record
of their family is as follows : (1) Joseph, born April
30, 1784, married Feb. 9, 1806, Nancy Eells. (2)
Henry, born May 25, 1788, married Abby D. Pal-
mer Dec. 8, 1824. (3) Charles Hewitt, born May
8, 1790, married Emma A., daughter of Benjamin
F. and Maria (Davis) Stanton, Jan. 18, 1832. She
died April 16, 1833, and on Feb. 28, 1837, he married
Maria, daughter of Elias and Nancy (Davis) Stan-
ton. (4) Nathan, born April 5, 1792, married Char-
lotte D., daughter of Benjamin and Dorcas (Den-
ison) Eells. Dec. 24, 1818. (5) Nancy, born March
19, 1794, married Alexander G. Smith, a descendant
of Rev. Nehemiah Smith, Sept. 4, 1819. She died
Aug. 5, 1820. (6) Giles Crary, born Dec. 2, 1797,
married Hannah S., daughter of Richard and Mary
(Hewitt) Wheeler, Jan. 21, 1836. (7) Mary, born
Feb. 14, 1800. married John D. Palmer Nov. 29,
1829.
Associated with Col. Smith in business were his
four sons. Joseph, Henry, Charles H. and Giles C,
who inherited their father's energy, extending and
increasing the business as the times required. Joseph,
Nathan, Charles H. and Giles C. Smith all served
in the Stonington militia, all except Giles being
and all rendering efficient
commissioned officers.
service during the attacks of the British in 1812-14.
Nathan, a cavalry officer in the 3d Brigade,
30th Connecticut Regiment, was sent to Groton to
warn the commanding officer of approaching danger
and, after the attack, Charles H. and Henry worked,
at much personal risk, to put out the fires in Stoning-
ton kindled by British bombs. After the close of the
Revolution American commerce and foreign trade
revived. Stonington shared in the benefits of this
revival and grew rapidly in population and wealth.
In the early years of the nineteenth century the na-
tions of Europe were much engaged in warfare,
which taxed their resources both on land and sea.
The carrying of commodities from port to port was
thus largely thrown in the way of American ship-
ping, forming an important and lucrative business*
America being neutral, this business could be car-
ried on without danger of attack. There is no doubt
that this stimulating and profitable business fur-
nished strong incentives to the captains and seamen of
Stonington and was a training school of those hardy
virtues so gallantly displayed in the defense of the
town when attacked by the British. The arrogant
attitude of Great Britain and the impressment of
seamen led to the embargo acts of Congress, which
paralyzed the shipping industry and closed our ports
for many years. It was during this period that the
manufacturing interests of our seaboard towns took
a fresh start and great progress was made. Ameri-
can enterprise, shut off from the great highway of
commerce,' the sea, turned to the spindle and the
loom. Inventions multiplied and the products of
mills and -shops soon easily distanced the most stren-
uous efforts of the "Age of Homespun." In this
period many of those manufactures were established
which have contributed so much to the wealth and
importance of New England. After the second war
with Great Britain came a still more marked devel-
opment of manufactures, a partial revival of the
shipping industry and coasting trade and the devel-
opment of the whale fisheries, a business in which
Stonington capital and enterprise were largely and
profitably engaged.
It will thus be seen that the time in which Capt.
Charles H. Smith began his business career was a
very important period in the history of the town and
one well-calculated to stir the ambition and develop
the talents of an active, enterprising and capable
young man. Associated with his father for many
years, Capt. Smith was well equipped for business,
and his energy and enterprise kept pace with the
demands of a rapidly-growing town. A leading
builder and contractor of Stonington for many years,
he built stores, wharves, warehouses, the salt works,
banks, factories, school-houses, churches and many
private houses. His own residence, a fine specimen
of Doric architecture, was an ornament to the town
and a credit to the builder. Stonington, being largely
engaged in domestic and foreign commerce, as a
port of entry demanded the best facilities. Appro-
priations were granted by Congress, and the-
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
179
Nancy, born March 20, 1800, married James W.
Noyes.
(VII) Charles H. Phelps, son of Joseph D., was
born in Stonington ■ in 1795. About 1827 he bnilt
the present large front to the house, and made other
improvements. At one time, he was the largest
dry goods merchant in New Orleans, and the pav-
ing and raising of the street levels there and in Mo-
bile, was largely due to his energy. He was a very
kind friend to the poor, and was a liberal benefactor
to the community. It was indeed a sorrowful day in
Stonington, when it was learned that he was one of
the victims of the Steamer "Lexington," which was
burned Jan. 17, 1840, on her regular trip from New
York to Stonington. On July 28, 1824, Mr. Phelps
married Ann R. Hammond, daughter of James and
Phcebe Palmer Hammond, and a direct descendant
of Walter Palmer. Six children blessed this union :
Ann Hammond, born in 1826, died in 1828 ; Sarah,
born in 1829, died the same year; Martha Ellen,
born in 1831, married July II, 1849, Eugene Ed-
wards; Charles, born in 1834, died in 1838; Emily,
born in 1836, died in 1838; and Erskine Mason, born
in Stonington in 1839. For her second husband
Mrs. Phelps wedded Rev. Erskine Edwards, pastor
of the Second Congregational Church of Stoning-
ton. Two daughters, Agnes and Phoebe P., were
born of this union.
(VIII) Hon. Erskine Mason Phelps has long
held prominent place in the political and commer-
cial life of the town. From 1864 to 1901, as a
senior member of the shoe firm of Phelps & Dodge,
he controlled the largest business in that line in the
State. His prudence and foresight have made him
an important factor in any enterprise that engages
his attention, and his executive ability has been con-
stantly called into requisition by the influential or-
ganizations needing strictly business management.
He has been president of the National Business
League ; of the Hahnemann Hospital ; of the Calu-
met Club three years, and of the Iroquois Club seven
years. In his political faith he is a Democrat. As
chairman of the State committee he has led his
party's victories, and as a member of the national
committee at the time of the second administration
of President Cleveland, he lent his wisdom to light
the councils of his party, and became recognized as
one of the ablest men in the Democratic ranks. At
his home he has so freely given his services for the
general good of the town, that partisan feeling is
wiped out, and he is the friend of all. No man
stands higher in the honest esteem of his fellowmen.
On Oct. 26, 1864, Mr. Phelps was united in mar-
riage with Anna E. Wilder.
HON. WILLIAM HENRY PALMER, of
Norwich, former representative, alderman, etc., is
one of the substantial men and citizens of that city,
and is of sturdy Puritan stock whose coming to
New England reaches back to within a few years
only of the landing of the Pilgrim Fathers.
Mr. Palmer was born Oct. 1, 1843, in the village
bearing the family name — Palmertown in the town
of Montville, Conn., in which settlement and town
his ancestors for several generations were leading
men — active, energetic and public spirited in found-
ing and developing its manufacturing resources. Mr.
Palmer is a descendant in the eighth generation from
Walter Palmer, the immigrant ancestor of this
branch of the family in New England, his lineage
being through Deacon Gershom, George, Gershom
(2), Elder Reuben, Gideon and William Henry.
Further ancestry for this sketch is given in the
sketch under the title of Palmer Brothers elsewhere.
William Henry Palmer, Sr., father of our sub-
ject, was born Oct. 14, 1821, in the town of Mont-
ville, and his early life was spent there. When a
young man he went to Norwich and was engaged in
the mercantile business, and later with a Mr. Perry
in the manufacturing of fish lines. Later he re-
turned to Montville and was in the employ of his
brother Elisha H., residing there until after the
death of his wife, when he removed to Middletown.
He was in the employ of his brother Isaac E., and
there was engaged until his death which occurred
Dec. 25, 1901. His remains are buried at Mont-
ville. He affiliated with the Republican party, was a
strong advocate of temperance, and held a few minor
offices in the town of Montville. Fraternally he
was a member of Somerset Lodge No. 34, at Nor-
wich, and in religious connection a communicant
of the Baptist Church. He married Clarissa Stan-
ton, sister of Rev. R. P. Stanton, who for many
years was pastor of the Congregational Church at
Greeneville. The parents of Mrs. Palmer died
when she was quite young. The children of this
union were: (1) William Henry was born Oct. 1,
1843; (2) John G., born Oct. 14, 1845, married
Elvira Grover, and died at Middletown in 1901,
leaving one son and two daughters. He was con-
nected with the Arrawanna Mills owned by his
uncle, I. E. Palmer, at Middletown. (3) Clarissa
M., born Oct. 28, 1847, married Byron H. Arnold,
and died in Providence, R. I., leaving one son and
two daughters. (4) Marion E., born Dec. 6, 1849,
is the wife of Revilo C. Markham, president of the
Central National Bank at Middletown. (5) Charles,
born Oct. 19, 1852, died in June, 1862.
William H. Palmer (2), son of William H., re-
ceived his school and early business training in his
native town. When only seventeen years of age
the stirring times of the Civil war aroused his
patriotism, and though in delicate health he ten-
dered his services to the government, which at first
were declined, owing to his physical condition, but
which finally were accepted, and for three years he
gave the best of a young manhood to the cause of
the Union. On the close of the war he became su-
perintendent of the Arrawanna mills in Middletown,
Conn., a position he held to the satisfaction of the
company, and with credit to himself for several
years, subsequently sustaining the same relation with
i8o
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
the Palmer Tentering Machine Company, of the
same town, and of this company he was also treas-
urer and manager. For years following 1886 Mr.
Palmer became associated with The Palmer Broth-
ers, of Montville, Conn., a firm with a national repu-
tation for the manufacture of bed quilts, comfort-
ables, etc. With this concern, which gives employ-
ment to some 350 persons, Mr. Palmer is superin-
tendent of construction and machinery. An in-
genious man, of a mechanical turn of mind, he orig-
inated a number of devices, and has taken out a
number of patents on inventions of his own.
Mr. Palmer's political affiliations have been
with the Republican party. While a resident of
Middletown he was for four years a member of the
common council of that city ; and for three years he
was a member of the school board. Here in the
city of Norwich he has been a most useful, ready
and enterprising citizen, and one of the city's best
men. He has served the people ably and most effi-
ciently in a number of positions of trust and honor
requiring business tact, good judgment, a clear head
and ability, and in all in a manner reflecting honor
on those elevating him to them. He was chosen to
a seat in the General Assembly of Connecticut in
1893, and took an active part in the issues that came
up before the Lower House, and served on the
Judiciary committee and other committees. He has
served on the board of aldermen of Norwich, being
the senior member. By education and practical ex-
perience Mr. Palmer seems suited and well quali-
fied for any trust within the gift of his fellow citi-
zens. In 1895 he served as senator from the Tenth
District, and was chairman of the committee on
Education.
Socially Mr. Palmer is a member of Sedgwick
Post, G. A. R., of Norwich, and has been its com-
mander. During the Columbian celebration in Nor-
wich Mr. Palmer served, by appointment of the
Mayor, as chairman of the Citizens' executive com-
mittee, and on other committees to arrange and
carry out the festivities. He has also served as sec-
retary of the Norwich Industrial Building Com-
pany. He is a director of the Norwich Savings So-
ciety, and of the Dime Savings Bank, and for many
years was a director in the First National Bank.
Mr. Palmer is a Free Mason, a member of Somer-
set Lodge, No. 34, at Norwich ; Franklin Chapter,
No. 4, R. A. M. ; and Franklin Council, No. 3, R.
& S. M. For about eight years he served as a mem-
ber of the Republican State Central Committee. In
1899 he was elected a member of State Board of Ed-
ucation, and was re-elected in 1903. Socially he is
a member of the Arcanum Club, Norwich, and the
Army and Navy Club, and religiously is a communi-
cant of Christ Church.
Mr. Palmer was first married to Adelaide R.
Wood, a native of Rhode Island. She died in Mid-
dletown, the mother of two sons, Frank E. and Ran-
dall W. On June 15, 1898, he was married to Miss
Ellen Reynolds, of Washington, D. C, daughter of
Henry Lee and Mary W. (Hill) Reynolds.
WILLIAM J. H. POLLARD was identified
with the business interests of Stonington for a period
of almost sixty years, and during that time was
looked upon as a representative of the highest type
of citizen. He was a business man of extraordinary
ability, acquiring position and wealth through his
own efforts, and retaining throughout his busy life
the disposition and traits which won him his early
friends used his means to the furtherance of many
good works. His private benevolences, also, while
unostentatious, were liberally bestowed, and there
was probably no man of his day in Stonington more
respected and beloved for his kindliness than Mr.
Pollard. He was born May 26, 1824, in Poqueta-
nuck, in the town of Preston, New London county,
and came of a family long settled in that locality.
John Pollard, of Preston, Conn., grandfather of
William J. H., was born Nov. 20, 1765, and on April
20, 1788, married Ann Elizabeth Sydleman, of New
York State. Their children were born as follows :
Samuel, 1790 (died in 1809) ; John and Betsy,
(twins), 1792 (both died in 1795) ; William, 1798;
Mary Ann, Aug. 10, 1803 ; Ann Eliza, Oct. 8, 1804;
John, May 6, 1806 (died June 17, 1852). .
Capt. William Pollard, father of William J. H.,
was born July 18, 1798, was a seafaring man, being
master of a merchantman, and died at sea in 1824,
being buried on the island of Madagascar. He had
married, Sept. 25, 1820, Harriet Haskell, of Preston,
Conn., and their only child, William John Henry,
was born shortly before the Captain's death. On
Dec. 5, 1830, the widow married Samuel Chese-
brough, of Stonington, and went to reside in that
town, where she passed the remainder of her life,
dying Dec. 22, 1855. By her second union she was
the mother of four children.
William John Henry Pollard received his early
education in the public schools of Stonington, and
subsequently took a course of study at the Con-
necticut Literary Institute, in Suffield. After this,
in 1847, ne entered the employ oi the firm of F.
Pendleton & Co., then doing business in the brick
store on Water street now owned by the estate of
the late Moses Pendleton, and there began the train-
ing for the long life of labor and usefulness which
lay before him. He remained with this concern
until the Ocean Bank was chartered, in 185 1, when
he became cashier of that institution, a position he
retained until the death of Stiles Stanton, the presi-
dent, whom Mr. Pollard was elected to succeed, con-
tinuing in that responsible office until his death.
Probably no man of his day occupied a more prom-
inent place or was better known in the financial
circles of the town than Mr. Pollard. During his
administration of the affairs of the bank it was
changed to the First National, and was conducted
on a sound, conservative basis with the welfare of its
patrons ever foremost. The ability which Mr. Pol-
lard displayed in his management of the bank, to-
gether with his characteristic honesty and prompt
execution of all his duties, caused him to be selected
by the late Charles P. Williams as the sole executor
^
&
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
181
of his large estate, without bond, and he also served
in that capacity in the settlement of many other
estates, never betraying the confidence placed in
his judgment and integrity by the slightest infrac-
tion of the duties intrusted to him.
Mr. Pollard was naturally interested in the wel-
fare of the town with whose affairs his own enter-
prises were so closely bound up, and many public
honors might have been his had he chosen to accept
them. But he preferred to devote his time to the de-
mands of business, and the only town office he could
be prevailed upon to take was really in his own line,
being that of treasurer ; he served as such for over
twenty years, with what measure of satisfaction to
the people at large may best be judged from his suc-
cess in every other position. Mr. Pollard made a
careful study of finance, and so widely recognized
was his ability and intuition in such matters that he
was consulted by many men of the highest standing.
Mr. Pollard A\as a consistent member of the
First Baptist Church and one of its most liberal sup-
porters, and was equally interested in the Sunday-
school, of which he served long as treasurer. His
Christianity was carried into his every-day life, for
he was ever ready to lend a hand to those in need,
and none but himself knew all of the kindly deeds
he did and the numerous acts of charity for the
relief of those in distress. His life was one con-
stant endeavor to extend help to those who needed it,
and no worthy cause was ever refused his assistance.
When he passed away, Feb. 24, 1897, after a life
of eminent usefulness, he was lamented by all who
had ever known him, whteher as a business man,
a friend, or the benefactor of the poor, without re-
gard to sect or race.
That Mr. Pollard was a man of uncommon char-
acter is proved by the whole record of his life.
Though he started with no other resources than
those bestowed upon him by nature, he met with suc-
cess at every step, and acquired a fortune through
his own efforts. His enterprise and sagacity, com-
bined with indefatigable perseverance, were qualities
which commended him to the esteem of a numerous
circle of stanch friends, and his genuine modesty,
one of his most characteristic traits, was in the light
of the great success he achieved nothing short of
remarkable. His death removed from the community
one of the noblest characters of Stonington, where
he was highly honored and respected, and he passed
away with the cheering assurance of the well-
grounded hope that he would enter into the inherit-
ance which is beyond all earthly value. Mr. Pollard
was a stanch Republican in his political principles.
On Nov. 16, 1848, William J. H. Pollard was
united in marriage with Ann Eliza Chesebro, daugh-
ter of Capt. Allen and Eliza Ann (Pendleton)
Chesebro, of Stonington. To this union was born
one daughter, Fannie E., who is now the wife of
Capt. Oliver C. Griffin, of Long Island, and has two
children, Grace Pollard Griffin and William Pollard
Griffin.
Capt. Allen Chesebro was a seafaring man,
and was lost at sea. He was a descendant of Wil-
liam Chesebrough, a native of Boston, Lincolnshire,
England, who it is claimed was the first English-
man or white man to make his permanent abode at
what is now Stonington, Conn. The Captain traced
his descent from William through Elisha, Elihu,
Elihu, Lieut. Elihu and Rev. Elihu Chesebro.
WILLIAM B. YOUNG, president of the Lee
& Osgood Co., wholesale druggists, and for the past
forty years a highly respected citizen of Norwich,
is a native son of Connecticut, born in Coventry,
Tolland county, Nov. 21, 1846.
The Young family has long been resident in
Connecticut. William Young, a native of Scotland,
married Ann McKay. They were Dissenters, and
in a time of religious persecution fled to London-
derry, Ireland, where their first child was born.
About 1730 they came to America and settled in
the town of Windham, in the Connecticut Colony,
at a point near where is now the city of Willimantic.
Their children were : John, born in Londonderry,
Ireland, about 1728; William, born Nov. 8, 1738;
Samuel, born March 14, 1740; David, born Feb. 28,
1742; and Ann, born March 31, 1746. Of these
children, John married, Nov. 12, 1754, Zerviah
Huntington ; W'illiam married Lydia Swift : Samuel
married Lydia Drew, and had six children, Consider,
Eliphalet, Samuel, Gurdon, Eunice and Nancy ; and
David settled in Lebanon, Connecticut.
Eliphalet Young, son of Samuel and Lydia, was
born in the town of Windham, Conn., and in 181 1
removed to Tolland, Conn., where he became prom-
inent in public affairs, serving as justice of the
peace, judge, selectman and a representative in the
General Assembly. He married Sybil Lathrop, and
their four children were: Samuel; Edwin, who for
twenty-four years was superintendent of the Home
of Refuge for Boys in Philadelphia ; Julia ; and Ben-
jamin L.
Edward Young, grandfather of William B., was
born in Windham, and followed the sea all his life,
being engaged in the foreign and the Atlantic coast
trade. For many years he sailed out of Philadelphia
as captain of a merchant ship then engaged in the
West Indies trade. When about to start there with
a large sum of money, this fact being known to sev-
eral of the clerks in the employ of the same mercan-
tile house, these same clerks banded themselves to-
gether,'and as pirates robbed and murdered Capt.
Young and his crew on the high seas. The crime
was afterward confessed.
Edward Bowen Young, son of Capt. Young, was
born in Windham, Conn., where he received his
education. He was for several years engaged in
the foundry business in South Coventry, Conn., and
was treasurer of the South Coventry Foundry Com-
panv. Later he became interested in the silk thread
trade, and traveled in the South and West in its
interests. After giving up traveling he located in
1 82
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
Newport, R. L, where he spent the remainder of his
days in retirement, and where he died and was
buried. His political faith, originally that of the
Whigs, was Republican. He married Lucretia M.
Frink, of Stonington, who died in Newport, and was
buried there. Five children were born to them :
Mary J., who married Felix Peckham, of Newport ;
Edward, who resides in Boston, Massachusetts ;
Augusta, who married J. W. Follett, of Windham ;
Hattie A., who died young; and William B.
William B. Young was but an infant when his
parents removed to Windham, where his boyhood
days were spent in attendance on the public schools.
Later he was a student in Windham Academy,
taught by Dr. Fitch. After completing his educa-
tion he went, in 1862, to Norwich, being at that
time but fifteen years old. He entered the wholesale
drug house of Lee & Osgood, where he learned
every branch and detail of the business in which he
later met with great success. For over thirty years
he traveled for the company through the New Eng-
land States. When Hon. H. H. Osgood died Mr.
Young was elected his successor as president and
general manager, a position he has since held in a
manner that redounds to his very great credit. He
possesses a genial disposition and a ready wit that
makes him an entertaining companion. As a man
of business he is most methodical, and he is pos-
sessed of excellent executive ability and commercial
acumen. His dealings have always been character-
ized by the strictest integrity, and his reputation
for veracity has never been called into question. Be-
sides the business connection already mentioned Mr.
Young is a director of the Thames National Bank,
the Dime Savings Bank, the Richmond Stove Co.,
of Norwich, and the Norwich & New York Propeller
Co. ; is treasurer of the Bulletin Association of Nor-
wich ; and was president of the New England
Wholesale Drug Association from May, 1901, to
May, 1903.
Politically Mr. Young is a stanch Republican,
but in no way could he be looked upon as an office-
seeker. He is not afraid of the work necessary to
his party's success, but he has always found some
excuse to avoid sharing the honors. He was a great
admirer and supporter of the late Congressman Rus-
sell of Danielson. Fraternally he is a Mason, be-
longing to Somerset Lodge, A. F. & A. M., and to
Franklin Chapter.
In 1875, m Salem, Mass.. Mr. Young was united
in marriage with Mary W. Bowdoin, who was born
in Salem, a daughter of Dr. W. L. Bowdoin, a de-
scendant of one of the old French families of Mas-
sachusetts. Four children have blessed their home :
(1) William B., Jr., who was educated in the public
schools and Norwich Free Academy, learned the
drug business under A. G. Beckley, of Danielson,
and in 1889 entered the employ of the Lee & Osgood
Co.. as traveling salesman. He is a member of Som-
erset Lodge, A. F. & A. M., Franklin Chapter and
Council, and Columbia Commandery, No. 4, K. T.
(2) Mary W. graduated from the Norwich Free
Academy. She married George L. Rathbone, a
druggist of Norwich, and has one child, Gladys.
(3) E. Louis was educated in the public schools
and Norwich Free Academy and is now a drug
clerk with the Lee & Osgood Co. (4) Edith Eliza-
beth is a student in the public schools. The family
all attend the Congregational Church, and are active
in every good work. They are highly esteemed per-
sonally, and are very popular socially. Their happy
home is a favorite meeting place for their many
friends.
The Frink family, to which William B. Young
belongs through his maternal ancestors, was early
in Stonington, Conn., John Frink settling there as
early as 1666. He was the son of John and Mary
Frink, of Ipswich, Mass., and he had been married
to Grace Stevens, of Taunton, Mass., in 1657. His
wife and three daughters accompanied him to Ston-
ington, and afterward there were born to him : Sam-
uel, John, Thomas and Judith. He was the ancestor
of all the Frinks in Stonington.
ALLYN. This old family has in years gone by
been a prominent one in Ledyard, New London
county. The branch given here is that to which be-
longed the late Israel Allyn, who was one of the
highly esteemed and most substantial citizens of that
town, and his sons William I. and Henry A. The
former is the town clerk of Ledyard, and a prom-
inent citizen, and the latter is a farmer on the home
place, which has been in the possession of the family
for manv srenerations.
(I) Robert Allyn, of Salem, Mass., 1637, united
with the church there in 1642. In 165 1 he removed
to New London, Conn., and in a few years removed
to Allyn's Point, now Ledyard. "Proceeding up the
river to that division of the township which is now
Ledyard, we find a series of farms laid out on the
northern boundary adjoining Brewster's land, early
in 1653, to Allyn, Avery, Coite, Isabell, Picket and
others, which were called the Pocketannock grants.
Some of these were found to be beyond the town
bounds. Robert Allyn and John Gager removed to
this quarter about 1656. The country in the rear
of these hardy pioneers was desolate and wild in the
extreme. It was here that the Indian reservation
Mashantucket was laid out and the remnant of the
Pequots settled in 1667."
After the settlement of Norwich Robert Allyn
went thither and had a house-lot in that plantation,
and was constable in 1669. This house-lot after a
time he relinquished to his son John and returned
to his farm, and at the time of his death was once
more an inhabitant of New London. He died in
1683, aged about seventy-five years. The heirs to
his estate were five children : John ; Sarah, wife of
John Geer ; Mary, wife of Thomas Parke ; Hannah,
wife of Thomas Rose; and Deborah, then un-
married.
(II) John Allyn, only son of Robert, married
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
183
Dec. 24, 1668, Elizabeth, daughter of John Gager.
After the death of his father he left Norwich and
returned to the paternal farm, where he built a
house and warehouse near the river, at a place since
known as Allyn's Point. This brought him within
the bounds of New London, and his name appears in
1704 as one of the patentees of that town. He died
in 1709, leaving an estate of £1,278 to be divided
between his only son, Robert, and daughter, Eliza-
beth, the wife of Thomas Waterman.
(Ill) Robert Allyn (2), only son of John, mar-
ried June 26, 1691, Deborah Avery, and among their
children were the following sons : John, Robert,
James, Ebenezer, Samuel, Christopher and Chris-
topher (2).
From this source came quite a large and noted
family. Abel Allyn, father of the late Israel Allyn,
of Ledyard, was born on the homestead in that town
Dec. 24, 1790. When a young man he learned the
trade of carpenter, at which he worked in the vicin-
ity, continuing to reside at the homestead, and after
the death of his father he purchased the interests of
the other heirs in the place, where he lived until his
death. He passed away Aug. 20, 1857, and was
buried in the Ledyard cemetery. Mr. Allyn was in
comfortable circumstances, owning two farms, the
homestead and the farm now occupied by Albert B.
Eccleston. He was a good citizen, always taking an
active interest in the affairs of his town, was a model
husband and father, and an earnest Christian, being
one of the prominent members and workers in the
Ledyard Congregational Church, which he assisted
in founding and building. In political sentiment he
was a strong Whig.
On May 4, 1817, Mr. Allyn married Mary
Hakes, who was born Nov. 6, 1794, in Ledyard,
daughter of Ezekiel Hakes, and died April 17, 1878.
Eight children blessed this union: (1) Abel, born
Oct. 15, 18 19, was a farmer and became quite
wealthy. He died in Wethersfield, where he made
his home. On March 15, 1848, he married Thank-
ful S. Gridley, of West Hartford. (2) Israel was
born May 13, 1822. (3) Mary E., born Oct. 2,
1824, was married April 26, 1848, to William Will-
iams, son of Judge Erastus Williams, of Ledyard.
Mr. Williams was a farmer, and lived at Garnavillo,
Clayton County, Iowa, where he died Oct. 7, 1854.
(4) Isaac, born Dec. 24, 1826, was a carpenter by
trade. He went to California during the gold ex-
citement of 1849, in company with his uncle, Edward
Allyn, and he was drowned Nov. 8, 185 1, at Benicia,
Cal. He was unmarried. (5) William M., born
Dec. 28, 1828, is now a wealthy retired farmer re-
siding in Garnavillo, Iowa. He was married Dec.
11, 1865, to Julinette Eddy. (6) Harriet N., born
July 17, 1831, was married Feb. 27, 1856, to Moses
A. Wadhams, and they reside in Goshen, Litchfield
Co., Conn., where he is engaged in farming. (7)
Margaret J., born Nov. 7, 1834, is the widow of
Capt. James Allyn Billings, who is mentioned else-
where, and resides in Ledyard. (8) Hannah E.,
born June 2, 1837, was married to William F.
Brewster, and resided in Groton, where she died
Feb. 28, 1904.
Israel Allyn, son of Abel, was born on the home-
stead, and there grew to manhood. He received his
education in the district schools and a select school
kept by a Mrs. Tuttle, in Ledyard, and, being a
good scholar, learned rapidly, so that he was able
to begin teaching at the age of eighteen years. After
several years' work in that profession he entered the
employ of Henry Bill, the publisher, at Norwich,
and for twenty years traveled through the West and
met with splendid success, during his connection
with that business laying the foundation for the
large estate he left at the time of his death. When
he gave up the book business he returned to the
home farm and assisted his father in the manage-
ment of the place, and after the death of his father,
which occurred not long afterward, succeeded him
in the ownership of the homestead. There he
passed the remainder of his life. Years before Mr.
Allyn invested in wild lands in Iowa which in time
became very valuable, and he was able to sell them
at a price which made him one of the wealthy men
of his community. He was one of the most sub-
stantial citizens of his town, in the public affairs of
which he took an active part after settling down to
the management of the home place, serving a term
on the board of selectmen, a term as judge of pro-
bate, and in 1869 as representative from the town
to the State Legislature. Every movement for the
advancement or improvement of the locality had
his hearty encouragement and support. He was a
charter member of the Bill Library Association, and
was president of the Ledyard Cemetery Association.
Mr. Allyn was always an enthusiastic church worker,
being a member of the Ledyard Congregational
Church, and for a time served as superintendent of
its Sunday-school. At his death he left a bequest
of $1,000 to the church. He passed away quite sud-
denly, on Jan. 22, 1897, and his remains lie in the
cemetery at Ledyard.
On Nov. 25, 1873, Mr. Allyn was married to
Mary Ann Williams, who was a native of Ledyard,
born April 1, 1847, and was an adopted daughter
of Peter Williams. She passed away May 16. 1886,
the mother of three children, viz.: William Israel,
born Jan. 20, 1875 ; Susan Mary, born Jan. 6. 1877,
who married, Dec. 25, 1901, Wilbur E. Baldwin, a
merchant at Taftville, New London county (sketch
elsewhere) ; and Henry Abel, born Jan. 5, 1879.
William Israel Allyn is one of the
rising young men of the town of Ledyard, and holds
an unusually high place in the esteem of his fellow
townsmen for one of his years. He was born and
reared on the old Allyn farm, attending the district
school and one term at the Norwich Business Col-
lege, and. like his father, began his active career as
a teacher. For one year he taught at Avery Hill,
1 84
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
in Ledyard, and then went to Taftville, where he was
employed as a clerk in the store of Samuel Prentice.
There he remained until the death of his father,
which necessitated his return to the home place, of
which he took charge, also acting as guardian for
his sister and brother. He continued to reside there
until after his marriage, when he returned to his
former position in the store at Taftville, remaining
there only a few months, however, until April, 1899,
when he purchased and removed to the place which
has ever since been his home, the Capt. James A.
Billings place. He has made extensive improve-
ments on the property since it came into his pos-
session, remodeling the house and erecting a fine
barn, besides doing many other things which en-
hance the value and appearance of the place. He
engages in general farming and fruit growing, and
has been quite successful financially, in all his under-
takings.
Mr. Allyn has been the recipient of many honors
at the hands of his fellow townsmen. Soon after
becoming of age he was elected assessor, which
office he held one year. In November, 1899,
he was elected town clerk and treasurer,
entering upon his duties as such Jan. 1,
1900. He has since been elected treasurer
of the town deposit fund. At the last two
elections he was the candidate on both Republican
and Democratic tickets, and at the last two elections
received all but three of the votes cast. In 1902 Mr.
Allyn was delegate from Ledyard to the Constitu-
tional Convention. Such honors do not come to a
man still under thirty unless they are well deserved,
and unless he has shown himself capable of sup-
porting the dignity and discharging the duties of
responsible positions. He has also taken his place
in other interests in the town, having succeeded his
father as a trustee of the Bill Library and as presi-
dent of the Ledyard Cemetery Association.
On Jan. 20, 1898, Mr. Allyn married Miss Mar-
tha Alma Gardner, who was born Jan. 16, 1880, in
Groton, daughter of Benjamin J. and Mary Jane
(Billings) Gardner, and granddaughter of Capt.
James Allyn Billings, of Ledyard. Two children
have blessed this union : Margaret Jane, born Jan.
16, 1899, and Mary Billings, born Oct. 16, 1901,
who died Oct. 21, 1902.
Henry Abel Allyn, the youngest child
of Israel, was born in the house he now owns and
occupies, and has passed all his life there. He re-
ceived his education in the district school, and since
commencing the active work of life has devoted
himself to farming on the old Allyn homestead,
which he now owns, and which comprises ninety
acres. His residence is seven miles from Nor-
wich, on the direct road from that place to Mystic.
Mr. Allyn is a successful farmer, and is proving an
able business man in his various transactions. He
is a Republican in political faith, and his religious
connection is with the Ledyard Congregational
Church, which he attends regularly.
HON. WILLIAM F. GATES, one of the best
known and leading citizens of Lebanon, Conn., can
lay claim to an old and honorable ancestry, which
reaches beyond the first permanent settlements made
in New England. The English root of the family
goes back to Thomas Gates, Esq., of Highcaster,
County Essex, in 1327. The family was prominent
in the affairs of England during the middle of the
seventeenth century. Sir John Gates, then the head
of the family, was Chancellor of the Duchy of Lan-
caster, and member of the Privy Council which
ruled England during the reign of Edward VI. He
espoused the cause of the unfortunate Lady Jane
Grey, and lost title and estates, which were ample
through the prominent marriages of his father and
grandfather Sirs Geoffrey Gates, and his head went
to the block in July, 1653. Gen. Horatio Gates who
commanded at the battle of Saratoga, "one of the
twelve decisive battles of the world," was of this
stock.
Stephen Gates, the first of the name found
in America, was a son of Thomas Gates, of Nor-
wich, County Norfolk, England. He came from
Hingham, England, to Hingham, Massachusetts
Bay colony, America, in the ship "Diligent," of
Ipswich, in 1638. He was accompanied by his wife
Ann and two children. They settled first at Hing-
ham, and then removed to Lancaster, Mass., at the
time of the settlement of that place, were there in
1656, but later moved to Cambridge, Mass., where
he died in 1662. His widow in 1663, married Rich-
ard Woodward, of W'atertown, Mass., and she died
at Stow, Mass., Feb. 5, 1683. The children were:
Elizabeth, Mary, Stephen, Thomas, Simon, Isaac
and Rebecca.
Thomas Gates (2) was born in 1642, and resided
at Stow, Marlborough and Sudbury, Mass., and
then removed to Norwich and settled in the part
which subsequently became Preston, the date of
his purchasing in the latter town being July II,
1692. On July 6, 1670, he married Elizabeth Free-
man, and their children were : Elizabeth, born in
1671 ; Sarah, born in 1673 ; John, born in 1678 ; Jo-
seph, born in 1680 ; Josiah, born in 1682 ; Deborah, in
1684; Anna, in 1686; Abigail, in 1689; Joanna, in
1671 ; Ruth, in 1673 > an^ Caleb, who married Mary
Forbes, of Preston, Connecticut.
Caleb Gates, born in Preston, died Sept. 3, 1774.
In 1 7 16 he married Mary Forbes. Their children
were: Eunice, born 1717; Mary, 1718; Thomas,
1720; Sarah, 1722; Simon, 1724; Joshua, 1728;
Jesse, 1731 ; Caleb, 1735; Nathan, 1738; and Jona-
than, 1740.
Thomas Gates, of the above family, died at Pres-
ton in 1797. He married Elizabeth Mitchell, and
became the father of these children : Cyrus, Eben-
ezer, Sarah, Susannah, Eunice, Lydia, Frederick,
Elizabeth, Hepzibah and Ruth.
Frederick Gates, son of Thomas, was born at
Preston in 1769. He was engaged in agricultural
pursuits through life, and also conducted a shoemak-
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
18;
ing shop at Preston, Conn. The old homestead
he occupied is yet standing and tenanted though built
by his great-grandfather Thomas Gates before 1722,
and it is one of the oldest houses in the town. His
burial took place at Preston. He married Welthy
Pollard in 1789, and survived her for many years.
They had children as follows: (1) Lucy, born in
1790, married Joseph Eggleston, a shoemaker in
Preston, where she died in 1881 ; (2) Noah, born
in 1792, died in 1859. He followed the life of a
sailor and soldier, and fought in the memorable bat-
tle of Lake Erie under Commodore Perry, during
the war of 18 12. His first wife was Mary Fitch,
and his second, Mary Spicer. (3) Polly, born in
1794, died unmarried at advanced age. (4) Jabez,
born in 1796, died in 1821, unmarried. (5) Hiram,
born in 1798, migrated to Indiana at an early day
and died there. (6) Philemon Tracy, born in 1801,
was a dealer in ship timber and resided at Preston ;
he was also captain in the local militia. (7) Betsey,
born in 1803, married Simeon Hewitt in Preston,
and they resided on the Gates homestead until the
death of Mr. Hewitt, when she moved to Groton,
Conn., where she died. (8) Aaron Burr, born in
1805, was a carpenter by trade and a resident of
Brooklyn, Conn. ; he married Rebecca Mott Tracy,
and died in 1851. (9) John Pollard, born in 1807,
married Mary Tillinghast ; he was a blacksmith and
tool maker and a noted fashioner of axes at Pres-
ton. ( 10) William Pitt.
William Pitt Gates, the father of our subject,
was born at Preston, Conn., Jan. 8, 1810, and his
education was received in the local schools. In
early manhood he apprenticed himself to Andrew
Frink, a worthy blacksmith at Windham, and re-
mained there for several years, during which time
he married the daughter of his employer. He re-
sided in Southbridge, Mass., for a couple of years,
working at his trade, and then returned for a time
to Windham and later to Colchester, remaining
some years in the latter place. He next went back
among his old patrons at Windham, where he fol-
lowed his trade for a time, and purchasing a farm
at Windham Centre, he operated it for the re-
mainder of his active life. His old age was passed
with his son, William F., at Lebanon, and there he
died May 30, 1883, and was buried at Windham.
For many years he took a prominent part in poli-
tics, first as a Whig, and later as a Republican, and
he ably represented Windham in the State Legis-
lature during the sessions of 1866 and 1867. Mr.
Gates was a man of superior mental activity, and
kept himself well informed on all the leading' ques-
tions of the day. He was not only noted for his
fine personal appearance, but also for his ability in
argument, his capacity for speech-making, and for
all those qualities which go to make a representative
public man. For a time he served as lieutenant of
the old Windham artillery company, and, in fact,
was connected with almost all of' the prominent
affairs in Windham.
In religious belief he claimed the right of free
thought. He early became interested in the sub-
ject of spiritualism, and for many years he served
as president of the Spiritualist Association of the
State, being one of the first in his locality to accept
the teachings of this body. Through life he was
hampered through lack of early educational ad-
vantages, for he possessed a mind which, properly
trained, would have made him distinguished in pro-
fessional life.
In 1835, Mr. Gates married Julia Maria Frink,
born in Windham April 15, 181 5, a daughter of
Andrew and Phila (Stowell) Frink; she died in
1855. The three children of this union were : Wil-
liam Frederick, born Aug. 8, 1836; Susan Abbe,
born Feb. 8, 1838, died Feb. 26, i860; and Henry,
born in 1844, died in the same year.
William Frederick Gates was born at Windham,
and his early life was passed there in the comfort-
able family home. He was reared to the age of
twenty years on the farm, and obtained his edu-
cation in the common schools, and in an excellent
select school taught by Jabez Frink at South Wind-
ham. In 1858 he purchased his present farm, for-
merly known as the "John Greenman farm," and a
year or so later he married. Mr. Gates followed a
general line of farming, and also engaged exten-
sively in wood dealing, buying many tracts of wood
land, clearing the same and selling the timber. The
land thus acquired now comprises some 600 acres
in Lebanon, making him one of the largest landhold-
ers in the locality. He is considered one of the
town's substantial men.
Mr. Gates gave nine months of his life to the
service of his country, enlisting Aug. 19, 1862, from
Lebanon, in Co. G, 26th Conn. V. I., going out
under Capt. Stanton and Col. Thomas G. Kingsley.
Soon after entering the service, he was detailed as
an orderly to General Banks' headquarters, and
served in that capacity, for about three months.
After being relieved as orderly, he joined the regi-
ment at Carrollton, La., and soon after, was taken
sick and was confined in a hospital for three months,
rejoining his regiment again at Port Hudson, La.,
where he remained until the expiration of his en-
listment. He was honorably discharged at Nor-
wich, Conn., in August, 1863.
Since his return from the army, Mr. Gates has
resided at Lebanon continuously, with the exception
of about three and a half years when he lived at
Windham Centre. In politics he is a stanch Repub-
lican, and cast his first vote for Abraham Lincoln.
In 1876 he was chosen to the board of selectmen of
Lebanon, and served several years, during the last
two being chairman of the board. In 1885 he was
again chosen, and served for two years. For main-
years he has been the town auditor. In 1877 he was
elected to the House of Representatives, where he
served on the committee on Woman Suffrage, and
he was re-elected in 1883, serving on the committee
on Incorporations. It was Mr. Gates who intro-
1 86
GENEALOGICAL AXD BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
duced the bill to have the sheriff bury all bodies of
executed criminals, a most needed measure intended
to do away with the disgusting spectacle of a curious
crowd attending the funeral of a murderer, and thus
with maudlin sentiment, corrupting public decency.
Although considerable opposition was aroused in
some quarters, Mr. Gates succeeded in having the
law passed. In 1895 he represented the nth Dis-
trict in the State Senate, and during that session
was a very useful member of the committee on
Temperance, and he succeeded in having some wise
measures adopted on this subject.
Mr. Gates' fraternal connections are included in
membership with Francis S. Long Post, Xo. 30,
G. A. R., of YYillimantic, the Army and Navy Club
of Connecticut, and the Connecticut Pomological
Society. In his religious views he is liberal as to
creed, but in life regulates his affairs as nearly as
is compatible with the teachings of the Golden Rule.
He has a wide acquaintance through the town,. and
probably enjoys the respect and esteem of every
worthy citizen.
On Jan. 25, i860, Mr. Gates was married at
Lebanon, to Ellen Maria Ford, born April 15, 1838,
daughter of Ezekiel and Sally (Burnham) Ford,
and the four children born to this union are : ( I )
Frederick, born in March. 1861, graduated from the
Xatchaug High School at Willimantic, and was
connected with the Willimantic Linen Company of
that city, where he was also connected with the Ma-
sonic order. He married Hattie J. Bliven, and at
his death, Dec. 18, 1902. he was survived by his
widow and one son, William Frederick, born Feb.
29. 1896. (2) Andrew Frink, born Oct. 22. 1862,
graduated from the Xatchaug High School, and
from Yale College in 1887. In 1889 he graduated
from the Yale Law School, was admitted to the
Bar of Xew Haven county in the same year, and
engaged in the practice of law at Hartford. In
1889 he served as assistant clerk of the House of
Representatives, under clerk Samuel A. Eddy, their
service extending through the famous "deadlock
session" of 1891. In 1893 Mr. Gates was made
clerk of the House, and in 1895, clerk of the Senate.
In the meantime he had been appointed prosecuting
agent for Hartford and vicinity, and served as the
same until 1901, when he resigned in order to accept
the position of Tax Commissioner for the State of
Connecticut, tendered him by Gov. George P. Mc-
Lean, an intimate friend. His ability was such that
he was chosen by his political party as chairman of
the Republican State Central committee. In all
these positions he has acquitted himself with a fidel-
ity and true sense of the responsibilities of his
trusts, which have not failed to win him the hearty
commendation of all concerned. His many sterling
characteristics, combined with his legal skill and
acumen, have gained him an enviable standing in
the ranks of the legal profession in his city, county
and State. In 1893 he was elected a member of the
board of school visitors of Hartford for a term of
six years, during the latter part of which he per-
formed the duties of acting visitor. He is generally
conceded to be one of the promising rising young
men of the State. He married Alice Louise, dausrh-
ter of Dr. John Welch, of Hartford, and they have
two daughters, viz. : Elizabeth Welch, born Nov.
11. 1895; and Margaret, born Aug. 28, 1900. (3)
Julia Maria, born Feb. 8, 1865, married Charles
Larrabee, Jr., a farmer and quarry owner at Wind-
ham, and they have two children, viz. : Helen E.,
born March 17, 1891 : and Marion G., born July 17,
1896. (4) Arthur William, born June 22. 1807. is
a graduate of the Xatchaug High School, and now
fills the position of overseer of the bleaching depart-
ment of the Willimantic Linen Company. He mar-
ried May Amelia Avery, of Willimantic.
BEXEDICT W. MORGAX (deceased), one of
the best known men in his generation in Mystic,
where he was successfully engaged as a merchant
from the close of the Civil war until his death. May
15, 1 (jo 1. was a member of one of the oldest families
of Xew London county.
(I) James Morgan, the first of this line of whom
we have record, married Margery Hill.
(II) Capt. James Morgan, son of James, married
Mary Vine.
(III) Deacon William Morgan, born March 4,
1669. died Dec. 25. 1750. He was the first deacon
of the Congregational Church at Groton, Nov. 8,
1704. On July 17, 1696. he married Margaret,
daughter of Capt. James -n. -^ry, of Groton, and she
passed away in 1755.
I IV) Capt. Joseph Morgan, born Aug. 10, 1706,
was married Dec. 4. 1735, to Dorothy, daughter of
Ebenezer Avery, of Groton. She died April 5, 1788,
and he passed away Dec. 1, 1785.
(Y) Joseph Morgan, born Jan. 31, 1738, died
Dec. 10. 1771. On Dec. 10. 1761, he married Pru-
dence, granddaughter of Capt. Christopher Avery,
of Groton.
(YI) Joseph Morgan, born Nov. 28. 1762. died
Dec. 1, 1 83 1. He served in important town offices,
being selectman and representative of Salem. On
July 3, 1783, he married Eunice Perkins, who died
March 16, 1799. and he subsequently, on July 14.
1799, married her sister. Mrs. Mary (Perkins)
Latham.
(YII) Isaac A. Morgan, born Sept. 9, 1788, was
married Sept. 13. 1812, to Abby, daughter of
Thomas Wells, who was born July 3, 1792. Mr.
Morgan died March 16. 1856. He was a cabinet-
maker and undertaker by occupation, and resided
at Old Mystic.
1 YIII) Benedict W. Morgan, born March 7,
1830, in Stonington, spent his school days there and
in Ledyard. When a young man he went to Cali-
fornia, making the trip around the Horn on the
schooner "Yelasco" with other "forty-niners." and
he also made a second trip to the Xew Eldorado.
Later he was on coasting vessels to the West Indies,
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
187
and subsequently began to follow the trade of ship
carpenter, which he had learned in boyhood, work-
ing in that line for a number of years before the
war. Upon the breaking out of the Rebellion he
enlisted in Company E, 21st Conn. V. I., but after
serving some time was taken ill, and returned home.
At the close of the conflict, in 1865, he commenced
the erection of Morgan's block, and on its completion
opened a meat market in one of the store rooms,
which he carried on until his death. He did a large
business, not only supplying the Mystic and local
trade, but also sending carts to Stonington and
Xoank. He also established a furniture store in the
block, and dealt largely in real estate, and in nearly
every case when he bought property he made marked
improvements upon it. He was successful in all
his ventures, and no man of his day was better or
more favorably known in Mystic and that section
of New London county. His death, which was
caused by an attack of pneumonia, was widely
mourned, and was regarded as a real loss to the
town. Socially he was a member of the Royal
Arcanum, affiliating with Pequot Council, and he
was also a member of Williams Post, No. 55, G. A.
R., and the American Legion of Honor.
On Feb. 18, 1856, Mr. Morgan married Ellen
Nancy Avery, who was born Feb. 18, 1834, daughter
of Park W. Avery, of Groton, and two children
blessed this union: Walter C, born Nov. I, 1856,
and Harriet, born April 11, 1858.
Park William Avery, father of Mrs. Morgan,
was born Sept. 20, 1788, and died Dec. 11, 1866. On
Oct. 24. 181 1, he married Clarissa Belton Avery,
who was born April 27, 1792, and died March 25,
1867. They were the parents of fourteen children,
viz. : William Park, born Nov. 12, 1812, was
drowned while in bathing, July 20, 1830. Lauriston,
born Jan. 12, 1814, died June 16, 1836. Caroline,
born Oct. 12, 181 5. married Hiram Allyn, and died
April 30, 1 89 1. Albert F., born Feb. 21, 18 17, died
Jan. 21, 1890 ; he was a carpenter by vocation. Jeffer-
son, born Aug. 14. 1819, was a grocer of New Lon-
don, and died Aug. 3, 1884. James Denison, born
Oct. 22, 1820, died Jan. 26, 1897, and his widow lives
opposite the Avery Memorial in Poquonock ; he was
town clerk of Groton for many years. Eunice L.,
born March 31, 1822, married John Morgan, and
died Sept. 15, 1901. Youngs, born Feb. 8, 1824,
died April 22, 1870 ; his son Hubbard resides in
Norwich, and Luther resides in New London. Lucy
Ann, born Dec. 14, 1825, married Colonel Hubbard
D. Morgan, of Groton, and died Nov. 25, 1851.
Julia Emily, born Feb. 6, 1828, married Moses
Avery, and died Aug. 20, 1886. Hannah M.. born
April 8, 1830, died Nov. 20, 1833. Adelia Esther,
born May 11, 1832, married Elisha S. Thomas, of
Groton. Ellen Nancy, born Feb. 18, 1834, married
Benedict W. Morgan. Prentice Park, born March
6, 1836. died Aug. 19, 1884.
Walter Clifford Morgan, who was as-
sociated with his father during a long period of
that gentleman's business career in Mystic, was born
Nov. 1, 1856, at Old Mystic, in the town of Ston-
ington. He attended the schools of his native place
and Palmer Gallup's private school in Mystic, and
began his business career at an early age, on Aug.
1, 1869, commencing work in the meat market with
his father. They were associated in business as long
as the father lived, and since his death the son has
continued to carry on the market under the old
name. In January, 1902, Walter C. Morgan pur-
chased the Greenman farm, and in June, 1903, he
removed to it, and he has made many changes in the
place since it came into his possession, repairing and
rebuilding the buildings on the land until they could
hardly be recognized. The place comprises 123
acres, and in addition to general agriculture Mr.
[Morgan keeps thirty head of cattle and runs a milk
route. With all this he has not neglected the busi-
ness in which he was practically reared, and which
has prospered under his management ; he has three
wagons out all the time. He is energetic in every-
thing he undertakes, and successful in all his ven-
tures, as he deserves to be, and his standing in the
town where he has spent practically all his life is
most creditable.
On June 16, 1895, Mr. Morgan was married, at
Hopkinton, R. I., to Miss Martha J. Wheeler,
daughter of Noyes Denison and Susan Samantha
(Wilbur) Wheeler, and two children have been
born to them: Walter C, Jr., on July 25, 1896;
and Clara Avery, on Dec. 15, 1899. Mr. Morgan
is a member of the Masonic fraternitv, affiliating
with Charity and Relief Lodge, F. & A. M.
ODELL D. TOMPKINS. Among those of the
present generation of the early Stonington families,
who were themselves either born or reared in the
town, and, although no longer residing there, are
by reason of present family connections and per-
sonal affiliation with its people, still identified with
the place, is Odell D. Tompkins of Mount Vernon,
N. Y. The son of Ellen M. Wilcox and so of the
Wilcox and Denison lineage of New London county,
he comes on the paternal side of an old New Y'ork
family — the Tompkins' of Westchester county. Born
Sept.' 25. 1872, most of his boyhood was spent at
Mystic, he attending the public schools there and
graduating from what is now known as the Broad-
\va} high school in 1889.
Taking up the study of law at Tarrytown, N. Y.,
continuing it later in the office of Austin Abbott,
and in the meanwhile attending the University of
the City of New York, he received from it the de-
gree of'LL. B., graduating with the class of '93, and
in December of that year was admitted to the Bar
of the State of New York. Almost immediately
after admission he entered upon the practice of his
profession at Mount Vernon, forming with Judge
George C. Appell of that place a partnership that
still continues.
In the spring of 1896 a complete breakdown in
1 88
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
health necessitated the giving up of business, and
resulted in the spending of two years living an out
of door life in New Mexico and x\rizona, where com-
plete recovery was had.
On the President's call for volunteers at the
breaking out of the Spanish-American war he en-
listed, and served as a private soldier in Battery A,
Utah Light Artillery, participating with his battery
in the occupation of Manila, and subsequently in the
battle of Feb. 4-6, 1899, anfl tne ensuing engage-
ments with Filipino Insurrectos. Invalided home
in the summer of 1899, after some months spent at
Mystic, business interests caused him to again seek
and for a time settle in the West, whence he returned
about three years ago, to resume the practice of his
profession in Mount Vernon, N. Y., where he now
is.
His interest in New London county, historically
and otherwise, and his strong attachment to the
locality, is revealed in nothing better perhaps than
in the article he himself contributed, not long since,
to the New England Magazine, descriptive of this
portion of our Connecticut shore. His own summers,
invariably spent at Mystic, and his unfailing interest
in its affairs, and in the preservation of its New
England character, attest both his wish and right to
be considered one of its sons.
ALOXZO R. ABORN. The Aborn family of
early Salem and Lynn, Mass., and later of Tolland,
Conn., from which Alonzo R. Aborn, who for twen-
ty-five -years or more has been prominent in the
affairs of Norwich, comes, is one of honorable
standing in New England for upward of two hun-
dred and fifty years.
Born May 6, 1837, in the town of Ellington,
Conn., Mr. Aborn is a son of Reuben and Amelia
(Peters) Aborn, and a descendant of Samuel
Aborn, an early settler of Salem Village, Massa-
chusetts.
Samuel Aborn (the name is variously spelled in
■early records, Aborne, Eborne, etc.) was an early
settler of Salem Village. He was born about 161 1 ;
was made a freeman in 1665, and died in the winter
of 1 699- 1 700. He married Catherine Smith of
Marblehead. who survived him, and was living in
1701. His children were: Samuel, Joseph, Moses,
Mary, Rebecca, Hannah and Sarah. According to
Nahant's History of Lynn, Mass. (1865), this Sam-
uel Aborn, in 1640, was a farmer, and resided first
on the Common, and afterward removed to Lynn-
field.
Moses Aborn, son of Samuel of Salem and Lynn,
Mass., born in 1645-46, and baptized, "6-6," in
1648, in First Church, Salem, married (first) Sarah
Haines, "9-7 mo." 1676; she died in Salem, "1-9
mo.," 1676, and he married (second) Abigail Gil-
bert, of Ipswich, who was living in 1723. His will
was proved Feb. 17, 1735-36. He was a husband-
man in Marblehead in 1667, and then in Salem un-
til about 1678, when he removed to Lynn, where he
afterward lived. His children born to the first mar-
riage were : Moses and Joseph ; those born to the
second marriage were : Sarah, Abigail, Thomas.
Hannah, Mary and James, John, Samuel and Eben-
ezer, all born in Lynn.
Samuel Aborn, son of Moses, born in Lynn.
March 19, 1692, married (first) Oct. 29, 1720,
Martha Bancroft, of Lynn, and (second) Sept. 25,
1731 (date published), Sarah Needham, of Salem.
He was a husbandman, and in 1744 is called a shep-
herd. He lived in Salem in 1733, '34, '39, and '44
(of Lynn, fisherman, 1734). His children were:
John, baptized in September, 1722, in Lynnfield ;
Samuel, baptized June 4, 1727, in First Church,
Salem ; Sarah, baptized April 8, 1733, in Peabody ;
Jane, baptized Nov. 17, 1734, in Peabody; Susan-
nah, baptized Dec. 19, 1736, in Peabody; and Wil-
liam, baptized May 13, 1739, in Peabody.
On March 17, 1724, Samuel Aborn, of Lynn,
Mass., took a deed of Nathaniel Wallis, conveying a
tract of land in the north part of Tolland, Conn., on
the Hockanum. The first family record of Samuel
Aborn in Tolland is his marriage on Nov. 7, 1753, to
Mary Ingham, of Hebron, Conn. Their children
were: Martha, born Aug. 19, 1754; Samuel, born
March 23, 1756; Mary, born Feb. 19, 1758, died in
infancy; Mary (2), born July 5, 1759; John, born
June 2^, 1761 ; Dorcas, born March 31, 1763 ; Eliza-
beth, born May 20, 1765; Ruth, born Sept. 3, 1767;
and Reuben, born March 5, 1772. (It is assumed
that the Samuel Aborn who was baptized in First
Church, as shown in the generation next previous
was the Samuel Aborn who settled in Tolland, and
married in 1753 Mary Ingham. The purchaser
of the land was probably his father, Samuel).
John Aborn, son of Samuel and Mary, born
June 23, 1761, was a farmer, and resided near
Crystal Lake, in the town of Ellington. He mar-
ried June 28, 1796, Sarah Russell, of Ellington, and
their children were: Sally, born July 1, 1797;
Laura, Jan. 7, 1799 (married Chester Dart) ; John
G., July 21, 1800; Hannah, Jan. 21, 1802 (married
(second) Alvin Kibbe) ; Daniel, Oct. 20, 1803 ; Reu-
ben, May 9, 1805; Lucius, Oct. 13, 1806; Parkil,
June 21, 1809; Madison, March 28, 181 1 ; Morton,
Nov. 28, 1812; and Maria.
Reuben Aborn, son of John, born May 9, 1805,
in Ellington, Conn., married in May, 1836, Amelia
Peters, a native of the State of Pennsylvania. Mr.
Aborn purchased, in 1846, what was known as the
Ebenezer Learned farm, in North Oxford, Mass.,
and upon it built a new house. This farm later
became the property of Capt. Stephen Barton, fa-
ther of Miss Clara Barton, of Red Cross fame, who
for many years resided on the place. Reuben
Aborn died there Jan. 24, 1875. He was a farmer,
and was also engaged at lumbering. He was the
father of the following named children : Alonzo R.,
born May 6, 1837, is mentioned below. Mary A.,
born October 29, 1838, married William Kibbe, and
died in October, 1869. Livonia V., born Jan. 7,
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
189
1842, married E. Gerry Warren, of Auburn, Mass.,
and died Aug. 7, 1894/ Sarah E., born Dec. 6, 1849,
married Daniel I. Kelly, of Auburn, Mass., and
they have one son, Gerry Alonzo, now located in
El'Paso, Texas. Frank C, born in 1854, died in
1865. Mrs. Amelia (Peters) Aborn, the mother of
these children, died in Worcester, Mass., Oct. 29,
1898, aged eighty-three years, and was buried be-
side her husband in Oxford.
Alonzo R. Aborn, son of Reuben, and the sub-
ject proper of these lines, and who, in keeping with
the foregoing, is a descendant in the seventh gener-
ation from Samuel Aborn, of Salem and Lynn,
Mass., when a mere child accompanied his father to
Oxford, Mass., where his boyhood and early man-
hood were passed. He attended the common schools
of Oxford, and graduated from Oxford high school.
He was brought up to farm work, and later was
employed as clerk in a store. In 1866 he removed
to Norwich, Conn., which city has since been his
field of business operation and place of residence,
and where he has steadily, through the force of his
makeup, prospered in business, and come to the
front in standing as a citizen. Beginning his busi-
ness life in Norwich as a clerk in the store of the
Norwich Grocery Company, at No. 170 West Main
street, two years later he became the proprietor,
successfully conducting a grocery and feed store
until he retired, in 1890. Seven years of this time
he had C. H. Hulburt in partnership, under the
firm name of Hulburt & Aborn. Since retiring
from mercantile pursuits he has given his at-
tention to real estate transactions. Himself a large
holder of property he has consummated some ex-
tensive real estate deals. He is an enterprising and
public-spirited citizen, and has in various ways
identified himself largely with the growth of Nor-
wich. He was active in raising the funds for the
building of the First Baptist Church structure, and
was a member of the building committee. For years
he was a trustee of that society.
Mr. Aborn in his political affiliations is a Repub-
lican, and while not a politician he has filled most
acceptably to the public satisfaction, and with credit
to himself, a number of public trusts. In 1884 he
was a member of the common council. For about
a decade, beginning in 1874, he was a member of
the West Chelsea school board, and served as its
chairman a part of that time. While on this board
he was largely instrumental in wiping out a long
standing debt of some $25,000. In June, 1893, he
was chosen an alderman of the city, serving four
years. In 1896 Mr. Aborn was the Republican can-
didate for mayor of Norwich. The Democratic
candidate received a majority of the votes cast, but
so many of them were declared illegal that Mr.
Aborn was declared elected ; rather than hold the
office on a technicality, however, he refused to ac-
cept the same. In this campaign he received the
support of the better element and property owners.
Mr. Aborn is an active member of the Board of
Trade, and served as president of same for two
years ending in January, 1902. Mr. Aborn is a
Knight Templar Mason. He is a Baptist in religion,
having united with the Baptist Church at Oxford,
Massachusetts.
On Dec. 26, 1862, Mr. Aborn was married to
Lucy A., daughter of Francis Clark, and the union
was blessed with one child, Frank Clinton, born
March 10, 1868. Mrs. Aborn died March 18, 1876,
aged thirty-three years.
Frank Clinton Aborn, son of Alonzo R., was
one of the most promising young men of Norwich,
and his death, on the very threshold of a promising
brilliant career, was a blow to his many admirers
throughout the city as well as to the father, as he
was his only son, in whom fond hopes were cher-
ished. Mr. Aborn was graduated from the West
Chelsea high school, and also from the Norwich
Free Academy. As a student of medicine, which
he had chosen for a life work, he showed great pro-
ficiency. He began the study of his profession un-
der the direction of Dr. W. K. Tingley, of Norwich,
who, in a letter of introduction of the young man
to the Faculty of Bellevue Medical College, stated
that he was a student of high order. In that insti-
tution Mr. Aborn stood high in his class. On his
death, which occurred Feb. 24, 1890, the Dean of
the College — Dr. Flint — in a letter to his father re-
ferred to him as a "bright student and young gen-
tleman." While in the city of New York Mr. Aborn
was a member of a debating club, and an active
member of the Christian Endeavor Society of the
Mount Morris Baptist Church, which church he at-
tended. He was a member of the Amicus Club, and
a charter member of the Chelsea Boat Club, of
Norwich. His untimely death no doubt prevented
him from becoming a member of the 7th Reg.
National Guards of N. Y., of which organization
he had been requested to become a member. His
amiable disposition, kindness of heart and gener-
osity made him a favorite both at home and in New
York. He and his mother are buried in the family
plot at Oxford, Massachusetts.
NATHAN ALENANDER BINGHAM, a de-
scendant of the well-known New England family
of that name, is a substantial factor in the mer-
cantile world at Norwich. New London county,
where, in the part of the city known as the Falls,
he is engaged in the grocery business.
(I) Thomas Bingham, the founder of the Ameri-
can branch of the family, was baptized in Sheffield,
England, June 5, 1642, a son of Thomas, Sr.. and
Anna (Stenton) Bingham. He came to New Eng-
land, and is of record in Saybrook, Conn. He be-
came one of the first settlers of Norwich, Conn.,
and was one of the first landed proprietors in 1660.
He was made freeman of the town in 1671 by the
General Court, and removed to Windham, Conn.,
where for thirty years he can be traced as sergeant,
selectman and deacon of the Church. He was ap-
190
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
pointed and ordained senior deacon at the organiza-
tion of the first Windham Church, Dec. 10, 1670,
an office he held until his death, Jan. 16, 1729-30.
On Dec. 12, 1666, he married Mary Rudd, born in
1648, who died in August, 1726. Their children
were : Thomas, Abel, Mary, Jonathan, Ann, Abigail,
Nathaniel, Deborah, Samuel, Joseph and Stephen,
all of whom married and had families except Jon-
athan, and all settled in Windham except Thomas
and Abigail, who settled in Norwich, and Stephen,
who removed to Lebanon.
(II) Abel Bingham, son of Thomas, was born
June 25, 1669, probably in Norwich, Conn. He lived
first at Stratford, Conn., until about 1707, when he
removed to Windham, where he died March 25,
1745. Several times he was elected a delegate to
the General Court, and was selectman, also holding
other offices. In 1729 he was chosen a deacon of
the First Church. He married Elizabeth (accord-
ing to Windham records) or Mary (according to
the records of Rev. Xash) Odell, and their children
were : Abigail, Mary, John, Elizabeth, Abel, Ann,
Jemima, Jonathan and David.
(III) David Bingham, son of Abel, was born at
Windham, Conn., Sept. 12, 1714, and is mentioned
in his father's will as a tanner. On Sept. 7, 1742,
he married Hannah Bingham, and they made their
home in Norwich. Their children were: Adonijah,
Elizabeth, Hannah, Nathan, Ezra and Martha.
( IV) Nathan Bingham, son of David, was born
in Norwich, March 24, 1752, and made his home in
his native town. He married (first) March 27,
1777, Susannah Stark, of Lebanon, who died
March 15, 1782, the mother of three children: Han-
nah, born Jan. 22, 1778: Abial, born Jan. 3, 1780;
and Ervah, born Feb. 25, 1782. For his second
wife Nathan Bingham married, on Jan. 29, 1784,
Zerviah Sabin, who died July 9, 1796, aged thirty-
six years. The six children of this marriage were :
Charles, born Oct. 18, 1784: Oliver, Dec. 6, 1786;
Isaac. Nov. 17, 1788: Susannah. Oct. 28, 1790; Al-
exander, Aug. 18, 1792: and Eunice. July 5. 1794.
(Y) Alexander Bingham, son of Nathan, en-
gaged in farming at Yantic, and died Aug. 22, 1828.
In January, 1817, he married Susan Waterman, who
was born Jan. 19, 1798, and died Oct. 11, 1844. at
the age of forty-six years. Their children were:
(1) Henrv Alexander, born Nov. 12, 1817, was a
merchant in Yantic. On Dec. 9. 1845. ne married
Clarissa L. Pendleton, and they had three children,
Henry Alexander, Jr., Benadam Pendleton and
Charles Henry. (2) Susan Eliza, born March 30,
1819, married, Dec. 10. 1845, Charles M. Pendleton.
a farmer, and died at Yantic. Oct. 1, 1890. He died
Aug. 27. 1887. Their children were Alexander B..
Charles A. and Claudius V. (3) Nathan Nehemiah
Waterman, born Feb. 22, 1821, married (first) Sept.
16, 1844, Sarah Tracy Woodworth. by whom he had
three children, Atkins Clark, Nathan and Charles
Huntington, the two last named dying in infancy. He
married (second) Martha Hyde. (4) Andrew Rob-
inson is mentioned below. (5) Eunice Robinson,
born June 19. 1825. married, Oct. 5. 1847, John
Cundall Luce, who was engaged in the trucking
business at the Falls. She died at Norwich. (6)
Claudius Yictor Spencer, born Oct. 11, 1827, went
to California in young manhood, and there died.
(VI) Andrew Robinson Bingham was born
Sept. 2, 1823, in Bozrah, Conn., near the Norwich
town line. The district schools afforded him his
education. When a young man he left the farm
and found employment as a clerk in a store at the
Falls. He was careful of his means, and managed
to save no small part of his income, being in this
way enabled, in the forties, to begin business for
himself in a small building that stood on the site
of his son's present store. The beginning was
auspicious, and success continued to come to him.
The increasing business necessitated in a short time
an enlargement of the quarters, and from time to
time additions were made until the building reached
its present size. Later he added a livery business,
and also a carriage repairing and blacksmith estab-
lishment. Always hard-working, he kept a close
watch over all his interests, and having remarkable
business ability he was able to care wisely for the
increasing means his labors won for him. He be-
gan life with nothing, but, although death came
while he was still in middle life, he left a large
estate.
In politics Andrew R. Bingham was a Democrat,
but he would never permit his name to be used as a
candidate for any office. He was active in the affairs
of the Sachem Street Methodist Church, and was
one of its liberal supporters. He died Jan. 30. 1871.
Andrew R. Bingham was three times married.
On March 8, 1847, he wedded Mary Elizabeth
Pratt, who died Aug. 25, 1855. at the early age of
thirty years. By this marriage there were two chil-
dren: Andrew Allen, born Dec. 5, 1847, wno mar-
ried Eunice Terrell, and resided first in Norwich,
Conn., and later in Worcester, Mass., where he
died, leaving a family ; and Delia Elizabeth, born
Feb. 16, 185 1. who married first Atkin Clark Bing-
ham, and second a Mr. Patrick (now deceased), and
she is now residing in Chicago. Mr. Bingham mar-
ried second, in i860. Julia A. Bump, who died May
18, 1864, aged twenty-eight years, the mother of
one child, Nathan Alexander. For his third wife
Mr. Bingham married, in 1865. Miss Ellen Clapp,
who now makes her home in Worcester, Mass. To
this union came a posthumous son. Arthur Rob-
inson, born in June. 187 1, who married Theodora
Burbank, and lives in Worcester. Massachusetts.
(VII) Nathan Alexander Bingham, the well-
known grocer at the Falls, was born in Norwich
Sept. 23. 1861. He was but two and a half years
old when his mother died, and but ten when his
father, too. laid down life's burdens. His educa-
tion was acquired in the public schools of Norwich,
a select school at Norwalk. Conn., kept by Dr.
Fitch, and Wilbraham Academy. At the age of
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
191
eighteen he left school, and for three years prior
to October, 1882, he was employed as a clerk in
the store of Hislop, Porteous & [Mitchell, at Nor-
wich. Here he acquired methodical habits and a
good knowledge of business dealings. He then pur-
chased the livery business of [Mr. Subert, at the
Falls, formerly the property of his father, and he
conducted this alone for two years, or until 1884,
when he bought the grocery. He conducted both
until 1892, and then sold out the livery, as the grow-
ing demands of his grocery business required his
undivided attention.
Politically Air. Bingham is a Republican, but,
while interested in the success of his party, he has
never aspired to public office. On Nov. 18, 1884,
he was married to Agnes L. Beach, who was born
in Norwich Aug. 3, 1863, a daughter of Leslie W.
and Leonora (Davis) Beach. The one child of this
union, Harold Leslie, died Nov. 8, 1885, when three
months old.
PENDLETON. The authentic annals of this
prominent family of Stonington, have been com-
piled from thoroughly reliable sources, and acknowl-
edgments are made to the "History of Stonington,"
by Judge R. A. Wheeler.
(I) Major Brian Pendleton was born in 1599,
in England, and upon coming to this country, settled
first at Watertown, Mass., where he was made a
freeman, Sept. 3, 1634, and was Deputy to the Gen-
eral Court for six years. Later, he moved to Sud-
bury, and helped to settle that town, and was select-
man there for several years. From Sudbury he
removed to Ipswich, and he was a member of the
famous artillery company of Boston. About 165 1
he moved to Portsmouth, N. H., and was Deputy
there for five years. In 1663 he purchased 200 acres
of land, near Winter Harbor, Saco, Maine, but after
a few years, returned to Portsmouth, where he made
his will, which was proved April 5, 1681. He was
an eminent man of his day, holding many civil offices
and in military affairs had the rank of captain and
major. By his wife Eleanor, Major Brian Pendle-
ton had children as follows : Mary, who married
Rev. Seth Fletcher; and Capt. James. No others
are recorded.
(II) Capt. James Pendleton, son of Major Brian,
is first mentioned at Watertown, then at Sudbury,
Mass., and in 1669 came to Westerly, R. I. It is
certain that he took part in the early Colonial wars
and served with the rank of captain in the war
against the Narragansett Indians. On Nov. 7, 1680,
he was admitted to the First Church at Stonington.
His first wife, Mary, died Nov. 7, 1655, leaving
three children, James, Mary and Hannah. He mar-
ried (second) April 29, 1656, Hannah, daughter of
Edmund Goodenow, and they had children : Brian,
Joseph, Edmund, Abram, Caleb, Sarah, Eleanor,
Dorothy and Patience. Capt. James died Nov. 29,
1709.
(III) Joseph Pendleton, son of Capt. James, was
born Dec. 29, 1661, and was married (first) July
8, 1696, to Deborah Miner, daughter of Ephraim
and Hannah (Avery) Miner, who died Sept. 8,
1697, leaving a daughter, Deborah, who married
Nicholas Frink. Joseph Pendleton married (sec-
ond), Dec. 11, 1700, Patience Potts, daughter of
William Potts, of New London. They had these
children: Joseph, born March 3, 1702; William,
born March 2^, 1704; and Joshua, born Feb. 22,
1706.
(IV) Col. William Pendleton was born March
23, 1704. On March 10, 1726, he was married to
Lydia, daughter of John and Lydia (Hubbard) Bur-
rows, and she died Aug. 18, 1750, the mother of
these children: William, born Feb. 4, 1727; Amos,
born June 24, 1728; Freelove, born Oct. 31, 1731 ;
Peleg, born July 9, 1733; John, born May 9, 1737;
Benjamin, born Sept. 18, 1738; Lydia; Joshua,
born May 26, 1744; and Ephraim, born July 14,
1746. He married (second), April 25, 175 1, Mrs.
Mary Chesebrough, daughter of John and Lucia
(Stanton) McDowell. They had four children, viz. ;
Lucy, born April 22, 1752; Nathan, born April 2,
1754; Isaac, born June 23, 1757; and Keturah, born
Jan. 25, 1767.
(Y) Amos Pendleton, second son of William,
was born June 24, 1728, and was a soldier in the
Revolutionary war. On Feb. 1, 1753, he was mar-
ried to Susanna Rossiter Chesebrough, who died
May 31, 1768. Their children were: Amos, born
N°v. 5," 1754; Andrew, July 7, 1756; Molly, Aug. 4,
1758; Zebulon, May 27, 1760; Charles, April 24,
1762; Lydia, Oct. 7, 1764; and Frederick, June 15,
1766. Amos Pendleton married (second), in 1768,
Anna Foster, of Westerly, R. I., daughter of Jon-
athan Foster, of Watch Hill, who was born in 1743,
and died June 5, 1819. They had children as fol-
lows: Jonathan, born Sept. 19, 1769; Nancy, born
July 22, 1771 ; Acors, born July 28, 1773; William,
born July 23. 1775 ; Isaac, born Nov. 22, 1777; Otis,
born March 7, 1780; Gilbert, born Sept. 7, 1782;
and Harris, born Nov. 19, 1786.
(VI) Harris Pendleton, the youngest member of
the family of fifteen children, was born Nov. 19,
1786. He was a seafaring man, and died June 11,
1863. On May 10, 1810, he married Martha, daugh-
ter of Joshua and Mary (Cross) Kenyon, born in
1791, in Westerly, R. I., and died Feb. 16, 1852,
the mother of these children : Harris, born Feb. 25,
181 1 ; Gnrdon, born July 27, 1813 ; Averill, born
May 14, 1816; Moses, born July 8, 1818; B. Frank-
lin, born Sept. 3, 1823, resides in Stonington Bor-
ough ; and James, born Jan. 16, 1828.
(VII) Moses Pendleton, son of Harris
Pendleton, was born July 9, 1818, and died
April 18, 1 89 1. For many years he carried on a
large business in Stonington in fitting out whaling
vessels, ship chandlery, dry goods and groceries.
For a time Francis Pendleton was associated with
him, but for more than forty years he was alone.
He held many town offices in Stonington. He was
192
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
a member of the First Baptist Church, and for
many years its treasurer and trustee. On Dec. 19,
1841. he married Frances Forsythe, who died Dec.
15, 1888, and they had these children: Moses Aver-
ill, born Feb. 19, 1844; Nelson Augustus, born Oct.
12, 1846; Oscar Fellows, born Dec. 1, 1849; An-
drew, born May 30, 1852, died in childhood; Ev-
erett, born Aug. 25, 1857, died June 29, 1859; and
Frances Elizabeth, born April 16, 1861.
Moses A. Pendleton, vice-president of the First
National Bank of Stonington, Conn., was reared
there, and in early life was a clerk in the mercantile
establishments of his father, and of Charles Wood-
bridge, and Samuel B. Stanton. Mr. Pendleton has
always been a Republican. In 1872 he was elected
town clerk, and served for twenty years as town
clerk and clerk of the Probate Court. For one year
he served as clerk of the borough of Stonington,
rilling every position with noted ability. On Feb.
4, 1884, Mr. Pendleton was elected a director of the
First National Bank, and on May 4, 1891, he was
elected vice-president. Mr. Pendleton brought to
this responsible position the experience of years,
and his election gave added strength to one of the
leading financial institutions of this county. For a
number of years, with other duties, he has also
served as a notary public. He is a member of the
First Baptist Church, and has long been both its
clerk and treasurer. Like other members of this
notable family, he is held in high personal esteem
by his fellow citizens.
On June 13, 1866, Mr. Pendleton married
Amelia Barker Sheffield, daughter of Stanton and
Martha (Potter) Sheffield, and they have had two
children: Alice Amelia, born Feb. 25, 1868, died
Aug. 7, 1886; and Henry A., born Aug. 31, 1873,
a clerk in Burtch's drug store.
BACKUS. The annals of Connecticut would,
indeed, be incomplete without a sketch of the Backus
family, one of the early settled families of the State,
and one whose representatives in every generation
have held honored and respected positions in civil
and social life. New London county has long been
the home of one branch of the family, worthily
represented in Norwich until Dec. 29, 1904, the
date of his death, by Asa Backus, who well sus-
tained the honored name of the distinguished pion-
eer ancestor, William Backus.
(I) William Backus came from Norwich, Eng-
land, and was of record at Saybrook, Conn., as early
as 1637. About 1659 ne moved to Norwich, in
the same State, being one of the first settlers under
the leadership of Rev. James Fitch and John Mason.
He, it is said, gave to the town its name, in memory
of his old home in England. His death occurred
at an advanced age, soon after his arrival in the
Colony, and previous to May 7, 1664, he being the
first Englishman and the second person to die in
the settlement. He was twice married, first to
Sarah Charles and second to Mrs. Anne Bingham.
At his death he left two sons — William, Jr.. and
Stephen — and three daughters.
(II) William Backus, Jr., son of William (1),
married Elizabeth, daughter of William Pratt, of
Saybrook. They lived in Norwich and had six
children, of whom William and John settled in
\\ indham, and are reckoned among the earlv pro-
prietors of that town. Joseph and Nathaniel re-
mained in Norwich, and left numerous descend-
ants.
(III) Joseph Backus was a leading man -in the
town. Besides serving as a justice of the peace,
an office of much dignity at that time, he was for
several years a representative of Norwich in the
general court of Connecticut. He opposed the
"Saybrook platform," and withdrew from the
church at Norwich when it was accepted. "He
seems, indeed, from the brief notices that remain of
him, to have been a genuine lover of 'the old path,'
an able and energetic defender of the Congrega-
tional polity, a man of deep radical convictions,
which governed his actions, and made him willing
to suffer loss for the sake of Christ and His truth."
Joseph Backus married Elizabeth Huntington, and
they had eight children. Two of his sons, Simon
and Joseph, Jr., were the first of the name to gradu-
ate from Yale College.
(IV) Samuel • Backus, next in line of descent,
was born Jan. 6, 1693, and died Nov. 24, 1740.
He was a quiet, enterprising farmer, prosperous in
his own business, but having little to do with pub-
lic affairs. He removed to what is now known as
Yantic, and there erected a gristmill, the second one
in the settlement. He later erected an iron mill,
and made swords for the soldiers in the earl}- wars.
On Jan. 18, 17 16, he was married to Elizabeth
Tracey, and they had eleven children : Samuel, born
Jan. 1, 1717, died Oct. 2, 1796; Ann, born Jan. 10,
1718, died Dec. 29, 1756; Elizabeth, born Feb. 9,.
1721, died July 1, 1745; Isaac, born Jan. 9. 1724,
died Nov. 20, 1806; Elijah, born March 14. 1726,
died Sept. 4, 1798; Simon, born Jan. 17, 1729. died
Feb. 16, 1764; Eunice, born May 17, 173 1, died
Aug. 10, 1753 ; Andrew, born Nov. 16, 1733. died
Nov. 20, 1796; Asa, born May 3, 1736, died July
2^, 1788; Lucy, born April 19, 1738, died in 1766;
John, born Oct. 16, 1740, died April 27, 1814.
(V) Asa Backus, ninth in the family of Samuel,
was married May 12, 1762, to Esther Parkhurst,.
and died at Franklin, Conn., July 23, 1788. His
children were: Asa (2), born May 12, 1763;
Esther, 1765; Mary. Aug. 29, 1767, (died Oct. 10,
x/85) ; Joseph, 1770, (died 1771) ; Eunice, 1772;
Lucy, 1774; John, July 7, 1777; and Samuel, Oc-
tober, 1780.
(VI) Asa Backus (2), son of Asa, was a farmer,
and resided at Yantic. He died Dec. 26, 1829, at
Franklin, Conn. By his wife, Parthenia (Janes),
he had the following children : Simon, born in
1792, who married Elizabeth Spicer : Elijah, born
in 1795, who married Johanna Ellis; and Asa (3)-
0&S
Sse-
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
193
After his death the widow married for her second
husband Stephen Lathrop.
(VII) Asa Backus (3), son of Asa (2), was
born in Norwich in 1803, and was reared to farm
work. He received only a limited education, but
was liberally endowed by nature. He became a
member of the mercantile firm of Hyde & Backus,
at Yantic village, and was there engaged until his
death, June 5, 1836, at the age of thirty-three years.
He was a splendid business man, and his early death
cut short a most promising career, as even then he
left a large estate for the period. On Oct. 19, 1828,
at the First Church, he married Miss Caroline
Roath, daughter of Abiel Roath, and a member of
one of the oldest families of Norwich. Their chil-
dren were: (1) Caroline, born April 28, 1831, mar-
ried (first) Rev. Joseph Bloomer and (second) C.
Lewis Dunlap, and died Aug. 6, 1861, in Norwich.
(2) Cynthia M., born Sept. 23, 1833, resides at
Norwich Town. (3) Asa (4) was born July 21,
1836. In 1838 the mother became the wife of
Henry Brown Tracy, who is mentioned elsewhere in
this review. She died Oct. 6, 1878, aged seventy-
two years.
(VIII) Asa Backus, the fourth in direct line
to bear the name, was born in Norwich, and at-
tended the public schools of his native town, sup-
plementing the knowledge there obtained by a
course at Phillips Academy, Andover, Mass. When
about sixteen years of age he entered the employ of
Ely & Co., dry goods merchants, Norwich, as clerk,
remaining with them for three years. Ill health
compelled him to rest for two years, and in the fall
of 1857 he went to Toledo, Ohio, where he was em-
ployed as a clerk for a few months. Then, in com-
pany with a Mr. Eaton, under the firm name of
Eaton & Backus, he established a dry-goods busi-
ness, beginning in a small way, with borrowed
capital. The firm prospered from the start, and be-
came one of the largest establishments of the kind
in the city. The partnership continued until 1875,
when Mr. Backus disposed of his interest and re-
turned to Norwich, settling on his fine country
home just outside the city limits. This estate was
purchased by him in the fall of 1874 from C. B.
Rogers, but he enlarged the original limits of his
domain until he owned about twenty-five acres of
land. Mr. Backus was prosperous in all his under-
takings, and he ranked among the substantial men
of the town, progressive, public-spirited and influ-
ential.
In Toledo, in i860, Mr. Backus was married to
Miss Julia W. Bissell, who was born Oct. 12, 1836,
in Lockport, N. Y., daughter of Edward Bissell,
who went to Toledo at an early day and became
owner of several hundred acres of land on which
now stands a part of the city. The Bissells were
among the leading families of that city, and the
descendants rank among the prominent and Wealthy
citizens of to-day. Mrs. Backus died in December,
1891, the mother of six children, as follows: (1)
13
Carrie Tracy, born Feb. 19, 1861, died March 18,
[864. (2) Asa William, born Jan. 3, 1863, married
Minnie Gross, of Toledo, Ohio, and has one child,
William Asa, the sixth Asa in direct line. He is
engaged in the carriage manufacturing business at
Toledo, Ohio. (3) Lizzie Hale, born March 28,
1865, died Aug. 29, 1866. (4) Julia Rider, born
Dec. 6, 1866, is the wife of Dr. D. Lloyd Jones, of
Preston, and has two children, Edna May and D.
Lloyd, Jr. (5) Edward Tracy, born Dec' G, 1873,
died Jan. 24, 1874. (6) Frederic Tracy, born
March 2, 1876, resides at home; he is an electrician.
Mr. Backus was again married, on Jan. 16, 1893,
to Mrs. Sarah G. (Button) Champlin. By her first
marriage Mrs. Backus had a son, Ernest Gifford,
born in 1888. By her marriage with Mr. Backus
she has a daughter, Florence Anna, born Jan. 26,
1896.
Mr. Backus took a keen interest in public ques-
tions, but politically is strictly non-partisan, voting
independently upon all questions, and in local
affairs looking always for worthy men for
public office. He was interested in a num-
ber of enterprises and was a director of the Nor-
wich Savings Society; of the Norwich Street Rail-
way Co. ; treasurer and one of the prime movers in
the organization of the Maplewood Cemetery Asso-
ciation; secretary and treasurer of the Norwich
Mutual Assurance Company, which was estab-
lished in 1794; and agent and one of the vice-presi-
dents of the Connecticut Humane Society, taking
great interest in the affairs of this splendid organi-
zation. He was one of the original incorporators
of the Backus Free Hospital. By the will of the
late William Backus, Asa Backus was made execu-
tor of the large and valuable estate left bv the de-
cedent. He was highly esteemed for his social as
well as for his business qualifications, and his hos-
pitality was unlimited, his beautiful home being
ever open to his many friends. His death at the
close of 1904 was sincerely regretted, and the town
of Norwich lost one of its most useful citizens and
kindly friends.
LANPHEAR. This family of New England
has been most honorably represented by the late
Capt. Horace Clark Lanphear, who was in his day
one of the best known captains plying Long Island
Sound.
(I) George Lanphere (Landfear or Lamphear)
was of Westerly, R. I., in 1669, in which year he
purchased land there. He took the oath of allegiance
to Rhode Island in 1671, and in that town "by the
mill" was baptized in 1678. At this time he was a
married man, but the name of his wife is unknown.
He had 200 acres of land laid out to him in 1704.
His death occurred Oct. 6, 1731. His children were:
Mary, Shadrach, John, Theodosius, Seth. Sarah,
Elizabeth and Richard, and one whose name is un-
known, but who married Eber Crandall.
(II) John Lanphere, son of George, was a resi-
194
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
dent of Westerly, R. I., where he died in 1757. His
wife Ruth passed away in 1730. His children were:
John. Daniel, Amos, Nathan, Anna, Ruth, Experi-
ence, Mary, Patience and Keziah.
(Ill) Nathan Lanphere, son of John, married,
June 22, 1739. Mary Lang-worthy, and their chil-
dren of Westerly record were : Mary, born April
5, 1740; Nathan, Feb. 18, 1742; Elisha, Jan. 21,
1744: Jonathan. April 19, 1748: Langworthy, Feb.
5, 1753; Amey, March 20, 1755. Nathan Lan-
phere's second wife was named Anna, and their
children, of Westerly record, were : Patience, born
May 26, 1760 : Paul, Feb. 25, 1762 ; Pardon, Feb. 25,
1762; Anne, Feb. 20, 1767; and Maxson, Dec. 5,
1769.
(I\ ) Nathan Lanphere (2), son of Nathan,
born Feb. 18. 1742, married (first) Oct. 28, 1764.
Amy Crandall, of Charlestown, R. I., and (second)
Oct. 31, 1 77 1. Sarah Landers, daughter of John
Landers. His children were : Mary, born Aug.
24. 1765: Hannah. Nov. 22, 1767; Ethan, Jan. 19,
1770; Amy. July 4. 1772: Elisha, Nov. 19, 1773;
Simeon, Nov. 5, 1776; Abigail. June 27, 1778; Su-
sanna, May 10, 1780; Enoch. Jan. 14, 1782; Samuel,
(Jet. 14. 1783; Hezekiah (twin to Samuel), Oct. 14.
1783; Joseph. Oct. 12. 1785; William. May 24,
1787; Acors. Feb. 28, 1790: and Silas. Oct. 3, 1791.
(Y) Enoch Lanphear, son of Nathan (2), born,
Jan. 14. 1782, was the grandfather of Horace P.
Lanphear. On Jan. 29, 1807. he married Susanna
Berry, who died at the age of sixty years, and he
reached the age of seventy-six. He followed the
water the greater part of his life, and was also
otherwise engaged in farming and as a shoemaker.
His children were as follows : Lucy Ann, who mar-
ried (first) Elias Brown, and (second) Francis Car-
penter, and died in Westerly, R. I., in February,
1903 ; Emma, who died in young womanhood ; Gor-
ton P., who died in California, whither he had gone
in the gold excitement of 1849: Rowland, a seafar-
ing man and later a farmer, who died in Albion,
Dane Co.. Wis. ; Hannah, who married Joseph
Bliven. and went to Wisconsin, where she died ;
Capt. Horace, mentioned below ; and Abbie, who
married Henry Gavitt.
1 VI) Capt. Horace Clark Lanphear. father of
Horace P., was born June 24, 1826, in Westerly, R.
I., and died July 16. 1902. in Waterford. Conn. He
had very limited advantages for acquiring an educa-
tion, attending the village school only two months
in each year until he was fourteen years of age.
At the early age of ten years he commenced going
on the water, as a cook for Capt. Brand, receiving
two dollars per month for nine months. The follow-^
ing year he received five dollars per month for the
same length of time. The year following he went
fishing in a smack in company with Capt. Gorton
Berry, working ten months for five dollars per
month, and the year following was with Capt.
Ezekiel Rogers, of Waterford. at seven dollars per
month for ten months. The next year he was again
with Capt. Berry, as second mate, at ten dollars per
month. He returned to Waterford, and for the
- next three years was mate with Capt. Elias Champ-
lin on the smack "Herald." The following year he
purchased and was captain of the smack "Com-
merce.*' In October, 1844, having sold the "Com-
merce," he entered the employ of Charles Mallorv,
of Mystic, Conn., on a whaling expedition, and was
gone on this voyage thirty-four months, to the north-
western coa^t of America, and along the western
coast of South America. His vessel, the "Robin
Hood," was the first vessel to enter the Ochotsk
Sea in quest of whales. On this voyage they made
3,400 barrels of oil from July 4th to Oct. 8th. and
procured some eighty-five tons of bone. They
touched the Sandwich and Society Islands, besides
many others.
In October, 1849. Mr. Lanphear entered the em-
ploy of Capt. Brand as pilot and sailing-master in
the sloop "Catherine Hale.'* which was then running
between Westerly, Stonington and New York City.
He continued in that business until about 1852,
when he was made captain of the sloop "Leader,"
plying between Westerly, Stonington, Newport and
Providence, R. I. During the years 1853, 1854 and
1855 ne was captain and part owner of the sloop
"E. W. Babcock." In 1856 and 1857 he was cap-
tain and part owner of the schooner "Orlando
Smith." making trips from Boston to Philadelphia,
touching at New York City. He was captain of the
"Richard Law," in 1858, and in 1859 was made first
pilot of the steamboat "Commodore," running from
Stonington to New York City. He was subse-
quently on the "Yanderbilt." "Commonwealth,"
"Plymouth Rock," "State of Maine," etc., all owned
by the same company, Capt. Lanphear being the
first pilot on all of them. In 1865 he entered the
employ of the Norwich & New York Transporta-
tion Company, as captain of the Norwich Line, and
was captain of the following steamboats, respect-
ively: "City of Boston." "City of New London,"
"City of Lawrence," "City of New York." and the
"City of Worcester," which at the time of her build-
ing was considered the finest steamer that plowed
the waters of Long Island Sound. She was intended
to be the handsomest and most substantial steamer on
the Sound. We quote the following press notices
regarding Capt. Lanphear, published about the time
the "City of Worcester" was built :
Capt. Horace C. Lanphear, master of the "Worcester,"
is the senior captain in the employ of the Norwich Line,
and by long and faithful service ha? well earned the honor
that is now conferred upon him. He is a native of West-
erly. R. I., and began steamboating twenty-nine years ago,
on the Stonington Line, as first pilot of the steamer "Com-
modore," serving afterward in the same capacity on the
■'Yanderbilt." "Commonwealth."' "Plymouth Rock." p-1d
"State of Maine." all of the same Line. He entered the
service of the Norwich Line Jan. T. 1865. as first pilot of
the "City of Boston." After holding this position for
about two and one-half years he was made captain of the
"City of New London," and served in that capacity for <Hx
years, when he was transferred to the "City of Lawrence."
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
*95
He remained on her two and one-half years, and was then
transferred to the "City of New York," which he com-
manded down to the time of his assignment to the new
steamer. Capt. Lanphear is the oldest employe of the
company, with the exception of Steward Burns. During
all of the years of his service he has never met with an
accident, and he justly enjoys the confidence of the trav-
eling public, with whom he is' a prime favorite. The serv-
ices which he rendered on the occasion of the "Narragan-
sett" disaster are still fresh in the public mind.
The "City of Worcester" will be commanded by Capt.
Horace C. Lanphear, of New London, the oldest and pos-
sibly the biggest captain on the Sound. He has followed
the sea for forty-four years and traversed the Sound
thirty years, and has never met with an accident, which
speaks well for his seamanship or his luck. Possibly the
latter is the result of the former. Capt. William Pelton
will be the first pilot ; Charles Chappell, second pilot ; Joseph
Carter, engineer ; John C. Smith, first assistant engineer ;
Richard McGeary, first officer ; and Thomas Burns, stew-
ard. Mr. Burns is the oldest steward on the Sound, having
served s'ome thirty-four or thirty-five years. E. B. Wood-
ward will be purser, and George Crofton, freight clerk.
The agent of the Norwich Line is Capt. Stephen A. Gard-
ner, Jr.. under whose personal supervision and direction
the "City of Worcester" has been built.
Capt. Lanphear purchased the farm in the town
of Waterford, New London Co., Conn., in 1877, after
which time he resided there until his death. His
farm was a well-kept one, and commanding" as it
did a beautiful view of Long Island Sound, with
every inch of which the captain was thoroughly
familiar, made him an ideal home, to which he was
much devoted. While Capt. Lanphear was captain
rf the "City of Boston*' she broke all records be-
tween Xew London and Xew York, making the run
from pier to pier in six hours and five minutes.
This record was never broken until the present
"Greyhound of the Sound," the "City of Lowell."
wrested the laurels from her. The Captain left the
employ of the Norwich Line in 1888 and retired to
his farm, in Waterford, continuing on land until
1893, when, at the express wish of the Norwich
Line directors, he took charge of the "City of Wor-
cester," and was with the company for another
year. Then he gave up the calling for good, and ex-
cept for an occasional trip remained on shore until
his death. During the Captain's service with the
Norwich Line there was one incident that stands
out vividly from all others, and no doubt to his last
days he thought of that foggy night in June, 1879,
when he came to the rescue of the drowning passen-
gers of the "Narragansett," after she had collided
with the "Stonington" and drifted away to sink
with her human cargo. The story of the wrecking
of the "Narragansett'' is familiar to many. She
was bound down the Sound from New York to
Stonington when she met her sister steamer, the
"Stonington," near Cornfield Light vessel. The lat-
ter rammed the "Narragansett" with disastrous
effect, and, helpless after the accident, she blew
signals of distress. The "City of New York." of
the Norwich Line, Capt. Lanphear in charge, left
New London about 11:45 P- M., bound for New
York. The night was foggy and navigation ex-
ceedingly dangerous. On this night Capt. Lanphear
had not heard the Stonington Line steamer, as he
usually did, off a certain point. Proceeding on his
way to New York, the lookout ahead reported that
bells were ringing and signals of distress were being
blown from a point off the port bow. The "City of
New York" soon came up with the "Stonington" and
ran alongside. Capt. Lanphear was told of the col-
lision and learned that the "Narragansett" was
somewhere inside in a sinking condition, her pas-
sengers overboard struggling in the water. The
"New York" was headed for the drowning people
and soon arrived on the spot. There they were,
hanging to boxes, planks and every conceivable
object that would float. Boats were lowered from
the "New York," and, directed by Capt. Lanphear,
the work of rescue went on, 240 being taken out of
the water and given shelter aboard the steamer. The
rescuer remained in the position for three hours
and a half, and at last, certain that all above the
surface had been saved, continued on the way to
New York, where the boat landed at 9 o'clock in
the morning, when news of the terrible disaster was
made known to the wrorld. For his splendid work
in handling his steamer, and for his efforts in effect-
ively directing the work of the steamer's crew, Capt.
Lanphear was presented with a handsome set of
engrossed resolutions from the company's directors.
This was all he desired. He received testimonials
from all the country round, and the rescued ones
literally poured their thanks out at his feet. Just
how many lives were lost on that terrible night
will never be known. Over a hundred surely sank
to rise no more.
Capt. Lanphear served as captain of every
steamer of the Norwich Line excepting the "City
of Lowell," which was built after he retired from
the water. He possessed a rugged constitution, and
was a man wdto enjoyed all innocent sports. In
about 1882 he won the race off "Ocean Beach,"
which was run in half a whale-oil hogshead and pro-
pelled by an oar. In this race several participated
before a large and much amused crowd, Capt. Lan-
phear receiving a silver ice pitcher as the prize.
Capt. Lanphear was married Jan. 28, 1850, to
Abby M. Owen, daughter of Josiah and Rhoda M.
(Griffis) Owen, of Coventry, R. I. She survived
him, passing away Feb. 25, 1903. in Waterford. To
them came three children, as follows : Horace
Palmer, born Nov. 17, 1850; and Albertus Clark
and Everett Gorton, both of whom died in infancy.
At the golden wedding anniversary of Capt. Lan-
phear and his estimable wife, which was held at the
homestead farm in Waterford. were gathered many
friends from New London, New York. Boston,
and from even as far away as Philadelphia. Those
who were unable to be present sent some token of
their regard on that joyful occasion. Capt. Lan-
phear was a born leader, but possessed the happy
faculty of ruling others without making them realize
196
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
that they were being ruled. He possessed a genial
and kindly good nature, and an agreeable and pleas-
ant disposition, which won for him hosts of friends.
He was an ideal husband and an indulgent and
affectionate father. His death was truly a loss to the
community.
Horace Palmer Lanphear, son of Capt.
Horace C. and Abby M. (Owen) Lanphear,
was born Nov. 17, 1850, in Westerly, R. I. He first
attended school in his native town and later in
Groton, Conn., finally terminating his studies in the
Bartlett high school, New London, which he left
when about fifteen years of age. His first work
was at railroading when he entered the employ of
the Providence & Stonington Railroad Co. as fire-
man, at which work he remained for twro and one-
half years. He was then employed in a simliar
capacity on the New London & Northern Railroad,
for about two and one-half years, after which he
accepted a position as engineer on the New Jersey
Southern Railroad, running from Sandy Hook to
Long Branch, where he remained only about two
months. Then he was offered a position as engineer
on the Pennsylvania Lines, east of Pittsburg, and
on this railroad was employed as engineer for three
years, running freight and passenger engines be-
tween jersey City and Philadelphia. While engineer
on the New Jersey Southern Railroad he ran a
special train from Sandy Hook to Long Branch,
carrying as passengers Gen. U. S. Grant, who was
then President of the United States, together with
his party of friends. After leaving the employ of
the Pennsylvania Railroad Company Mr. Lanphear
returned home, and since that time — 1877, a period
of twenty-seven years — has been conducting the
home farm. The home farm consists of about fifty
acres of fertile land, which is kept in a good state
of cultivation. Mr. Lanphear established a milk
route in New London in the fall of 1899, and has
since conducted the same, keeping about twenty
cows for his dairy business. His place is known
as "Pleasant View" farm, and overlooks "Pleasure
Beach" and Long Island Sound, being charmingly
located.
Mr. Lanphear is a member of Union Lodge No.
31, F. & A. M., of Pequot Lodge No. 85, I. O. O.
F., and of Orion Encampment No. 4, I. O. O. F.,
all of New London. He is also a member of Lodge
No. 37, A. O. U. W., of Waterford, of which he is
past master, and of the Fraternal Benefit Lodge, of
Waterford. Mr. Lanphear and his family attend
the First Baptist Church, of Waterford, to which
they give their liberal support. In political faith he
is a Republican, but has never sought official
preferment.
Mr. Lanphear was married, Dec. 20, 1876, to
I Jrsula Judson Potter, born April 27, 1854, daughter
of John S. and Mahala (Crandall) Potter, of West-
erly, R. I. Three children have come to this union,
nil natives of Waterford, as follows: (1) Mabel
Clark, born Sept. 25, 1879, was married June 8,
1904, to Leonard Fremont Williams, of Waterford,
and they make their home with her parents. (2)
Everett Potter, born Nov. 19, 1882, is at home. (3)
Alice Judson, born May 20, 1887, is at home. Mr.
and Mrs. Lanphear celebrated their silver wedding,
on which occasion their many friends came to
offer their congratulations, or sent tokens in re-
membrance .
MINER. The Miner family of which Thomas
Avery, William Herman and Elisha M. Miner have
been honored -representatives in the eighth genera-
tion, is one of the oldest settled families of Con-
necticut, their line of ancestry from Lieut. Thomas
Miner being as follows :
(I) Thomas Miner, born April 23, 1608, mar-
ried in Charlestown, Mass., April 27,, 1634, Grace,
daughter of Walter Palmer. Lieut. Miner served
in Colonial wars. He removed his family from
Hingham, Mass., to New London, Conn., in 1646.
(II) Ephraim Miner, son of Lieut. Thomas,
married Hannah Avery.
(III) Ephraim Miner (2), son of Ephraim,
married Mary Stevens of. Taunton, Massachusetts.
(IV) Simeon Miner, son of Ephraim (2), mar-
ried Hannah Wheeler.
(V) Simeon Miner (2), son of Simeon, married
(first) Ann Hewitt, and (second) Mary Owen, of
Groton. One daughter, Anna, was born to the
first marriage, and to the second, the following chil-
dren: Simeon, born Jan. 9, 1760; John Owen, born
Jan. 9, 1762, married Elizabeth Avery; Elisha. born
June 6, 1765 ; Frederick, born Sept. 28, 1768 ; Mary ;
William, born Feb. 14, 1773; and Hannah.
(VI) Dr. John Owen Miner, son of Simeon (2),
was married July 2, 1785, to Elizabeth, daughter of
Lieut. Ebenezer and Phebe (Denison) Avery, and
granddaughter of Ebenezer Avery. Dr. Miner
studied medicine in Groton Bank, practiced for a
time in Stojiington, then in North Groton (or Led-
yard), but finally settled down at Groton Centre,
where for a half century he enjoyed a large prac-
tice. He studied with Dr. Amos Prentice, who
married Dr. Miner's aunt, Ann Owen. After the
War of 1812, he engaged with Maj. Elisha Avery
and Noyes Barber in the manufacture of woolen
cloth, satinet, etc. He practiced until past eighty
years, and died April 27, 185 1, at the home of a
daughter, Mrs. Julia Stoddard, aged ninety years.
His children were : Betsey ; Mary ; Nancy ; John
Owen, born Oct. 26, 1795 ; Lucy A. ; Julia A. ;
Phebe ; Emeline F. and Hannah.
(VII) John Owen Miner, Jr., was married Sept.
9, 1819, to Adeline Avery, born July 4, 1800, daugh-
ter of Capt. Peter and Hannah Avery. Their chil-
dren were: Thomas Avery, born Sept. 5, 1&20;
William Herman, born Aug. 30, 1822, is mentioned
more fully below; and Elisha M., born April 14,
1826.
John Owen Miner, Jr., dealt largely in horses
and cattle and was a successful farmer. He owned
CS £64^1
'-4^&4£s0^
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
197
tracts of land all through the town of Groton, and
also several houses at the time of his death. Being
the only brother of eight sisters, he was almost idol-
ized by them, and his social disposition made him
generally beloved and admired. He was made a
paymaster in the War of 18 12, although at that time
only eighteen years of age. His death occurred
July 22, 1859, and tnat °f ms widow, May 5, 1887.
Both were worthy members of the Presbyterian
Church.
Thomas Avery Miner was born Sept. 5, 1820,
at Groton Centre, and was married (first) Dec. 12,
1844, to Bridget W. Hewitt, born July 8, 1823, who
died Feb. 15, 1851. He married (second) Jan. 23,
1856, Elizabeth S. Hewitt, born April 1, 183 1. His
one son, George Owen, was born July 6, 1863.
Mr. Miner spent his early life in Groton where
he obtained his primary education, which was sup-
plemented by attendance at Bacon Academy at Col-
chester. After the death of his father, he and his
brother William H. and their families, resided on
the home farm until 1895, when he removed to his
present handsome home in Groton, on the corner of
Monument and Meridian streets. For this long
period the brothers operated the farm. In 1898
with his son and A. F. Hewitt, he incorporated the
Groton Grain Company, of which he is president.
Mr. Miner has long been a prominent citizen of
Groton and has always displayed a commendable
interest in all public movements. Since September,
1900, he has been president of the Groton Monu-
ment Association. He has been particularly inter-
ested in the Congregational Church, of which he
has been a member for sixty-eight years, and for
many years a deacon. He has always been liberal
in his donations, and upon the occasion of the build-
ing of the new church edifice, he contributed $2,500.
He is held in very high esteem in Groton.
George Owen Miner was educated in Groton
and in New London, and is secretary of the Groton
Grain Company. On Jan. 9, 1892, he married
Frances Denison Stewart at North Stonington, and
the representative of the tenth generation is found
in their son, Owen Stewart, born Sept. 14, 1894.
Elisha M. Miner was born April 14, 1826, in
Groton, and spent his early boyhood on the home
farm. On Aug. 29, 1847, ne married Nancy M.
Strong, who died March 9, 1868. Their children
were as follows: Adeline A., born Oct. 30, 1850,
married, Oct. 20, 187 1, Erastus Gallup, and they
reside at Hartford, Conn. ; they have three children,
Betsey Maria (born Feb. 28, 1874), William Miner
(born Feb. 12, 1876) and Fanny Adeline (born
Jan. 14, 1888). Phebe Elizabeth, born Nov. 11,
1852, married, March 29, 1873, Leander Frank
Gardner, of Orange, N. J., and their one son. Ad-
dison Leander, born Sept. 29, 1877, died Sept. 12,
1891. John Owen, born Aug. 14, 1858, married,
March 23, 1881, Amelia Avery, and they reside at
Hartford; they have two children, Mildred (born
Feb. 17, 1889; and Grace (born Sept. 8, 1892).
Mettie M. born May 2, 1866, married, Nov. 23,
1890, Nelson Vergerson Porter, and they live at
Norwich, Conn. ; they have two children, Howard
Nelson (born March 10, 1893), and Blanche (born
April 29, 1897). On Nov. 6, 1872, Mr. Miner mar-
ried (second) Mercie E. Williams, born July 2,
1842, and to this union was born a son, Elisha Wil-
liams, Aug. 7, 1881, who died Feb. 25, 1882.
Elisha M. Miner spent his early days in Groton,
and at the age of twelve years became a student in
the public schools at Springfield. He learned the
carpenter trade with Capt. Erastus Gallup, and
later was engaged in contracting and building, dur-
ing which part of his life he erected a number of
the handsome residences on Monument street in
Groton. He discontinued this business in 1893, and
is now living retired.
William Herman Miner was born Aug. 30,
1822, on the home farm, and received only a com-
mon school education, yet by observation and self
study he became a well informed man. He was
reared to agricultural pursuits, and for many years
after attaining his majority, he remained on the
home farm, assisting his father and brothers in the
management thereof. For many years prior to the
Civil war he conducted a wholesale stationery busi-
ness, which extended through southern New Eng-
land, selling his goods from wagon, and at this he
was quite successful. He remained on the farm
until his death, which occurred Jan. 23. 1895, and
his remains were interred in the Starr cemetery in
Groton.
On Nov. 30, 1859, Mr. Miner was united in
marriage to Miss Emily Morgan, a native of Gro-
ton, daughter of Jasper and Clarissa (Holdredge)
Morgan. Mr*,. Miner is a descendant in the seventh
generation from James Morgan, her line being
through Jasptr, John, James (4), James (3), James
(2), and James who was the ancestor of the New
London county family. Mrs. Miner resides at
Groton Bank, and is a lady much beloved and es-
teemed.
Politically William H. Miner was a Republican,
and he held the office of assessor several years, and
served on the board of selectmen, although he was
in no sense an office seeker. He was an earnest
member of the Congregational Church, and a liberal
contributor to its support. A man of good business
acumen, of the highest integrity, and most honorable
traits, he endeared himself to his wide circle of
friends and acquaintances.
ROATH. This name is one of the oldest in the
town of Norwich, and those bearing it have ever
held place among the respected citizens of the com-
munity. It is the purpose of this article to treat of
the branch of the family to which belonged Col. Asa
Roath and his family. Of his sons the youngest is
living in Norwich, in the person of Louis P. Roath.
Stephen B. Roath, late of Norwich, was formerly of
Chicago, where he was well known in financial cir-
198
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
cles. Another son, Edwin Allyn Roath, died in
1900 ; his only son, Frank A. Roath, resides in Nor-
wich. The lineage of the family follows :
(I) Robert Roath, a native of England, was the
first of the name to settle in Norwich. He came here
a few years after the settlement of the town, in
1660, and received a grant of a large tract of land
from the original town proprietors. That tract com-
prised several hundred acres, so that he was enabled
to give each of his sons a good-sized farm. Robert
Roath was married in October, 1668, to Sarah Sax-
ton, born March 20, 1647, daughter of Richard Sax-
ton, of Windsor, who came to America in the ship
"Blessing." Sarah (Saxton) Roath died March 20,
1687, the mother of the following named children :
John, born in November, 1669; Sarah, August,
1672 (died March 12, 1695) : Mary, November,
1674; Elizabeth, March, 1677 (died in 1678) ; Han-
nah, April, 1679; Daniel, Feb. 1, 1681 ; Peter, Feb.
17, 1684. Of these, Daniel resided at what is now
Preston, and was the ancestor of the Preston
branch of the family. It is interesting in this con-
nection to note that in 1806 ten male members of
this branch of the family purchased a fishing ground
at Roath's Landing (the old battleground), near the
present Preston bridge, which is never to go out of
the family name. Peter, the youngest son of Robert
Roath, received a grant of a farm on Wawecus Hill.
An antique writing desk, which is supposed to have
been brought from England by Robert Roath, is
now in the possession of Louis P. Roath.
(II) John Roath, eldest of the children of Rob-
ert, was born in November, 1669. His farm was at
the Little Fort. On Aug. 6, 1695, he married Sarah
Williams, who died Sept. 10, 1702, the mother of
three children: John, born in November, 1697; Jo-
seph, Nov. 11, 1699; Benjamin, Oct. 31, 1701. On
July 8, 1708, for his second wife, John Roath married
Mary Andrews, and they died on the same day,
March 9, 1743. Five children came to this union:
David, born July 20, 1709; Stephen, July 30, 1710;
Samuel, May 15, 1712; Alary, Aug. 15, 1714; Eben-
ezer, April 16, 1716.
(Ill) Stephen Roath, son of John, and grand-
father of Col. Asa Roath, was a farmer, and resided
in Norwich. He died in 1808, at an advanced age,
leaving considerable property. His house, which
was erected by a member of the family over two
hundred years ago, is yet standing, in a good state
of preservation. It is located in Roath street, and
remained in the family name until a few years ago,
when it was disposed of by the late Edwin A. Roath.
Stephen Roath was married, on March 6, 1739, to
Sarah Burnham, and their children were: Stephen,
born Feb. 25, 1741 ; Mary, April 23, 1744: Sarah,
July 21, 1747; Eleazer, Feb. 20, 1754; Asa, Nov. 10,
1758.
(I\ ) Eleazer Roath, son of Stephen, was born
in the old house mentioned previously, and died in
1835. leaving a large and valuable estate. He was
married on March 26, 1777, to Hannah Killam, who
bcre him children as follows: Erastus, born June 15,.
1779 (died Nov. 4, 1794) ; Betsey, Sept. 6. 1780;
Eunice, May 15, 1783; Asa, Jan. 22, 1785 (died
Nov. 26, 1787) : Asa (2), March 3, 1790; Rebecca,
July 25, 1792; Eleazer, Aug. 7, 1795: Hannah,
March 16. 1797. Six of this family lived to a good
old age. Eleazer Roath, Jr., was an officer in the
old Third Regiment of militia. After the death of
Eleazer Roath, Sr., his daughters, Betsey, Eunice
and Rebecca, continued to occupy the old house.
Betsey, the last survivor, did not move out until
1866. She died Dec. 31, 1880. aged one hundred
vears, three months and twenty-five days, retaining
to the last the full possession of her faculties. Re-
markable for industry throughout her long life, her
nimble fingers wove many a carpet on the hand car-
pet-loom left there. On the one hundredth anni-
versarv of her birth she sat for the first and only
picture ever taken of her. Her sister Rebecca lived
to be seventy-five, and Eunice attained the age of
seventy-three years.
(V) Col. Asa Roath, son of Eleazer, was born
March 3, 1790, and died March 11, 1846. He re-
ceived a sound education for the times, proving an
apt scholar, learning quickly and retaining his
knowledge. Being intellectually inclined, he became
very accomplished, and turned his acquirements to
good use. During the earlier years of his manhood
he was engaged as a teacher, and met with excel-
lent success in that profession, giving instruction in
the higher branches, especially mathematics, in
which he was exceedingly proficient. He was a very
fine penman, the master of an art much appreciated
in those days. Following his experience as a
teacher, he took up surveying, doing a great deal
of work in that line in Norwich and vicinity, and he
served manv vears as county surveyor. Other of-
fices of public trust were also tendered him, and he
became one of the leading and influential citizens of
his day, active in every movement for the welfare
and future good of the town. He served many years
as probate judge for the Norwich district. He was
colonel of the Third Regiment of State Militia, and
was at the defense of New London during the war
of 18 1 2. In religious connection he was an active
member of Trinity Episcopal Church, and he and
the late Col. George L. Perkins, who lived to pass
the century mark, were mainly instrumental in the
organization of the first Sunday-school in Norwich.
Fraternally Col. Roath was a Freemason. He was a
stanch Democrat in politics. In person the Colonel
presented a striking figure. He was nearly six feet
tall, and in his prime weighed about two hundred
and ninety pounds, and he had a most commanding
presence, especially in his military uniform. He
was possessed of immense physical strength, and
had a powerful voice, which he used to good ad-
vantage in his military service. He was quite a
singer, having a bass voice.
Col. Roath married Miss Elizabeth Allyn, of
North Groton (now Ledyard), Conn., where she
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
199
was born July 2, iygg, daughter of Gen. Stephen
Billings Allyn. She died May 20, 1859, aged sixty
years, the mother of nine children, as follows: (1)
Edwin Allyn, born in September, 18 18, died in
September, 1822. (2) Ann E., born Aug. 1, 1820,
died Aug. 25, 1822. (3) Edwin Allyn (2), born
Nov. 2, 1823, is mentioned below. (4) Hannah, born
in December, 1826, married Rufus Leeds Fanning,
and died in Norwich July 27, 1874. (5) Stephen
Billings, born March 7, 1829, went to Chicago in
the early sixties, accumulated a fortune, and lived
retired in Norwich until his death, in 1905. (6) Eliz-
abeth, born Aug. 26, 1831, is the widow of David
M. Randall, and resides in Norwich. She has one
daughter, Matilda Brooks. (7) Louis Philippe, born
Dec. 25, 1833, is mentioned below. (8) Ann Meech,
born Aug. 17, 1836, is mentioned below. (9) Hen-
rietta Louise, born June 29, 1839, died July 10,
1840.
Ann Meech Roath, born Aug. 17, 1836, became
the wife of Henry Lester Parker, of Norwich, and
to this union came the following children : ( 1 )
Susan May is the wife of Martin E. Jensen, and has
one son, Gerard Edward, now a student at Yale.
(2) Elizabeth Roath is the wife of Henry A. Nor-
ton. (3) Gerard Lester married Miss Fanny Car-
penter, and they have one daughter, Annette. He
is engaged in the manufacturing business at Cincin-
nati, Ohio. (4) Annie Meech is Mrs. Henry H.
Walker, of Brooklyn, N. Y. (5) Henry Fitch. Mrs.
Parker passed away Oct. 22, 1894, and an obituary
which appeared in one of the Norwich papers spoke
as follows of her:
Mrs. Ann Meech Parker, wife of Henry L. Parker,
died very suddenly at her home, No. 431 Franklin street,
Monday morning, shortly after 7 o'clock. She had been
suffering from ill health for a year past. Mrs. Parker was
born in this city in 1836, being a daughter of Mr. and Mrs.
Asa Roath. She had since lived in Norwich, where she
was widely known, having a legion of warm friends who
will deeply regret her death. She was a member and com-
municant of Trinity Episcopal Church, where her husband
is senior warden. Possessed of a deeply sympathetic
nature, her many acts of kindness during her life will long
be cherished and her memory held in loving remembrance
by all with whom she was acquainted.
(VI) Edwin Allyn Roath, son of Col. Asa
Roath, was born in Union street, Norwich. He at-
tended the public schools and the old Norwich
Academy, which was located in the building which
is now a portion of the residence of George F. Bard,
in Union street, and from which he graduated in
1 84 1, when eighteen years old. On that occasion
he received a fine gold medal as a prize for best
scholarship, besides eleven other prizes for scholar-
ships in various branches of study. Among his
classmates at that time were Timothy Dwight, of
Yale, Judge Shipman,. Daniel Dorchester and
Charles Rockwell.
Edwin Roath inherited much of his father's abil-
ity, and but for the fact that a mechanical life ap-
pealed to him more than a professional career his
name might well have ranked with those of his dis-
tinguished classmates. Soon after graduating he
began work on the Norwich & Worcester railroad,
which gave him an opportunity to indulge his me-
chanical turn of mind, and for twenty-seven years
he was a locomotive engineer, serving the traveling
public with the greatest of care, so that no serious
accident happened during that time on his train.
He was subsequently appointed station agent at the
Ferry street station, where he remained for twenty-
three years. At the time of the dedication of the
Bunker Hill monument Mr. Roath ran a special train
into Boston. After completing fifty years of active
service with the railroad company he retired to en-
joy the fruits of his labors. In 1868 he bought his
residence on Spalding street, and occupied that place
from January, 1870, until his death. He also owned
two houses on North Main street, built in 1839, and
formerly owned by his father, as well as his grand-
father's place in Roath street, built about two cen-
turies ago, a home in which the Redman always re-
ceived kindly treatment, and from which he was
never turned away. When Mr. Roath was a boy
Greeneville was a large farm, with one house. When
he commenced to work for the railroad company
Worcester had a population of only 15,000 people,
with prospects not as bright as those of Norwich.
Politically Mr. Roath was a Democrat ; as a rule he
declined any official honors. In disposition he was
quiet but genial, and he was held in high esteem by
all his acquaintances. He was a member of Trinity
Episcopal Church. Mr. Roath passed away Aug.
15, 1900, and was laid to rest in Yantic cemetery.
On Feb. 21, 1849, Mr. Roath was united in mar-
riage, in Trinity Episcopal Church, by Rev. William
F. Morgan, then rector of the church, to Miss Fran-
ces M. Rathbone, of Norwich, who was born June
24, 1828, and still survives, making her home with
her son, Frank A. She is a daughter of Asa and
Fanny (Geer) Rathbone, granddaughter of Asa and
Lucy (Brown) Rathbone, great-granddaughter of
Abel (Jr.) and Ann (Gates) Rathbone, and great-
great-granddaughter of Abel Rathbone (or Rath-
bun), of Salem,' Conn., where the family in past
years have had numerous representatives. This
branch of the Rathbones traces its lineage to Richard
Rathbun, born in 1574 in England, who came to
Ipswich, Mass. On Feb. 21, 1899. Mr. and Mrs.
Roath celebrated the golden anniversary of their
wedding. Two children were born to this union :
(1) Francis Edwin, born Nov. 5, 1851, who died
Nov. 30, 1853 ; and (2) Frank Allyn, born April 18,
1857, who is mentioned below.
(VI) Louis Philippe Roatii, named by an aunt
who was an admirer of the French "citizen king,"
was born on Christmas Day, 1833, in Norwich, his
birthplace being near what is now North Main street,
near the bank of the Sbetucket river. He received
his education in the public schools of Norwich,
which he attended up to 1850, when he left school
and took a position as fireman on the old Norwich &
200
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
Worcester railroad, on which his elder brothers
were employed. After serving fifteen months as a
fireman he was promoted to locomotive engineer,
and in September, 1852, at the age of eighteen, he
became engineer of a passenger train, continuing in
that capacity until 1868, when he resigned this po-
sition to become engineer in the newly constructed
railroad shops of the company at Norwich (remov-
ing his family there), and there he remained for
twenty-lour years. In December, 1892, at the solic-
itation of his employers, he again went on the road,
and continued thus until Jan. 10, 1895, when he left
the railroad service, after over forty years of faith-
ful work. He has since lived retired.
On Jan. 21, 1857, Mr. Roath was united in mar-
riage, in Worcester, Mass., with Miss Laura E. Sea-
grave, who was born Jan. 21, 1839, in Worcester.
Two sons have blessed this union, Clarence P. and
Walter. Clarence P. Roath, born Dec. 12, 1857, re-
ceived his education in the public schools of Nor-
wich, and soon after leaving school entered the office
of the Norwich & New York Transportation Co.,
with which he remained a year. He was then em-
ployed in the office of the Norwich & Worcester
railroad shops, and is now a conductor on the New
York, New Haven & Hartford railroad. His home
is at Webster, Mass. He has been twice married,
his first wife having been Miss Fannie E. Andrews,
who died in August, 1896. For his second wife he
married Miss Elizabeth S. Service. They have no
children. Walter Roath, born Dec. 24, 1861, at-
tended the public schools of Norwich, and at the
age of sixteen became an apprentice in the United
States navy, serving for four years. During that
time he visited the ports along the Atlantic coast and
the neighboring islands. He then became a fireman
on the railroad between Frovidence and Willimantic,
receiving promotion in time to the position of en-
gineer, and he is now a freight engineer on that
road. He married Miss Ella F. Burnham, of Scar-
borough, Maine, and they have one daughter, Laura
Louise.
Mr. and Mrs. Louis P. Roath make their home in
a nice residence in Roath street, wh'ich he erected in
1869 ; the land on which it stands came to him from
his father, and has been in the family name for sev-
eral generations. Mr. Roath is a Democrat in poli-
tics. He has never sought office, though he served
one term in the common council. Fraternallv he af-
filiates with Montacute Lodge, F. & A. M., of
Worcester. Mass., and with the Brotherhood of Lo-
comotive Engineers. His religious connection is
with Trinity Episcopal Church, in which his son
Clarence also holds membership.
(VII) Frank Allyn Roath, son of the late
Edwin A. Roath, was born April 18, 1857. in Nor-
wich, and obtained his education in the public schools
and Norwich Free Academy. Soon after leaving
school he entered the employ of the old Norwich &
Worcester Railroad Co., in the capacity of clerk.
After remaining with them eleven years he resigned
to accept the position of freight clerk with the Nor-
wich & New York Transportation Co., which he ac-
ceptably filled for four years, at the end of that time
becoming purser of the steamer "City of Worcester."
He continued thus for ten years, until September,
19c 3, when he resigned after a period of twenty-five
years of service. Mr. Roath is a stanch Democrat,
but, like his father, he has never desired office. He
has also followed in the footsteps of his ancestors in
the matter of religious affiliation, belonging to Trin-
ity Episcopal Church.
On June 20, 1894, Mr. Roath was married, in
Worcester, Mass., to Gertrude Hakes, a native of
that city, daughter of Henry Babcock and Anna
Williams (Woodward) Hakes. Henry B. Hakes
was a native of Preston, Conn., and died in Wor-
cester. His wife is a native of North Stonington,
Conn., and now resides in Washington, Pa. Mrs.
Roath is a descendant of the Stantons, Averys,
Chesbroughs, Denisons, and Miners, all old fami-
lies of Stonington and vicinity. In the Stanton line
she traces her lineage back to Thomas, who mar-
ried Catherine Washington, who was a granddaugh-
ter of Robert Bateman, from whom the Bateman an-
cestry is traced back to the year 1045. Anna Will-
iams (Woodward) Hakes, Mrs. Roath's mother, is
a daughter of Appleton and Mary (Williams) Wood-
ward, the latter a daughter of W'areham Williams, of
Stonington, who was born Feb. 19, 1759. He was a
noted school teacher of his time, and also saw serv-
ice in the war of the Revolution, entering the service
in 1779 as a private in the company commanded by
Capt. William Stanton, of Stonington. They marched
to Fort Griswold, where he spent two months, being
under Capt. William Latham and Col. William Led-
yard, who later were heroes of the battle of Groton
Heights. In May, 1780, Wareham Williams re-
enlisted for one year, becoming a private in the com-
pany of Capt. William Latham, and was located at
Fort Griswold, where he served until May, 1781.
On Aug. 9, 1832, he applied for a pension from
North Stonington, and was granted one for fourteen
months' actual service. Later his widow received a
pension. Mrs. Roath is a member of Faith Trumbull
Chapter, D. A. R.. and in 1901 and 1902 served
as regent of same. In 1903 she was a delegate from
the chapter to the National Congress of Daughters
held at Washington, D. C.
JOHN ADLY COGGESHALL. in his day one
of the leading citizens and merchants of Montville,
New London county, was born Feb. 28, 1830. in
Mansfield. Tolland Co., Conn. He was a son of
John Coggeshall and a grandson of John Cogges-
hall, and came of a Rhode Island family whose early
ancestors were among the more wealthy and prom-
inent of the founders of the Providence Planta-
tions.
John Coggeshall, the progenitor of this family,
was born in 1599 in the County of Essex. England.
The family there was of Norman origin and pos-
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
201
sessed of large estates in Essex and Suffolk, includ-
ing the Manor of Little Coggeshall and Codham
Hall, Wethersfield, in the vicinity of Coggeshall-
on-the-Blackwater. The oldest families, following
the usages of the Normans, wrote their names with
the preposition, as Thomas de Coggeshall, who was
the owner of these vast estates in the reign of King
Stephen of Bloss, grandson of the Conqueror, 1135-
11 54. Five of the family, several of whom were
knights, were sheriffs of Essex, which until 1556
included Herefordshire. Coggeshall Abby, the most
famous of the Cistercian order, was built by King
Stephen, 1 142, and endowed by his Queen, Matilda
of Boulogne, and his son, Eustace, with their lands
in France.
The coat of arms of the Coggeshalls of Essex,
from whom John Coggeshall, the emigrant New
England settler, descended, indicates their connec-
tion with the Crusades, and is probably one of the
oldest in English heraldry.
John Coggeshall, who was a merchant, emi-
grated to New England in 1632, arriving in Boston
on the ship "Lion," and bringing with him his wife
Mary and three children, John, Joshua and Ann.
He and his wife soon joined the church at Roxbury,
formed that year. He removed to Boston in 1634,
and in April became a member of that church, with
which his wife also became connected, and he was
soon chosen a deacon. He was one, of the first
board of selectmen of Boston, 1634, was also a
deputy that year, and served in the same capacity
seven times. He was one of the seventy-five sup-
porters of Anne Hutchinson, who were disarmed.
He was one of sixteen persons who, in 1638, went
to Providence and bought from the Narragansetts
the island of Aquidneck, subsequently called Rhode
Island. They soon became incorporated in a body
politic and began the settlement of Pocasset ( Ports-
mouth). Mr. Coggeshall was one of the leading
men of Portsmouth who settled in Newport in 1639.
In 1640 Portsmouth and Newport were united, and
Mr. Coggeshall was chosen one of the assistants.
He had been one of the elders in Portsmouth chosen
in 1639. In 1644 the several settlements were
united, becoming Providence Plantations, but the
organization was not effected until 1647. ^ir- Cog-
geshall became president of Providence Plantations
and died in office, about Nov. 23, 1647. His widow
died Dec. 19. 1684.
The children of John and Mary Coggeshall
were: (1) John, born in England about 1618, died
at Newport, R. I., Oct. 1, 1708. He. held several
different offices during his father's lifetime, was
acting governor in 1689-90, and was appointed
major of the militia in 1684. He resided in New-
port. (2) Joshua, born in England in 1623, died
in Portsmouth, R. I., May 1, 1688. (3) Ann, born
in England in 1626, died at Newport March 6, 1687
or 1689. (4) Hanniel, baptized in Boston May 3,
1635. (5) Wait, baptized in Boston Sept. 11, 1636,
died May 9, 1718. (6) Bedaiah, baptized in Bos-
ton July 30, 1637.
The descendants of John and Mary Coggeshall
were much honored with public office, and many of
the name were soldiers in the Revolution. Of later
generations, Rev. Samuel Wilde Coggeshall, D. D.,
a scholarly man and able and eloquent divine of the
Methodist Episcopal Church, Rev. Freeborn Cog-
geshall, an Episcopal clergyman and Hon. Henry
J. Coggeshall, lawyer and legislator as well as pub-
lic lecturer, have worthily worn the name.
John Coggeshall, grandfather of John A., resided
in Newport, R. I., where he died. In his family of
children was a son, John.
John Coggeshall, father of John A., was born
in Newport, R. I., and died in Mansfield, Conn. He
was twice married, and by his first wife there were
six children. Mr. Coggeshall married for his sec-
ond wife, Mrs. Betsey (Parsons) Jennings, by
whom he had one child, John Adly, whose name
introduces these lines. Mrs. Coggeshall had eight
children by her first marriage. John and Betsey
(Parsons) Coggeshall moved from Rhode Island
to Mansfield, Conn., making the trip by boat to
Norwich, whence they were taken to Mansfield by
ox-team. There Mr. Coggeshall settled down to
farming, which was his main occupation through-
out life. He was a quiet, unassuming man, zealous
in religious matters, and he and his wife were in-
strumental and active in organizing the first Baptist
church in Mansfield, of which they became con-
sistent and devoted members. In politics Mr. Cog-
geshall was a stanch old-line Democrat.
John Adly Coggeshall began his schooling in
his native town of Mansfield, later attending school
at Springfield, Mass. On leaving school he came
to Montville, and clerked in a general store for sev-
eral years, during which time, by economy, he man-
aged to save enough from his earnings to purchase
the general store of William Cardwell, in Uncas-
ville, town of Montville. He continued to conduct
that establishment for over thirty years, when, ill
health overtaking him, he sold out in 1890 and re-
tired. Mr. Coggeshall was uniformly successful in
his mercantile enterprise, and by thrift and close
application to business during his active years ac-
cumulated a comfortable competence, leaving his
wife and family in good circumstances. He was a
poor boy when he came to Montville, but with a
strong determination to succeed in life, backed by
untiring industry and excellent habits, he prospered,
and he not only attained an enviable standing in
the business world from a financial standpoint, but
won and retained the respect and good-will of his
fellow townsmen generally. His success was not
merely a matter of dollars and cents. He was es-
teemed and trusted, as was evidenced in the sup-
port he received on the various occasions when he
was nominated for public honors, for though he
was a business man in the strictest sense of the
202
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
word he found time to serve the interests of his
community in many ways. He served several terms
as selectman, being a member of that board for
many years, was town clerk from 1854 to 1855, held
numerous other local offices, and represented the
town of Moritville in the General Assembly in 1880-
81. His political connection was with the Demo-
cratic party, of which he was a stanch supporter,
and in religion he was a Baptist, holding member-
ship in the church at Willimantic, Conn. Fra-
ternally he was a Alason, affiliating with Oxoboxo
Lodge, Xo. 116, of Alontville.
( )n Nov. 29, 1852, Mr. Coggeshall was married,
at Alontville, to Alary Sibel Cardwell, who was
born Sept. 1, 1831, and was the eldest child of Wil-
liam nad Rebecca (Landphere) Cardwell, of Alont-
ville. Mrs. Coggeshall survives her husband, who
passed away May 22, 1892, in Uncasville. The four
children born to this union also survive, namely :
(1) Alary Effie, born April 29, 1856, in Alontville,
was married June 26, 1884, to John T. Baker, who
is a pharmacist by profession, and they live in Wil-
limantic, Conn. They have six children, Florence,
Frederick, Mary, William, Helen and Theodore.
(2) William Augustus, born July 24, 1857, in Mont-
ville, married Oct. 25, 1881, Maria Witter, of Mont-
ville ; they have no family. He is a traveling sales-
man for an Oregon firm. (3) Mason Jennings, born
Feb. 16, 1862, in Montville, was married June 20,
1886, to Anna J. Palmer, of Montville, and they
have three children, Agnes, John Adly and Mason.
He was for years traveling salesman for J. T. Pow-
ers & Co., grocers of New York City. (4) Everett
Winslow, born Oct. 28, 1871. in Montville, suc-
ceeded his father in the mercantile business in Mont-
ville, and has served his native town as clerk for
two years, 1894 to 1896. He was married Feb. 9,
1893, to Rose Partello, of Montville : they have no
children.
CHARLES E. WHEELER, secretary and gen-
eral manager of the Standard Machine Companv, of
Mystic, was born Oct. 24. 1845, m New York City.
His father, grandfather and grandmother were all
natives of England, and in that country the grand-
father was a ship chandler.
Edward Wheeler, the father of Charles E.
Wheeler, was an excellent musician, and had his
own band in Xew York City. He married Lucinda
Lockwood, of Westport, Fairfield Co., Conn., and
they had six children: Jane, Airs. C. W. Perry, of
Bridgeport : Eunice, deceased ; Albert Henry, of
Xew York City ; Charles E. ; Sarah Comstock. Mrs.
J. H. Carpenter, of East Orange, X. J. ; and George,
who died young.
Charles E. Wheeler was educated in the schools
of Xew York City, which he attended until he was
thirteen years of age, after which he lived on the
farm in Long Island with his grandparents until he
was sixteen. At that time he commenced clerking in
his father's grocery store in Xew York City, and sub-
sequently engaged in that business for himself at
Irvington, X. J. On leaving Irvington. Mr. Wheeler
made his home in Xewark. proper, where he contin-
ued to reside for thirteen years, and then removed
to Caldwell, X. J., where he lived for ten years,
from that place coming to Mystic in 1902. During
all of this time he was employed in Xew York for
four years, being in the machinery business with
T. W. and C. B. Sheridan on Read street, Xew York
City. The following ten years he was with Rose,
McAlpin & Co., the largest leather dealers in Xew
York City, and then again worked for the Sheridan
Company.
The Standard Machine Company of Mystic, of
which Air. Wheeler is secretary and general man-
ager, is one of the live and thriving industries of
the place, and turns out book-binding machinery,
printing and embossing presses, die-cutting machin-
ery and a continuous book-trimmer.
Since locating at Alystic. ATr. Wheeler has be-
come very prominently identified with the life of the
community, and has heartily supported every move-
ment which promised to be of benefit or value to the
public. He is an active member of the Milage Im-
provement Society. He has always been an earnest
Church and Sunday-school worker. At Irvington
he united with the Reformed Church, was a member
of the Presbyterian Church at Xewark and Cald-
well, and upon his removal to Alystic joined the
Congregational Church, in whose work he has taken
a zealous interest. He was an elder in the Presby-
terian Church at Caldwell for eight years, resign-
ing upon his removal to Alystic, where in January.
1904, he was elected deacon to succeed the late Dea-
con Elias Williams. He is also deeply interested in
the Sunday-school work. Fraternally he is a mem-
ber of the Royal Arcanum.
In 1882 Air. Wheeler married Emma L. Willet,
of Brooklyn, X. Y.. a descendant of the old Stanton
familv of Stonington, Conn. Their children are :
Edna L.. Xorton Cooper and John Randolph.
LADD. The Ladds of eastern Connecticut de-
scend from the Haverhill. Alass.. family of the
name, reference here being confined to the family
and lineage of Samuel J. P. Ladd. the latter form-
erly a representative in the Connecticut Assembly,
postmaster of Canterbury, and a man of prominence
and usefulness through a long life, and who. now
venerable in years, is passing the evening of his life
with a son. Dr. Samuel P. Ladd, in AIoosup. An-
other son, Arthur Clinton Ladd, is now president of
the Jewett City Water Works and deputy collector
of internal revenue in charge of the First Division of
the District of Connecticut.
On their grandfather Ladd's side the children
of Samuel J. P. Ladd are direct descendants of Elder
William Brewster, the leader of the Pilgrim Band
who landed from the '"Aiayflower'' on Plymouth
Rock in 1620. They are descendants in the eighth
generation from Daniel Ladd, the emigrant ances-
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
203
tor of this branch of the family, their lineage being
through Samuel, David, Samuel (2), Samuel (3),
Jedediah P. and Samuel J. P. Ladd.
(I) Daniel Ladd came in the ship "Mary and
John" from London in 1633-34, and appears first of
record in Ipswich in 1637, when he was granted
land. In 1648 he sold this land, upon which he had
built a house, to Henry Kingsbury, and in the deal
he is referred to as of Haverhill, County Norfolk.
Mr. Ladd was at Salisbury in 1639, and removed to
Haverhill, of which town he was one of the original
settlers. He was a very energetic and enterprising
man, and held many positions of trust and respon-
sibility. He died at Haverhill July 27, 1693, and
his wife Ann, whose maiden name is not known to
us, passed away Feb. 9, 1694. His children were:
Elizabeth, Daniel, Lydia, Mary, Samuel, Nathaniel,
Ezekiel and Sarah.
(II) Samuel Ladd, born Nov. 1, 1649, m Haver-
hill, married, Dec. 1, 1674, Martha Corliss, daugh-
ter of George Corliss. Mr. Ladd lived in the West
Parish. He was captured and killed by the Indians
when hauling hay from a field Feb. 22, 1698. His
children were : Daniel, Lydia, Samuel, Nathaniel,
Ezekiel, David, Jonathan, Abigail, John and Joseph.
(III) David Ladd, born April 13, 1689, married
(first) Oct. 1, 1716, Hepzibah Hazen, of Rowley;
she died March 20, 1728, and he married (second)
March 20, 1729, Mary Waters, of Colchester. His
children were : Azubah, Hepzibah, Bethsheba, Han-
nah, Jeremiah, David, Samuel, Ezekiel, Daniel, Abi-
gail and Abner.
(IV) Samuel Ladd, of Franklin, Conn., born
June 7, 1730, served in the Revolutionary army
under Captain Throop of Lebanon. On Jan. 15,
1757, he married Hannah Hyde, daughter of Jacob.
She died Feb. 11, 1775. Their children were:
David, Elizabeth, Jacob, Hannah and Samuel.
(V) Samuel Ladd, born Oct. 17, 1768, married
Abigail Ladd, daughter of Abner, and was of
Franklin, Conn. Their children were : Jedediah P.
(born in August, 1796), Hannah, Alvirah and Car-
oline.
(VI) Jedediah Perkins Ladd, born in August,
1796, married March 16, 1820, Eliza Brewster, a
direct descendant of Elder William Brewster of the
"Mayflower." Their children w-ere : Lovisa E. and
Samuel J. P.
(VII) Samuel J. P. Ladd, son of Jedediah P.,
was born Sept. 9, 1822, in the town of Franklin,
Conn. He was reared on a farm and educated in
the district and select schools of his native town.
His father died when he was a lad of thirteen, and
after that the responsibilities of the farm were
largely upon him. Naturally robust, his habits of
life tended to his best physical development, and he
reached his maturity with a constitution and power
of endurance worth more to him than any pecuniary
outfit could be as a preparation for the stern duties
of life then before him. At the age of twenty-two
he went to Ashtabula county, Ohio, bought a drove
°f 355 head of cattle, and drove them to his farm
in Franklin, being forty-eight days on the road. He
has from that time onward dealt more or less in cat-
tle and horses, and very largely in real estate. In
1846 he contracted to draw granite of which the
Nathan Hale monument was constructed, and this
he did with an ox team, personally driving the team
on the several trips necessary, back and forth, twen-
ty-two miles each way.
In 1856 and for some years afterward, Mr. Ladd.
was temporarily a resident of Hartford. During
this time he became a member of the Old Fourth
Church. He wras actively instrumental in assisting
to organize the Republican party in that year, and
became prominent among the politicians of Con-
necticut in the first Lincoln campaign. In t86i he
represented the town of Franklin in the State Legis-
lature. It was during this year that the new town of
Sprague was created from adjoining portions of the
old towns of Franklin and Lisbon. Mr. Ladd went
to the Legislature a citizen of Franklin ; he re-
turned to his home at the close of the session a citi-
zen of Sprague. Previous to this time when Gov.
Sprague (Sr.) of Providence, first contemplated the
purchase of water power and the erection of a man-
ufacturing plant on the Shetucket river, where the
village of Baltic now stands, he employed Mr. Ladd
to accomplish the difficult feat of buying all the real
estate contemplated in his proposed purchase, at a
given price, from the twenty-seven owners wdio
then held it. This Mr. Ladd succeeded in doing, ob-
tained the twenty-seven deeds, and was directly in-
strumental in the erection of the village of Baltic
some years after the Baltic privilege was taken up.
He was employed by the younger Spragues to se-
cure all the water rights between Baltic and Will-
imantic, fifty-five feet fall — equal to two such privi-
leges at Baltic — which would have been occupied if
the Spragues had not met with financial reverses.
In 1868 Mr. Ladd sold the old homestead and re-
moved to Windsor Locks, purchasing a farm there,
on which he resided five years. During this period,
as before, he was employed as purchasing agent and
as adjuster of claims against the Hartford. Provi-
dence & Fishkill Railroad (now a part of the New
York, New Haven & Hartford) serving in this and
in similar capacities for about twenty-six years. He
was also engaged in various outside works and spec-
ulations for firms and corporations involving good
judgment and experimental knowledge of men and
things. Lawyers in the employ of companies and
corporations which employed him valued his services
in carrying on suits at law, in preparing the cases
brought to trial, for which he received many compli-
ments from them. In 1886 he moved to the town of
Canterbury, having bought the house on "Canter-
burv Green," which occupies (he site of the old Judge
Judson residence, long since demolished. On the
premises is "Cobble Hill," the eminence from which
the cannon was fired nearly a century ago, when the
valiant citizens of Canterburv succeeded in driving
204
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
Prudence Crandall out of town for the offense of
teaching colored children in her school. Mr. Ladd
has held various town offices in Canterbury and else-
where, among them that of postmaster of Canter-
bury. While a resident of Canterbury his religious
connection was with the Congregational Church in
Plainfield. The life work of Mr. Ladd abounds with
practical achievements for the public welfare in the
various localities in which his lot has been cast, and
he has the satisfaction of seeing results which
abundantly demonstrate that he has worthily served
his day and generation.
In 1845 Mr. Ladd was married to Philena B.
Hazen, daughter of Col. Henry Hazen, of Franklin,
and a graduate of the Wilbraham Academy ; she died
in i860, and he married (second) in 1861, Catherine
G. Kenyon, of Plainfield, a cousin of the late Hon.
David Gallup. His children are : Philena Josephine,
born Feb. 27, 1846, married in October, 1866, Lovell
K. Smith ; Samuel Pierpont, Dec. 5, 1847, married
June 7, 1869, Sarah A. Meacham ; and Arthur Clin-
ton, Jan. 31, 1855, married, in March, 1880, Ida
Browning.
Arthur Clinton Ladd, son of Samuel J. P.,
and whose birth and marriage appear above, is a na-
tive of the town of Plainfield, though his elementary
education was received in the district schools of
Franklin and Sprague, in which town his father was
then engaged in farming. Later the family removed
to Windsor Locks, Conn., and Arthur C. there at-
tended the high school from which he was graduated
with the class of 187 1. After this event he accepted
a clerkship with the Hartford, Providence & Fish-
kill Railroad, with which company he was employed
until 1879, when he accepted a position in the rail-
wav mail service between Boston and New York.
Here he continued until 1887, during which time he
made his home in Jewett City. After leaving the
mail service he became one of the organizers of the
Jewett City Creamery, and was its manager until
1889, when he was made postmaster of Jewett City
— a position he filled until the office became a presi-
dential appointment, when he was appointed under
the Harrison administration and filled the office with
general satisfaction for four years, serving the pub-
lic in this capacity in all for six years. In 1895 ow-
ing to a change in administration, he resigned the
office of postmaster and was engaged for four years
as a superintendent and inspector of the construction
of waterworks in Jewett City, Hartford and Boston.
In 1899 ne xvas appointed deputy collector of inter-
nal revenue for the District of Connecticut, a posi-
tion of trust and honor he has filled for the past six
years with satisfaction. Mr. Ladd is a stanch Re-
publican. He is liberal in his religious views. He is
a stockholder and president of the Jewett City
Water Company.
Socially Mr. Ladd is prominent in Masonic cir-
cles; is a member of Vernon Lodge No. 75, F. &
A. M., of Jewett City, of which lodge he is past mas-
ter : is also a member of Franklin Chapter and Coun-
cil at Norwich, and of Washington Commandery at
Hartford and the Sphinx Temple, Mystic Shrine, of
the same city. He is also a member of Reliance
Lodge of Odd Fellows of Jewett City.
Mr. Ladd is a genial and popular man, and is
worthily carrying the name of his distinguished
father. He was married, as stated in the foregoing,
in 1880, to Ida Browning, daughter of Welcome A.
and Cecelia H. (Williams) Browning. Mrs. Ladd,
too, descends from an honorable line of sturdy New
England stock. She is a member of the Daughters
of the American Revolution.
HENRY B. NOYES. The Noyes family of
New London county is one of the oldest and most
prominent in Connecticut. Henry Byron and Ed-
win Brown Noyes, of Mystic, are descendants in
the eighth generation from Rev. William Noyes, of
Cholderton, England, the father of the progenitor of
the family in America.
(I) Rev. William Noyes, born in 1568 in Eng-
land, was installed rector of Cholderton in 1602.
In 1595 he married Anna Parker, who was born in
1575 and buried March 7, 1657. He died in 1616.
Their children were : Ephraim, Nathan, James, a
daughter, Nicholas and John.
(II) Rev. James Noyes was born in 1608, in
Cholderton, England, in 1634 married Sarah,
daughter of Joseph Brown, of Southampton, Eng-
land, and in March, 1634, embarked for New Eng-
land, in company with his brother Nicholas and
Thomas Parker, his cousin, in the "Mary and John,"
of London. He preached for a short time at Med-
ford and for a time at Watertown, but in 1635 went
to Newbury, Mass., and preached there until his
death, Oct. 22, 1656. His widow died Sept. 13,
1691. They had children as follows: Joseph,
James, Sarah, Moses, John, Thomas, Rebecca, Wil-
liam and Sarah. He was much beloved in Newbury.
(III) Rev. James Noyes (2), son of Rev. James,
was born March 11, 1640, graduated at Harvard
in 1659, and came to Stonington to preach, by in-
vitation of the town, in 1664, residing in the family
of Thomas Stanton, Sr., until he was ordained,
Sept. 11, 1674. The next day he married Dorothy
Stanton. He purchased a large tract of land in
Stonington from Samuel Willis, of Hartford, and
erected a house which became the first parsonage of
the Congregational Church at Stonington, and there
died Dec. 30, 17 19. For the first ten years he
preached as a licentiate and the last forty-five years
as an ordained clergyman. His children were :
Dorothy, Dr. James, Thomas, Ann, John, Joseph
and Moses.
(IV) Deacon John Noyes, son of Rev. James
(2), was born Jan. 13, 1685, and married March
16, 1714, Mary Gallup, who died May 13, 1736.
On March 13, 1739, he married (second) Mrs. Eliz-
abeth Whiting, of Montville. He died Sept. 17,
1751. His children were: William, John, Joseph,
James, Mary, Sarah, Anna and Joseph.
^y^C^?^
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
20:
(V) Joseph Noyes, son of Deacon John, was
horn Feb. 29, 1730, and married Jan. 27, 1763, Pru-
dence Dennison. They had issue : Prudence, Sarah,
Joseph, Avery, Thankful, Zerviah, John, Anna, Re-
becca, Polly and Dennison.
(VI) Joseph Noyes (2), son of Joseph, was
born Sept. 3, 1768, and died Aug. 24, 185 1. He
married Nov. 30, 1790, Zerviah, daughter of Paul
and Lucy (Swan) Wheeler, and she died Aug. 7,
1806. They had issue as follows: William, born
Aug. 30, 1791, died Jan. 19, 1808; Joseph, born
Feb. 25, 1793, died June 12, 1872; Thomas, born
April 11, 1796, died Jan. 25, 1859; Paul W., born
March 5, 1797, died Feb. 2, 1879; Cyrus W., born
April 11, 1799, died Dec. 5, 1813 ; George W., born
Sept. 30, 1801, died Feb. 26, 1866; Nathan Stanton,
born Jan. 7, 1804, died Aug. 27, 1898 ; and Lucy A.,
born Nov. 21, 1805, married Seth Williams, and
died June 7, 1890. Joseph Noyes married (second)
Jan. 29, 181 1, Eunice Chesebrough, who was born
Dec. 2y, 1 78 1, and died Nov. 4, 1844, daughter of
William and Esther Chesebrough. They had issue :
Elisha D., born Oct. 28, 181 1, died young; William
C, born March 28, 1813, married Jane R. Keown,
resided at New York, and died Oct. 21, 1894; Eph-
raim W., born Nov. 19, 1814, died unmarried;
Silas C, born Oct. 18, 1816, died unmarried Sept.
29, 1897; Gurdon W., born Aug. 13, 1818, married
Agnes McArthur, and died April 27, 1897, at New
Haven; Eunice E., born March 12, 1820, died un-
married in September, 1877; Nancy L., born March
13, 1822, married (first) Sept. 2, 1841, John Starr
Barber, (second) in 1852 Benjamin F. Hilliard,
and (third) in 1866 Robert S. Taylor (she died in
1904) ; T. Emily, born Nov. 3, 1823, married Sept.
28, 1843, Charles G. Beebe, and resides at Mystic ;
and Charlotte A., born April 3, 1826, was married
in 1855 to David S. Babcock, and died in New York
City in 1904.
(VII) George W. Noyes was born Sept. 30,
1801, in District No. 14, Stonington, and died at
Mystic, Feb. 26, 1866. He spent his boyhood days
in Stonington, where his father was a farmer,
clerked for Enoch Burrows and Peleg Denison at
Old Mystic, and later bought the latter's mercantile
business. About 1833 ne became the cashier of the
Mystic Bank at Old Mystic, and in November, 185 1,
he came to Mystic, as cashier of the Mystic River
Bank, and so continued until his death.' He built
the house where his son Henry B. resides, a very
comfortable home. When the Groton Savings Bank
was established, in 1854, he became treasurer, which
office he also held until his death.
The first marriage of George W. Noyes, which
occurred Sept. 2, 1827, was to Hannah 'E. Denni-
son, who was born March 26, 18 10, and died Sept.
5, 1829, leaving George D., born March 23, 1829,
who died March 4, 1854.
The second marriage of Mr. Noyes, on Jan. 17,
1833, was to Prudence Dean Brown, born June 14,
1810, who died Jan. 22, 1854, daughter of Randall
and Sarah (Palmer) Brown. They had children:
Sarah E., born Nov. 24, 1835, died March 5, 1836;
Henry Byron was born Jan. 15, 1837; Joseph Ran-
dall, born Nov. 26, 1838, died July 30, 1859; Wil-
liam Harrison, born April 4, 1841, died Sept. 24,
1858; Ellen Elizabeth, born July 27, 1843, married
John Gallup, Jr., Oct. 5, 1870, and their daughter,
Mary E., born Aug. 7, 1871, married Harry F,
Roach, of St. Louis, Mo., March 8, 1893; Theodore
F., born Aug. 25, 1847, cne(l Oct. 27, 1848; Edwin
Brown, born Jan. 2J, 1850, was married Oct. 2,
1873, to Eliza Tift, who was born at Mystic, Oct.
5, 1850, and died April 15, 1900, the mother of three
children — Edwin, born Jan. 4, 1875 (died Feb. 7,
1875), Clarence T., born Oct. 26, 1876, and Emily
D., born June 6, 1884.
The third marriage of Mr. Noyes was on Jan.
16, 1856, to Emily F. Denison, daughter of Isaac
and Lavina (Fish) Denison, and to this union came
George Frederick, born July 20, 1858, of the
Thames National Bank of Norwich, Conn. ; he mar-
ried Lotta O. Champlin, Oct. 28, 1891, and they
have three children — John C, born March 17, 1895 ;
Robert G., born Sept. 1, 1898; and Freda E., Jan.
6, 1902.
(VIII) Henry Byron Noyes was born Jan. 15,
1837, at Old Mystic, Conn., and on June 8, 1870,
married Ellen Holmes, daughter of Isaac D. and
Ellen (Kemp) Holmes. They had one son, Henry
Byron, Jr., born April 15, 1871, who was married
Oct. 18, 1898, to Alberta Neidlinger, born Aug. 19,
1873, and to them one son, William Henry, was
born Dec. 20, 1899. Henry Byron Noyes, Jr., is a
prominent citizen and is treasurer of the Groton
Savings Bank. In 1895 he served in the State Leg-
islature, and was a member of the committee on
Banks. He is a member of the Congregational
Church, of which he is clerk.
Henry Byron Noyes, Sr., spent his early school
days in Old Mystic and was only fourteen years of
age when he began his association with the bank-
ing business by attending to the very necessary de-
tails of opening the doors and sweeping the floors.
In the fall of 1853, on account of the ill health of
his brother George D., he entered the bank at Old
Mystic as acting cashier, and in the spring of 1854
became connected with the Mystic River National
Bank as clerk. In 1866 he was elected cashier of the
Mystic River National Bank and secretary-treasurer
of the Groton Savings Bank, to succeed his father,
and served as secretary and treasurer of the latter
institution until July 27, 1875, when he was elected
president, which office he still holds in addition to
being: cashier of the aforesaid national bank. For
eighteen years Mr. Noyes and F. M. Manning con-
ducted a drug store under the firm name of H. B.
Noyes & Co., and they have ever since been asso-
ciated in other business enterprises. They are no
longer in the drug business, however. Mr. Noyes
has other large business interests in the town and
he has also been conspicuous in politics, represent-
206
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
ing Stonington in the Legislature in 187 1, serving
on the committee on Enrolled Bills. His father was
a liberal supporter of the Congregational Church
and he is also a very active member, being clerk of
the Ecclesiastical Society. Mr. Xoyes was elected
a trustee of the Elm Grove Cemetery Association on
April 10, 1871, and on April 8, 1872, he was
elected treasurer of the same and has served in
those capacities ever since. He is also a trustee of
the Mystic Oral School for the Deaf and Dumb.
Ed wix Brown Noyes was born Jan. 27,
1850, at Old Mystic, Conn., and married Oct. 2,
1873, Eliza, daughter of Amos C. Tift, as previously
noted. He spent his boyhood days at Mystic and ob-
tained his education in the public schools. At the
age of seventeen years he began clerking for Evan
D. Evans, a dry-goods merchant of Mystic, with
whom he continued five years. On April 26, 1872.
he opened a store for himself in a building which
stood at his present location, but was burned out
Dec. 29, 1880. In August, 1881, through energy
and business enterprise, he re-opened his business
at his present stand and is now the oldest dry-goods
merchant in Mystic. Mr. Xoyes is a director of the
Mystic River Bank. In politics he is identified with
the Republican party. Religiously both he and his
wife belong to the Congregational Church.
CHURCH. The branch of the Church family
represented by the late Capt. Simeon Church, of
Montville, and his brother. William Allen Church,
who still resides in his native town, is descended
from (I) Jonathan Church, who was an early
settler in the Xorth Parish of Xew London, now
Montville. Previous to his coming there he was a
resident of Colchester, Conn. The first notice of
him is in the record of his marriage, Feb. 24, 1724,
to Abigail Fairbanks, daughter of Samuel Fair-
banks and Christian Chapel, by the Rev. James Hill-
house. It appears that soon after this union Mr.
Church purchased a farm in the vicinity of Uncas-
ville, at a place afterward called "Pennytown." He
must have been a man of some note and responsi-
bility as some of his descendants became noted men
in jurisprudence. It is said that the late Sanford
Church, chief justice in the State of Xew York, was
one of his descendants.
(I) Jonathan Church was probably a descendant
of Richard Church, one of the first settlers of Dux-
bury, Mass., and father of the "great warrior against
the Indians," Benjamin Church. Richard Church
had another son, Joseph, born in 1638, who died in
Little Compton, R. I., March 21, 171 1. This Joseph
was in all probability the great-grandfather of Jona-
than. The wife of Jonathan Church was a woman
of considerable ability and character. Her mother
was a member of the Hillhouse Church.
The records concerning this family are sadly
deficient ; it is only from the land records, inscrip-
tions on gravestones, and tradition that the informa-
tion secured has been obtained, consequently many
of the dates are approximately given. The children
of Jonathan so far as known, were as follows: (1)
Jonathan, born about 1726, who married for his
second wife, Mary Angell ; (2) Fairbanks, born
about 1728; (3) Joseph, born about 1730, mentioned
below; (4) Peleg, born about 1738, who married
Elizabeth Congdon.
(II) Joseph Church, born about 1730, son of
Jonathan Church (1) and Abigail Fairbanks, owned
a piece of land in the vicinity of Uncasville, one
acre of which, with a mansion house thereon, he
sold to Peleg Church, Jan. 4, 1764. The name of
his wife is not to be found and he probably had
other children than the two here given: (1) Joseph,
born about 1753, who married Priscilla Monroe;
and (2) Amos, born about 1765, who married
Lydia Utley.
(III) Grandfather Amos Church, born about
1765, son of Joseph Church, married Lydia Utley,
of Rhode Island. He was a thrifty farmer, and lived
near the river below Comstock's wharf. He died
May 24, 1846, aged eighty-one years. His wife
died June 7, 185 1, aged eighty-three years. Amos
Church's brother, Joseph, served with Gen. Wash-
ington in the Revolutionary war, and was a pen-
sioner until his death, Dec. 3. 1842. The children
of Amos Church were as follows (all born in Mont-
ville) : (1) Pruanna, born Dec. 11, 1788, married
Elisha Comstock, of Montville. (2) Prentice, born
Jan. 9, 1790. married Prudence Fargo, of Mont-
ville. (3) Simeon, born about 1792, married Al-
mira Fargo, daughter of Stanton Fargo, and sister
of Prudence, of Montville. (4) George, born about
1794, married Esther Chapel, of Montville. (5)
Tracy, born about 1797. married Hannah Clark.
(6) Seth G., born in 1803. married Lucy Whiting
Brown. Other children, who died in infancy, made
Seth G. the seventh son, and as such he was always
known in the family.
(IY) Prentice Church, father of Capt. Simeon
and William Allen, born Jan. 9, 1790. in Montville,
son of Amos and Lydia (Utley) Church, married
Prudence Fargo, daughter of Stanton and Fanny
(Comstock) Fargo, of Montville. He was a farmer
and butcher. For several years he was engaged in
cod fishing, sailing on vessels, fitted out at Gale's
Ferry, to the Straits of Greenland. He was a hard
working, industrious man, and possessed a rugged
constitution. He stood about five feet, eight inches,
and weighed from 190 to 200 pounds. He was
genial, jovial and always good natured. For about
eight years before his death he had charge of the
stock on Xathaniel B. Bradford's farm in Montville.
In his political views he was an old line Whig. His
death occurred at Montville Nov. 12. 1849. when he
was aged fifty-nine years. His wife died Nov. 1,
1881, aged about ninety-two years. Prentice Church
was a private in the war of 181 2, and drew a pen-
sion, which was also paid to his widow until her
death in 1881. He served fourteen days in June
and seventeen days in September. His children,
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
207
all born in Montville, were: (1) Isaac was a
seafaring man, and for years engaged in fishing. He
in later years became watchman at the car shops
of the Norwich & Worcester Railway Company
at Norwich, where he died, aged seventy-two years.
He married Mary Ann Perkins, of Preston, Conn.,
and had four children : Stewart, Lizzie, and two
others, who died young. (2) Lydia Ann, who mar-
ried Archibald Marsh, of West Hartford, Conn., a
carpenter by trade, died in Bridgeport, Conn., with-
out issue. (3) Elisha P., born in May, 1818, was a
fisherman, and made many trips through the Gulf
of Mexico to New Orleans in quest of sea-foods.
He married Mary Rogers, of Montville, and had
children, as follows : Ellen, Susan, Adeline, Kate
and
Georgianna.
He died in Montville, aged
seventy-seven years. (4) Simeon, born July 2,
1820. is mentioned below. (5) Pruanna married
William Jerome, of New London (both deceased).
He was an iron molder by trade, and was employed
in the old Wilson foundry in New London for many
years. They had two children. (6) A daughter
died in infancy. (7) William A., born Jan. 29,
1827, is mentioned below. (8) Adelaide died in
Preston, Conn., aged twenty-four years, unmarried.
Prudence Fargo, wife of Prentice Church, was
the daughter of Stanton Fargo, born about 1764,
who married Fanny Comstock, daughter of Elisha
Comstock and Anna Fox, and a direct descendant
of William Comstock, who came to America be-
tween the years 1630 and 1637. He first settled in
Boston. Mass., and afterward moved to Hartford,
Conn., being among the early settlers of that state.
Stanton Fargo, father of Prudence, was a large land
owner of Montville, where he occupied the old
Fargo homestead. His wife died from in-
I juries received by falling into the fire. He was
the son of Robert Fargo, a Baptist minister, and
Prudence Stanton ; grandson of Robert Fargo ;
great-grandson of Moses and Sarah Fargo, and
great-great-grandson of Moses Fargo, who first
appears at New London about 1680, and afterward
at Norwich in 1690. In 1694 Moses Fargo obtained
a grant of land in Norwich, and became one of the
later proprietors of that town. He afterward, about
1722, appears among the inhabitants of the North
Parish of New London, now Montville, where he
settled with his family of nine children. He died
in 1726.
< V) Capt. Simeon Church, son of Prentice and
Prudence (Fargo) Church, was born in Montville,
Conn., July 2, 1820, and received his early training
in the district schools of his native town. Earl}
in life he developed a fondness for the water, and
when yet a small boy made his first voyage on a
whaling vessel. By close application to his duties
he soon rose in the esteem of his employers, and
after several years "before the mast" was by de-
grees promoted until he was made master of vessels.
During his career as a whaling captain he always
proved himself entirely equal to all occasions. He
was engaged in the venturesome whale fishery for
more than twenty years, sailing for Messrs. Will-
iams & Haven, of New London, for ten years or
more, and for Messrs. Lawrence & Company, of
New London., Conn., for twelve years, in all of
which he was famous for his successful management
of ships, and his splendid voyages. His last voy-
age was made in the schooner "Charles Colgate"
to "Powell's Group." Some time previous, when
the theory of the safety of the crew of the "Trinity"
was advanced, he agreed to assume for Messrs.
Lawrence & Company, the command of the schooner
"Charles Colgate" and to conduct the search for
the missing men. Ill-health, however, overtook him,
and he was obliged to abandon this humane enter-
prise.
Some time before his death Capt. Church left
the sea and went to farming, but his ill-health con-
tinuing, he spent the last four years of his life re-
tired from all activity. He' died at his home in
Montville, May 22, 1882. Probably few whaling
captains were more widely known or more generally
esteemed than Capt. Church. His character was
such as to command universal respect and faithful
friendship. He was honest to the bottom of his
heart, frank and straightforward. In all his deal-
ings with his fellow men he was upright and high-
minded, and in his views was as broad-minded as
the sea, which had been his life-long companion.
His death took away a true-hearted and veteran
whaling captain — a class of brave and fearless men
that is every day growdng sadly less and less. He
was a man held in the highest esteem by all who
knew him, and his death removed one of Mont-
ville's representative and honored citizens.
Capt. Church married (first) about 1856, Jane
Lamb, of Ledyard, Conn., who lived but three weeks
after their marriage. He married (second) July 12,
1858, Eliza Morgan O'Brien, who was born March
27, 1840, in Preston, Conn., daughter of George
H. and Hannah (Turner) O'Brien, of Ledyard,
mentioned elsewhere. To this union were born the
following children: (1) Ina, born March 25, i860,
died Feb. 18, 1861, aged eleven months and thirteen
days. (2) Jennie Winfield, born April 25, 1861,
married, Oct. 15, 1889, Clarence Dwight Boynton,
of Somers, Conn. They are living in Norwich,
Conn., where Mr. Boynton is engaged in the restau-
rant business. They have one daughter, Helen
Eliza, born March 2, 1892, in Montville, Conn. (3)
Wayland Clark, born July 19, 1871. in Montville,
is living in New London, and in the employ of the
Eastern Shipbuilding Company, of Groton, Conn.
He married, Oct. 14, 1896, Grace Louise, daughter
of the late Norman B. Church, of Montville. They
have had four children, as follows: (1) Dorothy
Ames, born Sept. 22, 1897: (2) Marian Winfield,
born May 19, 1900, died Aug. 18. 1900; (3) Hazel
Eliza, born Jan. 22, 1903; and (4) Louise H., born
Jan. 8, 1904. died Jan. 18, 1904. Capt. Church was
a Democrat in politics, but never cared for office.
208
GENEALOGICAL AXD BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
Fraternally he was connected with Union Lodge,
F. & A. M.j of New London. He was greatly in-
terested in all Christian work, and gave liberally
to the Uncasville Methodist church, and to other
work of a religious character. He was devoted to
his family, a loving husband and an affectionate
father. After the death of Capt. Simeon Church,
his widow and family resided for some time in
Montville, where they now spend the summer.
(V) William Allen Church, son of
Prentice and Prudence (Fargo) Church, was born
in Montville, Conn.. Jan. 29, 1827, near Gale's
Ferry landing. He received his education in the
district schools of his native town, which he left
between the ages of fifteen and sixteen years. His
first work was for Nathaniel B. Bradford, when
twelve years of age, with whom he was employed
for two and one-half years on his farm. He then
made a fishing trip to Cape Cod in search of lob-
sters, after which he engaged in farming, working
for one year on the Gardner farm and two years for
the widow of Adonijah Fitch. He then went to Xew
Jersey, and for about six months was employed on
the canal between the Hackensack and Passaic
rivers. From there he went to Boston, Mass., and
worked for Oliver Allen, on a dredge-boat, which
was fitted out with the first steam shovel put into
practical use on the water. Remaining there until
February of the following year, he returned home,
and was for a short time engaged in shad fishing,
when he again went to farming for Mrs. Adonijah
Fitch.
Mr. Church next went to work for James
Church, and remained with him in the oyster trade
until 1850 — nearly six years. At the end of that
time he embarked in the oyster trade, wholesale
and retail, on his own account in Norwich, renting
a place of business on the dock. This business he
continued successfully for about twenty-four years.
During the war of the Rebellion he was in partner-
ship in the oyster business with Charles Phillips,
and also for about a year with William Storey.
In 1867 Mr. Church took up farming in Mont-
ville, his farm, which he purchased in 1859, border-
ing on the Thames river. He built his present resi-
dence the same year that he purchased the land,
and has lived there since i860. He has a farm of
about sixty acres, and is engaged in
farming.
Mr. Church was married June 15, 1851, to Han-
nah A. O'Brien, daughter of George Henry and
Hannah (Turner) O'Brien, of Ledyard, Conn.
Their children are as follows: (1) Willard, born
in Montville, is in charge of the grocery department
of The Mohican Company, in New London. He
married Jane Church, of Preston, Conn. .and has two
children, Frederick and Ruth. (2) Ann Eliza, born
in Montville. married Capt. Seth Chester Smith, of
Montville. and has two children, Florence and Ar-
thur. Although not a church member Mr. Church
gives liberally to the support of religious work. In
general
political views he is a Republican, but in town
affairs he casts his vote for the man he considers
best fitted for the office.
ROBERT ALENANDER MANWARING,
M. D., one of the most prominent physicians of New
London in his time, represented not only the high-
est type of manhood, but as well that class of sterl-
ing citizens a record of whose lives is inseparably
a part of the history of the community in which they
lived.
The Man waring family, of which Dr. Man-
waring was probably the best known descendant of
his generation in New London county, is not only
one of the ancient ones of this Commonwealth and
New England, but one of great antiquity and prom-
inence in England for many years, possessing many
titles and landed estates. Ranulphus is supposed
to be the ancestor of the Manwarings. The family
can be traced back to the tenth century.
Sir Ranulphus de Mesnilwarin, as the name was
then spelled, was Justice of Chester, in the reign
of Richard I. (1189-1199). Over Peover, which
was the residence of the family for thirty genera-
tions, is one of the estates described in the Dooms-
day Survey as belonging to Sir Ranulphus Mesnil-
warin. The baronetcy of Manwaring of Over
Peover was created in 1660; it became extinct in
1797, but was revived in 1804, the title being granted
to Sir Henry Manwaring, whose seat was at Over
Peover.
Genealogical research in England has revealed
much data concerning this family, same being in
print. However, it is the purpose of this article to
treat briefly only of the lineage and career of the
late Dr. Manwaring. The Roman characters in the
following indicate each generation treated and its
remoteness from the first American ancestor, Oliver
Manwaring, from whom Dr. Manwaring was a
descendant in the sixth generation, his lineage be-
ing through Richard, Christopher, Robert and
Christopher (2).
(I) Oliver Manwaring appears of record at New
London, Conn., in 1664. The name appears, in the
unsettled orthography of that day, sometimes in
its correct form, again as Mannering, Manring,
Manwervino:. Les,al instruments signed bv himself
have his seal and initials, O. M. But little is known
of Oliver Manwaring, however. He married into
one of the very well-to-do families of that period,
his wife being Hannah, daughter of Richard Ray-
mond, a freeman of Salem, Mass., 1634, where the
daughter, Hannah, was baptized in 1643.
Richard Raymond was a man of affluence, and
first settled in Connecticut at Norwalk, later locat-
ing at Saybrook. On Nov. 3, 1664, Joshua Ray-
mond, the son of Richard, purchased, in behalf of
Oliver Manwaring, the house, house lot and other
land in New London belonging to Mr. William
Thompson, missionary to the Indians near New
London. Mr. Thompson had gone to Virginia
iri^^_^&. ^^,
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
209
and the sale was made by his wife, whom he had
duly authorized to dispose of the property. Oliver
Manwaring, it seems, at once took charge of the
premises. His portion of the purchase comprised
the original grant made by the town in 1650 to
George Chappell, who built the house thereon,
fenced the land, and sold it to Mr. Thompson in
1658. It is not known whether Oliver Manwaring
had been a resident of New London, or had just
joined the settlement when this purchase was made;
however, he thereafter made his home there. His
land thus acquired consisted of a house lot of seven
acres, another lot of four acres, and a six-acre
. swamp lot. These lots, being nearly contiguous,
comprised practically all the land on Manwaring
Hill, now one of the most delightful residence lo-
calities in the city.
Some of this land thus purchased by Oliver
Manwaring, in addition to the beautiful elevation
where the residence of the late Dr. Manwaring
stands, has never been alienated, and is now owned
by the Doctor's only son, YVolcott Barber Manwar-
ing. A brook ran through the house lot of Oliver
Manwaring into that of William Chapman, then
crossing the highway flowed through the land of
Robert Hempstead into the cove. A lane by the
side of it is now the lower end of Hempstead street.
On June 5, 1706, Oliver Manwaring divided his
real estate between his two sons, by deeds of entail-
ment to the eldest son for three generations, which
was all that the laws of the Colony allowed. Thus
to the son Richard and his posterity he entailed the
house lot of eleven acres, the Denison house lot of
ten acres, which he had purchased, and the half-
acre house lot near the landing place of Bream Cove.
Hannah Manwaring, wife of Oliver, became a
member of Mr. Bradstreet's church in 1671. She
died Dec. 18, 1717, and her husband passed away
Nov. 3, 1723, aged nearly ninety years. Their
children were: Hannah married John Harris ; Eliz-
abeth married Peter Harris ; Prudence married
John Beckwith ; Love married John Richards ;
Richard was baptized July 13, 1673 : Judith mar-
ried Simon Ray, of Block Island : Oliver, baptized
Feb. 2, 1678-79, married March 15, 1704-05, Han-
nah Hough; Bathsheba was baptized May 9, 1680;
Anne married Jeremiah Wilson, of Rhode Island ;
Mercy married Jonathan Palmer, of Stonington, on
Dec. 18, 1717.
(II) Richard Manwaring, son of Oliver, was
bom July 13, 1673. With his inheritances and sub-
sequent purchase of land he became one of the ex-
tensive land owners of the town. It is said he built,
about 17 1 2, the second gristmill erected in the town
of Xew London, and was located at "the falls of
Jordan Brook where it falls into the Cove." He
married May 10. 1710, Elinor, daughter of Richard
and Elizabeth (Reynolds) Jennings, both of whom
came from the Barbadoes. The family of Richard
and Elinor was as follows : ( 1 ) Richard lost his
life in the expedition against Cuba in 1741, sent
14
there by the British government. . (2) Asa served
in the same expedition against Cuba. He returned
to Xew London, where he afterward lived. On
March 20, 1779, he died from effects of smallpox.
He never married, and always lived at home with
his parents. He had inherited the property of his
brothers Richard and Henry, who died without
heirs, as well as a liberal portion of his father's es-
tate, much of which he lost through mismanagement
and lack of economy. (3) Henry perished in one
of the expeditions of Xew Englanders against Can-
ada, and according to traditions died on the held of
battle. (4) Hannah married (first) Charles Acourt
July 31, 1737. Their two children died in infancy.
After a few years Mr. Acourt went to England, and
all trace of him was lost. Many years passed and
no word from him, and his supposed widow mar-
ried James Chapman. The first husband subse-
quently returned, but upon learning of his wife's
marriage at once left, never to return, and nothing
further was known of him. She died in August,
1806. (5) Christopher was born Sept. 1, 1722.
(6) Love married Roger Gibson, July 22, 1754, and
died Sept. 19, 1787. Richard, the father of these
children, died in 1763, aged ninety.
(Ill) Christopher Manwaring was born Sept.
1, 1722. He was a farmer in the Xorth Parish of
Xew London, now Montville. The entailed land
that he received from his brother Asa was loaded
with encumbrances, but he added other lands and
accumulated a considerable estate. His homestead
farm, near Oxoboxo Pond, was bought of James
Otis in 1750. The homestead at Xew London, in-
cluding the swamp lot and the Douglass lot, he
gave over to his oldest son, Robert, who was in the
line of the entailment, receiving from him what he
considered a just compensation.
Christopher Manwaring married Jan. 31. 1745,
Deborah Denison, born Dec. 9, 1722, the daughter
of Robert and Deborah Griswold, and granddaugh-
ter of Capt. Robert Denison, the first of the name to
settle in what is now Montville. The grandfather
of Capt. Robert Denison was Capt. George Denison.
one of the first settlers of Stonington. The chil-
dren of Christopher and Deborah (Denison) Man-
waring were as follows: (1) Robert, born Dec. 15,
1745. is mentioned below. (2) Deborah, born Dec. 3,
1747, died May 2J, 1832, unmarried. (3) Hannah,
born Oct. 3, 1749, died unmarried Aug. 4, 1806, of
smallpox in a hospital at Winthrop Neck. (4)
Eleanor, born Sept. 12, 1751, died Nov. 10. 1781.
(5) Anna, bom Sept. 11, 1752, died young. (6)
Elizabeth, born Sept. 26, 1754. married Aug. 25,
1779, Nathaniel Hempstead, of New London and
died in Brooklyn, N. Y., in 1838. (7) Asa. born
Nov. 28. 1756, married Abigail, daughter of Na-
thaniel Thompson, and died in January, 170,5. his
widow and three children, Henry. Clarissa B. and
Charles D., removing to western New York. I 8 1
Roger, a farmer, born Aug. 2~ . 1758. married July
6, 1797. Ruth, daughter of Anion Caulkins, and
210
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
widow of David Crocker, and he died in March, 1836,
his widow passing away June 17. 1854. (9) Sybil,
born |nne 14, 17O0, died when young, unmarried.
(10) Sarah, born April 1, 1762, became the second
wife of Andrew Griswold Huntington, and died
childless, Dec. 27, 185 1, her husband dying June 3.
1844. (11) John, born March 27, 1763, married,
March 21, 1790, Eleanor Raymond, born Nov. 9,
1765. Mr. Manwaring was accidentally killed in
April, 181 1, by falling from a loaded cart, the wheel
of which passed over him. His family of seven
children all went west excepting a son John, born
in September, 1795, who married in February, 1825,
Eliza Church, and they were the' parents of James
H. Manwaring, of Montville, a sketch of whom ap-
pears elsewhere in this work. Eleanor, the widow
of John Manwaring, removed to the West in Octo-
ber. 1819, and died Aug. 20, 1820, at Prairieton,
Ind. (12) Lois, born Aug. 16, 1767, married Dec.
I, 1796, Andrew G. Huntington. She died in 1802.
Her husband afterward married her elder sister
Sarah. He was from Colebrook, New Hampshire.
(IV) Deacon Robert Manwaring was born Dec.
15, 1745, and for many years occupied the home-
stead at New London which, after the death of his
uncle Asa, without children, came to Robert by
terms of the entailment. On April 19, 1799, he
leased his life right in the ' homestead to his son
Christopher, by whom it was afterward possessed;
it included the house, tanyard and eleven acres on
Manwaring Hill, with other property in that
vicinity.
Deacon Robert Manwaring in 1799 removed to.
Montville, and the year following he removed to
Norwich, where he took a prominent part in public
affairs. In 1804 he was a member of the common
council of that city. He was a supporter of Jeffer-
sonian principles, and bore a conspicuous part in po-
litical meetings. He was selected to read the Decla-
ration of Independence at a great celebration held
in that city July 4, 1805. He possessed great force
of character, and was included among the influential
citizens of Norwich, where he passed away March
29. 1807; he is buried in the old cemetery at Nor-
wich Town.
He was three times married, first Oct. 8, 1772,
to Elizabeth Rogers, daughter of James and Grace
(Harris) Rogers. She died in New London. He
later married Mrs. Elizabeth (Baker) Raymond,
the widow of Josiah, and daughter of Joshua and
Abigail (Bliss) Baker. Elizabeth Baker was born
April 21. 1763, in Montville, and died Feb. 13, 1802.
The third wife of Robert Manwaring was Susan-
nah (Hubbard) Bushnell, daughter of Russell Hub-
bard. She died at Windham. Conn.. April 19, 1814.
By his hrst wife Deacon Robert had children as fol-
lows : Christopher, born Dec. 13. 1774. is men-
tioned below. Frances, born Nov. 6, 1776, married
Joshua Caulkins, and they were the parents of
Frances Manwaring Caulkins, the talented literary
writer and poetess, and distinguished author of the
Histories of New London and Norwich. Elizabeth,
born June 22, 1778, married William Raymond.
Eleanor, born Dec. 22, 1780, died young. Lucretia,
born Oct. 28, 1783, married Henry Nevins. Phoebe,
born March 18, 1786, died young. By his second
wife: Caleb Baker, born Jan. 21, 1802, married in
1827 Lydia Wickwire, settled in western New York,
and had one child. By his third wife : William
Hubbard, born Nov. 27, 1803, died young.
(Y) Christopher Manwaring was born Dec. 13,
1774, in New London, Conn. The following sketch
of his life, discovered in recent years, is from the
pen of Frances Manwaring Caulkins, the historian
and poetess and a niece of Christopher Manwaring.
"His school education was limited to reading, writ-
ing and arithmetic, and several years of his youth
were occupied in learning a mechanical trade, tan-
ning and finishing leather. He had an ardent thirst
for knowledge and his memory, naturally acute and
retentive, aided him in his acquisitions. His dis-
position wras social and communicative and his
workshop became the source and center of amuse-
ment and information to his fellow occupants and
others who resorted there. Among the citizens he
talked well and fluently on political or local sub-
jects; in his family he spouted orations and re-
hearsed poems, and with his work-fellows he argued
and declaimed to their great delight and wronder.
.He had but a dull ear for music and a dissonant
voice, but after having been dismissed for his dis-
cords from various singing schools, with a dogged
resolution he hired a private teacher and through
invincible perseverance became a tolerable singer of
popular songs and devotional hymns. He made
numerical calculations with great facility and his
handwriting was good enough for a teacher of the
art. He had a fondness for books and his first earn-
ings were expended in purchases of this kind. A lot
of ragged literature at an auction was sure to find
a bidder in him, and his leisure hours were spent
in his workshop exploring, repairing and binding
his purchases. He was industrious, rising early
and working late, beguiling even the hours of labor
with excellent books, a volume or two always lying an
his work bench or writing desk, and he would fre-
quently get a sentence or a page well grounded in
his mind while busily engaged in work. Pope was
an especial favorite and he could repeat nearly the
whole 'Essay on Man.' The writings of Watts
and Doddridge, sermons, treatises, poetry, and in
fact most of the writings of the Augustan age of
England, were as familiar to him as the tools of his
trade. He was especially fond of reading Boling-
broke's Letters on History and Exile. On political
subjects he was a strong Jeffersonian. Among his
most intimate friends was the editor of a spirited
Democratic newspaper, and he belonged to a select
club who maintained a vehement opposition to the
administration of John Adams and manifested a
triumphant joy at the election of Jefferson. Of
this partv he was a popular toastmaker, public or-
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GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
21 I
gan and Fourth of July orator. His orations were
praised at the time as dealing more in common sense
and practical principles than in the pompous decla-
mation that characterized many effusions of that
day.
"His business prospered, he pulled down his old
house and barn and built new ones. He planted
trees, he cultivated land. His strawberry beds and
his cherry trees were the admiration of his towns-
men, also his beds of sage, and large square plats of
pinks, over which in the fine days of summer flocks
of humming birds, black-winged yellow birds and
others of the winged creatures were perpetually
hovering."'
His first affliction was the loss of his wife, hav-
ing married Nov. 5, 1797, Miss Sarah Bradley,
daughter of John Bradley. She died Oct. 30, 1805,
having borne three children : Sally, born Oct. 25,
1798, died Nov. 2, following; Christopher C, born
Dec. 14, 1799, married Catharine J. Hinsdale; Lu-
cretia, born Oct. 16, 1803, married March 23, 1834,
Nathan Colver. She died May 18, 1859.
Christopher Manwaring married for his second
wife, on Jan. 21, 1807, Miss Mary Wolcott, the
daughter of Dr. Simon and Lucy (Rogers) Wol-
cott. Mary Wolcott was a granddaughter of Dr.
Alexander and Mary (Richards) Wolcott. Dr.
Alexander Wolcott was a brother of Oliver Wol-
cott, member of the Continental Congress, one of
the signers of the Declaration of Independence and
the Articles of Confederation, Major-General in
Revolutionary war, and Governor of Connecticut.
Roger Wolcott, the father of Dr. Alexander, was a
Colonial Governor of Connecticut.
"Mary Wolcott was a very lovely and amiable
woman. Her voice was low, her manners sweet
and affectionate and her whole character meek and
gentle as that of a saint.
"Christopher Manwaring and his wife were both
Christian professors, constant at public worship,
frequent at prayer-meetings, charitable to the poor.
The library of Christopher Manwaring increased to
an overflowing abundance, and he was in the habit
of reading daily various passages aloud to his family
and guests. It was a pleasure to hear him, for he
selected with taste and judgment and was a fine
reader.
"It was a singular fact that such a devourer of
books should never have read a novel. He never
owned one and was so destitute of taste for this
species of composition that he often asserted he had
never finished the only novel he ever attempted to
read, which was the 'Vicar of Wakefield.' Others
he had casually taken up, but always found them so
insipid that he never could advance beyond two or
three pages.
"In the war of 1812 he was an ardent friend of
the Government, spending his influence and his
material resources freely in the cause. The chap-
lain of one of the forts was invited to become a
member of his family, his fireside was the resort of
soldiers and patriots, and the gravel walk on the
roof of his house was the lookout port to which
friends and acquaintances often mounted with their
spy-glasses to watch the movements of the block-
ading squadron, which lay so long before the
harbor..
"in 18 18 he was a prominent member of the
Toleration party, as it was called, being connected
with the clubs, caucuses, conventions of town,
county and State which preceded the adoption of
the Constitution of Connecticut in that year. He
was a representative from New London in the Leg-
islature for five sessions between 181 5 and 1821
inclusive, and in 1822 was chosen into the State
Senate. For many years he was in the commission
of the peace. He was the author of a volume of
essays on general and political subjects." In politi-
cal matters he opposed at times Noyes Barber
(whose daughter Ellen became the wife of Mr. Man-
waring's son, Dr. Robert A.), the leader of the op-
position party.
Christopher Manwaring died May 26, 1832, in
his fifty-eighth year. His wife survived him but a
few months, dying Dec. 4, 1832. Their bodies now
lie in Cedar Grove cemetery, in the family burial
plat of Dr. Robert Alexander Manwaring. By his
second wife he was the father of the following three
children: Mary W., born Dec. 4, 1807, married
Edwin Colver; Simon, born Sept. 3, 1809, married
Sarah Banta, and died March 2, 1872 ; Robert Alex-
ander was born Aug. 2, 181 1.
(VI) Robert Alexander Manwaring was born
Aug. 2, 181 1, at the homestead on Manwaring Hill,
New London. In 1829, at the age of eighteen, he
began the study of medicine in the office of Dr.
Archibald Mercer, of New London. He attended
the medical school of Harvard University in 183 1
and 1832, and subsequentlv. received his degree of
M. D. from Yale.
Dr. Manwaring was but twenty-one years old
when he first began the practice of his profession at
Gales Ferry, Conn., and that same year, 1832, be-
came a member of the New London County Medi-
cal Association. At that period of his life Dr. Man-
waring was a young man who had for some time
been dependent upon his own resources, and his
later affluence was quite in contrast with his pe-
cuniary strength during the earlier part of his pro-
fessional career. He was ambitious and energetic
and in love with his profession, which he always
endeavored to honor. He soon built up a large-
practice for that locality, and frequently was called
to Norwich in his professional duties. In 1841 he
located in the portion of that city then known as
Greeneville. where he was engaged in practice until
1850, when he removed to his native city of New-
London. Here Dr. Manwaring lived and worked
continuously for forty-one years. During nearly
sixty years that he practiced medicine he passed
through a period marking greater progress and ad-
vancement in that profession than had taken place
212
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
during the two centuries preceding. Dr. Manwar-
ing kept abreast of that progress, necessitating radi-
cal changes in methods and administration. The
following is an extract from an article prepared by
a brother physician, shortly subsequent to the death
of Dr. Manwaring, and is a part of the records of
the New London County Medical Society : "He
saw and learned many new things, the specific char-
acter of diphtheria and the fuller investigation of
spotted fever of infections, spinal meningitis, the
separation of typhoid fever from typhus, the estab-
lishment of the operation of ovariotomy, the great
development of physical diagnosis, the discovery
of ether and chloroform and of the alkaloids of the
barks and gums, with their easier dispensing, the
plague of homeopathy, the hue and cry against the
mercurials, and the reasonable reaction in their fa-
vor; and in these things he took some part, not
ostentatiously, but reasonably progressive and rea-
sonablv conservative." Noted for his carefulness,
he trusted much to the natural tendency towards re-
covery. For many years he enjoyed the largest
practice of any physician in the city of New Lon-
don and had he so desired he could have chose from
but the very best of families a clientele that would
have been the envy of the most exclusive physicians.
He was for the sick and suffering of all humanity,
and a most splendid example of the uncalculating
devotion to duty and to conscience that character-
izes so many of the medical profession. He was a
busy man, early and late about town among the rich
and poor, with equal readiness and acceptance. In-
clined to corpulence, he kept it down by the exer-
cise of walking, and no man has ever been more
pleasantly known among all classes, for he had a
just and proper mixture of wit and humor, so that
his words were always fresh and effective and not
too many. He had a large obstetrical practice, and
his good nature and hopefulness added greatly to
his popularity and continued it to the last. He often
told a good story in a few well-chosen words. His
understanding of general and professional subjects
was wide. He was of the speculative and reflective
type, turning over things in his own mind, not es-
pecially seeking originality, but a safe conclusion
by the way of sound common sense.
Dr. Manwaring's most noticeable characteris-
tics of mind were probably his extraordinary quick-
ness of perception, his readiness in analysis, his
strong memory and sound judgment. As a general
practitioner of medicine he wielded an influence in
his community more widely felt by his contempor-
aries, lay and professional alike, than that exercised
by any of his associates. He was the very personi-
fication of the complete physician. There was
nothing censorious in his nature. To do deeds of
kindness unobtrusively was his religion. He helped
first and questioned afterward. For such a long
and busy life he was exceptionally well preserved.
At a meeting of the New London Medical Club, in
1890, he gave a most interesting account of a local
epidemic of suicide from melancholia occurring in
his practice many years ago. His speech on such
occasion was brief and to the point. On the eight-
ieth birthday of Oliver Wendell Holmes. Dr. Man-
waring wrote an appropriate letter of congratula-
tion to that distinguished writer, and incidentally
referred to their acquaintance, which dated from
their college days at Harvard. The appropriate
reply of that distinguished man is highly prized by
Dr. Manwaring's only son, YVolcott Barber. The
latter years of his life Dr. Manwaring lived in the
Manwaring homestead on Manwaring Hill, where
he was born.
On Aug. 10, 1890, it was a very warm day. At
about midday, Dr. Manwaring walked a mile or
so from his hcr^e, and on his return he was unable
to articulate deny. He could talk, however, with
some difficulty. His mind and understanding were
clear, and his grave manner without speech showed
his condition to be fully appreciated by himself.
For two or three days there was considerable im-
provement and his speech partially returned. He
sat up and walked a little. On Aug. 24th the right
arm and hand became involved, and his speech
failed, showing the progress of his malady, and
from that date he gradually sank, and died Sep-
tember 1st. At the September meeting of the New
London Medical Club it was voted that the fol-
lowing memorandum be placed on its record and a
copy sent to Mrs. Manwaring and to the daily press
of the city for publication :
"For more than half a century, without inter-
ruption. Dr. Manwaring followed his calling with
a name irreproachable among men. His skill and
carefulness, his faithful attention to duty and uni-
form courtesy, made his usefulness conspicuous and
widely acknowledged. We shall miss his genial
presence and his sound counsel under the varving
circumstances of our arduous service. Especiallv
also at the brotherly meetings of the club we shall
ever cherish his name.
"We desire to express our sympathy for the
family of our lamented friend and brother. Their
loss no words of ours can measure. His name sur-
vives and with it so much of what is noble and
good that even their grief must be mingled with
gratitude, so long he worked well and was so full of
years and honor."
While wedded to his profession, and while
pressed for time as a result of its exacting duties,
Dr. Manwaring's public spirit was always evident.
He always had at heart the best interests of his
community, and took as prominent a part in its
affairs as his professional duties permitted. He was
greatly interested and occupied in the growth of the
city. His character was symmetrical and well
rounded, and as a citizen he had high ideals and
lived up to them. From the founding of the Repub-
lican party he held to it. without any extreme par-
tisanship. While not a politician he took an inter-
est in political matters to the extent of supporting
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
213
with his ballot and influence any movement having
for its object the support or advancement of the
city's best interests. He served as a member of the
New London city council. He was of a deep re-
ligious nature, and a thorough Christian, yet he
could not endorse completely the Calvinistic doc-
trine. He was a liberal contributor to the cause of
religion, and a regular attendant at the Congrega-
tional Church, not only of the Sabbath but mid-week
service as well.
Dr. Manwaring was survived by a widow and
only son, Wolcott Barber. The widow previous
to her marriage to Dr. Manwaring, on May 15,
1845, was Miss Ellen Barber, born Dec. 21, 1821,
the youngest daughter of Hon. Noyes Barber and
Mary Elizabeth (Chester) Smith, of Groton. A
full history of Hon. Noyes Barber is given below.
Mrs. Manwaring passed away Nov. 24, 1903, at
Washington, D. C, where, for a number of years, it
had been her custom to spend the winter months
with her son. She was buried by the side of her
husband, in Cedar Grove cemetery, New London.
She united with the church in Groton when but thir-
teen years old, and during her entire life was a de-
vout Christian. She was a member of the Second
Congregational Church in New London. She was
a woman of the most beautiful character, and an
ever-present evidence of that gracious refinement
which was but the natural result of a long line of
distinguished ancestry. During the more than twelve
years of her widowed life her almost constant asso-
ciate and companion was her son, Wolcott B. His
devotion, like her pleasure theretrom, was beautiful
to witness.
HON. NOYES BARBER, one of the dis-
tinguished and prominent public men of his day in
Connecticut, was one of the ablest, the most con-
spicuous and the most admirable characters that
Groton ever produced. He was born April 28, 1781,
in Groton, Conn., son of John and Elizabeth (Deni-
son) Barber. His forebears included eminent men
and some of the pioneers of New England. Mr.
Barber was a representative of the seventh genera-
tion from Thomas Barber, the first of the name in
New England.
(I) Thomas Barber, the immigrant settler, came
from England in the summer of 1635 with the Sal-
tonstall colon}-, and later became one of the first
settlers at Windsor. Conn. He served in the Pequot
war and was in the thickest of the struggle on the
inside of the fort. He received honorable mention
from Capt. Mason for his valor on that occasion,
being one of the very few to receive such notice. In
later years he removed to Simsbury, Conn., where
he built the first church, and where his death oc-
curred. His wife's name was Jane.
(II) John Barber, baptized July 24, 1642, mar-
ried Sept. 2, 1663, Bathsheba Coggens, of Spring-
field, whither he removed, and then, in 1684, to
Suffield, where he was deacon, selectman, etc.
(III) Thomas Barber (2) married Ann Chase
and they were of Suffield, Connecticut.
(IV) Thomas Barber (3) married Sarah Ball
and they were of West Springfield, Massachusetts.
(V) Rev. Jonathan Barber, born Jan. 21, 17 12-
13, in West Springfield, Mass., married at New
York City, Nov. 2, 1740, Sarah Noyes, daughter of
Dr. James Noyes, of Westerly, R. I., and grand-
daughter of the Rev. James Noyes, the first min-
ister of Stonington, Conn. Nine children were born
to the marriage, three in the State of Georgia and
six in Oyster Ponds. One of their sons, Thomas,
was graduated at Yale College in 1762.
Jonathan Barber was graduated from Yale Col-
lege in 1730. He studied theology and in 1732 was
licensed to preach by the association of ministers
in Hampshire county, and began his professional
labors by preaching for a year or two (principally
to the Indians) in what afterward became the parish
of Agawam, in the southern part of his native town.
After this he preached to the Indians in the Mohe-
gan country, north of New London. He was earn-
est in the defense of the rights of the Indians as
against the encroachments of the white man. This
position of his was a bold one, very unpopular, and
required a fearless man, as he was when in defense
of right. His religious work among the Indians
was most lasting. He is said to have been a strict
disciplinarian, and his control over the Indians with
whom his labors brought him in contact was remark-
able. About 1735 he gathered a congregation in
that part of Southold, at the eastern end of Long
Island, then known as Oyster Ponds, now called
Orient. The Rev. James Davenport (Yale College,
1732), Barber's contemporary in college, though
five years his junior, was settled over the mother
church of Southold in 1738. The two friends early
became impressed by reports of the work which
Whitfield was doing, and in March, 1740, Barber
began to hold revival, meetings in Southold, and,
proceeding thence westward over the island, excited
a new interest in religion. In September he crossed
to Newport, R. I., and greeted Whitfield on his
first arrival in New England.
Whitfield had heard of the summer's experiences
and was so much pleased with Barber that he of-
fered him the place of superintendent and lay-chap-
lain of his Orphan House in Georgia. Accepting
this offer, he proceeded with Whitfield to Georgia
in a few weeks. He remained in Georgia for about
seven years, then returned to Long Island. The
history' of his labors for the next ten years is not
known, but on Nov. 10, 1757, he was ordained by
the Suffolk Presbytery at Oyster Ponds over the
church there. On Nov. 3, of the next year ( 1758),
he was installed over the Congregational Church in
Groton. Conn. Here he twice received visits from
Mr. Whitfield, his friend, who from a platform pro-
jected from the upper windows of the minister's
house preached to the multitudes who came to lis-
ten to the eloquence of this wonderful man. This
214
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
old house, long the residence of Rev. Mr. Barber,
is yet standing at what is known as the center of
Groton, and is in excellent state of preservation; a
tablet commemorating the visit and the preaching
of Whitfield while a guest of Rev. Mr. Barber,
now adorns this old structure. Mr. Barber's con-
nection with the church was dissolved in December,
1768. He resided in Groton during the remainder
of his lifetime. His sudden death, in that town,
occurred Oct. 8, 1783. His wife had died May 30,
1 76 1, in her forty-seventh year. Both were buried
in the Starr burying-ground, in Groton.
(VI) John Barber was born June 11, 1747, at
Oyster Ponds, Long Island. He married Elizabeth
Denison, of Stonington, a lineal descendant of
George Denison and Anne Boredil. He was a farmer
and tavern-keeper. He resided at the old home of
his father at Groton Center. He had a large family.
His death occurred March 22, 18 16, and with his
wife he is buried in Starr burying-ground.
(VII) Hon. Noyes Barber was born April 28,
178 1, at Groton. He received a public school edu-
cation, which, owing to the young man's inclinations
for a business life, was interrupted by his early tak-
ing up such a career. When but eleven years old
he began clerking for William Eldridge, a merchant
in the village of Groton. His studies at school were
by no means abandoned, but continued in a way of
no little home study. He remained in the store of
Mr. Eldridge, as an employe, until the age of twen-
ty-one, when he purchased his employer's interests
and took charge of the business for himself. About
this time he was married to Miss Catharine Burdick,
the daughter of Wralter, who was a Revolutionary
soldier and came to Groton from Rhode Island.
This wife died Dec. 4, 1813, and was buried in
Starr burying-ground.
Thus young Barber assumed all the responsibili-
ties of manhood, depending solely upon his own
energy and skill, and the good-will of his fellow-
citizens. He was of the wide-awake and pushing
type of a business young man. His predecessor
and employer had carried on a thriving business,
but young Barber started out to enlarge and con-
duct the business en a more diversified scale. He
became the most extensive buyer of farmers' prod-
ucts, and dealer in farmers' supplies, along the
Thames river, not excepting the dealers in New
London and Norwich. He carried on besides a
considerable trade with the West Indies, and was
interested more or less in the various ventures by
sea common in a maritime town. He made it a
point to purchase almost every product of a farmer.
His purchase of potatoes was by the shipload, and
every other marketable product in whatever quan-
tities offered. The value of such a merchant to the
surrounding country is difficult to estimate.
With the pecuniary prosperity which followed
his efforts came the approval and consideration of
those around him. In various ways he early dis-
played a superior force of character, and when but
a young man wielded a strong influence. He was
elected capain of his company in the 8th Regiment
of Volunteers, and in the war of 181 2 was promoted
from captain to major, by which title he was known
among his neighbors until his death. He was sum-
moned to Stonington with the volunteer troops on
the 10th of August, 18 14, when an attack was made
on that town, a day on which he was to have been
married a second time, which delayed event was
consummated the next day, Aug. II, 1814, when he
was married to Mrs. Mary Smith, the widow of
Elijah, and daughter of, Starr Chester and Mary
(Morgan) Chester. Being a Eederal Republican
Mr. Barber supported President Madison's admin-
istration and the war, and while Commodore De-
catur was blockaded in New London harbor he
sometimes entertained him and his officers at his
house, with the other men of prominence in the
region of different political views. All his life he
was addicted to hospitality and his home was open
not only to distinguished men, with whom he had
intercourse, but to a large circle of friends who
were wont to meet under his roof. His friends and
acquaintances included the prominent men of his
time, and among those entertained at his home were
Govs. Ellsworth, Peters, Trumbull and others.
The Federal Republican part}' wras largely in
the ascendency at that time, and with his party Mr.
Barber heartily sympathized, and every position of
honor and trust within the gift of his fellow-citizens
was open to him. He was twice elected to the Legis-
lature of Connecticut, and in 182 1 was nominated
for Congress and elected. This marked the begin-
ning of what proved to be the third longest service
as a member of the House of Representatives of any
member that ever was elected from Connecticut.
Mr. Barber was returned to that body each succes-
sive election until 1835, a period of fourteen years.
This term of service has been equalled by only two
in Connecticut, both surpassing it — that of Benjamin
Tallmadge, of Litchfield, and that of Charles A.
Russell, of Killingly.
When Mr. Barber took his seat James Monroe
was President, and Webster, Clay, Calhoun, Thomas
H. Benton, John O. Adams and Andrew Jackson
were members of Congress. It was a brilliant per-
iod in our national history, and though Mr. Barber
could not be reckoned among those who moved the
House by the power of his eloquence he faithfully
and diligently sought to be useful to his constitu-
ents and his country, and was as earnest and untir-
ing in his efforts to serve his political opponents as
those whose views were in harmony with his own.
The records of Congress assure us his vote was re-
corded in the interest of economical administration
of the government, liberality to the nation's bene-
factors and pensioners, and in favor of liberty for
the oppressed in our own and other lands. He was
appointed on the committee of Claims, of which
Elisha Whittlesey, of Ohio, was chairman, and on
this committee Mr. Barber served to the close of his.
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
-''5
Congressional career. It was a committee where
much hard and difficult work was to he done, and
from all that can be learned two more faithful and
laborious men could not be found in the Congress
of the United States than Elisha Whittlesey and
Noyes Barber. No period in the history of the Gov-
ernment has been more often referred to for econ-
omy in the administration of its finance and right-
eousness in the adjustment of its claims. A change
came over the politics of our country, and in 1824
the Electoral College failed to elect a president, and
the House of Representatives, being required to do
it, John Q. Adams was elected over his opponent
Andrew Jackson, and the old Jeffersonian Republi-
can party was disrupted, the Jackson Democracy
claiming to be the true Democracy ; but not so
thought Mr. Barber, and, with the sounder and
safer men with whom he followed, he was pro-
scribed by the popular party, though returned to
Congress by his constituents. As he had done be-
fore so he continued to do — striving to keep fraudu-
lent claimants from thrusting their hands into the
national treasury, supporting a measure that for
each day's unnecessary absence of a senator, repre-
sentative, or delegate he shall forfeit his eight dol-
lars, and on a motion to adjourn on Feb. 22d in
honor of Washington's birthday voting adversely
with a majority of the House, because, as was said
by Mr. Forsythe of Georgia, "the most respectful
tribute the House could pay to Gen. Washington
was a due attention to the discharge of their proper
duties." In the bitter contest between Mr. Jackson
and the United States Bank Mr. Barber was on the
side of the bank, and, as an evidence of his practical
wisdom, Hon. Theodore Frelinghuysen, of New
Jersey, said to .one of Mr. Barber's descendants
that at the time of Jackson's famous veto Webster,
Clay and some of the other distinguished men of the
party thought it would render him unpopular, but
Mr. Barber said, "No, it won't; where he had had
one vote he will have two," and subsequent events
justified the correctness of his opinion. With John
Q. Adams, from the House, and Daniel Webster
from the Senate, Noyes Barber was appointed by
Congress to welcome LaFayette at the time of his
visit.
In 1835 Mr. Barber, though receiving more votes
than at any previous election, was, with his party,
returned to private life, but in all that concerned
the welfare of the country his interest did not abate,
and he was sent regularly from his town to the
Whig Conventions of the State. At the last one
before his death, being unable to attend because of
impaired health, he wrote to a friend of his inability
to be present, and expressed a preference for Clay
and Davis as candidates for President and Vice-
President respectively, concluding his letter with
advice characteristic of the man, "Be bold, have no
sulking."
During his long service in the House of Repre-
sentatives he was never absent a day from his du-
ties. Mr. Barber formed the personal acquaintance
of the most prominent national characters of the
period. He was a warm personal friend of Henry
Clay, whose touching personal letter of condolence,
at the time of Mr. Barber's death, to Miss Ellen
Barber, the youngest daughter, is herewith quoted
verbatim.
Mobile, Alabama, March 2, 1844.
My Dear Miss Barber:
Your affecting letter communicating the melancholy
intelligence of the lamented death of your excellent Father,
my faithful and estimable friend, not finding me at Lex-
ington has been received by me in this city. It contained
the first announcement of the sad event which it communi-
cated. Ah, my dear Miss Barber, how gladly would I
if I could impart to yourself and to the other afflicted
members of his family any consolation on this distressing
occasion. I can only offer you the sincere condolence and
sympathy of a cordial friend. Your loss and that of his
family is great and irreparable. Mine is not inconsiderable.
During a long service in the public Councils with your
Father I found him honest, true and faithful to his country.
I found him, too, through all the vicissitudes of my own
checquered life, steadfast and immovable in his attachment.
To lose such a friend at such a time as this, when the cause
to which he was so long and so ardently attached promises
to be brilliantly triumphant, fills me with sorrow and grief.
Accept my best wishes for the prosperity and happiness of
yourself and the bereaved family of your Father, and
believe me, ever truly your faithful and obedient servant,
H. Clay.
This communication is but one of many included
in the private correspondence of Mr. Barber, much
of which is in the possession of his grandson, Wol-
cott B. Manwaring. These interesting old docu-
ments include personal letters, and invitations to
dine, from Presidents Monroe and John Q. Adams,
from John C. Calhoun, Martin VanBuren, Daniel
Webster and others.
Noyes Barber always took a keen interest in any-
thing pertaining to the welfare of his native town.
He was one of the prime movers in the Groton Mon-
ument Association and served as its treasurer.
Though not a communicant, he was a constant at-
tendant upon the services of the Congregational
Church, in which he was reared. It was remarked
of him, "He was as regular in attendance as the
minister." He was a stanch supporter of religions
institutions, and his home was one where the min-
isters of the church were cordially received and hos-
pitably entertained. He gave the ground next to his
home, on which the church stood.
Noyes Barber died Jan. 3, 1844, at his home in
Groton, and was buried in the Starr burying-ground.
His second wife survived him, dying Oct. 1 _\ [848,
and was buried by his side. The comments of the
various journals of his own State and others on his
life and character were such as his most intimate
friends knew to be just and true. The National In-
telligencer of Washington, quoting an eulogy from
the New York Courier and Enquirer, says of it. "and
far from being chargeable with the usual exaggera-
tion of partial friendship in regard to the dead, utters
no more than the literal truth of one of the best men,
2l6
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPLIICAL RECORD.
in both his public and his private character, that it
lias ever been our fortune to meet/' and with the edi-
tors of the Intelligencer, Messrs. Gales and Seaton,
Mr. Barber was on terms of intimacy.
By his first wife he was the father of children as
follows: (i) Adelaide, born Sept. 26, 1802, died
Nov. 15, 1804. (2) Henrietta Catharine, born Dec.
14, 1803, married July 16, 1823, Edwin Chester, a
merchant in Groton, who succeeded his father-in-
law in the mercantile business. Mr. Chester later
removed to York State, and subsequently to Wau-
kesha, Wis., where Mrs. Chester died Jan. 23, 1852.
She left a family of children. (3) Orlando Avery,
born Aug. 28, 1805, died Oct. 23, 1806. (4) Edwin
Noyes, born Nov. 28, 1806, married Clarine Reed, of
Stark county, Ohio. He was a soldier in the Civil
war, enlisting from Illinois. He was a farmer, and
died at Marshall, 111., at about eighty-three years of
age. (5) Betsey Ann, born Nov. 27, 1809, married
Aug. 15, 1833, Belton A. Copp, of Groton. She
always resided in Groton, where she died Sept. 9,
1894' Belton A. Copp was one of the prominent men
of Groton in his time. An attorney by profession,
and at one time judge of the New London county
court, he represented the town in the State Legisla-
ture a number of terms, and was much in public life.
Among his children are Daniel N., of Groton ; John
J., who is one of the representative citizens of Gro-
ton ; George, who died in boyhood ; William, of Gro-
ton ; and Belton A., cashier of the National Whaling
Bank of New London ; the daughters are Ellen, now
widow of Christopher Avery ; Sarah, Mrs. Frank
Larrabee, of McGregor, Iowa ; Kate B., and Julia,
who reside with their brother Daniel N., of Groton.
By his second wife Mr. Barber became the father
of: (1) Noyes Chester, born May 23, 1815, married
Jane Law, daughter of Lyman Law. M. C, and one
of the most prominent lawyers of New London in
his day. Noyes Chester Barber was a merchant. He
died July 3. 1840, at Farmersville, N. Y. (2) Mary
E., born Feb. 5. 18 17, married Rev. A. L. Whitman,
pastor of the Congregational Church at Greeneville,
Conn. She died May. 1894, at Groton, Conn. (3)
Julia M., born Sept. 11. 1818, died March 17, 1824.
(4) John Starr, born April 23, 1820, fell Jan. 15,
1865, at the battle of Fort Fisher. N. C. A tablet
to his memory in the Starr burying-ground in part
reads as follows : "Lieut. Charles L. Franklin, Ex-
ecutive officer, U. S. Steamer 'Tosco,' in communi-
cating the sadness of the death of John S. Barber,
wrote as follows: 'It is with much regret I have to
announce to you the death of John S. Barber, late
of this vessel. He was one of a detachment of picked
men sent from here on the 15th, to assist in storming
Fort Fisher, and fell early in the assault, killed by a
grape shot. While on board this ship he was faith-
ful to all his duties and a good man, cheerfully obed-
ient, and always ready for any service.' " (5) Ellen,
born Dec. 21, 1821. married Dr. Robert A. Manwar-
ing, of Xew London. She passed away Nov. 24,
1903. in Washington. D. C.
JOSIAH GRIFFIN ELY, M. D. (deceased).
For many years the medical profession of Lyme has
numbered among its honored members a Dr. Josiah
Griffin Ely, father and son— the former now de-
ceased— representatives of one of the early settled
families of Connecticut.
On Jan. 24, 1902, there was erected in the Ely
burying-ground at Lyme a monument to the memory
of the emigrant ancestor, Richard Ely. The monu-
ment bears this inscription: "In memory of Mr.
Richard Ely, born about 1610, in Hampshire, Eng-
land ; came from Plymouth, England, to Boston,
Mass., in 1661, with his sons, Richard and William.
x\fterwards settled in Lyme, Connecticut, and there
died November the 24th, 1684. Children's children
are the crown of old men, and the glory of children
are their fathers. The descendants of Mr. Richard
Ely and his wife Joane of the seventh and eighth
generations have erected this monument A. D. 1901.
In memory of Joane, wife of Mr. Richard Ely, died
in Plymouth January the 7th, 1660. In memory of
Elizabeth Fenwick (relict of Capt. John Cullick),
daughter of George Fenwick, of Brinkburne, North-
umberland, and Dorothy Foster, his wife, born
, married to Mr. Richard Ely, in Boston,
1664. Died in Lyme November the 12th, 1683."
The lineage of the late Dr. Ely from the first
Richard Ely is through Richard Ely (2) and Mary
(Marvin), Samuel Ely and Jane (Lord), Samuel
Ely (2) and Hannah (Marsh), Abner Ely and Brid-
get (Brockway) and Abner Sheldon and Fannv
(Griffin) Ely.
Dr. Josiah Griffin Ely was born Feb. 22, 1828,
and passed his early school days in Lyme. He com-
pleted his literary studies in the Connecticut Liter-
ary Institute at Suffield, Conn., and his preparation
for his professional work was carried on in the
Medical Department of Yale, from which he was
graduated. His active practice was begun in Chi-
cago, 111., where he remained three years, meeting
with unusual success for a young practitioner. Lpon
the death of Dr. William Warren, of Lyme, Conn.,
Dr. Ely returned to that place, and there and in the
neighboring towns continued in the active duties of
a family physician until his death. In his career he
fully met with that ideal conception of "family doc-
tor"— the friend and adviser in time of trouble, the
faithful confidant in private affairs. In spite of the
many calls upon his time he still found opportun'ty
to do his part as a good citizen, and for many years
served as chairman of the board of education in
Lyme, and in 1875 represented the town in the State
Legislature. Fraternally Dr. Ely was a member of
the Odd Fellow and Masonic organizations. He
was made a Master Mason in Pythagoras Lodge,
No. 45, F. & A. M., of Lyme, of which he served as
Master for several years. He was a member of
Union Chapter, No. 7. R. A. M.. in which he served
as High Priest ; Cushing Council, No. 4, R. & S. M. ;
and Palestine Commandery, No. 6. Knights Tem-
plar, at New London, attaining the thirty-second de-
*/*>
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
217
gree. in Masonry. He was widely known in Ma-
sonic circles, and he was a familiar figure at con-
claves held in different parts of the country.
Dr. Ely was a kind, free-hearted man, of pleasing
and impressive personality, and as a physician was
very successful, having a large practice, covering a
large territory. He was kind to the poor, taking ad-
vantage of the many opportunities afforded the
physician for acts of charity and benevolence. Pro-
fessionally Dr. Ely was connected with the county
and State medical societies. His death occurred
April 1, 1886. On Dec. 3, 1855, he was united in
marriage, in Old Lyme, with Elizabeth Mather
Chadwick, who was born in that town Feb. 13, 1830,
daughter of Capt. John Mather and Ursula (Brad-
ford) Chadwick, and they became the parents of
eight children as follows: (1) Josiah Griffin. Jr., is
mentioned below. (2) Edna Chadwick, who died
Oct. 16, 1901, was an artist of exceptional ability,
though she followed art as a pastime, never for re-
muneration. (3) Ursula Raymond is the wife of
Nathan H. Hall, of Preston, Conn. (4) Fannie
Griffin. (5) Elizabeth Chadwick. (6) Florence
Mather is Mrs. Gilbert B. Sterling, of Windsor
Locks, Conn., and has one child, Elizabeth. (7)
Grace Bradford died in infancy. (8) Julia Niles.
Mrs. Ely survives her husband, and resides at Lyme.
Josiah Griffin Ely, M. D., son of the late Dr.
Josiah Griffin Ely, was born in Lyme, Conn., Sept.
22, 1857. His literary training was begun in the
schools of his native town, and completed in the
Connecticut Literary Institute, at Suffield, from
which he was graduated with the class of 1879. De-
termining to follow in his father's footsteps, he en-
tered Bellevue Hospital Medical College, and was
graduated therefrom in 1884, subsequently taking a
post-graduate course in the same institution. In
1886 he returned to Lyme and took up his father's
practice. His years had been well spent, and he was
fully qualified to enter upon the successful practice
of his profession. Furthermore, he was well ac-
quainted with the people among whom he was to
dwell, and was equally well known by them. His
life had been conducted along such lines as had given
them confidence in him, and he at once, by his ability
and attention to his work, demonstrated that the
confidence was not misplaced. Like his father, too,
he has become one of the useful citizens of the town,
and has never shirked his civic duties. In 1895 he
represented Lyme in the State Legislature, where he
gave efficient service as a member of the committee
on Public Health. He has also served his town as
health officer, medical examiner, justice of the peace,
and for several years past has been chairman and
secretary of the school board. Fraternally he is a
member of Pythagoras Lodge. No. 45. F. & A. M.
(in which he is a past master). Union Chapter, Gush-
ing Council and Palestine Commandery, at Xew
London.
On May 27. 1893, Dr. Ely was married to Claude
Richmond Stark, daughter of Charles Stark, of
Lyme, and three children have come to them: Julian
Griffin, born Oct. 12, 1894: Marguerite R., Nov. 29,
1897; and Rosemary, born May 27, 1904.
GEORGE CLINTON BILLS. The name Bills
was originally spelled without the s ; it appears first
in the record of John and Dorothy Bill in Boston in
1638-39, the year Mr. Bill died, and the one in which
Dorothy Bill, a widow, was of the household of
Richard Tuttle. It is assumed by the author of the
Bill genealogy that John and Dorothy were man
and wife; that she was a sister of Mr. Tuttle; that
they came from England prior to 1635, and that they
brought with them several children. Their children
were: James, Thomas, Philip, John and Mary.
(II) Philip Bill, born about 1620 in England,
was in Boston and vicinity in the early days. He
was in New London in 1668, and settled on the east
side of the Thames river, in that portion of the town
which became Groton in 1705. He was possessed of
considerable property. His death occurred July 8,
1689, and his widow, Hannah, married Samuel
Bucknall, of New London, and died in 1709. Their
children were : Philip, Mary, Margaret, Samuel,
Samuel, John, Elizabeth, Jonathan and Joshua.
(III) Samuel Bill, born about 1665, in or near
Boston, Mass., came with his father to Groton (then
a part of New London), Conn., in 1699. He mar-
ried (first) Mercy Haughton, daughter of Richard
Haughton, of New London ; his second wife was
named Elizabeth. Samuel and Mercy Bill were ad-
mitted to the church in New London, Sept. 3, 1693.
His children were : Hannah ; Samuel ; Philip ; James ;
a child, baptized Dec. 14. 1695; Ebenezer ; Joshua,
baptized June 5, 1698 ; Jonathan, baptized Sept. 8,
1700; Mercy, baptized Sept. 2J, 1702; John; and
Abigail.
(IV) Philip Bill, born about 1692, in New Lon-
don, was first married in 1714; his wife. Jane, died
July 21, 1 73 1, leaving the following children, the
first three born in Groton, the others in Lebanon :
Zipporah, born Feb. 16, 1715 ; Lucy, Dec. 15, 1717;
Elisha, Feb. 7, 1719; Philip, Dec. 31, 1723; Solo-
mon, April 25, 1726; Mercy, Jan. 6. 1729: Elijah,
July 17, 1 73 1. By his second wife, Elizabeth, he had
three children, all born in Lebanon: Jonathan, hern
Sept. 15, 1735; Sybil, March 6, 1740: Samuel. July
4, 1744. His third wife was named Ruth.
Soon after his first marriage Mr. Bill settled in
the town of Lebanon, near his uncle, John Bill, who
had removed thither some twenty years prior, and
continued to reside there the rest of his life. His
brothers, James and Ebenezer. and his father al><>,
went to Lebanon, not far from the same time. Philip
Bill was the owner of lands in Groton, which had
been deeded to him by his father, and he also made
purchases of considerable extent in the town of
Lebanon, in that portion known as the Xew Parish.
(Y) Elisha Bill, born Feb. 7. 1719. in Groton,
married, June 25, 1744. Lydia Woodward. .Mr. Hill
removed with his father to Lebanon in 1723, where,
218
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
it is presumed, he passed his life, though the date of
his death is unknown. His widow died May 24,
1786. Children were: Calvin, born May 8, 1745;
Rachel, July 2, 1747 : Elisha, April 7, 1749 ; Azariah,
April 27, 175 1 : Reuben, June 21, 1753 : Lydia, April
26, 1756; and Aaron, Sept. 10, 1759.
(VI) Azariah Bills, by whom the final s was
added, was born April 27. 175 1, in Lebanon, and
married, Feb. 16, 1775, Elizabeth Daggett, born in
1750. Mr. Bills' life was passed chiefly in Lebanon,
though for a number of years he lived in Hebron,
and finally removed to Columbia. He was a man
greatly respected, and for several years filled vari-
ous offices, such as grand juror and collector. He
died Jan. 31, 1829, aged seventy-eight years. His
widow died Dec. 3, 1844, aged ninety-four years;
she came of a long-lived family, as her mother is
said to have lived to be upward of one hundred
years. The issue of Azariah Bills and his wife were :
Cynthia, born May 22, 1776; Betsey, March 8, 1779:
Aaron, March 22, 1781 ; Cynthia (2), May 1. 1783;
Eleazer, Sept. 14, 1785; Lydia, May 11, 1788; and
Horace, May 10. 1791.
(VII) Eleazer Bills, father of George C, was
born Sept. 14, 1785, in Columbia (then Lebanon),
and spent his entire life in that town. He remained
in the home place, and continued farming as long
as he was able. He then moved to Norwich and
made his home with his son George, where he lived
retired until his death, which occurred July 20, 1870,
aged eighty-six years. He was a Democrat of the
strongest type, as is his son, and took a great inter-
est in politics, though he never sought office. He
served for a short time at New London during the
War of 1812, when that city was threatened by the
British. Mr. Bills married Nancy Richardson, of
Coventry, Conn. She was born Feb. 10, 1788,
daughter of Ephraim and Lois (Porter) Richard-
son, and her last years were spent in the home of her
son, where she died Nov. 25, 1866, aged seventy-
nine years. Her children were as follows : Cynthia,
who became the wife of Aaron Yeomans, and died
in Columbia ; Horace B., who was engaged in the
wool business, and died in Schenectady, N. Y. :
William C, who died at the age of twenty-one years ;
and George C.
(VIII) George Clinton Bills was born Sept. 18,
1819. in the western part of the town of Columbia.
He attended the district school and also for one
winter a private school in Andover, kept by Isaiah
Doggett. As the boy had hip trouble, he was always
excused from the hard work of the farm, and as he
grew older he sought lighter work for a permanent
occupation. At the age of seventeen years he left
home, and went to clerk in a general store at An-
dover. kept by a Mr. Button, where he remained for
three years. His wages for the first year were his
board and clothing, although his parents in reality
furnished the most of the latter. The second and
third years he had S^o and his board. The next two
years he spent in New Britain as a clerk in a gen-
eral store, where his wages were S16 a month, and
board. He then went to Hartford and engaged in
the grocery line on South Main street, where he re-
mained for three and one-half years, and while
there was married.
In 1844 Mr. Bills disposed of the grocery busi-
ness and returned to Columbia for a couple of years,
the greater part of the time being employed in the
paper mill at Andover. In February, 1847, ne went
to Norwich and was engaged as a clerk in the coffee
and spice store of Samuel Downer, located on Frank-
lin Square, remaining there three years, and then
the three years following he was manager of the
Union Store. He was next engaged as a clerk in a
grocery store on the West Side, at what is now 170
West Main street, and was there for three years
before he went into business for himself. He pur-
chased a grocery store near the bridge and con-
ducted it till the close of the Civil war, when he dis-
posed of it and purchased the building opposite Nos.
116 to 122 West Main street. There he success-
fully conducted a cafe until he retired from busi-
ness, about a quarter of a century ago. He was suc-
ceeded in the business by his son, but the latter has
since disposed of it. Mr. Bills resides at No. 107
Summit street in a house he erected in 1852, before
any other house had been built in that neighbor-
hood. He yet owns the business block on West
Main street, and several tenements in his section
of the city.
On Feb. 7, 1844, George C. Bills married in
Hartford Mary G. Munger, born April 27,, 1823. in
Towanda, Pa., daughter of Elisha and Diana ( Nott)
Munger. Elisha Munger was born in Litchfield
county, Conn., and his wife in Berlin, Hartford
county. Mrs. Bills' father died in Towanda when
she was nine years old, and her mother returned to
Connecticut. Later she married James Reed, who
died in New Haven. After the death of her second
husband Mrs. Reed made her home with her daugh-
ter (Mrs. Bills), and there died at the age of eighty-
three years. To the union of Mr. and Mrs. Bills
have come two children, as follows : William L.. born
Mav 29. 1848, who married Lottie Elizabeth Law-
rence, and resides in Norwich ; and Nancy L.. born
Sept. 23, 1856, who died March 28, 1873. Mr. Bills
and his wife have lived together over sixty years,
sharing the struggles of their earlier years, and en-
joying together the wealth and ease which make
their declining years so comfortable. Both have
quite remarkable memories and are exceptional con-
versationalists. Mrs. Bills has been truly a help-
mate, and deserves a share of the credit for her hus-
band's success.
OSGOOD. The towns of Lebanon and Nor-
wich, in turn, have been the homes and scenes of the
activities of the descendants of Dr. Erastus Osgood
throughout the century just closed. The Doctor,
himself, for half of that period a leading citizen and
skillful physician of Lebanon, reared five sons who
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
219
located in Norwich and became prosperous mer-
chants and men of prominence. Notices of the
careers of his children appear elsewhere.
Along toward the middle of the eighteenth cen-
tury there appeared in the town of Pomfret, Conn.,
Jeremiah and William Osgood, the latter of whom
purchased land of Joseph Bowman and Benjamin
Ingalls in 1747, and settled south of the Mashamo-
quet. He was active in the public affairs of that lo-
cality, living in Abington Society, which a little later
numbered some fifty families. The American an-
cestor of this branch of the family was John Osgood,
of Andover, Massachusetts.
(I) John Osgood, born July 23, 1595, in Wher-
well, Hampshire, England, married in England
about 1627, his wife's name being Sarah. He came
to New England about 1637, and was made a free-
man May 22, 1639. He was one of the founders of
the church in Andover about 1645, and was the first
representative of the town in 1651, to the General
Court. He died Oct. 24. 165 1, and his widow
Sarah died April 8, 1667. His children were : Sarah,
John, Mary, Elizabeth, Stephen and Hannah.
(II) John Osgood (2), born about 1631 in Eng-
land, came to New England with his mother when
seven years of age, the authority for this being C. M.
Endicott, of Salem, Mass., in the N. E. Genealogical
Register, Vol. XIII, who says that Sarah, the wife
of (I) John Osgood, came in the ship "Confidence"
in 1638, from Southampton, England. John Osgood
(2) was a yeoman, lived in Andover, and was often
a selectman there. He was deputy to the General
Court in 1666, 1669, 1689 and 1690. He married,
Nov. 16, 1653, Mary, daughter of Rev. Robert
Clements, of Haverhill, she being from Coventry,
Warwickshire, England. Mr. Osgood died Aug.
2, 1693. Their children were : John, born Sept. 3,
1654; Mary, Aug. 10,- 1659; Lydia, Aug. 12, 1661 ;
Peter, Aug. 30, 166 — ; Samuel, March 10, 1665;
Sarah, April 7, 1667; Mehetabel, March 4, 1671 ;
Hannah, May 30, 1674; Sarah (2), Nov. 4, 1675;
Ebenezer, Oct. 4, 1678; and Clement, Oct. 12, 1680.
(III) Lieut. John Osgood, born Sept. 3, 1654,
married Oct. 17, 1681, Hannah Avers, of Haverhill,
and resided in Andover. He took the freeman's
oath April t8, 1691, and was a selectman of the
town. He died in 1725, and his widow died in 1735.
Their children were: John, born June 28, 1683;
Ebenezer, March 16, 1685 ; Nathaniel, Jan. 6, 1687 ;
Jeremiah, Jan. 16, 1689 (died in the same year) ;
Jeremiah (2), July 11. 1691 ; Daniel, July 19, 1693;
William, 1697; Hannah, June 24, 1699; Benjamin,
Aug. 28, 1700: and Samuel, July 8, 1704.
(IV) William Osgood was born in 1697, m
Andover. His first wife, Sarah, died in 1728, and
he married (second) Mary Appleton, of Ipswich.
In 1747 he moved to Pomfret, Conn. His children
were: Mary. Zachariah, Hannah, Sarah, William,
Appleton and Susan, all born in Andover.
1 V) Capt. William Osgood, son of William,
born Nov. 27, 1740, died Feb. 8, 1804. He married
June 2, 1774, Mary Scarbrough, of Brooklyn, N. Y.,
and they had children as follows: Scarbrough, born
April 13, 1775 (died in infancy) ; William, Oct. 6,
1776; Artemas, May 19, 1778 (died Aug. 18, 1870) ;
Erastus, March 14, 1780; John, May 13, 1782 (died
Dec. 19, 1872) ; Scarbrough, Aug. 20, 1787 (died
Sept. 11, 1863).
(VI) Dr. Erastus Osgood, son of Capt. W'illiam.
Osgood, married Martha Morgan, daughter of Capt.
Elisha and Olive (Coit) Morgan, and they reared a
family of seven children, all born in Lebanon, as fol-
lows: Charles, born Feb. 13, 1808; Olive, 1810 (who
married Rev. Isaac T. Otis, and lives in Exeter, N.
H.) ; Erastus S., Jan. 2, 1813 (died July 11, 1854) ;
William C, Jan. 8, 1816 (mentioned below) ; Sam-
• uel C, Nov. 2, 18 1 9 (died April 12, 1820) ; Gilbert,
Oct. 14, 1823 (died Feb. 22, 1871) ; and Edward,
Feb. 5, 1826 (died Oct. 7, 187 1) ; he married March
6, 1854, Jane E. Pendleton). All of the five sons
who reached maturity became merchants in Nor-
wich.
Dr. Erastus Osgood was for many years one of
the most honored citizens of Lebanon, where for
forty-six years he was successfully engaged in the
practice of his profession, in which he acquired more
than a local reputation. He also took an active inter-
est in the public affairs of his community, and his
fellow citizens gave evidence of the esteem in which
they held him by electing him to many positions of
trust. He was long a most efficient member of the
board of school visitors, represented his town in the
State Legislature and his district in the Senate, and
filled various local offices to the satisfaction of all.
He lived to the advanced age of nearly eighty-eight
years, dying Dec. 29, 1867, and his wife, who was
born April 21, 1787, passed away Feb. 26, 1876.
Mrs. Osgood was a direct descendant of
(I) James Morgan, her lineage being through
Capt. John, James, Col. Daniel and Capt. Elisha
Morgan. James Morgan was born in T607, prob-
ably in Llandaff, • Glamorganshire, Wales. The
Morgan family probably removed from Llandaff to-
Bristol, England, on the opposite side of the Bristol
channel, a short time before 1636, in which year
James came to Boston. Later he removed to New
London, Conn. He married Margery Hill, of Rox-
burv, and died in 1685.
'(II) Capt. John Morgan, born in 1645, died in
1712. He married Rachel Dymond, who was born
in 1665, and they made their home in Preston, Con-
necticut.
(III) James Morgan (2), born in 1680. and his
wife. Bridget, resided in Preston.
(IV) Col. Daniel Morgan, born in 1712, died in
1773. He married Elizabeth Gates, born in 171 3.
died in 1793, and they lived in Preston, now Gris-
wold.
(V) Capt. Elisha Morgan, born in 1748, married
Olive Coit. also a descendant of an old and distin-
guished family, and thev made their home at Lis-
bon, Conn., where he engaged in farming. Both
220
GENEALOGICAL AXD BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
died in 1814. They were the parents of Martha
Morgan, who became the wife of Dr. Erastus
Osgood.
Charles Osgood, M. D., deceased. Among the
men of intellect, of enterprise, of public spirit, of
undaunted resource, who have helped to make Nor-
wich the prosperous city she now is, none took
higher rank in his day, or, indeed, at any period of
her history, than Dr. Charles Osgood, who was a
progressive, representative citizen in everything that
the name implies. He was not only a typical New
Englander of his day, but also represented some of
the best blood of the early days, having descended in
both paternal and maternal lines from families who
were among the first to be planted on American soil
from the mother country. He was born in Lebanon,
Conn., Feb. 13, 1808. He completed his preparatory
education in the Plainfield (Conn.) Academy, an in-
stitution of some note in its day, from which he grad-
uated, and began the study of medicine under his
father. For five winters he attended lectures at Yale
Medical School, from which he was graduated in
1833. He had his first experience as a regular prac-
titioner in Providence, R. L, where after his gradua-
tion he associated himself with Dr. Arnold. After
several years' practice in Providence Dr. Osgood
went to Monroe, Mich, (on the Raisin river, some
two miles from Lake Erie), then a small town, and
it was while in active practice there that he came
into possession of the formula of a remedy for the
cure of fever and ague which played so important a
part in his subsequent commercial success. Return-
ing to Connecticut in 1840. he located at Norwich.
Avhere he engaged in the preparation of this remedy,
developing that business in connection with the
wholesale drug business, which he established in
1841. and in this line was gathered the nucleus of
the large fortune which he accumulated during his
busy and successful life. His drug store and labora-
tory were located on Shetucket street. Dr. Osgood
was energetic and tireless, and showed rare ability
in the conduct of his business affairs. From the time
he became permanently established in business in
Norwich, he interested himself thoroughly in all the
city's affairs, promoted and encouraged new enter-
prises, and made her advancement one with his own.
Many a project which in time added to his own influ-
ence and standing, as a business man and wealthy
citizen, had received its early impulse and standing
because of his support. Few men were so intimately
associated with every phase of the city's develop-
ment, his influence being felt in every direction, and
his good judgment caused his opinion on all sub-
jects to be highly valued. Among the numerous con-
cerns with which he was identified we may mention
the Boston Rubber Shoe Company, of Maiden,
Mass.. the Crown Cotton Gin Company, of New
London, and the Norwich City Gas Company. He
was also prominent in banking circles, being the
founder of the Shetucket Bank, of which he was
president from its organization until his death, and
vice-president of the Norwich Savings Society. He
was a director in the New London Mutual Fire In-
surance Company, and of the Norwich Water Power
Company. The Doctor also did much to advance the
interests of the New London Northern Railroad
Company, and was its president from 1873 till his
death. He labored hard to advance the educational
interests of Norwich, and aided in founding the Free
Academy, of which he was one of the incorporators.
Dr. Osgood was a Democrat in political faith, but
never a bitter partisan. He had neither taste nor am-
bition for public office, but in 1876 was elected mayor
of Norwich, on a citizen ticket ; however, he resigned
before his term expired, owing to poor health.
All in all. Dr. Osgood was a most excellent citi-
zen, prosperous in business, useful in advancing
public interests, active in benevolent and charitable
work, and popular in society as a gentleman of su-
perior culture and a man of the highest personal
character. His death, which occurred March 18,
1 88 1, brought forth expressions of sincere regret
from many circles. Dr. Osgood was survived by
his wife and three children, two sons — Charles H.
and Frederic L. — and one daughter. Mrs. A. C.
Tvler. the wife of Col. Tyler, of New London, Con-
necticut.
Gilbert Osgood, a younger brother of the late
Dr. Charles Osgood, was born in Lebanon Oct. 14.
1823, and there commenced his education in the dis-
trict school. He also attended Bacon Academy, at
Colchester. Conn. When a young man he came to
Norwich, where he entered the drug house of his
brother. Dr. Charles Osgood, as a clerk, and still
later became a partner in the wholesale and retail
drug business with his brother, continuing thus
until his death. He was a man well known and very
highly respected, popular with all classes, and was
a devoted father and husband. He died Feb. 22.
1 87 1. and was buried in Yantic cemetery. Mr. Os-
good attended the Episcopal Church.
On Sept. 25, 1854. in Norwich, Mr. Osgood mar-
ried Mary Sangar Backus, who was born Nov. 7,
1834, in Norwich, a lady of culture and refinement,
and who proved a devoted wife and mother. She
was a member of Christ Episcopal Church. Mrs,
Osgood was a daughter of Joseph Backus, and - -
ter of the late Mrs. Charles Webb. She died at her
home Aug. 26. 1865. and is buried in Yantic ceme-
tery. Three children were born to Mr. and Mrs.
Osgood : Lillie Morgan, who married J. Theodore
Webb, of Norwich: Mary Gilbert, and Martha L.
Charles Henry Osgood, the eldest son of Dr.
Osgood, has been conducting the business since the
death of his father, and is trustee of his father's
estate. He is a broadminded man. and popular with
all classes, and is noted for his charity. Politically
he takes an independent stand. Mr. Osgood married
Annie Alvard. daughter of T. E. Alvard. and their
only child. Charles, born Feb. 13, 1878. graduated
from the College of Physicians and Surgeons in
New York, and is now practicing in that city.
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
22 I
WILLIAM COIT OSGOOD, who for nearly
three-quarters of a century has been one of the
leading citizens of Norwich, was born in the town
of Lebanon, Xew London Co., Conn., Jan. 8. 1816,
and is a son of the late Dr. Erastus and Martha
(Morgan) Osgood, of that town.
Mr. Osgood attended the district schools of his
native town, one of his first teachers being Betsey
Harvey. After finishing the course in the district
schools he entered the store of his uncle, Mr. Gilbert,
of Lebanon, with whom he remained as clerk for
two years. He then went to Colchester, Conn.,
and became a student in the Bacon Academy, under
the principalship of Prof. Charles P. Otis. After
completing his studies there he taught school at
Middle Haddam, Middlesex Co., Conn., for one
winter term, receiving $12 per month and "board-
ing around." Returning to Lebanon, he rented a
farm which he conducted for one year, and in 1837
he came to Norwich, where he embarked in business
with E. Y. Thomas, the partners conducting a meat
market under the firm name of Thomas & Osgood.
William C. Osgood had a capital of $680, $500 of
which was borrowed, his father going his security.
The business was carried on with marked success,
and after a few years Mr. Thomas disposed of his
interest, which Mr. Osgood bought, continuing the
enterprise until 1865, when, after twenty-five profit-
able years, he sold out. He bought land in Leb-
anon, owning three or more farms, one of which
was the place on which William A. Buckingham
(the war governor of Connecticut) was born. The
value of his real estate holdings in the town of
Lebanon was estimated at over twenty thousand
dollars. After cultivating these farms for ten years,
during which time he made his home in Norwich,
he sold out, and on disposing of all his holdings in
Lebanon bought a tract of land in Norwich, which
he operated. During this time he became engaged
in buying and selling cattle, having over two hun-
dred acres of pasture and woodland in the town of
Bozrah, which he sold in 1903. In 1902 he sold his
Norwich farm for a cemetery — the tract of 100 acres
now known as the Maplewood cemetery. He bore
a high reputation for honesty in every transaction
throughout his business life. In speaking of his
business life we may mention the important part he
had in the career of a very prominent merchant
of Norwich. Mr. Osgood thought he detected the
qualities which would make for success in the young
man, and volunteered some advice and suggestions
as to how he should proceed in business. The young
man adopted the suggestions, having faith in the
good judgment of his more mature friend, and rose
to a high position in the business world.
Mr. Osgood has given up all farm work, and is
now living retired in his home in Main street, Nor-
wich, and though in his ninetieth year he is
quite active, in possession of all his faculties, and
takes a deep interest in all leading events of the
day. He was a Whig originally, and was one of the
first Republicans in Norwich. His first Presidential
vote was cast for William Henry Harrison, and he
voted also for his grandson, Benjamin Harrison,
casting his last vote for the martyred President
William McKinley. He has always taken a pro-
found interest in local public affairs, and served
as a member of the common council of the city for
three years, later acting as alderman. He also
filled the office of selectman of Norwich, was a
member of the board of relief, and served for many
years as assessor of the town, giving able service
in every capacity. Mr. Osgood has been a lifelong
member of the Broadway Congregational Church.
He is a man of genial manner, and has won hosts
of friends who esteem and admire him for his
firm Christian character and many sterling qualities.
Mr. Osgood was married (first) in Lebanon, to
Sarah McCall, who was born there, daughter of
Archippus McCall. She died about 1843 or 1844,
and was buried in Lebanon. For his second wife
he married Adaline Browning, daughter of Thomas
Browning, of North Stonington. She died Nov.
10, 1845, and ^'as buried in Yantic cemetery. Mr.
Osgood subsequently married Sarah Adams, of Can-
terbury. Conn., daughter of Fitch and Sarah (Mor-
gan) Adams, and she passed away Jan. 3, 1901, at
her home in Norwich, after a happy married life
of over fifty years, and was buried in Yantic cem-
etery. She was a devoted wife and mother, and a
good Christian woman, a member of the Broadway
Congregational Church. Mrs. Osgood possessed
many Christian virtues, and was known for her
charity and fine womanly character. She left two
children: (1) William Coit, who resides with his
father, married Fannie Griffin, and they have had
two children, one that died young and William Coit
(3). (2) Sarah first married Henry Morgan, of
Winsted, Conn., and they had one son, William
Osgood, who is now an attorney. For her second
husband she married AY W. Gamwell, of Pitts-
field, and they have one son. William Osgood.
FREDERIC L. OSGOOD, ex-mayor of Nor-
wich, Conn., is a native son of that city whose entire
life has been identified with that community, and
the progress and best interests of New London
county.
Frederic L. Osgood was born May 31, 1849, a
son of the late Dr. Charles Osgood. His education
was acquired in the public schools and in Norwich
Free Academy, where he was distinguished for his
high scholarship. All his life he has taken a keen
interest in public affairs, and he has been one of the
workers in the party of his political preference —
the Democratic. In 1882 he was elected an alder-
man, and served under the late H. H. Osgood, the
then mayor. In 1884 he was re-elected, serving
four years, during which time he served on the
committees on Public Grounds. Auditing. Police
and Finances, giving general satisfaction, his com-
plete abnegation of selfish interests for the good
222
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
of his constituents winning the approval and good
will of men of all parties. In May, 1896, he was
nominated by his party as their candidate for mayor,
his name being placed before the convention by Dr.
Cassidy, and the nomination seconded by Charles
E. Briggs. He was elected by a good majority,
and fulfilled the duties of the office with judgment
and efficiency, so well gaining the esteem and re-
spect of the citizens of the town that when, in
1898, he was again nominated as the Democratic
standard bearer, he was re-elected by the largest
majority ever given to a candidate in the city, his
surplus of votes being over 800. Again he sur-
rendered his time and talents to the general good,
and was, at the end of his second term, offered the
nomination for the third term, but declined. He
was one of the most popular mayors the city ever
had, being broad-minded and liberal in his views,
and wise in his administration of public affairs.
Genial in disposition, he was a man easily ap-
proached, and he listened with patience to all sides
of the questions he was called upon to settle.
On October 7, 1874, Air. Osgood was united in
marriage with Miss Eliza J. White, daughter of
William and Adaline (Kinne) White, and they
reside in a beautiful home erected by Mr. Osgood
on Washington street. They attend Christ Episco-
pal Church, of which Mrs. Osgood is a member.
Socially Mr. Osgood is a great favorite, and he
is an enthusiastic yachtsman. He is a member of
the Xew York Club, the New York Yacht Club, the
Atlantic Yacht Club, and the Larchmont Yacht
Club, and the Norwich Club. Mrs. Osgood is a
ladv of culture and attainments. She is a member of
the General Society of Colonial Dames, and also
of the Connecticut Society of Colonial Dames ; of
the Society of Descendants of the Mayflower,
and the Society of the Descendants of Colonial
Governors. She has spent much time and money
in genealogical research, in which she takes a deep
interest.
HORACE FOOTE is a successful farmer and
highly respected citizen residing in Exeter Society,
in the town of Lebanon. The Foote family is one of
the old families of Connecticut and has numerous
descendants in Lebanon and Colchester.
(I) Nathaniel Foote is first of record in New
England in 1633, when he took the oath of free-
man. He was of Watertown, Mass., and there had
grants of land, and he became one of the first set-
tlers of Wethersfield, Conn. He was an intelligent,
pious and industrious farmer. In 1644 he was ap-
pointed a delegate to the General Court. About 1615,
in England, he had married Elizabeth, sister of John
Deming, who too became one of the first settlers of
Wethersfield. and for many years was one of the
magistrates of the Colony of Connecticut. Mr.
Foote died in T644, aged about fifty-one years. His
widow remarried, and died July 28, 1(183. aS'l-'(1 about
eighty-eight years. Their children were: Nathaniel,
Robert, Elizabeth, Mary, Frances, Sarah and Re-
becca.
(II) Nathaniel Foote (2), born about 1620, mar-
ried in 1646 Elizabeth Smith, daughter of Lieut.
Samuel Smith. Mr. Foote died in 1655. Their chil-
dren were : Nathaniel, Samuel, Daniel and Elizabeth.
(III) Nathaniel Foote (3), born Jan. 10, 1647,
married May 2, 1672, Margaret, daughter of Na-
thaniel Bliss, and settled in Hadley, Mass., but sub-
sequently lived in Springfield, Mass., Stratford,
Branford and Wethersfield, Conn., in which latter
place he died Jan. 12, 1703. His widow died in Col-
chester, April 3, 1745, aged ninety-five years. Their
children were Sarah, Margaret, Elizabeth, Mary,
Nathaniel, Ephraim, Josiah, Joseph and Eunice.
(IV) Joseph Foote, born Dec. 28, 1690, married
Dec. 12, 1 7 19, Ann Clothier, who died April 15,
1740. He then married, Sept. 21, 1740, Mrs. Han-
nah Northam, of Colchester, where they resided, and
he died April 21, 1756. Their children were: Am-
brose, Jeremiah, Hosea, Anna and Eunice.
(V) Jeremiah Foote, born Oct. 11, 1725, mar-
ried Sept. 14, 1749, Ruhama Northam. daughter of
John Northam, of Colchester, and lived in Colches-
ter. Mr. Foote died May 15, 1784. while his widow-
died Feb. 8, 1809, aged eighty-two years. Their chil-
dren were: Ambrose, Ambrose (2). Betsy. Stephen,
, Jeremiah, Ruhama, Ann, Hannah, Martha
and Esther.
(VI) Stephen Foote, born in 1755, married April
29, 1779, Esther Clark, daughter of Ezra Clark, of
Colchester, where they lived. Mr. Foote died Sept.
11, 1798, and his widow died March 30, 1842, aged
eighty- four years. Their children were : Stephen,
Ezra, Esther, Erastus, Ralph C. and Sally.
(VII) Ralph C. Foote. born Aug. 11. 1793. was
a resident of Marlboro, Conn., but later removed to
Colchester, and there resided the remainder of his
life, dying there. In his business life he was a
farmer, and made a success of his work. After an
active life, filled with extensive farming operations,
he died in June, 1870. and was interred in the ceme-
tery at Colchester. He married Amelia Foote, who
was born July 15, 1801, daughter of Roger Foote
(of Marlboro), granddaughter of Asa, great-grand-
daughter of Nathaniel (4), great-great-grand-
daughter of Nathaniel (3) and Margaret (Bliss)
Foote. Their children were : Jane E. married Henry
Foote, and died in Colchester, although for many
years they lived in Great Barrington, Mass.. where
he was a farmer ; Horace is mentioned below ;
Eunice A. married Lyman Loring and died in Great
Barrington, Mass. ; Sarah L. married Capt. Cyrus
Cook, who served in the war of the Rebellion, and
died in Colchester ; Ralph Clarke married Lydia
Harvev, and after residing for several years in Col-
chester went west ; Caroline B. became the wife of
Deacon David McCall and died in Goshen: Mary
E. married Albert Harvey, a farmer, and died in
Lebanon.
(VIII) Horace Foote was born Nov. 14, 1821, in
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
223
Marlboro, Conn., and was a boy when bis parents
moved to Colchester. He received a common school
education, and his early life was spent in bard work,
he being brought up to farm life, living at home until'
about three years after bis marriage. Tben be moved
to Exeter Society, in the town of Lebanon, and pur-
chased of his brother-in-law. Nelson Webster, the
farm known as the "Squire Lamb Place," on which
he resided until his death. He later added other
land, having become very successful as a farmer, and
was also very successful as a stock raiser, taking a
pride in carrying a fine line of blooded stock. His
death occurred Jan. 31, 1888, and was caused by
paralysis. In politics he was a Democrat, but never
sought political preferment. He attended the Con-
gregational Church.
On Oct. 10, 1849, Mr. Foote was married to
Lucy Ann Webster, who was born June 30, 1822,
daughter of Erastus and Anna (Bolles) Webster.
Mrs. Foote still resides on the homestead, and is
well preserved for her years. Their children were :
Erastus W., born Oct. 29, 1852, died Dec. 30, 1869 ;
Ella C, born Sept. 23, 1854, is the wife of Charles
C. Loomis, of Lebanon, mentioned elsewhere ; Annie
L., born June 19, 1857, is the widow of William E.
Harvey, mentioned elsewhere ; Roger, born Aug. 29,
1859. a farmer in Goshen Society, married Minerva
M. Sherman, and has had children, Roger S., Ida
M.. Irving W., Ethel A. and Gladvs (deceased) ;
Amelia, born Dec. 5, 1861, married John Clarke, of
Liberty Hill, a sketch of whom appears elsewhere ;
Horace, born Feb. 7, 1867, is mentioned below.
Horace Foote, who was born in his present
house, received his education in the district schools,
and his entire life has been passed on the farm where
he was born. He assisted his father on the home
farm, and after the death of the father bought the
interests of the other heirs. He has made improve-
ments on the place in the way of erecting new build-
ings, and has one of the neatest and best farms in
the town. He has 120 acres of land, and is engaged
at general farming and dairying.
On March 29, 1888, Mr. Foote was married to
Miss Mary Elizabeth Spaford, who was born Jan.
22, 1865, daughter of Deacon Henrv A. and Alarv
E. (Porter) Spaford. In politics he" is a stanch Re-
publican, and has served on the board of relief and
district school committee. He is a member of Col-
chester Grange, Xo. 78, at Colchester, and of the
American Lodge of Fraternal Helpers, at Lebanon.
He and bis wife are members of the Exeter Congre-
gational Church. Mr. Foote is a hard-working man.
and by industry and thrift has succeeded in the
world, and become a worthy descendant of his an-
cestors.
DEACON GEORGE W. ROGERS, a most
highly esteemed citizen of New London county, re-
siding near Leffingwell, in the town of Bozrah, is a
descendant of one of the earliest Connecticut settlers.
(I) James Rogers, presumably a son of the Rev.
John Rogers, of Dedham, England, came to Amer-
ica in the ship "Increase" from London, England
>n 1635 He is first known in Stratford. Conn '
where he was married to Elizabeth, daughter of
Samuel Rowland. Later they were in Milford
Conn, where both united with the Rev Mr Pru-
dens church, she in 1645, and he in 1652.' Previous
o 1660 Air. Rogers fixed his residence5 permanent
in New London, Conn., where be acquired property
and became influenzal in both ecclesiastical and pub-
orhfr5' T? Six till\es elected a representative
to the General Court. He became the possessor of
severa hundred acres of land on the Great Neck
several house lots in the town, and other tracts in
the vicimty, while on the east side of the river he
and Col. Pynchon, of Springfield, owned 2400 acres
ot land He carried on an extensive baking busi-
ness. On moving to New London both Air and
Mrs. Rogers united with the church there Air
Rogers died in February, 1687-8. His children
were : Samuel Joseph, John, Bathsheba, James, Jon-
athan and Elizabeth.
Q, i?} ,S?-mud S°gers' son of James- was born in
Stratford Conn., Dec. 12, 1640. On Oct. 17, 1664 he
married Alary daughter of Thomas and Ann (Lord)
Stanton the latter a daughter of Thomas Lord, of
Hartford. They resided for a short time in a stone
house and bakery at the head of Winthrop's Cove
but in a few years removed to the outlands of the
town in the vicinity of the Alohegan tribe of In-
dians, and became the first English settlers within
the present limits of the town of Montville It ap-
pears that Samuel Rogers had a second wife whose
Christian name was Joanna. His children were-
Daniel, Alary, Samuel, Elizabeth, Sarah and Jon-
athan. J
(III) Samuel Rogers (2), son of Samuel, was
born in New London, Conn., in December. 1669 (Jn
Jan. 16, 1694 be married Abigail, daughter of John
ITumb. Air. Rogers was a farmer and lived in the
west part of the North Parish, in what is now the
town of Salem. His children were : Anna \bio-ail
Samuel, Alary, Thomas, Jonathan, Daniel, George
and Alercy. ' &
(IV) Samuel Rogers (3), son of Samuel (2)
was baptized in New London, Alav 10 1702 He
settled in the North Parish, now' Salem Society
where be was engaged in farming, and was much
concerned in public affairs. In 1730 he married
Lucy Denison. who was born in 1702, daughter of
Robert Denison. Their children were: Daniel Pru-
dence, James, Alary, Elizabeth, Applin and Jabez
<)t whom the last named married Sarah Gorton and'
sailed in \ ermont, and one of their sons married a
daughter of Governor Chittenden, of that State.
I V ) James Rogers, son of Samuel (3), was born
Feb. 8, 1739. He settled on Wauwecus Hill, in the
town of Norwich, and there engaged in farming
Physically he was a man of large muscular frame
In his religious faith he was a Baptist. In 1762 be
married Zilpha Hyde, daughter of Eleazer "and
224
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
Sarah (Hewitt) Hyde, and their children were:
Eleazer, born Dec. 25, 1763; James, born Oct. 18,
1765; Lucy, born June 15, 1768; Sarah, born April
25, 1770; Denison, born in April, 1772; Eliab, born
May 2J, 1774; Hannah, born Sept. 9, 1776: and
Lydia, born Feb. 24. 1778.
(VI) Denison Rogers, son of James, born in
April. 1772, in the house now occupied by Mrs. E. E.
Northrup, on Wauwecus Hill, town of Norwich,
was a farmer, and followed that occupation all his
active life. His death occurred May 29, 1846. On
March 22, 1794, he married Nancy, born June 3,
1772, daugther of Joshua and Anna (Clark) Pendle-
ton. She died Aug. 1, 1857. Their children were:
Charlotte, born Oct. 27, 1795, married Cyrus Palmer,
and resided in Norwich, where she died Oct. 15,
1837; Alfred D., born April 17, 1797: William P.,
born June 17, 1799, married Lucy C. Beebe, and
resided in Norwich, where he died Feb. 23, 1890;
Lucy, born Oct. 17, 1801, died unmarried; Henry
Clark, born June 9, 1804, married Maria F. Palmer,
and engaged in farming first in Norwich and later
in Bozrah, where he died Oct. 21, 1865; Joshua,
born Sept. 21, 1805, died May 1, 1813 ; Nancy
Maria, born May 7, 1811, died in infancy: Col.
James, twin to Nancy Maria, married (first) Eunice
G. Palmer, (second) Alpa Smith, (third) Mrs. Jane
Yergeson, and engaged in farming on the old home-
stead in Norwich, dying there March 16, 1885 (he
was a colonel in the local militia) ; and Emily Lath-
rop, born June 13, 1815, married (first) Phineas B.
Post, (second) Seth Whiting, and died in Norwich
Aug. 27, 1882.
(VII) Alfred D. Rogers, son of Denison. was
born April 17, 1797, at the old home on Wauwecus
Hill, Norwich. He received a good common school
education, and engaged in farming as his life
work. Until his marriage he resided at home, but
after that event he removed to Greeneville, where he
took up teaming in connection with his agricultural
pursuits. After a few years he removed to East
Great Plain, in Norwich, and there carried on farm-
ing, and butchering. For twelve years he made his
home in Lebanon, Conn., and then removed to Boz-
rah, where for two years he engaged in the cultiva-
tion of the farm now occupied by his son Deacon
George W. He then purchased a small farm in
Norwich, which was his home until his death, June
8, 1 87 1. His remains rest in the cemetery at Leff-
ingwell. He was commonly known as "Capt."
Rogers from his long service in the old militia. He
was a Democrat in politics. On Jan. 21, 1826, he
was united in marriage with Amanda Leffingwell,
who was born Nov. 7, 1805, in the house now occu-
pied by Deacon George W. Rogers, a daughter of
Gurdon and Mary A. (Avery) Leffingwell. and a
granddaughter of Andrew and Mary (Nobles)
Leffingwell. She survived her husband some years
and died in Norwich. Their children were : Alfred
D., born Sept. 2, 1827, died in 1830: Nancy M.. born
Nov. 10, 1830, married John Post, a farmer of Boz-
rah, where she died ; Lucy Ann, born Nov. 15. 1833,
married George R. Swain, and resided in Norwich,
and there died in August, 1903; Harriet A., born
Sept. 26, 1836, is the wife of John H. Leffingwell. of
Bozrah; Alfred D. (2), born Feb. 13, 1839, married
Harriet Holt, and engaged in farming in Norwich,
where he died in March, 1900; and George Wash-
ington, born Nov. 22, 1841.
(YIII) George W. Rogers was born in Lebanon,
and was but two and a half years of age when his
parents removed to Bozrah, and located on the farm
he now owns. Two years later they removed to
Norwich. His educational advantages were lim-
ited to a desultory attendance at the district schools
in the vicinity of home, and at the age of fifteen
years he began working out as a farm hand. At this
work his wages amounted to ten dollars a month and
board. When he was eighteen he left home, and
for the next five years was in the employ of Thomas
Hubbard, a farmer of Norwich, and he then went to
West Hartford, where for two years he worked on a
farm. By this time he determined to do something
for himself, and for two years he rented a farm on
his own account. Returning to Norwich he again
worked as a farm laborer until 1871. when he pur-
chased his present fine farm from the heirs of his
grandmother Leffingwell. and has since made it his
home. He has 112 acres, all under cultivation, and
well cared for, being highly improved, and con-
ducted on thoroughly up-to-date methods. He has
also given much of his attention to dairy work, and
for eighteen years has conducted a milk route in
Norwich.
On June 7, 1871. Mr. Rogers was married in
Pomfret, Conn., to Ellen C. Pellett, a native of Pom-
fret, and a daughter of Francis and Sarah (Griggs)
Pellett, members of an old and valued family of that
town. In his political views Mr. Rogers is a Re-
publican, but has never cared for the honors and re-
sponsibilities of public office. Both he and his good
wife are members of the Leffingwell Baptist Church,
in which he is senior deacon. They are very much
interested in church and charitable work. The only
assistance Mr. Rogers has had in his work has been
that of a capable and worthy wife, who has cheer-
fully shared the ups and downs that come in a hard-
working man's life. She is genial and kind-hearted,
and has made their home a most hospitable one. Mr.
Rogers has been strictly upright in all his dealing,
and receives the respect and esteem due to true
worth.
JOSEPH S. LATIMER, who passed away in
Florida Feb. 21, 1900. was for many years one of
the leading and most respected citizens of Montville,
where he spent the greater part of his life. Mr.
Latimer was a descendant of a prominent old New
England family, his ancestors having been among
the earliest settlers of New London county. He
was a direct descendant in the seventh generation of
Capt. Robert Latimer, his line being traced through
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
225
Capt. Robert, Jr., Samuel, Nathan, Edward and
Joseph H. Latimer.
(I) Capt. Robert Latimer, the first of the name
in New London, Conn., is of record as early as 1661.
On Sept. 1, 1662, he married Mrs. Ann Jones, widow
of Matthew Jones and daughter of George Griggs,
Esq., of Boston. Of their children, the only daugh-
ter, Elizabeth, married Jonathan Prentis. Capt.
Robert Latimer is supposed to have been lost at
sea about 1671.
(II) Capt. Robert Latimer, Jr., son of Capt.
Robert, was born Feb. 5, 1664. He married Eliza-
beth, a widow of Nathan , and they had five
sons and one daughter. He was rich in landed es-
tate, owning besides the homestead in New London
and town lots a considerable tract of swamp and
cedar land in the vicinity of New London, and an
unmeasured quantity of wild land in the northwest-
ern part of New London, which was afterward occu-
pied by his descendants. He also owned that tract
of land in Chesterfield, town of Montville, on which
his descendants afterward lived, and upon which
some of the name still reside. Capt. Latimer was
chosen to many public positions of trust, and in 1705
was chosen a deputy, which office he held for several
years in succession. In 1717 he was a member of
the Governor's Council, to which he was again
chosen in 1720, holding the position from that time
until his death. He passed away in New London
Nov. 29, 1728, aged sixty-four years. His estate
was valued at about £3,300. His children were
John, Robert, Jonathan, Samuel, Peter and Ann.
(III) Samuel Latimer, son of Capt. Robert and
Elizabeth Latimer, was married July 11, 1723, to
Elizabeth Hallum, who was born in England Feb. 22,
1701-02, daughter of Nicholas Hallum by his second
wife, Elizabeth (Meades), whose maiden name was
Gulliver. Mr. and Mrs. Latimer settled in New
London, where he died April 1, 1774, and she passed
away Sept. 1, 1777. Their children, all born between
1726 and 1749, were: Samuel, who died young;
Elizabeth; Nathan; Samuel (2); Amos; Ann;
Mary ; Lucy, and Richard.
(IV) Nathan Latimer, born March 15, 1730, son
of Samuel and Elizabeth (Hallum) Latimer, was
married May 6, 1753, to Jane Lee, daughter of Col.
Stephen and Abagail (Lord) Lee, of Lyme, Conn.
He settled in Chesterfield, and was living there in
1802, when he sold land to his son, Nathan, Jr. Sev-
eral of the family moved to Pennsylvania and Ohio,
where their descendants still reside. The children of
Nathan and Jane Latimer, all born between 1759 and
l773y were as follows: Ann married Zebulon Chap-
man ; Elizabeth married a Dodge ; Hallum married
Mercy Dodge ; Jane married Samuel Miner ; Nathan
married (first) Ann Dodge, and (second) Widow
Sabra (Baker) Chapman; Lucy married a Dodge;
Samuel married Elizabeth Chapel ; Edward is men-
tioned below ; Stephen removed to Pennsylvania ;
Lydia married (first) a Strickland and (second)
a Beckwith.
15
(V) Capt. Edward Latimer, born July 10, 1771,
son of Nathan and Jane (Lee) Latimer, married
Elizabeth Latimer, daughter of Richard and Sarah
(Holt) Latimer, of New London, where the young
couple settled. Mr. Latimer was a thrifty farmer
and an esteemed citizen. He died in New London
March 16, 1836, and his wife passed away Jan. 25,
1849. They had twin sons, of whom Joseph H. was
the survivor.
(VI) Joseph H. Latimer, born May 10, 1798,
son of Edward and Elizabeth (Latimer) Latimer,
was married Dec. 30, 1827, to Theresa Tinker, who
was born Oct. 14, 1807, daughter of Harris and
Elizabeth (Deshon) Tinker. Their children were as
follows: Sarah Holt, born Feb. 21, 1829, married
William C. Turner, of Montville, and she died Dec.
24, 1898. Richard R., born May 25, 183 1. married
Emma Brown, and is now residing at Gale's Ferry,
Conn. Miss Ann E., born March 1, 1834, and now
living in Orange, N. J., was for many years engaged
in teaching. Elizabeth D., born April 24, 1837, died
young. Edward H., born Oct. 25, 1840, died at
Camp Chesebrough, Baltimore, Md., Feb. 14, 1864,
while in the service of his country as a soldier in the
war of the Rebellion ; he had enlisted in the fall of
1861, in the 1st Connecticut Cavalry, and was sec-
ond lieutenant at the time of his death. Joseph
Strickland is the gentleman whose name introduces
this sketch. Mrs. Theresa (Tinker) Latimer died
Sept. 14, 1864, and was survived by her husband
who died at the home of his son, Joseph S., in Mont-
ville, April 11, 1876.
Joseph Strickland Latimer, born March 26, 1844,
in East Lyme, Conn., began his business life as a
traveling salesman in New York. Later he was
bookkeeper for Palmer Bros., of Montville, proving
so useful and proficient in that incumbency that he
was retained in it during the rest of his life. He
became a prominent citizen of Montville, where he
was held in the highest esteem both as a business
man and personally. He was a Baptist in religious
faith, originally holding membership in the church at
Chesterfield, and afterward transferring to the
church at Palmertown, in which latter he held
the office of deacon for many years. Politically he
favored the Republican party, in whose welfare he
was deeply interested, but his health being rather
poor he did not take much active part in public af-
fairs. However, he served many years as a member
of the school board in which he was an effective
worker. His health breaking down, he went to
Florida, where, as previously mentioned, he died
Feb. 21, 1900. He was sincerely mourned in the
community where so many years of his useful up-
right life were spent, and will long be missed by
those who had the pleasure of intimate acquaintance
with him.
During the Civil war Mr. Latimer was loyal to
the Union cause. On Aug. 25, 1862, he enlisted,
from East Lyme, in Company I, 26th Conn. V. I.,
was mustered in Nov. 10, 1862, and served until
J JO
GEXEALOGICAL AXD BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
mustered out on Aug'. 17. 1863. He was a member of
Sedgwick Tost. G. A. R.. at Norwich. Mr. Latimer
was a man highly esteemed by all who knew him
for his integrity of character and his kindness of
heart.
On Jan. 1. 1872. Mr. Latimer was united in mar-
riage at Palmertown, with Miss Arabella Palmer,
who was born March 3. 1849, daughter of Elisha H.
and Ellis (Loomis) Palmer, of Montville. Children
as follows blessed this union: (1) Hugh, born Oct.
15, 1872, in Montville, is now living in Savannah.
Ga.. and is engaged in farming. He married Alice
Weakley, of Florida, and they have one child, Cecil,
born in April, 1902. (2) Frederick Palmer, born
Nov. 12. 1875. in Montville, is a lawyer, and lives in
Groton, Conn. He married Grace Hamilton, of
Groton. Nov. 27, 190 1. and they have two children,
Thomas H.. born Dec. 24. 1902. and Frederick P.,
Jr.. born in March. 1904. j 3 t Richard William, born
June 13, 1879. is living in Fall River. Mass.. where
he is engaged in the cotton manufacturing business
as assistant superintendent. He married Ella Gray,
of East Orange. N. J. : they have no children. (4)
Robert Lee, born Oct. 24. 1883. attended Brown
University at Providence. R. I., class of 1905. (5)
Alice Elizabeth, born June 9, 1887. died Dec. 17,
1889. (6) Gladys Estelle, born Nov. 16, 1891, is at-
tending the public schools.
BROOKS. The Brooks family is ably repre-
sented in Connecticut by Henry L. Brooks, now liv-
ing retired in Danielson, who for a number of vears
was a successful merchant of Salem. Conn., and by
his son, Charles H. Brooks, for several years a lead-
ing merchant of Pomfret, Conn., who has for the
past several years been proprietor of the Jordan
gristmill in Waterford, New London county.
The Brooks family is an old one in New Eng-
land, and Alpheus Brooks, the great-grandfather
of Charles H., lived in Buckland. Mass.. where he
died Nov. 19. 1852. at the advanced age of eighty-
four years. He was a blacksmith by trade. He mar-
ried Sophia White.
Sidney Brooks, M. D.. grandfather of Charles
H.. was bom Aug. 1. 1811, in Buckland. where he
was reared. He fitted for college at Sanderson
Academy, Ashfield. Mass. : graduated from Am-
herst College in the class of 1837 ; and pursued his
medical studies in Berkshire Medical College, from
which he received his degree of M. D. He practiced
at Halifax. Vt, from 1842 to 1845: was located in
practice at Ashfield from 1845 until 1850: and
thence removed to Gales berry. Conn., where he re-
mained until his death. June 17. 1863. by drowning.
On May 17. 1843. Dr. Brooks married Lucy Clapp
Leavitt. daughter of Horatio Leavitt. of Greenfield.
Mas<. She died Jan. 18, 1845. and on Jan. 1. 1847,
he married Rebecca Sanderson, daughter of Asa
Sanderson, of Ashfield. Mass.. who outlived him a
number of years, dying at Ashfield. There was one
child. Henry L.. by the first union, and also one bv
the second. Arthur Sidney, who died when two and
a half years old.
Henry Leavitt Brooks was born June 24. 1844,
in Halifax. Yt., and was only an infant when his
parents removed to Ashfield, Mass., where his
mother died when he was about six months old.
He made his home with his aunt until his father re-
married. His early education was received in the
schools of Ashfield. and he also attended school in
Boston, Mass.. for two years, during that time liv-
ing with an uncle. In 1858, at the age of fourteen
years, he left Phillips school in Boston and returned
to his father's home, in Gales Ferrv, Conn., where
he became a clerk in the general store of William
A. Hedge, remaining with him about two years.
After this he followed the water for about six years,
during the greater portion of which time he was
engaged in steamboating. and in the coasting trade.
He then took up farming, in April. 1866, purchas-
ing a place of 130 acres in Salem. Conn., which he
conducted for a number of years, meantime making
a start in what proved to be the principal venture of
his business life. From a small beginning he grad-
ually developed a general mercantile business which
grew to such proportions that he was obliged to lease
his farm and give all his attention to his store, which
he continued to carry on with unvarying success
until 1896. in which year he sold it to Kingsley &
Chadwick. For about a year following he lived re-
tired in Xew London, thence going to Boston, Mass.,
where for a year and a half he was engaged in con-
ducting a lodging house. He has since lived prac-
tically retired, making his home in Danielson. Conn.
During the period of his residence in Salem Mr.
Brooks was naturally, as a successful business man,
one of the prominent citizens of that place, and he
took an active interest in its public welfare as well
as in its business interests. He served several years
on the board of selectmen and on the board of relief,
and was a member of the school committee for a
number of years. Mr. Brooks always remained neiiT
tral in town affairs, supporting the best men, but in
national affairs he votes with the Democratic party.
He has always been an interested church worker,
and as a member of the Congregational Church at
Salem took an active part in its work, serving as
treasurer of the church for a number of years, until
his removal from the place.
Mr. Brooks was married, April 13, 1864, to Mary
Sophia Allyn, daughter of Ephraim and Almira
1 Arthur) Allyn. of Gales Ferry, and three children
blessed this union. Arthur Sidney. Charles H. and
William Allyn. Mrs. Brooks passed away May 19,
1893, in Salem. Conn. Of the children, the eldest
son. Arthur S.. born March 9. 1865. in Gales Ferry,
is now engaged in railroading in Aberdeen, S. Dak.
He married Miss Lizzie Harding, of Red Wing,
Minn., and they have had one child. Henry Dean.
William Allyn. born Dec. 20. 1887. in Salem. Conn.,
is at present a clerk in Beckley's drug store, in
Danielson.
GENEALOGICAL AXD BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
227
Charles H. Brooks was born July i, 1870, in
Salem, Conn., and attended the district schools of his
native town until thirteen years of age. Being of an
energetic nature, he did not enjoy the confinement
of the schoolroom, which he left to enter the em-
ploy of his father, working in the latter's general
store in Salem. After remaining with him for sev-
eral years he went to Groton, Conn., where he was
engaged as a clerk in the general store of his cousin,
Carlos \Y. Allyn, for about a year and a half. At
the end of that time, with the savings he had accum-
ulated from his earnings, he purchased the general
store of H. P. Bullard, at Abington, in the town of
Pomfret, Conn., and although then but twenty-four
years of age he made a success of the enterprise from
the start, continuing it for eight years. Even at that
early age he showed the same close application and
progressive methods which have marked all his bus-
iness career and have undoubtedly been the principal
factors in his success. In 1901 Mr. Brooks pur-
chased the Jordan gristmill in Waterford, on the
Jordan brook, which was originally built in 1712,
and which is one of the old landmarks of New Lon-
don county. He carried on both the mill and store
for two years, but the business of the mill attained
such proportions that he thought it advisable to dis-
pose of his mercantile business and give his whole
attention to the new line. He accordingly sold his
store in 1903. and now gives his undivided attention
to the milling business, which under his management
is one of the important industries of the locality.
He is a man of sound judgment and up-to-date ideas
in business matters, and is regarded as one of the
substantial citizens of Waterford. Like his father,
he affiliates with the Democrats in national matters
and acts independently in local affairs. He has held
no public position except the postmastership of Ab-
ington, to which he was appointed during Cleve-
land's second administration, and in which he con-
tinued for six years, resigning when he removed to
Waterford.
Mr. Brooks was married, March 20, 1895, to
Marion W. Sage, daughter of Franklin H. Sage, of
Hartford. Conn., and to this union has come one
son. Lawrence Eugene, born April 13. 1903, in
Waterford.
As a business man Mr. Brooks ranks among the
most enterprising and progressive young citizens of
his town. The improvements he has made in the
mill property alone since it came into his possession
would stamp him as both energetic and sagacious.
They have enabled him to transact the business more
promptly and satisfactorily than it has ever been
done before, and his patrons appreciate the fact. His
home property, which is near the mill, has also been
transformed, the house having been thoroughly re-
modeled and equipped with modern improvements.
As a companion he is much liked wherever he goes,
his high character and genial manners winning him
many friends and admirers among all classes.
MICHAEL B. MacDOXALD, master ship
builder, and owner of the ship yards at Mystic — the
second in size for the building of wooden vessels
on the Atlantic coast — has been the carver of his
own fortune. He springs from the sturdy Scotch
race, and with the characteristics inherited from his
hardy ancestry, he has persisted in spite of discour-
agements, always employing honorable methods,
until he has found success, and with it the unequivo-
cal respect of his fellow men.
The family of MacDonald is an old one, and the
most numerous one on Prince Edwrard Island. John
MacDonald, great-grandfather of Michael B., was a
resident of Uist, Iverness-shire, Scotland, who with
his wife and several children emigrated to America
in 1780, settling at Glencoe, then called Cable Head,
on Prince Edward Island. There he spent the re-
mainder of his life engaged in farming.
Allen MacDonald, the eldest child of the emi-
grant John, was twelve years old when the family
came to America, and his life thereafter was spent
in the vicinity in which his father settled. He was
a farmer by occupation, and he attained the age of
eighty-five years. He was thrice married, and each
of his wives bore him children, in all eighteen.
Among his children by his first wife, whose maiden
name was Euphemia McKinnon, he had a son John.
John MacDonald, son of Allen, was born in
1806, at Glencoe, on the north side of Prince Edward
Island. He became a sea captain in the coasting
trade, and also worked as a ship builder. Some of
the vessels he commanded were built by him and a
brother. His death occurred when he was nearly
ninety years of age, at his home at St. Peter's, near
his birthplace. His wife, Christina Southerland,
whom he survived a few years, attained the age of
eighty-four years. Their children were : Euphemia,
who married Archibald McKenzie, and lives on the
old homestead ; Mary, who died in infancy ; Mary
, (2), who married Angus Cummings, and lives at St.
Peter's ; Michael B., of this sketch ; John E., super-
intendent of the Robert Palmer & Son Shipbuilding
and Marine Railway Company, at Xoank ; Eliza
Ann, wife of John MacDonald, of New London ;
Catherine, now Mrs. William Foley, of Gloucester,
Mass. ; Anastasia, who married Duncan Gillis, of
St. Peter's ; and Matilda, who died young.
Michael B. MacDonald was born at St. Peter's
Bay, Prince Edward Island, April 17. 1841. His
bovhood days were spent in his native home, and
his educational advantages were limited to the prim-
itive schools near by, attending but a few months
each winter until he was sixteen years of age, and
three months during his eighteenth year. At the age
of fourteen he began working at ship building in
his father's yard, working there each summer until
he was eighteen, and then for two years he was
employed at different yards in the vicinity.. In 1861
he went to St. John, New Brunswick, where he re-
mained until 1863, at which time he moved to Bal-
228
GENEALOGICAL AXD BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
timore, Md., and was there engaged in shipbuilding
and the getting out of ship timber until April, 1865,
when, after a short visit home, he located in Quincy,
Mass. He remained at the latter place but a short
time, going in 1866, to Deep River, Conn., where he
was employed in the shipyard of Eli Denison, for a
short time, thence coming to Mystic, first working in
the Mallory yard, and later the Maxon & Fish yard
at 'West Mystic. By this time he had saved some
money, and he determined to return to Prince Ed-
ward Island. He purchased a farm there, and re-
turned to take upon himself its active management.
This he continued, working also some at shipbuild-
ing, for eight years, when he returned to Connecti-
cut, and for two years was employed in the Palmer
yard at Noank. For a few years, in partnership with
a Mr. Anderson, under the firm name of MacDonald
& Anderson, he engaged in shipbuilding on his own
account at Madison, Conn. During the time he was
working for the Palmers at Noank, he took the con-
tract for the building of the "Charles H. Klinck"
and the "Henry L. Fenner," these vessels being con-
structed in the lower part of the yard. At Madison,
among other craft he built the "Hattie A. Marks,"
"Edward F. Mansfield," "Annie B. Mitchell." "John
W. Linnell," and he was at work on the "Bayard
Barnes," when the buildings at the yard were all
destroyed by fire, entailing a heavy loss on the own-
ers. The firm then dissolved partnership, and Mr.
MacDonald removed to East New London, where
the "Bayard Barnes" was completed, and where he
built the "Estelle Phinney," "Joseph Luther,"
"John Booth," the barges "Richards" and "Ray-
mond" and the ferry boat "F. C. Fowler," the latter
now running between Goodspeed's Station and the
landing on the Connecticut River. By this time his
rapidly growing business, caused by the fine reputa-
tion for superior workmanship his craft had gained,
necessitated larger quarters, and in 1902 the Hill
yard at Mystic was purchased. At this time the
business employed twenty men, but so phenomenal
has been its growth, that the force has been steadily
increased, and within less than two years from the
purchase of the Hill yard employment was furnished
to 125 hands. At the new yard the following ves-
sels have been contracted : "William Booth ;" the
steam lighter, "Seaburv ;" the Quinnebaug ;"
"George D. Edmonds;"' "George D. Klinck:"
"Charles E. Wilbur;" "Catherine M. Monahan ;"
and "George E. Scannel," and others now on the
ways. Mr. MacDonald personally attends to everv
detail of the business, in all of his work displaying
the thorough knowledge of the practical builder.
The yards at Mystic have facilities for building the
largest type of wooden vessels, and the plant is the
largest labor giving establishment in the community.
In T867. Mr. MacDonald was united in mar-
riage with Miss Jessie McKinnon, and the following
children have blessed their home : John C, who died
at the age of nine years ; Wallace Augustine, who
married Lizzie Lawton, and has four children : Don-
ald F., Lawrence, Mary and Augustine ; Francis
Allen, who married Euphemia Maclsaac ; Christiana
Beatrice ; Mary Matilda, who married James Kiley ;
John Cosmos ; Donald Joseph, who died in infancy ;
and Hugh Joseph, who graduated from St. Thomas
Seminary at Hartford, and is now attending St.
John's Seminary at Brighton, Mass. Mr. MacDon-
ald and his family are all members of the Roman
Catholic Church at Xoank, in which town the fam-
ily have resided since 1900. They are highly es-
teemed, and are important members of society there.
JOHN R. CHAMPLIX, who passed away in
Norwich, Conn., Jan. 6, 1896, was for many years
identified with the manufacturing interests of east-
ern Connecticut. He was born March 13, 1836, in
Lebanon, New London county, son of Robert and
Electa (Chappell) Champlin of South Kingston. R.
I., and Lebanon, Conn., respectively, and grandson
of John and Martha (Armstrong) Champlin.
From 1864, until some few years before his death,
Mr. Champlin was a resident of South Willington,
Conn., where he was actively engaged in manufac-
turing, identified with his father-in-law and brother-
in-law, Gardiner Hall, and Gardiner Hall, Jr. In
about 1889 he removed to Norwich, in which city, on
Laurel Hill, his death occurred, and there his widow
continues to reside.
Mr. Champlin was a Republican, and was ever
active and zealous in advancing the interests of his
party, having a taste for politics and public affairs.
While a resident of Willington he represented the
town in the General Assembly, and for two terms
he served Tolland county as one of its commis-
sioners.
After his removal to Norwich, he became one of
its public-spirited citizens and popular gentlemen.
He was a home man, happiest when at home with his
wife and children. He was a man of character, a
worthy citizen, and enjoyed the highest respect and
esteem of the community.
On Oct. 28, 1858, Mr. Champlin married Orline
Hall, daughter of the late Gardiner Hall, and sister
of Gardiner Hall, Jr., of South Willington, Conn.
Three children were born to the union of Mr. and
Mrs. Champlin: (1) Lotta Orline married George
Frederic Noyes, and has three children, John Champ-
lin, Robert Gale, and Freda Elizabeth. Mr. Noyes is
connected with the Thames National Bank. (2)
Robert, who resides in Providence, R. I., married
Mary Esther Burdick, and has one child, John
Emulus. (3) Lula Grace, who died Dec. 29. 1897,
married A. Phillips Cook, and left one child, Phillip
Champlin. Mrs. Champlin and her daughter are
members of the Central Baptist Church.
BYRON CLARK, who has been active in edu-
cational circles by his very successful work as a
teacher, and who is now engaged in farming on his
native place, was born at his present residence in
Niantic, New London county, Feb. 18, 1861. This
t^Ui<^<U^^
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
229
farm came into the possession of his great-grand-
father, Nathaniel Clark, in 1816, and the present
house was erected by Nathaniel Clark, the grand-
father, in 1840.
Nathaniel Clark came to Waterford with his
parents when he was but twelve years of age. Upon
reaching manhood he engaged in farming, and in
time became the owner of the homestead. He mar-
ried Fanny Johnson.
Jonathan Smith Clark, son of Nathaniel, was
born near the present home in September, 1824. His
early school days were passed in East Lyme, and he
completed his schooling in Bacon Academy, at Col-
chester, Conn. He remained upon the home farm
engaged in its cultivation until he was forty years of
age, when he removed to New London, and there for
three years was in the employ of Henry Bill, of
Norwich. For some time he was also engaged in
the mercantile business in Palmertown, but in 1869
he returned to Niantic and was there engaged in
farming. In 1876 he removed to Colchester, Conn.,
where he made his home until his death, which oc-
curred in 1885. His widow still resides there. Mr.
Clark was married in North Lyme, to Mary Stark,
daughter of Abiel Stark. Their four children were :
Byron ; Homer ; Mary Fanny, of Boston, Mass. ;
and Theron, assistant registrar of Brown Univer-
sity, Providence, R. I. Jonathan S. Clark was a
prominent man in whatever community he made his
home. Politically he was a Cleveland Democrat.
While in East Lyme he held the office of selectman,
and also a number of minor offices. He was always
on the side of progress and firmly believed it a good
citizen's duty to be interested in the improvements
•of his town. To his energy and wisdom is due
beautiful Pennsylvania Avenue in Niantic. In his
religious belief he was a member of the Baptist
Church.
Byron Clark received his early training in the
schools of New London, Montville, and Niantic,
later attending Bacon Academy in Colchester, Conn.,
and the Connecticut Literary Institute at Suffield,
Conn., completing his education in Brown Univer-
sity at Providence. On account of his father's
•death he was unable to complete his University
course, but at once set to work to make good use of
the exceptional advantages that had been granted
him. He began teaching in Colchester, and later
in Hebron, and afterward taught in the schools of
Colchester, Lebanon and Southington, and he has
the distinction of being the first teacher in the pres-
ent building in Niantic. He was very successful in
this work. Naturally thorough in all he undertakes,
he had mastered the first principles of learning, and
a good command of clear, concise language enabled
him to convey accurately his meaning to others. He
made his home in Colchester until 1888, when he
rented the old home farm, and at the end of two
years purchased the property, which he has since
.greatly improved.
Mr. Clark has always been a useful citizen, and
he has given his town good service by his work on
the board of relief and on the school committee. In
politics he is a Democrat. He is a member of the
Baptist Church at Niantic. On March 20, 1889,
Mr. Clark was married, in East Lyme, to Miss
Mary Sheffield Lee, daughter of John Lee. This
union has been blessed with one child, Lillian Lee,
born Sept. 28, 1890.
RUSSELL GARDNER WOODWARD^ in
whose death at his home on Franklin street, Nor-
wich, Nov. 1, 1900, the community sustained the loss
of a valued citizen and a useful member of society,
passed forty years of his life in New London county,
Connecticut.
Born Sept. 6, 1832, in Dresden, Maine, Mr.
Woodward came of the best New England stock,
and of the earliest families of the Massachusetts
Colonies. Several of his ancestors figured as pa-
triots in the war of the Revolution, and some were
of the most wealthy, and influential of their locality.
The deceased was a son of Levi Woodward, and
on his paternal side descended in the eighth genera-
tion from Richard Woodward, of (Watertown)
Mass., the emigrant settler, from whom his lineage
is through George, John, Daniel, Daniel (2), Sam-
uel and Levi Woodward. These generations in de-
tail and in the order named follow.
(I) Richard Woodward, aged forty-five, wife
Rose, aged fifty, son, George, aged thirteen years,
and son John, aged thirteen years, embarked at Ips-
wich, England, April 10, 1634, in the "Elizabeth,"
and came to America. Mr. Woodward's name is
on the list of earliest proprietors of Watertown,
Mass. He was admitted a freeman in 1635. His
wife Rose died Oct. 6, 1662, and he soon after mar-
ried Ann Gates, widow of Stephen, of Cambridge.
He died Feb. 16, 1665, aged seventy-six years. His
widow, Ann, died in Stow, Feb. 5, 1683.
(II) George Wroodward, son of Richard, had
eight children by his first wife Mary. He married
(second) Aug. 17, 1659, Elizabeth Hammond,
daughter of Thomas, of Newton. Elizabeth inher-
ited from her father 100 acres of land in what is
now Brookline, Mass. The children by Elizabeth
were: George, Thomas, Elizabeth, Nathaniel and
Sarah. The father died May 31, 1676. His widow
remarried.
(III) John Woodward, born March 28, 1649,
married (first) Rebecca, daughter of Richard Rob-
bins, of Cambridge. After her death he married
(second) July 7, 1686, Sarah Bancroft, of Reading.
He built a house on land given him and his wife,
Rebecca, by her father, in Cambridge village, in
which house his descendants for generations lived.
He died Nov. 3, 1732. His wife, Sarah, died Sept.
22, 1723. His children by Rebecca were John,
Tohn (2), Susanna, Richard, Rebecca, Daniel. Re-
becca (2), Daniel (2), Rebecca (3), Mary, Jona-
than, Joseph, Ebenezer and Abigail.
(IV) Daniel Woodward, born Sept. 24, 1681,
230
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
married, Jan. 27. 1704, Elizabeth Greely, and their
children were: Esther, Elizabeth, Mary, Jonas and
Daniel. Mr. Woodward was for several years
selectman of his town. He died in 1749, and his
widow in 1750.
(Y) Daniel Woodward (2), born Sept. 14, 1714,
married, in 1739, Mary Stone, and their children
were : Lois, Samuel, Elisha, Mary, Philemon, Mary,
Daniel and Esther. Mr. Woodward died in 1774, and
Mrs. Woodward passed away in 1776.
(VI) Samuel Woodward, born Sept. 25, 1742,
married, in 1763, Deborah, daughter of Michael
Jackson, and their children were: Asa, Caty, Sam-
uel, Moses, Moses (2), Matthias, Joseph, Benjamin,
Daniel, Caty (2), Mary and Michael. The mother
of these died in 1785, and he married (second), in
1786, Priscilla, a sister of his first wife, and she bore
him two sons, Amos and Levi, and two daughters,
Deborah and Priscilla. Mr. Woodward was a sol-
dier in the Revolution. He served as a sergeant in
the company of Amariah Fuller, which marched to
Cambridge at the Lexington alarm, April 19, 1775,
and participated in the battle of Concord, and at
Dorchester Heights. For five days in March, 1776,
he served as sergeant under the same captain, in the
regiment commanded by Col. Thatcher. For eight
months in 1775, he was in the company of Capt.
Xatban Fuller, in the 37th Massachusetts regiment,
commanded by Col. William Bond. In 1777 he
loaned the town £120 to pay the soldiers.
(VII) Levi Woodward, son of Samuel, was
born at Dresden Mills, Maine, and in that place he
spent his entire life, following the occupation of
farmer. He died at an advanced age. He married
Mary Muzzy, born Oct. 23, 1795, daughter of Jonas
and Abigail (Lamb) Muzzy, of Spencer, Mass.
They had six children, as follows: (1) Gilbert, re-
sided at Dresden, Maine, where he was engaged at
farming. (2) Sarah married a Mr. Austin, and re-
sided in Decatur, 111., where she died. (3) Philinda
died in young womanhood. (4) Russell was born
Sept. 6, 1832. (5) Harriet married a Mr. Lewis, and
resided in Elwood, Kans. (6) Alvin, born July 20,
1835, became a physician, and in 1861, located in the
city of New York, where he practiced his profession
until bis death May 20, 1904; he married Mary E.
McDowell.
Mrs. Mary (Muzzy) Woodward, the mother of
Russell G. Woodward, descended from the old
Muzzy family of Massachusetts, which for more than
a century and a half was among the leading influen-
tial families of Lexington ; and which family was of
patriotic blood. Her Muzzy lineage from Benjamin
and Alice (Dexter), of Maiden, Mass., is through
Benjamin (2) and John, Sr., John and Abigail
(Reed), of Lexington and Spencer. Jonas and Abi-
gail (Lamb) of Spencer. Mass. Of these ancestors
John Muzzy, referred to as a most honorable and
respected man, was a member of the Lexington
company which met the enemy on that memorable
occasion in 1775, and was with the army at Cam-
bridge during the siege of Boston in 1776 ; and Jonas
Muzzy (1748-1824) served for a time as corporal
in Capt. Ebenezer Mason's company, and under Col.
Jonathan Warren, and went out at the Lexington
alarm, in 1775. He also served for a time in a com-
pany commanded by Capt. John White, in a regi-
ment commanded by Col. Samuel Denny, which
marched in 1777 to Hadley, on the alarm to the
northward. At another time, and for a period in
September and October, 1777, he was a private and
served as a member of Capt. David Prouty's com-
pany. Col. Samuel Denny's regiment, when a di-
vision of that regiment under Asa Baldwin marched
to join the northern army by order of the council.
(VIII) Russell G. Woodward, son of Levi,
passed his boyhood in his native town, and there re-
ceived his elementary education in the district
schools. He later studied at Wesleyan Seminary, at
Kent's Hill, and then learned the machinist's trade
at Lawrence, Mass. On May 27, 1854, Mr. Wood-
ward was married at Oakland, Maine, to Miss Cor-
delia C. Burgess, daughter of David H. and Sarah
(Harvey) Burgess. Two children were born to this
union : Henry R. and Miss Alice H., of Norwich,
Conn. The mother died Nov. 29, 1886, and on July
2, 1888, Mr. Woodward married Emma Louise Ray,
of Norwich, who survives him. One child was born
to them, Mary Emma, who died in infancy.
In 1855, a year after his first marriage Mr.
Woodward removed to Elwood, Kans., where he
remained until the breaking out of the Civil war, in
1 86 1. He then returned to Lowell, Mass., and in
1863 located in Norwich, Conn., which was his field
of operation and place of residence until the time of
his death. On removal to Norwich he entered the
employ of the Norwich Arms Company, and with
the exception of three years, when he was part
owner and overseer of the silk mill in Preston, he
was employed in the one building, with the different
concerns which had occupied it, for thirty-six years.
Mr. Woodward was a skilled mechanic and a most
trusty and valuable man. Of a social and pleasing
disposition, he made and held friends among his
fellow associates, and with those of the community
with whom he came in contact. He was of quiet
manners and a man of charitable and generous im-
pulses, and a home and family man. His religious
connections were first with the old East Main Street
Methodist Church, and later, on its consolidation
with the Central M. E. Church, under the name of
Trinity Church, he became identified with the latter.
He served as trustee and steward. A Christian gen-
tleman he was esteemed and respected.
Mr. Woodward was a member of the Society of
the American Revolution. In politics he was at one
time a Republican, but later he voted the Prohibition
ticket, being himself a stanch temperance man — tem-
perate in all his habits.
Henry Russell Woodward, son of Russell
Gardner Woodward, and a well known jeweler of
Norwich, was born in Elwood, Kans., Feb. 21, 1858,,
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
231
and came to Norwich with his parents. There he at-
tended the district schools and the Free Academy,
and was later at East Greenwich (R. I.) Academy,
where he graduated in 1876. In 1877 he started in
the jewelry business as a traveling salesman. In
1888 he opened a store in Norwich, at No. 163 Main
street, and later owned stores, one in Gardner,
Maine, and one in Stonington, Conn. Politically he
is a Republican, and fraternally is a member of
Lodge No. 46, K. P., of Norwich. Mr. Woodward
married April 28, 1880, Louise F. Wilbur, who was
born in Providence, R. I., daughter of William B.
Wilbur, and granddaughter of Calvin and Maria
(Leonard) Wilbur. Her father was a soldier in the
Civil war, in the 4th Rhode Island Heavy Artillery.
They have had two children, Alice Louise and
Carrie Burgess, the former of whom graduated
from Norwich Free Academy in 1899, and Mt.
Holyoke College, in 1904; and the latter is still a
student in the Norwich Free Academy.
JOHN ECCLES, agent and superintendent of
the celebrated Ponemah Mills, at Taftville, Conn.,
who has for more than a third of a century had a
prominent identification with that Company, is one
of the best known men in connection with the cot-
ton manufacturing industry in New England. A
thoroughly practical man in his line, his experience,
dating back to his early boyhood days, extends
through the mechanical as well as the business por-
tion of the business. Mr. Eccles is a native of
Preston, Lancashire, England, and was the eldest of
a family of three children, two sons and a daugh-
ter, and was the only one to locate in the United
States.
His early connection with the cotton manufactur-
ing business was begun by Mr. Eccles when 12
years old, and in his native town. There he learned
the weaving business, and from the beginning dis-
played an aptness and ability in the work which se-
cured for him rapid promotion notwithstanding his
youth.
In 1863, when he came to the United States, he
was first employed in his line of work in the factorv
of B. B. &. R. Knight, at Hebronville, R. I. He
left there to accept a better position with the Gros-
venordale Company, at Grosvenordale, Conn., where
the late Lucius Briggs was then agent. Mr. Eccles'
services with this company terminated after three
years, when he resigned, much to the regret of his
employers, who offered him inducements to remain.
He then took entire charge of the weaving in the
Putnam Manufacturing Company's plant at Put-
nam, Conn., remaining until 187 1, when he re-
signed to accept the position of overseer of the en-
tire weaving force in the Ponemah Mills at Taftville.
The Ponemah Mills at that time (1871) were
about one-half their present magnitude. Edward
Taft was then president ; and James S. Atwood was
agent for the company. Mr. Eccles continued as
overseer of the weaving until 1890, when he became
superintendent of the mill, a position he has since
held. Following the death of Mr. Atwood, in Feb-
ruary, 1885, the office of agent was dropped until a
few years ago, when it was revived, and Mr. Eccles
made agent. The Ponemah Mills are among the
largest cotton mills in the world ; the total capital
stock is $3,000,000. The building of the first dam
was begun in 1866, the first machinery being put in
operation in 1871. The product is probably the
best known in the country in its line, and comprises
a great variety of fine woven fabrics such as fine
India linons, Persian lawns, fine mull, and all kinds
of fancy cottton goods. About 1,500 people are given
employment, with a pay roll of $600,000. There are
more than 120,000 spindles in operation, and about
3,250 looms. The annual consumption of cotton is
more than 7,500 bales, and the output about 25,-
000,000 yards. The company owns more than 200
tenements in Taftville.
In his other business connections, Mr. Eccles is
Vice-President of the Baltic Mills Company, at Bal-
tic, Conn. Fraternally he was made a Mason at
Arnoldstown, Conn., and later became a charter
member of Quinebaug Lodge, A. F. & A. M., at
Putnam, being one of but four surviving charter
members. He has attained the thirty-second de-
gree in Masonry, and is a member of the Mystic
Shrine at Hartford. Politically he is a stanch Re-
publican, and manifests a keen interest in the suc-
cess of the party.
Mr. Eccles was married at Grosvenordale in
1865, to Miss Nellie M. Taintor, a native of Taun-
ton, Mass. They are both members of Christ
Church, Norwich. Mr. Eccles has taken an active
interest in the affairs of the Congregational Church
at Taftville, and is chairman of the Ecclesiastical
Society.
REV. ELI DEWHURST, who for twenty
years has been pastor of the Voluntown Baptist
Church, is a native of Rosedale, England, born April
3, 1827. He received his early education in the
national schools of the home neighborhood, and
learned the trade of molder. When a young man
he came to America, locating first in Lowell. Mass.,
where he worked in the machine shops.
Mr. Dewhurst's inclination, however, was for
the ministry, which his mother also wished him to
enter, and he had continued his studies while work-
ing, in Lowell studying under Rev. Dr. Eddy, of
that place. He was ordained in 1853 at Bradford,
Maine, at the Baptist Conference, and preached at
that place for two years. Subsequently he had
charges at several places in Massachusetts, among
them Templeton and Hinsdale, at Bangor and Dex-
ter, in Maine, and at Groton Heights and Old Mys-
tic, Conn. In 1883 he came to Voluntown, Conn.,
where he has been pastor ever since, and where
there has been much improvement in the affairs of
the church during his long period of service.
Mr. Dewhurst was married, in 1852, to Diantha
232
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
Richards, of Lowell, Mass., the ceremony being
performed by Rev. Dr. Eddy. Four children blessed
this union, two of whom died young. Rev. Fred-
erick is pastor of the University Congregational
Church, Chicago, 111. ; he married Miss H. May
Taylor, of Danielson, Conn., and they have had
four children. Clarence E. is a commercial man of
Seattle. Wash. The mother of these died in Hins-
dale, Mass., and in 1876 Mr. Dewhurst married
Helen Robertson, or Harrisburg, Pa., daughter of
Rev. James Robertson, a Baptist minister of that
city. They have had three children : Daisy Alice,
who died when thirteen years old ; Robertson, of
New Haven, Conn., who married Ida S. Ebberts,
of Norwich ; and Theodore, who resides in Sterling,
Connecticut.
HOPKINS. The family of Hopkins of which
Henry H. Hopkins, a venerable resident of the town
of Preston, and Charles L. Hopkins, a prominent
citizen of Norwich, are members traces down from
, Thomas Hopkins, through (II) Major William;
(III) William; (IV) Gov. Stephen; (V) Rufus ;
(VI) Col. Silvanus; (VII) Joseph O. ; (VIII)
Henry H. : (VIII) Charles W.
The Hopkins family is an old and distinguished
one in the New England States, and those now living
bearing the name may justly feel proud of their
illustrious ancestry. The immediate descendants of
the family of whi<*h this article treats have upheld
the name to a marked degree, having occupied prom-
inent positions in the manufacturing interests of
New London county, Connecticut.
(I) Thomas Hopkins, the common ancestor of
many of the numerous families bearing the name of
Hopkins, now residents of Rhode Island, and of
others scattered throughout the various States of
the Union, was the son of William and Joanna
(Arnold) Hopkins. He was born in England April
7, 1616. and died at Providence prior to Dec. 27.
1692. The mother of Thomas was a daughter of
Thomas and Alice (Gully) Arnold. Her brother,
William Arnold, was the father of Benedict Arnold,
who was the first governor of Rhode Island, under
the Royal charter granted in 1643.
Thomas Hopkins married about 1648, his wife
(according to Savage) being Elizabeth, daughter of
William Arnold, and a sister of Gov. Benedict
Arnold. He appears to have contributed from his
talents to the public weal, having been a deputy to
the General Assembly from Providence for the years
1652, 1659, 1660, 1665, 1666 and 1667, and a mem-
ber of the town council in 1667 and 1672. His chil-
dren were William and Thomas.
(II) Major William Hopkins, the eldest son of
Thomas, was made a freeman of the Colony April
30, 1672. He married, about 1680, Abigail, widow
of Stephen Dexter, and daughter of John and Sarah
Whipple, early settlers of Providence. The Major
was a man of marked ability, serving the Colonv
both in a civil and a military capacity. He was
also a noted surveyor of lands throughout the Col-
ony. He died July 8, 1723, leaving a large property.
He had but one son, William.
(III) William Hopkins, the only son of Major
William and Abigail Hopkins, died in Scituate, R.
I., in 1738. He married, early in life, Ruth, daugh-
ter of Samuel and Plaine (Wickenden) Wilkinson,
early settlers of Providence. Their children were :
William, Stephen. John, Esek, Rufus, Hope, Sam-
uel, Abigail and Susanna.
(IV) Gov. Stephen Hopkins, the second child of
William and Ruth Hopkins, was born in Cranston,
R. I., March 7, 1707. Numerous and able pens
have portrayed the exalted character of Stephen
Hopkins, one of the signers of the immortal Declar-
ation of Independence. His praises are upon the
lips of every student of history at all conversant with
the public records of the period of his active life,
and his character shines forth with resplendent
brilliancy. He was for many years governor of
Rhode Island, also chief justice of the Superior
court, and from time to time the recipient of the
most important offices in the gift of the Colony.
Though then far advanced in life, his signature to
the Declaration of Independence bears evidence of
purpose of firmness in placing before the world his
approval of that document, and the trembling, pal-
sied hand, though it failed to show his ability as a
penman, failed not to perpetuate his name among
the heroes that dared to brave the despotism at-
tempting to crush out the liberties of their beloved
country.
In 173 1 Stephen Hopkins removed with his par-
ents to Scituate, and at the age of twenty-four years
was the first town clerk, which office he held for sev-
eral years. He represented the town in the Gen-
eral Assembly for the years 1732, 1733, 1735, 1736,
J737> l73& and 1741, after which we find him a rep-
resentative from his new home in Providence. He
also served in the Continental Congress of the Uni-
ted States, and was a member of the committee on
Naval Affairs with John Adams, who became the
second President of the United States.
The Governor married, for his first wife, Oct.
9. 1725, Sarah, daughter of Sylvanus and Joanna
(Jenches) Scott. She died Sept. 9, 1753, aged for-
ty-six years. For a second wife he married, Jan.
2, 1755, Anne, widow of Benjamin Smith, and
daughter of Benjamin Smith, father and husband
bearing the same name. The children of Gov. Ste-
phen Hopkins and his wife Sarah were Rufus, John,
Ruth, Lydia, Silvanus, Simon and George.
(V) Rufus Hopkins, the eldest son of Gov. Ste-
phen Hopkins, was born at Cranston, Feb. 10, 1727,
and died in Scituate, Nov. 13, 1812. He early en-
tered upon the activities of a busy life, and was
prominent in promoting industries instituted to de-
velop the resources of his native State. His early
manhood was spent in maritime pursuits, and he at-
tained a high rank as a nautical commander. The
public life of his father afforded opportunities for
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
233
his advancement in political knowledge, and many
rears of his life were devoted to the service of his
town and State. He filled various positions of trust
in the management of affairs connected with the
Revolutionary period, was for several years a judge
of the court of Common Pleas for Providence coun-
ty, and for a season justice of the Superior court
of the State; was repeatedly elected to represent
Scituate in the General Assembly ; and was a trus-
tee of Brown University from 1782 until his demise.
About the year 1766 he was associated with his fa-
ther, and Messrs. Nicholas, Joseph, John and Moses
Brown and Jabez Bowen, in a project to utilize a
bed of iron ore found in Cranston, and the building
•of Hope Furnace followed, in which was cast,
among other articles, cannon for use in the army
during the struggle for independence. This fur-
nace was located at Scituate, several miles from
the bed of ore, and ox teams were used to convey
the ore to the furnace. Rufus Hopkins was the
manager of the concern.
Rufus Hopkins married, first, Oct. 13, 1747,
Abigail, daughter of John Angell, and she died July
11. 1758, aged twenty-seven years. His second wife
bore the maiden name of Sarah Olney, and they
were married Nov. 11, 1759. She was the daugh-
ter of Capt. Joseph Olney. and a sister of Col. Jere-
miah Olney. She died Oct. 2, 1785. aged fifty-
three years. By his first wife Rufus Hopkins had
three children : John, a daughter and Silvanus, all
of whom died in infancy. By his second marriage
he had children as follows : Stephen, Silvanus, Ru-
fus and Joseph Olney.
(VI) Col. Silvanus Hopkins, the fifth child of
Rufus Hopkins, was born June 25, 1764, and mar-
ried Mary, daughter of Capt. Peter and Elizabeth
(Gardner) Wanton. He was for many years a res-
ident of Scituate, and engaged in the manufacture
■of cotton goods. A respected citizen of Providence,
whose residence during his youth and early man-
hood was in Scituate, speaks in the highest praise
of the character of the Colonel and his family. They
were regarded as sustaining an enviable position in
society, to which they were entitled by their con-
nections, courteous deportment and unswerving in-
tegrity. About 1819 the family removed to Wash-
ington Milage, Coventry, R. I., and Silvanus became
ca<hier of the "Bank of Kent" there located. They'
subsequently removed to Norwich, Conn., where
he died Aug. 18, 1824, and his widow died on the
28th of the same month, aged sixty-one years. The
children of this couple were: Sarah Olney died
June 1, 1821, aged twenty-nine years; Joseph Olney,
horn Jan. 22. 1794, died Dec. 1. 1841 ; William
Wanton died Nov. 24, 1824, aged twenty-six years;
Samuel Snow died Oct. 16, 1826, aged twenty-six
years; Edward A., born July 4, 1802, died Sept. 16,
1836; George Silvanus, born Dec. 3, 1804, in Scit-
nate, died Dec. 12, 1863, at Colchester, Connecticut.
(VII) Joseph Olney Hopkins, son of Col. Sil-
vanus and Mary (Wanton) Hopkins, was born Jan.
22, 1794, in Scituate, R. I. He removed with his par-
ents to Norwich, Conn., where he worked at his
trade of machinist, later going to Bozrah, Conn.,
and there had charge of the machinery of the Fitch-
ville Mills for several years. He then returned to
Norwich, and in partnership with Seymour Morse
ran a machine shop under the firm name of Hopkins
& Morse, at the "Falls." They made factory ma-
chinery. He remained in partnership with Mr.
Morse for several years, finally selling his interests,
and for several years previous to his demise having
charge of the machinery at the Falls Mills. He
was an excellent mechanic and a good workman.
In politics he was a Whig. Religiously he was a
conscientious Methodist, and in his latter days was
very active in church work. He was somewhat
frail in his make-up, but of an industrious nature.
On Jan. 1, 1818, Mr. Hopkins married Lydia
P. Hazen, who was born Nov. 19, 1792, and died
Jan. 17, 1866, while he died Dec. 1, 1841, at Nor-
wich. Their children were all born at Norwich ex-
cept Charles W., who was born at Bozrah, Conn.
The names of these children were: (1) Joseph W.,
born Dec. 3, 1819, died Sept. 25, 1820. (2) Henry
Hunt, born Oct. 18, 1821, is mentioned below. (3)
Sarah Olney. born March 17, 1824, married George
Martin, of Norwich, an engraver by trade. They
both died at Norwich, leaving one son and one
daughter: George Martin, who is a Presbvterian
minister, located at Lowell, Mass. ; and Estelle H.,
now Mrs. Lucius Tuttle, of Boston. (4) Jane Eliz-
abeth, born June 7, 1827, married William Lam-
phere, of Norwich, an overseer in a spinning mill,
and they are both deceased. (5) Samuel Snow,
born Jan. 9, 1830, married Amanda Dow, of Glas-
tonbury. Conn. He was formerly connected with
the Hopkins & Allen Co., of Norwich, but is now
living in New York City, retired. (6) William
W., born Jan. 9, 1830, twin brother of Samuel S.,
died Nov. 27, 1833. (7) Charles Wesley, born May
29, 1833, at Bozrah, Conn., is mentioned elsewhere
in this sketch.
Henry Hunt Hopkins was born Oct. 18.
1821, in Norwich, Conn., near the "Falls," and
received his education in the Falls district schools,
leaving the same at the age of sixteen years. His
father being a machinist, young Hopkins's mind
naturally was turned in that direction, and he be-
came an apprentice to the trade in Allen's machine
shop, at Greeneville, of which shop his father was
at that time superintendent. Here the lad remained
for about two years, when his father returned to
Norwich Falls and became superintendent of the
Abner Pearce machine shop, and here young Hop-
kins was also employed until the death of his father,
at which time, although but twenty years of age, he
was made superintendent to succeed that gentle-
man. He remained in this capacity about one year,
when he became employed in the Allen & Thurber
shop, continuing there until the firm removed its
plant to Worcester, Mass., and after working for
236
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
study and spent all his spare time among good
books, thus becoming a well-informed man. He
was always interested in the questions of the day.
He was able to draw up deeds and wills as well as
a lawyer, and wrote an exceptionally good hand.
Mr. Backus was unmarried, and the last of his
name, and some years before his death he formed
the idea of leaving a monument of some kind to
perpetuate the name. After some hesitation as to
the nature of the institution he decided to follow the
advice of his lifelong friend, Hon. John T. Wait, who
suggested that he expend about $75,000 in the
erection of a hospital in a good location. William
A. Slater, a cousin of Mr. Backus, offered to make
a liberal endowment, and Mr. Backus accordingly
.gave the money with the understanding that the
hospital should bear his name. The Bulkeley estate,
on North Washington street, Norwich, was the
•chosen site, and building was commenced in due
time. On Oct. 4, 1893, the William W. Backus
Hospital was formally opened and dedicated — the
.greatest institution in the city of Norwich, and sec-
ond to none of its kind in the country. Mr. Backus,
however, did not live to see its completion, as he
died at his home in Yantic, July 13, 1892, after a
.short illness from pneumonia. Though afflicted
with rheumatism, he had enjoyed good health until
attacked by the disease which terminated his life.
His career of nearly ninety years was crowded with
usefulness, and crowned by the act in which he
.gave a third of his fortune for the benefit of human-
ity. His memory will ever be held in the highest
respect in the town where the name of Backus for
so many generations has been deservedly honored.
GEN. WILLIAM GROSVENOR ELY, of
Norwich, citizen, soldier and manufacturer, is one
of that city's distinguished sons, and veterans of
the Civil war, whose conspicuity in that great crisis
of our country is ever referred to with pride by the
citizens of his city and State. General Ely comes. of
sturdy New England stock, descending in the pa-
ternal line from Richard Ely, of England and Amer-
ica, from whom his generation is the eighth, and
his line through William, William (2), James, Ja-
cob, Eli, and Jesse Sanford Ely. The details of
these appear in the following in the regular order.
(I) Richard Ely, of Plymouth, Devonshire,
England, came to America between 1660 and 1663.
He resided for a time in Boston, and later settled in
Lyme, Conn., which, in 1660, was a part of Say-
brook. His first wife, Joane (presumably Phipps),
died in Plymouth, Jan. 7, 1660, and he married
(second) in Boston, in 1664, Mrs. Elizabeth Cul-
lick. His children were : William, Judith., Richard,
Daniel (born to the nrst marriage), and Samuel
(born to the second).
(II) William Ely, baptized in October, 1647,
married May 12, 1681, Elizabeth Smith. Mr. Ely
had gone to the West Indies about the time of his .
father's emigration to America. Two years after his
settlement in America Richard Ely sent for his son,
William, who arrived in Connecticut from the West
Indies about 1670. He resided in Lyme, was mar-
ried, and for many years was judge of the County
Court of New London. He died in February, 1717.
His children were : Anne, Elizabeth, Richard, Dan-
iel, William, James, Elizabeth (2), Mary, Deborah
and Joanna.
(III) William Ely (2) married (first), Oct. 25,
1715, Hannah, born in 1690, daughter of William
Thompson. She died in 1733, and he married (sec-
ond) Widow Mary Noyes. Mr'. Ely died in 1760.
His children by Hannah were : Jacob, Jonas, James,
Mary A., Martha, Deborah, Samuel, and Ammiru-
hama ; and those by Mary were : Hannah, Ann and
Mary.
(IV) James Ely, born in 1719, married in 1741,
Dorcas Andrews. He died in 1766. Their children
were : Elizabeth, James, Ruhama, Jacob, Dorcas,
Tabitha, Aaron, Andrew, John, Gad and Rhoda.
The six sons served in the war of the Revolution.
(V) Jacob Ely, of Lyme, Conn., born in 1748,
married (first), in 1773, Temperance Tiffany, who
was born in 1747; she died in 1 78 1, and he married
(second), in 1783, Lois (Beebe) Perkins, born in
1756, widow of Isaac Perkins, and daughter of Da-
vid and Sarah (Lord) Beebe. She died in 1837.
Mr. Ely died in 1836. His children were : Temper-
ance, Temperance (2), Aaron, Eli, Jacob, Seabury,
Calvin, Benjamin, Seth, Clark and Gad, all except-
ing the first four born to the second marriage.
(VI) Eli Ely, of Bristol, born in 1780, married,
in 1805, Sarah Sanford, of Plymouth, Conn., born
in 1784, daughter of Jesse and Sarah (Fenn) San-
ford. Mrs. Ely died in 1854, and Mr. Ely passed
away in 1869. Their children were: Jesse Sanford,
born in 1807; Albro, 1809; David, 1811; Edwin,
1813; Sarah F., 1815; Julia T., 1818; Jane C, 1825.
(VII) Jesse Sanford Ely, of Norwich, Conn.,
born in 1807, married, in 1835, Harriet Grosvenor,
of North Killingly, Conn., born in 1813, daughter
of Robert Grosvenor, M. D., and Mary (Begg).
Mr. Ely died in 1879. Their children were: Will-
iam Grosvenor, born Dec. 11, 1836; Edwin San-
ford, June 17, 1841 ; and Charles Albro, 1845 (died
in 1846). The second son,
(VIII) Edwin S. Ely, was quite young when his
parents moved to Norwich, and he was educated in
the public schools and the Free Academy. He
studied law with the late Judge James A. Hovey.
Later he was engaged in the paper manufacturing
business, controlling and successfully conducting
the Reade & Obenauer Paper Company, in Ver-
sailles. Because of ill health he sold out his paper
interests in 1889. He died very suddenly, at his
home, on May 4, 1898. "From 1882 to 1893 Mr.
Ely was president of the Uncas Bank, and at the
time of his death was a director of the Broadway
Theatre corporation, taking a lively interest in its
affairs. He was a popular member of the Norwich
Club. Mr. Ely was an attractive man to meet, en-
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
237
tertaining and pleasing of address and of a hospit-
able nature. His friends who knew him best liked
him for his genial ways and his cordial companion-
ship. In politics the deceased was a stanch Repub-
lican." On May I, 1873, Edwin S. Ely married
Mary Brewer Chappell, who was born Nov. 13,
1845, in Norwich, daughter of Edward and Eliza-
beth E. (Brewer) Chappell. Mrs. Ely died March
19, 1895. They had four children : Mary Grosve-
nor, born May 30, 1875 ; Augusta Chappell, April
6, 1878 ; Edward Chappell, May 9, 1882 ; Grosvenor,
Feb. 21, 1884.
(VIII) William Grosvenor Ely, son of Jesse
S. and Harriet (Grosvenor) Ely, born Dec. II,
1836, married, in 1865, Augusta Elizabeth Greene,
of Norwich, Conn., who was born in 1839, daughter
of William Parkinson and Augusta Elizabeth (Bor-
land) Greene. Their children are : Anna Lloyd Ely,
born in 1867; and William Grosvenor Ely, Jr., born
in 1869. The son graduated from Brown Univer-
sity with honors, and later from Cornell, where he
took a special course in engineering. He is now
holding the very responsible position of superin-
tendent of construction in the General Electric Com-
pany's works at Schenectady, N. Y. He married
Alice Clute, and they have had two children : Will-
iam Grosvenor Ely (3), born May 23, 1898; and
Lloyd Clute Ely, born April 22, 1900.
William Grosvenor Ely was educated for the
profession of civil engineer at Brown University,
Rhode Island. He was sent out to Cuba as repre-
senting their interests by the Rogers Locomotive
Works, of Paterson, N. J., prior to the breaking out
of the Civil war in 1861. When war was declared
Mr. Ely returned home, and on April 22, 1861, be-
came a member of Company A, 1st Conn. V. I. He
was commissioned captain and A. D. C. May 28,
186 1. It was his privilege to participate in the first
battle of Bull Run, Va. On the expiration of his
three months' term of service, Aug. 7, 1861, Capt.
Ely again entered the service Sept. 4, 1861, and was
mustered in Sept. 13th, of that year, as lieutenant
colonel of the 6th Conn V. I. On July 24, 1862, he
was promoted to the rank of colonel, and was com-
missioned to command the 18th Conn. V. I. On
June 13, 1863, at Winchester, Col. Ely commanded
the Second Brigade, under Milroy, and was taken
prisoner while advancing in a charge of the Brigade
on the Port Royal turnpike. His sword was returned
to him on the battlefield by Gen. Walker, Jackson's
Brigade, it having been shattered by a cannon ball
in the charge. Col. Ely was confined in Libby Prison
from June, 1863, until paroled and exchanged,
AT arch 24, 1864. The Colonel was one of the men
who dug the tunnel out of Libby Prison, and is be-
lieved to be the only Connecticut man who escaped
through it. He was re-captured forty-two miles
away, only half a mile from Union forces, and re-
turned, bare-footed and half-clad, to a dungeon. On
May 17, 1864, he was relieved from parole and re-
joined the army.
Concerning the 18th regiment's part at Winches-
ter the following extract from the history of that
gallant regiment is apropos :
"The first battle of the Eighteenth was at Win-
chester, Va., June 13th, 14th and 15th, under Gen.
Milroy's command. The engagement was disastrous
to the Union forces. Milroy had but 7,000 men and
his opponent, Gen. Early, 30,000, and eighty-seven
field guns. In a third and last charge the Eight-
eenth wholly disabled a Confederate battery ; but
it had charged into the center of Gen. Johnston's
Division, 9,000 strong, and 500 of its men were cap-
tured. Gen. Walker, of Stonewall Jackson's brig-
ade, generously praised the valor and discipline of
the Eighteenth, and returned Col. Ely's sword to
him on the battlefield." Gen. Milroy met the Eight-
eenth at Martinsburg, on their return from Rebel
prisons, and made the following speech :
"Soldiers of the Eighteenth : Since I last saw
you, you have suffered captivity in Rebel prisons.
We have been separated since then, but I have come
to see you and to praise you for your gallantry. I
saw you in the second day's fight, as you charged
the enemy from your rifle pits and drove them back
upon their reserves, holding them in check until
night, when you fell back, but with your face to
the foe. Again I saw you the next morning, facing
as hot a fire as I ever witnessed. I looked in vain
to see you waver. Boys, it was a hot place — a hot
place. I saw you go where none but brave men dare
to go ; saw you make three successful charges, pre-
serving your line as well as if on dress parade. I
witnessed it all, I saw you as you broke the first line
of Rebel infantry, and charged up to their batteries,
driving away their gunners, still pressing on, and
breaking their reserves. But a third line was too-
strong for you. I knew it was. Only then did you
fall back, when your lines were broken, and many
brave Connecticut men lay bleeding on the field.
But you only fell back to re-form and give them an-
other taste of your steel. I knew it was madness
to order you forward again ; it was ordering you to
death and annihilation. Boys, I watched you with
pride as you charged the third time, but when I
saw your ranks withering and your comrades fall-
ing, it made my heart grow sad within me, and I
ordered you back. You know the rest. You were
surrounded, and there was no escape. But I miss
your noble commander, Col. Ely. May he soon re-
turn to you ! Boys, to your valor I owe my safety.
You come from a State whose soldiers never dis-
graced themselves nor their flag. I am proud of
you."
On Gen. Hunter's raid at the battle of Piedmont,
June 4, 1864, the 18th Connecticut went into action
with 350 men in line, and lost 122 men in killed
and wounded and Col. Ely had his horse killed
under him. The survivors rejoiced in a complete
victory, capturing a large body of the enemy. In
advancing on Lynchburg, June 18, 1864, Col. Ely
was disabled by a shell wound in his throat, and
238
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
sent to the hospital. He resigned for disability and
was honorably discharged in September, 1864. His
command at that time was the 2nd Brigade, 2nd
Division, 19th Army Corps, and consisted of the
5th Xew York Heavy Artillery, 12th Virginia, 18th
Connecticut and 4th Virginia Regiments. He was
breveted brigadier-general March 13, 1865. The
engagements in which Gen. Ely participated were :
First Bull Run, Port Royal, Port Pulaski, Winches-
ter (second and third), Piedmont, Lynchburg,
Snicker's Gap, Martinsburg and Berryville. He is
a companion of the Military Order of the Loyal
Legion of the United States. After returning from
the war he was for several years engaged in the
manufacturing of machinery, also in the manufac-
ture of paper, being largely interested with the Reade
Paper Mills, of Lisbon, Conn. He is at this writ-
ing, and has been for years, treasurer of the Falls
and of the Shetucket Cotton Mills, at Norwich,
Connecticut.
Mrs. Augusta Elizabeth (Greene) Ely died at
her home, No. 297 Broadway, Norwich, on the
evening of July 25, 1900. On the evening following
the Evening Record of that city thus noticed her
passing away :
"In the death of Mrs. Augusta Elizabeth Greene
Ely we part with the last survivor of a family circle
which was once the social center of this community.
From her father, William P. Greene, she inherited
much more than a name honorably distinguished in
the business and municipal affairs of the city ; she
inherited, also, in a large measure, the personal
qualities that made him the leader that he was in
works of beneficence to the public. In the daughter,
indeed, the noble passion for patriotic service was
restricted in its exercise to less conspicuous lines
of working ; but it was not less noble and energetic.
And presently the time came on when patriotic
womanhood, with no sacrifices of tenderness and
gentleness and modesty, but rather by virtue of all
of these, was to be given a noble part. At the out-
break of the great war the brilliant young society
leader devoted herself, with all her talents and social
advantages, to those labors for the soldiers depart-
ing, or in the field, or returning from the field, in
which patriotic women throughout the land eagerly
engaged, but in which it is no vain boasting to
say the women of Norwich were pre-eminent. One
fact of this service deserves to be put on record. She
was the first to set the example in Connecticut,
soon to be followed by others, of employing at her
own cost and charges a substitute who should serve
as her representative in the army. The grateful work
of Decoration Day will be imperfectly done if there
are not some flowers to fall upon the recent grave of
so true a patriot.
"It was the appropriate sequel of those years
of patriotic service when she was married to one
of those Norwich soldiers, whose distinguished
service in the army has been followed by successful
work in civil life. From this time the current of
her life has flowed in the less conspicuous channels
of domestic duty as wife, mother, friend and neigh-
bor. How loving and fruitful a life it has been there
are so many to tell, in the church where she was a
worshipper and in the social and literary circles of
which she was an ornament. But it is most of all
in the home, of which her presence was the light
and soul, that her memory is to be cherished. It is
there 'that her children rise up and call her blessed ;
her husband also, and he praiseth her.' "
RATHBUN. Various accounts are current con-
cerning the early history of the Rathbone (as the
name was originally spelled) family in America, one
asserting that the family is descended from Thomas
Rathbone, who came from England in 1621 ; an-
other from John Rathbone, of the Liverpool family
who emigrated from that city in 1625; and a third
from an elder brother of Col. John Rathbone, an
officer of the Parliamentary army of 1658, who was
noted for his devotion to Republican principles.
Says Livermore, in his History of Block Island,
"it is an undoubted fact, however, that the Block
Island Rathbones, as well as others in America, have
descended from an honorable race of Saxon origin,
in England, of whom one writer says they have been
a distinct family there 'for more than 500 years.' "
A wealthy branch of this family has resided in the
city of Liverpool more than 300 years, and one of
the principal streets there is named for the family.
(I) John Rathbone, son of Richard and Marion
(Whipple) Rathbone, born about 1610, was one of
the number who met at the house of Dr. John Al-
cock, in Roxbury, Mass., Aug. 17, 1660, to confer
about the purchase of Block Island. He was one of
the original sixteen purchasers of that island from
Gov. Endicott and three others, who, two years be-
fore, had received it from Massachusetts as a grant
for public services. He was admitted to full politi-
cal rights as a freeman of New Shoreham (Block
Island) May 4, 1664. In 1676 he was chosen one of
the surveyors of highways, and in 1681, 1682, 1683
and 1684, he occupied a place in the Rhode Island
General Assembly, as a representative from Block
Island. In 1686 he was one of the petitioners to the
King of Great Britain in reference to the "Quo War-
ranto," and in 1688 he was one of the grand jury of
Rhode Island. He married Margaret Dodge, and
their children were : William, Thomas, John, Joseph,
Samuel, Sarah. Margaret and Elizabeth. John
Rathbone and his wife Margaret both died in 1702.
Many years before his death John Rathbone set-
tled his sons on farms on Block Island, where they
lived with their children. Their grandchildren,
however, scattered, leaving, it is supposed, the de-
scendants of Samuel alone, of the name, on the
island. His grandson, Jonathan (son of John), re-
moved before 17 1 5 to Colchester, Conn., now Salem,
and purchased from the Mohegan Indians a tract
of land on which he settled, a portion of which has
continued uninterruptedly in the possession of his
GEXEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
239
descendants of the same name to this time. Joshua,
another son of John (2), settled in Stonington,
Conn., and John, Benjamin, Nathaniel and Thomas,
also sons of John (2), settled in Exeter, Rhode
Island.
(II) Samuel Rathbone, son of John the settler,
was born Aug. 3, 1672. On Nov. 3, 1692, he mar-
ried Patience , and their children were :
Thomas, born May 3, 1695, who died in 1733; Pa-
tience, born Aug. 21, 1697; Mary, born Sept. II,
1700. who married June 6, 1723, James Gould;
Wait, born Dec. 30, 1702, who married June I, 1727,
Thomas Dickens; Samuel, born April 16, 1705, who
married March 15, 1732, Elizabeth Dodge, and died
Jan. 24, 1780; James, born April 10, 1707, who mar-
ried Sept. 7, 1732, Mercy Downing; Abraham, born
Nov. 23, 1709, who married Jan. 11, 1735, Mary
Mosher ; and Rebecca, born Jan. 9, 1713, who mar-
ried Sept. 25, 1735, John Rider, of Newport.
(III) Samuel Rathbone (2), son of Samuel, was
born April 16, 1705, and died on Block Island
Jan. 24, 1780. In 1755 he was a member of the
Rhode Island Assembly. On March 15, 1732, he
married Elizabeth Dodge, of Westerly, R. I., who
survived him and died Aug. 8, 1793, aged seventy-
eight years. Their children were : Walter, born June
16. 1734, married March 4, 1756, Hannah Rose;
Samuel, born July 10. 1736, married Nov. 19, 1758,
Susanna Reynolds; Elijah was born May 28, 1740;
and Betsy, born Dec. 2, 1742, married James Dodge.
The children of the third generation began to spell
the name "Rathbun."
( IV) Elijah Rathbun, son of Samuel (2), was
born at Guilford, Vt., May 28, 1740. After his first
marriage he settled in Groton, Conn., and he died
there Feb. 14, 1825, at the home of his son, Deacon
Elisha, of Mystic. The latter was bequeathed a
gun by his grandfather, Samuel. Elijah Rathbun
was twice married. On June 19, 1763, he wedded
Elizabeth (or Betsey) Burrows, of Groton, who was
born in 1747, and who died in Groton Nov. 22, 1777.
For his second wife he married widow Desire
(Packer) Walsworth, who died in 1815.
(V) Capt. Samuel Rathbun, sixth child of Elijah
and Elizabeth (Burrows) Rathbun, was born July
15, 1776. He married Nabby Burrows, who died
in 1853, and eleven children were born to them: (1)
Elizabeth, born at Noank April 16, 1796, married
Aug. 29, 1824, Joseph Fish, who died Nov. 13,
1870; she died Sept. 20, 1855. (2) Nancy died un-
married in 1854, aged fifty-six years. (3) Desire,
born Aug. 14, 1800, married William E. Chester,
and died Jan. 14, 1888, aged eighty-eight years. (4)
Benjamin, born in 1802, married Oct. 3, 1824, Eliza
Latham, born June 30, 1802; he died at sea. (5)
John S., born Nov. 21, 1804, married Lucy Ann
Packer. (6) Luther married (first) Henrietta Pot-
ter, and (second) Mary C. Chipman. (7) Henri-
etta married William C. Chester, and died the
mother of four children. (8) Latham, born in Noank
Dec. 8, 1809, married Oct. 12, 1835, Eleanor J. Wil-
bur, born in Noank June 2, 1819. They were the
parents of Capt. Latham Rathbun, of Noank, men-
tioned below. (9) William married Harriet Rice,
and died Dec. 22, 1889; he had five children, one of
whom was James W. ('10) Samuel is mentioned be-
low. (11) Calvin married Rebecca Prentice, and
their son, Warren P., is mentioned below. Capt.
Samuel Rathbun was a captain on fishing smacks
running from Noank. He was a member of the Fort
Hill Baptist Church.
(VI) Samuel Rathbun (2), son of Capt. Sam-
uel, spent his boyhood days in Noank. He followed
in the footsteps of his father, becoming a seafaring
man. On Feb. 16, 1863, he enlisted in Company C,
2 1 st Conn., V. I., and he died in Satterlee Hospital,
Philadelphia, Sept. 25, 1864. He married Phebe A.
Packer, daughter of John and Eliza Packer, and
their children were : Samuel Orrin ; John Alden ;
Charles H., who enlisted July 28, 1862, in Company
C, 21 st Conn. V. I., was mustered out June 16, 1865,
and is deceased ; two children, a son and a daughter,
who died in infancy ; Sidney, a seafaring man, of
Mystic ; Walter, a seafaring man, of Noank ; and
Phebe, deceased. They were reared in the Baptist
faith. After the death of the father, the mother mar-
ried Griswold Packer Rathbun, son of Deacon Elisha
Rathbun. Mrs. Rathbun is deceased.
(VII) Samuel Orrin Rathbun was born in the
town of Groton, and lived there all his life. He
was captain on coasting vessels, and during the war
built the schooner "William O. Irish," which he used
to carry supplies to the army. He was a prominent
member of the Masonic fraternity in Mystic. His
death occurred in 1870. He married Ellen Fitch,
daughter of John Fitch, and their four children
were: William Orrin, born Sept. 24, 1858; one that
died in infancy ; and Dora and Ira, both deceased.
(VIII) William Orrin Rathbun, son of Sam-
uel Orrin, spent his schools days in Noank. At the
age of thirteen he became a fisherman, and followed
coasting and fishing until about six years ago, when,
in November, 1899, he began clerking in the gro-
cery store at Noank of which he is now the popular
and successful proprietor. In April, 1902, he pur-
chased the stock, since which time he has greatly en-
larged and improved it, maintaining a strictly first-
class establishment. He is a member of the Junior
Mechanics, the Foresters and the Daughters of
America. He is unmarried.
(VII) John Alden Rathbun, son of Samuel
(2), was born in District No. 10, of Groton. March
12, 1839. His education was acquired in the school
near his home, and at the age of thirteen he began
the seafaring life followed by so many members of
his family, and he continued in the fishing trade
until 1861. On May 7. 1861, he enlisted for serv-
ice in the Civil war in Rifle Company C, 2d Conn.
V. I., and was honorably discharged Aug. 7, 186 1.
On Sept. 2 1st, following, he enlisted again, becom-
ing first corporal in Company G, 8th Conn. V. I.,
was promoted Feb. 7, 1863, to second lieutenant,
240
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
and Oct. 22, 1863, to first lieutenant, Company E.
He was in command of Company C at the engage-
ment against Battery Harrison (Fort Harrison,
Ya.), Sept. 29, 1864, when he was wounded; he was
sent to McClellan hospital, at Fortress Monroe, and
was honorably discharged Dec. 15, 1864, returning
then to Mystic. In September, 1865, he received his
appointment as postmaster at Mystic Bridge and
with the exception of eight months held that office
continuously until a year and a half into the first ad-
ministration of President Cleveland. In 1884 he
succeeded Allen Avery in the undertaking business,
and from that time until 1893 he also was the agent
for the Adams Express Company. He succeeded
Mr. Avery in the furniture business in 1893, and,
with Frank Smith as a partner, under the name of
the Mystic Furniture Company, he has carried on
an extensive business. In 1902 Mr. Rathbun ad-
mitted his son as a partner in the undertaking de-
partment.
Politically Mr. Rathbun has always been a Re-
publican. Fraternally he is a member of Williams
Post, G. A. R., and of the Sons of Veterans, the
Knights of Pythias, and Charity and Relief Lodge,
F. & A. M., joining the last named while he was
home on furlough during the war. Like all the fam-
ily he has long been an active worker in the Baptist
Church, in which he now holds the office of deacon.
Mr. Rathbun was married in Mystic to Hannah
A. Ashbey, daughter of Simeon and Hannah (Rath-
bun) Ashbey. They have had six children: Fanny
A. married E. E. Saunders, of Brooklyn, N. Y., and
has four children, Walter Scott, John Alden, Elmer
E. and Stewart Benton. Arline married Robert D.
Bradley, station agent at West Mystic, and has five
children. Edith Fish, Bertha, Marion, Carl and
Frank Harmon. Elizabeth Stark married Alfred
Butler, of Mystic. Mary North married Bernard
Lamb, and has two children, Eleanor and Dorothy.
Simeon Ashbey died in young manhood, aged twen-
ty-four years. Edgar Alden married Elsie Lathrop.
(VII) Walter Packer Rathbux, son of Sam-
uel (2), was born in District No. 10, Groton, June
6, 1850, and passed his early school days at Mystic
River. He was fifteen when he went to sea on the
''Champion," later sailing on the "Restless" and the
"Mary Matilda." For two years he was in the
coasting trade in the "Agnes" under Capt. Charles
Ira Chester. As captain of the fishing vessel "Tina
B." he sailed for six years, and then for twelve years
was captain of the "Ella May." His present boat,
the "Phebe," has engaged his attention for the past
seven years. Few men are so well known as Capt.
Rathbun. He has an excellent reputation in his
work and as a disciplinarian, keeping his boat and
his men in excellent order, and at the same time
preserving the regard of his crew.
At Mystic Capt. Rathbun married Emeline Plant
Potter, of Noank, daughter of James Potter (a half-
brother of Elihu H. Potter, of Noank). Two chil-
dren have brightened their home, namely : Walter
Latham, a graduate from the Medical Department,
Yale University, in the class of 1902, where he was
a member of the famous "Skull & Bones" Society;
and Harry Brooks, a graduate of the Bulkeley high
school, at New London. Capt. Rathbun is a mem-
ber of Stonington Lodge, I. O. O. F., and the Amer-
ican Mechanics. With his family he belongs to the
Baptist Church.
(VII) Warren P. Rathbun, son of Calvin and
grandson of Capt. Samuel, was born at Noank, and
was educated in the public schools there. His father
was a fisherman, and he early became familiar with
the calling, in time, however, becoming a ship car-
penter, now being engaged in that occupation at
Palmer's shipyard. He married Isabelle More-
dock, daughter of John and Abbie (Miner) More-
dock, and their four children are : Herbert Warren,
Geneva, Annie A. and Edith M.
(VIII) Judge Herbert Warren Rathbun, son
of Warren P. and Isabelle (Moredock) Rathbun,
was born in Mystic Aug. 9, 1874. In both paternal
and maternal lines he is a direct descendant of all
four founders of the town. His early days were
passed in his native village, and he was graduated
from the high school there. Choosing to enter the
legal profession, he placed himself under the care-
ful tuition of Hadlai A. Hull, at New London, with
whom he remained six years, gaining much insight
into the practical, as well as the theoretical, side of
law. In February, 1897, he was admitted to the Bar
of New London county, but he remained with Major
Hull until 1899, when he formed a partnership with
Thomas H. Peabody, the oldest attorney in West-
erly, R. I., so continuing until 1901. Since then he
has had an office alone in Westerly. In May. 1901,
he became judge of the Stonington Town Court,
and on Feb. 18, 1905, was reelected for a third term.
He has won golden encomiums from his fellow prac-
titioners for his impartiality and erudition.
On June 4, 1904. in Westerly. Judge Rathbun
was united in marriage, by Rev. William F. \\ ill—
iams, of Christ Church, to Miss Alice Taylor Lewis,
and they reside on East Main street, Mystic. Fra-
ternally Judge Rathbun is a Mason, belonging to
Charity and Relief Lodge, F. & A. M.. of which he
is senior warden; Benevolence Chapter, No. 21. R.
A. M. ; and Mystic Council, No. 29. R. & S. M, He
also belongs to Sassacus Tribe of Red Men, and to
the Royal Arcanum, at Stonington. In his religious
faith he is a Baptist, belonging to the Union Baptist
Church, at Mystic. Judge Rathbun is very public-
spirited, and in spite of the exacting demands of his
profession finds time to be interested in the indus- -
trial and commercial enterprises of his town.
CAPT. LATHAM RATHBUN, of Noank, be-
longs to the family of this name which has been es-
tablished in Groton for generations. Capt. Samuel
Rathbun, his grandfather, owned much land along
czt^eJ- Ko. /Ja^r/t^c/^
GENEALOGICAL AXD BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
241
the harbor at Noank, and was a man of prominence
in the town. He married Abbie (or Nabby) Bur-
rows, of another old family of Groton.
Latham Rathbun, son of Capt. Samuel and fa-
ther of Capt. Latham, was born Dec. 8, 1809, at
Noank, and Oct. 12, 1835, married Eleanor J. Wil-
bur, who was born June 2, 1819, daughter of Wil-
liam Wilbur. They had children as follows : Ellen
J., born .March 14, 1838, married Webster Park,
and died Dec. 5, 1876; Latham, born June 16, 1839,
is mentioned below ; Nelson, born March 6, 1843,
who died April 10, 1873, was night editor of the
Boston Daily News, and a man of promise and bril-
liant intellectual attainments (he married Lucy
Miner) ; Sarah W., born May 24, 1845, married
Richard Leake, and died Dec. 17, 1880; and Georgi-
anna, born Aug. 15, 1847, died Oct. 14, 1848. The
father, Latham Rathbun, followed the fishing busi-
ness all his life, and is supposed to have been lost
on George's Bank, May 11, 1850, from the "D. W.
Manwaring." He was a member of Stonington
Lodge, I. O. O. F. His widow survived until Dec.
17, 1880.
Capt. Latham Rathbun was born at his present
home and has always lived there. He went to
school in Noank until he was twelve years of age,
when he began to go on the water during the sum-
mers, with his uncle William Rathbun and Latham
Fitch. For two years he was in the coasting trade
with Daniel Clark, of Long Island, and then went
on a whaling voyage in the Pacific, as a member of
the crew of the "Braganza," of New Bedford. He
then shipped for six months on the merchant vessel
"John Gilpin," and then engaged in fishing for two
years.
On Sept. 11, 1862, he enlisted in Company K,
26th Conn. Vols., for nine months, and was dis-
charged Aug. 17, 1863. He then engaged in the
government transport service on the "Idaho," "At-
lanta'' and "Linda," for two years. Capt. Rathbun
then engaged again in fishing, going out two years
on the "J. D. Latham" and four years on the
"Comet," from Noank, and for twenty-nine years
was on the "Martha," of which he was owner;
that vessel went ashore on Fishers Island in No-
vember, 1898. For the past six years he has com-
manded the "Grade Phillips," a converted power
boat, being in the general fishing trade.
Capt. Rathbun belongs to the Williams Post,
G. A. R., at Mystic, and the Charity and Relief
Lodge, A. F. & A. M. He is one of the best known
men along this coast, and his sterling qualities have
surrounded him with a large circle of friends.
( )n Nov. 19, 1864, Capt. Rathbun was married,
at Mystic, to Anna E. King, who was born Oct. 29,
1841, in East Hampton, L. I., daughter of William
Allen and Desire A. (Taylor) King. Mrs. King
was a native of Stonington, and resided at the
Springs in the town of East Hampton, L. I. Mr.
King was a farmer, and both died at the Springs.
Children as follows were born to Capt. and Mrs.
16
Rathbun: Gertrude K.,# born April 11, 1866, who
died April 27, 1880; Allen W., born Sept. 4, 1870,
of Noank ; Latham, Jr., born April 6, 1872, who
married Miss Sarah Lallt, and has one daughter,
Gertrude, born Sept. 30, 1892; Nelson, born Aug.
14, 1875, of Noank; and Moses W., born Aug. 20,
1881, who is in the jewelry business at Mystic
Allen W., Latham, Jr., and Nelson Rathbun are
engaged in the general plumbing and steam-fitting
business at Noank.
HENRY BROWN TRACY, ESQ., was born
Sept. 22, 1805, in Franklin, Conn., a son of Joshua
and Sarah (Payne) Tracy, and received only a
common district schooling, but being a man of much
native ability he acquired by observation what he
lacked in training. He was engaged in the mer-
cantile business at Norwich Town, and rose to be
one of the leading financiers of the town. Especially
was he honored in his lifetime with the implicit
trust of his fellowtownsmen, and he occupied many
influential and responsible positions in both political
and financial circles. Year after year he held the
office of postmaster at Norwich Town, and he held
many town offices in the gift of his fellowmen.
For a long time he was secretary of the Norwich
Mutual Assurance Company, and for many years,
until a short time previous to his death, he was
president of the Merchants' National Bank. At
the time of his death he was vice-president of the
Norwich Savings Society, and until the June pre-
vious to his death he was a director of the same
society, when his resignation was reluctantly ac-
cepted. In his early life Mr. Tracy was connected
with the Yantic Manufacturing Company.
The character of Mr. Tracy was distinguished
for sterling uprightness, and is was said of him by
those who placed business in his hands that he dis-
charged the trusts assigned to him with the same
promptness, energy and fidelity that he would ex-
ercise in the conduct of his own affairs. Socially he
was loved and esteemed by a large circle of friends
and admirers, who valued him not less for his genu-
ine personal qualities than for his integrity, just-
ness and high-minded business habits. His care
and affection for the children of his wife by her
former marriage, with Mr. Backus, won their undy-
ing devotion and loving remembrance. Mr. Tracy
was in poor health for some time previous to his
death, but his demise was no doubt hastened by the
death of his wife, which occurred the October pre-
vious. His death occurred Dec. 19, 1878, and he
rests in Yantic cemetery.
NATHAN I FL C. BARKER, one of the leading
citizens of the town of Lebanon, comes of an old
and distinguished family. The coat of arms is as
follows: Five scollop shells in cross: green
and blue shells edged with gold. It was
conferred by Robert Cook, 17th December,
1582, in the reign of Queen Elizabeth, to
-4-
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
Rowland Barker, of Wallerton, in the County
Salop, in Wales, son and heir of Edward
Barker, eldest son of John Barker, and Elizabeth
his wife, sister or cousin, to Sir Rowland Hill,
Lord Mayor of London.
(I) James Barker, of Harwich, County of Es-
sex, England, a legal descendant of Rowland of
Wales, and a son of James, and grandson of another
James, embarked with his father in the ship in which
came Nicholas Easton, and they landed at Plymouth,
Mass., in 1626. The father dying on the passage,
directed that the son should be given to his Aunt
Christianna, the wife of Thomas Beecher, who sub-
sequently married Nicholas Easton. Young
Barker probably remained with his aunt in
Charlestown, Mass.. until her marriage with Mr.
Easton brought her to Newport, R. I., in 1639.
James Barker married, in 1644, Barbara Durgan,
who was born in 1628, a daughter of Thomas and
Frances (Tatham) Durgan. He was a corporal in
1644. and ensign in 1648, and a member of the Gen-
eral Court of Elections in the latter year. Mr. Bar-
ker was also commissioner in 1655, 1661 and 1663,
with Roger Williams and five others, and assistant
many years between 1663 and 1678, and in the latter
year was deputy governor and deputy to the Gen-
eral Court a number of times between 1667 and
1686. His death occurred in 1702.
(II) William Barker, born in 1662, married
Elizabeth, daughter of Peter and Ann (Cogger-
shall ) Easton, who was born in 1666, and died in
1 7 14. They lived in Newport, and in 1704 William
was deputy, and also in 1721, 1722 and 1724. He
was a Quaker in religious belief, and he died in
1724.
(III) Peter Barker was born Jan. 28, 1695-96.
On Feb. 10, 1724, he married Sarah Slocum, of
Portsmouth, and resided in Middletown, R. I. He
died there Jan. 19, 1781. aged ninety-one years.
( IV ) Peter Barker (2) was born Feb. 2, 1728,
and he died Dec. 21, 1784. On Nov. 8. 1752, he
married Ruth Lawton. daughter of Adam and
Martha Lawton, of Portsmouth. She passed awav
Feb. 6, 1787.
( IV) Peleg Barker was born Nov. 21. 1753. On
June 3. 1784, he married Mary Ward, daughter of
Richard and Elizabeth Ward. His death occurred
Jan. 18, 1842, when he was eighty-eight years of age,
while his wife, who was born June 13, 1756. died
the same night as he. aged eighty-four years.
seven months. Their children were : Catherine,
born May 20, 1785, married Clement Peckham, and
died May 22, i860, in Newport. R. I. : Ruth, born
Sept. 3. 1787, married Thomas Lawton, and died in
Newport, R. I.. May 22, 1873 ! Rhoda W., born July
16. 178c), died Sept. 8. 1791 ; Henry C. born April
4. 1791, died Oct. 24. 1791 ; Rhoda (2). born Aug.
21. 1792, died Jan. 31. 1703: Abram, born Jan. 14.
1704. married and resided in Fall River. Mass.,
where she died April 18. 1873: Peleg. born Sept.
II, 1796, was a blacksmith, and when a young man
he went to Perryville, Ky., and there died, during
an epidemic of cholera in July, 1834; Nathaniel,
born Sept. 11, 1798, died July 15, 1881 ; Benajah,
born Feb. 10, 1801, became the lather of our sub-
ject: and Rhoda (3), born April 9, 1803, married
James Gardner, and died in Wickford, R. I., Feb.
10, 1865.
( VI) Benajah Barker was born Feb. 10, 1801, in
Middletown, R. I., where he resided until he came
to Lebanon in 1854. He was raised on a farm, and
in early life was employed as a farm laborer, thus
continuing until his marriage, when he purchased a
farm in his native town. He was occupied in farm-
ing there until he disposed of his property, and re-
moved to Lebanon. In that town he purchased
what was known as the "Chappell farm" from Joel
Chappell. This was located in the South Society,
about one mile west of the brick church in Lebanon.
The property is the farm now owned by our sub-
ject, and consists of 150 acres. This farm was
greatly improved by Benajah Barker, and upon
it he erected a new house in 1854. The remainder of
his active life, he was successfully engaged as a
general farmer, but retired a few years prior to his
death. His winter seasons were then spent
at Newport, and the summer in Lebanon.
He died April 6, 1889, after a short ill-
ness, and his remains were interred at Mid-
dletown, R. I. In personal appearance he
was a man of slender build, but in his prime was
capable of doing a considerable amount of work.
Until his death he retained all his faculties. In
politics he was a Whig, but later he became a Re-
publican, and continued in the ranks of that party
until the last, but never cared for public preferment.
In religious affiliations, he was a member of the
Baptist Church, he having united with the
First Baptist Church in Newport, but transferred
by letter to the Church at Lebanon, and was al-
ways a very liberal supporter of the denomination.
On Nev. 25, 1827, Benajah Barker was united
in marriage to Mary C. Barker, of Middletown,
born in October, 1808, a daughter of Nathaniel
C. and Mary Barker, granddaughter of Gideon and
Elizabeth (Croad) Barker, great-granddaughter
of John and Rebecca (Hoar) Barker, and great-
great-granddaughter of James and Mary (Cook),
the last James being a son of James and Sarah
(Jeffers), the latter James a brother of William
of the second generation. To Benajah Baker and
wife were born: (1) Julia A., born March 27, 1829,
now the widow of Steven Albro, a stone mason, re-
sides in Newport, R. I. (2) Albert, born Oct. 7,
1830, died in Lebanon on May 22, i860, unmarried.
(3) Luther Crawford, born May 18, 1832. married
Maria F. Sweet, and died in Lebanon July 7. 1864.
(4) Peleg Lawton. born June 20, 1834. died Jan.
9. 1854. (5) Charles H.. "born Aug. 23. 1836. died
Nov. 1, 1853. (6) Nathaniel C. was born Aug. 31,
1838. (7) James S., born in October. 1840. was
drowned Jan. 9, 1847. Mrs. Mary C. (Barker)
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
243
Barker died in Newport July 6, 1843, at tne age °f
thirty-five years. For his second wife Benajah
Barker married Mary Lawton, of Wickford, R. I.,
who died in Newport, leaving no issue. His third
wife was Mrs. Rebecca (Davis) Tilley, whom he
survived. She died in Lebanon, and is buried at
Newport.
(VII) Nathaniel C. Barker was born in Mid-
dletown, Newport Co., R. I. He attended the
district schools of that place, and at the age of twelve
years was employed for about a year as a clerk in
the drygoods store of L. & H. Parmenter in New-
port. When he was fifteen years old, his parents
removed to Lebanon, where he attended the Leb-
anon Academy under Messrs. Standish, Bronson
and Crandall. He later attended Potter and Ham-
mond's Business College at Providence, from which
he was graduated in 1857. He returned home and
was employed as a clerk in the grocery store of
Grant Hinckley, at Norwich, and remained there
for a year, after which he went to Lebanon, and
bought out the general store owned by Justin Bab-
cock. With the exception of the latter part of 1872,
all of 1873 and part of 1874, which he spent in
travel, Mr. Barker has been engaged in a mercantile
line for thirty-five years. For fifteen years he was
associated with Frank P. Fowler, but disposed of his
interests in 1896, and is now engaged in farming
and the growing of fruit, to which branch of agri-
cultural life he devotes particular attention. He
erected and is the owner of the building now occu-
pied by the post office, and store of F. P. Fowler.
In his political life Mr. Barker has always been
a Republican, and he served as town clerk and treas-
urer during the time of the Civil war. In the ses-
sion of 1886, he served his town in the Legislature,
and was on the committee on Education. From
1898 to 1 90 1 he was first selectman and was justice of
the peace for many years. During Lincoln's admin-
istration he was appointed postmaster, and with the
exception of the four years of Cleveland's first ad-
ministration, he retained the office until July, 1896,
when he resigned. His term of service covered the
remarkably long period of thirty years. Fraternally
he is a member of Lyon Lodge, No. 105, A. F. &
A. M.. at Columbia; is a charter member of Leb-
anon Lodge No. 23, A. O. U. W., was its second
master, and is now receiver ; is a charter member
of William Williams Council No. 72, O. U. A. M.,
and is counsellor of that lodge, and he is also a
member of the Connecticut State Pomological So-
ciety. Religiously he is an active member of the
Baptist Church, and is clerk and treasurer of the
Church, having served as superintendent of the
Sunday school for twenty years, and has also been
trustee of the Church for many years.
On April 25, 1861, Mr. Barker was married to
Marietta Sweet, who was born in Lebanon, Oct.
4, 1840. a daughter of Dr. Charles and Eliza W.
(Throop) Sweet; she died Sept. 9, 1873, leaving
children as follows: (1) Charles Sweet, who at-
tended school in Lebanon and public school in Hart-
ford, for the past seventeen years has been in the
employ of E. C. Atkins & Co., the famous saw
manufacturers, at Indianapolis, Ind., now holding
the responsible position of traffic manager with
charge of the shipping interests. He married Anna
Winteroad, and has three children : Gretchen, Na-
thaniel C. and James Crawford. (2) Mary Eliza
married Joseph B. Blakeslee, and resides in Leb-
anon where he engages in farming on the Barker
farm. Their children are, Marion, Clarence, Ma-
jorie (deceased), Helen, Ralph, Paul and Alice.
(3) Sarah Grace is the wife of Gilbert Williams,
a farmer in Exeter Society of Lebanon, and their
children are, Howard Nathaniel, Nettie Maria, Ray-
mond Sweet, and W'alter.
In 1875 Mr. Barker married Mrs. Maria F.
(Sweet) Barker, widow of his brother Luther
Crawford ; she was born Nov. 28, 1838, and was
a sister of our subject's first wife. She is a lady of
pleasing personality, who has proven a worthy and
congenial wife whose charities are many and her
friends counted by the hundreds. Both Mr. and
Mrs. Barker enjoy in the highest degree the con-
fidence of all to whom they are known. Their
hospitable home is always open to those who re-
quire assistance, as well as to their friends, who
enjoy the generous hospitality and cordiality al-
ways to be found there. Honorable in all his deal-
ings, upright, hardworking, thrifty, Mr. Barker has
made his way in the world, and from a happy
present, can look back with pride upon an unstained
past, and forward to a peaceful future, surrounded
by the comforts and even the luxuries of life, pro-
vided by his foresight, and assisted in all his good
works by his wife.
EDWIN A. CARD, one of the best known and
most extensive lumber dealers and timber con-
tractors in eastern Connecticut, comes of sturdy
New England ancestry. In both paternal and ma-
ternal lines his lineage is traced to old and prom-
inent families of Rhode Island. Mr. Card was born
at what is now Oneco, in the town of Sterling, Conn.,
July 6, 1838, son of Alvin and Betsey P. (Kenyon)
Card, the former of whom died when Edwin A.
was but five weeks old. The widowed mother, a
daughter of the late George P. Kenyon. of Sterling,
Conn., resided with her son for twelve years pre-
vious to her death, which occurred at his home
Feb. 27, 1904.
Edwin A. Card passed his boyhood days in his
native town, where his early schooling was also re-
ceived. His education was completed with a course
in the Rhode Island Seminary, at Scituate, Rhode
Island. Entering upon a business career, Mr. Card,
in 1862, opened a store at Oneco, in the town of
Sterling, meeting with success in his venture. Later
branching out in the manufacturing line, he built
the mill at that place, and operated it for ten years
in the manufacture of print cloth. The enterprise
244
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
and push of Mr. Card were greatly reflected in the
material growth and up-building of that village.
He subsequently disposed of the business to W. C.
Bates, and in consummating the transaction he took
in part payment the timber that was on the Bate?
farm. He at once began the reduction of this tim-
ber into merchantable form, taking the contract for
furnishing poles for the Merchants' Union Tele-
graph Company, from Pawtucket, R. I., to Scotland,
Conn. This was followed by various other timber
contracts, which he fulfilled. It is safe to say that he
furnished as many as 100,000 ties in the building of
what was the New England Railroad. Mr. Card
later transferred his operations to the South, and
was for three years at Slocomb's Creek, North Caro-
lina, engaged in the lumber business. In 1889 he
removed to Groton, where he has since made his
home.
During his connection with the lumber trade,
Mr. Card has cut the timber from more than 10,000
acres of land, and his transactions in native timber
will no doubt equal, if not surpass, those of any in-
dividual in the State. Operations of this character,
and on such an extensive scale, to be successful re-
quire a managerial head of peculiar fitness, and as
such Mr. Card has demonstrated his thorough com-
petency. As a judge of standing timber, the cost
of reduction, and the ability to secure a profitable
market, he has few equals. The intimate knowledge
of the most minute details of the business, the great
capacity for work, and the ability to handle his work-
ing force for best results, are prominent traits of this
man's ability. He utilizes the most improved
methods and machinery in his work, in addition to
which he has had in use at one time as many as
seventy-six horses. Some idea of -the magnitude
of his operations can be gathered from the sale of
65,000 ties in one year to the Consolidated railroad —
ties, of course, being but one commodity in a timber
dealer's line. The amount of work incident to a
successful management of a business of this kind
is stupendous, and Mr. Card's great energy and
physical force were given to it without reserve. He
furnished all of the native timber in the construction
of the trolley from Groton to Westerly, and as the
owner of the schooner "Witch Hazel," he does much
of his own transporting. During the past year he
has cut nearly 150,000 ties and sold them to various
railroad and trolley companies, more than 12,000 of
these being sent to South Africa.
Notwithstanding the exacting nature of his busi-
ness, Mr. Card has taken an active and prominent
part in town affairs. He has always been a stanch
supporter of the Republican party, and in 1884 he
was elected to the State Legislature from Sterling,
Conn., his personal popularity insuring his success
although that town is normally Democratic. While
a member of the Legislature he served on the com-
mittee on State Prison. He was appointed post-
master at Sterling, during Abraham Lincoln's ad-
ministration, and served twentv-four vears. Any
movement having for its object the improvement or
development of the town, has always found in Mr.
Card an enthusiastic supporter. He was a charter
member of Fairview Lodge, No. 101, I. O. O. F.,
at Groton. In church affairs he has taken an active
interest. In 1881 he united with the Baptist church,
of which he has ever since been a consistent and
liberal contributor. As a citizen he is one of the
foremost in his town, and one whose influence is
always felt on the side of right.
On Feb. 20, 1862, Mr. Card was united in mar-
riage, at Sterling, Conn., to Miss Hattie E. Hyde,
daughter of Albert Hyde, superintendent of the mill
at that place. Three children have been born of this
union, namely: (1) Frank E., born Dec. 25, 1865,
prepared for hii professional career at Burlington,
Yt., afterward taking a post-graduate course in New
York, and is now a practicing physician at Provi-
dence, R. I. He married Miss Bertha Shephardson,
and they have two children, Edwin A. and Maxine.
(2) C. H., born June 15, 1870, is in a wood business
at Groton, where he is also filling the office of con-
stable. He married Edith Perkins, and they have
four children, Arthur, George, Bessie and Charles
M. (3) Herbert Albert died in childhood.
THEOPHILUS YALE WINSHIP. one of the
venerable and successful citizens of Norwich, is
engaged at truck gardening on his farm located on
the New London turnpike, about one mile west of
the city. Mr. Winship is a self-made man, his suc-
cess being due to a combination of industry, frugal-
ity and splendid business judgment.
The grandfather of Air. Winship came to Nor-
wich from New Y'ork, and spent the rest of his days
there. Thomas D. Winship, his father, was born
Oct. 9, 1795, in the city of New Y'ork. At the age
of thirteen years he went on the water with his
maternal grandfather Freeman, and eventually be-
came master of a vessel. He was lost at sea in 1846,
having been washed overboard when his vessel was
plying between New YTork and Liverpool.
Thomas D. Winship married Phila Y'ale July
11, 1817. She was the daughter of Joseph and
Lydia (Sanger) Y'ale, was born March 22. 1797,
and survived her husband, dying at the age of sev-
enty-seven years. They were the parents of five
children: Lydia Eliza, born April 22, 1818, mar-
ried Joseph L. Lamb, and died in Norwich in June,
1903, leaving two children ; Theophilus Y'ale was
born Sept 14, 1820 ; Sarah Freeman, born June 26,
1823, is the widow of John F. Woodworth. and re-
sides in Washington, D. C, with her three children;
Thomas, born March 9. 1826, died unmarried : Phila
Amelia, born July 15, 1828, is the widow of Avery
Smith, and resides in Norwich (she has two chil-
dren).
Theophilus Yale Winship was born at Bean Hill,
Norwich, and attended the district school there each
winter until he reached the age of fifteen years.
When a boy, during the vacation period, he worked
4^C</'.
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
245
as a farm laborer, his wages being only twenty-five
cents a day. At the age of fifteen he began as a
clerk in the wholesale grocery house of Backus &
Norton, on Water street. Norwich, and for the first
five years was given his board and clothes. He re-
mained with this firm for ten years, and in 1846,
with the savings of his wages during the last five
years, he engaged in the grocery business with his
brother-in-law, Avery Smith, in the Bolles block, on
Water street, under the firm name of Winship &
Smith. This partnership lasted for five years, when
Mr. Winship bought out the interest of Mr. Smith
and continued in business by himself with marked
success until 1867. In that year he disposed of the
same, and has since devoted his attention to market
gardening. In May, 1852, Mr. Winship purchased
his present farm, which was a part of the Star place,
and completed the house in 1853. He has also put
up all the other buildings there. Mr. Winship for
many years was the leading market gardener, as he
was up-to-date in his ideas, having greenhouses for
early vegetables, etc. Of late years, because of his
advanced age, he does not go into the business so
extensively.
Mr. Winship was married Dec. 24, 1850, to Miss
Jerusha A. Avery, who was born Aug. 30, 1824, in
Preston, Conn., daughter of James and Hannah
(Pride) Avery. They have no children, but a niece
of Mrs. Winship, Miss Mary A. Hill, has made her
home with them, and has been reared with all the
care and affection her own parents could have given
her.
Mr. Winship is a Republican, and takes an in-
telligent interest in politics, but has never cared to
hold office, and has declined all offers of nomination
for any. He has many business interests outside of
his market gardening, being a director of the Nor-
wich Mutual Assurance Company, and a member
and auditor of the New London County Agricul-
tural Society.
In his religious belief Mr. Winship is a Spiri-
tualist, and is a most earnest supporter of the views
of that sect. At his advanced age he is still well
preserved, and makes one or more trips daily to
Norwich. He ranks among the most substantial
farmers of the town, for he has ever been a hard
worker, and has had a splendid helpmeet in his wife,
who deserves a large share of the credit for their
success.
Mr. Winship is emphatically a self-made man,
and has succeeded not only through his good judg-
ment in business matters, which has proved univers-
al!}' sound, but equally through his unwavering hon-
esty and uprightness in all his dealings. No man in
the town has a better reputation for strict integrity.
JUDGE ELIAS B. HINCKLEY, one of the
leading citizens of Stonington, Conn., was born
Feb. 19, 1852, in Stonington. and comes from one
of the old and honorable families of New England.
(I) Samuel Hinckley, the emigrant ancestor,
came to New England, with his wife Sarah, from
Tenterden, Kent. England, in 1634, on the good ship
"Hercules," and settled at Scituate, Mass. Of his
children, Thomas, Susannah, Mary and Sarah, were
born in England ; Elizabeth, Samuel and Samuel
(2), were born at Scituate; Samuel (3) and John,
the latter May 24, 1644, at Barnstable, Mass. The
mother of these children died Aug. 18, 1656, and
Samuel married (second) Bridget Bodfish. He died
at Barnstable. _ He was made a freeman at Scituate
in 1637. and removed to Barnstable in 1640. His
oldest son, Thomas, became governor of Plymouth
Colony.
(II) Ensign John Hinckley, born May 24, 1644,
gained distinction in military life. In July, 1668,
he married Bethia, daughter of Thomas Lathrop, of
Barnstable. She died July 10, 1697, leaving chil-
dren : Sarah, Samuel, Bethia, Hannah, Jonathan,
Ichabod and Gershom. He married (second), Nov.
24, 1697, Mary Goodspeed, and died Dec. 7, 1709.
(III) Samuel Hinckley (2), born Feb. 2, 1670,
at Barnstable, eldest son of Ensign John, married
Sept. 29, 1699, Martha Lathrop. With Henry Cobb,
he came from Barnstable, Mass., and bought a large
tract of land in Stonington. In the division of the
land in 1717, he took the portion lying on Hinckley
Hill. He was a member of the First Church at
Stonington, in 1708-1710. His children were : John,
Martha, Samuel, Sarah, Joanna, Mary. Thankful,
Mary and Nancy.
(IV) Samuel Hinckley (3), son of Samuel,
was born March 4, 1706, at Stonington. and was
married, Jan. 22, 1730, to Zerviah Breed, daughter
of John and Mercy (Palmer) Breed, who died June
14, 1731, leaving one child. Zerviah, born April 11,
1731. On Dec. 30, 1736, he married (second) Mary
Wyatt, born Dec. 8, 171 7. daughter of Jonathan
Wyatt ; she died June 17, 1806. He died Nov. 9,
1763. They had these children: Samuel, born Aug.
22, 1737; Wyatt, born Jan. 18, 1739: David, born
Jan. 28, 1741 ; Abel, born April 10. 1743: Elijah,
born July 15, 1745: Nathan, born Feb. 23. 1748:
Mary, born July 8. 1750; Gershom. born April 5,
1753 ; Yose. born Aug. 28, 1754: Martha, born June
5, 1758: and Grace, born Sept. 14. 1760.
(V) Abel Hinckley, son of Samuel (3). was
born April 10, 1743. On Oct. 25, 17^4. he married
Sarah Hubbard Hobart. who died Oct. 10, [£
and he died March 20, 1818. They had children as
follows: Sarah, born March 11. 1765, married
George Fish; Rebecca, born Oct. 6, [766, married
Ezra Gallup: Mary, born Feb. 23. 1708. married
Theophilus Morgan: Anna, born Aug. [6, 1769,
married Joshua Gallup: Abel, born May 13. 1771 ;
Samuel Hobart. born Dec. 26, 1772; and Fsther.
born Nov. 2$. 1777. He lived on Hinckley Hill,
engaged in farming, and died March 20. 1818.
(VI) Samuel Hobart Hinckley, son o\ Abel,
was born Dec. 26, 1772. On April 13. 1800. he
married Abigail Helms, born Oct. 21. 1772. daugh-
ter of Oliver and Katherine (Greenman) Helms.
246
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
She died May 31, 1813, the mother of: Samuel, born
June 11, 1801, died Feb. 25, 1802; Abby, born Sept.
4, 1802. married George D. Cross; Abel, born Nov.
3, 1803 : Elias B., born June 26, 1805 ; B. Franklin,
born April 10, 1807, died Sept. 1, 1833; Henry,
born July 15, 1809; and Mary E., born April II,
181 1, married Charles M. Davis. Samuel H.
Hinckley married (second), March 9, 1815, Nancy
Chapman Clarke, widow of William Clarke.
(VII) Henry Hinckley, son of Samuel H., was
born July 15, 1809. His boyhood was spent on the
home farm on Hinckley Hill, and could recall seeing
his father kill sheep for the soldiers stationed on
Stonington Point, in 18 14. He watched the bom-
bardment of Stonington and when the British ship,
"Despatch," ran ashore on Wamphassac Point, he
could distinguish the sailors throwing shot and shell
overboard in their effort to float the stranded ves-
sel. In young manhood he learned the trade of
carpenter and joiner, with his brother Elias B., who
was in business in Westerly. In 1834 he went to
West Hartford, for B. E. Palmer, and there erected
a large church edifice. On his return in January,
1835, he narrowly escaped being killed by the care-
lessness of a small boy, who set off a blast prema-
turely. As it was, he was knocked down and was
seriously injured. After his recovery he went to
Hartford and completed a section of the Phelps
Block, in that city. In 1836 he assisted in the
erection of the "Wadawanuck Hotel" in Stoning-
ton.
On Dec. 12, 1838, Mr. Hinckley was married to
Prudence Mary Chesebrough, and began house-
keeping in the small house on the Westerly road,
near the homestead, where the family lived for ten
years. During this time he was engaged in ship
joining at the Pawcatuck shipyard. From here
they went to live with his father at the homestead,
where the next fifteen years were spent. For three
years after his father's death, he remained at the
old homestead, and then removed to the little home
on the Westerly road. At this time his reputation
as a farmer was well known, and Capt. Alexander
5. Palmer engaged him to improve the farm on
Wamphassac Point, and he remained there for the
next four years. Mr. Hinckley then removed with
his family to Bozrah, where he purchased a farm
and occupied it for six years, when he went to
Franklin, returning after a year to Stonington and
taking up his residence in Wequetequock, where his
death occurred June 18, 1901. He was a man pos-
sessed of a broad and liberal mind, which had been
cultivated by reading and thought. While he al-
ways hesitated to give advice, yet, when given, it
was found to be of a nature safe to follow. Kind
to the poor, generous to the deserving, he won many
friends, while honesty and integrity of character
were so developed that the follies and foibles of life
were always met with reproof. In short, in the life
of Henry Hinckley, the sphere in which he moved
was made better, and his descendants have just
cause for pride in preserving his memory. He bore
the burden of his years with ease and dignity, being
as active in mind and body as most men a score of
years younger.
Mr. Hinckley's marriage united him with a
member of one of the notable old families of Con-
necticut, a descendant of William Chesebrough,
born in 1594, in England, who was the first white
settler in Stonington, Conn. Mrs. Hinckley died
Sept. 9, 1896. Their children were the following:
Mary, born Oct. 15, 1839, married Charles E. Chace,.
and died March 24, 1881. Abbie H., born July 15,
1 84 1, married Charles H. Babcock, and she died
March 14, 1883. Thomas H., of Springfield, Mass.,.
where he is manager of a meat market, married
Etta Weaver. Eliza C, born May 16, 1845. mar-
ried William H. Palmer, who is now deceased.
Vincent, born Oct. 20, 1847, died Aug. n, 1899.
Elias B. is mentioned below. James B., born June
30, 1856, is in New Haven, Conn., where he is en-
gaged in the insurance business ; he married Jennie
Mershon, of Norwich.
Elias B. Hinckley, one of the prominent and
representative citizens of Stonington, passed his
hoyhood on the family farm on Hinckley Hill, and
attended the local schools until he was seventeen
years of age. Delicate health compelled him then
to give up study for a season, and he spent four
years working in a market for his brother Thomas
H. From 1876 to 1880, he was engaged in the
meat and provision business with Calvin Wheeler,,
at Westerly, R. I., and then became bookkeeper for
Nathan H. Gates, a leading contractor in Stoning-
ton. In 1882 he became clerk in the auditor's office
of the Stonington & Providence Railroad Com-
pany, a position he continued to fill until Aug. 9,
1886, when he was appointed postmaster of Ston-
ington by President Cleveland. This office he held
continuously until Feb. 1, 1891. Judge Hinckley is
a stanch Democrat, and in the fall of 1890 he was
elected town clerk, and a year later was chosen town
treasurer. In 1892 he was elected probate judge,
by a majority of three ; in 1894, was re-elected, by
a majority of thirty-seven; again in 1896 by a ma-
jority of 258; in 1898 he was the unanimous choice
of both parties ; in 1900, which was presidential
year, he received a majority of 557, over two-
thirds of the votes cast, and in 1902 and 1904
he developed no opposition. This record needs no
comment, the mark of efficiency and public approval
being made evident enough by the facts.
On Oct. 22,, 1878, Judge Hinckle> married Fan-
nie, daughter of Horace H. and Frances (Burrows)
Clift, of Mystic. Mrs. Hinckley died Aug. 28, 1885,
the mother of two children : Eleanor, born Aug.
29, 1880; and Hobart, born Aug. 19, 1882, died
Aug. 20, 1890. On Dec. 20, 1893, Judge Hinckley
married Grace M. Levy, born Oct. 24, 1869, daugh-
ter of Francis A. Levy, of Stonington. They have
two daughters, Thelma Clift. born Jan. 8, 1895 : and
Prudence Mary, born June 11, 1899.
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
-'47
Judge Hinckley is a member of Pequot Council,
Royal Arcanum, of Stonington, in which he has
served as secretary. He attends the Baptist Church,
of which his family are members. Among his in-
terests outside of his office it may be mentioned that
he is a director of the Niantic Savings Bank of
Westerly, Rhode Island.
FRANK ELLSWORTH HYDE, a well known
representative of an old New England family, and
one of the substantial and respected citizens of Lis-
bon, was born in his present home Oct. 21, 1865.
(I) Jonathan Hyde, the founder of the family
in America, came in 1647, from near London, Eng-
land, to New Town (now Arlington), Mass. He
resided there the remainder of his life, and died
there full of years and honors. He was twice mar-
ried. His first wife, Mary French, bore him fifteen
children, and his second, Mary Rediat, became the
mother of eight.
(II) Joseph Hyde, son of Jonathan, married
Mary Perkins, daughter of Isaac Perkins, and be-
came the father of a large family.
(III) Ichabod Hyde, son of Joseph, was born
Aug. 24, 1717, in what is now Cambridge, Mass.,
and came to Norwich (West Farms, now Frank-
lin), Conn., in early life. By occupation he was a
farmer. He married Mary Haskins, daughter of
Daniel and Mehitable (Badger) Haskins, of Nor-
wich, and they became the parents of eighteen chil-
dren. He died in Franklin, April 13, 1779, having
behind him a well deserved reputation for integrity
and industry.
(IV) Barnabas Hyde, son of Ichabod, was born
Sept. 17, 1747. Upon reaching manhood he moved
from Franklin to Lisbon, and settled on the farm
now owned by James H. Kennedy, where he re-
sided until about 1791. In that year he removed to
the farm now occupied by Frank E. Hyde, and
there the remaining years of his life were passed.
On Nov. 12, 1771, he married Lydia Armstrong,
of Norwich, born Jan. 14, 1751. She died Sept. 2,
1837. The four children of this marriage were :
Sally, born Feb. 19, 1774; Lee, born July 14, 1776;
Elijah, born Feb. 4, 1779; and Lydia, born Feb. 12,
1783, died Jan. 17, 1800. Barnabas Hyde was an
honest, upright man, who was true to his friends,
and kind and considerate of those with whom he
came into contact. He was quiet and unassuming,
and cared little for public position, although at one
time he held the office of selectman, giving universal
satisfaction.
(V) Elijah Hyde, son of Barnabas, born in
Lisbon, Feb. 4, 1779, was reared as a farmer, an
occupation he followed all his life. Modest and re-
served in his manner, he preferred the quiet of his
own home to the honors of public office, and stead-
fastly refused to consider any change that would
bring him into the lime light of publicity. He was
a man of calm, even temperament, good judgment
and of considerable executive abilitv. His business
transactions were marked by the same strict integ-
rity that has always been characteristic of the fam-
ily. He married Lydia Burnham, who was born
Feb. 16, 1783, daughter of Daniel and Martha Burn-
ham, of Hampton, Conn. She died April 10. 1858,
in the faith of the Newent Congregational Church,
of which her husband was also a member. Their
children were: (1) Patty P., born March 7, -1-811,
married James H. Kennedy, a farmer in Lisbon,
where she died Feb. 14, 1892. (2) Daniel Burn-
ham, born May 12, 181 2, in Lisbon, received his
preliminary education in the public schools, and
became, like all his family, a farmer. He com-
menced teaching school in 1830, teaching in the
winters and working on the farm in the summers.
After teaching two terms, he again attended school,
intending to prepare for college, but failing health
necessitated a change in his plans, and for three
years he was compelled to assume the role of an in-
valid. In 1838 he again took up teaching, and for
six consecutive winters followed that work. Ill-
ness again changed his plans, this time the malady
being so troublesome that he was almost helpless.
All in all he taught sixteen winters and one sum-
mer. He was industrious and intelligent, a student
by nature, and the hours of enforced idleness were
profitably employed in reading and study. His man-
ners were unassuming, and, having a keen appre-
ciation of his own ability and limitations, he never
undertook what he was not able to perform well.
His political principles made of him first a Whig, and
later a Republican, and the duties of the official
positions he held were all faithfully fulfilled. On
Sept. 2, 183 1, he became a member of the First Con-
gregational Church of Lisbon, and was a regular
attendant upon its services. His absolute reliability
and integrity, and his sincere devotion to any cause
tending to uplift humanity, marked him as one of
the best and noblest of his time. He died unmar-
ried Oct. 8, 1893, at his home in Preston. (3) Eli
Ellsworth, born June 29, 18 19, is mentioned be-
low. (4) Lucy Ann, born Oct. 13, 1821. is the
widow of Charles Palmer, and resides in Preston
City.
(VI) Eli Ellsworth Hyde was born in the
house. now occupied by Frank E. Hyde. He attend-
ed the district schools, and out of school hours re-
ceived practical instruction in farm work under his
father's experienced guidance. Fie remained on the
home farm, assisting his father until the latter's
death, when the farm became his. His own life
ended there July 10, 1897, and he was buried in
Ames cemetery, at Lisbon. He had been very suc-
cessful as a general farmer, and at his death left a
comfortable competence. Politically he was a Re-
publican, but never cared for the honors and emolu-
ments of public office.
On Dec. 26, 1864, Eli Ellsworth Hyde was mar-
ried to Rachel Gallup, who was born in Sterling,
Conn., Jan. 16, 1831, daughter of Samuel and Maria
(Park) Gallup. She died Oct. 20. 1900. The only
248
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
child of this union was Frank Ellsworth, born Oct.
21. 1865. They had an adopted daughter, Fanny
(Chapman) Hyde, who came to them at the age of
five years, and whom they reared as their own ;
she is now the wife of Frank S. Avery, of Norwich
Town, by whom she has two children, Sidney
and Arthur. Both Mr. and Mrs. Eli E. Hyde were
members of Xewent Congregational Church.
(VII) Frank Ellsworth Hyde has lived his life
in the house in which he was born. His education
was acquired in the district schools and in the Jewett
City high school.
For one term he taught school in
his native town. Remaining at home he assisted
his father in the cultivation of the home farm,
which at the latter's death, became his by inherit-
ance. He has been one of the successful young
farmers of the town, and has adopted progressive
methods in his work. In addition to general farm-
ing, he is also engaged in dairying, keeping about
a dozen cows. The old home farm comprises 200
acres of land, all under a good state of cultivation
and improved with good buildings. Mr. Hyde also
owns forty acres more in the north part of the town.
In 1901 he added sawmilling to his work, the mill
being erected near his home.
On Oct. 21, 1895, Frank E. Hyde wedded Eva
E. Stark, who was born in Lebanon, March 20,
1874, daughter of William L. and Rhoda (Sisson)
Stark. Three children blessed this union : Ells-
worth Stark, born March 9, 1897, died March 14,
1897; Walter Averill, born June 25, 1898; and
Clara Sisson, born Nov. 10, 1901. Like his father
and grandfather Mr. Hyde is a Republican. For
the past ten years he has been registrar of voters,
and has served as grand juror, and on the board of
relief. In his young manhood he united with the
Newent Congregational Church, and is now serving
on the Society's committee. For nearly twenty-five
years he has served as organist. As a rest from his
work Mr. Hyde has ever turned to music, evincing
no little natural ability — an ability that has been
cultivated until he has mastered the technicalities of
the art, and plays with an expression and technique
possible only in real musicians. His instructor was
Charles Edward Prior, formerly of Jewett City,
now of Hartford. Mr. Hyde and his wife are justly
esteemed in the town, and none are more popular in
the social life.
Stark. The Stark family of which Mrs. Hyde
is a member, is one of the oldest in the county and
a more complete record is given elsewhere. Her
father, the late William Lathrop Stark, was born in
Bozrah, Conn., Feb. 9, 1833, a son °f Lathrop and
Fanny A. (Saxton) Stark. He remained on the
home farm until the spring following his marriage,
when he moved to Lebanon, and settled on a newly
purchased farm in Goshen Society, where he lived
the rest of his life, and he died there Nov. 8, 1897,
and his remains rest in the Stark cemetery in Boz-
rah. As a farmer he met with much success, and
acquired a substantial competence. Though ever
interested in the success of his chosen political party,
he cared nothing for the holding of offices. He was
well posted on the events of the day, and was often
called into party council, his well known good judg-
ment giving great weight to his opinions. He be-
longed to the Goshen Congregational Church, and
was a liberal contributor to its support. On Nov.
24, 1864, Mr. Stark married Rhoda Sisson, who was
born April 23, 1840. daughter of Noyes and Rachel
(Avery) Sisson. She died Jan. 3, 1877. To their
union came the following children : Charles La-
throp, born Sept. 17, 1866, died Nov. 24, 1870; Mat-
tie Irene, born May 3, 1870, died Dec. 25, 1870;
Mary Rhoda, born Oct. 27, 1871, married, April 17,
1900, John Waldron Cater, a fruit grower of Bos-
tonia, Cal. ; and Eva E., born March 20, 1874, be-
came Mrs. Frank Ellsworth Hyde.
GEN. EDWARD HARLAND. lawyer, citizen
soldier, legislator, banker, etc., of Norwich, is one
of the distinguished sons of that ancient historic
town.
Born June 24, 1832, in Norwich, Gen. Harland
is a representative in maternal lines of the founders
of the town 240 and more years ago. His grandfa-
ther, Thomas Harland, an ingenious artisan, watch
and clock maker from London, England, came to
America in 1773, stopping for a time in Boston,
whence in the same year he moved to Norwich. He
superintended the construction of the first fire en-
gine, in 1788, owned in Norwich. Mr. Harland was
born in 1735, and married, in 1779, Hannah Clark,
who was born in 1754. a daughter of Elisha and
Hannah (Leffingwell) Clark. Their family of chil-
dren was as follows: Mary, born in 1780, died in
1859: Thomas, born in 1781, died in 1806: Han-
nah, born in 1785, died in 1803; Fanny, born in
1787; Henry, born in 1789; and Edward, born in
1/93. died in 1817. Of these,
Henry Harland, whose birth occurred Feb. 16,
1789. in Norwich, married Oct. 14, 1822, Abigail
Leffingwell Hyde, a native of the same town, born
in October. 1800, a daughter of Judge John and
Sarah R. (Leffingwell) Hyde, of Norwich. This
union was blessed with the following children : Ed-
ward, born Oct. 5, 1823, died in September, 1824:
Harriet, born Oct. 3, 1825, died in September, 1837 ;
Elizabeth, born Oct. 21, 1827, married Ferdinand
Castile Stedman, born April 5, 1826, and resided in
Norwich ; Thomas, born March 17, 1830, became a
lawyer of Norwich ; Edward was born June 24,
1832; Harriet, born Aug. 31, 1834, died in infancy;
and Ruth L. was born Jan. 16, 1837. Henry Har-
land, the father, in early life located in New Or-
leans, where he was engaged in the business of
watchmaker and jeweler, and remained until about
1830. He then returned to Norwich, where he re-
sided at the old Harland homestead in Norwich
Town until his death, in 1841. He led a life of
useful citizenship, esteemed and respected by the
community. His widow passed away in 1888.
(^C^y-^^-t^
<2^L
Brig. Gen U.S. V
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
249
On his mother's side Gen. Harland is a descend-
ant in the eighth generation from William Hyde, his
immigrant ancestor, his lineage being through Sam-
uel, Jabez, Jabez (2), Ezekiel, Judge John and Abi-
gail Leffingwell Hyde.
(I) William Hyde appears first of record at
Hartford in 1636, and was an original proprietor in
1639-40, and as such his name is perpetuated on the
monument now standing in the old graveyard to
the rear of the First Church in Hartford. He was
later of Saybrook, and was one of the thirty-five
original proprietors Of Norwich in 1660. Mr. Hyde
was frequently a selectman, and was a man of con-
siderable importance. He died in Norwich Jan. 6,
168 1.
(II) Samuel Hyde, born about 1637 in Hartford,
married in June. 1659, Jane Lee, of East Saybrook
(now Lyme), daughter of Thomas and Phoebe
(Brown) Lee. Mr. Hyde and his wife settled in
Norwich in 1660, he being an original proprietor.
Their daughter Elizabeth is said to have been the
first white child born in Norwich. Mr. Hyde was
a farmer, and had lands assigned to him in Nor-
wich West Farms, where he died in 1677.
(III) Jabez Hyde, born in May, 1677, in Nor-
wich, married Dec. 29, 1709, Elizabeth Bushnell,
daughter of Richard and Elizabeth (Adgate) Bush-
nell, of Norwich. They settled in Norwich West
Farms (now Franklin). Mr. Hyde was a wealthy
farmer, possessed of large tracts of land. He was
a justice of the peace, and was for eight sessions a
representative in the General Court. He died Sept.
5, 1762, and his widow passed away Aug. 21, 1768.
Air. Hyde was clerk of Franklin Church for many
years beginning with 17 16.
(IV) Jabez Hyde (2), born Sept. 16, 1713, in
Norwich West Farms, married Dec. 8, 1736, Lydia
Abel, daughter of Benjamin and Lydia (Hazen)
Abel, of Norwich. They settled in Norwich West
Farms, where he was an extensive land holder. Airs.
Hvde died Tune 25, 1803, "Sir. Hvde on March 6,
1805.
(Y ) Ezekiel Hyde, born April 20, 1738, in
Norwich West Farms, married Dec. 6, 1768, Rachel
Tracy, daughter of John and Margaret (Hyde)
Tracy, and settled in Norwich West Farms, where
Mrs. Hyde died Nov. 20, 1781. Mr. Hyde passed
away July 10, 1808. He had married (second)
Dec. 12. 1782, Mary Closen.
(VI) Judge John Hyde, born June 23, 1773, in
Norwich, married in March. 179*8, Sarah Russell
Leffingwell, who was born Oct. 20, 1778, daughter
of Daniel and Elizabeth (Whiting) Leffingwell, of
Norwich, the latter a descendant of Gov. Bradford
and John Alden. of the "Mayflower." Mr. Hyde
was a lawyer in Norwich, served as justice of the
peace, postmaster and judge of probate. He died
March 10, 1847. His wife survived him.
(ATI) Abigail Leffingwell Hyde, daughter of
John, born in October, 1800, in Norwich, married
Oct. 14, 1822, Henry Harland, who was born Feb.
16, 1789, in Norwich.
Gen. Edward Harland, the subject proper of this
notice, after being prepared for college entered Yale,
from which he was graduated in 1853. He then
studied law in the office of the late Hon. John Tur-
ner Wait, at Norwich, and was admitted to the Bar
in New London county in 1855. The firing on
Sumter, in April, 1861, called forth his patriotism,
and on the 25th of that month he enlisted in Com-
pany D, of the 3d Connecticut Volunteers. He was
mustered into the United States service May nth,
as captain of that company. The 3d was soon com-
manded by Col. John L. Chatfield, and had the priv-
ilege of participating in the first battle of the Civil
war — the first Bull Run, where "the 3d moved with
its brigade at the head of the column under Mc-
Dowell, when it advanced via Centerville and Bull
Run, and, in the trying scenes on that disastrous
field, behaved with the firmness and courage of a
regiment of veterans." Said Col. Keyes, "The gal-
lantry with which the 2d Regiment, Maine, and the
3d Connecticut Volunteers charged up the hill upon
the enemy's artillery and infantry was never, in my
judgment, surpassed."
Capt. Harland was mustered out of the three-
months' service Aug. 12, 1861, and on Sept. 4, 1861,
joined the 8th Conn. V. I., and was mustered into
the service as its colonel Oct. 5, 1861. The engage-
ments of the 8th were : Newbern, N. C, March 14,
1862 ; siege of Fort Macon, N. C, April, 1862 ; An-
tietam, Md., Sept. 17, 1862; Fredericksburg, Va.,
Dec. 13, 1862; Fort Hugar, Va., April 19, 1863:
Walthall Junction, Va., May 7, 1864; Fort Darling,
Va., May 16, 1864; Petersburg, Va., Aug. 25, 1864;
and Fort Harrison, Va., Sept. 29, i8f)4.
Col. Harland was promoted brigadier-general
of volunteers Nov. 29, 1862, and commanded a brig-
ade from that time on. In February, 1863, Har-
land's brigade comprised the 8th, nth, 15th, if>th
and 2 1 st Connecticut regiments, and formed a part
of Peck's Division. Gen. Harland shared the fort-
unes of war along with his company, regiment and
brigade respectively, and returned to his home with
an honorable war record, a record in which any one
might take just pride. His resignation took place
June 22, 1865.
Returning to his native town after the close of
the war. Gen. Harland resumed the practice of his
profession and has since been an honored and es-
teemed citizen of the town, city and State. In 1869
and again in 1878. he was chosen by his fellow citi-
zens to represent them in the State Legislature. In
T870 he represented his district in the State Senate.
and was the president pro-tempore of that body.
From 1872 to 1876 he was the efficient judge of pro-
bate of the Norwich district. He was made adju-
tant-general of the Commonwealth for 1879-80. The
General is a Republican in political faith. Tn
March, 1883. he was appointed a member of the
2^0
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
State Board of Pardons by Gov. Thomas M. Waller,
and has been reappointed successively since then,
still serving. In 1875 Gen. Harland was chosen a
director of the Chelsea Savings Bank, and a num-
ber of years later he was chosen vice-president ; in
1890 he was elected president, being the third presi-
dent since its organization in 1858, and he is still
serving as such. Gen. Harland was one of the cor-
porators of the \Y. W. Backus Hospital at Norwich.
In all the relations of life and citizenship he has so
borne himself as to merit the esteem, love and re-
spect of his fellow-citizens. One has only to read
between the lines to judge of the worth of such a
man to the community. Gen. Harland never mar-
ried.
RALPH H. DENISON, attorney at New Lon-
don, residing at Groton, traces his ancestry to
(I) Capt. George Denison, baptized at Stratford,
Hertfordshire, England, Dec. 10, 1620, son of "Wil-
liam and grandson of John Denison, of Stratford.
William Denison came to New England with his
family in 163 1 and settled in Roxbury, Mass., where
he became a deacon in the church. He had been
liberally educated, as had been his sons. George
Denison, the youngest of these boys, married (first)
in 1640, Bridget Thompson, daughter of John
Thompson, of Preston, Northamptonshire, England,
whose widow Alice came to America, and was liv-
ing at Roxbury. Their two children were : Sarah
and Hannah Denison. The mother of these children
died in 1643, and Mr. Denison returned to England
to serve under Cromwell in the Army of Parliament,
winning distinction and being wounded at Naseby.
Later he was married at the house of John Borodell
to the latter's daughter Ann, and returned to Rox-
bury in 1645. There he continued to live until 165 1,
when he located at New London, Conn., and in
1654 settled in Stonington. At the last named place
he continued until his death, Oct. 24, 1694, the
event occurring in Hartford. The children born to
the second marriage were: John, born July 14, 1646;
Ann, born May 20, 1649; Borodell, born in 165 1 ;
George, born in 1653 ; William, born in 1655 ; Mar-
garet, born in 1657 \ ar>d Mary, born in 1659. The
mother of these children died Sept. 26, 171 2. Capt.
George Denison was not only distinguished as a
civilian, but also as a soldier, and became during his
life in Connecticut, second only to the distinguished
Major John Mason, being closely identified with
the early history of the colony.
(II) Capt. William Denison, born in 1655, mar-
ried Sarah Prentice, widow of Thomas Prentice,
and daughter of the first Thomas Stanton, and they
lived in Stonington. Mr. Denison died March 26,
1715, and his wife died Aug. 7, 1713. Their chil-
dren were : William, born March 24, 1687 ; Sarah,
horn April 14, 1689 ; and George, born February 28,
1 692.
(III) William Denison (2), born March 24,
1687, married May 10, 1710, Mercy Gallup, and
lived in Stonington. He died Feb. 12, 1724, and
she passed away March 2, 1724, aged thirty-five.
Their children were: Mercy, born June 25. 1711;
Sarah, born July 2, 1713 : Esther, born Feb. 6, 1 7 1 5 ;
William, born Dec. 9, 1716; Hannah, born April 10,
1719; Benadam. born Feb. 6, 1721 ; Jonathan, born
May 12, 1722; Nathan, born Feb. II, 1724.
(IV) Benadam Denison, born Feb. 6, 1721, mar-
ried Nov. 3, 1742, Amy Swan, and lived in Ston-
ington. Their children were : Lucy, born Jan. 8,
1744; James, born Aug. 25, 1745; Benadam; Ann,
born July 9, 1747; Robert, born Sept. 28, 1749, and
George, born Oct. 8, 1751.
(V) Robert Denison, born Sept. 28, 1749, mar-
ried (first) Alice Denison, who died Sept. 24, 1794,
and his second wife was Deborah Dewey, whom he
married Nov. 2, 1796. Eight children were born
to the first marriage, and nine to the second. They
were: Robert, born Sept. 2, 1774; Martha, born
Sept. 2, 1777; Benadam, born April 12, 1783: Jon-
athan, born Feb. 2, 1780; James, born, July 1, 1785;
Edward, born Feb. 6, 1788 ; Alice, born June 4,
1790; Elias, born June 5, 1794; Deborah, born in
1797 ; Joseph S., born March 8, 1798; Lucy D.,
born in 1800 ; William E., born Oct. 7, 1802 ; Noyes
P., born in 1804: Allen, born in 1807; George W,
born in 1809; Emeline, born Oct. 13, 181 1, and
Eliza, born May 8, 181 5. The father of these chil-
dren died Feb. 9, 1820, in Stonington, in which
town he had lived.
(VI) Noyes P. Denison, born in 1804, was a
grain and provision merchant of New London, who
died in 1875 in Virginia. He married Harriet L.
Smith.
(VII) Noyes R. Denison married Feb. 17, 1861,
Mary A. Miner, a daughter of John W. Miner, and
they lived in Groton, Conn., where he died July 4,
1876. In politics he was a stanch Republican, and
he followed the seas for a livelihood, at one time
being first mate of a Liverpool cotton ship, and had
command of a vessel by the time he was of age. His
children were: George E., born May 8, 1862, a
resident of Groton: Emily M.. born June 13. 1866;
Mary E., born Feb. 6, 1865 ; Ralph H., born Oct.
4, 1871 : Isabella N.. born July 12, 1875.
( VIII) Ralph Hurlburt Denison was born at his
present residence, as above stated, and spent his
early school days in Groton, but when twelve years
of age he went to New London grammar school ;
then to Norwich Free Academy in Norwich, from
which he was graduated in 1891. In September,
1892, he began the study of law with Judge Ralph
Wheeler, of New London, and later studied with
John C. Geary, in all devoting three years to his
profession, and in February, 1895, he was admitted
to the Bar. Until 1902 he remained in Judge
Wheeler's office, and then began practicing alone
at No. 4 Marble Block, No. 126 State street, where
he has a handsomely equipped suite of offices, and he
also has a branch office in Groton. He was one of
the incorporators of the Groton Water Company,
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
2;i
and is still very much interested in the development
and improvement of the present system. Air. Deni-
son has some large realty holdings in Gflpton as well
as New London, and is very prominent if both busi-
ness and professional circles. Fraternally he is a
member of the Union Lodge of A. F. & A. M., of
New London; Fairview Lodge, No. 101, I. O.
O. F. ; Thomas Lodge, No. 13, A. O. U. W., and
Groton Conclave, No. 382, Improved Order of Hep-
tasophs. Politics have claimed a portion of the
attention of this promising young lawyer, and he
served very ably as representative from Groton in
the Legislature during the session of 1899.
On June 16, 1903, Mr. Denison married Miss
Alary H. Rodman, who was one of the popular
public school teachers, and a most charming and
highly cultivated lady.
WEBB. The Webb family, early planted in the
New England colonies, and now represented in
Norwich, Conn., by Julius Theodore Webb, is de-
scended from Christopher Webb, who, it is thought,
came to America about 1650. He married Nov.
18, 1654, Hannah Scott. On May 18, 1678, he was
chosen clerk of Weymouth or Braintree, Mass., and
in that town died May 30, 1694, aged sixty-four
years. His children were : John, born Aug. 23,
1655; Peter, born Oct. 1, 1657; Samuel, born June
6, 1660: Christopher; Hannah, born July 5, 1665;
Benjamin, born Dec. 2, 1667; Mary, born July 6,
1669; Joseph, born Jan. 15, 1672. (In Weaver's
ms., following the above, appears this entry: "Abi-
gail, their mother, died, a widow, 1718.")
(II) Samuel Webb, born June 6, 1660, in Brain-
tree, married in December, 1686, Alary Adams,
born Feb. 25, 1664 (according to Savage), daugh-
ter of Joseph and Abigail (Baxter) Adams, grand-
daughter of Henry Adams, and a sister of Joseph
Adams, who was the grandfather of John Adams,
second President of the United States. Children : Re-
becca, born July 25, 1688; Samuel, born May 12,
1690 (both born at Braintree) ; Alary, born Nov. 25,
1694; Nathaniel, born Feb. 10, 1696; and Zebulon,
born in 1699. The father purchased, Jan. 27, 1706-
07, of Thomas Huntington, the fifth house, or
home, lot in Windham Center. Air. Webb died
Feb. 20, 1738-39, aged seventy-eight years. Alary,
his wife, died (according to town records) Dec.
21, 1744, aged eighty.
(III) Nathaniel Webb, born Feb. 10, 1696, mar-
ried April 24, 1718, Elizabeth Fitch, daughter of
John Fitch, Esq. Air. Webb died Sept. 19, 1750,
and Elizabeth, his wife, died July 3, 1780, aged
eighty-four years. Children : John, born June 14,
1719; Samuel, Alarch 5, 1720-21; Elizabeth, June
3, 1723; Alary, Dec. 23, 1725; Ann, June 13, 1728;
Miriam, Oct. 7, 1730; Eunice and Joshua (twins),
Jan. 12, 1733-34; and Nathaniel, Aug. 5, 1737.
(IV) John W'ebb, born June 14, 1719, married
July 30, 1746. Ann Devotion, a sister of Rev. Eben-
ezer Devotion. Air. Webb died Feb. 2j, 1787, in
his sixty-eighth year. His widow died July 2, 1805,
aged eighty-one years. Children : Ann, born July
11, 1747; Elizabeth, Oct. 1, 1748; John, Nov. 12,
1749; Solomon, about 1751; Jabez, April 18, 1753;
Elizabeth, Feb. 13, 1755; Eunice, June 4, 1756;
Jared, June 10, 1759; Lucy, Alay 30, 1762; Lydia,
April 29, 1765 ; and James, Feb. 19, 1767.
(V) John Webb, born Nov. 12, 1749, married
Nov. 12, 1772, Zipporah Robinson, daughter of
Reuben Robinson. Air. Webb died Alarch 14, 1842,
in the ninety-third year of his age. His wife died
Nov. 23, 1834, in her eighty-fourth year. Children :
John, born Aug. 3, 1773; Lois and Eunice (twins),
Oct. 26, 1775; John (2), Oct. 14, 1777; Jonathan,
Sept. 10, 1779; John (3), Aug. 2, 1781 ; Clarissa,
Aug. 14, 1783; Esther, Alay 7, 1786; Ralph W.,
Oct. 12, 1788; and James, June 5, 1793.
(VI) Ralph Waldo Webb, born Oct. 12, 1788,
made his home in what is now Scotland, Conn.,
and devoted his whole life to farming. On Dec. 31,
1815, he married Eunice, daughter of Samuel Dor-
rance. Air. Webb died Alarch 20, 1842, aged fifty-
three years. His wife lived to be eighty-nine years,
seven months old, dying Jan. 29, 1884, and both are
buried in the old cemetery at Scotland. Their chil-
dren were as follows: Harriet D., born Dec. 28,
1816; Henry, Nov. 9, 1818; Eliza J., April 29, 1821 ;
and Julius, Alarch 2, 1823.
(VII) Julius Webb, born Alarch 2, 1823, in
Scotland, Conn., married in November, 1844, Alar-
tha Thompson, of Norwich, who died Jan. 15, 1888,
and is buried in Yantic cemetery. Air. Webb
was for nearly twenty years general man-
ager of the Norwich & New York Transportation
Company, and later engaged in the grain business
in Norwich, where he was a well known citizen and
where he spent his life. He died Oct. 20, 1891, and
is buried in the Yantic cemetery. Air. and Airs. Webb
had a family of seven children: (1) Courtland
Thompson, born Aug. 29, 1845, died Sept. 16,
1879. He was assistant teller in the Alechanics Na-
tional Bank at Worcester, Alass., but died in Nor-
wich, Conn. (2) Julius Theodore is mentioned be-
low. (3) Carrie married Dr. Leonard B. Almy, of
Norwich. (4) William died in infancy in 1857.
(5) Grace married Louis L. Blackstone. (6) Frank
Andrews is connected with the American Wood
Working Alachine Co. (7) Ralph Waldo, succes-
sor to the firm of Rawson & Whipple, married Iola
Raw son.
The Thompson family with which the late Airs.
Julius Webb was connected, was an early settled one
in Rhode Island. The first of whom we have record
was Isaac Thompson, who lived in Westerly, R. I.,
where he died in 1738. He was supposed to have
been the son of Benjamin and Prudence Thompson,
who made their home in Roxbury, Alass. He was a
physician. Isaac Thompson married Alary Holmes,
daughter of Joshua and Abigail (Chesbrough)
Holmes, and she died in 1751. Their son. Isaac
Thompson, was born in Westerly, R. I., and came
252
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
to Connecticut, locating in the north parish of New
London. Isaac, Jr., his son, born Sept. 22, 1698, had
a son, Nathaniel, born in 1735, who married Delight
Fox. He died June 14, 1828, aged ninety-three, and
she died Feb. 4, 1815, aged seventy-five. Their chil-
dren were : Alpheus ; Isaac, who married Eunice
Allen ; Gardner ; Burrell ; Abby, who married a Man-
waring; Parthina, born April 22, 1776, who died
Aug. 8, i860; Edna, born Aug. 8, 1780, who mar-
ried Hazzard Browning; and Achsa, born Nov. 22,
1 78 1, who married John H. Allen.
Burrell Thompson, son of Nathaniel and Delight
(Fox) Thompson, married Mary Bishop, and their
children were : Yiana, Mrs. Churchill, who lives in
Madison, Wis. ; Sarah, who married Gilbert M.
Peck, and died in East Bethany, N. Y. (where he is
a wealthy fanner), leaving two children, William
and Anna ; Frances, who married George W. Bent-
ley, and died in New London ; Joanna, who married
the late Dr. J. Ward Ellis, and lives in Chicago (her
one son, Warren Thompson Ellis, is also deceased) ;
Martha, who married Julius Webb; Jirah, who
moved to Wisconsin, and there died ; Courtland, who
went to Florida in young manhood, and at Apala-
chicola fell a victim to yellow fever, and was buried
there.
Julius Theodore Webb, son of Julius, was born
in Norwich, Feb. n, 1847, and attended the public
schools and Highland Military Academy, at Wor-
cester, Mass., whence he graduated in 1866. For
fourteen years he was engaged with G. P. Cottrell
& Co. in the flour and grain business, and later he
spent twelve years with the New York Transporta-
tion Company. He is not engaged in any business
now.
On Oct. 23, 1878, Mr. Webb was married, in
Christ Episcopal Church, to Lillie Morgan Osgood,
eldest daughter of the late Gilbert Osgood, and they
have had one child, Gilbert Osgood, born July 22,
1884, who graduated from Norwich Free Acad-
emy in 1903, and is now attending Yale. Mr. Webb
is a stanch Republican in politics. The family are
members of Christ Episcopal Church. Mrs. Webb
is a lady of intelligence and character, much devoted
to her husband and son.
GEORGE DICKINSON WHITTLESEY, one
of the best known bankers of New London in his
day, represented as high a type of citizen as that
city contained. The family in Connecticut bearing
tbis name, and from which our subject descended,
is one of the oldest as well as among the more prom-
inent of the early families who came to New Eng-
land and to this section. He was descended from
"Mayflower" ancestry, tracing his line to John and
Priscilla Alden. The first of the Whittleseys in
New England was
(I) John Whittlesey, a native of Cambridge-
shire, England, who came with the Lord Say and
Sale Company to Savbrook in 1635. His wife was
Ruth Dudley.'
(II) John Whittlesey, the next in line, married
Hannah Long, and they lived in Saybrook. The
descent is then traced through
(III) Hezekiah Whittlesey and Priscilla Jones,
of Saybrook ;
(IN) Hezekiah Whittlesey (2) and Lydia Wat-
erhouse, of Saybrook ;
(V) John Whittlesey (3) and Abigail Ingham,
of Saybrook; and
(VI) John Elihu Whittlesey and Louisa Ingra-
ham, of Saybrook, to
(VII) George Dickinson Whittlesey, of Say-
brook and New London, who was born June 9,
183 1, at Old Saybrook, Conn., and after commenc-
ing life on his own account was for several years
engaged in the general store business there, amass-
ing considerable money in that venture. Removing
to New London in the early sixties he became one
of the most prominent and influential citizens of that
city, which was ever afterward his home. As a
member of the firm of Whittlesey & Annis, Mr.
Whittlesey carried on the business of woolen manu-
facturing in South Coventry, and later came into
the ownership of the glass works over at Fort Neck.
About 1872 he succeeded the late Peter Turner as
cashier of the First National Bank of New London,
of which his father-in-law, the late ex-Gov. Francis
B. Loomis, was president. Mr. Whittlesey was a
Democrat, and during Cleveland's first adminis-
tration was appointed postmaster at New London,
an office he filled for five years most creditably.
This was the only public position he ever held that
brought him in contact with the people as a servant
of the government, and it served but to enhance the
admiration in which he was universally held, for his
friends were limited only by the circle of his ac-
quaintances. The rarely sympathetic qualities with
which he was endowed by nature, were ever present
in his relations with the patrons of the office, as, in-
deed, they were in all of his intercourse with his fel-
low men, and he bore the reputation of being one
of the most pleasant mannered men in New Lon-
don. It has been remarked that Mr. Whittlesey's
cheerful "Good morning" seemed as a panacea for
many a case of dejected feeling. Certain it is that
no incumbent of the post office there ever made more
friends in his discharge of the duties of that office.
He was a man of fine appearance, accentuated by
his dignified and courteous bearing, and softened by
the kindliness of his disposition. In business he was
shrewd and far seeing, but the soul of integrity in
any transaction, and was widely and favorably
known throughout this part of the State.
A local paper editorially said : "The late G. D.
Whittlesey was a gentleman.'' Mr. Whittlesey's
death occurred very suddenly, April 15. 1895.
While walking slowly up State street, he staggered
and fell forward on his face on the sidewalk.
Friends hurried to his prostrate form, and tenderly
raised him in their arms, but he never spoke again.
When the news spread expressions of regret and
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
253
sympathy for his family were heard on every side,
and his sudden taking away was greatly lamented
throughout this part of the State.
( hi May 23, 1861, Mr. Whittlesey was married
to Miss Betsey Ingham Loomis, who was born
March 20, 1839, daughter of Hon. Francis B. Loo-
mis. and she survives him. They had no children.
FRANK W. HEWES, M. D., is a leading phy-
sician of Groton, where he has built up a large and
successful practice. Dr. Hewes is a native of South
Strafford, Vt., and a son of Freeman Stark and
Roxanna Lydia (Carr) Hewes. Moody Hewes,
his grandfather, was a resident of Lyme, N. H.,
where he was engaged in farming, as well as con-
tracting and building. He married Lydia Chapin,
of that town.
Freeman Stark Hewes was born Sept. 14, 1832,
and spent his school days at Lyme, N. H., the town
where he was born. He learned the carpenter's
trade at Lyme, and engaged with his father in con-
tracting and building. In 1861 he removed to
South Strafford, Vt., and there engaged in farm-
ing the balance of his life. He died there July
27,, 1901. He was a genial man, one who made
many friends, who were ever stanch, and he had
no enemies. A stanch Democrat in politics, he was
opposed to the Civil war. In religious connection
he was a member of the Universalist Society. Mr.
Hewes was married, at Orford, N. H., to Roxanna
Lydia Carr, a native of Enfield, that State, daugh-
ter of Hazen Carr. Mrs. Hewes died July 22, 1903,
at the home of her son, at Groton, and was buried
beside her husband at South Strafford, Vt. To
Mr. and Mrs. Hewes came two children: William
Wallace, born in i860, who died March 4, 1899, at
South Strafford, where he followed the occupation
of farmer; and Frank William, born April 14, 1866.
Frank W. Hewes spent his early school days
at South Strafford and for two years was a student
at Thetford (Vt.) Academy. He also attended
Goddard Seminary, at Barre, Vt., graduating there-
from in the class of 1889. He went to work for
Secretary of War Proctor, at Proctor, Vt., in the
works of the Vermont Marble Companv, for a year,
and in 189 1 entered the Medical Department of the
University of Vermont, from which institution he
graduated with the class of 1894. He then attend-
ed the Post-Graduate School and Hospital of New
York City, and in May, 1895, he came to Groton.
where he has since engaged in practice. During
the Spanish war he was the contract surgeon for
Battery B, 1st Connecticut Heavy Artillery, at Fort
Griswold, and he is at present coroner's medical
examiner for the town of Groton, and health offi-
cer of the borough of Groton. The Doctor is a
member of the County and City Medical societies,
and while at the University of Vermont he was a
member of the Delta Mu medical fraternity. Fra-
ternally he is a member of Temple Lodge, No. 54.
F. & A. M., of South Strafford, \'t. ; of Union Chap-
ter, No. 7, R. A. M.; and of Palestine Command-
ery, No. 6, Knights Templar, at New London. He
is also a member of Fairview Lodge, No. 10 1, I. O.
0. F., at Groton.
On April 30, 1896, Dr. Hewes was married to
Miss Nettie Mae Ludwig, of New York City, and
they have had three children : Florence Louise,
born Aug. 21, 1897, died July 26, 1898; Frank W.,
Jr., born Aug. 24, 1899; and Carlisle Tyson, born
April 22, 1904. While at the University of Ver-
mont Dr. Hewes was very much interested in ath-
letics and took a leading part in such affairs. He
was a member of the 'varsity base ball team, and is
an enthusiast over the great national game.
JOHN MAXON RICHMOND, in his life time
one of Preston's well-to-do citizens, is now worthily
represented by his sons, who are substantial farmers
there. The family of Richmond is an old one in
America, being founded here by
(I) John Richmond, born in 1594, who came to
America from Ashton Keynes, Wiltshire, England,
probably leaving the latter country about 1635. He
was one of the first purchasers of Taunton in 1637.
Without doubt he was married before coming to the
New World, but of his wife, his marriage, etc.,
there seems to be nothing known. Mr. Richmond
was away from Taunton much of the time, as
through the records he is known to have been at
Newport and other places, but he eventually returned
to Taunton, and there he died March 20, 1664, at
the age of seventy years. He was a large landholder,
and for the times, quite wealthy. At his death he
was one of the oldest men in Taunton. His children
were : John, born about 1627 ; Edward, born about
1632; Sarah, born about 1638; and Mary, born
about 1639.
(II) Edward Richmond, born about 1632, and
probably before his father came to America, married
(first) Abigail, daughter of James Davis, and (sec-
ond) Amy Bull, daughter of Gov. Henry and Eliza-
beth Bull. Mr. Richmond was a refined and edu-
cated gentleman, and he was interested in the pur-
chases of extensive tracts of land from the In-
dians, both in Massachusetts and Rhode Island. He
is frequently mentioned in Colonial records. He
was one of the incorporators of Little Compton, R.
1. His death occurred in November. 1696. His
children were: Abigail, born in 1656; Edward,
born in 1658; John, born about 1660: Elizabeth,
born Dec. 6, i66C>; Mary, born in 1668; Esther
born in 1669; Sylvester, born in 1672; and Sarah
(all born of the first marriage) ; Henry and Ann,
both born in Little Compton, Rhode Island.
(III) John Richmond, born about 1660. in New-
port, R. I., married Elizabeth, whose surname is un-
known. Mr. Richmond solemnized marriages in
Westerly in 1732. He was admitted a freeman May
I, 1716, and was a deputy for Westerly in 17-"'). His
death occurred in 1740. His children born in Kings-
town (Westerly) were: Cyrus, Abigail, Sarah,
254
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
Stephen, Ann, Elizabeth, Rebecca, Esther, Content
and Priscilla.
(IV). Stephen Richmond, born Oct. 3, 1704, in
Kingstown, R. I., married Mary Lawton, born Sept.
23, 1703, of Newport and Seaconnet, R. I. Mr.
Richmond was a Quaker preacher, and settled in
Newport, R. I., later removing to Richmond, R. I.,
the latter town being named for him. He was ad-
mitted a freeman of Westerly, R. I., in February,
1729-30, and he served as a deputy in 1756. At the
first town meeting in Richmond he and James Adams
were appointed to receive the votes. He was rate
maker and moderator in 1749; president of the town
council in 1749 and 1750, and held other offices.
He owned 215 acres of land in the wrest part of
Exeter, about one-half of Fisher's Island, and the
Watch Hill farm in Westerly, R. I. He died June
26, 1787, and his widow passed away Feb. 16, 1793.
Their children were: John, born Aug. 1, 1728;
Mary, born April 4, 1731 ; John (2), born Feb. 24,
1733; Elizabeth, born April 21, 1735; Adam, born
March 24, 1737; Rebecca, born March 17, 1739;
Content, born June 22, 1741 ; Stephen ; Edward, born
Dec. 15, 1746; and Anne, born June 8, 1750. Of
these, Edward and Anne were born in Richmond,
and the others in Westerly.
(V) Stephen Richmond, born in Westerly, R.
I., married Lucy Mowry, of Exeter, daughter of
Sarah Mowry; she died Feb. 17, 1825. Mr. Rich-
mond was a Quaker in religion, and a leather mer-
chant by occupation. He died Dec. 12, 1797, in the
town of Exeter. His children were: Elizabeth,
born in 1771-2; Stephen, born Jan. 20, 1775; John,
born Dec. 25, 1777; Edward, born in 1780; Robert,
born in 1782-3; Benjamin, born May, 1785; Sarah,
born Oct., 1789; a son unnamed who died in in-
fancy; and Lucy, born Dec. 14, 1793.
(VI) John Richmond, born Dec. 25, 1777, in
Exeter, R. I., married, March 22, 1801, Polly,
daughter of George Maxson (modern spelling is
Maxon) of Hopkinton, R. I. ; she was born Feb. 21,
1783, and died Jan. 5, 1857. Mr. Richmond lived in
Exeter, owning there 157* acres of land. For some
fourteen years he was a justice of the peace, and for
several years constable. His children were : Susan-
nah, born March 22, 1802 ; Sarah, born Feb. 10,
1804; Stephen Hazard, born Dec. 7, 1805; John
Maxson, born Dec. 25, 1808 ; Mary, born Jan. 30,
181 1 ; George W., born April 8, 1813; Robert Haz-
ard, born March 9, 1815; Nancy, born June 15,
1817; Lucy, born Nov. 20, 1819; and Almira, born
Aug. 20, 1 82 1.
John Maxson Richmond was born Dec. 25, 1808,
and died in Preston, Conn., Dec. 13, 1876, aged
sixty-eight years. For several years in his young
manhood he was engaged in farming in Exeter, R.
I., and in 1835 he removed to Preston, Conn., where
lie leased a farm in the northern part of the town,
remaining there one year. He then leased a farm
on Broad Brook in Preston, where he lived for sev-
eral years, and then purchased it, having about 117
acres, to which he later added land purchased from
the late Andrew Frink, also purchasing other land
until at one time he owned four fine farms, all in
the town of Preston. He was straightforward and
conscientious in his dealings, and being naturally in-
dustrious and frugal, he accumulated a considerable
property, and became one of the wealthy men of the
town. He voted the Democratic ticket, but could in
no sense be called a politician. Besides his farming
he also engaged to some extent in cattle raising,
keeping at times from thirty to forty head. Until
within a few years of his death he enjoyed good
health and was capable of accomplishing an unusual
amount of hard work.
In 1832 Mr. Richmond was united in marriage
with Emily Frink, who was born in Preston, daugh-
ter of Rufus and Polly (Smith) Frink. She died
Aug. 16, 1899, at the home of her son, George J.
The children born of this marriage were: George
John, born Jan. 14, 1833 ; Mary Ann, who died un-
married at the age of sixty-one ; Henry Alfred, born
April 2, 1839; Albert Ephraim, born July 25, 1841 ;
and Harriet Jane, who married George Oliver Mal-
loy, of Preston.
George John Richmond, born Jan. 14, 1833,
in Exeter, R. I., came to Preston, Conn., with his
parents when about two years of age. He attended
the district schools of Preston, and later one term at
a select school in Preston City. Leaving the school
room at the age of seventeen, he began farming on
the home farm under the guidance of his father, dur-
ing which time he developed a remarkable ability
for the training of young steers, in which his father
was at one time an extensive dealer. At the age of
twenty-one he began work on his own account, by
working at farm work by the month in Pres-
ton and Franklin. He was a good work-
man, never afraid of anything that fell to
his lot, and he was able to command good
wages, which he carefully saved toward the time
when he could have his own farm. At the end of
two vears he took one of his father's farms, where
he now lives, on shares, continuing to cultivate it on
those terms for several years, later renting it out-
right. After living there for about ten years he pur-
chased the place, and has continued to make it his
home, meeting with great success in his chosen work.
He now owns the home farm. In his politics he is
a stanch Republican, and while he has served his
town most efficiently as road surveyor, he can by
no means be called an office seeker. His wife, in
her maidenhood, was Miss Mary Janette West, of
Westerly, R. I. They have no children.
Henry Alfred Richmond was born April 2,
1839, in Preston, and he reeeived his education in
the Brown District school, and at a select school in
Preston City. At the age of eighteen he left the
school room, and began active work on the home
farm, where he remained until his marriage, when
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
'DO
he purchased one of his father's farms, containing
210 acres, and there he has since resided with the
exception of the time intervening between the death
of his first wife and his second marriage, when he
worked on the homestead farm for his father. After
his second marriage he returned to his own farm,
and that has continued to be his home to the present
time. Besides general farming, in which he is more
than ordinarily successful, he keeps about fifteen
cows, selling the milk to the Jewett City Creamery.
In his political views Mr. Richmond is a Democrat,
And he has taken an active part in public affairs, and
has held with credit a number of offices, among them
being justice of the peace, assessor, member of the
board of relief, and grand juror, while in 1883
he represented his town in the General Assembly,
where he served with distinction on the committee
on Agriculture. Mr. Richmond's first wife, Juliette
Kinney, of Voluntown, daughter of Samuel and Ly-
dia (Phillips) Kinney, died Feb. 14, 1868, in Pres-
ton, leaving a daughter, Emma, who died when one
week old. On Jan. 31, 1871, Mr. Richmond mar-
ried Lucy Ellen Richardson, daughter of William
and Lucy Ann (Dawley) Richardson, of North
Stonington. Twelve children have been born of this
union : Lucy Emily, who married Byron Young,
a farmer in Griswold ; Juliette, who was educated
in Preston and Norwich, and is now teaching in
Hopeville, town of Griswold ; Ida F., who married
Albert Saunders, a merchant in Windsorville,
Conn. ; John PL, who is employed in the Hopkins &
Allen gun factory, Norwich ; Grace L., who was
educated in Preston and South Manchester High
School, and is now teaching in Ellington, Conn. ;
Bessie M., who married Albertus Burdick, of Pres-
ton, who is now engaged as a merchant in Jewett
City ; William R., who was educated in Preston and
the Norwich Business College, and has been en-
gaged in teaching ; Mary D., who attended school in
Preston and at the Willimantic State Normal, and is
now teaching in Glasgo, Conn. ; Minnie Belle,
who was a student in the Preston school, and is a
teacher in the Bethel district, town of Griswold ;
Alice H., educated in Preston and Jewett City, who
is now a teacher in Preston ; Harold A., a student in
the Norwich Free Academy ; and Ernest A., who is
also attending the Preston schools. With the ex-
ception of the two last named, all of the others have
been engaged in teaching at some time. Mr. Rich-
mond and his family are all connected with the
Bethel Methodist Church, of which he has been stew-
ard and trustee for several years, at present hold-
ing the latter office. His public and private life are
alike above reproach, and he is regarded as one of
the reliable and trustworthy citizens of his town.
Albert Ephraim Richmond received his edu-
cation in the district schools of his native town of
Preston, select schools of Preston City, and in one
and a half terms in the Suffield (Conn.) Literary
Institute, leaving the latter when about twenty-three
years of age. He had applied himself diligently to
his studies, and when he left the school room as a
student it was to re-enter it as a teacher. He taught
first in the Broad Brook district for three winter
terms, but not in succession; at Block Island for
four months, after which he spent four months in
Pennsylvania canvassing for the "History of the
Bible" — his experience there, he says, being the
best school he ever attended. Returning to Con-
necticut he taught four months at Long Society ; at
Village Hill (Lebanon) four months. Going West,
he taught near Minneapolis, Minn., one term. This
was a change in his plans, as when he went West,
it was with the intention of becoming a bookkeeper
for D. Morrison, a manufacturer of cotton goods
whose mill was the first cotton mill beyond the Miss-
issippi river. Ill health compelled his return to
Connecticut in a little over a year, and he thereupon
engaged in farming during the summer months,
continuing his teaching, however, in the winters. He
taught in the Preston City, Kimball, and Brown
(No. 9) districts, all near his home, where he re-
mained. At the end of two years he purchased one
of his father's farms, containing about seventy-five
acres, and the cultivation of that has since been his
occupation. For some time he was a member of
Preston Grange, No. no, which has since been dis-
banded. He is a believer in the Christian religion,
and when attending service, goes with his family to
the Preston City Baptist Church. Like the major-
ity of his family Mr. Richmond is a Democrat, but
in local affairs votes for the man rather than for the
party. On Jan. 1, 1870, Mr. Richmond was married
to Clarissa Jane Bliven, daughter of Daniel W. and
Frances Jane (Campbell) Bliven, of Preston, the
former for over forty years connected with the cot-
ton mill industry, and now conducting a fine fruit
farm in the town of Norwich. Mr. and Mrs. Rich-
mond have had four children : Alice Edna died at
the age of five weeks. Mary Ellen, born Oct. 15,
1874, prepared herself for teaching, passed a thor-
ough examination, but after one term found the
work too confining and gave it up ; she then passed
some time with her grandparents, and is now at
home. Linda Alberta, born June 24, 1880, a grad-
uate of the Norwich Free Academy, is now engaged
in teaching in the town of Ledyard, this being her
third school year in the town ; she has also taught
in Griswold and Preston. Eva Frances, born Oct.
2, 1884, is at home.
ALEXANDER M. PURDY. M. D., one of the
leading members of the medical profession in his
vicinity, and a man of pleasing presence, and sym-
pathetic character, was born in Stamford, Conn.,
Sept. 20, 1862, son of Rev. Alva Briggs Purdy, who
was born in the town of Greenwich, son of John
Purdy.
John Purdy, the grandfather, resided at Round
Hill, in the town of Greenwich.
Rev. Alva B. Purdy has long been a clergyman
of the Methodist Church, and is pastor at Silver
256
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
Mines in the town of New Canaan. He married
Eliza Marshall, daughter of Newcomh Marshall, of
Stamford, and their children were: Alexander Mar-
shall ; Calvin Tompkins, born in Tompkins Cove, N.
Y., now a piano dealer at No. 36 Main street, South
Norwalk, married Clara Selleck, of Cos Cob, Conn.,
and has one child, Esther.
Dr. Alexander M. Purdy spent his early school
days at Tompkins Cove, N. Y., but later graduated
from the Bridgehampton Literary and Commercial
Institute, L. I., and also studied in the public schools
of Brooklyn, N. Y. He then began to study medi-
cine with Dr. Davis, of Plainfield, Conn., and in
1884, entered the Medical Department of D. M.
Medical Society. After practicing in Voluntown
for two or three months, in 1884, he located for prac-
tice in Old Mystic, in the town of Stonington, and
remained three years. In 1887, he removed to that
part of Mystic, comprised in Groton. Dr. Purdy is
a member of the Xew London city and county medi-
cal societies, and of the State Medical Society. He
is also a member of Stonington Lodge, No. 26, I. O.
O. F., and a member of Sassacus Lodge of Red Men.
He has been health officer of the town of Groton
since 1901.
Dr. Purdy was married at Canterbury, Conn., to
Carrie Kingsley, daughter of John P. Kingsley, of
Plainfield. They have three children : Clifford,
Marshall and Dorothy.
HON. GEORGE GREENMAN, of Norwich,
a representative in the Lower House of the Con-
necticut Assembly in 1901 and 1903, and a veteran
of the Civil war, is one of the substantial men and
useful citizens of the city of his adoption, where much
of his life has been passed.
Born Jan. 27, 1843, m Griswold, Conn., a son of
James and Sarah L. (Morse) Greenman, he de-
scends on both sides from families of the Colonial
period, the Morses being an ancient family in both
Massachusetts and Connecticut, and the Greenmans
in Rhode Island, a branch of which early in the
nineteenth century located in eastern Connecticut.
James Greenman, father of George, was mar-
ried in Griswold, March 21, 1836, by Rev. S. D.
Jewett, to Sarah L. Morse, of Griswold, who was
born Jan. 5, 1814. Her father owned a large farm,
and was a man of integrity and many other fine
qualities, which were prominent in the character of
his daughter, Mrs. Greenman. Shortly after their
marriage Mr. and Mrs. Greenman moved to Nor-
wich, where they made a permanent home, being
among the oldest residents of Laurel Hill. For
over twenty years Mr. Greenman took his place
among the most substantial business men. He car-
ried on a grain business, and was one of the firm
which erected the "Elevator" building, which is still
standing. Mr. Greenman died in Norwich in 1870,
and Mrs. Greenman passed away in that place May
26, 1893, after an illness of over ten years; both
were buried in Yantic cemeterv. Mr. and Mrs.
Greenman were devout members of the Broadway
Congregational Church in Norwich, and she at-
tended regularly until about fifteen years before her
death, when failing health necessitated her living
very quietly, and she rarely went out afterward. At
the time of her decease one of the Norwich papers
made the following comment upon her exemplary
Christian life : "The life of Mrs. Greenman was as
peaceful as it was happy. During the seventy-nine
years allotted to her she has sung the praises of her
neighbors and friends, rarely remembering to look
to herself to ask how largely the many were indebted
to her for her aid and comfort. Her husband and
family were her chief thought. She endowed the
latter with her fund of knowledge, intelligence and
graciousness, and was always, while living, a cheer-
ing inspiration to them. Her tranquil, though in a
way busy life, will long be remembered by every
one with whom she had connection, and her death
will be deeply regretted by her relatives and her
many friends."
To Mr. and Mrs. Greenman were born six chil-
dren, of whom George, the subject proper of these
lines, is the only survivor. D wight was born Oct.
16, 1837. Sarah Morse, born May 23, 1840, was the
first wife of Judge Carter, of Norwich, and is de-
ceased. William died in 1874. Lydia died in in-
fancy, and Mary died at the age of twenty-one.
George Greenman received a common-school ed-
ucation, which was supplemented by a course at the
Norwich Free Academy. On Aug. 11, 1862, when
only nineteen years of age, he enlisted, becoming a
private soldier in Company C, 18th Conn. V. I.,
and with his company and regiment, which bore a
conspicuous part in the battles at Winchester. Va.,
June 13, 14 and 15, 1863, shared the high tribute
paid them by the General in command. In the third
clay's engagement young Greenman and others were
captured by the enemy, and sent to Libby Prison
and Belle Island, and paroled July 14th following.
Mr. Greenman was mustered in the 30th Conn. V.
I., as first lieutenant of Company B, of that regi-
ment, April 6, 1864. In June, 1864. the 30th Con-
necticut was consolidated with, and afterward known
as, the 31st U. S. Colored Troops. He served as its
adjutant from May, 1864, until his promotion to
Captain of Company K, of the same regiment, Jan.
31, 1865. He was mustered out of the service Nov.
7, 1865.
After the war Capt. Greenman returned to Nor-
wich, and he has since been occupied much of the
time as an accountant and bookkeeper and in farm-
ing. He is widely known in Grand Army circles,
being a member of Sedgwick Post, No. 1, at Nor-
wich, of which post he has served as commander.
His straightforward course and activity in his own
business affairs, as well as the interest and energy
he has evinced in the welfare of Norwich, have
brought him into public notice and favor, and he has
twice been chosen by his fellow citizens a repre-
sentative in the General Assemblv. He was elected
yilj^P^^yv
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
257
to the Lower House in November, 1900, and in the
session that followed rendered valuable service as a
member of the committee on Military Affairs. He
was re-elected to the same body in November, 1902,
and served on the committee on Appropriations. In
political faith he is a stanch Republican. His re-
ligious connection is with the Congregational
Church.
( )n March 24, 1874, Capt. Greenman was mar-
ried to Lucy L. Loring, of Preston, Conn., daugh-
ter of William and Harriett Kinney (Morgan) Lor-
ing. and they reside on Laurel Hill avenue, Nor-
wich. The marriage has been blessed with six chil-
dren, namely: Mary, Lucy M. (an artist), George
L., James \Y., Lester and Charles D., all of whom
reside at home, and have had the benefit of excellent
educational advantages.
JOHN J. COMSTOCK, of East Lyme, Conn.,
is a member of one of the leading families of this
locality, whose record reaches back many genera-
tions, and whose members have become prominent
in many States of the Union. The founder in Amer-
ica was William Comstock, who came from Eng-
land with his wife Elizabeth, and first settled in
Hartford, Conn. In 1649 he removed to New Lon-
don and purchased a farm on Saw Mill Brook.
Daniel Comstock, son of William, was born
about 1650, at New London, and died in 1746. On
May 23, 1700, he married Attalia Elderkin, daugh-
ter of John Elderkin, of Gales Ferry, and they reared
four sons, John, James, Peter and Samuel.
Capt. Peter Comstock was born March 4, 1702,
and died at sea. In 1725 he married Elizabeth
Avery, daughter of Samuel Avery, and they had
four sons and two daughters: Peter (2), Rains-
ford, Thomas, Daniel, Elizabeth and Jemima.
Capt. Peter Comstock (2) was born in 1731, at
Montville, and died April 3, 1803. He served in the
Revolutionary war. On May 12, 1774, he married
Betsey Fitch. He married, second, Sarah Miric.
Peter Comstock, son of Capt. Peter (2), was
born Dec. 5, 1779, at Montville, and died Oct. 29,
1862. On Dec. 29, 1805, he married Sarah Warren,
daughter of Moses Warren, of East Lyme, and
granddaughter of Moses Warren, who was engaged
with Moses Cleveland in the survey of Ohio, and
great-granddaughter of Moses Warren, who was
captain of a company in the Third Regiment, Con-
necticut State Militia, in 1777. On Oct. 17, 1831, he
married (second) Maria Warren (sister of his first
wife), and they resided at East Lyme. The children
of the first marriage were : Moses W., born June 20,
1814: Peter A., April 20, 1817; William H. H.,
March 20, 1819; John J., June 22, 1822; Sarah D.,
Sept. 28, 1806; Hetta Eliza, March 4, 1808; Mary
Ann, Dec. 24, 1809; Hannah, Nov. 20, 181 1 ; Nancy,
April 17, 1813; and Lois, Aug. 24. 1820. To the
second union came Sarah E., born Nov. 4, 1835.
His third marriage was to Betsey S. Beck with.
17
John Jay Comstock was born June 22, 1822, at
East Lyme, and was married Nov. 30, 1843, to Erne-
line Moore. Three children were born to them,
namely: Emeline Louise, of Bridgeport, married
Moses Warren Mainwaring, and they have one
daughter, Betsey W. ; John Jay; and Betsey Moore,
of Bridgeport, who is the widow of Walter Scott,
and has one son, John Henry. Mr. Comstock at-
tended school in East Lyme and later learned the
mason's trade at New London. He also engaged in
farming, and at one time spent four years on Fish-
ers Island, returning then to East Lyme. After the
death of his father, he bought a portion of the old
home farm, where he lived a few years, later buying
a farm on the Niantic Road, where he made his
home until the time of his death, Oct. 22, 1902 — a
period of forty years or more. He held a number of
official positions, was postmaster at Flanders, as-
sessor, once registrar of voters, treasurer of the
Ancient Second Society, and of the Lyme School
Fund, and was agent for forty years for the Walter
A. Wrood Company. In 1884 he was a member of
the State Legislature, was first selectman of the
town, and was the first president of the East Lyme
Historical Society. In religious faith and conduct,
he was a Baptist, and he was honored in East Lyme
in the naming of Comstock Hall. He was one of the
leading citizens of East Lyme, and his death, even
at a good old age, meant a great loss to the com-
munity.
John J. Comstock, Jr., of Comstock Lodge, East
Lyme, was born July 12, 1849. m New London,
Conn. On June 23, 1880, he married Mary Ellen
Stanton, daughter of Daniel and Ellen (Comstock)
Stanton, a descendant of Thomas Stanton. One
daughter, Grace Stanton, was born to this marriage,
Aug. 27, 1882.
Mr. Comstock spent his early school days in
East Lyme and the greater part of his life has been
lived on the paternal acres, this fine old place being
known throughout the country as Comstock Lodge.
While he has always engaged in farming, he has
had other interests, most efficiently filling the offices
of assessor and town selectman and taking a great
interest in the East Lyme Historical Society. He is
treasurer of the Stone Church Burying Ground As-
sociation (inc.), which now has a fund of $1,100.
For several vears he has been Deacon of the Niantic
Baptist Church.
STANTON. One of the notable old families
of New England is that of Stanton. Thomas Stan-
ton, of Stonington, embarked at London, England.
Jan. 2, 1635, in the merchantman "Bonaventura."
IK was first located in Virginia, but later removed
to Boston, and in 1637 we find him settled at Hart-
ford, Conn., where he married Ann, daughter of Dr.
Thomas and Dorothy Lord, of that city.
In 1650 Thomas Stanton established a traveling
house in Stonington, Conn., on the Pawcatuck
258
GENEALOGICAL AXD BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
river, but his family remained a few years in Lon-
don. Finally they also located permanently in Ston-
ington on the Pawcatuck river. His death occurred
Dec. 2, 1676, and that of his widow in 1688.
Samuel Stanton, son of Thomas, was born in
1657 at Stonington. On June 16, 1680, he married
Borodell Denison, daughter of Capt.. George Deni-
son, and she died June II, 1702, in Stonington.
Daniel Stanton, son of Samuel, was born Nov.
4, 1685, in Stonington. In 1712 he married Mary
Cheseboro, who died Sept. 4, 1783, and he died Jan.
31, 1769.
Amariah Stanton, son of Daniel, was born Jan.
19, 1724, in Stonington, Conn. On Dec. 17, 1750,
he married Delight Champlin, and died Jan. 11,
1/54-
Amariah Stanton (2), son of Amariah, was born
July 14, 1751, at Stonington. He married, Oct. 13,
1774, Dorothy Whipple, and died in 1784.
Daniel Stanton, son of Amariah (2), was born
Feb. 26, 1784, at Stonington. He was a farmer and
tradesman and a well known citizen. In politics he
was a Democrat. In religious views he was a
Baptist. On Nov. 3, 181 1, he married Keturah Gal-
lup, who was born Feb. 22, 1790, and died Feb. 1,
1843. His death occurred Nov. 1, 1862, at Norwich,
Connecticut.
Daniel Washington Stanton, son of Daniel, was
born April 24, 181 3, at Yoluntown, Conn. He at-
tended the schools at Plainfield, Conn., and subse-
quently spent ten years as an educator, teaching at
Montville, Conn. He was a public-spirited man,
interested in all the live questions of the day, and
active in politics, as a Republican, for the general
good, although he uniformly declined every office
either in party or in church. He was prominent in
the Baptist Church. On Nov. 13. 1843, at Water-
ford, Conn., he married Ellen Douglas Comstock,
daughter of Jonathan Comstock, son of Capt. Peter
Comstock, born Feb. 19, 18 16. Jonathan Comstock
(born June 8. 1781, died June 4, 1868) married,
March 3, 1805. Nancy Turner (born Sept. 11, 1788,
died March 26. 1865). He was engaged in the
manufacture of linseed and cotton seed oil at the
head of the Xiantic river. Daniel W. Stanton suc-
ceeded Mr. Comstock in this business, and added to
it the manufacture of paints. His death was caused
by an accident Sept. 7. 1871. he being thrown from
a carriage at Waterford. His children were as fol-
lows: (1) Henry Daniel, born Feb. 17, 1846, is a
shoe merchant in New London, Conn., married Jen-
nie E. Harris, and has two daughters, Ida Louise
and Anita Pauline; (2) Mary Ellen, born June 9,
1850, married John J. Comstock, of East Lyme 1(3)
Julia Emeline, born July 22, 1856, resides with Mr.
and Mrs. Comstock at East Lyme.
Henry Daniel Stanton, son of Daniel W., was
born Feb. 17. 1846, in Waterford, where he at-
tended the district schools and later graduated from
the llartlelt high school in the class < f 1864. He
then engaged for eighteen months in clerking for
Leander Lewis and M. X. Comstock in Xew Lon-
don. In 1865 he entered into partnership with John
H. Frink, under the firm name of Frink & Stanton,
an association which lasted three years. In the
spring of 1869, Mr. Stanton bought Mr. Frink's in-
terest in the business, and continued until 1882,
at Xo. 3 Bank street. In the latter year he entered
the Xew London postoffice under William H.
Tubbs, where he continued for two years and nine
months. In 1885 Mr. Stanton again entered the
shoe business in the employ of F. W. Crandall, at
the same time forming the present partnership of
Stanton & Cook, which has continued the business
at Xo. 166 State street. Mr. Stanton has not ac-
cepted either town or city office, although eminently
qualified for responsible position. For the past
thirty years he has been an active member of the K.
of P., Uniform Rank, and also belongs to the O.
U. A. M. of Xew London.
On Dec. 14, 1869, Mr. Stanton was married
to Jennie E. Harris, daughter of Albert R. Harris,
of Xew London, and two daughters have been born
to this marriage, Ida Louise and Anita Pauline, the
latter of whom is the wife of Dr. James W. Robbins,
of Morrisville, Yt, and the mother of a son, Stanton,
who was born June 16, 1903.
Mr. Stanton is one of the leading members of
the First Baptist Church of Xew London, in which
he is a deacon, and for ten years was the Sunday-
school superintendent. He is a man who enjoys
universal esteem and is reckoned with the represent-
ative citizens of Xew London.
FREDERIC DEXISOX, the head of the old
mercantile house of I. W. Denison & Co., and one of
the prominent business men of Stonington, was born
April 15, 1856, and comes of one of the old and
honorable families of Xew England.
The name of Denison can be traced to its
origin in England, but its founder in Xew England
appears to have been (I) William Denison, born,
according to Denison Genealogy in England,
about 1586, .son of John and Agnes Denison. On
Nov. 7, 1603. he married Margaret Chandler
Monck. at Stratford, England, and came to the
Colonies in 1631.
(II) Capt. George Denison, son of William, was
born Dec. 10, 1620. He married (first) Bridget
Thompson, and (second) Ann Borodell. His chil-
dren were: John B., Ann, Borodell, George, Will-
iam, Margaret and Mercy.
(III) John B. Denison, son of Capt. Denison,
born July 14. 1646. served in the early Indian wars.
He married, Nov. 26. 1667. Phebe, daughter of Rob-
ert Lay, of Saybrook ; she died in 1699, and he died
in 1698. His children were: Phebe, John, George,
Robert, William, Daniel. Samuel, Ann, Sarah and
Phebe.
(IV) Daniel Denison. son of John B.. born
March 28, 1680. married (first) Jan. 1. 1703. Mary
Stanton, daughter of Robert Stanton ; she died Sept.
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
259
2. 1724. On Oct. 27, 1726, he married (second)
Jane Cogswell, and on Nov. 17, 1737, he married
(third) Airs. Abigail Fish Eldredge, who died Oct.
13. 1747. The children born of the first marriage were
as follows: Mary, Daniel, Beebe, Rachel, "Esther,
Lucy, John, Prudence, Daniel, Phebe and Sarah.
(Y) Daniel Denison (2), son of Daniel, born
March 22, 1721, married, May 2j, 1742, Esther
Wheeler, born Feb. 15, 1722. She died March 31,
1814, and he passed away May 9, 1776. They had
children : Esther, Daniel, Phebe, Robert, Isaac,
Henry, Hannah, Mary, Hannah (2), Beebe, Fred-
erick, Eunice and Ann B.
(YI) Isaac Denison, son of Daniel (2), born Dec.
20, 1 75 1, married, Nov. 10, 1773, Eunice Williams,
born Aug. 3, 1755, daughter of Elisha and Esther
Wheeler Williams. He died Feb. 14, 1817, and she
died Feb. 8, 1842. They had children as follows:
Ebenezer, born July 10, 1774, died Dec. 20, 1856;
Esther, born April 26, 1776, married (first) Charles
Cottrell, and (second) Isaac Miner, and died Oct. 15,
1852; Sarah, born April 9, 1778, married Elam
Burrows, and died Oct. 13, 1835 ; Thankful, born
May 20, 1780, married Amos Clift, and died Jan.
22, 1861 ; Eunice, born May 20, 1782, married Na-
thaniel Clift, and died Oct. 16, 1832; Ann B., born
Sept. 22, 1784, married John D. Gallup, and died
Dec. 8, 1873 ; Mercy, born Feb. 9,1787, married Zeb-
adiah Gates, and died Sept. 25, i860; Isaac, born
Feb. 1, 1790, died Aug. 28, 1855 ; Daniel, born April
26, 1791, died Feb. 2, 1800; Frederick, born Dec. 27,
1795, died Nov. 1, 1814; Elisha W., born April 3,
1798, died Oct. 7, 1849; an<l Hezekiah, born July
19,' 1803, died Jan. 30, 1804.
There was something of a romance connected with
the marriage of Isaac Denison and Eunice Williams.
She was a young lad}- who had a strong will and
knew her own mind, as will be seen by the follow-
ing anecdote, if it may be so termed. Her father,
Elisha Williams, was ambitious to have her mar-
ried to a man of his choice, as has been the case
with fathers before and since, but the excellent se-
lection of the prudent father did not meet with the
daughter's approval. The cause was, most likely,
that she had previously met Isaac Denison, who had
sufficiently engaged her affections as to make any
other marriage distasteful to her. Upon a certain
day, the father was so determined that the rebellious
daughter should be at home to the suitor of his
choice, that he locked her in her apartments on the
second floor of the dwelling, leaving with the convic-
tion that he would know just where to find her when
the wooer came. This father, like a number of oth-
ers, had forgotten that "love laughs at lock-smiths."
and when Mr. Williams sought his daughter in order
to present her to his desired son-in-law. he found
her gone. She had escaped by the window, and fled
through the woods to the home of her uncle, Rich-
ard Wheeler, where she remained until her father's
wrath was appeased. Finally Mr. Denison suc-
ceeded in winning1 Mr. Williams' consent, and the
faithful sweetheart became .his blushing bride in
1773, at the age of eighteen years.
(YH) Isaac Denison (2), son of Isaac, was born
Feb. 1, 1790. On Feb. 18, 181 7, he married Lavina
Fish, who died July 22, 1890; he died Aug. 28,
1855. They had children as follows : Isaac W., born
Nov. 20, 1817, married, May 10, 1843, Eunice E.
Burrows, daughter of John and Roxanna (Brown)
Burrows, and (second) Julia M. Wilbur, July 15,
1862: Rev. Frederick, born Sept. 28, 1819, married,
Jan. 12, 1848, Amy R. Manton, and died Aug. 16,
1901 ; Charles C, born Sept. 20, 1821, died in 1847;
Bridget G., born March 13, 1824, married Cyrus W.
Noyes ; John L., born Sept. 19, 1826, married (first)
Mary E. Burrows, and (second) Frances M. Breed;
Daniel W., born Sept. 5, 1828, married Eleanor C.
Harris; Emily F., born March 13, 1831, married
George W. Noyes; Eliza F., born Aug. 12, 1833,
married Dudley W. Stewart, who died July 4, 1886;
and Frances L., born May 8, 1837, married Benja-
min Burrows, Jr., who died Aug. 3, 1894.
(YIII) Isaac Wheeler Denison, eldest son of
Isaac Denison (2), was born Nov. 20, 1817, and died
Nov. 29, 1895. On May 10, 1843. he married Eunice
E. Burrows, and they had children as follows : ( 1 )
Ann B.. born Feb. 9, 1844, married John H. Crans-
ton, Sept. 19, 1865, and had children as follows:
Frances D., born June 7, 1866, married, June 2,
1903, Adrien Parsons ; Herbert, born Dec. 20,
1868, died Aug. 4, 1869; infant daughter was born
and died May 5, 187 1 ; Frederick H., born Oct.
27, 1872, married, June 19, 1895, Grace A. Lester,
daughter of Daniel Mason Lester, and is a teacher
in the Norwich Free Academy ; and Mary, born Aug.
7, 1875, died Sept. 28, 1875. (2) Hannah B., born
Aug. 19, 1845, at Mystic, Conn., married, July 27,
1869, Jefferson B. Meseroly, and they have chil-
dren: Charles D.. born Sept. 29, 1873; Edward B.,
born Dec. 2, 1876, died July 10, 1888; Louisa B.,
born Dec. I, 1879, married, Oct. 30, 1900, Preston
Gilbert Barker, and has a son, Edward Hobart,
born Oct. 14, 1903. (3) Sarah A. was born at
Mystic. Conn.. Aug. 16, 1847. (4) Lavina F. was
born Aug. 29, 1850, at Mystic. (5) Charles, born
Sept. 18. 1852, died June 12. 1853. (6) Edward P.,
born May 19, 1854, married, in January, 1876, Ella
Garfield, who died Feb. 28, 1898. and he died March
11, 1894.* (7) Frederic is mentioned below. (8)
Emily F. and (9) Eliza F., twins, were born Jan.
3, 1859. tlle latter ot whom died March 2J, 1884,
the former still being a resident of Mystic.
Isaac Wheeler Denison was educated in Mystic
and learned the trade of carpenter, working at it in
his native town, and at the navy yard at Pensacola,
Fla. He also took some sea voyages with his uncles,
Capt. William Clift and Capt. Nathan G. Fish. On
his return to Mystic in 1S4S he formed a co-partner-
ship with the late Joseph Cottrell and George W.
Ashbv. in a mercantile business, under the name of
I. W. Denison & Co. Later he was associated with
his brother, Daniel Denison. The firm has been
260
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
continually in existence since, making Mr. Denison
the oldest established merchant in Eastern Connecti-
cut, at the time of his death. In 1876 Daniel Deni-
son died, and soon after, Frederick Denison became
his father's associate in business.
In 1842 Isaac Wheeler Denison united with the
Union Baptist Church, and for many years was clerk
of that body. In politics he was an ardent Whig,
and in 1852 became as closely identified with the
Republican party. He was a man of affairs, a leader
in all public matters, and represented the town of
Stonington in the Legislature in 1854. He was an
outspoken champion of anti-slavery and temperance.
Air. Denison was also interested in his earlier life
in military matters, was a member of the militia,
and served as captain of the First Company of Light
Infantry. For many years his name added strength to
the directing board of the Mystic River National
Bank, and he was also one of the incorporators of the
Groton Savings Bank. Few successful and reputa-
ble business enterprises of the place, for many years,
were started or brought to success without his
advice and interest.
(IX) In all essentials Frederic Denison worthily
succeeds his father. The same uprightness and
sterling qualities of mind and heart characterize him,
and he is held equally in high esteem. He was edu-
cated in the Mystic High School, following which
he worked for four years as a machinist. In 1876
he became associated with his father in business,
and since the death of the latter in 1895, has con-
tinued to carry it on under the old name. He is an
incorporator and a trustee of the Groton Savings
Bank.
On March 8, 1882, Mr. Denison was married to
Mary Brown, daughter of Elias Brown, and they
have one daughter, Eliza Frances, born April 22,
1884.
WILLIAM LADD was one of the substantial
and respected citizens of the town of Sprague.
whose blameless life won for him the genuine esteem
and affection of a very wide circle of acquaintances.
Beginning life a poor boy. he climbed the ladder of
success, unaided, having been truly self-made, and
in a degree self-educated as well.
Mr. Ladd came of old and substantial Colonial
stock, being a descendant of Daniel Ladd, who came
to these shores in the "Mary and John" in 1633. He
had a grant of land in Ipswich, Mass.. in 1637, and
a little later was one of the original settlers of Hav-
erhill. Mass.. where he was a selectman in 1668.
(II) Samuel Ladd, son of Daniel, was killed by
the Indians Feb. 22, 1698.
(III) David Ladd, son of Samuel, was twice
married, and (IV) Abner Ladd is said to have
been the son of David by his second marriage.
( IV) Abner Ladd, the grandfather of the sub-
ject of this biography, married Abigail Perkins, who
bore him five sons: Jedediah. Abner, Jr., Erastus P.,
Festus and George Washington.
(Y) Festus Ladd, father of William, was born
on a farm adjoining the one where William spent
his life, and was a farmer by occupation. He died
in 1855, aged seventy-three years. His wife, who
was also his cousin, survived him twenty years.
They had a family of five sons and six daughters :
Asa S., who lived to be seventy-three years old ;
Lura ; Eliza, widow of Jerry Sims, now living on
Bean Hill at the age of ninety-five years, remark-
ably well preserved ; Betsey, who married Ladd
Perkins, and died in Franklin, in October, 1902,
aged ninety-one years ; William ; Laura, who mar-
ried Orson Riley, and died in Kaneville, Kane Co.,
111., aged eighty-two years; Rufus S., who died in
Canterbury in 1902, at the age of seventy-nine years,
one of the pron;..-?nt citizens of that town, where he
had held many offices of honor and trust ; Lydia,
now Mrs. Newton S. Waldo; and others who died
m infancy.
The late William Ladd was born Feb. 17. 18 16,
on Portipaug Hill, and was reared to agricultural
pursuits. He received a common school education,
and lived at home until he was fifteen, when he hired
himself out as a farm laborer, doing a large amount
of hard work for small wages, and his earnings went
to help his parents until he reached his majority. He
worked nine years for one man, Edwin Allen, who
died in Mystic in 1895. Mr. Allen was an inventor,
and made wooden type. Reposing every trust in the
capable young fellow, Mr. Allen did everything in
his power to assist him in his upward course. One
time William Ladd and his sister Eliza took some
of their hard-earned savings and, purchasing a farm
in Sprague, gave their mother a life-long lease of it.
In his prime Mr. Ladd conducted farming upon
a very extensive and profitable scale. He purchased
land from time to time, and at the time of his death
was the largest landholder in the town, owning 800
acres. Xever during all of his early struggles, nor
at any period, did he have a mortgage upon any of
his property. Mr. Ladd was a fine penman and re-
tained his skill in that line as long as he lived. A
man of the highest integrity, his word was as good
as his bond. He possessed an even temperament, and
perseverance was one of his prominent character-
istics. Mr. Ladd was very fond of children and
they loved and honored him to an unusual degree.
While he was very charitable, his good deeds only
came to light through those benefited, never through
him. In personal appearance Mr. Ladd was of
medium height, well proportioned, and capable of
sustaining great fatigue and performing a large
amount of work. In politics he was a Democrat,
and he held many of the town offices, in 1891 rep-
resenting the town of Sprague in the State Legis-
lature. For several years prior to his death he was in
a decline, but enjoyed full possession of his senses
to the last, dying Nov. 19, 1898. from a third shock
of paralysis. He was buried in the Portipaug cem-
etery.
The narrative of such a life should not end with
,£ /W/V
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
261
the mere mention of physical death. Men like Mr.
Ladd leave an influence which survivts them just as
the roseate hues of a glowing sunset linger long
after the sun has gone down. Faithful in every
relation of life, the architect of his own career, he
left a handsome competence and at the same time a
name unsullied and a reputation without a blot. He
was fond of company, and his tastes no less than the
habits of his life were thoroughly domestic. In
1865 he was united in marriage with Lucretia K.
Waldo, of Scotland, Conn., a daughter of Zacheus
and Lucretia (Aver) Waldo. After her decease
he married, Oct. 26, 1885, her cousin, Mrs. Louise
B. Jackson, who was born near Hartford, Conn.,
widow of John R. Jackson, of Hartford, and daugh-
ter of Rev. Horatio (a Congregational minister) and
Nancy ( Smith ) Waldo, both of whom died in Port-
age, N. Y. Mrs. Ladd, true to her early training, is
a consistent member of the Congregational Church
at Franklin.
No children were born to William Ladd, but the
daughter of his second wife, Anna Jackson, was
fondly and dearly loved by him. She died at the
early age of nineteen, a blossom of beauty already
ripened for a better land. She was not only the
flower of the home, but in social life and religious
c'rcles occupied a prominent place that no one else
could fill. Her pastor, Mr. Gage, of Hartford, who
was abroad at the time of her death, wrote to her
mother that she (Anna) was the most active and
influential young woman in Christian work in his
large congregation ; that her loss would be deeply
mourned by all with whom she was associated, as
they all should miss her so much he could scarcely
conceive how the mother could live without her.
She was not only strikingly handsome in face and
figure, but was of a rare type of beauty, with soul-
ful eyes that radiated grace upon all who came
within the circle of her influence. She was gifted in
music and literature, but her Christian graces out-
shone all other gifts. At the age of ten, when a
fine piano was presented her, she sat down upon the
stool gracefully, and, playing her own accompani-
ment, sang in a most pleasing and effective manner
"How the Gates Came Ajar," "The Golden Stairs,"
and other hymns. A musician who was present at
the time said : "If a child of that tender age could
sing with such spirit and pathos such pieces as
those, she well deserved a fine instrument." Mrs.
Ladd says that it has always seemed to her as if
the child's grandparents, who were most Christian
people, had let their mantle fall upon Anna, and as
if the grandfather's blessing had proven most effec-
tual. He was a man of letters, well versed in Greek
and other languages. As he was dying, the baby
Anna was brought to him for his blessing; he was
bolstered up at his request, and, taking the child in
his arms, most fervently asked the blessing of the
Almighty upon her. She grew from day to day in
Christian loveliness of character, under her moth-
er's watchful training. After Anna's death Mrs.
Ladd received a very affecting letter of condolence
from a young Chinaman, who had been converted to
the Christian religion under her daughter's influence
in a Sabbath-school class taught by Anna for some
time in New York City. The Chinese lad was
thrown under her influence at a missionary meeting,
and subsequently joined her Sabbath-school class,
where he was always an attentive listener.
This world is His garden, Anna;
He but took thee from us here
To blossom the brighter there.
LEWTS R. CHURCH, member of the firm of F.
P. Church & Co., and one of the well known and
popular citizens of Norwich, comes from one of the
old families of Montville, of whom we have record
as follows :
Richard Church came from England and was
one of the first settlers of Duxbury, Mass. He was
the father of the great warrior against the Indians,
Benjamin Church.
Another son of Richard Church was Joseph
Church, born in 1638, who died at Little Compton,
R. I., March 21, 171 1. He was the ancestor of a
large number of those bearing the name in eastern
Connecticut and Rhode Island.
Jonathan Church, supposed to be a grandson of
Joseph Church, came from Colchester, Conn., to
the North Parish of New London, now Montville,
and soon after 1724 purchased a farm near Uncas-
ville, at a place afterward called Pennytown. He
was a man of note and respectability. On Feb. 24,
1724, he was married to Abigail, daughter of Sam-
uel and Christian (Chapel) Fairbanks, and their
children were: Jonathan (married Mary Angell) ;
Fairbanks ; Joseph ; and Peleg.
Peleg Church, born about 1738, was a black-
smith, and started a shop in Montville in 1764. Later
he resided at the Fort Hill farm at Mohegan, where
he made his home for thirty years, dying there in
1804. He married Elizabeth, daughter of Jeremiah
and Ann (Chapel) Congdon, and their children
were: Elizabeth; Peleg; Sanford, who married
Sarah Monroe; and John, who married Sarah
Leach.
Peleg Church, Jr., born about 1766, married
Mary Leach. By occupation he was a farmer, and
he lived at Mohegan. The following children were
born to himself and wife: Erastus married (first)
Nancy Ford and (second) Filcha Comstock
Church ; Peleg married Jane Harrington ; Harry is
mentioned below : Nancy married Ebenezer Story ;
Maria married Joshua Rogers; James 11. married
Julia O' Brien; Lydia married Joseph Fuller; Eliza
married John Manwaring; Harriet married Samuel
H. Atwell; William L. married Harriet Lucas;
Abby married George F. Dolbeare.
Harry Church, born in 1795, was the grandfa-
ther of Lewis R. He was a farmer and resided at
Mohegan, where his death occurred. In January,
262
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
1816, he married Pafthena Bradford, daughter of
William Bradford, and a direct descendant of Gov.
Bradford. Harry Church survived his wife but a
short time. The}- had the following family : Peres
B. is mentioned below ; Betsey married Joseph W a-
terman, a seafaring man, and resided at Norwich,
where she died ; Capt. Frank resided at Poqueta-
nuck, and was a captain in the coasting trade (he
married Sally O'Brien).
Peres B. Church, father of Lewis R. Church,
was born Feb. 14, 1820, in Montville, and remained
at home on the farm until he was twenty-three years
of age, assisting his father. At that time he went
on the water, from New London, on a sailing ves-
sel, and engaged in the southern coasting trade and
the West Indies trade, following this calling until
he became mate on the vessel "Mary Powell," of
which his brother, Frank Church, was captain.
Later he engaged in the steamboat service and be-
came a lookout on the steamer "City of Lawrence,"
running between New York and Norwich, which
position he was holding when he contracted small-
pox from a corpse, which was being transported on
the steamer. The disease proved fatal in his case,
also, and so passed away an honorable, useful mem-
ber of society. ,Feb. 2, 1872. Another gentleman
on the boat also contracted the disease. The re-
mains of Peres B. Church lie in the Comstock ceme-
tery at Uncasville. In politics he was a stanch Re-
publican, but he did not desire office. He attended
the Methodist Church, and endeavored to live up
to its teachings.
On July 3, 1845, Mr. Church was married, by
Rev. D. N. Bently, a Methodist clergyman, to Jane
L. Parker, who was born Aug. 28, 1824, at New
London, and whose parents died when she was a
child. After the death of Mr. Church his widow
moved to Norwich, and there made her home until
her own death, which occurred Nov. 15, 1903; she
was laid to rest by the side of the husband of her
youth.
The children born to Mr. and Mrs. Peres B.
Church were as follows: Louisa P., born Nov. 1,
1846, was married Nov. 24, 1868, to Henry E. Sil-
cox, who resides in Norwich ; they had no children.
Alice E., born June 8, 1848, died Oct. 9, 1861. Ella
J., born Aug. 7, 1850, died Nov. 4, 1874. Frederick
H., born June 3, 1852, is mentioned below. Francis
L., born Jan. 8, 1855, died July 14, 1855. Frank P.,
born July 11, 1856, is associated with Lewis R.
Church in business ; he married, June 6, 1888, Annie
Pettigrew, of Boston, and has two children, Fred-
erick S. and Althea F. John G. H., born April 27,
1859, is unmarried. Lewis R. was born Sept. 23,
i860. Grace N., born May 13, 1867, died July 27,
1869.
Frederick H. Church, fourth in the order of birth
in the above family, went into the steamboat serv-
ice, and had become the quartermaster of the "City
of Lawrence" when he was injured and made a crip-
ple for life. Other men probably would have been
completely discouraged, but not so this brave young
fellow. As soon as his health would permit he
learned the trade of cigarmaker, and established the
business now conducted by his brothers, which he
carried on the remainder of his life, dying Feb. 3,
1886; he was unmarried.
Lewis R. Church was born in Montville, and re-
ceived a common-school education. During: child-
hood he was taught to work hard, and remained
upon the farm, assisting in its management, until
Sept. 24, 1880, when he came to Norwich and en-
tered the employ of his brother, Frederick H.
Church, in his cigar establishment. He so con-
tinued until the death of the latter, when he and his
brother, Frank P., who had also been in the employ
of the elder brother, formed a partnership under
the style of F. P. Church & Co., and continued the
business at the old stand, corner of North High and
West Main streets, until 1888, when the concern
was moved to No. J2 Main street, the Austin build-
ing. There the business has since been located,
and the brothers have built up a large and con-
stantly increasing trade in the manufacturing and
retail cigar business. In November, 1899, the
brothers purchased the property and business of the
People's Coal Co., which had been established and
was owned by E. N. Gibbs, and they conduct that
enterprise in conjunction with their cigar plant.
Lewis R. Church being the manager of the coal
business.
Lewis R. Church is not only a prosperous busi-
ness man, but he is prominent in politics, in connec-
tion with the Republican party, serving in 1900-01
in the court of common council, during which time
many important questions came up for disposal.
The first year he was on the Auditing committee,,
and the next year he was a member of the Finance
committee and the Police committee, two of the most
important committees of that body. Fraternally he
is a member of St. James Lodge, No. 23, A. F. &
A. M., Franklin Chapter, No. 4, R. A. M.. Frank-
lin Council, No. 3, R. & S. M., and Columbian Com-
mandery, No. 4, Knights Templar. For two terms
he was master of St. James Lodge.
In November, 1888, Mr. Church was married
in Norwich to J. Elizabeth Maynard, a native of
Norwich, daughter of Jedediah and Julia (Rock-
well) Maynard, and two children have come to this
happy union: Lloyd Maynard. born Jan. 19, 1890;
and Robert Huntington, born June 7, 1897.
In every respect Mr. Church is a man to be
trusted, not only in a business way, but with the
affairs of the municipality and the commonwealth,
a fact his neighbors and friends well appreciate ;
they predict a very brilliant future for this enter-
prising, public-spirited young business man and poli-
tician. This, at any rate, is certain : whatever task
he is called upon to perform will be done conscien-
tiously, thoroughly and wisely, and in a manner cal-
culated to effect the greatest amount of good to the
largest number of people.
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
263
JOSEPH PEABODY, one of the most pro-
gressive and successful farmers of Waterford, New
London county, Conn., as well as one of its repre-
sentative citizens, was born Nov. 16, 1835, in Salem,
Conn., son of Joseph, and grandson of Joseph, Sr.
(I) Joseph Peabody, Sr., lived and died in Eng-
land, where he married a Miss Burton. She bore
him eight children, seven sons and one daughter. Of
these, Joseph and Thomas came to America to-
gether, the latter settling in Canada, twenty-one
miles west of Detroit, Mich., where a number of his
descendants still reside.
(II) Joseph Peabody, son of Joseph, Sr., was
born in Waterford, England, in 1808, and died in
1896. in Waterford, Conn. He was a farmer by oc-
cupation, and as before stated, came to the United
States, and worked on Gardiner's Island for about
one year. Later, he engaged in whaling and finally
located at Salem, Conn., in about 1830. In 1850,
he bought the farm in Great Neck District, Water-
ford, where his son, Charles H., now resides. He
was an honest, straightforward, hard-working man,
of excellent constitution. The mother of our sub-
ject, who died in 1874 in Waterford, bore the maid-
en name of Catherine Baker, and she, too, came from
Salem, Conn. Her father served as a soldier in the
Revolutionary war. The children born of this mar-
riage were : Thomas, who died in East Lyme, where
he was engaged in farming, married Lucy Jane
Herrick ; Joseph ; Elizabeth married Alonzo Chap-
pell, and they lived in Waterford ; Charles H. mar-
ried Josephine Douglas, of Waterford, where he is
engaged in farming ; Sophia married Thomas Cran-
dall, but is now a widow residing in East Lyme ;
Jane A. married David H. Geer.
(III) Joseph Peabody, son of Joseph, Jr., and
the subject proper of this review, was born Nov. 16,
1835, in Salem, Conn. He attended school only
until he was fourteen years of age, and at that time
went upon the farm, where he remained until twen-
ty-one years of age. At that age he began farming
for Squire Nathaniel Chapman, and worked a season
for eighteen dollars a month, which was two dollars
a month more than any other farmer was receiving
in the town of Waterford. At the end of the sea-
son, in conjunction with Samuel Williams, he oper-
ated the Jordan grist mill for a year. For the fol-
lowing two years he hired the mill and ran same on
his own account. For the next year and a half he
was engaged in farming with his brother Thomas,
on a farm located just west of the New London
Light House. Then for a year he was engaged in
farming for Joel Haff in New London.
Feeling that the government needed his services,
Mr. Peabody enlisted for nine months in Company A,
26th Conn. V. I., in New London, as a private, but
when the officers were chosen he was made second
lieutenant, and served faithfully, participating in the
siege of Port Hudson. Although he was never
wounded, on account of injuries resulting from
exposure and hard work he is now given a pension.
Returning to Waterford Mr. Peabody resumed
farming for David Austin. He then went to Wis-
consin, and worked in the copper mines for a year,
but longing for home ties he returned again to Wa-
terford and operated the poor farm for two years.
In the spring of 1870 he purchased his present
farm, known as the David Austin homestead, and
has added to it until he now has 300 acres. In
addition to carrying on general farming, Mr. Pea-
body runs a milk route in New London..
Fraternally he is a member of W. W. Perkins
Post, No. 47, G. A. R., of New London ; and also
of Union Lodge No. 31, F. & A. M., of New Lon-
don, of which organization he has been a member
since 1862. Both he and his excellent wife are con-
sistent members of the First Baptist Church of Jor-
dan. In politics he is a Democrat, and has acted
very ably as first selectman, and served on the
board for over twenty years. He has also been on
the board of relief several times. During the session
of 1889, he was a member of the General Assembly,
and while there served on two different committees.
On Feb. 8, 1866, Mr. Peabody married Maryetta
Austin, daughter of David Austin, of Waterford,
and their children are : Mary, who married Will-
iam Tourjee, a farmer of Waterford, and they have
four children, Maryetta, Ruth, Grace and Ralph ;
Austin, at home ; Elmer, who married Jennie Odg-
ers, of Waterford, daughter of William Odgers, and
they have one child, Marjorie Elizabeth; and
Charles, who is engaged in farming at home. Since
the property came into his possession, Mr. Pea-
body has made many additions and improvements,
including the erection of a large barn and out-build-
ings, and the premises show that a master hand is
in charge. He generally keeps thirty-five cows, and
finds a ready market for their milk. In every re-
spect he is an enterprising, prosperous farmer, and
whenever called upon he has served his nation,
State, county and town with fidelity and earnestness,
and he certainly deserves the popularity he so largely
enjoys.
JAMES B. SUTTON, a successful business man
of Mystic, Conn., and one of the highly respected
citizens of that place, was born at Highland, Ulster
Co., N. Y., Dec. 19, 1831, son of David B. Sutton,
who was also a native of Highland, where he engaged
in a cooperage business. He was also a local Meth-
odist preacher and a man of intelligence and earnest-
ness, who unfortunately died in 1837, in the prime
of life. He married Phebe Baker, a native of
Dutchess county, N. Y., who died in 1834. Mr.
Sutton later married a sister of his first wife.
James B. Sutton, orphaned at the tender age of
six years, spent the following two years at Pough-
keepsie, N. Y., with his step-mother, and then went
to reside with an aunt in Ulster county. When fif-
teen years of age, he went to Xew York City to learn
the trade of spar making, being apprenticed until
he was twenty-one years of age. When he attained
26 4
GENEALOGICAL AXD BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
his majority, he came to Mystic, in May, 1852. start-
ing to work for "William and John Batty, spar
makers. During the war, Mr. Sutton established
himself in his line of business on the Groton side of
the river, but in the spring of 1865, he bought the
yards of the Batty Bros., in Mystic and New Lon-
don. Later he sold the New London yard to his
partner Mr. Williams, who still later turned over all
the material of that yard to Mr. Sutton.
Mr. Sutton then formed a partnership with a
Mr. Slattery, under the style of Sutton & Slattery,
and the two continued together until 1870, when Mr.
Sutton became the sole proprietor of the business,
and has since so continued. He is one of two spar
makers between New York and Boston, and a large
proportion of the vessels built along the coast have
been furnished with spars from the Sutton yard.
Mr. Sutton married (first) at Mystic, Miss Mary
E. Latham, an adopted daughter of Harry Latham,
and two children were born to them : William F.,
a dry goods merchant of Mystic, who died at the
age of twenty-five years and five months ; and Harry
B.. who died at the age of eighteen years and six
months. The second marriage of Mr. Sutton took
place at Poughkeepsie, X. Y., when he was united
to Miss Frances Cronk, of that city. In religious
matters Mr. Sutton is a member of the Congrega-
tional Church of Mystic. He is a man of upright-
ness of living, and carries on his business in an hon-
orable and straightforward manner. His product
is of such a quality as to command ready sale, and
his business is a large and increasing one.
BENJAMIN FRAXKLIX WILLIAMS, one
of the county commissioners of Xew London
county, has the distinction of descending from not
only one, but two. of the oldest settled families of
Stonington — the Williams and the Xoyes.
( I ) William Williams, the progenitor of the
American branch of the family, was born in Wales.
In 1662 he emigrated to America, and settled in that
part of Xew London now known as Ledyard, in
1663. He was one of the soldiers in King Fhilip*s
•war. By his wife. Arabella Thompson, he had five
children: Richard. William (who married Margaret
Cooke), Henry, Stephen and Mary.
(II) Henry Williams, son of William, grew to
manhood in Xew London county, and married, and
had a son. Henry 12).
(III) Henry Williams (2). son of Henry, born
June 13. 1716. married in 1743 Mary Boardman. who
was born March T4. 1725. Their children were:
John was born Sept. 5. 1744: Joseph, born Aug. 7,
1747. married Hopestill Elliott: Lieut. Henry, born
Dec. 14. 1749. was killed Sept. 6. 1781. in the mas-
sacre at Fort Griswold. Groton ; a daughter, born
Feb. 28. 1752. died the same day; Peleg was born
March 20. 1753: Abigail. March 17. 1756; Amos,
July 13. 1758; Seth, Jan. 21, 1761 ; Roger, Dec. 24,
1763; and Russel, June 26. 1769.
(IV) Seth Williams, son of Henry (2). was
born Jan. 21. 1761. He became one of the indus-
trious and prosperous farmers of the town of Led-
yard. On Jan. 11. 1787. he married Abigail Will-
iams, born Aug. 5, 1760, daughter of X'ehemiah
Williams, and a direct descendant of Robert Will-
iams, who came to America in the ship "Rose" in
1635. He married (second), Jan. 30. 1825. Mrs.
Anna Smith Gallup. His death occurred May 21,
1843. He was the father of eight children: Bertha,
born Nov. 11. 1787. married John Sands Avery;
Warren, born April 15. 1789. married Elizabeth Gal-
lup ; Gurdon. born March .28, 1791. died July 20,
1854. at Detroit, Mich.: Abigail, born Sept. 24,
1792, married John Avery, of Griswold : Eliza, born
Sept. 18, 1794. married William Hewitt: Eunice,
born Dec. 20. 1797, married Deacon Erastus Gallup :
Seth. born Jan. 25, 1802, married Lucy Ann Xoyes :
and Asenath, born Jan. 25. 1804. married Col. Isaac
W. Geer.
(Y) Seth Williams (2), son of Seth, was born
in Ledyard. Jan. 25, 1802, and died June 20. 1854.
On Feb. 23, 1827, he married Lucy Ann Xoyes, who
was born Xov. 4. 1805. and died June 8, 1890,
daughter of Joseph and Zerviah (Wheeler) Xoyes,
and a direct descendant of Rev. James Xoyes. the
first pastor of the Congregational Church in Ston-
ington. Ten children were born of this union,
namely: Lucy Ann, born Jan. 31, 1828, married the
late Ulysses Avery and died in 1900: Eunice Zer-
viah. born March 19, 1829, is the widow of Erasmus
Avery, who died in 1902. at Mystic : Seth Xoyes,
born April 23. 1831, married (first) Xov. 26. 1857,
Eliza P. X'oyes. who died May 20, 1870, and he mar-
ried (second) June 28. 187 1. Mary Emma Morgan
(he died April 7. 1889) ; Harriet X'ewell. born Xov.
22. 1832. is the widow of Frank Grant, and resides
in Brooklyn. X'. Y. : Gurdon. born Xov. 6. 1834,
married Eliza Cook, and lives in Kane. Pa. ; Joseph
Warren, born Aug. 27. 1837, married, Oct. 4. iS";.
Emma M. Pine, and resides in Chicago. 111. : Will-
iam Henry, born Oct. 22. 1839. married Susan Hun-
ter, and resided in Xew York, where he died : Ben-
jamin Franklin is mentioned below : Abbie Eliza,
born June 7. 1843. resides in Brooklyn. X. Y. : and
Orin Merwin. born Xov. 17. 1845. was an attorney
at Winona. Minn., where he died at the age of
twenty-seven years.
Benjamin Franklin Williams was born in Led-
yard Sept. 7. 1841. and until he was fifteen years of
age attended the district schools. He was then sent
to a boarding school in East Greenwich. R. I., where
he studied three years, when he entered Phillips
Academy, at Andover. Mass., there completing the
usual course of study. Returning to Ledyard at the
beginning of the Civil war, he was one of the first
volunteers, but on account of physical disability was
rejected. He then turned his attention to farming,
which for years was his chief occupation. Later he
1 turned his attention to the administering of estates,
/S. % U^'c
CUt<*ytS&
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
265
and to the guardianship of the unfortunate and of
minors, his high reputation for integrity making him
a favorite for such work, while his natural business
ability insures the careful management of the prop-
erties left in his charge. He has taken a great inter-
est in the public affairs of both town and county.
For nine years he served as school visitor in Ston-
ington, during which time he was clerk of the school
board, and for sixteen years he was district com-
mitteeman. Although he is a stanch Republican,
and the town of Stonington by a large majority is
Democratic, he served ten consecutive terms as
selectman (1890-1899), five of which he was first
selectman — 1892, 1894, 1896, 1897 and 1898.
Mr. Williams took an active part in securing for
Mystic the location of the velvet plant of the Rossie
Brothers, of Germany, and when the Mystic Indus-
trial Company was formed, in the winter of 1897, he
was chosen one of the directors, and was elected its
first president. In November, 1900, he was ap-
pointed by Gov. Lounsbury county commissioner
for Xew London county, to fill the vacancy created
by the death of John T. Batty. This appointment
was not unexpected, as it had been understood that
Mr. Williams had the endorsement of the strongest
men in the Ninth Senatorial District, as well as in
the county, and the Governor was congratulated
by the press of the State for making so good a
selection, and the town and district upon having a
man who could so worthily fill the position.
Mr. Williams was one of the incorporators of the
Stonington and Groton Street Railway Co., charter
for which was granted by the Legislature in 1903,
and through his efforts a large part of the capital
stock was subscribed, and he obtained the right of
way through the town of Stonington. Upon the or-
ganization of the company he was elected vice-pres-
ident and director. Mr. Williams has been no less
active in church affairs, uniting with the First Con-
gregational Church in Stonington in 1866, and he
has almost ever since been a member of the Society's
committee, and for the past fourteen years he has
been treasurer of the Society, and also of the church
fund, amounting to about $30,000. Since Oct. 4,
1868, he has been a deacon of the church, and since
1874 superintendent of the Sunday-school.
Mr. \\ illiams is one of Stonington's most suc-
cessful farmers, and he owns and conducts the well-
known Griswold dairy farm, upon which the father-
in-law, Nathan Stanton Noyes, settled over forty
years ago.
On Feb. 4, 1864, Mr. Williams was married to
Anna Louisa, daughter of Nathan Stanton and
Nancy (Denison) Noyes, of Stonington. Eight chil-
dren have been born of this union : Nathan, who
died in 1892; Everett and Joseph, who both died in
infancy : George, who died in 1876, at the age of
seven years ; Eliza Denison, who died in 1880. at the
age of five years ; Frank Lincoln, salesman for the
Tver Rubber Co., of Boston, Mass., who married
Vivian Griswold. daughter of Lorenzo Griswold, of
Coleraine, Mass.. and has one child, Elizabeth ;
Annie Louise, who married Noyes Palmer, of Ston-
ington, and has one daughter, Mary Rossiter : and
Clarence Henry, who married Mabel E. Morah.
EVERETT NELSON STARK, a well known
citizen of Fitchville, in the town of Bozrah, and the
former owner of the Stark Mineral Springs, bears
a name that has been honored through many cen-
turies.
"The family of Stark," says "Men of Progress,"
Connecticut, "is descended from that of Murhead.
The pedigree began in Murhead of that ilk in Both-
wickj in 1100, descending in primogeniture until in
the reign of Robert II, of Scotland, in 1347, Mur-
head was created Lord of Lacrope. In 1480, John
Murhead (2), son of the reigning Lord of Lacrope,
by reason of bravery, was named John Stark, signi-
fying great strength."
Aaron Stark (or Starke) is of record at Hart-
ford in 1639, and was of Windsor in 1643, later
removing to New London. His name is found in
Mystic as early as 1650, being among those in Ston-
ington who were to take the freeman's oath in 1666.
In the meantime he had purchased the farm, near
the head of the Mystic river, of William Thomp-
son, the Pequot missionary, which brought him
within the bounds of New London. Neither his
marriage nor children are found recorded, but from
the settlement of his estate it may be gathered that
he had sons, Aaron, John and William, and that
John Fish and Josiah Hoynes were his sons-in-law.
It is stated in the genealogy of the Rogers family
that Aaron Stark's wife was probably Mary Holt.
In an affidavit made by him he gives an account
of the expedition against the Pequots in which he
served under Major John Mason, and received a
grant of land in Voluntown, Conn., for service
against King Philip. Mr. Stark died in 1685.
Zophar Stark, grandfather of Everett Nelson
Stark, was born in Groton, Conn., and moved to
Bozrah about 1808, locating on the farm which was
later occupied by his son and grandson. He resided
there until his children had reached mature years,
and he then moved to Goshen Society, the town of
Lebanon, on a farm he had previously purchased,
and there his death occurred a few years later. Sept.
22, 1832, when he was aged sixty-two years. He was
buried in a family burying ground on a hill top on
the farm in Bozrah. His wife, Prudence Hicks, sur-
vived him, and died Feb. 25, 1855, at the age of
eighty-one years. Nine children blessed their home :
Abel, who resided on the farm in Lebanon and be-
came wealthy, married, late in life, Nancy Herrick,
who now resides in Central Milage ; Emily became the
first wife of William Smith, and died Feb. 23. 1829 ;
Lathrop ; Almira married Deacon Nathaniel Saxton,
and died in Lebanon ; Prudence married Deacon
Charles Wightman, a farmer of Bozrah ; Eunice
married David Geer, a farmer of Lebanon ; Oliver
266
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
W. and Julia Ann both died in infancy ; and Xelson
married Sarah Geer, and resided in Lebanon.
Lathrop Stark was born about 1801, and was
but a young lad when his father removed to
Bozrah. His early training was all along agricul-
tural lines, and he remained at home assisting his
father, and also in company with his brother Abel
he conducted a saw and grist mill on Gardner's
Lake. After his father removed to Lebanon, Lath-
rop continued on the old home farm, and success-
fully conducted it. He was a thorough farmer, and
progressive in his ideas, making many improvements
in the place, and keeping it in perfect condition.
He prospered and at his death he left a goodly
estate. He was a man of uncommon ability and high
integrity, and his advice was often sought on busi-
ness matters, even by comparative strangers. He
was slow and deliberate in his decisions, which were
rendered only after he had carefully considered
every phase of the question, but once his mind was
made up. he was like adamant. In politics he was
first a Whig, and later a Republican, and always
active in party work. In 1862 he represented Boz-
rah in the State Legislature. His religious belief
was that of the Congregationalists, and he belonged
to the Church of that denomination in Bozrah. He
died Sept. 24, 1877, aged seventy-six, and was
buried in, the cemetery on his farm. Lathrop Stark
married Fanny A. Saxton, of Lebanon, who died
April 8, 1878. aged sixty-nine. Their children
were : Fannv Elizabeth, who married Simeon A.
Abel, a farmer of Bozrah, who held many offices
and was one of the leading men of the town ; Will-
iam L., a farmer of Lebanon, who married Rhoda
Sisson; Nelson, who died young; Harriet C., wife of
Dwight Avery, of Norwich Town ; Mary, who mar-
ried (first) Elijah Abel, and is now the widow of
Rev. Quincy M. Bosworth, residing in Bozrah; and
Everett Nelson.
Everett Nelson Stark was born on the old home-
stead Dec. 5, 1842, and in the district schools of
the neighborhood received his literary training. As
long as his father was alive, he found in young Ev-
erett a dutiful son and capable assistant, and after
the father's death, the son bought out the other
heirs' interest in the home. He soon after devel-
oped a mineral spring on his farm, and soon built
up a surprisingly large business, the water being
sold for medicinal purposes. The constant care of
supervising his farm and the yearly increasing bur-
den of the mineral spring business proved too much
for his strength, and after two years of overwork,
he was obliged to quit entirely. Renting the home
farm to outside parties, he purchased his present
home in Fitchville, which consists of 140 acres. He
keeps about ten cows and operates a dairy, con-
ducted along the most approved sanitary lines. He
is a good business man, and personally looks after
the details of his affairs. A man of the highest in-
tegrity, he has always been esteemed in the com-
munities in which he has resided.
On Jan. 1, 1866, Mr. Stark was married in Leb-
anon to Nancie Matilda Avery, who was born in
Lebanon April 2$, 1843, daughter of Elias Bab-
cock and Nancy (Gallup) Avery. Three children
came to brighten their home : ( 1 ) Hattie Avery
was married April 17, 1886, to William D. Thatcher,
a farmer at Norwich Town, and has had two chil-
dren: Nellie Irene, born Jan. 11, 1890, died Dec. 5,
1894; and Florence S. (2) Fannie Elizabeth, born
Oct. 8, 1874, married Charles Cole, and died in Plain-
field, Conn., July 18, 1900, the mother of three chil-
dren : George Stark ; Eva Louisa, deceased ; and
Elina Jane. (3) Nelson Lathrop, born Nov. 2"]t
1876, is a farmer and teamster, and resides at home.
Mr. Stark is a Republican in politics, but has
never been an office seeker, always declining to ac-
cept the honors owing to his extensive personal af-
fairs. He and his wife are members of the Bozrah
Congregational Church.
ALBERT BILLINGS MAINE, a successful
merchant of Norwich, where he is conducting a
large general store on Central avenue, comes from
one of the oldest and most numerous families of
New London county. According to the "History
of Stonington" : •
(I) Ezekiel Maine was the first person of that
name who came to Stonington to permanently re-
side, and was the ancestor of those in eastern Con-
necticut. He located at Stonington in 1670. and in
1672 received a grant of land from the town. He
subsequently purchased other lands, and in 1680
received a second town grant of land, bounded on
the south by the Shunnock river. He was admitted
to the church in Stonington in 1674. and died June
19, 1714. His wife's name was Mary, and their
children were Ezekiel, Mary, Jeremiah, Thomas,
Phebe and Hannah.
(II) Jeremiah Maine married Mrs. Ruth Brown
Oct. 11, 1699. It is not certainly known whose
daughter she was, but she and her daughter Ruth
were admitted to the First Church of Stonington,.
and baptized July 16, 1699. Jeremiah Maine was
admitted May 18, 1712. and he died Nov. 11, 1727.
The children were: Thomas, born July 19. 1700:
Hannah, April, 1702; Elizabeth, Feb. 22. 1703;
Lydia, April 19, 1705; Sarah, May 19. 1706: Jere-
miah, April 10. 1708; Hepzibah, March 24. 1710;
Nathaniel. Aug. 4. 1714: Anna, Aug. 21, I7X5-
John, May 20, 1716; Peter, Aug. 5, 1718.
(III) Deacon Thomas Maine was married
(first) to Ann Pendleton. April 20, 1720. She was
born Feb. 1, 1699, and died March 11. 1766. Mr.
Maine for his second wife married Elizabeth Hew-
itt, on May 14. 1766. He died in 1771. leaving the
following- children, all by his first marriage:
Thomas, born Feb. 13, 1721 : Andrew. Aug. 5r
1723; Timothy. April 8, 1727: Joshua. April. 1729;
Anne, July 31. 1733 : Jonas, Feb. 7, 1735 ; Elizabeth ;
Ezekiel ; and Phebe.
(IV) Timothy Maine married Elizabeth Ran-
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
267
dall Jan. 27, 1750. He was a farmer residing at
North Stonington, and was the father of Elizabeth,
born Nov. 2, 1750; Timothy, April 7, 1752; Nathan-
iel, July 12, 1754; Lydia, Aug. 31, 1756; Rufus,
Nov. 15, 1758; Grace, April 22, 1761 ; Laban, Jan.
27, 1764; Luther, April 18, 1766; and Lucy, Dec.
9, 1768.
(V) Rufus Maine was born in North Stoning-
ton, and resided there until after his marriage,
when he purchased a farm in the south part of the
town of Griswold, and there all his children were
born. He resided there the rest of his life, and died
at an advanced age. In 1780 he married Sarah
York, who was born Jan. 22, 1 761, a native of
Stonington, daughter of Bell and his wife Ruth
(Maine) York. To them were born eight chil-
dren : Rufus, who married Sabra Wells, was a
farmer, and resided in North Stonington, where he
died. Lewis was the grandfather of Albert B.
Stephen married Lucinda Ray, a sister of the wife
of his brother Lewis ; Stephen Maine resided for
eral years in North Stonington, and later went to
Ontario, where he died. Sanford married Rebecca
Billings, was a farmer, and resided in North Ston-
ington ; he died at the home of a daughter in West-
erly, R. I. Ruth married Joseph Chapman, a farm-
er, and died in Griswold. Edith died in young wom-
anhood. Prudence also died in young womanhood.
Polly married Joseph Carey, a farmer, and resided in
Ontario, N. Y., where she died.
(VI) Lewis Maine was born in Griswold, May
17, 1783, was reared to farm work, and lived at
home until his marriage, when he moved to North
Stonington. He lived on a rented farm for two
years, and then for another year resided on Pendle-
ton Hill, in the same town. He next purchased a
farm, in 1808, in the town of Voluntown, where he
spent the rest of his active life. About nine years
before his death he gave up his farming interests,
and made his home with his youngest daughter,
Mary, in North Stonington, where he died Nov. 20,
1870 ; he was buried in that town. He was a stanch
Jeffersonian Democrat, took a keen interest in
political matters, and filled a number of town offices,
including that of first selectman, which he held many
I years. When a young man he united with the
Baptist Church, and was one of the pioneer movers
in the erection of the church on Pendleton Hill,
where he was a very regular attendant, as long as he
was physically able. He took a great interest in re-
ligious matters, and was a most exemplary man,
living an upright Christian life.
Mr. Maine was married Oct. 17, 1803, to Han-
nah Ray, born Jan. 29, 1784, in Voluntown, daugh-
ter of Gershom and Hannah (Palmer) Ray. She
died July 30, 1848, and Lewis Maine for his second
wife married Dolly Bliven. After her death he
married Sabra, the widow of his brother Rufus. Mr.
Maine's children were all by his first marriage: (1)
Lewis, born June 9, 1804, married Cynthia Stewart.
He was a farmer and resided in Griswold. (2)
Avery, born Aug. 29, 1806, married Laura Bald-
win. He was a mason by trade, and died in West
Walworth, Wayne Co., N. Y., where he was a dea-
con of the Baptist Church for over twenty-five years.
(3) Edgar Ray, born Sept. 24, 1808, died in 1826.
(4) Charles H., born Feb. 4, 181 1, married Almira
Eggleston, was a farmer, and died in North Ston-
ington. (5) Jesse P., born Feb. 15, 1813, married
Abby Benjamin, was a farmer, and resided in Gris-
wold, where he died. (6) Gershom Albert was
born Dec. 23, 1815. (7) Hannah M., born Feb. 28,
1819, never married, and died in North Stonington.
(8) Esther S., born June 14, 1822, married Will-
iam Chapman, and died in Stonington. He was an
extensive farmer in that town. (9) Mary, born
June 27, 1826, married (first) Stanton Maine, a
farmer, who died in North Stonington, and her sec-
ond husband was Deacon Philetus Miller, of West
Walworth, N. Y., who died a year after their mar-
riage. Mrs. Miller now resides in Norwich.
(VII) Gershom A. Maine was born in Volun-
town, where his boyhood days were spent. When a
young man he was employed as a farm laborer and
lived at home until his marriage, when he began
housekeeping on a rented farm in North Stonington.
A few years later he removed to another farm in that
town, and again to the town of Griswold, where
he rented for a time. He next returned to his na-
tive town, and from there went to the Dr. Hyde
farm in Stonington, where he conducted a large
dairying business. Several years later he purchased
a farm in Lisbon, near Jewett City, where he re-
sided a few years. He never remained long on any
place, however, and before his death occupied three
more farms, in each case seeking something that
suited his wishes a little better. The first of the
three was another farm near Jewett City, the next
was in Preston, and the last in Norwich, where he
was engaged in farming in a small way until his
death. That event occurred April 13, 1903, and he
was buried at Jewett City. He was a very well pre-
served man, and a very industrious one, and as long
as he was able he was at work.
Mr. Maine was a Democrat most of his life,
but in his later years voted the Republican ticket.
He united with the Baptist Church at Voluntown at
the age of twenty-one years, and was a member of
the Third Baptist Church at Norwich when he died.
On Dec. 8, 1840, Mr. Maine was married in
North Stonington to Susan A. Billings, born Jan.
4, 1822, in North Stonington, daughter of Joseph
and Phebe (Brown) Billings. Mrs. Maine is yet
living in Norwich. Of their children (i) Susan
Emma, born July 28, 1843, was married March 18,
1874, to David A. Witter. She died Aug. 14, 1884,
in Webster, Mass., leaving two children, Myron
David, born March 20, 1879. and Grace Emma,
born Dec. 12, 1881. (2) Albert Billings was born
July 29, 1845. (3) Harriet A., born Jan. 18, 1859,
is a teacher, and has been located in Webster, Mass.,.
for a number of vears.
268
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
(VIII) Albert Billings Maine was born in Gris-
wold, and was quite young- when his parents moved
to Stonington. He attended the district schools,
and the high school at Westerly, R. I., and after
leaving school was employed for a year in the store
of W. H. Hillard, at Milltown, in 'North Stoning-
ton. He then taught school for one winter, and
next was employed for two years in the store of D.
W. Stewart, in the same place. In 1865 he came to
Norwich, entered the employ of the late Benjamin
H. Palmer as a bookkeeper, and there remained for
twenty-two years, until 1887, when, in company
with H. A. Pitcher, he engaged in a general store
business on North Main street under the name of
Pitcher & Maine. This partnership continued for
ten years, when Mr. Maine purchased the interest
of his partner, and the same year, 1897, moved to his
present location in the newly completed Kelly block,
on Central avenue. He does a large business, hand-
ling dry goods, groceries, ,&c.
Mr. Maine is a Republican, and has served two
years in the common council. A member of the
Third Baptist Church, he is also the clerk of the
society, and was superintendent of the Sunday
school for fifteen years.
At Stonington, on May 11, 1869, Mr. Maine was
married to Maria W., daughter of Capt. Austin G.
Beebe, a sea captain of that town. Mrs. Maine died of
apoplexy Jan. 17, 1896, aged forty-nine years. A
worthy member of the Greeneville Baptist Church,
she took an active and prominent part in its work,
being a Sunday-school teacher in the church, and
identified herself with many charitable objects. She
was much esteemed and beloved, and her death was
deeply lamented. She left two children: (1) Will-
iam Austin, born Jan. 6, 1873, is in the employ of his
father. (2) Mary Ella, born Dec. 22, 1874, is the
wife of William H. Covey, Jr., of Norwich, and has
two children, Henry Albert and Benjamin William.
Mr. Maine is a self-made man, one who has by
his own efforts built up a good business and made
an honorable place, commanding great respect for
his honesty, energy and good business judgment.
HENRY HOVEY, a successful and well known
business man now living retired, comes from one of
the old families of New England, the Hovey fam-
ily of the old town of Windham, Windham Co.,
Conn., being one of the oldest settled families of that
county.
(I) Daniel Hovey, the first of the name in New
England, came to the New World about 1637, an(l
located in Massachusetts. He was born in England
in 1619, and married in 1637 Rebecca Andrews,
daughter of Robert. Their children were : Daniel,
horn in 1642; John; Thomas, born in 1648; James,
who was killed by the Indians in King Philip's war,
Aug. 2, 1675, at Brookfield, Mass. ; Joseph and Na-
thaniel, twins, born March 20, 1667 ; Abigail, who
married Thomas Hodgkiss ; and Percilla, who mar-
ried John Avers.
(II) Daniel Hovey (2), son of Daniel, born in
1642, was made a freeman Oct. 8, 1674. He mar-
ried Oct. 8, 1665, Esther Treadwell, daughter of
Thomas Treadwell, of Ipswich, Mass., and their
children were as follows: Daniel (3), born June 24,
1666; Nathaniel, Oct. 9, 1667; Abigail and Thomas
(twins), May 28, 1673; John, Aug. 13, 1675; Mary,
June 27, 1678; Ebenezer, Jan. 11, 1680 (died in in-
fancy) ; Ebenezer (2), Jan. 11, 1682; and Mercy.
The father of this family died May 29, 1695.
(III) Thomas Hovey, son of Daniel (2), born
May 28, 1673, settled in Ipswich, Mass., where he
married. He and his wife Martha had: (1) Martha,
born Oct. 30, 1699; (2) Daniel (4), Oct. 29, 1700;
(3) Esther, 1703; (4) Thomas (2), March 30,
1707 (he first married Sarah Reed, in 1729, and
after her death remarried, his second wife being
named Phebe) ; (5) Abigail, 1712; (6) Phebe, bap-
tized Dec. 20, 1713 ; (7) Samuel, born May 3, 1716
(married Elizabeth Perkins in 1737) : and (8)
Mary (or Mercy), born March 21, 1719.
(IV) Samuel Hovey, son of Thomas (1), born
May 3, 1716, married in 1737 Elizabeth Perkins,
who was born Nov. 3, 1718. Samuel Hovey was a
member of the 8th Massachusetts Regiment in the
expedition against Louisbourg, in 1745. Children:
Elizabeth, born March 9, 1738 (died Nov. 6, 1740) ;
Lucy, June 24, 1740; Samuel, March 7, 1743 ; Jacob,
Nov. 21, 1745; Elizabeth, July 31, 1748; Abigail,
March 20, 1751 ; Lydia, Dec. 16, 1753; David and
Jonathan, twins, Aug. 5, 1757; Mary, April 8, 1759;
Dudley, April 2, 1761. The mother died March 22,
1788, and the father passed away July 26, 1806,
aged ninety years.
(V) Dudley Hovey, son of Samuel, born April
2, 1761, married Oct. 8, 1795, Polly (or Mary)
Roath Moore, who was born Jan. 25, 1764, daughter
of David Moore, of Norwich, Conn. Their children
were: Benjamin, born Dec. 14, 1796; Fanny, born
Jan. 6, 1799, who married Dr. Mason Manning, of
Mystic, Conn., Nov. 20, 1821, and died Sept. 23,
1822; Charles, born July 17, 1801, who died March
2, 1804 ; and Eliza, born July 29, 1804, who married
Erastus Tucker May 11, 1829, and died March 9,
1837. Dudley Hovey died Aug. 14, 1844, and Mary,
his wife, died Dec. 21, 1846.
Dudley Hovey was a manufacturer of wool hats
in that part of Windham which is now the town of
Scotland, where he was well known and highly re-
spected. He is buried in the Scotland cemetery.
(VI) Benjamin Hovey, son of Dudley, born Dec.
14, 1796, in the town of Windham, Scotland So-
ciety, grew to manhood there and learned the trade
of hatmaking with his father. He followed this
trade for a number of years. Later he settled down
to farming in what is now the town of Scotland,
where he spent the remainder of his life. When the
town of Scotland was set off from the town of
Windham, in 1857, Mr. Hovey took quite an active
part in the movement, and was the first town clerk
of Scotland, which office he filled with credit for
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
269
many years. He was also town treasurer for many
years, and represented the town of Windham in the
State Legislature for two terms. In political senti-
ment he was an "Old" Whig, and later a Republi-
can. He was a good Christian man and lived up to
the tenets of his faith. He died at his home Nov.
29, 1877, aged eighty-one years.
On Feb. 5, 1822, Mr. Hovey married Fanny
Baker, born Aug. 31, 1798, in Scotland, who died
in Norwich Jan. 2J, 1890, and is buried in Scotland
cemetery. She was a devoted wife and mother and
a good Christian woman, a member of the Congre-
gational Church. Mr. and Mrs. Hovey had the fol-
lowing children: (1) Charles, born Nov. 22, 1822,
died in New York City April 10, 1877. On July 2,
1859, he married Annie L. Kerr, who was born in
May, 1834, and they had four children — Matilda C,
born May 6, i860; Charles Benjamin, July 12, 1862;
Fanny Baker, Oct. 11, 1866; and Frank M., Aug.
10, 1 87 1. (2) George, born July 10, 1824, was a
soldier in the Civil war serving as a member of
Company G, 26th Conn. V. I. On May 20, 1848,
he married Cornelia Bass, who came from an old
family of Scotland, Conn. They have two chil-
dren: Martha, born Oct. 6, 1850, and Frederick
born Nov. 10, 1856. George Hovey resides in Scot-
land, Conn. (3) John Dudley, born May 14, 1826,
served in the Civil war as a member of Company D,
2 1 st Conn. V. I. He married Mrs. Marcella B.
Reynolds, and died March 26, 1897. (4) Lewis, born
May 20, 1828, was also a soldier in the Civil war,
being a sergeant in Company A, 18th Conn. V. I.
He now resides in Greeneville, town of Norwich.
He married Sarah Parker, Jan. 16, 1867, and they
had one child, Louisa Parker, born May 2, 1870.
(5) Edward Hurley and (6) Catherine Elizabeth,
twins, were born Oct. 1, 1830. Catherine Elizabeth
married William H. Page Nov. 20, 1855, and had
seven children — William Edward, born in January,
1859; Lewis Hovey, July 4, 1861 ; Hattie L., Aug.
27, 1863 (died in 1864) ; Inez L., Aug. 5, 1865 (died
Oct. 11, 1865); Frederick A., April 11, 1867;
Charles G., Feb. 27, 1871 (died Aug. 23, 1871) ;
Helen I., Sept. 4, 1872. Edward H. was a soldier
in the Civil war in the 1st Connecticut Heavy Ar-
tillery. He died unmarried June 11, 1867. (7)
Fanny, born March 1, 1833, was married Nov. 21,
i860, to Edmund L. Champlin, who died in Decem-
ber, 1894. They had two children — Fanny M., born
July 8, 1862, and Edmund Lee, born Oct. 24, 1865.
(8) Eliza, born Oct. 28, 1837, married Henry Free-
man Oct. 28, 1857 ; theirs was the first marriage
license issued in the then new town of Scotland, and
it was issued by the bride's father, who was town
clerk. They had two children, Ida F., born Jan. 10,
1859, an<l Anna E., born May 3, i860. (9) Henry,
born Dec. 18, 1839, 's mentioned below. (10) Mary,
born Oct. 9, 1842, married Dec. 13, 1877, David P.
Walden. She died Dec. 20, 1883, leaving one son,
Benjamin Hovey, born June 3, 1879.
(VII) Henry Hovey, son of Benjamin, now liv-
ing in retirement at his fine residence on Cliff street,
Norwich, was for many years a prosperous business
man of that place. His school days were passed in
Scotland and South Windham, Conn., and while yet
in his teens he began his business life as a clerk in a
store in Greeneville, Conn., for Partridge & Whit-
ney. He retained that position four years, and then
became bookkeeper for the grocery firm of Norton
Brothers, wdiere he remained until the breaking out
of the Civil war. In 1862 he enlisted in the 18th
Conn. V. I., under Col. Ely, entering the quarter-
master's department as commissary sergeant. Later
he was employed as a clerk in the war department at
Washington, and then, to occupy his evenings, took
a position as clerk of the Ohio State Agency, under
James A. Wetmore, this work occupying him from
Sept. 19, 1864, to 1867.
Returning from Washington in 1867, Mr. Hovey
established himself as a merchant in Webster, Mass.,
and the following year came to Norwich, entering
into a partnership with E. B. Partridge, his old em-
ployer, at Greeneville. He remained with this firm,
Partridge, Pitcher & Co., until 1871, when he went
to Maynard, Mass., and for two years carried on a
store there, a large mill store, as a member of the
firm of Setchell & Hovey. Returning to Norwich,
he spent four years in the employ of Norton Broth-
ers, and then accepted the position offered him by
Lorenzo Blackstone as manager of the Ponemah
Mill Company's store at Taftville. This position
was one of great trust and responsibility, and was
filled by Air. Hovey to the entire satisfaction of the
company. He retired from active business in 1899,
after twenty-two years of faithful service as man-
ager of this store. He is now enjoying a well-earned
rest after a lifetime of close attention to business.
On Sept. 26, 1872, Mr. Hovey married, in Web-
ster, Mass., Emma F. Joslin, daughter of Nathan
Joslin, founder of the "Joslin House," of Webster.
The following children have come to Mr. and Mrs.
Hovey: Mabel Estelle, born' Jan. 18, 1874, who mar-
ried Sept. 14, 1898, R. H. Vaughn, of Norwich ;
Nathan Joslin, born May 24, 1877, who died May
20, 1885 ; Grace E., born June 9, 1884, who in 1903
graduated from Norwich Free Academy and is now
attending Simmons College, Boston ; and an infant
that died Nov. I, 1889.
Mr. Hovey is a Republican in principle, but is
not an active politician. Fraternally he belongs to
the A. F. & A. M. and to the Knights Templars. His
wife is a member of the Broadway Congregational
Church, with which he is also identified.
WHEELER. The Wheeler family is one of the
oldest settled families of New London county, Conn.,
and the record of it reads as follows :
(I) Thomas Wheeler, the pioneer ancestor of
the family, was doubtless of English origin. The
first knowledge we have of him in this country is
when he appears as a resident of the town of Lynn,
Mass., in 1635, where he held official position. He
2/0
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
became a freeman in 1642, purchased a large tract
of land, and built and operated a saw and grist mill.
In 1645, ne married Mary , a woman of pleas-
ing and attractive accomplishments, who graced
her domestic duties with cheerful loveliness, filling
his home with light and love. The children of this
marriage were : Isaac, born in 1646 ; Elizabeth, born
in 1648, who married Joseph Witter; and Sarah,
born in 1650. In 1667, he sold his business and
real estate, and moved to Stonington, Conn. Mr.
Wheeler was an intimate friend of the Rev. Joseph
Noyes, who came to Stonington the same year that
Mr. Wheeler located in the place. Mr. Wheeler was
made a freeman of the Connecticut Colony in 1669,
elected representative to the General Court in 1673,
and was one of the nine who originated the First
Congregational Church of Stonington, June 3, 1674.
His wife also partook of the first communion serv-
ice held in the church. Mr. Wheeler built his home
in North Stonington, and there he and his wife lived
and died. They are buried in the old Whitehall
burial place on the east bank of the Mystic river.
He died March 6, 1686, aged eighty-four years.
(II) Isaac Wheeler, born in 1646, married, Jan.
io, 1667, Martha, daughter of Thomas and Dorothy
(Thompson) Park. He served in the Colonial In-
dian wars, and died June 5, 1712, while his widow-
passed away Feb. 14, 1717.
(III) Richard Wheeler, born March 10, 1677,
married, Dec. 12, 1702, Prudence, daughter of
Deacon John Pay son, and granddaughter of Edward
Pay son, and Mary Eliot, sister of the Apostle Eliot.
Richard Wheeler died April 12, 1712, and his widow
later married Christopher Avery, of Groton.
(IV) Jonathan Wheeler, born Feb. 7, 1708, mar-
ried, March 1, 1732, Esther Dennison. He died Oct.
8, 1790, and she March 18, 1790.
(V) Jonathan Wheeler (2), born Jan. 20, 1737,
married, April 29, 1756, Priscilla Lester. He died
Jan. 28, 1807, and she died Dec. 20, 1803.
(VI) Lester Wheeler, born July 24, 1757, mar-
ried, Feb. 9, 1774, Eunice, daughter of David and
Eunice (Brown) Bailey. He died May 15, 1835,
and she died June 29, 1837.
(VII) William Wheeler, born Jan. 21, 1782,
married in 1800, Wealthy Turner. The children of
this marriage were: Eliza A., born in 1802, married,
Sept. 26, 1828, Benjamin F. Williams; and William
E., born June 16, 1807. William Wheeler was a
resident of North Stonington, and by occupation
was a farmer. He was one of the defenders of Ston-
ington from the attack of the British.
(VIII) William E. Wheeler was born at Ston-
ington, Conn., and spent his boyhood days at North
Stonington, where he attended school at the head
of the river. When a young man he went to sea
on a sailing vessel, and later on whaling ships. Still
later he was on coasting vessels, sailing until 1854
from New York to southern United States ports,
and sometimes further. In 1854 he went in the
East India trade, sailing from New York to China,
for A. A. Lowe & Bros., thus continuing for ten
years, he being on the barque "Penguin." In 1865
he ran a steamer from New York to southern ports.
He lived to be eighty-two years old, he dying in
May, 1889. In Groton, Conn., on Aug. 24, 183 1,
he married Pedee Heath, of Groton, who died in
October, 1891. The children born to this marriage
were : Eliza A., married John J. Godfrey, and died
in Groton ; William E., Jr. ; Charles H. is a grocer
of Mystic, Conn. ; and Horace N. is a druggist of
Mystic, Connecticut.
William E. Wheeler was a member of the State
Legislature, and held many lesser offices, being
very prominent as a Democrat. Fraternally he be-
longed to Charity and Relief Lodge of Masons. Dur-
ing his long and eventful life Mr. W'heeler retained
many friends, and impressed all who knew him with
his sterling traits of character, which were many,
and firmly established himself in the confidence of
the community. His death was keenly felt by many
outside his immediate home circle, and his memory
is tenderly cherished, as he was a man who endeared
himself to those who came in contact with him.
William Edward Wheeler was born in
Mystic, Conn., in the town of Groton, June 24,
1842, and there spent his early boyhood days, attend-
ing school, and working upon the farm. For a year
he went to sea with his father as cabin boy, at a
salary of two dollars a month. He then attended
the excellent academy at Mystic, and later became
shipping clerk in a steam, water and gas pipe fitting
company in Clift street, New York. Again he went
to sea with his father for a year, and upon his return
was employed in a sash and blind factory for a short
time.
His next change was made when he went to
New York and shipped aboard the "Abraham Lin-
coln" bound for France. On Sept. 5, 1862, he re-
turned from this voyage, and joined, at Mystic, Com-
pany C, 2 1 st Conn V. I., for a period of three years.
He was wounded May 16, 1864, at Drury's Bluff,
Va., and w-as sent first to the field hospital, and
later to the hospital at Newport News. On July
1, 1864, he was honorably discharged, and upon his
return from the war, he went west to Illinois and
Wisconsin. His father having, in the meanwhile,
gone into the grocery business with a partner,
about this time discovered that the interest of the
partner was for sale, and in 1867, William E.
Wheeler, Jr., returned and engaged in the business
for seven years, when he moved to the present loca-
cation of the W. C. T. U. building ; still later he
moved to the present site of R. A. Stanton, and
in 1885 built his own store. There he handled gro-
ceries, dry goods and hardware, until 1902, when
he disposed of his grocery interests to R. A. Stanton.
Fraternally Mr. Wheeler is a member of Will-
iams Post G. A. R. ; of Charity and Relief Lodge,
A. F. & A. M.; Mistuxet Lodge, Knights of
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
271
Pythias ; A. O. U. W. ; I. O. R. M. ; and is very pop-
ular in all of these organizations. Mr. Wheeler is
an incorporator of the Groton Savings Bank.
On Jan. 4, 1869, in Groton, Conn., Mr. Wheeler
was married to Sarah Stark, daughter of Albert and
Hannah W. (Wolfe) Stark, of Groton. The chil-
dren born to this union were : ( 1 ) Albert Edward,
born Feb. 5, 1871, was educated in Mystic, and has
spent all of his business career in his father's store.
During the session of 1903 he represented the town
in the State Legislature as a Democrat, and served
upon the important committee on Manufactures
and Legislative Expenses. Fraternally he is a mem-
ber of the Masonic order, the I. O. O. F., Mystic
Encampment, the Sons of Veterans and the Red
Men. In the business world he is recognized as
one of the leading young men of Mystic, while so-
cially he is very popular. (2) Ada, born March 14,
1873, died Sept. 27, 1874. (3) Frank Rowland,
born Nov. 4, 1875, graduated from the high school
in 1892, and the Connecticut Literary Institute, at
Suffield. In 1897 he was graduated from Brown
University, and in 1898 took a post-graduate course
in that institution of learning, receiving the degrees
of B. A. and A. M. In 1899 he attended the Gallu-
det College, in preparation for the teaching of the
deaf at Washington, D. C, after which he taught in
the Illinois State Asylum for the Deaf and Dumb, at
Jacksonville, that state, for a year, and for the past
four years, he has been at Faribault, Minn. He mar-
ried Helen M. Rudd, of West Mystic, and they have
one child, Helen E., born May 25, 1902. (4) Ella
Harris was born Oct. 22, 1889.
For many years Mr. Wheeler has been num-
bered among the successful, ambitious and capable
business men of Mystic, and his house ranks among
the first of its kind, not only in the city, but through-
out the entire county, the volume of business increas-
ing steadily with each succeeding year. Not only has
Mr. Wheeler had the ability to conduct his busi-
ness successfully, but he has also found time to give
attention to public improvements, although not a
politician, and can always be counted upon to favor
all measures looking toward a betterment of exist-
ing conditions. During a long business career, he
has always employed honorable methods, and taken
a pride in giving his customers the best articles in
the market, at prices as low as consistent with good
quality, and as a result his reputation as a solid and
reliable merchant is unquestioned, and his popu-
larity personally, is marked.
Charles Henry Wheeler was born in Mystic,
Conn., in the town of Stonington, July 19, 1845, and
there spent his boyhood days, attending school on
the Groton side of the river. When only twelve
years of age, however, he went to sea with his father
on the barque "Penguin," on a voyage of twenty-
three months. Returning home he took a two-years
course, and then went as boy with Capt. George B.
Crary on the "B. F. Hoxie," from New York to
San Francisco. From that city the ship went to the
Gulf of California and thence to Falmouth, England.
At 16 degrees North Latitude, he was captured by
the southern privateer "Florida," and held ten days,
when he was placed on the whaling schooner "Ver-
non H. Hill," on which he remained about ten days,
when he was landed at Bermuda, and placed with
the United States consul. There he remained a
week, and then was sent home on the brig "Hen-
rietta," landing in New York City at the time of
the negro riot. From J. S. Fish of that city, he ob-
tained money to carry him home, where he was
warmly welcomed after his exciting adventures. He
was on the steamer "Fanny," United States trans-
port, which was run down off Fortress Monroe ; and
on the "Linda," the "California," and "Nevada,"
and the "Ann Maria," all United States transports.
After the war, he went to San Francisco on the
steamer "California," hailing from New York,
stopping at Rio Janeiro, through the Straits of
Magellan, stopping at Lota and Valparaiso, Chili,
and Callao, Peru, then to San Francisco, and, after
several years there engaged in the coasting trade,
he returned on the "Invincible" to New York. He
then went to Australia on the barque "Free Trade,"
thence to San Francisco, where he remained five
years engaged in the coasting trade. From there he
returned on the ship "Young America." He next
engaged in the coasting trade on Long Island Sound,
and was also interested in fishing in the same body
of water. At one time he ran the "Zepher" and the
"Julia," pleasure boats from Mystic to Fishers
Island and New London. For two years he was
mate of the Ram Island light ship, and for two years
more he worked for the government on the break-
water construction. His next venture was the pur-
chase of the schooner "Grace Phillips," with which
he engaged in fishing for about twelve years. At
that time he sold his vessel, and bought a fish mar-
ket on Bank street, New London, conducting it for
two years. Returning to Mystic, July 10, 1901, he
embarked in the grocery business on Pearl street,
and is now one of the leading grocers of this city,
where he has a very flourishing business, and enjoys
a large trade.
Fraternallv Mr. Wheeler is a member of the
A. O. U. W. ;' Stonington Lodge I. O. O. F. ; Orient
Encampment at New London ; and the Jibboom
Club, and is one of the most popular members of
these organizations. ,
In 1873 Mr. Wheeler was married at Noank,
Conn., to Miss Isabel F. Myers, a native of that
place, now deceased. One daughter was born to this
union: Eliza A., of Mystic, Conn., who married
George J. Green, and resides in Mystic, where Mr.
Green is a drug clerk in the employ of H. N.
Wheeler. Mr. Wheeler is one of the most genial of
men, entertaining in conversation, and pleasing in
manner, and one who makes and retains hosts of
friends wherever he goes.
Horace Nelson Wheeler was born in Mystic,
Conn., in the town of Stonington, Oct. 2, 1849. He
272
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
spent his boyhood days in Mystic, on the Groton side
of the river, and attended the schools of- the fifth
district, and also the academy. Later he attended
Palmer Gallop's private school in Mystic, Connec-
ticut.
At the age of fourteen years Mr. Wheeler began
clerking for Francis M. Manning, of Mystic, with
whom he remained until 1882. In 1873, he became
a pharmacist, and in July, 1882, he succeeded Mr.
Manning in the control of the business. In addition
Mr. Wheeler is interested in the Mystic Distilling
Company, manufacturers of Witch Hazel and Witch
Hazel tar soap, which industry is located in Groton,
with the following roll of officers : John C. Xichol,
president; George W. Xichol, secretary; H. X.
Wheeler, treasurer ; and G. M. Gates, manager.
Mr. Wheeler also controls the Aceton Medical
Company, manufacturers of Dr. Marland's Aceton, a
cure for headache, neuralgia and la grippe, whose
offices are also located at Mystic, with a branch
office at Xo. 79 Murray street. New York City.
Since 1895 Mr. Wheeler has been in control, and
since then the business has made rapid strides for-
ward, and is now in an extremely flourishing con-
dition.
On Nov. 30, 187 1, Mr. Wheeler was married in
the Episcopal Church at Groton, by the Rev. O. F.
Starkey, to Ella E. Giddings, of Groton, daughter
of Gordon Giddings, of Groton. One child has been
born to Mr. and Mrs. Wheeler, John Godfrey, born
March 19. 1875. who married Sadie Balmer, of
Cambridgeport, Massachusetts.
Mr. Wheeler is a member of Charity and Relief
Lodge. A. F. & A. M. ; Stonington Lodge, I. O.
O. F. ; and Knights of Pythias Mistuxet Lodge, and
he has served as district deputy of the I. O. O. F.,
as well as being very active in all the organizations.
Without doubt, Mr. Wheeler is one of the best
known druggists of Xew London county, and his
remarkable success is largely due to his thorough
understanding of his profession, and his excellent
business management, which has enabled him to take
advantage of opportunities when offered. His in-
terests outside his pharmacy are very large, and re-
quire much of his time, but he gives a personal su-
pervision to the establishment in which he worked
his way up from errand boy to sole proprietor. Mr.
Wheeler, like the other members of his family, is
verv popular with his intimites, and enjoys the
friendship of a wide circle, in which are included
many of the prominent people, not only of Xew
London county, but of the State. His son is one of
the rising young men of Mystic, and both father and
son are good Democrats, although neither have time
nor inclination for public life.
JAMES LEWIS REED. Industry, thrift and
sound judgment form a combination of qualities
which will win success in any line of effort, and
the history of this excellent citizen, late of New
London, shows that he possessed them all in a high
degree. Mr. Reed was a successful contractor and
builder, and was born at Great Bend, near Water-
town, X. Y., Feb. 15, 1836, son of Scammell Reed,
a native of Keene, X. H., and his wife Laura Brit-
ton.
Scammell Reed was a cabinetmaker by trade.
He resided at Great Bend, X. Y., for a number of
years, later going to Watertown, where he died
about 1846. His widow survived many years, or
until 1873, when she passed away in Xew London,
Conn., at the home of her son James L.
James L. Reed was the tenth child and youngest
son in a family of eleven children. The parents
were people of respectability, but their means were
limited, and with their large family of children it
was found necessarv to utilize earlv the earning;
capacity of each. Thus, when James L. was but a
lad of ten he had no little practical knowledge of
the meaning of self-support. He attended school
in Watertown, where he was a pupil in what was
known as the "old brick schoolhouse." As a boy he
manifested a thirst for knowledge, and so well did
he improve his meager advantages, and so thor-
oughly did he supplement them by reading and
study at home, that he was able to lay a broad, solid
foundation for his success in after life. His school
days over when he was about eighteen, he was not
the type of young man to wait for something to
turn up, but was ready to go out and hunt for it.
An older brother, DeWitt C, was then living in
Xew London, Conn., where young James L. con-
cluded he would go. Some money was necessary
for such a journey, and in order to supply same he
sold some hens that he owned, also his gun and
other articles he had accumulated. With the pro-
ceeds from these sales he came to Xew London.
This was in 1854. and when he reached his destina-
tion his cash on hand amounted to only a few cents.
The young man was full of energy, and willing to
work at anything that would bring him an honest
dollar. Among his very first employers in Xew
London was Major John Gard, who later became his
father-in-law. Xo matter what his work Mr. Reed
always took a pride and interest in it, and before
long he was known as a thoroughly reliable and
steady-going young man — a reputation that as he
grew older became so thoroughly established that
he bore it until his death.
On April 21. 1857. Mr. Reed was married to
Miss Jeannette M. Gard, daughter of Major John
Gard and Eliza Patchen. Fortunate in his selection
of a wife, she proved a worthy helpmate, and con-
tributed her full share toward their later success.
During the Civil war Mr. Reed was in the em-
ploy of Col. Thomas Fitch, who bought horses for
the government. He followed the sea at intervals
for about three years, making several whaling voy-
ages, visiting France and at another time Green-
land. On one of these voyages the vessel was
wrecked and the Captain entrusted Mr. Reed with
S3.000 in gold to be delivered to the owners. Xo
^>7^X<^7
Lj&*S
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
273
receipt was given, so an associate suggested that
they divide the money, but Mr. Reed indignantly
refused, although in order to reach home with
the sum intact he was even obliged to sell
some of his clothes in Philadelphia. After leav-
ing the sea Mr. Reed went to work for Havens
& Chapell. as a ship carpenter and joiner,
and remained either under that firm or under
Mrs. Richard Chapell for over forty years,
in that time working on more than fifty vessels.
From the time of his first saving he was partial to
real-estate investments, and as his accumulations
grew he continued to invest in realty. About 1870
he began for himself as a contractor and builder,
confining his operations mainly to erecting dwelling-
houses in Xew London. Twelve of these were built
for himself as a speculation. A good judge of real-
estate values, his operations were attended with suc-
cess, so that at the time of his death, Feb. 4, 1901,
Mr. Reed left a valuable estate. He was a self-made
man in the strictest sense of the term, not only as
regards the accumulation of worldly possessions,
but the manner in which it was done, and the en-
viable reputation for strict integrity that he enjoyed.
"His word was as good as his bond."
Mr. Reed was always of a studious and medi-
tative turn of mind and a great reader, taking the
New York Tribune for many years, and in the
course of his life drawing over 1,000 books from the
library. His naturally fine memory was, in addi-
tion, so well trained that he could often repeat
whole sections of any discourse which he had heard.
Politically Mr. Reed was an ardent Republican,
though he had too many other responsibilities to
enter extensively in public life. For one term, how-
ever, he was a member of the common council. In
his early manhood, in 1865, he helped form Com-
pany D, Conn. X. G., and was the first lieutenant of
the company. For many years he was a member of
the Good Templars.
Mr. Reed's activities in the line of church work
were by no means confined to his own denomination.
For over forty years he was a member of the Hunt-
ington Street Baptist Church, and a teacher of a
large Sunday-school class there. But even with
that demand upon his thought and time his attend-
ance was uninterrupted at the Second Congrega-
tional Sunday-school, then under the charge of Mr.
Henry P. Havens, where he taught a class every
Sunday before going to his own church services,
and where he was appointed one of a committee to
build the Bradley Street Mission. His chief inter-
est was in the cause of religion, the advancement of
which seemed to him a duty which it can be truth-
fully said he endeavored to discharge.
At his, funeral were members of all denomin-
ations. From the time that he was a boy there was
in him unusual evidence of high moral character
and a keen sense of honor. These boyhood traits
became more prominent with advancing years.
V\ hen a young man he showed a strong abhorrence
18
for intemperance. At times when with companions
who frequented places where intoxicants were sold,
young Reed would wait outside for those who went
in. No amount of persuasion could induce him to
take the first drink. He had a mind of his own,
and when he took a position for what he thought
was right he was firm to the last. In the use of to-
bacco he was equally abstemious. When a voung
man at sea he found great interest in reading the
Bible, which on one voyage he read through three
times. Honor and integrity marked him always in
his dealings with his fellowmen. He took great
pride in the promptness with which he met his ob-
ligations, and no man paid a debt with any greater
pleasure than did James L. Reed. A man of un-
usually sound judgment, he was very frequently
consulted by men of all ranks, and his death was
deeply lamented by the many who had classed him
among their trusted friends.
Mr. Reed was survived by his widow and daugh-
ter, Nettie A., who reside at the family home. No.
47 Broad street.
SIDNEY MIXER. In the death of Sidney
Miner, Dec. 29, 1881, a man who was long one of
New London's substantial men and useful citizens,
there passed from that community a life which had
been one of great business activity and of material
influence for the good of society. Born Dec. 16,
1805, Mr. Miner was a son of Frederick and Han-
nah (Wood) Miner, and came of an ancient family
of England, the records dating back to the early
part of the fourteenth century. From that period
to the emigrant settler in New England, and from
him to the deceased, has been preserved an unbroken
Miner lineage. This shows Sidney Miner to have
been in the fourteenth generation from Henry
Miner, of England, and in the seventh generation
from Lieut. Thomas Miner, emigrant New
land settler.
(I) According to Heraldric Essay now in the
Historical Society rooms at Hartford, Conn., the
surname of Miner had its origin in England in this
wise : During the reign of King Edward III, from
1327 to 1377, the King preparing for war with
France took progress through Somerset, and came
to Mendippe Hill, where lived a man by the name of
Henry Bullman, a miner by profession, whose ex-
traordinary and successful efforts to aid the King in
his movements of war, with one hundred powerful
men — his own retainers and domestics — in the serv-
ice, so pleased the King that he granted him a coat
of arms, with the name of Henry Miner thereon, in
recognition of his loyalty and patriotic devotion to
him and his cause. This Henry Miner died in 1359,
leaving four sons heirs-at-law of the realm. These
were: Henry. Edward. Thomas and George.
(II) Henry Miner (2) married Henrietta Hicks.
( III) William Miner married a Miss Greeley.
(IV) Lodowick Miner married Anna Dyer.
( V ) Thomas Miner married Bridget Hervie.
Eng-
274
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
(VI) William Miner (2) married Isabella Har-
cope.
(VII) Clement Miner married Sarah Pope.
(VIII) Lieut. Thomas Miner, born April 23,
1608, married in Cbarlestown. Mass.. April 23,
1034. Grace Palmer, born in 160S, in England,
daughter of Walter Palmer. Mr. Miner appears as
a member of tlie church in Cbarlestown, Mass.. in
1632, and be was a proprietor of the town in 1634.
He removed to Hingbam, and was a proprietor
there in 1636. From Hingham. Mass.. be removed
his family, in 1646. to Pequot (now Xew London,
Conn.), where five of his ten children were born.
His children were: John. Clement, Thomas,
Ephraim, Joseph. Manasseh (first white male child
born in Peqnot). Ann, Maria. Samuel and Hannah.
Lieut. Miner served in the Colonial Indian wars.
(IX) Ephraim Miner, baptized in Hingbam,
Mass.. May 1. 1642. married Jan. 20. 1666, Hannah
Avery, and their children were : Ephraim, Thomas,
Hannah, Rebecca. Elizabeth, Samuel. Deborah,
Samuel (2). James. Grace and John. Ephraim
Miner served in King Philip's war.
(X) Ephraim Miner (2), born June 22, 1668,
married May 24. 1694. Mary Stevens, daughter of
Richard and Mary (Linken) Stevens, of Taunton,
Mass. Their children were: Ephraim, Thomas,
Mary, Henry. Rufus. Bridget, Simeon, Stephen,
Samuel and Hannah.
(XI) Simeon Miner, born May 14, 1708, mar-
ried March 10. 1731 . Hannah Wheeler, born Jan. 12.
1712. and their children were: Hannah, Simeon,
Thomas. Keturah, Isaac. Eunice, Lois, Lucy. Grace
and William.
(XII) Simeon Miner (2), born Dec. 3, 1733,
married (first) Nov. 15. 1753. Anna Hewitt, who
died Sept. 12, 1754. He married (second) Feb. 1,
1759. May Owen, daughter of Rev. John Owen, of
Groton, Conn. One child. Anna, was born of the
first marriage, and to the second marriage came chil-
dren as follows : Simeon, John O., Elisha. Frederick,
Mary. William and Hannah.
(XIII) Frederick Miner, born Sept. 28, 1768.
in Stonington, Conn., married Hannah Wood. About
1795 he became a resident of New London, Conn.,
and there engaged in mercantile pursuits. He was
a most useful and valuable citizen, and held many
important positions of trust, honor and responsi-
bility. He was appointed by Gov. Oliver Wolcott
cornet of the 3d Troop of Horse in the 3d Regiment
of Cavalry Oct. 16, 1707- He died July 9, 1849, m
bis eighty-first year. His four children, all now de-
cease 1. were as follows: Hannah, who married
(first) Rev. Charles Thompson and (second) Rev.
Joel H. Linsley. and died in Brattleboro. Vt. : Alfred,
who followed the sea. and died unmarried, of yel-
low fever, in New York, at the early age of twenty-
seven : William, a practicing physician in Xew Lon-
don, where he died, who married (first) Lucy Lor-
ing and (second) Phebe Miner; and Sidney.
. I\ ' 1 Sidney Miner, son of Frederick, was in
bis boyhood given a good common school education,
under Dr. Dow. For a time he clerked in a grocery
store, and later on tried clerking in a different line,
entering the employ of Joseph Lawrence, with whom
he afterward became associated in the business of
whaling and sealing. This partnership continued
unbroken until the resignation of Mr. Lawrence, in
1844. but was continued by the sons of that gentle-
man, under the firm name of Miner, Lawrence &
Co., until Mr. Miner's withdrawal from the firm
and retirement from active business in 1855. When
he retired from the firm he for a time carried on
the coasting trade as a merchant, being interested
in several coasting vessels. He was very successful
in all his ventures. In 1851-52 he built on the site
of one of the old block houses the handsome man-
sion house in which he afterward made his home.
This is a large three-storied building of stuccoed
brick, located on Main street, and at the time of its
erection it was one of the finest in the city, and even
at the present time it is surpassed by few. His
widow, family and grandson. Sidney H.. still reside
there. Mr. Miner was a man of wide business ac-
quaintance, and it is safe to say that no man of his
day was more universally respected, his high repu-
tation extending as far as his name was known.
Mr. Miner's political affiliations were with the
Democratic party, he being one of the old Jeffer-
sonian type of Democrats, and he remained true to
his faith as long as he lived. He held various public
offices, ever performing the duties of each with that
care, judgment and ability which were characteristic
of the man. For some eight or ten years, more or
less, he was one of the city aldermen, also holding
other city offices of trust. For many years, too. he
was a director of the Xational Whaling Bank. His
religious connection was with the First Church of
Christ (Congregational) at Xew London, and he
was active and useful in its work and business
affairs. He materially aided in the work of the
erection of the new church edifice in 1852.
Mr. Miner was twice married. In 1834 he was
wedded to Mary Ann Ramsdell, of. Mansfield. Conn.,
who died in 1843, in Xew London, at the age of
twenty-nine years. To this union were born three
children, as follows : Sidney Ramsdell, born in 1836,
who died in 1855. aged nineteen years: Mary Fran-
ces, born in 1838, who resides in California, un-
married : and Frederick William, born Sept. 6, 1840.
The latter was successfully engaged in the grocery
business in Barclay, Pa., for some years, later in the
clothing business in Xew London. Conn. He mar-
ried Jennie Hale, now residing in California, daugh-
ter of Roland Hale, and died in 1888. leaving two
sons, Sidney Hale, born Aug. 23, 1868. and Fred-
erick Roland, born Oct. 28. 1870. For. his second
wife Sidney Miner married. April 23. 1844. Lvdia
Jewett Belcher, daughter of Col. William and Sally
(Wilson) Belcher, the former of whom was a na-
tive of Griswold. Conn., and the latter of Jewett
City. Col. Belcher ran a general store in several
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
275
different places in Connecticut, and lastly in Granby.
Mass., where he died at the age of eightv years. He
was lieutenant-colonel of a regiment in the war of
18 1 2. Col. Belcher was the father of the following
children : Susan. William, Nathan, Charles, Lydia
Jewett, Frederick and George.
To Sidney and Lydia Jewett (Belcher) Miner
were born the following children : Joseph Lawrence,
born Oct. 6, 1845, was associated with his father in
business, and died Sept. 17, 1876: Lydia Belcher,
born July 26, 1853, died Nov. 20, 1854. Mrs. Miner
is a member of the First Church of Christ, and has
always been active in church work, her interest be-
ing undimmed by her advancing years.
Sidney Hale Mixer, son of Frederick William
Miner and grandson of Sidney Miner, was born in
New London, Aug. 23, 1868. His early educational
training was begun in the Bulkeley school, and he
then attended Upson Seminary, in Xew Preston,
later entering the Glen Tower Military Academy at
Dobbs Ferry, from which institution he was gradu-
ated in 1887. He then took a two years' post-grad-
uate course at Upson Seminary. Returning home he
became engaged in the real estate and insurance bus-
iness, which he has since successfully conducted.
Fraternally he is a Mason, has taken the 32d degree
in that body, and is a member of the Mystic Shrine.
Mr. Miner is a director of the National Whaling
Bank and in a number of other corporations. He
is also agent for the Connecticut Humane Society.
Religiously he is, like all his family, a member of the
First Church of Christ, which he is now serving as
a member of the board of trustees. Politically he
is a Democrat, and has served his townsmen as tax
collector.
On June 30, 1892, Mr. Miner was united in mar-
riage with Lucy Kimball Bishop, daughter of Giles
Bishop, of New London. Three children have
blessed this union: Sidney Bishop, born Aug. 31.
1897: Waldo Lawrence, born Jan. 29, 1899; and
Roland Comstock, born Aug. 30, 1903.
Frederick Rolaxd Miner, son of Frederick
William Miner,, was born in New London Oct. 28,
1870. He received his earlier education there and
then attended school at Dobbs Ferry, N. Y., going
from there to the Worcester Academy. After leav-
ing the Academy he went to California. wrhere he
was engaged in the raising of oranges. He now has
a large orange grove at Tropico, Cal. He is un-
married.
JEROME S. ANDERSON, who comes of an
old and honored family, is one of the leading busi-
ness men and public-spirited citizens of the borough
of Stonington. He was born in Philadelphia, Pa.,
Sept. 22, 1843, antl his family record is as follows:
(I) James Anderson in 1707 came to Philadel-
phia from Scotland, and settled later in Schuylkill
township, Chester Co., Pennsylvania.
(II) Patrick Anderson, his son. commanded
Pennsylvania troops in the battle of Long Island
during the Revolutionary war.
(III) Julius Anderson, son of Patrick, served
with Pennsylvania troops in the war of 181 2.
(IV) Jerome Schenck Anderson, father, of our
subject, was born in Schuylkill township, Chester
Co., Pa., and was a Baptist clergyman, whose mis-
sion it was to establish churches of that denomina-
tion at Phoenixville and Schuylkill Valley, Pa. In
1832 he removed to Stonington, and built the First
Baptist Church, and later the Anguilla or North
East Baptist Church. In 1837 he served as chaplain
of the 1 8th Connecticut Regiment. He was a man
of devout life, and died full of good deeds, at Corner
Store, Phoenixville, in 1846.
Jerome Schenck Anderson married Catherine
Douglass, of Newark, N. J., who came of Scotch
ancestry. Her brother, John G. Douglass, was a
prominent attorney of Cincinnati. The issue of
this marriage was Jerome S. Anderson. After the
death of Rev. Mr. Anderson his widow returned to
Stonington, where she made her home until her
death, in 1892, at the age of seventy years.
Jerome S. Anderson spent his boyhood days in
Stonington, attended the private school of Dr. David
Hart, and also went to the select school of Miss
Lucy A. Sheffield. In 1859 the young man went to
Indianapolis, Ind., and engaged in business, and in
April, 1864, he enlisted in Company D, I32d In-
diana Infantry, entering the service as corporal ; he
was mustered out that same fall. During the year
1865 Mr. Anderson met with a very serious accident,
losing the sight of his right eye, and at the same
time having the sight of the left eye impaired. In
order to read he has to look through a jeweler's
glass. This did not, however, discourage him, for
he conducted successfully a large wholesale
and retail grocery establishment at Indian-
apolis, Ind., until 1868, when he became a
commercial traveler for a New York tea
house. By this time his sight was so im-
paired that he was obliged to leave the road, and re-
turning to Stonington in 1869 he established the
Stonington Mirror. In 1872 he bought the Mystic
Journal, which was established in 1859, and in that
same year he engaged in an insurance business, rep-
resenting the leading fire insurance companies of
the country, and doing a general real-estate and loan
business as well. Mr. Anderson has been a justice
of the peace for thirty years, and is one of the most
popular judges in his locality.
The public life of Mr. Anderson has been a var-
ied one. He became one of the recognized leaders
of the Democratic party of New London county, for
two years was State central committeeman, and did
valiant service for the party in that capacity. In
1896 he supported William McKinley for President.
and since then has been an active worker in the Re-
publican party. For thirteen years Mr. Anderson
acted efficiently and economically as treasurer of the
borough ; twenty years he has given his time and
attention as a member of the town school board, and
eight of these years he was chairman of the district
276
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
school committee. For twelve years he has been
chairman of the town committee, and foremost in
every movement calculated to advance the best in-
terests of the town.
In social and fraternal organizations Mr. Ander-
son has been equally active, having served for eight
years as commander of J. F. Trumbull Post, G. A.
R. ; he is a member of the Army and Navy Club of
Connecticut; a member of Asylum Lodge, A. F. &
A. M. (since 1864) 5 and of the A. O. U. W., in
which he has been treasurer for three years.
On March 7, 1865, at Indianapolis, Ind., Mr. An-
derson married Emma Jane Horn, daughter of
Henry J. Horn, a native of Stonington, Conn. Chil-
dren as follows have been born to Mr. and Mrs.
Anderson : Katherine E., born at Indianapolis,
married Henry \V. Lamphear, and resides at Ken-
yon, R. I. ; Jerome S., Jr., born at Indianapolis, now
of Stonington, editor of the Stonington Mirror and
Mystic Journal, married first Miss Avery, of New
London, and second Miss Fitch, of Noank; Doug-
lass, born at Stonington, is an expert toolmaker ;
William H. died at the age of four months ; Harry
H., a resident of Mystic, married Miss Bentley, and
is in the newspaper business with his brother ; Emma
V. is of Stonington ; Arthur P., an attorney of Ston-
ington and New London, and judge of Probate of the
town of Groton, is in the coast artillery ; Charles H.
is in the hotel business in New York City ; Carl,
of Milford, Mass., engaged in the hat manufactur-
ing business, married a Miss Fuller of Boston,
Mass. ; Eugene A., of New York, is engaged in the
ribbon business ; Malcolm died at the age of one
year.
RAYMOND. The name of Raymond has long
been familiar in the annals of Connecticut, and the
family reputation for worthy and honorable citi-
zenship is well maintained in the persons of James
Laurence Raymond and James Laurence Raymond,
Jr., of New London county, where both are ex-
tensive land holders, and the former active in po-
litical life.
(I) Richard Raymond appears at Salem, Mass.,
in 1634. at which time he and his wife Judith were
members of the Church there. Mr. Raymond was
made a freeman of Salem in the same year. With
his sons he seems to have left Salem about 1650,
and they scattered themselves along the shore of
Long Island Sound. The father settled in Nor-
walk. Conn., previous to 1654, and afterward re-
moved to Saybrook, where he died in 1692. His
children were : John, Bathsheba, Joshua. Lemuel,
Hannah, Samuel. Richard, Elizabeth and Daniel.
(II) Joshua Raymond, baptized March 3, 1639,
married, Dec. 10. 1659, Elizabeth Smith, daughter
of Nehemiah Smith and his wife Ann Bourn. Mr.
Raymond was one of the first purchasers of land
in the North Parish of New London, where he set-
tled. He built a mansion in Montville, which was
afterward owned and occupied by his son Joshua.
Mr. Raymond served as commissary of Colonial
troops in the Pequot war. He was one of a com-
mittee appointed to survey and lay out a road from
New London to Norwich — a road afterward made
a turnpike, and became the first incorporated in the
United States. For the laying out of this road Mr.
Raymond received a tract of land in Mohegan, on
which his mansion was built. He died April 24,
1676. supposedly from the effects of a wound re-
ceived in the Great Swamp fight with the Narragan-
setts. Dec. 19, 1675. His widow remarried, and
her death occurred May 1, 1712. Joshua Raymond
was the father of the following children : Joshua,
Elizabeth. Ann. Hannah, Mary, Experience, and
Mehetabel.
(Ill) Joshua Raymond (2), born Sept. iS. 1660,
married, April 29, 1683, Mercy, daughter of James
Sands, of Block Island, and they resided there, but
Mr. Raymond carried on business in New London.
He was necessarily away from home much of the
time, and the care and management of the home af-
fairs were left to his wife, who was a woman of
great energy and executive ability. Mr. Raymond
died at his residence on Block sland in 1704. The
widow and children soon after moved to what is
now the town of Montville, Conn., where she, with
Major John Merritt, purchased a tract of about
1,500 acres of land. She built a house on the hill,
afterward known as "Raymond's Hill," in which
house she and her son Joshua (3) resided. She
died at Lyme, Conn., while on a visit. May 3. 1741,
aged seventy-eight years. The children born to this
couple, all of record on Block Island, were : Sands,
Elizab, Mary. Caleb, Ann and Joshua (3).
(IY) Joshua Raymond (3), born about 1697,
married May 31, 1719, Elizabeth Christophers,
daughter of John and Elizabeth (Mulford) Chris-
tophers. Mr. Raymond settled in Montville, and
was active in the affairs of the town and Church,
holding offices of trust in both. He was several
times a representative of the town in the State As-
sembly, and from 1738 to 1743 he was a justice of
the peace for New London county. He was com-
missioned in 1738 lieutenant of the Third Company
in New London. Both himself and wife united with
the Church in the North Parish in 1724, and he
was chosen deacon in 1740. sustaining such relations
with the church until the time of his death. Mrs.
Raymond died May 12. 1730, aged thirty, and he
married. Nov. 27,, 1730, Sarah Lynde, of Saybrook.
He died Nov. 12, 1763. and Mrs. Raymond died
Oct. 19, 1 77 1. aged seventy-five years. His chil-
dren were: Elizabeth. Mercy, Joshua (4), John,
Edward and Christopher.
(V) Joshua Raymond (4). born Dec. 22. 1723.
married, Oct. 4, 1750. Lucy Jewett. daughter of
Capt. Nathan and ^Deborah (Lord) Jewett. of
Lyme. Conn. Mr. Raymond settled in Montville,
living on a farm which belonged to him. He was
possessed of fine business ability, and he was active
in societv and in church affairs. He was several
£^Vm^3
7 ->
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
277
times a representative from New London in the
General Assembly. In 1763 he was chosen deacon,
an office he retained until his death, which occurred
Sept. 14, 1790. His widow died Feb. 26, 181 1,
aged eighty-one years. Their children were : Mercy,
Joshua, Nathan. Josiah, Mulford, Louisa, Charlotte,
Lucy. Mary, Jewett and Oliver.
(VI) Oliver Raymond, born Jan. 24, 1771, mar-
ried, Oct. 3, 1793. Hannah, daughter of Edward
Raymond and Sarah (Douglas) Raymond. Mr.
Raymond settled in Montville, and owned the farm
formerly occupied by his great-grandmother, Mercy
(Sands) Raymond. Mrs. Raymond died Aug. 20,
181 1, and he married, April 2, 1812, Mary Corn-
stock, daughter of Nathaniel and Anna (Stark)
Comstock, and they removed to Lyme, Conn., where
he died July 29, 1862. Mrs. Raymond died Feb.
14. 1863, aged seventy-eight years. His children
were : Sarah, Oliver, Laura, Hanna, Emeline, Ca-
leb, James, Joseph and Alva (all by the first mar-
riage) and Mary A., James L., died in infancy.
Jane G., Adeline C, Thaddeus K., Helen L., James
Laurence and Cornelia.
(VII) James Laurence Raymond was born
April n, 1828, in North Lyme, Conn., and there in
the district schools received his preliminary edu-
cation, completing his studies in the academy in
Essex, and in Haddam. His life has been passed on
the old family home, and he has become through in-
heritance and his own efforts one of the largest land
owners in the county. Besides general farming he
has devoted considerable time to the raising of thor-
oughbred Devon cattle, and he has met with great
success in his undertaking. Through his influence
the standard of cattle raised in the county has been
greatly improved. His extensive dealing in live
stock generally has given him a wide acquaintance,
and caused him to become one of the best known
men in his line in eastern Connecticut.
Politically Mr. Raymond is a stanch Republican,
and he has long been active in party work, being
one of the leaders in the county. He has served
many terms as representative in the State Legisla-
ture, and also as State Senator. In 1902 he was a
member of the Constitutional Convention. He is a
man of rare judgment and remarkable foresight,
and is regarded as an adviser and counselor of his
party in this section. In his religious belief he is
a Congregationalist.
On Oct. 31, i860, Mr. Raymond was united in
marriage with Miss Hester E. Wood, daughter of
John and Caroline ( Lee) Wood, of Lyme. Their four
children were: (1) Carrie Lee, born Sept. 3, 1861,
married, Feb. 12, 1889, Edward Lyman Bill, pub-
lisher of Music Trade Review, by whom she has
three children: Hester Raymond, born Jan. 21,
1893 : James Raymond, born Sept. 23, 1895 ; and
Wiuthrop Wight, born May 4, 1897. (2) Mary
Comstock, born July 23, 1863. married, Oct. 23,
1883, Frederick S. Fosdick. (3) Hester Laurence,
born March 22, 1868, married, July 3, 1893, Prof.
Edward Burr Van Vleck, of the Wesleyan Univers-
ity, and has one child, John Hasbrouck, born March
I3> 1899. (4) James Laurence, Jr., was born July
18, 1874.
James Laurence Raymond, Jrv was born in
North Lyme, and there passed his early years in at-
tending the district school. For one year he was
a student in the Connecticut Literary Institute at
Sufneld, and then for two years he was enrolled at
the East Greenwich Academy, after which he spent
another year at the Institute at Sufneld, completing
his schooling at the age of nineteen. Returning
home he began active work as a farmer, remaining
with his parents until April 1, 1896, when he located
in Montville. There he purchased the old David
Hillhouse homestead, consisting of 296 acres, and
located on "Raymond Hill," named for his ances-
tors. In addition to this land in Montville, he also
owns 108 acres in North Lyme. He engages in
general farming and also in teaming. In all his
work he is progressive and enterprising. His farm
is fully equipped with the most modern appliances
in the way of machinery, and his land receives his
utmost care, no labor or expense being spared to
make it one of the most attractive places in the
County.
On Dec. 21, 1895, Mr. Raymond was united in
marriage with Edith May Anderson, daughter of
Louis P. and Mary (Dowd) Anderson, of Guilford,
Conn., where the former is a carpenter and boat
builder. The one child of this union. James Lau-
rence, born Feb. 20, 1901, died April 20, 1901. Mr.
Raymond is a stanch Republican in politics, but is
not an office seeker. Fraternally he is a member of
the M. W. A., of Montville. Both he and his wife
belong to the Hamburg Congregational Church of
North Lyme.
MORGAN. The history of the well known
Morgan family reads as follows :
(I) James Morgan, born in Wales in 1607, mar-
ried, Aug. 6, 1640, Margery Hill, of Roxbury,
Mass., and died in 1685. He was settled in Roxbury
at first, having arrived in Boston in April, 1630, and
in 1650, he removed to New London, Conn., resid-
ing near the present town burial ground in the
western suburb of the city of New London. On
Dec. 25, 1656, he sold his homestead and removed
to what is now the town of Groton, where he became
an extensive land holder and dealer in property, se-
lectman, deputy to the General Court in 1657. and
for nine times thereafter, and was an active and use-
ful member of society and the church.
(II) Capt. James Morgan, born March 3, 1644,
married, in November, 1666, Mar}- Nine, of old
England, born in 1641. She passed away in 1689.
The second wife of Capt. James Morgan bore the
name of Hannah, and she was born in 1640, and
died in 171 1. He died Dec. 8, 171 1. He was one of
the first two deacons of the first church in Groton,
was principal magistrate and transacted the greater
278
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
portion of the civil business in his vicinity for years.
He was moderator of the first town meeting, and
was first selectman of the town, and became captain
of the first town militia in 1692. In 1689 he was one
of the deputies to the General Court from New Lon-
don, and for the new town of Groton in 1706, and
for several years was a commissioner to advance and
direct the Pequot tribe of Indians in the manage-
ment of their affairs.
(Ill) Deacon James Morgan was born Feb. 6,
1668. By his wife Hannah he became the father of
four children; she died about 1720. His wife Anna
died June 17, 1751, and he died on the old home-
stead, May 4, 1748. During a long life, he was act-
ive and useful in church and civic affairs, drawing
up deeds, wills and similar papers, and his name ap-
pears generally as moderator in all town or society
meetings.
(IV") James Morgan, Jr., was born in 1693. His
first wife, Hannah, died Feb. 2, 1728, and in 1729,
he married (second) Mary Morgan, born in 1698,
daughter of Capt. John Morgan. He died Aug. 25,
1770, and Mary died Sept. 5, 1776. James Mor-
gan, Jr., occupied the old original homestead of the
first James, in Groton, he being the fourth lineal oc-
cupant of the same name.
(V) Joshua Morgan, born in 1733, married
Esther Stoddard, Nov. 13, 1760, and died Oct. 10,
1774. Their children were: Esther, born in 1761,
married Jabez Edgecomb ; Hannah, born in 1763,
married Gilbert Fish; Joshua, born in 1767, married
Jemima Fish; Mary, born in 1769, married Thomas
Edgecomb; Anna, bom in 1771, married Robert
Williams.
(VI) Joshua Morgan, born in 1767, married Je-
mima Fish in 1787, and died July 9, 1796. Their
children were : Joshua, born 1788, married Jane
Fish; Roswell, born Nov. 22, 1789, married Jemima
Fish; Gilbert Fish, born in January, 1792, married
Catherine Edgecomb; Prentice, born Feb. 22, 1795,
married Prudence Breed. Joshua Morgan was a sea-
faring man, and resided in Xoank.
( \ II) Roswell Avery Morgan was born in
Noank, Nov. 22, 1789. He engaged in the coasting
trade, and was also a ship builder. On Sept. 24,
1814, he married Jemima Fish, daughter of Thomas
Fish, who served in the Revolutionary war under
Capt. Hungerford. His wife was a descendant of
Moses and Martha (Williams) Fish, who were mar-
ried in Groton in 1713. Five children, two sons and
three daughters, were born to Roswell A. Morgan
and wife: Harriet, who died at the age of seven
years ; Caroline, who married Frederick A. Will-
iams, and died aged twenty-two years ; Roswell A.,
of Xoank, mentioned below ; Amanda, widow of
Perry Bennett, of Springfield, 111., who died March
9, 1903; and Nelson, mentioned below. Both Mr.
Morgan and his wife were most excellent people,
prominent in social and church matters.
Nelson Morgan, town clerk of the town of Gro-
ton, was born in the village of Xoank. July 6, 1830.
Having received a good, practical education, at the
age of eighteen years. Mr. Morgan, the youngest in
the family of five children, began teaching in the
common schools, and followed that profession for
about twenty-five years in Rhode Island, Connecti-
cut, Michigan and Illinois. He first went to Mich-
igan in 1852, and after teaching for a few months in
the town of Allen, Hillsdale Co., Mich., he returned
to Connecticut, and remained there until 1857, when
he made a second trip to the same place, in Michigan,
and the next year — 1858 — he went to Winchester,
111., as a teacher.
In September, 1862, he enlisted at Jacksonville,
111., in Co. B, 101st 111. V. I., and during his eighteen
months' service, he rose from private to the rank of
second lieutenant. After the war he taught school in
Illinois until 1875. 1° ^92 he became station agent
at Poquonock Bridge, and by his faithful perform-
ance of all duties, soon won the respect and confi-
dence of patrons and officials, and was one of the
best men in the employ of the Consolidated railroad.
He resigned from that position in March, 1901, and
now devotes his entire attention to his duties as town
clerk.
On June 28, 1855, Mr. Morgan married Virginia
Haley, daughter of Henry Haley, and granddaugh-
ter of Elisha Haley, often a member of the Legis-
lature, and twice a Congressman. The children born
of this union were : ( 1 ) Henry Archer died at
Groton Center when sixteen months of age. (2)
John A., born at Bethel, Morgan Co., 111., March 2^
1 861, received his education in the schools of Illi-
nois, and after the family returned to Connecticut, he
entered the employ of Brainard & Armstrong, re-
maining with them eight years, five of which he
traveled as salesman in Xew York, and following
this he was a commercial traveler until 1893, when
the territory of the Cherokee nation was opened for1
settlement, and he went there, making it his resi-
dence for six months; in 1894, he became assistant
town clerk of Groton. On Jan. 4. 1888, John A.
Morgan married Hattie Rathbone Potter, daughter
of James Potter, of Xoank, and she died Jan. 4,
1892. On Nov. 7, 1896, he married (second) Har-
riet Slocomb Storey. They have three daughters
— Mary Virginia, Marjorie Storey and Mildred Fay.
John A. Morgan is a member of the Xew London
Historical Society, and is well known in the line of
genealogical research.
Nelson Morgan has been a Republican since the
birth of that party. For ten years he was a member
of the board of education ; six years he served as
justice of the peace, and in 1894, he was elected town
clerk of Groton, which office he still holds. In 1853,
he was made a Mason, in Charity Lodge at Mystic,
and is a member of Charity and Relief Lodge at that
place. He is also a member of Williams Post G. A.
R., at Mystic. In every respect Mr. Nelson Morgan
is a man of substance, whose word is accepted as an-
other man's bond, and he holds the confidence of his
constituents.
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
-'79
Deacon Roswell Augustus Morgan was born
Oct. 14. 1816, in Noank, Conn., the eldest child of
Roswell Avery and Jemima (Fish) Morgan. He
attended the public schools of Groton, and the Con-
necticut Literary Institute of Suffield, Conn. Ac-
quiring a knowledge of boat building with his father,
after the latter's death he continued the business for
many years, or until 1890.
On Oct. 29, 1839, Roswell Augustus Morgan
married Margaret Wilbur, daughter of William and
Sally (Ingraham) Wilbur. The children born to
them were : Harriet, born Dec. 18, 1842, married.
Feb. 2, 1869, Capt. Charles Ira Chester, and their
children were: Wayland (born March 10, 1870),
Harry Wilbur (born Nov. 2J, 1872, died Oct. 22.
1887). Daniel Webster (born Oct. 31, 1876). Eme-
line W., born March 12, 1845, married. Dec. 22,
1864. Charles H. Weaver, of Shannock, R. I., and
their children were: Margaret (born in April, 1866,
married Everett Potter), Harriet, Charles (who
married Lora Hoxie). Francis Wayland, born Sept.
27, 1850, is mentioned farther on. Augustus Vin-
ton, born March 14, 1858, married, is also mentioned
farther on.
Roswell A. Morgan for many years was a mem-
ber of the Baptist Church of Noank, of which he
served as deacon for a long time prior to his death.
He always took an active part in the conduct of town
affairs, and steadily refused nomination for the lead-
ing civic positions. Politically he was a Prohibition-
ist, although first a Whig and then a Republican.
Being industrious, frugal, honest, he well made his
way in the world, and was most highly respected and
honored. Deacon Morgan was truly a representative-
man of Noank, and one of whom nothing but good
can be said. He died at his home in Noank May 2t,
1904. and was buried in the cemetery there. Mrs.
Morgan yet resides at Noank, and like her late hus-
band has been a member of the Baptist Church for
many years.
Francis Wayland Morgan, son of Roswell A.
Morgan, was born in Noank, Conn., Sept. 27, 1850.
He was educated in the public schools of Noank, the
Mystic Valley Institute and the Connecticut Literary
Institute. After leaving school he taught for some
time at Watch Hill, R. I., Old Mystic, Conn., and
at Winchester, 111. He then engaged in boat build-
ing at Noank with his father and brother, until about
1890, and he is an expert machinist and marine en-
gineer. For the past fourteen years he has devoted
his attention to lobster fishing, and he has also built
yachts. One of his boats is a curiosity on the coast.
It is an auxiliary power boat, the main mast of which
is the smoke stack, and this fact has often caused
those passing him to tell him that his main mast was
on fire.
On Oct. 23, 1877, Mr. Morgan married, at Bran-
ford, Conn., Ella, daughter of William E. and Eunice
Preston (Scranton) Graham, and granddaughter
of Timothy Scranton. The children born to Mr.
and Mrs. F. W. Morgan are: Leroy G., born Sept.
ro, 1878, is a marine engineer upon the N. V.,
N. H. & H. railroad transfers: he married in New
York City, Miss Katherine McLaughlin. Lottie
Idella was born Dec. 28, 1883.
Augustus Vinton Morgan, son of Roswell A.
Morgan, was born in Noank, Conn., March 14. 1858.
He was educated in the public schools at Noank, and
the Mystic Valley Institute, and learned the machin-
ist's trade with the Cottrell & Babcock Company,
manufacturers of printing presses at Westerly, R. I.
He then engaged in boat building with his father
and brother in Noank, and for a time was a marine
engineer. For the last fourteen years, like his
brother, he has devoted his attention to lobster fish-
ing.
On May 31, 1882, Mr. Morgan married Pru-
dence Mary Fish, daughter of William S. and Lois
Mary (Davis) Fish. Two children have been born
of this happy marriage : Mary Grace, born March
8, 1883 ; and Edith Elizabeth, born Sept. 19, 1884.
Mr. and Mrs. Morgan are members of the Baptist
Church at Noank, of which Mr. Morgan is deacon.
They are very prominent in Noank and vicinity, as
are all the members of the Morgan family, and they
have many friends, who know and appreciate their
many excellent qualities.
EDWARD F. BURLESON, proprietor of the
nourishing thread factory in Jewett City, has had
twenty-five years of experience as a manufacturer.
Wise, conservative management, yet courageous in
undertaking new ventures — traits he has undoubt-
edly largely inherited from his cultivated and intel-
ligent ancestors — have been promoters of his success
A family by the name of Burleson, probably a
connection of this particular branch, settled in Vir-
ginia at an early date, and some of their descendants
afterward went West. As a County in Texas bears
the name, and as that State has made it a point to
name its counties after the heroes who lost their lives
in the battle of the Alamo, it is possible that some
of the Virginia stock settled in that region, and that
one of them at least fought in that famous battle for
Texan independence. However this may be, tradi-
tion says that this particular family descends from
Sir Edward Burleson, a native of England, who in
Colonial days came to America, and settled in the
present town of Preston, Connecticut.
Edward Burleson, grandfather of Edward F.,
was probably born in West Greenwich. Rhode Isl-
and, where he spent many years of his early life.
Ambitious and enterprising as a youth he learned
the shoemaker's trade, which for many years of his
mature life he followed for an occupation.
He also engaged in farming, and during the
last years of his life carried on this pur-
suit in the town of Plainfield. Here both
he and his wife died, and both are buried in the
Moosup cemetery. Her name was Sarah (Ladd),
and to them were born five children: Rowena. who
never married, is now deceased and buried in the
280
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
Moosup cemetery. Allen Briggs, born Nov. 29,
18 1 6, is mentioned below. Sarab, now deceased,
married Erastus Prior, of Jewett City, and
they bad four children, Charles, Helen, George
and Judson. Lucy, also deceased, married
Dennis Wheelock of Uxbridge, Mass., and
they had three children, H. L. (who is
now in business in Jewett City), Helen and Eliza-
beth. William, deceased, married Sarah Grover,
and they had two sons, John B., born in 1853 '> ar>d
Allen B.j who is now working for the Willimantic
Linen Company, at Willimantic.
Allen Briggs Burleson, father of Edward P.,
achieved both wealth and a good name for him-
self in the world of business. Wisdom, forethought
and strict attention to the matter in hand were his
guiding stars, and won for him the unbounded con-
fidence of the various manufacturing concerns he
so ably represented, and gave him prestige in his
own particular ventures. He was born in West
Greenwich, R. L, in 1816. Upon reaching manhood
he went to Sterling, Conn., and secured a position in
the Stone Mill of that place, where he remained for
some time acquiring much valuable knowledge of
use to him in later years. After a while he left this
place to accept a more desirable position in a mill
at Slatersville, R. I. So rapid was his progress that
in the forties he was enabled to obtain the superin-
tendency of the John W. Slater Mill in Jewett City.
A short test proved he had marked ability for direct-
ing affairs, that his knowledge of the business was
sound, and that his skill in handling men was admir-
able, and he retained this position until 1864. In
that year he was called to Willimantic to fill the re-
sponsible place as agent for the Willimantic Linen
Company. Keeping the welfare of his firm ever in
mind he advanced their interests materially in his
section, and commanding for himself a large salary,
continued this line of work for sixteen years. By
this time, 1880, having amassed considerable wealth,
he decided to go into business for himself, and re-
turning to Jewett City began looking about for an
opening. The little hamlet of Clayville just north
of Jewett City seemed to be a desirable location, and
a thread factory an establishment affording a propi-
tious outlook. In company with his son Edward F.,
however, he had fairly put the mill in good run-
ning order, and started what promised to be a flour-
ishing industry, when the Slater Mill Company of-
fered the most flattering inducements to secure his
services as agent, which after due consideration, he
accepted. Filling the place to the entire satisfaction
of all parties he remained with the firm until his
death, which occurred Dec. 29, 1887. His business
management was always characterized by the strict-
est attention to details, and marked honesty and in-
tegrity. That his services were always in demand
and his retentions by his various employers long
ones, speak more than words of his success.
Mr. Burleson married Mary W. Fanning, who
is still living, and they had four children : Edward
F., mentioned below ; Charles A., born Nov. 8, 1855,
who died Nov. 9, 1876; John W. F., born Dec. 22,
1858, who died Feb. 2y, 1890; and Mary W., born
March 3, 1861, who married Rev. George B. Hatch,
of Berkeley, Cal., and has two daughters, Mary B.
and Marguerite. Mr. Burleson always evinced a
keen interest in public affairs, and as a Republican,
never afraid to speak his mind, was influential in
local politics.
Edward F. Burleson was born in Griswold,
Conn., March 14, 1854. Coming of a family of
means and culture, and himself displaying an in-
clination toward intellectual pursuits, after prelim-
inary training in the public schools of Griswold for
a short time, and W'illimantic for a considerable
period, he entered the Highland Military Academy,
at Worcester, Mass. Completing his course there,
he took a course at the Institute of Technolosrv in
Boston. Having been thoroughly prepared for the
work in the last named institution, on leaving school
he accepted a position as machinist for the Willi-
mantic Linen Company. This place proved a good
stepping stone, and he was soon put in charge of Xo.
1 Mill, performing his duties with ability, and ac-
quiring power in directing affairs of much value to
him soon afterward. In 1880, as has been noted,
he entered into partnership with his father, and be-
gan the manufacture of thread at Clayville, and
when his father assumed the agency for the Slater
Mills, he still continued the business, having now
practically the entire charge of the factory. Making
a thoroughly reliable article he worked up a large
trade, and was enabled to give employment to sixty
men and women. His business became profitable,
and he continued it until 1893, when the mill was
destroyed by fire, and he decided not to rebuild in
this same place. Purchasing a privilege on the
Spearmint Brook in Jewett City, he erected a mill in
that place, where he has since continued the manu-
facture of thread. He employs thirty men and
women, is turning out a very superior article, and is
enabled from year to year to enlarge his business.
He is well known throughout his section, and is be-
ing recognized as a leading manufacturer.
On Oct. 31, 1876, Mr. Burleson married Roberta
Hallam, daughter of Rev. Isaac Hallam, who in the
early days preached in Chicago, and in later life
officiated as pastor of churches in Willimantic and
New Canaan, Conn. Mr. and Mrs. Burleson have
had five children: Roberta F., born Jan. 17, 1881,
died Aug. 30, 1888; Mary Hallam, born July 14,
1883 ; Charles Allen, born June 13, 1887 ; Jean
Courtney, born April 1, 1890 ; and Dorothy W., born
Feb. 26, 1892. Mr. Burleson's close application to
business has left him but little time for the perform-
ance of public duties. He is well informed, how-
ever, and keeps himself abreast of the times. On
political questions he has firm convictions, and he
always votes the Republican ticket.
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
281
HUNTINGTON. One of the most noted and
able families of Connecticut is the Huntington fam-
ily, one branch of which settled in Lebanon. Hunt-
ington, like many of the modern family names in
England, was originally referred to as a title of honor
on a faithful servant of a grateful king. The fam-
ily in England in the eleventh century was closely
related to royal blood. The progenitor of the Amer-
ican line was Simon Huntington, who was born in
England, where he married, probably, Margaret
Baret, of Norwich, or its immediate vicinity in
England. He died on the voyage to this country, of
smallpox, in 1633, and his body was consigned to
an ocean grave. The church records of Roxbury,
Mass., contain the earliest account of the Hunt-
ington name in Xew England, and this is in the
handwriting of Rev. John Eliot himself, the pastor
of that ancient church. It reads as follows : "Mar-
garet Huntington, widow, came in 1633. Her hus-
band died by the way of the smallpox. She brought
children with her." These children were: William,
Thomas, Christopher, Simon and Ann. She was
married, it is supposed, in 1635 or 1636, to Thomas
Stoughton, then of Dorchester, Mass., and they re-
moved to Windsor, Conn. Her husband became a
prominent man, being the deputy from that ancient
town several times, to the General Court.
Simon Huntington, son of Simon and Margaret,
probably spent his youth in Windsor, Conn. He
was born about 1629 in England, and was therefore
nearly four years of age when he was brought to
this country. He went to Saybrook with his brother
Christopher, and there in October, 1653, ne married
Sarah Clark, daughter of Joseph Clark, of Windsor,
later of Saybrook. In 1660 he joined the Colonists
who settled in Norwich, and thenceforward he
stands among the first of that important settlement
both in Church and State. He was chosen soon
after his removal to Norwich, Deacon of Mr. Fitch's
church, in which office he served until, in conse-
quence of his infirmities, he was succeeded by his
son in 1696. In 1674 and in 1685 ne represented
Norwich in the General Court. Simon Huntington
was a large land holder and an enterprising man.
His death occurred in Norwich June 28, 1706, aged
seventy-seven years, and Sarah his wife died in
1721, aged eighty-eight years. Their children were:
(i) Sarah, born in Saybrook in August, 1654. mar-
ried in Norwich, Nov. 23, 1676, Dr. Solomon Tracy,
and died in 1683. (2) Mary, born August, 1657, in
Saybrook, married a Mr. Forbes, of Preston. (3)
Simon, born in Saybrook, Feb. 6, 1659, was taken
by his parents to Norwich in the spring of the next
year. On Oct. 8, 1683, he married Lydia Gager,
and he died Nov. 2, 1736. He succeeded his father
as deacon of the Church. (4) Joseph, born in Nor-
wich. September. 1661, married Rebecca Adgate.
He located at Windsor in 1687, and in 1729 was
chosen deacon of the Church. His death occurred
Dec. 29, 1747. (5) Elizabeth, born February, 1664,
died in infancy. (6) Samuel was born March I,
1665. (7) Elizabeth (2), born Oct. 6, 1669, married
Joseph Backus. (8) Nathaniel, born in July, 1672,
died young. (9) Daniel, born March 13, 1675, or
1676, married (first) Abigail Bingham, and (sec-
ond) Rachel Wolcott, of Windham. (10) James,
born May 18, 1680, married Priscilla Miller; he be-
came prominent in Norwich, and there died Sept.
Lieutenant Samuel Huntington, son of Simon,
was born in Norwich. He removed to Lebanon in
1700, having sold his house and lot in Norwich for a
parsonage. Before his removal he had become a
public man, having filled several offices, being as
early as 1692 appointed constable, having already
been one of the townsmen. He was much beloved
and respected both in Norwich and Lebanon, and
was a large land owner in both places. For his
services as military manager he was entered on the
records as lieutenant, a title in those days won only
by a true martial bearing, and intended as a most
honorable distinction. On Oct. 29, 1686, he married
in Norwich, Mary, daughter of William Clark. He
died in Lebanon May 10, 1717, and his wife Oct.
5, 1743. Their children were: (1) Elizabeth, born
April 24, 1688-89, married Moses Clark, of Leb-
anon, a son of Daniel Clark, and he died Sept. 18,
1749 ; she died Dec. 2y, 1761, the mother of six chil-
dren, the youngest being Col. James Clark, born
Sept. 15, 1730. Col. James Clark served at the battle
of Bunker Hill, having marched with his troops
from Lebanon to Boston in three days, a distance of
ninety miles. He served very gallantly during that
battle, and the year before his death, when he was
in his ninety-fifth year. Col. Clark was one of the
forty survivors of the battle who were present at the
laying of the corner stone of the Bunker Hill mon-
ument by Gen. La Fayette in 1825. During the war
the French General was at Lebanon, and specially
noticed Col. Clark. In the warmth of his French
heart he kissed him, and upon hearing of his three
days' march from Lebanon, and of his pressing into
the engagement, said to him : "You was made of
goode stoof." Col. Clark died Dec. 29, 1826, in
Lebanon. (2) Samuel was born Aug. 28, 1691. (3)*
Caleb, born Feb. 8, 1693-94, married Lydia Gris-
wold, and resided in Lebanon. (4) Mary, born ( )ct.
1, 1696, died July 30, 1712. (5) Rebecca, born
February, 1698, married Joseph Clark, of Lebanon.
(6) Sarah was born Oct. 22, 1701. (7) John, born
May 17, 1706, married Mehetable Motcalf. a sister
of his brother Samuel's wife. (8) Simon, born Aug.
15, 1708, married Sarah Huntington.
Samuel Huntington, son of Lieut. Samuel, was
born in Norwich, and was a boy when his parents
removed to Lebanon. By occupation he was a
farmer. He was an upright Christian man. and
was elected deacon of the Lebanon church. His
death occurred at the age of ninety-four. ( )n Dec.
4, 1722, he was married to Hannah Metcalf, born
Jan. 17, T702, daughter of Jonathan and Hannah
(Avery) Metcalf: she died Oct. 14, 1791. Their
282
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
children were: (i) Samuel, born Oct. 16, 1723,
graduated at Yale in 1743, studied theology and
for a short period was a preacher. He afterward
became a merchant and resided in Lebanon, Can-
terbury and East Haddam, and was deacon of the
Canterbury church during his residence there, and
later, during his residence in East Haddam, he was
deacon and clerk of the church and a prominent
man. He died in the latter town March 20, 1797.
(2) Mary, born June 1, 1725, married Rev. John
Porter, of Bridgewater. (3) Zerviah, born July 23,
1727, married Elisha Harvey, of East Haddam. (4)
Oliver was born April 15, 1729. (5) William, born
Aug. 12, 1 73 1, died Sept. 11, 1731. (6) William,
born Aug. 20, 1732, married Bethia Throop ; he was
a farmer, a useful and Christian man, who bore the
title of captain, and he died May 31, 1816. (7) Sybil,
born February, 1734, married' Rev. Eleazer May,
of Haddam, a graduate of Yale in 1752, and in
1756 was settled at Haddam, where both he and his
wife died, he on June 30, 1803, and she in 1816.
(8) Eliaphalet, born April 14, 1737. graduated from
Yale in 1759, was installed over the Church in Kill-
ingworth in 1764, where he preached until 1775:
he died Feb. 8, 1777. He married Sarah Elliot,
granddaughter of Rev. Jared Elliot, and the fourth
generation removed from Dr. John Eliot, the
"Apostle to the Indians."' She married (second)
Rev. Achilles Mansfield, who succeeded her first
husband at Killingworth. (9) Jonathan, born
March 19, 1741, married Silence Selden, of East
Haddam. He was engaged in a mercantile busi-
ness in East Haddam, Hartford, Conn., and in Ver-
mont, finally locating in Higganum. Conn., where he
died in March, 1832. (10) Eleazer, born May 9,
1744, married Betsey Pitkin, and resided in Leb-
anon, where he died in 1777. (n) Josiah, born Nov.
5, 1746. married (first) Rhoda Louise, and (second)
Abigail Gilbert. He was a merchant, and died
March 29, 1835, in Wethersfield, Conn., where for
many years he had been a deacon in the Congrega-
tional Church.
Oliver Huntington, son of Samuel, resided in the
south end of Lebanon street, in the house that stood
on the site of the home now occupied by Mr. C. S.
Meech, but later removed to the Col. James Clark
place, and there made his home until his death in
1802. He followed farming and shoemaking. On
June 24, 1761, he married Anna Lynde, who died
March 23, 181 1. She was a descendant of Nathan
Lynde (or Lind), and was of Holland Dutch line-
age. Their children were: (1) Anna, born July 21,
1 762, married Deacon Caleb Huntington and died in
Norwich. (2) Louisa, born Nov. 12, 1763, mar-
ried Dr. Lewis Collins, of Litchfield, and died in
Wilkesbarre, Pa., June 7, 1858. (3) Hannah, born
Aug. 12, 1765, died July 29, 1783. (4) Lynde,
born March 27, 1767, graduated from Yale in 1788,
and was ordained pastor of the Congregational
Church at Branford. in 1795 ; he married Mrs. Anna
Atwater, widow of Rev. Jason Atwater, his prede-
cessor at Branford, and his untimely death Sept.
19, 1804, cut short a promising career. (5) Oliver,
born Dec. 22, 1771, married Abigail Talcott, of He-
bron. He removed, in 1805, to Oswego, N. Y.,
where he became a substantial freeholder and a
prominent man. In 1812 he was commissioned by
Gov. Tompkins as brigadier-general of the 41st Bri-
gade of New York Infantry, and in 181 5 he was ap-
pointed high sheriff of Broome county, and re-ap-
pointed the next year. He passed away Nov. 13,
1823. (6) Samuel, born in 1773, died March 4,
1813, in Lebanon. (7) Eliaphalet was born Sept.
:9» 1777- (8) Labeth, born in 1770, died June 2,
181 1. (9) Lucy died Dec. 4, 1775.
Eliaphalet Huntington was born in Lebanon, in
the house where his parents first resided. "While he
had but a common-school education, he closely ap-
plied himself, and by continual study he became a
well-posted and capable man. He was a farmer, and
was well-to-do, being prominent in town affairs,
holding many offices, and he officiated at numerous
political gatherings. He died of typhoid fever Oct.
20, 1861. On Dec. 24, 1805, he was married to
Nancy Clark, daughter of James Clark ; she died
Dec. 24, 1827, aged forty-four years. His second
wife, whom he married Nov. 19, 1828. was Sarah
Allen, daughter of Dennison Allen, of Windham.
The children of Eliaphalet Huntington were all by
his first marriage, and were as follows: (1) Lynde
Lord was born Aug. 15, 1807. (2) Cordelia
Louise, born Aug. 20, 1809, died Oct. 20, 1812. (3)
Juliette, born May 22, 181 1, was educated in a
select school in New London. After the demise of
her mother, which occurred when she was sixteen,
the young girl took the mother's place in caring for
the younger members of the family. In appearance
she was very beautiful. In October, 1831, she mar-
ried Dr. William Wattles, and she died in Sag Har-
bor, L. I., in October, 1841, and was buried there.
Dr. Wattles, after his retirement from practice,
spent the latter years of his life in Goshen Society
in Lebanon. His children were : William A., of
Philadelphia, is connected with Henry Clay Trum-
bull in Sunday school work : John D. is also as-
sociated with Mr. Trumbull, whose daughter, So-
phia Trumbull, became his wife, and died in Phila-
delphia ; George H. died in Philadelphia, where he
was greatly interested in Sunday school work.
James Frank married Harriet, daughter of Judge
Elisha Carpenter, of Hartford, and is in the purchas-
ing department of the N. Y., N. H. & H. R. R., at
Boston. (4) Cordelia Elizabeth, born Aug. 24,
1813, became the second wife of Deacon Jabez Mc-
Call, and resided in Goshen Society of Lebanon;
she died in Lebanon Centre in December, 1890. (5)
Henry Hart, born April 26, 181 5. attended Bacon
academy at Colchester, taught school for several
vears and in early life moved to Mount Clemens,
Mich., where he engaged in farming and also oper-
ating a nursery. After the death of his wife he re-
LYNDE L. HUNTINGTON
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
283
sided for about fifteen years near Pontiac, Mich.,
and finally located at Lansing, where he died at the
home of his son, in December, 1898. He married
Eleanor Bristol, by whom he had one son, Arthur
Dwight, now a well known restaurant owner of
Lansing. (6) Lucy Ann was born Aug. i", 1817.
(7) Harriet, born Sept. 7, 1819, died Aug. 15, 1824.
(8) Mary Louise, born Aug. 6, 1823, was educated
in the district school and Westfield academy at
Westfield, Mass. She taught school in Lebanon,
South Windham, and, later, on Staten Island, and
then in a private school on Duffield street, New
York. Returning home, she, a year later, Feb. 18,
1852, was married to Richard A. Sheldon, who died
Feb. 8, 1856, in Columbus, Ohio. She returned to
Lebanon the following year and has there resided,
spending some of the winter seasons in Brooklyn,
N. Y. Richard A. Sheldon was one of the most
successful architects in the country as his work
shows. The Ohio State Journal, published at Co-
lumbus, Ohio, reviewing past architectural work
under date of July 21, 1901, has the following in
part to say of him :
"Richard A. Sheldon was born in Chenango
county, N. Y., May 1, 1816. Though a great reader,
he never went to college and was a self taught man,
and began life as a carpenter. Afterward he en-
tered the office of Mr. Lefevre, a New York archi-
tect, under whom he worked and studied for three
years. His first independent work was done at Sag
Harbor, L. I., where he built the Presbyterian
church, the Nassau house, and the residence of Mr.
Benjamin Hunting, said to be the handsomest resi-
dence of its time in the east end of Long Island.
He went to Columbus, Ohio, in 1848, superintend-
ing the building of the Starling Medical College, for
which his plans had previously been accepted. He
planned and erected other fine buildings there, and
had charge of the planning and remodeling of the
Presbvterian church there. He was acknowledged
by other architects to be one of the best of his time,
and his work was away ahead of the times. His
death cut short a promising career." In 1862 the
remains of Mr. Sheldon were brought to Lebanon,
and now lie in the cemetery west of Lebanon Green.
Lynde Lord Huntington was born in Leb-
anon, and was brought up to farm work. His first
literary training was received in the district school.
When nineteen years of age he went to Lexington
Academy, at Lexington, Mass., kept by Theopbilus
Huntington. Returning to his home, for several
years he engaged in farming and school teaching,
having charge of schools in Lebanon, Willimantic
and Le Roy, Genesee Co., N. Y. Later he went to
the vicinity of Bangor, Maine, and was engaged as
an agent and surveyor of newly purchased lands be-
longing to himself and other citizens of Lebanon
and vicinity, being located there a number of years.
He again returned to Lebanon in about 1837, and
settled on the home farm, which was then being
operated by his father. He assumed charge of it,
and made many improvements, coming into pos-
session of it after the death of the father. Until
his death on May 2, 1894, he continued farming his
property, although for several years prior to his
death, on account of a decline, he did no actual
work. During his early life he was a strong Whig,
but later became a Republican. He was in the Legis-
lature for one year at a time when the Legislature
met in New Haven ; he was also deputy sheriff con-
tinuously for over thirty years, until too old to dis-
charge the duties of the office. Throughout his
political life he was active in the affairs of his party,
and one of its leaders in the town, becoming very
influential. For a number of years he was one of
the selectmen, and held many of the minor offices,
being always successful and popular, and he was
many times chosen to preside at political gatherings.
In business as well he made a success of his life, and
he constantly added to his information by exhaustive
reading and travel. Among other experiences he
had the pleasure of seeing /Vbraham Lincoln take
the oath of office and afterward witnessed many
of the presidents do the same. During the Civil
war he was active in obtaining recruits, and send-
ing them to the field, and he placed his time and
purse at the command of the government. During
its existence he served as captain of the local militia,
and was popularly known as Capt. Huntington. At
all State and political gatherings he was a regular
attendant, and he had a wide acquaintance through-
out the State. He was an intimate friend of Gov.
William A. Buckingham, their friendship dating
from their boyhood days. Although a man of me-
dium height, he had a commanding presence and
was a man of strong force of character and auto-
cratic manner. At the time the Know Nothing party
was organized he was a member and important fac-
tor of it. For a number of years he was a member
of the Congregational Church, and was active in
its affairs. On July 14, 1862, he married Mrs.
Electa (Ladd) Lamb, and their children were:
Anna Lynde, who married Emerson G. Holbrook,
of Higganum, Conn., and had one son, Frederick
Huntington ; Mary Clark ; and William Bucking-
ham, who married Grace Mead, and resides in New
Haven.
Lucy Ann Huntington, above mentioned, was
born in Lebanon, and attended the district school,
and also the Lebanon high school which was then
in a flourishing condition. Her teachers at the lat-
ter place were Messrs. Gray, of Windham, and Per-
kins, of Norwich, both graduates of Yale College.
While attending this school she received her first
lessons in Greek, Latin and French. Leaving the
high school she attended the academy at Westfield,
Mass., and soon after she went to New Haven, and
attended lectures in chemistry under Prof. Benja-
min Silliman, and lectures in natural philosophy
under Prof. Olmstead. In 1839 she was of-
fered the position of teacher in the higher
branches in the Steubenville Female Seminary
2S4
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
at Steubenville, Ohio, which was then con-
ducted by Rev. Charles C. Beatty, D. D.
This school had a large attendance, and was the
best female school at that time west of the Alle-
gheny Mountains. A large portion of her journey
to Ohio was made by stage coach. She taught in
this school for two years, making all the experi-
ments in chemistry and philosophy, but she resigned
in 1841 because of poor health. Her next import-
ant work was in Ithaca Academy, at Ithaca, N. Y..
which also had a large attendance. A year later
she went to Staten Island, where a sister was re-
siding, and for two years she taught in a public
school there ; she also taught there in a private
school. From Staten Island she went to Columbus,
Ohio, and taught in a High School, but later located
at Springfield, Ohio, and was a teacher in a sem-
inary for one year. Her next change was made to
Wilkesbarre, Pa., where she was under Rev. Charles
J. Collins, a graduate of Princeton. After leaving
there she went to Columbus and spent a short time
with her sister, and then went to Brooklyn, N. Y.,
and was engaged as a teacher in the famous Packer
Institute, of which A. A. Low, father of ex-Mayor
Seth Low, of Xew York City, was president. The
school was opened shortly before Miss Huntington
entered its corps of teachers, and she was one of two
teachers chosen from eighty applicants. She taught
in the first academic department, and was thus en-
gaged during the early part of the Civil war. In
1862 Miss Huntington left the school, and for nearly
thirty years she taught in Brooklyn, N. Y., in pri-
vate schools, and coached pupils for college. In
1890 she came to Lebanon, and although she spends
nearly all her winters in Brooklyn and New York
City, the summer seasons find her in Lebanon. Dur-
ing her residence in Brooklyn she was a member of
the Xew York State Board of Charities, and a
member of the Foreign Sunday Schools Association,
and was a very active worker in both organizations,
contributing freely of time and money toward the
forwarding of the good work. She enjoyed a wide
acquaintance among the leading educators and
clergy, and was an attendant at the church of Henry
Ward Beecher and was closely acquainted with him.
Many years ago she united with the First Presby-
terian Church of Brooklyn, and for twenty years
her pastor was Charles Cuthbert Hall, D. D., who is
now president of Union Theological Seminary at
Xew York. Her sister, Mrs. Sheldon, is a member
of the Fourth Avenue Presbyterian Church of Xew
York City, uniting during the pastorate of Rev.
Dr. Howard Crosby.
Miss Huntington is a lover of the fine arts and
takes pleasure in her fine collections and in those
of others. Having carefully cultivated her natural
tastes and developed her intellect, she is one of the
best educated and widely read ladies in this section
of the State, and the excellent work she has done
as an educator cannot be over-estimated. Her char-
acter is a beautiful one, and she never hesitates to
give freely of both her time and money to advance
the cause of Christianity, and especially is she in-
terested in the work of Foreign Missions.
JOHX A. MORGAX (deceased) was one of the
successful and self-made citizens of Xorwich,
where, for over thirty-five years, he was engaged
in the coal and lumber business. He descended from
one of the oldest families of the county.
The emigrant ancestor was James Morgan, who
was born in Wales in 1607, and in March, 1636, in
company with two younger brothers, John and
Miles, he sailed from Bristol, and arrived in Boston,
the month following. On Aug. 6, 1640, he was mar-
ried, in Roxbury, to Margery Hill, of that place.
There he was made a freeman, May 10, 1643. an^
he continued to reside in that place until 1650, when
he removed to Pequot (now Xew London) and had
a house lot assigned him there. In 1656 he removed
to Groton, where he resided until his death in 1685.
For several years he served as one of the selectmen
of Xew London, and was one of the first deputies
sent from Xew London to the General Court at
Hartford City in May, 1657. Nine times after this
he was chosen a member of that grave and im-
portant assembly, the last time being in 1670. The
children born to James and Margery Morgan were :
Hannah, May 18, 1642; James, March 3, 1644;
John, March 30, 1645 ; Joseph. Nov. 29, 1646; Abra-
ham, Sept. 3, 1648; and a daughter who died a few
days after birth.
(II) Capt. John Morgan, born March 30, 1645,
removed to Preston about 1692, and died in 1712,
aged sixty-seven years. He was a prominent man,
having been Indian commissioner and adviser, Dep-
uty to the General Court, from Xew London, in
1690, and from Preston in 1693-94. His first wife,
to whom he was married Nov. 16. 1665, bore the
maiden name of Rachel Dymond. After her death,
he married Mrs. Elizabeth Williams. The children
by his first marriage were : John, June 10, 1667 ;
Samuel, Sept. 9, 1669 ; Isaac, Oct. 24. 1670 ; Han-
nah, Jan. 8, 1674; Mercy, May, 1675; Sarah, April
13, 1678; James, 1680. By his second marriage, he
had children as follows : Elizabeth, 1690 ; William,
1693 ; Rachel, 1695 : Audrea, 1697 ; Margery, 1699 ;
Joseph. 1701 ; Theophilus, 1703; and Mary.
(III) Isaac Morgan, born Oct. 24, 1670, was
twice married. By his first wife he had children as
follows: David, Feb. 21, 1700; Mary, June 21,
1702; Isaac, May 8, 1706; Joseph, March 15, 1710;
and Benjamin, Aug. 18, 1714. The second wife of
Isaac Morgan was Abigail Skifte. whom he mar-
ried June 23. 17 1 5. He died Nov. 25, 1754, aged
eighty-four years, and his children by this second
marriage were : Nathaniel, June 23. 1717 : and Eben-
ezer. Sept. 21. 1719.
(IV) Ebenezer Morgan, born Sept. 21. 1719.
at Preston, was married on June 24. 1745. to Desire
Branch, who was born Aug. 20. 1725. and who died
Feb. 21, 1784. Their children were: Abigail, Nov.
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
285
11, 1749: Temperance, July 4, 1752; Seth, March
29, 1755. married Desire Bromley; Peter, Jan. 15,
1758; Wheeler. Jan. 31, 1761 ; Desire, July 4, 1765.
The first three children were born in Preston, the
others in Yoluntown.
(V) Wheeler Morgan, born Jan. 31, 1761, in
Yoluntown, continued to reside in his native place.
On Dec. 24, 1780, he married Polly Wilkinson.
Their children were: Lydia, Jan. 24, 1784, married
a Mr. Reed; Marcy, Aug. II, 1788; William Allen,
Feb. 5, 1790; Mary, April 8, 1791, married Cyrus
Tanner ; Desire, March 8, 1792, married a Mr. John-
son ; Dinah, Jan. 7, 1795; Wheeler, Jan. II, 1797,
married Peggy Green; Elisha, Dec. 18, 1798, mar-
ried Ruth Douglas; Olive, July 6, 1802, married
Hubbard Tanner; Abel W., Sept. 18, 1804, married
(first) Sally Bitgood, and (second) Lydia Adams.
(VI) William Allen Morgan, born Feb. 5, 1790,
in Yoluntown, Conn., spent his early life in that
town. He learned the trade of stone mason with
his father, and worked at it in the vicinity of his
native place until after his majority, when he went
to Windham, and there was employed at his trade,
and at farm work. While residing there he was mar-
ried, and a few years later he removed to Pachaug,
in the town of Griswold, and there settled on a farm
which he conducted when not working at his trade.
He built a number of dams in the vicinity, includ-
ing the Doane dam at Voluntown. Griswold con-
tinued to be his place of residence until after the
death of his wife, when he moved to Norwich, and
made his home with his children, there dying in
1869, aged seventy-nine years. He was buried be-
side his wife in the cemetery at Pachaug. In her
maidenhood she was a Miss Charlotte Backus, of
Windham, and her death occurred when she was
aged sixty-six years. The children born to Will-
iam Allen Morgan and wife were : Chester A., a
tailor, who later became a farmer and died at Jew-
ett City aged ninety years, married Delia Barber ;
John A. ; Mary Abby became the wife of Nathan
Standish, and died in Norwich ; Charlotte died at the
age of eighteen years ; Elisha G. married Harriet
D. Chapman, a resident of Norwich and a retired
carpenter ; Henry E., who resides at Poquetanuck,
served about two years in the Civil war, going out
under two enlistments, the second time as First
Lieutenant in Company G. 8th Conn. Y. I., and in
that capacity served until his discharge because of
wounds received at Antietam : Albert was killed at
the age of nine years by falling upon an upturned
knife which penetrated his heart.
(VII) John A. Morgan was born in Windham
July 14, 1816, and at the age of eight years was
bound out to Capt. Prentice, a farmer in Griswold.
Young Morgan was to receive his board and attend
school each winter. His employer violated his agree-
ment, and the boy had an opportunity of attending
school only one winter. He was a strong, rugged
boy and attained his growth early, therefore was
able to do much work, a great deal more than an
ordinary boy of his age. His employer often hired
him out to do work for the neighbors, although none
of the money received for his services was ever
given to him. All his boyhood was one continuous
round of hardships. He early learned the value of
money, and no doubt the hard schooling he received
at that time did much to shape and round the suc-
cessful life which followed.
At the age of eighteen years, he bought his time
from his father for $250, money that he was yet to
earn, and what was then a large sum. He came to
Norwich, and his first work was as a farmer on the
property of the Hon. John A. Rockwell. There he
remained for a little over two years. Meanwhile
he had resolved to obtain a better education, and all
his spare moments were spent in study, and when
possible, he attended a night school, being an apt
pupil, especially good in mathematics.
After leaving Mr. Rockwell, Mr. Morgan began
to learn the trade of carpenter with the Spauldings,
large contractors at that time, but only worked at
it for about six months, when he left that to accept
a position as clerk in the store of Charles and George
Coit. He remained there until 1839, when he en-
tered the employ of Huntington & Chappell, dealers
in lumber and coal on Central wharf. Their busi-
ness had been established in 1814 by Jedediah Hunt-
ington (1st), who brought the first invoice of coal
to Norwich. In time Mr. Morgan became foreman
and general manager of the business, and in 1859
was made a member of the firm, together with Jede-
diah Huntington (3rd), the firm name being
changed to John G. Huntington & Co. Mr. Chap-
pell had previously severed his connection with Mr.
Huntington. On April 1, 1878, Mr. Morgan pur-
chased the entire business of his partner. His son
John C. Morgan became a partner about this time,
and a few years later, the firm became John A. Mor-
gan & Son, and this name is still retained. Mr.
Morgan applied himself very closely to his work,
and remained active in the business until his death,
Aug. 20, 1895. His remains were interred in the
beautiful Yantic cemetery, where their lasting place
is marked by an imposing monument.
In politics Mr. Morgan was first a Whig, later
a Republican. In his early life, he took a deep in-
terest in public matters, and served both as an alder-
man and councilman for a number of years. He also
served on the board of assessors, and was a mem-
ber of the volunteer fire department. In religious
matters he was a member of Christ Protestant
Episcopal Church, and he served for many years as
one of the vestrymen.
Mr. Morgan was married, in Norwich, to Sybil
P.. Rawson, born at Jeuett City, a daughter of Cal-
vin and Prudence (Gates) Rawson, and grand-
daughter of Luther Rawson, a Revolutionary sol-
dier. This branch of the Rawson family descends
from Edward Rawson, who was born in Gillingham,
Dorsetshire, England, April 15, 161 5, and came to
Newbury, Mass., as early as 1637. He was one of
286
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
the leading men of that town, serving as town clerk,
deputy to the General Court, secretary of state, and
clerk of deputies. Barnabas Rawson, a great-grand-
son of the emigrant Edward Rawson, settled in
Woodstock, Conn., where descendants yet reside,
and from the Woodstock branch of the family, Mrs.
Morgan descended. Mrs. Morgan passed away
Dec. 13, 1890, aged seventy-six years. The chil-
dren born to Mr. and Mrs. John A. Morgan were :
John C. ; Albert, who died at the age of two and one-
half years ; and Samuel S., unmarried, who resides at
Norwich.
(YIII) John C. Morgan, who succeeded his
father in the business, was born at Norwich, Sept.
18, 1846, and received his education in the public
schools. At the age of fifteen years he began work
in his father's office, and later, as before stated, be-
came a member of the firm. Since the death of his
father, he has been sole owner of the business, which
is the oldest and one of the largest of its kind in
the city.
On Dec. 12, 1870, Mr. Morgan was married to
Edwina Bentley, born Sept. 8, 1850, a daughter of
Dr. Edwin Bentley, surgeon in the United States
army, but now retired and a resident at Little Rock,
Ark. Mrs. Morgan died Dec. 23, 1879, leaving three
children, Lottie B. ; Edna M. ; and Edwina B., who
married G. Milton Bartlett, of Norwich. On May
4, 1886, Air. Morgan married Nellie Worcester,
born Feb. 17, 1864, daughter of Rev. James M.
Worcester, a Methodist clergyman. One child has
been born to them, Frances Sybil.
In politics Mr. Morgan is a Republican, but has
held no public office. In addition to his other inter-
ests, he is a director of the First National Bank, and
a trustee of the Norwich Savings Society. He and
all of his family are consistent members of the
Trinity Methodist Church, of which he is trustee.
Mrs. Morgan is a member of the D. A. R. Her an-
cestors participated in the historic fights at Lexing-
ton and Bunker Hill.
The lamented John A. Morgan was a man whose
life reflected credit on himself and his neighborhood,
and is a priceless inheritance to his posterity. He
began life as a poor boy, and unaided he earned a
fortune. A man of unquestionable integrity, he had
the confidence of all his patrons and acquaintances.
He was a man of much native ability, and had he
had the advantages of a college training, he would
have been a power in any line he had desired to
undertake. His son, John C. Morgan, is a worthy
scion of his father, and is deeply esteemed, not only
as his father's son, but for his own excellent quali-
ties, throughout a wide territory, where he is well
known.
ALVAH FRANCIS, who passed away July 22,
1899, was one of the best known as well as one of
the oldest business men in Norwich, where he was
engaged in the grocery business.
John Francis, his grandfather, was a native of
Dighton, Mass., born May 18, 1768. He spent his
early years in his native State, and early in the nine-
teenth century moved to Stafford Springs, Conn.,
where he settled on a farm in the north part of that
town. There the remaining years of his life were
passed, and he died at the age of eighty-one. On
Feb. 16, 1792, in Rehoboth, Mass., he married An-
nah Gladding, who survived him, attaining the age
of ninety years. Their children were: (1) James
was born May 11, 1796. (2) Capt. Abram, born
Nov. 6, 1798, was a farmer and prominent man in
Stafford, .where he died at an advanced age. He
was captain of the local militia. His wife was
Laura Orcutt. (3) Philena, born May 26, 1800,
married Porter Walbridge, and resided in Stafford,
where he died in young manhood. (4) Alvah, born
Nov. 7, 1802, was a shoemaker in Stafford. He
married, first, Mary Ann Bardwell, and second Mrs.
Harriet (Whiting) Davis, and among his children
was Mrs. David Ruby, of Norwich. (5) Sylvia,
born July 15, 1805, married William Adams, a
molder by trade, and resided in Stafford, where she
died.
James Francis, father of Alvah, born in Reho-
both, Mass., May 11, 1796, was about twelve years
old when his parents removed to Stafford. By occu-
pation he was a farmer, his farm being located about
one mile west of Stafford Springs, on the road to
what is now called Crystal Lake. He died there
March 17, 1870, and was buried at Stafford Springs.
During the war of 1812 he served for a few months
at the defense of New London. In politics he was
first a Whig, and later a Republican, and he was ex-
tremely loyal to his party and tenacious of his views.
His religious connection was with the Stafford M.
E. Church. He married Achsah Howe, who was
born Dec. 16, 1798, in Stafford, one of the twelve
children of Israel and Hannah (WTashburn) Howe,
the former of whom was a Revolutionary soldier
from Stafford. Mrs. Francis died Nov. 25, 1871,
the mother of eight children: (1) John, born May
27, 1 82 1, married Angeline Brown, and died in Nor-
wich in 1880. Their only son J. Perry, was engaged
in the grocery business until his death, in 189 1. (2)
Alvah was born March 12, 1823. (3) Mary Ann,
born June 29, 1825, is unmarried and resides in Nor-
wich. (4) Eugene, born Feb. 26, 1828, went to
California during the gold excitement in 1849, anc^
was murdered at Ranchero, Cal., Aug. 6, 1855. (5)
Elizabeth, born May 15, 1830, married Daniel D.
Hickey, a melter, and resides in Norwich. Mr.
Hickey died May 10, 1892, aged sixty-nine years.
They had three children — Emily Amelia, born May
5, 1851, died Oct. 5, 1857; Eugene Francis, born
Aug. 24, 1858, died Dec. 18, 1881 ; and Albert Dex-
ter, born March 1, i860, died Nov. 10. 1870. (6)
Asenath, born June 12, 1833, died Sept. 22, 1902.
She married David Erskine Whiton, one of the
leading and successful men of New London, and
their children were : A daughter that died in child-
hood; Lucius Erskine, who married Viola King,
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
287
and had three children, Helen King, Dorothy and
David Erskine (deceased) ; and Mary, wife of Dr.
Leander K. Shipman, of New London. (7) Emily
Jane, born Nov. 7, 1837, died Nov. 26, 1843. (8)
Amelia Henrietta, born Feb. 9, 1842, married Orrin
C. Dimock (born Feb. 5, 1845, died July 26, 1893), a
grocer in Norwich, where she still resides. They
had one child, Frances Amelia, born Nov. 16, 1878,
who died Jan. 7, 1888.
Alvah Francis was born in the family home in
Stafford, and was brought up to farm work. His
education was all acquired in the district schools,
and when a boy in his teens he began to learn the
trade of wool sorter. While assisting at the raising
of a building he received an injury that prevented
his doing any manual labor. In 1844 he became a
clerk in the store of David Parkess, at Stafford
Springs, and later, in the same capacity, he was in
the store of John Foster, on Stafford street. In
1846 he came to Norwich, and entered the store of
A. T. Pierce, on the West Side, and there remained
until 1853, when with the money he had saved from
his wages, he bought out the grocery store of Elder
Bentley, located at the corner of West Main and
Thames streets, and there was engaged in business
for forty-six years, or until his death. Whether in
the business or social world, he was simple and
straightforward in his manners. His dealings in the
business world were along the same lines, and his
word was always considered as good as a bond. He
held a promise sacred, and had a great dislike for
debt, so that his financial affairs were kept in per-
fect condition. In 1874 his nephew, J. Perry Fran-
cis, became his partner, and the firm name was
changed to A. Francis & Co., so continuing until the
death of the latter, in 1891. Soon after the death
of his nephew Mr. Francis admitted his own son,
George F., as a partner, the firm name becoming at
that time A. Francis & Son, as it still continues.
In his political belief Alvah Francis was a
stanch Republican, and for several years he served
in the common council, and also as second select-
man. He was treasurer of the Wrest Chelsea school
board for some time. At Norwich he united with
the Central Methodist Church, and after the consol-
idation of the churches of that denomination he be-
came a member of Trinity M. E. Church. For many
years he led the choir in the Central Church, being
the possessor of a rich bass voice. In his tastes he
was thoroughly domestic, and his greatest pleasure
was found in his own home. He was a devoted fa-
ther, and his children were allowed the best advan-
tages he was able to give. To the unfortunate he
was kind and liberal, and so sympathetic was his na-
ture that he was not infrequently imposed upon.
This, however, did not disturb him, nor in any way
shake his faith in mankind, and he continued to
give freely to all who claimed his generosity. He
was the last of the old-time business men, and his
death left, indeed, a void hard to fill.
Mr. Francis was twice married. His first wife,
Anna Draper, daughter of George Draper, of Nor-
wich, died Nov. 24, 1855, aged thirty years. For
his second wife he married Elizabeth Geer, who was
born July 5, 1836, daughter of Capt. George W. and
Betsey (Uutton) Geer, of Thamesville. She died
Oct. 9, 1875. Three children blessed this union:
(1) Elizabeth Dickinson, born Dec. 20, 1862, on
Oct. 28, 1885, married William W. Maynard, of
Norwich, and has two children, Clarence Francis,
born Jan. 17, 1888, and Edith Amelia, born July 4,
1890. (2) George Frederick and (3) James Frank,
twins, were born June 21, 1867, and the latter died
in August, 1868.
George Frederick Francis is now the sole
proprietor of the establishment so firmly founded by
his father. He was born in Norwich and received a
substantial education in the public schools. At the
age of fifteen years, in June, 1882, he left the school
room and entered the store in the humble capacity
of clerk, that he might learn the business thoroughly
and be, in time, the master of every detail, as was
his father before him. As stated above, in 1891 he
became a partner, and since the death of his lamented
father he has been the sole owner. There have been
no radical changes since that event. Mr. Francis
has followed the path made clear by the experience
of the founder, and it is his ambition to continue in
it. His high principles were learned under a pain-
staking and interested instructor, and in the commer-
cial world his standing is high. Politically he is a
Republican, and religiously he attends the M. E.
Church.
On Nov. 17, 1892, George F. Francis was mar-
ried to Ellen J. Harris, daughter of George W. and
Susan (Troland) Harris, and they have two chil-
dren: Gladys Estelle, born June 30, 1894; and Mil-
dred Elizabeth, born Aug. 13, 1900.
JOHN A. OWEN. Like so many of the pros-
perous business men and prominent citizens of New
London county, Conn., John A. Owen, the genial
secretary of the Ashland Cotton Company, Jewett
City, claims the State of Rhode Island as his birth-
place. Since the early days of New England
scions of the Owen family have been known for
their sterling traits of industry and integrity, lead-
ing upright lives — characteristics that are not lost
in the representative of the present generation.
The Owens are descended from one Samuel
Owen, who emigrated from his native Wales to
this country in 165 1, and his descendants have scat-
tered over Vermont, Rhode Island and Connecti-
cut, one of them being a lieutenant governor of
Rhode Island, in the nineteenth century.
John A. Owen was born in Gloucester, R. I.,
April 17, 1849, son °f Brown and Elizabeth P.
(Randall) Owen, the former of whom was a mill-
wright by trade, and at one time associated with the
late Samuel Eaton, of Plainfield. John A. Owen re-
ceived better educational facilities than were usually
given boys of that day, and besides attending the
288
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
common schools, he also studied at the Lapham In-
stitute of North Scituate, and later at the Bryant &
Stratton Business College, at Providence. After
leaving the school room for the more active duties
of life, he worked for a time in the weave room at
Georgiaville, R. I. In 1866 he came to Jewett City,
and clerked in the office and store connected with
the Ashland Cotton Company. Desiring to see more
of the country, pursued by that fever of unrest
that seizes all young men, he accepted an offer
to assist in surveying in Illinois, for the Cairo &
Yincennes Railroad. When this work was com-
pleted he returned to Providence, and entered the
hardware store of C. H. George & Co., where for
nine years he was engaged as bookkeeper. He then
became associated with Benjamin C. Sweet, brother
of J. O. Sweet, in a store at Hamilton, R. I., but in
November, 1881, he returned to Jewett City, and
became paymaster and bookkeeper for the Ashland
Cotton Company. The treasurer of the company,
Mr. Sweet, says that Mr. Owen has no equal as a
double entry bookkeeper in the State.
Socially Mr. Owen belongs to the I. O. O. F.,
being a charter member of Reliance Lodge, No.
29, and he has held the office of District Deputy
Grand Master. He also belongs to Mt. Vernon
Lodge, No. 75, A. F. & A. M. In his political be-
lief he is a Republican, and he has taken an active
interest in his party's success. He has held the
offices of justice of the peace, borough auditor, and
member of the board of education, being chairman
of the latter for some time. He is also a notary
public.
In 1872 Mr. Owen was married to J. Estella
Mowry, daughter of Smith and Julia (Ballon)
Mowry, of Burrillville, R. I., and they have two
children : Fred B., a graduate of the Institute of
Technology, Boston; and John A., Jr. Both Mr.
and Mrs. Owen are members of the Free Baptist
Church, but since residing in Jewett City, they have
attended the Congregational Church. They are pro-
gressive in their views, charitable of the faults and
foibles of the world, and are greatly beloved for
their many good qualities.
RAYMOND N. PARISH, who is well known
throughout New London county as a leading Re-
publican, and is equally well known in business and
milling circles, comes of a long line of honorable
ancestry.
Samuel Parish was administrator in Norwich,
Conn., in 1716, and Benjamin Parish appears there
a little later. These brothers, it is stated in Miss
Caulkins's "History of Norwich," were probably
sons of John Parish, of Stonington, of whom there
is no record. A John Parish was an original pro-
prietor of Groton, and in 1683 served on a commit-
tee with Page and Lawrence, of the earliest set-
tlers, to prove the land rights of the town. He was a
representative in 1690. Another John Parish, of
Groton, is made a probable son of the above. John
Parish, the elder, of Groton, is made a brother or
son of Dr. Thomas Parish, of Cambridge, who
came to New England in the "Increase" in 1635.
A son of the latter, Thomas Parish (2), a graduate
of Harvard College (1659), was OI Groton.
Nathaniel Parish, the great-grandfather of Ray-
mond N., was born about 1715, son of Samuel Par-
ish, of Norwich, and probably grandson of John
Parish, of Stonington, who died in 171 5. Samuel
Parish was seriously injured by the falling of a
bridge on which he, with others, was working dur-
ing the freshet of 1727. After his marriage Na-
thaniel Parish settled in Norwich, where he engaged
in farming. On July 26, 1739, he married Keziah
Armstrong, who died Feb. 25, 1781. He died March
26, 1767. Their children, all born in Norwich, were:
Andrew, born Dec. 14, 1740; Elizabeth, born Oct.
25, 1743 (died Aug. 17, 1744) ; Elizabeth (2), born
Oct. 14, 1745 (married Elisha Corning) ; Nathaniel,
born Oct. 21, 1748 (married, first, Lucy , and
second Clarissa YVoodworth) ; Elijah, born Feb. 16,
1750.
Elijah Parish, son of Nathaniel, became a farm-
er, and located in his native town near the present
Fair Grounds. He died in middle life esteemed by
all who knew him. About 1774 he married Marion
Baker, who was born about 1757, daughter of
Gideon and Lois (Rogers) Baker, of Montville,
who with five children survived him. These chil-
dren were: Elijah, born about 1775, who married
about 1796 Eunice Sanford, and had two children,
Harriet (born Dec. 26, 1797, married Samuel YV.
Palmer) and Nancy (born Jan. 24, 1799, died un-
married Aug. 7, 1866); Nathaniel; Keziah, born
about 1779, who married Asa Smith ; Ebenezer, born
about 1 78 1 ; and Nancy, born about 1783, who mar-
ried Joseph Powers.
Nathaniel Parish, son of Elijah, born April
J9> J777> near tne present Fair Grounds in Nor-
wich, came to Montville a poor boy. He had had
but limited educational advantages, and had been
obliged to take early upon his shoulders the respons-
ibility for his own support. For many years he con-
ducted a general store near the Montville Centre
Congregational Church, in which line he met with
gratifying success. About 1830 he purchased the
"Raymond farm'' near by, and for several years
conducted the farm in connection with the manage-
ment of his store. He retired from active work sev-
eral years before his death on account of ill health.
He was a careful business man, and gave personal
attention to his varied interests. The present chapel
of the Montville Congregational Church stands on
the site of the old Parish store. In politics Mr.
Parish was an old-line Whig, and later became a
stanch Republican, being an active worker and
leader in the party. He held many of the town of-
fices, and was treasurer of the town from 1825 to
1847. In 1838 he represented the town in the State
Legislature. About 1840 he joined the Congrega-
t/ ^C^y^e^^
-ryn. ?h^e^, Kyi. ' y&t
31-'
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
City, where lie was for a time employed in the Je-
wett City .Mills machine shop. The next four years
he spent as tool maker in Parker Brothers' gun
shop, in Meriden. At this time Phineas Boyle,
superintendent of the Slater mill at Jewett City,
sought his services, and he returned to that city,
continuing there until failing health warned him that
a change of work was necessary. On Sept. 18, 1877,
he entered the employ of the Ashland Cotton Com-
pany, by engaging to put a patent motion on a loom.
When the master mechanic was retired, Mr. Young
was given his position, which he filled with signal
ability until March, 1891, when he assumed the re-
sponsibility of superintendent, the position he so
ably fills today.
On Nov. 4, 1867, Mr. Young was married to
Phebe E. Hazen, of Sprague, daughter of Charles
T. and Alary (Armstrong) Hazen, and they have
two children, Mabel A. and Irene H., who are
young ladies of culture. Miss Mabel A. Young
graduated from the grammar school of Jewett City
and East Greenwich (R. I.) Academy, and is now
engaged as a substitute teacher in the public schools
of Jewett City. She received vocal instruction un-
der Mrs. Sleight and Prof. Heinrich, and is a so-
prano singer in the Westfield Congregational
Church at Danielson. Miss Irene H. Young re-
ceived her education in the grammar school of Je-
wett City and Cushing Academy at Ashburnham,
Massachusetts.
Politically Mr. Young is a stanch Republican,
and in spite of his constant oversight of the mills he
has found time to take a keen and working interest
in public affairs. He has served on the board of
burgesses, and was a member of the committee ap-
pointed to procure the city's charter. He was also
a member of the water works committee. In all the
positions he has held he has given entire satisfaction
to all, regardless of party affiliations, as he is pains-
taking in the discharge of his duties, and ever cour-
teous to all. Fraternally he belongs to Mt. Vernon
Lodge, A. F. & A. M., and has served as its treas-
urer ; he is a trustee of Reliance Lodge, I. O. O. F.,
of which he is a charter member, and he also belongs
to Ashland Lodge, A. O. U. \Y. Air. Young is a
member of the Second Ecclesiastical Society's com-
mittee.
AXGUS PARK, a successful and enterprising
woolen manufacturer of Hanover, in the town of
Sprague, is a son of William and Catherine (Camp-
bell) Park. The family record will be found else-
where in this volume in the sketch of William Park,
a brother of Angus.
Mr. Park was born Jan. 27, 1859, in Galashiels,
Scotland, and there resided until the age of four-
teen, when the family moved to Sherbrooke, Can-
ada. His opportunities for securing an education
were confined to the common schools which he at-
tended until he was thirteen years old. At that age
he went to work in a woolen mill, and by his indus-
try and skill worked his way to the position of over-
seer of the weaving in the mill of the Paton Manu-
facturing Co., the largest woolen mill in Canada,
having at that time 140 people under his direct su-
pervision. He was there employed until 1894, when
he came to East Lyme, Conn., and became secretary
of the Niantic Manufacturing Co., being associated
with an uncle, D. R. Campbell, and brother, William
Park. There he remained until August, 1899, when
he severed his connection with that company and
purchased the Allen mill and properties at Hanover,
which property is now known as the Airlie Mills.
This mill had been closed for some time and con-
sequently was in poor condition. However, the new
owner remodeled the mill, and installed new and
modern machinery, at a great outlay of money. The
mill is now one of the best in this region, and the
product is a high grade of woolen and flannel suit-
ing.
In March, 1903, when the Assawaga Company,
at Dayville, Conn., was organized. Air. Park became
its manager and one of its largest stockholders. In
all of his business enterprises he has been success-
ful, through his ability, energy and thorough knowl-
edge of his line of business. Having begun at the
very bottom rung of the ladder he has made his way
steadily upward, and no man is more highly es-
teemed than he in the business community of which
he is so important a part.
In 1901 Air. Park erected his handsome home in
Hanover, which is one of the finest in the town
where he and his family are pleasantly located. On
Dec. 24, 1880, Air. Park wras married, in Sher-
^brooke, Canada, to Elizabeth Barlow Eadie, daugh-
ter of George Watt Eadie, a manufacturer of woolen
goods in Preston, England, who came to Canada in
1867, and for many years was a successful dry-
goods merchant at Sherbrooke. He is now retired
and resides at Norwich, Conn. The children born
to this happy union are : Alargaret Alice, Catherine
Campbell and William George.
Air. Park is a member of Somerset Lodge, No.
34, A. F. & A. AL, at Norwich, Franklin Chapter,
Franklin Council and Columbian Commandery. He
is also a member of the A. O. U. W. and the Order
of Foresters. In politics he is a Republican. In
religious views he is a member of Hanover Congre-
gational Church, as are his wife and children, and
Air. Park is also choir director.
HON. HENRY RUGGLES. a descendant of an
old established New England family, was for many
years a successful business man of Norwich, and
later served as United States Consul at Barcelona,
Spain, and at Alalta. He was of the eighth genera-
tion in direct line from Thomas Ruggles, who set-
tled in America in 1637.
(I) Thomas Ruggles was born in 1584, in Sud-
burv, Suffolk, England, and married, Nov. 1, 1620,
^(^/
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
3'3
in Nasing, Essex, Mary Curtis. In 1637, they came
to Roxbury, Mass., where Mr. Ruggles died Nov.
16, 1644. His widow survived until Feb. 14, 1674,
dying at the age of eighty-eight. Thomas Ruggles
was a son of Thomas, grandson of Nicholas, and
great-grandson of Thomas Ruggles, all of Sudbury,
Suffolk, England.
(II) Capt. Samuel Ruggles, who became a se-
lectman and representative in Roxbury, Mass., was
born in England in 1629. He married (first) Jan.
10, 1654, Hannah Fowle, of Charlestown, Mass.,
and (second) May 26, 1670, Anna Bright, of Wa-
tertown. His death occurred Aug. 15, 1692.
(III) Capt. Samuel Ruggles (2), also a select-
man and representative of Roxbury, was born June
1, 1658. He married July 8, 1680, Martha, daugh-
ter of Rev. John and Mercy (Dudley) Woodbridge,
and granddaughter of Gov. Thomas Dudley, a di-
rect descendant of Henry I, of France, and his wife
Anne, of Russia. Capt. Samuel (2), died Feb. 15,
I7I5-
(IV) Rev. Timothy Ruggles, of Rochester,
Mass., was born Nov. 3, 1685, and graduated from
Harvard College in 1707. He married (first) Mary
White, and (second) on March 26, 1750, Anne
Woodworth. His death occurred Oct. 24, 1768. He
held a high rank in the ministry, and had unusual
ability as a business man. He was more active and
efficient than any other individual in promoting the
settlement of Hardwick, Mass. On behalf of the
proprietors he made several visits to the town, where
he successfully arranged financial matters, and at
the same time ministered to the spiritual needs of the
people.
(Y) Gen. Timothy Ruggles, son of Rev. Tim-
othy Ruggles, and a brother of Edward Ruggles,
was born in Rochester in 171 1, and at the age of
twenty-one graduated at Harvard. His choice of
the law as a profession was early made, and he com-
menced practice at Rochester and afterward at Sand-
wich, in 1740. He was so successful in all the cases
that he undertook that his services were continually
in demand in the adjoining counties and other parts
of the State. He was an eloquent and impressive
pleader and was considered the equal of Col. James
Otis, a famous lawyer of the day, being his prin-
cipal antagonist in many cases of importance. He re-
moved to Hartwick in 1753, and as his law practice
Tiad yielded him quite a handsome fortune for those
days it was here he entered upon a style of living
commensurate with his standing and affluence. He
laid out an extensive estate, which was the admira-
tion and wonder of all in the vicinity, and this he
enlarged and embellished as time went on. With
thirty horses in his stable, a deer park of many
acres, and a pack of hounds at hand, his many visit-
ors were entertained in princely fashion. He was
judge of court of Common Pleas in 1756, and
from 1762 until the breaking out of the Revolution
he was chief justice of that court. At the same time
this accomplished man was making for himself a
reputation as a soldier second to no other in Amer-
ica of that period. In the campaign against Crown
Point he served under Sir William Johnson, and
was second in command at the battle of Lake George,
and afterward led the attack on Ticonderoga. In
1762, while both armies were in winter quarters,
Gen. Ruggles was chosen speaker of the House of
Representatives, of which body he had for several
years been a member. The convention known as
The First Colonial Congress and as The Stamp
Act Congress assembled in New York on the 7th
of October, 1765. Nine of the thirteen Colonies
were there, represented by eminent men, and Gen.
Ruggles had the distinguished honor to be chosen
its president. At the breaking out of the Revolution
Gen. Ruggles, who was a Loyalist in his sympathies,
refused to take up arms on either side, and soon after
removed to Wilmot, Nova Scotia, where he died at
the age of eighty-four.
(V) Edward Ruggles, of Hardwick, Mass., son
of Rev. Timothy Ruggles, was born Aug. 30, 1723.
He married Lucy Spooner, and died May 21. 1778.
(VI) Daniel Ruggles, of Hardwick, son of Ed-
ward Ruggles, was born Jan. 5, 1756. He married
Dec. 30, 1779, Lucy, daughter of William Paige, and
died Feb. 26, 1838. He was a farmer and for seven-
teen years was an innkeeper. He was a soldier in
the Revolutionary war, and in 1779 held the rank of
lieutenant. He was for many years a justice of the
peace, and served as town treasurer for six years, as
selectman four years and for eleven years as as-
sessor.
(VII) Franklin Ruggles. of Hardwick. son of
Daniel Ruggles, was born March 24, 1786. He
married, Nov. 22. 1812, Sally Penniman, and died
in 1865. His children were as follows: Ann J.,
James L., Henry, Charles, Sarah (2), Mary, Samuel
F., Alma and Henry, who is mentioned below. Mr.
Ruggles was a farmer and lived on the homestead.
He was town representative in 1850.
(VIII) Hon. Henry Ruggles was born July 12,
1829, and was three times married. He married
(first) Oct. 25, 1852, Harriet S. Geer. by whom he
had two children, Alice and William. His second
marriage, on Nov. 7, 1861, was to Louise E. Cooke,
who became the mother of one daughter. Annie
Louise. His third wife was Sarah H. Perry, whom
he married Dec. 15. 1869.
The father of Hon. Henry Ruggles was a New
England farmer, who brought up his boys to work
in the field, though, like those of his class who have
"leavened the lump"' from the Atlantic to the Pa-
cific, he had the proper appreciation of the value o\
an education. Henry was the youngest son, and
like most farmer's sons, worked on the farm in the
summer, and went to the village school in the win-
ter. Earlv in his childhood and in his school course
he developed a taste for reading, and a strong in-
clination for study. When it appeared that the boy
3'4
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
desired a thorough education his father sent him
away from home to attend school. Before town
high schools became as general as they are now the
incorporated academy, fostered by the State, was
an important agency in the education of young men
and women who desired to advance beyond the
sphere of the common school. Before he had reached
the age of seventeen young Ruggles had made a
good record as a scholar at the academies in South-
bridge and New Salem, Mass., and at Chester, Vt.
Mr. Ruggles attended the New Salem Academy
during the years 1844-45, while John Stacy was
principal. At the latter he fitted for college, but im-
paired health compelled him to abandon his cher-
ished purpose to devote the next four years to the
higher branches of learning, though he has never
ceased to be a student. Instead of going from Ches-
ter to the university, as he intended, his physical con-
dition obliged him to seek a more active life in busi-
ness pursuits, and for two years he served as a
clerk in Providence, R. I., learning the details of
trade, and laying the foundation of a successful
commercial career. In 1848 he established himself
in business in Norwich, Conn., where his sound
judgment, well-trained mind, and close and careful
attention to his own affairs, realized their legitimate
results. After a successful business career of twen-
ty years in Norwich, he retired with a competency.
Having laid down the cares of business, and being
in condition to gratify his artistic and literary taste,
as well as to realize the benefits of foreign travel,
he went abroad in 1868, spending several months in
making the usual rounds of American tourists. In
April, 1870, President Grant appointed him United
States Consul at Barcelona, Spain, one of the best
consulates on the Mediterranean. In June, follow-
ing, he proceeded to his new field of labor, taking
his family with him. He settled down in his new
home prepared to represent his country faithfully,
while he improved his opportunity to study the his-
tory and literature, as well as the commercial char-
acter and resources, of an interesting country and
people. He acquired the Spanish language and be-
came familiar with the manners and customs of the
country. He remained in Barcelona nearly five
years, and discharged the duties of his office to the
entire satisfaction of the United States and the Span-
ish governments. On sending his resignation to the
President, through the legation at Madrid, Gen.
Sickles, who was then minister to Spain, forwarded
the following dispatch to the State Department,
bearing evidence to his faithful service while in
charge of the Consulate :
United States Legation in Spain, Madrid.
Sir : I have the honor to forward, herewith inclosed, a
dispatch dated 20th inst., addressed to the President, by
Hon. Henry Ruggles, who therein tenders his resignation of
the office of United States Consul at Barcelona. It is to
be regretted that the consular service thus loses an ac-
complished officer, to whose ability and fidelity, during the
time he has filled his present post, I take pleasure in bear-
ing witness.
I am, sir, very respectfully, your most obedient servant,
D. E. Sickles,
Envoy Extraordinary and Minister Plenipotentiary.
The Hon. Hamilton Fish, Secretary of State, Washington.
During his term of service Spain was "making
history" quite as rapidly as in the days of Charles
VI and Philip II. Mr. Ruggles heard the peals of
artillery that announced the election of Amadeus
as King of Spain, and saw him, after his resignation,,
sail for his home in sunny Italy. He witnessed the
arrival of Alfonso, the late King, at Barcelona.
During his residence in Spain the country was fre-
quently disturbed by civil discords, Carlist wars,
and by incipient revolutions fomented by the various
factions, each struggling to grasp the reins of gov-
ernment. Within the space of two years of his of-
ficial term he saw the government changed from a
monarchy to a Republic — the latter having four
presidents in this brief period — and finally go back
to a monarchy again. While holding his official
position, Mr. Ruggles traveled quite extensively in
Spain, visiting all the principal points of interest,
extending his tour at one time to Gibraltar, and from
there visiting Morocco and the Regency of Tunis in
northern Africa. Though in office "few die and
none resign," the latter was Mr.Ruggles's method of
retiring from the position he had held with honors
to his country and himself. He returned to his na-
tive land, and again resided in Norwich. But in
1878 President Hayes appointed him United States
Consul at Malta, in the Mediterranean. He held this
position for four years, and then resigned it. With
his wife and daughter he went to Germany, residing
there two years, dividing his time between Stutt-
gart, Dresden and Heidelberg, in order to afford
Miss Ruggles the opportunity to study art and the
German language.
Even as a boy Mr. Ruggles developed a taste and
talent for composition, which he cultivated by writ-
ing for the press. Before he was seventeen he be-
came a regular contributor to several New York and
Boston papers, and afterward to two or three maga-
zines. During his residence abroad he was the for-
eign correspondent of several American papers,
among which were the Springfield Republican and
the Boston Herald. Mr. Ruggles's letters from Ger-
many to the Republican were exceedingly popular
with the people, and were extensively copied by the
press throughout the country and in Europe. Messrs.
Lee ,& Shepard, of Boston, have published a book
written by him entitled "Germany Seen Without
Spectacles," which was largely compiled from the
author's letters to the press from Germany. The
book has met with a large sale, and has already
passed through several editions.
While Mr. Ruggles was Consul at Barcelona the
Mexican Consul at that city died, and the Mexican
government appointed Mr. Ruggles to fill the va-
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
315
cancy temporarily, which office he held nearly two
years in connection with the American Consulate.
Barcelona being the largest commercial city in
Spain, the business between the two countries in ex-
ports and imports was quite large and extensive.
One of the most exciting periods in Spanish his-
tory occurred in 1873, during the time Mr. Ruggles
was Consul at Barcelona, and at the time Spain was
declared a Republic. Amadeus, son of Victor Em-
manuel of Italy, who had been crowned King of
Spain, ruled the country for about two years, and
after two or three unsuccessful attempts to assassin-
ate him left Madrid suddenly with the Queen and
returned to Italy, to make it his future residence.
Spain now was without a ruler. The Cortes as-
sembled at once at Madrid, and a President with a
new ministry or cabinet was elected in place of the
old. Serrano, the gray-headed old soldier, with the
aid of Gen. Pavia, seized the reins of government,
and in a very short time Spain was declared a Re-
public, and Figueras its first President. The news
soon spread over the country, and the excitement
was intense, and rejoicing was the order of the day
in every city, village and hamlet. The great ma-
jority of the Spanish people at heart are Republicans
and they had been long looking forward to the time
when their country could have a free and independ-
ent government like the United States. The morn-
ing the news of the new Republic reached Barcelona,
that city was wild with excitement. Church and
cathedral bells were rung, cannon boomed from the
forts near the city, military companies paraded
through the streets, and immense processions, quick-
ly formed, and headed by bands of music, marched
through the principal streets. As soon as Mr. Rug-
gles, the American Consul, was informed of the
cause of the rejoicing he at once ran up the Ameri-
can flag over the Consular office. Soon as the flag
was unfurled it was recognized as the flag of the
great American Republic, and an immense crowd
soon gathered and commenced cheering and waving
small flags. Bands of music were playing Spanish
National airs, and even the familiar American tunes
of Yankee Doodle, Hail Columbia, Marching
Through Georgia, etc. Cheers were given for El
Immortal Washington, El Presidente Grant, and for
El Consul de los Estados Unidos. Over the en-
trance of one of the large municipal buildings a full
length portrait, finely painted, of Lincoln was dis-
played, with Diogenes, holding a lantern, kneeling
at Lincoln's feet and looking up into his face. The
excitement and rejoicing over the new Republic
were kept up in Barcelona, and in fact all over
Spain, for several days, and every day was a holi-
day.
A few weeks after the new President Figueras
was inaugurated, he was called to Barcelona on
some important business. As soon as Consul Rug-
gles heard he was in the city he arranged with the
commanders of two American ships-of-war that |
were in the port, to give the I 'resident a reception
and he was received with the full honors due to his
rank and position on board both the warships
"Brooklyn" and the frigate "Shenandoah."' Both
ships manned their yards and fired royal salutes.
President Figueras and the members of the visiting
party, which included the Captain General and the
Governor of the Province of Catalonia, the Alcalde
or Mayor of the city, and a number of others high
in office, were escorted on board by Consul Ruggles,
and were entertained at lunch on board the "Shen-
andoah." Commodore Bryson, of the United States
Navy, proposed a toast to the health of the Presi-
dent of the Spanish Republic, and President Fi-
gueras responded in complimentary terms, honoring
the memory of Washington and thanking the Amer-
ican people for their sympathy with Spain and the
government of the Spanish Republic.
JABEZ B. HOUGH. The Hough family is
one of the oldest and most respected ones of New
England, where it has a continuous history for a
period of over 260 years, from the time of William
Hough, the pioneer ancestor, to its present worthy
and honored representative, Jabez B. Hough.
(I) William Hough, born in 1619, son of Ed-
ward, of Westchester, England, came to New Eng-
land in 1642, settling in Gloucester, Mass., where
he married, Oct. 28, 1645, Sarah Calkins, daughter
of Hugh and Anne Calkins. He later removed, in
165 1, to New London, Conn., where he died Aug.
11, 1663.
(II) Capt. John Hough, son of William the
pioneer, was born Oct. 17, 1655, in New London,
Conn., and married, Jan. 17, 1680, Sarah Post, born
Nov. 6, 1659, at Saybrook, Conn., daughter of John
and Hester (Hyde) Post. For a short time after
his marriage, Capt. Hough resided in Norwich, be-
ing a house carpenter, but subsequently he settled in
New London, and became a man of considerable
distinction. He was killed at New London. Aug.
26, 1715, by falling from a building upon which he
was at work. His children were: John, David,
Jabez, Sarah, Hannah, Abiah and Hector.
(III) Capt John Hough (2), born Oct. 1. 1697,
in New London, married, Sept. 4, 1718, Hannah
Denison, born March 28, 1699, in New London,
daughter of George Denison and Mary (Witherell)
Denison, of New London. They settled in New
London, but removed to that part of Norwich, now
Bozrah, Conn., where Mrs. Hough died April 9,
1782. Their children were: John. David. Jabez,
John (2), George, Sarah, Abiah, Hannah and Es-
ther. Capt. John Hough married (second), Oct*. 24.
1782, Mrs. Anne (Bingham) Baldwin, widow of
Thomas Baldwin. Capt. Hough died Feb. 8. 17S5.
in Norwich, now liozrah.
(IV) David Hough, born Jan. 27, 1724. in New
London, married May u>, 1748, Desire Clark, and
settled in what is now Bozrah, where Mrs. Hough
316
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
died Jan. 20, 1764. Their children were: Lemuel,
Daniel, David, Witherill, John, Wade, Azel, Eunice,
Eunice (2), Hannah and Desire. Mr. Hough mar-
ried as his second wife, May 24, 1764, Jemima Bald-
win, born Aug. 9, 1736, in Norwich, daughter of
Thomas and Anne (Brigham) Baldwin. Mr.
Hough died July 8, 1798, in Bozrah, and there Mrs.
Hough also died, Sept. 22, 1816. The children by
the second marriage were : Thomas, Guy, Guy (2),
Bernice, Bernice (2), Sarah and Frances.
(V) Deacon Guy Hough, born Oct. 22, 1779,
married, March 31, 1806, Hannah Bailey, born Oct.
14, 1784, daughter of Joseph and Hannah Bailey,
of Bozrah, Conn. Mr. Hough was a farmer and set-
tled in Bozrah. Their children were : John B.,
Thomas H., Jedediah S., David D., Daniel A., Ma-
riah, Frances D., Hannah J. (who married Isaac
Johnson), and Orimel.
(VI) Jedediah Stark Hough, born June 29, 181 5,
in Bozrah, married Jan. 31, 1843, Lydia A. Fowler,
born March 9, 1823, in Lebanon, died Dec. 17, 1893.
She was a daughter of Gen. Amos and Lydia L.
(Backus) Fowler. Mr. Hough was a prosperous
farmer and settled in Bozrah, becoming prominent
in public affairs. He served as a member of the
Legislature in 1855, and was also selectman and town
treasurer. His children were: Mary F. married
John J. Gager; Lucretia H. married J. M. Newton
Lathrop ; Daniel Alanson ; Jabez B. ; Lydia B. mar-
ried George O. Stead ; Charles F. died in childhood ;
Kate A. married Warren S. Abel, of Stamford,
Connecticut.
(VII) Jabez B. Hough was born in Bozrah,
Conn., April 19, 1855, and lived on the old home-
stead until fifteen years of age, attending the dis-
trict school. He then left home and became a clerk
in Fitchville in the general store, conducted by the
Goddards, thus continuing several years, until he
came to East Lyme. In the spring of 1880, he came
to East Lyme as salesman and agent in charge of the
factory store conducted by the Sturtevants, and oc-
cupied these positions until the business was closed.
In 1890 the firm of Hough & Eaton began its exist-
ence, but upon the death of Mr. Luther C. Eaton,
in 1895, Mr. Hough became the sole proprietor.
Beginning with a limited capital, by energy, en-
terprise and thrift, Mr. Hough has become one of
the most successful and influential citizens of East
Lyme, operating the large factory store. In 1898 he
also established the general store at Flanders, East
Lyme, which he is still conducting. In manner he
is genial and unassuming, and always very accom-
modating, and has many friends among the best
men in the surrounding country. Not only is Mr.
Hough one of the most prosperous and popular
merchants in the town, but he is also active in town
affairs and fraternal orders. Mr. Hough is a stanch
Republican, and in 1897 was appointed, by Presi-
dent McKinley, postmaster at East Lyme, and he
lias continued to hold that office. Fraternally he is
a Mason, being connected with Bay View Lodge
No. 120, F. & A. M., of Niantic ; is a member of
the Ancient Order of United Workmen, and the
Fraternal Helpers, both of Niantic.
On March 17, 1877, Mr. Hough married Ida J.,
daughter of the late William Grover, a most estim-
able lady, who with her husband enjoys the high re-
spect, deep esteem and unlimited confidence of
friends through New London county. The future
stretches very bright before these two, for there is
no doubt that Mr. Hough will be called upon to fill
offices much higher in the confidence of the people,
than those he has already accepted. Mr. Hough at-
tends the First Baptist Church, of East Lyme, of
which his wife is a member. Mrs. Hough is also a
member of the Ladies' Aid Society and the Mission-
ary Society, and takes an active part in religious
matters.
FRANK T. MAPLES, one of the prominent
and best known men of Norwich, Conn., is a repre-
sentative of an old New London county family and
the youngest and only surviving son of the vener-
able Capt. Charles Maples, a sketch of whom ap-
pears elsewhere.
Mr. Maples was born Feb. 6, 1857, in that sec-
tion of Norwich known as "Wawecus Hill," has
been a resident of the town since his birth, and has
long been prominently identified with public af-
fairs. He has been treasurer of the Puritan Spring
Company since 1896, is a member of St. James
Lodge, No. 23, F. & A. M., of the Norwich Board
of Trade, of the Gentlemen's Driving Club, and of
the Advisory Board of Norwich Home Chapter of
Kings Daughters.
On May 4, 1887, Mr. Maples was married to
Miss Emma F. Leach; they have one daughter,
Edna Josephine, born March 18, 1893.
Politically Mr. Maples is a Republican, and from
the casting of his first vote has been a stalwart sup-
porter of the principles and ideals of his party, hav-
ing long been recognized as one of its ablest and
most astute counselors and advisers in the entire
county. In his public and political life he has ex-
hibited the same integrity and devotion to high
ideals that have characterized his private life, and
this has given him the confidence of all classes with-
out regard to political preferences or affiliations in
a degree that might well be envied by any man.
This has been repeatedly evidenced by the desire of
his townsmen to retain him in various positions of
public trust for many years and the handsome ma-
jorities which he has always received at the polls.
No man in the county has served those whom he
represented with greater fidelity than has Mr.
Maples in the various official capacities held by him.
He has been a member of the board of school visitors
for the town of Norwich for many years and during
the past ten years has served as acting school visit-
or ; this is the most important and responsible posi-
f>
rr
(^r&st^flS is ■
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
3'7
tion in the gift of the board, carrying with it the di-
rect supervision of all the town schools, and the
degree of success in the results attained being large-
ly dependent upon the manner of its administration.
While engaged in the performance of the duties of
this office he has made a careful study of educational
methods, familiarizing himself with all that is new
and best in the progress of the science of education,
and acquiring a most creditable reputation for com-
petency in that particular line of work. Under his
watchful eye the standard in the town schools has
been gradually raised, so that within the past few
years a larger percentage of their graduates has been
successful in the examinations for the Norwich Free
Academy and other similar institutions than ever
before in their history ; this has been very pleasing
to the teachers, parents and children alike, and has
given him a well-earned popularity with all.
In 1903 he was elected to represent his native
town in the General Assembly and was House chair-
man of the committee on Education, where through
his influence largely were passed the popular meas-
ures known as "The Superintendency Bill," the bill
for the payment by the State of the transportation
of pupils to high schools and academies, and especi-
ally the bill giving additional State aid to small
towns. In his legislative career Mr. Maples has al-
ways been on the alert for the best interests of his
party and his constituents, never turning a deaf ear
to their demands upon his time or abilities, however
humble their station in life. He was particularly
active in the General Assembly of 1903 in procuring
the enactment of the legislation necessary to secure
the creation and location of a new State hospital for
the insane at Norwich ; this had long been a cher-
ished dream of the citizens of Norwich, but their
hopes came to naught with the close of each session
of the General Assembly until that of 1903, when,
through the tact and energy of Mr. Maples, ably
seconded by his colleagues, they saw them ripen into
fruition. In recognition of his valuable services in
this matter he was made a member of the board of
trustees of the new hospital at its incorporation,
and upon the formal organization of the board he
was elected its secretary, holding that office at this
time.
In November, 1904, he was again elected to the
General Assembly, receiving the largest plurality
of any local candidate. The ability which he dis-
played in the General Assembly of 1903, and his
standing as a member of the General Assembly of
1905, are best attested by his being made House
chairman of the committee on Appropriations, that
being the most important committee in that body,
dealing as it does with the entire financial life of the
State. In this position of responsibility he has shown
himself to be one of the strongest men of the pres-
ent Assembly and is daily rendering valuable service
to the State by his resolute defense of its treasury.
Ever mindful of the honor of his State and the duty
which it owes to its insane wards he is now endeav-
oring to still further relieve the distressing condi-
tions which have surrounded them by securing an
appropriation for the enlargement of the new hos-
pital for the insane at Norwich in such an amount
as will ensure ample accommodations for the proper
care and treatment of every dependent insane per-
son in the State.
Gifted with natural talent as an elocutionist,
which was first developed by practice, and later by
study in Vandenhoff's School of Elocution in New
York City, Mr. Maples has appeared as an enter-
tainer for many years with such success as to amply
warrant the devotion of his entire time to this line
of business if other interests permitted. He has
also received several flattering offers to enter the
professional ranks.
In church and Sabbath-school work Mr. Maples
has been very prominent; both he and his wife are
members of the Central Baptist Church, and in 1903
he organized the "Let Your Light So Shine" class,
one of the most unique church organizations in the
State. This class has an electrically illumined
motto embracing the class flower, the English vio-
let, the calyx of which is an incandescent lamp ;
hanging as it does over the class it has a very im-
pressive effect. Each member of the class is fur-
nished with a specially wrought class pin of the
chosen flower. They have their own secretary,
treasurer and visiting committee ; one-tenth of all
moneys received is kept as a reserve fund for class
work, and from their resources a Chinese student is
maintained in a missionary college in China. More
money is annually raised by them for charitable
purposes than by any other class in the school.
HON. HENRY W. KINGSLEY occupied a
prominent place in the business and political life of
Franklin, New London Co., Conn., for many years
prior to his death, and is still remembered with warm
affection and appreciation by the many who knew
this truly noble man.
The Kingsley family is of Scottish origin, and
the ancestors of Henry W. Kingsley were early
settlers and residents of southern Windham county.
Alpheus Kingsley, his grandfather, was a Revolu-
tionary soldier, and had the honor of serving under
Gen. Washington himself at Valley Forge. By
trade he was a mason, and quite successful in his
work. He died in 1856, aged ninety years. He
married Eunice Williams, a descendant of the Will-
iams family of Canterbury and Lebanon, and five
sons and five daughters were born of this union :
Betsey, Nancy, Sophia, Jason W., Joseph. Elihu M.,
Eunice, Alpheus, Clarissa and Simon, all of whom
married. The mother of this family died in 1840,
aged eighty years.
Jason W. Kingsley, father of Henry W., was a
farmer and mechanic, and became prominent in
town, church and social affairs. In politics he was
3i8
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
a Whig and later a Republican, and held all the im-
portant town offices. His death occurred in Novem-
ber, 1866, when he was seventy-seven years of age.
Jason W. Kingsley married Eunice Hartshorn,
daughter of Silas Hartshorn, and granddaughter of
Ebenezer Hartshorn, who lived to be ninety years of
age, and who was a magistrate until his death — a
most remarkable record; his decisions were never
reversed by a higher court. Airs. Eunice (Harts-
horn) Kingsley died Dec. 30, 1868, when she was
seventy-five years of age, and both she and her hus-
band were buried in the Franklin cemetery. The
following named children were born to them: (1)
Silas H. went South and there died. (2) Henry
W. is mentioned below. (3) Junius E. located in
Philadelphia, where he was engaged in the hotel
business as proprietor of the "Continental Hotel,"
became well-to-do, and was in that line of business
at the time of his death ; he married Anna Stewart,
and they had the following children : Annie, de-
ceased; Edward Fanning, who married Susan
Bowen and is now deceased ; William Thomas, de-
ceased ; and Fanny May, who married Charles M.
Whitcomb and has children — Kingsley Morti-
mer, Phylis and Miriam Gregory. (4) Charles A.
was a farmer of Franklin, where he died ; he mar-
ried Sarah Kingsbury, and their children were:
Jason, who died in infancy; Katherine Ray, who
died in infancy ; Albert Edward, who married Eliza-
beth Allen and has two children, Florence Belle and
Grace May ; Frederick Kingsbury, who married Ju-
lia Mullen and has four children, May, Jason Henry,
Frederick William and Majorie Howe; Mary Adele ;
and Jules C, deceased. (5) Julia died at the age of
three years. (6) Julia A. died in 1859, aged twenty-
two years.
Henry W. Kingsley was born April 9, 1820, in
Franklin, and received a good sound common-school
education in the schools of his native town. He also
had the advantage of attending the select school in
Franklin taught by Rev. Dr. Samuel Nott, and later
went to a select school at Norwich Town. During
the years he was laying the foundation for his future
usefulness he was also taught to work upon the farm,
and when a young man he often worked upon the
homestead, and for farmers by the day. His wages
when a boy, for a long day's work, ware twelve and
one-half cents per day. Until his marriage Mr.
Kingsley remained at home, but after that event he
moved to a farm in the southwestern part of the
town, on the town line between Franklin and Boz-
rah ; the line ran through the house. Here he re-
sided for five years and then moved to another farm
in that vicinity, where he made his home until 185 1,
when he purchased of Willet R. Wood, the farm a
short distance northeast of the Franklin Congrega-
tional Church, and there he made his home until
April, 1884. In that month he moved to Norwich
and bought the property at No. 94 Williams street,
where his remaining days were spent. At the time
he purchased his property in Franklin it was small
in extent, but he added to it from time to time until
he owned 200 acres. Being a thorough and capable
farmer, he made a success of his work, although he
commenced life with nothing but a pair of strong,
willing hands and the determination to triumph over
obstacles, no matter what they might be. By hard
work, strict economy, and wise and careful invest-
ments, he became one of the most prosperous farm-
ers of the town. After his removal to Norwich he
continued to conduct the farm until he disposed of
it, in the month of January preceding his death.
Until the very day of his demise Mr. Kingsley
remained active in business life. The end came very
suddenly, on July 11, 1902, at his home at Norwich.
He was buried in the cemetery at Franklin, where a
beautiful monument marks the resting-place of his
mortal remains. Politically he was first a Whig,
and later a stanch Republican, and rendered his
party yeoman's service. In 1858 he represented
Franklin in the Legislature, and in 1869 the Eighth
District in the State Senate. For fifteen years he
served on the board of selectmen of Franklin, — one
year longer than any other man who has held that
office. The greater portion of this time he was
chairman of the board, and at all times took a very
active part in all of the deliberations of the body,
setting his mark upon many admirable reforms and
improvements made during his long occupancy of
his chair. Mr. Kingsley was also justice of the
peace for many years, in fact until he had reached
the age after which he was exempted by law from
any further service, and served most admirably as
member and chairman of the board of school vis-
istors. During his residence in Norwich he was
called upon again to give the party his services, and
was in the common council for two years from the
Central District. He was well posted in the minor
points of law, settled many estates, acted as guar-
dian, and filled similar positions of trust and respon-
sibility with remarkable fidelity, integrity and ex-
cellent judgment.
Mr. Kingsley early became a member of the
Franklin Congregational Church, and served that
body very ably as treasurer. After locating at Nor-
wich he attended services at the Park Church. He
was a very kind-hearted, pleasant man, open-handed
and liberal. His advice was often sought on busi-
ness and other matters, and his opinions, although
never given unless asked for, were rarely ill-judged.
He was fair and strictly honest in all his dealings,
and a firm believer in and follower of the Golden
Rule. Besides a good estate, he left a name un-
sullied or untarnished.
On Feb. 15, 1843, Mn Kingsley was married to
Sarah E. Huntington, born Oct. 18, 1822, in Frank-
lin, daughter of Azariah and Lavinia (Greenslit)
Huntington, granddaughter of Azariah Hunting-
ton, Sr., and great-granddaughter of Barnabas Hun-
tington, whose ancestors were among the most
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
319
prominent citizens of Norwich and the State of
Connecticut. Mrs. Kingsley passed away at Norwich
April 10, 1896. The children of this marriage were
as follows: Henry H., born May 21, 1849; and
Silas H., born June 1, 185 1, who died in October,
1870, unmarried ; he was a carpenter, and a most ex-
cellent young man, whose memory is cherished by a
wide circle of friends.
Henry Huntington Kingsley, eldest child of
Hon. Henry W. Kingsley, was born in Franklin, in
the house that stands on the line between Franklin
and Bozrah, and attended the district schools and
the Xatchaug high school at Willimantic. He has
always devoted his attention to farm work, and is
a very successful farmer and a public-spirited citi-
zen. In politics he is a Republican, and while a resi-
dent of Franklin he served as a member of the
school board and as registrar of voters. He attends
the Park Congregational Church, and is active in its
good work.
Mr. Kingsley married Hattie N. Noyes, of Leb-
anon, and after her death he married Louise Tracy,
of Stonington, who bore him one son, Rogers Hunt-
ington, who died at the age of three months. After
the death of Mrs. Louise Kingsley Mr. Kingsley
married Mrs. Dorothy Saunders, of Norwich. His
home address is No. 94 Williams street, Norwich.
CHARLES S. BRIGGS, present representative
in the State Legislature from the town of Lebanon,
is one of the well-known farmers and dairymen of
his section. He descends from an old New England
family, one which is particularly numerous in Rhode
Island.
Palmer Briggs, his grandfather, resided in South
Kingston, R. I., and died there. He married Amy
W ilcox, whom he survived many years, marrying a
second time, and had children by both unions. The
children of his first marriage were : Charles Wil-
cox, father of Hon. Charles S. ; Palmer, who never
married, and died in Rhode Island ; and Stanton P.,
who became a dentist, married twice, and lived and
died at Bridgeton, New Jersey.
Charles Wilcox Briggs was born July 21, 1813,
at South Kingston, R. I., and lost his mother when
about ten years of age. He remained in South
Kingston and lived with his grandfather Wilcox un-
til April, 1830, when he came to Lebanon and was
employed on a farm by a Mr. Brown, in Exeter So-
ciety, with the understanding that he should have a
district school education. He continued to work on
various farms in Lebanon. On Feb. 8, 1843, nc
married, and thereafter operated rented farms in the
town until he purchased a farm on which he lived
about thirty-six years before his death. This farm
was formerly the Manning place, and here he made
many improvements in the way of draining, fencing
and erecting new buildings. For many years prior
to his purchase the farm had been in the hands of
renters who had spent little money on it. He was
very successful, for he was a hard worker and a
practical, sensible man, thoroughly understanding
the science of farming. Until within ten days of his
death he was actively engaged, a paralytic shock
preceding his demise, which occurred Dec. 1, 1898.
Jnis remains were interred in the west yard at Leb-
anon. His early political convictions made him a
Whig and later a Republican, but he was not always
neld by party ties, voting on some occasions for the
candidate he considered the best man for the posi-
tion. Personally he never desired public office.
About forty years before his death he united with
the Baptist Church in Lebanon and was a constant
student of the Bible and well versed in Biblical lore.
His wife had belonged to the church from girlhood
and all the children were reared in the same faith.
Mr. Briggs married Delia Frances Gager, who
was born March 19, 1822, at Franklin, Conn.,
daughter of Gordon and Amelia (Robinson) Gager.
A long life of married happiness ensued, of more
than a half century, and they celebrated their fiftieth
anniversary. Mrs. Briggs still resides on the home
farm, remarkably well preserved and in the full
possession of every faculty. Mr. Briggs was a man
whose integrity was never a matter of question, his
word being as good as his bond. In every relation
of life he proved himself an upright Christian, and
he reared a family which has always reflected credit
upon the parents and honor on the community.
The children of Charles Wilcox Briggs and wife
were as follows : Ellen Amelia, born April 12, 1845,
is the wife of Isaac G. Larkin, of Lebanon, and they
have had children — Nellie G. (deceased), Clara A.
( wife of John Francis Sherman, of Windham ) . War-
ren G. (deceased), Mary F., Annie C. and Helen B.
Henry Williams, born Jan. 1, 1847, married Emma
MacHattey, and is a farmer at Sanborn, Redwood
Co., Minn. ; they have children — Amy Adelaide and
Robert Warren. Frances Delia, born Jan. 15, 1849,
is the wife of Hon. Charles H. Loomis, of Lebanon,
whose sketch appears elsewhere. Charles Sylvester,
born March 29, 185 1, is mentioned below. Leroy
Stanton, born June 14, 1853, died Oct. 15, 1881.
Warren Palmer, born Oct. 12, 1855, occupies the
home farm and is unmarried. Mary Melinda, born
Sept. 6, 1858, is the wife of William P. Lillie, a
farmer in Lebanon, and the mother of these children
— William Leroy (a student at Brown University),
Charles P., Frederick B., Amos J., Amy A.. Walter
P., Robert T. and Alice E. Amy Adelaide, born
April 14, 1861, is the wife of John W. Barber, an
extensive farmer at Parnell, Kans., and they have
children — Fred S., Leslie S.. Harley M., Mary
Edith, Amy Louise, Herbert H. and Victor W. and
Vera J., twins. Jennie Roxanna. born Feb. 6. 1864,
married Charles Bronson, and died at Indianapolis,
Ind., Jan. 9, 1894, leaving one child, Walter Leroy.
The youngest member of the family, Annie Louise,
born April 12, 1867, is the wife of Addison M. Rock-
wood, of Lebanon.
320
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
Charles S. Briggs was born in the house he now
occupies, in which his parents had resided for a few
years previously. Until the age of eighteen he at-
tended the common district schools, and was reared
to farm work. He resided at home until his mar-
riage, after which he located on a rented farm in
Lebanon, which town has always been his home. In
1900 he purchased his present farm of Mrs. Shubael
Holmes, the property being locally known as the
Brown farm, a tract of 150 acres. One year later
he became comfortably settled here and has contin-
ued to make this place his residence, making im-
provements of a substantial nature ever since. Mr.
Briggs is engaged in general farming and is noted
for his practical methods and their success. He is
one of the leading citizens of his locality and has
served his town in many responsible positions. He
has given his services on the school board and as
road surveyor and at present is one of the board of
assessors. In politics he supports the Republican
party, and in 1903 was elected as its candidate to the
State Legislature, in which body he has ably served
on the Claims committee.
On March 18, 1873, Mr. Briggs married, in Leb-
anon, Elizabeth P. Nye, who was born in Kingston,
R. I., and while still young came to Lebanon with
her parents, Deacon and Elizabeth (Champlin) Nye.
Deacon Benjamin Nye was a member of the Con-
necticut Legislature in 1889, and was a highly re-
spected farmer in Lebanon. Children as follows
have come to this marriage : George Ernest, born
Feb. 9, 1874, is a graduate of Snell's Business Col-
lege, of Norwich, Conn., and of the State Normal
School at Willimantic, Conn., and is engaged in
teaching and farming in Lebanon ; he married Mary
Manning. Charles Henry, born July 1, 1879, mar-
ried Anna L. Bogue. Delia Louise was born May 7,
1883. Emily Elizabeth was born Aug. 6, 1885.
Leroy Stanton was born May 9, 1892.
Mr. Briggs is much interested in the Ancient
Order of United Workmen and belongs to Lebanon
Lodge, No. 23, and he is also a member of the Work-
men's Benefit Association, an auxiliary of the former
order. For a considerable period he has been one
of the directors of the Lebanon Creamery, his in-
terest in the raising of Jersey cows and extensive
dairying giving him more than usual interest in and
knowledge of creamery matters. He and his wife
and eldest son belong to the Baptist Church of Leb-
anon, in which Mrs. Briggs takes a very active in-
terest and in which Mr. Briggs has been the leader
of the choir for years. The family and all its con-
nections are prominent in this section.
CHARLES ERSKINE BRAYTON, M. D.,
one of the leading representatives of his profession
in Stonington, Conn., is a descendant in the eighth
generation from Francis Brayton, who was born in
England in 161 1 or 1612, and in 1643 became a resi-
dent of Portsmouth, Rhode Island.
From him the line is through (II) Francis,,
(III) Thomas, (IV)' Francis, (V) Benjamin, (VI)
George, (VII) Atwood Randall and (VIII) Dr.
Charles Erskine.
(VI) George Brayton, the grandfather of Dr.
Brayton, was born in 1786, and died at the early
age of thirty-five years, of pneumonia, at his home
in Johnston, R. I. He married Nancy Randall, a
descendant of Roger Williams, and after his death
she married a Mr. Carey and died a widow at the
age of sixty-seven years.
(VII) Atwood Randall Brayton was born Dec.
2, 1806, in Providence, R. I., and as he grew up, he
learned the trade of a mason, later becoming a con-
tractor and builder. In 1830 he settled in Stoning-
ton, and there did the stone work of the old Baptist
Church, the Congregational and the Episcopal
Churches, and many of the other buildings of that
time in Stonington. In 1840, he erected his own
dwelling, which was a very comfortable one, sub-
stantially built. Beginning life a poor boy, by
unceasing industry he accumulated a fortune,
and he lived retired from the time he was
seventy-seven until his death, when he was
eighty-four years and six months of age.
On Oct. 2, 1 83 1. he married Sally Maria
Davis, of North Stonington, born Jan. 25, 181 ir
daughter of Samuel and Lucy (Dewey) Davis.
Samuel Davis was a soldier in the Revolutionary
war, enlisting at the age of seventeen, and he par-
ticipated in the battles of Princeton and Trenton,
and was at Groton. His father, John Davis, was
the son of Peter, of Westerly, R. I., a noted preacher
of the Society of Friends, who went on a mission
to England. Samuel Davis died at the age of sixty-
eight years. The children born to Atwood Randall
and Sally Maria (Davis) Brayton were: Sarah,
who died in 1895 ; Atwood W., a mason and builder
of Stonington ; Frances Almira ; Harriet Adelaide ;
George E., a painter of Stonington ; Dr. Charles
Esrkine, and four who died in infancy.
(VIII) Dr. Charles Erskine Brayton was born
in Stonington, Conn., Feb. II, 185 1, and until he
reached the age of twelve years, was sent to private
and public schools. For the succeeding five years,
he was under the tutorship of Dr. David S. Hart,
of Stonington. For four summers he worked at his
father's trade, and at the age of eighteen years
taught school for one term, when he began the study
of medicine, with Dr. William Hyde, he having a
strong inclination toward that noble profession. In
1873 he was graduated from the Medical Depart-
ment of Columbia college, where he enjoyed the
especial advantage of being a private pupil of Prof.
Willard Parker. After graduation Dr. Brayton at
once began practicing in Stonington as assistant to
his old preceptor, Dr. Hyde, and upon the latter's
death, a few months later, Dr. Brayton succeeded to
the practice, remaining in the old office for seven
years.
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
321
In compliance with the demands of existing con-
ditions, in 1880, Dr. Brayton erected a large and
handsome building, on the first floor of which C. E.
Brayton & Co. have one of the best drug stores in
the town. On the same floor are the offices of Dr.
Brayton ; on the second floor are the dental parlors
of Dr. James H. Weeks, Jr., and the handsome hall
of the G. A. R. post, the Royal Arcanum, the A.
O. U. W., and other societies.
Both as a public man and a physician, Dr. Bray-
ton has been called upon to hold many positions of
trust and responsibility, and has never failed to
respond promptly to every call made upon him.
He has been president of the New London County
Medical Society; is a member of the State Medical
Society, of the American Medical Association, and
of the National Association of Railway Surgeons,
and has been health officer of the borough for six
years. He was chief of the railroad surgeons of the
New York, Providence & Boston Railroad for fif-
teen years. In politics he is a Democrat, and has
been burgess of the borough for a number of years.
Fraternally Dr. Brayton is a member of the Royal
Arcanum, and is past regent and life member of the
Grand Council of that order of Connecticut, and is
now grand vice-regent. Socially, he belongs to the
Sons of the Revolution, and takes a great interest
in the work of that organization, being naturally
proud of the record of his family. His religious
affiliations are with the Second Congregational
Church, and he is treasurer of the society, and chair-
man of the Society's committee.
Dr. Brayton is a man whose active mind is not
satisfied with present conditions. In his profes-
sion he is constantly studying, keeping himself well
in touch with the discoveries and theories of the day ;
politically, he is a natural leader, pushing on toward
civic perfection, while socially, he is the life of any
gathering. His work in the church is equally con-
sistent and effective, and there are few movements
carried to a successful termination in which Dr.
Brayton has not been the leading spirit. His prac-
tice is a very large one, and he has been eminently
successful in many very serious cases, and is in
great demand in consultation, the members of his
profession recognizing his skill and thorough knowl-
edge of every branch of the profession.
DOUGLAS P. AUCLAIR. druggist and notary
public at Jewett City, is well known in his profes-
sion throughout New London county, although he is
not a native of this section. Mr. Auclair was born
Oct. 31, 1 87 1, at St. George de Windsor, Pro-
vince of Quebec.
The Auclair family was one of the early settled
ones of Canada, its founders coming to the Do-
minion from France as early as 1600. Pierre Au-
clair, father of Douglas P.. was born at St. David,
Province of Quebec, in 1847, an(l was reared on a
farm. He married in that vicinity, and then re-
21
moved to St. George de Windsor, where he pur-
chased land and engaged in farming until after the
birth of our subject in 1S71, when he moved to
New England and located at Arctic, R. 1. There he
became an operator in the- mills, and so continued
until 1880, when he came to Connecticut and located
with his family at Montville, where he was employed
by the Uncasville Manufacturing Company until
1886, when he removed to Jewett City. In the
latter location he has remained for the past seventeen
years, living a quiet, peaceful life, a beloved member
of the home of his son, Douglas I'. lie is a mem-
ber of the Catholic Church. In politics he has sup-
ported the Republican party since coming to the
United States. Mr. Auclair married Merence Thi-
bault at St. David, Quebec, who died at Jewett City
in 1896, and was buried in the Catholic cemetery at
that place. She was deeply mourned as a good
woman, a faithful member of her church, and a de-
voted and self-sacrificing mother. A family of
eleven children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Auclair,
the survivors being: Virginia, Douglas P., Clara,
Orpha, Merinda and Lucy Anna.
Douglas P. Auclair was educated in the schools
at Arctic, R. I., and at the Montville Grammar
School. His inclinations led him to strive for an
academic and collegiate career, but his father's cir-
cumstances did not permit. He was, however, able
to take a business course at the Bryant & Stratton
Commercial College at Buffalo, N. Y., through the
correspondence method, and he was also thus pre-
pared for his life work, through the National Insti-
tute of Pharmacy at Chicago. At the age of eight-
een he entered a drug store at Jewett City to learn
the practical part of the business, and here he spent
ten years. In 1900 he passed a most brilliant ex-
amination before the commissioners of Pharmacy
of the State of Connecticut, his percentage being
among the best. That year he began business for
himself, and now has one of the best and most re-
liable drug stores in Jewett City. It is located in
the Auclair Block, a large building which he erected
in 1900. It is a very substantial structure, located
on School street, and is utilized for first-class stores
and comfortable dwellings. Mr. Auclair bought
also the old Taftville pharmacy, which he conducted
for some time, but sold in 1903. He will thus be
seen to be a man of enterprise and of progressive
ideas. He keeps fully abreast of the times, and
takes a deep and intelligent interest in all that con-
cerns Jewett City. He has shown his interest in
educational matters by his long connection with the
school board, and is always foremost in advocating
needed reforms. In politics he is an ardent Repub-
lican, and on account of his responsible character,
exerts a wide influence in party affairs. In [899 he
was appointed a notary public by Gov. Lounsbury,
a position he fills with careful attention. He is the
vice-president of the Republican club (^' Jewett
City, and is one of the three members of the probate
committee of the probate district of Norwich. He
Z22
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
is also a member of the Republican town committee.
His prominence is pronounced in fraternal organi-
zations, and he is the founder of the St. Louis So-
ciety of Jewett City, of which he was the first presi-
dent serving two years in that capacity. He is also
the founder of the Jacques Cartier Club, a dramatic
organization of Jewett City, and he also served as
the first president of this body. He is very popular
in all circles. .
At Jewett City, in 1898, Mr. Auclair was united
in marriage with Elizabeth Anna Lapointe, born at
Bozrah, Conn., daughter of James Lapointe. Mrs.
Auclair is a lady of refinement and of artistic taste
as well as business ability. For a considerable
period she has successfully conducted a millinery
business in this city, having a finely-appointed store
in the Auclair Block. Three boys compose the fam-
ily of Mr. and Mrs. Auclair, L. Randolph, born in
1900 ; Roland A., born in 1902 ; and Dorian D., born
in 1904. Both Mr. and Mrs. Auclair are valued
members of St. Mary's Church of Jewett City.
HON. CALVIN L. HARWOOD, ex-mayor of
Norwich, and senior member of the firm of Har-
wood, Bishop & Bidwell, who do the largest whole-
sale grocery business in eastern Connecticut, has
been prominent in that section of the State from
early manhood, and comes from a family which has
been established in New England from its earliest
history.
Calvin L. Harwood was born in Stafford June
24, 1844, son of Francis A. and Clarissa (Luther)
Harwood. After obtaining his primary education
in the public schools of his native town he attended
the academies at East Greenwich, R. I., and Wil-
braham, Mass. At the age of twenty-four he came
to Norwich, and after serving as bookkeeper for the
wholesale boot and shoe firm of Gurdon A. Jones
for two years, engaged in the wholesale grocery
business for himself as a member of the firm of
Lippitt & Harwood. After ten years of successful
business this firm dissolved, and was immediately
succeeded by that of Harwood & Co. Twelve years
later, on Jan. 1, 1893, the firm was again changed,
taking the present style of Harwood, Bishop & Bid-
well. This house is recognized ?s the largest whole-
sale grocery firm in eastern Connecticut, doing a
prosperous business in supplying the trade in this
section of the State. They occupy the whole build-
ing of three floors and a basement at No. 58 Water
street. Mr. Harwood has from the outset demon-
strated his eminent fitness for a business career,
and his abundant success is the most practical evi-
dence of his efficiency and ability. His standing
has been won by the fairest methods, and his posi-
tion is therefore unquestioned, for the greater part
of his active life has been passed in the community
in which he still makes his home.
Mr. Harwood is a stanch Republican, and in
1891 he was elected alderman; during his term he
served as chairman of the committee on Public
Grounds. In 1893 he was elected mayor of the city,
and served two terms — four years — overcoming a
Democratic majority, and receiving a gratifying plu-
rality. He gave the city a good business-like ad-
ministration, in keeping with his personal character-
istics and his success in his own affairs, and in-
creasing the esteem in which his fellow citizens held
him. Mr. Harwood is a thirty-second-degree Ma-
son, and is a member of Sphinx Temple, Mystic
Shrine, at Hartford. He is also a member of the
Ancient Order of United Workmen, and belongs to
the Arcanum Club.
On Sept. 26, 1865, Mr. Harwood married Nellie
A. White, of Hinsdale, N. Y., daughter of John C.
and Sarah B. (Potter) White, the former a native
of Northfield, Mass. This union has been blessed
with the following children: Clara E., born March
16, 1870, married G. B. Dolbeare, a bookkeeper in
the employ of the Norwich Savings Society, and has
one child, Harwood Burrows, born May 11, 1899;
Mary E., born May 29, 1877, died at the age of four-
teen months ; Francis C. and Alice W. (twins) were
born Aug. 27, 1879; the former, a bookkeeper in
the employ of the firm with which his father is con-
nected, married Mary I. Griswold, of New London,
and has one child, Percival Francis, born March 21,
1902 ; Alice W. died at the age of fourteen months.
REV. FREDERICK S. HYDE, pastor of the
Congregational Church at Groton, Conn., bears a
name that has long been known in New England.
Members of the family have held high positions as
servants of the State, and all have been honorable
useful citizens of the Commonwealth.
William Hyde, the progenitor of many of the
Connecticut Hydes, was of record in Hartford in
1636, of which place he was an original proprietor.
He probably accompanied Rev. Thomas Hooker
from England in 1633, and with him came to Con-
necticut. His name appears on the monument in
Hartford dedicated to the founders of the city.
Later he was of Saybrook and Norwich, being one
of the original thirty-five proprietors of the latter
place, which was settled in 1660. He was a man of
importance, and was frequently elected selectman.
He died there Jan. 6, 168 1. There is no record of
his wife's name, but his children were Samuel and
Hester.
Samuel Hyde, born in Hartford about 1637,
married in June, 1659, Jane Lee, of East Saybrook
(now Lyme), daughter of Thomas and Phoebe
(Brown) Lee, the former of whom died on the
voyage from England in 1641. Samuel Hyde was
one of the original proprietors of Norwich in 1660,
where he settled, and where he died in 1677. He
had lands assigned to him in Norwich -West Farm.
His children were Elizabeth (born in August, 1660,
and said to be the first white child born in the town),
Phoebe, Samuel, John, William, Thomas, Sarah
and Jabez.
John Hyde, son of Samuel, was born in Decern-
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
3^
ber, 1667, at Norwich, and married, in March, 1698,
Experience Abel, who was born in December, 1O74,
a daughter of Caleb and .Margaret (Post) Abel, of
Norwich. They settled in Norwich, where Mr.
Hyde was a farmer. In 17 19 he purchased a farm
at Wawecus Hill which long remained in the pos-
session of the family. He died in Norwich, July
26, 1727, and his wife survived him, dying Oct. 24,
1763. Their children were: *John, born Dec. 5,
1698; Experience, Sept. 7, 1700; Margaret, Aug. 16,
1702; Eleazer, Dec. 12, 1704; James, Feb. 28, 1711 ;
Esther, Feb. 16, 1709; Matthew, April 28, 171 1 ;
Lucy, April 16, 1713 ; and Deborah, Jan. 22, 1716.
Capt. James Hyde, son of John, born Feb. 28,
1707, in Norwich, married, Dec. 26, 1743, Sarah
Marshall, who was born April 12, 1720, in Norwich,
a daughter of Abiel and Abiah (Hough) Marshall,
of Norwich. Mr. Hyde was a shipmaster and set-
tled in Norwich, where both he and his wife died,
he April 24, 1793, and she on Nov. 3, 1773 ; both
were buried in the old Norwich town cemetery.
Their children were: Ebenezer, born Jan. 1, 1748;
Abial, Dec. 2y, 1749; James, July 17, 1752; Simeon,
Jan- 5. ^SS; Abiah, Oct. 16, 1757; Eliab, Sept. 17,
1760.
Capt. James Hyde (2), son of Capt. James, was
born July 17, 1752, in Norwich, and was married
April 5, 1774, to Martha Nevins, who was born in
1756, in Norwich, a daughter of and Mary
(Lathrop) Nevins, of Norwich. They lived in
Norwich, later settling in that part of the town
known as Bean Hill. Capt. Hyde was an officer in
the Revolution, and a local preacher of the Metho-
dist Episcopal Church. He died respected and es-
teemed by all good men, on April 9, 1809, and his
widow passed away in 1823. Their children were:
Erastus, born Feb. 7, 1775; Sarah, July 28, 1776;
James, Feb. 4, 1778; James (2), Nov. 24, 1780;
George M., Feb. 6, 1782; Simeon, May 26, 1784;
Edward, March 30, 1786; James Nevins, Jan. 24,
1788; Martha Nevins, Sept. 5, 1789; Elizabeth,
Sept. 7, 1791 ; Charles, May 26, 1793; Mary, Nov.
29, 1795; Charles (2), May 29, 1797.
James Nevins Hyde, son of James (2), born
Jan. 24, 1788, in Norwich, married Mary Good-
rich, of New York, whose parents were originally
from Norwich, Conn. Mr. Hyde was a merchant
and settled in'the city of New Orleans. Mrs. Hyde
died in the State of Mississippi, and he married
(second) Oct. 4, 1821, Mary Ann Thomas, who
was born March 18, 1797, in Norwich, a daughter
of Simeon and Lucretia (Deshon) Thomas. Mr.
Hyde died Sept. 24, 1838, in New Orleans, of yel-
low fever. His widow returned North, and lived in
Colchester, Conn. His children of the first mar-
riage were: Edward Goodrich (born Sept. 20.
181 1) and Emily G. His children born to the sec-
ond marriage were: Mary Anne, born Nov. 20.
1822; Clara Eliza, Feb. 12, 1825; James Thomas,
Jan. 28, 1827; John McGhee, Feb. 11, 1828; Marian,
July 13, 1830; Jane Lucretia, Feb. 5, 1K32; and
Simeon Thomas, July 6, 1834.
Edward Goodrich Hyde, son of James N. and
father of Rev. Frederick S., received his education
in the schools of Colchester, and on reaching man-
hood entered the mercantile business. Going to
New Orleans, he entered the firm of Hyde & Good-
rich, dealers in jewelry and fancy goods, and was
advancing rapidly along the road to prosperity when
the outbreak of the Civil war made the South an
undesirable place of residence for those born north
of Mason and Dixon's line. He went to New York
City, where he became identified with Schuyler,
Hartley & Graham. His death occurred in Bayonne,
N. J., in 1888. His first wife, Hannah Huntington
Thomas, whom he married Nov. 9, 1836, bore him
two daughters and two sons: Anne Louisa, born
Dec. 23, 1837; J. Nevins, June 21, 1840; Emma
Gertrude, Aug. 3, 1843; an(l Edward H., Oct. 20,
1845. His second wife, Sarah Wade Lord, whom
he married Sept. 3, 1847, and who was born Feb.
24, 1826, in Lyme, Conn., became the mother of the
following children: Edward Selden, of Bayonne,
N. J., born Jan. 12, 1856, is with the United Fruit
Co., at New York City; Albert Gillette, born Aug.
10, 1853, is engaged in literary work at Cambridge,
England ; Emily Goodman, who was born Aug. 6,
1848, married William S. Brockway, of Wellsville,
Kans. ; Henry Thomas is in the shoe business in
Kansas ; William Lord is of Groton, Conn. ; Fred-
erick Smith is mentioned below ; Frederika is a
kindergarten teacher, in Brooklyn, New York.
Rev. Frederick Smith Hyde was born in Lyme,
Conn., Oct. 3, 1866. He attended first the schools
in Bayonne, N. J., and at the age of fourteen he
spent one year in the high school at Manchester,
N. H. His preparation for college was made under
the able tuition of Rev. Dr. E. F. Burr, of Lyme,
with whom he remained for three years. He en-
tered Amherst College, from which he graduated in
1888, with the degree of A. B. For four years he
taught English and Literature at the Syrian Prot-
estant College at Beirut, Syria. In 1892 he attended
Union Theological Seminary, New York City, grad-
uating with the class of 1894. Almost coincident
with his graduation came his call to the pastorate
of the Groton Congregational Church, which he ac-
cepted, and which he still continues to fill. He has
been eminently successful. His natural oratorical
gifts are supplemented by perfect sincerity of faith,
and a conscientious regard for his duty as a min-
ister of the Gospel. He is ever ready to answer
any call to aid those in trouble, and his own cheer-
ful disposition and ready sympathy have lightened
nian\' heartaches. He has been director oi the music
of the church during the whole of his pastorate.
On Oct. 16, 1902, was dedicated the fourth build-
ing of this church. It is a beautiful stone edifice,
costing S_'5,ooo, and is a sourer of great pride not
only to its members, but to the whole town. The
324
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
deacons are: Thomas Miner, Thomas Avery and
Capt. J. L. Randall; Sunday-school superintendent,
Charles E. White; clerk and treasurer, M. M.
Baker. When the church was erected the trustees
were: Eugene Baker, Frederic Bill and Capt.
Thomas Hamilton. The present trustees are:
Eugene Baker, Capt. Thomas Hamilton and Pierre
L. Schellens. In the beginning they started to
raise $10,000, and on accomplishing that they added
$5,000, and when they received $4,000 more they
determined to have a $25,000 church, Morton F.
Plant paying the other $6,000. The membership
is about 200.
On July 19, 1894, Rev. Mr. Hyde was married,
at Lincoln,' Tenn., to Miss Matilda Strang, who was
born in Cairo, Egypt, a daughter of David Strang,
a missionary at the United Presbyterian Mission
there. She,' too, had been engaged in Cairo as a
missionary. To this union have come two chil-
dren, twins, Dorothea and Herman, born March
15, 1898. In all his work Rev. Mr. Hyde finds an
enthusiastic helper in his noble wife, whose winning
personality and high attainments have been of in-
estimable service for the good of those who have
been privileged to come under their influence.
JOHN FORSYTH, one of the public-spirited
and leading citizens of Mystic, was born in Old
Mystic, Conn., Jan. 2j, 1836, a son of Capt. Peter
Forsyth.
Capt. Peter Forsyth was born in Ledyard, and
there spent his boyhood days. During his early
life he engaged in farming, but after removing from
Ledyard he engaged in shoemaking for a few years,
and then settled at Mystic, and worked in the
Greenman shipyard. Still later he started a yard
of his own, two years afterward selling the lease
to Charles Mallory. He built vessels and went to
sea in them himself. After making a voyage in a
vessel he would sell it, return home and build an-
other, but after selling his yard he retired from
active business. In addition to his other interests
Peter Forsyth took great pleasure in fishing, and
he was never idle. He died of rheumatism, when
eighty-three years of age. For some years he
served very efficiently as postmaster at Mystic, and
was a stanch Democrat, wielding considerable in-
fluence in his locality.
The Captain was married in Stonington to
Thankful Hinckley Chesebro, who was born in Led-
yard, Conn., and who died March 22, 1870. They
became the parents of children as follows : Pru-
dence Mary, of Groton, Conn., married Giles J.
Wolfe; Lydia Amelia (deceased) married Charles
E. Chase ; John is mentioned below ; Thomas C,
a retired sea captain, lives in Mystic; Jennie (de-
ceased) married Charles W. Clift and resided at
Mystic, but died at Stockbridge, Mass., where she
had gone for her health ; William H. is a member
of the United States secret service, located at Dal-
las, Texas ; Hannah B., Frances Elizabeth and El-
len lived to adult age ; Courtland, Charles X. and
Edwin died young.
John Forsyth spent his boyhood days in Mystic,
and learned shipbuilding with Mason C. Hill, in the
Mallory yard. He also learned draughting with
him and was succeeding finely when the war broke
out, and went to Cincinnati as assistant superin-
tendent with Mr. Hjll, who had charge of the build-
ing of two monitors, the "Oneota" and the "Ca-
tawba," at the Niles Works. These vessels were
later sold to the Peruvian government. Mr. For-
syth remained there for nineteen months. Return-
ing to Mystic, he went to work for Hill & Grin-
nell, remaining with them for a time, when he
opened a provision and grocery store which he con-
ducted until 1887, and then accepted the position
of superintendent of building barges and towboats
for the Thames Towboat Co., at New London. In
June, 1900, when the Riverside shipyard was estab-
lished, Mr. Forsyth had charge of the construction
of the entire plant and appliances, all of which were
made in accordance with his plans. He was super-
intendent of the Riverside Shipyard and Marine
Railways until Jan. 1, 1905, when he resigned the
position. He has superintended the building of
vessels in Bath, Maine, and dry docks in Erie Basin,
although he has always been a legal resident of
Stonington.
Mr. Forsyth married Annie Maria Crandall, an
adopted daughter of Mason C. Hill, and they be-
came the parents of children as follows : Antonette
May died at the age of twenty-one years ; Kate
Mercer married Ira F. Noyes, of Mystic, and their
children are John Forsyth and Robert Angell.
Mr. Forsyth is a member of Charity and Re-
lief Lodge, A. F. & A. M., Benevolence Chapter
and Mystic Council, of the Order of United Ameri-
can Mechanics, and of the Royal Arcanum.
He is a man widely known and universally re-
spected, both as a private citizen and as a business
man. Politically he is a Democrat, and although
in Stonington the Republicans at that time were in
the majority he represented the town one term in
the Legislature, in 1874. He was a member of the
committee on Roads and Bridges. He has served
two terms as member of the board of selectmen,
and has held office as assessor and district school
committee man.
THEODORE BODEXWEIX. The career of
Theodore Bodenwein, proprietor of the New Lon-
don Day and Morning Telegraph, is a striking ex-
ample of the possibilities of American citizenship.
Born in Dusseldorf, Prussia, in 1864, he came to
this country at the age of five, the child of German
parents in humble circumstances. He got his edu-
cation in a country school in Groton. At an
earlv age he showed an aptitude for the
printer's trade, and in 1881 he became an
apprentice in the office of the New London Day.
He passed through the different branches
^H
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'^'}« ^^^^^^^^H
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
325
of the business and from close application and ob-
servation obtained a practical knowledge of the
newspaper business. By constant application he
became a ready and forceful writer. In 1885 he
became one of the founders of the Morning Tele-
graph, which succeeded the old Evenvng Telegraph,
whose eloquent mouth was closed by the sheriff. He
remained with the Telegraph in various capacities
for five years. Then he disposed of his interest. In
September, 189 1, he purchased the New London
Day, that had been founded by Major John A. Tib-
bets, a well known writer and politician. The Day
had been leading a checkered career for ten years
and was heavily encumbered with debt. The new
proprietor quietly brought order out of chaos, show-
ing rare executive ability, and the paper was put
almost at once on a paying basis. Its growth in
circulation and influence was remarkable. When he
succeeded to the business in 1891, the circulation of
the Day was not over 1,500. To-day (1905) it ex-
ceeds the 6,000 mark, which means one paper to
every six inhabitants in its field, which includes the
lower part of New London county. In the first ten
years Mr. Bodemvein bought four newspaper
presses, discarding one after the other to accommo-
date the growing demands of his business. To-day,
he has one of the finest equipped, newspaper plants
in Connecticut. The Day establishment is one of
the prominent institutions of New London on ac-
count of the magnitude of its operations. In Jan-
uary, 1901, he bought the Morning Telegraph. His
experiment of issuing both morning and evening
paper from the same office seems to have met with
success, as both papers are better and more pros-
perous than ever before. The Day is Republican in
politics, while the Telegraph is independent.
Mr. Bodemvein was married, Feb. 21, 1889, to
Miss Jennie Muir. He has two children, Gordon
(aged twelve) and Elizabeth (aged nine). He is a
member of numerous clubs and societies. In poli-
tics he is a Republican. He served as alderman in
the New London Court of Common Council and as
Sewer Commissioner of the city, 1903-06. In 1904
he was unanimously nominated by the Republican
State Convention for Secretary of State and had the
pleasure of being elected by over 37,000 plurality,
leading his State ticket, and only 814 votes behind
the vote for President Roosevelt.
ANDREW H. BREED, a highly respected citi-
zen of Norwich, descends from sturdy New Eng-
land ancestry reaching back to the early Colonial
period. His paternal grandparents were Roswell
and Sarah Ann (Hancox) Breed, of Stonington,
Conn. The forerunner of the Breed family there
was John Breed, a son of Allen Breed (2), and a
grandson of Allen Breed, the progenitor of the Ston-
ington and Norwich Breeds.
Allen Breed appears of record at Lynn. Mass.,
in 1630. John Breed, a grandson of the Lynn set-
tler, appears of record in Stonington as early as
1690, the year in which he united with the Church
there.
John Breed, great-grandfather of Andrew II.,
was married in December, 1773, to Grace Palmer.
He resided in Stonington.
Roswell Breed, grandfather of Andrew II.. was
born June 5, 1776, and died July 20, 1844. He re-
sided in what is known as Breedtown, in Stoning-
ton, Conn., so named because of the numerous mem-
bers of the family that once resided there. He was
first married, Nov. I, 1801, to Sarah (or Sally) Ann
Hancox, who died March 14, 1817, aged forty years.
On Jan. 11, 1818, he married (second) Priscilla
Chesebrough, who died April 3, 1857, aged seventy-
three years. The children by the first marriage
were as follows: (1) William H., born Nov. 18,
1813, was married first to Mary E. Washington,
and second to Mary E. Bugbee, who survives him
with one son, William A. William H. was a black-
smith by trade, and died in Norwich. (2) Edward,
born Dec. 29, 1814, is mentioned below. By the
second union there were five children : ( 1 ) Ros-
well P., born May 5, 1819, died May 9, 1848. (2)
Thomas A., born Dec. 18, 1820, died in early life.
(3) Sally Ann, born April 19, 1822, died the same
day. (4) Caroline, born April 9, 1824, married
John Washington, whom she survived for a num-
ber of years, and died in Norwich in April, 1903.
(5) Prudence Augusta, born Nov. 6, 1826, died
April 9, 1900, in Norwich, unmarried.
Edward Breed, father of Andrew H., was born
Dec. 29, 1814, in Stonington, Conn., and his boy-
hood days were spent there. He received only a dis-
trict school education, and when a young man came
to Norwich and apprenticed himself to learn the
carpenter's trade. He resided in Norwich the rest
of his days, and for many years was in the employ
of Leander Griswold, a well known builder of Nor-
wich. He died Feb. 20, 1886, his death being due
to an accident received while at work some time
previous. He was a quiet, hard-working man,
thoroughly honest and reliable in all his dealings,
and one who commanded the utmost respect from
all who knew him. Politically he was a Whig,
later a Republican, but he never cared for public
offices. Mr. Breed was a member of the Baptist
Church, was active in its affairs, and for many years
sang in the choir.
On April 14, 1842, Mr. Breed married, in Nor-
wich, Harriet Lee Hebard, born May 20. 1815,
daughter of Gurdon and Irena (Frink) Hebard,
who were married Nov. 27, 1796. Mrs. Breed, who
was a most estimable lady, survived her husband,
and died at the home of her daughter, Mrs. Henry
H. Gallup, Feb. 3. 1888. Mr. and Mrs. Breed
had the following children: (1) Sarah, born Feb.
13, 1843. (liccl Feb- *&, l843- (2) Frederick, born
Jan. 26, 1844, died Jan. 29, 1844. (3) Charles E.,
born Sept. 19. 1845. was attending the Norwich
Free Academy, when he enlisted in the United
States Navy for service in the Civil war, and while
326
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
in the service he contracted consumption, and died
on April 17, 1865, at his home. (4) Harriet Irena,
born Sept. 19, 1847, is the wife of Hon. Henry H.
Gallup, of Norwich, a sketch of whom appears else-
where. (5) Andrew H., born July 18, 1849, is men-
tioned below. (6) Roswell A., born Feb. 2, 1852,
is president of the Norwich Belting Company, and
manager of their branch store at Chicago, 111. (7)
Herbert F., born April 11, 1858, died Dec. 9, 1858.
(8) Fannie M., born March 7, i860, died July 14.
1875-
Andrew H. Breed was born in the house he
now occupies. He attended common school until
the age of eighteen years, and then shipped on the
"City of Norwich," which ran between Norwich
and New York. After running on this boat for
five years he was advanced to the post of assistant
engineer, and was transferred to the steamer "City
of Lawrence," continuing in that capacity for seven
years, spending altogether twelve years on the Nor-
wich line. After leaving the water he was for two
years employed in the works of Thomas Drum-
mond, at Thamesville, and then entered the em-
ploy of the Norwich Belt Company, in their tan-
nery at Greeneville, and for six years had charge of
the machinery there. He next accepted the posi-
tion of chief engineer on the vessel "Julia," which ran
between Mystic, Fisher's Island and New London,
and on which he remained a year. Coming to Nor-
wich, in company with Joseph P. Monaher, he es-
tablished a plumbing, steam and gasfitting business
at No. 61 West Main street, under the name of
Monaher & Breed. The partnership continued un-
til March, 1903, when Mr. Breed bought his part-
ner's interest, and he is now the sole owner. Mr.
Breed is a Republican, politically, and he served
two years in the common council. He is chairman
of the school board of the West Chelsea district.
Fraternally he holds membership in Somerset
Lodge, No. 34, F. & A. M. ; Franklin Chapter, No.
4, R. A. M. ; Franklin Council, No. 3, R. & S. M. ;
Columbian Commandery, No. 4, Knights Templar ;
and Sphinx Temple, Mystic Shrine. In Scottish
Rite Masonry he is a member of Connecticut Sov-
ereign Consistory, 32d degree. He also affiliates
with the Odd Fellows, uniting with Uncas Lodge,
No. 11, I. O. O. F., of which he is past noble grand,
and with Palmyra Encampment, No. 3 ; and also
belongs to the Royal Arcanum. He and his family
are members of the Second Congregational Church.
On Sept. 23, 1874, Mr. Breed was married to
Hannah E. Sweet, who was born Feb. 9, 1856, in
Franklin, Conn., daughter of Dr. Stephen and
Phcebe (Heath) Hiding Sweet. They have had
born four children: (1) Ellen Miner died in in-
fancy. (2) An infant son lived one day. (3) Har-
riet Ella was born Nov. 6, 1879. (4) Edward Almy
was born June 21, 1881.
Mr. Breed's maternal lineage is from (I) Rob-
ert Hebard (Hibbard, etc.), a native of Salisburv,
England, baptized March 13, 1613, who married
there Joan or Joanna, and with his wife came to
America between 1635 and 1639. They settled at
Salem, Mass. Mr. Hebbard and wife, according to
Savage, were admitted to the Salem Church May
17, 1646, and there had children baptized: Mary,.
Nov. 27, 1641 ; John, Jan. 24, 1643 '> Sarah, Sept.
26, 1644; Joseph and Robert, May 7, 1648; Joanna,
March 9, 1651 ; Elizabeth, May 1, 1653; Abigail,
April 5, 1655 ; and Samuel, June 20, 1658.
(II) Robert Hebard (2), born in that part of
Salem now Veverly, Mass., was baptized (according
to family genealogy) May 7, 1648. He married
Mary Walden, of Wenham, Mass., and settled in
that town. In 1694 he united with the Church there,
and in 1700 he removed with his family to Wind-
ham, Conn., where he and his wife died April 29,.
1710, and March 7, 1736, respectively. Their chil-
dren, all born in Wenham, were: Mary, born Aug.
18, 1674; Robert, born July 8, 1676; Joseph, born
May 15, 1678; Nathaniel, born in 1680; Ebenezer,
baptized in 1683; Martha, born in 1684; Josiah,
born in 1686; Hannah, born in 169 1 ; Sarah, born
in 1694; Abigail, born in 1696; and Lydia,
born in 1699. Of these children Robert and
Joseph settled in Windham, probably two-
years or more previous to their father's re-
moval thither. At a meeting held in Windham
Dec. 10, 1700, a church society was organized, and
the father and two of his sons attended it. They as-
sisted in erecting the first church building in the
town. The father is referred to in the records as
one of the proprietors of Windham.
(III) Sergeant Nathaniel Hebard, born in 1680,
in Wenham, Mass., married April 16, 1702, Sarah
Crane. Mr. Hebard removed to Windham with his
father in the fall of 1700, the father purchasing land
on either side of Beaver brook, in Christian street.
Nathaniel was a corporal, and served in an expedi-
tion against Canada. His death occurred in April,
1725. Children: Nathaniel, born Jan. 3, 1703;
Samuel, July 21, 1704; Anna, born May 30, 1705;
Deborah, May 28, 1707; Nathaniel (2); Jonathan,
Oct. 23, 1709; Paul, March 4, 1712; Zebulon, Feb.
20, 1714; Sarah, June 27, 1717; Elisha, Dec. 11,
1719; and Gideon, May, 1721.
(IV) Paul Hebard, born March 4, 1712, in
Windham, Conn., married (first) Jan. 6, 1735-36,
Deborah Lawrence, or Mary, daughter of Samitef
Webb (former is according to Weaver), and (sec-
ond) April 30, 1741, Martha, daughter of Amos
Dodge. In 1760 Mr. Hebard was elected consta-
ble and collector. He was also granted a tavern li-
cense. For several years he was deputy sheriff of
Windham county. For a short period he lived in
Norwich, where his eldest child was born. The
others were born in Windham. His children were
as follows: Elijah, born April 29, 1737; Nathan-
iel, Jan. 18, 1741-42; Mary, Nov. 15, 1743: Jona-
than, April 24, 1746; Ozias, June 6, 1749; Alimaazv
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
3-V
July 20, 1752; Alimaaz (2), May 31, 1759; and
Ozias, Dec. I, 1763. The father died Jan. 12, 1791,
and the mother Oct. 22, 1801.
(V) Nathaniel Hehard, born Jan. 18, 1741-42,
in Windham, married, in 1770, Mary, daughter of
Joseph Abbe, of Windham. Mr. Hebard died May
30, 1803, and Mrs. Hebard passed away in 1804.
Their children were: Gurdon, born Oct. 29, 1770;
Augustus, February, 1772; Oliver, 1773; Shubael,
June 9, 1775; and Nathaniel, July 15, 1781.
(VI) Gurdon Hebard, born Oct. 29, 1770, in
Windham, married, Nov. 27, 1796, Irena Frink,
and resided in Windham and in Norwich, Conn. He
was a wheelwright by occupation. All excepting
the eldest of his children were born in Norwich.
They were as follows : Andrew, born Dec. 31, 1797 ;
John, Feb. 6, 1801 ; Mary A., Jan. 12, 1803 ; Oliver
E., April 4, 1805; Lydia, May 19, 1808; George,
May 30, 1810; Fanny, April 22, 1812; and Harriet
Lee, May 20, 1815 (married Edward Breed). The
father was killed by a fall from the doorway of a
mill at Bean Hill Dec. 17, 1829. The mother died
Dec. 24, 1856. She was born May 19, 1775, daugh-
ter of Andrew and Lydia (Sawyer) Frink, who
were married Oct. 9, 1770. Andrew Frink was
born Jan. 23, 1749, son of Andrew and Jerusha
(Rudd) Frink.
Mrs. Andrew Breed descends from one of the
famous families of New England. The members
of the Sweet family have acquired a wide reputa-
tion as bone-setters, and a history of the family ap-
pears elsewhere. She is one of six children born
to the third marriage of Dr. Stephen Sweet as fol-
lows: (1) James D., born April 29, 1851, died
April 20, 1879, was a bone-setter and practiced in
New Haven. (2) Ella L., born Aug. 9, 1852, wife
of Anson Maynard of Norwich. (3) John Byron,
May 16, 1854, married (first) Elizabeth Rogers,
and (second) Mary Lord. He is a bone-setter and
resides in Jewett City. Two children were born to
his first marriage, Benoni and Elizabeth. (4)
Hannah E., born Feb. 9, 1856, became Mrs. Breed.
(5) Phoebe Estella, born April 28, 1859, is the wife
of James Perkins of Norwich, and has two children,
Annabelle and Clarence. (6) Clara I., born Dec.
11, 1 86 1, is the wife of Capt. Henry Phelps, and re-
sides at Uncasville. Mrs. Sweet passed away March
26, 1862, in her thirty-sixth year. Dr. Sweet died
March 21, 1874, aged seventy-six years.
SWEET. This family is a famous one in the
New England States, and undoubtedly the most
noted one in one particular line in this country. As
far back as their authentic history can be obtained,
and from tradition, leading us still farther, we find
that they have always been accredited with ability
in an eminent degree for bone-setting, though un-
educated in any department of surgery, and as we
follow along down the genealogical line we find
members of the family that have become especially
prominent in the practice of this art.
The Sweet family of Rhode Island, of which
the Connecticut family is a branch, has been espe-
cially distinguished through their more than 250
years of residence there as natural bone-setters, in
which art many of the posterity of the emigrant set-
tler in various parts of the country have become emi-
nent.
Austin, in his Genealogical Dictionary of Rhode
Island, gives John Sweet as a settler as early as
1632, locating him at Salem and Providence, and as
dying in 1637. He gives his wife's name as Mary.
Job Sweet, of New Bedford, Mass., who furnished
the data of the Sweet family given in the little work
on the Robinson, Hazard and Sweet families, fol-
lows Savage, and makes the emigrant ancestor
James Sweet, a son of Isaac and Mary, the former
likely having died previously to the emigration of
Mary and her sons, John and James. James Sweet,
of Wales, the recognized ancestor of this branch,
came to New England in 1630, was of Salem,
Mass., in 1631, an inhabitant of Warwick, R. I., in
1638, and later of King's Town. He settled near
Ridge Hill, in North Kingston, R. I. He married
Mary, daughter of John and Joan (Tattersall)
Greene, and died in 1695. He had children : James,
Mary, Benoni, Valentine, Samuel, Jeremiah, Re-
newed and Sylvester, all born in North Kingston
between 1655 an^ ID74- From this James Sweet,
the Lebanon, Conn., Sweets are descended through
Benoni Sweet (2), he being a descendant in the fifth
generation from James, and his line is through Be-
noni, James (2) and Job Sweet.
(II) Benoni Sweet, born Nov. 28, 1663, mar-
ried Elizabeth Sweet, and they had children : James,
Margaret, Benoni, Mary, Elizabeth and Thomas,
all born between 1688 and 1703, and in North
Kingston. Benoni Sweet, the father, was a cap-
tain in the British service, and was a well-informed
man. He gained celebrity as a natural bone-setter,
and was styled "Doctor," but practiced only in re-
storing dislocations. He was a regular communicant
of the church, and officiated as vestryman until the
time of his death, July 19, T75 T.
(III) James Sweet (2), born June 28. r688,
married Mary Sweet, and they had children: Be-
noni, Eben, Mary, James, Elisha, Freelove, Job,
Elizabeth and Margaret.
(IV) Job Sweet, born Dec. t, 1724. married
July 5, 1750, in South Kingston. Jemima Sherman,
and had children : Rufus, Jeremiah, Gideon, James,
Benoni, Jonathan, Margaret, Lydia, Hannah and
Sarah, all born between 1753 and' 1774. Job Sweet
early in life removed to South Kingston. He at-
tained eminence as a natural bone-setter, and dur-
ing the war of the Revolution was called to New-
port to set dislocated bones for the French officers.
After the war. at the solicitation of Col. Burr, aft-
erward Vice-President, he went to New York to
set a dislocated hip of Burr's daughter.
(V) Benoni Sweet (2), born Oct. 7. 1760, died
Aug. 26, 1840. He had for a few years followed in
328
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
the footsteps of his father, but removing to Leba-
non, Conn., in 1793, he determined not to practice
bone-setting any more, but to give his whole atten-
tion to farming. This resolution, however, he was
unable to carry out, for a dislocated shoulder in his
own neighborhood, which baffled the surgeons,
forced him again into the practice of this, his legiti-
mate calling, which he never afterward abandoned
during his active life. On March 31, 1791, in
Kingston, R. L, Benoni Sweet married Sarah
Champlin, who was born June 6, 1769, and died
Nov. 17, 1833. Their children, all save the eldest
born in Lebanon, were as follows: (1) Susannah,
born Feb. 16, 1792, died Sept. 12, 1862; (2) Thomas
B., born July 14, 1794, died Sept. 17, 1813. (3)
Benoni, born July 20, 1796, died Sept. 5, 1844; he
practiced bone-setting in Guilford, Conn. ; he was
the grandfather of Alfred N. Sweet, of Middle-
town, Conn. (4) Stephen, born March 30, 1798,
was four times married and died March 21, 1874;
he was located at Franklin, Conn., where he prac-
ticed bone-setting. (5) Sarah, born March 20,
1800, died in May, 1857 ; she practiced bone-set-
ting for a time in Willimantic, Conn. (6) Mary,
born Nov. 19, 1802, died Nov. 28, 1872. (7)
Lydia, born Jan. 30, 1805, died Jan. 23, 1856. (8)
Hannah, born Feb. 7, 1807, died Feb. 20, 1887. (9)
Lucy, born Oct. 15, 1809, died Sept. 22, 1883. (10)
Charles is mentioned below.
Dr. Charles Sweet was born Dec. 3, 1810, and
died in Lebanon Dec. 22, 1896. The History of
New London County, published in 1882, says of
him: "He commenced the practice of bone-setting
as young as sixteen years of age, and for nearly for-
ty years he maintained offices in Hartford and New
London, Conn., and at Springfield, Mass., each of
which he visited one day of each month, successful-
ly treating all kinds of bone dislocations, fractures
and diseases. The greater part of his time was de-
voted to these things, in which he manifested an in-
tuitive perception truly surprising. In the inter-
vals he carried on farming to some extent, more for
a pastime than for pecuniary profit."
On March 17, 1834, Dr. Sweet married Eliza W.
Throop, of Lebanon, daughter of Joseph and Polly
(Clark) Throop, and granddaughter of Joseph
Throop, a Revolutionary soldier. Mrs. Eliza W.
Sweet died Feb. 14, i860. Of their children: (1)
Sophia, born March 18, 1835, died March 29, 1898,
in Lebanon. She married E. Alonzo Stiles, a den-
tist, and they had three children — Charles Edmund,
who died in infancy ; Ella Maria, wife of William
Blanchard, of Lebanon, where she resides ; and
Eliza, who married Erwin Hewitt, and resides in
Lebanon. (2) Sarah E., born April 7, 1837, died
in March, 1886, in Gainesville, Fla., where she re-
sided for her health. She married Jeremiah Bill, of
Willimantic, Conn. ; they had no children. (3) Ma-
ria F., born Nov. 28, 1838, married Luther C. Bar-
ker, who died, and she is now the wife of Nathaniel
C. Barker, of Lebanon, a brother of her first hus-
band. (4) Marietta, born Oct. 24, 1840, died Sept.
9, 1893. She was the first wife of Nathaniel C.
Barker, of Lebanon. (5) Charles, Jr., born Jan.
1, 1845, died Oct. 18, 1893. He was associated
with his father in Lebanon. His first wife, Nellie
(Payne), died, leaving one child, Arthur P., who
married Eudora Spencer, and resides in South
Windham. Charles Sweet, for his second wife,
married Mary E. Manning, and they had nine chil-
dren— Edith S., now the wife of Dr. Norman
Drake, of Stonington ; Herbert W., who married
Katherine Hanson, and has two children, Ruby and
Charles H. ; Edward P., who died when nine years
old, a very bright boy ; Leon M. ; Henry R. ; Harold,
who died aged sixteen years ; Ruby E., who died
aged seven years ; Wallace N. ; and Clifton W. (6)
J. Henry T., born Nov. 4, 1848, attended the schools
of Lebanon, and the Bowles School, at Ellington.
In early life he assisted his father in the work. In
November, 1874, he opened an office in Hartford,
where he has since resided. His certificate to prac-
tice "surgery and medicine connected therewith,"
was granted by the State Medical Board in New
Haven, of which Dr. Lindsay was president. He
has a wide practice, extending at present over New
London, Litchfield, Windham and Hartford coun-
ties. He married Sallie J. Boyd, and they have had
four children — Jennie E., who married Karl Bishop,
and has one son, Richard Sweet ; Nellie P. ; Lucy ;
and John Henry T., Jr.
Dr. Charles Sweet for his second wife married
Sarah Elizabeth Williams, of Mystic, Conn., and
by this marriage had three children : ( 1 ) Bessie,
born Nov. 28, 1869, died Jan. 10, 1870. (2) Fred-
erick Benoni, born Oct. 7, 1870, graduated at Yale
Medical School in the class of 1893, and is now lo-
cated at Springfield, Mass. He married Adeline
S. Johnson, of New Haven, Conn. (3) George H.,
born June 3, 1875, died June 25, 1894. The mother
of these children died July 2, 1879, after a married
life of nearly nineteen years. Dr. Sweet's third wife
was Laura A. Anderson, of Clinton, Conn., whose
years ran parallel with his own. She died on
Thanksgiving Day, 1897.
The Doctor always maintained the strictest tem-
perate habits, and his life was the life of a Chris-
tian, both by profession and practice. He was a
member of the Baptist Church, which he served as
trustee, and at the services of which he was a regu-
lar attendant. Politically the Doctor was a Repub-
lican. He was beloved by all and was very widely
known as a quiet, resolute, resourceful man, of
strong character and lovable disposition. Loyalty
to his friends and charity for all were strong char-
acteristics of his nature. His steadfastness of pur-
pose and absolute self-control under all cir-
cumstances will be long remembered by those who
knew him. For years he and his sons, Charles and
J. Henry T., conducted an institute at Lebanon for
the treatment of various diseases besides those that
came in the line of bone-setting. Dr. Sweet's de-
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
329
mise was a severe loss not only to Lebanon, but to
tbe profession as well. His practice frequently
called him into otber States, and many times he was
called into consultation, in regard to bone-setting,
with some of the foremost surgeons of the East.
JAMES HILLHOUSE MANWARING, a de-
scendant of an old and honored New England fam-
ily, is one of the leading agriculturists of New Lon-
don county. He traces his descent through John,
John, Christopher and Richard, to Oliver Manwar-
ing, the emigrant ancestor.
(I) Oliver Manwaring was born in England
about the year 1633, and came to New London,
Conn., about 1664. He bought a house lot of eleven
acres, and that portion containing the house and
.garden plot has never been alienated, but has always
remained in the possession of one of his direct male
descendants. He married Hannah Raymond, who
was baptized in February, 1643, and was a daughter
of Richard Raymond, the American ancestor of the
large and influential Raymond family, so prominent
in Montville from its earliest settlement. In 1671
Airs. Manwaring joined the church in New London,
at the same time having four of her children bap-
tized. Air. Manwaring had bargained with his
brother-in-law, Joshua Raymond, for a tract of land
in the North Parish of New London, but the latter
died before the deed of conveyance was executed.
It was not until 1704 that a title to the land was se-
cured, Mr. Raymond's widow being obliged to pe-
tition the General Court for authoritv to convey the
land. Mrs. Manwaring died Dec. 18, 1717, and her
husband Nov. 3, 1723. Their children were as fol-
lows : Hannah, Elizabeth, Prudence, Love, Rich-
ard, Judith, Oliver, Bathsheba, Anna and Mary.
(II) Richard Manwaring son of Oliver and
Hannah (Raymond) Manwaring, baptized July 13,
1673, married, May 25, 17 10, Eleanor Jennings.
She was a daughter of Richard and Elizabeth (Rey-
nolds) Jennings, who came from the Barbadoes to
New London. Richard Manwaring is said to have
huilt, about 1712, the second gristmill in the town
of New London, located "at the falls of Jordan
Brook, where it falls into the cove." Richard and
Eleanor (Jennings) Manwaring had one son,
Christopher, who was born Sept. 1, 1722, and mar-
ried Deborah Denison.
(III) Christopher Manwaring married, Jan. 31,
1745, Deborah Denison, who was born Dec. 9, 1721,
eldest daughter of Major Robert and Deborah
(Griswold) Denison. They lived in New London,
Conn., where Mr. Manwaring died in 1801, his wife
surviving until March 16, 1816. Their children
were as follows: (1) Robert, born Dec. 16, 1745,
married (first) Elizabeth Rogers, (second) Eliza-
beth (Baker) Raymond, and (third) Susanna
(Hubbard) Bushnell ; (2) Deborah, born Sept. 3,
1747, died at an advanced age, unmarried; (3)
Hannah, born Oct. 3, 1749, died at an advanced age.
unmarried; (4) Eleanor, burn Sept. 12, 1 75 1 , died
young; (5) Anna, born Sept. II, 1753, died young;
(6) Elizabeth, born Sept. 26, 1754, married Na-
thaniel Hempstead; (7) Asa, born Nov. 28, 1756,
died March 20, 1779, unmarried; (8) Roger, born
Aug. 17, 1758, married Ruth Crocker, a widow, was
a farmer, and died in Waterford, Conn. ; (9) Sybil,
born June 14, 1760, died young; (10) Sarah, born
April 1, 1762, became the second wife of Andrew
Huntington; (11) John, born March 21, 1765,
married Eleanor Raymond; and (12) Lois, born
Aug. 16, 1767, was the first wife of Andrew Hunt-
ington.
(IV) John Manwaring, youngest son of Chris-
topher and Deborah (Denison) Manwaring, mar-
ried March 21, 1790, Eleanor Raymond. She was
born Nov. 9, 1765, daughter of Lieut. John and
Elizabeth (Griswold) Raymond. John Manwaring
was a farmer in Montville, and was killed in 181 1,
by a fall. His wife died in Vigo county, Ind., in
August, 1820. Their children were as follows: (1)
Robert, born Oct. 27, 1791, married Martha Han-
kins; (2) Hannah Lynde, born May 29, 1793, mar-
ried Gurdon Waterman; (3) John, born Sept. 23,
1795, married Eliza Church; (4) Julia, born April
23, 1797, married (first) James Jones, and (second)
Dr. Gideon S. Bailey; (5) Eleanor, born April 11,
1799, married (first) a Mr. Peck, and (second)
Charles Patrick, and her third husband was a Meth-
odist clergyman ; (6) Harriet, born March 24, 1802,
married Russell Griffen ; and (7) Hyrieus, born
April 25, 1804, was an officer in the United States
army, and died at Jefferson Barracks, Mo., in 1829.
(V) John Manwaring (2), second son of John
and Eleanor (Raymond) Manwaring, and father
of James Hillhouse, of this sketch, married, Feb.
21, 1825, Eliza Congdon Church. She was born
April 2, 1800, daughter of Peleg (Jr.) and Mary
(Leach) Church. John Manwaring (2) was a
large landholder in Montville, his property lying
along the north and west sides of Oxoboxo pond.
He was also a drover, and did a large business in
buying and selling cattle, principally horses and
mules, often making shipments to foreign ports. A
considerable branch of his business was the breeding
and selling of mules, many of which were shipped
through New Haven firms to the West Indies. In
connection with his business he made many trips
through Maine, New Hampshire and Vermont,
where he owned many "jacks." The mules raised
in the West being of a superior quality, he took his
"jacks" to Ohio and Indiana the autumn before his
death, and was on his way home with a drove of
eighty mules and twenty horses when he died, in
Connellsville, Pa. He was an energetic, industrious
man, and very successful in business. In politics
he was a Democrat, but never cared for office. He
served a number of years as steward and trustee of
the Methodist Church in Montville. of which he was
an earnest member, taking an active part in all its
330
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
religious work. He gave liberally to the church
building, which was near his home. He was of
medium height and of medium weight, and of a
pleasant, genial temperament, a man that everyone
was glad to meet, and who commanded the sincere
respect of all who knew him. Mr. Manwaring was
born in a house on the land adjoining the present
home of his son, James Hillhouse, and died April 5,
1846, at Connellsville, Pa. His wife survived him
many years, and died in Montville, Jan. 10, 1890.
Their children, all born in the old home in Mont-
ville, were as follows : ( 1 ) Eliza Jane, born Feb.
28, 1826, married Dec. 22, 1850, John R. Stanton,
son of Rowland Stanton, of Norwich, who was a
dealer in cattle and horses, and their home was in
East Great Plain, Norwich, where he died July 12,
1902. Mrs. Stanton still resides in Norwich. They
had two daughters, Ella and Belle. (2) James Hill-
house is mentioned below. (3) Eleanor R., born
Dec. 20, 1829, married Robert Manwaring, a flour
manufacturer and merchant of Indiana. In 1858 he
removed to Texas, where he became a cotton grower
in Grimes county, and where he died in January,
1897. They had no children. Mrs. Manwaring is
living at present in Montville. (4) John, born March
25, 183 1, married May 27, 1863, Mercy E. Raymond,
daughter of Richard and Julia Ann (Gardner)
Raymond. He is one of the prosperous farmers of
Montville, and also does a successful business as a
horse dealer. The children of this union were : A
son who died in infancy ; John, who keeps a sale
stable in Norwich ; Estelle, who married Dwight
Kelsey, of Montville, and died April 10, 1894; a
son who died in infancy ; and Ier Jay, born Dec. 29,
1872, who received the degree of M. D. at the
Woman's Medical College of Philadelphia, May 8,
1895, and has since been a practicing physician in
Norwich. (5) Christopher died at the age of seven
months. (6) Harriet died when over two years old.
James Hillhouse Manwaring was born Sept. 19,
1827, in Montville, in the house where he has ever
since resided. His early education was obtained in
the second district school of Montville, and later he
was a student for one term at the East Greenwich
Academy, and for three terms at the Academy in
Wilbraham, Mass. He left school at the age of six-
teen, and returned home to help on the farm. He
made farming his occupation, and since the death of
his father has carried on the homestead place, which
now comprises about 400 acres, about 100 acres of
his father's holdings having been sold. Mr. Man-
waring is extensively engaged as a horse and cattle
dealer, and was the first to introduce Western cat-
tle into New London county for slaughtering. For
many years he kept large droves of cattle, but of
late devotes himself to general farming. He is one
of the wealthy farmers of New London county, and
the largest landowner in the town of Montville.
Mr. Manwaring married, Nov. 9, 1896, Sarah
E. Rathbun, daughter of Norris and Louisa (Swan)
Rathbun, who was one of the leading and substan-
tial citizens of East Haddam, Connecticut.
Mr. Manwaring is a Republican in politics, and
has filled several town offices. He was tax collector
for two terms, chairman of the board of assessors
for several years, a member of the board of relief
for two terms, and of the board of selectmen sev-
eral years. In 1876-77 he represented his town in
the State General Assembly, serving on the Woman
Suffrage committee, and on the committee on
Claims. He was one of the original trustees of the
Raymond Library Company, of Montville, but re-
signed after serving two or three years. He attends
the Methodist Church of Montville, of which he is
a liberal supporter. He is a conscientious, unassum-
ing man, one who uses his wealth generously for
the good of others.
SYLVESTER H. MAYNARD, a highly es-
teemed and successful farmer who resides one mile
west of the village of Baltic, in the town of Sprague,.
New London county, has a very pleasantly located
home, in the dooryard of which is an enormous elm
which gives the house a very inviting look. The
place is appropriately caled "Elm Lodge."
The Maynard family is an old and numerous-
one in this county. Jesse Maynard, great-grand-
ther of Sylvester H., was a resident of what is now
East Lyme, was the founder of a large family, and
was a very highly respected man. He served
throughout the Revolutionary war, and drew a pen-
sion for his services. He lived to the age of ninety-
five years, well preserved and in possession of all
his faculties.
Ezra Maynard, the grandfather, resided in East
Lyme. In early life he was engaged in a mercantile
line, but later became a cooper, making barrels for
use in the shipping of shad, which was a great in-
dustry at that time. At the same time he conduct-
ed a small farm. He married Mary (or Polly)
Mack, whom he survived less than a week, both dy-
ing of typhus fever, during an epidemic. Seven-
teen children were born to this union, six dying
young, and the following named attained maturity :
Selden was a farmer and died in South Lyme ; Or-
rin is mentioned below ; Melinda married James
Mitchell, and died in Salem; Ezra was a farmer
and died in Franklin; Mary (or Polly) married
Edwin Brown, and died in Sprague ; Belinda mar-
ried James Mitchell, and died in Salem, Conn. ;
Whitman was a farmer and cooper and resided in
East Lyme ; Roxanna married Alexander Keables,
and died in Norwich ; Harmonious B. was a far-
mer, tanner and shoemaker, and died in Franklin ;
Almira married Silas Frink, and died in Franklin ;
Henry H. resides in Baltic at an advanced age.
( )rrin Maynard, father of Sylvester H., was born
in East Lyme, and in early life worked as cooper
and farm laborer. After his marriage he moved to
the northern part of the town and was employed in
the Mack mill. He continued to reside there, fol-'
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
33*
lowing various occupations, until his death, which
occurred when he was nearly fifty years old. He
married Dorcas Mack, of East Lyme, daughter of
Elijah Alack, a farmer, and she survived him a num-
ber of years, dying also in East Lyme. Both were
interred in the cemetery near their home. Their
children were : Maria married Henry Nelson
Moore, and died in South Coventry, Conn. ; Silas
resided on the homestead in East Lyme, and there
died ; William resides in New London ; Gurdon re-
sides in South Lyme ; Sylvester H. is mentioned be-
low ; Jonathan resides with Sylvester H. ; Orrin
died young; Alice married L. Newton Stewart, and
resides in Sprague ; Cornelius died in East Lyme ;
Nelson is a resident of East Lyme ; Albert and Al-
fred were twins ; the former resides in East Lyme,
and the latter removed to Columbia, and there died ;
Chauncey died in East Lyme.
Sylvester H. Maynard was born Nov. 26, 1827,
in East Lyme, and had but little opportunity to at-
tend school. The family finances were low, and
the children were put to work as soon as old enough,
Sylvester living- at home until he was twentv vears
of age, doing such manual labor as he was able,
and turning his earnings over to his parents. He
was then employed by Matthew Griswold, of East
Lyme, as a shad fisher for nine seasons, in the mean-
time working at farm labor when not engaged in
fishing. Later he was employed at pier fishing for
other parties. Having always been a careful and
thrifty man, in April, 1861, he purchased with his
savings, of James H. Hyde, a tract of ninety acres,
which is a part of his present farm. He remodeled
the house, and from time to time has made improve-
ments on the farm and the outbuildings, and, hav-
ing added more land, now has a well developed
property of 160 acres, with excellent buildings, and
devotes himself to general farming. Until recent-
ly he conducted a good dairy, having several cows.
In March, 1861, Mr. Maynard was married,. in
Montville, Conn., to Lydia M. Benjamin, who was
born in Garrattsville, Otsego Co., N. Y., June 19,
1 83 1, daughter of Russell and Sally (Cook) Benja-
min, both of whom were natives of Preston, Conn.
Mrs. Maynard died June 29, 1902, aged seventy-
three years. Two children were born to this union,
Harriett M. and Clarence S. The latter is a farmer
and resides on a portion of his father's estate, mar-
ried Grace Ladd, and they have had the following
children : Clarence LeRoy, Pearl Madelein, Irving
Ladd and Mildred May.
In politics Mr. Maynard is independent, but
votes for the best men and issues. He has served
upon the board of selectmen, as assessor, on the
board of relief, and in other minor offices. Mr.
Maynard began life with no capital, but by hard
work, economv and good business management has
become one of the most substantial farmers of the
town of Sprague. His farm is a model of neatness,
and is certainly most pleasantly situated. The house-
hold is presided over by his daughter, Miss Harriett,
who is an excellent housekeeper, a pleasant and de-
voted daughter. Everyone who knows .Mr. May-
nard likes him, and he has more friends than he can
count, for few if any have any unkind feelings t6-
ward this venerable old gentleman, who lias done
so much toward developing the county and advanc-
ing the best interests of his community.
NELSON A. BACON, a well known resident
and retired lumber dealer of Old Lyme, was born
in that town May 7, 1841, son of Capt. Almon and
Margaret S. (Clark) Bacon, the latter a native of
Lyme, and the former of Vermont.
Mr. Bacon is of the eighth generation from Na-
thaniel Bacon, the ancestor of the family in Con-
necticut, and one of the first proprietors of Middle-
town, his line of descent being as follows: Na-
thaniel, Elder John (1), Lieut. John (2), John (3),.
John (4), Matthew and Capt Almon.
(I) Nathaniel Bacon, born in 1630 in the parish
of Stratton, Rutlandshire, England, came to New
England about 1649, an(l ^s the fall of ^o settled
in Middletown, Conn. He was twice married. His
first wife, Ann Miller, was the mother of all his-
children. He died Jan. 27, 1705.
(II) Elder John Bacon, son of Nathaniel, was
born March 14, 1662, in Middletown. After the
death of his first wife, Sarah Whetmore, he married
Mary, widow of Jacob Cornwall, and daughter of
Ensign Nathaniel White. Elder John Bacon died
Nov. 4, 1732.
(III) Lieut. John Bacon (2), son of Elder John,
was born Jan. 3*0, 1695, in Middletown, Conn. He
married Sarah White, of Upper Houses, and his
death occurred Aug. 8, 1781.
(IV) John Bacon (3), son of Lieut John, was
born April 21, 1723, in Middletown, and settled in
Westfield parish. On March 1, 1748, he married
Rhoda Gould, daughter of John and Mabel Gould,,
of Cromwell, and their children were: (1) Thomas
Gould, born May 9, 1749, removed to Susquehanna,
Pa., and died there leaving a large family. ( 2 )
John (4) was born Jan. 22, 1751. (3) Ebenezer,
born Aug. 4, 1755, removed to Cohoes, N. Y., mar-
ried there late in life, and reared a family. (4)
Rhoda, born July 12, 1757, married Josiah
Churchill. (5) Sarah, born in 1760, died in in-
fancy. (6) Sarah (2), born Jan. 29, 1705. also died
in infancy. For his second wife. John Bacon (3)
married Mollie Ely, of Lyme, Conn., and to this
union came one child, Mollie, born in 1768. After Mr.
Bacon's death, his widow married Seth Wilcox, and
had four children.
(V) John Bacon (4), son of John (3), was born
Jan. 22, 1751, in what is now Middlerield. Conn.
He settled on the homestead and there followed
farming. His death occurred Sept. \J. 1804. He
was twice married. On Dec. 28, 1774, he married
Grace Griswold, of Wallingford, who died Sept.
30. 1797. Eight children wire horn of this union,
as follows: (1) Rhoda, horn Nov. 5. 1775, mar-
332
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
ried Joel Miller, Feb. n, I796- (2) Sarah' born
Nov. 19, 1777, married Joseph Clark, Jan. 30, 1800.
(3) John, born Dec. 15, I779> was a farmer resid-
ing in Middletown. (4) Anne was born March 11,
1781. (5) Daniel was born July 28, 1783. (6) Mat-
thew was born Sept. 9, 1785. (7) Joseph, born June
28, 1787, removed to South Carolina. (8) Jona-
than, born May 10, 1789, removed to the Black
River country, New York State. On Jan. 4, 1798,
John Bacon (4) married Olive Atkins. No children
were born of this second marriage.
(VI) Matthew Bacon, son of John (4), was
born in Middletown, Conn., Sept. 9, 1785. He was
a farmer, and was also proprietor of the "Bacon
House," at Old Lyme, which he built in 1829, and
carried on successfully for a number of years. A
man of varied interests and activities, he was, in
addition to his other pursuits, prominent as a
Thomsonian doctor. He married Rebecca Roberts,
of Middletown, and they had the following chil-
dren: Almon, Ebenezer, Daniel, Clara and Lu-
cretia, all but one of whom grew to maturity. His
home was at the Ferry until about ten years before
his death, when he moved to Saybrook.
(VII) Capt. Almon Bacon, son of Matthew and
father of Nelson A., was born in Brattleboro, Vt.,
in 181 1. As a young man he was captain of the
steamboat plying between Hartford and New York
City, and later acted as agent for a steamboat com-
pany. In 1864 he engaged in the lumber business
in old Lyme, and was soon recognized as one of
the leading business men of the town. Mr.Bacon
was married Feb. 29, 1836, to Margaret S. Clarke,
daughter of Abraham and Lura Champion Clarke,
of Lyme, and their one child was Nelson A. In
1858 Mr. Bacon built the home in which he passed
the remainder of his life. He died in the fall of
1886, at the age of seventy-five, his wife surviving
him until the spring of 1889, when she died, aged
seventy-four. In politics Mr. Bacon was a Republi-
can, and he served as town treasurer for sixteen
years.
(VIII) Nelson A. Bacon was born in Old Lyme,
where he has lived all his life. He was educated
in the public schools of his native place, and in the
select school of the Rev. Mr. Nichols, and the
academy. On leaving school he went into the lum-
ber business with his father, and they continued in
this partnership until the business was sold out in
1885. Mr. Bacon is a Republican in politics, but
has never cared to hold any public office. He has
been an active member of the Baptist Church for
the past thirty years, and is at present one of the
trustees.
ANSEL ARTHUR BECKWITH, one of the
well known and successful business men of Nor-
wich, whose reputation for enterprise, progressive
spirit and business integrity has extended far be-
yond the confines of his own town, is engaged in the
flour, grain and feed business. He traces his an-
cestry back to the historic days of the Norman con-
quest.
(I) Sir Hugh de Malebisse was born, as were
all the followers of William the Conqueror, in Nor-
mandy. For his services he was granted lands in
England.
(II) Hugo de Malebisse, living in 1138, married
(first) Emma, daughter of William de Percy.
(III) Sir Simon de Malebisse, Lord of Cowton,
in Craven, married the daughter of John, Lord of
Methley.
(IV) Sir Hercules de Malebisse changed his
name to Beckwith on his marriage, in 1226, to Lady
Dame Beckwith Bruce, daughter of Sir William
Bruce of Uglebarly.
(V) Sir Hercules Beckwith married the daugh-
ter of Sir John Ferrers, of Tamworth Castle.
(VI) Nicholas Beckwith de Clint married the
daughter of Sir John Chaworth.
(VII) Hamon Beckwith, who took upon him in
1339 the coat of arms of John, Lord de Malebisse,
married the daughter of Sir Philip Tynley, Knight.
(VIII) William Beckwith, second of the manor
of Beckwithshow, thirty-eighth year of Edward,
1364, married a daughter of Sir Gerard Urfleet.
(IX) Thomas Beckwith, of Clint and Manors
of Magna Otrigen and Housley, near Thursby, 4,
Richard II, which lands were holden of John, Lord
Mowbray, as his manor of Thursk, married the
daughter of John Sawly, of Saxon.
(X) Adam Beckwith de Clint married Eliza-
beth de Malebisse, 4, Richard II.
(XI) Sir William Beckwith de Clint, Knight,
married the daughter of Sir John Baskerville.
(XII) Thomas Beckwith, of Clint, Lord of one-
third part of Fily, Muster and Thorp, married the
daughter and heiress of William Heslerton.
(XIII) John Beckwith married the daughter of
Thomas Radcliff, of Mulgrave.
(XIV) Robert Beckwith, of Broxholme, was
living in the eighth year of King Edward IV.
(XV) John Beckwith, of Clint and Thorp, is
of record in the eighth year of the reign of King
Edward IV.
(XVI) Robert Beckwith, of Clint and Thorp,
married Jennet.
(XVII) Marmaduke Beckwith, of Darce and
Clint, married (second) Anne, daughter of Dynly,
of Bramhope, County of York.
(XVIII) Matthew Beckwith, born Sept 22,
1610, in Pontefract, Yorkshire, England, emigrated
in 1635 to New England, residing for a short time
that year at Saybrook Point. He is of record in
Branford in 1638, and was one of the first settlers
of Hartford in 1642. His name appears among the
list of the first settlers of Lyme in 1651, and he pur-
chased large tracts of land on the Niantic river,
lying practically in Lyme and New London. The
barque "Endeavor," the first vessel launched from
New London, was constructed and owned by him,
^L
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
333
and he used it for trading purposes with the Bar-
badoes. He died Dec. 13, 1681. His wife's Chris-
tian name was Elizabeth.
(XIX) John Beckwith, son of Matthew, was
born at Lyme, Conn., in 1669. He was one of the
original patentees of Xew London, to Waterford,
Conn. According to his deposition, in 1740, he
had lived at Xiantic Ferry for seventy-five (twenty-
five?) years.
(XX) John Beckwith (2), son of John, was
born Aug. 12, 17 18, in Waterford, Conn. He mar-
ried Elizabeth Maybe w.
(XXI) Frederick Beckwith, son of John (2),
and grandfather of our subject, was born in 1758.
He was twice married. On April 3, 1783, he wedded
Lydia Prentice, who became the mother of all his
children, eight in number. His second wife was
Grace Morgan.
(XXII) Capt. Robert Beckwith, son of Fred-
erick, and father of Ansel Arthur, was born Dec. 15,
1794, in Waterford, Conn. In early life he became
a seaman, and sailed under letters of marque. Dur-
the war of 1812 he was a seaman on the schooner
"Mars," under Capt. Noah Buckley, which was cap-
tured by H. M. S. "Shannon," off the coast of Ca-
diz, and he was held as a prisoner of war for eight-
een months, part of this time being detained at
Millsville Island, and for sixty days on H. M. S.
"Lucaro." He was paroled at Halifax, Nova
Scotia. After the close of the war he resumed
trading, continuing on the water many years in
command of a number of merchantmen. Later he
engaged in the woolen business near Ithaca, N. Y.,
but after some years returned to Connecticut, and
lived retired at Norwich until his death, which oc-
curred Oct. 14, 1883, the result of old age, as he was
never, until his last illness, obliged to spend a day
in bed in his life. His remains rest in Greeneville
cemetery. He was a Democrat in politics. His
wife, Sarah Maria Anderson, daughter of Dr. An-
sel Anderson, of Lyme, Conn., survived him, and
died at the home of her daughter, Eliza, in New
Haven, in 1888, aged eighty-seven years. The
twelve children born of their marriage were as fol-
lows: (1) Robert was a manufacturer of woolens.
He resided for a time in Connecticut, but later re-
moved to Union City, Mich., where he died. (2)
Sarah died at the age of four years. (3) Charlotte
(first) married Lewis Osborne and (second) a Mr.
Prentice, who is deceased. She died in November,
1904, in Union City, Mich. (4) Sarah married
Burr Osborne, and died in Union City, Mich. (5)
Almira married Frederick Roberts, and died at her
home in Deep River, Conn. (6) John engaged in
the mercantile business, and died in Ithaca, N. Y.
(7) Henry was a sailor and became captain of a
vessel, but was lost with his vessel at sea at the early
age of twenty-eight years. (8) Eliza and (9)
Elizabeth were twins. The former is now Mrs.
James Thorpe, of New Haven. The latter married
Horace Rogers of Norwich, and died there. (10)
Susan is the widow of Martin V. 11. Lamb, of Xew
Haven. (11) Mary married William H. Lindsley,
and died in Kalamazoo, Mich. (12) Ansel A. is
mentioned below.
Ansel Arthur Beckwith, son of Capt. Robert and
a representative in the twenty-third generation from
his Norman ancestor, was born in Trumansburg,
X. V., April 24, 1844. and was but a few years old
when his parents returned to their old home in Con-
necticut. His education was acquired in the public
schools of Norwich, which he attended until he was
seventeen years old. At that age he was apprenticed
to William Tubbs, to learn the carriagemaker's
trade, his apprenticeship to cover three years. At
the end of his three years with Mr. Tubbs he was
employed for a time in Xew Haven, but returning
to Norwich he formed a partnership with Mr.
Tubbs under the firm name of Tubbs & Beckwith.
At the end of a year and a half this partnership was
dissolved, and Mr. Beckwith became associated with
Charles O. Hilton (now deceased) in the same busi-
ness, under the firm name of C. O. Hilton & Co.
They met with much success in their undertaking,
but after five years Mr. Beckwith determined to
enter the mercantile world, and accordingly sold out
his interest and engaged in the retail grocery busi-
ness in company with his brother-in-law, Martin
V. B. Lamb, under the name of Lamb & Beckwith.
Five years later Mr. Beckwith became associated in
the same business with Welcome A. Smith, under
the name of Smith & Beckwith, their store being lo-
cated at the same location still occupied by Mr.
Smith. They built up an excellent business, and the
firm continued unchanged for nine years, when, in
December, 1886, Mr. Smith purchased his partner's
interest, and Mr. Beckwith bought out the whole-
sale and retail grain and flour business of William
Avery, which was located on Water street, on the
site of the present wholesale fruit establishment of
Joseph Worth. He continued at that location until
1892, when the place was destroyed by fire, and Mr.
Beckwith then moved to his present place on Water
street, where he has made many modern improve-
ments, greatly enhancing the value of the property.
Among these improvements may be mentioned the
grain elevator, which is the largest in eastern Con-
necticut. The success that attended his former ef-
forts in the business world has not deserted him in
this venture, and he has prospered well in his new
work. He does an extensive business in the whole-
sale and retail grain and flour line, his husiness-like
methods in conducting his affairs winning him a
high place in the commercial world. Mr. Heck with
has also dealt to a large extent in real estate, having
erected and sold many buildings. He erected, and
is the owner of, the Kenyon block on Main street.
He also erected his fine residence, replete with all
modern comforts, at No. 17 Lincoln avenue.
In his political views Mr. Beckwith is a Repub-
334
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
lican, but his activity in political matters rarely ex-
tends beyond the casting of his ballot. He is a di-
rector in the Norwich Savings Society, and is con-
sidered good authority on questions of finance. Fra-
ternally he is a Mason of high degree, being one'of
the most prominent members of that organization
in the city. He was made a Master Mason in
Somerset Lodge, but became a charter member of
St. James Lodge, No. 23, when it was organized.
He has taken the thirty-second degree, and was a
member of Pyramid Temple, at Bridgeport, but has
since transferred to Sphinx Temple, Mystic Shrine,
at Hartford. He was one of the original incorpora-
tors of the Masonic Temple Corporation. Socially he
belongs to the Arcanum Club and the Norwich Club.
On Jan. 29, 1868, Mr. Beckwith was married,
by Rev. Edgar F. Clark, to Celeste L. Kenyon, who
was born in Sterling, Conn., daughter of Stutely
Westcott and Lydia Wright (Hawkins) Kenyon.
One son, Ansel Earle, has been born of this union.
Mr. and Mrs. Beckwith are members of the Park
Congregational Church, and are liberal supporters
of its many good works. Mrs. Beckwith is eligible
to the Mayflower Society, and is a charter member
of Faith Trumbull Chapter, Daughters of the
American Revolution. She is also eligible to the
Colonial Dames through Lieut. Robert Westcott,
who was the eldest son of Stukely Westcott and
who was killed by the Indians in the war of 1675,
he was one of the first settlers of Warwick, Rhode
Island.
(XXIV) Ansel Earle Beckwith, son
of Ansel A. Beckwith, was born in Norwich, Nov.
17, 1868, and received his education in the Norwich
Free Academy, from which he was graduated in
1887. He entered Harvard University the same
year. For some time he was engaged in newspaper
work, but for a number of years past he has been
engaged in the manufacture of art calendars, under
the name of the Beckwith Printing Company, and
has built up a most thriving business in that line.
In February, 1903, he was made a thirty-second
degree Mason. He is a member of Sphinx Temple
of the Mystic Shrine, at Hartford, Connecticut.
On June 28, 1892, Ansel Earle Beckwith was
married to Olive Crawford Morehead, of Syracuse,
N. Y., where the ceremony was performed. Three
children have blessed this union : Ansel Earle, Jr.,
born Aug. 4, 1893, died in October, 1894; Henry
Kenyon was born May 12, 1898; and Celeste Lydia
was born April 26, 1901.
Kenyon. The Kenyon family, to which Mrs.
Ansel A. Beckwith belongs, is one of the old fam-
ilies of Rhode Island. The forerunners of this
family were John, James and Roger, whom Austin,
in his "Genealogical Dictionary," assumed were
brothers, sons of John Kenyon, and who were resi-
dents of Kingston, Westerly and Shoreham (Block
Island). The dates of birth and death of John
are given as 1657 and 1732, and the names of his
children as John, James, Enoch, Joseph, David and
Jonathan.
James Kenyon, brother of John, married Ruth
Miller, who died in 1724. She bore him seven
children : James, Thomas, Ebenezer, John, Peter,
Sarah and Ruth.
The children of Joseph Kenyon were : Martha,
born May 8, 1725; John, Dec. 27, 1727; Mary;
Paine, April 20, 1733 ; and Joseph, Feb. 5, 1736.
The early family appearing in the town records
of Exeter, formerlly a part of North Kingston, was
that of John and Freelove (Reynolds) Kenyon,
whose children were as follows : Gardner, John,
Zebulon, Freelove, Freeman, Remington, Lewis,
Amos, Job, Reynolds, Lydia and Joseph G.
In "American Ancestry," in which is given the
pedigree of Ralph Woods Kenyon, of Brooklyn,
whose Rhode Island ancestry is given as through
Paine, Joseph and John, it is stated that Joseph
Kenyon married Hannah Paine, and that he was a
son of John and Ruth Kenyon, the former coming
over from England about 1695, his brother, James,
having arrived previously at Portsmouth. Claim
is made that the family of Kenyon is descended
from Jordan de Lanton, Lord Kenyon, of the reign
of Henry VIII.
Peleg Kenyon, great-grandfather of Mrs. Ansel
A. Beckwith, was a native of Kingston, R. I., where
he was the owner of a large tract of land, and where
he followed the occupation of farmer. He married
Elizabeth Stanton and died in middle life, leaving
a small family of children, three boys.
John Stanton Kenyon, son of Peleg, located on
Sterling Hill, in the town of Sterling, Conn. He
was a man of considerable prominence, and in time
became quite well-to-do. He lived to an advanced
age, and died at his home in Sterling, surviving his
wife but six weeks. Their remains lie in a private
cemetery on the farm in Sterling. In her maiden-
hood his wife was Hannah Westcott, a native of
Kingston, R. I., and a descendant of Stukely West-
cott, who was born in Devonshire, England, in
1592, and was received as an inhabitant and free-
man of Salem, Mass., in 1636. Stukely Westcott
settled at Providence Plantations in 1638. and be-
came one of the most prominent and trusted men of
the colony, and was the intimate friend of Roger
Williams, who referred to him in his papers as
"my dear friend Stukely as it was originally (later
called Stutely) Westcott." To John S. and Hannah
(Westcott) Kenyon were born the following chil-
dren: (1) Joseph D., who graduated from Dart-
mouth College, studied medicine in South Kings-
ton, R. I., practiced for a few years in the latter
town, and subsequently located in Westerly, where
he was a prominent physician for sixty years. He
was twice married, first to Frances W. Noyes, and
second to Lydia R. Noyes. (2) Peleg was a farmer
in Westerly. (3) Oliver S. resided on the home-
stead in Sterling. (4) John Stanton, Jr., was a
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD,
335
farmer and resided in Plainfield, later in Rhode
Island, where he died. (5) Stutely W. is men-
tioned below. (6) Alfred was a farmer on the
homestead. (7) Sheffield died young. (8)
Penelope, twin sister of Sheffield, died aged three
months. (9) Eliza married Oliver Perkins, a mer-
chant, and resided in Utica, New York.
Stutely Westcott Kenyon was born in Sterling,
Conn., in 1800, and received a good sound education
for those times, attending in addition to the district
schools, the famons Plainfield Academy, from which
he graduated. He taught school in young manhood
but his early training had all been in the line of
farm work, and after his marriage he took it up as
his means of livelihood. For four years he engaged
in farming near Syracuse, N. Y., and then returned
to Sterling, located on a farm in the north part of
the town, where the remainder of his active life
was spent. When he retired he removed to
Willimantic, where he made his home until his
death, which occurred March 24, 1861. He was
buried in the private cemetery at Sterling. He was
a man much esteemed for his upright life. He and
his wife were members of the Plainfield Methodist
Church. Politically he was a Democrat.
On January 1, 1829, Stutely W. Kenyon was
married in Plainfield, Conn., by Rev. Orin Fowler,
to Lydia W. Hawkins, who was born in Sterling,
daughter of Nathan and Mary (Young) Hawkins.
Mrs. S. W. Kenyon was descended from Gregory
Dexter and James Young, being a granddaughter
of Zebedee Young, of Smithfield, R. I., who enlisted
for service during the war of the Revolution, serving
seven years. Mrs. Kenyon survived her husband,
dying in 1878. To Stutely W. Kenyon and his wife
were born children as follows : Hannah Ellen, de-
ceased ; Eliza L., deceased ; Jennie F., deceased ;
Mary, wife of Hiram B. Trippe, of Washington,
D. C. ; Stanton W. deceased ; and Celeste L., wife
of Ansel A. Beckwith, of Norwich.
DR. JOHN BYRON SWEET, the noted bone
setter, and a well known citizen of New London
county, is a descendant of one of the oldest families
of New England. For more than 250 years this
family has been gifted with peculiar skill in bone
setting, so great indeed, that the fame of its present
representative in his own locality equals that of
any great foreign specialist attracted to America
by the wealth of its millionaires. His reputation
is not confined to the New England States, although
the greater number of his difficult operations and
most complete work have been done here, he being
well known also in the West.
A comprehensive history of the Sweet family
will be found elsewhere, our immediate record not
taking us back farther than Dr. Benoni Sweet, the
grandfather of our subject. He followed bone set-
ting successfully for years, and also engaged in ag-
ricultural pursuits according to the custom of the
family.
His son, Dr. Stephen Sweet, was horn in Leb-
anon, hut later removed to Franklin, where he be-
came a large landowner, a fine farmer, a noted
physician, and he was twice elected to serve in the
State Legislature, but declined the honor, having
no political ambition. He was always interested in
educational matters, and served on the school board
for a long period, and in every public-spirited way
acted unselfishly for the welfare of the community.
Dr. Stephen Sweet was thrice married, his first
union being with Annie Champlin, who died Aug.
9, 1824, aged thirty-two years, leaving children as
follows: Mary C, born Sept. 21, 1820, died March
4, 1828; Thomas, born Jan. 30, 1822, died in the
army in February, 1864, leaving five children, who
reside in the State of New York, where they follow
bone setting and farming ; and Stephen, born April
28, 1824. Dr. Sweet married (second) Matilda
Armstrong, who died Feb. 8, 1849, having been the
mother of the following children : John C, born
April 20, 1826, died Aug. 19, 1828; Sarah A., born
July 13, 1828, died Dec. 6, 1829; Lydia A., born
Nov. 22, 1829, married Ashael Armstrong, of
Franklin; Sarah Matilda, born Oct. 10, 1831, mar-
ried B. Frank Greenslitt, of Franklin ; Cornelia F.,
born March 21, 1834, died Dec. 5, 1865; Benoni,
born July II, 1836, died Dec. 9, 1852; Harriet E.,
born May 23, 1837, married David Hillhouse, of
Montville, Conn.; Armida H., born Oct. 2, 1839,
married Ransom Sholes, of Preston ; and Charles
E., born Jan. 23, 1845, died Jan. 26, 1849. The
third marriage of Dr. Sweet was to Phebe Heath,
born at Groton, Conn., daughter of Ephraim Heath
and widow of Thomas Hewling, of New London.
She died March 26, 1862, aged thirty-five years.
Her children were: James D., born April 29, 185 1 ;
Ella L., born Aug. 9, 1852, married Anson May-
nard, of Norwich; John Byron, born May 16, 1854;
Hannah E., born Feb. 9, 1856, married Andrew
Breed, of Norwich; and Clara P., born Dec. 11,
1 86 1, who married Capt. Henry Phillips, of Mont-
ville. Dr. Stephen Sweet died March 21, 1874.
He was known all over the country, and was a man
of noble character and personal power.
Dr. John Byron Sweet was born May 16, 1854,
in Franklin, New London Co., Conn. His education
was obtained in the local district schools and at a
public school at Willimantic. He was reared to
the practical work of the farm, and was early taught
the principles of bone setting, by his skilled fa-
ther, acquiring facility in the same at the age of
nine years. Failing strength at length admonished
the elder physician to no longer practice his pro-
fession and two years before his death, our subject
had taken the practice. After leaving the farm he
resided at Norwich until 1890, with the exception
of one year spent at Central Village, in Windham
county. In the above named year he came to South
Griswold, and has been interested ever since in large
farming operations and the raising of fine cattle,
still retaining an office at Norwich and one at Put-
nam, being assisted in his professional work by his
336
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
son. the family gift descending to a younger gen-
eration. . . . .
Dr. Sweet takes great pleasure in his fine cattle
and yearly produces a number of young steers fit
for show purposes and for sale. Combining his ag-
ricultural with professional work, Dr. Sweet feels
that he has found out the secret of happy, con-
tented living. He is a man of broad mind, and of
genial, affable manner, a combination which has
made him popular with his fellow citizens. In poli-
tics a Democrat, he thus follows family tradition,
and like his father, shows a deep and continued in-
terest in educational affairs.
On Aug 15, 1877, Dr. Sweet was married in
Norwich, Conn., to Elizabeth Grace Rogers, of
Franklin, daughter of Porter and Elizabeth (Grace)
Rogers. She died on Thanksgiving Day, 1889, in
Norwich Town, and was buried in Yantic cemetery.
She was a most estimable lady, a consistent mem-
ber of Trinity Episcopal Church of Norwich. Two
children were born to this marriage, namely:
Stephen Benoni, born Nov. 1, 1880, and Elizabeth
Heath, born July 26, 1883. The former is profes-
sionally engaged with his father, and promises to
become as eminent. He married Mary E. Whipple,
daughter of William F. Whipple of Glasgo, and
one little daughter was born to them, Edna May,
Feb. 4, 1903. Elizabeth Heath Sweet was educated
in the schools of Griswold and later in the Norwich
Business College, where she was graduated in July,
1902; she resides at home, a charming and culti-
vated young lady. Dr. Sweet was married (sec-
ond), March 10, 1890, to Mary Elizabeth Lord,
born at Montville, daughter of William and Har-
riet (Terry) Rathburne, and widow of Elias Lord.
Mrs. Lord had two children, viz. : William E., who
is a motorman on the Providence Street Railroad,
at Providence, R. I. ; and Charles E., who is a con-
ductor on the New York, New Haven & Hartford
Railroad. The latter married Anna Jenkins of that
city.
WHITON. No record of the early settlements
of the New England States would be complete with-
out careful and comprehensive mention of the
Whiton family, which for years has been a leading
one in the development of that section and which
is at present represented in New London by Lucius
E. Whiton, only son of the late Hon. David E.
Whiton.
(I) James Whiton was born in the County of
Norfolk, England, and died at Hingham, Mass.,
Aoril 26, 1 7 10. On Dec. 30, 1647, he married
Mary, daughter of John and Nazareth (Hobart)
Beale, born in 1622 at Hingham, England, who died
Dec. 12, 1696, at Hingham, Mass. The name of James
Whiton first appears on Hingham records in 1647,
and lands there were granted to him in 1657 and sub-
sequently. He was made a freeman in 1660. He
is described as a farmer and planter, and his home
was at Liberty Plain, South Hingham. At the time
of his decease he possessed much landed property in
Scituate, Abington and Hanover, as well as Hing-
ham, and in his will he provided liberally for his
children and grandchildren. Nine children were
born to him, of whom but five outlived childhood.
(II) James Whiton (2), eldest son of James,
was baptized at Hingham, Mass., July 13, 1651,
and died Feb. 20, 1724-25. He left a will dated
Oct. 15, 1724. His wife Abigail, born in 1655-56,
died in Hingham, Mass., May 4, 1740. They had
three daughters and seven sons. James Whiton.
(2) was a farmer, and resided near the paternal
homestead at Liberty Plain. He was a soldier in
King Philip's war.
(III) Joseph Whiton, sixth child and fifth son
of James Whiton (2), was born March 23, 1687,
at Hingham, Mass., and died at Ashford, Conn., in
1777. In his youth he learned the trade of cooper,
which he combined with farming. He married first
at Hingham, Mass., Dec. 10, 1713, Martha, daugh-
ter of Samuel and Silence (Damon) Tower, born
July 20, 1693, at Hingham, Mass., who died at
Rehoboth, Sept. 19, 17 19. He married (second)
in 1720, at Rehoboth, Rebecca Willson, who died
March 17, 1776, at Ashford, Conn. Soon after the
birth of his third child, in 1719, he removed from
Hingham to Rehoboth, and his first wife died there
the same year. Early in 1720 he married his second
wife, and two children were born to them in Reho-
both. About 1726-27 he settled in Ashford, Conn.,
the church records there showing the admission to
membership, early in 1727, of "Joseph Whiton and
wife." In 1734 he was one of the committee ap-
pointed "to lay out a quarter-acre of land for a
burying place" (now a part of Westford cemetery)
"at ye west end of ye town," and in this plat rests
the body of Joseph Whiton, who died at the ad-
vanced age of ninety years. The inscription on his
tombstone reads : "They that live longest die at
last."
(IV) Elijah Whiton, the eldest of the ten
children of Joseph Whiton, was born in Hingham,
Mass., July 7, 17 14, and died Aug. 20, 1784, in
Westford, Conn. He married in 1741 Priscilla
Russ, who died in 1755 ; his second wife was Hannah
Crocker. He had eighteen children, nine by each
wife. Elijah Whiton came to Ashford with his
parents when a lad, acquired a fair education, and
learned his father's trade of coopering. In 1739
he was a school master, receiving "thirteen pounds
for two months' schooling and boarding himself."
Elijah Whiton seems to have been prominent in
Ashford for many years, his name occurring fre-
quently in the records of the church and town,
and he is often referred to as "Esquire Whiton."
For a time he was deacon in the church at Ashford,
but at the organization of the church in Westford
was dismissed to join that church. In 1764 it was
voted that he should procure a minister, and he was
also made church treasurer. When the new parish
of Westford was set off from Ashford Elijah
A&&.^<^
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
337
Whiton, his brother James and their father, Jo-
seph Whiton, were among the first signers of the
Church Covenant, Feb. II, 17(18. When the pews
in the new church were assigned the first pew was
given to "Elijah Whiton and Benjamin Walker."
On Dec. 14, 1769, Ashford held a meeting and ap-
pointed a committee, of which one member was
Elijah Whiton, Esq., "to correspond with other com-
mittees in the county and elsewhere, to encourage
and help forward manufactures and a spirit of in-
dustry in this government." In 1777-78-79 Elijah
Whiton acted as one of the justices for Windham
county by appointment of the General Assembly.
(V) Joseph Whiton, one of the older sons of
Elijah Whiton, was born in Ashford, Conn., in
1745-46, and died in the same place June 6, 1817.
He married Joanna, daughter of David and Martha
{ Walker) Chaffee, who was born in 1748, and died
Aug. 11, 1820. Joseph Whiton was a farmer, but
also followed the trade of carpenter. He was one of
the early signers of the Westford Church Covenant,
and held occasional town offices. Of his ten chil-
dren the seventh child and fifth son was Heber
Whiton, the father of David E. Whiton, of New
London.
(VI) Heber Whiton, son of Joseph, was born in
Ashford, Conn., Feb. 11, 1782, and died May 11,
1828, at Stafford, Conn. On May 5, 1808, he mar-
ried Marcia Gay, born Nov. 15, 1784, at West Staf-
ford, Conn., daughter of Col. Ebenezer and Eliza-
beth (Leavens) Gay. He then settled in Stafford,
where he spent the remainder of his life, combining
his trade of coopering with farming. After the
death of Heber Whiton his widow removed, with
her children, to Monson, Mass., where, in 1830, she
became the wife of Spencer Keep. She died in Mon-
son June 13, 1848.
The children of Heber and Marcia (Gay)
Whiton were seven in number, viz.: (1) Lucius
Heber, born Feb. 26, 1809, in Stafford, passed all
his life there. (2) Julius Royal, born Oct. 4, 1810,
died Jan. 2, 1882, in Stafford. On Jan.
23, 1833, he married Nancy Cooley, born April 23,
1810, in Brookfield, Mass., who died Aug. 30, 1840;
in 1844 he married (second) Eliza Chandler, born
Jan. 1, 1826, in Woodstock, Conn., who died May
16, 1883. (3) Ebenezer Gay, born Oct. 5, 1813, in
Stafford, died there June 9, 1890; he married
Thankful Yeomans, of Willington, Conn., who was
born May 14, 1814, and died Nov. 15, 1896. (4)
Joseph Leander, born April 16, 1816, in Stafford,
died in Monson, Mass., Feb. 14, 1875. He married
Sept. 29, 1841, Ann Anderson, born Oct. 8, 1824,
who was a daughter of Bostwick Anderson. (5)
Edward Franklin, born Aug. 29, 1818, in Stafford,
died Feb. 16, 1893, in Stafford. On May 21, 1843,
he married Amelia Eaton, born Aug. 13, 1819, who
died Jan. 14, 1897, daughter of Luther and Ara-
minta (Harrington) Eaton, of Stafford. (6) Han-
nah Cady, born Aug. 18, 182 1, in Stafford, married
Nov. 10, 1844, Penuel Eddy, who was a cabinet-
22
maker in Stafford, and who served his country in
the Civil war. Airs. Eddy died in Xew London,
Conn., Nov. 28, [901. (7) David Erskine, born
Oct. 15, 1825, in Stafford, became a prominent citi-
zen of Xew London, Connecticut.
(VII) David Erskine Whiton, an inventor
and well-known manufacturer of Xew London, was
born in Stafford, Tolland Co., Conn., (Jet. 15, 1825.
His early education was limited to that acquired in
the district schools of Monson, Mass., which he at-
tended until he was fourteen years of age, when he
went to Stafford and became apprenticed to his
brother, Lucius Heber, until he was twenty-one
years of age. During this time he attended the dis-
trict schools of Stafford in the winter months until
he was about nineteen years of age, working at his
trade of carpentering in the summer months. Be-
fore the expiration of his apprenticeship he bought
up his remaining time with earnings made by work-
ing overtime, and in various other ways, and for
several years worked at his trade as a journeyman
in various places, among them Coventry, Willi-
mantic and Hartford, Conn., and Brimfield and
other points in Massachusetts. In 1849 ne spent
some time in travel in the West, beyond Chicago,
and in Wisconsin, then almost a wilderness, where
he did some work at his trade and where he expected
to locate. After spending about a year in the West
he returned to Stafford and worked at his trade.
In 1852 he started in business in West Stafford,
Conn., as a millwright, also building turbine water-
wheels and other mill machinery, shafting, etc.,
building water privilege and a mill which still stands
and is operated by Charles W. Bradway. In 1856
he extended his business by adding machinery and
appliances for the manufacture of a patent centering
machine for use in machine shops. He continued
occasionally to add other machinery specialties, and
in 1865 he started the manufacture of a line of lathe
chucks, having purchased the machinery and busi-
ness of John R. Washburn, combining the business
all in one plant, and employing from twenty to
twenty-five men. His business continued to in-
crease in this line of mechanical specialties, largely
through the inventive and mechanical skill of the
proprietor, until in 1886, when, owing to the in-
creasing business, and that he might have better
shipping facilities, the plant was removed to Xew
London, Conn., where it has been growing steadily
ever since.
Mr. Whiton gave most of his time to mechanical
matters, and made many valuable and important in-
ventions and improvements in the special lines re-
ferred to, which have come into general use. He
invented improvements on gear cutting machines,
lathes and chucks. Coming to New London Mr.
Whiton incorporated the plant under the name of
the D. E. Whiton Machine Company, with a capital
stock of $50,000. Several new brick buildings were
erected, including machine shops and foundry. The
company employs about one hundred hands. Upon
338
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
the incorporation of the company Mr. Whiton was
made president, in which capacity he served until
his death.
.Air. Whiton was active in town affairs, and dur-
ing his long residence in Stafford was ever mind-
ful of his duties as a citizen. While a resident there
he served at various times as constable and collector
of taxes, assessor for several years, member of the
board of relief, selectman, and representative to the
General Assembly of the State. In politics Mr.
Whiton was an old-line Whig until the formation of
the Republican party, with which he was ever after
identified. He never held any political State office
except that of representative, to which he was
elected twice, in 1867 and 1879. He was a member
of the first Legislature (1879) to occupy the new
Capitol at Hartford. In the Legislature he served
on several committees of importance.
Mr. Whiton was always a prominent and active
member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and
during his residence in Stafford was for many years
trustee of the Church Society and superintendent of
the Sunday school. After coming to New London
he served as trustee of the church of the same de-
nomination in that city.
Mr. Whiton was married Nov. 13, 1856, to
Asenath Francis, born June 12, 1833, in Stafford,
Conn., daughter of James and Achsah (Howe)
Francis, the former a farmer. Mrs. Whiton,
through her mother, was a descendant of John Al-
den. She died Sept. 25, 1902, in New London.
Their first child, ( 1) Rosella Lenette, was born Nov.
2, i860, in Stafford, and died there Feb. 15, 1865,
aged four years. (2) Lucius Erskine, born Dec.
25, 1862, is mentioned below. (3) Mary Francis,
born July 21, 1867, in Stafford, married April 23,
1890, Leander Kenney Shipman, M. D., of New
London. Mr. Whiton died Sept. 11, 1904, and was
buried at Stafford Springs, Connecticut.
(VIII) Lucius Erskixe Whiton, son of David
E., was born Dec. 25, 1862, in West Stafford, and
there received his early educational training in the
district schools. In 1877 ne entered the Wesleyan
Academy at Wilbraham, Mass., from which insti-
tution he was graduated in 1881. In the fall of that
year he entered the employ of his father in his ma-
chine shop at West Stafford, and shortly afterward
was taken in as a partner. When the plant was re-
moved to New London, and the concern was incor-
porated as the D. E. Whiton Machine Company,
Lucius E. Whiton was elected secretary and treas-
urer, and shortly afterward was made general man-
ager, all of which offices he has continued to fill ac-
ceptably ever since. After the retirement of his fa-
ther from active business cares the general oversight
of the establishment devolved upon him, but he has
shown himself worthy of such responsibility, having
proved efficient and faithful in every capacity. He
succeeded his father as president of the company.
He is a member of the New London Board of Trade.
Socially Mr. Whiton is a member of Brainard
Lodge, No. 102, F. & A. M., of New London. His
religious connection is with the Second Congrega-
tional Church, and he is at present serving as deacon
and as a member of the Society's Standing Commit-
tee. In politics he is a stanch adherent of the prin-
ciples of the Republican party, and as such has
served his fellow citizens in various positions of
trust. He was a member of the board of education
for two terms, served as school visitor, was a mem-
ber of the common council, and during the existence
of the old ward organization served as a member of
the board of aldermen. In 1903 he was a candidate
for representative to the General Assembly from
New London on the Independent ticket, but was de-
feated by a small majority. Mr. Whiton is one of
the original trustees of the New London Manual
Training School, endowed and established by Will-
iam H. Chapman, of New London. In short, he
is identified with all the representative interests of
that place, and ranks among the prominent citizens
of New London.
Mr. Whiton was married, Oct. 12, 1887, to
Miss Viola E. King, of Lowell, Mass., daughter of
George and Joanna (Dellehunt) King, and to them
have been born five children, as follows : Helen
King, Nov. 4, 1888; Dorothy, April 20, 1891 ; Da-
vid E., Nov. 5, 1895 (who died Oct. 5, 1896) ; Wini-
fred Gardner, Aug. 22, 1899; and Lucius Gay, Aug.
23' :9°3. died April 26, 1904.
MAIN. Among the early settled families of
New London county was that of Main, whose rep-
resentatives have, for over two hundred and thirty-
five years, been residents of Stonington. For many
years the name has been familiar in the town of
Preston through the late Seth Main, and his sons
who still reside there. Seth Main was of the sev-
enth generation in lineal descent from
(I) Ezekiel Main, the first of the family to make
Stonington his permanent residence. He located
there in 1670, and in 1672 he received a grant of land
from the town. Subsequently he purchased other
lands, and in 1680 he received another grant from
the town, his property then extending from the old
goldsmith shop of David Main to the vicinity of the
residence of Nathaniel M. Crary, in what is now
North Stonington ; it was bounded all the way by
the Shunoc river on the south, and by the lands of
Joshua Holmes on the north. Ezekiel Main was
admitted to the Church in Stonington Sept. 3, 1676.
His death occurred June 19, 1714. By his wife
Mary he became the father of six children: Ezekiel,
Mary, Jeremiah, Thomas, Phebe and Hannah.
(II) Jeremiah Main, son of Ezekiel, married,
Oct. 11, 1699, the widow Ruth Brown. It is not
known definitely whose daughter she was, but she
and her daughter Ruth were admitted to the First
Church of Stonington, and were baptized July 16,
1699. Jeremiah Main was admitted Nov. 11, 1727.
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
339
His children were: Thomas, Hannah, Elizabeth,
Lydia, Sarah, Jeremiah, Hepzibah, Nathaniel, Anna,
John and Peter.
(III) Deacon Thomas Main, son of Jeremiah,
was born July 19, 1700. He married (first), April
20. 1720, Ann Brown, daughter of Eleazer and Ann
(Pendleton) Brown, who died March 11, 1766. He
married (second), May 14, 1766, Elizabeth Hewitt.
He died in 1771. His children, all born of his first
marriage, were : Thomas, Andrew, Timothy, Josh-
ua, Anne, Jonas, Elizabeth, Ezekiel and Phebe.
(IV) Thomas Main (2), son of Deacon Thomas,
was born Feb. 13, 1721, in Stonington. On Feb. 3,
1742, he wedded Mary Pendleton, of the same town.
Their children were: Mary, Sarah, Thomas and
Benajah.
( V) Thomas Main (3), son of Thomas (2),
was born Aug. 8, 1747, in Stonington, where his
whole life was passed . He married Dolly Wood-
ward, who bore him eight children, as follows : Ben-
ajah, Avel, Samuel, Thomas, John, Dolly, Sally and
Elizabeth.
(VI) Thomas Main (4), son of Thomas (3),
was born in the old home in Stonington. He settled
in Ledyard, and there engaged in farming, making it
his life work. He was very industrious, and being
a man of large physique, and possessed of unusual
muscular strength, he was able to do a vast amount
of work. His political views were those of the
Democratic party, and he was always active in town
affairs, holding at different times a number of the
important offices in the gift of the people, with
whom his frank genial manners made him very pop-
ular. He attained the advanced age of eighty-
seven years. By his wife, Lois Brown, he became
the father of the following children: (1) Thomas
B., who married Lydia Hall, settled first in Ston-
ington, and later in Ledyard, where he died leaving
no children. (2) Aaron settled in Noank, Conn.,
and there died. He married Nancy Ashbey, and
had five children, Andrew, Aaron, Benjamin W.,
John T. and Fannie. (3) Timothy made his home
in Ledyard, and died there. He married Mary Gay,
and their children were: Mary Ann, George, Abby,
Timothy B., Thomas, Jedediah G. and Dwight.
(4) William Leeds located in Ledyard, and at his
death left a large estate. His wife, Sarah A. Frink,
bore him eleven children : Sarah Maria, John La-
tham, Leeds, Phebe E., Lura H., Ira D., Frances
A., Alonzo and Melissa (twins), Horace H. and
Amos. (5) John made his home in Stonington.
He married Nancy Barnes, and had two children,
John and Nancy. (6) Daniel located in North
Stonington. He was thrice married. His first wife
was Adelaide Roach. He married (second) Em-
ma Gay, by whom he had one child, Harriet. His
third wife, Mary Main, bore him three children,
Delia, Catherine and Ellen. (7) Louisa became the
wife of Coddington Main, and died at their home
in North Stonington. Her children were : Lois,
John and Jane (twins), Thomas, Mary, Sophia
and Amasa. (8) Seviah married Albert Brown, of
Ledyard, where she died. They had ten children:
S. Louisa, who married John O. Peckham, Sr. ; Al-
bert M.; Happy L. ; Thomas F., who died young;
Aaron A. ; Israel W. : Seth L. ; Fannie E. ; Nathan-
iel; and Charles, who died young, (y) Stanton
settled in Ledyard and there died. He married Su-
san Gray, and their four children were: Sarah,
Stanton, Wilmont and Walter. (10) Mary Esther
married Minor Perkins, of North Stonington,
where she died. Their six children were: Lydia
E. ; Hannah ; Henry ; Stephen ; Eliza Ann ; and Deb-
orah. (11) Nathaniel remained on the old home-
stead in Ledyard all his life, and died unmarried.
(12) Seth is mentioned below. (13) Hannah mar-
ried Paul Burrows, of Mystic, Conn., and died
leaving two children, Fannie and Isabelle. ( 14)
Fannie married George Parks of Mystic, where she
died. Their children were : Amasa, Georgianna
and Fannie. (15) Amasa is engaged in farming
in North Stonington. He married Lucy Frink, and
they have become the parents of seven children,
namely : Ellen, Betsey, Everett, Lillie, Luther, Fan-
nie and Hattie. (16) Deborah became the wife of
Joseph Morgan, and died in Ledyard, the mother of
six children : Joseph, who died young ; Amasa ;
Mary ; William ; Nathan ; and Hannah, deceased.
(VII) Seth Main, son of Thomas (4), was born
Sept. 13, 1824, in Ledyard, and died in Preston,
Aug. 13, 1903, aged seventy-nine years. In his
younger days he spent several years at work in the
old "Indian Mill," in North Stonington, and then
spent three years in a cotton mill at Mystic, Conn.
After his marriage, in 1848, he took up farming in
North Stonington, purchasing a tract of seventy-
eight acres, a portion of which was located in the
town of Preston. He continued there until 1855,
when the farm was purchased by another, and he
in turn bought the James Treat farm of nearly 200
acres, in the town of Preston, and extending into
the towns of Ledyard and North Stonington. La-
ter he became the owner of the Capt. Cyrus Punder-
son farm of seventy acres in Preston, whither he re-
moved. On this latter farm he successfully con-
ducted a gristmill until June 23, 1894, when he
moved to the "Park Homestead farm," of which
he had for some time owned a half interest. Three
years later he became sole owner of this farm,
which comprised in all about 154 acres of excellent
land. The cultivation and improvement of this
beautiful place became the care of his remaining
years, and there he died. Active and rugged, and
enjoying perfect health, he accomplished much work-
in his active years. In 1857 he suffered a severe
attack of typhoid fever, and after being given over
to die by the physicians, his devoted wife became his
physician as well as nurse, and restored him to his
usual good health. In disposition he was jovial,
and was easily approached. His great common
sense and remarkable ability to see to the bottom of
things made him much sought for advice on many
34Q
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
subjects. In his political faith he was a Democrat,
and he took an active part in town affairs. In 1871,
and again in 1884, he represented Preston in the
State Legislature ; among other offices he held may
be mentioned that of selectman for several years,
member of the board of relief and board of assessors,
and tax collector. He also settled a number of es-
tates in his time. He was a member and liberal
supporter of Elder Peckham's Baptist Church in
Ledyard, and was charitable and benevolent to the
deserving poor. Strictly honest in his dealings with
others, he was intolerant of any thing that bordered
on trickery in others. He was determined and tena-
cious of his own opinion, but once convinced he was
in error he was frank in confessing his fault. On
Aug. 27, 1848, Mr. Main was married to Mary
Anna Stanton Woodward, who was born in North
Stonington July 6, 1816, and who is still living in
Preston, surrounded by loving children and grand-
children. Mr. and Mrs. Main lived together to
within fourteen days of fifty-five years of happy
wedded life. Their children were : (1) Seth Wood-
ward was born Aug. 3, 1849, in North Stonington,
and is mentioned below. (2) Mary Rozilla, born
April 14, 185 1, in North Stonington, married Her-
bert N. Barlow, a carpenter of Enfield, Mass., where
they reside. They have four children, Seth, Alice,
Henry and Arline. (3) Cynthia, born Jan. 22,
1853, married Chauncey C. Pendleton, a successful
farmer of Preston, and has four children, Annie,
George A., Joseph B. and Mabel. (4) Appleton,
born Jan. 23, 1855, is mentioned below. (5) Na-
thaniel, born May 7, 1857, in Preston, was engaged
in farming in Franklin, Conn., where he died May
27, 1891, aged thirty-four years. He married Nel-
lie Holmes, of Preston, daughter of Shubael
Holmes, and had one son, Ernest Main. (6) Leon-
ard, born Jan. 16, 1859, ^n Preston, is engaged in
farming on the Andrew Avery farm in his native
town. On March 27, 1884, he wedded Annie Eliz-
abeth Richardson, daughter of William R. and Lucy
(Dawley) Richardson, of North Stonington, and
they have four children, Leonard R., Allison H.,
Floyd and Eveline.
(VIII) Seth Woodward Main, son of Seth
and Mary Anna Stanton (Woodward) Main, was
born in North Stonington, Aug. 3, 1849. When he
was six years of age his parents removed to Pres-
ton, and there in the twelfth school district he re-
ceived his early educational training, which was
supplemented by several terms in a select school in
Preston, attending until he was eighteen years
of age. He then entered Providence Con-
ference Seminary, at East Greenwich, R. I.,
for two terms, paying his own tuition from
money he had saved from his earnings as a
farm laborer during the summer months. After
leaving the seminary, he taught school one term in
East Greenwich, following this by one term in the
Poquetanuck district, Preston. Mr. Main then
went to Norwich, where for a year and a half he
was employed as a clerk in the grocery store of A.
S. Prentice. Returning to Preston he engaged in
agricultural pursuits for a short time, but the at-
tractions of the mercantile world proved too strong
for him, and he again went to Norwich, this time
becoming a clerk in the grocery store of Smith &
Reynolds, later with Smith & Beckwith, remaining
with these two firms in all about six years. In this
time he had acquired a thorough knowledge of busi-
ness methods, and had fully equipped himself for
entering the business world on his own account.
Locating in Preston City, he shortly afterward pur-
chased the general store of Daniel Brown, which he
conducted in a thoroughly up-to-date manner for
about nine years, meeting with great success in his
undertaking. He then sold the store to John F.
Richardson, and began farming and gardening and
the raising of small fruits, in which line of work
he was engaged up to time of his death. He was a
believer in new methods and studied his work in
the light of recent discoveries, his practical ideas
showing him at once what to adopt and what to
reject. His death after a severe illness occurred
March 31, 1904, and his remains rest in Preston
City cemetery.
Politically Mr. Main was a Gold Democrat.
In local affairs he gave his support to the man he
thought best adapted for the office sought. He, him-
self, was a most acceptable official, having served
as registrar of voters for several years, and for more
than ten years as justice of the peace. He attended
the Preston City Baptist Church, of which his wife
is also a member, and to which he gave liberally.
On April 5, 1881, Mr. Main was married (first)
to Ida F. Myers, daughter of the late Austin Myers,
of Norwich. She died in Preston in 1882, leaving
no children. On Nov. 21, 1883, Mr. Main married
(second) Huldah Jane Gallup, of Preston City,,
daughter of the late John Wheeler and Martha
Elizabeth (Richards) Gallup, the former for forty
years deacon of the Preston City Baptist Church.
Mrs. Martha E. (Richards) Gallup was the daugh-
ter of Mondata Tracy and Mary (Tyler) Richards,
both of whom were constituent members of Preston
City Baptist Church. No children were born to
Mr. and Mrs. Main.
(VIII) Appleton Main, son of Seth and Mary
Anna Stanton (Woodward) Main, was born Jan.
23, 1855, in North Stonington. When he was but
three months old his parents removed to Preston.
His early education was obtained in the schools of
the twelfth district, known as the "Plains District,"
and he later spent about three years in attendance
at a select school in Preston City. After one term
in the Providence Conference Seminary at East
Greenwich, R. I., he began teaching, and for about
eight years followed that profession in the schools
of North Stonington, Ledyard, Preston and Ston-
ington. His work in the school room was not con-
secutive, however. At the end of his first two
years as a teacher, he went to Norwich, where he
/
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
34 1
engaged as a clerk in the grocery store of Martin
Van Buren Lamb, where he spent one year, when,
owing to ill health, he was obliged to return home,
when he again became a school teacher. At the
same time he was a partner of his brother, Na-
thaniel, now deceased, in the conduct of their fa-
ther's farm of some 350 acres. After about six
years the brothers dissolved partnership, Appleton
purchasing Nathaniel's interest, who in turn became
the owner of a farm in Franklin, Conn. Appleton
Main continued to conduct his father's farm about
eight years on his own account, and in the fall of
1893 he purchased the Ulysses Avery farm of 160
acres, to which he removed the following spring,
and where he has since been successfully and ex-
tensively engaged in general farming. He has one
-of the best farms in the town, the greater part of it
being under cultivation. Besides farming he butch-
ers calves and lambs for the local trade.
Like all his family Mr. Appleton Main is a stanch
Democrat, and has served the town of Preston on
the board of selectmen for four consecutive years ;
he has also served several terms as a member of the
board of relief and of the board of assessors, and as
justice of the peace. In 1895 he represented his
town in the General Assembly of the State, where
he served with distinction as a member of the com-
mittee on Federal Relations. His interest in edu-
cational affairs is still keen, and he has given very
efficient service as a member of the board of edu-
cation. Mr. Main is gifted with a good knowledge
of business, and is frequently called upon to frame
deeds of property, having, perhaps, written more
deeds than any other man within a radius of ten
miles. He is a consistent member of the Preston
City Baptist Church, which he has served as col-
lector for several years, and in which he is Super-
intendent of the Sunday school. His wife is also a
member of that church, and is active in the Ladies
Aid Society, and is also a teacher in the Sunday
school.
On June 23, 1892, Appleton Main was united
in marriage with Miss Isabel Richardson, daughter
of William R. and Lucy (Dawley) Richardson, of
North Stonington, Conn. Two children have
blessed this union, both born in Preston : Gertrude
Idell, born April 16, 1895 ; and Lester Appleton,
born Oct. 1, 1896.
BISHOP. The Bishop family has always been
prominently represented in business and social cir-
cles in New London, where a number of the family
still reside, among whom are Messrs. Gilbert, Elias
and Henry Bishop, a brief sketch of each of whom,
together with one of the family, is given in this
article. The family bearing the name of Bishop, so
family records read, once spelled it Bisshoppe, or
Bishope, and its members are direct descendants of
(I) Eleazer Bishop who at the age of seven
years, together with two other boys, named Beshon
and Sharp, were kidnapped by the crew of an Eng-
lish ship, from the Isle of Jersey, and brought to
New London, Conn., in the year 1676. Richard
Dart, a rich farmer, living four miles from New
London harbor, but in the town of New London,
paid the ship master a yoke of oxen for young Bis-
hop's passage, and took the lad home. He lived
with Mr. Dart until he was twenty-one, and married
his daughter. Mr. Dart grew so fond of his adopted
son, that he gave him several hundred acres of land,
all of which was wild, and this he commenced clear-
ing, building the house in which Robert Bishop
lived. (He was the last of the family to occupy it.)
Upon the site of this early home of the family, Gil-
bert Bishop later erected a substantial residence.
Eleazer Bishop died Sept. 3, 1755, aged over
eighty-five years. To him and his wife were born
children as follows : Peter, John, Samuel, Timothy,
Eleazer, Jr., Clement, Nicholas, Mary and Sarah.
Of these Sarah died at the age of fifteen years.
Peter, John and Timothy emigrated to Nova Scotia,
and, at the close of the French war, settled in the
town of Horton. Samuel lived and died on the farm
near Lake's Pond. Eleazer, Jr., lived and died on
the farm where Robert Bishop lived. Clement
commenced a seafaring life, and it is thought died at
sea at an early age.
(II) Nicholas Bishop, fifth son of Eleazer Bis-
hop, was born June 22, 1723. He married Feb. 14,
1749, Hannah Douglass, born June 2, 1732, (laugh-
ter of Robert Douglass. Nicholas Bishop bore the
title of Captain Nicholas, and was very popular.
His death occurred July 30, 1780, aged fifty-seven
years. His wife died Feb. 3, 1807, aged seventy-
five years. Their children were Sarah, born March
11, 1750, married Edward Richards; Ebenezer, born
Nov. 14, 1 75 1, died Jan. 3, 1782, aged thirty years;
Jonathan, born June 24, 1754, died April 18, 1840,
aged eighty-six years; Joseph born Aug. 14, 1758,
died Nov. 15, 1834, aged seventy-six years; Mary,
born April 21, 1765, married David Congdon,
and died April 21, 1813, aged forty-eight years;
John, born Jan. 27, 1768, died in 1805, aged thirty-
seven years.
(III) Joseph Bishop, fourth child of Nicholas
Bishop was born Aug. 14, 1758. He married in
March, 1781. Desire (filbert, daughter of Jonathan
Gilbert. Joseph Bishop died Nov. 15, 1834, aged
seventy-six years. His wife Desire died Sept. 17,
1851, aged ninety years. Their children were:
Sarah, born May 23, 1782; Charles, born April 20,
1784, died in April, i86<>; Betsey, born Sept. 19,
1786; Joseph, born Dec. 18, 1788, probably died un-
married; Lois, born June 2. 1791, married John
Congdon, and died in New London ; Henry, born
June 8, 1793. died young; Polly, born July 24, 1795,
died young; John, born July 24, 1798, died young;
and Hannah, born Aug. 23, 1804, died young.
(IV) Charles Bishop was in early life engaged
in farming in Montville, where he was also a school
teacher. In about 1840, he removed to New Lon-
342
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
don, and established himself in die grocery business,
first locating on Broad street, and later for a time
was at the foot of Hempstead, finally establishing
himself at the corner of Main and Williams streets,
where he was still conducting his business at the
time of his death, which occurred in April, 1866,
when he was eighty-two years of age. His wife
died Dec. 15, 1867, aged eighty-four years, in New
London. Charles Bishop was an old line Whig, and
later became a Republican. In religious affairs, he
was a member of the Huntington Street Baptist
Church, of which his wife was also a member. He
was a quiet, reserved man, and one who always acted
as his conscience dictated. In appearance he was
short, medium set, and very healthy until about two
years prior to his death, and was fairly successful
in his business ventures. He left behind him an
untarnished name and many friends, and his loss
was deeply felt by those who knew him. His mar-
riage occurred in September, 1809, in Chesterfield,
when he was united with Charlotte Latimer, daugh-
ter of Henry Latimer, of the town of Montville, and
his wife Sarah (Christophers) Latimer. Mrs. Lat-
imer was the daughter of Christopher Christophers,
of New London. The children born of this mar-
riage were: (1) John, born March 17, 1811, in
Montville, was for many years engaged in the lum-
ber business in New London, where he died. His
first wife was Fannie Avery, of Norwich, who died
at Buffalo, N. Y., the mother of three children, John,
Mary and Annie. His second wife, Helen Stowell,
died in New London, leaving three children, Fred-
erick, Jessie and Lottie. For his third wife, he
wedded Sarah Rowland, who is now living in New
London, and has one son, Albert F. (2) David,
born March 27, 1812, in Montville, was for several
years engaged in the lumber business at Norfolk,
Va., and later in the general grocery business in
New London, where he died, beloved by all. His
first wife, Cynthia Lester, died in New London,
leaving one child, Cornelia, who died single. His
second marriage was to Mrs. Mary E. (Peckham)
Greenfield, widow of Richard Greenfield, and they
had one daughter, Cornelia, now Mrs. Dennis Mc-
Ewen. (3) Charles, born June 20, 1813, in Mont-
ville, learned the carpenter's trade, and in 1838
started in the lumber and building business with his
brother John, and later with his brothers Gilbert
and Henry, thus continuing until 1892, when he re-
tired. The greater portion of his life was spent in
New London, where he held various town offices.
He married first, Cynthia Davidson, of Preston,
Conn., who died in 1892. Their children were:
Charlotte, the wife of ex-governor Thomas M. Wal-
ler ; Dr. H. M. Bishop, of Los Angeles, Cal. ; Charles
A., now deceased ; Adam F. ; and George, now de-
ceased. Charles Bishop married (second), in 1893,
Mrs. Cordelia Sanford Young, a widow, of Daniel-
son, Conn., who is now also deceased. (4) Joseph,
born June 27, 181 5, in Montville, for a number of
years was superintendent of the cemetery of New
London, in which city he died. He married Sara
Noyes, of New London, who also died there. Their
children were: Joseph and Julia. (5) Charlotte,
born April 25, 181 7, in Montville, married Ezra S.
Beckwith, who conducted a marine railway in New
London harbor. He died April 1, 1865, in New
London, where his widow now resides. Their chil-
dren were; Louisa married Arnold Rudd; Ezra D.
died young; Isabella C. is unmarried; Mortimer H.,
lives in New London ; Emily is the wife of George
M. Cole, adjutant-general of the State of Connecti-
cut, residing in Hartford. (6) Henry, born May
9, 1820, in Montville, was engaged in the lumber
business with his brothers Charles and Gilbert in
New London, where he died Jan. 25, 1892. His
education was obtained at Montville and at Chester-
field, but when he was fifteen years of age, he came
to New London, and commenced learning the car-
penter's trade under his brother John. For several
years, he worked at his trade, but later with his
brothers Gilbert and Charles formed the firm of
Bishop Brothers, and was placed in charge of the
general outside work. Henry Bishop was a man of
high moral life and belonged to the First Baptist
Church, in which he was an active worker. His
home life was a very happy one, and he loved to
beautify it and make those happy about him. In
politics he was a Democrat of the Jeffersonian type,
although in local matters he often voted for the man
best fitted for the office. As for himself, he utterly
refused public office. As a business man he was
very successful, and he conducted his affairs along
the lines of the Golden Rule. In February, 1842,
Mr. Bishop was married to Mary Smith Howard,
daughter of Daniel and Hannah (Smith) Howard,
of New London. The children of that happy mar-
riage were : Jonathan S., who was engaged in a
crockery business for a number of years in New
London, and married Martha Benham, of Groton,
and they have one child, Abby, who married Charles
D. Van Winkle, of Brooklyn ; Henry, a member of
Bishop Lumber & Coal Co., mentioned below ; Mary,
who married Nathan Woodsworth, of Waterford,
owner of a paper mill there, and they have children
as follows: Laura B., Thomas B., and Clara B.
of Waterford. Henry Bishop built the present Bis-
hop residence on Jay street in about 1845. (7)
Gilbert, born July 15, 1824, in Montville, is men-
tioned below. (8) Elias, born Aug. 27, 1827, in
Montville, is now living in New London, and is
mentioned below.
Gilbert Bishop was born July 15, 1824, in
Montville, Conn., the seventh child of Charles and
Charlotte (Latimer) Bishop. His early boyhood
days were passed in his native town where he at-
tended the district schools of his time. He later
attended a school in New London, taught by Ulysses
Dow. The school days of young Bishop were prac-
tically over when he was about fifteen years old, at
44w?7&*f*fi
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
343
which age he entered upon his business career. He
began as a clerk in a store, and soon after accepted
the position of head clerk in the meat market and
grocery store of David Bishop and Adam Frink.
Applying himself closely, he soon mastered the
business. Being ambitious and full of energy, and
not finding a field for his ability in the capacity of
clerk, he concluded to go into business for himself.
He opened a grocery store on Bank street, and con-
ducted that for a while, subsequently disposing of
same to take up the lumber business with his broth-
ers, David, Charles and Joseph. Thus began his
connection with a business that was built up to im-
mense proportions, and with which he maintained a
foremost position for fifty-seven years, or until the
disposition of the property in 1904 to the Palmer
Bros. Co. During this time the personnel of the
business changed from time to time by the advent
or retirement of one or the other of the brothers, or
their sons, and the style of the firm name was sev-
eral times changed as a result. Originally known as
Bishop & Co., it later was changed to Bishop Broth-
ers, then to Bishop & Sons, and finally was incor-
porporated as the Bishop Lumber & Coal Co., with
Gilbert Bishop as president. For a number of years
Gilbert Bishop was the foremost member of the
firm, and practical head of the business, the
financial part being almost entirely looked after
by him, until in 1903, failing health com-
pelled him to relinquish his close attention
to its affairs and its final disposition as pre-
viously mentioned. This marked the closing of one
of New London's oldest business concerns, and one
that was for many years the leader of its kind, not
only in this city but in eastern Connecticut. The
business on two occasions suffered from disastrous
fires. The first conflagration resulted in its removal
to Nos. 61-63-65 Water street, where it remained
thereafter. In 1889 occurred the second fire, from
which the business seemed to recover with renewed
vigor, notwithstanding the heavy loss sustained.
The firm manufactured sash, doors, blinds and out-
side finish, and dealt in lumber, coal and building
materials. During the latter years of his active
business life Mr. Bishop was extensively engaged in
building operations, erecting upward of a dozen
homes, principally in east New London.
The first marriage of Gilbert Bishop occurred
Dec. 24, 1845, to Catherine Delaney Bishop, who
was born May 11, 1825, a daughter of Robert Bishop
and his wife Sally Holmes, and a descendant,
through Thomas and Amy (Fargo) Bishop, of
Eleazer Bishop, the emigrant ancestor of the Bishop
family. She died Feb. 26, 1889, in New London.
To this union were born children as follows : Rob-
ert Jay, born March 6, 1847, died Dec. 25, 1867,
unmarried ; he was a clerk in the employ of his fa-
ther. Sarah Minerva, born June 20, 1848, was mar-
ried April 17, 1873, to Henry Ferris, a practicing
attorney at law in New York City, residing at West-
chester, N. Y., and to them have been born seven
children, Anna Gertrude, Claiborne (who died aged
five years), Katherine Livingstone, Nathalie, Hes-
ter, Gilbert Bishop, and Margaret < )akley. Cather-
ine Gertrude, third child of ( rilbert Bishop, was born
Nov. 29, 1849, and married June 17, 1873. Frank
Huntington Chappell. president of the F. H. & A.
H. Chappell Co., of New London, and their children
are Minnie Huntington, Robert Bishop, Donald,
Harold, Marion, Lawrence Arnold and Frank Hun-
tington. Gilbert Curtis, fourth child of Gilbert
Bishop, was born Feb. 8, 1869, was a member of
the firm of Bishop & Sons until his death June 4,
1893, in New London; he married, Oct. 20, 1890,
Electa Ann Merrill, of New London, and left two
children, Robert Curtis Bishop and Katherine
Bishop.
The second wife of Gilbert Bishop, whom he
married Nov. 19, 1890, was Miss Lydia Allen
Holmes, daughter of Elisha Harlow Holmes
and Lydia i\llen, of South Windham, Connecticut.
When a young man Gilbert Bishop was a mem-
ber of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. In
early life he was a member of the Second Baptist
church, but later he and his wife attended the Prot-
estant Episcopal Church. In politics Mr. liishop is
a Republican, and he has been a member of the com-
mon council of the city, during his services in which
he was chairman of the sidewalk committee. Though
never what could be called a public man, or one seek-
ing political honors, no citizen of the city has taken
any more interest in its material growth and de-
velopment than Mr. Bishop. His has been a busy
and successful life, and, looked upon as he is, a most
venerable and highly respected citizen, he has es-
tablished a high standing for a family name that
a numerous posterity can look upon with pride.
Elias Bishop was born in Chesterfield, Mont-
ville, and was educated there until he was seventeen
years of age. At that time he came to New Lon-
don, and with his brothers Charles and Joseph
learned the trade of a carpenter. With them he was
afterward a builder, and then for a year or two, he
followed his trade very successfully. He then re-
moved to Waterford, near the New London line,
and established a door, sash and blind factory, run-
ning it by horse power for several years, in conjunc-
tion with his brothers. A fire made removal neces-
sary, and the plant was transferred to the present
location of the Adams Express office. Mr. Bishop
then removed to Hampton, and bought a farm and
gristmill, and was soon engaged in furnishing hay
and grain to the railroad builders. After remaining
there three years, he sold that property, and return-
ing to New London, worked at his trade, and also
operated a grocery on Mountain avenue, which he
purchased. Once more he went to Waterford, and
became superintendent of Cedar Grove cemetery,
and held that position for over twenty-five years.
He has since engaged in farming, and also has a
344
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
good milk route through New London. Since 1900
he established on Broad street, an up-to-date grocery
store, managed by his son.
Elias Bishop is a member of the Huntington
Street Baptist Church, of which he is a most earnest
supporter. In politics he is a Republican.
On Oct. 10, 1847, Mr. Bishop was married to
Harriet Newell Lincoln, daughter of John Lincoln,
of Hampton, and she died in New London, Oct. 27,
1875. The children born to them were: Harriet
Jane died young; Sarah Jane died young.
On May 31, 1876, Mr. Bishop was married to
Louisa Johnson of Waterford, daughter of James
and Hannah (Beebe) Johnson, and the children of
this marriage are: (1) Elias Johnson, born Jan.
20, 1877, is now operating his father's grocery store ;
he married Nov. 3, 1897, Harriet J. Sistare, daughter
of Charles G. Sistare, Jr., and they have one child,
Charles' Bishop, born Sept. 1, 1899. (2) Joseph,
born July 29, 1887, is at home with his father.
Henry Bishop, born Aug. 6, 1846, in New Lon-
don, Conn., received his education in that city, and
also attended the high school known as Bartlett's high
school, finishing his studies when about seventeen
years of age. He clerked in a dry goods store
owned by C. C. Culver for a short time, and was
then a clerk in a stationery business. For about a
year he operated a grocery store where Havens li-
brary now stands, and his next venture was the es-
tablishment of a stationery and book store on State
street, and the firm style was Slocum & Bishop. It
so continued for a year, and then Mr. Bishop con-
ducted it alone for two years more. He finally sold
his business, and going to Hartford, became a dealer
in gold and silver spectacles, in company with Rob-
erts, under the style of Roberts & Bishop. At the
end of two and one-half years, he sold his interest
to his partner, and went to Saybrook. Mr. Bishop
became interested in the woven wire spring bed
factory at Chester, Conn., and was a member of the
Farnum Woven Wire Bed Springs Company for
about two years. Coming to New London, about
1877, he became a clerk for Bishop & Company,
and continued in that position until the death of the
father, when he became a member of the firm of
Bishop & Sons, and later of the incorporated com-
pany, in 1890 of the Bishop Lumber and Coal Co.,
he being made treasurer, and still later general man-
ager, which office he held until the dissolution of the
firm in 1904.
Like so many of his family, he is a consistent
member of the First Baptist Church of New Lon-
don. He is a strong Republican, but has never
sought office. On April 8, 1869. Mr. Bishop was
married to Georgiana Sawyer of New London, who
died March 20, 1889, in New London. On Nov.
20, 1890, he was married to Mary J. Hoskins, of
Brooklyn, N. Y., who died May 28, 1897. On Oct.
20, 1898, he was married to Harriet Watrous, of
New London, and she died Oct. 20, 1900, in New
London. He has no children.
MARTIN VAN BUREN BRAINARD, clerk
and judge of probate of the town of Montville, is
one of the most useful and esteemed citizens of that
section. He has held the two offices mentioned con-
tinuously for several years past, and has served his
fellow citizens in other official capacities with a
fidelity and efficiency which justify his position
among the leading and influential men of the com-
munity.
Mr. Brainard is a son of Zeno Brainard, for
many years a highly respected resident of Mont-
ville, and is a direct descendant of Daniel Brain-
ard, who as a boy of eight years was brought to
Hartford, Conn., where he lived in the Wyllys fam-
ily until twelve years old. These Wyllyses were
prominent. George Wyllys, the head of the family,
was a native of Fenny Compton, County of War-
wick, England, and a son of Richard Wyllys. George
Wyllys came to America in 1638, and was an or-
iginal proprietor of Hartford. He was several times
elected a magistrate — 1639-40-43-44; was deputy
governor, 1641 ; governor, 1643 I etc-
Daniel Brainard became a proprietor and settler
of Haddam in 1662, and was a prosperous, influ-
ential and very respectable man. He was a justice
of the peace and a deacon in the church. He was
twice married, marrying (first) Hannah Spencer,
daughter of Gerard Spencer, of Lynn, Mass., and
later of Haddam. After her death he married (sec-
ond) Widow Hannah Dexter, and it is a tradition
that the entire maiden name of this wife was the
same as that of the first. His children, all born to
the first marriage, were : Daniel, born March 2,
1665 ; Hannah, Nov. 20, 1667 ; James, Jan. 2, 1669 ;
Joshua, July 20, 1671 ; William, March 30, 1673;
Caleb, Nov. 20, 1675; Elijah, 1677; Hezekiah, 1680
or 1681.
Zeno Brainard, the father of Martin V. B., was
a direct descendant of this ancestor, and was born
May 6, 1809, in Ledyard, Conn. His father died
when our subject, Martin V. B. Brainard, was very
young. Zeno Brainard passed all his active years in
agricultural pursuits, and was quite successful in
his vocation, being a progressive and enterprising
man in all that he undertook. In the latter thirties
he removed to East Haddam, Middlesex Co., Conn.,
where he remained until 1845, conducting a farm of
about seventy-five acres, and thence removed to
Montville, where he settled in the Eleventh school
district, on the old Chesterfield and Norwich turn-
pike. There he purchased a farm of 100 acres,
which he cultivated profitably, and at the time of
his death he was in good circumstances. Mr. Brain-
ard was a jovial, good-natured man, well-liked so-
cially, and held in high esteem by all who knew him
for his uprightness of character and admirable
moral qualities. He was actively interested in the
affairs of his adopted town, in which he held several
offices, among them that of assessor. In political
sentiment he was a stanch Jeffersonian Democrat.
Mr. Brainard died Aug. 8, 1889, in Montville, Conn.,
y
fa?7/- (if, OyV' o/i/iia^t^iasice
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
345
aged eighty years, three months and two days. Mr.
Brainard married Mary Hilliard, who was born
Sept. 18, 1812, in Salem, Conn., daughter of Deacon
Hilliard, a local preacher of Salem. She passed
away Sept. 19, 1897, in Montville, aged eighty-five
years and one day. Children as follows were born
to this union: (1) Mary married Anson Chappell,
of Montville, where she died when twenty-eight
years old. She was the mother of two children,
Mary Abby and Amelia A. (2) Martin Van Bnren
is mentioned below. (3) Henry L. died Nov. 2,
1862, a member of Company H, 10th Conn. V. I.,
in the service of his country in the war of the Re-
bellion ; he never married. (4) Frederick C, a
member of Company F, 21st Conn. V. I., died in
service May 5, 1863; he never married. (5) Ame-
lia A. married Jonathan Gay, of Montville, where
she died, the mother of one daughter, Ada. (6)
Lewis M. married Lydia Ann Davenport, of Mont-
ville. and they have one son, LeRoy. Mr. Brainard
is engaged in farming in Montville.
Martin Van Buren Brainard was born Feb. 27,
1836, in Salem, Conn., and was only a few months
old when his parents removed to East Haddam.
, There he began his education in the district schools,
which he attended until nine years old, when he re-
moved with his parents to Montville, at which place
he continued his schooling up to the age of seven-
teen. The winter that he was seventeen he taught
in one of the district schools of Montville, after
which he was a student at the grammar school of
New London for one term. He then took up the
carpenter's trade, which he followed in the summer
time for a number of years, teaching in the winters,
until 1870, in which year he and his brother-in-law
W. Irving Browning, established a wagon and car-
riage factory, which they conducted under the firm
name of Brainard & Browning. They were very
successful, but Mr. Brainard was obliged eventually
to abandon the business on account of ill health,
after ten or twelve years of it, Mr. Browning buying
his interest. For several years he had devoted much
of his time to the settlement of estates, and at the
time he left the wagon business he was under $90,000
bonds in that connection. Meantime he had also
purchased a tract of land in Palmertown, from
which he sold some building lots, also carrying on
farming there to a limited extent. In the fall of
1896 he was elected judge of probate, to succeed
Charles W. Comstock, and he has been retained in
that office continuously ever since. On Sept. 1,
1897, he was elected town clerk, to fill a vacancy,
made by the removal of Dr. Druley, and he has also
been re-elected to that office for continuous service
to the present date, a record which speaks sufficient-
ly well for the value of his services to need no fur-
ther comment. He has served on the school com-
mittee for seventeen years, was selectman for seven
years, first selectman for four years, assessor, mem-
ber of the board of relief, and, in fact, has been
chosen to almost every office within the gift of his
fellow townsmen. For several years he was a jus-
tice of the peace. Mr. Brainard is a stanch Repub-
lican in politics, and is one of the influential men
of that party in his town, where his approval or dis-
approval of candidates or measures counts for con-
siderable. He has also taken an active interest in
the religious life of his community, being a member
of the Baptist Church, in which he has been deacon
for thirteen years ; he has also served on various
committees, and has been superintendent of the Sun-
day-school for the past fourteen years. He may be
called a leading citizen of Montville in more ways
than one, as a record of his activities and interests
shows, and he is highly respected among a wide cir-
cle of friends and acquaintances.
Mr. Brainard was married, Jan. 2, 1866, to Miss
Martha Maria Browning, daughter of Dr. Isaac
Browning, of Montville. No children have come to
this union.
CHARLES BILLINGS CHAPMAX. who
wields a power in the financial world as assistant
secretary and assistant treasurer of the Chelsea
Savings Bank at Norwich — positions that show
the marked confidence in which his ability and integ-
rity are held — comes of a family long known in New
England and Connecticut.
The name Chapman first appears of record in
New London county, in 1657, when William Chap-
man bought a home lot, on what is at present
Hempstead street. He died Dec. 18, i<*)<). and
while there is no record of his family, the children
named in his will were : John, William. Samuel,
Jeremiah, Joseph, Sarah and Rebecca. Of these
John removed, in 1716, with his family to Colches-
ter: William married Hannah, daughter of Daniel
Lester, and is supposed to have settled in Groton ;
Samuel, the ancestor of the Waterford branch of
the family, lived in the Cohanzie district, reared to
maturity nine children, and died Nov. 2, 1756;
Joseph was a mariner, and removed his family to
Norwich, where he died June 10. 1725 ; Jeremiah,
probably the youngest of the five brothers, retained
the family homestead, and died Sept. 6, 1755, aged
eighty-eight. All of the brothers left large families,
and their posterity is now widely scattered.
Eber Chapman, the great-grandfather of Charli
Billings Chapman, was born May 16, 1770. and on
April 10, 1794, he married Desire Stark, born Nov.
26, 1769. Their children were: Nancy, born Feb.
20, 1795. married Phineas Crumb, and died at
Jewett City: Elias, born May 23, 1796: Mercy,
born 1798, married Thomas Mulky; Simeon, born
April 3, 1799, married twice, and lived first in Led-
yard, later removing to New York City, where he
engaged in business, and where he died ; Jesse, burn
Nov. 8, 1800, married a Miss Brand, and died in
Ledvard; Solomon, born March 18, 1803, resided
346
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
in Mystic; Mary, born Dec. 28, 1804. died young;
and Phebe, born Nov. 15, 1806, and Amy, born
Nov. 13, 1808, never married.
Elias Chapman, son of Eber, was a farmer resid-
ing in Preston, where he died at an advanced age,
April 24, 1883. He married Clara Avery, daughter
of Theophilus and Margery (Newton) Avery; she
died April 13, 1883, aged eighty-five years. Their
children were: (1) Theophilus Avery. (2) Nancy
11. died July 24, 1844, aged twenty-one years. (3)
Jared, born Oct. 21, 1826, was a farmer in early
life, and later a carpenter in Preston, where he died
in February, 1870. He married Elizabeth Palmer,
and had four children: Emma M., who married
Alfred Lockwood, and died in Preston ; Sarah
Elizabeth, who died in infancy ; Lillie, wife of
James G. Maples, of Norwich ; and Elias S.. who
resides in Schenectady, N. Y. (4) Nancy died in
young womanhood.
Theophilus Avery Chapman was born May 12.
1821, in Ledyard, and he received a district school
education. His early home training was in the line
of farm work, and he continued to live at home
for several years after his marriage. He then moved
to a nearby farm where he resided until 1861. For
many years he had engaged in the manufacture of
candles at his home. In 1861 he removed to what
is now known as East Norwich, and there in com-
pany with his brother-in-law. William A. Bedent,
under the firm name of T. A. Chapman & Co., en-
gaged in the more extensive manufacture of can-
dles, which business was carried on until his death,
July 18, 1871. He had been ill for several months,
and had been unable to attend to his affairs. In his
early life he was a Whig, but later became a Demo-
crat. He was a man of pronounced views, and when
once his opinion was formed he was ready to uphold
it, though willing always to listen to arguments on
the other side, and frank to confess it if he found
himself wrong. In i860 he was elected town clerk
of Preston, and held that office for about ten years.
He was an active member of Trinity Episcopal
Church at Norwich, and for years was one of the
vestryman. On Sept. 15, 1844, he married Frances
Bedent, born July 2, 1823, daughter of Jesse and
Phebe" (Hewitt) Bedent, and for many years prior
to the marriage a successful teacher. She died in
Needham, Mass., Dec. 12, 1902, and was buried
beside her husband in Yantic cemetery. To
Theophilus A. Chapman and wife were born two
children : Charles Billings ; and Clara Avery, who
married Charles A. Rathbone, of Needham, Mass.,
and has two children, Clarence A. (a clerk in the
State National Bank, at Boston) and Frank M.
(attending Trinity College, at Hartford).
Charles Billings Chapman was born in Ledyard
May 7, 1850, and he acquired his literary education
in the public schools of Preston. At the age of six-
teen years, he found employment as a clerk in the
wholesale grocery establishment of Charles F.
Setchel, at Norwich, his wages for the first year
being $100. That was the beginning of his busi-
ness life. During the two years he remained with
Mr. Setchel he developed unusual business ability,
and showed he had in no way made a mistake in
choosing commercial lines for his life work. He
next was a clerk for the old Norwich Fire Insur-
ance Company, and gave that concern efficient serv-
ice for thirteen months, at the end of that time be-
coming bookkeeper for F. L. Gardner, a merchant
on the corner of Market and Water street, and with
whom he remained nine months. On April 2, 1872,
he entered the Thames National Bank, as clerk,
and there until May 3, 1875, he remained, making
a careful study of banking and finance, and win-
ning high praise from others connected with that
institution for his accuracy and intelligent care-
fulness. On the last named date, without any so-
licitation on his part, he was chosen teller of the
Chelsea Savings Bank, a high tribute to his integ-
rity and fidelity to duty, since well justified by his
long service in that position. In 1878 he was elected
assistant secretary and assistant treasurer. He is
also a trustee of the bank.
Besides his engrossing duties in the bank, Mr.
Chapman is associated with George D. Coit, under
the firm name of Coit & Chapman, in the fire and'
life insurance business.
On June 6, 1878, in Pawtucket, R. I.. Mr. Chap-
man married Mary Louisa Warburton, a native of
that city, and a daughter of William and Caroline
Warburton. Three children have brightened their
happy home: (1) Charles Frederic, born Jan. 4,
1 88 1, graduated from Norwich Free academy in
iqoo, and after a post-graduate course in the same
institution, entered Cornell University in 1902, and
there is taking a course in mechanical engineering.
(2) Percival Warburton, born Sept. 4, 1883, gradu-
ated from Norwich Free Academy in 1903. (3)
Lawrence Boylston was born Oct. 12, 1886.
In his fraternal relations, as in all else, Mr.
Chapman is exceedingly popular. In 1885 ne De~
came a member of St. James Lodge, No. 23, F. &
A. M. ; and he belongs to Franklin Chapter, No. 4;
Franklin Council. No. 3 ; Columbian Commandery,
No. 4, Knights Templar ; and all the Scottish Rite
bodies. He is also a member of Sphinx Temple of
the Mystic Shrine at Hartford, and is one of the
most active Masons in the State. He was one of
the original corporators from St. James Lodge of
the Masonic Temple Corporation, and since the
inception of that corporation has been its secretary.
At the present time he is, and has been for several
years, treasurer of St. James Lodge, of which he is
also past master ; is past high priest of the Chapter ;
past master of the Council ; chairman of the board
of trustees of the Chapter and Council : and a pre-
siding officer in the Scottish Rite. Mr. Chapman is,
besides, one of the board of trustees (composed of
three) of the Grand Lodge ; and thrice Illustrious
Grand Master of the Grand Council. Socially he
belongs to the Arcanum Club, and was one of the
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
347
organizers of the Chelsea Boat Club, in which lat-
ter he has served as captain and commodore.
In 1870 Mr. Chapman united with Trinity Epis-
copal Church, in Norwich, and served as clerk of
the parish and as vestryman for several years, as
well as treasurer. He was elected one of the war-
dens in 1900 but declined to serve. He is a lay
reader of the Church, and has been a delegate to
the Diocesan Convention, for a number of years,
and in 1901 was deputy from the Connecticut Dio-
cese to the General Convention at San Francisco,
Cal. All the family belong to the Church, and
unite in doing their parts of its good work. In his
political faith Air. Chapman is a Republican, but al-
though frequently urged to do so, has steadfastly
declined to accept office, other than that of member
of the school board, his interest in matters educa-
tional leading him to serve from September, 1897,
to September, 1900, as a member of the Central
School District Board of Education. He holds the
confidence and esteem of every one, and is very
popular with all classes, being kind and obliging,
ever ready to help others.
Avery. Through his grandmother, Mrs. Clara
(Avery) Chapman, Charles B. Chapman is de-
scended from (I) Capt. James Avery, the only child
of Christopher, and properly the founder of the
Groton (Conn.) Averys, born in England about 1620.
He came to America with his father, perhaps, as
early as 1630-31, and lived in Gloucester several
years. Christopher Avery is of record as select-
man in 1646. James Avery married Nov. 10, 1643,
Joanna Greenslade, of Boston. He received a grant
of land in Pequot (New London, Conn.) in 1650,
and settled there probably in 165 1. Three of his
children, Hanna, James, and Mary, born in 1644,
1646 and 1647, respectively, were born in. Glou-
cester, and the others, Thomas, John, Rebecca, Jona-
than, Christopher and Samuel, were born in New
London.
(II) James Avery (2), born 1646, married Feb.
18, 1669, Deborah, daughter of Edward Stallyon.
Mr. Avery was an important man of affairs, was
deputy to the General Court from New London
six times from 1690 to 1702, captain of the Train-
band, etc. He and his wife united with the First
Church in New London in 1672 ; and their names
are the first in the list of those who were in full
communion in the Church of Christ, in< Groton, in
the old Church record begun by John ( )wen, before
1727. Mr. Avery died Aug. 22, 1748. His wife
died March 27, 1729. Their children all born in
New London, afterward Groton, were Deborah,
James, Margaret, Edward, Ebenezer, Christopher,
Jonathan, Mary, Hannah, Sarah, Joseph, Benjamin
and Mary.
(III) Edward Avery, born March 20, 1676,
married June 3, 1699, in Preston, Joanna Rose,
daughter of Thomas. She died January 3. 1761,
and he died April 14, 1759. He united with the
Church of Preston in 1702. Their children were:
Joanna, Thomas, Edward, Deborah, Theophilus,,
Benajah, James, Gideon, Hannah, Ichabod, Asa,
Mary and Lydia.
(IV) Theophilus Avery, born Sept. 6, 1708,
married July 16, 1733, Elizabeth Billings, of Pres-
ton, born in 1712, and died Aug. 25, 1 79 1 . Mr.
Avery died Sept. 30, 1799. Their children were:
Elizabeth, Deborah, James, Content, Desire, Ed-
ward, William, Abigail, Sarah and Theophilus.
(V) James Avery, born Feb. 28, 1737, married
in 1759, in Montville, Mary Comstock, born in 1740,
daughter of John. He died Feb. 22, 1822. and she
died Feb. 8, 1782. Their children were: John L.,
Elizabeth, Edward, Abigail, James, William B.,
Theophilus, Josiah, Polly, Sarah and Squire.
(VI) Theophilus Avery (2), born Nov. 3, 1774,
married March 26, 1797, in Groton, Conn., Margery
Newton, daughter of Abel. She died Oct. 1, 1849,
aged seventy-four, and he died Jan. 1, 1870. Their
children were: Clara, born Dec. 23, 1797; Billings,
born Sept. 19, 1802; and Emily N., born Nov. 6,
1807.
DUDLEY P. CHAPMAN, one of the highly
respected citizens of Groton, belongs to one of the
old and early established families of New London
county.
Nothing is known of this branch of the Chap-
man family until the year 1657, when the name of
William Chapman appears in the New London rec-
ords. In that year he bought the house and lot
that had been Capt. Dennison's of Mr. Blinman.
William Chapman was sexton in Rev. Saltonstall's
Church in 1691. William Chapman (2), son of
William Chapman the settler, married Hannah Les-
ter, and is supposed to have settled in Groton,
Conn., about 1690. There were four children, of
whom William (3) was the eldest and was born
in March, 1691. In 1717 he married Marcy Stod-
dard, and they had ten children, the eldest of whom,
David, was born April 3, 17 19. David Chapman
married Patience Rouse about 1744, and by her had
seven children. Levi, the third child, was born Oct.
21, 1749. He married Elizabeth Stoddard, who
lived to the age of ninety-six years, and they lived
at Ledyard, Conn. They had a family of fifteen
children, one of the youngest being William Chap-
man (4), the father of Dudley P. Chapman, of
Groton.
William Chapman (4), father of our subject,
was born at Ledyard. Conn., June 29, 1790, and
participated in the battle at Stonington Point, in the
war of 1812. His home was in Quakertown, Led-
yard, and there his 'early days were spent. For
eight years he was a sailor, but later was engaged
as a stone worker and farmer. In March. 1836,
he bought the Asher Bailey farm, near the navy
yard in Groton, and resided there the balance of his
life.
On Feb. 4, 1816, Mr. Chapman married Fanny
Bailey, daughter of Simeon and Esther 1 Wood-
348
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
mansee) Bailey, of Ledyard, and their nine chil-
dren were as follows: Esther (decease) was the
wife of Russell Fish; Elizabeth (deceased) was
the wife of Russell Fish; William (deceased) re-
moved to Ohio; Ardelia (deceased) married Hi-
ram Avery; Caroline married Moses O. Bailey;
Cynthia (deceased) was the wife of Leonard Baker;
Simeon (deceased) was a seafaring man (he has
a son, Roswell, in Groton) ; Prudence married Lo-
renza Perkins ; Dudley P. is mentioned below. Wil-
liam Chapman died Jan. 4, 1873.
Dudley Pendleton Chapman was born Feb. 15,
1833, in Ledyard, Conn. At the age of three years
he accompanied his parents to Groton and spent his
early school days in the Second school district. His
life until the age of eighteen years was passed on
the farm. In 1852 he went to California, joining a
party which made the trip by way of the Isthmus,
and spent a year in Solano county, then going to
Sacramento, where he spent three years. Before
his return to Groton, in 1865, he passed twelve
eventful years in California. Mr. Chapman made
a second visit to the Golden State, spending a year
and a half at this time, but in 1866 he again settled
in his native neighborhood and has made his home
in Groton ever since. He has been one of the suc-
cessful business men, interested in several different
lines. On Sept. 9, 1869, he embarked in the ice
business at Groton, in which he continued for
twenty years, gradually converting it into an en-
tirely wholesale business. In 1889 he discontinued
same, becoming largely interested in real estate,
in which line for the past fourteen years he has done
a large and prosperous business, handling not only
his own but other large bodies of land. He has
been also prominent in matters of civic concern,
has been quite active in political affairs, and has
served usefully on the school board. Socially he
belongs to the Jibboom Club.
On July 26, 1865, Mr. Chapman was united in
marriage with Lucy H. Swan, daughter of Isaac
Swan, of Stonington, who passed away Nov. 5,
1902. She was a woman of many Christian virtues,
and left not only a devoted family, but a wide circle
of friends who will ever recall her with feelings of
deep affection. The children born to Mr. and Mrs.
Chapman consisted of three daughters and one son,
namely : Mary Swan married Rev. Gurdon F. Bai-
ley on June 29, 1891, and has children — Harold
Chapman, born Dec. 24, 1893, in Avon, Conn. ;
Marion Latham, born Sept. 7, 1896, in Westbrook,
Conn. ; Louise Perry, born May 30, 1898, in West-*
brook; and Lucile Dudley, born Nov. 11, 1899, in
Westbrook. Carlos Avery, born in Groton, married
Adell Rudd, and they have two children — LaFay-
ette and Percy. Louise died in infancy. Emma
married Henry Marquardt, and they have one
daughter, Madeline.
Mr. Chapman is held in very high esteem in
Groton, not only as a representative of one of the
old families which has assisted in the making of
history in New London county, but also on ac-
count of his own sterling traits of character.
JOSEPH MUNROE BECKWITH, one of the
largest land owners in New London county, and a
leading representative citizen of Montville, is a
native of that county, born Aug. 17, 1835, in Salem.
He is a descendant of some of the most ancient
stock in this section, being a son of David Beck-
with, and a grandson of Samuel Beckwith, whose
ancestor in America was Matthew Beckwith.
Matthew Beckwith was born Sept. 22, 1610, in
Pontefract, Yorkshire, England, and was not un-
likely nearly or remotely related to his namesake in
Yorkshire. Some of the Beckwiths have given
him a direct connection with Sir Hugh de Male-
bisse, who was born in Normandy, and held lands in
England during the time of William the Conqueror.
The lineage is given in detail elsewhere. Matthew
Beckwith emigrated to New England in 1635, re-
siding for a short time that year at Saybrook Point.
He is of record in Branford in 1638, and was one
of the first settlers of Hartford in 1642. His name
appears among the list of the first settlers of Lyme
in 1 65 1, and he purchased large tracts of land on the
Niantic river, lying partially in Lyme and New
London. The bark "Endeavor," the first vessel
launched from New London, was constructed and
owned by him, and he used it for trading purposes
with the Barbadoes. He died Dec. 18, 1681. His
wife's Christian name was Elizabeth.
Samuel Beckwith, grandfather of Joseph M.,
was born in Salem, New London Co., Conn., and
died there Aug. 25, 1826, aged seventy-six years.
He was married to Jane Way, who died in Nov-
ember^ 1825, in Salem, aged sixty-six years. To this
union were born several children, among whom were
Russell, Charles and David. Samuel Beckwith, the
father, was a thrifty farmer of Salem, Conn., and
was in quite comfortable circumstances.
David Beckwith, son of Samuel, and father of
James M., was born in 1794, in Salem, and died Dec.
19, i860, in Montville, aged sixty-six years. He
was married to Eliza Rathbun, who was born
in 1800, in East Haddam, Middlesex Co., Conn.,
daughter of Thomas and Sarah (Williams) Rath-
bun, of East Haddam, and died in Montville in
April, 1885, at the advanced age of eighty-five
years. We have the following record of the children
born to this union: (1) Sarah, born Jan. 31, 1822,
died in Montville, August, 1844, at the age of
twenty years, unmarried. (2) John, born March 17,
1830, in Salem, was a farmer in that town for a
number of years. Thence he removed to Montville,
where he lived about two years, at the end of that
time settling in New London, where he has since had
his home. He married Lydia Ann Smith, of East
Lyme, Conn., and they have had two children, Alice
^zr
fi^L /0H-
I
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
349
and Anna, the latter dying when thirty years old.
(3) Joseph Munroe is mentioned more fully farther
on. (4) Henry Claw horn Aug. 4, 1839. in Salem,
died July 12, 1885, in Amenia, N. Y. Previous to
the Civil war he was engaged in school teaching.
He served during that struggle in the United States
navy, as an engineer, and at the close of the conflict
was placed on the retired list, on account of ill
health. He married Lou Merwin, of Amenia, N. Y.,
and they had three children, the eldest of whom, Da-
vid, died March 13, 1878, aged four years and seven
months.
David Beckwith was a successful farmer all his
life. In 1843 he removed to Montville, New Lon-
don county, settling in Chesterfield Society, where
he purchased land, and, being a thrifty, hard work-
ing man, he was enabled to add to his original tract
from time to time, until he had accumulated some
500 acres by the time of his death. Though he gave
close attention to his personal affairs, allowing them
to lose nothing by neglect on his part, he found time
to serve his town in many ways, for several years
holding the office of selectman, and efficiently filling
other local positions of importance. So ably did he
discharge the duties of every trust, and so reliable
did he prove in every emergency, that he won the
respect and confidence of all his fellow citizens, and
no man in the town stood higher for integrity and
public spirit. In political faith Mr. Beckwith was
originally a stanch Whig, later becoming a Repub-
lican. His religious connection was with the Ches-
terfield Baptist Church, and he served for years on
the church committee, being a devoted worker in
that organization. Though he took so active a part
in all the affairs of life, Mr. Beckwith was a man of
quiet and reserved disposition. Physically he was
tall and rather slender, and was not particularly
rugged.
Joseph Munroe Beckwith grew to manhood in
his native town and the immediate vicinity, for
though his parents removed to Montville when he
was eight years old the new home was near the Sa-
lem town line. He received his early education in
the district schools of Salem, where he attended even
after the family moved to Montville, and later he was
a pupil in the Montville Twelfth District school,
where he pursued his studies until about eighteen
years of age. Like most farmers' sons, he had been
trained to farming from early boyhood, and after
leaving school took up the life of a farmer in earnest,
upon the death of his father assuming control of the
home place, which he has conducted successfully up
to the present time. By various purchases he has
increased his possessions until he now owns between
seven and eight hundred acres, lying in the towns of
Montville and Salem. Several years ago he sold a
portion of his farm to the city of New London, for
water supply, so that his holdings in Montville now
comprise some 300 acres, the remainder being in
Salem. In addition to general farming he engages
to some extent in dairying, keeping from twelve to
fifteen cows, the milk from which he sends to the
Chesterfield Creamery. He also carries on the saw-
mill on his farm which his father established. As
may be correctly judged from the position he has
attained, Mr. Beckwith is one of the representative
business men of Montville, a thrifty and progressive
farmer, enterprising in everything he undertakes,
and directs his labors most intelligently. He is a
worthy successor of a worthy father, and has taken
his place in public life as well as in business circles,
having acted in numerous official capacities. He has
been selectman several terms, member of the board
of relief, and member of the board of assessors for
several terms, and has been efficient in every incum-
bency. His political faith is that of the Republican
party.
Mr. Beckwith was married, May 18, 1862, to
Miss Mary Toocker, born Jan. 13, 1843, in Essex,
daughter of William Toocker, and to this marriage
came three children, viz. : ( 1 ) Sarah Cornelia, born
in 1864, died m April, 1879, aged fifteen years. (2)
Charles J., born Jan. 12, 1866, is living in New Lon-
don, where he is engaged as a dyer in the Brainerd
& Armstrong silk mill. He married Lizzie Adam-
son, of East Lyme, Conn., and they have had two
children, William Thomas and Ruth. (3) William,
born in May, 1869, is a resident of Montville, and is
engaged in the retail meat business. The mother of
this family passed away March 30, 1873, in Mont-
ville, and on Jan. 12, 1888, Mr. Beckwith married
for his second wife Lucy Jane (Herrick) Peabody,
born July 1, 1835, in Salem, Conn., daughter of
Elijah Herrick, and widow of Thomas Peabody, of
Norwich, Conn. No children have come to this
union. By her first marriage Mrs. Beckwith had
eight children, six of whom lived to adult age. In
religious faith Mr. Beckwith is a Baptist, being an
earnest member and liberal suporter of the Chester-
field Church, in the work of which organization he
takes an active part. In short, he is a most desirable
citizen in every respect, supporting all good institu-
tions and lending his influence to all worthy move-
ments, of whatever origin.
The Way family of New London and vicinity,
with which Mr. Beckwith is connected through his
grandmother, descended from George Way, of Say-
brook and Lyme, who married Elizabeth, only
daughter of James and Joanna Smith, of New Lon-
don, whither he removed. They had children :
George and Thomas.
(II) Ensign George Way, son of George, mar-
ried Susanna, daughter of Joseph Nest, and died in
February, 1716-17. He lived at West Farms. His
family removed from New London.
(II) Thomas Way, son of George, married Ann,
daughter of Andrew Lester, and they had ten chil-
dren. He removed to East Haven, Conn., and died
in 1726. One of his sons, John, settled in Walling-
ford, Connecticut.
350
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
(Ill) Daniel Way, born Dec. 23, 1688, and
Ebenezer, born Oct. 30, 1693, sons of Thomas, are
the ancestors of the Way families of New London
and Waterford, branches of which settled in Ver-
mont and New Hampshire.
JAMES NELSON CLARK. In these days,
when so many are declaiming about the loss of op-
portunity to the average man, asserting that many
of the old time avenues to recognition and promo-
tion are closed, or at least barred with locks which
respond only to golden keys, it is gratifying to meet
with examples like the one afforded by the life of
James Nelson Clark, of Norwich, one of the city's
most highly respected citizens. The Clark family
is one of the oldest and most numerous families of
New England.
The grandfather of James Nelson Clark was a
harness maker and saddler, and resided in Bridge-
port, Conn., where he died at an advanced age.
He was the father of several children, of whom Jo-
seph S. was the father of James Nelson.
Joseph S. Clark was born in Bridgeport, where
he spent his early life. While still a young boy he
began to learn the trade of cooper, and in early
manhood he came to Norwich and found work at
his trade in the employ of a Mr. Fuller, who was a
well-known cooper of that time. Later he engaged
in business for himself on Water street, Norwich,
and for many years met with the success that at-
tends honest industry. Having accumulated a little
capital by hard work and economy, he engaged in
the grocery business on West Thames street, and for
twenty-five years continued in that line. He then
disposed of his stock and business, and moved to
Waterford, where he located on a small farm which
he had purchased, erected a comfortable home and
there resided, retired until his death, which oc-
curred in September, 1889, lacking but a few months
of his eighty-fourth birthday. His remains were
interred in Yantic cemetery at Norwich. In poli-
tics he was a Jeffersonian and Jacksonian Demo-
crat, but became a Republican during the Civil war.
In local affairs he was not strictly partisan, but
voted for the best man. He was remarkably well
preserved and retained all his faculties until his
death. In his manners he was of the best type of
the old fashioned gentleman, while socially he was
very popular, being an entertaining talker, with a
vast fund of general information, which he had
acquired by reading, and which his retentive mem-
ory enabled him to use to advantage. In his re-
ligious belief he was an Episcopalian. On Oct. 8,
T833, Joseph S. Clark was united in marriage with
Alice Smith, who was born in Yantic, and who died
Oct. 17, 1850, aged thirty-three years and eleven
months. The children born of this union were: (1)
Joseph Sheldon, born Nov. 29, 1834, was a cooper,
in early life, later a mate on a whaling vessel, and
died at Desolation Islands, while on a whaling voy-
age, and was buried there. He married Anna Guile,
and had one son, Alfred, who resides at Poque-
tanuck. (2) William Henry, born Oct. 15, 1838, was
an engineer by occupation. He enlisted in Co. F,
1 8th Conn. V. I. and lost his left arm at Harwood,
Va. He married Harriet Guile (sister of his broth-
er's wife) and had three children : William, of
Preston ; Alice, married and residing in Spring-
field, Mass. ; and Harriet, wife of Frederick
Sprague, of Preston. (3) James Nelson com-
pleted the family.
James Nelson Clark, was born April 30, 1843,
in Norwich and until the age of eighteen he attended
the High street school. He early showed an ener-
getic business disposition by engaging, at the age of
twelve years, during vacation, and times when not
at school, in making stick candy at his home, and
peddling it in the vicinity. He had good success at it,
and continued the business until after he left school,
when he accepted a position with George T. Bush-
nell, a fish dealer of Norwich, for whom he peddled
fish in Norwich and Baltic. He remained with Mr.
Bushnell for a few years, and then found employ-
ment with Elihu Frazier, who was engaged in the
meat business on Water street, Norwich. While
thus employed the country's call for defenders was
heard and on Aug. 26, 1862, Mr. Clark was mus-
tered into Co. B, 26th Conn. V. I., as private under
Capt. Clark Harrington, and Col. Kingsley. His
term of enlistment was for nine months. On Nov.
10, 1862, he was made sergeant and the regiment
was attached to the 1st Brigade, 2nd Division, 19th
Army Corps, commanded by Gen. Nathaniel P.
Banks, of Massachusetts, and under that General
he served in the noted Banks expedition. The
regiment participated in the engagements at Port
Hudson, May 27th, and June 13 and 14, 1863, and
in the latter day's fight, Adjutant Stephen B. Meech,
of this regiment, now President of Thames National
Bank, Norwich, was wounded, and, after his regi-
ment had retreated, was lying on the ground in
full view of the sharpshooters of the enemy. Ser-
geant Clark picked up the wounded officer and car-
ried him off the field on his back amid a storm of
bullets from the enemy — a brave act that won him
high praise from the officers and men of his own
regiment. Shortly after this engagement Sergeant
Clark was thrown from his horse, and received
what proved to be a permanent injury to his back.
He was confined in the hospital for a short time,
and then being unable (on account of his injury) to
do any heavy work he was detailed to look after the
camp, and was engaged at such until the regiment
was ordered home. He was mustered out with
the regiment Aug. 17, 1863, at Norwich, and then
returned to his former position with Mr. Frazier,
who has held the place for him. Later, Mr. Clark
bought an interest in the business, and the firm be-
came Frazier & Clark, so continuing until Mr. Clark
bought out the interest of his partner, and continued
alone for many years. Mr. Clark had a large trade,
and in managing his business with the success he
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
35*
attained, he was obliged to spend many long' hours
each day in work — an industry and fidelity that in
the end won permanent success, when coupled with
the upright and honorable methods he employed.
His former partner, Mr. Frazier, afterward bought
an interest, and then again disposed of it to Air.
Clark, who after finally disposing of the meat busi-
ness, was for a few years engaged in the grocery
business in the building formerly occupied by his
father. Since disposing of the grocery, he has de-
voted his time to the management of his real estate
business and the renting of tenements.
In 1871 Mr. Clark erected a residence at No.
102 High street, and bought land in the vicinity
with the forethought that it would grow valuable.
Later he purchased the house immediately north of
his home for the purpose of renting it as tenement,
and beginning with the one house he has erected
several houses, bought property until now he has
twenty tenements, including two brick blocks on
Thames street. In 1903 he purchased his present
delightful home at No. 76 West Thames street.
Mr. Clark has original ideas of his own in house
construction which he carries out, never employing
an architect, his own well planned house being
built on happy ideas of his own. His treatment of
his many tenants is most humane, and some of these
have remained in his houses for many years. He at-
tends to his property himself, makes collections
himself, remedies all defects of which any complaint
may be made, is personally acquainted with each
tenant, and by all he is held in the highest esteem.
He is an accurate appraiser of real estate, and his
opinions carry a great deal of weight.
Politically Mr. Clark is a Republican in national
affairs, but is not bound by party ties in local af-
fairs, voting for the best man, and for the principles
they represent. He attends the Congregational
Church.
On Dec. 23, 1863, James N. Clark was married
by Rev. Dr. Bond, to Anna E. Zimmerman, who was
born in Minden, Germany, daughter of George E.
and Elenora (Grumme) Zimmerman. Mr. Zim-
merman was a tailor by trade, and came to the
United States when Mrs. Clark was but two years
old. After a residence of seven years in New York
City, the family came to Norwich, and there the
parents died, the father passing away Jan. 7, 1853,
aged forty years and his widow on Aug. 11, 1873,
aged fifty-six years and six months. To George
E. Zimmerman and wife were born five children as
follows: Anna, Mrs. Clark; Lena, wife of Jacob
Metzger, of Greeneville ; Emily, widow of John I'>.
Mulkey, of Norwich ; Henry, who resides in Nor-
wich ; and Augusta, wife of Frank P. Webster, of
Keene, N. H. Mr. and Mrs. Clark are the parents
of two children: (1) Ella Louise, born May 13,
1865, was married Jan. 17, 1883. to Wilbur A. Chap-
pell, and resides in Norwich ; she has two children ;
Annie L., born Dec. 20, 1884; and George Nelson,
born Sept. 30, 1888. (2) James Nelson, Jr., born
June 4, 1870, is a clerk in the employ of the L. A.
Gallup Co., and resides at home; he served in the
Spanish-American war as a corporal in Co. C, 3rd
Connecticut Regiment.
Mr. Clark is a self-made man in the truest
sense of that much abused term, and his success has
attested the workings of a strong and courageous
spirit, a success that is attributed in no small degree
to the faithful cooperation of his worthy helpmeet,
whose industry has been that of a model housewife,
and has been fully equalled by her thrift and provi-
dence. Mr. Clark is an entertaining gentleman,
and he and his estimable wife and family command
the profound respect of all their acquaintances.
ROBERT DWIGHT BRADLEY, agent for the
New York, New Haven & Hartford Railroad, at
West Mystic, town of Groton, has, by his upright
life, good business ability and genuine worth as a
man and a citizen, proved himself worthy of a long
line of honorable ancestry.
The Bradleys were long known in Hampden
county, Mass., and there Deacon Lyman Bradley,
grandfather of Robert Dwight, was a prominent
and highly • esteemed resident. For many years
prior to his death he was a deacon in the Baptist
Church at Russell, Mass., and he was known far
and wide as a strictly just and upright Christian
man. He was twice married. His first wife,
whose maiden name was Dickenson, bore him one
son and three daughters, and his second, Dorcas
Braman, of Fisher's Island, six sons and one daugh-
ter. Of all, but two sons now survive. The chil-
dren were reared to honorable manhood and wo-
manhood, and became respected and valued mem-
bers of society. Deacon Bradley died March 30,
1874, and his wife the following day. They were
buried in one casket, in the cemetery at Russell.
The pall bearers were five sons and one son-in-law.
Francis H. Bradley, son of Deacon Lyman, was
born at Russell, Mass., Feb. 22, 1830. He received
but a common school education, but he early learned
the value of industry. At the age of twenty he
started out for himself as a section foreman on the
Boston & Albany Railroad, at Westheld, Mass. A
year later he became division master of the New
York, New Haven & Hartford Railroad, at Milford,
Conn., where he remained seven years, at the end
of that time being promoted to foreman in charge
of the construction of the extension between Ston-
ington and New London. At the completion of that
work, he was in charge of the division for a num-
ber of years, then being made chief road master
between Providence and New London, a position
he filled to the complete satisfaction of the company,
until his lamented death, March 17, 1884, while
undergoing treatment in a Xew York hospital. His
remains were interred in Elm Grove cemetery at
Mystic. He was a hard working man, and thor-
ough and practical in all that he did, being looked
upon by his employers as a most valuable and reli-
352
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
able man. In his habits he was domestic, devoted
to his home and his family. Politically he was a
Republican, but never took any interest in politics
beyond the casting of his vote. When nineteen years
of' age he united with the Baptist Church at Rus-
sell, and when he removed to West Mystic he trans-
ferred to the Union Baptist Church, and always
attended its services regularly and contributed lib-
erally toward its support.
On Nov. 13, 1850, Francis H. Bradley married
Emeline E. Parks, who was born April 1, 1831, at
Russell, Mass., daughter of Lyman and Ruhamah
(Fuller) Parks. She now resides at West Mystic,
and is actively interested in the work of the Bap-
tist Church. To Mr. and Mrs. Bradley were born
the following children: (1) Emma F., born June
15, 1852, married, Aug. 26, 1875, LeGrand G.
Scholfield, of Cambridge, Md., and has one son,
Frederick. (2) Jennie D., born Aug. 14, 1855,
married, April 18, 1878, Carl O. Wederkinch, a civil
engineer of note who had charge of the boring of
the Hoosac tunnel, and who died at Honduras,
while in charge of a silver mine there. They had
two children, Francis, of West Mystic ; and Carl
O., who died at the age of seven years. Mrs.
Wederkinch divides her time between Manville, R.
L, and West Mystic, Conn. (3) Frank L., born
July 28, i860, married Oct. 19, 1880, Amy E. Wash-
ington, and had two children, Estella and Clarence.
He was tie inspector of the Consolidated Road, and
he died April 26, 1900. (4) Robert Dwight was
born Nov. 16, 1863. (5) Bertha R., born Dec. 23,
1864, died July 27, 1884. (6) Frederick F., born
Aug. 15, 1872, died Sept. 5, 1873.
Robert Dwight Bradley spent his boyhood days
in West Mystic, attending the East Greenwich
academy, and later Bryant and Stratton's Business
College at Providence. At the age of fifteen years,
he was appointed agent at West Mystic, and has
held that position since 1879. In April, 1890, he
was appointed postmaster at West Mystic.
On Sept. 18, 1884, Mr. Bradley was married to
Arline, a daughter of John Alden Rathbun, of
Mystic, Conn. The children born to Mr. and Mrs.
Bradley are: Edith Fish, born July 23, 1887; Ber-
tha Louise, born July 16, 1890; Marion Elizabeth,
born Jan. 5, 1893; Carl Robert, born Jan. 12, 1896;
Frank Harmon, born June 27, 1900. Like his par-
ents, Mr. and Mrs. Bradley and daughter Edith,
are members of the Union Baptist Church of Mys-
tic, and are among its liberal contributors.
HARLEY P. BUELL, Judge of Probate and
one of the leading and influential citizens of Col-
chester, is a descendant of one of the oldest Con-
necticut families. The record of his ancestry is as
follows :
(I) William Buell, born about 1610 in Chester-
ton, Huntingdonshire, England, came to New
England about 1630, and settled first in Dor-
chester, Mass. He remained until about 1655-
56 and then removed to Windsor, Conn., dying
there Nov. 23, 1681. He was married Nov. 18,
1640, and his wife, Mary, died Sept. 2, 1684. Their
children were all born in Windsor, between 1641
and 1656, and they were : Samuel, Mary, Peter,
Hannah, Hepzibah, Sarah and Abigail. William
Buell, the emigrant, was a man of position in so-
ciety, a man of property and good personal char-
acter.
(II) Samuel Buell, born Sept. 2, 1641, married
in Windsor, Nov. 18, 1662, Deborah Griswold,
born June 28, 1646, daughter of Edward Griswold,
of Windsor. Mr. Buell in 1664 removed to Killing-
worth, Conn., where he passed the remainder of his
life, dying July 11, 1720, in that portion of the town
now called Clinton. He was one of the pioneers of
the town, filled many responsible public offices," be-
came an extensive landholder, and was a gentleman
of large means. His children, all born between 1663
and 1686, were : Samuel, Deborah, Hannah, Mary,
John, Hannah (2), William, David, Josiah, Mehet-
able, Peter and Benjamin. The mother of these
died Feb. 7, 1719.
(III) Ensign William Buell, born Oct. 18, 1676,
in Killingworth, Conn., married first at Hartford,
Conn., about 1705, Elizabeth, daughter of Joseph
Collins, of Hartford. Mr. Buell removed to Leb-
anon about 1698, and died there April 7, 1763, and
upon his tombstone it is recorded that he was "One
of the Fathers of the Town." Mrs. Buell died Dec.
7, 1729, and he married April 23, 1730, Martha
Smith, who died at Lebanon without issue, May 25,
1 75 1. For his third wife Mr. Buell married Nov.
12, 1 75 1, Mrs. Jerusha Dean. His children, all born
to the first marriage and at- Lebanon, between 1706
and 1728, were : William, Samuel, Timothy, Abel,
Elizabeth, Deborah and Mehetable.
(IV) Capt. William Buell, born Sept. 5, 1706,
in Lebanon, married (first) in Lebanon, Sept. 15,
1727, Elizabeth Holbrook; she died Oct. 29, 1731,
after bearing him Elizabeth, William, and Martha,
born in Hebron, now Marlboro, Conn., whither the
family removed in 1730. Mr. Buell married Sept.
21, 1732, Sybil Post, of Gilead, Conn., who died,
after bearing him Sybil and Daniel, Jan. 26, 1737.
His third wife, whom he married June 2, 1737,
was widow Elizabeth Miller, daughter of a Mr. Hol-
lister of Glastonbury, Conn., who died leaving
Rachel, William (born April 7, 1745) and Sarah.
The fourth marriage of Mr. Buell took place about
1794 to Betsy Pen-in, and he died Oct. 30, 1795.
(V) Capt. William Buell (2), born April 7,
1745, in Hebron (now Marlboro), married May 11,
1766, Abigail Horsford, born Jan. 26, 1749, and to
them were born, all in Marlboro and between 1767
and 1783: William, Elizabeth, Sarah, William (2),
Daniel and John. Capt. Buell died March 6, 18 19,
and his wife died April 8th, of the same year.
(VI) John Buell, born June 10, 1783, in Marl-
boro, Conn., married in Hebron, Conn., Feb. 15,.
1806, Mary Porter, who was born Jan. 21, 1784,
^qaJLi tyJkoc/O
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
353
daughter of Elihu and Mary (Gillette) Porter, of
Colchester. Mr. Buell died in Marlboro Oct. 5,
1833, while his widow died Oct. 9, [856. Their
children were: Elihu 1'.. Mary K., John W., Abi-
gail E., David M., Josiah M. and Charles G.. all
born between 1808 and 1824.
(VII) John W. Buell, born Nov. 4, 1812. in He-
bron. Conn., removed to Gilead, and there married,
Sept. 21, 1836, Mary Ann Post, born Aug. 17. 1813.
Their children were all born in Gilead, as follows:
John H.. born Feb. 9, 1842, is one of the leading- citi-
zens of Hebron and Tolland county, a successful
farmer and lumberman, and is now serving as a
county commissioner (he has served as sheriff of
the county) ; Martha, born March 10. 1845, is un-
married and resides in Gilead; Harley 1'. is men-
tioned below; Hart E., born March 24, 1855, is un-
married and engaged in farming in Gilead.
Harley P. Buell was born Nov. 6, 185 1, in Gilead
Society, town of Hebron, Conn., and attended the
district school taught by Edward S. Hinckley. From
childhood he was brought up to work upon the
farm, and remained at home until he was nineteen.
He then began clerking for his uncle, Charles G.
Buell, who had a general store at Hebron Green,
and thus continued for two years. He then came
to Colchester, in 1872, and began working for Will-
iam B. Otis as a clerk in his general store there. Re-
maining with Mr. Otis for four years he then pur-
chased the drug store of Charles H. Rogers, at its
present site, and has since been engaged in this line,
meeting with marked success. He erected his
present block in 1890.
Mr. Buell was married in Colchester to I.
Loretta Tew, who was born in Lebanon, daughter
of John Tew.
In politics Judge Buell is a Republican, and he
has always taken an active interest in the affairs of
his party. In 1902 he was a delegate from Col-
chester to the Constitutional Convention at Hart-
ford, called for the purpose of revising the State
constitution. Many of the lesser offices have been
held by him, and in 1884 he was elected judge of
probate, and, with the exception of one term of two
years, has occupied this office ever since. He has
served on the board of selectmen, being chairman
of the board, and has been a member of the school
committee of district No. 1 for the past twenty-
three years, taking a deep and abiding interest in
educational matters.
Fraternally he is a member of Wooster Lodge,
No. 10, A. F. & A. M., and has been master of the
same for the past several years. He is also a charter
member of Colchester Lodge, Xo. 30, Ancient
Order of United Workmen.
In addition to his other interests Judge Buell
was one of the incorporators of the Colchester Sav-
ings Bank and has served as a director since its or-
ganization. He was also one of the incorporators
of the Linwood Cemetery Association, and is now
treasurer of the same. Whether as business man,
23
public official or private citizen he has always done
what lie deemed his duty, and is justly regarded as
one of the most prosperous and representative men
of New London county.
SAMUEL H. CHESEBRO, one of the repre-
sentative and substantial husines> men of Stoning-
ton, Conn., comes of a long line of distinguished
ancestors, whose names are connected with the
early history of New England. lli> family line is
traced to William Chesebrough, the first white man
who settled in what is now known as the town of
Stonington, and who was born in Boston, Lincoln-
shire, England, in 1594. On Dec. 6, [620, he mar-
ried Anna Stevenson, born in 1598. in England.
His death occurred June 9, 1667. By trade Wil-
liam Chesebrough was a gunsmith, and worked at
his calling in England and this country until he
came to Stonington in 1649, when he changed his
occupation to that of farming and stock raising,
occupying and improving large tracts of land given
him by the town of Pequot, now New London. In
the early part of the year 1630, he joined a large
party of emigrants who came with John Winthrop
to this country. Located iu Boston, Mass., he there
became a member of the First Church, and in May,
163 1, was admitted a freeman of the Massachusetts
Colony, and in 1634, he was elected constable of
Boston. Before 1640, he removed to Braintree,
Mass., and in that year was elected Deputy to the
General Court of Massachusetts. Soon after this,
he removed to Rehoboth, Plymouth Colony, and
took an active and prominent part in organizing that
town. Notwithstanding the prominent part he took
in establishing Rehoboth, and the recognition of his
services by the new town, he was not treated with
much favor by the General Court of the Colony,
which ordered him to be arrested for an affray with
an Indian by the name of Yassamequine, and harshlv
treated him in other respects. This led him to
look further for a place of permanent abode, and
in 1645 he visited Xameaug. afterward called Pe-
quot, now Xew London, for the purpose of making
it his future home, but he subsequently examined
the Pawcatuck region, and finally concluded to set-
tle at the head of Wequetequock Cove, lie shared
the friendship of Roger Williams, and was encour-
aged and assisted by him in removing his habitation
to I'awcatuck. In the summer of 104c;. he moved
his family to the new house he had built in the wil-
derness, and here the marsh land bordering on
Wequetequock Cove, furnished hay for his stock
in abundance. With him. he brought his wife and
four sons, Samuel, Nathaniel, John and Elisha.
Like most of the early planters, he traded more or
less with the Indians, and also with the people of
Long Island and elsewhere. In March. 1651, he
was required to appear before the General Court in
Hartford, and give a bond of ^300 not to sell fire-
arms or engage in any other unlawful trade with the
Indians. He was later given grants of lands
354
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
amounting to about 3,000 acres. In 1658, the ter-
ritory east of the Mystic river became a part of
Massachusetts Colony, under the name of Souther-
town, and in 1662 became a part of the Connecticut
Colony, in 1665 the town being named Mystic, and
in 1666 Stonington. He was a man of more than
ordinary ability, and held positions of trust, in
J653-4-5-6-7 and in 1664 being Deputy to the Gen-
eral Court at Hartford. He was townsman of
Southertown, and first selectman of Mystic and
Stonington, thus continuing until his death, June 9,
1667.
(II) Samuel Chesebrough was born April 1,
1627. He married, Nov. 30, 1655, Abigail Ingra-
ham, and he was buried July 31, 1673.
(III) Samuel Chesebrough (2), was born Nov.
20, 1660. In 1690 he married Marie Ingraham,
born June 26, 1666, and she died Jan. 9, 1742.
(IV) Joseph Chesebrough was born April 12,
1703, married, Jan. 1, 1739, Mrs. Thankful (Hinck-
ley) Thompson.
(V) Samuel Chesebrough was born March 25,
1743, married, Jan. 10, 1765, Submit, daughter of
Nehe-miah and Submit Palmer. He died Sept. 9,
181 1, and she died Dec. 12, 1835.
(VI) Samuel Chesebro, thirteenth child of the
above mentioned Samuel, was born Nov. 25, 1788,
married Dec. 25, 1814. Sally Robinson, who died
April 23, 1830. They had children as follows : John
Robinson, born Nov. 7, 181 5, married Almira Bur-
dick; Dudley R., born May 28, 1818, married Jane
Tinker, of Lyme, and died in 1879; Ann Elizabeth,
born Sept. 23, 1820, married George W. Ashley;
Frances May, born Sept. 13, 1822, married Ichabod
Dickinson, of Stonington; Samuel, born April 29,
1826, died Sept. 9, 1830; Sarah Jane, born April 29,
1829, married (first) Marcus M. Swazey, and (sec-
ond) Albert Wolf, and now resides at Mystic.
Samuel Chesebro married for his second wife, Dec.
5, 1830, Mrs. Harriet (Haskell) Pollard, born in
Preston, Aug. 3, 1796, and died Dec. 11, 1855.
Their children were: Harriet, born Sept. 13, 1831,
died Sept. 29, 183 1 ; Samuel and Harriet, twins,
born Aug. 2, 1836, died Sept. 22d of same year,
and Sept. 15th, same year, respectively; Samuel
Henry, born Dec. 8, 1838. Samuel Chesebro, fa-
ther of this family, in early life was a clock and
wagon maker at Glastonbury and Marlboro, Conn.
Later he engaged in contracting and building for
some years in Stonington, whence he removed about
181 7.' He embarked in a grocery business in about
1837, and continued in it for twenty-one years, or
until 1858. Politically he was a Democrat, and was
especially active in party work in the town of Ston-
ington, being generously rewarded by being made a
selectman of the town, and he was sent to the Lower
House in 1832 and 1836. His death occurred May
24, 1858, in Stonington, where he was held in high-
est respect and esteem and beloved by all who knew
him.
(VII) Samuel Henry Chesebro was born Dec.
8, 1838, at his present home in Stonington. He at-
tended the public schools of Stonington until he was
thirteen years of age when he began to clerk for
his father in the grocery store and soon after the
death of his father in 1858, he took up the business
on his own account, and he has continued most suc-
cessfully since. The present place of business was
erected by the father in 1836, when the land about
it was merely rough pasture land. It is now in the
very central part of the business section. In politi-
cal faith, Mr. Chesebro is a stalwart Democrat, and
has taken an active part in the affairs of his native
town. In 1871-77-78, Mr. Chesebro served as town
selectman ; in 1874, he was a member of the State
Legislature, and while there served on the commit-
tee on Female Suffrage. In 1899 upon the organi-
zation of the Wequetequock Burying Ground As-
sociation he was made president, and has since
served as such. He has been president of the Ston-
ington Building Company, since its organization in
1892. Mr. Chesebro is in every respect an active
and influential man of affairs, and an excellent busi-
ness man, whose straightforwardness and integrity
in all business matters, together with his charitable
nature, command for him the highest esteem and
respect of the entire community.
On Sept. 26, 186^, Mr. Chesebro married Lu-
cretia Maria, daughter of Elias and Lucretia (Da-
vis) Babcock. One child has been born to their
union, namely: (VIII) Pauline, born Aug. 3,
1879, at home.
Mrs. Chesebro is a descendant in the eighth gen-
eration from: (I) James Babcock, born in 1610,
who first appears in Portsmouth, N. H., in 1642.
He was a blacksmith and gunsmith, and from 1656
to 1659 was a commissioner. Soon after 1664, he
removed to Westerly, R. I. He died June 12, 1679.
His wife's name was Sarah.
(II) John Babcock, born in 1644, married Mary,
daughter of George and Elizabeth (Hazard) Law-
ton.
(III) Capt. John Babcock, born in Westerly,
about 1669, died March 28, 1746. In 1700 he wed-
ded Mary, daughter of William and Mary (Bab-
cock) Champlin.
(IV) William Babcock was born in Westerly,
April 15, 1708, and died Jan. 15, 1752. On Aug.
11, 1730, he married Sarah Dennison, of Saybrook,
Connecticut.
(V) Christopher Babcock, born Sept. 12, 1734,
married Mehitable Chaucer, of Saybrook, Connecti-
cut.
(VI) Stephen Babcock, born Feb. 27, 1772, in
Westerly, R. I., married March 22, 1801, Phebe
Burtch, born November 2, 1774, daughter of Henry
and Mary (Irish) Burtch; she died Nov. 10, 1837.
(VII) Elias Babcock, born March 19, 1806, died
March 19, 1881. He married Lucretia, daughter of
Clark Davis. Their children were :
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
1 ** ■*
(VIII) Lucretia Maria, wife of our subject; and
Elias, who married Alice D. Hancock, and died in
1888.
LYMAN LESTER CHAPMAN. There is not
probably in the State of Connecticut a better known
man in his line of business than Mr. Chapman ;
and neither is there in Norwich a business that has
been built up as rapidly from a most humble be-
ginning to metropolitan proportions, as that owned
and conducted by him. Mr. Chapman comes from
one of the old families of Ledyard, Conn., where
he was born July 28, i860. In maternal lines
his line of descent is traced back into the Lester,
Lamb, and Lyman families, all of whom have been
more or less prominent in the town of Ledyard for
a number of generations.
Ichabod Chapman^jthe paternal grandfather of
Lyman LTChapman, lived in Ledyard, and followed
TarnTing. He married Mary Lamb, and in their
family of children was a son, William E„ the father
of our subject.
William E. Chapman was born in October, 1828,
in Ledyard, Conn., son of Ichabod and Mary
(Lamb) Chapman. He had the country district
schooling of his time, and was reared as were
farmer boys of that period. When a young man
he went on a whaleship, with his brother-in-law,
Capt. John Bolles, the husband of Nancy Chap-
man, his sister. During the gold excitement in Cali-
fornia, he made the voyage around Cape Horn, with
a party that was made up of Connecticut men. He
spent two or three years in California at this time.
Returning to Connecticut he took up the trade
of carpenter under Jonathan Crandall, and
worked at it together with conducting the
farm near Allyn's Point. It was on this farm
that he went to housekeeping after his marriage,
and he was living there at the time of his
enlistment for service in the Civil war. He en-
listed Sept. 10, 1862, in Company D., 26th Conn.
V. I., and was mustered in Oct. 10th following.
He was wounded at Port Hudson, La., May 27,
1863, and he died May 31, 1863, and was buried
there ; however, his gravestone stands in the ceme-
tery at Gales Ferry, Connecticut.
Mr. Chapman, at the time of becoming a voter
was a Democrat, later he joined the Know Nothing
movement, and at the organization of the Republi-
can party he became a member of it. His death
left a widow and two children. In July, 1854. in
Ledyard, by the Rev. Timothy Tuttle, he was mar-,
ried to Miss Sarah M. Lester, born Aug. 23, 1836,
in Ledyard, daughter of Asa Lyman and Mariah
E. (Lester) Lester, the former a well-to-do farmer
of his day, and a well known citizen, in Ledyard,
where he lived on the old Lester homestead for-
merly occupied by his father Asa. The two chil-
dren left at Mr. Chapman's death were: Mariah
Eldora, who died at the age of eighteen; and Ly-
man Lester. The widow of Mr. Chapman after-
wards married William Bailey, of North Stoning-
ton, and after his death married Lucius L. Gardner
whom she survived. Mrs. Gardner now resides in
Norwich. Her only children were those by her
first marriage.
Lyman Lester Chapman passed his boyhood
days mostly in Ledyard, where he attended the dis-
trict schools and with the exception of one winter,
in North Stonington, his schooling was all received
in his native town. He received the customary
training of farmers' sons of his time, and early in
life had a good practical knowledge of hard work —
during the winter season, attending school, and in
summer at work on the farm. When a young man
of about seventeen years he went to Litchfield
county, Conn., and took the position of overseer
on a farm in the town of Goshen. Remaining there
some time, he went to Toledo, Ohio, where for a
short time he was engaged in a manufacturing busi-
ness. This venture not proving a success, young
Chapman entered the employ of what was then the
American Union Telegraph Company in the con-
struction and repair department. He was in this
line of work for about eight years, during which
time he returned to Connecticut and was employed
by the Western Union Telegraph Company. In
the latter eighties he purchased the livery business
of Oliver R. Buddington at No. 160 West Main
street, Norwich, and which represented his begin-
ning in that line of business. At that time his stock
consisted of three horses. His push and energy
were soon evident in the growth of the business,
which in 189 1 was removed to its present location
on Bath street and where at that time was pur-
chased and added the livery stock of D. S. Tweedy.
Subsequent growth and additions brought about the
extensive business now conducted, which includes
not only a general livery and boarding business,
but the most extensive harness and saddlery busi-
ness in New London county ; a large and strictly
up-to-date horseshoeing business, and a carriage
and wagon repository. Any one of the different de-
partments, represents in itself, a modern institution,
and taken together in their close relation, form a
strong combination not equalled in the State.
Mr. Chapman maintains a personal knowledge
of the workings of each department, which, with his
natural adaptation, and close attention to the busi-
ness, makes his success merited. The livery depart-
ment contains from forty to fifty horses,, each one
kept for some particular use and representing the
various types of horseflesh required to suit the
numerous patrons of such an extensive and well-
kept livery barn. During the summer seasons Mr.
Chapman conducts a livery barn at Eastern Point,
Conn. Mr. Chapman has made his business a study,
and few can as readily detect a flaw and its remedy.
He has built it up from its modest beginning and
is constantly on the alert for improvements.
356
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
In public affairs Mr. Chapman simply takes a
citizens' interest. Politically he is a Republican,
and fraternally, an Elk.
Mr. Chapman was first married to Miss Ora
Davidson, of Goshen, Conn., and Miss Eldora,
now a teacher in the High Street School, Norwich,
is the only living child of this marriage. He mar-
ried (second) Miss Lizzie Lucas, of Poquetanuck,
Conn., and their only child is Carrie Lucas.
DYER LORENZO CHESEBROUGH. The
Chesebrough family, of which the late Dyer Lorenzo
Chesebrough, in his day so well and favorably
known in Norwich, New London county, was de-
scended, is one of the oldest in New England. It
dates back to the days of
(I) William Chesebrough, who was born in
1594, and who, on Dec. 15, 1620, at St. Botolph's
Church, Boston, England, married Anne Stevenson,
daughter of Peter. He was a resident of Boston
for a decade or more prior to his emigration to
New England in 1630, whence he went in the "Ar-
bella," one of the fleet which carried over the Massa-
chusetts Bay Colony. Mr. and Mrs. Chesebrough
were original members of the First Church of Bos-
ton, Mass., of which Mr. Chesebrough was a dea-
con. He was a prominent and active man, and he
took a leading part in bringing into orderly form
the inhabitants of Braintree, Rehoboth and Stoning-
ton. He went to Braintree in about 1637, where he
and wife were members of the Church in 1639, and
which settlement he represented in the General
Court. Later he went to the Rehoboth settlement,
and still later to Pequot (New London), and built
a dwelling house at the head of Wequetequock Cove,
on the west side of the cove, in Pawcatuck. With
wife and four sons, in 1649, ne removed to it. Here,
later, with Thomas Stanton, Walter Palmer and
Thomas Miner, they became the founders of Ston-
ington, Conn. Mr. Chesebrough was deputy to the
General Court from Pequot in 1653-54, 1655 and
1656, and from Stonington in 1664. He died in
June, 1667, and his wife died in August, 1673, at
the age of seventy-five. Their three children, who
lived to manhood and married, were : Samuel, Na-
thaniel and Elisha.
(II) Nathaniel Chesebrough, born Jan. 25, 1630,
in Boston, England, married in 1659, Hannah, born
May 20, 1643, daughter of George and Bridget
(Thompson) Denison. Mr. Chesebrough was one
of the first nine members of the First Church of
Stonington. His wife was received into the Church
in 1643. Mr. Chesebrough served in the Colonial
Indian wars. He was one of the signers of the
Pawcatuck Articles, 1658, a freeman 1666, and
served as selectman 1675. His children, all born in
Stonington, were: Anna, Sarah, Nathaniel, Bridget,
Hannah, Samuel, Margaret and Mary. Mr. Chese-
brough died Nov. 22, 1678.
(III) Capt. Nathaniel Chesebrough (2), born
April 14, 1666, married Jan. 13, 1692, Sarah Stan-
ton, born 1673, daughter of Thomas Stanton, Jr.,
and his wife, Sarah (Denison). Mr. Chesebrough
served as a lieutenant in King Philip's war. He was
deputy to the General Court from Stonington in
1698, and was a captain in the militia in 1705. He
was admitted to the First Church Sept. 14, 1701,
and his wife Sept. 21st, of that same year. He
died April 8, 1732. His children were: Sarah,
Sarah (2), Hannah, Nathaniel, Thankful and
Nathan.
(IV) Capt. and Deacon Nathan Chesebrough,
born Aug. 2, 1707, married Nov. 23, 1727, Bridget
Noyes, and both were members of the Stonington
Church, of which he was a deacon. Capt. Chese-
brough was an extensive landholder and left to each
of his five sons a large farm. He died Aug. io,
1769. His children were: Nathan, Sarah, Keturah,
Nathaniel, Peleg, Robert, Coddington, Bridget,
James, Ann, James (2) and William.
(V) Capt. Nathan Chesebrough (2), born Nov.
14, 1728, married Dec. 6, 1752, Ann Stanton, born
March 22, 1732, in Stonington, daughter of Thomas
and Thankful (Denison) Stanton, and their chil-
dren, all born in Stonington, were : Anna, born in
J753'< Nathaniel, born July 30, 1755; Abigail, born
July 10, 1757; Nathan, born Oct. 8, 1759; Perez,
born March 2, 1762; Bridget, born May 9, 1764;.
Elam, born Aug. 10, 1767; Thomas, born July 2,
1770; Dorothy, born Feb. 7, 1773; and Edward,
born Feb. 4, 1775.
(VI) Capt. Perez Chesebrough, born March 2,
1762, married in June, 1785, Priscilla Thompson,
who died in March, 1842. Their children were:
Jedediah, born Oct. 21, 1787; Martha, born June 3,
1790; Elam, born Nov. 9, 1791. in Norwich;
Julia T., born Nov. 28, 1794; Dolly, who died
in infancy; Ann, born Aug. 23, 1797; Eunice W.,
born March 10, 1800; Caroline L., born April 5,
1802; Patrick H. L., born March 8, 1807, in Boz-
rah ; and Frances M., born Nov. 7, 1809, also in
Bozrah, Conn, (others are all in Stonington,
Conn.). Capt. Perez Chesebrough was the captain
and part owner of a vessel sailing from Stonington
in the West India trade. About 1800 he gave up
the sea and located in Norwich. Buying a farm
he engaged in general farming the remainder of his
life. His death occurred Jan. 10, 185 1, in Bozrah,
and he was buried there. He served as a soldier
in both the war of the Revolution, and the war of
1812. With the exception of his eyesight, which he
lost some few years before his death, his faculties
remained undimmed.
(VII) Elam Chesebrough, born Nov. 9, 1791, in
Norwich, Conn., married, Feb. 19, 1822, in Nor-
wich, Betsey M. Huntington, daughter of Joseph
and Nancy (Morgan) Huntington, of Norwich.
Mr. Chesebrough died April 30, 1867, and was laid
to rest in Yantic cemetery. Mrs. Chesebrough
passed away in Norwich, Aug. 3, 1869. Their
children were: Nancy H., born June 4, 1823, who
married John Maples, and is living totally blind, in
/
///"/'
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
3?7
Norwich ; Sarah L. C, born Feb. 27, 18 — . who mar-
ried first Dr. Samuel Maynard, second Rev. D.
Henry Miller, and died in Mystic; Eunice, who died
at six years of age ; Elam P. A., born June 25, 1832,
and died at Rochester, N. Y. ; and Dyer Lorenzo,
born Jan. 24, 1834. Elam Chesebrough was nine
years of age when brought by his parents to Nor-
wich, where he grew to manhood. He was engaged
in farming all his life. Removing to the town of
Franklin he bought a large farm where he was liv-
ing at the time of his death.
Dyer Lorenzo Chesebrough, son of Elam, at-
tended the district schools at East Great Plain, and
from early boyhood he worked on the home farm,
and engaged in selling milk. He was naturally
studious, however, and managed to acquire a good
education. For a few terms he taught school in the
town of Franklin. At the age of nineteen he en-
tered the employ of Lee & Lathrop, driving a meat
wagon, so continuing for six months, when he en-
tered the butcher business for himself, on West
Main street, where he continued for three years
with great success. He then became engaged in
teaming, having four horses, and this he continued
for five years, after which he kept a livery barn on
the site where the Central Baptist Church now
stands. This he continued until 1862, when he sold
out and moved to Oswego, N. Y., and there in part-
nership with his brother Elam, conducted the "St.
Nicholas Hotel." In 1865 he returned to Norwich,
and entered the grocery business, in which he con-
tinued with unvarying success until his death. He
won popularity by his honest methods and his cour-
teous treatment of his customers, and his untimely
death caused general regret. On Christmas Day,
1873, ne went hunting in the town of Franklin, and
when on his way home to join his wife at dinner, his
gun accidentally discharged, and he was shot
through the jaw, the ball penetrating the brain. He
died before reaching home, and his remains rest in
Yantic cemetery. Politically he was a Democrat,
and socially a member of the I. O. O. F.
On March 20, 1854, Dyer L. Chesebrough was
married to Nancy Drucilla Morgan, who was born
at Thamesville, town of Norwich, daughter of Gur-
don and Mabel Ann (Bushnell) Morgan. Mrs.
Chesebrough makes her home on Union street, and
since the death of her husband has attended to the
estate, and by good judgment and wise investments
has increased its value by several thousand dollars.
She is remarkably well preserved and has shown
rare business ability in the management of her bus-
iness interests, all of which she looks after per-
sonally.
Morgan. The Morgan family to which Mrs.
Chesebrough belongs, is traced to (I) Richard Rose
Morgan, who was at Waterford, Conn., in 1079-80.
He (lied in 1698, and his wife. Hopestill, died in
1712.
(II) John Morgan, son of Richard R. and Hope-
still, married in 1699, Ann Dart, born in 1675,
daughter of Richard and Bethia Dart, of New
London.
(III) Feter Morgan, son of John and Ann. born
in 1713, married in 1738, Elizabeth Whitmore, of
Middletown, who died in 1786. He, too, died in
1786. Their children were: Terizah, born 1740-41;
Lois, born 1743; Zedekiah, born 1744-45; Darius,
born 1746; Terizah (2), born 1754; and Eunice,
born in 1756.
(IV) Darius Morgan, son of Peter, born 1746,
married Hannah Leach.
(V) Gurdon Morgan, son of Darius and Han-
nah, married Mabel Ann Bushnell, daughter of
Richard and Annie (Bellows) Bushnell, and their
daughter, Nancy D., became Mrs. Dyer Lorenzo
Chesebrough.
HOLMES. The Holmes family in New Lon-
don county is one of the oldest in the State, the first
to locate there being Robert Holmes, who purchased
large tracts of land and was registered in Stoning-
ton Dec. 25, 1670. He was well known in public
affairs, and he served in the early Colonial and In-
dian wars.
(II) Joshua Holmes, son of Robert, located in
Westerly, R. I., soon after the settlement of the
town. He married Abigail (Ingraham) Chese-
brough, widow of Samuel Chesebrough.
(III) Joshua Holmes (2), son of Joshua, was
born Aug. 20, 1678. He bought large tracts of
land in North Stonington, Conn., and made that
place his home. On Nov. 21, 1698, he married Fear
Sturges, of Yarmouth, Mass., who died June 22,
1753. Their children were: Joshua, born Aug.
14, 1700; John, born Jan. 10, 1702; Abigail, born
Feb. 28, 1705, died Jan. 16, 1732: Temperance,
born Jan. 29, 1707; Thankful, born Nov. 12, 1708;
Thomas, born Jan. 1, 171 1 ; and Mary, born March
19, !7i3-
(IV) John Holmes, son of Joshua (2), born
Jan. 10, 1702, continued to make his home in North
Stonington. He was three times married. ( h\
April 2, 1735, he wedded Mary Smith. His second
wife was a Brown. On Oct. 31, 1744, for his third
wife he married Hannah Halsey, who died March
12, 1805. He died June 5, 1785. His children, all
born of his third marriage, were: Mary, born Aug.
9, 1745, married John Brown ; Eunice, born June 25,
1747, married Charles Miner; John, born March
9, 1749, married Martha Stanton: Jeremiah is men-
tioned below; Jabez, born May 20. 1753, married
Lydia Clift ; Silas, born June 5, 1755. married La-
vina Fox; Elias, born Feb. 2. 1757. died young;
Lucretia, born Jan. 14, 1759. married Sarah Pren-
tice; Elias (2), born Oct. 12. [760; and Lucy, born
May 25, 1705, married Amos Wheeler.
(V) Jeremiah Holmes, son of John, was born
Nov. 12, 1751, and died March 8, 1 79 1 . In Janu-
ary, 1778, he married Mary Denison, who was born
Nov. 6, 1757. daughter of Daniel and Esther
(Wheeler) Denison. Their children were: Mary,
358
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
born Oct. 8, 1778, married Thomas Crary, Jr. ;
Philena, born Sept. 14, 1780, married Capt. The-
ophilus Baldwin; Jeremiah, bom Sept. 6,
1782; Esther, born March 27, 1785, married (first)
Joel Marsh, and (second) Joshua Blodgett, and died
June 7, 1870; Daniel, born Sept. 17, 1787, married
Melinda Lee, and died in January, 1857 ; and Fred-
erick, born Feb. 19, 1789.
(VI) Jeremiah Holmes (2), son of Jeremiah,
was born Sept. 6, 1782, at Milltown, Conn., and he
died Sept. 14, 1872. On March 8, 1809, he married
Mrs. Ann B. (Denison) Gallup, who was born
Sept. 22, 1784, and who died Dec. 6, 1873. Their
children were as follows: (1) Jeremiah, born Sept.
10, 181 1, died Sept. 19, 181 1. (2) Isaac D., born
Nov. 14, 1812, died March 16, 1899. (3) Mary
Ann, born Nov. 14, 1814, married, Jan. 1, 1833,
Randall Brown, and died Feb. 5, 1894, the mother
of eight children: Mary A., born Dec. I, 1834,
married Franklin Hancock, of Stonington; Sarah
P., born Feb. 5, 1837, married in February, 1885,
Elias Williams, of Stonington ; Helen E., born April
8, 1839, died Jan. 25, 1846; Jeremiah H., born Oct.
17, 1 84 1 ; Susan A., born May 24, 1846, married
Joseph Smith ; Randall, born Dec. 18, 1852, mar-
ried Fannie Leeds ; Fannie E., born Oct. 26, 1853,
married Charles Palmer ; and Frederick H., born
Sept. 6, 1858, married Amelia Shaffer, and is now
deceased. (4) Esther C, born March 23, 1816,
married, Sept. 9, 1835, Benjamin Latham, and died
Nov. 2, 1 89 1. She was the mother of two children :
Lucy Ann, born Aug. 3, 1839, married Irwin D.
Hall, of Meriden ; and Lydia E., born March 12,
1842, is now deceased. (5) Jeremiah H., born Aug.
8, 1819, died March 16, 1823. (6) Benjamin F.,
born July 18, 1822, married (first) Sept. 20, 1848,
Lucy N. Lewis, and (second) Ann Hosmer Pike.
He was killed by the train near Poquonnock, Aug.
31, 1892. By his first wife he had a daughter,
Annie, born May 8, 1854, who married Samuel C.
Brockington. (7) Joseph Warren was born April
1, 1824. (8) Hiram C, born Jan. 22, 1826, married
Hannah F. Denison, and died Oct. 28, 1882. Their
four children were: Fred A., born Nov. 15, 1850,
now deceased; Charles C, born July 4, 1853, also
deceased; Evelyn, born March 27, 1855; and Mary
E., born Dec. 28, 1870. (9) Erastus L., born April
7, 1830, died April 30, 1832.
Jeremiah Holmes remained with his widowed
mother until he was fourteen years of age, and then
went to Norwich, Chenango Co., N. Y., to make his
home with his brother-in-law, Thomas Crary. In
the winter of 1800 he started on foot for New York
City, walking as far as Catskill-on-the-Hudson, at
which point he took passage on a packet boat. His
disposition was restless, and he was filled with a
boy's longing for adventure and knowledge of the
world. Opportunity offering, he shipped on schooner
"Four Sisters," bound for the Falkland Islands,
but owing to the adventurous plans of the
commander, Capt. Peleg Barker, he and all
the others on board found themselves in a hot, dark
and damp Portuguese dungeon at Para, BraziL
Young Holmes had ample time to recover from his
love of adventure in the two months imprisonment
he suffered there. At the end of that time, he, with
the others, was transferred to a frigate and subse-
quently arrived at Lisbon,, after a voyage of 130
days, a trip that ordinarily consumed but fifty days.
Lacking food and water, and suffering for clothing
and cleanliness, their condition was most pitiable.
Of their treatment at Lisbon, no records remain,
but Jeremiah Holmes found there the "Persever-
ance" of New York, commanded by Capt. Caleb
Cogswell, a worthy Quaker, who offered him pass-
age to New York. Supplied with clean clothes by
a member of the crew, a Dane named Hanse, the
young adventurer sought work, and was employed
by Col. David Humphrey, American minister to
Spain, t otake care of one hundred merino sheep
he was transporting to the United States, for which
services during the voyage he was paid two
doubloons. After reaching New York, Mr. Holmes
went to Berne (now Knox), Albany Co., N. Y.,
where he remained two months. Life ashore failed to-
appeal to him, and returning to New York City he
shipped under his old commander, Capt. Barker, who
had also escaped safely from a Portuguese prison^
and was now in command of the schooner "Lively,"
bound for the West Indies. They returned in Sep-
tember, 1 80 1, and in December, following, under the
same commander, Mr. Holmes shipped on the trad-
ing ship "Cayuga," which plied on the Spanish
Main and after three years the vessel became worm
eaten and generally unseaworthy,and was condemned
at Payta, Peru. Mr. Holmes then shipped on an
English sperm whaling vessel, the "Cold Spring,"
of London, under Capt. Dunn. This voyage lasted
about eleven months and resulted in about two-
thousand barrels of sperm oil. On the homeward
voyage, however, the "Cold Spring" was captured
in June, 1804, near St. Helena, by the French
privateer, "Bologna." Detained on board with their
captors until the next day, they were then put into
a small boat and set adrift. Being only fifteen miles
from St. Helena, they reached the shore in safety.
Their condition was a most unenviable one, as they
had only the clothes on their back, there was no
American consul and no American vessel there, and
they wrere unable to speak the language. The rights
of sailors in those days were little respected, and to
add to Mr. Holmes's troubles he had lost his pro-
tection papers. The best he could do was to ship
on an English merchantman, the "Fame," but be-
fore she was ready to sail, Mr. Holmes's destination
wras unfortunately changed. On July 2, 1804, he
was seized and pressed on board the English sixty-
four-gun-ship "Trident," and from her transferred
to the sixty-four-gun-ship "Athenian," shortly sail-
ing with the "Trident" and "Mediator" as convoy-
for forty East Indiamen for the English Channel.
Arriving at Portsmouth, the "Athenian" was dry
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
359
docked for repairs, and Mr. Holmes appealed to
the American Consul, but the orders of that official
were disregarded, and the young American sailor
was pressed on board the seventy-four-gun-ship
"Saturn.'* which was to join Lord Nelson's fleet.
They reached their destination shortly after the bat-
tle of Trafalgar, and the "Saturn" was ordered to
join the blockading deet at Carthagena, later per-
forming similar duty at Cadiz. Mr. Holmes made
two unsuccessful attempts to escape from the
"Saturn," but fortunately for him neither was dis-
covered. An accident to the hull of the vessel
caused her return to the naval dock at Portsmouth.
England, for repairs. His previous appeal to the
American Consul and the British authorities had
taught him the necessity of tact in his efforts to get
away. He secured a permit to visit the American
ship "Medford," and there won the friendly offices
of the mate Coram Coffin, of Nantucket, who volun-
teered to help him. The two had many exciting ad-
ventures in and around London, but finally gained
admission to the Consul, who at once gave Mr.
Holmes his needed papers of protection. He found
a homeward passage on the merchant ship "Pow-
hattan," from Petersburg, Ya.. under the command
of Capt. William Cottle, and in March, 1807, he
again set foot on American soil, and lost no time in
reaching his old home at Stonington, Conn. For
five years he had passed through privations, impris-
onment and peril, times of slavish toil and goading
insult, and in the end penniless but happy he found
a home among his old friends.
Wars between European nations brought about a
cessation of commercial intercourse, known to history
as the "long embargo." During this time Mr. Holmes
found farming a congenial occupation, but the lift-
ing of the war clouds and the reopening of com-
merce aroused his old restless spirit, and he an-
swered to the call of the sea in March, 1809, just
seven days after his marriage. He went to New
York, and sailed thence to Liverpool on the schooner
"Sea Flower," returning to New York in Novem-
ber. Mr. Holmes then decided to engage in the
coasting trade, taking a sloop in company with
Manassah Miner, his brother-in-law. They traded
in produce between Richmond. New York, Nor-
folk, and other points on the Atlantic coast. In the
spring of 181 1, he became a one-fourth owner of
the schooner "Sally Ann," becoming mate, with Sim-
eon Haley, as captain. In eight months from the
time he sailed from Mystic, he had prospered so
greatly that he paid in full for his share of the ves-
sel. He was put in charge of the ''Sally Ann."
and ran her in the coasting business until within a
few weeks of the opening of the. war of 18 12. when
he sold out to Simeon Haley.
Soon after war was declared Mr. Holmes pur-
chased a one-fourth of the famous sloop "Hero,"
and was appointed her commander. In February,
181 3, he ran the coast blockade from New York to
Charleston Harbor, taking his vessel and cargo to
the latter harbor without accident, despite the watch-
fulness of the British, and he made the return trip
to Mystic with a load of cotton. With others of
Mystic Jeremiah Holmes went. Aug. 10. 1S14, to
Stonington to aid in the defence of that place during
its bombardment by the British war ships. He had
command of the force at the fort, and fired all the
shots but two, from the two cannons, thus repaying
the Britons for the treatment he himself had re-
ceived, and at the same time he was guarding his
country's interests, lie double shotted the guns,
and the way in which he sent the shot plunging
through the brig, below the water line, had much to
do with the successful termination of the battle.
His untiring services on that historic day won for
him the title "Hero of Stonington." Mr. Holmes's
hatred for the British was so intense that nothing
was too daring for him to undertake to pay the debt
of vengeance already contracted, as well as to dem-
onstrate his deep patriotic feeling. It is related that
when the British fleet was blockading New Lon-
don during the War of 1812. Jeremiah Holmes had
in the cellar of his home at Mystic undoubtedly some
of the very first explosives or torpedoes ever made
and used in warfare. Where and how they were
constructed is not known, but he made one or more
unsuccessful attempts under cover of darkness to
explode them under a certain vessel of the enemy's
fleet. On one occasion the explosion was prema-
ture, the torpedo exploding so near the vessel that
the water was thrown on the deck of the ship
marked for destruction. The British gave chase
and instead of returning to Mystic, as the pursuers
expected, Captain Holmes outwitted them by put-
ting into New London. Years of honor were his,
and he lived far beyond the Psalmist's allotted three
score years and ten, passing away at his home in
Mystic. Sept. 14, 1872, at the age of ninety years
and eight days.
(VII) Capt. Joseph Warrex Holmes, son of
Jeremiah, was born April I, 1824. in Mystic. Until
he was thirteen he attended school, but his eyes
turned to the sea. and, filled with the longing that
had won his father more than a quarter of a cen-
tury before, he shipped at that tender age as cabin
boy on the "Appalachicola." commanded by Capt.
Benjamin Latham. This voyage lasted nine months,
and he then shipped with his father, spending three
summers on the packet "Leeds," from New York
to Mystic. His winters were passed at school. The
summer he was sixteen he became mate of a sloop,
and the following winter he attended the Connecti-
cut Literary Institute at Suffield. but in the spring
shipped on the bark "Leander." under Capt. Bailey,
making his first voyage around the world in twenty-
two months. The "Leander" was engaged in whal-
ing in the South Atlantic, the South Pacific and
Indian Oceans. Young Holmes made two other
trips in her, the last time being virtually the cap-
tain. At the age of twenty-one years he became
her master, and as such made three voyages, two
360
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
of which were eacli of twenty months' duration. In
1847 he sailed on the "Coriolanus," on a whaling
trip to the Indian Ocean, thence to the Arctic Ocean,
where the ship was filled in sixty days. He con-
tinued to engage in whale fishing until 1854. After
leaving the "Coriolanus," Capt. Holmes was suc-
cessively commander of the "Fanning," "Leander,"
"Frances." "Elizabeth F. Willets," "Haze," "Twi-
light," and the "Seminole" for twenty-two years.
Later for fourteen years he was commander of the
fullrigged merchantman "Charmer," sailing from
New York to San Francisco and foreign ports. He
also made three trips on the "Alexander Gibson."
During his long career at sea, Capt. Holmes made
eighty-three voyages around Cape of Good Hope,
and three around the world. Many of the furnish-
ings of his home have been gathered from various
quarters of the globe — beautiful rugs, china, bric-
a-brac, cabinets of shells, together with handsome
center tables constructed by himself in the hours of
leisure on shipboard, are all reminders of his active
days at sea. It is doubtful if Capt. Holmes's record
as a mariner is paralleled by that of any other liv-
ing man. During the sixty-three years he spent on
the water no vessel under his command was lost or
ship-wrecked, and not a man of all his crews was
ever lost.
On Sept. 4, 1847, in Mystic, Capt. Holmes was
united in marriage with Mary O. Denison, who died
in 1887. Their son, Edwin Warren, for several
years sailed with his father as mate, but contract-
ing pneumonia, he passed away in 1883, aged twen-
ty-seven, leaving a widow and one son, Edwin War-
ren (2), who now resides at San Francisco. For
his second wife, Capt. Holmes married, Oct. 27,
1896, Mrs. Fanny Palmer.
(VII) Isaac D. Holmes, son of Jeremiah and
brother of Capt. Joseph Warren, was born Nov. 14,
1812, in a house that stood on the present site of the
''Hoxie House" at Mystic. He spent his boyhood
in his native village, and at Liberty, N. Y., attending
school in both places. As a young man, he, too,
followed the sea, being mate of the "Montgomery,"
and of the "Leeds," of which his father was cap-
tain. Later he became master of the "Boneta" and
of the "Hero," and made voyages to South Caro-
lina and Cuba. In 1847 ne started in the coal busi-
ness, being the pioneer in that trade in the Mystic
Valley, and he continued in that line with great suc-
cess for fifty-two years, or until his death, which
occurred March 16, 1899.' He was a man of marked
individuality of character, with decided opinions
which he did not hesitate to express, although toler-
ant of the views of those who differed with him.
His integrity was unquestioned. Politically he was
first a Whig and then a Republican. His church
connection was with the Congregationalists, and he
was long a member of the Society committee. On
Aug. 8, 1837, Isaac D. Holmes married Ellen Kemp,
daughter of Capt. William and Phebe (Wolf)
Kemp, the former of whom was captain of a
schooner. Mrs. Holmes died Oct. 7, 1882, aged
sixty-three years. To Isaac D. Holmes and wife
came children, as follows : William K., born Aug.
26, 1842 ; Ellen, born May 5, 1845, married June 8,
1870, Henry B. Noyes, of Mystic ; Henry A., born
April 3, 1850; and Benjamin Latham, born July 16,
1852.
(VIII) William K. Holmes, son of Isaac D.
Holmes, born Aug. 26, 1842, spent his school days
at Mystic and in a private school at Stonington,
kept by Dr. Hart. Unlike his ancestors he has not
sought a seafaring career, but has entered the com-
mercial world. He engaged in a dry goods busi-
ness under the firm name of Brooks & Holmes,
buying out David Mallory. This business was lo-
cated where the post office now is, and from 1865
to 1883 was the largest dry goods store in Mystic.
Mr. Holmes then engaged in the menhaden fishery
business, but continued this only a short time ; then
began wholesaling yellow pine lumber by the cargo.
On Nov. 16, 1865, William K. Holmes was
united in marriage with Carrie Elizabeth Tift,
daughter of Amos Tift. This union has been
blessed with six children, namely : William K.,
Jr., born Jan. 2, 1867, attended Gen. Russell's Mili-
tary School in New Haven, and is now president of
the Holmes Ship Building Company, and is engaged
in the lumber business in New York City ; Henry
Harding, born Sept. 4, 1868, married Mary Tift
Spencer, and resides at Providence, R. I., where he
is State agent for the Remington typewriter;
Charles Denison, born July 2, 1870, is treasurer and
manager of the Holmes Ship Building Company ;
Jeremiah, born April 20, 1873, graduated from
Brown University, and from Mt. Hermon Moody's
School, is president of the Alumni of the latter in-
stitution, and is now engaged in Y. M. C. A. work,
being Educational director in the Y. M. C. A. at
Bridgeport; Ellen T., born Jan. 14, 1884, attended
Boxwood School, at Old Lyme, Conn., and Ray-
mond M., born in August, 1888, is now attending
Mt. Hermon School. All the family belong to the
Congregational Church. Mr. Holmes is a stanch
supporter of the Republican party.
(VIII) Henry A. Holmes, son of Isaac D. and
Ellen (Kemp) Holmes, was born April 3, 1850.
He is secretary of the Holmes Shipbuilding Com-
pany and resides at West Mystic. He married Mary
Tyler Kent, of Lonsdale, R. I., and this union has
been brightened by the advent of three children :
Ella, born Feb. 22, 1874, married Walter Sherman,
of Providence, R. I., and has two children, Mary
and Stuart Holmes; Carolyn, born July 24, 1877,
married Fred I. Wheeler, of New London, Conn.,
and has one son, Henry Holmes ; and George K.,
born Nov. 27, 1879, died Jan. 28, 1880.
(VIII) Benjamin Latham Holmes, son of Isaac
D. Holmes, was born July 16, 1852. On Oct. 28,
1880, he was married to Thankful Aletta Gift,
daughter of Waterman Clift.
While all members of the Holmes family have
^fe-
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
y>'
ni t followed the sea as a calling, they all know it
well, and love it. In the spring of 1901 there was
organized the Holmes Ship Building Company,
composed entirely of members of this remarkable
family. Their operations were begun on the banks
of the Mystic River, about one mile from the At-
lantic Ocean. It remained for this new company to
show the whole world that in the little village of
West Mystic, in the southeastern part of New Lon-
don county, Conn., there could be built as good and
perfect a five-masted vessel as could be fashioned by
the Maine ship builders. Their first vessel, the
"Jennie R. Dubois," was to be the first five-master
ever constructed outside of the Pine Tree State.
The keel was laid in May. iyoi, and on Feb. 10,
1902, amid gay streamers and the plaudits of fully
five thousand people, the completed vessel was
launched. She was built for a company of which
James D. Dewell, of New Haven, is managing
owner. The Holmes Company owns an immense
area, having a three-quarter-mile water front, while
at their wharf is found nineteen feet of water.
Since the launching of that first vessel the company
has given attention to high-grade yacht work, hav-
ing built yachts for C. Oliver Iselin, August Bel-
mont. Charles A. Davis, Paul Dana, George Adee
and J. H. P. Grosvernor. These boats were built
from a model designed by C. F. Herreshoff, of Bris-
tol. R. I., a nephew of "Nat" Herreshoff, the builder
of the cup defenders.
During the past year the company has made a
special feature of high-grade, fast-going launches.
They have introduced the Holmes Torpedo Launch,
built from a design of Charles D. Holmes, and they
guarantee that for speed, stability, construction,
smallness of motor, cost, room, over-the-water boat,
it is unequalled by any other on the market to-day.
The company owns a broad expanse of level land
upon the water front, that is an ideal spot for the
wintering of yachts. The officers of the company
are : President, William K. Holmes, Jr. : Vice-Pres-
ident, Benjamin L. Holmes; Secretary, Henry A.
Holmes ; and Treasurer and General Manager,
Charles D. Holmes.
JOHN POTTER is a man of brilliant attain-
ments, who has turned his energies to good account
both in the management of the fine old homestead in
Griswold and also in the service of the general pub-
lic. He was born in Yoluntown, Conn., Nov. 2,
1869, and comes of one of the old and aristocratic
New England families.
Hox. Elisha Potter, father of John, was also
prominent in several fields of labor, and was one of
the most popular political candidates in the town of
Yoluntown for many years. Horn in Yoluntown,
Conn., Feb. 23, l8ox, W grew to manhood in that
place. He obtained his education in the district
schools, and being possessed of a bright intellect
and great power of application, there attained suf-
ficient knowledge and training to enable him to
teach. It was therefore as a schoolmaster that he
started (nit for himself in life. Meeting with the
most gratifying success, he followed his profession
during the winter for a number of years, and. being
especially ambitious, spent his summers in farming.
I le resided on a farm in Voluntown, and there in the
early days engaged in burning charcoal, which he
marketed in Norwich. He married Tacy New ton,
by which union one son, Caleb P. Potter, was born,
and, after her death, which occurred in 1845, he
married Airs. Crary, a widow. Later, on Dec. 14,
[865, he wedded Angeline Douglass. By the last
marriage there was one child, John, who is men-
tioned below.
Mr. Potter possessed marked business ability
and for thirty-seven years served very efficiently as
town clerk of Yoluntown. A forceful man, of great
ability, pleasing address, and a thorough education,
he was called upon for seven terms to represent his
place in the State Legislature — 1834, 1836, 1841,
1842, 1844, 1851 and 1854. So great was the satis-
faction that he gave that he was also elected State
senator, in which capacity he likewise won the re-
spect of his constituents and furthered the interests
of his community. In politics he always affiliated
with Democrats. Mr. Potter died in Griswold, April
2, 1888.
John Potter was but two years old when the
family moved from Yoluntown to Griswold. and he
was six when, in 1875, they settled upon the Capt.
James place, where he now resides. It was on this
fine old homestead therefore that he mainly received
his rearing and the training for his life w-ork. Dur-
ing his early years he attended the common schools
of his neighborhood, and, ambitious to continue his
pursuits, later took a four years' course in New-
Hampton Institute, after which he entered the Yale
Law School. Ill health, however, prevented him
from finishing his work there, and he returned to
the home farm, having decided to turn his attention
to agriculture. After the death of his father he took
full charge of the place, and he has since continued
agricultural pursuits there with marked success. The
place is an old one. but has been kept in excellent
condition. It was the boyhood home of Justice
Henry B. Brown, of the United States Supreme
Court, and he frequently pays a visit to the old home.
The house was built by Samuel Tyler, in 1708, and
its architecture, of the Colonial period, is an evi-
dence of its age. ( Hherwise. being kept thoroughly
intact, it is quite up-to-date.
On Oct. 6. 1897, Mr. Potter married Bertha I.
Barber, who was horn in Killingly. Conn., daughter
of William J. .Barber, and they have had one child,
Paul Barber, horn Aug. '>. [898.
Air. Potter is exceedingly popular with his
townsmen, lie is a Democrat in politics, but as a
candidate for public office always secures a large
number of votes from other parties. He served his
town very efficiently for four years on the board oi
selectmen and represented Griswold in the Legis-
362
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
lature of 1895. As a man keenly interested in edu-
cational affairs he has been a member of the board
of education for some time, and acting school visitor
for several years. Socially he stands high, and
fraternally he belongs to Mt. Vernon Lodge, No.
75, F. & A. M., of Jewett City.
(I) Nathaniel Potter, of Portsmouth, R. I., a
native of England, was admitted an inhabitant of
the Island of Aquidneck (Rhode Island) in 1638.
His wife Dorothy, was born in 1617, and died in
1696. He himself passed away in 1644.
(II) Nathaniel Potter (2), born in 1637, in
Dartmouth, Mass., married Elizabeth Stakes. Mr.
and Mrs. Potter both died in 1704.
(III) Nathaniel Potter (3), born about 1669, in
Dorchester, married Joan Wilbur, born in 1668,
daughter of William Wilbur. Mr. Potter died in
1736, and Mrs. Potter in 1759.
(IV) William P'otter, born in Dartmouth, Mass.,
Nov. 12, 1689, married Mary Browning.
(V) David Potter, born Feb. 13, 1722, married
Jan. 5, 1748, Susanna Barber, daughter of Richard.
Mr. Potter died April 11, 1801.
(VI) Incom Potter, born July 7, 1749, in Rich-
mond, R. I., married Elizabeth Arnold, and died
Feb. 28, 1844. Their children were : Caleb, Arnold,
Susannah Barber, David R., Hannah, Nathan and
William, all born in Richmond, R. I., between 1774
and 1 79 1.
(VII) Caleb Potter, grandfather of John, born
June 21, 1774, married, Nov. 16, 1799, Sally Green,
daughter of William and Sally Green. Mr. Potter
died Aug. 4, 1848, and Mrs. Potter in 1854.
(VIII) Hon. Elisha Potter, born in Voluntown,
Conn., Feb. 23, 1801, married (first) Nov. 28, 1822,
Tacy Newton, who was born in Voluntown, daugh-
ter of Jabez and Hannah Newton. Mr. Potter died
April 2, 1888. His son by his first marriage,
(IX) Hon. Caleb P. P'otter, now in business in
Norwich, was born in Voluntown, Conn., Sept. 14,
1824. He married, May 7, 1848, Eliza A. Stanton,
who was born in 1827, daughter of Amelia Stanton.
Their children were : Frank, born in Griswold,
Conn., March 12, 1852; Ella, born in Ledyard,
Conn. ; Albert L., born in Voluntown, Conn., Aug.
9, 1858 ; and Charles P., born in Voluntown, Conn.,
April 14, 1867.
WILLIAM H. GRAY, M. D., physician and
surgeon of Stonington, Conn., and one of the
eminent physicians of his locality, was born in North
Stonington, Sept. 16, 1862, son of William Gray, of
North Stonington, and his wife, Sarah Jane (Rich-
ardson) Gray, daughter of Adam Richardson.
Dr. Gray spent the days of his early life in North
Stonington, but when ten years of age, he lost his
mother, and then came to live with Mrs. Charles H.
Williams, his aunt, who resided at Old Mystic. In
1883 he entered the Mystic Valley Institute, from
which he graduated in 1885. He also attended the
Vermont University during the year 1885-6, and
during 1887-8-9, he attended Columbia University,
where he took a full medical course, and was gradu-
ated in June, 1889.
Returning to Old Mystic, Dr. Gray for two
years was a partner of Dr. Chapman, but in 1898,
he began practicing in Mystic, .and now has a very
large practice extending over Stonington, Groton,
Ledyard and North Stonington. He is a member of
the State Medical Society, the County Medical So-
ciety and the City of New London Medical Society.
For four years he has been the surgeon of the Pen-
sion Board, and is a man of broad sympathies, well
versed in his profession, and thoroughly abreast of
current medical thought and research.
On June 22, 1892, Dr. Gray was married in Old
Mystic, to Mary Ida Barnes, and their children are :
Alice Louise, born Oct. 26, 1893, and Mildred and
Marion, twins, born June 16, 1897.
Mrs. Gray is a daughter of Amos T. Barnes and
Mary A. (Browning) Barnes; a granddaughter of
Hiram Browning and Prudence (Barnes) Brown-
ing ; great-granddaughter of Avery Barnes and Abi-
gail (Cook) Barnes; great-great-granddaughter of
Elisha Cook and Amy (Witter) Cook; great-great-
great-granddaughter of Capt. Ebenezer Witter and
Amy (Meech) Witter. Capt. Ebenezer Witter as-
sisted in establishing American Independence, be-
ing captain of the 1st Company of Preston, Conn.,
which participated in the battle of Lexington.
. On her father's side of the house, Mrs. Gray is
a granddaughter of Amos Barnes and Sarah (Tut-
tle) Barnes ; great-granddaughter of Amos Barton
who married Mary Williams, and was born Oct. 4,
17&7 "> great-great-granddaughter of Uriah Wil-
liams, who married Joannah Stedman, and was a
sergeant in the Revolutionary war. Mrs. Gray is a
member of the Fannv Ledvard Chapter of the
D. A. R.
ALLYN. Eight generations of the Allyn fam-
ily have lived in New England, and have played
an important part in the development of the country.
(I) Robert Allyn, born in 1608, came to Sa-
lem, Mass., in 1637, was enrolled a member of
the church there May 15, 1642. He removed from
Salem to New London, Conn., in 165 1, and obtained
a grant to a large tract of land on the east side of
the Thames river, at a place still known as Allyn's
Point, in the town of Ledyard, where he died in
1683. In 1668 he had removed to Norwich, where
he was constable in 1669. His children were : John,
was born May 22, 1642; Sarah married George
Gue ; Mary married Thomas Parke ; Hannah mar-
ried Thomas Rose ; and Deborah.
(II) John Allyn, born May 22, 1642, at Salem,
Mass., inherited Allyn's Point. On Dec. 24, 1668,
he married Elizabeth, daughter of John and Eliza-
beth Gager, and their children were: Elizabeth,
born Dec. 24, 1689 ; Robert, born in September, 1671.
John Allyn was a man of prominence, becoming
assistant to the first county court in 166 1, and pre-
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
363
siding at the court in 167 1, while during 1676 he
was Indian Commissioner. .He died at Allyn's Point
in 1709, leaving three valuable farms, a trading
post, silver and many luxuries.
(III) Robert Allyn inherited Allyn's Point. He
married, June 29, 1691, Deborah, born Aug. 1, 1671,
in New London, eldest daughter of James and De-
borah (Stallyme) Avery. The will of Robert Allyn
was made Dec. 27, 1729, and probated Jan. 27, 1730 ;
his widow made her will May 22, 1734, and it was
probated Dec. 17, 1739. The children born to Rob-
ert Allyn and wife were: Elizabeth, born March
20, 1694, married John Williams ; John, born Jan.
11, 1696, married Joanna Minor; Robert, born Jan.
25, 1697, .married Abigail Avery ; James and Eben-
ezer (twins), born Feb. 28, 1699; Christopher, born
April 12, 1702, died March 26, 1703; Samuel, born
May 26, 1704, married Hannah Avery; Christopher,
born July 21, 1706; Lucy, born July 29, 1708; Na-
than, born Oct. 5, 1711, married Jane Pearl; De-
borah married John Lester.
(IV) James Allyn, born Feb. 28, 1699, inherited
a portion of his father's estate. On Dec. 17, 1729, at
Groton, he married Alethea, daughter of Samuel
and Elizabeth (Ransford) Avery, who was bap-
tized at Groton April 25, 17 14. His will was made
Dec 14, 1775, and probated at Stonington, Dec. 2,
1777. He died in November, 1776, aged seventy-six
years, while his wife died in February of the same
year. The children born to James Allyn and wife
were: Alethea, born April 4, 1731 ; Deborah, born
Feb. 18, 1732, died in January, 1733; Deborah,
born Dec. 23, 1735, died Feb. 23, 1755 ; Lois, born
March 20, 1737; James, born July 17, 1739, died
Oct. 13, 1825; Sarah, born March 20, 1741 ; Lydia,
born Jan. 15, 1744; Ephraim, born June 18, 1747;
Elizabeth, born Nov. 9, 1749; Jerusha, born July
5, 1752; Hannah, born Feb. 14, 1755; and David,
born Oct. 2^, 1759.
(V) Ephraim Allyn, born June 18, 1747, was
the next in the line of descent.
(VI) A son of Ephraim Allyn was married
July 22, 1826, to Almira Arthur. Their chil-
dren were : Ephraim. Jr., died in infancy ; Elisha
E., born Jan. 5, 1828, left home when a young
man and was never heard from afterward ; Wilson,
born May 28, 1829, died March 29, 1901 ; Joshua C,
born May 13, 1831, died April 2, 1894; Asa, born
Dec. 31, 1833, died Oct. 20, 1862; John Sydney,
born Jan. 16, 1835, died Jan. 4, 1893 ; Elmira S.,
born Feb. 2, 1837, died Sept. 16, 1869 ; Olive, born
Aug. 25, 1839, died March 14, 1840; Temperance,
born Jan. 24, 1841, is deceased; Avery, born May
4, 1843, died Jan. 21, 1896; and Sophia, born Sept.
20, 1844, died May 19, 1893. Ephraim Allyn was a
farmer by occupation, and resided near Allyn's
Point in the town of Ledyard. and there died.
(VII) Wilson Allyn was born in Ledyard. May
28, 1829. He married Ellen E. Chapman, of Led-
yard. who was born Dec. 29. 1832, and he died
March 29, 1901. Their children were as follows:
Cora Edwina, born Jan. 28, 1867; and Carlos Wil-
son, born (Jet. 31, 1871. Mr. Wilson Allyn was
educated in Ledyard, but at the age of twenty years,
he came to Groton, learning the carpenter's trade
with Erastus Gallup. For many years he was one
of the most prominent contractors in Groton.
The following tribute to the memory of Wilson
Allyn was written by Mr. John J. Capp, of Groton,
and appeared in the New London Day, April 2,
1901.
" 'Jesus saw Nathaniel coming to him and saith
of him, Behold an Israelite in whom is no guile.'
"There are no more fitting words in which to
sum up the character of our departed friend. In the
community of which he has been a part for more
than seventy years ; in the church of which he has
been a member for thirty-eight years ; among his
fellow craftsmen where he has been 'diligent in busi-
ness, serving the Lord,' since his eighteenth year :
in every place where he was known, the Master's
characterization of the earlier disciple will be ad-
mitted to be true of this, his later one.
"Wilson Allyn was born May 28, 1829, in the
town of Ledyard, had the advantage of the district
school in winter, working on the farm in summer,
and at the age of eighteen years apprenticed him-
self to the late Erastus Gallup to the carpenter's
trade for three years. In this trade as journeyman,
joiner and builder, he continued active until the last
week of his life.
"A whole article might be written about his
achievements as a workman. Some of the most
beautiful interiors, especially staircases, in New
London, were made by his hands. Those in the
late C. A. William's house ; the Roger's house, which
he was a year and a half in finishing, and Colonel
Tyler's house, near Pequot, and in many others will
be admired in future years specimens of the work-
manship of the nineteenth century as we now ad-
mire those of Colonial times. He was one of the
most accomplished workmen in his line in Eastern
Connecticut. The best houses in New London and
Groton and several of the church edifices in the
county he has been employed upon. He delighted
in the intricate problems of architecture, and the
large contractors hereabout resorted to his knowl-
edge and skill in their difficulties.
"In 1862 he married Miss Ellen E. Chapman, of
his native town, and by this happy union, co-ordin-
ated in head and heart and hand, not only the family
but the church and the whole community have been
blessed. They were true yoke fellows, ready with
equal step, for every good work. They brought up
their children 'in the nurture and admonition of the
Lord/ and trained them in their own beautiful ways
of service in the Lord's work. These dear people
have nurtured the sick, cared for the unfortunate,
and have spent their means and been spent for
the good of others, and yet they have neglected
nothing of their daily duties and cares. In fact, they
have achieved success bv the world's standards.
364
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
" Nothing but the most careful economy of time
can account for the immense amount of work which
he accomplished outside of his regular employment.
He found time to nurse the sick, to attend all the
stated services of his church on Sunday and week
days, to attend temperance meetings of the Christian
Endeavor, Young Men's Christian Association, and
all other calls for promoting the general welfare of
the community. In addition to this busy life he
found time to do a great deal of reading of the best
literature, especially history.
"He was a Bible student, and not only could
quote scripture, but could illustrate it. In the prayer
meetings and in the Bible class which he conducted
for many years, his pastors and others were amazed
at his encyclopedic knowledge. How such a busy
mechanic had acquired so much which only students
are supposed to know, can only be explained by a
remarkable memory and the prudent husbandry
of time. He was very fond of first class lectures,
and in the old days of the Hon. George Tinker's
Lyceum course in New London, Conn., he was a
regular attendant. He had heard Beecher, Phillips,
Emerson, Garrison, Storrs, Chapin, and others.
What glorious days those were when the young
men of this vicinity could avail themselves of the
best thoughts of the ablest men of the land ! Wil-
son Allyn was one of these who did to the utter-
most.
"But of all else Wilson Allyn was a meek fol-
lower of Jesus, and it was because of his transparent
soul, infused with the spirit of the Master, that all
were attracted to him and believed in him. His
•daily walk and conversation were a testimony for
Him. No compromising word among his fellow
workmen, no questionable act of business to be ex-
plained away — skepticism was answered and
silenced, vulgarity had something better to think
-about in his presence — thanks to that well stored
mind. Those who survive him realize the sweet-
ness and power of such a life."
(VIII) Carlos W. Allyn, of Groton, son of Wil-
son and Ellen E. (Chapman) Allyn, was born Oct.
31, 1871, in Groton, where his early education was
secured. After acting as a clerk for John S. Mor-
gan and W. J. Starr, he entered into business for
himself, succeeding Mr. Starr in April, 1892. In
1897 he purchased the corner feed store of B. M.
O'Brien, operating it successfully until 1898, when
lie erected the brick block he now occupies on
Thames street, now the ferry landing, and here he
carries a full line of the best class of groceries, and
lie is patronized by the leading people of the city.
In politics Mr. Allyn is a Republican, and since
1882 he has been a member of the Groton Congre-
gational Church, and labored to aid in its good work.
Socially prominent, he is a member of the Fairview
Lodge, No. 101, I. O. O. F., of which he is treas-
urer, and he is a charter member from Mohegan
Lodge of New London, and also a member of Union
Lodge of Masons of New London.
On Sept. 19, 1895, Mr. Allyn married Miss Sa-
rah Elizabeth Throop, of Lebanon, Conn., and their
children are :
(IX) Wilson Throop, born July 19, 1896;
Matilda Williams, born May 18, 1900; and Rich-
ard Wightman, born July 30, 1903. Mr. Allyn en-
tered Yale College, but on account of trouble with
his eyes, was compelled to give up his course.
WILLIAM PARK. America has been distinc-
tively a field for the man with initiative power, and
there has been room for the progressive man in
every business however crowded it may have been.
The man of ideas has had, and does have, a high
value, but his potency has been slight in compari-
son with that of the one who has had the ability to
put his ideas into practice. Among those who show
rare capacity in the handling of industrial affairs of
wide scope and importance is the subject of this
review, who for many years was identified with the
woolen industry of Canada, and is now one of the
leading woolen goods manufacturers of New Eng-
land. Mr. Park comes of sturdy Scotch ancestry,
and in him are dominant those noble traits of char-
acter so often marking the representatives of that
nationality.
William Park, his great-grandfather, was born
in Ayrshire, Scotland, and for many years was in
the employ of the English government as a civil en-
gineer, while in this service being sent to America
in the interest of his government. On the voyage
to America the vessel in which he had taken passage
was lost with all on board, no tidings having ever
been heard of it. He married Marian Gilchrist, who
died in Scotland, her native land, in about 1804,
aged about fifty-five years. At the time of his death
William Park was in middle life. He was the father
of two children, William and Marian, the latter
dying young.
William Park (2), son of William, was born in
1783 in Scotland, and was also for a number of
years in the employ of his government as a civil
engineer. Later he engaged in the hotel business in
Lethenwater Tollbar, Scotland, which he conducted
several years, finally retiring and removing to Gal-
ashiels, Scotland, where he lived several years be-
fore his death, which occurred in July, 1854. He
married Elizabeth Welich, of Galashiels, Scotland,
where she died in August, 1844, and their children
were : ( 1 ) Marian, who became the wife of Joseph
Sykes, died in Galashiels. (2) Thomas, who is a
wool scourer by trade, residing in Galashiels, mar-
ried Agnes Melrose, who is now deceased. (3)
Elizabeth married Joseph Broadhurst of Galashiels,
where she died. (4) William is mentioned below.
(5) John, who was a spinner by trade, married
Elizabeth Shell, and died in Galashiels. (6) James,
who was a manager of woolen mills, married Eliza-
beth Robinson, and died in New Zealand. (7) Isa-
bella died young.
William Park (3), son of William (2), was born
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
365
Oct. 15. [833, in Lethenwater Tollhar. Scotland, and
his schooling was received in Galashiels, where his
parents removed when in his infancy. His early
educational training was very meagre, as he left the
schoolroom when eleven years of age, at that time
taking up mill work. lie learned the spinner's
trade, and also took up the other hranches of the
woolen hnsiness, learning carding and weaving,
working at these trades in his native land until 1872,
in September of which year he sailed from Liver-
pool for America. Arriving in Quebec, Canada,
after a very rough voyage of eleven and a half clays,
he immediately went to work as a spinner in the
Paton mills, at Sherbrooke, Canada, and after a
short time he was put in full charge of the twisting
and novelty varn department in the same mill. He
remained there altogether about twenty years, which
speaks well for his mechanical and executive ability.
In 1893 Mr. Park retired from active work, and
until the death of his estimable wife resided in ease
and rest at Sherbrooke. He has since made his
home with his daughter, Mrs. William T. Mountain,
in Amesbury, Massachusetts.
Mr. Park was married, Jan. 14, 1854, in Scot-
land, to Catherine Campbell, who was born in 1836,
in Carlyle, Scotland, daughter of Angus Campbell,
a woolen spinner, and a master at his trade. Mrs.
Park passed away in Sherbrooke, Canada, June 3,
1900, at the age of over sixty. To Mr.
and Mrs. Park were born children as follows :
(1) Angus, residing at Hanover, Conn., is men-
tioned fully elsewhere. (2) William is mentioned
below. (3) James, who is master mechanic of the
Xiantic Manufacturing Co.'s mill at East Lyme,
Conn., married Elizabeth Holloway, of Granby,
Conn., and they have three children, Lillian Eunice,
Eleanor Campbell and Olive Catherine. (4) George
is one of the stockholders and general superinten-
dent of the Dumbarton Woolen Company's mills at
Dexter, Maine. He married Florence Clark, of
London, England, and to them have been born two
children, Clifford and Evelyn. (5) Thomas is
overseer of the weaving department of the Niantic
Manufacturing Company's mills at East Lyme,
Conn. He married Nora Beckwith, of East Lyme,
and they have two children, Gordon and Ralph. (6)
Eunice is the wife of William T. Mountain, a car-
riage builder, residing in Amesbury, Mass. They
have three children, — Harold, Ronald, and Angus
Park.
William Park, the fourth in direct line to bear
the name, was born in Galashiels, Scotland, Jan. 14,
1 861. His schooling was begun in his native land,
and, coming to America with his parents when but
ten years of age, he continued his educational train-
ing in the schools of Amesbury, Mass., and later in
the public schools of Sherbrooke. Canada, graduat-
ing from the high school of the latter city in 1876.
After leaving school he followed the example of his
father, entering the woolen mill. At the early age
of twelve years he had become an employe of the
Paton Manufacturing Company, in whose mill he
worked (hiring his summer vacation and spare time,
the winter months being occupied with his studies
in night schools, in which he took a business course.
At the age of fifteen years, in 1S70. we find young
Park ready to begin life's battle, the activity of
which has ever since increased without abatement.
When he entered the employ of the Paton Manufac-
turing Company, as a boy. he was put at various
kinds of work, and in the discharge of all his duties
displayed a readiness and willingness to work. As
a result he very soon acquired a thorough knowl-
edge of the various branches of woolen manufactur-
ing, and his promotion to positions of trust and im-
portance with this company was rapid. At the earlv
age of twenty-five years he was at the head of the
designing department, which position he filled with
efficiency. At the age of thirty years he was made
superintendent, and two years later was promoted
to general manager. In this mill were manufac-
tured all kinds of woolen fabrics, including fancy
Pullman rugs, worsted suitings, overcoatings,
twreeds, etc., and as the establishment was the lar-
gest in the country, the position of general manager
of the same was a very responsible one, and the fact
that Mr. Park arose to that position through the
various stages of the work, from the bottom of the
ladder to the highest position of responsibility in
the institution, suggests his capabilities and fitness
for the trust imposed. He remained in the respon-
sible position of general manager until 1894. when
he resigned for the purpose of establishing the
Niantic Manufacturing Company at East Lyme,
Conn. In this project he was associated with David
R. Campbell, his uncle, who was made president of
the company, and still holds that position, and his
brother, Angus Park, who was made secretary of
the company. They purchased one of the Sturte-
vant mills, located on Pattagonsett Lake, which was
at once remodeled throughout, new machinery from
the boilers to the finishing machines, being installed.
Upon the organization of this company William
Park was made treasurer and general agent, and
under his efficient and capable management the com-
pany has been very successful. In this mill are man-
ufactured all kinds of woolen goods, including
ladies' dress goods and men's suitings, etc.. and
particularly novelties comprising high grade up-to-
date Scotch fabrics. Employment is given to about
120 hands. After several years Angus Park with-
drew from the company, and ( ). A. Iiuzzell was
elected secretary to succeed him.
Commenting upon his departure from Sher-
brooke, one of the Canadian papers had the
following to say: "The north part of Sher-
brooke will sustain a severe loss by the re-
moval from the city of. Mr. William Park
and family, who propose taking up their resi-
dence shortly at East Lyme, near New London,
Conn.. U. S. A. Mr. William Park has been at the
Paton mills for twenty-one years, and has filled most
366
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
responsible stations there. On the death of Mr.
Andrew Paton two years since, he was offered and
accepted the highest position in the mills, which he
now holds. His abilities and good management
are fully recognized by the Directors, who learn of
his retirement with regret. Mr. William Park has
acquired a large share in an eight-set woolen mill
at East Lyme, Conn., and therefore goes into wool-
en manufacturing on his own account with bright
prospects of a brilliant future. He and his family
will leave this city with the good wishes and good
will of all who knew them, who esteem them
highly."
Fraternally Mr. Park is a member of the Ma-
sonic organization, holding membership in Bay
View Lodge, No. 120, F. & A. M, of Niantic, Conn.
He is also a member of the Canadian Order of For-
esters, of the I. O. O. F. of Canada, and of the East
Lyme Grange. In religious faith he is a Presby-
terian, holding membership in the Church of that
denomination at Sherbrooke, Canada, of which
church his wife is also a member. However, they
attend and liberally support the Baptist Church at
East Lyme. In political faith Mr. Park is a stanch
Republican, and is now (1904) acceptably serving
his adopted town as a member of the board of select-
men. He has also served several years as member
of the school board of East Lyme.
Mr. Park was united in marriage, Jan. 3, 1887,
in Sherbrooke, Canada, with Miss Emma F., daugh-
ter of John and Rachel (Crawford) Whitcher. Her
paternal grandfather, John Whitcher, was a purser
for many years in the Royal Navy of Great Britain.
He later emigrated to the Dominion, and settled
in Sherbrooke, becoming one of the pioneer set-
tlers of that section. He owned a large tract of land
upon which is now situated the principal business
section of that city. He also surveyed and laid out
the city of Sherbrooke. For a number of
years he served as reeve of Sherbrooke
county. The members of his family were
also prominent in public affairs, his son Will-
iam being commissioner of fisheries for the
Dominion for forty years, and well known and
highly esteemed by the Canadian Cabinet, and par-
ticularly so during the many years' administration
of Sir John A. MacDoriald. Another son, Charles,
succeeded his father, John, as reeve of Sherbrooke
county, which office he held for many years up until
his death. To Mr. and Mrs. Park have been born
four bright children, as follows : Eunice Whitcher,
Mabel Campbell, Angus Campbell and William Ray-
mond. The career of William Park furnishes to
the ambitious youth of to-day an example of what
can be accomplished by energy, industry and integ-
rity. In all of his operations he shows his ability
and excellent business acumen, and his marked suc-
cess in life is well merited.
CHARLES A. PERKINS, the present tax col-
lector of the town of Lebanon, is one of the town's
popular, industrious and selfmade men. The Per-
kins family is one of the oldest in American annals,
and its record is as follows :
The Perkinses of Norwich and that part of the
town which became Lisbon were descended from
John Perkins, who was born at Newent, England,
in 1590. He sailed in the ship "Lyon" to New Eng-
land in December, 1630, and arrived at Boston in
February, 1631. His wife Judith and their five chil-
dren accompanied him. In 1633 Mr. Perkins re-
moved to Ipswich, where he became one of the lead-
ing men, and was several times deputy to the Gen-
eral Court. He died in 1654.
Sergeant Jacob Perkins, son of John, born in
England in 1624, married first in 1647-8, Elizabeth,
who died in 1665. He married (second) Mrs.
Demaris Robinson, of Boston. Like the general
run of farmers, Mr. Perkins lived a quiet and un-
eventful life, and he died in 1699- 1700, while his
widow survived him until 1 716.
Joseph, Jabez and Mathew, sons of Sergeant
Jacob Perkins, removed in 1695 to that part of
Norwich, Conn., which became Lisbon, although
Mathew later returned to Ipswich. They purchased
in Norwich some thousand acres of land, and the
two who remained became the leading men in the
management of town affairs during their lives, and
left numerous descendants in that region. Joseph
Perkins, born at Ipswich, June 24, 1674, married,
May 22, 1700, Mary Morgan, daughter of Joseph
and Dorothy Morgan, and their sons were : Joseph,
John, Mathew, Simon and William. Jabez Per-
kins, the other brother who remained in Norwich,
was born in Ipswich May 15, 1677, and married
(first) June 30, 1698, Hannah Lathrop, and (sec-
ond) Dec. 17, 1722, Charity Leonard. He died in
1742, and his sons were: Jabez and Jacob Perkins.
Through Mathew Perkins, son of Joseph Perkins,
came a line of distinguished lawyers of Hartford,
among whom were : Hon. Enoch Perkins ; Hon.
Thomas Clap Perkins, and the present Charles E.
Perkins of Hartford, respectively father, son and
grandson.
Samuel Perkins, father of our subject, was a
resident of Lisbon, New London county, in early
life, and it is presumed he was born there. His
boyhood days were spent in that town, and when he
was a young man he moved to Bozrah, where he
was engaged in the lumber business, getting out
ship timber which was delivered at Norwich, and
he continued successfully in this line until 1876,
when he removed to Lebanon and settled on a farm
in the southern part of the town, near the Bozrah
line, and there died two years later, April 11, 1878,
aged fifty-five years and six months. His death
was the result of a cold contracted by standing in
water while assisting in building a pier. His re-
mains were interred in the Dr. Johnson cemetery at
Bozrah. In personal appearance he was a man of
commanding stature, standing six feet, and he
weighed about 190 pounds. Mr. Perkins was all
bone and muscle, and was a man of unusual
strength, and was proud of the fact that he could
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
367
lift as much as two ordinary men. His powers of
endurance were wonderful, and he was an excellent
example of the men of his day, heroic in build, un-
tiring in effort, and strong in their adherence to
the principles they considered right. In political
faith he was a Democrat and was a member of the
old military company at Bozrah during- the time it
was in existence.
Samuel Perkins married Philura H. Miner, born
in Bozrah, daughter of Thomas and Freelove Miner.
She survived her husband until March 30, 1892,
when she passed away in Bozrah aged sixty-six
years, and was interred beside her husband. The
children born to this worthy couple were as fol-
lows: (1) Alfred ran away from home and en-
listed for service in the Civil war under the as-
sumed name of Alfred H. Bromley, he being under
age. He was wounded and sent home, and finally
died of the injury. (2) Horace C, a farmer in
Lebanon, married (first) Emma Bushnell, and (sec-
ond) Georgiana Johnson. (3) Mary married J.
C. Sawyer, a painter and decorator, and resides in
Bozrah. (4) Frank S. married a lady from Wis-
consin and is a farmer at Melrose, that State. (5)
Ellen married Charles 'Pitcher, a retired machinist,
and resides in Norwich Town. (6) John G. mar-
ried Mary Rhodes, and is a farmer of Lebanon.
(7) George L. is a fireman at the electric light
works in Xew London ; he married Lillian Fair-
field. (8) Nancy M. married Albert Lathrop, a
well known horse dealer at Hartford. (9) Hattie
married Frank Chapman, and died from the effects
of a runaway. (10) Charles A. is our subject.
(11) Jared married Georgia Day, and resides in
Lebanon. (12) James B. married Julia Nagle, and
is chief engineer in the electric light works in New
London. (13) Byron is unmarried and resides in
Xew London.
Charles A. Perkins was born Oct. 25, 1863, in
Bozrah, Conn., and attended the district school and
Bacon academy until he was about fifteen years of
age. At that time he lost his father, and was
obliged to remain at home to manage the farm, as
the older boys had all branched out for themselves.
Although still a boy he was Capable of doing as
much work as any man. For four years he worked
very hard upon the farm, and then his mother dis-
posed of the property, and the young man began
working for the Yantic Paper Company as fireman,
and later for several years he was an engineer, re-
maining in the employ of that company for almost
nine years, or until 1885. At that time, on account
of poor health, he gave up his position. He had
been allowed to work over time for extra pay, and
some weeks he managed to do ten and one-half
days" work, beginning his tasks long before day-
light. His strength, however, was not equal to the
strain he put upon it, and he was forced to try nut-
door labor. Renting a farm in Lebanon, he resided
there for a year, and then removed to another farm.
which he made his home for four years, at the end
of that time, beginning work at the carpenter's
trade. I '.ring of a mechanical turn, as were his
brothers and sisters, it was very eas) for him to
learn the details of tin- trade, and he was soon work-
ing for Mr. William Taylor. In [897, with his
savings, he purchased his present farm, known as
the "Ira Tucker place," a tract of fifty acres, up0n
which he has made many improvements, and where
he is engaged in farming and dairying, although
he still works at his trade of cat r, hiring a
good deal of his farm work.
( )n Sept. 10, 1884, Mr. Perkins was happily mar-
ried to Julia A. Sisson, of Groton, daughter of Al-
bert B. and Amelia (Dunbar) Sisson. Amelia Dun-
bar was a sister of William Dunbar, who was lost on
the ill-fated "Genetta'- in Arctic waters. Another
brother, Gurdon, also a seafaring man, spent three
years with a companion on a lonely island, where
they were wrecked. The children born to Mr. and
Mrs. Perkins are: Frank Charles, horn Nov. 22,
1888; Fannie Clara, born Feb. 12, 1891. In politics
Mr. Perkins is a Republican, and has served on the
board of relief, and has been repeatedly chosen con-
stable, hut has never qualified. In 1900 he was
elected tax collector. Fraternally he is a prominent
and active member of William Williams Council
No. J2, Order United American Mechanics, pass-
ing all the chairs, and in 189S he was chosen to rep-
resent the organization at the state council held at
Milford. Both he and his estimable wife are con-
sistent members of the Congregational Church, and
he is now assistant superintendent of the Sunday
School. Mr. Perkins is a self-made man, and by his
industry, energy and ability has risen in the world
and firmly established himself in the respect and
confidence of all who know him.
BEXJAMTX H. PALMER (deceased) was a
well-known, highly successful and esteemed citizen
of Norwich. He was descended from an old and
numerous family of Xew London county, a full
record of which is contained in the sketch of his
brother. James B. Palmer, of Lisbon.
Benjamin TT. Palmer was horn in Voluntown,
(Ann., Jan. 8. 1840, and when about sixteen years
old moved with his parents to Lisbon. Me wa>
brought up to farm work, and received his educa-
tion in the district schools, and in Bacon Academy at
Colchester. For several winters he taught school
in and around Lisbon, devoting the summers to
farm work. In [863 he came to Norwich, where
for a year he was employed as a clerk in the store
^\ Samuel Prentice, on Main street. The following
April, he and Austin Maine purchased of a Mr.
Partridge the Shetucket Company store at No. 400
Main street, which they carried on for two years
under the firm name of Maine & Palmer. At the
expiration of that time Mr. Maine died, and Mr.
Palmer bought from the heirs their interest, and
continued to carry on the business throughout the
remainder of his life. The business, which was
368
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
fair at first, became steadily more profitable, grow-
ing to large proportions. In 1892 be went into
partnership with his son, Benjamin H. Palmer, Jr.,
and they bought the old Durfey grist mill, which
they carried on under tbe name of B. H. Palmer &
Son. Alter Mr. Palmer's death the heirs continued
to conduct the store until 1902, and carried on the
mill until 1903. His death occurred very suddenly
Oct. 26, 1893, from heart trouble, while he was on a
visit to Jewett City, and he was buried in Yantic
cemetery, Norwich.
Mr. Palmer married, Nov. 30, 1868, in Jewett
City, Eliza H. Brown, who was born in Griswold,
daughter of Shepard and Martha C. (Browning)
Brown. Their children were as follows: (1) Myra
B. died at the age of five years. (2) Benjamin
Henry, Jr., graduated from the Norwich Free Acad-
emy in 1888. He was associated with his father in
business, and after the death of the latter carried on
the business until it was sold. He is at present
secretary and treasurer of the Tobin Fire Arms
Company, of which he was one of the organizers.
He married Lucy Otis, of Norwich, daughter
of the late Amos T. Otis, and they have two chil-
dren, Marion O. and Benjamin H., Jr. (3) Shep-
ard Brown graduated from the Norwich Free Acad-
emy in 1889, and in June, 1894, from the School
of Technology of Worcester, Mass. He is a civil
engineer by profession, and since 1897 has been a
member of the firm of Chandler & Palmer, engineers
and surveyors, of Norwich. He is a director in
the Tobin Fire Arms Company, of which he was one
of the organizers. On Oct. 6, 1903, he married in
Norwich, Henrietta Woodworm Carey, of that city,
daughter of the late Charles W. Carey. Mr. Pal-
mer is a deacon of the Central Baptist Church, and
is superintendent of the Sabbath School. He is a
trustee of the Dime Savings Bank. (4) Bessie
Mary graduated from the Norwich Free Academy
in 1893. She is the wife of Walter E. Truesdell, a
civil engineer, and their home is in Brooklyn, New
York.
Mr. Palmer was a Republican in principle, but
took little interest in politics beyond the casting of
his vote. From early manhood he was an earnest
member of the Baptist Church, uniting with the
church of that denomination in Jewett City, later
transferring his membership to the Third Baptist
Church in Grceneville, and about ten years previous
to his death becoming a member of the Central Bap-
tist Church. He took a great interest in all religious
work, to the support of which he was a liberal con-
tributor. He was a man of retiring disposition, but
one who inspired the confidence and esteem of all
who came to know him. In business he was known
as a man of strict honesty, was a good citizen, and
a model husband and father.
CAPT. JEROME WHEELER WILLIAMS,
born in Montville March 17, 1-812, was for many
years one of the most popular and efficient steam-
boat masters plying Long Island Sound. He died
in his native town Sept. 29, 1899.
Capt. Williams was a descendant of one of New
England's old and time honored families. His fa-
ther, ( )liver Williams, followed the sea for many
years, but finally settled in Montville where he met
and married Eunice Smith, who was born in 1764,
and was a direct descendant of James Smith, one
of the earl}- settlers of Groton, Conn. To this union
were born : James, who was in business in Nor-
wich for many years, died there, and was buried at
Poquetanuck, in the town of Preston, New London
county ; he married Nancy Gavitch, of Ledyard,
Conn. John, who followed the sea during his life,
died in Norwich and is also buried in Poquetanuck ;
he married Clara Brown, of Westerly, R. I. Eunice
died in Montville, aged about seventy-five years,
unmarried. Margaret died in Montville, unmar-
ried. Ann died in Montville, unmarried. Clara died
in Montville, unmarried. Jerome Wheeler is men-
tioned in ftdl below.
Jerome Wheeler W'illiams passed his early life
and received his education in Montville. Leaving
school when he was about sixteen years of age, he
took a voyage as cabin boy under his second cousin,
Alvin G. Smith, of Montville. His first experience
gave him a liking for the sea, and he soon became
fascinated with the life of a seaman, being employed
on various coasting vessels plying between Nor-
wich, New London, New York, Boston and Nova
Scotia. He remained in the coasting trade several
years. When about twenty-two years of age, he
entered the employ of the Norwich & New London
Steamboat Company, and in the employ of that com-
pany worked his way up the ladder of success, un-
til he became one of their most trusted and efficient
masters. His promotion was rapid, he having ob-
tained a captaincy when still a young man ; and he
remained with this company until he retired from
the water in 1874, after having followed the sea for
over forty years.
Capt. Williams was married Dec. 16, 1835, to
Lydia Wheeler Woodworth, daughter of Joshua
Woodworth, of Montville. To this union were
born: ( 1) George Hervey, born in Norwich, Conn.,
Sept. 11, 1836, died at Newton, Mass., Feb. 10,
1898. On Dec. 6, 1858, he married Emily Mary
Nash, daughter of Capt. James S. Nash, of Nor-
wich, and to this union were born six children : Mary
Nash, who died Aug. 16, 1866; Virginia Watson,
who married Nelson Herbert Tucker, of Newton-
ville, Mass., where they reside with their three chil-
dren, Mildred M., Agnes M. .and Harold W. ;
George Hervey, who resides in Newton ; Emily Eu-
genia, who resides in Newton ; Agnes Maud, who
died Oct. 19, 1892; and Frederick Josiah, who
married Alice Salisbury Cobb of Newton, where
they reside with their two children, Jerome W. and
Alice B. (2) Jennie H., born in Norwich, Jan. it,
1839, married, Oct. 14, 1861, Martin Van Buren
Watson, of Westchester, N. Y., and died in San
t/ft-ThUtS.
C^-^7-^^4
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
369
Francisco, Cal., Sept. 25, 1885. They had:
Jerome Williams, born Oct. 14, 1862, now
residing in Utica, X. Y. ; Jennie Leonie, horn
Oct. 1, 1865, who married George Rodman
Shreve, of San Francisco, where they re-
side with their three children, Rebecca Rodman
(born July 6, 1894), Elizabeth Watson (born June
28, 1896) and Agnes Arden (born March 4, 1899) ;
and Lydia Maria and Edwin W., who both died in
infancy. (3) Edwin, born Aug. 22, 1842, resided
in Cincinnati where he died Nov. 2, 1866, unmar-
ried. (4) Lydia W., born Feb. 22, 1845, married
Richard H. Starbuck, one of the leading druggists
of Troy, N. Y., where they reside. To this union
were born two children, Edwin B., who died in
infancy; and Richard M., born March 27, 1875,
who is engaged in the book-binding business in
Troy. Mrs. Lydia W. (Woodworth) Williams died
March 10, 1845. On Feb. 18, 1861, Capt. Williams
married Mrs. Sarah (Stranahan) Hubbard, widow
of Charles Hubbard of Hebron, Conn., who was a
merchant for several years at Colchester, Conn.,
and daughter of James, Jr., and Hannah Brown
(Minor) Stranahan, the latter a granddaughter of
Major General Joseph Spencer of Revolutionary
fame, whose portrait hangs on the wall of the State
Capitol at Hartford. Mrs. Williams' home was in
East Haddam, this State.
Capt. Williams was a tall, well-built man, of a
distinguished and commanding presence. In dispo-
sition he was genial and placid. As an officer he
was careful, kind and courteous, yet he always
maintained the strictest discipline. His career as a
captain was without serious loss of any kind. He
acted in that capacity on many of the steamers of
the Norwich line ; but the one best known to the
public was, perhaps the "Commonwealth," of which
he was part owner and first master. In this con-
nection the following article from the Traveler
will be of interest.
The New Steamer Commonwealth.
At a meeting of the passengers on board of the steamer
"Commonwealth," on her trip on the evening of the 19th
day of April, 1855, from New York to Norwich, Joshua
Leavitt, Editor of the Independent, was called to the chair,
and George P. Putnam, Esq., of the firm of Putnam & Co.,
N. Y., and R. G. Horton of the New York Day Book, were
chosen Secretaries.
A very interesting statement was then given by Mr. H.
B. Norton, President of the Norwich and New London
Steamboat Company, explaining the building and construc-
tion of the "Commonwealth," which was listened to with
great attention.
After the conclusion of the statement of Mr. Norton, on
motion of Mr. C. F. Briggs a committee of three was ap-
pointed by the chair to retire and draft resolutions ex-
pressive of the opinion of this meeting in relation to the
steamer on which they were passengers. Mr. W. J. Rose
of the New York Daily News, Mr. Morse of the New York
Observer, and Mr. C. F. Briggs were appointed such com-
mittee. The committee soon after reported the following
resolutions, which were unanimously adopted :
Resolved, That we view with great pleasure this mag-
nificent addition to the facilities which distinguish travel
in the Eastern States, and that we tender our thanks to
the proprietors of the "Commonwealth" for the eleganl and
commodious steamer now placed on the Norwich and
Boston line, assured that such magnificence and enterprise
will reap a rich reward.
Resolved, That this in, at reflects the greatest credit upon
Mr. Alexander Hawkins, tin- architect, and all employed in
its construction, and is worthy of the fame and experience
of its tried and favorite commander, ("apt. Williams.
Resolved, That in the elegance that so distinguishes this
splendid steamer, we recognize charming influences and
perfect taste of our fair countrywomen, of whose supremacy
the "Commonwealth" i> in every respect a happy and be-
fitting emblem.
After the adoption of the above resolutions. Mr. G. P.
Putnam offered the following additional one. which was
also unanimously adopted:
Resolved, That we have especial satisfaction in the evi-
dence that in the construction of this "Commonwealth,"
extraordinary care has been taken to ensure the greatest
strength and safety — these considerations being, in our
view, much more important than even the brilliant attrac-
tion of elegance and comfort, which are so worthy of our
admiration in this splendid vessel.
On motion of Rev. Dr. Beecher of New York Recorder
and Register, it was resolved that the proceedings of this
meeting be sent to the newspaper press for publication.
The meeting then adjourned.
Joshua Leavitt, Chairman.
G. P. Putnam,
R. G. Horton,
Secretaries.
<
Capt. Williams was presented with many tokens
of the regard and esteem of his friends, among the
most interesting, being a four foot solid gold and
silver model of the "Commonwealth," and a solid
silver trumpet. Describing the latter the following
is taken from the Boston Journal :
Interesting Presentation'.
New York, Jan. 22nd. 1856.
To the Editor of the Boston Journal :
The friends of Capt. J. \Y. Williams, of the steamer
"Commonwealth," took him by surprise on board his noble
steamer, a few evenings since, by presenting to him a
costly and elegant trumpet. The presentation took place in
the saloon of the steamer.
It came from the warm hearts and kind regards of his
friends, and as a testimonial of the esteem in which he was
held by the donors. Capt. Williams has not his superior
as a navigator in Long Island Sound. He is able and cap-
able as a sailor, gentlemanly and courteous as a man. and
worthy of his position as commander of the noblest vessel
whose keel touches salt water. The trumpet is of solid
silver, the mouthpiece and hell are lined witli gold. The
inscription is as follows: "Presented to Capt. Jerome W.
Williams, by a few of his friends, as a testimonial of their
regard and friendship. New York, January 10, 1856."
And upon the opposite side is a correct cut of his elegant
steamer "Commonwealth." Upon the bell are the arms
of the United States, the arms of the Commonwealth of
.Massachusetts, Neptune with his trident, a steamship, and
a clipper ship leaving port.
Capt. Williams received the gift with marked emotion,
and in response to the speech of presentation, said: "Gen-
tlemen: This unexpected pleasure almost overwhelms me.
I return to all my friends who have thus honored me, my
warmest acknowledgments. I feel that this gift is not
merited by me — 1 accept it as a token of the regard and
friendship of my friends — I shall always cherish it with
the fondest recollections; and 1 assure you that while 1 have
the honor to command the '•Commonwealth," it shall be
24
3/0
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
my highest aim to merit a continuance of your confidence,
and esteem."
The meeting broke up amid the good wishes and warm
congratulations of all on board.
Burleigh.
In early life Capt. Williams was affiliated with
the I. O. C J. F. lodge in Norwich ; but the lodge dis-
banded. He was a member of the Broadway Con-
gregational Church in Norwich, and was active in
the building of the Union Cbapel at Massapeag, for
which purpose he presented a site and otherwise
contributed liberally. In politics he was always a
stanch and stalwart Republican.
During his active life he made his home in Nor-
wich, but when he retired, he went to live in Mont-
ville and purchased a farm on which stood the house
where his father, during a serious case of smallpox
had been tenderly nursed back to health. His farm
contained some three hundred acres, and was known
as the "Wells farm." There the Captain was suc-
cessfully engaged in agricultural pursuits until his
death.
In 1874, Capt. Williams and his wife made the
journey overland to the Pacific Coast. The trip
was planned in order to accompany his daughter,
Mrs. Watson and her two children to San Fran-
cisco, where she was going to join her husband, who
had recently established a business there. Capt.
and Mrs. Williams spent the winter visiting many of
the points of interest on the Coast. On his return,
he took up his residence on his farm where, sur-
rounded by the scenes of his youth, he enjoyed for
many years a well earned repose, after a most active
and stirring life. Here, at the advanced age of
eighty-seven years, with a mind unimpaired, and
with the steadfast faith of the Christian, and sup-
ported by the devotion and tender care of his wife,
he passed peacefully to rest. His remains were in-
terred in his plot in Norwich.
0
CHARLES J. ABELL, present town clerk and
one of the leading citizens of Lebanon, comes of an
old and honored family, the first of whom came to
the town about 1702. Our subject is a lineal de-
scendant of (I) Caleb Abell, of Norwich, who mar-
ried Margaret Post, born in 1653, of Saybrook,
daughter of John Post, who was born at Hartford
in 1637. The maiden name of the mother of Mar-
garet Post was Hester Hyde, and she was born in
England, daughter of William Hyde, who was also
born in England and died at Norwich in 1681. Caleb
had three sons, Caleb, Samuel and John.
(II) Caleb Abell, son of Caleb, born in 1677,
married Feb. 20, 1705, Abigail Sluman, born in
March, 1680, daughter of Thomas Sluman and
Sarah Bliss. They had four children : Daniel,
Caleb, Abigail and Mary.
(III) Daniel Abell, son of Caleb (2), married in
1729 Sarah Crane, and had nine children, viz. :
Daniel married Lucy Bill ; Eliaphalet married Lydia
Williams; Jonathan married Lydia Bliss; Man'
married J. Clark ; Betsy married Joseph W. Bissel,
and their son, Clark Bissel, was governor of Con-
necticut; Sarah; Elijah; Simon; Elizabeth.
(IV) Elijah Abell, son of Daniel, married Han-
nah West, and their children were as follows : Bet-
sey married William C. Hills; Elijah married Lucy
Webster ; Julia never married ; Daniel married Je-
mima Burnham ; Silas married Rhoda Webster.
(V) Silas Abell, son of Elijah, was born in the
first frame house erected in Exeter Society of Leb-
anon, and there he lived and died. By trade he was
a cooper, and followed that occupation also being
engaged in farming in a small way. His death oc-
curred Sept. 3, 1825, when he was forty-three years
of age, and he was buried at Exeter. He married
Rhoda Webster, a lineal descendant from John
Webster, the fifth Colonial governor of Connecticut.
She died Dec. 21, 1873, at the age of eighty-six
years. Their children were James Madison, born
Nov. 15, 1810, is mentioned below; William, born
April 4, 1812, married Harriet Spencer, was a me-
chanic early in life, later was engaged at wagon
making and repairing. Rhoda C, born Feb. 17,
1815, married Ezekiel Haynes, who engaged in farm-
ing in Lebanon, where he died. Betsey M., born
Nov. 18, 1817, married Francis F. Young, a farmer
and miller, and died in Killingly, Conn. Julia A.,
born Nov. 29, 18 18, married Oliver A. Bill and died
in New Haven, where he was engaged in a coal and
wood business. Silas P. born. Aug. 10, 1822, mar-
ried Sophronia Robinson, resided in Exeter, and died
there, where he had been a farmer and a prominent
man in town affairs, holding numerous offices, and
in i860 and 1880 representing Lebanon in the Leg-
islature (a more extended sketch of him appears
elsewhere).
(VI) James Madison Abell, son of Silas and
father of Charles J. Abell, of Lebanon, was born in
Exeter Society, and had but limited advantages for se-
curing an education, living at home and assisting his
father until his marriage, after which he was em-
ployed as a farm laborer, continuing for five years at
one place. Later he located at Abington in the town
of Pomfret, Windham county, and resided there for
many years on a rented farm. Later he returned to
Lebanon, and for several years rented farms. He
then purchased a farm of his father-in-law, who
retired from active life, and with his wife lived with
his daughter, Mrs. Abell until they died. The farm
was located about two miles west from Lebanon
Green. Mr. Abell made some improvements, and
there resided until after the death of his wife, and
he then made his home with our subject, there dy-
ing March 9, 1896, after an illness of a few weeks.
In early life James M. Abell was a Democrat,
but changed his views before he reached middle life.
He held a few of the minor offices in the town, and
in 1864 he represented the town in the Legislature
at New Haven. Mr. Abell was a member of the
old militia, and a member of the Congregational
Church, in which he always took an active part.
GENEALOGICAL AXD BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
37*
( >n Jan. i. 1837, .Mr. Abell was married to Sarah
Congdon, born in Lebanon, Oct. 15, 1808, and died
.May 1 8, 1 88 1, daughter of James and Sarah
(Champlin) Congdon, who came to Lebanon from
Rhode Island. To Mr. and Mrs. Abell were born:
(1) Thomas C, born Dec. 12, 1837, married in
June, 1863, Caroline Peckham, and has three chil-
dren : Robert J., born April 25, 1867, married Mary
Hathway; Sarah L. born April 3, 1870, married
Charles Hunt ; and Clarence born Feb. 4, 1875.
Thomas C. Abell served in Co. C, 18th Conn. V. L,
and after his discharge from the service he learned
the trade of carpenter and was later engaged in
farming. In 1873 lie went to Linneus, Mo., where he
resided for a time, and still later lived at Blue Rap-
ids. Kans., where he is now living retired. (2) James
M.. born Aug. 30, 1839, married Jan. 16, 1867,
Ellen Brown. For many years he was engaged as a
joiner in Colchester, and in 1870 he went to Middle-
town where he has since resided, being a member of
the firm of Robison & Abell, contractors. (3) John
W. born May 24, 1842, married Oct. 4, 1870, Eliza-
beth C. Loomis, and resides in Meadville, Mo.,
where he is engaged in a hardware business. (4)
Charles J. is the youngest.
Charles J. Abell was born Sept. 25, 1848, in Leb-
anon, and was brought up upon the farm, attending
the district schools and Bacon Academy at Col-
chester. Until his marriage he lived at home, and
after that resided for twelve years on a rented farm,
which was located two miles west of Lebanon Green
adjoining the farm of his father. At the expiration
of that time, in 1884, he bought his present farm,
then known as the "Huntington place," which had
been in the possession of that family since it was pur-
chased from the Indians. He has improved the
farm, which contains eighty acres, and he now en-
gages in general farming and dairying.
On April 4, 1872, Mr. Abell was married to
Lucy W. Robinson, born April 1, 1849 in Lebanon,
daughter of Harlow and Elizabeth M. (Loomis)
Robinson. The children born of the union were as
follows : Willard J., born Jan. 16, 1873, was in the
employ of the American Thread Company of New
York until failing health compelled him to give up
work, and he died in Lebanon Sept. 25, 1903 ; Anna
E., born June 13, 1874, a graduate of the Willi-
mantic Normal School, married, Aug. 25, 1897,
Edward Clinton Hall, and now resides in Union
City in the town of Naugatuck ; Sarah L., born
Dec. 20, 1878, is at home; Frederick M. was born
Feb. 24, 1881 ; Charles H. was born Oct. 18, 1883 ;
Clara Loomis, born June 7, 1885. was a member
of the class of 1904, YYillimantic Normal School ;
John W. was born April 2Q, 1887. In politics Mr.
Abell is a Republican, and was appointed town
clerk in 1892, succeeding Walter G. Kingsley, de-
ceased, and when the unexpired term had expired
he was elected to the same office, which he has ably
filled ever since, giving entire satisfaction to all con-
cerned. He has also served four years on the board
of selectmen from 1880 to 1884, and during his term
of office many improvements were inaugurated and
carried out. The first two years he was second se-
lectman, and the last two years he was first select-
man. In addition to these honors, he has served as
assessor for eleven years, and has been tax col-
lector two years, which office he resigned to become
town clerk. For some years he was a member of
the board of relief, and during the year 1883 he rep-
resented the town in the Legislature of Connecticut.
Religiously he is a consistent and active member of
the Congregational Church, has served as clerk of
the church for several years and upon several very
important society committees. For the past fifteen
years he has been chairman of the Republican town
committee.
Robixsox. The Robinson family, of which Mrs.
Abell is a member, is a very old and prominent one,
and her father Harlow Robinson was born March
26, 1820, in YVestford Society, town of Ashford,
Conn. He was but a boy when his parents moved
to Chaplin, and while there he resided in the home
of Deacon Knight, and attended the district school.
Later he removed with the family to Colchester,
and still later to Lebanon, remaining at home and
assisting in supporting the family until removal of
the family was made to Columbia, when he remained
upon the rented farm in Lebanon. There he resided
for fourteen years, or until i860, when he purchased
the land which now comprises the farm owned by
his son Arthur N. On it he erected all the build-
ings, and engaged successfully in farming, spending
there the remainder of his life, his death occurring
April 1, 1900. In politics he was a Whig, and later
upon the formation of that party, he became a Re-
publican. During the exciting period prior to the
war, he was a very ardent anti-slavery partisan, and
accomplished much good through his efforts along
these lines. For eight years he served on the board
of selectmen, and always took an active part in all
matters pertaining to the advancement of the mate-
rial welfare of the community in which he resided.
In his habits he was very domestic, and took great
pleasure in his home and family, being a very loving
and tender husband and conscientious and wise fa-
ther. He believed, however, in being linn upon
matters of principle, and always did what he thought
his duty, no matter what it cost. He, his wife and
several children were prominent members of the
Congregational Church.
On Jan. 1, 1846. Mr. Robinson was married in
Lebanon, by the Rev. John Nichols, to Elizabeth
Maria Loomis. born Feb. 4. 1S20. in Lebanon,
daughter of Ariel and Abijah (Williams) Loomis.
She survives her husband, residing in Lebanon, hon-
ored by all who knew her. An extended sketch of
the Loomis family, one of the leading ones of Leb-
anon, is given elsewhere. The children born to
Harlow Robinson and wife were: Harriet Eliza-
372
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
beth, born Nov. 2, 1846, taught school for many
years and now cares for her beloved mother. Lucy
Williams, born April 1, 1849, is now Mrs. Charles
J. Abell; Mary Eliza, born Nov. 12, 1852, is un-
married; William Henry, born March 5, 1856, is
a farmer in Lebanon, married Sarah Webster, and
they have one child, Winnifred Josephine; Ellen
Amelia, born Jan. 6, i860, is the widow of Herbert
Richardson, and she resides in Lebanon, her chil-
dren being as follows, Alice May (deceased), Ethel
Elizabeth, Inez, Herbert Harlow, James Leon and
Harriet Bell; Frank Harlow, born Feb. 8, 1862; is
unmarried and lives in Lebanon ; Louise, born Nov.
1, 1865, was a school teacher for a number of years,
and then married Earl Cooley, a farmer of East Ber-
lin, Conn.; Angeline, born Jan. 11, 1867, died in
February, 1867; Arthur Nelson, born May 11, 1868,
married Mrs. Harriet (Gillette) Stark, and his chil-
dren are, Edwin LeRoy and Arthur Leslie; Edwin
Loomis, born March 2, 1870, attended the district
schools, and was graduated from Norwich Free
Academy, and in 1896 from Yale University, and is
now a professor of Greek in Smith Academy in St.
Louis, one of the most promising and learned young
professors in the West. By his learning, erudition
and complete mastery of the classics, Edwin Loomis
Robinson has won for himself an enviable position
among men of letters, and his future is a most prom-
ising one ; he married Gertrude Leach, of Hinsdale,
Massachusetts.
The Rev. John Robinson, of Leyden, was the
originator of the Robinson family in America. His
son Isaac had a son Peter, and Peter had a son
Thomas, the great-great-great-grandfather of Mrs.
Abell, the line continuing through his son Reuben,
and his son Clifford, whose son William, was the
father of Harlow, above mentioned.
RICHARD M. JEROME, in his lifetime one
of the substantial men of New London, and a citi-
zen who stood high in the esteem of his acquain-
tances, descended from an old and honored family
of that section.
The Jeromes were an old family in the Isle of
Wight, but are now practically extinct there. They
were originally French Huguenots, and fled from
France at the decree of Nantes. Their coat of arms
indicates that they were of high rank. Their wills
are recorded as far back as 1503. Sergeant Timothy
Jerome, born in 1688, in the Isle of Wight, came to
America some time between 1694 and 171 7, and be-
came an inhabitant of Wallingford, Conn., where
he died in 1750. His wife's name was Abigail, and
his children were : Samuel, Timothy, William,
Zerubbabel, Abigail, Elizabeth and Isabel. From
this Timothy Jerome of Wallingford through the
son, Samuel, came a branch of the Stockbridge,
Mass., and Pompey, N. Y., family ; and from the
Stockbridge family, descended through Samuel
(above), Timothy (2) and Horace Jerome, came
Hon. David Howell Jerome, Governor of the State
of Michigan, 1881-83; ar*d from the same Samuel
of Stockbridge, on through Aaron, of Balston and
Pompey, N. Y., Isaac of Pompey, Palmyra and
Syracuse, N. Y., and Lawrence Jerome of New
York City, came William Travis Jerome, of New
York.
Hurd's "History of New London County"'
(1882) is the authority for John Jerome, who came
from England and was in New London, Conn., in
the early days as the emigrant ancestor of the New
London family. This John Jerome married Hannah
Turner, their banns being published July 10, 1737,
and had three sons, Richard, Benjamin and William.
Benjamin Jerome was born in 1743 and
married Dec. 22, 1773, Desire Brown, daugh-
ter of Benjamin Brown. Mr. Jerome settled on a
farm in New London ; in advanced life purchased
Big and Little Gull Islands, improved them and
farmed the lands, still residing however in New
London. In the cultivation of these islands it was
his custom, in the spring of the year, to transport
thither his yoke of oxen in a scow, towed by a small
sail boat. He himself went to and from New Lon-
don daily in a small row boat — a distance which
at this day one thinks only of covering with power
boats. When the season's work was over the oxen
would be brought back to the mainland in the same
way as they were taken over. Mr. Jerome was of
a social, genial nature, and lived to advanced life.
Religiously he was of Universalist belief. His chil-
dren were: Hannah, born July 22, 1774, died July
12, 1845; Benjamin, Oct. 12, 1775, died Oct. 5,
1796; William, born Feb. 8, 1777, was lost at. sea
in February, 1796; Richard, born Oct. 22, 1778,
died May 26, 1869; Jesse, born Oct. 11, 1780, died
Dec. 5, 1867; Frances, born Jan. 25, 1782, died
Feb. 25, 1817; John, born Aug. 31, 1783, died April
29, 1862; and Abigail, born April 7, 1785. Nearly
all the sons were sea-faring men, and two of them,
William and Benjamin, died on the Island of
Corsica.
Jesse Jerome, son of Benjamin, born in what
is now Groton, Conn., was twice married, first, Dec.
17, 1804, to Desire Rogers, born Jan. 5, 1781, in
Montville, daughter of Deacon Jehiel and Amy
(Vibber) Rogers. Her father was a farmer of
that town, and a descendant of James Rogers of
New London, through Samuel, Daniel and Alpheus
Rogers. On Nov. 24, 1831, Mr. Jerome married,
second, Harriet Loomis, who was born Jan. 29,
1797, daughter of Jacob and Salina Matilda
(Holmes) Loomis. Jacob Loomis was born June
19, 1 76 1, and his wife, Dec. 24, 1766. He was a
resident of Salem, Conn., and through Deacon John,
Deacon Samuel, Daniel and John, a descendant of
Joseph Loomis, of Braintree, who came from Eng-
land to Boston in 1638, and on to Windsor, Connec-
ticut.
Jesse Jerome was reared a farmer, and continued
through life in that vocation. In early life, with
his brother, Richard, he settled on Plum Island, but
6/z^/<^4^*>i»&£ \jc^ . )L
w£^i5>»Z<
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
373
later purchased some 300 acres on the mainland,
lying- in the South of Montville and north of Water-
ford, and lived upon it for over fifty-two years, his
residence being in Water ford. He, too, was of the
Universalist faith. Politically he was first a Whig,
and later a Republican. He was a man of good
judgment and ability, ready and quick of decision,
and a man of a strong, forceful character. A leader
in public affairs of the town, he was honored by his
fellow citizens by elections to many public trusts,
being a member of the school visiting committee,
and for many years selectman, etc. He died uni-
versally lamented, Dec. 5, 1867, when eighty-seven
years of age. His second wife, Harriet, died Feb.
13, 1865. His children born to the first marriage
were: Emily J., born Sept. 28, 1805; Benjamin,
May 30, 1807; Jesse Huntington, Dec. 29, 1808;
William N., Feb. 27, 1810; John R., Dec. 26, 1812;
Susanna B., April 8, 1814; George T., Feb. 8, 1816;
Richard, March 1, 1818; Fanny, born April 5, 1819;
Julia A., Oct. 11, 1820. His children by the second
marriage were: (1) Harriet E., born March 30,
1833, married Nov. 14, 1858, Charles Prentice Alex-
ander, of New London, and their children were :
Charles J., born May 23, i860; and Frank J., born
Dec. 14, 1870. (2) Augustus, born July 22, 1834,
died Oct. 17, 1904, in New London. (3) Elias L.,
born Feb. 20, 1836, was killed while a soldier in the
Lnion army at the battle of Fredericksburg, Va.,
Dec. 13, 1862. (4) Francis D., born Feb. 24, 1838,
was killed while a soldier in the Union army at Suf-
folk, Ya., April 19, 1863. (5) Miss Lucretia, born
Nov. 3. 1839, resides on North Huntington street,
with (6) Miss Hannah, born May 17, 1841.
Richard Jerome, the third son of Benjamin,
was the father of Richard M., and the grandfather
of Benjamin Willis Jerome. He was a sailor for
the greater part of his life, and began his sea-far-
ing career before the war of 181 2, being mate for a
■vessel when only eighteen. During the period when
the English were impressing American seamen, he
was once examined by their officers, but because of
his great height, six feet, three inches, and because
they had no man in the British navy who could equal
him, they did not take him. During the war he
was almost the only one who was allowed to go
through the line, and would be greeted with "here
comes our honest farmer." He studied navigation
under Capt. John Mason, of New London, Conn.
Aftej retiring from the sea, Mr. Jerome lived at
Plum Island, which he owned. He was a man of
strong personality, which impressed every one with
whom he came in contact. Probably his years at sea
were the cause of his indifference to political ques-
tions. In his religious belief he was a LTniversalist,
and he died in 1870.
Richard Jerome was twice married ; his first
wife was Miss Mary Palmer Brown, by whom he
had one daughter, Mary B., born Jan. 28. 1805, in
Stonington, Conn. By his second wife. Mary (Mul-
ford) Jerome, he had children as follows: Fannie
S.; Richard M. ; and Nancy L., who married Ed-
ward F. Townsertd, and died Dee. 1, 1904.
Richard M. Jerome was born Jan. 18, 182 r, at
Orient, Long Island, was educated at Bacon Acad-
emy, in Colchester, where his acquaintance with his
future wife began. Another of his school compan-
ions was Sebastian Lawrence. On leaving school
he was associated with his father in farming and
stock raising on Plum Island. Their farm of 900
acres occupied the whole island, except 100 acres
at the east end, and was one of the largest in that
section. There they raised stock, sheep and turkeys
and conducted a large dairy. Mr. Jerome was very
successful financially, and was able to keep in his
own hands the management of his farm until very
near the time of his death, which occurred June 27,
1900. Like his father he was a Universalist in his
creed. He held the position of stockholder and di-
rector in the National Whaling Bank of New Lon-
don for many years, as had his father before him. A
strong believer in Masonry, he was a very active
member of the fraternity, belonging to Union
Lodge, No. 31, F. & A. M. He was also enrolled
in Old Pequot Lodge, I. O. O. F.
Richard M. Jerome was married to Fannie J.
Morgan, who was born Nov. 12, 1828, daughter of
James and Abagail (Morgan) (Jerome) Morgan.
Her father died in New Orleans. To this marriage
children were born as follows: Benjamin W.. born
Sept. 20, 185 1 ; Ida St. Clair, born Jan. 11, 1854,
married Charles C. Lippitt, of New London, and
has one daughter Grace Jerome Morgan : Abbie J.
M., born April 18, 1859, died in October, 1894: and
Elmer Ellsworth, born in October, 1862. and named
after the Col. Ellsworth of Civil war fame, died at
the age of fifteen years.
BENJAMIN WILLIS JEROME, the present
owner of the old Jerome family homestead on
Pequot avenue, New London — a property that for
over two hundred years has been owned by a Ben-
jamin Jerome — was born Sept. 20, 185 1, son of
Richard M. Jerome. He was sent first to a rectory
school at Saybrook, and after finishing the course
there, to St. Paul's school in Brookfield, Conn. He
was anxious to go to college, but meeting no encour-
agement from his father, he was obliged to leave
school when he was between eighteen and nineteen
years of age, and work on the farm at home for a
while. Before long he started west pt Minnesota,
and went into the business of supplying lumber com-
panies, from which he worked into the millling bus-
iness on the Mississippi river, finally, in l88l, re-
turning to Connecticut.
Mr. Jerome's first enterprise after his return was
the "Ospreye Beach," for six years doing a
large business there, entertaining from 2.000 to
10.000 people per day. lie sold this for about
$28,000, and soon after went to Indian River, ITa.,
where he built a tine property, and after getting it
well improved, sold it at a large profit. He then in-
374
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
vested in another similar enterprise, which also
netted him good profits. While living in Florida,
he was the State agent for the Pennsylvania Iron
Works, mainly in the distribution of gas engines, a
line in which he became quite an expert.
For four years of his residence at Indian River
Inlet, Fla., Mr. Jerome was captain of the "House
of Refuge" at that place, a branch of the U. S. L.
S. S., a position which came to him unsought, and
was the means of saving several lives. He was also
a revenue officer for some time. For a number of
years Mr. Jerome has spent his winters at West
Palm Beach. He has given considerable attention
to orange culture, and the high class fruit from his
groves, which are at Brantley, where he lived for
some time, has long since been known as the highest
class reaching local markets. He uses the old Jerome
home in New London for a summer residence.
In 1892 Mr. Jerome and Sarah Elizabeth Hath-
away were married in Suffield, Conn. His wife was
the daughter of Milton Hathaway, of that town. Mr.
and Mrs. Jerome have no children. He belongs to
the Episcopal Church, and has been quite active in
the work of the parish. Fraternally he is a Mason,
affiliated with Brainard Lodge, No. 102, A. F. &
A. M. ; Union Chapter; Cushing Council; Palestine
Commandery, Knights Templar, and Sphinx
Temple, Mystic Shrine, of Hartford. In politics he
has never displayed any special interest, but votes
the Republican ticket, in national affairs, but is non-
partisan in local matters. Mr. Jerome has displayed
no small amount of ability in business and financial
matters, and on the whole has succeeded well in life.
CHRISTOPHER MORGAN, one of the most
highly esteemed residents of Mystic, Conn., was born
Oct. 11, 1852, in the old Morgan homestead in Led-
yard, and belongs to an old New England family
which can be traced as far back as 1607.
James Morgan, the emigrant ancestor of the
family, was born in the above year, in Wales. On
Aug. 6, 1640, he married Margery Hill, of Rox-
bury, Massachusetts.
John Morgan, son of James, was born March
30, 1645, and was married (first) to Rachel Dy-
mond, and (second) to Mrs. Elizabeth Williams,
daughter of Lieut-Gov. Jones of New Haven, and
granddaughter of Gov. Theophilus Eaton.
William Morgan, born in 1693, married Mary
Avery, daughter of Lieut. James and Deborah
(Sterling) Avery.
Capt. William Avery Morgan, son of William
Morgan, was born June 17, 1723, and married, July
4, 1744, Temperance Avery, daughter of Chris-
topher and Mrs. Prudence (Payson) (Wheeler)
Avery.
Col. Christopher Morgan, son of William Avery
Morgan, was born Oct. 27, 1747. On April 3, 1808,
he married Martha Gates.
Col. William Morgan, son of Col. Christopher,
was born March 28, 1809, and died Nov. 3, 1859.
He married Cynthia Billings, born Jan. 11, i8io„
died Aug. 10, i860, daughter of Stephen and Mar-
tha (Allyn) Billings, and a descendant of
one of the early planters of Stonington. Col.
William Morgan was a colonel in the militia.
He was a representative in the General As-
sembly, and at the time of his death, was, and
had been for many years, the discreet and effi-
cient agent appointed by the State to oversee and
manage the estate of the Ledyard Pequots, a rem-
nant of that ancient tribe of Indians, for whom the
State had made a reservation of about 1,000 acres.
To Col. Morgan and wife were born : Augusta,
born July 18, 1837, married, Oct. I, i860, William
A. Gallup, and died Sept. 28, 1890; Julia, born Aug.
18, 1839, married, June 25, 1861, Charles Stanton,
and died Jan. 9, 1896; William, born Sept. 26, 1844,
married, June 8, 1869, Frances E. Niles, daughter
of Deacon John A. Niles, of Salem, and resides at
Chicago, being connected with the S. L. & G. H.
Rogers Company, of Hartford, as manager of the
Chicago office; and Christopher, born Oct. II, 1852.
Christopher Morgan spent his boyhood and
early school days in Ledyard. Orphaned at the age
of eight years, he went to reside with his sister,
Mrs. William A. Gallup, in Norwich. Later he at-
tended the East Greenwich Academy. From 1872
to 1873 ne filled the office of assistant warden at
the Norwich Jail. He taught school at Ledyard,
and at East Great Plain in Norwich, thus earning
the money which took him through the State Nor-
mal School in New Britain. In 1875 he engaged as
traveling salesman for Hall, Elton & Co., of Wal-
lingford, Conn., and from 1886 to 1889 was en-
gaged with Rogers & Brother, of Wraterbury, when
this became a part of the International Silver Com-
pany, of Meriden. In this line of work Mr. Mor-
gan has met with remarkable success, and has drawn
much trade from the large jobbing centers, and he
disposes of all of Rogers & Brother's famous goods
direct from the factory.
The fine personality of Mr. Morgan, with his
frank, candid statements of the value and quality of
his goods, have had much to do with a success that
is quite unusual. Mr. Morgan possesses a fine
physique, genial presence and high bred manners,,
and these have won him friends wherever he has
done business. Since 1887 he has been a resident of
Mystic. In 1900 he was one of the organizers, and
became president of The Mystic League for Vil-
lage Improvement, an organization designed to work
for the beautifying of this village.
Mr. Morgan was reared to take an interest in
Masonic work and he is a member of St. James
Lodge, No. 23, Norwich, Conn. ; Franklin Chapter,
No. 4 ; St. Elmo Commandery, Meriden, No. 9 ;
Connecticut Consistory, 32nd degree, Norwich ;
and Pyramid Temple, Bridgeport, Connecticut.
On June 21, 1887, Mr. Morgan married Edith
May, daughter of Benjamin F. and Lydia (Wil-
liams) Noyes, and two children have been born to
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
375
them : Christopher Lyston, born Feb. 6, [889; and
Richard William, born June 27, 1892.
Uenjamix F. Xovks, father of Mrs. Morgan,
was born in the town of Stonington, and died in
Savannah, Ga., June 18, 1879, son of Frank and a
grandson of Nathan Noyes. L'ntil he was sixteen
years of age, he remained upon the home farm, and
then shipped before the mast, on the whaling vessel,
"Coriolanns," of Mystic, under Capt. Gustavus Ap-
pleman, and made a voyage of three years. A sec-
ond voyage of eighteen months was made as boat
steerer, on the bark "United States" with Capt.
Barnum, looking for sea elephants. From this time
on, he was promoted until he became master of a
ship and part owner of the vessels on which he sailed.
At the time of his death he was in charge of the
schooner "Charmer,'' and was reckoned a brave and
intrepid mariner. He was a Master Mason, belong-
ing to the lodge in Norwich, and later in Mystic.
In religion he was a member of the Baptist Church.
On Ang. 13, 1854, Mr. Noyes married Lydia,
daughter of Sanford Avery and Lucy (Stanton)
Williams, and they had children as follows : San-
ford Frank, born May 21, 1855, died Sept. 27, 1857,
aged two years ; Edith May, born Sept. 2, 1864,
wife of Christopher Morgan ; Charles, born Oct. 27,
187 1, married Mary T. Foote, July 27, 1892, and
they have two sons, Burton Frank, born Aug. 18,
1901 ; and Morgan Foote, born July 3, 1904.
Sanford Avery Williams was born Nov. 14,
1805, and died in September, 187 1. His wife was
bom June 14, 1812, married Oct. 28, 1832, and died
June 16, 1878. Their children were: Lydia,
Mrs. Noyes, born Oct. 21/, 1833 ; Betsey, born
Sept. 27, 1835, wno married Amos Giles Stanton,
and died Sept. 9, 1894; Prudence Mary, born Jan.
17, 1841, and died aged four years; and Mary Pru-
dence, born Feb. 27, 1846, died Nov. 3, 1869.
Mrs. Noyes and her daughter, Mrs. Morgan,
are members of the Daughters of the American
Revolution, and for two years Mrs. Morgan was
regent of the Fanny Ledyard Chapter. Three of
Mrs. Noyes' ancestors, Elnathan Perkins, Captain
John Williams and Captain Amos Stanton, were
killed in the massacre at Fort Griswold in Groton,
in T781. She has in her possession the muster roll
of Captain Amos Stanton in the original handwrit-
ing, dated Nov. 9, 1777.
Through John Alden and Priscilla Mullins,
Mrs. Morgan is also a member of the Society of
Mayflower descendants.
HON. THOMAS HAMILTON, member of
the firm of G. M. Long & Co., wholesale and retail
dealers in sea food, at New London, also president
of both the Groton and Stonington Electric Rail-
road Company and the New London & East Lyme
Electric Railroad Company, and one of the well-
known and prominent citizens of southern New
London county, is a native of New London, Prince
Edward Island.
Alexander Hamilton, his father, was horn in
Arran, Scotland, and in his young manhood emi-
grated to Dalhousie, in New Brunswick, and later
settled on Prince Edward Island, where he was a
tradesman, and where he died. II is wife, Ann S.
Pillman, a native of London, England, survived him,
and died at the home of a daughter in New Lon-
don, Conn. They had five children, one of whom
died in infancy. Of the others, Jane \\ '., formerly
Airs. Thompson, has married again, and resides in
Dawson City, Alaska ; Ann S. became Mrs. [ngerson
and died in Groton, Conn. ; Thomas is mentioned
below ; John R. resides in Seattle, Washington.
Thomas Hamilton was born Sept. 22, 184O, and
his early life was spent after the usual fashion of
boys of his locality and period, his educational ad-
vantages being confined to school attendance for a
few months each winter, and the remainder of the
year being devoted to hard work. He was but a
small boy when he began going on the water, being
employed on fishing vessels in the vicinity of his
home. This work he followed for several years,
and before he attained his majority he was master
of a fishing schooner sailing from New London,
Conn., having a crew of twenty-one men under him.
For a number of years the vessels commanded by
Capt. Hamilton fished during the summer seasons
in the vicinity of the Gulf of St. Lawrence, and
passed the winter seasons in the coasting and the
West Indies trade. He continued to be thus em-
ployed until about 1877, when he retired from the
command in order to devote his entire time to his
interests in the establishment of G. M. Long & Co.,
with which he had been connected since 1870.
G. M. Long & Co. embarked in the oyster busi-
ness at the foot of State street, in New London,
near their present location, in 1868. In those days
oysters were freighted in schooners by the cargo
lot from the Chesapeake, and were opened and dis-
tributed to different points in New England States.
In 1875 the firm established an oyster house in
Crisfield, Md., which was continued in connection
with the New London business until 1888. In 1885
they bought the Henry Chapell wholesale and retail
fish business, then the largest in Connecticut, and
they also purchased fine wharf property to which
they moved their oyster business, and there, in con-
junction with the selling of fish, they carried it on
until 1898. That year the property was condemned
for railroad purposes, and they removed to their
present location. They are the proprietors of the
Rocky Point Oyster Company, which ranks among
the largest wholesale oyster dealers in Providence,
having over 500 acres of oyster ground under cul-
tivation in Narragansett Bay and Kickemut river,
and operating four steamers.
Outside of his interests in the sea food busi-
ness, Capt. Hamilton has looked to the development
and improvement of his town and county, and has
given especial attention to electric roads. He is
president of the Groton & Stonington Electric Rail-
37&
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
road Company, and one of the incorporators and
president of the New London & East Lyme Electric
Railroad Company. He is also president of the
Groton Real Estate Company.
Politically Capt. Hamilton is a Republican. Al-
though he has always been much interested in pub-
lic affairs, he never accepted public office until 1903,
when he was elected senator from the Ninth Dis-
trict, and during the ensuing session he served ef-
ficiently as chairman of the committee on Fisheries
ana Game, and as a member of the committee on
Executive Nominations.
Fraternally Capt. Hamilton is a Mason of high
degree, belonging to Brainard Lodge, No. 102, F.
& A. M. ; Union Chapter, No. 7, R. A. M. ; Cushing
Council, No. 4, R. & S. M. ; and Palestine Com-
mandery, No. 6, K. T., being past commander of
the latter organization. In his religious connection
he is a member of the Congregational Church, and
at present is serving on the executive committee.
On Nov. 27, 1872, Capt. Hamilton was united
in marriage with Eunice Ellen Watrous, a native of
Groton and a daughter of William and Eunice
(Latham) Watrous, granddaughter of Holovvay
and Hannah (Fish) Latham, and great-grand-
daughter of Joseph and Abby (Packer) Latham.
Five children have come to bless this union, namely :
Grace, born July 27, 1875, wno married Judge
Frederick Latimer, and has two children, Thomas
and Frederick P. ; Clara, born June 2.J, 1879 ; Harry
Thomas, born Oct. 24, 1880, who was graduated
from Bulkeley high school, 1898, and from Yale,
1904, and is now located in Pittsburg, Pa., where he
holds a responsible position ; Frank Watrous, born
Dec. 15,1886, attending Bulkeley high school; and
Ruth Eunice, born May 18, 1890.
Capt. Hamilton is influential and public-spirited,
and is generally found to be one of the prime mov-
ers in any enterprise having for its object the ad-
vancement of his town. His beautiful home is situ-
ated on Fairview avenue, Groton.
GEORGE WHIPPLE KIES, one of the oldest
business men of Norwich and a most highly re-
spected and esteemed citizen of that place, is a na-
tive of Killingly, Windham Co. Conn., born Nov.
7, 1828. The Kies family has been a numerous one
in that town and has furnished a number of able
representatives.
According to the Keyes and Kies family gen-
ealogy, published in 1880, the emigrant ancestor of
this branch of the family was Wilson Kies, who
was born in 17 18. and who, according to a de-
scendant, emigrated from Scotland, where the name
was McKies. Wilson Kies resided in the south
part of the town of Killingly, where he followed the
occupation of farmer. He was known as a man of
much native ability. His wife, Sarah H., was born
in 1729, and died Oct. 2, 1821, while he died April
5, 1800, according to dates found on gravestones in
WTest Killingly churchyard. Their three children
were: Nathaniel, born May 7, 1759, in Killingly,
Conn.; Ebenezer; and Wilson, born in 1765.
Wilson Kies, the grandfather of George W., was
born in 1765, followed farming all his life, and was
a quiet, exemplary man. He married Elizabeth (or
Betsey) Hulet, a native of the State of New York,
and survived his wife, dying in 1835. He left a
large family of children, namely : Marvin, born June
4, 1798; Prentiss, a farmer, who married Miss Lu-
cretia Colvin, and died in Killingly ; William Wil-
son, a farmer of Killingly ; Knight, who died when
a young man ; Phila, who married Randall Davis, a
successful farmer of Killingly ; Mary, who married
Pardon Phillips and moved West ; Eliza, who mar-
ried a Mr. Bump and removed to Michigan ; Har-
riet, who married Calvin Cooper and removed to
Iowa ; and Almira, who died at the age of eighteen
years.
Marvin Kies was born in Killingly, was brought
up to farm work, and followed that occupation all
his life. He resided at home until his marriage and
then purchased a farm near by, in the southern part
of the town, as his means permitted increasing the
acreage until he became one of the largest landhold-
ers of the town. His death, in January, 1841, was
the result of injuries received by being thrown from
a buggy. He was first buried in a lot on the farm,
but later his remains were deposited in Westfield
cemetery, at Danielson. He was a Jacksonian Dem-
ocrat in his politics and a member of the old Kill-
ingly military company. On Feb. 23, 1823, Marvin
Kies married Freelove Buck, born Oct. 12, 1805, in
North Killingly, daughter of Jonathan and Lydia
(Whipple) Buck, and granddaughter of David
Buck, who removed from Massachusetts to North
Killingly (now Putnam Heights,) Conn. Mrs. Kies
died of heart disease in Killingly, May 28, 1897, in
her ninety-second year, after an illness of several
months. She was buried in Westfield cemetery at
Danielson, and the funeral services were most im-
pressive. They were conducted by Rev. B. U.
Hatfield, pastor of the Baptist Church at Danielson,
of which the deceased was for many years a faithful
member, and by Rev. M. Childs, of the Baptist
Church at Killingly.
The children born to Marvin and Freelove Kies
were eight in number :
(1) William Knight Kies, born Dec. 22, 1823,
married Miranda Young and died in Killingly, Feb.
10, 1890. He was a farmer by occupation. His
children were : Adeline, the wife of Theodore
Stearns, residing in Danielson; Marietta, A. M.,
Ph. D. ; Alice, the late wife of Mr. Davis ; Ellen,
wife of Walter F. Burton, of Danielson ; and Julia-
ette, wife of W. N. Arnold of Danielson.
Marietta Kies, mentioned above, the niece of
our subject, was one of the most able women Wind-
ham county ever produced. She began to teach a
district school at the age of fourteen years. Pre-
viously to that time she had worked in a mill near
her home, and the money acquired by this mill work
A.-
vL ■/(
\a
O* ^ V (Ayvwx.
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
377
and by teaching she used as an aid to further her
education. Shortly after she attended the Free Will
Baptist School at Hillsdale, Mich., for one year, but
■was compelled to give up her studies there because
of her health. Returning to Killingly, Miss Kies
taught school one year and then entered the Daniel-
sonville (now Danielson) high school, where she re-
mained as scholar and teacher for one year. In the
fall of 1878 she entered the famous "Mary Lyon's
School," at South Hadley, Mass., and at the close of
the school year she taught in Brooklyn, Conn., to
earn expenses for another year of study. She re-
turned to Mt.'Holyoke for the year 1880-81, and
such was her application that she completed the four
years' course in two, and was graduated in 1881
at the head of her class — its president. A portion of
the year following Miss Kies was engaged by her
Alma Mater as instructor in higher mathematics
and geology. She then became principal's assistant
at Putnam, Conn., and while there accepted in 1883
a call to Colorado College, as instructor in Latin and
mathematics. She was there for two years, but in
1885 she returned to Mt. Holyoke Seminary, where
for six years she was instructor in psychology and
ethics and for a time seminary principal.
In 1889 Miss Kies completed an ingenious com-
pilation from the widely scattered writings of Dr.
W. T. Harris, the eminent philosopher, and pre-
sented it as a thesis at the University of Michigan,
thereby winning from that institution in 1891, in
addition to an M. A. already received, a master's
degree in philosophy. In 1889 this thesis was pub-
lished as an "Introduction to the Study of Phil-
osophy." The degree of Doctor of Philosophy con-
ferred upon her by the University of Michigan was
the first ever given by that institution to a woman.
In 1891-92 she occupied the chair of Mental and
Moral Philosophv in Mills College, at Oakland, Cal.,
while the following year was spent in study at the
Universities of Leipsic and Zurich. Returning to
America she taught a private school at Pittsfield,
Mass., and then became principal of a large school
at Plymouth, Mass. While at the latter place she
brought out in 1894 her noted work on Institutional
Ethics.
In 1896, because of failing health. Miss Kies re-
signed her Plymouth position to accept the chair of
English Literature in Butler College, University of
Indiana, and there taught until June, 1899. Her con-
stantly failing health caused her to seek a change of
climate and she went to Pueblo, Colo., where with
friends she spent the last days of her life and
passed away July 20, 1899. Her remains were
brought to her childhood home and buried beside
her parents. A memorial of Dr. Kies was published
in 1900.
(2) Henry Kies, born March 15, 1826, was a
school teacher for a number of years, later entered
Amherst College, and after his graduation from that
institution spent two years at the Theological Sem-
inary at East Windsor Hill. He then entered Wal-
nut Hills Theological Seminar}- at Cincinnati, Ohio,
from which he graduated. He then took up teach-
ing and while thus engaged died Aug. 19, 1S55, at
Troy, Iowa. He married Lucy Burlingame, and
had one son, Henry, residing in Denton, Denton Co.,
Texas.
(3) George Whipple Kies was born Nov. 7,
1828.
(4) Welcome Kies, born Aug. 19, 1831, died
Sept. 26, 1850.
(5) Ahira Z., born Nov. 12, 1834, died Feb. T9,
1882. He was a school teacher and later studied
law, but gave it up to manage the farm for his
mother. He never married.
(6) Lydia Melissa Kies, born Sept. 24, 1836, be-
came the wife of Jared Vaughn, and died in Kill-
ingly, Dec. 9, 1869. He was a mason by trade.
Their two sons were Frank Marvin, who resides in
Minneapolis, Minn., in the U. S. mail service; and
Chauncey, who is married and resides in Vermilion,
S. Dak., engaged in mercantile business.
(7) Marietta Kies was born Jan. 13, 1839, and
died Feb. 19, 1840.
(8) Mary Ann Kies was born May 13, 1841,
four months after the death of her father. She
graduated from Mt. Holyoke Seminary, was a suc-
cessful school teacher, and later went to New York
and became identified with the Howard Mission
Home. She died June 19, 1868.
George Whipple Kies was born in Killingly and
was thirteen years old when his father died. His
mother was a noble woman, of good business and
executive ability, and being anxious that her chil-
dren should receive good educational advantages,
managed to secure at least a good foundation train-
ing for each. George attended the district school,
which was one mile from his home, until the age of
fifteen years, and was then employed as clerk for a
period of four years by the Danielson Manufactur-
ing Company, in their store at West Killingly (now
Danielson), his wages being as follows: $25 and
board the first year ; $50 and board the second year ;
$70 and board the next year; and over $100 the last
vear. During this time he was permitted to attend
the academy at West Killingly one term. In com-
pany with Joseph B. Crandall Mr. Kies then en-
gaged in the drug business at West Killingly, under
the name of Kies & Crandall, and continued in busi-
ness with him until 1851, when he disposed of his
interest to his partner and was employed by that
gentleman as bookkeeper and clerk until September,
1852. Going to South Windham, for nearly a year
he was employed as a clerk in the store of John G.
Avery, and in August, 1853, he went to Norwich
and was employed in the confectionery store of
David Gale, on Franklin Square, while to add to his
income he also kept books for other parties. In the
spring of 1854 he was engaged as a clerk in the
wholesale and retail hoot and shoe store of G. A.
Jones & Co., on Main street, and remained with
them as clerk for twelve years, until the summer of
378
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
1866, when he started in business for himself in a
boot and shoe store in the Rockwell building, oc-
cupying one side of a store room. He remained
there until 1871, when he removed to his present
location in the Austin block. Mr. Kies did not have
a partner until 1884, when Mr. James L. Coffee,
who had been a clerk in his employ for twelve years,
was taken into partnership and the firm became
George W. Kies & Co. It is the oldest boot and
shoe establishment in the city and does a large
business.
Mr. Kies was married in Norwich, July 26,
1852, to Ellen Cornelia Allen, born in Killingly, the
daughter of Jabez and Sarah (Bacon) Allen, by
whom he has had one child, George Allen.
George Allen Kies, born May 4, 1854, in Nor-
wich, received his education in the public schools
and the Norwich Free Academy. He early showed
much musical ability, and after receiving local in-
struction at the age of fifteen years began taking
lessons under Eugene Thayer, a well-known teacher
of Boston. When he was fifteen years old he was
organist of the Central Baptist Church, serving
there for one year, and at Christ Church for three
years. At the age of nineteen he took lessons on the
organ from Prof. August Haupt, the leading
teacher of Germany on that instrument, and also re-
ceived general musical instruction from Richard
Wuerst, a famous composer. In August, 1874, on
his return to America, Mr. Kies became organist
of the Park Congregational Church and has since
held that position. He is one of the best known
and most successful music teachers in eastern Con-
necticut. He has served three terms as president
of the Connecticut Music Teachers Association, be-
ing in May, 1903, elected to his third term, and is
a member and one of the founders of the American
Guild of Organists. He was for many years a mem-
ber of the Manuscript Society, a national organiza-
tion of composers.
George A. Kies is a Republican in his politics.
Fraternally he is a member of St. James Lodge, No.
23, F. & A. M.; Franklin Chapter, No. 4, Franklin
Council, No. 3, and Columbian Commandery, No. 4,
K. T. He has served as master in the first four
bodies, and was Grand Master of the State for one
year. In Scottish Rite Masonry he is a member of
King Solomon Grand Lodge of Perfection, Van
Rensselaer Council of Princes of Jerusalem, Nor-
wich Sovereign Cbapter, Rose Croix, and Connec-
ticut Sovereign Consistory.
Mr. Kies was married, Jan. 27, 1875, to Jennie,
daughter of George F. Palmer, of Norwich, and has
had two children: Helen M., who is a vocalist of
ability and is now receiving instruction in New
York ; and Mabel L.
George W. Kies is an ardent supporter of the
Prohibition party. He united with the Westfield
Congregational Church at Danielson in 1842, and
when he removed to Norwich transferred his mem-
bership to the Broadway Congregational Church of
that city, with which Mrs. Kies is still connected.
Mr. Kies remained a member of same until 1902,.
when ne joined the Emanuel (Holiness) Church at
Providence, R. I. Mr. Kies has been for the past
twenty years engaged in evangelistic work, devoting
time and money unselfishly to that cause. He was
the prime mover in the Holiness Mission at Nor-
wich, of which he is the leading worker and financial
supporter, and though not a regularly ordained min-
ister in the church he has filled a number of pulpits
and has done a great deal of mission work. He has
also taken a prominent part in the annual camp
meetings of the church, being a director in both the
Douglass (Mass.) and Portsmouth (R. I.) Camp
Meeting Associations, and has for many years been
a leading worker in the semi-annual camp meetings
held at Silver Lake, Vt., and Hebron, Mass., as
well as all the various camp meetings and conven-
tions of his church throughout New England and
the East. In connection with his unceasing work in?
the Holiness Church he has written several books,,
among them "Sanctification Definitely Sought and
( )btained," "Fifty Years in the Congregational
Church," "Did Ye Receive the Holy Ghost When
Ye Believed?'' and "Walking with God in the
Twentieth Century."
Mr. Kies resides in a beautiful home at No. 10
Laurel Hill avenue, which he purchased in 1879,
six years after it was built, and in this delightful
home he dispenses a most generous hospitality.
SMITH. The family bearing this name is one
of the oldest in New London County, and one which
has given to the State many, good and honorable
citizens, who have played well their parts in public
and municipal affairs, as well as in private life. One
of the original proprietors of the town of Norwich
was Rev. Nehemiah Smith, who was born in Eng-
land about 1605. He emigrated to America, and
was admitted a freeman at Plymouth, Mass., March
6, 1637-38. He married Anna Bourne, whose sister
Martha married John Bradford, son of Gov. Will-
iam Bradford. Rev. Mr. Smith lived in Stratford,
New Haven, New London, Groton, and came to
Norwich as one of the original proprietors of the
town, who purchased land from Uncas in June,
1659. The descendants of Rev. Mr. Smith are very
numerous throughout eastern Connecticut.
It is the purpose of this article to treat of that
branch of the family which has for many years been
one of the leading and most highly respected famil-
ies of Franklin, where several of the name yet re-
side, and of Owen S. Smith, of Norwich Town, and
his brother, Frank H. Smith, member of the well
known firm of J. P. Barstow & Co., at Norwich,
sons of the late John Owen Smith.
Thomas Smith, the great-grandfather of these
gentlemen, was born May 16, 1754, in Ledyard,
Conn., and by occupation was a farmer ; and he also
worked at coopering. He enlisted from Stonington,
Conn., in the Revolutionary army, on May 17, 1775,
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
.v_(>
for seven months, under Capt. Samuel Prentice ;
next for two months he was under Capt. James
Gordon, and still later, for two months, was under
Capt. John Swan. For his services he drew a pen-
sion as long as he lived. In 1844 ne moved to Frank-
lin, Conn., with his son Prentice 1'., and there re-
sided until his death. He enjoyed good health un-
til his last sickness, which was due to old age, and he
died Dec. 1, 1844, in his ninety-first year. He be-
came a member of the Methodist Church at Led-
yard, and was ever an upright Christian man. In
his political faith he was a Whig at the time of his
death. On Nov. 2, 1777, he married Thankful Ben-
nett, born Oct. 5, 1757. She survived him, and died
at the home of her son Prentice P., in Franklin,
Aug. 9, 1850, in her ninety-third year. The period
of married life of this venerable couple covered a
space of sixty-seven years. Mrs. Smith was a re-
markably well-preserved lady, retaining her every
faculty. She was a constant reader of the Bible, and
was exceedingly well versed in Scripture, which she
was very fond of quoting. Their children were :
Polly, born Jan. 27, 1779, married a Mr. Geer, and
removed to Erie, Pa. ; Betsey, born Oct. 1, 1780, be-
came the wife of a Mr. Latham, and removed West ;
Abigail, born April 28, 1782, married a Mr. Grant,
and died Aug. 26, 1820; Thomas, born March 12,
1784, married (first) Phebe Bennett, (second)
Phebe L. Johnson, and died Dec. 1, 1844: Thankful,
born April 23, 1786, died July 1, 1797; Nancy, born
May 20, 1788, married William Avery, and resided
in Windham ; Lydia, born Nov. 14, 1790, died Aug.
20, 1813 ; Fanny, born Feb. 13, 1793, died Aug. 20,
18 1 3 ; and Prentice P. was born Sept. 11, 1795.
Prentice P. Smith was born in the town of Led-
yard, and was brought up to farm work, having only
the advantages of a district schooling. He became a
farmer, and had a farm in the north part of the town
of Ledyard. From his father he acquired the trade
of cooper, and he had a shop on the farm where he
was engaged at coopering when not otherwise busy
on the farm. At times they employed several
hands, and made many barrels for use in the West
Indies molasses trade. He continued to reside there
until 1844, when he removed to Franklin, where two
sons had preceded him, and he purchased the farm
now occupied by Charles B. Davis, then owned by
Andrew Hull. A few years later he disposed of the
farm in Ledyard, and he remained on the farm in
Franklin until 1868, when he and his wife went to
live with their son, William C, until their deaths.
He was a successful farmer, reared a large family
and died in comfortable circumstances ; he was buried
Franklin. His death occurred Jan. 3, 1881, due
to old age. He had been quite active retaining his
faculties until a few weeks before the end. Politi-
cally he was a Whig, later a Republican, and he rep-
resented Ledyard one term in the Legislature, and
he served on the board of selectmen, and also held
manv of the minor offices. In earlv life he united
with the Ledyard Methodist Episcopal Church, but
later transferred to the Bean Hill Methodist Church.
His wife united with the Ledyard Methodist Epis-
copal Church, and also transferred to I lean Hill
Church. During his residence in Ledyard he took
an active part in church matters.
On Dec. 1, 1814, Prentice P. Smith was married
to Maria Avery, wlio was horn Atig. 13. IJ<)J. and
who died Dec. 17, 1885, after a happy wedded life
of sixty-six years. Their children were: Sarah
Maria, born Sept. 30, 1815, became the wife of Rev.
Silas Leonard, a Methodist minister, and died in
Franklin Nov. 29, 1884. Prentice O., born Aug. 3,
1817, married Eliza King, who died June 17. 1904.
He was a member of the firm of Smith Brothers for
many years, and later he was a general agent of a
publishing house ; he died in Franklin Feb. 14. 1898.
John Owen, horn Oct. 6, 1819. married Ahby S.
King. Mary Louisa, born Jan. 25, 1822. married
John Shapley, a machinist by trade, and they resided
in Cazenovia, N. Y., for a number of years, 'hut later
removed to Gananoque, Canada, where they now re-
side. Austin A., born May 21, 1824, married Fran-
ces Mather; he was a machinist by trade, but was
engaged in several business enterprises, and he died
in Franklin April 22, 1883. Henry X., horn April
18, 1827, married Lydia Lathrop^ and resided in
Franklin, where he was engaged at fanning until
his death, June 15, 1883 ; from 1859 until a few weeks
previous to his death, he was a deacon in the Frank-
lin Congregational Church. In earlv life he was
connected with the firm of Smith Brothers. Lucian
H., born July 1, 1829, married Jane Lathrop, was
a blacksmith, later a farmer, and was killed by a fall
in his barn in Bozrah Oct. 5, 1879. Frances H.,
born April 24, 1832, married Hezekiah Huntington,
and resides in New York, where he is a retired real
estate dealer. William Curtis, born July 1, 1835.
married Elizabeth H. Mumford ; he is a farmer and
resides in Franklin, where for many years he has
served as a deacon in the Franklin Church. Ezra
Leonard, born Aug. 11, 1837, is a farmer and re-
sides in Minneapolis, Minn. ; he married Lucy Hast-
ings, of Franklin. The first death in the family was
that of Lucian H., who, as above stated, was accir
dentally killed, at the age of fifty.
Smith's Corners is a well known locality in the
town of Franklin. It derives its name from this
family, and as above noted the first of this branch
of the family to locate there were the two sons of
Prentice I'. Smith. These sons began the manu-
facturing of wagons under name of Smith Brothers,
their shop being located at the corners, and their
dwelling in the immediate vicinity. At one time
several of the brothers were engaged at wagonmak-
ing. in addition to other help, and they did a good
business for many years. Their wagons and other
vehicles were widely known for their durability, the
work being, hand made, and the workmen all
natural mechanics.
38o
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
John Owen Smith, of the above family, was born
in Ledyard, Conn., and was a young man when he
went to Franklin. Before he became of age he
bought his time from his father, and was employed
in the carriage shop as a carriage trimmer. Later
on he traveled for the establishment, selling buggies
and wagons in New London and surrounding coun-
ties. He purchased the homestead farm at Smith's
Corners, one of the best farms in the county, and
erected the house now standing. For many years
the management of the farm was looked after by
bis son Owen S., and Mr. Smith was general agent
in Massachusetts, for the successive editions of the
atlas published by Mitchell & Bradley, holding the
field to the satisfaction of all parties, and with
splendid financial results to himself, for many years.
He was a splendid salesman. Later he was an agent
for the celebrated West's American Tire Setter. He
then devoted his entire attention to his farm until
1889, when he disposed of the place and in 1893 he
removed to Norwich, to make his home with his son
Frank H., residing here until his death, which was
due to heart failure, and occurred very suddenly
Jan. 30, 1896, while he was walking down town on
Water street. He was buried with his wife in Yan-
tic cemetery, and the funeral was attended by many
of his old friends and neighbors from Franklin.
Mr. Smith was an Andrew Jackson Democrat,
and later a Republican. Throughout his long resi-
dence in Franklin he had been prominently identi-
fied with the interests of the town, was foremost in
every good work, and always an advocate of prog-
ress. He represented Franklin one term in the Leg-
islature. He united with the Franklin Congrega-
tional Church when a young man, and became one
of the most valued workers in that body. He was
the prime mover in the erection of the present church
and parsonage, giving a great deal of his time when
they were under construction, and he was also the
most active one in looking after its finances. He
served as superintendent of the Sunday school for
many years.
In 1842 Mr. Smith was married to Abby Shap-
ley King, who was born in Lebanon, Conn., in 1822,
daughter of Capt. Joseph and Abby (Shapley)
King. The King family is mentioned more fully
elsewhere. Mrs. Smith passed away Sept. 21, 1894.
The married life of Mr. and Mrs. Smith covered a
period of fifty-two years. Mr. Smith was well to
do, and was most highly respected. During his
comparatively brief residence in Norwich he had
made many new friends, who esteemed him highly.
His family consisted of three children: (1) Owen
S., born June 29, 1848, is mentioned below. (2)
Frank H., born March 28, 1852, married first Flor-
ence Proctor, and second Maude Richmond. He
has two children by the second union, Helen B. and
Frank R., the latter a member of the firm of J. P.
Barstow & Co., in Norwich. (3) Julia O., born in
1856, died in 1897, unmarried.
Owen S. Smith was born in Franklin, and re-
ceived his education in the district schools, the
select schools in Franklin, and the Norwich Free
Academy. After leaving school he returned to the
home farm and assumed the management of it for
his father, remaining there for eight years after his
marriage, until 1 881, when he moved to his present
farm in Norwich Town; this place has been in the
possession of the Huntington family for one hun-
dred and eighty-seven years. The house thereon
was erected in 1717. This home has been the birth-
place in succession of seven generations of the Hunt-
ington family. Mr. Smith has been engaged at gen-
eral farming, and from 1887 to 1900 he conducted
a successful ice business. He now devotes his time
to real estate business, in which he has been equally
successful.
Mr. Smith was married Oct. 2, 1872, to Har-
riet E. Huntington, who was born in her present
home, June 27, 1851, and graduated at Norwich
Free Academy, class of 1871, daughter of Deacon
Edward Andrew and Harriet A. (Lyman) Hunting-
ton, and a descendant of one of the oldest families
of the town. They have had four children: (.1)
Edward H., born July 1, 1873, was educated in Nor-
wich Free Academy, Amherst College (from which
he graduated in 1898), and Hartford Theological
Seminary (from which he graduated in 1901). He
was ordained at Norwich Town in June, 1901, as a
foreign missionary of the American Board, and has
been stationed at Foo Chow, China, since Decem-
ber, 190 1. He was married Oct. 2, 1901, to Grace
W. Thomas, of Boston, and they have one child,
Helen Huntington. (2) Mabel King, born Dec. 21,
1874, graduated from Norwich Free Academy, was
married Oct. 2, 1901, to T. Snowden Thomas, of
Boston, and has two children, Lucille Franklin and
Julian Snowden. Mr. Thomas is general secretarv
of the Y. M. C. A. of Watertown, N. Y. (3) Har-
old Lyman was born Oct. 2, 1886, and graduated in
1904 from Norwich Free Academy. (4) Sidney
Palmer was born Jan. 11, 1889.
Owen S. Smith was a Republican in sentiment,
but he never cared for office. He united with the
Franklin Congregational Church, and transferred to
the Second Congregational Church at Norwich and
later to the First Congregational Church. He was
superintendent of the Sunday-school of the Second
Congregational Church, for several years. Mrs.
Smith and three of her children are also church
members.
CAFT. BENJAMIN W. LATHAM, one of the
representative men of Groton, comes of an old and
distinguished family, the record of which in part, is
as follows :
William Latham, his grandfather, was born at
Fort Hill, Groton, and there passed his entire life.
He served in the war of 181 2, in which service he
was wounded at Fort Ledyard, Groton. He sur-
vived his injuries, however, and died at an advanced
age.
OH^i
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
381
Silas Latham, son of William, and father of Capt.
Benjamin, was born in District No. 9, of Groton.
He married Miss Lydia P. Lewis, who died in 1892,
aged seventy-seven years. His death occurred in
1893, when he was eighty-seven years of age.
By occupation Silas Latham was a mariner,
and led a seafaring life from his boyhood. During
one voyage he was shipwrecked, and spent six
months on one of the group of Fiji Islands. Lor
many years he was master of the "Lizzie," and en-
gaged in sealing and whaling, and was also in the
service of the merchant marine. For the last ten
years of his life he remained in Noank, retired from
active pursuits. His church membership was with
the Baptist denomination, and he always took an
active part in the good work of that body, contrib-
uting liberally toward its support. His children
were: (1) Frances married the late James Gaskell,
and now lives in Norwich. (2) Silas B. is men-
tioned elsewhere. (3) Ezra was lost at sea between
Savannah and New York, in 1889, from the "Will-
iam Fisher;" he was unmarried. (4) Elizabeth mar-
ried Albert Chadwick, and, resides at Norwich
Town. (5) Walter died young. (6) Benjamin W.
is mentioned below. (7) Elmer, an artist and half-
tone engraver, in Brooklyn, N. Y., married Belle
Henderson.
Capt. Benjamin W. Latham was born at Noank,
Conn., Nov. 20, 1849, ancl attended the school at
Brook Street, in Groton. When nine years of age
he took his first trip with his father, and the next
year he became steward of the "Thorn," upon which
he remained until 1867. In that year he went South,
fishing in southern waters from Mobile, and the
second year from Key West, Fla. For many win-
ters, or until 1893, he continued fishing in southern
waters. He was with Capt. Peter Baker on the
sloop "Annie D." and the schooner "Angie &
Emma," and later he became captain of the "Sam-
uel C. Muldon," with his brother Silas, and on the
"Lillian." He was with the "Isabel" two winters in
the South, and later purchased the "William
Fisher," in partnership with his brother Ezra. He
then purchased the "Melinda Wood," which he
sailed two winters in the South, and four summers
in the North. His next venture was the buying of
the "Gertrude Summers," which he had at Savan-
nah the first winter, and at Galveston the second
winter, and from its deck he was washed over-
board, and was very near drowning when rescued
by a brave and daring member of his crew. I' or
three summers he sailed this vessel in the North.
when he bought "The Conquest." and fished win-
ters and two summers. He ran the "Storm King"
for a Galveston company in the winter of 1892-93,
fishing on the banks of Campeachey, but has not been
South since that time. Capt. Latham then bought
the "Hattie Hamblin" and fished one summer, after
which he built the steamer "Ethel," and ran her
three years. He next bought the "M. A. Baston,"
which he ran two summers, and then bought the
"Charlotte J. Kingsland," which, after having it re-
built, he has run four summers. He is also a part
owner in several other fishing vessels.
On June i<>, [873, (apt. Latham was married,
at Noank, Conn., to Emma I'. Peckham, daughter
of Robert I I. Peckham, and one child has been born
to this marriage, Ethel W. Fraternally Capt.
Latham is a member of Charity and Relief Lodge,
A. F. & A. M.; Benevolent Chapter, No. i~ \ Mystic
Council, No. 21 ; Washington Council No. 7, Jr.
( ). U. A. M.; an honorary member of Noank hire
Company No. 1 ; and he is also a very active mem-
ber of the famous Jibboom Club at New London.
Capt. Latham is a genial companion, and upright
gentleman, and a man who makes and retains friends
wherever he happens to be. His duties of m
sity call him from home, but he takes a pride in his
town, and favors all measures calculated to prove
beneficial to its best interests. He has been more
than ordinarily successful, in fact few, if any, of
his time, have been as much so. In addition to this
feature of his life, it can be said that none are better
known in their line of business than Capt. Latham
in the fishing industry.
EUGENE PALMER. The enterprising farm-
ers of our land are in reality the backbone of this
country, and they contribute more to its actual
strength and prosperity than any other class of citi-
zens. The New England farmer in particular pre-
sents the best type of American, and is in most ca
a man of strong character and sterling virtues. Such
a one is Eugene Palmer, of Stonington, whose life
has been passed in the active management of the
farm which was his boyhood's home and the scene
of his manhood's labors. He belongs to one of the
old Connecticut families and is in the eighth genera-
tion from the original settler in this western world.
The Palmer line descends from ( I ) Walter,
through (II) Nehemiah, (III) Nehemiah (2), (IV)
Thomas and (V) Thomas (2), to (VI) Thomas,
who married March 15, 1795, Lucy Prentice Wheel-
er, daughter of Thomas and Lucy (Prentice)
Wheeler. The children born to Thomas and Lucy
Palmer were: Lucy, born Nov. 9, 1796, wife of
John J. Stanton; Thomas W., born Sept. 21, 1798,
who died Oct. 10, 1801 ; Mary Rossiter. born Aug.
10, 1800, wife of Deacon Noyes Palmer ; Alden ;
Eugene, born March 26, 1806, who married Jane
Smith; Hannah, born Feb. 4, 1807, who died young;
Lydia Emeline, born Feb. 19, 1813. who became
Mrs. Joseph Warren Stanton ; and Thomas W. (2),
born July 20, i8i<>. who married Lucy Browning,
and resided in Stonington.
(YII) Major Alden Palmer was born July 17,
1802, in district No. 7, Stonington. His title was
earned in the old military company, lie followed
the occupation of a farmer all his life, and built the
present farm home where his son lives. Politically
lie held the views of the Democratic party, and was
one of the stanch supporters of its principles till his
382
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
death, which occurred March 22, 1876. Major Pal-
mer's wife was Miss Nancy D. Palmer, born Feb.
20, 1810, died May 13, 1886, daughter of Lemuel
and Abigail (Davis) Palmer. They were married
Oct. 10, 1 83 1, and were the parents of eight chil-
dren. (I) Harriet J., born July 28, 1832, died un-
married June 4, 1884. (2) Mary Rossiter, born
March 16, 1834, married Henry Martyn Palmer, of
Stonington. (3) Thomas, born Aug. 30, 1835, mar-
ried Minnie Pond, and died Oct. 24, 1889. (4)
Alden, born Sept. 4, 1837, died May 2, 1869. He
married Eunice Noyes and had three children, Fan-
nie S., Alden (deceased), and Paul Noyes, of Mys-
tic. (5) Lucy W., born Dec. 28, 1839, died unmar-
ried, July 26, 1897. (6) Eugene was born Nov. 29,
1841. (7) Emeline, born March 2T„ 1846, married
Noyes S. Palmer. (8) Eliza Babcock, born June 11,
1849, married Frank W. Palmer, of New York
City.
(VIII) Eugene Palmer was married June 9,
1881, to Mary Adelia, born July 30, 1857, daugh-
ter of Gideon P. and Anna Adelia (Lasher) Chese-
brough. They have had four children, namely :
Henry Rhodes, born Oct. 26, 1882, who resides in
Providence, R. I., and is connected with the Narra-
gansett Electric Lighting Company ; Daniel Stan-
ton, born Sept. 25, 1884, who died May 29, 1903 ;
Adelia M., born Dec. 2, 1887; and Jean, born Aug.
7, 1900. With the exception of four years which he
passed in the State of New York, Mr. Palmer has
always resided in Stonington, actively engaged in
farming at the old homestead. He is a member of
the Old Road Church, of that place, as is Mrs. Pal-
mer. Although alive to all questions pertaining to
the welfare of his communitv, Mr. Palmer has not
carried his political activities to the extent of holding
any town office.
ALEXANDER FRAZIER SHAW, resident
manager of the United States Finishing Co. of
Greeneville, and a well known resident of Norwich,
is a Scotchman who came to Connecticut in 1892.
He was born at Thornliebank, near Glasgow, Scot-
land, Aug. 9, 1867, and came with his parents to
this country in September, 1881.
John Watt Shaw, father of Alexander Frazier,
was also a native of Thornliebank, where he learned
the engraver's art. He married, in Scotland, Agnes
Frazier, who bore him thirteen children, seven of
whom died in infancy. The remaining children
came with their parents to America in September,
1 88 1, the family locating at Chester, Pa., where Mr.
Shaw followed his profession until his death, in
1 89 1. He was buried in Chester, where he was
known and honored as a devoted husband and fa-
ther, and a good citizen. He had been, in Scot-
land, an earnest member of the Presbyterian Church,
and on coming to Chester allied himself with the
Methodist Church of that place. His wife was also
an active member of that church, a good Christian
woman, and a devoted wife and mother. After her
husband's death she spent some years in .Norwich
with her son and daughter, and died while on a visit
to Philadelphia, in 1901 ; she was buried at Chester,
beside her husband. The surviving children of this
union were as follows: (1) William, who is a gro-
cer of Chester; (2) Mary, who married (first)
James Strahan and (second) Frank Rumford, of
Chester; (3) Elizabeth, who married Charles U.
Pedrick; (4) Alexander Frazier, who is mentioned
below; (5) Jessie, who married Walter Allen, of
Norwich; and (6) Agnes, who lives with her
brother, Alexander Frazier.
Alexander Frazier Shaw attended school in his
native town until he was fourteen, when he came
with his parents to the United States. He began
work in the Eddystone Print Works, at Chester,
where he learned the calico-printing business, at
the same time attending night school in Chester and
Philadelphia. He was employed in the calico-print-
ing business in Chester until 1892, when he accepted
the position of foreman in the printing department
of the United States Finishing Co., at Greeneville,
Conn. After filling this position he was, in January,
1902, appointed resident manager of the company,
a position of trust and responsibility which he fills
to the satisfaction of the company. Mr. Shaw is a
man of much executive ability, and is very popular
with the 800 hands under his supervision. He is
modest and unassuming in manner, and of a genial
disposition.
Mr. Shaw married, in Norwich, in 1894, Mary,
daughter of the late William Burton, of Norwich.
The children of this union are : Alexander Frazier,
Jr., William Burton, Elizabeth B. and Alice May.
Mr. and Mrs. Shaw are members of the Congrega-
tional Church at Greeneville. Mrs. Shaw is warmly
devoted to her husband and children. Mr. Shaw
is a stanch Republican in politics. Socially he is a
member of Somerset Lodge, A. F. & A. M., of Nor-
wich, and a member of the Arcanum Club.
ORRIN A. BUZZELL, one of the foremost
young manufacturers of New London county,
comes from a family that has for several genera-
tions been prominently identified with the com-
mercial and general business interests of the State
of Maine. The name has for many years been much
esteemed and honored in that State, and closely as-
sociated with straightforwardness, and all that is
characteristic of honorable industry. The ancestors
of Mr. Buzzell were prominent, and, whether me-
chanics or farmers, fulfilled their destiny as able
and conscientious members of their respective com-
munities.
Nathaniel Buzzell, the great-grandfather of Or-
rin A., was born in New Durham, N. H., in 1775,
and later removed to Dayton, Maine. He was ex-
tensively and successfully engaged for many years
in lumbering, and also in agricultural pursuits. He
passed away in Dayton in 1873, aged ninety-eight
years. He was a soldier in the war of 1812, and
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
383
served during those troublous times as provost mar-
shal of the city of Portland, Maine. Nathaniel
Buzzell married Dorcas Hamilton, and to them were
born children as follows: Abel, Nathaniel, George,
John, Henry, Polly, Hezekiah, Aaron, Barnard, Sa-
rah Ann and William R., all born in Hollis, Maine.
Henry JJuzzell, grandfather of Orrin A., was
born May 7, 1809, in Hollis, Maine. His life was
spent in agricultural pursuits, and he died in middle
age, in June, 1865, in Dayton, Maine, aged fifty-
six years. On Dec. 10, 1834, he married Hannah
Cousins, daughter of Eben Cousins, of Hollis,
Maine, and she preceded him to the grave, dying in
Dayton, Maine, Dec. 22, 1855, aged forty-six years.
To them were born children as follows : ( 1 )
Charles W., born Jan. 12, 1836, in Dayton, Maine,
married Amelia Cunningham, of Bradford, Maine.
(2) Alvin C, born April 30, 1837, in Dayton, mar-
ried Sophia Thomas, of Biddeford, Maine. (3)
George H., born Aug. 19, 1838, in Dayton, married
Fannie Jose, of Saco, Maine. (4) Franklin (_).,
born Dec. 20, 1839, is mentioned below. (5) Sa-
rah E., born March 31, 1841, married Thomas Phil-
lips, of Saco. (6) Julia A., born March 22, 1843,
in Dayton, married Robert Deering, of Saco. (7)
Mary J., born March 21, 1847, m Dayton, married
Albra Goodwin, of Dayton. (8) Maria H., born
Dec. 30, 1849, m Dayton, married Augustin Harris,
of Boston, Massachusetts.
Franklin O. Buzzell, father of Orrin A., was
born Dec. 20, 1839, in Dayton, Maine. After the
period of his literary training was passed he be-
came apprenticed to the carpenter's trade. Soon after
acquiring a thorough knowledge of his chosen call-
ing, he embarked in the general contracting busi-
ness on his own account, following that business
most successfully in various portions of Maine,
principally, until 1892, when he retired from an
active business career. He was the inventor and
patentee of a loom picker, which is to-day used as
originally made by Mr. Buzzell, and is sold all over
the United States. In partnership with Frank Al-
len, he founded the Biddeford Picker Company,
which concern from a small beginning grew stead-
ily, and was finally sold in 1878, now being known
as the Garland Manufacturing Company, which is
one of the largest picker manufacturing concerns
in this country. Mr. Buzzell is a representative
Xew England character, a type of the far-sighted
successful business man, who favors progress in
every direction, and yet keeps a hold upon the tra-
ditions of his ancestry and a reverence for the cus-
toms of his early days, with the Puritans' conscience
that puts a guiding check on selfish ambition and
gives free rein to good impulses and native charity.
He is a plain, unassuming, companionable man. and
one of the substantial men and useful citizens of his
community. Politically Mr. Buzzell is identified
with the Republican party, but, while actively inter-
ested in affairs connected with both State and
county, he has declined all tenders of public office.
On Feb. II, 18O0, Mr. Buzzell was united in
marriage, with Snsan Roberts Cordon, daughter of
James R. and Susan (Roberts) Cordon, of Dayton,
Maine, and to them have been born three children,
as follows: (1) Emma Jane, born Feb. 23, 1862,
married George W. Boyd, and died Feb. 27, 1903,
in Bangor, Maine, leaving two children, Laura Al.
and Frank. (2) Orrin A. is mentioned below. (3)
Grace May, born Sept. 26, 1879, married Joseph
Brown, of Bangor, Maine. They have had no chil-
dren.
Mr. and Mrs. Buzzell are consistent and devout
members of the Free Will Baptist Church, of Ban-
gor, Maine, in which city they reside. Of this con-
gregation Mr. Buzzell has served as deacon for a
number of years, and his consistent Christian life,
his deep sympathy, his liberality — giving to the ob-
jects of benevolence according to his ability — have
peculiarly fitted him, in the estimation of those in-
side and outside of the church, to serve in the office
to which his brethren have called him.
Orrin A. Buzzell, whose name introduces this
sketch, was born Nov. 16, 1866, in Saco, Maine.
His educational training was begun in the common
schools of Biddeford, Maine, and finished in Ban-
gor, Maine, whither his parents removed when he
was. seven years of age. After attending the com-
mon schools of Bangor, he entered the high school
of that city, from which he graduated in the class
of 1884. Shortly after leaving school he established
himself in business in Sangerville, Maine, in part-
nership with Elmer E. Ricker, under the firm name
of Buzzell & Ricker. This firm was successfully
engaged in business for about a year and a half,
handling a full line of clothing, boots and shoes,
hats and caps, etc. Mr. Buzzell then sold out his
interest in the concern, and returned to Bangor,
where he purchased his father's half-interest in the
Bangor Steam Laundrv, his father having bought
this interest as an investment. Mr. Buzzell con-
tinued in the laundry business for about six and
one-half years, during which time he was instru-
mental in consolidating all the three steam laundries
there under the name of the Bangor Laundry Com-
pany, and upon the organization of this company
Mr. Buzzell was made president of the same, con-
tinuing to act in that capacity until he finally sold
his interests to the other stockholders, and with-
drew from the concern. As president of this com-
pany Mr. Buzzell succeeded in largely increasing
the volume of its business, which, during his admin-
istration of affairs, was very prosperous. Cpon sev-
ering his connection with the Bangor Laundry Com-
pany, he returned to Sangerville. to accept the posi-
tion of bookkeeper of the Campbell Manufacturing
Company, one of the largest woolen dress goods
manufacturing establishments in the Xew England
States. In this capacity he remained for about three
and one-half years, during which period he had
acquired such a comprehensive knowledge of the
manufacture of woolen goods that upon the resig-
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
3«!
William Brewster and his wife Lydia Partridge,
great-great-granddaughter of Love Brewster and
his wife Sarah Collins, and great-great-great-grand-
daughter of Elder William Brewster. The children
of Solomon and Anne (Brewster) Lee were as fol-
lows: Brewster. Anne. Oliver, Rachel .Armstrong,
Nathan. Charles and Edna.
(VI) Brewster Lee, son of Solomon and Anne,
and grandfather of Charles B. Lee. was born in
Lebanon. He owned a large tract of land and spent
his life
culture.
Bozrah.
Bozrah,
children
upon the farm, engaged in general agri-
At his death his remains were buried in
Brewster Lee married Annis Downer, of
Conn., born there Jan. 20, 1789. Their
were: Francis Brewster, Lriah Downer,
Horatio Nelson, Henry, Desire and Harriet. Annis
Downer was the daughter of Capt. Uriah and Desire
(Hough) Downer, granddaughter of Richard
Downer (2), great-granddaughter of Richard
Downer ( 1 ) , great-great-granddaughter of Joseph
Downer (2), great-great-great-granddaughter of
Joseph Downer ( 1 ) , and great-great-great-great-
granddaughter of Robert Downer. Desire Hough
was a daughter of Capt. David and Hannah (Den-
nison) Hough, granddaughter of John Hough, and
through this line to Sarah Post and William Hyde,
the first of Norwich.
Francis Brewster Lee, the father of Charles B.
Lee, was born on the home farm in Lebanon, July
20, 1808, and there grew to manhood, attending the
public schools of his native town. Later he was a
student at Bacon Academy, Colchester, from which
institution he graduated. Among his schoolmates
at Lebanon and Colchester were such men as the
late Col. John T. Wait, Dr. Charles Osgood and
Gov. Buckingham, all of whom later came to Nor-
wich. After finishing his education at Bacon Acad-
emy, he taught for several years in New London
county, but he soon became engaged in the mer-
cantile business in Norwich, with Daniel Lathrop,
under the firm name of Lee & Lathrop, and con-
tinued in same for several years, when he started
in the real estate business in the same place. He
followed this line extensively for a number of years
prior to his death, which occurred in Norwich, Aug.
8, 1875, when he was aged sixty-seven years. He
is buried in Yantic cemetery. Mr. Lee was first a
Whig and later a Republican, but he was not a
politician. He was appointed by the Legislature a
director of the State prison for many years, and
served as chairman of the board. In religion he was
a member of the Trinity Episcopal Church, and he
was one of the first wardens of the church of
Norwich.
In 1834 Mr. Lee was married, in Lyme, to
Mercv Gilbert Huntley, daughter of Elkanah and
Nancy (Bishop) Huntley, of Old Lyme, and grand-
daughter of James Huntley, Sr.. and of Jonathan
Bishop. The Huntleys were early settlers of Lyme,
and the Bishops of Lyme and New London. Six-
children were bom to this union, of whom five died
young, the only living representative being Charles
25
Brewster Lee. The others were: Mary, Henry. Ed-
ward, Nelson and Frank. The mother died in Nor-
wich in 1888, and was buried in the Yantic ceme-
tery. She was a member of the Episcopal Church,
and was a good Christian woman, devoted to every
home duty.
Charles Brewster Lee was horn Dec. 21, [855, in
Norwich, attended the public schools and the Free
Academy there, and a private school in New York
State. After returning from school he clerked in a
store for a time, and then became bookkeeper for
Hall Bros., which position he filled for a number of
years. Following this he engaged in the real-estate
business, and rapidly forged his way to the front in
that line in Norwich. The marked ability shown in
this business brought to him important and exten-
sive work in fiduciary capacities, which included the
settlement of several of the largest estates in eastern
Connecticut in recent years. The Courts have ap-
pointed him trustee and receiver of several large
manufacturing corporations. In connection with such
work he was called in 1896 to adjust the affairs of
the Hopkins & Allen .Manufacturing Company, and
from that company, whose affairs were wound up,
was organized the Hopkins & Allen Arms Company.
This company was formed in 1898. Mr. Lee was
one of the larger stockholders, was elected general
manager, secretary and treasurer, and has filled his
important positions with ability and fidelity. The
Hopkins & Allen Arms Company is one of the best
known concerns of its kind in the United States, and
one whose product no doubt has a wider range of
consumption than that of any other New London
county manufacturing business. It employs more
than six hundred hands. .Mr. Lee's prominent iden-
tification with it entitles him to rank among the
representative business men of the city of Norwich.
Among other business connections he is president of
The Broadway Theatre Corporation.
In 1887, in Norwich, Mr. Lee was married to
Tennie May Whipple, daughter of Samuel and Ann
Maria (Chapman) Whipple, late of Norwich. Mr.
and Mrs. Lee are members of the Episcopal Church.
Socially Mr. Lee was one of the founders of the Ar-
canum Club, serving as its first president in 1875,
as well as a number of times since, his last term
being in 1896. He also belongs to the Norwich
Club. Fraternally he is a member of St. James
Lodge. F. & A. M. ; Franklin Chapter: Franklin
Council: and Columbian Commandery, Knights
Templar, having attained the thirty-second degree,
in Scottish Rite Masonry. I le is one of the original
incorporators of the Masonic Temple Corporation,
serving as a member of the building committee when
that edifice was erected, and he has been a director
to the present time. Politically Mr. Lee is a Repub-
lican, but is not active in public affairs.
CAMP. (I) John Camp appears of record in
Durham. Conn., as earls as his marriage, in 1730.
U. Damaris Strong: she died Aug. 2?. 17.^7: he mar-
ried July 11. 17.V). Sarah Mcrwin; she died Jan. 14,
386
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
1740-41 ; he married March 3, 1742, Jerusha Parma-
lee : she died [an. 22, 1744-45 ; and he married April
13, 1749, Abigail Field. Among his children were:
Phineas, born Jan. 15, 1731 ; Abither, born Nov. 16,
1732; Elnathan, born Jan. 24, 1734-35; Urania,
born Aug. 14, 1737; and Hezekiah, born June 19,
1740.
(II) Elnathan Camp, son of John, born Jan. 24,
1734-35, married May 23, 1759, Eunice Talcott,
who was baptized Feb. 1, I735-36, daughter of
Hezekiah and Jemima (Parrons) Talcott, of Dur-
ham, Conn., and granddaughter of Lieut.-Col. John
and Mary (Cook) Talcott, of Hartford. In Octo-
ber, 1777, Elnathan Camp was appointed a com-
missary of the 2d Militia Brigade, to provide tents,
kettles^ etc., for the troops detached from the bri-
gade to serve under Putnam on the Hudson dur-
ing the Burgoyne alarm. His name is on the pay-
roll of Captain Norton's Company and Col. Cook's
Regiment, 10th Connecticut Militia, which went
to the relief of New Haven, July 5, 1779, and also
of Fairfield, July 8, 1779. To Elnathan and Eunice
Camp were born children as follows : Eunice, born
April 25, 1760, died March 31, 1762; Talcott and
Damaris (twins) were born March 4, 1762, the lat-
ter dying March 31, 1762; David, born Sept. 23,
1766, died Oct. 13, 1808; Dennis was born Dec. 21,
1768; Ann was baptized June 2, 1771 ; Anna was
baptized June 28, 1772; Davis was baptized Feb.
19, 1775; and Sylvester was baptized June 22, 1777.
Elnathan Camp died May 12, 1807. His wife died
Aug. 2, 1804.
(III) Talcott Camp, son of Elnathan, born
March 4. 1762. married March 21, 1785, Nancy
Hale, of Glastonbury, daughter of Jonathan Hale,
who in the summer of 1775 was an enlisted man in
the 10th Company, Continental Line, which served
at the siege of Boston. In 1776 he was captain of
the 6th Company, Col. Wolcott's Regiment, which
with two other Connecticut regiments reached Bos-
ton toward the end of January, 1776, and remained
about six weeks. These regiments were called for
by Washington to guard the lines at various parts,
until the new army then being reorganized was
formed. It is said that Jonathan Hale died on the
battlefield at Jamaica Plains in T776.
Talcott Camp, it is said, left Yale College, at
nineteen years of age to engage in the war for inde-
pendence, being chosen to procure supplies. He
died at Utica, N. Y., Sept. 3, 1832.
(IV) George H. Camp, son of Talcott, born
Aug. 18, 1790, married Elizabeth Hitchcock (a
niece of Gen. Hull, of New Haven or Cheshire,
Conn., into which family Gen. Foote married). Mr.
Camp removed to Utica, N. Y., where he was en-
gaged in the printing business until 1816, and then
removed to Sackett's Harbor, where in 1817 he
founded the Gazette, the first newspaper of that
place. This he sold in 182 1, and in 1822 established
a drug store there. He was vice-president of the
Sackett's Harbor Bank, and was active in local af-
fairs and church work. Mr. Camp died Aug. 18,
1850, at Sackett's Harbor. Among his children
were the following : ( 1 ) Walter Bicker, born Oct.
1, 1822, in Sackett's Harbor, was during the Civil
war, in 1861-62, a colonel commandant, department-
colonel and member of Military Service Institute,
Governor's Island, opened Madison Barracks Oct.
18, 1 86 1, 94th Regiment, New York Volunteers, or-
ganized in eighteen days. He has been vice-presi-
dent of the Jefferson County (N. Y.) Historical
Society, and has been identified with all enterprises
for the advancement of his village — railroad, church
and military organizations. (2) Talcott Hale was
born Jan. 18, 18 16. (3) George Hull, born Jan.
18, 1816, resides in Marietta, Ga. He was an ex-
tensive manufacturer before the Civil war, and his
mills were destroyed by mistake by Gen. Sherman.
(V) Talcott Hale Camp, son of George H., was
born in Sackett's Harbor, Jan. 18, 1816, and became
quite a prominent citizen of Watertown, N. Y. He
was president of the Jefferson County National
Bank. He died in Watertown, Feb. 7, 1897. Mr.
Camp married Anne Elizabeth Sewell, daughter of
Henry D. and Mary C. (Norton) Sewell, and to
their union five children were born, viz. : Frederick
S., W'alter Hale, George Van Santvoord, and two
who died in infancy.
Frederick S. Camp, born in Watertown, N. Y.,
Sept. 30, 1848, grew to manhood there, and when
a young man came to Norwich, where he has
since been identified with the business interests of
the place, being engaged in the manufacturing busi-
ness at Taftville. In October, 1874, he married, at
Norwich, Harriet Bell Blackstone, who was born
in London, England, eldest daughter of the late
Hon. Lorenzo and Emily (Norton) Blackstone, of
Norwich. (Sketch of Hon. Lorenzo Blackstone ap-
pears elsewhere.) Four children came to this mar-
riage, namely : ( 1) Walter Trumbull, born Aug. 28,
1875, was educated in the Norwich public schools
and Free Academy, and at the Boston School of
Technology, and is now a paymaster in the United
States Navy. (2) Talcott Hale, born Dec. 6, 1877,
was educated in the Norwich public schools and
Free Academy. He married Jessie Herrington,
and they have two children, Emily Blackstone and
Talcott Hale. (3) Emily Blackstone, born March
6, 1 881, died in 1884. (4) Elizabeth Norton was
born Feb. 3, 1883 : she is a member of the D. A. R.
(I) Thomas Norton, a native of Bedfordshire,
England, son of Richard, and grandson of John,
married, in 1625, Grace Wells, and in 1639, with
wife and children, came from Ockley, in Surrey,
near Guilford, to Boston, and thence sailed to New
Haven, with twenty-four companions. Their min-
ister, Rev. Henry Whitfield, had been pastor of the
church at Ockley, of which Thomas Norton was
warden. The children of Thomas and Grace were:
Thomas, John, Grace and Mary.
(II) Thomas Norton, son of Thomas the im-
migrant, born about 1626, in England, came to this
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
387
country and to Guilford with his father's family in
1639. He removed to Saybrook before Nov. 22,
1 601. and married May 8. 1071, Elizabeth, daughter
of Nicholas Mason, of Saybrook. She died at Say-
brook Jan. 31. 1690. Mr. Norton died in Durham.
Conn., after Nov. 22, 1712. His children, all born
in Saybrook, were: Elizabeth, born Oct. 13, 1674;
Thomas, June 1, 1077; Elizabeth, Dec. 26, 1079;
Joseph and Samuel (twins), Nov. 6, 1O81 ; Abigail
and Ebenezer (twins), Oct. 26, 1683; and John,
Oct. 3. 1686.
(III) Samuel Norton, son of Thomas (2), born
Nov. 6, 1 68 1, in Saybrook, married March 13, 17 13,
Dinah (Birdsey) Beach (widow of Benjamin), born
in 1688, in Stratford. Mr. Norton removed to Dur-
ham in 1704. He purchased Nov. 20, 1738, a pro-
prietor's right in the town of Goshen. His wife
died in Durham Sept. 17, 1765. Mr. Norton died
in Durham July 13, 1767. Their children, all born
in Durham, were: Samuel, born March 20, 1714;
Ebenezer, Dec. 30, 17 1 5 : Samuel, March 6, 1718;
Noah, Jan. 24, 1720; Dinah, November, 1723; and
David, February, 1726. •
(IV) Ebenezer Norton, son of Samuel, born
Dec. 30, 1715, in Durham, married, in 1740, Eliza-
beth, daughter of Nathaniel Baldwin. Mr. Nor-
ton settled in the town of Goshen in 1739. He died
in that town March 15, 1785. His widow died
April 16, 181 1. Both are buried in the East street
cemetery. Their children, all born in Goshen, were:
Miles, born March 30, 1741 ; Aaron, March 10,
1743; Elizabeth. Dec. 19, 1746; Ebenezer, Aug. 12,
1748; Rachel, June 26, 1752; Marana, March 13.
1755; Olive, Jan. 31, 1758; Nathaniel, Dec. 21,
1760; and Birdsey, June 30, 1763.
(V) Birdsey Norton, son of Ebenezer, born June
30, 1763, married Sept. 20, 1792, Hannah Starr,
born Nov. 12, 1774, in Goshen. Mr. Norton was a
merchant in Goshen, where he died March 27, 1812.
Mrs. Norton died Sept. 21, 1826. Their children
were: Frederick A., born March 31, 1794, died
unmarried in New York, in 1847: Mary C., born
June 6, 1797, married Jan. 22, 1816, Henry D. Sew-
ell, of Watertown, N. Y., and died Dec. 30, 1840;
Marana E., born Nov. 18, 1803, married Nov. 22,
182^, Joseph Goddard, and died in September, 1850.
(VI) Henry D. and Mary C. (Norton) Sewell
had a daughter, Anne Elizabeth, who married Tal-
cott Hale Camp, mentioned above.
WILLIAM AUWOOD (deceased) was one of
the most popular and well known citizens of Mont-
ville. where his untimely death, in the prime of life,
brought great grief to his many friends.
Thomas Auwood, father of William, was a ma-
chinist by trade, and a successful manufacturer of
twisted worsteds. His life was passed in his native
country, England, where he died at the age of
sixty-five. At one time he was seriously injured by
being caught in his machinery. His second wife
was Ann Roper, who lived to the age of seventy-
three. Their one child was William, mentioned be-
low.
William Auwood was born Nov. [3, [841, in
Nottinghamshire. England, and brought up in
Loughborough, Leicestershire, where he received
his education. Leaving school at the age of four-
teen he entered a law office, but after a time re-
turned to the grammar school, where he spent two
years. He was then employed as a clerk by Timins
Brothers, a large grocery firm of Loughborough, for
whom he worked until he was twenty-one. After
that he traveled for several years for a wholesale
grocery house, and then took a position with the
Midland Railway Company, in the Houston Square
.passenger depot, London. On Nov. 30, 1868, he
married, at St. Pancra's Church, Houston Square,
Annie Hockley Glasscock, and they sailed for Amer-
ica from London docks, December 12, of the same
year. Their vessel was the "Rhine," and she had a
rough voyage, breaking her rudder off Newfound-
land, and putting back to Queenstown, where she
lay four days. After sixteen weeks the young
couple landed in New York, and went at first to
Peekskill. After a few weeks there they returned
to New York City, whence they removed to South
Coventry, Conn. There Mr. Auwood entered the
finishing mill of Rawitzer Brothers, where he re-
mained two years. Going then to Stafford Springs
he was employed in the building of what is now
Rawitzer Brothers' shoddy mill, and worked there
for two years. On Aug. 3, 1873, he came to Mont-
ville as bookkeeper for Richard G. Hooper, retain-
ing that position four years. He then carried on a
shoddy mill of his own, selling out his interest at
the end of a year to Palmer Brothers and entering
their employ first as bookkeeper, later as shipping
clerk. He remained with that firm eleven years and
nine months, and then bought the grocery store of
Allen Chapman, in Palmertown, which he carried
on for a year. His next position was that of station
agent for the Central Vermont Railway Company,
at Montville, where he remained three years. On
Jan. 1, 1893, he became bookkeeper for the Robert-
son paper mill in Montville. and dropped dead while
speaking with his son over the telephone early on
the morning of April 7th of that year.
Annie Hockley Glasscock, wife of William Au-
wood, was one of the ten children of John and
Annie (Hockley) Glasscock, both deceased. Her
father was a farmer by occupation. The children
born to Mr. and Mrs. Auwood was as follows: (1)
Walter, a yard conductor on the Central Vermont
Railroad, married (first) Julia Wilbur, and (sec-
ond) Mary Bradford, daughter of Denison Brad-
ford. By his first wife he was the father of a son,
Walter Julius, and by his second wife of a daugh-
ter, Mary Avery. (2) Annie, wife of Leonard 1'.
Featherson, a marine engineer, of New London.
Their children are, Helen May and William Ber-
nard. (3) Elizabeth died in Stafford Springs, aged
eleven weeks. (4) William Henry died in Mont-
388
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
ville at the age of three years and eight months.
(5) Ernest Hockley, a boss painter with the Un-
casville Manufacturing Company, married Min-
nie Chapell of Montville. They have no children.
(6) Harry William, freight agent at the Montville
depot, married Jennie Bradford, and their chil-
dren are Agnes May and Earl Bradford. (7) Alice
died in Montville at the age of ten months. (8)
Lillian, born Nov. 27, 1882, living at home, is a
stenographer and bookkeeper.
Mr. Auwood was a Mason, a member of Oxo-
boxo Lodge, Montville, of which he was a past
master ; he was also a member of the A. O. U. W.
of Montville, a past workman of that lodge. He be-
longed to the Baptist Church in Palmertown, and.
at one time was Sunday-school superintendent
there. Later he joined the Methodist Church of
Uncasville. In politics he was a Republican, but
never an office seeker. He was a very charitable
man, highly esteemed by all who knew him, a man
who had no enemies and rejoiced in hosts of friends.
ISAAC GILLETTE, Judge of the Probate
Court and one of the leading citizens of Lebanon,
comes of old and honorable ancestry. Jonathan
Gillet crossed the Atlantic on the "Mary and John,"
settling in Massachusetts, where he was made free-
man, May 6, 1635. The Dorchester Church, under
the pastor, Rev. Mr. Warham, removed to Windsor,
Conn., about 1636. Jonathan Gillet died Aug.
23, 1677, and his wife Mary died Jan. 5, 1685. They
had ten children, the first three being born in Mass-
achusetts ; Cornelius, Jonathan, Mary, Anna, Joseph,
Samuel, John, Abigail, Jeremiah and Josiah. From
this source came the Gillettes in and around Leb-
anon and Colchester, Connecticut.
Joseph Gillette, baptized July 25, 1641, married
in 1664, Elizabeth, daughter of John Hawkes. He
bought the Hawkes place at Windsor, and resided
there until 1673, when he removed to Deerfield,
Mass. His children were : Joseph, Elizabeth, Mary,
Jonathan, John, Nathaniel, Hannah and two other
daughters.
John Gillette, son of Joseph, born June 10, 1761,
married at Lebanon, Conn., Jan. 3, 1700, Experience
Dewey, born April 9, 1682, at Westfield, Mass.,
daughter of Josiah Dewey, who was at Lebanon as
early as 1695, and under the four proprietors Ma-
son, Stanton, Brewster and Birchard, assisted in dis-
tributing the home lots, and in making the first di-
vision of the common undivided land. John Gillet,
his father-in-law, and several of the latter's sons,
were all original proprietors of Lebanon. The chil-
dren of John and Experience were : Experience,
born Aug. 18, 1701 ; John, born Oct. 7, 1702, mar-
ried Abigail Lee, and died in April, 1775; and
Ebenezer.
Ebenezer Gillette, born in June, 1705, married,
Sept. 23, 1730, Mary Ordway, and they had chil-
dren as follows : Israel, Rhoda, Ezekiel, John, Mary,
Isaac and Rebecca (twins), Ebenezer and Jacob.
All the children were born between 1738 and 1753.
Isaac Gillette, born Feb. 2, 1749, at Liberty Hill,
married Aug. 23, 177 1, Ruth Demon, and they had
these children, all born between 1772 and 1802:
Rosel, Rebecca, Ruth, Almira, Willard, Isaac,
Ebenezer, Hosea, John, Betsey, Olive and Milo.
Isaac Gillette, the father, died Feb. 21, 1840, and his
wife, Ruth, July 20, 1824, aged seventy-two years.
Milo Gillette, father of Judge Gillette, was born
April 5, 1802, in the town of Lebanon. He was a
farmer all his life, and died on the farm now occu-
pied by his son Isaac, Feb. 28, 1874, at the age of
seventy-two years. He was a very highly respected
citizen, and held many public offices in the gift of
the Democratic party. He married Mary Wilson,
who was born in the State of New York, but reared
at Coventry, Conn. She died Dec. 24, 1866. The
children born to this union were the following:
Mary Jane, born Sept. 25, 1836, married Albert G.
Lyman, and died Nov. 16, 1897; George, who was a
farmer, was drowned Dec. 17, 1863, at the age of
twenty-four ; Isaac ; and Wealthy, who is the wife
of Elizur F. Reed, a contractor and builder of Will-
imantic.
Judge Isaac Gillette was born on the farm upon
which he now resides June 10, 1841. He was
reared to farm work, and attended the district
schools, later becoming a student for a number of
terms at the Lebanon High School. Subsequently
he taught school for more than twenty-five years,
through the fall and winter terms, his summers be-
ing given to agricultural pursuits. This long per-
sonal connection with educational matters has made
Judge Gillette a very efficient member of the board
of school visitors, a position he has held for more
than thirty years, and for nineteen years he has
been secretary of the school board. The high stan-
dard maintained by the schools within his jurisdic-
tion is largely due to his support, and to his timely
and judicious suggestions. He has also served his
fellow townsmen in other official positions, has been
asessor, treasurer of the town deposit and school
fund, and, in 1873, was elected by his appreciative
fellow citizens, a member of the State Legislature,
where he served with his usual efficiency. Since
1884 he has been judge of the Court of Probate,
discharging the duties of this office with dignity
and impartiality. Although not a qualified lawyer,
he is thoroughly versed in law and jurisprudence,
and is well informed concerning all business trans-
actions which come under his official notice. In
politics he is a Republican, and in religious belief
and practice, he is a Baptist. He became a member
of Lyon Lodge, No. 105, A. F. & A. M., at Colum-
bia, and attended during its existence, and he is also
a member of Lebanon Lodge, No. 23, Ancient Order
United Workmen. He was one of the reorganizes
of the Lebanon Creamery, and served as its presi-
dent for over ten years. In 1902 he was unani-
mously chosen as the delegate from Lebanon to the
Constitutional Convention held at Hartford.
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
389
On Oct. 25. 1866, Judge Gillette was united in
marriage with Mercie 1'.. daughter of Thurston and
Amy P. Tucker. Mrs. Gillette comes of an honored
old family of Rhode Island, and later of Connecti-
cut, a more extended record of the family being
given elsewhere.
PROF. WILLIAM ALLEN WILBUR. The
Wilbur family of the town of Groton, Conn., is one
of the oldest settled families of the locality. Sam-
uel Wilbur (Wildbore), the earliest representative
of this family in America, came to Boston sometime
prior to 1633, probably from Doncaster, County
York, England. His wife was Ann, daughter of
Thomas Bradford, of Doncaster. Burke's "General
Armory" has the following: "Wildbore (Dorset-
shire and Doncaster, County York). Arms: Sable
on a fess between two boars passant, argent, a jav-
elin point of the field. Crest : The upper part of
a spear proper through a boar's head erased ar-
gent dropping blood proper." Samuel Wilbur was
a selectman of Boston, and was one of the founders
of Newport, Rhode Island.
The record from generation to generation reads
as follows :
(I) William Wilbur, of Portsmouth, R. I., born
in 1630, died in 1710. He was a son or near kins-
man of Samuel Wilbur, of Boston. William Wil-
bur had children as follows: Mary, born 1654;
Joseph, born 1656 ; John, born 1658 ; William, Jr.,
born 1660; Martha, born 1662; Samuel, born 1664;
Daniel, born 1666; Jona, born 1668; Benjamin, born
1670 ; and Thomas.
(II) William Wilbur, Jr., of Portsmouth, was
born in 1660, and he died in 1752. His wife was
a member of the Tallman family, and their chil-
dren were as follows : Mary, born in 1685 ; Will-
iam, born Aug. 8, 1687, married Anna Richmond ;
Hannah, born June 17, 1689; Samuel, born Feb.
17, 1691 ; John, born May 1, 1693; Joseph, born
May 26, 1695, married Martha Records, and died
in January, 1775 ; Abigail, born April 1, 1697, mar-
ried Jonathan Hilliane ; Joan, born Nov. 7, 1698;
Jedediah, born Nov. 5, 1700; Sarah, born Sept. 10,
1702; Phebe, born Oct. 1, 1704; and Jeremiah,
born Dec. 17, 1706, married Hannah Records.
(III) Jeremiah Wilbur, of Stonington, Conn.,
son of William, Jr., was married June 20, 1728, to
Hannah Records, born Nov. 24, 1706. They had
children as follows: Jedediah, born Feb. 10, 1729;
Elam, born Oct. 30, 1730; Adin, born June 23, 1733.
died May 9, 1779; Uriah, born Aug. 30, 1735: and
William, born March 28, 1742, died Jan. 24, 1822.
(IV) William Wilbur, of Noank, Conn., son
of Jeremiah, born March 28, 1742, died Jan. 24.
1822. On Dec. 24, 1778, he married Sarah Sawyer,
who died Jan. 13, 1822. They had children as fol-
lows: Tohn H. ; Jeremiah, died Jan. 14, 1802;
Moses, born Jan. 17, 1788, died July 2, 1856; Elam,
born in March, 1798, died Sept. 17, 1874;
James : Harry has one grandchild living at Linde-
man Cottage, Fisher's Island : Betsy, born in 1800,
died Dec. 21, 1884; William, horn March 27. \j<)i,
died Jan. 8, 1839.
(V) John H. Wilbur, son of William, was mar-
ried Nov. 2, 1799, to Eleanor Ashbey, and they had
the following children: James A., born Feb. 24,
1801, died Oct. II, 1X23; Nathaniel, born June 21,
1803, died Aug. 9, 184;; Sally, born Aug. 20, 1805,
died Sept. 6, 1805; William Ashbey, born Dec. 2S,
1807, died Dec. I, 1840; Kay L.. horn June 5, [8lO,
died Feb. 1, 1896; John, born Sept. 15, 1 H 1 =; . died
Aug. 5, 1823 ; Allen \\\, born Nov. 6, 1816, died ( tet.
18, 1832; Mary Ellen, born July 19, 1819, died Sept.
1, 1834; and Whitman W.. born Sept. 5, 1821, died
Oct. 24, 1850. John H. Wilbur was master of a
fishing smack, and died in 1836, at Norfolk, Vir-
ginia.
(VI) William Ashbey Wilbur, son of John H.,
born Dec. 28, 1807, died Dec. 1, 1846, and was mar-
ried July 13, 1829, to Lucy Clark Palmer, born Oct.
14, 181 1. They had the following children: Lucy
Ellen, born June 28, 1830, died in February. 1835;
Abby Palmer, born Sept. 30, 1832, died June 20,
185 1 ; William Allen, born Oct. 24, 1833, died Aug.
5, 1858; John Palmer, born Dec. 10, 1835, died
May 11, 1878; Robert Palmer, born Oct. 28, 1839;
Charles, born Dec. 28, 1843, died July 12, 1844.
(VII) Capt. John Palmer Wilbur was born Dec.
10, 1835, and died May II, 1878. On Aug. 18,
1863, he married Elizabeth Jones Gallup, who was
born July 15, 1841, at Mystic, Conn., daughter of
Deacon John and Roxanna (Fish) Gallup. Their
children were : William Allen, born Aug. 15. 1804;
and Roswell Gallup, born June 11, 1866, died March
13. 1875.
John P. W ilbur spent his early school days
in the district schools and during his boyhood was
employed as a fisherman. In later life he became one
of the best skippers that Mystic has produced. He
was successively master of the brig "William Mal-
lery, Jr.," the bark "Sappho," the ship "Thomas
Dana," and the ship "Farragut." At the outbreak
of the Civil war he enlisted from Winsted, Conn.,
in the 2d Conn. V. I., for three months service,
and was in the battle of Bull Run ; he was afterward
second officer of the transport steamer "Nevada."
His death occurred May 11. 1878, at Calcutta. In-
dia, where his son Roswell G. had died three years
before. During all the years he was at sea Mystic
remained his home. In church affiliations he was
a Baptist, and was a man of a deeply religious
nature.
(VIII) Prof. William Allen Wilbur was horn
at Mystic, Conn., Aug. 15. 1864. There he attend-
ed the public school and the Mystic Valley Institute;
later attended the Vermont Academy at Saxton's
River. Vt. He was graduated from Brown Uni-
versity in the class of 1888, with the degree oi A. B.,
followed in [894 with that of A. M. He is a mem-
ber of the Delta Kappa Epsilon fraternity, and was
elected to Phi Beta Kappa. He was chairman of
390
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
the board of editors of the "Brunonian" during his
senior year, and was the class poet of that year.
During the scholastic year of 1888 he taught at the
Vermont Academy, and began his career as an in-
structor. In 1889, 1890, he was instructor in Latin
at Colby Academy, New London, N. H., and for the
succeeding five years, taught English and history
at Howard's Seminary, West Bridgewater, Mass.
From 1895 to 1897, he was dean of the Columbian
Academy, Washington, D. C. Since 1897, he has
been professor of English in The George Washing-
ton University (formerly Columbian University)
at Washington, D. C.
On Dec. 18, 1889, Prof. Wilbur married Hannah
Knapp, who was born Nov. 5, 1866, daughter of
Rev. Samuel J. and Sabrina (Packer) Knapp. The
children born to them are : Elizabeth Sabrina, born
Dec. 16, 1890; and William Knapp, born Aug. 27,
1897.
Gallup. Upon his mother s side of the house,
Professor Wilbur's ancestry is as follows :
(I) John Gallup was born in the parish of Mos-
terne, County Dorset, England, in 1590, and sailed
from Plymouth, England, March 20, 1630, in the
ship "Mary and John," arriving at Nantucket, now
Hull, May 30. His wife Christobel and children
followed in 1633. On Jan. 6, 1634, he was admit-
ted to the First Church, and his wife June 22, 1634,
enjoyed the same privilege. In April, 1634, he was
made a freeman, and he was one of the earliest
grantees of land at the northerly part of the town,
where he had a wharf site and home. This local-
ity became known as Gallup's Point. He also
owned Gallup's Island, a meadow on Long Island,
other lands and a house in Boston. A skillful mar-
iner, he made frequent voyages in his own vessels,
which were about the only means of communica-
tion between Massachusetts, Rhode Island and Con-
necticut. He gained great distinction by piloting
the ship "Griffin" in September, 1633, through a
new found channel, when she had on board Rev.
John Cotton, Rev. Thomas Hooker, Rev. Mr. Stone
and others equally distinguished. His death oc-
curred at Boston, Jan. 11, 1650, and his widow died
Sept. 2J, 1655. The children born of their marriage
were: John, who died Dec. 19, 1675; Joan; Sam-
uel, who died before 1670; Nathaniel, who also
died before 1670.
(II) John Gallup, born in England, came to the
Colonies in 1633, and in 1643 married at Boston,
Hannah Lake. He engaged with his father in the
Pequot war, and bore himself so bravely that the
General Court of Connecticut, in 1 671, gave him
a grant of 100 acres of land. In 165 1 he came to
New London, and owning large grants of land on the
Mystic river, in 1654, he removed to what is now
Stonington, he being one of the early settlers of the
town. He was a representative to the General
Court in 1665 and 1667, and was also often called
upon to act as Indian interpreter. At the outbreak of
King Philip's war, although over sixty years old, at
the head of the Mohegans, he joined Capt. John
Mason of Norwich, and engaged in the fearful
Swamp Fight at Narragansett, Dec. 19, 1675. He
was one of the six captains who fell in this memora-
ble battle. His children were as follows : Hannah,
born Sept. 14, 1644; John, born in 1646, died April
14, 1735; Esther, born March 24, 1653; Benadam,
born in 1655, died Aug. 2, 1727; William, born in
1658, died May 15, 1731 ; Samuel; Christobel; Eliz-
abeth ; Mary and Margaret.
(III) Benadam Gallup, born in 1655, died Aug.
2, 1727. He married Esther Prentice, who was born
July 20, 1660, daughter of John and Esther Prentice,
and died May 18, 1751. Both were members of the
Congregational Church at Stonington, Conn. Chil-
dren : Hannah, born May 22, 1683, died in 1754;
Esther, born in 1685, died in 1752; Mercy, born in
1690, died in 1725 ; Benadam, born in 1692, died
Sept. 30, 1755 ; Joseph, born in 1695, died Dec. 22,
1760; Margaret, born in 1698, died in 1761 ; Lucy,
born in 1701, died in 1793.
(IV) Lieut. Benadam Gallup (2), born in 1692,
died Sept. 30, 1755. On Jan. 11, 1716, he married
Eunice Cobb, born Sept. 18, 1696, died Feb. 1, 1759.
Their children were: Benadam (3), born Oct. 26,
1716, died May (or March) 29, 1800; Esther, born
Feb. 24, 1718; Eunice and Lois, twins, born March
29, 1721 ; William, born July 4, 1723, died April 4,
1803 ; Henry, born Oct. 5, 1725, died Nov. n, 181 1 ;
Nathan, born in 1727, died Jan. 19, 1799; Ebenezer ;.
Thomas P., baptized July 28, 1734; Hannah and
Sarah.
(V) Benadam Gallup (3), born Oct. 26, 1716,
died March (or May) 29, 1800. On Aug. 11,
1740, he married Hannah Avery, born Feb. 1,
1719, died July 28, 1799. Their children were:
Benadam (4), born June 29, 1741, died April
12, 1818; Isaac, born Dec. 22, 1742, died
Aug. 3, 1814; Hannah, born Nov. 4, 1744,
died Jan. 10, 1771 ; Esther, born Dec. 9, 1746;.
James, born May 1, 1749, died Dec. 19, 1770; Jesse,
born Feb. 2, 175 1 ; John, born Jan. 13, 1753, died
Dec. 9, 1770; Prudence, born Jan. 30, 1755 ; Susan,
born in 1756, died Aug. 16, 1840; Abigail, born in
1762, died Nov. 24, 1770; Josiah, born in 1760, died
June 29, 1826.
(VI) Deacon Benadam Gallup (4), born June
29, 1741, died April 12, 1818. He married, Jan. 30,.
1766, Bridget Palmer, born in April, 1743, died
Aug. 2J, 1823. Their children were : Benadam
(5), born Oct. 28, 1766, died April 5, 1840; Bridget,
born Oct. 5, 1768; James, born May 27, 1771, died
May 11, 1834; Desire, born Nov. 20, 1773; John,
born May 2j, 1776; Lucy, born June 23, 1779 ; Sim-
eon, born Sept. 29, 1780, died April 13, 1836.
(VII) Benadam Gallup (5), born Oct. 28, 1766,.
died April 5, 1840. On Oct. 14, 1792, he married
Cynthia Fish Gallup, born Sept. 21, 1770, died Dec.
23, 1856. Their children were: James, born Nov.
25, 1793, died Aug. 7, 1869; Austin, born Feb. 24^
1796, died June 19, 1805; Roswell, born March n„
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
39 1
1798, died July 24, 1817; Mary K.. born March 4.
1800, died March 13, 1875; Palmer, born Juno 14,
1802. died Dec. 31, 1SS0; Benadam, born June
3, 1804. died Juno 28, 1871 ; Cynthia, "born
Aug. 14. i8o<>; John, born March 6, [809, died
May 28, 1893; Sophia, born June K>. 1812, died
June 4. 1835.
(^ \ 1 1 1 ) Deacon John Gallup, born March 6,
1809, died May 28. 1893. He married, Aug. 31,
1838, in Stonington, Conn., Roxanna Fish, born
May 21, 1813, died Nov. 2, 1876. Their children
were: Ann Judson, born July 29, 1839, died Oct.
23. 1840; Elizabeth Jones, born July 15, 1841;
John, born Dec. 14. 1844, married Ellen Noyes, and
their daughter, Mary Elizabeth, born May 7. 1871.
married Henry Fay Roach, of St. Louis, Mo. ; Mary
Fish, twin to John, born Dec. 14. 1844, married
William H. Randall: Roswell Eish. born Jan. 13,
1848, died March 13, 1851: Samuel C, born Sept.
26, 1851, died Jan. 19. 1896. Deacon John Gal-
lup was a carpenter and builder by trade.
(IX) Elizabeth Jones Gallup, born July 15,
1 84 1, at Mystic, Conn., in the house on Gravel
street, by the river, married. Aug. 18, 1863. John
Palmer Wilbur. Their children were : William Al-
len, born Aug. 15, 1804; Roswell Gallup, born June
11. 1800. died March 13. 1875.
(X) William Allen Wilbur, born Aug. 15, 1804,
at Mystic, married, Dec. 18, 1889, Hannah Knapp,
born Nov. 5, 1866. daughter of Rev. Samuel J. and
Sabrina (Packer) Knapp. Their children are:
Elizabeth Sabrina. born Dee. 16, 1890; William
Knapp, born Aug. 2/, 1897.
Knapp. (I) Nicholas Knapp. it appears from
the town records of Stamford and Greenwich, lived
in that part of Greenwich subsequently set off to
Xew York, now the town of Rye, Westchester
Co.. X. Y. Savage thinks he came from England
in Winthrop's fleet, in 1630. He moved to Stam-
ford in 1648 or 1649. at which time he owned land
in that town. His first wife. Eleanor, died Aug.
16, 1658, the mother of the following children :
Jonathan, born Dec. 27, 163 1 : Timothy, born Dec.
24, 1632; Joshua, born Jan. 5, [635; Caleb, born
Jan. 20, 1637 ; Sarah, born Jan. 5. 1639 : Ruth, born
Jan. 5. 1641 : Hannah, born March 6. 1642. Nich-
olas Knapp married as his second wife Emily, wid-
ow of Peter Brown, and their children were Moses
and Lydia.
1 II) Joshua Knapp, born Jan. 5. 1635, married.
Jan. 9, 1657. Hannah Close, and their children were :
Hannah, bom March 26. 1060; Joshua. Jr.. born in
1662; Joseph, born in 1664; Ruth, born in [666;
Benjamin, born in 1673: Caleb, born in 1(177: John,
born in 167 — . The father moved to Greenwich
from Stamford in 1663.
(II) Joshua Knapp, Jr., born in Stamford.
Conn., in [662, married Miss Close about 1082. and
they had a child. John, born March 17, 1;
(IY) John Knapp, born March 17, 1708. mar-
ried and became the father of two sons: John, Jr.,
born m 1731 ; Justus, born Jan. [9, 1735.
(Y) Justus Knapp married, in 1755. Sarah Rey-
nolds, and their children were: Justus, Jr.. burn
Oct. 11, i75<>: William, born Jan. 5, 1750: John El-
nathan, born Aug. 5, [760; Henry, born in 1703;
Benjamin, bom Se] t. [6, 1703 ; ( >badiah, bom Sept.
20, [766, died April i. 1850: Sarah, born Jan. (>.
17(18, died Aug. 1, 1828: James, born Dec. 17". 1770:
Hannah, born March 22. 1773; Gilbert, born March
22. 1775, died in 1812; Mary, born fan. 2. 177N;
Samuel, born Dec. 5, 1781, died Nov. 28. 1852.
Justus Knapp at the close of the Revolution bought
up soldiers' rights and went to Georgia, took |
session of his land, built stores and mills, and
owned the property on which afterward a city was
situated. He became unusually wealthy, and died
in 1816, one of the most prominent men in his com-
munity.
(\'I) John Elnathan Knapp was born at Horse
Neck, Greenwich. Aug. 5, ij(ki. and died Sept. 5.
1832. On Dec. 28. [799, he married Hetty Covel.
born at Harwich. Mass., Dec. 24, 1703. and died
Eeb. 5, 1830. Their children were: Ilenn Rey-
nolds, born Nov. 3, 1800; Hetty, born March 2?.
1803. Eor many years he supplied Xew York City
with Knapp's celebrated spring water.
( \ II) Rev. Henry Reynolds Knapp, born Nov.
3. 1800, in New York City, died May 13, 1802. On
June 16, 1821. he married Mary Center, who was
born March 5.1803, in New York City, and who died
in 1885. Their children were: John Henry, born
July 30. 1822; Halsey Wing, born Oct. 31. 1824,
died in July, [896; Hetty (."enter, born .May 8. 1827.
married Warren Beebe; Mary Adeline, born Aug.
20, 1829, died March 20, 1830; Samuel J., born Jan.
31, 1832: William Ireland, born March 10. 1835,
twin daughters born dead. May 13, 1837.
Rev. Henry R. Knapp was converted at the age
of twenty-four years, and ordained pastor at Green-
port, L. I.. in 1834. He was pastor of the Baptist
Church at Essex, Conn.. iA the First Baptist Church
at New London, Conn., of the Baptist Churches at
Preston City. Mystic and Kockville. Conn., at Ron-
dout-on-the-Hudson, at Greenport, E. I., at Noank,
Conn., at Hastings-ou-the-I ludson. and in New
York City. He was a clear, forcible preacher,
sound in doctrines and devoted to his work.
(VIII) Rev. Samuel Jacox Knapp was born Jan.
31, 1832. and died in Mystic. Conn.. Aug. 8. 1804.
( >n April 19. 185 1, he married Sabrina Packer, born
Dec. (>, 1835. in New York City, a daughter oi El-
dredge and Christina (Meade) Packer. Their chil-
dren were: Henry Reynolds, born Nov. 26, 1852.
married Hattie R. Palmer, of Noank, Conn. ; Samuel
J., Jr.: Marie Louise, born July 12. 1838. married
Sept. 8, 1881. A. D. Clinch: Sabrina Packer, born
Oct. 7. [862, married A. J. Mills: Edward Everett,
born July 4, 18(14. married Jessie Allen ; Halsey W. ;
Hannah Knapp, born Nov. 5. [866, married Prof.
392
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
William Allen Wilbur; John H., born March 12,
1868; Abby Ruth, born March 28, 1869, married
Frank Allan Moore ; Edith Merrill was born April 7,
1872.
The Rev. Samuel J. Knapp was pastor of the fol-
lowing churches : Bethesda Baptist Church in New
York City; First Baptist Church, Paterson, N. J.;
Park Avenue Baptist Church, Paterson, N. J. ; Old
Stanton Street Baptist Church, New York City,
which later became the 23rd Street Church ; Bap-
tist Church at Essex, Conn. ; North Baptist Church,
Newark, N. J. ; Noble Street Church, Brooklyn ;
and of the MacDougal street church in New York
City, he being in charge of that church at the time
of his death.
WILLIAM H. JENNINGS. For more than
fifty years the name of Jennings has been prom-
inently identified with the professional and social
life of Norwich. The first of the family to locate
in that town was William H. Jennnigs, who in
young manhood taught school in Greeneville, and
later became the pioneer photographer of the city,
being among the first, if not the first, to produce
daguerreotype work in .Norwich. His only son,
William H., Jr., became one of the well known mem-
bers of the New London county Bar, and his grand-
son, William H. (3), who is one of the well known
young men of the city, is now the only male repre-
sentative of the family left there.
William H. Jennings was born in Eagleville,
near Willimantic, Conn., Aug. 10, 1819, and came
of good old Revolutionary stock. His mother, Bet-
sey Parsons, was a daughter of Jesse Parsons, who
first enlisted Feb. 6, 1777, for three years, as a
private in Capt. Samuel Hait's Company, Connecti-
cut Militia. He took part in the battle of German-
town Oct. 4, 1777; was at Valley Forge during the
winter of 1777-78 ; was in the battle of Monmouth
June 28, 1778; engaged in storming Stony Point,
July 15, 1779; and was discharged Feb. 6, 1780. On
April 29. 1781, Mr. Parsons enlisted for a second
time, joining Capt. James Dana's Company, which
was a part of a battalion for the defense of the sea
coast from Horse Neck to New Haven ; and on
July 2, 1781, this company joined Washington, then
encamped at Phillipsburg. From March 1, 1782, to
March 1, 1783, Jesse Parsons' name is found on
the records as a member of Capt. Jabez Fitch's
Company, of the Independent Volunteers in service
of Connecticut, and he is also on record as a Revo-
lutionarv pensioner by the pension laws of March
18, 1818.
William H. Jennings was one of eight children.
He was only four years old when his father died,
and when but a lad he began to do for himself. It
was chiefly through his own efforts that he obtained
an education, and he not only accomplished that, but
prepared himself for teaching, following that pro-
fession when a young man. He taught school in
Rhinebeek-on-the-Hudson, and later taught in
Greeneville, in Norwich. He was successful as an
instructor, not only as a result of his scholarly at-
tainments, but from his infusion of discipline into
the school without sacrificing his popularity with
the pupils. In 1849 ne joined in the rush to Cali-
fornia, and spent a couple of years there with much
success. Upon his return to New England he lo-
cated in Norwich, and there engaged in photograph-
ing, a business he followed for about thirty-five
years, during which time he was, without doubt, the
best known photographer in eastern Connecticut,
and enjoyed a high reputation for producing artistic
work. For many years his studio was located in the
Boswell building, but later he moved to rooms over
the Boston Store. Disposing of his business finally,
he retired to private life, and busied himself in look-
ing after the care of his property on Laurel Hill.
Mr. Jennings married Miss Nancy Rogers, of
Stafford Springs, Conn., who died in Norwich, May
15, 1885, aged sixty-one years. Two children were
born to them : William H., who is mentioned below ;
and Ella, who became the wife of Rev. E. G. Sel-
den, a Congregational clergyman, and died Nov.
17, 1897.
Mr. Jennings made a success of life, not only in
the accumulation of property, but in the influence
he wielded and in the example he set. He had a
great love of books, and was a wide reader, with a
retentive memory, thus acquiring a vast fund of
information. He was a well known citizen, and he
served with ability in the common council and held
other town offices. He was a faithful member of
the Broadway Congregational Church. His death
occurred at the home of his grandson on Laurel
Hill, Norwich, Oct. 27, 1898, and he was buried in
Yantic cemetery. Three months previous he had
been prostrated by a shock, and for eleven weeks
he had been helpless, receiving every possible at-
tention from his devoted daughter-in-law, Mrs.
William H. Jeninngs, Jr., with whom he had resided
for thirteen years. Mr. Jennings had a kindly dis-
position, and was in every sense a home man. He
had the confidence of his fellowmen, and although
well posted on public matters never sought office,
the honors in that line coming to him wholly un-
solicited. He led a model life, and his death caused
universal regret.
William H. Jennings, Jr., only son of William H.
Jennings, was born Jan. 9, 1855, in Norwich. He
received his preliminary training in the public
schools of that city, and later he was graduated from
the Norwich Free Academy with the class of 1873.
After leaving the Academy he studied law with
Solomon Lucas, and was admitted to the Bar of
New London county. He acquired a good practice,
and was most successful in all that he attempted,
paying great attention to detail, and thoroughly
mastering all the points in the cases committed to his
care. For a number of years he filled the office of
clerk of the city court, and for two years was as-
sistant judge of the city court.
r^d^^utt^)
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
393
In 1880 William H. Jennings, Jr., was united in
marriage with Miss Lucy Coit Elliott, of Norwich,
daughter of the late Capt. William Elliott and Mary
Josephine (Rawson). One child came of this
union. William H., horn Sept. to, 1881, who is the
third William H. in direct line, and now resides in
the old home on Laurel Hill. William H. Jennings,
Jr., died Jan. 2, 1898, and was buried in Yantic cem-
etery. He was one of the best known men in this
section of the State, and his personal acquaintance
was as large as his personal popularity. He was an
enthusiastic admirer of a good horse, and was one
of the prominent members of the Gentlemen's Driv-
ing Club. From early boyhood he was fond of
athletics, and while a student in the Academy took
an active interest in base-ball, a sport that always
appealed strongly to him ; his interest in the great
national game seemed to increase with his more
mature years. Some few years ago he assisted in
the management of one of the strongest profes-
sional teams that ever represented Norwich. Any
movements for the advancement or support of re-
putable sports found in him a substantial helper.
His friends were many, and honest expressions of
regret at his untimely death were heard on all sides.
His genial, happy disposition was a strong charac-
teristic, and everybody who knew him liked him.
He was upright and honorable in all his dealings,
and his private life was above reproach.
Since the death of Mr. Jennings his widow
has remarried, being now the wife of William F.
Hill, the well-known real-estate dealer of Norwich.
CHARLES YOUNG (deceased) was a success-
ful business man of Norwich, who became wealthy
through industry and economy, in all of his efforts
being aided by his noble and capable wife. Mr.
Young was born in Bavaria, Germany, and his early
life was spent there. His father was a farmer, and
the boy only attended school until the age of four-
teen, in the meanwhile assisting his father on the
farm. Learning- the trade of cutler from an elder
brother, he was enabled to carry on that trade un-
til he entered the German army, when twenty-two
years old, and served about six years, until the war
broke out between Bavaria and Prussia. He be-
came an officer in the Bavarian army, and on ac-
count of the failure of the latter he was forced to
flee from his native land. In 1848 he came to Amer-
ica, bringing with him his bride of four weeks, the
young couple sailing from Havre, and after a voyage
of thirty-one days landing in New York. Two days
later they came on to Norwich and he began to
learn the trade of a moulder, while his enterprising
young wife worked early and late to help him with
her needle, building up a very successful dress-
making business. They were very economical, and
saved considerable money. During the war they
purchased the building on the corner of Main and
Franklin streets (now known as "Young's hotel")
and for eighteen vears conducted an excellent hotel.
Later the}- purchased the Stedman place, at Norwich
Town, formerly the Gov. Huntington place, and
there Mr. Young laid out a small fortune in build-
ing greenhouses and other improvements, culti-
vating the property as a fruit and flower farm, and
becoming very proud of his results. Here the widow
yet resides. Mr. Young made it his home until
about a year before his death, when he was taken ill
and went to a hospital at Hartford, where he died
May 27, 1897, aged seventy-five years. His remains
lie in the beautiful Yantic cemetery at Norwich, in
a vault which his sorrowing widow erected a year
after his death, it being the finest in that burial
place. It is her intention to have her own remains
laid to rest in the same vault.
The marriage of these two most worthy people
took place in Germany. Mrs. Young's maiden name
was Phillipina Young, and she was a daughter of
Charles Young, but no relation to her husband, al-
though bearing the same name. One child, Eliza-
beth, was born to this union, but she died when but
two days old. Mrs. Young was born May 1. 1839.
She is considered one of the best business women of
the locality. Much of the success attained by Mr.
Young was due to her untiring efforts and good
management, a fact her husband always gladly men-
tioned whenever the subject came up. At present
she transacts all of her extensive business interests
personally, and is in full possession of every detail
of the work. All her life she has been an honest,
hard-working woman, and she has not only earned
a large fortune, but the friendship of all who have
known her or carried on business with her.
WASHINGTON R. GARDNER, a representa-
tive of one of the old New England families, and
an honored citizen of Waterford, Conn., was born
in that place March 1, 1842, son of Henry Gardner
(2), who for many years was one of the leading res-
idents of Waterford.
Regarding the early representatives of the fam-
ily in this country we find the following :
Thomas Gardner, of Salem, Mass., a native of
Dorsetshire, England, in 1624 was employed by the
projectors of the Cape Ann settlement to oversee
the fisheries. He was one of the first settlers of
Salem. Mass., in 1626, and an original member of
the first church there, lie was a freeman in [637,
and a deputy to the General Court. He subse-
quently had various grants of land and held sev-
eral offices. He was twice married, had a number
of children by his first wife, and died Oct. _'<). 1^74.
at Salem. Two of his sons. Richard and John,
settled at Nantucket, and from this source came the
numerous and influential Gardner family of Nan-
tucket and vicinity. Richard Gardner married
Sarah Shattuck, and John married Priscilla Graf-
ton. Both figured at Nantucket as early as [673,
Richard, it is said, locating there in [666, and John
in 1^74. These Gardners were Quakers or Friends.
George Gardner, of Newport, was admitted an
394
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
inhabitant of the island of Aquidneck in 1638. He
had land recorded in 1640, and in 1641 was a free-
man. He served as constable, sergeant, ensign,
commissioner, etc. He married (first) Herodias
Hicks, and (second) Lydia Ballou. From this set-
tler came the Gardners of the Narragansett county,
several of his sons marrying and settling in Kings-
town, R. I. From this George Gardner, through
his son Benoni and William Gardiner, came the
distinguished physician of Newport, Dr. Sylvester
Gardiner, just after the Revolution.
Capt. James Gardiner, an early settler of New-
London, Conn., was of the Newport (Rhode Isl-
and) Gardiners. During the French and Indian
war he was out cruising against the French in the
"Lark." He was accidentally killed by the prema-
ture discharge of a cannon at New London, Aug.
18, 1758, when the people there were celebrating
the surrender of Cape Breton to the English.
Another of the Rhode Island Gardners — Stephen
— purchased a large tract of land near the "Great
Pond," afterward known as Gardner's Lake, lying
partly in Montville, partly in Bozrah and partly in
Salem, Conn. On this land he settled and reared
a large family. He married, about 1700, Amy Sher-
man, daughter of Benjamin Sherman, of Kingston,
Rhode Island.
Rufus Gardner, grandfather of the gentleman
whose name introduces this sketch, was born in
Newport, R. I., and died in 1809, in New London,
Conn. He was captain of a sloop which plied be-
tween New York and New London for years, car-
rying freight and passengers, from the close of
the Revolutionary war until his death. He was an
old sailor during the Revolution. He was a Mason,
the emblem of that fraternity appearing on his grave-
stone in Cedar Grove cemetery. He married Lydia
Harris, who was born in New London, and came of
an old family, and they had nine children, viz. :
Christopher, who died 'young; Rufus, who died
young; Mercy, who married a Mr. Williams, of
New York ; Lydia, who married Robert Buttles, of
New York ; Henry, father of Washington R. Gard-
ner; Lucy, who married James McKibbin, a New
York broker ; Douglass W., who is mentioned else-
where ; Harriet, who married a Mr. Burke, of New
York ; and Champlin, who married a Miss Packer.
Henry Gardner (2), father of Washington R.,
was born Feb. 26, 1798, on Ocean avenue, New Lon-
don, on Town Hill, and died Aug. 20, 1863, in
Waterford. He kept store and tavern in Waterford
at the corner of old Lyme road and the road to
Jordan village. He was postmaster for over thirty
years, from Jackson's administration to the time of
Lincoln, being first appointed by President Jack-
son as a stanch Jacksonian Democrat. He was a
radical politician, and a leader in the local ranks
of the people. He was an intelligent man, well-
read, and had a great memory. He compromised on
the slave question, being what was known as a
"copperhead," because he was opposed to the Re-
bellion. He was a man of determined disposition
and could be stern at times, though he was of a gen-
ial temperament. He was a very honorable man,
scrupulous to a degree in financial matters, and set
a fine example to his family and associates. He
was a good Christian, a devout member of the Bap-
tist Church, and always had evening prayers in his
home.
Henry Gardner was married (first), in 1824, to
Mary Miner, daughter of Stephen Miner, of Wat-
erford, who was a Revolutionary pensioner. She
died in the fall of 1839, tne mother of the following
children : ( 1 ) Mary Miner married John Powers^
of Black Point, East Lyme, and died there. (2)
Henry, Jr., lived in East Lyme, and was a fisher-
man by occupation. He married Matilda Clark, of
East Lyme, and died in that place. (3) Lucy
Wheeler married Lyman Clark, a fisherman of Ni-
antic, and is living in Middletown with her daugh-
ter. (4) Christopher, an old sailor, died at Snug
Harbor. (5) Andrew Jackson, who was a car-
penter and who died in 1864, married Mary E. Man-
waring, of East Lyme. (6) Thomas W., now living
in New London, married Mary E. Manwaring, his
brother's widow. He was formerly in the ship
chandlery business.
On March 1, 1840, Henry Gardner married*
for his second wife, Wealthy Ann Powers, who died
Feb, 22, 1893, aged sixty-nine years. She was a
daughter of Joshua and Wealthy Ann (Morgan)
Powers, of Waterford, and granddaughter of Sam-
uel Powers, who came from Waterford, Ireland,
and married Seviah Rogers, daughter of James
Rogers, who was among the first settlers of that
place. Samuel Powers settled at Black Point, be-
ing one of the first settlers of New London (then).
To Henry and Wealthy Ann (Powers) Gardner
came the following named children : ( 1 ) Washing-
ton R. is mentioned below. (2) James Morgan,
born Oct. 5, 1845, is a physician and public speaker,
and is engaged in teaching English in the European
countries. He is an accomplished linguist, speak-
ing English, Italian, Spanish, French and German,
and accompanies large parties as doctor and in-
terpreter. He married Flora Rogers, daughter of
George F. Rogers, of Fulton Market, New York,
and they have had one child,. Violet, who married
Robert Kissick, of Westerly, R. I., and has one son,
Robert Gardner Kissick. (3) Wealthy Ann, born
in January, 1848, married William Davis, a boss
caulker, of Noank, and is living at West Mystic,
Conn. They have had no children. (4) Lydia
Elizabeth, born in 1850, married George W. Hewitt,
of Waterford, who is mentioned elsewhere. (5)
Harriet Burke, born in 1852, married Fitch L. Corn-
stock, and died eleven months after marriage. (6)
Ella, born in 1855, became the second wife of Fitch
L. Comstock, and they have had two children, Car-
rie Comstock, who married Dr. George Culver, of
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGKAl'l IICAL RECORD.
395
Jersey City, where they live; and Ira Comstock,
who is living- with his parents. (7) Carrie died
when ahout one year old.
Washington R. Gardner was born in Waterford,
in a house which stood at the fork of the Lyme turn-
pike and the Jordan road. He received his early
schooling in Waterford, and later attended Bartlett
grammar school in New London, taught by Prof.
Jennings. Leaving same at the age of seventeen
years, he took up the carpenter's trade under
John L. Beckwith, of East Lyme, remaining with
him about one year. He practically "picked up"
his knowledge of the trade, which he has followed
nearly all life. Living in New London, he was with
Bishop Bros., manufacturers of sash, blinds, etc.,
for three years, was subsequently in New Haven,
and had charge of the window frame department of
Hatch & Norton for six years. In the fall of 1869
he located on the farm, known as the Chappell
homestead, the birthplace of his wife, comprising
sixty acres, and has there carried on general farm-
ing since, together with plying his trade, in which
he has met with substantial success.
Air. Gardner has been a factor in the adminis-
tration of public affairs for a number of years. He
has served for several years on the board of relief
in his town, and has been chairman of the board of
assessors for the past three years. In 1883 he was
representative in the General Assembly of the State
from Waterford, and served as a member of the
committee on Humane Institutions, and again rep-
resented his town in 1884, when he served as a
member of the Finance committee. His political
connection is with the Democratic party. Frater-
nally he is a member of Union Lodge, No. 31, F. &
A. M., of New London; Pequot Lodge, I. 6. O. F.,
of New London ; Sprague Lodge, A. O. U. W., of
New London ; and the Jibboom Club, No. 1, of New
London. In religious connection he is a member
of the First Baptist Church, of Waterford, with
which his wife also unites.
Mr. Gardner was married, Nov. 26, 1863, to
Mary Adelaide Chappell, daughter of Rev. Gurdon
T. Chappell (mentioned elsewhere), and three chil-
dren have come to this union, as follows: (1)
Harry Chappell, born Nov. 5, 1869, in New Lon-
don, died aged eighteen, in 1888, of typhoid fever.
(2) James Isham, born Aug. 22, 1875, in Water-
ford, attended the Nathan Hale Grammar School,
of New London, the Hopkins Grammar School, of
New Haven, and the Hillhouse High School, in
New Haven, from which latter he graduated in
1898. He is now bookkeeper at the C. D. Boss &
Son Cracker factory, New London. (3) Strong
Griswold, born June 28, 1879, in Waterford, at-
tended the Nathan Hale Grammar School, of New
London, the Hillhouse high in New Ha-
ven, and the Bulkeley high school, of New Lon-
don, graduating from the latter in 1899. He is a
commercial agent and traveling salesman in Greater
New Ym-k for Austin Xich.il> & Co., wholesale
grocers.
Mr. Gardner is one of the representative and
substantial citizens of Waterford, where he and
his wife are held in the highest esteem.
THOMAS ELLIOT LeCOUXT (deceased),
who for a number of \ears was identified with the
stationery manufacturing industry of New York and
San Francisco, and later became identified with the
business interests of Xiantic, Conn., where he held
an honorable place in the commercial and social
world, was a man of wide ideas, progressive meth-
ods, and one whose watchword was "onward.*' He
was born April 28, 1848, in New York City.
Richard LeCount, his grandfather, was a prom-
inent resident of Philadelphia, Pa., and was descend-
ed from a celebrated Huguenot family of that name.
J. J. LeCount, son of Richard and father of
Thomas E., was born in Brooklyn, X. Y., where he
died, while on a visit there. He was extensively en-
gaged in the wholesale stationery and blank book
manufacturing business. His manufacturing estab-
lishment was located in San Francisco, in a large
granite building he had erected, it being the
first of that material built in that city, to which
he went in 1849, a,1(l later he became the fust
stationer on the Pacific coast. The business
office was located in New Yrork City. Re-
tiring a number of years prior to his death.
and being very fond of fishing and other
outdoor sports, he came to Waterford, and there
purchased the hotel property and toll bridge, sit-
uated at the mouth of the Xiantic river on Long
Island Sound, so that he might live in retirement, in
the enjoyment of a pleasantly located home, which
afforded ample territory. This toll bridge has since
been replaced by a steel draw bridge, which is
owned and controlled by Mr. LeCount's widow.
Over this bridge over the Xiantic river a great deal
of the traveling is done between Xew London and
New Haven. During his fishing days it was an ac-
knowledged fact that he owned the finest fishing
tackle and outfit in Xew York State. He spent
$40,000 in making improvements, on the house,
grounds, and in building breakwater walls. No
more ideal spot could have been found. The death
of this companionable and genial gentleman oc-
curred July 12. 187S. when he was in his fifty-third
year. On July 15. 1847. Mr. LeCount married
Mary Ann Higgin, of New. York City, who survives
him. The children born to them were: Thomas E. ;
Frank A., who resides in Springfield. Mass., a vet-
erinary surgeon and large horse owner.
Thomas E. LeCount was born in Xew York
City, and he died very suddenly in the same city,
Jan. 31, 1897. His early education was acquired
there, although he later attended a private boarding
school at Norwalk, Conn. Immediately upon the
completion of his education, he entered upon
39^
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
his business career, going into the stationery
business. In order to become thoroughly familiar
with the business, he spent nine years in the employ
of Edward Kimpton, of New York, the then famous
stationer. In 1875 he went to San Francisco as his
father's representative in the large stationery estab-
ishment of LeCount Brothers. After his father's
death, he became a partner in the business, remaining
until 1879, the firm name continuing the same. In
that year he gave up his interests in the business,
and returned to his father's homestead in Water-
ford. After living retired from active business for
some time, he finally purchased a general merchan-
dise store in Niantic, just across the river from his
home. This store he successfully conducted for
several years, when he retired again, and so con-
tinued until his exceedingly sudden demise.
Mr. LeCount was a consistent member of the
Baptist Church of Niantic, of which he served sev-
eral years as trustee. In disposition Mr. LeCount
was very genial and pleasant, and in consequence
made hosts of friends. He was, a very domestic
man, and very sympathetic in his nature. Temper-
ate in all things he loved his home and family, and
his death deprived them of a very devoted husband
and indulgent and affectionate father.
Mr. LeCount was married July 12, 1873, to
Georgiana Peck, daughter of William James and
Maria Elizabeth (Sherman) Peck, of Stratford,
Conn., and a descendant of several of New Eng-
land's early settled families. Mrs. Maria E. (Sher-
man) Peck, who is still living, is the daughter of
John Sherman, a member of the same family as
General William T. Sherman, and his distinguished
brother, the late John Sherman, of Ohio. Mrs.
Peck is also a descendant of Roger Williams, one
of the signers of the Declaration of Independence.
To Mr. and Mrs. LeCount were born children as
follows : Editha Alianore is married to Charles
Tebbutt, of New York City, where they reside ; they
have two children : Doris LeCount and Majorie
Editha. Grace and William James died in infancy.
George Elliot graduated from the United States
naval training ship "St. Mary's" in 1904, upon
which he had been bugler, and he expects to take up
electrical engineering as a profession.
The late Mr. LeCount was a man of unusual
ability, and morality of living. Purity and upright-
ness of life were unquestioned evidence of the ele-
vation of his character, and the sincerity of his
moral and religious beliefs. He was of a charitable
and benevolent nature, and always gave liberally
to such causes. Everyone had confidence in his in-
tegrity, his private virtues, and his enterprise. He
was wise, strong and persevering. After a useful
and prosperous life, the latter portion of it was
spent in his beautiful home, where his father before
him had enjoyed his last days, and where his widow
makes her home, surrounded with the comforts and
luxuries which true refinement provide.
HORACE A. BRIGGS, a respected citizen of
Norwich, now advanced in years and with a record
of splendid achievement behind him, was born in
Flainfield, Windham Co., Conn., Jan. 6, 1820.
So far as known the first of the family to come to
America was William Briggs, a native ^f England.
In early life he went to the Barbadoe and later
came to the United States, locating first in B^ ;ton,
then for a time in Rehoboth and Scituate, and hiially
settling in Taunton, Mass.. in 1690. He had four
children: Isaac, Elizabeth, Noah and William.
(II) Noah Briggs was born in Taunton in
1709. In 1733, he married Miss Elizabeth K.
Trumbull, and he died in Voluntown, Conn. His
children were : Elkanah, Zepheniah, Elizabeth,
Freelove, Sarah, Susannah, Peris, William, John,
James and Isaac.
(III) William Briggs, born in 1746, died in
Voluntown, Jan. 22, 1840. He served in the Rev-
olution and won the rank of lieutenant. His wife
was Miss Elizabeth Gallup, of Voluntown, by whom
he had : Daniel, Noah, Benjamin, Samuel, Isaac,
Hannah and John.
(IV) Isaac Briggs, born in Voluntown in 1776,
was a prominent citizen of that place. His death oc-
curred in Plainfield, Dec. 9, 1820, when he was only
forty-four years old. He married Miss Cynthia
Gallup, of Voluntown, who died Sept. 12, 1857,
aged seventy-three. Their four children were :
Asher ; William ; Nathaniel, who died when five
years old, Dec. 4, 1820 ; and Horace A.
(V) Horace A. Briggs was only a few months
old when his father died. He was brought up in
Plainfield, educated in the common schools, and
while still very young learned the trade of a black-
smith, which he followed for a number of years in
Windham and Middlesex counties, Conn., and in
Massachusetts. In 1849, after having worked in
Edwin Wesson's gunshop in Hartford for about two
years, he went to Norwich, where he was in Horace
Smith's gunshop, then to Worcester for two years
of similar work, and in 1853 back again to Norwich.
He spent one year there making whale guns for
Tracy & Brand, three years in Norwich and New
Haven, working for Smith & Wesson, who were
succeeded by the Winchester Repeating Arms Com-
pany. His next position was with the Manhattan
Company, where he had charge of the concern until
he started in business for himself. In 1859 he be-
came connected with the Bacon Manufacturing
Company at the Falls, and was thus engaged till
1868, when he sold out.
The Bacon Manufacturing Company was suc-
ceeded by the Hopkins & Allen Manufacturing
Company, formed largely through the efforts of
Col. Charles A. Converse and included besides that
gentleman, Charles H. Allen, Charles W. Hopkins,
Samuel S. Hopkins and Horace A. Briggs, while a
little later H. H. Hopkins joined the firm. Mr.
Briggs was elected president of the new company,
7/
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
397
and he continued in that position for over thirty
years. Starting with a capital stock of onlj $5,
the firm prospered from the start, and during the
first six wars alone paid dividends of over $76,000.
In [897 the companj was reorganized as the Hop-
kins & Alien Arms Company, at which time Mr.
Briggs withdrew from active control of the concern,
although he still remains on the board of directors.
He was always a hardworking and active man,
spending a part of every day at his bench, and when
there accomplishing more than any man in his em-
ploy. In [900 the capital stock had increased to a
quarter of a million, the company had just put in
much new and valuable machinery and heavy orders
were pouring in, when Feb. 9th, fire broke out in
the plant and the factory was entirely destroyed in
spite of the heroic efl'orts of the fire department.
Mr. Briggs has been twice married. His first
wife was A I i s s Stisan M. Stanton, of Volnntown,
who died April 9, 1869. She was the mother of four
children, namely: Charles E. ; Aliss Maria S. ; Lill-
ian \Y., who married Charles B. Cross, of Norwich,
and has two children, Robert and Lillian ; Alwin D.,
who was married in Boston, in 188?, to Miss Alice
Thompson, and has one daughter, Alice. His sec-
ond wife was Miss Esther Green, of Mansfield,
Conn., and they have had four children, as follows :
Hattie C, wife of Leonard P. Church, and the
mother of Natalie and Kenneth ; Edward, who mar-
ried Miss Martha T. Babcock, of Westerly, R. I.:
Horace, Jr., who died at the age of two years ; and
Nellie, living at home. Mrs. Briggs is a woman of
culture and refinement and a devoted wife and
mother.
Mr. Briggs is a Democrat in his views, of the
stanch old Jeffersoniah type; always keenly alive to
his duties and responsibilities as a citizen, he has
taken an active part in local affairs and has served
as a member of the city council, was alderman in
1883-84, and was nominated for the Legislature,
some years previous, but failed of election. A hard
worker, who has forged his way steadily by indus-
try and perseverance, to wealth and ease, he has in
all things been actuated and guided by the dictate-,
of honesty and a mindfulness of the dues of others,
and his career is one which may well he taken as an
example.
( VI) Charles E. Briggs, the oldest son of
Horace A., was born at Voluntown, Aug. 23, [853,
and was educated in the public school of Norwich.
While still in his teens, he entered the Hopkins-
Allen shops and has been at work there fur more
than thirty years. Like his father, he is a strong
Democrat, and much interested in political ques-
tions. In 1902 he was elected selectman of Nor-
wich, and is now filling that office. On Dec. 11.
1878. Mr. Briggs was married to Miss 1.. Louise
Swan, of Norwich, and has two children. Harvey
M.. city editor of the N01
ace L., engaged in clerical capacity for the \. Ni .. X.
H. & H. Railway Co., at Norwich. Mr. Bri|
man of fine intellectual attainments, is will-read in
history, and has made extensive researches along
geological lines, and has our of the largesl private
collections of minerals in the State. I le i> a member
the Royal Arcanum, and like the others of his
ler's family, attends the I gational Church.
( >f a genial disposition, he makes many friends and
is held in high esteem b) them and h. his fell
citizens in general.
FRANK W. BROWNING, of Norwich, secre-
tary and treasurer of the Uncas Pap< r 1 bmpany, is
a representative of the well known Browning family
that for nearly two centuries has stood for all that
makes a community law abiding, progressive and
prosperous.
Nathaniel Browning emigrated from England
about 1640, and located at Portsmouth, R. I. He
married Sarah Freeborn, horn in 1032, daughter
of William and Mary Freeborn, and their children
were William and Jane. ( )n ( >ct. 23, [645, he pur-
chased a dwelling house and land in Warwick, and
was a farmer in [665. Later he removed to Kin
ton, R. T. His wife died in 1670.
William Browning was of Portsmouth and
South Kingston, R. I. He was a freeman in 1084,
and he died in 1730. His first wife was Rebecca
Wilbur, daughter of Samuel and Hannah 1 Porter)
Wilbur. The Christian name of his second wife was
Sarah. His children were: Samuel, horn Feb. 10,
1688; Hannah, born July 16, [691 ; William, horn
Sept. 29, [693; Sarah, born in April. 1695 ; and
John, born March 4. [696-97.
Gardiner Browning, son of Samuel, was horn
May 1, [761. On March 27. 17S4, he wedded Izitt
Cole, born March 21. [763, daughter of John Cole.
They were of North Kingston, R. I., at the time of
their marriage, and their children, births of record
in North Kingston, were: Samuel, born 12,
[785; Mary, horn Oct. 4, 1787: Gardiner, born
March 5. 1701 ; Gardiner (2), horn April 12. 170-':
Hannah, born March 28, 1705: William, born May
12. 1798; Sarah C. born Nov. 22, [800; 1/i;; Cole,
born Aug. 13. 1804: and Abby A. C. horn Dvc. 22,
[807. The father of this family died July 2^, 1S17,
and the mother passed away June [8, 1S43.
Samuel Browning, son of Gardiner, was I
12, 1785, and he was married to Eliza Pren-
tice. Theances : the Stonington Prentice family
Samuel Prentice, who located in Stonington
1. hi 1 701 ). He was a son of Thomas ] 'rent ice and a
grandson of Capt. Thomas Prentice, a native of
J:hh1, an-! first of record in New England in
January, [650, in Cambridge, Mass. I ; mel
and Eliza (Prentice) Browning was born a son,
( "harles I ).
irles 1 ). Brownini nuel, was bom
Feb. 4. [835, in the town of North Stonington, and
died at Norwich Feb. 12, [899. At the age of four-
teen years young 1'. row nine,- came to Norwich, and
began a mercantile career as a clerk in the store ol
398
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
Samuel Prentice, a merchant on Central avenue,
in the village of Greeneville. In 1857 he purchased
.. of his employer a half-interest in the business, and
with the exception of one year he was engaged
in business as a clerk and proprietor in the one
establishment, and at the same location through
a period of fifty years. For four years follow-
ing the formation of his partnership with Mr.
Prentice, the style of the firm was Prentice
& Co. In 1861 Air. Browning purchased his
partner's interest in the business, and at the same
time the building in which it was carried on ; this
he enlarged and improved very much. Eight
years later, in 1869, Thomas A. Perkins became
associated in the business with Mr. Browning,
and the firm name became C. D. Browning & Co.
For years branch stores were carried on at Hall-
ville and Lyme, under the same management, but
in later years the one at Lyme was discontinued.
The business has been one of general merchandise,
the stock carried consisting of dry goods, carpets,
boots and shoes, and groceries. Through the busi-
ness sagacity, good judgment and careful manage-
ment of Mr. Browning a good business was estab-
lished and maintained, and he prospered, as well as
those who were associated with him.
As the years passed and Mr. Browning gathered
means he was not content with the one business, but
gave his attention to other lines. In 1873 he founded
the Yantic Paper Company, which for years, and
until it was destroyed by fire, gave employment to
a number of hands. This company was engaged in
making manilla pafier, and of it Mr. Browning was
president. He held an interest in the Norwich Car-
pet Lining Company, and for years was its presi-
dent. He was also a director in the Uncas Paper
Company, at Thamesville. For years he had been
identified with the banking interests of Norwich,
was a director of the First National Bank, and was
one of the oldest directors of the Dime Savings
Bank, being in the directory of the latter institution
at the time of his death.
Mr. Browning ever took an interest in the welfare
of Norwich, all measures looking to its advancement
and progress finding in him a heart}- supporter. In
1875, when the village of Greeneville was annexed
to Norwich City, he was one of the first two coun-
cilmen chosen to represent that district in the city
government. Two years later, in 1877, he was
elected an alderman, and was re-elected in 1879,
in which position he was an efficient member
of the board of water commissioners, and chair-
man of the board of police commissioners. Mr.
Browning was active in organizing the Nor-
wich Board of Trade. Some two years before
his death he was appointed on the arbitration
committee, to decide the question of damages
caused by the city condemning the Bethel prop-
erty on Central Wharf. He was. at the last meet-
ing of the Common Council prior to his death,
appointed city assessor. Mr. Browning's religious
a mnection had been for many years with the Greene-
ville Congregational Church, of which he was an
active member and a deacon. On the death of Mr.
Browning, the Evening Record said :
"ddie death of Air. Browning is a loss to this
community. He was successful in business and
had the full confidence of all with whom he had
transactions. He was ever ready to aid in the ad-
vancement of the interests of Norwich. His fine
personal characteristics were best reflected in his
home life Idle deceased was one of those men the
community sought when a position of trust was to
be filled. It was always a pleasure to meet Air.
Browning, and he had many friends."
On Jan. 3, 1859, Air. Browning was married to
Atiss Henrietta C., daughter of the late Harvey
Lathrop, of Lebanon. She died Sept. 6, 1895, and
he married (second) Alay 13, 1897, Aliss Henrietta
Woodworth, daughter of Oliver and Alartha*
(Dowel) Woodworth, of New London. The fol-
lowing children, all born to the first marriage, sur-
vived the father : Frank W., of Norwich, Conn. ;
Charles L. ; Henrv P. and Arthur P., of New York
City.
Frank W. Browning was born at the old family
home in Greeneville Alay 2, 1862, and was educated
in the public schools, the Norwich Free Academy
and Eastman's Business College (Poughkeepsie, N.
Y.), graduating from the last named institution
in 1882. Returning to Norwich, he was for five
years in the First National Bank. In 1883 he
became superintendent and manager of the Yantic
Paper Company, at the same time filling the
offices of treasurer and manager of the Carpet
Lining Company. He continued to perform the
manifold duties appertaining to these positions until
1893, when was formed the Uncas Paper Company,
and he became secretary and treasurer of the new
organization. Although a young man when he as-
sumed the heavy responsibilities of his important
position, his natural executive ability and good
training were brought to the front, and he has been
able not only to fill his arduous positions, but to
win and hold the respect and confidence of the 200
employes, with whom he is very popular.
Besides his connection with the Paper Com-
pany, Air. Browning is a director of the Chelsea
Savings Bank at Norwich, and is director and
treasurer of the National Newsboard Company, of
New York. Socially he belongs to the Norwich
Club and the Arcanum Club. He has reached the-
thirty-second degree in Aiasonry, being affiliated
with St. James Lodge, F. & A. Al. ; Franklin Chap-
ter ; Franklin Council ; Columbian Commandery ;
and Sphinx Temple of the Alystic Shrine. He is a
Republican in politics, but not active in party work,
and not at all desirous of official position.
In 1887, in Norwich, Air. Browning was mar-
ried to Aliss Florence Perkins, daughter of Dr. W.
S. C. Perkins, a prominent 32d degree Mason, af-
filiated with St. James Lodge, F. & A. AL Four
GEXEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
children have blessed this union: Marjorie L., Carl
P., Edward J. and Henrietta. Mr. Browning and
his family attend the Park Congregational Church.
JOHN GAGER BROMLEY, proprietor of the
beautiful "Elm Hill Farm," and one of the prom-
inent and active Republicans of Lisbon, now hold-
ing the office of first selectman, comes of an old
and highly esteemed family in New London county.
Barstow Bromley, his grandfather, was probably
born in Stonington, but he came early to Lisbon,
where he settled on the farm now occupied by his
grandson, Calvin D. Bromley. Here he spent the
remainder of his life, and he died July 18, 1854,
aged eighty-three years, his remains being interred
in the Ames cemetery at Lisbon. He was one of the
best known men of the town, and he took an active
part in public affairs, holding a number of town of-
fices. In political faith he was a stanch Jefrersonian
Democrat. He attended the Xewent Congregational
Church. On March 28, 1802, Barstow Bromley was
married to Nancy Yerrington, who died Jan. 18,
1842, aged fifty-nine years. Of their children is
preserved the following record: (1) Joseph, born
Jan. 30, 1803. married and resided first in Lisbon,
and later in Montville, where he died May 2, 1880.
(2) Almira, born, June 8, 1804, died Oct. 4, 1805.
(3) Caroline M., born May 4, 1806, married Capt.
Daniel Lovett, and resided in what is now Sprague.
(4) Duane, born Aug. 8, 1808, was a school teacher,
and lost his life by drowning June 13, 1830. (5)
Calvin Barstow, born May 11, 1810, married Mary
Tyler, and resided in Scotland, Conn. He was a
physician, and was prominent in public affairs, hold-
ing a number of offices, among them being that of
State Senator. (6) Sanford S., born March 11,
181 2, was a stonecutter and brickmason, in Lisbon,
where he died July 17, 1870. He was town clerk
for seventeen years, and also held the offices of se-
lectman and school visitor, and was representative
to the Legislature two years. He and his wife,
Rebecca Rose, of Lisbon, had one son, George G.,
now a well known citizen of Lisbon. (7) Elizabeth,
born Feb. 8, 1814, married Christopher Browning,
a farmer, and resided in what is now Sprague. (8)
Ezekiel, born April 20, 1816. was first a farmer,
and later a successful merchant of New York. His
first wife was Lydia Bottum. and his second a lady
of Rhode Island, in which State he died. (9) Lucy
Ann, born July 18, 1818, married John Gager. one
of the largest and most successful farmers of Wind-
ham county, and resided in Scotland, Conn., where
she died. (10) Gurdon Chapman, born Aug. 2^,.
1820, was a school teacher in early life, and died
unmarried. (11) Charles Jewett was born Dee.
20, 1822. All of the children of Barstow Bromley
who lived to mature years engaged at some period
of their lives in school teaching.
Charles Jewett Bromley, youngest of the eleven
children of Barstow Bromley, was born in the old
home in Lisbon, and received a common school edu-
cation. For a few years he taught school, devot-
ing his spare time to work on a farm. Later, in
connection with farming, he took up butchering,
but alter a few years gave his entire time to ;^n-
cultural labors. After the death of his father he
came into possession of the home farm, by buying
out the interests of the other heirs, and in' addition
to general farming he paid considerable attention
to the growing of fine fruits and berries, finding
this line most profitable. Fortune smiled upon him,
and at his death he left a goodly property to he di
vided among his descendants. 1 1 is death occurred
Oct. 28, 1895, and his remains rest in the Ames
cemetery. In his political faith he followed the
teachings of his father, and cast his ballot in sup-
port of the men and measures of the Democratic
party. Like all his family he believed it the duty
of every citizen to do his part in the management
of public affairs, and was never known to shirk
any responsibility placed upon him. no matter how
it interfered with his personal business or pleasure.
He held a number of offices, being for years a mem-
ber of the board of selectmen, part of the time serv-
ing as chairman of the board. In 1880 be repre-
sented his town in the State Legislature. For over
thirty years he was a member of the school board.
( )n Sept. 4, 1853, he was united in marriage with
Sarah J. Thompson, of Lisbon, daughter of Edward
D. and Lydia (Kingsley) Thompson. She died
Jan. 14, 1884, aged forty-eight years, the mother of
the following family: (1) Lizzie S., who now re-
sides in Washington, R. I., married ( first ) Levi
Branch, and (second) Warren Green. (2) Edward
Barstow, of Norwich, married Isahelle Harrows.
(3) Charles T. married Harriet West, and died in
Norwich. (4) Arthur J., a commercial traveler, re-
siding in Providence, R. I., married Harriet Bar-
rows, and has six children. (5) John Gager is
mentioned below. (6) Jennie M. was accidentally
killed at the age of five years. (7) Harriet L. mar-
ried Arba Browning, of Griswold. (8) Calvin
Duane, born May 7, 1870, received an education in
the district school and Moody's Select School for
Boys at Mount Hermon, Mass. He resides on the
old home farm, and is engaged in farming and
teaching, having taught school in Lisbon continu-
ously for the past sixteen years. His political af-
filiation is with the Democratic party, and in 1893
he was elected tax collector, serving until 1897,
when he was elected town clerk and treasurer, an
office he yet holds. In 1002 he was the delegate
from Lisbon to the Constitutional Convention, and
in 1903 he was elected a representative to the State
Legislature, where he served on the committee on
Finance. In the latter election he overcame a good
Republican plurality, and received the largest ma-
jority ever given a candidate in the town. In spite
n\ the busy life he has led. he has not neglected
matters religious. Me is a member of Xewent Con-
gregational Church, and has served as superintend-
ent of the Sunday-school for a number of years, and
400
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
is a member of the Society's Committee, and treas-
urer of the Church and Society. On Dec. 20, 1893,
Calvin D. Bromley was married, in Lisbon, to Dora
1). Phillips, daughter of Thomas D. Phillips, of
Lisbon, and has three children, Mildred Irene, Cal-
vin D., Jr., and Theodore Phillips.
John Gager Bromley, the subject proper of this
sketch, was born in Lisbon Sept. 16, 1862, and was
educated thoroughly in farm labors. His literary
training was received in the district school. He re-
mained at home until his marriage, when he went
to Providence, and there he clerked in his brother's
grocery store. For two years he remained in Prov-
idence, part of the time in the employ of his brother,
and part of the time as a conductor on the street
railway. Returning to his native place in 1895, he
located on his present fine farm, which he after-
ward purchased, and has been since successfully en-
gaged in general farming. He is thoroughly familiar
with his work, and keeps well posted on all the
up-to-date methods. His land is all under cultiva-
tion, and the neat appearance of the buildings, and
the well tended fields, all attest the careful and
methodical farmer. For a time he was engaged to
some extent in dairying, but abandoned it, finding
general farming most profitable. His farm of 175
acres was formerly the property of I. S. Geer. Mr.
Bromley also owns the old Bromley homestead of
128 acres.
On Sept. 11, 1893, in Providence, R. I., John G.
Bromley was married to Susie Geer, who was born
in Griswold, Conn., a daughter of Sidney B. and
Eva (Wilcox) Geer, and a granddaughter of I. S.
Geer, former owner of the "Elm Hill Farm." Un-
like the majority of his family, Mr. Bromley is a
Republican in politics, but like them he is keenly
interested in public affairs and is well posted on
the current affairs of the day. Soon after he be-
came a voter he was elected assessor, and in 1891
was elected to the Legislature, where he served
most acceptably on the committees on Temperance
and on Sale of Lands. In 1893 he was re-elected,
and during the session that followed he held the
office of clerk of the committee on Constitutional
Amendments. Shortly after his return to Lisbon
from Providence he was elected tax collector, and
held that office two years. A number of years ago
he was elected to the board of selectmen for one
term, and in 1901 he was chosen first selectman, an
office he is now filling to the very great satisfaction
of his constituents. He is also chairman of the Re-
publican town committee, and wields much influ-
ence in the councils of his chosen party. It is char-
acteristic of Mr. Bromley that whatever he at-
tempts, he bends his whole energies to its successful
completion, and he labors conscientiously to do his
whole duty. His judgment and foresight are clear,
and his advice is fraught with wisdom and sound
common sense. His integrity is unquestioned, and
in every relation of life, public or private, his char-
acter is above reproach.
JOSHUA B. WHEELER was one of the lead-
ing citizens- of Colchester, where he was for many
years a prosperous merchant. He was born in
Wraterford, Conn., Nov. 27, 1798, son of Guv and
Mercy (Bolles) Wheeler.
Mr. Wheeler early in life began as a clerk in the
employ of John Turner, and later he married a
daughter of that gentleman. He continued with
Mr. Turner until the latter gave up mercantile bus-
iness, after which time Mr. Wheeler carried on the
establishment with marked success until he had ac-
quired a competence, and he retired from an active
life about a quarter of a century prior to his death,
which occurred April 17, 1882. He was buried in
Linwood cemetery, at Colchester, which place he
had named, and was one of its charter members. In
politics he was a Whig, later a Republican, and he
was very active in the affairs of the town, holding a
number of the minor offices, and in 1837-38 repre-
senting the town in the Legislature. He served as
postmaster at Colchester during the administration
of William Henry Harrison, and was appointed
deputy revenue assessor for the district by Presi-
dent Lincoln, holding this office until it was abol-
ished. In 1826 he joined Wooster Lodge, No. io,
A. F. & A. M., and the same year became a member
of Washington Commandery, No.^ 1, Knights Tem-
plar, becoming well known in Masonic circles
throughout the State. He erected the building in
which the lodge room is now located, in order that
the order might have a permanent and comfortable
home. He became a member of the Methodist
Church and was one of the prime movers in the es-
tablishing of the present church at Colchester, fur-
nishing the site and being one of the heaviest con-
tributors toward the support of the church, of which
he also served as a trustee and steward for many
years. All his life he was an upright Christian
man, who stood high in the esteem of all who
knew him.
On May 9. 1827, Mr. Wheeler was united in
marriage with Aurelia L. Turner, who was born
Jan. 10, 1805, in Colchester, daughter of John and
Sabra (Tinker) Turner. John Turner was the
wealthiest citizen of Colchester in his day, and early
in life was a prominent merchant, but later disposed
of his business in order to devote his entire time to
the management of his many other interests. Mrs.
Wheeler died Feb. 18, 1889. The following named
children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Wheeler : Erne-
line T.. widow of Rev. George R. Ransom, is men-
tioned more fully below ; William T. served in the
9th New York Regiment during the Civil war, and
died in New Jersey ; Fanny S. married William S.
Curtis, of Suffield.
REV. GEORGE REED RANSOM was a na-
tive of Norwich, Conn., and when a young man
came to Colchester, where he was employed as a
clerk, and later engaged in the mercantile business,
first in Colchester, and afterward in Norwich. He
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
401
began studying for the ministry, and was ordained
in 1871 into the Congregational Church. For seven
years he was acting pastor of the church at Web-
ster City, Iowa; was at Waverly, Iowa, for six
years; and Lawn Ridge, 111., for six years. Return-
ing to Connecticut, he soon afterward responded to
a special call to supply the Congregational church at
Niantic, where he remained for a time. Then fail-
ing health made this learned and most excellent man
seek rest and a change of climate, and he spent each
winter at the famous resort, Southern Pines, North
Carolina.
Always seeking to carry the message of the
Gospel, while in Southern Pines he organized a
church, which was recognized by the council in
1897, and by his untiring efforts he succeeded in
erecting a nice edifice, living to see it dedicated and
free of debt. During- all of his stav there he offi-
ciated as its pastor, and he died there in its service
on March 28, 1900. at the age of sixty-three years.
His death was deeply mourned by a very wide
circle of sorrowing friends who knew and appre-
ciated his many virtues. The remains were con-
veyed to his home at Colchester and interred in the
beautiful Linwood cemetery. Mr. Ransom had ac-
complished more than most men in the way of ben-
efiting his fellowmen. for he never let pass an oppor-
tunity of doing good, and always tried to better the
condition of those in sorrow, weakness of either
physical or moral nature, and despair, and he was
deeply beloved by all who had the honor of knowing
him.
DAVIS. The family of this name has been
resident of Connecticut for two hundred years.
(I) John Davis, the progenitor of the branch of
the family now found in Stonington, Conn., was
born in England in 161 2. His wife died in East
Hampton, L. I., Dec. 17, 1696, and he died there
Dec. 22, 1705, aged ninety-three years. Their chil-
dren were : John, Hannah, Thomas and Maryette.
(II) Thomas Davis, son of John, was born in
1686. On Jan. 11, 1722, he married Abigail Par-
sons, and their two children were: John, born
March 4, 1723; and Abigail, born April 26, 1725.
(III) John Davis, son of Thomas, was born at
East Hampton, L. I., March 4, 1723. He was a
farmer by occupation, and he also carried on an
extensive business in the manufacture of leather and
in shoemaking. In 1765 he rented a farm on the
west bank of the Pawcatuck river, in Stonington.
which he later purchased, putting his son John in
charge of it. This farm was owned by Robert Stan-
ton, and Mr. Davis became its owner in 1772. since
which time it has been handed down from father to
son, and is now occupied by |bhn J. and Alphonso
W. Davis.
The old mansion house, with its spacious fire-
place in the dining-room, and its hand-carved solid
mahogany staircase, is still in good preservation. It
stands near Osbrook Grove, which -lopes to the
26
water, and lends its euphonious name to the place.
No one knows exactly when this house was built,
but it is supposed to have been erected some time
about 1670 1>\ Thomas Stanton, first, the original
Indian interpreter; at any rate, it w;i> a grand man-
sion for the time in which it was built, and it is now
in so remarkable a state of preservation, both inside
and out, that it is difficult to realize its antiquity.
The massive timbers used in the frame and the
original coverings of shingles, three feet in length.
are still intact. The rooms are very large and elabo-
rately wainscoted. In one corner of the east room,
or parlor, is a large niche, or buffet, hand carved at
the top like a fluted shell, with closed doors below.
This contains quaint shelves where can he seen old-
time china. The front staircase railing, hand carved
of solid mahogany, was brought from England, and
one of the panels in the side of the stairway is six
feet long. The hall is wainscoted in broad panels,
and all the rooms have deep cornice and corner-
posts. The west great room, nineteen by twenty
feet, has the cupboard over the fireplace, with
glass doors, through which can be seen the blue and
white crockery, while on the high mantel in the
long kitchen rest the glass, brass and iron candle
sticks, the pink and blue plates, and platters for
fish with separate china drains upon which the fish
rests. This room has the original fireplace of by-
gone days, nearly eight feet in length and corre-
spondingly deep, with the crane from which hang
the ancient trammels for the pots and kettles. The
large brick oven at the end reminds one of the
quantities of good things drawn from its capacious
depths during the years this house has sheltered so
many generations.
After John Davis purchased this old home he
carried on his business as cordwainer and shoe-
maker in connection with his farming. In April,
1784, he returned to East Hampton. L. I., that he
might send his children to the Clinton Academy. He
married (first), Dec. 31, 1744. Catharine Talmage,
who died April 1.1, 1759, the mother of eight chil-
dren: Catharine, born March 13. 1740; John, born
Jan. 20, 174S; Benjamin, born Jan. 4. 1750 (died
young); Thomas, born Nov. 2~. 1751: Benjamin
(j). horn May 15, 1754: Enos, born Oct. 14. 1755:
and Catharine and Abigail, twins, born April 5.
1758. Mr. Davis married for his second wife Mary
Conklin, of East Hampton, who after his death.
Dec. 15, [798, returned to Stonington to live with,
her stepson John, and upon his death, in [809, she
went to live with another stepson, Thomas, in Pres-
ton, and there she died Jan. [8, 1S14. The chil-
dren horn of the second marriage were: Mary,
horn April 27, 1763, who died April 6, 1852: Dr.
Samuel, born Oct. 7. 1765 ; Abigail, horn Jan. 15,
1707; Rev. Henry, born Sept. 15. 1771 : and Benja-
min, horn Feb. <k \~~A-
(IV) John Davis 1 _■ 1 . -. .11 of John, was born
Ian. _'<>. 1 74S. and resided in Stonington at the old
homestead until his death, March 31. iS<><). ( )n Nov.
402
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
14, 1773. he married Abigail, daughter of Daniel
Baker, of East Hampton, "and their children were:
John (3), born Sept. 19, 1776, married Sally Stan-
ton; Abigail, born Oct. 12, 1778, married Lemuel
Palmer ; Daniel, born March 6, 1783, married Mary
Robinson; Maria, born Oct. 16, 1786, married Ben-
jamin F. Stanton ; and Nancy, born June 13, 1793,
married Elias Stanton.
(IV) Thomas Davis, son of John, was born
Nov. 27, 1 75 1. He and his brother Enos lived on
the homestead in Stonington until 1802, when they
purchased the Jonathan Brewster farm in Preston.
He engaged in the manufacture of leather and shoe-
making in connection with farming. On Dec. 25,
1780, he married Mary Conklin, and he died Jan.
23, 1831. His children were: Thomas, born Sept.
21, 1781, who married, April 4, 1813, Mary, daugh-
ter of Peleg and Lucretia (Billings) Shaw, of
Westerly, R. I.; Mary, born July 12, 1784; Henry,
born Aug. 26, 1788; Dudley, born March 18, 1795;
Julia, born Aug. 24, 1797 ; and Clarissa, born March
29, 1803.
(IV) Enos Davis, son of John, was born Oct.
14. 1755, and died May 31, 1837. In 1792 he married
Phebe Mulford, and he married (second) Mrs. Lois
(Palmer) Perkins, of Groton. His children were:
Phebe Mulford, born in 1793, married Jason Rog-
ers; Jeremiah, born Oct. 1, 1795, married Harriet
Sydleman; Huldah, born Aug. 15, 1799, married
George A. Sydleman; and Fanny, born Sept. 12,
1802, became the second wife of George A. Sydle-
man.
(V) John Davis (3), son of John (2), was
born Sept. 19, 1776. On Feb. 27, 1804, he married
Sally, daughter of William and Sarah (Breed)
Stanton, of Stonington, and a descendant in direct
line of Thomas Stanton, the celebrated Indian in-
terpreter, who came to America from England in
1636. She died Sept. 6, 1861, and he passed away
April 21, 1864. They were the parents of six chil-
dren: Clarissa, born June 18, 1806, married, March
10, 1857, James Green; John, born April 11, 1808,
married, Dec. 22, 1851, Phebe M., daughter of Jere-
miah Davis, and died April 9, 1884; Abigail, born
April 6, 1810, married, Nov. 25, 1830, Thomas W.
Robinson; Sarah \vas born Dec. 15, 1813; Mary,
born May 29, 1814, married, Jan. 14, 1839, Oliver
D. Cole; and Thomas William, born June II, 1818,
married, March 14, 1842, Susan Davis.
(AT) John Davis (4), son of John (3), born
April 11, 1808, died April 9, 1884. On Dec. 22,
1 85 1, he married Phebe Mulford Davis, daughter
of Jeremiah and Harriet (Sydleman) Davis, of
Norwich, Conn., and granddaughter of Enos and
Phebe (Mulford) Davis. Their children] were:
John Jeremiah, born Jan. 16, 1854; Sarah Maria,
born Feb. 23, 1856; and Alphonso Whitman, born
Feb. 20, 1 86 1. John Davis (4) succeeded to the
ownership of that part of the ancestral estate that
had been owned and occupied by his father for
more than half a century. From early manhood he
had been a humble and consistent Christian, and fo
many years a member of the Congregational Churc
at Westerly, R. I. His daily life and conversatio
bore witness to the truth and sincerity of his pre
fession. He delighted to minister to the wants c
those whose individual necessities appealed to hi
generous sympathy, and he gave willingly for chai
itable and benevolent purposes, demonstrating th
truth of the Divine utterance, "It is more blesses
to give than to receive." Being himself the soul c
honor, he looked for the same quality in others, an
was unwilling to impute dishonesty or deceit t
any one. Quiet and unassuming in his ways, hi
manifest goodness and geniality attracted eve:
strangers to him. He always had a smile and en
couraging word for the troubled and despondent
and he was never happier than when doing or plan
ning1 something to contribute to the pleasure c
others. He was an affectionate and indulgent hus
band and father, a kind neighbor, and in the lar
guage of one who knew him well — "a good man.
In the evening of life, with his work on earth we
done, he entered into rest. Rev. A. H. Wilco>
sometime pastor of the church at Westerly, pays th
following tribute to his memory : "My memory c
Mr. Davis is perfectly fresh and distinct, and wi
continue to be so as long as I live. I can see his
now, just as he looked on a bright Sabbath morn in j
as he drove up to the steps of the church, a hal
and strong man, with the color of health in hi
cheeks, and his whole countenance beaming wit
an expression of hearty good will to all around,
remember distinctly his readiness to converse o
religious subjects, and especially on any subje<
connected with the promotion of more Christia
feeling among church members, and my memor
would be deficient, indeed, if I failed to remembt
that no one ever gave me a more kindly welcome t
his home, or pressed upon me a more cordial ho;
pitality. In a word, if all our New England farn
could be be tilled by such men as he was, 01
New England churches would be full to ovei
flowing, and instead of modern vices and irreligic
we should have again the sterling virtues and piel
of former days."
(VII) Alphonso Whitman Davis, son of Joli
(4), was born Feb. 20, 1861. On Sept. 29, 189
by Rev. J. D. Herr, D. D., he was married 1
Miss Ida May Palmer, of Norwich, daughter (
Henry J. Palmer. They have two children : Job
Lawrence, born Dec. 3, 1898; and Marcia Louis
born Oct. 7, 1900.
(VII) John Jeremiah Davis, son of John (4
was born Jan. 16, 1854. On Dec. 7, 1898, by Re
William C. Styles, he was married to Miss Eliz;
beth Hamilton, of Stonington borough. Their 01
daughter, Florence Elizabeth, died in infancy.
(VII) Sarah Maria Davis, only daughter (
John (4), is unmarried. She belongs to the Anr
Warner Bailey Chapter, D. A. R., of Groton an
Stonington.
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
4<>3
1 VI) Thomas William Davis, son of John (3),
was born June 11, 1818. He was a farmer all his
life and resided upon that portion of the old home-
stead that belonged to his uncle, Daniel Davis, and
which subsequently became his by purchase. He was
a man of irreproachable character, and was highly
esteemed in the community where he lived all his
life. He died Aug. 21, 1894. On March 14, 1842,
he married Susan, daughter of Oliver and Nancy
(Cole) Davis, and a descendant of William White,
who came over in the "Mayflower." She died at
Stonington Feb. 7, 1882, and of her Rev. Frederick
Denison, who had been her pastor, said, " I remem-
ber Mrs. Davis well as a model wife and mother,
and hers was a modest, active, faithful and loving
life." Ten children were born to Mr. and Mrs.
Davis: William Dudley, born Feb. II, 1843, died
Nov. 30, 1866; Oliver, born Nov. 15, 1844, died
Sept. 2J, 1846; John H., born Nov. 19, 1846, died
Jan. 13, 1847; Jonn Daniel was born Dec. 28, 1848;
Edward Sands, born June 11, 1850, died May 20,
1902; Mary Jane, born April 10, 1854, died Feb. 18,
1890; Charles Smith, born Jan. 30, 1856, died Nov.
6, 1899 ; Frederick Prentice, born Nov. 28, 1858,
married Nellie Robinson (their child. Joseph Will-
iam Davis, born Sept. 21, 1898, died Aug. 30,
1900) ; Annie Elizabeth, born Dec. 8, 1861, died
March 6, 1889; and Walter Howard, born Aug. 15,
1865, has been captain of the life saving service at
Watch Hill. R. I., for many years; he married
Clara Eldred.
(VII) Charles Smith Davis, son of Thomas
William, born Jan. 30, 1856, was married, June
11. 1885, to Grace Chamberlayne Loveridge, daugh-
ter of Edward Daniel Loveridge, of Cuba, N. Y.
In his young manhood, in 1877, Mr. Davis went to
Cuba, N. Y., and began his business career as a
clerk in the Cuba National Bank, and with the ex-
ception of one year he continued as an employe
of that bank until his death. In February, 1883, he
became cashier, and in 1896 he was unanimously
elected its president. He was a thorough business
man, and while he succeeded in his own behalf his
greatest financial success was in his handling of
vast sums intrusted to his care by others. His
charitable acts were wholly without ostentation,
and were well guarded by a dignified and quiet re-
serve that to the stranger made him seem a little
inaccessible. To friends and acquaintances his cor-
diality was complete, and with the needy a plain
honest statement of the case was all that was neces-
sary. His judgment was clear, strong and practical.
His convictions were of a fixed quantity, and as a
result his business record was one of fidelity to duty,
and of honor alike to himself, his family and the
people he served.
CHARLES HENRY KINNE, Ph. D.. who
passed away March 31, 1899, in Providence, R. I.,
was one of the best scholars Norwich ever had
honor to claim, and his death cut short a most prom-
ising career. He was descended on both sides from
old ( Colonial ancestry.
(. harles R. Kinne, his father, was a jeweler by
trade, but in his later years he followed mechanical
work. He was born in Norwich in 1816, and lost
his life Oct. 3, 1883, being struck by a train on his
way to the factory from his home. He married
Charlotte B. Roath, a native of Preston, and daugh-
ter of Nathan and Elizabeth (Sholes) Roath. The
family income was small, the father working by the
day, and the parents (particularly the mother, from
whom he inherited many sterling traits) deserve
great credit for the son being enabled to attend col-
lege, and to acquire the education he so earnestly de-
sired. Charles Henry was the only child born to
Charles R. Kinne and his wife.
Charles Henry Kinne was born on the corner
of Eighth street and Central avenue, in what was
then Greeneville, Feb. 4, 1857. and four years later
entered the public school. The following year his
parents removed to Preston, and he attended school
there for two years, when the family returned to
Norwich for a year, thence going back to Preston,
where they remained three years. Finally they re-
turned to Norwich, when young Charles was twelve
years old, and he entered the Broadway school in
April, and in June, two years later, had completed
the three years' course. During the time he was in
attendance at the Broadway school, he worked at
various occupations in order to obtain the requisite
money for further schooling. In September, 1871,
he entered the Norwich Free Academy, and in his
junior year he received the Newton Perkins medal
for declamation, and in the year of his graduation
(1875) he received the Newton Perkins medal for
Latin. As a classical scholar he led his class. He
entered Brown University the same year, and grad-
uated therefrom in 1879. For one season following
his graduation he taught school in 1'reston. and in
1880 he became a teacher in the Free Academy un-
der Prof. Hutchinson, remaining there until 1884.
In July, of that year he went to Germany, to study
the modern languages, and was a student at Bonn,
Berlin, Paris and Geneva from 1884 to 1886. In
1887 he became a teacher of modern languages in
the Hill school, kept by Dr. Meigs, at Pottstown,
Pennsylvania.
On July 25, 1887, Mr. Kinne was married to
Miss Mary A. Huntington, of Providence. R. I., a
cultured lady who survives him. The day follow-
ing their marriage Mr. Kinne and his bride sailed
for Paris. After a year's Study at Paris and Berlin,
Mr. Kinne entered the University of Strasbnrg,
receiving the degree of Doctor of Philosophy from
that university in 1890. From [890 to 180J Dr.
Kinne was professor of modern languages in the
Pennsylvania State College, resigning this position
to become a fellow in Romance languages at the
University of Chicago in 1892-93, and instructor of
Romance at the same university in 1893-94. In
[894 he was obliged by ill health to leave Chicago,
404
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
and he spent the winter of 1894-95 in Cuba studying
Spanish. In October, 1895, he was appointed in-
structor of modern languages at the New Hamp-
shire College of Agriculture and Mechanical Arts
at Durham, N. H., and continued in that position
• until compelled by ill health to relinquish it, in
1898. For many months he struggled with heroism,
patience, uncomplaining endurance and hope against
insidious disease. The faculty of the college with
which he was last connected said : "Those who knew
him most intimately understood best the rare in-
tegrity of his thought, the constant kindliness and
gentleness of his feeling. The students who have
been under his instruction gained from his person-
ality even more than from his teaching. In the
meetings of the Faculty, his opinions were rarely
volunteered, and never hastily given ; but once given
they were marked by a judicious fairness which in-
dicated a minute and comprehensive survey of the
matter in hand. Here also trie grace of his char-
acter gave him a strong, though unobtrusive, in-
fluence. Scholar, teacher, associate, friend, he was
all, and first of all, the Christian gentleman."
Mr. Kinne united with the Central Baptist
Church at the age of eighteen years, during the pas-
torate of Rev. John Davies, and through life was a
consistent attendant of church. A Republican in
politics, his interests in politics ended with his cast-
ing his ballot. The only fraternal organization with
which he was connected was the Delta Upsilon So-
ciety at Brown. His was a pure and noble life, his
success being well merited. His remains rest in
the family lot in Yantic cemetery, Norwich. Mrs.
Kinne resides at her old home in Providence, and
Mr. Kinne's mother makes her home in Norwich.
FRANKLIN STARR JEROME, President of
the First National Bank, and of the Thames Loan
and Trust Company, of Norwich, and Treasurer of
the United States Finishing Company, is one of the
best known men in business and financial circles in
that city. Mr. Jerome descends from an old New
London county family, whose ancestral history ap-
pears elsewhere in this volume.
He was born Oct. 6, 1870, in Montville, Conn.,
son of Henry G. and Eliza Holt (Starr) Jerome,
and spent the earlier part of his school days in Nor-
wich, where his parents then resided. Later the
family returned to Montville. He attended a high
school at Uncasville. He next entered Eastman's
Business College at Poughkeepsie, N. Y., and grad-
uated from there in February, 1888. Returning
home the following June, he was engaged as an
extra clerk in the First National Bank at Norwich',
and remained there until the extra work caused by
the vacations of the different clerks was done, and
he was then employed in a like capacity for one
month in the Uncas National Bank. In October,
1888, he was offered a position as clerk in the Sec-
ond National Bank, and he remained there until
May, 1889, when he accepted the position of dis-
count clerk in the First National Bank. On Jan.
11, 1897, he was advanced to the position of as-
sistant cashier, and on Jan. 16, 1899, ne was elected
cashier. He became a director Jan. 8, 1900, and
on Feb. 25, 1901, he was elected vice-president, and
he acted as vice-president and cashier until Jan. 12,
1903, when he was elected president, which office he
now holds. On Jan. 14, 1902, he was elected presi-
dent of the Second National Bank, and held that
office until the charter expired, Feb. 24, 1903, and
the bank was liquidated. On February 10, 1903, Mr.
Jerome was chosen president of the Thames Loan
& Trust Company, which succeeded the Second Na-
tional Bank. In January, 1902, he was chosen vice-
president of the Pawcatuck National Bank, of West-
erly, R. I., whi di office he still holds. In June, 1898,
he was elected a trustee of the Norwich Savings So-
ciety, being the youngest member of the board at
that time. In 1903 he was elected a director of the
Equitable National Bank of New York. Mr. Jerome
is treasurer of the United States Finishing Com-
pany, also a director of several manufacturing cor-
porations, president of the Isham Company of
Groton, and treasurer of The Assawaga Company of
Killingly. It seems almost incredible that these
high positions of responsibility are held by so
young a man ; he is the youngest bank president in
the State, and is regarded as a reliable authority on
financial questions. Whatever success he has at-
tained is but the just reward of his own worth.
On Oct. 10, 1894, Franklin Starr Jerome was
married to Katherine S. D. Douglas, who was born
in Indianapolis, Ind., daughter of Frank D. and
Anna (Campbell) Douglas, the former of whom
was superintendent of agencies for the Connecticut
Mutual Life Insurance Company, and died in Hart-
ford, Conn. After his death his widow and daugh-
ter moved to Norwich, where they have since re-
sided. Mr. and Mrs. Jerome have one child, Louise
Douglas, born Oct. 9, 1900. In his political faith
Mr. Jerome is a Republican. Socially he is a mem-
ber of the Norwich Club. Both he and his wife are
members of the Park Congregational Church. He
is a pleasant, courteous man, easily approached, and
is highly respected by his business associates and a
great favorite with his friends. The family is prom-
inent in social circles.
RICHARD RAYMOND (deceased), during
his lifetime one of the representative farmers of
Montville, was descended from a family prominent
among the early settlers in New England, many of
whose members have attained 'distinction. He was
of the eighth generation in direct line from Rich-
ard Raymond, the emigrant ancestor.
(I) Richard Raymond, ancestor of the large
family of Raymonds who have been residents of
Montville and influential citizens since its earliest
settlement, is first heard of in Salem, Mass., where
he and his wife, Judith, are recorded as church
members in 1634. In the same year he was made a
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
40S
freeman of Salem, the name being- then spelled
""Rayment." About 1650 Richard Raymond and
his sons appear to have left Salem, settling at dif-
ferent places along the shore of Long Island. The
father settled at Xorwalk previous to 1654, after-
ward moving to Saybrook, where he died in 1692.
His children, all born between the years 1635 ancl
1653, were as follows: (1) John, who married
Mary Betts; (2) Bathsheba ; (3) Joshua, who mar-
ried Elizabeth Smith; (4) Lemuel; (5) Hannah,
Avho married Oliver Manwaring; (6) Samuel, who
married Mary Smith, and settled in Xew London,
where he died in 1705, leaving a large estate; (7)
Richard; (8) Elizabeth; and (9) Daniel, who mar-
ried (first) Elizabeth Harris, and (second) Re-
becca Day.
(II) Joshua Raymond, second son of Richard
and Judith Raymond, oaptized March 3, 1639, mar-
ried, Dec. 10, 1659, Elizabeth, daughter of Nehe-
miah and Ann (Bourn) Smith. He settled in New
London, where was one of the first purchasers of
land in the North Parish, now Montville. For a
time he lived on this land, on which he built a
mansion, afterward owned and occupied by his son,
Joshua. He took an active part in the Pequot war,
and was appointed by the Council commissary of
the Colonial troops. Only a short time before his
death he had an order for supplying a vessel bound
from New London to the Barbadoes with provisions
for the troops. He was also one of the committee
appointed to survey and lay out a road between
New London and Norwich, through the Indian
lands now included in the town of Montville. This
road was afterward a turnpike — the first to be in-
corporated in the United States. For his services
in connection with the laying out of this road Mr.
Raymond received a grant of land in Mohegan,
on which he built a residence. His death, which
occurred April 24, 1676, was due to the effects of
a wound received in the great swamp fight with
the Narragansetts, Dec. 19, 1675. His widow mar-
ried, Jan. 26, 1681, George Dennis, of Long Island,
and died May 1, 171 2, at the age of seventy-one.
The children of Joshua and Elizabeth (Smith) Ray-
mond, all born between the years 1660 and 1675,
were as follows : ( 1 ) Joshua, who married Mercy
Sands; (2) Elizabeth, who married David Rich-
ards; (3) Ann; (4) Hannah, who married Thomas
Avery; (5) Mary, who married John Chandler;
(6) Experience, who died young; and (7) Mehit-
able. who also died young.
(III) Joshua Raymond (2), eldest child of
Joshua and Elizabeth (Smith) Raymond, born
Sept. 18, 1660, married, April 29, 1683, Mercy,
daughter of James Sands, of Block Island. Mr.
Raymond's business was in New London, but his
family resided on Block Island. He was necessarily
much absent from his home, the care and manage-
ment of which thus devolved largely upon his wife,
a woman of great energy and executive ability. In
1704 Joshua Raymond died at his Block Island home.
and soon afterward his widow, with her children,
moved to the North Parish of Xew London. By his
will Joshua Raymond left to his son Joshua "the
homestead at Block Island, 100 sheep, twenty cat-
tle, a team and cart," also "his father's homestead
farm in Xew London in the Mohegan field>." The
executors named were Capt. John Sands and Major
John Merritt, of Xew York. With the assistance
of the latter the widow bought a tract of land
of about 1,500 acres, in what is now Montville,
building a home on what came to be known as
Raymond Hill, in which she lived with her son
Joshua. The land on which the first church in
Montville was built was given by Mrs. Raymond
and Major Merritt, and both the former and her
son, Joshua, were liberal supporters of the church
which was there organized. Mrs. Raymond died
while visiting friends at Lyme. Conn., May 3, 1741,
aged seventy-eight years. She is buried in the
stone church near Lyme. The births of the chil-
dren of Joshua and Mercy (Sands) Raymond are
recorded in the town records of Xew Shoreham,
Block Island. These children, all born between
the years 1684 and 1697, were as follows: (1)
Sands, who settled on a farm in Montville, given
him by his mother; (2) Elizabeth; (3) Mary, who
married Jonathan Rogers; (4) Caleb; (5) Ann,
who married William Whiting; and (6) Joshua,
who married (first) Elizabeth Christophers, and
(second) Sarah Lynde.
(IV) Joshua Raymond (3), youngest child of
Joshua and Mercy (Sands) Raymond, born Jan.
20, 1697, married (first) Aug. 3, 1719. Elizabeth,
daughter of John and Elizabeth (Mulford) Christo-
phers. They settled in Montville, where Mr. Ray-
mond was active in town and church, holding of-
fices of trust in both. He was for several years
the chosen representative of his town in the Gen-
eral Assembly of the State, and was a justice of the
peace for Xew London county from 1738 to 1743.
In 1738 he was commissioned lieutenant of the
Third Company in Xew London. He and his wife
united with the church in the Xorth Parish, July
12. 1724. and in 1740 he was chosen deacon, an
office he filled with faithfulness until his death.
His first wife died at the age of thirty. May 12,
1730, and he married (second), Nov. 2^, 1730,
Sarah Lynde, of Saybrook. lie died Nov. 12,
1763, his wife surviving until Oct. it). 1771. when
she died at the age of seventy-five. His children,
all born between the years 1720 and 1721). were as
follows: (1) Elizabeth, who married Oliver llaz-
zard ; (2) Mercy, who married Thomas Williams:
(3) Joshua, who married Lucy Jewett ; (4) John,
who married Elizabeth Griswold; (5) Edward, who
married Sarah Douglas; and (6) Christopher, who
married Eleanor Fitch.
( V ) John Raymond, second son oi Joshua and
Elizabeth (Christophers) Raymond, born Jan. iK,
1725. married, in 1747. Elizabeth Griswold. She
was born July 16. 1728, daughter of Rev. George
406
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
Griswold, of Lyme, and his first wife, Hannah
Lynde. John Raymond owned and occupied the
old Raymond homestead near the head of
Haughton's Cove. He was a military man,
serving as lieutenant under Col. Whiting in
the French and Indian war. In November,
1756, he was stationed at Fort Edward, and
from there sent to his friends letters written
on birch bark and wrapped in brown paper. His
wife died of smallpox, Jan. 16, 1779, and he lived
until May 7, 1789. Their children, all born in
Montville, between the years 1748 and 1772, were
as follows : ( 1 ) John, who married Mercy Ray-
mond ; (2) William, a bachelor, who was a soldier
in the Revolutionary war, taken prisoner and
whipped to death at Halifax; (3) Elizabeth, who
married Joshua West ; (4) Hannah, who never
married; (5) Mary, who married Joshua Raymond;
(6) Nathaniel L., who married Louisa Raymond;
(7) Anna, who married (first) Capt. Stephen Bill-
ings, and (second) George Dennis; (8) Eunice,
who married Henry D. Bolles ; (9) Eleanor, who
married John Manwaring; (10) George, who mar-
ried Martha Smith; and (11) Sarah, who married
Daniel Baker.
(VI) John Raymond (2), eldest child of John
and Elizabeth (Griswold) Raymond, born Jan. 7,
1748, married, May 26, 1774, his first cousin, Mercy
Raymond, daughter of Joshua and Lucy (Jewett)
Raymond. They settled on a farm in Montville,
next east to the Congregational church, afterward
owned by John G. Hillhouse. John Raymond was
the first town clerk of Montville, holding the office
sixteen years. He died in Montville, March 30,
1828, and his wife passed away June 30, 1833. Their
children, all born in Montville, were as follows: (1)
Jewett, born Feb. 17, 1775, who died young; (2)
William, born May 3, 1778, who married Elizabeth
Manwaring; (3) Nathan, born July 11, 1781, who
married, April 3, 1802, Hannah Sistare, of New
London (he was sheriff of New London county, and
died in May, 1832, leaving three children) ; and (4)
Mary, twin sister of Nathan, born July 11, 1781,
who died unmarried April 4, 1828.
(VII) William Raymond, second son of John
and Mercy (Raymond) Raymond, born Mav 3,
1778, married, June 22, 1800, Elizabeth Manwaring,
who was born June 22. 1778, daughter of Deacon
Robert and Elizabeth (Rogers) Manwaring. Will-
iam Raymond was a farmer, and owned the farm
formerly the property of Rev. James Hillhouse.
He was a large man, of commanding appearance,
was much interested in public affairs, and held
many positions of trust and responsibility in the
town. In 1828 he represented his town in the
State General Assembly. He died July 27, 1842,
and his wife survived him until May 7, 1854. Their
children, all born in Montville, were as follows : ( 1 )
Mercy, born May 21, 1802, married, April 22,
1833. John Raymond, who was born Sept. 19,
1785, son of Nathaniel L. and Louisa (Raymond)
Raymond, of Montville. In early life John Ray-
mond was a ship carpenter, but later he settled
down to farming in Salem, Conn., where he and
his wife both lived to an advanced age. (2) Will-
iam, born April 21, 1806, married, July 5, 1829,
Eunice Raymond, daughter of George and Martha
(Smith) Raymond. He was a farmer and lived
in Montville, on a farm which was the west half of
his father's property. He died April 9, 1882, his
wife having passed away Feb. 5, 1880. Their chil-
dren were Elizabeth M., Eunice Ann, Adelaide L.,
and Lucy. (3) Richard, born May 24, 181 1, mar-
ried Julia Ann Gardner.
(VIII) Richard Raymond, youngest child of
William and Elizabeth (Manwaring) Raymond,
was born May 24, 181 1, in Montville. He became
a farmer, and settled in Montville on the east half
of his father's farm, formerly owned and occupied
by Rev. James Hillhouse. Here he lived all his
life, with the exception of the first year after his
marriage, when he leased the farm now the resi-
dence of A. A. Parker. In 1857 he built the home
which is now the residence of his son, Richard
Henry. He was an old-line Whig, becoming later
a Republican, and held several town offices, for
a number of years being a member of the school
committee. He was a man of medium height,,
rather spare in build, and of a jovial, good-natured
disposition. Of strict habits, he never allowed any
unnecessary work to be done on Sunday, and al-
though not a church member he was a liberal sup-
porter of all religious work, and a true Christian.
He was a man of great energy and industry, and
was held in high esteem by all who knew him. He
passed away Nov. 30, 1878, at the age of sixty-
seven, his wife surviving him until May 18, 1896,.
when she died at the old homestead in Montville.
Richard Raymond married, about 1836, Julia
Ann Gardner, who was born July 9, 1818, daugh-
ter of Deacon Erastus and Anna C. (Rogers) Gard-
ner. Their children, all born in Montville, were
as follows: (1) Robert Manwaring, born Feb. 10,
J837, was twice married, first to Lydia Babcock,
and both his wives are deceased. He became the
father of two children, and is now living in Nor-
wich. (2) Frances Ann, born Dec. 13, 1839, mar-
ried David Chester Comstock, of Montville, and
died Nov. 2, 1874, leaving four children. (3) Mercy
Elizabeth, born Nov. 29, 1841, married John Man-
waring, of Norwich, and was the mother of five
children. (4) Julia, born July 10, 1844, married
John Raymond Douglass, of Waterford. They
live at present in Salem, Conn. (5) Richard Henry
was born Dec. 11, 1847. (6) William, born Jan.
10, 1850, married Edith Gates. They had no chil-
dren, and he now makes his home with his sister,
Mrs. Douglass, of Waterford. (7) Sherwood and
(8) Sarah, twins, were born Aug. 19, 1853. The
former married Betsey Gardner, of Norwich, where
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
407
they reside, his business being farming and dairy-
ing. They have two sons. Sarah died March 28,
l&55- (9) John, horn April I, 1855, died Sept. 24,
1857-
JOHNSON. From along in the early years
in the life of Norwich, and the region thereabouts,
the name of Johnson has been conspicuous in social
and business life. Through the greater part of the
nineteenth century the posterity of the late William
G. Johnson, of Montville, have been active and
prominent in the industrial circles of that town.
William G. Johnson and sons, Edwin C., Charles
S. and Henry C., together or in turn, have through
the period named established, fostered and devel-
oped one of the leading dye houses in this country,
and become known to manufacturers using such
articles all over the country, as well as in foreign
lands. Of this family Charles S. Johnson and his
sons, Edwin Comstock and Charles Amos Johnson
are representative citizens and substantial men of
the city of Norwich.
The first of the Johnson family to locate in New
London county was William Johnson, who was born
at Newport, R. I., in 1775. He came to New Lon-
don in young manhood, and located at Montville,
where on June 26, 1799, he wedded Nancy Leach,
daughter of John Leach, a prosperous farmer of
that locality. The children of this union were as
follows: William Gale, born April 3, 1800, died
Jan. 15, 1892; Robert, born July 1, 1801, died Aug.
2, 1859; Nicholas, born Feb. 6, 1803, died May 24,
1829; Nancy, born May 30, 1804, died Sept. 25,
1872; Thomas H., born July 23, 1807, died March
23, 1809; Charles S., born Sept. 11, 1810, died May
12, 1841 ; Sarah, born March 19, 1812, died Oct.
7, 1902; Mary, born Jan. 24, 1814, died June 7,
1868. Of these William Gale, born in New Lon-
don, is mentioned below. Robert was a prominent
citizen of Norwich, and was a trustee of the Otis
Library. Nancy married Edwin Comstock, of New
York. Sarah married Erastus Osgood. Mary mar-
ried Charles H. Van Scoy, of New York. William
Johnson, the father, entered into rest in 1820, and
was buried in Montville.
William Gale Johnson was born in New Lon-
don, Conn., and attended the public schools of his
native county. His early years were passed in work
on a farm, and he was but twenty years of age when
his father died. He then located' in Norwich and
clerked in a store for some time, later engaging in
business for himself. After his marriage, in 1824,
he went to South America, and locating in Buenos
Ayres became interested in a wholesale mercantile
business and ship chandlery, continuing thus for
ten years. In 1834 he returned to his native land,
and at Montville established the dye works which
have since been known as Johnson's Dye Works.
From the beginning until 187 1 William G. Johnson
conducted the business himself, and from that date
until 1886 it was run bv his sons, Edwin C. and
Charles S. In 1886 Mr. Johnson resumed control,
so continuing until his death, in [892. The works
were then purchased from the estate by Henrj I
Johnson. The dye woods, of which from 15.000 to
25,000 tons are used annually, arc imported from
llayti, Port de Paix, St. .Marc and Gonaives. The
output is about 100 barrels weekly, and about thirty
hands are employed.
William G. Johnson passed away Jan. 15, 1892,
and was buried in the New London cemetery. Po-
litically he was a stanch supporter of Democratic
principles and outspoken in advocacy of the men
and measures of his chosen faith. Fraternally he
was a member of Somerset Lodge, A. F. & A. M.,
of Norwich, into which he was initiated Aug. 30,
1824, together with the late Commodore Cornelius
Vanderbilt, of New York.
On Dec. 24, 1824, William G. Johnson was mar-
ried, by Rev. Alfred Mitchel, to Louisa Matthew-
son, who was born in Coventry Centre, R. I., a
daughter of Rufus and Mary (Bowen) Matthew-
son, descendants of well known Pomfret and Wood-
stock (Conn.) families. Mrs. Johnson died in Mont-
ville March 31, 1876, and was buried in New Lon-
don cemetery. She was a member of the Episco-
pal Church and a good Christian woman, devoted to
the best interests of her home and family. Nine
children were born to William G. Johnson and his
wife, as follows : Mary, born in Buenos Ayres, in
1825, died there ; Caroline, born Feb. 22, 1827. mar-
ried Samuel Townsend and died in Yicksburg,
Miss., when that city was bombarded in 1863 ; Nich-
olas W., born Aug. 10, 1830, was a sea captain and
later a banker at Des Moines, Iowa, where he died
in 1901 ; Louisa Matthewson, born Nov. 20, 1832,
married Robert H. Gardiner, and both are deceased
(their son Henry resides in Water ford) ; Andrew
T., born in Brooklyn, N. Y., March 10, 1834. was
captain of Company A, 13th Conn. V. I., and was
killed in Louisiana in 1862 ; Edwin Comstock, born
Aug. 29, 1837, resides on the old homestead in
Montville; Charles S., born May 26, 1840, is men-
tioned below ; Henry C, born July 10, 1843, resides
in Montville; and Lucy J., born Feb. 17. 1846, mar-
ried Dr. Robert McCurdy Lord, and both died in
Kansas City, Missouri.
Charles S. Johnson was educated in the select
school at Norwich taught by Rev. Charles Spooner,
and in a private school at South Windham taught
by Dr. Fitch, graduating from the latter in 1857.
After leaving school he entered the dye works with
his father, and thoroughly mastered all the details
of the business. He continued to work for his fa-
ther until 187 1, when, with his brother Edwin C,
he took the works, and under the name of Johnson
& Co., continued to conduct the business until l886,
when he sold out his interest and became interested
in the Millstone Granite Company. He formed a
joint-stock company, and. as manager, conducted it
until 1894, when he withdrew and entered upon the
manufacture of Witch Hazel Extract, with his two
408
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
sons, under the firm name of Johnson & Co. This
firm has been successful since its organization, being
among- the most extensive manufacturers of witch
hazel in the State.
Mr. Johnson built his beautiful home on Wash-
ington street in 1895, and also the adjoining home
which is now occupied by his son, Edwin C. Fra-
ternally he is affiliated with the Oxoboxo Lodge,
No. 116, A. F. & A. M., of Montville. He is an
active worker in the Episcopal Church. He and his
family now attend Trinity Church. Like his fa-
ther he is a Democrat in politics, and he has sev-
eral times served as delegate to State conventions.
In 1884 he was the Democratic nominee from his
district to Congress, but was defeated by the over-
whelming odds of the Republican party.
On April 30, 1862, Charles S. Johnson was mar-
ried to Sarah A. Savage, daughter of Rev. Amos
Savage, and two children blessed this union : ( 1 )
Edwin Comstock, born June 29, 1865, in Montville,
in boyhood had the privilege of attending the some-
what celebrated school in Washington, Conn.,
known as the Gunnery. He also attended the Nor-
wich Free Academy. Subsequently he entered
Trinity College, Hartford, from which institution
he was graduated in 1888. He was prepared for the
law under the direction of Elisha Johnson and
Thomas McManus, of Hartford, and of Hon. J. T.
Wait, of Norwich, also furthering his studies at
the Columbia Law School, New York City. He
was admitted to the Bar at Norwich July 9, 1892,
since which time he has been actively engaged in
the practice of the law in the courts of New Lon-
don county and the State. On May 9, 1893, Mr.
Johnson was married to Margaret L. Paddock,
daughter of Lewis S. and Mary A. Paddock, of
Norwich, and granddaughter of Dr. Seth B. Pad-
dock, of that place, and they have four children,
Charles, Mary Augusta, Margaret and Olivia. (2)
Charles Amos, born Sept. 30, 1870, attended, like
his brother, the Norwich Free Academy, also Mass-
achusetts Institute of Technology, and Trinity Col-
lege, Hartford, from which he graduated in 1892.
He is now a member of the firm of Johnson & Co.,
and is a prominent young business man.
The Savage family, to which Mrs. Charles S.
Johnson belongs, is descended from Sergt. John
Savage, of Mattabessett, or Middletown, Conn., in
1652, the lineage from him being through Capt.
William, Deacon William, Amos, Amos (2) and
Amos (3).
(I) Sergt. John Savage was at Mattabessett,
since known as Middletown, Conn., in 1652. His
marriage to Elizabeth Dubbin is of record in Hart-
ford as occurring Feb. 10, 1652. He was made a
freeman in 1654. He was one of the members of the
First Congregational Church in Middletown in
1668, and was a townsman there in 1657. He died
March 6, 1684-85. His place of residence was in
what is now Cromwell. His children were : John,
Elizabeth, Sarah, Thomas, Hannah, Mary, Abigail,
William, Nathaniel, Rachel and Hannah.
(II) Capt. William Savage, born April 26, 1668,
in Middletown, married (first) May 6, 1696, Chris-
tian Mould, born in 1677, daughter of Hugh and
Martha (Coit) Mould, of New London. She died
Oct. 16, 1719, and he married (second) in Novem-
ber, 1726, Elizabeth Whitmore, widow of Daniel
Clark. They lived in what is now Cromwell, Conn.
He was captain of the North Company of Middle-
town in 1 7 19, deputy to the General Assembly 1715-
26, and a deacon in 1716. Capt Savage died Jan.
25, 1726-27. His children were: Martha, William,
Christian, Hannah, Sarah and Joseph, all of whom
were born to the first marriage.
(III) Deacon William Savage (2) born Sept.
18, 1699, married June 2, 1726, Sarah Savage, born
in September, 1700, daughter of John and Mary
Savage, and lived in Middletown. He was deacon
in the church. His death occurred April 15, 1774.
His widow died Aug. 10, 1782. Their children
were : William, Elisha, Martha, Amos, Josiah,
Stephen, Solomon and Daniel.
(IV) Amos Savage, born Sept. 25, 1733, mar-
ried June 2, 1757, Sarah Montague, born May 10,
1736, in Wethersfield, Conn., daughter of Richard
and Abigail (Camp) Montague, of Hadley, Mass.
He died Feb. 4, 1783, and his widow passed away
Oct. 24, 1807. Their children were Levi, Abigail,
Lois, Sarah Ann, Amos, Abigail (2), Richard,
Hannah, Richard (2) and Lucy. Amos, the father
of the son Amos, was a soldier in the Revolution.
(V) Amos Savage (2), son of Amos and Sa-
rah (Montague) Savage, born Oct. 14, 1765, died
Sept. 12, 1839. He married Lois Wilcox, of Mid-
dletown, Conn., who was born July 10, 1769, and
died March 25, 1814.
(VI) Amos Savage (3), son of Amos (2), born
June 10, 1796, was a minister of the Presbyterian
Church, and he died Nov. 13, 1858, at Hartford.
He married (first) in 1825 Sarah Hollister, of
Granville, N. Y., and (second) Marietta Sherwood,
of Derby, Conn., who was born Oct. 26, 1806, and
died Dec. 28, 1887. They were the parents of Mrs.
Sarah Augusta (Savage) Johnson.
Mrs. Marietta (Sherwood) Savage, mother of
Mrs. Johnson, was a daughter of Albert Sherwood
(born in 1733, died in 1803), of Fairfield, Conn.,
who was a soldier of the Revolution, serving in 1775
in a Fairfield company, commanded by Capt. Jona-
than Dimon ; and in this Sherwood line she descends
from Thomas Sherwood, who came from Ipswich,
England, to Boston, in 1634, in the ship "Francis,"
and was of Stratford, or Fairfield, Conn., as early
as 1645.
LATHROP. The Lathrop family, representa-
tives of which now live in New London county,
Conn., trace their descent from Rev. John Lathrop,
minister at Egerton, in Kent, who in 1624, removed
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
409
to London, where he was pastor of a Congregational
Church. The archbishop caused his arrest and that
of forty-three members of the church April 29, 1632,
and most of them were imprisoned for two years
for the simple offense of practicing the teachings of
the New Testament. His first wife died while he
was in prison. He and some others were released
■on condition of leaving- the country and came to
New England. Mr. Lathrop arrived with his fam-
ily in 1634, and soon afterward organized a church
at Scituate. He was admitted a freeman of
Plymouth Colony in 1636-37. Two years later he
with the principal part of the church removed to
Barnstable. "He married a second wife whose name
is not on our records, who came here with him.
joined the church June 14, 1635, and survived him."
Mr. Lathrop was a man of deep piety, great zeal
and large ability. His children were : Jane, Barbara,
Thomas, Sarah, Samuel, Joseph, John, Benjamin,
Barnabas, Abigail, Bathshua, and two who died in
infancy. [Pope's Pioneers of Massachusetts.]
(II) Samuel Lathrop, born in England, came
with his father to Scituate in 1634, thence to Barn-
stable, where he married Nov. 28, 1644, Elizabeth
Scudder, who had been dismissed from the church
in Boston, Nov. 10, 1644, to remove her church rela-
tion to that in Barnstable. Mr. Lathrop was a
house-builder in Boston, and afterward combined
with that business extensive farming operations. He
later settled at Barnstable, and in 1648 he moved to
Pequot (New London), Conn., and there became
one of the judges of the local court organized in
1649. In 1668 he removed to Norwich, where later
he served as constable and townsman. After the
death of his wife he married (second) in 1690 Abi-
gail, born Jan. 29, 1632, daughter of Deacon John
Doane, of Plymouth. Mr. Lathrop died in 1700,
'and the second Mrs. Lathrop in 1734. On her one
hundredth birthday a large audience assembled at
her house, and a sermon was preached by the pas-
tor of the church. At this time she retained in a
great degree the intelligence and vivacity of her
earlier days. The children born to Samuel Lathrop
were : John, baptized Dec. 7, 1645 ; Elizabeth, born
in March, 1648; Samuel, born in March, 1650;
Sarah, born in 1655 ; Martha, born in January,
1657; Israel, born in October, 1659; Joseph, born in
October, 1661 ; Abigail, born in May, 1665 ; and
Anne, born Aug. 7, 1667.
(III) Israel Lathrop, born in October, 1659,
married April 8, 1686, Rebecca, daughter of Thomas
Bliss, of Saybrook and Norwich. Mr. Lathrop set-
tled in Norwich and became a man of thrift, and he
had a family of enterprising sons. He died March
28. 1733, and his wife died Aug. 22, 1737. Their
children were: Israel, born Feb. 1, 1687; William,
born Sept. 20. 1688 ; John, born Oct. 2. 1690 ; Sam-
uel, born July 12, \(*)2\ Rebecca, born April 20,
1695; Mary, born Nov. 15. 1696; Martha, born
Nov. 15, 1696; Benjamin, born July 21, 1699;
Ebenezer, bom Feb. 7. 1702-03; and Jabez, born
Jan. i f, 1700-07.
(IV) Samuel Lathrop, born July 12, 1692, in
Norwich, married June 26, 1712, Elizabeth Water-
man, and they were residents of Bozrah. Their
children (Franklin Church records) were: Elisha,
born July 13. 1713; and Samuel, born Jan. 12, 1715.
(V) Capt. Elisha Lathrop, born July 13, 1713,
married (first) Jan. 31, 1732, Margaret Sluman ;
she died Oct. 10, 1742, and he married (second)
Jan. 23, 1743, Hannah, daughter of Capt. John and
Hannah (Denison) Hough, a native of New Lon-
don. They first located in Bozrah, but later re-
moved to Lebanon, N. H. Mr. Lathrop was a mil-
itary man, and was much honored by his fellow
townsmen both in Bozrah and Lebanon. He was
killed at the latter place, July 2, 1787, by the falling
of a tree. His widow died in Hanover. N. II., Jan.
16, 1807. His children were: Elias, born Oct. 28,
1732; Elijah, born April 8, 1735: Lebbeus, born
Jan. 3, 1739; Elijah, born Oct. 20, 1743; Elizabeth,
born Nov. 20, 1744; Hannah, born March 22, 1747;
George, born Jan. 21, 1749: Joshua, born April 30,
1753; Azariah, born in 1754; Denison, born July
21, 1755; Samuel, born in 1756: Margaret, born
July 2, 1758; Elisha, born April 15, 1760: William,
born June 4, 1763 ; Sarah, born April 27, 1765 ; and
Anna, born Jan. 17, 1766 (all born in Norwich,
Connecticut).
(\T) Lebbeus Lathrop, born Jan. 3, 1739. in
Norwich, married and lived and died in the town of
Bozrah, Conn., leaving two (if not three) children,
Polly and Lebbeus, the latter born in 1780.
( VII) Lebbeus Lathrop (2), born in 1780, in
Bozrah, married Lucretia, born April 29, 1781,
daughter of William and Joanna (Stebbins) Maples.
He was an industrious and prosperous farmer and
settled in the south part of Bozrah, but later re-
moved to Lebanon, where he died Jan. 25, 1866.
Their children were: Mary, born in 1805; Caroline,
born Aug. 6, 1807: Elisha, born in October, 1808;
Harvey, born Oct. 23, 1808; Harriet, born in 1814;
Leonard, born July 20, 1814; Henry, born (in
Montville) June 16, 182 — ; and Erastus, born Feb.
20, 182 — .
(YIII) Harvey Lathrop, born Oct. 23, 1808. in
Bozrah, for many years after his marriage carried
on farming in Lebanon, later removing to Greene-
ville, where he did teaming, and he afterward re-
turned to Lebanon, where, in addition to farming,
he was engaged quite extensively in getting out
lumber and handling timber. His farm was one
of the best in the town. After his sons had grown
Up and left him, he sold his farm after a residence
in Lebanon of thirty-five years, and removed to
Xew London, where he built a comfortable home
and passed the remainder of his years. lie lived to
the age of seventy, dying on Jan. 10. 1871). In Jan-
uary, 1831, he was married to Octavia, daughter of
Deacon Oliver Woodworth; she died at the age of
4io
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
sixty-three years, on Oct. 26, 1875. Both were
buried in Yantic cemetery. Their children were:
(1) Albert II., born Nov. 24, 1831, married (first)
Jane Hale, of Glastonbury, (second) Harriet Hub-
bell, of the same town, and (third) Nancy Perkins,
of Bozrah, who survives him. He was engaged in
the livery business at East Hartford and held vari-
ous offices in that town, where he died Dec. 5, 1902.
(2) Charles W., born Dec. 31, 1833, married Har-
riet E. Bliss. For about thirty-five years he was en-
gaged in the trucking business at East Hartford.
During the war he served in Company A, 25th
Conn. V. I. He was one of the best known citizens
of East Hartford, having served a number of years
on the board of selectmen. His only surviving
daughter, Julia, is the wife of Henry S. Camp, of
Norwich. He died in March, 1902, leaving a com-
fortable competence. (3) Harriet L., born April 10,
1836, married Richard Palmer, of Colchester, and
(second) Capt. William Smith, and she died in Nor-
wich Nov. 20, 1900. (4) Henrietta C, born June
2^, 1838, became the wife of Charles D. Browning,
and died in Norwich in September, 1895. (5) Edwin
H., born Feb. 26, 1840, married Lydia D. Houston,
and was engaged in the trucking business in Nor-
wich until his death, Aug. 24, 1894. (6) Oliver W.,
born Sept. 26, 1841, enlisted during the Civil war
in the 8th Conn. V. I., and was killed at Antietam
Sept. 20, 1862. His remains were brought to Nor-
wich, and deposited in Yantic cemetery. (7) Fannie
M., born Dec. 28, 1843, married (first) the late
William S. Standish, of Lebanon, and (second)
Walter G. Kingsley, also deceased, and she now re-
sides in Norwich. (8) Arthur Douglas was born
Feb. 25, 1846. (9) John B., born March 24, 1848,
is mentioned below. (10) Frederick W., born Aug.
16, 1850, was engaged in the teaming business in
Norwich, and died Aug. 24, 1883. He married
Abby Chester.
Harvey Lathrop, the father, was a man whose
every act toward his fellowmen was well meant and
he was most highly respected and well known. In
politics he was first a Whig, later a Republican,
but he was not in any sense a politician. Both he
and his wife became members of the Goshen Con-
gregational Church.
Edwin Harvey Lathrop was born in Lebanon,
Conn., Feb. 26, 1840, and was brought up to farm
work, remaining at home until about i860. He then
went to Hartford, and was employed at the trucking
business, being there engaged when he enlisted, in
August, 1862, in Company K, 25th Connecticut Vol-
unteers. The regiment was in the expedition of
Gen. Nathaniel P. Banks, in Louisiana, and was
present at the siege and surrender of Port Hudson.
Mr. Lathrop was mustered out with the regiment in
August, 1863, and returned to the home farm at
Lebanon for a while. In November, 1863, ne came
to Norwich and entered the employ of C. D. Brown-
ing, at Greenville, in the capacity of clerk. Later he
attended Springfield (Mass.) Business College, and
subsequently, returning to Greenville, he was for
a time manager of an ice company, leaving there to
go to Waterford, Conn., where he was engaged at
the trucking business. Going back to Greenville he
became associated with his brother Frederick in the
trucking business, under the name of Lathrop Bros.
The partnership continued until the death of the
brother, in August, 1883, after which Edwin H.
Lathrop conducted the business alone, continuing it
successfully until his death, which occurred Aug.
24, 1894, while he was visiting near Syracuse, N. Y.
His remains were brought home and laid to rest in
Yantic cemetery. Mr. Lathrop was a well-to-do-
man, and self-made in the best sense of the term.
He was devoted to business, never caring for politi-
cal office, though he was a stanch Republican
in sentiment. He attended the Congregational
Church.
Mr. Lathrop was married Nov. 4, 1868, to Lydia
D. Houston, a native of Norwich, daughter of
James and Mary (Dyer) Houston. James Houston
was a native of Kilmarnock, Scotland, came to
Greenville, where he was engaged in the dye busi-
ness, and there died. Mary Dyer was a direct de-
scendant of Col. Thomas Dyer, of Windham. Mr.
and Mrs. Lathrop had children as follows: (1)
James Houston is mentioned below. (2) Ella M.,
born March 21, 1873, is the wife of William Clark,
of Norwich, a member of the firm of The Scott &
Clark Company.
James Houston Lathrop was born Nov. 14,
1869, in Norwich, and attended the public schools
and the Free Academy, completing the course there
in 1888. He then entered Oberlin College at Ober-
lin, Ohio, where he took a special course for two
years. Returning home he was for a period a clerk
in the employ of the Norwich Lock Manufacturing
Company, and there remained until the death of his
grandfather Houston, when he assumed charge of
the business of that gentleman, and conducted it
until the mill was destroyed by fire. He then be-
came associated with his father in the trucking busi-
ness and after the death of the father continued the
business until September, 1902, when it was dis-
posed of. When The Scott & Clark Company was
formed, in November, 1902, he was one of the in-
corporators, and is secretary of same. . They man-
ufacture wagons and do all kinds of repair work.
Mr. Lathrop has proved himself a business man of
great ability, and enjoys high standing among the
commercial circles of the city. Politically he is a
Republican, and in June, 1900, he was elected a
member of the common council of the city of Nor-
wich, and served two years. In 190 1 he repre-
sented Norwich in the Legislature and served as a
member and clerk of the committee on Constitu-
tional Amendments. He was one of the youngest
members of the House and one of the youngest, if
not the youngest, ever to represent Norwich in the
Legislature. Fraternally he is a member of St.
James Lodge, No. 23, F. & A. M. ; Gen. Burnside
CUtfZ^ 0ti^^r
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
411
Council, American Mechanics; and a charter mem-
ber of Norwich Lodge, B. P. O. E.
On March 21, 1895, Mr. Lathrop married Helen
Louise Parker, a native of Voluntown, daughter of
Timothy Parker, who is now residing at Wauregan.
Three children have blessed this union : Timothy
Parker, born Feb. 1, 1896; Edwin Houston, Aug.
11, 1897; and Lydia Moseley, Aug. 16, 1901.
(IX) Arthur Douglas Lathrop was born in
Lebanon, and was brought up on the farm. His
education was acquired in the district school, and in
a select school kept by Miss Lucy Pettis, at Leb-
anon Green. He remained at home and assisted his
father until he attained his majority, and then went
to the village of Bozrahville, near by, where he was
employed as assistant foreman in the rubber works,
remaining there for three years. Going then to
Montville, in company with Norman Church he
was engaged in the trucking business, hauling the
product of the several mills in that vicinity to the
railroad station. They had about a dozen men in
their employ, and were quite prosperous. A year
later his brother John B. succeeded Mr. Church,
and the two brothers were together in the busi-
ness until October, 1873, when Arthur D. disposed
of his interest to his brother and came to Norwich.
He purchased a small trucking business which he
has since conducted quite successfully, increasing
his patronage until he is the leading carman in the
city. In 1894 he added a coal business which has
had a steady and prosperous growth. Mr. Lathrop
employs an average of about fifteen men and keeps
about twenty-five horses. He is a director of the
Uncas National Bank.
On Nov. 30, 1870, in Waterford, Conn., Mr.
Lathrop was married to Belle E. Bolles, a native of
Waterford, daughter of Capt. John and Nancy
(Chapman) Bolles, the former a sea captain who
died in Waterford. They have had three children :
(1) Arthur Harvey, born Sept. 13, 1871, graduated
from the Broadway high school and Snell's Busi-
ness College. For four years after leaving school
he was employed as a clerk by Eaton, Chase & Co.,
and is now associated with his father. (2) Charles
Bolles, born March 3, 1873, graduated from the
Free Academy in 1892, and was in the Freshman
class of the Worcester School of Technology when
he died, Jan. 3, 1893. He was prominently con-
nected with athletics, and played on both his school
and college football teams. He was pitcher of the
1892 Academy Base Ball Club. Of a sunny dispo-
sition and fine personal traits, he made fast friends
with all his schoolmates, to whom the knowledge of
his death came like a shock. He was a member of
the Y. M. C. A., actively interested himself in all its
undertakings and earnestly advocated its influences.
(3) Lizzie Belle was born March 30, 1885.
In his political affiliations Mr. Lathrop is a stanch
Republican. In October, 1900, he was elected first
selectman of the town of Norwich, and has held that
office ever since. He is a charter member of She-
tucket Lodge, No. 27, I. O. O. F., and he and his
son are members of Somerset Lodge, No. 34. A. F.
& A. M., Franklin Chapter, Franklin Council, Co-
lumbian Commandery, Knights Templar, and
Sphinx Temple, A. A. O. N. M. S. Mr. Lathrop
and his family attend the Congregational Church.
All of the name are highly esteemed for their up-
right lives and their kindly, generous natures, true
and loyal in friendship.
John Baldwin Lathrop was born March 24,
1848, in Lebanon, New London Co., Conn., and re-
ceived his education there in the district schools,
which he attended until eighteen years of age. ( )n
leaving school he went to Norwich, where he
learned the carpenter's trade under his uncle, Dea-
con Frederick Carey, with whom he remained for
about two years. He then went to Montville, and
purchased the interest of Norman E. Church in the
general trucking business then being conducted by
Mr. Church and our subject's brother, Arthur D.
Lathrop. The brothers conducted same in partner-
ship until October, 1873, when John B. Lathrop pur-
chased the interests of his brother Arthur D., and
has since continued the business, which has become
prosperous, now requiring the use of several teams.
Mr. Lathrop is also largely engaged in the coal
business, supplying the numerous mills of Mont-
ville with fuel. In the fall of 1902 Mr. Lathrop be-
came a stockholder in the Uncas Dye Wood & Ex-
tract Company, which was then formed with a cap-
ital stock of $50,000, and purchased the old-estab-
lished Johnson Dye Works. At the organization of
the company Mr. Lathrop was made president,
which office he still holds. It is their purpose to
manufacture log wood extracts, dyes, etc., and ex-
tensive improvements to that end have been made
in the property. Their products will be used in the
dyeing of cotton and woolens, and they will employ
from twenty to twenty-five hands.
Fraternally Mr. Lathrop is a member of the Ma-
sonic organization, being affiliated with Oxoboxo
Lodge, No. 116, F. & A.-M., of Montville. He at-
tends the Methodist Church of that place. Mr.
Lathrop is a stanch Republican, and has served as a
member of the board of selectmen two years, one of
which he was chairman of the board. As will he
seen, Mr. Lathrop has taken a prominent and useful
part in various local activities, his industry and per-
severance enabling him to interest himself in many
phases of the life of his adopted town. He is counted
among the leading influential citizens of Montville,
and commands the esteem and respect of all who
meet him. Possessing a genial, whole-souled na-
ture, he has many warm friends, and is popular
wherever known.
Mr. Lathrop's first marriage, on Jan. I, 1873.
was to Alice M. Church, daughter of Xorman B.
Church, of Montville. and they had two children,
the voungest dying in early infancy. The other,
Xorman C, born Oct. 8. 1874. is associated with his
father in the trucking and coal business.
He was.
412
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
married May 23, 1897, to Lulu Perry, of Waterford,
Conn., born May 3, 1875, and they have had one
child, Frederick B., born Jan. 9, 1899. Mrs. Alice
M. Lathrop died in Montville Dec. 22, 1885, and on
Oct. 14, 1887, Mr. Lathrop wedded Mary B. Rob-
ertson, daughter of Cormichael Robertson, of Mont-
ville. She passed away thirteen months later, in
December, 1888. There were no children by this
union. Mr. Lathrop's third marriage, on April 29,
1 89 1, was to Addie L. Church, a sister of his first
wife. They have no children.
EDMUND PEASLEE DOUGLASS, M. D.,
•one of the prominent members of the medical pro-
fession in New London county, and a leading physi-
cian, who is successfully practicing at Groton, was
born Oct. 20, 1865, in Thetford, Orange county, Vt.,
son of Samuel Monroe and Martha Harriet (Shep-
ard) Douglass. His great-grandfather, Samuel
Douglass, came to this country from Scotland.
Samuel Monroe Douglass was a native of York,
Maine, son of Samuel Douglass (2) who went to
California, during the gold fever, in 1849. The
father of our subject spent his boyhood in York,
and then finished a three-years apprenticeship to the
shoe business, at Lynn, Mass., after that being en-
gaged in business at West Fairlee, Vershire and
Thetford, Vt. Mr. Douglass lives retired from
active business life. His religious connection is with
the Congregational Church, and he is a most highly
■esteemed citizen.
On May 12, 1853, Mr. Douglass married Martha
Harriet Shepard at Peacham, Caledonia Co., Vt.,
and they became the parents of thirteen children, ten
of whom lived to maturity, as follows : Alvah B.,
of Manchester, N. H. ; Rev. William E., pastor of
the M. E. Church, at Windsor, Vt. ; Charles E., of
Thetford, Vt. ; George E., of Thetford, Vt. ; Arthur
L., a farmer at Norwich, Vt. ; Melvin L., who grad-
uated in the class of 1890, of the Law Department
of the University of Michigan, and who died in
1893; Edmund P.; Esther B. ; Alice M. ; and
Elizabeth.
Dr. Edmund P. Douglass was named in honor
of the noted Dr. Peaslee of the city of New York.
His early life was spent at Thettord, where he at-
tended the local schools, and he graduated at the
Thetford Academy in the class of 1886. In 1889 he
graduated from the University of New York, with
a degree of M. D., and his medical education was
completed by a post graduate course and private
instruction under Dr. J. W. Wright and Dr. Frantz
Heuel, Jr. His education was acquired wholly by
his own efforts.
On March 14, 1889, the day following his gradu-
ation. Dr. Douglass came to Groton, opened an office,
and in a remarkably short time built up a practice
which has since steadily increased. He is a mem-
ber of State and county medical organizations, the
American Medical Association, and the Medico-
Pharmaceutical League, and in 190 1 was elected
president of the county medical society. Other rec-
ognitions of merit have been appointments to the
American Medical Association as a delegate ; elec-
tion to the offices of president and secretary of the
New London City Society, and to the Groton school
board.
On March 20, 1890, Dr. Douglass was married to
Mary Hudson Latham, daughter of John Latham
and granddaughter of Albert G. Latham. Two chil-
dren have been born to this marriage, Edmund
Latham, born May 9, 1891 ; and Melvin Loring, born
Aug. 16, 1894. Dr. Douglass is a member of the
Ecclesiastical Society, and served on the building
committee of the Congregational Church, when the
present edifice was erected.
CHARLES H. LADD, a prominent farmer of
the town of Sprague, is worthily bearing a name
that has been honored in New England from early
Colonial days, representatives in the different gener-
ations playing conspicuous parts in war or in peace,
in the fields or in the halls of legislation.
(I) The first of the name on record was Daniel
Ladd, who on March 24, 1633-34, took the accus-
tomed oath to pass to New England in the "Mary
and John," of London. He is first of record in New
England in 1637, Feb. 5th of which year he was
granted land at Ipswich, and in 1639 he is of rec-
ord at Salisbury. He removed from the latter place
to Haverhill, Mass., of which town he was one of
the original settlers. He was an enterprising and
energetic man, served as selectman in 1668, was an
extensive farmer, and dealt largely in land. He
died July 27, 1693. The Christian name of his wife
was Ann, and their children were: Elizabeth, born
Nov. 1, 1640; Daniel, born July 26, 1642; Lydia,
born April 8, 1645 \ Mary, born Feb. 14, 1646; Sam-
uel, born Nov. 1, 1649; Nathaniels-horn March 10,
1651 ; Ezekiel, born Sept. 16, 1654; and Sarah, born
Nov. 4, 1657, the first three being born in Salisbury,
and the others in Haverhill.
(II) Samuel Ladd, of Haverhill, Mass., born
Nov. 1, 1649, in Haverhill, married Dec. 1, 1674,
Martha Corliss, daughter of George, and lived in
West Parish. On Feb. 22, 1698, while returning
from a field with a load of hay which the previous
summer had been cut and stacked, Mr. Ladd was
killed by Indians. There were four of them in
the party, Samuel Ladd and his son, and Jonathan
Haynes and his son. Jonathan Haynes was also
killed. The children of Samuel and Martha (Cor-
liss) Ladd were: Daniel, born Nov. 19, 1676;
Lydia, born Sept. 25, 1679 ; Samuel, born May 22,
1682; Nathaniel, born Sept. 9, 1684; Ezekiel,, born
Feb. 14, 1686; David, born April 13, 1689; Jona-
than, born April 13, 1689 ; Abigail, born Sept. 29,
1691 ; John, born June 22, 1694; and Joseph, born
May 16, 1697.
(III) David Ladd, born April 13, 1689, mar-
ried Oct. 1, 1716, Hepzibah Hazen, of Rowley. She
died March 20, 1728. He married second March
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
413
20, 1729, Mary Waters, of Colchester, Conn. His
children were: Aznbah, born Nov. 13, 1717; Hep-
zibah, born July 12, 1719 ; Bethsheba. born July 6,
1721 ; Jeremiah, born Oct. 8, 1723; Hannah, born
in October, 1725; David, born Dec. 10, 1727; Sam-
uel, born June 7, 1730; Ezekiel, born Aug. 6, 1731 ;
Joseph, born April 20, 1733 ; Daniel, born Jan. 8,
1735; Abigail, born March 20, 1738; and Abner,
born May 11, 1740.
(IV) David Ladd (2), of Franklin, Conn., born
Dec. 10, 1727, married May 16, 1752, Mary Wal-
bridge, of Norwich, Conn. She died June 12, 1761,
and he married second Oct. 28, 1765, Eunice
Guild, who died March 23, 1796. He died April
28, 1796. His children were: Eunice, born Feb.
22, 1753 ; William, born Sept. 27, 1754; Roger, born
Aug. 6, 1757; Eunice (2), born July 3, 1759; Tem-
perance, born May 14, 1761 ; John, born Oct. 15,
1767; Charlotte, born Oct. 16, 1769; Hazen, born
July 31, 1 77 1 ; Whiting, born Dec. 30, 1773; Caro-
line, born Feb. 15, 1775; and Charles, born April
30, 1780.
(V) Hazen Ladd, of Franklin, Conn., born July
31, 1771, married April 8, 1792, Rhoda Smith. Mr.
Ladd died April 21, 1834. Their children were:
Anna, born Oct. 7, 1793; Harriet, born Dec. 9,
1794; Marvin, born April 4, 1796 (married Betsey
Smith) ; Eunice, born July 6, 1797 (married Jabez
Smith) ; Clarissa, born April 1, 1799; Calvin, born
Aug. 16, 1800 (married Lois Hazen) ; Septa, born
Dec. 6, 1801 ; Israel S., born Jan. 4, 1804 (married
Luranda Ladd) ; Almira K., born Aug. 18, 1805
(married a Mr. Bellows) ; Peletiah A., born Jan. 9,
1807; Betsey G., born Jan. 29, 1809; Charles, born
Oct. 16, 181 1 (died May 12, 1812) ; and Adeline,
born April 2"J, 181 2.
(VI) Septa Ladd, of Franklin, Conn., born Dec.
6, 1801, married May 22, 1825, Patty Amanda Ladd,
born Aug. 15, 1806, in Franklin, a descendant of
Daniel through Samuel, David, Abner and Abner
Ladd (2). Septa Ladd died May 2, 1885, and was
buried in the Portipaug cemetery. His wife died
Dec. 3, 1877. Ten children were born to them,
namely: (1) Sarah Ann, born June 8, 1826, is the
widow of Frank Burdick, and resides in Norwich.
(2) Jane Maria, born May 11, 1829, died Sept. 3,
J83i. (3) Septa George, born Sept. 20, 1831, died
March 2, 1858. (4) Thomas J., born July 12, 1833,
was a farmer and mill operator, and died April 22,
1891. in Sprague. He married Mary E. Sweet, and
had five children — Ellen Amanda, who died young ;
Harlow T., who married Mrs. Ida (Roney) Cone,
and lived in Norwich; Herbert C, of Putnam who
married Mary Murray, and has a son, Herbert T. :
George S., who married Nellie Coffin, and lives in
Putnam ; and Everett S., of Central Village, who
married Jennie House. (5) Jane Helen, born July
21, 1836, is the widow of Rufus S. Ladd, and lives
in Canterbury. Her two children were Elsie D.,
(deceased) and William (who married Anna Stev-
ens, and lives in Canterbury). (6) Edwin and ( 7)
Edward, twins, were born Jan. 7, 1839. Edwin was
a merchant and died in Baltic, unmarried, Sept. 20,
1 87 1. Edward, who was also a merchant at Baltic,
where he died March 6, 1882, married Rhoda A.
Lillibridge, and had two children — Edward, who
married Dora Ogden, and had three children, Doro-
thy (deceased), Edward and Harold (deceased) ;
and Nellie, who married Mark Greenleaf, of New
Bedford, Mass., and has four children, Gladys,
Rhoda, Mark and Nellie. (8) Lewis \\'., born Jan.
21, 1841, is the well known proprietor of the
"Windsor Hotel," at Warehouse Point. Conn. He
married (first) Jennie Graham, (second) Mary A.
Lyon and (third) Mrs. Philormina Metcalf. Two
children were born of the first marriage: Elmer,
who died young; and Jennie R., who married
Charles W. Moody, and has two children, Graham
and Wilbur. (9) Rhoda A., born July 9, 1846, mar-
ried (first) Edward Douglas and (second) Thomas
J. Barber, and resides in Norwich. She has one
child by her first marriage, Edward. ( 10) Charles
H. was the youngest in the family.
Charles H. Ladd was born July 31, 1848, in the
house he now occupies. He received his education
in the district schools, and assisted his father on the
home farm until 1877. That year he engaged in
the mercantile business in Baltic, but at the end of
two years he sold out and returned to the farm, of
which, after the death of his father, he came into
possession. This farm consists of 150 acres of fine
land, and is in a high state of cultivation, improved
with good buildings. He keeps about a dozen fine
milch cows.
On Jan. 24, 1869, Mr. Ladd was married to Re-
becca A. Steere, born Aug. 15, 1844, in Chepachet,
R. I., daughter of Deacon Smith and Sarah ( Aid-
rich) Steere. Four children blessed their union:
(1) Sadie A., born Feb. 3, 1870, married, Dec. 24,
1892, Albert A. Cruthers, and had three children —
Charles Frederick, born Jan. 29, 1894; Albert S.,
born June 19, 1897 (died Aug. 8, 1898) ; and Percy
G., born March 17, 1901. (2) Charles G., born
Aug. 31, 1873, died June 11, 1875. (3) Carrie H.
was born Aug. 15, 1881. (4) Leon C. was born
Nov. 7, 1887.
In his political faith Mr. Ladd is a Democrat,
but he is not bound by party ties. He has taken an
active part in public affairs, has held the office of
first selectman for one term, has served several
terms on the board, and has had other offices in the
town. In 1878 he represented the town in the State
Legislature. The session of that year was the first
held in the new capitol. Mr. Ladd is active in the
work of the Methodist Church. In whatever walk
of life he is found, he is the same courteous Chris-
tian gentleman of upright principles and high ideals,
who faithfully endeavors to i\o his whole duty.
DR. SIDNEY L. GEER, one of the oldest and
best known dentists in eastern Connecticut, born
Sept. 17, 1838, is a descendant of one of the oldest
families in the State.
George Geer, the first of that name in America,
414
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
appears of record in New London, Conn., Feb. 17,
1 O58, the date of his marriage to Sarah Allyn,
daughter of Robert Allyn. He was born about 1621,
in England, and according to tradition was a son
of Jonathan Geer, of Devonshire. George and a
younger brother, Thomas, tradition tells us, were
left orphans at a tender age, and by an uncle were
put aboard a ship which was to sail for America,
and which arrived in Boston, Mass., in 1635. The
first reliable record of them thereafter is that George
was one of the early settlers of New London, Conn.,
in 165 1, and Thomas in Enfield, Conn., in 1682.
George Geer, immediately after his marriage, set-
tled on a tract of fifty acres of land granted him by
the town of New London. Later on, in 1665. he
received from the town another grant of land,
one of 100 acres. He also owned a tract of land in
the town of Preston (now Griswold), a part of
which he obtained by grant from the Indian Sachem,
Owaneco, eldest son of Uncas, bearing date Dec.
11, 1691. He also held other lands. In 1705 he re-
sided in what became the town of Groton, of which
he was a selectman. His death occurred in 1726.
His wife, Sarah, was baptized in Salem, Mass.,
about 1640, some time previous to her father's re-
moval to New London, Conn., in 165 1. She died a
short time previous to the death of her husband.
Their children were: Sarah, born Feb. 27, 1659;
Jonathan, May 26, 1662; Joseph, Oct. 14, 1664;
Hannah, Feb. 27, 1666; Margaret, in February,
1669; Mary, March 26, 1671 ; Daniel, in 1673; Rob-
ert, Jan. 2, 1675; Anne, Jan. 6, 1679; Isaac, March
26, 1681 ; and Jeremiah.
(II) Jonathan Geer, born May 26, 1662, settled
at an early period about ten miles north of his fa-
ther, on land given to him by the latter in 1686. In
that year he, with others, petitioned the General
Court for a new town, which petition was granted,
and the town called Preston. His wife, Mary, died
April 24, 1 7 18. The children of Jonathan and Mary
Geer were : Jonathan, Deborah, Sarah, Mary, Zer-
via and Dorothy. The father died April 30, 1742.
(III) Jonathan Geer (2) married (first) June
15, 1 72 1, Elizabeth Herri ck ; she died Feb. 10, 1743-
44, and he married (second) April 6, 1745, Hannah
Putnam, of Preston. Five children were born to the
first marriage and two to the second, as follows :
Aaron, born May 7, 1722; Jonathan, June 3, 1724;
Stephen, Feb. 22, 1726-27; Elizabeth, May 9, 1728;
Samuel, June 3, 1731 ; Elizabeth, Jan. 24, 1746; and
Elisha, March 5, 1749-50.
(IV) Stephen Geer, born Feb. 22, 1726-27, mar-
ried Jan. 8, 1746-47, Ruth Clark, of Norwich, and
their children were: Amos and Thomas, born Sept.
28, 1747, and Aug. 9, 1750, respectively.
(V) Thomas Geer, born Aug. 9, 1750, married
(first) Feb. 11, 1773, Meribah Killam, of Preston,
Conn. She died March 17, 1801, and he married
(second) March 22, 1803, Mrs. Elizabeth Wilbur,
of Preston. His children, all born to the first mar-
riage, were : Jephthah, born Feb. 7, 1774 ; Jonathan,
March 8, 1776; Joseph, July 22, 1778; Anna,
Oct. 19, 1780; Ichabod E., May 8, 1783 ; and Nabby,
Nov. 30, 1 79 1.
(VI) Jephthah Geer, born Feb. 7, 1774, married
Nov. 19, 1797, Olive Herrick, of Worthington,
Mass. ; she died in August, 1854, aged seventy-
seven years. Their children were : Olivet, born
Jan. 24, 1800 ; Laura, Nov. 10, 1801 ; Jephthah, Feb.
13, 1804; Eunice, April 20, 1806; Almira, March
24, 1808; Hollibut W., March 8, 1810; Thomas C,
Feb. 22, 1812; Isaac Sidney, April 7, 1814; and
Persis C., Sept. 12, 1816.
(VI) Jephthah Geer, born Feb. 7, 1774, married
son of Jephthah, was born in the town of Preston,
New London county, Feb. 13, 1804. He was en-
gaged all his life in the manufacture of woolen goods
in the town of Scotland, and had as a partner Will-
iam Davidson. He built up an extensive business,
but met with some reverses on account of changes
in the tariff. Being a man of pluck and determina-
tion, he succeeded in his business, and laid up a fair
competency for his declining years. He died at his
home in Scotland Dec. 8, 1870, and is buried in
Scotland cemetery. Politically he was a Whig and
later a Republican. Mr. Geer was a good citizen,
a devoted father and husband, and lived an honest,
upright life.
Mr. Geer married Olive Starkweather, who bore
him two children: (1) Henry B., born Feb. 18,
1836, was a farmer; he married Lizzie Carey, and
died April 18, 1900. (2) Sidney L. was born Sept.
17, 1838. The mother of these children died in No-
vember, 1838, and was buried in Scotland. For his
second wife Mr. Geer married Mary L. Kimball,
who after the death of her husband came to Norwich
and spent her days with Dr. Geer, who cared for her
in her old age. She died Oct. 28, 1900, and is buried
in Scotland cemetery. She was a good Christian
woman, a loving wife, and a much devoted mother
to her step-children.
Sidney L. Geer, the subject proper of these lines,
attended the public schools of his native town, and
in 1855, when seventeen years old, came to Norwich
to learn the profession of dentistry, under the pre-
ceptorship of Dr. E. K. Cook, who in 1858 went to
South America, where he located and practiced and
where he died. Dr. Geer succeeded Dr. Cook at
Norwich, in the practice of his chosen profession,
and has remained there ever since, his residence in
that city covering nearly half a century. He is one
of the oldest dentists in eastern Connecticut, and has
built up an extensive practice, due as much to his
pleasant disposition as to his skill. He is noted for
his liberality of thought, and broadmindedness. In
1877 Dr. Geer built a fine brick block in Broadway,
and a fine private dwelling on Franklin street, which
was one of the most picturesque homes in Norwich.
The Doctor is a stanch Republican. He was a
member of the board of water commissioners for
eight years, during four of which he was its chair-
man. To this incumbency was attached a salary of
t? Q^f^uyMQ:
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
4i5
$100 per year, for which he gave a receipt, and then
returned the money to the city treasury, which was
never done before or since by any other official.
He is an attendant of Christ Church.
On July 20, 1865, Dr. Geer married, in Nor-
wich, Conn., Harriet Perry, who was born June 30,
1842, daughter of J. B. and Harriet Perry. She
died March 15, 1898, and was laid to rest in Yantic
cemetery. Mrs. Geer was a woman of fine Chris-
tian character, a member of the Universalist Church,
and noted for her charity and Christian virtues.
She was educated in Norwich Free Academy, and
taught school for a number of years in Norwich,
having been assistant to Prof. John Allen, at the
Broadway School. For eleven years she was a
member of the Children's Home committee.
JOSEPH T. DONOVAN, proprietor of the
Baltic Drug Co., and town clerk of the town of
Sprague, is not only one of the most wide-awake
and thrifty young business men of that town, but
one of its influential and representative citizens as
well. For one of his years Mr. Donovan has made
rapid progress towards the goal of success, and en-
joys to an unusual degree the confidence and esteem
of his fellow townsmen.
Mr. Donovan was born at South Coventry, Tol-
land Co., Conn., July 6, 1877, a son of Jeremiah and
Annie (Cocklin) Donovan. Timothy Donovan, his
grandfather, was a resident of County Cork, Ire-
land, where he became well to do. After the death
of his wife he and two sons and one daughter came
to the United States, and settled at Norwich, Conn.,
where the father lived retired until his death.
Jeremiah Donovan, father of Joseph T., was
born in County Cork, Ireland, in 1832, and there re-
ceived a good education. He was about twenty-one
years of age when the family came to this country,
and they were eight weeks on the voyage, having
embarked in a sailing vessel. Having learned the
trade of a blacksmith, Jeremiah Donovan followed
it at Norwich for several vears, but later became
boss foreman with James H. Hyde, of Franklin.
In the early seventies he removed to South Coven-
try, Conn., where he had purchased a farm, and re-
sided upon it a number of years, then disposing of
it and purchasing a large farm of 400 acres in the
town of Tolland. He was extensively engaged in
farming until 1892, when he again sold out, and re-
moved to Rockville, there living retired until his
death, which took place Oct. 14, 1901. His remains
were interred at Norwich. Mr. Donovan was a
stanch Democrat, and, while he never cared for poli-
tical office, he was rhuch interested in the success of
the party. Ever a hard-working man, beginning his
business life with nothing, he was able to rear cred-
itably a large family, and leave behind him an ex-
cellent estate and untarnished name.
On Sept. 22, 1850, Jeremiah Donovan married,
in Norwich, Miss Annie Cocklin, a native of County
Cork, Ireland, daughter of Daniel Cocklin, who
came to the United States when his daughter was
six months old. Daniel Cocklin settled at Norwich
and there died. Mrs. Donovan survived until June,
1903, when she died at Rockville, aged sixty-seven
years, and was interred beside her husband. She
was a kind and affectionate wife and mother, and is
held in loving remembrance by her family and
friends. The following children were born to Jere-
miah Donovan and wife: Annie, wife of M. H.
Donohue, manufacturer of woolen goods at Baltic;
William, a barber at Providence, R. I. ; Jeremiah, a
boss weaver at Rockville ; Nellie, who died in in-
fancy ; James, who holds the responsible position of
superintendent of the local agency of the John Han-
cock Fire Insurance Co., at Newark, N. J., and is
also treasurer and one of the chief organizers of the
Newark Electric Park Amusement Co. (formerly
he was located at' Providence, where he is well
known in insurance and lodge circles) ; Mary, a
milliner at Rockville ; Margaret, a graduate of the
State Normal School at New Britain, and a success-
ful school teacher, formerly principal of the school
at Uncasville; Joseph T. ; Julia, an accomplished
musician ; and Daniel.
Joseph T. Donovan received his education in the
district school at Tolland, and the public schools and
convent at Rockville. After leaving school he was
for three years employed as driver of a bakery
wagon, and then accepted a position as local agent
for the Metropolitan Life Insurance Co., being lo-
cated first at Rockville and later at Providence, R.
I. He remained in the employ of that company for
four years, and then, in conjunction with John M.
Leach, a well known merchant of Stafford Springs,
Conn., opened a clothing, men's furnishing, boot
and shoe store at Baltic, in December, 1900. The
business prospered from the start, and enjoyed a
steady and healthy growth, until it became one of
the largest of its kind in northern New London
county. Mr. Donovan had entire charge of the
store, and to his excellent management and keen
appreciation of the possibilities of its several lines is
due the success which came to it. In September,
1904, Mr. Donovan severed his connection with the
firm of Leach & Donovan, in order that he might de-
vote more time to other interests requiring his at-
tention, having in May, 1904, acquired an interest
in the Baltic Drug Co., of which he is now sole
owner. When he took the management of this busi-
ness there was at once reflected the influence of his
push and energy, as it rapidly became the leading
business of its kind in that portion of New London
county. In connection with his other interests Mr.
Donovan has written a great deal of life insurance,
and actively pursues that line, representing the ordi-
nary department of the Metropolitan Life Insur-
ance Co., of New York.
Mr. Donovan is a stanch Democrat and in 1903
he served as town tax collector in a very efficient
manner. In October, 1903, he was elected town
clerk of Sprague, receiving a majority of 116 votes
416
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
of the 335 votes cast. His opponent had held the
office continuously for eighteen years, and the town
is normally Republican, a fact which Mr. Donovan
had to overcome. In October, 1904, he was elected
a member of the board of relief in the town of
Sprague. He is a member of Court Sprague, For-
esters of America, and of St. Ann's F. A. B. So-
ciety. In religious matters he is a member of St.
Ann's Catholic Church. Mr. Donovan is a capable,
enterprising young man, exceedingly popular, and
wields a strong influence in the town. Personally
he is courteous and genial in manner, and he has
proved a very efficient public official. Mr. Donovan
is unmarried.
WILLIAM ALONZO FONES, secretary of
the T. A. Scott Co., and one of New London's
representative business men, was born April 9, 1857,
at Springs, Long Island, and comes of an early
Rhode Island family. Of its representatives in
Colonial days we have the following record :
Capt. John Fones, Savage presumes, was the
first comer of this name, and was, perhaps, from
London. He was of Newport, Jamestown and
Kingstown, R. I. In 1659 he called himself servant
to William Coddington. He was one of six, in 1672,
who bought land in Narragansett, of the Indians. He
was deputy in 1679-80-81. He was taxed in 1680,
and was conservator of the peace, Kingstown, 1682-
83. He was made a justice of the peace in 1686, and
in that same year clerk of court of commissioners.
He was again deputy and also assistant in 1698.
His wife, Margaret, died in 1709. He died in 1703.
His children were :
(1) John Fones, born in 1663, married Lydia
Smith, daughter of Benjamin and Lydia (Carpen-
ter) Smith, and was of North Kingston. He was
taxed, 1687, in Kingstown, and was deputy in 1704.
He purchased lands in Narragansett in 1709. He
died Feb. 17, 1738. His widow died Jan. 24, 1741.
Their children were Margaret, Lydia and Mary ; the
first named married Stephen Hazard.
(2) Jeremiah Fones, born in 1665, married
(first) in 1694 Elizabeth, who died in 1709, and he
married (second) in 17 10 Martha Chard. He was
of Kingstown, Jamestown and North Kingstown.
He was taxed in 1687, was a freeman of Jamestown,
1703, and constable, 1705. He died in 1747. His
wife Martha died in that same year. His children
were : James, Jeremiah, Joseph, a daughter, Mar-
garet, John (all born to the first marriage), and
Mary, Daniel, Samuel, a daughter and Thomas (all
born to the second marriage).
(3) Samuel Fones, born in 1666, married (first)
Anne Tibbitts, daughter of Henry and Sarah (Stan-
ton). She died in 1702, and he married (second)
Meribah. He was of North Kingston. He was
taxed in Kingstown in 1687. He was town clerk
from 1704 to 171 5, was justice of the peace in 1708,
and deputy in 171 1. One child, Ann, was born to
the first wife, and the following children to the
second : Samuel, Sarah, Margaret, Mary, a son,,
and Francis.
(4) Mary Fones, born in 1668, married in 1689,
James Greene.
(5) James Fones, born in 1670, died when
young.
(6) Daniel Fones also died when young. From
this source came the great-grandfather of William
A. Fones. By trade he was a ship carpenter, and
followed that calling in Wickford, R. I., for many
years. His children were as follows : ( 1 ) Samuel
went West and died there. (2) Benjamin died in
North Kingston, R. I. (3) Joseph is mentioned be-
low. (4) John, who died in North Kingston, R. I.,
was a mule spinner by trade. (5) Ruth married
Randall Fones, and died in North Kingston, Rhode
Island.
Joseph Fones, grandfather of William A., was
born in Rhode Island, and died in Centerville, that
State, in middle life. He married Julia Jecoy, of
Harrisville, R. I., and children as follows came to
their union: (1) William H. is mentioned below.
(2) Joseph was a spinner of woolen, and died in
Providence, R. I. He went to California during the
gold fever of 1849. (3) Sybil married William
Hunt, and died in North Kingston, R. I. (4) James
kept a hotel in East Greenwich, R. I., for a number
of years, and died there. (5) John, who died in
New York, was a plumber by trade. (6) Mary mar-
ried William Hunt, Jr., of Lonsdale, R. I., where
they reside. (7) Daniel died in Davisville, R. I.
He was a "Yankee notion peddler." (8) Sarah Ann
married Carlton Chase, and died in Davisville, R. I.
(9) Abigail is the widow of Daniel Whitman, and
is living in Davisville, R. I. (10) Susan married
Edward Dunn, and they are living in Providence,
R. I. He is a retired jeweler. The father of this
family wras engaged in butchering and also in farm-
ing. He was a very rugged, strong man, but injured
himself so badly from lifting that his death resulted.
William Havens Fones, father of William A.,
was born Feb. 1, 1818, in North Kingston, R. I.,
and received his schooling in his native town. His
education was somewhat limited, as he left school
when quite young. He took up farming which has
really been the greater part of his life work, though
he followed the sea for about ten years, during which
time he made tbree whaling voyages. He lived on
Gardiner's Island for about eight years, being there
engaged in farming, and then removed to Fisher's
Island, and for seven years was engaged in farming
for Robert Fox, who at that time owned the Island.
Mr. Fones then came to New London and worked
for Capt. Thomas A. Scott, during the building of
Race Rock Light House, remaining with him for
about one year, since which time he has lived with
his son, William A. Mr. Fones was formerly a
Democrat, but of late has been non-partisan. He
married Miss Evelyn Franklin, of Centerville, R. I.,
daughter of Waterman and Patience (Pratt)
Franklin. Mrs. Fones died Aug. 21, 1902, in New
M.4..&
&^<^p
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
4i7
London. Children as follows were born to this
union: (i) Julia A., who died on Fisher's Island,
married (first) Sylvester Miller, and (second)
George Abbott. (2) Katherine G. married Chaun-
cev Piatt, and died in Norwalk, Conn. (3) Anna
Maria married Charles Chapman, and she died in
Groton, Conn. (4) William A. is mentioned below.
(5) Sarah Elizabeth married Herbert C. Burdick,
of New London, where they reside.
William Alonzo Fones was born April 9, 1857,
on Long Island, and received his schooling in Mys-
tic, at Burnett's Corners, and in the Brooklyn ( X.
Y.) common schools, leaving school at the age of
thirteen years. He then assisted in the farm work
on Fisher's Island with his father, remaining at
home until he was sixteen years of age, after which
he went to work for Capt. T. A. Scott, the well-
kn< wn diver and wrecker of New London. With
Capt. Scott lie started as a boy, and the second year
he was a hoisting engineer, and assisted in running
the air pumps, etc. He later became an engineer on
the tug boats, and subsequently pilot on same. In
1888 he was made superintendent of work, contin-
uing in that capacity until 1894, when he was made
general manager of the business. On May 1, 1903,
at the incorporation of the T. A. Scott Co., with a
capital of $100,000, Mr. Fones was made secretary of
the company, and is also acting as general manager.
Mr. Fones is a member of New London Council,
No. 1484, Royal Arcanum. He attends the First
Baptist Church, of which his family are members.
Politically Mr. Fones is a stanch Republican, but
he is not a seeker for political preferment.
Mr. Fones was married Jan. 20, 1879, to Abbie
Elizabeth Sterry, born July 23, 1855, daughter of
Thomas J. and Leonora L. (Ames) Sterry, of New
London. Two children have been born to them :
(1) Byron Alonzo, born March 1, 1880, in New
London, is bookkeeper of the T. A. Scott Co., of
New London. (2) Leonora May, born Sept. 26,
1881, in New London, resides with her parents. In
1890 Mr. Fones built his pleasant home at No. 90
Willetts avenue.
HAROLD LAWTON, general manager of the
Baltic Mills Co., in the town of Sprague, New Lon-
don county, and one of the well known and success-
ful cotton goods manufacturers of New England,
is a man who has achieved success as a result of his
own efforts. He was born May 8, 1852, in the
village of Saddleworth, Yorkshire, England, a son
of John and Martha (Holden) Lawton. The Law-
ton family were English Quakers, and John Law-
ton was engaged in the manufacturing business in
early life, but later was a merchant. Both he and
his wife died in Saddleworth. Harold was one of
seven children, and the only one to come to this
country.
At the age of eight years Harold Lawton began
work in a cotton mill in his native town, doing such
work as a boy of his age was competent to perform.
27
His opportunities for securing an education were
limited to those afforded by his native town, where
he attended each half day until be was ten. and the
balance of his education was acquired by attending
night school in America, as well as through observa-
tion and close study. He acquired his first knowl-
edge of the cotton manufacturing business in Eng-
land, and in 1872 came to the United States, with
but little money, his capital stock being his knowl-
edge, ambition and energy. First he went to Woon-
socket, R. I., where for one year he was an over-
seer in the Globe Mill. Thence he went to Moosup,
Conn., where he held a like position in the old Glad-
ding mill, and two years later he returned to the
Globe Mills, where he was overseer for two years.
His next position was in a like capacity at Wester-
ly, R. I., in the White Rock Mill, where he remained
four years. Mr. Lawton then went to Tilton, N.
H., and for several years wras superintendent of the
Tilton Cotton mills. His next place was North
Grosvenor Dale, Conn., where he was overseer of
mule-spinning for several years. From there he
went to Centerville, R. I., to the Lapham Mill, of
which he was superintendent for five years. He then
went to the mill of the Merchants Manufacturing
Co., at Montreal, Canada, and was there for five
years. Returning to Centerville, R. I., he was the
prime factor in the building of the Warwick Mills,
acting as general manager and agent of the com-
pany, which has had a constant run of success, and
he remained there for five years.
In 1900 Mr. Lawton organized the Lawton Spin-
ning Co., at Woonsocket, and is a director of the
same. The same year he organized the Baltic Mills
Co., and he has since been a resident of Baltic. The
Baltic Mills Co. is the largest manufacturing con-
cern in the town of Sprague, and gives employ-
ment to about eight hundred hands. The company
manufactures high class cotton goods, and the busi-
ness is constantly increasing. During his residence
in Centerville Mr. Lawton was a director of the
Centerville National Bank, the Warwick Institute
for Savings and the Centerville Savings Bank.
Fraternally he is a Chapter Mason, having been
made a Master Mason in Morning Star Lodge ; he
is also a member of Woonsocket Lodge, A. F. & A.
M. In church matters he is a member of the Meth-
odist Church, and is one of the chief supporters of
the church at Baltic, in which he serves as a member
of the board of trustees. In 1873 Mr. Lawton was
married in Plainfield to Georgianna Pettcgrew, of
Plainfield, daughter of William Pettegrew.
In politics Mr. Lawton is a Republican, and in
1903 he represented Sprague in the Legislature, and
served on the committee on Incorporations. Mr.
Lawton is a most public-spirited man. and is very
generous in his donations, not only to matters which
are known to all, but also to the deserving who come
under his special notice. Although he has only been
a resident of the town a few years he has represented
it in the State Legislature, and his record while in
4i8
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
that body demonstrated his ability and fitness in
such capacities. Seldom is found in any community
a man who has at heart the progress and welfare of
the community as has Mr. Lawton. Not in New
London county is there a town whose transforma-
tion from complete business inactivity to that of a
prosperous and growing place can be attributed so
directlv, to an employer of labor, as in Baltic, where
the Baltic Mills Co. furnishes employment to eight
hundred employes. Mr. Lawton was one of the very
foremost men in organizing this company. Among
the better class of citizens his true worth and value
are thoroughly appreciated. His type of public
spirit is the one demanding or creating action, and
always on the alert for a field in which to act. His
influence has been invariably exerted for the purifi-
cation and betterment of society as a strong advo-
cate of temperance and a ready champion of any
movement whose object is to uplift the morals of
the community. Whatever may be the position of
Mr. Lawton, as business man, citizen or individual,
it is a position won on his merits, and his unassum-
ing manner and gentlemanly precepts give no evi-
dence whatever of his consciousness.
WHEELER. The line of the Wheeler family
treated of in this sketch is that to which belonged
the late Major Dudley R. Wheeler, of North Ston-
ington, and his family, of which the only repre-
sentative now living is Henry Dwight Wheeler, of
New York. Major Wheeler was a descendant of
Thomas Wheeler, the first of the name in Stoning-
ton, the line being through Isaac, Isaac (2),
Thomas, Paul and Perez.
Perez Wheeler was born Nov. 20, 1767, and died,
Feb. 12, 1808. On Sept. 27, 1786, he married De-
sire Randall, who after his death was married Nov.
I, 1823, to Christopher Palmer. She died Sept. 8,
1855. To Mr. and Mrs. Wheeler were born nine
children, as follows: Zerviah, Feb. 29, 1788 (mar-
ried Amos Hill) ; Perez, Sept. 17, 1789 (married
Desire Wheeler) ; Polly, July 17, 1791 ; Eunice,
Jan. 4, 1794; Dudley R., Sept. 14, 1796; Cyrus,
March 9, 1801 (married first Lucy S. Browning,
and second Eliza Dow) ; Lucy Ann, Jan. 30, 1803 ;
William R., May 29, 1805 (married Emeline Stew-
art) ; Fanny, April 17, 1808 (died June 29, 1809).
Dudley R. Wheeler was born Sept. 14, 1796,
in what is now North Stonington, New London Co.,
Conn., and received his education in the district
school. He attended school for a comparatively short
period, but in that time he readily mastered the
three "R's", by observation and study constantly
adding to his knowledge till at the time of his death
he was a very well informed man. Had he received
the advantages of a college training there is no
doubt that he could have made a success in whatever
profession he might have chosen, for he had the
qualities which bring reward in any field of action.
But it was his destiny to rise in the commercial
world, and from an early age he displayed the rare
powers of judgment in such matters which ultimately
gained him such prestige. He left the farm when a
boy of fourteen years, and came into the village to
enter the employ of Samuel Chapman, a relative,
who conducted a general store. He continued with
him for a time, leaving there to become a partner of
Amos Hull in a store in the same village. This con-
nection lasted only a short time, however, young
Wheeler buying his partner's interest, and embark-
ing in business alone at the age of nineteen years.
That was the beginning of a business career that
covered a period of nearly three quarters of a cen-
tury. Mr. Wheeler conducted the mercantile busi-
ness for many years with much success, being later
relieved of the more active work by his son, Henry
D., who managed it successfully for a number of
years, when it was disposed of. Major Wheeler
was one of the pioneers in the manufacture of in-
digo blue ginghams, which at one time was quite a
thriving industry in this vicinity. He would buy
the raw cotton, have it spun in the neighboring
State of Rhode Island, and then would dye it and
distribute the dyed cotton in the vicinity among
the farmer's wives, who would weave the cloth,
which found a ready and very profitable sale in
South America. Mr. Wheeler did the most ex-
tensive business in this line in this section, and it
was a boon for the farmers' wives. English com-
petition of lower priced goods destroyed the market
before the Civil war, so that the business was dis-
continued. Success had so marked the career of
Major Wheeler up to this time that he had become
possessed of large means, and the rest of his life was
devoted to the management of his extensive inter-
ests. During the Civil war he was a heavy pur-
chaser of Government bonds and advised all his
friends to do likewise. He believed that if the gov-
ernment went all would go with it, and he was will-
ing to do his full share to preserve it. Mr. Wheeler
was largely interested in New York bank stocks,
and he had a large acquaintance among moneyed
men in that city, to which place he made frequent
visits every year.
Major Wheeler was nearly six feet tall, well
proportioned, of commanding presence, and pre-
sented a distinguished appearance. He was thor-
oughly up-to-date in every respect, and always kept
himself well informed on current events. Al-
though he lived to the age of ninety-two years he
retained every faculty to the last. The Major was
a man of kindly motives, with a high sense of honor
and steadfastness of purpose. One of his many
laudable traits was a desire to help any worthy and
struggling young man, seeing that he got a good
start, and he gave liberally of his large means in
this way. Naturally such benefactions gave him
great pleasure, as the results were direct and ap-
preciable, but he gave with equal liberality to public
causes, and stood ever ready to help in any move-
ment for the betterment of the town, devoting both
time and means to worthy objects. All in all he was
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
419
of a superior type of man morally as well as in-
tellectually. His unselfishness was as much a mat-
ter of principle as the expression of a nature both
generous and kindly. He had a high sense of re-
sponsibility for the welfare of his fellowmen, and
never spared himself in the discharge of what he
believed to be only his duty. His death, on June 19,
1888, removed one of the wealthiest, most beloved
and best known citizens of New London county.
He was buried in his private cemetery west of the
village, and a fine monument marks his last resting-
place. Politically Major Wheeler was a Whig, later
a Republican, and he was stanch in his views. He
was a leading factor in the political life of his town
and count}- for many years, and though he had so
many important private interests found time for ac-
ceptance of public positions, representing the town
in the State Senate for two terms, and in the State
Legislature. While serving as senator he was trus-
tee pro tern, of Yale University under the law which
provides that the two oldest members of the Senate
are to be trustees pro tern, of Yale. For many years
he was an officer in the old militia, thus obtaining
the title of major.
In early manhood Major Wheeler united with
the Elder Miner Baptist Church, and later trans-
ferred to the Congregational Church at North Ston-
ington, and he was one of its leading members and
most liberal contributors. He was a member of the
building committee when the present church as built.
His second wife was a devout member of the Con-
gregational Church, and their home was a regular
stopping-place for ministers of the different denom-
inations, none of whom were allowed to go away
empty-handed.
On Dec. 1, 1818, Dudley R. Wheeler married
Lydia Hewitt, who was born May 17, 1797, daugh-
ter of Elias and Ann (Hull) Hewitt. She died
Sept. 7, 1826, the mother of four children, namely :
(1) Louisa Desire, born Nov. 10, 18 19, died Feb.
18, 1837. (2) Dudley, born Nov. 4, 1821, died Oct.
7, 1822. (3) Chauncey Goodrich, born Nov. 30,
1823, died at Norwich, N. Y., June 2. 1854. (4)
Lydia Ann, born Sept. 26, 1825, married Warren
Newton in 185 1. They resided in Norwich, N. Y.,
where he was president of the National Bank of
Norwich. She died in 1895, in New York City.
On March 4, 1828, Mr. Wheeler was married
(second) to Sarah Maria Browning, born March 8,
1805, daughter of John and Abigail (Swan) Brown-
ing. She died June 22, 1875. Six children were
born to this union : Henry D wight, June 22, 1829 ;
Charles Hermon, April 27, 1832 (died July 14,
1859) ; Edward Everett, Feb. 20, 1836 (died Jan.
29, 1837) ; Jennie, Nov. 5, 1839 (died Dec. 12,
1898) ; Maria, Aug. 22, 1842 (died Nov. 27, 1842) ;
Edgar Howard. May 25, 1844 (died in North Ston-
ington, June 27, 1888, a few days later than his
father).
Henry Dwight Wheeler, the only surviving
member of the family of Major Dudley R. Wheeler,
has devoted his active years to business, and, judg-
ing by the success which has attended his enterprises,
has inherited his father's remarkable ability, lie
is largely interested in pig iron furnaces, being a
well known man in that line, and is a director in
several such concerns. His city residence is at No.
34 Gramercy Park, New York City, but he spends
as much of his time as possible in the summer sea-
son in the old home at North Stonington, to which
place he has been a most liberal benefactor. It has
often been remarked that the men who go forth from
the farm or some quiet town to a career in the great
commercial centers eventually turn from the scene
of their successes to the peace of their early homes.
Often the benefit is wholly their own. But again
we find those whose greatest pleasure in the means
at their command consists in the pleasure it enables
them to give to others. In Mr. Wheeler's generos-
ity to his native town there is undoubtedly the same
realization of the responsibilitv of wealth which
characterized his father, no less than extraordinary
public spirit. His gifts have been numerous and
varied, public institutions, churches and individuals
benefiting impartially. Many a needy one has re-
ceived timely assistance without any intimation con-
cerning its source, for like all of his family Mr.
Wheeler has always been very unostentatious in such
matters, desiring no publicity, and no reward but
the consciousness of obligations fulfilled. The fact
that the obligations have been assumed voluntarily,
apparently makes no difference when the attention
they require is so close and constant that it amounts
to self-sacrificing devotion. To quote from the
Providence Sunday Journal of Oct. 30, 1904: "His
benevolences and those of his famly, to individuals
as well as to the public, have been numerous and
valuable, and North Stonington has every reason
to be grateful that one of her sons has both heart
and ability to do things, and to do them so well and
wisely." Two of the most important evidences of
Mr. Wheeler's generosity, outside of substantial aid
given to the various churches, should be especially
mentioned :
In October, 1904, the selectmen of the town re-
ceived a letter from Mr. Wheeler, in which he of-
fered to the town the building recently known and
used as the Wheeler store, together with the land
on which it stands, for a Town House. It is in good
condition, centrally located on a most desirable
site, and the only conditions attached to the accept-
ance of the gift were that it be put and kept in good
repair, painted and kept well painted. A special
town meeting was called for the following Satur-
day, October 22, to act on the proposition, to re-
ceive estimates of the cost of making necessary re-
pairs, and to decide how to raise the amount. The
motion to accept the gift was carried unanimously
and spontaneously, and a nominal tax was laid to
cover the expense of making such changes as were
necessary to fit the building for the use to which
it was to be put, and to purchase safes in which to
420
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
keep the records. It was voted to sell the old town
house and its site to the highest bidder, the select-
men being given full authority to proceed at once
with the work of remodeling the Wheeler place.
The following resolutions were then moved, sec-
onded by prominent citizens and unanimously car-
ried :
Whereas, Mr. Henry Dwight Wheeler has always
heen thoughtful for the best interests of our town, and
Whereas, In this case, he has generously made it
possible for the town to have a good town house, excel-
lently located, therefore be it
Resolved, That the electors of the town hereby assure
Mr. Wheeler of their appreciation of his interest and
benevolence and would extend to him their sincere thanks
for the gift and accept the same.
Resolved, That the town clerk be instructed to spread
these resolutions on the town's records and send or present
a copy to Air. Wheeler.
But the enterprise which might be called his
favorite is the Wheeler School and Library at North
Stonington, the entire expense of maintaining which
devolves upon him, and which he expects to endow
eventually so that it will have ample funds for its
support, entirely independent of the town or of in-
dividuals. It is a chartered institution, incorpor-
ated under the laws of the State of Connecticut,
and the board of trustees, which meets annually in
Connecticut to discuss the interests of the school,
includes several noted figures in educational work,
being composed of: Thomas B. Hewitt, A. M.,
Brooklyn, N. Y. : Bernadotte P'errin, Ph. D., LL. D.,
Lampson Professor of the Greek Language and
Literature, Yale, New Haven, Conn. ; Junius Spen-
cer Morgan, A. M., New York ; Amos A. Browning,
Ph. B., LL. B., Norwich, Conn. ; Rev. Edwin Jud-
son Klock, B. S., A. M., North Stonington, Conn. ;
and Samuel T. Dutton, A. M., Teachers' College,
Columbia University, New York.
From the fall of 1889, to the spring of 1901, the
school was conducted in rented rooms. In the latter
year was completed the present school building,
one of the handsomest devoted to such purposes in
New England. It is of substantial construction, be-
ing of Westerly granite, with copper eaves, and the
interior is finished with quartered oak. Within, all
the appointments are such as are now generally rec-
ognized to be most conducive to health and com-
fort. The first floor is given over to school pur-
poses, the second to the library, which at present
contains some 2,000 volumes, and which will, ac-
cording to the indications, soon have 10,000 or 12,-
000. A well equipped gymnasium occupies the
basement, so that no feature of healthy school life
is lacking. The spacious grounds surrounding the
building are beautifully laid out, a circular drive,
fine shade trees and beds of hardy roses all making
an artistic approach to the entrance of the building,
which is guarded by two of Canova's life-sized
walking lions, specially made for the purpose in
Florence, Italy, on Mr. Wheeler's order. The
grounds in the rear are devoted to tennis, base-
ball, etc. The institution is a fitting memorial to>
the members of a family ever devoted to the inter-
ests of others, and the substantial character of the
building and equipment, as well as the careful plans
for its future, testify to the hope Mr. Wheeler has
for its continued usefulness.
The Wheeler School, now classed among the
best preparatory schools of the State, had its origin
in the benevolent purpose of members of the family
of Major Dudley R. Wheeler, who conferred to-
gether in regard to a school for their native town.
Their object was to promote the cause of education
by establishing, at their own expense, a school sup-
plementary to the public schools where, free of
charge, the young men and women of North Ston-
ington, Conn., might obtain academic instruction
fitting them as students for a collegiate or liberal
education. After the death of Edgar H. Wheeler,,
son of the Major, his sister, Miss Jennie Wheeler,
carried forward her brother's plans and established
a high school in her native village. It was her great
desire that the youth of her town should have the
advantages of a thorough high school education
"without money and without price."'
' 'Miss Jennie' lives in the hearts of the North
Stonington people especially because of the educa-
tional work she has done. In the founding of the
Wheeler School, she has been more to the school
than founder or trustee of fund. Her loving and
eager interest has followed it answeringly from its
first days ; and even when her hands could work
no more, her active brain was busy with thoughts
and plans for the school. Her ambition for it was
very great. She desired that the training received
there should be of the best, fitting men and women
to do good work in the world, and to have broad
views and lofty ideals ; that the Wheeler School
should be second to none among preparatory schools,
and should develop into a New England academy
of the best type. Her dream has been realized in
pupils who have gone forth well equipped in knowl-
edge, inspired with a love for the higher and bet-
ter things of life. Thus the school in which Miss
Wheeler's hopes were centered has been, and is,
a factor for good. It will be a fitting monument
to one who has shown herself to be so truly a
friend of education, a spirit of helpfulness, and a
type of noble womanhood."
Mr. H. S. Young, a graduate of Yale, had charge
of the school during the first nine years of its ex-
istence. Miss S. M. Lindsey, who was educated
at Smith College, succeeded him as principal and
remained in the school until June, 1901. Miss
Clare Reynolds Bass, Ph. B., a graduate of Brown
University, followed Miss Lindsey as principal in
September, 1901.
Although the Wheeler School was established
especially for students living in the town of North
Stonington, it has been thought best to allow others
to avail themselves of the advantages offered, and
as long as the accommodations furnished by the
n^#
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
421
roomy buildings exceed the needs of the pupils who
live in North Stonington, .students from other towns
will be admitted without charge for tuition. Each
student pays one dollar a term for incidental ex-
penses and buys his own text-books. He may avail
himself of all the privileges of the school and library
free of charge.
The school is open to students of both sexes. It
is understood that those who attend will yield cheer-
ful obedience to all rules and regulations deemed
necessary for the best advancement of the pupil,
and the successful conduct of the school.
Applicants for admission are examined in arith-
metic, spelling, geography, English grammar, phy-
siology and American history. Students may take
advanced standing by passing satisfactory examina-
tions in the work already done by their class. Pupils
unable to take the regular four years' course may
enter as special students for partial courses.
Every candidate for a diploma is required to
take four subjects throughout each year of the four
years' course. The courses may be varied and elec-
tives introduced to meet the requirements of the
students and entrance requirements, the curriculum
embracing all the studies advocated in the best in-
stitutions, and all students receive instruction in mu-
sic, French and German, drawing and elocution,
and are entitled to become members of the Wheeler
Literary Society. As in other schools, a report to
be signed by the parent or guardian is given to each
student monthly, indicating his standing in each of
his studies for the month and announcing his de-
ficiency in any study or studies if such deficiency
exists.
North Stonington is a typical New England vil-
lage, quiet, healthful and historic, nestled among
the hills about eight miles back from Long Island
Sound.
JOHN HENRY BRADBURY, Representative
to the State Legislature from the town of Old Lyme,
and a prominent manufacturer of that place, was
born in Webster, Mass., Dec. 12, 1841.
James Bradbury, his grandfather, was a native
of England, a spinner by occupation. He married
Elizabeth Buckley, also a native of England, and
when their son. John, was fourteen years old, the
family came to this country, and settled at Webster,
Mass., where he died, survived by his widow, her
death occurring while residing in Old Lyme, and
she was buried beside her husband in Webster.
John Bradbury, son of James and father of John
Henry, was born in Saddleworth, England, where
he had some schooling, and after coming to the
United States he attended night school in Webster.
He became a weaver, finding employment in the
Slater Mills at Webster, and at nineteen was pro-
moted to the position of boss weaver. He was very
successful in his chosen calling, and soon began
manufacturing on his own account at Winsted,
Conn., makinsr fine cassimeres. Later he moved to
Walden, ( )range Co., X. Y., where he manufactured
cassimeres and satinets, and in 1852 went to Ches-
ter, Conn., as a satinet manufacturer. In [858 he
came to Old Lyme and leased Lay's old stone mill
for five years, after which he built a grist mill and
woolen mill, and continued to manufacture satinets
until his death. He married (first) Joanna Perry,
of Webster, .Mass., daughter of Roland Terry, and
they had two children. Anna, who resides in ( )ld
Lyme; and John Henry, who is mentioned below.
Mrs. Joanna (Perry) Bradbury died in Webster,
and Mr. Bradbury married (second) Emma Waite,
of Orange county. X. Y. Her father was an Eng-
lishman. To this union was born one son, Charles
D., who died in childhood. John Bradbury was a
Republican in politics. His death occurred in Old
Lyme, where he had spent his later years.
As a boy John Henry Bradbury attended school
in Webster, Mass., Walden, N. Y.. and Chester,
Conn., where he was a pupil of Washington F. Will-
cox. He was also a student in 1858 and 1859 at
Rev. William Dennison's boarding school at Win-
throp, Conn. His first experience in mill work was
at Chester, where he was identified with the firm of
J. & W. Bradbury — the same name being retained
for five years after the business was moved to ( )ld
Lyme. Eor a year he carried on the woolen mill at
Niantic, and then went into partnership with his
father and his uncle James, in the John Bradbury
Company. In 1870 the firm stopped manufacturing,
and went into the wool scouring business with a
fifty-cent tub, and soon purchased a $5,000 machine.
The mill for this work is run by water power, and
employs about ten men. The annual freight bills
average about $5,000. Mr. Bradbury spends a por-
tion of each year in the field buying wool, and the
finished product is sold to dealers and to the mills.
Mr. Bradbury married, in East Lyme, Josephine
Way, daughter of Nathan Way, of that place. They
have one son, Harry W., a young man of twenty-
two. Mr. Bradbury is a member of Pythagoras
Lodge, No. 45. A. F. & A. M. In politics he is a
Republican, and in 1903 he served as representative
to the State Legislature from Old Lyme, serving on
committee on Fisheries and Game, but with this ex-
ception he has uniformly refused all public office.
CHARLES E. MAIN, the present town clerk
of Voluntown, is one of the best known citizens in
his section of New London county. lie was for
many years engaged in contracting and building in
Voluntown and vicinity. Mr. Main was horn in
the town of Groton. New London county. Feb. 1,
1827, and is a descendant of one of the oldest fam-
ilies of the county. His first ancestor of whom we
have record,
Benajah Main, had nine children: Abel, Sam-
uel. Thomas. John, Manogal. Dolly, Phoebe, Abby
and Sarah.
Samuel Main, son of Benajah, was engaged in
farming in Ledyard, where he lived to a ripe old age,
422
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
dying at the age of eighty-six. He married Sally
Chapman, who was a native of Rhode Island, and
who died at the age of eighty years. Both were
buried in the family burying-ground at Ledyard.
Eight children blessed their union, as follows : Sam-
uel ; Joshua ; William, who married Sally Brown ;
Dudley ; Bridget, who married Dennis Main ; War-
ren, who married Hannah Sisson ; Sally Ann ; and
Elias Randal, who married Abby Chapman. All
are dead but Sally Ann, who makes her home in
Stonington.
Samuel Main, son of Samuel, and father of Hon.
Charles E. Main, was born in 1803, in Ledyard.
He became a man of prominence, active in town af-
fairs, serving in various official capacities with rare
fidelity and ability. He died in 1885, at the ripe old
age of eighty-five years, and was buried in the Mill-
town cemetery. He was married in 1823 to Patty
Tift, who was born in South Stonington, Conn., and
died at the age of seventy years ; she was buried in
Milltown cemetery. Six children were born to Sam-
uel and Patty Main: (1) Samuel L., born July 5,
1824, married Katharine Chapman and (second)
Emily Barber. (2) Charles E., born Feb. 1, 1827,
is mentioned below. (3) Eliza J., born Dec. 18,
1830, married Daniel Holdridge. (4) Susan A.,
born Feb. 20, 1833, married Erastus Park, and re-
sides in Stonington. (5) Orrin Tift, born July 4,
1834, married Mary Johnson, and died Sept. 5,
1889. (6) Aurelia, twin sister of Orrin Tift, mar-
ried John Frink.
Charles E. Main obtained his education in the
public schools of his native home. He taught school
in Voluntown one term, after which he removed to
Norwich and became engaged in the mercantile
business until 1859 when he returned to Voluntown.
Here he was engaged in the Briggs Manufacturing
Company for twenty years, and though now living
retired is still active, possessing all his faculties.
Mr. Main is a stanch Democrat and served in the
Legislature in 1861, 1874 and 1897, having the
honor of being the choice of both parties. He has
also filled the offices of selectman, member of the
board of relief, and justice of peace. He has made
out a large number of legal papers and performed
many marriage ceremonies. Mr. Main is temper-
ate in his habits, and the Golden Rule is his standard
of conduct. He attends the Baptist Church, of
which he is a liberal supporter.
Mr. Main was married in Plainfield, Oct. 6,
1850, to Sarah H. Crary, who was born in Plain-
field June 19, 1830, daughter of James Crary, of
that place, and died in Voluntown Jan. 15, 1875 ;
she was buried in Griswold cemetery. Mrs. Main
attended the Baptist Church, was a good Christian,
a kind mother and wife, and a good neighbor. Mr.
and Mrs. Main had six children: (1) Sarah Eliza-
beth, born July 3, 1853, married March 6, 1871, J.
G. Tyler, and to them have come three children —
Elmer J., born June 14, 1876, who is an invalid ;
Mamie N., born Nov. 12, 1881, who died Aug. 20,
1889 ; and Carrie E., born Jan. 5, 1883. (2) Charles
Edwin, born June 22, 1859, in Voluntown, was edu-
cated there, and learned the trade of carpenter with
his father, engaging with the Briggs Manufacturing
Company. He was married in Voluntown June 2"jy
1880, to Mary E. Adams, who was born in East
Killingly, Conn., daughter of Arnold and Katharine
(Fitzgerald) Adams. They have had one child,
Charles Vernon, born Jan. 7, 1884, who with his
mother is a member of the Baptist Church ; both
are active church workers. (3) Lucy R., born May
28, 1865, was educated in the Voluntown public
school and a private school in New London, and
taught school in Voluntown and vicinity for a num-
ber of terms. On Sept. 4, 1886, she married Charles
S. Hazard, and resides in Providence, R. I. ; she has
had five children, one of whom died young, namely :
Byron, Bessie, Gertrude, Lois and Charles. (4)
Martha Aurelia, born April 14, 1857, died Jan. 6,
1869. (5) Byron Elmer and (6) Bertha Emma,
twins, were born Sept. 23, 1870. He died Feb. 25,
1872, and she died Jan. 29, 1872; both are buried
in the Griswold cemetery.
Mr. Main married for his second wife, on Feb. 7,
1876, Mary E. Colgrove, who was born in Lisbon,
Oct. 10, 1846, daughter of Christopher and Lydia
(Rouse) Colgrove, and sister of Dr. Charles Col-
grove, of Willimantic. There have been no chil-
dren by this union. Mrs. Main is a member of the
Baptist Church.
ALEXANDER C. BORTHWICK, who passed
away on March 5, 1904, at his home No. 188 Cen-
tral avenue, Norwich, was born Jan. 24, 1824, in
Perthshire, Scotland, son of Walter and Jane
(Campbell) Borthwick.
Walter Borthwick was a paper maker by trade,
and met his death in middle life by being caught in
the machinery of the mill in which he was employed.
He was the father of ten children, six sons and four
daughters. Of these two came to America : Alex-
ander C, the second in order of birth in the family ;
and an older brother, Walter, who resides in Holy-
oke, Massachusetts.
Alexander C. Borthwick grew to manhood in his
native town. At the age of ten years he left school
and began to learn the trade of a paper maker, work-
ing with his father in a mill where all the work was
done by hand. He worked at his trade in that and
several other mills until 1851, when he came to the
United States on a sailing vessel, being seven weeks
en route. He landed in New York, but went on to
Rainbow, in the town of Windsor, Conn., and se-
cured employment in the paper mill there. After a
few months, Mr. Borthwick went to Greeneville,
and began work in March, 1852, with the Excelsior
Paper Company, with whom he remained until 1865,
when, in company with Paul Greene, he took charge
of the paper mill at Chaplin, Conn., under the firm
name of Greene & Borthwick. They conducted that
mill until 1870, when it was destroyed by fire. After
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
4-23
it was rebuilt Mr. Greene retired, and Mr. Borth-
wick took for his partner, Robert Henderson, his
brother-in-law. Later disposing of his interest, Mr.
Borthwick returned to Greeneville, where he took
the position of pulp engineer in the preparation of
materials for making paper for the Chelsea Paper
Company, and remained there until 1895, when he
retired from active labor. He was very industrious
and saving, and became well-to-do. His home was
completed in 188 1, and he also owned the house im-
mediately south of 4iis residence.
In Scotland, Aug. 18, 1843, Alexander C. Borth-
wick was married to Ellen Henderson, daughter of
Robert and Ann (Cowan) Henderson, and a sister
of Robert Henderson, of Norwich. Mrs. Borthwick
died July 31, 1901, aged seventy-seven years. Their
children were five in number: (1) Ann C. is the
wife of Alderman Duncan Gilmour, who resides in
Norwich, and has one daughter, Helen H., who
married Frank Smith, of Orange, Mass., and has
two children, Helen M. and Robert G. (2) Jane C.
is the wife of E. L. Turner, a liveryman at Greene-
ville, and has had four children : Jesse, and Alex-
ander B., both deceased ; Rose, the wife of Henry
W. Lanz, of Norwich; and George. (3) Ellen H.,
married Theodore Hough, and resides in Boston,
Mass. They have one son, Alexander B. (4) Isa-
bella F. is the wife of John Ramage, of Norwich,
and has two sons, John and Alexander. (5) Eliza-
beth H. married (first) George C. Buchanan, and
had one daughter, Helen; for her second husband
she married Joseph A. Marsh, of Norwich.
Mr. Borthwick was a Democrat in his political
views, and in his religious ideas a Congregationalist,
attending that church. He owed his success in life
entirely to his own efforts, and could justly be proud
of his achievements.
REV. JOSEPH P. PERREAULT, pastor of
St. Thomas Catholic Church at Voluntown and St.
Ann's Mission at Glasgo, is one of the youngest and
most successful priests of the Hartford Diocese,
and he was born in Somerset, Province of Quebec,
Canada, March 8, 1870. He is a son of Joseph
Perreault and Flora Auger, natives of St. Pierre,
Quebec, and descendants of an old French family.
Two children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Perreault,
namely: Our subject, and Annie, who lives in
Voluntown.
Father Perreault spent his boyhood days in his
native place, where he attended the government
schools, and in 1875 the family moved to Manches-
ter, N. H., where die continued his studies in the
public schools, and prepared himself for college, en-
tering St. Charles Borromeo's College, at Sher-
brooke, Quebec, from which he was graduated in
June, 1889. Desiring to study for the priesthood,
he took a course in philosophy at the Grand Sem-
inary at Montreal, and after finishing entered St.
John's Seminary at Brighton, Boston, Mass., and
studied theology, being ordained in Boston by Arch-
bishop Williams for the Hartford Diocese, 011 May
3r, [896. He said his first mass at Victoriaville,
Quebec, then the home of his parents. In June of
that year, he came to the Hartford Diocese and was
appointed by Rt. Rev. Bishop Tierney, assistant to
Rev. T. P. Joynt, at St. Mary's Church. New Lon-
don. There he remained eighteen months, thence
he was transferred to the Sacred Heart Church at
Taftville, under the late Rev. John Synnott, and re-
mained assistant priest until 1902, when, in Janu-
ary, he was appointed by Bishop Tierney pastor of
St. Thomas parish, Voluntown, with St. Ann's Mis-
sion at Glasgo, he succeeding Rev. J. J. Papillion.
Since his advent, many improvements have been in-
augurated, and he is very popular and greatly he-
loved among his people. In politics he is a stanch
Republican, and he exerts an influence for good
which cannot be overestimated.
WILLIAM FREDERICK CLARK, postmaster
and merchant at Old Lyme, New London county,
was born at Chester, Middlesex Co., Conn., May 19,
1850, son of Frederick W. Clark, who was born in
Chester April 13, 1826.
Frederick W. Clark was but six years of age
when his father, Calvin Clark, died from hydro-
phobia contracted by being bitten by his brother,
William, who died from the same disease. William
lived for seven years after receiving a bite from a
mad dog, and Calvin lived thirteen years after his
brother bit him. Frederick W. Clark has been a
farmer all his life. On May 29, 1849, he married
Harriet M. Manwaring, who was born in Clinton,
at Prospect Hill, in 1829. Their children were as
follows : William Frederick ; Wesley C, of Ches-
ter, Conn., who married Jessie M. Brainerd, of Had-
dam, Conn.; and Harriet Elizabeth, who married
Arthur A. Watrous, of North Madison, Conn. Mr.
Clark was originally a Whig, on the dissolution of
that party becoming a Republican. In religion he
is a member of the Congregational Church. He
is very active, working every day, and he never had
a doctor until after he was sixty years old.
William F. Clark spent his early school days in
Chester, Conn., attending public schools, and liv-
ing the life of the typical New England country
boy. He was a pupil at Lee's Academy, in Madi-
son, attending until twenty-one years old, after
which he went to Bridgeport, where he worked for
the Wheeler & Wilson Sewing Machine Company
for six months. He next worked for Dowd Broth-
ers for three months, then with Oscar J. Acker, and
later for a Mr. Moody, who was freight clerk of the
New York boats, with whom he remained for a
year altogether. Returning to Chester Mr. Clark
worked for Edward Hurlburt, in the foundry, for
nine months, and subsequently, after an illness with
tvphoid, worked, for nine months, for N. C. Perry
& Co., at screw, hook and eye manufacturing. Mr.
Clark now bought out a dry-goods peddler, his
route covering Middlesex and Xew London conn-
424
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
ties for twelve years, during- which time he resided
in Chester, and for six years in Old Lyme. He
moved to Old Lyme March 27, 1878, and on April
15, 1884, engaged in mercantile business there,
establishing the first store on the property where he
now is. At the start he carried a stock of dry
goods and fancy goods, occupying the north room
of his present store for four years. In 1888 he
rented the entire building, and on Nov. 18, 1889,
he was appointed postmaster for four years. In
1897, under the McKinley administration, he was
reappointed postmaster, and he is now serving his
twelfth year in that incumbency, with the prospect
of a longer term than any previous postmaster in
Old Lyme. Mr. Clark was chairman of the Repub-
lican town committee six years, and he has also
served as registrar six years, grand juror and jus-
tice of the peace, and he is also a notary public. He
has been one of the most active members of the
Republican party in the town, has been a lifelong
member of the party, and expects so to continue.
At the end of his first four years, he added the
south room to his quarters and opened an ice cream
and confectionery business, and ten years ago he
added a bakery business to his other lines. The
Old Lyme post office is the distributing office for
four post offices, and a star route running ten and
one-half miles north of Old Lyme, as well as a
rural delivery of twenty-one and one-fourth miles.
Thus it will be seen that the office is quite an import-
ant one, and the postmaster's duties are numerous
and require close and business-like attention.
Mr. Clark was married, in Essex, March 31,
1878, to Elvira A. Comstock, daughter of Charles
Frederick and Mary Williams Comstock, of Old
Lyme. Mr. Comstock was born at Winthrop, in
the town of Saybrook, Conn., and both he and his
wife died in ( )ld Lyme, where the family resided
over fifty years. He was boss builder by trade. Mr.
Comstock was deacon and clerk of the Baptist
Church of Old Lyme for a great many years. In
fact, he was well known in many circles in that
place, and ranked among its most esteemed citizens.
Mr. and Mrs. Clark have had a family of six chil-
dren: Albert William, who died when three years
and ten months old ; Clarence Lovell ; Burt Ray ;
Harry Williams, who died when five weeks old ;
Helen Manning ; and Clara Dudley.
ELI GLEDHILL, secretary and treasurer of
the Mystic Manufacturing Co., at Mystic, and a
prominent and influential citizen, was born Aug.
15, 1866, at Huddersfield, England, a son of Ingham
and Sarah (Calverly) Gledhill. His father was
born in England, and made his first visit to America
from 1861 to 1864, in Maine. In 1893 he came to
Rockville, Conn., where he died March 6, 1894. In
Huddersfield, England, he married Sarah Calverly,
who died Dec. 17, 1883, and they had issue: Eli;
Betsey ; Annie, Mrs. Crowther; Martha, Mrs. James
Barden ; Rose, Mrs. Robert Nichols, of Woon-
socket, R. I. ; Herbert, designer for the Mystic Man-
ufacturing Co. ; Fred, also a designer ; and Lillian,
of Mystic. Mr. Gledhill married for his second
wife Amanda Brooks, of Huddersfield, who is now
a resident of Mystic.
Eli Gledhill spent his boyhood days at Hudders-
field and was only nine years of age when he began
to work half time in the woolen mills, spending the
other half in a technical school. From thirteen to
twenty-one all his time was spent in the mills,
where he learned every branch of the manufactur-
ing business. At the age of eighteen he took the
first prize for designing at the local Technical Col-
lege. At twenty-one he went to Bradford, Eng-
land, where he was employed three years as a de-
signer, and also spent fifteen months in the same
capacity at Nortonthorpe. On Jan. 17, 1892, he
sailed for America, and on March 29, started as
head designer with the New England Manufactur-
ing Co., at Rockville, where he remained for five
years. On Nov. 17, 1897, he came to Mystic, where
he has since been engaged. The Mystic Manufac-
turing Co. was organized Jan. 17, 1897, for the
manufacture of very high-grade fancy worsteds,
and employment is given to 125 skilled hands. The
annual output amounts to $425,000. The officers
of the company are : H. A. Crowther, president
(who resides at Huddersfield, England) ; T. E.
McCarthy, vice-president ; and Eli Gledhill, secre-
tary and treasurer.
Mr. Gledhill was married, at Huddersfield, Eng-
land, March 1, 1890, to Martha Haigh, who died
Jan. 18, 1893, leaving one daughter, Winnifred
Mabel, born Oct. 15, 1890. His second marriage,
which took place at Rockville, Nov. 13, 1894, was
to Agnes Glaeser, of Rockville, and they have had
two children: Henry, born Jan. 17, 1898, died the
same year; Margery was born Feb. 28, 1901.
In political sentiment Mr. Gledhill is a Repub-
lican, and one of the most active in the town. In
October, 1900, he was elected second selectman of
the town of Stonington, was re-elected in October,
1901, and again in 1902, and in 1903 was elected
first selectman, declining a renomination in 1904.
In 1904 he was a delegate to the Republican State
Convention. In 1899, 1901 and again in 1904 he
visited in England. Fraternally he belongs to Ris-
ing Star Lodge, No. 49, I. O. O. F., of Rockville,
and to the Royal Arcanum.
DEACON LAVIUS A. ROBINSON; one of
the representative citizens of the town of Franklin,
has a very interesting ancestral history.
(I) Isaac Robinson, born about 1610, came to
New England in 1631, stopping first with the Plym-
outh Colony. He was a son of Rev. John Robin-
son, of Leyden, Holland, born in one of the Midland
counties of England, probably Lincolnshire, in 1575 ;
entered the University of Cambridge in 1592, and
was graduated in 1599, with the degree of M. A.
He began preaching at Norfolk, near Norwich ;
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
4-' 5
went to Amsterdam, Holland, in 1608, and in 1609
to Leyden, and was there pastor of the Pilgrim
Church. The Rev. John Robinson married Bridget
White, and their children were: James, John,
Bridget, Isaac, Mercy, Fear or Favor, and Jacob.
The father died in Leyden, Feb. 19, 1625. Isaac
Robinson was made a freeman of the Plymouth Col-
ony in 1633. He was married to Margaret Hand-
ford of Scituate, June 2J, 1636, and in 1639 removed
to Barnstable, and later to other points, but returned
in 1 701 to Barnstable, and there died, probably in
1704. His wife died June 13, 1649, and he married
Mary . His children were: Susanna, John,
Isaac, Fear, Mercy, Isaac, Jacob, Peter and Thomas,
the last four named having been born to the second
marriage.
(II J Lieut. Peter Robinson, was born between
1653 and 1666-7, probably at Falmouth. He mar-
ried Experience Manton, daughter of John Manton,
at Tisbury, Martha's Vineyard,' at which place he
resided for some time. He was in Norwich or Pres-
ton, Conn., in 17 10, and in 172 1 purchased land in
what is now Scotland. His wife, Experience, died
April 30, 1727, aged fifty-five years, and he died
prior to April 15, 1740, at which time the inventory
of his estate is dated. His children were : Sarah,
Isaac, Peter, Thomas, Abigail, Joseph, Benjamin,
Simeon, Isaac, Anna, Rhoda, Martha, Elizabeth,
Mary and Abiah.
(III) Peter Robinson (2), born about 1697,
married, June 30, 1725, Ruth, daughter of Samuel
Fuller, of Mansfield. Mr. Robinson died March 22,
T785, and his wife Ruth passed away Jan. 9, 1795.
Their children were: Samuel, born July 6, 1726;
Experience, born April 22, 1728 ; Peter, born May
19. 1730: Elizabeth, born Nov. 6, 1732; Jacob, born
Aug. 14, 1734; Nathan, born July 19, 1736; Abner,
born Feb. 22, 1738; Ruth, born Dec. 14, 1740; Elial,
born Aug. 22, 1742; Rachel, born March 30, 1744;
Bathsheba, born July 31, 1746; and Joshua, born
Sept. 24, 1748.
(IV) Peter Robinson (3), born May 19, 1730,
married. Nov. 13, 1755, Abigail Palmer, daughter
of Elisha and Abigail Palmer ; she died Sept. 25,
1774, in the forty-second year of her life. On
March 14, 1775, Mr. Robinson married Sarah West,
daughter of Tolland West. Mr. Robinson died July
18, 1778, and his children were: Rosamond, born
Aug. 26, 1756; Rhoda, born April 25, 1761 ; Arad,
horn Dec. 3, 1762; Peter, born May 15, 1766; Pa-
tricia, born April 7, 1768; Abigail, born August,
1772.
(V) Peter Robinson (4), born May 15, 1766,
was the grandfather of our subject. He was born in
Scotland at the date given above, and learned the
trade of blacksmith, residing in that little Connecti-
cut town until after his marriage, when he moved to
Lebanon, where he worked at his trade and farmed.
After a short time, however, he removed to Union,
Tolland county, and there resided for eight years.
He then located in Portipaug Society, in the town
• if Franklin, and was engaged at farming, finally
removing to the farm now occupied by our .subject,
and there resided until his death, when his remains
were interred in the Portipaug cemetery. In poli-
tics he was a Whig, but never sought office. Ik-
married Polly Taylor, of Dudley, Mass., and she
survived him for a number of years, dying at the
home of her son, Arad, aged eighty-one years. The
children born of this marriage were : Rosamund,
who died in young womanhood ; Arad ; Olive, wdio
died unmarried ; Polly, who married Gordon Ladd,
a farmer, and died in Windham; Lucy, who mar-
ried Coddington B. Brown, a carriage maker, and
resided in Norwich, N. Y., where she died; Betsey,
who became the second wife of Gordon Ladd, and
died in North Windham ; Abigail, who married Will-
iam Lewis Ladd, and died in Franklin.
(\ I) Arad Robinson was born Jan. 30, 1797, in
Lebanon, near the intersection of the towns of
Windham and Franklin. He was a few months
old when his parents moved to Union, Conn., and
there resided until he was eight years of age, when
the family came to Franklin and located in the Por-
tipaug Society. Receiving a district schooling, he
learned the trade of a blacksmith with his father,
and remained at home until a short time after his
marriage, when he rented a farm and blacksmith
shop in the west part of the town (Frank-
lin). At the end of one year, he purchased
the farm now occupied by our subject, then
owned by Deacon Corwin, a blacksmith shop
being located on the place. Here he resided
the remainder of his life, working at his trade and
at farming. In his latter years, he abandoned black-
smithing, and devoted his entire attention to farm-
ing, and was active until his death, Sept. 15, 1872,
after a short illness. His remains were interred in
Portipaug cemetery. Beginning life with nothing,
he died a well-to-do man, and one who stood very
high in the community. Early in life he was a Whig,
and later a Republican. He was a member of the
Franklin Congregational Church, as was his wife,
who in early life united with the Methodist Church
at Portipaug.
Upon June 25, 1903, occurred in Franklin the
reunion of the Arad Robinson family, which takes
place every year, and upon the 30th of that month
the following highly entertaining extract was pub-
lished in a Norwich paper : "The reunion of the
descendants of Arad Robinson which has been held
at the old homestead in Franklin on the last Thurs-
day in June of each year for nineteen years, took
place on June 25th.
"There were seventy-five members present out
of the one hundred and twenty-three now living.
Among these were four of his eight children : Dea-
con Lavius A. Robinson, who resides at the home-
stead ; Mrs. Harlan Hyde, of Norwich Town; Mrs.
William H. Tucker and .Mrs. Edward Manning,
both of Lebanon.
"The cold and wet weather of this year's June
426
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
interfered with the programme of entertainment
somewhat and kept some from attending.
"Among those absent was the oldest daughter,
Mrs. Nathaniel Hyde, of Willimantic, now nearly
eighty-one years of age. The second daughter,
Miranda R. (Mrs. Samuel H. Gager) died during
the past year at the age of seventy-nine. Another
daughter was Mrs. Mary T. Manning, wife of Dea-
con Jabez P. Manning, of Lebanon, who died in
1881.
"The presence of the youngest son, Mr. Nelson
D. Robinson, late of Norwich Town, has been much
missed at the last three reunions. It was largely due
to his active interest in these gatherings that they
have come to have a fixed place in the year's Cal-
endar of Events for the other members.
"It is a remarkable fact that there have been but
eleven deaths among the lineal descendants of Arad
Robinson. Besides the three of the first generation
mentioned before, there has been seven of the sec-
ond, four of which were in childhood, one, a child
of the third, out of fifty-three, and none out of the
nine of the fourth generation.
"Arad Robinson was born in 1797, in the town
of Lebanon. He lived for some eight years of his
boyhood at Union, Conn., to which place his parents
had moved, and removed with them to Portipaug,
in Franklin, where he learned the trade of a black-
smith in his father's shop. He worked at the trade
all the most active years of his life.
"He was the only son of Peter and Polly (Tay-
lor) Robinson, and was of the sixth generation of
descendants from the Rev. John Robinson, the pas-
tor of the Mayflower church at Levden, Holland.
"He married in 1820, Lura Abell, of Franklin, a
daughter of Ira and Abigail (Hyde) Abell and a
descendant of the immigrants and first settlers Rob-
ert Abell of Rehoboth, Mass., and William Hyde,
of Norwich.
"In 1822 they made their home high up on the
hill to the north of Ayer's Gap, at the house where
their son, Deacon L. A. Robinson now lives.
"She died in 1867, and he in 1872. They were
buried within sight of their home, but about a mile
away, down the Portipaug Plain, where the grave-
stones to both of their parents and many of her an-
cestors are to be seen.
"With the present location of industries, it does
not seem possible that here, high up on one of New
England's hills, there was a shop which, before the
days of the steam road, gave work at a trade for
many more than ten hours a day, especially in the
winter times, for nearly forty years. It was not only
so, but nearby were other shops, and a sawmill, a
gristmill, or a barkmill was given a place at almost
every advantageous point on the streams that run
under the hills.
"The progress of the work on the Willimantic
and Baltic electric railway, which is located through
Ayer's Gap, has been a matter of much interest to
the members of the re-union during the past year.
It was noted with satisfaction that by another year
there was prospect that there would be convenient
means of transportation to the old homestead from
Willimantic and Norwich, and so from more distant
points."
The children born to this venerable and deeply
revered couple were as follows : Lura Abby, born
Aug. 17, 1822, married March 18, 1845, Nathaniel
Hyde, a farmer (now deceased) in Frank-
lin, where she resides ; Rosamond Miranda,
born Dec. 16, 1823, was married, Nov. 25,.
1847, to Samuel H. Gager, a farmer who
died in Franklin, and she died in that town
Jan. II, 1903; Nancy Jane, born April 14,
1826, married June 10, 1849, Francis Keables, a
carriage maker who died in Yantic, and she later
married Harlan Hyde, who is also deceased, and
she resides in Norwich Town ; Mary Taylor, born
March 7, 1828, married, April 16, 1848, Deacon
Jabez Manning, a farmer of Lebanon where she
died March 7, 1881 ; Asenath Abel, born Feb. 10,
1830, married, Feb. 10, 1852, Benjamin S. Manning,
a tanner and afterward a farmer who died in Leb-
anon, and later she married William H. Tucker, of
Lebanon ; Lucy Elizabeth, born Aug. 31, 1832, mar-
ried, March 6, 1855, Edward Manning, a baker and
later a farmer who died in Lebanon, where she now
resides ;Lavius A. ;Nelson Dexter, born Oct. 8, 1836,
married, April 12, 1858, Amoret McCall (he was a
carriage maker in early life, later became a travel-
ing passenger agent in the employ of the Central
Vermont Railroad, then was employed in a like ca-
pacity for the Jacksonville, Tampa & Key West
railroad, and died at Norwich Town, Dec. 6, 1900).
(VII) Deacon Lavius A. Robinson was born
Oct. 6, 1834, in Franklin, in the house he how occu-
pies, as before stated. He attended the district
school until he was eighteen years of age, when he
devoted his attention to farming, finally becoming
manager of the farm, and then owner of it, he buy-
ing out the other heirs. He has added to the orig-
inal farm and owns ninety acres of most excellent
land, and he has also made extensive improvements
upon the property, which he devotes to general
farming and dairying.
On Oct. 6, 1858, Deacon Robinson married Lo-
visa E. Brewster, of Columbia, daughter of Loren
Brewster, who died March 12, 1865, aged twenty-
four years. On May 1, 1867, he was married to
Mary S. Avery, of Groton, Conn., daughter of Rev.
Jared R. Avery, and she died May 20, 1870, the
mother of one child, Mary Elizabeth, who died May
10, 1870. On June 5, 1872, he married Hattie B.
Huntington, born June 5, 1852, in Eastford, Conn.,
a daughter of Elisha D. and Lucia Maria (Day)
Huntington, and their children are : Nelson Eu-
gene, born July 28, 1875, died Sept. 28, 1894; Clif-
ford Huntington, born April 22, 1879, was married,
Dec. 30, 1903, to Lena G. Parker, of Pawtucket,
R. I.; Arthur Day, born June 16, 1881, died June
1, 1882; and Lloyd Raymond, born Dec. 17, 1883.
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
A 17
In politics Deacon Robinson is a stanch Repub-
lican, and has served for many .years as justice of
the peace. When a young man he united with the
Franklin Congregational Church, and is one of its
Deacons -and most prominent men. he being elected
to succeed the late Dr. Ashbel Woodward, lie has
served as chairman of the Ecclesiastical Society for
a number of years.
Mrs. Robinson is also a member of the Church,
as are both of her sons. Deacon Robinson and his
family are justly regarded as leading representa-
tives of the best interests of Franklin, in both church
and social circles. They come of old families and
are noble descendants of those who laid the founda-
tions of a mighty commonwealth, as well as bore
their part in the upbuilding of the grandest nation
known today.
JOHN MARTIN NEWTON, a well-known re-
tired citizen of Norwich, was born in that town in
[840. He belongs to an old Xew England family,
whose founder, Matthew Newton, first located in
Rhode Island, and later removed to Connecticut.
Palmer Newton, the father of John M., located
in Norwich when a young man. He married in
that town, and spent the remainder of his life there.
John M. Newton has always been a resident of
Norwich, and received his education in that town.
He taught school for a short time, when a young
. man. Since the age of ten years, Mr. Newton has
resided where he now lives on the Newton farm.
In his active life he was at different times engaged
in agricultural pursuits, but for some years past he
has lived retired.
CHARLES FOX FERGUSON, who has at-
tained no little fame through the excellent small
yachts and launches he has built, is a native of the
town of Groton, New London county, and was born
in the house in which he still resides, April 5, 1859.
William P. Ferguson, his father, was born in
New York City in 1821. He learned the trade of
boat building in his native city, and when a young
man he came to New London, where he followed his
trade for a time. About fifty years ago he located
in Groton, where he is still found actively engaged
in boat building. He is an expert judge of good
workmanship, and his advice is often sought by
purchasers as well as other builders. He married
Priscilla Smith, daughter of Samuel Smith, of Gro-
ton, and they became the parents of four children :
Lottie A., horn in 1847; William C, of Groton, born
in 1850: James A., born in 1853. and now connected
with Benjamin's Dry Goods Store in New London,
but still having his residence in Groton ; and Charles
Fox.
Charles F. Ferguson spent his early days at Gro-
ton, receiving his literary training in the schools
near his home. He early became an apprentice t<>
the boat building trade under his father, and by the
time he attained his majority he was one of the
mosl bl the younger generation of boat
builders in Xew London county. Me has made a
careful stud) of his work, and C fully acquainted
with all the modern improvements. Through his
father and himself the name Ferguson has become
synonymous for excellency of workmanship, and
the small yachts and launches they build find a read)
market. During the summer < harles F. is kept
busy attending the boats which he rents to tourists.
and also in personally conducting parties.
Mr. Ferguson has been twice married. He was
married (first) in Groton to Miss Carrie Daboll
Bailey, daughter of Ralph Bailey, who bore him one
daughter, Amelia Bailey. At Center Groton be
married (second) Miss Albertina Burrows Haley,
daughter of John B. Haley, and this union has been
blessed with one daughter, Amy Powell. The family
is highly respected, and regarded as belonging to
the substantial people of the town.
DAN D. HOME, the efficient first selectman of
Montville, and one of the enterprising and progres-
sive farmers of that town, was horn April 23, [861,
in Montville, and has passed all his life there.
William Humes, bis grandfather, was born in
Scotland, and came to America in 1840. By calling
he was an engineer, and for a time was engaged at
his trade in the Rockland paper mill, at Montville,
later becoming engineer in the Hubbard paper mill,
at Grecneville, town of Norwich. He died in
Greeneville in August, 1882. aged eighty-two years.
Mr. Humes married Betsey McNeal, of Scotland.
who died in 1845, in Hartford. Conn., and eight
children were born to this union, viz. : (i) John was
a papermaker, and died in Philadelphia. I 'a., where
he had charge of a paper mill. He married Jane
Beebe, and they had one son, Bentley, who is living
in Philadelphia, (2) Alexander engaged in farm-
ing in Michigan, where he died. He married and
left several children. (3) Daniel D. became a noted
spiritualist and lecturer. He married a Russian
princess, the daughter of a Russian general, and
died in Switzerland, leaving one son. who is now
in the Russian army. In searching the records of
his family, preparatory to his marriage into the
royal family of Russia, he learned that two br itliers
in the family had some differences, and one became
so indignant at the other that he changed his name
to Humes, Nome being the original name. This
brother was the ancestor of Han 1). Home, wl
name introduces this sketch, and who has used the
original spelling since he learned of it. ( 4 1 Wil-
liam II.. father of Dan 1).. is mentioned below. | g )
Adam died at sea when seventeen y age, while
on a whaling voyage with Capt. Buddington, in
Greenland. (6) Collin, Who is engaged in the life
insurance business in New Jersey, married Lillian
Edgcomb, of Xew London. (71 Christine and (8)
Betsey were twins. The former is married and liv-
ing1 in Pennsylvania. Betsey died when twelve years
old.
428
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
William 11. Home, who for over thirty years
has been millwright for the Rockland paper mill, in
Montville, was born May 26, 1836, in Edinburgh,
Scotland, and came to America when ten years old.
He attended school in the Quaker Hill District, in
Waterford, Conn., leaving school at the age of six-
teen, after which he was engaged at farm work for
four years, being employed by Deacon George
Jerome, Henry Benham and Gurdon Miller, all of
Waterford. Then for a season he went on the
coasting vessel "Allen," under Capt. James Car-
bury, of New London. His next employment was
in a rubber mill at Colchester, Conn., where he
learned the carpenter's trade under Standish &
Whitman, with whom he remained three years. He
then went to Norwich, where he worked for Wil-
loughby & Crowell, contractors, for two years, and
during the year following he was with Myers &
Bailey, contractors, of Norwich. His next employer
was William G. Johnson, who conducted a dye mill
at Montville, Mr. Home having charge of the cut-
ting department for twelve years, after which for
a year he was millwright in the Pequot woolen
mill, at Montville, for Harry P. Norton. He then
helped to build the Rockland paper mill, in Mont-
ville, and in March, 1872, became millwright of the
establishment, a position in which he has served
most efficiently ever since. He is well and favor-
ably known in Montville, and is highly respected by
all who come in contact with him. He has never
taken any part in public life, although he is a stanch
member of the Republican party. His religious
membership is with the First Congregational
Church of Montville Center, and he has served on
the Society's committee. Fraternally he affiliates
with Oxoboxo Lodge, No. 116, F. & A. M., of
Montville.
Mr. Home was married, Nov. 18, 1855, to Su-
san Jeanette Bradford, who was born July 13, 1830,
daughter of John D. Bradford, and they have had
two children, Charles Andrew and Dan Dunglass.
The former, born July 11, 1858, in Montville, is
assistant engineer on the "Sprigg Carroll," the gov-
ernment supply boat, and makes his home in New
London. He married Nellie Watts, of Montville.
Dan Dunglass Home was born in Montville,
and received his schooling in the district schools
and Worcester Academy, which he attended for one
year. Leaving school at the age of sixteen years
he commenced work on the home farm, continuing
thus until March, 1897, when he took possession of
his present place, the John Randolph Rogers farm,
comprising 220 acres. This land is in an excellent
state of cultivation, and Mr. Home carries on gen-
eral farming extensively and profitably. There is no
more up-to-date agriculturist in his section than Air.
Home, and he has proven his ability in the public
service as well as in the management of his private
affairs. For nine years he was a tax collector, was
constable for several years, and in October, 1902,
was elected first selectman, being re-elected in 1903
and 1904. In political faith he is a strong Repub-
lican. •
On Nov. 16, 1884, Mr. Home was married to
Miss Ada Idelia Woodmansee, daughter of Solo-
mon Woodmansee and Delia Chapel, of East Lyme
and later of Salem. Five children have blessed this
union : Lillian Idelia, born Feb. 8, 1888, died Dec.
17, 1902; Estelle Kelsey was born May 25, 1891 ;
John Bradford, Jan. 2, 1895 ; Susan Fitch, April
18, 1899; Jeanette Adelia, Sept. 22, 1901. Mr.
Home and his family attend the Montville Congre-
gational Church. Fraternally he is well known,
being a member of Uncas Lodge, No. 17, A. O. IS
W., of Montville ; of Thames Lodge, No. 22, I. O.
O. F., of Montville, in which he has held all the
offices, being past grand ; and of America Council,
No. 84, O. U. A. M., of Montville, in which he has
held all the offices and is past councilor.
DAVID H. GEER, a representative citizen of
Waterford, New London county, and a veteran of
the Civil war, with a remarkable record, was born
June 20, 1844, in Waterford, and is a descendant
of one of New London county's oldest and most dis-
tinguished families.
(I) George Geer, the first of that name in
America, appeared of record in New London, Conn.,
Feb. 7, 1658, the date of his marriage to Sarah,
daughter of Robert Allyn. He was born about
162 1, in England, and according to traditions was a
son of Jonathan Geer, of Devonshire, who died leav-
ing George and his younger brother, Thomas,
orphans at a tender age. An uncle put them aboard
a ship which was to sail for America, and which
arrived in Boston, Mass., in 1635. The first re-
liable record of them thereafter, is, that George
was one of the early settlers of New London, Conn.,
in 1651, and Thomas in Enfield, Conn., in 1682.
George Geer, immediately after his marriage, set-
tled on a tract of fifty acres of land granted him by
the town of New London. Later on, in 1665, he
received from the town another grant of land, one
of 100 acres. He also owned a tract of land in the
town of Preston (now Griswold), a part of which
he obtained by grant from the Indian Sachem,
Owaneco, eldest son of Uncas, bearing date of Dec.
11, 1691. He also held other lands. In 1705 he
resided in what became the town of Groton, of
which he was a selectman. His death occurred in
1726. His wife, Sarah, was baptized in Salem,
Mass., about 1640, sometime previous to her father's
removal to New London, Conn., in 165 1. She died
a short time before the death of her husband. Their
children were: Sarah, born Feb. 27, 1659; Jonathan,
May 26, 1662; Joseph, ( )ct. 14, 1664; Hannah, Feb.
27, 1666; .Margaret, Feb., 1669; Mary, March 26,
1671 ; Daniel, 1673; Robert, Jan. 2, 1675; Anne,
Jan. 6, 1679; Isaac, March 26, 1681 ; and Jeremiah.
(II) Joseph Geer, son of George, born Oct. 14,
1664, married Jan. 7, 1692. Sarah Howard, and his
children were: Joseph, born Oct. 17, 1692 (died
£>Z/IS? .
y Tr, ^?^j),
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
429
May 19. 1 7 18) ; Keziah, Feb. 23, 1710; Sarah, Sept.
17, 1712; Benajah3 May 31, 1 7 1 4 ; Joseph (2), May
29, i/iy: Silas, March 26, 1722; Ezra, May 16,
1724.
Joseph Geer removed to the town of Preston,
Conn., not long after his brother Jonathan, and be-
came a land holder, and, as appears on record, his
father, George Geer, deeded to him a further tract
of land in the town of PVeston, Feb. 23, 1706-07.
He remained on his farm until his death, which oc-
curred in 1743. He was a man often called upon to
act as arbiter in disputed cases, and also on com-
mittees, in behalf of the town.
(III) Joseph Geer (2),. son of Joseph, born
May 29, 1719, married, Dec. 23, 1741, Martha
Harris, and their children were : Susanna, born Feb.
14, 1742-43; Joseph, Sept. 24, 1747; Silas, Feb. 7,
1750; George, Jan. 1, 1752; Thomas, Feb. 29, 1755 ;
Martha, July 15, 1757; and Comfort, Feb. 18, 1761.
The first of the above dates of birth is of Preston
record, and the second of Stonington.
(IV) George Geer, son of Joseph (2), born Jan.
1, 1752, married, and in 1801, was living in Ston-
ington, Conn. His children were : Silas, Aaron,
Ezra, Thomas, George, Jefferson, Anna, Betsey,
and Lucy and Lura (twins).
(V) Silas Geer, son of George, and grand-
father of David H. Geer, married Polly (or Mary)
Larkin, of Rhode Island. He came to North Ston-
ington, in 1814, and there died in the spring of
1865. His children were : Maria, born in 1806, mar-
ried a Mr. Maine; Joseph, born in 1808, married
Sophia Dewey; Sally, born in 1810, married George
Newton and (second) David Maine; Silas (2),
born in 1812; Eliza, born in 1815, married
Caleb Beck with ; David L., born in 1820, was
married three times, and died in Rockland, Maine ;
Henry, born in 1826, married (first) Emily Maine
and (second) Mary Geer; he is living in North
Stonington. The father of this family was a sea
captain and also followed farming.
(VI) Silas Geer (2), born Nov. 12, 1812, in
Richmondtown, R. I., died Feb. 17, 1897, in Water-
ford, Conn. His parents removed to North Ston-
ington, Conn., when he was about two years old. He
came to Waterford when nineteen years old, and
took up farming for two years, after which he
learned the stonecutting trade, which he followed
all his life. He cut the stone ties used in the build-
ing of the first railroad which ran into the city of
Albany. He served his apprenticeship with War-
ren Gates, who was running the Millstone Point
Quarries. After cutting stone for forty years, most
of the time at Millstone Point, he was engaged in
farming for several years before his death. He was
a straightforward man, a hard worker, very tem-
perate, a Prohibitionist, in fact, in political senti-
ment. His religious connection was with the First
Baptist Church of Waterford.
Mr. Geer married. Nov. 2J, 1837. Lydia Beck-
with, daughter of Caleb and Esther (Beebe) Beck-
with, of Waterford. and children as follows bles
this union: (1) Betsey E. was married July 2, 1853,
to Nelson M. Pierce, of New London, where he
died. He was a brickmason by trade. (2) Emma
M. died aged nineteen years and six months. On
April 18, 1858, she married Ephraim R. Brooks, of
Waterford. (3) David H. is mentioned below. (4)
Alva S., born Sept. 1, 1856, was married Aug. 27,
1876, to Mary Hemp>tead, of Groton. He is a
stonecutter, and lives in Waterford.
David H. Geer was born in Waterford,
June 20, 1844, and received his schooling there, leav-
ing school when seventeen years old. From the
time he was old enough to assist with the farm work
he had attended school in the winters and worked
on the farm in the summers. He took his books
from school the day he enlisted. Feb. 23, 1862, in
Company I, 13th Conn. V. I., in New London, under
H. L. Sleighter, for three years' service. His reg-
iment was connected with the Department of the
Gulf. In July, 1864, he was transferred to the De-
partment of Virginia. Mr. Geer was wounded at
the battle of Opequon Creek, in Virginia ( which
was fought under the command of General Sheri-
dan), receiving a bullet wound under the left eye,
the bullet coming out at the back of the neck. He
was left on the battlefield for dead by the surgeon,
who ordered the blanket which covered him to be
placed on the body of a wounded soldier that lay near
him. There Mr. Geer laid for twenty-four hours
without any covering or attention, when it was dis-
covered that he still possessed life. He was re-
moved to the hospital at Winchester, his wounds
were dressed, and six days later it was discovered
that he had also received a bullet wound in the left
shoulder, around which the flesh was decomposing
and infested with vermin. After about two weeks
he was removed to the hospital at Baltimore, Md.,
where he was kept about a week, and then he was
taken to the hospital at Philadelphia. Pa., where he
remained several months. After being discharged
from the hospital at Philadelphia, when his term of
service had expired, he returned to Waterford. He
there engaged in farming, and for one year also
followed the water on a tugboat. In 1868 he pur-
chased his present farm in Waterford, a tract of
twenty-five acres, where he has since lived, carry-
ing on general farming. Although he has attended
so successfully to business, Mr. Geer has never en-
joyed good health since he was in the army. To
many his recovery has seemed marvelous, consider-
ing the extent of his wounds. The left side of his
face is entirely paralyzed, and 'his hearing on that
side totally destroyed, as a result of the injuries he
received. He draws a pension, very moderate in
comparison with the injuries received.
Mr. Geer was married. May to, 1868. to Jane A.
Peabody, daughter of Joseph and Catherine (Baker)
Peabody, of Waterford, and they have had two chil-
dren: (1) Frank Wells (who was named for Capt.
Franks Wells, who was Mr. Geer's captain in the
430
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
army), is a farmer, and is living in Waterford. He
married Jessie Wells Brooks, of Waterford, and
they have two children, David Burtus and Frank
Wells, Jr. (2) Cassie Lydia married Frederick
Ellsworth Nichols, of Waterford, who is farm fore-
man for P. H. Fitzgerald, the contractor. They
have no children.
Mr. and Mrs. Geer are charitable and benevolent
people, and well known workers in the congregation
of the First Baptist Church of Waterford. Socially
he unites with Relief Lodge No. 37, A. O. U. W., of
Waterford, in which he has served as guide, and
with W. W. Perkins Post, No. 47, G. A. R., of New
London. Mrs. Geer and daughter are members of
the Woman's Relief Corps, of New London. In
political faith Mr. Geer is a stanch Republican, and
is also a strong advocate of temperance.
JOHN LEFFINGWELL, for a number of
years one of Voluntown's most respected merchants,
belongs to one of the oldest families of New Lon-
don county. He is a descendant of
(I) Lieut. Thomas Leffingwell, a native of Crox-
hall, England, who was one of the earliest planters
of Saybrook, and one of the original proprietors of
Norwich. He was personally engaged in the Pe-
quot war, was a warm friend of Chief Uncas, and
gave him great assistance at the time the Mohegans
were besieged by the Narragansetts, in the spring of
1645. Being of a roving nature, he made various
trips through different parts of Connecticut, and on
one of these excursions traveled along the land bor-
dering Long Island Sound and the Thames river.
Finally, at a spring which is still located near the
present home of Daniel C. Leffingwell, in Leffing-
well, town of Montville, he came upon Uncas and
his tribe of Indians, who were camped near the
spring. The chief and two of his warriors had cov-
ered the surrounding country in search of a place
to locate, selecting what has since been known as
the Mohegan Reservation. Thomas Leffingwell
was so pleased with their description of the land,
and with the appearance of the same, that he de-
cided to settle there. Two of the warriors returned
to Saybrook with him to help him arrange his change
of location and remove his belongings. During their
absence of the Narragansetts from Rhode Island
made an attack on the Mohegans, and being greatly
outnumbered, the latter were compelled to seek
shelter among the rocks and hills bordering the
Thames river, where they were completely sur-
rounded by the Narragansetts. Chief Uncas, realiz-
ing his position, and knowing that unless provisions
were obtained his supplies would be exhausted, and
his men compelled to surrender, only to be massa-
cred, a council of war was held, and it was decided
that an attempt be made to reach Thomas Leffing-
well, whom Uncas believed would assist him. One
of the braves succeeded in evading the enemy and
reached Mr. Leffingwell at Saybrook, informing
him of the plight of Uncas, and his tribe. Mr. Lef-
fingwell and the three Indians lost no time in con-
structing a rough scow, which they filled with all
the provisions obtainable and brought through Long
Island Sound and up the Thames river. The Mo-
hegans, partaking of the food, regained the strength
lost in their almost starved condition, made an
attack on the Narragansetts, and after chasing
them several miles captured Miantonomo, the chief,
who was killed on the spot by Uncas, who cut out
his heart. For his services Uncas gave Thomas
Leffingwell land nine miles square, which territory
included what is now the town of Norwich. The
deed, however, was never recorded. He was also
given several hundred acres of land, the
deed of which was recorded, and which has
since been known as Leffingwelltown, being
a portion of Montville, Norwich and Boz-
rah. • There he built five different houses,
one for each of his sons, all within hearing distance
of a horn. He was kind to the Indians and beloved
by them. Mr. Leffingwell was always active in
public affairs, both of the town and Colony. He
died in Norwich about the year 1710, and Mary, his
wife, died there Feb. 6, 171 1. Their descendants
were numerous, and the name has been quite com-
mon in the»vicinity where their first American an-
cestor settled. Thomas Leffingwell and his wife
had seven children : Rachel, Thomas, Jonathan,
Joseph, Mary, Nathaniel and Samuel.
(II) Sergt. Thomas Leffingwell was born Aug.
2J, 1649, probably at Saybrook.
(III) Capt. John Leffingwell, born Feb. 2, 1688,
in Norwich, Conn., married (first), Dec. 26, 1710,
Sarah Abel, who was born in February, 1690,
daughter of Joshua and Bethiah (Gager) Abel.
She died May 9, 1730, and he married (second),
Nov. 17, 1730, Mary Hart, of Farmington, Conn.
Capt. Leffingwell was made a freeman of the Colony
in Norwich, in 1770. He became quite prominent in
the town, acquiring, too, considerable of an estate.
He died in Norwich Aug. 16, 1773. His children
were : Elizabeth, Sarah, John, Mary, Abigail, Lucy,
Hart, Ruth, Matthew, Phineas, Eunice and Karo-
line.
(IV) Phineas Leffingwell, born April 9, 1742,
in Norwich, married, Nov. 17, 1774, Elizabeth
Hyde, born July 9, 1746, daughter of Jabez Hyde,
of Norwich, Conn., and settled in that town. He
succeeded his father in the "Leffingwell Tavern" on
the New London turnpike. Mr. Leffingwell was a
large muscular man, six feet, three inches in height.
He died Sept. 23, 1797, in Norwich. His wife died
April 21, 1796. Their children were: Phineas,
Simeon, Charles, Elizabeth, John, Ambrose and
Henry.
(V) John Leffingwell, born July 21, 1784, in
Norwich, married in February, 1821, Emily Ladd,
born Sept. 25, 1795, daughter of Whiting Ladd, of
Franklin, Conn., where she died June 11, 1869. Mr.
Leffingwell settled in Franklin, Conn., farming, but
later removed to Norwich, and occupied land on
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
431
which the Leffingwells had lived for six generations,
lie died in 1874, in the ninetieth year of his age.
His children were: George Lewis, born April 3,
1822, married Sarah F. Standish ; Charles Hazen,
born Dec. 18, 1826, married Catherine Dixon, and
Henry Hyde was born Dec. 18, 1826.
(VI) Henry Hyde Leffingwell, born Dec. 18,
1826, in the town of Franklin, grew to manhood on
the farm. When a young man he came to Norwich,
where he ever afterward made his home, and com-
menced teaming, in which line of work he continued
all his life. His death occurred in Norwich, quite
suddenly, April 1, 1875, and he was buried in Yan-
tic cemetery. On Feb. 20, 1847, Mr. Leffingwell
married Harriet L. Root, a native of Hartford, who
died suddenly in 1873, as the result of an accident.
She, too, is interred in Yantic cemetery. They were
the parents of four children: John, born Nov. 13,
1848; Charlie H., born Feb. 5, 1850, a resident of
Norwich; George, born March 11, 1852, who lives
in Providence, R. I.; and Harriet, born Jan. 11,
1858, who died young. The father was a Democrat
in political sentiment. He was a man of upright
character, making the Golden Rule the guide for
his actions, and he was universally esteemed.
John Leffingwell attended the public school of
Norwich and the Broadway Grammar School. At
an early age he commenced as clerk in the store of
Thurston & Waterman, dealers in flour and grain,
with whom he spent several years, and he was later
engaged as clerk in the grocery of E. M. Frazier &
Co. He continued there until 1874, in which year
he removed to Voluntown, where he clerked for
Amos Herrick for some time. He then started into
business on his own account, in partnership with
John Gardiner, and they conducted a general busi-
ness under the firm name of Leffingwell & Gardiner,
this connection lasting six years. Since the disso-
lution of the old firm Mr. Leffingwell has carried on
a grocery business alone, and he has become popu-
lar among his associates, and is respected wherever
his name is known. His fellow citizens have shown
their confidence in his ability and integrity by choos-
ing him to various positions of trust, he having
served as assessor, member of the board of relief,
and auditor for several years. During the second
Cleveland administration he was appointed post-
master, in which responsible position he was re-
tained for five years. In politics he is a stanch
Democrat.
Mr. Leffingwell was married, in Norwich, to
Hattie L. Whaley, who died in Voluntown and is
buried in the Yantic cemetery. She was the mother
of one child, Frank, who resides in Mystic, Conn.
For his second wife Mr. Leffingwell married Mrs.
Ellen M. Hall, widow of Edmond Hall, a well
known resident of Voluntown ; there are no chil-
dren of this union. Mr. and Mrs. Leffingwell are
much devoted to one another, and they are every-
where respected as most worthy people. Fratern-
ally he holds membership in Shctucket Lodge, of
Norwich, Palmyra Encampment and Oneco Can-
ton. I. ( ). (). F.; and in the A. O. L'. W. lodge at
Voluntown, in which he has passed all the chairs,
being now master workman of that body.
THOMAS W1XX CASEY, who has been
prominently identified with the granite quarry and
monumental industries of New London and vicinity,
and is one of New London's representative citizen's,
was born Aug. 1, 1853, in County Cork, Ireland,
a son of John Casey. His grandfather, also named
John, was a farmer in that country, and married
Catherine Miller. He had three children, Thomas,
John and Mary.
John Casey, father of Thomas W., was born in
Ireland, where his useful life was spent, and where
he died at the age of seventy-five years. He was a
contractor, and for many years successfully con-
ducted the quarries in the towns of Carrigeen and
Curriglass, where he made his home. In addition
he also operated limekilns, using the limestone from
his quarries in making lime. John Casey married
Elizabeth Winn, who passed away at the age of
sixty years. Her parents, John and Bridget (Mc-
Carthy) Winn, were farming people, and she had
two brothers and seven sisters. The children born
to Mr. and Mrs. Casey were as follows : Thomas,
Catherine and Mary died in infancy. Bridget mar-
ried Michael Geary, and they reside in New Lon-
don, Conn. John, who lives in New York, is a gas-
maker by trade. Thomas W. is mentioned below.
James, who is living in New York, was for many
years engaged in a plumbing business, but is now
conducting an undertaking establishment.
Thomas Winn Casey was born in Ireland, as be-
fore stated, and educated in the common schools,
attending until he was fourteen years of age. About
this time his father died, and for a short time young
Casey was employed on a farm. Shortly thereafter
he sailed from Queenstown, in June, 1871, on the
"City of Limerick," for America, arriving in New
York July 4, 1 871. In New York Mr. Casey re-
mained about two years, working at the quarry
business, of which he had obtained a fair knowledge
under his father's instructions. In April, 1873. he
came to New London, and was apprenticed to
Charles Stoll, as a stonecutter, remaining in his
employ about five years. Then, in 1878, he formed
a partnership with M. D. Buckley, under the firm
style of Buckley & Casey, and established the mon-
umental business on Bank street. This connection
continued for about- five years, when Mr. Casey
sold his interest to his partner and leased the Scully
quarries in Groton, successfully conducting same
for about twelve years, during which time he manu-
factured his product into granite monuments, etc.
Mr. Casey then became largely interested in ex-
tensive quarries in Green's Landing, now Stoning-
ton, Maine, shipping his product to New York and
Boston and other large markets. Some years later
he took into partnership S. Clinton Sherwood, of
432
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
New York, in which city they established their head
office at the corner of Twenty-third street and Fifth
avenue, the firm becoming Casey & Sherwood and
thus continuing ten years. The business increased
and grew very rapidly, the manufactured products
from their quarries going into nearly all the New
England and Middle States, and as far west as Wis-
consin, Utah and California, in all of which States
the firm has erected costly work. At the expira-
tion of these ten years Mr. Casey sold his interest
to Mr. Sherwood, who is still conducting the enter-
prise, his headquarters being in New York. Since
selling Mr. Casey has been acting as general man-
ager of Mr. Sherwood's interests, his vast experi-
ence in this line fitting him for his responsible po-
sition.
Sociallv Mr. Casey is a member of Fairview
Lodge, No. ioi,.I. O. O. F., and of the A. O. U.
W. lodge at Groton, Conn., and is also a member
of New London Council, No. 1484, Royal Arcanum.
Mr. Casey and his family are members of St.
Mary's Star of the Sea Church of New London.
Politically he is a Republican, but his business in-
terests do not permit him to give much attention to
public affairs.
On May 1, 1883, Mr. Casey was united in mar-
riage with Julia Ann Scully, daughter of James
Scully, who was an extensive quarry owner in Gro-
ton. Their children are: Elizabeth M. graduated
from the Williams Memorial Institute, New Lon-
don, in 1902 ; John F. was graduated from the
Bulkeley high school, New London, in 1902, and
expects to fit himself for the practice of medicine
at Columbia University ; James will graduate from
the Bulkeley high school in 1905 ; Frank is also at-
tending that school ; William is attending the gram-
mar school ; Mary is a student in the Harbor school ;
Clara is attending kindergarten.
Mr. Casey and his family reside in a pleasant
home at No. 106 Ocean avenue, which was formerly
the home of the late Capt. John Brown, of New
London, and there they dispense a gracious hospi-
tality.
EDWARD JUDSON MINER, a prominent
citizen of Bozrah who wields great influence for
good in his community, is a representative of an
ancient and honorable family.
According to 'American Ancestry" the Miner
family is descended from Lieut. Thomas Miner (or
Minor), who bore a conspicuous part in the settle-
ment of New London and Stonington, his personal
history belonging more particularly to the latter
town. He was born April 23, 1608, son of Clement
Miner, and a descendant of Sir Henry Miner of
Mendippe Colles Minerarij, Mendippe Hills, County
of Somerset, England, who died in 1359, and with
whom the name of Miner is said to have originated
during the reign of King Edward III — 1327-1377.
From Sir Henry Miner Lieut. Thomas was in the
tenth generation, through Henry (2), William,
Thomas, Lodovick, Thomas, William, William (2)
and Clement.
Lieut. Thomas Miner married Grace, daughter
of Walter Palmer, and five of their ten children
were born — one at Charlestown, Mass.. and the
others at Hingham, Mass. — before the parents re-
moved, in 1646, to New London, Conn., where were
born the remainder. These children were : John,
Clement, Thomas, Ephraim, Joseph, Manasseh,
Ann, Maria, Samuel and Hannah. The eldest son,
John, was born in Charlestown in 1636, and married
Elizabeth Booth. He was for a short period' under
instruction at the expense of the commissioners of
the New England Colonies, who wished to prepare
him for an interpreter and teacher of the Gospel to
the Indians, as they did also John Stanton, neither
of whom, however, followed the course mapped out
by their patrons, though both became useful men,
turning their education to good account as record-
ers, justices, etc. John Miner, it is supposed, emi-
grated to Stratford in 1657-58, and from there went
to Woodbury, Conn., where he served as town clerk
for many years. The only son of Thomas Miner
who settled permanently in New London was
Clement Miner, whose name appears on the records
as ensign and deacon. He married (first) in 1662
Frances, relict of Isaac Wiley, Jr. She died in 1673,
and he married (second) Martha, daughter of Will-
iam Wellman. She died in 1700, and he married
(third) Joanna. Gen. Ulysses S. Grant was a lineal
descendant of Lieut. Thomas Miner.
Thomas Miner, grandfather of Edward Judson
Miner, was a farmer by occupation. The greater
part of his active life was spent in Bozrah, but in
his later years he made his home with his son An-
drew, who resided in Salem, Conn. Thomas Miner
died in his carriage, of heart failure, while on the
road between Bozrah and Salem, and he was buried
in the Baptist Church cemetery in the latter town.
He was well advanced in years, and was the father
of several sons and two daughters, Charles T, being
one of the older members of the family.
Charles T. Miner, son of Thomas, was born in
Bozrah. In his younger days he was engaged as a
Yankee peddler, selling notions throughout Penn-
sylvania and neighboring States, where he met with
considerable success. Later he took up butchering,
finding employment in that line in Norwich. He
established a meat market in Fitchville, and there
continued until his death, which occurred quite sud-
denly March 17, 1872, when he was aged fifty-eight
years. In his political faith he was first a Whig
and later a Republican, and he exercised a good in-
fluence in his party. His religious connection was
with the Bozrah Congregational Church. On Sept.
20, 1840, Mr. Miner married Caroline M. Bitgood, a
native of Voluntown, where her family was a num-
erous one. She died Dec. 30, 1877, aged sixty-
three years. To Mr. and Mrs. Charles T. Miner
were born the following children: Frances M., born
Sept. 5, 1841, died July 14, 1865. Charles E., born
^%^/-
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
433
Aug. 30, 1844, was a butcher by trade, and died in
Norwich, leaving three children, Lloyd E., Orrin
H. and Phebe L. Sarah M., born Oct. 10, 1846,
married William F. Long, and resides in Bozrah
Street. Edward Judson was born Nov. 10, 1848.
Orrin C, born Oct. 20, 1850, died Oct. 30, 1870.
Edward Judson Miner received his education in
the district schools of his native town of Bozrah.
Under the careful tuition of his father he learned
the trade of butcher, and remained with him
as an assistant until his death in 1872. when he suc-
ceeded to the business. He greatly increased the
trade by the institution of modern methods, and
also by the addition of a wholesale establishment,
and he soon found himself obliged to keep two
wagons running to meet the growing demands of
his business, their routes extending into the sur-
rounding towns of Norwich and Franklin. For
twenty-five years Mr. Miner conducted this busi-
ness, six years of the time having a partner, Mr.
Gardiner Avery, with whom he was associated
under the firm name of Miner & Avery. About fif-
teen years ago, because of ill health, Air. Miner dis-
posed of his business to William F. Bogue, and has
since been engaged at farming ; he had conducted
two farms together with his meat business, so that
he was not entering into unfamiliar duties, and he
has met with prosperity in his chosen line. His
farm, formerly known as the "Abel Farm,"' consists
of eighty-eight acres of highly cultivated land. In
past years he has dealt quite extensively in cattle,
and he has acquired a good reputation as a judge
of live stock.
On Nov. 10, 1875, Mr. Miner was united in
marriage with Hattie Sophia Johnson, who was
born in Bozrah in 1855, daughter of Isaac and Han-
nah (Hough) Johnson. Four children came of this
union : Bertha Caroline, who is at home ; Frances
Baldwin, wife of William F. Herrick, of Yantic ;
Hattie Sophia, at home ; and Charles Judson, who
died in infancy.
In the political world Mr. Miner plays a prom-
inent part as a stanch advocate of Republican prin-
ciples. He has been called many times to hold pub-
lic office, and in 1879, 1800 and in 1897 was the Boz-
rah representative in the State Assembly, in the lat-
ter session serving on the committee on School
Funds. In 1902 he was the delegate from his town
to the State Constitutional Convention. For a num-
ber of years he has served continuously on the board
of selectmen, and for several years has been first
selectman. He has also been grand juror and mem-
ber of the board of assessors. His public spirit is
unquestioned and he is found among the leaders of
all movements that tend to the advancement of his
town. For nearly twenty years he has been a mem-
ber of the New London County Fair Association,
having served as a director for about eight years,
and in 1900 he was elected president of that organi-
zation. Mr. Miner served four years as a member
of the State board of agriculture. He was one of
28
the prime movers in the organization of the Bozrah
Creamery Association, and has been its president,
secretary and agent. The religious connection of
the family is with the Bozrah Congregational
Church, in which Mr. Miner i> a member of the
Society's committee, and Miss Bertha is president of
the Ladies Aid Society. The family is highly es-
teemed, and their pleasant home is a most hospitable
one.
ADAMS. The name of Adams has been fa-
miliar to the student of American history from the
days of the Pilgrim fathers. That branch of the
family residing in the town of Lisbon, New London
county, so worthily represented by the late Jeremiah
Kinsman Adams and his progeny, traces its lineage
to Richard Adams, the first of his name in the
county, who settled early in the eighteenth century
on a farm which has since been in the family name.
This farm he purchased from Major James Fitch,
one of the proprietors of the town of Norwich, who
acquired, his land direct from the Indian Chief Un-
cas. Richard Adams was the father of eleven chil-
dren : Richard, Joseph, Daniel, John, Isaac, Re-
becca, William, Susannah, Mary, Esther and
Martha.
William Adams, son of Richard, was the next in
direct line. He married, and in his family was a son
Phineas.
Phineas Adams, son of William, was a farmer,
and died Jan. 7, 1789. On Dec. 31. 1751, he mar-
ried Lydia, granddaughter of Major James, and
great-granddaughter of Rev. James Fitch, the latter
the first pastor of the first church organized in Nor-
wich. Mrs. Adams died July 14, 1820, in her
eighty-sixth year. Their children were : William,
born Oct. 28, 1752, is mentioned below; Asahel,
born Sept. 13, 1754, removed to Warren. Ohio;
Abigail, born Dec. 7, 1756, married Septimus Lath-
rop ; Wealthy, born Feb. 21, 1760, married Joshua
Bishop; Phineas, born Aug. 21, 1762, married Lydia
Bishop; Roger, born Nov. 6, 1766, married (first)
Mary Willoughby and (second) Airs. Marshall ;
Jabez, born Aug. 23, 1767, married (first) a Miss
Swift and (second) a Miss Ensworth ; Fitch, born
Jan. 20, 1772, married (first) Amy Bacon and (sec-
ond) Sarah Morgan; Lydia, born May 4. 1774,
married Thomas Sargent; and Alice, born Oct. 13,
1776, married Simon Rudd, and died Oct. 10, 1810.
Deacon William Adams, son of Phineas, was a
farmer, and he passed his entire life on the home-
stead, except for the years he served as a soldier in
the Revolutionary army, a service for which he
drew a pension for some years. In his politics he
was a Whig, and he was always active in the affairs
of the town, having held about every office in the
gift of his fellow townsmen, giving in return for
the honors they conferred conscientious, upright
conduct of the duties imposed upon him. His liber-
ality was well known, and so difficult was it for him
to refuse he often found himself inconvenienced
434
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
by his giving. In the Newent Congregational
Church he served many years as deacon. His genial
happv disposition made' him as greatly beloved as
his upright life of strict morality and high integrity
made him respected. He died Dec. 8, 1840, and
was buried in the cemetery in the south part of
Canterbury, near his home. On Dec. 18, 1776, he
was married to Phillis Ensworth, of Canterbury,
who was born April 26, 1753, and who died March
30, 1834, the mother of children as follows: Sybil,
born Nov. 13. 1777, died Oct. 13, 1809; Lucy, born
Dec. 14, 1779, married Fanning Tracey, and died
March 12, 1819 ; Roswell was born May 6, 1782.
Roswell Adams, son of Deacon William, suc-
ceeded his father to the farm, and proved himself
worthy the honored name he bore. He, too, took
an active part in the work of the Newent Congre-
gational Church. In politics he was first a Whig
and later a Republican. He was called upon to fill
many of the town offices, and represented the town
one term in the Legislature. On Feb. 7, 18 10, he
married Sarah Kinsman, of Plainfield, daughter of
Jeremiah and Sarah (Douglass) Kinsman, and
granddaughter of Gen. Douglass, of Revolutionary
fame. In 1809 Mr. Adams's father had erected the
home now standing, and thither Roswell Adams
took his bride. She died May 18, 1842, aged fifty-
seven years. Eight children blessed their home, of
whom we have record as follows: (1) Sybil Maria,
born June 20, 181 1, married May 4, 1841, Edward
Spalding, and resided first in Brooklyn, Conn., and
latter in Plainfield, where she died Feb. 9, 1854. She
had two children: Maria Elizabeth, born March
12, 1846, is the widow of A. Thornton Storey, and
resides in Jewett City ; and Henry A., born Sept.
1, 1850, married Amanda W. Benjamin, and died
in Norwich, July 9, 1900. (2) Thomas Kinsman,
born July 8, 1813, removed to Detroit, Mich., where
he died June 16, 1876, leaving a widow and four
children. (3) Susannah, born July 5, 181 5, mar-
ried Feb. 7, 1837, James Johnson, a native of Gris-
wold, who became a merchant and the president of
the old Jewett City National Bank, continuing in
the latter position until compelled to give up busi-
ness on account of failing eyesight. For more
than thirty years before his death Mr. Johnson was
partially blind and lived retired. His death occurred
Feb. 21, 1899, at the old Adams homestead in Lis-
bon, and he was buried at Jewett City. His widow
still resides in the old home where she was born.
They had no children. (4) William, born Sept. 5,
1817, died Jan. 5, 1822. (5) Edward, born Sept.
1, 1819, died May 7, 1842. (6) Sarah Douglass,
born Jan. 22, 1822, died unmarried May 26, 1863.
(7) Mary Kinsman, born Oct. 12, 1824, married
Henry A. Lathrop, and resided in Griswold, where
she died Dec. 2, 1877. She was the mother of three
children: Edward A., born Sept. 25, 1861, died
Dec. 29, 1886; Sarah G., born Nov. 12, 1862, mar-
ried Simeon Dyer, of Boston, and died at Augusta,
Ga., April 13, 1886; and Lydia Campbell, born Nov.
10, 1864, died Dec. 3, 1884. (8) Jeremiah Kinsman
completed the family.
Jeremiah Kinsman Adams was born Sept. 26,
1826, in the old Lisbon home. The district schools
afforded him a good foundation for his education,
his literary training being continued in the school
at Jewett City, in a select school at Norwich, and by
a short period of study in the Plainfield Academy.
He remained on the home farm, assisting his father,
until the latter's death, when he bought out the in-
terests of the other heirs. He continued to make
his home there as long as he lived, and he died
there Sept. 8, 1893 ; his remains rest in the ceme-
tery near his home. He was six feet in height, of
spare build, and possessed much strength. Until
within a few years of his death his health had al-
ways been excellent, and he was a man of much en-
durance.
Early in life Mr. Adams affiliated with the Whig
party in politics, but upon the organization of the
Republican party he transferred his allegiance to
the new, and afterward was a stanch advocate of its
principles. In 187 1 he represented his district in
the State Senate, where he served as chairman of
the committee on Humane Institutions. Of the local
offices he held about every one within the gift of
the people, performing his duties with a conscien-
tious fidelity that made him an ideal public servant.
When a young man he united with the Newent
Congregational Church, and was always interested
in its many good works. He was a regular attend-
ant at divine service until failing health prevented.
His death was a distinct loss to the community. His
genial personality won him many warm friends,
and a sense of personal loss saddened all who knew
him, when the sad news became known. To his
posterity he left an untarnished name.
In Scituate, R. I., Sept. 7, 1853, Jeremiah Kins-
man Adams was united in marriage with Eliza An-
gell, a native of that place, born Sept. 23, 1831,
a daughter of Andrew and Amy (Aldrich) Angell.
She now makes her home in Jewett City. Six chil-
dren were born of this marriage : Edward A., born
March 17, 1855, died in October, 1862; Andrew
Angell, born March 27, 1857, is mentioned below;
Elizabeth, born June 26, 1859, married, Nov. 22,
1882, Frank Pendleton, and died April 3, 1884; Car-
oline A., born Oct. 27, 1862, married, Oct. 21, 1890,
G. Curtis Hull, manager of the Ponemah store, at
Taftville, Conn., and they have three children, Eliz-
abeth A., Helen A. and Ruth K. ; Alice Rudd, born
Jan. 3, 1864,. married, Sept. 17, 1889, Frank E. Rob-
inson, secretary and treasurer of the Jewett City
Savings Bank, and died July 17, 1903, the mother
of two children, Theodore and Marion ; Sarah Kins-
man was born Jan. 9, 1875.
Andrew Angell Adams, son of Jeremiah Kins-
man, now occupies the old home where he was born.
His education was acquired in the district schools,
and he gave his attention to work on the homestead
until he was thirty years of age, when he yielded to
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
435
a spirit of unrest and accepted a position as fireman
on the New York & New England railroad, now a
part of the Consolidated system. Later he was pro-
moted to be engineer, and he continued in this
wor kuntil recalled home by the death of his father.
During the time he was working on the railroad he
had made his residence at Plainfield, Conn. He has
succeeded admirably in caring for the old home,
which is one of the charming places in Lisbon.
Socially Mr. Adams belongs to Protection
Lodge, No. 19, I. O. O. F., at Central Village, and
to Unity Encampment, Danielson. He held several
offices in the lodge, and was considered one of the
popular members, his cheerful, generous disposition
making him a most companionable man.
On Oct. 19, 1882, Andrew A. Adams was mar-
ried to Ellen Browning, of Griswold, daughter of
Beriah H. and Sarah (Campbell) Browning. They
are popular in the social life of Lisbon, and worthily
bear one of the honored names of New London
county.
DR. WASHINGTON W. SHEFFIELD, in his
lifetime one of the leading Dentists of New Eng-
land, was born in North Stonington, Conn., April
23, 1827, a son of Rev. John Sheffield.
The ancestry of the Sheffield family dates back
to the time of the Norman conquest of England,
when one Edmund Shefield accompanied the great
William on his invasion. In process of time three
brothers, descended from this Edmund, came to
America, and one, Amos Sheffield, settled in Rhode
Island. By that time the name had assumed its
present form of spelling.
(I) Amos, the emigrant, was born in Sheffield,
England, June 7, 1602, and came to this country
in 1630, presumably with the Winthrop Colony.
(II) Isaiah was born in Boston, July 10, 1638.
(III) Amos (2) was born in Newport, R. I., July
27, 1660.
(IV) John was born in Newport May 3, 1710.
(V) Amos (3) was born Feb. 3, 1764. He had
six children : Rev. John, William, Amos, Betsey,
Hannah and Mary. His wife was a cousin of the
Sweet family, of New England fame. After the
death of Amos Sheffield she married William Mer-
riss. and two children were born to them, John and
Amanda.
(VI) Rev. John Sheffield was born in Exeter, R.
L, Nov. 20, 1798. When a young man he went to
Stonington, Conn., and settled in business as a car-
riagemaker. He became a prominent figure in the
town in many ways, for in addition to his prom-
inence later as a preacher, he was trial justice of the
town and chairman of the board of education for
many years, held several other town offices, and rep-
resented North Stonington in the Legislature in
1847.
For many years a member of the M. E. Church,
John Sheffield became convinced that he was called
to the ministry, and was first licensed to exhort
June 27, 1836, by Rev. Erastus Benton. On Nov.
4, 1837, he was licensed to preach by Presiding
Elder L. Dorchester ; he was ordained deacon by
Bishop Janes July 7, 1844, at the Conference held
in Newport, R. I.; and elder by Bishop Hedding,
April 9, 1848, in New London.
The Sweet family, with whom Rev. John Shef-
field was connected on the maternal side, were
noted for their skill in bone-setting, and he seemed
to have inherited much of their deftness ; he often
came to the assistance of the injured, and although
his aid was as efficacious as a physician's he never
made any charge for his services.
In his wife Rev. John Sheffield had a true help-
meet and a devoted mother to their children. Her
maiden name was Eliza Lewis, and they were mar-
ried Feb. 6, 1820. They had a large family, as fol-
lows: Frances Eliza, born Sept. 21, 1821, in North
Stonington, the birthplace of all the children ; John
Franklin, June 8, 1823 ; an infant son, who died
Dec. 27, 1825, aged seven weeks and four days;
Washington W. ; Lucius Tracy, Feb. 20, 1830 ; An-
drew Jackson, May 12, 1832; Ann Judson, May 11,
1834; Julia Tracy, July 31, 1837; Mary Hannah,
July 19, 1839.
Dr. Washington W. Sheffield was born in North
Stonington, Conn., April 23, 1827, grew up in his
native town, and was educated in its public schools.
He gained his professional education in a Dental
College, and after graduation supplemented that
training by practical experience in the offices of
Dr. J. A. G. Comstock, of New London, and Dr.
Charles Allen, of New York, the latter one of the
most eminent members of the dental profession at
that time. The young dentist's knowledge of mak-
ing artificial teeth was further perfected under the
tuition of Dr. D. H. Porter, unquestionably the
best authority of his time on such matters.
Equipped with this preliminary training and fa-
vored by nature with clear perceptions, Dr. Shef-
field came to New London in April, 1852, and con-
tinued his practice there until a few years before his
death. He always made that city his home, and his
success as a practitioner is too well known to need
much comment. It is given to but few to attain the
eminence in their vocations that Dr. Sheffield did
in his profession, and his practice was one of the
largest and most successful ever secured by a New
England dentist.
For some time in his private practice Dr. Shef-
field had used the preparation known to the world
as Creme Dentifrice, and with such pleasing and
signal results that the demand prompted its manu-
facture on a larger scale. This led to the erection
of the laboratory on Waller street, and as soon as
the preparation was placed on the market and its
qualities made known, the marked increase in the
demand was felt. This business was conducted
under the watchful supervision of Dr. Sheffield and
absolute purity in the ingredients used was strictly
enjoined. In 1887 the business was thoroughly sys-
436
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
tematized, and incorporated under the name of the
Sheffield Dentifrice Company.
Dr. Sheffield was married to Miss Harriet P.
Browne, daughter of Richard and Julia Browne, of
Providence, R. I., and one son came to this union,
L. T. Sheffield, who followed his father's profession.
After his graduation from the Harvard Dental
School he further perfected himself by two years'
study in Europe. In 1881 he located in New York
City, and at the time of his death, in New York, he
was among the most successful practitioners of the
Metropolis. Both he and his father attained most
enviable standing and reputation in their profes-
sion.
Dr. W. W. Sheffield was a man of fine physique
and vigorous mentality, and was not only honored
in his professional capacity, but greatly liked as a
man. His death occurred in 1897, and the follow-
ing tribute from a local paper was one of the many
expressions of regret at the sad event :
"The death of Dr. Washington W. Sheffield,
which took place at his home on Broad street, re-
moves from New London one of its most respected
citizens. He was born in North Stonington, April
23, 1827. As a citizen and a professional man he
had for nearly fifty years occupied a conspicuous
place in the city. Of striking appearance, affable
manners and ready sympathy, he won the respect of
all classes."
Mrs. Sheffield survived until July 26, 1903, pass-
ing away at her home, No. 36 Broad street, New
London.
WILLIAM ELLERY MAXSON, whose name
was familiar all along the coast as a master builder
of first-class boats, and whose strong personality
and unflinching integrity made an impress upon the
life of the different communities in which he dwelt,
came of sturdy and fearless New England ancestry.
Richard Maxson was one of the early settlers of
New England, and was in Boston prior to 1634, in
which year he was admitted to the Baptist Church.
He was one of those driven out of Massachusetts
for conscience's sake into regions where they might
worship according to their own beliefs. In 1636
Richard Maxson was in Portsmouth, R. I., and was
one of those who signed a compact acknowledging
themselves legal subjects of His Majesty, King
Charles, thereby binding themselves into a civil
body "politicke." He was also one of the founders
of Newport. According to family tradition, the
story of which is preserved in old church memorials,
he was among the first who attempted a landing on
the Connecticut shores. The party with which he
was connected made a settlement at Throg's Neck,
for some time afterward called Maxson's Point,
where they carried on trade with the Indians until
about the time of the P'equot war, in 1637, when the
Indians surrounded them, instigated probably by the
hostile Pequots, refusing to come to trade as usual
unless the settlers confined their dogs. This was
done, and while those faithful sentinels were con-
fined the Indians attacked the settlement. The
whites sought safety on the Sound, but a number of
them were attacked and killed the next day in an
attempt to land to procure provisions. After a
tedious passage in their shallop the survivors landed
on the Island of Aquidneck, the nearest place on the
coast then free from danger. Soon after the land-
ing, in the spring of 1638, a son, John, was born
to Richard Maxson.
John Maxson, son of Richard, thus had the dis-
tinction of being the first white child born on the
island of Rhode Island, or Aquidneck, as it was
then called. In 1661 he joined a company formed
at Newport, who purchased a portion of the Narra-
gansett country called Misquamicott. His son John
was also an extensive landowner. Maxson's Pur-
chase, as the land bought by the company was called,
contained 2,684 acres. John Maxson was also in-
terested in other grants, as may be seen by the
Rhode Island records. In the religious freedom en-
joyed by the settlers of Rhode Island many religious
sects flourished. Among them — an important one
in that day — was the Seventh-Day Baptists, a sect
which had been in existence since the early days of
dissent in England. To this John Maxson belonged.
The Colony at Misquamicott, since called Westerly,
generally embraced the views of the Seventh-Day
Baptists. A church was organized, and Mr. Max-
son was called to the office of elder, in which he
was later joined and followed by his son, John. The
sect, which still flourishes in Westerly, holds in
honor and reverence the memory of its first pastor,
and preserves the gravestones of the venerable
man who died Dec. 17, 1720, and of his wife, Mary
Mosher.
George Stillman, a maternal ancestor of Will-
iam E. Maxson, was born in Steeple Aspen, County
of Wilts, England, in 1654. He lived in Hadley,
Mass., in 1685, and remained there until 1704, when
he went to Wethersfield, Conn. He was selectman
at Hadley, Mass., in 1696; deputy to the General
Court of Massachusetts in 1698; a juror of Weth-
ersfield in 1705; and selectman in 1708. He was a
merchant with an estate large for those days. His
son George, born in England, was an Episcopalian.
On a journey from Wethersfield, Conn., to Boston,
in 1705, the latter passed through the town of West-
erly, and seeing the Seventh-Day Baptists at work
on Sunday thought he would stop on his way back
and endeavor to convert them from what he called
their "delusion." He did stop, but he became him-
self convinced of the truth of their tenets, and soon
took up his abode among them.
A grandson of Elder John Maxson, Sr., was
pastor of the Mother Church at Newport, organized
in 1671, and the first church of this parish was at
one time shared with other Baptists. During the
Revolution, in which his sons were in the Con-
tinental army, his church was closed and he
preached from house to house. It is related that
GEXEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
437
when the British opened the door of the church to
take possession, the officer saw the tahle of com-
mandments which the members had so earnestly
endeavored to follow, above the high old pulpit, and
he thereupon reverently closed the door and locked
it — thus saving it from desecration. The church is
now owned by the Newport Historical Society and
is preserved as a monument of antiquity, and there
are preserved the records and memorials from
which this account is taken. Elder John Maxson
{3) married Thankful Randall.
David Maxson, son of Elder John (3) and
Thankful, married Abigail Greenman. His death
occurred suddenly, and, it is said, was the cause of
great lamentation. David Maxson was twice elected
deputy to the General Assembly, and he served as a
soldier in the Revolution. He was the father of ten
children.
Paul Maxson, son of David, married Susannah
Stillman. He was a boat-builder at Westerly, and
latter went to New York State, and there took up
land under Patroon Stephen Van Rensselaer, who
■controlled a large extent of territory, but who was
afterward obliged to sell instead of renting. Letters
from Paul during the war of 18 1 2, preserved in the
family with other old papers and ante-Revolution
deeds, show him to have been a man of high-minded
dignity and marked intelligence. He was the father
of ten children. His sons served in the war, while
his crops remained unharvested in the field.
Silas Maxson, son of Paul, remained in West-
erly. He there married Elizabeth Stillman, daughter
of John and great-granddaughter of Colonel George
Stillman. To this union came two sons and one
daughter. Many of the settlers engaged in coast-
ing, and thus combined an agricultural and a sea-
faring life, or engaged in boat and ship building.
Silas Maxson belonged to the latter class.
William Ellery Maxson, son of Silas, was born
in 1818. When a boy he worked on his father's
farm, and later learned the shipbuilding trade under
the Greenmans at Old Mystic, continuing with
them at Greenmanville. He then went into the
shipbuilding business at Old Field, West Mystic,
with Capt. William Clift, B. F. Hoxie and Capt. W.
G. Fish. Later this company was superseded by the
firm of Maxson, Fish & Co. They built many ships
and steamers, among which were some of the well-
known fast clipper class, and the "Galena," the first
iron-clad war vessel built by the government ; also
the "Vicksburg." Mr. Maxson 's life and character
showed he was an exponent of the principles and a
worthy successor in the practical life of his ances-
tors. He was of Christian character, of sterling in-
tegrity, and had strong convictions. Through him
after so long a time a branch of the family was es-
tablished on the Connecticut coast, from which the
ancestors were driven by the Indians, yet his love
for the old home was always strong. After the
death of Capt. Fish Mr. Maxson formed a partner-
ship with Alexander Irving and continued the bus-
iness. He thoroughly understood all the details of
construction, and invariably made his own models.
When he retired from shipbuilding he turned his at-
tention to tree culture and gardening. He had
always been interested in tree planting, and even
when seemingly engrossed in business cares would
take delight in setting out trees.
Mr. Maxson continued in the faith of his
fathers, and was a Seventh-Day liaptist throughout
his life. He was broad and generous in his views
and charitably disposed toward all men. He was
the first of his line to bear other than a Biblical
name, he being named by a friend of the family out
of personal regard for William Ellery, of Newport,
a signer of the Declaration of Independence. He
was highly respected in the community, and in sick-
ness or trouble was a ready and valued friend. It
was sometimes said of him that his visits were as
beneficial as a physician's. He was of tender heart,
easily moved, and he always had compassion for
the poor and erring, yet like men of strong convic-
tions he had strong prejudices. Politically he was
one of the first in the town to vote the Abolition
ticket, which he did for forty years. He was a
strong temperance man, and sometimes said that he
had seen the Abolition party in as small a minority
as the Prohibition, and it had won in the end. He
took great interest in all public questions, both for-
eign and domestic, was a good citizen, and held
many offices of trust. He served as selectman in
1866, as a member of the school committee, and as
a represetnative in the State Legislature in a time
of peril to the country. For fifty years he was
church clerk. With time his goodness of heart
mellowed his naturally impatient disposition, and
softened the angles of his character ; while keen
interest in the welfare of his children and grand-
children preserved the youthfulness of his spirit.
He was described by a contemporary as "a kindly
gentleman of the old school."
William Ellery Maxson was twice married. His
first wife, Elizabeth Smith, of Westerly, lived but
a few years. She had two children : Herbert Ellery
(who was a lieutenant in Company K. 26th Conn.
V. I., and who died of disease contracted in the
army) and Arthur L. His second wife was Sarah
Maria Fenner, a descendant of Capt. Arthur Fen-
ner, who settled in Providence in 1649. and was the
son of Thomas Fenner, an Indian trader who died
in Branford, Conn., in 1047. To this second mar-
riage came six children, three of whom are living:
Emily Fenner, who married Louis P. Allyn ; Silas,
a member of a large piano manufacturing firm ;
and Charles Potter, a Captain in the Morgan line of
steamships. Mr. Maxson died in 1895. Mis sons
all show the family love of the sea and of their own
home tree, and a portion of each year is spent at the
old home place at Old Field, where their mother
still resides.
The Fenners (or, Norman, Yenteur, meaning
hunter) came into England with the Normans.
438
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
Their first English estate was called Atta Fenn.
Capt. Arthur Fenner, before coming to America,
was a lieutenant in Oliver Cromwell's army, and in
his adopted home showed marked ability as a sol-
dier and statesman. He was an expert engineer
and surveyor, and for the greater part of fifty years
was in public life, being one of the principal magis-
trates of the Colonial Government of Rhode Island.
He was commissioner for eight years ; governor's
assistant for nineteen years ; deputy for nine years ;
also town treasurer. He was empowered to treat
with the Indians ; lay boundary lines ; appointed an
agent to go to England on Colonial affairs ; to put
the laws and acts of the Colony in order for print-
ing ; was made chief commander of the King's gar-
rison at Providence, and of all other private garri-
sons "not eclipsinge Capt. Williams' power." He
owned 600 acres of land in and around Providence,
including "What-Cheer," the first location of Roger
Williams. His residence was one of Rhode Island's
ancient blockhouses, was mounted with cannon, and
has been since called "Rhode Island's ancient
castle."
Major Thomas Fenner, son of Capt. Arthur, and
next in line to Mrs. Maxson, was "Major of the
Main," and also occupied many public offices. His
house was built near his father's, and there, being a
justice, he frequently held court. Inscribed high up
on the old chimney is the date, 1677. One end has
been rebuilt, and the house is now in good preser-
vation, and is owned by descendants of the family.
Thomas Fenner, son of Major Thomas, mar-
ried Mary Abbott, sister of Gov. Daniel Abbott.
Among the heirs of Hon. Daniel Abbott, Deputy
Governor, was Stephen Fenner, grandson of
Thomas Fenner, and grandfather of Mrs. Maxson.
There were several other governors in the family.
Stephen Fenner served in the war of the Revolution.
Philip Fenner, son of Stephen, learned his trade
under his relative, Amasa Sprague, a large cotton
manufacturer, living in the family with him. He
afterward became a manufacturer in New York
State. He married Sally Potter, and after his
death she returned with her children to the home
of her ancestors at Potter's Hill, a few miles from
Westerly.
HENRY G. JEROME, one of the highly re-
spected citizens of Montville, comes from an old
New England family. The Jeromes were an old fam-
ily on the Isle of Wight — where their wills are re-
corded as far back as 1503 — but are now practically
extinct there. They had a coat of arms. The emi-
grant ancestor of this Montville family was Benja-
min Jerome, who came from England, and was
early in New London. He had three sons: Rich-
ard, Benjamin (2) and William.
Benjamin Jerome (2) married a Miss Brown,
and settled on a farm in New London. In advanced
life he purchased Plum Island, N. Y., in its wild
state, improved it, and farmed its lands, residing,
however, in New London. He was of a social,
genial nature, a Universalist in religious belief, and
he lived to an advanced age. His children were :
William, Benjamin, Richard, Jesse, John, Hannah,
Fanny and Abby. Nearly of the sons became sea-
faring men, and two of them, William and Benja-
min, died on the Island of Corsica.
Jesse Jerome, son of Benjamin (2), born in 1771,
in what is now Groton, Conn., was twice married,
(first) Dec. 16, 1804, to Desire Rogers, who was
born Jan. 5, 1781, in Montville, daughter of Deacon
Jehiel and Amy (Yibber) Rogers, he a farmer of
that town and a descendant of James Rogers, of
New London, through Samuel, Daniel and Al-
pheus Rogers. On Nov. 24, 183 1, Mr. Jerome mar-
ried (second) Harriet Loomis, who was born Jan.
29> x797> daughter of Jacob Loomis of Salem,
Conn., and a descendant of Joseph Loomis, of
Braintree, England, who came to Boston in 1638,
and on to Windsor, Conn., through Deacon John,
Deacon Samuel, Daniel and John Loomis. Jesse
Jerme was reared a farmer and continued through
life in that vocation. In early life, with his brother,
Richard, he settled on Plum Island, but later pur-
chased some 300 acres of land on the mainland, lying
on the north of Montville and Waterford, and
lived upon it, his residence being in Waterford. He,
too, was of the Universalist faith. Politically he
was first a Whig, and later a Republican. He was
a man of good judgment and ability, a leader in the
public affairs of the town. He was ready and
quick of decision, and a man of strong forceful
character. He was honored by his fellow citizens
with election to many public trusts, was a member
of the school visiting committee, many years select-
man, etc. He died universally lamented, Dec. 5,
1867, when eighty-seven years of age. His wife,
Harriet, died Feb. 13, 1865. His children, born
to the first marriage, were : (1) Emily J., born Sept.
28, 1805; (2) Benjamin, May 30, 1807; (3) Jesse
H., Dec. 29, 1808; (4) William N., Feb. 27, 1810;
(5) John R., Dec. 26, 181 1 ; (6) Susanna B.. April
8, 1814; (7) George Drisdell, Feb. 8, 1816 (next
in the direct line we trace) ; (8) Richard, March
1, 1818; (9) Julia A., Oct. 11, 1820. His children
born to the second marriage were : ( 10) Harriet
E., born March 30, 1833, married Nov. 14, 1853,
Charles Prentice Alexander, of New London, and
their children were Charles J., born May 23, i860;
and Frank J., born Dec. 14, 1870. (11) Augustus
was born July 22, 1834. (12) Elias L., born Feb.
20, 1836, was killed while a soldier in the Union
army at the battle of Fredericksburg, Va., Dec.
13, 1862. (13) Francis D., born Feb. 24, 1838, was
killed while a soldier in the Union army, at Suffolk,
Va., April 19, 1863. (14) Lucretia was born Nov.
3, 1839. (x5) Hannah was born May 17, 1841.
George Drisdell Jerome, born Feb. 8, 1816, on
Plum Island, N.Y.,son of Jesse, was reared a farmer
boy. He had such educational advantages as were
afforded by the common schools, until he reached
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
439
the age of fourteen, when he went to work for a
brother-in-law, Charles Richards, in Waterford. At
the end of six months he returned home, and when
eighteen went to Plum Island, remaining there two
years. His next venture was on a farm in Salem,
Conn., and in 1837 he purchased the farm in Mont-
ville now occupied by his son Henry G., and there
passed the remainder of his useful and well spent
Christian life. He took much pride in his well tilled
fields, and everything about the place was kept in
perfect order, betokening the wise care and energy
of the owner. On Nov. 14, 1836, he married Han-
nah Darrow, who was born in New London, daugh-
ter of John and Hannah (Chappell) Darrow, of
Montville. Their children were : Henry G. ; Amelia
J., wife of Dr. W. S. C. Perkins, of Norwich ; Julia
\\\, who is the widow of David A. Starr, he having
died June 25, 1890 ; and Albert E., who died at the
age of ten years. Mr. Jerome was an earnest and
consistent member of the Baptist Church. On Sept.
20, 1843, ne was chosen a deacon, and continued in
that office until his death, Aug. 21, 1893. Mrs. Je-
rome was one of the constituent members of the
Second Baptist Church of Waterford, Conn., her
family furnishing six of the original sixteen mem-
bers. She and her husband joined the church in
1834. In his political faith he was first a Whig
and later a Republican, and he was highly respected
throughout the community.
Henry G. Jerome, son of George D., and father
of Franklin Starr, was born July 25, 1839, in Mont-
ville, and received only a common school education.
He was reared to farm work, and remained on the
home farm until 1875, except for one season when
he was engaged in fishing along the coast of Maine.
For a number of years previous to 1875 he managed
the farm of his father, in that year coming to Nor-
wich with the idea of giving his children better
educational advantages than were afforded by the
school of his native town. He resided in Norwich
until about 1880, during which time he was engaged
in business, having bought out McChesney & Bar-
rows, liverymen, and later sold to Charles W.
Brady. In 1880 he purchased Jerome Island, which
for so many years was the property of his grand-
father, and removed to it, residing there for ten
years, when he disposed of it and returned to the
home farm, managing same for his father during
the rest of the latter's life. After his father's death
he succeeded to the possession of the farm, and there
he continues to reside. He now has a farm of
about 100 acres, and is successfully engaged in gen-
eral agriculture. Being a thoroughly progressive
farmer, his farm is stocked with the best blooded
stock, and the operation of the whole conducted
on the most up-to-date methods of practical agri-
culture. Mr. Jerome has given considerable atten-
tion to fancy poultry breeding, and is well known in
that line. Like his father, he is a believer in the
principles of the Republican party, but he cares little
about the holding of official position. He attends
the Baptist Church. Henry ( i. Jerome enlisted in
November, 1861, becoming a private in Company
D. 13th Conn. Y. I., under Capt. Cyrus E. Prindle,
of Bridgeport. .Mr. Jerome was taken sick and sent
home on a furlough, during which time his company
was ordered South. When he had recovered he re-
turned to the service, and was stationed at Fort
Trumbull, New London.
Mr. Jerome married, Oct. 16, 1862, Eliza Holt
Starr, a native of Groton, Conn., born Oct. 23,
1839, daughter of Deacon Charles H. and Louisa
(Rogers) Starr, the former of whom was born Aug.
1, 1810, and is yet residing at Groton. This union
was blessed with the following children : (1) Idell,
born March 14, 1865, married George A. Perkins,
a wholesale and retail dry goods merchant of Jack-
sonville, Fla. (2) Charles Albert, born .May 14,
1867, is agent for the Adams Express Company
at Pelham Manor, N. Y. ; he married Annie Wald-
ron. (3) Franklin Starr is the subject of a sketch
elsewhere. (4) Louis H., born April 19, 1878, in
Norwich, is an electrical engineer ; he is unmarried.
PHILIAS DION, a self-made and successful
business man of Taftville, is one of the leading gro-
cers of that locality, and comes of old and substan-
tial stock, being a son of Anthony and Louise (Du-
clos) Dion, and grandson of Anthony Dion, Sr.
The latter was born in Canada, and spent about
twenty-five years in Detroit later on in life, but he
returned to Canada, and died at Acton Yale, aged
ninety-two years.
Anthony Dion, Jr., father of Philias, was a
farmer in Canada, where he died at the age of sev-
enty-five years. His wife, Louise (Duclos) Dion,
died at the age of sixty-three, and both were buried
at St. Pie, Canada. He was three times married, his
first wife becoming the mother of eight children,
and his second wife had six children, but there were
none by the third marriage. Philias Dion was born
of the second union, and he and two brothers are the
only ones of the family to settle in Connecticut.
Anthony and Hormisdas live at Willimantic. the
latter being a wealthy and prominent merchant of
that place.
Philias Dion was born Oct. 28, 1855, at St. Pie,
Canada, and was thirteen years old when his parents
moved to Taftville. He received his education in
the schools of St. Pie, and the academy at St. Hva-
cinthe, Canada. At once after leaving school he en-
tered the employ of the Daigneau Co.. at St. Hya-
cinthe, and was nearly three years in their employ.
He then came to Connecticut, where he was employed
for several years in the mill at Taftville, and after
he completed his course he accepted a position as
clerk in the Ponemah store at Taftville. There he
remained until 1884, when, with his savings, he
purchased a small stock of groceries and established
a store on the ( )ccum road, near Taft-
ville, where he continued successfully for two
years. He then removed to Merchant ave-
44Q
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
nue and was at another location for a year
or so, until 1887, when he purchased his pres-
ent building, since which time he has been numbered
among the leading grocers of Taftville. In Septem-
ber, [899, he established a large store in New Bed-
ford, Mass., which is in a very flourishing condition.
When Mr. Dion first embarked in business his fail-
ure was freely predicted, but he has been successful
from the start and has accumulated a competence.
He owns other valuable property in Taftville, aside
from his residence and business block, which are
together. His success, in spite of discouragements,
has been due to hard work, directed by excellent
judgment, and the practice of rigid economy.
On April 17, 1888, Mr. Dion was married, at
St. Bonaventure, Canada, to Eliza Rousseou, a na-
tive of that place, and the following children have
been born to them : Clifford Rafael, now attending
St. Charles University, at Sherbrooke, Canada ;
Samuel Joseph, who died at the age of four years ;
Rose, now in Congregation Notre Dame Convent
at Sherbrooke, Canada ; Deo J. ; Lin. J. ; and Asa.
Mr. Dion in his political views is non-partisan, and
votes for the best men and issues, rather than for any
particular party. He is a member of the Knights
of St. Louis, Court No. 1, at Taftville, and also of
Ponemah Council, Knights of Columbus. He and
his family are members of Sacred Heart Catholic
Church.
GEER. George and Thomas Geer, brothers,
born in Hevitree, England, in 1621 and 1623, re-
spectively, sons, says tradition, of Jonathan Geer,
of the County of Devon, England, were bereaved
of their parents in youth, and were placed in charge
of an uncle. They came to America and settled at
Boston in 1635, and were without friends or money.
George Geer became a settler in New London,
Conn., about 165 1, and Thomas about 1682. On
Feb. 17, 1658, George Geer married Sarah, daugh-
ter of Robert Allyn, one of the earliest settlers of
New London, and they founded one of the oldest
and best known families of New London county.
After their marriage they settled on a grant of fifty-
acres of land made to him by the town of New Lon-
don, now the town of Ledyard. Mr. Geer became
one of the first officers of the town, and held the
office of selectman. He lived to one hundred and
five years of age, dying in 1726. Eleven children
were born to him.
(II ) Robert Geer, son of George, born Jan. ( ?) 2,
1675, died in 1742. He married Martha Tyler, and
five children were born to them.
(III) Ebenezer Geer, son of Robert, born April
1, 1709, married Jan. 2, 1735, Prudence Wheeler,
born Sept. 25, 171 2, and ten children were born to
them. Mr. Geer died Aug. 28, 1763, and Mrs. Geer
passed away June 2, 1797.
(IV ) John Wheeler Geer, son of Ebenezer, born
March 8, 1752, married Sally Denison, and subse-
quently (when his family included wife and five
children) moved to a tract of 200 acres of land
purchased of a Mr. Rose, on what is still known as
Geer Hill, in the town of Griswold, Conn. He
was a Revolutionarv soldier, and died April 9,
1828.
(V) Elijah D. Geer, son of John Wheeler, born
April 17, 1783, married April 15, 1812, Dorothy
Geer, daughter of David Geer, and settled in Gris-
wold, wdiere he followed the occupation of farmer
all his life, and where he died Aug. 10, 1848.
(VI) David Austin Geer, the third son of
Elijah D. and Dorothy Geer, of Griswold, was born
Aug. 17, 1824, on the old Geer homestead, the
place where he continues to reside, a most beautiful
tract of land which was once occupied by those
famed Mohegan chiefs, Uncas and Owaneco, by
whom it was granted to Mr. Geer's ancestors. Mr.
Geer was educated in the common schools, and for
a short time also attended high school. When
about twenty-one he commenced teaching district
school in the winter season, and continued that
work for four terms, but with this exception his
active years were devoted to farming. After the
death of his father, Aug. 10, 1848, he cultivated the
old homestead farm until his retirement from ac-
tive work, some ten years ago, and he gained the
reputation of being the best farmer in town, and
the appearance of his place is sufficient evidence
that it was deserved. He gave his place the prac-
tical care of a thrifty, up-to-date agriculturist, neg-
lecting nothing that would advance the work, and
evidences of care and good management are seen
on every hand. He succeeded in business by pains-
taking industry, and devoted himself to his own
affairs with a fidelity which assured good results.
Though he no longer engages in regular work, he is
still active, and he takes a special interest in the his-
tory of the Geer family. He is a Christian man of
the highest integrity, genial and affable in disposi-
tion, and thoroughly domestic in his tastes and
habits, being devoted to his wife and family, and
he has ever been counted among the best citizens
of Griswold.
Neither caring for nor willing to accept office,
Mr. Geer has preferred to attend to his own bus-
iness rather than see that neglected while he worked
for the public. He is possessed of a warm social
nature, his family circle is a pleasant and affection-
ate one, and he enjoys the esteem of the community
as a man of unassuming, yet solid worth. For over
fifty-two years he has been a member of the First
Congregational (Pachaug) Church of Griswold,
and he enjoys the satisfaction of seeing his four
sons now members of the Congregational Church,
with which his wife also unites. In church he ac-
cepts office as a duty, has served on various com-
mittees, and was treasurer for many years. All in
all, Mr. Geer is pronounced in favor of all things —
in religion, in politics, in the social circle and com-
munity— which advance honesty, sobriety, and the
education, improvement and elevation of humanity,
6c^y*
4^-L/
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
44 1
the betterment of his town, and the pleasing charms
of the old "( leer home."
On Sept. 15, 1857, Mr. (leer married Sarah,
daughter of Deacon Joseph and Laura (Johnson)
Leonard. She is a woman of quiet, unassuming
manner, attached to her home and family, and much
beloved for her kindheartedness. Four sons have
blessed this union, all of them intelligent and enter-
taining men of good habits. (1) Albert S. resides
at Three Rivers, Mass., where he is a deacon in the
Congregational Church, and a well-known citizen.
He married Edith Young, and has one child, Robert
Leonard. (2) Edward A. operates the homestead,
and is president of the Jewett City Creamery Com-
pany. He is a deacon in the Congregational Church
at Griswold, and superintendent of the Sunday
school, and quite active in all church matters. Po-
litically he is a stanch Republican. He married
Margaret Frink, and their family consists of three
children, Bertha Louise, Harold Frink and Clar-
ence. (3) Henry D. resides at Three Rivers, Mass.,
and is engaged in market gardening and the horse-
radish business. He married (first) Jennie Willis,
who died leaving one child, Jennie Lucy. By his
second wife, Carrie (Northrop), he has two chil-
dren : Everett and Clifford. Mr. Geer is a mem-
ber of the Congregational Church at Three Rivers,
Mass. (4) Joseph Tyler, who also resides at Three
Rivers, Mass., is engaged in farming and the
nursery and pickle business. He married Sadie
Wood, of Montville, Conn., and they have three chil-
dren. Mabel, Alice and Herbert. Like his brothers
Mr. Geer is a member of the Congregational Church
at Three Rivers, and is active in church work.
CHARLES WILLIAM GRANT, who is en-
gaged in farming near Taftville, may be justly re-
garded as one of the successful self-made men of
that section. He is a worthy representative of a
family which has been established in New England
from early Cololnial days, being a descendant of
Matthew Grant, one of the original company
who came, in 1630, to Dorchester, Mass., in the
<lMary and John,'' with Maverick and Warham. He
was admitted a freeman May 18, 163 1, and con-
tinued in Dorchester until the removal of the com-
pany which settled Windsor, Conn., of which he was
a prominent member. He was one, without
doubt, among those who went, in 1635, to prepare
their new homes at Matianuck, now Windsor, but
it is not likely that his wdfe and children left Dor-
chester before April 18, 1636. Mr. Grant was born
Oct. 27, 1601. He married (first) Nov. 16, 1625,
Priscilla, who died April 27, 1644, aged forty-three
years, and he married (second) May 29, 1645,
Susanna (Chapin) Rockwell (widow of Deacon
William Rockwell), who was born April 5, 1602,
and died Nov. 14, 1666. Mr. Grant's children, all
born to the first marriage, were : Priscilla, Matthew,
Samuel, Tahan and John, the first two being born in
England, the next two at Dorchester, and the last
named at Windsor. Mr. Grant was chosen the
first town clerk of Windsor, and held the office for
years. He also held the position of town surveyor,
and took a prominent part in the organization and
also in transplanting the Congregational Church
there, which had been previously formed in Ply-
mouth, England, and first transplanted in Dorches-
ter, Mass. Mr. Grant died Dec. 16, 1681.
Charles Henry Grant, father of Charles Will-
iam, was born about 1814 in Stonington, Conn. In
early life he began clerking in a country store in
Preston, and later went to Brooklyn, Conn., where
he purchased a general store, being engaged in busi-
ness there until his death, which occurred in 1849.
He had been to Norwich to purchase goods, and was
taken suddenly ill on his way home, dying in Can-
terbury. He was buried at Preston City. Mr.
Grant's religious connection was with the Brooklyn
Congregational Church. He was married, in Gris-
wold, Conn., to Elizabeth A. Prentice, who
was born in that town, daughter of Heze-
kiah and Elizabeth (Leonard) Prentice, and she sur-
vived her husband, dying in Norwich May 26, 1894,
aged seventy-four years, six months. Two children
were born to this union, Jane H. and Charles Will-
iam, the former of whom is the wife of Henry Skin-
ner and resides at Norwich Town.
Charles William Grant was born in Brooklyn,
Conn., April 12, 1845, and was but four years old
when his father died. Soon afterward he was placed
in the family of his maternal grandfather, Hezekiah
Prentice, in Griswold, remaining there until he
reached the age of fourteen. He was reared to
farming, and during the winter season enjoyed such
educational advantages as the district schools of the
day afforded, attending until he was sixteen years
old. In 1861 he came to Norwich, where he was
employed by William H. Bushnell, at farming and
teaming, for two years, his wages being $6.50 a
month the first year, and $7.50 the second year. His
next place was with Edward Hunter, a farmer near
what is now Taftville, with whom he remained over
three and a half years, after which he began team-
ing on shares. The following year he bought a
team, and was employed in the construction of the
Taftville mills, doing the first teaming that was
done in their construction. He continued to follow
teaming and farming until March. 1885, when he
engaged in the livery business at Versailles, carry-
ing it on until December, 1889. He then closed out
his establishment there and bought the livery busi-
ness at Taftville then owned by Andrew Holdredge,
which he conducted, also doing a teaming business,
until April, 1902. Disposing of it to his son, George
G., who still runs the business, he engaged in gen-
eral farming and teaming on his present place,
which is on the Canterbury road, four miles from
Norwich and one mile from Taftville, and which
he purchased in 1897, from the heirs of his father-
in-law. The place comprises seventy acres, from
which Mr. Grant derives a good income, in this as
442
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPLIICAL RECORD.
in his other enterprises winning success by industry
and intelligent management. He may truly be called
a self-made man, for he acquired all he possesses by
constant and well-directed labor, and he is de-
servedly respected, no family in the community
standing higher than his.
On Nov. 4, 1869, Mr. Grant was married, in
Norwich, to Miss Isadora M. Staples, a native of
Norwich, daughter of Elias W. and Abby (Stand-
ish) Staples, and four children have blessed this
union : ( 1 ) George G., who is fully mentioned else-
where, married May C. Gilbranson, and has one
daughter, Ruth May. (2) Abby S. is the wife of
John Sharpies, a machinist, and resides at Taftville ;
they have one child, Warren. (3) Walter S. is en-
gaged in teaming and makes his home in Taftville.
He married Ida May Weller, and they have one
child, Sarah Isadora. (4) Bessie M. was a member
of the class of 1904, Norwich Free Academy. Mrs.
Grant and her daughters are members of the Taft-
ville Congregational Church, which Mr. Grant at-
tends and supports. Fraternally he is quite well
known, affiliating with Shetucket Lodge, No. 2J,
I. O. O. F. ; Mt. Vernon Lodge, No. 75, F. & A. M.,
at Jewett City; and Taft Lodge, No. 25, A. O. U.
W. In political matters he is thoroughly independ-
ent, voting for the best men and the best principles,
regardless of the party which indorses them.
HORACE M. FITCH, one of the leading busi-
ness men of Mystic, Conn., was born July 14, 1856,
at Westerly, R. I., a son of Silas Fitch and a grand-
son of Nathan Fitch, the latter of whom died at
Noank, in 1872, at the home of Mrs. John A.
Fitch.
Silas Fitch was born Aug. 15, 18 17, at Watch
Hill, R. I., and died Feb. 14, 1865, at Westerly, R.
I. On Feb. 4, 1838, he married Sarah Maria Bill,
born Feb. 18, 1819, at Griswold, Conn., who died
Jan. 26, 1896, at New Bedford, Mass. For a time
they lived at Goat Point in Groton but later at
Watch Hill and Westerly, R. I. At the age of ten
years he went to sea as a cabin boy. In 1849, while
first officer of a whaling vessel, at a port in the
Sandwich Islands, he heard of the discovery of gold
in California, went there, and remained some years.
He was master of several freighting vessels, one of
which, the "Albert Crandell," was in the Southern
lumber trade during the Civil war, and he was also
master of the ship "Tybee," a whaling vessel. The
last three years of his life were spent in a general
mercantile business on Block Island, as a member
of the firm of Bull & Fitch. His children were :
Sarah Maria, born June 4, 1840, who died Nov. 2,
1884, married John B. Tanner Feb. 7, 1865 ; Julia
Frances, born Dec. 28, 1844, was married, April
19, 1883, to James D. Weeks, of Fairhaven, Mass. ;
Otis Barker, born April 9, 1855, died Sept. 1, 1855;
Horace Mann was born July 14, 1856.
Horace M. Fitch spent his boyhood at Westerly
and was educated there, attending both the public
and private schools. His natural inclinations led
him into the florist business, and for a time he was
engaged in this line at Westerly. At the age of
twenty-one years, Oct. 18, 1877, he came with his
mother to Mystic, and in the fall of 1878 became
associated in the paint business with W. E. F. Lan-
ders, and remained with this house for five years.
From 1883 to 1886 he was engaged in contracting
in the decorating line. In the latter year he opened
a store on the Groton side of Mystic and remained
there three years, when he removed his business to
the Opera House building, in Mystic, on the Ston-
ington side, and on this site he was twice burned
out. In February, 1901, he located at his present
store, where he carries a large line of paints, wall-
paper, shades and everything pertaining to a first-
class decorating business. He has always indulged
his love of flowers and their propagation and care,
and to enter more thoroughly into what has been a
favorite occupation he is erecting a commodious
greenhouse, which will require 6,000 feet of glass.
On Dec. 24, 1878, Mr. Fitch married Mary Bur-
rows Latham, daughter of Charles Latham, and one
son, Arthur Latham, was born to them Aug. 27,
1879 ; he died Sept. 25, 1879.
Fraternally Mr. Fitch belongs to Stonington
Lodge, No. 26, I. O. O. F. ; to the Knights of
Pythias ; the American Mechanics ; the A. O. U.
W. (of which he has been financier for the past
twelve years) ; and the Hook and Ladder Company.
JAMES P. SULLIVAN. One of the best
known and most popular hotels of New London,
Conn., is the "Winthrop," of which James P. Sulli-
van is the proprietor, and as he appears to have
been born with a natural genius for his business, and
possesses a genial and accommodating manner, he
has hosts of friends throughout the country, who
gladly make his hostelry their stopping place when
in New London ; and in addition he has a large pat-
ronage from the local public.
Mr. Sullivan was born in New Britain, Conn.,
Aug. 29, 1873, son of James P. and Mary (Gorman)
Sullivan. The latter is still living and makes her
home with Mr. Sullivan, having been left a widow
with one son and one daughter, when James P. Sul-
livan was a mere lad. At the very early age of nine
years, young Sullivan was compelled to become the
head of the family, and while working at whatever
came to his hand, he studied at home. All this
time, he nourished a love for the hotel business, and
in 1889, he took charge of the custom laundry of
the Hotel "Russwin" in New Britain. He was then
promoted to be night clerk, and having in both
positions showed himself able and faithful, he was
made chief clerk in the same hotel. Continuing in
the latter position for three years in the Hotel
"Russwin," he then accepted a position as traveling
salesman for the New Britain Machine Company,
and for fifteen months made a success of that line
of work, selling engines and wood working ma-
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
443
chinery. At the expiration of that time, he was pre-
vailed upon to take charge of the "Columbia Hotel,"
one of the leading hotels of New Britain ; he re-
signed his position as traveling salesman, to the
great regret of his company, and entered into busi-
ness as hotel manager.
In June, 1900, Air. Sullivan became the proprie-
tor of the "Winthrop Hotel," of New London, but
shortly thereafter all of the furnishings and interior
appointments were entirely destroyed by fire. Al-
though this was a heavy loss to the new proprietor,
his sturdy spirit could not be daunted, and he at
once commenced re-furnishing, and now has a much
better appointed house than before, and one well
fitted for public accommodation. This enterprise
and determination not to be outdone gained for Mr.
Sullivan a strong appreciative friendship from the
people of New London, and his house has rapidly
risen in public favor.
In personal appearance, Mr. Sullivan is en-
gaging ; he possesses extremely courteous man-
ners, and is sincerely cordial, remembering
faces to a remarkable extent. He enjoys
the distinction of being one of the young-
est as well as most enterprising hotel men in the
country. Mr. Sullivan has made his own way in the
world, and his success is entirely due to his own
efforts, and his never ceasing ambition. Possessing
much ready wit and natural talent, he has attained
an enviable reputation as an entertainer, and is one
of the leading amateur actors of New London. In
religious faith, he is a Roman Catholic, and is one
of the consistent members of St. Mary's Star of the
Sea Roman Catholic Church of New London. Fra-
ternally he is a member of the B. P. O. E., No. 35,
of Meriden, Conn. ; of the Knights of Columbus,
Carmody Council of New Britain, of which he is
past chancellor, and he is also a charter member of
the Fraternal Order of Eagles, of New London, of
which he is now Worthy Prelate. Mr. Sullivan is
unmarried.
SHERMAN A. BEEBE. an extensive farmer
and dairyman of Norwich Town, has earned a
prominent position among the representative men
in his line by his own efforts, and he comes of an
old family of New London and Middlesex counties,
several generations of Beebes having resided in
these localities.
Manley Beebe, the grandfather of Sherman A.,
was a farmer and lumber dealer, residing in Mill-
ington Society, town of East Haddam, Middlesex
Co., Conn., on a farm which had been in the posses-
sion of the family for many years. He was a
prominent man in the affairs of the town, and held
a number of offices, living to a ripe old age and dy-
ing there. He was twice married, and became the
father of a large family of children.
Sherman Caleb Heche, the father of Sherman
A., was born in East Haddam, and remained on
the home farm until the gold excitement of 1849, I
when he joined a company setting nut from New
London and went to California, sailing around Cape
Horn. The journey took three months. After he
arrived in "Frisco" he purchased a pair of horses
and did teaming from the gold camps to the city,
and was thus engaged for some time, meeting with
marked success. Later he conducted a hotel in San
Francisco, remaining in California for several years,,
when he disposed of his interests at a good profit
and returned to East Haddam. There he pur-
chased a large farm in the Millington Society, on
which he located and spent the remainder of his
days. To his original purchase he added land in
the same vicinity, and at the time of his death was
one of the largest landholders in the town. He also
bought and sold property, and was a wealthy and
highly respected man of his locality. In politics he
was a Republican, and held many town offices, in-
cluding that of selectman. Liberal and kindheart-
ed, he made friends wherever he went. The maiden
name of his wife was Jane Hurlburt, and she was a
native of Portland, Conn., and a daughter of Job
Hurlburt. She still survives, living on the home-
stead in East Haddam. The children born to this
union were : Sherman A. ; Job H., deceased ; Rob-
ert L., a farmer of East Haddam : George S., a
farmer of Norwich ; Clarence S., a farmer of East
Haddam ; Louis, deceased ; Fred, who resides on
the home farm ; Charles, who resides in New Lon-
don ; and Harry, at home.
Sherman A. Beebe, the subject proper of this
sketch, was born Sept. 4, 1855. in East Haddam,
and had a district school education, attending until
he was sixteen years of age, although from the time
he was twelve years old his attendance was limited
to the winter. Until he was twenty he lived at
home, and then began to work out as a farm laborer.
Later he went to Durham, Conn., and was employed
br Asabel Nettleton, with whom he remained for
five years. His wages to begin with were Si 2 a
month and board. In February. 1880, he purchased
a farm of 200 acres in East Haddam, and resided
upon it until April, 1897, when he disposed of the
greater part of the land and bought his present farm
at Norwich Town, of Waldo E. Bingham. It was
then known as the William Sherman place. The
place of seventy acres was in bad condition, having
been greatly neglected, but by hard work and intelli-
gent management Mr. Beebe has brought it to ;i
high state of cultivation. He succeeded Mr. I ling-
ham in the milk route in Norwich, and has more
than doubled the number of customers. Mr. Beebe
keeps a number of cattle and other stock, and his
farm is very productive, yielding him a handsome
return on his investment. In addition to his Nor-
wich property, he still owns a farm in East Had-
dam, and he acts as agent fur fertilizers, represent-
ing several well known companies.
On March 12. 1878. Mr. Beebe was married, at
Portland, Conn., to Miss Jennette Wetherill, born
in East Haddam, Conn., Sept. 16, 1855, a daughter
444
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
of Elijah and Jennette (Merrill) Wetherill. Chil-
dren as follows have been born to them : Georgi-
anna, who is the wife of George T. Clark, merchant
and postmaster at North Westchester, Conn., and
has five children ; Lewris, a railroad man, married
and a resident of New London ; Laura, a graduate
of the Norwich business college and now a book-
keeper in Norwich ; Alice ; Etta ; Eddie ; Dwight ;
Achel, and Sherman.
Mr. Beebe has never taken any active part in
politics. He always votes for the man he considers
best fitted for the office, regardless of party, and his
sympathies are with the principles of the
Republican party. Mrs. Beebe is a member
of the Methodist Church, and a very prom-
inent factor in its work. Few men in the
town work any harder than Mr. Beebe, and he has
been rewarded with marked success in every way,
for he is not only well-to-do in a material sense, but
he also possesses the confidence and respect of his
fellow townsmen.
THOMAS A. SCOTT, Jr., president of the
T. A. Scott Co., New London, also Harbor Master of
that port, is a fine example of an energetic, thor-
oughgoing, straightforward and progressive young
business man. For one of his years he has accom-
plished what would deserve to be called success, if
it had required a lifetime. Although in but his
twenty-eighth year, he bears responsibilities far be-
yond the average of those many years his senior.
He was born Oct. 10, 1877, in New London, the
son of Capt. Thomas A. and Harriet (Whitbeck)
Scott, a full history of whom appears elsewhere in
this volume.
Thomas A. Scott, Jr., attended the public and
grammar schools of his native town, and later en-
tered the Mystic Valley English and Classic Insti-
tute, of Mystic, Conn., from which school he was
graduated in 1896. He immediately became em-
ployed with his father at dredging, wrecking and
marine contracting, and upon the organization of
the T. A. Scott Company in May, 1903, he was
elected president of that company.
From a mere lad young Scott evinced a fond-
ness for the water, which was no doubt hereditary.
For several years before he left school to take up
the work so successfully carried on by his father, he
had familiarized himself with many of its details.
Naturally observant, with the faculty to see into
and originate, he got an insight into the business
that formed an excellent foundation for what was
to come. When he took up the business as an em-
ployee of his father, it was as one able to look after
important details, since he had practically grown up
in the business. The value of his services, likewise
his responsibilities in the work, increased each year,
so that when he became president of the T. A.
Scott Co. it was not the sudden transferring of
.great responsibilities to him. The business of the
T. A. Scott Co. has grown to be one of the well
known ones in its line in New England. In a bus-
iness of this kind a great diversity of information is
necessary to retain anything like an accurate knowl-
edge of the various lines of work connected there-
with, and the peculiar fitness of T. A. Scott, Jr.,
has been many times displayed. Thoroughly prac-
tical, he can perform the work of almost any one
of the employees, and with his natural mechanical
skill devise some improved method of carrying on
operations. He has built up quite a reputation for
himself as a successful wrecker, and bids fair to
equal the success of his father. In his business he
was one of the first to experiment in raising over-
turned barges, by pumping air under them, an ex-
periment that proved successful, and is now gen-
erally used by all wreckers.
For about five years Mr. Scott was a member
of the C. L. Ockford Hose Co., No. 5, of New Lon-
don, and for one year was foreman of the company,
always taking an active part in the work. He has
also been prominently identified with the life saving
service, having been appointed a member of the
United States Volunteer Life Saving Corps, by J.
Welsey Jones, president of the corps, with the title
of commodore. In May, 1904, he was appointed
harbormaster of New London, succeeding Capt. H.
S. Bartlett, and was the youngest incumbent the
office ever had. In February, 1898, Mr. Scott was
appointed a notary public by Gov. George E. Louns-
bury.
Personally Mr. Scott is the type of a young man
that makes and retains friends. His exemplary
habits and close attention to business, with his
straightforwardness, have given him high standing
in business circles.
On Dec. 5, 1898, Mr. Scott was married to Miss
Annie Edith Page, daughter of John and Ellen
Alice (George) Page, of New London. Mr. Scott's
very pleasant home on Montauk avenue was built
by him and after his own designs.
HORACE G. LEWIS, one of the well known
and highly respected citizens of North Stonington,
is a representative of one of the old families of New
England.
Beriah Lewis, the first of the name to locate in
North Stonington, was a son of Nathaniel Lewis,
whose genealogical record is fully given in the
"Lewis Letters," or "Lewisiana," ably compiled by
Prof. Carl Lewis, of Guilford, Conn. Beriah Lewis
was born in 1750, and settled on the farm now
owned by Horace G. Lewis, in the southeastern part
of the town of North Stonington, on the old Stan-
ton grant, where he followed agricultural pursuits.
That he was a man of energy and progressive ideas
is evident from many points definitely known as
to his career. He was a man of influence in his
community, and in addition to his regular farming
operations carried on a prosperous, and somewhat
extensive, enterprise in the buying and selling of
cattle. It was his custom to go to Vermont, the
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
445
journey then being considered a very long one, as
there were practically no transportation facilities
such as are in evidence to-day, and in the old Green
Mountain State he would purchase cattle which he
would then drive through to the markets at Provi-
dence and Newport, where he disposed of his stock,
a line of enterprise he continued to follow for many
years. He passed the declining- years of his life
with his children, his death occurring- in 1837. His
wife, whose maiden name was Lois Wells, was a
daughter of Thomas Wells, and of their children
who attained to adult years all removed to the vicin-
ity of Corning, Steuben Co., X. Y., with the excep-
tion of Beriah, Jr., who remained in the vicinity of
the old homestead. Concerning the children of
Beriah and Lois (Wells) Lewis is offered the fol-
lowing brief record: Mary, born April 19, 1772,
married Pardon Burdick ; Sarah, born Aug. 31,
1774, died Nov. 1, 1775; Beriah, Jr., was born July
20, 1776; Sarah (2), born Sept. 9, 1778, became
the wife of Elias Babcock, and her death occurred
Sept. 20, 1842; Lois, born Jan. 14, 1781, married
Levi Ray, and her death occurred Jan. 24, 1867 ;
Thompson, born July 9, 1783, married Sophia Hall,
and died Sept. 13, 1853; Eunice, born Feb. 27, 1785,
became the wife of Jesse Packer, and died June 28,
1868; Amos, born Jan. 1, 1787, died June 1, 1854,
a bachelor; Henry, born May 4, 1789, died Sept. 21,
1812; Thomas, born Jan. 26, 1792, married (first)
Lucy A. Wheeler, and (second) Mary Moore, and
died Aug. 9, 1846; and Phebe, born Jan. 26, 1792,
became the wife of Nathan Stanton.
Beriah Lewis, Jr., grandfather of him whose
name initiates this sketch, was born July 20, 1776,
in Charlestown, R. I., and in his early youth en-
tered upon a seafaring life. He became captain of
a fishing vessel while yet a very young man, and
with the fishing industry along the Atlantic coast
continued to be successfully identified for a number
of years. Finally he located on the old homestead
farm in North Stonington, where he devoted him-
self energetically and successfully to agricultural
pursuits. In this connection he erected the first
sawmill on the privilege south of his home. He
was a man of distinctive pragmatic ability and ma-
ture judgment, and thus a high degree of success
marked his efforts. Uprightness and probity were
dominating characteristics, gaining to him unquali-
fied confidence and esteem. He became an exten-
sive landholder in North Stonington, and he also
became owner of large tracts of land in the State
of New York, this property eventually becoming
very valuable. Not long prior to his death, which
occurred Sept. 3, 1844, he erected a part of the com-
fortable and attractive dwelling which is now stand-
ing on his old homestead, and his mortal body rests
in a consecrated spot on the old farm which was his
home for so many years. Beriah Lewis, Jr., served
in defense of Stonington in the war of 1812, and
politically he gave a stanch allegiance to the Whig
party, taking an intelligent interest in the issues of
the hour, and being essentially loyal and patriotic,
true to all the duties of citizenship and ever ready
to aid a worthy cause. He was a man of excep-
tional ability, possessing good judgment, so that it
was but natural that his advice was much sought in
connection with business matters.
On Oct. 30, 1799, was solemnized the marriage
of Beriah Lewis, Jr., to Miss Sarah Saunders, who
was born in Westerly, R. I., Feb. 2J, 1783, daugh-
ter of Luke Saunders ; she survived her husband by
many years, being summoned into eternal rest Aug.
28, 1882. The children born to this union were:
Harriet, born June 17, 1802, became the wife of
William H. Crandall, and died Aug. 5, 1831, at
Newport, R. I., where she left descendants. Chris-
topher D., born June 30, 1804, was a farmer by
vocation, residing at Caton Center, Steuben Co., N.
Y., where he died Jan. 8, 1899 ; he was twice mar-
ried, first to Emma Lamphere, and second to Julia
A. Murphy. William, born Oct. 24, 1807, died on
the 14th of the following March. George Henry is
the father of the subject of this review, and is men-
tioned in an appending paragraph. Nathan S.,
born June 9, 181 2, married Melinda Davis, and re-
sided for a number of years in the State of New
York, whence he went to California with the Argo-
nauts of 1849, dying there Sept. 6. 1850. Phebe,
born Feb. 15, 1816, never married, and she passed
the last twenty years of her life at Ashaway, R. I.,
where she died Sept. 7, 1903. Julia A., born April
22, 1819, became the wife of George F. Rogers, of
Brooklyn, N. Y., and she passed the closing years
of her life in North Stonington. where she died
Sept. 10. 1899. Emeline, born Feb. 22, 1822, be-
came the wife of John C. Stillman, a farmer, and
died at Westerly, R. I., May 9, 1870. William
Beriah, born Aug. 21, 1826, became a successful
farmer in the vicinity of Mound City, Kans., where
he died Nov. 25. 1897; he first married Sarah C.
Smith and after her death remarried, his second
wife, Alice, surviving him.
George Henry Lewis, father of the subject of
this sketch and fourth in order of birth of the chil-
dren of Beriah and Sarah (Saunders) Lewis, was
born on the old homestead farm in North Stoning-
ton April 10, 1809. He entered upon an appren-
ticeship at the trade of wagonmaking when scarcely
more than a lad. becoming a skillful workman and
devoting his attention to his trade for a few years.
( )wing to the advancing age of his father he then
found his services in requisition in connection with
the operation of the farm and sawmill, and after
the death of his father he continued to be actively
identified with the carrying forward of these en-
terprises until his health became so impaired as to
compel his practical retirement, several year- prior
to his death, which occurred Sept. 3, [860. He
was a successful farmer and a sagacious and reli-
able business man, while his name ever stood ex-
ponent of integrity and honor. lli> memory was
wonderfully retentive, while he found much of grat-
446
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
ification and definite value in the reading of the best
and deepest literature, including classical and mod-
ern history, thus accumulating a splendid store of
knowledge and information, broad and compre-
hensive.
On Dec. 14, 1843, George H. Lewis was united
in marriage to Miss Sophia Truman, who was born
Feb. 4, 1813, and who died Jan. 18, 1846. The only
child of this union, Alary Doty, was born Sept. 27,
1844, ancl died Oct. 5th of the following year. On
the 14th of February, 1847, Mr. Lewis consum-
mated a second marriage, being then united to Miss
Amelia M. Babcock, born on what is known as Pen-
dleton Hill, in the town of North Stonington,
March 19, 1821, daughter of Henry and Dolly
(Stanton) Babcock. The children of this union
were: Ada, born Nov. 14, 1847, remains on the old
homestead, and is a lady of culture and refinement ;
she was educated in the Connecticut Literary In-
stitute, at Suffield. George H., born Feb. 8, 1849,
died Sept. 16, 1864. Julia, born March 30, 185 1,
died Feb. 18, 1864. Charles, born Nov. 12, 1852,
died Aug. 12, 1853. Mary Emma, born June 11,
1854, was educated in East Greenwich Academy,
and on April 29, 1879, married Dr. George H.
Beebe, of Guilford, Conn. ; their children are Grace,
born Sept. 15, 1884; Florence, born Dec. 7, 1886;
and Albert Lewis, born May 6, 1889. Horace G.,
subject of this sketch, is the youngest of the chil-
dren of George H. and Amelia M. Lewis.
It is certainly fitting that in this connection be
entered a tribute to the memory of the noble woman
who was the cherished wife of George H. Lewis and
the loved and revered mother of him to whom this
sketch is dedicated. She survived her husband by
more than forty-three years, ever remaining true
to his memory and doing all in her power to sup-
ply his place in caring for and directing their chil-
dren. She was a representative of sturdy New
England stock and of a family early settled in Con-
necticut. During the lifetime of her husband her
advice, counsel and valuable co-operation contrib-
uted greatly to his material success, and after his
death the entire responsibility of managing the
home farm and rearing their children devolved upon
her, responsibilities which she nobly upheld during
the remainder of her life, though the burden grew
less onerous as her children became able to aid and
sustain her and to show the filial solicitude which
was justly her due. The manner in which she
reared her family is best shown in the worthy and
loyal careers of those of her children who attained
to years of maturity, and who will honor her mem-
ory during all the years to come, as will, indeed, all
those who came within the sphere of her influence.
Mrs. Lewis was a most active and industrious wo-
man, and so long as she retained her physical vigor
her capacity for work was remarkable. The several
years preceding her demise found her a sufferer
from paralysis, which eventually rendered her en-
tirely helpless. The care and affection so properly
bestowed upon her by loving and devoted children
added much to her comfort in the days of her afflic-
tion, which she bore with Christian fortitude. She
entered into the life eternal Jan. 27, 1904, and her
remains were laid to rest in River Bend cemetery,
where those left of the family will be buried with
her.
Horace G. Lewis was born on the old homestead
farm, his present place of residence, Sept. 28, 1857,
and his educational discipline was secured in the
district schools and in the city schools at Westerly,
R. I., which latter he attended for two years. He
was a child of about three years at the time of his
father's death, and as he was the only son he began
to take an active part in the work of the home farm
as soon as he was able, while he eventually did all
in his power to relieve his mother of the burdens
imposed upon her in this connection. His boyhood
days were passed upon the farm and thus he was
well prepared to assume the management when his
mother placed the same in his charge. He has
passed his entire life on the old homestead, of which
he is the owner, and like his forebears he has been
successful, being one of the substantial farmers and
representative citizens of his native town, and hav-
ing well upheld the prestige of the honored name
which he bears. He is a progressive and public-
spirited citizen, and is well known throughout his
section of the county. In his political proclivities
he is a stanch adherent of the Republican party, and
has ever shown a lively interest in local affairs of a
public nature. In 1898 Mr. Lewis was elected a
member of the board of selectmen of North Ston-
ington, continuing incumbent of this office until
October, 1904, when he declined a renomination.
On Jan. 1, 1884, Mr. Lewis was married to Miss
Carrie M. Kenyon, who was born in Hopkinton, R.
I., Jan. 21, 1856, daughter of Horatio Nelson and
Mary C. (Crandall) Kenyon, of Niantic, that State.
Her father was for many years engaged in the man-
ufacture of woolen goods at Hillsdale, R. I., and
both he and his wife are now deceased. Mr. and
Mrs. Lewis have had seven children, namely: (1)
Mary, born March 31, 1887, was graduated in the
Westerly (R. I.) high school as a member of the
class of 1904. (2) George Henry and (3) Nel-
son Kenyon, twins, were born May 26, 1888, the
former dying on the 13th of the following Septem-
ber, and the latter on Feb. 19, 1889. (4) Phebe
was born May 19, 1890. (5) Evelyn, born Oct. 8,
1894," died on the 10th of the ensuing month. (6)
Henry Babcock was born April 22, 1896. (7) Ada
Frances was born Jan. 2, 1899.
JOHN H. HOXIE, one of the prominent citi-
zens of the town of Stonington, and a worthy rep-
resentative of one of the oldest families of New
England, was born Sept. 6, 1844, and with the ex-
ception of a short period, has always been identified
with the business interests of Mystic.
The family name of Hoxie is variously spelled,
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
447
Hawksie, Hoxsey, Hoxsie and Hoxie, the easier
and most natural spelling prevailing. The first
mentioned of the name is probably Lodowick Hoxie.
who came to America about 1650, and settled on
the south side of Spring Hill, near Sandwich. Mass.
He married Mary, daughter of John Presbury, in
June. [664, and they had children: Bethsheba, born
1665, married Samuel Allen; Joseph, born March
15, 1667, married Sarah Tucker; Gideon; Heze-
kiah ; John married Mary Hull ; Solomon ; and Con-
tent.
Joseph Hoxie, born March 15, 1667, married
Sarah, daughter of Henry and Martha Tucker, and
they had a son, Gideon, born Dec. 14, 1729, who
married Dorcas Congdon, and died June 13, 1805;
Lodowick, son of Gideon and Dorcas, married Ruth
, and they had a son, Benjamin Franklin,
who became a prominent business man in Mystic,
and who married Nov. 19, 1843, Harriet Clift,
daughter of Nathaniel and Eunice (Dennison)
Clift.
On the maternal side John H. Hoxie is de-
scended as follows :
William Clift. born in England, came to Scitu-
ate, Mass., in his youth and later resided in Marsh-
field, Mass. On Nov. 25, 1691, he married Lydia,
daughter of Samuel Willis, son of William Willis,
the first of the name in Scituate. William Clift
died Oct. 17, 1722.
Samuel Clift, son of William, was born Oct.
22, 1709, and removed to Plainfield, Conn., about
1745. Before 1733 he married Lydia Daggett. He
died Aug. 22, 1794, in Griswold, Connecticut.
Amos Clift, son of Samuel, was born Sept. 20,
1737, in Marshfield, Mass. He was married Feb.
12, 1 76 1, to Mary Coit. On Sept. 2, 1798, he was
married (second) to Anna Dennison Hoag. He
had children: Hezekiah, born Dec. 4, 1761 ;
William, born Aug. 28, 1763; Mary, born May 31,
1765, married John Watson ; Lydia, born July 26,
1767, married Nathan Coggswill ; Amos, born'May
2j, 1769; Betsey,' born Feb. 6, 1772, married John
Prentice; Abagail, born Feb. 4, 1774, married Na-
than Prentice; and Nathaniel, born Oct. 29, 1775,
died Feb. 14, 1837.
Nathaniel Clift, son of Amos, was born Oct.
29, 1775, and died Feb. 14, 1837. On Aug. 5, 1801,
he married Eunice, daughter of Isaac and Eunice
(Williams) Dennison, and they had these children
born to them : Hiram, born April 3, 1803, married
Mary E. Crary ; William, born April 20, 1805, mar-
ried Bridget Fish ; Nathan, born May 20, 1807. died
young: Mary C, born Nov. 26, 1808, married Capt.
John H. Holdredge; Nathaniel, born May 20. 181 1,
married Martha Ann Dennison ; Harriet, born Feb.
10, 1816, married, Nov. 19. 1843, Benjamin F.
Hoxie; Ira Hunt, born April 2J, 1818, married
Frances A. Leeds; Eunice, born July 19. 1819, mar-
ried Charles H. Mallory ; Horace H.. born Feb. 8,
1821, married Frances E. Burrows; and Isaac D.,
born Oct. 14, 1822, married Elizabeth I. Tift.
Lodowick Hoxie. father of Benjamin I\. resided
at Shamrock, R. J., where he engaged in farming
and also in mercantile pursuits. J le was well known
as a politician, and was a man of means and
prominence.
Benjamin Franklin Hoxie was born at Sham-
rock, R. I., and spent his boyhood days there. After
attaining his majority, he went to Westerly, R. I.,
and was employed in W. A. lloxie's store.' When
the railroad was put through from Providence, he
secured the contract to supply the workmen with
merchandise. When he came 'to Mystic he became
interested in the lumber business in association with
Joseph Cottrell, and while in that business, formed
a partnership with George W. Ashbev cv Co., to
engage in a grocery and ship chandlery business in
Mystic. In 1849-50 he went to California, and. as
half owner of the Schooner "Anthem." engaged in
freighting from San Francisco to Sacramento for
some two years. In 1852 he returned to Mystic,
and soon after engaged in ship building, 'with
Maxon, Fish & Co. at the old Field vard. One of
the largest vessels they built was the ,:B. F. Hoxie."
They built many brigs and schooners which they
put into the coasting trade. In 1859 Mr. Hoxie sold
his interest to Maxon, Fish & Co. In 1858 he built
the Washington Hall building where his first store
was located and after purchasing the Hiram Clift
property, built the present "Hoxie House," giving
sixteen feet of the land to make the street straight.
This public spirited act was much commended. The
B. F. Hoxie Hose Company, was named in his
honor, as he was the leading spirit in its formation.
It was with sincere regret that his fellow citizens
learned of his death in March, 1898, although he
was full of years, reaching the age of eighty-nine.
While always interested in local affairs and active
in business enterprises affecting the permanent de-
velopment and welfare of the city. Mystic could
never induce him to accept public office. In poli-
tics he was a Whig-, and later an ardent Republican.
On Nov. 19, 1843, Mr. Hoxie married Harriet
Clift, daughter of Nathaniel and Eunice (Denni-
son) Clift, and they had children as follows: John
Holdredge, born Sept. 6, 1844, at his present resi-
dence; Ira C, of Mystic; Mary H.. of Stamford,
Conn., who married Joseph W. Lambert; Hattie E.,
deceased, who married Erastus H. Barnes; Frank,
who was drowned at Bankok, Siam : Charles D.. a
resident of St. Mark's Place, Brooklyn, X. Y.. who
married Rosa Post; Fannie H., deceased, who mar-
ried (first) Morton P. Hunt, and (second) a Mr.
Latham; and Nellie 1).. wife of Frank Belden, of
Hartford.
John H. Hoxie spent his boyhood in Mystic, and
at the age of fourteen, entered Starr's Military
School, at Yonkers, X. Y.. where he passed the ex-
amination for entrance at West Point, but never
entered, going instead to Eastman's Business Col-
lege, and there taught for a period of six weeks.
He then returned to Mystic, and in October, 1863,
448
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
engaged in a hardware, grocery and ship chandlery
business with C. A. Jones. This partnership con-
tinued until December, 1866, when he sold out on
account of poor health, and made a trip to Cali-
fornia, with Capt. Joseph Warren Holmes, around
by Cape Horn. In the fall of 1867, having recov-
ered his health, he bought out C. A. Jones, in part-
nership with S. S. Brown, but in 1870 he sold his
interest to Air. Brown and engaged in the plumbing
business with T. H. Newbury and J. H. Hoxie, for
three years. In 1865 he started the first military
company in Mystic, and was its captain for twelve
years after his return from California. For many
years he was foreman of the B. F. Hoxie Engine
Company, and was chief engineer for five years.
On Nov. 20, 1867, Mr. Hoxie was married to
Mary E. Van Riper, of New Jersey, and they have
four children, namely : Harry M., with the John
Thompson Company, of New York City ; Charles
H., special agent of the Dutchess Insurance Com-
pany of Poughkeepsie, N. Y., who married Mar-
guerite Foote, and has one daughter, Elizabeth
Foote ; Hattie B., wife of Frank Gilfilan, of Mystic ;
and John H., Jr., in the insurance business in
Mystic.
Mr. Hoxie has been one of the active politicians
of this city for many years. In 1875 he was elected
constable without his knowledge, and he served un-
til June 1, 1 88 1, when he was appointed deputy
sheriff, and served until 1898. He also served four
terms on the board of assessors, and for a number of
years has been chairman of the executive committee
of the Fire District. His public services have met
with the approval of the public, and he enjoys the
confidence and esteem of his fellow citizens of both
parties.
Since March, 1889, Mr. Hoxie has been inter-
ested in the real estate and insurance business, buy-
ing out George Packer. He has met with much
success in this line, handles some of the choicest
properties in this section, and represents only old
and reliable insurance firms.
Since 1868 Mr. Hoxie has been a Mason, and is
a member of Charity and Relief Lodge, of which he
has been secretary for eleven years. He is a char-
ter member of Mistuxet Lodge, No. 42, Knights of
Pythias, and of Hawkins Division Uniform Rank.
The objects of these fraternal orders are dear to
him, and he has taken a very active part in their
work. Mr. Hoxie possesses the genial person-
ality for which his family is noted and on every
side, finds warm friends and personal admirers in
the city which has known him from his birth.
RAYMOND J. JODOIN. The United States
has often been referred to as the "land of self-
made men." and it certainly is true that no other
country on the face of the globe presents such un-
limited facilities for success to a progressive and
energetic young man. The career of a man who
has carved his own way and attained success is full
of interest to all, while to a young man just start-
ing out in life for himself the history of another's
struggles and final success is an inspiration that
calls forth the best in his character. In the life
record of Raymond J. Jodoin, first selectman of the
town of Sprague, and a successful traveling sales-
man, there is a true story of a boy who, through
perseverance, determination and industry, won his
way from poverty to comparative wealth, and at
the same time kept free from stain his reputation
for strict integrity.
Mr. Jodoin was born at St. Hyacinthe, Quebec,
Canada, Sept. 15, 1865, one of the eleven children
born to his parents. The father was a factory oper-
ative, and young Raymond was but seven weeks old
when the family came from their Canadian home to
Baltic, Conn., where the father found work in the
mills. At the age of nine Raymond began work in
the mills, a day's labor at that time being from six
o'clock in the morning to half past seven in the
evening. His wages of $3 a week went to the sup-
port of the family. Practically no educational ad-
vantages were his, and whatever he has attained
in that line represents a vast amount of close study
and application. As the years passed by, the other
children in the family were able to add their wages
to the general fund, and in time our subject was
able to save a part of his earnings. These he hus-
banded carefully, finally having enough to purchase
a small livery stock, and for several years he con-
ducted very successfully a business in that line at
Baltic. This business did not prove congenial to
his tastes, and he determined to find some opening
in the mercantile world. Going to Providence, R.
I., in April, 1888, he made application for a position
in the wholesale grocery house of Waldron, Wight-
man & Co. He had no influential friends to assist
him in his endeavors to secure a position, but his
earnestness impressed the head of the firm, who
hired him at Mr. Jodoin's own terms, "pay me what
I earn." Lack of education proved a serious handi-
cap to him, but he carefully concealed his deficiency
from employers and customers alike, and he spent
his spare moments in efforts to improve himself.
Possessed of an acquisitive mind, he made rapid
progress, and was soon able to meet his duties with
greater confidence in himself. He built up a greatly
increased trade for his firm on a route that an ex-
perienced salesmen had been covering for years, his
genial manners winning him friends wherever he
went. His salary was frequently increased, and he
remained with the firm for ten years. When he left
them it was to accept a similar position with Daniels
& Cornell, now Humphreys & Cornell, wholesale
grocers of Providence, with whom he has since re-
mained, his territory covering eastern Connecticut,
southern Massachusetts, and western Rhode Island.
He is immensely popular, and his social disposi-
tion has won him a large acquaintance. His cus-
tomers know him to be perfectly reliable, and have
the utmost confidence in his representations.
~-^
^sX)><^w*w
X
$ ^rwj
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
449
Mr. Jodoin is very much attached to his home
village, Baltic, and some years ago, when he began
to invest his savings in real estate there, he met
dark prophecies of financial loss from all his friends,
but his judgment has been justified since by the in-
crease in the value of his investments. He is one
of the heaviest individual owners of real estate in
the town, and has always been found ready to back
any movement that promised to be of advantage to
the place. Throughout the village are seen many
evidences of his public spirit, and he is most popu-
lar with all classes. Kindly and charitable, he is
ever ready to help those less fortunate, but with his
characteristic modesty he dislikes to have his good
deeds known. As a public-spirited citizen, Mr.
Jodoin occupies a foremost position in the town.
In 1898, he built the Roderick block in Baltic, so
named for his son. His modern residence was
erected in 1898, and in front of it was laid the first
sidewalk in the village. Mr. Jodoin built at Pleas-
ure Beach his cottage "Antonia," so named for his
daughter, and there his family spend the summer.
Politically Mr. Jodoin is a stanch Democrat and
a party leader in his town. In 1899 and 1900 he
served as chairman of the board of selectmen.
In 1903 he was again elected, at that time defeating
his Republican opponent by 116 votes, the largest
majority ever given in the history of the town,
which normally gives a Republican majority of
about 35. Mr. Jodoin handles the business of the
town with the same care he exercises in the conduct
of his own affairs, and it is needless to say the re-
sult is a success. Fraternally he is a member of
Norwich Lodge, No. 430, B. P. O. E.
Mr. Jodoin married Miss Azilda Bourque, a
native of Baltic, Conn., the daughter of Julian
Bourque. They have two adopted children, Antonia
and Roderick, upon whom they bestow the most
tender care. Antonia was educated at St. Marie
Convent, in Canada, where she spent five years, and
was then for four years at the Convent of the Holy
Family, in Baltic. Mr. Jodoin is educating an own
brother of his adopted son, Rudolph Lemoine, for
the priesthood.
CHARLES HAWLEY PHILLIPS, one of the
thoroughly practical and up-to-date farmers with
a home in the north part of Lisbon, is a member of
a family long known in eastern Connecticut.
Nathaniel Phillips, his great-grandfather, was
born Dec. 18, 1750, and was a farmer and cooper
in Griswold, where he Hied. On March 16, 1780,
he married (first) Lucy Brown, who was born Feb.
27> 1755, and who died April 4, 1781. They had
one child, Daniel, born Feb. 23, 1781, died April
10, 1781. On Feb. 21, 1782, he married (second)
Wealthy Williams, born Oct. 16, 1761, and to this
union came nine children, as follows ; Elisha P.,
born May 16, 1783, resided in Plainfield ; Parley,
born June 4, 1785, died in Norwich : Nathaniel,
born July 25, 1787, lived in Griswold; Lucy, born
29
Nov. 14, 1789, married a Mr. Starkweather, and
lived in Plainfield; Atwood, born April 14, 1792;
Wealthy, born Nov. 4, 17(^4 ; Godfrey, born Dec.
19, 1796; Maita, born June 19, 1799; and Clarissa,
born Nov. 10, 1804.
Atwood Phillips was a native of Griswold. He
worked at coopering with his father, and also as-
sisted in farming, the latter later becoming his chief
occupation. His farm was located on Stone Hill,
and is now the property of the water works com-
pany. He was energetic and economical, and in
time became well-to-do. He was prominent in
town affairs, and held a number of offices. His
death occurred when he was over ninety years of
age. He belonged to Ekonk Congregational
Church. His wife, who in her maidenhood was
Sally Chapman, of Sterling, lived to a good old
age, but preceded her husband to the unseen world.
Their children were : Rebecca, who married Henry
Gallup, a farmer residing in Sterling ; William, who
married Lucy Davis, and was a farmer in Griswold ;
Sarah, who died young ; Caroline, who married
Elijah Pellett, and lived in Norwich ; Ralph Par-
ley; and Mary Ann, who wedded Daniel Home,
and died in Canterbury, Conn.
Ralph Parley Phillips was born Feb. 25, 1826,
in Griswold, and he received an exceptionally good
common school education for a farmer's boy of the
time. At the age of seventeen he began teaching
school and taught for several terms in East Green-
wich, R. I. He was given the training to farm
work, common everywhere to boys reared on a
farm, and he remained at home until 1863, when he
located on a farm in Griswold, where he remained
for twenty years. He then removed to Jewett City,
and that place was afterward his home. For many
years he was employed as boss farmer for Alfred
A. Young, at Jewett City. He died May 21. 1896,
in the faith of the Methodist Church, and was buried
in the cemetery at Jewett City. His politics were
Republican, and for many years, while residing on
the farm, he was surveyor for the town of Griswold,
and had charge of all the roads in the town. On
July 1, 1850, he married (first) Rachel A. Chapman,
born Dec. 25, 1825, died April 17, 1861. The chil-
dren of this marriage were: Ralph E., born May
13, 1851, died Nov. 21, 1870; Ella, born Nov. 20,
1853, married Oct. 4, 1879, William R. Mott, and
died, Oct. 25, 1881, leaving one child. 1 Jessie, who is
married and lives in Norwich; and Frank C, horn
Nov. 10, 1859, 's a farmer, and lives in Sterling.
For his second wife, Mr. Phillips, on March 23,
1862, wedded Jane E. Burdick, horn Dec. 13. 1S44,
in Griswold. daughter of Elias and Mary M.
(Howe) Burdick. To this union came seven chil-
dren, namely: (1) Hobart B., born Sept. 27. 1803,
is a farmer in Lisbon. He married, Aug. 2. 1885,
Anna B. Teft. and has two children. Myrtle and
Archie. (2) Charles Hawley was born Oct. 21.
[864. (3) Orion E., born March 2, 1867. died at
the age of seventeen years. (4) Amos A., born
450
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
March 21, 1869. resides at Jewett City, unmarried.
(5) Orrie E., born Dec. 5, 1871, married, July 2,
1890. Alfred M. Brown, Jr., and lives in Jewett
City. (6) Iva Daisy, born August 2, 1873, died
Jan. 10. 1878. (7) John A., born May 12, 1875,
married, June 26. 1901, Jennie M. Albro, and they
make their home in Westerly, R. I. On Sept. 25,
1902, Mrs. Ralph P. Phillips was married to Dan-
iel J. Brown, and they reside on Laurel Hill, in
Norwich.
Charles Hawley Phillips, the second in the above
family, was born in Griswold, and was brought up
to farm work. The district school, attended during
the winter terms until he was sixteen, afforded him
ample opportunity for a good common school edu-
cation. At that age he left home, and was first em-
ployed as a farm hand, his wages in the beginning
being $50 for seven months work. He followed
this line in the towns of Griswold, Norwich & Lis-
bon, giving good satisfaction to his employers, by
his unflagging industry and careful management.
Until he was twenty-one his wages went to his fa-
ther, and after that time he continued to work as a
farm hand until his marriage, at which time he lo-
cated on a rented farm, on Bundy Hill, in the town
of Lisbon, and for some time he was in the employ
of James B. Palmer. He then rented a farm in
the south part of Griswold, but after two years
removed to another farm in the same town, where
he remained three years. His next location was on
the "Elm Hill Farm" in Lisbon (now occupied by
John G. Bromley), and he then removed to his
present farm, renting it for two years, and then
purchasing it of George Robinson. It was known
as the Reuben Bishop farm, and it contains 125
acres of rich and improved land, where Mr. Phillips
carries on general farming and dairying. For the
past eight years he has conducted a profitable milk
route in Taftville.
On Dec. 8, 1886, Mr. Phillips was married to
Evelyn M. James, born March 29, 1870, in Lisbon,
a daughter of Thomas and Mary (Treat) James,
the former a farmer in Lisbon, and later in Gris-
wold, where he died. Mr. and Mrs. Phillips have
two children, Charles Elmer, born Feb. 28, 1888 ;
and Bertha Etta, born March 5, 1892. On national
issues Mr. Phillips is a Republican, but in local
affairs he lays aside any partisan feeling, and exer-
cises his right of franchise for the best men. He
and his wife attend the Newent Congregational
Church, although she is a member of the Pachaug
Church. Mr. Phillips is a hardworking, industrious
farmer, who has had no assistance in his struggle
for a competence, other than that encouragement
and sympathy his devoted wife has extended. He
has maintained a high integrity and has the respect
and confidence of all who know him.
WILLIAM WILBUR LATHAM, of Noank,
Conn., was born Sept. 20. 1839. at Noank, and be-
longs to an old and prominent New England fam-
ily, his grandfather, William Latham, having been
a soldier in the Revolutionary war, and one of the
defenders of Fort Griswold.
John Dennison Latham, father of our subject,
was born in District No. 9, of Groton, and resided
the greater part of his life in Noank. In the earlier
part he engaged in fishing and later in ship building,
in partnership with his brother, James A. Latham.
He married Emmeline Wilbur, daughter of Wil-
liam and Sally Wilbur, the latter of whom belonged
also to an old family of the locality. Our subject's
mother died when he was but five months old. Mr.
Latham married (second) Lydia Palmer, sister of
Robert Palmer, and one son, James D., now of
New London, Conn., was born to this union. Mr.
Latham married (third) Avis Matilda Brown, and
they have one son, Hiram W., now a ship carpenter
at the Palmer Yards. The occupation of the Lathams
was the building of fishing vessels, for which they
were noted. Mr. Latham was a member of the
Baptist Church.
William Wilbur Latham spent his boyhood days
in Noank, and attended the public schools and the
Mystic Academy. In early manhood he turned his
attention to the family trade, working in his father's
yard. Here he was engaged when the stirring
events of April, 1861, aroused the loyalty and pa-
triotism of the finest band of men who ever volun-
tarily took up arms in defense of their country. He
enlisted in Co. E, 2nd. Conn. V. I., for a service of
three months, and re-enlisted in August, 1862, in
Co. C, 2 1 st. Conn. V. I., with the rank of orderly
sergeant, and when mustered out at New Haven,
in June, 1865, he was captain of Co. E, of that
regiment.
For one year Capt. Latham was assistant super-
intendent of negro affairs, and was located at Nor-
folk, Va. After the war closed he returned to
Noank, and re-engaged in ship building, where he
remained until 1892, when he was appointed as-
sistant superintendent of construction of life saving
stations. The remarkable record of the work he
superintended includes the erection of stations at
Kewanee, Wis., Charlevoix, Mich., Grand Marais,
Mich., Core Bank, N. C, Sullivan's Island, Charles-
ton, S. C, Little Egg, N. J., Sandy Point, Block
Island, Hampton Beach, N. H., Amagansett, L. I.,
Muskeeget. Nantucket, Salisbury Beach, Mass.,
Wrood End, Provincetown, Point Arena, Cal., and
Old Harbor, at Chatham, Massachusetts.
On Dec. 6, 1865, Mr. Latham was married, at
Noank, Conn., to Sarah Marie Potter, and two chil-
dren have been born to them, namely : William Pot-
ter, born Jan. 11, 1868; and Mary Emeline, born
March 7, 1874. Mr. Latham is a valued member of
Williams Post G. A. R.
Joseph Potter, father of Mrs. Latham, was born
in Noank, where he died, March 14, 1889, aged sev-
enty-three years. He was a seafaring man and en-
gaged in fishing. He married Mary, daughter of
Edward Fowler, of New London, and they had
GEXEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
45i
children as follows: Harriet Jane married B. F.
Andrews, of Center Groton ; Sarah M. married \Y.
W. Latham; Mary Elizabeth married Charles H.
Smith; Ida; and Joseph Walton is manager of the
Palmer store at Noank. Mrs. Latham's grandpar-
ents were Joseph and Mercy ( Burrows) Potter,
the former of whom was a fisherman. The fishing
operations of these families were carried on on a
large scale, and this industry brought wealth to al-
most all who devoted a long enough time to it.
DR. GEORGE THOMPSON, a successful
physician of Taftville, town of Norwich, enjoys a
flourishing practice, and the confidence of the com-
munity. His birth occurred at Union, Knox Co.,
Maine, March 21, 1861.
The grandfather of Dr. Thompson was a resi-
dent of Union, and was drowned in early life. His
wife bore the maiden name of Amanda Adams, and
she was a descendant of one of the oldest families
in that section. The lady, who has attained to a
venerable age, is residing at Boston, Massachusetts.
Edwin L. Thompson, father of our subject, was
a successful carriage manufacturer at Union, Maine,
and died there in 1898, at the age of fifty nine years.
His wife was a Miss Margaret Sullivan, and she
is living at Union. The children born of this mar-
riage were : Hartwell, who was baggage master in
the employ of the Boston and Albany railroad, and
was killed while on duty ; George ; Maynard, city
solicitor at Augusta, Maine, and clerk of the Lower
House of the State Legislature ; and Richard, a law-
student at Boston.
Dr. George Thompson received his early educa-
tion in the public schools of Union, and then spent
four years at Kent's Hill Seminary, in Maine. He
took up the study of medicine with Dr. Judkins,
now of Rockland, Maine, who was then located at
Union, and soon after entered Bowdoin College,
from which he was graduated in June, 1889. The
following September, he located at Taftville, having
purchased the practice of Dr. F. A. Tillinghast, and
since then he has firmly established himself, proving
his skill in many extremely critical cases.
In 1897 Dr. Thompson purchased the Taftville
pharmacy, which was then located on the Hill, and
in October, 1903, moved the business to a newly
completed building erected by him on Front street.
In politics he is a stanch Republican, and is a mem-
ber of the board of education at Taftville. Dr.
Thompson is a member of the Norwich Medical As-
sociation, the New London County Medical Society,
and the Connecticut Medical Society. Fraternally
he is a member of Somerset Lodge No. 34, A. F. &
A. M. ; Franklin Council, No. 3 ; and Franklin
Chapter No. 4, as well as of Columbian Com-
mandery Xo. 4, Knights Templar. He is a mem-
ber of Loyal Hugh H. Osgood Lodge No. 6920, I.
O. O. F. ; Manchester Unity; of Court Wequounoc,
No. 88, Foresters of America, at Taftville. He is
very popular in all these orders. In May, 1904, Dr.
Thompson was appointed health officer for the town
of Norwich.
( )n Sept. 23, 1890, Dr. Thompson was mar-
ried, in Athens, Maine, to Miss Mary L. Greene, a
native of that place, daughter of Frederick H.
Greene, and a descendant of an old and prominent
family of that section. Two children have been
born to Dr. and Mrs. Thompson : Hartwell Greene,
Jan. 5, 1892; and Helen Greene, July 9, 1894. Mrs.
Thompson is a member of the Daughters of the
American Revolution, having had several ancestors
who served in that struggle.
CLIXTOX DeWITT HANOVER, the well-
known contractor and builder, and one of the enter-
prising young men of Groton, was born in
Willington, Tolland Co., Conn., Feb. 4, 1876, son
of Herbert M. Hanover, grandson of Urial Han-
over, and great-grandson of Peter Hanover.
Peter Hanover came to America from Germany
with two brothers, and he settled first in Coventry,
Conn., where he resided for a number of years, and
then removed to the town of Willington, where he
died. He was a glass blower by trade, and was the
first person to introduce friction matches in this
country.
Urial Hanover was born in South Coventry, Tol-
land Co., Conn., and by trade was a shoemaker. He
served in the Civil war, Company H, 10th Conn.
V. I., as corporal, and lost his arm in the service.
His wife bore the maiden name of Mary W. Trask,
and both died in Willington, Conn., in 1903, she
on Aug. 5th and he in October. Their children
were : Lorana, widow of Frank Cummings, and the
mother of three children, Mamie, Charles and Al-
fleta ; Herbert M. ; Henry Urial, of Groton ; and
Lillian Jane, of West Willington, who married E. C.
Richardson.
Herbert M. Hanover was born in Wales, Mass.,
Dec. 22, 1849, and for many years was engaged in
glassblowing at South Lyndeboro, X. H., and later
worked at his trade at West ford, Conn. In 1873
he abandoned this class of work, and in 1884 he came
to Groton, and for a time took charge of the cot-
tages at Eastern Point. For the past eight years
he has been engaged in caring for his own real
estate, he being a large property owner. Mr. Han-
over married Ellen M. Brown, daughter of Alfred
L. and Mary A. (Whitehouse) Brown, of Ashford.
and their children are : Walter Henry, a resident of
Groton, who married Maud Smith, and has one son,
Walter Smith ; and Clinton DeWitt.
Clinton D. Hanover spent his early school days
in Willington, Conn., but when he was eight years
of age he was taken to Eastern Point in the town of
Groton. While watching the men at work, the
bright little fellow learned the building trade, and
when only eighteen began building, and now after
ten years of experience is one of the leading men
in this section of the county in the business he
adopted.
452
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
On June I, 1898, Clinton D. Hanover was
married to Emma Carolina Nordfeldt, a native of
Sweden, who was educated in America. Mr. and
Mrs. Hanover have had two children, — DeWitt
Clinton, who died at the age of ten months ; and
Clinton DeWitt, Jr.
During the time he has been in the building
business, Mr. Hanover has built over sixty houses
in Groton and vicinity, as well as other buildings, all
of his work being characterized by a careful thor-
oughness which is to be seen in everything he at-
tempts. Mr. and Mrs. Hanover are consistent mem-
bers of the Baptist Church of Groton, and are very
highly respected residents of that locality. Like his
father Mr. Hanover is a Republican, and in March,
1904, was elected a member of the court of bur-
gesses of the newly formed borough of Groton, for
the short term, and on May 1st following, he was re-
elected for the regular term of one year.
GARDNER FAMILY. (I) Stephen Gardner
was among the early settlers in New London
county, and was probably a descendant of the Rhode
Island families of that name. He is first known as
a purchaser of a large tract of land near the "Great
Pond,'' afterwards called "Gardner's Lake," lying
in the town of Montville, partly in Bozrah and
partly in Salem. On this land he settled and reared
a large family of children, marrying, about 1700,
Amy Sherman, who was born Oct. 25, 1681, a
daughter of Benjamin and Hannah (Mowey) Sher-
man, of Kingston, R. I. Very little is recorded re-
garding the characteristics of the man, and little is
known of his history. Neither the date of his death
nor that of his wife are to be found. The children,
all of whom were born between 1701 and 1724, were
as follows: Amy, Lydia, Stephen, Benjamin, Pere-
grine, Daniel, Sarah, Hannah, Mehitabel, Abigail,
David and Jonathan.
(II) Stephen Gardner son of (I) Stephen, was
born Feb. 24, 1704, at Kingston, R. I., and the house
in which his father lived stood probably in what
was then the town of Colchester, Conn., but which
was later made a part of the town of Salem. He
was married in 1722 to Frances Congdon, daughter
of Benjamin Congdon, and the children born to
them, all between 1723 and 1745, were: Frances,
Amy, Lydia, Esther, Sarah, Hannah, Stephen,
Mary, Thomas and Mehitabel.
(III) Stephen Gardner, born March 27, 1735,
was a farmer by occupation. His first wife was
Frances Brown, and for his second wife he married
the widow of John Abbott. He had three children,
Fannie, Stephen and Benjamin. Fannie, the eldest
child of Stephen, married Frederick Ball, of Led-
yard, Conn. The second child, Stephen, married
and moved to Pennsylvania, where his several chil-
dren were born, and where he died. After his death
his widow married her brother-in-law, Benjamin
Gardner, the grandfather of our subject, Stephen
Gardner.
(IV) Benjamin Gardner was born in New Lon-
don, Conn., and died at the age of over eighty years,
in Luzerne county, Pa., where he had lived for many
years, and where he had become an extensive
farmer. He held large tracts of land in that State
and was a man of prominence and wealth. The first
wife of Benjamin Gardner was Phebe Lewis, of
New London ; his second wife was Elizabeth Beebe
Tinker, and the third, as before stated, the widow
of Stephen Gardner. The children of Benjamin,
all born to his first wife, were : Fannie, who mar-
ried Elias Sharp, of Windham, Conn. ; Maria, who
married Gurdon Avery, of Waterford, Conn. ; John,
who married Hannah Brooks, of Waterford, Conn. ;
and Benjamin.
(V) Benjamin Gardner, born June 26, 1802, in
New London, Conn., died there June 3, 185 1. He
was a prominent farmer, and at one time was also
engaged in conducting a meat market for several
years, in New London. In time he became an ex-
tensive land owner, was also engaged in fisheries,
and at all times was a hard worker and a successful
man. In his younger days he became impressed
with the truth of religious principles, but did not
attach himself to any denomination. In politics
Benjamin Gardner was a stanch Democrat, but al-
though he held the office of selectman, as well as
other town offices, he did not aspire to be a leader.
Physically he was stout and short, weighing about
175 pounds ; he was a jovial man, of excellent dis-
position, and made and retained many friends.
On Dec. 25, 1825, Mr. Gardner married Ether-
linda Gee, who was born Jan. 25, 1805, in East
Lyme, Conn., daughter of William and Sally
(Smith) Gee. Mrs. Gardner died May 9, 1892,
aged eighty-seven years, in New London, Conn.
The children she bore her husband were as follows,
all born in New London : George Harris, born Feb.
11, 1828, is mentioned below; Horace, born May
19, 1829, is also mentioned below; Noel (3), born
Oct. 9, 1830, who died Nov. 6, 1895, in New Lon-
don, is mentioned below ; William Benjamin, born
Aug. 21, 1836, is mentioned below; Stephen, born
Dec. 6, 1840, living at New London, is mentioned
below; Minerva, born March 12, 1843, married
William H. Burdick, a government inspector, and
both are living (they have no children) ; Charles
Henry, born Aug. 24, 1846, died at the age of four
years.
(VI) George Harris Gardner, born Feb. 11,
1828, in New London, and a son of the prominent
son of New London, the late Benjamin Gardner,
was well educated in the district school while living
with his grandfather Gardner, and when at home
he learned to farm. During the early part of the
war he went to Luzerne county, Pa., where for three
years he farmed, and then embarked in fishing and
farming in Waterford, Conn., and is still thus en-
gaged with his only son. In politics George H.
Gardner is a strong Democrat, and while he resided
at Waterford — a period of thirty-nine years — he
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
453
held the position of road surveyor, and is respon-
sible for many of the excellent roads in that vicinity.
In 185 1 Mr. Gardner married Phebe Ann
(Gardner) Brooks, a daughter of John Gardner,
and widow of Daniel Brooks. She died April 26,
1903, in New London. By her first marriage Mrs.
Gardner had a daughter, Amorette, who married
Thomas L. Fitzgerald, an engineer on the Delaware
& Lackawanna Railroad, living at Scranton, Fa.,
and has one son, Walter. Mr. and Mrs. Gardner
had one son, Walter Benjamin, born March 2, 1857,
in Xew London. He was married in September,
1893, to Lvdia Pennington, of Brandywine Hun-
dred, Del. : they have no children. He is in the
fishing business with his father at Xew London,
Conn., where he is a leading young business man
and highly respected resident.
(VI) Horace Gardner, son of (V) Benjamin
'Gardner, was educated in New London, in the
14th school district, on Ocean avenue, and remained
there until he was some sixteen years of age, when
he entered upon a seafaring life, following the water
and fishing upon the Atlantic coast for a number of
years. He was also extensively engaged in halibut
fishing on George's Bank for the New York market,
and thus continued until about 1873. being during
that time owner of the smack he used in his opera-
tions. In that year he took up the work of a stone-
mason, as a contractor, and thus continued for sev-
eral years, but finally retired. In politics he is a
Democrat. In religious matters he and his wife are
Spiritualists, and prominent among that religious
order.
On Feb. II, 1854, Horace Gardner was married
to Nancy Georgetta Pratt, and they have had chil-
dren as follows: Nancy Elinda, born Jan. 13, 1855,
married June 26, 1876, Henry W. Beebe, with the
Hammond Beef Co. ; they live on Shaw street,
New London, and their children are : Betsey, Leber-
ton and May. Horace Richard, born Oct. 17, 1858,
was married the first time to Bessie P. Benham, and
his second wife was Sallie D. Pennington ; by his
first union he had one son, Horace R., engineer and
machinist for the T. A. Scott Co., and by his second
wife he had two children, Nancy Georgietta and
Lydia May. Fannie Eugenia, born Oct. 26, i860,
is at home. Sarah Ella, born July 19, 1866, married
George H. Foster, a farmer of Lebanon, and their
children were Ada Louise, Joba Rush, Chrystie
Haskins and Edith Phelps. Leburton Pratt, born
June 9, 1870, was married to Minnie Springer, of
Philadelphia, and he now lives at Camden, N. J.,
being employed by the New York Ship Building
Co., as a marine machinist : he and his wife have one
child. Marguerite Georgiaette.
(VI) Noel Byron Gardner, son of (V) Ben-
jamin Gardner, was married Jan. 22, 1863, to Sarah
Elizabeth Daniels, of Waterford. They had one
■daughter, who died in infancy. Mr. Gardner was
engaged in farming for a time, but later became a
contractor in grading and excavating, and built up
a large business, doing a great deal of work in the
Pequot section. Mr. Gardner built his beautiful
home on ( >cean avenue, which was purchased in
1900 by Richard Mansfield, the actor.
In polities Mr. Gardner was a stanch Democrat,
and he held a number of offices, having been a mem-
ber of the common council and street commissioner
for several years, among others. In his religions
profession he was a sincere member of Jordan
Baptist Church, of which his wife, who still sur-
vives, is a member. Quiet and reserved in disposi-
tion, Mr. Gardner retained the friends he made,
his business career was an unblemished one, and
his memory is tenderly cherished in New London,
where his widow makes her home.
(VI) William Benjamin Gardner, son of
(V) Benjamin Gardner, was born Aug. 21, 1836,
in New London, and was educated in that locality.
Like so many of his family, he graduated from the
schoolroom to a seafaring life, and for a number of
years was actively engaged as a fisherman. He
went upon a wdialing expedition when only twenty-
two years of age, and was gone for some seven-
teen or eighteen months. About 1870 he left the
water and embarked in a grocery business on Tru-
man street, carrying it on very successfully for a
number of years. Later he removed to Banks street,
and still later was succeeded by his son, Benjamin
B. Gardner, W'illiam Benjamin Gardner retiring.
However, a man of his active disposition could not
be satisfied with a life empty of business interests,
and he was soon engaged in painting, now requiring
several men and wagons to carry on the business
he has established.
In his political views he has always been a
Democrat, but he has never aspired to be a leader.
He was a member of the Seamen's Bethel Church of
New London during its existence. Fraternally he
is a member of Pequot Lodge, No. 85, I. O. O. F.,
and the Daughters of Rebekah, Trumbull Lodge,
No. 48, K. of P., and Hawkins Companv No. 18,
U. R., K. of P., all of New London.
On June 12, 1857, William Benjamin Gardner
was married to Mary B. Billings, daughter of Peleg
and Abby G. (Ball) Billings, of East Haddam,
formerly of Griswold, Conn. By occupation Mr.
Billings was a farmer, and he died in East Haddam,
while his wife passed away in New London. Airs.
Gardner is a granddaughter of Theophilus and Be-
linda (Whipple) Billings, of Griswold, Conn.,
farming people. She is a great-granddaughter of
William Billings.
Children as follows were born to William Ben-
jamin Gardner and his wife: Mary, born Nov. 14,
1858, married William E. Crocker, of New Lon-
don, where he died ; their children were : Frances,
Alice, Franklin and Clayton. Henrv died at the
age of nine months. Benjamin Billings is exten-
sively mentioned later in this sketch. Stephen died
at the age of eight years and nine months, having
been run over by a dray.
454
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
(VI) Stephen Gardner, son of (V) Benjamin
Gardner, was born in New London, and received
an excellent education in the district school of his
native town, and at the Bartlett high school. After
leaving school he began farming on the home place,
where he has since continued to live. He owns
about fifty acres of the original homestead, having
sold the greater portion of the land, upon which
have been erected beautiful summer homes. His
own home is one of the pleasant and attractive ones
on Ocean avenue, commanding a beautiful view of
the surrounding hills and valley, as well as of Long
Island Sound. Here he is engaged in general farm-
ing, and his land has been brought into a very high
state of cultivation, and is among the most valuable
in the county.
In political faith, Mr. Gardner is a Democrat,
but like most of his family has never sought politi-
cal preferment. He attends the First Baptist
Church of Waterford, of which his wife is a mem-
ber. On Jan. I, 1871, Mr. Gardner was united in
marriage with Augusta Elizabeth Daniels, who was
born Feb. 29, 1843, m Waterford, daughter of
Silas and Almira (Moore) Daniels, of Montville.
They have one child, Frank Stephen, born June 20,
1876, in New London, still at home.
(VII) Benjamin Billings Gardner, son of
(VI) William Benjamin Gardner, and one of the
prosperous business men of New London, was born
May 25, 1865, in New London. After a short
career in the public schools, at the age of thirteen
Mr. Gardner left school and entered the employ of
John W. Morgan, dry goods merchant, with es-
tablishment on State street, and so faithful did he
prove that he was placed in Mr. Morgan's estab-
lishment on Coit street, where he remained four
years. His next business venture was with Elias
Labensky, on State street, as a clerk in the dry-
goods departrhent. After a year thus employed his
father had need of his services in the grocery on
Truman street, and there the young man remained,
gradually rising until the business was transferred
to Bank street, and the father turned it over to his
enterprising son. After continuing it for a short
time he sold the store, and became asrent for the
H. H. Olds Co., wholesale pie makers, his territory
extending all over New London city, and in this
line successfully continued for about four years.
About 1887 Mr. Gardner began his present mam-
moth business of freight and baggage transferring,
piano and furniture moving, with a one horse truck.
The growth of the business has been rapid and sub-
stantial, a natural result of his push, energy, and
systematic business methods, and now requires the
use of from ten to fifteen horses, two large vans,
one express wagon and three trucks, and gives em-
ployment to from eight to ten men. In addition to do-
ing all kinds of moving and transferring, he makes
a specialty of packing and shipping, and his services
are called upon whenever careful and expert work
is required. In his business relations Mr. Gardner
is most highly esteemed, and New London con-
tains no more popular or successful mover than Mr.
Gardner. He does business at No. 52 State and No.
22 Truman street.
Fraternally Mr. Gardner has been very promin-
ent, belonging to the U. O. A. M., and was a
member of the degree team which won a gold medal
in New Haven Ledyard Council, No. 31. He was
formerly a member of the I. O. O. F., and recently
allied himself with the New England Order of Pro-
tection and the U. O. G. C. Coming from a family
whose members have been Democrats for genera-
tions, he is the only one of the family, so far, to ally
himself with any other political party. While in
almost every instance a Republican, his sympathies
are with the Prohibition party. Religiously he is
a member of the Methodist Church, of which he is
trustee, and was steward several years. He has
been president of the Epworth League, and has
been assistant superintendent of the Sunday-school,,
taking a very active part in church and Sunday-
school matters, and is a teacher in the Sunday-
school.
On Nov. 27, 1889, Mr. Gardner was married to
Mary Rogers, daughter of Sheriff James S. and
Rebecca S. (West) Rogers, of New London, and
they have one child, Charles Benjamin, born Sept.
8, 1890, in New London. Mrs. Gardner is a direct
lineal descendant in the ninth generation from
James Rogers, the first, who came from England in
1635, in the ship "Increase," and his wife Elizabeth
Rowland, of Stratford, England, with whom he set-
tled in New London, Conn., in 1637.
EDWARD L. STRONG, one of Colchester's
most prominent citizens, died April 1, 1896. He
was born Nov. 4, 1844, in Colchester, and was a
very prominent man in both town and county. He
was president of the Colchester Shoe Company, vice-
president of the Colchester Savings Bank, a trus-
tee of the Bacon Academy, a deacon of the First
Congregational Church, a member of the First Dis-
trict committee, served several terms as selectman,
and as representative in the Legislature in 1889.
Mr. Strong descended from one of the oldest
families of the town, and his genealogy will be found
elsewhere. Edward H. Strong, his father, was born
May 4, 1815, in Colchester, and his entire life was
spent in this town. He was a farmer by occupation,
resided on a good property in the north-eastern part
of the town, and died there March 15, 1891. He
was buried in Linwood cemetery at Colchester. In
politics formerly a Whig, his later political sym-
pathy was given the Republican party. During 1880
he represented the town in the Legislature, and made
an honest official. For many years he was a devout
member of the Congregational Church, and always
took an active part in its affairs, liberally contrib-
uting to its support.
Mr. Strong was married (first) to Abagail Utlev,
who died Feb. 23, 1843, aged twenty-one years. His;
•:&
*a>
4'/
CA^>t ^ ayt ed^>^-€A^
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
455
second marriage was to Eunice Loomis, of Lebanon,
daughter of \ each Loomis, who died June 26, 1902,
aged eighty-three years. She united, in young
womanhood, with the Congregational Church at
Exeter. Of their children the following grew to ma-
turity : Edward Loomis ; Henry A., who married
Esther L. Hastings, graduated from Yale Law
School and soon after located at Cohoes, N. Y.,
where he is the present city attorney, and of which
city he was mayor during the memorable election
riots; Nelson H., who married Alice Bishop, grad-
uated from Yale Law School, and soon after ac-
cepted a position as teacher in the Shortledge Free
Academy at Media, Penn., and is now a practicing
attorney with an office in Philadelphia, but has his
home in Media ; Abby Utley became the wife of
John R. Backus, a farmer, and died at Colchester ;
Sarah J. married Frank W. Barbour, of Worcester,
Mass., a real estate broker who died in early life,
and she resides in Boston ; Lucy, Arthur H. and
Nora Amelia all died in infancy.
Deacon Edward Loomis Strong was born Nov.
4, 1844, at Colchester, on the farm above mentioned,
and he attended the schools of his native town. He
was reared to farm work, and soon after quitting
school, he began teaching, alternating with farm
work and giving assistance to his father in his en-
terprises. Mr. Strong taught school for more than
twenty years in the towns of Colchester, Lyme, Leb-
anon and Hebron. During the last nine years his
teaching was in District No. 1, Colchester.
In 1884 Mr. Strong purchased the coal, lumber,
grain and feed business of Josiah Gillette, enlarged
the scope of the business, remodeled the building and
was successfully engaged in such until his death.
In addition to other possessions, he owned a large
farm in Meadville, Mo. In 1888 he represented the
town in the Legislature, and served as first select-
man for many years. Mr. Strong was a charter
member of Colchester Lodge, No. 30, A. O. U. W.,
and served as receiver of the order. For two years
after its incorporation, he was president of the Col-
chester Shoe Company. In young manhood, Mr.
Strong united with the Congregational Church, and
the self dedication then made continued through a
long life of business stress. He was always actively
interested in the welfare not only of his own relig-
ious body, but also of others, and liberally con-
tributed to all worthy objects. His manly upright-
ness of character gained him the esteem of all who
knew him.
In 1871 Mr. Strong was united in marriage in
Lebanon, with Rhoda M. Dolbeare, born at Tecum-
seh, Mich., daughter of Jeremiah F. and Eliza
(Pierce) Dolbeare, both born in Lebanon. Mrs.
Strong survives her husband and resides at Col-
chester. They had these children born to them :
Edward Fitch ; Eleanor Mason, who attended Bacon
Academy and graduated at Wellesley, married Lewis
E. Sparrowe, a native of Colchester, but now en-
gaged in a book bindery business in Xew York ;
Eunice Eliza, who attended Bacon Academy and
graduated from the Teachers' College in Xew York,
is now at the head of the Domestic Science Depart-
ment of the Young Women's Christian Association
of New York; Chester Dolbeare attended Uacon
Academy, and is now employed at Springfield,
Mass. ; and Anson Loomis is still a student at bacon
Academy.
Edward Fitch Strong, who succeeded his father
in business, was born March 9, 1873, in Colchester,
and after four years attendance at Bacon Academy,
engaged in business in his native place. He then
entered the Massachusetts Institute of Technology
at Boston, and was in his third year classes, when
his father died, and he was recalled to take up the
cares his parent had laid down forever. Mr. Strong
proved equal to the task, and has a large and thriv-
ing trade. He has developed into a character closely
resembling his esteemed father, and like the latter, he
is identified with the Republican party. Fraternally
he is a member of Colchester Lodge, No. 30. A. O.
U. W., of which he is recorder ; and also of Woostcr
Lodge, No. 10, A. F. & A. M., in which he is serv-
ing as junior deacon. On Sept. 16, 1903, Edward
F. Strong was married to Anna Minerva Howe, of
Gilbertville, Mass. Religiously the family has all
been connected with the Congregational Church.
Mr. Strong left behind him a record that shows to
future generations that he was a man of integrity,
and one whom his townsmen loved and were de-
lighted to honor.
TAYLOR. The branch of the family repre-
sented in New London by Charles H. and Charles
M. Taylor is descended from one who bore the name
of Daniel Dawson, and was of English birth. One
day when young Daniel was about twelve years of
age he was playing on the English coast with his
little sister. A naval officer of one of the English
men-of-war, lying in the harbor nearby, asked him
aboard the vessel, and young Daniel accepted the in-
vitation, to find himself pressed into the service of
the English navy. He was brought to America on
board the vessel. Arriving in New York, by hiding
himself among some bales of cotton, he succeeded
in making his escape. A lone boy in Xew York, in
constant fear of being recaptured by the British
officer, he made his way to Long Island, and as-
sumed the name of William Taylor. There he hired
out as a farmer boy, and remained several years.
There, too, he met and married Sarah Brayman, and
soon after took up his residence at Mystic. Conn.,
where the remainder of his days were spent. Such
a horror did he have of being retaken by the British
that he never left his home in Mystic, and he nevei
made public the circumstances connected with his
coming to America until shortly before his death,
which occurred about 1839, when he was aged about
eighty years. He lived half-way between Upper
and Lower Mystic, and was there engaged for
many years in fishing and lobstering. He was a
456
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
genial, pleasant man, and was highly respected by all
who knew him. His children were as follows : ( i )
Sarah married a Mr. Eggleston, and removed to
New York, where she died. (2) William is men-
tioned below. (3) John married Prudence Avery,
and settled in Lebanon, Conn. (4) George mar-
ried Mary Brightman. He is supposed to have been
lost overboard from a vessel in Charleston (S. C.)
harbor. (5) Frank married Lucy . He en-
listed during the Rebellion and died in the service.
(6) Polly married Jason Brooks, and died in Mys-
tic. (7) Maraby married Thomas Brooks, and died
in Mystic. (8) Abby died in infancy. (9) Nancy
became the wife of Christopher Eldredge, of Mystic.
William Taylor, born in the "Half-Way House,"
Mystic, Conn., died in Lower Mystic, in 1877, aged
eighty-two years. He was a sailor by occupation,
and followed the water as a fisherman for many
years, spending his summers in plying the waters
of Long Island Sound, and his winters on the waters
of the South. He was a part owner of the sloop
"Majestic," which sailed from Mystic for many
years. In politics he was a Democrat, but as his
time was chiefly spent on the water he gave but little
attention to political affairs. He married Sarah El-
dredge, who was born in North Stonington, and who
died in Mystic in September, 186 1, aged sixty-four
years. She was the daughter of Joshua and Bridget
(Short) Eldredge. To this union were born chil-
dren as follows : (1) One died in infancy, unnamed.
(2) Sarah A. became the wife of William R. Ben-
nett, and is now a widow, residing in Providence,
R. I. (3) William Austin, born Sept. 21, 1829, in
Old Mystic, was educated in the common schools of
his native town. In early life he was a ropemaker
by trade. By constant study he prepared himself for
the ministry, and in 1875 became a minister of the
Gospel. His first charge was at Massapeag, where
he remained three years. In the ma*}) years he sp jnt
at his chosen calling he for twenty-two \vars labored
in the Norwich district, New England Southern
Conference, of the Methodist Episcopal Church,
with the exception of a short time spent at Nayatt
Point, R. I. In 1898 he retired from the ministry
on account of ill health, but since that time has, how-
ever, occasionally filled some pulpit as a supply. He
married Emeline D. Dewey, of North Stonington,
who died Dec. 12, 1898, aged sixty-seven years. This
.marriage was blessed with one daughter, Alice D.,
who married Rowland H. Perkins, a house carpenter
of Norwich, Conn., now of New London, and they
have one son, Harold Clyde Perkins. (4) Mary
Abby died aged four years. (5) Charles Henry is
mentioned below.
Charles Henry Taylor, born April 17, 1841,
in Old Mystic, received his schooling in his native
town. Early in life he took up mill work in cotton
and woolen factories, which business he followed un-
til his son established himself in the drug business,
since which time he has been associated with him.
On May 1, 1870, he was married to Emma Newton,
of Charlestown, R. I., daughter of Mrs. Lorenzo
Harvey, and widow of Elijah Newton, of Rhode
Island. To this union has come one son, Charles
Morris.
Charles Morris Taylor, born Oct. 2, 1871, in
Mystic, Conn., was educated in the district schools,
which he left at the age of thirteen years. After
leaving school he became employed by John J. Lan-
man, of New London, maker of perfumes, with
whom he remained about three years. He then be-
came apprenticed to the printing trade under E. E.
Darrow, of New London, with whom he remained
about two years, when he became a clerk in the drug
store of B. M. Beebe, in New London, continuing as
such for three years. He continued as pharmacist
for about seven years, when, in 1892, with his sav-
ings, he purchased the perfumery business of his
former employer, J. J. Lanman. He continued to
meet with success in the manufacturing of perfumes
and flavoring extracts until in 1902, when he estab-
lished himself in the drug business, opening a store
in his present location, No. 239 State street, Lyric
Hall building, in which venture prosperity has at-
tended him. Mr. Taylor is one of the progressive
and up-to-date druggists of New London, as is evi-
denced by the large and complete stock he carries in
his store.
Mr. Taylor was married, in October, 1890, to
Alfretta H. Fengar, of New London, daughter of
Richard B. Fengar. To this union have been born
three children : Myrdell H., Ruth E. and Olive A.
HAN COX. Among the New London county
families of prominence, whose ancestors were
among the early settlers of Connecticut, is the Han-
cox family. Not only did the earlier members of
the family hold positions of prominence and distinc-
tion in the various communities in which they re-
sided, but later generations have continued to up-
hold the good name they bore in the commercial and
financial, as well as the social, circles of their home
town, Stonington. Especially high in the opinion
of his fellow citizens stood the late Peleg Hancox,
and his sons also became prominent members of
society.
Of the Hancox family. Judge Wheeler, in his
History of Stonington, Conn., says, "there appears
to be three distinct families in early Stonington
records, only one of which," he adds, "can be easily
traced back to the first ancestor who came to New
England." In that work Judge Wheeler traces the
family of James Hancox and his wife Ann, whose
children were Edward and Ann, the latter of whom
married Chaarles Mannel and resided at Cheapside,
London. Edward Hancox was a native of York-
shire, England, born in Richmond, Nov. 5, 1670.
He married Mary, and their children, so far as
known, were Ann and Edward, whose posterity
became allied by marriage with some of the early
and prominent families in eastern Connecticut and
western Rhode Island. The last Edward referred
tZueflC
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
457
to himself married into the old Chesbrough family
of Stonington. Among others of the ancient and
leading families of the region designated with which
the Hancoxes became connected by marriage were
the Palmers, the Sheffields, and Lewises, the Miners
and the Noyeses.
The Burdick family, with which the late Peleg
Hancox, of Stonington, became connected through
marriage, is one of the ancient and substantial fam-
ilies of Rhode Island, Robert Burdick being of
Newport and Westerly, R. I., respectively, of the
former point as early as 1652. He served for sev-
eral years as deputy to the General Assembly.
Peleg Haxcox was born in Stonington, son of
Joseph and Sybil (Noyes) Hancox, and grandson
of John Hancox. Peleg Hancox passed all his life
in Stonington, his death occurring there Jan. 4,
1855. He was one of the leading citizens of that
place throughout his active life, and engaged in
various business enterprises, in all of which he was
successful. He had large whaling interests, and for
many years, in addition to attending to same, car-
ried on a general merchandise and dry-goods store.
At the time Stonington was a famous whaling port
he owned and fitted out a large number of vessels
which set sail from that place in quest of whales
and seals, and being a careful, conservative, con-
scientious man in all his ventures he amassed a
-goodly competence in this line alone, adding thereto
by success in other lines. He held the confidence
and esteem of all his fellow townsmen, but he never
took any active part in public life, preferring to
limit his power to the use of his good influence. He
held stanchly to the principles of the Old-line Whig
party in early life, and joined the Republican party
on its organization, but beyond giving his support
to good men and measures he did not mix in poli-
tics at all. He was a devout member of the First
Baptist Church of Stonington, of which he served
as deacon for a number of years.
Mr. Hancox married Betsey Burdick, of Hop-
kinton. R. L, who died in Stonington, and seven
children were born to them, as follows : ( 1 ) John
went to California during the gold fever, in 1849,
and returning settled in Stonington, where he
passed the remainder of his days. He met with an
accident going down an incline which injured his
spine so that he was helpless for about eleven years
before his death. He never married. (2) Joseph
X. is mentioned below. (3) Peleg, Jr.. who pos-
sessed considerable musical talent and a clear musi-
cal voice, studied music in New York and in time
became a music teacher. He married Fannie For-
sythe, of Brooklyn, N. Y.. and died in Stonington in
1892. (4) Betsey died in Stonington. unmarried,
aged twenty-two years. (5) Lucy died in infancy.
(6) Lucy A., unmarried, resides in Stonington. (7)
Nathaniel, who died in Stonington in 1894, unmar-
ried, was associated with his brother Joseph \. in
the coal business for many years, and was in various
ways prominently identified with the business inter-
ests of his native town.
JosEiMi Noyes Hancox, son of Peleg Hancox,
was born in Stonington, New London Co., Conn.,
Nov. 27, 1825, and died there Nov. 6, [896. His
early education was acquired in the common schools
of his native place, and was supplemented by a
course in a private school for young men in New
Haven, Conn. After leaving school he went to New
Jersey in the employ of the late Charles I'. Will-
iams, of Stonington, with whom he continued for
several years, in 1855 returning to his native town
and establishing himself in the wholesale and retail
coal business. He built the necessarv docks, coal
pockets, etc., and remained engaged in this line until
his death, meeting with exceptional success. As
previously stated, he was in partnership with his
brother for a number of years, the firm name being
Joseph N. Hancox & Co. Mr. Hancox also had
other business interests, and, inheriting his father's
capacity for such matters, found every line profit-
able.
Mr. Hancox was a man of quiet disposition,
caring nothing whatever for show or pomp, and pre-
ferring the home circle, to which he was ever de-
voted, to the turmoil of political or social life. Out-
side interests never offered any attractions strong
enough to change him in this respect. He had a
pleasing manner which endeared him to all with
whom he came in contact, and a generous, unselfish
disposition which made him beloved and won him
many friends among those less fortunate than him-
self. He was an earnest member of the First Bap-
tist Church of Stonington, and being religiously
and charitably inclined was a liberal supporter of all
relisrious and benevolent causes. For several vears
previous to his return to Stonington, in 1855. and
during his residence in Baltimore, he was a mem-
ber of the church of Dr. Fuller, a noted divine in
his dav. In his death there was removed from
Stonington one of her best citizens, one whose char-
ities were widely distributed, and no man could
hand down to his posterity a cleaner, better record.
Flis every deed was for the betterment of mankind,
and his demise was mourned by all who knew him.
Mr. Hancox was united in marriage with Miss
Emeline Pendleton, daughter of Frank Pendleton,
of Stonington, and to this union was born one
daughter, I'.essie, who married Lerov M. Ludwig,
of Toledo, Ohio, in which city they now reside.
Mrs. Hancox passed away in New York City Dec.
12, 1892.
FRANK HAWKINS. In the death of Frank
Hawkins, sheriff of New London county, March 13,
1896, the county met with a loss which was keenly
felt in many quarters. Under the heading "The
Model Officer." Cooky's Weekly for Oct. 24. 1890,
paid the following tribute to Mr. Hawkins, which
may well serve as a summary of his career : "He is
458
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
an official that men of both parties — of all parties —
delight to honor. His record is a clean one. That
New London county never had an official whose ad-
ministration was more distinguished in that respect
is admitted by every one. More than that, it rarely,
if ever, had an officer who combined remarkable
executive and administrative talents in a peculiar
branch of public service, together with sterling offi-
cial integrity and economy and agreeable personal
traits."
The first American ancestor of the Hawkins
family settled in Dorchester, Mass., in 1630. This
Capt. Thomas Hawkins was a member of the Royal
Artillery Company of Boston, and was in charge of
the big guns of Savin Hill, in Dorchester. His son
Richard removed from Boston to Portsmouth, R. I.,
and the second son, Christopher, settled in Kingston,
R. I. From this family came John Hawkins, who
married Miss Louise Browning, daughter of Will-
iam and Sarah (Cole) Browning. The former, a
Revolutionary soldier, was born in North Kingston,
R. I., July 21, 1754, and died there April 5, 1820.
By this marriage John Hawkins had a son, Joseph,
who married Rachel Stear. Their son, Arnold,
grandfather of Frank, married Mary Spaulding, by
whom he had a son, George.
George Hawkins was principally engaged in a
meat business in Central Village, but he was greatly
interested in public matters and served as constable.
By nature he was gifted with unusual powers as a
detective, and his son Frank inherited them. Mr.
Hawkins married Miss Elizabeth Darby, who died
Oct. 1, 1904, in her eighty-ninth year. Four chil-
dren were born of this union : Gurdon ; Julia, who
is the widow of James W. Newton, of Norwich ;
Frank; and Mary Jane, who married Willis D.
Rouse, of Central Village.
Frank Hawkins was born Jan. 30, 1843, m
Brooklyn, Conn., and received his education in the
public schools of his native place. He was naturally
fond of books, and became an unusually well-read
man. Later he moved to Plainfield, and when six-
teen took up his abode in Griswold. In 1862, at that
time in his twentieth year, he enlisted in Company
I, 21st Conn. V. I., of which Officer Stanley was at
one time captain, and immediately went to the front.
For a year the regiment was continually in skir-
mishes and minor engagements, and the battle of
Fredericksburg found him fighting under General
Burnside. Exposure had in the meantime told on
him. A serious difficulty, which threatened the loss
of both feet, caused him to be sent from Fredericks-
burg to the hospital in Washington, and at the latter
he was honorably discharged from the service.
Mr. Hawkins never fully recovered from the ail-
ment and he was many times painfully reminded of
the months spent on southern fields. He returned
to Griswold, and when twenty-two years of age was
made constable, and so continued until elected to the
shrievalty, serving in the meantime three years, how-
ever, as deputy sheriff. He commanded the entire
confidence of Griswold. He represented that town
in the State Legislature, and for a number of years.
was chairman of the Republican town committee.
Mr. Hawkins was elected sheriff from New Lon-
don county in 1880, and immediately entered upon
the duties of the office. That his manner of per-
forming those duties had met the approval of the
people of the county is best told in the overwhelm-
ing majorities he received in his successive re-elec-
tions. The county jails in New London and Nor-
wich were under his jurisdiction. The one in New
London had sixty-four cells and that in Norwich
fifty, and both throughout are models of cleanliness.
The affairs of the county institutions under his
charge were admirably administered, strict discipline
necessarily being enforced. His vigilance in the care
of the offenders of the law was unceasing, and his
rogues' gallery was one of the most complete. Since
August, 1882, he had made New London his home.
The father of Sheriff Hawkins died when the
latter was but a boy, and thus early in life he was
thrown much upon his own resources, and his was
a self-reliant nature that made his success in life a
foregone conclusion. He was bound to succeed in
anything he undertook, and that was the keynote of
his character throughout his life.
Mr. Hawkins married July 4, 1858, Miss Susan
F. Rood (born June 29, 1842, in Plainfield, Conn.),
with whose brother Joseph he was associated in the
sawmill business for a brief period just after his
marriage. To this union were born two children :
Flora J., deceased ; and Ella E., the wife of Sidney
A. Brown, of New London.
Mr. Hawkins was a member of many fraternal
organizations and was popular in all. One of these
was Sedgwick Post, No. 1, G. A. R., Hawkins Di-
vision, of Norwich, and another was Uniformed
Rank, K. of P., of New London, which division was
named after him. He also belonged to Mount Ver-
non Lodge, No. 75, F. & A. M., of Jewett City, to
the Arcanum Club of Norwich, and was an honor-
ary member of Wauregan Hook and Ladder Com-
pany, No. 1, of Norwich. He was a Red Man, an
American Mechanic, and belonged to the Thames
Club, New London. .
The funeral of the late Sheriff Hawkins took
place at the Second Congregational Church in New
London, where the services were conducted by the
pastor, Rev. James W. Bixler, assisted by Rev. Rich-
ard Povey, of the Methodist Church. The honorary
bearers were Sheriff Edwin J. Smith of Hartford
county, Sheriff Charles R. Spiegel of New Haven
county, Sheriff Sidney E. Hawley, of Fairfield coun-
ty, Sheriff Charles B. Pomeroy of Windham county,
Sheriff Edward A. Nellis of Litchfield county,
Sheriff Thomas S. Brown, of Middlesex county,
Sheriff Amasa P. Dickinson of Tolland county. The
body bearers were members of Mount Vernon Lodge
F. & A. M., of Jewett City, that organization having
charge of the funeral.
The singing at the church was by the Brainerd
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
459
Lodge quartette, [Messrs. Charles B. Jennings, Frank
L. Kenyon, Herbert M. Gardner and Jesse Moon.
The quartette sang "Remember Now Thy Creator"
and "In Memoriam." W. H. Bush presided at the
organ. The services at the cemetery were accord-
ing to the Masonic ritual, and were conducted by
Mount Vernon Lodge. Trumbull Lodge, No. 48,
and Hawkins Division, No. 18, sent delegations to
the funeral ; also Mohegan Lodge, I. O. O. F., and
Ledyard Council, O. U. A. M., while fifteen mem-
bers of Mount Vernon Lodge attended. All the
prominent citizens of New London were among
those who paid tribute to the dead. The floral offer-
ings were of unusual number and beauty, that pre-
sented by the High Sheriff's Association of the
State, of which the deceased was president, being
specially notable. All these outward tokens of re-
spect were but a true index to the universal esteem
and respect in which Sheriff Hawkins was held.
The following poem was composed by a com-
rade at the time of Mr. Hawkins' death.
Comrade, farewell, your labors are done,
The battle is over, the victory won,
You fell in your armor, face to the foe,
How bravely you battled none ever may know.
In patience you suffered without a complaint,
The spirit was strong, if the body was faint,
It shone in your acts as bright as the stars,
While the poor shattered body was covered with scars.
Your last muster out promotion has bought,
You now have the place for which you have fought.
We'll remember you, comrade, and daily prepare
For the last grand encampment to be held over there.
B.
REUBEN S. BARTLETT. Although descend-
ed from an ancient and honored line, Reuben S.
Bartlett needs no reflection from past glory to es-
tablish him in the esteem of his fellow-citizens, or
to endear him to a large circle of personal friends.
All who bear the name of Bartlett are of Nor-
man ancestry, the first family record being of one
Adam Bartlett, who, as one of the retinue of Brian,
a Knight, came to England with William the Con-
queror and fought so bravely at Hastings that he
was given a grant of land in Sussex. On this vast
estate was erected the ancestral Bartlett mansion, in
1309, the old gray stones having resisted storm and
tempest ever since, remaining, with much land, in
the possession of the Bartlett family to this day. In
the old Norman church near by are marble slabs,
with inset figures of brass, showing a regular suc-
cession of Bartletts, from John, who died in 1428,
to Col. George Bartlett, who died in November,
1872, aged eighty-four years. Sir Walter B. Bart-
lett, the present representative of the English branch
of the family, was created a baronet in 1 875.
In the fifteenth century a castle appears as the
crest of the coat of arms, which was granted by Ed-
ward, the Black Prince, to John Bartlett, for taking
the Castle of Fontenoy. in France. Since have been
added a swan and double castle. The original coat
of arms of the Lartlett family was: Three open
left-hand falconer's gloves witli gplden tassels on the
wrist. The coat of arms now in use is very elabor-
ate, representing combinations of the coats of arms
of the families with which the Bartletts have inter-
married.
The earliest record of the Bartlett family which
has been found in America was in the town of Wey-
mouth, Mass., this reading: "John Bartlett, son of
John Bartlett and Sarah his wife, born February 1 1,
1666." It is reasonable to suppose that the first John
Bartlett came hither from his home in Surrey, Eng-
land, with some of the early settlers.
The only other record of John Bartlett (2) is
mention of his son, Ezra, who was born April 4,
1703, and married Jane Lewis, Sept. 9, 1728. Ezra
had a son Richard, who was born Feb. 28, 1738, and
married Kezia Tucker. The Killingly records tell
of numerous land transactions in which Richard
Bartlett took part. On July 19, 1784, he bought
180 acres on the Rhode Island line, on the road
leading from his home at Chestnut Hill to Provi-
dence ; on Dec. 19, 1785, he bought of Richard
Tucker a tract of land in Killingly ; on June 1, 1794,
he bought of A. Brown, of Killingly, a saw and
grist mill, and on June 20, 1797, he bought of Pel-
tiah Mason another tract of land, and had other real-
estate transactions. On the land once his now stand
three mammoth cotton mills with their villages of
from 700 to 800 inhabitants. The mansion he erect-
ed still stands, and has* been the home of the Bart-
letts for five generations.
Reuben Bartlett, son of Richard, and grandfather
of Reuben S. Bartlett, was born Nov. 11, 1782, in
Killingly, Conn., and died there Aug. 19, 1849.
Like his father, he was a large landowner and con-
ducted a saw and grist mill. He married Polly Bur-
gess, who was born March 22, 1784, and died Aug.
28, 1859. Their children were : Minerva, born
Oct. 9, 1805 ; Richard, Jan. 29, 1807 ; Laura, Feb.
28, 1808; Lillis, Feb. 17, 1810; Waldo, Nov. 15,
1811; Almira, Aug. 16, 1814; Marinda, Sept. 11,
1816; Caroline, Oct. 20, 1818; Charles, Dec. 25,
182 1 ; Erastus, Nov. 9, 1823 ; and Harriet, March 4,
1826.
Waldo Bartlett, son of Reuben and father of
Reuben S., was born Nov. 15, 181 1, in Killingly,
Conn., and died April 30, 1873. on his farm in Kill-
ingly, where he had spent the greater part of his
life. He was a man of high repute and excellent
judgment, a member of the Baptist Church, and for
many years held the position of selectman of his
town. On Sept. 13, 1832, Waldo Bartlett married
Mary Ann Covell, who was born May 8, 1813, and
died May 6, 1889, in Killingly. She was a daughter
of Arba (born in 1787. died Jan. 7, 1857) and Mary
Ann Covell, both of Killingly. The children of
Waldo Bartlett and his wife were: Leonard, born
July 13, 1833: Almon, Aug. 28. 1835: Elizabeth,
Nov. 9, 1838; Prescott, Dec. 5, 1841 (died Jan. 28,
1901 ) ; Kezia. April 21, 1844; Almira, June 23,
1847: Reuben S.. Dec. 11, 1849; Henry. March 14,.
460
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
1853 (died Dec. 1, 1901) ; Charles F., Sept. 27, 1856.
These children married as follows : Leonard mar-
ried Thirza Barber ; Almon married Mary Reynolds ;
Elizabeth married G. Henry Law; Prescott married
(first) Maria S. Bastoe, and (second) Josephine
Matilda Kenyon ; Kezia married George Harris;
Almira married J. N. Tucker ; Reuben S. married
Emerancey F. Fairmon ; Henry married Peoria
Gardner ; and Charles F. married Lillie Davis.
Reuben S. Bartlett, the subject proper of these
lines, was born in the town of Killingly, Dec. 11,
1849. He attended the public schools of his native
town, and at the age of thirteen years began work
as a clerk in a grocery store, where he spent three
years. Entering the Schofield Commercial College,
at Providence, he spent a year there, and on return-
ing to Killingly he entered the office of the White-
stone Manufacturing Company, as bookkeeper,
where he worked for seven years, after which he
entered into partnership with his father-in-law, D.
G. Fairmon, in the mercantile business. After three
years of this connection Mr. Fairmon died, and Mr.
Bartlett carried on the business for a year and a
half. In 1880 he sold out and came to Norwich,
where he bought the grocery of O. C. Dimock, which
he conducted until 1896. In 1892 he was elected to
the water board, and was chosen its president; in
July, 1893, he was elected superintendent of the
water works, succeeding E. P. Gardner, which office
he held until 1902, when the* change of administra-
tion came. Mr. Bartlett ever gave satisfaction in
the discharge of the duties of this position, admin-
istering its affairs with strict adherence to business
methods. He has been otherwise prominently con-
nected with municipal affairs. In 1886 he
was elected a member of the common coun-
cil, in 1888 he was elected alderman, and
was the senior alderman for two years.
During his term he served on important com-
mittees, and was chairman of the fire department
committee. For five years he was a member of the
West Chelsea board of education. Politically he is
a stanch Republican. Fraternally Mr. Bartlett is a
thirty-second degree Mason, belonging to the Mys-
tic Shrine, and is one of the incorporators of the Ma-
sonic Temple, representing Connecticut in Sover-
eign Consistory. He is also a member of the Arca-
num Club. Air. Bartlett is identified with various
important enterprises of his city, being a trustee of
the Norwich Savings Society, an incorporator of
the Norwich, Mystic & Westerly Street Railway
Company, president of the Retail Grocers Associa-
tion, and a member of the Board of Trade. He and
his family attend the West Side Baptist Church.
Mr. Bartlett married Emerancey F. Fairmon,
daughter of Daniel G. Fairmon, and they have had
two children : Evelyn F., who married Charles F.
Lamb, and has two children, Arthur Russell and
Frank B. ; and Frank R., who was educated in the
Norwich public schools and the Free Academy, and
is now a civil engineer with Chandler & Palmer.
NELSON J. AYLING, Judge of Frobate for
the Norwich District, and a well known member of
the New London County Bar, was born Oct. 1,
1868, in Columbus township, Warren Co., Penn-
sylvania.
On the paternal side Judge Ayling is of English
extraction, his father being a native of the County
of Surrey, England. On the maternal side, in the
Carrier line, his ancestry goes back into one of the
old New England families, and one that for ov '
two hundred years has been identified with Ne
London county. Through his mother, who was
Mary Carrier, Judge Ayling is a descendant of
Thomas Carrier, whose wife, Martha (Allen), ws
burned at the stake, in 1692, as one of the unfor-
tunate victims of witchcraft.
John Ayling, the grandfather of Judge Ayling,
came to the United States with his wife — who was
Jane Trussler — and family from England, and set-
tled in Columbus township, Warren Co., Pa. That
was then a comparatively new section of country,
where many of the hardships and privations in-
cident to pioneer life had yet to be endured. Here a
home was established, and John Ayling reared his
family of thirteen children, each one of whom
lived to marry and had children — an unusual record.
One of this family was Henry M. Ayling, the
father of Judge Ayling, and who was but a lad when
his parents emigrated to America. He was born
June 26, 1835, in the County of Surrey, England.
Reared to manhood in a new country, he naturally
took to the line of business that every farmer's son
found the source of quite a few spare dollars in the
winter seasons — the business of lumbering. Later
in life Henry M. Ayling carried on lumbering for
himself. The timber was rafted down the Alle-
gheny river, and often on down to Ohio river ports.
Subsequently Mr. Ayling gave his attention to farm-
ing, in which, as in his other business, he was suc-
cessful, and became one of the substantial men of
his section, where he and his wife are highly es-
teemed and included among the very best class of
citizens.
Mrs. Henry M. Ayling was formerly Miss Mary
Carrier, born April 28, 1846, in Warren county,
Pa., daughter of Nelson and Thurza (Marble) Car-
rier. Two children were born to Henry M. Ayling
and wife, Nelson J., our subject, and Lola M.,
whose husband, Warren R. Carr, occupies a respon-
sible position with the Erie Railway Co. They re-
side at Bear Lake, Pa. In political matters Mr.
Ayling has long been one of the prominent members
of the Republican party in his section. He served
as county commissioner of Warren county. He and
his wife are both consistent members of the Chris-
tian Church.
Judge Ayling practically passed the first nine-
teen years of his life in his native town, and other
than the time he was away at school he lived with
his parents. He was reared on a farm, acquiring
a thorough practical knowledge of farm work, such
-!
tl
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
461
as could be secured by the only son of a success-
ful farmer in an agricultural section. With his
high school course finished, young Ay ling concluded
to continue his education. The life of a farmer did
not appeal to him, notwithstanding the excellent
opportunity afforded by his father's willingness to
give him what would be considered a fine chance at
home in that line. Young Ayling preferred the op-
portunities of a business life, even though it meant
the fighting of his own battle. He entered business
college at Oswego, N. Y., and after fitting himself
for bookkeeping and stenography accepted a posi-
tion in that capacity with Sawyer, Manning & Co.,
yarn and knit goods manufacturers, of Boston,
Alass. He was diligent and faithful, and with his
naturally courteous manner readily stood in great
favor with his employers, with whom he remained
until 1 89 1, when he accepted a similar position with
the Union Hardware Co., of Torrington, Conn. By
close application, and a careful study of his work,
he soon demonstrated his capabilities, and his re-
sponsibilities were increased. During the latter
period of his connection with that company he was
its purchasing agent, and had charge of the requisi-
tion department. A responsible position of this
kind, and with one of the largest and best known
manufacturing concerns in Connecticut, where as
much as $50,000 per month was disbursed, would
seem highly complimentary to any young man of
less than twenty-five, no matter how ambitious. It
onlv goes to show the determined character of the
young man to succeed along lines that were to him
more attractive than the manufacturing business,
when he would resign from his excellent position
therein to begin at the very bottom in another. This
Mr. Ayling did when, in April, 1894, he began the
study of law with Halsey & Briscoe, in Norwich,
Conn. He was admitted to the Bar of New Lon-
don county in December, 1898, and at once began
active practice, which he followed with more than
ordinary success until entering upon his duties as
Judge of Probate of the Norwich District, Jan. 1,
1905. Judge Ayling was appointed clerk of the
City Court of Norwich, Jan. 1, 1897, and continued
to serve until July 1, 1899, when he was appointed
City Attorney for the city and town of Norwich.
He was twice appointed to succeed himself in this
office, from which he resigned when he became
Probate Judge.
As a stanch Republican Judge Ayling has taken
a prominent part in the political affairs of his city
and county. A hard worker for the party's success,
he is not only considered one of the party's counselors
and advisers in his section, but also one of its
strongest men in Norwich. In November, 1902, he
was elected to the Connecticut Senate from the
10th District. He served as chairman of three im-
portant committees: Agriculture, Rules (Joint) and
Constitutional Amendments (Joint), and won high
praise for his faithful and efficient service.
The Judge is a trustee of the Norwich Savings
Society, and a director of the Thames Loan & Trust
Co., of Norwich, lie is junior warden of Somerset
Lodge, No. 34, A. F. & A. M. ; a member of Frank-
lin Chapter, No. 4, R. A. M.; of Franklin Council,
No. 3, R. & S. M.; Columbian Commandery, No. 4,
Knights Templar, Norwich; and Sphinx Temple,
Mystic Shrine, Hartford. He is a past commander
of Harmony Lodge. \'o. 2J, Knights of Pythias, and
a member of Harmony Division, Uniform Rank,
K. of P., Torrington, Conn. ; a member of Norwich
Lodge, No. 430, B. P. O. E. ; and a member of the
Arcanum Club, of Norwich. Since April 5, 1901,
he has been corporal of Companv A, 3d Regiment,
C. N. G.
The high standing of Judge Ayling in Norwich
is such as to reflect great credit upon him as a citi-
zen, individual and public official. An entire
stranger there but little more than a decade ago,
without the prestige of family relation or even
friendship, he has, by his strict integrity and hon-
esty of purpose, gained that which is far more to his
credit, the confidence, esteem and admiration of his
fellow-townsmen. His friends are by no means con-
fined to the ranks of his political party, or to the
membership of his secret societies. His pleasant, un-
assuming manner, his approachability, his keen re-
gard for what is fair and right, have made him
hosts of friends in every association of life.
Judge Ayling was married, June 7, 1904, in Nor-
wich, Conn., to Miss Mildred, daughter of G.
F'arker and Olive E. (Fisher) Gifford, of that city.
JOHN C. HOUSE, for several years a member
of the board of selectmen of the town of Franklin,
and one of the esteemed citizens of the place, comes
of one of the old and numerous families of Glaston-
bury, Hartford Co., Connecticut.
Lazarus House, grandfather of John C. was
born in Glastonbury, and there resided, in the east-
ern part of the town, where he was engaged in
farming. He married Rebecca Risley and had thir-
teen children, eleven sons and two daughters, the
youngest of the family being Calvin.
Calvin House, father of John C, was born July
14, 1 80 1, in Glastonbury, and there resided until
he had grown to manhood, working upon the farm
and attending the neighborhood schools. When he
was twenty-one he married and removed to Cha-
tham, Middlesex county, locating in the northern
portion of the town, near the Glastonbury line, upon
a farm which he had purchased. There he made
his home until 1844. when he disposed of the farm
and moved to "Cotton Hollow," in South Glaston-
bury, and was employed as a teamster by Watkins
& Bartholomew ; several of the older members of
his family were employed in the mill. After remain-
ing there for four years he purchased a farm in
Salem, New London Co., Conn., and there made his
home for several years, when he removed to Boz-
rah and engaged with the Fitchville Companv as
superintendent of their farm, continuing thus for
462
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
five years. At the expiration of that period he re-
turned to his farm in Salem, but a few years later
disposed of it and came to Franklin, buying a house
near that of his son where he lived until his death,
which occurred Nov. 8, 1879, after an illness of four
weeks of typhoid fever. He was buried at Yantic.
Throughout his life he enjoyed excellent health, so
that his last illness was a sad surprise to his family.
His large family was reared in comfort, and when
he died, although he had started out in life a poor
man, he left a comfortable estate. In politics he
was a Democrat, and held a few of the lesser offices
of the town of Salem. He was a member of the
Congregational Church in Salem, although early in
life lie was a Methodist, transferring his member-
ship because there was no church of his denomina-
tion in Salem.
Calvin House married Julia Ackley, of Chatham,
daughter of Daniel and Martha (Hardin) Ackley,
who was born Dec. 19, 1802, and died Jan. 16, 1900.
After the death of her husband she lived with her
son John C, until a few months prior to her demise,
when she went to live with her daughter, Mrs. Rob-
inson, in Franklin, where her death occurred. Un-
til within a couple of years previous she was re-
markably well preserved. She was a consistent
member and active worker of the Congregational
Church. The following children were born to Mr.
and Mrs. House: Martha, Aug. 27, 1824, married
Hudson Alger, and resided in Glastonbury, where
she died Aug. 14, 1886; John Calvin, Nov. 8, 1826,
is mentioned below; Julia I., Sept. 16, 1829, mar-
ried Selden Hodge, and died in Vernon, Conn.,
March 7, 1852 ; Lavinna, May 20, 1833, is the widow
of Erastus Chapman, a butcher and resident of
South Glastonbury; Fidelia, June 1, 1835, became
the second wife of Selden Hodge and now resides
in Franklin, a widow ; Rebecca S., Dec. 14, 1838,
married William Robinson, a farmer in Franklin,
a veteran of the Civil war; Mary C, Oct. 20, 1840,
widow of Albert Daniels, resides in Norwich.
John C. House was born in Chatham and was
seventeen years of age when his parents moved to
South Glastonbury. He attended the district
schools until he was fifteen, although after he was
twelve his educational advantages were confined to
the winter months, while during the summer he
worked very hard upon the farm. At South Glas-
tonbury he was employed in the mill, and until he
was twenty-one his wages went to aid in support-
ing the family. He lived at home until he was
twenty-four, when he was married, and for eight
years thereafter he resided on the farm in Salem,
and then for eight years was boss farmer for Asa
Fitch, on a farm belonging to the latter near Fitch-
ville. After the death of Mr. Fitch Mr. House pur-
chased property in the town of Bozrah, on the Col-
chester road, but after a short time removed to the
farm belonging to William Fitch, near Yantic, and
was boss farmer there for five years. After a resi-
dence of three years in Yantic, during which time
he was boss farmer for Winslow Williams, he
moved in 1874, to his present farm, which he had
purchased a few years previously of Dwight Fargo.
This place consists of 100 acres, which he devotes
to general farming, and he has made numerous im-
provements upon this property, developing it into
one of the best farms in the town.
On March 16, 185 1, in South Glastonbury, Mr.
House was married to Almeda A. Bidwell, born
Aug. 23, 1828, daughter of Erastus and Fanny
(Childs) Bidwell. Children as follows blessed this
union : Julia Emma, born April 23, 1854, married
A. Oliver Martin, and resides in Lebanon, Conn. ;
their children are John W., Anderson O., Hay-
ward C. and Ralph. Fannie Doane, born Aug. 7,
1863, died Sept. 1, 1864. Almeda A., born Feb. 13,
1866, married Albert L. French, of Willimantic,
and has two children, Doris Vera and Donald Alden.
In politics Mr. House is a Democrat, and he
has served as assessor, member of the board of re-
lief and for a dozen years upon the board of select-
men. He united with the Baptist Church at Fitch-
ville, as did his wife, and has continued one of its
most honored members. Mr. House is very indus-
trious and entirely a self-made man. Both he and
his most excellent wife are very highly esteemed by
a large circle of warm friends.
HON. FREDERICK J. BROWN, one of the
well known and influential citizens of the town of
Lebanon, resides at Maple Glen Farm, in Exeter
Society, in that town.
Mr. Brown's grandfather resided in Lyme,
Conn., where he was engaged in farming. It is
presumed that his name was David. By his first
marriage he had children as follows: David, who
was a farmer in Colchester; John M., father of
Frederick J. ; Christopher, who died in Lebanon ;
and Henry, a farmer, who died in Lyme, Con-
necticut.
John M. Brown was born in 1807 in Lyme,
Conn., and when a small boy made his home for a
short time with a Mr. Wright, in Colchester. Re-
turning to Lyme he resided there during his early
manhood, engaged in farming. Moving thence, he
resided on farms in the towns of Bolton, Hebron
and Colchester, and in the spring of 1866 removed
to Lebanon, locating on the farm now occupied and
owned by Frederick J. Brown. There he engaged
in farming the remainder of his life, although for
a number of years prior to his death, May 5, 1879,
he was in feeble health. His remains were laid to
rest in the Exeter cemetery. At the time of his
death he was in very comfortable circumstances, and
stood very high in the estimation of his fellow citi-
zens. In early life he was a Whig, but upon the
formation of the Republican party he entered its
ranks and thereafter always supported its candi-
dates, although he himself did not aspire to office,
being too much occupied with his own private
affairs.
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
463
|bhn M. Brown married Louisa Lombard, who
survived him until March 22, 1882, when she died
aged seventy-six years. Their children were as
follows: Cornelia Louise, born Sept. 16, 1833, mar-
ried Henry Daggett, and died in Andover, Conn.,
leaving one son, Calvin, who is now residing in
New Haven. Abby Jane, born March 4, 1835, died
Feb. 28, 1883 ; she became the wife of Edwin Al-
vard. a wealth)- paper maker and prominent citizen,
and three children were born to them — Ella, who
became the wife of John Loomis and died in Man-
chester; Ida Jane, who married Mr. Bond, an at-
torney of St. Louis, and Edwin, who is a successful
business man of Hartford. Lucy O., born Jan. 20,
1837, died Feb. 23, 1838. Joseph L., born April
27, 1839, married Lucy Ann Alvard, and died in
Vernon, Conn., where he was engaged as a butcher ;
he left six children. Frederick J., who is our subject,
was born March 27, 1844. George O., born June
25, 1846, died May 23, 1869. Frank M., born
March 2, 1849, married Mattie Cowles, and has a
son, Frank ; he is a farmer in Andover, Connecticut.
Frederick J. Brown was born in Lyme, New
London Co., Conn., and was three years of age
when his parents removed to Lebanon. Six years
later they went to Colchester. Until he was twelve
years of age young Brown remained at home, and
then went to live with his brother-in-law, Mr. Al-
vard, making his home with him at different periods
until he was twenty-one. His education was re-
ceived in the district schools and the well known Ba-
con Academy at Colchester. Following his mar-
riage he resided for two years in Colchester, where
he was engaged in farming, and then went to Leb-
anon. After a time he removed to Hebron and for
a year was in the employ of P. W. Turner, at Tur-
nerville, still later returning to Colchester, where
he worked two years in the factory of the Union
Wheel Co. While engaged in these factories Mr.
Brown always received excellent wages, being
capable of turning out a vast amount of work.
When he left the employ of the Union Wheel Co.
he returned to Lebanon and located on his present
farm, then occupied by his father, and owned by
Augustus Spafard. Later he purchased the prop-
erty, on which he has made very extensive improve-
ments, carrying on general farming and lumbering.
His success as a farmer is marked, and he is uni-
versally recognized as one of the leading agricul-
turists of the town as well as one of its most prom-
inent residents.
On April 15, 1866, Mr. Brown was married to
Nancy Lombard, who was born April 14. 1841. in
Lebanon, daughter of < )rlenzo and Hannah ( Bailey )
Lombard. Three children have been born to Mr.
and Mrs. Brown: (1) Cornelia Louisa, born March
18, 1867, was married Sept. 13, 1892. to E. H. Mc-
Call, and four children have been born to them.
Royce Frederick, Calvin Hale, Edwin Hobart, and
Dorothy. Mr. McCall was born March to, [868,
was educated at Norwich Free Academy and the
Eastman Business College, at Poughkeepsie, \. Y.,
fmm which latter he graduated in [889. He is a
well known farmer and fruit grower of Lebanon.
In politics he is a stanch Republican, and in 1899
he represented Lebanon in the Legislature, serving
very acceptably on the Committee on Appropria-
tions. (2) Frederick Otis Brown, second child
of Mr. and Mrs. Brown, was born July 27, 1871.
His education was obtained at the district schools
and a select school at South Windham, kept by
Charles Strong, and at the Morse Business College
in Hartford. For many years he was engaged in
the lumber business with his father, and later was
carrier of the Rural Free Delivery for the Leonard
Bridge division, but is now engaged at farming on
the Deacon Alanson Abell farm, located near Exeter
Church, which he purchased shortly before his mar-
riage. In politics he is a very strong Republican
and in 190 1 he served as a doorkeeper in the State
Senate. Fraternally he is a member of Wooster
Lodge, No. 10, F. & A. M., at Colchester, and the
American Order of Fraternal Helpers. On Oct.
1, 1895, he married Grace Hazen, and they have
three children, Ruth Hazen, Harold Frederick and
Clarice Eva. (3) The third child of Mr. and Mrs.
Brown, Ernest, born April 2j, 1875, passed away
June 9, 1879.
Mr. Brown is one of the leading Republicans
in Lebanon, and is recognized as one of the partv's
strongest supporters in the entire county. He lias
held verv creditablv several town offices, including
those of selectman, assessor and member of the
board of relief, and has been a very active member
of the Republican town committee for many years.
In 1893 he was chosen to represent the town in the
Legislature of his State, and served on the important
committee on Railroads. Not content with bestow-
ing all these honors upon him, his constituents se-
lected him to represent the Eleventh District in the
Senate and he was Senate chairman of the commit-
tee on Temperance.
Fraternally Mr. Brown is a member of Lebanon
Lodge, No. 23, Ancient Order of United Work-
men ; is also an honored member of Oliver Wood-
house Lodge, No. 51, Knights of Pythias, of Col-
chester, and a member of the American ( )rder of
Fraternal Helpers. The success which has attended
his efforts is" of the kind which confers unqualified
commendation upon a man, for it has been brought
about through untiring industry and excellent man-
agement. As a private citizen and public official
he has done what he believed to be his full duty, and
is known throughout the county as an excellent ex-
ample of a true American.
SAMUEL IT. FREEMAN (deceased), who
during his life was one of the best known soldiers
and citizens of Norwich, held the office of town
clerk for many years.
Mr. Freeman was born in Lisbon. Aug. 13, 1839,
but most of his life had been spent in Norwich. He
4<>4
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
was given a good, common school education, and
after leaving school worked for two years in a print-
ing office. Later he obtained a position in the
"Wauregan House" when that hotel was kept by
the late Thomas Norris, who took a deep interest
in bis young employe. This was at the beginning of
the Civil war, and the hotel was the headquarters
of many of the prominent men in the town. Among
them was the late Isaac H. Bromley, who organized
Company C, that formed a part of the 18th Conn.
V. I., and Mr. Freeman was one of the first to
sign the roll. Several years ago Capt. Bromley sent
the original muster roll to Mr. Freeman, and he
prized it highly. He was mustered into the service
as first corporal, Aug. 7, 1862. At the battle of
Piedmont, W. Va., he was wounded and was mus-
tered out June 27, 1865, at Harper's Ferry. For
several months during the war he did provost duty
in Norwich.
Capt. Bromley's friendship for Mr. Freeman
endured until the death of the former in this city
some time ago, and he never came to Norwich with-
out calling on his old comrade, who was a constant
visitor at the bedside of Capt. Bromley during his
last illness here. Both died of the same disease.
After the war Mr. Freeman returned to Norwich
and remained for a while, then for several years he
was employed as a clerk in a large hotel in Hart-
ford, and was also a clerk for a season in the "Mys-
tic Island House." For fifteen years he conducted
billiard parlors on Water street, and afterward, for
a period of two years, he was clerk for the late
Charles A. Dillaby, when he held the office of tax
collector. In October, 1887, Mr. Freeman was
elected town clerk, succeeding the late Othniel Ga-
ger, and in the following year he was chosen town
treasurer, and he held both offices until his death,
and was well fitted to perform its duties. A good
penman, he had quick perception, delighted in ex-
actness, and was very neat in all his work. He was
tireless in his efforts to have the records in his of-
fice perfect and was accommodating and gracious
to all who had business with him, and it was known
that he took as good care of the records of the town
as if they were his own. All who had business re-
lations with Mr. Freeman considered him a model
town clerk, and a fitting successor of the late Mr.
Gager. He made many improvements in the method
of keeping the records in his office, and his reputa-
tion as a town official was known throughout the
State.
Mr. Freeman's standing in this community was
best reflected by the fact that, though he belonged
to a party that was generally in the minority in the
town, he was re-elected each year by the people,
irrespective of political bias, by large majorities.
He proved invincible at the polls. Besides his pub-
lic duties he filled the position for a number of years
of master of finance of Gardner Lodge, No. 46, K.
of P. For two years he was quartermaster of Sedg-
wick Post, No. 1, G. A. R., for years belonging to
the Post, about the welfare of which he was enthusi-
astic. Mr. Freeman will be sadly missed by his.
old soldier comrades. He belonged also to She-
tucket Lodge, No. 2y, and Palmyra Encampment,.
No. 3, I. O. O. F., the Army and Navy Club, and
the lodge of Elks at Worcester, Mass. He attended
Christ Episcopal Church.
Mr. Freeman died at his home, May 30, 1900,.
and was buried in Yantic cemetery. His disposi-
tion was cheerful, and it was always a pleasure to
meet him, his kind heart ever prompting him to-
give pleasure to others. His home life was par-
ticularly happy, and his friends can recall his love
of flowers, and how he decorated his office with
them. He will be missed by all classes in the com-
munity, and all deeply mourned with the surviving
widow. During Mr. Freeman's illness the duties
of his office were performed by the well known ac-
countant, George A. Pratt.
On Oct. 30, 1863, Mr. Freeman was united in
marriage with Miss Martha W. Fay, daughter of
Nahum Fay, the ceremony being performed by
Rev. R. P. Ambler. No children were born to this
marriage. Mrs. Freeman set a beautiful example
of wifely devotion, not only the sad period during
his illness, but all through life. She still makes her
home at Norwich, where she is a faithful member
of the Episcopal Church.
Nahum Fay, father of Mrs. Freeman, was born
Sept. 5, 1786, at the town of Ashford, Conn. On
July 24, 1812, he married Phebe Burdick, born Dec.
9, 1787, in Norwich, Conn. Mr. Fay was a gallant
soldier of the War of 18 12, and served his country
faithfully and well. By trade he was a cabinet-
maker and engaged in business at Norwich, where
his useful life was spent, and where he died Aug 15,
1847, an(l was buried in Yantic cemetery. He was
a good, Christian man. and a consistent member
of the Methodist Church, which his wife attended.
She died Dec. 14, 1876, and was laid by his side.
Their children were the following: Nahum, born
Dec. 2j, 1813, died Jan. 4, 1814; Phebe Ann, born
July 4, 1815, died in New London, Aug. 8, 1822;
Charles Henry, born Nov. 13, 1817, died at Pontiac,
Mich., Sept. 16, 1891 ; Nahum, born Jan. 3, 1820,
died at Eureka, Cal., May 15, 1898; Lorenzo, born
June 10, 1823. resides at Meriden, Conn.; Edwin,
born Dec. 5, 1825, died at Norwich, Jan. 22, 1900;
Phebe Ann, (2), born June 20, 1828, resides at
Brooklyn, N. Y. ; Joiin W., born Jan. 28, 1831. died
at Norwich, Nov. 29, 1836; George Miner, born
Feb. 13, 1833, died at Eureka, Cal., Jan. 19, 1894;
Caroline, born May 11, 1835, died at Norwich, Feb.
17, 1850; Julia Huntington, born Feb. 3, 1838, mar-
ried Lucius Spalding, and resides at San Francisco,
Cal.; and Martha Wing, born April 23, 1841, mar-
ried Samuel H. Freeman.
DANIELS. This family is well represented in
New London county by Courtland C. and Austin
Perkins Daniels, two prominent agriculturists of
^y/vvv// Y?. y
f////r/.s .
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
46;
Montville and Waterford, respectively. The name
Daniels, usually written Daniel upon the early
records of Connecticut, has been well known in this
State since Puritan days.
Stephen Daniel was an early settler of New
Haven, and the first, says Hinman, found in the
two Colonies. The name Daniel was at Hartford in
1643. perhaps not earlier.
( I ) John Daniel, of New London, as early as
1663. was there when the patent of the town was
sanctioned by the Governor and Company. He died
about 1709 or 1710. According to Miss Caulkins's
History of New London, John Daniel married Jan.
19, 1664-65, after he came to New London, Mary
Chappell, and they had nine children : John, born
Jan. 19, 1665-66; Mary, Oct. 12, 1667; Thomas,
Dec. 31, 1669; Christian, March 3, 1671 ; Hannah,
April 29, 1674; Rachel, Feb. 27, 1676; Sarah, Feb.
10, 1679; Jonathan, Oct. 15, 1682; and Clement.
John Daniel, the father, divided his land among
his four sons. He gave Thomas his homestead,
which joined the farms of John Keeney and Samuel
Manwarring. This Thomas died Oct. 12, 1725.
All four sons of John Daniel, Sr., married and had
children. John (2) married Agnes Beebe, daughter
of Samuel.
Joseph Daniels, grandfather of Courtland C. and
Austin P. Daniels, was born in Waterford, Conn.,
where he passed away at an advanced age. He mar-
ried Parmelia Clark, by whom he had a large fam-
ily of children, as follows: Hannah, who married
Russell Ames ; Silas, mentioned below ; Naomi, who
married Albigence Hurlbut ; Clark, who married
Grace Moore ; Grace, who married Daniel Watrous ;
Joseph, who died at the age of thirty-three years,
unmarried; Martin, who married Caroline Huntley;
Almira, who married Samuel Hurlbut ; Nehemiah,
who married Charlotte Smith ; Amy, who died at
the age of eighty-four years, unmarried ; and
Thomas, twin of Amy, who died at the age of one
year. The father of this family, Joseph Daniels,
was a prosperous and industrious farmer, residing
in Waterford.
Silas Daniels was born Aug. 30, 1790, in Water-
ford, Conn., and died there in September, 1883, aged
ninety-three years. He married Almira Moore, who
was born in Waterford and died there. She was
the daughter of William Moore, of Waterford.
Silas Daniels was a well-to-do farmer. He served
in the war of 1812, and was a pensioner until his
death. He wras a very healthy, robust man, well
proportioned, and of stout build, weighing about
180 pounds. He was a very hard worker, strong
in his prime, and was active to the last, when sev-
enty years of age being able to jump up into the air
and strike his feet together twice before touching
the ground again. In disposition he was very
genial and jovial, always good-natured, and was a
great joker, enjoying a good joke even on himself.
He possessed a very even temperament. The chil-
dren born to Mr. and Mrs. Daniels were as follows:
30
(1) Lyman, born in Waterford, was a fanner in
that town. He went away from home June 8, 1899,
and his body was found in the woods in Montville
some three years later. It has never been ascer-
tained how he came to his death. He married
.Martha Harris, daughter of John Harris, of New
London, and they became the parents of six chil-
dren, Fmerson, Eleanor (who died young), Harris,
Emma, Eugene (now deceased) and Dexter L.
(2) Angeline, born in Waterford. married Samuel
Stewart, who died in Xew London, where he kept a
meat market. She died in Xew London in 1900.
They had two children, Frederick and William.
( 3 ) Lorana, born in Waterford, married Franklin
Stanton, of Voluntown, Conn., who was a merchant
in Norwich, New London and Waterford. She died
in 1902 in Waterford. They had no family. (4)
Courtland C. is mentioned below. (5) Austin Per-
kins is mentioned below. ( f > ) Alary, born in Water-
ford, married (first) William Gallup, a farmer of
Waterford, and (second) Charles Munger, of
Waterford, where they reside. They have no chil-
dren. (7) Elizabeth, born in Waterford, married
Stephen Gardner, of New London, mention of
whom will be found elsewhere.
Courtland C. Daniels was born March 20,
1834, in Waterford, and there received his educa-
tion in the Sixth district schools, leaving school
when about seventeen years of age. He then took
up farming on the home place, and later for his
brother Lyman, remaining with him several years.
He then came with his parents to his present farm,
which his father had leased, continuing here for
some time, after which for two years he was em-
ployed in New London as farmer for Thomas
Fitch, returning again to his home in Waterford.
In 1862 Mr. Daniels purchased the Anson Ames
farm, in Montville, wdiere he has since resided, near
the Waterford town line. The place originally com-
prised 100 acres, to which he has since added until
he now has over 200 acres in all, a great portion of
which is in a good state of cultivation. He is en-
gaged in general farming, and is one of the well-
to-do agriculturists of the town of Montville.
Courtland C. Daniels is an industrious and progres-
sive agriculturist. He and his estimable wife are
highly esteemed residents of Montville. being benev-
olent and kindly neighbors, and beloved by all who
know them. Mr. Daniels, although not a church
member, attends the Lake's Pond and Chesterfield
Churches, to which he gives his support. He is a
Republican, but in town affairs neutral. He has
never accepted an office.
Mr. Daniels was married, March 17, 1855. to
Abby Elizabeth liaker, daughter of Peter and .Maria
(Ames) Baker, of Montville, and on the 10th day of
|une, 1858, Mr. and Mrs. Daniels received one of
Heaven's richest blessings ; a son, Everett Court-
land, was born to gladden their hearts and make
home brighter. This son grew in favor with school-
mates and neighbors and was all that a dutiful son
466
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
could be to his parents. But one thing was lacking,
and that was the touch of Christ to burst the petals
of this bud that it might blossom into the likeness
of his Master. Finally the touch came and his
countenance shed forth a joyous light and sweetness
that manifests itself in the highest type of a Chris-
tian life. He put his whole strength of mind and
body into the Master's service. On the nth day of
November, 1894, he was led down into the water
by Rev. Daniel C. Whittemore and buried in bap-
tism, and joined the Methodist Church in Chester-
field, and was one of its most devoted and consistent
members. He was always present and proved him-
self an untiring worker and a liberal giver to the
cause that was so near to his heart, and every appeal
met with a generous response. On the nth day of
December, 1898, the angel of death came to accom-
pany the soul of Everett to the heavenly mansion
prepared for him. The beloved parents and the
church grieved for him on earth while the angels
welcomed him home with songs of joy.
A brief sketch of the life of this exemplary
young man will not be out of place here. He was
born in Waterford and died in Montville. After
acquiring his education in the district schools of his
native town he took up the duties upon the home
farm with his parents, to whom he ever showed rev-
erence and devotion, and his untimely death, while
yet in the prime of life, after but a short illness with
pneumonia, was a sad blow, and a great loss to his
parents. Four years before his death he professed
religion, and became a member of the Chesterfield
Methodist Church, and he ever after took an active
part in religious work, not only in the church, but
in the Sunday-school, of which he served a year
as superintendent. During his whole life he was a
steady, industrious man, and temperate in all his
habits, and his devotion to his parents and home was
ideal. He possessed a pleasing and agreeable dispo-
sition and was beloved and respected by all who
knew him. The minister at his funeral said that
even the worst people spoke in the highest of terms
of him. He was unmarried.
Austin Perkins Daniels was born March 17,
1837. m Waterford, and received his schooling in
the Lake's Pond school district and also in Mont-
ville. He left school when sixteen years of age, and
passed his early manhood on the home farm, where
he remained until 1863. In the spring of that year
he hired the William Keeney farm, of 140 acres,
which he conducted for about ten or twelve years
before purchasing the same. His parents for whom
he tenderly cared during their declining years, lived
with him until they died.
Mr. Daniels's farm is most beautifully located
on the banks of the Niantic river near its mouth,
which gives the owner a beautiful view of Long
Island Sound. He also owns about 100 acres in the
town of Montville. He is engaged in general farm-
ing, and for many years gave special attention to
dairying, keeping over thirty cows. He sold cream
and made butter, some idea of the extent of his dairy
business being gained from the fact that in one
year he made 11,147 pounds.
Mr. Daniels is a member of the First Baptist
Church of Waterford, and has served as a trustee
of the same for over twenty years. He was also
treasurer for fifteen years, and has been librarian of
the Sunday-school for many years. His wife is a
member of the same church, and a worker in the
Ladies' Aid Society. Mr. Daniels is a Democrat,
has served his native town on the board of select-
men for three years, being chairman of the board
two years, and has also served on the board of
assessors, and on the board of relief for a number
of years.
Mr. Daniels was married, May 31, 1866, to AI-
vira Munger, daughter of Washington and Louise
(Nicholas) Munger, of Waterford, and to this mar-
riage was born one son, who died in infancy. Mr.
Daniels is one of the successful and well-to-do farm-
ers of Waterford, where he and his wife are held in
the highest esteem, being charitable and benevolent,
and good and kindly neighbors.
GEORGE W. HEWITT, one of Waterford's
representative citizens, and a leading contractor and
builder of New London City, is an honored descend-
ant of one of New England's oldest settled families.
As far as is known from reliable and authentic
sources, the family record is as follows :
(I) Thomas Hewitt, who was a seafaring man,
was the first person of the Hewitt name that made
Stonington his abiding place. The first known of
him is from the diary of Thomas Miner, Sr., who
speaks of him as in command of his vessel in the
Mystic river in 1656, where he was receiving the
surplus of the early planters in exchange for Bos-
ton goods. In his business transactions, he made the
acquaintance of Walter Palmer, whose daughter,
Hannah, he married April 26, 1659.
In order to give strength to his abode for life,
he bought a tract of land on the east side of the
river Mystic, which embraced the present site of
Elm Grove Cemetery, in Stonington, upon which he
erected a dwelling house 'of primitive style, pend-
ing which he continued his coasting trade, extending
his business to the West Indies. During the year
1662, he purchased a cargo of meat, stock, sheep
and poultry, designed for the West Indies trade, with
which he set sail for that place, expecting a pleasant
voyage and successful exchange of his goods for
products of those isles. Months and months passed
and no tidings of him were received, and he and his
crew probably lie in an ocean grave. His children
were Thomas and Benjamin. In 1670, his widow
was given permission by the General Court to marry
again, and Dec. 27, 1671, she was united in mar-
riage with Roger Sterry, who died in 1680, and she
married (third) Aug. 25, 1681, John Fish.
(II) Benjamin Hewitt was born in 1662, and
married, Sept. 24, 1683, Marie, daughter of Ed-
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
467
mund and Ellen Fanning. To this marriage were
born, between 1692 and 1711. children as follows:
Benjamin, Jr.; Israel; Tabatha : Mary; Joseph; El-
kana : Hannah; Henry; Content; Hannah (2).
(III) Maj. Israel Hewitt was born July 24,
[692. ( >n March 8, 1714, he married Annie Dreed,
and their children, all born between 1716 and 1734,
were : Annie ; Jeremiah ; Israel, Jr. ; Rnfns ; Charles ;
and Anna.
(IV) Charles Hewitt, born in North Stonington,
Aug. 30, 1730, married, Oct. 28, 1756, Hannah
Stanton, and their children, all born between 1757
and 1781, were: Charles, who assisted in routing
Gen. Prescott, of the British army, on the Island of
Newport, during the Revolutionary war ; Hannah,
who married Col. Joseph Smith ; Stanton, who mar-
ried Lucinda Grant ; Isaac, who married Cynthia
Swan ; Eli, who married Betsey Williams ; Perez,
who married Nancy Williams ; Anna, who married
Jonathan Avery ; Palmer, who married Eunice Wil-
liams ; Mary (or Polly), who married Richard
Wheeler.
(V) Perez Hewitt, born April 29, 1770, in North
Stonington, became a resident of Waterford in about
183 1, and there engaged in farming, and there he
died at an advanced age. As before stated, he mar-
ried Nancy Williams, and to them were born chil-
dren as follows : Perez ; Mary ; Eunice ; Cynthia ;
Hannah ; Henry ; George Williams ; Charles ; and
Nancy.
(VI) George Williams Hewitt, father of our
subject, was born May 26, 181 1, in North Stoning-
ton, and died Feb. 19, 1895, at Norwich, Conn., in
his eighty-fourth year. He wras a carpenter by
trade. In the early part of his life he was engaged
in farming, but later, he took up fishing on George's
Bank, and also made one whaling voyage to the
Coast of Africa, and was gone about a year. He
also spent a large portion of his time working at
his trade. When about twenty years of age he came
to Waterford, where he lived until within nine
months of his death, which was unexpected, as he
had always enjoyed such excellent health. He pos-
sessed a quiet and reserved disposition, but his
friendships were hearty and sincere. In politics
he was a very strong and active Democrat, and be-
sides holding various town offices, represented the
town of Waterford in the State Legislature. Being
very religiously inclined he took a prominent part in
church work, and was a consistent Baptist. He
was a man very decided in his views, and when once
he formed an opinion it was difficult to change him.
George Williams Hewitt married in October,
1841, Louisa Brown, daughter of Daniel and De-
light (Strickland) Brown, of Waterford, and she
died in Waterford, in July, 1880, aged sixty-seven
years, a lady of exceptional virtues, beloved by all
who knew her. The children born of this marriage
were: Elizabeth Stoddard, who died at the age of
fourteen months ; Helen Mar, who married Nelson
Henry Moore, of Waterford, and of Norwich.
Conn., where he is associated with Henry Allen &
Son, the undertakers, and they have had children :
Jennie Louise, Helen Barbara, Delia Newell (who
died at the age of four years), Nelson Henry, Jr.,
James Justin, George Williams and Katie May ;
George Williams ; Mary Louisa, who married first
Ira Browning, of Montville, and second Solon
Chapman, of Ledyard, and they now reside in Cali-
fornia where he is president of the Napa National
Bank, and the}' have one child, George Maxley.
(VII) George Williams Hewitt was born Feb.
20, 1848, in Waterford, near the Montville town
line. His schooling was begun in his native town
and later he attended a private school at Uncasville,
in the town of Montville. Leaving school at the
age of nineteen or thereabouts, he went to Califor-
nia, sailing from New York, and going across the
Isthmus of Panama by rail, and making the re-
mainder of the trip by water, he landed in San Fran-
cisco, where he remained about a year, following
the trade of house carpenter, which he had learned
under the tutelage of his father, and with Richard
P. Haven, by whom he had been employed for sev-
eral years.
Returning East when but twenty, he started in
the contracting business on his own account, and
has since been successfully engaged in this line. He
has contracted for and has executed a large amount
of work in his line in New London and Norwich,
and their vicinities. Mr. Hewitt is thoroughly con-
versant with the intricacies of his line of work, and
the fact that he gives all his work his personal
attention, is due his success as a contractor. In
1892 he established a factory on Main street, New
London, where all his inside finishings, etc., are
made and designed.
Mr. Hewitt and his family are members of the
Quaker Hill Baptist Church, of Waterford. In po-
litical views Mr. Hewitt is a Democrat, and has
served his native town acceptably as a member of
the board of selectmen for a term of two years. His
extensive business interests, however, do not give
him the time to devote to political office ; hence he
has refused further preferment.
On July 4, 1871, Mr. Hewitt was married to
Lvdia E. Gardner, daughter of Henry and Wealthy
Ann (Powers) Gardner, of Waterford. Conn.
Their children are: (1) Burke Gardner, born May
12, 1873, in Waterford, married, in June. 1894, Ro-
wena Perry, of Waterford ; they have three children,
Robert James, Marian May and Alta Lydia. He is
engaged in carpentering in Waterford. (2) Har-
riet E., born July 31, 1876, in Waterford. married
Jan. 18, 1900, James H. Lane, of Brooklyn. N. Y. ;
they reside in Waterford. Mr. Lane being associ-
ated with his father-in-law in business. (3) Fred-
erick William, born July 11. 1879, in Waterford,
married, December, 1900, Alice Gallaudet. of Ston-
ington, and they reside in Waterford, he being as-
sociated with his father; they have one child,
Reginald G. (4) Cyril Comstock, born July 23,
468
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
1883, in Waterford, is a student at Rev. Dwight L.
Moody's Mt. Hermon school at Northfield, Mass.
Mr. and Mrs. Hewitt have a pleasant home, most
beautifully located on the banks of the Thames
river. They are highly respected residents of Wat-
erford, where they command the esteem of all who
have the pleasure of their acquaintance.
WILCOX. In 1638 the name of (I) Edward
Wilcox is found among a list of inhabitants of the
Island of Aquidneck, and he also owned land at
Manhattan.
(II) Stephen Wilcox was born about 1633 and
died in 1690. In 1657 he married Hannah, daugh-
ter of Thomas and Martha Hazard. Some time
before 1669 he moved to Westerly, Rhode Island.
(III) Edward Wilcox, born in 1662 in West-
erly, R. I., died Nov. 5, 1715. His first wife was
a daughter of Robert and Mary (Brownell) Hazard,
and on May 1, 1698, he was married (second) to
Thomasin, daughter of Richard Stevens, of Taun-
ton, Mass., born July 3, 1677.
(IV) Elisha Wilcox was born July 9, 1706.
(V) Hezekiah Wilcox, born Dec. 25, 173 1, died
in 1819, and was buried at Watch Hill, R. I. He
married, before 1758, Hannah Parker.
(VI) Capt. Jesse Wilcox, born Dec. 29, 1762, at
Watch Hill, became a ship carpenter, and he built
and sailed many packets carrying freight and
passengers to New York. Soon after the
breaking out of the Revolution he moved to
Stonington, Conn. He and his son, Jesse, Jr.,
were drowned July 5, 1828, during a thunder
squall, while on their way in a small sail-boat from
Stonington to Quiambaug. Their bodies were re-
covered and buried at Stonington. On Dec. 9, 1784,
Capt. Wilcox married Nancy Pendleton, who died
Sept. 2, 1796, the mother of six children: Susanna,
born Dec. 16, 1785, married Absalom Miner; Nancy,
born March 15, 1787, married (first) Joseph Shef-
field and (second) Samuel Taylor; Jesse, Jr., born
Nov. 28, 1788, married (first) Sally Arden and
(second) Rebecca Miner; Abigail, born Sept. 12,
1790, married Lyman Hall; Phineas, born Nov. 22,
1792, married Mercy Taylor; Lodowick, born Sept.
18, 1794, married Fanny Cottrcll. For his second
wife the Captain married, on May 6, 1798, Mehit-
able, daughter of Ebenezer and Iantha (Mason)
Wilcox, who survived him many years, until 1868,
reaching the remarkable age of ninety-nine years,
six months, twenty-three days. She was a woman
of superb constitution and well endowed mentally
as well as physically, retaining her powers to an
unusual degree to the last. By her the Captain had
seven children: Iantha, born Nov. 3, 1799, married
Moses Sawyer: Ebenezer, born June 30, 1801, mar-
ried Caroline Cottrell ; Elisha, born Nov. 13, 1803,
married Mary Denison ; Mason, born Nov. 13, 1806,
married Louisa Brown ; Elnathan F., born April 2,
1808, married (first) Mehitable Wilcox and (sec-
ond) Julia Denison; Silas, born Dec. 29, 181 1, mar-
ried Emma Haskell; Elias, born April 3, 1815, mar-
ried Hannah L. Denison.
(VII) Elias Wilcox, born April 3, 1815, died
Feb. 15, 1901. In early life he engaged in lobster
fishing and ran a packet to New York City, and
later he engaged in menhaden fishing. About 1866
he established a fish oil and fertilizer factorv, which
was the beginning of the business which has made
the name of Wilcox famous all over the country in
that industry, the venture proving a decided success
from the start. On April 23, 1843, Elias Wilcox
married Hannah L. Denison, who was born Sept.
27, 1820, daughter of Henry and Lucy (Smith)
Denison. and they became the parents of ten chil-
dren, eight of whom grew to maturity: Leander,
born April 30, 1844, died Dec. 22, 1895. Ellen M.,
born Aug. 27, 1846, married Minthon D. Thomp-
kins, and died Oct. 7, 1889 ; their only child, Odell
L. Tompkins, is now a very successful attorney of
New York. Almeda, born Sept. 7, 1848, was mar-
ried July 20, 1870, to Linneus Thompson, and re-
sides in Mystic. Elias F., born Oct. 6, 1850. is
mentioned below. Stephen R., born Aug. 26, 1852,
lives in Willimantic, Conn. Hannah A., born April
2, 1855, died Oct. 9, 1857. Rowland H., born Jan.
26, 1858, is mentioned *>elow. A daughter, born
May 2T>, i860, died June 1, i860. Orrin A., born
Sept. 16, 1861, is mentioned below. Cora L., born
May 30, 1864, married Isaac Miller, and died Jan.
15, 1899. The parents of this family celebrated their
golden wedding in 1893. Mr. Wilcox was a mem-
ber of the Union Baptist Church.
Leander Wilcox, born in Stonington April 30,
1844, was for many years one of the leading men in
his line of business in New England. He had been
engaged in the menhaden fish oil and fertilizer in-
dustry from boyhood, and with his brothers built
up the largest business in that line on the coast. He
was the practical founder of what is now the Wil-
cox Fertilizer Co., at Mystic, Conn. On Jan. 1,
1865, he married Fanny A. Davis, who was born
May 10, 1846, in Stonington, daughter of Elias and
Frances A. (Wilcox) Davis, and died Oct. 7, 1903.
Their daughter, Ella May, is the wife of C. I. Bar-
stow. Mr. Wilcox passed away Dec. 22, 1895. He
was a consistent member of the Union Baptist
Church, which he served as deacon.
Capt. Elias F. Wilcox was born Oct. 6, 1850,
in the town of Stonington, and was reared there, re-
ceiving his education in the district schools. At the
age of eighteen years he became employed in the
establishment with which he is now connected as a
proprietor, the Wilcox Fertilizer Works and
one of the best known and most prosperous con-
cerns in the menhaden fishery business at the pres-
ent day. The business of the Wilcox Fertilizer
Works has increased largely under the able man-
agement of him and his brothers, and is well known
throughout New England. Capt. Wilcox is a prom-
inent man in his community, taking an interest in
church work and local affairs, is a deacon of the
■ >
link. ^
4
<^£^1~«
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
469
Union 1 iaptist Church, and a member of Charity and
Relief Lodge, F. & A. M. He is a Republican in
political sentiment. On Jan. 15, 1873, Capt. Wilcox
was married to Sarah J. Davis, daughter of Elias
and Julia A. (Wilcox) Davis, of Stonington, and
they have had two children : Annie L., who died at
the age of ten years ; and Willie F., who died at the
age of sixteen years.
Elias Davis, the father of Mrs. Wilcox, was a
native of Lisbon, Conn. For his first wife he mar-
ried Frances A., daughter of Lodowick Wilcox, and
after her death, which occurred Aug. 6, 1848, he
married Julia Ann Wilcox. By the first union there
were three children, namely: Elias N., who became
a member of Company C, 21st Conn. V. I., and died
in March, 1865, in the hospital at Newport News,
Ya. ; Benjamin F. S., a resident of Mystic ; and
Fanny A., born May 10, 1846, who on Jan. I, 1865,
"became the wife of Leander Wilcox. Eight chil-
dren were born to the second union : Sarah J., who
married Capt. Elias F. Wilcox ; Julia C, Mrs. Will-
iam Tuttle ; Mary A., Mrs. Charles Price ; Asa E.,
who married Mary Davis, and is deceased ; Ella E.
(Mrs. John Bennett), Emma E. (Mrs. Charles Wil-
cox), and a son, triplets; and Charles H., who mar-
died Lillian Partlou.
Capt. Rowland H. Wilcox was born in Quiam-
baug, in the town of Stonington, Jan. 26, 1858, and
there spent his boyhood days. His advantages for
an education were limited to the district schools of
his time, and like many of the best citizens of to-
day his first practical knowledge of work was work
on the farm. From early boyhood he had a great
fondness for the water and was but a lad when he
began going with his father on fishing trips. In
this way he early laid the foundation for a most
successful career as a fishing master. At about the
age of fifteen he began making regular trips with
his brother, Leander, in quest of menhaden. While
but a boy he was observing, and so readily famil-
iarized himself with the details of the fishing busi-
ness that at the early age of twenty he was made
captain of the sailing gear on the sloop "William T.
Sherman." In 1882 he was made master of the
steamer "Annie E. Gallup," which vessel was under
his charge for some time. Subsequently he took
charge of the "Annie L. Wilcox," which he re-
tained until 1903, when his present vessel, the
■"Leander Wilcox," was launched, and he became
her first master. This vessel represents the most
improved type of craft of her kind. Built on mod-
ern lines and after plans of her present master, her
construction embodies every feature suggested by
more than one-third of a century's practical exper-
ience in the fishing industry. The "Leander Wil-
cox" is as nearly perfect in every way as money,
skill and a thorough knowledge of the vessel's par-
ticular requirements could make her, and is named
in honor of the eldest brother of the family, who
Avas the real founder of the business now being
served by the vessel.
The career of Capt. Wilcox as fishing master
has been not only a most successful one, but a
unique one in many respects. Early in his career he
enjoyed the distinction of being the youngest mas-
ter and now, though only a middle-aged man, he
becomes one of the very oldest in point of service.
As for being highly successful in his business. Capt.
Wilcox is without a rival. Early in his career his
catches became records, which stood until surpassed
by himself, so that whatever honors are possible in
that line are held by Capt. Wilcox. In his long
career as a fishing captain he has never lost a man,
nor has his vessel ever met with an accident. This
in itself constitutes a remarkable record. Capt.
Wilcox has made a close study of his business, into
which he has introduced methods and reasonings
based on scientific principles, all of which have been
reflective in the results he has achieved. He is con-
sidered one of the most expert captains identified
with the fishing industry on the Atlantic coast.
The connection of Capt. Wilcox with the Wilcox
Fertilizer Company, of Mystic, has, with the excep-
tion of a short interval, been continuous. He shares
the credit for the high standing of that concern as a
result of efficient service in his important branch of
the business. Personally, Capt. Wilcox is modest
and retiring, without a single trait of character to
suggest his life's business. Of an easy, refined man-
ner, and strictly temperate habits, in no degree a
user of tobacco, and equally as abstemious in the
use of intoxicants and profanity, he sets an ex-
ample for those in his employ which, to a remarkable
extent, is emulated. Capt. Wilcox is a member of
Eureka Harbor, Xo. 8, American Association of
Masters and Pilots of S. V. He is also a member
of the A. O. U. W. In political matters, while a
supporter of Republican principles, he takes only
such active interest as becomes a citizen desirous of
having competent men in office. He estimates highly
the advantage of education and takes an interest in
its advancement.
On March 4, 1883, at Chincoteague Island, Ya.,
Capt. Wilcox was married to Miss Clara Elizabeth
Matthews, a native of that State, and comes from an
old Yirginia family whose connections include the
Fitzhughs, Lees, Mitchells, Hollands, and other
prominent families of the Old Dominion State. Two
daughters have come to this union : Edna Matthews,
born Dec. 2^, 1883, graduated from Mystic high
school, the Williams Memorial Institute, at New
London, and is now a student in the New Britain
Normal School; Marion Elizabeth, born Aug. 21,
1890, is a student at the Mystic high school. Capt.
and Mrs. Wilcox are both members of the Union
Baptist Church, of which he is a substantial sup-
porter, and where Mrs. Wilcox takes an active part
in church work and the Ladies* Aid Society Auxil-
iary thereto.
Orrix A. Wilcox, youngest son of Elias Wil-
cox, was born at Quiambaug, Sept. 16. 1861. and
received his preliminary education in the district
470
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
school. He began going on the water with his
brother, Capt. Elias F., when quite young, and so
continued until he went to Eastman Business Col-
lege, Poughkeepsie. N. Y., to prepare himself for
office work. Returning home he began work in the
office with his brother Leander, dividing his time
there with the duties of traveling salesman for the
firm. He continued as such until the death of
Leander Wilcox, since which time he has had entire
charge of the office work and takes a most active
part in the management of the business.
On Sept. 18, 1890, Mr. Wilcox was united in
marriage with Mary B. Waterman, a native of Mys-
tic, and daughter of James W. and Prudence
(Bailey) Waterman. Two children have been born
to them: J. Waterman, born Aug. 9, 1891, and
Helen Marie, born July 29, 1893. Like his brothers
Mr. Wilcox is a Republican in political faith. He
is a member of Stonington Lodge, No. 26, I. O.
O. F., and a member of the Union Baptist Church.
CHARLES BENONI BROMLY, a successful
farmer of the town of Lisbon, who has carved out
his own fortune, comes of a family long known in
the county, the first on record being Luke Bromly,
who in 1660 purchased a mill in the town of Ston-
ington.
Alas Bromly, grandfather of Charles Benoni,
was born, it is supposed, near Hartford. His early
life was passed in that vicinity, and soon after his
marriage, which occurred in Manchester (now East
Hartford), Conn., he located in Preston, and lived
for a few years on rented farms. He then purchased
a farm about four miles from Norwich where he
spent the rest of his life, and where he died in April,
1856, in the ninety-third year of his age, well pre-
served and active to the very last. He was a pen-
sioner of the Revolutionary war, having served a
few months in the latter part of that struggle. His
remains rest in the cemetery at Preston City. He
was a Democrat in politics. Called upon to preach,
he often supplied the pulpit in the Presbyterian
Church at Preston City. His wife was Esther,
daughter of David Bidwell, of Manchester. They
became the parents of six children : Josiah, who
married Eliza Boone, and lived and died in Preston ;
James M., who married Emily Capron, and resided
in Preston ; George W., who married a Miss Mosier,
and made his home in Preston ; Emily, who became
the wife of Merrick Wright, of Greeneville ; Esther,
who wedded W. L. Tubbs, and died in Greeneville ;
and Horace Bidwell.
Horace Bidwell Bromly was born in Preston
Nov. 21, 1823, and was brought up on the farm.
When he was but ten years of age he apprenticed
himself to a Mr. Covell, at Poquetanuck, to learn
the blacksmith's trade, for a lump sum of $60 and
board for three years. He followed that trade for
several years, and then began work in the Shetucket
mills, at Greeneville, where he was employed for
nearly thirty years, the last fifteen years as over-
seer and loom fixer. His health failed from the
hard work and long indoor confinement, and he pur-
chased a farm in Preston, which he cultivated for
a number of years, and then bought 260 acres in
North Stonington. He lived on the latter place
about sixteen years, when disposing of the farm, he
moved to East Norwich, where he now lives re-
tired, a most highly esteemed citizen and a faithful
adherent to Democratic principles. Mr. Bromly is
one of the very few surviving "real sons" of the
American Revolution, as before stated, his father
having served in the Continental army. On Oct.
17, 1847, ne was married in Preston, to Eunice F.
Benjamin, who was born Dec. 23, 1847, daughter
of Sebra and Lucy (Standish) Benjamin. Their
seven children were: (1) Horace D., born Oct. 14,
1848, is a farmer in North Stonington. He married
first Emily C. Woodmansee, and second Hannah
Kinney. His four children, all born of the second
marriage, were : Minnie A., who married Joseph-
Rood, and died leaving one child, Frances M. ; Eu-
nice J. ; Peleg H. ; and Orra E., who married Leo-
lin Elton Miner, and resides in North Stonington.
(2) Charles Benoni was born Sept. 1, 1855, and is
mentioned below. (3) Frank E., born Jan. 21, 1858,.
resides in Atchison, Kans., where he is ticket agent
for a railway company. He married Fanny Terry,
and they have had four children, two of whom died
in infancy ; those surviving are Claudie and Guy.
(4) Esther B., born July 6, i860, died Nov. 28,.
1861. (5) Mary E., born May 22, 1863, is at home
caring for her parents. (6) Ellen M., born Sept.
17, 1865, married Elias H. Chapman, of East Nor-
wich, and had one child, Lewis, who died young.
(7) Lillian E., born March 20, 1868, died Oct. 6,
1870.
Charles Benoni Bromly was born in Norwich,
and received his education in the district schools of
the town of Preston, whither his parents removed
when he was quite small. He was early the recipient
of practical training in farm work, and he remained
at home until a few months before his marriage.
After that event he rented a farm in North Stoning-
ton, and after living thereon for five years, he rented
a farm near Mystic, whence after five years he re-
moved to Voluntown, and lived there six years. In
November, 1891, he moved to his present farm,
which he had purchased from the heirs of Cornelius
Murphy. It originally consisted of 115 acres, but
Mr. Bromly has added to it until he now has 133
acres of fine land, all in a good condition, and well
improved with neat and comfortable buildings. He
also owns a farm of 170 acres on Bundy Hill, in
Lisbon. In April, 1904, he purchased the farm of
the late Hezekiah L. Reade in Lisbon, consisting
of 260 acres. His land is given over to general
farming, although for a number of years he carried
on the dairy business, conducting a milk route in
Norwich, which, however, he has since disposed of.
He owns some fine thoroughbred Devon stock.
On Nov. 25, 1874, Mr. Bromly was married, in
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
47i
Westerly, R. I., to .Mary A. Sanders, born Oct. 10,
1857, in North Stonington, a daughter of Edward
and Mahala (Lathrop) Sanders, the former a far-
mer who, after the death of his wife, made his home
with his daughter, Mary, tenderly cared for until
his death. Mr. and Mrs. Bromly have had an in-
teresting family of children : Laura J., born April
13, 1876, is the wife of James Ernest Kennedy, of
Lisbon, Conn., by whom she has a daughter, Flor-
ence E. ; Frank A., born March 24, 1878, married
Rose Bliven, and with her and their two children,
Charles A. and Elsie B., resides in Canterbury,
Conn.; Idella M., born May 13, 1881, died Sept.
23, 1881 ; Jessie B., born Feb. 26, 1883, was mar-
ried, Nov. 18, 1903, to Elisha Potter, and resides at
Baltic ; Nellie A., born June 23, 1884, died Nov. 8,
1884; and Lewis W. was born Sept. 13, 1901. Mr.
Bromly is a leading Democrat, and has long taken
an active part in public affairs. In 1892-93 he
served as a member of the board of selectmen, and
in 1897 he represented Lisbon in the State Legis-
lature. He has also held a number of the minor
town offices, and in every place he has been found,
he has given evidence of a conscientious perform-
ance of his duty as he sees it. Socially he be-
longs to Ashland Lodge, A. O. U. W., of Jewett
City. He and his family attend the Newent Congre-
gational Church.
SAMUEL NOYES MORGAN, one of the
leading and substantial citizens of Colchester, de-
scends from James Morgan, born in 1607, in Wales
(probably at Llandaff, Glamorgan county), who
came with two younger brothers, John and Miles,
sailing from Bristol, England, where the family ap-
pear to have moved some few years prior to 1636,
the year in which the brothers sailed, and in which
they arrived at Boston. James Morgan was at
Roxbury in 1640, and there married, August 6th, of
that year, Margery Hill. He removed to Pequot
(New London, Conn.) in 1650, where he had a
house and lot assigned him. About 1657 he re-
moved to a grant of land across the river in what
is now Groton. For several years he was select-
man of New London, and was one of the first depu-
ties sent from that town to the General Court, 1657.
He was nine times thereafter chosen to that body,
the last time in 1670, and was a very useful and
active member of the church. His death occurred
in 1685, and his children were: Hannah, James,
John, Joseph, Abraham and a daughter.
(II) Capt. John Morgan, born March 30, 1645,
married (first) Nov. 16, 1665, Rachel Dymond, and
after her death (second) Widow Elizabeth Will-
iams, and to his two marriages were born seven
and eight children, respectively: John, SamueL
Isaac, Hannah, Mercy, Sarah, James, Elizabeth,
William, Rachel, Andrea, Margery, Joseph, The-
ophilus and Mary.
(III) Samuel Morgan, born Sept. 9, 1669, mar-
ried Dec. 30, 1709, Hannah Avery, and died some
time between 1729 and 1734. The children of this
.marriage were: Samuel, Elijah, Hannah, Abijah,
Lucy, Theophilus, Experience and Timothy.
(IV) Timothy Morgan, horn about 1723 set-
tled in Groton, and was occupied in farming, dying
Oct. 13, 1795, aged seventy-three years. His wife,
Deborah, bore him the following children : Ex-
perience, born July 22, 174;; Deborah, born March
i, 1751; Timothy, born Feb. 8, 1753: Elizabeth,
born Sept. 8, 1754; Daniel, born Aug. 2, 1750: Da-
vid and Jesse, born Jan. 27, 1758; Theophilus, born
Oct. 12, 1759; Samuel, born May 12, 1703; Aaron,
born May 27, 1765; and Hannah, born [ulv 26,
1767.
(V) Samuel, born May 12, 1763J in Groton,
married, Oct. 14, 1786, Mary Holmes, and was en-
gaged in farming. He settled in the town of Sa-
lem about 1793 or 1794, and became a large land-
holder in the western portion of the town, where he
died Dec. 5. 1819. He was active in the affairs of
the town, and died a wealthy man. His widow
died Aug. 10, 1841. Their children were: Mary,
born May 22, 1788, died young; Samuel, born Nov.
5, 1789, married Mary Stratton, went to Hamil-
ton, Wayne Co., Pa., and became a wealthy farmer;
Jeviah, born March 27, 1791, went to Ohio, and
was there married and died ; Aaron, born Oct. 29,
1792, married a Miss Rathburn, was a school teacher
in early life and went to Wayne county. Pa., and
became a wealthy farmer; Hannah, born April 3,
1794, married John Smith, and died in Colchester;
Mary, born Dec. 25, 1795, married Harry Bailey,
and died in Bozrah ; Roswell, born Sept. 22. 1797;
Timothy, born March 31, 1800. died a young man;
Elmira, born Feb. 20, 1805, married Nathaniel El-
dridge, and died in Preston, Connecticut.
(VI) Roswell Morgan, father of our subject,
was born in Salem, Conn., and received a common
school education. When a young man he went
to Wayne county, Pa., where his brothers had pre-
ceded him, and taught school there several terms.
He received about eight dollars a month with
board at the various houses. During the summer
he worked upon the farm. He later returned to
Salem and assisted on the farm until his marriage,
after which he located on Rathburn Hill in a dif-
ferent portion of the town, and there resided until
after the death of his father. At that time he
bought the interest of the other heirs, and spent
the remainder of his life upon the homestead. He
kept his large farm of some 270 acres in a good state
of cultivation, and was justly considered one of the
best farmers of the town. Mr. Morgan was a mem-
ber of the Baptist Church of Colchester, and had
the reputation of being charitable to all human in-
terests. His political affiliations were with the
Democratic party, prior to the organization of the
Republican party, but he became identified with
the latter upon its formation. He held some of
the town offices, but as a rule preferred the quiet
of domestic life to official position. He was a mem-
4/2
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
ber of Wooster Lodge, No. 10, F. & A. M., and was
an intelligent and well versed member of that fra-
ternity.
On Feb. 28, 1830, Mr. Morgan was married to
Abby, born Sept. 8, 1804, in Groton, daughter of
Capt. Thomas and Mary (Palmer) Barber, the lat-
ter a daughter of David Palmer, who was killed in
the battle of Fort Griswold, Sept. 6, 1781. Mrs.
Roswell Morgan died in Salem April 28, 1893.
The children born to Roswell Morgan and wife
were: Elizabeth A., born April 13, 1831, is un-
married, and resides in Salem ; Emeline, born Sept.
3, 1834, was married Feb. 26, 1867, to Simeon A.
Chapman, and died in Groton, leaving five chil-
dren (in early life Mr. Chapman was a vessel cap-
tain, but later was in the ice business and became
a very wealthy man) ; Jane E., born Jan. 3, 1838,
was unmarried and resided in Salem and died June
30, 1903; Samuel Noyes, born Sept. 22, 1842; Al-
bert, born July 19, 1845, ls managing the home farm
in Salem. Roswell Morgan died Oct. 6, 1865, and
was buried in Salem, the last honors being paid him
by his brother Masons.
Samuel Noyes Morgan was born in Salem, and
attended the common schools with the addition of
a one-year course at the Wesleyan Academy at
Wilbraham, Mass. He remained at home until the
spring of 1882, when he came to Colchester and
purchased his present farm, a short distance north
of the "Colchester Green." The farm, a tract of
115 acres, was then known as the "Clark Foote
Farm," and he has been engaged in farming and
dairying ever since. For about ten years he oper-
ated a milk route in the borough, but discontinued
same several years ago. He still keeps fifteen cows,
and takes a pride in his stock and the condition of
his property, upon which he has made a number of
improvements.
In politics Mr. Morgan is a Republican, and
during his residence in Salem he served as first
selectman for four years, and held many of the
minor offices. In 1878 he represented the town in
the Legislature, and served as chairman of the Fish-
eries committee. He has served four years upon
the board of selectmen in Colchester, and also as
assessor, and is now a justice of the peace, per-
forming the various offices of these positions with
efficiency and ability. He has been a trustee of the
Chelsea Savings Society of Norwich for several
years, a director of the Colchester Savings Bank
several years, and for a like period has been one of
the directors of the Colchester Lodge of the An-
cient Order of United Workmen. When a young
man he united with the church at Salem, and he was
chosen deacon of the Colchester Church in March,
1 901, and is now serving in that capacity.
On Dec. 4, 1879, ^r- Morgan was married to
Louisa S. Davis, a native of Brooklyn, N. Y., daugh-
ter of William Bush and Hannah (Cornell) Davis.
Mr. Davis was born in Greenwich, Conn., and re-
sided in Brooklyn, N. Y., where he died. One child
has been born of the marriage of Mr. and Mrs.
Morgan, Louisa Catherine, born June 29, 1892.
Throughout his entire career Mr. Morgan has
faithfully discharged the duties laid upon him,
whether in his business life, home circle, or the po-
litical arena, in the latter of which he has borne
so distinguished a part, and it is but natural that he
has won for himself the heartfelt respect, confidence
and friendship of a wide territory, and he is one
of the best known men in New London county.
The future which spreads out invitingly before him,
is bright with promises of continued and increased
prosperity.
THOMAS. The Thomas family is one of the
oldest and most prominent of Lebanon. Its repre-
sentatives have been, and are to-day, numbered
among the leading and most respected citizens of
the town, and in Goshen Society Congregational
Church they are especially active.
The history of the American branch of the fam-
ily begins with John Thomas, an orphan boy of
fourteen years of age, who was a passenger in the
ship "Hopewell," in 1635, to New England, pre-
sumably coming from Wales. He was kindly taken
under the care and protection of Gov. Edward
Winslow, and was long the faithful steward at
Careswell. In 1649 he received a tract of land in
Marshfield, probably indirectly through his bene-
factor, and upon it he resided. For generations it
remained in the Thomas name. On Dec. 21, 1648,
he married Sarah Pitney, daughter of James and
Sarah Pitney, natives, respectively, of Marshfield
and Boston. John Thomas died in 1676, and his
widow survived until 1682. Their eight children
were : John, Elizabeth, Samuel, Daniel, Sarah,
James, Ephraim and Israel, all born between 1649
and 1670.
(II) James Thomas, born in 1663, settled in
Duxbury, Mass., and there married Mary Tilden, a
daughter probably of Stephen Tilden, of Marshfield.
(III) John Thomas, born Nov. 7, 1700, bought
the ancestral farm of John Robinson, one of the first
property owners of the town of Lebanon. This
farm he deeded to his son Peleg in 1765, and it is
now occupied by James Y. Thomas at Goshen. John
Thomas married Hannah Spafard.
(IV) Feleg Thomas, son of John, was born in
February, 1736, and had a remarkable conversion
at the age of three years. He was noted for his
piety and honest dealing among his fellow citizens.
He was commissioned lieutenant in the 4th com-
pany, 1 2th regiment, Connecticut militia, by Jona-
than Trumbull, during the Revolutionary war. In
his old age he became something of a poet, and
among curious collections of rare manuscripts may
be found to this day in Lebanon, poems written by
this good old man as he was nearing his last resting
place. They are remarkable for their deep piety,
and close association with things religious. Through
them all breathes the simple faith of a pure-minded,
Jt^7
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
473
clean-lived man, then nearly ninety years of age. He
resided on the farm above mentioned, and erected
the house now standing". His death occurred April
17, 1834, when he was in his ninety-ninth year.
His wife bore the maiden name of Molly Bartlett,
and she was a descendant of Elder Brewster of the
"Mayflower." Five children were born to this
worthy couple. Mrs. Thomas died July 29, 1819,
when she was seventy-six years of age.
(V) Peleg Thomas (2), son of Peleg, was a
farmer, and resided in Lebanon, where he was en-
gaged in farming all his life on the old homestead,
and there his death occurred. He was a hard-work-
ing man, and very thrifty, but owing to a kind heart
and a generous, unsuspicious nature, he was fre-
quently imposed upon in business matters. In
politics he was a Whig, and for many years held
the office of justice of the peace. He and his wife
were consistent members of the Congregational
Church of Goshen, and he served as one of the dea-
cons until his death, which occurred Nov. 16, i860,
when he was eighty-two years of age. His remains
were interred at Goshen. On March 25, 1802, he
married Sally Young, who was born in 1779, daugh-
ter of David Young; she died Aug. 20, 1830. Their
children were : James, who first engaged in a mer-
cantile business in New York State, went to Cali-
fornia in 1849, and became a successful miner, but
he spent the latter years of his life in Lebanon, and
he died at the home of his brother Peleg ; David
married Cornelia Young, and went South to engage
in a mercantile business at Richmond, Ya., but later
he moved to Fort Gibson and there died. Edward
Y'. married (first) Eunice Wells, and (second)
Jane Young, and he resided in Norwich, where he
was engaged as a butcher, later serving many years
as a deputy sheriff, and he died in Norwich, leaving
three children, John and Sarah, by his first wife,
and Edward, by the second : Peleg George ; Sarah
M. died in young womanhood; and Thomas S. died
young.
(VI) Peleg George Thomas was born in Leb-
anon, Conn., July 24, 1809, and received a common
school education. At an early age he began teach-
ing a district school for seven and one-half dollars
per month. The largest amount he ever received
was twenty dollars a month when residing on Long
Island. At the age of twenty-two, in 183 1, he went
to Richmond, Ya., and was employed as a clerk in
the store of his brother David. Remaining there
one winter, the following spring he returned to his
native town, where he continued to reside. Later
he became the sole owner of the homestead by buy-
ing the shares of the other heirs, and by adding to
his property, became one of the largest land own-
ers in Lebanon, and at the time of his death he
ranked among the wealthy men of the town. In ad-
dition he also dealt more or less extensively in wood,
and made considerable money in that line. His plan
of procedure was to buy a wood lot, clear it off,
getting out fire wood and railroad timber. In poli-
tics he was a Republican, and he served on the board
of selectmen for many years, and also as justice of
the peace. During [861, he served as a member of
the Legislature, and was a very influential and es-
teemed man. Among other duties he was called
upon to perforin was the settling of estates. J lis
death occurred Feb. 26, 1886.
On Jan. 23, 1838, Peleg George Thomas was
married to Mary S. Cady, a daughter of Josiah and
Chloe (Hutchins) Cady, of Providence, R. I. Mrs.
Thomas was born June 12, 1812, and died March
10, 1894. Their children were: Mary L., born in
February, 1839, died Jan. 26, 1841 ; Sarah M.. born
Nov. 23, 1840, married Joseph Miller, a farmer, and
died in Lebanon ; Mary C, born Jan. 30,
1842, married Deacon W. W. Gillette, of Lebanon,
a farmer and wood turner, and has had four chil-
dren: Anna, Mary Louise (deceased), Clara and
Alfred T. (deceased) ; George H., born June 10,
1844, died Oct. 3, 1846; James Young, born March
2^, 1846; Caroline S., born Oct. 18," 1847, did not
marry, but resided with her brother George H.. at
Goshen, until her death Oct. 5, 1902, when she was
aged fifty-five years ; George Hutchins, born Feb. 3.
1849; William Goodell, born Aug. 26, 1852. Mr.
and Mrs. Peleg George Thomas and family were all
members of the Goshen Congregational Church. He
was a man of strong character, possessed of quick
perception, was a good business man, industrious
and economical.
(VII) Deacon James Young Thomas was born
March 2^, 1846, in the house he now occupies. He
attended the district school, and two terms at a
select school, kept by a Miss Lucy Pettis at Lebanon
Green, but attended school only during the winter
months after he was twelve years of age. Until his
marriage he remained at home, assisting his father,
and then removed to Exeter Society, where he lo-
cated on a farm owned by his father, and there
made his home for ten years. All of his children
were born on that farm. His father's health failing,
it became necessary to have his son with him, and
the management of the farm was transferred to
James' younger shoulders and until they died he
tenderly cared for his parents. Since then he has
made it his home, and devoted the farm to general
farming and dairying. The farm consists (^i about
350 acres, and he has made a specialty of breeding
thoroughbred Swiss cattle. He raised the cow
which "stood at the head*' of the herd of Swiss
cattle on exhibition at the Fan- American Exposi-
tion. Mr. Thomas keeps about fifteen cows in his
dairy, and is very successful and prosperous in
whatever he undertakes.
( )n May 24. 1870, Mr. Thomas was married to
Mary E. Avery, born Dec. 3. 1848. in Ledyard,
Conn., a daughter of Deacon Erasmus and Eunice
S. (Williams) Avery. Mrs. Thomas taught school
in Lebanon prior to her marriage, and was very
popular with pupils and parents alike. Her father
died in September, 1902. The children born
474
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
to Mr. and Mrs. James Y. Thomas were:
(i) James Avery, born Oct. 24, 1871, grad-
uated from Norwich Business College, after
which he became bookkeeper in Norwich,
until his failing health compelled him to seek
outdoor work, and he now assists his father on the
farm. He is a stanch Republican and has served
several years as a tax collector in Lebanon. Fratern-
ally he is a member of William Williams Council
O. U. A. M. ; and Colchester Grange No. 78, and he
is one of the popular and enterprising young men
of the town. (2) Ella Cady was born March 24,
1874, attended Willimantic high school, and is a
successful school teacher. (3) Eunice Williams was
born Oct. 15, 1877, ar>d is at home.
In politics James Y. Thomas is a Republican
and represented his town in the State Legislature in
1877, serving on the committee on School Funds.
He has also served three terms on the board of
selectmen of the town> and has as well held many of
the minor offices in Lebanon. His fraternal affilia-
tions are with Lebanon Lodge No. 23, A. O. U. W.,
and with the American Benefit Society, he being a
charter member of the latter, and both are benev-
olent organizations. Soon after his marriage he
united with the Exeter Congregational Church, and
later transferred his membership to the Goshen
Church, where he still remains. While connected
with the Exeter Society he was clerk and treasurer
of it, and the Goshen Church honored him by mak-
ing him a deacon, to succeed Deacon Nathaniel C.
Saxton, deceased. Mrs. James Y. Thomas united
with the Congregational Church at Preston, Conn.,
under Rev. E. H. Wilcox, but first transferred to
Exeter, and later to Goshen. All the children are
also members of the Goshen church.
Deacon Thomas is one of the substantial citi-
zens of the town of Lebanon, and he and his most
estimable family are held in highest respect by all
who know them. Their home is a very comfortable
• one, and their many friends are always welcomed to
its hospitable doors. Mr. Thomas is a man of
broad views, liberal and public spirited, and he has
accomplished much good during his life.
George Hutchins Thomas was born Feb. 3,
1849, i" Lebanon on the homestead adjoining his
present farm. Like the other farmer boys of his
day he attended the district school, and he had the
further advantage of the educational advantages of-
fered by the Goshen high school, and a two-vears
course at the Amherst Agricultural College at 'Am-
herst, Mass. After completing his education, the
young man returned to the farm and assisted his
father for a couple of years, when he removed to his
present property, which he soon thereafter pur-
chased. The original tract consisted of sixty-five
acres, but he added to it from time to time, and now
owns 400 acres, which he successfully devotes to
general farming after the latest improved methods.
He also carries on a good-sized dairy, and milks fif-
teen cows on an average.
On June 6, 1876, Mr. Thomas was united in
marriage with Mary D. Strong, of East Hampton,
Mass., a daughter of William Strong. She died
March 4, 1878, aged twenty-eight years, leaving no
children. Mr. Thomas is a Prohibitionist in poli-
tics, and has been very active in upholding the prin-
ciples of that party, believing it to be the one best
suited to bring about the much needed temperance
reform. He has held a number of the minor offices
of the town, and in addition to his other duties is a
director in the Lebanon Creamery Association. For
many years he has been an active and consistent
member of the Congregational Church. Through-
out the entire community he is held in high respect,
and is one of the representative farmers of the fer-
tile town of Lebanon.
William Goodell Thomas was born Aug. 26,
1852, in Goshen Society, and was given the ad-
vantages of a district school education, after which
he was sent to Wilbraham Academy, but he was
taken sick before lie had completed his first term.
He therefore returned home, and worked upon the
farm until his marriage, after which he removed to
a farm in the vicinity, which he had purchased of
his father, some time prior to that event. There he
resided for ten years, and then located on his pres-
ent farm on Goshen Hill, which was known as the
Charles H. Thomas place, and consisted of a tract
of seventy acres. Mr. Thomas still owns the other
farms, operating all, and he owns some land in the
town of Lebanon and Columbia, making a total of
over 450 acres. This land is all operated in general
farming, and he also is engaged in lumbering. In
his dairy he milks about fifteen Jersey and Swiss
cows, and he raises a good deal of young stock, be-
ing noted for his breed of cattle.
On Oct. 20, 1881, Mr. Thomas was married to
Jessie Ladd, born Jan. 28, 1861, a daughter of John
and Jessie (Balfour) Ladd. The children born of
this marriage are : George Ladd, born Dec. 31, 1883 ;
Grace Balfour, born Dec. 3, 1885 ; William Cady,
born Sept. 5, 1888 ; and Clarence Hutchins, born
Jan. 18, 1893. Mr. Thomas is a Prohibitionist in
politics, and has served four years, 1898- 1902, on
the board of selectmen. He is a member of Leb-
anon lodge No. 23, A. O. U. W. Religiously he be-
longs to the Goshen Congregational Church, and has
served on the church financial committee for the past
seventeen years. When the present edifice was
built, he served as chairman of the Building com-
mittee of the church, in 1899. In all the relations
of life he has proved himself a worthy, upright and
honorable man.
EGBERT STORER, one of the substantial far-
mers and highly respected citizens of Norwich,
comes from one of the old and prominent families
of Connecticut, a family that has contributed a long
line of excellent citizens to that Commonwealth,
and whose descendants in various sections of the
country are, and have been, prominent in profes-
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
475
sional and public life. In the latter class is in-
cluded no less prominent a man than the Hon. Bell-
amy Storer, of Ohio.
Ebenezer Storer, grandfather of Egbert, was
born in Ledyard, Conn. By trade he became a
ship's carpenter, and he worked at that business
during the Revolutionary war for the patriots, and
being an enlisted man he ranked as a soldier. He
served on the frigate "Confederacy," and was taken
prisoner. After he left the army he engaged in
farming, and soon after 1780 purchased a farm in
Westminster Society, town of Canterbury, Conn.,
residing there the rest of his life. He died Sept.
12, 1 80 1, aged fifty-eight years, and was buried in
the Westminster cemetery. His religious connec-
tion was with the Congregational Church. Eben-
ezer Storer was twice married. On Oct. 8, 1780,
he wedded Eunice Brewster, a descendant of Elder
John Brewster, of the "Mayflower." She died June
21, 1790, leaving three children: Ebenezer, born
Jan. 7, 1783, who died Sept. 9, 1798; and David
and Jonathan, twins, born April 17, 1786, of whom
David is mentioned below, while Jonathan, a car-
penter, who lived first in Canterbury and later in
Norwich, married Lydia Story ; their family con-
sisted of five children, of whom one is now living,
Airs. Elihu Shumway, of Groton, Mass. On Feb.
14, 1791, Ebenezer Storer married for his second
wife Mary Bellows, who died Feb. 5, 1827, aged
seventy-four years. To this union came one child,
Eunice, born Feb. 23, 1793, who died in Canterbury,
unmarried.
David Storer was born in Preston, Conn., and
was about seventeen years old when the family
moved to Canterbury. His early training was all
on the farm, and included very practical instruc-
tion in all the kinds of work to be done in the culti-
vation of the soil and raising of stock. He always
remained at home, and after the death of his father
assumed full ownership of the homestead. In con-
nection with farming he also operated a sawmill,
and became, in time, one of the well-to-do men of
the town. In politics he was an ardent Whig, and
in religion was an active worker in the Westmin-
ster Congregational Church, of which he was a
member. On Feb. 24, 181 1, he married Anna
Butts, who was born in Canterbury, daughter of
Asa and Anna (Hudson) Butts, the latter a daugh-
ter of Obediah Hudson, of Long Island, a direct
descendant of Hendrick Hudson, who came to
America in the "Half Moon," and discovered the
river which now bears his name. A trunk which
was the private property of Hendrick Hudson is
now in the possession of Egbert Storer, having de-
scended to him in direct line. During the Revolu-
tionary war, when the British took possession of
Long Island, the family of Obediah Hudson, with
many others, fled to Connecticut. After the war
all returned to Long Island except Anna, who mar-
ried Rufus Dimock, of Lisbon, and after his death
she became the wife of Asa Butts. To David Storer
and his wife were born children as follows: (1)
Ebenezer, born July 5, 1812, was engaged in the
foundry business at Providence, R. I., and died Feb.
2, 1884, at Canterbury, Conn. He married Sarah
Sharp, who bore him five children : Anna Hudson,
now Mrs. Banning, of New York; Marguerita, now
Mrs. Tealdi, a widow, of New York; Christina,
Mrs. Edward Rice, of New Haven; Julia, Mrs.
Prince, of New Haven; and Ebenezer \\'., a jew-
eler of San Francisco, Cal. (2) Asa Butts, born
Sept. 10, 1814, was a farmer, and resided on the
homestead until his death, April 28, 1880. He
married Ruth Tinkham. (3) Anna Hudson, born
April 7, 1817, died Feb. 11, 1839. (4) David, Jr.,
born July 10, 1820, was an attorney practicing in
New York City. He married Lucina Morse, and
died March 16, 1859. (5) Cynthia, born Jan. 1,
1823, married Alfred Hammond, and lived in
Hampton, Conn., where her death occurred. (6)
Orra, born Dec. 2^, 1825, married Rev. Joseph Ses-
sions, a Congregational minister, and died in Chap-
lin, Conn., July 18, 1895. (7) Simon Brewster,
born April 2^, 1828, was a mason, and resided some
years in Hartford, Trumbull Co., Ohio, later in
Orangeville, same county. He died Dec. 6. 1870,
in New York City. He married Lemira Jones, and
their five children were Lillian B., Anna, May, Si-
mon B. and Norman W. The latter is one of the
noted electrical engineers of the day, being assist-
ant to the chief designer of the Westinghouse Elec-
tric Manufacturing Company, and several of his in-
ventions, as well as many machines that he has de-
signed, are regarded as standards. (8) John, born
Feb. 19, 183 1, died Jan. 17, 1854. (9) Egbert was
born Jan. 9, 1834.
Egbert Storer was born in Canterbury, Conn.,
and attended the district schools. His early train-
ing was similar to that of all farmer lads of the day,
and he was early inured to hard work. Leaving
home when he attained his majority, he went to
Williamsburg, N. Y., where he entered the employ
of his brother, Simon B., then located there, and
doing a large contracting business. From him young
Egbert learned the trade of mason, and when he
had mastered it became foreman for his brother.
He remained in that place for several years, and
then went to Boston, Mass., but after about a year's
hard work at his trade there failing health compelled
him to seek a change of occupation, and he returned
to the home farm. When he again found himself
able to work, he bought a farm in Westminster,
and there resided until 1867, when, in company
with his brother-in-law, Henry Kinne, he purchased
his present farm, at that time consisting of over one
hundred acres. A tew months later Mr. Storer
became sole owner. He has made extensive im-
provements on the place, and has given it such care-
ful personal attention that he has one of the best
kept farms in the town. He has added dairying,
and is now extensively engaged in that line.
On April 25, 1861, in Canterbury, Conn., Mr.
476
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
Storer was married to Julia Louise Kinne, born in
Monticello, N. Y., daughter of John Emerson and
Mary (Burton) Kinne, the former a native of Plain-
field^ and the latter of Griswold, Conn. Mr. and
Mrs. Storer have one child, John Hudson, born
March 1 1, 1866. In his political belief Mr. Storer
is a Republican, and in national elections is strictly
partisan, though in local affairs he looks rather for
the best man. He and his wife belong to the Broad-
way Congregational Church, where they are highly
esteemed as thoroughly reliable and upright people.
John Hudson Storer was born in Canterbury,
Conn., and his early education was obtained in the
public schools. He then entered the Norwich Free
Academy, and was graduated therefrom in 1884.
Entering Yale, he graduated from that institution
in 1888, and then matriculated at the New York
Homeopathic Medical College, from which he re-
ceived his degree of M. D. in 1891. In the summer
of 1890 he acted as substitute on the Ward's Island
staff, and he is now located at No. 30 Edgecomb
avenue, New York City, and has a large and lucra-
tive practice. He is a member of the New York
State and County Homeopathic Societies ; American
Institute of Homeopathy ; New York Homeopathic
Materia Medica Society ; and New York Psedolog-
ical Society. He also belongs to the Sons of the
American Revolution, and his wife to the Daughters
of the American Revolution. He married Kath-
erine DeLamater Person, and they have had three
•children, Egbert Dwight, Gertrude and Douglas F.
SAMUEL H. BUCKLEY, than whom no one
in Mystic has been in business longer, and who is
one of the best known and most highly esteemed
citizens of that place, passed the first part of his life
in his native England, and was only nineteen years
of age when he came to his country. He was born
in Backoth-Moss, Lancashire, Jan. 8, 1833, one of
the thirteen children (of whom he is the only sur-
vivor) of George and Catharine (Crawley) Buck-
ley. The father, a bookkeeper by profession, lived
out his days in England.
Samuel H. Buckley spent his school days at
Backoth-Moss, but after completing his education,
decided to try his fortune in the western world.
With only his energy and ambition to succeed, as
bis capital, he embarked, in 1853, on the sailing ves-
sel "Commerce," and was forty-five days in reaching
his destination. A sister, Mary Ann Tetlow, and
her husband, were located at Mystic, where they
conducted a hotel, and the young man at once joined
them. He arrived Oct. 21st, and two days later was
at work. He began in the butcher business for
Charles S. Williams, at four dollars a month, and
after three years in a subordinate capacity, during
which time by hard work and the exercise of strict
economy he had saved enough to purchase an inter-
est, he became a partner in the concern. After two
years more he dissolved the partnership, and, in
1858, started in for himself in Mystic. Success
marked his efforts from the first, and three years
later he established himself at his present location,
where all these years he has been building up a
thriving and permanent trade, and his establishment
is the leading one of its kind in the place. Besides
holding an honorable position in the business circles
of the place, Mr. Buckley is well-known in fraternal
circles, and is a member of the I. O. O. F., which
he had joined before leaving England.
On Nov. 28, i860, Samuel H. Buckley was mar-
ried in Mystic to Sarah J., daughter of John and
Roxanna (Brown) Burrows. One son was born to
them, Frank Burrows Buckley, June 15, 1865, who
was married, March 4, 1891, to Miss Annie M.
Tift, daughter of Amos and Phcebe Tift. Mrs.
Sarah (Burrows) Buckley, who was born April 15,
1834, belongs to the old Burrows family, who have
been in Connecticut since the early part of the 17th
century, and she is a member of the Fanny Ledyard
Chapter of the D. A. R.
^7 Burrows. The Burrows family was planted in
America by (I) Robert Burrows, who was a Bap-
tist, and who, because of religious persecution, fled
from Manchester, England, and came with the Pil-
grims to New England. He probably went from
the vicinity of Boston, Mass., to Wethersfield,
Conn., where he is known to have been a land
holder in 1641. Prior to the year 1642 he married
Mary, widow of Samuel Ireland, and about 1650
they moved to New London, and soon settled at
Groton among the earliest settlers on the west side
of the Mystic river. He was appointed the first
ferryman on that stream. Robert Burrows died in
1682, ten years after his wife, whose death occurred
Oct. 2, 1672. They had two sons, John and Samuel.
(II) John Burrows, born in 1642, was one of
the patentees of the amended charter of the New
London settlement, which at that time (1704) in-
cluded Groton. He was a liberal supporter of the
First Baptist Church of Groton, the first one in Con-
necticut. On Dec. 14, 1670, John Burrows married
Hannah, daughter of Edward and Hannah Culver,
who was born April 11, 1657. Their children were
as follows: John (2), Mary, Margaret, Samuel,
Robert, Jeremiah and Isaac. John Burrows, the
father, died in Groton, Feb. 12, 17 16.
(III) John Burrows (2) wras born in 1671, and
in 1712 he and his brothers were among the ac-
cepted inhabitants of Groton. On Oct. 14, 1700, he
married Lydia Hubbard, daughter of Hugh and
Jane (Latham) Hubbard. He died in 1752, and his
remains, as well as those of his wife Lydia, rest in
the old Packer burying-ground in Groton. Their
children were: John (3) ; Lydia, wife of William
Pendleton ; Mary, wife of Nathan Fish ; Hubbard,
who married Mercy Dawson ; Hannah, wife of Jo-
seph Denison ; Silas, who married Hannah Gore ;
Abigail, who married John Latham ; and Amos,
whose wife was Mary Rathbun.
y^
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
477
(IV) John Burrows (3), born in Groton, Nov.
14, 1 70 1, was a farmer and ship carpenter. He mar-
ried Desire, daughter of Capt. James Packer. De-
sire Burrows lived to the unusual age of ninety-
three, passing away in 1808. She was the mother
of thirteen children, as follows: Mary, Mrs. Samuel
Aborn ; Lydia, Mrs. John A. Aborn ; Phoebe, Mrs.
William Holdridge ; Lucretia, Mrs. William Bur-
rows ; Wait, Mrs. Jabez Smith ; Desire, Mrs. Joseph
Elliott: Xabby, Mrs. Uriah Wilbur; John (4), who
married Hannah Wilbur ; Nathan, who married
(first) Amy Williams, and (second) Sarah Will-
iams ; Daniel, whose first wife was Kezia Rhodes,
and his second, Abigail E. Park ; James and
Thomas, who died young; and a son that died in
infancy.
(V) John Burrows (4) was a soldier in the
French and Indian war, a lieutenant of the 3d com-
pany of the Train Band, in the town of Groton. His
commission was signed by Gov. Jonathan Law and
Secretary George Wyllys. On Sept. 13, 1761, he
married Hannah Wilbur, and the children born to
them were : Mary, who married Nathan Niles ;
Phoebe, wife of William Thornton ; Lydia, wife of
Thomas Eldredge ; Hannah, wife of George Eld-
redge ; Eleanor, who married Zebulon Williams ;
and Elam. John Burrows was buried in the old
Packer burying ground.
(VI) Elam Burrows, born Sept. 6, 1773, was a
farmer all his life, and died Jan. 8, 1840. His wife,
Sarah (Denison) Burrows, born April 9, 1778, had
passed from this life Oct. 13, 1835. Their children
numbered six, as follows: John, born Oct. 28, 1798;
Eunice, March 29, 1801, the wife of Elam Eldredge ;
Denison, Oct. 7, 1804, deceased in 1861 ; Hannah,
June 15, 1806, who died in 1832; Phoebe, Feb. 19,
1809, the wife of Isaac D. Miner ; and Sally, May
22, 181 1, who married Nathan Noyes.
(VII) John Burrows, born Oct. 28, 1798, died
March 28, 1872. Throughout his life his homestead
wras upon land granted to the original Burrows, but
he w*as compelled to spend the winter months of
each year for a number of years, away from home,
he being interested in a mercantile business at Key
West, Fla. For his services during the war of 18 12
he received a land warrant from the government.
He was uniformly successful, and was one of Gro-
ton's worthy citizens, for many years serving as
assessor of the town. He wras a member of the
Union Baptist Church. His wife, to whom he was
married' Aug. 23, 1821, was Roxanna Brown,
daughter of Shubael and Lydia (Palmer) Brown.
She was born Jan. 17, 1798, and died Feb. 20, 1879.
Their children were seven in number, namely :
Eunice E., born April 3, 1823, was the wife of Isaac
W. Denison, and died Feb. 16, 1861 ; Frances E.,
born May 23, 1825, died Aug. 9, 1873, the wife of
Horace H. Clift; Mary E., born April 29, 1827,
died June 15, 1827; Mary E., born July 12, 1828,
married John L. Denison, and died June 16, i860, at
Norwich; Lydia E., born June 20, 1831, married
Daniel .Morgan, of Poquonock ; Sarah J., born April
15, 1834, became the wife of Samuel 11. Buckley;
and John, born July 21, 1830, died Aug. 18, 1830.
DEACON AUSTIN LADD, who after a short
illness closed a busy life of usefulness Jan. I, 1903,
was a highly respected citizen of the town of Frank-
lin, where he engaged in farming. The Ladd fam-
ily has long been prominent in Xew England. It
dates from
(I) Daniel Ladd, who, on March 24, 1633-34,
took the accustomed oath to pass to New England
in the "Mary and John" of London. He is first of
record in New England in 1637, Feb. 8th, of which
year, he was granted land at Ipswich, and in 1639
he is of record at Salisbury. He removed from the
latter place to Haverhill, Mass., of which town he
was one of the original settlers. He was an enter-
prising and energetic man, was an extensive
farmer, and dealt largely in land. In 1668 he served
as selectman. He died July 27, 1693. The Chris-
tian name of his wife was Ann. The children of
Daniel and Ann Ladd were : Elizabeth, born Nov.
1, 1640; Daniel, born July 26, 1642; Lydia, born
April 8, 1645; Mary, born Feb. 14, 1646; Samuel,
born Nov*. 1, 1649; Nathaniel, born March 10, 165 1 ;
Ezekiel, born Sept. 16, 1654; and Sarah, born Nov.
4, 1657, the first three being born in Salisbury, and
the others in Haverhill.
(II) Samuel Ladd, of Haverhill, Mass., born
Nov. 1, 1649, in Haverhill, married, Dec. 1, 1674,
Martha Corliss, daughter of George Corliss. They
lived in West Parish. On Feb. 22, 1698, while re-
turning from a field with a load of hay, which the
previous summer had been cut and stacked, Mr.
Ladd was killed by Indians. There were four of
them in the party, Samuel Ladd and his son, and
Jonathan Haynes and his son. Jonathan Haynes
was also killed. The children of Samuel and Mar-
tha (Corliss) Ladd were: Daniel, born Nov. 19,
1676; Lydia, born Sept. 25, 1679; Samuel, born
May 22/1682; Nathaniel, born Sept. 9, 1684; Eze-
kiel, born Feb. 14, 1686; David, and Jonathan
(twins), born April 13. 1689; Abigail, born Sept.
29, 1691 ; John, born June 22, 1694; and Joseph,
born May 16, 1697.
(Ill)' David Ladd, of Haverhill, Mass., horn
April 13, 1689, married, Oct. 1, 1716, Hepzibah
Ha-zen, of Rowley. She died March 20, 1728. He
married, second. March 20. 1729, Mary Waters, of
Colchester, Conn. His children were: Azubah,
born Nov. 13, 1717 ; Hepzibah, born July 12. 1719;
Bethsheba, born July 6, 1721 ; Jeremiah, born Oct.
8, 1723; Hannah, born in October, 1725; David,
born Dec. 10, 1727; Samuel, born June 7, 1730;
Ezekiel, born Aug. 6, 1731 ; Joseph, born April 20,
1733 ; Daniel, born Jan. 8. 1735 ; Abigail, born March
20, 1738; and Abner, born May II, 1740.
(IV) Daniel Ladd, of Franklin, born Jan. 8,
1735, married, Oct. 24. 1760. Hannah Boynton, who
died March 8, 1764. He married, second, June 12,
478
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
1765, Rebecca Armstrong, who died, and he mar-
ried, third, Jan. 7, 1773, Elizabeth Cady. He died
in February, 1823, aged eighty-seven years. His
children were : Aphia, born Feb. 12, 1762 ; Hannah,
born June 22, 1766; Asahel, born Dec. 22, 1767;
James, born Aug. 8, 1774; Elizabeth, born Nov. 26,
1777; Anna, born June 17, 1782; Rebecca, born'
Sept. 14. 1784; Zacheus, born Aug. 6, 1786, died
Oct. 6, 1799; Samuel C, born in March, 1789.
(V) Samuel C. Ladd, of Franklin, Conn., born
in March, 1789, married, Nov. 30, 1809, Celinda,
daughter of James Otis, of Stonington, Conn. She
survived her husband and died March 4, 1872, aged
eighty-four years. He died April 27, 1853, aged
sixty-four years. Their eleven children were : ( 1 )
Celinda Angehne, born Feb. 28, 181 1, married Dan-
iel F. Abell, and died in Middletown. Of their six
children, three are living: Ira E., of Bridgeport;
Emma, wife of Cyrus Coe, of Middlefield, Conn. ;
and William H., of Walpole, N. H. (2) Alonzo,
born June 19, 1812, was an invalid, and died un-
married on the homestead. (3) Frances E., born
July 25, 1814, married (first) Groton Fenner, by
whom she had two children, Napoleon and Emblem,
and she married (second) Palmer Scott; her death
occurred in Scotland, Conn. (4) Esther* B., born
June 27, 1816, married Amos Closson, and died in
Lynn, Mass. She had two children, Mary and Nel-
son. (5) Mary Ann, born Oct. 26, 181 7, married
Newell Willis, and died in Boston. Their children
were: Rosa, Florence and Newell. (6) Austin
was born Jan. 30, 1820. (7) Charlotte A., born
Nov. 23, 1 82 1, married Obed McLean, and died in
Glastonbury, Conn. Their children were as fol-
lows : Eugenia, Ellen, Mary and James. (8) Ma-
rinette, born Sept. 2, 1823, died young. (9) Lydia
Ann, born Jan. 5, 1826, is the widow of James
Charlton, and resides in Hartford. Her children
are Mary, Howard and Earl. (10) Ephraim, born
Oct. 17, 1828, married Henrietta Carpenter, and re-
sides in Bristol. (11) Electa Jane, born Nov. 2J,
1830, married (first) James Lamb, and (second) the
late Lyons Huntington, and she now resides in Leb-
anon. Samuel C. Ladd, the father of this family, was
a farmer, and lived and died on the farm on which
he was born, and which came to him from his father
and grandfather. He was a sergeant in a military
company stationed at New London, Conn., in the
war of 1812.
(VI) Austin Ladd, son of Samuel C, was born
in what was a part of the house in which he died.
His education was all acquired in the district schools,
and by self study. He remained at home contin-
uously until he was twenty-one, when he sought and
found employment in the woolen mill at Baltic (long
since destroyed by fire), and later he worked in the
mills at Yantic, his service in the woolen mills cov-
ering a period of five years. At the end of that
time he entered the cotton mills, and, in the eleven
years he was there engaged he acquired a thorough
knowledge of that business. Among the mills in
which he was employed may be mentioned the mills
at South Glastonbury, in which he was an overseer
of weaving. The death of his father wrought a
change in his work, and he returned to the old home,
bought out the interests of the other heirs, remod-
eled the buildings, added to the acreage of the farm,
and there he passed the remainder of his days en-
gaged in the successful cultivation of his fields,
which consisted of sixty acres of rich and arable
land.
On March 8, 1846, Austin Ladd was married to
Electa Noble, born Aug. 9, 1820, in Willington,
Conn., daughter of James Noble, a farmer there.
She died June 30, 1902, leaving one son, Noble
Austin, born Sept. 1, 1849, m South Glastonbury,
who has always remained at home.
Austin Ladd was a stanch Republican, and he
was frequently honored by his fellow citizens with a
call to official life. He served as assessor and on the
board of relief, and in 1881 was the very able repre-
sentative for his district in the State Legislature.
The Congregational Church of Franklin found in
him an active and liberal worker, and for many years
before his death he served as Deacon. His wife was
his faithful helpmeet in all his labors, and especially
was she active in church work. The son N. Austin,
is unmarried. His entire life was devoted to his par-
ents, as long as they lived, and the neat, well-kept
farm gives evidence of his thrift and intelligent
care. He is a worthy son of an honored race, and
is most highly esteemed in the town.
CHARLES J: WINTERS, senior member of
the firm of Winters, Swift & Co., wholesale meat
and provision dealers at Norwich, is one of that
city's best known citizens. His father, John Win-
ters, was a native of New York, from which State
he enlisted in the regular army during the war of
181 2, and was stationed at Fort Trumbull, near
New London. Here he met Eliza Walden, of Mont-
ville, who afterward became his wife. John Win-
ters died in a few years, leaving a widow and one
son, Charles J. Later she married William May-
nard, and died at Montville.
Charles J. Winters was born June 4, 1826, in
Montville, and he received his education in the
district schools there, and at East Windsor, Conn.,
where his mother resided for a time. Returning to
Montville, he there completed his education. At the
age of eleven years he went to live with Griswold
Stewart, at Montville, with the understanding that
he should remain in that home until the age of
twenty-one. Mr. Stewart had a store and a small
farm, and the lad was expected to work in both
for his board and clothes. At the age of seventeen
he taught school one term in East Lyme, and at the
age of eighteen he bought his time, and began to
learn the trade of butchering with Mr. Brockway,
of Lyme, who, soon after, opened a market at Es-
sex and placed our subject in charge of it. Mr.
Winters remained here a few years, and then, in
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
479
company with Robert F. Lyons, embarked in a
meat business at New London, under the name of
R. F. Lyons & Co. Several years later tbe business
was disposed of. and in tbe early fifties Mr. Winters
came to Norwich, where be was employed in the
market of J. X. & G. W. Loomis. for four and
one-half years, and at this time he received tbe
largest wages paid any butcher in Norwich. He
later became a member of the police force, serving
several years, and then established a meat business
on West Main street, in a building which he erected,
which is now occupied by tbe store of Lovell
Brothers.
Mr. Winters added to the original building and
also purchased other property in the city; He con-
tinued in business there for a number of years with
splendid success, building up a large trade. After
disposing of this, he engaged in the wholesaling of
beef. He would go to Albany (N. Y.) markets, buy
a herd of cattle and bring them to Norwich, butcher
them and dispose of the meat to retailers. He was
engaged in that business until May, 1881, when he
became associated with the great packing firm of
Swift & Co., of Chicago, under the name of Win-
ters. Swift & Co. Mr. Winters was one of the first
men in New England to handle Western dressed
beef. The firm name is local, the beef coming from
the Swift packing houses. An immense business
is done, Mr. Winters being thus enabled to place
upon tbe local market the choicest preparations of
tbe great company.
In 1849 ^r- Winters was married, in New Lon-
don, by Elder Jabez Swan, to Ruth L. Tracy, a
native of Montville, daughter of Daniel and Ruth
(Beebe) Tracy. Mr. and Mrs. Winters celebrated
their golden wedding anniversary July 8, 1899. Her
death occurred March 31, 1902, at the age of sev-
enty-two years, and she was laid to rest in Yantic
cemetery. The children of this union were : ( 1 )
Frances E., who married Frank H. Lovell, of the
firm of Lovell Bros., of Norwich, and has two chil-
dren. Ruth A. and Frank W. ; (2) Charles S., who
for years was a bookkeeper until failing health made
travel necessary, and who died in Norwich, Dec.
23, 1890, leaving a widow, formerly Mrs. Eva G.
Waterman ; and (3) Albert T., who died unmarried,
Oct. 25, 1890.
Mr. Winters is a Republican in political belief,
and has served several years in the common council,
and for a time was senior alderman. He has been
first selectman of the town, and also has been chair-
man of the board of water commissioners. A valued
member of the Board of Trade, he has been very
prominent in business circles, and has served as
president of New London County Mutual Fire In-
surance Company, for twenty years, being a director
of tbe same. His fraternal connections are with
Somerset Lodge. No. 34, A. F. & A. M.; Franklin
Chapter No. 4 ; Franklin Council No. 3 ; Columbian
Commandery No. 4, Knights Templar; Sphinx
Temple, Mystic Shrine. He formerly belonged to
Uncas Lodge, No. 11, I. (.). Q. F., and to tbe
Knights of l'ythias. Mr. Winters is one of the very
few active business men of bis city who are Hearing
the four score mark. He is deeply immersed in busi-
ness, and is still hale and vigorous. lie has a wide
acquaintance and a large circle of warm friends.
CHARLES C. WILLIAMS, a prosperous farm-
er residing in Lebanon, is a great-grandson of Jason
\\ illiams, who was born in Canterbury, Conn., and
was a farmer by occupation. He came to Lebanon,
Conn., and located on the farm now occupied by
Charles C. Williams, where he resided the remainder
of his life, dying on that place April 15, 1855, aged
eighty-eight years. His remains were buried in the
cemetery west of Lebanon Green. His wife, Ruth,
died March 20, 1845, aged seventy-three years. Their
children were : Henry B. was a farmer 'and resided
in Lebanon, where he died Nov. 4, 1872, aged seven-
ty-seven years; he married Marietta Huntington,
and left two children, Huntington (now deceased)
and Julia. Harriet married Isaac Storm, and lo-
cated in Genesee county, N. Y., where he died, leav-
ing descendants. Maria J. married Dennison
Kingsley, a stone cutter, who became a farmer and
died in Lebanon. James C. was the grandfather of
Charles C. Williams.
Capt. James Clark Williams was born in tbe
house occupied by his grandson, Charles C. Will-
iams, received his education in the district schools,
and was brought up to farm work. When a young
man, before and after his marriage, he taught school
many terms in Lebanon. He resided all his days
upon the farm where he was born, successfully con-
ducting it. His death, which was quite sudden, oc-
curred Nov. 5, 1888, when he was seventy-eight
years of age. He was well-to-do, a hard-working
man, and universally respected. In politics he was
originally a Whig, and later became a Republican,
and he held a few of the lesser offices of the town.
For a number of years he was captain of the local
militia. Religiously he was a member of the Leb-
anon Congregational Church, and was always to be
found in his place except when prevented by serious
illness. He married Ann Kingsley, who was born in
1816 in Norwich, daughter of Joseph and Lucy
(Dennison) Kingsley. and she died Oct. 18. 1885.
She and her husband rest side by side. Their chil-
dren were : John, father of Charles C. is mentioned
below; Eliza Maria, born Jan. 12. 1844, married
Isaac G. Avery, of Lebanon, a sketch of whom ap-
pears elsewhere; Julius H. married Abby Tucker,
was a farmer, and resided on the homestead, where
he died, leaving no descendants ; Charles died Aug.
18, 1864, aged six years, nine months, fifteen days;
Addie A. died Aug. 4, 18^4, aged two years, ten
months, eleven days.
John Williams, father of Charles C. was born
on the old homestead and attended the common
schools, remaining on the farm until his enlistment
in Company C, 18th Regiment Conn. Volunteers,
480
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
with which he served until they were discharged.
Returning home, he remained on the homestead for
a time, and then rented a farm near Yantic, where he
resided a few years. He then went away and all
trace of him was lost. On July 2, 1859, Mr. Will-
iams married Sarah A. Avery, a native of Lebanon,
daughter of Elias B. and Thankful S. (Geer) Avery,
and a sister of Isaac G. Avery, of Lebanon, in whose
sketch elsewhere in this volume the Avery family
history may be found. Mrs. Williams died Jan. 23,
1874. She was the mother of two children, Emma
C. (who died Feb. 8, 1863, aged one year) and
Charles C.
Charles C. Williams was born June 14, 1869, in
the home he now occupies. He was but an infant
when his father disappeared, and his mother dying
when he was only five years of age, he was brought
up by his grandfather, Capt. James C. Williams.
The lad attended district school and worked upon
the farm, remaining with his good grandfather until
after the death of the latter, when he came into pos-
session of the property, now having a very fine place
of sixty acres, which he devotes to general farming.
On April 12, 1899, Mr. Williams married Mabel
Grundy, who was born Aug. 28, 1877, in Williman-
tic, daughter of Fergus and Margaret (McCurdy)
Grundy. Fergus Grundy is a mill operator and re-
sides in Stafford Springs, Conn. Mrs. Williams
was one of a family of three children : Henry, a
resident of Stafford Springs ; Mabel, Mrs. Will-
iams ; and James. One child has come to Mr. and
Mrs. Williams, Marjorie Belle, born March 15,
1900. In politics Mr. Williams is a Republican, but
does not seek or desire office. Being an honorable,
upright gentleman, and a hard-working man, he
has gained and retains the utmost respect of the
entire neighborhood.
JAMES AMOS MORGAN. The name of
Morgan has long been familiar in the annals of Con-
necticut, and representatives in each generation have
held honorable positions in the communities in
which they have made their homes, but none of
them have been more highly esteemed than has
James Amos Morgan, a substantial citizen of the
borough of Groton.
From James Morgan, the ancestor of the New
London branch of the family, the lineage is through
James (2), James (3), James (4), James (5),
James (6) and Elijah S.
James Morgan (6), grandfather of James A.,
was born in Groton April 20, 1759, and he resided
on the farm at Poquonock Bridge, which had been
in the possession of the family since the time of the
first James Morgan. On April 10, 1788, he married
Eunice Turner, who was born Dec. 19, 1766. He
died Sept. 14, 1824, and his widow survived until
May 1, 1838. Their children were: (1) James, born
June 21, 1789, located at New Orleans, La., where
he died Nov. 20, 1834; on Aug. 3, 1826, he married
Abby H. Brown. (2) Eunice, born Jan. 23, 1792,
was married, Jan. 28, 1830, to William Avery, Jr.,
and they resided first at P'oquonock and later at Jor-
dan, in the town of Waterford, where they died.
(3) Rebecca, born Aug. 14, 1793, married Peter A.
Gallup, a farmer in Ledyard, where he died ; after
the death of her husband, Mrs. Gallup made her
home with a daughter in California, and there her
.death occurred. (4) Elijah S. is mentioned below.
Elijah S. Morgan was born Jan. 3, 1802, on the
homestead, and in the neighboring district schools
acquired his education. He was early inured to
the hard work of the farm, and he remained at home
assisting his father in the care of the home place.
After the death of the parents he purchased the
interests of the other heirs, going heavily in debt.
He was industrious and economical, and by good
management he managed to pay off the indebted-
ness, and in time to purchase a part of the old Rufus
Avery farm. He devoted his land to general farm-
ing, and to the getting out of fire wood, which latter
found a ready market in Noank ; he also cut a large
quantity of ship timber. Both his inclination and
training led him to a life of ceaseless industry, and
he cared for little beyond his own farm, finding his
keenest enjoyment in his clean, well-tilled fields, and
in his comfortable home surrounded by his family.
On but three occasions was he ever out of the State
of Connecticut. Though a man of but medium
height, he was solidly built, and in his prime pos-
sessed of great strength and endurance. Until about
ten years before his death, he conducted the farm
and did more than one man's share of the work, but
at that time he was succeeded by his son James A.
His death occurred Feb. 24, 1880, after a decline of
about a year, and he was laid to rest in the Starr
cemetery at Groton. In his political faith he was a
Whig first, but later a Republican, but he cared
nothing for the honors and responsibility of public
office, and held only a few of the minor town of-
fices. In middle life he united with the Baptist
Church at Poquonock, and was one of its leading
members. In all his business dealings he was hon-
orable and upright, and at his death he left beside a
goodly estate, an unsullied name. On March 30,
183 1, he was united in marriage with Eliza Turner,
born Sept. 25, 1801, daughter of Amos and Thank-
ful (Allyn) Turner, residents of what is now Led-
yard. Mrs. Morgan was a woman of strong char-
acter and possessed considerable business ability,
and not a little of her husband's success was due to
her effort and cooperation. She passed away March
20, 1878. Their children were: Hannah Eliza, born
June 10, 1832, died June 17, 1833 ; Emily, born Oct.
31, 1833, died Oct. 2J, 1834; James Amos and Amos
(twins), born Feb. 3, 1837, of whom the latter died
at birth ; and Borodell and two sons, all died at birth.
James A. Morgan received his education in the
district schools and at Wesleyan Academy at Wil-
braham, Mass. Returning home he assisted his
father for several years on the farm, but animated
by a spirit of unrest, he longed to see something
JL-Ci^Tl^
>-^^^^
GENEALOGICAL AXD BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
481
more of the world. He accepted a position as fire-
man on the steamboat, "New York," which plied
between Xew London and New York City, finding
this quite congenial, but at tbc end of two years his
father's failing health necessitated his return to the
borne farm, and from that time until 1880, with the
exception of two or three seasons spent in the fish-
ing trade, he continued to operate the farm. ( )n
( >ct. 15, 1880, he removed to the borough of Gro-
ton, and there purchased a nice home on Broad
street, where he has since resided. The old home
farm was sold in 1886.
In Groton, Dec. 10, 1867, Mr. Morgan was mar-
ried to Sarah Fitch Appley, born Dec. 31, 1844,
daughter of Elhanan and Hannah (Starr) Appley.
To this union came one daughter, Lucie Eliza, born
April 5, 1879, who, on July 24, 1901, was married,
in Groton, to Charles M. Adams, a postal clerk, and
son of Samuel Adams, of Xew London, and they
have two children: Borodell, born Oct. 27, 1902;
and James Morgan, born June 7, 1904. Fraternally
Mr. Morgan is connected with Fair View Lodge,
No. 101, I. O. O. F., the Order of American Me-
chanics and the Jibboom Club. In his politics he
votes the Republican ticket, and in his religious
views he is a Congregationalist. He is worthily
bearing an honored name, and by his own right liv-
ing has added lustre to his family, and has won a
lasting respect for himself.
Mrs. Hannah (Starr) Appley was born Dec. II,
1823, and she died Sept. 8, 1899, at the home of Mr.
Morgan. She was a descendant in tbe eighth gen-
eration from Dr. Comfort Starr, the founder of .the
American branch of the family. Her line is traced
through her father John, Thomas (3), Thomas
(2). Thomas, Samuel, Thomas and Dr. Comfort.
Elhanah Winchester Appley, father of Mrs. Mor-
gan, was born March 14, 1820, in Canterbury,
Conn., where the family has been represented sev-
eral generations.
James Appley, grandfather of Elhanan W., was
a farmer and tanner in Canterbury. On May 29,
1771, he married Abigail Williams, of that town,
and they had eight children : Asa, born May 2, 1772;
Lydia, born Sept. 29, 1773 ; James, born June 9,
1776; Chester, mentioned .below; Elisha, born
March 8, 1781 ; Festus, born Aug. 18. 1783: Will-
iam, born June 11, 1785 ; and Luther, born Nov. 15,
1790.
Chester Appley was born Feb. 19. 1779, and he
resided in the Pond Hill District of Canterbury. By
occupation he was a farmer, and he became a man
of large means, owning a fine farm, to which he de-
voted his entire attention. On Feb. 5, 1808, he mar-
ried Sarah Fitch, daughter of Daniel Fitch, a sol-
dier of the Revolution. Daniel Fitch was married
(first) in May. 1784, to Mehitable Bushnell, who
died April 7, 1793. and he married ( second), March
26> T795< Zipporah Allen, who died Aug. 28, 1846;
he died Nov. 3, i8qq. Chester Appley died Dec.
17, 1843, anfl his wife passed away Aug. 20, 1863.
31
They wire the parents of eleven children: Sarah,
born July 20, 1809, died the same day. Abigail \\'.,
burn Jan. H), 181 1, married John Jackson, lived in
Damascus, Wayne Co., Pa., and died Jan. 2. 1892.
Luther, born April 13. 1813. lived near ( )>hkosh,
Wis., and died July 1, [877. ( >i\lla. born April 15,
1815, married Rev. Charles Potter, of Bantam Falls,
Conn. Charles C, born Dec. 8, 1S17, was drowned
at Butt's Bridge, Canterbury, July 13, 1834. Elhanan
W. is mentioned below. Daniel Bushnell, born Feb.
2T,, 1822, was a sailor, married Lydia Palmer, of
Voluntown, Conn., and died Dec. 15, 1850, from an
injury received from a wounded whale. Sarah
Elizabeth, born April 26, 1825, married William
Graves, of Colchester, Conn., and died Dec. 21,
1895, at Rocky Hill, Conn. Lyman Nelson, born
Oct. 8, 1827, was a farmer in Canterbury, where he
died Sept. 21, 1895 ; he married Bethiah Tracey
Pember, of Franklin, Conn. Xorman, born Oct.
22, 1830, is a farmer of Westminster Society, town
of Canterbury. Edwin F., born May 3, 1834, re-
sides in Lisbon, Connecticut.
Elhanan Winchester Appley was by trade a
blacksmith. In his young manhood, he went from
Xew London on a whaling voyage, and at a distant
port was taken ill. He endeavored to ship home on
an American vessel, but not being able to find one,
he took passage, in T845, on a Spanish bark bound
for Callao. As no tidings were ever afterward re-
ceived of him, it is supposed he died at sea.
CHARLES B. STROXG. one of the well
known citizens of Lebanon, residing in Exeter So-
ciety, comes from an old New London county
family, which is traced as follows.
(I) Elder John Strong, son of Richard, born in
Taunton, England, in 1605, sailed from Plymouth
in 1630 in company with Rev. John Warham, John
Maverick and others, in the ship "Mary and John,"
and settled at a point which became Dorchester,
Mass. Mr. Strong, after assisting in founding Dor-
chester, removed in 1635 to Hingham ; thence Jo
Taunton as early as 1638 ; thence to Windsor. Conn.,
not far from 1645. ^n T^59 ne removed from Wind-
sor to Northampton, Mass., of which he was one
of the first and most active founders, as he had pre-
viously been at the other points. He was a tanner
and very prosperous in his business. Mr. Strong's
first wife, whom he married in England, died on the
passage, and in December, 1630, he married Abigail
Ford, of Dorchester. She died July 6, 1688. aged
about eighty years, and was the mother of sixteen
children. Elder Strong died April 14, 1699, aged
ninety-four years.
(II) John Strong (2), son of Elder Strong by
the first marriage, was born in England in 1626, and
married (second) in 1664 Elizabeth Warrincr. Mr.
Strong was a resident of Windsor and a man of con-
sequence. He died Feb. 20, 1697-98, and his wife
passed away June 7, 1684.
(III) Josiah Strong, born Jan. 11, 1678. mar-
482
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
ried, Jan. 5, 1698, Joanna Gillett, who was born Oct.
28, 1680, daughter of Josiah Gillett, of Simsbury,
and Joanna Taintor. Mr. Strong was a farmer of
Windsor, and after 1704-05 at Colchester, where
he died April 5, 1759.
(IV) Asahel Strong, born June 22, 1725, mar-
ried June 7, 1744, Betterus Crouch. Mr. Strong
was a farmer of Colchester, where seven of his nine
children were born.
(V) Ambrose Strong, born Nov. 1, 1750, in
Colchester, married Oct. 4, 1770, widow Lydia
Holdridge. Mr. Strong was a farmer in Colches-
ter. He made and sold "Strong's Syrup for Rick-
ets," which was a popular medicine in his day and
afterward. He and his wife had children : Elisha
and Elijah (twins), born June 26, 1771 ; Betterus,
Jan. 27, 1773; Roxana, April 13, 1775 (died March
13, 1776) ; and Charles, Aug. 27, 1777.
(VI) Elijah Strong, grandfather of Charles B.,
was born June 26, 1771, in Colchester, and spent
his entire life in that town, where he was engaged
in farming and lumbering. His first marriage, on
May 21, 1797, was to Anna Crouch, who was born
Sept. 24, 1773, daughter of Christopher Crouch, of
Hebron, and Rebecca Buell. She died April 8,
1813, and he married in June, 1814, Lucy Finley,
born Dec. 18, 1778, daughter of Solomon Finley, of
Marlborough, Conn. He died April 26, i860, and
his wife passed away Oct. 26, 1856. His children
were born as follows : By his first marriage — Anna
B., Jan. 12, 1799; Lydia C., Sept. 16, 1800; Rebecca
C, April 13, 1803; Elijah F., Oct. 12, 1804; Charles
Davis, Sept. 1, 1806; Elizabeth W., Dec. 4, 1808;
William C., March 12, 181 1; George G., Nov. 14,
18 1 2. By his second marriage — Edward H. (father
of the late Deacon Edward L. Strong, of Colchester,
whose life is treated of elsewhere in this volume),
May 14, 1815; Lucy E., Jan. 30, 1817; Walter J.
F., Sept. 17, 1822.
(VII) Charles Davis Strong, father of Charles
B., was born in Colchester, and soon after his mar-
riage started a small store in that town. Later he
was engaged in farming and saw-milling, but dis-
posing of the latter business he removed to Leb-
anon and located on a farm along the Norwich turn-
pike, there residing until about 1856, when he sold
his property and moved to Colchester. Settling
upon a farm in the northern portion of the town, he
lived there until his death, which occurred April 21,
1885. When he died, his circumstances were most
comfortable. His remains were tenderly interred in
the cemetery at Colchester. In politics he was a
Democrat, and served on the board of selectmen for
a number of years, and represented Colchester in the
Legislature one term, in 1861.
Charles D. Strong married Elizabeth E. Strong,
of Hebron, daughter of Benjamin Strong. She died
July 28, 1857, aged thirty-nine years. Their chil-
dren were: Charles B. ; William, who married
Eliza Abell (he is a teamster in Colchester) ;
George, unmarried, of Colchester ; Edward, who
married Susan Pratt (he is a farmer of Lisbon,
Conn.) ; Elizabeth, who married Rodman Carpenter
and resides in Lebanon ; John, who married Harriet
Brooks (he is a farmer and resides in Colchester) ;
and a daughter who died in infancy.
(VIII) Charles B. Strong, born March 24, 1838,
in Colchester, was but an infant when his parents
moved to Lebanon and located on the farm above
mentioned. He was about seventeen years of age
when they returned to Colchester. His education
was secured in the district schools and at Bacon
Academy, where he spent two terms. Being brought
up to farm work, he learned thoroughly every detail
of it, both at home and as a laborer on other farms,
and after his marriage located on a farm of 100 acres
in Colchester, about one mile northeast of Colches-
ter Green, where he resided three years. He then
moved to Lebanon to assist his father-in-law in the
management of the farm he now occupies. This
was in 1869. Three years later he purchased an
adjoining farm owned by his father-in-law, a short
distance north of his present one, and after a resi-
dence of four years upon his farm, he assumed man-
agement of his father-in-law's place, continuing
until the latter's death, when he purchased the prop-
erty of the heirs. His farm now aggregates 160
acres, which he devotes to general farming and
dairying.
On Jan. 20, 1864, Mr. Strong was married to
Elizabeth Carpenter, who was born March 25, 1839,
in South Kingston, R. I., and was brought to Leb-
anon when ten years of age. She is a daughter of
Robert and Eliza B. (Champlin) Carpenter. They
have had children as follows: (1) Charles R.,
born Jan. 20, 1865, was educated at Bacon
Academy and the State Normal School at New
Britain, and then taught school for several
years ; he is now agent for New London
county for the ^Etna Life Insurance Co., of Hart-
ford; he married Harriet Johnson. (2) Annie E.,
born Sept. 10, 1866, married Horace C. Porter, of
Hebron, and has had seven children — Mary Eliza-
beth, born Aug. 24, 1 891 ; Ethel, July 13, 1892 ; Rob-
ert, Dec. 14, 1893; Winthrop S., Dec. 16, 1894;
Bertha R., July 12, 1896; Horace Clinton, Nov. 10,
1899; and Charles Douglas, Feb. 12, 1904. (3)
Eunice M., born Feb. II, 1868, died Dec. 30, 1876.
In politics Mr. Strong is a very active Repub-
lican, and he has long been a prominent factor in the
workings of his party. During 1900 and 1901 he
served very ably upon the board of selectmen, as
second member of the board ; for one term he was a
member of the board of relief, and during 1901 he
served as a representative of Lebanon in the State
Legislature. While there he advocated many very
useful and excellent bills, and served upon the com-
mittee on School Funds.
In his religious views Mr. Strong is a member
of the Colchester Baptist Church, while Mrs. Strong
is a member of the Lebanon Baptist Church. Both
are very active in the good work of their denomina-
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
483
tion. and are very highly esteemed among the earn-
est members of both churches.
( < iming as he does of so old and honored a
family, Air. Strong naturally takes pride in his fam-
ily's unblemished record, and in the fact that he has
been able to hand the name down untarnished to his
children. Needless to say, a man who has filled
so ably every duty thrust upon him with fidelity,
earnestness and honor, could not fail to win the
confidence of the entire community. This he has
done in the highest degree, and he has done more,
for he has made many warm personal friends, and
retained the confidence and friendship thus earnestly
earned.
F. H. GAYITT, proprietor of the "Hotel
Royal," Xew London, and one of the well known
hotel men of that city, belongs to a family that for
more than thirty-five years has been identified with
the hotel business in Xew London. Mr. Gavitt was
born June 4, 1869, in Stonington, Conn., son of
Henry H. and Elizabeth (Gartner) Gavitt.
Henry H. Gavitt was born in Stonington, and
his wife was a native of Hamburg, Germany. In
1869 Mr. Gavitt built the "Thames Hotel," on
Water street, New London. In those days that was
an excellent hotel location, and Mr. Gavitt was the
first hotel man in the city to keep his house open all
night ; it being close to depot and boat landing, a
large patronage was built up from the early trains
and late boats. The "Thames Hotel" became one
of the most popular hostelries in the city, and in
the parlors were often held religious services under
the auspices of the Congregational Church. The
late J. N. Harris was one of the prime movers in
these meetings. Mr. Gavitt successfully conducted
this hotel, until 1880, when he purchased what was
then known as the old "Bacon House" on Bank
street. This property was an old frame structure,
and was one of the best known hotel stands in east-
ern Connecticut as well as one of the very oldest in
New London. Under the able management of its
new owner, its fame was perpetuated and extended,
as also was the reputation of Mr. Gavitt. He was
a strict disciplinarian, and would not tolerate any
disorderly conduct in or about his property, which
was known as one of the most orderly and well-
kept hotels iq the city. He died Sept. 21, 1884, after
an illness of twenty-one days, and was buried in
Cedar Grove cemetery, at New London. Frater-
nally he was a Mason. During the Civil war he
served in Company B, 90th N. Y. V. I., and also
saw service in the navy. He received a liberal pen-
sion. In his political faith he was a Republican, and
stanch in his support of the party, but he never
sought or held office. He was an excellent citizen,
and a man much respected. His death left a widow
and four children, namely : Frederic H. ; Elizabeth
M.. who married George Littlefield, of Hoboken,
N. J., and has one child, Albertha Cela ; Henry S.,
who resides in New London, and has one daughter,
Mary; and Thomas K.. who resides in Xew Lon-
don, and has two children, Frederick H., Jr., and
( Miver Lawrence.
After the death of Mr. Gavitt the widow as-
sumed charge of the business, and her management
was such as to reflect great credit upon her business
ability. Associated with her almost constantly were
the different members of the family, who proved
their efficiency in the business world.' In July, 1897,
the property was destroyed by fire, and 'in the fol-
lowing October, the mother passed away, being laid
to rest by the side of the husband and father in
Cedar Grove cemetery.
Almost at once after the destruction of the
property by fire, the heirs began the erection on the
same site, of the present "Hotel Royal." This hotel
is one of the best equipped hotel structures in the
city, and fitted with every modern appliance :a build-
ing of its size requires to add to the convenience of
its guests.
The property was owned as a family partner-
ship until 1903, when Frederic H. Gavitt became
the sole owner. He has been proprietor of the busi-
ness since the erection of the building. He is a
thoroughly practical hotel man, has grown up in the
business, and is familiar with its every branch and
detail. As a hotel man Mr. Gavitt is like his father
in many respects, especially in the manner of con-
ducting a well kept and orderly house. While a
comparatively young man, he has taken a foremost
position among the better class of hotel men in New
London, and is the only managing proprietor in that
city.
Fraternallv Mr. Gavitt is verv popular. He be-
longs to Trumbull Lodge, K. of P. : B. P. O. E., No.
360 ; Nameaug Engine Company ; Pequot Lodge, I.
O. O. F. ; Aerie No. 594, F. O. E., being past worthy
president and district deputy of that body in New
London, and he was one of the prime movers in
that order in New London, being the first Past Pres-
ident, and in 1904 he was a delegate to Grand Lodge
at Baltimore.
MAJOR NATHAN R. GARDNER, one of
the well known citizens of New London county,
passed away at his home at Baltic Nov. 23, 1903,
his death being caused by a second stroke of paraly-
sis. His birth occurred at South Kingston, R. I.,
April 15, 1839, and he was educated at the Kingston
classical seminary. During six years he was pay-
master of the extensive woolen mills owned by the
late Gen. Isaac P. Rodman, a leading manufacturer
of that town.
Major Gardner had the following war record :
He enlisted early in the war of the Rebellion. Presi-
dent Lincoln appointed him captain and commissary
of subsistence. At the close of the war President
Johnson brevetted him major "for faithful and ef-
ficient services in the subsistence department of the
United States army."
Returning home in August, 1865, Major Gard-
484
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
ner became paymaster of the Baltic Cotton Mill,
one of the largest of its kind belonging to the
Spragues of Rhode Island. In 1880 he was ap-
pointed by the trustee agent of the Baltic Mill
estate. He was treasurer and secretary of the
Sprague Butter and Cheese Co. For twelve years
he held the office of treasurer of the town of
Sprague, and was elected to other minor offices, dis-
charging all his duties and responsibilities faith-
fully, conscientiously and satisfactorily. In political
sentiment he was a Republican, and held the office
of chairman of the Republican town committee for
twenty-five years. He had been a member of Somer-
set Lodge, No. 34, A. F. & A. M., since 1870. In
1900 Major Gardner severed his connection with
the Baltic Mill, and at the time of his demise was a
director and member of the finance committee of the
New London County Mutual Fire Insurance Com-
pany.
Major Gardner was a man of most kindly dis-
position, a true friend, and an honorable, upright
gentleman.
DANIEL COLLINS is one of the well-to-do
farmers of Montville, of which town he is an hon-
ored and respected citizen. He is of Irish birth and
parentage, but has made the United States his home
for many years, and has been a resident of Mont-
ville since the early sixties.
Daniel Collins, father of Daniel, was born in
County Cork, Ireland, and there passed his entire
life, dying at an advanced age. During the greater
part of his life he was connected with the Coast
Guard service of his country. His wife, Joanna,
also spent her life in Ireland, where she died at a
ripe old age. Their children were as follows : Jo-
seph, who followed the sea, died in his native land;
Nellie married, lived and died in Ireland ; and
Daniel is mentioned below.
Daniel Collins was born March 11, 1820, in
County Cork, Ireland, and there received his early
education. When a mere boy he left home and went
to Liverpool, England, where he shipped as cabin
boy on a vessel. He continued his sea-faring life
for a number of years, in the employ of the Black
Ball Line of New York, visiting many of the fa-
mous ports of the world, and crossing the Atlantic
ocean about 104 times, fifty-two times each way in
sailing vessels. During his career as a sailor he
cruised on the Mediterranean and Black seas, and
visited China, Turkey, and most of the countries on
the Globe. For a time he made his headquarters in
New York City, sailing from there to foreign ports,
as his preference was for service in the American
marine. After many voyages he settled in New
London, where for years he was engaged in rigging
vessels, and where he helped fit out whalers and
sailing vessels for Messrs. Lawrence & Miner,
Williams & Bond, Henry P. Haven, Smith & Per-
kins, Williams & Haven, and many others. He was
also employed in similar work by Charles Mallory,
at Mystic, Conn. During the Civil war he bought
the farm in Montville, on which he has since lived,,
then known as the Ethan G. Crandall farm. This
farm contains about 108 acres, and Mr. Collins is
very successfully utilizing it for general farming.
Air. Collins married, May 26, 1847, Esther B.
Bindloss, who was born July 31, 1828, daughter of
William Bindloss. The first meeting of Mr. Collins
and his wife was in mid-ocean, on one of his voyages
between Liverpool and New York, Miss Bindloss
being on her way to this country, where she ex-
pected to make her home. The courtship, roman-
tically begun, culminated several months later in a
happy marriage. Mrs. Collins lived until April 28,
1897, dying in New London. Eleven children were
born to this union, namely: (1) Willie B., born
Feb. 25, 1849, clie<l Feb. 21, 1851. (2) Esther B.,.
born Dec. 12, 1850, is the widow of James Defiey.
Their children were: Frank (who is married )>
Robert (who died young) and Esther (who is now
a widow). Mrs. Defiey resides in New York City.
(3) Daniel Palmer, born April 7, 1853, is mentioned
below. (4) Ellen Hilliar, born May 26, 1855, mar-
ried Jan. 16, 1873, James Carver, of Montville,.
where they reside. Mr. Carver is a painter by
trade. They have two children, Lillian (who mar-
ried Mason Daniels) and George (who married
Mazie Coma). (5) Joseph Scroggie, born Sept. 22,
1859, married, Aug. 18, 1890, Addie Brown, of
Montville, and they have had one son, Harold,,
who died young. Mr. Collins is a mail carrier in
New London. (6) Margaret Palmer, born Feb. 22,
1861, married Feb. 16, 1879, Charles Haight, of
Torrington, Conn., where he is engaged in the
carriagemaking and blacksmithing business. Of
the three children born to Mr. and Mrs. Haight one
daughter, Margaret, survives. (7) Palmer Bind-
loss, born Oct. 8, 1862, died Feb. 11, 1871. (8) A
daughter, born May 26, 1864, died when but a week
old. (9) Robert Hallam, born Sept. 17, 1866, died
May 29, 1874. (10) Mary Foster, born June 1, 1869,.
married Jan. 5, 1895, Frederick Crocker, of Staten
Island, who was in the Government revenue service.
He died Feb. 14, 1895, and his widow has since
made her home with her father. (11) Anson Ben-
jamin, born Aug. 26, 1872, is mentioned below.
Daniel Collins is not only known as a successful
farmer, but also as a public-spirited citizen, active
in town and church affairs. In politics he is a
Democrat, and has served as grand juror and jus-
tice of the peace. He is a member of the Montville
Center Congregational Church, of which he is a
liberal supporter. Mr. Collins is a genial, whole-
souled man, and a more hospitable home than his
would be difficult to find.
Daniel Palmer Collins was born April 7,
1853, m New London, where his early training was
begun, and later he attended the district schools of
Montville, leaving same at the age of fifteen years.
For about two years then he was employed in
Palmer Bros.' quilt mill in Montville, and the mills
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
485
■of the Thames woolen company, now the Mont-
ville Woolen Company. When seventeen years of
age lie returned to New London, and entered the
employ of Carlos Barry, the sail maker, in whose
employ he remained continuously for twenty-eight
years. In 1898 Mr. Collins became a partner of
A. W Sterry, and under the firm name of Sterry &
( >., sailmakers, at Xo. 31 Howard street, they con-
tinned in business until Feb. 1, 1903, when Mr. Col-
lins purchased his partner's interests. Since that
time he has been conducting the business success-
lull)- on his own account, employing several hands
in his busy seasons. He makes sails, awnings, etc.,
of all kinds and sizes to order.
Socially Mr. Collins is a member of Mohegan
Lodge, Xo. 55, I. O. O. F., of Xew London, which
he has served as financial secretary. He is also a
member of Orion Encampment, XTo. 5, I. O. O. F.,
of which organization he has acted as treasurer ; is
a member of Orient Lodge, No. 27, Daughters of
Rebekah. and a member of the Canton, Uniform
Rank of the I. O. O. F. Mr. Collins has been an
active member of the Odd Fellows for over twenty-
six years, since 1877. He has taken an active inter-
est in the Volunteer Fire department of the city, and
has for over twenty-two years been a member of
Konomoc Hose Company, No. 4. Mr. Collins has,
since 1870, been a member of St. James' Episcopal
Church, and his wife is a member of the same de-
nomination. In political faith Mr. Collins is a Re-
publican.
Mr. Collins was married Dec. 28, 1885, to Grace
E. Whiting, daughter of Frederick Noyes Whiting,
of New London. Xo children have come to this
union.
Anson Benjamin Collixs, born Aug. 26, 1872,
in Montville, Conn., received his schooling in his na-
tive town, leaving school at about the age of twelve
years. He then came to Xew London and became
apprenticed to the carriagemaker's trade with
George A. Richards, Xo. 555 Bank street, remain-
ing with him for several years, and with the various
firms who succeeded him at the same location. For
one year he was employed by C. H. Johnson, of
Mystic, Conn., at his trade. In December, 1894,
Mr. Collins purchased the carriage repairing bus-
iness of George A. Richards, in Xew London, where
the greater portion of his career as a journeyman
had been spent, and since that time Mr. Collins has
successfully conducted the business himself. Mr.
Collins is a member of Mohegan Lodge, XTo. 55,
I. O. O. F., and of the Royal Protection, I. O. O. F.
He is also a member of the Business Men's Asso-
ciation of XTew London. In religious connection he
is a member of St. James' Episcopal Church of New
London. In political faith he is a Republican.
Mr. Collins was married June 2, 1897, to Cath-
erine Murray, daughter of William A. Murray, of
New London, and to this union have come two chil-
dren, Benjamin and Helen.
Bixdloss. The Bindloss family, to which
Mrs. Esther B. Collins belongs, traces its ancestry
back to (I) Sir Christopher Bindloss, who was
mayor and head of the corporation of the town of
Kendal in 1579-80, under the charter of Queen
Elizabeth. With his son Robert, Sir Christopher
established a regular express service between Ken-
dal and London, for the convenience of their noted
woolens.
(II) Robert Bindloss was created a Baronet by
Charles I, in 1641, and is believed to have been the
builder of Borwick Hall, Yorkshire. Sir Robert
Bindloss was a member of Parliament for Lan-
caster in 1613. His son,
(III) Francis Bindloss, born in 1603, married
for his second wife Cecilia, daughter of Thomas
West, Lord de la Ware. He, too, was a member of
Parliament from Lancaster. He died in the life-
time of his father, and was succeeded by his son,
(IV) Robert Bindloss, the last male Bindloss
of Borwick Hall. It is a matter of history that King
Charles II, on his southward march with his
Scottish army, reached Kendal, Aug. 16, 165 1, and
spent the following night at Borwick Hall.
Mrs. Collins was descended from Sir Christo-
pher Bindloss, mayor of Kendal, 1579-80, through
his son (II) Christopher Bindloss, who was bap-
tized in 1570, in Kendal Church.
(III) Peter, son of Christopher, was baptized
Jan. 8, 1607, at Heversham.
(IV) Robert, son of Peter, was baptized March
27, 1630, at Heversham.
(V) Christopher, son of Robert, was baptized
Dec. 4, 1666, at Heversham, and was buried April
27, 1715, at Heversham. He was a farmer and
dealer in cattle at Rowell, County of Westmoreland,
and was a typical representative of the English
yeoman.
(VI) Robert Bindloss, son of Christopher, was
born in 1722, and died June 15, 1796. He was of
Greenside, Milnthorpe, County of Westmoreland.
The eldest son of a large family of children, he
inherited his father's estates, and succeeded to the
business. He married Jane Park.
(VII) Philip Bindloss, son of Robert and the
grandfather of Mrs. Collins, was of Park House,
Heversham, County of Westmoreland. He was
baptized Nov. 2, 1766, and died Jan. 29, 1802. On
Jan. 14, 1792, Philip Bindloss married Jane Watson,
daughter of Thomas Watson, and sister of Richard
Watson, D. D., for years the honored bishop of
Llandaff. T. Palmer Bindloss has an excellent
steel engraving of Bishop Watson, taken from a
painting by George Romney, the celebrated histori-
cal artist and portrait painter. He also has a full
length engraving of the artist.
(VIII) William Bindloss. son of Philip and the
father of Mrs. Collins, was baptized in Kendal
March 5, 1795. He engaged in a mercantile busi-
ness, and was a popular man, holding several offices
in the town of Kendal, of which town his brother
Thompson was twice mayor. In 1848 he came to
486
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
America, and bought a farm just outside of New
London, Conn., which property is now owned and
occupied by his youngest son.
On Jan. I, 1822, in Liverpool, England, William
Bindloss married Margaret Palmer, a native of Liv-
erpool, and the youngest daughter of Thomas
Palmer. Their children — of whom one son and
three daughters are living, all in America, the young-
est now sixty-four years of age and the eldest in her
eighty-fifth year — were as follows: (1) Ellen mar-
ried Henry Hellian, May 12, 1847, and is living at
the age of eighty-four. (2) William, born July 22,
1824, married Mary Ellen Park, Feb. 27, 1853 ; he
died in Mystic, Conn. (3) Jane, born Sept. 27,
1825, married April 9, 1843, Leander Utley Knight,
who is deceased. She was the first of the family to
come to America, making her home near New Lon-
don, where she is living at present with her chil-
dren. (4) Margaret Ann, born May 17, 1827, mar-
ried Aug. 9, 1848, George Elliott, who is deceased.
In 1844 she followed her sister Jane to America,
and also settled near New London, her present
home. (5) Esther B., born July 31, 1828, married
Daniel Collins, and died April 28, 1897. (6) Thomas
Palmer, born Dec. 19, 1829, is living in New Lon-
don. (7) Mary, widow of Joseph Scraggie, was
born July 13, 1831, and she died in New London.
She became the mother of three children, Joseph,
William and Mary. (8) Philip George, born Jan.
27> T833, married Irene C. Tatem, Oct. 27, 1858,
and died in New London. (9) Thompson, born
July 6, 1836, died in 1838. William Bindloss, the
father, died in 1864, at the age of sixty-eight, and
his wife passed away in 1858, at the age of sixty-
two. Both were buried in Cedar Grove cemetery.
In their native country they were both members of
the Church of England, and after coming to this
country, they, with their children, united with the
Episcopal Church.
JOHN ROBINSON, who as shipbuilder, mer-
chant and real-estate man, was for many years
prominently identified with the business life of New
London, was born in County Antrim, Ireland, son
of Jeremiah and Alice Robinson, of that county, the
former of Scotch descent and the latter of Irish.
There were eight children in the family, three
daughters, Ann, Margaret and Mary ; and five sons,
George, Alexander, William, John and James. Al-
exander, William and John came to America, as
did also one sister, Ann, who lived in California.
James died in Australia.
John Robinson secured his education in the
schools of Ireland and later in New London, where
he attended the Truman street school and also, for
a time, a night school. In the Truman street school
he had ■ as companions Ex-Governor Thomas M.
Waller and Hiram D. Harris. He came to New
London when he was about seventeen years old, to
join his brother, William, who had sent for him. He
apprenticed himself to a Mr. Miller to learn the
trade of a ship carpenter, and after completing his
term of service with him, began working at his trade
by the day.
When the Civil war broke out, Mr. Robinson, in
company with Aleck and George Davidson, took
contracts for building government ironclads ; their
yards were located at Noank, New London county,
and the venture proved very profitable, giving the
young man his real start in life. He went next to
Norwich, Conn., and engaged in a mercantile busi-
ness there with John Doyle, but after some years
he sold out, returned to New London and built a
store and house at the corner of Smith and Wal-
back streets. This store, with another at the corner
of Walback and Goshen streets, has been the prop-
erty of the family for about twenty-eight years, and
they have been in the mercantile business as long
as any family in the city. Mr. Robinson became
interested in real estate, and owned the land from
Shaw street part way up to Montauk avenue. He
cleared it and built a number of houses in that sec-
tion, his own residence being in that neighborhood.
While a Democrat in his political views, and al-
ways interested in the success of his party on na-
tional issues, he was enough of an independent to
follow the dictates of his own judgment on local
questions. He was often solicited to take public
office, but his own affairs were too engrossing to
allow him time to participate in municipal matters.
A Roman Catholic in his belief, he was a member
of the church in New London.
On July 13, 1856, John Robinson was married
to Miss Anna Leva Kane, daughter of Patrick and
Ann Kane, of New York. Nine children blessed
this union, viz. : William M., born July 18, 1857 ;
John, May 5, 1859; J°^n D., Aug. 25, 1861 ; Ann
H., Nov. 10, 1863, who married Thomas McLaugh-
lin, Aug. 13, 1887; Mary T. R., May 13, 1865, wno
was married Jan. 10, 1894, to John Driscoll ; Cath-
erine A., March 2, 1867 I James Augustine, de-
ceased, born June 14, 1869; Alice R., Oct. 20, 1872,
who became the wife of Edward Comstock, Sept.
12, 1899; James C, Sept. 17, 1874, who was married
April 30, 1902, to Miss Catherine Maher. Mr. Rob-
inson was in the strictest sense of the word a self-
made man, of much ability and of exemplary char-
acter, and his death, which occurred Oct. 31, 1895,
was deeply regretted, not only by his family and
personal friends, but also by his business associates
and all who enjoyed an acquaintance with him.
WALTER R. DENISON, one of the leading
citizens of Groton, is a descendant of (I) Capt.
George Denison, who was baptized at Stratford,
Hertfordshire, England, Dec. 10, 1620, a son of
William, and grandson of John Denison, of Strat-
ford. William Denison came to New England with
his family in 163 1 and settled in Roxbury, Mass.,
where he became a deacon in the church. He had
been liberally educated, as were also his sons.
George Denison, the youngest of these boys, married
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
487
(first) in 1640 Bridget Thompson, daughter of John
Thompson, of Preston, Northamptonshire, England,
whose widow Alice came to America and was liv-
ing at Roxbury. Their two children were Sarah and
Hannah. The mother of these children died in
1643. and Mr. Denison returned to England to
serve under Cromwell in the Army of Parliament,
winning distinction ; he was wounded at Naseby.
Later he was married, at the house of John Borodell,
to the latter's daughter Ann and returned to Rox-
bury in 1645. There he continued to live until 1651,
when he located at New London, Conn., and in 1654
settled in Stonington. At the last named place he
continued until his death, Oct. 24, 1694, the event
occurring in Hartford. The children of his second
marriage were: John, born July 14, 1646; Ann,
May 20, 1649; Borodell, 1651 ; George, 1653; Will-
iam, 1655 ; Margaret, 1657, and Mary, 1659. The
mother of these children died Sept. 26, 1712.
Capt. George Denison was not only distin-
guished as a civilian, but also as a soldier, and be-
came during his life in Connecticut second only to
the distinguished Major John Mason, being closely
identified with the early history of the Colony.
(II) Capt. William Denison, born in 1655, mar-
ried Sarah Prentice, widow of Thomas Prentice,
and daughter of the first Thomas Stanton, and they
lived in Stonington. Mr. Denison died March 26,
1715, and his wife Aug. 7, 1713. Their children
were : William, born March 24, 1687 ; Sarah, born
April 14, 1689, and George, born Feb. 28, 1692.
(III) William Denison (2), born March 24,
1687, married May 10, 1710, Mercy Gallup, and
lived in Stonington. He died Feb. 14, 1724, and she
passed away March 2, 1724, aged thirty-five. Their
children were born as follows: Mercy, June 25,
171 1 ; Sarah, July 2, 1713 ; Esther, Feb. 6, 1715 ;
William, Dec. 9, 1716; Hannah, April 10, 1719;
Benadam, Feb. 6, 1721 ; Jonathan, May 12, 1722;
Nathan, Feb. 11, 1724.
(IV) Benadam Denison, born Feb. 6, 1721, mar-
ried Nov. 3, 1742, Amy Swan, and lived in Ston-
ington. Their children were: Lucy, born Jan. 8,
1744; James, born Aug. 25, 1745; Benadam: Ann.
born July 9, 1747 ; Robert, born Sept. 28, 1749; and
George, born Oct. 8, 1751.
(V) Robert Denison, born Sept. 28, 1749, mar-
ried (first) Alice Denison, who died Sept. 24, 1794,
and his second wife was Deborah Dewey, whom he
married Nov. 2, 1796. Eight children were born to
the first marriage and nine to the second. They
were: Robert, born Sept. 2', 1774; Martha, Sept.
2> 1777 ', Jonathan, Feb. 2, 1780; Benadam, April
12. 1783; James, July 1, 1785; Edward. Feb. 6,
1788; Alice, June 4, 1790: Elias, June 5, 1794; De-
borah, 1797; Joseph S., March 8, 1798; Lucy D.,
1800; William E., Oct. 7, 1802; Noyes P.. 1804;
Allen, 1807; George W., 1809; Emeline, Oct. 13,
181 1, and Eliza, May 8. 1815. The father of these
children died Feb. 9, 1820, in Stonington, in which
town he had lived.
(VI) Jonathan Denison, born Feb. 2, 1780, son
of Robert, married, in 1802, Catherine Brown, and
lived in Stonington, where he died May Ij5, 1828,
and she died April 2J, 1863. Their children were :
Dudley, born May 10, [803 ; Henry, Feb. 12, 1805;
Jesse B., Aug. 14, 1808; Zelida, Aug. 30. 1810; Bet-
sey P., Dec. 29, 1814; Sarah, April 3, 1 8 r 7 ; Robert
S., Feb. 27, 1819; John \\'., March 29, 1821 ; James
E., June 4, 1825 ; and Miranda S., Sept. 15, 1826.
(VII) Robert S. Denison, born in Stonington
Feb. 27, 1819, married at Mystic, April 1, 1849,
Susan Eggleston, daughter of Daniel Eggleston, and
they lived in Groton, Conn. She was born Dec. 30,
1827. Mr. Denison entered the United States navy
and served in the Mexican war, under Gen. Phil.
Kearney. After his marriage he lived in several
places before settling in New London, where he em-
barked in business at No. 3 Holt's block, where the
depot now stands. Later he was in partnership with
Franklin Potter on Bank street. Still later he settled
in Groton, where he engaged in his lifelong business
of painting. He was a deacon of the Groton Baptist
Church, and died in New London April 17, 1890.
The children who form the eighth generation of this
branch of the family were : Susan, who died in in-
fancy, in January, 185 1 ; Walter R., born Nov. 28,
185 1 ; James, of Groton, Conn.; Clara, of Groton,
Conn., who married Frank Chapman ; Charles, of
Florida; Mary, of Groton, who married Mathew
Dunn ; Frank, who died in 1903 ; Katherine, of
Providence, who married Fred Allen ; and William,
of New London.
(VIII) Walter R. Denison was born in New
London, Conn., Nov. 28, 185 1. He spent his school
days in Groton, attending the School street school,
and later Buckeye Business College, of Sandusky,
Ohio, after which he went into the decorating busi-
ness with his father, thus continuing for many years.
Upon the retirement of his father, Walter R. Den-
ison removed the business to the Holt building in
New London and added the wholesale and retail
paints, oils and wall paper business. When the build-
ing was torn down he took his business to No. 19
Bank street. Thence he went to the present site
of the "Hotel Royal," and finally he settled at No.
no Bank street, which building he purchased, and
where he remained until 1899, when the business
was disposed of and he retired from the paint busi-
ness.
Mr. Denison was treasurer and general manager
of the Thames Ferry Co. for ten years, and named
the ferry boat "Col. Ledyard," after the Revolution-
ary hero of Groton. He also built and was managing
owner of the steamer "Summer Girl." He was one
of the organizers of the New London and East
Lyme Street Railway Co., and was chosen its first
vice-president. For the past four years he has been
engaged in handling real estate, in [901 organizing
the Groton Real Estate Co., chartered by the Legis-
lature of 1901, capital stock $60,000, and his as-. -
ciate is Capt. Thomas Hamilton, of Groton. The
488
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
company has fifty-one acres, ten of which are im-
proved, and they own many high class tenements.
Mr. Denison has not been active in town affairs,
so far as holding public office is concerned, but he
takes an interest in educational matters, and has been
a member of the school committee for many years.
In addition to other interests he owns large realty
in the city of New London and vicinity, and is one
of the most substantial men in Groton. The fraternal
affiliations of Mr. Denison are with Fairview Lodge,
No. 101, I. O. O. F., and Thames Lodge, No. 13,
A. O. U. W.
On Sept. 10, 1879, Mr. Denison was married to
Sarah Gove, of Nahant, Mass. He and his wife
have traveled extensively throughout the United
States, Europe, the Orient and the West Indies ;
their winters are usually spent in Florida.
During the winter of 1901 Mr. Denison worked
hard to obtain the Groton borough charter, which
was adopted in 1904. Mr. Denison is one of the
most public-spirited citizens of Groton, and has
thrown himself into the work of securing public
improvements and municipal ownership of water
and light with an energy which has proven almost
irresistible, and certainly unlimited credit is due him
for the wonderful advancement Groton has made
during the past few years. He was appointed the
first water and light commissioner, and assisted in
the purchase of these utilities. He designed the
present seal of the borough of Groton, giving it
the motto that has been his guide for life, Progressus
et Prudentis, and also the bronze door of the Groton
monument, being a member of the executive com-
mittee which has in charge this monument. Mr.
Denison takes great interest in art, and has shown
considerable ability in the line of landscape and
marine painting, working for his own amusement,
and never for remuneration.
WILLIAM KILROY, one of the best known
men and most successful farmers in the town of
Bozrah, represents the highest type of citizenship to
be found in New London. He comes from people
of worth and prominence, who were factors in the
militarv history of England and Ireland. Major
John Kilroy, his great-grandfather, was in the mil-
itary service in Ireland, and his son, John Anthony
Kilroy, was an influential and wealthy farmer, a
large land holder, residing at Dilbaugh, County
Cavan, Ireland. He lived to an old age, surviving
his wife, who was Eleanor Atchison ; her ancestors
belonged to the yeomanry. John Anthony and
Eleanor Kilroy had a family of eleven children, all
of whom grew to maturity, namely : ( 1 ) Ann mar-
ried Robert Graham, a wealthy man, and resided
in County Cavan, where she died. (2) Isabella was
married first to Alexander Porter, second to George
L. Yeomans, and died in Norwich. (3) John, the
father of William, is mentioned below. (4) Alex-
ander married Alice Gorman, and resided at Nor-
wich Town, where he died. (5) Eleanor married
James Kane, and died in Paterson, N. J. (6) An-
thony, at last reports, wras residing on the homestead
in County Cavan. (7) Frances married a Mr. Da-
vis, and resided in County Cavan. (8) Elizabeth
A., twin of Frances, is the widow of Calvin Wil-
liams, and resides in Norwich. (9) Richard died
at the age of thirty years, unmarried. ( 10) Wil-
liam, who married Eleanor Atchison, was a farmer
and died at Norwich Town. (11) Thomas died at
Norwich Town. His wife was Eleanor McNickle.
John Kilroy was born at Dilbaugh, County
Cavan, Ireland, and received a good education, or-
iginally with the idea of preparing him for the army.
He easily passed the mental examination, but was
rejected at the physical examination because of a
ruptured blood vessel in his leg. He remained at
home and assisted on the home farm up to the age
of twenty-nine years, when, in 1852, he decided to
come to America, to earn for himself a home. He
brought along his younger sister, Elizabeth A., and
they made the voyage in a sailing vessel, being sev-
eral weeks en route. When they landed in New
York his cash capital was $24. He came to Nor-
wich, and his first work was as a farm hand in the
employ of a Mr. Rogers, on Wauwecus Hill, with
whom he remained for a year, his wages for that
period being $112 and board. Of this amount he
saved $110. Mr. Kilroy was next employed by
Capt. Coit, who resided on the west side, in the
house now occupied by John Porteous. At this
time there were but few houses in that part of the
city. After leaving Mr. Coit he accepted a position
as utility man with Col. Asa Fitch, at Fitchville,
who soon recognized the fact that his employe was
a man of thoroughly honest principles and of much
intellectual ability. Mr. Kilroy remained with Col.
Fitch as long as the latter lived, and enjoyed the
confidence of his employer to an unusual degree.
His next employment was with Major John W.
Haughton, of Bozrah, a son-in-law of Col. Fitch,
and he continued in the employ of that family until
April, 1883. John Kilroy was very careful and
saving with his earnings, and having by this time
accumulated a good sum of money he purchased the
farm of 144 acres now occupied by his son William,
Iniving the property from William Fitch, who was
then residing at Norwich Town. Mr. Kilroy im-
proved the farm and brought it up to a high state of
cultivation. Soon after locating thereon he began
operating a milk route in Yantic, which is continued
to the present time. He was a thorough farmer,
very progressive, and made a careful study of his
business, finding farming profitable from the start.
At the time of his death he was accounted one of
the most successful in the town, having by economy
and conservative methods acquired considerable
means. Mr. Kilroy was a man of medium height,
rather sparely built, but capable of a great deal of
hard work. He was gifted with good health, and
never had occasion to call a physician until his last
illness, which was of only a few days' duration. He
Oi^n^yi
GENEALOGICAL AXD BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
489
was a well-read man and very intelligent. He died
Jan. 10. [891, aged sixty-eight years, and was burie 1
in the Yantic cemetery. J k was a member of the
Episcopal Church. Politically he was a stanch Dem-
ocrat, and wink' he never took much interest in poli-
tics, other than casting his vote, he served several
terms on the hoard of selectmen.
John Kilroy was married, in Norwich, to Mary
McNickle, a native of Ireland, who came to this
country with her parents when she was quite young.
She proved a most worthy helpmeet to her husband,
and no little of his success can be credited to her.
She passed away at the age of sixty-six years, May
7. [901, at the home of her son William, who, with
his wife, showed her every care and loving devotion.
The family of 'Sir. and Mrs. Kilroy consisted of four
children: (1) Eleanor, who is unmarried, resides
at Yantic. (2) John Anthony married Ella Skinner.
He is a farmer and teamster and resides in Bo2rah.
t 3 1 James Arthur married Mrs. Abby Kane. He is
a teamster in the employ of the Yantic Woolen Co.
(4) William is the subject proper of these lines.
William Kilroy was horn Jan. 28, 1865, at Fitch-
ville, and attended the district schools until the age
of sixteen years. He was brought up to farm work,
and remained at home, assisting his father, after
whose death he managed the place until the death
of his mother. Then he purchased the interest of
the other heirs, and became sole owner of the farm,
which he sold, however, in the spring of 1904. Mr.
Kilroy, like his father, is a thorough agriculturist,
and he made numerous improvements on the place,
and at the time he disposed of it he had probably the
best dairy farm and milk route in New London
county, keeping from twenty to thirty head of fine
grade Jersey cows ; most of his stock he' raised him-
self. The farm under his management was splen-
didly kept up and highly productive, and so success-
ful are his methods that they are frequently copied
by others, Mr. Kilroy taking rank as one of the
best farmers of New London county.
On Sept. 20, 1894, Air. Kilroy was married, in
North Stonington, Conn., to Minnie Viola Miller,
who was born in that town, Nov. 18, 1866, daugh-
ter of Oliver S. and Sarah Almira (Eccleston)
Miller, the former a highly respected citizen of
North Stonington, where he died in 1902. His
widow now makes her home with Mr. and Mrs.
Kilroy.
Mr. Kilroy takes a lively interest in political
matters, being one of the most influential Demo-
crats of his town, and he has done much to swing
the town from a Republican to a Democratic ma-
jority. In [899 he represented the town in the Leg-
islature, and served on the committee on Sal
Lands. In 1901 he was re-elected, and served on
the committee on New Towns and Probate Districts.
He has acted as selectman and on the hoard of re-
lief, and is now serving his fourth term as town
treasurer. He attends the Baptist Church.
Mr. Kilroy has a neat and cosy home. Mrs.
Kilroy is a most excellent housekeeper and they
are \er\ popular because of their kindness and hos-
pitality.
FRANK ULMER. In every community there
are a certain few men who because of their natural
ability shoulder the burden of the commercial and
moral reputation of the whole. They may differ
widely, but on them the other citizens rely for serv-
ice and for guidance and for the general well-being
of the town. Such a man was Frank Ulmer, who
entered into rest at his home in Norwich. New Lon-
don county, May 23, [903. In his death Norwich
lost a citizen that could ill be spared. At all times
he had the welfare of the town at heart, and did
all that any one man could do to advance its
interests.
Mr. Ulmer was born in Heppenheim, Hesse-
Darmstadt, Germany, in 1845. a,1(l n's early years
were passed in his native land. In Weinheim he
learned the tanner's trade, and after completing his
apprenticeship he came to America, in 1866. His
first location was in ( )hio, where he followed his
trade, but the next year he located in Norwich. New-
London Co., Conn., and was employed by Charles
N. Farnham, for whom he erected a tannery on
Talman street, and when it was completed, assumed
the management of it. The industry prospered
under his wise control of its affairs, and he soon
saw his way clear to go into business for himself.
In 1873, in company with Henry H. Gallup and
George S. Smith, he bought out Mr. Fafnham's in-
terest, and the new concern became known as the
Norwich Belt Manufacturing Company. Prosperity
attended their venture and four years later they
built the present tannery at Greeneville. The growth
of the business was rapid, and Mr. Ulmer. by
wisely investing his earnings, became looked upon
as one of the successful manufacturers of New Lon-
don county. In 1883 Mr. Smith retired, but Mr.
Gallup and Mr. Ulmer continued the business alone
until 1892, when the latter sold out. In 1894. with
his son Henry F., Mr. Ulmer formed the Ulmer
Leather Company, and they built a large tannery on
Forest street, where his usual good fortune at-
tended him. A large force of men is now employed,
and although but nine years old this industry has
taken a place among the most important manufactur-
ing concerns of the city.
While ever deeply engrossed in business, Mr. Ul-
mer nevertheless found time to keep fully informed
on public questions, and to take an active interest
in municipal affairs. In his political faith he was a
Republican, and he was a wise counselor in party
ranks. For himself he cared nothing for office, but
in [890-92 he served as alderman in the court <<\
common council, where he gave his constituents
general satisfaction, and was ever found on the side
of good government, lie served as chairman of the
Fire Department committee. The world of finance
found in him a close student, and he was keenly
490
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
alive to all the monetary movements of the day. He
was director in the Uncas and the Second National
Banks, and a trustee of the Chelsea Savings Bank.
Fraternally Frank Ulmer was a 32d degree
Mason. In 1889 he joined Somerset Lodge, No. 34,
A. V. & A. M., and he also held membership in
Franklin Chapter, No. 4, R. A. M. ; Franklin Coun-
cil, No. 3, R. & S. M. ; Columbian Commandery, No.
4, K. T. ; the local Scottish Rite bodies of the Con-
necticut Sovereign Consistory; and Pyramid Tem-
ple, Mystic Shrine, of Bridgeport. He was a char-
ter member of Sphinx Temple, Hartford. He was
at one time a member of Wauregan Lodge, K. of
P., and served as chancellor commander.
On April 19, 1868, Frank Ulmer was united in
marriage with Eleonore Frickman, who survives
her husband. Their five children were born as fol-
lows: (1) Henry F., born Jan. 17, 1869, early en-
gaged in the tanning business, being for several
years associated with his father at the office and
tannery of the Norwich Belt Manufacturing Co. He
was superintendent of the latter for two years. He
also held the position of general superintendent of
two tanneries, located at Greenbush, N. Y., and
Readsboro, Vt., resigning the latter position to be-
come associated with his father, and is now the
surviving member of the Ulmer Leather Company.
Henry F. Ulmer has taken a firm position among
the representative manufacturers of his city. He is
prominent in Masonic circles, being a member of
Somerset Lodge, A. F. & A. M. ; Franklin Chapter;
Franklin Council ; Columbian Commandery ; the
local Scottish Rite bodies of the Connecticut Sover-
eign Consistory, and Sphinx Temple, Hartford. In
politics he is a Republican. ( hi Nov. 28, 1894, he
was married to Cora Mae Wyman, of Taftville, and
they have two children. Frank Eccles and John
Wyman. (2) Catherine Eleonore died when four
months old. (3) George F., born June 14, 1874,
graduated from Norwich Free Academy in 1804,
being valedictorian of his class, and then entered
the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, at I 1
ten, from which he graduated in 1898. In July of
the same year he entered the employ of Arbuckle
Bros., sugar refiners, at Brooklyn, N. Y., with whom
he now holds the responsible position of chief chem-
ist. While at school he took a prominent part in
athletic sports. He is a 32(1 degree Mason and re-
sides in Brooklyn, N. Y. (4) Johanna T. married,
on Jan. 2, 1904, Charles Hayes, of Utica, X. Y.,
where they reside. (5) Eleonore F. resides at home.
In the business world none held a higher repu-
tation for integrity than Frank Ulmer. He was a
man of remarkable executive ability, and he pos-
sessed that rare faculty of managing his affairs well
and yet retaining the honest respect and good will
of his employes. He was known to them as their
friend, and they appreciated all he did in their be-
half, knowing he was just and impartial in all he
did. In the domestic circle Mr. Ulmer was at his
best — a genial companion, a kind husband and ten-
der father — and he gave hospitable welcome to all
that visited his happy home. His large heart often
made him a victim to the wiles of the mendicant,
and few men gave more to aid the unfortunate, but
his giving was without ostentation, and it is only
through the recipients of his bounty that the gen-
eral public gained knowledge of it. Fie was a man
of decided opinions, and while fearless in expressing
himself he was fair to those who differed with him,
and was always free to confess himself in the wrong
when once convinced. His life was well spent, and
although it did not reach the allotted span of years
he had accomplished much, and left an honored
name as a priceless heritage to future generations.
Mr. Ulmer was liberal in his support of all
church enterprises, and attended the Second Congre-
gational Church, whose pastor, in the course of the
funeral address, made the following remarks :
"I do not need to try to tell you, amongst whom
he has lived for nearly forty years, that the passing
of Mr. Ulmer has left a real void in this community.
You know it all too well. The roots of this man's
being have run into many places, and have run
deej). He was a modest and unassuming man, but
he lived a life that was felt. In business, in the af-
fairs of the city, and among a large circle of friends,
as well as in his home, where his strength was a shel-
ter, he will be missed in countless ways. But one
of the deep compensations of life is always this —
that the essence of our sorrow becomes the source
of our comfort as the days go on. So it will be in
this home."
The burial, which was private, was in the family
lot in Yantic cemetery. The service at the grave
was according to the Knights Templars ritual.
A local paper made the following comment at
the time of Mr. Ulmer's death: "In the death of
Frank Ulmer Norwich loses one of its strong citi-
zens. Having executive ability of a high order, he
combined with this a progressive spirit which placed
him in the front rank of local business men. He had
at all times the welfare of Norwich at heart, and
manifested a deep interest in municipal affairs. He
was a man of positive mind and always stood by his
convictions. Personally he was of a companionable
disposition and his home and its interests were very
dear to him. His nature was sympathetic and gen-
erous, but he was entirely without pretense in any
form."
CHARLES H. LOOMIS, the present first se-
lectman of the town of Lebanon, and a well known
and popular citizen, traces an ancestry coincident
with the settlement of Windsor, Connecticut.
Joseph Loomis, born probably about 1590, was
a woolen draper at Braintree, County of Essex, Eng-
land, and came to America in the ship "Susan and
Ellen" in 1638. He is recorded in 1640 at Windsor,
Conn., where it is supposed he came in 1639, bring-
ing with him five sons and three daughters. His
wife died Aug. 23, 1852, and he died Nov. 25, 1658-
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
491
Deacon John Loomis, born in England in 1622,
married Feb. 3, 1648-49, Elizabeth, daughter of
Thomas Scott, of Hartford. He was admitted to
the church at Windsor, Conn., Oct. 11, 1640. On
May 3. 1643, no hatl granted him from the Planta-
tion forty acres of land. He resided in Farmington
from 1652 to 1660, when he returned to Windsor,
and was deacon of the church. From 1666 to 1667
and from 1675 t0 l&>7 he was a deputy to the Gen-
eral Court, and he died Sept. 1, 1688.
Thomas Loomis, born Dec. 3, 1653, married
March 31, 1680, Sarah White, who was born Oct.
15, 1662, daughter of Daniel White, of Hatfield,
Mass. Mr. Loomis died Aug. 12, 1688, and his
widow on Nov. 12, 1689, married John Bissel, and
removed to Lebanon.
Ensign John Loomis, born Jan. 1, 168 1, married
(first) Oct. 30, 1706, Martha Osborn, born April
10, 1687; and (second) Sept. 30. 1725, Ann Lyman.
He resided in Lebanon and died in 1755.
Israel Loomis, born Sept. 29, 171 5, married
(first) Dec. 15, 1737, Esther Hunt, who died
Feb. 16, 1743; (second) in September, 1743, Mrs.
Mary Holbrook, who died in April, 1745; and
(third) April 8, 1747, Mary Marsh, who died Oct.
J8, 1795. He died Oct. 2, 1801.
Simon Loomis, born Aug. 24, 1760, married Oct.
23, 1783, Sarah Holbrook, who died April 2, 1838,
and he died Dec. 28, 1841. Mr. Loomis was a sol-
dier of the Revolution. He was occupied in farm-
ing in the South Society of Lebanon.
Hezekiah Loomis, of the seventh generation, and
the grandfather of our subject, was born Oct. 24,
1790, and resided on a farm in Lebanon a short dis-
tance west of our subject's present farm, the estate
lately occupied by Albert Lyman. He followed
farming all his life and died there March 28, 1845.
He was married Oct. 25, 1812, to Eliza Bennett,
and their children were as follows : ( 1 ) Nelson Ben-
nett, born Dec. 9, 1813, was married (first) Jan. 1,
1838, to Harriet M. Post, who died June 14, 1847,
and (second) Jan. 11, 1848, to Emma Kellogg.
By trade he was a carpenter. He lived in different
localities, his home being at Hebron, where he died
Aug. 4, 1881, leaving no descendants. (2) Edwin
H., born June 10, 181 5, married May 27, 1844,
Eunice C. Lathrop, was a school teacher in early
life, later a farmer, and died in Lebanon, Oct. 13,
1896, leaving no children. (3) Henry A., born
Jan. 19, 1817, married (first)- Feb. 15, 1843, Abby C.
Beaumont, who died Oct. 12, 1864, her one child
dying in infancy. He married (second) in June,
1867, Mary Mitchell, who bore four children, Nellie
(deceased), Edward, who resides in New Britain
as also does Bernadotte, and Henry (who died in in-
fancy). Henry A. was a carpenter. He died at
New Britain Oct. 14, 1888. (4) Marvin T., born
June 15, 1818, died April 9, 1819. (5) Hezekiah
Marvin, born Dec. 25, 1819, became the father of
our subject. (6) Jane E., born April 23, 1824, died
Nov. 10, 1824. (7) Gilbert, born Sept. I, 1828, mar-
ried Feb. 25, 1849, Delia Kimball. He was a tan-
ner and currier, and lived for a time in Lebanon,
later in Lockport, N. Y., dying there March 4, 1861.
His children were Ellen (who married Frank Lord
and lives in Hartford), Genevieve, Frank, (who
lives in Boston) and Favorette (deceased).
Hezekiah Marvin Loomis was born in Lebanon
and learned the business of tanner and_ currier while
still young, serving his apprenticeship with Mr.
Willard Hill, at South Killingly, Conn. He resided
there until his marriage and then returned to Leb-
anon, where he erected a house a short distance
south of our subject's present home. After fol-
lowing the tanning business for a number of years
he spent several years working at painting, and
then rented good farming land which he cultivated
for some years, after which he bought of a Mr.
Chenery the place known as Hayward's; the house
on this property was erected in 1807. Here Mr.
Loomis spent the remainder of his life, engaged
in general farming. He was also an expert in fruit
culture, set out orchards and did much grafting,
and became an authority on apples.
In his early political life Mr. Loomis was a Whig,
later an ardent Republican, and might even have been
denominated an Abolitionist. For many years he
was a member of the choir of the Baptist Church, as
he possessed a fine tenor voice. His death occurred
July 7, 1890, although he was neither feeble in
body or mind. He was very highly respected by all
who knew him.
Hezekiah M. Loomis married Philena A. Foster,
born May 25, 18 19, a native of Killingly, daughter
of William Foster. She died Sept. 26, 1897, at the
home of our subject. They lived in congenial com-
panionship for fifty-two years and their fiftieth an-
niversary was the occasion of a happy celebration.
They had children as follows : ( 1 ) Eliza Jane, born
June 29, 1840, married March 7, 1859, George S.
Graves, and they reside at Simsbury, Conn. ; they
had children — Nellie, who married Charles Beeman,
and died at Simsbury ; Charles S., of Simsbury ;
Minnie, wife of Alton Fancher, of New Hartford ;
and George M., of Willimantic. (2) Mary Mar-
tinella, born May 27, 1842, married Dwight H. Rob-
inson, of Lebanon, born March 10, 1829, and had
two children — Emma C, deceased, and Julia M.,
wife of Charles Hibberd, of Willimantic. (3)
Julia C, born Jan. 3, 1844, died Aug. 16, 1845. (4)
Charles H., born Sept. 21, 1845, 's mentioned be-
low. (5) Selah S., born April 9. 1847. married
Feb. 2, 1869, David W. Wescott, who died at South
Windham, Conn., March 1, 1874, leaving two
daughters, — Fanny S., who married Charles II.
Lamb, of Lebanon, and Mary A., who married Erv-
ing Crouch, and died at Groton.
Charles H. Loomis was born in Lebanon, on the
farm which adjoins his own, and he received his
education in the district schools. He assisted his
father on the farm until his marriage, after which
he and his father farmed together for over twenty
492
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPLIICAL RECORD.
years, residing in the same house. When the father's
health failed the son assumed full charge of the
farm, which comprises about ioo acres, and now
owns it. He carries on general farming and con-
tinues the propagation of choice small fruits.
In politics Mr. Loomis has always been a Re-
publican and has been prominent in town affairs for
many years ; he has also been honored by being sent
to the State Legislature, in 1901, where he served
on the committee on Education. As a member of
the board of selectmen Mr. Loomis has had consid-
erable experience, having served twice previous to
his present term, once as chairman of the board and
once as second selectman. He has been a member
of both the board of assessors and the board of re-
lief, and for the past twenty-five years has been
serving as a grand juror, being one of the oldest in
point of service in the State. Mr. Loomis is fra-
ternally connected with William Williams Council,
No. 72, O. U. A. M., of Lebanon. He is a capable
official and a popular and valued citizen.
On Dec. 28, 1870, Mr. Loomis married Frances
D. Briggs, of Lebanon, born Jan. 15, 1849, daugh-
ter of Charles W. and Delia F. (Gager) Briggs, the
former of whom was from South Kingston, R. I.,
and the latter from Franklin, Conn. The children
of this marriage are: (1) Lena A., born Dec. 31,
1 87 1, was an accomplished teacher and typewriter
and stenographer prior to her marriage, Dec. 15,
1896, to Dr. Frank C. Fowler, formerly of Moodus,
but now of New London, Conn., who has two sons
by a previous marriage, Harry M. and Frederick
B. C. (2) Herbert L., born July 24, 1875, married
Edith E. Moffit on June 1, 1898, and they have one
daughter, Edith Frances, born May 20, 1900. He
was a soldier during the war with Spain, being a
member of Company E, 3d Regiment, C. V. I., and
received an honorable discharge in February, 1899.
He then entered the office of the Willimantic Linen
Co. and remained there until December, 1902, when
he was transferred to the general agency of the
American Thread Company in New York, where
he is still employed and where he resides.
GEORGE T. LORD, the leading undertaker of
Norwich, has exemplified in his career the possi-
bilities open to a young man of energy and enter-
prise, when those qualities supplement a thorough
knowledge of the line of work he has chosen, and
the ability not only to act upon but to suggest new
ideas. If he sees a want, he must be ready to supply
it. In these days of sharp competition all a man's
faculties must be alive if he is to succeed. It is not
sufficient, as it was a generation or so ago, for him
to be a good workman and that alone. He must
have the executive ability to push his enterprises
to profitable completion, and tact and courtesy in
dealing with his patrons and associates in business.
That Mr. Lord possesses all these qualities in gen-
erous measure he has proved conclusively by the
high position he has attained in so brief a span of
time. He has been a resident of Norwich only eisrht
years, and came here to enter business life without
any of the extraneous aids to fortune enjoyed by
many young men. Position, influential friends, solid
commercial standing — all these he was obliged to
win for himself as he made his way, but their ac-
quisition was not made an object, it came rather as
the recognition of effort wisely directed and corre-
spondingly appreciated.
Mr. Lord traces his descent from ancestors who
have been identified with Connecticut from Colonial
times. His first American ancestor was Thomas
Lord, who was one of the earliest settlers of Hart-
ford, and an emigrant from England. Both he and
his wife, Dorothy, whom he had married in Eng-
land, died in Hartford, the wife in 1687, at the ripe
age of eighty-seven. All of their children were born
in England, and came to America with their parents.
A later generation of the family located in Marl-
borough, Conn., where the name is one of the old-
est in the town.
George Lord, great-grandfather of George T.,
was a farmer and large landowner in the town of
Marlborough, Hartford county, his residence being
in the southern part of the town, and there he passed
his entire life, dying in 1852, aged seventy-five. He
was a member of the Congregational Church of the
town. His first wife, Caroline (Crocker), bore him
one child, Sherman C, who married Ophelia T.
Buell, was a farmer, and died in Marlborough. The
second wife of George Lord was Abigail Everett,
of Ware, Mass., who survived him until 1861. Their
children were : Noble E., grandfather of George T. ;
and Hinman, who married Anna E. Hutchinson,
was a farmer in Marlborough, and later moved to
Hebron, where he died and where his widow now
resides.
Noble Everett Lord, the grandfather of George
T., was born in 1804 in Marlborough, where he re-
sided on the home farm until his marriage, being
reared to farm work. After his marriage he re-
moved to Hebron and rented the "Perk Mann"
farm, in the eastern part of the town, where he re-
sided for a little over a year, and he then purchased
a farm near by, where he passed the remainder of
his life, dying Oct. ir, 1892. Noble E. Lord was a
quiet, hard-working man, and left the heritage of a
good name to his large family, all of whom did him
credit. As he was in moderate circumstances, the
rearing of this large family was a heavy expense.
Death several times visited his household. In poli-
tics Mr. Lord was a Republican, and he held many
of the minor offices of the town. In religious mat-
ters he adhered to the tenets of the Congregational
Church, uniting with the congregation at Hebron.
Noble E. Lord married Betsey F. Buckley, who
came from the old Connecticut family of that name.
She was born in 18 16, in Colchester, Conn., daugh-
ter of William Buckley, and died Aug. 12, 1861. To
them were born children as follows : Joshua B.,
father of George T., is mentioned below ; George R.
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
493
married Mary Boud, was a real-estate dealer, and
resides at Asbury Park, N. J. ; Daniel B. graduated
from Amherst College, became a Congregational
minister, and died at West Hartford, Conn. ; Fe-
dora E.. widow of Edwin Perry, resides in New
Haven, Conn. ; Sophia J. resides in East Hartford,
Conn., unmarried; Noble E. is a farmer in Hebron,
Tolland Co., Conn. ; Prudence A. died young; David
died young, and his twin brother died when three
days old ; Lucy died young; Loren M. married Anna
Strong, and resides in Hebron, engaged as a farmer;
Fdora E. died young.
Joshua B. Lord was born in Hebron, and there
spent his early life, receiving the foundation of his
education in the local district schools. Later he at-
tended Bacon Academy, at Colchester. He enlisted
for service in the Civil war, and after his return
from the army embarked in the undertaking busi-
ness, which he carried on in Hartford for a number
of years. He died in that city June 5, 1874, and was
laid to rest in Linwood cemetery, at Colchester. His
religious connection was with the Congregational
Church at Hebron.
Air. Lord married Eunice Otis, of Colchester,
daughter of John T. and Lucy (Dart) Otis, and
granddaughter of Deacon John Thatcher Otis, a
Revolutionary soldier. Airs. Lord survived her hus-
band for almost twenty years, dying May 8, 1894, in
Willimantic, at the age of sixty-two years, and she
was laid to rest beside her husband. Children as
follows blessed their union : Hattie W. is the wife of
William P. Ball, of Bristol, Conn., and has one
daughter, May. Frank, who married Mary Rich-
ard, died in Winsted, Conn. George Thatcher is
mentioned below. Eunice A., widow of Charles H.
Linsley, resides in Willimantic, where she is a well-
known music teacher ; she has one son, Howard,
who is in the employ of his uncle, George T. Lord,
at Norwich.
George Thatcher Lord was born in Portland,
Conn., and was only an infant when his parents re-
moved to Colchester. He received his early edu-
cation in the district schools of that town, and
graduated from Bacon Academy. He then entered
the railroad service, and for ten years served as
agent for the New York, New Haven & Hartford
Railway Co., at Colchester and Turnerville. Re-
signing his position at the latter place he came to
Norwich in 1895, in company with Mr. Roadstrand,
with whom he established an undertaking business
under the firm name of Roadstrand & Lord. On
Nov. 17, 1897, Air. Lord purchased his partner's
interest and became sole owner. When the firm
commenced business in Norwich there were many
and various predictions regarding their prospects,
and none of them were favorable. The undertaking
business in Norwich was being done by old-estab-
lished firms. But the new firm introduced modern
ideas and appliances, and soon had a firm hold on
patronage. Their competitors were obliged to adopt
up-to-date methods too, but the business of the new
house continued its rapid growth, and the patrons
of this establishment are distinctively of the better
class. It is this which emphasizes the success
which has attended all Air. Lord's efforts. In
spite of the fact that he was obliged to make his
own opportunities, he has reached the top of his
profession, taking rank not only with the best in
his locality, but throughout the State. His personal
reputation has undoubtedly had much to do with
the esteem he enjoys, especially among those in his
own line, and he also holds an enviable social posi-
tion.
In June, 1903, Air. Lord was appointed, by Gov.
Chamberlain, a member of the State Board of Ex-
aminers of Embalmers, which board was created
by the Legislature of 1903, and in July, 1903, Air.
Lord was elected president of the board.
Air. Lord was married in Asbury Park, N.
J., Nov. 17, 1892, to Aliss Helena Thomas, of
Philadelphia, Pa., daughter of Dr. Franklin R.
Thorhas, a noted physician of that city, and the
first to introduce the use of hydro-oxygen in his
practice. The Doctor was also noted as a tenor
singer, and his daughter, Airs. Lord, inherits his
musical ability, being well known as a vocalist.
She received her musical education in New York.
Air. and Airs. Lord have had three children, Ruth
Jeanette, Franklin Thatcher and Lucile Otis.
Fraternallv Air. Lord is a thirtv-second-desrree
Alason, holding membership in St. James Lodge,
No. 23, F. & A. AI. (in which he has held offices) ,
and in Sphinx Temple, Alvstic Shrine, at Hartford ;
is a member of Gardner Lodge, No. 12, A. O. U.
W. ; the Royal Arcanum and the Arcanum Club ;
the Sons of the American Revolution ; and the Sons
of Veterans. His political support is given to
the Republican party, but he does not take much
active interest in public affairs, although while in
Hebron he served as justice of the peace and grand
juror. He and his wife are communicants of Christ
Episcopal Church.
Otis. (I) John Otis. Air. Lord's first maternal
ancestor in America, was a son of Richard Otis,
of Glastonbury, Somersetshire, England. John
Otis brought his family to Hingham, Mass., as
early as 1635, coming in company with Rev. Peter
Hobart and twenty-nine associates, who settled in
the same town. He was a substantial yeoman,
and left his native country, as has been supposed,
to accompany his pastor, who was a stanch non-
conformist clergyman. He was identified with the
Puritans, and shared in the labors and sufferings
to which the early New Englanders were subjected
in the establishment of the first Colonial settle-
ments. Subsequently he removed to Weymouth,
where he died May 31, 1657, aged seventy-six
years. He was twice married, his first wife, whom
he married in England, being named Margaret.
(II) John Otis (2), of Scituate and Barnstable,
ATass., born Jan. 14, 1622, died Jan. 16, 1683. His
wife was Alargaret.
494
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
(III) Judge Joseph Otis, son of John and Mar-
garet, was judge of the Common Pleas court of
Plymouth county, Mass., and removed to what is
now Montville, Conn., in 1721. His death occurred
June 11, 1754, and his wife, Dorothy (Thomas),
followed him to the grave Feb. 18, 1755.
(IV) Nathaniel Otis, born Jan. 30, 1689, moved
to Colchester in 1716, and died April 15, 1771.
He married Hannah, daughter of Col. John
Thatcher, of Yarmouth, Mass., and she survived
him, dying May 6, 1780, aged ninety years.
(V) John Otis, born April 1, 1728, was a
farmer and surveyor, and resided at Colchester.
He married Prudence Foot, who died June 7, 1823.
His death occurred Oct. 24, 1804.
(VI) Deacon John Thatcher Otis, born Oct.
31, 1758, followed farming, and was in comforta-
ble circumstances. He resided south of the Center
in the town of Colchester, and was for many years
a deacon in the Colchester Congregational Church.
On the breaking out of the Revolution, when seven-
teen years of age, at the Lexington Alarm, he
joined the American army at Cambridge. He
was one of those at Concord who on March 4th,
helped to take Dorchester Heights ; was in one of
the engagements at the battle of Stillwater, and
was at the surrender of Gen. Burgoyne. The fol-
lowing article concerning this worthy patriot is
taken from the Providence (R. I.) Journal of Com-
merce :
"This venerable man died at Colchester, Conn.,
Sept. 18th, 1842, in the eighty-fourth year of his
age. His life and death demand a memorial, for
the sake of his many relatives and friends, who
esteem him as a patriot and citizen and mourn his
loss.
"Deacon Otis was a patriot of the Revolution.
The first blow struck at Lexington kindled the little
spark of Liberty into a wild blaze throughout the
land. Otis, then not eighteen years of age, sought
the first opportunity to display himself, and started
with a small band in 1776 and joined the American
army at Cambridge. He was at Concord among
those on the night of the 4th of March who helped
to take possession of Dorchester Heights. An
engagement was hourly expected ; but the British
evacuated the city, and the American troops
marched into Boston.
"In August, 1777, after the evacuation of Ticon-
deroga, Mr. Otis was among the many who flocked
to the standard of the newly appointed commander
of the Northern Armies, Gen. Gates. Under Capt.
Amos Jones the company to which he belonged
marched to the patriot army at Saratoga.
"It is but two months since I conversed with
the 'old man eloquent.' His head was silvered o'er
with venerable locks, and when describing those
scenes his memory was very vivid, and he seemed
to be doing battle again. In his peculiarly nervous,
energetic and forcible manner, he related the sub-
stance of what follows.
" 'The Americans thought no more of retreat-
ing, but became animated and came out, and
engaged the British with firmness and resolution.
Gen. Gates never knew the extent of his force —
constantly coming and going, and volunteers re-
turning home when the provisions were exhausted.
'We were preparing to surround Burgoyne's
army, but hadn't enough men on the west side.
The company to which I belonged were ordered
to proceed there. The two armies were on elevated
ground, with a hollow between. Through this we
passed, the balls continually whistling over our
heads, and some went through our hats. A con-
stant blaze of fire was kept up, and both armies
alternately drove and were driven by each other.
Men and officers dropped every moment around us.
It was a hard-fought battle. Gen. Arnold did nobly
there, and to him the Americans were much in-
debted for success.
" 'The taking of Burgoyne did as much as any
other action to turn the scale, and achieve our
independence. The enemy wanted to establish a
line from Canada to New York, and they were
then sure of victory. On the 12th of October a
capitulation was made, and Burgoyne's army de-
posited their arms and marched by us, or between
files of our men, and were nevermore to take up arms
against America. We held ourselves in readiness
for Gen. Clinton's army, which was coming up the
river, but they went back on the news of Burgoyne.'
"I asked him about Washington. He said 'he
had often seen him pass and repass ; that there was
no foppery about him ; he was calm, solid and
serene. He was the brightest jewel that ever shone
under the sun. One occasion I well recollect. A
company of officers were seated around the table,
discussing some schemes of policy, and were of
different opinions. Gen. Washington entered, and
each voice was instantly hushed. Every man felt
as if in the presence of a superior being. Struck
with an instinctive awe of his wisdom and majesty,
they waited for his opinion. He gave it in a few
words, but those few carried conviction to the
minds of every one present, and they all with one
accord did homage to his master mind and honesty
of purpose.'
"I said to him, some have lately accused Gen.
Putnam of cowardice, and say that he was accused
of it at the time; and that he avoided the most
dangerous conflicts.
" 'It's a deliberate, wilful falsehood,' said he. T
can't help being passionate when some upstarts
who are now enjoying the peace and liberty their
fathers achieved should try to destroy Old Put-
nam's fair name and fame. He was in the most
dangerous conflicts voluntarily, and always was
known to be brave and true to his country, and in
the hottest of the fight; and to my knowledge no
one in the army ever accused him of cowardice.
He has no cowardice belonging to him. It's always
an insult to tell a man he lies ; but if I was a young
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
495
num. and any one should say to me that Old Put
was a coward, I'd tell him it was wilfully false, and
he might resent it if he would.
'I remember the time that Put was out with a
party, and was fired upon by the British. The
balls fell into the water and mud and spattered
Old Put. He exclaimed, "Curse 'em, how plaguey
careless they fire."
' Another time all the men were cut down
around Putnam but one who pointed at a British
officer, and was in the act of firing. Put touched
him on the soldier and said, "Don't shoot that
man, I love him as I do my brother." The British
officer saw the act, touched his hat to Put and
walked away.'
"Mr. Otis's life was active, his character ener-
getic, and his body and mind sound, until almost
the close of his life. He was quick and spirited in
all his movements and intercourse with his fellow-
men ; but affable, punctual and consistent. He was
systematically devoted to the great end of existence
and the duties of life, and never left unimproved a
fitting opportunity of doing good. He retained
the use of his faculties almost to the end ; his mind
was calm, and his hope steadfast. Up to the last
month of his life, he walked two miles and a half
every Sabbath to church, rather than ride. He was
particularly useful as an officer in the church.
"The partner of his life died about two years
ago, since which time he has been gradually failing.
His memory is a treasure to his surviving children,
better than any ordinary inheritance which mere
riches could bequeath. One of his sons, the late
eminent, exemplary and deeply lamented preceptor
of Bacon Academy, died in the prime of life ;
another son now is a preacher of the gospel. May
the example of the deceased be a blessing to them all.
"Gently dismissed from earth on the day of
sacred rest, he went, it is confidently believed, to
join the 'General Assembly and Church of the
First Born which are written in Heaven.' '
Deacon Otis married Louise Pomeroy, who was
born in 1759, and died Dec. 3, 1837. Of their chil-
dren, four grew to years of maturity: (1) John
T. Jr., is mentioned below. (2) Israel T. became
a Congregational minister, and for many years
presided in Goshen Society, Lebanon, later remov-
ing to Rye, N. H., where he died. He married
Olive Morgan Osgood, of Lebanon (sister of the
late Dr. Charles Osgood, of Norwich), who now
resides in Exeter, N. H. (3) Caroline became the
wife of Denison Smith, and died in Colchester.
He was a maker of the old-fashioned melodeons,
but later in life devoted his entire attention to
farming. (4) Charles P., for a number of years
preceptor in Bacon Academy, died unmarried.
John Thatcher Otis, Jr., grandfather of George
T. Lord, was born Aug. 4, 1786, in Colchester, and
there spent his entire life, successfully engaged in
farming on the homestead. He well sustained the
family reputation for honor and integrity, and was
highly respected, lie married Lucy, daughter of
Caleb Dart, of Colchester, and to their union came
the following named children : Eunice, who be-
came the mother of George T. Lord ; Harriet, who
died at the age of eighteen years ; John T., who
never married, and followed farming in Colche-
ter, where he died in February, 1899, aged sixty-
four years ; Charles P., a farmer, who married Jane
Butler, and resides in Colchester; and Amos T.,
one of the oldest and best-known business men of
Norwich, who married Mary G. Cowan. The
mother of this family passed away in 1853, aged
fifty years, and the father survived until 1862.
He was originally a Whig, later a Republican, but
never took any active part in politics, and never
held any public office.
NAPOLEON B. LEWIS, M. D., a prominent
physician at Norwich, enjoys a large practice, and
comes of an old and numerous family in the State
of Rhode Island.
Moses B. Lewis, his grandfather, was a resident
of Hopkinton, R. I., where he followed the occu-
pation of farming. He died there at the age of
eighty-one years. His first wife was a Miss Cran-
dall, who was the mother of all his children, eight
in number, only two of whom are now living. ( hie
is Mrs. Julia Whipple, of Rhode Island, and the
other is Mrs. William Kenyon, of Hope Valley,
same State.
Benjamin T. Lewis, father of Napoleon B.
Lewis, was born in 1839, in Hopkinton, R. I., and
his early life was spent there. He received a sound
education in the district schools of his native town
and the famous East Greemvich Academy. The
young man was brought up to farm wrork, but after
he finished his school course he taught school, as did
so many of the farmers' sons, being located in his
native town. Several years after his marriage he
removed to Griswold, Conn., settling on a large
farm near the village of Pachaug, and continued
teaching for several years in addition to working
upon the farm. Later he devoted his entire atten-
tion to farming, and resided in that locality until his
death, which occurred April 11, 1883. He was
buried in the cemetery at Pachaug. In political
faith he was a Democrat, and after taking up his
residence in Griswold he held a number of town
offices, serving for many years as a member of the
town board of education. He was a member of the
Baptist Church at Jewett City.
Mr. Lewis was married to Mary J. Phillips, of
Voluntown, Conn., born in 1846, in that town, a
daughter of Thurston B. Phillips, a farmer of Vol-
untown. Mrs. Lewis survives her husband, and
makes her home with Dr. Lewis, their only child.
Dr. Lewis was born March 16, 1869, at Gris-
wold, Conn., and received his early education in the
public schools of the town. Later he entered Norwich
Free Academy, and took the four years' course in
three years, being graduated therefrom in the class
496
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
of 1889. He then taught school for two years in
Griswold, and in the meanwhile managed the farm.
Later he entered the Eclectic Medical Institute at
Cincinnati, Ohio, and was graduated therefrom in
June, 1894, at the same time taking two special
courses in the city hospital of that city. On Aug.
1, 1894, he opened an office at No. 34 Washington
street, Norwich, and was located there until April,
1900, when he purchased his present property at
No. 341 Main street. Dr. Lewis is a very prominent
Democrat, and in June, 1902, he was elected a
member of the present board of aldermen. Prior to
that he was elected for a term of three years, 1900
to 1903, as a member of the board of education of
the Central school district. He has been medical
examiner of the town of Ledyard for six years,
and for four years served as health officer for that
town. On Oct. I, 1903, he was appointed health
officer of the city of Norwich, succeeding Dr. W. K.
Tingley. Fraternally he is a member of Reliance
Lodge, No. 29, I. O. O. F., at Jevvett City ; Gardner
Lodge, No. 46, K. of P., Russell Company No. 19,
Uniform Rank (being assistant surgeon of the lat-
ter lodge), and Hira Temple, No. 90, Dramatic
Order Knights of Khorassan, at New Britain,
known as the side rank of the Knights of Pythias ;
and Sassacus Tribe, No. 18, Improved Order of Red
Men.
On June 6, 1898, Dr. Lewis was married, at
Preston, to Hannah S. Sholes, a native of Preston,
daughter of Jeremiah F. and Nancy (Crary) Sholes,
a full account of which family appears elsewhere
in this volume. The following children have come
to Dr. and Mrs. Lewis : Helen Crary, born March
10, 1899 ; and Earl Sholes, born Aug. 18, 1903. Per-
sonally Dr. Lewis is very popular, and he is also an
enthusiastic and skilled physician, whose experience
has been a wide one, and whose success in dealing
with various dread diseases is most remarkable.
Both he and his wife are important factors in the
social life of the city, and they are very highly es-
teemed by a wide circle of friends.
ALBERT N. CARPENTER, one of the most
extensive contractors and builders of eastern Con-
necticut residing in Norwich, is descended from
one of the early settlers of the American Colonies.
(I) William Carpenter, the founder of the
American branch of the family, was born in 1605,
son of William Carpenter, Sr., of London. With
his wife Abigail and several children he came to
New England in 1638, in the ship "Bevis." His
father also accompanied him on the voyage, but
when the "Bevis" returned to England he, too,
went back to his old home. In 1640 William Car-
penter was admitted a freeman in Weymouth,
Mass., and he was deputy to the General Court
from that town in 1641 and 1643. He moved to
Rehoboth, Mass., and in 1645 became a freeman
of that town, whose deputy to the General Court
he was that same year, and he also held other
offices. He died in Rehoboth Feb. 7, 1659, and his
wife Feb. 22, 1687.
(II) Samuel Carpenter, born about 1644, mar-
ried May 25, 1660, Sarah Readaway, of Rehoboth,
Mass. Mr. Carpenter bought land in the "New
Purchase" and other land was assigned to him in
the division of 1671. He was a reliable and worthy
citizen of Rehoboth. Ten children were born to
his marriage, as follows: Samuel, born Sept. 15,
1661 ; Sarah, Jan. 11, 1663-64; Abiah, Feb. 10,
1665-66; James, April 12, 1668; Jacob, Sept. 5,
1670; Jonathan, Dec. 11, 1672; David, April 17,
1675; Solomon, Dec. 23, 1677; Zachariah, July 1,
1680; and Abraham, Sept. 20, 1682. After the
father's death the mother married Gilbert Brooks.
(III) Ensign Abiah Carpenter, born Feb. 10,
1665-66, married May 30, 1690, Mehitabel Read,
who was born in August, 1660, and died March
19, 1701-02. Mr. Carpenter married (second)
June 7, 1702, Sarah Read, who died July 17, 1724,
and he married (third) July 16, 1726, Mary
Ormsby. Mr. Carpenter was ensign in the militia
and a wheelwright and farmer by occupation. His
children, all born in Rehoboth, were : Abiah, born
April 21, 1691 ; Thomas, born Nov. 8, 1692; Mehet-
abel, born Nov. 15, 1694; Josiah, born July,
1696 ( ?) ; Samuel ( ?) ; Rachel, born May 19,
1699; Peter, born. April 22, 1701 ; Mary, born
March 4, 1704; and Cornelius, born Aug. 20, 1707.
(IV) Abiah Carpenter (2), born April 21, 1691,
married Jan. 1, 1717, Experience Abell, born March
10, 1692-93. Mr. Carpenter was a farmer of Reho-
both, Mass. He died Oct. 7, 1743, in his fifty-third
year. Their children were : Mehetabel, born Nov.
24, 1717; Experience, March 21, 1719; Abiah, Sept.
11, 1721 ; Peter, July 3, 1723 ; Sarah, Aug. 13, 1724;
Abel, Oct. 2-j, 1726; Lydia, Oct. 3, 1728; Huldah,
Dec. 4, 1730; Sarah, July 14, 1732; Hannah, May
11, 1734; and Esther, Dec. 27, 1735.
(V) Abiah Carpenter (3), born Sept. 11, 1721,
married Sept. 27, 1744, Keziah Wilmarth, and they
resided in Rehoboth, where they were farming peo-
ple. Their children, all born in Rehoboth, were:
Keziah, born Dec. 20, 1745 ; Mehetabel, Sept. 21,
1747; Lydia, Oct. 23, 1749; Abiah, Nov. 17, 1751 ;
Olive, March 30, 1754.
Mr. Carpenter was a patriot of the Revolution.
He enlisted in 1776 as a private soldier in Capt.
Paine's Company, and was stationed at Winter Hill.
He was dismissed after two months' service, April
1, 1776. He again served as a corporal in Capt.
Hicks's Company, Col. Thomas Carpenter's Regi-
ment, enlisting Dec. 8, 1776, and was out sixteen
days marching from Rehoboth to Bristol, R. I., in
the Rhode Island Alarm.
(VI) Abiah Carpenter (4), born Nov. 17, 1751,
married Nov. 11, 1784, Hopestill Short. Mr. Car-
penter, like his father, performed service as a soldier
in the army during the Revolution. He was a pri-
vate in Capt. Hicks's company, Col. Doggett's Reg-
iment, Jan. 13, 1778, and was out two months and
GENEALOGICAL 'AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
497
nineteen days, in the Rhode Island Alarm. Abiah
Carpenter of Rehoboth was a private in Capt. Mill-
iard's company, Col. Thomas Carpenter's Regiment,
July 2~, I//8, and was out one month and sixteen
days in the Rhode Island Alarm. His death oc-
curred July 19, 1809, when he was aged fifty-eight
years. His widow passed away Nov. II, 1810, aged
fifty years. Their children were: Lydia, born Nov.
11, 1787 : Abiah, Nov. 4, 1789 ; Abel, Sept. 22, 1791 ;
Hopestill. Aug-. 3, 1794; Candice. Sept. 22, 1796;
Hannah 15., June 19, 1799; Grace P., Aug. 14, 1801 ;
Pattv J., June 24, 1803; and Luther X., June 12,
1807.
< VII) Abiah Carpenter (5), born Xov. 4, 1789,
married June 29, 1814, Rosina Goff. By occupation
he was a farmer, in Rehoboth, Mass. He died Dec.
28, 1822. His children were : Cyril Peck, born Dec.
1, 1815; Luther, born Dec. 3, 1819, in Rehoboth,
Mass., married Oct. 25, 1842, Betsey Barney (he
removed to the West in 1855, locating at Buda, 111.,
and there died Oct. 30, 1901) ; George married and
lived at Taunton, Mass., but died in young man-
hood.
(VIII) Cyril Peck Carpenter, born Dec. 1,
1815, in Rehoboth, married Peddy Reed, born Sept.
20, 1815, daughter of Capt. Joseph and Peddy
(Hunt) Reed, of Rehoboth, and granddaughter of
Joseph Reed, of Rehoboth. Capt. Joseph Reed was
a soldier of the war of 1812, and long a merchant
and prominent citizen of his town, which he served
as selectman. Cyril P. Carpenter was by trade a
mason. He became quite an extensive contractor
and builder and had the reputation of being master
of his trade and business, one of the best in his line
in his section of the country. He figured in the
erection of many of the earlier buildings, both public
and private, in Taunton and that section. In the
early seventies he retired from active business to a
farm in the town of Raynham, Mass., and there died
Feb. 20, 1879, in the sixty-fourth year of his age.
He was a quiet man of simple life and habits, and
though not a politician he took an interest in the
affairs of his party, the Republican, whose principles
he ardently admired. His home in Taunton was at
Westville, long known as Factory ville. Mrs. Car-
penter died April 18, 1882, in the sixty-seventh year
of her age. The following fourteen children were
born to them: George R., of Taunton, Mass., born
April 16, 1838; William H., of Xorthboro, Mass.,
born Oct. 17, 1839; Emily J., born Oct. 27, 1841,
who married Frederick L. Thayer ; Francis L., born
Aug. 21, 1843; Mary E., born April 28, 1845, wno
married (first) Jerome W. Coe, (second) C. I.
Manter, and (third) Charles Moffit, of Xew York ;
Abby A., born June 24, 1846, deceased in infancy ;
Alice L., born Oct. 11, 1847, wno <nCfl when a
young lady : Harriet X., born Dec. 4, 1848, who
married G. W. L. Hatch, and resides in Taunton,
Mass.; Augusta, born Oct. 8, 185 1. who married
George Staples; Adelaide (twin), born Oct. 8, 185 1,
who died in infancy ; Annie X., born Jan. 16, 1853,
32
who died when a babe; Albert X.. born Feb. 13,
[854; Almon C, born July 14, [856; and John R.,
born Dec. 27, 1858.
Albert X. Carpenter was born Feb. 13. 1854,
at Taunton, Mass., and there received his schooling,
which ended at the age of eighteen, in the public
schools. At the age of fourteen he began working
at the mason's trade with his father, and by the time
he left school he was able to command wages of
$5 per daw working for different parties for two
years. At the end of that time he became associated
with his father in the contracting business at Taun-
ton, and there remained until the big fire at St.
John, Xew Brunswick, in 1878. when the partner-
ship was dissolved, and Albert X. went to that city.
There he became associated with a Mr. Jones, and
they did a large business in their line until the
burned portion was rebuilt, for a period of about
two years. Mr. Carpenter then returned to the
United States, and was located at many places in
Xew England, where work in his line could be had.
For a time he was at White River Junction, Vt.,
where he erected the large depot and several public
buildings. Later he had large contracts in Man-
chester, X. H., and Lowell, Mass., where he was
located for a year, and from there he went to Haver-
hill, Mass., soon after the large fire there in 1882.
He rebuilt a number of the large buildings, being
associated a portion of the time with a Mr. Merrill.
Later, for eleven years, he was a member of the
firm of H. P. Cummings & Co., large contractors at
Ware, Mass., Mr. Carpenter being the silent member
of the firm. They did an extensive business, among
their many contracts being the erection of the high
school buildings at Whitinsville, and Lexington,
Mass. In 1891 he had charge of the construction
of the Inebriate Asylum at Foxboro, Mass., and in
1892 the firm began the erection of the buildings
comprising the Backus Hospital at Norwich, Mr.
Carpenter having entire charge of the work. The
firm later secured other large contracts in that sec-
tion, including the erection of the buildings of the
Aspinook Bleachery, at Jewett City ; the factory of
the Uncas Paper Company, at Norwich ; the factory
for the Ulmer Leather Company, and many con-
tracts in other places. After the dissolution of the
firm of Cummings & Co., in 1898, Mr. Carpenter
formed a partnership with Charles M. Williams, of
Norwich, which was dissolved in May. 1904. As
the surviving member of the firm Mr. Carpenter
completed the Xew State Insane Hospital at Nor-
wich. His business is one of the most extensive of
its kind in eastern Connecticut, and is widely known.
He is the only one in this section that will take the
contract to do all the work on a large building. In
1904 he completed the new power station at Mystic
for the Groton-Westerly Trolley Line.
On Nov. 5, 1881, Mr. Carpenter was married,
in Lowell, Mass., to Martha A. Finley, of Vanee-
boro, Maine. They have had three children. Edith
Mav, Florence Reid and Mabel Robinson (de-
498
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
ceased). They also are bringing up a nephew of
Mr. Carpenter, Guy Francis Carpenter, upon whom
they bestow the same care and affection they give
their own children.
In former years Mr. Carpenter was a Democrat,
but of late he has supoprted the Republican ticket.
He was made a Master Mason in Ware, Mass., and
is a member of Franklin Chapter, No. 4, and Frank-
lin Council, No. 3, at Norwich. He is also a mem-
ber of the Royal Arcanum, and the Arcanum Club.
Mrs. Carpenter is a member of Trinity Methodist
Church, in which she is an active worker, and of
which Mr. Carpenter is a liberal supporter. Their
fine home on Uncas street, Norwich, was erected
by Mr. Carpenter in 1895. He is kind and indulgent
to his family, and finds his chief enjoyment in his
home. He is enterprising, progressive, public-spir-
ited and very liberal, qualities that make him justly
popular. He and his family have won a high stand-
ing in the social life of the community.
LLOYD P. AYER, one of the most extensive
and thrifty as well as progressive farmers of the
town of Franklin, belongs to the oldest family of
the town. He resides on land that has been in the
possession of the family continuously since about
1663.
It is a noteworthy fact that this property has
never been owned by, or occupied by, any person
other than an Aver, and that no incumbrance of any
kind has been put on the same. Tradition says the
family is of Scotch origin.
(I) John Aver, the first to come to America, was
born in England in 1590. He crossed the Atlantic
in 1637, on the ship "Mary Ann" commanded by
Captain Goos, and he was described on the shipping
list as John Eyre, grocer of Norwich. He was soon
joined by his family of eight children, and after re-
siding in Salisbury and Ipswich, he removed to
Haverhill March 5, 1645, an(l there his death oc-
curred in 1657. His wife Hannah passed away in
1675. Their children were as follows : John ; Na-
thaniel ; Hannah married Stephen Webster ; Re-
becca married John Astell ; Mary ; Robert married
Elizabeth Palmer ; Thomas married Elizabeth
Hutchins ; Obediah married Hannah Pike ; and Peter
married Hannah Olin.
(II) John Aver, of above family, was the first of
the name to come to what is now Franklin, and
the first white settler in the town. Tradition says
that he had difficulties in Haverhill, and that he fled
to the wilderness of Connecticut. He took up a
large tract of land in what is now the northeast part
of Franklin, and his house was near the ledges at
Ayer's Gap. It is supposed that he resided there
for a time, and then sent for his family, but a num-
ber of years later he returned to Haverhill and
there died, July 25, 1662. On May 5, 1646, he was
married at Haverhill, Mass., to Sarah Williams,
daughter of John Williams, of Haverhill. Their
children were : John, born March 18, 1647, died
in 1683 ; Zebediah, born Oct. 24, 1650, married Eliz-
abeth Chase; Nathaniel, born March 13, 1654, mar-
ried Ann Swans ; Joseph, born May 16, 1658 ; Sarah,
born Jan. 17, 1661. Sarah Williams, mother of
the above family died, and John Ayer was married
(second), March 26, 1663, to Mary Mordan, who
bore him one child, Samuel, born Oct. 6, 1670.
(III) Joseph Ayer was married, Nov. 24, 1686,
to Sarah Carliss, born Feb. 24, 1663, and they resid-
ed on the farm in Franklin.
(IV) Timothy Ayer, born March 25, 1698, mar-
ried Jan. 25, 1726, Abigail Hartshorn, born July 1,
1705. His death occurred Sept. 18, 1771. Their
children were: Lydia, born Sept. 17, 1727; Peter,
born Sept. 8, 1729; Phebe, born May 15, 1732; and
Joseph, born July 15, 1734.
(V) Joseph Ayer was married in May, 1753,
to Elizabeth, daughter of Ebenezer and Elizabeth
Wales, born Nov. 28, 1730, and died May 6, 1763.
He died Oct. 13, 1793. His residence was a short
distance north of the present home of our subject,
and the house has since been removed to Baltic, and
is yet standing. The children of Joseph were : Tim-
othy, born Oct. 15, 1754; Ebenezer, born Jan. 16,
1755; Sarah, born July 12, 1756; Nathaniel, born
Jan. 31, 1758; Cynthia, born Sept. 24, 1759; Peter,
born Aug. 23, 1761 ; and Elizabeth, born April 11,
1763. After the death of the mother of the above
family, Joseph married, Sept. 6, 1764, Mary Bailey,
of Groton; she died Jan. 29, 1814, aged seventy-
four years, the mother of children as follows : Oli-
ver, born Nov. 14, 1765, became a minister, and died
in 1832; Elizabeth, born March 31, 1767, died May
2, 1 77 1 ; Bailey, born June 19, 1768, was the great-
grandfather of our subject; Mary (Polly), born
Nov. 17, 1774; Clarissa, born Sept. 4, 1779; and
Lydia, bom Aug. 17, 1781.
(VI) Bailey Ayer was a farmer and resided on
the above mentioned property, there dying Nov. 20,
1844. He was a very active member of the Meth-
odist Church when it was in existence at Portipaug,
and he gave the church a bell, with the proviso that
the same bell was to be the property of the church
as long as a church existed in Franklin. When the
church was moved to Baltic, the bell reverted to his
heirs, who presented it to the Congregational Church
at Franklin, and it is in use in the present church
edifice. He married Sabra Bailey, of Groton, who
died May 11, 1826, aged fifty-four years. Their
children were: Sabra, born April 12, 1796; Free-
love, born Jan. 12, 1798, married Othniel Gager;
Charlotte, born May 23, 1799, married, Feb. 19,
1828, Zacheus Waldo, and resided in Scotland,
Conn. ; Joseph Bailey was born Feb. 16, 1802 ; Aus-
tin, born Oct. 5, 1805, married Ruby Frink, was a
farmer, residing for a time in New York State, later
in Ashtabula county, Ohio, and finally returned to
Franklin, where he died Sept. 17, 1849; an<l Mary,
born Dec. 1, 1807, married George S. Hartshorn, of
Franklin, and they became the parents of Samuel
G. Hartshorn, present town clerk of Franklin.
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
499
i VII) Joseph Bailev Ayer, grandfather of our
subject, was a school teacher in early life, teaching
for many years, and he was a well informed man for
the times. The house now occupied on the Ayer
property was erected by him. He was a man of
much energy, with a capacity for hard work, while
his shrewd, business foresight enabled him to make
wise investments, and he accumulated a good prop-
erty. In religion he was a Methodist, but after the
church was removed from Franklin, he transferred
his membership to the Congregational Church there,
and always was a strict churchman. In politics he
was a Whig. He died, widely and favorably
known, Aug. 12, i860. On May 19, 1828, he mar-
ried Dolly Williams Hartshorn, of Franklin, born
May 19, 1803. She was a popular school teacher
in early life, and died Dec. 16, 1890. The children
of this worthy couple were : ( 1 ) Julia Sabra, born
Nov. 28, 1829, was a school teacher during her
young womanhood; on May 17, 1859, she married
Bronck Yerplanck, who died in New York City,
and she now resides in South Manchester, Conn.,
with her son, Prof. Fred Ayer Yerplanck, superin-
tendent of schools in that city. (2) Edwin Eugene
was born Nov. 12, 1832. (3) Miss Sarah Eliza-
beth, born June 28, 1836, was a school teacher,
and died July 23, 1867.
Through his paternal grandmother, Mrs. Dolly
(Hartshorn) Ayer, our subject traces his ancestral
line as follows: (I) Thomas Hartshorn, a native
of England, is supposed to have emigrated to this
country about the year 1640. He left England in
the time of the Civil war in that country, in the reign
of King Charles I. By occupation was a tailor.
He was married in the New World to a Miss Buck,
and he then settled in Reading, Boston Colony,
where he died. His children by this marriage were :
Thomas, John, Joseph, Benjamin, Jonathan, David,
Susannah. By another marriage he had a son
Timothy.
(II) David Hartshorn, son of Thomas, married
Rebecca Batchelor, and removed to Norwich, now
Franklin, in 1696. He was a physician by profes-
sion, and served as a deacon in the Second Society
of that town. He died Nov. 3, 1738, while Rebecca
died March 4, 1743. Their children were: Jona-
than, David, Samuel, Ebenezer and Rebecca.
(III) Samuel Hartshorn, son of David, was born
in Reading, Mass., June 10, 1692. On Oct. 25,
1713, he married Rebecca Hartshorn, who died May
6, 1743, the mother of children as follows: Sarah,
born Nov. 5, 1721 ; Samuel, born April 10, 1725,
died July 5, 1775; Susanna, born Aug. 9, 1728;
Martha, born Sept. 12, 1732, died June 8, 1784.
Samuel Hartshorn, father of the above family, died
Jan. 17, 1784, aged ninety-one years.
(IV) Samuel Hartshorn (2), son of Samuel,
married Priscilla Williams, daughter of Joseph
Williams, of Norwich. Samuel Hartshorn resided
on the farm now owned and occupied by Samuel G.
Hartshorn, of Franklin. His children were : Reu-
ben, born March 9, 1754; Edney, born Feb. 8, 1756;
Eli, burn Jan. 5, 1758; Cynthia, born (Jet. 16, 1759;
( Hive, born Sept. 26, 1761 ; Samuel born Nov. 9,
1764; Lucretia, born March 15, 1766; Annie, born
Aug. 22, 1768; Reuben (2), born Sept. 24, 1770;
Voadica, born Dec. 27, 1775.
(V) Eli Hartshorn was a farmer, and resided
in Franklin on the farm so often mentioned, his en-
tire life. In politics he was a Whig, and he became
very prominent in the town, holding the office of
town clerk for years, and he also served as a justice
of the peace, as well as in many positions of trust.
For a short time, he was a soldier in the Revolution-
ary war, and was ever found ready and willing to
prove his patriotism. The wife of Eli was Eliza-
beth Sumner of Abington Society, Pomfret. She
survived her husband for a number of years, and
died June 2, 1843, aged seventy-four years, while
he died May 2, 1825, aged sixty-seven years. Both
are buried in Franklin cemetery. Their children
were: Elizabeth, born Nov. I, 1796, married Her-
man Gager, a farmer, who died in Franklin ; George
Sumner, born Sept. 8, 1798, married Mary, daugh-
ter of Joseph Bailey Ayer, of Franklin, and he be-
came a prominent man in that town, serving as
town clerk for many years, and holding numerous
other town offices, and they became the parents of
Samuel G. Hartshorn, the present clerk of that
town; Asa, born July 13, 1800, married Julia Kings-
bury, and was a farmer at Lennox, Ashtabula Co.,
Ohio, where he died ; Dolly Williams, born May 19,
1803, married Joseph Bailey Ayer, and resided in
Franklin, where they died ; Lucy Sumner, born May
3, 1805, married John G. Clark, and resided in
Windham, Conn., and later in Lebanon, where she
died ; Samuel, born Aug. 30, 1808, died Jan. 20,
1818.
(VIII) Edwin Eugene Ayer, father of our sub-
ject, was educated in the district school and a select
school kept by Dr. Fitch at South Windham. When
a young man, for a number of winters, he taught
school in the towns of Franklin, Scotland, Chaplin
and Windham. For seven years during this time
he spent the summer season at the home of his uncle
in Ohio, and each year when he returned to Con-
necticut, he would bring a drove of cattle, which
he disposed of at a good profit. Later he was em-
ployed during the summer season assisting in the
construction of the Providence, Hartford & Fish-
kill railroad. His father's death necessitated his
returning- to the farm, and there he resided until
his own death, Dec. 16, 1890, from pneumonia. His
aged mother, who, until this time was enjoying
good health, was taken suddenly ill, and died a few
hours after her son, her death being caused by sym-
pathetic pneumonia. In politics he was a Republi-
can, and became very prominent in local, county and
State affairs. In 1883 he represented the town in
the State Legislature, and he held nearly every office
within the gift of the people of his town, except those
of town clerk and treasurer. He served as First
5oo
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
selectman for a number of years, wisely and econom-
ically administered the affairs of the town, and was
thus serving at the time of his untimely death.
Mr. Aver was also quite active in educational
affairs in the town, and served for a long period as
a member of the board of education. He also set-
tled many estates and acted as guardian and trustee.
In religious matters he attended the Franklin Con-
gregational Church, and gave very liberally towards
its support, as well as towards any good cause.
On Feb. 5, 1862, Mr. Ayer married Adelaide
Pendleton, born March 30, 1840, in Norwich, Conn.,
daughter of Gurdon and Eliza (Backus) Pendleton;
she died Dec. 25, 1897. Their children were :
Lloyd Pendleton, born Dec. 26, 1864; Jennie Os-
good, born Oct. 13, 1870, married, June 18, 1896,
Arad R. Manning, a grain dealer and miller at Yan-
tic, and they have one child, Eugene Arad, born
March 8, 1897.
(IX) Lloyd Pendleton Ayer was born in Nor-
wich, Conn. He attended the district schools, a se-
lect school at Lebanon taught by his cousin, Fred
Ayer Verplanck, and the Natchaug high school at
Willimantic. As his father's health was poor, he
was early obliged to take an active part in the man-
agement of the farm, and, after the death of the for-
mer, he assumed entire control. By the purchase
of other land he has added greatly to his holdings,
and is one of the largest land owners in the town.
He has made extensive improvements on the farm,
taking a great pride in his property, and in keeping
it in perfect condition. Among other things he is
well known as a breeder of fine Holstein cattle,
owning a large herd, and he is also extensively en-
gaged in dairying. Mr. Ayer is not only a good
farmer, but he is one who endeavors to introduce
new methods and to conduct his property upon thor-
ough business principles. That his ideas are cor-
rect, the excellent condition of his land and his
annual income from it conclusively prove.
On Sept. 15, 1897, Mr. Ayer was married in
Willimantic to Hannah A. Vallette, a native of Vol-
untown, and a daughter of Clark James and Emma
(James) Vallette. They have one child, Joseph
Eugene, born on June 9, 1898. In politics Mr. Ayer
is a Republican, and has served as assessor and upon
the board of relief, and at the present time he is a
member of the board of selectmen. Fraternally he
is a member of Willimantic Council, No. 723, Royal
Arcanum. He is a charter member of Sprague
Court, No. 10464, American Woodmen, at Ver-
sailles. He attends the Congregational Church at
Franklin, of which his wife is a member, and he
gives very liberally of his means towards its sup-
port.
Coming as he does of a long line of honorable
ancestors, whose deeds are recorded upon the pages
of history, Mr. Ayer is a worthy representative of
a thoroughly American stock. His efforts, like
those of his forebears, are earnestly directed toward
the betterment of society, the advancement of the
community in which the Ayer name is so well and
honorably known, and the continuance of the fam-
ily prosperity and prominence.
EDWIN CLIFFORD CHIPMAN, M. D., a
prominent physician of New London, Conn., comes
from an old New England family, whose settlement
in America dates back to 1631. The Chipman lin-
eage in America is traced from at least four of the
passengers from England in the "Mayflower." The
branch of the family from which Dr. Chipman de-
scends is traced to Hope Howland, first wife of
John Chipman, the progenitor of the family in the
New World. Hope Howland was a daughter of
John Howland and his wife Elizabeth Tilley
(daughter of John Tilley), who came with her
parents in the brave little company.
From John Chipman, Dr. Edwin Clifford Chip-
man is a descendant in the eighth generation, the
line being through (II) Samuel, (III) Samuel,
(IV) Samuel, (V) Charles, (VI) Nathan Fellows,
(VII) Nathan Truman and (VIII) Edwin Clifford.
(I) John Chipman was born at Bryans-Piddle,
near Dorchester, England, about 1614, and he died
April 7, 1708. He sailed from Barnstable, Devon-
shire, England, in May, 163 1, in the ship "Friend-
ship," arriving in Boston July 14, 163 1. John Chip-
man was the first and only one of the name to seek
a home in America, and up to 1850 there was no
Chipman in this country who was not descended
from him. He resided most of his life at Barn-
stable, Mass. In 1646 he married Hope, second
daughter of John and Elizabeth (Tilley) Howland.
She died in 1683. While John Chipman was mar-
ried a second time, his eleven children were all by
his first wife.
(II) Samuel Chipman was the first son of John
and Hope (Howland) Chipman, and was born April
15, 1 661, at Barnstable, Mass., where he resided.
He died in 1723. On the paternal homestead, near
the Custom House, he built the "Chipman Tavern,"
which remained in the family until 1830. Samuel
Chipman was a carpenter by trade. On Dec. 27,
1686, he married Sarah Cobb, daughter of Elder
Henry Cobb, of Barnstable. Eleven children were
born of this union.
(III) Samuel Chipman (2), son of Samuel, was
born Aug. 16, 1689, and he made his home in Barn-
stable, where he succeeded to his father's estate,
business, and offices. His death occurred in 1753.
He married (first) Abiah Hinkley, and (second)
Mrs. Mary Green.
(IV) Samuel Chipman (3), second son and
third child of Samuel (2), was born in Barnstable
Nov. 25, 1 72 1, and he died at Groton, Conn., April
17, 1 79 1. He learned the trade of currier, and in
his young manhood located in Groton, where he
passed the rest of his life. In 1746 he married Ruth
Baker, of Groton.
(V) Charles Chipman, tenth child and sixth son
of Samuel (3), was born in Groton in 1771, and
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
501
there he made his home until his death in March.
1 85 1. On Nov. 28, , he married Martha.
daughter of Billings Bnrch, of Stonington, Con-
necticut.
(VI) Nathan Fellows Chipman, son and eldest
child of Charles, was born in Groton, Oct. 28, 1800.
Like his father he was a currier by trade, and he
made his home at Charlestown, R. I., and Hope Val-
ley. R. I. His death occurred in March, 1877. On
Jan. 29, 1824, he married Martha, daughter of Icha-
bod Burdick, of Hopkinton, R. I., who bore him
five children, namely : Nathan Truman, Charles
Henry. Martha Jane, Erastus Dennison and Wil-
liam McKee.
(YII) Nathan Truman Chipman, son of Nathan
Fellows, was born at Charlestown, R. L, Feb. 9,
1826. and died at Mystic, Conn., March 2, 1896.
He spent his early years at Hope Valley, R. L, and
there learned the trade of currier under his father.
He later in life located in Ulster county, N. Y.,
where for twelve years he successfully carried on
his trade. Returning to Hope Valley, R. L, he took
up his father's business, and continued it for eight
years. The rapid advance in methods employed by
curriers rendered the business of smaller operators
unprofitable, as where one year was necessary to
tan leather, the larger concerns could do it in one
week. Unable longer to compete with the big tan-
neries, Mr. Chipman abandoned the business en-
tirely. He removed to Mystic, and there took up
farming, which he followed during the remainder of
his active life. On Nov. 25, 1847, ne married Har-
riet A. Lewis, of North Stonington, Conn., born in
1828, daughter of Thomas Lewis. She died while
on a visit to her son, Dr. Edwin C, at Niantic,
Conn., in October, 1903. Nathan Truman Chip-
man was a member of the Seventh Day Baptist
Church, in which faith his family were reared. To
him and wife were born the following family :
Thomas Lewis, born Aug. 10, 1849, died May 10,
1881 ; Sarah A., born Oct. 28, 1851, married Ste-
phen Reynolds (now deceased), and she resides in
Brooklyn, N. Y. ; Charles H., born June 22, 1854,
resides in Niantic, Conn. ; Jessie E., born Aug. 10,
1856. married Ernest E. Lewis, a dairyman, and re-
sides in Waterford, Conn. ; M. Alice, born Oct. 26,
1858, married Charles Weems. and resides at Mys-
tic, Conn.; Edwin Clifford; Abbie M., born Jan. 1,
1864. married (first) Frank Allen, and (second)
William H. Barber, of Mystic. Conn.; T. Wesley,
born March 14, 1866, died in 1884 ; and Nathan Ern-
est, born Feb. 1, 1868, died in 1870.
(VIII) Edwin Clifford Chipman. son of Na-
than Truman, was born March 7, 1861, at West
Saugerties, Ulster Co., N. Y. He was but a child
when his parents removed to Rhode Island, where
his boyhood and school days were spent, at Hope
A'alley and at Rockville. Being one of a large fam-
ily whose parents were of limited means, it was
necessary early to utilize the earning capacity of
«ach. When but a lad of eleven years, Edwin C.
Chipman went to work in a cotton mill. Soon
after his parents removed to .Mystic, Conn., where
he attended grammar school, doing chores for his
board. In the summer season he worked at farm
work or other employment, not having many idle
weeks. He was ambitious for an education, as a
foundation for the study of medicine, a desire he
had cherished from boyhood. To reach the height
of his ambition, he had no one to depend upon but
himself. Subsequently he entered Alford Univer-
sity, at Alford Center, N. Y., from which he was
graduated with the degree of A. B. in 1887. Tak-
ing up his professional studies at the College of
Physicians and Surgeons, at Columbia College, N.
Y., he graduated therefrom in 1891, and in Octo-
ber, of that year, began practicing his profession at
Niantic, Conn., where he succeeded Dr. Elisha Mun-
ger. Here he rapidly built up an excellent prac-
tice, extending over East Lyme, Old Lyme, Wat-
erford, and into New London. To satisty the de-
sire for a city practice, Dr. Chipman was forced to
give up much of his country work. when. Jan. 1,
1904, he located in New London. However, a con-
siderable part of his former practice is looked after
from his location in the city. Dr. Chipman is a
close student, keeping fully abreast of every advance
in medical science, and is a thorough, patient inves-
tigator, never willing to accept any important as-
sertion as truth until he has weighed and tested it
for himself. A strict observer of the unwritten
code of professional ethics, he stands high in his
profession. In taking New London as a field for his
practice, Dr. Chipman has met with more than ordi-
nary success, and enjoys a rapidly growing clien-
tele among the better class of families. He is strict-
lv a self-made man, and whatever his success, it is
the outgrowth of his own efforts, based upon skill
and merit.
Professionally Dr. Chipman is connected with
the New London City and County, and the Con-
necticut State Medical Societies. He joined the I.
O. O. F. as a member of the Niantic Lodge. No. 17,
and the O. U. A. M., as a member of Warren Coun-
cil, East Lyme, Conn. Politically he is not bound
by party ties, and while his sympathies may be said
to be strongly with the Prohibition party, he invari-
ably, in local affairs, looks to the fitness of a candi-
date rather than to his political belief. The one
political office he has ever held was as a member
of the Constitutional Convention of 1902, from
East Lyme. He is not an office seeker, and his ac-
tivity in political matters has been from a desire for
the selection of competent officials, or the success
of a worthy cause. Somewhat outspoken in his
manner, he is always understood in public aftairs,
and he has the courage of his convictions.
On Nov. 7, 1888, Dr. Chipman was married to
Miss Eunice C. Crumb, of Mystic. Conn., and their
children are: Clifford E., born in New York City;
and Truman F., Harriet E. and Mary A., all born
in Niantic.
502
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPLIICAL RECORD.
DR. WILLIAM J. HANFORD. While a resi-
dent of Norwich only a few years, Dr. Hanford has
rapidly come to the front as one of the leading and
successful physicians of the city. He comes of good
Colonial stock, his great-great-grandfather having
been "Uncle Joe" Hanford, of Danbnry, Conn., who
served in the Revolutionary war. He had several
children, of whom one was the Doctor's great-
grandfather.
(II) George Hanford, son of "Uncle Joe" and
great-grandfather of Dr. Hanford, was born in
Westport, Conn., and the old homestead still stands
in which he was born. George Hanford owned large
tracts of land there, and at one time was the owner
of the greater portion of Westport. He was an
extensive farmer, and followed agricultural pursuits
all his life. His death occurred in 1825, when he
had reached an advanced age, in Westport. The
maiden name of his wife was Wright, and she bore
him children as follows : Capt. William, the first
man to run a steamboat on Long Island sound, the
"General Lafayette," an old-style side-wheeler, then
considered a very fine vessel ; Alfred ; Willett, who
died at sea, following his life work ; Sally, who died
unmarried ; Elizabeth, who married and died in
Bridgeport, Conn. ; and Emily, who married a Mr.
Ross, and died in New York.
(III) Alfred Hanford, son of George, and
grandfather of Dr. Hanford, was born in Westport,
where he met an accidental death. He was thrown
from his horse on Westport bridge in 1828, when he
was about forty-five years of age, and his back was
broken. For many years he had been a merchant at
Westport, and was a most successful and prominent
man, highly esteemed by all who had business rela-
tions with him. His wife, prior to her marriage,
was Elizabeth Fitch, daughter of William Fitch, of
Liberty, Sullivan Co., N. Y. She died in Bridgeport
in 1888, aged ninety-seven and one-half years. The
children born to the grandparents of Dr. Hanford
were as follows : Angeline, of Brooklyn, N. Y., is
the widow of Ignanus Shutcoskie, a bookkeeper by
occupation and an exiled count from Warsaw,
Poland ; twins, a son and a daughter, died in infancy ;
Mary died unmarried at the age of seventeen years ;
William F. is mentioned below ; Willett H., of Cali-
fornia, has been a resident of that State for the past
twenty years ; Elizabeth married Ralph Kilburn, of
Liberty, N. Y., a merchant of that place (she died
at Albany) ; Sarah is unmarried and resides at
Bridgeport.
(IV) William Fitch Hanford, son of Alfred
Hanford and father of Dr. Hanford, was born Oct.
6, 1822, at Bridgeport, Conn., and died in Preston,
Conn., in August, 1904. He had been in the truck-
ing and express business in New York City, but re-
cently retired. As a boy he was in a store, but later
he embarked in a wood business. This in turn gave
way to his express business. Mr. Hanford carried
on his enterprise upon a large scale, owning and run-
ning six single and double wagons and a large truck.
From the time he was fifteen years of age until 1893.
he gave his time and attention to this line of busi-
ness, and was very successful in all his operations.
At that time he sold his interests and took up his
residence at Preston, where he lived retired, sur-
rounded by comforts provided by ample means.
William F. Hanford married Sarah A. Cleveland,
a daughter of Ezra Cleveland, of New York Citv.
She died Oct. 13, 1893, at Brooklyn, N. Y. Two
children were born of this marriage : Mary E., who
married D. L. Jones, a real estate dealer in New
York ; and William J.
(V) Dr. Hanford was born Oct. 26, 1858, in
Liberty, Sullivan Co., N. Y., and was but a small
boy when his parents moved to Preston. He re-
ceived his early education in the district schools of
the town, and a select school kept by Dr. Claudius
B. Webster, on Webster Heights, in Norwich. At
the age of fourteen years he went to New York City,
and attended high school in that city. After fin-
ishing his high school course he entered New York
Medical University, under Prof. Darling. Later
he attended the New York Homeopathic College
and Hospital, and was graduated therefrom in the
class of 1883. A year prior to his graduation
from the latter institution Dr. Hanford had estab-
lished himself in practice at Hot Springs, Ark.,
and after receiving his diploma he returned there,
and was a resident of that place for six years. Dur-
ing this time he served upon several occasions as
president and secretary of the board of health of
the city. From Hot Springs he went to Scully-
ville, and later to McAlester, Indian Territory, and
subsequently to Brooklyn, N. Y., locating in the
latter city on Putnam avenue, where he became at-
tached to the eastern district hospital staff and ren-
dered very efficient service, gaining an exceedingly
valuable experience.
Later the Doctor took service through Minister
Mendoza with the Brazilian government, as sur-
geon in the army, and immediately went to that
country. At this time Floriano Peixoto was presi-
dent and the country was in a state of rebellion. He
continued in this service for two years, and then
had a disagreement with the government officials.
He then joined the revolutionists under Admiral
De Mello and Commandte Sahldana da' Gama, and
was in their service about a year and a half. Dur-
ing all the time Dr. Hanford had a very interest-
ing and exciting experience, and one which he high-
ly values. In 1896 he returned to the United
States, and began the practice of his profession at
Norwich, where he has acquired a large and con-
stantly increasing patronage, which is one of the
largest in the city.
In politics Dr. Hanford is a Democrat, and in
June, 1897, he was elected a member of the com-
mon council, and served on the police committee, as
well as in the position of water commissioner. He
is head physician for Connecticut Jurisprudence of
the Modern Woodmen of America. In addition
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
503
he is a member of Uncas Lodge, No. n, I. (). O.
F., and Palmyra Encampment ; Manchester Unity,
of which he is physician ; the Golden Cross, and
Norwich Lodge No. 430, B. P. O. E. ; he also be-
longs to the New York Athletic Cluh. Dr. Han-
ford is treasurer and one of the directors of the
local compressed air plant. His house was the
first in the United States to be equipped with nat-
ural compressed air, and he was the first physician
to use it in his practice.
The maiden name of Mrs. Hanford was Miss
Aimee E. Eggington, and she is a native of New
York City. Dr. and Mrs. Hanford have no chil-
dren.
Dr. Hanford is a most enthusiastic and ambi-
tious member of his profession, a skilled physician
and close student, whose success in many very seri-
ous cases has been most remarkable. As a citizen
he is most highly esteemed, while in the ranks of
his profession he stands second to none in the
county.
ORIGEN SEYMOUR GALLUP, a prosperous
farmer and stock raiser of Yoluntown, is a well
known and very highly respected citizen of that
section of Connecticut. He was born on the Gal-
lup homestead, Dec. 31, 1849, son °f the ^ate Benja-
min and brother of Hon. Edwin Byron Gallup, of
Voluntown, in whose sketch elsewhere in this volume
is the ancestral history of the Gallup family.
Origen S. Gallup attended the public schools of
Voluntown, and grew up on the home farm where
his entire life has been passed. Since the death of
his father, he has been operating the homestead —
a tract of 640 acres of land, much of which is under
cultivation. In. addition to being an intelligent and
capable public man, he is a fine farmer, taking great
pride not alone in the productiveness of his farm,
but also in its attractive appearance, and it reflects
credit upon his methods. He is also engaged in
furnishing ship and railroad lumber at Westerly,
R. I., and Jewett City.
Mr. Gallup is a quiet, unassuming man, strictly
domestic in his tastes and devoted to home and fam-
ily. Temperate in habit, he enjoys every one's
respect. As a stanch Republican he has been
deeply interested in politics, and he represented the
town in the State Legislature in the session of 1901,
serving on the committee on Temperance. Mr.
Gallup has also served on the board of relief of
Voluntown.
On April 27, 1887, in Voluntown, Mr. Gallup
married Josephine Maria Kinne, born on the old
Kinne homestead, daughter of William Kinne. Mrs.
Gallup was educated in the schools of Voluntown
and was a teacher in the schools of the town for
twenty terms. She is a lady of engaging manner.
cultured and refined, and is a loving wife and mother.
She is a member of the Baptist Church. The three
children of Mr. and Mrs. Gallup are: Bertha and
Benjamin, twins, born Feb. 22, 1894, the latter of
whom died May 30, 1894; and Benjamin Kinne,
born July 6, 1895.
Mrs. Gallup belongs to a very prominent old
family, one of the oldes! in Voluntown. A full and
complete history of the family is at present being
compiled by Mrs. Frederic L. ( Isgood, of Norwich,
who has made extensive research and has taken a
deep interest in family genealogy.
Moses Kinne, the great-grandfather of Mrs.
Gallup, married at Voluntown, Sept. 27, 1732. Abi-
gail Read, who died Jan. 18, 1804, aged ninety-two
years. He died July 18, 1788, aged seventy-nine
years. They had these children: Rachel, born
Sept. I, 1733; Ezra, born April 3. [736; lluldah,
born Oct. 7, 1737; Esther, born May 4, 1739: Ira,
born Aug. 7, 1740; Moses, born April 26, 1742;
Lois, born Aug. 7, 1743 : Aaron, born Sept. 24, 1744 ;
Cyrus, born Aug. 11, 174(1, who married a Miss Pal-
mer, lived in the State of New York and had eighty-
six grandchildren; Abel, born June 22, 1748; Jesse,
born Feb. 6, 1750; and Seth, born May 18. 1752.
Abel Kinne, son of Moses, was born at Volun-
town on the farm now owned by his grandson Wil-
liam. He was a farmer and landowner, and lived
on the old homestead until his death. March 2. 1834,
at the age of eighty-six years. On Oct. 3. 1771. in
Voluntown, Conn., he married Rachel Frink, who
died May 22, 1788. Their children were as follows:
Huldah, born Oct. 2, 1774 ; John, born Jan. 27. 1777 ;
Abel, born Feb. 2, 1779 ; Rachel, born May 13. 1781 ;
Elizabeth, born Aug. 4, 1783: Prudence, born Dec.
17, 1786, died Aug. 30, 1787. He married ( second)
Freelove Gallup, born Sept. 3, 175 1, at Stonington,
Conn. Three children were born to this marriage
as follows: Avery, born Feb. 12, 1790; Allen, born
Aug. 1, 1 79 1 ; and Hannah, born Nov. 13, I7*>5-
Avery Kinne, son of Abel, was born on the old
family homestead, and like his father, became a
farmer. He remained all his life on the home
farm, one of the solid, substantial and representative
men of his locality. In politics he took a great inter-
est, and was identified with the Democratic party.
He married Hannah Gallup, Feb. 29, 18 14. and these
children were born to them : Laura, who married
Thomas Tillinghast and lived at Plainfield, Conn. ;
Keziah, who died aged thirty-five years; Martin,
who married Sarah Thompson; Courtland, who
married Mrs. Julia (Kinne) Palmer: Charles, who
died young; and William, father of Mrs. Gallup.
The mother of this family died in 1840, and the
father Sept. I, 1861, and they were buried in the
family lot at Yoluntown.
William Kinne was born on the old Kinne home-
stead Aug. 6, 1826, and has lived here all his life.
He secured his education in the district schools and
grew up a thoroughly practical farmer. He owns
a fine farm of 200 acres of the old homestead, and
has also been engaged in lumbering, devoting con-
siderable time to this business during the winter
seasons. With the exception of defective hearing,
Mr. Kinne suffers little from the infirmities of age.
504
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
He is a man of high character, and although not a
church member, is a liberal supporter of all moral
movements. Like his father, he is a stanch Demo-
crat.
In Yoluntown Air. Kinne married Hannah
Congdon, who has been spared him to cheer and
comfort his declining years, and she, too, has been
touched lightly by time. They have had the fol-
lowing children : Myron, who resides on the old
homestead ; Josephine Maria, who married Origen
S. Gallup ; Cynthia, deceased ; Clarence, who resides
at Pawtucket, R. I. ; Allen, who died aged twenty
years ; and Florence, who died at the age of twenty-
five years.
Both the Gallup and Kinne families have long
been leading and representative ones in Connecticut,
and many members have become prominent in other
States. Wherever found they exhibit those sterling
traits of character which have made their ances-
tors remembered through generations.
JUDGE RICHARD ANSON WHEELER was
born in Stonington, Conn., Jan. 29, 18 17, the only
son of Richard and Mary (Hewitt) Wheeler. In
both paternal and maternal lines, he descended from
Thomas Wheeler, who came from England to Lynn,
Mass., in 1636 ; also from Captain John Gallup, who
fell in the memorable swamp fight ; Thomas Stan-
ton, the interpreter general ; and Captain George
Denison, one of the most distinguished soldiers in
Connecticut. He also descended from many other
early settlers of the town of Stonington, among them
being Thomas Hewitt, William Chesebrough, Wal-
ter Palmer, Robert Park, Allen Breed, Edmund
Fanning and Robert Burrows, while he could trace
his ancestry in direct line back to Thompson, Short,
Lake, Prentice, Lord, Washington, Bulkley, Steven-
son, Borodel, Irlby, Gore, Weld, Bower, Draper,
Stansfield, Eastwood, Chandler, Douglass, Mable,
Ireland. Culver, Hubbard, Latham, Masters, Pay-
son, Elliot, Tilestone, and Aggar.
Judge Wheeler was reared on the farm which
had been owned by his Wheeler ancestors for sev-
eral generations, and he lived all his life in the very
house built by them in 1735. He was educated in
the common schools of the time, until he was seven-
teen years of age, when he attended for three months
a private school at Mystic, Conn., during the win-
ter of 1834-5, thus gaining a thorough knowledge
of the fundamental branches, which, with the stud-
ies that he pursued out of school, broadened his in-
tellect : with the summers passed on the farm, he
attained a rugged constitution which prepared him
to enter the battle of life well fitted to meet its every
exigency.
At the age of eighteen years he was chosen ser-
geant of the 6th Company, 8th Regiment, 3rd Bri-
gade, Connecticut Militia, and two years later was
elected and commissioned captain of the same com-
pany. After three years of service he was honor-
ably discharged from military duty, but was ever
after known to some of his. comrades as Captain
Wheeler. He was a member of the board of edu-
cation under the old school system for fifteen years,
and was selectman for the years of 1847 an(i ^48;
assessor from 1846 to 1850; representative of the
town in the General Assembly in 185 1 ; high sheriff
of New London county for twelve years by four elec-
tions; judge of probate for twenty-three years,
being elected each second year until by reason of the
age limit he was unable to serve longer; justice of
the peace for forty years ; and a notary public for
fifty-five years. He was an authority on matters
of probate, being consulted by those in this and other
towns, who had difficult problems to decide. Al-
though never desiring to be admitted to the Bar,
he acquired a thorough legal knowledge, which was
of much value to him in the various offices in which
he was placed. Besides settling 1,170 estates, he
wrote 650 wills, which disposed of much property,
and never was one of them broken, although sev-
eral of them were contested.
Judge Wheeler was the oldest member of the
First Congregational Church of Stonington, both
in years and term of membership, and was clerk of
the church, and one of the standing committee for
sixty-six years, consecutively, which position he
held until his death. He was well-versed in her
history, as his book "The History of the First
Church of Stonington" — a volume of 300 pages,
published in 1875 — shows. He also wrote an his-
torical sketch of the first three churches of New
London county, and an historical sketch of Stoning-
ton and sixteen churches, published in the History
of New London County. His addresses and writ-
ings were numerous, and of great value. In 1876
he delivered an address on the Mystic Valley. He
also delivered an address before the Board of Trade
of Westerly, R. I., reviewing the early history of that
town and this ; an address at the Palmer Reunion,
held at Stonington in 1881, of which twelve hun-
dred copies were published, and which were read-
ily sold. In 1874 he delivered his historical ad-
dress at the Bi-Centennial celebration of the First
Congregational (Road) Church at Stonington; in
1899 an address upon the early settlers of Stoning-
ton, at the unveiling of the monument to their mem-
ory at Wequetequock. He was the author of an
address delivered by him at the breaking of the
ground for the Mason monument at Pequot Hill,
near Mystic, Conn., and also was one of the com-
mittee appointed by the New London County His-
torical Society to obtain the necessary funds for
the pedestal for the monument, and an appropria-
tion for the said monument from the Legislature
of our State, and was one of the commissioners to
procure the monument and another appropriation
from the State to celebrate its unveiling and to su-
perintend the same. He wrote a history of the
Pequot Indians, published in pamphlet form, which
u
CM
CO
CO
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
505
he delivered before the Colonial Society at New Ha-
ven, and the Rhode Island Historical Society at
Providence, Rhode Island.
In 1900, after retirement from active, public
work, at the age of eighty years Judge Wheeler pub-
lished his "History of the Town of Stonington,"
including genealogies of eighty-seven different fam-
ilies, which he had spent many years in preparing
and it has had a wide circulation. The last of his
writings was by request for the New London His-
torical Society, in 1903, and was entitled "Mem-
ories." As he was the only surviving charter mem-
ber of that organization, he was able to give a sketch
of the lives of each deceased charter member, and
by a strange coincidence the paper was published at
the very time of his death.
Judge Wheeler was president of the Groton
Monument Association for three years, during which
time they commemorated the centennial of the Bat-
tle of Groton Heights, in 1881, by a grand celebra-
tion. At the time of his death he was president of
the Stonington Savings Bank, which office he had
held for twelve years, also being one of its directors
for forty years. In politics he was a steadfast Re-
publican, and always took an active part in the work
of that party. That he was popular and a good
officer is attested by the fact that he held so many
different offices in the gift of the people. He was
a thorough student and acquired his great knowl-
edge of genealogical and historical matter by pa-
tient and painstaking effort. He was a member of
the Xew England Historic Genealogical Society,
of Boston, Mass., since 1869 ; life member, and one
of the vice-presidents, of the Connecticut Historical
Society; and life member of the New London
County Historical Society ; president of the Paw-
catuck Valley Historical Society ; and member of
the Buffalo and Tennessee Historical Societies. He
was invited to join many other historical societies,
and was also tendered a membership in the Royal
Historical Society of London, England.
Of his personal characteristics we quote : "He
was of grand and noble physique, unassuming in
manner, of great purity of mind, remarkable per-
sistence, and had a high standard of moral con-
duct. He was a charming conversationalist, and
possessed an inexhaustible fund of anecdotes,
which he related in a most happy manner. Having
a friendly interest and love for mankind, he made
friends easily, and was loved and esteemed by all
for his straightforward and Christlike qualities.
With the passing away of Judge Wheeler departs
the 'Grand Old Man' of Stonington. He died rich
in years and in political and literary honors. He
was loved in the town and throughout the State,
and his death leaves a void in the hearts of this com-
munity, never to be filled."
Judge Wheeler was twice married. On Jan. 12,
1843, he wedded Miss Frances M. Avery, of North
Stonington. On Nov. 5, 1856, he married Miss
Lucy A. Noyes, of Stonington, who, with three
daughters — Mrs. Henry Tyler, Mrs. Seth X. Will-
iams and Miss Grace D. Wheeler — survives him.
He died April 6, 1904.
HALEY. The first record we find of the Haley
family in New London county is that of the mar-
riage of John Haley, on May 18, 17 19, to Mary
Saunders, who was born Jan. 6, 1700, daughter
of John and Silence Saunders, granddaughter of
Tobias and Mary (Clarke) Saunders. They were
living at Groton Center, Conn., in 1738, with their
six children : John, Joshua, Jeremiah, Caleb, Martha
and Elizabeth.
(II) Jeremiah Haley, born in 1734, died Dec. 20,
1803. He settled at Mystic Bridge. He married
Catharine, daughter of Ambrose Hilyard, who was
born in 1 731, and died Oct. 6, 1820. They became
the parents of eleven children, namely: Catharine,
born Jan. 4, 1759; Mary, Aug. 8, 1760; Thomas,
Aug. 28, 1762; Rhoda, Nov. 1, 1764; Nathan, Oct.
31, 1766; Charlotte, Feb. 27, 1769; Jeremiah, June
30, 1771 ; George, Sept. 9, 1773; Hannah, April
24, 1776; Nancy, May 10, 1778; and Simeon, Nov.
24, 1 78 1. All of the sons of this family except
Thomas, who died young, became sea captains, and
Nathan was appointed American Consul to Nantes.
France, where he died Jan. 3, 1841. He received
the Cross of the Legion of Honor for important
services rendered France under Bonaparte. He was
an intimate friend of Thomas Paine, the noted
atheist, and the latter was a visitor to the Haley
home, at Pistol Point, Connecticut.
(III) Capt. Simeon Haley was born Nov. 24,
1781, in Groton. about midway between Mystic and
Old Mystic, and was quite young when the family
moved to Pistol Point, Mystic Bridge. He was
reared in the same manner as the ordinary boy of
the period. A longing for the sea overcame him at
an early age, and like many of the boys of the town,
he went on the water when very young, at the age
of twenty years becoming master of a vessel, en-
gaged in the coasting trade. Later he became an
owner and master of packets, was able to retire from
the water, and thereafter until his death he was not
engaged in active business. He erected the resi-
dence now occupied a part of the year by his daugh-
ter, Mrs. Albert Haley, on the corner of Haley and
Cottrell streets, in Mystic, and that place was his
residence for many years. Haley street was named
for him. The captain was killed by the cars on May
9, 185c;, while walking on the track west of Noank
station, and his remains were interred in Elm Grove
cemetery, at Mystic. Capt. Haley served at the de-
fense of Stonington in the war of 18 12. and was a
most active assistant to Capt. Jeremiah Holmes, the
"Hero of Stonington." Capt. Haley was so black-
ened by powder that when he returned home his
wife did not recognize him. His widow drew a
pension for many years. For many years he was In-
spector of Customs for the port of Mystic. The
Captain was a member of the Masonic fraternity. He
506
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
was an attendant and supporter of the Old Road
Congregational Church, and his second wife, Mrs.
Priscilla Avery (Burrows) Haley, was a member
of the Union Baptist Church. Capt. Haley was a
typical representative of the gentleman of his gen-
eration. He was kindly and courteous but firm, as
a man who was the architect of his own career had
need to be. He was one of those who helped to
make Mystic famous in maritime circles a half cen-
tury or more ago.
Capt. Haley was married March 15, 1803, to
Sarah Packer, daughter of Daniel and Mary
(Avery) Packer, of Groton, and she long preceded
him to the grave, passing away Nov. 25, 1834. On
April 16, 1837, ne married for his second wife, Pris-
cilla Avery Burrows, daughter of John and Betsey
(Haley) Burrows, and granddaughter of Hubbard
and Priscilla (Baldwin) Burrows. Mrs. Priscilla
A. Haley died May 5, 1895. By the first union
there were three children : Catharine, born Dec. 28,
1805, married Capt. Dudley Stark, and died Dec. 15,
1846; Lucy, born March 15, 1807, married Thomas
Ash, and died March 9, 1849; Simeon, born Aug.
22, 1812, married Lydia Esther Brown, and died
Sept. 2, 1842. By the second marriage there were
two children, Nathan, born Jan. 27, 1840, died Oct.
21, 1865. Catharine, born Oct. 3, 1849, married
Albert Haley, who was descended from John Haley,
through Caleb and Mary (Helm), Stephen and Lucy
(Gallup) and Dudley and Rebecca F. (Voorhies)
Haley.
(II) Caleb Haley, married (first) Mary Helm
(or Helmes), born in 1740, daughter of Rouse
Helm, and was from Little Rest, R. I. Their chil-
dren were Caleb, Elisha, Stephen and Betsey. He
married (second) a Miss Northrop.
(III) Stephen Haley, born July 5, 1772, died
Oct. 18, 1854. On Dec. 1, 1803, he married Lucy
Gallup, who was born June 23, 1779, and died May
30, 1876. They had nine children : Albert, Ste-
phen, Dudley, Warren, Mary, Emily, Cordelia, Lucy
and Sally.
(IV) Dudley Haley was born in Groton June
4, 1816, and died Oct. 3, 1890, at Brooklyn, N. Y.
He was married Dec. 14, 1842, in New York City,
to Rebecca Freeman Voorhies, who was born Oct.
9, 1823, in Perth Amboy, N. J., and died March 28,
1904, at Winsted, Conn. They had three children,
Eliza, Albert and Robert, of whom Robert died at
the age of sixteen years. Eliza, who died at the age
of thirty-six, was the wife of Joseph Lloyd Haigh,
and five of their children survive, two living in Win-
sted, Conn. Mr. Haley went to New York when a
young man, and engaged in business at the Fulton
Fish market, as a member of the firm of D. Halev &
Co., being long a successful merchant there, and the
firm became a very well known one in its line.
(V) Albert Haley, born Nov. 15, 1845, m New
York City, followed his father's business from boy-
hood until his death, which occurred Feb. 4, 1901,
in Brooklyn. He was one of the successful men do-
ing business at Fulton market, the business he con-
ducted now being carried on under the firm name
of Burnett & Keeney. He married Catharine Haley,
who was born Oct. 3, 1849, at Mystic, Conn, daugh-
ter of Simeon and Priscilla Avery (Burrows)
Haley, and they had one daughter, Lucy.
JESSE A. MOON, one of the successful young
business men of New London, and a prominent
Mason, belongs on the maternal side to the Jerome
family, who through succeeding generations have
helped to make Connecticut's history since the very
beginning of the Eighteenth century, when Sergeant
Timothy Jerome came thither from the Isle of
Wight. Mr. Moon's mother was, before marriage,
Miss Sarah Desire Jerome, daughter of Jesse H,
Jerome.
Jesse H. Jerome was the son of Jesse, and was
born at the family homestead, between Montville
and Waterford, in December, 1808. His boyhood
was passed there until he was sent away to school
in New London, to the Buckly House. When he
was old enough to choose his vocation he decided
upon farming, which had been familiar to him from
his earliest days, and he settled on a farm of seventy-
five acres on the west side of Ocean avenue opposite-
Thames street, where he lived for over fifty years.
In 1855 he built the house in which his daughter,
Mrs. Ogden, now resides. Mr. Jerome was a strong
Republican in his political views, and always took
an active part in public affairs, though he never
cared to hold office, and accepted no position save
that of chairman of the school committee. He be-
longed to the First Baptist Church of New Lon-
dan, and showed a devoted Christian spirit in every
act of his life. *
On Nov. 6, 1831, Mr. Jerome was married to
Miss Betsy Gee, who was born June 20,
1808, daughter of William Gee, of Lyme,
and a member of one of the oldest families
of that place. To their union two children were
born: (1) Sarah Desire, born May 17, 1834, mar-
ried John Moon, of England, and became the mother
of : John, born July 14, 1852 ; Jesse Augustus, April
19, 1856; and Willard Barnes, in March, 1859. (2)
Bessie A., born Dec. 27, 1841, was married Dec.
31, 1867, to Charles Richard Ogdeh, born Sept. 26,
1840, and they had four children : Lavinia Augusta,
born Sept. 19, 1868, now at home ; Charles Richard,
May 2, 1872; Frederick Jerome, July 11, 1874, de-
ceased Nov. 7, 1892; Abbie Jerome, Sept. 17, 1879.
Before his marriage Mr. Ogden was in the post
office at New York City, but afterward went into
business there.
Jesse H. Jerome was a man of splendid physique,
and his fine constitution carried him on into a good
old age. He passed away Dec. 9, 1891, and his wife
died two years earlier, Aug. 13, 1889.
John Moon, son-in-law of Jesse Jerome, and fa-
ther of our subject, was born and educated in Ply-
mouth, England. He served an apprenticeship of
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
507
seven years with his father, a blacksmith, and be-
came an expert in the tempering- of steel. He came
to America, married, as stated above, and after
some years residence in New England, went, in
1865, to California, where he remained until called
back to New London by the illness of his wife.
While in the West Mr. Moon became interested in
both gold and silver mining, but after he returned
to the East, he sold his mining property, bought
out Lyman Brainerd and started a horse-shoeing
business. He soon sold it, however, and engaged
in stone cutting for a while, but gave that up also
and bought a lot on North Main street, where he
put up a shop and opened up at his trade once more.
Having a good opportunity to sell, he did so, and
then purchased the place which his son now owns,
at No. ioj/j Godden street. There he continued
under the firm name of J. & J. A. Moon, until his
death, Oct. 14, 1898.
John Moon and his son built up the largest
business in their line in New London, were careful
and conservative in their methods and made a
financial success of it. The father was a member of
Brainerd Lodge, F. & A. M., of New London, was
a Republican in his politics and a member of the
St. James Episcopal Church, of New London, hav-
ing been confirmed before leaving England. He was
a man exceedingly well informed on the topics of
the clay, interesting to meet and converse with, and
greatly esteemed by all the circle of his acquaint-
ance.
Jesse Augustus Moon was born in New London
April 19, 1856. Until he was sixteen he went to
the Ocean avenue school, where he received a good
general education. After leaving school he served
an apprenticeship of four years to C. F. Stoll, in
stone-cutting, but at the close of his term, instead
of following that trade, he entered his father's shop,
on Main street, and learned the trade of horse-
shoeing. He began at the very bottom, as any one
else would have been obliged to do, learned every
detail, and worked as a journeyman there until he
was married in 189 1, when his father took him into
partnership. Later he was also interested with his
father in a drug store, located at No. 477 Bank
street, which they bought from the estate of John
Baldwin. Shortly before his father's death, Mr.
Moon came into possession of the drug business,
which is conducted by him as Moon's Pharmacy,
and he has retained the old firm name for the shoe-
ing shop. Both in business and in every other re-
lation of life Mr. Moon and his father were unusu-
ally strong friends, and a deeper bond of sympathy
united them than often exists between father and
son.
Mr. Moon chose for his wife, Miss Lillian B.
Walden, and they were united April 29, 1891. Mrs.
Moon is a daughter of Charles Walden, of New
London, and is a graduate of the Young Ladies'
high school of that city. They have had five chil-
dren : Marguerite, who died aged three months;
J. Willard, horn Nov. 16, 1892; Spencer, born April
r> l&97 '> Jesse Augustus, horn March [6, 1900, who
was burned to death, in October, 1902, from acci-
dental ignition of his crib in the room at home; and
Sidney Harold, born Jan. 5, 1902.
On national issues Mr. Moon is a Republican,
but on local questions he is independent and votes
for the men whom he thinks will best conserve the
interests of the city. He belongs to the Masonic
Fraternity, Brainerd Lodge, Union Chapter, dish-
ing Council, Palestine Commandery and Pryamid
Temple, of Bridgeport, Conn. Mr. Moon's early
association with his father in business of course re-
moved many obstacles from his path with which
most young men have to contend at first, but his
own energy, business acumen and ability have been
equally instrumental in securing his present success.
OSCAR MAXSOX BARBER, M. D., a success-
ful physician of Mystic, Conn., and a man widely
known and universally respected, was horn in Hop-
kintown, R. I., June 25, 1837. His ancestors were
Welsh, Scotch and English, and there is record of
one Moses Barber, the founder of the family in this
country, in Rhode Island, in 1652.
Joseph Barber, the great-grandfather of Dr. Bar-
ber, was a ship builder of Westerly, R. I., and in
1804, he built the "Danphine," the first whaler built
on that coast, and he was its principal owner. This
vessel sailed from New London Sept. 6, 1805. Jo-
seph Barber married Deliverance Barber, daughter
of Daniel, and granddaughter of Moses Barber, and
their son, Sprague, became a sea captain in West-
erly, and was drowned in the New York harbor.
He married Lucy Stillman, daughter of Col. George
Stillman, of Westerly.
Franklin Barber, son of Sprague and Lucy
(•Stillman) Barber, was born in Westerly in 1808.
In 1849 ne removed to Mystic, Conn, and became
interested in the woolen factory that was established
by the Greenman company. He married Lydia W.
Maxson, of Hopkinton, R. I., daughter of Nathan
Maxson. She was a Daughter of the Revolution.
Four children were born to them, two of whom died
in infancy, and the others were: Oscar M. and
Leander.
The earliest known ancestor of Dr. Barber, on
the maternal side of the house, is the Rev. John
Maxson, born in 1638, a minister of the Seventh
Day Baptist denomination. His son. John, was
one of the organizers of the town of Westerly, in
1660. Another of Dr. Barber's maternal ancestors
was the Rev. John Crandall, who was also one of
the organizers of Westerly. Dr. Barber's grand-
father Maxson was a captain during the War of
1812.
Dr. Barber has resided in Mystic since he was
eleven years of age. After attending the public
schools and the Mystic academy, he studied at the
Xew York Homeopathic college, from which he
was graduated with the class of 1871. He sue-
5o8
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
ceeded to the practice of Dr. A. W. Brown, in
Mystic, and his successful work now covers nearly
a third of a century. Dr. Barber has traveled ex-
tensively. In 1889, he attended the Paris exposi-
tion; in 1892, he made an European tour, and a year
later visited the World's Fair at Chicago. In poli-
tics he is a Republican, and is serving as the very
efficient health officer of the town of Stonington.
Professionally he is a member of the Connecticut
Homeopathic Medical Society, and of the American
Institute of Homeopathy. Fraternally he is a char-
ter member of the A. 6. U. W.
Leander Barber, brother of Dr. Barber, married
Frances Burdick, of Westerly, R. I., and their chil-
dren are: Nellie, of Schenectady, N. Y., wife of
H. E. Raymond, and mother of one child, Philip
Howard; Frank, in the employ of the General
Electric Company ; and Abbie E.
GEORGE H. BRADFORD. The name of
Bradford is a familiar one in the annals of New
England, and George H. Bradford, the successful
and popular merchant of Oakdale, town of Mont-
ville, New London county, where he is one of the
most enterprising and substantial citizens, is a de-
scendant in the ninth generation from Gov. Will-
iam Bradford, the line being through William (2),
Joseph, John, Samuel, Samuel (2), Samuel S., Sam-
uel D. and George H.
(I) Gov. William Bradford, son of William and
Alice (Hanson) Bradford, of Austerfield, York-
shire, England, and grandson of William Bradford
(whose burial is recorded at Austerfield Jan. 10,
1595-6), was baptized March 19, 1589. He went
to Holland in 1609, was a citizen of Leyden in 1612,
and there on Dec. 9, 1613, was married to Dorothy
May, probably a daughter of John and Cornelia
(Bowes) May. Mr. Bradford and wife came to
New England in the "Mayflower" in 1620, but the
latter fell overboard and was drowned in Cape Cod
Harbor Dec. 7, 1620, before the boat landed. Gov.
Bradford was married (second) Aug. 14, 1623, to
Alice, widow of Constant Southworth, and believed
to have been a daughter of a Mr. Carpenter. She
died March 26, 1670. Gov. Bradford was one of
the foremost men of the Plymouth settlement. On
the death of Gov. John Carver in 162 1, he succeeded
him, and was governor of Plymouth Colony from
that time until his death in 1657, excepting five
years when he declined the honor. By his wife Dor-
othy he had one child, John, born before the emi-
gration, was of Duxbury in 1645, ar>d m I^)52 was a
deputy to the General Court, and lieutenant, and in
1653 he removed to Norwich, Conn., where he died
in 1678; his wife was Martha, daughter of Thomas
and Martha Bourne, of Marshfield, Mass. By his
second marriage Gov. Bradford became the father
of three children: William; Mercy, who was born
before 1627, and married Benjamin Vermages ; and
Joseph, born in 1630. who married Jael Hobert, of
Hingham, Massachusetts.
(II) Maj. Wrilliam Bradford, son of Gov. Brad-
ford, was born in Plymouth, June 17, 1624. He
married (first) Alice Richards, daughter of
Thomas and Wealthean Richards, of Weymouth,
who died Dec. 12, 1671, aged forty-four years.
He married (second) the widow Wiswall ; and
(third) Mary Holmes, widow of Rev. John Holmes
and daughter of John Wood, of Plymouth. She
died Jan. 6, 1714-5. Of Maj. Bradford, his biog-
rapher says : "He was next to Miles Standish,
a chief military man of the Colony. In King Phi-
lip's war he was commander-in-chief of the Plym-
outh forces, and often exposed himself to its perils.
At the Narragansett Fort fight, he received a musket
ball in his flesh, which he carried the remainder of
his life. In that desperate mid-winter encounter,
when both parties fought for their very existence,
nearly a thousand Indians fell a sacrifice, and about
one hundred and fifty of the English were killed or
wounded." In this war he held the rank of major.
Not alone in the military life of the Colony did he
take important part, but in the civil life he was also
a conspicuous figure, being assistant treasurer and
deputy governor of Plymouth from 1682 to 1686,
and from 1689 to 1691, and in the lat-
ter year he was one of the Council of
Massachusetts. His residence was in what
is now Kingston, R. I., on the north side
of Jones' river. He died Feb. 20, 1703-4. By his
first wife his children, born between 165 1 and 1671,
were : John, who married Mercy Warren ; William,
who married Rebecca Bartlett ; Thomas ; Samuel,
who married Hannah Rogers ; Alice, who married
(first) Rev. William Adams, and (second) Maj.
James Fitch ; Hannah, who married Joshua Rip-
ley ; Mercy, who married Samuel Steel ; Melatiah,
who married John Steel ; Mary, who married Will-
iam Hunt ; and Sarah, who married Kenelm Baker.
By his second wife, Maj. Bradford had rive chil-
dren, all born between 1674 and 1682 : Joseph ;
Israel, who married Sarah Bartlett ; Ephraim, who
married Elizabeth Bartlett ; David, who married
Elizabeth Finney ; and Hezekiah, who married Mary
Chandler.
(III) Joseph Bradford, son of Maj. Bradford,
was born about 1674. He removed from Lebanon
to the north parish of New London in 17 17, where
he was very active in the business affairs of the par-
ish. He was chosen an elder in the Church in 1724,
and he died Jan. 16, 1747, aged seventy-three years.
He was twice married. On Oct. 5, 1698, he mar-
ried Anna, daughter of Rev. James and Priscilla
(Mason) Fitch, who died Oct. 17, 1715, the mother
of ten children, as follows: Anna; Joseph, whomar-
ried Henrietta Swift ; Priscilla, who married Sam-
uel Hyde; Althea, who died young; Irena, twin to
Althea, who also died young; Sarah, who married
Benjamin Willis; Hannah; Elizabeth; Althea (2),
who married David Hyde; Irena (2), twin to Al-
thea (2), who married Jonathan James. For his
second wife Joseph Bradford married Mary (Sher-
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
509
wood) Fitch, widow of Capt. Daniel Fitch, and to
this union came one son, John. Mrs. Mary (Sher-
wood) Bradford died Sept. 16, 1752.
(IV) John 1 Bradford, son of Joseph, was born in
Lebanon May 20, 1717, and he passed his life as a
farmer in the North Parish of New London, now-
known as Montville. He died March 10, 1787,
aged seventy years. On Dec. 15, 1736, he married
Esther Sherwood, and their children, all born be-
tween 1738 and 1756, were: Samuel; John, who
married Mary Fitch ; Joseph, who married Eunice
Maples ; Sarah, who married Nathaniel Comstock ;
Perez, who married Betsey Rogers; Benjamin, who
married Parthenia Rogers ; Eleanor, who died
young; Rebecca, who married Benjamin Ford; and
Mary.
(V) Samuel Bradford, son of John, was born
in Montville, Jan. 4, 1738. He engaged in farming
in his native town, and there died July 29, 1807.
His wife, Bridget Comstock, daughter of Nathaniel
and Margaret (Fox) Comstock, died July 15, 1830.
Their eight children, all born between 1760 and
1782, were: Bridget, who married Ephraim \\ells ;
Eleanor, who married Mulford Raymond ; Samuel ;
Nathaniel, who married Lucy Raymond ; Peggy,
who married Daniel Prentiss ; William, who mar-
ried (first) Parthenia Bradford, and (second)
Hannah Dolbeare ; Sarah, who married George Dol-
beare ; and Esther, who married Reynolds Johnson.
(VI) Samuel Bradford (2), son of Samuel, was
born in Montville, about 1764. Like his father, he
chose farming for his life work, and settled on a
farm in Montville called the "Bradford Place," situ-
ated near Massapeag Station, and now in the pos-
session of Capt. Jerome W. Williams' widow. He
died July 28, 1828. On May 2, 1795, he married
Abby Dolbeare, who was born April 1, 1774, daugh-
ter of Samuel and Hannah (Mumford) Dolbeare;
she died Dec. 4, 1841, the mother of five children,
namely: Abby, born about 1795, died unmarried
in June, 1868; Hannah, born about 1799, died un-
married in November, 1869 ; Samuel S. ; George D.,
born about 1807, married Caroline L. Adgate, re-
moved to Warren, Trumbull Co., Ohio, where they
both died, and where their descendants still reside;
Julia Ann, born about 1809, died unmarried in July,
1837-
(VII) Samuel Sherwood Bradford, son of Sam-
uel (2), was born April n, 1803. He learned the
carpenter's trade, and followed it in connection with
farming. He was a natural mechanic, his knowl-
edge of tools being instinctive. In politics he was
first a Whig and later a Republican, but cared little
or nothing for the holding of office. He was a
member of the Montville Centre Congregational
Church, and was a regular attendant upon church
services. Those who knew him declare that he was
always in a good humor, and certain it is, his happy
disposition caused him always to look on the
bright side of life. On Feb. 22, 1830, he married
Abby Branch, daughter of Moses and Rebecca
Branch, of Griswold, Conn.; she died Dec. 24, 1884,
in Montville.
(\ 111 ) Samuel Denison Bradford, son of Sam-
uel Sherwood, was born in Montville. Jan. 5, 1832.
Upon reaching manhood he engaged in farming,
making his home where now lives Paul P. Gli
burner. Being industrious and hardworking, he
succeeded in his work, and became possessed of a
comfortable competence. He was rugged and
strong, being of a large frame, and well propor-
tioned, and weighing about 195 pounds. His dis-
position was quiet and unassuming, and he found his
greatest enjoyment in his home, surrounded by his
family to whom he was very devoted. He was a
deeply religious man, and was a member of the
Montville Centre Congregational Church. ( )n Nov.
20, 1859, lle married Adelia Hyde, daughter of Har-
lem and Eunice (Avery) Hyde, of Norwich. She
was born Jan. 20, 1836, and died Oct. I, 1897, in
Montville, aged sixty-one years. He died Nov. 3,
1885. Their children were: (1) Mary Avery,
born Aug. 16, 1863, married, May 29, 1901, Walter
Auwood, of Montville, freight conductor on the
Central Vermont railroad, in New London freight
yards, and they have one child, Mary Avery. (2)
George Henry" was born May 6, 1868. (3) Julia
Ann and (4) Jennie Abby, twins, were born March
29, 1874. Julia Ann married, March 29, 1899, Paul
P. Glassburner, a farmer in Montville, and has two
children, Pauline Idelia and Jennie Christine. Jen-
nie Abby married Harry William Auwood, freight
agent at Uncasville for the Central Vermont rail-
road, and has two children, Agnes May and Earl
Bradford.
(IX) George Henry Bradford, son of Samuel
Denison, and the subject proper of this sketch, was
born in Montville May 6, 1868. He received his
education in the district schools of his native town,
which he attended until he was seventeen years of
age. On leaving school he took up the many duties
connected with the operation of the home farm,
which had devolved upon him by the death of his
father. For about twelve years he continued to
conduct the farm, and then desiring a change, he
became a brakeman on the New York. New Haven
& Hartford railroad, in the passenger service be-
tween New London and New Haven, a position in
which he continued for about one year, during part
of which time he acted as baggage master. On Jan.
15. 1900, he purchased the general store located
at Oakdale, town of Montville, which had been con-
ducted for years by his father-in-law. the late Judge
Henry A. Baker. Mr. Bradford has since largely
increased the stock, and his business has steadily
nourished under his wise care and good business
methods, coupled with his first class stock and cour-
teous treatment of customers. On March 7. 1903,
he received appointment as postmaster at Oakdale
from President Roosevelt.
Socially Mr. Bradford is a member of Uncas
Lodge, No. 17, A. O. U. W., of Montville; of
5io
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
Thames Lodge, No. 22, I. O. O. F., of Montville ;
and of Oxoboxo Lodge, No. 116, F. & A. M., of
Montville. He attends the First Congregational
Church, of which his wife is a member. In his
political belief he is a stanch Republican and he has
always been active in the work of his party. In
November, 1902, he was elected to represent his
district in the State Legislature, where he gave
efficient service as a member of the committee on
Roads, Rivers and Bridges. He is an enterprising
business man, who is strictly upright in his deal-
ings, and who has won success by honest effort.
His genial disposition makes him very popular
socially, and he is always pleased to welcome his
numerous friends.
Mr. Bradford was married to Anna Alma
Baker, daughter of the late Judge Henry A. Baker,
of Montville. One daughter, Jessie Arline, has
blessed their home.
Baker. The Baker family to which Mrs. Brad-
ford belongs is descended from Alexander Baker,
who was born in London, England, about 1607, and
sailed from London on the ship "Elizabeth and
Ann" in 1635. He was accompanied by his wife
Elizabeth, and their two children. They settled at
or near Boston, where he followed his occupation
of ropemaker. The descendants of Alexander Baker
soon left the Massachusetts Colony and settled in
Connecticut, locating in the North Parish of New
London as early as 1670. From Alexander, the
emigrant, Mrs. Bradford is a representative in the
eighth generation.
Judge Henry A. Baker was during his life one
of the prominent and influential citizens of Mont-
ville, which town he had served as town clerk for
twenty-five years, and as judge of probate for twen-
ty-four years. He also spent several years in col-
lecting data and compiling his "History of Mont-
ville," comprising over 700 pages, which he pub-
lished in 1896. He married, May 18, 1846, Hannah
Fox Scholfield, daughter of Joseph and Mercy
(Newberry) Scholfield, of Montville. She died
May 18, 1892, in her sixty-eighth year. To this
union were born five children, of whom Mrs. Brad-
ford was the youngest. Judge Baker died March 7,
1903, highly respected and sincerely mourned by all
who knew him.
CAPT. WILLIAM D. WARD is a retired
master mariner residing on West Thames street,
Norwich.
Gen. Ichabod Ward, his grandfather, who was
born in Rhode Island, in boyhood was apprenticed to
a blacksmith ; while serving the apprenticeship the
Revolutionary war broke out and the employer gave
the boy his time, and sent him as a substitute in the
army. Sometime after he was discharged from the
service, he settled in Voluntown, where he was en-
gaged at farming. Later he purchased a farm in
Lebanon, and was quite successfully engaged at
farming and the raising of stock for the West Indies
trade, the stock being shipped from Norwich. After
disposing of his farm in Lebanon he bought a large
farm on what is now Mt. Pleasant street, in Nor-
wich, and there resided the rest of his life in most
comfortable circumstances. He died at the age of
eighty-five years, well-preserved and active to the
last. Gen. Ward served as a commissary general
during a term of service in the war of 1812, when
he was at the defense of New London. He was a
pensioner until his death. He belonged to the Epis-
copal Church. Gen. Ward married Mary Cady, of
Canterbury, Conn., who died before her husband,
leaving the following children : ( 1 ) Fenner, who
was a farmer and resided in Lebanon; (2) Ichabod,
Jr.; (3) Henry, who resided in Norwich; (4)
Horatio, who lived on the farm until past middle
age, and then married and removed to Woodstock,
Conn., where he died; (5) Sarah, who died unmar-
ried ; (6) Mary, who married Ebenezer Leach, and
died in Pawlet, Vt. ; (7) Martha, who married Will-
iam Bliss, a grocer, and died in Norwich.
Ichabod Ward, father of Capt. William, was
born in Voluntown, and resided both in Lebanon
and in Norwich. For many years he was engaged
in the grocery business with his brother-in-law,
William Bliss, on the West Side near the bridge,
under the name of Ward & Bliss, and he continued
there for a number of years. Later he sold out the
business, and for some years engaged with his
nephew, Dr. Henry Leach, in a similar business
under the name of Ward & Leach. After disposing
of this he lived retired until his death. He also
served at New London in the war of 181 2. He was
in his politics a Wfiig, and in his religious belief an
Episcopalian.
Ichabod Ward married Jerusha Loomis, daugh-
ter of Oliver and Jude (Adams) Loomis. Mr. Ward
lived to be sixty-five years old, while Mrs. Ward
survived her husband until the age of eighty years.
Both were buried in Yantic cemetery. Their chil-
dren were : William D. ; Mary Emma, who died
unmarried ; Nancy H., who is single and resides in
Pawlet, Vermont.
William D. Ward was born in the old Ward
homestead on Mt. Pleasant street, Norwich, Feb. 18,
1827. He received a common school education, and
lived at home until the age of sixteen years. He
then went on the water, making his first trip in the
London Packet "Quebec," with Capt. Hibbard, who
was a friend of his father. He began for wages of
$5 per month and his board. The "Quebec" was of
the Swallow Tail line, in those days one of the most
famous clipper lines plying the Atlantic. Later
Capt. Ward sailed from New London on a whaling
voyage under Capt. Miller in the ship "India," of
the Williams & Haven Company, being gone thirty-
three months and circling the globe. They got
4,000 barrels of oil, the crew sharing proportionately
in the earnings. Afterward he shipped with Capt.
Hezekiah Storev in the schooner "Hudson," coast-
ing to Philadelphia. Following this berth the cap-
fc
^^/>«i4«J
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
1 1
tain was in the schooner "William P. Williams,"
Captain Rogers, running to Philadelphia in the sum-
mer season in the coaling trade, and from Norwich
to Baltimore and Norfolk in the grain hush
Capt. Ward was next employed as mate with Lap-
tain Rogers in the "Joseph Guest," making several
voyages to the West Indies, loading in Xorfolk with
staves and headings for Kingston, and returning
with salt from Ragged Island, one of the Bahama
group, to Brooklyn, New York.
Captain Ward's first vessel as commander was
the packet "Gleaner," running between Norwich and
New York. Later he commanded the packet "Jane
Maria," both of which vessels belonged to D. M.
Prentice, of Norwich. After seven years in these
vessels Captain Ward had charge of the schooner
"John Jones,"' doing a general freighting business.
Captain Ward's introduction to the sound liners was
as pilot aboard the "Plymouth Rock," of the Ston-
ington line, with Capt. Cleveland Geer as captain.
The "Plymouth Rock" then landed at Groton, near
the present site of the Eastern Shipbuilding Com-
pany. Following a brief period in the schooner "J.
H. Cunningham," running in the coal trade, Captain
Ward in September, 1867, entered the employ of the
Norwich line, going as pilot of the steamers "City
)f Lawrence" and " City of New London," for about
six years.
In 1874 Captain Ward took command of steamer
"City of Boston," and remained in that capacity for
eight years, although in that time he was employed
on the "City of New York," and "City of Law-
rence," wdiile the "City of Boston" was laid up. In
[882 Captain Ward assumed the command of the
'City of Worcester," and with the exception of a
ittle over a year, held the position of commanding
ifficer of that vessel until 1898.
Capt. Ward was married in Norwich to Angelina
mith, born in Preston City, daughter of Charles
. and Elizabeth Billings (Standish) Smith, and a
rect descendant of Capt. Miles Standish. Mrs.
."ard died Jan. 13, 1899, aged sixty-nine years.
-he and her husband were the parents of ten chil-
ren, as follows: (1) Mary Emma, the principal of
le West Thames street school; (2) Harriet Edith,
ho died young; (3) Sarah Alice, who also died
oung, as did (4) Jessie H. ; (5) Annie Elizabeth,
ho married Samuel E. Gailey and resides in Nor-
ich (she had three children, Gladys Lulu, Andrew
"ard and Frederick Standish, deceased) ; (6)
illiam Bliss, a machinist, residing in Norwich,
ho married Harriet Sweet and has four sons.
am- William, Louis Denison, Reginald Horatio
d Leslie Fletcher; (7) Martha A., at home; (8)
:ster Loomis, who died young; (9) Sybil Blossom,
home; and ( 10) Gertrude Loomis, a teacher in
t> Mt. Pleasant street school. Capt. Ward
i a Democrat on all national issues, but in local
; airs he is independent, and votes for those whom
1 thinks will best serve the public interests. Him-
self an upright and honorable man, he commands
the respect of the community.
The mother of Capt. Ward, Jerusha Loomis, was
a descendant of {[) Joseph Loomis, horn about
1590, a woolen draper of Braintree, Essex, England,
who came to Boston, Mass., in 1038, in the ship
"Susan and Ellen." He went to Windsor, Conn.,
about 1639, aiul was granted a tract of land on the
west >ide of the Connecticut river near the Farming-
ton river ; he had also tracts of land on the east side
of the Connecticut. He brought with him five sons
and three daughters. His wife died Aug. 23, 1652.
Their children were: Joseph, born about 1616;
Mrs. Nicholas Olmstead; Elizabeth; John, born in
1622; Thomas; Nathaniel; Mary; and Samuel.
(II) Nathaniel Loomis, born in England, mar-
ried Nov. 24, 1653, Elizabeth, daughter of John
Moore. Mr. Loomis was made a freeman in 1654,
and was admitted to the church May 3, 1653. He
died Aug. 19, 1688. Their children were: Elizabeth,
born Aug. 7, 1655 > Nathaniel, March 20, 1657; Abi-
gail, March 27, 1659; Josiah, Feb. 17, 1060-61 ;
Jonathan, March 30, 1664; David, Jan. 11, 1667-68;
Hezekiah, Feb. 21, 1668-69; Moses, May 15, 167 1 ;
Mindwell, July 20, 1673 '> Ebenezer, March 22,
1675; Mary, Jan. 5, 1680; and Rebecca, Dec. 10,
1682.
(III) Jonathan Loomis, born March 30, 1664,
married Dec. 27, 1688. His wife died July 17, 1699.
Mr. Loomis was a resident of Hartford from 1684
to 1694. He died Oct. 23, 1707. His children were:
Sarah, born Sept. 13, 1689; Nathaniel, Jan. 2y,
1690-91; Jonathan, May 4, 1693; Jonathan (2),
Feb. 1, 1694-5; and George, Oct. 22, 1697.
(IV) Nathaniel Loomis (2), born Jan. 27, 1690-
91. married Feb. 17, 1715, Mary Dyer, and' died in
1770, in Ashford, Conn. His wife, who survived
him, bore him children, as follows : Dyer, born
April 20, 1717; Nathaniel, in 1719; Irene in 1721 ;
and Mary, in 1723. Mr. Loomis lived in Lebanon
and Ashford, Connecticut.
(V) Nathaniel Loomis (3), born in 17 19, mar-
ried (first) May 27, 1743, Hannah White, who died
Aug. 6, 1758. He married (second) Nov. 15, 1759,
Sarah Rockwell. Mr. Loomis resided in Stafford
from 1754 to 1770; in Ashford from 1770 to 1787,
when he removed to Whitestone, N. Y. His chil-
dren were : Oliver, born Dec. 18, 1743 ; and Zer-
viah, April 5, 1776.
(VI) Oliver Loomis, born Dec. 18, 1743, mar-
ried Jerusha, and died in 18 13, in East Windsor,
(01111. His children were: Oliver, born Sept 24,
1703: Benjamin N., Dec. 7, 1765; Justin; Susan;
Jerusha; Dimins; Nathaniel, March 7. 1780; and
Deborah.
(VII) Oliver Loomis (2), born Sept. 14, 1763,
married (first) Dec. 9. 1787, Jude Adams, who
died March 31, 1814, aged fifty years; he married
(second) Mrs. Deborah Hamlin. Mr. Loomis was
a soldier of the Revolution. About 1783 he removed
5i2
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
to Pawlet, Vt., where he died Jan. 4, 1837. His
children were: Gideon Adams, born Sept. 18, 1788;
Jerusha, February, 1790; and Mary Adams, in 1793.
(VIII) Jerusha Loomis, born in February, 1790,
married in 1824, Ichabod Ward. Mrs. Ward died
at Norwich, Conn., on Oct. 23, 1869.
HON. WILLIAM MARVIN, town clerk, and
judge of probate for the town of Lyme, lives in
the old family home, where he and several gener-
ations of his forefathers were born. The Marvin
family has been settled in what is now Lyme and
Old Lyme nearly 250 years, Reynold Marvin, an
ancestor, being one of the original proprietors of
the town.
Elisha Marvin, great-great-grandfather of Judge
William Marvin, was born in what is now Old
Lyme, whence he moved to Lyme, and built the
house which has ever since been the family home-
stead. He died Dec. 31, 180 1. On May 17, 1739,
he married Catherine Mather, and their children
were as follows: Pickett, born March 9, 1740;
Elisha, Jr., born June 9, 1742; Timothy, born May
23, 1744; and Joseph, born Feb. 14, 1755.
Joseph Marvin, who was born on the old home-
stead in Lyme, was a soldier in the Revolutionary
war, and he died Nov. 19, 1839. He married, Oct.
16, 1783, Phebe Sterling, who was born Oct. 15,
1763, and died Nov. 6, 1822. Their children were as
follows: Fanny, born Oct. 7, 1784; Phebe, born
June 7, 1786; William, born May 12, 1788; Jemima,
born March 28, 1790; Joseph, born Feb. 8, 1793;
and Clarissa, born May 5, 1795.
William Marvin was born at the old homestead,
and died April 15, 1876. He was a soldier in the
war of 1 81 2, a deacon in the Congregational Church,
and judge of probate. He married, Oct. 21, 1819,
Sophia Griffin, of East Haddam, who died Nov. 15,
1863. Their children were as follows: (1) Junius,
born Oct. 2, 1820, who married Adeline Raymond ;
(2) George Griffin, born Feb. 18, 1824; (3) Ellen
Clarissa, born Nov. 16, 1826; (4) William Joseph,
born April 6, 1830; (5) Harriet Sophia, born March
26, 1833, who married Millington Carpenter ; and
(6) Francis G., born Nov. 23, 1835.
William Joseph Marvin was born at the old home
in Lyme, and passed his boyhood in his native place,
attending the academy at Essex. He married Jan.
28, 1869, Ann M. Parker, daughter of Marshfield
S. Parker, who was born in Lyme, Sept. 30, 1830,
and died Oct. 23, 1900. Their two children were :
William, "mentioned below; and Harry S., born Aug.
8, 1875. The latter was educated at East Green-
wich Academy, and at Dow Academy, Franconia,
N. H., and is a member of the drug firm of Mitchell
& Marvin, in Boston. William Joseph Marvin was
a Republican in politics, and held the office of town
treasurer at the time of his death, which occurred
April 7, 1878. He and his wife were members of
the Congregational Church at Lyme.
Hon. William Marvin, eldest son of William
Joseph and Ann M. (Parker) Marvin, was born at
the old home in Lyme, March 13, 1873. His early
school days were spent in his native place, after
which he became a student at East Greenwich Acad-
emy, graduating in 1893. Since leaving school he
had had charge of the homestead. He is a member
and assistant steward of the Grange, and a member
of the Grange Fair Association. In politics he is
a Republican. In 1896 he was elected town clerk,
and in the spring of 1897 judge of probate, which
offices he yet holds. At the time of his election to
those offices he was the youngest incumbent in the
county.
BENJAMIN FRANKLIN ANDREWS, one
of the highly esteemed citizens of Groton, belongs to
an old New England family, which at the time of
its founding in America, bore its Scottish clan name
of McAndrews, a name still known in the Highlands
of Scotland.
Family and public records have established the
fact that John McAndrews came from Scotland and
lived both at Boston and at Cape Cod, and at
Kingstown, prior to May 20, 1671, and died there
before Aug. 22, 1693. His sons, John and William,
were born of his first marriage. He married (sec-
ond) Mary Ridgely, who died in 17 16, and left
children, Charles, James, Thomas, Edward and
Benoni.
William Andrews, born Aug. 23, 1679, died in
1762. On Sept. 25, 1700, he married Ann Searle,
and they had children : John, Charles, Mary and
William, Jr.
John Andrews, son of William, born March 23,
1702, at East Greenwich, R. I., died in Coventry,
May 18, 1795. He married Hannah, daughter of
John and Hannah Greene, and granddaughter of
the regicide, Judge Clark, who fled to America.
Elnathan Andrews, son of John, was born Feb.
22, IJ2>2> an<I died June 20, 1824, aged ninety-two
years. On June 21, 1757, he married Jane, daughter
of Ebenezer Greene, of Coventry. He was noted as
being the tallest man in Rhode Island, having at-
tained to the height of six feet eleven inches. His
children were: Waitey, Bethana, Timothy, John
and Rebecca. He married (second) Elizabeth,
widow of Ezekiel Johnson.
Timothy Andrews, son of Elnathan, was born
Nov. 22, 1762, at Coventry, R. I., and died Sept. 5,
1843. He married Russelle C. Matteson, of West
Greenwich, born in 1757, and died Feb. 2, 1847,
daughter of William and Sarah (Lee) Matteson.
Timothy Andrews was a farmer and resided at West
Greenwich, Rhode Island.
George Andrews, son of Timothy and father of
Benjamin Franklin Andrews, was born Aug. 7,
1797, at Coventry, R. I., and died April 7, 1872, in
District No. 3, of Groton. On Dec. 11, 1829, he
married Mary Esther, born April 11, 1805, daugh-
ter of Amos Barnes, of Ledyard ; she died Oct. 11,
1862, in District No. 3, of Groton. The children of
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
5i3
this marriage were as follows: Benjamin F., born
June 2, 1833; Ezra Barnes, born Sept. 20, 1837;
Sabrina E., born Nov. 29, 1839, died Jan. 30, 1843;
diaries Beaumont, born Dec. 18, 1844, died June 8,
1864, at Hampton Hospital, Va., from a wound re-
ceived at Dairy's Bluff, May 16, 1864, while serv-
ing in Co. C, 2 1st Conn. V. I. ; and a daughter born
at Ledyard, died in infancy, unnamed.
Mr. Andrews enjoyed but three months' school-
ing in his life, at Coventry, R. I., but he was
a man of intellect and filled a number of local offices
with efficiency. While living in Ledyard he was
both grand juror and constable. In politics he was
formerly a Whig, and later became identified with
the Republican party. In 1853 he removed to Gro-
ton and settled on the farm now occupied by his
son, and there resided until his death.
Ezra Barnes Andrews, son of George, who is
now a prominent citizen of Charlotte, N. C, spent
his youth in Ledyard and Groton, taught school and
farmed for some years in Ellington. He partici-
pated in the Civil war as a member of the 26th Conn.
V. I. On April 13, 1862, he married Miss Fannie
Maria Dewey, of Columbia, Conn., born April 24,
1835, and died in March, 1902. The children of this
marriage were : Mary Lincoln, born April 16, 1865,
died Oct. 24, 1884; Cina Dewey, born Oct. 5, 1867,
died Feb. 2, 1868; Lenore, born Oct. 11, 1869, is the
adopted daughter of her father's friend, Congress-
man E. S. Henry, of Connecticut ; and Lura, born
Nov. 15, 1870, the wife of Everett E. Crandall, of
Newport News, Virginia.
Benjamin Franklin Andrews spent his youth and
school days at Ledyard and was engaged on the
home farm until he was twenty years of age, when
he started out to see something of the country. As
a book agent, in the employ of Henry Bill, of Nor-
wich, he introduced the "History of the World."
For twenty months Mr. Andrews traveled with this
excellent standard work, through Illinois and Mis-
souri, when he was attacked with persistent ague,
and was thus obliged to return home. He engaged
in farming in Groton, and has spent the most of his
subsequent life here. In 1862 he accompanied Capt.
Josephus F. Potter to South Carolina on a coasting
vessel, having a cargo of grain and hay for the army.
In his farming he is progressive and up-to-date, and
his fine farm of more than 100 acres testifies to his
excellent management, and he ranks among the
most successful agriculturists in the town.
Mr. Andrews has been a stanch Republican all
his life, and a man of such reliability that he has
been frequently called upon to fill important official
positions. In addition to the minor offices, he has
served in that of selectman, and has been a justice
of the peace for a considerable period.
On Dec. 3, 1862, Mr. Andrews was united in
marriage with Harriet Jane Potter, daughter of
• Joseph and Mary (Fowler) Potter, of Noank, and
granddaughter of Joseph and Mercy (Burrows 1
Potter. The children born to Mr. and Mrs. A11-
33
drews were as follows: Charles Beaumont, born
Sept. 17, 1863, died Sept. 8, 1865; George Edgar,
born Aug. 30, 1865, married Carrie Williams,
daughter of Owen II. Williams, and they have one
son, Leland Williams, born Jan. 9, 1901 ; Sarah
Potter, bom Dec. 3, 1867, was married March 4,
[891, to Joseph G. Chesbro, son of James and Emma
Chesbro, and they have one son, Leslie, born July
28, 1894; Carlota, born June 2, 1874. died on May
13, 1896, was married Sept. 21, 1895, to Frederick
I. Rathbun, and their one son, Frederick, died in
infancy; and Mary Jane, born May 8, 1881. Both
Mr. Andrews and his estimable wife are consistent
members of the Baptist Church at Noank. The fam-
ily and its connections represent some of the best
citizens of this section, and they have not only 1
prominent because of their honorable lineage, but
for all that goes to make a locality desirable on ac-
count of its educational and moral advantages, to
which they have contributed.
JOHN NORTON GARDINER, a well-known
citizen, stock and dairy farmer of the town of (iris-
wold, was born Aug. 15, 1844, at Penn Yan. X. Y.,
and he is one of a family of twenty-one children
born to the union of Ray Gould and Rachel (Nor-
ton) Gardiner.
The family is an old settled one of Rhode Island.
Gould Gardiner, grandfather of John N. Gardiner,
was born in Rhode Island, and lived a long and
useful life there, following the vocation of farmer
in the locality of Exeter. He was succeeded on the
farm by his son, Ray Gould, in 1804. where the lat-
ter lived until 1830, when he removed to the State of
New York, locating at Penn Yan. Here he re-
mained until 1846, when he returned to Rhode Is-
land and settled at Exeter among old family friends
and kindred, but later removed again, locating at
South Hopkinton, R. I., where he followed carpen-
tering, and where he spent the remainder of his life,
dying in 1868. He was buried in Hope Valley cem-
etery. In his early political life he was a Whig, but
a Republican after the organization of the party.
He sought no office, being no politician in a self-
seeking sense. During the Civil War he was a loyal
supporter of the Union, and gave three sons to fight
that it might be preserved. He died as he bail lived,
a devoted husband and the beloved father of his
numerous children. He married Rachel Norton,
who still survives at the age of eighty-five years, at
Hope Valley, R. I. She was born at Benton. N. Y.
In spite of maternal cares more than usual having
devolved upon her she retains both physical and
mental vigor, and is just as wise and careful a grand-
mother as she was a mother, and is the center of a
loving family circle. The children were born in
the State of New York, as follows : George W.,
born July 28, 1836, was a soldier in Co. A, 7th R. I.
V. I., and died at Pleasant Valley, Md., in 1862;
Estella, born Jan. 6, 1838, married Silas A. Nichols,
of Hope Valley, R. I. ; William H., born June 23,
5*4
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
18-10. resides at Providence, R. I. ; Sarah T., born
June 23, 1841, married Horatio Burdick, and died in
187 1 : Mary S., born July 17, 1842, married Harri-
son Champlin; John Norton, born Aug. 15, 1844;
Henry C, born Jan. 22, 1845, resides at East Lyme,
Conn.; Leander T., born Dec. 18, 1846, died at
Boston ; Samuel A., born Feb. 22, 1849, resides at
Jewett City, Conn. ; Edwin A., born April 18, 1850,
resides in Rhode Island ; Ray Gould, born Aug. 26,
1852, resides at Boston; Melissa F., born Jan. 1,
1854. married Charles Avery, of Mystic, Conn.;
Addie F., born Aug. 22, 1855, married George T.
Barber, of Hope Valley, R. I. ; Charles L., born June
25, i860, lives in Boston; George W. (2), born
April 19, 1862, lives in Boston; Ulysses Grant, born
March 16, 1865, lives at Hope Valley, R. I. ; and five
children died in infancy.
John Norton Gardiner was but two years old
when the family removed to Exeter, R. I., where he
attended school during the winter seasons and
worked on the farm during the summers. When the
Civil War broke out he was anxious to join the
loyal troops marching to the front, but was only
seventeen years old at the time. In 1862, however.,
he enlisted in Co. A, 7th R. I. Infantry, under Col.
Bliss, and Capt. Leavens of Hope Valley, and served
from August until December. He then returned to
the farm, where he remained until the death of his
father. In 1868 he came to Voluntown, engaged in
farming and started into the mercantile business
with John Leffingwell, under the firm name of
Leffingwell & Gardiner, general merchants. The
partnership continued until 1888, when he sold out
and started into farming, buying his present farm of
170 acres, in Griswold. Here Mr. Gardiner has
made extensive improvements, entirely remodeling
the house and adding many substantial buildings.
He is now extensively engaged in dairy farming and
stock raising, and is commonly counted one of the
successful agriculturists of this section. He is a man
of unassuming manner, frank and kind-hearted, de-
voted to home and family, and a type of the best
class of American citizen. He is a member of the
A. O. U. W., of Voluntown, and is a Republican in
his political belief. He belongs to and liberally sup-
ports the Baptist Church at Voluntown.
On Aug. 21, 1869, Mr. Gardiner married, at
Hopkinton, R. L, Atteresta Allena Palmer, daugh-
ter of John and Amy (Ritter) Palmer, of that place.
Mrs. Gardiner is a lady of gentle manner and most
engaging character. She is a member of the Sev-
enth Day Baptist Church, of Rhode Island. Two
children have been born to this marriage : Delmer,
born Sept. 26, 1875, who is engaged in the dairy
business with his father ; and John Franklin, born
Aug. 11, 1879, a graduate of the East Greenwich
Academy, class of 1903. Mr. Gardiner has never
sought public position, but at one time consented to
serve as road surveyor. He is a man of prominence
in his locality, and enjoys the esteem of all who
know him.
NELSON TAYLOR, a highly respected citizen
and prosperous agriculturist of Lebanon, is a son of
John B. and Prudence (Avery) Taylor, who are
mentioned elsewhere.
Mr. Taylor was born Aug. 13, 1830, in Franklin,
Conn., and he was about five years of age when his
parents moved to Lebanon. There he attended the
district schools and was brought up to hard work
upon the farm, learning to be industrious and thrifty.
He remained with his father, and, with the exception
of seven months when he was employed on another
farm by Squire Jesse Wright, he remained on the
homestead farm until 1869, when he moved to his
present property, which he had purchased the pre-
ceding year of L. L. Lyman. This farm was known
as the "Maxwell place," and to it he has added addi-
tional acres, improving all the property, until he is
now the owner of sixty-five acres of excellent land,
which he devotes to general farming and dairying.
On Sept. 12, 1854, Mr. Taylor was married to
Helen A. Topliff, of Willington, who died Jan. 2,
1861, aged thirty-one years. No children were born
of this marriage. On Dec. 25, 1862, Mr. Taylor
married Mary L. Kilbourne, who was born May 6,
1837, in East Hartford, a daughter of Nathan and
Lucy (Burt) Kilbourne, the former a painter by
occupation. Two children were born to Mr. and
Mrs. Taylor: (1) John Clifton, born March 18,
1869, is mentioned below. (2) Frederick N., born
May 8, 1878, is one of the popular young men of
the town, and now manages the farm for his father.
He is a member of the Lebanon Grange, and has
served four years as master, and is now serving his
second term as Master of the New London County
Pomona. His wife, who bore the maiden name of
Hannah M. Kimball, was born in Scotland, Conn.;
they have one son, Ralph Winslow, born July 12,
1902.
Mr. Taylor is a stanch Republican, as are both of
his sons. Mr. and Mrs. Taylor and son, Frederick,
and his wife are consistent members of the Congre-
gational Church. During his earlier years Mr.
Taylor was a very hard working man, and is now
enjoying a well earned rest. His sons are a credit
to him, and his beloved wife is and has been his
devoted helpmeet in all his work.
Kilbourne. The Kilbourne family, of which
Mrs. Taylor is a member, is one of the oldest in Con-
necticut, and she is in the ninth generation from
Thomas Kilbourne, who was born in England in
1578, and in 1635 came to America in the ship
"Increase," with his wife Frances and their chil-
dren. The family landed in the New World April
15th of that same year, and he located at Wethers-
field, Conn., where he passed the remainder of his
life.
(II) Sergeant John Kilbourne, youngest child
of Thomas, was baptized in Wood Ditton, England,
Sept. 29, 1624, and became one of the prominent
men of the Connecticut colony, holding many public
offices, including those of magistrate in the local
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
5i5
-courts, member of the Colonial Legislature, and
member of the Colonial grarifl jury. In [662 he
helped to procure the famous charter of Connecti-
cut. He and his wife Naomi, to whom he was mar-
* ried in 1650, had several children, among whom was,
a son, Thomas.
(J II) Sergeant Thomas Kilbourne was born in
"W'ethersfield, in February, 165 1. He married Su-
sannah, daughter of William Hills, of Glastonbury.
(IV) Thomas Kilbourne, the next in line of de-
scent, was born in Hockanum, Conn. In 1700 he
married a daughter of Joseph Hills, of Glastonbury.
(V) Thomas Kilbourne, son of Thomas (4),
was born Sept. 8, 1705, at what is now East Hart-
ford. In May, 1728, he married Mary Diggins,
daughter of John Diggins, of Middletown, Conn.,
and among their children was a son Thomas.
(VI) Thomas Kilbourne, the great-grandfather
of Mrs. Taylor, was born Aug. 25, 1729. He mar-
ried and became the father of a son, Ashbel.
(VII) Ashbel Kilbourne, the grandfather of
Mrs. Taylor, was born in East Hartford in April,
1759. and during the Revolutionary war served as
a soldier in Col. Webb's regiment. He suffered
much for his country, and was one of those taken
prisoner by the British troops in December, 1777,
and confined in Philadelphia, from which place he
was transferred in a wagon to Hartford, Conn.
After his return home he was obliged to place him-
self under the care of Dr. Tudor, of East Windsor,
his feet having been frozen while in prison.
Through cruel neglect he was crippled for life, and
the "American Archives," published by order of
Congress in 1848, thus refers to his case: "Mr.
Kilbourne was disabled while a prisoner in Phila-
delphia ; his feet being frozen, his toes dropped off,
and for want of proper care he was totally dis-
abled." Congress granted him a pension and back
pay, and the General Assembly of Connecticut, in
the May session of 1779, passed the following con-
cerning this brave American patriot : "Resolved,
by this Assembly, that the committee of Pay table,
adjust and liquidate the accounts of the memorialist
for his sickness, and draw an order on the State
for such sums as they shall find due." This worthy
man married a Miss Evans of East Windsor, and
one of their sons was named Nathan.
(YIII) Nathan Kilbourne, father of Mrs. Tay-
lor, married Lucy Burt, and one of their children
was Mary L., who married Nelson Taylor.
The Kilbourne family is not only one of the old-
est, but its representatives have been noted for their
industry and thrift, and they have maintained the
honor of the name wherever located, wdiile their
public spirit and patriotism have been shown in both
war and peace.
John Clifton Taylor, M. D.. the specialist on
diseases of the Eye, Ear, Nose and Throat, of New
London, in which locality he enjoys a lucrative prac-
tice in his chosen profession, was born March 18,
1869, in Lebanon, Connecticut.
Dr. Taylor's early educational training was be-
gun in the district schools of his native town, and
continued in the Xatchaug high school, of Williman-
tic, from which he was graduated in 1886. He then
entered Oberlin College, in which institution of
learning he was a student for two years. Entering
the Medical School of the University of Michigan,
he was graduated therefrom with the degree of
M. D. in 1891, and he then began the practice of his
chosen profession in Scotland, Conn., but after two
years, although he had built up a good practice, he
removed to Manchester, Conn., desiring a larger
field for his labors. At the end of four years, during
which time he attended lectures and had practical
clinical work in various New York hospitals on dis-
eases of the Eye, Ear, Nose and Throat, he sold
out his practice in Manchester to Dr. C. E. Weidner,
and in 1897 settled in New London, where he has
become a very noted specialist in the treatment of
the organs mentioned, his large practice being con-
fined entirely to the diseases of these organs. He
also has charge of the special work at the Memorial
Hospital of New London in his line of practice. Dr.
Taylor holds membership in the State, County and
City Medical Associations, and is a member of
Brainard Lodge, No. 102, F. & A. M., of New Lon-
don, and of Palestine Comrhandery, Knights Tem-
plar.
Dr. Taylor was married (first) in June, 1892, to
Jennie Stofer, of Cleveland, Ohio, who died in New
London, June 7, 1899, leaving one son, Harold Clif-
ton, born Nov. 9, 1895. For his second wife Dr.
Taylor was married Sept. 27, 1900, to Margaret
Stevens, of Montgomery's Ferry, Pa., and to this
union have come two children : Robert Nelson, born
June 1, 1903, and Lurena Kilbourne, born Sept. 17,
1904.
Dr. Taylor's office is located in the Harris build-
ing, New London, and is thoroughly equipped with
all the modern and up-to-date appliances known to
and used by the medical profession in diagnosing
and treating diseases of the Eye, Ear, Nose and
Throat.
REV. JAMES J. SMITH, better known in Nor-
wich as Father Smith, is the well beloved priest and
pastor of St. Mary's parish, where he has been in
charge since Nov. 28, 1897. In the face of great
difficulties, by his courage, energy, faith and enthu-
siasm. Father Smith has brought St. Mary's into
the rank of representative Catholic parishes of Con-
necticut.
Father Smith was born in Ireland, but came to
this country when he was ten years old. He at-
tended a private academy, and graduated from
Holy Cross College in Worcester, Mass., in June,
1876. He then took a three years' course in the
Grand Seminary, in Montreal, Canada, and was or-
dained in Hartford May 20, 1880, by Bishop Mc-
Mahon. His first assignment was as assistant to
Rev. M. F. Kelly, at Windsor Locks, where he spent
5i6
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPLIICAL RECORD.
four years. When Father Kelly was transferred to
the parish of St. Augustine, in Bridgeport, Father
Smith accompanied him, and was his assistant there
for another four years. He then received the ap-
pointment to St. George's parish, in Guilford, where
he remained five years. His next charge was the
parish of St. Lawrence, in Hartford, where he spent
four years, and from there he came to St. Mary's in
Norwich.
The Roman Catholic Church has been established
but a short time in Norwich, no persons of that faith
being recorded there previous to 1824. Father
Fitton, one of the missionaries of the Church, came
to Norwich in 1831, and from that time visited the
town at stated intervals, ministering to the spiritual
needs of his people, and holding religious services as
tradition tells "in shanties, or in groves." The first
baptism into the Catholic faith recorded in Norwich,
is dated May 15, 1836. From that time the growth
of the Church was rapid and successful. The first
Catholic Church to be dedicated in Norwich, and
also the first in Eastern Connecticut, was that of
St. Mary, which was opened for service by Father
Fitton, March 17, 1845. The town records show the
transfer to Father Fitton, Sept. 4, 1844, of land
in Greeneville, which was transferred Nov. 14th of
the same year to Rt. Rev. William Tyler, Bishop of
Hartford, and on this land St. Mary's Church was
erected. The desire of Father Fitton's heart was
attained by the bringing together in St. Mary's of
the Catholic population of Norwich. But the grow-
ing number of parishioners eventually made another
church necessary, and St. Patrick's parish was estab-
lished in a more central location, St. Mary's becom-
ing, after 1879, merely an out mission of the new
parish. About the year 1897 it was determined by
Bishop Tierney, that the needs of the Catholics in
Greeneville, and the section adjacent to St. Mary's,
demanded the establishment of a separate parish,
and it was decided to sever the connection between
St. Patrick's and St. Mary's, making each inde-
pendent. The charge of the new St. Mary's was
given by the Bishop to Father Smith, who was at
that time incumbent of the parish of St. Lawrence,
in Hartford:
It was no easy task that Father Smith undertook,
that cold, cheerless November day, when he arrived
in Norwich. He found the church entirely out of
repair, and the whole parish disorganized ; the
church must be rebuilt, parish work arranged and
systematized, a convent and a parochial school
erected. For the first month Father Smith was a
guest of Father Treanor, and by that time the parish
had secured the Batchelor place, on Central avenue,
now owned by Timothy Kelly, for the parochial
residence, and there Father Smith has since lived.
The church was formally reorganized Jan. 17, 1898,
there being 1,800 people in the parish, and in less
than four years the parish had a membership of
2,200, with 275 children of school age. A warm
affection soon sprang up between Father Smith and
his parishioners, and by their united efforts the
broken windows and falling ceilings of the church
were repaired and beautified. The church was re-
stored at a cost of $4,000, and attention was then
turned to the school. The old parochial residence
was used at first, but the increasing number of pupils
demanded better accommodations, and a new school-
house was built. A school building fund, for St.
Mary's parish, was started through a bequest of
$5,000, from Patrick Kelly, in 1892, which has been
continually increased through the energetic work
of Father Smith. Meantime the sisters in charge of
the school were obliged to live in St. Patrick's con-
vent, as St. Mary's had no place for them. To
provide for this need, a tract of land was purchased
on Hickory street, on which a convent was erected.
This land was a low marshy spot, of no promise
except to the eye of indomitable energy and faith.
Now, thoroughly drained, filled in and improved
with fine buildings, there are no more attractive
grounds in the vicinity. The cost of the new im-
provements is about $34,000. Both the new con-
vent and school-house are commodious and well-
arranged, and equipped with all the modern conve-
niences in the way of heating, lighting, ventilation
and sanitation.
The severance of St. Mary's from St. Patrick's,
on which it had so long depended, was not a task
to be performed so easily, or in a day. But the
united efforts of Father Smith and his enthusiastic
congregation, have accomplished the work, and the
new convent and school-house will enable St. Mary's
to take the whole care of its own parish work. The
hope and purpose of the parish now is to erect, in the
near future, a handsome church building, with par-
ochial residence adjoining, on a beautiful site for
which negotiations are now pending.
The great prosperity of the parish is due to the
untiring work, and inspiring enthusiasm of Father
Smith, who is never discouraged, and never com-
plains of too great or too arduous labors.
CHARLES EDWARD SPENCER is a de-
scendant of an old family and is one of the leading
and successful farmers of Lebanon. He traces back
his line of ancestry through his father Ichabod, his
grandfather Jeduthan, through John, Samuel (the
first to settle in Windham), Thomas (who settled
at Hartford in 1635), Jared (of Stratford) to Mi-
chael Spencer of Bedfordshire.
(I) Michael Spencer passed his entire life in
Bedfordshire. His wife's name was Elizabeth.
(II) Jared Spencer, son of Michael, lived at
Stratford, England. He became the father of five
sons, all of whom came to New England : John,
who returned to England ; Thomas and William,
who settled at Hartford, Conn. ; Jared, at Haddam,
Conn. ; and Michael at Cambridge, Massachusetts.
(III) Thomas Spencer, known as "Sergeant
Thomas," was born in 1607, in the home in Bedford-
shire, England, and upon coming to New England,
^6 & M
Z-^^t.
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
5*7
an 1632, with his four brothers, made his first home
in Cambridge, Mass., but, in 1635, removed to Hart-
ford in company with the Rev. Thomas Hooker. In
the Pequot war of 1637, he served as a soldier, and
was made sergeant, later being given a grant of land
of sixty acres as a reward for his gallantry. By his
first wife he had three children : Adiah, Thomas and
Samuel. By his second wife he had six children :
Jared ; Sarah, who married Thomas Huxley ; Eliza-
beth, who married Samuel Andrews, of Hartford ;
Hannah ; Mary ; and Martha, who married a Mr.
Benton.
(IV) Samuel Spencer settled in Windham, now
Scotland, Connecticut.
(Y) John Spencer, son of Samuel, was born
in Windham, where he died. Five of his sons were
in the war of the Revolution.
(VI) Jeduthan Spencer, a son of John, was born
in Windham, on the Spencer farm, two miles east
of Windham Centre. He was one of those who
turned out at the "Lexington alarm," and he served
nineteen days in the vicinity of Boston. By trade
he was a carpenter and wheelwright, and was
known as a good mechanic. He was killed while
raising a bell to the belfry in the Scotland church,
in August, 1812, and was buried in a private yard,
which is located in the town of Scotland. His wife,
Abigail Brown, was a native of Brooklyn. Their
children were : Elisha, who died at the age of nine-
teen years ; Ichabod ; John L., who married Lucy
Fuller, and resided in Hanover ; James H., a school
teacher in early life, who located at Hartford ; Elias,
who married Miss Rogers and located at Coventry,
where he reared a large family.
(VII) Ichabod Spencer, father of our subject,
was born in Scotland, Conn., in 1781, and resided
there until his marriage. He taught school for
seven years in Scotland, during the winter season,
and also taught in Windham and Lebanon before
Tiis marriage. After the latter event he located at
Lisbon, where he resided for ten years, first on a
rented farm and later on one he had purchased.
After disposing of his property, he removed to a
farm in Lebanon which adjoins that owned by C.
E. Spencer, which was at that time owned by Joseph
Babcock, his father-in-law. While residing on this
farm, his wife died in 1827, and later he lived upon
rented farms in the vicinity for six years, 1830-
1836. In the latter year his eldest son purchased a
farm in Scotland, about one-half mile west of the
church, and there he resided for twenty-four years,
•or until his death, which occurred May 12, 1853.
His death was due to the infirmities of age, and he
was buried at Windham. In politics he was a Whig,
but never desired office. He married Henrietta Bab-
cock, a native of Windham, daughter of Joseph and
Mary ( McCall) Babcock of Lebanon. Her death
which occurred Jan. 2J, 1827, when she was forty-
one, was a severe blow to her husband. Their
■children were: (1) Lucius W., born Aug. 5, 1810,
was a farmer in early life, but later was engaged in
the manufacturing business at Stafford, and was for
several years an overseer in the Willimantic Linen
Company. After several years residence on Bab-
cock Hill in Lebanon, he returned to Willimantic
and there resided until his death July 29, 1888. In
February, 1838, he married Mary Neil, and they
were the parents of George H. Spencer, assistant
postmaster at Willimantic. (2) George D., born
Jan. 26, 1813, was engaged in earlv life as a clerk
in stores in Lebanon, Norwich and' Hartford, after
which he went into the grocery business on his own
account at Hampton, and later from 1847 to 1864 in
Lebanon. He spent the latter years of his life at the
home of his son, George F., in Deep River, dving
May 11, 1883, aged seventy-two vears. He 'was
first a Whig, later a Republican, and in 1854 he
represented Lebanon in the legislature; was also
town clerk and judge of probate for many vears,
and was eighteen years on the school board, being
altogether a very prominent man, who served his
town continuously for thirty-four years. He was a
member of the Baptist Church, in which he served as
trustee and treasurer. In Hampton, Conn., in June,
1839, George D. Spencer married Martha Maria
Spaulding, who was born in December, 1815, and
who died May 15, 1883. They had two children,
George F., who for many years was one of the lead-
ing men of Deep River, Conn., where he was en-
gaged in a mercantile business, but who is now
located at Hartford, being a member of the firm of
George F. Spencer & Co. ; and Dwight S., born in
185 1, was a member of the firm of Spencer Bros.,
and died March 9, 1883. (3) Mary E., born May
20, 1817, was married on Nov. 9, 1841, to Zados
Babcock, a farmer of South Windham, and their
one daughter, Ellen B., died unmarried. Mrs. Bab-
cock died April 12, 1904. (4) Joseph B., born July
16, 1821, was married March 27, 1849, to Harriet
Sophia Barrows, of Mansfield, and he resided at
South Windham, where he died on August 2, 1903 ;
his wife died on July 23, 1903. They left two chil-
dren, Alma P. and Clara W., the latter now the wife
of J. G. Palmer.
The second marriage of Ichabod Spencer took
place June 30, 1830, Mrs. Ruth Clark, widow of
Charles Clark, of Brooklyn, and daughter of
Libeus Washburn, becoming his wife. She was
born in Pomfret in 1794, and her death occurred
Aug. 12, 1859, in Scotland. Conn., and her remains
were buried at Brooklyn. One daughter by her first
marriage, Eliza Ann, became the wife of William
F. Essex, and died in August. 1879. in Millerton,
N. Y. ; her remains lie in the Essex family plot in
Willimantic. The children of Ichabod Spencer by
his second marriage were: Charles Edward, was
born Dec. 24, 1831. Frederick L., born May I,
1833, was married in January, 1886, to Mary W.
Peckham, and he died in July following; he was a
farmer and stockdealer of Windham ; during the
5i8
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
civil war he enlisted in the 18th Conn. V. I. and
became a sergeant, and was honorably discharged
with his regiment.
Charles" Edward Spencer was born Dec. 24,
183 1, in Lebanon, and was two years old when the
family located in Scotland, in which town his boy-
hood days were passed. He attended the district
school until the age of seventeen years, and after
that time made his home with his brother Joseph,
who then resided on our subject's present farm.
While there he attended for three terms the school
of Jabez Fitch, who had a select school at South
Windham. From the age of thirteen years, he
spent the summer season as a farm laborer, receiv-
ing five dollars a month when he was thirteen ; six
dollars a month when he was fourteen years ; eight
dollars a month when he was sixteen years, and
after that twenty dollars a month. Prior to his
marriage he taught school for eight winters, but
after marrying, he settled on his present farm, which
was purchased from his mother-in-law, and, with
the exception of three years which were spent on a
nearby farm, he has since made it his home. He has
made many extensive improvements upon the prop-
erty, and he has added to it until he now owns 130
acres. He makes a specialty of dairying.
On July 2, 1861, Mr. Spencer was married, in
Willimantic, to Harriet Haskell, born Aug. 2, 1835,
in North Stonington, a daughter of Hezekiah and
Sarah (Hewitt) Haskell. The children born of this
union were: Ida May, born Feb. 1, 1864, died Feb.
12, 1874; Frank Washburn, born Jan. 8, 1869,
assists his father at home ; and Adorna, born Jan.
11, 1876, a graduate of the Willimantic High
School, class of 1894, married, Oct. 3, 1895, Arthur
Sweet, a farmer of South Windham. In politics
Mr. Spencer is a stanch Republican, and has served
as justice of the peace, and grand juror; in 1889
he represented the town in the State Legislature,
and while there served on the committee on in-
surance.
Mr. Spencer was one of the organizers of the
Lebanon Creamery Association, and has served as
a director since its organization. When he was
nineteen years of age he joined the Windham Con-
gregational Church, of which his wife and daugh-
ter are also members. He has been active in church
work, serving on the church committee, and at the
present time he is clerk and treasurer of the branch
church at South Windham, and has been chairman
of the committee since it was started. Mr. Spencer
is a hardworking man, and commands the esteem
and respect of all who know him. He ranks among
the substantial men of the town, and his success
has been gained through his own efforts.
GEORGE W. LYMAN, one of the well known
and most substantial citizens of Lebanon, now liv-
ing retired from work, after many successful years
devoted to farming, is a descendant of an old Con-
necticut familv.
Richard Lyman came to America with his wife
and five children in 1631. Their English home was
at High Ongar, County Essex, twenty-five miles
from London. They sailed from Bristol, England,
in August, 1 63 1, and landed in Boston the follow-
ing November. They first settled at Charlestown,
Mass., and there remained until October, 1635, when
they joined the party of one hundred persons under
the leadership of Rev. Thomas Hooker and became
"original settlers" of Hartford, Richard Lyman's
name being on the monument erected to the first
settlers in the rear of the Center Church at that
city. He was a land owner and a prominent citizen
of Hartford, and he died in 1640. His widow, for-
merly Sarah Osborne, did not long survive him.
They were the ancestors of the greater portion of
those bearing the name in this country. The line-
age of George W. Lyman from the emigrant Rich-
ard is through the latter's son Richard (2), Richard
(3), Samuel, Jabez, Elisha, Capt. Alvin G. and
Ludlow Lawrence.
Capt. Alvin G. Lyman, grandfather of George
\Y., was born in 1770, son of Elisha Lyman.
He became an extensive farmer, and resided in Leb-
anon until his death, in 1853. He was one of the
substantial men of the town, and was a man of in-
fluence and prominence. As captain of the local
company of militia, he was in command of his' com-
pany at New London when that place was threat-
ened by the British in the war of 1812. Politicallv
he was a Jeffersonian Democrat, and religiously an
attendant of the Baptist Church. He married a
Miss Maples, who died in early life, leaving several
small children as follows: (1) Thomas, a farmer in
Lebanon, who married (first) a Miss Lathrop, and
(second) Harriet Slade ; (2) Ludlow Lawrence;
(3) George, a wheelwright by trade, who left home
when a young man, and died in the Civil war; (4)
Albert, a farmer in Lebanon, who married (first)
Lucinda Segars, and (second) Jane Gillette; (5)
Frances, who married (first) a Mr. Ingraham, and
(second) Eliaphalet Manning, and died in Meriden ;
(6) Lucy, who married John Gardner, and died in
Willimantic; and (7) Jane, who married Bridgman
Manley, and resides in Lebanon.
Ludlow Lawrence Lyman was born Aug. 25,.
1813, in Lebanon, and his early life was spent in
hard work on the farm. All his education was re-
ceived in the district schools. Until the age of
twenty-one he remained at home, giving his time
to his parents, but the month following his attain-
ing his majority he left home, and was employed
for two months by Judge Hebard, on Lebanon
Green. The following spring he took his father's
farm on shares, and remained there for thirteen
years, during this time nieeting with good success.
He was careful of his earnings, and in that way ob-
tained the start which later brought him wealth.
He removed from his father's farm to one of eighty-
three acres, located at the lower end of Lebanon
street, and there he very successfully carried on-
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
5i9
farming all the rest of his life. He greatly improved
the land, and brought it to a high state of cultiva-
tion, and made it one of the most productive farms
of the town. Mr. Lyman was ever a hard working
man, and was active until his last sickness, his death
being caused by a shock which preceded his death a
few months. He died Jan. 25, 1896. and his remains
were the first placed in the new cemetery south of
Lebanon Green. He was about six feet tall, and in
his prime weighed nearly two hundred pounds. He
was a man of good habits, and had excellent health
throughout life, until his last illness. Of great
sympathy and uniform good nature, he was slow
to anger, but when once aroused he was not slow to
cool off. He was ever a strict temperance man, and
was a member of the Congregational Church, and a
very regular attendant upon divine service. Po-
litically he was a Democrat until the Civil war, after
which he supported the Republican party, but he
never sought public office. In his early life he was
a member of the local militia, and served as pax-
master with the rank of lieutenant. Mr. Lyman was
a careful and economical man, and a man of splen-
did business judgment, and through the exercise
of these traits he accumulated a large property, at
the time of his death being ranked among the
wealthiest men of the town. He married Harriet
B. Taylor, of Lebanon, daughter of John B. Tay-
lor, who survived him and died April 16, 1900, aged
seventy-nine years, and was buried beside her hus-
band. Mrs. Lyman was a very faithful helpmeet,
and a splendid business woman. Much of her hus-
band's success was due to her wise counsel and
thriftiness. She, too, was a member of the Congre-
gational Church.
George W. Lyman, the only child of his par-
ents, was born Oct. 8, 1841, on the Lyman home-
stead farm, west of his present home. He was a
small boy when his parents moved to the farm south
of the Green. He attended the district school and
Lebanon Academy, which was then presided over
in turn by Messrs. Crandall, Bronson and Standish.
Out of school hours he was given a severe course in
farm work. He remained at home, assisting his
father in the management of the farm, which he
continued to do after the death of his parent. In
1899 he removed to his present nice home, but still
continues to manage the farm, in addition to look-
ing after his other interests.
Mr. Lyman was married (first) to Kate E. Peck-
ham, of South Kingston, R. I., daughter of Edwin
H. Peckham. She died March 30, 1898, aged fifty-
four years. On June 4, 1900, Mr. Lyman was mar-
ried to Lula Estella Hill, who was born in Haver-
hill, N. H., daughter of Frank and Sarah (Bos-
well) Hill, formerly of Haverhill, but later of Co-
lumbia, Conn.
Mr. Lyman is a Republican, on national affairs,
but in local affairs supports the candidates best fitted
for office. He has served for a time as grand juror.
but never cared for political preferment. Mr. Lyman
is a member of Lebanon Grange, and Mrs. Lyman
of Columbia Grange. They are members of the
Congregational Church, and active in religious
work. Mr. Lyman is, like his father, a careful, con-
servative business man, thoroughly reliable in all
his dealings, and no man in the town is more de-
serving the esteem in which he is held.
AMOS ROSWELL CHAPMAN, for eleven
years first selectman of the town of Groton, and a
man of ripe experience and solid traits of character,
was born in the town of Ledyard, Conn., April 4,
1847, son OI Roswell Button Chapman, also a na-
tive of Ledyard.
Roswell B. Chapman learned the trade of a
carpenter under Col. Roswell Button, of Jewett City,
and until the year 1853, he engaged in building. In
that year, however, he removed to Mystic, Conn.,
and there followed the trade of a ship joiner until
his death, which event took place Sept. 12. 1876.
He married Mary Ann Wilcox, daughter of Robert
Nelson Wilcox, of Ledyard, and the children born of
this marriage were : Amos Roswell ; Everett B. ;
Mary Ellen, who married William Comstock and
resides at Perrysburg, Ohio ; and Martin W. In
political faith Mr. Chapman was a Democrat.
Amos R. Chapman was educated in the Fifth
school district of Mystic, Conn., and was admitted
to the old academy there. After completing his
course of studies, he learned the trade of ship joiner
under his father, and has followed that line of work
on the Mystic and Connecticut rivers. In 1870, he
obtained the contract for finishing the schooner
yacht "Rambler," built in New London by P. E.
Beckwith, and he also worked on the barque "Gray
Eagle," at Noank; the American tea ship "Benefac-
tor" at Greenport, L. I. ; a barque at Warren, R. I.,
and for a good many years he has held the contract
for finishing all the work done at the Palmer yard
in Noank.
In March, 1872, Mr. Chapman was united in
marriage at Noank, Conn., with Martha Ella Doug-
lass, daughter of Capt. James Winthrop Douglass.
They have a son, Herbert Douglass, who married
Mabel Palmer, and has two children, Herbert D.,
Jr., and Harold Palmer.
Mr. Chapman has been a Democrat all his life,
and represented Groton in the Legislature in i.v
Since 1884 he has' been justice of the peace. For
fourteen years he has been selectman, and for
eleven years of this time he has served as first select-
man. He is recognized by his townsmen of both
parties as the right man in the right place, and has
discharged the duties of his office in a manner that
allows of no criticism. He has been as loyal to one
part of the town as to the other, and probably no one
is more familiar with the town affairs than lie. Mr.
Chapman is above reproach of any kind, and his
strictly honorable principles have been iv eatedly
shown forth.
Religiously Mr. Chapman is a member of the
520
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
Union Baptist Church. In his fraternal relations,
he is a member of Charity and Relief Lodge No.
72, A. F. & A. M.; Benevolence Chapter No. 21,
R. A. M.; and Mystic Council No. 29, R. & S. M.
He has been master of the blue lodge and high priest
of the council, and is secretary of the Masonic Fra-
ternal League. He is also a member of Stonington
Lodge I. O. O. F., and Mystic Encampment; the
Knights of Pythias ; the A. O. U. W. ; Knights of
the Golden Cross, American Benefit Society; the
celebrated Jibboom Club at New London, and is
connected with other organizations.
WILLIAM LORING. The Loring family, of
which the late William Loring was a most worthy
representative, and his son, George H., is now the
only male representative, is one of the oldest fami-
lies of New England.
The name Loring as a proper name is of great
antiquity and is of German-French origin, being
derived from Lotharingia, or Lorraine, a province
in France. The first of the name in the New World
was Deacon Thomas Loring, who came from Ax-
minster, Devonshire, the garden of England, to
Dorchester, Suffolk county, in New England. His
wife was Jane Newton, whom he married in his
native home. They left England Dec. 22, 1634,
with their two sons, Thomas and John, remained
in Dorchester, Mass., for some time, and later
moved to Hingham, still later settling at Hull,
Mass., where he died April 1, 1661 ; his widow fol-
lowed him to the grave Aug. 25, 1672. He was one
of the first deacons of the Hingham Church and was
a Godly man. After their coming to New England
their family was increased by four more children,
namely: Isaac, Josiah, Joshua and Benjamin.
(II) John Loring, son of Thomas, was born
Dec. 22, 1630, in England, and came to America
with his parents. He grew to manhood and spent
his entire life in Hingham, Mass., and he died at the
home of his son, Capt. Thomas, Sept. 19, 17 14. He
was a very religious and God-fearing man. He
married Dec. 16, 1656, Mary Baker, daughter of
Nathaniel Baker, and they became the parents of
ten children. This wife died July 13, 1679, and ne
married second Sept. 22, 1679, Rachel Buckland, a
widow, who bore him four children.
(III) Isaac Loring, the fourth son of the first
marriage of John, was born at Hull, Jan. 22, 1666.
When a young man he removed to Boston, where
he spent the remainder of his life, and where he
died Dec. 3, 1702, from smallpox. On Aug. 5,
169 1, he married Sarah Young, and their children
were: Sarah, born Aug. 26, 1693, wno ^n :7:6
married Joseph Blanchard ; Ruth, born Dec. 19,
1696, who died in 1772; Isaac, born April 20, 1699;
William, born Dec. 23, 1700; Mary, born Feb. 5,
1702, who married in 1730 Joseph Dyer; and two
daughters that died in infancy.
(IV) William Loring, son of Isaac, born Dec.
23, 1700, was a carpenter and joiner by occupation.
He married Nov. 19, 1724, Ann Holland, and to
them were born five children : Ann, born May 29,
1726, who married Benjamin Clark in 1749; Isaac,
born Nov. 30, 1729; Sarah, born Dec. 26, 1731 ;
William, born June 20, 1736; and Mary, born Aug.
6, 1738. The mother of these children died in 1784.
(V) Isaac Loring, son of William, was born in
Boston, Nov. 30, 1729, and learned the trade of sail-
maker, making that his life occupation. He married
Elizabeth Russell, about January, 1751, and to this
union was born a son, William, Jan. 15, 1756. Isaac
Loring died before March 31, 1758, as the Boston
probate records show that Ann Loring, mother of
Isaac, was appointed administrator of the estate
on that date.
(VI) William Loring, son of Isaac, was born
at Boston, Jan. 5, 1756, and followed the sea. From
Miss Caulkins's history of Norwich we glean the
following: "In February, 1788, the brig 'Clarissa'
came from Port au Prince ; her master, Capt. Wil-
liam Loring, had died on the passage home just
as they came upon the coast. The vessel touched at
Elizabeth Island, and buried Capt. Loring at Tar-
paulin Cove, that very cold Tuesday night, Feb. 5,
1788." There is a tombstone at Naushon, Elizabeth
Island, on which is the following inscription :
"In memory of Capt. William Loring, of Nor-
wich, Conn. He was born in Boston, Jan. 5, 1756,
and died at sea Feb. 2, 1788.
"Loring in all the prime of life,
Jiath quit this brittle clay,
And calmly steered his single bark
To yonder world of day."
Capt. William Loring married Zerviah Lord
May 17, 1 78 1, and four children were born to them:
William, born March 21, 1782, who was a sea cap-
tain, and died Feb. 14, 1824; Henry, born Jan. 22,
1784; George, born April 23, 1786; and Isaac, born
April 1, 1788, who died at sea in 1805. The mother
of these children was married again, March 6, 1794,
to Daniel Dunham, to whom she bore three children :
Hannah, born Jan. 6, 1795; Daniel, Feb. 18, 1797;
and John, Sept. 25, 1800. Mrs. Dunham died Nov.
1, 1828, and her husband died July 1, 18 12.
(VII) George Loring was born April 23, 1786,
and died Dec. 13, 1852. On March 23, 1809, he mar-
ried Lucy Lester, who was born Feb. 8, 1787, and
died Aug. 12, 1836, daughter of Elijah and Damaris
(Lord) Lester. The children of this union were as
follows : Lydia, born April 6, 1810, married June
3, 1835, Andrew Huntington, of Norwich, who died
in Savannah, Ga., Jan. 21, 1839; Frances Ann, born
in Preston, Feb. 24, 1812, died May 22, 1834 ; Henry
Isaac, born July 19, 18 14, married Lucy Maria
Baldwin, Sept. 4, 1855, and died in Norwich, Jan.
27, 1 87 1 ; William, born Feb. 3, 181 7, is mentioned
below ; Lucy Ann, born July 27, 1819, married Dr.
William W. Miner, Nov. 3, 1836, and she died Dec.
1. 1837; Sarah, born Oct. 2, 1821, married Oliver
Perry Avery, Feb. 22, 1843 5 Charles Frederick, born
IX)
(rb
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
i2I
Dec. 15, 1824, died in St. Louis, March 11, i860;
and George, born Dec. 17, 1830, married first March
16. 1859, Harriet Kennedy, second Susan C. Ken-
nedy, and third Mary Francis.
William Loring, whose name opens this sketch,
■was born in North Preston, now known as Gris-
wold, Feb. 3, 1817, and grew up on a farm, early
becoming accustomed to farm labor, which was his
life work. A few years before bis death he came
to Norwich, locating on Laurel Hill avenue, where
he died Dec. 10, 1896, in the eightieth year of his
age. He was a Christian man and was for thirty
years deacon of the Preston City Congregational
Church. He was one of the largest donors when
the church was founded, and he had been the
largest contributor up to his death. Up to the last
he was well read and posted on all leading questions
of the day.
On Feb. 2, 1842, William Loring was married
to Harriet Kinney Morgan, daughter of Erastus
and Polly (Meach) Morgan, the latter a daughter of
Jacob Meach. Three children blessed this union :
Mrs. George Greenman ; George H. ; and Mary,
who resides in Denver, Colo. The mother of these
children died Jan. 20, 1894. She was a charitable
woman — charitable not only in relieving the suffer-
ing and needs of the unfortunate, but in overlooking
the weaknesses of those led into temptation. She
was a good and noble mother, and a devoted wife,
ever finding her chief pleasure in ber home.
George H. Loring, son of William, was born
Sept. 1, 1 85 1, in Preston, where he attended school,
and he also attended the Eastman Business College,
at Foughkeepsie, N. Y. He grew up on the farm,
and there continued until 1871, when he went to
East Great Plains to enter the employ of Lyman
Randall, with whom he remained until the death
of that gentleman, when Mr. Loring assumed the
management of the farm for Mr. Randall's widow.
In the latter capacity he remained four years. Later
he engaged in farming for himself, and purchased
the Alba F. Smith farm, on which he resided twelve
years. In April, 1897, he removed to Norwich,
where he has since resided, retired from active busi-
ness, his home being on the northeast corner of
Lincoln avenue and Uncas street.
On Oct. 24, 1884, Mr. Loring was married to
Miss Lillian Avery, who was born in Preston, Conn.,
July 30, 1859, daughter of Ulysses and Lucy Ann
(Williams) Avery. They have had children as
follows: Nellie Avery; Frederick William, who
died in his eleventh year ; Sarah Lillian ; Lucy Wil-
liams ; and Ruth Lester. Mr. Loring is a Republi-
can in political faith. With his family he attends
the Park Congregational Church.
PARKER. For more than a century and a half
this family has held high and prominent place
among the well-known people of Norwich. By
marriage, its representatives have become connected
with such noted families as those bearing the names
of Lester, Fitch, Huntington, Cook and Roath.
Captain Timothy Parker was a hero of the Revolu-
tion; his son Capt. John Parker was a commodore
in the Mexican navy, and the lattcr's son. Ebenezer
Fitch Parker, was well known in commercial life.
Three of the sons of Ebenezer Fitch Parker are
yet residing in Norwich, in the persons of Henry
Lester, Robert Bottum and John Ford Parker. The
lineage of the family is traced as follows :
(I) Robert Parker, of Barnstable, Mass., sup-
posed to be a son of William, married first on Jan.
28, 1657, Sarah James, and to them came: Mary,
born April 1, 1658; Samuel, born June 30, 1660;
Alice, born Jan. 20, 1662, and James, born in March,
1664. He married (second) in August, 1667, Pa-
tience, daughter of Henry Cobb, and to them came :
Thomas, born Aug. 24, 1669 ; Daniel, born April
18, 1670; Joseph, born in February, 1672; Benja-
min, born March 15, 1674; Hannah, born in April,
1676; Sarah, born June, 1678; Elisha, born April,
1680; and Alice, born Sept. 15, 1681.
(II) Thomas and Joseph Parker, sons of Rob-
ert (mentioned above), were ancestors of the Fal-
mouth, Mass., Parkers. Falmouth, Mass., is a town
in the southern part of the peninsula of Cape Cod,
and was incorporated as a town in 1686. Thomas
Parker was an original member of the church there
in 1707, and was ordained a deacon, March 6, 1745.
He married Dec. 5, 1693, Mary Jenkins.
(II) Joseph Parker, from whom the Norwich
branch of the family descend, was born in February,
1672, and was also an original member of the Fal-
mouth Church. He married, June 30, 1697-8,
Mercy Whiston, sometimes incorrectlv written as
Whetstone and Whiton. Joseph Parker died in
1732, and his children were: Joseph, 1699; John,
1700: Timothy, 1703; Seth, 1705; Sylvanus, 1707;
and Mary, 1709.
(III) John Parker, son of Joseph Parker, re-
moved to Norwich, Conn., about 1745. He was
admitted to the church at Falmouth, Mass., in No-
vember, 1741. In 1734, he married Elizabeth Smith,
and their children were: Timothy, born May 17,
1735 ; Mary, born Jan. 15, 1737 ; John and Elizabeth
(twins), born March 27, 1739.
(IV) Capt. Timothy Parker, born May 17, 1735,
in Falmouth, Mass., was about ten years of age
when the family removed to Norwich. Previous
to the Revolutionary war, Timothy Parker was a
naval commander, and the breaking out of the war
found him in that position. He remained in the
merchant service after the beginning of hostilities,
and in 1776, when returning from a voyage to the
West Indies, he was captured and taken to New
York. There for a long time he suffered the hard-
ships that fell to those who became prisoners of
war. He was finally released, and in September.
1777, was commissioned as lieutenant on the "Oliver
Cromwell," the largest of the State cruisers of Con-
necticut. On the promotion of Captain Parker, he
was given command of the "Oliver Cromwell" and
522
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
in her made several successful cruises, fighting a
severe battle on April 13, 1778, with the "Admiral
Keppel" and "Cygnus," the "Defense" another
Connecticut State cruiser being in company. The
British ships were captured, and several other armed
vessels of the enemy fell as prizes to the skill and
enterprise of Captain Parker. In June, 1778, the
"Oliver Cromwell" met the British frigate
"Daphne," and was obliged to surrender to a su-
perior force. The action reflected great credit upon
Captain Parker. He was again confined in one of
the British prison ships, from which he escaped by
way of Long Island, and thus reached his home in
Norwich. Captain Parker was later in command of
privateers, the last with which his name is associated
being the "Scourge," a twenty-gun ship. After the
war, he resumed service in the merchant marine.
Captain Parker died May 27, 1797. On March 23,
1769, he married Deborah Lester, and their children
were as follows: Ann, born Dec. 25, 1769; John,
born March 10, 1772; Elizabeth, born Aug. 28,
1774, died Aug. 30, 1797; Timothy, born Feb. 14,
1778; Henry, born May 29, 1780, died Aug. 24.
1796, in Charleston, South Carolina.
(V) John Parker, son of Capt. Timothy, was
born March 10, 1772. On April 25, 1802, he was
married to Sarah Fitch, born Aug. 10, 1771, daugh-
ter of Ebenezer and Mary (Huntington) Fitch.
Ebenezer Fitch was a son of Daniel and Anne
(Cook) Fitch, and grandson of Rev. James Fitch,
the first minister at Norwich, whose wife was Alice,
granddaughter of Governor William Bradford, of
the "Mayflower." Ebenezer Fitch and Mary Hunt-
ington were wedded Sept. 3, 1750. John Parker
became a sea captain, and continued as such until
after the War of 18 12, when business in his line had
become temporarily paralyzed, and he went to
Mexico, and entered the Mexican navy, at a time
when that country was at war. He later was com-
missioned commodore, and was in command of the
brig "Congress," but he died of a fever aboard his
vessel in the Bay of Honduras, and was buried
ashore, May 27, 1819. For his services in that war.
Commodore Parker was given grants of land by the
Mexican government, but they were never claimed
by the family. The children of John Parker and
wife were: Elizabeth Ann, born May 28, 1803,
died unmarried, April 16, 1879, in Norwich; Timo-
thy, born Dec. 15, 1804, died in 1832; John Henry,
born Feb. 26, 1807, resided in Norwich, and there
died; Mary Ellsworth, born March 31, 1809, died
March 19, 1810; Ebenezer Fitch, born Dec. 25,
181 2. Sarah Fitch Parker survived her husband,
and died Nov. 14, 1847.
(VI) Ebenezer Fitch Parker was born in
Norwich, and was about seven years old when his
father died. At the age of sixteen years he began to
learn the trade of cabinetmaker, under Deacon
Horace Colton, and remained there two years. He
then accepted a position as clerk with Lester & Co.,
who had a grocery and drug store on Water street,
and remained there until he became of age. He
then engaged with Dr. William P. Eaton, who at
that time had a lumber yard at Norwich. Later,,
for a short time he was a clerk on the steamer
"General Jackson," that plied between Norwich and
New York, under Capt. W. W. Coit. Still later he
engaged in the grocery business with Samuel B.
Phillips, Jr., under the firm name of Phillips &
Parker. After the firm dissolved, Mr. Parker con-
tinued the business alone for several years, and
when he disposed of it, he was engaged by Hyde
& Hall, then prominent merchants of Norwich.
About 1840 Mr. Parker entered the employ of the
Norwich & Worcester railroad, was conductor for
a week, and then was made master of transporta-
tion, serving in that capacity for thirty-seven years,
until his resignation in 1877. Later he was ac-
countant for the Reade Paper Company, under the
late Edwin S. Ely, and continued there until the
company went out of business. . For several years
Mr. Parker then devoted his attention to the affairs
of the New London County Mutual Fire Insurance
Company, of which he had served as president for
over thirty-five years. He resigned this office be-
cause of poor health, and for about three years prior
to his death, was not engaged in any business. Mr.
Parker died Sept. 21, 1897, and was buried in Yan-
tic cemetery. He retained all his faculties until the
last. Politically he was a Democrat, and served
as a member of the city council when Judge Hovey
was mayor.
Governor Jewell appointed Mr. Parker harbor
master, which office he held until his death. He
was a regular attendant at the Second Congrega-
tional Church. "Mr. Parker was one of the best
known residents of the city, and he had a wide ac-
quaintance with railroad men throughout New Eng-
land. Personally, he had a cheerful disposition, and
was always a delightful person to meet. He was
well read, and could talk interestingly of Norwich
and its people of sixty years ago. In every way, he
was a worthy citizen, and passed away esteemed by
all who had the pleasure of his acquaintance."
On Nov. 9, 1836, Ebenezer Fitch Parker was
married to Susan Cross Clark, a native of Stoning-
ton, Conn., daughter of James Clark, and she died
Jan. 1, 1879, aged fifty-eight years. The
following children came to this union : ( 1 )
Henry Lester, born Aug. 21, 1837, is men-
tioned below. (2) Walter Farnsworth, born
Aug. 3, 1839, married Dec. 22, 1861, Sa-
rah Catherine Hartt, of Long Island, and their
children were : Ella Crane, widow of Charles
P. B. Beck, of New York ; Carrie H., deceased ;
Marco Smith, who married Miriam Hoyt, and re-
sides in New York ; Walter F., who resides in New
York, where he is president of The Peck Press.
(3) Robert Bottum, born Oct. 21, 1842, married
Sept. 19, 1877, Annie Cornelia Kelley, who died
May 13, 1879. He was for a number of years
ticket agent at Norwich, for the Norwich & Wor-
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
523
cester Railroad, later he engaged in a mercantile
business, but is now living retired. He is a thirty-
second degree Mason. (4) John Ford, was born
Aug. 2, 1846. (5) Ebenezer Fitch born Oct. 21,
1854, is married and resides in New York. (6)
George Brewster, born Aug. 7, 1857, is unmarried
and resides in Xew York. (7) Frank Clark, born
Nov. 8, i860, died Sept. 5, 1861.
(VII) Henry Lester Parker was born in Nor-
wich and received a sound education in the public
schools, until the age of fifteen years, when he went
to Boston and accepted a position with the Boston
& Sandwich Glass Company, manufacturers and im-
porters of glassware. He remained there some
years, and then returned to Norwich, and was em-
ployed under his father on the Norwich & Wor-
cester Railroad. Later he went to Chicago, and en-
tered the employ of the Illinois Central Railroad
as freight clerk, afterward accepting a position as
clerk in the Howard House at New York. Re-
turning to Norwich, he soon thereafter entered the
employ of the Norwich & New York Transportation
Company, and was advanced to the position of sec-
retary, and later to that of treasurer, he holding the
two offices for about twenty years. In 1877 he
formed a partnership with his brother, John F., in
the insurance business, the firm being known as
Parker Bros. Two years later, in 1879, the
insurance business of Thomas H. Perkins was
consolidated, and the firm became Perkins &
Parker Bros., and continued until 1883, when
the interest of Mr. Perkins was purchased,
and the firm again became Parker Bros. It so
continued until 1886, when because of failing
health, Mr. Henry L. Parker disposed of his in-
terest, and has since lived in retired on this account.
Mr. Parker is a Democrat, and has served in
the common council. In addition to other interests,
he has served as secretary, treasurer and director
of the Norwich Water Power Company, and was
president of the board of wrater commissioners for
a number of years. When a young man he united
with Trinity Episcopal Church, and for years was
one of its most active members. In it he has served
as vestryman, senior warden, superintendent of the
Sunday School, and for years was parish treasurer.
The family all became members of the same church.
Fraternally, Mr. Parker is a member of Somer-
set Lodge, No. 34, A. F. & A. M., having been made
a Master Mason in that lodge in 185Q. He also be-
longs to Franklin Chapter, No. 4 ; Franklin Coun-
cil, No. 3 ; and Columbian Commandery, No. 4,
Knights Templar, and has held almost every office in
all the different branches. On May 18, 1865, he and
the late Judge C. W. Carter were appointed mem-
bers of the Supreme Council of Sovereign Grand
Inspectors General of the thirty-third and last de-
gree, for the Northern Masonic Jurisdiction of the
United States. Mr. Parker is one of the two oldest
thirty-third degree Masons in the State.
On Dec. 30, 1857, Mr. Parker was married to
Ann Meech Roath, born Aug. 17, [836, in Norwich,
daughter of Col. Asa and Elizabeth (Allyn) Roath.
She died Oct. 22, 1894. The children born to .Mr.
and Mrs. -Parker were: (i) Susan May, born May
7, 1859, was married, July 2, 1883, to Martin E.
Jensen, city treasurer at Norwich, and they have one
son, Gerard Edward, born March 10, 1884, who was
graduated from the Norwich Free Academy in
1902, and is now a student at Yale. Mrs. Jensen is
a member of Faith Trumbull Chapter, D. A. R. ( 2)
Elizabeth Roath, born May 27, 1861, married. Sept.
12, 1883, Henry A. Norton, of Norwich. (3) Ger-
ard Lester, born Sept. 4, 1866, received his education
in the public schools at Norwich, and is connected
with the firm of the J. A. Fay & Egan Co., at
Cincinnati, Ohio. On Dec. 8, 1897, he married
Fannie Arnold Carpenter, and they have one daugh-
ter, Annette. (4) Anne Meech, born Aug. 26, 1868,
married, Oct. 14, 189 1, Henry Halsey Walker, and
resides in Brooklyn, N. Y., where he is a whole-
sale coffee importer. (5) Henry Fitch, born Oct.
9, 1874, received his education in the public schools
at Norwich. In April, 1892, he entered the employ
of N. S. Gilbert & Sons as a clerk at Norwich, and
remained there until he resigned in January, 1904.
He is a leading member of Trinity Episcopal
Church, and for the past three years has been the
parish treasurer. Since 1896, he has been a mem-
ber of the Sons of American Revolution, and is the
youngest member of that organization in the city.
(VII) John Ford Parker, son of Ebenezer
Fitch and Susan Cross (Clark) Parker, was born
in Norwich, and attended the graded schools and
the Norwich Free Academy. In 1863 he accepted
a position in the office of the Norwich & Worcester
Railroad with his father, and there remained until
June, 1865, when he accepted a position as clerk in
the insurance office of the late Thomas H. Perkins.
There he remained until 1877, when he formed a
partnership with his brother Henry L. Parker, as
described above. Since 1886, when Henry L.
Parker retired from the firm, John F. Parker has
continued the business alone, and he has one of the
best lines of agencies in the city.
On Feb. 18, 1869, John F. Parker was married
in New London, Conn., to Miss Fannie T. Fitch,
daughter of Harris T. Fitch of that city. ( )ne
daughter. Myra Fitch, was born to this union.
Miss Parker is a graduate of the Free academy,
and also of the normal department of the same
school. She is a successful school teacher, and a
very accomplished lady.
In former years Mr. Parker was a Democrat,
but he is now an independent, and he supported
the candidacy of William McKinley in both cam-
paigns. During his residence in the Central School
District. Fraternally Mr. Parker is a member of
the board of education, and he is now serving his
third vear as a member of the board in the Falls
District. Fraternally Mr. Parker is a member of
St. James Lodge. No. 23, A. F. & A. M.. Franklin
524
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
Chapter ; Franklin Council ; Columbia Commandery,
K. T., No. 4; and Sphinx Temple, Mystic Shrine.
Mrs. Parker and her daughters are members of
Faith Trumbull Chapter, Daughters of American
Revolution. The family attend the Park Congre-
gational Church.
CHARLES HENRY CONE, one of the leading
men of Niantic, Conn., was born in the town of
East Lyme, Aug. 13, 1852, son of William Horace
Brock way Cone.
William H. B. Cone was a native of East Had-
•dam, but he passed the greater portion of his life
in East Lyme, where he died in 1875. He married
Sarah C. Spencer, daughter of Isaac Spencer, of
Durham, Conn. She died Oct. 10, 1886. They
were the parents of eight children, namely : Daniel,
who died in infancy ; Mary Ida, wife of Capt. Rich-
ard K. Miner, of New London; Esther Ann, de-
ceased wife of Edwin Howard, of East Lyme;
Phebe Elizabeth, wife of Daniel Boynton, of Lyme ;
Eunice Matilda, wife of Jason Chapman, of New
London ; Charles Henry ; Miss Ellen Eliza, resid-
ing in Brooklyn, N. Y. ; and William Harrison, who
died at the age of five years.
Charles Henry Cone spent his boyhood days in
East Lyme until he was fourteen years old, attend-
ing school in Niantic and Old Lyme. At that age
lie entered the employ of Nicholas L. Smith, a lead-
ing grocer of New London, and was a member of
his family four years. He was then with Mr. J.
W. Morgan, general mercantile dealer, for two
years, and at the age of twenty became a partner
in the business with him, remaining as such about
one year.
On Jan. 1, 1875, Mr. Cone went to New York
to engage in the wholesale fish business, and was a
bookkeeper at Fulton Market for seven years, in
the employ of Chappell & Storer. In 1882, he estab-
lished himself in business in Fulton Market under
the firm name of C. H. Cone & Co., and this busi-
ness was a great success from the start. In 1892
he sold to his partner, Percy M. Comstock, and
organized the New York Fish Company, at No.
107 South street, Fulton Market, and in 1899 he
sold out this business to John Dais. In all his busi-
ness enterprises Mr. Cone has been very successful.
In 1899, Mr. Cone returned to Niantic, Conn.,
and engaged in an ice business, under the firm name
of Niantic Ice Company, C. H. Cone, president and
manager, and he also embarked in a very successful
real estate business. He built the post office and the
Lake View cottages at Niantic, Conn., and he also
deals in timber and wool.
Fraternally Mr. Cone is a member of Fraternity
Council, Royal Arcanum, of Brooklyn, New York.
Mr. Cone has been twice married. In New Lon-
'don he wedded his first wife, Lillian E. Chappell,
and they had one child, — Marion C, born in 1886.
At Brooklyn, N. Y., he was married (second) to
Addie V. Dunn, a native of Brooklyn, N. Y. No
children have been born of this union. In his politi-
cal belief Mr. Cone is a Republican, but cares noth-
ing for the honors of official position, preferring to
devote his time to his business interests. He and
his wife are both members of the Washington Ave-
nue Baptist Church, at Brooklyn, N. Y. Progressive
and energetic, Mr. Cone commands the respect of
all who know him.
JEROME J. COLLINS is one of New Lon-
don's enterprising business men, being one of the
leading grocers of that place, and also a successful
coal dealer.
Mr. Collins was born Dec. 18, 1859, in County
Cork, Ireland. His grandfather, Jerome Collins,
was a distiller, and successfully conducted that busi-
ness up to the time of his death, which occurred
when he was about sixty years of age in his native
land, Ireland.
James Collins, father of Jerome J., was born in
Ireland and was employed in the distillery with his
father, and he worked at that business until 1862,
when he came to America with his family. He set-
tled in New York, where he learned the trade of
iron-rail straightener, and continued to follow that
line until the steel rail took the place of the iron
rail, when he abandoned that work, and since that
time he has been employed in an iron foundry in
New York City, that metropolis being still his home.
He was married in Ireland to Alary Toohey, who
died in New York in September, 1903. To Mr.
and Mrs. James Collins were born children as fol-
lows: (1) Jerome J., who is mentioned below; (2)
Mary, who is the wife of D. E. Powers, and resides
in New York 5(3) James, Jr., who is an iron molder
by trade, and resides in New York; (4) Margaret,
who is the wife of Patrick Marron, and resides in
New York; (5) John C, who is engaged in the
plumbing business in Yonkers, N. Y. ; and (6) Ann,
residing with her father.
Jerome J. Collins was scarcely three years of age
when he came with his parents to America, sailing
from Queenstown in the "City of Edinburgh, "and
arriving in New York in April, 1862. In New York
he received his schooling, which was rather limited
owing to the illness of his father, who for a number
of years was an invalid suffering from sciatic rheu-
matism. Young Collins worked as he found work
for his young hands to do, and as an opportunity
presented itself he went to school, determined to get
as much of an education as was possible under the
circumstances. He finally became apprenticed to
the trade of steel molder, and after mastering the
details of that trade continued to work at same until
1886. The work, however, proved too hard for him,
and was undermining his health, so, in 1887, he
embarked in the grocery business, in New York
City, at the corner of Macomb and Broadway, where
he continued successfully for about three years. At
the end of that time he sold out and came to New
London, Conn., in 1890 opening a grocery business
AU/
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
525
in East New London, in a small one-story building
at the corner of Harrison and Winthrop streets.
There he has enjoyed success from the start, and
has a steadily growing trade, all the result of
straightforward upright business principles. In
1899 he built his present block, which is a three-
story brick and frame building. In the spring of
1901 Mr. Collins established the coal business in
connection with his grocery, handling all sizes of
anthracite coal, and he has been as well patronized
in this line as in the other. He has shown himself
to be progressive and enterprising in every respect,
and though he has been established here a com-
paratively short time he has won a substantial place
among the prosperous merchants of the city. His
methods and ideas are thoroughly up-to-date, and
he is energetic and successful in putting them into
execution. That he is a selfmade man is one more
point to his credit.
Sociallv Mr. Collins is a member of Seaside
Council, No. 17, Knights of Columbus, of New
London, of which organization he is a past grand
Knight, and he is now serving as State Advocate of
the order. He is also a member of St. John's Liter-
ary Society of New London, of which organization
he is past president. Mr. Collins and his family are
devoted members of St. Mary's Star of the Sea
Roman Catholic Church. In political faith he is
an independent Democrat.
Mr. Collins was married, Dec. 29, 1885, to Mary
A. Harmon, daughter of Patrick Hannon, of New
London, and to them have been born children as
follows : ( 1) May C, who graduated from the Wil-
liams Memorial Institute of New London, and is
now a student at the State Normal School, New Ha-
ven ; (2) Stella C, who is a student in the Williams
Memorial Institute; (3) Charles H., who is a senior
student at the Bulkeley High School ; (4) Bessie,
who is attending the Winthrop school.
EDWARD C. KENYON, one of the leading
market gardeners of Waterford, and a highly re-
spected citizen of that town, was born Feb. 15, 1834,
in South Kingston, R. I., and is a descendant of an
ancient family of the Southern part of the State. In
''American Ancestry" it is stated, in the lineage of
one of the descendants of John Kenyon, of Rhode
Island, that the latter descended from the Kenyons
of Peel, Lancaster, England.
John Kenyon, born in 1657, who died in 1732,
was of Kingston and Westerly, R. I., and had
children : John, James, Enoch, Joseph, David and
Jonathan.
James Kenyon was also an early settler of Kings-
ton and Westerly, R. I. His wife's Christian name
was Ruth, and their children were : James, Thomas,
Ebenezer, John, Peter, Sarah and Ruth. The par-
ents died, the father in 1724, and the mother in 1720.
Roger Kenyon and his wife Mary (Ray) were
early inhabitants of New Shoreham, R. I., and had
a son, Roger, born Jan. 25, 1685.
These three Kenyons, it is assumed, were broth-
ers, and it is also assumed that their father was
John, who is named by various members of the
Rhode Island Kenyon family as its founder. Nothing
definite seems to be known of the first settler.
David Kenyon, Jr., undoubtedly a scion of this
branch of the Kenyon family, was married in Rich-
mond, R. I., April 21, 1 75 1, to Mary Potter. This
David Kenyon seems to have been previously mar-
ried, his wife's Christian name being Lydia, and
they had a child, Martha, born Oct. 11, 1746. His
children by Mary (second wife) were: Lydia, born
Aug. 17, 1752; Mary, July 26, 1755; William, April
1, 1758; Deborah, March 27, 1763; and Potter,
March 25, 1768. Of these,
William Kenyon, born April 1, 1758, is evidently
identical with the William Kenyon recorded as the
grandfather of Edward Clark Kenyon, whose name
introduces this sketch, and with the William Ken-
yon, who, in 1840, was a pensioner for service in
the Revolution, eighty-four years of age, then resid-
ing with a William Kenyon in Richmond. This
would make him born in 1756, instead of 1758.
On the pension roll in 1835 is the name of William
Kenyon, seaman, Washington county, R. I., as of
the Rhode Island Continental Line and Militia,
placed on the roll Nov. 25, 1834, aged seventy-
eight. These entries undoubtedly refer to the same
William Kenyon, grandfather of Edward C. as he
is known to have been a lieutenant in the Revolu-
tionary war. He was a farmer by occupation. His
wife's maiden name was Austin.
Jeremiah Austin Kenyon, father of Edward C,
was born May 5, 1796, in Charlestown, R. I., and
died at that place, Jan. 12, 1843. He was a carpen-
ter and cabinetmaker, "a jack of all trades," in fact,
and also followed farming. He was a man of
rugged constitution, his death which was quite sud-
den, occurring after a twelve days' illness from ty-
phoid-pneumonia. On Feb. 26, 1818, he married
Asenath Green, of Charlestown, who was born Aug.
27, 1799, and died Dec. 4. 1879, in Montville, Conn.
Children as follows blessed this union: (1) Ann
Mariah, born Feb. 24, 1820, was scalded to death
at the age of four years. (2) Asahel N., born
April 26. 1822, was a carpenter by trade, and he
died at Carolina Mills, Richmondtown, R. I. He
married Lydia Hoxie. (3) Jeremiah A., Jr., born
Jan. 31, 1825, served in the war of the Rebellion,
and died in Plantsville, Conn. He was a carpenter
bv trade, and was engaged in the undertaking and
upholstering business in Southington. He married
(first) Julia Holloway and (second) Emma Irwin.
(4) William H. G., born Dec. 1, 1829, went to Cali-
fornia, during the gold fever, and lived there forty
vears, dying there. He engaged in farming in that
State, also followed the water, and was known as
"Captain." He married in California and had five
children. (5) George Washington, born Sept. 29,
183 1. followed the water, and died, in Port-au-
Prince, West Indies, of yellow fever. He never
526
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
married. (6) Edward Clark is mentioned below.
(7) Sarah Ann, born Sept. 6, 1838, married Nathan
Buddington, of Groton, and died in New London.
Edward Clark Kenyon was born in South
Kingston, R. I., and received his schooling at Rich-
mondtown, and Shannock Mills. After his father's
death, he attended the Carolina Mills district school,
and later went to Charlestown, where he lived with
his stepfather. Coming to Groton, his school life
ended there when he was seventeen years old.
Leaving school he went to farming in Groton, con-
tinuing there for about fifteen or sixteen years, dur-
ing which time he also worked at carpentering and
at making oil from fish. In 1870 he came to his
present place, which he obtained in a trade, and
which consists of ten acres in Waterford, near the
New London city line. He commenced market gar-
dening, and also worked on the railroad, building
bridges. For some time past he has given his at-
tention wholly to regular market gardening, in
which line he has been very successful.
Mr. Kenyon is a member of the Huntington
Street Baptist Church of New London, to which his
wife also belongs. In political faith he has been the
greater part of his life a Republican ; he has never
been an office seeker. Mr. Kenyon was married,
June 4, 1854, to Sarah Amanda Benham, daughter
of Amos and Phebe (Hulett) Benham, of Groton,
Conn., and children as follows have been born to
them: (1) Lucy Abby, born March 22, 1855, was
married Nov. 1, 1875, to Dwight Hull, and died in
New Britain, Conn. (2) William Edward, born
May 31, 1857, is a market gardener in Cohanzie dis-
trict, Waterford. He married Phebe P. Kenyon, of
Charlestown, R. I., and they have had six children :
Edith, Claude P., Norman L. (who died young),
Clinton H., Wolcott O. and Margaret B. (3) Jere-
miah Judson, born March 23, 1859, died May 23,
1859. (4) Annie Frances, born Nov. 6, 1864, died
Dec. 19, 1873. (5) George Benham, born June 19,
1867, married Louisa Angel, of Providence, R. I. ;
they have had no children. He is with William E.
Kenyon, his brother, engaged in market gardening.
(6) Lewis Clark, born Feb. 3, 1870, is a carpenter
by trade, and lives in Waterford. He married
Jennie Harris, of Waterford, and they have three
children, Earl, Herbert and Ida. (7) Frank Hull,
born Nov. 3, 1875, is with his father. He married
Jennie Saxton, of New London and they have two
children, Eleanor S. and Donald. (8) Hugh Eli-
jah, born June 5, 1877, married Dette Beebe, of
Waterford, daughter of Erastus Beebe. He is a
carpenter by trade.
BENJAMIN LUCAS, a successful manufac-
turer of Poquetanuck, New London county, where
he has been located for many years, is the architect
of his own fortune. He was born in Trowbridge,
England, Jan. 16, 1831, son of Samuel and Eliza-
beth (Miles) Lucas.
Samuel Lucas was a native of England, where
he thoroughly learned the trade of finisher of woolen
and cotton goods. In the latter part of the year
1 83 1, accompanied by his wife and children, he came
to the New World, to find a home and fortune. The
voyage was made in a sailing vessel, and lasted
about three months. Upon their arrival in America
Mr. Lucas brought his family at once to the village
of Yantic, town of Norwich, New London Co.,
Conn., where he became boss finisher in the Yantic
Mill, in which capacity he continued the rest of his
life. His death occurred when he was aged fifty-
five years. His wife, Elizabeth Miles, to whom he
had been married in England by the poet, Crabbe,
died in Tariffville, Conn., at the age of fifty-seven
years. Of the twelve children of Samuel and Eliz-
abeth Lucas ten lived to reach maturity, six of these
having been born in England : Caroline married
George Brooks, and died in Nebraska ; Ephraim,
who was connected with the Lucas Mill in Preston,
where he died, married Julia Herrington ; Martha
married Albert Stafford, and died in Preston ; Sam-
uel married Betsey Lord ; Noah, who was also con-
nected with the Lucas Mill in Preston, but who died
in Norwich, married Abby Jane Lewis; Benjamin
was next in the order of birth ; John, who was the
first of the family to be born in the town of Nor-
wich, and who was agent for the Central building,
in Norwich, married Harriet Colby ; Solomon, of
Norwich, is State's Attorney for New London,
Conn. ; Aaron is connected with the Lucas Mill at
Preston ; Ruth married Jonathan B. Gay, and 'they
live at Belle Fourche, South Dakota.
Benjamin Lucas was born in the old home in
Trowbridge, England, and was but nine months old
when he accompanied his parents to the New World.
He received a rather limited education in the Y an-
tic district schools, and the death of his parents,
when he was a mere lad, early threw him on his
own devices for a livelihood. At the age of ten
years he left school and entered the Yantic Mills,
where he was employed for about eight years, dur-
ing a part of this time in charge of the fulling de-
partment. He then became an apprentice to the
trade of machinist and blacksmith, with Abner T.
Purse, of Norwich, with whom he continued until
1852, when he went to California, making the trip
by way of Nicaragua. He remained in the West
for a year and nine months, engaged not only in
mining but at work at his trade. He made the re-
turn trip home by way of the Isthmus of Panama.
Locating then at Westerly, R. I., he spent about a
year and a half at work at his trade for Hazzard
& Green, after which he spent two years as ma-
chinist for E. & H. Babcock, at Potter Hill, R. I.
In 1856, in company with others, he purchased the
old Brewster Mill at Poquetanuck, town of Preston,
in which had been manufactured shoddy and satinet.
They conducted the establishment for a year with
much success, but at the end of that time the mill
burned. Undaunted by this misfortune, however,
they at once set about rebuilding, and in place of the
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
5-7
old wooden structure there arose a substantial brick
mill, in which they now manufacture various kinds
of ladies' dress goods, employing on an average
fifty hands the whole year round. Additions have
been made from time to time as the business in-
creased, and much improvement has been made in
the machinery, the mill being now well equipped
and the product manufactured complete, ready for
the market. Mr. Lucas looks after the general op-
eration of the mill, his wide experience in a me-
chanical line having fitted him for every detail in
connection with the manufacture, from the raw ma-
terial to the finished product.
Socially Mr. Lucas is a member of Wauregan
Lodge, Xo. 6, K. P., of Norwich, of which he is a
past chancellor commander, and he also belongs to
Lodge No. 430, B. P. O. E., of Norwich. He is a
consistent member of St. James Episcopal Church,
of Poquetanuck, in which he has served as a ves-
tryman for over twenty years. In his political be-
lief he is a Democrat, and he has been active in the
work of that party, having served in 1888 as a Presi-
dential elector on Cleveland's ticket. In 1869 he
represented the town of Preston in the State Legis-
lature at Hartford, the first to convene in the new
capitol building. During the session he served as
a member of the committee on Insurance.
In 1856 Mr. Lucas was united in marriage with
Miss Sarah Jane Tubbs, of Yantic, and their union
has been blessed with two children : Frank B., who
is assistant in the actuary department of the New
York Life Insurance Company ; and Charles L.,
who married Lillian Lucas, daughter of John and
Harriet (Colby) Lucas, of Norwich, and has four
children, Florence D., Edith, Laura and Charles.
In his busy life Mr. Lucas has made many friends,
who honor him for his sterling integrity and the
strict morality of his private life. He has won his
prosperity through his individual effort, and is, to-
day, one of the substantial men of his town.
JOHN SANDS SPICER, a successful mer-
chant at Norwich, and a very representative man
of that locality, comes from an old New London
county family. He was born in Ledyard, Conn.,
Sept. 20, 1842, son of Captain Edmund and Bethia
Williams (Avery) Spicer. [A full record of the
Spicer family is found elsewhere.]
John Sands Spicer was reared to work upon the
farm. Like many sons of farmers he attended the
district schools, but unlike a number, he had the fur-
ther advantage of a course at the Connecticut Lit-
erary Institute at Suffield, Conn. After complet-
ing his studies there, he returned home and taught
school in his native district one winter, after which
he assisted his father on the farm, and in the store
the latter conducted, thus continuing until 1890,
when the father died, and he and his brother George
bought the business and continued to operate it to-
gether for a time. Later on John S. Spicer pur-
chased his brother's interest, and continued alone
until [893, when he disposed of the business, and
purchased a beautiful estate on Laurel Hill, Norwich,
where he spent several years, farming. In [899 he
once more entered mercantile life, establishing his
present grocery house at Xo. [18 Water street.
He has since founded a grain store in the vicinity
on the same street, and enjoys an excellent trade in
both stores. In former years Mr. Spicer was a
Democrat, but since [896 he has been a Republican.
He has served as first selectman of the town of Led-
yard for two terms, and has also been on the
school board. He succeeded his father as treasurer
of the Bill Library Association at Ledyard, and
yet holds that office of responsibility. In the same
manner he succeeded his father as postmaster, and
retained that office until he resigned upon his re-
moval to Norwich. Mr. Spicer is a trustee of the
Chelsea Savings Bank at Xorwich, which office his
father also held before him.
Mr. Spicer united with the Ledyard Congrega-
tional Church, and during his residence in Led-
yard he was quite active in its affairs, having served
as a member of the Society committee. The family
all became members of the Congregational Church,
and since their residence in Xorwich they have be-
come members of the Broadway Church. The beau-
tiful home on Laurel Hill has been improved and
altered at considerable expense, until it is one of the
finest places of residence in that locality. Mr. Spi-
cer owns considerable property in Ledyard.
On May 27, 1873, Mr. Spicer was married in
Ledyard to Anna M. Williams, a native of that
town, daughter of Peter and Susan (Barnes) Will-
iams. The children born of this marriage are : ( 1 )
John Williams, born April 11, 1874, was educated
in the Norwich Free Academy, from which he was
graduated in 1896. He had previously attended
Xorwich Business College, and graduated there-
from, and is now assisting his father. (2) Joseph
Edmund, born Feb. 17, 1878, a graduate of the Nor-
wich Business College, is employed by his father.
(3) Susan, born March 12, 1880, is a graduate of
the Free Academy, class of 1900. (4) Frank, born
Aug. 23, 1883, was a member of the class of 1904,
of the Free Academy. The family rank among the
town's most highly esteemed residents, and they
all have many warm, personal friends. Their home
is often the scene of pleasant gatherings: Mr. and
Mrs. Spicer being ideal entertainers, dispense a cor-
dial and gracious hospitality to all who come within
their doors.
WILLIAMS. The Williams family, of which
.Mrs. Spicer is a member, is an old one in the vicin-
ity of Ledyard, Conn. The early record of the fam-
ily is given elsewhere. John Williams, the great-
great-grandfather of Mrs. Spicer. died in Ledyard
(then North Groton) Aug. 12. [796, when he was
eighty-two years of age. His wife Susanna died
July 27,, I7<;<), aged eighty-two years.
Peter Williams, son of John and Susanna Will-
5^8
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
iams, died Sept. 28, 1843, aged eighty-three years,
his wife Mary having died June 28, 1843, agecl
eighty-three.
John Williams, son of Peter and Mary Williams,
was born April 8, 1787. He was a farmer by occu-
pation, and resided in Ledyard, where he died Nov.
28, 1864. His wife, Phebe Williams, died Nov.
16, i860, aged seventy-six years. Their children
were: Peter, born Dec. 12, 1810; John, born Dec.
4, 1812, was a farmer and resided at Mystic; Mary,
born July 14, 1814, died Aug. 17, 1887, unmarried;
Patty, born Aug. 12, 1816, died April 15, 1900, un-
married; Isaac Avery, born Dec. 1, 1818, died June
3, 1838; Albert Morgan, born Aug. 24, 1821, was
a farmer in Groton, and there died Oct. 3, 1894;
Thomas, born Dec. 12, 1824, resided in Mystic, la-
ter in Ledyard, and there died Feb. 15, 1893 ; Eliza-
beth, born April 2, 1827, died April 27, 1831.
Peter Williams, born Dec. 12, 1810, in what is
now Ledyard, Conn., passed his boyhood in hard
work on the farm, and attending the district school.
When a young man he worked out as a farm laborer,
but after his marriage he settled on a farm near the
homestead, where he resided until after the death
of his father. He then returned to the home of his
birth, and there spent the rest of his active life,
but when his wife died, he retired, making his home
with his daughter, Mrs. Spicer, at Ledyard Centre,
until their removal to Norwich, when he enjoyed
the new home, and there died Oct. 2, 1899, sur-
rounded by love and every comfort and care that
ample means could provide. His remains were ten-
derly interred in the family graveyard at Ledyard.
Mr. Williams was well preserved, and retained the
use of his faculties until the last, and his death was
caused by a fall a few days before. In politics he
was a Democrat, but never sought or desired pub-
lic office. In religious matters he attended the
Congregational Church. Mr. Williams was always
a hard working man, and by industry, economy and
excellent business judgment, he became one of the
wealthiest men in the town. His honorable busi-
ness methods, keen comprehension of values, and
ability to place a true value on men and events,
made him one of the most highly esteemed men of
his time and locality.
Mr. Williams was married in Preston, Conn.,
to Susan Barnes, born Dec. 18, 181 5, in Ledyard,
daughter of Amos and Mary (Williams) Barnes,
the latter a daughter of Uriah and Johannah ( Sted-
man) Williams. Mrs. Peter Williams died March
10, 1888, and she was in every way a most estimable
and lovable lady, whose memory is tenderly cher-
ished by her children and friends. Mr. and Mrs.
Williams had one daughter, Anna M., who became
the wife of Mr. John Sands Spicer. They also
adopted a daughter, Mary Ann, who was born
April 1, 1847. As she came into their care when an
infant, she was never allowed to feel any difference,
but was as tenderly cherished as their own daughter.
When she reached young womanhood, she became
the wife of Israel Allyn, and later died in Ledyard,
leaving three children : Henry, of Ledyard ; William
I., of Taftville, Conn., and Susan, now Mrs. Will-
iam E. Baldwin.
WILLIAM A. ASHBEY, a prominent and
well known resident of Noank, and a member of
one of the old and honorable families of Groton,
was born Oct. 8, 1833, at Noank, son of Moses Ash-
bey and grandson of Benjamin Ashbey.
Moses Ashbey was born Oct. 16, 1802, at Brook
Street, in the town of Groton, son of Benjamin
Ashbey who died when the former was twelve years
old. On Sept. 25, 1824, he married Mary Ann
Chester, born March 13, 1805, at Groton Bank, and
died Sept. 6, 1862. On April 9, 1864, Mr. Ashbey
married (second) Mary Ann Chesebro. His chil-
dren, all by the first marriage, were as follows :
Harriet, born May 24, 1827, married, Sept. 14,
1845, Horace W. Davis, and died April 17, 1882,
survived by her husband until March 28, 1891 ;
Moses, born June 11, 1829, married Eliza J. Man-
ning, and resides at Noank ; Betsey Ann, born Sept.
10, 1831, married Stephen Murphy, Aug. 5, 1849,
and died April 3, 1896; William A., born Oct. 8,
1833 ; and Mary E., born April 7, 1845, married.
June 15, 1861, James W. Latham, and they have
one son, James, of Noank.
Moses Ashbey followed the water, as a fisherman
off Nantucket. He became a man of importance,
the owner of a number of fishing vessels sailing from
Noank, and was well and favorably known in this
great industry. He cared nothing for politics, but
did his duty, upheld the laws, and lived and died
respected by all who knew him. Mr. Ashbey built
his first home near the Cove, in Noank, where the
family resided until 1846, when he built the com-
fortable home on Pearl street, Noank, which is now
occupied by our subject.
William A. Ashbey was reared and educated at
Noank, and after finishing his schooling, learned the
carpenter trade with his brother-in-law, Horace W.
Davis. In the course of time he became one of the
most trusted builders of this and other sections.
In different sections of Rhode Island, he was em-
ployed for many years by Max & Co., of Pawcatuck,
and for thirty years was identified with the Palmer
Company, at Noank, until 1900 having charge of
the joiner work at the ship yards. Many of the
well-built and durable residences of Groton and
vicinity were erected by him. Mr. Ashbey has taken
a prominent part in public movements, and has most
satisfactorily filled many positions of trust and re-
sponsibility. He has served on the board of select-
men, and for twenty years has been treasurer and
collector of the school district. He is also a mem-
ber of the board of relief. Fraternally he is a
Mason, associated with the Charity and Relief
Lodge, A. F. & A. M., of Mystic, and the Chap-
ter and Council.
On Dec. 23, 1855, Mr. Ashbey was united in
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
529
marriage with Mary E., daughter of Thomas Jef-
ferson Perkins, of Poquonock. Mrs. Ashbey died
June 9, 1902. Mr. Ashbey is much esteemed in
diis section where the family has been known for
generations.
AARON LUCAS, one of the substantial citizens
of Preston, and a member of the firm of B. Lucas &
Co., of Poquetanuck, manufacturers of ladies' dress
goods, was born in Yantic, New London Co., Conn.,
March 10, 1838. His parents, Samuel and Elizabeth
(Miles) Lucas, were natives of England.
Samuel Lucas was born in Trowbridge, England,
where he learned the trade of cloth finisher, at which
he worked in his native land until the latter part of
183 1, when, with his wife and six children, he set
sail for the western world, to take advantage of the
better opportunities offered the laboring man in the
new country. After a long voyage they landed in
America, and at once went to Yantic, town of Nor-
wich, Conn., where he secured employment as boss
finisher in the Yantic Mill, a position he filled to the
very great satisfaction of his employers as long as
he lived. He was a good mechanic and had thor-
oughly learned his trade, and, being naturally indus-
trious, became invaluable to those for whom he
worked. He died at the age of fifty-five years. Air.
Lucas was married in England, by the poet, Crabbe,
to Elizabeth Miles, and to this union were born
twelve children, of whom ten lived to maturity.
Six were born before the emigration to America.
Those who reached manhood and womanhood were :
Caroline, who married George Brooks and died in
Nebraska; Ephraim, who died in Preston (his wife
was Julia Herrington) ; Alartha, who married Al-
bert Stafford, of Preston, where she died ; Samuel,
who married Betsey Lord ; Noah, who married Abby
Jane Lewis, and was a member of the firm of B.
Lucas & Co. until his death ; Benjamin, who mar-
ried Sarah Jane Tubbs ; John (the first born in Con-
necticut), agent for the Central building at Norwich,
who married Harriet Colby ; Solomon, of Norwich,
where he is State's Attorney for New London coun-
ty ; Aaron ; and Ruth, who married Jonathan B. Gay,
and is living in Belle Fourche, South Dakota.
Aaron Lucas was born in Yantic, Conn., March
10, 1838, and attended the district schools of his na-
tive town until he was eight years of age. Being left
an orphan in boyhood, his responsibility came early
to him. At the age of ten years he went to live with
Deacon Ebenezer Packer, of Salem, Conn., with
whom he had a good home for three and a half years,
during which time he helped with the chores about
the farm and during the winter months was privi-
leged to attend the neighboring district schools.
When about fourteen years of age he went to Pot-
ter Hill, R. IT, where his brothers were employed in
a mill, and there he, too, secured a position in the
mill. Later he became a weaver, remaining in this
mill until he was seventeen years of age, when he
reutrned to Yantic, and there became a clerk in the
34
general store of Henry Bingham, where he remained
one year, for which time he received $50 and his
hoard ; at the end of the year he had saved Si 2. His
next work was in Fitch villc, in the town of Bozrah,
where for two years he was employed as a clerk for
Asa Fitch, after which he spent one year in Norwich
in the grocery store of I omstock & Backus. Desir-
ous of a better business education, he spent a portion
of his hard-earned savings in taking a course in
Schofield's Business College, at Providence, R. I.,
from which institution he received a diploma. He
then came to Poquetanuck. and for about a year was
employed in the Lucas Mill, when he purchased the
general store of Erastus O'Brien there, conducting
same for about six years. He built up a good trade
and largely increased the patronage by keeping first-
class goods and being content with reasonable
profits, his honest methods and courteous treatment
of his customers bringing him prosperity. When he
sold out his store he bought stock in the B. Lucas
& Co. Mill, and since that time he has been actively
engaged in the management of that concern, his
work being to look after the financial affairs of the
firm, while his brother Benjamin manages the oper-
ating department.
Fraternally Mr. Lucas is a Mason, and is affil-
iated with Somerset Lodge, No. 34, A. F. & A. M.,
of Norwich, and also with Franklin Council, R. A.
M., of Norwich. He attends St. James Episcopal
Church of Poquetanuck, of which his wife is a
member, and he is liberal in his assistance of the
work. In politics he is a Democrat, very much in-
clined, however, to the gold standard. In the session
of 1882-83 ne represented the town of Preston in the
State Legislature, during which time he was a mem-
ber of the committee on Railroads. He has also
served his town as first selectman, justice of the
peace, tax collector, and has for a number of years
been a notary public.
Mr. Lucas has been twice married. On Feb. 8,
1863, he married Flora C. Hill, daughter of James
E. and Cornelia (Stoddard) Hill, of Norwich. She
died in 1 871, in Preston, the mother of the follow-
ing family: (1) Flora C. married A. K. Gardner,
of Short Hills, N. J., an importer of glue and glue
stock and colors for confectioners, and manufacturer
of confectionery; thev have five children. Aaron
Lucas, Flora Cornelia, Robert G.. William and Fan-
nie. (2) Ella B., is highly educated and an en-
thusiastic traveler, having visited many points of in-
terest in America and Europe. (31 Grace Cran-
dall died at the age of one year. In November,
1872, Mr. Lucas was married (second) to Kate H.
E. ( lainer, of Rockville.
Mr. Lucas indulges in poetry for the amuse-
ment of himself and friends. Whence comes his
gift he declares he does not know, unless it is due
to the fact that his parents were married by the
famous poet, George Crabbe. On many occasions
he has composed short poems, and for a number
of vears it has been his custom to commemorate
530
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
his birthday, March 10, in that way. He possesses
a natural wit, and his bright sparkling conversa-
tion and genial manners make him exceedingly pop-
ular socially. Like all his brothers, Mr. Lucas is
self-made, and owes to no one the success that has
come to him, a fitting crown for the honest efforts
he has put forth. He has lived an upright life,
and is respected by all who know him.
LEVERETT NYE DIM MOCK, one of Water-
ford's representative farmers and dairymen, and a
descendant of an old New England family, was born
Jan. 29, 185 1, in Waterford, where he now resides, a
highlv respected citizen. The early New England
home' of the Dimmock (Dimock, Dimmick, etc.)
family was at Barnstable, whence came to Mansfield,
the Connecticut branch.
(I) Elder Thomas Dimmock and Rev. Joseph
Hull are the parties named in the grant of land made
in 1639 of the lands in the town of Barnstable. "The
history of Mr. Dimmock is identified with the early
history of the town and cannot be separated. He
was the leading man and was in some way connected
with all the acts of the first settlers." Dimmock is
an old name in England, and there are many families
who bear it. It has various spellings, and probably
was originally the same as that of Dymocke, the
hereditary champion of England, an office now
abolished, who at coronations owed the service of
Challenge to all competitors for the crown. The
name is probably a Welsh or West of England one,
and some facts stated by Burke, in his genealogy of
the family, favor the family tradition that Elder
Thomas Dimmock's father was Edward, and that he
came to this country from Barnstable, England, or
that vicinity. He married Ann (Hammond) before
his removal to Barnstable.
(II) Ensign Shubael Dimmock, only son of
Elder Thomas, who lived to mature years, like his
father was a prominent man of his community. He
was a resident of Yarmouth for a short time in 1669.
He was a selectman in Barnstable, deputy to the Gen-
eral Court, etc. About 1693 he removed to Mans-
field, Conn., where he became known as Deacon
Dimmock. He died there Oct. 29, 1732, in the
ninety-first year of his age, and his wife, Johannah,
passed away May 8, 1727, aged eighty-three years.
Their marriage occurred in April, 1663.
(III) Timothy Dimmock, son of Ensign Shu-
bael, born in March, 1668, removed to Mansfield,
Conn., and from there to Ashford, in the same State,
where he died about 1733. His wife's name was
Abigail. They have many descendants in Connect-
icut. Their children, all born in Mansfield, were :
Timothy, John, Shubael, Daniel, Israel and Eben-
ezer.
(Ill) Joseph Dimmock, son of Ensign Shubael,
resided in Barnstabie and in Connecticut, and sev-
eral of his family also removed to Connecticut.
(Ill) Benjamin Dimmock, son of Ensign Shu-
bael, born in March, 1680, removed with his father
to Mansfield. The following children all born in
Mansfield, were born to him and his wife Mary:
Perez, Mehetabel, Peter, Mary, Joanna, Shubael and
Mehetabel (2).
(Ill) Capt. Thomas Dimmock, son of Ensign
Shubael, was killed at the battle of Canso, Sept. 9,
1697. He, it is said, was a gallant officer. One of
his sons, Thomas, removed to Mansfield, Conn. He
married, in 1720, Anna, daughter of Hezekiah Ma-
son, a grandson of Major John Mason, of Norwich,
Connecticut.
(Ill) John Dimmock, son of Ensign Shubael,
located in Falmouth. One of his sons, Timothy,
removed to Mansfield, Conn., and married in 1723,
Ann, daughter of Joseph Bradford. He had a fam-
ily in Mansfield.
(III) Shubael Dimmock (2) was born Feb. 3,
1673, married Tabitha Lothrop, and resided in
Barnstable.
(IV) Samuel Dimmock, son of Shubael (2), and
grandson of Ensign Shubael Dimmock, born May 7,
1702, married in 1724, Hannah Davis, and for a pe-
riod was a resident of Saybrook, Conn. His fam-
ily probably remained in Connecticut. One of his
sons, Shubael, went to Mansfield, Conn., and, it is
said, removed before the Revolution to Nova Scotia.
Another son, Joseph, lived at Wethersfield, Conn.,
many years, and died there in 1825. Several of his
descendants were sea captains and lost at sea. From
this Joseph Dimmock descended Hon. Joseph J.
Dimmock, later Assistant Secretary of State, at
Hartford, Conn. Daniel, another son of Samuel, re-
sided in the eastern part of Connecticut. Samuel,
the father, and his widow both died in Barnstable.
Rufus Leverett Dimmock, the grandfather of
Leverett N., whose name introduces this sketch,
was born in New London, and there died. He was
an industrious farmer. By his first marriage he had
two children, Annie and Thomas. He married (sec-
ond) a widow, Ruhanna (Cady) Meech, and by her
had four children, Daniel, Rufus L., Jr., Sophia
Jane and Maryetta M. For his third wife he mar-
ried Fannie (Jerome) Morgan, but there were no
children by this union. Mr. Dimmock served his
country in the war of 181 2, and until his death re-
ceived a pension for his service.
Rufus Leverett Dimmock, father of Leverett N.,
was born Aug. 15, 1820, in Westminster, town of
Canterbury, Windham Co., Conn. He died March
11, 1871, aged fifty years, six months and four days.
He was a farmer all his life. Coming to Waterford
when young, he soon afterward purchased the farm
in the "Great Neck" district where his son Leverett
N. now lives, having about seventy-five acres of
land. He was in feeble health all his life, but not-
withstanding, was industrious, and was considered
a successful man. In early life he became identified
with the old-line Whig party. Later he took issue
with the Know-Nothing party, but finally became a
Republican. He married Dec. 6, 1849, Melissa B.
Nye, who was born Feb. 15, 1823, daughter of Joel
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
53*
W. Nye, of Eaton, X. Y. She passed away March
31, 1 90 1, aged seventy-eight years. Their children
were as follows : (1) Leverett Nye is mentioned be-
low. (2) Melissa C. P., born Oct. 29, 1855, married
J. Oscar Hadden, of Mahopac Falls, X. Y., and died
in Stamford, Conn., in 1899.
Leverett Nye Dimmock was born Jan. 29, 185 1,
in Waterford, Conn., and began his education in the
district schools of his native town, later attending
school for several terms in New London. Leaving
school for good when about twenty-one years of
age, he returned to the home farm, where he faith-
fully discharged the duties that devolved upon him,
until 1873. He then became a clerk in the ship
chandlery store of H. A. Brown & Co., of New Lon-
don, where he remained for one year, during this
time being also identified with the canning factory
in New London, conducted by the same firm. He
then went to New York, and in partnership with Al-
fred S. Dickinson, engaged in business as a dealer
in paints, window shades, etc., for one year, at the
end of that time purchasing the interests of his part-
ner, after which he conducted the same on his own
account for three years. He then gave up the busi-
ness and returned home, taking the home farm,
which he has successfully conducted ever since. He
has about 200 acres of land, much of which is in a
good state of cultivation, and he is engaged in gen-
eral farming. His specialty, however, is dairying,
and he keeps from thirty-five to forty cows, running
a milk route in New London. Mr. Dimmock has
also built several houses on his land, which he rents.
Mr. Dimmock was married Oct. 26, 1873, to
Florine Mary Parker, daughter of Francis B. and
Eliza H. (Braman) Parker, of Waterford, and they
have had a family of six children : ( 1 ) Clarence P.,
born June 7, 1876, in Waterford, is at home. (2)
Frank L., born July 1, 1878, is a stenographer, em-
ployed in New York. (3) Oscar R., born May 7,
1883, and (4) Fred N., born Jan. 9, 1886, are at
home. (5) Florine M., born March 25, 1889, died
when three weeks old. (6) Ralph H., was born
Jan. 29, 1891. Mr. Dimmock and his estimable wife
are charitable people, enjoying the esteem of a large
host of friends. They are both members of the First
Baptist Church of Waterford, to which they give
their liberal support. Mr. Dimmock is a strong tem-
perance man, and his motto is honesty and integrity
to all. Politically he is a Republican, but he has
never cared for public office and the attendant re-
sponsibilities.
ERASTUS RIPLEY RANDALL, a substan-
tial and highly respected citizen of Lebanon, is a
son of Capt. John C. and Nancy (Crocker) Ran-
dall, very prominent people of Lebanon, where the
family has figured in various walks of life.
On April 5, 1824, occurred the birth of Eras-
tus R. Randall, in Goshen Society, and he was reared
to work upon the farm and given such advantages
as were afforded bv the district schools of his native
place until he was sixteen years old. At that time
lie went to Norwich and learned the trade of tail-
oring, apprenticing himself for five years for wages
of $20 per year, and the cloth for his own clothing
at cost. He followed that calling for nine years,
the greater portion of which time he was in busi-
ness for himself. His failing health compelled him
to abandon the trade, and he returned to Goshen in
1853, purchasing a farm near the homestead where
he made his home for fifteen years, or until 1868,
at which time he sold his property and removed to
his present farm, which was then the Deacon Elea-
zer Huntington farm. Since that time he has been
successfully engaged in farming and made a num-
ber of improvements upon his land.
On Aug. 9, 1847, ^r- Randall married Abbie
Ann Gilbert, who was born at Hebron in 1826, and
died June 19, 1849, tne mother of twin daughters:
Abbie Sophia, born May 28, 1849, died June 22,
1849; Sarah Maria, born May 28, 1849, died July
14, 1849. The second wife of Mr. Randall was
Aurelia McCall, who was born at Lebanon Nov.
9, 1828. They had three children: Abbie Aure-
lia, born Sept. 18, 1854 (died Feb. 4, 1891) ; Mary
Almira, July 21, 1858; and Elizabeth Ripley, Sept.
10, i860.
In former years Mr. Randall was a Republican,
but he is now a Prohibitionist. He has served as as-
sessor for many years. He and his family are con-
sistent members of the Congregational Church.
Mr. Randall is well-to-do, and enjoys the confidence
and respect of the entire neighborhood.
The McCall Family, of which Mrs. Randall
is a member, is one of the oldest of the town, and
one that in years past has been prominently iden-
tified with the best interests of New London county.
Mrs. Randall can trace her ancestral record back
to (I) James McCall, of Marshfield, Mass. He and
his wife, Anna, had children as follows : James,
born Oct. 30, 1690; Anthony, who died May 29,
1688. James McCall was a constable at Marsh-
field in 1690, and died May 9, 1695.
(II) James McCall married Rachel Turner Nov.
15, 171 1, and had the following children : Benajah,
born Aug. 19, 1712; Ebenezer, baptized Feb. 6,
1715; James, born March 6, 1715 ; Rachel, born
Nov. 26, 1716. Mrs. James McCall died Dec. 8,
1716, and Mr. McCall married Hannah Green on
Jan. 28. 1 7 18. She was the daughter of a clergy-
man. There is record of Elisha McCall, probably
a son of this marriage, being baptized in 1720.
James McCall (2) and his wife Hannah took letters
of dismission to the Goshen Church, in Lebanon,
Conn., in 1724. Another child of this marriage
was Archippus, born in 1723.
(III) Archippus McCall married Deborah
Marsh, and they had children as follows: Jacob,
Hobart, Ozias, Roger. -Walter, Green. Anna, Mary
and Deborah. Anna married a Murdock; Mary
married Joseph Badcock and Deborah married Levi
Coe. of Litchfield, Conn. Archippus McCall was
53^
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
a farmer and died Dec. 2, 1798, aged seventy-five
years; Deborah, his wife, died Feb. 15, 1820, aged
ninety-three years.
(IV) Green McCall, son of the above, born in
Lebanon, Conn., May 12, 1765, married June 5,
1788, Asenath Gager, who was born Jan. 1, 1767.
Their children were born as follows : William, July
24, 1790; John, Dec. 13, 1793; Mary, Oct. 5, 1795;
Jerusha July 28, 1797 (died Aug. 16, 1814) ; Jo-
seph, June 20, 1800; Jabez, Jan. 2^, 1803; Harriet,
Oct. 20, 1806 (died Feb. 18, 1853). Green Mc-
Call purchased his farm in Lebanon of Joseph Brown
soon after his marriage, and continued to reside on
this same place, where his children were born, until
his death, Aug. 18, 1854, at the age of eighty-nine
years. In politics he was a Whig, and he held
various town offices. His wife died May 12, 1858,
aged ninety-one years.
(V) Jabez McCall, father of Mrs. Randall, was
reared on the farm, receiving the advantages of
the common schools until he was eighteen years of
age, and he continued upon the old place until 1835
or 1836, when he purchased a farm within a mile
of the old homestead. There he lived until his
death, May 26, 1885. He was married twice, first
on Sept. 27, 1827, to Almira, daughter of Joseph
Loomis, who was born May 12, 1807, and died
April 19, 1864. She was the mother of two chil-
dren : Aurelia, Mrs. Randall, born Nov. 9, 1828;
and Mary A., born Aug. 19, 1834, widow of Oliver
E. Pettis, who was a farmer of Lebanon, and had
three children : Jabez (who resides in Dorchester,
Mass.), Mary (who died young), and Caroline W.
(unmarried, in Willimantic).
On Dec. 14, 1865, Mr. McCall married Cordelia,
daughter of Eliaphalet Huntington. She was born
Aug. 24, 1813, and died Dec. 6, 1891.
Mr. McCall was always a stanch Republican,
and one of the leading men of the town. He served
as justice of the peace and selectman for many years,
and in 1857 he was a member of the State Legis-
lature, in which he served on the committee on Sale
of Lands. He and his wife were members of the
Congregational Church, and he served as deacon for
over twenty years before his death. He was a man
of strong will and positive character, always active,
and while he practiced economy he was liberal to-
ward all benevolent institutions and charitable move-
ments, and was justly regarded as one of the most
influential men of the town.
JOHN PORTER MILLER, to whom, perhaps,
more than to any other one man, this section of New
England owes much of the grace and courteous
manners that characterize the general amusements,
and the gradual replacement of boisterous and riot-
ous good spirits with the true culture of good breed-
ing, was a widely known musician and dancing
master. His own innate refinement and good breed-
ing made him a past master in the art he made his
own, and his gentle admonitions were heeded well
because of the love and good nature that prompted
them.
Mr. Miller came from a family which, since
1720, has been prominently identified with the his-
tory of eastern Connecticut, and which by marriage
is allied with a number of the old New England
families. The paternal great-grandfather of John
P. Miller, James Miller, married Lois Parkhurst,
and in their family was a son, Samuel, grandfather
of John P. Miller. Samuel Miller was born in 1784,
and died in 1849. He married Freelove Potter,
who was born in 1783, and died in 1869, a descend-
ant of Roger Williams, through his son, Joseph,
his son, Joseph, his daughter, Jemima, (who
married Major Benjamin Potter), and her
son, Mesheck (who married Temperance
Burlingame), who was the father of Free-
love Potter. Samuel Miller resided in Plain-
field, Conn. One of his sons, Simon Williams
Miller, born in 181 1 and died in 1875, was the father
of Hon. Augustus S. Miller, mayor of Providence,
R. I., elected 1902-03. Another son was Samuel,
the father of our subject.
Samuel Miller, father of John P., was born July
18, 181 5, in Plainfield, Conn., where he was reared.
In early life he left there, going to Franklin, Conn.,
and learned the line of manufacturing which he fol-
lowed for years later in life. He engaged in busi-
ness with the husband of his sister, Cyrus Titus, and
they built a small woolen mill on Beaver Brook,
at what is now Baltic, Conn. . Mr. Miller continued
in the manufacture of cotton and woolen goods at
intervals throughout his life, his last venture being
at Greeneville, Conn., where he was a member of
the firm of Johnson & Miller. From this firm he
retired in 1870, his health failing gradually until
his death, which occurred Jan. 15, 1872, at Norwich.
He was at one time the owner and manager of a
large country store, and did a successful business
as a merchant for more than a score of years. Mr.
Miller was the first postmaster of what is now
Baltic, Conn., then called Lord's Bridge, and filled
several offices within the gift of his town. In poli-
tics he was a Republican. Mr. Miller was a natural
musician, playing several different instruments, and
this talent for music was inherited by each of his
three children. He was a well known man and
highly respected.
On Nov. 20, 1836, Samuel Miller married, in
Franklin, Conn., Lucy Adaline Porter, who was
born Dec. 30, 1814, in Lisbon, Conn., and died Oct.
10, 1895, at Fiskeville, R. I. She was a daughter
of Capt. Gideon and Sally (Davenport) Porter, the
latter a daughter of Joseph and Alice (Bennett)
Davenport, of Canterbury, Conn. Joseph Daven-
port was a Revolutionary soldier, as was also his
son-in-law, Capt. Gideon Porter. The children of
Samuel and Lucy Adaline (Porter) Miller
were two sons and one daughter, John Por-
ter, Herbert Titus and Sarah Porter, the
latter the wife of George H. Corey, of
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
533
Fiskeville, R. 1. Mrs. Corey is one of the
prominent women of that State, where many posi-
tions of honor and responsibility have been conferred
upon her. She has been State secretary of the
Rhode Island Branch of the International Order of
the King's Daughters and Sons since 1899, and in
June. 1903, represented this branch as delegate to
the National Convention in Detroit. She has been
for three years first and second vice-president of the
Rhode Island State Federation of Women's Clubs,
and in 1902 went to Los Angeles as delegate to the
biennial meeting of the National Federation of this
organization, and in May, 1904, went to St. Louis
in a similar capacity. Mrs. Corey is vice-president
of the local branch in Rhode Island of the National
Council of ' Women ; is a director of the Rhode
Island branch of the Consumers' League ; president
of the Daughters of Connecticut in Rhode Island ;
and has filled a number of other positions to which
she has been chosen in recognition of her ability
and great force of character. She is a member of
the Daughters of the American Revolution.
John Porter Miller was born in Sprague (then
town of Franklin), Conn., on Sept. 12, 1843, ancl tne
common schools afforded him his facilities for his
literary education. His passion for music early
became evident, and when a mere boy he learned to
play the violin, later receiving instruction from
many different masters, among them Julius Eich-
berg, of Boston. In the latter sixties he began the
teaching of dancing, and at the same time formed
an orchestra. At the time Mr. Miller's first class
in dancing was organized, ordinary dances were
conducted in a manner that had long made danc-
ing in ill repute. Rude conduct, at times reach-
ing the point of general fighting, not infrequently
prevailed, and this Mr. Miler set himself to revolu-
tionize. His own bearing was that of the polished
gentleman, and he at once set about to raise the tone
•of dancing, and make dancing parties what they
should be — a happy outlet for happy hearts. No
matter how his methods might impair his income, he
determined to labor unceasingly for the desired goal.
Whenever he noticed any conduct in the least rude
he would stop the music and deliver a little lecture
on good manners. His efforts bore good fruit in
a short time, and he had the satisfaction of finding
the necessity for his little lectures growing less and
less, and finding, too, that many who had opposed
•dancing because of the conduct of the dancers were
becoming more and more interested in it as a recre-
ation. As a dancing master his greatest success
was with children, whom he instinctively loved, and
who loved him. His annual receptions became lead-
ing social events in Norwich, while his orchestra
attained a high degree of excellence and was known
and sought throughout southern New England. The
time came when he had more requests for dancing
lessons and music than he could possibly attend
to. For over twenty years he furnished music each
summer at the "Watch Hill House," kept by Major
Hale. The professor was always popular with the
guests because of his genial personality and many
lovable characteristics, and his spare moments were
passed in teaching the little ones to dance.
Mr. Miller possessed good buisness qualifica-
tions, having learned methodical habits in that line in
his early life, when he assisted his father in the capac-
ity of bookkeeper, and his books, filled with his fine
penmanship, were considered marvels of neatness
and accuracy. He was prompt in meeting his en-
gagements, and in all his dealings he was thoroughly
honest. Among his brothers in the musical world
he was highly esteemed, and being entirely free
from professional jealousy won many warm friends.
He was naturally kind and possessed that trusting
nature that sees only the good, while his social
disposition made him perfectly sincere in the cordial
greetings he gave his many acquaintances. The
ability to see .the bright side of life kept him cheerful
to the very end, even through the two years of de-
cline that preceded his death. The end came Aug.
14, 1 89 1, and he was buried in Yantic cemetery,
Norwich. He belonged to the Masonic fraternity,
in which he had reached the thirty-second degree,
and he was also a member of Mecca Temple, A.
A. O. N. M. S., New York. Professionally he was
enrolled in the Society of Professors of Dancing, in
New York City.
On April 1, 1875, Mr. Miller was united in mar-
riage with Miss Donna M. Whipple, of Norwich,
daughter of Samuel Whipple, who was prominent
in the business world of New London countv a
half century ago.
Herbert Titus Miller, who founded Miller's
Academy of Dancing at Norwich, and who has
ever since conducted the same, is one of the well
known musicians and instructors of dancing in New
England. His many years of association with his
brother, the late John Porter Miller, together with
his natural and developed musical talents, familiar-
ized him thoroughly with the work that he took
charge of when he became the successor of his
brother.
Herbert T. Miller was born July 19, 1853. in the
town of Sprague, then town of Franklin, where his
literarv training was received. When but a youth
he plainly showed the inheritance of his father's
natural musical ability, and this talent was developed
by practice and instruction, so that he early showed
marked proficiency for and was quite capable of
skilled orchestral work. From the very start of his
career as a musician, he was associated with his
brother, with whom he always remained until the
latter's death. Then, taking up the work, prac-
tically as it was left by his brother, .Mr. Miller, a
few vears later, conceived the idea of building for
himself a suitable structure for his dancing school.
In the spring of 1894 the first hall was completed.
This was but a small one. with a floor surface of 16
x 31 feet. The numerous advantages of owning
such a building were soon evident, as was its popu-
534
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
larity with its patrons. It was a marked characteris-
tic of his brother to have everything in order, up-to-
date and of the best, and this characteristic is equally
apparent in Herbert T. Miller. When it became
evident that a larger hall was necessary he con-
structed, in 1897, the present building, with its mag-
nificent floor surface of 66 x 40 feet and 20 feet high.
In the construction of the floor surface a feature that
was entirely original, with Mr. Miller was adopted,
that of having the dancing surface rest on large
springs, and it has proven a wonderful success, this
being the only floor of its kind in the country.
Every feature of the academy is up-to-date and of
the best. The high standard to which dancing was
brought in Norwich by John P. Miller has been
maintained in the work of Herbert T. Miller. As a
disciplinarian he is noted. It is doubtful if, in New
England, will be found a similar institution, whose
patrons are as generally of the best class and most
aristocratic families. Mr. Miller is a member of
the American Society of Professors of Dancing.
As a musician Herbert T. Miller is equally well
known. For thirty-one seasons he has been a mem-
ber of the orchestra at "Watch Hill House," and
for several years of that time has directed the same.
For more than twenty years he has been organist
in the Central Baptist Church, Norwich. Fratern-
ally he is a Mason, holding membership in Somerset
Lodge, A. F. & A. M., Franklin Chapter, Franklin
Council, Columbian Commandery and Sphinx Tem-
ple, and has attained the thirty-second degree.
On Oct. 1, 1894, Mr. Miller married Mrs. John
Porter Miller, the widow of his brother.
G. CURTIS HULL, manager of the large Pone-
mah Store at Taftville, New London county, is a
man who has risen to a position of responsibility
and trust as a result of his own merit and worth.
He comes of an old New England family, the Hulls
having long been established in Rhode Island.
(I) Rev. Joseph Hull, with twenty-one families,
including his own, came as their minister from Eng-
land in 1635, and settled at what is now Weymouth,
Mass. His wife's Christian name was Agnes, and
on their coming they brought several children with
them. Mr. Hull was made a freeman of the Col-
ony soon after his arrival, and in 1638 he was dep-
uty to the General Court, and was appointed a mag-
istrate to try small cases. He was minister of the
church at Weymouth for four years. He removed
to Barnstable in 1639, and to Yarmouth in 1641.
Soon after 1642-43 he removed to Dover, and finally
to the Isles of Shoals, where he died Nov. 19, 1665.
(II) Tristram Hull was of Yarmouth and Barn-
stable, Mass., probably going to Yarmouth in 1641
with his father. He returned to Barnstable in 1644,
and all of his children are of record as born there.
He possessed a house lot of ten acres, and was a
prominent man in Barnstable, serving in a number
of official capacities, among them that of selectman.
His wife, whose Christian name was Blanch, out-
lived him and remarried.
(III) Joseph Hull, born in June, 1652, inherited
the paternal estate. In October, 1676, he married
Experience Harper, who was born in November,,
1657, daughter of Robert and Deborah (Perry)
Harper, of Kings Town, R. I. Mr. Hull was a
cooper by trade, and he was also a minister. Soon
after his marriage he sold his Barnstable lands,.
and from Barnstable he removed to Falmouth. The
first meeting for the worship of the Quakers of
Falmouth was held at his house in May, 1681. Soon
after this he "beat the sheriff for persecution of
him as a Quaker" and was fined seven pounds.
This fine, however, the court abated in July, 1685.
He is of record in 1695 as of Kings Town, R. I.
He was assistant in 1699-1701-1702-1703. He was
a minister in the Quaker denomination in 1702, and
contributed toward the building of their meeting-
house. His children were : Tristram, born Oct.
8, 1677; Joseph, born in 1679; Mary; John; and
Alice. The father of these children died in 1709.
(IV) Joseph Hull (3), born in 1679, married
(first) Ann Gardiner, daughter of William and Eliz-
abeth Gardiner. She died Sept. 12, 1710, and he
married (second) Jan. 1, 1713, Susanna Greene,,
born May 24, 1688, daughter of James and Eliza-
beth (Anthony) Greene. Mr. Hull was of Kings
Town and Westerly, R. I. He was constable June
7, 1703. He bought lands in Westerly, R. I., in
1 7 14, and was in the town council there in 1724,.
1725 and 1726. Both Mr. and Mrs. Hull died in
1748. His children were: Ann, born Oct. 26,.
1702; William, June 9, 1705; Alice, May 28, 1708
(all by the first wife) ; Joseph, Oct. 4, 1714; Susan-
nah, April 20, 1716; Mary, Feb. 19, 1719; and
Experience, Aug. 25, 1722 (all by the second
wife).
(V) Joseph Hull (4), born Oct. 4, 17 14, mar-
ried Experience Dyer, and their children were :
Thomas, Charles Higgabotham and Joseph.
(VI) Charles Higgabotham Hull, great-grand-
father of G. Curtis Hull, was a resident (it is sup-
posed) of South Kingston, R. I. He was a seafar-
ing man, and was lost at sea when his children were
quite small. He married Sarah Hawkins, daughter
of Thomas Hawkins, of South Kingston, R. L,
whose wife was Anna Torrey, daughter of Rev.
Joseph Torrey. Thomas Hawkins was a son of
Christopher Hawkins and his wife, Margery
Greene, the former of whom died in South Kings-
ton, R. I., in 1760, the Hawkins family being a
South Kingston family. Mr. and Mrs. Hull had
two children, Christopher Hawkins and Gardiner.
The former located in Lebanon, and there died March
1, 1857. He was a farmer by occupation. He mar-
ried Hannah Perry, of South Kingston, R. I., who
died July 1, 1832, and they had fifteen children,
namely : Sally, Christopher, Thomas H., William,
Charles, Susan, Joseph, Elisha, Hial, Mary Ann,
Hannah (who died young), two who died very
young, and Elizabeth and Abigal.
(VII) Gardiner Hull, grandfather of G. Curtis,
was born in South Kingston, R. I., June 8, I797>
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
535
and lost his parents when quite young. He came to
Connecticut and engaged at farm work, settling
'o'\-^
at Stonington, in which vicinity he resided for a
number of years. He removed from Stonington
to Colchester, residing there until 1846, when he
came to Norwich and located on the farm now oc-
cupied by his daughter. Mrs. W. I). Rogers, and
there resided until his death, which occurred July
2, 1853. Mr. Hull attended the Congregational
Church, and he was a Democrat in political affili-
ation. He married Martha Hates, who was born
June 14, 1800, daughter of Nichols and Susan
( Weathers) Bates, both of Exeter, R. I., and she
died June 14, 1849. They were the parents of ten
children, viz.: (1) Nichols Rates, born Aug. 5,
1 82 1, was a machinist and farmer, and died unmar-
ried Sept. 5, 1887, in Norwich. (2) Benjamin
Gardiner, born April 15, 1823, was the father of G.
Curtis Hull. (3) Sarah Ann, born Oct. 15, 1824,
resided in Norwich, and died Feb. 10, 1887. She
became the wife of Capt. Elisha Hull, who was first
a sea captain, and later became a farmer. (4) Mary,
born June 20, 1827, married Henry Williams, a
carpenter and farmer, and died in Norwich March
2.J, 187 1. (5) Joseph Tprrey, born March 22,
1830, was a sea captain, later a farmer, and resided
in Lebanon. He died Oct. 25, 1887. He 'married
Mary Emma Hawkins. (6) John Lathrop, born
Aug. 29, 1832, was a farmer in Norwich, and died
Oct. 10, 1899. He married Frances M. Williams.
(7) Susan Frances, born June 7, 1835, is the widow
of W. Denison Rogers, and resides in Norwich.
(8) Amy Jane Elizabeth, born June 4, 1838, died
Feb. 1, 1898. She married Frederick Baldwin and
resided in Groton for many years, after her hus-
band's death removing to Willimantic, where her
death occurred. (9) Charles Atwood, born Jan.
22, 1 84 1, married Harriet M. Sherman, and is a
resident of Norwich. ( 10) One child died young.
(VIII) Benjamin Gardiner Hull, in his day
one of the best-known citizens of northern New
London county, was born in Exeter, R. I., and was
quite young when his parents located at Stonington,
New London Co., Conn. He received a district-
school education and served an apprenticeship at
the carpenter's trade. Thus equipped he started
out in life for himself, remaining in Stonington
until after his first marriage, and thence moving to
Norwich, where he worked at his trade for a num-
ber of years. Later he moved to the town of
Sprague for a year, and then settled on the Kins-
man farm, in the w-estern part of the town of Lis-
bon. After a year's residence there he moved to
the Potter farm, in the same town, which he pur-
chased, and there he made his home for thirty-five
years, until his death, which occurred April 4, 1901.
He was buried in Yantic cemetery. After locating
in Lisbon Mr. Hull was associated with Messrs.
Kimball and Bennett in the getting out of heavy
timber, and he became an expert in the construc-
tion of wooden bridges, doing a great deal of work
in that line. In the latter years of his active life he
devoted all his attention to farming, but he retired
about ten years before his death, enjoying his com-
fortable circumstances. Mr. Hull was a self-made
man, having prospered as the result of his own in-
dustry, and he was most highly esteemed in every
community in which he resided. After settling in
Lisbon he was chosen to several of the town offices,
and twice represented the town in the State Legisla-
ture. In political sentiment he was a stanch Jack-
son Democrat, very strong in his views and earnest
in his support of party principles.
Mr. Hull first married a Miss Baldwin, who died
in Norwich, leaving three children: (1) Erastus
G. married Alia Fitch, and is a farmer and carpenter
in Lisbon. (2) Charles Edward also resides in Lis-
bon. (3) Joseph O., who married Mary Potter,
was a carpenter, and died in Moodus, Conn. The
second wife of Benjamin G. Hull was Adelaide
Fitch, daughter of George Fitch, of Lisbon, and
she died just about a year before her husband, on
April 13, 1900, aged sixty-seven years. They are
buried side by side. Six children blessed this union,
namely : John is a carpenter, and resides at Jew-
ett City ; he married Susan Hyde. Walter died in
infancy. Lewris S. married Jennie Pattison. and
resides in Norwich. George Curtis is mentioned
below. Frank Seymour died young. B. Frank,
who married Alice Phillips, is a government mail
clerk, and resides in Providence, Rhode Island.
George Curtis Hull was born May 15, 1866, in
Lisbon, and received his education in the district
schools of his native town, and a graded school at
Versailles. At the age of thirteen he began work-
ing out as a farm laborer, and continued thus for
several years. When nineteen years old he became
a clerk in the store of Henry Harrington, at Ver-
sailles, and a short time later went to Block Island,
where he taught school for a few months. The
following July (1889) he accepted a position as
clerk in the Ponemah Store, at Taftville, and with
the exception of a few weeks has been in that estab-
lishment ever since. In August, 1903, he became
manager of the store, and he is filling this very re-
sponsible position with ability and efficiency, hav-
ing a force of thirteen people under him. This
store commands a very large patronage, and is one
of the important commercial concerns in that sec-
tion of New London county.
On Oct. 21, 1890, in Lisbon, Conn.. Mr. Hull
wras married to Caroline A. Adams, who was born
Oct. 27, 1862, in Lisbon, daughter of Jeremiah K.
and Eliza (Angell) Adams, and three children have
come to this union, namely : Elizabeth Adams,
Helen Angell and Ruth Kinsman. The family at-
tend the Taftville Congregational Church. Mr.
Hull is liberal in his political views, voting for the
best men and supporting the best issues, regardless
of party. Socially he belongs to Norwich Lodge,
No. 248, New England ( )rder of Protection, of
which he is a charter member.
53^
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
HON. NATHAN H. AYER, a descendant of.
one of the early settled New England families, has
been for many years one of the leading agricultur-
ists and prominent citizens of the town of Preston,
New London county. Connecticut.
(I) John Ayer, the first of the name to come to
America, crossed the Atlantic Ocean in 1637, on
the ship "Mary and Ann," commanded by Capt.
Goos. He was described on the shipping list as
"John Eyre, grocer, Norwich." He was of Scottish
descent, and at the time he came to America he was
forty-five years of age. He was soon joined by his
family of eight children, and after living in New-
bury for a time removed to Haverhill, Mass., in
1645, where he died in 1657, aged sixty-five years.
His wife, Hannah, passed away in 1675. Of their
eight children,
(II) John Ayer (2) was twice married, (first)
to Sarah Williams, and (second) to Sarah Woodin.
To both of these unions were born several children.
(III) John Ayer (3), son of John (2), was born
at Hannibal, Mass., in 1688, and came with his fa-
ther to Stonington, Conn., in 1694. He married
Sarah Courdaughton, of Lyme, Conn., and settled
in Saybrook, Conn., at a place which has since been
known as Ayer's Point. He died Feb. 21, 1760,
about fifty years after the first settlement at Say-
brook. His wife died Dec. 5, 1760, aged sixty-
eight years. Their children, all born between 1716
and 1740, were as follows : Daniel, John, Joseph,
Travis, Elisha, Sarah, Zipporah, Mary, Elizabeth
and Hannah.
(IV) John Ayer (4), second son of John (3),
was born Nov. 1, 17 18, in Saybrook, Conn. His
wife, Abigail, was born in August, 1726. Their
children, all born between 1745 and 1765, were as
follows: Nathan, Ruth, Abigail, Sarah, John (who
settled in Hebron, Conn.), Keturah, Jonas, Anna,
Eunice and Mary.
(V) Nathan Ayer, eldest child of John (4), was
born Jan. 29, 1745, and died in Preston, Conn.,
June 22, 1820. He married Desire Tracy, of the
Tracy family in Norwich and Lisbon, Conn., who
was born Aug. 4, 1745, and died April 4, 1797,
aged fifty-one years. Nathan Ayer was an able
farmer and well known in the town for his public
spirit. He served the town of Preston as tax col-
lector for many years, and bought considerable land
that was sold for taxes. He owned four farms in
the town, giving one to each of his four sons. His
children, all born in Preston, were: (1) Elisha,
born in 1767, died Dec. 17, 1858, aged ninety-one
years. In early life he was a teacher in Virginia
and Kentucky, and among his pupils was Gen.
Zachary Taylor, who later became President of the
United States. He married Deborah Hughes, of
Virginia, who died in Preston Aug. 26, 1859, aged
eighty-two years. They had a son, Harrison G.
Ayer, who died unmarried in 1853, aged forty-seven
years. (2) Desire, born June 2, 1769, married
Oliver Crary, of Preston, who died in 18 18, aged
forty-seven years. They had children — Emily Jane
(who died young), Eunice, Oliver A., Nathan A.
and Horatio. (3) Nathan is mentioned below. (4)
William, born Dec. 1, 1773, died April 14, 1852,
aged seventy-eight years. He married, in 1806,
Margaret Brown, of Stonington, Conn., who died
May 23, 1837, aged fifty-six years, and in 1841,
he married (second) Dorothy Niles, who died in
May, 1846. His children, by his first wife, were
William A. (who died young), Charies B., Daniel
T., William and Nathan W. (5) Olive, born in
1774, died unmarried July 16, 1796, aged twenty-
two years. (6) Jonas, born March 26, 1778, died
May 30, 1846, aged sixty-eight years, in Preston,
which town he represented in several sessions of the
State Legislature. He also held various other im-
portant offices. He married Abigail Morgan, of
Preston, where she died at the age of fifty-eight
years. Their children were Louisa (who died aged
twenty-one years), Albert G., John (who died aged
fifteen years), Abby Ann, James M. and Jonas M.
(7) Dolly, born June 23, 1781, died May 2, 1846,
aged sixty-five years, in Preston. She married
John T. Mott, of Preston, who died Oct. 9, 1817.
Their children were Olive, John T., Samuel M.,
William, Lydia, Harriet, Lucy and Mary.
(VI) Nathan Ayer, third child of Nathan, was
born in Preston, Conn., Jan. 22, 1772. He was a
thrifty, progressive and well-to-do farmer. Phy-
sically he was of large proportions, weighing over
200 pounds. His disposition was pleasant and gen-
ial, and he was a great favorite among those who
knew him. In political faith he was a stanch sup-
porter of the principles of the Old-line Whig party.
With his wife he belonged to the Preston City Bap-
tist Church, of which they were among the first to
become members when that church was organized.
Mr. Ayer was an industrious, hard-working man,
who never tired of performing the duties that de-
volved upon him. He died in Preston, Dec. 25,
:853> aged eighty-one years.
About 181 1 Nathan Ayer married Nancy Green,
daughter of Peter Green, of Greenwich, R. I., who
settled in Preston with his family in 1800. She was
born in Greenwich, R. I., and died in Preston Oct.
18, 1857, aged sixty-seven years, and is buried be-
side her husband in the Preston City cemetery.
Their children, all born in Preston, were : ( 1 )
Nancy married Henry Gallup, of Norwich, and died
March 12, 1843, aged thirty years. Mr. Gallup
married again and removed to Iowa, where he died.
(2) Desire married Russell Davis, of Preston, where
she died April 30, 1854, aged thirty-nine years,
leaving three children. He died in Stonington,
Conn. (3) Sarah married George W. Cook, of
North Stonington, and they removed to Kansas,
where he died, and where she is still living at an ad-
vanced age. They had six children. (4) Abby
married William S. Cundall, of Killingly, Conn.,
who died in Leicester, Mass. She makes her home
in Marlboro, Mass. They had two daughters. (5)
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
537
Harriet married Albert Albro, of South Coventry,
Conn., where she died, leaving three children. He
is still living there. (6) John A. removed to Kan-
sas, where he engaged in the drug business, and
where he married. He died there in 1892, without
issue. (7) Nathan H. is our subject.
(VII) Nathan H. Ayer was born April 10, 1833,
in Preston, Conn., in the Third School District, and
there received his early educational training,
which was supplemented by two terms in a select
school at Preston City, taught by Witter Meech. At
twelve years of age young Ayer worked out as a
farmer's boy for Deacon Joseph Wilbur, of Gris-
wold, where he remained one year. He then worked
as a farm hand for his brother-in-law, Russell Davis,
in Preston, for three seasons, receiving as pay his
board and $5 per month for the first season, $6 per
month for the second season, and $7 per month for
the third season. At the age of sixteen he went to
Meriden, Conn., and there for three years was em-
ployed in the Britannia factory, during the last year
being foreman of the finishing room. When he was
nineteen he went to South Coventry, Conn., where
he learned the hatter's trade, remaining there about
three years. In 1854 he returned to Preston, and
there purchased one of his grandfather's four farms,
to which he has added from time to time until he
now has about 265 acres, in a good state of cultiva-
tion, well tilled and well kept up. He also keeps
about thirty cows in connection with his dairy. He
continued successfully to carry on general farming
and dairying until April I, 1903, when, owing to
ill-health, he turned his farm over to his son, who
now conducts it, after the manner of his father, his
honored instructor. During his active life as an
agriculturist Mr. Ayer was of the industrious and
progressive kind, conducting farming on business-
like principles. The condition of his farm is the best
evidence of his industry and energy.
Ever since Mr. Ayer reached his majority he has
taken an active part in the political affairs of his
native town and county. He is a stanch adherent
to the principles of the Republican party, and has
represented his town in various capacities. In July,
1883, he was appointed a member of the board of
•county commissioners for New London county, and
served in that capacity with credit to himself, and to
the satisfaction of his constituents as well, until
July, 1893. He served as representative in the
State Legislature in 1886, during which session he
-was a member of the committee on Incorporations.
In the session of 1889-90 he represented the Tenth
Senatorial District in the State Senate, and during
that season served as chairman of the committee on
Forfeited Rights and the committee on Xew Coun-
ties and County Seats. He has also served his town
as grand juror, and as a member of the board of
relief. For several years he was a member of the Re-
publican town committee. Although not a member
of church, Mr. Ayer is an attendant on the Preston
City Congregational Church, to which he gives his
support.
On Aug. 20, 1854, Mr. Ayer was married to
Adeline Jerusha Tinker, daughter of Lewis and
Jerusha (Moulton) Tinker, of Mansfield, Conn.
She died in Preston Nov. 23, 1861, aged twenty-
seven years. To this union came two children : ( 1 )
Alice Maria, born in July, 1855, m Preston, married
Dr. George C. Clark, a leading physician of East
Douglass, Mass., where he has been practicing his
profession for the past ten years. He was born in
Groton, Conn., and after receiving his degree of M.
D. practiced for a time in Preston. (2) Louis
Nathan, born Nov. 22, 1859, *s successfully engaged
in the wholesale and retad ice business in Willi-
mantic, Conn. He is unmarried. In June, 1862,
Mr. Ayer married (second) Amelia S. Baldwin,
daughter of Raymond and Amanda (Lull) Baldwin,
of Mansfield, Conn. She died Aug. 12, 1871, in
Preston, aged thirty-one years, the mother of one
child, Frank Raymond, who for several years was
employed in the various departments of the Hop-
kins & Allen Fire Arms Co. and the W. H. Daven-
port Arms Co., both of Norwich, but who since
April 1, 1903, has conducted the homestead farm;
he married Emily Andrews, daughter of Gustavus
Andrews, of Norwich, and has two children, Lucy
Amelia and Alice May.
Upon turning the homestead farm over to the
care of his son Mr. Ayer removed to East Norwich,
where he is now living in well-earned retirement.
He has led a useful life, and has never shirked re-
sponsibility, always endeavoring to do the duty
next in order. He has won the respect and confi-
dence of all, and is looked upon as one of the sub-
stantial men of the town. His judgment is clear,
and his good common sense and practical views in
public questions make him much sought as an
adviser.
CHARLES B. DAVIS, first selectman of the
town of Franklin, and one of the well known and
esteemed citizens of that locality, is extensively en-
gaged in dairying and farming. The family is one
of age, prominence and great respectability in this
section.
Shora Davis, great-grandfather of Charles B.
Davis, was a resident of Preston, Conn., a tailor by
trade, and a well-to-do citizen. He served in the
Revolutionary war. and then settled for the bal-
ance of his life at Preston, where he died Feb. 25,
1841. at the age of eighty-six years. He married
Sarah Carpenter, born Oct. 30, 1757, in South
Kingston, R. I., daughter of Jeremiah and Aba-
gail' (Sheldon) Carpenter, and a descendant of
William Carpenter, who came from England in the
ship "Bevis" in [638, and was of Weymouth and
Rehoboth, Mass. She died April 14. ^^-
Joseph Davis, grandfather of Charles B.. was
a farmer all his life at Preston, Conn. He married
538
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
Waitie Crandall, who survived him and later be-
came the wife of Robert Brown, and removed to
Greece, X. Y. After the death of Mr. Brown she
came to Colchester, Conn., to make her home with
a daughter there, and died in advanced age. She
was mother of a large family, among whom were :
Mary A., who died young ; Charles Crandall, father
of our subject; Sarah, who was the second wife of
Robert Sherman and died in Colchester; Margaret
Jane, widow of Elias H. Beckwith, residing in
Norwich; William, who was a civil engineer and
engaged in railroad construction work in the South
both before and after the Civil war (he died in
Missouri) : Gardner, who went South in young man-
hood, was pressed into the Confederate service and
died in that section ; and George W., a physician
and surgeon, who died at Atlanta, Ga., having been
in Gen. Sherman's army during its memorable march
to the sea.
Charles Crandall Davis was born March i, 1826,
at Preston, Conn., and in young manhood became
a mariner in order to benefit his health. Later he
engaged in farming on a large scale in the town of
Preston, being very successful as a market gardener
and dairyman. In 1880 he went to Texas, where
he purchased a large ranch in the eastern part of
the State, near the Louisiana line, his land being
really located in both States. For a time he lived
in the Indian Territory, engaged in ranching and
the buying and selling of stock. In 1895 he re-
moved to St. Louis, Mo., where he now lives re-
tired. In politics he is a Republican, and during
his residence in Preston was called upon to serve
in almost every local office. In that town he united
with the Baptist Church, later transferring his
papers to the Central Baptist Church, at Norwich.
For several years he served as superintendent of the
Preston Baptist Sunday-school.
Mr. Davis married Harriet Barnes, who is a
resident of Preston, and ten children came to this
marriage, as follows : Charles B. ; Joseph A., who
owns a general store at Boulder, Colo. ; Edward,
general superintendent of the St. Louis branch of
the Vermont Marble Co. ; Nancy, a resident of New
York City ; Asa B., a physician of New York City ;
Gilbert S., a clerk at Springfield, Mass. ; George, a
farmer at Preston ; Chauncey C, a farmer at Mans-
field, Conn. ; Harriet ; and John, who resides at
Cripple Creek, Colorado.
Charles B. Davis was born Dec. 20, 1853, m
Preston, Conn., near the North Stonington 'line.
He was educated in the district schools and at the
Literary Institute at Suffield, Conn. For several
years after returning from school he managed the
home farm, but later went with his father to Texas,
upon his return to Preston again taking charge of
the home farm, on which he remained until Decem-
ber, 1889, when he removed to Franklin and located
on his present farm. He had purchased this place
of John O. Smith a short time previously. It con-
tains 136 acres, and is generally considered the
best in the town. Mr. Davis keeps thirty-five cows
for his dairy business, and raises considerable fruit
in addition to ordinary farm products.
On Jan. 21, 1885, Mr. Davis married, in Preston,.
Sarah E. Palmer, who was born Jan. 9, 1862, a na-
tive of South Kingston, R. I., and daughter of
Harry E. and Sarah S. (Peckham) Palmer. Four
children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Davis :
Caroline Emma, born June 21, 1886, a student in
the Norwich Free Academy ; Benjamin Palmer,
born Nov. 14, 1888 ; Charles Buttolph, born Nov.
26, 1892; and -Clarence Howard, born Mav 13,
1895.
In politics Mr. Davis is a Republican, and dur-
ing his residence in Preston served as a justice of the
peace, member of the board of relief, constable and
first selectman, resigning the latter office on his
removal to Franklin. His sterling character has.
been equally recognized in his present home and he
has been called upon to serve as grand juror, mem-
ber of the board of relief and justice of the peace, and
is now most ably filling his seventh consecutive term
on the board of selectmen, of which, since October,
1903, he has been chairman. Fraternally he be-
longs to Lebanon Lodge, No. 23, A. O. U. W., and
is a member of its auxiliary, the Workmen's Benefit
Society. Both he and his wife belong to the Cent-
ral Baptist Church at Norwich. He is a popular
and highly respected citizen.
REUBEN P. ROSE, one of the most highly re-
spected citizens of Norwich, residing on a neatly
kept farm on Wawecus Hill, has acquired his prop-
erty by hard work and economy.
His grandfather was a resident of Bozrah, where
he followed the occupation of a tanner and harness-
maker, and also served as drum major of the old
troop of local militia. He was three times married.
By his first wife he had several children, and by his
second marriage, which took place Jan. 14, 1812,
to Mary Ann Dodge, he became the father of the
following: Mary Ann, born Sept. 18, 1813, married
Ebenezer Bump ; Hiram H., born Feb. 2, 18 — , was
a carpenter, and resided in Lebanon, from which
place he enlisted in the 26th Regiment during the
Civil war, and he died while in the service, near
Port Hudson, leaving two sons, William and Henry,
who were also members of the same regiment, the
latter also dying in the service ; William P. was
born Sept. 18, 1819.
William P. Rose, the father of our subject, was
born probably at Bozrah, and for some time pre-
vious to his marriage resided with a half brother.
After his marriage he located on a farm now occu-
pied by his son Amos P., in Bozrah, and there spent
the rest of his life, dying July 9, 1876. He was a
Republican in politics, and a Baptist in religion.
During the greater portion of his life he was in poor
health, but this did not interfere with his working
very hard.
William P. Rose married Caroline Matilda Ver-
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
539
gason, a native of Bozrah, daughter of Jedediah and
Susan Yergason. She survived her husband for a
number of years, and died July 22, 1882, aged sixty-
eight. They are interred in the cemetery at Leffing-
well. Children as follows were born to their mar-
riage: Reuben P. was born May 25, 1838; Mary
Emily, born in August, 1840, is unmarried and re-
sides in Bozrah; Joel H., born July 18, 1841, died
July 20, 1855 ; Caroline Matilda, born in February,
1846, died two weeks later ; Amos, born June 19,
1848, married Grace F. Clark, and resides in Boz-
rah.
Reuben P. Rose was born May 25, 1838, in Boz-
rah, and at the age of twelve years left home to en-
gage as a farm laborer, first with Isaac Swan, of
Montville, and later with his brother, Coddington
Swan. His wages at first were his board and a few
clothes. After he was twelve he had no opportunity
of attending school. Being a strong boy, he was ex-
pected to do a man's work, and did it. His hours
were long, and he had but little time for the amuse-
ments of youth. Until he was twenty-one he worked
as a farm hand, receiving: for the last two years be-
fore he attained his majority $150 a year. All that
he earned until he became of age went toward sup-
porting the family, as his father was by this time
unable to do any work. Marrying, he located on a
farm in Bozrah owned by Isaac Swan, which he
ran on shares for three years. He then spent one
year as a farm hand in Bozrah and Montville, re-
ceiving fifty cents a day for his wrork, at a period
when labor was very cheap. Then he removed to
a farm in Norwich owned by Elder Christopher
Leffingwell, and remained there three years. He
then went to the John Post farm in Bozrah, and
continued there for four years, during which time
he purchased, with his savings, forty-seven acres
of land from Mr. Post, which property is included
in his present farm. From the Post farm Mr. Rose
removed to a farm in Norwich, where he remained
for one year, during which time he began the con-
struction of buildings on the land he had purchased,
and as soon as they were ready he removed to them,
and has since resided upon this land. From time to
time he has added to his possessions, until he has a
farm of nearly 100 acres, all in a high state of cultiva-
tion. Since locating in Norwich Mr. Rose has done
a great deal of business in the way of getting out
hoops for hogsheads and barrels, the former going
to the West Indies, and the transplanting and set-
ting out of shade trees, having probably set out at
least a thousand shade trees in Norwich alone, as
well as others at Eastern Point and other localities.
In addition he has aided in keeping the roads in
good repair, has dug cellars and built foundations,
proving himself able to earn money in more ways
than one.
In 1859 Mr. Rose married, in Bozrah, Mary E.
Stanton, daughter of William Stanton, of Montville,
and he attributes much of his success in life to the
sympathy and good counsel given him by his wife.
The following children have been born to this mar-
riage : Frank R., mail carrier on R. F. 1). Route
No. 2, married Flavia L. Buck, and they have two
children, Francis and Harold ; Marietta is the wife
of Frederick H. Bushnell, principal of the school
at Yantic ; Minnie died in infancy; Ernest P. mar-
ried Lenora Miller and is a well known music in-
structor and organist of the First Baptist Church of
Norwich.
In politics Mr. Rose is a Republican, but he
has never desired or sought office, his time and at-
tention being absorbed by his private affairs. He
and his estimable wife are consistent members of
the First Baptist Church, of which he is one of the
deacons. The family all stand well in the commun-
ity in which they live, and Mr. Rose is one of its
representative farmers and business men.
DANIEL BURROWS SPALDING, whose
name is familiar in the financial circles of New Lon-
don county, comes from an early settled family,
and is a representative in the eighth generation
from the emigrant ancestor, Edward Spalding, of
the Massachusetts and Connecticut Spaldings.
(I) Edward Spalding came to the Massuchusetts
Colony between 1630 and 1633. He first appears
at Braintree, Mass., where his wife Margaret and
daughter Grace died, and where one of his chil-
dren, Benjamin, was born. He was made a freeman
May 13, 1640. He was one of the founders and pro-
prietors of Chelmsford, the petition for the
formation of which was granted in 1653, and he
was chosen a selectman at the first town meeting,
held Nov. 24, 1654. He was chosen a selectman
again in 1656, 1660 and 1661, and he held other im-
portant offices and relations with the town and
other new settlements. His first wife, Margaret,
died in August, 1640, and the Christian name of
his second wife was Rachel. He died Feb. 26, 1670.
His children were : John, Edward, Grace, Benja-
min, Joseph, Dinah and Andrew, the first three be-
ing born o- *he first marriage.
(II) John Spalding was born about 1633, and
came to Chelmsford with his father in about 1654,
where he had grants of land. He was a soldier in
Capt. Manning's Company in King Philip's war,
and died in 1721. On May 18, 1658, he was married,
in Concord, Mass., to Hannah Hale, who died in
1689. Their children were : John, Eunice, Edward,
Hannah, Samuel, Deborah, Joseph, Joseph, and
Timothy.
(III) John Spalding (2), born Feb. 15. 1659,
married (first) Sept. 20, 1681, Ann Ballard, of An-
dover, Mass., and (second) Nov. 18. 1700. Widow
Mary Fletcher, and with his family removed to
Plainfield, Conn. His children were: Anna. Sam-
uel, Jonathan, Deborah, Eleazer, Dinah and William.
(IV) Samuel Spalding, born Aug. 5. 1686. lived
in Plainfield, Conn., where all of his children were
born. His wife's name was Susanna, and their
children were: John. Jedediah. Abigail, Elizabeth
540
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
and Susanna. Samuel Spalding died June 9, 1749.
(V) Jedediah Spalding, born April I, 1709, in
Plainfield, Conn., married Mary How, born March
1, 1715, daughter of Samuel How. Mr. Spalding
died July 8, 1776, and his widow passed away March
17, 1794. Their children, all born in Plainfield,
were : Ezekiel, Timothy, Samuel, Asa, Stephen,
Daniel, and, perhaps, John or James, Jedediah and
Lemuel.
(VI) Asa Spalding, born Oct. 6, 1751, in Plain-
field, married May 5, 1774, Lucy York, born Aug.
23, 1758, daughter of John and Anna York, of Ston-
ington. Mr. Spalding studied medicine with Elisha
Perkins, of Plainfield, then with Joseph Perkins, of
Norwich. About 1770 he located in the town of
Stonington, Conn. He was ordained as an evangelist
in the Baptist denomination, and he preached, but
never occupied the position of pastor. He was
highly esteemed both as a physician and as a man.
During the war of the Revolution he served as a
soldier in the Continental army, and was present at
the siege of Fort Griswold. His death occurred
Feb. 21, 181 1. His children, all born in Stonington,
were : Lucy, Asa, Jedediah, Nancy, John, Mar}',
Amanda, Martha, Thomas, Benjamin, Lydia, Dan-
iel Brown and Eunice.
(VII) Daniel Brown Spalding, born Sept. 7,
1802, in Stonington, followed the occupation of a
farmer, and at one time lived in Pitcher, Chenango
Co., N. Y., and for a year resided also in Preston,
Conn., but the remainder of his life was spent in his
native town. In 1843, ne engaged in a general mer-
chandise business with his brother-in-law, Oliver B.
Grant, a prominent business man of the town, in-
corporator, director, secretary and treasurer, and fin-
ally president of the Stonington Savings Bank. Mr.
Spalding was a most efficient worker in the Baptist
Church, in which faith he died Aug. 14, 1866. On
May 10, 1832, he married Lucy Breed Grant, who
Avas born Oct. 13, 1810, and who died Oct. 25, 1888.
Their children were: Lucy A., born Dec. 5, 1833,
died in infancy ; Daniel Burrows, born Dec. 22, 1841,
died in infancy; Daniel Burrows (2), born April 14,
1843 ; and Frederick William, born Oct. 9, 1845,
died June 7, 1851.
(VIII) Daniel Burrows Spalding was born in
the town of Preston, Conn., April 14, 1843, an<I was
only seven months old when his parents removed to
Stonington. He received unusual advantages for
obtaining an education, attending not only the dis-
trict schools, but also Dr. David S. Hart's private
school of Stonington, and later the Schofield Busi-
ness College at Providence, R. I., graduating from
the latter in 1863. Upon leaving school in 1864, he
entered the bank as assistant treasurer to his uncle,
and in 1876, when Mr. Grant became president, Mr.
Spalding succeeded him as secretary and treasurer,
in which position he has since remained. For two
years he was president of the Uncas National Bank,
of Norwich. He is a director of the First National
Bank of Norwich, of which he was for two vears
president, succeeding Charles Bard, and preceding
Franklin S. Jerome. He was also a director of the
Stonington Building Company for several years un-
til 1902, when he resigned. Outside of financial cir-
cles he has been interested in several enterprises hav-
ing for their object the ultimate improvement of the
town, and he is the present president of the Mystic
Valley Water Company, of which he was for a num-
ber of years treasurer, and was an original incor-
porator, and also of the Mystic Electric and Gas
Light Company, of which he has been also vice-presi-
dent for several years. Municipal matters have en-
gaged his attention as a good citizen, and he has
served as burgess of Stonington for several years,
and while he was elected warden of the borough at
one time, he did not qualify. He was on the street
committee for three years, during which time there
was a marked improvement in the laying of concrete
walks in the town, from which not a lawsuit re-
sulted. Socially he is a charter member of the Royal
Arcanum of Stonington.
On Oct. 7, 1875, Mr. Spalding was united in
marriage with Drusilla R. Parlow, daughter of
Ebenezer Wr. and Elizabeth (Duncan) Parlow, of
New Bedford, Mass. Mr. Spalding and his wife at-
tend the First Baptist Church, of Stonington, to
which they give their liberal support. Politically
Mr. Spalding is a stanch Republican, but is not a
seeker of political preferment. He has been fre-
quently called upon to settle estates, which he has
done with credit to himself and to the satisfaction of
all those concerned.
BECKWITH. English records show many of
the name of Beckwith, and representatives of the
family have, from time to time, emigrated to Amer-
ica, where they have been honored and respected
citizens of the various communities with which they
became identified.
(I) Matthew Beckwith, born about 1610, of un-
determined English parentage (according to "Beck-
with Notes," 1899), and not unlikely nearly or re-
motely related to his namesake in Yorkshire, is of
record in Hartford, Conn., in 1645, m which year he
purchased the homestead of William Pratt, an orig-
inal proprietor of Hartford. Mr. Beckwith was
of New London and Lyme, Conn., about 1652, his
land lying in both towns. His death occurred Oct.
21, 1680, when he was seventy years old, the result
of an accidental fall down a ledge of rocks on a
dark night. He left a widow, Elizabeth. His chil-
dren were: Matthew, John, Josiah, Nathaniel and
Catherine.
Some of the Beckwiths have given Matthew
Beckwith, the emigrant New England settler, a di-
rect connection with Sir Hugh de Malebisse, who
was born in Normandy, and held lands in England
during the time of William the Conqueror, with
lineage from him through Hugh de Malebisse (2) ;
Simon ; Hercules ; Sir Hercules ; Nicholas de Clint ;
Hamon, 1339, seized of the lordship of Clint Hamps-
waite, Uglebarby, Pickering and Roxby Manor, of
fy & fZUuZ^
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
54i
Beckwithstrawe, the twelfth year of Edward III,
1634; Thomas, of Clint; Adam, of Clint; William
Beckwith, of Clint; Thomas, of Clint, England;
John; Robert, of Broxholme, England; Robert of
Clint; and Marmaduke, of Dacre and Clint, Eng-
land. [American Ancestry, Vol. 8, pp. 21-22.]
(II) John Beckwith, son of Matthew, was born
about 1639, and was living as late as 1723, in which
year he was of New London, Conn. Among his
children was a son, John, and he had probably Eliz-
abeth, and others.
(III) John Beckwith (2), son of John, was born
in 1665, in New London. He is identified as the
John Beckwith who is named in the patent of New
London in 1704. From his fifth year he had lived
at Niantic Ferry. About 1688 he married Pru-
dence Manwaring, who died Nov. 17, 1740. He
died Dec. 8, 1757. There came to this marriage six
sons and probably, at least, three daughters : Jona-
than, Oliver, Richard, John, Joseph, Benjamin,
Bathsheba, Prudence and probably Hannah.
(IV) John Beckwith (3), son of John (2), mar-
ried Hannah, daughter of Henry Brooks, May 24,
1722. He died in 1753, leaving two sons, John (4)
and Elisha.
(V) Elisha Beckwith married and had children
as follows: Elisha, born in 1761 ; Jason, born in
1764; Sally; and David.
(VI) Capt. Jason Beckwith, born in 1764, mar-
ried May 19, 1785, Elizabeth Crocker, and died Feb.
18, 1821. Their children were: Elisha, born Oct.
24, 1786; Ezra, grandfather of Francis E. Beck-
with ; David ; Amy ; Betsey ; Sabra ; James ; Gur-
don ; and Daniel.
(VII) Ezra Beckwith, grandfather of Francis
E. Beckwith, the well-known carpenter and builder
of Norwich, made his home at Flanders, in the town
of East Lyme. By occupation he was a ship's car-
penter, and he also owned a farm, to the cultivation
of which he devoted the last years of his life ex-
clusively. He died at an advanced age, and left
quite a little property. For many years he was a
deacon in the Baptist Church, of which he had been
a faithful member nearly all his life. His wife,
whose maiden name was Smith, preceded him to
the unseen world. Their children were : Ezra, a
ship's carpenter, who resided in New London, where
he died ; Justin, also a ship's carpenter, who lived
on the homestead at Flanders ; John L., a house
carpenter, who died at Niantic ; and Elliott S.
(VIII) Elliott S. Beckwith was born in East
Lyme, and learned the trade of ship's carpenter
under his father. He remained in his native town
until about 1853, when he went to California in
search of gold. His death occurred there, when he
was yet in middle life. He married Lydia Harding,
daughter of Jesse Harding, of East Lyme, and two
children were born to them, Francis E. and Helen,
the latter now the wife of Charles Emory, of Rock-
ville, Conn. The widowed mother married for her
second, husband Orlando Miner. She died in Old
Lyme.
Francis E. Beckwith was born in East Lyme
March 22, 1843, an<^ was but ten }'ears °1(1 when his
father went away. From that time until he was
eighteen he lived with his grandfather. His early
training was all in the line of farm work, and his
education such as could be acquired in the district
schools. He then began to learn the carpenter's
trade with his uncle, John L. Beckwith. His wages
were $25 and board for the first year ; $35 and
board the second year ; and $65 and board the third
year. The hours were long and vacations few, but
the lad kept cheerfully at work for a year, when,
feeling his country needed his services, he enlisted,
Sept. 3, 1862, in Company C, 26th Conn. V. I., for
nine months. He was mustered into the United
States service Nov. 10, 1862. The regiment went
to Camp Buckingham, at Centerville, L. I., and there
remained until Dec. 4, 1862, when, as a part of Gen.
Banks's forces, it embarked on the steamer "Em-
pire City," for New Orleans. Landing at Carroll-
ton, La., Dec. 18th, the regiment served in the de
fense of New Orleans, and in the expedition against
Port Hudson, which surrendered July 8, 1863. The
26th Connecticut remained on guard duty at Port
Hudson, participating in the engagement there, un-
til July 25, 1863, when, on the following day, the
men embarked on the steamer "St. Maurice," and
moved by way of Cairo to Chicago, 111., thence to
New York, and Norwich, Conn., where they were
mustered out Aug. 17, 1863.
Returning to East Lyme, Mr. Beckwith com-
pleted the remaining two years of his apprentice-
ship, and in 1867 he came to Norwich. He was
first employed as a journeyman by Mr. Manwarring,
a well known contractor, and he continued to work
as a journeyman until 1887, when he entered the
business as a contractor on his own responsibility.
Since then his success has been remarkable, and
some of the best built buildings in the city are monu-
ments to his skill and ability. Among these may be
mentioned the Mahoney block, on Vest Main street,
Bushnell Chapel Annex to the Central Baptist
church, and the addition to Otis Library. Besides
his work as a contractor, Mr. Beckwith has also
dealt in real estate, at the present time owning sev-
eral cottages on Connell street, on the West Side.
In 1865 Mr. Beckwith was married, in Water-
ford, Conn., to Eresta N. Beach, post-humous
daughter of Erastus Beach. She died Nov. 27,
1899, aged fifty-one years. One child blessed this
union, Jennie E., a talented musician, who married
Henry B. Osgood, manager of the large number of
agents in the employ of the Chicago Creamery
Package Co., and resides in Chicago.
Mr. Beckwith is a stanch Republican in his po-
litical views, and, while without any official aspira-
tions, he has always been ready and willing to do his
share of the party's work. Fraternally he belongs to
Sedgwick Post, No. 1, G. A. R.. in which he has
held every chair except that of commander : in the
Masonic order he has reached the 32d degree, and
also belongs to Sphinx Temple of the Mystic Shrine,
542
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
at Hartford ; and he is a member of Norwich Lodge,
A. O. U. W. In the Baptist Church, of which his
wife was a devoted member, he has long been an
active worker, at the present time holding the office
of deacon, and being a member of the board of man-
agers. He is honest and upright in all his dealings,
and throughout his long career his reputation has
been without spot or blemish. In his manners he is
genial and pleasant, and he has many warm per-
sonal friends.
WILLIAM BABCOCK LOOMIS, a substan-
tial and thrifty as well as energetic and progressive
citizen of Lebanon, comes of old and honorable New
England ancestry.
Joseph Loomis, born probably about 1590, was
a woolen draper in Braintree, County of Essex, Eng-
land. He sailed from London, April 11, 1638, in
the ship "Susan and Ellen," and arrived at Boston
June 17th, following, probably coming to Windsor,
Conn., in the summer or fall of 1639, and, it is sup-
posed, with Rev. Ephraim Huet, who arrived at
Windsor Aug. 17th of that year. His wife died
Aug. 23, 1652, and he passed away Nov. 25, 1658.
Deacon John Loomis, born in England in 1622,
married Feb. 3, 1648-49, Elizabeth, daughter of
Thomas Scott, of Hartford. He was admitted to
the Windsor Church Oct. 11, 1640. On May 3,
1643, ne nad granted to him, from the Plantation,
forty acres of land. From 1652 to 1660 he resided
at Farmington, then returned to Windsor and was
deacon of the church. He was deputy to the General
Court in 1666, 1667, and again from 1675 to 1687.
His death occurred Sept. 1, 1688, his widow sur-
viving.
Thomas Loomis, born Dec. 3, 1653, married,
March 31, 1680, Sarah, daughter of Daniel White,
of Hatfield, Massachusetts.
Ensign John Loomis, born Jan. 1, 1681, married
(first) Oct. 30, 1706, Martha Osborn, born April
10, 1687, and (second) Sept. 30, 1725, Ann Lyman.
He resided in Lebanon, where his death occurred
in 1755-
Israel Loomis, born Sept. 29, 1715, married
(first) Dec. 15, 1737, Esther Hunt. She died Feb..
16, 1743, and he married (second) in September of
that year Mrs. Mary Holbrook, who died in April,
1745. He married (third) April 8, 1747, Mary
Marsh, who died Oct. 18, 1795. Mr. Loomis died
Oct. 2, 1 801.
Simon Loomis, born Aug. 24, 1760, was a soldier
of the Revolution. He married Oct. 23, 1783, Sarah
Holbrook, who died April 2, 1838, and Mr. Loomis
died Dec. 28, 1841. He was a farmer in Lebanon.
Timothy Loomis, grandfather of William B.,
was born Dec. 14, 1789, in Lebanon, where he suc-
cessfully followed farming. He was a man most
highly respected, a Democrat in political belief, and
efficiently held many of the minor offices in his lo-
cality. He died Sept. 2, 1863, and was buried at
Liberty Hill. On Nov. 29, 1810, he married Cathe-
line Brown, and for his second wife he married Bet-
sey Willes, who died Oct. 17, 1870, aged seventy-
four years. His children, all born to his first mar-
riage, were as follows : Sarah Ann, born Oct. 8,
181 1, died April 15, 1813; Clarissa Cornelia, born
Feb. 15, 1819, married Austin Gay, and died in Leb-
anon Jan. 13, 1855 ; Norton B., born Sept. 25, 1820,
married Malvina Cook, was a farmer in Lebanon
and died April 9, 1886; Lucinda M., born Sept. 12,
1823, died Sept. 10, 1845 ; Maria and Mary, twins,
were born May n, 1827; Maria on March 10, 1851,
married Cyrus Pease, a farmer, and died in Suffield,
Conn. ; Mary, on Jan. 14, 1849, married Noyes Da-
vis, a carpenter, and died at Lebanon Jan. 3, 185 1 ;
William Henry is mentioned below.
William Henry Loomis, father of William B.,
was born Aug. 12, 1832, in the North Society of
Lebanon, and his early life was spent there, engaged
in farm work and in learning the carpenter's trade
with his brother-in-law. His education was secured
in the district schools. His natural inclinations led
him in the direction of mechanics and when he was
twenty years old he left home and went to Willi-
mantic, where he secured employment with the firm
of Bill Bros, in the making of wood type, becoming
an expert in that line and commanding good wages.
Until shortly before his marriage Mr. Loomis re-
mained in Willimantic, and then returned to Leb-
anon, where he erected a house on a portion of his
father's farm, intending to cultivate the farm on
shares with his father. He remained at Lebanon
until 1 86 1, when he went to New York, there
renting the "Eastern Hotel," in company with Frank
Foote and Amos Babcock, the former from Col-
chester, the latter his brother-in-law. The hotel
was located on the corner of Whitehall and South
street, a vicinity then in the heart of the mercantile
district. This building was lately demolished to be
replaced by a great mercantile block. Mr. Loomis
conducted this hotel successfully for ten years, dur-
ing which time he had as partners, at different
periods, Edward and Joseph Foote, besides Frank
Foote and Mr. Babcock. Mr. Loomis was a very
liberal-hearted and generous man, and while he was
in New York this was taken advantage of by some
of those whom he thought friends, a fact which
finally induced him to sell his interests there and re-
turn to Lebanon, in 187 1. He purchased a house
and lot of Rev. B. S. Morse, near to that of his
father-in-law, Lester B. Babcock, and known as the
Asel Hinckley place, and here resided until his
death. He engaged in farming to some extent on
land he acquired at a later date. For a year prior
to his death, which occurred Sept. 9, 1892, he was
in poor health, and he was buried in Yantic ceme-
tery, at Norwich.
In personal appearance Mr. Loomis was of me-
dium height, and in health weighed 200 pounds. He
was a man of genial temperament, an obliging neigh-
bor and a true friend, a lover of sociability and the
soul of hospitality. In politics he was a Democrat,
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
543
but his interest ended with the casting of his vote,
lie attended the Baptist Church and was generous
in his support of same. His estate left for the sup-
port of his family was ample and had been acquired
entirely by his own industry.
On May 7, 1856, Mr. Loomis was married, at
Lebanon, to Phebe Sophia Babcock, who was born
May 12, 183 1, at Lebanon, and taught school prior
to her marriage. She was the daughter of Lester
Babcock, a member of one of the old and prominent
families of Lebanon, of whose ancestry we have the
following account :
It is a tradition that a Widow Babcock came
from Essex, England, with sons George, Robert and
James, in the ship "Ann," in 1623. Of the sons,
Robert was of Dorchester in 1648, bought land and
lived and died in what became Milton, Mass. James
settled in Plymouth, and George is on record at
Milton, Mass., as early as 1654. Weaver, who
•wrote much concerning the genealogy of the families
of Ancient Windham, says that Robert Babcock, of
the foregoing, was the probable ancestor of the
AYindham (Conn.) branch, and that for many years
the name is spelled Badcock on the records of Wind-
ham, but that nearly all families finally adopted the
spelling of Babcock. Robert Babcock was a pro-
prietor, captain of train-band and held town offices.
His wife was Joanna and his will was probated in
1694.
James Badcock or Babcock, of Milton, Mass.,
along about 1700 removed to Wrindham, Conn., pur-
chasing land in 1702, and was admitted an inhabitant
of the town in 1707. This land it seems was located
in Lebanon, Windham and Norwich, and Mr. Bab-
cock was evidently a man of means, as he made
other large purchases in 171 1 and 1713. the latter
purchase being in Coventry, Conn., to which town
he removed in his later years. He died about 1740,
his wife Mary having probably died previously.
From this James Babcock, the Windham settler,
Mrs. Phebe S. (Babcock) Loomis descends, through
Joseph, Abijah, Thomas and Lester.
Joseph Babcock, born July 24, 171 1, married
Nov. 8, 1744, Anne Crane, daughter of Isaac and
Ruth (Waldo) Crane. Mr. Babcock inherited from
his father the "Babcock Hill" farm, resided upon it,
and died Dec. 22, 1797; his widow died Jan. 10,
1805.
Abijah Babcock married (first) Mary Loomis,
and (second) Mrs. Lydia Ladd. Mr. Babcock lived
at Lebanon, and died Oct. 10, 1832.
Thomas Babcock, the great-grandfather of Will-
iam B. Loomis, was born Oct. 6, 1777, in the north-
east part of the town of Lebanon, and later moved
to Lebanon Green, where he became a large land-
holder on the east side, his lands including a num-
ber of farms, one of these being that now owned by
William B. Loomis. He was a prominent politician,
and with Stephen D. Tilden was delegate from Leb-
anon to the Constitutional Convention held in 1818.
In 1820 he represented the town in the Legislature
at New Haven, in 1829 at Hartford and in 1832 at
New Haven. He died possessed of considerable
means. He married Sophia Johnson, who was born
June 9, 1778, and died March 13, 18O5, leaving two
children, Lester and Justin. The latter was a prom-
inent and wealthy farmer of Lebanon, and the Con-
gregational Church is indebted to him for the fine
clock which adorns its tower. After he withdrew
from business activity he retired to the home of a
daughter at Deering, Maine, and there died. He
married Martha Gager, and they had three children,
viz. : Josephine and Mary, ( twins ), who deid young ;
and Justina, who is the wife of Lawrence O'Brien, a
traveling salesman, with his home at Deering,
Maine.
Capt. Lester Babcock was born in 1805 at Leb-
anon, in which place he passed all his life. The house
in which he was born, located on the east side of
Lebanon Green, has since been torn down. He was
educated in the district school and taught school
when a young man. He erected a house on a part
of his father's land and engaged in farming very
successfully during his active life, retiring some
years prior to his decease, which occurred Dec. 31,
1894. His farm was the one directly south of that
owned by his grandson, William B. Loomis. .He
was a Democrat in politics and prominent in town
affairs, serving as chairman of the board of select-
men for several years, and in a number of the minor
offices. Capt. Babcock gained his title in the local
militia. Few men in his section excelled him in
general information or in mathematics, his talents
being remarkable in the latter direction, and for a
time he put the faculty to good account as assistant
to Capt. Dewey, of Columbia, in surveying. He re-
tained his youthful vigor into old age. The Baptist
Church received his liberal support, his wife being
a member of the same. He married Jerusha A.
Gager, of Franklin, Conn, daughter of Daniel and
Phebe (Peck) Gager, and a descendant of Dr. Will-
iam Gager, who came to America with Gov. Win-
throp in 1630. She died March 18, 1885, aged sev-
enty-eight years. Their children were two in num-
ber, Amos L. and Phebe Sophia. Amos L. Bab-
cock married (first) Caroline Hatch and (second)
Miss Wade, of New York City. They reside at
Chestnut Hill, in the town of Lebanon. Two chil-
dren were born to his first marriage : Caroline, wife
of Joseph Post, of Norwich, who has three chil-
dren, Caroline, Lillian and Earl ; and a daughter
who died in infancy.
William Babcock Loomis, the only child of his
parents, was born Oct. 23, 1865, in the "Eastern
Hotel" in New York City, and was five years old
when his parents removed to Lebanon. He attended
the district schools and spent three years at Natch-
aug high school, at YYillimantic, while James B.
Welsh was principal. After completing his educa-
tion he returned to the assistance of his father on
the farm, although his natural inclinations were in
the direction of mechanics. After the death of his
544
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
father he assumed the entire management of the
estate, the farm now comprising sixty-five acres.
He has made many very substantial improvements,
one of these being the erection of a fine modern
barn, 57 x 36 feet in dimensions, and in addition to
tilling the soil he keeps a herd of fine high-grade
Jersey cattle.
On Sept. 16, 1890, in Lebanon, Mr. Loomis mar-
ried Lillian C. Whittaker, who was born in Warren
Center, Bradford Co., Pa., daughter of Asa and
Elsie A. (Whittaker) Chaffee, but who was adopted
by her grandfather, Henry Whittaker, and bore the
latter*s name. One child has come to them, Rena,
born Sept. 8, 1893. In politics Mr. Loomis is a
Republican. He and Mrs. Loomis are members of
the Baptist Church, to which he liberally contributes.
The beloved mother of Mr. Loomis also resides in
this pleasant home. She is a lady of refinement and
education, and is held in the highest esteem by all
who know her.
AXEL F. ANDERSON. The foreign born
citizens of America have done much for the develop-
ment of the varied arts and industries that have
made the United States a power in the industrial
world. Care of detail, unwearying industry and
close attention to business have ever been the char-
acteristics of those who have sought homes in the
New World. Among those belonging to this class
in New London may be mentioned Axel F. Ander-
son, the expert watchmaker, who was born in
Norrkoping, Sweden, Sept. 9, 1841.
Carl Frederic Anderson, his father, was a na-
tive of Sweden, and there passed his entire life, dying
in 1 89 1, aged seventy-five years. His active years
were spent as a successful contractor and builder,
he being engaged in contracting of many kinds,
and employing a large force of hands. Careful and
conservative in his methods, and wise in the in-
vestments made, he accumulated a comfortable for-
tune. His first wife, died in 1854, aged forty-four
years, and his second wife passed away in 1894.
The children born of the first marriage were : Fred-
erica Sophia, who married Rev. James Iversen, and
lives in Chicago ; Axel F. ; Caroline, who died at
the age of four years.
Axel F. Anderson received his education in the
schools of his native country, leaving same at the
age of thirteen years. He then went to sea as a cabin
boy from Norrkoping, visiting Russia and various
points on the Black Sea, his voyage lasting about
six months. Upon his return home he was appren-
ticed to learn the watchmaker's trade, then a much
more difficult trade than now, six years' apprentice-
ship being required, and what is still more unusual,
the instructions received were paid for. Young
Anderson paid $150 for his six years service, re-
ceiving, however, his board from his employer dur-
ing that time. He is a natural mechanic, and the
delicate task of adjusting the minute parts of a
watch appealed to him, and he became expert at the
work. He worked at his trade in Hamburg, Berlin,.
Kiel and other cities in Germany, remaining in that
country about two and one-half years. In 1862 he
sailed from Hamburg for America, and after a voy-
age of thirty days landed in New \ork. He at once
secured employment at Yonkers, N. Y., with a Mr.
Baer, with whom he remained until February, 1863,.
when he located in New York, and after one and
one-half years in that city, came to New London,.
in 1865. For seventeen years he was employed by
D. B. Hempstead, at No. 25 Bank street, New Lon-
don, a term of service that speaks well for the satis-
faction given by his efficient work. In company with
James Hustice, Mr. Anderson then purchased his
employer's business, and under the firm name of
Hustice & Anderson, successfully carried it on for
twelve years in the same location. In 1894 he pur-
chased his partner's interest, and since that time has
been alone. In February, 1901, he removed to his
present location at No. 126 State street, and he en-
joys a large patronage. About 1880, through vari-
ous dealings he became more or less interested in
real estate, and since that time has been prominently
identified with the real estate interests of New Lon-
don and vicinity, where he is the owner of valuable
properties. Mr. Anderson has been for a number
of years regarded as one of the best judges of real
estate values in the city.
In his fraternal relations Mr. Anderson belongs
to Union Lodge, No. 31, A. F. & A. M., which he
served as treasurer for about four years ; the A. O.
U. W., of which he is past master, and has served,
also, as outside watchman of the Grand Lodge of
the State. Politically he has always indorsed the
principles of the Republican party.
On March 28, 1866, Mr. Anderson was united
in marriage with Mrs. Frances Slocum Brown,
widow of Ira Brown, of Hopkinton, R. I., daughter
of Burrell and Frances (Arnold) Slocum. Two chil-
dren were born of this union : Willie, who died aged
twenty-one, and Christine, at home. Mrs. Ander-
son had two children by her first marriage : Frances,
who married Edward Smith, of New London, and
has two children, Harold and Iola ; Ira, who is
married and has four children, Ira. Ruby, Ivis and
Hollis, and who is now conducting his step-father's
farm in Waterford, Conn. Mr. and Mrs. Ander-
son are both active in the work of the Second Con-
gregational Church, of which they are both mem-
bers. By his own exertions Mr. Anderson has be-
come one of the well-to-do business men of New
London, and in climbing the ladder to success he
has employed only upright methods, and he now
holds the merited respect of all good men.
NATHAN MACK MORGAN, M. D. The pro-
fessional world of New London county has been
greatly enriched by the Morgan family, several of
whose members are successful medical practitioners.
Dr. Nathan M. Morgan has won fame as an ortho-
pedic surgeon, and also as an eye specialist.
^^**-\
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
545
Jonathan Morgan was a resident of Grassy Hill,
in the town of I wme, where the greater part of his
life was passed in agricultural pursuits. He died in
Chester. His wife, Julia Watrous, of Lyme, bore
him six children, as follows: Jonathan W. ami Da-
vid, twins, horn July 4. 1813; Augustus, who was
drowned while fishing : Wolcott, a merchant in Ms-
sex ; Julia, who died at the age of seventeen ; and
Benjamin F., a graduate in medicine, who died at
the age of eighty years.
Jonathan \Y. Morgan was horn in Waterford,
Conn., July 4, 1813. His education was all acquired
in the schools of Waterford and East Lyme, after
which he and his brother David engaged in farming
on Grassy Hill. The parsonage of the Congrega-
tional Church there became his home after his mar-
riage, and there his children were born ; the last
thirty years of his life were passed in Lyme, where
he died Dec. 18, 1884. He married Mary Samantha
Luther, daughter of John and Lucy (Lord) Luther,
the latter of whom lived to the age of one hundred
and four years. They became the parents of eight
children: (1) Matson died in infancy. (2) Monroe
C, born Feb. 2, 1841, was educated in Chester, East
Haddam and Hadlyme, and until 1867 was employed
by the Boardman factory in East Haddam. He then
worked seventeen months in Winsted, with the
Strong Manufacturing Company, and from 1869 to
1877 he was engaged in the manufacture of paper
boxes in Winsted. For two years he worked as a
carpenter in Hadlyme and Winsted, and in 1882 en-
tered the employ of the Turner & Seymour Manu-
facturing Company, at Torrington, where he re-
mained until 1902, when he returned to Hadlyme.
He is now located at Bristol, Conn. He married
Addie White. (3) Lucetta, born Sept. 23, 1843,
married Brainerd Gates (now deceased), of Middle-
town, Conn., and has one son, Norman B. (4)
John, born Aug. 17, 1845, passed his school days in
Essex and East Haddam, and for a short time was
employed in Boardman's factor}-. He began the
study of medicine with Dr. Harris, of East Haddam,
and later was under the guidance of Dr. Foster, of
East Haddam. He entered the University of the
City of New York, but completed his studies in the
Medical Department of Yale University, from which
he was graduated. He first located for practice in
Groton, whence he went to Middletown, Conn.,
where he remained sixteen years. For two vears he
studied in New York City with Prof. J. Roza to per-
fect himself on Diseases of the Eye and Ear and
Throat. After seven years of practice in Spring-
field, Mass., he located in Boston, where he has since
remained. He has attained high rank as a specialist,
being one of the most skilled in his line in the coun-
try. He married Antoinette Comstock, of Had-
lyme. (5) Ely \\'., born April 1. 1847. studied in
the schools of Chester and East Haddam, and then
learned the carpenter's trade, at which he worked
some years. He studied medicine and practiced in
New Haven and Middletown, and is now located at
35
No. 80 Pearl street, Hartford, lie married Jane
Phelps, and their only child, Sidney E., graduated
in medicine, but died soon after beginning practice
in Hartford. (6) Nathan Mack is mentioned he-
low. (7) William, horn March 21, 1S51, died at the
age of twelve years. (8) Edward B. Morgan was
educated in Hadlyme. and studied medicine with Dr.
Turner, of Chester, and afterward graduated from
the Medical Department of Yale University. For
a number of years he was house physician and sur-
geon in the Bridgeport hospital, and then practiced
in Middletown. 1 le made a special study of the Eye,
Ear and Throat, and located first, as a specialist, in
Paterson, N. J., and is now in Newark, that State,
the head of the Morgan Eye and Ear Hospital. He
married (first) Addie Fosdick. and had two chil-
dren, Isabel and Grace. His second wife was a Miss
Alexandra.
Nathan Mack Morgan was born Dec. 5, 1849,
and he received the foundation of his education in
the district schools of Hadlyme. Like his brothers
he early started out in the work-a-day world, and for
a time he was employed by the Strong Manufactur-
ing Company, at Winsted, and before he was twenty
years of age he was engaged in the drug business
in the same place, later in Deep River. The confine-
ment told on his health and he was obliged to return
to the home farm to recuperate. The drug business
had aroused in him an interest in medicine, and he
determined to enter the medical profession. ■ Going
to New York he was graduated as an orthopedic
surgeon, and with Dr. Degarmo he practiced for a
time in New York, during which time he applied
himself to a careful study of the Eye, afterward win-
ning fame as a specialist in that line. Owing to the
failure of his hearing in the past two years, he has
returned to his old home in Hadlyme, where he is
passing his days quietly in the hope of regaining his
health.
Dr. Morgan was married, in Winsted, to Isabella
Julia Whiting. They have two children : William
P., who is at the head of the Cooperative Grocery
Company at Torrington, married Miss Lottie Brad-
ley, and has three children : Eulalie. Ethellein and
Ernstein ; and John Jonathan, residing at Torring-
ton, who married Grace Bishop, and lias one child,
Xelhert.
GEORGE G. GRANT, a popular and enterpris-
ing business man of Taftville, is the leading under-
taker and liveryman of that place. I le is a native of
Norwich. Conn., horn Jan. 5, 1871, son of Charles
W. and Isadora M. (Staples) Grant, a full history
of whom is given elsewhere in this volume.
Mr. Grant's early education was obtained in the
district schools, but later he had the advantage of
attending Snell's Business College at Norwich, and
after finishing there he returned home and assisted
his father until April 1, 1902, when he purchased his
father's liver) business, and a portion of the teaming
business at Taftville. He is now engaged in carry-
546
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
ing on these two lines, in addition to a first-class un-
dertaking establishment. Mr. Grant acquired his
knowledge of undertaking at the Massachusetts Em-
balming School at Boston, under Profs. Sullivan and
Dodge. After completing his course there he went
to Providence and was in the employ of the famous
Providence undertaker, H. B. Knowles, with whom
he remained until April, 1893. Without doubt, Mr.
Grant is thoroughly acquainted with every detail of
that branch of his business, and is fully prepared to
give efficient and satisfactory service whenever his
offices are required. By his good management the
livery and teaming branches are in a thriving condi-
tion, and the enterprising young man has his hands
full to attend to all the demands made upon his time.
On July 23, 1895, Mr. Grant was married to May
C. Gilbranson, a native of . Lebanon, daughter of
Frederick and Fanny (Collis) Gilbranson. One
child has come to that marriage, Ruth May, born
July 21, 1900.
In politics Mr. Grant is independent, preferring
to vote for the best man, regardless of party. Fra-
ternally he is a member of Taft Lodge, No. 25, A.
0. U. W., of which lodge he has been one of the
trustees for several years ; and is a charter member
of Court Wequonnoc, No. 88, Foresters of America.
Both he and his wife attend the Congregational
Church, and are very active in that body, toward
whose support they contribute liberally.
AUGUSTUS G. BROWNELL, who for many
years has been carrying on a large and flourishing
livery business at Mystic, Conn., and is one of that
city's representative men, was born at Providence,
R. I., Aug. 21, 1844, son of William C. Brownell.
William C. Brownell, also born at Providence, R.
I., was a liveryman at Stonington, owning and oper-
ating what were known as the Wadawanuck Stables
there for several years. Later he purchased the Fos-
ter farm in the town of Westerly, on Watch Hill
road, and there he made his home for a time ; then
selling the farm, he removed to Brookline, Mass.,
and owned and operated a very large livery business,
But meeting with reverses, he moved to Westerly, R.
I., and later to the town of Stonmgton, locating on a
piece of property purchased for him by his son.
There he died in the spring of 1903 ; his wife, whose
maiden name was Emma F. Coddington, had died
about ten years before. Mr. and Mrs. William C.
Brownell became the parents of the following chil-
dren : Augustus G. ; William H., of Mystic ; Annie,
of Boston, married a Mr. Terrill ; Emma F., of Mel-
rose, Mass., married Walter Young ; and Ada, of
Providence, R. I., married a Mr. Drown.
Augustus G. Brownell spent his boyhood days in
the towns of Stonington, Conn., and Westerly, R.
1. After learning the livery business with Henry
Stanton, of Stonington, in May, 1874, he came to
Mystic, Conn., and engaged in that line of business
at the "Hoxic House" stables, and has continued,
being now the oldest liveryman in Mystic. His
business is a large one, and he controls a large pro-
portion of the very best trade in the city. His
horses are first class, his vehicles of the latest manu-
facture, while his drivers are experienced and trust-
worthy. He carries on a large business boarding
horses, and his treatment of the horses consigned
to him is entirely satisfactory.
In 1873, Mr. Brownell was married in Stoning-
ton to Miss Julia A. Davis, who died in January,
1899. They had a son, Charles Augustus, who since
1892 has been in business with his father, and who
married Cora E. Williams, of Mystic, and is a mem-
ber of the I. O. O. F., and Charity and Relief Lodge
F. & A. M. Both father and son are very highly es-
teemed in Mystic, and are recognized as thorough
business men and public-spirited citizens.
WILLIAM TAYLOR, one of the most highly
esteemed citizens of Lebanon, comes of an old and
distinguished family which is of English descent.
The grandfather was, according to tradition, ab-
ducted from the shores of England and brought to
America, where he became a seafaring man and
resided at Mystic, Conn. He was the father of a
large family.
John B. Taylor, father of William, was born, it
is supposed, in Mystic, Conn., in 1797. As a boy
he made trips on the water with his father, but
when he grew older, he was engaged as a farm
laborer. After his marriage he located in Windham,
Conn., and there resided until he rented a farm in
the town of Franklin, where he made his home
for a number of years. Later he removed to
Lebanon, and purchased a small farm, upon which
he erected a new house, made extensive improve-
ments, added to his acreage, and successfully en-
gaged in farming the remainder of his active life.
A few years before his death, he retired, and was
living at the home of his son Nelson, when he
passed away June 22, 1874; his burial took place in
Lebanon. Although he had nothing but his strength
and energy when he began life for himself, he ac-
cumulated a large property, and was noted for his
untiring industry and good business judgment.
Early in life he was a Whig, but later became a
Republican, although it was his policy to vote for
the men he believed best suited for the office.
On May 7, 1820, in Windham, Conn., John B.
Taylor married Prudence Avery, born in 1799, a
daughter of David Avery, a pensioner of the Revo-
lutionary war; she died Oct. 6, 1884. The children
born to them were as follows : Harriet E., born
April 26, 182 1, married Ludlow L. Lyman, a suc-
cessful farmer, and died in Lebanon. Julia A.,
born July 20, 1823, married Thomas A. Sheffield, a
mechanic in Norwich, and she survived her hus-
band, and died in Lebanon ; Frances A., born Dec.
31, 1825, married (first) Horace Park, and (sec-
ond) George H. Rood, and died in Newark, N. J. ;
William, born Feb. 14, 1829, is mentioned below;
Nelson, born Aug. 13, 1830, is a farmer in Lebanon,
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
547
and .Mary, born July 19, 1855, married James Clark,
and resides in Lebanon.
William Taylor was born in Franklin, Conn.,
and was but a boy when his parents came to Leb-
anon. He attended the district school in the win-
ter, and in the summer worked very hard upon the
farm, at labor which would probably be considered
impossible for a boy to-day. He was at home until he
was fifteen, and then for three years he was em-
ployed at farm work by 'Squire Jesse Wright of
Lebanon. During the winter seasons he still at-
tended the district school, his last term being when
he had attained the age of nineteen years. At that
time he went to Norwich, and for two years he was
in the employ of Henry Strong, the famous lawyer.
He took charge of the farm belonging to Mr.
Strong, and did chores for which he received nine
dollars per month for the first year, and fifteen dol-
lars a month for the second year. His working
hours were from daylight until dark, and his wages
Mere taken by his father until he was twenty-one
years of age.
At the expiration of his service with Mr.
Strong, Mr. Taylor returned home for a season,
and later bought an interest in the farm of his fa-
ther, having saved enough from his wages. This
property he farmed for a season on shares, and he
then engaged to work upon an adjoining farm,
often doing all his own farm work before starting
for the other farm. Many nights he would work
until twelve, and get up the next morning before
sunrise. For fifteen years he ca'rried on farming
on shares with his father on the latter's farm, and
also worked at the trade of carpenter. He acquired
other property, being now the possessor of three
farms in the town of Lebanon, but in 1900 he retired
from active work. Oftentimes he was obliged to
hire help, but was always a kind employer, and he
never failed to work as hard as his men. He built
up a reputation for honest work, and had the fullest
confidence of all with whom he did business. Al-
though retired from an active, life, Mr. Taylor still
does a Ittle farming to amuse himself, for he is a
man who can not be idle.
On March 12, 1856, Mr. Taylor married Caro-
line L. Andrews, born Aug. 2, 183 1, in Glaston-
bury, Hartford Co., Conn., a daughter of Chester
and Caroline (Huxford) Andrews, the former of
whom was a farmer and a member of one of the
best families of that town. One son has been born
to Mr. and Airs. Taylor: Louis H. A., born March
12, 1861, was a joiner with his father for many
years, but is now engaged in farming and lumber-
ing in Lebanon ; he married Jane Maynard of Leb-
anon, and their children are : Carolin Elizabeth,
Reginald Vivian and Louis Raymond.
Louis H. A. Taylor is a member of Lebanon
Lodge No. 23, A. O. U. W., and he is a stanch Re-
publican in politics.
William Taylor was a member of the old Know
Nothing party, later a Whig, and finally joined the
ranks of the Republican party, although he is in no
sense a politician, man)- times declining offers of
office. In addition to his other interests he is a trus-
tee of the Willimantic Savings Institute at W'illi-
mantic. He attends the Congregational Church, of
which his wife is a member, and contributes very
liberally towards its support. During his long and
varied career, Mr. Taylor has always worked to
the fullest extent of his powers, and beyond the
strength of most men, but he is still very active,
possesses a good memory, and is one of the most
genial, kindhearted men to be met with in a day"s
journey. As a result of his labors he is very well-
to-do, and can enjoy his wealth with a clear con-
science, for not a single cent of it has been gained
by any but the most honorable methods. While in
employ of the famous lawyer, Mr. Strong, that
worthy gave him one piece of advice, and that was
to steer clear of lawsuits. Mr. Taylor has followed
it so faithfully that he has never sued, or been sued,
in his life, and he is proud of the fact that he has
proved in his life the possibility of living at peace
with all mankind without calling into requisition the
aid of lawyers.
HENRY DOWNER JOHNSON, a clerk in
the Chelsea Savings Bank at Norwich, Conn., and a
well known young man of that city, is a descendant
of one of .the old families of New London county,
being a son of Samuel and the late Harriet E.
(Crandall) Johnson. His father is the proprietor
of the Old Lyme Inn, at Lyme, Conn., a successful
hotel man, whose sketch appears elsewhere in this
volume.
Henry D. Johnson was born Feb. 22, 1872, in
Norwich, and his early education was received in
the public schools of Preston and Norwich, and
Westerly, R. I., his parents having successively re-
sided in these several localities. Finally Mr. John-
son entered the Norwich Free Academy, from which
he was graduated in the class of 1893. During the
last year he was president of the class, president of
the Academy Athletic Association, and manager of
the Academy Journal. In the following fall he took
a course at Hannum's Business College, Hartford.
In April, 1894, he accepted a position as clerk in
the Chelsea Savings Bank, which position he is
ably filling to-day.
On Oct. 19, 1898, Mr. Johnson was married to
Miss Alice Chapman Lathrop, who was born Jan.
25, 1877, at Lisbon, Conn., daughter of Jonathan L.
and Jane E. (Chapman) Lathrop, a sketch of whom
also appears elsewhere in this book. Mrs. John-
son is a graduate of the Norwich Business College.
Three children have come to this marriage : Jona-
than Lathrop, born Dec. 14, 1899; Robert Ebenezer,
May 2, 1901 ; and Henry Downer, Jr., May 16, 1903.
In politics Mr. Johnson is a Democrat. He is a
member of the Chelsea Boat Club, and was for six
years a member of its Board of Governors. Mr.
Johnson is a member of and is active in the affairs
of the Second Congregational Church, of which his
wife is also an active member. He is a clerk of the
54§
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
Society, and a member of the church committee.
For a number of years Mr. Johnson was one of the
leading members of the Young Men's Christian
Association, and served three years as recording
secretary of the board of managers. He has also
served as a member of different committees. A
member for many years of the Norwich Christian
Endeavor Union, he was its president in 1898 and
1899. This organization was th£n composed of
nineteen societies of several different Protestant de-
nominations of Norwich and vicinity. Upright and
honorable in his daily life, devoting his energies
toward the betterment of humanity, Mr. Johnson
is a man of exemplary habits, and one who sets a
high standard.
DWIGHT AVERY, now living retired at Nor-
wich Town, Conn., after a successful career, de-
scends from one of the oldest and most numerous
families of New London county.
(I) Christopher Avery, born in England about
1590, and a weaver by trade, appears early in Glou-
cester, Mass., where he was selectman in 1646, 1652
and 1654, and held other positions. He removed to
Boston in 1658. Subsequently he followed his son
James to Connecticut, where he purchased, in 1665,
in New London, a house and lot, and was made a
freeman of the Colony in October, 1669. He died
March 12, 1670. His wife did not accompany him
to America.
(II) Capt. James Avery, the only child of Chris-
topher, born in 1620, came to America with his father
and for several years lived in Gloucester. In 1650
he was one of the forerunners of the Pequot Plan-
tation (New London, Conn.). He acquired large
tracts of land in what is now Poquonock Bridge,
Groton, east of New London, and about 1656 built
the home of the Averys at the head of Poquonock
Plain. Some additions were made to this house in
1684, and it was occupied for more than two cen-
turies, until destroyed by fire in 1894. On this spot
now stands a monument to Capt. Avery's memory.
In 1676 James Avery was captain of the four com-
panies which protected the frontier, and for twenty-
three years he was an officer of the town. Twelve
times, from 1656 to 1680, he was deputy to the
General Court ; also assistant judge in the Preroga-
tive court, and was most prominent in matters relat-
ing to the church. He married (first) Nov. to,
io43> Joanna Greenslade, born about 1622 ; she died
after 1693 and he married (second) Mrs. Abagail
(Ingraham) Chesebrough.
(III) Lieut. James Avery was born Dec. 16,
1646, in Gloucester, and was married Feb. 18, 1669,
to Deborah, daughter of Edward Sterling, of Stall-
yon. Like his father, Mr. Avery was an important
man of affairs. Their names are first in a list of
those who were in full communion in the church of
Groton. Mr. Avery was lieutenant in the Colonial
forces during the frontier wars. He and his wife
were buried in the West burying-ground at Poquo-
nock. His death occurred Aug. 22, 1748, and hers
March 27, 1729.
(IV) Christopher Avery (2) was born Jan. 2^
1679, and was four times married, first on Dec. 19,
1704, to Abigail Park, who died Feb. 12, 17 13. He
married (second) Mrs. Prudence (Payson) Wheeler,
and (third) Esther Prentice, widow of Samuel
Prentice, and daughter of Nathaniel Hammond.
(V) John Avery, born Oct. 26, 1705, son of
Christopher and Abigail (Park) Avery, was mar-
ried Feb. 19, 1732, to Anna Stanton, born Aug. 6,
1708, a daughter of Joseph Stanton. John Avery
for his second wife married Mrs. Rachel Parke ; for
his third wife he married Mrs. Phebe (More)
Burrows. His death occurred Aug. 21, 1790.
(VI) John Avery (2), son of John and Anna
(Stanton) Avery, born Dec. 6, 1732, died July 23,
1794. He married Jan. 22, 1752, Mary Parke, who
died Jan. 14, 1769, and for his second wife he mar-
ried his cousin. Experience Stanton.
(VII) John Avery (3), grandfather of Dwight
Avery, was born Dec. 14, 1755, and died Nov. io,
181 5. He was a clockmaker, and also made knives
and spoons, being quite skillful along these lines for
his day, and was recognized as an excellent me-
chanic. Among his specialties were the old-fash-
ioned tall clocks. His residence was in what is now
Griswold, and there he died. On Feb. 25, 1779, he
was married to Miss Lucy Aver, who was born
July 21, 1759, and died Oct. 28, 1846. The follow-
ing children came to this marriage : A daughter
born Jan. 9, 1780,' died in infancy. John, father of
Dwight, was born Nov. 23, 1780. Elisha, born Jan.
4, 1783, maried Melinda Barnum ; he was a physi-
cian, located first in Pompey, N. Y., later in Cato,
same State, and still later for a short time in York,
N. Y., but subsequently he migrated to Sandusky
county, Ohio, and was a pioneer there ; still later,.
he removed further west, to Williams county, finally
locating in Steuben county, Ind., where he died Feb.
23, 1864, leaving a family in that locality. Lucy,
born March 17, 1785, died July 3, 1863, unmarried.
Anna, born April 2, 1787, married Samuel Alex-
ander, and died Dec. 18, 1849. Hannah, born Jan.
19, 1789, married a Mr. Park. Betsey, born April
18, 1791, married Silas Reade, of Lisbon, Conn.,
and died April 20, 1876. Cynthia, born Feb. 22,
1793, married Charles Cook and died in Groton.
Maria, born June 22, 1795, died Feb. 2, 1796.
(VIII) Capt. John Avery (4), father of Dwight
Avery, was born Nov. 23, 1780, in Preston (now
Griswold), and in his early life assisted his father
in clockmaking. Soon after the death of the latter
Capt. Aver}- abandoned the clock trade, and, re-
maining upon the homestead, devoted his attention
to farming for the remainder of his life. His farm
of about 160 acres was located in the eastern part
of the town. He died Feb. 2, 1859, and was buried
in the cemetery at Pachaug. In his younger days he
was captain of a local military company, and was
serving in that capacity during the war of 1812
flH &-.
1 e •••■
^B
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
549
when his company was at Stonington, at the time
that place was threatened by the British. Capt.
Avery was a Whig", and later a Republican ; he never
aspired to public office. For many vaers he was a
member of the Pachaug Congregational Church,
and took an active part in its affairs. He was a suc-
cessful farmer, and a man highly esteemed by a
large circle of friends.
On May 28, 1812, Capt. Avery was married to
.Mrs. Clarissa Halsey, daughter of Elisha and Hope
( Fanning) Aver. Five children were born to them :
John Watson, born Feb. 14. 1813. married Louisa
Campbell ; he was a hatter by trade, and first resided
at Groton, from which place he moved to Chapin,
Iowa, later to Kansas City, finally returning to
Groton. where he died. Susan, born Sept. 30, 1814.
married William Harris, and died in Groton, Sept.
24. 1845. William Pitt, born Oct. 2, 1816, married
Olive Huntington : he was a Congregational minis-
ter, preached at one time in Bozrah, Conn., later
in Lewis county, X. Y., and in Iowa, and died in
Chapin, Iowa. Henry W., born Dec. 20, 1818, mar-
ried Sarah Hills Taylor ; he is a retired tailor and
resides at Springfield, Mass. Joseph was born Dec.
9. 1822.
Capt. Avery for his second wife married, Dec.
9, 1824, Abigail Williams, who was born Sept. 24,
1782. and died June 14, 1867. She was a daughter
of Seth and Elizabeth (Williams) Williams. Two
children came to this marriage : Seth W., born Oct.
29, 1825, married Elizabeth M. Taylor: for many
years he was engaged in handling hats at Springfield,
Mass., where he now lives retired. Dwight was born
March 10, 1828.
Dwight Avery was born at Griswold, and re-
ceived his education in the public schools and at the
famous Plainfield Academy, where he spent three
terms. At the age of fifteen years he left home and
for four years was a clerk in a store in Groton.
From there he went to Springfield, Mass., and for
a year was clerk in the store of his brother, Henry
W. Avery. His parents by this time were growing
old, and were unable to continue managing the
farm, and as he was the youngest of all the children,
and the only one unmarried, it fell upon his shoul-
ders to return home and look after matters. He
assumed full charge of the farm, and for four years
worked it during the summer, teaching school in
the winter, in his native district. During the
remainder of their lives the aged parents were
tenderly cared for by this dutiful son, who
had sacrificed his own future to add to their
comfort.
Mr. Avery remained upon the home farm until
1866. when he disposed of it and purchased a farm
on Plainfield Street, residing there for nineteen
years, or until 1885. at which time he bought his
present property, on West Town street, Norwich
Town, of George R. Uestor. This farm was then
known as the "Elting place."' and consisted of a
tract of 130 acres, upon which, as soon as he
assumed charge, Mr. Avery began extensive im-
1 rovements. He commenced to do market garden-
ing, and built up a large and prosperous business in
that line, continuing in the active management of
the property until [895, when he retired and was
succeeded by his sons Frank S. and Dwight W.,
who do business under the firm name of Avery
Bros. They conduct the largest business in their
line in the county, and in addition to the trade in
garden produce are extensive dealers in milk, ice
and fertilizers.
On March 24, 1858, Mr. Avery was married, in
Bozrah, Conn., to Harriet Chamberlain Stark, who
was born Jan. 8, 1838, a daughter of Lathrop and
Fanny (Saxton) Stark, an account of whom is given
elsewhere in this volume. Harriet C. Stark grad-
uated from the Normal Seminary at Norwich,
Conn., and taught very successfully for four years
in Greenwich, Conn. Four children were born to
Mr. and Mrs. Avery: Frank Stark, born Feb. 8,
1863, was married in 1896 to Fanny Hyde, of Lis-
bon, and three children have been born to them,
one that died in infancy, Sidney and Arthur. Mary,
born Jan. 30, 1865, was married June 29, 1892, to
Rev. Frank Averill Fuller, a Congregational clergy-
man. Dwight Williams, born Sept. 26, 1869, mar-
ried Alice Barrows, and their children are Ruth,
Gertrude and Helen ; Mrs. Alice Avery is a daugh-
ter of Rev. John O. Barrows, who with his wife
served eleven years in missionary work in Turkey.
Helen Saxton, born March 22, 1878, died Mav 5,
1879.
In politics Mr. Avery is a Republican, and dur-
ing his residence in Griswold he served two years as
town tax collector ; in Plainfield he served on the
town school board. At the age of twenty-two years
Mr. Avery united with the Pachaug Congregational
Church in Griswold, later transferring to the church
at Plainfield, and when he located in Norwich he
became a member of the church at Norwich Town.
He has always taken a deep interest in church
affairs, and is one of the most liberal supporters of
his denomination in the locality. Mrs. Avery be-
came a member of the Congregational Church at
Bozrah at an early age, and subsequently transferred
her membership by letter to the several towns in
which she has resided. Like her husband, she is
very prominent in the church, and takes great pleas-
ure in her church connections. The family are all
members of this church, and Dwight Williams
Avery is one of the deacons in the church at Nor-
wich Town. The Averys have always been noted
for religious work, and the present members are no
exception to the general rule. They are all most
highly esteemed, not only in the church itself, but
throughout the several communities in which they
reside. For many years the Avery home has been
a delightful gathering place for the family friends.
who enjoy the charming hospitality shown to every
one by the courteous host and hostess, and all unite
in praising the good management of Mrs. Avery,
as well as the genial manner of both herself and her
husband.
550
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
WELCOME H. LARKIN, whose death took
place Feb. 22, 1903, at the residence of his daughter,
Mrs. Lillian M. Browning, in Lebanon, was one
of the prominent and substantial farmers and most
highly respected citizens of Franklin. The Larkin
family is an old and honorable one of Rhode Island,
and has many distinguished representatives in dif-
ferent parts of the Union.
William Larkin, grandfather of the late Wel-
come H. Larkin, was born Feb. 12, 1776. He resided
in . early life in Hopkinton, and later at Richmond,
R. I., the latter place being his home at the time of
his death. His remains were interred at Woodville.
He married Bathsheba Webster, and they had born
to them a family of five sons and five daughters, of
whom the following are still surviving at present
(1904) : Sarah, widow of Joseph Maxon, resides
at Oneida, 111. ; Julia A., widow of Robert C. Gard-
ner, resides at Richmond, R. I. ; and Elias is a re-
tired tailor of Boston, Massachusetts.
William Larkin (2), son of William and father
of Welcome, was born Feb. 8, 1801, in Rhode Isl-
and, and was there educated in the district schools.
He was reared to farm work, and lived at home until
he was married, assisting his father in the work of
the farm until the age of twenty-one years. After
his marriage he rented farming land in Richmond,
but later removed to South Kingston, where he lived
on a rented farm for five years. Later, he rented
another and cultivated it for twelve years, and then
he purchased a farm of nearly 100 acres about one
and a half miles from Narragansett Pier, and was
there engaged in farming the remainder of his life,
dying on that property in June, 1882, from an at-
tack of pneumonia. His burial took place at Wake-
field, R. I. Mr. Larkin was an excellent business
man, careful, saving and prudent, and thus pros-
pered, although he was for years so afflicted with
rheumatism that he was made lame. In early life
he belonged to the Whig party and later became
identified with the Republicans.
On March 18, 1824, William Larkin (2) mar-
ried Lucy Mowry, born July 30, 1798, a native of
Hopkinton, daughter of Augustus Mowry. She
died April 1, 1882. They had born to them' the fol-
lowing children : Lucy A., who died at the age of
twenty-one years; William S., who married Eliza-
beth Cook, and is engaged in farming at Roberts,
111. ; Alfred A., who married Mary J. Gardner, and
engaged in farming at Lebanon,' Conn., where he
died ; Ephraim, a spinner who died at Wakefield,
R. I., leaving a wife, formerly Mary Whitford ;
Albert, a farmer in Kingston, R. L, who married
Abby F. Whitford, and is now deceased; Elsie, re-
siding at Narragansett Pier, widow of Thomas E.
Hazard, a farmer and carpenter in West Kingston ;
Bradford, who married Prudence A. Adams, and is
a farmer in Windham ; Welcome H., of this sketch ;
and Eliza, who married James H. Steadman, a har-
ness maker in Lebanon.
Welcome H. Larkin was born March 8, 1839,
at Narragansett Pier, R. I. He attended the dis-
trict school until the age of eighteen years, during
the winter seasons, the long summers being devoted
to flie exhausting but necessary work on the farm.
At the age of eighteen, his father generously "gave
him his time," which the law did not give otherwise
until the age of twenty-one, and then paid him the
wages he would have paid an outsider. Thus by
working long hours he was able to earn $20 per
month, and had his home and board, and soon had
accumulated what, in those days, was considered
sufficient capital upon which to marry. In the
spring of 1862 he went to Lebanon, Conn., and
rented a farm in the north part of the town, where
he resided one year, at the end of that time returning
to Narragansett Pier, and renting a farm there for
five years. Three years later he disposed of the
lease to Governor Sprague, of Rhode Island, who
had purchased the farm from its owners. Mr.
Larkin then returned to Lebanon, and rented the-
farm now occupied by John Sherman. One year
after he rented a neighboring farm, east of the
former one and lived upon it five years. He had
continued to prosper at his work, and now found
himself able to own a farm of his own. Accordingly
he purchased a farm about one-half mile to the
west of his old home in Lebanon, and lived upon it
for six years, and after two years' residence at Leb-
anon street, one year of which time he drove the
mail wagon between Lebanon Station and the post-
office at the Centre, he removed to the
farm now occupied by Ezekiel Browning, and he
resided there for two years, and then went to
( )narga, 111., for a few months. In 1883 he returned
to Connecticut, and purchased his farm in North
Franklin, a tract of 120 acres, which was formerly
owned by George E. Hewitt. He greatly improved
the same and was engaged in farming and dairying
until 1899, discontinuing the latter in that year. He
had been extensively interested, keeping as many as
twenty-five cows.
In 1902 Mr. Larkin completed the erection of a
comfortable farm residence, one in which he had
taken the greatest interest, planning its many com-
forts and conveniences, and assisting in its construc-
tion. That he was not permitted to enjoy long its
comfort is a matter of the deepest regret, not only
to his devoted family, but to all who knew him as a
hard-working, honest, upright man, good neighbor
and kind and trusty friend. His death was caused
by a combination of goiter and grippe. The funeral
services were conducted from the home of his
daughter by Rev. R. E. Turner, pastor of the Leb-
anon Baptist Church, and his remains were laid
away in the Windham cemetery. In politics he was
a Republican, and he was one of the men in the
community on whom the responsibilities of office
naturally fell on account of eminent fitness. He
served in the most satisfactory manner as a justice
of the peace, assessor, grand juror and on the board
of relief in Franklin. He was also postmaster of
North Franklin for two years, a position he resigned
in 1902.
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
DO'
On Nov. 21, [860, Mr. Larkin was married, at
Colchester, Conn., to Mary E. Adams, daughter of
Lyman P. Adams, horn Sept. 17, 1842; she died
Dec. 27, 1890, and was buried at Windham. The
one child of this marriage is Lillian M., born July
20, 1865, who married. May 1, 1889, Abial T.
Browning, and has two children : Lucius Abial,
born Feb. 28, 1890; and Mary Ethel, born May 4,
1893.
Browning. The Browning family, of which
Abial T. Browning is a descendant, is an old one
in Rhode Island.
Abial Tripp Browning, father of Abial T., was
born May 12, 1831, at South Kingston, R. I., and
spent his early life there, learning the many duties
pertaining to farm work, and obtaining his educa-
tion in the district schools. His services were given
at home until his marriage, when he began farming
on a rented farm in the south part of the town,
where he lived until later, with his brother William
T., he bought a farm of 750 acres, the property be-
ing known as the "Champlin Farm," which they
operated for some years, the brother event-
ually buying Abial's interest. The latter re-
moved to Lebanon, and rented there the farm
which is now occupied by George Hoxie. He re-
mained there for some years, and then removed to
a tenement farm owned by Dr. Charles Sweet, in
the vicinity, where he farmed three years. Re-
turning to his father's farm in South Kingston,
Mr. Browning bought out the other heirs, settled
on the old home place, and lived there sixteen years.
He then sold the property to a cousin, Abijah
Browning, and purchased a farm of 130 acres, at
Plain Hill, in the town of Norwich, called the Morse
farm. There he followed market gardening, and
had a milk route, and there his death occurred,
June 24, 1894. His burial took place at South
Kingston. In political sympathy he was a Demo-
crat, but he never desired public office. Mr. Brown-
ing was a member of the Baptist Church at Kings-
ton, and was a most worthy man.
Mr. Browning was married (first) to Mary E.
Holberton, born in South Kingston, daughter of
William and Mary (Champlin) Holberton; she died
in August, 1870, aged thirty-six years. Mr. Brown-
ing married (second) Sarah C. Sherman, of
South Kingston, daughter of Samuel and
Angeline (Arnold) Sherman; she died in
December, 1890, aged forty-three years. The
children born to the first marriage were the
following: Hattie E., who married Edward E.
Carpenter, of Allentown, R. I., and they have two
children. Grover Cleveland and Mary Blanche ;
Horace L. and Horatio, twins, the former of whom
died at the age of nineteen years, and the latter,
aged nineteen months; George M., who died at the
age of sixteen years; Abial T., of this sketch; and
Nellie G., wife of Charles C. Carpenter, a teamster
at Allentown, R. I., and the mother of two children,
Pearl M. and Bertha L. The children of the second
marriage were: Wallace S.. who married Lottie
Lawton, and is a resident of Wickford, R. I.; Ros-
coe Launcelot, of Wickford, R. I.; and George S.,
who resides with his brother, Abial T.
Abial T. Browning was born Oct. 3, [865, in
Lebanon, in the house in which George Hoxie now
lives, and he attended the district schools of Leb-
anon and the Green Hill school at South Kingston.
His school days closed when he was seventeen years
old, and he remained at home assisting his father
on the farm until the age of twenty-three, when he
married and came to Franklin, Conn. He began
farming his father-in-law's property, remaining a
year, and then rented the Thompson farm on Plain
Hill, Norwich, where he was engaged three years,
following farming and teaming. For two years
he rented land from Mr. Larkin, and in 1896 pur-
chased a farm in Lebanon. It was a part of the
estate of Henry Throop, and contains no acres,
which Mr. Browning put into a fine state of culti-
vation. He settled on the property in 18(^7, and
there resided until March, 1903, when he removed
to the farm of his late father-in-law in Franklin,
where he is engaged in the raising of stock, much of
it blooded, and is conducting a very satisfactory
dairy business.
Mr. Browning is a Democrat in National issues,
but in local matters, votes for the best man. He is
a member of the Ancient Order of United Work-
men. Religiously he leans toward the Baptist
Church. He is well and favorably known in the
town, and is considered a first-class citizen in all
the term implies.
MRS. MARY TRACY (FIELDING) STORY,
wife of William T. Story, of Groton, Conn., is a
descendant in the fifth generation from Joshua
Occom, father of Samson Occom, the noted Indian
preacher, and one of the founders of the Brother-
town Indians, of Oneida county, New York.
Joshua Occom was a counselor of Ben Lucas, the
noted Mohegan chief, and died in 1743, leaving his
widow, Sarah, and the following children : Joshua,
born in 1716; Samson, in 1723; Jonathan, in 17^5 ;
and Lucy, in 1731.
Lucy Occom married John Tantaquidgeon, and
died in 1830 at Mohegan, Conn., aged ninety-eight
years. They became the parents of: Lucy, who
married Peter Tocomwas, and had Eliphalet : Cyn-
thia, who married Isaiah Hoscott ; and Sarah, who
married Jacob H. Fowler.
Cynthia Tocomwas married Isaiah Hoscott. and
had one daughter, Rachel.
Rachel Hoscott married Francis Fielding, and
they had a daughter, Mary Tracy, the youngest of
eleven children.
Mary Tracy Fielding was married in 1859, at
East Douglass, Mass., to William T. Story, and the
following children were born to this union : Alice
M., who married Eugene Hamilton, resides at
Montville, Conn.; Estella, who died in Boston,
552
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
Mass., where she was employed as manager of a
stationery store in Back Bay; Laura M., who
married ' George Baughn, of New York ; Eva
S., who married William B. Froleigh, of
New York City; William S., who died at
the age of four years ; Harriet S., who married John
A. Morgan, of Poquonnock Bridge, Conn. ; Edith
B., who married Charles Grey, of Groton ; Herbert
Valentine; and Delana E., who married Charles
Sumner Bishop, of Boston, Massachusetts.
William Thomas Story, a well-known resi-
dent of Groton, was born Oct. 10. 1837, at Norwich,
Conn., a son of William James Story, a native of
Montville and son of William Story, who was born
at Preston.
William Story, the grandfather of William
Thomas, lived during the greater part of his life
at Preston and Montville, passing his closing years
at the home of his son in Norwich. He married
Marv Nobles, of Montville. His occupation was
that of shore fisherman.
William J. Story, father of William T., was
educated at Preston, and during his early
life was an engineer on the Norwich line of
steamers, but later in life engaged in the market
business at Norwich. He married Laura Brown,
of Bozrahville, who died when our subject was
seven years of age. The children of this union
were : Harriet B., who married Elisha P. Slocum,
of Norwich ; Annie, deceased, who married Arthur
Sherman; William T. Mr. Story married (sec-
ond) Hannah Dowd, and their children were: Sam-
uel B., who married Emma Johnson, and resides at
New London ; Frank, deceased ; and Hannah Sybil.
Mr. Story died in February, 1866.
William T. Story spent his boyhood days in Nor-
wich, and there he began his business career, ped-
dling papers in 1847, being the first boy to peddle
papers in that place. He worked in hotels until
i860, when he went to Waterbury, Conn., and was
employed there in a hotel for three years. After
something over a year in the hotel business in New
York City, Mr. Story went in the same line to
Newport, where he remained three years, and then
came to New London, and was engaged in the old
"Steamboat Hotel." For several years he was en-
gaged in oystering for G. M. Long & Co. Mr.
Story was also engaged as steward on a number of
fine private yachts, but in 1885 he decided to em-
bark in business for himself, selecting Groton as his
home, and confectionery, ice cream and fruits as
his line of trade. In this he has met with great suc-
cess, his long experience in hotels making him a fine
judge of this line of goods, and a careful and eco-
nomic buyer. Mr. Story is now ranked with the
substantial business men of Groton. For many
years he has been active in public affairs, and is a
stanch Republican. He belongs to Ledyard Council,
No. 31, American Mechanics, and also to the Jib-
boom Club. In his family life Mr. Story has
met with much happiness, and he is the beloved
grandfather of sixteen grandchildren, and has two
great-grandchildren.
JOEL HARRISON DAVIS, who is engaged
in the grocery business on Laurel Hill avenue, Nor-
wich, is a self-made man. He is a native of the town
of Brookhaven, Suffolk Co., Long Island, and the
family is one of the oldest and most numerous of
the town.
(I) Benjamin Davis, the first ancestor in Amer-
ica, located first at Plymouth, Mass., and later re-
moved to Brookhaven, where he died. He was ac-
companied by two brothers, one of whom settled in
New Jersey, and the other in Connecticut. Some of
the land owned by Benjamin Davis remained in the
family name until 1902, when it was disposed of by
our subject. The line of descent from Benjamin is
given below :
(II) Benjamin Davis, Jr., was born about 1674.
(III) Silas Davis was born in 1734.
(IV) Elisha Davis, born about 1776, was a
farmer, and resided in that part of the town of
Brookhaven called Mt. Sinai. He was a large land
holder and a man of considerable prominence in the
town. He died in April, 1843. He married Julianna
Hulse, and they had children that grew to maturity
as follows: Lucy, born March 8, 1801, who married
Joseph Hawkins, and died at Stony Brook, Long
Island; Goldsmith, born Nov. 21, 1802, who was a
seafaring man, and died Dec. 8, 1855, while residing
in Brookhaven; Joel, born Oct. 13, 1805, father of
Joel H. ; Cherry, born Dec. 8, 1808, who married
David Hudson, and died at Mt. Sinai, Aug. 25,
1841 ; Simeon, born July 30, 1813, who died Nov.
8, 1837.
(V) Joel Davis, father of Joel H., was born Oct.
13, 1805, in Brookhaven, and spent all his days on
the homestead. He was a prosperous farmer, a
large land holder, and a man of means. In politics
he was a Republican. He had a remarkably good
voice, with a range of three octaves, and was widely
known as a vocalist ; he taught singing school in
early life, and for twenty-seven years was chorister
of the large Congregational Church at Mt. Sinai,
and later of the church at Port Jefferson, Long
Island, where he officiated for many years. Mr.
Davis was married first to Sarah Maria Turner, of
Brookhaven, Long Island, daughter of William
Turner, who was the owner of Artists Lake, on
Long Island. She died Dec. 14, 1846, aged thirty-
four years, the mother of five children. Susan M.,
born in September, 1839, became the wife of Capt.
Ellsworth Carter, who resides at Brooklyn, N. Y.,
a retired sea captain. Amelia M., born in January,
1841, is the wife of Erastus Brown, a farmer at
Miller's Place, Long Island. Elisha, born June 10,
1842, resides at Miller's Place, Long Island, and is
a retired sea captain. John, born Dec. 6, 1843, died
at Mt. Sinai ; he was a well-known sea captain and
GAAAjjh^ <J2//W^4
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
y?$
pilot on the Sound, and during- the latter years of
his life had command of private yachts. Joel Har-
rison is mentioned below.
The father for his second wife married Hannah
M. Davis, who was born Aug-. 19, 1817, and was a
distant relative; she survived him, and died May
3. 1875. Her children were Vincent R., born Dec.
19, 1850, a seafaring- man in early life, but now a
merchant at Mt. Sinai, Long Island; Roswell, born
July 9, 1854, a leading merchant and prominent man
of Yaphank, Long Island, who has been the only
Republican there to hold the office of town clerk
(he held this position for five terms) ; Ida Belle,
born in April, i860, who is not married, and resides
at Mt. Sinai. Joel Davis, the father, died April 7,
1883, at Mt. Sinai.
(VI) Joel Harrison Davis, whose name intro-
duces this article, was born Nov. 4, 1845, at Mt.
Sinai, and was reared to farm work. He attended
the district school until he reached his fourteenth
year, and then, in May, 1859, began going on the
water, his first position being on the sloop "Glide,"
of no tons, which was owned by Port Jefferson
parties and ran along the coast and up
the Hudson river. The boy was very ro-
bust and strong, and even at this time
could do as much work as a man. The follow-
ing season he went on the sloop "Excel," a general
freighter owned by people living at Mt. Sinai. The
next season he went with Capt. Davis (an uncle)
on the sloop "Alice," which was one of the finest
sloops of its time. He was second mate on this
vessel, which plied along the Sound and the Hudson
river. This vessel a few years later was sunk in a
collision. The following season, 1862, he shipped
as steward on the schooner "Reuben H. Wilson,"
which was owned at Port Jefferson, and was com-
manded by his cousin, Henry G. Davis. On this
vessel he made his first foreign voyage, to Baracoa,
Cuba, for a cargo of fruit. On their return they
brought to Xew York the largest cargo of fruit
ever brought to that port, consisting of 69,000
cocoanuts, and 4.600 bunches of bananas.
Soon after this Mr. Davis was taken ill, and was
laid up for three years. After the recovery of his
liealth he took an agency for the popular book, Dr.
Holland's "Life of Lincoln," and later "Sherman's
and Grant's Campaigns and Generals." He traveled
over Long Island with splendid success, and was
then offered and accepted a position as clerk in a
grocery store and restaurant at Patchogue, Long
Island, where he remained one year. He then took
up photography, which he followed for a season,
owning a traveling outfit.
In the fall of 1868 Mr. Davis went on the United
States revenue cutter "Isaac Touscy" as a seaman,
and spent five months in cruising on Long Island
Sound. He next was employed as steward on a
canal-boat which had been converted into a schooner,
and made a trip down the coast to Tabasco. Mexico.
Later he was steward on the schooner "Franklin
Bell," which ran as a packet between 1 '. can fort, X.
.md Xew York. Since that time his position has
in every case been that of steward. I le next went on
a clipper ship, "Susan Bergen," (apt. William K.
Davis, a fruit vessel, and made a trip to Palermo,
Sicily. Upon his return he again went on the
"Franklin Bell," and later on the "Susan Bergen,"
as steward and navigator. The trip from Xew York
to Genoa, Italy, was made in twenty-eight days, the
best time ever made between the two ports on a
sailing vessel. The boat also visited Messina, and
after the return to Xew York made a voyage to
Manzanilla. Cuba.
After his return Mr. Davis went on the private
yacht "Dreadnot," owned by A. B. Stockwell, of
Bridgeport, Conn., and next on the schooner "Flor-
ence Shay," under Capt. Hutchinson, in the coasting
and foreign trade, serving as navigator and steward.
On this vessel he made a South American voyage
to Rio Janeiro and to Buenos Ayres, at which latter
place the vessel lay for three months, unloading and
loading. On this voyage he was gone nearly a year.
He then went with his cousin, Capt. Henry G.
Davis, on the schooner "Benjamin Jones," and was
with him for several months in the coasting trade.
Following that he shipped on the schooner "Jennie
Roseline," a very fine vessel owned by Capt. Lewis
Tooker, and was on it two or three years. He then
went on the "Hattie B. Kelsey," commanded by
Capt. Randall, who is now president of a bank at
Port Jefferson, Long Island, and was on this vessel
for two years, and then on a four-masted schooner
commanded by Capt. Joseph Davis, of Providence,
and again on the "Hattie M. Crowell," going as far
south as Galveston, Texas. Returning to Boston,
he shipped successively on the "Jennie Roseline." the
schooner "John Holland," and the "Florence Ran-
dall." He next went on the "Adelaide Randall,"
just launched, a four-masted schooner, under Capt.
Jason Randall, of Ridge. Long Island, which now
makes frequent trips to Thames river ports. Mr.
Davis remained on this vessel until June, 1891,
when he purchased his present store from E. Walter
Phillips, and since then he has built up a good trade-
in groceries and merchandise. He is owner of
several tenement houses and building lots, and also
valuable property in his native town.
( )n April 3, 1889, Mr. Davis was married in
Xew London to Jennie M. Watson, who was born at
Gales Ferry, a daughter of John Watson, who now
resides at that place. Mr. Watson, a veteran of the
Civil war. was wounded at Port Hudson. La. No
children have come to Mr. and Mrs. Davis.
Mr. Davis is independent in politics, and always
votes for the best men and issues. He belongs to
only one fraternal organization, the Xew England
Order of Protection. Mrs. Davis is a member of
tlie Baptist Church, but her husband is a regular
attendant at the Methodist sanctuary. He is an
energetic man. very industrious, and though entirely
a self-made man has accumulated considerable prop-
554
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
erty. He has had varied experiences on his voyages,
which, extending as they did into so many foreign
climes, have given him a wide knowledge of the
world and a fund of interesting reminiscences.
ISAAC OSCAR WINCHESTER, an indus-
trious and thrifty farmer residing in the western
part of the town of Bozrah, was born Sept. 15, 1857,
in Montville.
Lodowick Winchester, his grandfather, was born
in the State of New York in January, 1800, and
when a very small boy went to make his home with
an aunt in Rhode Island. He resided in that State
until 1835, when he removed to Bozrah and located
on a rented farm in the eastern part of the town,
remaining there until about 1844, in which year he
removed to Montville. For two years he resided on
a rented farm in the north part of the town, at the
end of that time returning to the original farm in
Bozrah. Later he removed to a farm on Noble's
Hill, in Montville, following with other residences
in the town until he removed to Westchester, and
thence to the Jones farm, on the Essex turnpike,
in the town of Salem. There he remained until he
died, in 1877; he was buried in the West Plain cem-
etery in Norwich. Mr. Winchester was a member
of the Methodist Church. He married Sarah,
daughter of Isaac Lamb, of Ledyard, and she sur-
vived her husband, reaching the age of eighty-one
years. They were the parents of seven children :
(1) Denison S., a sea captain, died in New' Bedford,
Mass. (2) Isaac L., the father of Isaac O., is men-
tioned below. (3) John B. was in the 26th Regi-
ment, Connecticut Volunteers, and was killed at
Port Hudson, Miss., where he is buried. (4)
Daniel was in the 1st Connecticut Cavalry, and was
killed by a falling tree in camp at Charleston, Va.
His remains were brought home and lie in the same
cemetery with those of his parents. (5) David is
a farmer of Salem, Conn. (6) Sarah is the wife of
Frederick Ladd, of Salem. (7) Charles is a farmer
in Salem.
Isaac Lamb Winchester was born Sept. 20, 1836,
in Bozrah, and received his education in the dis-
trict schools, attending each winter sixteen weeks
until he reached the age of seventeen years. At the
age of nine he began working out, doing farm work
for people in the vicinity, and continued thus until
after his marriage, when he took up a farm on
shares at Lemngwell, conducting same for one year.
He then removed to Montville and rented a house,
and for a year worked as a farm laborer, at the end
of this time, with his savings, purchasing a small
place on Raymond Hill, where he resided for twelve
years, employed as a farm laborer. He then dis-
posed of the place and removed to Bozrah street,
spending one year on the Oliver Landphere place,
and two years on the Deacon Abel place, and then
removed to the Judge Albert Avery place for six
years, until April, 1878, when he 'settled on his
present farm. He is a member of the Scott Hill
Baptist Church. In political faith he is a Repub-
lican.
Mr. Winchester was married Dec. 14, 1854, in
Norwich, to Mrs. Frances Sabra Daniels, born May
1, 1825, in Bozrah, daughter of Clarissa and
Christopher Chapman, and widow of Orrin Daniels,
by whom she had no children. Mrs. Winchester
passed away Oct. 25, 1901. Six children were born
to her union with Mr. Winchester: (1) Isaac
Oscar is mentioned below. (2) Anson Douglas,
born June 10, 1859, is a butcher and resides in
Fitchville. He has served on the board of select-
men. He married Mabel Rogers, and has two chil-
dren, Harold and Elsie. (3) Edgar Lodowick, born
Jan. 21, 1861, married Lydia Raymond, and they
have had six children, of whom Ethel, Harry, Tyler
and Raymond are mentioned. They reside at Fitch-
ville. (4) Nelson Daniel, born May 23, 1862, mar-
ried (first) Carrie Richards and (second) Etta
Thompson. He is an overseer in the mill at Fitch-
ville. (5) Frances Clarissa, born May 10, 1864, *s
the wife of Merritt Austin, of Bozrah, and has two
children, Frank and Stella. (6) Mary Elizabeth,
born Oct. 28, 1869, married William Kelly, and died
May 30, 1892, leaving one child, Frances.
Isaac O. Winchester was born in Montville, and
was reared to hard work on the farm. He had only
limited advantages for education, such as the district
schools afforded, and at the age of twelve years he
began working out at farm labor, getting small
wages for long hours, as was the custom at that
time. He worked thus for a number of years in
Lebanon and Bozrah, and was careful and saving
with Ins wages, so that when he became of age he
had a small capital which he invested in his present
farm of 100 acres (which he purchased
in April, 1878) of the Gurdon Waterman
place, going heavily into debt at the time. By hard
work, economy, good business judgment and square
dealing, he soon managed to lift the debt, furnished
a home for the family, and earned for himself a
foremost place among the valued and esteemed citi-
zens of the town. Mr. Winchester has never mar-
ried.
Mr. Winchester is a stanch Republican in politi-
cal faith. He has never sought office, but he has
served several years as a grand juror. As will be
seen, Mr. Winchester is entitled to be called a self-
made man. He is deserving of all the success that
has come to him, being a man of the best habits,
most unselfish and kind, and is respected by all who
know him.
NATHANIEL PENDLETON NOYES, post-
master at Stonington, Conn., and one of the leading
and influential citizens of the town, is a descendant
in the ninth generation from Rev. William Noyes,
the progenitor of the family in America. His line
of ancestry is given in Judge R. A. Wheeler's "His-
tory of Stonington," as follows :
(I) Rev. William Noyes was born in England
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
555
in 1568. and from 1602 for about twenty years was
rector of Cholderton. He married about 1595 Anne
Parker, who was born in 1575, and was buried at
Cholderton, England, .March 7, 1657. Rev. William
Noyes died about 16 16.
(II) James Noyes, born in 1608, married, in
1634, Sarah, eldest daughter of Joseph Brown, of
Southampton, England, and in March of that year
embarked for New England in company with his
cousin Thomas Parker, in the "Mary and John," of
London. He preached for a short time at Medford,
and then for a while at the Watertown Church, and
in 1635 went to Newbury, Mass., and there preached
until his death, Oct. 22, 1656. Rev. James Noyes
was very much beloved in Newbury, and it was said
of him "that he was of so loving and compassionate
and humble carriage that there was never anyone ac-
quainted with him, but did desire the continuance of
his friendship and acquaintance."
(III) Rev. James Noyes, born March 11, 1640,
came to Stonington, Conn., in 1664. to preach, by
invitation of the town. The meeting house in which
he preached was a short distance southwesterly of
the present residence of Henry M. Palmer. He
resided in the family of Thomas Stanton until he
was ordained Sept. 11, 1674, and the next day he
married Dorothy, daughter of Thomas and Ann
(Lord) Stanton. Mr. Noyes made his home on a
large tract of land which he bought of Samuel Wil-
lis, of Hartford, on the road to Wequetequock, and
there he died Dec. 30, 17 19. For the first ten years
of his ministry, he preached as a licentiate, and the
last forty-five years as an ordained clergyman. He
was a chaplain of Capt. George Denison's expedi-
tion that captured Canonchet, chief sachem of the
Narragansett Indians, in April, 1676.
(IV) Capt. Thomas Noyes, born Aug. 15, 1679,
was captain of the Stonington train band in 1723.
On Sept. 3, 1705, he married Elizabeth Sanford
and died June 26, 1755. He was also an officer in
the Colonial army.
(V) Thomas Noyes, born April 16, 1710, mar-
ried, May 1, 1 73 1, Mary, daughter of Isaac and
Mary (Holmes) Thompson of Westerly, Rhode
Island.
(VI) Thomas Noyes, born 1739, married Jan.
24, 1760, Mary E., daughter of Henry Cobb, of
Stonington, born Feb. 15, 1740. He died in 1831,
aged ninety-two years, while she passed away in
March. 1833, aged ninety-four years. For seventy
years they lived in the old home which was burned
in 1855. '
(VII) Nathaniel Noyes, born in 1771, died in
November, 1854. He married Feb. 11, 1800, Mary
Saunders, who died in 1852. He was a shoemaker
by trade, and followed the sea for some time.
(VIII) Capt. Franklin Noyes, born Nov. 2,
1805, cn>(l April 15. 1892, married, June 14, 1829,
Susan B., daughter of Capt. Paul and Sabra Pen-
dleton, of Westerly, R. I. She died Feb. 29, t88o.
Their children were: Charles E. P., born April 15,
1831, keeper of the Latimer Reef Light at Stoning-
ton, was in the navy during the Civil war. Thomas
J., born March 9, 1833, is now deceased. Benjamin
F., born Nov. 5, 1835, was lost at sea in November,
1859. William P., born Sept. 15, 1838, died in
California in January, 1904 ; he was a sea captain,
and made several scientific voyages for the Leland
Stanford University. Susan Sabrina, born June 19,
1841, died at Akron. Ohio, in 1902, the wife of Alex-
ander Porter. Paul Pendleton, born Oct. 3, 1843,
is a machinist by trade, and is living at Rahway,
N. J. Mary A., born Oct. 3, 1843,' died May 4,
1898, the wife of John H. G. Munro, of Boston.
Nathaniel Pendleton was born March 12, 1846.
Capt. Franklin Noyes was a sea-faring man, who
went on sealing voyages. Later he engaged in fish-
ing in Loner Island Sound, following the water the
greater part of his life. He was a Baptist in re-
ligion, while in politics he was a Republican.
(IX) Nathaniel Pendleton Noyes, the subject
proper of this sketch, was born in Stonington,
Conn., March 12, 1846, and there attended the pub-
lic schools. At the age of eighteen years he became
assistant postmaster to Franklin Williams, in Ston-
ington, serving fifteen months. In 1865 he was grad-
uated from Eastman's Business College, at Pough-
keepsie, N. Y., and for the next three years he was
assistant postmaster to Mr. Pendleton, of Westerly,
R. I. The following five years were spent in the
United States railroad mail service as mail clerk
on the night train from Boston to New York, but
his health failing, he was obliged to spend the next
three winters in the south.
From 1875, for seven years, Mr. Noyes was
assistant postmaster to Eugene B. Pendleton of
Westerly, but was once more obliged to seek a
warmer climate. In 1885 he became assistant post-
master at Stonington, and served three and one-half
years under James Pendleton, and Elias B. Hinck-
ley. On Dec. 23, 1890, Mr. Noyes was appointed
postmaster by President Harrison; on Feb. 14,
1899, he was re-appointed by President McKinley ;
and Feb. 13, 1903, he was again re-appointed by
President Roosevelt. During the session of 1897,
he was doorkeeper of the House of Representatives.
In politics he is a stanch Republican, and has done
valiant service for his party, and is recognized as
one of its most substantial members. In religious
affiliations he is a member of the First Baptist
Church.
On Oct. 30, 1869, Mr. Noyes married Fannie
S., (laughter of Thomas and Phoebe C. Hall, of
Westerly, R. I., and their children are: Minnie
Pauline, born Aug. 30, 1870; Harry Pendleton, born
Aug. 29, 1882.
Miss Grace Denison Wheeler, in the "Homes of
Our Ancestors," says of the home of Nathaniel
Pendleton Noyes: "If one loves the water
and enjoys the light and sound of breaking
waves and billows, let him visit the old
house on Wamphassett Point just west of
556
GENEALOGICAL AND
BIOGRAPHICAL
*
RECORD.
the village of Stonington, which faces the har-
bor, and so near to the water that with closed
eves one can easily imagine himself 'rocked
in the cradle of the deep.' " This house
was built in the early part of the eighteenth
century by Mr. John Whiting, who lived here when
he was deacon of the Road Church in 1739. It is
built a story and a half with gambrel roof. The
ground in front of the door used to be laid in ter-
races of green banks, which extended to the water
edge, while stone steps reached out from one to the
other, and old fashioned roses bordered the walks.
The interior is almost new, having been renovated
by the present owner.
HARRIS. One of the oldest families of New
London county is that bearing the name of Harris,
and to it belongs Dr. George Robert Harris, of Nor-
wich, a successful physician and one of the leading
and. most skillful surgeons of eastern Connecticut.
(I) Among the passengers on the "'William and
Frances," coming to America in 1632, was Walter
Harris, who settled in Weymouth, Mass., where he
remained about twenty years, and then came to
Pequot Harbor. His wife was Mary Fry, and they
had two sons, Gabriel and Thomas. Walter Harris
■died Nov. 6, 1654.
(II) Gabriel Harris, son of Walter, married
Elizabeth Abbott, and died in 1684. She died in
1702.
(III) Samuel Harris, son of Gabriel and Eliza-
beth (Abbott) Harris, was born July 14, 1666, and
married Aug. 5. 1687, Elizabeth Gibson.
(IV) Gibson Harris, son of Samuel, born April
20, 1694, married Jan. 7, 1720, Phebe, daughter of
^'Lawver" George Denison, of New London. He
removed from New London to Bozrah, where he
died in 1761. His children were : George, born Jan.
18, 1721 (married Ann Lathrop) ; Joshua, born
Feb. 26, 1722; Benjamin, born July 7, 1724 (mar-
ried Ann Waterman) ; Daniel, born May 25, 1726;
Phebe, born May 21, 1728 (married Jabez Hough) ;
Ann. born Oct. 17, 1730: Mary, born Nov. 12, 1732;
and Elizabeth, born in 1734.
(V) Daniel Harris, born May 25, 1726, married
Prudence Rogers for his first wife ; his second wife
was Sarah Hunt. By his first marriage he had
children as follows: Phebe, born Dec. 28, 1751,
married Josiah Osgood; Peter, born Dec. 9, 1753,
married Rebecca Rockwell ; Samuel was born Feb.
27, 1755 ; Prudence, born Sept. 20, 1757, became the
second wife of Josiah Osgood : Mary, born July 19,
1760, died young; Lucy, born April 19, 1762, mar-
ried John Ford ; Hannah, born May 3, 1764, married
George Palmer; Ann. born May 4, 1766, married
Charles Ford; Daniel (2), born March 11, 1768,
is mentioned below; Mary was born in 1774. By
Iris marriage with Sarah Hunt Daniel Rogers had
one child, Sarah.
(VI) Daniel Harris (2), born March 11, 1768,
was married Jan. 23, 1793, to Sabrina Brown, who
was born in June, 1774, and died March 11, 1812.
He was a farmer and resided in Bozrah. In the
latter years of his life, after he had retired from farm
work, he moved to Groton, and there died at the
home of a son. Oct. 7, 1848. The children born to
Daniel (2) and Sabrina Harris were: Reuben, born
Sept. 16, 1793, died Nov. 21, 1824; Prudence was
born Feb. 4, 1795 ; Amanda, born Nov. 4, 1796, mar-
ried Isaac Dean; Lorinda, born Feb. 8, 1801, mar-
ried Benjamin Perry; Permelia, born March 26,
1803, married a Mr. Wells and removed to Wiscon-
sin ; George, born Aug. 14, 1806, was a cabinet-
maker, and died in Jewett City at the age of twenty-
six years ; Robert B., born Feb. 9, 1809, is mentioned
below; Wrilliam Palmer, born Nov. 12, 181 1, mar-
ried (first) Susan Avery and (second) Maria Camp-
bell, and died June 27, 1884.
(VII) Robert B. Harris was born in Bozrah,
Conn., and when a young man went to Jewett City,
where his older brother George was engaged at
cabinetmaking. He worked with his brother and
learned the trade, and after the death of the latter
became associated with Nathan Brown, continuing
to work at that business there until about 1836,
when he moved to Preston (now East Norwich),
where he worked at his trade for many years, being
in the employ of Deacon Horace Colton, of Nor-
wich, and later of N. S. Gilbert. In the latter
years of his life he followed the trade of painter.
He passed away Jan. 1, 1864. On Sept. 23, 1833,
in Willimantic, Conn.. Robert B. Harris was mar-
ried to Betsey Hillard Brewster, who was born in
Preston, Sept. 23, 181 5, daughter of Erastus and
Esther (Hillard) Brewster, and a direct descend-
ant of Elder William Brewster of the "Mayflower.*'
This branch of the Brewster family is given in the
sketch of Simon Brewster, of Griswold, elsewhere.
Mrs. Harris survived her husband and died May
30, 1895. Their children were: (1) Capt. Charles
R., born Oct. 22, 1835, began going on the water at
the age of seventeen years, and during the Civil war
served in the United States Navy, and later he was
in command of a Pacific Mail steamship. For a
number of years previous to his death he was agent
for the Norwich & New York Transportation Co.,
at New York. His home was in Hoboken, N. J.,
where he died Dec. 28, 1896. He married, Jan.
9, 1861, Jane Brown, and had three children: Jen-
nie Louise (who died young), Charles Robert (who
married and has three children) and James Brown.
(2) Lucretia, born Feb. 4, 1837, married Jan. 14,
1859, Elias Brewster, who was born May 29, 1834,
and died Nov. 14, 1898. She resides on Grove
street, Norwich. Her children were Grace M. (who
died in infancy), Elizabeth G. (who is a teacher in
Norwich public schools) and Robert M. (who mar-
ried Emma L. Horsfall, and has one child, Morgan
N.). (3) George Augustus is mentioned below.
(4) Orrin F., born May 31, 1843, *s a physician at
•^lX^J^JV^l\UT
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
557
Norwich. He married Aug-. 19, 1890, Mary Tracy,
and their three surviving children are Orrin F., Jr.,
Mary A. and Daniel T.
V\TI1) Georgv Augustus Harris, the Doctor's
father, spent all his life in Preston and was born
there Aug. 12, 1840. He received a good common
school education, and after leaving school was em-
ployed by the late R. M. Haven, a dealer in Crock-
er v in Norwich, and Wills & Hoxie, grocers. When
sixteen years of age he entered the employ of Henry
W. Birge, a lumber dealer on Central Wharf, who
was succeeded by Nash, Brewster & Co., Mr. Har-
ris continuing in their employ for four years and
a half. He was offered the treasurership of the
Chelsea Savings Bank, which had been in existence
at that time about two years, but he declined the offer
on the advice of his uncle, Augustus Brewster,
president of the Norwich & Worcester Railroad
Company, and entered the office of that company.
Mr. Harris began work as a freight checker on
the steamboat wharf here. Proving to be compe-
tent, he was advanced to various positions, finally
becoming general freight agent of the railroad, a
position he held until he retired in 1894, on account
of ill health.
In 1861 Mr. Harris was made a Mason in Som-
erset Lodge, No. 34, and in the following year was
elected secretary of the lodge ; he became a Knight
Templar in 1863. He went to Worcester on April
14, 1864. to take the Scottish Rite degrees, receiv-
ing all the degrees up to and including the 32d.
Mr. Harris held important offices in all the Scottish
Rite bodies here, and was always popular and well
liked among the Masons. He was one of the char-
ter members of the Scottish Rite bodies in Norwich.
In Columbian Commandery, No. 4, K. T., he was
junior warden under Eminent Commander Carter.
Mr. Harris was well known and held in high es-
teem by railroad men in New England. He was
faithful and considerate to his employers and to
those under his charge. His disposition was cheer-
ful and his chief aim in life was to make his home
happy, and he succeeded. He was deeply interest-
ed in the aims and interests of his children, and
treated them in a generous manner. In politics
Mr. Harris was a Republican, and for several years
held the position of treasurer of the town of Pres-
ton. His death, due to paralysis, occurred Aug.
22, 1897.
On Dec. 9, 1861, George Augustus Harris was
united in marriage with Miss Catherine Amelia
Dewey, of Preston, born Dec. 31, 1840, daughter
of the late Elijah and Harriett (Harvey) Dewey,
for many years prominent and prosperous residents
of Preston. Mr. Harris resides in Preston. This
union was blessed with the following children : Eli-
jah D., born in November, 1862, is a farmer in Pres-
ton ; he married Lockie Harvey, and they had three
children, Lester W.. Angeline and George, of whom
the last named died in infancy. George Robert is
mentioned below. Harriet Augusta is the third in
the order of birth. Jennie Louisa married (ieorge
\\ . Davis, of Preston, and has two children, Homer
W. and Lucius P. Effie Louella was a teacher in
the Norwich public schools, and was married in No-
vember, 1903, to Charles 11. Preston; they reside in
Bridgeport, Connecticut.
(IX) George Robert Harris, M. D.. was born
in Preston, Dec. 20, 1864, and was brought up to
farm work. For some time he drove a milk wagon
for his uncle. Plis early education was received
in the common schools, and after graduating from
the Norwich Free Academy, in 1883, he studied
medicine with his uncle, Dr. Orrin F. Harris, of
Norwich. In May, 1885, he graduated from the
College of Physicians and Surgeons in New York,
the Medical Department of Columbia College, and
in October, 1886, he entered the Charity Hospital
in New York as junior assistant surgeon. After
remaining there for sixteen months, and attaining
the position of house surgeon, he left in 1888 to ac-
cept a position as junior assistant in the Chambers
Street Hospital, where he continued until April,
1889, tne last six months being house surgeon. Dr.
Harris then returned to Norwich, and commenced
practice in the office of Dr. O. F. Harris, where
he remained until July, 1896, when he opened an
independent office in the Shannon building, Main '
street, where he has since continued.
Dr. Harris holds the office of medical examiner
for the town of Preston, under Coroner Franklin
H. Brown. He is a member of the surgical staff
of the W. W. Backus Hospital. The greater part
of his time is devoted to surgery, in which branch
he has met with success, and he is without doubt one
of the leading surgeons in New London counts.
Fraternally he belongs to Shetucket Lodge, No. 27,
I. O. O. F. He is a ^2<1 degree Mason, belonging
to St. James Lodge, No. 27,, A. F. & A. M., of
which he is past master; Franklin Chapter; Frank-
lin Council ; Columbian Commandery, in which he
has held offices, being at this time generalissimo ;
all the Scottish Rite bodies ; and Sphinx Temple, of
Hartford. In his political faith he is a Republican.
On Nov. 27, 1896, Dr. Harris was married to
Miss Jessie L. Hegarty, of West Wareham, Mass.,
and two children have graced this union: George
A., born Nov. 27, 1897; and Morse LeBaron, born
Feb. 19, 1901, who died Nov. 7, 1901.
DEWEY. The Dewey family, to which Mrs.
George Augustus Harris belonged, is descended
from
(I) Thomas Dewey, who came to America from
Sandwich. Kent county, England, as one of the
early settlers under Gov. Winthrop and Rev. John
Wareham. He married Frances Clark, and in their
family of children was a son
(II) Josiah Dewey, known as Deacon Josiah,
who was baptized Oct. 10. [641, in Windsor. Conn.
He married, Nov. 6, [662, at Northampton, Ma—.,
Hepzibah Lyman. He died Sept. 7. 1732. in Leb-
anon. Conn.; his wife had passed away June 4,
558
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
1732. They located in Lebanon, Conn., about
1695, coming there from Westfield, Mass. They
had a large family of children. The eldest son was
(III) Josiah Dewey (2), born Dec. 24, 1666, at
Northampton, Mass., married Mehitabel Miller, of
Westfield, Mass., on Jan. 15, 1691. He was a
farmer, and about 1696 removed to Lebanon, Conn.,
where he was one of the first settlers, and where,
in 1700, he was elected the first constable of the
town. He owned mills in Lebanon. He died there
about 1750. His second son and child was
(IV) Josiah Dewey (3), born March 1, 1697, in
Westfield, Mass. He was but a child when his
parents removed to Lebanon, Conn., where he grew
to manhood and on Dec. 4, 17 18, married Sarah
Hutchinson, who was born June 6, 1696, in Leba-
non, Conn., the daughter of Samuel and Sarah
Hutchinson. Mr. Dewey was a farmer. He was
a deacon in the church. He died Oct. 30, 1771,
and his widow passed away Sept. 9, 1776. Both
died in Lebanon. In their, family of children was
(V) Abraham Dewey, born Feb. 1, 1727, in
Lebanon. He was four times married, his third
wife being Annie Crandall, of Stonington, Conn., to
whom he was married Nov. 10, 1767. She died
May 21, 1773. Among their children, the eldest
son was
(VI) John Dewey, born in 1770, who married
Eunice Fanning, of Groton, born in 1772 in that
town. He died May 25, 1848, his widow surviving
until March 14, 1849. Their son
(VII) Elijah Barnes Dewey was born in Janu-
ary, 1812, and married April 5, 1835, Harriett Har-
vey, who was born Aug 27, 1815. He died Sept.
27, 1869. while his wife died Aug. 21, 1862. Their
daughter
(VIII) Catherine Amelia was born Dec. 31,
1840, and married, Dec. 9, 1861, George Augustus
Harris, and they became the parents of
(IX) Dr. George Robert Harris.
CAPT. CHARLES MAPLES, one of the well-
known agriculturists of Norwich, residing on
Wawecus Hill, and one of the substantial men of
that section, is a descendant of a family which has
been represented in New London county for two
hundred years.
(I) Stephen Maples (according to the "History
of Montville," 1896) was among the earliest set-
tlers on lands in the North Parish of New London.
He appeared first at New London in 17 12, when he
was selected as one of the watchmen, called "the
military watch." With others he was summoned
before the Court of Commissioners on the complaint
of the Indians in 1720, to show their titles to the
lands they were occupying and improving. At the
meeting of the Commissioners, held at the house of
Joseph Bradford, Feb. 22, 1720-21, the land titles,
which had previously been in dispute were con-
firmed to the occupants, Stephen Maples being one
whose land claim was sustained. He resided in the
north part of the parish near the Norwich line, where
many of his descendants afterward lived.
Stephen Maples married, about 1718, Patience
Fargo, daughter of Moses Fargo. With his wife
he united with the church at North Parish April 24,
1726. He died Aug. 26, 1755, leaving the following
children: John, born Sept. 15, 1719; Stephen, born
Oct. 1, 1721, married Eunice Way; Sarah, born
April 22, 1724, died Sept. II, 1755; William, born
June 15, 1727, married Prudence Comstock ; and
Mary, born Dec. 2, 1729, died young.
(II) John Maples was married May 12, 1743, to
Sarah, daughter of Joshua and Marion (Hurlburt)
Barber. He was a farmer, and lived on a farm in
the North Parish, now Montville. He joined the
church during the pastorate of the Rev. David
Jewett. His death occurred at Montville July 2,
1798, and that of his wife July 29, 1797. Their
children were: John, born June 5, 1744; Stephen,
born Jan. 3, 1749, married (first) Ann Leffingwell,
and (second) Lydia Vergason ; Susanna, born Jan.
2, 1751, married Reuben Ransom; Joshua, born in
June, 1753; David, born Feb. 3, 1755; Sarah, born
Dec. 19, 1757, married Joshua Monroe; Ann, born
May 14, 1760; Josiah, born May 15, 1762; Andrew,
born July 23, 1764, married Eunice Condon, and
(second) Elizabeth Clark.
(III) Joshua Maples, grandfather of Captain
Charles, resided on the farm now occupied by his
grandson. Later he purchased a farm in Bozrah,
and there resided the rest of his life, dying at the
age of eighty-three years. He married, for his first
wife, Hannah Dart, and had the following children :
Charles and Elisha, who went South ; Joshua ; Han-
nah, who married Isaac Huntington, and died in
Bozrah. The second wife of Joshua Maples was a
Mrs. Bromley, who survived him.
(IV) Captain Joshua Maples, father of Captain
Charles, was born March 6, 1783, on the farm now
occupied by his son, and there resided until 1839.
He then moved to Bozrah Center, where he lived
until his death at the age of seventy-eight. He
was a man of considerable means. In politics a
Jeffersonian Democrat, he represented Bozrah one
term in the Legislature. When a young man he
served as captain in the local militia. He was a
member of the Methodist Church at Bean Hill, and
a very liberal contributor to its support. On Dec.
9, 1810, he married, at Norwich, Betsy Rogers,
daughter of Eleazer and Lucy (Edgerton) Rogers.
She died Aug. 18, 1847, tne mother of the following
children: Thomas, born April 1, 1812, located at
Eckford, Calhoun Co., Mich., and engaged in farm-
ing; Hannah, born Oct. 22, 1813, never married,
and died in Bozrah, March 17, 1899; Elisha, born
Oct. 13, 181 5, was a farmer and died unmarried in
Bozrah: Lucy, born Oct. 15, 1817, is the widow of
George Lathrop, and died in January, 1904, at East
Great Plain ; Mary, born Aug. 22, 1820, married
George Woodworth, and died in Norwich ; Charles,
born Nov. 2, 1822; Joshua, born March 7, 1826,
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
559
married Alice Tracy, and went to California during
the gold excitement, and there died: and Eleazer,
died in infancy.
(Y) Charles Maples was horn on his present
farm in a building which is a part of the present
house he now occupies. He attended the district
school, a select school at Lebanon, and later a select
school at Norwich Town, kept in the old court house
by C. K. Bushnell. When a young- man he taught
school one term at West Great Plain, in the town
of Bozrah, receiving for his services $12 per month.
He had forty-six pupils. At this time he was living
in Bozrah, but when about twenty-one years old
he returned to the farm on Wawecus Hill, and was
soon after married. He later came into possession
of the farm which now comprises about two hundred
acres, and where he has been quite successfully en-
gaged at general farming. He put up all the other
buildings, and remodeled the dwelling house. He
has always been a hard worker, and for one of his
age is a very active man.
Charles Maples was married, Feb. 15. 1846, to
S. Maria Post, born June 10, 1820, in Bozrah, daugh-
ter of Elisha and Sarah (Avery) Post. Mrs. Maples
died March 3, 1896. Children were born to this
union as follows: Josephine, born Dec. 6, 1846,
died April 18, 1849; Judson, born Aug. 23, 1848,
married Mary Birchard, had two children, Louie
and Frederick, and died March 2, 1895 ; Louie K.,
born April 28, 1851, died Sept. 12, 1880; Erviette,
born March 27, 1853, resides with her father; Frank
T., born Feb. 6, 1857, married May 4, 1887, Emma
Leach, and has one child, Edna Josephine, born
March 18. 1893. [Sketch of Frank T. Maples will
be found elsewhere.]
Captain Maples in early life was a Democrat,
but soon after the Republican party was organized
he voted that ticket, and has continued to do so
ever since. Before he reached his majority he
served three years as captain of the 8th Company of
the 18th Regiment of Militia. His religious belief
led him to become a member of the Central Baptist
church, as was his wife. The Captain has ever been
a strict temperance man, and does not know the
taste of liquor or tobacco. Of a truly admirable
character, he is held in honorable esteem by all.
SAMUEL GEER NORMAN, a prosperous
agriculturist of the town of Griswold. is descended
on both sides from old Xew England stock. The
Norman family is an old one in Rhode Island, and
we have been able to trace to Moses Norman, his
great-great-grandfather, who settled in Newport,
R. I. He was born in 1718, and died July 8. 1776.
He married Priscilla, sixth child of Gershom Brad-
ford, of Duxbury, Mass., who removed to Bristol,
R. I., in 1774. He was the second son of Samuel
Bradford, who was the fourth son of William Brad-
ford, second son of Gov. William Bradford, the lat-
ter the second governor of Plymouth Colony. Pris-
cilla ( Mradford) Norman was born in 1716, and died
Nov. iS, 1S11. She and her husband had children
as follows: (1) .Moses, horn in 1751. was the
great-grandfather of Samuel G. Norman. (2) Ann,
horn in 1753, married Edward Talhee, of Bristol,
R. I., and died July 21, [848. (3) Priscilla, who
died in 1785. was the wile of William Thurston, of
Newport, R. I. (4) Hope, horn in 1702. who died
July 18, 1845, married Caleb Hargill, of Newport.
(5) J°bn Bradford, born in 1705, died Aug. 13,
1805.
Moses Norman, born in 1751, resided in New-
port, R. I., where he died March 25, 1806. He
married Sarah Cornell, who was horn July 5. 175';,
and died April 16, 1827. Their children were: (1)
Thomas, born Nov. 13, 1782, was the grandfather
of Samuel Geer Norman. (2) Elizabeth, born Aug.
25> l7^5> died Aug. 19, 1841, unmarried. (3)
Moses, born Jan. 21, 1788, married Sarah Pabcock,
and resided in Weston, R. I. (4) Ann. born Sept.
9, 1789, died July 26, 1852, unmarried. (5) Hope,
born March 3, 1793, died Jan. 31, 1851. She mar-
ried James Butler, and resided in New Bedford,
Mass. (6) Richard Cornell, born April 8, 1795,
was a carpenter, and resided in Newport, R. I.,
where he died very suddenly on June 26. 1847, while
at work on a church. He married Rachel Peckham.
Their son, Thomas P. Norman, now resides in Led-
yard. (7) George Washington, born Feb. 22, 1797,
married Hannah Spooner, and resided in Newport.
(8) Priscilla Bradford, born April 9, 1800, married
Philip Stevens, and resided in Newport.
Thomas Norman, eldest of the family, was a
mechanic, and settled in what is now Ledyard. Conn.,
where he resided until his death, which occurred on
Aug. 22, 1847. He married Hannah Stoddard, who
was born Feb. 1, 1787, and died Aug. 29, 1850. She
was a descendant of one of the oldest and most
numerous families of Ledyard. The children of
this union were as follows : ( 1 ) Charity, born Sept.
30, 1810, married John J. Newton, and resided in
Ledyard, where she died July 12, 1902. (2) Han-
nah Stoddard, born Oct. 24, 1812, died unmarried in
Ledyard on March 30. 1897. (3) Thomas James,
born Sept. 8, 1814, died at Sacramento, Cal., on
Sept. 23, 1853, unmarried. (4) Moses Ebenezcr,
born Aug. 20, 1816, is mentioned below. (5) Hib-
bard Richard, born Aug. 2, 1819, was a farmer
and resided on the homestead in Ledyard, where he
died unmarried. (6) Sarah Elizabeth, born Aug.
13, 1821, died unmarried. (7) Stephen Henry, born
Aug. 30, 1825, acquired his education in the dis-
trict schools and also had one term at Bacon Acad-
emy at Colchester. He began to teach in his six-
teenth vear, and quite early in life had established
a good reputation as a teacher. Later he was en-
gaged one vear as bookkeeper in the dry goods store
of A. T. Stewart. Xew York, afterward spending
one vear in the service of Harper Brothers, New
York. In 1865 he was teaching in a public school in
Newport, R. I., when he was offered the position of
cashier of the Aquidneck National Hank of that city.
;6o
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
lie held that position until 1873, when he became
cashier of the National Exchange Bank, which posi-
tion he held until his death, July 27, 1891. He
was the originator of the Island Savings Bank, and
one of its incorporators, and was its treasurer from
the start. He accumulated a handsome competency.
He never married.
Moses Ebenezer Norman, father of Samuel G.
Norman, was born in Ledyard, and in early life
assisted his father in his mechanical work. After his
marriage he settled on the farm of his father-in-law,
in Griswold, and was engaged at farming until his
death, which occurred Aug. 10, 1863. He was
buried in a private cemetery near his home. He
united with the Congregational Church at Ledyard,
later transferring to the Congregational Church at
Pachaug. Mr. Norman was married in Griswold to
Prudence Ann Geer, who was born in Preston and
was three years old when her parents, Samuel and
Nancy (Geer) Geer, settled in Griswold, on the farm
now occupied by Samuel G. Norman, and where she
has since resided. Mrs. Norman is a keen, active
woman for her years, and has displayed splendid
business ability in the management of the farm, and
her valued advice is constantly sought by her son
in all business matters. Mr. and Mrs. Norman had
two children : (1) Samuel Geer, born May 3. 1859;
and (2) Hannah Anna, born March 14, 1863, who
died May 14, 1881.
Samuel Geer Norman was born in the house
where he resides, and his life thus far has been
spent on the farm where he was born. He received
a common school education, and as soon as he was
able became the active manager of the farm. He
is one of the most extensive and successful farmers
of his town, and keeps about twenty cows in his
dairy. Under his management a number of im-
provements have been made on the farm, and in
1904 he completed a large barn on the site of the
one burned in December, 1903. In political faith
Mr. Norman is a Republican in national affairs, but
in local matters he supports what he deems the best
men and issues. He is a member of the Pachaug
Congregational Church, and is a member of the
Society Committee.
Mr. Norman was married, on Oct. 26, 1893, in
Plainfield, Conn., to Miss Ida Maria Gallup, a native
of Plainfield, who was born Feb. 7, 1869, daughter
of John R. and Amarilla (Frink) Gallup. Mrs.
Norman received her education in the district school,
Plainfield Academy, and Killingly high school, and
previous to her marriage was a successful school
teacher, having taught fifteen terms in the towns of
Voluntown, Griswold and Windham. One child
has come to them, George Ernest, who was born
Sept. 26, 1903.
GRISWOLD G. AVERY, a descendant of one
of the oldest New England families, and during his
lifetime one of the successful business men of New
London, traced his ancestrv to
(I) Christopher Avery, the immigrant, born
1620. He came from Old to New England about
1 63 1, and made his home at Salem, Mass. He
served as selectman at Gloucester in 1646, and later
at Boston and at New London, Conn., where he died.
(II) Capt. James Avery, only son of Christo-
pher, was born in England in 1620, and accom-
panied his father to New England. In 1643 he-
married Joanna Greenslade, of Boston, and seven
years later settled on a farm in New London, which
he had bought, his home being in what is now the
town of Groton, about a mile and a half from the
river Thames. Capt. Avery took an active part in
military and public affairs, and was a useful and
influential citizen. He is referred to in the colonial
records as Ensign, Lieutenant and Captain Avery,
and was a noted Indian fighter of the train-band.
He commanded the Pequot allies in the memorable
swamp fight, in 1675. In civil affairs, he was quite
as prominent, being called upon to fill many public
positions. He was selectman for twenty years from
1660, and also served as commissioner. He died at
his old home in 1700, his wife surviving him four-
teen years.
(III) James Avery (2), born Dec. 16, 1646,
married Feb. 18, 1669, in New London, Conn., Miss
Deborah Stallyon, a daughter of Edward Stallyon,
and their children, all born in that part of New Lon-
don which became Groton, were : Deborah, born
Aug. 1, 1671 ; James, April 20, 1673 ; Margaret,
Feb. 5, 1674; Edward, March 20, 1676; Ebenezer,
May 1, 1678; Christopher, Jan. 23, 1679; Jonathan,
Nov. 9, 1681 ; Mary, Aug. 4, 1683 ; Hannah, March
24, 1685; Sarah, May 10, 1688; Joseph, Aug. 9,
1691 ; Benjamin, in 1693; Mary (2), in 1696.
(IV) James Avery (3), born April 20, 1673,
married (supposed) in 1696, in New London, Miss
Mary Griswold. They died, he on Sept. 18, 1754.
and she Nov. 26, 1750. She was the daugh-
ter of Matthew and Hannah (Wolcott) Griswold.
Both the Griswold and Wolcott families were
among the most prominent families in the
State. The children of James and Mary (Gris-
wold) Avery were: James, born May 2J, 1697;
John, Feb. 4, 1700; Ebenezer, March 29, 1704;
Elihu (or Elisha), July 29, 1707; Mary, Feb. 23,
1710; Hannah, April 7, 1712; Prudence, March 21,
1715; Thomas, as is supposed, in 1717.
(V) Col. Ebenezer Avery, born March 29, 1704,
married June 16, 1726, Lucy Latham, born May 21,
1709, daughter of Jonathan Latham. They died,
he in May, 1780, and she May 2, 1757. Their chil-
dren were: Hannah, born Jan. 16, 1727; Lucy,
Jan. 7, 1728 ; Mary, Nov. 30, 1730; Ebenezer, March
7, 1732; Latham, April 15, 1735; Katherine, June
9, 1737; Griswold, Sept. 15, 1739; Deborah, Feb.
1, 1741 ; Rachel, Sept. 8, 1745; Elizabeth, Jan. 22,
1747; Abigail, Feb. 24, 1752-53; and Elihu, Aug. 6,
1755.
(VI) Griswold Avery, born Sept. 15, 1739, in
Groton, married in 1764, in Groton, Conn., Anna
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
56i
Avery, his cousin, daughter of Benjamin and
Thankful Avery. Two of her hrothers, Solomon
and Donald, were massacred at Fort Gris-
wold Sept. 6, 1776. Griswold Avery died
Oct. 6, 1 81 2, in Great Neck, and Mrs. Avery
passed away Oct. 6, 1833. Their children were :
Griswold, born Sept. 2j, 1765 ; Gurdon, April 24,
1768; Anna, in 1770; Charles, in 1772; and Polly,
in 1775.
(VII) Griswold Avery (2), born Sept. 27, 1765,
in Groton, Conn., married May 26, 1793, Lucretia
Chadwick Miller, of Old Lyme, who was born in
1774, daughter of George and Thankful (Chad-
wick) Miller. In early life he removed with his par-
ents to New London, and at the age of fourteen
years entered the service of his country in the Revo-
lutionary struggle, as an attendant to his father,
who was then captain. He was actively engaged at
the time of the burning of New London. In after
life he was a prominent man in his section, repre-
senting his town in the General Assembly for five
successive sessions, was a magistrate of the people's
choice and also captain in the militia. For thirty
years he was a member of the First Congregational
Church of New London. He was a useful citizen,
beloved by all who knew him, and a kind and affec-
tionate man in his home. His place was at Great
Neck, Conn. Mr. Avery died Dec. 20, 1842, in
Montville, and Mrs. Avery passed away in 1847.
Their children were : ( 1 ) Griswold, born March
I7> l797> died at the age of twenty-seven years, un-
married; he served in the war of 1812, being a lieu-
tenant and later a captain. (2) Mary Ann, born
May 5, 1801, married Rev. Gurdon T. Chapped, of
YYaterford. (3) Frances Lucretia, born Jan. 15,
1805, married Capt. John Cavarly, and died in
Lyme, Conn. (4) George Miller, born March 31,
1807, is mentioned below. (5) Elizabeth Eldridge,
born May 4, 1817, married Nehemiah B. Payne,
who was United States marshal of New London
District.
(VIII) George Miller Avery, father of Griswold
George Avery, was born March 31, 1807, in Great
Neck, and married (first) in 1829, Abby Eliza Waite,
born in 1807, in Lyme, Conn., daughter of Capt.
Samuel and Abigail Chadwick Waite, of Old
Lyme, Conn., and a member of the distin-
guished White family of the State and coun-
ty, she being a niece of Hon. Marvin Waite,
and a relative of Hon. Morrison R. Waite.
Mr. Avery died July 3, 1861, in Montville,
and Mrs. Avery in 1848. Their children were as
follows: (1) Griswold George is mentioned below.
(2) Matilda Waite, born in January, 1833, died in
Los Angeles, Cal., aged twenty-six years. She mar-
ried John M. Morgan, son of Judge Philip M. Mor-
gan, of Waterford, Conn. He married for his sec-
ond wife Mary Chapped, who died Feb. 27, 190 1,
in Montville. They had one child, Nehemiah Payne,
who died aged fourteen years.
George M. Averv, the father, was a farmer, and
36
lived in Montville, Conn. In disposition be was
quiet and unassuming. He was a member of Lake's
Pond Baptist Church, of Waterford, and in politi-
cal faith was a Democrat.
(IX) Griswold George Avery was born April
24, 183 1, in Waterford, and received his schooling
there and in New London. He left school to assist
his father in conducting a milk route to New
London, and was afterward with bis father in Mont-
ville on the farm. He then, in 1857, went to Cali-
fornia, remaining four years engaged in teaming
from stores to miners, and also had a large ranch
and a large herd of cattle. He made butter ex-
tensively. He returned home, expecting to go back,
but his father's health kept him in Connecticut, and
he continued to conduct the farm until 1873, when
he removed to New London and established the
livery business which he successfully conducted un-
til his death. Mr. Avery was a home man, devoted
to his family. He was an excellent business man, a
hard worker, and possessed excellent judgment, all
of which went towards contributing to his success.
He was a member of the Lake's Pond Baptist
Church. In political faith he was a Democrat, but
he was not active and was never an office seeker.
Mr. Avery was married Oct. 14, 1855, to Cor-
nelia Cavarly Chapped, who was born Feb. 18, 1838,
daughter of Rev. Gurdon T. and Mary Ann (Av-
ery) Chapped. To this union were born children as
follows: (1) George Griswold, born July 4, 1861,
in Montville, married (first) Alice M. Carroll, who
died April 4, 1896. They had no children. He
married (second) Jennie Crosby, daughter of
George Crosby, of New London, and they have
had one child, Griswold George, born June 13, 1901.
George G. took up the business of the father, he
having been a partner in the firm of G. G. Avery &
Son. (2) Mary Elizabeth, born Dec. 25, 1862, in
Montville, married Edward Williams Lamb, of Bos-
ton, formerly of Colchester, Conn., who died in
Boston, Mass., Jan. 31, 1899. They had one child,
Griswold Avery, born Oct. 15, 1898. (3) Gurdon
Chapped, born Dec. 4, 1873, in Montville, married
Elsie Banning Beebe, of Lyme, Conn., and they
have had three children : Kenneth Banning, born
June 19, 1899; Cornelia Louise, born June 16. 1901,
and Clayton Waite, born Dec. 6, 1902. Gurdon C.
Avery is bookkeeper for G. G. Avery & Son. (4)
Genevieve Franklin, born Dec. 9, 1875, m New
London, is at home unmarried.
Mr. Avery passed away Sept. 9, 1894, in Mont-
ville, and was deeply lamented. He was a useful
citizen, and a worthy member of a prominent old
family, his life being a credit to his name and com-
munity.
SAMUEL JOHNSON, the well known pro-
prietor of the "Old Lyme Inn,'' at Lyme, is a vet-
eran hotel man. One of his sons, and two of his
brothers, are also engaged in the hotel business in
Connecticut.
562
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
Ebenezer Johnson, his grandfather, was a native
of Bozrah, Conn., where the family is one of the
oldest in the town. The ancestral line of this branch
will be found elsewhere. Ebenezer Johnson learned
his trade of carpenter and builder in Norwich, and
moved to Lebanon, Conn., in 1800. There he fol-
lowed his calling until his death in 1848, at the age
of eighty-three. He was married in Norwich to
Experience Gifford, who died in 1838. Their chil-
dren were as follows: (1) Stephen G. married
Charlotte Morgan, and had these children: Will-
iam, Lydia, Jeannette, Archipus M., Anna Wills and
Elizabeth M. (2) Ebenezer. (3) Annie Wills is
deceased. (4) Annie Wills (2) is also deceased.
As a young man Ebenezer Johnson was a leader of
the choir in the church at Goshen, and later attended
the church at Exeter. He represented the town of
Lebanon in the State Legislature.
Ebenezer Johnson (2), son of Ebenezer and
father of Samuel, was born in Norwich, Feb. 14,
1797, and attended school in Lebanon, where his
parents moved when he was a small child. From
the time he was fifteen until he was twenty-two he
worked with his father at carpentering, after which
he engaged in farming on the home farm. He was
a well read man, thoroughly informed upon all cur-
rent topics of interest. In politics he was a Demo-
crat, and, following his father's example, represented
his town in the Legislature in 1847. His death
occurred in February, 1876, his burial being on the
twenty-ninth day of the month. His wife, Ruby,
daughter of Hosea Clark, of Lebanon, died at the
age of forty-nine, and was buried on Christmas day
in 1847. Their children were as follows: (1) Ed-
ward, born Nov. 12, 1820, died at the age of twenty-
seven. (2) Ruby Ann, born April I, 1823, married
Warren F. Manning, had two children — Mary Eva
and Harriet Johnson — and died in 1892. (3) Betsy
Clark, deceased, born April 20, 1824, married Benja-
min Congdon, and had three children : Elizabeth,
who died at the age of three years ; William Edward ;
and Ellen E., deceased. (4) Sarah Gifford, born
April 25, 1826, married Roger M. Williams and had
these children : Harriet, deceased ; Fannie, de-
ceased ; Arthur C. ; Julia ; Henry J. ; and Gilbert.
She died in 1900. (5) Harriet Experience, born
Oct. 15, 1828, died at the age of twenty-four. (6)
Nancy Maria, born Feb. 14, 183 1, married William
H. Morgan, and lives in Colchester, Conn. (7)
Chauncey Williams, born July 20, 1833, married
Harriet S. Allen, and had one child, Ruby. Air.
Johnson has at various times been the proprietor of
the "American House" and the "Wauregan House"
in Norwich ; the "Emmett House" in Chillicothe,
Ohio ; a hotel in Lexington, Ky. ; the "Dixon House"
at Westerly, R. I. ; the "Getty House" and the
"Wvnstay" at Yonkers, N. Y. ; the "Columbia
House" at Watch Hill; and the "Branford Point
House." He was in the lumber business in Leba-
non, Conn., for two years, was steward at the
"Plympton House" at Watch Hill, and is now pro-
prietor of the "Jefferson House," New Haven. (8)
Samuel, born Nov. 17, 1835, is mentioned below.
(9) Gilbert, born April 14, 1838, married Susie M.
Higgins, and had these children: Lillian M., de-
ceased ; Maud S. ; Gilbert, Jr. ; Charles, deceased ;
Stanley Clark ; and Charles LeRoy. Mr. Johnson
was clerk at the "Wauregan House" ; manager of
the "Atlantic House" at Watch Hill, for four years ;
manager of the "Plympton House" for eleven
years ; of the "Continental Hotel" at Narragansett
Pier for five seasons ; of the "Strickland House" at
New Britain, one year ; of the "Branford Point
House" two seasons ; of the "Holyoke House" for
four years ; and of the "United States Hotel" at
Newburgh, N. Y., for a time. For ten years he was
proprietor of the "Dixon House" at Westerly, R. I.,
until June 1, 1904, when he became proprietor of
the "Larkin House" and "Atlantic House" at Watch
Hill, R. I. (10) Henry Ebenezer, born March 11,
1841, married Julia L. Leach, had one child, William
Ebenezer, and died at the age of twenty-nine.
Samuel Johnson was born in Lebanon and there
attended school. At the age of seventeen he began
teaching in Norwich, receiving a salary of ten dol-
lars a month and "boarding round." For the next
ten years he continued teaching in the winter, and
doing farm work in the summer. Among the places
in which he taught were Farmingdale and Bayside,
Long Island. When he was twenty-seven years of
age he went into the grocery business in Norwich,
with his brothers, Chauncey and Gilbert. This firm,
known as Johnson Brothers, continued to. do busi-
ness for six years, after which Samuel and Gilbert
went into the coal business in Norwich, in which
they continued five years. Mr. Johnson then went
to farming again, carrying on the Starr farm at
Norwich for six years. He then bought a farm
in Preston, Conn., which he carried on until failing
health obliged him to give it up. During his resi-
dence in Preston Mr. Johnson served as justice of
the peace, collector of taxes, grand juror and on the
district school committee. In 1883 he traveled for
a Norwich pottery firm, and the next year took
charge of the "Strickland House," in New Britain,
for his brother. After this he was with his
brother in the "Dixon House," at Westerly, for
seven years, and in 1892 returned to New Britain,
and was for two years proprietor of the "Strickland
House." In 1894 he became steward of the "Con-
tinental Flotel" at Narragansett Pier, and the fol-
lowing year carried on the "Columbia House" at
Watch Hill. He then carried on a restaurant at
Yonkers, N. Y., for two and a half years, and in
1898 was at the "Branford Point House" with his
brother. The next year he bought a restaurant in
New York City, which he ran for a month, and then
went to Ansonia, Conn., where in May, 1900, he
became proprietor of the "Stillson House" and res-
taurant, which he conducted until Jan. 1, 1901. In
the spring of 1901 he became proprietor of the "Old
Lyme Inn" at Lyme, which he continues to conduct
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
563
with success. The inn has recently been remodeled
and renovated, many comforts and conveniences
having been added which make it more than ever
desirable to the pleasure seeker or guest. The
shade trees and cool, breezy verandas make it a de-
lightful summer stopping place, while the open fire
place and spacious sun parlor recommend it for
comfort in cooler weather. No pains are spared by
the proprietor to ensure the comfort and convenience
of his guests, and the picturesque location of the
town offers many inducements to those in search of
a. pleasant vacation place.
Mr. Johnson married (first) in Norwich, Sept.
2j, 1865, Harriet E. Crandall, by whom he had two
•children, Edward Crandall and Henry Downer. The
former, born Sept. 19, 1869, married Luella Pea-
body, and their children are : Walter P., born in
Washington, D. C, Sept. 3, 1898 ; Harriet Augusta,
born Aug. 14, 1900 ; and Emily Louise, born Dec. 7,
1903. Edward. Crandall Johnson graduated from
Norwich Free Academy and spent a year at Yale.
He has always been in the hotel business, was clerk
at the "Dixon House" in Westerly, R. I., at the
""Strickland House," in New Britain, and at the
■"Cochran House," in Washington, D. C, for four
\-ears. At present he is chief clerk of the "New
Haven House," in New Haven. Henry Downer
Johnson, born Feb. 22, 1872, married Alice C.
Lathrop, and their children are : Jonathan L., born
Dec. 14, 1899 ; Robert Ebenezer, born May 2, 1901 ;
and Henry Downer, Jr., born May 16, 1903. Henry
Downer Johnson was educated in Westerly, R. I.,
and at the Norwich Free Academy, of which he is a
graduate. He is a clerk in the Chelsea Savings
Bank of Norwich.
Mrs. Harriet E. (Crandall) Johnson died Nov.
19, 1880, and Mr. Johnson married (second) June
7, 1898, in New York City, Mrs. Lena Hosmer
King, daughter of John and Sophia (Fullagar)
Hosmer, the former a native of Kent, England,
where the family is an old and numerous one.
NAPOLEON DUCHETTE, a descendant of
an old French family, is a well known citizen of
Norwich, where he was for more than sixteen years
engineer for the Hopkins & Allen Manufacturing
Company. He came to Norwich in 1852, and in
1887 entered the employ of that noted company.
In the fifty years and more of his residence at Nor-
wich he has never had a day's illness, and has been
successful in all his undertakings.
John Duchette, father of Napoleon, was a na-
tive of the province of Quebec, Canada, where he
married Mary Ann Dodlar. They were the parents
of five children, as follows: Ellen, Eunice, Lucy,
Napoleon and Alfred. John Duchette was a car-
penter by occupation, and in 1838 moved to Ben-
nington, Yt., where he died the following year, and
was buried in the place of his adoption. His widow,
with her children, then returned to Canada, where
she passed the remainder of her life, dying in 1890,
at the good old age of eighty.
Napoleon Duchette was born at St. Charles,
Quebec, July 27, 1832, and was only seven years
old when his father died. On coming back to Can-
ada with his mother, he spent two years there with
an uncle, and then went to Greenwich, N. Y., where
he lived with another uncle, William Kibner. He
spent two years in this town, studying at odd
moments, and working in the mills, working thir-
teen hours a day. He then went to Lowell, Mass.,
and later tried his fortune in Waltham, working in
a cotton factory, and later in a bleach house. He
remained in Waltham until he was eighteen, and
then went to North Natick, Mass., where he spent
a year learning the trade of shoemaker. He then
established himself as a shoemaker at South Natick,
and continued in business there until 1852, when he
came to Norwich. There he entered the employ of
F. N. Treadway, and while there made the first coal
gas for illuminating purposes ever manufactured
in Norwich. After learning the plumbing and gas-
fitting business, under Mr. Treadway, he followed the
s«a for a time, being for a year mate on one of the
steamers of the Norwich, Stonington & Mystic Line,
and for two years fireman on one of those vessels.
He then took the position of engineer at the axe-
handle works, where he remained seven years.
After that he was employed for eight years in the
Chelsea machine works, then under the management
of the late Dr. Charles H. Osgood. From there
he went to the Norwich lockshop, conducted by
Gen. Aiken, where he remained for more than fif-
teen years. In 1887 he entered the employ of the
Hopkins & Allen Manufacturing Company, and was
chief engineer at their works until his retirement
more than sixteen years later.
On Jan. 25, 1848, before he was seventeen years
of age, Mr. Duchette married Margaret, daughter
of John McWhir, of Needham. Mrs. Duchette
was born Aug. 19, 1833, three months after the
death of her father. She is a lady of culture and
refinement, greatly devoted to her husband and chil-
dren, and is the center of attraction in their home.
Mr. and Mrs. Duchette have had a happy married
life of more than fifty-five years, and can say with
pride that the sun has never once set upon their
anger. Their golden wedding was celebrated with
much rejoicing, Jan. 25, 1898, and they were the
recipients of many handsome and costly gifts from
their hosts of friends. Seven children were born
to this union: (1) Joseph N., a resident of New
London, married Mary Fish, of Mystic, and has
three children: Julius C, a druggist in Hartford,
who married Mamie McVeigh, of Westerly; Min-
nie, who married Albert D. Smith, of Hartford;
and Frank R., a resident of Waterbury, who mar-
ried Elizabeth Teller, of Waterbury. (2) John
died young. (3) Mary Anna married Ashley T.
Boon, of Norwich, a direct descendant of one of the
564
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
original founders of that town. They have one son,
Dr. George A. Boon, a successful dentist in New
York City, who married Minnie Bell, of that city.
(4) Lillie M. married (first) Frank Smith, of Bos-
ton, and (second) Richard O. Libby, president of
the Libby Manufacturing Co., New York City.
(5) Edwin B., a resident of Cortland, N. Y., mar-
ried Annie Bachelder, of Baltimore, and has two
children, Ella May and Edwin. (6) Dolly died in
1862. (7) Robert McWhir died at his father's
home in Norwich, Feb. 8, 1892. He was born
in Norwich Feb. 4, 1863, and spent much of his
life there as a clerk. He followed the same calling
in New London for a good many years and was for
several years commissioner of the Superior Court of
Connecticut. For some time past he had been a
successful insurance agent in Boston . He was a
member and past grand of Pequot Lodge of Odd
Fellows of New London. He was energetic and
industrious, was a pleasant person to meet, and had
many friends in Norwich and New London. He
married Alice Morrisey, of New London, and had
two children, Robert A. and Marie Alice.
As before mentioned, Napoleon Duchette has
been for more than fifty years a resident of Nor-
wich, where he is one of the most highly respected
citizens. His success has been achieved through
hard work and strict attention to business. He
built his fine home on Chestnut street, which cost
over $8,000, and he also owns the adjoining house
and land. He has known what hard work meant
from early boyhood, and being denied much school-
ing in the regular way has given himself a good
education by close reading and observation. He
keeps himself posted on all current matters, and is
a well-informed man on all topics of general inter-
est. In politics he is stanchly Republican, but in
no sensean office-seeker. He is a strong Spiritualist
in religious belief, as he has been since early
boyhood. Mrs. Duchette is a member of
the Universalist Church. After serving more
than sixteen years as chief engineer of the
Hopkins & Allen Manufacturing Company's
plant, Mr. Duchette retired from active life,
and with the companionship of his wife, he is
enjoying the competency accumulated by persistent
and faithful application to a trade, of which he is
a master in every detail. The frequent visits of his
children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren,
serve to vary the monotony of the evening of life,
as he travels toward the land of never ending day.
SIMEON BREED WILLIAMS, son of Wil-
liam Coit Williams and Nancy Breed, was born in
Norwich, Conn., Feb. 3, 1815. He left his home in
1 83 1 at the early age of sixteen to join an uncle in
Pittsburg. It took him ten days to make this jour-
ney, going by stage to Essex Ferry on the Connecti-
cut river ; by steamboat to New York and to South
Amboy, N. J. ; thence by stage to Bordentown, N.
J. ; by steamboat to Philadelphia, Pa., and to Balti-
more, Md. ; thence by stage across the state of Penn-
sylvania and over the Allegheny mountains to Pitts-
burg. He remained there until about 1840, for four
years employed in the dry-goods business of his
uncle, George Breed, and later in the commission
house of Atwood & Jones. During this time he
went on a collecting tour by steamboat down the
Ohio river, and up the Mississippi, Illinois and Wa-
bash ; traveling by stage and on horseback through-
out the interior of Kentucky, Indiana and Illinois.
In 1844 he removed to Cincinnati, Ohio, where he
was engaged in mercantile and manufacturing busi-
ness. There he married, June 29, 1848, Cornelia
Johnston (daughter of William Sage Johnston, of
that city, and Clarina Bartow, of Westchester, N.
Y.), and they had six children: (1) Clarina John-
ston (married June 17, 1873, Moses Lewis Scudder,
and had four sons, Marvyn, Harold, Philip John-
ston, and Lawrence Williams), (2) Mary Breed,
(3) Anna Perkins, (4) Cornelia Bartow, (5) Lillie,
and (6) Lawrence, president of the Oliver Type-
writer Company (married Sept. 20, 1883, Adele Hol-
brook Wheeler, and had four children, Cornelia,
Dorothy, Lawrence, Jr., and Wheeler).
In 1865 Mr. Williams removed with his family
to Chicago (making his home in the suburb of Lake
Forest), and for many years occupied himself with
real estate transactions. In 1887 he sold his resi-
dence in the country and moved into the city. He
was very fond of travel, and besides being familiar
with his own country (including Alaska) had vis-
ited Mexico and made several trips to Europe. It
was while he was abroad in 1902 that he died, Sept.
3d, in his eighty-eighth year, in Berlin, Germany.
Mr. Williams reached a ripe old age. His reverend
and beautiful face and fine physique made him a
striking personality, and his intelligence and mental
alertness and widespread interest in the work of the
world, were unusual in a man of his years. He was
a true friend in his interest and generosity, ever
ready with the helping hand in encouragement and
aid ; and his uniformly kind and courteous manner
marked him a true gentleman of the Old School.
As he grew venerable, he retained not only the
physical, but the intellectual, vigor of a far younger
man. His noble life, well rounded out in years and
good example, could not fail to leave its impress on
those about him.
Although so early removed from the home of
his boyhood, Mr. Williams was always loyal to Nor-
wich and made frequent pilgrimages there as to a
shrine that he loved. He took a vital interest in the
place of his birth and the numerous friends and re-
latives there. His ancestry includes many of the
pioneers and settlers, not only of Norwich, but of
all New London county and of many Massachu-
setts towns as well, as will be seen by referring to
the chart shown herewith.
Williams. — Ancestry of Simeon Breed Wil-
liams. (I) John Williams, born about 1600, emi-
grated in 1633 (probably) from Newbury, Eng-
c^
mAr \y
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
56-
land : settled first at Newbury, Mass., on the Merri-
mac river; was one of the petitioners in 1640 (with
Rev. John Ward and others) to found a new town,
Haverhill ; was admitted freeman there in 1642; and
in 1667, received his share of the town lands, as one
of the original proprietors of Haverhill.
(II) Joseph Williams (1647-1720) — took the
Colonial oath in Haverhill, Mass., in 1677 ; removed
to Norwich, Conn., and settled on Poquetannock
creek, Brewster's Neck. His name is included in
the list of Norwich citizens, in 1702, as a "whole-
share man, respecting lands."
(III) Capt. John Williams (1680-1742) re-
moved with his father from Haverhill, Mass., to
Norwich, Conn. ; was one of three Norwich citizens
appointed in 1734 to present a petition to the Gen-
eral Assembly with reference to holding the Su-
preme Court in Norwich, as well as New London ;
was commissioned by General Assembly at Hartford
as lieutenant in 1721 ; and captain in 1735.
(IV) Capt. Joseph Williams (1723- 1776) was a
wealth}- merchant in Norwich, Conn. ; was commis-
sioned by the General Court at Hartford as ensign
in 1746; lieutenant in 1754; and captain in 1758. In
1774, he removed to the township of Brattleboro, on
the Hampshire Grants, thus being one of the pio-
neer settlers of Vermont. Five of his sons served
in the war of the Revolution.
(V) Gen. Joseph Williams (1753-1800) was
with the Connecticut troops at New York in 1776,
and later engaged in fitting out armed vessels from
Norwich and New London. In one of these he made
a voyage to the West Indies, had action with a Brit-
ish cruiser, came off winner and became a popular
hero. After the peace he took an active part in or-
ganizing the Connecticut militia, and became major,
colonel and brigadier general (the highest rank in
the State). He was an influential member of the
Connecticut Legislature (1791-1798) and was in-
terested in the settlement of the Western Reserve in
Ohio ; was incorporator and director of the Norwich
and New London Union Bank in 1792; also of the
Norwich Bank, organized in 1796. His industry
and enterprise were untiring. His vessels traded
with the West Indies and with Europe. He was a
friend and correspondent of Gen. Washington, Gen.
Putnam and Gov. Trumbull ; and was buried with
militarv honors.
(VI) Capt. William Coit Williams (1781-1818),
drowned at sea March 9, 18 18, was a ship owner and
master, and as such visited many parts of the world.
Many of his letters are in the possession of his
family, and are of great interest. He married
Nancy Breed, daughter of Shubael Breed (V).
(I) Edward Fuller and (II) Samuel Fuller
(1608-1683) came in the "Mayflower" in 1620. Ed-
ward and his wife Ann died the first winter (1621)
and (II) Samuel, then a lad of twelve years, was
left to the care of his uncle. Dr. Samuel Fuller (who
proved to be one of the most valuable members of
that primitive community and memorable as being
the first physician who came to New England). The
Colony recognized (II) Samuel's claims upon it, for
in the division of land, in 1624, three shares were
apportioned to him. In 1634 he was made freeman
of the colony. In 1635 he removed from Plymouth
to Scituate, where he married Jane, daughter of
Rev. John Lothrop. He was constable in 1641, and
his name occurs frequently as juryman and on com-
mittees ; and he was one of the thirty-eight "pur-
chasers." He was the only one of the "May flower"
passengers who settled in Barnstable, whither he
removed from Scituate in 1641-1644.
(II) Rev. John Lothrop (1584-1653) was the pio-
neer and founder of the Lothrop family in America.
He had an eventful career; was graduated at Cam-
bridge; removed to Edgerton, Kent County, where
he was curate of the parish. In 1623 he espoused the
cause of the Independents and was called to the
First Independent Church in Southwark, London
(to succeed Henry Jacob), and was there eight
years. In 1632 he was taken prisoner under Arch-
bishop Laud. Forty-five members of his church
were also apprehended for unlawful meetings. He
was confined in the old Clink Prison in Newgate,
and in the Gate House, and lingered there for
months. He was brought before Laud, with others
of his congregation, in 1634. The prisoner peti-
tioned for his release, under promise to go into for-
eign exile. This was granted him and his congre-
gation, and upon their release they sailed for Boston,
Mass., where they arrived in September, 1634. He
settled first at Scituate ; later removed with most of
his congregation to Barnstable. During the four-
teen years he was pastor there, such was his influence
over the people that the power of the civil magis-
trate was not needed to restrain crime. His daugh-
ter Jane, born in England, became the wife of (II)
Samuel Fuller, of the "Mayflower."
(III) Samuel Lathrop (1622-1701) came to
America with his father and was at Boston, Sci-
tuate and Barnstable. In 1648 he removed to New
London, Conn, (then Pequot), with John Winthrop,
Jr., and party, and at once became an important citi-
zen. He was assigned to places of responsibility and
honor, in conjunction with John Winthrop, Jr.,
Lieut. Thomas Minor, Lieut. James Avery and
Jonathan Brewster. In 1668 he removed to Nor-
wich, where he was chosen constable in 1673-1682,
and townsman in 1685 — dignified local offices in
those days.
(V) Capt. Ebenezer Lathrop (1 703-1 781) was
a man of note both in civil and military affairs. He
was commissioned as ensign in 1740; lieutenant in
1742; and captain in 1745. He was captain of mili-
tia (Col. Latimer's Regiment) at Saratoga in 1777.
His daughter (VI) Sarah married (V) Capt Will-
iam Coit, and his daughter (VI) Anna married
Jabez Perkins. 3d.
(continued on page 570).
ANCESTRY OF CAPT. WILLIAM COIT WILLIAMS, 1781-1818, FATHER OF SIMEON BREED WILLIAMS.
John Williams, imujM [ JoS(.|ih WM,lamS| ml_17,0
Bdwart) Fuller, I
Pa U u Hov t. -1621 i Samuel Fuller, 1608-1683
Thomas Lothrop,
, Ann, -l&il
■1006 Rev. John Lothrop. i
1 15S4-16G3 f Jane Lathrop.
Mary Puller
1644-1780
Capt. John Williams.
16S0-1712
Win. Knowlton
Ann Elizabeth Smith.
-1682 ' Wm. Knowlton, 1615-1055 ( Thomas Knowlton
Tl ■'■■■■ ( h een
Elisabeth
I Ha mi. iii i ireen.
-1058 i
1640-1717 I Mary Knowlton. 1681-1749
1C49- J
Capl Joseph Williams.
1723-1776
Thomas Wheeler. 1602-1686 [
RobeD Chaplin
John Oallop
Crabbe
Mary.
. Robert Parke, 15S5-1605 | _. _ , ,_-
j Martha Chaplin. [ Thomas Parke, -1709
John Thompson, -1627 I _ .. _. _ ,.„,
Alice. ,- Dorothy Thompson, 1624-
' Capt, John Gallup, -1648 I Capl John Gallup
1 Chrlstohel, -1655 [ 1615-
, l .i.i. \VI,.,],i, 1610-1712
1
1 William Wheeler, 16SI-1747
Mail ha Parke,
John Lake
M " arel Reade,
Hannah Lake.
1615-1C76 { Benailam Gallup, 1655-1727
Hannah Gallup, 16S3-1754
Eunice Wheeler, 1727-1801
?i
Valentine Prentice, -1633 I John Prentice
Alice. ( Hester.
John Colt,
Mary Jenners,
15%:!^ \ Joscph Co,t'
•1681 [ Bather Prentice. 1660-1751 j
Rev. Joseph Coit, 1673-1750
-~- "jprnns Harris. lOTl-MO William Harris, -1717 i Martha Harris
wn Ellzal.itli -1070 ' Edith, -lili (
o\
S> Thomas Wheeler, 1602-16S6 ( Isaac Wheeler
Mary. 1
f Thomas Parke, -1709 ,
Robert Parke
Martha Chaplin
John Thompson
Alice
-1627 I Dorothy Thompson, 1624-
Martha Parka
-1704
-1710
1646-
1646-
i Col. Samuel Colt, 170S-1792 I
ICxpeilenee Wheeler.
1685-1709
Edward Spalding, 1670 i
Rachel ot Chelmsford ( Benjamin Spalding.
' 1613-1708 V Benjamin Spalding.
Henry Parwell. 1670 i „„ _ „ I 161
Olive -1691 ( Olive Farwell,
M.nv
Hall
Stephen Hall.
Mary.
Sarah Hall.
Sarah Spalding, 1711-1776
Capt. William Colt.
1735-1821
i i in i Lothrop
law: I Hev. John Lothrop. | Samuel Lathrop, 1622-1701 I Israel Lathron ifivi 1711
■1606 ( 1584-1653 J Elizabeth Scudder. | '-atnrop,
Thog. Bliss, 1580-1650 | Thomas Bliss.
Margaret Lawrence, -1KS4 1 [SUzabeth,
"l'6oii f Rel>ect'a Bliss,
C
1737 I
apt. Ebenezer Lathrop.
1703-17S1
Lieut. Thos. Lefflngwell, 1
1622-1714 . Thomas Lcllliigwell
Miiy White, -17U I 1649-1724
Francis Bushnell -1646 } K'«"ard Bushnell,^
Ma 1 1 hew Marvyn,
1600-1678-
Elizabeth
S-80 •
Mary Bushnell, 1654-1745
I 'i a Thomas Lefflngwell.
1674-1733
.Maiv Marvyn.
Lydia Lefflngwell.
Sarah Lathrop, 1735-1780 J
Uei't,Ma£naPy' m<i~1(** i Solomon Tracy 1661-1788 J I-ydla Tracy. 1677-175;
Simon Huntington -1633 ', Dea. S. Huntington
• ii
John . i i -1673 \ Sarah Clarke
1629- 170G (
1633-1721
I Sarah Huntington.
- ■ ■ IANC) I . i< I
Allen i ■ ■ >■'
John Denyson,
Agnes
Richard Oils,
William Thomas,
Kebecca Short
"™ I w Denlson, 1571-1653 i
* Margaret Chandler, J. George Denlson, 1620-1694
-1645 ,
1601-1692 J Mary .iC7i I John Dreed.
2X!2:.PSS*P J5S5-1661 I ""Shorn Palmer. 1643-1719 ,
Gershom Breed, 1715-1777
Mercy Palmer, 166S-1752
John Borrowdale
-1611 {■ John otis.
1 Margaret,
of Cork, f Anne Borrowdale,
15S1-1657 \ John Otis.
-ifiKt '
Nicholas Jacob
Mary
-1657 I Mary Jacob
■MB I N»U"u"e' ThomaSico6-1674 I ™»*> Nathaniel Thomas
lis Jacob.
Alary,
Deborah Jacob, 1648-1696
John Perkins. 1590-1654 I Jaco,( PerklnSi im.11W
JutlUn i llzabeth i.ovell. 1629-1686
Ann Denlson,
Rev. John McLaren
Edinburgh, i667-i734
Agnes
Judge Joseph Otis.
Dorothy Thomas, 1670-1755
Capt. Jabez Perkins, let
1677-1742
h
Rev. John Lothrop
1584-1653 [■ S. Lathrop, 1st 162:
EUlsabeth Scudder
-1701 |
. Samuel Lathrop, 2d,
i 1651
1650-1732
Thomas Adgate, 1620-1707 J Hannah Adgate, 1653-1695
Hannah Lathrop,
^■v Thomas Leonard
"* Robt, Micks,
I James Leonard, -1691 f
* Margaret -1701 f MaJ. Thos. Leonard,
... , lftM1.M , 1041-1713 ^ KiKanah Leonard,
George Watson, 1C02-16S9
i .- Mary Watson, 1641-1723
1580-1648 ). Phebe Hicks, -1655 .
Margaret Winslow, (
William Hodges, -1654
Henry Andrews,
Mary 1610
Capt. John Gallop
Chrlstohel
John Lake,
Margaret Reade,
Thomas Lothrop,
-1653
Mary Andrews, 1631-1*
'■■>i |
700 f
-1649 ',- John Gallup,
Hannah Lake,
Capt. Henry Hodges,
1652-1717
Esther Gallup. 1653-
Charity Hodges,
-1606 !■ ltov- John Lothrop
?c«,i km ' Samuel Lathrop. 1st, i . _ ..
1584-1653 r 1628-1701 >■ Israel Lathrop,
' Elizabeth Scudder 1
Thomas Bliss, 1555-1640 f Thomas Bliss. 1580-1650 ,
Margaret Lawrence, r Thomas Bliss. -1688 I Rebecca Bliss, 1663-1737
Klizab.lh f
Francis Bushnell,
Kebecca ,
Mathew Marvyn,
l;1"'" "«Th.°B- Ler»ngwell | Thoma8 Lpfflnffwell.
Wan W Bit*, -1711 ( 1649-1724
aiehard Itushnell, 1620-1658 I
WH • BO &fan aarvyn, 1826-1718
Mary Bushnell. II
Simon Huntington^
Margaret Boret,
John Clarke,
1 i.ui T. Tracy, 1610-1686 . Solomon Tracy, 1651-1732
I \\ Idow) Mason \
ieio-1633 Dea Simon Huntington,
-1673 I Sarah Clarke,
1629-1700 | sarah Huntington,
1633-1721 f 1654'1C83
Dea. Thos. Lefflngwell,
1674-1733
Lydia Tracy,
atrlck McLaren,
Dorothy Otis,
Dorothy McLaren,
Jabez Perkins, 2d,
Rebecca Leonard, 1706-1788
Jabez Perkins, 3d.
Capt. Khenezer Lathrop,
1703-1781
Lydia Lefflngwell,
\ rin.i i ..ii hrop,
1706-1766 '
00
ANCESTRY OF WILLIAM SAGE JOHNSTON, 1791-1869, FATHER OF CORNELIA JOHNSTON.
Thomas Johnston
Thomas Johnston
Benjamin Thwlng i
D) bopah WM«n (- Edward Thwlng 1662-17W
Dr. Comfort Starr
DIlHLbstb
1S95-165S
Edmund Welt
-160S
Nicholas Clap
John wiicox
l lr. Thomae Slarr -1C5S
Rachel
I I :ap1 Joseph uvm.
f 1686 1646
Christopher Lnwson
David Sage 1688-1708
,,-,, ' Elizabeth Wilcox 1646-1660
Sllzabetb Lawson
(. John
Benjamin Thwlng
Bathahaba I'ason
Baths:
helm 1'hwlng
1726-
Sage
Klienezei- SuKe 1709-174S
Barbara Clap
Thomas Coleman
John Porter
Hose
1698-1674
-164S
Comfort Starr. 1644 1693
Marali Weld,
John Coleman lt;3.">-1711
I Hannah Porter 1648-1877
Hannah Starr 1673-74-1763
l.'. if John Coleman
1669-1708
John Wright, 1677-1610
Grace Glascock
Elder William Goodwin,
1.-.9S-H7H I
• Thomas Wright, 1610-1670 I James Wright
Hannah Coleman 1794-
\\ eel
Mary
-1676 t Dorcas Weed
Capt. Giles Hamlin
1682-1689
Jo row. i 1686 I iip,*,,,. ,,,.„„
I ii, Hi Goodwin, f "esrei L'ow
Ilea. Edward Collins
Rev. Nathaniel Collins
1641-1684
.m.i.i. William Wnltlng
Susannah,
»1M I Mary wiiltine -1709
s3 a
If
l-° W
E *
2 i?
Christopher Christophers , Hon Rk,,,.„„ rjhrlsto-
Mary,
Peter Bradley
.lopner.s i
1631-1687 '-
1621-1676 |
pliers
Hannah Wright 1711
Hon. John Hamlin.
1658-1732-33
Mary Collins 1666-1722
Hon. Christopher Chris-
tophers 1683-1728
Col. Jabez Hamlin
1709-1791
Jonathan Brewster
1593-1659
Lucretla Oldham
-167S-9
William Pront 1688-1664
Susan Lambert
Lucretla Bradley
Elizabeth Brewster
1638-1708
1660-1691
)•
Capt. Timothy Prout
1620-1702
Margaret
Henry Rutherford
Capt. John ProuUG4!>-1719
Mury Christophers
1714-1736
Surah Prout
Sarah
_ieM I Mary (Rutherford) Hall
Gen. Comfort Sage
1781-1799
Sarah Hamlin 1730-1799
(Sen. Bei taul
John Burroughs
John Atwater
Susan
Roger Pi
ANCESTRY OF CLARINA BARTOW, 1798-1846, MOTHER OF CORNELIA JOHNSTON.
Peter Bartow
t Alice Burroughs
Edward Butson
-1619
Petei Bartow
Elizabeth Butson
Anthony Snell
Henry Miller
Dr. ThotnaS Bartow
1636-1691
■ Grace Sm U 1650-1676
Hon. John Reld 1656
Uare Lrel Miller, 1644-1728
Rev. John Bartow
11,-73-1726-27
■i. !
Basil Bartow 1720-17S4
John Punderson -1681 i i .
Margarel I John Punderson 1643-172it \ Thomas Punderson^ i
David Atwater 1816-1692 J Damarls Atwater 1649-1711 |
Wllham Bradley -7691
Una Reld 1681-1769
I ti i Ibenezer Punderson
1705-1764
Uea. Abram Bradley
1650-171
( Alice Prltchard
John Thompson -1974 , Hannah Thompson
hJllen Harrison f L654-1718
l Lieut, Thomas Mum - ,
| 1 1 .. i L690
hlphralm Miner 1642-
Clement Miner
Sarah Pope
Walter Palmer, 15*5-1661 J ■ ;,,,,,. Palmer, 1608-1691
Christopher Avery i Oapt Jam* k.vei i
1;VHJ-1,;T" I , 1620-1700 I Hannah Avery „,,,-
Joanna Grei nal Lde
-ltM
Richard Stevens
Thomas Lincoln, -1684 I Mary (Lincoln) Hack
f 1642-
-1619 | Fe(er 1}artow 16U8-
Lydla Bradley 1C75-
Efiphralra Miner 1668-
MBJJ Si. v. -ns 1672-
Hannah Miner 1718-179!
Clarina Punderson
*0 Peter Bartow
Alice Burroughs
Dr. Thomas I
1636-1691
Udward Butson
K Elizabeth Butson
Anthony Bnell
ftev John Bartow
1678-1726-27
Henry Miller
Rev. John Pell 1585-1816 t &»v. ™ Hon. JolmFell^
i ;,,,,,■ Snell 1650-1676
Hun. John Reld 1665-
1 Margaret Miller L644-172S \
. Sir John Pell 1643-1702
i heophllus i ii w
'. Helino Reld L881-1769
Hem j, Reg Inollei
( iamai Reglnolli b
Philip Pirn i in
Thomas Pell
1675-1739
Rachel Plnckney
Indian Sachem ol Wl Bt- I Ann
cheater f
Bathshebs Pell
Sarnardus Ryder
John Bartow 1740-1S16
5/0
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
(I) Thomas Wheeler (1602-1686) emigrated to
this country in 1635, settling first at Lynn, Mass.,
was made freeman there in 1642 ; removed to Ston-
ington, Conn., in 1667, was made freeman there in
1669; chosen commissioner by the General Court
in 1669 ; and deputy for Stonington in 1673.
(Ill) William Wheeler (1681-1747) was the first
white child born in Stonington.
(I) Robert Parke (1585-1665) emigrated from
Preston, England, in 1630; returned to England the
same year, carrying an order from the governor of
Massachusetts to his son John in England to pay
money, probably the first bill of exchange drawn in
America. On his return to America Robert Parke
settled with his son Thomas in Wethersfield, Conn. ;
was admitted freeman there in 1640 ; was deputy to
the General Court in 1641, 1642; and juror 1641-
1643. He removed to Pequot (now New London)
in 1649. He finally settled at Mystic, in Stonington.
He and his son Thomas served in the Colonial wars.
(II) Capt. John Gallop came to America in
1630; settled in Boston, Mass., and became a large
landowner there. He was a skillful mariner. He
obtained a colonial and later a national reputation by
a successful encounter with the Indian murderers of
John Oldham. This has been called the first naval
battle on the Atlantic coast, and was the beginning
of the great Pequot war.
(III) Capt. John Gallup, 2d, (1615-1676), emi-
grated to this country in 1633 ; in 1640 he went to
Taunton (then a part of Plymouth Colony) ; in
1651 to New London, Conn.; and in 1654 to Ston-
ington, settling upon a grant of land given him by
New London in 1653, in recognition of the dis-
tinguished services of himself and father during the
Pequot war. He represented the town at the General
Court in 1665 and 1667. I11 King Philip's war he
was in the fearful "Swamp Fight" (Dec. 19, 1675)
at Narragansett, and fell with five other captains in
that memorable battle.
(Ill) Rev. Joseph Coit (1673-1750) was the first
native of New London, Conn., to receive a collegiate
education; was graduated at Harvard in 1697, and
admited to a Master's Degree at the first Commence-
ment of Yale College in 170 1. He preached in Nor-
wich in 1698; and was settled pastor in Plainfield,
1 705- 1 748.
(IV) Col. Samuel Coit (1708- 1792) removed
from Plainfield to Griswold (Preston), where he
spent a long and honored life. In 1758 he had com-
mand of a regiment (raised in the neighborhood of
Norwich) that wintered at Fort Edward. He rep-
resented Preston in the General Assembly in 1761,
1765, 1769, 1771, 1772, 1775 ; sat as Judge on the
Bench of the County Court, and of a Maritime Court
in the time of the Revolution; in 1774 was moder-
ator of the Town meeting on the Boston Port Bill,
and one of the Preston Committee on Correspon-
dence. He was excused from active service in the
Revolution because of his age, but owing to his mili-
tary experience he was attached to the reserves
under Saltonstall with the rank of colonel.
(V) Capt. William Coit (1735-1821) was a
shipmaster and merchant in Norwich. He served
in the Revolutionary war, was commissioned as
lieutenant in April, 1780, and captain in July of the
same year. His daughter (VI) Abigail married
(V) General Joseph Williams.
(I) Lieut. Thomas Leffingwell (1622-1714) ap-
peared in Saybrook, Conn., in 1637. In 1645 ne
gave relief to Uncas, the Mohegan Sachem, when
closely besieged by the Narragansetts. For this
service Uncas gave him a deed to the township of
Norwich. He removed to Norwich in 1659, was
sergeant until 1672, ensign until 1676, and lieutenant
thereafter. He was one of the local judges of the
Court of Commission, and was representative in
the Connecticut General Court fifty-three sessions
(1662-1700). He was in King Philip's war in 1676,
and was one of Queen Anne's Royal Commission-
ers in 1704. His great-granddaughter (IV) Lydia,
married (V) Capt. Ebenezer Lathrop.
(I) Lieut. Thomas Tracy (1610-1685) came
from Gloucestershire, England, emigrating to New-
England in 1636 ; was first at Salem, Mass. ; then
at Wethersfield, Conn., Saybrook, and finally settled
at Norwich, where he officiated on all important
committees, and as surveyor, moderator and towns-
man. He was chosen twenty-seven times as deputy
to the General Court (1662-1684). In 1666 he was
chosen as ensign of the train-band (the first one or-
ganized in Norwich) ; in 1673 became lieutenant
of the New London County Dragoons, Capt. James
Avery's company, and was quartermaster of Drag-
oons in King Philip's War in 1675. In 1678 he was
appointed on the Commission of the Peace and as
Justice.
(II) Dr. Solomon Tracy (1651-1732) was one of
six sons who were all active and leading men in the
early history of Norwich. He was a physician and
filled the offices of townsman and constable ; was
frequently elected representative to the General As-
sembly, serving in 171 1 as clerk of the House, and
in 1717 as speaker. In 1698 he was chosen ensign
of the train-band and in 1701 was appointed lieu-
tenant.
(I) Walter Palmer (1585-1661) emigrated in
1628; went first to Salem, Mass., and was one of
the founders of Charlestown, building the first dwell-
ing-house there. With William Cheeseborough and
others he removed to Plymouth Colony and founded
Rehoboth, where he was elected as first represen-
tative to the General Court at Plymouth. With his
son-in-law, Lieut. Thomas Minor, he joined William
Cheeseborough and Thomas Stanton in their new
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
571
settlement at Stonington, Conn., and his name is on
the monument erected there in memory of these
four early settlers.
(I) Allen Bread (1601-1692) came to this coun-
try with Gov. Winthrop and party in 1630, and
was one of the founders of Lynn, Mass., and one of
the original grantees of Southampton, L. I., 1640.
(IV) Gershom Breed (17 15- 1777) removed from
Stonington to Norwich about 1750; was a shipping
merchant and importer, and in 1774 captain of mili-
tia. He was the great-great-grandfather of Presi-
dent Timothy Dwight, of Yale College.
(Ill) Capt. George Denison (1620-1694) emi-
grated to New England with his father in 1631, set-
tling first in Roxbury, Mass. In 1643 ne returned
to England, where he won distinction, serving under
Cromwell in the army of the Parliament. He came
back to Roxbury in 1645 '■> removed to the Pequot
settlement (now New London) in 165 1 ; and in
1654 settled in Stonington on land still owned by
some of his descendants. He was a frequent repre-
sentative at the General Court at Hartford (1671-
1694) and for forty years a trusted military leader
against the Indians and was the most distinguished
soldier of Connecticut in her early settlement (ex-
cepting only Major John Mason).
(I) Rev. John McLaren (1667-1734) was an
eminent minister of Tolbooth Church, St. Giles'
Cathedral, Edinburgh. His son (II) Patrick emi-
grated to America and was a merchant in Middle-
town, Conn. He married (V) Dorothy Otis.
(IV) Judge Joseph Otis (1665-1754), born in
Scituate, Mass., was Judge of the Court of Com-
mon Pleas for Plymouth Colony (1703-1714) and
deputy to the General Court in 1710, 1713. He re-
moved to New London, North Parish (now Mont-
ville), Conn., in 1721, where he was much in public
employment ; moderator of town meetings and on
parish and church committees almost yearly. His
daughter (V) Dorothy married Patrick McLaren,
son of (I) Rev. John McLaren.
(I) William Thomas (1574-1651) was one of
the merchant adventurers (1620-1627) and one of
the founders of New Plymouth Colony ; was deputy
from Barnstable in 1641 and from Marshfield in
1646; was chosen Assistant in 1642-1651, and one of
the Council of War in 1642.
(II) Capt. Nathaniel Thomas (1606-1674) emi-
grated with his father; was deputy for Marshfield
in 1642; ensign in 1640; lieutenant in 1643; an<^
captain in 1644.
(III) Judge Nathaniel Thomas (1643-1718) was
a member of the town council in Marshfield. Mass.,
in 1675 ; lieutenant in King Philip's War in 1675 ;
deputy for Marshfield eight times (1672-1692) ; on
Council of War, 1681-1685 ! captain of militia, 1681 ;
associate for Plymouth, 1685 and 1690; clerk of the
County Court of 1639; Judge of Probate for Plym-
outh county, 1702, 1707; Judge of Court of Com-
mon Pleas, 1692-1712; and Justice of the Superior
Court, 1712-1718.
(Ill) Capt. Jabez Perkins, 1st (1677-1742), was
admitted an inhabitant of Norwich in 1701 ; and in
1 72 1 was commissioned by the General Court as
captain.
(V) Jabez Perkins, 3d (1728-1795), was cap-
tain's clerk on the State man-of-war in 1778; con-
tractor and dispenser of public stores ; Gov. Trum-
bull's "right hand man" during the whole Revolu-
tionary war and one of the perpetual "Council of
Safety." His daughter (VI) Lydia married (V)
Shubael Breed.
(Ill) Major Thomas Leonard (1641-1713) em-
igrated with his father (II) James from Wales in
1643, ar,d became a distinguished person in
Plymouth and Massachusetts colonies. He was ap-
pointed by the General Court as ensign in Taunton,
in 1665; captain in 1690; major in 1709; Judge of
the Quarter Sessions, 1685-1713 ; Associate for Bris-
tol County, in 1685 and 1690 ; Justice of the Peace ;
Justice of the Court of Common Pleas, 1702-1715;
and deputy for eight sessions.
(I) Robert Hicks (1580-1648) came in the "For-
tune" in 162 1, his wife and children in the "Ann"
in 1623.
(II) Capt. Henry Hodges (1652-1717) was a
leading man in the early settlement of Taunton,
Mass. ; was deputy to General Court for five years ;
selectman twenty-eight years ; was commissioned as
ensign in 1690, and as captain in 1703.
(I) Thomas Bliss (1580-1650) was a wealthy
landowner of Belstone Parish, Devonshire, England ;
espoused the Puritan and Parliamentary side in the
civil and religious troubles of the reign of Charles
I, and suffered imprisonment and loss of property on
account of his opinions. His two sons emigrated to
America in 1635.
(I) Francis Bushnell ( 1646) was one of
the early settlers of Guilford, Conn., and signed the
Plantation Covenant.
(I) Mathew Marvyn (1600-1678-80) was an
original settler and proprietor in Hartford, Conn.,
and one of the pioneers at Norwalk.
(I) Simon Huntington (1610-1633) was a noted
572
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
Puritan in Norwich, England, who for the sake of
unmolested worship emigrated to America in 1633.
(II) Simon Huntington (1629-1706) came with
his parents from England in 1633, joined the colon-
ists in 1660, who settled in Norwich, Conn., and
stood among the first both in church and state of
that important settlement.
John Clarke ( 1673) was an early settler
at Cambridge, Mass. ; was made freeman there in
1632; removed to Hartford, Conn., about 1636;
fought against the Pequot Indians in 1637 ; was
juror in 1641 ; was deputy to nearly every session
of the General Court at Hartford, first from Hart-
ford and afterward from Saybrook (1641-1665);
was one of the patentees of the Royal Charter in
1662; removed to Milford in 1665 and represented
that town for some years, and was ruling elder in
the church there in 1672. He was one of the most
influential settlers in the Colonv.
(V) CORNELIA JOHNSTON, the wife of
Simeon Breed Williams, was also of Connecticut and
Massachusetts lineage. We give herewith her an-
cestry.
(II) Thomas Johnston, Jr. (1708- 1767), a mem-
ber of the Ancient and Honorable Artillery Com-
pany, Boston, Mass., was an escutcheon-maker, en-
graver, and artist of much repute; also one of the
earliest New England organ builders. He is buried
in King's Chapel burving-ground. He married
(IV) Bathsheba Thwing.
(III) Major Samuel Johnston (1756-1794), of
Boston, Mass., and Middletown, Conn., was adju-
tant, 3d Battalion, Wadsworth's Brigade (com-
manded by his father-in-law, Col. Comfort Sage),
in 1776; adjutant and brigadier major, Col. Sher-
burne's regiment, 1777- 1779. He married (Y)
Sarah Sage:
I IV) William Sage Johnston (1791-1869), born
at Middletown, Conn., commenced his business ca-
reer in New London, and removed in 1817 to Cin-
cinnati, Ohio, where he had a long and honorable
career. In 1865, he moved with the family of his
daughter (V. Cornelia Johnston Williams)" to Chi-
cago and Lake Forest, 111. He married Carina
Bartow, of Westchester, New York.
(I) Benjamin Thwing (1619-1672) emigrated
from London in 1635 ; was admitted townsman
Boston, Mass., 1642 ; and was proprietor in Water-
town and Concord.
(IV) Bathsheba Thwing married (II) Thomas
Johnston, Jr.
(I) David Sage (1639-1703) emigrated from
Wales in 1652, and was one of the early pioneers at
Middletown, Connecticut.
(IV) Gen. Comfort Sage (1731-1799) was a
merchant and man of influence in Middletown ; was
appointed quartermaster of troop of horse in the
6th Regiment, Connecticut Militia, in 1757; lieu-
tenant in 1761 ; captain in 1763. On news of the
battle of Lexington, he marched his troops to Bos-
ton; in May, 1775, was appointed lieutenant colonel
in Col. James Wadsworth's 23d Regiment, Connec-
ticut Militia, was member of General Assembly in
May, 1776, and at that session appointed lieutenant
colonel of the regiment, "now to be raised and sta-
tioned at New London ;" was appointed in June,
1776, colonel of the 3d Battalion, Wadsworth's Bri-
gade (Maj. Samuel Johnston, his future son-in-law,
was his adjutant) ; colonel of the 23d regiment, Oc-
tober, 1776; and brigadier general of the 2d brig-
ade in 1784. He was a member of the General As-
sembly (with few exceptions), from 1776 to 1786.
He married (IV) Sarah Hamlin, and their daugh-
ter, (V) Sarah Sage, married (III) Major Samuel
Johnston.
(I) Dr. Comfort Starr ( 1660) emigrated
from Kent County, England, in 1635 ; settled first
in New Town (Cambridge), later in Duxbury, and
finally in Boston. He was a physician of much re-
pute. His great-granddaughter (IV) Hannah, mar-
ried (II) John Sage.
(II) Capt. Joseph Weld (1595- 1646) emigrated
about 1635 and settled at Roxbury, Mass., where he
was admitted freeman in 1636, chosen deputy to
General Court six times (1636-1644) ; was captain
Roxbury Military Company. His name stands third
on the original roll of the Ancient and Honorable
Artillery Company, of which he was ensign and
then captain. His daughter (III) Marah married
(III) Comfort Starr.
(I) Thomas Coleman (1598-1674) emigrated
in 1634-35 ; was a prominent man in Wethersfield,
Conn.; settled there in 1636'; was juror frequently
(1639-48) ; deputy to General Court in 1650-51-52-
53-56 and repeatedly thereafter ; removed with Rev.
John Russell and others to Hadley, Massachusetts.
(I) John Porter ( -1648) emigrated to
Windsor, Conn., in 1639 ; was appointed constable,
1639, 1640; juror, 1640; grand juror, 1643; deputy
to General Court, 1646, 1647.
(II) Thomas Wright (1610-1670) came from
England with John Winthrop in 1630; was first at
Watertown, Mass. ; was one of the Massachusetts
Court of Assistants before the Colonial government
was established at Boston ; removed to Wethers-
field, Conn., about 1639 ; recorded as man of influ-
ence and high standing ; was deputy to General
Court of Connecticut in 1643; selectman, 1658;
constable, 1668-69; on State jury at Hartford, 1668-
•69 ; and was prominent in church controversy which
led to the removal to Hadley, Massachusetts.
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
573
(I) Jonas Weed (-
— 1676) came from Eng-
land with Winthrop in 1630, went to Watertown,
Mass., in 163 1 ; and settled in Stamford, Conn.,
1640; later in Fairfield.
(I) Giles Hamlin (1622-1689) settled in Middle-
town, Conn., as early as 1654; was a Puritan and
justly styled one of the pillars of the Colony. He
was occasionally commissioner of the United Col-
onies ; representative for Middletown nearly every
year from 1666 to 1684 ; and was assistant from
1685 to 1689.
(II) John Hamlin (1658-1732-33) was com-
missioner, or justice of the peace, for Middletown,
1691-1693; appointed town clerk in 1696; deputy to
the General Assembly seven sessions, 1690-1693;
assistant at eighty-one sessions, 1694-1729; member
of the council of the governor at fifty-nine sessions,
1702-1727; judge of the conrt of Hartford County,
1716 ; and judge of the Superior court, 1716-1721.
(III) Col. Jabez Hamlin (1709-1791) was a
lawyer, magistrate and soldier, and mayor of the
city of Middletown from its incorporation. During
the Revolution he was a member of the Council of
Safety.
(IV) Sarah Hamlin married (IV) Gen. Comfort
Sage.
(I) John Crow (1606- 1686) came to America in
1634, went through the wilderness with Rev.
Thomas Hooker in 1636, and settled Hartford,
Conn. He was a wealthy man, of much influence,
associated in business with his father-in-law, Elder
William Goodwin, and was one of the founders and
settlers of Hadley, Mass., in 1659. His daughter
(II) Esther (or Hester) Crow, married (I) Giles
Hamlin.
(II) Rev. Nathaniel Collins (1641-1684) grad-
uated from Harvard College in 1660, and was or-
dained in 1668 ; was the first pastor of the church
at Middletown, and was a famous minister in his
davs. His daughter (III) Mary Collins, married
(II) John Hamlin.
(I) Elder William Goodwin (1598-1673-74)
emigrated from London, England, in 1632 ; was one
of the Braintree Company ; was admitted freeman
in Newtown (now Cambridge), Mass., in 1632;
removed to Hartford, Conn., in 1636 ; and with
Rev. Mr. Hooker's Company settled the town of
Hadley, Mass., in 1659 ; subsequently removed to
Farmington, Conn., where he died. He was one of
the pioneers, proprietors and settlers of Hartford,
Conn., and one of the large landholders there. His
daughter (II) Elizabeth married John Crow.
Conn.; was admitted freeman in 1640; made treas-
urer of the Colony, 1641-1647; assistant, 1642-1647;
magistrate, 1642- 1647. He was appointed major
and commander-in-chief in 1647. His daughter
(II) Mary Whiting married (II) Rev. Nathan-
iel Collins.
(II) Richard Christophers (1662-1726) was one
of the most prominent citizens of New London,
Conn. ; was assistant of the Colony of Connecticut
(1703-1723), judge of the county court, judge of
the Probate court and justice of the peace in 1700.
(III) Christopher Christophers (1683- 1728),
was graduated from Yale College, 1702; was assist-
ant of the Colony (i723-"i729), judge of the County
court and judge of the Probate court in Xew Lon-
don. He married (IV) Sarah Prout, and his
daughter, (V) Mary, married (III) Col. Jabez
Hamlin.
- -1647) emi~
grated from England and settled in Hartford,
(I) Major William Whiting (-
(II) Capt. Timothy Prout (1620-1702) was an
early inhabitant of Boston, Mass. ; master of the
"Increase"' in 1657 ; surveyor of the Port of Boston,
1682 ; captain of the forts and artillery, 1683 ; repre-
sentative, 1685-1692; selectman 1684-1690.
(III) Capt. John Prout (1649-1719) was a sea
captain and mariner of Plymouth in 1669, and pro-
prietor in New Haven, Conn., in 1685.
(I) Elder William Brewster (1566- 1644) was
the first prominent layman who refused to conform
to the Church of England ; was the chief of those
taken prisoner at Boston, England ; and suffered
greatest loss. He went to Holland in 1607-08 with
William Bradford and others for the free enjoy-
ment of worship ; was ruling elder of the church at
Leyden; was one of the oldest and principal pas-
sengers on the "Mayflower," which came to
Plymouth, Mass., in 1620; and became one of the
founders of the religious and civil government of
this country.
(II) Jonathan Brewster (1593-1659). came to
Plymouth, Mass., in the '"Fortune" in 1621 ; re-
moved to Duxbury, 1630: was deputy there; re-
moved to New London, Conn., about 1649; and
lived in that part which was afterward Norwich ;
was deputv 1650, 1655- 1658.
(III) Elizabeth Brewster married Peter Brad-
lev, of New London.
(I) Gen. Bertaut was a French Protestant who
removed from Brittany, France, to England in 1572,
at the time of the massacre of St. Bartholomew.
(V) Rev. John Bartow (1673-1726-27) was
born in 1673 at Crediton, England ; graduated from
Christ Chapel, Cambridge, in 1692 ; entered the min-
istry, and became curate, then vicar of Pampisford,
Cambridgeshire. In 1702. he came to America to
the Province of New York and settled at West-
574
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
Chester, where he was the founder of St. Peter's
Church, his parish including Eastchester, Yonkers
and Manor of Pelham. He also performed mission-
ary duty at Hempstead and Jamaica, on Long
Island, and at Shrewsbury, Amboy and Freehold in
New Jersey. He married (II) Helina Reid.
(I) John Reid (1655 )was sent to Amer-
ica by the proprietaires of New Jersey as a surveyor,
sailing from Leith, Scotland in 1693; settled at
Freehold ; was member of the Assembly, and in
1702 appointed surveyor general of New Jersey.
(I) John Punderson (-1681) emigrated in 1637
with Rev. John Davenport, Theophilus Eaton and
others, who were among the first settlers in New
Haven, Conn., in 1638. He was one of the "seven
pillars" of the First Church there.
(IV) Rev. Ebenezer Punderson (1705- 1764)
graduated at Yale College in 1726; studied theology
and became pastor in the North Parish in Groton,
now the town of Ledyard (Poquetannock). In
1734 he avowed himself a conformist to the Church
of England, and in April went to England for or-
ders, returning the following October as "Itinerant
Missionary of the Venerable Society for New Eng-
land." He settled in his old parish at Poquetannock,
officiating in Norwich, Hebron and other neighbor-
ing places (1738-1750). In 1753 he was trans-
ferred to Trinity parish, New Haven, having Guil-
ford and Branford also under his care. In 1762
he became rector of the church at Rye, in the Prov-
ince of New York. He married (V) Hannah
Miner.
(II) Lieut. Thomas Miner (1608-1690) emi-
grated with Gov. Winthrop in 1630, settled first at
Charlestown, Mass. ; removed to Saybrook, Conn.,
in 1634, with John Winthrop, Jr., and his party, and
with them formed the settlement of New London,
where he took an active and important part ; was
elected townsman, and "Military Sergeant of the
town of Pequot" in 1649; deputy to General Court
in 1650, 165 1 ; removed in 1653 to Mystic (Quiam-
baug Cove, Stonington) ; in 1655 was appointed
chief military officer of the irain-band at Mystic ;
in 1665, captain in King Philip's war ; in 1675, aP~
pointed with Capt. Avery and Capt. Denison to
"raise forces and destroy the enemy" ;in 1676 was an
officer in the expedition against Canonchet (chief of
the Narragansetts) ; was appointed on the court
martial for New London county with Major Palmer,
Capt. Avery and Capt. Mason ; was deputy from
Stonington in 1679, 1680, 1682, and on various im-
portant committees. He was one of the four early
settlers of Stonington whose names are on the monu-
ment erected in their honor. He married (II) Grace
Palmer, daughter of (I) Walter Palmer.
(III) Lieut. Ephraim Miner (1642 ) was
one of the early settlers at Stonington, Conn. ; justice
of the peace for New London county (1703-1711) ;
deputy to General Court twelve times (1676-1724) ;
ensign in 1699; lieutenant in 1714; and served in
King Philip's war. He married (IV) Hannah
Avery. (V) Hannah Miner married (IV) Rev.
Ebenezer Punderson.
(II) Capt. James Avery (1620-1700) emigrated
with his father (I) Christopher, about 1640; settled
first at Gloucester, Mass. ; removed to New London,
Conn., in 1650; and to South Groton (Poquonnoc)
in 1656. In 1660 he was chosen townsman and held
the office for more than twenty years ; was commis-
sioner to the county court at New London many
years ; twelve times deputy to the General Court at
Hartford, 1658-1680; in the Commission of the
Peace and assistant judge in the Prerogative court;
ensign in 1662 ; lieutenant, 1665, and captain, 1673.
He served throughout King Philip's war as captain
of the New London County Dragoons ; and com-
manded the Pequot allies at the Great Swamp fight
at Narragansett, in 1675. His daughter (III) Han-
nah Avery married (III) Ephraim Miner.
(II) Rev. John Pell ( 161 1- 1685) was graduated
from Trinity College, Cambridge, England. In
1654 he was appointed by Oliver Cromwell ambas-
sador to the Swiss Cantons ; recalled in 1658; admit-
ted to Holy Orders in 1661, and obtained from the
Crown the rectory of Fobbing and Lavingdon,
Essex ; and became domestic chaplain to the Arch-
bishop of Canterbury. He was an eminent mathe-
matician ; became professor of mathematics at Breda,
in Holland, appointed thereto by his patron, William,
Prince of Orange. He wrote and published several
important books and corresponded' with many dis-
tinguished men of his day.
(III) John Pell (1643- 1 702) emigrated from
England to America in 1670, to take possession of
the Manor of Pelham (Province of New York),
which he inherited from his Uncle Thomas Pell,
first proprietor of said Manor ; was appointed by
James II in 1685 justice of the peace for West-
chester county and judge of the court of Common
Pleas 1688-1700; in 1687 was created Lord of the
Manor of Pelham by Gov. Dougan ; deputy at the
first Legislative Assembly which met at New York in
169 1, and so continued until 1695 ; was appointed
captain of horse in 1684, and major in 1692; served
in French and Indian wars, and on Committee of
Defence for the Frontier, and as chairman of the
Grand Committee. He married (II) Rachel Pinck-
ney, daughter of (I) Philip Pinckney, who emi-
grated from "Fairfield, England, and was one of the
first ten proprietors or patentees of Eastchester, N.
Y. (V) Bethsheba Pell married (V) Theophilus
Bartow.
NATHANIEL BABCOCK WILLIAMS, a
worthy descendant of a worthy family, is a venerable
and highly respected citizen of Lebanon.
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
575
(I) Robert Williams, the founder of the family
in America, was a native of Norwich, England. On
April 15, 1637, he sailed from Yarmouth, England,
in the ship "Rose," and died in Roxbury, Mass.,
Sept. 1, 1693, at the age of eighty-six. He was
made a freeman at Roxbury in 1638. In England
he married Elizabeth Stalham, who died in 1674,
aged eighty years, and for his second wife he mar-
ried Martha Story, who died in 1708, aged ninety-
two years. By his first marriage he had three sons :
Samuel, born in 1632 ; Isaac, in 1638 ; and Stephen,
in 1644.
(II) Samuel Williams owned the home farm
which is now occupied by his descendants. He mar-
ried Theoda Park.
(III) Park Williams, son of Samuel and The-
oda. was the third in direct line. •
(IV) Samuel Williams, son of Park, married
Deborah Throop.
(V) Nathaniel Williams, son of Samuel and
Deborah, was born in Lebanon, Conn., and became
a farmer in that town, residing on land that had
been purchased from the Indians. He was an up-
right and reliable man, and was prosperous and
well-to-do. He died in Lebanon, and was interred
in the old burying ground a short distance east of
Lebanon street. On June 25, 1770, he married Lois
Sackett, who was born in New London, Conn.,
daughter of Dr. Sackett, a famous Scotch physician.
Lois (Sackett) Williams was possessed of superior
talents, was a splendid business woman, and reared
her family to habits which made many of them suc-
cessful, and they were people of respectability and
worth. She died in Lebanon, and is buried beside
her husband. They had thirteen children, eleven
sons and two daughters, all born in Lebanon, as
follows : Samuel ; John ; Nathaniel, an extensive
farmer and fruit grower at Long Bottom, Ohio ;
William, who died in infancy; William (2) ; George,
a farmer, born, died and buried in Lebanon, Conn.,
who married Sallie Du Blois, a descendant of
French nobility (they had two sons — (1) William,
who became a wealthy and prominent druggist in
Syracuse, N. Y., where he died and was buried,
had two children : Carrie B., who is at the head of
a public school of Brooklyn, N. Y., being paid one
of the highest salaries ever paid a woman in edu-
cational work in that city ; and John, who died
young; (2) George, a lawyer of New York City,
died in Albany, and was buried in Syracuse, N. Y.) ;
Richard, a graduate of Yale College, and subse-
quently a Congregational minister, who located in
California and through successful business opera-
tions became a millionaire; Henry, father of Na-
thaniel B. Williams ; Erastus, who resided at Long-
Bottom, Ohio ; Lois, who died in infancy ; Lois
(2) ; and two others that died in infancy.
(VI) Henry Williams was born May 9, 1782,
in Lebanon. His early life was spent on the farm,
and while yet a very young man he went on the
water in the capacity of sailor. As was customary
on some vessels in those days, the sailors were al-
lowed a small portion of the vessel for their own
use, in which they could carry anything they de-
sired. Those privileges or spaces were called ''ven-
tures." \ oung Williams was a successful young
business boy, and with the profits of his first trips
he bought the spaces or ventures of some of the
other sailors, and engaged in transporting mer-
chandise, etc., to Martinique, West Indies, and South
American countries that the vessel visited. On his
return he would bring tropical fruits, etc., from
these countries to the United States. He was suc-
cessful from the first, and carried on this business
for many years. In this way he got his start in
life, and after he had given up the sea he returned
to Lebanon and bought the old home farm, and,
adding to the acreage, became one of the largest
land holders in the town, his farm becoming the
premium farm of New London county. He resided
there until his death. He was a far-seeing business
man, and was strictly honorable in all his dealings.
He was economical, but was liberal and exceedingly
kind to his family, and while he wanted all that
rightly belonged to him, he was equally anxious
that others should have their share. Thoroughly
domestic in his habits, he was fond of his home and
family. Physically he was a man of medium height,
with a firmly knit figure, and a most impressive face ;
his manners were quiet and self-possessed. He died
of paralysis April 18, 1868, after a year's illness.
He had enjoyed excellent health until stricken with
the disease which caused his death.
Mr. Williams began life with no capital, but at
the time of his death was one of the most success-
ful men in the town, and his advice was often sought
in business matters. Politically he was a Republi-
can, but he was no office seeker. Although not a
member of any church, he was a believer in God,
and he liberally supported the Congregational
Church, which he regularly attended so long as his
hearing was good. He married Harriet Babcock,
of Lebanon, daughter of Abijah and Mary
(Lomis) Babcock; she was born June 2, 1789, and
she died at Lebanon April 2, 1879, and was buried
in the West yard, at Lebanon. She was a woman
of considerable energy, and a worthy helpmate to
her husband. Their children were : Harriet Cor-
nelia, who died at the age of six years : Nathaniel
Babcock, born May 22, 1822 ; and Anzeline, who
married George E. Hewitt, of Lebanon, a sketch
of whom appears elsewhere.
Nathaniel Babcock Williams was born in Leb-
anon, Conn., and attended the district school, the
Bacon Academy, at Colchester, Suffield Literary
Institute, and Westfield (Mass.) Academy. His
intention was to take up the study of law. At his
father's request (being the only son) he remained
on the farm. After his marriage he removed to a
house immediately north of the home farm, and
there resided for twenty-five years, engaged at farm-
ing until 1869, when he removed to Town street,
5/6
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
Lebanon, and purchased his present nice home,
"Buckingham Place," the house in which the fam-
ous war governor of Connecticut, William A. Buck-
ingham, was born. Mr. Williams devoted his at-
tention to farming. In politics he was first a Whig,
his first vote being cast for Henry Clay, and later
he became a Republican. In 1882 he served in the
Legislature of Connecticut, as a representative from
Lebanon, and was a member of the important com-
mittee on Railroads. This committee had consid-
erable important business to attend to that year,
among which was the consideration of the granting
of a charter for the building of a railroad from New
York to Boston, to parallel the New York, New
Haven, & Hartford R. R. The other members of
the committee were Senator Baker, of Norwalk,
Judge Gillette, of Waterbury, Charles Cooley, of
Hartford, Southworth, of Deep River, and a Mr.
Lombard, one of the purchasing agents of the Con-
solidated Railway Company. During his service in
the Legislature Mr. Williams introduced the bill re-
quiring temperance instruction in the public schools.
The bill became a law in spite of strong opposition
from certain quarters. Other states passed similar
laws, but Connecticut was the first State to enact
such legislation. Mr. Williams has never sought
political preferment, but he has served as chairman
of the board of selectmen, assessor and in other
minor offices. He united with the Congregational
Church in 1851, when Rev. John Nichols was pas-
tor ; and he served for nearly twenty years as super-
intendent of the Sunday School.
On May 1, 1845, Mr. Williams was married to
Jane Elizabeth Parker, who was born May 26, 1823,
in Pittsfield, Berkshire Co., Mass., daughter of
Linus and Sophia (Churchill) Parker. Linus Par-
ker's grandfather was a Revolutionary soldier.
Sophia Churchill was a descendant of the Harlows
and Allertons, of the "Mayflower." Two children
were born to Mr. and Mrs. Williams: (1) Ellen
Cornelia Williams, born May 12, 1846, was educated
in the select school in Lebanon kept by Miss Lucy
A. Pettis, and later attended Cooper Institute, at
New York, entering the fourth year, afterward
studying art under famous New York teachers, and
several foreign masters. She later attended the
Art and Anatomy Designing Department of the
Boston Conservatory, and then taught art for eight
years, in Massachusetts, Connecticut, Vermont and
New Jersey. On June 12, 1894, she was married to
Rev. Leander E. Livermore, a clergyman, born
March 26, 1835, in Independence, N. Y., a son of
Edmund and Tacy (Fitch) Livermore. Rev. Mr.
Livermore was a graduate of Alfred University in
Allegany county, N. Y., and of New York Union
Theological Seminary and the Baptist Union Theo-
logical Seminary, of Chicago. He served as first
lieutenant in the Civil war, going out twice, first in
the 85th New York Infantry, and later re-enlisting
in the 5th New York Heavy Artillery. He is now
serving as chaplain of the Veteran Association
known as the "Dandy Fifth." Rev. Mr. Livermore
and his wife have adopted Florence Ely, born Dec.
6, 1876, who has attended the Friends' School at
Providence, R. I., the Gilman School, Boston, and
Alfred University, N. Y., taking the regular musi-
cal course and elocution. (2) Mary Sophia Wil-
liams, born May 3, 1854, was educated in Oak Hill
Seminary, in West Haven, Conn. She was mar-
ried, Dec. 29, 1892, to Sands Williams Throop, a
farmer, born June 14, i860, son of Henry and Ma-
tilda (Williams) Throop, and they reside in Leb-
anon. Henry Throop was a farmer, and had means
outside of his income from his land. Matilda, his
wife, was a bright, genial and cultured woman.
Both are buried in Lebanon. Mrs. Nathaniel B.
Williams died April 29, 1903. She was a member
of the Lebanon Congregational Church, as are both
her daughters. Mr. Williams is a social, unosten-
tatious man, and of a most kindly nature.
HENRY STODDARD (deceased) was one of
the leading and successful citizens of the town of
Ledyard. The Stoddard family for many years
ranked among the prominent and substantial fam-
ilies of the county, and in past generations has been
a numerous one in Groton and Ledyard.
Capt. Jonathan Stoddard, father of Henry, in
early life followed the water and became captain of
a vessel in the coasting trade. Later he settled on
a farm in Ledyard, about one-half mile north of
Allyn's Point, and along the bank of the Thames
river, and there resided the rest of his life. He was
a well-to-do man, and was a prominent Mason.
Capt. Stoddard was twice married, and by his first
marriage became the father of two children, Polly
and Jonathan. By his second marriage, to Mollie
Geer, he had three children, Lydia, Anna and Henry.
Both of the daughters by the second marriage died
unmarried.
Henry Stoddard was born in November, 1812,
on the farm above mentioned, and received a dis-
trict-school education. He was brought up to farm
work, and he remained at home and assisted his
father on the farm, and after the death of his parents
he came into possession of the farm, and there resid-
ed the rest of his life. He was a successful farmer
and owned considerable land in New London county.
He was well known as a successful stock raiser,
and for many years he profitably conducted a saw-
milling business. He was a successful farmer be-
cause he was very industrious, economical, and a
man of shrewd business judgment. He was thor-
oughly honest in all his relations, and no man in the
town was held in higher esteem. He died in April,
1880, and was buried in the Avery and Stoddard
cemetery in Ledyard. Politically he was a stanch
Democrat of the Andrew Jackson type, and he was
&n active and influential leader of his party in the
town. In 1870 he represented the town in the Leg-
islature, which convened at New Haven that year.
He also held about every office within the gift of
£7
-&?^^
^(/tf^C^y </
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
0/7
his fellow townsmen, serving several years as first
selectman of the town. He attended the Methodist
Church at Gales Ferry, and was a liberal contrib-
utor toward its support.
On Aug. 14, 1872, Air. Stoddard was married
to Mrs. Dorcas R. (Sherman) Babcock, who was
born Dec. 30, 1818, in South Kingston, R. I., and
was the widow of Dennison A. Babcock, and daugh-
ter of David and Hannah (Rose) Sherman. Mrs.
Stoddard now resides on Laurel Hill avenue, Nor-
wich, and is very well preserved for one of her years.
She is a member of the Central Baptist Church.
THOMAS H. NEWBURY, late of Mystic, was
a representative of the family whose name first ap-
pears in Groton, New London Co., Conn., about
1700. The first of the name to appear in the Gro-
ton records was John Newbury, who married Eliz-
abeth Stark, about the year 1704.
(II) Trial Newbury, born Feb. 25, 1722, mar-
ried in 1745, a Miss Davis, probably a daughter of
Andrew Davis, of Groton.
(III) Davis Newbury, born Oct. 4, 1762, mar-
ried Lydia Williams, and was a resident of Mont-
ville. Their children were : Nancy, born Dec. 9,
1785; Betsey, born Oct. 12, 1787; Elkhard, born
Oct. 13, 1789; Sally, born April 23, 1792; Maria,
born June 10, 1794; Fanny, born Aug. 7, 1796;
Sabra, born June 15, 1799; Eunice, born March 7,
1802; William, born May 13, 1804; and Benjamin
F., born Aug. 20, 1808.
(IV) Benjamin F. Newbury came from Mont-
ville to New London, and was a chaise painter, and
later a house painter. He afterward removed to
Mystic, where he resided until his death, which oc-
curred about 1 84 1. He married Mary Keeney, who
died in Mystic. Their children were: Frank and
Thomas, deceased ; Thomas Harrington ; Joseph,
a mason of Mystic; Charles, deceased; Charles (2),
in the railroad shops in Stonington, and a resident
of Mystic ; George, of Mystic ; and John, a plumber
of Bay Shore, Rhode Island.
Thomas H. Newbury, born in New London,
Conn., Dec. 20, 1838, died June 30, 1904. He was
one of the leading hardware merchants of Mystic,
and a man who enjoyed in the highest degree the
confidence of the business world. His early days
were spent at Groton and Stonington. He first
worked in a foundry, and at the age of twelve years,
became a helper to a tinsmith in Mystic, and learned
the plumbing trade. This he followed for about
twenty years. In 1870 he engaged in plumbing and
tinsmithing, with John H. Hoxie, and three years
later Mr. Hoxie retired, and Mr. Newbury took his
brother Charles as a partner. For over twenty
years, the business now conducted by Edward H.
Newbury, has been at the present location. A full
line of hardware, stoves and tinware is carried and
a very flourishing trade is enjoyed.
At Noank, Conn., Mr. Newbury married Julia
Stoddard Ashbey, daughter of Latham Ashbey ; she
37
died March 26, 1897, leaving one son, — Edward
H., who married Miss Annie L. Gift, and they have
had one child, — Adah A. In 1863, Mr. Newbury
became a Mason in Charity & Relief Lodge, and was
a member of Benevolence Chapter, Mystic Council;
Palestine Commandery ; and Pyramid Temple, Mys-
tic Shrine, of Bridgeport, having reached the 32nd
degree. He was also a member of Mistuxet Lodge,
K. of P., and of the Ancient Order of United Work-
men.
CHARLES LAY PECK, who passed away at
his home in Old Lyme, Jan. 16, 1877, was one of the
leading citizens of the town, and a descendant of an
old and prominent family of Connecticut, whose
representatives in each generation have held hon-
ored places as useful worthy citizens of enterprise,
public spirit and high ability.
John Peck, father of Charles Lay, was a farmer
in Old Lyme on land that had been in the fam-
ily name continuously from the time it was acquired
from the Crown. He was twice married, first to
Rebecca Smith, and after her death to Mary
Mitchell.
Charles Lay Peck was one of a family of seven
children, five sons and two daughters. He was
born at the family home in Old Lyme, June 22,
1794, and he received a thorough foundation in the
district schools for the superior education he ac-
quired in the famous old Bacon Academy at Col-
chester. His home training in the line of farm work
was essentially practical and thorough ; and as one
of the younger members of a large family, upon him
devolved the duty of remaining at home to assist in
the management of the home farm and to care for
his parents in their declining vears. Both by train-
ing and by disposition he was industrious and pains-
taking, and he gave to his work his best strength
of brain and muscle. In his filial devotion to the
comfort and welfare of his parents, he was wholly
unselfish and wisely thoughtful. When both had
entered into rest, he came into possession of the
farm, and its cultivation and care became the work
of his later years, as it had in the days of his youth
and early manhood. Success, born of intelligent
industry and high integrity, was his, and the crown-
ing years of his life were brightened by the reveren-
tial homage paid by all mankind to an upright Chris-
tian gentleman and honest man. His remains rest
in the Old Lyme cemetery.
Politicallv Mr. Peck was a Whig until the for-
mation of the Republican party, of which he be-
came a firm supporter, so continuing to the time of
his death. Political matters greatly interested him,
and he was a man of much influence in the party,
and at different times he held several town offices.
For a number of years he was deputy sheriff, and he
also served as census enumerator. His good sound
judgment made him a safe counselor, and he was
often sought for advice on many and varied ques-
tions. He was regular in attendance at the Con-
578
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
gregational Church, and he always contributed lib-
erally to its support.
On June 30, 1819, Mr. Peck was married to
Hannah Augusta Mitchell, who passed away in
January, 1886, aged eighty-three years. Their chil-
dren were : James Mitchell, born Dec. 6, 1823, was
a farmer in Old Lyme, where he died ; Elisha, born
Nov. 4, 1825, died June 11, 1827; Ellen Stephen,
born Aug. 16, 1828, graduated from the New York
Medical College, settled for practice at Old Lyme,
and died Nov. 16, i860; Charles William, born
Sept. 17, 1830, was a merchant in New York City,
and there died; John Henry, born Oct. 22, 1832,
married June 11, 1859, Julia E. Mann, and is an
attorney at Chicago, 111.; and Augusta Mitchell,
born March 16, 1836, married (first) Sept. 12, 1853,
Joseph S. Lyman, of Toledo, Ohio, and after his
death (second) Nov. 4, 1869, Elizur Clark.
Elizur Clark was born in Centerbrook, Mid-
dlesex Co., Conn., but in his young manhood he for-
sook his native town, and located in Syracuse, N.
Y., where he was engaged in the lumber business,
also dealing in salt. Nature had endowed him with
marked executive ability and business acumen, and
he accumulated a fortune. His disposition inclined
him to a quiet life, and, after success came to him,
he retired from active work, and passed the last
years of his life in the enjoyment of the comforts
his toil had gained for him, and in lightening the
cares of those around him. His wealth to him was
a trust, and he and his noble wife became noted for
their many acts of kindness and true charity — the
charity, too, that vaunteth not itself. Mr. Clark
died Dec. 28, 1895, highly esteemed and sincerely
mourned by a large circle of friends.
Mrs. Clark spends a portion of each year at Sy-
racuse, but the rest of her time is passed in Old
Lyme, where she is greatly beloved. She has al-
ways been active in church and society. She be-
longs to the Mayflower Society, and to Anna War-
ner Bailey Chapter, Daughters of the American
Revolution. Her interest in town improvement has
been of the practical working kind, and it is to her
personal efforts in raising the fund that is due the
installment of the public drinking fountains ; she
was the prime mover in the erection of the stone
bridge on Old Lyme street, near her home ; she
contributed generously toward the library ; and she
headed the list for the payment of the church debt.
Of strong character and firm will, she has,
nevertheless, the gentle bearing of a true woman,
and her fine ability, with quiet, unassuming dignity,
carries to successful completion whatever she
undertakes.
1
GEORGE H. PRATT, member of the city
council, is a well known and highly esteemed citi-
zen of Norwich, where he has resided since 1866.
He is a native of Connecticut, having been born in
Killingly, Windham county, Jan. 4, 1845, and comes
of good old New England stock.
James A. Pratt, grandfather of George H., was
a native of Easton, Mass., where he spent his boy-
hood and youth, and where he married Sally J. Gil-
more. He owned a large plantation in Easton, and
was also the owner of many slaves, to whom he aft-
erward gave their freedom. Some of the descend-
ants of these negroes still live near Easton, at a
place called Prattville in honor of their old master.
Mr. Pratt finally sold out his interests in Easton,
and moved with his family to Killingly, Windham
Co., Conn., where he bought a farm on which he
passed the remainder of his life. He died at the age
of seventy and was buried in Killingly cemetery.
In politics he was a Democrat, and he was an active
and public-spirited citizen. The children of James
A. and Sally J. (Gilmore) Pratt were as follows:
Melvin, who died in Killingly ; James, who died in
Killingly ; Alice, who died unmarried ; Albert, who
married Eunice Greene, and died in Killingly ; Sally,
who married Thomas J. Morse, and died in Provi-
dence, R. I. ; Almira, who married David B.
Wheaton, and died at the age of ninety-two in
Killingly, where her husband died also; Fannie,
who married George W. Mitchell, and died in Kill-
ingly, at the age of ninety-two ; and Calvin S., who
was the father of George H.
Calvin S. Pratt came with his parents from
Massachusetts to the farm in Killingly, and there
grew to manhood, attending the district school of
the town. He spent his entire life as a farmer in
Killingly, and died there in December, 1854. His
wife died in May, 1866, and both are buried in
Killingly cemetery. Like his father Calvin S. Pratt
was a Democrat, but was never an active politician.
He married Asha Ann, daughter of James Hunter,
and to this union were born the following named
children: (1) Mary F. married William W. Ful-
ler, an expert machinist of Killingly; Mr. Fuller
died in February, 1893, leaving three children —
Frederick E., of Providence, who married Lizzie
B. Sayles ; Lena M., who is a music teacher in Nor-
wich ; and Walter E., who lives in Norwich, where
Mrs. Fuller also makes her home. (2) George H.
is mentioned below. (3) William A. died young.
(4) Harriet M. married Albertis Wilbur, of Rhode
Island. (5) Lucy A. is the widow of Frederick R.
Frissell, of Providence.
George H. Pratt was born on the farm in Kill-
ingly, and attended the district school of that town.
He began at an early age to work in the factory at
Killingly, and was employed there for some time.
Being desirous of a better education, he went to
Providence and took a course at the Byrant & Strat-
ton Business College, after completing which he ac-
cepted the position of bookkeeper with the firm of
R. Thorpe & Co., manufacturing jewelers. After a
year in that business he returned to Killingly and
again found employment in the mills, where he
remained until 1866. In that year he came to Nor-
wich and took the position of clerk with the whole-
sale dealers, Ransom & Whipple, with whom he
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
579
remained nine years. In 1875 he and Cornelius
McNamara formed a partnership, under the firm
name of McNamara & Pratt, to engage in business
as wholesale liquor dealers. Their first place was
on Commerce street, but in 1885 they moved from
there to Water street, where they bought the Hyde
block, in which the firm continued to do business
until 1895. The death of Mr. McNamara occur-
ring at that time, Mr. Pratt bought out the interest
of his heirs, and continues to carry on the business
with great success.
Mr. Pratt married, in Norwich, in 1877, Emily,
daughter of James and Mary (Cone) Comstock,
of Norwich. To this union have been born two
children : Helen Edna, a graduate of the Norwich
Free Academy, who married Percy S. Palmer, son
of the late Edward Palmer; and Walter Everett,
who died at the age of twelve and is buried in Yan-
tic cemetery. In 1878 Mr. Pratt built the home
on Pearl street where he has ever since resided, and
which has lately been remodeled. A fine green-
house, in which he takes great pride, has been added
to this place. He is a great lover of flowers, and his
chief delight is in his gardens and hothouses,
gardening of all sorts becoming a fine art under his
skillful management. From early boyhood Mr.
Pratt has had great fondness and aptitude for music,
especially for that of stringed instruments, and he
is a fine performer on the violin. When only six-
teen years of age he organized in Killingly what was
known as the Pratt Quadrille Orchestra, and for
many years he made a great success of that enter-
prise. Music is still one of his greatest interests and
pleasures. He is also a lover of horses and finds
great enjoyment in this interest.
In politics Mr. Pratt is a Democrat, and in 1887
he was elected to the citv council on that ticket, serv-
ing as a member of the committee on Public
Grounds and on Fire Protection. In 1890 he
was elected alderman, was acting president of the
council, chairman of the Police and Fire commit-
tees, and president of the water board. In 1902 he
was again elected to the council, and is also a mem-
ber of the water board. His Masonic connection is
with Moriah Lodge, No. 15, of Danielson, Franklin
Chapter, No. 4, R. A. M., of Norwich, and Franklin
Lodge, No. 3, R. & S. M. His religious belief is
summed up in the Golden Rule.
FISH. The name of Fish is found in the early
records of Connecticut. In 1654, and probably sev-
eral years previously, John Fish lived in the town
of Stratford, Conn. The surname of his wife was
probably Eland, and the Elands were an ancient
and knightly family of Yorkshire, England. Mr.
Fish sold his property in Stratford in 1655, and left
the town. He appeared in New London with wife
and children in 1655. There is no record of his
children in Stratford, but the records of the Con-
gregational Church of Stonington, Conn., show the
baptisms of Samuel, Mary and John, children of
John Fish; at that time, March 13, 1680, all were
adults. John Fish was a resident of Stonington in
[668, where he received a home lot of twelve acr
which was retained by him through life. His first
wife was probably the mother of all the above named
children.
In 1675 was tne Narragansett war, or expedition
against the Indians under King Philip. The Colony
of Connecticut contributed about 300 volunteers to
this expedition, from her white settlers. Both John
Fish and his son Samuel were among these volun-
teers, and about 1700, when the Colony set apart the
town of Voluntown to be alloted to the Indian war
volunteers, there were grants made to each of them.
As John Fish had then been dead several years his
grant came into the possession of his son Samuel,
and he divided his father's grant between his sons
Moses and Aaron. Two of Samuel's grandsons
settled on these lands in Voluntown, and their de-
scendants are still owners thereof.
John Fish, the settler, was chosen schoolmaster
of Stonington in 1679. He was admitted a member
of the Congregational Church there in 1680. He
married (third) Aug. 25, 1681, Widow Hannah
Sterry, previously Widow Hewitt, and a daughter
of Walter Palmer. It appears John Fish had no
children who survived by second and third wives.
Mr. Fish was a land surveyor. By grant and pur-
chase he became proprietor of considerable tracts of
land in Groton and Stonington, and other towns
nearby. His mature life and declining years were
spent in Groton and Stonington. Connecticut.
Samuel Fish had made improvements in land
in what is now Voluntown, prior to April 17, 1706,
the date, which was styled the Volunteers' Land Di-
vision, etc., was made. This was land granted to
officers, soldiers, ministers, chaplains, and such as
had served the Colony in civil capacity during the
wars. A request for this was made in October,
1696, by Norwich and Stonington, Conn., men, and
the General Court granted them a plantation — a
tract of land six miles square. A large part of this
tract is comprised in the town of Voluntown. Conn.
Samuel Fish was granted the lot on which he had
previously made improvements, and he was prob-
ably the first settler on the new plantation, to which
the name of Voluntown was given.
Moses Fish moved from Groton, Conn., to Vol-
untown, and in the latter town was married, Nov.
7, 1745, by the Rev. William Crosswell. to Elizabeth
Morgan. Their four children were : Elizabeth, born
Oct. 7, 1746; Moses, born March 20, 1749: Eunice,
born March 16, 1752; and Daniel, born Dec. 10,
1758. Moses Fish was an extensive land owner,
and he followed farming for a life occupation. He
died in Voluntown. and was buried there. His body,
together with those of eighteen other members of
the Fish family, was disinterred by Levi H. Fish
about 1865, and removed from the old abandoned
cemetery to the Pachaug cemetery in Griswold.
Moses Fish (2), son of Moses, was born in
58o
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
Voluntown, and like his father he became engaged
in farming. He died on the old homestead, and was
buried in the family lot. On Feb. 12, 1778, by the
Rev. Levi Hart, he was married to Jerusha Phillips.
Their children were: Mahala, born Aug. 29, 1779;
Rachel, born Dec. 14, 1781 ; Elisha, born Oct. 13,
1783; Levi, born April 10, 1786; Moses, born Oct.
1, 1789; Asa, born July 2j, 1792; Lucy, born April
7, 1796; and Betsey, born Feb. 1, 1799.
Levi Fish, son of Moses (2), was born on the
homestead, where he spent his life engaged in farm-
ing. Public matters were exceedingly interesting to
him, and he was ever active in town affairs. He died
on the old farm, and was first buried there, but his
remains were later removed to the Pachaug ceme-
tery. On Dec. 13, 1806, he was married by Elder
Peleg Randall, to Rebecca Fish, daughter of Elisha
Fish, of Voluntown, and of their union came the
following children : Rebecca Marilla, born Jan. 5,
1808; Levi Hart, born June 13, 1809; Thomas Le-
land, born July 6, 181 1 ; Eunice Caroline, twin to
Thomas Leland, married (first) Samuel Kinne, and
(second) Charles Rouse; Joanna Melvina. born Feb.
14, 1819, married Elder James N. Phillips ; and
Lucy Ann, born July 2, 1821.
Levi Hart Fish was, like his father before him,
born on the old home farm in Voluntown. Farming
and stock raising became his work, and he was
quite well known as a substantial farmer and up-
right citizen. He was active in public affairs, and
he held the office of selectman for several terms. His
upright character and his fidelity to every trust made
him universally respected, and he was often called
upon to settle up estates. In the Baptist Church, of
which he was an earnest member, he served as
deacon. On Jan. 12, 1834, by Elder Jonathan
Miner, he was married to Amy Saunders, who was
born in Rockville, R. I., daughter of William Saun-
ders. She died in October, 1892, in the faith of the
Baptist Church, and was buried in the Pachaug cem-
etery. To Levi Fish and wife were born the follow-
ing children: (1) Annie, and (2) Elizabeth Amy,
twins, of whom the former married Luther L. Den-
ison, and had three children, two of whom died in
infancy, and the third, Amy Louise, died in Volun-
town, April 17, 1894, from heart failure caused bv
fright ; she was a bright little girl, and was residing
with her aunt, who was much devoted to her, at
the time of her death. Elizabeth Amy died in in-
fancy. (3) Julia Ann, who was educated in the
public schools of Voluntown and North Stoning-
ton, taught school for a number of years, but owing
to throat trouble was obliged to relinquish her chosen
profession. She has since been engaged in the mil-
linery business and in dress making, and here her
natural instincts have had full play, the creations
she has designed having a style and tone distinctly
original, and her patrons are loyal to her. Miss Fish
is noted for her charity, and her devotion to her
Church (the Baptist). She is never too busy to
hearken to the call for aid, and has been an active
worker and contributor to the Ladies Benevolent
Society. The work of the B. Y. P. U. also finds
in her most hearty support. A close student, she
joined the Chautauqua Circle, and was duly en-
rolled, receiving her diploma Aug. 22, 1888. Since
the death of her beloved niece she has taken sev-
eral girls from the county home and has given them
good homes and educational advantages.
Levi Hart Fish died in August, 1878, while vis-
iting in Lyme, Conn., and was buried in the Pachaug
cemetery.
CHARLES FREDERICK STOLL (deceased),
who was for many years one of the leading Ger-
man residents of New London, was an honored and
respected citizen of that place, where he was long
prominently identified with business interests.
Mr. Stoll was born Sept. 29, 1837, in Sindel-
fingen, near Stuttgart, Germany, and died June g,
1901, in New London. His father, who was a sur-
veyor by profession, died when Charles was a mere
lad, and as a result the boy was early in life thrown
on his own resources. After acquiring a rather
meager education he was apprenticed to the cooper's
trade in his native land, and when about fifteen years
of age set sail for America. Arriving in this coun-
try he came to New London, Conn., and began work-
ing for his uncle, the late Major Henry Stoll, in
the monumental business, remaining with him for
several years. He later became apprenticed to
Ephraim Marsden, in the stone-cutting trade. Dur-
ing the war of the Rebellion Mr. Stoll successfully
conducted the business on Storr street, owned by
the unche mentioned, while the latter, who was ma-
jor of the 26th Regiment, Conn. V. I., was fighting
for his adopted country. After his uncle's return
from the war, Mr. Stoll went to Brooklyn, N. Y.,
and there formed a partnership with Henry Ful-
mer, under the firm name of Fulmer & Stoll. For
several years this firm was active in the monumental
business at Cypress Hill cemetery, Brooklyn, but
ill health caused Mr. Stoll to sell his interests in that
city, and in about 1870 he returned to New London,
and started in the same business on Bank street on
his own account. In 1872 he purchased the site
at No. 206 Bank street, and there continued to con-
duct his business until his death, for many years
previous to which he was the recognized leader
in the city in his line of work. For many years
Mr. Stoll also conducted a large granite quarry, in
Groton, Conn., in connection with his monumental
business. A short time previous to his demise, he
established the Central Coal Company, taking in
his two sons as partners, and this business is still
conducted by his widow and sons.
Mr. Stoll was a man well liked by all who knew
him, and in disposition he was pleasant and genial.
He was a very industrious, hardworking man — in
fact work was his hobby — and as a result of his un-
ceasing and untiring attention to business he be-
came a verv successful man and accumulated con-
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
58i
siderable property. Mr. Stoll was a domestic man,
very much devoted to his home and family. So-
cially he was a member of the Putnam Phalanx, of
Hartford, the well known military organization of
that city. Mr. Stoll's religious connection was with
the German Lutheran Church, to which he gave his
liberal support. His widow is a member of the
Episcopal Church. In political belief he was a
stanch Jeffersonian Democrat, and he served the
city of Xew London as a member of the common
council three years.
Mr. Stoll was married June 30, 1874, to Louisa
Kopp, who was born May 20, 1853. in New London,
daughter of Wendell and Magdalena (Bender)
Kopp, of that town, and to this union were born two
sons, Charles Reuben, April 2, 1875 ; ancl Alfred
■Wendell, Jan. 25, 1879, ^otn born in New London,
and both engaged in the coal business. They make
their home with their widowed mother. Socially
they are members of the Elks, and Charles R. also
belongs to Mohegan Lodge, I. O. O. F.
In the death of Mr. Stoll New London lost one
of her best German citizens, and a man who was
honored and esteemed by all who had ever had deal-
ings with him, whether in a business way or as a
private citizen. He had made a standing for him-
self in the business world of which he had every
reason to be proud, and had done his duty by his
family and his adopted city in a manner which did
■credit to the interests he served and himself.
GEORGE KAMPF, now an upholsterer at Nor-
wich, and a most highly respected citizen, in his
early life had a varied career, and met many inter-
esting experiences in foreign lands. He is a native
of Rudolstadt, Germany, born March 6, 1842, son
of Frederick and Johanna (Kole) Kampf.
Frederick Kampf was a butcher by trade, and
came to the United States in 1851. He located at
Norwich, where he resided the rest of his life, and
died at the age of eighty-three years. He was the
father of a family of four children, as follows:
Herman, a butcher by trade, served in the 26th
Conn. V. I., during the Civil war, and he died in
Norwich. Charles, a blacksmith, resided in Cin-
cinnati, Ohio, and he served in the 22nd O. V. I.
and the 6th Louisiana Tigers in the Civil war.
George was the third son. Ferdinand is a baker,
and resides at Long Branch, New Jersey.
George Kampf came to America in 1854 in
company with his brothers, the father having pre-
ceded the family to this country. The mother and
sons sailed from Bremen on a sailing vessel which
was seven weeks on the water. The mother died
while the vessel was in mid-ocean and was buried
at sea. The four boys went to Norwich where the
father was living, and there George began to learn
the trade of an upholsterer. He had very limited
advantages for an education, but he made the most
of such opportunities as he had, both in Germany
and in America. He apprenticed himself to George
Haubach, who had an establishment on Shetucket
street, and his wages were to be as follows : $35
the first year; $50 the second, $75 the third, with
board included in each case. He had worked only
about a year and a half, when he left his employer,
whom he disliked, and enlisted at Boston as a com-
mon sailor in the United States Navy. The first
trip was made in the frigate "Hartford," when that
vessel was sent on its maiden voyage, a three years'
cruise to China and Japan. France and England
were at that time having trouble in the Orient,
and Mr. Kampf saw much of their maneuvers.
He recalls the trip as one of the best of his life,
and has prepared and read interesting papers re-
lating to his experiences there. While the "Hart-
ford" was on the other side of the earth the Civil
war broke out, and the vessel was ordered home.
Shortly after its arrival in this country Mr. Kampf 's
term of enlistment expired (December, 1861) and
he returned to Norwich. The splendid vessel,
"Hartford." became the flagship of Admiral Farra-
gut, and was such at the forcing of the Mississippi
at New Orleans.
On April 8, 1862, Mr. Kampf enlisted for three
years' service in the 1st Conn. Heavy Artillery,
which became a part of the Army of the Potomac.
He was with his regiment in the engagements of
Hanover Court House, the Siege of Yorktown, the
Seven Days' Retreat, and the Siege of Petersburg.
He enlisted as a private, and was promoted to ser-
geant during Butler's occupation of Bermuda Hun-
dred. Sergeant Kampf never lost a day during his
three years' service, and was discharged with his
regiment on April 8, 1865.
Returning to Norwich, Mr. Kampf found work
at his trade with Henry Ruggles, on what is now
Lower Broadway, and with Mr. Ruggles' success-
ors, first Huntington & Laurie, and later H. G.
Huntington. He remained with Mr. Huntington
until that gentleman gave up business and then
formed a partnership with A. W. Dickey, under
the name of A. W. Dickey & Co. The firm continued
for seven years until 1887, when it dissolved, and
Mr. Kampf moved to his present place on Franklin
street, where he does general upholstering.
Mr. Kampf was married in Norwich, in 1869,
to Miss Susan Clump, born in Poquetanuck. Her
parents came to the United States from Germany.
Mr. and Mrs. Kampf had six children, of whom two
sons and a daughter died in infancy. (1) Bertha,
the oldest living, is the wife of George Mills, of
Springfield, Mass.. manager of the Postal Tele-
graph office in that city. Mrs. Mills graduated
from the Norwich Free Academy in 1898, and later
from the Normal School. She taught school for
several years. (2) Louis graduated from the Free
Academy in 1902, and is an electrician. (3) Mollie
graduated from the Free Academy in 1902, and is
now attending the Normal School at Willimantic.
In political matters Mr. Kampf is independent, '
and votes for men and measures which he thinks
5«2
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
will best serve the welfare of the community. He
is a member of Sedgwick Post, No. I, G. A. R.,
having joined it in 1868, has served as commander,
and has held nearly all the offices. He is also a
member of the A. O. U. W. His church connec-
tions, like those of his family, are with the Second
Congregational church. Air. Kampf has been a very
hard-working man, of great energy and persever-
ance, and has been compelled to earn the success
he enjoys. His honesty and integrity are well
known, and he stands high in the esteem of his
fellow townsmen.
ERASTUS STANTON GEER, a well-to-do
farmer and dairyman of the town of Lebanon, is a
representative citizen of New London county in
more ways than one. He is a descendant of one of
the early settlers of the county, has been active in
the agricultural development of his section, alive
to her moral and educational welfare, interested di-
rectly in promoting good government, and, in fact,
has assisted in almost every line of enterprise tend-
ing toward the general good and advancement. Of
his ancestry we have the following record :
George and Thomas Geer, brothers, born re-
spectively about 1621 and 1623, and, according to
tradition, sons of Jonathan, of Devonshire, Eng-
land, were brought to this country by an uncle
(they having been left orphans at an early age),
the ship in which they came arriving at Boston in
1635. George became an early settler of New Lon-
don county, Conn., in 165 1, and Thomas of Enfield,
in 1682.
George Geer, who was the ancestor of the
branch under consideration, was married Feb. 17,
1658, to Sarah, daughter of Robert Allyn, and im-
mediately thereafter settled near his father-in-law,
on a grant of fifty acres made to him by the town
of New London. He subsequently became quite
an extensive land owner. He enjoyed the confidence
of his fellow townsmen, as the records show, hav-
ing been chosen one of the several townsmen on the
incorporation of Groton in 1705. Some five years
prior to his death he removed to Preston, and re-
sided with his daughter, Margaret, who had mar-
ried Thomas Gates. Mr. Geer lived to be 105 years
of age, dying in the latter part of 1726. His wife,
Sarah, with whom he lived about sixtv-five years,
was born in 1640, and died but a short time previous
to his death.
(II) Robert Geer, born Jan. 2, 1675, married
Martha Tyler, who died about 1733. Capt. Geer
died in 1742. He settled south of the family home-
stead on land deeded to him by his father, there
built a house, and erected the first gristmill in that
section of the country. He was one of the leading
inhabitants of North Groton during the first half
of the eighteenth century, and "his mill was one of
the places where all warnings were to be posted."
• # (III) Ebenezer Geer, born April 1, 1709, mar-
ried Jan. 2, 1735, Prudence Wheeler, who was born
Sept. 25, 1712, and died June 2, 1797. Mr. Geer
died Aug. 28, 1763. Their ten children, all born
between 1735 and 1755, were: Prudence, Ebenezer,
Mary, Martha, Robert, John, Charles, Richard,
John W. and David.
(IV) David Geer, born June 18, 1755. married
May 17, 1 78 1, Mary Stanton, who was born Aug.
28, 1756. Mr. Geer died Aug. 31, 1835. Their
children, all born in Ledyard, were : Dorothy, Da-
vid, William S., Prudence, Joseph, Cyrus, Anna,
Robert, Isaac W. and Charles.
(V) David Geer (2), born Jan. 20, 1784, mar-
ried Jan. 11, 1 8 10, Anna Gallup, who was born Sept.
3, 1787, and died Feb. 12, 1862. In 1817 Mr. Geer
settled in Lebanon on the farm in recent years
owned by his son, Erastus, and the latter's son, Will-
iam H. Mr. Geer was a man of perseverance and
energy. He had an excellent farm of 500 acres on
the Yantic river, and was one of the town's substan-
tial men and representative farmers, as have been
and are today his descendants. He died May 19,
1867. In political faith he was originally a Whig,,
and later a Republican. He and his wife were buried
in the family burying-ground on the home farm.
Their children were as follows: (1) Cyrus G.,
born Feb. 27, 181 1, married Eunice Stark, and died
May 16, 1883. He was a farmer and resided in
Exeter Society. (2) William F., born June 30,
18 12, married Mary Jane Lathrop, and died in
Syracuse, N. Y., Aug. 26, 1875. He was a farmer,
and was interested in a salt manufacturing business,
becoming wealthy. (3) Thankful S., born May 10,
1814, married Elias B. Avery, a farmer in Lebanon,
and died Feb. 4, 1885. (4) One son died in in-
fancy. (5) Sarah A., born July 20, 1818, married
Henry Nelson Stark, a farmer in Lebanon, and died
Feb. 10, 1890. (6) David, born March 5, 1821, is-
mentioned below. (7) Erastus, born Oct. 9, 1823,
died April 26, 1895. He married (first) Almira H.
Saxton, and his second wife was Frances A. Geer,
of Ledyard. He was a wealthy farmer and occu-
pied the homestead in Goshen Society. He served
two terms on the board of commissioners of New
London county.
(VI) David Geer, father of Erastus S., was born
in Goshen Society, Lebanon, where he was reared
to farm work, and received a good common-school
education. When a young man he taught school a
number of terms in his native town. He remained
on the home farm until his marriage, when he pur-
chased of Charles West a farm in Goshen Society,
consisting of about 130 acres, and there resided
the rest of his life, dying on that place. He added
to his original purchase and at the time of his death
his farm consisted of over 175 acres. He carried
on general farming, and was quite extensively en-
gaged in dairying, in fact, he was one of the larg-
est dairymen in his section of the town, and an en-
thusiastic breeder of Jersey cattle, owning a fine
herd. He erected all the buildings now standing
on the place, and the house which he erected was
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
583
and is still one of the very best farm houses in the
town. Mr. Geer had a splendid farm, and it was
well kept np. He was uniformly successful in his
business affairs, was a very industrious man himself,
and employed considerable help. During the latter
years of his life, however, he devoted his attention
only to the management of the farm, his health not
permitting him to engage in the more active labor.
His death, on Jan. 4, 1894, was due to illness inci-
dental to old age, and he retained his faculties until
the last. He was buried at Goshen. Air. Geer was
a man of medium size, well proportioned, and of
considerable endurance in his younger days. Though
he accomplished much through industry, he was a
good manager, and enterprising and progressive in
his methods. In politics he was first a Whig, later
a Republican, and he took quite an interest in public
affairs, representing the town one term in the Legis-
lature, in 1868, and holding several of the minor
town offices. In religious connection he was a mem-
ber of the Goshen Congregational Church, in the
welfare of which he took a great interest, and was
one of its most liberal supporters.
Mr. Geer married Lorinda Smith, of Goshen,
who was brought up in the family of Deacon Na-
thaniel C. Saxton. Mrs. Geer died Aug. 12, 1899,
aged seventy-four years. To this union came chil-
dren : (1) Erastus Stanton is mentioned below. (2)
William Smith, who now resides in Norwich, Conn.,
married Nellie L. Wightman, and has one sonr How-
ard W. (3) Miss Mary B. resides in Norwich.
Erastus S. Geer was born March 6, 1845, m
Goshen Society. He received his education in the
district school and a select school at Lebanon, kept by
Miss Lucy Pettis. He was brought up to farm work
and resided at home until his marriage, at which
time he moved to his present farm, which he had
purchased a short time previous — the farm known
as the "Abel Stark place," a tract of 175 acres. Mr.
Geer has since added to his acreage, now having
about 225 acres. He has greatly improved the place,
and remodeled the house and barns, and has engaged
in general farming, fruit growing and dairying,
keeping a nice herd of Jersey cattle, usually about
fifteen cows. For thrift and industry and as a
friend of progress he is worthy of his ancestry.
Mr. Geer was married, March 27, 1872, to
Grace E. Sherman, who was born March 18, 1852,
in Colchester, Conn., daughter of Robert B. and
Elizabeth (Briggs) Sherman. Two children have
blessed this union: (1) George Stanton, born Nov.
4, 1873, died Aug. 1, 1894, while attending Bacon
Academy. It was his intention to become a minis-
ter. (2) Florence Elizabeth, born Aug. 20, 1880,
graduated from Bacon Academy in 1899, and is now
engaged in teaching school, and is an artist
(painter) of unusual ability; she has many other
accomplishments.
Like his father Mr. Geer has felt it his duty to
interest himself actively in public affairs, and he
served in the Legislature in 1887; he was on the
committee on Canvass of Votes for Justice of the
Peace, and has served as chairman of the board of
selectmen of Lebanon, and also as assessor. His
political support is given to the Republican party.
Mr. Geer is one of the directors of the Jonathan
Trumbull Library Association at Lebanon. His re-
ligious connection is with the Goshen Congrega-
tional Church, in which he has held offices; Mrs.
Geer is also a member, and both of the children
united with the Church.
JOHN O'HEA, the leading baker of New Lon-
don, and a man whose uprightness and industry
have resulted in making him a respected citizen of
that city, was born March 10, 185 1, in County Wex-
ford, Ireland, son of Thomas O'Hea, the latter of
whom was born in Ireland, and there spent his
life, dying when about sixty years old. By occupa-
tion he was an industrious, hard-working farmer,
and his children inherit his excellent traits of char-
acter. He married Mary Dempsey, who also died in
her native country. Their children were : Thomas,
still living in Ireland, where he is successfully
engaged in the grocery business, is married and
has six children; John; Mary married James Cos-
grove, and is still living in Ireland ; Ann, unmar-
ried, resides in Ireland ; and two girls and one boy
died young.
John O'Hea was born in Ireland, and attended
the common schools of his native town, leaving the
same at the age of twelve years. He then worked
in the grocery store of his brother, Thomas, for
about two years, when he set his mind upon com-
ing to America, and in May, 1865, he took passage
from Queenstown on one of the old styled steamers,
landing in New York some twelve or fourteen days
later. He arrived in New York a poor boy without
a friend, but with unlimited capital in the shape of
a strong will to succeed, and an ever willingness to
work. The next day after his arrival in New York,
Mr. George Williams, the well known baker, now
deceased, happened to be in the city in search of a
boy to work in his bakery, and being attracted by
young O'Hea, offered him a home and a chance to
learn the bakery business, if he would come with
him to New London, which proposition the lad
was very willing to accept, and so soon did he dem-
onstrate his ability and quickness to learn, that
within a few years he was made foreman, retaining
that position until Mr. Williams retired from the
business in July, 1893. So attentive to business
had Mr. OHea been during his service with Mr.
Williams, that when the latter was ready to turn
the business over to another, Mr. O'Hea purchased
it. Through untiring toil and unceasing persever-
ance, as well as close application to his busim
Mr. O'Hea has placed himself in a position where
he can reap his just reward. His bakery plant is
thoroughly modern, well-supplied with all appli-
ances, including an electric department for beating
eggs and operating the fans in the bakery, and he
5§4
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
will soon add an electric appliance for dough mix-
ing-. He gives employment, day and night, to from
fifteen to twenty persons, while he also employs
in the delivery of his product from six to eight
teams. During the week he uses an average of
seventy-five barrels of flour.
Mr. O'Hea is a member of the A. O. U. W. ;
of Court Nathan Hale of the Foresters of America
of New London, of which he was treasurer for
three years, and sub-chief ranger for one term. Mr.
O'Hea and his family are members of St. Mary's
Star of the Sea Catholic Church, of New London.
He is also a member of St. Mary's Star of the Sea
Total Abstinence Society of New London, and has
served as its president and treasurer for several
years ; and of the Ancient Order of Hibernians, Di-
vision No. i, of New London, of which he served
as president for fifteen years. In politics Mr. O'Hea
is a Democrat, but not a politician. His vote is
cast for the man he believes best fitted for the office,
his business interests being paramount with him.
Mr. O'Hea was married to Annie Phalen, of
New London, daughter of Nicholas Phalen, and
their children are Mary A. and Nellie B., both of
whom assist their father in the retail and ofhce
work at the bakery. Not only is Mr. O'Hea a good
business man, and has attained to his present suc-
cessful position through his own efforts, but he is
also a home man, who delights in his family and the
pleasure of his fireside. His daughters are im-
portant factors in social life, while all take a
prominent part in Church work. Mr. O'Hea and
his family are highly esteemed by a large circle of
admiring friends, and he is justly recognized as one
of the substantial and representative men of New
London.
TIFT. John Tift (or Teft or Tefft, as the name
is variously spelled), a brother of William Tefft, of
Boston, lived in Portsmouth and Kingston, R. I.
He died in 1676, and his wife Mary died in 1679.
Mr. Tift was a freeman, 1655, and was recorded as
an inhabitant of Pottaquamscott in 1 671. Children :
Samuel, Joshua, Tabitha.
(II) Samuel Teft, born in 1644, in Providence,
married Elizabeth Jenckes, who was born in 1658,
and died in 1740, daughter of Joseph and Esther
(Ballard) Jenckes, and sister of Joseph Jenckes,
deputy-governor of Rhode Island. Children : John,
Samuel, Peter, Sarah, Elizabeth, Esther, Mary,
Tabitha and Mercy. Mr. Samuel Teft was a free-
man, 1677; was taxed in Kingston, 1687, and was
one of twenty-seven who, in 1709, bought the tract
of land called Swampton, being part of vacant lands
in Narragansett ordered sold by the General As-
sembly.
(III) John Tefft married Joanna Sprague,
daughter of Jonathan and Mehetabel (Holbrook)
Sprague, and resided in South Kingston. He died
in 1760, and she in 1757. Issue: John, born Dec.
4, 1699; Joseph; Samuel; James, born April 21,
1715; Nathan; Mary; Mercy; Mehetabel; Tabitha,
and Sarah. Mr. John Tefft was one of those en-
gaged in the Shannock Purchase in 1703. Previous
to his death he had given his son Joseph a tract of
land in Richmond, Rhode Island.
(IV) Joseph Tefft married Feb. 22, 1729, Esther
Brownell (of record in South Kingston), and had
children: Elizabeth, born Dec. 20, 1730; William,
born Feb. 29, 1732; Joseph, born March 19, 1737;
Benjamin, born June 3, 1741 ; Esther, born Aug. 6,
1743; Thomas, born Nov. 10, 1745; Sarah, born
Aug. 24, 1747; and Samuel, born Aug. 27, 1749
(all born in Richmond).
(V) Joseph Tefft, born March 19, 1737, was
the next in the line. He married Lucy Brewster.
(VI) Solomon Tift, born May 28, 1758, in South
Kingston, R. I., son of Joseph and Lucy (Brewster)
Tift, was a soldier during the Revolutionary war,
enlisting in Rhode Island in March, 1777, and in
a private company called the "Kingston Reds"
served three months under Col. John Gardner. In
July, 1778, he enlisted for nine months in the com-
pany of Capt. West, under Col. Laphan, of New
Jersey. At Arnold's attack on New London, Sept.
6, 1 78 1, he was made a prisoner of war by the Brit-
ish, and was put on board the prison ship "Jersey,"
where he came near dying of fever. He was a
United States pensioner in 1832, and received from
the government $40 per year. He must have been
an officer in the Revolution, and just before his
death he presented his sword to his grandson, Nel-
son Tift, of Albany, Ga. ; it is now in the possession
of his great-grandson, Nelson F. Tift, of that
place. Solomon Tift married Eunice Burrows, of
Groton, on Dec. 2, 1779, the ceremony being per-
formed by Rev. Silas Burrows. She was born in
Groton in 1760, daughter of Amos Burrows, and
died Oct. 10, 1828. Mr. Tift survived her many
years, passing away Dec. 2, 1850.
(VII) Amos Tift, born May 18, 1784, son ot
Solomon, died Aug. 15, 1829. He was an early
settler in Key West, Fla., where he became a prom-
inent man, and served for some time as judge of
probate. He kept a store, and ran the ship that car-
ried the mail. On April 24, 1806, he was married,
by Rev. Lemuel Tyler, at Preston, Conn., to Han-
nah Forsyth, who was born Sept. 18, 1785, daughter
of Charles and Hannah (Chapman) Forsyth,
and died April 8, 1878. Their family con-
sisted of thirteen children, of whom we have the
following record : ( 1 ) Amos Chapman, born July
24, 1808, is mentioned below. (2) Nelson B., born
July 23, 1810, died Nov. 18, 1891. On May 10,
1838, he married Annie Maria Mercer. (3) Asa
Forsyth, born March 28, 181 2, died Feb. 7, 1889.
On Nov. 3, 1847, ne married Annie Wheeler. (4)
Lucius B., born March 1, 1813, died in August,
1866. (5) Julius B., born March 1, 1814, died July
14, 1814. (6) Hannah Caroline, born Feb. 9, 1815,
was married Aug. 26, 1832, to Oliver J. Noyes, who
was born Sept. 28, 1802, and died Oct. 13, 1868.
^{P^JM
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
58:
They had three children : Samuel Waldo, born Dec.
22, 1835, died Nov. 7, 1873 ; Charles Forsyth, born
June 14, 1838, died Feb. 3, 1873 (on Feb. 14, 1861,
he married Elizabeth Hannah Cook, who died Sept.
15, 1867, leaving one child, Henry F., born Jan. 26,
1862, and on Aug. 6, 1868, he married Elizabeth
H. Sands, who became the mother of two children,
Cora Lillian, born Nov. 7, 1869, and Louis Reeve,
born Oct. 29, 1871, in Galveston, Texas) ; Lucius
Tyler, born Sept. 4, 1845, was married ( )ct. 8, 1873,
to Rose Elizabeth Kirkland, of Brandon, Mo., and
they have had one child, Samuel Oliver, born March
17, 1875. (7) Amanda B., born March 27, 1816,
died Dec. 20, 1817. (8) Julius, born May 24, 1818,
died April 17, 1856. On July 4, 1844, he married
Catherine Dickinson. (9) Charles, born July 30,
1819, died April 20, 1878. In May, 1842, he mar-
ried Julia A. Ward. (10) William Orville, born
June 21, 1 82 1, died Oct. 15, 1822. (11) Elizabeth
Jane, born May 13, 1823, died May 17, 1887. On
Oct. 5, 1853, she married Isaac Denison Gift, and
had two children, Ira and Ruby, the former now de-
ceased, and the latter now residing in New York.
(12) Frances Amanda, born July 22, 1825, married
Daniel Pynchon Sept. 27, 1844, and they had four
children : Fannie, who married Albert M. Day, of
Chicago, 111. ; John P. ; Cora, who married Henry
R. Mallory ; and George, of New York City, who
married Lillian Holt. (13) Ann King, born July
6, 1827, died Nov. 25, 1894. On June 3, 1847, sne
married George W. Mallory.
(VIII) Amos Chapman Tift, born July 24,
1808, died Feb. 26, 1883. On Sept. 11, 1839, he
married Phebe Harding, at Old Mystic, and they
became the parents of seven children : Henry Hard-
ing is mentioned below. William Orville, born March
15, 1842, married Eliza Mallory, and they have had
two children, Orville M. and Catherine Stark ; they
reside in Tifton, Ga. Caroline, who lives in Mys-
tic, Conn., is the wife of William K. Holmes. Helen
L. married S. E. Beebe, of Westfield, N. J., and they
have two children, Helen and Caroline. Eliza mar-
ried E. B. Noyes, of Mystic, Conn., and is deceased.
Edmund Harding, who lives in Tifton, Ga., mar-
ried Catherine Ransom, and they have one child,
Catherine. Annie Mallory married Frank Buck-
ley, and they live in Mystic. The father of this fam-
ily was in business in Key West until 1840, when
he came to Mystic, Conn., and embarked in gen-
eral merchandising, continuing thus for many years.
He was a member of the M. E. Church.
(IX) Henry Harding Tift was born March
16, 1841, at Old Mystic, in Stonington, and was mar-
ried June 25, 1885, in Albany, Ga., to Bessie Will-
ingham. They have had three children: Henry H.,
Jr., born Oct. 1, 1887, in Washington, D. C. ;
Thomas Willingham, born Dec. 15, 1889, in Al-
bany, Ga. ; and Amos Chapman, born July 24, 1891,
at Atlanta, Ga. Henry H. Tift spent his boyhood
in Mystic, Conn., where he received his schooling.
At the age of twenty he went to Hartford, Conn.,
and for five years, from his twenty-third year, he
was engaged as steamship engineer. At the end of
that period he went to Albany, Ga., for two years,
to take charge of a machine shop, sash and blind fac-
tory and woolen factory owned by his uncles Nel-
son and Asa. In 1872 he went into the pine woods
at what is now Tifton, Ga., one of the best towns in
the State, and his activity in business and public
life in that section has given him a place among
the leading citizens. He has cleared about 100,000
acres of pine land, and in connection with this work
has become interested in planting, real estate and
banking, being now president of the Bank of Tif-
ton, director of the National Bank of Tifton,
president of the Tifton Cotton Mills, president
of the Tifton Knitting Mills, president of the Tifton
Wholesale Grocery Co., president of the Ensign Os-
kamp Co. (operating large sawmills at Ocilla, Ga.),
and president of the Georgia Inter-state Sawmill
Association. For several years he owned and oper-
ated the Tifton & Northeastern railroad. He was
commissioner from Georgia to the Louisiana Pur-
chase Exposition at St. Louis. Mr. Tift has kept
in touch with his early home and associations, and in
the line of his principal business has furnished con-
siderable timber to the shipyards at Noank and Mys-
tic, Conn. As may be judged by this brief state-
ment concerning his mercantile enterprises, there
is hardly an important feature of the commercial
life of his section of his adopted State with which
he is not identified, and he has proved himself an
able man in all his ventures, a fact to which his suc-
cess gives substantial testimony.
BENJAMIN F. RANDALL, a successful
farmer and venerable citizen, residing in Goshen
Society, in the town of Lebanon, takes pardonable
pride in an honorable ancestry extending back
through several centuries.
The family name of Randall is distinctly trace-
able back to the period of the Norman conquest in
1066. It first appears in the celebrated "Domesday
Book" of William the Conqueror, in the assignment
of lands to individuals bearing this name, as ten-
ants in capite, immediately from the crown, and re-
stricted to those who accompanied the Conqueror
from his native kingdom of Normandy, of which
they may have been native citizens, or the descend-
ants of those who came over from Denmark or
Norway, with Rollo the Dane, at the beginning of
the tenth century, A. D. 901.
John Randall, to whom our subject can trace his
ancestry, was at Westerly, R. I., in territory claimed
by Connecticut as in Stonington, in 1667, and was
recorded as a farmer in 1669. In 1670 he bought a
lot of land on the Pawcatuck river, and was ad-
mitted an inhabitant of Stonington Nov. 30. 1670.
In 1682 he was a deputy from Westerly to the
Rhode Island Assembly, and in 1679 took the oath
of fidelity to Rhode Island. He died at Westerly
about 1684-85. The children born to him and his
586
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
wife Elizabeth, were : John, born in 1666, died at
Westerly; Stephen, born in 1668; Matthew, born
in 1671, died at Hopkinton, R. I.; and Peter.
John Randall (2), son of John, died in Ston-
ington, Conn. His first wife Abigail died at Ston-
ington in 1705, the mother of the following chil-
dren : Elizabeth, Jonathan, Mary, John, Dorothy
and Abigail. For his second wife John Randall
married, Nov. 25, 1706, Mary, daughter of John
and Rebecca (Palmer) Baldwin. She was born at
Stonington, Conn., Feb. 24, 1675, and died there.
Eight children were born of this union : Sarah, Na-
than, Ichabod, Sarah, Joseph, Benjamin, Rebecca
and Joseph.
Benjamin Randall, son of John, was born June
2, 1715, at Stonington, Conn. He located at Col-
chester, Conn., where he was admitted as a freeman
Dec. 6, 1763, but he had probably located there a
number of years before that date. He is represented
as possessing great physical power and endurance,
and some of his dealings with the lawless and
troublesome elements of the half formed society
in this new country are repeated at the present time,
as "reminiscences of early days in Colchester." His
death occurred June 15, 181 1. He was married to
Ruth Brown, who died in Colchester, May 20, 1791.
Their children, all born in Stonington, Conn., were :
Sylvester, Elias, Rufus, Mary, Benjamin, Amos,
Sarah, Asa, Joseph and Anna.
Asa Randall, son of Benjamin, born in 1751,
was the great-grandfather of our subject. He re-
sided at Colchester and died in 1834. In that town
he was married to Mary Tenant, born at Colchester
in 1745, and died there in 181 1. Their children
were : Asa, Samuel, William, Polly, Nehemiah and
John.
William Randall, son of Asa and grandfather of
Benjamin F., was born in Colchester in 1773. He
removed to Goshen Society in the town of Lebanon
in 1799, where he resided the rest of his life, and
where he died much esteemed, May 23, 1830. His
wife was Polly Chamberlain, who was born at Col-
chester in 1772, and died at Lebanon March 3, 1835.
They had two children: Permelia, born Oct. 1, 1797,
married Andrew Lathrop, and died in Lebanon ; and
John Caviler, born March 16, 1799.
Capt. John Caviler Randall, father of Benjamin
F., was born in Colchester, and was about three
weeks old when his father moved to Lebanon. He
was reared to farm work and attended the district
schools and a select school taught by the Congre-
gational minister in the vicinity. For several terms
previous to his marriage he taught school. He looked
to the care and comfort of his parents, and after
their death succeeded them to the farm, and there
resided the rest of his life. He died there Sept. 1,
1876, and his remains rest at Goshen. He was a
well-to-do farmer, and was very highly respected.
In his political views he was first a Whig and later
a Republican. For many years he was captain of
the local company of militia, and was known as Capt.
Randall. In church affairs he was very active, and
was a member and a very liberal supporter of the
Goshen Congregational Church. On Nov. 4, 1818,
Capt. Randall was married, at Colchester, Conn.,
to Nancy Crocker, who was born at Colchester,
July 11, 1796, and who died July 1, 1891, at the
home of her daughter, Mrs. Lucius W. Robinson,
in Columbia. Of their nine children, in 1904 all
were living except two. The oldest was then eigthv-
three years old, and the youngest was sixty-seven.
Their children were: (1) Caroline Aurelia, born
Sept. 29, 1819, was married Oct. 10, 1841, to Albert
W. Stark, a farmer, who died in Lebanon ; his widow
survived until Aug. 5, 1903. (2) Benjamin Franklin,
born Feb. 27, 182 1, is the subject proper of our
sketch. (3) William Nelson, born Sept. 23. 1822,
married, March 3, 1846, Mary Barrett Backus ; he
was a farmer and resided in Exeter, where he died
Oct. 19, 1861. (4) Erastus Ripley, born April 5,
1824, is mentioned elsewhere. (5) Nancy Permelia,
born Feb. 23, 1826, was married, May 1, 1849, to
John Spaulding, and resides in Exeter. (6) Mary
G., born Sept. 22, 1828, married March 4, 1846, Syl-
vanus Backus, who died in Colchester May 29,
1902. (7) Sarah Jane, born Aug. 12, 1830, was
married Feb. 5, 1851, to Edwin Gillett, and resides
in Hebron. (8) John C, born Oct. 29, 1832, was
married, Nov. 7, 1859, to Mary J. Holbrook; he is
a farmer in the Gilead Society in the town of He-
bron. (9) Harriet Elizabeth, born April 11, 1837,
married May 4, 1859, Lucius W. Robinson, a well-
to-do farmer, of Columbia, where he died May 2,
1901. His widow resides at East Hampton, Con-
necticut.
Benjamin F. Randall was born Feb. 2y, 1821,
in Lebanon, in a house that forms a part of his
present residence. He attended the district schools
in the winter season until the age of eighteen years,
the summer season being devoted to farm work on
his father's farm. He remained at home until he
attained his majority, and then was employed as a
farm laborer in Lebanon, working by the month,
for $12 and $14 per month, and working from "sun-
up to sundown." He was thus engaged for some
fifteen or sixteen years, when he was married, and
then located on a farm in Exeter Society, town of
Lebanon, remaining there for about seven years.
Selling out he removed to Columbia, and bought a
large farm, adjoining the one occupied by his broth-
er-in-law, Lucius Robinson, and he resided there
for twelve years. At the end of that time he sold
out, and coming to Lebanon, purchased his present
farm of 136 acres (the old homestead), of his
brother, John, where he has since resided, engaged
in general farming. Of late years he has turned the
management of the farm over to his son, James A.,
who is conducting it.
On Jan. 4, 1858, Mr. Randall was married to
Frances C. Hall, who was born in Colchester, Aug.
8, 1825, a daughter of Henry and Ruth (Stark)
Hall. Five children blessed this union : ( 1 ) Henry
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
587
F., born March 19, 1859, died July 4, 1864. (2)
Arthur Nelson, born Dec. 10, 1861, died Dec. 31,
1868. (3) Luther Hall, born July 13, 1863, *s a
farmer and resides at Berkley, Mass. ; he married,
Nov. 21, 1889, Ida V. Underwood, and they have
two children: Amy A. and Elmer L. (4) Benja-
min F., Jr., born Feb. 6, 1866, died Jan. 8, 1869. (5)
James A., born Nov. 16, 1868, was married June 15,
1892, to Julia A. Manning, of Lebanon, daughter
of Deacon Nathaniel, and granddaughter of Deacon
Jabez Manning, and they have three children : Bes-
sie Hall (born Sept. 22, 1893), Ethel Flora (born
Feb. 21, 1896) and Arthur James (born Nov. 12,
1899). Mr. Randall and his son, James, are Re-
publicans in national affairs, and they are strong
supporters of the temperance cause. Mr. Randall
has always been a hard worker, and by thrift and
industry has acquired a competence ; and he is act-
ive and well preserved for his years. The family
all attend the Congregational Church at Goshen, and
they are held in the highest esteem.
STEPHEN A. BAILEY, proprietor of a thriv-
ing meat and provision store at Norwich, is a rep-
resentative of one of the oldest New London county
families. The family record reads as follows :
In 1620 there came from England in the brig
"Prosperous" to the shores of Virginia, one Will-
iam Bailey, aged forty-one years. Mary, his wife,
aged thirty-four years, came over the next year in
the "George'' with her son Thomas, aged four
years. In 1626 William Bailey is on record as the
owner of land in Virginia.
Thomas Bailey, son of William and Mary,
moved from Virginia to New London, Conn., in
1651. On Jan. 10, 1655, he married Lydia, daugh-
ter of James Redfield. That same year the towns-
men of New London, "with the advice and con-
sent of Mr. Winthrop," granted him a lot lying
north of Mr. Winthrop's land on the east side of
the river, upon which he settled. Thomas Bailey
died in 1675, in that part of New London now
called Groton. In 1676 his widow married William
Thorne, of Dorsetshire, England. Thomas Bailey
was the father of children as follows: Mary,
Thomas, John, William, James, Joseph and Lydia.
This Thomas Bailey was the ancestor of those bear-
ing the name in eastern Connecticut.
Elijah Bailey, grandfather of Stephen A. Bailey,
was born Jan. 25, 1766, and followed the occupa-
tion of a farmer all his life. He resided on the old
Bailey homestead on Bailey Hill in the town of
North Stonington. He died Aug. 25, 1849. On
March 18, 1798, he married Margaret Fanning, who
was born May 6, 1777, and died April 27, 1857. The
children of this marriage were : Amy, born Feb. 7,
1799, died Sept. 18, 1805; Lyman, born April 17,
1800 ; Mary, born June 28, 1802, died Aug. 13.
1820; James, born May 28, 1804, died Dec. 3, 1870;
Demise S., born April 8, 1806, died Oct. 5, 1849:
Caroline, born April 5, 1808, died Dec. 21, 1891 ;
Emeline, born May 31, 181 1. died Dec. 27. [899;
Lucy A., born April 20, 1813; Eunice born April
2T,, 1815; Elijah, born Aug. 31, 1817; William \\\,
born Oct. 23, 1819, died Feb. 14, 1886; an infant
son, born Oct. 5, 1821, died the following day.
Elijah Bailey, father of Stephen A., was born
Aug. 31, 1 81 7, on Bailey Hill, in the town of North
Stonington. He received a good, sound common
school education, being progressive and studious,
and in early manhood taught the district school for
several terms. He remained at home until his mar-
riage, after which he settled in Ledyard. and for
twenty-one years was a resident of that town, liv-
ing at Meeting House Hill. He started a general
store in Ledyard, which he afterward sold to Solo-
mon Chapman, who in turn sold the business to the
late Edmund Spicer.
Mr. Bailey also conducted a branch store at
Gale's Ferry and another at Stoddard's wharf. Dur-
ing his life in Ledyard he was prominently identi-
fied with town affairs. He was called .familiarly
the "Mayor of Ledyard," being constable, collector,
acting school visitor, justice of the peace, postmaster
for several years, and registrar of voters. He was
identified with the Congregational Church there,
and for years was leader of the choir. Although he
led an exemplary life, and was a constant church
attendant, Mr. Bailey never joined any denomina-
tion. When Mr. Bailey reached the three score
year mark he disposed of his interests in Ledyard,
and purchased from his brother the old Bailey
homestead in North Stonington, which was his
home when he died. He entered actively into polit-
ical life, and held many minor offices there besides
being a justice of the peace.
Mr. Bailey was a Democrat until Stephen A.
Douglas was nominated for the presidency. He
left the party during that campaign, voting for
Abraham Lincoln, and he was a consistent Republi-
can during the rest of his life. Mr Bailey was one of
the old-time farmers. He had a good education,
and was easily a leader in public affairs in Ledyard
and afterward North Stonington. He was free-
hearted and popular. His married life of over sixty
years was particularly happy. About a year before
his death, he came to Norwich with his wife to
visit a daughter, Mrs. Everett O. Miller, their stay
being extended until he was taken suddenly ill with
the disease which caused his death Feb. it, 1900.
He was buried in the cemetery at Preston City. His
wife, Sarah A. Allyn. was a daughter of Rufus Al-
lyn, of Ledyard, and she resides in Norwich. Their
children were : Francis died at the age of one year ;
Henry T. is a farmer, and resides at East Great
Plain; Sarah Jane is the wife of Courtland R.
Swan, a farmer of North Stonington : Youngs A.
is a farmer of East Great Plain ; Rufus F. is a liv-
eryman of Jewett City: Stephen A.: Freelove is the
wife of Everett O. Miller, of Norwich.
Stephen A. Bailey was born in Ledyard. May
28, l86l, and was about four years old when the
588
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
family moved to North Stonington. He received
a district school education, and assisted on the
home farm until the age of twenty years. In 1881
Mr. Bailey left home, and came to Greeneville to
learn the carpenter's trade under the late Andrew
E. Carey, of that place, and remained there about
two years. He was then employed by Arnold &
Hiscox, contractors and builders of Norwich, and
remained with them for a time. Leaving their em-
ploy, he then entered into partnership with his
father-in-law, Thomas M. Frazier, who was con-
ducting a meat and provision business at No. 161
Franklin street, the new firm becoming T. M. Fra-
zier & Co. About eighteen months later he bought
his partner's interest, and remained there a little
more than six years longer, when he disposed of the
business, and engaged in a livery business on Main
street, near the Preston bridge. Selling out this
business, he went to New Haven to engage in a
livery business there, and later disposed of this
business and returned to Norwich, spending sev-
eral months in looking after his real estate hold-
ings. About nine years ago he established his pres-
ent business at No. 40 Broadway,' having Nelson T.
Crowel as a partner for about a year and a half.
For several years past Mr. Bailey has been sole
proprietor of the business, and he owns the block
on Main street from Nos. 359 to 375 Main street
in addition to other property.
On June 1, 1884, Mr. Bailey was married, in
Norwich, to Miss Emma C. Frazier, daughter of
Thomas M. and Louisa (Hood) Frazier. Two chil-
dren have been born to them : Howell S., born
April 14, 1887 ; and Lottie S., born Nov. 12, 1888.
In politics he is a Republican, but takes no active
part in public affairs. Fraternally he is very popu-
lar, belonging to Uncas Lodge, No. 11, I. O. O. F.,
Palmyra Encampment and Canton Oneco, Patri-
archs Militant, and is also a member of the Royal
Arcanum. In every way he is a representative busi-
ness man of Norwich, and a worthy descendant of
his sturdy, honorable ancestors.
CAPT. WILLIAM HENRY LATHAM, a
well known and highly respected citizen of Mystic,
was born July 13, 1823, on his grandfather Levi
Spicer's farm, in Groton.
His great-grandfather, William Latham, lived
in District No. 9, of Groton, where he engaged in
farming. He married Sarah Dennison and had
these children : William, Moses, Martha, . Anna,
Esther and P'olly.
William Latham (2), grandfather of William
Henry Latham, married Sabrina Ashby, a daughter
of Edward Ashby, and they lived in District No. 9,
of Groton. William Latham served in the Revolu-
tionary War, and at the age of sixteen was one of
the defenders of Fort Griswold, at the time of the
massacre. He was the father of the following chil-
dren : Mrs. Eunice Gray ; William ; Mrs. Prudence
Potter ; Erastus ; Henry ; Daniel ; Mrs. Sally Smith ;
Silas ; James ; Mrs. Eliza Rathbun ; Mrs. Abbie
Jane Spicer ; John Dennison ; and Mrs. Hannah
Adams.
Henry Latham, father of Capt. William H.
Latham, was born in District No. 9, of Groton, where
he attended school. He learned the carpenter's
trade at Quakertown, in North Groton, now Led-
yard, and followed the building trade all his life.
From 1824 he lived in Mystic, and many of the
houses in Mystic and Noank were built by him,
among these being the First Baptist Church in
Noank and the Second Baptist Church in Mystic.
He was a member of this religious body. In politics
he was a Whig.
Henry Latham was married in District No. 10,
of Groton, to Lucy Clark Spicer, daughter of Levi
Spicer, and the children born to them were as fol-
lows: (1) William Henry was born July 13, 1823.
(2) Catherine A., born in 1827, lives at Tifton, Ga. ;
she is the widow of Nathaniel Ransom, who served
in the Civil war in a Connecticut regiment,
and is the mother of two children, Lucy
L. and Kittie T. (3) Charles W., now de-
ceased, born March 29, 1835, was a carpenter; he
married Sophronia Burrows, and his children were :
Mary B. (wife of Horace M. Fitch, of Mystic),
Mrs. Sarah S. Bailey, Lucy S. and Harry E. (a
dentist in Philadelphia). (4) Albert C, born in
1837, married Emma Hempstead, and had two
sons, — Charles A. of Westerly, R. I., and Hiram.
He was a carpenter by occupation, and died in
Mystic from disease contracted in the service of his
country in the Civil war.
William Henry Latham spent his early school
days in Mystic. At the age of fifteen years, in 1838,
he shipped on the "Lion," a coasting vessel, and later
on the brigs "J. D. Noyes" and "Lampson."
His next experience was in 1844, when he went
whaling, and he was connected with the whaling
ships "Albree" and "Shepherdess," and the "Ocilla,"
"Emmeline," "Metamora," "Elizabeth," "Har-
mony," "Theodore Raymond" and the "Excel," in
the merchant marine.
On May 22, 1861, soon after the outbreak of
the Civil war, Mr. Latham gave up his business to
respond to the call of his country, and was ordered
south as coast pilot and acting master of the Fleet
Gulf Squadron, in the steamer "Mohawk," as volun-
teer lieutenant on the flag ship of the South Atlan-
tic Squadron. Mr. Latham and his men were en-
gaged in blockade work until Gen. Sherman reached
the sea, when, on the steamer "Flag," of which Capt.
Latham was executive officer at Ossabaw Sound, he
was the second man to shake the gallant officer
by the hand, who also was not slow in recognizing
the hazardous work in which Mr. Latham had been
engaged. About the invaluable character of his
work there never could be any question. One of
the last services before leaving the navy March 28,
1865, was the convoying of thirty-two vessels,
loaded with cotton captured by Gen. Sherman, from
HENRY LATHAM
In hi3 68th Year
/7prffZca£c^
In his 75th year
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
,89
Savannah to New York. He came out of the serv-
ice as acting volunteer lieutenant.
The three years following the war, Mr. Latham
spent as sub-contractor for furnishing cattle during
the building of the Missouri Pacific route from Ral-
eigh to Springfield. He then returned to Connec-
ticut and engaged as master of the "Florence," of
which he was the principal owner, and with which
he remained for a year. In 1871 he became master
of the steamer "Cactus," in the Third Light House
District, and so continued until 1897. Since then
he has been custodian of the Light House depot in
Xew London, and is a well known figure to the
regular passengers on the Shore Line railroad. His
life has been one of unusual activity, and its evening
is enjoyed in the knowledge of work well and faith-
fully done.
Capt. William H. Latham was married at his
present home, July 2$, 1849, to Hannah Eldredge,
daughter of Elam and Hannah (Fitch) Eldredge,
and granddaughter of George and Hannah (Bur-
rows) Eldredge. The Eldredge family was also a
sea-faring one. The children of Elam and Hannah
(Fitch) Eldredge were: Hannah; John B. and
Elam, deceased ; George, Eunice B. and Mary
E., all of Mystic ; and Charles H., deceased.
Capt. William H. and Hannah (Eldredge)
Latham have had children as follows : Will-
iam H. died in infancy. Charles Henry, sec-
retary and treasurer of the Spool Works,
of Mystic, married Eva Wood, and has had two
children, Henry G., born Nov. 30, 1884, now in the
third year at Van Rensselaer Polytechnic School at
Troy, N. Y. ; and Helen L., who died at the age of
nine years. Harry died aged four years. Hannah
E. is the wife of Otto Graf, of Mystic. Elmer E.,
who married Caroline Williams, was engaged in
mercantile business at Mystic, and died at the age of
thirty-seven years. Capt. Latham is a prominent
member of a number of organizations, among them
being : Gideon Welles Naval Veteran Association ;
Williams Post, No. 55, G. A. R. ; Charity and Relief
Lodge, A. F. & A. M., and Royal Arch Masons;
the Army and Navy Club of Connecticut ; and Man-
hansett Lodge of American Mechanics.
CHARLES S. MEECH, a successful farmer
and popular citizen of Lebanon, is a representative
of an old New England family, a genealogical his-
tory of which appears elsewhere.
Shubael Meech, father of our subject, was born
Feb. 21, 1809, in Preston, Conn., and his early life
was spent in the towns of Preston, Plainfield, Lis-
bon and Griswold, where his parents resided from
time to time. He received only a common school
education, and was brought up to work upon the
farm. While yet a very young man, he began
teaching school, and for seventeen winters he
taught school in Griswold and surrounding towns,
being very successful, and always a favorite with
his pupils. The summer seasons during this time,
he spent working for farmers. At the expiration of
the seventeen years, he was employed as a clerk in
a store at Hopeville, and later after his marriage,
he located on a farm in Griswold, in the north-
western part of the town. There he made his home
until about the time of the outbreak of the Civil
war, when he removed to Jewett City. He had
been successful in his undertakings, and he pur-
chased a small tract of land there, and was en-
gaged in farming in a modest way, and also en-
gaged in surveying, which he had followed from
early manhood. Until after the death of his dearly
beloved wife, he was engaged along these lines,
but he then made his home with our subject, com-
ing with him to Lebanon, and there died Jan. 27,
1 901. He was a well-preserved, active man, and
his death was caused simply by old age. His re-
mains were interred in Pachaug cemetery, in the
town of Griswold. Mr. Meech was of good height
and excellent proportions, and striking appearance.
Possessing in marked degree a high order of ability,
in every avocation of life he was successful, and
especially so as a surveyor, his services being largely
in demand. His accuracy and thorough knowledge
of surveying was all the more remarkable, as he
never had any instruction, his knowledge having
been gained from watching others. Early in life he
was a Whig, but later became a Republican, and he
was a man of high principles. While it was in ex-
istence, he was a member of the Preston militia.
During his residence at Griswold, he united with
the First Congregational Church, and lated trans-
ferred to the Second Church at Jewett City. Xo
matter what the weather might be, he was a con-
stant attendant upon the church services, and a
more thoroughly Christian man never lived than he.
Mr. Meech married Eliza S. Copp, who was
born at St. Augustine, Fla., Jan. 1, 18 16, daughter
of Daniel Copp, who was a wealthy slave owner
and one of the aristocracy of the South, but whose
summer home was at Groton, Conn. ; she died June
21, 1889. The children born of this union were:
Charles S., born Oct. 22, 1843 ; Ann Eliza, born Dec.
2j, 1846, died Feb. 5, 1861.
Charles S. Meech was born in Griswold, and at-
tended the common schools of that locality. Dur-
ing his boyhood he assisted his father on the farm,
and after the family removed to Jewett City, he
learned the trade of a carpenter, and worked at it
a fewr years during the Civil war, assisting in the
erection of the Ashland mill at Jewett City. He then
entered the employ of the Slater Company, and
was placed in the cloth room of their establishment.
For thirty-one years he remained with them, and
after the first year, he had charge of the finishing,
shipping and packing departments, about fifty
hands being under his supervision. In April. 1896,
he left this company and became the superintend-
ent's clerk in the office of the Aspinook Bleachery,
continuing there three years. In April, [899, he
removed to Lebanon to the farm he had purchased
590
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
the preceding year. This farm was known as the
"Simeon Huntington place," and on it he erected
the present modern house the same year he took
possession of the property. Many are the improve-
ments lie has made upon his farm, which is a fine
one of seventy acres, and he takes a great pride
in it and in keeping his surroundings in good con-
dition and thoroughly up-to-date.
On April 22, 1875, Mr. Meech was united in
marriage with Emily A. Keigwin, who was born
April 20, 1845, in Sterling, Conn. Mr. and Mrs.
Meech have no children of their own, but they
adopted Alice Adams, when she was thirteen years
of age. She was born July 11, 1882, and upon her
they have bestowed every evidence of parental af-
fection. On Dec. '9, 1903, she was married to Row-
land S. Browning, of Lebanon. In politics Mr.
Meech is a Republican, and although not an office
seeker, he takes an interest in local affairs. Fra-
ternally he is a member of Mt. Vernon Lodge No.
75, F. & A. M., at Jewett City. He became a mem-
ber of the Grange in Griswold, as did his wife, and
both transferred to the Lebanon Grange, of which
Mr. Meech has served as overseer. For many years
they were consistent members of the Jewett City
Congregational Church, of which he was clerk and
treasurer for many years, and in 1904 they trans-
ferred to First Congregational Church at Lebanon.
Mr. and Mrs. Meech are, respectively, eligible to
membership in the Sons and Daughters of the Revo-
lution. They are people who have gained for them-
selves the respect and esteem of a wide circle of ad-
miring friends, who know and appreciate their many
admirable traits of character. Their hospitality keeps
their home a center of social pleasure. It is such
people as these which maintain a high standard of
morals in a community, and set an excellent example
to the growing generation.
Daniel A. Keigwin, the father of Mrs. Charles
S. Meech, was born July 19, 181 1, in Voluntown,
and was a carpenter by occupation. His death oc-
curred in Worcester, Mass., Aug. 14, 1871, and he
wa? buried in Griswold. His widow, whose maiden
name was Eunice Frink, died Dec. 21, 1889, aged
seventy-four years. Mrs. Eunice (Frink) Keigwin
was a daughter of Stephen Frink, of Stonington,
who married Mary, daughter of General John Bald-
win, of Revolutionary fame. The children born to
Mr. and Mrs. Keigwin were: Mary, who married
Charles Barrows, of Willimantic, where she died;
Donald, who married Mary Tate, and later Mrs.
Sarah Lucas, and they reside in Boston; Mrs.
Meech ; Eunice, who married John Greene, and re-
sides in Willimantic; Edwin, who married Luella
Jones, and is a retired boss machinist in Whitins-
ville, Mass. ; Anna, who died at the age of fifteen
years ; and Ella, who died at the age of four years.
Daniel Keigwin, father of Daniel A. and grand-
father of Airs. Meech, was born in Voluntown. He
married Anna Crandall, daughter of Elder Cran-
dall, a Baptist minister.
WILLIAM BURTON (deceased), a prominent
man in public life, one of the popular citizens of
Norwich, gained his influential position solely by his
own efforts.
James Burton, father of William, resided in
Norwich, England, where he was engaged as a con-
tractor and builder, and there he died. His wife,
Mary Ann Rudd, came to this country in 1883,
after the death of her husband, and made her home
with her son William, for the remaining five months
of her life. Her children were Thomas, who re-
sides in Norwich, England ; William ; and Eliza-
beth, who married a Mr. Evans, and died in Nor-
wich, England.
William Burton was born March 23, 1846, in
Norwich, England, where he received only a com-
mon school education. When a boy yet in his teens,
he went to London with his brother, and resided
there until 1867, when he decided to seek his for-
tune in the United States, going direct from Lon-
don to Norwich. As he had worked at the bottling
business in London, he applied to Irus W. Harvey,
who at that time did a large bottling business on
Franklin street, for work, but did not obtain any.
George F. Brooks, who happened to be in the place
at the time, learned that the young man was from
London, and liking his bright appearance, invited
him to his home on Franklin street, and for a num-
ber of years made him a member of his family. Mr.
Burton worked at whatever he could do to earn an
honest dollar, and soon he was employed by a Prov-
idence man, who was doing a concrete walk business
in Norwich. Mr. Burton was made foreman in a
short time, and superintended the laying of the
long concrete walk in front of the Norwich and
Worcester railway repair shops on North Main
street.
In the spring of 1868 Mr. Burton apprenticed
himself to Joshua E. Fellows, a boss mason, and in
due time mastered that trade, and proved himself a
good workman. He was married in the fall of that
year, and after a short residence in Greeneville, the
couple removed to Preston, where Mr. Burton took
an active part in local affairs, and in 1880 repre-
sented Preston in the Legislature in company with
Charles A. Burdick. Mr. Burton was the first Re-
publican that had been elected there in years.
In 1872, in company with a man named Cornelius
Connor, Mr. Burton built the structure now occu-
pied by the Page Foundry Company, the begin-
ning of a large amount of brick work which he did
in Norwich, and especially in Greeneville. He was
also interested in the cement pipe and concrete walk
business. About the year 1882 he returned to the
village of Greeneville to reside, and remained there
the rest of his life. In 1887 he was elected street
commissioner, and held that responsible position
until his death, with the exception of two years
when the Democrats had charge of public affairs.
He was considered one of the best men who ever
held the office.
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
59 1
Besides being a thorough and energetic business
man. Mr. Burton found time to take part in social
affairs, and was of a most genial and happy dispo-
sition. He was at one time a member of the Greene-
ville Literary Club, and on retiring from its presi-
dency, which event occurred on the tenth anniver-
sary of his marriage, he was tendered a banquet in
Union Hall. In the Fire Department he took a
deep interest and was foreman of Shetucket Steam
Fire Engine Company. No. 7, and was one of the
organizers of Greeneville Hook and Ladder Com-
pany. No. 2, and was its first foreman.
Mr. Burton was a thirty-second degree Mason,
a member of the Mystic Shrine ; Wauregan Lodge,
No. 6. K. of P. ; Shetucket Lodge, No. 27, I. O. O.
F. ; of the A. O. U. W. ; and of the A. O. Alfredians.
He was the first member initiated into Shetucket
Lodge after its institution. Among business men
Mr. Burton sustained the reputation of an upright
and honest man. He was a good citizen, and his
home life was very happy.
On May 13, 1894, in company with several
friends, he drove to the cove at Poquetanuck, to
look after some property there. While there con-
versing pleasantly with his companions he was
stricken with apoplexy, and died almost instantly.
He was buried in Yantic cemetery. Mr. Burton was
a man universally respected, and one of much in-
fluence, and his death was was felt to be a loss, not
only to the immediate family, but to the whole com-
munity.
On Nov. 28, 1868, Mr. Burton was married in
Baltic, Conn., to Margaret MacFarlane, who was
born in Glasgow, Scotland, and came to the United
States in 1866, at the age of seventeen years. This
union was blessed with a family of seven children :
Charles YV., residing in Norwich, who married Miss
Alice Sidelberg, and has one child, Lillian P. ; Agnes
Elizabeth, who died at the age of ten years ; Mary
Ann, who is the wife of Alexander F. Shaw, of
Norwich, and has four children, Alexander, Will-
iam D., Elizabeth P., and Alice M. ; Margaret C,
who is the wife of Anton Nelson, of Norwich, and
has two children, Agnes M. and Richard A. ; Emma
R. ; William G. ; and Alice May. The family at-
tend the Congregational Church.
ORRIN S. RIX, a well-known citizen of Volun-
town, Conn., who is engaged in an undertaking and
wagonmaking business there, and who is also an
honored survivor of the Civil War, was born March
12, 1845, in tne town of Griswold. The Rix family
is one of age and respectability in that locality.
Ephraim Bishop Rix, father of Orrin S., was
born April 15, 181 5, in the town of Griswold, a son
of Ephraim Bishop Rix, Sr. He was a mill operator
in his younger days, working in the mill of James
Treat, in Yoluntown. but later settled down on a
small farm in the town of Griswold, where the
balance of his life was passed, engaged in agricul-
ture. His death took place on his farm, March 21,
1898, and he was buried in the cemetery at Yolun-
town. In politics he was a stanch Republican, and
in religious belief a Baptist. Ephraim B. Rix twice
married. His first wife, Lucy Scranton, died in [848,
and was buried in the Kinne cemetery, at Glasgo.
Three children were born of this union: diaries,
who died in infancy ; John F., also deceased ; and
Orrin S., of this ske'tch. Mr. Rix married (second)
Lucy Tift, born in 181 5, who died May 30, 1881,
and was buried in Voluntown cemetery. The three
children of the second marriage were : Joseph
H., who resides in New London; Lucy A., who
resides in Danielson, Conn. ; and Charles, also
deceased.
Orrin S. Rix attended school in the town of
Griswold and at Voluntown. He spent five years
at the latter place with his grandmother Rix, and
worked on her farm, later learning the carpenter's
trade with Ira G. Briggs & Co. Mr. Rix then be-
came a clerk in a store kept by Edmund Hall, where
he continued three years, when he entered into busi-
ness for himself. After one year he returned to
work at his trade, and followed it for some twenty
years, then engaging in clerking for a time at Hope
Valley, Rhode Island.
On Aug. 6, 1862, Mr. Rix offered his services
in defense of his country, enlisting in Co. G, 21st
Conn. V. I., under Col. Arthur H. Dutton and Capt.
James F. Brown, and he remained in service until
the close of the war, participating in nine battles
and being wounded four times. He was honorably
discharged at New Haven, in July, 1865. On May
30, 1867, Mr. Rix married, in Griswold. Mary A.
Whipple, born in that town, daughter of Robert B.
and Savina C. (Jackson) Whipple. Two children
were born to them, namely: Orrin Chester, who
died young; and Carrie May, now the wife of Al-
bert F. Horton of Boston, Mass. Mr. and Mrs.
Horton have one daughter, Helen Rix.
In 1880 Mr. Rix entered into a mercantile busi-
ness with Edmund Hall, an association which was
continued for two years, and after one year alone,
in 1883, he sold out his mercantile interests and en-
tered the undertaking and wagonmaking business.
Mr. Rix is much commended by his fellow citizens
for the close and careful attention he gives to his
business. He enjoys universal respect and esteem.
Both he and his estimable wife are members of the
Baptist Church at Yoluntown.
In politics Mr. Rix is a Republican, and he has
served as town clerk and treasurer, and for twelve
years as judge of probate. Among his old army com-
rades he is very popular and they have testified to
their respect and affection by electing him com-
mander of Byron D. Smith Post. No. 45. G. A. R.,
of Yoluntown, of which he is a charter member, and
has been both quartermaster and adjutant. He is a
man of business integrity, of honorable bearing and
of quiet tastes, a lover of his own fireside, and a
neighbor who is appreciated for his kindness and
forbearance.
592
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
LEFFINGWELL. The Leffingwell family
line is traced as follows: (I) Thomas, (II) Sam-
uel, (III) Samuel, (IV) Samuel, (V) Benjamin,
(VI) John, (VII) John B., (VIII) John H., and
(VIII) Orrin B.
This family of Leffingwell, members of which
were among the early settlers of Connecticut, and
later of Montville, is well represented in New Lon-
don county at the present time by John Henry
Leffingwell and Orrin Bradford Leffingwell, stal-
wart and substantial citizens of Bozrah and Mont-
ville, and sons of the late John B. Leffingwell, who
was one of the leading and highly respected citizens
of Montville, where he died at the age of seventy-
four years and six months. As indicated, John H.
and Orrin B. Leffiingwell are descendants in the
eighth generation in direct line from Thomas
Leffingwell, the emigrant ancestor of the family.
(I) Thomas Leffingwell, the first, of Saybrook,
Conn., was a native of Croxhall, England, and one
of the earliest planters of Saybrook. He later be-
came one of the first settlers of Leffingwell town,
and was personally engaged in the Pequot war,
being a warm friend of Chief Uncas of the Mohegan
Indians, and for services rendered this chief he re-
ceived several hundred acres of land, since known as
Leffingwell town, upon which he built five houses,
within hearing distance of the blow of a horn. He
gave one of the houses and a farm to each of his
five sons. Lieut. Thomas Leffingwell was one of the
original proprietors of Norwich, and was active in
the affairs of the town and colony, dying at Norwich
about the year 1710. Mary, his wife, died there
Feb. 6, 171 1. His descendants were numerous, and
the name has been quite common in the vicinity
of the first settlement of the American founder.
The children of Thomas and Mary Leffingwell were :
Rachel, Thomas, Jonathan, Joseph, Mary, Nathaniel
and Samuel.
(II) Samuel Leffingwell, born about 1660, was
a son of Thomas and Mary Leffingwell. He mar-
ried Nov. 16, 1687, Ann Dickerson. He died at
Norwich, Conn., in December, 1691, and she died
there Feb. 22, 1690-91. They appear to have had
but one child, Samuel.
(III) Samuel Leffingwell, who was born Feb.
4, 1690-91, son of Samuel and Ann (Dickerson)
Leffingwell, was married March 2, 1714-15 ,to Miss
Hannah Gifford. He settled in Norwich, where he
and his wife both died. Their children were : Caleb,
Samuel, Hannah, Ann, Andrew, Mary, Elizabeth,
Jonathan, Abigail and Sarah.
(IV) Samuel Leffingwell, born May 28, 1718,
son of Samuel and Hannah (Gifford) Leffingwell,
married Sept. 7, 1742, Hannah Buck. After her
death, which occurred March 29, 1761, he married
Dec. 10, 1762, Sarah Russell, who died Oct. 22,
1763. His children, all born of the first marriage,
were: Benjamin, Samuel and Abigail.
(V) Benjamin Leffingwell, born Feb. 2, 1743-44,
eldest child of Samuel and Hannah (Buck) Leffing-
well, married Lettis Camp. He was a resident of
Bozrah, Conn., where he was a thrifty farmer, and
died Feb. 2, 1826, while his wife died Oct. 29, 1803.
Their children were : Wealthea married Allen Wa-
trous ; Hussel married Sarah Gardner ; James mar-
ried a Miss Maples ; John married Eunice Ford ;
Louise married David Maples ; Joseph married Sally
Ford ; Mary married Caleb Reed.
(VI) John Leffingwell, grandfather of our sub-
jects, was born March 22, 1774, son of Benjamin and
Lettis (Camp) Leffingwell. He married Eunice
Ford, who was born in May, 1782, daughter of
Joseph and Rebecca (Bradford) Ford. John
Leffingwell was a resident of Montville, and was a
successful farmer. He was tall and of a spare
frame, energetic and capable of much hard work.
He was a member of the Bozrah Baptist Church.
His death occurred in Montville, Oct. 19, 1856, and
his wife passed away Jan. 10, 1873. Their children
were: Eunice F., born Sept. 13, 1807, who died
Sept. 8, 1882, aged seventy-five years, unmarried;
and John Bradford, father of John H. and Orrin B.
(VII) John Bradford Leffingwell was born
Sept. 4, 1809, son of John and Eunice (Ford)
Leffingwell, on the same farm now occupied by his
son Orrin B. Leffingwell, and there spent his life
as a successful farmer. He was tall and slender
in appearance, and possessed a very pleasing dispo-
sition and genial nature, being a man who heartily
enjoyed a jcke. He was an active and consistent
member of the First Baptist Church of Bozrah, and
served as treasurer and member of the church com-
mittee. In political faith he was originally a stanch
Whig, and later a Republican. Although retiring in
disposition, and not an office-seeker, he served his
native town as a member of tlte board of assessors
and on the board of relief, and also held the office
of selectman. John B. Leffingwell was hard-work-
ing, industrious and thrifty, and a thorough and
conscientious business man, one who bore the esteem
and respect of all who knew him.
On Dec. 23, 1833, he married Mbs Martha
Palmer, daughter of Henry and Polly (Williams)
(Brown) Palmer, and sister of Deacon Robert
Palmer. Mrs. Leffingwell was born April 16,.
1814, in Preston, Conn., the youngest in a
family of six children, and died Aug. 22,
1900, in Norwich, at the home of her daugh-
ter, Mrs. Anson Gardner. Mr. Leffingwell parsed
away April 11, 1884, in Montville. To their
union were born children as follows : John Henry,
born Oct. 1, 1835, is mentioned below. Mary Jane,,
born Sept. 22, 1838, married Nov. 26, 1863, Alex-
ander Cutler, of Norwich, and on Sept. 22, 1884,
became the wife of Anson Gardner, also of Norwich,
where she is now living a widow ; by her first hus-
band she had two children who died young. Joseph
Lyman, born Nov. 9, 1841, married Nov. 26, 1872, :
Julia Matilda Switz, daughter of John and Jane j
(Pitcher) Switz, of New York; he was engaged in i
farming in Montville when he died, Feb. 8, 1888, |
m^Ki /Q ^yw- ^y^^^cy^
uhu^ /$ c^^y^r^H^
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
593
leaving a wife and two sons, John Lathrop, born
Sept. 16, 1873, and George Washington, born March
5, 1875, who are engaged in conducting the home-
stead farm. Orrin Bradford, born June 29, 1849,
is mentioned below.
(VIII) John Henry Leffingwell was born
Oct. 1, 1835, in Bozrah, and was two years old when
his parents located in Montville, on the farm now
occupied by his brother, Orrin B. Leffingwell. He
received his education in the district schools, and his
boyhood days were spent in hard work upon the
homestead farm. He remained with his parents
until his marriage, when he removed to a new house
which his father had erected on the farm, and there
lived for eight years. In April, 1870, he purchased,
in company with his brother Joseph L., the saw and
grist mill then owned by the late John Post, located
in Bozrah, and the brothers conducted the business
together until the death of Joseph, after which John
H. Leffingwell purchased from the heirs his
brother's interest, and since then has been sole owner
of the plant. From early youth Mr. Leffingwell has
shown an aptitude for mechanical work, and it has
always been a pleasure for him to do any kind of
work requiring a knowledge of mechanics. Not
only is he an expert in running his mills, but he is
fully competent to repair wagons, and do black-
smithing and repair work of all kinds. His saw-
mill is equipped with modern machinery, and he
does all kinds of work in that line. The site of the
mill is an old one, having been thus occupied for
over 200 years.
On April 2, 1862, Mr. Leffingwell was married,
in Norwich, to Harriet Amanda Rogers, who was
born Sept. 26, 1836, in Lebanon, daughter of Alfred
and Amanda (Leffingwell) Rogers. Children as
follows were born to Mr. and Mrs. John H. Leffing-
well: (1) Alice May. born May 25, 1865, died
Sept. 27, 1866. (2) Walter Henry, born Aug. 8,
1867, a most promising young man, died May 26,
1884, of lockjaw. (3) Silas Weaver, born Sept.
22, 1874, received a district school education. He
has always resided at home and assisted his father
with the exception of a few weeks each summer,
when he takes charge of the store of Henry Lewis,
at Fitchville, during the absence of the proprietor
on a vacation. He is, like his father, a natural
mechanic, and assists in the business. In all things
he is a most exemplary young man, and possessed
of excellent business ability. On Sept. 22, 1898,
he married Mrs. Lucy B. Sholes (widow of Eben-
ezer Sholes), who was born in North Stonington
Jan. 30, 1876, a daughter of the late John S. Bent-
ley, who died in Canterbury, Conn. Mr. and Mrs.
Silas W. Leffingwell have had three children : Alice
Mary, born June 20, 1899; Mervin Bentley, born
Oct. 5, 1900; and Ida Harriet, born Oct. 28, 1902.
Both Mr. Leffingwell and his son are Republi-
cans. John H. Leffingwell has served several terms
on the board of selectmen, and as assessor, holding
the latter office longer than any other person in the
38
town. He has also served as justice of the peace.
The entire family are consistent members of the
First Baptist Church at Leffingwell, and he has held
several offices in the church, including that of col-
lector, which position he has retained for many
years. Silas W. Leffingwell is assistant superin-
tendent of the Sunday-school, and is also church
treasurer. The family is most highly esteemed, and
both men have the full confidence of all who have
had business or social relations with them. Al-
though not obliged to, being a man of means, John
H. Leffingwell is as hard-working as he was in his
earlier days. He ranks among the most substantial
citizens of the town of Bozrah. The hospitality of
the Leffingwells is far-famed, and all who enter
their doors are made heartily welcome.
(VIII) Orrin Bradford Leffingwell was
born June 29, 1849, m Montville, Conn., son of
John B. Leffingwell, and brother of John H. Leffing-
well. He was born in the house where he now re-
sides, and was educated in the Bozrah 7th district
school, which is located just over the Montville
town line. Leaving school at the age of twenty-one
years, he took up duties on the home farm, upon
which he has since resided, and at the death of his
father he came into possession of the same. Mr.
Leffingwell has 100 acres of land in a good state of
cultivation, all inclosed by a substantial stone wall,
which is well kept up, as are all the premises and
the buildings on this property.
Mr. Leffingwell attends the First Baptist Church
of Bozrah, of which his wife is a member, and she
is also a member of the Ladies Aid Society and the
Ladies' Missionary Society of the church, and takes
an active part in church work. In political faith
Mr. Leffingwell is a stanch Republican, but he has
never found time to accept public office, devoting his
time and attention to his private affairs.
On Dec. 28, 1887, Mr. Leffingwell was married
to Helen Elizabeth Gadbois, daughter of George
Oliver and Ellen Jane (French) Gadbois, of Mont-
ville. Mrs. Leffingwell was born Oct. 16, 1868, in
Waterbury, Conn. Her father is a large land owner
in Montville and Plainfield, Conn., and engages in
farming. He was formerly engaged in school teach-
ing, and was for several years connected with the
Providence and Fishkill railroad in an official posi-
tion. Mrs. Leffingwell taught school in the 2d
district in Montville previous to her marriage. Mr.
and Mrs. Orrin Bradford Leffingwell have one
child, Ella May, born Aug. 5, 1898, in Montville.
Mr. Leffingwell is one of the well-to-do and sub-
stantial farmers of Montville. He and his wife are
charitable and hospitable people, and are held in the
highest esteem in their community.
JOHN P. BARSTOW passed from the scene
of his earthly labors over ten years ago, but his
memory still lingers in the city of Norwich, with
whose life, especially in commercial circles, he was
so long actively identified. From the year 1846,
594
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
when he moved to the city, until his death, Oct. 3,
1893, he was one of the substantial citizens of that
place, successful in business, interested in public
affairs, a friend and liberal supporter of religion
and education — in short, a model New Englander.
Mr. Barstow was born Nov. 27, 1822, in Au-
gusta, Maine, son of Elisha and Mary Palmer (Rog-
ers) Barstow, and spent his boyhood days in his
native place. He had the practical training which
boys of that day usually received, was brought up
to farm work from earliest boyhood, and had such
educational advantages as the schools of the home
district afforded, supplemented by attendance at
the high school at Norridgewock, Maine, near Au-
gusta. In 1844 he came to Canterbury, Conn., to
enter the employ of his uncle, Isaac Backus, who
was engaged in the business of making cast-iron
stoves. Later Mr. Barstow sold stoves from a
wagon throughout Rhode Island and eastern Con-
necticut, and during this time was more than or-
dinarily successful as a salesman. In 1846 he came
to Norwich, where he entered into partnership with
his uncle in a stove and tinware business, under the
name of Backus & Barstow, the firm opening in the
store on Main street now occupied by C. C. Eld-
ridge as a fruit store. A short time later they re-
moved to the building on Water street where Mr.
Barstow did business the remainder of his life. At
that time the building was of small dimensions, but
it was enlarged to meet the requirements of in-
creased trade, and in time land was purchased to
the river front. Mr. Backus's health showing signs
of failing at the end of a few years, he retired from
the firm and went to reside in Canterbury.
In the year i860 Col. Edwin Palmer, then a resi-
dent of Preston, purchased an interest in the busi-
ness, and for a dozen years the firm name was Bar-
stow & Palmer. Because of ill health Mr. Palmer
sold his interest to the senior member of the firm,
who continued the business alone until the year
1876, when Frank H. Smith and George S. Byles
took an interest, the name becoming J. P. Barstow
& Co.
In point of active service Mr. Barstow was at
the time of his death the second oldest business man
on Water street, Calvin G. Rawson being his senior.
Mr. Barstow was a large and powerful man, being
over six feet in height, and weighing 275 pounds
when in health. He was a great worker, always
busy, and, in spite of the several years of ill health
that preceded his death, was active to the last. He
had a wonderful memory and conducted his busi-
ness on correct principles, being thorough in every-
thing he undertook. He was a self-made man in the
best sense of the word, and became well-to-do
through his own efforts, well directed.
Mr. Barstow showed his public spirit and inter-
est in local affairs in many ways, and he served the
city faithfully as a member of the court of common
council and represented Norwich in the State Legis-
lature in 1880 and 1881. In political faith he was
a stanch Republican, and, in ante-bellum days, a
strong anti-slavery man. He supported all local
enterprises, and was a director of the Chelsea Sav-
ings bank ; a trustee of the industrial school for
girls at Middletown ; and a life member of the New
London County Agricultural Society, of which he
was the first president, holding that office several
years. His interest in agricultural matters was al-
ways keen, and he was one of the prime movers in
founding the Storrs Agricultural College, of which
institution he served as trustee from its inception,
and was president and treasurer at the time of his
death. At the time of his death a Norwich paper
commented thus upon the golden opinions which all
held of Mr. Barstow as a man.
In the estimation of the people of this city no man
stood higher than John P. Barstow. He possessed every
quality that goes to make up a good citizen and a true man.
He was generous and charitable, and his home was his
chief delight. He will be missed as much from business
life as from his home circle.
On Aug. 27, 1850, Mr. Barstow married Abigail
T. Sharpe, who was born in Pomfret, Conn., daugh-
ter of Judge George and Lucretia (Robinson)
Sharpe, and granddaughter of Robert Sharpe, who
enlisted from Pomfret for service in the Revolu-
tionary war. Mr. and Mrs. Barstow had a daughter,
Mattie R. The family home, on Huntington Place,
Norwich, was erected by Mr. Barstow in 1873. In
1856 he joined the Broadway Congregational
Church, of which his wife was also a member, and
he was a regular attendant on the services of that
congregation, and gave liberally to the support of
its work. Mrs. Barstow and her daughter are
eligible to the Societies of Colonial Dames and
Daughters of the American Revolution.
Mr. Barstow's health was not good for the last
five years of his life. He spent some time at Sara-
toga and passed the winter of 1889 in Florida, but
all in vain, though he continued active and attended
to his business affairs until just a few weeks before
his death.
REUBEN H. LESTER, of Centre Groton,
where he is engaged as a merchant and farmer, was
born in Old Lyme March 14, 183 1, son of Silas
and Olive (Huntley) Lester.
Silas Lester was a resident of Lyme, where he
made his home all his life. By trade he was a ship
carpenter, finding employment thereat in the ship
yard near the Old Lyme station.. He was a steady
going, conscientious workman, who lived an upright
life, carefully attending to his own affairs, and win-
ning the respect of all who knew him. He was
twice married. By his first wife he had two chil-
dren, Silas and Fanny, both now deceased. For
his second wife Mr. Lester married Olive Huntley,
daughter of Reuben Huntley, and their children
were : Louisa, who married William Rowland, and
died at Old Lyme; John, of Old Lyme; Reuben
Huntley ; and Julia Ann, who married James Tay-
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
595
lor. of Guilford. Silas Lester died at the age of
seventy years, surviving his wife a number of years.
Reuben H. Lester spent his boyhood days in Old
Lyme, and in the schools there received his literary
training. In his young manhood he engaged in
fishing, but later worked for R. S. Griswold, Jr.
For several years from 1852 he was station agent
at Old Lyme, a position he left to become conductor
on the Consolidated road from Xew Haven to New
London, which he continued for thirty years. Dur-
ing these many years in railroad work he lived for
two years in Xew London, and for fifteen in Groton
Bank. After leaving the road he spent seven years
in conducting the restaurant in the depot at Xew
London, in connection with his duties as ticket
agent, later resigning that position to devote his
entire time to the restaurant. In the spring of 1883
he came to Centre Groton. where he purchased a
farm, and while he has since engaged in other lines
he has never entirely abandoned farming, in which
he takes great interest, and in which he has been
successful. In 1888 Mr. Lester became the owner
of the store at Centre Groton, conducting it under
the firm name of R. H. Lester & Son. His varied
experiences in the business world have given him
much useful knowledge, which he has applied to
his own work, and found it of inestimable value. He
is upright in his methods, courteous to his custo-
mers, and he commands some of the best trade in
the town.
On Feb. 18, 1854. Mr. Lester was married, in
Ledyard. Conn., to Miss Eliza Geer, born June 11,
1833. daughter of Thomas and Thankful (Whipple)
Geer. She died Aug. 24, 1902, the mother of the
following children : Marietta, born in Ledyard.
June 17. 1856, married Charles F. Colver; Olive
Huntley, born in Old Lyme, in January, 1858, died
young; Arthur Geer, born in Ledyard, Dec. 8, 1864,
married Mina Whipple, and has had two children.
Marietta (born June 10, 1893) and Dorothy (born
Sept. 1. 1894, died aged five years) ; and Reuben
Eddie, born in Groton, Feb. 8. 1875. married Mabel
Buddington. The family are all highly esteemed,
and have many warm friends in the town where
their lives, to so large an extent, have been passed.
HOWARD AUGUSTUS HUBBARD, a well
known citizen of Yoluntown. engaged in the jew-
elry business, was born July 8, 1848, in the town of
Xew Britain, Hartford Co., Conn., a son of Sidney
and Mary (Smith) Hubbard. His early boyhood
days were spent in the town of his birth, but when
six years old he went to live with his uncle. Samuel
Hurlburt, at Hartford, later at Winchester. Litch-
field county. Here he attended the winter seasons
of school and worked on the farm during the sum-
mers.
When Mr. Hubbard had reached the age of nine
years he went to the farm of Andrew Hitchcock,
then in Cheshire, now Xew Haven county, where
he was again given winter school opportunities.
and he remained with Mr. Hitchcock after he re-
moved to Hartford. At the age of eighteen he
went to a neighboring farmer, and from there went
to a rule shop in Riverton. Conn., to learn a trade.
During the four and a half years he remained there,
he became instructed in the repairing of clocks and
watches; and when he left the shop, he traveled
through Xew England, repairing watches, clocks
and machinery of all kinds, a business he followed
until 187 1, when he came to Yoluntown. The lo-
cation suited him, and, after renting a shop, from
Charles Main, he started upon a successful busi-
ness career. For the past thirty-two years Mr.
Hubbard has resided here, and has done the major
part of the clock, watch, musical instrument and
machine repairing required in this community. He
seems to possess a peculiar talent for the work, and
his patience and ingenuity are often rewarded by his
being able to restore a perfect time-piece or instru-
ment to its owner in place of the wreck he took in
hand.
Mr. Hubbard has a natural love for and apprecia-
tion of music and art, and he possesses some of the
finest artistic works to be found in the town. He
also has made a remarkable and valuable collection
of birds' eggs, rare birds themselves, shells and
minerals, and he can discourse understandingly
about them. He is an expert taxidermist and has
preserved many a family pet.
In 1892 Mr. Hubbard married Miss Lucy Ann
Xichols, daughter of Bishop Tyler Xichols. and
niece of the late Stephen Xichols. Mrs. Hubbard,
like her husband, is fond of music and they enjoy
combining their performances on the piano and
harp. They have a most congenial, pleasant and
hospitable home.
In politics Mr. Hubbard is independent in his
views. In religious life, he endeavors to follow the
Golden Rule.
CHARLES DOUGLASS BABCOCK, one of
Griswold's leading agriculturists and dairy farmers,
is a well-known and representative citizen of that
section of Xew London county. He was born Sept.
15, 1875, in the town of Xorth Stonington, a des-
cendant of one of the oldest and best families of
that place.
Irvine: Babcock, father of Charles, was born also
at Xorth Stonington, son of Henry who lived and
died there. Irving Babcock followed farming in
his native place, where he still resides in hale old
age. respected and esteemed by cotemporaries and
those of a younger generation. He is a stanch
Democrat in politics, in character an upright, honest
man. On Aug. 10, 1863. he married Sarah M.
Tracy, and they are the parents of these children:
Sarah Mabel, wife of Herbert Clifford; Jennie.
wife of Albert Thompson ; Mary, wife of Henry
Wheeler, of Hopkinton. R. I.: Charles D. : Martha
Tracy, wife of Edward Briggs, of Norwich; and
George Irving, on the homestead.
596
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
Charles D. Babcock was educated in the public
schools of North Stonington, and a business college
at Worcester, where he was graduated. He
remained engaged on the home farm until 1896,
when he came to the town of Griswold, and bought
a tract of 200 acres near Jewett City. Here he
has engaged in general farming and extensive
dairying, keeping twenty-two first-class milch cows,
and finding much pleasure as well as profit in his
business operations. He follows modern methods,
uses in his dairy modern, sanitary machinery and
turns out products which meet with a ready sale.
His ideas are practical and progressive, and he is
generally considered one of the leading agriculturists
of the locality.
In March, 1896, Mr. Babcock married Idelle
Richardson, born in North Stonington, Conn.,
daughter of William Richardson, a lady of refine-
ment and education, who for seven years had taught
school in Griswold township. The two children of
this marriage are : Charles Irving and Royal Rich-
ardson. Both Mr. and Mrs. Babcock are valued
members of the Methodist Church. In politics he
is a Democrat.
WILBUR L. L. SPENCER, a well known and
successful citizen of Lebanon, descends from an old
family, and one that has always been one of the most
prominent and numerous in Middlesex county,
Conn. He descends from Thomas Spencer, who,
with his wife, came to Hartford in the company of
Rev. Thomas Hooker, in 1636. He was a represen-
tative to the General Court, and had a grant of land
given him for his public services. He was the an-
cestor of the old Spencer family of Connecticut.
While much of the early history of the family is
lost in the dim records of the past, yet the branch of
the family which resided in Millington, Middlesex
county, have furnished men of national fame and
exalted character. Hon. Joseph Spencer was one
of the leading and prominent men of his State prior
to, and during, the Revolutionary War. In the
Colonial army, in 1756, he was a major, later a col-
onel, and must have served with distinction, for at
the commencement of the war with Great Britain,
the State of Connecticut immediately turned to him
as a leader, and the Assembly of March, 1775, ap-
pointed him and Israel Putnam, brigadier generals.
Later Congress made him one of eight brigadier
generals, his rank being tenth in the army. He
served with distinction and honor, and at one time
was in command of the Colonial forces in Rhode
Island. He was an intimate friend of Gov. Jonathan
Trumbull, and made many visits to Lebanon. He
died in East Haddam, Jan. 13, 1787. A grand-
daughter, Elizabeth, became the wife of Hon. Lewis
Cass, candidate for President in 1848.
Ambrose Spencer, grandfather of Wilbur L. L.,
was a resident of Moodus, town of East Haddam,
where he followed the occupation of farmer. He
was a soldier in the Revolutionary War. His death
was the result of cancer. His children were : Am-
brose and Allen, twins ; Richard ; William L. ; and
Phebe, who became the wife of William H. Wat-
rous, and died in Portland, Connecticut.
William L. Spencer, son of Ambrose, was born in
East Haddam, Middlesex county, and resided there
until the age of sixty years. For many years he
operated a store in Millington Society, in addition
to farming, but later removed to Salem, New Lon-
don county, and was there also engaged in a mer-
cantile business for years. He then removed his
merchandise to East Lyme, where he conducted
his business until within five years of his death,,
which occurred in September, 1901, when he was
aged eighty-five years. He was buried at Indian
Hill cemetery at Middletown. He was a Republi-
can in politics, and served one term as postmaster
at Salem. His religious connection was with the
Congregational Church. William L. Spencer was
thrice married, (first) to Miss Kingsley, (second)
to Mrs. Mary (Hughes) Date, and (third) to Mrs.
Carlyle Whittemore. The children of the first wife
were : Ulysses, a carpenter located at Emporia,.
Kans. ; William K., a successful grocer at Middle-
town, Conn. ; and Everett K., who was for some
time engaged in a mercantile business, and for sev-
eral years a farmer at Salem, but who died in
March, 1903. To the second marriage but one child,
Wilbur L. L., was born. Mrs. Mary (Hughes)
Spencer was a native of Lyme, Conn., and she died
at Baltic, Conn., in 1871, aged fifty-two years. By
her marriage to Mr. Date, she became the mother
of three children, viz. : David, of Franklin, Conn. ;
Hiram, who died in Missouri ; and Fred, who was a
miner at Helena, Mont. To the third marriage of
Mr. Spencer no children were born.
Wilbur L. L. Spencer was born April 29, 1861,.
in Millington Society, in East Haddam, and re-
mained at home until after the death of his mother,
when he was ten years old. He then went to New
London, and was there engaged in clerking in his
brother William's grocery store, but received no
wages except his board and a few clothes. When
his father married again he returned home, and
spent two years in a school room, the only chance
he ever had. At the age of twelve years he came to
Lebanon and was employed as a farm hand by Dr.
Charles Sweet, at $8 per month. Soon after, on ac-
count of sickness, he was obliged to return home,
but, a few months later, came again to Lebanon, and
was engaged on the farm of Benajah Barker at $100
a year. The lad was evidently in need of careful
nursing and medical attention, for he soon fell ill
again, although he fought manfully against it. Mr.
Barker received him kindly when he returned, and
with this employer Mr. Spencer continued with
more or less loss of time from sick spells, for two
years, gradually gaining strength, until he was able
to accomplish as much as any other hand. Upon
one occasion Mr. Barker was settling with a hired
man who had worked side by side with our subject
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
597
and received $200 for the season, and in the presence
of Mr. Spencer, and the other party remarked:
"Wilbur, if I had my way about this, I would rather
pay this money to you."
After leaving the employ of Mr. Barker he re-
turned to New London, and was again employed by
his half-brother as a clerk. He remained there a
year, during which time he married. A few months
later he returned to Lebanon, and engaged in farm-
ing about a year on his father-in-law's farm, later
accepting farm work at the village green, and still
later started into the business of peddling notions in
the vicinity, carrying his goods in two satchels. This
business he found remunerative, and it soon de-
manded the use of a horse and wagon. In 1887 he
rented a small store room, which in a short time
proved too cramped for the business, and in 1892 he
rented the large rooms in Grange Hall, where he
carried as large a variety of goods as would be
found in any country store in the State. The ex-
quisite meatness and cleanliness which prevailed
made it very attractive. In connection Mr. Spencer
engaged in an extensive grain and feed business,
and did a large trade in agricultural implements,
having customers from a long distance. He is a
natural merchant, and knows how to handle goods
to the best advantage, while his honesty has been so
proved that with him, "once a customer, always a
customer." He has had his own way to make from
childhood, and has grown into importance and the
possession of ample means entirely through his own
efforts. In February, 1903, Mr. Spencer disposed
x>i his mercantile business, and is now engaged at
farming and dealing in agricultural implements, and
iarm machinery.
On March 26, 1880, Mr. Spencer married Kate
E. Gager, born Feb. 28, 1862, at Lebanon. These
children have been born to them : Bertram Gager,
"born June 9, 1881 ; Cornelia Halstead, born Aug. 29,
1888; and Wilbur Judson, born March 4, 1891.
In politics Mr. Spencer is a Republican but has
never sought office. He is a member of Oliver
Wroodhouse Lodge, No. 51, K. of P., at Colchester;
Ancient Order of United Workmen ; and William
Williams Council, No. 72, Ancient Order United
American Mechanics, and is now secretary of the
latter order. He is a member and a liberal sup-
porter of the Congregational Church, of which his
wife is also a member, and of which she has been
the organist for a number of years. Both Mr. and
Mrs. Spencer are possessed of social dispositions,
and are very popular.
Mrs. Spencer is a descendant of an old and well
established family of Windham and New London
•counties, Conn., and wherever its members are
found, they stand for integrity of character.
The founder of the Gager family was Dr. Will-
iam Gager, who came to the United States in 1630,
with Governor Winthrop, but he died in the same
year from disease contracted from poor diet at sea.
■many of the emigrants dying from the same malady.
Contemporary records speak of Dr. Gager as a
skillful surgeon and a godly man, and one of the
deacons of the Church.
John Gager, the only child of Dr. Gager, whose
lineage has been traced, was one of the company
that settled at New London with John Winthrop,
the younger, and his name is there found on the
earliest extant list of inhabitants. John Gager had,
from the town of New London, a grant of a farm of
200 acres, east of the river, near the straits, now
in Ledyard, Conn., to which he removed soon
after 1650, and there he dwelt until he joined in the
settlement of Norwich. His house and lot in the
new town bear the dates of the earliest surveys.
November, 1659. In 1674 and 1688 he was con-
stable of Norwich. He died Dec. 10, 1703, at an
old age, leaving two sons and a daughter.
Amos Gager, great-grandfather of Mrs. Spen-
cer, was a carpenter by trade, and in early manhood
taught school. His death occurred in early life.
His widow, whose maiden name was Sarah Throop,
later married Col. Isaiah Loomis, a Revolutionary
soldier, whom she survived, and died at the home
of her son, Dan T. Gager, at Lebanon. Her chil-
dren, all by her first marriage, were as follows :
Simon was a farmer at North Coventry, where he
died, and his grandson Henry, graduated from
Sheffield Scientific School at Yale and is a member
of the Flint Construction Company, and a prom-
inent business man of Palmer, Mass. ; Dan Throop
was born June 17. 1800; Eliza never married and
died at the home of Mrs. Spencer ; and Sarah and
Rachel both died young.
Dan Throop Gager was born at Franklin, Conn.,
and all his early life was spent there, his first re-
moval being to Remsen, Oneida Co., N. Y., where
he engaged in tavern keeping, and while residing
there he married. A number of years later he re-
moved to Troy. N. Y., where he was engaged as a
pattern maker in a stove foundry, but on account of
poor health he was obliged to give the business up.
In 1842 he returned to Connecticut, located at Leb-
anon, and rented a farm in Exeter Society. A few
years later he rented a farm which is now occupied
by his granddaughter, Mrs. Spencer, as he soon
purchased it and resided upon it until his death
Feb. 20, 1897, aged ninety-seven years. Although
he lived to advanced age he retained possession of
every faculty. In his younger years he had taught
singing school, and at different times led the choirs
of the Baptist and Congregational churches at Leb-
anon, and he united with the latter denomination at
Franklin. In politics he was a Republican.
Dan Throop Gager married Catherine Halstead,
born Feb. n, 1802, in Pittstown. N. Y.. daughter
of Joseph and Rebecca (Slawson) Halstead; she
died March 5. 1889. Catherine (Halstead) Gager
was a direct descendant of Joseph Halstead, who
came to this country with two brothers, Jonas and
Timothy, and settled in Hempstead and Jamaica,
Long Island, 1656 and 1660. The ancestry of her
598
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
family dates back to the granting of the "Halstead"
coat of arms and crest by patent dated Nov. 20,
1628, to "Sir William Laurence Halstead," of the
British Navy, Admiral of the "White," and knight
commander of the most honorable Order of the
Bath. The children of Dan Throop and Catherine
(Halstead) Gager were: Judson Avery, born Jan.
4, 1829; William Halstead, born May 9, 1831., died
young ;a daughter, born Oct. 28, 1833, died un-
named; James Goodrich, born June 28, 1835, died
young; a daughter, born Aug. 5, 1841, died un-
named.
Judson Avery Gager was born at Remsen, N.
Y., and resided at Troy until thirteen years old, and
then accompanied his parents back to Connecticut.
He attended the district school at Lebanon until the
age of eighteen years, and assisted his father on the
home farm until the outbreak of the Civil war, when
he enlisted as a musician in Company C, 18th Conn.
V. I., and served as leader of the regimental band
until he was honorably discharged three years later.
His vocation was farming, and he followed that all
his life, although his musical and mathematical abil-
ity would have made him successful in either branch.
He gave much attention to the study of astronomy,
and wrote scientific articles which attracted much
attention from the New York press. Mr. Gager
was one of the best read men of the community,
and could have taught many branches. He was
twice married. His first wife, Mary Davis, was
born in May, 1830, in Newport, R. I., daughter of
Nathan and Hannah (Howard) Davis ; she died
June 16, 1866, leaving one child, Kate Eliza, born
Feb. 28, 1862, now the wife of Wilbur L. L. Spen-
cer. His second marriage was to Sarah Nye, of
Exeter, a daughter of Benjamin F. Nye. Mr. Gager
died May 15, 1892, and Mrs. Gager is' still a resident
of Lebanon.
Through her great-grandmother Throop, Mrs.
Spencer is descended from an old New London
county family, the name originally being "Scrope."
The line is traced back to Adrian Scrope,
Sr., who was a member of the famous
Rump parliament, which condemned to death
King Charles I. Adrian Scrope, Jr., was a
member of the same body. They were de-
scendants of Lord Scrope, of Bolton, and the
family crest is a naked arm grasping a coiled ser-
pent, and the coat of arms is a red and silver shield.
When Charles II ascended the throne of Britain
he demanded the execution of the judges who had
condemned his royal father, and the elder Scrope
paid the penalty at Charing Cross, London, in 1660.
The son escaped in the same year to America, set-
tled at Hartford, and took the family name of his
mother, becoming plain William Throop. He went
to Barnstable, Mass., and in 1680 was a resident of
Bristol, R. I., where he died. The children born to
him and his wife, Martha, were : William ; Deacon
John ; Thomas, who married Abigail Ware ; and
Dan.
Dan Throop came to Connecticut in 1707, from
Bristol, R. I., and located at Franklin, New London
county. On Oct. 27, 1737, he married Susannah
Cary, and they had children: Bethia, born in 1738,.
married William Huntington ; Dan, born April 19,
1740; Susannah, born in 1742; Joseph, born in 1748,.
served as a private in the Revolutionary army, and
his son married Polly Clark, and their daughter,
Eliza W., became the wife of Dr. Charles Sweet,
Mr. Spencer's first employer; Benjamin served as.
one of Gen. Washington's colonels during the Revo-
lution.
Dan Throop, son of Dan, was a captain in the
merchant marine, and at one time was captured by
pirates in the Caribbean Sea. He was commissioned
captain of a troop of horse in the second regiment of
Light Horse State troops, the commission being
dated at Middletown Dec. 18, 1776, and signed by
Jonathan Trumbull. In 1760 he married Rachel
Terry. Their children were : Dan, born Dec. 10,
1772, married Sarah Stanton Mason, of Lebanon ;
William, born Dec. 30, 1783, married Nancy Mason
(sister of Sarah Stanton Mason), who died at
Chicago in 1857, a* tne home of her son Amos
Gager, mentioned below ; Sarah married Amos
Gager, and they were the great-grandparents of
Mrs. Spencer; Rachel died young; Susan married a
Mr. Hutchinson ; and Bernice married Joseph
Halstead.
Amos Gager Throop, son of William and Nancy
(Mason) Throop, went to Chicago in 1841, and
invested heavily in real estate. After becoming a
millionaire, he removed to Pasadena, Cal., where he
died, leaving a daughter, who is the wife of the
wealthy seedsman and florist, J. C. Vaughn, of
Chicago.
WILLIAM S. HEMPSTEAD, one of the ven-
erable and highly respected citizens of Norwich, re-
siding at No. 6 Church street, belongs to one of
the oldest families of New London county, whose
members have been prominent in the history of the
county since their location there.
(I) The first American progenitor of the Hemp-
stead family was Sir Robert, who came from Eng-
land to this country with Gov. Winthrop in 1645.
He married Joanna Willie, settled in Pequot, Conn.,
and died in 1655. He was one of the thirty-six
grantees of original house lots in New London. He
had three children, Mary, Joshua and Hannah.
The house now standing on the original home-
stead of Robert Hempstead is undoubtedly the most
ancient building in New London, and as nearly as
can be estimated was built about 1678.
(II) Joshua Hempstead, born June 16, 1649,.
married Elizabeth Larrabee, of Saybrook, and be-
came the father of Elizabeth, Mary, Phebe, Joshua,
Hannah, Hannah, Prudence, Patience and Lucy.
(III) Joshua Hempstead (2), born, Sept. I,
1678, died Dec. 22, 1758. His wife, Abigail, born
in 1676, died in August, 1716. They had nine chil-
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
599
dren, as follows, all born between 1698 and 17 13,
inclusive: Josbua, Nathaniel, Abigail, Robert, Ste-
phen, Thomas, John, Mary and Elizabeth.
Joshua Hempstead took an active part in the
affairs of the town for a period of fifty years, reck-
oning from 1708. The "Hempstead Diary," pub-
lished by the New London Historical Society in
1901, was a private journal kept by him from the
year 171 1 to his death, in 1758. Its contents are
chiefly of a personal and domestic character, but it
contains brief notices of town affairs and references
to the public transactions of the country. Its author
was a remarkable man, a typical representative of
the age, country and society in which he lived. The
diversity of his occupations in particular marks a
custom of the day ; he was at once a farmer, sur-
veyor, house and ship carpenter, attorney, stone-
cutter, sailor and trader. He generally held three
or four town offices ; was justice of the peace, judge
of probate, executor of various wills, overseer to
widows, guardian to orphans, member of all com-
mittees, everybody's helper and adviser, and cousin
to half of the community. Of the Winthrop family
he was both friend and confidential agent, and man-
aged their business concerns whenever the head of
the family was absent.
(IV) Nathaniel Hempstead, born Jan. 6, 1700,
died in 1728. He married Mary Hallam, who after
his death married Joseph Truman. She bore three
children to Nathaniel Hempstead, Joshua, Nathaniel
and Mary.
(V) Joshua Hempstead, great-grandfather of
William S., married Lydia Burch, daughter of
Richard and Elizabeth (Harris) Burch, who was
born April 7, 1723, and died Sept. 22, 1802. They
had the following children, born between 1744 and
1764, inclusive: Edward, Robert, Samuel, Na-
thaniel, Benjamin, Richard, Lydia, Lucretia, Re-
becca and Mary.
(VI) Benjamin Hempstead, born in 1753, was
a resident of New London, where he died Sept. 2.
1798, of yellow fever, which was then raging all
through that region. His widow later married a
Mr. Harris, and died in New London. Her chil-
dren, all by the first marriage, were: Elizabeth,
born June 17, 1780, who married David Holt ; Ben-
jamin, born May 8, 1783, who married Mary Mor-
gan and removed to St. Louis ; Charles T., born
in September, 1785, the father of our subject;
Nancy, twin of Charles T.. who married Robert
Holt ; Harriet, who married Joseph Hill ; Henry,
who married Nancy Barber ; Lydia, wife of Luther
Plumb ; and Denison, who died young.
(VII) Charles T. Hempstead was born in New
London. He was a cabinetmaker by trade, but also
made several trips after sperm whales and on one
voyage was gone for forty-two months. He was
a Jeffersonian Democrat, but was not specially in-
terested in politics, and never took any active part
in such affairs. He died in New London, and was
buried in Cedar Grove cemetery. He married Mar-
garet Miller, of New London, who survived her
husband, dying in her native city at the age of
eighty-five years. Four children were born to them :
Frances H., who married William A. Rumsey and
died in Ingersoll, Canada, where her husband was
engaged in the stove foundry business ; Elizabeth,
who married (first) Jeremiah Mahoney and (sec-
ond) William Sisson, and died in 1903 in Xew
London; Charles, who died unmarried; and Will-
iam S.
(VIII) William S. Hempstead was born Jan.
22, 182 1, on Bradley street. Xew London, and his
boyhood days were spent there. He attended the
school which was located near the site of the court
house and taught by Ulysses Dow, brother of the
famous Lorenzo Dow. At the age of seventeen
years he went to Ingersoll, Canada, where he spent
one year working in his brother-in-law's foundry.
He then returned to New London and secured em-
ployment as a clerk in the paint store of a Mr.
Haley, located on Bank street, his wages being $200
a year, without board. The young man was eco-
nomical, and had saved enough in a few years to
buy the business, which he conducted for a couple
of years, then disposing of it to Mr. Haley, as he
found it was injuring his health.
Dr. McEwen, of Norwich, then induced Mr.
Hempstead to move to that city and engage, with
his son, John B. McEwen, in the soft soap and tal-
low candle business. This firm, Hempstead &
McEwen, was organized in 1845, an<l was Arst
located where the Broadway Theatre now stands.
They did a good business and employed several
men and teams. The factory was afterward re-
moved to Roath street, and Mr. McEwen dying
later, Mr. Hempstead continued the business alone
until 1880, when he discontinued it. Since then he
has devoted his time to his real-estate business and
other personal interests.
Soon after the removal of the business to Roath
street Mr. Hempstead purchased land in that vicinity
and from time to time erected several houses there-
on, which he later disposed of at good profit. He
resided for a number of years in these various
houses, but in 1875 he removed to his present home,
which he had bought the year previously, and has
since lived there.
Mr. Hempstead was first married, in Xew Lon-
don, to Elizabeth H. Hempstead, a daughter of
Joshua Hempstead, a distant relative. Mrs. Hemp-
stead died in Norwich and was buried in Xew Lon-
don. She had had one child. Joshua, who died
young. For his second wife Mr. Hempstead mar-
ried, Nov. 5, 1854, Catherine D. Harris, who was
born March 27, 1824. in Norwich, daughter of Hal-
lam and Emily (Denison) Harris. Four children
have been born to them : William K. married Mary
Smith and resides in Springfield. Mass.; he is a
printer and has been in the employ of the Spring-
field Republican for the past twenty years. Chris-
topher 1'. married Anna Johnson, and his widow and
6oo
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
daughter, Anna Christine, are residing in New
Haven; he was a bank clerk, and died in Chicago,
111., while on his way to Colorado for his health.
Frank, a clerk in the Chelsea Savings Bank, at Nor-
wich, married Alice Brewster, and one child, Kath-
erine Brewster, was born to them. Harris lives at
home, unmarried.
Mr. Hempstead has always voted the Republi-
can ticket, but has cherished no political ambition
and has never mingled in any of the actual political
work. Religiously he is connected with the Uni-
versalist Society, his wife being a member of that
church. He has won his way to a place of wealth
and consideration by his own unaided efforts, and
by his honorable methods and successful results
well deserves the consideration which is univerially
accorded him.
LEE LUTHER BROCKWAY, a well known
merchant and farmer of Hadlyme, was representa-
tive to the Legislature from his town in 1903, and
has filled many public offices. He is of the seventh
generation in direct descent from Richard Brock-
way, who came over in the "Mayflower" and settled
at Brockway's Ferry, in Lyme.
(II) William Brockway, son of Richard, was
born in 1666, and died in 1755. His wife is buried by
his side, with no stone to mark her grave.
(III) Lieut. John Brockway, son of William,
was born in 1696, and died in 1777. His first wife,
Elizabeth, was born in 1705, and died in 1738; and
his second wife, Sarah, was born in 1708, and died
in 1770.
(IV) Ebenezer Brockway, son of Lieut. John,
was born in 1731, and died in 1812. His wife Mary
was born in 1735, and died in 181 1. He was a mas-
ter Mason and his apron, worn 107 years ago, is
now in the possession of his great-grandson, Lee
Luther, of this sketch.
(V) Sylvester Brockway, son of Ebenezer, was
born Oct. 1, 1767, and died Dec. 15, 1849. He mar-
ried Mary Davis, who was born Aug. 2, 1782, and
died March 4, 1859. Their children were as fol-
lows: (1) Joseph D., born May 11, 1801, married
Rebecca Johnson, who was born Oct. 28, 1807. They
had no children. (2) Charles Hollom, born July 17,
1803, is mentioned below. (3) Diodat M., born
April 14, 1806, died at the age of two years. (4) An
infant girl died Dec. 20, 181 1.
(VI) Charles Hollom Brockway, second son of
Sylvester and Mary (Davis) Brockway, was born
at Brockway's Ferry, Lyme, where his father had
passed all his life. He was educated in the Lyme
schools, and began his business life as a merchant at
Brockway's Ferry. Later his business was located
at Comstock's Ferry. He died March 30, 1892. His
wife, whom he married May 28, 1837, was Amirah
Luther. She was born Sept. 21, 1818, and died Feb.
1, 1903. Their children were as follows: (1) Laura
M., born April 16, 1838, died Jan. 28, 1843. (2)
Janett F., born Jan. 10, 1841, married Orrin Miner,
and died June 28, 1870. (3) Charles H., Jr., born
Feb. 23, 1843, died April 3, 1900. (4) Marian E.,
born Aug. 17, 1845, died Sept. 29, of the same year.
(5) Myron H., born Aug. 17, 1845, nves ^n East
Haddam. (6) Emerett M., born Sept. 28, 1847, mar_
ried Charles C. Miner, of East Haddam. (7) John
Wesley, born June 9, 1850, died June 21, 1887. (8)
Lee Luther, born Oct. 27, 1852, is mentioned below.
(9) Eva Ann, born Feb. 21, 1854, married L. Corn-
stock of East Haddam. ( 10) Jessie Ella, born March
31, 1856, married Frank Lewis, of New London.
(11) Carrie Bell, born Sept. 18, 1858, died April 28,
1863. Charles Hollom Brockway spent the later
years of his life engaged in farming. He was a
Republican in politics, and held most of the town
offices. He was a member of the Methodist Church
at Moodus. The first dollar which he earned is now
in the possession of his son, Lee Luther.
(VII) Lee Luther Brockway was born in the
house which is his present home. He attended
school in Lyme and as a young man engaged in
farming, and in the lumber business with William
Hall. In 1880 he opened a store at Brockway's
Ferry, conducting it until 1896, when he trans-
ferred the business to Hadlyme. He has also con-
tinued to interest himself in farming. He has always
taken an active part in politics, being a frequent dele-
gate to county, State and Congressional conventions,
and holding many town offices. He has served as
tax collector, justice of the peace, grand juror,
selectman, member of the board of relief, and in
1903 was a representative in the Legislature, where
he was one of the committee on Federal Relations.
Mr. Brockway married, in Lyme, Nov. 28, 1872,
Isabella, daughter of George N. Phelps, and their
children were George Lee and Carrie Bell. The
former, born Nov. 10, 1875, died Dec. 3, of the
same year; the latter, born Sept. 13, 1877, married
William Hawthorne, of Hadlyme, and has one
daughter, Martha. The family are members of the
Baptist Church at North Lyme. Mr. Brockway is a
Mason, a member of Pythagoras Lodge, and is also
a member of Fen wick Lodge, No. 120, Odd Fellows.
DANIEL CHAPMAN LEFFINGWELL, a
descendant of one of New England's early settled
families, and a representative farmer of Montville,
New London Co., Conn., traces his ancestry
through Marvin, Gurdon, Andrew, Samuel (2),
and Samuel to Thomas Leffingwell.
(I) Thomas Leffingwell, the first of Saybrook,
Conn., was a native of Croxhall, England, and one
of the earliest planters of Saybrook. He was per-
sonally engaged in the Pequot war, a warm friend of
Chief Uncas, and gave him great assistance at the
time the Mohegans were besieged by the Narragan-
setts In the spring of 1645. Being of a roving na-
ture, he made various trips through different parts
of Connecticut, and one of these resulted in his
meeting with Chief Uncas. He traveled along the
land bordering Long Island Sound and the Thames
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
60 1
river, finally reaching a spring of water, still to be
found near the property of Daniel Chapman Lef-
fingwell, in Leffingwell town, town of Montville.
The tribe of Chief Uncas was located by this spring.
The Chief and two of his warriors had covered the
surrounding country in search of a place to locate,
finally selecting what has since been known as the
Mohegan Reservation. Thomas Leffingwell was
pleased with their description of the land, and the
appearance of the same, and decided to settle there.
Two of Uncas' warriors returned to Saybrook with
Mr. Leffingwell, to help him arrange for his change
of residence, and to remove his belongings. Dur-
ing their absence, the Naragansetts, from Rhode
Island, made an attack on the Mohegans, and, being
greatly outnumbered, the latter were compelled to
seek shelter among the rocks and hills bordering the
Thames river, where they were completely surround-
ed by the Narragansetts. Chief Uncas, realizing
his position, and knowing that unless provisions
were obtained, his men would be soon without food,
and surrender would then be necessary, called a
council of war, and it was decided to try and reach
Thomas Leffingwell, in whom Uncas had profound
belief. As a result of this belief in his friendship,
one of Uncas' braves was sent forth, and he evading
the Narragansetts, succeeded in reaching Thomas
Leffingwell, and informed him of the danger threat-
ening his Indian friends. Without any hesitancy,
this pioneer responded to the call, and securing a
rough scow, he filled it with all the provisions he
could obtain, and brought it through Long Island
Sound, and up the Thames river, to the relief of
the good Chief and his suffering tribe. This time-
ly aid, given at the risk of his own life, resulted in
strengthening the Indians, and, cheered by his sym-
pathy, aided by his excellent advice, and fed by the
food his bravery had brought to them, they at-
tacked the Narragansetts, and succeeded in chasing
their enemies several miles, capturing the Narra-
gansett chief. Upon the spot where he was taken
prisoner, Chief Uncas killed his enemy, and cut
out his heart, after the savage custom of the red
men.
For the service so cheerfully and gladly ren-
dered, Uncas gave to Thomas Leffingwell land nine
miles square, the present town of Norwich being
included in this territory, but the deed was never
recorded. He was also given several hundred acres
of land, and fortunately recorded this deed,
Ever since this last named property has been known
as Leffingwell town, and is now included in the
present towns of Montville, Norwich and Bozrah.
Upon this property, Thomas Leffingwell built five
different houses, one for each of his sons, and all
within hearing distance of a horn. He was kind
to the Indians, and was beloved by them.
Thomas Leffingwell, known as Lieut. Thomas,
was one of the original proprietors of Norwich. He
was active in the affairs of the town and state, and
died in Norwich about the year 1710. Mary, his
wife, died there Feb. 6, 171 1. His descendants
were numerous, and the name has been quite com-
mon in the vicinity of the first settlement of the first
American ancestor. The children born to Thomas
Leffingwell and wife were : Rachel, Thomas, Jona-
than, Joseph, Mary, Nathaniel and Samuel.
(II) Samuel Leffingwell, born about 1660, mar-
ried Ann Dickerson, and had one child.
(III) Samuel Leffingwell (2), born Feb. 4,
1 690- 1, settled in Norwich. He married Hannah
Gifford, and had the following children: Caleb,
Samuel, Hannah, Ann, Andrew, Mary, Elizabeth,
Jonathan, Abigail and Sarah.
(IV) Andrew Leffingwell, born Dec. 12, 1724,
married Marcy Nobles. He died in Bozrah in
1803, and she died there in 1808. He helped to
build the first Baptist church in Bozrah, and was its
first deacon. This church stood just opposite the
present edifice. His children were : Gurdon, Elisha,
Andrew, Rhoda, Annis, Eunice and Marcy.
(V) Gurdon Leffingwell, born in 1768, grandfa-
ther of our subject, married Polly Avery, daughter
of Gardner Avery, of Bozrah. He settled in Boz-
rah, where he was engaged in farming. In person,
he was a well-proportioned, broad-shouldered man,
weighing over 225 pounds, and possessed a strong
constitution. All his life he was a hardworking,
industrious man, and possessed a powerful, deep
voice. Mr. Leffingwell was set in his ways, and
strong in likes and dislikes, although he had a kind-
ly nature. His death occurred Jan. 16, 1844, and his
wife died Dec. 17, 1869. Their children were: (1)
Elisha, born Feb. 6, 1796, was for a number of years
engaged in whaling voyages, and in the coasting
trade, following the sea for a number of years. He
later settled in Montville, and was engaged in farm-
ing, and there died, at an advanced age. His wife
bore the maiden name of Betsey Beebe. (2) Mar-
vin is mentioned below. (3) Gardner, born Jan.
10, 1801, engaged in farming in Bozrah, there dy-
ing, unmarried, aged eighty-four years. (4) Mary,
born April 4, 1803, married Reuben Bromley, of
Norwich, where he was engaged in farming. She
died at Chester, Mass. (5) Amanda, born Nov. 4,
1805, married Alfred Rogers, a farmer of Norwich,
where she died. (6) Andrew, born July 9, 1808,
settled in Bozrah, where he engaged in farming, and
school teaching. He represented Bozrah in the
State Legislature in two different sessions. He mar-
ried Sally Sabin, and died in Bozrah at an ad-
vanced age. (7) George, born in March. 1S11,
died Nov. 28, 1881, unmarried. He was a carpen-
ter by trade, and was also engaged in school teach-
ing. ' (8) Fitch, born in 1813, died in June, 1827.
(9) Ira, born in 1816, was engaged in farming, dy-
ing Aug. 4, 1872. unmarried. (10) Harriet, born
Aug. 25, 1 8 19, married Joseph Kelso, resided at
Chester, Mass.. where her husband was engaged
in farming, and there died.
I VI l .Marvin Leffingwell was born July 20, 1798,
in Bozrah. Conn., in one of the five houses built bv
602
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
Thomas Leffingwell, the first settler. He married
first Abby Ann Chapman, daughter of Jonathan and
Phebe (Leffingwell) Chapman, who died March 17,
1838. He then married Sarah Whaley, daughter
of Levi Whaley, of Montville. She died and was
survived several years by her husband, who passed
away March 31, 1856, in Montville. He was en-
gaged in farming during his life, in which he was
very successful. Nearly all of his life was spent in
Montville. Marvin Leffingwell possessed a very
genial nature, and was charitable in his actions.
Few men were more fond of children than he, and
he was a kind and indulgent father. He was a man
of medium height, about five feet five inches tall,
and weighed about 180 pounds. In politics he was
a very stanch Democrat, and he served his town as
a member of the board of selectmen, as well as in
other town offices. He was not a member of any
church, but was a liberal supporter of the First
Baptist Church of Bozrah. Mr. Leffingwell en-
joyed excellent health until within about ten years
of his demise. The children born to Marvin Lef-
fingwell and his first wife were: (1) Erastus
Mason, born July 31, 1835, in Montville, died in
Bozrah. He was a physician by profession, and was
in active practice for about forty years, being
an expert on typhoid fever, pneumonia and the de-
livering of tape worms, having a widespread repu-
tation as a specialist in those lines. On Sept. 7,
1894, his death occurred. He married (first) Abby
Beebe, daughter of Stephen Beebe, of Norwich,
who bore him one daughter, Minnie Leffingwell,
who was scalded to death at the age of seven years.
His second wife was Harriet G. Maples, daughter
of George Maples, formerly of Preston, Conn.,
and later of Montville. She died in 1897, leaving
no children. (2) Eliza Jane, born in August, 183 1,
married Lewis Rogers, a farmer of Norwich Town.
(3) Daniel Chapman was the third child. By his sec-
ond marriage, Marvin Leffingwell had children
as follows : (4) Chauncey, a painter by trade, who
is also engaged in farming in East Haddam, Conn.,
married Esther Martin, and their children are : Eu-
gene, Hattie and Gertrude. (5) Maria married
James L. Beebe, of Norwich, where he engaged in
teaming and farming for a number of years, and
there died, leaving three children, Edward and
Ella, both deceased, and Frederick, now living in
Springfield, Massachusetts.
(VII) Daniel Chapman Leffingwell was born June
20, 1836, in Montville, on the same site where now
stands his present home, in one of the five houses
already referred to, originally built by Thomas Lef-
fingwell, the first settler, and given to his fourth
son, Nathaniel. This house has descended from
generation to generation, and is now the property of
our subject. Mr. Leffingwell received his educa-
tion in the Bozrah schools, 7th district, and left
same at the age of fourteen years. He remained
at home until he was seventeen, and then he en-
gaged in steamboating between Norwich and New
York for about three months, and also on the Fall
river, and Providence lines, as fireman. Tiring of
this work he returned home, and took up farming
on the old homestead, where he has since remained.
His farm consists of about 150 acres of land, which
is a portion of the land given to his ancestor
Thomas Leffingwell by Chief Uncas, of the Mohe-
gan Indians, and upon which is located near his
present home, the spring of water where Thomas
Leffingwell first met Chief Uncas. For some years
Mr. Leffingwell has sold the water from this spring
to customers in Norwich.
Mr. Leffingwell is a Republican in politics,
but has never been an office holder. Mr. and Mrs.
Leffingwell are both members of the First Baptist
Church of Bozrah. Mrs. Leffingwell is also a
member of the Ladies Missionary Society of that
church.
On March 18, 1858, Mr. Leffingwell was mar-
ried to Miss Anna Edith Curtis, daughter of Elijah
W. and Mary (Bushnell) Curtis, of Norwich. Mr.
Curtis was a blacksmith and farmer in Nor-
wich, but died in Montville, while his wife died in
Plainfield, Conn. The children born to Mr. and
Mrs. Leffingwell are: Forrest Curtis, born July 16,
i860, in Montville, was in Montana for some five
years, but is now engaged in farming with his fa-
ther ; he married Addie E. Lay, daughter of Car-
los Lay of Norwich, and they have five children,
Clarence F., Edith Anna, Irene Curtis, Frederick
Arthur, and Gladys Marion. Frederick Arthur,
born May 20, 1865, was engaged in farming on the
homestead, and there died Jan. 2j, 1890, unmar-
ried.
JAMES H. HYDE, one of the leading citizens
of the town of Franklin, traces his ancestry back to
the seventeenth century, there being record of Will-
iam Hyde, one of the original proprietors of Nor-
wich, in 1660, and he first appears in New England
history as far back as 1636 at Hartford, Conn. In
1639 he had land assigned to him, and his name ap-
pears on the monument there dedicated to the
founders of that city. Later he was at Saybrook
and Norwich, and was frequently elected select-
man of the latter place, becoming a man of consid-
erable importance. On Jan. 6, 1681, he died in
Norwich. Nothing appears relative to his wife,
but his children were Samuel and Hester.
(II) Samuel Hyde, born in Hartford about
1637, married in June, 1659, Jane Lee, of East Say-
brook (now Lyme), daughter of Thomas and
Phcebe (Brown) Lee. Thomas Lee came from
England in 1641, but died on the passage. Sam-
uel Hyde was one of the original proprietors of Nor-
wich in 1660, in which town he and his wife settled.
He v/as a farmer and had lands assigned to him in
Norwich West Farms, where he died in 1677. His
children were : Elizabeth, Phcebe, Samuel, John,
William, Thomas, Sarah and Jabez, all born be-
tween 1660 and 1677. The daughter Elizabeth
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
603
was born in August, 1660, and is said to have been
the first white child born in the town.
(III) Jabez Hyde, born in May, 1677, married,
Dec. 21, 1709, Elizabeth Bushnell, born Jan. 31.
1686, daughter of Richard and Elizabeth (Adgate)
Bushnell, of Norwich. Jabez Hyde settled in Nor-
wich West Farms (now Franklin), where he had a
large tract of land, and became a wealthy farmer,
was justice of the peace, and a representative in the
General Court for eight sessions. He was appoint-
ed clerk of the Franklin Church, and served as such
for many years. His death occurred Sept. 5, 1762,
and his widow passed away Aug. 21, 1768. Their
children were : Jabez, Phineas, Joseph, Elizabeth
and Abigail, all born between 1713 and 1724.
(IV) Jabez Hyde (2) w^as born Sept. 16, 1713.
in Norwich West Farms. On Dec. 8, 1736, he was
married to Lydia Abel, born July 28, 17 19, in Nor-
wich, daughter of his second cousin Benjamin Abel
and wife, Lydia Hazen, of Norwich. Jabez Hyde
also settled at West Farms, where he was an exten-
sive landholder. He was a man of prominence and
became a magistrate of Norwich. His death occurred
in Franklin March 6, 1805. His wife died June
25, 1803. Their children, all born between 1738
and 1762, were: Ezekiel, Jabez, Lydia, Elizabeth,
Andrew, Phoebe, Solomon, Joseph, Benjamin, Dice
and Ambrose.
(V) Joseph Hyde, born about 1755, at Norwich
West Farms, married, Sept. 6, 1780, Susannah
Waterman, born Jan. 19, 1762, daughter of Nehe-
miah and Susannah (Isham) Waterman, of Nor-
wich. After his marriage Mr. Hyde settled in
that part of Norwich now known as Frank-
lin, where he died March 29, 1809, while
his widow died Nov. 6, 1810. Their chil-
dren were: Eunice, born Feb. 20, 1782, died
June 1, 1795 ; Joseph, born Jan. 20, 1783, died May
31, 1795; Simeon, born March 12, 1785, married
Mildred Edgerton ; Susanna, born July 3, 1787,
married John Tracy; Hannah, born Aug. 11, 1789,
married Eleanor Tracy ; Horatio, born Feb. 23,
1792, died May 17, 1795; John L., born Oct. 10,
1794, married Jerusha G. Hartshorn; Joseph (2),
born Feb. 9, 1797, died March 29, 1809 ; Jane, born
March 9, 1802, married Otis Tracy, of Oxford, N.
Y.; and Horatio (2) was born Sept. 6, 1804.
(VI) Horatio Hyde, father of our subject, was
born Sept. 6, 1804, in Franklin, and learned the
trade of stone mason when a young man, but later
gave it up on account of his health. He then de-
voted his attention to farming, having purchased
the property now owned by his son, James H., and
there he resided the rest of his life, being engaged
in general farming, at which he prospered exceed-
ingly. He was a hardworking, thrifty man and a
good manager, and remained active until a short
time prior to his death, which occurred March 26,
1889, a"d ne was buried at Franklin. In politics
h« was a stanch Republican, but his political duties
ended with the casting of his vote.
rlis religious
affiliations were with the Franklin Congregational
Church.
On Jan. 10, 1847, Horatio Hyde married Laura
A. Gager, born May 19, 1822, in Franklin, daugh-
ter of Levi and Sybil (Hyde) Gager; she died April
8, 1895. The children born of this marriage were :
Miss Eunice L., born Jan. 15, 1848, resides in Win-
sted, Conn. ; Phoebe S., born Nov. 10, 1849, was a
school teacher for several years, and now resides
at the homestead with our subject ; Laura Svbil,
born Feb. 20, 1852, was a school teacher, and died
March 21, 1895; Otis B., born Feb. 25, 1854, mar-
ried Catherine Kahn, was a school teacher and
farmer, and resided in Norwich, where he died
Feb. 9, 1902, leaving one son, Leslie G. ; Arthur G.r
born Feb. n, 1856, resides in Franklin; John T.,
born Feb. 7, 1858, is in Providence, R. I. ; Jennie
E., born Jan. 1, i860, resides with our subject; and
James Horatio.
James Horatio Hyde was born Sept. 26, 1864,
in the house he now occupies. During his boyhood
days he attended the district schools, acquiring a
fair education ; and his practical training at home
was all along the line of farm work. His father's
advancing years necessitated his active work on
the home farm, and while he was still quite young
the care of the entire place fell upon his shoulders.
Faithfully and ably he managed the farm for several
years, and after the death of the father, Mr. Hyde
purchased the interests of the other heirs. Since
coming into possession he has added to the acreage,
and now owns sixty-five acres of as fine land as can
be found in the town, and upon this property he has
made improvements. He is successfully engaged in
dairying, and the buying and selling of cattle of all
classes, and is well known as a cattleman. As an
auctioneer he has also won a good reputation.
Like his father Mr. Hyde is a stanch Republi-
can, and in 1897 he represented the town in the
State Legislature, and he has held a number of town
offices, always discharging every duty laid upon
his shoulders ably and honorably. He is now chair-
man of the Republican Town Committee. Mr.
Hyde has never married, and is an important factor
in the social, as well as business, life of the town.
Energetic, public-spirited, a fast friend and good
citizen, he is justly regarded as one of the represen-
tative men of New London county, and one of whom
his locality may be proud.
DANIEL W. GRANT, a prosperous farmer re-
siding in the town of Franklin, comes of a long line
of ancestry prominent alike in war and peace, and
connected with the history of the New England
States.
Daniel Grant, his grandfather, was a fanner, and
resided in Yarmouth, Maine, where he died at the
age of eighty-eight, leaving eight married children.
Capt. Daniel Grant, son of Daniel, was one of
a large family, and was born in Freeport, Maine.
When a young man he went on the water, becom-
604
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
ing captain of a packet plying between Freeport
and Portland, Maine, at an early stage in his career.
Later he disposed of his boat and was engaged at
ship carpentering, and still later became a farmer.
His death occurred when he was seventy-one years
of age, and he left a comfortable fortune. In politics
he was a Democrat, and he held some of the town
offices. For many years he was quite active in the
Congregational Church, of which he was a consist-
ent member.
Capt. Daniel Grant married Eliza A. Soule,
daughter of Rufus Soule, and she survived him sev-
eral years, dying at the age of seventy-eight years
in Freeport. Their children were : Rufus B. ;
Susan, widow of Daniel Brewer, who resides in
Portland; Edwin B., residing in Freeport; Eliza,
who married Andrew Scott and died in Merrimac,
Mass. ; Emily, who married William G. Brewer,
and lives in Portland ; Daniel W. ; Amelia F., who
died at the age of eleven years ; Walter, who died
when twenty-two years old ; Enoch, residing in
Norwich ; and Herman, who died when twenty years
old.
Daniel W. Grant was born Jan. 28, 1840, in
Freeport, Maine, and lived there until he was eigh-
teen, attending the common schools. As a young
man he worked in the shipyards as a ship fastener,
and in 1859 he went to California with a party from
Freeport and vicinity, via the Isthmus, they being
twenty-eight days on the trip. Mr. Grant remained
in California a year, working on a ranch and in the
mines, but he contracted fever and ague and re-
turned to his home in Maine. Soon after his return
he was employed in the shipyards at Bath for a few
months, and then in May, 1861, went to Norwich,
Conn., and accepted a position in the shipyards of
Raymond & Huntington, Thomas Whitmore being
the superintendent. Mr. Grant was given charge of
the fastening department, at times having several
hands under him, and he remained there for about
three years, when he embarked in a grocery business
with his brother-in-law, William H. Bottom, under
the firm name of Grant & Bottom, with store at the
corner of West Main and High streets, in Norwich.
The firm continued there for about three and one-
half years, and the venture then being unprofitable
they disposed of the business, and for about a year
Mr. Grant was engaged as a clerk. Then he was
appointed patrolman under Lloyd Greene, mayor,
and William E. Whaley, captain of police. For
seventeen years he served upon the police force, re-
ceiving promotion during that time to the office of
sergeant and then to lieutenant, and finally was
made captain or chief, holding that office for three
years. Finally, through political manipulation, he
was removed to make way for a politician. Through-
out his long time of service Capt. Grant had an
excellent record, clean and honorable. After retir-
ing he once more engaged in the grocery business,
beginning on Franklin square, and a year later estab-
lished himself in the store he had occupied so mam-
years before. He was quite successful in this enter-
prise, but in February, 1894, he disposed of it to
his brother on account of failing health. With a
desire to engage in outdoor work he purchased his
present beautiful home, in October, 1893, from
George E. Starkweather, and in August of the fol-
lowing year located there. The farm consists of
165 acres of fine land, which he devotes to general
farming.
Capt. Grant was first married, in October, 1863,
in Norwich, to Mary E. Phillips, daughter of Wal-
ter Phillips. She died at the age of forty-nine years,
leaving no children. In November, 1892, he mar-
ried Susan M., daughter of George Fenton, of
Norwich. They have no children. In politics Capt.
Grant is a Democrat, and since locating in Franklin
he has served one term on the board of selectmen.
Fraternally he is a member of Shetucket Lodge, No.
27, I. O. O. F. Throughout the neighborhood he
is very highly esteemed, and he has a large contin-
gent of friends, not only in Franklin, but in Nor-
wich, where his services to the city are remembered
with gratitude by those who recognized his excep-
tional fitness for the office he held, and his faithful-
ness to duty upon all occasions.
WILLIAM BRAMWELL WALDEN is a
prominent citizen, and one of the leading, progres-
sive merchants of Montville, New London county,
where he was born Jan. 19, 1837.
The Walden family is of English descent. (II)
William Walden, son of (I) William, of Bristol,
England, married, Aug. 5, 1754, Ruamis Simons,
daughter of Eli Simons, of New London, Conn.
Their children were : Eleanor, John, Elizabeth, Will-
iam, Robert, Simon, Mary, Amy, Edward, and
David. The latter married and settled in Salem,
Conn., and became the ancestor of the Salem
Waldens. •
(III) William Walden, son of William and
Ruamis (Simons) Walden, was born Sept. 13, 1762,
and married Elizabeth McFall, daughter of William
and Deborah (Chapman) McFall. He served a year
under Capt. Larrabee in the Revolutionary war,
after which he settled in Chesterfield Society, Mont-
ville, where the following children were born to
him : Grace, who married John Taylor ; William,
who married (first) Lucinda , and (second)
Amy (Comstock) Congdon ; Eliza, who married
John Winters ; Hannah, who became the second wife
of John Taylor ; and Hiram, who married Rebecca
Gay Bird.
(IV) Hiram Walden, father of William Bram-
well, was born May 13, 1804, in Montville, and mar-
ried in January, 1827, Rebecca Gay Bird. The lat-
ter was born Jan. 31, 1806, in Stoughton, Mass., a
daughter of Abner and Polly (Gay) Bird, and died
in Waterford, Conn., March 10, 1880, while visit-
ing her daughter. She is buried beside her husband
in Montville. Hiram Walden attended the common
schools of his native town, and throughout his entire
-31 it.
^
4
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4(M£*'~™. <%< 44f^Ic&»^
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
60:
life was a great student, by constant reading and
study acquiring a large fund of information, and be-
ing known by bis friends as a "bookworm." When
be readied tbe end of a furrow in ploughing, while
otber men idly rested, be plunged into a book. He
was very quick at learning, he read much with min-
isters, and became expert in the translation of Greek
and Latin. He studied for the ministry with several
clergymen, as he had opportunity, his principal in-
structor being the Rev. Abisha Alden. After living
for a time in Marshfield and in Somerset, Mass., he
moved to Waterford, and then to Montville, Conn.,
there being settled as a Methodist minister. For
fourteen years he traveled a circuit in Massachusetts
and northern Connecticut, after that preaching in
Uncasville, at Gardner's Lake Church, in Joshua-
town, Hadlyme, Chesterfield, Salem, and other
places. Lntil within a few years of his death he
continued to supply vacant pulpits, and he was up
and about on the very day he died. He passed away
very peacefully July 19, 187 1, in Montville, his last
words being:
O woman ! in our hours of ease,
Uncertain, coy, and hard to please,
When pain and anguish wring the brow,
A ministering angel thou !
In early life he was a Democrat, but on its or-
ganization, he joined the ranks of the Republican
party. He was a strong anti-slavery man, and
served for many years as justice of tbe peace and as
selectman. ■ He was always interested in educational
matters, and was school visitor for many years.
He was a very precise man, very conscientious, and
a devoted minister of the Gospel, faithful in the
service of the Master, continuing to preach until
toward the close of his life. Quiet and unassuming,
he was greatly beloved by all who knew him, and
during the time the funeral procession passed
through Palmertown, the mills there were stopped
out of respect to his memory.
The children of Hiram and Rebecca Gay (Bird)
Walden were: Elvira, born July 31, 1828, in Marsh-
field, Mass., married Travis P. Douglass, of Water-
ford, Conn., where they continue to live. Mary
Fletcher, born June 29, 1830, in Somerset, Mass.,
married George L. Rogers, of Montville. Edwin
Hiram, born Aug. 4, 1832, in Montville, married
twice, and died in the State of Washington, where
he was a practicing physician. Ellen Rebecca, born
Sept. 19, 1834. in Waterford, Conn., married Elder
Edmund Darrow, and died in her native place where
her husband was for many years a minister of the
Seventh Day Baptist Church. William Bramwell,
born Jan. 19, 1837, is mentioned below. Charles
Heber, born June 4, 1839, in Montville, married
Emily H. Morgan, of Waterford; their home was
in Xew London, where for the last eighteen years of
his life Mr. Walden had charge of the Alms House.
Jane Lucinda, born Nov. 6, 1841, died at the age of
five years. Warren Nathan, born Nov. 12, 1844, in
Montville, married (first) Ella Scott, and (second)
Laura Oliver, a widow; be was a Baptist minister,
and settled in Yineland, N. Y., where he died. Al-
bert Henry, born March 14, 1847, m Montville, died
when a year and a half old. John Wesley, born May
31, 1850, in Montville, married Adella Manwaring,
of Niantic, Conn. ; his home is in New London,
where he is in the grain and feed business with
Arnold, Rudd & Co. Nelson Bird, born March 13,
1853, in Montville, died when a year old.
William Bramwell Walden attended district
school at Chapel Hill, and the Watrous school in
Waterford (now known as Eastlake's Pond), also
studying at home with his father. At the age of
seventeen he taught school at Haughton, in town
of Montville, after which he attended the East
Greenwich Academy for a year, paying for his tui-
tion with his earnings as a teacher. He then went to
farming in the summer, and taught school in the
winter, teaching in the various districts of Montville
and adjoining towns for twenty winters. During
these years he also conducted singing schools in the
evenings. His friends then persuaded him to open a
general store, which he did in May, 1876, starting
with no capital, but making a success of it from the
first. He carries a good stock of dry goods and
groceries, employing three delivery teams, and
through honesty and integrity has built up a fine
business.
Mr. Walden married (first) March 15. 1865,
Caroline Matilda Rogers; she was born May 23,
1836, daughter of Thomas and Elizabeth (Tutfle)
Rogers, of Montville ; she died March 6, 1879. nl
Uncasville, leaving four children as follows: (1)
William Rogers, born Oct. 28, 1866, in Montville,
died in his native town Dec. 6, 1881. (2) Harriet
Elizabeth, born Oct. 10, 1870, in Montville, is liv-
ing at home. She has been active in the establish-
ment of Sunday-schools and is at present State Su-
perintendent of Home work for Connecticut, speak-
ing in the interests of this work in Sunday-schools
throughout the State. (3) Clarence Elwood, born
Sept. 17, 1875, m Montville, married, June 3. 1903,
Jennie Pearl Browning, of that place. He is asso-
ciated in business with his father. (4) Orville Cos-
tello, born Jan. 2, 1879, in Montville, is also in bus-
iness with his father. Mr. Walden married (sec-
ond) June 14, 1890, Ardella Gadbois, daughter of
Peter Gadbois, formerly of Montreal, who later died
at North Stonington, Conn. No children have been
born to this union.
Mr. Walden is strongly Republican in politics.
and has served as justice of the peace for nearly
thirty consecutive years. For three years be was
registrar f vital statistics, and issued marriage li-
censes, and he also served as constable for several
vears. He takes an active interest in educational
matters, has been a member of the school committee
many terms, and was one year president of the
school board. Fraternally be is a member of t ncas
Lodge, No. 17, A. O. U. W., of Montville, of which
6o6
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
he has been collector for three years. He is a mem-
ber of the Uncasville Methodist Church, and was
class leader for over twenty years. Although giving
■close attention to his business he finds much time to
devote to religious work, and takes an active part in
all the religious life of the community. He organ-
ized Massapeag Union Sunday-school, and acted as
its superintendent for ten years, and he has also
frequently supplied the pulpits of various denomin-
ations in his neighborhood. He is widely known as
a charitable and benevolent man, and gives freely
to the advancement of all religious work.
ARCHIBALD STEPHEN SPALDING, senior
member of the firm of A. S. Spalding & Co., of
Norwich, the well-known coal and wood dealers, is
a man who has obtained high recognition in business
and civil circles as a result of his own efforts en-
tirely. He is one of the well known citizens, and
comes of one of Plainfield's Colonial families, one
of the first of that ancient settlement.
Born Jan. 25, 1867, in Plainfield, Conn., Mr.
Spalding is a son of Chester Tilden and Mary E.
(Robbins) Spalding, and a descendant in the ninth
generation from the immigrant settler of the family,
Edward Spalding, his lineage being through John,
John (2), Samuel, Jedediah, Stephen, Stephen (2)
and Chester Tilden Spalding.
(I) Edward Spalding, the immigrant settler of
the Massachusetts Spaldings and the Connecticut
branch under consideration, came to the Massachu-
setts Colony probably between 1630 and 1633. He
first appears in Braintree, Mass., where his wife
Margaret and his daughter Grace died, and where
one of his children, Benjamin, was born. He was
made a freeman May 13, 1640. He was one of the
founders and proprietors of Chelmsford, the peti-
tion for the formation of which was granted in
1653. He was chosen a selectman at the first town
meeting, held Nov. 24, 1654, and was chosen a
selectman again in 1656, 1660 and 1661. He held
other important offices and relations with the town
and other new settlements. His wife Margaret died
in August, 1640, and he remarried, his second
wife being named Rachel. Mr. Spalding died Feb.
26, 1670. His children wee : John, Edward and
Grace, by the first marriage; and Benjamin, Joseph,
Dinah and Andrew, by the second marriage.
(II) John Spalding, born about 1633, married in
Concord, Mass., May 18, 1658, Hannah Hale. In
about 1654 Mr. Spalding came with his father to
Chelmsford, where he had grants of land. He was
a soldier in Capt. Manning's Company in King
Philip's war. He died in 1721, his wife in 1689.
Their children were : John, Eunice. Edward, Han-
nah, Samuel, Deborah, Joseph and Timothy.
(III) John Spalding (2), born Feb. 15, 1659,
married (first) Sept. 20, 1681, Ann Ballard, of
Andover, Mass., and (second) Nov. 18, 1700,
widow Mary Fletcher, and with his family removed
to Plainfield, Conn. His children were : Anna, Sam-
uel, Jonathan, Deborah, Eleazer, Dinah and Wil-
liam.
(IV) Samuel Spalding, born Aug. 5. 1686. re-
sided in Plainfield, Conn., where all his children
were born. He and his wife, Susanna, had : John,
Jedediah, Abigail, Elizabeth and Susanna. The
father died June 9, 1749.
(V) Jedediah Spalding, born April 1, 1709,
in Plainfield, Conn., married Mary How, born
March 1, 1715, daughter of Samuel How. Mr.
Spalding died July 8, 1776, and his widow died
March 17, 1794. Their children, all born in Plain-
field, were: Ezekiel, Timothy, Samuel, Asa, Ste-
phen, Daniel, and perhaps John or James, Jedediah
and Lemuel.
(VI) Stephen Spalding, born Aug. 19, 1754,
married Feb. 1, 1782, Sarah Keigwin, of Volun-
town, Conn., who was born in August, 1759, and
died Aug. 2, 1823. Mr. Spalding died Sept. 25,
1807. They resided in Plainfield, Conn. Their chil-
dren were : Nancy, Cyril, Joseph, Stephen, Daniel,
Lyman and Joanna.
(VII) Stephen Spalding (2), born Feb. 19,
1792, married March 6, 1830, Ruth Green, of Plain-
field, Conn., and resided in that town. Mr. Spald-
ing died in 1840. Their children were : Alfred L.,
Henry J., Harriet, Chester T., Maria and Stephen.
(VIII) Chester Tilden Spalding was born Aug.
2, 1837, in Plainfield, Conn., and his life has been
spent in his native town. He is now living retired,
but during his active years was engaged in railroad
work, for over twenty-five years being an express
messenger on the Providence & Fishkill road, which
is now a part of the Consolidated system. Mr.
Spalding married, on Jan. 28, 1866, Mary E. Rob-
bins, who was born Feb. 14, 1845, daughter of
George Robbins. Their only child, Archibald
Stephen, is the subject of these lines. The father
is a Democrat in politics.
Archibald S. Spalding was born Jan. 25, 1867,
in Plainfield, and received his education in the dis-
trict school, Plainfield Academy and Schofield's
Business College, at Providence, R. I., from which
latter he graduated in 1885. In January, 1886, he
came to Norwich and accepted a position as clerk
with L. W. Carroll & Son, remaining in their employ
until 1897, when he was elected first selectman of
the town of Norwich, and resigned his position with
the firm in order to give his entire attention to the
duties of that office, which demanded it. He held
the office for three years, and soon after retiring
from it engaged in the wood business, having bought
out the business of E. G. Starr. He conducted the
wood business alone as the City Wood Yard until
July, 1902, when he bought the coal yard of L. R.
Jewett and the firm became A. S. Spalding & Co.
Mr. Spalding is a trustee of the Dime Savings Bank.
In political sentiment Mr. Spalding is a Demo-
crat. His first poltical office was that of city clerk,
which he held for two terms. During this time he
was elected as third member of the board of select-
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
Go j
men, and served four years in that capacity. He
was then elected first selectman, and was re-elected
twice, at one of these elections receiving a majority
of 800 votes — the largest ever given a successful
candidate for that office. The town is normally Re-
publican, and he had a goodsized majority to over-
come. Socially he is a Mason, holding membership
in St. James Lodge, No. 23, F. & A. M. ; Franklin
Chapter, No. 4, R. A. M. ; Franklin Council, No. 3,
R. & S. M. ; Columbian Commandery, No. 4,
Knights Templar ; and Sphinx Temple, Mystic
Shrine. He is also a member of Shetucket Lodge,
No. 2j, I. O. O. F., of which he has been financial
secretary since 1890; and of Norwich Lodge, No.
430, B. P. O. E. He attends the Broadway Congre-
gational Church.
Mr. Spalding was first married, in Norwich, to
Minnie E. Setchel, who was born Sept. I, 1869. in
Norwich, daughter of Charles F. and Hannah
(Starkweather) Setchel. Mrs. Spalding died July
9, 1893, leaving one daughter, Helen May, born
March 18, 1892.- Mr. Spalding subsequently mar-
ried Lillian R., daughter of Jedediah Maynard, of
Norwich, and by this union there is one son, Car-
roll M., born -May 31, 1899.
Mr. Spalding is a pleasant man, popular among
his wide circle of acquaintances. He has a good
and growing business, and enjoys the confidence of
all with whom he has had dealings of any sort.
DWIGHT T. MEECH, for many years con-
nected with the mills, and later for fifteen years a
conductor on the street railway of Norwich, is now
living there retired.
(I) Stephen Meech, the progenitor of the
Meeches in New London county and vicinity, accord-
ing to tradition, came to New England on account of
religious persecutions. It is also a family tradition
that his surname was really Walbridge, and that he
assumed his mother's maiden name, Meech. Again,
it was thought by some of the earlier generations of
the family, that he was one of the Meeches of Devon,
England. He located in what is now North Ston-
ington, Conn., on land some two miles east of Pres-
ton City. Stephen Meech married in this country,
and his children were John and Daniel. Daniel,
who was twice married, moved to Canterbury,
Conn. One of his sons, Daniel, was a lieutenant in
the British army, and was killed in 1759, in the
vicinity of Quebec. Another son, Elisha, removed
to Vermont, and became one of the richest and most
influential men in that State, of which one of his
sons was governor.
(II) John Meech, according to the inscription on
his tombstone in the public burying ground, near
the village of Preston City, Conn., died Jan. 13,
1782. aged eighty-eight years. He and his wife
Sarah were both of Preston City. Mr. Meech set-
tled on a farm some two miles north of Preston City.
(III) Joshua Meech, of Preston, says the author
of "The Meech Family," printed in the work on
"Henry Walbridge and Descendants", was probably
a son of John. It is learned from an inscription on
a gravestone in Preston that .Mrs. Lucy Meech. wife
of Joshua Meech, died Jan. 18, 1824, aged ninety-
five years.
( 1\ ) Capt. Jacob Meech, son of Joshua, married
Sarah Plummer. He kept a tavern in the Meech
neighborhood, north of Preston City. "In April,
1782, Capt. Meech, of Preston, in a galley from
Poquetanuck, slipped into Fire Island Inlet/ on the
Long Island Coast, and captured three British
coasters, one of which he engaged to ransom for
£500, £150 being paid on the spot, and divided
among the crew ; but before the victors could get
away with their spoil, several British galleys
appeared off the inlet, retook the prizes, and, to pre-
vent the capture of their own galley, the Americans
scuttled and sunk her, escaping themselves by land."
Preston was so near to Norwich, and its military
companies were so often united with those of the
latter, that the names of its prominent officers slide
easily into our history. Cols. John Tyler and Sam-
uel Mott, Majors Nathan Peters, Jeremiah Halsey,
and Edward Mott, Capts. Samuel Capron and Ja-
cob Meech, were some of the patriots and soldiers
of that town who breasted the first waters of the
Revolution, and were afterward in the field during
the war. Capt. Jacob Meech served at the battle
of White Plains, and was wounded in the left
shoulder. He died Feb. 21, 1847, aged eighty-nine
years. Sarah, his wife, died Feb. 10, 1836, aged
seventy-eight years. Their children were five in
number: (1) John was the father of Dwight L.
(2) Capt. Appleton was a seafaring man, and re-
sided on what is now Broadway, in Norwich, part
of his property being the site of the present Catho-
lic church. He married Sybil Brewster. (3) Sa-
rah died unmarried. (4) Harriet married a Mr.
Ames, and died in Norwich. (5) Charles.
(V) John Meech was born in Preston. For a
number of years after his marriage he was engaged
as a peddler of tinware, and traveled through east-
ern Connecticut and western Rhode Island. He was
a splendid salesman and commanded good wages.
For many years he was in the employ of Conklin
& Crowfeet, of New Haven, and later was in busi-
ness for himself. He subsequently engaged in
farming in the towns of Preston and North Ston-
inofton, and still later removed to Norwich, where
he resided until his death, which occurred at the
age of seventy-six years. He was buried in Van-
tic. Conn. In politics he was a Whig, and later a
Republican. He belonged to the Baptist Church.
John Meech married Eunice Swan, of North
Stonington, born Sept. 13. 1796, a daughter of
Charles Swan. Mrs. Meech survived her husband,
and died in Norwich. ( )f their children : ( 1) Lucy
Ann never married: she died in Norwich. (2)
Sarah Adeline resides at Norwich. (3) John M.
went to California in 1849, later was in the steam-
boat service from Providence to New York, and
6o8
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
after that a policeman in Norwich, where he died.
(4) Dwight T. is our subject. (5) Jane E. be-
came the wife of Orlando J. Lamb, and died in
Norwich. He was a successful merchant there.
(6) Frances died unmarried. (7) Elizabeth was
for many years engaged in the millinery business
in Norwich, and became quite well-to-do. She died
in that city.
(VI) Dwight T. Meech was born Nov. 21, 1823,
in Preston, and there resided until nine years old
when his parents removed to the factory village of
Hopeville, in the town of Griswold. Up to this time
he had attended the village schools quite regularly,
but after this period he had only three winters at-
tendance at the district school. When the family
located at Hopeville the older children went to work
in the mill, and it was here that our subject first be-
gan mill work. His wages at the start were $2.50
per week, and the hours were from daylight to dark,
both winter and summer. After residing at Hope-
ville for several years the family removed to Volun-
town, and there Dwight Meech hired out to the
Treat mill as a card stripper, for $50 a year and
board. Later he was employed in the Doane mill, at
the same place. His father took all the wages until
Dwight T. was twenty-one. In the meantime his par-
ents removed to the Falls at Norwich, and soon
afterward he followed, and was employed as second
hand in the weave room in the mill there. While
there employed he was offered the position of over-
seer of weaving in the Doane mill at Voluntown,
and was there for a time, having several hands
under him. Thence he went to Hopeville, as over-
seer, and later to West Thompson, Conn., in the
same capacity.
From this point on Mr. Meech's history seems
only a record of changes succeeding each other
rapidly, but in each case the change was of ad-
vantage to him, and indicated only that his services
were becoming ever more valuable and more to
be desired. Leaving West Thompson, he went to
the Smith-Wilkinson mill, at Putnam, as an over-
seer, and then for two years was an overseer in the
mill of Milton S. Morse, in the same town. He left
that place to accept a better position with the Ham-
ilton Woolen Company, at Globe Village, in the
town of Southbridge, Mass., and there remained
for twelve years. When he left this mill the weav-
ers presented him with a fine set of china. He then
went to South Grosvenor Dale, when that mill
was first built, remaining there until the mill at
North Grosvenor Dale was completed and the
charge of starting the first looms in it given to him.
He remained there for several years, when he had
to give up mill work because of his health, and he
resigned his position there. When he left he was
presented with a fine gold watch and chain by the
weavers in the mill.
Mr. Meech then removed to Norwich, and for
a year or so did nothing. After this interval he
went to work as a driver and conductor on the old
horse-car line, and worked thus for several years.
When he resigned he did so to take charge of a
weaving room in a mill at Packerville, and later
of a mill at Central Village. For a time he con-
tinued at mill work, and then gave it up to re-
sume his former position on the railroad, holding
it until the horses were succeeded by electricity.
The total number of years Mr. Meech served on the
railroad was fifteen, and for that time he averaged
fifteen hours each day. He retired from the serv-
ice against his employer's wishes, but firm in his
own belief that it was wise to give way to a younger
man. Since that time he has lived retired. Mr.
Meech was a faithful and conscientious employe,
one who had the fullest confidence of his employ-
ers. His active life was a long and busy one, and
through it all he was emphatically a hard worker,
and absolutely honest.
In politics Air. Meech is a Republican, and' while
residing in Thompson he served as a trial justice
of the peace. He is a member of Somerset Lodge,
No. 34, F. & A. M., and belongs to the Central
Baptist Church. He is remarkably well preserved,
largely owing doubtless to his temperate habits.
Mr. Meech was married, in Norwich, to Mary
A. Martin, who was born in Kingston, Pa., daughter
of Anson Martin, and died April 27, 1899, aged
seventy-four years. Their home was at Greeneville,
but since her death Mr. Meech has lived on Union
street, Norwich. Ida E., their eldest child, mar-
ried Leonard T. Brown, a successful high school
teacher ; he died in Brooklyn, N. Y., and his widow
died at Greeneville, leaving one child, Franklin T.
Charles Edwin married Flora Coulter; he was for
many years connected with the firm of Bisket &
Meech, druggists, at Greeneville, and is now em-
ployed in the drug store of Bisket & Pitcher, at
Greeneville. Jennie E. is the wife of Bernard R.
Lilley, of Greeneville, and their children are Bertha
L., Bessie, Florence and Benjamin D.
WILLIAMS FAMILY. Robert Williams, son
of Stephen and Margaret (Cook) Williams, was
born in 1598 in Yarmouth, England, and married
Elizabeth Stratton of the same place. After mar-
riage the young couple sailed from Yarmouth for
America, in the ship "Rose," and landed in New
England in 1635. The wife died July 28, 1674, and
Robert married Martha Strong, who died Dec. 22,
1704. He was a member of the Ancient and Honor-
able Artillery Company of Boston (1644), and died
at Roxbury, Mass., Sept. 1, 1693.
(II) Isaac Williams, born at Roxbury, Mass.,
Sept. 1, 1638, married in 1660 Martha Park, who
died Oct. 24, 1674. He then married Judith, daugh-
ter of Peter and Elizabeth (Smith) Hunt, and
widow of Nathaniel Cooper, and she died in 1724,
while he passed away Feb. 11, 1707.
(III) John Williams, born Oct. 31, 1667, re-
GEXIIAI.0G1CAL AX D BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
609
moved to Stonington about [685, and married June
24, [687, .Martha Wheeler. The death of John
occurred Nov. 15. 17(12.
(IV) Col. John Williams was horn Oct. 31,
[692, and married Feb. 19, 171 1, Desire Denni
who died Aug. 13, 1737. He then married Mary
Helms, who died Dec. 20, 1740. He married
(third), on Nov. 21, 1761, Prudence Potter, who
died Sept. 17, 170-', and he died Dec. 30, ['76 1.
1 V ) William Wheeler Williams, horn May I,
1716, married Feb. 15, 1737, Martha Wheeler, and
(second) Mrs. Mary Jewett, of New London, on
March 17. 1780. His death occurred July 27, 1801.
( VI) John Williams, horn Dec. 23, 1744, mar-
ried Sept. 29. 1765. Keturah Randall.
(VII) Capt. Elias Williams, born Sept. 3.
1773. married Nov. 27. 1794. Thankful Stanton.
only daughter of Capt. William and Hannah (Will-
iams) Stanton, horn July 22. 1774. and she died
Sept. 8. 1861, while he died Jan. 31. 1809. Their
children were: Hannah P., born March 6. 1796,
married Feb. 10, 1817, Daniel Mason ; Harriet
T.. horn Feb. 7, 1798, married May 14, 1821. Noyes
Lack! ; William Stanton, horn Jan. 23, 1800,
married Emily Watson Williams ; Joseph Stan-
ton, horn March 19, 1802, is mentioned
below.
Capt. Williams was a sea-faring man, and be-
came a master mariner. Through his marriage with
Thankful, only daughter of Capt. William Stanton.
property deeded June 2, 1656, to Thomas Stanton,
passed into the possession of the Williams family.
(VIII) Joseph Stanton Williams was married
Dec. 9. 1824, to Julia Ann Gallup, who was born
July 26, 1807. daughter of Christopher and Martha
Stanton 1 Prentice) Gallup, and he died Feb. 10.
1889. while she was killed by a runaway horse. May
19. 1883. Their children were: Joseph, horn Dec.
11, 1825. died Sept. 11. 1834; William S., born Dec.
19. 1827, died March 16, 1857 (he was married
May 3, 1853. to Lydia H. Gift) ; Fdias. horn Jan.
19. 1830. is mentioned below: Julia Ann. horn June
29, 1832. married Oct. 16, 185 1, Solomon C. Foote,
of Mystic, Conn.; Joseph Stanton, horn Aug. 12,
1834. married Elizabeth C. Foote; Charles, born
March 28, 1837, married Nov. 2^. 1859, Julia A.
Lewis, and died Oct. 30. 1805: Warren, horn June
16, 1844, died Nov. 9. 1869; Martha E., horn June
26, T847, died Oct. 15. 1857.
Joseph Stanton Williams was horn on this afore-
mentioned property March i<). 1802, and there died
Feb. 2T, 1889. There, in 1830. he built the present
dwelling-house, on the site of the original residence.
He was a man of fine physique, noted for his
strength, standing six feet and weighing 2to pound-.
He was as forceful mentally and morally, and
wielded great influence in the community. Relig-
iously he was a member of the < >ld Road Congri
tional Church, and one of its most active worker-.
Politically he was an old-line Whig, and he 1
the office of selectman in Stonington.
39
Elias Williams was born Jan. [9, [830, upon
the home farm in Stonington, and was educated in
the district school. For five years he engaged in
the meat business, but in 1856, he embarked in tin
lumber business in Canada. Subsequently he located
at Dubuque, Iowa, and -till later at St. Louis, Mo.,
where he remained five of the fifteen year- he was
away from home. During the Civil war he was em-
ed by the government as wagon master in Mis-
souri, Arkansas and New Mexico. After the war
he was one of the surveying party that accompanied
Gen. Palmer through to California. In [870 he re-
turned to the town of Stonington, and was succ
fully engaged in farming upon the home farm until
his death, which occurred Jan. 31. 1904. ( In Feb.
21 >. [885, he married Sarah Palmer, daughter of
Randall and Mary A. (Holmes) Browne. Mr.
Williams was a very active member of the Mystic
Congregational Church, of which he was a deacon.
Mrs. Williams has been a member of the same
denomination for many years.
For over twenty years Mr. Williams served as
chairman of the Republican town committee, and
was also chairman of the Senatorial committtee. In
1880 and in 1896 he represented Stonington in tin-
State Legislature, being on the Military committee
in 1880. and the committee on Constitutional Amend-
ments in 1896.
In November, 1897. upon the organization of
the Mystic Industrial Company, Mr. William- gave
two acres of his ancestral estate for the location of
the Mystic Industrial Co. Mill, now occupied by
Rossie Bros., one of the leading industries of Mys-
tic, and he was a director of that company. Deacon
Williams was a man of high moral character and
strict integrity, and held to an unusual degree the
respect and esteem of all who knew him.
Joseph Stanton Williams was horn Aug. 12
1834, on the home farm in the town of Stonington.
and with the exception of two years passed in Yates
count}', X. Y., and six months in Xew Jersey, has
passed his life there. I lis home stands 011 a high
hill which commands a beautiful view just cast of
the village of Mystic. This home was built in 1777
by Nathan Stanton. U was at first a one-story
house, with no ell, until 1708. when Nathan Stanton
moved to Xew York, and his brother William rented
the old homestead and came to live in this house,
which he raised to two stories.
In politics Joseph Stanton Williams is a stanch
Democrat, and he is an ardent worker in the temper-
ance cause. He has rendered his full share of public
service, having been postmaster for two term-, once
when a young man. and again under Cleveland's
administration; a representative in the Legislature
in [876; and selectman in the years 1S7X. [£
[880 and 1881. He was clerk of the board for two
years succeeding that. Mr. Williams's administra-
tion of the town's business was marked by careful
and conservative method- and reflected great credit
upon him.
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
6n
became engineer for the contractor who cut down
77th street from 9th to 10th avenue in New York
City. Mr. Minson was engineer in a New York
safe factory for several months, and in January,
1874, he became engineer and general superintend-
ent of the Roosevelt Hospital Estate Building at
Nos. 478-480-482 Broadway, and Xo. 40 Crosby
street. He also has charge of several other build-
ings connected with these institutions. In addi-
tion to having charge of all repairs, Mr. Minson is
general overseer of all matters pertaining to these
buildings, and he takes great pride in his work.
Mr. Minson was the organizer of Relief Council,
No. 30, O. U. A. M., of New Brunswick, N. J., as
well as one of its charter members. He is also a
member of Lodge No. 30, K. of P., of New Bruns-
wick ; a member of Union Lodge, No. 31, F. & A.
M., of New London, having withdrawn his card
from Enterprise Lodge, No. 228, of New York ; a
member of Richmond Hill Lodge, No. 311, A. O.
U. W., of New York ; a member of the Marine En-
gineers Association of New London ; and was for-
merly a member of the Dry Goods Mutual Associa-
tion of New York, which is now extinct. He and
his estimable wife are members of the Huntington
Street Baptist Church, and for over thirty-nine
years he has been identified with that denomination.
In politics, he is a very stanch Republican, and
works hard for the party, but does not desire public
office. In every sense of the word, Mr. Minson is a
self-made man.
On Jan. 21, 1865, Mr. Minson was married to
Sophia Roedel, daughter of Carl Wilhelm and Otelia
(Antz) Roedel. She was born in Boppen Hansen,
Germany, but came to America when about six
years old, being brought by her parents, who died
in New York. Mr. Roedel was born at Heidelberg,
Germany, and through his maternal grandmother
came of royal stock, the family being of Huguenot
faith, fleeing from persecution in France. This
great-grandmother bore the name of Parafezina.
and the family is largely identified with Huguenot
history during the mighty struggles between those
of that faith and the Roman Catholics. After serv-
ing in the German army for fifteen years and seven
months, during which time he learned the trade of
a cooper, he came with his wife to America in 1847,
and when he was sixty-one years of age, enlisted
in the 7th regiment of New York Volunteers, and
served throughout the war. He was connected with
the Invalid Corps, and was at Washington, D. C,
when President Lincoln met his tragic death. The
death of this loyal, patriotic old man occurred at the
Soldier's Home at Hampton, Va. The father of
Carl Wilhelm Roedel was for many years super-
intendent of a hospital at Boppen Hansen, and there
his little granddaughter, the wife of our subject, was
born. The brother of Mrs. Minson's grandfather
was a civil engineer, and while working on fortress
"Rochenberg" was drowned. Five children were
born to Carl Wilhelm Roedel and wife: Francis
Jacob, a traveling salesman living in New York;
Charles, living in New York, and engaged as an
engineer on Ward's Island; Philip, who followed
the water all his life, and died at sea, being robbed
by pirates and lost off the San Francisco coast ;
Sophia, who married John II. Minson; and Anna
Maria, living in Brooklyn, who married Isaac C.
Varian.
The children born to Mr. and Mrs. John Henry
Minson were: (1) Otelia Elizabeth, born May
25, 1866, in New London, married Dexter L. Dan-
iels, of Waterford, where he is engaged in farming :
and they have three children, Lincoln Dexter.
Everett Courtland, and Lyman Harris. (2) Fred-
erick W., born Sept. 11, 1867, in New York, is a
pattern maker by trade and is employed in the John
Thompson Printing Press Company's plant at Hart-
ford, Conn.; he married Minetta M. King, of New
London, and their children are : Frederick W., Jr.,
Elmer Roedel. John Henry (who died at the age
of two years), and Lawrence King. (3) Cora
Louisa, born March 13, 1869, at New Brunswick, X.
J., married Benjamin F. Coffin, of Nantucket, a book-
keeper of Spaulding Company's silver plant, who
for one year was treasurer of the Jeweler's Club of
Chicago. (4) Abigail Anna, born Sept. 29. 1874,
at Jersey City Heights, married Charles W. Church-
ill, of New London, where he is employed as a book-
keeper. (5) Sophia Mabel, born Aug. 22, 1879,
in New York, graduated from the Williams Memor-
ial Institute of New London in 1897, and has been
engaged in teaching for seven years, being now
instructor in the Winthrop School, and a most
accomplished and learned young lady.
Mr. Minson and his family reside in what is
known to everyone as the old '•Aunt Patty Hemp-
stead" residence, in Waterford. which was built in
1633. This house remained in possession of the
Hempstead family, until the late Charles Walden
bought it, and later he sold it to Mr. Minson, who
has since made many desirable changes, altering it
until it is one of the most delightful homes in the
neighborhood. In this home, in which all thac is
best of the past two centuries is combined with
modern ideas, Mr. and Mrs. Minson dispense a
generous and gracious hospitality, and welcome the
"stranger within their gates."
CALVIN M. MILLER is a successful busi-
ness man of Old Lyme, who comes of a family long
settled in Connecticut. His grandfather. Daniel
Miller, lived in Haddam and East Lyme, owning a
large farm in the latter place, and also carrying on
a sawmill.
Epaphroditus Miller, father of Calvin M., was
born in Haddam and attended school there and in
East Lyme. His first business was in running a
sawmill, and tending the old toll gate at East Lyme.
IK' married, in East Lyme. Catherine Rogers, who
is now living with her son. in East Haddam. She
is affectionately spoken of as "lively as a cricket,"
6l2
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
in spite of her eighty-four years. When Calvin
M. was fifteen years of age the family moved to
Last Lyme, where the father engaged in farming,
an occupation he continued to follow until his death,
at the age of eighty-two. He was the father of fif-
teen children, of whom all but one are living, (i)
Anne married John Eldridge, of Old Lyme. (2)
Mary married Joseph Perkins, of Niantic. (3)
Arunah was drowned at the age of twenty-one,
while skating on Rogers Lake. (4) Daniel lives
at East Haddam. (5) Nancy married William
Bogue, of North Lyme. (6) Caroline married Jo-
seph Bogue, of North Lyme. (7) Augusta mar-
ried Henry Parks, of Mystic. (8) Sarah married
a Mr. Clark, of Hadlyme. (9) Asa lives at Fitch-
ville, Conn. (10) Elisha lives in Westerly, R. I.
(11) Calvin M. is mentioned below. (12) George,
a farmer, lives at Hadlyme. (13) Isoline married
John Champion, of Old Lyme. (14) Ida married
James O'Brien, of Old Lyme. (15) William lives
at Old Lyme.
Calvin M. Miller was born at East Lyme, May
18, 1859, and his early school days were spent in
East Lyme and Lyme. At the age of eighteen he
began traveling with Prof. Gleason, with his exhi-
bition of trained horses, and remained with him
four years. During this time they traveled over
five States, and Mr. Miller became a partner in the
business. He then began the work of training
horses, and for ten years was thus occupied in New
York State, during the summers, and in Connecti-
cut in the winter season. For a time he was with
A. A. Gardner, in his sales stable at Norwich, after
which he leased a farm at Hadlyme, and engaged
in carting and in job work. In July, 1897, he un-
dertook the work of mail carrier between Lyme
and North Plains. He retained this position four
years, driving over his twenty-four mile route, and
losing only two days in all the time he was carrier.
In November, 1901, he bought the Simmons stable
in Old Lyme, where he continues to do a good
business the year round. He keeps ten horses,
and gives riding lessons in the Boxwood School,
where he has increased the business one-half. He
is a member of the Society of American Mechanics,
and the I. O. O. F.
Mr. Miller's first marriage was in Deposit, N. Y.,
to Emma Philley, by whom he had the following
children: Alta May, Leila (deceased), and Leon.
The family lived at Deposit for seven years, and
there Mrs. Miller died. Mr. Miller was married
a second time in North Lyme, to Mary Ray, a
native of Norwich. They have two children, Leila
and Lewis. They have their home in Old Lyme.
HENRY F. PALMER, senior member of the
firm of Palmer & Rogers, real-estate and fire insur-
ance agents of Norwich, is a man who is entirely
self-made. From early boyhood he learned to work
hard for every advantage, and in looking back over
his exceedingly creditable career one can see how
each step forward was attained.
The first American ancestor of the Palmer fam-
ily was Walter Palmer, wtio was born at Notting-
ham, England, in 1598, came to Charlestown, Mass.,.
in 1629, and lived until 1662. From this emigrant
ancestor the line to Henry F. Palmer is traced
through Gersham, William, Wait, Amos, Uriah and
Asher.
Amos Palmer, great-grandfather of Henry FJ
was born Aug. 2J, 1729, and made his home at Exe-
ter, R. I. In November, 1749, he married Mary
York, who was born April 30, 1732, and their chil-
dren were: Amos, born Oct. 4, 1750; Dejiah, Nov.
10, 1751; Comfort, Aug. 4, 1753; Ashabel, Jan. ij
1755; Ezra, Feb. 10, 1757; Stephen, Aug. 28, 1758;
Uriah, April 25, 1760; Ruel, Nov. 30, 1761 ; Zibah,
Aug. 15, 1763; Hannah, Dec. 18, 1764; Phineas,.
Oct. 17, 1766; Joel, May 15, 1769; Mary, March
18, 1772; Eleanor, Aug. 1, 1773; Lydia, Aug. 17,
1775 ; and Benjamin, Sept. 24, 1777.
Uriah Palmer, son of Amos, always resided in
Exeter, R. I. He married Elizabeth Newton, and
they became the parents of the following named
children : Uriah, who (first) married Susan Peck-
ham and (second) FreeloVe Pratt; Matthew, who
married Susan Barber; Noah, who (first) married
Polly Corey and (second) Widow Lydia Champlin ;
Comfort, who married Nathan Burdict ; Mary, who
became the first wife of John Barber ; Delia, who
became the second wife of John Barber ; Nathan,
who . married Sally Salisbury ; Asher, mentioned
below ; John, who married Keturah Newton ; Ezra,
who married Lucy Lewis ; Olive, who married
Moses Richmond ; and Albert, who died at the age
of twelve years.
Asher Palmer, son of Uriah, and father of
Henry F., was born in Exeter, R. L, in May, 1795.
Soon after his marriage he came to Norwich,
Conn., and settled on a farm where now stands the
village of Taftville. There he resided for a number
of years, later returning to Lisbon, and residing on
the Bishop Burnham farm. After the death of his
father he remained on the home farm in Exeter, R.
I., where he lived until the spring of 1845, when he
disposed of the farm and located at Griswold, Conn.,
there dying Dec. 25, 185 1; the remains of himself
and his wife lie in the Ames cemetery in the town
of Lisbon. In politics he was a Whig, but never
aspired to office.
In 18 16 Asher Palmer married Hannah Pettis,,
who became the mother of the following children:
Sybil A., born in April, 1818, married Henry Saun-
ders, and died in October, 1884; John B., born in
January, 1820, married Hannah Howard, and died
in 1893 ; Denison, born May 18, 1821, died in Plain-
field in 1903 (he married Huldah Burdick) ; Lydia,
born in 1822, married Ransom Burdick, and died in
November, 1870.
For his second wife Asher Palmer married
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
C13
Joanna P. Ames, who was born in August, 1802,
one of the eight children — four sons and four
daughters — of Comfort and Joanna (Penney)
Ames, of New London, the former of whom was a
native of Lisbon, Conn., and a sea captain by occu-
pation. Mr. and Mrs. Ames died in New York
City. Besides Mrs. Palmer the children in their
family were : George Anderson, who lived in New
York ; William Henry ; Thomas ; Alonzo ; Rosetta,
who married first a Mr. Parmelee, and second a Mr.
Anderson, of New York ; Emeline, who married
William Lawrence, of New York ; Julia, who mar-
ried John Marsh, and lived in New York City.
Mrs. Joanna P. (Ames) Palmer died Aug. 14,
1888. By her marriage with Asher Palmer she be-
came the mother of children as follows : Hannah
E., born in March, 1825, now the widow of William
H. Larkham, resides on Plain Hill, in Norwich ;
Julia E., born in October, 1826, married Nathaniel
B. Wilcox ; Amanda R., born in May, 1828, became
the first wife of George N. Holmes, and died in
November, 1866; James B., born in February, 1830,
married Sarah Holmes, and died in Canterbury
in April, 1903 ; Jared B., born in November, 1832,
•died in November, J851 ; Emily J., born in October,
1833, never married : Carrie A., born in September,
1835, married Dwight A. Lyon ; William A., born
in February, 1837, was a member of company F,
26th Conn. V. I., and died in August, 1863, at Mem-
phis, Term. ; Henry F. is mentioned below ; Sarah
H.. born in October, 1841, is unmarried; Horace
A., born in November, 1843, was m company F,
26th Conn. V. I., and died Aug. 5, 1863, at Mem-
phis, Tenn. ; Edwin L., born Feb. 17, 1847, resides
at Danielson, where he is engaged in the insurance
and real estate business, and is one of the leading
•citizens of that place, being active in all enterprises
calculated to prove beneficial to the community at
large, and for several years past has served as
-warden of the borough ; he is now president of the
Occidental United Metal & Coal Co., of Colorado,
■capitalized at $4,000,000.
Henry F. Palmer, the subject proper of this
"biography, was born Sept. 19, 1839, in Exeter, R.
I., and is of the eighth generation from Walter
Palmer, the Puritan, who came from Nottingham,
England, in 1629, first settling in Charlestown,
Mass., and who later, in 1639, settled at Stonington,
Conn., becoming an important factor in the settle-
ment of that colony. When Henry F. Palmer was
five years old his parents removed to the south part
of Griswold, New London Co., Conn. He was
"brought up to hard work upon a large farm, where
all the boys were made useful, and here he began his
career of usefulness in the spring of 1845, at the age
of five, by driving oxen at the plow. He first drove
one yoke, and after a few weeks' experience was
considered competent to manage two, from early
morn till the sun was lost behind the western hills.
His opportunities to secure an education were few,
and mostly through his own efforts. The lad was
very ambitious, and desired above everything else
to secure a good education. During the winter of
1845-46 nine of the family attended the district
school only across the road from the house, and
known as the "Burton schoolhouse." It was cus-
tomary at that time to hold evening spelling matches,
or spelling schools, as they were called, occasionally
through the winter, but to be participated in only
by the older members of the school and the neigh-
boring schools. On one of these occasions, on a
bitter cold night, after all the older brothers and
sisters had taken their places in the line of contest-
ants at the school house, Henry severely felt the
loss of their companionship, and manifested signs
of anxiety to follow to the spelling match. But the
parents were in full command of the household,
and all the remaining ones were bidden to remove
their footwear and prepare for retirement. They
all obeyed in their preparation and all retired ex-
cept the one in question ; his determination was not
to be defeated, and he eluded all in the house and
left few tracks till he reached the spelling school.
As his youthful face peered through the. door, while
the two lines were being formed by the alternating
choices of the two leaders, the choice of "Henry
Palmer" rang out; straightway the youth took his
place in the line with an air of appreciation and
self-confidence, notwithstanding the chagrin and
disapproving glances of his elder brothers and sis-
ters, he being barefooted and jacketless. He proved
a worthy contestant and maintained his place till
nearly all of both lines were seated in defeat. But
the episode that followed on the morning was more
pathetic than triumphant. The broken parental
command demanded the penalty, and there was no
question that it was fully paid, and the settlement
will be among his latest memories.
When he was twelve years old his- father died,
leaving the widowed mother with eleven children,
one son having died one month previous to the
death of the father, this being the first break in the
family circle. The eldest son, then being twenty-
one years old, was put in charge of the farming,
and Henry F. went to live in the home of his
brother-in-law, Nathaniel B. Wilcox, a farmer at
Canterbury, to earn his way under a yearly contract
of twenty-five dollars, being also furnished with
board and clothes, and having the privilege of at-
tending the district school in winter. It may be
well to remind the younger readers of this sketch
that all the days of that year's service began at four
in the morning and ended in darkness at night ; yet
no thought of hardship dulled his courage or ambi-
tion and he remained faithful to the fulfillment of
the contract. Young Palmer at this time could do
as much work as the average man, and after a year
he found ready employment with another brother-
in-law, George N. Holmes, who was a farmer of
Griswold, remaining two years. Thus he continued
at farm work under various employers up to the age
of sixteen, his ability becoming well known among
614
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
the farmers and his services valuable, especially
during the spring and summer months. In this
way he was enabled to take preparatory schooling
for a few weeks in autumn and winter, with a view
to becoming a teacher of country schools, during the
winter doing chores in some sonless family for his
board. Returning to the home farm, which at this
time was being operated by his elder brother, James
B. Palmer, he remained there four years, and then
went to North Stonington, where he was employed
at farm work' by Robert Billings, continuing with
the latter for two years.
During these two years he had the pleasure of
attending a full term of select school, and
he next attended a select school at Jewett
City, kept by Hart Fuller, of Scotland, Conn.,
and fitted himself to become a school teacher.
In November, i860, he cast his first vote for Abra-
ham Lincoln, and the next day opened his first
school, in order to secure which he was obliged to
pass examinations in the towns of Colchester and
Salem. His salary was sixteen dollars a month,
in addition to his board, which he secured by board-
ing about among his patrons. The school was held
in a house standing on the line between the towns
of Colchester and Salem, his pupils coming from
both towns, and some of them were as old and fully
as large as he, so that the young teacher had his
hands full in maintaining order and sustaining his
dignity. However, he was highly successful, his
school taking highest honors in the town for thor-
oughness and advancement in studies. The follow-
ing winter he taught in the Brewster District of
Griswold, and by this time had saved enough
money to take a short course at the New Britain
Normal School, which he left in July, 1862. In the
winter of 1862-63 ne taught at Stone Hill, in the
Buck District' of Griswold, and his next school was
in the Lovett District of Sprague, where he re-
mained during the winter of 1863-64. In the spring
of 1864 he accepted a position as teacher in the
junior department of the Greeneville school, at
Norwich, and remained there one year, until the
spring of 1865, when he resigned, and in company
with a former schoolmate and co-worker, James L.
Johnson, purchased a grocery store on what is now
Lower Broadway, Norwich, in the Coit block, now
known as the Cook building. The firm was known
as Palmer & Johnson. A short time later the health
of Air. Johnson failed, and he disposed of his in-
terest to an elder half-brother of Mr. Palmer, John
B. Palmer, the firm becoming Palmer Brothers.
Two years later William Avery Cook, now of Mont-
ville, purchased the interest of J. B. Palmer, and the
style was changed to Palmer & Cook, continuing
thus until 1869, when Mr. Cook, by purchase, be-
came the sole proprietor, Mr. Palmer disposing of
his interest to accept an agency in a large life in-
surance company.
In November, 1870, Mr. Palmer was called with
the firm of J. B. Palmer & Co., to Millstone Point,
in the town of Waterford, in company with John
B. Palmer operating a large granite quarry. There
he remained until the spring of 1880, having become
the most important factor in the management of
the company's affairs, and doing a large and success-
ful business, their annual business amounting to
over $100,000. They employed at times 150 able-
bodied men. Their product was largely used for
building purposes, and they furnished the stone
used in the construction of the city hall at Norwich.
Mr. Palmer applied himself very closely to this busi-
ness, doing a great deal of hard work, discharging
the duties of draughtsman, bookkeeper, storekeeper,
salesman and financial manager. His health at last
began to give way under the strain, and he disposed
of his interest to. his brother. In the spring of 1880
he was called to Norwich to take charge of a large
amount of city real estate for the Norwich Savings
Society, they presenting a proposition to him to
manage their extensive real-estate interests, collect
rents, make repairs, etc. Accepting this charge,.
Mr. Palmer devoted himself to the work, until he
succeeded in disposing of all this property, and so
successful was he that he gained considerable repu-
tation as a judicious, conservative and prompt
manipulator of realty, thus laying the foundation
for a permanent real-estate business, which, with
a line of fire insurance, still occupies his attention.
Strict adherence to truth and honesty has won for
him the well deserved title of the "reliable real-
estate dealer." His judgment on real-estate values,
is considered as good as that of any man in Norwich,
and is frequently sought. In 1890, yielding to popu-
lar demand, Mr. Palmer branched out so as to
embrace the placing of fire insurance, and now rep-
resents some of the leading fire insurance companies
of the country. The same year he took Henry M.
Yerrington into partnership, under the firm style of
Palmer & Yerrington, this partnership continuing
two years, when Mr. Yerrington withdrew, and was
replaced by W. O. Rogers, some time later, the cap-
tion now being Palmer & Rogers. The firm does a
very large and profitable business, both as real-estate
and fire insurance agents. Mr. Palmer is also a
notary public. He is often called upon to settle
estates, and frequently is given property to manage,
his ability in that direction being well known and
appreciated. His counsel is much sought in business
matters, and his methods of solving business prob-
lems are just and simple, his judgment sound and
conclusions safe. Conservatism seems to have been
inherent and pervaded all his business transactions,
Mr. Palmer being careful to make the best use of
means at his command, avoiding all habits that par-
take of any appearance of extravagance or luxury.
He is a practical temperance man in every sense, a
strong opposer of tobacco in any form, and is
strong, supple, and athletic, always enjoying a per-
fect degree of health, which he attributes to his
regular and abstemious habits. Always active, and
possessing large powers of endurance, though now
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
6i5
-core years Ins pace is hardly slackened
and natural senses as acute as those of most men of
forty.
In politics Mr. Palmer is a stanch Republican,
never allowing partisanship, however, to blind his
conceptions as to the fitness of opposing candidates,
and. in strict accordance with the freeman's oath,
considering the public welfare and exercising a free
and unbiased franchise. He has always declined
the proffer of political honors, preferring to have
others enjoy them. During the Civil war he was a
member of the Union League. In [864 he united
with the Newent Congregational Church at Lisbon,
and later transferred his membership to the Secon
Congregational Church of Norwich. o\ which he is
a very active member, having served on several com-
mittees, and for some years as auditor. In January.
1904. he was elected chairman of the Society's com-
mittee. He has been a constant church and Sunday-
school worker from early manhood.
On May 14. [868, Air. Palmer was married to
Emma V. Ward, daughter of Henry Ward. Mrs.
Palmer died July 27, 1886, and on Dec. 8, 1902, Mr.
Palmer was married to Mrs. Jennie (Shepard) Bush-
nell, daughter of Joshua and Emeline Shepard.
Although he never had any children of his own,
Mr. Palmer has adopted two, upon whom he has
bestowed parental care and affection, educating
them carefully. One, Miss M. Annabelle Palmer,
was born Sept. 17, 1878. in New York City, and
graduated from the Norwich Free Academy in [897,
the Willimantic Normal School in 1901, and the
Morse Business College, at Hartford, in 1903; she
is a most accomplished and charming young lady.
The other. Louis Marsh, was born Sept. 16, 1888. in
New York City, and is now attending the Free
Academy.
Mr. Palmer is regarded as a real-estate expert,
being so excellent a judge of real-estate values. In
consequence his advice is eagerly sought upon all
matters pertaining to his business, and, if acted
upon, the buyer never has cause to complain. Hav-
ing taken an active part in the realty transactions
of the town, he has naturally been much interested
in its growth, and has always lent his influence,
which is not inconsiderable, toward all measures he
deemed would work for its best interests. He is
always to be found on the side ^\ law and order,
and is a man of no little personal popularity, not
only in Norwich, but throughout New London
count}'.
WILLIAM ELY COULT (deceased) was a
well known farmer on the Neck, in Old Lyme, and
a much respected citizen of the town, where he was
born, and where he passed all his life. He was the
twelfth in direct descent from Sir John Coult, an
English peer, the line being as follows: (I) Sir
John Coult. (II) Peter Coult. (Ill) John, (IV)
John (2), (V) |ohn (3), (VI) Mm (4), (VII I
John (5), (VIII) John (6), (IX) Benjamin, (X)
Jnlm. (XI) William, (XII) William Ely. The
lit familj coal of arms bears three horses hea
and a broken lance.
{\ Ih John Coull (5) was born in Colchester,
England, in [625. He cam America in [636,
and settled near Hartford, Conn., moving latei
Windsor. I [is son,
(\ IN) John Coult (6) wa- born in [657, in
America, and was the first of the family to settle- in
Lyme, lie married Alan Lord, and they had two
;, .Samuel and Benjamin, and several dangln
(IX) Benjamin Coult, great-grandfather of
William Ely, was born in 1701 in Old Lyme, lie
married Miriam Harris, and they had seven sons,
and three daughters, llis son,
(X) John Coult, grandfather of William Ely,
was born in Old Lyme in 1725. and died in 17S4.
lie married (first) Alary Lord; (second) Mary
Gardiner; and (third) Abigail Matson. Ills son
1 XI) William Coult, 'father of William Ely,
was born in 1770, on the Neck in ( >ld Lyme, and
followed farming in that section, lie erected the
house now standing, and there died. He was dea-
con of the Lyme Congregational Church. William
Coult married (first) Anna Dennison, and (second)
Mary Marvin. He passed his entire life time in
Old Lyme, and died in 1858. His children by his
first wife were: William Ely, born June 24. \J>)J.
died in 1877: Abigail Matson, born Inly 6, [8
died Jan. 9, 1828; Anna Maria, born July 9, 1802,
died Oct. 1 1, of the same year. By Ids second wife
he had one child. Nancy, born ( >ct. 6, [808, died
Aug. 26, 1845.
(XII) William Ply Coult was born in the house
which is the present family residence, on the Neck
in Old Lyme. His education was obtained in the
schools of his native town, and later he taught in
Saybrook. His chief occupation was farming.
which he followed successfully, and he always made
Old Lyme his home. On Dec. 8, [863, he mar-
ried, in Old Lyme. Ernestina Fisher, daughter of
Albert and Christiana (Wittig) Fisher, both na-
tives of Germany. Mr. Fisher lived for some time
in Hamburg, in the town of Lyme. Mrs. Coult has
three brothers and two sisters living in Oregon:
Henry and Henrietta Fisher in Svensen; and Au-
gustus, Ferdinand and Wilhelmina Fisher in As-
toria. To Mr. and M"rs. Coult four children were
born as follows: Anna Maria, who died March 17.
[879, aged fourteen years; and Mary Ernestina,
Abbie Augusta and William Fisher. Mr. Coult, who
died in 1877, was a quiet, unassuming man. lie
was for many years treasurer of the Congregational
Church, in which his son is now an active' worker.
Politically he supported the Republican party, but
his interest in political matters ended with the cast-
ing of his vote.
FRANK E. R( >BINS< >N. A long line of
worthy ancestors is a priceless heritage, but it also
entails the responsibility ^i keeping the family 1
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
ord stainless. In 1575 there was born in the North
of England one John Robinson. His boyhood was
a thoughtful one, and when he entered man's estate
it was to become one of the workers in the Master's
vineyard. In 1602 he was chosen pastor of a dis-
senting church. Those were troublesome times for
a man who wished to worship God in his own way,
and six years after Rev. Mr. Robinson took charge
of his parish he and his flock were obliged to find
refuge in Holland. News of the untold riches of
the new land across the sea inspired hope in the
hearts of these brave defenders of their faith, and
in 1617 Rev. Mr. Robinson began to formulate
plans to transplant these English exiles into the New
World. Largely under his direction the arrange-
ments were made, and in 1620, under the leader-
ship of Elder William Brewster, two small boats,
the "'Mayflower" and the "Speedwell," started with
as many brave men and women as they could carry,
for America. Mr. Robinson was to remain behind,
to make an attempt to send others over, and then
to follow, but his race was run, and his widow
and children crossed alone, joining that first Colony
on Massachusetts Bay. One of the sons of Rev.
Mr. Robinson was Isaac, and from him in lineal
descent through twelve generations is Frank E.
Robinson, the reliable and efficient treasurer of the
Jewett City Savings Bank.
George Robinson, the father of Frank E., was
a farmer and land owner, and lived nearly all his
life in Lisbon, New London Co., Conn. There
he married Sarah G. Rathbun, who died in 1889,
on the home farm, and was buried in Read cemetery,
Lisbon. Mr. Robinson survived her, dying at the
home of his son in Jewett City, Conn., Feb. 21,
1902 ; he also is buried in Read cemetery, Lisbon.
They had two sons, George W. and Frank E., both
of Jewett City. Mr. Robinson was a Republican
in political faith. He attended the Congregational
Church, and was a worthy Christian man, well liked
and respected, and his wife was held in equal esteem.
Frank E. Robinson was born in Lisbon, Conn.,
Sept. 22, i860, and he was early taught the many
duties that fall to the lot of a boy on a farm. He,
attended the common schools of his native town,
and the Danielson high school. The thought of a
return to the farm did not inspire him with any
great degree of enthusiasm, ' and he engaged in
teaching. Mathematics had appealed to his tastes,
and he determined to enter business college to master
the science of bookkeeping. He attended Scho-
field's Business College, in Providence, graduating
therefrom with honor, and in 1889 he went to Willi-
mantic, where he worked as a bookkeeper, remaining
there until July, 1890. His mother having died, and
his father being in feeble health, he then resigned
his position and returned to Lisbon to care for his
father. In 1895 ne accepted his present responsible
position with the Jewett City Savings Bank, with
which he has since continued, to the great satis-
faction of all connected with the bank.
In 1889 Mr. Robinson married Alice R. Adams,
daughter of Capt. Jeremiah K. Adams, of Lisbon,
a woman of intelligence and culture, and they have
had two children, Theodore Adams and Marion
Angel. Among his fellow townsmen, Mr. Robin-
son is held in great respect, both for his ability and
his worth. He held a number of offices in his native
town, among them being that of town clerk, treas-
urer, etc. Politically he is a Republican. In Lis-
bon he belonged to the Congregational Church, and
for many years was a leader of the choir. As might
be expected from his sturdy Puritan ancestry, he
is keenly interested in church work, and in the
spread of Christianity. His own life has ever been
worthy of emulation, but he is broad and liberal in
his charity, and is always willing and ready to ex-
tend a helping hand to a weak and erring brother.
URIAH D. HARVEY. On March 11, 1904,
Stonington suffered the loss of one of its most
honored citizens in the death of the revered and
venerable Uriah D. Harvey, a man of sterling qual-
ities. Christian virtues and uprightness of living.
Uriah D. Harvey was born Oct. 12, 1816, at
Charlestown, R. I., and was the son of a Revolu-
tionary soldier who was wounded at the battle of
Bunker Hill. When but a boy he was bound to
Joseph Wilcox, of Charlestown, but bought
his time before he was twenty-one years of age,
and when nineteen years old came to Stonington
to work for Col. Dudley Randall. He continued
with Col. Randall until he was twenty-three years
old, or until his marriage, when he made his home
in Preston for a few months. Then he returned
to the Randall district of Stonington, where his
first daughter was born. Once more he went,
to Preston, and there lived until 1852, when he
removed to the stone house on Quockataug Hill
which is now owned by Mrs. George W. Mid-
dleton. For a year the family resided on Col.
Hull's place, in the Road district, and then
Mr. Harvey bought of George W. Noyes the
Denison farm, in the Wheeler district. Until April,
1891, the family home was on this farm, Mr. Har-
vey, at that time, with his wife and son, Allen W.
Harvey, removing to a house just erected south of
the above farm ; in 1902 the present and large com-
modious house was erected. Although he had
learned the trade of a carpenter, after 1852 Mr.
Harvey found it more profitable to confine his ef-
forts exclusively to farming. His deeply beloved
wife only survived him two days, passing away
March 13, 1904, and both died earnest and faithful
members of the Baptist Church of Old Mystic, in
which they had been active workers for a number
of years. Prior to his marriage Mr. Harvey was
baptized at the Anguilla Baptist Church.
On Dec. 9, 1838, Mr. Harvey was united in mar-
riage, at the Randall homestead in Stonington, by
Rev. Jerome S. Anderson, to Mary Ann Brackett,
daughter of Samuel Brackett, of Preston. She was
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
617
born March 27, 1820, in Woodstock, Conn. The
family born to this marriage is as follows: Lucy
Jane, born Sept. 8, 1841, in Stonington, is now the
widow of Samuel R. Percy, of New York City.
George H., born at Preston Feb. 6, 1843, n°w re-
sides at Xew London ; he married Annie E. Spicer,
daughter of William Allen Spicer, and has one
child, William Allen Harvey, a resident of Bank
street. Mary Esther, also born at Preston, Oct.
2, 1844, married Julius Clarke Gallup, and they
have children — Mary Esther, Jennie Harvey, Julius
Clarke, Annie Clarke, and Edward. Sarah Jud-
son, born at Preston June 15, 1850, married Enos
Gray, of Ledyard, and died in Stonington, Dec. 19,
1893; her children are Martha Ann, Mason T.,
Benjamin U., Nathan G., Mary E., and Grace (who
died in infancy). Allen Williams, born on the Col.
Hull place in the Road district, Jan. 26, 1856, is
mentioned later in this sketch. Antoinette Augusta,
born in the Wheeler district, Stonington, June 26,
1858, married George S. Ripley, deceased, and now
resides on the old homestead. Grace Annie, born
in the Wheeler district, May 29, 1864, married
Charles E. Stoddard, resides at Mystic, and has
two children, Charles M. and Grace M.
Allex Williams Harvey, as before mentioned,
was born Jan. 26, 1856, and lived upon the home
farm until the spring of 1882, when for a year he
was a conductor on the horse cars in Norwich. In
the spring of the following year he went to Sterl-
ing, Dak., where he took up a homestead. Although
he remained a resident of Sterling for five years,
he made six trips back and forth. At last, in 1888,
he returned to Connecticut, and spent that year with
his brother-in-law, Mr. Stoddard, in Norwich
Town. In 1889 he returned to the old homestead,
and began raising poultry. Since 1891 he has made
a specialty of market gardening, and has succeeded
very well indeed. He is a worthy son of his hon-
ored father, and enjoys the respect and esteem of
a large circle of friends. Allen W. Harvey in his
political views is a Democrat ; he has never sought
office.
Mr. Harvey was married, June 4, 1904. at Nor-
wich, to Elizabeth M. Smith, a native of Norwich,
daughter of Joseph F. and Catherine (Spang)
Smith.
RUFUS WELLINGTON MARSHALL, who
is engaged in the trucking business at Norwich, has
been successful entirely as a result of his own ef-
forts. He lost his father when he was two years
old, and from an early age was obliged to make his
own way. He, himself, describes his boyhood as
a time of "hard work and hard knocks." But he
emerged from it a man, with the strength, ability
and determination to win his way in the world
despite all obstacles.
Willet Marshall (his father) was a resident of
Dutchess count}'. N. Y.. but went to Michigan, and
was drowned when Rufus was two years old. IK'
was twice married, his second wife being Rhoda
Matthewson, who, being left with several small
children, returned to Norwich, and was residing in
that city when she died leaving her children orphans
and homeless. Laura, the eldest, became the wife
of Capt. Austin Lester, and died in Norwich. Eliz-
abeth married a Mr. Burr, and died in Xew Haven.
William died in early youth. Rufus Wellington
was the youngest of the family.
Rufus W. Marshall was born in PoughkcepMe,
X. Y., May 1, 1849, and soon after the death of
his father removed with his mother to Norwich,
where he resided until six years old. Then he
was placed in the family of Henry Larrabee, at
Gales Ferry, for a few years, and was afterward
in the family of the late Judge Albert G. Avery,
of Bozrah. Subsequently he spent some little time
in the family of his uncle, Dr. Rufus W. Matthew-
son, at Durham, Conn. His education was received
in the district school of Durham and at Durham
Academy which he attended for a short time.
Early in his teens Mr. Marshall went to Hawkins-
ville, Ga., where he was employed as a clerk in the
store of his uncle Randolph Matthewson. He left
there at the outbreak of the Civil war, and, return-
ing North, learned the trade of a harnessmaker, ap-
prenticing himself for four years to Mr. Smith, at
New Haven, and working for small wages. He
remained for a year after he had completed his
apprenticeship, and then came to Norwich, and was
engaged at his trade until a short time after his
marriage. He then entered the employ of Nathan
Standish, who conducted a trucking business in
Norwich for over fifty years. He remained with
Mr. Standish as long as the latter lived, and for six
months following his death conducted the business
for the estate, after which he purchased it and has
done a large business ever since, keeping about fif-
teen horses constantly at work. He does all kinds
of trucking, and has a complete outfit.
In 1879 Mr. Marshall was married in Norwich
to Maribah F. Standish, daughter of Elisha Stand-
ish, of Norwich, though she was reared by Nathan
Standish, her uncle, mentioned previously. ( )f
their three children only one grew to maturity.
Carrie M.. who is the wife of Robert Ferguson, and
resides in New London; she has two children, Mar-
shall F. and Helen F. Anne died at the age of
twelve years. Frank died at the age of thirteen
years.
Mr. Marshall is independent in politics. In fra-
ternal circles he is quite prominent, and is connected
witli a number of orders, being a member of Somer-
set Lodge. No. 34, F. & A. M.. Franklin Chapter.
No. 4, Franklin Council. No. 3. and Columbian
Commandery, No. 4. K. T. ; Shetucket Lodge, No.
27, I. ( >. ( ). F., and Canton Onc^o: the Ancient
( )rder of United Workmen, and the Royal Arcanum.
Mrs. Marshall died Aug. 11, 1903. and is buried in
Yantic cemetery.
Matthewson. Rufus Matthewson. maternal
6i8
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
grandfather of Rufus W. Marshall, was born in 1770,
and lived in Norwich, Conn., where he married
Mary (or Polly) Bowen. He moved to Coventry,
R. I., there becoming a large land owner and one of
the well known men of the section. The site of the
railroad station of Greene, R. I., was a part of his
farm. During the Jefferson administration he was
a prominent politician, and was sent as special am-
bassador to Turkey at the time of the Algerian
pirate troubles, doing good and efficient service for
the government. Later in life he became tired of
his old home, and disposed of his land for the sum
of ten thousand dollars in cash, with which he
started west on horseback, intending to purchase
a large estate, as he foresaw the exodus to the West
after the war of 1812. The death of this intelligent
and superior man took place Sept. 22, 1816, at
Terre Haute, Inch, which point he had reached in
his journeying. The large amount of money he
carried disappeared, and the mystery of his death
was never made clear to the family. The natural
suspicions aroused, of foul play, could not be sub-
stantiated in those days when transportation was
so difficult, and nothing has ever turned up since to
enlighten his relatives.
The family of Rufus Matthewson had in the
meantime removed from Coventry to Bozrahville,
Conn., which was no doubt intended to be only a
temporary home, but naturally their plans were
disturbed by the death of the father. Mrs. Mat-
thewson ended her days in the home of her son,
Rufus W., who was then residing in that town,
and there she was buried. The children of Rufus
and Mary (Bowen) Matthewson were Mary, who
married Ansel Rose ; Louisa, who became the wife
of William G. Johnson, a prominent and successful
citizen of Montville ; Darius Randolph, who was
once a successful merchant at Hawkinsville, Ga.,
but during the Civil war met with reverses, and
spent the latter years of his life at Norwich, where
he died; Amelia, who married Col. Josiah Reab,
a well known art dealer in New Haven ; Rufus
Wellington; and Rhoda, Mrs. Marshall, who was
born after the death of her father.
Rufus Wellington Matthewson in early life con-
ducted a drug store in Norwich, later took a course
of lectures at Yale and the College of Physicians
and Surgeons, and secured the degree of' M. D.
from the latter institution in 1835. After ten years
in Norwich he removed to Ledyard, Conn., practic-
ing until 1856, when he settled in Durham, Conn.,
and was there engaged in practice until his death,
in May, 1893, at the age of seventy-nine years.
Dr. Matthewson was one of the oldest and best
known physicians of Middlesex county. He was
one of the pioneers in the use of the wet sheet pack
in cases of scarlatina, and in the treatment of
typhoid fever he had a reputation all over New
England. In New York City the best physicians
regarded his knowledge of typhoid fever as equal
to that of any physician in the country, and the
celebrated Dr. Alonzo Clark of that city in his lect-
ures quoted Dr. Matthewson's treatment of typhoid.
Without doubt Dr. Matthewson was one of the
most successful and skillful practitioners Middlesex
county ever had.
NATHAN HUNT HALL, one of the pro-
gressive young farmers of the town of Preston,
New London county, was for several years engaged
as a teacher of languages in different educational
institutions of the East before he settled down on
his present place. He is an esteemed representative
of a family which has been well known in New
England from earliest Colonial times.
(I) George Hall and his wife Mary are said
to have emigrated from the County of Devon, Eng-
land, 1636-37, to Duxbury, Mass., where he owned
land in 1637, being one of the forty-six original
proprietors of the first purchase of lands for Taun-
ton, Mass., and a founder of that town, 1639. He
was admitted a freeman in 1645, and was constable
of the town the same year. He was chairman of
the board of selectmen from 1666 to 1669. He was
one of the founders of the Pilgrim Congregational
Church and Society of Taunton. He was one of
the proprietors of the first iron "bloomery" estab-
lished in this region by the Leonards and other citi-
zens of Taunton, upon the site of the present "old
forge," now in Raynham, and was its first clerk in
1656, continuing to act in that capacity for several
years ; he was succeeded after his death by his son
John. He died at Taunton Oct. 30, 1669, a man of
large property and influence. His widow, Mary,
was appointed executrix. After his death his widow
and sons John, Joseph and Samuel were share-
holders in the iron works ; these works were con-
tinued until recently. His children, other than those
sons mentioned above, and all mentioned in his will,,
were : Charity, Sarah and Mary.
(II) Samuel Hall, born in 1644, married Eliz-
abeth, daughter of Nicholas White, an early set-
tler of Taunton. Mr. Hall's residence was about
one mile east of his father's, and near the bloomery,
which he was largely interested in supplying. He
was a large land holder, sharing in the "Taunton
North and South Purchases," also inheriting and
purchasing the original tract. He held minor of-
fices in the town, and was a member of the original
church. He died early in 1690. His widow passed
away in 1707. Their children were: Samuel, John,
Nicholas, Elizabeth, Mary, Sarah, Ebenezer, Sarah
(2), George and Hannah.
(III) George Hall (2), born Jan. 25, 1681, mar-
ried Lydia, born in 1679, in Taunton, daughter of
Thomas and Catherine (Stephens) Dean. Mr.
Hall resided in that part of Taunton, North Pur-
chase, which became Norton in 171 1, and Easton
in 1725. He owned land and a portion of a saw-
mill which he sold in 1724, and also sold other land
in 1728. Mrs. Hall died in Taunton. There is
evidence that Mr. Hall may have lived for several
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
619
years with his sons in Lyme, Conn. He and his
wife had children: Lydia, Deborah, George,
Thomas, Isaac, Kathiah, Abial, Nathan and Abijah.
Of these, George, Thomas and Isaac removed to
Lyme, Conn., and there established iron works and
stores. Abijah removed to that part of Middle-
town, Conn., which later became Chatham, and still
later Portland, and was a prominent man there.
(IV) Isaac Hall, born Jan. 12, 1714, in Norton,
Mass., married about 1741 Sarah Forbes, of Pres-
ton, Conn., born July 27, 17 18. Mr. Hall removed
to Lyme, Conn., in 1739-40, and had resided for
a time (1738) in Dedham, Mass. He was a worker
of iron, and had a forge, which he operated in con-
nection with his farm. He died in Lyme July 26,
1778. His widow died in 1786, and both are buried
in a small yard east of Laysville, on the turnpike
road in Lyme. Their children were : Abel, Ezra,
Jacob (who removed to Delaware Co., N. Y.), Sa-
rah, Eunice, and Abagail.
(IV) Ezra Hall was a farmer, and settled near
the road leading to Grassy Hill, in Lyme. He was
a well known citizen and a man much respected.
In his family of children was a son, Jonathan.
(V) Jonathan Hall was a farmer and resided
in Grassy Hill Society in Lyme. He was an ex-
tensive farmer for those days, which occupation he
followed during his life. He died at the age of
eighty-two, his death being caused by his being
thrown from a wagon, while yet a most vigorous
man. He was buried in what is now Old Lyme.
He was a very regular attendant of the Congre-
gational Church. On April 8, 1800, he married
Miss Betsey Lord, and survived her a number of
years. Their family consisted of ten children, and
among the older ones was a son Ezra.
(VI) Ezra Hall, the grandfather of Nathan
Hunt Hall, was born in Lyme, Conn., Jan. 6, 1803,
and he died Feb. 9, 1859. His entire life was spent
in his native town. Reared to farm work, he lived
at home until his marriage, after which he located
on an adjoining farm which was given him by his
father, and there he resided until his death. He
was a successful and quite well-to-do farmer. He
was buried in the same cemetery as his father. His
death was caused by blood-poisoning contracted dur-
ing an epidemic of typhoid fever. In politics he was
first a Whig and later a Republican. His religious
connection was with the Grassy Hill Congregational
Church. He married Elizabeth Kellogg, a native
of Colchestre, Conn. She survived her husband,
dying in Lyme aged seventy-four years. Their
children were as follows: Elizabeth, who married
Frederick W. Marvin, and died in Lyme ; Judah
S. ; Fanny, who married Deacon Henry Marvin,
and died in Colchester ; Joseph E., a farmer of Col-
chester; Helena, who died young; Emma, now the
widow of Augustus Marvin, and a resident of
Lyme; Edwin S., who died young; and Celia and
Celina (twins) who both died aged seven years.
The father, a son, and two daughters died within
one month.
AH) Judah Selden Hall, father of Nathan
Hunt Hall, was born Sept. 9. [836, in Lyme, Conn.,
and died March 20, 1898, in that place. He was a
healthy and robust man, medium height and some-
what spare, and followed farming successfully all
his life, becoming quite well-to-do. In disposition
he was quiet and reserved, but he was several times
chosen to public offices of trust, serving acceptably
as selectman and in other positions in his native
town. Politically he was a stanch Republican. He was
a very pious man, a devout member of the Grassy
Hill Congregational Church, of Lyme, and was
always active in church work and all religious en-
terprises. For many years he served as superin-
tendent of the Sunday-school, and for several years
he was a member of the Society's Committee. ' Mr.
Hall always tried to lead a life consistent with his
religious views, and that he succeeded well is evi-
denced by the loving esteem accorded him on all
sides.
On Nov. 27, 1862, Mr. Hall was married, in
Lyme, Conn., to Miss Hannah Miller, daughter of
Rev. Alpha and Hannah (Hunt) Miller, of An-
dover, Conn., the former performing the marriage
ceremony. Mrs. Hall is still living, making her
home among her children since her husband's death.
The five children of this union, all born in Lyme,
were as follows: (1) Edwin J. is living in Shorts-
ville, N. Y., where he is engaged in a general mer-
cantile business. He married Inez Haas, of that
place, and has one son, Herbert Haas. (2) Nathan
Hunt is mentioned below. (3) Joseph Kellogg,
who carries on a farm in Ledyard, Conn., married
Mary E. Gillette, of Lyme, and they have two chil-
dren, Helen Kellogg and Sidney Gillette. (4)
Henry Strong is engaged in teaching music in
Middletown, Conn. He married Edith Purr, of
Lyme, but they have no children. (5) William
Miller is unmarried, and is living in Waterbury,
Conn., where he is employed as a mechanical drafts-
man and machinist.
(VIII) Nathan Hunt Hall was born April 13,
1868, in Lyme, Conn., and began his educational
training in the district schools of his native town.
He then entered Phillips Academy, at Andover,
Mass., from which institution he was graduated in
1887, in the fall of which year he entered Williams
College at Williamstown, Mass. He was gradu-
ated from that institution in [891, with the degree
of A. B., after which he entered the teacher's pro-
fession, his first engagement being in a private busi-
ness college in Brooklyn. X. Y.. where he remained
about one year. For the two years following he
was teacher of French, German and English in the
Bordentown (N. J.) Military Institute, and the
next year he taught Latin. Greek and English in a
private preparatory school in New York City con-
ducted bv Louis Prossor. lie next taught Latin
620
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
and English in the Erie (Pa.) Academy for about
a year, and his next connection was with the Reeds-
ville (Pa.) Academy, which after a short time he
took on his own account, conducting it successfully
for about a year, with twenty-five students. About
this time, his father dying, he returned home, and
in the following spring, 1898, he purchased the
William Morse farm in Preston, New London
county, a farm of 137 acres, where he has ever
since made his home. Here he has profitably en-
gaged in general farming, keeping his land under
a good state of cultivation, and he gives agricultural
work his undivided attention. One branch to which
he gives especial attention is dairying, the milk of
his twelve or fifteen cows being sent to the Jewett
City Creamery. All in all, Mr. Hall is the kind
of citizen which any community is glad to welcome,
one who by his intelligence and businesslike ad-
ministration of his own affairs raises the tone of life
in the community and sets a good example, his own
success encouraging others to do likewise.
Mr. Hall was married, Aug. 30, 1894, to Miss
Ursula Raymond Ely, daughter of Dr. Josiah Grif-
fin and Elizabeth (Chadwick) Ely, and to this un-
ion have come two children, Josiah Griffin Ely and
Kenneth Ely, both of whom died in infancy. Mr.
and Mrs. Hall are members of the Preston Congre-
gational Church, and he has served as a member
of the Society's Committee, and also as president of
the Christian Endeavor Society of his church. Po-
litically he is a stanch supporter of the principles
of the Republican party.
Mrs. Ursula Raymond (Ely) Hall, born in 1861,
in Lyme, Conn., is a descendant in the eighth gen-
eration from Richard Ely, of Plymouth, Devon-
shire, England, who came to America between 1660
and 1662, and settled in Lyme, then Saybrook,
Conn., from whom her lineage is through Richard
Ely (2) and Mary (Marvin), Samuel Ely and
Jane (Lord), Samuel Ely (2) and Hannah
(Marsh), Aimer Ely and Bridget (Brockway),
Abner Sheldon Ely and Fanny (Griffin), and Dr.
Josiah Griffin and Elizabeth Mather (Chadwick)
Ely.
RICHARD WHEELER, who has been one of
the leading agriculturists and prominent citizens of
North Stonington for a very long period, was
born Feb. 16, 1829, in District No. 6, of that town,
and is in the eighth generation from the pioneer
ancestor of the Wheeler family in America. He
takes a just pride in his old and honorable ancestry,
which we append below as nearly correct and com-
prehensive as careful research can make it.
(I) Thomas Wheeler first appears as a resident
of Lynn, Mass., in 1635. He became prominent in
the Massachusetts Colony and purchased large
tracts of land. In 1667 he came to Stonington,
Conn. He was an intimate friend of Rev. James
Noyes, and it is supposed that this friendship led
to his coming here. In 1669 he was made a free-
man, and he was a representative to the General
Court in 1673. On June 3, 1674, he was one of the
immortal nine who organized the First Congre-
gational Church of Stonington. His home he erected
on the site of the present residence of Col. James
F. Brown, in North Stonington, and there he lived,
dying March 6, 1686.
(II) Isaac Wheeler, born in 1646, married Jan.
10, 1667, Martha, daughter of Thomas and Doro-
thy (Thompson) Park. He served in the Colonial
Indian wars and died June 5, 1712, and was buried
in Whitehall cemetery. His wife died Feb. 14,
1717.
(III) Richard Wheeler, born March 10, 1677,
married Prudence, daughter of Deacon John Pay-
son, Dec. 12, 1702. His death took place April 12,
1712, and his widow married Christopher Avery,
of Groton.
(IV) Jonathan Wheeler, born Feb. 7, 1708, died
Oct. 8, 1790. He married March 1, 1732, Esther
Denison, who died March 18, 1790.
(V) Jonathan Wheeler, born Jan. 20, 1737,
married April 29, 1756, Priscilla Williams Lester,
and died Jan. 28, 1807 ; she died Dec. 20, 1803.
(VI) Elisha Wheeler, born June 3, 1764, mar-
ried March 30, 1786, Lois York, and they had issue:
Reuben, born June 15, 1788, who married a Miss
Lewis; and Allen, born, May 25, 1793, who lived
in District No. 6, of North Stonington.
(VII) Allen Wheeler married Feb. 28, 1821,
Jemima A. Wheeler, born March 17, 1800, daugh-
ter of Richard and Ann (Gallup) Wheeler, and
they had issue: Anna, born Jan. 24, 1822, mar-
ried July 4, 1843, J. Burrows Palmer, and resided
in Stonington, where they died ; Allen, born Aug.
8, 1823, married Dec. 15, 1846, Mary A.
Coates; Elisha, born Jan. 15, 1827, now de-
ceased, married Nov. 2, 1856, Mary Jane
Gallup, and they had children — Ernest and
Allen ; Richard, born Feb. 16, 1829, married
Oct. 29, 1850, Lucy G. Bentley, born July 17, 1829,
daughter of Russell and Susan (Stanton) Bentley;
Harriet, born Feb. 1, 1831, married in 1857 Edgar
R. Palmer and resides at Voluntown, Conn. ; Ellen,
born April 13, 1833, married June 13, 1852, Dr.
Edwin C. Maine, and died in Portage City, Wis. ;
and Frances Abby, born April 14, 1839, married
March 18, i860, John S. Maine, and resides at
North Stonington.
Capt. Allen Wheeler located in District No. 6
of North Stonington and there engaged in farming.
He was a very prominent citizen, was captain of
a company in the old training days, and participated
in the war of 18 12, at the defense of Stonington, in
command of his company. He also served in the
Legislature as a representative from North Ston-
ington. His death occurred Dec. 6, 1875, and that
of his widow in 1878. He was a deacon of the' Sec-
ond Baptist Church of North Stonington for nearly
a half century.
(VIII) Richard Wheeler, like many other mem-
/iAXyyi^Ay(^
\
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
621
bers of his family, has been one of the foremost
men of his town, a most worthy representative of
ancestors who proved invaluable in their day and
generation. He has served as selectman, has been
active in all town affairs, and in 1866 became a
member of the State Legislature, during his service
in which he took part in the framing of some of
the most useful laws now in force in the Com-
monwealth. His school days were spent in North
Stonington and in 1847 he came to the house built
by Russell Bentley, his father-in-law, in 1834.
Russell Bentley, father of Mrs. \\ neeler, was
born Oct. 12, 1791, and died Sept. 25, 1852. His
children were: Harriet D., born June 1, 1824;
Martha E., born April 8, 1825 ; Susan E., born
Sept. 24, 1827 (died Dec. 22, 1844) ; Lucy G., born
July 17, 1829 (Mrs. Wheeler) ; Mary G., born
Sept. 10, 1832; and Emeline X., born May 4, 1835.
Mr. Bentley was also one of the well-known citi-
zens of North Stonington.
Mr. and Mrs. Wheeler have three children,
namely: Ella J. was born Dec. 1, 1853; Happie ].,
born Feb. 10, 1861, was married Feb. 23, 1888, to
Oscar Vose, and they reside at Westerly, R. I., and
have one daughter, Irene, born Aug. 15, 1890;
Richard Bentley, who was born July 23, 1867, mar-
ried Mary Wells, a daughter of John Wells, of
Hopkinton, R. I., and they have one son, Richard
Bentley, Jr., born April 3, 1903, and one daughter,
Catherine Wells, born Nov. 10, 1904.
Richard B. Wheeler is extensively engaged in
the lumber business, is one of the active and pro-
gressive men of his town, and proves a worthy
representative of his family in the ninth generation.
CHARLES W. PRENTICE, who is engaged
in the top roll covering business at Taftville, New
London county, Conn., is a descendant of old New
England ancestry.
(I) Capt. Thomas Prentice, born in England in
1 62 1, is first of record in this country at Cambridge,
Mass. He had married in England, his wife's name
being Grace. They united with the Church in Cam-
bridge in 1652. They lived in the eastern part of
Cambridge village, and later in Newtown, Mass.,
where Mr. Prentice died July 6, 1710. He was ap-
pointed captain of the troop of horse in the Indian
war, June 24, 1675. They brought to this country
with them their eldest child, Grace ; their other
children were : Thomas, Elizabeth, Mary, John,
John (2) and Hannah. The mother died Oct. 8,
1692.
(II) Thomas Prentice married, March 20, 1675,
Sarah, daughter of Capt. Thomas and Ann (Lord)
Stanton, he the famous Indian interpreter. Mr.
Prentice died April 19, 1685. His widow married
(second) Capt. William Denison. and died in 1713.
The children of Thomas Prentice were Thomas,
Grace, Samuel and Rev. John.
(III) Samuel Prentice, born about 1680. mar-
ried Esther Hammond, daughter of Nathaniel Ham-
mond, of Newtown, Mass. Mr. Prentice owned a
large tract of land in Stonington, Conn., before
1700, and went there to live about 1709. He died
April 24, 1728. His widow married (sec-
ond) Christopher Avery. The children of Samuel
Prentice were: Samuel, Joseph, Grace. Mary,
Jones, Esther, Oliver, Eunice, Thomas, Dorothy
and Lucy.
(IV) Joseph Prentice, born Jan. 26, 1704, in
Newtown, Mass., married, Nov. 10, 1725. Mary
Wheeler, and their children were : Joseph, Priscilla,
Eleazer, Elisha, Jonathan, Mary, Hannah, and
Manassah and Ephraim (twins).
(V) Manassah Prentice, born July 22, 1749, in
Preston, Conn., lived and died in that town, his
death occurring about 1824. He married (first),
Nov. 19, 1772, Asenath Burton; she died March
29, 1790, and he married (second), Dec. 2, 1790,
Mehitable Preston, of Lisbon, Conn. His children
were: Ephraim, born Sept. 27, 1773, is mentioned
below; Abby, born Sept. 16, 1776, married a Mr.
Hart and removed to the West; Manassah, born
Nov. 25, 1778, was a resident of Cazenovia, N. Y. ;
Joseph, born April 2, 178 1, was an Episcopal clergy-
man of Catskill. N. Y. ; Henry, born Sept. 20,
1783, lived in Plainfield, Conn. ; and John Dow,
born Aug. 19, 1788, died Sept. 11, 1789.
(VI) Ephraim Prentice, born Sept. 2~. 1773,
lived in Plainfield, Conn., but in the latter part of
his life removed to Ohio, where he died. He mar-
ried Mary Dow, and among their children were
John and David.
(VII) John D. Prentice, born Aug. 5, 1799,
died June 5, 1861. He married Abby Gray Gil-
more, daughter of Josiah P. and Susannah (Gray)
Gilmore, who was born in November, 1800, and
died Dec. 5, 1858. They had a family of six chil-
dren, namely: (1) William P. lived at Mossville,
Peoria county, 111. (2) Mary married a Mr. Marsh
and went West. (3) Ephraim is mentioned below.
(4) Susan G. married John Montgomery, for many
years a resident of Plainfield, Conn., and later of
Fiskdale, Mass., where both died. (5) Thomas
lived for a time in Plainfield, and then removed to
Fairburv, Neb. (6) Charles, born in April, 1838,
died July 16, 1848.
(VIII) Ephraim Prentice was born near
Moosup, town of Plainfield, Windham county, July
2~j, 1822. His educational advantages were limited
to the district schools, and a part of his boyhood
days were spent in Ohio, where his parents resided
for a time. His mechanical ingenuity early mani-
fested itself, and when a mere boy he worked as
a sash and blind maker, being regarded as an ex-
cellent workman. For about two years he operated
a shop in that line in Greeneville. New London
Co., Conn. He later worked as a millwright, being
employed in Eastford, Conn.. North Webster,
Mass., Wauregan, Conn., and other places, remain-
ing at Wauregan for twenty-four years. While
there he began the work in which he made the
622
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
greatest success, that of covering top rolls for use
in cotton mills, or spinning frames, mules, etc. In
the beginning he occupied a room rented in the
mill, hiring the power as well and having the as-
sistance of a couple of hands. He continued there
with marked success until the spring of 1883, when
he removed to East Brooklyn, then in the borough
of Danielsonville, and located on the Stewart prop-
erty, which he had purchased two years previously.
He removed the old house, and erected the present
one, and also fitted up a shop for the continuance
of the business of covering rolls, in which he had
so greatly prospered. After his death that work
was turned over to his son, George E., who now
carries- it on. In about 1871, soon after the Pone-
mah mills at Taftville were established, Mr. Pren-
tice established a business (a branch) there, which
is now carried on by his son, Charles W.
From the time of his location in East Brooklyn,
Mr. Prentice devoted his time largely to farming,
and brought his sixty-two acres to a high state of
cultivation. This work he found congenial from
the start, and he became an enthusiastic stockman,
breeding imported Holstein cattle, of which he had
a fine herd. Visitors to his home could not fail to
be impressed with the neatness and order prevail-
ing on the entire place, and with the up-to-date
methods pursued in every department. In busi-
ness affairs Mr. Prentice was a man of fine judg-
ment and keen discernment, and his advice was often
sought and followed. He was an especially suc-
cessful man in his investments, and this was a con-
siderable source of wealth. His word was relied
upon, and his personal standing was unquestioned.
He was a typical self-made man, who won honor
and fortune by strict integrity and untiring indus-
try, and his sudden death, at his home in East
Brooklyn, Nov. 13, 1899, removed one of the me-
chanical geniuses and successful agriculturists for
which New England is noted.
In Plainfield, Conn., Mr. Prentice was united
in marriage with Rachel S. Wilson, who was born
in that town, Sept. 22, 1821, and proved herself
a most worthy helpmeet and loving mother. She
entered into rest Nov. 8, 1891. The children born
to Mr. and Mrs. Prentice were as follows: (1)
Charles W. is mentioned below. (2) Ellen M.,
born Nov. 1, 1849, wr10 tenderly cared for her
parents until they passed away, is unmarried, and
resides on the old homestead. (3) Emma R., born
Sept. 5, 1852, married John Whittaker, of Plain-
field, Conn. (4) George E., born June 14, i860,
at Wauregan, was educated in the district schools,
and at an early age began work with his- father,
continuing in the roll covering business ever since,
and now carrying it on in East Brooklyn.
Both Ephraim Prentice and his wife sleep in
the family lot in Westfield cemetery, at Danielson.
They were faithful adherents to the tenets of the
Congregational Church. In his political belief Mr.
Prentice was a Republican, but his private affairs
so engrossed his time and attention that he invari-
ably declined to accept the many offices tendered
him. In his fraternal relations he was a Mason,
being a member of Moriah Lodge, No. 15, A. F.
& A. M., of Danielson.
Charles W. Prentice was born Feb. 13, 1847, m
Greeneville, Conn., and was an infant when his
parents moved from there to Eastford, from which
place they went to Central village and later to
Pachaug, in the town of Griswold, and from there
to Wauregan, where he received his education in
the common schools. After leaving school he was
employed as assistant bookkeeper in the mill at
Wauregan for a period of ten years, then entering
the employ of his father in the shop at Wauregan,
where he remained until 1880, at which time he
located at Taftville and took charge of the shop
there, which he has since conducted with marked
success. Mr. Prentice was married in Manchester,
N. H., to Alice M. Brown, of that place, and they
have two children, Harry E. and Leonard C. In
political faith Mr. Prentice is a Republican, but he
is not particularly active in party affairs, and is
no office seeker. Fraternally he is a thirty-second
degree Mason, holding membership in Moriah
Lodge, No. 15, A. F. & A. M., at Danielson, and
in Sphinx Temple, Mystic Shrine, at Hartford. He
is also a member of the New England Order of
Protection. Mr. Prentice ranks among the popu-
lar, well known, highly respected and substantial
citizens of his town.
GEORGE W. CONE, for several years engaged
in business at Black Hall, in the town of Old Lyme,
was born at Moodus, Middlesex county, Conn.,
Dec. 4, 1868, son of John Hall Cone, now a farmer
of East Haddam.
The Middlesex branch of the Cone family is of
Scotch lineage. Daniel Cone, the first American
ancestor of the family, was born in Scotland in
1626, and in 1662 he emigrated to America, accom-
panied by his wife, Mehitable Spencer, daughter of
Jared Spencer, and five sons, Nathaniel, Daniel,
Jr., Jared, Stephen and Caleb. He settled in Had-
dam, but later removed to East Haddam, where he
died Oct. 24, 1706.
Charles Crocker Cone, the grandfather of George
W., was a farmer at Millington, Conn., where he
was one of the highly respected citizens.
John Hall Cone, son of Charles Crocker, was
born in Millington. He has had a varied but suc-
cessful business career. At first he engaged in
halibut fishing, and then entered the mercantile
world. For some time he was interested in the
net and twine factory at Moodus, but he is now
quietly engaged in farming in East Haddam, taking
pardonable pride in the neat appearance of his farm
and its modern improvements.
George W. Cone passed his school days at
Moodus, and at Old Lyme, the family having gone
to the latter place when he was ten years of age.
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
623
At the age of sixteen he began his first work in the
business world, by clerking for J. A. Rowland, at
Old Lyme. His efficiency is best attested by bis
length of service in his first position — eight and one-
half years. In that long period he thoroughly mas-
tered the details of the business, and became a most
valuable assistant to his employer. For two and a
half years he was employed by G. A. Bushnell, at
Old Saybrook, and for some time was shipping clerk
in Boston for the American Net & Twine Company.
The next two years found him as fireman for the
Hartford Boat, but he felt he was best fitted for the
commercial world, and on March 10, 1898, he be-
came proprietor of the store at Black Hall, Conn.,
where he continued until 1904, when he disposed of
the business.
Fraternally Mr. Cone is a member of Pytha-
goras Lodge, A. F. & A. M., at Hamburg, Conn.,
and he also belongs to the New England Order of
Protection.
At Laysville, Conn., Mr. Cone was married to
Lucy Bradbury, daughter of James Bradbury.
Four children have been born to them : Wesley
Andrews, born Aug. 3, 1895 ; Dorothy, born June
9, 1899 ; Allen Beebe, born Aug. 25, 1900 ; and
Phillip Raymond, born Aug. 10, 1903.
HON, WILLIAM CARUTHERS, citizen,
soldier and public official, who for upward of twen-
ty-five years has been identified with the govern-
ment service at Norwich as clerk and postmaster of
the city, is one of the best and most favorably known
men of that community.
Capt. Caruthers was born in England March
16, 1843. His ancestors came to America be-
fore the Revolution, but later one of them re-
turned to the mother country. The name in this
country has been identified with several of the south-
ern States. From boyhood his home and field of
labor with but little exception has been at Norwich,
where he received his education in the common and
private schools. He began a business career as a
clerk in a dry-goods store, and in that position con-
tinued until July 1, 1870, with the exception of the
time he was engaged in the Civil war, in which,
although he was but seventeen when he buckled on
his armor, he played a distinguished part. Young
Caruthers enlisted in April, 1861, in Company D,
3d Conn. V. I., and served through the three months'
campaign, the initiatory period of that great con-
flict. It was his privilege to take part in the first
battle of the Civil war — the first Bull Run, in July,
1861. Concerning the Third's connection with that
battle the historian has written : "The Third moved
with its brigade at the head of the columns under
McDowell when it advanced via Centerville to Bull
Run, and. in the trying scenes on that disastrous
field, behaved with firmness and the courage of a
regiment of veterans." The regiment was mustered
out of the United States service Aug. 12, 1861. On
July 14, 1862, young Caruthers again entered the
service, this time as quartermaster sergeant of the
18th Conn. V. I., and from that time on through the
war bore a conspicuous part. The engagements of
the [8th were: 1863 — Winchester, Va., June 13-15;
1864— New Market. Va., May 15; Harrisonburg,
Va., June 3; Piedmont, near Stanton. Va., June 5;
Lexington. Va., June n ; lhichanan, Va., |une 14;
Liberty, Va., June 16; Quaker Church, Va., June
17; Lynchburg, Va., June 17; Salem, Va., June
21; Hedgesville, \'a., July 10; Snicker's Ford, Va.,
July 18; Kernstown, Va., July 2^; Winchester,
Va., July 24; Martinsburg, Va., July 25; Cedar
Creek, \'a., Aug. 12: Stony Point and Middletown,
Va., Aug. 11 and 12; Hupp's Hill, Va., Aug. 13;
Opequon, Va., Aug. 31; Halltown and Charles-
town, Va., Aug. 22-26.
Mr. Caruthers was appointed quartermaster
sergeant of the 18th on his second enlistment, later
becoming first sergeant of a company, but on June
12, 1863, was appointed by Col. Ely, acting second
lieutenant of Company H, and was recommended
by him to Gov. Buckingham for promotion. The
letter written by Col. Ely to the governor was cap-
tured with other mail near Berry ville, Ya. Lieut.
Caruthers assumed the rank of second lieutenant,
and participated, bearing a conspicuous part, in the
battle of Winchester, which commenced June 13th
and ended the 15th. In that engagement" June 14,
1863, while charging the enemy, he was seriously
wounded, the bullet passing through his body. He
was taken to the rear, and with many of the regi-
ment, including the colonel, was taken prisoner.
Mr. Caruthers escaped three months later bv re-
capture. He was twice wounded at the battle of
New Market, Ya., May 15, 1864, and received a
fourth wound at the battle of Piedmont. lune 5,
1864. At New Market. Va., May 15, 1804. the
18th, commanded by Henry Peale. charged in Gen.
Sigel's defeat with a loss of fifty-one killed and
wounded. On June 5th, the 18th formed a part
of Gen. Hunter's command. Col. William Ely,
commanding, in his report says: "The Eighteenth
Conn. V. I. was the right of Gen. Hunter's line of
battle. Its colors took the lead in the first charge,
and floated defiantly until we triumphed. All of
the color guard were wounded but one. Our ilags
riddled by minie balls and cannon shots, and a loss
of 127, tell our story. Officers and men behaved
most gallantly, obeying orders with alacrity even in
the thickest of the fight. The victory was com-
pleted by the total rout of the Rebels and the cap-
ture of 1,500 prisoners." On Jan. 10, 1865. Mr.
Caruthers was promoted to first lieutenant ^i Com-
pany E; he was mustered out of the service Ian. 2j,
1865.
Taking up the civic life oi Capt. Caruthers alter
the war where we left him. be returned to the dry-
goods bouse until July I. 1870, when he commenced
his connection with the Norwich post office, with
which he has since been most efficiently and popu-
larly identified, excepting through, the administra-
624
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
tions of President Cleveland. Capt. Caruthers en-
tered the post office July I, 1870, as a clerk, and con-
tinued in that capacity and as chief clerk until ap-
pointed postmaster May I, 1889. From January,
1895, until March, 1898, he was clerk in the office
of the Secretaries of State, Col. William C. Mowry
and Charles Phelps, at Hartford. On the latter
date he was re-appointed postmaster by the late
President McKinley.
Since the war Capt. Caruthers has taken an
active and influential part in politics. He is a man
of acknowledged executive ability, of great "strength
of character, and for many years has been a recog-
nized leader in the ranks of the Republican party.
He is a member of the Masonic fraternity, of the
Army and Navy Club, and of Sedgwick Post, No.
1, G. A. R., of Norwich, and the McKinley Asso-
ciation of Connecticut.
On Sept. 16, 1868, at Baltimore, Md., Capt.
Caruthers was "married to Miss Nannie Snyder, of
Virginia, and the union has been blessed with five
children, four daughters and one son, all of whom
are living.
EDWIN LORD DANIELSON, M. D. The
family bearing this name in Eastern Connecticut
is one of the oldest and most substantial ones in
that section, the home of the family for two hun-
dred years being in Killingly, and the original
American ancestor, James Danielson.
Sergt. James Danielson, born about 1648, is
of record as a freeholder of Block Island in 1696.
He was sergeant of the town in 1700. In 1704-05
he was a member of the town council, and in Au-
gust, 1705, he was chosen a deputy to the General
Assembly. He was married, March 11, 1685, ac-
cording to the George W. Danielson Memorial, to
Abigail Rose, who died in about five years ; and
on Jan. 22, 1700, he was married to Mary Ackers.
He purchased a number of tracts of land between
1686 and 1705. The family tradition is that he was
of Scottish descent. In his youth and early man-
hood he fought in the wars against the Indians, and
subsequently, at the time of the distribution of the
land in Eastern Connecticut, he received his share
of the territory of the town of Voluntown by grant
from the General Court. At what particular time
Mr. Danielson left the island for a permanent resi-
dence upon the main is not precisely known. In
the course of his campaigning he had been attracted
by the aspect of the country, and in 1706, then in
his fifty-eighth year, he bought a tract of 800 acres
of land on the Quinebaug river, with a mansion
house and barn, in what was afterward the town
of Pomfret, Conn. In 1707 he purchased of Major
Fitch, who seems to have been before hand with
him in trading with the Indians, the neck of land
between the Quinebaug and Assawauga rivers,
measuring about 2,000 acres. He is stated to have
been the first settler south of Lake Mashapaug
(now Alexander's), and is said to have "built a gar-
rison house at the southern extremity of his pur-
chase, and was soon known as one of the most prom-
inent men in the new settlement" not long after-
ward named Killingly. He had a residence in each
settlement. Mr. Danielson died Jan. 22, 1728, in
the eightieth year of his age. He had a son James,
born May 15, 1687 (to his wife Abigail), who after-
ward lived in Lebanon, Conn., and there died. Two
sons born to the second union, Samuel and Wil-
liam— the first inheriting the homestead and much
of the landed property — succeeded to the good
name, and carried it forward unblemished to sub-
sequent years.
The family thus founded furnished representa-
tives in all the stirring movements of Colonial and
National history. Samuel Danielson was modera-
tor of Killingly in 1 760, and selectman in 1785.
William Danielson was constable, collector of taxes
and lieutenant in 1760; first major of Col. Williams'
Eleventh Regiment in 1774; and took 146 men from
Killingly to Cambridge in 1775 ; became Colonel in
1776, and after the Revolution, general of militia;
and in 1788 was member of the State Convention
called to ratify the national constitution.
From Sergt. James Danielson, of Block Island,
R. I., and Killingly, Conn., the subject of this
sketch is a descendant in the sixth generation, his
lineage being through Samuel, Col. William, James
and Elisha Danielson.
(II) Samuel Danielson, born in 1701, graduated
from Yale College. His father in 1724 had deeded
him the homestead. On March 26, 1725, he mar-
ried Sarah Douglass, of Plainfield, who died March
29, 1774; he passed away in 1786. They both be-
came members of the Killingly church in 1725.
Their children, all born in Killingly, were : Mary,
baptized May 8, 1726; James, born in 1727, died
Oct. 3, 1754; William, born Aug. 11, 1729; Sarah,
born Feb. 22, 1731 ; Susannah, born Oct. 1, 1732;
Elizabeth, born March 25, 1734; Priscilla, born
Feb. 12, 1737; Sybil, born Feb. 8, 1738-39; Sam-
uel, Jr., born March 2y, IJ41 ; and Sarah, born
March 19, 1745.
The water power of Killingly was so good that
manufactories sprang up along the banks of the
Quinebaug river, and so large a share of the mills
belonged to the Danielson family that a portion of
the town was incorporated as Danielsonville, where
at the present day busy mills employ numbers of
workmen. Manufacturing, however, did not claim
al their energies, for two of the sons of Samuel
Danielson, James and William, were markedly
prominent during the Revolutionary war. James
rose to the rank of general, "and was regarded as
a man of marked natural ability as warrior, magis-
trate and legislator," and in the latter capacity he
represented the town of Killingly eleven years. He
was equally efficient in church affairs and was one
of the deacons.
(III) Col. William Danielson, born Aug. n,
1729, married Oct. 29, 1758, Sarah Williams, who
GMfT/VT-
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
62<
was born in 1737. Col. Danielson was a man of
fine physique, six feet two inches tall, of noble bear-
ing and great physical strength. When war with
England was declared he enlisted at once, went to
Boston, and from that time on was ever in active
service with the Connecticut troops. Col. Daniel-
son died Aug. 19, 1798, in his sixty-ninth year.
Mrs. Danielson died Jan. 10, 1809, in her seventy-
second year. Their children were: Sarah, burn
Nov. 14, 1759; James, Jan. 18, 1761 ; Lucy, Oct.
11, 1764; William, March 4, 1768; Mary, Jan. 24,
1770. The Sarah Williams Danielson Chapter, D.
A. R., at Danielson, was named in honor of the
wife of Col. William Danielson.
(IV) James Danielson was a large land holder,
and was a lifelong farmer residing on the home-
stead in Killingly, and there he died. He was an
officer in the local militia. His wife Sarah Lord,
of Abington, survived him. They are buried in
the cemetery at Westfield, in the town of Killingly.
They had a large family of whom the following
grew to maturity : ( I ) William died when a young
man. (2) Elisha is mentioned below. (3) George
married Hearty Dexter. He was a cotton manu-
facturer in Danielson, his factory standing on the
site of the present Danielsonville Cotton Company's
place. (4) ^Hezekiah married Laura Weaver. He
was a farmer in Killingly. (5) James married and
resided in South Killingly. (6) Sarah married
Samuel Backus, a Congregational minister, and died
at Brookfield, N. Y., at the home of a daughter.
(V) Capt. Elisha Danielson, father of Edwin
L. was born in Killingly, Conn., March 4, 1796,
and his entire life was spent in that town. He was
brought up to farm work, resided on the homestead,
and was engaged in farming. He died in 1866, and
was buried in the Westfield cemetery in Killingly.
Capt. Danielson was active in town affairs, a dea-
con in the Congregational Church, and was captain
for many years in the local militia. He was mar-
ried three times. His third wife, Sarah Ely, of
Harwinton, Litchfield county, Conn., was sister of
Edwin Ely, at one time a well known merchant of
Danielson. She died in 1871, aged fifty-three
years. They had the following named children :
(1) Katharine E. resides at Danielson. (2)
Charles E. died in middle life in Archer,
Texas, where he was engaged in the ranch
business. He never married. (3) William H. mar-
ried Alice Robinson, and has one son Richard Ely.
He resides in New York, engaged in dry-goods
business. (4) Sarah died in infancy. (5) Edwin
Lord is mentioned below. (6) George E. married
Harriet Baxter, and resides at the homestead at
Danielson. They have had four children, Katherine
K., Ruth H., Robert E. (deceased) and Thomas
B. (7) Walter is a ranchman at Beaver, Oklahoma.
Edwin Lord Danielson was born May 24, 1852,
in Danielson, and attended the common schools. He
remained on the home farm for several years after
the death of his mother. He then studied medicine
40
for a time under Dr. Rienzi Robinson, a well known
physician of Danielson, and entered the college of
Physicians and Surgeons, at New York, when it
was located on the corner of Fourth Avenue and
Twenty-third street. In [882 he was graduated
from that institution with the degree of M. 1)., a
year after his graduation locating at East Canaan,
Conn., where he remained four years. In October,
1887, he came to Lebanon, where he has met with
most gratifying success, building up an excellent
practice. He has been health officer for a number
of years, and since 1892 has been medical examiner
for the town of Lebanon.
On Nov. 29, 1893, Dr. Danielson was married
to Emma Erances Gay, who was born March 7,
1857, daughter of the late William R. Gay. They
have had one child, Sarah Catherine, born Nov. 10,
1895. The present home of the family was erected
in the early sixties. The Doctor is a Republican in
political sentiment. Fraternally he is a member of
Buckingham Lodge, No. 57, American Order of
Fraternal Helpers, for which he is medical ex-
aminer. He and his wife are members of the Con-
gregational Church, and he serves as clerk of the
Church.
CAPT. CHARLES ROBINSON, a well known
farmer of Lebanon, New London county, is de-
scended from Rev. John Robinson, who was born
in 1575, in one of the midland counties of England,
entered the University of Cambridge in 1592, and
was graduated with the degree of A. M. in 1599.
He began to preach at Norfolk, near Norwich, and
in 1608 went to Amsterdam, Holland, and in 1609
to Leyden, where he was pastor of- the Pilgrim
Church, and there he died Feb. 19, 1625. He mar-
ried Bridget White.
(II) Isaac Robinson, son of Rev. John, born
about 1610, came to New- England in 103 1, and set-
tled in Plymouth, where he was made a freeman
of the Colony in 1633. He subsequently was of
Scituate, Barnstable, Falmouth, Tisbury, Mar-
tha's Vineyard and Barnstable, respectively. He
married (first), June 2"/, 1636, Margaret Hansford,
of Scituate, who died June 13, 1649. The name of
his second wife was Mary. He died probably in
1704.
(III) Lieut. Peter Robinson, son of Isaac, was
married to Experience Manton, daughter of John,
of Tisbury, Martha's Vineyard. He was of Tis-
bury, Chilmark, and Norwich or Preston, Conn.
In 1 72 1 he purchased land in what is now Scot-
land, Conn., at that time called Preston. His wife
died April 30, 1727. aged fifty-five years, and'
Peter Robinson died about 1740.
(IV) Ensign Thomas Robinson, son of Lieut.
Peter, was born about 1699. lli> first wife. Amah,
died Oct. if>, 1709, and he married (second). Feb.
8, 1770, Abigail Dimmock; she died Nov. 10. 1790,
aged seventy-six years, and Mr. Robinson passed
away March 2S, 17S3, aged eighty-four years. His
626
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
children were: Reuben, born Jan. 17, 1725; Asa,
born Oct. 17, 1726; Abiah, born May 16, 1728;
Annah, born March 17, 1730; Ama, born May 1,
1733 ; and Levi, born March 9, 1739.
(V) Reuben Robinson, son of Ensign Thomas,
was born Jan. 17, 1725. On Jan. 12, 1748-9 he
wedded Esther, daughter of Seth Palmer and their
children were: Esther, Zipporah, Zophar, Clifford,
Reuben, Hannah, Esther, Asenath and Eliel, all
born between 1749 and 1768.
(VI) Clifford Robinson, son of Reuben, and
grandfather of Charles, was born Jan. 8, 1756, and
passed his life as a farmer. He died July 11, 1813,
and was buried in Mansfield, Conn. On Oct. 21,
1778, he married Lucy Morgan, born Feb. 3, 1756,
died July 15, 1841. The following children blessed
their home: David, born March 1, 1780, died March
18, 1818; Charles, born Dec. 25, 1781, died Nov.
18, 1828; Harvey, born Aug. 18, 1784, died in
1862; William, born May 24, 1789, is mentioned
below; Lucy, born June 6, 1791, died unmarried,
Feb. 22, 1875 ; Festus, born April 14, 1795, died Dec.
11, 1825; and Reuben, born July 2, 1797, was a
farmer in Franklin, Conn., was married three times,
and died Sept. 18, 1877.
(VII) William Robinson, father of Charles,
spent his early life in the towns of Mansfield and
Chaplin. He was residing in the latter town when
he was married, and for a time he resided on farms
in Ashford. Later he returned to Chaplin and lo-
cated on a farm in the north part of the town,
where he resided until 1835, when he removed to
Colchester and rented a farm for a year. He then
came to Lebanon and rented the Oliver Pettis,
Sr., farm, now owned by Albert T. Hoxie. From
there in 1846 he removed to Columbia (his sons
Harlow and Lucius remaining on this farm), and
bought a farm on Post Hill, in that town, where he
resided the rest of his life, and died thereon Sept.
29, 1866. Politically he was an Old Line Whig,
and a Republican. Religiously he was a regluar
attendant of the Congregational Church. For his
first wife he married on Jan. 20, 1813, Hannah
Robbins, of Chaplin. The children born of this
union were: Caroline, born Dec. 14, 1814, died in
infancy. William Lyman, born in July, 181 6, mar-
ried (first) Mercy James, (second) Susan G.
Stuart, and resides in East Somerville, Mass. Lu-
cius Waterman, born Dec. 7, 181 7, was a success-
ful farmer, and he married (first) Martha Wood-
worth, (second) Harriet Randall, who survives
him; Mr. Robinson died May 2, 1901, on Post Hill
in Columbia. Harlow, born March 26, 1820, was a
farmer in Lebanon, and he died April 1, 1900. Caro-
line (2) born Dec. 30, 1821, married David Pitcher,
a merchant of Brooklyn, and died at the home of
a son in Freeport, L. I., April 8, 1900. Warren, born
Dec. 8, 1823. was a carpenter and joiner; he mar-
ried Sarah Woodward and died in New Haven, Jan.
10, 1895. Lois Amelia became the wife of George
R. Bill, a school teacher and farmer, and died in
New Haven Feb. 25, 1856. Eliza Ann, born Jan.
30, 1827, died March 29, 1830. Sophronia, born
March 22, 1829, is the widow of Silas P. Abell, of
Exeter Society. Charles was born Dec. 1, 1830.
Miss Eliza Ann, born July 25, 1832, resides in
Brooklyn, N. Y. For his second wife William Rob-
inson married Sophia Robbins, a sister of his first
wife, and three children were born of this union:
Theron, Feb. 19, 1835, was a school teacher, later
engaged in a grocery business in New Haven, where
he died ; he married Amanda Pool. Orville, born
Feb. 16, 1837, was a farmer and died in Gilead
Society in the town of Hebron ; he married Jose-
phine Strickland. Myron Winslow, born May 4,
1839, was a physician in Colchester until the out-
break of the Civil war, when he enlisted as a private
in the 18th Conn. V. I., later was detailed as a phy-
sician, and he is now a resident physician in the
Soldiers Home at Noroton, Conn. ; he married
Emma Stuart.
Charles Robinson was born in Chaplin, Conn.,
and was five years old when his parents removed to
Colchester, and a year later the family located in
Lebanon. He attended the district schools in the
towns wherein he resided. In Colchester he went
to Russell Way, as one of his teachers, and in Leb-
anon he attended the "Wicked Lane" school. When
his father removed to Columbia he attended school
there. He later attended a select school kept by
George W. Standish in Lebanon, completing his
education in a select school in New Haven kept by
Stiles French. At the age of nineteen vears he him-
self began teaching school for eleven dollars a
month and "board round." The summer season
was devoted to farm work, his wages going to the
support of the family until he was twenty-one years
old. He taught school for a number of terms in
Lebanon, and later he went to Flushing, L. I., and
was there engaged when the war broke out. Re-
turning to Columbia he enlisted as a private in
Company C, 18th Conn. V. I., under Capt. Isaac H.
Bromley and Col. William G. Ely. Soon after his
enlistment he was promoted to Color Sergeant, and
served with the regiment in that way until February,
1864, when he was commissioned captain of Com-
pany A, 30th Conn. V. I. (Colored). The com-
mission was dated Feb. 23, 1864. Soon after this
regiment was consolidated with a New York regi-
ment of colored troops, and it became the 31st U.
S. Colored Troops. He was captain of Company
B, the New York Captain outranking him. The
regiment saw service in the Wilderness, before
Petersburg, at the latter place losing one-half their
men. At Petersburg he was captured with a num-
ber of his men, and was confined in jail in Columbia,
S. C, for seven months. He was exchanged at
Annapolis, Md., and a short time later was dis-
charged on May 7, 1865. He then returned to the
home farm in Columbia, and soon after went to
Flushing, L. I., and again engaged in teaching, also
at Glen Cove in the town of Oyster Bay, being en-
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
627
gaged in teaching there for a number of years.
The last place he taught at was in Amityville. He
returned to Connecticut and taught school in Pres-
ton and Canterbury. In 1881 he purchased his
present farm, one of the best in the town of Leb-
anon, and he moved to it a year later. The farm
was known as the "S. O. Hatch place" and then
consisted of 165 acres. This has been reduced to
.85 acres, and is devoted to general farming.
In 1884 Mr. Robinson was married to Mrs. Sarah
( Perkins) Bell, widow of Charles Bell, by whom
she had one daughter, Nellie Emma, born Feb. 6,
1879. No children have been born to Mr. and Mrs.
Robinson. In past years our subject has been a
Republican, but now sympathizes with the Prohibi-
tion party. He is serving his fourth term on the
board of selectmen. Fraternally he is a member of
Sedgwick Post, No. 1, G. A. R., of Norwich. Both
he and his wife attend the Lebanon Congregational
Church. Mr. Robinson is a hard worker, and in
kis disposition is quiet and retiring. He is a great
reader, and is well posted, and among his friends
an interesting conversationalist.
ROBERT BROWN is a well known business
man of Norwich, and one of the most highly re-
spected citizens of the town. He was born June 2,
1826, in Westerly, R. I., son of Philip and Abbie
(Bliven) Brown.
Philip Brown was a native of Kingston, R. I.,
where he learned his trade of ship carpenter. When
a young man he moved to Westerly, where he mar-
ried Abbie, daughter of Henry Bliven, a sea cap-
tain of that place. After living for a time in
Westerly the family moved to Mystic, Conn., and
later to Poquonock, in that State. In the latter place
Mrs. Brown died, leaving three children, as fol-
lows : Robert, who is mentioned below ; Joseph,
who married Abbie Armstrong, and died, leaving
one child, Jennie ; and Abbie, who died in young
womanhood. Mr. Brown, after the death of his
wife, placed his children in the care of relatives, in
Rhode Island, and went South. He settled in Mo-
bile, Ala., where he was killed the following year
by a falling stick of timber.
When he was but six years of age Robert Brown
was left an orphan, and soon thereafter was taken
into the home of his uncle, Edmund Brown, of
Kingston, R. I. As a very small boy he began to
work on the farm, attending sohool only three
months of the year, and thus having very limited
educational advantages. He had a passion for ma-
chinery, and when he was fourteen left his uncle's
house and obtained a position as operator of a
stationary engine, in Kingston. R. I., in a railroad
station. He took part in Dorr's Rebellion in 1842,
doing gmard duty in Providence for twenty-six
days, being a member of an independent company.
After two years in Kingston he came to New Lon-
don, where for a short time he was employed as
a stationary engineer. He then shipped as second
ineer on the steamship "Florida," plying be-
tween Apalachicola, Fla., and New Orleans, re-
taining this position two years and a half. During
this time the war between Mexico and the United
States broke out, and the "Florida" was pressed
into service as a transport. He sailed the vessel
to the Rio Grande, and witnessed the first battle,
then, leaving the steamer, returned to the North.
He went first to Cincinnati, from there by boat to
Pittsburg, and by canal then — a six-days trip — to
Harrisburg, Pa. Coming to Norwich, he entered
the employ of the New York & Norwich Steam-
ship Line as engineer on the "Quinebaug," and re-
mained in the employ of this company, on different
boats, for twenty years, as chief engineer. During
the first year of the Civil war he was engineer on
the "Charles Osgood," which was used as a gov-
ernment transport, and on returning to Norwich
he was for two years engineer at the armory. He
then accepted the position of chief engineer on the
steamship "Hunter," which was built at Thames-
ville, for the New York and Savannah trade. After
a year on this vessel he returned to Thamesville,
and for a year was engineer at the nail works. In
1866, in company with Frank Stewart and Mr.
McDonald, he started the Norwich Steam & Gas-
pipe Co., opening the establishment on Market
street which was moved later to Commerce street.
In 1886 Mr. Brown bought his present plant, which
is one of the largest in the State, and for the past
thirty-seven years he has carried on a most success-
ful business.
On May II, 1847, Mr. Brown married Betsey
Chester, who was born in Mystic, Conn., daughter
of Eldredge and Lucy (Chipman) Chester. After
nearly forty years of happy married life Mrs. Brown
died, in 1886, and she is buried in the Yantic ceme-
tery. She was a member of the Congregational
Church. Of the seven children born to this union
five died in childhood. Frank (deceased) married
Mary Kirker and had two children. Robert Archi-
bald and Betsey Chester. Arthur Morton lives with
his father and is foreman of his shop. Mr. Brown
is fortunate in having for his housekeeper a niece
of his wife, a lady of culture and refinement, who is
greatly devoted to her uncle.
Mr. Brown has an enviable reputation for hon-
esty and fair dealing, and is a man of genial dispo-
sition. He is public-spirited and has taken a great
interest in Norwich and its institutions, especially
the public schools. For twelve years he was a
member of the school board of the West Chelsea
district, being chairman of the board for nine years
of this time. He also served as a member of the
city council for twelve years, being senior alderman
for several years. He was also chairman of the
Fire committee, and for a number of years served as
a member of the volunteer fire department. He took
the "big engine" to Boston at the time of the great
fire there in 1872; he was for ten years chief en-
gineer of this "big engine." In politics he is stanchly
628
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
Republican, and an active partisan. His religious
creed is summed up in the Golden Rule. Socially
he is a thirty-second degree Mason, being a member
of Somerset Lodge, A. F. & A. M., Franklin Chap-
ter, Franklin Council, Columbian Commandery,
Sphinx Temple, (charter member) and Norwich
Consistory.
MAIN. Among the early settled families of
New London county was that of Main, whose rep-
resentatives have, for over two hundred and thirty-
five years, been residents of Stonington. For many
3'ears the name has been familiar in the town of
Ledyard through the late William L. Main, and his
descendants who still reside in that and surrounding
towns. William L. Main was of the seventh gen-
eration in lineal descent from
(I) Ezekiel Main, the first of the family to make
Stonington his permanent residence. He located
there in 1670, and in 1672 he received a grant of
land from the town. Subsequently he purchased
other lands, and in 1680 he received another grant
from the town, his property then extending from
the old goldsmith shop of David Main to the vicin-
ity of the residence of Nathaniel M. Crary, in what
is now North Stonington ; it was bounded all the
way by the Shunoc river on the south, and by the
lands of Joshua Holmes on the north. Ezekiel
Main was admitted to the Church of Stonington
Sept. 3, 1676. His death occurred June 19, 1714.
By his wife Mary he became the father of six chil-
dren : Ezekiel, Mary, Jeremiah, Thomas, Phebe
and Hannah.
(II) Jeremiah Main, son of Ezekiel, married
Oct. 11, 1692, the widow Ruth Brown. It is not
known certainly whose daughter she was, but she
and her daughter Ruth were admitted to the First
Church of Stonington, and were baptized July 16,
1699. Jeremiah Main was admitted Nov. 11, 1727.
His children were : Thomas, Hannah, Elizabeth,
Lydia, Sarah, Jeremiah, Hepzibah, Nathaniel,
Anna, John and Peter.
(III) Deacon Thomas Main, son of Jeremiah,
was born July 19, 1700. He married (first), April
20, 1720, Ann Brown, daughter of Eleazer and Ann
(Pendleton) Brown, who died March n, 1766. He
married (second), May 14, 1766, Elizabeth Hewitt.
He died in 1771. His children all born of his first
marriage, were : Thomas, Andrew, Timothy,
Joshua, Anne, Jonas, Elizabeth, Ezekiel and Phebe.
(IV) Thomas Main (2), son of Deacon
Thomas, was born Feb. 12, 1721, in Stonington.
On Feb. 3, 1742, he wedded Mary Pendleton, of
the same town. Their children were : Mary, Sarah,
Thomas and Benajah.
(V) Thomas Main (3), son of Thomas (2),
was born Aug. 8, 1747, in Stonington, where his
whole life was passed. He married Dolly Wood-
ward, who bore him eight children, as follows:
Benajah; Avel; Samuel; Thomas; John; Dolly;
Sally ; and Elizabeth.
(VI) Thomas Main (4), son of Thomas (3),
was born at the old home in Stonington. He set-
tled in Ledyard, and there engaged in farming,
making it his life work. He was very industrious,
and being a man of large physique, and possessed
of unusual muscular strength, he was able to do a
vast amount of work. His political views were
those of the Democratic party, and he was always
active in town affairs, holding at different times a
number of the important offices in the gift of the
people, with whom his frank genial manners made
him very popular. He attained the advanced age
of eighty-seven years. By his wife, Lois Brown,
he became the father of the following children : ( 1 )
Thomas B., who married Lydia Hall, settled first
in Stonington, and later in Ledyard, where he died
leaving no children. (2) Aaron settled in Noank,
Conn., and there died. He married Nancy Ashbey,
and had five children, Andrew, Aaron, Benjamin
W., John T. and Fannie. (3) Timothy made his
home in Ledyard, and died there. He married
Mary Gay, and their children were : Mary Ann,
Abby, Timothy B., Thomas, George, Jedediah G.
and Dwight. (4) William Leeds is mentioned be-
low. (5) John made his home in Stonington. He
married Nancy Barnes, and had two children, John
and Nancy. (6) Daniel located in North Stoning-
ton. He was three times married. His first wife
was Adelaide Roach. He married (second) Emma
Gay, by whom he had one child, Harriet. For his
third wife he married Mary Main, and had three
children, Delia, Catherine and Ellen. (7) Louisa
became the wife of Coddington Main, and died at
their home in North Stonington. Her children
were: Lois, John and Jane (twins), Thomas, Mary,
Sophia and Amasa. (8) Seviah married Albert
Brown, of Ledyard, where she died. They had
ten children : S. Louisa, who married John O.
Peckham, Sr. ; Albert M. ; Happy L. ; Thomas F.,
who died young ; Aaron A. ; Israel W. ; Seth L. ;
Fannie E. ; Nathaniel ; and Charles, who died
young. (9) Stanton settled in Ledyard and there
died. He married Susan Gray, and their four chil-
dren were: Sarah, Stanton, Wilmont and Walter.
( 10) Mary Esther married Minor Perkins, of North
Stonington, where she died. Their six children
were : Lydia E. ; Hannah ; Henry ; Stephen ; Eliza
Ann ; and Deborah. (11) Nathaniel, remained on
the old homestead in Ledyard all his life, and died
unmarried. (12) Seth married Mary Anna Stan-
ton Woodward, who survives him. Their children
were : Seth Woodward, Mary Rozilla, Cynthia,
Appleton, Nathaniel and Leonard. (13) Hannah
married Paul Burrows, of Mystic, Conn., and died
leaving two children, Fannie and Isabella. (14)
Fannie married George Parks, of Mystic, where
she died. Their children were : Amasa, Georgi-
anna and Fannie. (15) Amasa M. lives in North
Stonington. (16) Deborah became the wife of Jo-
seph Morgan, and died in Ledyard, the mother of six
children : Joseph died young ; Amasa ; Mary ; Wil-
liam ; Nathan ; and Hannah, deceased.
(VII) William Leeds Main, son of Thomas
c/tcti^ixy
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
629
{4), was born in Ledyard July 4, 1812, and died June
22, 1890. He was the largest land owner and
wealthiest man in Ledyard. During his active
career he ran a store, a gristmill and a sawmill, and
by good business methods and honorable dealing
prospered in all his undertakings. His word once
.given, was as good as another's bond. Strictly hon-
est? and just, himself, he exacted from others like
treatment. He was a man of energy and good judg-
ment, and was a wise counselor to those in need of
advice. In his friendships he was stanch and
true, and often lent a helping hand to those less
fortunate. In public life he was a conscientious
official, and had a deep sense of the responsibility
of those elected to do the will of the people. At
one time he represented Ledyard in the State Legis-
lature.
On Feb. 26, 1837, William Leeds Main mar-
ried Sarah A. Frink, of North Stonington, who
was born April n, 1818, daughter of Zachariah
and Phoebe E. (Holmes) Frink. She died Oct.
30. 1869. Their children were: (1) Sarah Maria,
born Aug. 27, 1838, married David Boss, a farmer
in Xorth Stonington. She died Sept. 12, 1858.
(2) John Latham, born Aug. 25, 1841, married
Phebe E. Frink, and resides in Ledyard. They
have had children: William Oscar (deceased),
John I., Sadie E., Calvin R., Nellie M., Melissa A.
and Grace E. (3) Leeds, born Sept. 8, 1844, is
mentioned below. (4) Phebe E., born July 4,
1846, married (first) John Finnegan, and had two
children, Sarah H. (deceased) and John. By her
second husband, William Harrington, she had one
son, James L. She died Sept. 6, 1878. (5) Miss
Lura H., born June 11, 1849, resides on the old
homestead. (6) Ira D., born Aug. 25, 1851, is un-
married, and lives in North Stonington. (7)
Frances A., born July 2, 1854, married William
Richmond, of North Stonington, and has had six
children, Chauncey, James, Charles, Harriett, Dora
and William. (8) Alonzo was born Oct. 4, 1856.
(9) Melissa, twin to Alonzo, married Joseph E.
Holdredge, of Ledyard, and has had six chil-
dren, five of whom are living, Marion,, Nel-
son, Estella, Leeds and a daughter. ( 10) Horace
H., born Aug. 9, 1859, is a farmer in Led-
yard. He married Phebe Partelo, and has five chil-
dren, Florence, Lura, Phebe and Harold and Hor-
ace (twins). (11) Amos, born Nov. 3, 1862, was
a farmer in Preston, where he died in August, 1902.
He married Lucy Madison, who, with two chil-
dren, Lydia and Clifford, survives.
The excellent likeness of William L. Main, here-
with produced, has been supplied solely through
the cooperation of his son Alonzo.
(VIII) Leeds Main, third child of William
Leeds Main, was born at the head of Long Pond,
an Ledyard, Sept. 8, 1844. and there passed his life
successfully engaged in farming. He died Nov.
9, 1895. His wife, Sarah Holdredge. daughter of
Daniel Holdredge, of Ledyard, still lives there.
Their children were as follows: (i) William Leeds,
born March 6, [869, will be referred to farther on.
(2) Daniel H., born Feb. 5, 1871, resides in Led-
yard. He married Olive Stintson, and has two chil-
dren, Clarence and Arthur. (3) James S. lives in
Stonington. He wedded Lizzie Broun, and has one
son, Harold. (4) Samuel, residing in Xorth Ston-
ington, married Mary Chapman, and has one child,
Marshall L. (5) Cora lives in Ledyard. (6) Julia
married William Cromwell, of Mystic, and has one
son Louis. (7) Eliza makes her home in Ledyard,
and so does her sister (8) Rose. Politically Leeds
Main was a Democrat, and religiously an attendant
of the Baptist Church.
(VIII) Alonzo Main, eighth child of William
Leeds and Sarah A. (Frink) Main, was born in
Ledyard Oct. 4, 1856. Since 1879 he has lived at
his present residence at the foot of Long Pond. For
twenty-five years he has been boss at the silex mine,
and he is also interested in copper mines in New
Mexico. He has given considerable attention to
the subject of mines and mining, and has become
an authority of more than local fame. Being a
man of marked executive ability, he has been often
sought by his fellow townsmen for public offices,
but he has always declined to serve.
On July 30, 1879, Mr. Main was united in mar-
riage with Ethel Main, daughter of Aaron Main.
Their two children are : Mabel J., born Sept. 7,
1880, married Courtland Stimpson, of Greeneville,
Conn., and has one son, Clifford ; and James F.,
born July 23, 1882, married Nellie White, and lives
in Ledyard.
(IX) William Leeds Maix, eldest son of
Leeds and Sarah (Holdredge) Main, was born in
Ledyard, March 6, 1869, and there and in Old Mys-
tic lie spent his early school days. Subsequently he
became a teacher, spending three years in Ledyard,
five years in Preston, two years in Yoluntown. and
five years in Griswold at that profession. On Jan.
6, 1902, he bought the grocery store of Isaac D.
Miner, in Mystic, and in May, 1903, opened an-
other store in Stonington borough, the next year
moving into a block he purchased there. He also
owns a store on Water street. Mystic, making three
stores in all. As a business man he takes high rank,
and by courtesy and fair dealing, he has won a large
patronage.
On Aug. 27, 1901, Mr. Main married Lizzie
Amber Benjamin, daughter of Nathan and Frances
(Miner) Benjamin, of Preston. In his fraternal
relations he is very popular, and he is identified
both with Mistuxet Lodge, Knights of Pythias, and
the Ancient Order of United Workmen.
DEXTSOX EVERETT HOXIE. a well-known
young business man of Stonington. earring on a
successful livery stable, was born Aug. 24. 1872, in
Westerly, R. I., son of Avery Hoxie. and comes of
an old and prominent family of this section.
(I) Lodowick Hoxie (or Eioxsie) is first of
630
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
record in 1664. He lived on the south side of Spring
Hill, Sandwich, Mass. He married in December,
1664, Alary Presbury, who was born May 10, 1641,
daughter of John Presbury, of Sandwich, Mass.,
as early as 1643. Mr. Hoxie died in 1702. Then-
children were : Bashan, Joseph, John, Ann, Gideon,
Hezekiah, John (2) and Solomon. Of these, Jo-
seph was early in Charlestown, R. I., and John in
Hopkinton.
(II) Joseph Hoxie, son of Lodowick, born
March 15, 1667, married Sarah Tucker, and their
children were : Peleg, Zebulon, Mary, Joseph, Ann,
Gideon, Lodowick, Sarah, Martha, Deborah, Ann,
and Zebulon (2), all of North Kingston record.
(II) John Hoxie, son of Lodowick, born in
March, 1677, married (first) Mary Hull and (sec-
ond) Ann Richmond, the former a daughter of Jo-
seph and Experience (Harper) Hull, and the latter
a daughter of John and Elizabeth Richmond. The
children born to the first marriage were : John,
Joseph, Solomon, Stephen and Benjamin.
From the foregoing source and likely through
one of the two Josephs of the second generation
came John Hoxie, head of the Exeter, R. I., fam-
ily. The family of Joseph and Deborah Hoxie
comprised the following children, all of Richmond,
R. I., record: Joseph, born May 15, 1729; Job,
born May 21, 1731 ; Alary, born Sept. 19, 1733;
Jeremiah, born Nov. 8, 1735; John, born Jan. 22,
l737'> Thomas, born Alay 25, 1740; Samuel, born
Dec. 25, 1742; Simeon, born July 31, 1745; and
Elijah, born Oct. 4, 1748.
John Hoxsie, son of Joseph and Deborah, born
Jan. 22, 1737, married Alay 21, 1760, Hannah Bill,
of Exeter, R. I., and their children, all of Exeter
record, were: Sarah, born Aug. 7, 1761 ; James,
born Alarch 8, 1763; Deborah, born April 22, 1764;
John, born April 20, 1765 ; Bill, born Nov. 1,
1766; Alary, born April 22, 1768; Phebe, born June
7, 1769; Lucy, born July 7, 1771 ; Joshua, born Oct.
22, 1772; Abigail, born May 22, 1774; Thomas,
born Dec. 5, 1776; Calvin, born June 4, 1778; Wan-
ton, born Alarch 10, 1780. John Hoxsie married
(second) Phebe, and their children of Exeter rec-
ord were: Hannah, born Nov. 20, 1786; Thank-
ful, born Alay 3, 1788; Catherine, born Nov. 21,
1789 ; Olive, born Aug. 3, 1791 ; and Edson, born
Oct. 6, 1793.
William Hoxie, grandfather of Denison Everett
Hoxie, was born in Exeter, R. I., but spent most of
his life in the towns of Griswold and Plainfield,
Conn. He was a farmer by occupation. He mar-
ried Fanny Clark, daughter of Simeon Clark, of
Bozrahville, Conn., and she died in Canterbury,
Conn., while his death occurred at Packerville, in
Plainfield. They were the parents of twelve chil-
dren, viz. : Alary Ann, James, Emily, Jared, William
(who lived in Westerly, R. I.), Henry (who lived
in Westerly, R. I., and Pawcatuck, Conn.), Avery,
Denison. Allen (who lived in Providence, R. I.),
Lucius T., Francis and John, all now deceased but
Avery.
Avery Hoxie, father of D. Everett, was born
in Griswold, Conn., and spent his boyhood there
and in Plainfield. In 1858 he engaged in a livery
business at Westerly, R. I., which he continued for
a year and a quarter, and in 1859 he embarked in
the same line in Pawcatuck, Conn., continuing to-
follow it until July, 1899. For a few years he was
also interested .in farming in North Stoningtom
He has been prosperous and enjoyed good standing
in business circles. Air. Hoxie was married, in
Plainfield, to Hannah Lillibridge, and for his sec-
ond wife he married, in Stonington, Alary (Doug-
lass) Barber. His family, all by his second mar-
riage, consisted of five children : Fannie, Jennie,.
Frank, George and Denison Everett, all deceased
but the last named. Avery Hoxie is a member of
the Alasonic fraternity.
D. Everett Hoxie received his education in Paw-
catuck, and from early boyhood assisted his father
in the business which he is now following on his
own account. With the exception of two summers'
work on the trolley road between Watch Hill and
Westerly, and a year and a half spent with the Cott-
rell Alachine Company, he has devoted himself to
his present business, and his success is but the natu-
ral result of application and good executive ability.
Like his father Air. Hoxie is a Alason, affiliating
with Pawcatuck Lodge, F. & A. AI. He was mar-
ried in Westerly, R. L, in June, 1895, to Aliss Ar-
zelia Lanphear, of that place.
THOMAS A. PERKINS, a well-known and
public-spirited citizen of Norwich, and a prosperous,
merchant of Greeneville, where he has been in busi-
ness for the last forty years, comes of an old Con-
necticut family. The Perkins family is one of the
oldest and largest in New London county, John
Perkins, of the fourth generation in this country,,
having settled in Norwich late in the seventeenth
century. Thomas A. Perkins is one of the eighth
generation in direct line from the emigrant ancestor,.
John Perkins, who came to America in the ship
"Lion," in 1630-31.
(I) John Perkins was born in 1590, according
to family tradition, in Newent, Gloucestershire,.
England, and came to America with his wife, Ju-
dith, and their five children. They sailed from
Bristol Dec. 1, 1630, in the ship "Lion," among
their fellow passengers being Roger Williams, the
famous divine. Air. Perkins was admitted a free-
man of the Colony in 1631, and in 1633 moved to-
Ipswich, where he obtained several grants of land,
and engaged extensively in agriculture. He became
one of the leading men of the town, held many town
offices, and was a deputy to the General Court. His
death occurred in 1654. His children were as fol-
lows: John, born in 1614; Thomas, 1616; Eliza-
beth, 1618; Alary, 1620; Sergeant Jacob, 1624; and
Lydia, 1632.
(II) Sergeant Jacob Perkins, born in 1624, in
England, married (first), probably in 1648, Eliza-
beth Lovell, who died Feb. 12, 1665. He married
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
631
(second) Damaris Robinson, widow of Nathaniel
Robinson, of Boston. Mr. Perkins was a farmer,
and his name is frequently found in records of the
sale and the purchase of farming lands. He was
chosen sergeant of the militia company in 1664, and
his death occurred Jan. 27, 1699- 1700. His children
by his first marriage were : Elizabeth, born Aprd
I, 1649; John, July 3, 1652; Judith, July 11, 1655;
Alary, May 14, 1658; Jacob, Aug. 3, 1662; and
Matthew, Jan. 23, 1665. The children of the sec-
ond marriage were: Hannah, born Oct. 11, 1670;
Joseph, June 21, 1674; and Jabez, May 15, 1677.
(III) Jacob Perkins, born Aug. 3, 1662, mar-
ried (first) in 1684 Elizabeth Sparks, who died in
1692. He married (second) in 1693 Sarah Tread-
well, who died in 1738. Mr. Perkins died in 1705.
(IV) John Perkins, born Sept. 2, 1687, married
Sarah Bailey, and settled in Norwich.
(V) John Perkins, married Mary Sholes, and
lived in Groton, Connecticut.
(VI) Rufus Perkins also resided in Groton,
where he was an innkeeper. He married Polly
Freeman, and they became the parents of two sons
and two daughters. Mrs. Perkins outlived her hus-
band and died in 1847, at a venerable age.
(VII) Dr. Austin Freeman Perkins, father of
Thomas A., was born in Groton in 1804, and at-
tended the public schools of his native town. He
began the study of medicine with Dr. Miner, and
afterward attended the Berkshire Medical College,
then located at Pittsfield, Mass., from which he
graduated about 1830. He began practice in that
part of Lyme known as East Lyme, and Flanders
Village, and there spent the rest of his life as a suc-
cessful physician. He married (first) in 1830 Mary
Moore Way, daughter of Elisha Way, a pensioner
of the Revolutionary war, who lived to the age of
eighty-five. Mrs. Perkins died in 1852, at the early
age of forty-six. She was the mother of eight chil-
dren, of whom five grew to maturity, as follows :
Eunice C, who died at the age of twenty-five ; Wil-
liam S. C, who began the study of medicine with
his father, graduated from Yale, and in i860 from
the College of Physicians and Surgeons in New
York City (he practiced for a time in Montville,
but in 1869 located in Norwich, where he is known
as one of the leading physicians) ; Thomas A., who
is mentioned below ; Julia B., who is the wife of
Sylvester Jerome, of Waterford ; and Mary A.,
who became the wife of Joseph P. Morgan, and
died at Rogers, Ark., in 1903. Dr. Perkins mar-
ried for his second wife Louisa Wightman, by whom
he had two sons, Austin F. (of Norwich) and
George Anson. After the death of his second wife
Dr. Perkins contracted a third marriage, with Har-
riet Moore. He died in 1876, and his wife passed
away in 1890.
Thomas A. Perkins was born Feb. 18, 1839, at
East Lyme. He attended the public school and a
select school in East Lyme, conducted by Rev. I'.
G. Wightman, Servilian Lee and other masters.
When he was fourteen he began work as a clerk-
in the grocery store of W. II. II. Comstockj his
remuneration for a year being fixed at S75 and
board. In addition to his work in the store he was
expected to do the chores about the house, and his
hours were from early morning until late at night.
After a year in this place he spent six months in a
select school, and then returned to Mr. Comstock's
employ for another year, at $150. At the end of the
year he went to Quaker Hill, where he went to work
in the store of Asa Wightman. The latter was in
very poor health, and Mr. Perkins remained with
him until his death. He then returned to East Lyme,
and although but eighteen years of age bought out
his former employer, Mr. Comstock, who had the
largest store in the place. Two years later he sold
out to Mr. Comstock, at a good profit, and going
back to Quaker Hill purchased the store in which
he had been previously employed. There he re-
mained until the breaking out of the Civil war, when
he sold out his business and enlisted in the army.
While on a visit to his parents, soon after, he was
attacked by scarlet fever, and was therefore excused
from military service.
In November, 1862, Mr. Perkins came to
Greeneville, and entered the employ of C. D. Brown-
ing, who was carrying on a store in the building
now occupied by Mr. Perkins. After a year with
Mr. Browning he went to Poughkeepsie. X. Y.,
and for several months was a student at the Eastman
Business College. From there he went to Roches-
ter, N. Y., where for a time he was employed as a
clerk in a grocery, and then came back to Connecti-
cut. Mr. Browning having sent for him, he re-
turned to his old place in the Greeneville store. In
1869 he became a half owner in the business and
the firm name was changed to C. D. Browning &
Co. This partnership continued until the death of
Mr. Browning, in February, 1899, aitcr which a
new company was formed, with the sons of the lat-
ter, under the name of the C. D. Browning Co., Mr.
Perkins being manager. With the intention of
establishing himself in business in Jacksonville. Fla.,
Mr. Perkins soon disposed of his business in the
C. D. Browning Co., but changing his mind, in
October, 1901, purchased the entire business. The
firm became the T. A. Perkins Co.. Mr. Perkins
being sole owner, and he does a large business in
dry goods, groceries, carpets, boots and shoes, etc.
Mr. Perkins knows the meaning of hard work and
steady application, and his success is due to his untir-
ing industry and his utilization of every opportunity
as it came.
On Aug. 9, 1862. Mr. Perkins married Delia A.
Moore, who was born in Waterford, daughter of
lames and Eliza Jane (Worthy) Moore. One
daughter has been born to them. Marion Moore,
and they have an adopted daughter, Fannie E. The
latter married Charles F. Sears, and has three chil-
dren. William. Thomas 1'. and Charles F.. Jr.: they
live in Norwich.
63-
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
Mr. Perkins is a Republican in principle, and,
while not an office seeker or an active politician, he
takes a warm interest in public affairs. In 1889 he
was elected alderman, and served for eight years.
During that time he was chairman of police com-
missioners and auditor of the accounts of the city
treasurer. For nearly twenty years he served as
treasurer of the Greeneville school district, and was
acting school visitor for two years. He and his
wife and daughters are active members of the Third
Baptist Church, of which he is a deacon. For a
number of years he has been, and is still, superin-
tendent of the Sunday school. At one time he was
clerk and treasurer of the church society, and he is
one of its leading members and most liberal sup-
porters.
STANTON. From the days of Winthrop and
the early Puritans the name of Stanton has held an
honored place in the annals of American history.
In Norwich, New London county, Howard L. Stan-
ton, chief of the fire department, is one of the most
popular of citizens.
Thomas Stanton, of England, was educated for
a cadet, but not liking the profession of arms, and
taking a deep interest in the religious principles of
the migrating Puritans, he came to New England in
the ship "Bonaventura," in 1635, landing first, how-
ever, in Virginia. He soon went to Boston, where
he was recognized by Winthrop and his associates as
a valuable man, worthy of the most unlimited confi-
dence. In the next year he was selected by the
Boston authorities to accompany Mr. Fenwick and
Hugh Peters as interpreter on a mission to Say-
brook, Conn., to hold a conference with the Pequot
Indians relative to the murder of Capts. Stone and
Newton. He possessed an accurate knowl-
edge of the language and character of the In-
dians which gave him prominence in the
new settlements of Connecticut. In 1637 he
fixed his abode at Hartford, where the General
Court declared he should be a public officer to attend
the Court upon all occasions, either general or par-
ticular, at the meetings of the magistrates, to inter-
pret between them and the Indians, at a salary of
£10 per year. He became the intimate and special
friend of Governor Winthrop of Connecticut, acting
as interpreter in all of his intercourse with the In-
dians. He was the first white man who joined Wil-
liam Chesebrough in the new settlement in the
Pawcatuck Valley, and in the spring of 1650 or '51
he erected a trading house on the west bank of Paw-
catuck river in Stonington. He removed his family
to Stonington in 1657. After he became an inhabi-
tant of the town he took an active part in town
affairs, became prominent, and was elected to al-
most every position of public trust in the new set-
tlement. Mr. Stanton married, in 1637, Anna,
daughter of Thomas and Dorothy Lord. He died
Dec. 2, 1677, aged sixty-eight years. His wife sur-
vived him about eleven years. Through their chil-
dren : Thomas, John, Mary, Hannah, Joseph, Dan-
iel, Dorothy, Robert and Samuel, they became the
progenitors of a numerous race in the country about
Stonington.
Abel Stanton, the great-great-grandfather of
Howard L., married a member of the Reede family,
and their son, Thomas, born May 15, 1775, mar-
ried a Miss Corning.
Francis Stanton, son of Thomas, became a ship's
carpenter by trade, and was a hard-working man.
He died at his home in Norwich July 20, 1878, aged
seventy years. He married Sybil Osborn, who sur-
vived him and died Sept. 27, 1883, in her seventy-
sixth year. Their children were: Elizabeth, who
married George B. Norton, a member of the 26th
Conn. V. I., in the Civil war, and resided in Nor-
wich, where he died ; Jane, who married Henry H.
Roath, and died in Norwich ; and George H.
George H. Stanton, son of Francis, was born in
Norwich, Aug. 18, 1833. In early manhood he
learned the baker's trade under John Sparks, a
well known and prosperous baker in Norwich, who
later became his father-in-law. When secession
threatened to disrupt the Union, he left home and
enlisted in Company D, 8th Conn. V. I., for three
years. He was promoted to corporal, but after
serving nineteen months he was discharged on ac-
count of chronic rheumatism. When he had some-
what recovered he became connected with the engi-
neer department of the J. M. Huntington & Co.
line of steamers, running from Norwich, and he
remained with them until about 1870, after which
he became a journeyman baker, so continuing until
his death, which occurred in York, Pa., in Novem-
ber, 1898, and he was buried there.
In Norwich Mr. Stanton married Helen S.
Sparks, who was born March 22, 1832, in Danielson,
Conn., daughter of John and Selinda (Field)
Sparks, the former a son of John Sparks, Sr. (born
in England July 12, 1750, died in Killingly, Conn.,
in 1814), who went from Killingly "for the Relief
of Boston in the Lexington Alarm" in April, 1775.
Mrs. Selinda (Field) Sparks was a daughter of
Silas and Marion (Lane) Field, the latter a daugh-
ter of Joseph Lane, a Revolutionary soldier from
Massachusetts. To George H. Stanton and wife
were born four children, namely: (1) Howard L.
(2) George H., born June 5, 1856, resides in Nor-
wich. He married Ella Archer, who died leaving
several children. (3) Julia E., born Jan. 9, 1858,
resides in Norwich. She is married and has several
children. (4) Frank A., born March 31, 1859, has
been twice married, and has several children. He
is an expert pistol fitter, and he makes his home in
Hartford.
Howard L. Stanton was born in Norwich July
17, 1854. His educational advantages were limited,
and at the age of twelve he began to do for himself,
by working in the C. B. Rogers & Co. factory, doing
whatever a boy could do. When he was sixteen
he was apprenticed to learn the machinist's trade
/JtHMilfLM 6&< -MJm^Xc^X
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
633
in the same shop, and he not only completed his
time there, hut remained two years longer. His
lone: service there speaks well for his fidelity to duty
as well as for his satisfactory work. He became an
expert, and was ahle to do the finest kind of work.
In July, 1875, he hecame toolmaker in the factory
of the Norwich Pistol Co., where he was, however,
employed hut a short time, when he was offered a
more lucrative position with the Bacon Arms Co.,
with whom he remained five and one-half years.
( )n Aug. 1, 1881, he hecame an employe of Lester
& Wasley, manufacturers of high grade envelope
machinery, at Norwich. He went to them as an
expert, and the most particular work passed through
his hands. After some years he became foreman of
the shop, holding that responsible position until
July, 1901, when, against the wishes of the different
members of the firm, he resigned to become chief
engineer of the Norwich city fire department.
Mr. Stanton's interest in the fire department is
of long standing, beginning many years ago, when
he was a runner with the Neptune Steam Fire En-
gine Co. No. 2, and in 1871 he was an active member
of that company. The history of his connection
with the fire department is practically a history of the
department. Soon after he became an active mem-
ber, in 1 87 1, the name was changed to Delanoy
Steam Fire Engine Co. No. 5. He accompanied the
department to the famous Boston fire in November,
1872, which he declares was the most instructive
trip in that line he has ever taken. In January, 1873,
he was elected second assistant foreman, and in
August of the same year he became stoker of the
engine. He held those positions until 1878, when
he resigned as stoker to become captain of the com-
pany on a reorganization. The steamer was then
sold and the name changed to Neptune Hose Co.,
No. 5, and so it continues to be known to the pres-
ent time. He held the office of captain from 1878
until July, 1881, when he was elected second assist-
ant chief engineer of the department. In October,
1890, he succeeded Louis W. Greeneberg as first
assistant engineer, the former having been appointed
chief to succeed Joseph B. Carrier, deceased. In
1899 ne resigned as assistant engineer, and was not
connected with the department until his election as
chief. Under his masterly administration and his
wholesome enthusiasm for the work, Mr. Stanton
has wrought many changes in the department. Be-
ginning with a volunteer department, he has intro-
duced horses, has six permanent firemen, four-
teen additional fire alarm boxes, a complete
fire alarm telegraph, and now, mainly through
his efforts, there is in course of construc-
tion a new fire house. His mechanical
ability is under a constant test, hut he
has never yet failed. As an executive he has admin-
istered the affairs of the department in a masterly
manner, and has won the loyal devotion of the
men. Since its inception he has been identified with
the State Firemen's Association, in \^>j was its
vice-president, and in 1898 its president. He i- also
a member of the Fire Chiefs Club of Connecticut, a
recentl) formed organization to further the inter
-I firemen. Of this Mr. Stanton i^ second vice-
president. His acquaintance is wide, and among
firemen is not limited to the New England States.
He is vice-president for Connecticut of the Interna-
tional Association of hire Engineers.
Politically Mr. Stanton is a Democrat, hut is
not bitterly partisan in local affairs, and positively
refuses to countenance politics in his department.
He has served three years on the town board of
education, and six years as a member of the
board of education of the West Chelsea school
district, two years of which time he was also clerk
of the district. He is trustee of the Chelsea Sav-
ings Bank.
Fraternally Chief Stanton is a Mason. In June,
T877, he was made a Master Mason in Somerset
Lodge, No. 34, and in 1880 he became a member
of Franklin Chapter and Council ; was knighted in
Columbia Commander}-, No. 4. in 1881, and in
1882 became a member of King Solomon's Grand
Lodge of Perfection, passing on through all the
Scottish Rite bodies to the Consistory, which he
reached in 1883. In May, 1886, he joined Pyramid
Temple, Nobles of the Mystic Shrine, at Bridgeport.
He has held all the offices in the Blue Lodge, and
in 1883 he served as Master, and again in 1 895,
the centennial of the lodge's organization. All the
offices in the Chapter have been filled by him. and
since 1889 he has been Past High Priest of that
body. In 1892-93 he served as Thrice Illustrious
Master of the Council. He has held offices in all
the Scottish Rite bodies, and was one of the in-
corporators from Somerset Lodge when the [Ma-
sonic Temple was built ; he succeeded the late Mayor
Increase W. Carpenter as one of the directors of
the Masonic Temple Corporation. In 1890 he was
district deputy for New London county, and is now
grand representative to the Grand Chapter of the
State from the Territory of New Mexico. He
belongs to the Royal Arcanum. With his family he
attends the Congregational Church.
On Oct. 22, 1874, Mr. Stanton was united in
marriage with Fannie L. Hotchkiss, who was horn
in Norwich, Nov. 27, 1855, daughter of Edwin ( >.
and Eliza ( Blouvelt) Hotchkiss. She passed away
Dec. 19, 1899. Two children blessed this union:
Amy Louisa, born Jan. 3, 1878, attended Norwich
Free Academy, and is a member of Faith Trumbull
Chapter, D. A. R. ; Georgie Coit, horn April
tS-c;. graduated from Norwich Free Academy in
[898, and is now teaching in the Norwich public
schools. The family reside in a charming home on
Fairmount street. Mr. Stanton is genial and social
and delights to entertain bis friends. His sue*
and popularity are hut the merited reward for his
honest, painstaking effort.
^34
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
JOSEPH F. SMITH, the leading florist of
Norwich, is a striking example of a self-made man
who has acquired a position in the business world
and a place of high respect and esteem entirely
through his own exertions. He was born in Gmund,
Wurtemberg, Germany, son of Joseph Smith, a
dyer by trade, who came to the United States in
1847. He was followed by his family, and they
settled in Philadelphia, Pa., where the father died.
Joseph F. Smith was the eldest of eight chil-
dren, four of whom are yet living, and he was born
Dec. 6, 1838. At the age of thirteen years he came
to the United States with his mother and three
other children. His education was received in the
public schools of his native town and in Philadelphia,
where he attended for a short time. As soon as
possible after the arrival of the family the boy was
put to work, and until nineteen was employed in a
factory at Schuylkill Falls, Pa., after which he be-
gan to learn the trade of florist with a Mr. Hall, in
Philadelphia. Later he wras employed by George
Williams, a florist in the same city, in whose em-
ploy he remained for two or three years. He next
went to Baltimore, where he remained a few months,
engaged in florist work, after which he went to
Jenkintown, Pa., and engaged with a Mr. Satters-
wait, a florist. After four years spent with him
Mr. Smith came to Norwich, arriving in April,
1865, and engaged as gardener and florist on the
private grounds of Joseph Ripley, on Washington
street. There he continued until April, 1870, when
with his savings he purchased his present place,
from a Mr. Dawson. Mr. Smith began business in
a small way, his first greenhouse being 20 x 50 feet,
but from time to time he has made additions and
acquired other land until now he has the largest
and best equipped establishment of its kind in
the city. For the past fifteen years he has had a
branch store in Norwich.
In Jenkintown, Pa., Mr. Smith was married to
Katherine Spang, a native of Prussia, and ten chil-
dren were born to this marriage, one dying in in-
fancy. The others are as follows: (1) Joseph is
a boss farmer at the Connecticut Hospital for In-
sane at Middletown ; he married Annie Gill, and
has two children, William and Frank. (2) Annie
married George Tubbs, and resides in Boston. (3)
Edward married Alice Burke, and has one child,
Raymond ; he is florist of New London. (4) Eliz-
abeth. (5) Fred. (6) George married Mary Kiv-
lin and has one child, Robert; they reside in Nor-
wich. (7) Katherine. (8) Clara. (9) Frank.
Mr. Smith is a member of Wauregan Lodge, No. 6,
K. of P., and attends the Congregational Church.
He is a hard-working, quiet citizen, has a fine
family and is highly respected by all who know him.
W. F. WHIPPLE. This energetic farmer and
well known horsedealer, now residing on that mag-
nificent old Whipple homestead in the eastern part
of the town of Griswold, possesses in such a large
measure keen mental activity, combined with much
physical power, that he has been enabled to man-
age at once many lines of business without detri-
ment to any one. His farming is conducted on a
large scale, consisting of the raising of immense
crops and the caring for an extensive dairy. As a
horse trader he has evinced shrewdness and sound
judgment. As a contractor, another enterprise in
which he has long been engaged, he has also met
with success. Mr. Whipple comes of one of the
old and highly respectable families of New Lon-
don county, his grandfather, Hibbard Whipple, hav-
ing been born and reared in Mystic. In this place
he also married, and afterward resided for some
time. He spent his last days in Griswold at the
home of his son Ezra A., and there died.
Ezra A. Whipple, son of Hibbard and father of
W. F. Whipple, Was born during his parents' resi-
dence in Mystic, Oct. 26, 1813, and developed into
a man of great force of character and remarkable
mental power. Reared to farm work, and being
possessed of both a taste and ability for tke occu-
pation, he followed it for the most part throughout
his mature life. He embarked upon his career in
Griswold, having come here in his early manhood.
Soon after this, at the age of twenty-one, he married
in Voluntown, Conn., Mary Jackson, who was born
Dec. 31, 1814, daughter of William Jackson, of
Mystic, and who proved a devoted wife and mother.
She died in August, 1883. Of this union there were
fourteen children, of whom : Ezra A., born
Aug. 2, 1838, died at the age of thirty-five
years ; Clark, born Sept. 26, 1839, died aged twenty-
two years; Daniel, born Aug. 30, 1841, died aged
twenty-one years; one born Jan. 17, 1843, died in
a few hours ; Mary S., born Dec. 7, 1843, died aged
twenty-six years ; Frances M., born Sept. 6, 1845,
died aged twenty-seven years (she married Kings-
ley Chapman, of Lisbon, Conn.) ; Delia J., born July
17, 1847, died young; Charles W. born May 4, 1849,
died unmarried; George, born Feb. 16, 1851, died
aged seventeen years ; one born Dec. 25, 1852, died
unnamed; Delia Jane, born Feb. 25, 1854, married
E. Frank Pierce, of Chicago, and they have eight
children, Ezra, John, Delia E., Virginia O., Frank
O., -Martha, Eva and Harry; Laura E. and Eliza
A., twins, were born Oct. 30, 1855, and the former
died at the age of fourteen years and the latter, who
married Alexander Lewis, of Glasgo, Conn., died
April 29, 1901, at the age of forty-six; and W.
Franklin was the youngest.
About a year after his mariage Ezra A. Whip-
ple purchased of paternal relatives a well-improved
166-acre farm in the eastern part of the town of
Griswold, known as the Whipple place. Here he
engaged in general farming very extensively. Ap-
plying science and practical knowledge to his work
he was enabled to make the place yield large and
valuable crops, and he won the reputation of being
one of the most progressive and successful agri-
culturists in the town. He was well-to-do and was
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
63:
respected throughout the community. In public
affairs he always took a leading part, and in poli-
tics as a Democrat was exceedingly influential in
his community. He and his wife belonged to the
Bethel Methodist Episcopal Church, being foremost
in its various activities, and he serving as trustee,
and also a9 superintendent of its Sunday school for
many years. His life was a long and useful one,
and his death occurred in August, 1895, at the age
of eightv-two years.
W. Franklin Whipple, born May 8, 1859, re-
ceived in his comfortable and well regulated farm
home careful rearing, probably better than that of
the ordinary farm boy. At the early age of nineteen,
Feb. 22, 1878, he married Frances L. Fletcher, who
was born in Canterbury, Conn., daughter of John
W. and Sarah Jane (Cook) Fletcher, the latter
coming of one of the old and highly respected fam-
ilies of Griswold. Mr. and Mrs. Whipple have had
nine children, but only one lived to maturity : Mary
E., born April 20, 1880, married June 18, 1902,
Stephen B. Sweet, and resides in Griswold. Like
his father Mr. Whipple has made farming the main
business of his life, and after the death of the
former purchased the home place, where he now
resides. Though in excellent condition when he
bought it, he has greatly improved it and has re-
cently erected a fine large barn. The place is neat
and attractive, and shows evidence of good care.
Besides general farming he conducts a large dairy,
and he owns twenty-five head of cattle, many of the
best breed. He keeps in his stable at all times a
large number of the best horses, which he from
time to time puts on the market. He also speculates
to some extent in cattle. This business has made
him well known throughout the county, as his trade
is an extensive one. In addition to his other en-
terprises he has found time to engage in contracting,
and in this line has given good satisfaction. In
fact he is considered one of the hustlers of his com-
munity. Mr. Whipple's various lines of business
have for the most part engrossed his attention, but
he has always evinced an earnest interest in local
affairs, and as a Democrat in politics is influential.
He was reared in the Methodist Episcopal faith,
and his wife and daughter are highly esteemed
members of the Bethel Church of that denomin-
ation.
ISAAC S. JONES, a successful real-estate and
insurance agent at Norwich, was born in that city
Feb. 11, 1849, tne youngest son of Col. Gurdon A.
Jones.
Col. Gurdon A. Jones was born in June, 1826,
in Whitestown, N. Y.. whither his father had gone
to operate a paper mill, the first ever erected in
that then remote region. The father took small-
pox from some rags brought to the mill, and died
about a year after locating at Whitestown. The
widow and family then returned to Norwich, her
original home. One of the sons, William, went to
Guanajuato, Mexico, and for many years was in
the .Mexican government service there. A daughter
Susan, became the wife of Courtland Noyes, and
died in Nurwich.
Gurdon A. Jones learned the trade of shoe-
maker from Philemon Haven, and commenced busi-
ness for himself in 1826, with Thomas J. Ridgeway,
in the shoe manufacturing business, under the firm
name of Jones & Ridgeway. Their store was lo-
cated opposite "Kinney's Hotel," which was later
known as the "Merchants' Hotel." In a few years
he went into business for himself on Main street,
in a room in the old wooden building that for years
occupied the site of the present Boswell block". In
1844, when the whole street was burned, his store
was also lost, and he moved for a time to Shetucket
street, but when Boswell row was built he had a
store in it (on the same ground as the old one)
fitted up expressly for his use, and immediately
occupied it. He remained at the same location until
the day of his death. For a few years his son, Gur-
don A. Jones, Jr., was associated with him under
the firm name of Gurdon A. Jones & Co. The
partnership was dissolved a few years before the
death of the senior member.
Gurdon A. Jones was active in the old times as
a military man. He rose to be captain of the old
Norwich Rifle Company, which was composed of
the leading and respected citizens of the town, and
afterward was colonel of the regiment. He was
a splendid horseman, and presented a striking figure
when mounted. Long before the temperance agi-
tation was started he took strong temperance ground
of his own accord, and he was active in the conduct
of affairs on parade day. A man of positive char-
acter and principle, he strenuously forbade the sale
of liquor on the grounds and put a stop to it in
spite of opposition.
Col. Jones was a member of Christ church in
which he served as warden. He was in the com-
mon council, a number of years, once being elected
by both parties. At first a Whig, he was later ;i
Republican. At one time he was a director in the
Norwich Bank. He was universally respected as
an upright, positive man and a useful citizen. He
died Oct. 20, 1874, and was buried in Yantic ceme-
tery. The first wife of Col. Jones was Lucretia
Herrick, of Norwich, who died leaving two children,
Gurdon A., Jr., and Frank J. In 1843 Col. Jones
married for his second wife Lucy Story, of Norwich,
daughter of Deacon Isaac and Lucy (Roath) Story.
She died June 9, 1893, aged seventy-eight years.
She was a member of Christ Church. Her children
were Isaac Story, born Feb. II, 184). and Lucy T..
who died in July, 1876, at the age of twenty years.
Deacox Gurdon A. Jones, Jk., died April 8,
1878, aged forty-six years. He married Caroline
Bliss, of Brookfield, Mass., and had two children:
Isabelle, who died in young womanhood, and Elias
B., who resides in Newton ville, Mass. Of Deacon
Gurdon A. Jones, Jr.. the following appeared in
6s(i
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
the Norwich Bulletin of April 9, 1878: "The death
at his home on Williams street, yesterday morning,
of Gurdon A. Jones, Jr., removed another citizen
for many years identified with Norwich's mercan-
tile interests. He entered the boot and shoe store
with his father on Main street early in life, and
the firm name was at one time Gurdon A. Jones &
Son. Subsequently he sold his interest in the busi-
ness and established himself in the wholesale trade
on Commerce street, in which he was interested at the
time of his death. His business had been somewhat
impaired of late years by financial embarrassments.
In his social relations Mr. Jones was universally
beloved. He was genial in disposition, liberal with
hand and purse to respond to every worthy call, and
was heartily interested in all movements for the
moral and religious culture of the community. As
an officer in the church, an indefatigable Sunday-
school worker, and a friend of the temperance cause,
his support was always relied on and never wanting.
His life was temperate and exemplary."
Frank J. Jones left Norwich when a young
man, and served in the Civil war in the 1st Con-
necticut Heavy Artillery. After the war he en-
gaged in business in New York, where he has be-
come wealthy. His residence is in Brooklyn. He
has two daughters and one son, the latter named
Gurdon.
Isaac Story Jones attended a private school
kept by a Miss Case, on Cedar street, in Norwich,
and then entered Norwich Free Academy, from
which he was graduated in 1866. He was first in
the employ of his father until the latter's death,
when the business was disposed if. He then worked
for his brother, Gurdon A. Jones, Jr., until 1878,
when the latter died. From that time he was en-
gaged in different kinds of general work until March
1, 1897, when he established his present business,
which has increased and prospered from the first.
He represents some of the best companies in Amer-
ica.
Mr. Jones was married in Norwich, Oct. 23,
1894, to Adeline Browne, a native of Richland Cen-
ter, Wis., daughter of James Lauman Browne, and
a sister of Mrs. Dr. La Pierre, of Norwich. Their
family consists of two children : Emerson Browne,
born Feb. 18, 1897, and Clinton Story, born Nov.
24, 1898, Thanksgiving Day.
Mr. Jones has always been a Republican, but
has never cared for office, and has never taken any
active part in politics. His interests are more social
in character, and he is a member of the Arcanum
Club and also of the Chelsea Boat Club. Relig-
iously he is an Episcopalian in faith, a member of
Christ Church, and treasurer of the parish. He is
a man of high integrity and enjoys the confidence
of all.
GEORGE ROBERT HEMPSTEAD, one of
the enterprising business men of Groton, was born
May 27, 1862, on the "Brown Farm," in the north-
eastern part of District No. 2, son of William Frank
Hempstead. The latter was born in Stonington,
Conn., and there spent his boyhood days, but his
wife, Weltha Dart, was born in Groton, daughter
of E. Dart, also of that town. The children born to
Mr. and Mrs. William F. Hempstead were: Ann,
who married James Beckwith, and resides near Nian-
tic, Conn. ; Jane, who married Elisha Martin, of Old
Lyme; William A., of Center Groton; Mary, who
married Alva Geer, of Waterford, Conn. ; Eunice,
who married George Perkins, deceased, and resides
in Groton ; Frank E., of Waterford ; Robert, who
died at the age of five years ; and George Robert
Hempstead, the youngest. The father died at the
age of eighty-four years, while his wife died ^aged
seventy-nine years.
George R. Hempstead spent his early school
days attending District No. 2 school, and Center
Groton school, after which he engaged in farming
in Center Groton and vicinity, and Waterford, for
twelve years. The next line of business to attract
his attention was the meat trade, and he clerked in
that branch for Eben Avery, of Groton, three years,
and has been at his present location for ten years.
For about five years he was engaged in artesian
well drilling, while in 1893 he embarked in a
plumbing, repairing and stove dealing business in
Groton, giving employment to five men. The estab-
lishment is the largest and leading one of its kind in
the town.
Mr. Hempstead was married in Poquetanuck,
Conn., in August, 1885, to Miss Mary Hazier, a
native of Ledyard. Their children are : Dora Bell,
who died at the age of five years ; and George Har-
old, now twelve years of age, who resides with his
parents in their comfortable home on Pleasant street,
Groton, Connecticut.
Fraternally, Mr. Hempstead is a member of
Union Lodge, No. 31, F. & A. M. ; Union Chapter,
No. 7, R. A. M. ; Cushing Council, No. 4, R. & S.
M. ; Palestine Commandery, No. 6, Knights Tem-
plar, and he has attained the 32d degree in Masonry.
He is also a member of Fairview Lodge, No. 101,
I. O. O. F. ; A. O. U. W. Thames Lodge, No. 13 ;
and Groton Conclave, No. 382, Improved Order of
Heptasophs. He is also a member of the First Dis-
trict Fire Committee, of which he is Fire Chief.
Both Mr. and Mrs. Hempstead are very highly re-
spected throughout the community, and have a num-
ber of warm personal friends.
EDWARD ALBERT HOXIE, one of the most
prominent and extensive agriculturists in the town
of Lebanon, traces his ancestry to Lodowick Haxie,
Hauksie, Hoxie or Hoxsie, who is first mentioned
in 1664, of Sandwich, Mass., but whence, when or
how he came is not learned. He married in De-
cember, 1664, Mary Presbury, perhaps daughter of
John, and their children were : Bathsheba, Joseph,
Gideon, Hezekiah, John, Solomon and Content.
John Hoxie, born April 25, 1669, married Mary,
qA \ (^Ajpf /X^^^^^c
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
(>37
daughter of Joseph and Experience (Harper) Hull.
Stephen Hoxie, born Nov. 28, 1713, married
Feb. 2J, 1734-5. in South Kingston, R. I., Elizabeth,
daughter of John and Elizabeth Kenyon, ami their
children were: Barnabas, born in Westerly, in
September, 1735; Stephen, born in Charlestown,
March 8, 1738; Elizabeth, born in Charlestown,
May 13. 1740; Edward, born in Charlestown Nov.
9, 1742; Hannah, born in Charlestown Nov. 7,
1744; Samuel, born in Charlestown June 13, 1747;
Ruth, born in Charlestown Nov. 4, 1749 ; John, born
in Richmond May 28, 1752; Edward, born in Rich-
mond Nov. II, 1754; Alary, born in Richmond
March 2^, 1/5/ ', Gideon, born in Richmond Sept.
9, 1759; and Presbury, born in Richmond Jan. 14,
1762. Mrs. Elizabeth Hoxie died Oct 25, 1778,
aged fifty-nine years and twenty-four days, and
Stephen Hoxie died Oct. 24, 1793, aged eighty
years and twenty-six days, and was buried in the
Friends burial ground at Richmond, Rhode Island.
Samuel Hoxie, born June 13, 1747, married,
June 8, 1783, likely in South Kingston, R. I., where
the marriage is recorded, Almy or Amie Reynolds,
born in 1741 or 1747, daughter of James Reynolds,
of West Greenwich, R. I., and their son,
Thomas Hoxie, the great-grandfather of our
subject was a farmer and resided at South Kingston,
R. I. As he became possessed of a large amount of
land, he was able to give each of his sons a farm
and to provide properly for his daughters. His
death took place in South Kingston, at the age of
eighty years. He married Esther Albro, whom he
survived. They became the parents of the follow-
ing children : Samuel ; Amy, who died unmarried ;
John, who married Penelope Wilcox, a farmer who
resided in Exeter, R. I. ; Ann, who married Peleg
Brown, and died in Hoosick, X. Y. ; Sarah, who mar-
ried William Bliven, and died in South Kingston ;
Stephen, who married a Miss Holley, removed to
Cattaraugus, N. Y., and died there ; Esther, who
married Hoxie Brown, and died in Colchester,
Conn. ; Joseph, who married Abby Watson, and was
a farmer in South Kingston, where he died.
Samuel Hoxie, grandfather of our subject, was
born Jan. 30, 1802, in South Kingston, R. I. Un-
til his marriage he remained assisting his father on
the home farm, and then settled on one of the ad-
jacent farms which he came into possession of at
his father's death. He was an extensive farmer,
and remained on the place just mentioned until
he sold it. In i860 he removed to Lebanon and pur-
chased the farm now occupied by his son, Albert T.
This farm, then a tract of 228 acres, was known as
the Oliver Pettis place, and to the original property
he added, at his death owning 300 acres of land.
Mr. Hoxie paid considerable attention to dairying,
and he also raised cattle and bought and sold stock.
All of the substantial buildings, except the resi-
dence, were erected by him. this having been built
a few years previously. His death occurred July
10, 1869, after an illness of but a few days, and he
was buried at Yantic. Mr. Hoxie was considered
pne of the representative men of the town, held a
number of the local offices, and actively >npported
the Democratic party. His life of industry was
rewarded by a competency in old age. He attended
the Baptist Church and contributed to it> support.
Samuel Hoxie married Phebe A. Lillibridge, born
Jan. 29, 1808, at Richmond, daughter of Amos Lilli-
bridge, a farmer there, and died in July, 1893, at
the home of her daughter Mrs. James 1". Mason,
of Franklin. Their children were: Fannie G., born
April 18, 1833, married James F. Mason ; Albert T. ;
and Mary Anna, who died at the age of eight years.
Albert T. Hoxie, father of our subject, was
born Oct. 16, 1836, in South Kingston, R. I., and
his education was secured through attendance at
the district school, during the winter seasons until
the age of twenty years, he being one of about fifty
pupils. He accompanied his parents to Lebanon,
and remained at home assisting his father until the
age of thirty-one years, the time of his marriage.
During all this time he was merely one of the fam-
ily, neither asking nor receiving any stated wage.
One year later his father died, and Albert T. then
bought the home farm from the other heirs. Since
then, at various times, Air. Hoxie has added tracts
to his original purchase, and now owns about 600
acres of land, located in the towns of Franklin, Leb-
anon and Bozrah. He is a substantial and repre-
sentative citizen, and one of the practical and suc-
cessful farmers of this section. In politics Mr.
Hoxie has always supported the candidates and
principles of the Democratic party, but beyond that
takes no active part. His wife is a member of the
Baptist Church, which religious organization re-
ceives from him a generous support.
On Nov. 13, 1867, Albert T. Hoxie was mar-
ried in Lebanon, to Mary E. Tucker, born May 8,
1 84 1, in Lebanon, daughter of Benjamin and Mary
(Dingley) Tucker, the former of whom was a pros-
perous farmer. To this union were born the fol-
lowing children: (1) Edward Albert, the imme-
diate subject of this sketch, was born Oct. 23. 1868.
(2) Frederick X., born Dec. 5, 1870, is a farmer
in Franklin ; he married, Nov. 16, 1893, Fanny F.
Mason, and they had children. — Frederick ( born
July 3, 1896, died in April, 1900), Herbert Mason
(born Aug. 19, 1897) and Mabel Gladys (born
Nov. 5, 1899). (3) Minnie Belle, born June 27,
1872, was married, June 7, 1894 to George Wilcox,
a farmer who died in Lebanon leaving children,
Florence May (born Jan. 12, 1896) and George
Loomis (born April 6. 1899). (4) Clarence Lilli-
bridge, born Nov. 6, 1880. is a farmer in Lebanon;
he was married, Dec. 5. 1899, to Louise Rathbun.
Edward Albert Hoxie was born on the farm now
occupied by his esteemed father. His education
was secured in the local schools, and he remained
on the home farm until his marriage. lie then lived
for three and a half years in Franklin, engaged in
teaming, in the employ of his father-in-law, Mr.
638
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
Clifton Peck. Mr. Hoxie then rented his father's
farm for a period of three years, but in April, 1895,
removed to his present fine farm which he- had
purchased a month previously, a tract of 185 acres
locally known as the George Loomis place. It was
necessary for him to incur a rather heavy indebted-
ness in o'rder to secure this fine property, but all this
has long since been disposed of, and he owns what
is one of the largest, and undoubtedly one of the
best, farms in the town of Lebanon. He has adopted
modern and progressive methods, and makes use of
improved machinery of all kinds, keeps about twenty
head of fine high grade Jersey cows and fifteen
head of young stock, and about thirty-five hogs,
while he annually mows sixty-five tons of hay,
grows twelve acres of corn and six acres of oats.
Mr. Hoxie believes in the gospel of work, and by
example and precept shows what industry can ac-
complish.
On Feb. 26, 1890, in Franklin, Conn., Mr. Hoxie
was united in marriage with Lena M. Peck, daugh-
ter of Clifton and Huldah M. (Preston) Peck.
Four bright and interesting children have been born
to this marriage, namely : Albert Clifton, born Jan.
24, 1892; Myron Joseph, born Dec. 5, 1893; Vera
Huldah, born Sept. 20, 1895 ; and Earle Edward,
born March 20, 1901. The family attends the Bap-
tist Church. For some years both Mr. Hoxie and
wife belonged to the local Grange. In politics he
chooses to vote independently. Few citizens are
held in more general esteem than is Edward Albert
Hoxie.
HERBERT F. and ARTHUR J. DAWLEY,
the well known lumber dealers of Norwich, are
striking examples of self-made men. Born and
reared in an obscure and decadent country town,
and with but few educational advantages, they have,
by industry, economy, keen foresight and upright
business principles, fought their way to the front,
and rank to-day among the successful men of
eastern Connecticut. It is doubtful if there is in
Norwich a business concern of equal pecuniary
strength whose rise has been as rapid and healthy,
and certainly not one whose high standing com-
mercially can be so directly attributed to its present
owners.
The Dawley family is an old and numerous one
in the State of Rhode Island, where Joseph Dawley,
the grandfather of Herbert F. and Arthur J. Daw-
ley, was born. He was a farmer by occupation.
Moving to Willington, Tolland Co., Conn., he there
spent the remainder of his life, dying at an ad-
vanced age. His wife also lived to a ripe old age.
She bore him nine children, eight sons and one
daughter.
Joseph Frank Dawley, son of Joseph, was born
in eastern Rhode Island in February, 1828, and
was the seventh son of his parents. In his early
active life he was engaged in the mercantile trade,
his store being located at Willington, Conn., where
he did a good business, several teams being em-
ployed in delivering daily. During the Civil war
he disposed of his business and devoted his atten-
tion to farming on his estate of 125 acres at West-
ford, Conn., where he has since made his home.
In politics he is a Democrat, but he has never
aspired to public office. On March 24, 1850, Jo-
seph Frank Dawley married Elvira Robbins, who
was born in Thompsonville, Conn., Nov. 24, 1829,
and died March 21, 1855-, leaving two sons, Herbert
F. and Arthur J. The second wife of Mr. Dawley,
whom he married in October, 1855, was Sophronia
Robbins, a sister of his first wife, and she was born
Nov. 21, 1835. Her children numbered five, three
of whom lived to maturity, namely : Clara E. mar-
ried Elmer Walker, of Webster, Mass., and died in
that place, leaving one son, Frank. William H.
resides at Norwich, and is in the employ of H. F.
and A. J. Dawley. Edward R. was a commercial
traveler for a Chicago firm, and resided at Evans-
ton, 111., where he died ; he was married, but left no
children except an adopted son.
Herbert F. Dawley was born Dec. 14, 185 1,
in Dalesville, in the town of Willington, Conn., and
received such schooling as the district schools af-
forded. His early life was a continuous round of
hard work, and he remained at home and assisted
his father until he became of age. He was then
employed in a wood-turning and saw mill at West-
ford, and later had full charge of the mill, also con-
ducting a farm in the vicinity, which he had pur-
chased. About 1878 he became a partner of E. A.
Buck, at Westford, the company being known as
Buck & Dawley, who carried on a general grocery
and store business. They also managed a gristmill
and sawmill which were run by water-power, and
also a portable steam sawmill, the two latter being
used for manufacturing into lumber the timber cut
from a number of lots of woodland that they bought
from time to time. The firm employed many work-
men and a number of teams, and did a large and
paving business. Mr. Dawley disposed of his in-
terest in the grocery business about 1880, and de-
voted his entire attention to the milling enterprise.
In 1883 his lease for the water-power mills expired,
and he then moved to Liberty Hill, in the town of
Lebanon, where he had previously purchased a wood
lot and a sawmill, and there continued for two
years. At the expiration of that time he moved to
Lebanon Station, and cleared a wood lot, after a
year or so purchasing the interest of Mr. Buck and
moving his plant to Montville, where he remained
a year. From there he went to Gales Ferry and
conducted a very flourishing business at that place
for two years, when he took up his residence at
Poquetanuck, and spent a year there. His next
change was to Fort Point, where a permanent mill
was established. In April, 1889, Mr. Dawley
formed a partnership in the lumber business with his
younger brother, Arthur J. Dawley, and with the
exception of a few months during 1891 and 1892
they have been together ever since.
On May 30, 1876, Herbert F. Dawley was hap-
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
639
pily married to Martha, daughter of Peter and
Emily (Bicknell) Piatt, of Ashford; Peter Piatt is
a highly respected resident of that town. Children
have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Dawley as follows :
Everett B., Aug. 29, 1878 (he married Jennie Al-
len, and is in the employ of the firm of H. F. & A.
J. Dawley); W'infred R., Aug. 14, 1880; Herbert
M., Feb. 25, 1889; Clifton L., Sept. 6, 1891 ; Mary
L., May 17, 1794; and Lena B., Oct. 17, 1896.
Mr. Dawley was a Democrat until 1896, since
when he has affiliated with the Republican party.
He united with the Montville Congregational
Church, but later transferred his membership to the
Broadway Congregational Church at Norwich. He
attends the Union Church on Brewster Neck, and
for the past ten years he has served as the superin-
tendent of the Sunday-school. Mrs. Dawley first
became a member of the Warrenville Baptist Church
and now belongs to the Broadway Congregational
Church. The members of this family rank very
high in the esteem of their acquaintances. Mr.
Dawley resides on Laurel Hill road, on a beautiful
spot crowning a hill, from which there is a delight-
ful view of the Thames river and the surrounding
country. The house was erected by him, and a large
amount of money has been expended in tastefully
beautifying the grbunds.
Arthur James Dawley, the junior member of
the firm, was born March 9, 1855, in the town of
Wellington, Conn., and was reared to farm life.
At the age of fourteen years he began to work out
during the summers, attending school in the win-
ters. When he was seventeen years of age his fa-
ther hired him out until he was twenty, after which
he was given his time, and he began his business
career with a capital of fifty-nine cents. Going to
Boston, he entered the office of E. A. Buck & Co.,
which afterward became Dean, Foster & Co. This
firm manufactured glass bottles for druggists, with
the name of the customer blown in the glass. Mr.
Dawley began work with them the very day of his
arrival in the city, which was on Sept. 4, 1876, and
his wages were eleven dollars a week. At first he
was shipping clerk, but within a year, so capable
did he prove, he was a salesman and city collector.
Some time after this he was sent on the road as
salesman for the New England States at a salary of
one hundred dollars per month and expenses. In
the spring of 1879 he was sent out to the North-
western States, his territory including Indiana. Ohio,
Michigan, Illinois, Kentucky, Wisconsin, Kansas
and Nebraska. He traveled in the interests of this
firm until 1883, doing a large business in various
parts of the country, and each year visiting thirty
State*. In 1882 he' was offered a salary of thirty-
five hundred dollars and all of his expenses, and
one year later he became a member of the firm of
Deaii. Foster & Dawley. They occupied an entire
five-story building at No. 120 Lake street. Chicago,
of which Mr. Dawley was in charge, the other part-
ners being in Boston.
This firm was the second
largest in the United States in its line, the annual
business aggregating half a million dollar-.
On April 1, 1889, Mr. Dawley severed his con-
nection on account of poor health, and. coming to
Norwich, engaged in the Lumber business with his
brother. Fifteen months later he went to New
York, and becoming a partner in the firm of Web-
ster, Dawley & Co., at Xo. 52 Bark place, whole-
sale dealers in druggists' supplies, glassware, etc.,
he once more went upon the road, traveling through
the New England States, and at times going as far
west as the Rocky Mountains. He built up a large
trade, but in February, 1892, he sold his interest in
the business to his partners and returned to Nor-
wich, where he has since been engaged in his pres-
ent business in conjunction with his brother.
Arthur J. Dawley is an independent voter. Fra-
ternally he is a member of Uncas Lodge, No. 11,
I. O. O. F. In addition to his other interests he is
a director of the Chelsea Savings Bank and the
Uncas National Bank, and until it went out of ex-
istence, in 1903, he was a director of the Second
National Bank.
On Sept. 12, 1877, Mr. Dawley was united in
marriage with Eugenia M., daughter of Obed P.
and Charlotte A. (Ladd) McLean, of Glastonbury,
Conn. Mrs. Dawley was educated in the schools
of her native town, and subsequently taught school
for two years prior to her marriage. She is a mem-
ber of the First Congregational Church on Broad-
way.
The business of H. F. & A. J. Dawley is one of
the most thriving enterprises ever started in the city.
Their planing-mill and plant, which covers fifteen
acres, and is fitted with all modern machinery, is
at Fort Point, three miles below Norwich, and the
office and city yard are off Laurel Hill avenue.
They employ forty men. Their timber and lumber
come from the West and South, as well as from
Maine and other northern sections. They have a
large wholesale trade for Georgia pine timber and
North Carolina pine and cypress, which they ship
by rail throughout the New England states and
Canada. The aggregate of their annual business
amounts to over $300,000.
MISS BERTHA M. LAMPHERE, who owns
and conducts the "Lamphere House," at Mystic, is
a descendant of a family that has been represented
in Rhode Island for many generations.
Capt. Nathan Lamphere, her grandfather, was
a son of David Lamphere. and was a sea captain,
with his home in Hopkinton. R. I., southeast of the
cemetery there. He married Nancy Crandall.
David Lamphere, father of Miss Bertha, was
born in Hopkinton, and followed the trade of ship
carpenter, being known as a very skillful work-
man. He resided the greater part of his life at ( »ld
Mystic, Conn., and there died Oct. 27, [896. His
wife, whom he married in Old Mystic, was Mary
Ann Houche (or Hoch), a native of Gales Ferry,
640
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
Conn., and a daughter of Dr. John Baptiste Houche,
a physician, who was a near relative of the la-
mented George Lazarre Houche, who was a brilliant
and promising young general under Napoleon, and
who lost his life in early manhood. Mrs. Lamphere
died May 17, 1 902, at Mystic, and was buried be-
side her husband in Whitman cemetery, in Groton.
They were the parents of fourteen children, six
sons and eight daughters.
Miss Lamphere was born at Old Mystic, and re-
mained at home until she accepted a clerical posi-
tion with the New London & Groton Ferry Com-
pany, at New London, where she was employed
for "some time. Since June, 1897, her home has been
at Mystic. In April, 190 1, she first embarked in her
present business in West Main street, Mystic, re-
maining there until in August, 1903. The May
previous she purchased her present property, which
was formerly the residence of Charles H. Mallory,
of the Mallory line of steamers and opened it for
business on Sept. 1, 1903. It is one of the most
pleasant and valuable properties in the place, and is
fitted with modern improvements. Within such a
short space of time Miss Lamphere has built up a
growing and prosperous business. She may well
be rated among the substantial business women of
the county, having made her success alone, as the
result of hard labor, economy and good business
judgment.
DEACON SAMUEL PRENTICE, late of Taft-
ville, town of Norwich, was a representative of
the Prentice family, of Stonington, Conn., which
was among the early prominent families of the
Massachusetts and Connecticut colonies, and from
which have gone out into the country many men of
prominence.
Samuel Prentice was born Aug. 4, 1819, in the
town of North Stonington, a son of Samuel H.
Prentice, and he was a descendant in the eighth gen-
eration from Capt. Thomas Prentice, the immigrant
settler and progenitor of this branch of the Prentice
family. From Capt. Thomas Prentice the lineage
is through Thomas (2), Samuel, Deacon Samuel,
John, Asa and Samuel Ff.
(I) Capt. Thomas Prentice was born in 1621, in
England, and there, in 1643, married his wife,
Grace. Mr. Prentice is first of record in America as
a member of the First Church at Cambridge, Mass.,
which was organized Feb. 1, 1636. He was made a
freeman in Cambridge in 1652, removed to New-
town, and there lived and died. He was made a
lieutenant of the troop of horse in 1656, and its
captain in 1662. He held such rank in the Indian
war, 1675, and was engaged in the Narragansett
fight, aiding in its success. He was often employed
by the. General Court in special services of trust,
both civil and military, for many years. In 1667
he was sent to lay out what is now Worcester, Mass.
In 1689 he was ordered to Rhode Island to arrest
and bring back Sir Edmond Andros. He died July
6, 1710. His children were: Grace, Thomas, Eliza-
beth, Mary, Henry, John, John (2), and Hannah.
(II) Thomas Prentice (2), born Jan. 22, 1649,
married, March 20, 1675, Sarah, born about 1655,
daughter of Capt. Thomas Stanton, the famous
Indian interpreter. Mr. Prentice died April 19,
1685. His widow married (second) Capt. William
Denison, and died in 1713. Air. Prentice's chil-
dren were : Thomas, Grace, Samuel and John.
(III) Samuel Prentice, born about 1680, mar-
ried Esther, daughter of Nathaniel Hammond, of
Newtown, Mass. Mr. Prentice owned a large tract
of land in what is now North Stonington, Conn.,
and removed there from Newtown about 1709.
Most of the land had been handed down by inherit-
ance from one generation to another, and is still in
the family name. Mr. Prentice died April 24, 1728.
His children were : Samuel, Joseph, Grace. Mary,
Jonas, Esther, Oliver, Eunice, Thomas and Doro-
thy.
(IV) Deacon Samuel Prentice, born Nov. 25,
1702, in Newtown, Mass., married Abigail Bill-
ings, and died Oct. 11, 1773. He was clerk of the
town for more than thirty years. His widow died
Oct. 30, 1789. Their children were: Dorothy,
Samuel, Ebenezer, John, Abigail, Joshua, Phebe,
Asa, Jonas, Jesse, Esther, Amos and Grace.
(V) John Prentice, born May 13, 1733, mar-
ried (first) Dec. 1, 1757, Mary Haskell; she died
July 8, 1784. His second wife, Rebecca, died
about 1831. Mr. Prentice died June 21, 1810.
His children were : Samuel, John, Asa, Asher
(born to the first marriage), Oliver, Joshua and
Phcebe (born to the second marriage).
(VI) Asa Prentice, born Sept. 5, 1763, married
in 1 79 1 Lucy Park, and their children were: Asa,
Samuel H. and Lucy. The father owned a number
of farms upon one of which the family lived.
(VII) Samuel H. Prentice, born May 31, 1794,.
married, Nov. 2j, 1814, Susan Baldwin, of North
Stonington. Mr. Prentice died March 25. 1873.
Their children were : David N., born June 25,
1817; Samuel, Aug. 4, 1819; Paul P., Sept. 2, 1821 ;
Alexander S., March 9, 1824; Dewitt C, July 30,
1830; and Susan R., Sept. 2, 1834.
(VIII) Samuel Prentice, born Aug. 4, 1819, in
North Stonington, New London county, was edu-
cated in the district schools which he attended dur-
ing the winter season, working on the home farm
during the rest of the year. He remained at home
until nineteen years of age, when he started out in
life for himself. He had fitted himself for teach-
ing and when about sixteen he taught school in
Ledyard for one term. When nineteen years old
he commenced to sell goods on the road, carrying
them in boxes strapped over his back and shoulders.
He continued thus for a year and a half, when he
managed to buy a horse and wagon for his peddling,
going over different sections of New London county
for eight years. In 1846 he came to Norwich, lo-
cating at Greeneville, and embarked in the gro-
0 ^-
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
641
eery business, which he conducted for some time,
later taking into partnership with him his brother-
in-law, C. D. Browning, under the firm name of
Prentice & Co. This partnership continued until
1861, when Mr. Prentice sold his interest to his
partner, Mr. Browning. In 1855, while still with
Mr. Browning, he removed his family to Taft-
ville, and bought from the Norwich Water Power
Company 140 acres of land, whereon he made his
home. After giving up the grocery business in
Greeneville, he opened up a dry-goods business in
Main street, Norwich, where he continued for six-
teen years, at the end of that time selling out and
trading again, selling goods and merchandise to
stores and to halls, making his calls every two
weeks. He continued in that business in New Lon-
don county for five years, after which he took up
the book business, selling Bibles and the "Life of
Abraham Lincoln," until 1887. He then went back
to the farm, built a store, and became engaged in
the grocery business, which he continued success-
fully for fourteen years, when, on account of age
and the care of his farm, he sold out in 1902 to W.
E. Baldwin. Mr. Prentice then looked after the
farm where he and his family were located
for nearly half a century. In order to foster and
encourage manufacturing, and build up Taftville,
he gave land for the erection of a factory for the
manufacture of velvets, and also sold building
lots cheaply so the workingmen could own their own
homes.
"Mr. Prentice was early interested in and voted
against slavery when it was very unpopular to
do so, and the American Missionary Association
has always been the idol of his heart, among all the
missionary movements. On the temperance ques-
tion Mr. Prentice held the soundest and most ad-
vanced views and always voted the Prohibition
ticket. At the age of ten years he united with the
Congregational Church, North Stonington, at the
R larch communion, and when on the first
Sunday in March, 1904, his pastor admin-
istered the sacrament in his sick room it
marked a period of seventy-five years of 'walk-
ing with God.' It would be impossible for
one to examine the history of the religious life of
Taftville and not find woven into its very warp
and woof of the spirit of consecration, devotion and
sacrifice of Deacon Prentice. It was largely
through his efforts that the Congregational Church
was formed, Dec. 3, 1867, a Sunday-school having
previously been organized. He was its first deacon
and held that office at the time of his death. He
also served as clerk and treasurer for many years.
It was always a source of grief to him that the
church had no house dedicated to the worship of
God, and many and continuous have been his ef-
forts since the organization to have a church built,
but insurmountable obstacles have been met from
time to time, though small sums of money have
been raised and carefully invested for this purpose.
41
As though he could not depart in peace until the
desire of his soul were granted, two years ago he
commenced a new movement, with a courage that
has known no defeat, and the outcome of this effort
will be a beautiful church to be erected this spring
I 1904]. The Lord did not permit Deacon Prentice
to 'see the desire of his soul,' but to the last it was
on his heart, and will be a fitting monument to his
untiring zeal and it is believed that God will permit
him to look down from the heights of glory and
rejoice. Deacon Prentice was unusually interested
in the welfare of the young and in him the afflicted
and the destitute always found a sympathizing
friend and helper." The above paragraph appeared
in a local paper at the time of Mr. Prentice's death.
On Dec. 31, 1849, in North Stonington. Conn.,
Mr. Prentice was married to Sophia I'rentice
Browning, who was born in North Stonington,
daughter of Samuel and Eliza (Prentice) Brown-
ing. Mrs. Prentice is a true Christian woman,
devoted to her husband and children, and an earn-
est member of the Congregational Church. After
a married life of more than fifty-four years the
husband and wife were as much devoted as in
their youth, enjoying, in the winter of their days,
the fruits they struggled so hard to get. To
Deacon Prentice and wife, on Dec. 31, 1899, was
given the great pleasure of celebrating their golden
wedding when sons and wives, with grandchildren,
friends and neighbors, met to join in the happy
event. Seven children were born to Mr. and Mrs.
Prentice: (1) Andrew T. was born April 19, 1851.
(2) William, born June 4, 1853, died June 7, 1853.
(3) George Thompson, horn July 10, 1855, died
May 7, 1856; (4) Arthur Clifford, born Feb. 8,
i860, died April 14, i860. (5) .Myron Baldwin,
born March 12, 1861, is engaged in the grocery
business in Norwich. He married Alice Allen, and
they have had four children : Andrew Allen, who was
drowned July 30, 1904, while bathing in Yantic
river at the Falls; Wentworth Baldwin; Richard
Kahle; and Harold Samuel. (6) Samuel Brown-
ing, born April 16, 1807. is engaged as a traveling
salesman for Austin. Nichols & Co., of New York,
and resides in Providence, P. I. He married Ella
S. Moulthrop, of New Haven, and they have two
children, Miriam and Fletcher Clark. 171 Jennie,
born Jan. 20, 1873, died June II, 1888. All the
members of this family have enjoyed the highest
respect in every relation of life. Deacon Samuel
I'rentice died April 7, 1904.
Andrew T. Prentice, son of Samuel, pas
his boyhood in his native town, and was graduated
from the Norwich Eree Academy in the class of
1871. His father being a merchant of the city,
young Prentice, after his graduation, went into
the parental establishment, where for five years he
was under his father's business training. For -
eral years he held a good position in the mercantile
house of Lord & Taylor, in New York City. Fol-
lowing thi> period fur twenty-two years, he held
64 2
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
a responsible position in the extensive New York
establishment of R. H. Macy. Some two years
before his death, which occurred in the New York
Hospital, March 25, 1902, Mr. Prentice returned
to his native city, and assisted his venerable father,
who though then an octogenarian, was still engaged
in business in his Taftville store. Probably a month
before his death he was induced to return to the
Macy establishment as assistant superintendent, a
position he was filling at the time of his death.
Mr. Prentice was a model business man, and
had many friends in the metropolis and in his na-
tive city." In the relations to his family, parents
and brothers his life was free from blemish. His
disposition was kindly, and he was ever ready to
assist all whom he met in need. The ending of
such a life causes sorrow to many people. Mr.
Prentice was a member of the Royal Arcanum and
Order of the Golden Cross. He was one of the
organizers of the Sunday-school connected with
the Congregational Church in Taftville, and also
took an interest in its progress. His wife, to whom
he was married in Brooklyn, Sept. 6, 1887, was
formerly Carrie Rhodes, of New York City. They
had two children, Bessie and Charles Donner.
MARVIN L. BAILEY. The care of the poor
and indigent, the "submerged tenth" in the battle
of life, is a responsible and delicate task, and re-
quires a man of large heart and peculiar gifts. Such
an onerous position is held by the gentleman whose
name introduces this article, who for a number of
years has been the efficient superintendent of the
Norwich almshouse.
Mr. Bailey is one of the well known men of
New London county, and descends from an old
Connecticut family. In 1620 there came from Eng-
land, in the brig "Prosperous," to the shores of Vir-
ginia, one William Bailey, aged forty-one years.
Mary, his wife, aged thirty-four, came over the next
year in the "George," with her son Thomas, aged
four years. In 1626 William Bailey is on record
as the owner of land in Virginia.
Thomas Bailey, son of William and Mary, moved
from Virginia to New London, Conn., in 1651. On
Jan. 10, 1655, he married Lydia, daughter of James
Redfield. That same year the townsmen of New
London, "with the advice and consent of Mr.
Winthrop," granted him a lot lying north of Mr.
Winthrop's land on the east side of the river, upon
which he settled. Thomas Bailey died in 1675, in
that part of New London now called Groton. In
1676 his widow married William Thorne, of Dor-
setshire, England. Thomas Bailey was the father of
children as follows : Mary, Thomas, John, William,
James, Joseph and Lydia.
Joseph Bailey, great-grandfather of Marvin L.,
resided in Groton.
Aaron Bailey, son of Joseph, was born in Gro-
ton, and there grew to manhood, when he settled
in Franklin, Conn. He there pvtrchased a large tract
of land and became extensively engaged in farming.
The records show him to have been active in town
affairs in that he held a number of minor offices.
In 1850 he represented the town in the Legislature.
At his death, which occurred when he was well ad-
vanced in years, he left considerable property. His
burial took place in the Franklin cemetery. His
home farm was located near Ayer's Gap, and Bai-
ley's Ravine, which was on part of his land, takes
its name from him. He belonged to the Franklin
Congregational Church. Aaron Bailey was twice
married. His first wife, Mary Gardner, was born in
Bozrah, Oct 9, 1792, daughter of Clark and Eliza-
beth (Harding) Gardner, and was a descendant in
direct line of George Gardner, of Newport, who died
in 1677. He was the first person who instituted
Freemasonry in America, and is known as the "Fa-
ther of Free Masonry" in America. Elizabeth
(Harding) Gardner was a sister of Capt. Harding,
a Revolutionary soldier, who had his command in
the Wyoming Valley, where occurred that historic
massacre by the British and Indians. Capt. Hard-
ing had two sons who also served in the Continental
army. The Gardners were early in Connecticut.
Stephen Gardner, an early settler in New London
county, presumably of the Rhode Island Gardners, is
first known as the purchaser of a large tract of land
near the "Great Pond," afterward called "Gard-
ner's Lake," lying partly in Montville, partly in
Bozrah, and partly in Salem. On this land he set-
tled, and about 1700 he wedded Amy Sherman,
daughter of Benjamin and Hannah (Mowry) Sher-
man, of Kingston, R. I., who bore him a large fam-
ily of children.
Aaron and Mary Bailey had four children : Al-
bert G., a farmer in Franklin ; Laura, who died
young ; Jared ; and a daughter that died young. For
his second wife Aaron Bailey married Eliza Ladd,
who survived him. The two children of this mar-
riage were : Ezra, who resides at Windsor Locks,
Conn., and is collector of the port at Hartford ; and
Mary, who resides with her brother at Windsor
Locks.
Jared Bailey, son of Aaron, was born March 11,
1825, in Franklin. His boyhood days were passed
in his native town, and his education was acquired
in the common schools. Remaining at home until
he was twenty years old, he then apprenticed him-
self for three years to Gardner Thurston, a black-
smith of Norwich, to learn the trade. His wages
for the first year were $10 and board ; for the second,
$15 and board; and for the third, $25 and board.
He had to furnish his own clothing. Shortly after
the completion of his apprenticeship he bought out
Mr. Thurston, and was engaged in business at the
old stand until 1857, when he went to Mansfield,
Tioga Co., Pa., there becoming foreman for a large
lumber concern. At the end of three years he re-
turned to Norwich, and in 1859 was made superin-
tendent of the almshouse, a position he held until
1865. In 1880 he was again called to fill that office,
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
r>43
and. accepting, he remained there until his death,
which occurred Dec. 31, 189I. In his political faith
he was first a Whig, and then a Republican. He at-
tended the Congregational Church. His wife, Mary
Palmer, was born in Griswold, Conn., daughter of
Allen and Polly (Locke) Palmer. The mother of
Polly Locke was a daughter of Allen Campbell, son
of Allen Campbell, Sr., second son of the Duke of
Argyll. Allen Campbell, Sr., ran away from his
home, and came to America, where he became a
physician and saw service in the Continental army
during the Revolution. Mrs. Bailey passed away
June 26, 1894. Loth she and her husband sleep in
the Yantic cemetery. Their family consisted of chil-
dren as follows : Joseph A. during the Civil war
enlisted as a private in the 1st Connecticut Cavalry,
and was promoted to be sergeant ; he died a
martyr for his country, in Andersonville prison.
Julian died at the age of four years. Marvin L. is
mentioned below. Annah D. married Charles Pill,
■of Danielson, and has one child, Marjoria, now the
v\ife of William Harry Hamilton, of Danielson.
Marvin L. Bailey was born June 14, 1854, at
Norwich Town. After receiving such education
as the public schools afforded he began to learn the
trade of machinist in the Ponemah Mill, at Taftville,
where he was employed about four years. He then
accepted a position as machinist with the Williams-
ville Manufacturing Co., at Williamsville, town of
Killingly, where he gave good satisfaction and
found the place so to his liking that he remained
fourteen years, or until 1891, when, at his father's
death, he was chosen to succeed the latter, and ac-
cepted the place he now so capably fills.
The Norwich almshouse cares for about one
hundred unfortunates, and is a model of its kind,
well kept and cleanly. Mr. Bailey is a kind-hearted,
good natured man, and has all the requisites that
insure success in a place of that kind. He has the
ability to maintain discipline without seeming to do
so, and those in his care appreciate his consideration
and efficiency.
On May 30, 1876, Mr. Bailey was married, in
Putnam, to Fannie Wilcox, who was born in Rhode
Island, daughter of Joseph P. Wilcox. They have
one child, Josie Laura. Mrs. Bailey is a true help-
meet to her husband and greatly assists him in all
his work, looking carefully after the housekeeping
department of the institution in their care. In poli-
tics Mr. Bailey is independent. Fraternally he be-
longs to Somerset Lodge, No. 34, F. & A. M., at
Norwich, Wauregan Lodge, Xo. 6, K. of P. ; and
Norwich Lodge, No. 16, A. O. U. W. In four dif-
ferent lines he is eligible to membership in the Sons
of the American Revolution.
FRANK A. COATES, M. D. The Coates fam-
ily of the town of Stonington are descended from
three of the family name, Robert, William and Jo-
seph, who settled in that part of Stonington, which
is now North Stonington, about 1700.
Dr. Frank A. Coates, of Mystic, is a descendant
in the sixth generation from
1 1 ) William Coates, who married Hannah Bill,
June <j, 1714. Their children were: Experience,
born Aug. 7, 1717; Mary, born Oct. 14, 1719; Wil-
liam, born Nov. 31, 1721 ; and John, horn July 8,
1723.
(II) John Coates married Dec. 14, 1749, Anna
Gray, daughter of Betty Cray, and they became the
parents of the following children: Thomas, born
(Jet. 14, 1750; Edward, born ^an. 15, 1753: Asahel,
born Sept. 8, 1755; Elizabeth, born Nov. (>, 1750;
Rebecca, born May 28, 1759; Amos, born Oct. 17,
1761 ; Rubie, born March 18, 1764; David, born
Dec. 17, 1766.
(III) Amos Coates, son of John and Anna
Coates, was born Oct. 17, 1761, and died Jan. 19,
1840. He married Anna Peabody, daughter of
Samuel and Abigail (Bond) Peabody, born July 31,
1766, a direct descendant of John Alden. Their
children were: Amos, born June 21, 1784; Rants-
ford, born July 7, 1786, died Oct. 13, 1849; Hamaz,
born Sept. 16, 1788; Rebecca, born Feb. 16, 1791 ;
Silas and Elias (twins) born April 2, 1793; Betsey,
born Aug. 15, 1795; Lucretia, born April 6, 1798;
Erastus, born Oct. 11, 1800, died April 14, 1847;
Sophia B., and Sally P., (twins) born June 17,
1803 ; Celista, born Nov. 16, 1805 ; John N., born
Aug. 1, 1809, died Aug. 30, 1845; Alfred Wash-
ington, born July 8, 1813, was a physician, and died
at Mystic, Oct. 27, 1880.
(IV) Elias Coates, son of Amos and Ann (Pea-
body) Coates, was born April 2, 1793, and died at
Colchester, Conn., Dec. 6, 1855. By occupation he
was a farmer. On Nov. 14, 1819, he married Maria
Philips, who was born Feb. 12, 1797, and who died
at Mystic, Conn., Sept. 7, 1874. Both were buried
at Colchester. They became the parents of the fol-
lowing children: (1) Elias Franklin, born Aug. 21,
1820, died Dec. 5, 1886. (2) Frances M., born
Feb. 17, 1823, died Dec. 19, 1887, at Hampton, Ya. ;
she married Benjamin Gallup, of Sterling, Conn.,
who died at Wytheville, Va., leaving three children,
Charles B. (born May 6, 1846). Ada Francis (born
Dec. 1, 1854) and Frank Coates (born March 14,
^59) • (3) Gurdon Chapman, born Oct. 2, 1833,
died Aug. 2, 1853, at Yellow Springs, Ohio. (4)
William \\, born March 27, 1840. married ( first)
Elizabeth Barnes, and (second) Irene Rogers. April
30. 1871. He resides at Norfolk, Ya.. the father of
six children, two by the first marriage and four by
the second: Lizzie Maria (born Oct. 30, [865),
Frederick William (born May 25, 1868), Gurdon
Beckwith (born July 22, 1872 1. frank Barnes (horn
Dec 19, 1875). Ruth Parsons 1 horn Aug. 3. 1885),
and James Rogers (born Sept. 1. [891).
(V) Dr. Elias Franklin Coates was bora at
Plainfield, Conn., Aug. 21. 1820. and died at Mystic,
Conn., Dec. 5. [886. He was educated in the public
schools and the Plainfield Academy, and after study-
ing medicine with Dr. Coggswell, he was graduated
644
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
from Yale Medical College in 1843. Very soon
thereafter he came to Mystic, and commenced the
practice of medicine, and from that time until some
six weeks prior to his demise, a period of forty-three
years, he assiduously and successfully followed his
profession. A generation had gone and another
arisen during this time, and hundreds of families,
who welcomed his kindly and cheerful presence in
their homes in times of trouble, mourned his death
as that of a family friend. Upon coming to Mystic
in 1843, Dr. Coates became a member of the Bap-
tist Church, and throughout his life maintained his
connection with that body, and showed forth in his
life the faith he so earnestly believed.
On Aug. 10, 1848, Dr. Coates married Ellen
Francis Avery, born at Springfield, Mass., Dec. 28,
1828, and died at Mystic July 28, 1888, daughter of
Marvin B. and Mary L. Avery. Their children
were : Frank Avery, born July 15, 185 1 ; and Mary
Ella, born March 31, 1857.
(VI) Frank Avery Coates, son of Dr. Elias
Franklin and Ellen (Avery) Coates, was born at
Mystic, and on Feb. 25, 1879, by the Rev. George
L. Hunt, he was married to Julia Beebe, born at
Brooklyn, N. Y., Oct. 10, 1852, daughter of War-
ren and Hetty (Knapp) Beebe.
Dr. Frank A. Coates was educated in Mystic,
at the Mystic Valley Institute, and in 1872, he was
graduated from Brown University, and in 1875,
from the College of Physicians and Surgeons, New
York City, and almost immediately thereafter, en-
tered into a partnership with his father in Mystic.
Dr. Coates is a member of the County and State
medical societies, in which he takes an active part.
FREDERICK PRENTIS MORGAN, a mem-
ber of an old New England family, and a repre-
sentative citizen of Waterford, descends from an
ancient New London family. In the Appleton Mor-
gan genealogy of the Morgan family, his lineage
is given from William Morgan, and follows below.
This William Morgan, whom it is stated was a son
of Benjamin and Christina, was likely the son of
Benjamin and Christina (Judson) Morgan, who
were married in 1694, and the grandson of Eben-
ezer Morgan, who was living in New London in
1650. Benjamin Morgan, son of Ebenezer, was
born in 1673, married as above stated, and died in
I7I5-
(I) William Morgan, son of Benjamin and
Christina Morgan, was born Sept. 5, 171 1. On Jan.
x3' l731> he- married Elizabeth Crocker, and their
children were: William, Jr., born Feb. 16, 1732;
Esther, born June 20, 1734; Elizabeth, born Nov.
8, 1736; Jonathan, born April 13, 1739; Elijah,
born May 19, 1741 ; Katharine, born March 28,
1743 ; Philip, born May 31, 1745 ; Enoch, born Sept.
14, 1747; Anna, born Oct. 7, 1749; Bridget, born
Sept. 1, 1752; and Joseph, born Oct. 13, 1754.
(II) Elijah, son of William, was born May 19,
1741. For his first wife, he married, Dec. 29, 1762,
Lucy Morgan, born May 10, 174 — . They had
eleven children, namely: Enoch, born April 17,
1764, died July 26, 1787; Ebenezer, born Sept. 28,
1765, moved to Jefferson Co., N. Y. ; Elizabeth,
born Oct. 16, 1767, died July 18, 1787; Eunice, born
Nov. 30, 1769; Esther, born March 10, 1772: Eliph-
alet, born Jan. 31, 1774, died July 9, 1787; Ede,
born June 9, 1776; Elisha, born Jan. 13, 1779, mar-
ried Betsey , and had three children, Lucy,
Judson and ; Ethelinda, born Oct. 10, 1781 ;
Fanny, born July 19, 1784; and Eleazer, born Oct.
19, 1786. His second wife, Temperance, had no
children.
(III) Eleazer Morgan, son of Elijah, born in
Lyme, Conn., Oct. 19, 1786, married Jemima Pratt,
daughter of Seth Pratt, and had nine children. He
died May 4, 1853, in Waterford. By trade he was a
trunk maker, making the old fashioned horsehide
trunks, finished with brass nails. He was also en-
gaged in farming. His children were : Enoch Fran-
cis, born March 7, 1810; Almira E., born Jan. 17,
1812, married William Strickland, of Salem, and
had three children, William, James and Harriet ;
William H., born Jan. 16, 1814, married (first)
Nancy E. Ashcraft, of Montville, and had one child,
Jane, and he married (second) Maria Johnson, of
Lebanon, who bore him no children ; Harriet N.,
born Jan. 11, 1818, married Edmund Harris, of
New London, and had two children, Nelson and
Maria; Sarah A., born April 23, 1820, married Dan-
iel Chappell, of New London, and had no children ;
Eleazer Avery, born April 26, 1822, married (first)
Ellen Loomis (had one child), (second) Harriet
Gallup (no children) and (third) Mary E. Avery,
of Rhode Island (had five children) ; Seth M., born
May 11, 1824, married Mary E. Gates, of Water-
ford, and had three children; James L., born Feb.
9, 1827, married, in September, 1853, Lucy A.
Chappell, of Waterford, and has two children ; and
George, born March 9, 1829.
(IV) Enoch Francis Morgan, son of Eleazer,
was born March 7, 1810, in Lyme, Conn., and he
died Oct. 20, 1870, in Waterford. He was a car-
penter by trade, but continued to reside on the home
farm until his marriage, after which he located in
Waterford. In 1848 he started a general store in
Waterford, at Lake's Pond, continuing same until
his death, and he was quite successful in that busi-
ness. He was a hardworking, industrious man, and
in early life often worked from fourteen to fifteen
hours daily for a dollar a clay. He was a member
of the Chesterfield Baptist Church, and in political
views he was a Democrat. He served the town of
Waterford as a member of the school committee
and justice of the peace for many years. About
1832 Mr. Morgan married Clarissa Ayer, who was
born Oct. 25, 1808, in Lyme, Conn., daughter of
Lay Ayer, and died in Waterford July 22, 1892.
Their children were as follows : ( 1) Francis Enoch,
born Nov. 5, 1834, died in East Lyme, in 1879, aged
forty-five years. He was a carpenter by trade, and
L>/£^^£ U\
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
^45
was also engaged in the grocery business. On Feb.
11, 1866, he married Mary L. Bush, of East Lyme,
and had three children. (2) Matilda R., born Nov.
5. 1836, married. April 1, i860, Walter G. Kingsley,
of Lebanon, Conn., where she died the mother of
three children. (3) William H. H., born March 28,
1839, is living in Amherst, Mass., where he is con-
ducting a drug store. He married Julia Stevens,
of Xew Britain. Conn. (4) John Aver, born Aug.
14. 1 84 1, resides in Norwich, where he is con-
ducting a drug store. He married Mary Burch, of
New London, and has had six children. (5) Fred-
erick Prentis is mentioned below. (6) Miranda
Sarah, born Oct. 20, 1849, married, in 1873, Henry
Adams, of Amherst, Mass., where she died the
mother of three children. Mr. Adams conducts a
drug store there.
(V) Frederick Prentis Morgan was born Oct.
21, 1845, m Waterford, in the Lake's Pond district,
where he now resides. He received his schooling
in that district, No. 1, leaving school when sixteen
years old, after which he entered his father's gro-
cery, and remained with his father until the latter's
death. He then continued the business as heir until
1872, when his brother, William H. H., became a
partner, the firm of Morgan Brothers lasting until
1879. In 1868 the present building was erected.
Since July 2, 1879, Frederick P. Morgan has run
the business under his own name, and he has been
uniformly successful. In addition to merchandising,
he carries on general farming on a tract of twenty-
five acres, which he owns, and he has found that
line profitable also. He is looked upon, deservedly,
as an able business man.
Mr. Morgan is a strong Democrat, and he has
held various local offices, serving as assessor, select-
man, justice of the peace and auditor of the town,
and in other positions.
On Jan. 8, 1874, Mr. Morgan was married to
Mary Elizabeth Darrow, daughter of Samuel and
Frances (Richards) Darrow, of Waterford, and
they have had children as follows : ( 1 ) Flora mar-
ried Charles G. Champlin, of Norwich, who is in
the lumbering business, and they have one child,
Flora. (2) Mabel Elizabeth married James M.
Miner, of New London, who is in the grocery busi-
ness, and they have one child. James M. (3) Julia
Frances, (4) Frederick Aver, (5) Clara and (6)
Ruth Esther are at home. One child died in in-
fancy.
JAMES R. WHITE, one of the prosperous
men of Niantic, Conn., was born in the town of
Winchester, this State, March 19, 1837, son of
James B. White.
James B. White was a son of Richard White,
and was born in 1806, in the town of Stonington,
Conn., where he resided until twelve years of age.
As he was orphaned at a tender age, he was not
•given many opportunities for securing an education,
but was apprenticed to the tanner's and currier's
trade in Windham. When he grew to maturity he
went to Avon, Conn., and operated a hotel, but later
went to Winsted, Conn., where he had the good
fortune to meet and marry Sarah llurlburt. They
resided in Winchester alter their marriage, until
1856, where he was a shoemaker and farmer, clear-
ing his land of the timber. In [856 they removed
to the town of Lisbon, Conn., where he farmed, until
his removal to Niantic, Conn., where he operated
the "Howard House" for three years. Thence he
went to Old Lyme, and conducted the "Bacon
House," and later to Xew London, where he was
overseer of work in a shoe shop. He died in New
London, while his wife died in Bloomfield, Conn.
The children born to them were: Eliza, who 'lied
at the age of three years; Henry K., who married
Persis Wheelock, deceased ; James R. ; Flora L.,
who died at the age of thirty-three years, unmarried.
James R. White was educated in the schools of
Winchester, and remained at home until he was
nineteen, when he began to learn the scythe maker's
trade in the Winchester factory, but on account of
poor health, he only remained in the factory a year.
He then resided in Lisbon with his parents for a
time, and later entered the rubber business, working
at Colchester for five years. He next became fore-
man in the cutting department of the National Rub-
ber Company, at Bristol, R. I., for three years. For
several years following he was engaged in farming,
and later again became employed in the rubber busi-
ness in Bristol, R. I., and then with the Boston Rub-
ber Shoe Company for fifteen years, at Maiden,
Mass., acting both as foreman and doing contract
work. Since 1858 he has made East Lyme his legal
residence, with the exception of three years when he
was in Rhode Island.
On May 6, i860, Mr. White married, at the Old
Stone Church, in Niantic, Sarah Dwyer, Rev. Jo-,
seph Ayers officiating. They were the first couple
to be married in that church. Their only child, John
M., married Ella B. Crane. Mrs. White died March
27, 1897, in Maiden, Mass. In East Lyme Mr.
White married (second) Mrs. Mary S. Lamb Mor-
ton, a native of Charleston, Masachusetts.
Since 1898 Mr. White has been engaged in farm-
ing and in the milk and grain business in East Lyme.
He has been a life long Republican, casting his
first presidential vote for Abraham Lincoln. He
has acceptably served the town of East Lyme as a
member of the board of assessors and as a member
of the board of relief. He was elected to the State
Legislature in the fall of 1902, giving good service
upon the committee on the Putnam Memorial Camp.
Fraternally he is a member of Bay View Lodge
No. 120, F. & A. M., of which he was a charter
member and first master, lie is also member of
the Union Lodge, No. 10, A. ( \ {'. \\\. oi which
he was also charter member and first master; and
a member of the Ancient Order of Fraternal 1 [elpers.
In his religious connections he is a member of the
Baptist Church, and is now its senior deacon, having
646
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
served as deacon for about thirty years. For eight
years he was superintendent of the Sunday school,
and also for a number of years acted most efficiently
as clerk of the church and trustee. Mr. White en-
joys the distinction of being one of two deacons
who have been ordained in the church at Niantic,
the council of the Baptist Church Association having
been called to Niantic for that purpose.
JAMES FITCH (deceased). The death of a
good man is a distinct loss to the community in which
he lived. When James Fitch passed away at his
home in New London May 28, 1901, there was re-
moved from the State a man whose busy active life
had been filled with good deeds, whose life, public
and private, fulfilled high ideals of citizenship, and
whose character was in every way wortky of emula-
tion. He came of good old Pilgrim stock.
(I) Rev. James Fitch, the ancestor of the Mont-
ville families of the name, was born at Bocking,
Essex, England, Dec. 24, 1622. At the age of six-
teen years he came to America, being one of a band
of thirteen young men, all intending to enter the
ministry. After his arrival he was placed under the
instruction of Revs. Hooker and Stone, of Hartford,
where he remained seven years. In 1646 a Church
was formed at Saybrook, over which he was or-
dained pastor. In 1660, after the death of his first
wife, Mr. Fitch, with a part of his parishioners, re-
moved to Norwich. He- had learned the language
of the Indians, and often went among the members
of the neighboring tribes endeavoring to convert
them to Christianity. The Mohegan sachems, not-
withstanding their ordinary obstinacy to the Chris-
tian religion, were warmly attached to Rev. Fitch
and his family, and large tracts of land were con-
veyed to them, either in trusts or in absolute grants.
A tract of land five miles in breadth and one in width,
located in what is now the town of Lebanon, was
conveyed by Owaneco to Rev. Fitch. On this tract
some of his children settled, and among them he
died Nov. 18, 1702, in the eightieth year of his age.
He married (first) Abigail Whitfield, daughter of
Rev. Henry Whitfield, minister at Guilford, in Oc-
tober, 1648. She died Sept. 9, 1659. In October,
1664, he wedded Priscilla Mason, daughter of Major
John Mason. By his wife Abigail he had six chil-
dren, namely: James, Abigail, Elizabeth, Hannah,
Samuel and Dorothy. By his wife Priscilla his
children were: Daniel, John, Jeremiah, Jabez, Ann,
Nathaniel, Joseph and Eleazer.
(II) Samuel Fitch, son of Rev. James, was born
in April, 1655. It is not known whom he married,
but of his children there is record of five : Heze-
kiah, Jabez, Benjamin, Peletiah and Samuel. He
lived in Long Society in the town of Preston, and
he died in 1725. Some of his descendants settled
in Lebanon.
(III) Hezekiah Fitch, son of Samuel, was born
about 1690. He married, Nov. 18, 1713, Hannah
Read, and his death occurred at Norwich Oct. 10,
1727. His children were : Mary, John, Abiah, Ben-
jamin, Benajah and Ebenezer.
(IV) Benajah Fitch, son of Hezekiah, was
born July 30, 1721. On Oct. 6, 1747, he married
Sarah Palmer, and they settled in Preston. Their
five children were: Elijah, Nathaniel, Susannah,.
Thomas and Rufus.
(V) Thomas Fitch, son of Benajah, was born
Feb. 4, 1 76 1. On March 10, 1782, he married Free-
love Smith, daughter of Paul and Mary Smith, of
Lyme, Conn. She died Jan. 21, 1783, and he mar-
ried (second) Mary Allen, daughter of Stephen Al-
len. He died in Montville Sept. 2, 1855. His chil-
dren, all but the first of whom were born of the sec-
ond marriage, were: William, born Jan. 18, 1783,
married Nancy Latimer, and died June 22, 1856;
Nancy, born in 1785, married Clement Bishop, and
died in 1868; Freelove, born in 1787, married
Thomas Strickland, and died in 1871 ; John, born in
1789, married Elizabeth Tinker, and died in 1872;.
James; Mercy, born in 1795, moved West; Thomas,
born in 1797, died in 1812 from injuries received in
an accident.
(VI) James Fitch, born Nov. 10, 1790, in Mont-
ville, passed nearly his entire life in his native place,,
where he was a prosperous farmer, and a highly
respected and honored citizen. He served in the
war of 181 2, and was a first lieutenant of cavalry,,
then called "troop." His death occurred Jan. 9,
1871. On Feb. 1, 1815, he married Nancy Strick-
land, who was born Feb. 16, 1793, daughter of Jo-
seph and Phebe (Lewis) Strickland; she lived to
be over one hundred years of age. Their children
were: Joseph S., born Dec. 31, 1815, married Har-
riet T. Harris; Maryette, born June 24, 1818, mar-
ried Henry E. Turner; and James.
(VII) James Fitch, son of James, was born in
Montville, Nov. 27, 1823, and his education was be-
gun in the public schools of his native town. Later
he attended Bacon Academy at Colchester, which
institution of learning he left in the fall of 1839. In
March, 1840, he came to New London and clerked
in the grocery store of Ralph Stoddard on State
street, where his brother, Joseph S., was also em-
ployed. A year later he entered the grocery of Ab-
ner Bassett, on Bank street, remaining there until
early in 1842, when he began clerking for F. W.
Holt, at the corner of Bank and Pearl streets. In
1843, when but nineteen years of age, in company
with his brother Joseph S., he purchased the Abner
Bassett store, and the following spring they ad-
mitted Nehemiah B. Payn, as a partner, the firm
name becoming Fitch, Payn & Co. The partnership
lasted two years, in which time they conducted two
stores, having become the owners of the Giles Harris
store. In 1846, on the dissolution of the partnership,
Mr. Fitch became the sole owner, and he conducted
the business for himself, meeting with great success,,
until 1856. That year Augustus A. Rowe became his
partner, and the firm of Fitch & Rowe was engaged
in business three vears, when Mr. Rowe retired and
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
647
from 1859 to September, 1891, Mr. Fitch carried on
the grocery and provision business on his own ac-
count, at Xo. 87 Bank street, where he had been lo-
cated for over forty-nine years. As a business man
Mr. Fitch was careful and conservative, strictly
honorable and upright, meeting every obligation with
promptness, and winning a firm place in the com-
mercial world and a high reputation for integrity.
A large part of his trade was with the boats plying
in New London harbor, and his store was a head-
quarters for the hard\- fisherman along the Sound.
When he closed out the store and retired to private
life, there were many who missed his familiar figure
and cheery greeting from the place he had filled so
long.
Politically Mr. Fitch was a stanch Republican,
and he often served his town in official capacity.
While he was strictly a party man, when once elected
to office, he regarded himself as the officer of the
whole people regardless of politics, and he so con-
ducted himself. It was during his administration
as first selectman that the Alms House was pur-
chased, and he also served in the common council as
councilman and alderman, and for several years was
chairman of the finance committee. In 1874 he
represented New London in the State Legislature.
Although for years a public official, he was by nature
of a retiring disposition, and very averse to doing
anything that brought him in the limelight of pub-
licity. His manner was always pleasant and agree-
able, but he was happiest in his own home. When
he accepted a trust he fulfilled it at all costs. Duty
was his watchword, and he never shirked any re-
sponsibility that was put upon him. In business
and public and private life, his record' was alike
spotless, and he held the esteem and reverence of all
with whom he was ever associated. After several
years of ill health followed by one year of close
confinement to his home, James Fitch passed away
May 28, 1901, aged seventy-seven years, six months
and one day. He was a member and liberal sup-
porter of the First Baptist Church. His devotion to
his wife and family was a marked characteristic.
His evenness of temper was something remarkable
and in his long married life this characteristic was
always prominent — "not an unkind word" to his
wife and his politeness and courtesy to her never
lacking from the time of their courtship.
On May 31, 1848, Mr. Fitch was married to
Betsey Ann Latham, who after fifty-three years,
less three days, of happy wedded life is left to mourn
her loss. She was the daughter of Deacon Daniel
and Adelia Ann (Denison) Latham, of Xew Lon-
don. Two children came to bless their union, of
whom the younger, James Clarence, born Aug. 20,
1854, died at the age of four months; the elder,
Latham, born Dec. 10, 1849, was educated in Brown
University, and for a time taught in the Putnam
(Conn.) high school, then in the Worcester ( Mass. |
High School, after which he entered the ministry
of the Baptist Church, becoming pastor of the Sec-
ond Baptist Church of Xew London, in which ca-
pacity he was serving at the time of hi- death, Nov.
6, [895. Rev. Latham Fitch married. Dc. 25, iS;_-,
Addie Stevens, daughter of David R. Steven-, for-
merly of Xew London, now of Kansas City, .Mo.,
and their children were as follow- : Clarence C., horn
Dec. 30, 1873, now resident manager of the Rem-
ington Typewriter Company, at Xew Haven: James
L., born Sept. 12, 1875, now bookkeeper tor Post
Brothers (he married Theresa Firman, and has one
daughter, Hazel); Alida L., born May 11. 1X77,
Elmer B., born June 10, 187.;; Bessie, born Aug.
26, 1880; and Addie, born March 27, 1SS2.
WILLIAM BYRON MANIERRE, who is well
known as the successful merchant at Poquonock
Bridge, Conn., and comes of a family that ha- given
several able representatives to the mechanical world,
chiefly in the line of car construction, is a native
of the town in which he now resides, having been
born in the house just opposite his present -tore
June 27,, 185 1.
The Manierre family is of French descent, but
for several generations has been resident in Con-
necticut. Louis Manierre, grandfather of William
1!., made his home in Xew London.
John Manierre, son of Louis, was born in Xew
London. He received exceptional educational ad-
vatages in the famous school conducted by Lorenzo
Dow. In his young manhood he learned the trade
of shoemaker, and followed that occupation all his
life, the greater part of which was s\ ent in Poquo-
nock. He died at the remarkable age of one hun-
dred years and three months. He married Mary
A. Hill, of Poquonock, who lived to the age of sixty-
eight years. They were the parents of nine children :
John, who was killed in the car shops in Troy,
X. V.; Ellen, deceased; Benjamin F., mentioned
below; George, William and Harriet, all three de-
ceased; William I!.; Hannah, who married Edwin
Morgan, of Poquonock ; and Frances, who became
Mrs. Knight, of Poquonock. In his religion- be-
lief. John Manierre inclined toward Spiritualism.
Benjamin F. Manierre attended school in Po-
quonock, and there under E. H. Avery learned the
trade of carpenter. He spent two years working on
the old depot and the stone church opposite the pi
office in Xew London. Going to Ramapo, X. Y.,
he spent two years at work in the car shops of the
Xew York & Erie Railway, and then went to Troy.
X. Y., where for thirty-four years he was employed
in the Eaton & Gilbert Car Manufacturing Com-
pany. When he began work there hi- \va.
amounted to $1.50 per day, and at the la.-t he re-
ceived $5,000 a year as superintendent ^>i the shop
there and at Schenectady. In order to keep in touch
with the work at both | laces he was obliged to
travel to Schenectady every other day for five years.
Ill health resulting from a fall that fractured his
jaw hone and produced nervous prostration necessi-
tated his retirement to private life. During his ex-
648
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
ceedingly busy life he was always found ready
to do his part as a good citizen, and he kept fully
abreast of the times, and was keenly interested in
all public questions. For five years he was presi-
dent of the suburban village of Green Island, where
he made his home for a time, and he was the Repub-
lican candidate for the Legislature from there. In
1 89 1 he returned to Poquonock, where he had made
extensive real estate investments, and since that time
has busied himself with his private interests. Be-
fore the Civil war he was affiliated with the Demo-
crat party, but since 1861 has been a stanch and un-
compromising Republican.
On Oct. 27, 1853, in Hackensack, N. J., Ben-
jamin F. Manierre was married to Mary A. De
Graw, of Bellvale, Orange Co., N. Y. They have
three children : Mary A., who married (first) L. D.
Avery, by whom she had two children, Grace and
Frank, and she married (second) Calvin Burrows;
Benjamin F., Jr., assistant superintendent of the
Union Trolley System, Providence, R. I., who mar-
ried Julia Burrows, daughter of Calvin Burrows, of
Poquonock, and has a daughter, Catherine ; and Nel-
lie, who married William Baumes, and has three
children, Gladys, William H. and Priscilla.
William Byron Manierre was educated in the
schools of his native village, and at the age of seven-
teen he went to Troy, N. Y., to take a course in
civil and mechanical engineering in the school of
Loath and Berdon, where he studied for two years.
After leaving school he was employed by the Gilbert
Car Company, of Troy, for twenty-three years, leav-
ing that firm in 189 1 to go to Minnesota, where he
had charge of the Car Department of the Sioux
Railroad in Minneapolis, and for six years was su-
perintendent of the shops of that road. His first
employment in Minnesota was with the Northern
Car Company which was burned, and he then
joined the Sioux road. Feeling desirous for a less
strenuous life, he returned to Poquonock, in 1898,
and there succeeded Russell Wells in the mercantile
business, in which he has met with no little success,
and has built up a very large trade. He is broad-
minded and liberal, and is in the front rank of the
progressive citizens of his pretty little home town.
On Feb. 20, 1899, he was appointed postmaster, an
office he still holds, to the very great satisfaction of
the patrons.
In Troy, N. Y., Mr. Manierre was married to
Miss Serena Kirtmarsh, of French descent. She
died April 22, 1898, at Minneapolis. Two children
blessed this union : Albert Gordon, born in Troy,
Feb. 9, 1879, a student in the Medical Department
of the University of Syracuse, N. Y. ; and William
E., born at Schenectady, N. Y., Aug. 28, 1890.
LOUIS P. ALLYN, one of the representative
citizens of Mystic, Conn., and a successful business
man, comes from old and honorable New England
ancestry. On the paternal side he descends from
Robert Allyn, who settled at Allyn's Point, the line
of descent being as follows: Robert (settled at
Allyn's Point), John, Ebenezer (who married a
Turner), Elder Rufus (whose wife was a Billings),
Capt. Rufus (who married Freelove Morgan), Gur-
don S. and Louis P. On the maternal side Louis P.
Allyn is a descendant of Capt. James Avery of Gro-
ton. Mr. Allyn is also a lineal descendant of Simeon
Avery, who was aide-de-camp to Washington in the
war of the Revolution. The Allyn family, from the
very earliest history of Ledyard, has been one of the
leading families of that town.
Gurdon S. Allyn, the father of Louis P., was
born in the town of Ledyard, west of Meeting House
Hill. His boyhood days were passed in Ledyard,
and at an early age he came to Mystic, where he
learned the carpenter's trade with Harry Latham.
After completing his apprenticeship and working
for a time as a journeyman, he engaged in the con-
tracting business, and for a time was interested in
the quarry at Quiambaug. The greater part of his
active life was spent in the menhaden fishery busi-
ness, in which he was engaged at the time of his
death, and in which he was very successful. The
lumber fields in Wisconsin attracted him, and for
some years he was in business there. In all public
movements tending to the advancement of his town
he was at the fore, and to him is largely due the
excellent system of waterworks that is now the
pride of the town. The business interests of Mr.
Allyn were varied and extensive, and to give them
the close attention he did, yet take such a prominent
part in town and public affairs, required a great
capacity for business, which was surely his. His
wonderful energy, combined with an ability to read-
ily see through matters, made it possible for him to
transact quickly the unusual volume of business his
interests created. He was the leading spirit in most
of the projects with which he was identified. He
exerted a big influence in matters generally in and
around Mystic. He had a wide acquaintance,
which included most of the prominent men of the
county, as well as many throughout the State.
Mr. Allyn was one of the prominent Republi-
cans and was active in the work of the party, being
one of its counselors and advisers in his section. He
served as selectman in 1868 and again in 1874.
During two sessions of the Legislature he repre-
sented Groton in that body, and served with great
credit to himself, as well as with satisfaction to his
constituents. He also held a number of minor town
offices. He was conscientious in the performance
of duty, and whatever he attempted to do he did
well. He was a general favorite of the people, who
had unbounded confidence in his integrity and in
his wisdom. His religious connection was with the
Union Baptist Church in Mystic, of which he was
a trustee. His death occurred in February, 1876,
when he was aged fifty-nine years. Fraternally he
was a Mason.
Gurdon S. Allyn was twice married. His first
wife, Hannah Avery, daughter of Joseph S. Avery,
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
649
of Groton, became the mother of four children,
namely: Juliette, deceased; Louis Packer; Francis,
deceased; and Hannah, deceased. By his second
wife. Martha Champion, Mr. Allyn had a son Gur-
don C.. now a resident of West Mystic.
Louis Packer Allyn, eldest son of Gurdon S.
Allyn, was born in Mystic, Conn., July 22, 185 1.
The schools of Mystic afforded him good facilities
for a substantial common school education, which
has formed the basis for the wide knowledge he has
acquired by reading and experience. After leaving
the school room he clerked four years for Luther
A. Morgan, and there gained a good knowledge of
the business world. He then joined his father in
the menhaden fishing business under the firm name
of G. S. Allyn & Co., and continued same alone
after his father's death until the year 1883, when he
became connected with S. S. Brown & Co. For fif-
teen years he maintained his connection with that
firm, and then joined James Lennen & Co., at
Lewes, Del., in the same line, there continuing until
he went into the syndicate. His long years of expe-
rience in the one line have made him invaluable to
the business, and his upright methods have won the
highest esteem of the best men in the commercial
world. Mr. Allyn is now secretary of the Men-
haden Oil & Guano Co., of Harborton, Ya., of which
the president is Alden S. Swan, and the general
manager and treasurer is James Lennen. While
his many interests have taken him away from Mys-
tic, Mr. Allyn has always retained his legal resi-
dence there, and he has shown in many ways that
the home of his early years is most dear to him.
Mr. Allyn has other interests outside of the
Menhaden Company, and is a director of the Mystic
River National Bank. Like his father he is a mem-
ber of the Baptist Church, in which he is now serv-
ing as a deacon. Fraternally he is a member of the
Knights of Pythias.
On Oct. 24, 1876, Mr. Allyn was married to
Miss Emily Fenner Maxson, daughter of William
E. Maxson and Sarah Maria (Fenner). Mrs.
Allyn comes from one of the old families of Rhode
Island and is connected with many of the old and
prominent families of that State. She is eligible
to a number of the Colonial societies, and is a mem-
ber of Fanny Ledyard Chapter, D. A. R., at Mystic.
Mr. and Mrs. Allyn have three sons, whose genuine
appreciation for their unusual advantages is shown
by their high characters and exceptional promise.
Louis Maxson Allyn graduated from the Mystic
high school, and prepared for college at Westerly,
R. I. He then took a course at Lehigh Univer-
sity, after which he entered the University of Penn-
sylvania, graduating therefrom in 1903, with the
degree of M. D. He was for some time a resident
physician at St. Joseph's Hospital, Reading. Pa.,
and in May, 1904, located in Mystic, where he has
since been practicing and enjoys a rapidly grow-
ing patronage. He is a member of the New Lon-
don County Medical Society, and of the John Gui-
teras Medical Society of the University of Penn-
sylvania. While at college Dr. Allyn took a promi-
nent part in athletics ; he was a member of the
'Varsity football team at Lehigh and at the Univer-
sity of Pennsylvania was one of the class crew that
won the University championship in 1899. He was
a member of the Delta Upsilon at the University of
Pennsylvania.
Gurdon Spicer Allyn graduated from the Mystic
high school and the Bulkeley high school at New
London, and after a special course at Colgate Uni-
versity entered the Medical Department of the Uni-
versity of Pennsylvania, graduating in 1903 with
the degree of M. D. For a time he was a resident
physician at St. Joseph's hospital, Lancaster, Pa.,
but in October, 1904, he opened an office in Xew
London, where he is now practicing. Dr. Allyn is a
member of the Xew London County Medical Society
and the John Guiteras Medical Society of the Uni-
versity of Pennsylvania. During his college career
he was for four years a member of the 'Varsity
crew at the University of Pennsylvania. In 1900
he rowed Xo. 4 in the crew that won the inter-col-
legiate championship at Poughkeepsie, and broke
the record at that time. In 1901 he rowed as Xo.
6 in ttoe celebrated crew that contested at Henley,
England. This was the best crew that ever went
abroad from the United States and was the only
foreign crew that ever made the finals in the Grand
Challenge at Henley. He captained the crew of
1902, and was a member of 1903. Dr. Allyn rowed
as No. 6 during three of the four years. He was
received into the Skull and Dagger, as well as the
Sphinx, fraternal societies, in honor of his yeoman
service for the Universitv. He is a member of the
A. M. P. O. and of the Delta Upsilon.
William Ellery Allyn graduated from the Bulke-
ley high school, at Xew London, and is now attend-
ing the University of Pennsylvania.
THOMAS. The Thomas family has been prom-
inent in the agricultural circles of New London
county for nearly two centuries. Each generation
has given to the world men who have held high place
in social life, and who have been useful to the com-
munity in which they lived. All have had un-
tarnished reputations.
Daniel Thomas was born Nov. 16, 1757, and he
passed the greater part of his life in Ledyard and
Preston engaged in agricultural pursuits. 1 le served
as a soldier for seven years during the war of the
Revolution. His death occurred July 10. [836. < »n
Jan. 11, 1781, he married Eunice Baker, who was
born June 14, 1759. Eight children were horn to
them, of whom we have the following record: Bet-
sey, horn Nov. 31, 1783, married Sept. 10. [8lO,
Jonathan Daboll, and resided in Canaan, Conn.;
Wealthy, horn Nov. 21, 1785. married Nov; 20. [804,
Avery Chapman, removed to Canisteo, X. Y.. and
died ' April 5. 1S51 : William Stewart, born
March 21, 1787. married (first) April 5. 1S13.
650
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
Fanny Rogers, (second) September, 1836, Esther
Miner, and (third), 1857, Airs. Mary Cole-
man, and was a pioneer settler at Canisteo,
N. Y. ; Eunice, born March 31, 1789, married, Sept.
24, 18 1 5, Joseph Moxley, removed to Jefferson, N.
Y., and died Feb. 26, 1871 ; Jerusha, born Feb. 2,
1792, married, Jan. 22, 1815, James Rose, resided in
what is now Ledyard, and died Jan. 1, 1837; Al-
fred, born May 26, 1795, married, Nov. 12, 1819,
Lucy Benjamin, and resided in Waymart, Pa. ; Dan-
iel, born March 12, 1798, married, Sept. 10, 1819,
Lucinda Kimball, resided at Kinsman, O., and died
in 1869; and Seabury, born Aug. 22, 1802, died
Dec. 27, 1873.
Seabury Thomas was born Aug. 22, 1802, in that
part of Groton now known as Ledyard. He fol-
lowed in his father's footsteps and made farming his
life work. Always interested in town affairs he be-
came prominent in public work, being especially act-
ive in the work of the Democratic party. For many
years he served as selectman, and in 1846 he served
as representative in the State Legislature. He died
in the same house in which he was born — his life
long home. On Sept. 18, 1825, he married Han-
nah Avery Haley, who was born Feb. 5, 1803, and
died Nov. 24, 1847, tne mother of six children :
Elisha Seabury, born Aug. 9, 1826; Hannah E.,
born Oct. 25, 1827, married Isaac Allen Burrows,
and resides at Deposit, N. Y. ; William Stewart, born
Feb. 5, 1830, died July 20, 1833; Daniel N., born
Nov. 5, 1832, lives at Greenport, L. I. ; Caleb Haley,
born Aug. 24, 1835, resides in Mystic, Conn. ; Sarah
A., born Nov. 10, 1837, also lives in Mystic. For
his second wife, Seabury Thomas married, on April
23, 1849, Mrs- Mary Denison, who died Aug. 16,
1895.
Elisiia Seabury Thomas was born at the old
home in Ledyard Aug. 9, 1826, and there in the
neighboring schools received such education as was
general to farmer boys of that day. For about a
year and a half after leaving school he was em-
ployed by Henry Bill, publisher of Norwich, travel-
ing through the middle western States. Determin-
ing to make farming his chief occupation he went to
Canisteo, N. Y., where he remained for seven years.
Returning to Groton, he rented the Park Avery
farm, and made that place his home. In 1865 ne
bought a part of the farm, which he has improved
with the present fine buildings, and he has named
the place the "High Rock Place." There are few
places in the county more attractive, and Air. Thomas
is a thorough farmer, who has made a careful study
of his work, and is a great believer in modern
methods and machinery.
In spite of the close attention he has given his
personal affairs, Air. Thomas has been very active
in public affairs. He is one of the leaders of the
Democratic party, and is always looked upon as a
wise counselor in party matters. For two years he
was town tax collector, and for seven years he served
as selectman, and in 1889 he was a member of the
State Legislature, where he gave good service on the
committee on Agriculture.
On April 16, 1856, Air. Thomas was married to
Adelia E. Avery, who was born Alay 11, 1832,
daughter of Park William and Clarissa (Avery)
Avery. Three children came to brighten their home :
Ida Eliza, born Feb. 6, 1857, died Alarch 25, 1861 ;
William Seabury, born Aug. 26, 1862, married Har-
riet Fanning, and conducts the farm ; and Addie
Avery, born Nov. 29, 1866.
WILLIAAI ASTHEIAIER, one of New Lon-
don's substantial and respected citizens, is now liv-
ing in well earned retirement after a successful busi-
ness career in the land of his adoption. He was born
Oct. 8, 1842, in Russelsheim, Germany, where his
ancestors had lived for many years.
Philip Astheimer, his father, was a native of the
Fatherland, where he learned and worked at the
trade of stone mason. In 1854, with his wife and
family, he embarked at Havre, France, on the sail-
ing vessel 'Masonic," for America, in order that he
might take advantage of the wonderful opportun-
ities offered for homes in the New World. His in-
tentions, however, were destined never to be ful-
filled, and during the voyage he became ill and died,
leaving his faithful wife, with their little army of
nine children, to land alone in a strange country.
The widowed mother, whose maiden name was So-
phia Brietert, died at Union Hill, N. J. She
was the mother of ten children, nine of whom lived
to mature years.
William Astheimer inherited the industrious,
traits of the German nation. At the age of six
years he began his education in the schools of his
native land, but on coming to America, and landing
in New York after an eventful passage of six weeks,
he found himself face to face with the problem of
existence. He at once apprenticed himself to learn
the cigar maker's trade, and continued to make that
his business. After he had mastered his trade he
remained at work in New York until in April, 1861,
when upon the breaking out of the Rebellion, he
promptly responded to President Lincoln's call, and
on April 23, 1861, he became a private in Company
B, 8th N. Y. V. I., remaining in service for two
years, during which time he served with his com-
pany along the Potomac and in Western Virginia.
Receiving an honorable discharge, he returned to
New York and took up his trade, remaining in that
metropolis until 1865, when he located in New Lon-
don. For four years he worked as a journeyman
cigar maker for the late Jacob Linicus, Sr., and then
started in the cigar business on his own account at
No. 18 Bank street. For more than thirty years he
continued in business, and then sold out to the son
of his former employer, Jacob Linicus, Jr. As a
business man Air. Astheimer was to a certain extent
conservative, but the spirit of a true business man
animated him, and he was always in the lead. He
succeeded in accumulating a good competence, which
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
6*1
he is now enjoying to its fullest extent. He dealt
also in real estate, and still owns some valuable
holdings.
Socially Mr. Astheimer is a member of Brainerd
Lodge, Xo. 102, F. & A. M., and of Pequot Lodge,
No. 85, I. O. O. F., of New London. In the latter
organization he has taken a very active part, and
besides being a past noble grand of the local lodge,
he has held several offices and been prominently
identified with the Grand Lodge of the State.
In 1866 Mr. Astheimer was married in New
York to Miss Catherine Ruppert, who has been his
interested and helpful companion in all his work.
They attend the Episcopal Church, and are liberal
supporters of its work. Politically Mr. Astheimer
is a firm believer in the principles advocated by the
Republican party, and for three years he has served
most efficiently as a member of the common coun-
cil. He is highly esteemed by all who have met him
either in business, social or private life. His home
is always open to his friends, who receive a warm
welcome from its gracious mistress. Xo better ex-
ample of a genuine selfmade man is to be found in
New London, and no man of equal success can con-
sistently claim a cleaner or more honorable record
as a business man and citizen.
LIXTXELL. For almost forty years the name of
Linnell has been prominently identified with the
professional and social life of Norwich, first through
the late Dr. Jonathan Edwards Linnell, and later
through his son, Dr. E. H. Linnell. The Linnell
family is one of the old families of New England.
Robert Linnell, of Scituate and Barnstable, Mass.,
was the immigrant ancestor of the family. From the
Eastham and Orleans branch of the Linnell family
came the subject of this notice.
(I) Robert Linnell and his wife, of Scituate,
Mass., under letter of dismissal from a Congrega-
tional Church in London, joined the Scituate Church
Sept. 16, 1638. They moved to Barnstable in 1639.
Their children were : Sarah, David, Hannah, Abi-
gail, Shubael, and Bethia.
(II) David Linnell, born in 1627, in England,
inherited the homestead of his father. He married
March 9, 1652-53, Hannah Shelley, daughter of
Robert Shelley, she being then in her sixteenth year.
Their children were: Samuel, born Dec. 15, 1655;
Elisha, June 1, 1658; Hannah, Dec. 15. 1660; Abi-
gail; Experience; Jonathan, born in 1668; John,
born in 1 671 ; and Susannah, in 1673.
(III) Jonathan Linnell, born in 1668, married
(first) Elizabeth, who was born in 1667, and died
July 26, 1723. His second wife's name was Re-
becca. Mr. Linnell removed from Barnstable to
Eastham about 1695, and is the ancestor of the Lin-
nells of that town and of Orleans. He was a much
respected man and accumulated a good estate. This
branch of the family has occupied a most respectable
position in society. Jonathan Linnell was noted for
his business capacity and his ready wit, which
sparkled on all occasions. His children were: Davis,
born Jan. 28, [692-93; Elizabeth, April 17. [696;
Hannah, April 17, [696; Abigail, July 1. [699;
Jonathan, Aug. 4, 1701 ; Thomas, Oct. 12, 1703;
and Elisha, Feb. 15, 1706-07.
(IV) Jonathan Linnell, born Aug. 4, 1701. was
the next in line of descent, which is followed down
to the next generation through his son,
(V) Jonathan Linnell, and on down to
(Vl)Uriah Linnell, of Barnstable, Mass., who
was the great-grandfather of Dr. Edward II. Lin-
nell.
(VII) Jonathan Linnell, son of Uriah, was born
in 1789. He became a government contractor, cut-
ting timber for naval construction, and while en
route from Savannah to Boston with a cargo of
timber was lost at sea. He married Tempa Seabury,
who was born in 1793, and lived to the age of eighty-
five years, dying in Amherst, Mass., where she was
buried. They had six children : Caroline, who
died in 1816; Sarah, who married Robert Rob-
inson, and died in 1892 at Brooklyn, X. V. ; Nathan,
who died in 1843, at tne age OI twenty-five years ;
Mary, born in 1826, who died in 1842; Tempa, born
in 1828, who died Xov. 6, 1881, unmarried : and
Jonathan Edwards.
(VIII) Jonathan Edwards Linnell was born
June 9, 1822, at Orleans, Mass., and received his
primary education in the public schools of his native
town. After the death of his father, which occurred
in 1840, the family removed to Amherst, and there,
from 1840 to 1842, the son attended Amherst Col-
lege. He was one of the charter members of Am-
herst Chapter of the Alpha Delta Phi. At twenty-
two years of age in 1844, he was graduated from the
Dartmouth Medical School with the degree of M.
D., and the next year practiced medicine in Prescott,
Mass. For nine years he was located in East Doug-
lass. Following this he took a special course of study
at a homeopathic college in Philadelphia, after which
he located in practice at Worcester, Mass., remain-
ing some thirteen years. Owing to failing health, he
gave up his professional duties and removed to Nor-
wich, Conn. This was soon after the close of the Civil
war in 1866. In Norwich he engaged in the insur-
ance business, and in the early eighties resumed the
practice of medicine, in which he continued until the
time of his last and fatal illness, and he passed away
at his home in Norwich, Sept. 26, 1899. Dr. Lin-
nell was one of he city's substantial men. and rep-
resented the highest type of citizenship. As a prac-
titioner he was successful, and occupied a prominent
position in his profession. He served as president of
the Massachusetts Homeopathic Medical Society,
and as orator before that body, his addresses are
found in Transactions. Vol. [861-66. He was a
member of the American Institute of Homeopathy.
His religious membership was with the Broadway
Congregational Church at Norwich.
In November, 1847. Dr. Linnell was married to
Miss Fannie Graves, who was born in 1821, daugh-
(>S2
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
ter of Horatio Graves, of Sunderland, Mass. Mrs.
Linnell died June 18, 1890. Five children have been
born to this union, three of whom survived the fa-
ther, namely: Dr. Edward H. and Miss Lillie, of
Norwich ; and Herbert Montague, of Catskill, N. Y. ;
Arthur died in August, 1865; and Mary Frances
died in February, 1866.
(IX) Edward H. Linnell, M. D., son of the
late Dr. Jonathan E. Linnell, was born Sept. 15,
1853, in East Douglass, Mass. He attended the
public schools at Worcester, and the Norwich Free
Academy, and after leaving school he went to Ber-
lin, Germany, where he took a special course under
private tutors. Having a strong inclination for the
medical profession, he read medicine under his fa-
ther, and later entered the New York Homeopathic
College, where he graduated in the spring class of
1876, at the head of his class, and he took every prize
that was offered for scholarship. After his gradu-
ation he returned to Norwich, and began the prac-
tice of his chosen profession with his father. He
continued with his father up to the latter's death,
a period of over a quarter of a century, since when
he has practiced alone.
In 1879 Dr. Linnell took a special course in New
York, in the Ophthalmic Hospital, of which branch
he has since made a specialty. In 1900 he went to
Europe, visiting all the principal cities, and taking
a special course in London and Vienna. He is a
member of the State Homeopathic Medical Society,
of which he has been president ; is an honorary
member of the New York State Homeopathic So-
ciety; is a member of the American Institute of
Homeopathy, also of the American Homeopathic
Ophthalmological, Otological and Laryngological
Society. Dr. Linnell is a close student, keeping fully
abreast of every advance in medical science, and
a thorough, patient investigator, never willing to
accept any important physical assertion as truth,
until he has weighed and tested it for himself. He
was the first physician in the State of Connecticut,
and one of the first in New England, to use radium
in his practice. A strict observer of the unwritten
code of professional ethics, he has built up one of
the largest, and one of the most exclusive, practices
in his city.
As a writer Dr. Linnell has been a contributor
of scientific articles to medical publications, some of
which have been translated into the German and
French. He wrote "The Eye as an Aid in General
Diagnosis," which work has been adopted as a text
book in some colleges. He has been for some years
a member of the State Licensing Board of Homeo-
pathic Physicians. From 1896 to spring of 1904
he served as Town Health officer, when he resigned.
He has contributed largely to the various societies
to which he belongs.
Politically Dr. Linnell's affiliation and sympathy
is with the Republican party, his professional duties
preventing his taking any active part in politics.
Socially he is a member of the Sons of the American
Revolution, and is also a member of the Norwich
Club.
In 1880 the Doctor was married to Gertrude
Hyde, daughter of Edward and Hannah (Thomas)
Hyde. She died Jan. 23, 1898, and was buried in
Yantic cemetery ; she was a member of the Broad-
way Congregational Church, of which Dr. Linnell
is also a member. Dr. Linnell married for his sec-
ond wife, Dec. 4, 190 1, Adelia Bunnell, daughter of
Addison Smith of New York City and widow of
Henry H. Bunnell, of New Haven, Connecticut.
WILLIAM SHEFFIELD BREED, in his
lifetime one of the leading and most successful agri-
culturists of the town of Sprague, comes of a family
earlv settled in New England.
(I) Allen Breed, the progenitor of the American
branch of the family, was of record in Lynn, Mass.,
as early as 1630. He was born in England in 1601,
and his death occurred March 17, 1692. The name
of his wife is unknown, but he became the father of
five children.
(II) Allen Breed (2), son of Allen, was born in
1626. By his wife, Mary, he became the father of
six children.
(III) John Breed, son of Allen (2), was born
Jan. 18, 1663. On April 28, 1686, he married Mary
Kirtland, who bore him one child, Sarah, born July
15, 1687, who died Jan. 28, 1688. On June 8, 1690,
he married (second) Mercy Palmer, who died Jan.
28, 1752, the mother of ten children: Anna, born
Nov. 8, 1693; Mary, born Jan. 8, 1697; John, born
Jan. 26, 1700; Elizabeth, born Jan. 28, 1702; Sarah,
born Feb. 1, 1704; Zerviah, born Aug. 27, 1706;
Joseph, born Oct. 4, 1708; Bethia, born Dec. 30,
1710; Allen, born Aug. 29, 1714; and Gershom,
born Nov. 15, 1715. After the death of his first
wife and daughter John Breed moved from Lynn,
Mass., to Stonington, Conn., where he and his
second wife were members of the First Congrega-
tional Church. He died in 1761.
(IV) John Breed (2), son of John, was born
Jan. 26, 1700. On Oct. 14, 1725, he was married
to Mary Prentice, who was born April 12, 1708.
Their children were: Mercy, born Aug. 3, 1727;
John, born Sept. 5, 1729; Nathan, born Dec. 13,
1731 ; Mary, born Dec. 25, 1733; Sarah, born Dec.
28, 1736; Eunice, born Feb. 23, 1738; Grace, born
June 2, 1740; Ann, born June 2, 1742; Amos, born
Dec. 23, 1744; and Lucy, born Dec. 18, 1746.
(V) John Breed (3), son of John (2), was
born Sept. 5, 1729, and May 19, 1750, married
Silence Grant, who was born Jan. 31, 1731. Their
children were : Mary, born Feb. 9, 1751 ; John, born
Nov. 15, 1752; Sarah, born Dec. 16, 1754; Oliver,
born Feb. 6, 1757; Reuben, born Sept. 23, 1758;
Prentice, born Jan. 1, 1761 ; Eunice, born Feb. 25,
1763; Samuel, born March 23, 1765; and Marcy,
born Feb. 6, 1769.
(VI) Samuel Breed, son of John (3), was born
March 23, 1765, and became a well-to-do farmer ki
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
653
Stonington. He married (first) Eunice Allyn and
(second) Polly Sheffield, daughter of Isaac Shef-
field. To his second marriage were born seven chil-
dren as follows: Eunice. Nov. 26, 1799; Mary
Ann. Feb. 21, 1802 (married Benjamin F. Breed) ;
Freelove, May 7. 1803 (married Jesse B. Breed) ;
Isaac Sheffield: Harriet, Dec. 24, 1806; and twins
that died at birth.
(VII) Isaac Sheffield Breed, son of Samuel,
was born Dec. 19. 1804. By occupation he was a
farmer, and he followed that calling all his life in
Stonington, his latter years being spent on a farm
in the north part of the town. His death occurred
Feb. 17, 1882. He married Phebe P. Hewitt, who
was born Aug. 24, 1806, and died July 6, 1893,
daughter of Benjamin and Desire (Babcock) Hew-
itt. Their union was blessed with ten children :
Isaac B., who died July 7, 1829, at the age of eight
months; William Sheffield, born April 17, 1830;
Jane P., born Nov. 15, 1831, who married Erastus
D. Winer, of Stonington ; Henry E., who married
(first) Sarah Slocum and (second) Harriet Pendle-
ton; Mary E. ; Sarah, who married Dr. Henry M.
Rising, of South Glastonbury ; Emily D., who mar-
ried James H. Cleveland, of Stonington; Annie M.,
born April 24, 1842, who married Allison B. Ladd,
and died June 18, 1901 ; Frances Louise, who died
Aug. 22. 1846, aged nineteen months and eight
days ; and Charlotte Ellen, who died Sept. 6, 1850,
aged thirteen months and ten days.
(VIII) William Sheffield Breed was born April
17, 1830, in North Stonington, and was early trained
to agricultural pursuits. His literary training was
all received in the common schools, and by reading
and observation he became a well posted man, with
a surprising amount of general information. After
reaching his majority he went to Stonington Point,
where he was first employed in the store of his
uncle. John Breed, as clerk. He then resided on
rented farms in Stonington and North Stonington
until 1861, when he removed to Brooklyn, Conn.,
where for one year he rented a farm of Allen Hill.
In 1862 he purchased the farm on which he was
destined to pass the remainder of his life, now known
as the "Ashlawn Farm." It was purchased from
George Olin. who in turn had purchased it from the
Perkins family, in whose possession it had been
since its original transfer from the Indians. The
greater part of the land lies in the town of Sprague,
and the rest in the town of Lisbon. The fine old
house was erected by a member of the Perkins fam-
ily in 1791. When Mr. Breed became the owner
the farm contained some three hundred acres, but
he sold a part of it, and now has 275 acres. He
devoted it to general farming and to the breeding
of Holstein-Friesian thoroughbred cattle, meeting
with great success in all that he undertook. He was
greatly interested in reading, especially along the
line of his work, and believing that agriculture re-
quired as much study and careful thought as any
other line of business, he gave it his attention, and
his success justified fully the time he spent in study.
An acquaintance of his remarked after his death,
"I always learned something when I talked to Mr.
Breed." He was a firm believer in progress and
was an earnest advocate of new methods and new
machinery.
During his residence at Stonington Point Mr.
Breed was united in marriage with Lucy Ann Saf-
ford, who died in Stonington in 1859. To this union
came one son, Charles William, born Xev. 19. 1859.
On June 12, i860, Mr. Breed married Sarah A.
Williams, who was born April 21, 1832, in North
Franklin, Conn., a daughter of Lathrop and Abby
(Prentice) Williams. Previous to her marriage
Mrs. Breed was a successful school teacher. She
is a very capable woman, and much of her husband's
success was due to her wise counsel and good man-
agement. Mr. and Mrs. Breed had one daughter,
Katharine Abby, born Nov. 21, 1863.
In his early life Mr. Breed was a Democrat, but
later he became a supporter of the principles of the
Republican party. While he never could be classed
with the office-seekers, for a number of years he
filled most acceptably the office of assessor. His
death occurred June 2J% 1899, and he was laid to
rest at Hanover. He left not only a goodly estate,
but a name unsullied. He was a man of fine phy-
sique and of temperate habits, never having used
tobacco or liquor in any form. His judgment was
good and he was often sought for advice by those
in trouble. In his domestic life he was kind and in-
dulgent, and he found his chief happiness in his
home. In religious belief he was a Baptist, attend-
ing the Hanover Congregational Church, of which
his widow is a member, and she has taught in the
Sunday-school.
Charles William Breed, son of William S.
Breed by his first marriage, was graduated from the
State Normal School in New Britain in 1880, and
a few years later from the Eastman Business Col-
lege, Poughkeepsie, X. Y. Soon after his gradua-
tion he secured a fine position with Congdon, Car-
penter & Co., at Providence, R. I., remaining with
them until failing health compelled him to resign.
He died in Windham, Conn., March 28, 1892, in
his thirty-third year, and was buried there. Al-
though never strong physically he had a strong will,
which brought him success many times where
others would have failed. On April 10, 1880, he
married Lillian M. Porter, and they had one child.
Lucretia Porter.
Katharine Abby Breed, daughter of William S.
and Sarah A. Breed, was graduated from the Nor-
wich Free Academy in 1SS5. taking the Newton
Perkins prize as the "student most proficient in
mathematics." Since 1891 she has been a member
of the Chautauqua Literary and Scientific Circle.
She is a member of the Hanover Congregational
Church, and for fifteen years has been a teacher in
the Sunday-school, at the present time being super-
intendent of the Home Department of the Sunday-
654
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
school. Mr. Breed was deeply interested in the suc-
cess of the latter organization, and gave his daugh-
tre much encouragement and help in her work.
In 1899 Katharine Abby Breed was married to Alli-
son B. Ladd, Jr., son of Allison B. and Annie M.
(Breed) Ladd, who now manages the farm of the
late William S. Breed. They have two children:
Gertrude Huntsman, born Nov. 10, 1899; and
Louise Breed, born Jan. 28, 1902.
Williams. The Williams family, to which
Mrs. Breed belongs, is an old one in New England
annals, her lineage being as follows :
(I) Robert Williams, born in 1598, in Yarmouth,
England, married Elizabeth Stalham, of that town,
and in 1635 they sailed for America in the ship
"Rose." The wife died July 28, 1674, aged eighty
years, and he married, again, it is supposed, Martha
Strong, who died Dec. 22, 1704. Robert Williams
was a member of the Ancient and Honorable Artil-
lery Company of Boston, 1644, and he died at Rox-
bury, Mass., Sept. 1, 1693.
(II) Capt. Isaac Williams, born at Roxbury,
Mass., Sept. 1, 1638, married, in 1660, Martha
Park, who died Oct. 24, 1674. He married (sec-
ond) Mrs. Judith Cooper, who died in 1724. He
died Feb. 11, 1707.
(III) John Williams, son of Isaac and Martha
(Park) Williams, was born Oct. 31, 1667, in Rox-
bury, Mass. About 1685 he moved to Stonington,
and on Jan. 24, 1687, he married Martha Wheeler.
He died there Nov. 15, 1702.
(IV) Col. John Williams, son of John, was
born in Stonington Oct. 31, 1692. He was three
times wedded. On Feb. 19, 171 1, he married De-
sire Denison, who died Aug. 13, 1737. He married
(second) Mary Helms, of Kingston, R. I., who
died Dec. 20, 1740. On Nov. 21, 1761, he married
Prudence Potter, of Portsmouth, R. I., who died
Sept. 17, 1792. He died Dec. 30, 1761.
(V) William Williams, son of Col. John and
his wife Desire (Denison), was born May 1, 1716.
On Feb. 15, 1737, he married Martha Wheeler. On
March 17, 1785, he married (second) Mrs. Mary
Jewett. of New London. He died July 27, 1801.
(VI) Benadam Williams, son of William, was
born March 21, 1747. He became a wealthy man
for those times, and at his death he was the owner
of several farms. For many years he held the office
of constable, as did also his son Lathrop. On Oct.
17, 1 77 1, he was married to Hannah Lathrop, and
they became the parents of the following children :
Elizabeth (or Betsey), born Aug. 11, 1772, married
Eli Hewitt; Hannah, born in 1775, married (first)
Charles S. Smith and (second) Elisha Way; Bena-
dam, Jr., born April 4, 1776, married Nancy Ran-
dall; Lathrop, born April 21, 1781, is mentioned
below ; Rufus, born Jan. 6, 1784, married Catherine
Browning. All of these children lived to be more
than eighty years of age.
(VII) Capt. Lathrop Williams, son of Bena-
dam, was born in North Stonington, and went from
there to Franklin, Conn., in 1825. He was a promi-
nent citizen and well-to-do farmer, and was com-
monly known as Capt. Williams, because of his serv-
ices in both the war of 18 12 and as a member of
the State Militia. On Nov. 2y, 1807, he married
Dimmis Swan, who died April 2, 1817, leaving no
children. On Nov. 8, 1818, he married Abby Pren-
tice, and their children were as follows : ( 1) George
Lathrop, born Feb. 16, 1820, married Wealthy A.
Randall, and was engaged as a farmer in Franklin,
later in Windham, where he died. (2) Leonard,
born Feb. 17, 1821, went to Almont, Mich., at an
early day, and became a successful merchant ; he
married Anna M. Hazen. (3) Latham Hull, born
Aug. 19, 1825, died Nov. 21, 1825. (4) Sarah A.,
born April 21, 1832, married William Sheffield
Breed. Capt. Williams died Jan. 20, 1868, at the
home of his daughter, Mrs. Breed, in Sprague.
His widow, who was born Sept. 20, 1799, died in
Sprague March 23, 1882, and was laid to rest beside
her husband in the cemetery at Franklin. Capt.
Williams was an interesting gentleman, typical of
the old school, and of the old days when courtesy
and honor were the watchwords — the keynotes — of
right living. He sustained to the last the confidence
and respect of his fellow townsmen.
ROGERS. The branch of the family bearing
the name of Rogers, of which this article treats, is
one of standing in New London county, its mem-
bers having held prominent positions in the business
and social life of the city of New London. It is of
ancient lineage in New England, record of the first
members on this side of the Atlantic being found in
early Colonial days.
(I) James Rogers, of New London, Conn., is
believed to have been the James Rogers who had
arranged to come to America in 1635 in the ship
"Increase." James Rogers, in 1637, was one of six
men from Saybrook who, under Capt. John Under-
bill, took part in the Pequot war. A few years later
he is recorded as of Stratford, where he acquired
property and married Elizabeth, daughter of Sam-
uel Rowland. He went from Stratford to Milford,
where he joined Mr. Pruden's (Congregational)
Church in 1652. His wife had joined the same
church in 1645, an^ sorne o1 their children were
baptized there. He had dealings in New London as
early as 1656; and between that time and 1660 he
became an inhabitant of that town. Both he and
his wife united with the church in New London,
and became prominent in church affairs. He was
Deputy to the Court of Elections in May, 1661, and
May and October, 1662; Corn Commissioner for
New London in 1662 ; and representative to the Gen-
eral Court seven times between 1662 and 1673. He
was intimately associated with Matthew Griswold,
and served with him on many important committees
of church and State. He was a baker by trade, and
operated for a time the old mill, carrying on by far
the most extensive foreign and domestic trade of any
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
655
man in New London. I lis real estate holdings were
very large. His death occurred in [687, and lliat of
his widow about 1709. Their children were: Sam-
uel; Joseph, horn May 14, 1040; John, born Dec. 1,
1648; Bathsheba, horn Dec. 30, 1650; James, born
Feb. 15, 1652; Jonathan, born Dec. 31, 1655; and
Eliza, born April 15-16, 1658.
(II) James Rogers, (2), born Feb. 15, 1652, in
Milford, Conn., married Nov. 5, 1674, Mary, daugh-
ter of JefFry Jordan. He is referred to as a mariner,
and appears to have been a shipmaster to the last.
He also had a tannery, and is mentioned in the
Court of Assessments as a cooper, and he had large
landed possessions. He died, according to his tomb-
stone inscription, Nov. 6, 1714. The date of the
death of his wife, as per her tombstone inscription,
was Feb. 28, 1713. Their children, all born in New
London, were: James, born Feb. 2, 1676; Alary,
May 1, 1678; Elizabeth, Aug. 28, 1680; Sarah, Nov.
27,, 1682 ; Samuel, March 23, 1685 ; Jonathan. April
13. 1687; Richard, Oct. 13, 1689; and William,
May 10, 1693.
(III) James Rogers (3) was born Feb. 2, 1676,
in New London. His first wife, Elizabeth, died
Feb. 28, 1713, according to her tombstone, and he
married (second) in 1713, Freelove Hurlbut, who
was born in 1694, in Norwalk, Conn., daughter of
Stephen Hurlbut, and died there Jan. 26, 1738. Mr.
Rogers was received into the church in 1713, and his
children were baptized — he and a number of others,
among whom was Roger Wolcott, of Windsor,
Conn. In 17 14 he was captain of the train band.
He was Deputy to the General Court sixteen times,
and at one time was Speaker. He owned and lived
upon a farm at Great Neck, New London, which,
after removing to Norwalk about 1726, he sold to
Philip Tabor. He died July 9, 1735, in Norwalk,
Conn. His children by Elizabeth, whose maiden
name, it is - believed by some, was Harris, were :
Mary, born Jan. 12, 1699; Edward, born May 14,
1702; James, born Aug. 20, 1704; Elizabeth, born
June 14, 1706; Esther, baptized March 2J, 1709;
Uriah, born Oct. 10, 1710; and Jedediah, born Sept.
10, 1712. His children by his wife, Freelove. were:
two, who died in infancy; Nehemiah, born May 7,
1719; Hannah, baptized in 1720; Stephen, born Feb.
28, 1721-22 ; Moses, born April 12, 1724 ; and Aaron,
born April 9, 1726.
(IV) James Rogers (4), born Aug. 20, 1704. in
New London, Conn., married March 21, 1722, Mary,
daughter of Peter Harris, born in 1702-03. She was
received into the Congregational Church in May.
1729. James Rogers was a leading ship captain of
New London. He died sometime previous to 1754,
in the West Indies. His children were horn as fol-
lows : Lemuel, Dec. 10, 1723; Peter. Oct. 3, 1725;
Ichabod, Feb. 14, 1727; Mary, Oct. 1, 1728: James,
June 5, 1733; Edmund, July 20, 1735: Uriah, Sept.
21, 1737; Elizabeth, Jan. 27, 1741 ; Jeremiah, April
27, 1743; and Samuel.
(V) Ichabod Rogers, born Feb. 14, 1727, in
New London, married. April 21. 1751, Ruth, daugh-
ter of Daniel and Abigail (Pierson) Shapley, born
in 1722, and of the Rev. Abraham Pierson family
( the first president of Vale). Mr. Rogers died about
[767. His children were: Benjamin, horn about
1754: Ichabod; Rebecca; Ruth; and three who died
in infancy.
(VI) Ichabod Rogers (2), horn about 1754,
in New London, married, Nov. 22. 177S, Mary,
daughter of John and Susan (Hobbs) Hall. Mr.
Rogers was a private in Capt. Samuel Mather's Com-
pany, of Lyme and vicinity. He enlisted July [8,
1770, in Capt. Smith's Company, Col. Bradley's
battalion, Gen. Wadsworth's brigade, and was dis-
charged Dec. 28, 1776. He was one of the small
hand who held Fort Trumbull on the eventful 6th of
September, until driven away by the superior force
of Benedict Arnold, in an all day fight. Ichabod
Rogers was a sailor, as well as a soldier and farmer,
and at one time was actively engaged in privateer-
ing. He died June 10, 1821, in New London, his
widow who survived him until Jan. 28, 1828, reach-
ing the age of seventy-five. Their children were:
Ichabod, born April 2, 1781 ; Nancy, about 1783;
Alary, November, 1784; Susanna and Sarah (twins),
May I, 1786; Seabury, March 15, 1789; Elizabeth
(Betsey), March 10, 1791 ; and Esther, June 2,
1793-
(VII) Seabury Rogers, born in New London
March 15, 1789, married April 29, 1809. Elizabeth
(Betsey) Daniels, born April 1, 1795, daughter of
Franklin Daniels, of Groton, Conn. Mr. Rogers
died Aug. 15, 1821, and Mrs. Rogers passed awav
Aug. 18, 1874. Their children were: Elizabeth',
born Feb. 14, 1810, died Oct. 24, 1812; Franklin
Daniels, born Aug. 20, 1812, died July 18, 1864
(he married March 15, 1835, Julia A. Rogers) ;
President Merritt, born Dec. 12, 1814, is mentioned
below; Luke William, born April 22. 1817, died
Dec. 22, 1 89 1 ; Seabury F., born April 12, 1819,
married Oct. 17, 1841, Hannah Frances, daughter
of James and Sarah Wellman, of Farmington,
Maine, (he was in the ice business with his brothers
for a number of years, and is now living retired in
New London) ; and George Price, born Jan. 14,
1821. died Nov. 24, 1893, in New London.
(VIII) President Merritt Rogers, of New
London, was born Dec. 12, 1814. in New London,
and died July 26, 1894, his life of nearly fourscore
years being spent in his native place. His father
died when he was but a lad. and as a consequence
his early advantages for schooling were very meager,
hut by reading and studying he managed to tit him-
self to meet the problems that come in the course of
an active business life. When about fifteen years of
aere. he went on the water, which he followed for
some time, finally leaving that to learn the car-
penter's trade. A trade, however, was not to his
liking, and after a time he opened a grocery store
on the west side of Main street, near State street.
1 hre he also sold newspapers, being the first in
6;6
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
New London to handle newspapers as a commodity.
Later he drifted from the grocery business into the
wholesale and retail confectionery business, in which
he was very successful, and in the early fifties he
built the Rogers block, which still stands as a monu-
ment to his enterprise. This block is a large brown
stone building, and is still one of the substantial
business structures of the city of New London. For
over fifty years the brothers, President M. and
George P. Rogers, were associated in business, and
they were known throughout Connecticut as the
pioneer ice dealers of the State. Indeed, they were
among the first in the Union to engage in the ice
business. This was in about 1845, and tne Rogers
Ice Company, at the time of its dissolution, was
the oldest ice company in the country. Together
the brothers, as a firm, had formerly been heavy
dealers in confectionery, their many teams going
over Connecticut and other States, but this line they
abandoned soon after engaging in the ice business.
In early times they cut ice from the "Old Mill Pond,"
but after a few years it all came from Rock Reservoir,
where they had six houses, with a capacity of storing
upward of 7,500 tons. The business, though mostly
confined to New London, was a large one. After
the death of their father and uncle, the original
Rogers Bros., Benjamin F. and Albert W., sons of
President M. Rogers, entered into partnership and
assumed the management of the business, which
they continued for several years, finally selling the
property and discontinuing the business.
The Messrs. Rogers were men of sterling quali-
ties and pronounced convictions, but although
strongly, interested in all public questions they were
not men who aspired to public office. President M.
Rogers, though as rigid as was his brother in his
principles, always persistently refused to allow his
name to be used in connection with official prefer-
ment, and George P. Rogers, had he sacrificed prin-
ciples to ambition, would doubtless have had ten-
dered him high civic offices from the dominant
parties. The brothers early became interested in
the slave question, and they were ardent Abolition-
ists at a time when such sentiments were anything
but popular. The first vote of George P. Rogers
was cast in 1844, for James G. Birney, the anti-
slavery candidate for Presidenc of the United States.
President M. and George P. Rogers, were among
the organizers of the Republican party in New Lon-
don, in 1856, and acted with that party until the
slavery question was settled for all time. In the
meantime they had occupied seats in the city coun-
cil of New London. In later years they were
equally radical on the subject of temperance reform,
and from the formation of the Prohibition party un-
til they died, both were unflinching and unyielding
in their loyalty to its standard, contributing substan-
tially and liberally to the cause. George P. Rogers
attended every national convention of the party from
its organization until his death, and was its nominee
at one time for governor of the State of Connecticut.
The following incident of President M. Rogers
was once related by Hon. Augustus Brandegee, of
New London : "I was one morning in my office
when the late President M. Rogers, well known as
the leader of both Abolition and the Prohibition
movements in New London, rushed in to inform me
that an escaping slave had been found stowed in
the hold of a recently arrived North Carolina ves-
sel, and was there guarded by revenue officers at the
Custom house, and in process of being remanded to
his master. It is said that the touch of nature makes
the whole world kin, and Abolitionist and Free-
soiler at once started for the Custom house. The
late Judge Mather was collector of the port, and, I
think, also a commissioner of the United States
under the Fugitive Slave Act. We found the col-
lector, several officers of the United States cutter,
the captain of the vessel, upon which the stowaway
had secreted himself, and a poor, famished, fright-
ened negro. As we entered the captain was being
interrogated by the commissioner. Mr. Rogers was,
as we all remember, a tall, stalwart gentleman,
about six feet three inches, with a strong resemblance
to President Lincoln. He was in general a man of
peace, but when his blood was up he was a strong
backer and a bad customer to tackle. On the way
down he had told me to go ahead and he would back
me in whatever I did. I immediately stepped within
the rail and separated the parties from the crowd
which had gathered, and asked Judge Mather if he
was holding a court. His reply was to the effect that
he was looking to see what his powers were. I then
gave notice in a loud voice that by the laws of the
State of Connecticut any man who claimed another
to be a slave and could not prove it was guilty of a
crime; and if brought before me (and I was then
judge of the Police Court), I should not require
much evidence to find him guilty. At this, the crowd
which was fast increasing, shouted approval. Some
how or other the crowd is always on the side of the
under dog. Turning to the captive I told him to be
off, that no man claimed him, and opening the gate
I pushed him through, the crowd passed him from
one to another, and in a moment he disappeared.
And then ended the first, and so far as I know, the
only attempt ever made in Connecticut to enforce
the odious Fugitive Slave Law."
Both the Rogers brothers ranked among the lead-
ing and most influential residents of New London,
and were recognized as men of sterling integrity.
They had strong religious views, and for over sixty
years were actively identified with church matters.
They were genial and kindly in manner, and were
both remarkably well preserved for men of their
years. For many years George P. Rogers was pres-
ident of the Ice Dealers' Association of the State.
President M. Rogers was first married, Aug. 21,
1836, to Rebecca Hancock, of Stonington, Conn.,
who died July 9, 1862, the mother of the following
named children: (1) Benjamin F., born May 19,
1837, in New London, was associated with his fa-
'm*<
^m
v>
V J
ifl
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
<>-,7
ther and uncles in the confectioner) business until
1870, when he and his brother Charles II. took the
business, running- same about three years, under
the firm name of B. F. & C. 11. Rogers. They later
sold out, and Benjamin F. became identified with the
ice business, continuing in same until ( )ct. 17, 1899,
since which time he has been retired fnnu active
business. He married, Nov. 2$, 1870, Sarah Ayles-
worth, of New London, Conn., and has one son,
Philip. (2) Charles Henry, born Dec. 18, 1839,
was married in 1871 to Alice M. Haines, of Lowell,
Mass., and resides there; he has one daughter, Alice
R., who married George Lytle, of Lawrence, Massa-
chusetts.
For his second wife President M. Rogers mar-
ried, on Feb. 15, 1865, Emily (Allison) Edwards,
born in Haddam, Conn., Feb. 2, 1837, daughter of
William Pratt and Emily ( Miller j Allison, and
widow of Charles Edwards." One child blessed this
union, Albert William.
1 IX I Albert William Rogers was born Nov.
16, 1865, and his education was begun in the com-
mon schools of his native town, the instruction there
received being supplemented by a three years" course
at Wesleyan Academy, Wilbraham, Mass., in which
institution of learning he was a member of the class
that graduated in 1889. Returning home he en-
gaged in the ice business with his father and uncle
as foreman of the outside work pertaining to the
business, and after his father's death, he and his
brother, Benjamin F., and uncle, Seabury, con-
tinued the business until October, 1899, when it was
discontinued. Since then Mr. Rogers has been
kept busy attending to his property interests.
Mr. Rogers attends the Methodist Episcopal
Church of New London, of which his father was a
devout and consistent member, and to which de-
nomination his wife and mother also belong. In his
political views Mr. Rogers is a Prohibitionist, but
in town affairs casts his vote for the best man, in-
dependent of party considerations.
Mr. Rogers was married, Oct. 13, 1894, to Miss
Amanda Elizabeth Carlisle, who was born April 11,
1869, daughter of the late William Thomas and
Mary Augusta (Jeffrey) Carlisle, of Xew London.
JOHN HENRY LEE, a veteran of the Civil
war and a highly respected citizen of Jewett City,
was born June 25, 1837, i11 tne town of GriswTold,
New London county.
George Lee, his grandfather, was born probably
in the State of Massachusetts, and there he learned
the trade of shoemaker, which he followed in that
State and in Rhode Island, locating at Burrillville,
in the latter State, and there his death occurred.
John Lee, father of John Henry Lee, was born
in the vicinity of Uxbridge, Mass., but grew to man-
hood in Rhode Island, and became a mill operator at
Blackstone, Mass. Later he came to Connecticut,
and located in the town of Griswold. being employed
in the Slater mills at Hopeville for several years.
42
He then rented a small farm in the same town, and
spent the remainder of his life in agricultural pur-
suits. There he died, still in the prime of life, at
the age of forty-four years, and was buried in the
cemetery at Jewett City. In politics he was a Whig.
His life was fashioned after the teachings of the
Golden Ride, and he was respected and esteemed,
lie married (first) Lydia Louisa Lee, who died at
Oxbridge, Mass., an,) was interred there. He mar-
ried (second), in Griswold, Asia Tiffany, of a well-
known family of Jewett City, and to this union six
children were born: John Henry; George < >., who
died aged twenty-two years; Lydia Louisa, wife of
Henry Richmond of Norwich; Thomas E., of Jew-
ett City; Ellen T.. who died single; and Sarah V,
who resides at Jewett City. The mother of these
children lived to the age of eighty-eight years, and
died at her home in Jewett City, town of Griswold,
where her remains rest, beside those of her husband.
She was a pious and lovable woman, one who
bravely cared for her little family, and reared them
to respected maturity. She possessed strong traits
of character, was helpful to all who came within
her influence, and lived a life full of good deeds.
She attended the Congregational Church.
John Henry Lee was ten years of age when his
father died. His educational opportunities were
limited to the district schools of Griswold until the
age of thirteen, when it became necessary that he
should become an earning factor of the family. He
was willing and industrious, and soon secured em-
ployment in the different mills in and around Jewett
City, and was thus engaged until the opening of
the Civil war.
In September. 1861, Mr. Lee enlisted to serve
his country in Company F, 8th Conn. V. I., under
Col. Edward Harland and Capt. E. Y. Smith, and
remained in the service until Sept. 25, [864, being
honorably discharged with his company at Bermuda
Hundred, \'a. Mr. Lee took part in many of the
most serious battles of the great war and his regi-
ment was particularly conspicuous at Newbern, X.
C, March 14, 1862; siege of Fort Macon. April,
1862; Antietam. Md., September, 1862: Freder-
icksburg, Va., Dec. 13. 18(12: Fort Henry, Va.,
April [9, 1863; White Hall Junction, Va., May 7.
1864; Fort Darling. May 16, 1864; and Petersburg,
Va., April 25, 1864.
After returning from the war. covered with the
honor which a brave and patriotic soldier deserved,
he became overseer in the cloth shop of the Slater
mill, where he spent three and a half years. He
then engaged in clerking in the company store for
the same period, going then to Willimantic. where
he found employment with the Willimantic Linen
Company, remaining, however, but a short time,
and then accepted a better position with J. C. Per-
kins, candy manufacturer, of Norwich, becoming
a traveling salesman. He continued on the road
for seven and a half years, in the meantime
coxa-ring southern Xew England. He then returned
6;S
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
to Jewett City, and became overseer in the Slater
mills, remaining seven years, taking np the business
of painting at its close, and following the same for
five years. Since that time Mr. Lee has filled the
position of superintendent of the Jewett City cem-
etery.
On Oct. 10, 1858, Mr. Lee was married in
Norwich to Jane Ann Horton, born in Windham.
She died at Jewett City July 1, 1 861, aged twenty-
two years, and was laid to rest in the cemetery
there. To this union came one child, Homer L.,
who resides at Fall River, Mass., and has one son,
George. Mr. Lee married (second), Feb. 17, 1868,
Sarah W. Tate, who was born at Windham, daugh-
ter of William Tate. Xo children have been born to
this union.
Mr. Lee is a stanch Republican, but has never
accepted public office. He is a member of Sedg-
wick Post, G. A. R., of Norwich, and of the Army
and Navy Club of Connecticut. He has long been
prominent in Masonry, is the oldest member of
Mount Vernon Lodge. No. 75, of Jewett City,
being raised to Master Mason on April 7, 1871 ;
he joined Franklin Chapter, No. 4, R. A. M., May
13, 1879 > Franklin Council, No. 3, R. & S. M.,
Sept. 4, 1879 ; and Columbia Commandery, No. 4,
K. T.. of Norwich. Nov. 14, 1879. He also belongs
to the Masonic Veteran Association. Mr. Lee is
a prominent and representative citizen, one who has
proved his good citizenship, and who enjoys the
respect and esteem of all who know him.
GRISWOLD. The Griswold family has been
one of prominence in Lyme from its earliest settle-
ment, representatives of the family in every gen-
eration being among the most honored citizens of
the town, county and State.
( I ) George Griswold was born in England, and
his birth is recorded in the Solihull registry, April
23- 1548.
(Ill His son. Matthew Griswold. was born in
1597. and with his brother Edward came to America
in 1639. He located first at Windsor, then went to
Saybrook, and was the pioneer in the movement
from Saybrook to Lyme. As one of the proprietors
of the colony, he received a grant of land from Col.
Fenwick in 1639, extending eastwardly along Long
Island Sound for about eight miles. The portion
where his home was built, he called Black Hall.
He passed the remainder of his life in Lyme, dying
in 1698. His wife Anna, daughter of Henry Wol-
cott. died in 1693.
Matthew Griswold was a typical Englishman —
hardy, venturesome, energetic — and with all of an
Englishman's hunger for land, the number of a
man's acres in England being supposed to be the
measure of his respectability. To Matthew and
Anna ( Wolcott) Griswold were born the following
children: (1) Elizabeth, born in 1652, who mar-
ried (first) John Rogers, (second) Peter Pratt, and
(third) Matthew Beckwith; (2) Matthew (2), born
in 1653, who married (first) Phebe Hyde, and (sec-
ond) Mary DeWolf Lee; (3) John, who died with-
out heirs; (4) Sarah, born in 1655, who married
Thomas Colton ; and (5) Anna, born in 1656, who
married Lieutenant Abraham Brownson, the latter
being buried at Old Savbrook.
(III) Matthew Griswold (2) lived at Black Hall,
and was prominent in public life as Deputy and com-
missioner. He was a man of great size and strength,
and was the champion selected by the citizens of
Lyme to determine the boundaries between New
London and Lyme in a personal encounter which
was decided in favor of Lyme. He married (first)
Phebe Hyde, and (second) Mary DeWolf Lee, and
died in 17 15. He was the father of eleven children,
as follows: (1) Phebe, born Aug. 15, 1684, died in
1702; (2) Elizabeth, born Nov. 19, 1685, died in
1704; (3) Sarah, born May 19, 1687, died in 1706;
(4) Matthew, born Sept. 15, 1688, died in April,
1712. (5) John, born December 22, 1690, died
1111764; (6) Rev. George, born Aug. 13, 1692,
died Oct. 14, 1761 ; (7) Mary, born April
22, 1694, married Edmund Dorr, and died
February 21, 1776; (8) Deborah, born in
1696, married Col. Robert Denison, and died in
173°'> (9) Samuel, born in December, 1697,
died June 10, 1727; (10) Patience, born in 1698,
married John Denison, and died Nov. 8, 1776; and
(11) Thomas, born in February, 1700, died July
27, 1716.
(IV) Judge John Griswold, son of Matthew (2)
of Black Hall, was born Dec. 22, 1690, and died in
1764. He married Hannah Lee, who was born Feb.
25, 1695, and they had the following children: (1)
Matthew, born March 25, 1714, married Ursula
Wolcott, and died April 28, 1799; (2) Phebe, born
April 22, 1 7 16, married Rev. Jonathan Parsons, and
died Dec. 26, 1770; (3) Thomas, born Feb. 15,
1719, married Susannah Lynde, and died July 16,
1770: (4) Hannah, born Jan. 10, 1724, married
Benaja Bushnell, and died Aug. 16, 1772; (5) Lucia,
born July 6, 1726, married Elijah Backus, and died
Dec. 16, 1795; (6) Sarah, born Dec. 2, 1728, mar-
ried Judge Win. Hillhouse, and died March 10, 1777;
(7) Clarissa, born May 30, 1731, died young; (8)
Clarissa (2), born Feb. 9, 1733, married Nathan
Elliott, and died Feb. 11, 1811; (9) Deborah, born
March 1. 1735, married Capt. Matthew Jewett, and
died May 16, 181 1; (10) John, born May 15, 1739,
died young; and (11) Lydia, born in June, 1742,
married Samuel Lowden, and died some time later
than 1770.
(V) Gov. Matthew Griswold, who wras born
March 25, 1714, married, Nov. 10, 1743, Ursula,
daughter of Gov. Roger and Sarah (Drake) Wol- .
cott, of Windsor. With no special educational ad-
vantages, but by dint of hard work, he became a
lawyer, and in 1779 received the degree of LL. D.
from Yale. He was a member of the Colonial As-
sembly for many years, and for nearly thirty years
was counsellor for the Colony and State. The very
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
^59
efficient Council of Safety formed in 1775 to aid
the ( iovernor through the struggles of the Revolution
was headed by him from the first. He became a
judge in the Superior Court, Chief Justice of the
State. Lieutenant Governor and Governor. He was
president of the State Convention which met in
[788 to adopt the Constitution of the United States.
His wife died April 5, 1788; her father, brother,
husband, son and nephew were successive governors
of the State of Connecticut. Gov. [Matthew Gris-
wold made his home at Black Hall, the old family
residence, and died April 28, 1799. His children
were as follows: (1) John, born Feb. 20, 1752,
married Sarah Johnson; (2) Matthew, born April
17. 1760, who graduated from Yale in 1780, and
married Lydia Ely, was a member of the Council,
and judge of the county court; (3) Gov. Roger,
born May 21, 1762, married Fanny Rogers; (4)
Ursula, born Nov. 18, 1744, died Feb. 14, 1745 ;
< 5 Hannah, born May 22, 1746, died Dec. 15,
1755: (6) Marian, born April 17, 1750, married
(first) Charles C. Chandler, (second) Ebenezer
Lane, and (third) Justin Ely; and (7) Ursula, born
April 13, 1754, married Lynde McCurdy.
(V) Ensign Thomas Griswold, who was born
Feb. 15. 1 7 19, and died July 16, 1770, married
Susannah, daughter of Nathaniel Lynde, Jr., of
Saybrook. Their children were as follows : ( 1 )
Lucy, who married Major Richard Wait ; (2)
Louisa, who married Lee Lay; (3) Lois, who mar-
ried Capt. Samuel Mather, and was the great-grand-
mother of the late Richard Sill Griswold, of Old
Lyme ; (4) James, who married Dorothy C.
Chandler; (5) Elijah, who married Lucretia H.
Tracy; and (6) Lucy, who married Dudley 'Wood-
bridge.
(VI) Gov. Roger Griswold, who was born May
21, 1762, graduated from Yale in 1780, with the de-
gree of LL. D. On Oct. 27, 1788, he married
Fanny, daughter of Col. Zabdial and Elizabeth
(Tracy) Rogers, of Norwich. He had settled in Nor-
wich in 1783. and lived there until he was elected
to Congress in 1794, when he moved to Black Hall, in
Lyme. He was a member of Congress for ten
years, and in 1801 received the appointment as
Secretary of War, an honor which he declined. He
was a judge of the Superior Court, and became
Lieutenant Governor and Governor, of Connecticut.
His death occurred in Norwich Oct. 25, 1812, and
he was buried at Black Hall. His wife survived him
until Dec. 26, 1863, when she died in Lyme. They
were the parents of ten children ; Augustus Henry,
Charles Chandler, Matthew. Roger Wolcott, Will-
iam Frederick, Robert Harper, James, Frances Ann.
Eliza W. and Marian.
Augustus Henry Griswold, eldest child of Gov.
Roger, was born at Norwich. Oct. 27, 1789. He
was a ship-master, and died Dec. 30, 1836. On
Aug. 12, T820, he married Elizabeth Lansdale, who
passed away March 12, 1847. Their children were
as follows: Mary Sophia; and Roger, born Dec.
13, 1824. who married Jan. 1. [856, Julia A., daugh-
ter of Joshua and Eunice (Crane) Wells, and had
three children, Henry Augustus (deceased), and
Edward and Lillian, both living in Black Hall.
Charles Chandler < iriswold, second child of Gov.
Roger, born Feb. 8, 1791. graduated from Yale in
1808, and became a lawyer. He married, Nov. 14,
1820, Ellen Elizabeth Perkins, who was born May
25, 1799. daughter of Judge Elia- and Lucretia
Shaw (Woodbridge) Perkins. The following
children were born to this union: (1) Fanny Rog-
ers, born March 5, 1822, married (first) Sept. 1,
1842, Shubal F. Bartlett, who died in California in
1850. Their three children were as follows: Ellen,
born March 6, 1844. died in June of the same year;
Adeline married H. S. Allen, and became the
mother of Lucy Eleanor, and Jane Perkins (the
latter married June 8, 1897, Herbert C. Wells, and
has two children, Eleanor Adelaide and Louisa Gris-
wold) ; Charles G., was born Dec. 25, 1848. Fanny
Rogers Griswold married (second) Daniel Bartlett,
brother of Shubal F., by whom she had three chil-
dren, as follows : Kate Elizabeth ; Joseph, born Feb.
20, 1862, died July 16, 1862; and Robert H., born
Nov. 24, 1864. (2) Ellen Lucretia. (3) Oliver
Perkins. (4) James. '(5) William. (6) Joseph
Perkins. (7) Charles Henry. (8) John was a
captain of volunteers in the late Civil war, and was
killed in the battle of Antietam.
Matthew Griswold, the third child of Gov.
Roger, was born Sept. 13, 1792, at Norwich. He
studied medicine in his native town, but after his
father's death he came to Lyme, and settled on the
homestead at Black Hall. On July 5, 1827, he
married his fourth cousin, Phebe Hubbard Ely, who
was horn at Lyme, July 17, 1804, second daughter of
Col. Seth and Lydia (Marvin) Ely and died Nov.
26, 1904. He died Aug. 17, 1879. His children
were: (i) Phebe Hubbard, died in infancy. (2)
Catherine, born Sept. 22, 1829, died Jan. 8. 1889.
(3) Lydia Maria, married Feb. 28. 1855. John C.
Selden, a merchant of Erie, Pa., by whom she had
two children. Marian Griswold (who died in child-
hood), and Grace Card (who married, Jan. 12, 1893,
Lieut. Commander Frederic Lincoln Chapin, by
whom she has two children. Lydia Selden and
Selden). (4) Matthew, horn June 6, 1833. married
(first) Sarah Lucy Olmstead, by whom he had two
children, Matthew (who married Jessie G. Black,
and has four children, Matthew. William Black,
Roger Wolcott and a daughter) and Marvin Elihu
(who married Leila Lee, and has a son. Lee). He
married (second) Anna Schenck. by whom he has
five children. William Edward Schenck. Roger Wol-
cott, Ely, Dwight Torrey and Jennie Whittemore
Matthew (Iriswold is a resident of Erie, Pa., where
he is a manufacturer. Lie was a member of the
Connecticut Legislature for two terms, and was a
member of the 53d and 55th Congresses from the
26th District of Pennsylvania. (5) Marian. (6)
Phebe Marvin. (7) Ellen Elizabeth. (8) Elizabeth.
66o
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
(9) Fanny Rogers, married Horace T. Ely, of New
York City, a prominent real estate dealer, and had
these children : Fanny Griswold, Horace G., Marian,
Wolcott G. and Matthew G.
WILLIAM WARREN PALMER, residing at
Chestnut Hill, in the town of Lebanon, is one of the
most enterprising and successful citizens of the
locality. The Palmer family is an old one in Rhode
Island, the grandfather of our subject, Ziba Palmer,
having been a resident of Middletown, that State, in
early life, becoming the owner of a farm and a
grist mill, the latter conducted by his sons. Later
in life he removed to Newport where he made his
home until his death, which was caused by the
improper treatment of a sore upon his finger. He
married Hannah Eldredge, who survived him and
died at the home of her daughter, Mrs. Allen, of
Colchester, Conn. The children of their family
were : Harry married Sarah Packham, was a
farmer, and died in Narragansett, R. I. ; Warren
William is mentioned below ; John C. married Lou-
isa Brown, resided in early life in different places in
Rhode Island and later located in Norwich, Conn.,
where he was engaged in the wholesale business for
a number of years, and upon settling in Paxton,
Neb., he became a large ranchman and established
a bank there, becoming the wealthiest man in the
place, where he died and left numerous descendants ;
Elvira married Rowland Allen, and died in Col-
chester.
Warren William Palmer, father of William
Warren Palmer, was born in Middletown, R. I.,
and his early life was spent there. He received
only a common-school education and was brought
up on the farm, remaining there until 1855, when
he came to Lebanon, Conn., and purchased the Bliss
place in Exeter Society. The farm was a small one,
but contained considerable woodland. He improved
the land and got out firewood, and burned consider-
able charcoal. For about twenty years he made
his home there and then traded "this farm for an-
other in the town, on which he resided for a year.
He then sold it and bought of Peleg Congdon the
stone gristmill at Chestnut Hill, he being the third
owner from Capt. Stowell, who built it in 1829.
Mr. Palmer was engaged in farming and gristmill -
ing there for a number of years, when he was suc-
ceeded by his son, and he went to Paxton, Neb.,
investing in property, intending to make that place
his home ; but he met with financial reverses and
returned to Lebanon. Soon thereafter he failed in
health, and he died Jan. 6, 1892, when he was seven-
ty-seven years of age. At Liberty Hill his remains
were tenderly interred. In politics he was a stanch
Democrat. While still living in Rhode Island he
united with the Congregational Church, and trans-
ferred his membership to the church of that denomi-
nation in Exeter. In Lebanon, Conn., he married
Esther R. Miller, a native of Lebanon, and daugh-
ter of Caleb Miller, of that place, a prominent
farmer. Mrs. Palmer passed away in 1869, the
mother of two children : Josephine A., who married
Abner Brown and resides in the State of Washing-
ton ; and William Warren. The father subsequently
married Mrs. Celia A. Wood, who survives him,,
and she bore him one child, Nettie W., who died in
infancy.
William W. Palmer was born Feb. 15, 1859, in
Lebanon, and Avas educated in the district schools,,
which he attended until eighteen years of age. As
a boy he assisted his father in the mill and upon the
farm. When he became a young man he worked
as a farm laborer until his marriage, when he began
housekeeping in the house opposite the one he now
occupies. He took charge of the mill and operated it
as rented property for a time, and later came into
possession of the mill and a farm of thirty-nine acres,
by purchase, and has since conducted both very
successfully. In addition he handles coal, and has-
built up a good business in all these lines by his
honesty, straightforwardness and pleasant manner.
His present barn and storehouse were built by him,
and he remodeled the house, so that he now has
excellent buildings.
Mr. Palmer first married Cora H. Storrs, the
adopted daughter of Mrs. Lydia H. Storrs, of
Mansfield, Conn., and she died Dec. 7, 1895, aged
thirty years, leaving two children : Helena Inez
graduated from the Willimantic high school in the
class of 1902, and for one year taught school ; she is-
now the wife of Gurdon T. Chapped, of Chestnut
Hill. Wallace Warren resides at home. For his
second wife Mr. Palmer married Sophia J. Thomp-
son, of Columbia, Conn., daughter of Addison F.
Thompson, and they have one child, Robert Ad-
dison.
Mr. Palmer was a Democrat until 1896, when
he became a Republican, although in local affairs
he believes in voting for the best man. He has never
aspired to official position, and has declined many
offers of nomination, although he has held a few
of the minor town offices. Fraternally he is a mem-
ber of Lebanon Lodge, No. 23, A. O. U. W., and the
American Order of Fraternal Helpers. Mr. Palmer,
his wife and daughter and eldest son are consistent
members of the Baptist Church, and he is one of
the trustees. Being a hardworking man, Mr. Palmer
is very much occupied with business affairs, and is
highly respected as a good citizen, kind neighbor
and friend, and a self-made man in the full sense
of the word.
DR. DAVID PALMER FRANCIS, one of the
foremost physicians of Connecticut, was born Jan-
uary 22, 1823, at Griswold. Conn., and died April
4, 1883. His paternal ancestry is traced to Richard
Francis, who settled in Cambridge, Mass., in 1636,
and from him through an unbroken succession of
Johns. On his mother's side Dr. Francis was a
lineal descendant of Walter Palmer, who came to
this country in 1629, from Nottinghamshire, Eng-
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
66 1
land, and with ten others founded the colony at
Charlestown, Mass. ; he removed to Rehohoth,
Mass.. in 1643, and in 1653 was one of the founders
of Stonington, Connecticut.
While still a hoy Dr. Francis discovered that his
fortune and reputation must be won by his own
efforts, as his father, John Francis, though a leading
man in his section, was too heavily burdened by the
needs of a large family to help him beyond the ad-
vantages of a common school education. The family
was of French extraction, and the Doctor had in-
herited the hopefulness of his race, mingled with
enough of the Puritan element to make his determi-
nant n firm and unyielding. He resolved to follow
the profession of medicine, and, to accumulate the
means that would enable him to study properly,
began teaching school at the age of sixteen. His
first professional studies were carried on in the
■office of Dr. Joseph Palmer, of Canterbury, Conn.,
and having there obtained a good foundation for
his later studies, he entered the Berkshire Medical
College at Pittsfield, Mass., in 1842, graduating in
1845. He was forced to teach school during vaca-
tions to obtain the means to carry on his college
course, and after graduating, settled in Xew Lon-
don, with no capital save a few books he had been
able to purchase, his professional knowledge, and
the sum of fifty cents.
Dr. Francis made New London his home for
the balance of his life, built up an enviable reputa-
tion for his skill as a practitioner and amassed a
fortune. Dr. Francis was a thorough student, feel-
ing that to keep abreast of his profession he must
have a catholicity of thought that would allow him
to examine and use all beneficial discoveries. By his
skill and energy he became a leading member of the
medical fraternity.
In June, 1852. Dr. Francis married Miss Nancy
W. Pinkham, daughter of Capt. Nathaniel Pink-
ham, of Boothboy, Maine. She died in September,
1855. and after her death the Doctor determined to
visit Europe and there obtain a broader knowledge
■of the calling he had chosen. He studied in London
and Paris, frequenting the hospitals and attending in
London the lectures of Profs. Fergusson, Ericson
and Bowman, and in Paris those of Profs. Netalon
and Yelpeau. Returning with increased knowledge
and skill, his ability and thoroughness were soon
widely known and acknowledged, and were re-
warded by a position that plainly indicated his use-
fulness. Generous in the matter of his services, as
prompt to answer the call of those from whom no
pecuniary reward could come as that of the wealth-
iest man. keeping thoroughly informed regarding all
matters pertaining to his profession, and calling to
his aid its most advanced thought, his career
was an eminently successful one, and he demon-
strated what determination and study can do, and
filled an honored and representative position.
In November, 1864, Dr. Francis was 'married to
Ins second wife, Miss Carrie C. Hull, of Xew York
City, who survives him. No children were born to
them.
Dr. Francis was one of the charter members of
the celebrated Putnam Phalanx, of Hartford, and
several years ago that organization honored the
Doctor by visiting the city of Xew London. His
early religious training made him cling to the Con-
gregational Church, though his mind was too broad
to be warped or hampered by the ruling of any
creed. In politics he was a Democrat of the old,
honest and stable Jacksonian type. As his liberal
thought had made him adjure the sway of creeds, so
had it kept him from being bound by such medical
theories, as to him seemed stultifying and void of
help ; he therefore made use of all truths and scien-
tific discoveries bearing on his profession, his prac-
tice being broad in the use of theories and ideas,
and fully in accord with the advance and learning of
the century.
ERNEST ERASTUS CARRIER, one of the
prominent agriculturists of Colchester, residing on
his fine farm of 150 acres near North Westchester,
belongs through honorable descent to one of the old
established families of his section. Members of the
family have been for generations quiet, industrious
and thrifty people. In religious affairs they have
ever been active, this being true of the present gen-
eration as much as of those gone before.
The Carrier family is of Welsh origin, tracing
its lineage back to one Thomas Carrier, who was
born in Wales about the year 1629, possibly a few
years earlier. He was a man of unusual height —
tradition says he stood seven feet, four inches, with
other physical proportions correspondingly developed
and belonged to the bodyguard of King Charles I,
of England, who it is said appointed him royal
executioner. In 1677 he brought his family to
America, landing on these shores Dec. 4th. of that
vear. The following: is taken from a written rec-
ord collected by the late Titus Carrier, of Norwich :
"The first settlers of the town of Colchester were
much annoyed by Owancus and Joshua, the Mohe-
gan chiefs, the sons of the great Warrior Uncas,
and from the Masons and many others, who claimed
large tracts of land within the grant by virtue of
titles and grants obtained from the heirs of the Great
Mohegan Sachem Uncas. Whereupon the general
court holden at Hartford Oct. 13. 1698, upon a
petition of divers of the inhabitants of the county
of Hartford, granted liberty for a plantation at or
near the place called Jeremiah Farm, upon the Xew
London Road, and a committee were appointed to
lay out the township, beginning at the north bound
of Twenty Mile river southward to a river called
Deep river and eastward, from the bounds of liad-
dam seven miles. The general court at subsequently
times confirmed this layout. The general court or
assembly holden at Hartford Oct. 13. hmm. in the
behalf of the new plantation called it Colchester and
should belong to county of Xew London. The
662
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
affairs of the township were in an unsettled condi-
tion until 1702 as will appear from record kept by
Ephraim Little, second Congregational minister of
that place. From that date settlers came in and took
up land ; among the number was Thomas Carrier
and his two sons Richard and Andrew from An-
dover, Mass. Thomas Carrier was called the Tall
Man, being seven feet, four inches and by tradition
the oldest inhabitants speak of him as such to this
date (1874). He was a Welchman by birth. Of his
early life we have no knowledge. At sixty-six years
of age [by Historical record of Massachusetts] we
find him and his wife Martha (Allen) at Andover,
Mass., where she was executed as a witch in 1692,
as by said Record [page 163]. He and his two sons,
Richard and Andrew, moved to Colchester, Conn.,
about 1702. He was notorious for fleetness of foot,
even after he was more than one hundred years old.
He had belonged to the bodyguard of King Charles
I of Great Britain. It is said he killed the King of
England. If so, he must have been the executioner
of King Charles I in 1649, at which time he was
about twenty-three years of age. Settled first in
Billerica, Mass., and afterwards moved to Andover,
Mass." '
The oath of fidelity was administered to Thomas
Carrier at Billerica in 1679. [See History of Bil-
lerica, pp. 191 and 193.] About this time there was
great excitement on account of witchcraft, and
Martha (Allen), wife of Thomas Carrier, was ar-
rested for being accessory to the delusion, and tried
by law for bewitching certain persons, and sen-
tenced to be hung, which sentence was carried out
in 1692, at Salem, Mass. Thomas and Martha (Al-
len) Carrier had three sons, Thomas, Andrew and
Richard, and during the period between 1679 and
1702 the father and three sons moved to Andover,
Mass., as the record shows them at Andover, March
8, 1702. [Abbot's History of Andover, page 202.]
Between that date and Jan. 21, 1703, they moved
with their families to Colchester, Conn., as the
records show. There Thomas Carrier, the father,
died after rounding out 109 years.
Andrew Carrier, second son of Thomas and
Martha (Allen) Carrier, was born in 1676, and was
married to Mary Adams in 1704. They had five
children. He died July 23, 1749. She died Nov.
16, 1734. Their eldest son,
Andrew Carrier, Jr., was married to Ruth
Adams, and had one son. After her death he mar-
ried Rebecca Bidwell, and they had five children.
Their third child, Samuel, was born Jan. 6, 1739.
Samuel Carrier, son of Andrew, Jr., was married
Dec. 16, 1765, to Rebecca Sears, of Haddam, Conn.
He died April 29, 181 1. She died April 6, 1814.
They had eight children. It is believed that Samuel
Carrier was quartermaster general in the Revolu-
tionary army. At one time he went to Massachu-
setts on horseback with pay in silver for the soldiers,
and carried it in his saddle-bags. Being obliged to
stop one night at a tavern to avoid suspicion he
threw his saddlebags and saddle into the woodshed,,
on the wood pile. In the morning he proceeded on
his way unmolested. At another time he with a
company of soldiers went to Alarlboro, Conn., and
routed a company of guerrillas who were located in
a cave in what is known as Dark Hollow, ana were
terrorizing the inhabitants by their actions, stealing
whatever they could find.
Andrew Carrier, third child of Samuel and
grandfather of Ernest E., was born Dec. 8, 1769,.
in the town of Colchester, and, with the exception
of a few years' residence at Millington, in the town
of East Haddam, spent his life in his native town.
Upon his return from Millington, in 1820, he set-
tled on the farm now occupied by Ernest E. Carrier,,
and in 1835 erected the stone house now standing,,
the stone being quarried on his own farm. As a
farmer he was very successful, and as a man he was
highly respected. His death took place Feb. 15,.
1847, and he was buried in the cemetery at North
Westchester. He was a regular attendant at the
Westchester Congregational Church, and was liberal
in his support of the same. In politics he was a
Whig.
Andrew Carrier was married (first) Feb. 24,
1792, to Phebe Wickwire, who died leaving one-
child, Minerva, born Sept. n, 1803, who died un-
married at the age of forty-nine years. Andrew
Carrier married for his second wife Anna Gillet, born
in Colchester, April 5, 1781, daughter of Aaron and
Anna (Pratt) Gillet, and the children of this union
were: Phebe Ann, born March 5, 1815. was mar-
ried Jan. 22, 1837, to Leander Holdredge, and re-
sided in Waterford, Conn., where she died Jan. 16,
1890. Andrew Ely, born July 2, 1816, was mar-
ried May 11, 1842, to Mary A. Marks, was a farmer
and resided on a part of his father's original farm
and died May 9, 1884. Erastus and Electa, twins,
were born May 2, 1818 ; the former was the father of
our subject and the latter was. married Feb. 9. 1840,.
to Austin Haling, and resided in South Manchester,
Conn., where she died Feb. 25, 1901. Mary, born
March 25, 1820, is unmarried and resides at Col-
chester. Mercy, born June 26, 1822, is unmarried
and resides with her sister Mary. Samuel, born
Dec. 6, 1824, died at the age of two years. The
mother of these children, after the death of Mr.
Carrier, married Elijah Gillet, a relative, whom she
survived a number of years, and she was still active
and well preserved at the time of decease, June 14,
1872, in her ninety-second year. Early in life she
had united with the Colchester Congregational
Church, and after her marriage transferred to the
Westchester Church, of which she was a member
for more than fifty years.
Erastus Carrier was born at Millington. in the
town of East Haddam, and was about two years old
when his parents removed to Westchester, to the
farm now known as "Pine Brook farm," where he
spent the rest of his life. His education had been
the best the local schools afforded, he and a neigh-
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
663
bor who went with crutches walking four miles to
attend the famous Bacon Academy. For several
winters he taught school, and he also worked in
the stone quarries near the Connecticut river, as
did many of the young men of that time and locality.
He assisted in the conduct of the home farm when
not otherwise employed until 1838, when he went to
Summerville, Jefferson Co., Pa., making the entire
journey on foot, a distance of about 500 miles. Two
years later he purchased a horse, built himself a
sleigh and drove home over the path he had pre-
viously walked, taking two more days to make the
journey back than the trip out had required. After
his return home he and his brother Andrew assumed
the management of the farm, which after the death
of his parents was divided, Erastus retaining the
portion on which the house was located. It neces-
sitated his going heavily into debt, but he paid it off,
cleared the farm of rocks and bushes, and built many
stone walls. He was a successful farmer. A very
hard-wrorking man, he was particularly interested
in his agricultural operations until the effects of
age caused him to give up active labor. Until about
the last year of his life, when his eyesight failed on
account of a cataract, he was in as good health
as any one of his age could expect to be. His death
occurred Sept. 4, 1903, as the result of a paralytic
shock, and he was buried in the cemetery at North
Westchester.
Politically Erastus Carrier was a Republican and,
while he never sought public office, he consented to
fill a few of the minor town offices, his excellent
judgment and knowledge of law making him a very
excellent official. He was one of the leading and
most active members of the Westchester Congre-
gational Church. An obituary which we are per-
mitted to copy in part, written by a lifelong friend,
said :
"The church mourns to-day because the fa-
ther of our church has been called to the church
above. The Sunday-school is a mourner for its
oldest member, who 'is not,' for God has taken him.
The community sorrows, for a worthy citizen, a
kind neighbor and friend has passed away. He
united with the church in Westchester July 8, 1838,
having thus been identified with the church for more
than sixty-five years. Faithful in attendance upon
its services, he was found in his place in the house
of worship and neither storm nor drifted snow often
prevented. For many years he was superintendent
and a teacher in the Sunday-school. He loved the
Word of God, and when failing sight forbade its
perusal he was wont to read from a chart passages
of the Word, in large letters, telling the writer at
one time that memory perhaps aided him as much
as the chart. He is gone, but his memory will be
cherished many years and his influence will be felt
in this community for the years to come. He rests
from his labors and his works follow him."
On Feb. 9, 1843, Mr. Carrier was married to
Nancy M. Gillette, a native of Colchester, daugh-
ter of Samuel and Abby (Lord) Gillette. She died
Feb. 2, 1899, aged seventy-six years. Their chil-
dren were as follows: a daughter, born Feb. 16,
1845, died the same day. Nancy Fidelia, horn April
6, 1846, married Aug. 12, 1874, Charles W. Porter,
of East Hartford, Conn., and died there April iS,
1904. Calista Abby, born April 15, 1848. married
Sept. 17, 1887, Asa Bigelow, a native of Colchester
and they resided at Portland, Ore. ; he died April 17,
1891, after which his widow moved to Middletown,
Conn., where she now resides. Frances Elizabeth,
born Dec. 8, 1849, married Alphonso A. Hills, Nov.
15, 1870, and they reside at East Hampton, Conn.
Louisa Matilda, born July 8, 185 1, died March 17,
1852. Mary Ella, born Feb. 21, 1853, married Dr.
Albert W. Bell, and resided in Moodus. where he
died, and she removed to Harrison, N. Y. Ida .Be-
linda, born Sept. 23, 1854, married Charles H. Bell
March 6, 1884, and they reside at Harrison, N. Y.
Ernest Erastus was born July 12, 1861.
Deacon Ernest Erastus Carrier was born in the
stone house he still occupies. He received his edu-
cation in the district school and subsequently enjoyed
one term at the South School at Hartford and one
term at Glastonbury Academy. He was reared on
the farm and remained assisting his father until
1890, when he took complete possession of it. Since
then he has very successfully managed it, and car-
ries on general farming and dairying, making some-
thing of a feature of the latter industry, keeping
some fifteen cows, and finding a ready sale to regular
patrons at Middletown, who are glad to engage his
products above the regular market prices on account
of their superior excellence.
On June 12, 1890, Mr. Carrier was united in mar-
riage with Elizabeth Storrs Gillette, born in Col-
chester, daughter of Deacon Russel and Martha
Salinda (Storrs) Gillette. Deacon Gillette was one
of the prominent and influential citizens of Col-
chester and his wife was a sister of the lamented
Dr. Melanchton Storrs, of Hartford. Both Mr.
Carrier and wife are charter members of the Col-
chester Grange. In politics he is a Republican, and
he has served as a member of the board of relief.
Mr. Carrier united with the Westchester Church
Nov. 6, 1 88 1, and was chosen a deacon in 1891. He
is also treasurer of the church and collector for the
Ecclesiastical Society. In January, 1874, Mrs. Car-
rier united with the Congregational Church at Col-
chester, and on May 4, 1894, transferred to the West-
chester Church. Deacon Carrier and his wife are
among the leading members and workers in the
church. They are held in high esteem by all who
know them.
ELIJAH H. ABEL, who died at his home on
Bashan Hill, in the town of Bozrah, was one of that
town's esteemed and substantial citizens. lie was
a descendant of Caleb Abel (or Abell). who was
an early settler of Norwich. and who has a numerous
posterity in New London county.
664
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
Simeon Abel, his grandfather, was born July 3,
1736, and resided on the farm near Fitchville now
occupied by E. Judson Miner. This place was in
the possession of the Abel family for many years,
until it was disposed of to Asa Fitch. Simeon Abel
died Feb. 12, 181 3. He married Martha Crocker,
who died Feb. 17, 1813, aged seventy-two, and their
children were: (1) Simeon, born April 25, 1767,
was a resident of Bozrah, and for many years deacon
of the Bozrah Congregational Church. (2) Martha,
born July 24, 1769, married Ishmael Spicer. (3)
Elijah was born March 18, 1771. (4) Hannah,
born April 15, 1773, married Phillip Bill. (5)
Rhoda, born June 24, 1780, married Gardner Avery.
(6) Sybil, born Oct. 25, 1784, never married.
Elijah Abel, father of Elijah H., was a farmer,
and followed that occupation all his life on the farm
mentioned above, being quite successful and be-
coming well-to-do. There he died, and he was
buried in the cemetery at Bozrah. He was a Demo-
crat, and a prominent man in town affairs. Mr.
Abel first married Mindwell Hosford, of Marlbor-
ough, Conn., born Oct. 8, 1782, and died April 9,
1827. His second wife was Mary Tibbets, of New
London, who survived him. His children, all by the
first marriage, were as follows: (1) Elijah Hos-
ford was born July 19, 181 5. (2) Charlotte, born
Nov. 8, 18 16, married Andrew J. Hough, and re-
sided in Bozrah. (3) George, born April 4, 1821,
died in infancy. (4) Simeon, born Oct. 29, 1822,
married Fanny E. Stark. He was one of the lead-
ing and most prominent citizens of Bozrah.
Elijah H. Abel was born July 19, 181 5, in Boz-
rah, and received a district school education, im-
proving his opportunities while they lasted. He and
his brother Simeon conducted the home farm to-
gether until the latter married, when Elijah dis-
posed of his interest in the place, continuing, how-
ever, to reside with the brother. Elijah H. Abel
could adapt himself to almost any kind of work.
He was fond of nursery work, was an expert at tree
grafting, etc., and sold a great deal of nursery stock.
He resided with his brother until 1865, when he was
married, and in 1868, he removed to the Joseph
Bailey farm on Bashan Hill, which he had purchased,
and there he resided until his death, which occurred
Jan. 22, 1882. He died very suddenly of heart
failure, and was buried in the Bozrah cemetery.
Mr. Abel was first a Whig, later a Republican,
and during the days of the Know Nothing party
united with same. He never sought political
office, but was called upon to hold some of the town
offices, including that of selectman. He was a good
mathematician and made a good auditor. He was a
constant reader, a man of splendid judgment and
was so well versed in the minor points of the law,
that his advice was often sought in business mat-
ters.
( )n Nov. 15, 1865, Mr. Abel was married to Mary
Stark, born June 23, 1840, in Bozrah, daughter of
Lathrop and Fanny A. (Saxton) Stark, and to this
union were born the following named children : ( 1)
Elijah Stark, born Feb. 2, 1868, was married Oct.
10, 1889, to Amorette Avery, of Lebanon, daughter
of Isaac G. Avery, a well known citizen of that town,
and six children have come to this union : Ethel
Louise, born Jan. 21, 1891 ; Mildred Amorette, May
4, 1893; Lawrence Isaac, and Lloyd Elijah (twins),
Feb. 18, 1895 ; Alfred Lewis, Oct. 30, 1898 ; Theo-
dore Stark, Aug. 8, 1902. Elijah S. Abel is a farmer
on the homestead. (2) Edward Everett, born May
20, 1870, married Carrie A. Gager Jan. 7, 1891,' and
they have one child, Lulu Frances, born Nov. 2,
1892. Edward E. Abel is a farmer of East Great
Plain. (3) Louis Hosford, born Nov. 21, 1874,
was married Oct. 15, 1902, to Lydia Popham. He
graduated from the New York Dental College, and
is practicing in New York City, though his home is
in White Plains, N. Y. He is a member of the
Fourth Presbyterian Church of New York.
Mrs. Elijah H. Abel was married on March 25,
1891, to Rev. Quincy M. Bosworth, a Congregational
clergyman, who was located at Bozrah, later for
several years at Lisbon. Retiring he resided in Boz-
rah, and died Jan. 7, 1900. Mrs. Bosworth is a mem-
ber of the Bozrah Congregational Church, as is also
her eldest son. She is very active in church work,
being president of the Ladies Foreign Missionary
Society. During the entire time of her residence
in Lisbon she served as president of the same or-
ganization. Mrs. Bosworth is a kind hearted, charit-
able and thoroughly Christian woman, and is be-
loved by all for her many noble traits.
HON. JEPHTHAH G. BILL, of the town of
Griswold, possesses those dominant traits of charac-
ter, which might have won renown for him in several
different vocations. Had he chosen law, his inher-
ent legal acumen would undoubtedly have brought
him to the front in that profession ; or had he sought
to fight out a place for himself in the business
world, his shrewd wisdom in dealing with financial
problems might have earned him distinction there.
However, in his chosen occupation, a less preten-
tious field of labor, his talents have not been wasted,
and as an agriculturist he is one of the most success-
tul in his vicinity, and is one of the largest land-
owners. Besides in the performance of public
duties he has had ample scope to exercise those
higher functions of the mind, which could not con-
fine themselves to the simple tilling of the soil.
Vigor he possesses to a marked degree, and though
now in his eighty-second year, lie still engages in
active farm labor.
Mr. Bill comes of one of the oldest and most
respectable families of this country. (I) Philip Bill,
born in England, in 1620, came to America with
his mother, Dorothy, about 1634, and for a time
was of Boston. The author of the Bill Genealogy
assumes that one John Bill, first of record in 1638
at Boston, was the husband of Dorothy Bill, and
father of Philip, and gives Dorothy's maiden name
I — I
ffl
w
o
w
i — i
b
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
66 «
as Tuttle. Philip Bill was later of Ipswich, Mass.,
and about 1668 accompanied John W'inthrop to that
part of Xew London which afterward became the
town of Groton, Conn. His wife, Hannah, died in
1709.
(II) Joshua Bill, born in Xew London, Oct. 16,
1675. married (first) Nov. I, 1699, Joanna, born in
May, 1679. daughter of William Potts. She died
Nov. 3, 1718, and he married (second) Oct. 4,
1719, Hannah Swodel, born in 1097, daughter of
William Swodel. Mr. Bill was a prominent public
man, held the highest town offices, was a neighbor
of Robert Allyn, and a friend of the younger Win-
throp. He died in 1735, in that part of the town
which, in 1705, became Groton.
(III) Phineas Bill, born in Groton, Sept. 3,
1720. married Mehetabel Woodworth. As he was
but fifteen years old when his father died he was
put under guardianship of B. Davis. Mr. Bill re-
sided in the southern part of the town. He died in
February, 1780, and his widow July 13, 1813, aged
ninety years. Their children were : Phineas, Mehet-
abel, Mary, Benajah, Joshua, Gurdon, and a daugh-
ter, all born between 1757 and about 1768.
(IV) Benajah Bill, born June 29, 1760, married
Jan. 17, 1782, Content Park, born Feb. 4, 1761. In
the earlier part of his life Mr. Bill resided on "Meet-
ing House Hill," in the present town of Ledyard —
that part of the town which until 1836 was Groton.
He followed the trade of a cooper, as did his father
before him, but later in life he removed to Lyme,
Conn., and there engaged in farming. He died in
Lyme. May 22, 1842, in the eighty-second year of
his age. His widow survived until May 27, 1845,
dying at the age of eighty-four years. Eight chil-
dren were born to Mr. and Mrs. Bill : Lodowick,
who remained in Lyme ; Nelson, who located in
Windham, Conn. ; Lyman, who went West, and
died in Kentucky ; Alexander, who settled in Flor-
ida ; Park, who moved to DeKalb, 111., where he
died ; Polly, who married Samuel Newton, and
went West ; Eunice, who married Samuel Newton ;
Sarah, who married (first) Amos Williams, (sec-
ond) Capt. Jacob Gallup, and died in Ledyard; and
Elisha Satterlee.
(Y) Elisha Satterlee Bill, born in Ledyard,
March 1, 1796, married (first), Nov. I, 1817, Oli-
vet Geer, of Preston, born Jan. 14, 1800, daughter
of Jephthah Geer. She died March 19, 1837, in Gris-
wold. Conn. Mr. Bill married (second), July 23,
1837. Celestina Lucy Ann Wolcott Shaw, widow of
Charles Barber; she died Feb. 9, 1866. Mr. Bill
died when aged sixty-five years, and is buried in the
Leonard cemetery. He was the father of seventeen
children: Sarah M., born in Preston, married Capt.
Silas Fitch, and died in New Bedford, Mass. James
Leonard, born Aug. 16. 182 1, now a resident of
Clarks Falls, in the town of North Stonington,
Conn., married (first) Lucy Maine, after her death,
Juliette Chapman, and later, Adeline Howland, of
Pomfret, Conn. Jephthah Geer is mentioned below.
Ann Elizabeth died at the age of two years. Amos
Williams, a tinsmith by trade, married (first) Mary
Howland, (second) Ora Latham, and died in
Willimantic, Conn., at the age of sixty-eight, and is
buried at Norwich Falls. Sidney W. married Eme-
line Hyde, and resided in Lisbon, later at Taftville
where he died. Elisha (now deceased), a farmer in
Scotland and North Stonington, married (first)
Fannie Richmond. Ezra Gardner, who is blind, was
a superintendent of the Blind School at Hartford,
and he married (first) Letty Hyde, (second) Sarah
Champlain (who bore him one child, Celestina Ann
Elizabeth), and (third) Josephine Underwood.
Benjamin Shaw, who married a Miss Lyon, of
Andover, Conn., was a soldier in the Civil war.
and died in Andersonville prison, at the age of
eighteen. George W. married Josie Underwood.
and, after her death, he married again; he resided
in Minnesota, and died there, his death being the
result of an accidental shot. Hibbard was a jeweler
of Lynn, Mass. Henry (deceased), who married
Mary J. Rouse, resided in Norwich. Nelson, a resi-
dent of West Medway, Mass., was twice married.
William Francis died in infancy. Lucy Angeline
died young. Edna died at the age of nine years.
Anginett is the wife of William Richmond, of
Greeneville, Connecticut.
Soon after his first marriage Mr. Bill came to
the town of Griswold, Conn., where he purchased
a farm and engaged in agriculture for many years.
He also greatly enlarged his income by working at
shoemaking. A man of thrift and industry he made
a success of his chosen occupations, and was looked
upon as one of the prosperous men of his community.
As a highly respected member of the Bethel Metho-
dist Episcopal Church, to which his wife also be-
longed, he served as steward and trustee. In poli-
tics he was first a Jackson Democrat, later, a Whig,
and after 1856, a Republican. He was bitterly
opposed to slavery, and was the first in the town to
advocate the abolition movement.
Hon. Jephthah G. Bill was born Sept. 7, 1823,
and spent his early years on the home farm in the
town of Griswold, Conn. By regular attendance of
the common schools of his neighborhood, and by
strict attention to his duties he procured a thorough
rudimentary education and formed intellectual tastes
which have continued with him through life. After
leaving school he assisted his father with the man-
agement of the home place, continuing there until he
was twenty-five years old. About this time. Feb.
15. 1848, he married Prudence Powers Benjamin,
who was born on the site of Mr. Bill's present home,
June 8, 1 82 1, daughter of Eames and Prudence
(Chapman) Benjamin. Mrs. Bill died June 30,
[896, at the age of seventy-five years. By this mar-
riage there have been three children : ( 1 ) Benjamin
J., born Aug. 24. 1850, is now a physician and sur-
geon at Genoa Junction. Walworth county, Wis.,
standing high in his profession, and he is active in
the social and religious life of the place, lie mar-
666
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
ried Rebecca Cogswell, daughter of Dr. Cogswell,
and after her death, Sarah Strickland. They have
seven children: Benjamin Jephthah, Hattie Pru-
dence, Ann Isabella, Luther Lyle, Keneth Geer.
Ransom Strickland and Francis Olivet. (2) Hattie
P., born Oct. 2, 1855, married, Jan. 16, 1884, Ran-
som H. Young, who now carries on the Bill farm ;
they have had four children : Howard Stanley
(deceased), Laura Prudence, Henry Eames, and
Benjamin Williams. (3) Ann Isabell, born Sept. 8,
1859, died Aug. 11, 1873.
Shortly after his marriage, nearly fifty years
ago, Mr. Bill settled on the old Benjamin place, a
seventy acre farm, which was a part of a large tract
purchased in the early days by John Benjamin, a
great-uncle to Ezra Benjamin, and which the latter,
who was a grandfather of Mrs. Bill, fell heir to
and occupied over a hundred years ago. To this
property Mr. Bill has from time to time added largo
land purchases, so that at one time he owned 250
acres in the town of Griswold. While progressive
in his farming he has always been extremely practi-
cal, and has made his place yield a large income. In
fact he has found agriculture so paying that he has-
invested a large part of his earnings in land, and he
has recently purchased, in the adjacent town of
Preston, the Hibbard Brown farm, a splendid 200-
acre tract largely under cultivation. He certainly
merits the reputation he has won, that of being the
most successful agriculturist in his section.
Mr. Bill's public record has been marked by the
highest integrity, much foresightedness, and re-
markable executive ability. For many years he
served his community as justice of the peace, and
when called upon to settle estates and attend to
legal matters, performed the duties with the expert-
ness and fidelity of an able and most conscientious
lawyer. At the close of the Civil war he began
serving on the board of selectmen, and for eight
years continued in office, first as third member,
but most of the time as chairman. That at the be-
ginning of his service the town was burdened with
a debt of $38,000, which was entirely cleared during
his term of office, is a lasting proof of his ability
as a financier. As a Republican he has always
exerted a wide influence in local politics, and in
1870 represented the town of Griswold in the State
Legislature, running far ahead of his ticket at the
election. Mr. Bill has long been a power in religious
circles. Uniting with the Methodist Episcopal
Church at the age of twelve years," he has continued
as an active member of that denomination ever since.
He has acted as class leader, as steward, has worked
hard in the Sunday-school, and assisted in all benev-
olent and charitable enterprises. His wife was long
a member and active worker in the Bethel Methodist
Episcopal Church.
The Benjamin family, of which Mrs. Bill was a
member, furnishes a striking instance of longevity.
A great uncle, Abiel Benjamin, lived to be one
hundred and four years old, and was so vigorous
on his hundredth birthday that he walked the dis-
tance of a half mile. It is one of the oldest and
most respectable families in this section. It has
always been interested in Christian works, and
many of the early Benjamins were Methodists.
CATHCART LUCE was born Dec. 1, 1792, in
Martha's Vineyard, and in earlier life was engaged
in a seafaring life on whaling and freighting ves-
sels. On Oct. 21, 1819, he married Mary Ann But-
ler, of Tisbury, Mass., born March 15, 1801. In
the spring of 1838, he removed to Hebron, Tolland
Co., Conn., where he resided for a year, and in the
spring of 1839 ^e went to Boston, town of East
Lyme, where he bought two-thirds of a farm, while
his brother Arvin Luce owned the other third.
Jointly the two engaged in farming, which occu-
pation Cathcart Luce followed as long as he lived.
He died upon his property March 18, 1854, and his
wife in the same place, in 1858. In politics he was a
Whig, and he was a most worthy and prominent
man. His children were: (1) Caroline M.. born
Aug. 11, 1821, married Charles D. Allen, of Martha's
Vineyard. (2) Charles C, born Feb. 17, 1824, died
in California, July 2j, 1850, at the south fork of the
Yuba river. (3) Eliza W., born Sept. 2/, 1828, mar-
ried (first) Edmund Luce, Oct. 1, 1848, died Nov.
17, 1850, in California, and (second) Ansel Reed.
(4) Edward, (5) Francis C, (6) John W. and
(7) James V. are all mentioned in full farther on.
(8) Mary A., born April 17, 1841, married Nelson
Munroe Havens, and had children, James Luce and
Jennie, both deceased. (9) Tamson A., born June
3, 1845, was married in March, 1865, to Ansel
Reed, who had first married her sister, Eliza W.
Luce. He had one son, Erwin Reed.
Edward Luce, son of Cathcart Luce, was born
at North Tisbury, Martha's Vineyard, Jan. 8, 1831.
On Nov. 21, 1853, he married Julia E. Beckwith,
who died in October, 1865, leaving children as fol-
lows : Edward C, born Nov. 7, 1855 ; and Lizzie
Ellen, who married George A. Keeney, of Brooklyn,
and has three children, Mildred, Edward and Frank.
For his second wife, on July 17, 1867, Mr. Luce
married at Norwich, Susan K. Durfey, and they
had one son, Benjamin Durfey, of New York, who
married Ethel Montmollin, of New York, and has a
son, Kingsley.
The boyhood days of Edward Luce were spent
in the town of Hebron and in East Lyme, receiving
his schooling in the district schools of the latter
town. Prior to 1857 he engaged in halibut fishing,
having started in that line when only sixteen years
of age, but later he became mate, and still later cap-
tain of vessels engaged in menhaden fishing. Like
his brothers he was prominent in politics, and rep-
resented his town in the Legislature in 1865, and
again in 1876, as a Republican with Prohibition
tendencies. For many years he has been very active
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
667
in the work of the Methodist Church of which he is
a faithful member, and of which he has served as
treasurer, trustee and steward.
Edward C. Luce, son of Edward, was married
Dec. 24, 1876, to Miss Nellie A. Thompson, and they
have had children, Dwight E., Clarence J., Lincoln
G. and a son that died in infancy unnamed.
The education of Edward C. Luce was received
in East Lyme, and at a private school at Flanders,
in that town. From the time he was fourteen, he
worked with his father going on fishing expeditions.
At the age of nineteen he was made engineer in the
factory, and in 1889 bought an interest in the busi-
ness of his father and uncles. Since 1897, when the
business was sold, he has been manager, and is a
very prominent and efficient business man. Fratern-
allv he is a member of Bav View Lodge, No. 120,
A. F. & A. M.
Francis C. Luce, son of Cathcart, was born
May 20, 1833, at Tisbury. On Dec. 1, 1854, he mar-
ried Mary Ann Manwaring. Of their children, John
Francis is mentioned below, and Marian I. married
William H. Kreider, of Philadelphia.
Durino; his younger davs Francis C. Luce was
engaged in halibut fishing, but later he was inter-
ested in the fish mill business for many years with
his brothers, and he died in Xiantic, a prominent
and wealthy man.
John Francis Luce, son of Francis C, was born
Sept. 3, 1871, and he attended school in his birth-
place of Xiantic, and later went to East Greenwich
academy, R. I. He then spent four years at Nor-
wich Academy, graduating in the class of 1893.
From 1895 to 1897 he was engaged in smack fishing,
the interests of the Luce family being nearly all con-
nected with some portion of the fishing industry.
Since then he has been building gasoline boats of
all kinds, and has done a great deal of experimental
work. On June 26, 1895, in Waterford, Conn., Mr.
Luce was married to Miss Laura R. Smith, daughter
of Fred Reed, and adopted daughter of Henry S.
Smith, of Waterford. One child has come of this
union, Francis Cathcart, born Aug. 21, 1897. Mr.
Luce represented his town in the Legislature in 1899,
serving on the committee on Military Affairs, and
also on that of Legislature Expenses. He has been
a member of the school board for a number of years.
For three years he has been elected town treasurer,
and is one of the most prominent men of his party
in this locality. Fraternallv he is a member of Bay
View Lodge No. 120, A. F.'& A. M.
John W. Luce, son of Cathcart, was born at
Tisbury, Mass., Nov. 14, 1835, an(l spent his early
school days in Boston, District Xo. 3, of East Lyme,
on the home place. At the age of eighteen years he
began to learn the carpenter's trade at Flanders,
serving a two years' apprenticeship, and for a year
and a half thereafter followed his trade. In 1857
he engaged in fishing, and still later erected fish mill
at Rocky Xeck, for extracting fish oil. In this the
brothers Edward, Francis C, John \\\, and James
V., were engaged for twenty-eight years. During
this time they continued their business relations
without the slightest differences, John W. conduct-
ing the mill. The original one was conducted for
three years, then one was established at Xapeague,
L. 1., and operated for six years. The firm then
bought the Ferry Boat "Union," of the Shore Line
Railroad, put a fish mill on it, and it was anchored
at various places. Later they constructed a fish mill
on Giant's Xeck. Their factories cost from ten to
twenty thousand dollars, and the expense of run-
ning them was some years as high as $80,000. At
one time they owned and operated four steamers in
their business, these being from 150 to 200 tons
burden. The trade was altogether wholesale, and in
1896 they added the manufacture and selling of
phosphates to their other lines. This firm also built
a mill at Lewes, Del., but sold it to the American
Fishing Company in 1899.
On March 15, 1859, John W. Luce was married
to Mary Elizabeth, daughter of Justin Beckwith, of
East Lyme, and they had three children: (1) Charles
J., born Nov. 7, 1862, in East Lyme, was educated
there and at Eastman's Business College at Pough-
keepsie, and was then associated with his father in
business. In 1899 he began working on a cotton
press for baling cotton, which he builded in Birm-
ingham, Ala., for the Luce Compress Cotton Com-
pany. He married Grace Cavarly, daughter of John
Cavarly, of Waterford, and has two children, Fran-
ces Luce, born Jan. 22, 1888; and Elizabeth, born
Oct. 22, 1893. (2) Frank, born April 7, 1864, died
March 8, 1888. (3) Nettie J., born July 7, 1865,
married George T. Coulter, of St. Thomas, Canada,,
and has children: Ivan Luce, born in August. 1896;
Marguerite, born in February, 1898; and Grace
Eleanor, born in June, 1902.
John W. Luce has represented East Lyme in
the State Legislature, and served in it as a member
of the Committee on Fisheries, in which capacity he
did good work, he being so thoroughly posted in all
matters pertaining to the fish industry and its won-
derful possibilities. During his political life he has
been a Republican, and given that party his loyal
support. Fraternally he was originallv a member
of Union Lodge Xo. 31, F. & A. M.. of Xew Lon-
don, and was a charter member of Bay View Lodge,
Xo. 120, F. & A. M., of Xiantic. He has long en-
joyed in the highest degree the confidence of his
fellow townsmen.
Justin Beckwith, father of Mrs. John W.
Luce, was born in Waterford, Conn., in 1815,
son of Ezra Beckwith, and he died in 1S79. He
spent the greater portion of his life as a ship car-
penter and farmer. He married Mary Ann Crocker,
and their children were : Julia, who married Ed-
ward Luce; Mary Elizabeth, who married John \Y.
Luce: Willard Parker, of Milwaukee, who mar-
ried (first) Stella Hamilton (who bore him two chil-
dren, Minnie and Albert P.) and (second) Ger-
trude Todd (who bore him three children, Frankie,
668
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
Harry and Virginia) ; and Jacob E., of Niantic,
Connecticut.
Captain James V. Luce, the seventh child of
Cathcart and Mary Ann (Butler) Luce, was born
May 14, 1838. His boyhood days were passed upon
his father's farm, now his own property, where he
has resided all his life, excepting five years when he
was operating a stamp-mill in quartz gold mining
in Virginia. Aside from the business the brothers
conducted for so many years, Capt. Luce has owned
and operated the quarry on Rocky Neck, for many
years shipping rock for building sea walls and other
like structures.
In 1861 Capt. Luce married Sophia A. Havens,
daughter of Silas Havens, and she died May 23,
1882, leaving no children. Later Capt. Luce married
Terrie T. Havens, a sister of his first wife, and by
this marriage he has the following family : Laura
S. and Ervin J. Capt. and Mrs. Luce are consistent
members of the Methodist Episcopal Church of
Niantic, and are very highly respected residents of
that place, where the Luce family is so prominent
in all its branches.
GEORGE W. FRINK. Members of this num-
erous family have lived in the New England States
for almost two hundred and fifty years. Those of
the name of whom this sketch particularly treats are
direct descendants in the eighth generation from
John Frink, the line being traced through John,
Samuel, Jedediah, Andrew, Rufus and George W.
Frink.
(I) John Frink was of English origin, and be-
came an early emigrant to New England, being of
Ipswich, Mass., in 1673. In his will, which was
probated in September, 1675, he mentions his wife,
Mary, and children, John and George.
(II) John Frink, son of John and Mary, was
married in 1657 to Grace Stevens, of Taunton,
Mass., and they had a family of seven children, born
as follows : Grace, in 1658 ; Hannah, 1661 ; Deborah,
1665; Samuel, 1668; John, 1671 ; Thomas, 1674;
Judith, 1680. As early as 1666 John Frink settled
in the town of Stonington, Conn., bringing with him
his wife and family, then consisting of three daugh-
ters. He bought a tract of land on Taugwonk, in
Stonington, upon which he erected his dwelling-
house. He served in King Philip's war.
(III) Samuel Frink, born Feb. 14, 1668, in Ston-
ington, was married Jan. 6, 1692, to Hannah Miner,
daughter of Ephraim Miner, of Stonington. To
this union were born the following named children :
Samuel, born in 1693; Andrew, born in 1694;
Grace, born in 1695 ; James, born in 1697 ; Hannah,
haptized in 1700; Jedediah, baptized in 1702;
Jerusha, baptized in 1704; Elias, baptized in 1706;
Abigail, baptized in 1708.
(IV) Jedediah Frink, baptized in Stonington,
Conn., June 7, 1702, settled in Preston, Conn., where
he lived and died, reaching an advanced age. On
July 27, 1726, he married Lucy Stanton, of Preston,
and their children were all born in Preston, as fol-
lows: Thomas, Nov. 26, 1727; Andrew, Dec. 31,
!73o; Jedediah, April 2, 1732; Amos, Aug, 19,
1734; Anna, Feb. 26, 1736; Lucy, Feb. 28, 1739
(died April 11, 1743) ; Lucy, July 24, 1743; Elias,
June 1, 1746 (died Nov. 24, 1751).
(V) Andrew Frink, born Dec. 31, 1730, in
Preston, died Sept. 25, 1806, in his native town.
He was engaged in farming there throughout life.
On April 13, 1757, he married Sarah Kimball, of
Preston, who passed away Dec. 2, 1836, in her
ninety-ninth year, and they became the parents of
six children, namely: Elias, born June 2, 1758;
Andrew, Oct. 18, 1760; Arthur, Feb. 16, 1763;
Elijah, July 20, 1766 (of Salisbury, Conn.) ; Sarah,
Aug. 31, 1768; Rufus, Oct. 12, 1771.
(VI) Rufus Frink, youngest in the family of
Andrew and Sarah (Kimball) Frink, was born Oct.
12, 1771, in Preston, and was attending school there
when Gen. George Washington and his army passed
through the town during the Revolutionary war.
The school was dismissed that the pupils might
view the General and his soldiers. In early life
Rufus Frink followed the trade of saddler, but later
he took up farming in his native town, and the farm
he carried on has been in the possession of his de-
scendants ever since. On Aug. 21, 1803, ne mar-
ried Polly Smith, of Preston, and they had a family
of nine children, all born in Preston, and all now
deceased: (1) Emily, born July 24, 1804, married
John M. Richmond. (2) Eliza, born May 2, 1806,
never married. (3) Sarah Ann, born Feb. 25,
1808, married Charles Kimball. (4) Maria, born
May 1, 1810, became the second wife of George
Richmond. (5) Andrew S., born Aug. 7, 1812,
married Nancy Ann Duncan. (6) Fannie, born July
15, 1815, was the first wife of George Richmond.
(5) Andrew S., born Aug. 7, 1812, married Nancy
Ann Duncan. (6) Fannie, born July 15, 181 5, was
the first wife of George Richmond. (7) Harriet,
born Jan. 20, 1818, was the wife of Nathan Kimball.
(8) George W. is mentioned below. (9) Susan,
born Jan. 18, 1823, died unmarried at the age of
about twenty years. The father of this family died
Jan. I, 1868, in Preston, in his ninety-seventh year.
He was a man of large stature, well proportioned,
and possessed a jovial and kindly nature. He and
his family attended the Congregational Church. In
political faith he was originally an Old-line Whig,
and eventually became a Republican.
(VII) George Washington Frink was born
June 17, 1820, in Preston, and spent his life there,
engaged in farming, in which occupation he was
very successful, as he deserved to be, having been a
hard-working, industrious and persevering man.
His place comprised about 160 acres, which he
always kept in a good state of cultivation. Physi-
cally he was a man of more than the average size,
weighing from 180 to 190 pounds, had a rugged
constitution and enjoyed good health, and, being
jovial, good-natured and full of fun, always looked
GEORGE W. FRINK
/^/l<cyL/s
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
669
upon the bright side of everything, so that he was
welcome everywhere lie was known. His religious
connection was with the Preston City Baptist
Church, and he was ever active in the church and in
all religious enterprises. Politically he was an Old-
line Whig in early life, later becoming a stanch
Republican, but though he was deeply interested in
politics he never sought office for himself, being-
content to leave such honors to others. However,
he served his town in the capacity of overseer of
roads for several years. Mr. Frink died in Pres-
ton May 8. 1893, after a useful life of seventy-three
years, in which he had earned the esteem and respect
of all who knew him.
On March 4, 1846, George W. Frink was mar-
ried to Sally Maria Williams, who was born May
13, 18 19, in Ledyard, Conn., and was a daughter of
John Anson and Sally (Williams) Williams, of
Preston : granddaughter of Amos and Mabel (New-
ton) Williams; great-granddaughter of John Will-
iams, who was born in 1714; and great-great-grand-
daughter of Christopher Williams, who was of
Welsh descent. Mrs. Frink's death occurred in
Preston Sept. 14, 1855, when she was thirty-six
years of age. She was the mother of four children,
all born in Preston, viz.: (1) George Anson, born
Oct. 11, 1847, is mentioned below. (2) Lemuel
Williams, born Feb. 27, 1850, is mentioned below.
(3) Charity, born April 20. 1852, married Benjamin
F. Bentley, of Preston City, where they reside.
(4) Henry, born Aug. 7, 1854. is mentioned below.
After the death of Mrs. Sally M. Frink, the father
married Cornelia Ellisson Blackman, who was born
in Franklin, Conn., daughter of Benjamin and Caro-
line Fountain (Chapman) Blackman. Mr. Black-
man was for many years engaged in farming in
Franklin, and later removed to Norwich, where he
died. To George W. and Cornelia E. Frink were
born three children: (5) Wayland B., born Nov.
2, i860, is engaged in farming in Griswold, Conn.
He married Grace Eccleston, and they have had
five children, Arthur E., Mabel C, Marion E.,
Esther C. and George W. (6) Charlotte I., born
March 21, 1862, resides with her mother in Nor-
wich, where Mrs. Frink has made her home ever
since her husband's death. (7) Cornelia Fountain,
born July 13, 1867, married William Tarbox, of
Norwich, and they have two children, Walter S.
and Harold F. Mr. Tarbox is principal of the West
Town street school on "Bean Hill."
George Anson Frink, present town clerk of
Preston, as well as treasurer of the school fund and
town trust fund, was born Oct. II, 1847, m tnat
town, and received a good education in the schools
of the home district, leaving school at the age of
about seventeen years. He then took up work
on the home farm, where he remained until his mar-
riage. After that he rented the gristmill of his
uncle, Andrew Frink, in the eastern part of the
town, on Broad brook, which he operated for about
two years, at the end of that time purchasing his
present residence in Long Society, town of Preston,
in the spring of 1874. He has since carried on
general agriculture on this farm, known as the
"Kimball place," which contains about fifty acres,
and for fifteen years he also engaged in butchering.
He then opened a blacksmith and carriage repair
shop on his farm, having acquired a knowledge of
that business while running the gristmill, and he
still conducts this business, which has proved quite
a profitable one.
Though he has given his business affairs close
attention, Mr. Frink has found time also to serve
public interests, and he is one of the "wheel-horses"
of the Republican party in his section. However,
his popularity as an official is not confined to his
own party, as he was the candidate of both parties
upon the occasion of his last election to his present
incumbencies in the town, which speaks well of the
trust his fellow citizens repose in him. He has
served his town in various other capacities, with
honor to himself and satisfaction to all concerned,
having been survevor for several terms, and in
1902 the delegate from his town to the Constitu-
tional Convention which convened in Hartford. In
1903 he represented the town of Preston in the
State -Legislature, serving on the committee on
Judicial Nominations. Such a record of service is
sufficient testimony as to his standing in the com-
munity.
On Dec. 5, 1871, Mr. Frink married Elizabeth
Kimball, daughter of Charles and Sarah ( Frink)
Kimball, of Griswold, Conn. To this union no chil-
dren were born. Mrs. Frink passed away Dec. 10,
1874, and on May 23, 1877, Mr. Frink married Mrs.
Anna Woodward (Hakes) Kimball, daughter of
John M. and Sarah (Millard) Hakes, and widow
of Edwin Kimball, of Preston. To this union have
come five children, all born in Preston: (1) Cor-
nelia Hallett, born June 13, 1879, is living at home.
(2) Earl Williams, born Dec. 18, 1880, lives in
Norwich, and is employed as a fireman on the New
York, New Haven & Hartford railroad. On Dec.
17, 1902, he married Bessie Mabel Mott, of Gris-
wold. (3) Louise Leonora, born Feb. 25, 1883. and
(4) Anna Hakes, born Jan. 6, 1885, are at home.
(5) Sarah Millard, born March 30, 1886, died May
14, 1886. Mr. Frink and his family are members
of the Third Baptist Church at Greeneville. They
were formerly connected with the Preston City Bap-
tist Church, and Mr. Frink served two years as
superintendent of the Sunday-school of that con-
gregation.
Lemuel Williams Frink, born Feb. 27. 1850,
in Preston, received his early education in the Broad
Brook and Brown district schools, later attended a
select school in Preston City, and in 1868 and 1869
was a pupil in the Norwich Free Academy. In 1870
he took the regular business course at the Eastman
Business College in Poughkeepsie, N. V., and then
entered the Connecticut Literary Institute, at Suf-
field, Conn. A few years previously, in 1867, he
670
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
had commenced teaching, and had taught several ses-
sions in portions of the town of Griswold, devoting
his summer vacations to farming and study. In
187 1 he began teaching in Jewett City, where he was
principal of the Jewett City graded school, remain-
ing in that incumbency for about one year. At the
end of this time he again entered the Connecticut
Literary Institute, and was graduated therefrom in
1873. He then entered the Newton (Mass.) Theo-
logical Institution, from which he was graduated in
1876. On Oct. 20, 1876, he was ordained to the
Baptist ministry at Hinsdale, N. H., and became
pastor of the Main Street Baptist Church of that
city, continuing in that charge one year, when he
resigned to accept a call as pastor of the Plainfield
Union Church at Moosup, Conn., over which he
presided as pastor for about a year and a half, dur-
ing that time doing effective and far-reaching revival
work. Mr. Frink next accepted a call to the First
Baptist Church at Wickford, R. I., of which he was
pastor for nearly five years, resigning that pastor-
ate to become pastor of the First Baptist Church at
Marlboro, Mass. After one and a half years' service
in that place he became pastor of the Baptist Church
at Sharon, Mass., resigning after two and a half
years of service there to accept a call to the
First Baptist Church at Santa Cruz, Cal., where,
however, he was located but a short time. Return-
ing East, he accepted a call to the Baptist Church
of West Boylston, Mass., with which he remained
three years, the far-reaching results of which period
only Eternity can measure. His next charge was
the North Tewksbury (Mass.) Baptist Church,
where he remained for two years. He then returned
to Preston City, where he lived for about two years,
and in 1896 he removed to Norwich, where he has
since resided, during the two years or more of this
time supplying the pulpit of the Niantic (Conn.)
Baptist Church. He and his wife hold membership
in the Preston City Baptist Church. In March,
1899, Mr. Frink became engaged in the monumental
business, which he has ever since successfully fol-
lowed.
Rev. Mr. Frink was married, Sept. 27, 1876,
to Mary Isabelle Burrows, daughter of William and
Waity Almira (Smith) Burrows, the former of
whom was a sea captain and resided in Poquonock
Village, Groton, Conn., where they died. To Rev.
and Mrs. Frink have come the following named
children: (1) George William, born Dec. II, 1881,
in Wickford, R. L, was educated in the Tewksbury
(Mass.) high school, the Norwich Free Academy
and Brown University, which latter he attended for
two years. (2) Marion Marguerite was born April
3, 1892, in Worcester, Mass. (3) Almira Gladys
was born April 9, 1893, in North Tewksbury, Mas-
sachusetts.
Henry Frink, born Aug. 7, 1854, in Preston,
in the same house where he now resides, began his
literary training in the Broad Brook district schools,
and after attending a select school at Preston City
entered the Connecticut Literary Institute at Suf-
field, where he was a student for about four years,
taking courses in languages. He then matriculated
at Brown University, Providence, R. I., from which
institution of learning he was graduated in 1886.
He then entered the Newton (Mass.) Baptist
Theological Institute, where he remained about one
year, after which he became a student at the Crozier
Theological Seminary, near Philadelphia, Pa., for
about six months, thence going to the Rochester,
(N. Y.) Theological Seminary for the balance of
the year. Although thoroughly trained for the
Baptist ministry, Mr. Frink never preached his first
sermon, and on account of impaired health he re-
turned to Preston, to the home farm. His father
dying soon afterward, he purchased the latter's in-
terest in the homestead where he was born, and
here he has since remained, engaged in farming.
In early manhood, like his elder brother, Mr. Frink
engaged in teaching, being engaged in district
schools in his neighborhood, in the towns of Gris-
wold and Voluntown, for several terms. He is of a
retiring disposition, and has never shown any desire
to mingle in public affairs, never seeking official or
other preferment at the hands of his fellow citizens.
In political faith he is a stanch Republican, and his
religious membership is in the Preston City Baptist
Church. Mr. Frink has never married. He occupies
the high position in the respect of the community
which is universally accorded to members of this
family, and which he has won by a life of upright-
ness and honorable activity.
WAYLAND B. FRINK was born Nov. 2, i860,
on the homestead. He was brought up to farm work
and received his education in the district schools
and select schools at Pachaug and Preston City,
later attending the Connecticut Literary Institute,
at Suffield, Conn. He taught school for thirteen
consecutive years with the exception of one winter,
when he traveled in Ohio and Michigan as a book
agent. During his career as a teacher he was en-
gaged in Preston, North Stonington, Griswold and
Voluntown, and had splendid success as a thorough
teacher and good disciplinarian, being popular with
pupils and parents alike. He resided on the home
farm until one year after his marriage, when he
hired the Butler Chapman farm in Griswold, where
he resided until 1896. On Nov. 6, 1895, Mr. Frink
bought at auction his present farm, located one and
one-half miles south of Jewett City. This place,
consisting of sixty acres, was formerly a part of
the Simon Brewster farm, and is considered one
of the best farms in the town. Mr. Frink is profit-
ably engaged in general farming and dairying, and
is one of the thrifty and industrious farmers of the
town.
On Feb. 15, 1888, Mr. Frink was married, in
Griswold, to Grace A. Eccleston, who was born
June 21, 1865. in Griswold, daughter of John D.
and Susan K. (Chapman) Eccleston, and five chil-
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
(>ji
dren have blessed this union, born as follows :
Arthur E., Oct. 24, 1892; Marion E., April 7, 1897;
Mabel C, Oct. 5. 1898; Esther C, Nov. 2, 1901 ;
and George W., May 11, 1903.
Mr. Frink is a Republican in politics, but has
never sought political office. He united with the
Preston City Baptist Church when he was a young
man. and became one of the leading and most active
members. He served as superintendent of the Sun-
day-school for eight years, until he resigned, upon
his removal from that locality, when he transferred
to the Baptist Church at Jewett City. Mrs. Frink
united with the Methodist Church at Bethel, later
transferring to the Baptist Church at Preston City,
and from the latter, with her husband, to the Baptist
Church at Jewett City. Mr. and Mrs. Frink are
held in the highest esteem.
ECCLESTOX. The Eccleston family is an old
and honored one in the eastern portion of New Lon-
don county, and among its members one worthy of
special mention is one Benedict Eccleston, a farmer
and resident of North Stonington, who lived to be
ninety-five years of age. He was the father of a
large family, and one of them, Avery Nelson Eccle-
ston. was born at North Stonington in 1806, and,
with the exception of one year spent on a farm in
Griswold, lived in North Stonington all his life,
and there passed away in 1891.
The wife of Avery Nelson Eccleston was Sallie
B. Ray, a native of Griswold, daughter of Jabez
and Hannah (York) Ray. She was born in 1807,
and died in 1886. Of their ten children, seven sons
and three daughters, may be mentioned John D.
Eccleston, of Jewett City, who was born Aug. 24,
1844, in North Stonington, and received a good
education, which he put to excellent use, teaching
school for a number of years ; he became very popu-
lar in that line. For several years he has been a
resident of Jewett City, and is now serving as street
commissioner. He married (first) Susan K. Chap-
man, by whom he had five children, and his second
wife bore the maiden name of Sarah L. Brown.
His children, all born of his first union, were : Liz-
zie, Lila and Annie, all deceased ; Hubert W., a
graduate of Yale and a resident of Los Angeles,
Cal., who is engaged as a civil engineer ; and Grace
A., Mrs. Wayland B. Frink, of Griswold.
GEORGE DIXON THOMPSON, who owns
and conducts one of the best farms in the town of
North Stonington, was born Oct. 27, 1853, in Paw-
catuck, Conn. His grandfather, Thomas T. Thomp-
son, was a farmer at Pendleton Hill, and the family
is one of the most respected in the locality.
James Dixon Thompson, father of George D.,
was born in North Stonington, and there spent his
boyhood days. Going to Pawcatuck, he found work
with ( ). M. Stillman for a few years, after which he
returned to the farm in North Stonington, where he
remained until i860. He again went to Pawcatuck,
where he carried on a building business for seven
years, after which he went to Avery, Mich., where
he engaged in making hoe and rake handles for
three years. Subsequently, for twenty years, he was
in the hotel business at Bridgman, Mich., and he
finally returned to North Stonington, Conn., to live
with his son George. His death occurred April 11,
1904, after four years' residence there. Mr. Thomp-
son was always deeply interested in church work,
having joined the Baptist Church at Pendleton Hill
at the early age of sixteen years, and at Bridgman,
Mich., he was one of the organizers of the Congre-
gational Church, which he was instrumental in hav-
ing built. He married Eliza Swan, daughter of
William Swan, and after her death, which occurred
in 1855, he married Emily Hale. His only child
was George Dixon, who was born to his first mar-
riage. James Dixon Thompson was a Republican in
political faith.
The progenitor of the Swan family of Connecti-
cut and Rhode Island, to which Mrs. Thompson be-
longed, was Richard Swan, who is first of record on
this side of the Atlantic in Boston, in 1639, he unit-
ing with the church there Jan. 6th of that year. His
wife died in England prior to his emigration. Later
he removed his family to Rowley, Mass., where he
remained during life, becoming a prominent citizen,
representing the town in the General Court in 1666,
and many years after. He served in King Philip's
war and in an expedition to Canada. He married
for his second wife Mrs. Ann Trumbull.
George Dixon Thompson received his education
in private and public schools in Westerly, R. I.
When he first commenced to work for himself he
drove a hack in Providence, and he later kept a store
in Pawcatuck, where he also worked on a farm by
the month for two years. For a year he engaged in
farming for himself on the Giles Wheeler place in
Stonington, after which he was on the Cyrus W.
Main farm, in District No. 1, for six years. For the
next eight years he was on the Darius Randall farm,
in District No. 5, and then spent another eight vears
on the O. S. Grant farm, in District No. 1. In 190 1
he bought the Gen. William Williams farm, one of
the best properties in the town, and has since de-
voted himself to its cultivation. He runs a regular
dairy farm, keeping forty head of stock, and sells
his cream in Westerly, Mystic and Stonington. He
ranks among the most successful farmers in his
section, and is one of the most respected men of
his community. His fellow citizens have shown their
faith in his trustworthiness and ability by choosing
him to represent them in the State Legislature, to
which he was first elected in 1901, being honored
with re-election in 1903. He has also served as
member of the board of relief. Mr. Thompson is a
Republican in political sentiment.
On May 3. 1877, Mr. Thompson was married,
at Potter Hill. R. I., to Miss Agnes McDonald,
daughter of William McDonald, a native of Scot-
land, and five children have blessed this union,
6j2
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
namely : James William, George D., Jr., Elizabeth
Agnes, Carrie Eliza and Harrison Morson. James
William, born March 16, 1879, is a machinist at
Mystic, Conn. ; he married Elizabeth Boice, and they
have one child, Edith Agnes. George D., Jr., born
July 23, 1880, is with the Brown & Sharpe Co., of
Providence, R. I. ; he married Florence Harris, and
they have two children, Jeanette Lyon and Leslie
George. Elizabeth Agnes Thompson on Aug. 5,
1903, became the wife of Julius Gavitt, of Westerly,
Rhode Island.
THOMAS A. LATHAM, a prominent farmer
of Groton, was born March 24, 1827, at Brook
street. District No. 6, Groton, son of Holloway and
Hannah (Fish) Latham.
Holloway Latham was born in District No. 6,
Groton, and died in June, 1862, aged* seventy years.
His whole life had been devoted to farming. At
Salem, Conn., he married Hannah Fish, daughter
of Thomas Fish, of Groton, and they settled at
Brook street. The following children were born
to them : Hannah, now eighty-eight years of age,
is the wife of Alonzo Williams, of Cleveland street,
New London, Conn. Eunice, deceased, married
William Watrous, and is survived by a daughter,
Ellen, wife of Thomas Hamilton, of Groton ; Hollo-
way was a stone mason and died at Noank ; Emma,
deceased, was the wife of Henry B. Lewis : Jona-
than F. was a seafaring man, and never returned
from his last voyage ; Thomas Albert ; and Lucy
A. is the wife of Joshua L. Burrows of Groton.
Mr. Latham and wife were members of the Fort
Hill Baptist Church. In politics he was a Demo-
crat. His widow survived him about seven years.
Joseph Latham, grandfather of our subject, was
a resident of District No. 6, and built the house now
occupied by his grandson over one hundred years
ago. At one time he operated a fish market in New
York, but the greater part of his life was spent at
Groton. He married Abby Packer, who died aged
ninety-two years, his death occurring at the age of
eighty-four years. Their children were: Jonathan,
Joseph, Holloway and Hannah, all residents of
Groton.
Thomas A. Latham was educated in the schools
at Brook street in District No. 6. For eight years
he followed the water with Capt. Latham Ashbev
and Capts. Charles Burrows, William Ashbev and
Eldredge Spicer. Later he became interested in the
quarry business at Fort Hill quarry in Groton, and
continued there for fifteen years. Since retiring
from that industry he has been engaged in farming.
On Oct. 25, 1855, Mr. Latham married Miss
Nancy Smith, daughter of Nathaniel D. Smith of
Poquonock, and the children of this marriage were :
Loretta, who married John Space of Groton, and has
two children, Lottie and Latham ; Henry Lewis, who
died in 1881, aged twenty-one; Nathaniel, who
is employed at New London as a machinist, and
who married Ella Burrows, and has one child,
Catherine; Hannah, who is the wife of Noah F.
Ball, and resides in Hartford; and Hubbard, who
died in 1885, aged six years. In politics Mr.
Latham is a Democrat. Fraternally he is a Mason,
and belongs to Charity and Relief Lodge at Mystic.
Smith. The Smith family, of which Mrs.
Latham is a member, is one of ancient ancestry.
Her father, Nathaniel Dennison Smith, was born
Nov. 5, 1802, in Groton, son of Dennison, son of
Oliver, son of Nathan, son of Nehemiah (3), son of
Nehemiah (2), son of Nehemiah. On June 17,
1827, he married Eliza, daughter of Capt. Jesse
and Elizabeth (Avery) Williams, of Groton. Mr.
Smith died Feb. 19, 1837, and his widow, Dec. 15,
1848. They reared a family of four children,
namely : Sarah Elizabeth, born May 26, 1828, mar-
ried Joseph Washington Smith ; Jesse Dennison,
born April 18, 1830; William Burrows, born Sept.
14, 1833 ; and Nancy, born Oct. 28, 1835, is
wife of Thomas A. Latham. Mr. Smith was a
prosperous merchant in New London, where he
was engaged in business for many years. His resi-
dence was in Groton.
EDWIN F. WHITE, one of the enterprising
farmers of North Stonington, who has already ac-
complished more than most of the other younger
men about him, was born in Stonington on the
Charles P. Williams farm, Feb. 5, 1871, son of Ed-
win and Martha B. (York) White.
The paternal great-grandfather of Edwin F.
White was Charles White, a soldier in the war of
1 812, and a son of a patriot of the Revolutionary
days. He married Ruth Perry, who was one of
Commodore Perry's family. Their son, Charles
Perry Y\ 'bite, who became a well known citizen,
was born in North Stonington, Nov. 12, 18 13. As
he grew older he received both a common school
and an academic education, studying in his native
town first and later in Rhode Island. By occupation
he was a farmer, but he was a man of force of char-
acter, and was held in such confidence and esteem by
his contemporaries that for many years he was kept
in offices of trust and responsibility. For twenty-
five years he was a justice of the peace and for a
period of twenty-two years he served as judge of
probate. In his earlier years he held the views of
the Whig party, and later joined the Republican
ranks after the formation of that party. In 1853 he
was elected to the Legislature from North Stoning-
ton, and in his latter years, in the fall of 1880, was
chosen Senator from the old eighth district by a ma-
jority of 800. He was a man of the highest integrity
and of great ability, and in every position fully
justified the confidence of his constituents. In his
church relations he was connected with the Second
Baptist Church of North Stonington, in which he
was long a leader.
Judge Perry was twice married. His two sons
were the offspring of the first marriage : Charles,
deceased, left one son, Daniel P., a resident of North
THOMAS A. LATHAM
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
67$
Stonington; Edwin, the second child, is the father
of Edwin F.
Edwin White was born in North Stonington,
and is a resident of that town. J le has been engaged
in fanning all his life. His first wife was Martha
B. York, now deceased, and by her he had five chil-
dren, as follows: Frederick Eugene, who died when
twenty-nine years old ; Edwin Frank ; Harriet Eliza,
wife of Leander F. Fark ; Jane Louisa, who married
John E. Thompson ; and Arthur. His second union
was with Mrs. Eliza Crandall.
Edwin Frank White spent his youth in North
Stonington, and since attaining manhood has been
principally engaged in farming, although for two
years he worked in the Charles B. Chapman market
in Norwich. As a farmer he was busied first in
North Stonington, and then for four years at East-
ern Point in Groton for Thomas W. Avery. After
leaving Norwich he lived two years on the George
A. Avery farm in North Stonington, and then spent
two more on the General Williams farm in District
No. 1. He next passed a period of three years on
the old family homestead, in District No. 6, and then
finally, in October, 1903, bought the Nelson A.
Brown farm, in North Stonington, where he now
resides.
Mr. White was married at Norwich, Sept. 19,
1894, to Miss Mabel S. Woodward, daughter of
Calvin H. and Clara L. (Cushman) Woodward, of
Norwich, Conn. They have had a family of five
children, the eldest of whom, Mabel Jennie, died in
infancy. The others are: Marion Ethel, Frank
Woodward, Edwin Calvin and Harriet Eliza. Mr.
White, who is a Republican in his politics, takes
an active interest in public affairs and has twice
represented his town in the Legislature, in 1901
and 1903. For five years he held the office of as-
sessor, and was elected a member of the board of
selectmen in 1904. In whatever position he has
filled he has acquitted himself most efficiently. He
is one of the charter members of Fairview Lodge,
No. 101, I. O. O. F., of Groton.
WILLIAM P. YOUNG, now residing on his
large and attractive farm near Glasgo in the town
of Griswold, has been for years one of the pros-
perous agriculturists of the county, and although
having some time ago retired from active farm work
he still attends to public duties, having long been
prominent in local affairs. He was born in Green-
wich, R. I., April 21, 1828, and comes of a family
of well-to-do agriculturists and successful business
men.
Andrew Young, grandfather of William P., spent
the greater part of his long and useful life in Coven-
try. R. I. Here during his mature life he engaged
in farming very extensively, was successful in that
line and accumulated considerable property. Liv-
ing during the Revolutionary war, he enlisted and
did some valiant service for his country. He died
in Coventry at the advanced age of eighty. During
43
his young manhood he married Sarah I 'otter, and,
after her death, a Miss Burgess. He had seven chil-
dren : Jeremiah, a man of considerable prominence,
who served his community as representative in the
Legislature, also as justice of the peace, married
Dorcas Mowry, and they resided in Sterling. Conn.,
where he died. George, born April 4, [778, married
Elizabeth Pike, and they resided in Ohio, where his
descendants now live. James resided first in
Foster, R. I., later in Youngstown, Ohio, a place
named in honor of his family. John married Roxey
Wells, and resided in Sterling, Conn. Andrew, a
farmer, married Martha Perkins, a sister of .Mrs.
William P. Young, Sr., and they resided in Sterling,.
Conn., for some years, later in Coventry, R. I., where
he died. William P., Sr., is mentioned below. Bet-
sey, who never married, lived to the advanced age
of ninety- six.
William P. Young, Sr., father of William P.r
was a man of force of character and of good busi-
ness ability. As a Connecticut village merchant,,
an extensive Ohio agriculturist, a prominent New
England manufacturer, and a promoter of other en-
terprises, he always conducted his business on a
large scale and at the same time made an unquali-
fied success of it. He was born in Coventry, R. I.,
Sept. 3, 1789, and there in the public schools pro-
cured his education, developing habits of attention
and self-reliance, which prominently characterized
his later life. At the early age of eighteen, at Ster-
ling Hill, in the town of Sterling, he opened a gen-
eral store and embarked in business for himself.
Prudent management and courteous reception of cus-
tomers won him success, and he continued the busi-
ness for three years. Then desirous of becoming
a possessor of some of the rich lands being opened
to settlers in the Middle West, he went to Ohio, and
took up 600 acres of land, upon which he erected
good buildings and made other extensive improve-
ments. His house stood on the site now occupied
by the Youngstown Female Seminary. He re-
mained on the place for seven years, clearing and
breaking new portions of it, and making it one of
the most valuable pieces of property in the vicinity.
Enabled to sell at a good advantage, he then dis-
posed of his property and returned East, settling in
Plainfield, Oneida Co., N. Y. After two years,
however, he came to Sterling, Conn., and now pos-
sessed of considerable means, opened there a cot-
ton factory. Making a success of this industry,
he later invested his savings in a similar mill in Dor-
chester, R. I. In both these establishments he carried
on a large business, and furnished employment to
a number of men and women. Making a profitable
income, he put in the best years of his life in running
these factories. For some time he also took charge
of mills in what is now Putnam, where he like-
wise met with success. Finally, after having
amassed considerable means, he disposed of his
various industries, and retired to a farm which he
purchased in Sterling, Conn. This he managed sue-
6/4
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
cessfully for some years, but later moved to Plain-
field, Conn., where he died, June II, 1873.
Mr. Young married Mary Perkins, daughter of
Elisha and Mary (Montgomery) Perkins, and
granddaughter of Jonah Perkins, who was born
Jan. 13, 1792, and died in Griswold, Conn., Sept. 11,
1872. To Mr. and Mrs. Young were born ten chil-
dren: Horace P., born Dec. 18, 181 1, died in
Jewett City, Conn., Dec. 19, 1893 (his son Adelbert
R., now resides in that place) ; Mary, born Aug.
14, 1813, died July 7, 1818; Elisha D., born Jan. 4,
1815, died Aug. 31, 1837; Emily P., born Nov. 9,
1817, died April 2, 1839; Susan E., born May 9,
1820, died Oct. 19, 1886 (she married Barton C.
Keigwin, of Oneco, Conn.) ; Mary Sophia, born
Oct. 8, 1822, married in 1848 Amos Sweet, and,
after his death, Edwin Tucker, of Ohio, who is
also now deceased, and she resides at Minneapolis,
Minn. ; Damon Erastus, born in 1 824, died in Decem-
ber, 1835; William Potter is mentioned below;
Eliza F., born July 14, 1832, married, in 1868,
Frederick Tucker, of Paxton, 111. (who is now de-
ceased) and they had one son, Frederick, who died
at the age of twenty-three years ; Ransom C, born
Aug. 31, 1835, married, in 1863, Jennie Tucker, and
they resided in Voluntown, Conn., where he practiced
medicine for twenty-five years, and where he died.
As a live business man Mr. Young always
evinced a keen interest in everything which per-
tained to the welfare of the community in which he
chanced to reside. In the early days he affiliated with
Whigs, later with Republicans, and so great was his
interest in politics that in his last years when ill
health prevented him from walking to the polls he
always insisted upon being driven there. As a man
not afraid to stand by his convictions, he joined
the F. & A. M., when that organization was exceed-
ingly unpopular in this country. He possessed the
highest integrity of character, and both he and his
wife were consistent and substantial members of
the Moosup Baptist Church.
William P. Young received more than the ordin-
ary rearing, having the advantage of considerable
culture, which surrounded his home life. In the
public schools of the various places in which the
family resided he procured a good education, fin-
ishing in the East Greenwich Academy, an insti-
stution of much excellence and widely patronized in
his time. As a boy he evinced a keen interest in
mechanics, and often busied himself about his fa-
ther's mills. Acquiring in this way much practi-
cal knowledge, at the early age of seventeen he
started out repairing and setting up machinery for
the various factories in his vicinity. Giving excel-
lent satisfaction, his business increased from year to
year, and commanding a good salary he continued
it for twenty years. He also during this time en-
gaged in various other lines of mechanical work.
In 1864 he decided to turn his attention more ex-
clusively to agriculture, and purchased in Glasgo
a splendid 240-acre tract, where he moved with his
family, and has since resided. Giving his time and
attention largely to the development of its resources,
he has greatly improved the place and caused it to
yield large and valuable crops. Besides general
farming he has engaged extensively in the dairy
business, and he has always kept excellent stock.
A few years ago he retired from active farm work,
and turned over the management of the place to his
son Byron, who still takes charge of it.
Mr. Young married in Plainfield, Conn, (by Rev.
Joseph Brown), Laura A. Hill, who was born June
4, 1827, daughter of Sheldon Hill, of Plainfield,
and they have had five children : ( 1 ) Herbert Stan-
ley, born Dec. 7, 1853, graduated from Norwich
Free Academy, and in' 1876 from Yale. For the suc-
ceeding three years he taught in New York City,
and continued teaching in various places for twen-
ty years. He is now merchant and Postmaster at
Norwich Town. He married Louise Witter, of
Preston, and their only child died in infancy. (2)
Estella Frances, born Dec. 3, 1857, died Sept. 11,
1858. (3) Ransom Henry, born March 24, i860,
now a thrifty farmer of Griswold, married Hattie
Bill, and they have had four children : Howard
Stanley, born Aug. 13, 1885, died Aug. 10, 1899;
Laura Prentice, born Aug. 31, 1887; Henry Eames,
born May 14, 1892; and Benjamin William, born
Oct. 22, 1895. (4) Eliza Hill, born June 15, 1862,
married Walter Burdick, of Griswold, Conn. (5)
Byron Perkins, born Oct. 19, 1864, who now lives-
at home and carries on the farm, married Susan L-.
Kinney, now deceased, and they had three chil-
dren, Laura Mabel, Floyd Kinney and Olive Mont-
gomery.
Mr. Young possesses those traits of character,
combined with a magnetic personality, pleasing man-
ners, and great physical and mental power, which
have pre-eminently fitted him for filling positions of
trust and honor. From 1872 to 1891 he acted as
postmaster at Glasgo, winning for himself a wide
popularity. He has served six years as selectman,
and ten years as justice of the peace, and in the dis-
charge of his duties has evinced much wisdom, and
legal and business ability. He has occasionally filled
the position of grand juror, and has served five
terms on the board of relief. As a Republican he
has long wielded a wide influence in politics. He and
his family are prominent members of the Bethel
Methodist Episcopol Church, of which he is now
trustee and steward.
JOHN W. McDONALD, one of the prosperous
and substantial business men of Mystic, and one who
enjoys the universal esteem of his fellow townsmen,
is a son of Donald McDonald, and a grandson of
William McDonald, a prosperous farmer of Prince
Edward Island, where the family of McDonald is
an old and numerous one.
Donald McDonald was born on Prince Edward
Island, and there spent his boyhood days, working
at pump making and as a ship carpenter. His
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
(>75
-death occurred in Mystic in 1872, when he was forty-
seven years of age. In 1852, he removed to Hoboken,
X. J., and later went to Newport, R. I., where he
worked at ship building. Still later, he came to
Mystic, and found ready employment in the Green-
man yard. After some time there, he and Samuel
Colburn formed a partnership, working in the Mal-
lory yard doing contract work. In Mystic, Conn.,
he married Alice Sutton, of Liverpool, England,
who died April 17, 1903. They became the parents
of the following family : Barbara, deceased, married
Joseph \Y. Xoble, of Mystic, and had one child,
Jennie ; John William ; Charles Richard died at the
a<re of twentv vears ; Sarah, Alice and Lizzie died
young.
John "W. McDonald, the subject proper of this
sketch, was born Oct. 20, 1857, in Mystic, and there
spent his bovhood, attending the public school.
Later, he worked at carriage trimming with Charles
Johnson, and followed that trade for four years,
when he embarked in the grocery business with Sam-
uel S. Brown, and thus continued for five years.
He next went into a meat business with J. W. Noble,
under the firm style of Noble & McDonald, and for
ten years was thus engaged, when he sold his inter-
est to his partner, and a year later bought it back
again, and continued it alone for five years, success
marking all his business enterprises. On April 1,
1903. he purchased of Elijah A. Morgan the Morgan
Ice Company, whose storage capacity is 3,000 tons,
and is now profitably carrying on that business, hav-
ing greatly enlarged the field of operation and the
volume of trade.
On June 25, 1885, Mr. McDonald was united in
marriage with Miss Adelaide A. Hopkins, daughter
of George O. Hopkins, who was principal of the
public schools of Mystic for some fifteen years.
The following children have been born to Mr. and
Mrs. McDonald: Sarah E., Alice A., Barbara and
Ruth Wade. Mr. McDonald is a popular member
of Mistuxet Lodge, K. of P. He and his wife are
consistent members of the Congregational Church,
and he is treasurer of the church society. They are
well and favorably known in the community and
church, and have a host of warm, personal friends.
SHOLES. The family bearing the name of
Sholes has lived for several generations in the town
of Preston, New London county, and its various
members have held honorable places in the com-
munity.
Jabez Sholes was born in the latter half of the
eighteenth century, and he died at his home in
Preston at an advanced age. He was an industri-
ous and successful farmer on the Spicer homestead,
now the home of Ransom S. Sholes, and he was es-
teemed by all who knew him. He married a Miss
Spicer, and they became the parents of five children :
Ardelia, who married a Mr. Faulkner, and went
West, where she died ; Francis Jeremiah ; two daugh-
ters that both died young; and Sanford, who mar-
ried Eliza Stanton, a sister of Hannah Stanton, and
lived in Norwich, where he died.
Francis Jeremiah Sholes was born in Preston
March 21, 1812, and became a farmer, following
that occupation all his life. When he was first mar-
ried he rented a farm in Lisbon, Conn., where he re-
mained for about four years, when he returned to
Preston and purchased a large farm, to which he
added as prosperity came to him, and in the culti-
vation of this land he passed the remainder of his
life. His success was the result of his industry and
frugality, and from a very small beginning he was
possessed of 250 acres at the last. He was a large
man physically, and possessed a genial, good natured
disposition that won him many friends. In his po-
litical faith he was a stanch Democrat, but cared
nothing for the holding of office. He died in Pres-
ton, Feb. 2, 1854. In 1836 he married Hannah
Stanton, born Dec. 10, 1816, in Griswold, Conn.,
daughter of Palmer and Catherine (Roath) Stan-
ton. She died Aug. 27, 1863, while on a visit in
Exeter, R. I., and was buried beside her husband in
Yantic cemetery, Norwich. Their children were :
Jeremiah Francis ; and Ransom Sanford, sketch of
whom appears elsewhere ; and Caroline Stanton, who
married Daniel W. Benjamin, (born 1837, died 1898,
aged sixty-one years, son of Nathan Benjamin, of
Preston), who was engaged in farming in Norwich
until his death, and their children were : Daniel
Webster, Jr. (born in 1865, married Nellie Dunham,
of Broad Brook, Conn., had two children, and en-
gaged in farming in Norwich until his death in
1900) and Caroline (who died at the age of twenty
years).
Jeremiah Francis Sholes was born in Lisbon
May 14, 1837, and was scarcely four years of age
when his parents returned to Preston. He attended
the Bridge District school, continuing to attend dur-
ing the winter terms until he was eighteen years of
age. Selecting farming as his life work he began on
the home farm, where he remained until in 1866,
when he purchased his present farm, known as the
Elias Chapman farm, 175 acres, where he has since
carried on extensive farming operations in the most
approved modern manner. He keeps from thirty to
thirty-five cows, and for over thirty years has had
a milk route in Norwich, never in that time missing
the delivery of milk to his customers a single day.
Politically Mr. Sholes is a stanch Democrat, and
he has served his town in various capacities of trust,
having been a member of the board of selectmen
two years, highway surveyor for a number of years,
etc., giving the same careful attention to his official
duties that won his success in his personal affairs.
In June, 1864, ^ir- Sholes was married (first)
to Mary E. Benjamin, daughter of Nathan Benja-
min, of Preston ; she died Oct. 28. 1865. in Preston,
leaving no children. On March 25, 1866, Mr. Sholes
married Nancy Amelia Crary, born May n, 1844,
in Preston, daughter of Avery and Eliza (Brew-
ster) Crary, of Ledyard. The three children of this
676
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
union were: (i) Eliza Crary, born March 25, 1868,
died May 9, 1872. (2) Hannah married Napoleon
Bonaparte Lewis, a leading physician of Norwich,
and has two children, Helen Crary and Earl Sholes
Lewis. (3) Jeremiah F., Jr., died in infancy Nov.
20, 1876. Mr.- Sholes is a leading farmer in the com-
munity, and he and his family hold an exceptionally
high place in the esteem of their friends. Mr. and
Mrs. Sholes are both members of St. James Episco-
pal Church, of Poquetanuck, of which he has been
vestryman for some six years.
WILLIAM B. LATHROP, who has passed
all but a few years of his long and useful life in the
town of Norwich, is a descendant of one of the
oldest families of eastern Connecticut. His first
ancestor on this side of the Atlantic was Rev. John
Lathrop, who suffered persecution in the cause of
religious liberty early in the seventeenth century.
He was baptized Dec. 20, 1584, in Etton, Yorkshire,
England, was minister at Egerton in Kent, and re-
moved in 1624 to London where he was pastor of a
Congregational Church. The archbishop caused the
arrest, on April 29, 1632, of Rev. Mr. Lathrop, and
forty-three members of his church, and most of
them were confined in prison for two years for the
simple offense of practicing the teachings of the
New Testament. The pastor and some others were
released on condition that they leave the country,
and they came to New England in 1634, soon after-
ward organizing a Church at Scituate. Rev. Mr.
Lathrop was admitted a freeman of the Plymouth
Colony in 1636-37. Two years later, with the prin-
cipal part of the Church, he moved to Barnstable.
He is mentioned as a man of deep piety, great zeal
and large ability. Mr. Lathrop's first wife died
while he was in prison, and he brought his family
with him to this country. Here according to
"Pope's Pioneers of Massachusetts" he married "a
second wife whose name is not on our records, who
came here with him, joined the church June 14,
1635, and survived him." His children were : Jane,
Barbara, Thomas, Sarah, Samuel, Joseph, John,
Benjamin, Barnabas, Abigail, Bathshua, and two
that died in infancy.
(II) Samuel Lathrop, born in England, came
with his father in 1634 to Scituate, Mass., thence
moving to Barnstable, where he married, Nov. 28,
1644, Elizabeth Scudder, who had been dismissed
from the Church in Boston Nov. 10, 1644, to remove
her Church relations to that in Barnstable. Mr.
Lathrop removed, in 1648, to New London, Conn.,
then called Pequot. On the organization of the
local court there, in 1649, ne became one of the
judges. He had several grants of land in the town.
In 1668 he removed to Norwich, and before 1670
he appears to have erected a house on the town
street, which from that time became his home. He
served his community as constable and also as
townsman. His wife dying, he married (second),
in 1690, in Plymouth, Mass., Abigail, born Jan. 29,
1632, daughter of Deacon John Doane. She lived to
celebrate her one hundredth birthday, dying in 1734.
Mr. Lathrop died in 1700. His children were:
John, baptized Dec. 7, 1645 > Elizabeth, in March,
1648; Samuel, in March, 1650; Sarah, in October,
1655 ; Martha, in January, 1657 ; Israel, in October,
1659; Joseph, in October, 1661 ; Abigail, in May,
1665 ; and Anne, in August, 1667.
(III) Samuel Lathrop (2), born in March,
1650, married (first) in November, 1675, Hannah
Adgate. She died Sept. 18, 1695, and he married
(second) Dec. 30, 1697, Mary Edgerton, of Nor-
wich. They settled in that town, where she died
Jan. 31, 1727-28. He died Dec. 9, 1732. Mr. Lath-
rop was a member of the First Church in Norwich.
His children were : Hannah, born in Norwich, Jan.
6, 1677; Elizabeth, Nov. 1, 1679; Thomas, Aug..
25, 168 1 ; Margaret, Oct. 1, 1683; Samuel, Jan. 6,
1685; Simon, May 3, 1689; and Nathaniel, July
15- T693-
(IV) Nathaniel Lathrop, born July 15, 1693,
married April 25, 1717, Ann, daughter of Joseph
and Elizabeth (Huntington) Backus, who was born
in Norwich, Jan. 27, 1695, and died Aug. 24, 1761.
Mr. Lathrop settled first on the Namussuck farm
in New London, which his great-grandfather had
owned, but in 1735 sold that farm, and removed to
Norwich. He served with his elder brother, Col.
Lathrop, in the Louisburg expedition. He was com-
missioned lieutenant Dec. 12, 1745. He died at
Norwich, March 20, 1774. His children were:
Asa, who died Nov. 10, 1761 ; Nathaniel; Zebediah,
born in 1725, in Norwich; Azariah, born in 1728;
Anna, born Aug. 13, 1735, in Norwich ; Chloe, born
Aug. 30, 1737; and Lucy.
(V) Nathaniel Lathrop died Jan. 8, 1757. By
his wife Margaret, he had the following children:
Burrel, born April 5, 1749; Hannah, Feb. 10, 1750-
51 ; and Asa, Nov. 16, 1755.
(VI) Asa Lathrop, born Nov. 16, 1755, died
March 20, 1835. On Sept. 3, 1780, he married
Elizabeth Lord, who was born in 1757, daughter of
Dr. Eleazer Lord; she died Aug. 23, 1805, aged
forty-eight years. Mr. and Mrs. Lathrop resided in
Norwich. Their children were as follows : Lucy
L., born in 1781, died Dec. 5, 1874, unmarried;
Betsey, born Sept. 12, 1784, died March 9, 1870,
unmarried; Margaret F., born in 1787, died Aug.
24, 1863, unmarried; Abby L., born in 1789, died
March 2, 1835, unmarried ; Eleazer, born March 20,
1792, is mentioned below ; Burrel, born in 1795, died
Sept. 17, 1840, unmarried.
(VII) Eleazer L. Lathrop, father of William
B., was born in Norwich. He learned the trade of
goldsmith from Eliphalet Hart, of Norwich town,
and he followed that trade for several years, but
later devoted his entire attention to farming, which
he carried on successfully. He died April 11, 1863,
and was buried in Yantic cemetery. Mr. Lathrop
in the latter years of his life became a member of
the First Congregational Church of Norwich. Polit-
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
677
ically he was a Whig, and later a Republican, and
he held the office of road surveyor for a number of
vears.
On Dec. 28, 1820, he married Jerusha Thomas,
of Norwich, who was born April 7, 1795, daughter
of Simeon Thomas, and died Feb. 27, 1871. The
children of this union were as follows : ( 1 ) Eliza-
beth L., born Oct. 16. 182 1, married Edward Deni-
son, and died in Stonington, Conn. (2) William
Baldwin, born March 7, 1824, is mentioned below.
(3) Mary, born July 19, 1827, died May 17, 1850.
(4) Hannah L., born Dec. 21, 1828, married Will-
iam Bacon Lathrop, and died at Norwich town May
18, 1855. (5) Cornelia E., born Dec. 16, 1830,
died unmarried Dec. 13, 1854. (6) Charles Thomas,
born Nov. 27, 1832, was a druggist, and died Feb.
21. 1864, at Norwich. (7) Burrel, born Dec. 1, 1835,
died Aug. 8, 1837. (8) Jane E., born Nov. 27,
1838, died Oct. 4, 1845.
William B. Lathrop was born in the house he
still occupies. He attended the district schools and
the old Norwich Academy on the Norwich Town
Green, and was brought up to farm work, living at
home until the age of twenty years. He then appren-
ticed himself for three years to Wise & Bailey, boss
carpenters at Norwich, to learn the trade, at first
receiving but small wages, as was customary at that
time. He continued with them for several vears
after completing his apprenticeship, and then went
to Piermont, N. Y., where he was employed as a
foreman in the construction of houses for Eleazer
Lord, a distant relative, who was president of a
railroad and a large property holder. His employer
dying a year later, Mr. Lathrop went to Cincinnati,
Ohio, in 1852, and was engaged in contracting and
building there with good success, remaining in that
city four years. Thence he went to Iowa City, Iowa,
and was there located in the same business until
1862, when he returned home to Norwich on a visit.
Finding that he was needed at home, and his father
dying soon afterward, he remained there and con-
ducted the farm for his mother, after her death
coming into the full possession of the place. For
many years he carried on carpentering and contract-
ing in addition to his farm work, but he has retired
from active work for several years past, his son now
conducting the home place. He owns two farms.
On Oct. 15, 185 1, Mr. Lathrop was married in
Franklin, Conn., to Amelia R. Smith, who was born
in that town, daughter of Pomeroy and Rachel
(Ellis) Smith. Mrs. Lathrop died July 28, 1893.
She was the mother of the following named chil-
dren : (1) Charles Eleazer, born Dec. 14. 1855, is
engaged in the grain business in Kansas City, Mo.
He was married March 2, 1882, to Cora Madden,
and they have had three children: Ruth Emelia,
born Oct. 20, 1883: William Burrel, born May 5,
1886: and Margaret. (2) Burrel William, born
Jan. 12, 1858, conducts the home farm. He
niarried Cora Bussey, and they have had five chil-
dren— Frank Bussey, born Jan. 17, 1891 ; Clifford
Austin, born Feb. 2, 1894; Burrel Dudley, born
Jan. 17, '1897; Phoebe Emily, born May 7, 1899;
and Harold Richard, born Nov. 10, 1900. (3) Ed-
ward Denison, born April 12, 1862, died Dec.
21, 1862. (4) Mary Cornelia, born May 6, 1864,
is the wife of John l>lair, and resides in Worcester,
Mass. (5) Elizabeth Denison, born Feb. 24, 1866,
died Nov. 7, 1891. (6) Amy Baker, born Aug. 17,
1869, died Oct. 8, 1869.
Mr. Lathrop was always a hard working man,
and throughout life he has borne a high reputation
for integrity. Personally he is a man of quiet dis-
position, unassuming in his manner and ways, and
is well liked for his modest and upright character.
He is a Republican in his political sentiment, and in
religious belief clings to the faith of his forefathers,
being a member of the Congregational Church.
CAPT. SILAS BURROWS LATHAM. The
late Capt. Silas B. Latham of New London was one
of the best known and most successful vessel masters
that sailed from that port. He was a descendant of
one of the oldest families of the county, William
Latham, his grandfather, having been a resident of
Fort Hill, Groton, where he passed his entire life.
He was wounded at Fort Ledyard, during the war
of 1812, but survived his injuries, and lived to an
old age.
Silas Latham, father of Capt. Silas B. Latham,
was born in District No. 9. Groton, and
early in life went on the water and fol-
lowed that occupation during the rest of
his active life, retiring from the sea about
fifteen or more years before his death. During one
voyage he was shipwrecked, and spent six months
on one of the group of Fiji Islands. For many years
he was master of the "Lizzie." and engaged in seal-
ins: and whaling;, and also in the service of the mer-
chant marine. His residence was at Noank, and
there his death occurred in 1893, when he was
eighty-seven years of age. His church membership
was with the Baptist denomination, and he always
took an active part in the good work of that body,
contributing liberally toward its support. He mar-
ried Miss Lydia P. Lewis, who died in 1892, aged
seventy-seven years, the mother of seven children,
namely: Frances is the widow of James (iaskell
and resides at Norwich: Silas B. ; Ezra died un-
married in 1889. being lost at sea from the "William
Fisher" : Elizabeth married Albert Chadwiek. and
resides at Norwich Town : Walter died young ; Ben-
jamin W., of Noank. has a sketch elsewhere in this
volume; and Elmer, a half-tone engraver in Brook-
lyn, X. Y., married a Miss Henderson.
Capt. Silas Burrows Latham, who was lost from
his vessel while engaged in fishing, was one of the
best known fisherman along Long Island Sound.
He was born Feb. 15, 1839. in Groton. Conn. After
receiving his schooling, at the age of sixteen, he be-
came engaged in blue fishing, in which occupation
he was engaged nearly all his life. He was a part
6?8
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
owner in the fishing smack "Esther Anita," in com-
pany with his brother, Capt. Benjamin W., of Gro-
ton, from which vessel he was lost in a gale on the
Jersey Coast, Sept. 16, 1903, being washed over-
board while his vessel was dragging her anchors,
which the crew were vainly endeavoring to raise.
He had been successful in his life work. His product
was shipped mostlv to the Fulton Fish Market, New
York.
Capt. Latham was a man of even, genial dispo-
sition, and his pleasant ways made for him many
warm friends. To his family he was most devoted
— a kind and loving husband, and an affectionate
and indulgent father, finding his keenest enjoyment
in his home, where all his leisure moments were
spent. His pleasant residence at Xo. 243 Montauk
avenue, New London, was purchased about three
years prior to his death ; it is a model of comfort,
and commands a beautiful view of New London
harbor. Socially Capt. Latham was a member of
the Jibboom Club, No. 1, of New London, while re-
ligiously he was a member of the Baptist Church of
Noank.
On Dec. 28, 1862, Capt. Latham was married
to Melissa Gabriella St. John, who was born in Ma-
son's Island, daughter of Joseph and Eliza (Spen-
cer) St. John. To this union was born one
daughter, Ida Chester, who was married Dec. 13,
1 89 1, to Frederick Simeon Gordon, of Brooklyn. N.
Y., a traveling salesman, who died April 18," 1896,
at Noank, leaving his widow with two children,
Rose Mildred and Dorice Latham. Since the death
of her husband Mrs. Gordon has made her home in
New London, where she now resides with her
widowed mother.
GREENE. Since early in the nineteenth century
the name of Greene has been prominently identified
with the social and business life of Norwich, and
especially conspicuous has it been in establishing,
fostering and promoting the industries of the town.
William P. and Gardiner Greene, father and son,
in turn have worthily represented in commercial
lines a name long prominent and honored in New
England annals, and the latter's son, Hon. Gardiner
Greene, now one of the leading members of the
Norwich Bar, is sustaining the reputation of the
family in professional lines.
It is the purpose here to refer briefly onlv to
these men and to their Greene lineage. This,' the
Norwich branch of the Greene family, comes from
the Boston branch of one of the Rhode Island fami-
lies, from John Greene, of Warwick of that State,
who was descended from the family of Greene of
Greene's Norton, Northamptonshire, England, which
flourished in that county from 13 19 until the time of
Henry VIII. Sir Henry Greene, Knt., lord chief
justice of England in 1353, was the head of this
family in his time. His younger son, Sir Henry
Greene, was beheaded in 1399, for his attachment to
the cause of Richard II. Queen Catherine Parr
was a member of this family, her mother being
Matilda Greene, daughter and co-heiress of Sir
Thomas Greene, of Greene's Norton. By the mar-
riage of Matilda Greene and her sister Anne, re-
spectively, to Sir Thomas Parr and Baron Vaux>
the Northampton estate passed into other families.
A branch of this family, from which the Ameri-
can Greenes are descended, owned and occupied
the estate of Bowridge Hill, in Gillingham parish,,
in Dorsetshire, in the reign of Henry VIII, and so
continued until 1635 and after. Many records of
births, marriages and deaths of the family appear
in the parish records, and various curious wills of
theirs are extant. Their old stone house is still
standing. The John Greene of Warwick, R. I., re-
ferred to in the foregoing, and who is treated in what
follows, was a younger brother of the owner of
Bowridge Hill, at the time of his emigration to the
American colonies in 1635. From this source came
the Greenes under consideration, and their lineage
from the American ancestor follows, each generation
being designated by a Roman character.
(I) John Greene, of Salisbury, County Wilts,.
England, sailed from Southampton, England, in the
ship "James" to Boston in 1635, bringing with him
his family. Mr. Greene was probably born at Bow-
ridge Hill, Gillingham, Dorset, where his father,.
Richard (2), and grandfather, Richard Greene, re-
sided. His great-grandfather was Robert Greene.
John Greene was a surgeon in Salisbury, and there-
made his first marriage at St. Thomas Church. This.
was on Nov. 4, 1619, and to Joan Tattersall. His
children and the dates of their baptisms were : John,.
Aug. 15, 1620; Peter, March 10, 1622; Richard,.
March 25, 1623; James, June 21, 1626; Thomas,.
June 4, 1628; Joan, Oct. 3, 1630; and Marv, May
19, 1633.
Mr. Greene was of Salem, Mass., for a short per-
iod, and of Providence in 1637. He was one of the
twelve persons to whom Roger Williams deeded
land bought of Canonicus and Miantonomo, in 1638..
He was one of the twelve original members of the
First Baptist Church. In 1643 ne an^ others pur-
chased a tract of land now called Warwick. He
was commissioner 1654-1657; was made a freeman
in 1655. He married (second) Alice Daniels, a
widow. His death occurred in 1658. (Some of the
conspicuous descendants of John Greene, of War-
wick, R. I., have been Gen. Nathaniel Greene, of
Revolutionary fame ; John, deputy governor of the
colony ; William, lieutenant-governor and governor
of the colony; William (2), chief justice and gov-
ernor of Rhode Island ; Ray Greene, United States
senator ; and the latter's son, William, lieutenant-
governor and of Brown University ; and Gen. George
S. Greene).
(II) Thomas Greene, born in 1628, married June
30, 1659, Elizabeth Barton, daughter of Rufus and
Margaret Barton. Mr. Greene was a freeman in
1655 ; commissioner in 1662 ; deputy in 1667, 1669,.
1670, 1671, 1672, 1674, 1678, 1681, 1683 and 1684;'
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
679
and assistant in 1078, [679, 1680, 1684 and 1685.
He died June 5, 17 17, and his wife Elizabeth passed
away Aug. 20, 1693.. Their children were: Eliza-
beth, born July 12, 1660; Thomas, born Aug. 4,
1662 j Benjamin, born Jan. 10, 1666; Richard, born
March 5, 1667; Welthian, born Jan. 23, 1670; Rufus,
born Jan. 6, 1673; an^ Nathaniel, born April 10,
1679.
(III) Nathaniel Greene, born April 10, 1679,
married Feb. 27, 1703, Anne Gould, daughter of
Thomas and Frances Gould, of Boston. Air. Greene
removed to Boston where he was engaged in mer-
cantile pursuits. Their children whose births are
recorded in Warwick were: Rufus born May 30,
1707; and Nathaniel, born May 14, 1709 "at Bos-
ton.'' Mr. Gould lived and died in Boston, leaving
Thomas, Nathaniel, Rufus, Benjamin and William.
(IV) Benjamin Greene also resided in Boston,
and was there engaged as a merchant.
(V) Gardiner Greene, the merchant prince of
Boston, was one of the foremost men of New Eng-
land of his time, both in business and social life.
The following extracts concerning him, his family
and estate are from "The Memorial History of Bos-
ton" ( 1881 ) . His house stood on the site of the New
Court House, Pemberton Square, and his estate
was the most famous in Boston. "There are better
views of the Greene Mansion than the frontis-
piece afforded. One of them is in the mayor's office
at the City Hall. The building was of wood, three
stories in height, four large rooms on each floor,
with an L. The woodwork of the drawing room
was elaborately carved, and in this respect it differed
from the Faneuil house, which had plainer orna-
mentation. Mr. Greene had resided in Demerara
for many years after 1774, and had laid there the
foundation of a large fortune. In 1775 he married
Miss Ann Reading, who died in 1786. Two years
later he visited Boston and married Elizabeth,
daughter of Daniel Hubbard, who died in 1797. In
July, 1800, while in London, he married Elizabeth
Clarke, daughter of Copley the painter, and soon
took up his permanent residence in Boston, and here
died, Dec. 19, 1832.
"Pemberton (or, as it was formerly known, Cot-
ton) Hill, became by purchase from three owners
between 180 1, and 1824, the property of Mr. Gardi-
ner Greene, the wealthiest citizen of his time, whose
estate was one of the glories of Boston in the early
years of the present century. Mr. Greene having
died in 1832, his estate was sold a year or two later
to Mr. Patrick T. Jackson, who purchased also sev-
eral other estates lying on Beacon street and Tre-
mont street (then known as Tremont Row from
Howard to Beacon streets) and caused the whole
to be graded and laid out.
"Among the prominent gardens which existed in
Boston previous to the Revolution * * * But
the most conspicuous, extensive and elegant gar-
den of those days was that of Gardiner Greene, who
also had one of the early greenhouses in Boston.
The grounds were terraced, and planted with vines,
fruits, ornamental trees, dowering shrubs and plants,
and were to me when I visited them, sixty-five years
ago, a scene of beauty and enchantment which I
shall never forget. Here were growing in the open
air, Black Hamburg and White Chasselas grapes.
apricots, nectarines, peaches, pears and plums in per-
fection, presenting a scene which made a dee]) im-
pression on my mind, and which gave me some of
those strong incentives that governed me in the cul-
tivation of fruits and flowers. Here were many
ornamental trees, brought from foreign lands ; one
of which, the Salisburia adiaiitifolia, the Japan
Ginko tree, was removed through the personal
efforts of the late Dr. Jacob Bigelow, and planted on
the Upper Mall of the Common, where it now
stands."
( VI ) William Parkinson Greene, late of Nor-
wich. Under the head of Mayor of the City, in Miss
Caulkins' "History of Norwich" (1866), appears
the following notice of Mr. Greene, who was mayor
of the city in 1842: "Mr. Greene was a native of
Boston, but an inhabitant of Norwich for more than
forty years. He was the second son of Gardiner
and Elizabeth (Hubbard) Greene, and born Sept.
7, 1795. He graduated at Harvard College! in
1 8 14, and afterward studied law, but his health not
being equal to the requirements of the legal pro-
fession, he removed in 1824 to Norwich, and en-
gaged at once in business, as a partner and agent of
the Thames Manufacturing Company, which had
invested a large capital in the purchase of mill privi-
leges at the Falls. In this city he soon acquired and
retained during life the esteem and respect of the
community. He was an energetic and large hearted
man ; literary in his tastes, but with profound sagac-
ity in financial and business concerns. These quali-
ties were united with a pure life and an entire ab-
sence of ostentation. As a beautiful result of his
unobtrusive life and liberal disposition, he seemed
to have no enemies. Slander never made him its
mark, and his name was never mentioned with dis-
respect. He was never possessed of robust health,
and therefore seldom able to give his personal serv-
ices in aid of public measures, but all charitable
and noble undertakings having for their object the
welfare of man and the honor of God were sure of
his liberal aid and cordial sympathy. In 1825 he
was chosen the President of the Thames Bank, and
held the office for sixteen years. With this excep-
tion, and that of the single year in which he was
mayor of the city, he steadfastly declined, on account
of his health, all appointments to public office. He
died June 18, 1864, aged sixty-eight. Seldom had
the death of a citizen excited in the place so deep an
interest and such profound regret. It was a loss
that was felt in the circles of business and of public
improvement : in the departments of education and
philanthropy."
Mr. Greene was one of the incorporators of the
Norwich Free Academy in 1854. He was the sec-
6So
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
ond president of the board of trustees of that insti-
tution, serving from 1857 until his death, in 1864.
His wife, in 1859, gave to the Academy a house and
grounds for the use of the Principal. At various
times the gifts of Mr. and Mrs. Greene to the Acad-
emy amounted to $40,000. After Mr. Greene's re-
moval to Norwich in the early twenties, he was
wholly identified with the place, and by his enter-
prise and liberal and enlightened course as a citizen,
contributed largely to its prosperity. He was one
of the founders of the Thames Manufacturing Com-
pany in 1823. The company purchased the mill of
the Quinebaug Company, which, in 1826, built a mill
on the Shetucket river for the manufacture of cot-
ton and woolen goods, before it went into operation.
The Thames Company likewise purchased the mill at
Bozrahville, and in its best days had the three large
mills in successful operation. Two new companies
were formed and went into operation between 1838
and 1842, under the auspices of Mr. Greene — the
Shetucket Company and the Norwich Falls Com-
pany. The latter company purchased the mill at the
Falls, which had formerly belonged to the Thames
Company. These companies were established by
Mr. Greene chiefly upon his own credit, and were
kept, while he lived, under his management and di-
rection ; each mill had 1500 spindles in operation.
Mr. Greene was the prime mover and the largest
subscriber to the stock of the Water Power Com-
pany, incorporated in 1828 "for building a dam and
canal in order to bring the waters of the Shetucket
river into manufacturing use." He had previously
purchased land on the Quinebaug above the union
with the Shetucket, and on the latter river from
Sachem's Plain downwards, nearly three miles in
extent on either side of the river, in Norwich and
Preston. The Shetucket dam was built, a canal
dug, and a village was laid out by this company,
and properly named Greeneville in honor of William
P. Greene, who had been the active promoter of the
enterprise.
On July 14, 1 8 19, Mr. Greene was married to
Elizabeth Augusta Borland, of Boston.
(VII) Gardiner Greene (2), oldest son of Wil-
liam P., was born in Boston, Mass., Sept. 19, 1822,
and came with his parents in 1824, to Norwich,
Coion., where he attended school, after which he
entered Yale College, graduating in 1843. He then
attended the Law School of Harvard College, and
graduated with the Degree of LL. B. in 1845. Re-
turning to Norwich, his health not permitting him
to practice his chosen profession, he became en-
gaged in manufacturing with his father, assisting
him in establishing the Shetucket cotton mills at
Greeneville, also the cotton mill at the Falls, and
was for many years manager of both, also filling the
office of treasurer of both companies, and conduct-
ing the business with marked ability and success.
He retired from business a few years before his
death, which sad event occurred at his home, in
North Washington Street, Norwich, Oct. 30, 1895,
and he was buried in Yantic cemetery. He was a
Republican in politics, and was a stanch supporter
of his party ; while he never sought office, he took
a deep interest in the growth and improvement of
his adopted city, and was ever ready to aid in what-
ever tended to the advancement of Norwich and its
institutions. He was a consistent member of Christ
Episcopal Church of Norwich, and for many years
held the office of vestryman, and still later was sen-
ior warden of the church. He took a deep interest
in all church work. Mr. Greene was a gentleman
of culture ; his refined taste and pleasant and un-
assuming manner won for him the admiration and
respect of his fellow men ; he was the soul of honor,
detesting shams of all kinds. He was kind and char-
itable, and delighted to relieve suffering whenever
possible. His home life was one of happiness and
contentment, and it was there that his fine personal
characteristics were best reflected. Mr. Greene was
a director in the Norwich Water Power Company
and he was also interested in banking matters. He
married, June 26, 1850, Miss Mary R. Adams, of
Alexandria, Ya., daughter of Francis and Mary R.
(Newton) Adams; she was much devoted to her
husband and family, and like him is a member of
Christ Episcopal Church. She now makes her home
with her son, Hon. Gardiner Greene. Two children
blessed their union. Gardiner, Jr., and Leonard V.,
who died at Cedar Rapids, Iowa, Sept. 18, 1895.
(VIII) Gardiner Greene (3) was born Aug.
31, 1 85 1, in Norwich. He was graduated from the
Norwich Free Academy in 1868, from Yale College
in 1873, and from Columbia College Law School,
in 1877. He was admitted to the Bar in New York
City, in May, 1877, and at New London, Conn.,
in March, 1878. In the latter year he became associ-
ated in the practice of law with the late Hon. John
Turner Wait, of Norwich, a partnership that only
terminated with Mr. Wait's death in 1899. Mr.
Greene was a member, from Norwich, to the Lower
House of the General Assembly of the State in 1891-
92, and in 1895. He was chairman of the committee
on Canvass of Votes for State Officers in the mem-
orable deadlock session of 1891-92. The House
having ordered that no business should be introduced
except through this committee, he was placed at the
head of the Republican party in the Assembly dur-
ing that contest. He was a member of the com-
mission for the revision of the Statutes of Connecti-
cut, whose labors are represented in the General
Statutes of 1902. Mr. Greene is one of the leading
members of the New London County Bar, an enter-
prising and public-spirited citizen, and one of the
substantial men of his community.
On April 4, 1894, Mr. Greene was married to
Louise Eustis Reynolds, of Norwich, daughter of
the late Henry Lee Reynolds and Mary (Hill) Rey-
nolds. Both Mr. and Mrs. Greene are members of
Christ Episcopal Church.
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GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
68 1
WHEELER. The lineage of the Wheeler fam-
ily of Stpnington, Conn., given herewith, is that of
the late Nelson H. Wheeler, who was a highly
esteemed citizen and successful farmer, and his sons,
Arthur G., Fernando and George A. Wheeler, well
known citizens of that town.
(I) Thomas Wheeler appears as a resident of
Lynn, Mass., in 1635, in which year he was elected
constable; he was admitted a freeman in 1642, and
owned large tracts of land, etc. Lie married at
Lynn, his wife's name being Mary. In 1667 he
removed to Stonington, Conn., and was made a
freeman in the Connecticut Colony in 1669. He
represented Stonington in the General Court in
1673, and in 1674 he was one of the nine who orga-
nized the church in Stonington. His wife Mary
was one of the first partakers of the communion
service. He died March 6, 1686, aged eighty-four
years. His children were Isaac, Elizabeth and
Sarah.
(II) Isaac WLeeler, born in 1646, married Jan.
10, 1667, Martha, daughter of Thomas and Dorothy
(Thompson) Park. Mr. Wheeler early served in
the Colonial wars, and he died June 5, 171 2. His
widow passed away Feb. 14, 17 17. Their issue was
Mary, Martha, Thomas, Isaac, Anna, Richard,
Dorothy, William, Eliza and Experience.
(III) Richard Wheeler, born March 10, 1677,
married Dec. 12, 1702, Prudence, daughter of Dea-
con John Payson, and wife Bathsheba Tilestone
Payson, of Roxbury, Mass. Mr. Wdieeler died April
12, 1712. Issue: John, Jonathan, Richard and
Prudence.
(IV) Richard Wheeler, son of Richard, was
born July 23, 1710, married Aug. 25. 1734, Anna
Pellet, of Canterbury, Conn., and died April 10,
1749. Issue : Patience, Asa and Joseph.
( V) Joseph Wheeler, born Jan. 23, 1747, mar-
ried Sept. 18, 1774, Prudence Palmer, who died
March 6, 1790, aged thirty-eight. Issue: Pru-
dence, Joseph, Fanny, Asher, Edward, Samuel,
Sanford and Coddington.
< VI) Samuel Wheeler, born Sept. 14, 1784,
married in 1809 Rebecca Prentice, who died Dec.
9. 1842. He married for his second wife Mrs.
Hannah (Heath) Havens, and they had one child,
Helen, deceased. Mr. Wheeler died March 24,
1852, a lifelong Democrat. His education had been
obtained in District No. 8, of Stonington, and after
he finished his school days he commenced farming
and continued to pursue that calling all of his life.
In local matters he took a prominent part, serving
as selectman and member of the board of relief, as
well as assessor, and in every capacity proved him-
self a man of parts. He attended the Road Church,
and gave toward its support very liberally. By his
first wife Samuel Wheeler had issue as follows :
Samuel Prentice, born Sept. 12, 18 10, married Nov.
22, 1838, Amanda Avery, and resided in Stonington,
with his family; Mary, born June I, 1812, married
Hiram Wheeler, and had children — Samuel, Ralph,
and Silas B. ; Rebecca, born Sept. 17, 1 8 1 3 , married
Nov. 15, 1832, Joseph Davis, and was the mother
of ( )liver, Calvin and Clark ; Joseph, born Oct. 20,
181
>
m
arried, May 23, 1843, Mary#M. Swan;
Phebe, born Dec. 8, 1817. married, Sept. 9, 1843,
Clark N. Whitford; Warren S.. born in July, 1819,
married Phebe Gallup, and had issue — Joseph. War-
ren, Lucy and Prudence ; Coddington, born March
23, 1823, died young; Prudence, born June 18, 1825,
married Giles Haley; and Nelson H., born March
28, 1827, is mentioned below.
(VIII) Nelsox H. Wheeler, born March 28,
1827, at the old homestead in Stonington, there spent
the days of his boyhood, or until he was eighteen
years old. After that time he farmed for a year,
then worked as a carpenter for a year more, and for
another year peddled goods through the country.
On Jan. 26, 1849, ne sailed for California, after
six months and thirteen days on the "Trescot," an
old whaler, reaching his destination. He remained
there four years, mining the first year, and then en-
gaged in farming and teaming, near Sacramento.
In 1853 he returned to Connecticut, via the Isthmus,
and resumed farming on his birthplace. There he
remained until 1901, when he removed to Mystic,
in the town of Groton, where he passed away Jan.
18, 1904 ; his widow is still living.
On April 3, 1853, Nelson H. Wheeler married
Melinda Gallup, daughter of Luke and Melinda
(Williams) Gallup, of Ledyard. Issue: Samuel
N., born May 20, 1854, was a graduate of the Bos-
ton University, taught school, and died in 1896;
Lilla M., born Jan. 4, 1857, died March 30. 1S85 ;
Arthur G. is mentioned below ; Mary S., born April
20, i860, who died Jan. 22. 1895, married Rev. O.
G. Buddington, and became the mother of Osmore
W. and Arthur Francia; Herman E., born April 20,
1862, died April 6, 1885 ; Agnes M., born May 2,
1864, married Frank L. Lathrop, of Norwich, secre-
tary of the New London County Mutual Fire Insur-
ance Company, and they became the parents of
Bertha L. (deceased) and Marian W. ; Fernando
is mentioned below ; George A. is mentioned below.
Nelson H. Wheeler served as assessor and mem-
ber of the board of relief in Stonington. He was
a consistent member of the Baptist Church, and was
one of the prominent factors in that denomination,
being deeply respected by his fellow members as
well as by the community at large.
(Vlli) Arthur G. Wheeler, son of Nelson
H. Wheeler, one of the representative farmers of
Stonington, and a man of prominence in his commu-
nity, was born Oct. 3. 1858. at the old Stonington
homestead, and remained on the farm until he
attained his majority, attending public school ami
the Mystic Valley Institute. When he was twenty-
one years of age Mr. Wheeler removed to what is
known as Cherry Hill Farm, in the town of Ston-
ington, and there he has since remained, bringing
his farm to a high state of cultivation.
On June 7, 1893. Mr. Wheeler married Mary,
68.-;
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
daughter of Sanford N. Billings, and their children
are: Nelson F., born Feb. 25, 1894; Mary Starr,
born Sept. 14, 1895 ; Arthur G., Jr., born April 13,
1897; and Donald Billings and Dorothy Billings,
twins, born June 28, 1900.
Mr. Wheeler has been a prominent Democrat
ever since he cast his first vote, and has taken an
active part in politics. For eight years he served as
collector; during the years 1892-93 he was a mem-
ber of the lower house of the State Legislature, and
has proved himself a man well qualified to hold posi-
tions of responsibility and honor. Fraternally he
is a member of the Royal Arcanum. His religious
affiliations are with the Baptist Church of Old
Mystic.
(VIII) Fernando Wheeler, son of Nelson H.
Wheeler, a successful farmer and business man of
Stonington, and a man who stands well with his
neighbors, was born June 16, 1866, on the home
farm, where he made his home until seventeen years
of age. He then commenced teaching school in
Stonington, and continued thus in Stonington and
Preston for four years. At the expiration of that
time he began traveling and for a part of two years
represented the Mapes Fertilizer Co., of New York,
on the road. In March, 1890, he located on his
present fine farm, buying it of Noyes S. Palmer;
this he operates himself, and enjoys the reputation
of being well versed in modern methods of farming.
He still handles fertilizers, for which he finds- a
ready sale in the home neighborhood, and also deals
in farming implements. He and his brother Arthur
handle the greater portion of the fruit in this section.
He is one of the few dealers in blooded Swiss stock
in Connecticut.
On Nov. 8, 1889, Mr. Wheeler married Josie
Emma Avery, daughter of Ulysses Avery, of Pres-
ton, Conn. Mr. Wmeeler was a member of the
Baptist Church of Old Mystic, but he and his wife
are now both regular attendants at the Old Road
Church. They are very pleasant, hospitable people,
whose home is often the scene of pleasant gath-
erings.
(VIII) George A. Wheeler, another son of
Nelson H. Wheeler, and a young man of ability as
well as social prominence in Stonington, is success-
fully engaged in farming and fruit and vegetable
raising. His birth occurred May 15, 1874, on the old
homestead. His educational advantages consisted of
a course at the public schools, supplemented with one
at the Mystic Valley Institute and New London
Business College, and when he had finished his
studies he located upon the farm, which later his
parents gave him when they removed to Mystic.
Under his able management the farm has advanced
in value, and he is proud of his fine property.
On Oct. 20, 1897, Air. Wheeler was married to
Lucille Billings Thompson, daughter of C. Dwight
Thompson, of North Stonington. Their child, Nel-
son Thompson, was born May 15, 1903, and is a
very bright little fellow. Mr. and Mrs. Wheeler
are active in the Baptist Church at Old Mystic.
Mr. Wheeler is a member of the Royal Arcanum,
and is popular in that organization as he is gen-
erally.
This old and honored family is so closely con-
nected with the history of Stonington that it is
difficult to write at all comprehensively of the town
without mentioning some one or other who bears the
name. Its members from earliest times have been
men and women of honor and responsibility, and
the present representatives are well sustaining the
high standard raised by those who have gone before.
DANIEL BURROW'S DENISON in the past
five years has won a high place in the insurance
world at Groton, as well as having been eminently
successful in the real-estate business. He is gifted
with remarkable business ability, and in whatever
line he has attempted he has prospered.
The Denisons are of an old New England fam-
ily. (I) William Denison was baptized at Strat-
ford, England, Feb. 3, 1571, son of John and Agnes
Denison. He married Margaret (Chandler) Monck,
and with his family came to New England in 163 1.
The sons who accompanied him were : Daniel, Ed-
ward and George.
(II) Capt. George Denison, son of William,
was baptized at Stratford, England, Dec. 10, 1620.
He married about 1640, Bridget Thompson, born
Sept. 11, 1622, daughter of John and Alice Thomp-
son, and two daughters were born to them. She
died in 1643, and Capt. Denison married (second)
Ann Borodell. Their children were: John B., Ann,
Borodell, George, William, Margaret, and Mary (or
Mercy). In 1651 Capt. Denison took up his resi-
dence in New London, Conn., and in 1654 removed
to Stonington. He was a distinguished soldier and
civilian.
In 1652 the town of New London granted him
200 acres of land in the Pequot-se-pos Valley at
Mystic, upon which he subsequently built a dwell-
ing-house, wherein he and his family made their
permanent home. Capt. Denison died in Hartford,
Conn., Oct. 2^, 1694. His widow passed away Sept.
26, 1 7 12. Both are said to have been remarkable for
magnificent personal appearance, and for force of
mind and character. They held a foremost place in
Stonington. Miss Caulkins, in her history of New
London, says of him, "Our early history presents no
character of bolder and more active spirit than Capt.
George Denison."
(III) William Denison, son of Capt. George,
born in 1655, married Sarah Stanton Prentice,
daughter of Thomas Stanton, and lived in Stoning-
ton. Mrs. Denison passed away in August, 1713,
and Mr. Denison died in March, 1715. Their chil-
dren were : William, born March 24, 1687 ; Sarah,
born April 14, 1789 ; and George, born Feb. 28, 1692.
(IV) George Denison (2), son of William, born
Feb. 28, 1692, married June 6, 1717, Lucy Gallup.
They resided on the old homestead farm in Stoning-
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
683
ton. Conn. Their children were: Anna, horn Aug.
6, 1718; Lucy, Oct. 13, 1721 ; Mary, Nov. 27, [723;
George. July 3, 1725; William, June 14, 1727;
Mercy, Feb. 24. 1729; Esther, Sept. 16, 1732; Sam-
uel, Feb. 18, 1735; and David. Jan. 29. 1736.
(V) George Denison (3), son of George (2),
born July 3, 1725, married Feb. 23, 1748, Jane
Smith, daughter of Nathan and Mary (Denison)
Smith, of Groton, Conn., and they resided in Ston-
ington. Conn., on the old homestead. Their chil-
dren were: Lucy, born Feb. 9, 1750; George, Sept.
16, 1753: Dorothy and William (twins). April 8,
1756; Oliver. March 2, 1758; Nathan, April 8, 1760;
Gilbert, Sept. 18, 1762; Elisha, Oct. 12, 1764; Dud-
ley, July 25, 1767; Esther, Nov. 16, 1769; and Jane,
Sept. 16, 1772.
(VI) George Denison (4), born Sept. 16, 1753,
son of George (3), married in 1778 Abby PalmVr.
His death occurred in 1835. His children were:
George, born in 1780: Henry, born in 1784; Will-
iam G., born April 26, 1788; and Julia, born May
20, 1790.
(VII) George Denison (5), son of George (4),
born in 1780, married Hannah Latham, and lived
in Warren, Pa. Mr. Denison died Jan. 2, 1864. His
children were: Abby Ann, born Nov. 15, 1807;
George; Julia, born Aug. 15, 1812; Angeline M.,
born Jan. 2, 1820 ; Henry ; Adeline ; Joseph ; Char-
lotte A., born Oct. 2, 1825 ; and Erastus, born June
7, 1829.
(VIII) Joseph Denison, son of George (5),
spent the greater part of his active life on the sea,
sailing as captain of a number of vessels. His
career as a mariner covered experience in the coast-
ing trade, as well as voyages to European and South
American ports. His last years were spent in a two
years' trip as a captain on the "Robert Palmer," and
then on the "Eliza S. Potter." In his young man-
hood he was connected with the Washington Fish
Market. His legal residence was, however, always
maintained at Groton. On Feb. 2y, 1845, Capt.
Joseph Denison married Lura Burrows, daughter
of Daniel Burrows, of Mystic. She died Sept. 26,
1902, in Mystic, and he died in the same place June
10, 1881. Their children were: Joseph L., born
Dec. 21, 1845, died July 29, 1867; Daniel Burrows,
born July 17, 1849, is mentioned below ; George W.,
born Feb. 15, 1854, died Feb. 16, 1880; and Frank,
born Nov. 13, 1856, has been connected with the
Central Vermont Railroad for twenty-five years.
Mrs. Denison was a member of the Union Baptist
Church. Politically Capt. Denison was a Democrat,
and fraternally belonged to Charity and Relief
Logde, F. & A. M., and Stonington Lodge, I. O.
O. F. In 1849 ne was one °f tne hardy adventurers
who sought the gold fields of California, but he did
not remain long.
(IX) Daniel Burrows Denison was born in Mys-
tic, town of Groton, in the house he now occupies,
July 17, 1849. The district schools and the academy
afforded him a good substantial education, and on
leaving the schoolroom he learned the machinist's
trade in what is now the Standard Machine Com-
pany, and followed the trade for nine years. He
then engaged in the shoe business, where J. W. Phil-
lips is now located, and on Sept. 12, 1894, sold out
to Mr. Phillips. That year he was appointed post-
master by President Cleveland, and served efficiently
as same until March 12, iS<j9. Upon leaving the
office he entered an entirely new line, that of real
estate and insurance, carrying fire, marine, accident
and life insurance. He entered upon his new work
with zest, and has made a success of both lines.
Thoroughly posted on every point, and a clear, logi-
cal talker, his information carries weight, and he
often succeeds where another fails. Besides these
lines he is interested in the Dividend Mining and
Milling Company, owning twenty-eight miles of
gold, silver, copper and lead mines in New Mexico.
He is upright in his dealings, and has won the honest
respect of his fellowmen.
On Oct. 24, 1876, Mr. Denison was married in
Groton to Mary Park, daughter of Ledyard Park.
CHAPPELL— HUNTINGTON. At New Lon-
don and Norwich, respectively, these names reach
back to the very beginning of the plantations at
these points to the coming of George Chappell about
1649 and Deacon Simon Huntington in 1660, and
the latter thenceforward stands among the first of
that important settlement, Norwich, both in church
and state, a position succeeding generations main-
tained, until the opening of the Revolution found
the Huntingtons the most wealthy, aristocratic and
influential of the town. Such names of that period
as Joshua, Gen. Jabez and Gen. Jedediah Hunting-
ton, among many others, the latter two patriots
of the Revolution of the highest type and conspicu-
ous figures in it, have been indelibly stamped upon
the history of that momentous period. And for a
hundred and more years the Chappells through at
least four generations have been prominent in mer-
cantile, banking and commercial lines at New Lon-
don, where are now operating prominently the
brothers Frank Huntington and Alfred II. Chap-
pell, vessel owners and operators in coal, in a sense
successors of Franklin and he of Ezra and the latter
of Capt. Edward Chappell, each in his generation a
substantial man and leading citizen of his com-
munity.
It is the design of this article to refer to these
allied families only in the lines of descent iA the
children of the late Franklin Chappell and his wife
Hannah S. (Huntington) Chappell. In paternal
line Frank H., William S. and Alfred 11. Chappell
are in the seventh generation from their immigrant
ancestor, George Chappell, through George (2),
Comfort, Capt. Edward, Ezra and Franklin Chap-
pell. These generations in detail so far as known
follow in the order named.
(I) George Chappell, aged twenty years, was
among the immigrants in the "Christian'' for New
684
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
England, from London, 1635. He was at Wethers-
field in 1637, and can be traced there as a resident
until 1649, which was probably about the time he
came to Pequot (New London), bringing with him
a wife, Margaret, and some three or four children.
Of this marriage, or of the births of these children,
no account is preserved at Wethersfield. The whole
list of his family, as gathered from various sources,
is as follows : Mary ; Rachel ; John ; George, born
March 5, 1653-54; Elizabeth, born Aug. 30, 1656;
Hester, born April 15, 1662; Sarah, born Feb. 14,
1665-66; Nathaniel, born May 21, 1668; and Caleb,
born Oct. 7, 1671. The father died in 1709, at which
time all nine of his children were living, as was also
his aged wife, whom he committed to the especial
care of his son Caleb and grandson Comfort. Caleb
Chappell had previously removed to Lebanon,
whence his son, Amos, went to Sharon, and set-
tled in that part of the town which is now Ellsworth.
(II) George Chappell (2), born March 5, 1653-
54, married (first) Alice Way and (second) Mary
Douglas, and had two sons, George and Comfort.
(III) Comfort Chappell.
(IV) Capt. Edward Chappell, born about 1744,
was a mariner of note and for many years sailed
from the port of New London as master of merchant
vessels. On his retirement from the seas he opened
a store in New London for the sale of West India
products and for years was engaged in commercial
lines. He died at New London in 1824.
(V) Ezra Chappell, born in 1775, in what was
then New London (now Waterford), married, about
1804, Wealthy Arnold. Mr. Chappell was reared
to the business of his father, finally succeeded him
in it, and also engaged in other commercial lines
and through the first half of the nineteenth century
was one of the most prominent merchants of the
place. He was engaged in the West India and whal-
ing trade, and distributed his importations from
West India, besides his local trade, to other towns
throughout the country. He was a jobber as well
as an importer, doing no retailing. His old stand
was in the vicinity of Golden street, but in 1807 he
removed his business to the corner of John and
Water streets. Subsequently he removed to the east
side of Water street and in T828 purchased the
property he there occupied, and in which he con-
tinued to carry on business until 1843, from which
time on until his decease, in 1865, he was engaged
in a bond and brokerage business. From early in
the century Mr. Chappell, outside of his regular
business, engaged more or less in real estate, buying,
building and selling considerable property, in which
too, as in other lines, he was most successful and
prospered. Several buildings now stand in the city
as monuments to the family name. Mr. Chappell
was prominent in banking circles. He was one of
the first directors of the Savings Bank of New Lon-
don on the organization of that institution, in 1827,
and its first president. This relation he sustained to
the bank for five years, resigning in 1833. He was
then made a trustee of the bank. He became vice-
president of the bank in 1836, continuing in office
until 1841, when he resigned. For years he was
identified officially with, what is now the New Lon-
don City National Bank, of which he became a
director in 1823, and in 1847 succeeded to its presi-
dency, the late Jacob B. Gurley holding the office
until 1853, when he resigned. Mr. Chappell showed
his patriotism and evidenced farsightedness in pur-
chasing at the beginning of the Civil war largely of
government bonds, which proved a profitable invest-
ment. "Uncle Ezra" Chappell, as he was familiarly
called, a title of affection and esteem, lived to be
ninety years of age, dying as stated in 1865.
(VI) Franklin Chappell married, Nov. 10, 1841,
Hannah S. Huntington, who was born Aug. 26,
1 8 16, daughter of Rev. Daniel and Mary Hallam
(Salstonstall) Huntington, and to this marriage
came children as follows : Frank Huntington, born
Feb. 4, 1843; William Salstonstall, April 15, 1847;
and Alfred H., May 12, 1849. The father died Feb.
19, 1849.
On their mother's side the Chappell brothers, of
Norwich, are descendants in the ninth generation
from Simon Huntington, who died in 1633 in pass- .
age from the mother country, their lineage being
through Deacon Simon, Deacon Simon (2), Joshua,
Gen. Jabez, Gen. Jedediah, Rev. Daniel and Hannah
5. (Huntington) Chappell. The details of these
generations follow in the order named.
(I) Simon Huntington died in 1633 on the voy-
age to New England. His widow Margaret, for-
merly a Baret, with their several children came on
to New England. The earliest record of the name
here is at Roxbury. She married, in 1635, or :636,
Thomas Stoughton, of Dorchester, Mass., and
moved to Windsor.
(II) Deacon Simon Huntington, born (accord-
ing to Norwich records) in 1629, married at Say-
brook in October, 1653, Sarah, daughter of John
Clark. In 1660 Mr. Huntington joined the colonists
who settled Norwich, Conn., and thenceforward
stands among the first of that important settlement,
both in church and state. He was a deacon in the
church, and was several times townsman, and a
deputy to the General Court. He died June 28,
1706, in Norwich, and his widow died in 172 1, aged
eighty-eight years.
(III) Deacon Simon Huntington (2), born Feb.
6, 1659, in Saybrook, married Oct. 8, 1683, in Nor-
wich, Lydia, born in August, 1663, daughter of John
Gager. Mr. Huntington, in 1696, succeeded his
father as deacon in the church, and in this office
served with no less than the father's fidelity and ac-
ceptance as long as he lived. He served in many of
the most important offices of the town with marked
ability. He died Nov. 2, 1736. His wife survived
him less than a year, dying Aug. 8, 1737.
(IV) Joshua Huntington, born Dec. 30, 1698,
in Norwich, married, Oct. 16, 1718, Hannah, daugh-
ter of Jabez and Hannah (Lathrop) Perkins. Both
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
68 =
Mr. and Mrs. Huntington were admitted to the
church in 1727. Mr. Huntington was a very active
business man, and in his successful business career
commenced that family distinction and wealth
which at the opening of the Revolution had placed
his two surviving children at the head of the aris-
tocracy, even of their own aristocratic town. He
died Aug. 26, 1745. His wife, who was born in
1701, died also in 1745.
(\ ) Gen. Jabez Huntington, born Aug. 7, 1719,
married (first) Jan. 20, 1741-42, Elizabeth, daugh-
ter of Samuel and Elizabeth (Tracy) Backus. She
was born Feb. 21, 1721, and died July 1, 1745, and
he married (second) July 10, 1746, Hannah Will-
iams, of Pomfret, born July 23, 1726. Mr. Hunt-
ington was graduated from Yale College in 1741.
In 1750 he was elected a member of the General As-
sembly of Connecticut and for many years repre-
sented his native town in that body, often presid-
ing over the deliberations of the lower house. Early
after his graduation he entered into the West India
trade, and by an honorable and efficient business ca-
reer laid the foundation of one of the amplest fort-
unes of that age. At the commencement of the
Revolution he was the owner of a large amount of
shipping, which, of course, was very much endan-
gered by the rupture with the mother land. But
his patriotism prevailed over his commercial and
pecuniary ambition. He cheerfully sacrificed his
property and consecrated himself and his family to
the cause of independence. He was one of the most
active of the committee of safety during the war,
and in 1776 he was appointed one of the two major-
generals from Connecticut, for the militia of the
State, David Wooster being the other, and on the
death o£ Wooster, from a wound received in a skir-
mish with the British, retreating from Danbury,
in April of the next year, he was appointed major-
general over the entire Connecticut militia. He was
a man of religious principle, having united with the
church in 1741. The following is an extract from
his funeral sermon: "As the train of melancholy
distress which brought him to his end probably
originated in unremitted exertions for his country,
in the time of danger, his country, surely, will not
withold the tear of grateful sorrow, but pay de-
served respect to his memory, and teach succeeding
generations to revere his dust ; and, as they pass his
urn, to say, 'there lies the man who devoted his all
to the public good ; who sacrificed his ease, his
health, and eventually his life, to serve and save his
country.' "
The following incident in his life most distinctly
and fully exhibited the real character of Gen. Hunt-
ington. At the beginning of the Revolution he
was in the easiest and most prosperous circum-
stances, yet such were his business operations that
the threatened rupture must necessarilv endanger
them all. His family were now coming forward
in mature manhood, with every promise of abundant
wealth. This promise the rupture would probably
for many years disappoint. Both the present condi-
tion and" future prospects of his children, to whom
he was attached with no ordinary ties, no less than
his own home, were at stake. Should lie run the
risk? Should he court the danger? Should he de-
liberately invoke on such prosperity, and such peace,
so certain calamity? It was a trying question. It
was well pondered by him. Himself and wife delib-
erated and prayed over it. They decided to accept
for themselves, personally, the peril of an open and
final espousal of the cause of independence. But
should their children be urged to unite with them in
this perilous decision? On a bright morning in
1774, when already the low mutterings of the com-
ing storm were heard by the wakeful patriots of that
day. Gen. Huntington and his noble wife had called
together all the members of their beloved family to
meet this issue. "Children," said he, "your mother
and I have been deciding for ourselves a question of
duty to our country — a question which is to affect
seriously our worldly circumstances and prospects.
Before a final decision, which shall embrace you,
personally, in the act of hostility to our dear mother
land, we wish you also to count the cost. The risk
must be great, our homes, our stores, our ships, our
lands may all be burned, or sunk, or ravaged, yet
our country we may save. These colonies we may
contribute to make independent and prosperous
states. This land we may contribute to make
a home for constitutional liberty, an asylum
to which the abused and outraged of every
other land may come for shelter — a land popu-
lous and prosperous, rich and happy. Believing
this, and hoping this, we have solemnly decided
that ours, henceforth, shall be the cause of the pa-
triots, we have pledged ourselves, our property, our
time and our lives, if need be, to this end. We shall
now leave you to choose your lot with us, and as-
sume the risks and dangers, or to take your places
with those who prefer still to cling to the mother
land, to whose sway your parents can be no longer
loyal !" Then, deliberately addressing each member
of the family by name, he slowly asked the eventful
question, solemnly repeating each name, "Jedediah,
Andrew, Joshua, Ebenezer, Elizabeth, Mary, Zach-
ariah — my beloved boy — are you all ready to go with
your parents, and share our risks and our reward ?"
Not long did that beloved father await their reply.
With one voice they broke the solemn silence, by a
pledge of consecration to their parents' and their
country's cause. Their names were all identified
with the protracted struggle which resulted in the
independence of the United States; and so well did
they perform the part assigned them in that memor-
able achievement that the faithful historian of those
days has been obliged to leave this testimony to their
success: "If the annals of the Revolution record
the name of any family which contributed more to
that great struggle, I have yet to learn it." [See
Gilman's oration at the Norwich Bicentennial Cele-
bration.]
686
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
(VI) Gen. Jedediah Huntington, born Aug. 4,
1743, married first Faith, daughter of Gov. Trum-
bull. She died in December, 1775, at Dedham,
Mass., on her way to camp, leaving a son, and he
married (second) Ann, daughter of Thomas Moore.
She survived her husband, and was the mother of
seven children.
Jedediah Huntington was graduated from Har-
vard College in 1763, with distinguished honor.
The social rank of his family is evinced by the order
of his name on the college catalogue, it being the
second on the list of his class, above that of Josiah
Ouincy. The master's degree was also conferred on
him by Yale College in 1770. After the close of his
academic course he engaged with his father in com-
mercial pursuits, and with the approach of the
struggle for independence, became noted as a son of
liberty, and an active captain of the militia. Pro-
moted to the command of a regiment, he joined the
army at Cambridge, on April 26, 1775, just a week
after the battle of Lexington. His regiment was part
of the force detailed for occupying Dorchester
heights ; and, after the evacuation of Boston by the
British, marched with the army to New York. He
entertained the commander-in chief on the way, at
Norwich. During the year 1776 he was at New
York, Kingsbridge, North Castle, Sidmun's bridge,
and other posts. In April, of that year, he helped
repulse the British at Danbury, Conn., assailing the
enemy's rear, and effecting a junction with his fel-
low townsman, Arnold. In March, 1777, Roger
Sherman writes that Col. Huntington was recom-
mended by Gen. Washington as a fit person for
brigadier, but that Connecticut had more than her
share. On May 12, of that year, he was promoted to
that rank, as Mr. Sherman states, "at Gen. Wash-
ington's request." In July he joined Gen. Putnam
at Peekskill, with all the Continental troops which
he could collect, whence, in September, he was or-
dered to join the main army near Philadelphia, where
he remained at headquarters, at Worcester, White
Marsh, Gulph Hills, etc. In November, on the in-
formation of the enemy's movement upon Red Bank,
he was detached with his brigade, among other
troops, to its relief, but Cornwallis had anticipated
them. Having shared the hardships of his company
in arms at Valley Forge, through the winter of
1777-8, he, together with Col. Wiggles worth, was, in
March, appointed by the commander-in chief "to
aid Gen. McDougall in inquiring into the loss of
Forts Montgomery and Clinton, in the State of New
York ; and into the conduct of the principal officers
commanding those posts." In May he was ordered
with his brigade to the North River and was sta-
tioned, successively, at Camp Reading, Highlands,
Neilson's Point, Springfield, Short Hills, Totowa,
Peekskill, West Point, etc. In July, he was a mem-
ber of the court martial which tried Gen. Charles Lee
for misconduct in the battle of Monmouth ; and in
September he sat upon the court of inquiry to whom
was referred the case of Major Andre. In Decem-
ber, 1780, his was the only Connecticut brigade that
remained in the service. On the 10th of May, 1783,
at a meeting of officers, he was appointed one of a
committee of four to draft a plan of organization,
which resulted in their reporting for the 13th the
constitution of the Society of Cincinnati. On the
24th of June, Washington writes that the army was
"reduced to a competent garrison for West Point,
Patterson, Huntington and Greaton being the only
brigadiers now left with it, besides the adjutant-
general."
On returning from the army Gen. Huntington
resumed business in his native town, and was suc-
cessively chosen sheriff of the county, treasurer of
the State, and delegate to the convention which
adopted the Constitution of the United States. In
1789 he was appointed by President Washington
collector of customs at New London, then the port
of entry for eastern Connecticut and the Connecti-
cut river, which office he retained under four ad-
ministrations, and resigned shortly before his
death. He died Sept. 25, 1818, at New London,
where his remains were first interred, though subse-
quently transferred to the family tomb at Norwich.
At the age of twenty-three Gen. Huntington
made a public profession of religion, and was for
many years an officer and pillar of the church of
which he was a member. "His munificence, for its
profusion, its uniformity, its long continuance, and
for the discretion by which it was directed, was
pronounced, without an example, or parallel, in his
native State."
(ATI) Rev. Daniel Huntington, born Oct. 17,
1788, married (first) July 2, 1812, Mary Hallam,
daughter of Capt. Gurdon Salstonstall and great-
granddaughter of the governor of that naiye. She
died in 1822, and he married (second) Oct. 28,
1823, Alma, daughter of Benjamin French, of Bos-
ton, who died June 3, 1837, after which he married
Nov. 1, 1 84 1, Sarah Sage Rainey, of New London.
Mr. Huntington was graduated from Yale in
1807, and studied theology. He was ordained in
October of the same year, as the third minister of
the Congregational Church in North Bridgewater,
Mass., in which office he continued until his health
compelled him to abandon it, in 1832. He pos-
sessed fine literary taste. In the library of the Con-
necticut Historical! Society are four sermons or
addresses written by Mr. Huntington ; and a poem
on religion delivered before the United Brothers'
Society of Providence, R. I., and "The Triumphs
of Faith," before the Porter Rhetorical Society of
Andover. He also prepared a very acceptable mem-
orial of his own daughter Mary Hallam, which was
published by the American Sunday School Union.
He delivered also one of the addresses of the anni-
versary of the Pilgrim Society in Plymouth. Rev.
Mr. Huntington died in New London, May 21, 1858.
(VIII) Hannah Sage Huntington, born Aug.
26, 1816, married Nov. 10, 1841, Franklin Chap-
pell, a merchant of New London.
~/*^*^ £/4^Za*^£-*
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
687
JOHX STEIXER. one of the substantial citi-
zens of Norwich who has achieved success entirely
through his own efforts, is a native of Rottenburg,
Wurtemberg, Germany, a son of John and Wal-
burga (Letzgus) Steiner. The father was a maker
of musical instruments, and was in comfortable
circumstances. He reared a family of eight children,
seven sons and one daughter, of whom John is the
only survivor. An older brother, Ferdinand, came
to America, and located in New York, where he
became a successful merchant, and died in 1893,
leaving a family.
John Steiner was born Jan. 1, 1835, and at-
tended the public schools until he was fourteen
years old, after which he learned the trade of a
tailor, being apprenticed for three years. Instead
of receiving wages during an apprenticeship the
custom at that time was to pay the master for the
instruction, and in this case the young man paid a
sum equivalent to five dollars and boarded at home.
A day's work was from 6 o'clock in the morning
until 9 o'clock at night. After completing his ap-
prenticeship he spent two years as a journeyman,
working at his trade in different parts of Switzer-
land. In 1864 ^r- Steiner decided to come to
America, and he and his brother sailed from
Havre, France, in a sailing-vessel which was sixty-
five days in reaching New York. Mr. Steiner im-
mediately sought work and in a week found employ-
ment at his trade in a shop on Canon street, receiv-
ing five dollars a month and board the first few
months. Later he received seven dollars a month.
He was employed there one year, and then for
another year was employed at piece work, making
much better wages. In 1856 he came to Norwich
and worked for Bussey & Frye, tailors, who were
located in Shetucket street, remaining there for two
years, until April 1, 1858. At that time he engaged
in business in company with F. Cotman, and they
conducted a hotel where the "United States Hotel"
is now located. This partnership continued for
about a year, when Mr. Steiner sold out to his part-
ner and opened a cafe on Franklin Square. Later
he sold this and operated a hotel on Railroad ave-
nue, where he remained until 1875. He then went
to Newark, N. J., and operated the "Cosmopolitan
Hotel" until March 1, 1876, when he returned to
Norwich, and for seven years conducted "Young's
Hotel." In the meantime he had invested quite
heavily in real estate, and upon leaving the last
hotel, in 1883, he spent his time in the management
of his extensive real-estate interests. Among his
holdings is the Steiner block, on East Main street,
which was completed in its present form in 1874.
On Jan. 1, 1894, he opened a cigar and tobacco
store on Broadway. He is also agent for several
first-class European steamboat lines.
Mr. Steiner was first married, on March 2,
1859, to Kathrina Geiser, a native of Wurtem-
berg, Germany, who died in 1874. His second wife
was Mrs. Agnes (Bruckner) Goelkel, who by her
former marriage had three children, John, Theresa
and Col. J. Henry Steiner, the well known druggist.
Col. Steiner served as an aide-de-camp on the staff
of Gov. George E. Lounsbury.
Mr. Steiner is a Republican in national affairs,
but in local matters he votes for the best men and
issues. He served four years in the common coun-
cil, and was later appointed a member of the com-
mittee on Compensation. He is a prominent Odd
Fellow, being a member of Shetucket Lodge, No.
27, and Palmyra Encampment, and Canton Oneco,
Patriarchs Militant. He is past commander of the
last body. Since September, 1890, he has been
aide-de-camp on the staff of the Chief Patriarch (a
life position), with the rank of colonel. Mr. Steiner
is a very courteous, agreeable and companionable
man. Both in private and business life he has made
many friends. He is self-made in the fullest sense
of the word, and his unqualified success is well
merited.
SPICER. The distinguished family which bears
the name of Spicer and is so thoroughly identified
with the history of Groton, Conn., came from Nor-
mandy to England with William the Conqueror.
Through generations they bore in that land a most
honored name on account of notable public ser-
vices and noble attributes.
Peter Spicer settled in that part of New London
county, Conn., now called Ledyard, in the year
1666, having received from the township of New
London, twenty acres of land located near the line
of the town of Norwich. This land remained in
the possession of descendants until very recently,
when it was sold by the heirs of Herbert Spicer to
strangers.
Little is known of the life of Peter Spicer, but
tradition tells us that he came to Connecticut from
Virginia, and that he was of English extraction,
most probably a son of Edward Spicer, who came
to Virginia in 1635. It is known that he fought in
King Philip's war, and received for his services
140 acres of land at Yoluntown, Conn. This grant
was sold by his son Edward, in 1719, to Christopher
Avery, of Groton. In 1695 the inventory of his
estate was presented to the Judge of Probate by
his wife, and it is presumed that his death took place
about that time. His marriage is recorded in the
town of Warwick, R. I., as follows: "Peter Spicer,
of Mohegan, or now Norridge. in ye Collony of
Conticott, and Mary Busecot of ye town of War-
wick, in ye Collony, Rhode Island, were married
Dec. 15, 1670." In the settlement of Peter Spicer's
estate (see Miss Caulkins's "History of New Lon-
don") the following children are mentioned: Ed-
ward, William, Samuel, Peter (2), Jabez, Abigail,
Ruth, Hannah and Jane. In addition to these, a
Bible, in the possession of Mrs. Elizabeth (Spicer)
Fox, gives Mary and Sarah. Of these children,
Edward was undoubtedly the eldest, as he inherited
the most of the estate left by his father.
688
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
Edward Spicer, son of Peter, married about
1695, Catherine Stone, daughter of Hugh and Abi-
gail (Busecot) Stone. He was probably born in
Ledvard, as he was frequently mentioned in the
records of town meetings, and his name appears oft-
en in the land records. In 1719 he deeded his
homestead farm to his only son, John Spicer, to
come into possession only after the death of himself
and wife. He had children recorded in Groton as
follows: (1) Catherine was born Oct. 6, 1696. (2)
John was born Jan. 1, 1698. (3) Mary was born
May 8, 1701. (4) Anne, born May 28, 1703, mar-
ried in 1732 Peter Tefft. Her children recorded in
Groton, were Peter, born Feb. 5, 1734; and Daniel,
born July 23, 1735. (5) Jerusha. born Aug. 2,
1706, was married May 13, 1730, at Providence, R.
I., to Peter Tefft, late of Groton, and died prior to
1743. She had children: William, born Oct. 31,
1731; Daniel, born Oct. 27, 1733; and James, born
Aug 31, 1735. (6) Abigail, born April 8, 1708,
married Dec. 11, 1734, at Providence, R. I., Syl-
vanus White of Scituate, R. I. (7) Jemima was
born April 14, 1710.
William Spicer, second son of Peter, married,
Nov. 25, 1703, Hannah Roth, and their children
were: Elizabeth, born Sept. 21, 1704: Thankful,
born June 28, 1707: Hannah, born Nov. 6, 1709;
Peter, born in June, 17 12 ; and William, born in Feb-
ruary, 1 7 14. This completes all present records
of this branch of the family.
Samuel Spicer, third son of Peter Spicer, mar-
ried, Dec. 12 1715, at Norwich, Conn., Susannah
Olmsby, probably a daughter of John and Susan-
nah Olmsby. Samuel was admitted an inhabitant of
Norwich, Dec. 20, 1715, and seven children are
recorded there: (1) Susannah, born Oct. 11, 171 7,
married, March 24, 1736, Daniel Jones, probably
son of John Jones, and he died at Norwich June 29,
1762, while she passed away April 14, 1772, at the
same place. The following nine children were born
to them : Sarah, born Nov. 13, 1738, married, March
26, 1758, Ezekiel Yergison. and their children were:
Elisha (born April 15, 1760), Daniel (born March
5> I76$)> Andrew (born Nov. 24, 1765), Solomon
(born July 4, 1768), Ezekiel (born March 6, 1770),
Rufus (born July 16, 1771) and Jabez Yergison
(born April 5, 1773) ; Susannah, born Sept. 4, 1740;
Daniel, born June 6, 1743; Amos, born March 9,
1745 ; Mary, born Aug 19, 1748 ; Hannah, born Sept.
22, 1750; John, born Aug. 15, 1752; Jonathan, born
Sept. 17, 1754; and Eunice, born Nov. 3, 1757. (2)
Hannah, born April n, 1720, died July 5, 1726.
(3) Sarah was born Oct. 18, 1722. (4) Anna was
born Jan. 4, 1724. (5) Samuel, born June 10,
1727, married, Aug. 30, 1750, Abigail Storey, prob-
ably daughter of Samuel and Mary (Ben wood)
Storey. According to Preston records : "Roger
Spicer, probably a son of Samuel and Abigail
(Storey) Spicer, married Eunice Herrick, July 3,
1791, and their children were: Roger, Isaac, Henry,
Betsy, William and George Harkness (born July
20, 1792) and Samuel (born March 9, 1794).
[Long Society records show that tax rates were
abated for Samuel Spicer Dec. 24, 1772, and for Mrs.
Abigail Spicer, Jan. 21, 1783, and March 21, 1785.]
(6) Benjamin, born July 8, 1730, married March
29> I753» Jemima Johnson, and had two sons; (a)
Ishmail, born March 27, 1760, at Norwich, married,
Nov. 29, 1792, Martha (Crocker) Abel, born in
Bozrah, Jan. 4, 1769, and their cnildren were : Maria
(born Dec. 20, 1793), Patty (born July 17, 1795),
Lucy (born Sept. 19, 1796), Simeon Abel (born
March 28, 1798, married (first) Oct. 30, 1821,
Fanny Waterman, daughter of Nehemiah and Sarah
(Hough) Waterman, born Aug. 25, 1801, died Nov.
16, 1846; he married (second), Jan. 30, 1848, Har-
riet Standish, born Jan. 9, 1804, daughter of Moses
and Sally Standish, and she died June 29, 1891.
His children were: A daughter born March 14,
1829, who died March 16th; Albert A., born Oct.
2, 1838, married (first) Dec. 4, 1859, Frances Cross,
who bore him a daughter, Fanny E., born Aug. 9,
1861, who married Jabez H. Bailey, son of William
and Phebe (Armstrong) Bailey, and he married
(second) Aug. 28, 1864, Sarah S. Philbrook, who
died April 21, 1895), Fanny (born Feb. 14, 1801)
and Rhoda (born March 14, 1802). (b) Elderkin,
born Sept. 16, 1765, married Eunice Latham and
their descendant is Eunice Lathrop, of Yantic, Conn.
(7) Joshua Spicer, born Sept. 7, 1733, married
Dec. 16, 1755, Prudence Fox. He enlisted in the
war of the Revolution, July 14, 1775, under Col. Jed-
ediah Huntington. This completes the records of
Samuel Spicer's descendants to the present.
Peter Spicer (2), son of Peter, was an inhab-
itant of Norwich in 1702 and 1716. The bio-
grapher has found no record of real authenticity con-
cerning his family, but the following were probably
his children : Asher, who served in the Revolutionary
war, enlisting March 4, 1777, in the 4th Regiment
Connecticut Line, Hyde's Company ; Jacob, born in
1708; Zerviah married Nov. 7, 1750, at Norwich,
Elisha W'illcocks ; Daniel married Sept. 12, 1734, at
Norwich, Jane Newton; Peter married Jan. 7, 1735,
at Norwich, Patience Park and they had nine chil-
dren: Martha (born Aug. 18, 1735), Silence (born
Feb. 2, 1738), Freelove (born Dec. 24, 1739), Pru-
dence (born Feb. 19, 1742), Simeon (born May 16,
1744), Abel (born July 16, 1746), Elizabeth (born
Dec. 17, 1748), Mary (born Nov. 30, 1750) and Na-
than (born Nov. 29, 1758). The First Church of
New London records the marriage of Nathan Spicer
of Norwich and Sarah Clark, Jan. 17, 1775. Dr.
Thomas Spicer was a resident of Preston in 1746.
Jabez Spicer, son of Peter, was a cord-wainer.
He was married, Aug. 2, 171 5, to Margaret Parke,
daughter of Nathaniel and Sarah (Gen) Parke. In
1 7 18 he brought his family to a homestead he pur-
chased between Pomfret and Canterbury, Conn.
His marriage is recorded at Pomfret, as also the
births of the following children: (1) Ezekiel, born
Aug. 19, 1 7 16, married Aug. 30, 1738, Luce Shep-
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
689
perd. (2) Jeremiah was born Jan. 28, 1718. (3)
Ebenezer was born Jan. 5, 1722. (4) Desire, born
Feb. 15, 1724, married, Nov. II, 1742, Nathaniel
Holmes. (5) Phebe, born Aug. 8, 1730, married,
June 21, 1750, Nathan Whiton. (6) Nathan born
Sept. 10, 1735, married for his second wife, Jan. 10,
1765, Abigail Mayhew, at Sharon, Conn., and re-
moved to New York State.
Of Peter Spicer's daughters nothing is known
except of Ruth. She married Samuel Newton, Jan.
22, 1702, at Groton, Conn., and had a family of
eight children: (1) Christopher was born July 13,
1704. (2) Nathan was born Oct. 4, 1708. (3)
Jane, born April 4, 1710, married, Sept. 12, 1734,
Daniel Spicer, and they had these children : Sim-
eon, born June 27, 1735 ; Martha, born Oct. 16,
1738; Anne, born May 25, 1741, married Dec. 20,
1764, Robert Craige and had a daughter, born Oct.
9, 1765; Asa, born March 1, 1746, married Jan. 5,
1772, Mary Stanton, and had one child, born Aug.
21, 1772, who died Jan. 31, 1791 ; Mary married
Abiel Roath and had one daughter, Nancy, born
Dec. 24, 1790; Hannah, born May 2, 1749; and Dan-
iel, who was probably the Daniel Spicer whose tax
rate was abated Jan. 1, 1783. (4) Ruth was born
in 1712. (5) Ebenezer was born in 1714. (6) Sa-
rah, born Feb. 3, 1716, married, July 4, 1739, at
Norwich, Adoniram Rockwell. (7) Hannah was
born Sept. 23, 1720. (8) Samuel was born Oct. 10,
1722.
John Spicer, son of Edward and grandson of
Peter Spicer, was born Jan. I, 1698, at Groton,
Conn., and he died in that town Aug. 28, 1753.
There in 1720, he married Mary Geer, daughter of
Robert and Martha (Tyler) Geer, of the same place.
They had these children : ( 1 ) Edward, born April 4,
1 72 1, died in December, 1797. He married Oct.
17, 1743, Hannah Bill, and (second), Oct. 18, 1761,
Abigail Allyn. (2) John, born Feb. 17, 1724, died
June 28, 1769. He married Oct. 25, 1744, Mercy
Chapman. (3) Oliver, born May 28, 1726, died
Feb. 11, 1804. He married Aug. 15, 1749, Alethia
Allyn. (4) Abigail, born Dec. 16, 1729, married,
May 31, 1750, Daniel Geer. (5) Priscilla, born in
February, 1732, married Joseph Lee, and died Nov.
25, 1812. (6) Abel, born March 9, 1736, died May
3, 1784. He married Jan. 11, 1762, Sarah Allyn.
All these births, marriages and deaths took place at
Groton.
Edward Spicer, son of John, was born April 4,
1 72 1. As above stated his first wife was Hannah Bill,
she was born Sept. 30, 1725, daughter of Joshua and
Hannah Bill. To this marriage came seven children,
as follows: (1) Silas, born Jan. 22, 1745. married
Hannah Draper, daughter of Thomas and Hannah
(Burtch) Draper. He is said to have been a wheel-
wright and farmer in Groton, but in 1790 he re-
moved to New York State with all his family ex-
cept Levi, his second son (who was born Feb. 20,
1767, married (second) Prudence Palmer, and died
April 26, 1850, his descendants now living at and
44
in the vicinity of Noank). He became a large land-
owner and very prosperous, and seems to have
adopted the Quaker religion, as he used the "thee"
and "thou" of that religious body, in his corres-
pondence. He reared a 'numerous family. (2)
Katherine, born Nov. 22, 1746, married, March 12,
1769, at Preston, Conn., Mathias, .Ames, who
served in the war of the Revolution in
1775, in the 7th Company, General Skirtey,
and their children were: Lucendia, born June
14, 1771 ; Catherine, born Nov. 25, 1772;
and Edward Spicer, born March 22, 1775,
all of Preston, Conn. (3) Hannah was born Jan.
5, 1748. (4) Priscilla, born Aug. 28, 1752, died
March 18, 1830. She married, in 1770, Andrew
Lewis, and they had children : Andrew ; Lydia, born
March 22, 1781, in 1799 married her cousin William
Spicer, and died in New York State; and Silas
Lewis, who never married. (5) Edward, born Nov.
l7, 1755, died Jan. 6, 1823. He married (first) Jan.
7' 1779> Esther Ames, of Preston, and (second)
Deborah Brown. He removed to New York State
and there prospered. During the war of the Revolu-
tion, in -1775-6 he served first in the 10th Regiment,
Col. Parsons, Capt. Abel Spicer, and second in Col.
Seldon's regiment. His descendants are scattered
through the Western States. (6) Mary was mar-
ried Jan. 14, 1775, to Roswell Button, son of John
and Sarah Button, and they had these children :
Barthena, born April 1, 1776, married, Oct. 18, 1795,
at Preston, John Chapman, of Groton ; Clarissa, born
May 9, 1777, married, Jan. 8, 1797, Isaac Avery, of
Ledyard, and died Nov. 7, 1866; Gilbert, born Nov.
23, l77&> married, Dec. 4, 1801, Lydia Witter, and
died Sept. 22, 1858; and Sabrina, born in 1780,
married Jan. 12, 1827, Jasper Giddings, of Frank-
lin county, and died in 1873. All of these children
of Roswell Button and Mary (Spicer) reared fam-
ilies, except the youngest. (7) Abigail, youngest
daughter of Edward Spicer by his first marriage,
was born Dec. 15, 1759. On Feb. 14, 1839, sne mar-
ried at Groton, Joshua Bill,, born May 14, 1762, died
Dec. 20, 1841, in Groton. He was wounded at the
battle of Groton Heights, and received a pension.
Their children were: Gurdon, born Jan. 18, 1784,
married Lucy Yerrington, Nov. 18, 1821 ; Sabrina,
born Jan. 14, 1786, died July 29, 1817; Sarah, born
Sept. 16, 1787, married, about 18 10, Robert Chap-
man, and died Jan. 9, 1845 (sne lias de-
scendants in Groton) ; Phineas, born Sept.
16, 1789, married Nov. 2^, 18 17, Fanny Gal-
lup, and died Dec. 19, 1839; Abigail, born Aug.
29, 1791, married, Dec. II, 1818, Deacon Samuel
Taylor, and died April 19, 1863 ; Betsey, born Aug.
24, 1793, married John Darrow, in October, 1825;
Fanny, born March 9, 1795, married Jesse Bedent :
Avery, born in October, 1796, married Dec. 10, 1820,
Betsey Barnes, and died March 12, 1866: and Nancy,
born June 2, 1796, died in Ledyard, in October, 1799.
In Groton, Conn., Oct. 18, 1761, Edward Spicer
married (second), Abigail Allyn, born in Groton,
690
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
June 25, 1737, daughter of John and Johanna
(Miner) Allyn. By this marriage Edward Spicer
became die father of: (8) Lydia, born Aug. 10,
1762, died July 28, 1827. She married her brother-
in-law Roswell Button, and they had these children :
Roswell, born in January, 1784, married Lydia Av-
erv, and died in 1818; Allen, born in 1786, married
Aug. 30, 1812, Anna Witter, and died Oct. 9, 1832;
Avery married Hannah Witter ; Lydia married John
Starkweather; Charles married Lucy Thurston;
Polly married Taylor Thurston ; Samuel ; Abigail
married Stephen Maples, and a grandson lives in
Groton; and Henry died young. (9) Benjamin,
born Dec. 18, 1763, died June 9, 1834. He was a
farmer of Ledyard, and a volunteer at the battle of
Groton Heights, but his company arrived too late
to enter the fort. His wife, Elizabeth Spicer, was
a daughter of Capt. Oliver and Alethia (Allyn)
Spicer, and she became the mother of the following
children: (a) Lydia married (first) Moses Per-
kins, (second) Russel Perkins, and left no children,
(b) Alethia. (c) Allyn, born Sept. 24, 1791, was a
carpenter and died at Mystic, Feb. 10, 1858. On
Dec. 4, 1825, he married Anna Williams, daughter
of Rufus and Ruth (Chapman) Williams, in Led-
yard, and their children were : William A., born
Oct. 30, 1828, in Mystic, married, Oct. 31, 1853,
Elizabeth H. Chapman, daughter of Solomon and
Eliza (Hazen) Chapman, residents of Old Mystic,
Conn.; Ann M., born March 3, 1831, in Mystic,
married, Sept. 30, i860, Benjamin F. Van Auken,
and resides at Old Mystic: and Charles H., born
Dec. 6, 1835, died in [836. (d) Benjamin, born
Sept. 24, 1794, died June 3, 1854, in Jewett City.
He married, March 24, 1822, Clarissa Allyn, and
they had children, Allen, Erastus, Benjamin, Betsey
Miner, William, John, Owen and Maria Allen, and
their descendants reside in Northern Connecticut,
(e) Samuel died at New Bedford, (f) Edward,
born July 12, 1798, married (first) April 17, 1828,
Asenath Hinsdale, (second) Lucy Hopkins and
(third), March 30, 1840, Anna Judson. At the
age of eighteen years he removed to ( )hio. ( g )
Betsey married, Dec. 10, 1824, at Norwich, Conn.,
Christopher Brown, and died there March 22, 1864,
the mother of: Betsey Caroline, born July 9, 1828,
married Daniel Crocker, and resides at Norwich ;
Fanny Maria, born Aug. 10, 1830; Benjamin Reu-
ben, born Aug. 10, 1832, resides at Norwich ; Austin
Spicer, born in 1834; Ascher Park, born in 1836;
Martha Louise, born in 1838. (h) Sabra never
married, (i) Charles C, born in 1806, died Feb.
24, 1876, in Ledyard. He married (first) Lucy
Whittlesey and (second) Julia Latham, (j) Caro-
line, born in 1808, died Dec. 23, 1875, at Taftville,
Conn. She married Otis Horton, born Aug. 26,
1805, and died Aug. 4, 1884, and a daughter, Sarah
Maria, resides in Northern Connecticut; Major Wil-
liam Edward resides at Washington, I). C, and
George W. resides in China, (k) Austin, young-
est son of Benjamin Spicer, born in June, 1812,
died May 27, 1877, in Ledyard. He married (first)
Mary Ann Pool, of Orient, L. L, and (second) Feb.
I, 1854, Patience Esther Lamb, and his son was:
William H., born Jan. 16, 1845, married, Aug. 20,
1872, Fannie Latham, daughter of Thomas and
Julia (Turner) Latham. He resides at Ledyard,
Conn., and has two daughters. ( 10) Joseph Spicer,
son of Edward Spicer, was born Sept. 14, 1765, and
died Dec. 22, 1842, in Hopkinton, R. I. He married
twice and was a prosperous and highly esteemed
citizen of that place. ( 1 1 ) John Spicer, born Aug.
14, 1770, died in Ledyard, March 2, 1856. On
Sept. 7, 1794 at Groton, he married Elizabeth
Latham, born July 23, 1775, died June 10, 1859, in
Ledyard. John Spicer served the town of Groton
as selectman from 1803 to 1806, and represented the
town at the Assembly at New Haven in 1806, and
at Hartford, in 1807. He was instrumental in divid-
ing the town of Groton in 1836, when the portion of
it where he resided became the town of Ledyard.
He lived and died on the homestead farm left by his
father, and was a prosperous and prominent man.
The ten children born to him were as follows: (a)
Prudence, born May 1, 1795, married, June 25, 1815,
in Groton, Rev. Erastus Denison, and died May 21,
1864, in Groton. (b) Abigail, born Aug. 21, 1797,
died Dec. 25, 1849. On June 5, 1820, she married
James Gallup, and their children were: Caroline
died unmarried ; Prudence, born June 3, 1824, mar-
ried Isaac Gates, Sept. 24, 185 1, lived in Mystic,
and is there survived by a daughter, Mrs. Charles
R. Starts ; Mary : Harriet, born Aug. 10, 1835, mar-
ried George W. Stetson, a carpenter and contractor
of Norwich ; and James is a resident of California,
(c) Isaac, born Sept. 19, 1799, in Groton, was a car-
penter in that town and died Nov. 30, 1861, in Led-
yard. On Sept. 28, 1823, he married Margaret
Short, daughter of John and Margaret (Gates)
Short, and their children were : Gurdon Latham,
born Dec. 10, 1824, died March 24, 1850 ; Emeline
Lester, born Jan. 23, 1829, married April 24, 1851,
Edwin Grinned, and resides at Mystic ; Margaret
Elizabeth, married John W. Alexander ; Mary C.
born May 6, 1834, married Jan. 16, 1865, John For-
syth, and died March 22, 1903 in Mystic, (d) John
Seabury, born xApril 30, 1802, died unmarried in
September, 1829. (e) Fanny, born Aug. 30, 1804,
died March 11, 1894. (f) Gurdon Bill, born Nov.
14, 1806, died in 1816. (g) Mary Avery, born
March 28, 1809, died July 9, 1824. (h) Edmund,
born Jan. 11, 1812, died May 1, 1890. (i) Eliz-
abeth, born Feb. 21, 181 5, died June 28, 1854. On
April 14, 1841, she married Jacob L. Gallup, and had
a daughter Fannie, who died in young woman-
hood, (j) Cynthia, born Sept. 5, 1817, died
in 1818. (12) Major Miner, youngest son of
Edward and Abigail (Allyn) Spicer, was born May
29, 1776, in Groton, and died Sept. 11, 1855, in
Akron, Ohio. He married (first) in Groton, Cyn-
thia Allyn, who died Sept. 10, 1828. He married
(second) the Widow Hannah Williams, a sister of
GENEALOGICAL AXD BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
69]
his first wife. He was a very influential man, served
with the rank of major in the war of 1812, and left
many descendants in ( )hio.
Capt. Edmund Spicer, son of John and Elizaheth
(Latham) and grandson of Edward Spicer, was
horn in North Groton, Jan. 11, 1812, and was edu-
cated in his native town, becoming in early life a
successful teacher. He was also a farmer and mer-
chant, and from 1867 to 1890, was postmaster. He
was identified with public life in Ledyard, and was
captain of a rirle company ; selectman seven years ;
clerk and treasurer, twelve years ; representative in
1849; senator in 1862; Judge of Probate for twelve
years ; and was one of the charter members of the
Bill Library Association, for which he was secret-
tary eighteen years, and treasurer and librarian from
1867 to 1890, on May 1st of which latter year he
died. In 1843 ne joined the Congregational Church.
On Nov. 16, 1836, Capt. Spicer married Bethia W.,
daughter of John Sands and Bethia (Williams)
Avery, of Croton. Mrs. Spicer died March 7, 1886.
They had eight children. ( 1 ) Mary Abby, born
Sept. 2T,, 1837, married, at Ledyard, April 16, 1862,
George Fanning, son of William and Mary Ann
Fanning, and they live in Ledyard. Their children
were: Mary Bethia, born March 19, 1863, married
Prof. Walter A. Waterman, of Griswold, now of
Mt. Vernon, N. Y. Fannie Elizabeth was born Nov.
19, 1864. Susan Elida, born Sept. 21, 1866, mar-
ried, Sept. 21, 1886, C. Allen Brown, of Gales Ferry,
and has two children, Fanny Elida and Christopher
Allyn. William Edmund, born June 27, 1870, mar-
ried Ada M. Moxley, of Norwich, and they have
three children, Ruth Eugenia, Esther and George.
Hattie Eunice, born Dec. 18, 1872, is the wife of
William Thomas, and they live on the Poquonock
Bridge Road. (2) John Sands, born Sept. 20, 1842,
resides at Laurel Hill, Norwich. He married, in
Ledyard, May 27, 1873, Anna M. Williams, daugh-
ter of Peter and Susan (Barnes) Williams, born
Sept. 25, 1848, and has children : John W., born
April 1 1, 1874; Joseph Edmund, born Feb. 17, 1878;
Susan Spicer, born March 12, 1880; and Frank
Spicer, born Aug. 23, 1883. (3) Joseph Latham,
born March 4, 1845, (necl Sept. 3, 1847. (4) Sarah
Elizabeth, born Aug. 3, 1847, married in Ledyard,
May 24, 1871, Nathan Larrabee Lester, born Jan.
1, 1843, m Ledyard, and they have their home in
San Jose, Cal. They have had seven children, four
of whom were born in Ledyard : Alice Lizzie, born
Sept. 10, 1873 ; Nathan Larrabee, born Jan. 20. 1870 :
William Walter, born Oct. 20, t88o; Sarah Emma,
born July 22, 1882. died Oct. 16, 1887; George Ed-
mund, born March 27, 1884; Frederick Everett,
born April 5. [888; and Hazel Beatrice, born Dec.
25, 1890. (5) Caroline Gallup, born May 28, 1850.
married. May 28, 1868, Amos Lester, who was
born in Ledyard Dec. 3, [839, and they reside at
Gilroy, Cal. Their children were: Mary Carrie,
born July 12, 1869, at Ledyard, died ( )ct. 21, [885 ; a
son born in Ledyard and died unnamed Feb. 13.
[872; Amos Everett, born Dec. [9, [873, died Nov.
10, 1885; Henry Walter, born June 6, [876; Charles
Clinton, born Jan. 9, 1881 ; John Spicer, horn June
17, 1883; Minnie Bethiah, horn .March 11, [889;
and Milton Xorris, born at Gilroy, Cal., April 2J,
[894. (6) Cecilia Williams, born Sept. 30, 1852,
married, in Ledyard, May 2X, 1873, Jonathan Fair-
banks Lester, of Norwich, born June II,
1846, son of Isaac A. and Mary Lester;
he died March 14, 1904. The family home
is in Norwich. The following children were
born of this union : Ella Cecilia, born Sept.
12, 1874; Jonathan Frank, born Nov. 25, 1876;
Fanny Bethiah, born May 7, 1880; Ida May, born
March 17, 1882, died Sept. 7, 1891; and' Mary
Carrie born Jan. 8, 1886, died Sept. 30, 1891. (7)
Edward Eugene is mentioned below. (8) George
Walter, born Dec. 31, 1858, married in Groton, Jan.
7, 1904, Fannie Elizabeth Griswold, daughter of
LaFayette and Hope (Aver) Griswold.
Edward Eugene Spicer, son of Edmund Spicer,
was born July 25, 1856, and until he was sixteen
years old he attended the public schools and worked
on the farm, subsequently following the carpenter's
trade for a number of years. For twelve years he
engaged in dairy farming on the old Avery estate, in
which he still holds an interest. At Groton in 1891,
he established a valuable ice plant on Eastern Point,
and wholesales and retails annually thousands of tons
of this commodity.
On Dec. 22, 1878, in Ledyard, Mr. Spicer mar-
ried Sarah Adelaide Griswold, born June 28, 1857,
daughter of LaFayette and Hope (Aver) Griswold.
Their children were as follows: Bethiah Williams,
born Oct. 28, 1879, married, June 24, 1901, Wilfred
Brown, of West Mystic, and they have one daugh-
ter, Mildred Hope, born March 25, 1902; Edmund,
born Sept. 6, 1881 ; Clare, born May 11, 1884 ; Sarah
Ayer, born Nov. 23, 1886; and Roger Griswold, born
( )ct. 22, 1889.
The above record is intended to include all the
descendants of Edward Spicer, who reside in Groton
and vicinity, with the exception of those of Levi
Spicer, who are given separately. It is yet a New
England family, many of its members who have
drifted to other localities in youth coming back to
the old State in age. Wherever located the family
is one of note, and the name is an honorable one to
bear.
Griswold. No less distinguished in New Eng-
land than the name of Spicer is that of Griswold,
of which Mrs. Edward Eugene Spicer and Mrs.
George Walter Spicer are members.
Edward Griswold of the first generation, a
brother of Mathew Griswold, was born in 1607, and
died in 1691. In 1630 he married his wife Mar-
garet, who is buried at Clinton. Conn. In 1639 he
came to America, lived at Windsor in 1041), and re-
moved to Killingworth in [663. His children were:
Sarah, George, Francis, Liddia, Sarah. Ann. Mary,
Deborah. Joseph, Samuel and John.
()()2
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
Francis Griswold was one of the founders of
Norwich. His children were : Sarah, born in 1653 ;
foseph, born June 4, 1655; Mary, born Aug. 26,
1656; Hannah, born Dec. II, 1659; Deborah, born
in May, 1661 ; Lvdia, born in June, 1663; Capt.
Samuel, born Sept. 16, 1665, died Dec. 2, 1740;
Margaret, born in October, 1668; and Lydia, born
in October, 1771.
Capt. Samuel Griswold married Dec. 10, 1685,
Susannah Huntington who died March 6, 1727. His
second wife, Hannah, died Feb. 25, 1752, and he
died at Norwich, Dec. 2, 1740. His children were:
Francis, born Sept. 9, 1691 ; Samuel (2), born Feb.
8, 1093; Lvdia. born May 28, 1696; Hannah, born
April 30, 1699; Sarah, born Jan. 19, 1701 ; John,
born Dec. 16, 1703; Joseph, born in October, 1706;
and Daniel, born April 25, 1709.
Samuel Griswold (2), married, April 2, 17 19,
Elizabeth Abell, and they had these children : Sam-
uel, born April 21, 1720; Elisha, born May 6, 1722;
Ebenezer, born July 29, 1725; Samuel (3), born
April 7, 1728; Simon, born Aug. 14, 1731 ; and
Elizabeth, born May 19, 1734.
Samuel Griswold (3), son of Samuel Griswold
(2), married, Feb. 15, 1759, Mary Abell, and they
had children: Elizabeth, born Nov. 2, 1759; Sam-
uel, born Aug. 5, 1761 ; Elijah, born Sept. 5, 1763;
Anna, born April 15, 1766; Tryphena, born May 4,
1768; Mary, born Aug. 20, 1770; John, born Feb.
10, 1773 ; Caleb, born July 2, 1775 ; and James, born
April 14, 1778.
John Griswold, son of Samuel (3), born Feb.
10, 1773, was a resident of Franklin and Norwich,
and he died June 10, 1839. He married Oct. 10,
1796, Susan Morse, born Feb. 22, 1777.
Samuel Griswold, son of John and Susan
(Morse) Griswold, was born Nov. 22, 1797. He
was a teacher at Plain Hill, Norwich. On Feb. 27,
1820, he married Hannah Harrow, born March 6,
1802, and they had children : Susan Ann Carpen-
ter, born June 3, 1822, of Preston, Conn. ; LaFay-
ette Hamilton, born Sept. 5, 1824; Samuel Ells-
worth, deceased, born Sept. 22, 1827; Adelaide M.,
deceased, born Sept. 18, 1833; Frances C, deceased,
born July 17, 1836; John N., of Waterford, Conn.,
born Oct. 4, 1839; Charles Counland, of Columbus,
Ohio, born Jan. 31, 1843; and Allen J., of Norwich.
LaFayette Hamilton Griswold, of the above fam-
ily, has been a well known resident of Ledyard and
Groton, where he has been engaged in brickmaking
and farming. He resided in Ledyard until 1895,
when he removed to Groton. In Ledyard, in De-
cember, 1855, he married Hope Aver, born June 13,
1830, and died June 29, 1903. They had three chil-
dren : Sarah Adelaide, born June 28, 1857, married
Edward Eugene Spicer ; James Aver died in in-
fancy ; and Fanny Elizabeth, born June 27, 1862,
married George Walter Spicer.
Mr. Griswold served as selectman of the town of
Ledyard, as tax collector for many years, and as
representative in the Legislature. He is one of the
representative men of this locality, and his career
has added respect to one of the old and honorable
names of this part of New England. While it is by
no means unknown in other localities, yet it is es-
sentially a Connecticut name, and one which has
often been of note in this commonwealth.
Aver. The founder of the Aver family in Amer-
ica was John Ayer.
Thomas Ayer, son of John, represented the sec-
ond generation.
John Ayer, son of Thomas, married Hannah
Travis, of Boston, and settled in Stonington, Con-
necticut.
John Ayer (2), son of John and Hannah, was of
Saybrook, Conn., and married Sarah Colt or Coult,
who was born in Lyme.
Joseph Ayer, son of John and Sarah Ayer, mar-
ried Thankful Deake.
Elisha Ayer, son of Joseph and Thankful Ayer,
was of Ledyard, and married Hope Fanning, of the
same town. They had children : Clarissa, born
Feb. 23, 1783, died Oct. 23, 1822; Fanny, born Nov.
19, 1784, died Jan. 20, 1817; Elisha, born Dec. 8,
1786, died Nov. 3, 1867; Hope, born Nov. 19, 1789,
died March 3, 1861 ; Frederick born Aug. 14, 1792,
died Dec. 21, 1825; George, born Feb. 12, 1796,
died Feb. 23, 1891 ; Lovisa, born Sept. 9, 1799, died
April 25, 1 89 1 ; and Mary Ann, born April 20, 1802,
died Oct. 7, 1889.
Elisha Ayer (2), son of Elisha, was horn Dec.
8, 1786, in Ledyard. Fie followed the sea for many
years, and became a prosperous importer of Merino
sheep from Spain, being the first person in this
country to import that breed of sheep. He also^
sailed with the Halseys, and was in the salt import-
ing business, but later in life he left the water and
removed to Northampton, Mass., where he engaged
in farming, afterward removing to Ledyard, where
he died. In 1822 Mr. Ayer married Sarah Williams,
daughter of Judge William and Prudence (Stanton)
(Fanning) Williams. Airs. Ayer died in 1844, Mr.
Ayer surviving a number of years, and dying in
Ledyard, Nov. 3, 1867. They were the parents of
three children: Elisha, born Dec. 19, 1826, is a
prominent citizen of Norwich, Conn. ; Hope, born
June 13, 1830, married LaFayette Hamilton Gris-
wold, and died June 29, 1903 ; and Sarah Ann, born
Jan. 4, 1832, died unmarried March 19, 1880.
For scores of years these families have been
closely connected with the development and progress
of this part of Connecticut, and in Groton and Led-
yard they are held in particularly high esteem. They
all are prominent in social, business and public life,
still possessing many of the sturdy characteristics
which have contributed to their increase and dis-
tinction.
FRANK TRUMBULL, a well-known merchant
of the borough of Stonington, succeeded to a long-
established business and an honorable name, and has
done weh his part in sustaining both. He enjoys
HORACE N. TRUMBULL
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
r><;3
high standing among- the most reputable business
citizens of his locality, and personally his worth is
known and appreciated throughout the community,
in which his whole life has been passed. He is a
descendant of a family whose history in America
dates back to Colonial times.
(I) John Trumbull, the first of the name in this
country, born about 1606, came hither from New-
castle-on-Tvne. Northumberland, England, settling
first at Cambridge, Mass., and in May, 1655, re-
moving to Charlestown, Mass., where he was buried
July t8, 1657. He was a seafaring man, and com-
manded the good ship "Mary" on a voyage from
England to the Barbadoes, and was commander of
the good ship '"Blossom" in 1662. His wife, Eliza-
beth, died Aug. 15,- 1696.
(II) John Trumbull, born Aug. 4. 1641, was
married Sept. 26, 1665, to Mary Jones, who was
born in 1636, and died Dec. 27, 1721. He died in
1731-
(III) Samuel Trumbull, born June 3, 1683, died
Sept. 24, T759. He was married Dec. 25, 1705, tc
Hannah Fowle.
(IV) John Trumbull, born July 17, 1715, was
married June 17, 1742, to Mercy Jiggles, who died
July 24. 1754. On Aug. 27, 1760, he married for
his second wife Ruth Wyer, who passed away Jan.
31, 1763. His death occurred Oct. 12, 1791.
(V) John Trumbull, born in 1752, came from
Charlestown, Mass., to Norwich, Conn., and on Dec.
25, 1776, married Lucy Springer. He died Aug.
14, 1802, and she survived until Aug. 23, 1 8 1 3 .
(VI) John F. Trumbull, born July 2T, T796,
was one of the most prominent men of his generation
in Stonington. On Nov. 25, 1822, he married Eliza
Mary Xiles, who died Feb. 29, 1828, the mother
of two children: Horace Niles, born Feb. 20, 1825,
and Eliza M., born Feb. 11. 1828, the latter dying
young. For his second wife John F. Trumbull
married, Sept. 21, 1829, Ann Eliza Smith, who was
born Nov. 22, 1809, daughter of Joseph and Nancy
(Eells) Smith, and she survived him many years,
passing away April 1, 1896. Mr. Trumbull's death
occurred Oct. 28, 1874. By the second marriage
there were eight children, viz. : Edwin B., born
June 5, 1830, who married May 17, 1864, Ellen P.
Hakes; John F.. born Nov. 21. 1831 ; Eliza Niles,
born July 15, 1833, who married Hon. Henry C.
Robinson, of Hartford; Harriet, born March 25,
1838, who married Ira Hart Palmer ; Lucy, born
Dec. 13, 1841, who became the wife of D. W.
Hakes; Stiles Stanton, born Dec. 30, 1843: James
Van Alen, born Sept. 13, 1848, who was married
March 24, 1880, to Belle Burch, daughter of Bill-
ings Burch ; and Maria Babcock.
(VII) Horace Niles Trumbull, born Feb. 20,
1825, received his education in the schools of Ston-
ington. He was long established in business in that
borough, being engaged in the ship chandlery, gen-
eral mercantile and coal business there as member
of the firms of Stiles Stanton & Co. ; J. E. Smith &
Co., and 11. X. Trumbull & Co., continuing as senior
member of the latter concern until his death, Oct.
12, 1894. His name was respected throughout the
county, and he enjoyed the esteem as well as the
patronage of the members of his community. On
Oct. 21, 1847, Mr. Trumbull was united in marriage
with Mary Jane Pendleton, daughter of Jonathan
Pendleton, and she preceded him to the grave, pass-
ing away in October, 1889. Their family consisted
of five children, Eliza M., Charles Pendleton, Frank,
Mary J. and Louise. Mr. Trumbull was a very
prominent member of the Congregational Church,
and served as treasurer of the Society. He acted
as collector of the port of Stonington for a number
of years, first under President Lincoln and later
under President Garfield. Of his children, Charles
P., who is at present agent of the Adams Express
Company in Hartford, Conn., married Geneva
Crandall, and they are the parents of four children,
Eliza N., Geneva, Horace N. and Charles P., Jr.
Horace N. Trumbull was a very stanch and active
Republican, and served two terms in the State Legis-
lature from Stonington.
Frank Trumbull, who is now carrying on the
business so long conducted by his father, received
a common schooling, and has been connected with
the mercantile life of the borough of Stonington
from boyhood. In 1891 he became his father's part-
ner, and upon the father's death, in 1894, succeeded
to the entire business. He is a well-known and
much respected citizen of the borough. He has
never married. He also carries on an insurance
business, representing the Home, Continental and
Queen Fire Insurance Companies of New York.
CHARLES WEBB, of Norwich, springs from
a number of the early and prominent families of the
ancient town of Windham and of that vicinity, and
too, from patriotic stock. Two of his ancestors,
Major Waterman Gift, of Plainfield, and Capt.
Nathaniel Webb, of Windham, served under those
titles in that struggle and were men of prominence
in it.
Born March II, 1833, Mr. Webb is a son of Dr.
William and Amanda (Wolcott) Webb, and a de-
scendant in the seventh generation from Christopher
Webb, the immigrant ancestor of the family, his
lineage being through Samuel, Nathaniel. Capt. Na-
thaniel, Henry and Dr. William Webb. These gen-
erations in detail and in order named appear in the
following :
(I) Christopher Webb, it is thought, came to
America about 1650. He married, nth month. 18th
day, 1654, Hannah Scott. He was chosen clerk of
Weymouth or Braintree, Mass., May 18. 1078.
He died in that town May 30, 1694, aged sixty-four
years. Issue: John, born 23d of 8th month, 1655:
Peter, born 1st of 10th month. 1657; Samuel, born
6th of 6th month, 1660; Christopher; Hannah, born
5th of 7th month, 1665; Benjamin born 2d of 12th
month. 1667; Mary born 6th of 7th month, 1669;
Gcj4
GENEALOGICAL AXD BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
Joseph, born 15th of 1st month, 1672. [In Weav-
er's ms. following the above appears this entry :
'"Abigail, their mother, died, a widow. 1718."
(II) Samuel Webb, born 6th of 6th month,
1660, in Braintree , married in December , 1686.
Mary Adams, born Feb. 25, 1668 (according to
Savage), daughter of Joseph and Abigail (Baxter)
Adams, grand-daughter of Henry Adams, and a
sister of Joseph Adams, who was the grandfather
of John Adams, second President of the United
States. Issue: Rebecca, born 25th of 7th month.
; Samuel, born May 12, 1690 (both born at
Braintree) ; Mary, born Nov. 25, 1694; Nathaniel,
born Feb. 15, 1696; and Zebulon. He purchased
Jan. 2J, 1706-07, of Thomas Huntington, the fifth
house or home lot in Windham Centre. Mr. Webb
died Feb. 20, 1738-39, aged seventy-eight years.
Mary, his wife, died (according to town records)
Dec. 21, 1744.
(III) Nathaniel Webb, born Feb. 15, 1696,
married April 24, 1718, Elizabeth Fitch, daughter
of John Fitch, Esq. Mr. Webb died Sept. 19, 1750;
Elizabeth, his wife, died July 3, 1780, aged eighty-
four years. Issue: John, born June 14, 1719; Sam-
uel, March 5, 1720-21; Elizabeth, June 3, 1723;
Mary, Dec. 23, 1725; Ann, June 13, 1728; Miriam,
Oct. 7, 1730; Eunice and Joshua (twins), Jan. 12,
I733S4: and Nathaniel, Aug. 5, 1737.
(IV) Nathaniel Webb (2), born Aug. 5, 1737,
married May 15, 1767, Zerviah Abbe. Issue:
Henry, born Sept. 2, 1768; Mary, Sept 23, 1770;
Anne, Nov. 5, 1772 ; Lucretia, May 8, 1775 ; George
Washington, Aug. 6, 1779, and Charles Lee, Oct. 8,
1781.
Capt Webb settled in his native town, Windham.
He was a first cousin of John Fitch (Yale- 1753),
and he himself was a graduate of Yale in class of
1757. In October, 1765, he received from the Gen-
eral Assembly the appointment of county surveyor,
and in other ways he became prominent in the
affairs of the town and neighborhood. He was also
engaged in business as a merchant in partnership
with Jabez Huntington (Yale- 1758). He joined
the army of the Revolution in 1776 and as adjutant
and lieutenant was present with Col. John Dur-
kee's Fourth Connecticut Regiment at the battles of
Trenton and Princeton. On June 1, 1777, he was
commissioned as captain in the same regiment, and
with it passed through the battle of Germantown in
the fall, wintered at Valley Forge, and was closely
engaged in June, 1778, at Monmouth. In the sum-
mer of 1779 he was assigned to Wayne's light in-
fantry corps, and was stationed in the Highlands of
New York for most of the time until January 1,
1 78 1, when, upon the consolidation of regiments, he
retired from the army. In October, 1782, he wrote
to Gov. Trumbull, offering his services as captain of
a company to be stationed at New London, but
nothing came of this. He died in Windham on Jan.
25, 18 14, in his seventy-seventh year. His wife
died May 17, 1825, aged eighty-two.
(V) Henry Webb, born Sept. 2, 1768, married
June 1, 1794, Hannah, daughter of Waterman Clift.
Children: William, born May 19, 1797; Mary C,
January, 1800: Lucretia, October, 1802; Harriet;
and Lucia, March 23, 1809.
Waterman Clift, referred to in the foregoing,
was born in 1738, and died in 1828. He was cap-
tain of the Sixth Company, in the Sixth Connecticut
Regiment, commanded by Col. Samuel H. Parsons,
raised on the first call for troops in April-May,
1775. The following year he served as major of
the Fourth Battalion, Wadsworth Brigade, com-
manded by Col. Samuel Seldom This battalion
participated in the battle of Long Island, in the
retreat from New York, when the city was aban-
doned, and was present with the army until Dec.
25, 1776, when the term of service of the regiment
expired.
(VI) Dr. William Webb, born May 19, 1797,
married Jan. 6, 1824, Amanda, daughter of Jona-
than Wolcott. Children : William H., born Dec. 7,
1825, and Charles, born March 11, 1833. The Doc-
tor graduated from Yale College, and was a promi-
nent physician in the town of Windham, and was
well known all through eastern Connecticut. He
was a good citizen in every respect, and very popular.
He died in 1849, while still in the prime of life.
His eldest son, William, went to California during
the gold fever of 1849, sailing from New London on
the schooner "Valasco," to San Francisco, the voy-
age occupying 181 days. He died at San Francisco,
June 24, 1874.
Charles Webb, the youngest son of Dr. William,
was educated in the town of Windham. He was
engaged in the banking business from an early age,
and continued in it for a number of years, but he is
now living retired. He was a member of the city
council and was city treasurer four years. He
enlisted during the Civil war in Company D, 26th
Regiment, Conn. V. I., under Col. Thomas D.
Kingsley, Capt. Samuel T. Huntson, and served in
the commissary department during his term.
On Feb. 12, 1855, Mr. Webb married, in Nor-
wich, Jane E. Backus, daughter of Joseph and Mary
(Sanger) Backus. Mrs. Wrebb died May 30, 1898,
and is buried in Yantic cemetery. She was a mem-
ber of the Episcopal Church, and of the D. A. R.
at Norwich, of which latter she was secretary. She
was a lady of culture and refinement, and a de-
voted wife and mother. Four children were born
to Mr. and Mrs. Webb. (1) Mary B., born July 6,
1857, died Dec. 29, i860. (2) Frank W., born May
18, 1865, died March 11, 1874. (3) Arthur Backus,
born June 9, 1867, was educated in the public school
and Norwich Free Academy. He is engaged as a
cotton worker. (4) Mabel Sanger, born Sept. 13,
1874, was educated in the public schools, in Norwich
Free Academy, and in the art department, and is
now an instructor in art in the public schools of Nor-
wich. She is a lady of culture and of artistic taste ;
she is a devoted worker in the Episcopal Church, of
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
691
which she is a member. Mr. Webb is a member of
the Sedgwick Post, G. A. R., and fraternally he is
a 33^ degree .Mason.
The Backus family, of which the late .Mrs. Webb
and .Mrs. Gilbert ( )sgood were descendants,
is one of the oldest families in eastern Con-
necticut. Nathaniel Backus, born in 1669, was
married March 22, 1693, to Lydia Edgerston. On
July 2. 1702. he married (second) Elizabeth Traeey.
His children were: Daniel, born Dec. 26, 1694;
Lydia, July 14, 1697; Nathaniel, April 5, 1704;
Mary, October 12, 1707; Elizabeth, September,
1709: Joseph, Oct. 12, 1710; Jabez, Aug. 9, 1712.
Nathaniel Backus, Jr., born April 5, 1704, mar-
ried Hannah Baldwin, and they had children as
follows: Nathaniel, born May 4, 1727; Hannah,
Dec. 9, 1728; Ezra, Aug. 13, 1730; Hannah, March
3, 1733; Phebe, Dec. 27, 1735; John, Nov. 4, 1737.
Ezra Backus, born Aug. 13, 1730, married Jan.
4, 1758, Nancy Lay. Children: Ezra, born June 3,
1759; Abigail, May 28, 1760; Phebe, Aug. 12, 1761 ;
Eunice, Dec. 2T,. 1762 (died Sept. 6, 1763) ; Eunice,
May 29, 1764 (died Aug. 2, 1764) ; Anne, Sept. 10,
1765: Nathaniel, March 21, 1767: Caroline, Feb.
12, 1768; Joseph, Dec. 25, 1770; Jabez, June 8, 1777.
Ezra Backus, Jr., born June 3, 1759, married in
April, 1780, Rhoda Dodge. Children: John, born
Aug. 11, 1781 ; Clarissa, May 21, 1784; William,
Nov. 25, 1787; Nancy, Oct. 17, 1789. For his sec-
ond wife, Mr. Backus married Aug. 31, 1794, Rhoda
Treadway. Their children were : Keney, born June
14, 1796; Joseph, March 5, 1798; Alexander, April
18, 1800; Abbie A. Young, Nov. 4, 1802; Joseph
(2), Sept. 29, 1804. The father married for his
third wife, June 4, 1808, Nancy Moore, and they had
two children : Charles, born Dec. 8, 1809, and
Christopher, May 7, 1812.
Joseph Backus, the father of Mrs. Charles Webb
and Mrs. Gilbert Osgood, was born Sept. 29, 1804.
He married, Sept. 9, 1829, Mary Sanger, daughter
of Capt. John Sanger. Mr. Backus died March 6,
i860. Children: Elizabeth Fitch, born Feb. 13,
1831, married Joseph L. Miner. Charles Alexander,
born Oct. 8, 1832, married Kate Edwards. Mary
Sanger, born Nov. 7, 1834, married Gilbert Osgood.
Jane Elizabeth, born March 31, 1837, married
Charles Webb. Joseph, Jr., born July 19, 1839,
died in infancy. Joseph (2) was born Dec. 2, 1842.
George Tyler, born Dec. 8, 1844, married Clara
Clark. John Edwin, born June 24, 1848, married
Nellie Chaffee, and has since remarried.
ALBERT H. LANPHERE. one of Wraterford's
prominent citizens and a leader in the political life
of that town, is a native of same. He comes of one
of the old families of the county, being a great-
grandson of Luther Lanphere, who was born in
Montville. where he lived and died. He was a
farmer. He married and had several children,
Charles, Jared, Lydia and Betsey.
Jared Lanphere, grandfather of Albert H., was
born in [797, in Montville, Conn., and died in May,
[873, in Colchester, Conn., aged seventy-six years.
The greater part of his life was passed in Colchester.
He was a shoemaker by trade, which he followed
together with farming. He married Mary Ann
Brown, daughter of Philip Brown, of Marlboro,
Conn., and she died in the fall of 1882, in Colchester,
Conn., at an advanced age, having been horn in
1799. Their children were as follows: (1) Charles,
who died in Moodns, Conn., in [902, was a shoe-
maker by trade. He married Adelia Brainard. (2)
Sarah married Morgan Norcott, and died in Chat-
ham, Conn. (3) Albert G. is mentioned below.
(4) Cynthia married Seth West, and died in Col-
chester. (5) Jeremiah A. died in the fall of 1903
in Colchester. He was a tanner by trade. He mar-
ried Wealthy Ann Keeney. (6) Emily E. married
Leander Chapman, and died in Colchester, Conn.
(7) Henry, who died in Marlboro, Conn., married
Fannie West. He was a cotton dyer by trade.
(8) Mary Ann married John T. Brown, of Norwich,
Conn., where she died. (9) Almeda married John
Tew, of Willimantic, Conn., where she died. (10)
Daniel died in infancy. (11) Julia married Henry
Reynolds, of Colchester, where she died. (12) Le-
titia married (first) Elsworth Packer, and (second)
David Chester Comstock, of Montville. (13) Will-
iam went west and has never been heard from.
(14) Lucy married Joseph Gardner, of Montville,
and is now residing in Lebanon, where Mr. Gardner
is engaged in farming. (15) A daughter died in
infancy.
Albert Gallitan Lanphere, born Dee. 29, 1824,
in Colchester, Conn., received his education there,
in the district schools, leaving school at the age of
eighteen years. He then took up farming and lum-
bering in Middle Haddam and Colchester, in 1846
removing to Water ford, where he took up work in
the Millstone Quarries. There he remained and
worked for nearly thirty-six years, in the employ of
Warren Gates and Warren Gates' Sons, un-
til July 1, 1885, when he resigned as stone-
cutter. He then purchased a farm in Waterford,
and has since followed farming, having about twenty
acres at present. He is now living practically re-
tired. During the days when he was actively en-
gaged in farming he had about eighty-five acres. In
1855 ne built his present residence in Graniteville,
where he has since resided. Mr. Lanphere is a
member of the First Baptist Church of Waterford,
to which his wife also belongs, and he led the choir
in the church for sixteen years. Politically he has
been a lifelong Democrat, but not particularly active,
and has never been an office seeker.
Albert G. Lanphere was married, April 18, 1852,
to Phebe Ann Brown, daughter of Henry and Lu-
cretia (Smith) Brown, of Waterford, and they be-
came the parents of two children : Albert Henry,
born May 5. 1853, and Newton Brown, born May
14, 1855. The latter is a stonecutter by trade. He
is unmarried and resides at home.
696
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
Albert Henry Lanphere, born May 5, 1853, in
Waterford, received his education in the district
schools and in private schools in his native town.
His school days ending when he was seventeen years
old, he went to the Millstone Quarries and
there took up the trade of stonecutter, work-
ing there until the spring of 1894; he had
been vard foreman for the last two years.
That was under the Millstone Granite Company.
Since that time he has been in a way -deal-
ing in real estate, etc. Mr. Lanphere is a Demo-
crat in politics, and has been active in local public
affairs from early manhood. When twenty-one
years of age he was elected registrar of voters and
served for about twenty years, until about 1894. He
was elected to the school board when twenty-three,
and has served ever since, in the fall of 1903 being
elected for another three-year term. He served as
justice of the peace for six years. He has taken a
Very prominent part in town affairs. He served as
tax collector for nearly eleven years from July 1,
1890, his last book being 1900. In the fall of 1901
he was elected first selectman, having previously
served on the board of selectmen, of which he is now
a member for the third term. He served as repre-
sentative in 1887-88, the first two-year term of the
Legislature, and during this term he was a member
of the committee on Education. He was again a
member of the Legislature in 1899, and during his
second term he was a member of the committee on
Military Affairs, and the committee on School
Funds. He served again the following year, 1901,
when he was on the committee on Insurance, and
was again elected for 1903-04, serving on the com-
mittee on New Counties and County Seats, of which
he was clerk. During the deadlock session of 1891
he was in position under Nicholas Staub, of New
Wilford, who was the comptroller of the State, as
a clerk. Mr. Lanphere is a member of the Union
Lodge, A. O. U. W., of Niantic, Conn., and of the
B. P. O. E., at New London.
Mr. Lanphere was married, Feb. 25, 1880, to
Ida L. Manwaring, daughter of Ansel C. and Sarah
(Morgan) Manwaring, of Waterford, and they have
had one child, Sarah Mabel, born Nov. 11, 1881,
who has been teaching for two vears in Waterford.
LANPHERE. Daniel Lanphere, of Westerly,
R. I., and Welthea Worden, of Stonington, Conn.,
were married at Stonington Nov. 13, 1765, and their
children, all of Westerly record, were : Luther, July
27, 1768; Tacy, May 14, 1770; Eunice, Feb. 21,
1772; Oliver, Aug. 18, 1774; Lois, Nov. 16, 1777;
Joshua, Oct. 1, 1787; and Keturah, Aug. 9, 1790.
(This Luther Lanphere may have removed to
Montville, Conn., and there had children. This
Luther, of Westerly, was a son of John. Daniel or
Amos, brothers, all sons of John and Ruth and
grandsons of George Lanphere, the Westerly, R. I..
settler. These three brothers, John, Daniel and
Amos Lanphere, were married at Westerly, respect-
ively: John, to Elizabeth Foster, March 3, 1727-28,
or to Anna Lanphere, July 24, 1730; Daniel, to
Catherine Prossor, Jan. 24, 1730-31 ; and Amos to
) . The Lanphere family was early in Westerly,
Rhode Island.
(I) George Lanphere (Landfear or Lanphear)
was of Westerly, R. I., in 1669, in which year he
purchased land there. He took the oath of alleg-
iance to Rhode Island in 1671, and in that town "by
the mill" was baptized in 1678. At this time he
was a married man, but the name of his wife is
unknown. He had 200 acres of land laid out to him
in 1704. His death occurred Oct. 6, 1731. His
children were : Mary, Shadrach, John, Theodosius,
Seth, Sarah, Elizabeth, Richard, and one whose
name is unknown, but who married Eber Crandall.
(II) Shadrach Lanphere, the eldest son of
George, married Jan. 15, 1696, Experience Read,
and their children were: Joseph, born Feb. 10,
1700; Ann, Oct. 7, 1701 ; Oliver, Sept. 3, 1703;
Prudence, Aug. 10, 1706; Solomon, April 10, 1708;
Experience, January, 1711; John, Oct. 15, 1712;
Hezekiah, Nov. 15, 1714; and Mary, Jan. 1, 1718.
Shadrach Lanphere and his family lived in Ston-
ington, Conn., while all of the other children of
George were of Westerly. He died Jan. 29, 1728,
and his widow passed away in 1732. In 1732 all of
the children of Shadrach were residents of West-
erly, R. I., excepting Solomon and John, who were
then at Norwich, Conn. ; Hezekiah, who was at
Lebanon, Conn. ; and Joseph, whose whereabouts
were not given.
LUTHER A. MORGAN. The Morgan family
of Groton is one of the most prominent and one of
the earliest settled families of New London county.
Luther A. Morgan, for many years one of the lead •
ing business men of Mystic, is a descendant in the
eighth generation from the pioneer ancestor in
America, his ancestral line being as follows :
James Morgan, the earliest ancestor of the fam-
ily in America, was born in 1607, in Wales, and
came to this country, arriving at Boston in April,
1636. On Aug. 6, 1640, he married Margery Hill,
of Roxbury, Mass., where he had settled. In 1650
he removed to New London, residing near the pres-
ent third burial ground in the western suburbs of
the city of New London. On Dec. 25, 1656, he sold
his homestead in New London and removed to
what is now the town of Groton, where he became
a large proprietor and dealer in lands. He was one
of the early selectmen, and a deputy to the General
Court in 1657 and for nine terms thereafter. Mr.
Morgan was an active and useful member of the
church. He died in 1685.
Capt. John Morgan, son of James Morgan, was
born March 30, 1643, and married Rachel Dymme.
Capt. John Morgan (2) was born June 10, 1667,
and married Ruth Shepley.
Capt. John Morgan (3) was born Jan. 4, T700,
and married Sarah Cobb.
cn~
<ya^J
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
697
Capt. John Morgan (4) was born July 28, 1729,
and Feb. 1, 1700, married Prudence Morgan.
Stepben M. Morgan, son of Capt. John Morgan
(4). was born April 19, 1762, and on April 13,
1787, married Parthcnia Parke. He died April 26,
1844.
John Morgan, son of Stephen M. Morgan, was
born Jan. r, 1799, and on Dec. 31, 1820, married
Mary Allyn, daughter of Rufus Allyn, of Ledyard.
Their children were: Harriet, born Dec. 5, 1821,
died young; John Parke, born May 26, 1823, mar-
ried (first) Mary L. Maynard, and (second) Lyclia
Smith, and resides at Jersey City, N. J. ; Hannah
M., born March 25, 1825, married Frank Noyes
and died April 13, 1901, in Stonington, where she
resided ; Eneas, born March 5, 1827, died June 12,
1863, in California, unmarried ; Stephen A., born
Jan. 29, 1829, married Jane Lewis, and they resided
in Ledyard, where he died in December, 1903
(they had four children, John; Julia, wife of Ira
Chapman ; Mary and Anna, the latter deceased) ;
Rufus, born Jan. 26, 1831, died young; Parthenia,
born May 26, 1832, married Samuel Lamb and died
in Groton ; Elisha, born July 7, 1834, died Oct. 17,
1852; Luther A. was born Oct. 29, 1836; Elkanah,
born Jan. 9, 1839; died Oct. 15, 1858: Sybil, born
Sept. 28, 1840, now deceased, married Erastus
Lamb, of Ledyard; Eliza, born Aug. 74, T842, mar-
ried William R. Gallup, and lives at Sacramento,
Cal. (they have two children, Ida May and Effa
M., the latter the wife of Joseph D. Lord) ; Harriet,
born March 14, 1845, married Edward Baker, and
they reside at North Orange, Massachusetts.
John Morgan, the father, spent his entire life in
Ledyard, following his trade of carpenter. He died
there in May, 1875, not long surviving his wife,
who had died in January of the same year.
Luther Albert Morgan was born Oct. 29, 1836,
in Ledyard, Conn., near Meeting House Hill, and
obtained his education in the schools at Ledyard.
On March 14, 1853, he came to Mystic and began
clerking for David Nelson Prentice, their establish-
ment standing on the site at present occupied by
Lamphere & Co. On April 1, 1871, he embarked
in the grocery business for himself, and continued
actively in the business until Sept. 10, 1903, when
he disposed of it, at the time being the oldest grocer
in the town. On Dec. 29, 1880, Mr. Morgan suf-
fered from a disastrous fire, but, as an example of
business enterprise, within three days he was again
ready to serve his customers in another store, and
by July 4, 1881, he took charge of a new and better
building, which had been erected on the ruins of
the old one. During his early business career he
had a partner and also an interest in a fish business,
the latter the Menhaden fishery. He has done
business under the styles of L. A. Morgan & Co.
and Gurdon S. Allyn & Co. While his business
career has been one of much more than ordinary
success, it has always been marked by adherence to
honorable and upright methods. Since he has re-
sided in Mystic he has always felt too busy to accept
political office, but has been made a member of the
board of assessors. He is now engaged in the real-
estate business and is attending to the management
of his own private interests. In politics he is a
Republican, and he cast his first vote for President
for Abraham Lincoln. He is a member of Charity
and Relief Lodge, F. & A. M., and Benevolence
Chapter, R. A. M. He is a member of Mystic
Bridge Congregational Church, as are both of his
daughters.
On May 14, 1868, Mr. Morgan was married
to Susan E. Prentice, daughter of David N. Pren-
tice, his early employer. Mrs. Morgan died Feb.
14, 1885. The two daughters of this marriage
were: Frances Elizabeth, born Dec. 8, 1872, and
Margaret, born Oct. 1, 1875. The latter has
scholastic attainments of a high order, being a grad-
uate of Oberlin College, Oberlin, ( )hio, class of
1900, and for some years has engaged in teaching ;
she is now completing her fourth year at an ad-
vanced school at Princeton, Indiana.
COL. JOHN L. DEVOTION (deceased), of
Norwich. The Devotion family of Windham, from
which sprang the gentleman whose name heads this
article, himself long a man of prominence in his
community and the State, was one of the first of the .
many intelligent and prominent families of that an-
cient town. Many of the name of Windham were
graduates of Yale and Harvard, and men of achieve-
ment in the professions and of distinction in public
life. The Devotion family, too, was connected by
marriage with some of the most prominent families
of their section of the commonwealth.
Col. Devotion was born in 1818, in Windham,
Conn., a son of Jonathan Devotion, and a descendant
in the seventh generation from Edward Devotion,
the immigrant ancestor of the branch of the family
under consideration. From Edward Devotion the
line of the late John L. Devotion is through John.
Rev. Ebenezer, Rev. Ebenezer (2), Hon. Ebenezer
(3) and Jonathan Devotion.
(I) Edward Devotion appears as a resident of
that part of Boston, Mass., called Muddy River,
which became Brookline. He united with the
church in March, 1645, all(l was then a single man.
He was made a freeman in 1645. He had children
at Brookline; Mary, born Feb. 25, 1649; an<J Eliza-
beth, April jo. [651; at Roxbury: Martha, March
13, 1653. and Hannah, Dec. 3, 1654; at Brookline:
Deborah, May 17, 1657, and John, June 26, 1659;
at Roxbury again: Sarah, Jan. 19, 1662; Edward,
July 12, 1663 (died June T2, 1664) ; Sarah, Feb. 18,
1666; Edward, Feb. 15, 1668; and Thomas, May 1,
1670.
(II) John Devotion, baptized June 26, 1659, at
Brookline, married Hannah, daughter of John
Breck. He was of Suffield, and in 1726 bought two
acres of land on the east side of the Willimantic
river, in Windham, which embraced water privi-
698
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
leges. He with others from Suffield organized a
company for the manufacture of iron. These parties
built, in 1727, the first dam across the river there.
In his will there are mentioned children: Hannah,
Edward and Rev. Ebenezer. Mr. Devotion left a
good estate.
(III) Rev. Ebenezer Devotion, born in Brook-
line, Mass., about 1684, married Hannah Breck, who
was born Feb. 16, 1688, and died March 3, 1719.
By this union there were these children: Ebenezer,
born May 8, 1714; Hannah, April 29, 1716; and
Mary, Dec. 8, 171 7 (married Deacon Richard Gay,
of Granby). Rev. Mr. Devotion married for his
second wife Naomi Taylor, daughter of Rev. Ed-
mund Taylor. She died Aug. 6, 1739, and on Oct.
2y, 1740, he married (third) Mrs. Sarah Hebbard.
Mr. Devotion was graduated from Harvard College
in 1707. He preached at Suffield in 1709, and was
ordained pastor of the church there June 28, 17 10,
being the second minister in the town. He was
continued in the pastorate of the church there for
thirty years, and was successful in it. He died April
11, 1741, in the fifty-seventh year of his age.
(IV) Ebenezer Devotion, son of Rev. Ebenezer,
born May 8, 1714, in Suffield, now in Connecticut,
then in Massachusetts, married, July 25, 1738,
Martha, daughter of Simon and Martha (Lathrop)
Lathrop, of Norwich, and by her had five daughters
and one son, the latter graduating from Yale in
1759 ; one of the daughters became the wife of John
M. Breed, of Yale, 1762; and a third married Gov.
Samuel Huntington. In 1773 Mr. Devotion mar-
ried, for his second wife, a daughter of Rev. James
Cogswell (Yale, 1742) ; she died Dec. 6, 1795, in
her eightieth year.
Mr. Devotion was graduated from Yale College
in 1732. He studied theology, and in 1735 was in-
vited to preach to the Third Ecclesiastical Society in
Windham, Conn., which had been organized in 1732,
under the name of Scotland parish, now the town of
Scotland. In August he accepted a call to settle,
and on Oct. 22d a church was organized and he was
ordained pastor, the sermon on the occasion being
preached by Rev. Thomas Clap, afterward rector of
Yale College. He continued in this relation until his
death, in the same place, July 17, 1771. Mr. Devo-
tion maintained a high reputation among his flock,
and all his acquaintances, for ability and goodness.
A striking instance of the confidence felt in his judg-
ment was his appointment as one of the representa-
tives of the town in the General Assembly held in
October, 1765, in the height of the excitement
against the Stamp Act. President Stiles writes in
his Diary on hearing of his death, "he was a gentle-
man of solid understanding, extensive reading, and
eminent for every kind of merit. A good divine, a
pious man, an able politician." Mr. Devotion pub-
lished a number of sermons, etc.
(V) Hon. Ebenezer Devotion, the only son of
Rev. Ebenezer (Yale College, 1732), of Scotland
Parish, in Windham, Conn., born there Aug. 10,
1740, married June 7, 1764, Eunice, born Sept. 11,
1742, daughter of judge Jonathan and Elizabeth
(Rockwell) Huntington, of the same town. Their
children were: Ebenezer, born Sept. 27, 1765 ; John,
Dec. 22, 1766; Jonathan, Jan. 10, 1769; Eunice,
Sept. 6, 1770 ; Martha, Jan. 25, 1773 ; Elizabeth, Dec.
28, 1773 ; and Louis, Nov. 17, 1776.
Mr. Devotion was graduated from Yale College
in 1759, and settled in his native parish as a farmer
and as a storekeeper on an extensive scale. As early
as May, 1774, he was commissioned a justice of the
peace. He served as a representative in the Gen-
eral Assembly in four sessions in the year 1775, and
again in 178.9, 1791, 1794 and 1801. He was prom-
inent in the support of the Revolution. An extract
from one of his letters, printed by Miss Larned in
her History of Windham County, shows his pa-
triotic spirit. Subsequently he occupied for about
twenty years before 181 1 a place on the Bench as
judge of the County Court. One of his sons, John
Devotion, was graduated from Yale College in
1785, but died before his father. The latter died in
Scotland parish on July 21, 1829, at the age of
eighty-nine.
(VI) Jonathan Devotion, born Jan. 10, 1769,
married (first) Roxanna House, and (second) on
Nov. 3, 181 1, Mrs. Clausse (House) Tyler, widow
of Daniel P. Tyler, and a sister of his former wife.
She died April 5, 1850, and Mr. Devotion died in
December, 1843.
John L. Devotion of this article, in young man-
hood located in Norwich, beginning a business career
as clerk in the drug store of Samuel Tyler, and later
on he became associated in the same business as a
partner with William Tyler, the style of the firm be-
ing Tyler & Devotion. In 1849 tne excitement in-
cident to the discovery of gold on the Pacific coast
allured Mr. Devotion to the coast, but after a short
period there he returned to the city of his adoption,
and in 1855 he was made cashier of the Shetucket
Bank, a position he filled with credit to himself and
to the satisfaction of all interested for twenty years,
until his death, which occurred at his home on Wash-
ington street, Feb. 8, 1875. From 1853 on until his
death he was the secretary of the New London
County Mutual Fire Insurance Co., and was a mem-
ber of its board of directors. He was also a direc-
tor of the Chelsea Savings Bank, and of the She-
tucket Bank.
Col. Devotion was an ardent Republican after the
organization of that party, and was identified with
most of the political movements of his time. In
1843 ne occupied a place on the staff of the late Gov.
Cleveland. He was town clerk from 1855 to 1861.
He also held many offices of nrivate trust for which
he was eminently fitted. His greatest prominence
in the State, however, was his identity with fraternal
and secret orders. He was connected with all the
Masonic organizations of Norwich, and at the time
of his death he was Deputy Grand Master of the
Grand Lodge of Connecticut. He was also an officer
GENEALOGICAL AXD BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
i,w
of Connecticut Sovereign Consistory and other Scot-
tish Rite bodies, M. H. P. of Franklin Chapter, No.
4, Master of St. James Lodge, and at one time Mas-
ter of Somerset Lodge. He was one of the founders
of ( Md Fellowship in Norwich, being a charter
member of Uncas Lodge, and was also a member of
the committee having the erection of the Uncas Hall
building in charge.
Col. Devotion was a man of perfect integrity, and
his character too was above reproach. He was a
member of Christ Episcopal Church, and its treas-
urer until his death. "In his social relations he was
warm-hearted and sympathetic, qualities which,
united with his bright genial manner, won him many
friends. A man of rather retiring disposition, the
best phases of his character were recognized only
by those who knew him best, though he had the
esteem and respect of all with whom he came in con-
tact. A man of thorough principle and liberal views,
and unobtrusively the advocate of all progressive
movements, his loss was sadly felt in that class to
whom Norwich owes so much, and on whose success
her future prospect greatly depends."
Appropriate resolutions on the death of Col.
Devotion were passed by the institutions and socie-
ties with which he had been connected, some of
which follow.
At a meeting of the directors of the Shetucket
Bank held at their banking house on Feb. 9, 1875,
the following resolutions were unanimously adopted :
Whereas, In the providence of God, John L. Devotion,
our associate director and for a period of twenty years the
cashier of this bank, has been removed by death, therefore.
Resolved, That we deeply realize the loss which the
institution has sustained in the removal of so important
an officer, one who has always been faithful to trusts com-
mitted to his hands, and in the discharge of these trusts
ever courteous and obliging.
Resolved, That while we deeply sympathize with his
family in this sad bereavement we are made to feel that
in his high-toned integrity, unblemished Christian char-
acter and ever present courtesy he has left them the in-
heritance of pleasant memories and of an honored name.
Resolved, That these resolutions be placed upon the
records of the bank, and that a copy of the same be pre-
sented to the family of the deceased.
At a meeting of the directors of the New London
County Insurance Company held on Feb. 9, 1875,
the following resolutions were unanimously adopted :
Whereas, John L. Devotion, a director, secretary and
treasurer of the company, has been called by "Him who
doeth all things well into His perfect rest," and
Whereas, By this dispensation his associates are
called to mourn the loss of a faithful colleague and an
honest and upright officer and Christian gentleman, there-
fore,
Resolved, That we, his associates in the management of
the New London County Mutual Fire Insurance Company,
tender our warm sympathies to his afflicted family in their
great bereavement.
Resolved, That this action of the board he communi-
cated to the family of the deceased, and placed on the
records of the company.
Resok'cd. That as a mark of respect we will attend
the funeral of our late associate.
Attest : E. F. Parker, President.
At a special meeting of the Court of Common
Council of the City of Norwich, held Feb. <>. 1^75. —
Present: His Honor James Lloyd Greene. Mayor,
presiding, Aldermen ( iilbert and Carew, Council-
men Brown, Brewer and Hooker. His honor said: I
have called you together to take proper action on
the occasion of the death of another honored and re-
spected citizen — one who has long been known to us
all. I refer to the late John L. Devotion, and would
offer the following preamble and resolutions :
Whereas, It has pleased Almighty God in His all-
wise providence to remove from among us by death Col.
John L. Devotion, who for many years was an able and
efficient member of the board, therefore
Resolved, That we have heard with deep regret of the
death of Col. John L. Devotion, who for several years was
connected with the board as clerk, and who for his energy,
fidelity and strict integrity commanded our high respect
and esteem.
Resolved, That we tender our sincere sympathies to
those who are near and dear to him in all the relations of
family and home, and as a mark of respect for the de-
ceased that the members of the city government attend the
funeral in a body and that the council chamber be draped
in mourning.
Resolved, That these resolutions be entered at length
upon the city records, and that an engrossed copy, signed
by the mayor and city clerk, be forwarded to the family
of the deceased.
On motion of Alderman Carew the resolutions
wrere adopted and the council adjourned.
At a meeting of the board of directors of the
Chelsea Savings Bank, Feb. 9, 1875, the following
resolutions were offered and adopted :
Resolved, That we received with deep sensibility and
sorrow intelligence of the death of John L. Devotion, the
late trustee of this institution, and for many years a valued
member of the board, and we sincerely deplore the loss
which we have sustained by that effective event.
Resolved, That we tender to the widow and family of
the deceased our sympathy and condolence and will join as
a body in the ceremonies of the funeral.
Resolved, That a copy of these resolutions certified by
the secretary be transmitted to the widow and family of
the deceased.
At a regular convocation of Franklin Chapter,
No. 4, R. A. M., held in the Masonic Hall, the fol-
lowing preamble and resolutions were unanimously
adopted :
Whereas, It has pleased Almighty God. the Supreme
Hight Priest of the Universe, to remove by death our
dearly beloved brother and companion, John L. Devotion,
Past High Priest of Franklin Chapter, and
Whereas, We desire to extend our heartfelt sympa-
thies to his afflicted family, and to place on record an
expression of our deep and lasting sorrow at our loss,
though it be his great gain, therefore,
Resolved, That in the death of our esteemed com-
panion we feel that this chapter has sustained an almost
irreparable loss. His counsel and advice so kindly given
when required have always been productive of good. This,
added to his excellent character, has made him an inval-
uable and most useful member of our fraternity.
Resolved, That these resolutions be spread upon the
records of the Chapter, and a copy be presented to the
family of our deceased companion.
On May 4, 1854, Col. Devotion was married, in
New York, to Mrs. Adaline H. (Kinney) White.
yoo
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
widow of William White, and daughter of George
and Eliza Gibbs (Cahoone) Kinney, of New York.
Three children blessed this union : Sarah G., Harriet
M. and Elizabeth K., all of whom make their home
in New York with their mother. Mrs. Devotion had
a daughter by her first marriage, Eliza J., who is
now the wife of Frederic L. Osgood, of Norwich.
CHARLES THOMAS HAZEN, a venerable
citizen residing on Portipaug Hill, in the town of
Sprague, is the owner of a property which has been
in his family for several generations.
(I) Edward Hazen, the American ancestor of
the family, who is first of record at Rowley, Mass.,
as early as 1649, tne time of the burial of his wife
Elizabeth, came from Northampton, England. His
second marriage was with Hannah Grant, in 1650,
and she was the daughter of Thomas and Hannah
Grant. Being a man of substance and influence in
the town, he was many times selectman and held
other offices.
(II) Thomas Hazen, born Feb. 29, 1657-58,
married Jan. 1, 1682-83, Mary, daughter of Thomas
Howlet, and was of Rowley and Boxford, Mass.,
and Norwich (now Franklin), Conn., where he died
April 12, 1735. He was a churchman in Topsfieki.
Boxford and Franklin.
(III) Thomas Hazen (2) was baptized May 4.
1690, in Topsfieki, married (first) Sept. 30, 1714,
Sarah Ayer, of Norwich, who died Sept. 16, 1753,
and (second) Mrs. Elizabeth Bacon. He died in
1776-77-
(IV) Moses Hazen, born Dec. 1, 1731, was mar-
ried (first) Nov. 13, 1755, to Elizabeth Merrill, of
Norwich. His second wife was Joanna Sampson,
whom he married Jan. 9, 1783. Moses Hazen was a
farmer and resided on the farm owned and occupied
by Charles T. Hazen. His death occurred July 11,
1812. His children were all by the first wife and as
follows : Andrew, a farmer, who moved to Geauga
county, Ohio, and there died ; Levi ; William ; Sim-
eon ; and Sarah, who married Erastus Ladd, and
died in Sprague.
(V) Simeon Hazen was born June 10, 1769, on
the farm above mentioned, and lived under two
governments and three towns, Norwich, Franklin
and Sprague, owing to divisions being made of the
territory which included his farm. He spent his
entire life on this farm, and passed away July 22,
1864. Through his industry, ability and good man-
agement he died a wealthy man. In politics he was
a strong Democrat, and held the office of selectman
and other minor offices. His remains were interred
in the Portipaug cemetery. Mr. Hazen was twice
married, (first) on Dec. 16, 1790, to Nabby Samp-
son, and (second), Feb. 28, 1810, to Temperance
Sabin, of New Hampshire, who died Oct. 10, 1847.
The children by the first marriage were as follows :
John, a farmer, married Hannah Ladd, and lived
in Franklin ; Polly married Darius Armstrong, and
for a time resided' in Franklin, but later removed to
New York, and from there to Chardon, Geauga
Co., Ohio, where she died ; Lora married Jeremiah
K. Dowe and resided in Franklin, but later removed
to Loudonville, Ohio ; Prosper married Hannah
Stanton, and died in Franklin ; Lois married Calvin
Ladd, and died in Sprague. The children by the
second marriage were : Caroline married William
H. Hazen and moved to Munson, Ohio ; William
married Laura Ladd, and died in Franklin ; Eli
Hartshorn was a farmer, married Ruth K. Ladd,
and died in Sprague ; Charles T. is mentioned below ;
Abby E. died unmarried.
Charles Thomas Hazen was born July 13, 1818,
in the old red house still standing on his farm. He
attended the district school a few months each year
until he was seventeen, his summers being devoted
to farm work. When he was nineteen years old he
began to teach school in his native district, where
he taught one term, and then went to Geauga county,
Ohio, and taught one term there, after which he
returned to Connecticut and taught at Norwich
Town, and later in Groton, and still later in Scot-
land. His last school was in his native district, and
his work as a teacher covered six terms.
His marriage followed, and he settled upon a
rented farm in the town of Franklin (now owned .
by D. W. Grant) and there remained for seven years.
He then returned to the home farm and managed it
for his father, coming into full possession after
the latter's death, since when he has conducted the
farm very successfully, making many improve-
ments. He erected his present home in 1866-67.
Mr. Hazen has a farm of 140 acres, but for the
past several years has given up all active work.
He is a keen, active man, and having been tem-
perate throughout life is well preserved. In poli-
tice he is a Democrat, and he has held nearly all
the offices within the gift of his fellow townsmen,
having served as selectman several years, as asses-
sor, and for over twenty-five years as a justice of
the peace, until age exempted him from further
service. In i860 he represented the town in the
Legislature, and served on the committee on Agri-
culture.
On Jan. 9, 1842, Mr. Hazen was married in
Franklin to Mary Armstrong, a native of Franklin,
daughter of Ambrose and Elizabeth (Armstrong)
Armstrong. Mrs. Hazen was born Jan. 29, 1817,
and died Jan. 24, 1903. Their married life covered
a period of sixty-one years. The children born to
them were : Mary Elizabeth married Daniel G.
Tucker and lives in Columbia, Conn. Phoebe E.
married Adelbert R. Young and lives in Jewett
City (her children are Mabel and Irene). James
Hyde, who resides in Syracuse, N. Y., married
first Emma Barlow, and second Ina , and
has two children, Mary (who married Joseph Wel-
lington, of New Haven, Conn., and has one son,
Joseph Hazen), and Edna (who married LeRoy
Moulthrop, lives in Shelton, Conn., and has one
son).
Ad <& V^>^
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
701
BILLINGS P. LEARNED. The New London
and Norwich branch of the Learned family springs
from the old Killingly, Conn., branch, and it from
the ancient Massachusetts family which dates back
to only a little later than the coming of the Pilgrim
Fathers. With about 1712 began the history of the
branch under consideration in Connecticut, from
which time to the present, the Learned name has
been a conspicuous one in the State. The family
has held high social position and public trusts of
honor and dignity. Vale has been largely repre-
sented through many generations since the gradua-
tion of Hon. Amasa Learned in 1772, who was hon-
ored by a seat in the United States Congress. It has
given to the legal profession a number of men of
learning and talent, and it has as well been repre-
sented in the ministry and in mercantile life.
It is the purpose here to treat and only briefly, of
the family and lineage of the late Billings Peck
Learned, which is represented in Xew London by
the present Billings 1*. Learned. From the immi-
grant ancestor to the present the generations follow
in detail, each generation being designated by a
Roman character :
(I) William Learned appears an inhabitant of
Charlestown in 1630. He was admitted a freeman
May 14, 1634. His name and that of his wife
Goodeth, are the first two on the list of members of
the present First Church of Charlestown, to which
they were admitted ''1632, 10 mo., day 6." Mr.
Learned was highly esteemed for his intelligence
and virtue, as is evidenced in his appointment with
others of the church to "consider some things tend-
ing towards a body of laws." He was a subscriber
to the town orders from YYoburn, drawn up at
Charlestown, Dec. 16. 1649 ! was one ot" tne seven
original members of the Church in Woburn, which
gathered Aug. 14, 1642-43; was one of the first
board of selectmen, chosen in 1644, and was re-
elected the following year. He was also elected con-
stable from 1644 to 1645. He died in Woburn,
March 1, 1645-46, leaving a widow. His children
were: Sarah, born about 1608; Bethia, baptized Oct.
29. 1612; Mary, baptized Sept. 15, 1615; Abigail,
baptized Sept. 30, 1618; Elizabeth, baptized March
25, 1621 ; and Isaac, baptized Feb. 25, 1623-24.
(II) Isaac Learned, baptized Feb. 25, 1623. in
Bermondsey Parish, County Surrey, England, prob-
ably came to New England when about seven or
eight years old, and when about seventeen or eigh-
teen went with his father to Woburn. He married
at Woburn, July 9, 1646, Mary, daughter of Isaac
Stearnes, of Watertown. She was a native of Eng-
land, baptized Jan. 29, 1626, in the Parish of Way-
land, Suffolk. Mr. Learned removed to Chelmsford,
probably in 1652, and there died Nov. 27, 1657. He
was chosen selectman of Chelmsford in 1 654, ser-
geant of the train band in 1656, and served on com-
mittees, etc. His widow. Mary, was married in
[662, to John Burg. Isaac Learned's children, the
first three born at Woburn and the others at Chelms-
ford, were: Mary, born Aug. 7, 1O47; Hannah, born
Aug. 24, 1649; William, born Oct. 1, 1050: Sarah,
born Oct. 18. 1653; Isaac, born Sept. 16, 1655 ; and
Benoni, born Nov. 29, i<\S7-
(III) Isaac Learned (2), born Sept. 16, 1055,
married July 23, [679, Sarah Bigelow, who was born
Sept. 29. [659, daughter of John and Sarah
(Warner) Bigelow, of Watertown. He settled in
Framingham, near Learned's Pond, which was so
named for him. As a soldier he took part in the
Narragansett light, serving in Capt. Davenport's
company, and was wounded. His children were:
Isaac, born May 10, 1680: Sarah, born March [6,
1682; Abigail, born March ir, 1684; Mary, born
April 12, 1686; William, born Feb. 12, 1688; Eben-
ezer, born Aug. 31, 1690 ; Samuel, born Oct. 4, 1692 ;
Hannah, born Sept. 16, 1694; Elizabeth, born July
27, 1696; Moses, born April 29, 1699; and Martha,
born May 21, 1702.
(IV) William Learned, born Feb. 12, 1688,
married Nov. 24, 1 7 1 5 , Hannah Bryant, born in
1696-7, daughter of Simon and Hannah Bryant, of
Killingly, Conn, (formerly of Braintree, Mass.).
Mr. Learned had removed from Framingham to
Killingly, purchasing land in what is now- Putnam,
in 1712. Later he removed to Sutton, and there
was one of the original members of the church in
1720. He later (1721) bought land in Killingly, and
probably removed there soon after. He was ad-
mitted to the church in Thompson, Conn., in 1731
(Thompson Parish had formerly been the North So
ciety of Killingly). He was chosen deacon in 1742;
was surveyor of highways in 1729; selectman from
1740 to 1744: and town treasurer from 1742 to 1746.
He died June II, 1747. His widow Hannah, mar-
ried, Oct. 17, 1755, Joseph Leavens. Mr. Learned's
children were : Hannah ; Samuel, born Dec. 28, 1718 ;
Simon, born Feb. 10, 1721 ; Ebenezer, born March
11, 1723; William, born April 15, 1725: Abijah,
born April 26, 1729 ; James, born Dec. 24, 1733 : and
Asa, born March 29, 1736.
(Y) Ebenezer Learned, born March 11, 1723,
married Dec. 28, 1749, Keziah Leavens, who was
born March 8. 1730, daughter of Justice Joseph
Leavens, of Killingly, Conn., one of the first settlers
of the town. Mr. Learned was for many years a
deacon in the church at North Killingly. He was
selectman in 1760. He died Dec. 6, 1779. Mr.
Learned was one of the original proprietors of the
Connecticut Susquehanna Company, and took part
in organizing it. His children were : Amasa, born
Nov. 15, 1750; Noah, born Oct. 20, 1752; Joseph,
born Aug. 28, 1754; Ebenezer, born Aug. 12. 175":
Theophilus, born July 1, 1758: Asa. born May 30,
1760; Judith, born April 30. 1702: Chloe, born June
14, 1764: Keziah, born March 8, 1767; Erastus,
born Sept. 20, 1769; and Sarah, born Feb. 25, 1772.
(VI) Hon. Amasa Learned, born Nov. 15, 1750,
married, April 1, 1773. Grace Hallam, of New Lon-
don, Conn., who was born ( )ct. 14, 1754, daughter of
Nicholas and Elizabeth (Latimer) Hallam. Mr.
7'J2
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
Learned was graduated from Yale College in 1772,
and soon after went to New London as a teacher in
the Union school. He studied theology with Rev.
Mr. Atkins, at Killingly, and was licensed to preach
by the Windham County Association, Oct. 12, 1773.
He preached, it is said, for some time at Newport,
R. I., but resided in Killingly until 1780, and then
moved to New London, and settled there. It does
not appear that he was ever ordained as a clergy-
man, or that he continued long in the ministry. His
wife's family were influential merchants of New
London, and he became somewhat prominent in
political affairs. In 1788 he was a member of the
convention which ratified the Constitution of the
United States, and voted for it. He was in the
United States Congress from 1791 to 1795. and was
also an "assistant" of the State. He was a member
of the Council. While in Congress, he became en-
gaged in some land speculations, which resulted dis-
astrously, and this seems to have changed the cur-
rent of his life, and from about 1798, he gave up all
active business pursuits. Mr. Learned was a man
of courteous manners, general information and re-
markable acquisitiveness as to all the topics of in-
terest of his day. He died of pleurisy, May 4, 1825.
His wife died Nov. 20, 1789, and their children, the
first four born in Killingly, and the others in New
London, were as follows: Elizabeth, born Jan. 31,
1774; Frances, born Jan. 20, 1776; Grace H., born
Feb. 21, 1778; Ebenezer, born March 27, 1780;
Nicholas H, born March 10, 1763 ; Ann, born June
16, 1784; and Edward, born April 2, 1786.
(VII) Ebenezer Learned, born March 27, 1780,
married (first) Oct. 10, 1808, Charlotte Peck,
daughter of Bela and Betsy (Billings) Peck, of Nor-
wich. She died March 8, 18 19, and he married
(second) March 28, 1820, Lydia Coit, who was born
Dec. 12, 1787, daughter of Joshua and Ann Boradill
(Hallam) Coit, of New London, Conn. She died
March 19, 1877, and he died Sept. 11, 1858. Mr.
Learned entered Yale at fourteen, but was unable to
finish his course on account of his father's misfor-
tune. He, however, received his diploma with his
class in 1798. He taught in the Union school in
1799; studied law and settled first at Groton, Conn.
After practicing his profession for twenty years or
more, he took the position of cashier of the Union
Bank of New London, and continued in that office
for several years, and then retired from active bus-
iness. For one or two years he held the office of
bank commissioner, but declined all other public
offices. A man of the purest and most estimable
character ; the friend and adviser of all who were in
trouble ; of perfect integrity and admirable good
sense, for many years he was deacon of the First
Congregational Church of New London, and was
always ready to aid in any benevolent work. He
was a man of six feet in height, and of correspond-
ing proportions. H? inherited his father's swarthy
complexion, with a countenance rather severe at first
appearance, but one which warmed with quiet
humor and tender feeling. His children were :
Betsey Peck, born Nov. 25, 1809; Ebenezer, -born
Nov. 3, 181 1 ; Billings Peck, born June 24, 1813;
Charlotte, born Oct. 11, 1815; and William Law,
born July 24, 1821.
(VIII) Billings Peck Learned, born June 24,
1813, in Norwich, Conn., married Nov. 1, 1836,
Mary Ann Noyes, of Lyme, Conn., daughter of
William and Hannah (Townsend) Noyes. Mr.
Learned entered Yale college in 1829, and left
towards the close of the Freshman year, but re-
turned a year later to join the next class, and was
graduated in 1834. He studied law with Judge
Henry Marvin W'aite (Yale, class 1809) °f Lyme,
and with Judge William L. Storrs (Yale, class 1814)
of Middletown, and was admitted to the Middlesex
County Bar. He established himself in the prac-
tice of law with good prospects, in Lockport, N. Y.,
but was soon obliged, in consequence of ill health, to
relinquish the profession. For a few years, he was
then engaged in a flour business at Troy, and after
that, became a farmer at Ballston, N. Y. Thence he
removed to Albany, N. Y., and in 1850, engaged in
the manufacture of stoves in company with ex-
mayor Tacher. After a few years the partnership
was dissolved, and when Mr. Learned took an active
part in the organization of the Union bank, he was
made its president, which position he held until his
sudden death, which occurred in Albany, April 16,
1884, in his seventy-first year. His wife died Dec.
30, 1875. Their children were: Mary N., born Aug.
25, 1837, married, April 28, 1859, James C. Cook,
of Albany, a lawyer by profession, but subsequently
a bank cashier of that city ; Lydia Coit, born Jan.
22, 1839, married, April 22, 1863, Hon. Samuel
Hand, of Albany, a distinguished lawyer, and after-
ward judge of that city : Billings Peck, Jr., born
June 12, 1842, mentioned at length below; Thomas
Williams, born Nov. 18, 1850, died Jan. 22, 1853 ;
Le Roy Mowry, born May 11, 1854, died Feb. 5,
1866: and Harriet Williams, born Oct. 22, 1856.
(IN) Billings Peck Learned, Jr., was born June
12, 1842, in Troy, N. Y., and received his education
in a private school in Albany, N. Y., which he left
in 1866. Prior to this he had become associated with
the Union Bank of Albany, of which institution he
was assistant cashier for several years, or until he
was twenty-two years of age. He subsequently went
to New York, and was engaged in the brokerage
business at No. 11 Wall street, under the firm name
of Tower & Learned, which firm later became B. P.
Learned, Jr., & Co. In 1870, Mr. Learned purchased
a seat in the New York Stock Exchange, which he
continued to hold until 1884, when he disposed of
the same and retired from business.
While living in New York, Mr. Learned was an
active member of the most exclusive clubs of that
city, but in 1900, resigned from all of them, includ-
ing the Union League Club. He is now and has
been for some time a member of New London's
leading social organizations, including the Thames
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
/OS
Club. He is actively interested in several of the fin-
ancial institutions of New London, and is director
of the Bank of Commerce, a trustee of the New
London Savings Bank, a director of the New Lon-
don Street Railway Company, and the Montville
Street Railway Company, and is president of the
Norwich Street Railway Company. He is also a
trustee of the Memorial Hospital, and president of
the Williams Memorial Institute of New London.
He is a member of the Second Congregational
Church of New London, and is a member of the
Society's committees of that denomination. In po-
litical faith he is a Democrat, but is not actively in-
terested in political affairs.
On Oct. 31, 1893, Mr. Learned was married in
New York City to Mrs. John Draper, of that city.
For several years Mr. and Mrs. Learned have re-
sided in New London, on Pequot avenue, in the
house built by the father of Mr. Learned, a beautiful
mansion overlooking the harbor of New London.
CHARLES GRISWOLD BARTLETT, A. M.,
one of the best known educators in Connecticut, is
descended from two of the oldest families in the
State — the Griswolds and the Bartletts. In 1876
Prof. Bartlett founded the Black Hall School at Old
Lyme, which has acquired such a reputation as to
attract pupils from nearly every State in the Union.
This school offers, to a limited number of boys,
thorough preparation for college or scientific schools,
or a good high school education for those not desir-
ous of doing more advanced work ; rational and sys-
tematic physical training, and such other training as
develops manliness and Christian character. The
success of the school is the best tribute that can be
made to the intellectual ability, moral uprightness,
and Christian citizenship of its founder and prin-
cipal.
The Bartlett family in England descended from
Adam Bartelet, a Norman, who came from France
to England in 1066, with William the Conqueror.
Prof. Bartlett, who can claim no less than seven
"Mayflower" ancestors, is of the ninth generation in
direct descent from (I) Robert Bartlett, who came
from England on the "Ann" in 1623, and was the
founder of the family in America. In 1628 Robert
Bartlett married Mary Warren. (II) Benjamin
Bartlett married Sarah Brewster, daughter of Love.
and granddaughter of Elder William Brewster.
(Ill) Ichabod Bartlett married Elizabeth Water-
man. ( IV) Josiah Bartlett married Mary Chandler.
(V) Ichabod Bartlett (2) married Desire Otis. (VI)
John Bartlett married Desire Loomis. (VII) Shu-
bael Bartlett married Fanny Leffingwell. ( VITI)
Shubael Fitch Bartlett married Sept. t. 1842, Fanny
Rogers Griswold, who was born March 5, 1S22.
Shubael Fitch Bartlett, who was the father of Prof.
Bartlett. died Oct. 12, 1849, in Benicia, California.
Grandfather Shubael Bartlett was born in 177a
and married Fanny Leffingwell. of Norwich, a de-
scendant of Lieut. Thomas Leffingwell, a prominent
figure in Colonial history. Nine children were born
to this union, all of whom married, and all except
Henry bad families. Shubael Bartlett was pastor of
the Congregational Church at East Windsor, Conn.,
from May, 1804, until May. 1854. He died at the
age of seventy-five and his widow lived to be eighty-
four years of age. Both are buried at East Windsor.
Shubael Fitch Bartlett, father of Prof. Bartlett,
was born in East Windsor, in 181 1. He was grad-
uated from Yale in the class of 1833, and was well
known all through his part of the State as Dr. I bart-
lett. He married Sept. 1, 1842. Fanny Rogers Gris-
wold, a native of New London, and a descendant of
one of the oldest and most prominent of Connecti-
cut families. To this union were born three children,
one of whom, a daughter, died in infancy. The
others were Charles Griswold, who is mentioned
below; and Mrs. Adeline (Bartlett) Allyn, who is
associated with her brother in his educational work.
Charles Griswold Bartlett was born in Old Lyme
Dec. 25, 1848. He prepared for college at the Hart-
ford high school, and entered Yale in the class of
1872. Although he did not formally graduate his
Alma Mater conferred upon him, in 1888, the hon-
orary degree of Master of Arts, in recognition and
appreciation of his educational work. He has
achieved a wide reputation as a successful educator,
and his school at Black Hall, in Old Lyme, has a
popularity that draws to it pupils from distant parts
of the country. The fine estate which the school oc-
cupies was formerly owned by Capt. George Moore.
Since acquiring this property, Prof. Bartlett has en-
larged the house and made many improvements, so
that it is now admirably adapted in every way to the
requirements of the school. The situation is de-
lightful, the grounds being on an elevation near the
east bank of the Connecticut river, and within a mile
of Long Island Sound. Every care has been taken
to insure the health and comfort of the pupils, and
the arrangements for lighting, heating, ventilation
and sanitation are adequate in every particular.
Special attention is given to physical training in the
gymnasium and in out-door sports. All the athletic
life of the school is under the direct supervision of
the principal, and while all manly sports and exer-
cise are encouraged, great care is taken that these
interests shall not encroach upon the intellectual
work of the pupils. The result is that many of the
best students of the school are also among its best
athletes. The marked success of this school in pre-
paring boys for college may be largely attributed to
the system of individual instruction which is ob-
tained in connection with recitations in small class
Each boy is thus ensured the special care and drill
that he needs as well as the stimulus developed by
the emulation of the classroom. Owing to the lim-
ited number of pupils received, it is possible to sur-
round them with the atmosphere of real family life,
and the boys are kept constantly under the refining
Christian influence of a pleasant healthy home.
Prof. Bartlett married (first) ( )ct. 3, 1871, Anna
704
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
Pierson Terry, daughter of Roderick Terry, of Hart-
ford. Mrs. Bartlett died Feb. 9, 1896. To Prof,
and Mrs. Bartlett were born the following children :
Henrietta Collins, born July 8, 1873 ; Charles Gris-
wold, Oct. 18, 1875; Sarah Pierson, Feb. 16, 1879;
Frank Trowbridge, Nov. 12, 1882 (who died Sept.
16, 1883) ; and Harold Terry, Aug. 26, 1887. On
July 6, 1897, Prof. Bartlett married (second) Har-
riet Butler Banning, of Old Lyme. Prof. Bartlett is
honored and respected as a public-spirited citizen, a
man of unswerving integrity and principle, one who
has made his mark in the community by untiring de-
votion to the cause of education and good citizen-
ship. The well trained and balanced mind, and the
character founded upon sound moral and religious
principles, are the best surety of the welfare and
progress of the community in which they are found,
and to insure these qualities in the youth under his
charge is the work which Prof. Bartlett aims to ac-
complish, and in which he has met with such grati-
fying success in his school.
GEORGE L. NEWTON, a self-made, indus-
trious and successful business man, is one of the
representative and honored citizens of Montville.
Grandfather Nathan Newton was born in
Voluntown, Conn., and there died aged about sixty-
two years. He was a successful farmer, and was
known by all with whom he dealt as a man of strict
honesty and high moral character. His wife,
Eleanor (Palmer), bore him eleven children, all
but one of whom grew to maturity.
Nathan Palmer Newton, son of Nathan, and
father of George L., was born in Voluntown, May
27, 1812, and died April 10, 1891, in East Lyme.
He married Dec. 25, 1835, Mercy Crandall, who
was born May 18, 1817, daughter of James K. and
Hannah Crandall, of Hopkinton, R. I. ; she died
April 9, 1893, at East Lyme. With the exception
of a few years when he was engaged in stone cut-
ting at the Millstone, Conn., quarries, Nathan Pal-
mer Newton passed his life as a farmer. Until
1869 his home was in Voluntown, from whence he
moved to Waterford, Conn., and leased the Henry
Gardner farm, on which he remained four years.
In the spring of 1873 ne purchased a large farm in
East Lyme, where he was extensively engaged in
farming until a few years before his death, when
ill health compelled him to give up all hard work.
Although a man of rather frail constitution, he was
very ambitious and an energetic worker, but several
years previous to his death he was injured internally
by a fall from a load of corn fodder. In early life
he was a Democrat, but later became an adherent
of the Republican party. He held several of the
town offices while living in East Lyme, where he
was held in the highest esteem by his whole circle
of acquaintances. He was a lifelong member of
the Baptist denomination, joining the Pendleton Hill
Baptist Church when quite young, and being con-
nected later with the First Baptist Church of Water-
ford, and the Baptist Church in East Lyme. During
his whole life he was active in church work, and in
all efforts looking to the advancement of Christian-
ity. His motto was ''right above all things." He
was of a genial and good-natured disposition, a very
conscientious man, and a devout Christian.
Nathan Palmer and Mercy (Crandall) Newton
became the parents of the following children : ( 1 )
Nathan James, born in Voluntown, Sept. 30. 1837,
was a school teacher nearly all his life, and was also
at times engaged in farming, and he died Sept. 2,
1872, in Waterford, Conn. He married Annie Aus-
tin, of Hopkinton, R. I., and they were the parents
of two children, Minnie and Benajah. (2) Lathrop
Leander died at the age of eleven months. (3)
Lovisa Angeline, born July 16, 1843, in Voluntown,
married Nov. 29, 1866, Jacob B. Fox, a farmer of
Waterford, who died in Montville July 4, 1903.
Their children were : Newton N., born Oct. 14,
1867; George J., born Dec. 28, 1868; Morton E.,
born Sept. 24, 1870, a practicing physician in the
town of Montville; and Carrie Belle, born Feb. 1,
1874, died Sept. 25, 1899. (4) Ellen Hannah, born
Feb. it, 1848, in Voluntown, is now living at the
old homestead in East Lyme, unmarried. (5)
George L., subject of this sketch, was born' Aug. 1,
1850, in Voluntown. (6) Elijah Frank, born Dec.
12, 1852, in Voluntown, was a railroad engineer for
a number of years, but was obliged by ill health to
retire. His home was in East New London, where
he died March 11, 1904. He married Emma Will-
iams, daughter of Joseph Williams, of New Lon-
don, and thev became the parents of the following
named children : Grace Williams, Charles Havens,
Walter Scott and Clarence F. (7) Mary Adelaide,
born in Voluntown, Aug. 1, 1854, married William
Bennett, and died Nov. 12, 1892, in East Lyme,
leaving no children. (8) Frederick Edgar, born
Oct. 14, i860, in Voluntown, carries on the home
farm at East Lyme. He married Mary Beckwith, of
East Lyme, and they have two children, Mabel and
Wilbur. (9) Miss Emma Janette, born Aug. 18,
1862, in Voluntown, lives at the old home in East
Lyme.
George L. Newton received his early education
in the district schools of Voluntown, working on
his father's farm in the summers until he was six-
teen years old. At that age he left home and went
to Preston, Conn., where for several months he
worked on a farm for Alva and Ira Rood. After
this first venture into the world he returned home for
a time, and then went to Waterford, where he spent
the summer doing farm work for his brother-in-
law, Jacob B. Fox. In the fall his parents moved to
Waterford, and he obtained employment in the
Millstone quarries there. After a year in the quar-
ries he came to Montville, going into the meat busi-
ness with his cousin Joel P. Newton, with whom he
remained two years, and- with his successor, Nicho-
las W. Church, about six months longer. He then
went to Hartford, where he was again employed by
10*1
T
'.
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
70S
his cousin in a meat and provision market which
he had opened in that place, and after several months
was taken into partnership, the firm name being
J. P. Xewton & Co. The close confinement inci-
dent to this business affecting his health, he with-
drew from the firm after a year and a half, and
bought out the meat market of C. H. Davis, on
Water street, in Norwich. After several months
in Norwich he closed out the business, and r 'turn-
ing to Montville in 1878 bought the former business
of his cousin, which he has ever since successfully
carried on. Formerly he did his own but 1 ering,
but at present he handles western beef.
On May 12, 1874, Mr. Newton married Annabel
Coates, who was born April 2, 1858, in Tebron,
daughter of Lyman and Laura (Hinckley) 1 'oates,
of that town. Mrs. Newton's mother died everal
years ago, and her father makes his home with his
son in Montville. The children born of this union
are: (1) Louis Gilbert, born July 6, 1877, in Hart-
ford, is engaged in the meat business with his
father; he married Mary L. Hoxie, of Waterford,
and they are the parents of two children, Harvey
Louis (born Dec. 17, 1901), and Arzelia Hoxie
(born May 27, 1903). (2) Arthur Joel, born April
15, 1888, in Montville, is living at home. Mr. New-
ton is a Republican in politics, but has never cared
for office. Fraternally he is a member of the A. O.
U. W., of Montville, of which he has been overseer
and receiver, and of the Order of United American
Mechanics, of which he has been treasurer for sev-
eral years. Mr. and Mrs. Newton are members and
active workers in the Uncasville Methodist Church,
which the former has served as trustee and steward,
and as Sunday-school superintendent for nearly
twenty years. Mrs. Newton has also been a steward
of the church ; she has been chorister and organist
for nearly twenty-five years, and is an active worker
in the Ladies' Social Union, of which she was treas-
urer for several years. Mr. Newton and his wife
are whole-souled, genial and charitable people,
whose hospitable home is always open to their many
friends, and they have a ready welcome for the
stranger.
JAMES INGERSOLL DAY (deceased) was a
sturdy son of New London county, whose business
integrity and high personal honor won him uni-
versal esteem, while his aristocratic bearing and
great charm of manner won men instinctively to
follow his lead.
The Day family record in New England begins
with (1) Robert Day, "Gent.," born in England in
1604, who died in Hartford, Conn., in 1648. He
came to America on the ship "Elizabeth," accom-
panied by his first wife, Mary (?), who
died soon after. He was evidently a mem-
ber of Rev. Thomas Hooker's congregation,
and awaited the latter's arrival, then accom-
panied him to Hartford, thus becoming one
of the "Pioneers of Hartford" (or proprietors.
45
as the first settlers were called). As such his name
appears on the monument to the first settlers there.
He was made a "viewer of fences," but as that of-
fice could not have been very remunerative he must
have possessed means, as an administrator of his
estate was appointed. In Hartford he married,
for his second wife, Editha Stebbins, sister of Dea-
con Edward Stebbins, of the Rev. Thomas Hook-
er's Church. All of Robert Day's children were
horn of his second marriage. Deacon Edward Steb-
bins was administrator of his estate. As the Rev.
Thomas Hooker called Deacon Edward "My
cousin Stebbins" (Hist. "First Church of Hart-
ford," p. 113) they must have been related, but just
how has not been ascertained. After the death of
Robert Day his widow married a second husband,
who died soon after, without issue, and left his
property to his wife and Robert Day's children. She
married (third) Eleazer Holyoke, and by this mar-
riage became an ancestress of President Holyoke,
of Harvard College, while one of her descendants
by her marriage with Robert Day (Jeremiah Day)
was a president of Yale. While she was doubtless
born in England, the date of her birth is unknown,
as are also the elates o£ her marriage and death.
(II) Thomas Day, eldest son of Robert, was
married ( )ct. 27, 1659, to Sarah Cooper, born in
1041-42, daughter of Lieut. Thomas and Sarah
(She) Cooper. He died at Springfield, Dec. 2y,
171 1, and she married (second) Dr. William Clark,
of Dorchester. She died Nov. 21, 1726.
(III) John Day, son of Thomas and Sarah
(Cooper) Day, was born Sept. 20, 1673, and was
of Springfield, Mass. On March 10, 1697, he mar-
ried Marah Smith, daughter of John and Mary
(Partridge) Smith, and granddaughter of Lieut.
Samuel Smith and his wife, Elizabeth (?). John
Day died Nov. 20, 1752.
(IV) William Day, son of John and Marah,
was born in Springfield, Mass., Oct. 23, 1715, and
died at Sheffield, Mass., March 22, 1797. He was
sent to England, educated for and entered the Eng-
lish navy. He was given a "letter of marque" (now
in the possession of Emory Clapp Day, grandson of
James Ingersoll Day). With his ship, the "lilake-
ney," while in the English service, he took three
French ships — England and France being then at
war — and for this feat King George ordered his
portrait painted by the court painter. This was a
large canvas, showing in the background the
"Rlakeney" attacking the French ships. This pic-
ture is also in the possession of Emory Clapp Day.
When war was declared Capt. William Day asked
for his parole, as "he could not and would not fight
against his own country," and this was given him.
Although he fed and clothed the soldiers he did not
break his parole by taking up arms against Eng-
land. He married (as third wife) Rhoda, daugh-
ter of Major Thomas Hubbell and Mabel Dewey.
He had fourteen children, and died at Sheffield,
Mass., in 1797.
706
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
(V) James Day, son of Capt. William, was
born June 7, 1780. In New London he married
Hannah, daughter of Capt. Elisha Hinman, and his
wife, Abigail Dolbeare, daughter of George Dol-
beare. In his latter years James Day spent much
of his time with his daughter, Abby, wife of John
Broun, in Alabama, on whose plantation he died in
1851. James Day built at Black Rock, on the Ni-
agara river, the first vessel ever placed on the lakes
by a citizen of the United States, and he took the
first cargo for our government from Buffalo to
Lake Michigan, and landed it at Fort Howard. He
and his brother, John Day, of Sheffield, Mass.,
bought land on the Sandusky river. His youngest
son, Thomas Davis Day, was born at the home of
Gen. Peter Porter, at Niagara, who offered to the
eldest son, James Ingersoll Day, an appointment to
the Naval Academy at Annapolis, or to the Military
Academy at West Point, whichever the lad or his
mother should prefer — but the profession of arms
was less attractive than a mercantile life and the
offer was declined.
Capt. Elisha Hinman, father of Mrs. Hannah
(Hinman) Day, was commissioned by the first
United States Congress (his original commission
being now in the possession of his great-great-
grandson, Emory Clapp Day, of New Orleans,
La.). Capt. Hinman had settled in New London,
Conn., early in life. "Public confidence in his ca-
pacity, his good judgment, courage and integrity
was such that in the commencement of the Revolu-
tion he was placed in command of the government
ship 'Alfred,' which sailed out of the harbor of New
London against the British. He captured an armed
brig of 200 tons, and brought her into New London
in 1776, and another larger vessel in 1777 with the
ship 'Cabot.' " The first naval expedition by author-
ity of Congress sailed out of New London in 1776,
under Com. Hopkins, consisting of the ships "Al-
fred," "Columbus," "Cabot," and one other. The
"Cabot" was under the command of Capt. Hinman.
At one time he was taken prisoner and carried to
England, whence he escaped after many trials and
deprivations. The family have his account book,
detailing his expenses during his imprisonment and
escape to France, which mal«'s. literally, a diary.
"Through malice" he was called before a "court of
inquiry" on his return from France, and was hon-
orably acquitted, and praised for his conduct, all
of which is of record. He again went out in the
privateer sloop "Hancock," and had a run of bril-
liant and dashing success (Miss Caulkins' "History
of New London"). The marriage of Capt. Elisha
Hinman and Abigail Dolbeare is thus noticed in
the Philadelphia Post, April 8, 1777: "Married at
New London, by the Rev. Mr. Jewett. Elisha Hin-
man, Esq., — commander of the "Alfred" frigate, in
the service of the United States — to Miss Abigail,
daughter of George Dolbeare, Esq., of that city,
an accomplished young lady of fortune and beauty."
The "United States Service Review," of November.
1889, in a brief sketch of Capt. Hinman says, "His
wife, a native of New London, was one of the most
beautiful and accomplished ladies of the day." "A
few years later the incident (which came near mak-
ing of her a heroine, and at the same time ridding
the country of a traitor) is told of her, and is ab-
solutely true : Gen. Benedict Arnold, before he
turned renegade, had been a friend and frequent
guest of the family. When he entered the city of
New London at the head of the British force and
set fire to the town, he had the assurance (as he
rode through the town, seeing Mrs. Hinman at an
open window) to lift his hat to her, and as he did
so she leveled her husband's musket and pulled the
trigger. Helas ! She had felt positive it was loaded,
but it was not, and failed of its purpose." A fine
portrait of her in this attitude was painted by the
great historical painter Huntington. The spacious
double house, which was the Capt. Elisha Hin-
man home, occupied nearly a block of ground
in the city of New London, and was pulled
down to make room for the present city
post office. Capt. Hinman had but one son.
He married, but died quite young, leaving
no children. Of the three daughters of the Cap-
tain, Hannah married James Day. Capt. Hinman
had all his prize money melted and made into sev-
eral dozens of spoons as a part of the wedding out-
fit of each daughter, and almost every descendant,
now, has one or more as a precious relic.
(VI) When James Ingersoll Day, son of James
and Hannah (Hinman) Day, resolutely turned his
face against the army -or navy career, as offered
him by Gen. Peter Porter, and declared in favor
of a mercantile life, he was but judging rightly his
own inclination and talents. He was born in New
London March 5, 181 2 and died there Sept. 21,
1895. As a lad of about seventeen he went to New
( trleans. La., and there as clerk entered the large
wholesale hardware establishment of Palmer
& Whiting. Being naturally industrious, and,
finding the work congenial, he bent his en-
ergy toward mastering the details of all
the work that came within his scope. His
close attention to his duties, his faithful perform-
ance of every task, and above all, his dignified,
manly bearing, displaying courtesy devoid of servil-
ity, won recognition from those above him, and he
was rapidly promoted. When Courtlandt Palmer,
the head of the firm, retired from the concern, and
went on, through real estate ventures, to accumu-
late his large fortune in New York City, Mr. Whit-
ing then admitted as a partner Robert Slark, an
Englishman, who, when Mr. Whiting, in turn, re-
tired, admitted Mr. Day into the firm, and for many
years Slark & Day were leaders in the mercantile
trade in the South. Later it became Slark, Day &
Stauffer, and when the health of Mr. Day compelled
him to give up business in the South he became
special partner for some young men in New York,
in whom he had absolute confidence. Their busi-
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
7°7
ness, however, being entirely in the South the third
year of the war of the Rebellion found them unable
to continue, and this caused the financial ruin of
Mr. Day. in 1851 he had built a beautiful home in
Stonington, Conn., but he sold everything and re-
turned to New Orleans. Although fifty-five years
of age he accepted a clerkship there, and worked
with all his old-time fidelity and enthusiasm, but
after a while he was offered the presidency of the
Sun Mutual Insurance Company, of which he was
the head for nearly a quarter of a century, dying in
New London in the eighty-fourth year of his age.
But a year before he had resigned as president, and
he turned over to his successor the wonderful busi-
ness, built up practically through his individual ef-
fort and able management. In spite of his long resi-
dence in the South, his heart was ever in his New
England home, and he had all a good man's pride
in his Xew England ancestry, their characters and
their achievements. Through all his changing for-
tunes not the least shadow rested on his honor. His
word was his bond, and he redeemed all his oblisfa-
tions. His private life was pure, and his long years
of activity were crowned with a peaceful close.
On Jan. 5, 1836, Mr. Day was united in mar-
riage with Sarah E. Armitage, a sister of his part-
ner's wife. Seven children were born to them :
Abby Hannah, who married Cuthbert Slocomb, of
New Orleans ; Helen Amelia, who married Rev.
Orlando Starkey : Sallie E., who married (first)
William Martin Johnson (son of Bradish Johnson,
of Xew York City), and (second) Edward M.
Townsend, of New York City; Miss Jane \Y. ;
James Armitage, wdio died, unmarried, from the ef-
fects of yellow fever ; Marie Louise, who married
James Harris Sanders, of England ; and Robert
Slark, who married Sallie, adopted daughter of
Emory Clapp, daughter of Thomas Evander Ker-
cheval, of Kentucky, a lineal descendant of Samuel
Kercheval, one of the first historians of our country
in the early days of Virginia.
NATHAN SAMUEL GILBERT, senior mem-
ber and founder of the firm of N. S. Gilbert & Sons,
at Norwich, the oldest active business man of that
city, and one of its venerable and highly respected
citizens, is a descendant of one of the oldest fam-
ilies of New England.
(I) Jonathan Gilbert, a remote ancestor, was a
citizen of Hartford in 1645. and died there in 1682.
at the age of sixty-four. He was a leader on occa-
sions of danger and importance, was at various times
collector of the Colony, representative in the Gen-
eral Court, and negotiator with troublesome Indians.
His tombstone now stands in the rear of the Center
Congregational Church in Hartford.
( II) Samuel Gilbert, son of Jonathan, was one of
the proprietors to whom patents were granted on the
organizatirm of the town of Colchester, about 1698,
and he passed the rest of his life there, dying in
V33-
(III) Samuel Gilbert (2), son of Samuel. set-
tled in (iilead. Conn., and was a member of the
Society's committee of that parish at its organization
in 1748.
(IV) Samuel Gilbert (3), Esq., resided in Gilead
in early life and later removed to Lyme, X. H.,
where he owned a large farm. He there died ( )ct.
[6, 1774, in his sixty-fourth year. He held a num-
ber of military offices in Hebron, among others that
of captain of a company in the Third Regiment,
raised to go against Crown Point in 1755. He was
a methodical business man, whether in the manage-
ment of private or public affairs, and he left a large
estate. He gave all his sons the offer of a college
education, but only two accepted. He, himself, had
followed no learned profession. His first wife, Eliz-
abeth Curtis, bore him two children, Samuel and
Elizabeth. His second wife was Abigail Rowley,
daughter of Samuel Rowley, and she died Oct. 23,
1764, aged forty-eight year:-. Their six children
were: (1) Thomas settled in Lyme, N. H. (2)
John. (3) A daughter died in infancy. (4) Abi-
gail married the noted Priest Peters, who was the
author of the famous "Blue Laws of Connecticut,"
and she died within three weeks after her marriage.
On her tombstone appeared the following inscrip-
tion : '"Here is interred ye corpse of Mrs. Abigail
Peters, a second consort of ye Rev'd. Mr. Samuel
Peters, a Daughter of Samuel Gilbert, Esq., by Mrs.
Abigail his wife, born Jan. 31st, 1752, and married
June 25th, 1769, and died July 14, 1769. A wed-
ding changed to Lamentation, ye Greatest Grief in
all Creation, a Mourning Groom in Desperation."
(5) Sylvester. (6) Gardiner located in western
New York State.
(Y) Hon. Sylvester Gilbert was born in Gilead
Society, Hebron, Oct. 20, 1755, and he graduated
from college in 1775. He read law in Hartford
under the tuition of Jesse Root, Esq. (afterward
Chief Justice), and he was admitted to the Bar in
Hartford county in November, 1777. He settled for
practice in his native town, but at that time, the
Revolutionary war being on, the truthfulness of the
Latin adage, Inter anna silent leges ("in time of
war, the laws are silent"), was apparent, and his
practice at the beginning was small. At the close
of the war success came to him and his practice ex-
tended to the counties of Hartford, New London
and Windham. In 1786 Tolland county was estab-
lished (it formerly being a part of Hartford county)
and he was appointed the first State's ajttornev for
Tolland county. His practice continued to grow
and extended to Boston and X"e\v York. In 1787
he was chosen town clerk, and continued to be an-
nually elected to office, except one year, for a term
of twenty-three years. Previously and subsequently
he served the town in sundry other offices, espec-
ially as town agent and selectman, many years. Be-
fore he was twenty-five years old he was chosen
representative to the General Assembly, being the
youngest member ever elected in Hebron, and the
70S
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
youngest member of the House. At that time the
members were biennially chosen,, and from 1787 to
1812 he was elected a member thirty times, attended
as many sessions and two more special sessions.
His last term was in 1826, he then being the oldest
member of the House. During his term in the
House in 1795 he was one of the committee of eight
members which sold to the Connecticut Company
for $1,200,000 the strip then called New Connecticut,
but now known as the Western Reserve of the great
State of Ohio. He held the office of State's attorney
until May, 1807, when he was appointed Chief
Judge of the County Court, and Judge of Probate,
which offices he held until 1825, when he arrived
at the age of seventy years, and was exempted by
law, having reached the age limit. He was chosen
a member of the XVth United States Congress in
October, 1818, and served one term.
From the commencement of his law practice
until 18 10 Judge Gilbert always had one or more
law students in his office, and in that year he began
to read lectures to a number of pupils, and continued
at this business about seven years, having generally
from six to ten students in his office. This school
became a famous institution and it drew students
from all over New England and several came from
the South. Among his scholars was the famous
Henry Clay. His students settled in different parts
of the country and five of them became members of
Congress.
Judge Gilbert devoted the latter years of his
life to superintending his large farm, and his death
occurred at his home in Hebron, Jan. 2, 1846 ; his
remains were deposited in the old cemetery on the
Andover road, near Hebron Green. Judge Gilbert
was a strong opponent of slavery, and when his
former pupil, Henry Clay, was a candidate for the
Presidency his former teacher wrote him a char-
acteristic letter informing him that he would not
support him because he was a slave owner. Judge
Gilbert was a consistent member of the Congrega-
tional Church, having united at the age of eighteen
years, when at Dartmouth College, and transferred
to the Hebron Church. In 1828 he presented to the
church in Hebron a site for the church which was
erected on it. He was a deacon for many years.
He amassed considerable property.
The wife of Judge Gilbert was Patience Barber,
born in April, 1757, daughter of David Barber,
Esq., and his wife Abigail. Mrs. Gilbert died May
13, 1838, after a happy wedded life of sixty-three
years. Their children were: (1) Samuel, born
Jan. 13, 1775, was the father of Nathan S. (2)
Abigail married Josiah Barber, and they were among
the early settlers of what is now Cleveland, Ohio.
She died leaving an infant daughter, Abby, who
married Robert Russell, and their daughter became
the wife of Daniel Rhodes, one of the most prom-
inent citizens of Cleveland. A daughter of Mr. and
Mrs. Rhodes became the wife of Senator Marcus A,
Hanna. (3) Theodora married George Oliver Gil-
bert, a farmer, and had eight children, Abigail,
George, Oliver, David B., Theodora S., Francis A.,
Julius L. and Sylvester G. (4) Sophia became the
wife of Judge Stuart Beebe, who died in Wilbraham,
Mass. They had Junius, Lucius, Decious, Marcus
and Sirus, who all became wealthy and prominent
citizens of New Orleans and Boston. (5) Arthusa
died April 13, 1781, aged ten days. (6) Sylvester
married Eunice Carter and resided in Marlboro and
Hebron. Their children were Carter, Eunice and
Sylvester. (7) Patience married Reuben Langdon,
of Hartford, a dry-goods merchant, and in his store
at Hartford was started the Society of Savings
Bank, of which he was the first treasurer. The
bank, which is the largest in the State, had Joseph
Langdon, son of Reuben, for its vice-president many
years. They had nine children, Gilbert, Abby, Ann,
Joseph, George, Elizabeth, Ellen, Charles and Reu-
ben. (8) William Pitt, who was a cabinetmaker,
died in Hebron unmarried. (9) Lewis was a
farmer and died in Hebron. He married Sally
Ward, and their children were : Sophia, Harriet,
George, Joseph and Abby. ( 10) Ralph married
Sarah Bassett and had eight children, Eliza Pa-
tience, Rebecca S., Francis H., Sylvester P., Ralph
L., Sara Nichols, Lucinda and Henry Clay, (n)
Clarissa married Ebenezer Force, an attorney, and
their children were Abby E., Maria, Harriet S. and
George. (12) Mary Gilbert died unmarried. (13)
Abigail Eliza died Sept. 9, 1801, aged two years.
(VI) Samuel Gilbert was born in Hebron and
learned the trade of goldsmith in Hartford, whither
he went when a young man. After learning his
trade he returned to Hebron and followed that busi-
ness the rest of his life. He made a specialty of gold
and silver knee buckles, repaired watches and clocks,
in fact, did everything in the line of his trade, and
he also conducted a small farm. His establishment
was on the north side of the Green at Hebron, and
in busy times he employed several men. In the lat-
ter years he was not so active in his business, but yet
was engaged at it until his death, which occurred
in Hebron quite suddenly while he was sitting in
his chair, Oct. 23, 1850. Politically he was a Whig,
but never would accept political office. He was a
member of the Methodist Church and was active in
its affairs. Samuel Gilbert married Anna Good-
speed, of East Haddam, Conn., daughter of Nathan
and Mary (Kellogg) Goodspeed. She passed away
on Nov. 26, 1850, aged seventy-one years. To her
marriage with Samuel Gilbert came one child,
Nathan Samuel, born July 16, 181 5, in Hebron.
The first Goodspeed to come to this country was
Roger Goodspeed, who came to America in 1639,
settled at Barnstable, Mass., married Alice Layton,
and died in 1685. His sixth son, Ebenezer, was
born in 1655, and he married Lydia Crowell, of Yar-
mouth, by whom he had thirteen children, the young-
est of whom, Moses, was the direct ancestor of our
subject. Moses Goodspeed was born Nov. 24, 1704,
at Barnstable, Mass., married Hannah Allen in 1726,
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
709
and had six children, his fifth child, Nathan, being
born March 7, 1735. Nathan Goodspeed moved
from Barnstable, Cape Cod, Mass., to East Haddam
in 1758, and "Goodspeed's Landing" in that town
was named after his descendants.
Nathan S. Gilbert attended the district school
of Hebron until the age of fifteen years, when he
decided to learn a trade. Being the only child, his
parents were at first much opposed to his going away
from home, but his wishes finally prevailed, and he
came to Norwich to learn the trade of cabinetmaker,
with Henry Allen. Mr. Gilbert remained with Mr.
Allen until that gentleman met with business re-
verses, and then bought the business. Soon after-
ward Deacon Horace Colton and Henry Ruggles
were taken into the firm, undertaking was added,
and the firm was known as Colton, Gilbert & Rug-
gles. They had one store on Broadway and another
on Shetucket street. During the war the business
was divided, Mr. Gilbert keeping the furniture fac-
tory and the partners a store each. The undertaking
business was sold to Henry Allen and is now con-
ducted by Henry Allen & Son. Mr. Gilbert soon
afterward formed a partnership with James Lane,
and they opened a furniture store on Main street
under the name of Gilbert & Lane, and so con-
tinued until the death of Mr. Lane, when Mr. Gil-
bert purchased the interest of his partner's heirs,
and conducted the business alone until his two sons
were taken into partnership, and the firm assumed
its present name, N. S. Gilbert & Sons. The estab-
lishment, which handles furniture, house furnishings
and carpets, is one of the best known in its line in
eastern Connecticut, the firm being the leading deal-
ers in Norwich. They do both a wholesale and re-
tail business.
Mr. Gilbert at his advanced age is as well pre-
served as most men of fifteen years his junior. - He
enjoys perfect health, and every day, when possible,
is at the factory and personally looks after that
branch of the business.
On Dec. 24, 1842, Nathan S. Gilbert was mar-
ried, in Hebron, by Rev. Alpheus Geer, to Mary
Jane Geer, born Oct. 2, 1816, in YVaterbury, Conn.,
daughter of Rev. Alpheus and Sarah ( leer. ( )n
Christmas Eve, 1892, they celebrated their Golden
Wedding. Mrs. Gilbert died Jan. f>, 1893. As wife
and mother she was a model woman, and was re-
spected by all who knew her. Their children were :
(1) A son, born Nov. 16, 1844. died the same day.
(2) Samuel Alpheus, born April 13, 1847, was edu-
cated in the common schools of Norwich and the
Free Academy, and is now a member of the firm.
Politically he is a Republican. He is a trustee of
the Norwich Savings Society. His religious con-
nection is with Trinity Episcopal Church, of which
parish he is senior warden. He married Susan
Helen Andrews, and has one son, Walter Edwin.
(3) Nathan Goodspeed, born Feb. 24, 1850, was
educated in the schools of Norwich, and is now a
member of the firm. In politics his sympathies are
with the Republican party. He is one of the vestry-
men of Christ Church. He married Jessie Adelaide
Bishop, and their children are Helen Stowell (wife
of John L. Mitchell, of the First National Hank at
Norwich) and Frederick Stowell.
HOVEY. (I) Nathaniel Hovey, of Hampton,
Conn., married Nov. 25. 1712, Abigail Jennings.
(This Nathaniel Hovey was probably the Nathaniel
Hovey, of Ipswich, Mass., who was born June 29,
[691, and was a descendant of Daniel Hovey, of
Ipswich, 1637, through the latter's son, Nathaniel,
who was born March 20, 1657, and married in No-
vember, 1679, Sarah Fuller.) The children of Na-
thaniel and Abigail (Jennings) Hovey were Na-
thaniel, born Oct. 31. 1713 ; Abigail T. ; Sarah,
Nov. 17, 1716: Nathaniel (2), Oct. 27,, 1718; John,
Jan. 16, 1719-20; Ebenezer, April 9, 1722; Eben-
ezer (2), Feb. 21, 1723-24; Mary, May 15, 1726;
Jonathan, April 4, 1728; Luke, in February, 1729-
30; Phineas, Dec. f>. 1731 ; Jonathan (2), Dec. 2,
1734; and Lydia, Jan. 15, 1736-37. The father of
these children died June 26, 1761, and the mother
passed away Dec. 11, 1773.
(II) Jonathan Hovey, born Dec. 2, 1734. mar-
ried Dec. 21, 1761, Eunice Woodward, daughter of
Jacob Woodward. They died May 30, 181 1, and
May 17, 1 8 10, respectively. Their children were
born as follows: Jacob, March 23, 1763: Zacharias,
Feb. 4, 1764; Elijah, Oct. 13. 1765; Eunice, Sept.
4, 1767; Abigail, April 21, 1769; Alice, June 2,
1771; Abel. Aug. 4, 1773: Olive, July 4, 1775;
Jonathan, Sept. 21, 1777; Darius, Aug. 20. 1779;
Clarissa, Sept. 13,1781 ; and Frederick. May 29,1783.
( HI) Jonathan Hovey (2). born Sept. 21, 1777,
married April 16, 1802, Patience Fuller, daughter
of Thomas Stedman. Mr. Hovey died Aug. 11,
1840, and his wife passed away Feb. 4, 1835. Their
children were: Anna F., born Nov. 3. 1802; James
S., June 10, 1804; Daniel Alfred Fuller, Feb. 24,
1806; Albert G., July 27, 1808; an infant that died
unnamed; Chloe L., March 27, 181 1 ; Eunice W..
July 2y, 1813: James Albert, April 29, 1815;
Hiram, June 19. 1817; Frances, Feb. 5. 1810:
Fliza A. S., Sept. 8. 1822; David A.
James Albert Hovey, son of Jonathan (2),
born April 29, 1815, married Dec. 24, 1844, La-
vinia J. Barber, of Simsbury, Conn. Mr. Hovey
received the benefit of the public schools of his
native town, Hampton, Conn., and also for a time
was under a private teacher. In T836 he began
the study of law under the direction of the late
lion. Chauncey E. Cleveland, of Hampton, and
while prosecuting his legal studies served as clerk
of probate for Windham county. He was admitted
to the Bar of Windham county in 1838, and in the
year following commenced the practice of law in
Windham. Two years later he located in the prac-
tice of his profession in Norwich. Conn., and from
1841 to 1849 he was associated in practice with Mr.
Cleveland, the firm name being Cleveland & Hovey.
'10
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
Mr. Hovey continued actively engaged in the prac-
tice of law until 1876, and in the latter few years
of that period was associated in the practice of law
with Hon. John M. Thayer.
The public career of Air. Hovey began in 1841,
when he was appointed general assignee in bank-
ruptcy for New London count}', and while so em-
ployed he settled in the neighborhood of 160 bank-
rupt estates. In 1842-43 he was executive secre-
tarv under Gov. Cleveland. He was senior alder-
man from 1849 to ^53' anc^ als0 served
ex-officio as one of the judges of the city
court. From 1850 to 1854 he was judge of
the County Court of New London county.
He was a member of the Legislature from
Norwich in 1859, anc^ m I^7° was elected
mayor of the city of Norwich. In 1876 he was
elected judge of the Superior Court of the State.
In his early life Judge Hovey took an interest
in military affairs. He was chosen, in 1830, a non-
commissioned officer of a company in the 5th Con-
necticut Militia. Two years later he was promoted
to the rank of lieutenant, and after a service of two
years to that of captain. He became major of the
regiment in 1836. He was well versed in military
law. In 1852 he was chosen president of the Uncas
State Bank, and sustained such relations to the in-
stitution while it continued a State bank, and on its
organization as a National bank he became its chief
executive officer. He served as president of the
bank until 1873, when he declined a re-election. For
thirty years or more he was a trustee of the Nor-
wich Savings Bank, and he was also a trustee of
the Chelsea Savings Bank, of Norwich, from its or-
ganization, in 1858.
Judge Hovey died June 27, 1892. He had one
son, Albert Cleveland Hovey, who died Oct. 16,
1873, aged twenty-eight years. He never married.
WILLIAM H. TERRY, a successful farmer and
dairyman, residing in the northern part of the town
of Lebanon, was born Feb. 6, 1850, in Exeter, R.
I., a son of Seth W. and Dorcas (Crowell) Terry.
The Terry family is an old one in New England, the
ancestor, from whom Mr. Terry is in the seventh
generation, having been among the early settlers at
Plymouth, Massachusetts.
Seth W. Terry was in his active years a farmer
and lumber dealer, and did a large business in ship
timber, which was cut, and then delivered at the
docks. He was the father of nine children, of whom
three boys and four girls lived to reach mature life.
One of these children, Clark O., is the general man-
ager of the J. A. Lewis vegetable and fruit farm at
Willimantic, Connecticut.
William H. Terry attended the district school
in his native town until he was fourteen years of
age, although his summer seasons were spent in
hard work upon the farm. When he was fourteen
he began working out by the month, his first em-
ployer being the late William S. Breed, of Sprague,
Conn., and though he was able to do almost as much
work as a man he only received $12 a month. Often
his day's work began before the sun was up and
continued until long after dark. In these more
enlightened times the young people have but little
idea of the hardships suffered by their forebears,
which were then considered very ordinary things,
unworthy of any special notice. Mr. Terry con-
tinued working in this manner until the age of
twenty-one years, in the towns of Sprague and
Plainfield, in Connecticut, and in Jamestown, R. I.
Later he was employed by Peter Gadbois, in Mont-
ville, Conn., and from there, in 1869, he went to
Willimantic, Conn., and entered the employ of J. A.
Lewis, a market gardener. After leaving his employ '
the young man went to Providence, R. I., and drove
an express wagon for a short time.
On Feb. 14, 1870, Mr. Terry began to learn the
trade of molder in the foundry of A. C. Barstow &
Co., receiving $4.50 per week the first year, and
$5.50 per week the next year. After he had mas-
tered the trade he continued with this firm for a
short period, and then went to Boston, where he
was employed in the foundry of Pratt & Went worth,
remaining there for a year. Returning to A. C.
Barstow & Co., he continued there until 1883, having
a number of apprentices under him. His health
failing, he was obliged to give up his trade, and on
Dec. 12, 1883, purchased his present farm from
William F. Gates, the property being known as the
"John Tew place." It consisted of sixty acres, and
later Mr. Terry purchased the "Brewster place,"
which held about forty-eight acres, and later the
"Brown place," now having a farm of 172 acres.
In 1893 he erected upon this property his house,
and he has also put up nearly all of his farm build-
ings. In 1886 Mr. Terry began devoting particular
attention to dairying, and in September, 1888, he
established a milk route in Willimantic, and con-
tinued it until 1 89 1. He is also engaged in general
farming, dealing in wood, and market gardening,
and since Feb. 1, 1903, has been agent for the Oak-
dale Manufacturing Company, of Providence, R.
I., dealers in all kinds of dairy products, looking
after their extensive interests in this section ; he has
entire charge of their affairs here.
On June 8, 1871, Mr. Terry was married in
Providence, R. I., to Adeline G. Rounds, who was
born Sept. 12, 1856, a native of Providence, and a
daughter of Philip and Adeline G. (Remington)
Rounds. Mrs. Terry is a worthy helpmeet, a kind
wife and mother. The children born to this union
are as follows: Estella Gardner, born Feb. 9, 1873,
married Alfred Lathrop, and resides in Willimantic ;
Annabelle, born Nov. 5, 1874, married Wentworth
Allen, resides in Providence, R. I., and has two chil-
dren, Wentworth H. and Verabelle ; Ezra Crowell,
born March 19, 1876, was for several years a tele-
graph operator at Willimantic, but is now attending
Yale Law School, educating himself by his own
efforts ; Adeline Gertrude, born Dec. 15, 1877, mar-
0^&
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
711
ried Leon Walker, resides in Lebanon, and has one
child, William Terry; Alice Edith, born Jan. 17,
l88l, died June 13, 1881 ; Clark Olney, born Aug.
13, 1882, died Feb. 10, 1883 J Clarence Arthur was
born Oct. 1, 1888; Milton Everette, Jan. 23, 1890;
William Delevane, June I, 1892; and Melissa Cora,
Sept. 23, 1893.
In politics Mr. Terry is a Republican; he has
never cared for office. He is a member of the Wood
River (R. I.) Baptist Church, with which he united
when sixteen years of age. Mr. Terry has always
been a hard working man, and as he is entirely self-
made the success which has attended him is such as
to gain him the confidence of all who know him.
SWIFT. The Swift family, of which Solomon
Everest Swift, M. D., of Colchester, was a descend-
ant, is not only one of the old families of New Lon-
don county, but one of the oldest in New England.
(I) William Swift, of Sandwich, with his family
came from England to America in the great "Bos-
ton Emigration," in 1630-31. Savage says that
he probably came from Bocking, County of Essex,
or its vicinity; was in Watertown, Mass., in 1634,
evidently having been residing there some time.
He disposed of his property there in 1637, and prob-
ably moved to Sandwich, where he died in January,
1644. The farm which he bought in Sandwich was
in recent years, and perhaps is to-day, in the posses-
sion of his descendants. His widow Joan survived
him twenty years. Children : Hannah, who mar-
ried Daniel Wing; Esther, who married Ralph Al-
len ; and William, Jr.
(II) William Swift, only son of Emigrant Wil-
liam, was born in England and accompanied his
father until he settled at Sandwich in the spring of
1637. He lived at Sandwich until his death, in Jan-
uary, 1705-06. He and his wife Ruth had children:
Hannah, born March 11, 165 1; William, Aug. 28,
1654; Ruth, 1652 (died in infancy) ; Ephraim, June
6, 1656; Mary, April 7, 1659; Samuel, Aug. 10,
1662; Jireh, 1665 ; Temperance; Esther; Dinah, and
Josiah.
(III) Jireh Swift, born in 1665, married Abi-
gail Gibbs, of Sandwich, Nov. 26, 1697, and had by
her twelve children. After her death he married
Mary Besse, of Wareham, Nov. 19, 1741, who sur-
vived him and is named, with all his children and
"Catherine Curby" (probably a daughter of his
niece, Sarah Kirby), in his will dated March 29,
1744, and presented at court May 1, 1749. Jireh
died after a busy and prominent life at Wareham,
in April, 1749, aged eighty-four. Children: Alice,
born July 23, 1698; Susannah, October 6, 1899;
Jabez, March 16, 1700-01 ; Zephaniah, March 6,
1702-03; William, July 5, 1705 ; Nathaniel, March
14, 1707-08: Jireh, Jr., Nov. 23, 1709; Job, Oct. 3,
171 1 ; Silas. Aug. 2, 1713; Abigail, July 28, 1715;
Isaac, May 3, 1720; Rowland, March 24, 1721-22.
(IV) Silas Swift, seventh son of the above men-
tioned Jireh Swift, was born Aug. 2, 1713, and mar-
ried Oct. 16, 1733, at Lebanon, Conn., Abigail Tup-
per, daughter of Eliakim Tupper, and sister of his
brother Nathaniel's wife. He settled in Lebanon, '
Conn., and went to Windham in 1750, but returned
in a year or two to Lebanon, where he died Sept. 24,
1794. His widow, born in 1716, survived him more
than sixteen years, and died in Lebanon, Feb. 15,
181 1, at the age of ninety-four years. Children:
Elias, born June 10, 1736; Lydia, May, 1740;
Charles, March 6 (or 16), 1742; Abigail, July 19,
1745; Susannah, July 28, 1747; Silas, Jr., Nov. 17,
1749; William, Dec. 14, 175 1; Darius, Nov. 23,
1757; Roxalana, Oct. 8, 1761.
(V) Deacon Charles Swift, second son of Silas
and Abigail Swift, was born March 16 (or 6),
1742, at Lebanon, Conn., and was married May 26,
1763, to Deborah Clark, born in 1742. He resided
in Lebanon all his life, and died there June 19, 1824.
His wife died March 31, 1813, the mother of these
children : Deborah, born Aug. 29, 1764, married
Eliakin Thacher, of Sharon, Mass.; Silas, born Jan.
3, 176 — , married Sallie Parmelee ; Pamela, born
June 29, 1769, married Eliphalet Clark ; Abigail,
born April 8, 1772, died unmarried; Charles, born
Dec. 31, 1774, married Eunice Young; Nathan, born
Oct. 6, 1777, married (first) Nancy Calkins, and
(second) Charity E. Reid; Eliphalet, born July '>,
1780, married (first) Abigail Jessup, (second)
Mrs. Esther Jessup and (third) Mrs. Maria Church
Eldridge; Zephaniah was born Jan. 15, 1786.
(VI) Zephaniah Swift, of the above-named fam-
ily, was born at Lebanon, Conn., and on Sept. 17,
181 1, married Nelly Minerva Everett, at Canton,
Conn., daughter of Dr. Josiah Everett, and a cousin
of Dr. Edward Everett Hale. She was born at
Winchester Centre, Litchfield Co., Conn.. July 20,
1786. Dr. Swift studied medicine with Dr. Osgood,
of Lebanon, and Dr. Coggswell, of Hartford, and
practiced with Dr. Solomon Everest, of Canton,
Conn., a celebrated and skillful physician and sur-
geon. While there he met and married his wife, who
was a niece and adopted daughter of Dr. Solomon
Everest. Their eldest daughter was born there in
1812. Soon afterward he removed to Winchester
Centre, Conn., where his second daughter was born.
He afterward removed to Farmington, Conn., where
he practiced several years, and where seven of his
children were born. He was for some time a deacon
in the Congregational Church, during the pastorate
of Rev. Noah Porter. He resided in Farmington
some fifteen years, but in 1830 removed to Hart-
ford, and was one of the deacons in the South
Church during the pastorate of Rev. Joel Linsley,
D. D.
After four years, his health failing, he accepted
an earnest call to settle and practice in Bristol, Conn.,
where he remained until the fall of 1833. In 1834
he met with an accident which resulted in his death
on July 2IS1 of that year, when he was in his forty-
ninth year. His wife survived him forty-three years,
dying at East Xorwalk, Conn., Aug. 22, 1877, aged
712
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
ninety-one years. Their children were : ( I ) Mary
Amelia, born Sept. 17, 1812, married Nov. 6, 1845,
• Henry A. Swift. She was a woman of remarkable
intellect and, at the age of nineteen years, wrote the
"First Lessons on Natural Philosophy for Chil-
dren,"' which book has been translated into several
languages. (2) Helen Abigail, born July 10, 18 14,
married Daniel Wheelock Willard, Aug. 5, 1846.
Mr. Willard died in September, 1851, and his widow
later removed to Redlands, Cal., where she died in
April, 1902. Her only son, Daniel Wheelock Wil-
lard, resides there. (3) Harriet Cowles, born
March 17, 1817, married Oct. 10, 1855, William
Judah Keyser, of Pensacola, Fla., who was born in
Norwalk, Conn., April 7, 1821, and died in England,
Oct. 11, 1877. His widow resides in Milton, Fla.
Their children : William Swift Keyser, born Aug.
13, 1856, resides in Pensacola, Fla., and
married Marv E. Campbell, of Pensacola,
Nov. 22, 1888; children— Nelley Atkin, Rich-
ard Lewis Campbell, Mary Campbell, Kath-
arine Turquand and Ainslie Hall McCord.
Nelley Everett Keyser, born June 21, 1858,
married Sept. 10, 1885, Peter Wilson Atkin, of
Birkenhead, England, where she resides ; children —
Helen Hope, Emily Tweedale and Keyser. (4) Dr.
Solomon Everest was born July 27, 1819. (5)
Charles John, born April 26, 1822, died May 13,
1825. (6) Louisa Minerva, born May 31, 1824, died
June 2, 1878, unmarried. (7) Catherine Wrelles,
born May 15, 1826, married Aug. 26, 1847, Rev-
George H. Hastings of the American Embassy at
Rome, Italy. He died in September, 1854, and his
wife died in Springfield, Mass., April 26, 1861. (8)
Zephaniah, Jr., born February 3, 1828, married Oct.
31, 1866, Virginia Day. (9) Charles Everest, born
Oct. 11, 1830, died Dec. 18, 1831.
(VII) Solomon Everest Swift, M. D., was
born in Farmington, Conn., and was about eleven
years of age when his father removed to Hartford.
After attending common school he began the study
of medicine with Dr. John Fuller, who was a noted
physician residing at Salem, Conn., and entered the
medical department of the University of New York,
from which he was graduated in 1845. For a few
months he practiced with Dr. Fuller. In the fall
of 1845 ne came to Colchester and established him-
self, and there was engaged in his profession for the
remainder of his life. He also practiced dentistry
in connection with the medical profession. His
death occurred Feb. 2, 1895. Dr. Swift was devoted
to his work and ever improved the opportunities of
his profession, keeping fully abreast of the times.
He was a member of the Connecticut Homeopathic
Medical Society, and served as president of the
same for two years. Fraternally he was a member
of Wooster Lodge, No. 10, A. F. & A. M., of Col-
chester. Early in life he united with the congre-
gational Church, and took an active interest in all
church work and affairs.
Dr. Swift was married, March 31, 1845, to Mary j
Underhill Parsons, who died Oct. 12, 1855. Their
children were: (1) Theodore Everest, born Aug.
7, 1846, practiced dentistry with his father, and
later opened an office in South Norwalk, Conn., and
there was located until failing health compelled him
to go as far West as Los Angeles, where he died
April 6, 1892. He married Feb. 23, 1874, Ellen M.
Felton, of Colchester, and had two children : Bertha
Everest, born Nov. 8, 1874, died Aug. 11, 1897;
William Felton was born Dec. 23, 1881. (2)
Helen Halsted, born May 5, 1849, died Oct. 15,
1849. (3) Dr. George Parsons, born Dec. 14, 1850,
studied medicine with his father, and later was grad-
uated from Boston Medical School. He practiced
medicine in Waterbury, Conn., Lambertville, N. J.,
and Bridgeport, Conn., where he died Oct. 31, 1901.
(4) Mary Lyon, born April 18, 1853, died July 4th
of the same year. (5) Rev. Edward Halsted, born
April 18, 1853, was graduated from the Union Theo-
logical Seminary at Chicago, 111. He located at St.
Louis, Mo., where he established a mission school
and church, and there died June 17, 1883. He mar-
ried Imke Joachim, March 27, 1882.
Dr. Solomon E. Swift for his second wife mar-
ried, on Aug. 18, 1858, Almira M. Lathrop, born
Jan. 5, 1822, in Crawford County, 111., daughter of
Charles and Roxcy (Chapman) Lathrop. Charles
Lathrop was a native of Lebanon, Conn., and was a
civil engineer by occupation, engaged in surveying
in Illinois. Mrs. Swift resided in Colchester with
her only daughter, Caroline Louise, until her death,
which occurred Feb. 14, 1904. Three children were
born to the marriage just given: (1) Rebecca Lath-
rop, born July 25, 1859, died ^ug- 7> i860. (2)
John Trumbull, born April 3, 1861, was graduated
from Yale in 1884, and soon afterward connected
himself with the Young Men's Christian Associa-
tion of New York, as first assistant secretary, and in
that capacity went to Tokio, Japan, in 1888. There
he established the Tokio Y. M. C. A., and became
general secretary for Japan. Returning to the
United States he took a post-graduate course at
Yale, and received the degree of M. A. Upon his
return to Japan he undertook educational work, and
is now professor of Old English and English Liter-
ature in the Imperial University of Tokio. On
April 23, 1889, he was married to Belle Wallace
Newman, and their children are : Alida, born Nov.
13, 1890; Everest Lathrop, Sept. 5, 1893; David
Wallace, April 8, 1896 ; Carolyn Elizabeth, Aug.
23, 1901 ; Howard Newman, Sept. 21, 1902. (3)
Caroline Louise, born Sept. 21, 1863, resides in Col-
chester. All of the children of Dr. Solomon E.
Swift received their preliminary education at Bacon
Academy, Colchester.
DiAYOLF FAMILY. For a long period the
DeWolf family has been one of the most prominent
and influential ones of New London county, Con-
necticut.
As the tree is known by its fruit, we are left
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
71$
to draw our own chief inferences in regard to the
traits of mind and character of Belthaza DcWolf,
the pioneer in Lyme, from what we can learn of his
descendants. The line of descent of our subjects is
as follows :
(I) Edward DeWolf, born in 1646, is first men-
tioned in Wethersfield, Conn., in 1664, and in the
Lyme records in 1668. His wife's name was Alice.
(II) Stephen DeWolf, born in 1670, died in
1702. His second wife was named Hannah.
(III) Stephen DeWolf, born in 1694, died in
1723. His wife was named Hannah.
(IV) Benjamin DeWolf, Jr., born in 1716, mar-
ried Lucy Champion.
(Y) Gen. Stephen DeWolf married Sarah
Greenfield in 1776. then in 1782 Thodey Anderson,
and finally Abigail Beckwith.
(VI) Jeremiah Winthrop DeWolf married Mary
Chadwick, led a seafaring life and died at Galveston,
Texas.
(VII) Winthrop Jeremiah DeWrolf, born Feb.
28, 1807, married June 20, 183 1, Hepzibah C. An-
derson, daughter of Daniel Anderson, of Lyme. He
engaged in farming all his life in the town of Old
Lyme, and died Oct. 20, 1847. His children were:
John Anderson, born April 5, 1832; Mary Chad-
wick, Dec. 31, 1833 (married John Swane'v, of Old
Lyme); Roger Williams, Feb. II, 1837; George
Winthrop, Jan. 26, 1841 : Sophronia, Jan. 9, 1843
(married James A. Rowland, of Old Lyme) ; and
Hepzibah C, June 10, 1845 (married Henry A.
Champion and resides in New London, Connecticut).
(VIII) John Anderson DeWolf was born
April 5, 1832, in the 6th district of the town of Old
Lyme. His early education was received in the
schools of that district. The death of his father in
1847, however, threw upon the shoulders of the
boy of fifteen the management of the home farm,
and the brave lad also had a newspaper route
through the town. At the age of eighteen years he
engaged in a mercantile business in his home dis-
trict, and in the early sixties built a store at Black
Hall, where he continued business for twelve years.
He is probably the best known cattle dealer, and one
of the most extensive real estate dealers, in this part
of the county. Mr. DeWolf has held all the promi-
nent offices within the gift of the people of his town,
and was representative from Old Lyme in the ses-
sions of 1866, 1867, l&74< l&77 and 1888.
Mr. DeWolf was first married, in Old Lyme,
Nov. 3, 1855, to Mary Abigail, daughter of Asahel
Rowland, of Old Lyme, and her death occurred Jan.
12, 1858. She left one son, Asahel Rowland, born
June 16, 1857. On Nov. 21, i860, Mr. DeWolf was
married to Irene E. Pratt, born March 20, 1840,
1 daughter of Henry Pratt, of Essex, Conn. ( )ne
son came to this union, John Anderson, Jr., born
Nov. 30, 1877, and he married Annie Rowland.
Asahel Rowland DeWolf was born at Black
Hall, Conn., June 16, 1857. His early days were
;pent on the farm in Old Lyme, where he attended
school, and he was also a student at the Morgan
school, at Clinton, Conn. After leaving school he
worked upon the farm until he was twenty-three,
and then spent five years in the store of his uncle,
J. A. Row land, in ( )ld Lyme, after which he engaged
in a lumber business with his uncle, George W.
DeWolf, at Old Lyme, who in May, 1885, established
a lumber yard at Niantic, under the firm name of
G. W. DeWolf & Co., thus continuing until Nov.
7, 1891, when A. R. DeWolf succeeded to the busi-
ness.
Asahel R. DeWolf was married in Old Lyme,
Nov. 24, 1885, to Mary Elizabeth Morley, daughter
of Charles L. Morley, of Lyme, who was a native
of Feeding Hills, Mass., and for many years was a
painter of Old Lyme. One child, Clara Irene, was
born to Mr. and Mrs. DeWolf March 15, 1891.
Mr. DeWolf is a member of the A. O. U. W.
and of the American Mechanics, and politically is a
Democrat. He has held the office of selectman in
East Lyme. He is treasurer of the Congregational
Church Society in Niantic, and is a very enterprising
and progressive man, highly respected by all.
George Winthrop DeWolf was born Jan. 26,
1841, in the house built by Gen. Stephen DeWolf,
of the fifth generation. His school days were spent
in the 6th school district of Lyme, and after he com-
pleted his education he entered mercantile life, being
so employed for a quarter of a century at Lyme and
Black Hall, and also engaging in farming. Several
years ago he established a lumberyard in Niantic,
which he conducted from 1885 until 1891, when he
turned it over to his nephew. He has been clerk
of the Congregational Church Society for eight
years, and has been town treasurer since 1877;
during 1880 and 188 1 he represented the town in the
Legislature.
On Sept. 25, 1867, Mr. DeWolf was married in
Lyme to Lena Champion, daughter of Calvin Burn-
ham Champion.
Roger Williams DeWolf was born Feb. 11,
1837, in the 6th district of Lyme, where his school
days were passed. At the age of fourteen years he
began clerking for his brother John and thus con-
tinued for five years, and then bought out the store
at Black Hall, continuing the business for thirty
years, also farming and engaging in stock dealing.
He also conducted a store in East Lyme for three
years. He now keeps thirty head of cattle and 130
head of sheep, in addition to other stock. Mr.
DeWolf has been active in town affairs all his life,
serving as representative in the State Legislature
in 1883.
On Nov. 19, 1862. he married, in East Lyme,
Julia M. Smith, who died Aug. 20. 1891. The chil-
dren born of this union, the ninth generation, are as
follows: (1) Winthrop Roger married Cora Acker-
man and has two children, ( X) Burton and Caroline.
(2) Claude Vincent, born in Lyme, a lumber mer-
chant of Boston, Mass., married Carrie House, and
their children are (X) Roger W., Harold E., Ray-
714
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
mond and Isabell. (3) Roger W., Jr., died at the
age of six years. (4) Agnes J. married James S.
Beebe, of East Lyme,and their children are (X)
Arthur and Julia.
This family, as before stated, is one of the oldest
and most representative in the county, and its pres-
ent members are men of influence and high stand-
ing in their several communities. The tenth genera-
tion is well represented by sturdy, intelligent chil-
dren, who give promise of upholding the honored
name in a manner worthy of it.
WILLIAM S. FLETCHER. No country in
the world furnishes so many opportunities for ad-
vancement as the United States. Nowhere else on
the globe can a poor boy, by the use of honest means
and industry, rise to important influential position
and receive the honor and respect he so justly merits.
The term "self-made" is much abused, but there
are countless cases when it is most aptly used.
Among the business men of Norwich who have
hewn their own fortune without the aid and influ-
ence of friends, and have made the long journey
from poverty to comfortable competence, may be
mentioned William S. Fletcher, a successful mer-
chant at the Falls, Norwich, where he carries a fine
line of dry goods and groceries.
William Fletcher, the grandfather of William
S., was born July 26, 1774, son of Thomas Fletcher.
In middle life he came to Norwich, Conn., and was
engaged at teaming. He died at the advanced age
of eighty-four years, and his wife, Sarah Young,
daughter of James Young, born Feb. 18, 1776,
whom he married Nov. 17, 1796, survived him, and
died at the venerable age of ninety-five. Their chil-
dren were: Abigail Smith, born Aug. 19, 1797;
Freeborn Olney, Dec. 28, 1799; Mary Ann, Dec.
17, 1801 ; Susannah Dyer, Feb. 19, 1804; William
Henry, March 28, 1806; Joseph Thompson, Aug.
1, 1808; and Sterry Young, who was a steamboat
captain on the Mississippi river, lived at Paducah,
Ky., and is now dead.
Joseph Thompson Fletcher was born in Warren,
R. I., where his father at that time was an operative
in the old Slater mill. At the age of sixteen years
he shipped as a cabin boy on a sailing-vessel, and
made a trip to Europe. Later he was a sailor on
vessels engaged in the West Indian trade, and before
he was twenty-seven he became captain of a steam-
ship owned by James L. Day, of Norwich. This
vessel ran between New Orleans and Galveston,
Texas, and Mr. Fletcher gave promise of fulfilling
all the golden expectations of the owner for his
young captain. At the end of the first trip, however,
he was taken ill, and died of colic at Mobile, Ala.,
Aug. 19, 1835 ; he was buried at Dog River, that
State. His wife, whom he married July 4, 1829,
was Eliza Lamphere, born Nov. 1, 181 1, in the town
of Plainfield, Conn., daughter of Russell Lamphere.
She later became the wife of Asahel A. Parkerson,
whom she survived, and she died in Norwich at the
home of her son, William S., in 1896, at the age of
eighty-four years. By her first marriage she became
the mother of three children : Charles H., born
March 8, 183 1, was drowned at The Falls, Norwich,
at the age of six years. William S. was second in
the order of birth. Joseph E., born March 4, 1835,
was a carpenter by trade, served during the Civil
war in the 8th Conn. V. I., and was wounded at
Antietam ; he married Ellen McDavid, who bore
him two sons and one daughter, and he died at
Clinton, Conn., in 1903. By the mother's marriage
with Mr. Parkerson was born one son, Charles A.,
who for twenty-five years was a policeman on the
New York force, and now lives retired in Freeport,
New York.
William S. Fletcher was born Jan. 29, 1833, in
Norwich, and was but two years old when his father
died. His mother worked in a factory to support
her little ones, who in early years became accus-
tomed to hardships and self-denial. Until the age
of fourteen young William lived with relatives,
doing such work as he could while he gained a
meager education in the district schools. Leaving
school in 1847, ne began clerking in the store of the
Falls Co., and remained there for two years, his
wages at this time being $50 per year and board.
The love of the sea was inherited from his father,
and at the end of his engagement with the Falls
Co. he went from Norwich on a scow loaded with
ship timber for Noank, and then for two years was
on various schooners in the coast trade, after which
he shipped from Noank on the schooner "Lion." a
fishing vessel from that place. Later he sailed on
the "Colby Chew." of Niantic, engaged in halibut
fishing along the Banks, and he was also on several
other vessels, spending about four years altogether
on the water. He returned to Norwich, and for
four years was employed in the pistol factory of
Cobb & Bacon, and for two years in the Manhattan
Arms Co., the successor of the other firm. In 1858
he again became a clerk in the store of the Falls
Co., and remained there for twenty-two years, or
until 1880, when he purchased the store now owned
by N. A. Bingham, and was there located until
1884. In that year he erected his present store.
During all the years he was in the employ of others
he applied himself assiduously to whatever task was
before him. He had few leisure moments, for his
is a nature that must be busy, a characteristic that
soon made him indispensable to his employers. In
his own store he gives every detail his personal
attention, and his customers speak in high praise
of the courteous attention they receive. He has
built up a good trade, and carries a strictly first-class
stock.
On Sept. 2. i860. Mr. Fletcher was married in
Norwich to Sarah L. Jewett, who was born Oct.
15, 1842, in Norwich, daughter of Eleazer and Sarah
(Sherman) Jewett, and died May 15, 1899, aged
fifty-six years. Three children came to bless their
happy home: (1) William L., born March 8, 1862,
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
715
graduated from Norwich Free Academy, and is now
money order clerk in the Norwich post office, where
he has been employed since 1880. He married Ida
Ogden, and has three children, Robert William,
William Leslie and Hazel. (2) Cora E. is at home.
(3) Bertha G. is the wife of William G. Browning,
a traveling salesman, residing in Providence, R. I.,
and has one child, Gladys E.
Mr. Fletcher is a firm believer in Republican
principles, but would never consent to run for office.
He and his family attend the Methodist Church,
and are interested in its many undertakings for the
uplifting of humanity.
[There were several persons bearing the name of
Fletcher who came early to America, one in the
"Mayflower," but none left descendants excepting
Robert Fletcher, who came from Yorkshire and set-
tled at Concord, Mass., 1630. He had three sons,
Luke, William and Samuel. Luke died probably
unmarried. William married Lydia Bates and set-
tled at Chelmsford. Samuel settled in that part of
Chelmsford that became Westford. Another son,
Francis, born at Concord in 1636, married Elizabeth,
daughter of George and Katherine Wheeler].
CHANDLER. In tracing back the ancestry of
Charles Edward Chandler, of Norwich, to the first
of the name in America, we find that
(I) William Chandler and wife Annis (Alcock)
came from England and settled in Roxbury, Mass.,
in 1637, where the youngest of their five children
was born. Mr. Chandler died Nov. 26, 1641. His
widow married (second) July 2. 1643, Jonn Dane,
of Roxbury. Mr. Chandler's children were : Han-
nah, Thomas, William, John and Sarah.
(II) Deacon John Chandler married Feb. 16,
1658, Elizabeth Douglass, daughter of William and
Anna (Mattle) Douglass, the latter a daughter of
Thomas Mattle. He was one of the settlers of New
Roxbury (now Woodstock), Conn., removing
thither in 1686, and was chosen one of the first se-
lectmen of the new settlement. He was one of six
who purchased from Capt. James Fitch, of Norwich,
the Masahamoquet Purchase, embracing 1,500 acres
of land, in what became Pomfret. Deacon Chand-
ler died April 15, 1703. His children, their births
all recorded in Roxbury, were: John, born March
4, 1659; Elizabeth, Feb. 20, 1661 ; John, April 16,
1665; Joseph, April 3, 1667; Hannah, Sept. 18,
1669; Mehitable, Aug. 24, 1673; Sarah. Nov. 19,
1676 ; and Joseph (2), June 4, 1683.
(III) Capt. Joseph Chandler, born June 4, 1683,
married June 22, 1708, Susanna Perrin, who was
born Aug. 20, 1687, daughter of John Perrin (2)
and his wife Mary, and granddaughter of John Per-
rin, who came from England in the ship "Safety."
Mr. Chandler inherited the estate of 114 acres in
Masahamoquet (now Pomfret) from his father. He
was admitted to the church in Pomfret April 20,
1719. He was a selectman in 1716, and was col-
lector of taxes in 1726. He died in Pomfret Jan.
5, 1749-50. His children, all born in Pomfret, were :
Joseph, born April 1, 1709; Joseph (2), June 16,
1710; David, May 26, 1712; Susanna, Feb. 10, 1713 ;
Peter, May 17, 1716; Dorothy, April 12, 1718; Hep-
zibah, Aug. 12, 1720; Stephen, Aug. 25, 1722; Jo-
siah, Oct. 2, 1724; Eunice, Dec. 17, 1726; Daniel,
March 21, 1729; and Peter, June 23, 1733.
(IV) David Chandler, born May 26, 1712, mar-
ried June 3, 1736, Mary Allen, born Aug. 8, 1715,
daughter of David and Hannah Allen, of Abington,
and they located and lived about one mile west of
Pomfret street. Mr. Chandler was chosen lister in
1757, and tithingman in 1770. He died Dec. 2, 1 796.
Their children were: Elijah, born May 3, 1737;
Mary, Nov. 14, 1738; Sarah, April 26, 1740; Ma-
hitible, June 3, 1742; David, March 7, 1744; Han-
nah, June 18, 1745; Daniel, March 29, 1748; Lem-
uel March 6, 1750; Barnabas, Feb. 2, 1752; Silas,
Feb. 2, 1752; Stephen, Feb. 16, 1754; and Chloe,
Jan. 5, 1756.
( \ ) Silas Chandler, born Feb. 2, 1752, died
April 16, 1829. He married (first) in 1774 Grace
Fascit, of Brooklyn, born in 1749, daughter of Ben-
jamin and Betsey (Gannett) Fascit. She died Dec.
2, 1815, and he married (second) in 1820 Jemima
Johnson, of Woodstock. He and his wife Grace
were admitted to the church in Pomfret Nov. 3,
1776. Mr. Chandler was tithingman in Pomfret in
1783. He lived on the homestead of his father,
where his son Charles and grandson, Albert Charles,
resided after him. Mr. Chandler is said to have
been one of the last men of "olden time" seen riding
to meeting on horseback, with his wife on a pillion
behind him. He died April 16, 1829. His children,
all born by the first marriage, were: John, born
Feb. 26, 1776; Lemuel, April 7, 1777; Charles, Aug.
25, 1778; Samuel, April 16, 1781 ; Henrietta. Feb.
27, 1783; Alice, March 27, 1785; Silas, Sept. 1,
1787; Lathrop, April 28, 1789; Mary, April ir,
1791 ; and Lucy, April 19, 1794.
(VI) Charles Chandler, born Aug. 2^. 1778,
married Jan. 3, 1804, Hannah Cleveland, who was
born Nov. 3, 1783, daughter of Solomon and Han-
nah (Sharpe) Cleveland, of Thompson. Conn. Mr.
Chandler was a farmer, and occupied the homestead
of his father located about a mile west of Pomfret
street. He died Feb. 24, 1858, and his widow passed
away April 30, 1863, her death being the result of
an accident; she was thrown from a carriage and
kicked by a horse. Their children were : Hannah
D., born Nov. 12, 1804; Mary A.. < >ct. 24,
1806; Lucius L., Aug. 5, 1809; Louisa G., April
20, 1812; Palmer C, Jan. 7, 1816; Lora J.. Feb. 18,
1820: and Albert Charles, Nov. 15, 1822.
Mrs. Hannah (Cleveland) Chandler traced her
ancestry back to Stephen Hopkins, who with his
daughter Constance came over in the "Mayflower."
His wife's name was Elizabeth. Constance Hop-
kins married Nicholas Snow, and their daughter
Mary married Thomas Paine. Their son, Elisha
Paine, married Rebecca Doane, and their daughter,
yi6
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
Rebecca Paine, married Edward Cleveland, who was
the great-grandfather of Mrs. Hannah (Cleveland)
Chandler. She was also able to trace her descent
from (I) Moses Cleveland, who came from England.
He married Ann Winn, daughter of Edward and
Joanna Winn. (II) Edward Cleveland married
Deliverance Palmer. (Ill) The next in the line,
Edward Cleveland (2), married Rebecca Paine.
(IV) Silas Cleveland married Elizabeth Hyde. (V)
Solomon Cleveland, was a Revolutionary soldier.
He married Hannah Sharpe, daughter of Gershom
and Hannah Sharpe. (VI) Hannah Cleveland be-
came the wife of Charles Chandler.
(VII) Albert Charles Chandler, born Nov. 15,
1822, was educated in the public schools of Pom-
fret and Woodstock Academy, and subsequently
taught school in Windham county (principally in
the town of Killingly) and in Holland, Mass. Later
he settled down to farming in Pomfret, occupying
a part of the Chandler homestead which had been
handed down from David, Silas and Charles Chand-
ler in direct line, and was owned by David's father,
Joseph Chandler, who had it of his father, Deacon
John Chandler, to whom it was set off in the divi-
sions of the original proprietors, Albert Charles be-
ing of the sixth generation in possession. He re-
mained there until 1867, and in 1868 he located on
a farm in Woodstock, near the Putnam line, where
he passed the rest of his life. His death occurred
in 1898, and he is buried in the family lot in Pom-
fret cemetery.
On March 10, 1850, Mr. Chandler married Ma-
rissa Phebe Davis, who was born July 18, 1824; in
East Granby, Conn., and died Jan. 3, 1902, on the
farm in Woodstock ; she is buried in Pomfret ceme-
tery. Three children were born to this union,
namely: Charles Edward, March 8, 1852; Eugene
Cleveland, Jan. 7, 1856 (died Nov. 7, 1859) ; and
William Howard, Sept. 24, i860.
.Mrs. Marissa Phebe (Davis) Chandler was a
daughter of John Edward and Phebe Miranda (Cos-
sett) Davis, granddaughter of Reuben and Phebe
(Godard) Cossett, great-granddaughter of France-
way and Abigail (Dibol) Cossett. and great-great-
granddaughter of Zane Cossett, a Frenchman. [Hin-
man's "Early Settlers."] Through her grandmother,
Phebe (Godard) Cossett, Mrs. Chandler was de-
scended from Daniel and Elizabeth Gosard, through
John Gosard, Aaron Gozard and his wife Mary
Huxley, Moses Godard and his wife Keziah Hayes
(daughter of Daniel Hayes). Phebe Godard,
daughter of Moses and Keziah, married Reuben Cos-
sett, grandfather of Mrs. Marissa Phebe (Davis)
Chandler.
(VIII) Charles Edward Chandler was born
March 8, 1852, in Killingly, Conn., and moved the
same year to Pomfret, Conn. He lived on the
Chandler farm from 1855 to 1867, attending the
public schools. He attended a private school in
Putnam, and in 1868 moved to Woodstock,
where he was a pupil of Woodstock Acad-
emy until 1872. In the latter year he was
engaged in Putnam in civil engineering, as
assistant to Edgar Clark. In 1873 he came
to Norwich, Conn., as assistant to Gen. Wil-
liam C. Stanton, civil engineer on city yand general
civil engineering. On the death of the latter, in
1877, Mr. Chandler purchased the business. For
twenty-five years he acted as city engineer for Nor-
wich, and is still engineer for the board of water
commissioners. During the whole of this time he
has acted as civil engineer for many towns, corpora-
tions and individuals in Connecticut and adjoining
States. He has been connected as engineer in some
way with most of the engineering works and suits-
at-law requiring expert testimony in eastern Con-
necticut during the past twenty-five years.
Mr. Chandler is a member of the Connecticut
Society of Civil Engineers, the Boston Society of
Civil Engineers, the New England Water Works
Association, the Connecticut State Board of Engin-
eers having supervision of dams and reservoirs, and
of the Connecticut Society of the Sons of the Amer-
ican Revolution. He is now (1904) president of the
Norwich Board of Trade and a director of the Chel-
sea Savings Bank. Since 1897 he has had as a part-
ner Mr. Shepard B. Palmer.
On Oct. 30, 1876, Mr. Chandler was united in
marriage with Francis Eugenie Brown, of Gris-
wold, Conn., and they have one child, Albert Rich-
ard, born May 25, 1884, who is at present a student
in the Norwich Free Academy. A daughter, Alice,
was born July 6, 1882, and died Feb. 5, 1883. Mrs.
Chandler's parents were Squire Richard Brown and
Lucretia Tracy. The former was son of Richard
Brown and Zeruiah Buttolph, of Griswold, and
grandson of George Buttolph, a Revolutionary sol-
dier, and Xabby Dye. Lucretia Tracy was daughter
of Archibald Tracy and Mary Perigo, and grand-
daughter of William Tracy and Mary Burnhan and
of Ebenezer Perigo and Polly Rood. Ebenezer
Perigo and six brothers served in the war of the
American Revolution.
LADD. This old settled New England family,
members of which still hold prominent positions in
the business world of New London county, Conn.,
traces its American ancestry to Daniel Ladd. Ed-
ward Wilds Ladd, of London, says that his an-
cestors, "first Ladds came to England with William
the Conqueror from France, settled at Deal, i Kent
Countw where a portion of lands were granted them,
eight miles from Dover Downes. Name spelled Lad,
Lade, Ladd. His remote ancestors were seafaring
people, Government pilots at Margate."
(I) Daniel Ladd on March 24, 1633-34, took the
accustomed oath to pass to New England in the
"Mary and John," of London. He is first of record
in New England in 1637, on Feb. 5th of which year
he was granted land at Ipswich, and in 1639 he is of
record at Salisbury. He removed from the latter
place to Haverhill, Mass., of which town he was one
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
717
of the original settlers. He was an enterprising
and energetic man; served as selectman in [668;
was an extensive farmer, and dealt largely in land.
He died July 2J, 1693. The Christian name of his
wife was Ann, and their children were: Elizabeth.
born Nov. 1, 1640; Daniel. July 2(), 1642; Lydia,
April 8, [645; Mary, Feb. 14. [646; Samuel, Nov.
I, 1649; Nathaniel, March 10, 165 1 ; Ezekiel, Sept.
16, 1654; and Sarah, Nov. 4, 1657. The first three
were born in Salisbury, and the others in Haverhill.
(II) Samuel Ladd, of Haverhill, Mass., born
Nov. 1, 1649, in Haverhill, married Dec. I, 1674,
Martha Corliss, daughter of George, and lived in
West parish. On Feb. 22, 1698, while returning
from a field with a load of hay which the previous
summer had been cut and stacked, Mr. Ladd was
killed by Indians. There were four of them in the
party, Samuel Ladd and his son, and Jonathan
Haynes and his son. Jonathan Haynes was also
killed. The children of Samuel and Martha (Cor-
liss) Ladd were: Daniel, born Nov. 19, 1676, mar-
ried Nov. 17, 1 70 1, Susannah Hartshorn; Lydia,
born Sept. 25, 1679, died May 22, 1684; Samuel
born May 22, 1682, married Sept. 26, 1705,
Hanna Hartshorn ; Nathaniel, born Sept. 9,
1684. married Abigail Bodwell ; Ezekiel, born
Feb. 14, 1686, married Jemima Foster, of
Boxford ; David, born April 13, 1689, is
mentioned below ; Jonathan, born April 13,
1689, married Susanna Kingsbury ; Abigail, born
Sept. 29, 1691, married Samuel Roberts; John, born
June 22, 1694, married Mary Merrill ; Joseph, born
May 16, 1697, died June 9, 1697.
(III) David Ladd, of Haverhill, born April 13,
1689, married Oct. 1, 1716, Hepzibah Hazen, of
Rowley. She died March 20, 1728, and he married
(second) March 20, 1729, Mary Waters, of Col-
chester, Conn. Their children were: Azulah, born
Nov. 13, 1717, married Oct. 6, 1741, Daniel Allen;
Hepzibah, born July 12, 17 19, married Feb. 9,
1743, Alex Gaylord ; Bethsheba was born July 6,
1721 ; Jeremiah, born Oct. 8, 1723, married Nov. 21,
1748, Jerusha Sabin ; Hannah, born in October,
1725, married Nov. 9, 1749, Seth Allen ; David,
born Dec. 10, 1727, is mentioned below (all born
to first marriage) ; Samuel, born June 7, 1730. mar-
ried Jan. 10, 1757, Hannah Hyde; Ezekiel. born
Aug. 6, 1731. married Jan. 1, 1759, Ruth Hyde;
Joseph, born April 20, 1733, married Jan. 16, 1763,
Silence Hyde; Daniel, born Jan. 8, 1735, married
Hannah Boynton; Abigail, born March 20, 1738,
married Joseph Sampson ; and Abner. born May
n, 1740, married Jan. 26, 1764, Abigail Perkins.
(IV) David Ladd (2), of Franklin, Conn., born
Dec. 10. 1727, married May 16, 1752, Mary Wal-
bridge, of Norwich, Conn. She died June 12, 1761.
and he married (second) Oct. 28, 1765, Eunice
Guild, who died March 2^ 1796. Mr. Ladd died
April 28, 1796. His children were: Eunice, born
Feb. 22, 1753, died Jan. 7, 1754; William, born
Sept. 27, 1754, died Oct. 5, 1776; Roger was born
Aug. 6, 1757; Eunice was born July 3, 1759; Tem-
perance was born May 14, 1761 ; John was born
Oct. 15, 17^7; Charlotte, born Oct. 16, 1769, mar-
ried Elijah Blackman; Hazen, born July 31, 1771,
is mentioned below; Whiting was born Dec. 30,
l77Z> Caroline. Feb. 15. 1775; and Charles. April
30, 1780 (married Lydia Wales).
(V) Hazen Ladd, of Franklin, Conn., born July
31, 1771, in Franklin, died there April 21, 1834. On
April 8, 1792, he married Rhoda Smith, and their
children were: Anna, born Oct. 7, 1793; Harriet,
Dec. 9, 1794; Marvin, April 4, 1796 (married Bet-
sey Smith) ; Clarissa, April 1, 1799; Calvin, Aug.
i(>, 1800 (married Lois Hazen) ; Septa, Dec. 6,
1801 (married Patta Ladd) ; Israel S., Jan. 4,
1804; Almira K., Aug. 18, 1805 (married a Bel-
lows) ; Pelatia A., Jan. 9, 1807; Betsey ( )., Jan. 29,
1809; Charles, Oct. 16, 1811 (died May 12, 1812) ;
and Adeline, April 27, 1812.
(VI) Israel Smith Ladd, of Franklin, Conn.,
was born there Jan. 4, 1804, and married Jan. 21,
1828, Lurinda Ladd, who was born in Franklin,
Conn., and died in Sprague, Conn. She was a
daughter of Abner and Sally (Cook) Ladd, of
Franklin. Their children were : Abner, born Feb.
27, 1829, who died aged fourteen; Marvin, born
May 2, 1831 ; Andrew Jackson, born June 18. 1833,
who is mentioned elsewhere ; James Smith, born
July 6, 1835, who died aged seventeen years; John
Edwin, born Oct. 30, 1837, who died when twenty-
three years old ; and Ann Maria, born Dec. 8, 1840,
who died when one year old. The father of this
family died in April, i860, in Sprague, Conn. He
was engaged in farming, and by industry had
placed himself in comfortable circumstances. He
was a hard worker, and in early life quite rugged.
In disposition he was quiet and somewhat reserved.
His political sympathy was with the Democratic
partv, but he was not active in politics or in any
way desirous of taking part in public affairs.
Marvin Ladd, born May 2, 1831. in Franklin,
Conn., received his education in the district schools
in his native town. Leaving school when between
fifteen and sixteen years old, he went into the mill
(woolen) at Baltic, where he worked for about
seven years, the last two years having charge of the
"carding" department. He then came to Mont-
ville, and for two years had charge of the carding
department of O. F. Smith & Co. He next went to
Griswold, and had charge of the carding and spin-
ning at the Hopeville mill for seven years, after
which he went to New London, in 1863. and for a
few months had charge of carding and spinning in
the woolen mill run by Francis B. Loomis. He then
went to Sprague and was in charge of carding and
spinning in Col. Ethan Allen's woolen mill, at Han-
over, where he remained for three years. His next
location was at ( )ccum, in town of Norwich, where
he had charge of spinning and carding, having
started the first machine in the mill of R. G. Hooper
& Co. After remaining there about three years he
7i8
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
went with the King Woolen Co., who had a mill at
Eagleville, now Versailles, where he remained in
charge of the carding for about eight months, until
the mill changed hands. Then he came to Mont-
ville and took charge of the carding in the Pequot
Woolen Mill, where he remained about six years.
At this time he took up his residence in Montville,
where he resided until January, 1905, when he re-
moved to New London, and is now living retired.
After leaving the Pequot mill Mr. Ladd went to
Stafford Springs and had charge of the carding
in the Julius Converse mill, where he continued
for about eight months, at the end of that time re-
turning to Montville and taking charge of carding
and spinning in the R. G. Hooper & Co. mill at
Palmertown, where he remained for ten years, in
1887 retiring from the mill work. He conducted
a small farm of fifteen acres until his removal to
New London. Mr. Ladd is a Republican in political
sentiment. He attends the Methodist Episcopal
Church of Uncasville, of which his wife is a mem-
ber, and he serves as trustee of the church.
Mr. Ladd was married, Nov. 19, 1856, to Abby
Jane Church, of Norwich, Conn., daughter of Al-
fred and Abigail (Coon) Church, and to this union
have come children as follows: (1) John Edwin
died aged one and one-half years. (2) Frank M.
is mentioned below. (3) Arthur James, born June
5, 1872, in Montville, attended the LJncasville
schools, then went to Norwich Free Academy for
four years, graduating in 1891, and subsequently
entered the Scientific School of Yale University,
whence he was graduated in 1894. He then became
assistant superintendent of Booth Bros, quarries,
in Waterford, later became superintendent, and
after a time went to Senora, Mexico, where he was
assistant manager of the Melczer Mining Co. He
remained there about one year, when the mines
were shut down, and has since been associated
with his brother, Frank M. In May, 1904, at the
organization of the F. M. Ladd Construction Co.,
he was elected secretary of the company. He has
immediate charge of the mechanical drawings of
the company. He is unmarried.
Frank Marvin Ladd was born in Hanover,
town of Sprague, New London Co., Conn., Oct. 7,
1865. When he was about seven years of age his
parents removed to Montville, Conn., and there his
schooling was begun. He later entered the Nor-
wich Free Academy, from which he was graduated
in 1884, after which he became a student of the
Institute of Technology, of Boston, Mass., from
which he was graduated in 1888. He then became
superintendent of the Millstone Quarries, in the
town of Waterford, remaining in that capacity for
twelve years, a portion of which time was spent ki
New York in the interests of his firm. In 1900 he
started in business on his own account, purchasing
the monumental business of the late Charles F.
Stoll, on Bank street, which he has since very suc-
cessfully conducted. He also branched out in the
general contracting and construction business in
1903, and in 1904 was incorporated the F. M. Ladd
Co., general contractors and builders, with a cap-
ital stock of $50,000, of which Mr. Ladd was elected
president and treasurer. This company is prepared
to take contracts for construction of any size. Its
first contract, and one that will stand as a monu-
ment to its ability for doing fine work, is the New
London Savings Bank building on North Main
street, one of the very finest bank structures in
Connecticut. Mr. Ladd gives employment to about
forty hands in his monumental business, and about
sixty are engaged by the construction company,
about 100 in all. His success is another evidence
of what can be accomplished by a young man with
pluck and perseverance, who is willing to wrork
hard for good returns. The concern of which he is
the practical head is the foremost one of its kind
in eastern Connecticut.
Socially Mr. Ladd is a member of several fra-
ternal organizations. He is affiliated with Brainard
Lodge, No. 102, F. & A. M. ; Union Chapter, No.
7. R. A. M. ; Cushing Council, No. 4, R. & S. M. ;
and Palestine Commandery, No. 6, K. T., of New
London. In the Chapter he has served as Captain
of the Hosts, and in the commandery he has been
Captain General. He is also a member of Pequot
Lodge, No. 85, I. O. O. F., of New London ; of the
B. P. O. Elks, of New London ; and of the Thames
Club, of New London, of which in 1904 he was
elected president. Mr. Ladd is a stanch Repub-
lican, and has served the city of New London as
alderman from the Fifth ward, and was water com-
missioner of the city for two years. In 1904 he
was the Republican candidate for mayor of the city,
but was defeated by a small majority.
Mr. Ladd was married, Nov. 19, 1889, to Ida
L. Church, daughter of Norman B. Church, of
Montville, and they have had four children, Mer-
rill (who died young), Marian (who died young),
Herbert and Stanley.
NOYES. The Noyes family is one of the oldest
in Lyme, New London county, where Rev. Moses
Noyes was the first pastor of the Congregational
Church. Lyme was incorporated as a town in 1667,
and the year previous Rev. Moses Noyes settled
there as spiritual director of the people. His first
church was a rude log cabin, but he preached the
gospel in its purity, and laid a strong and deep foun-
dation of religious teaching in the hearts of the
people.
(II) Moses Noyes was born in Newbury, Mass.,
Dec. 6, 1643, son °f (I) Rev- James Noyes, who
came from England in 1634, with his younger
brother, Nicholas, and his cousin, Thomas Parker.
James Noyes was educated in Brasenose College,
Oxford, and then became assistant to Mr. Parker
in his school. He married Sarah, eldest daughter
of Joseph Brown, of Southampton, and soon after-
ward came to America, where he was associated with
)-&>zw
fT-f^Z^
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
719
Mr. Parker in the pastorale of the Newbury Church.
He was a man of singular gifts, of great piety and
unswerving truthfulness, and was an implacable
enemy of all heresy and schism. He had a rarely
tenacious memory, and profound judgment, and was
known and honored for his great resolution and
courage. Mr. Parker, who was a bachelor, and
made his home with Mr. Noyes, was a graduate of
Magdalen College, Oxford, and under his instruc-
tion .Moses and James, sons of Rev. James Noyes,
were fitted for Harvard. They entered college at
the very early ages of twelve and fifteen, and grad-
uated in [659. James Noyes was called to the
Church in Stonington, in 1664, and accepted and
became its pastor in 1674.
At the age of nineteen A loses Noyes was invited
to preach in the North Church in Boston, and sev-
eral of his sermons delivered in that church are in
the possession of the family of one of his lineal
descendants, the late Mrs. Ellen N. Chadwick, of
Lyme. He came to Lyme in 1666, and for over
twenty years taught and guided the people, en-
couraging them to form a church society, and
build a place of worship. It was not until 1693,
however, that the church was formally organized,
and Mr. Noyes elected as pastor. The place selected
for the meeting-house was on the brow of one of the
beautiful hills overlooking Long Island Sound, and
at the mouth of the Connecticut river. Why the
church was not organized earlier, in a place where
public worship was maintained and the minister sup-
ported, is an unsolved problem, the early records
of both church and town having been lost. In the
same year as that in which the church was organized
Mr. Noyes had the honor of preaching the election
sermon, wdiich was printed in Boston and distributed
through the Colony. In 1708 he was deputed by
the council of New London to attend the meeting of
the Synod in Saybrook, in September, of that vear,
for the purpose of forming the "Saybrook Plat-
form." At this meeting his brother James was
senior moderator.
Rev. Moses Noyes was a man of mark among
the clergy of the Colony, a man of extensive learn-
ing, a judicious divine, a strict Calvinist in doctrine,
and withal an excellent Christian. His duties as
both preacher and pastor were faithfully performed,
and he left to Lyme the memory of a highly culti-
vated and dignified Christian minister. He married
Ruth, daughter of John Pickett, of New London,
and great-granddaughter of Elder Brewster, of
"Mayflower" fame. They had four children. Moses,
John, Ruth and Sarah. Rev. Moses Noyes died in
1729, at the age of eighty-six. The house in which
he lived stood until 1814, when it was taken down
and a new one built near the old site. The house and
lands have remained in the possession of the family,
being at present the property of Walter Chadwick
Noyes, who is also the owner of the staff used by
this venerated ancestor.
From Rev. Moses Noyes the line is continued
through (III) Moses, who married Mary Ely, of
Lyme ; ( IV ) Judge William Noyes, son of the fore-
going, who married Eunice Marvin; and (V) Capt.
Joseph Noyes, son of Judge William, who married
in 1786. Jane, daughter of Capt. Enoch and Hepzi-
bah ( .Marvin) Lord. Capt. Joseph died in August,
1820, and his wife, who was born Aug. 13, 1764,
died in 1843.
(VI) Richard Noyes, son of Capt. Joseph, was
born Jan. 12, 1787, and became a physician. He
married (first) March 31, 1814, Martha, daughter
of Col. Thomas and Lydia (Rogers) Noyes, of
Westerly, R. I., and second Dorothy (Gates) Grif-
lin, of East Haddam.
(VII) Richard Noyes (2), son of Richard, was
born Feb. 9, 1831, and married in his native town
Catherine DeWolf, daughter of Capt. Daniel and
Nancy (Waite) Chadwick. She was born in Old
Lyme, Aug. 17, 1836, and died March 17, 1904.
Richard Noyes passed all his life in Old Lyme,
where he was a farmer. He died there July II, 1894.
(VIII) Walter Chadwick Noyes, son of Rich-
ard (2), was born in Old Lyme, Aug. 8, 1865. His
early education was obtained at a private school in
Lyme and in a preparatory school at Gouverneur,
N. Y., after which he entered Cornell University.
In 1883 he began the study of law with Hon. Daniel
Chadwick of Old Lyme, and Samuel Park of New
London, and in 1886 was admitted to the Bar in
New London county. On Feb. 1, 1895, he was
elected judge of the court of common pleas, being
re-elected in 1899, and again in 1903. He is a mem-
ber of the well-known law firm, Brandegee, Noyes
& Brandegee, established in 1891, and is president
of the New London Northern Railroad Company. A
work by Judge Noyes entitled "A Treatise on the
Law of Intercorporate Relations" was published in
1902 by Little, Brown & Co., of Boston. This trea-
tise has won the encomiums of Bench, Bar and press,
and has already run through three editions.
Judge Noyes married in New London, Oct. 22,
1895, Luella Shapley Armstrong, daughter of Ben-
jamin A. Armstrong, and they have two children,
Marian Armstrong and Catherine Chadwick.
(VI) Enoch Noyes, another son of Capt. Joseph
and Jane (Lord) Noyes, was born in Lyme Aug.
27> T7^9- a"d married (first) June 29, 1820, Cla-
rissa Dutton. She was born Nov. 2j, 1798. and
died Aug. 6, 1836. Enoch Noyes lived until Feb.
17, 1877. He married (second) Dec. 10, 1840.
Catherine Lord, who was born March 7. 1807. and
died Nov. 2-,, 1844. The children of his first union
were as follows: Abby S.. born May 27, 1822. died
July 20, of the same year ; Clarissa D.. born Aug.
1 1, 1823, died when three days old ; Ellen, born Nov.
15, 1824, died June 15. 1900 (she married
I Ion. Daniel Chadwick, and they had three children.
Charles Noyes, Anna Bertha and Ernest) ; Henry,
born Sept. 17. 1826, married Mary J. Ely. and had
one child, John E. ; Charles R.. born Oct. 16. 1828,
is mentioned below; Enoch, Jr., born Nov. 8, 1830.
720
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
married Laura Banning, and died June 23, 1897,
leaving eight children ; Martha, horn March 9, 1833,
died Sept. 7, 1874; and Sarah, born July 30, 1836,
died Sept. 29, of the same year. With the exception
of six years when his parents lived in East Haddam,
Enoch Noyes spent his entire life in Old Lyme, en-
gaged in farming. His early school days were
passed in Lyme, and later he attended the famous
Bacon Academy at Colchester. In 1820 he built the
home now occupied by his son Charles R., the tim-
bers of the house and barn having been blown down
in the September gale of 1815. He was an old line
Whig, and later a Republican, but was not an office-
seeker. His only public position was that of con-
stable, which he held for a time, during which he
was obliged to punish an offender by whipping him
at the post, under the old Connecticut law. Mr.
Noyes and his wife were both members of the Con-
gregational Church at Old Lyme, in whose ceme-
tery they are buried.
(VII) Charles R. Noyes, second son of Enoch
and Clarissa (Dutton) Noyes, was born in the
house in which he has ever since lived, and since
he was seven years old he has never been away from
home three weeks. He received his education in
the schools of Old Lyme and New London, and was
a student for a time at the old academy in Lyme.
Since coming of age he has carried on the home farm
of 125 acres. He has always been an active worker,
and has a strong liking for his chosen occupation
of farming. He is a Republican in politics, and has
served as town treasurer and selectman for several
years. Many years ago he acted as highway sur-
veyor.
(VII) Ellen Noyes, third daughter of Enoch and
Clarissa (Dutton) Noyes, was born in Lyme, and
married, March 21, 1849, Hon. Daniel Chadwick,
son of Capt. Daniel and Nancy (Waite) Chadwick,
of Lyme. Hon. Daniel Chadwick was United
States District Attorney, and a prominent man in
his profession. Mrs. Chadwick died June 15, 1900.
Their children were : Charles Noyes, of Brooklyn,
N. Y. ; Anna Bertha, of Old Lyme ; and Ernest, of
New London.
(VII) Henry Noyes, eldest son of Enoch and
Clarissa (Dutton) Noyes, was born in Lyme in the
house near the Ferry, which is now the residence
of his brother, Charles R. He attended the old
academy in Lyme, and until he was twenty-one re-
mained on the home farm. In 1850 he went to Cali-
fornia by way of the Isthmus, and remained in the
West for nearly eleven years. He occupied himself
in mining, salmon fishing and hunting big game,
in California, Oregon and Washington, sometimes
earning $100 a day shooting game. He was on
his way home from California when the Civil
war broke out, and he bought a fine farm on
Alt. Ararat, at Port Deposit, Md., which he culti-
vated for four years. After the war he returned to
( )ld Lyme, and bought the old Richard Lord place
on the Neck, where he has since resided.
Henry Noyes married, in Baltimore, Md., Nov.
19, 1 86 1, Mary J., daughter of John Noyes and
Eliza (Baker) Ely, and they have one son, John
Ely, born in Baltimore, Sept. 29, 1862. Mr. Noyes
has always been a Republican in politics, and since
returning to Lyme has served as constable, tax col-
lector and selectman.
RANSOM SANFORD SHOLES was born in
Lisbon, Feb. 16, 1839, son °f Francis Jeremiah and
Hannah (Stanton) Sholes, sketch of whom appears
elsewhere. He was brought by his parents in his in-
fancy to Preston, the district schools of which
town afforded him a substantial education. At the
age of sixteen he began work on the home farm,
becoming while yet in his youth a thorough and
practical farmer. By the careful husbanding of his
earnings he has been enabled to purchase land of his
own, and now has 275 acres of the home farm, where
he resides, and about twenty-five acres outlying.
With his farming he has also carried on, for about
twenty years, a milk route in Norwich, supplying
customers from about forty cows. He has made a
careful study of up-to-date methods, and has one of
the best places in the town.
Like all his family, Mr. Sholes is an uncompro-
mising Democrat, and as a member of the board of
assessors, board of relief, and as tax collector, he
has given good service to his town.
On March 30, 1864, Mr. Sholes was married to
Armida Sweet, daughter of Dr. Stephen Sweet, the
famous bone-setter of Lebanon, Conn. Eight chil-
dren have blessed their union : Evelyn, who died
young; Ada, who died young; Ransom, a plumber
in Norwich, who married Mira Crouch ; Ebenezer,
born 1 87 1, who married Lulu Bentley, of Norwich,
and died in Preston in 1897, at the age of twenty-six
years ; Idelia, who married Guy H. Melvin, of New
Britain, and has one daughter, Clarice L. ; Everett,
of Hartford, who married Jeannette Griffin, and has
one daughter; and Mildred and Clarence, at home.
Mr. and Mrs. Sholes hold a prominent social posi-
tion in the town, and are regarded as among the
substantial good citizens of the place.
GEORGE SHARPE BYLES, member of the
firm of J. P. Barstow & Co., Norwich, dealers in
stoves, agricultural implements, tinware, plumbing,
etc., is a well known business man of that city, where
his upright methods and progressive enterprising
spirit have made him universally esteemed. He is
a native of Ashford, Windham Co., Conn., son of
Deacon Andrew H. and Martha H. (Sharpe) Byles.
The Byles family is an old one in Ashford, where
five generations have occupied the same farm.
(I) Josias Byles, the American ancestor of the
family, came from London to Gravesend, Mass., in
the ship "Edward and Mary," the vessel arriving
on the American coast in May, 1692. Josias Byles
had married in England Sarah Hartwell, in 1681,
and their seven children were: Josias (2), born
^2^-^i^^/^
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
-j i
Dec. 30, [681 ; Sarah, born Sept. 31,. [683; John,
born Feb. 18, 1684; Thomas, born April 29, [686;
William, born Sept. 5, [687; Mary, born May 23,
1689; ami a daughter that died at the same time as
the mother, Dec. [6, [691. For bis second wife
Josias Byles married Sarah Davis, who was born it:
Oxford, England. Five children were born of this
union: A son that lived only two days; Samuel,
born Oct. 4. [696; James, born ( >ct. 7. [699; Sarah
born Sept. 24. 1701 ; and Samuel, born Jan. 31,
1702. The third wife of Josias Byles was Elizabeth
Mather, and the one child born to this union was
Mather, born March 15, 1706.
( II ) Josias Byles ( 2) was born Dec. 30. 1681, in
Staffordshire. England, and accompanied It's father
to America. ( )n June 5. 1705, he married Abigail
Callender, who was born in Boston March [8, 1082.
Their children were: One that died unnamed, born
March 29, 1706: Mary, born Nov. 3. 1707: James,
born Jan. 14. 1709; Abigail, born Nov. 17. 1712:
Sarah, born Jan. 16, 1715: Rebecca, born Feb. 21,
1717: Elisha, born Feb. 25, 1719; and Ebenezer,
born March 26, 1723.
( III ) Ebenezer Byles was born in Boston March
26, 1723, and in March, 1743. he removed to Ash-
ford, Conn., where he spent the remainder of his
life. He died Nov. 12, 1805. On Nov. 28, 1745,
he married Anna Bushnell, who was born Oct. 1,
1726, and who died April 25. 1776. Their children
were: Anna, born May 17, 1749; Abigail, born
March 26, 17-51 ; Mary, born March 26, 1753 ; Josias.
born Nov. T3. T756; Sarah, born Nov. 10, 1758; and
Mary, born Nov. 19, 1762.
(IV) Josias Byles, born Nov. 13, 1756, married
on Nov. 18, 177c;. Abigail Clark, who died Jan. 5,
1829. He died June 25, 1834. Their children were:
Ebenezer. born July 4. 1780: Nancy, born Dec. 16,
1781 ; Sallie. born Sept. 30. 1785. died in infancy;
Elisha, born Jan. 28, 1788: Roxanna, born April 5,
1789, died in infancy: Patty, born March 27, 1792:
Sarah (or Sallie), born Nov. 27, 1793: Roxanna
(2), born Aug. 25, 1796; and Abigail, born Tan.
14. 1799.
( \ ) Elisha Byles, born Jan. 28. 1788, became a
prominent resident of Ashford, being active in the
affairs of the town, where he held a number of
offices. For many years before his death he was a
deacon in the Congregational Church. He died
May 23. 1869, at the age of eighty-one years, and
was buried then in a private cemetery near his
farm. Elisha Byles was twice married. On Jan.
28, 1813, he wedded Sophia Huntington, who be-
came the mother of all his children, and who died
Nov. 7, 1849. He married (second) on Oct. 16,
1850. at Chaplin, Conn.. Anna Holt Kendall Work.
She died Sept. 28, 1883. His children were:
Josias, born March 3T, 1814, married Olive Averill,
and was a successful physician in Clinton, Conn.,
where he died; Abigail, born Nov. T, [816, married
Stephen Whiton, and resided in Westford, Conn. :
Lucy, born Sept. 15, 1819, married Amos Wood,
46
and lived in Worcester, Mass., where he died, after
which she returned to Ashford, and there died; An-
drew Huntington, horn ( >ct. 3, [820, is mentioned
below ; Zerviah, born Dec. 31, [831, married Charles
I). Eager, and lived in Worcester, and later in
Hartford and Ashford. dying at the latter place.
(\1) Deacon Andrew Huntington Byles was
born ( let. 3, [820, on the old home farm in Ashford,
which is located on the turnpike between Ashford
Centre and Warrenville. He was brought up t»
very practical knowledge of farm work, which.
how< ver, in his younger days did not appeal to him.
as he had a great desire to enter the medical pro-
fession. This boon was denied him as his assistance
was needed by his father at home. His education
was acquired in the common schools, and for several
years he taught school in Ashford and surrounding
towns. The old farm continued to he his home, and
he assisted very materially in its management until
after the death of his father, when it became his by
inheritance. He resided there until [888, when he-
removed to Willimantic and made that city his home
until his death May 17, 1894. His remains rest in
the family burying ground near the old farm in
Ashford. Mr. Byles was active in public affairs,
first as a Whig and later as a Republican. He served
as town clerk, and also held other offices in Ashford,
giving the utmost satisfaction in whatever public
p< isition he was called upon to fill. In his early man-
hood he united with the Congregational Church in
Ashford. and never lost his interest in religious
matters. He succeeded his father as deacon of the
Church, and continued to serve in that capacity
until his removal to Willimantic, when he resigned.
For many years he was clerk and treasurer of the
Church. He was a man of fine character with lofty
ideals, and being possessed of good judgment and
rare tact, he was a power in the community in which
he lived, and he was greatly respected. In Pom fret,
Conn., on Feb. 18, 1852, he was married to. Martha
H. Sharpe, a native of Abington Society, Pomfret,
born Dec. 20, 1831, daughter of Judge George and
Lucretia (Robinson) Sharpe, and granddaughter of
Robert Sharpe, who enlisted from Pomfret for serv-
ice in the Revolutionary army. A sister i^\ Mrs.
Byles, Abigail, is the widow of John P. Barstow,
of Norwich. Mrs. Byles now makes her home in
Willimantic. To Deacon Andrew II. Byles and
wife were born the following, family: George
Sharpe, born March 1, 1853; Emma Lucretia, born
Sept. 19, [856, married. Oct. 29, 1881, Francis G.
Carpenter, of Wethersfield, born Sept. 10. 1855, and
has had four children: George Francis (horn Aug.
23, 1887. died the same day), Harriet Louise (born
Jan. 3. 1881,), died July 20, 1889), Frederick Scar-
borough (born March I, [891) and Merrick l.yles
(born Nov. 23. [892); Abigail 11., born Feb. 20,
[860, married. \^cc. 29, [886, Frederick E. Brown,
of Bridgeport, Conn., born Feb. 18. 1857. and has
two children: Ruth Morris (born Nov. 24. 1887)
and Richard Huntington (born July 4. 1890) ; Lucy
722
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
S., born. Feb. 3, 1862, married, Dec. 20, 1894, Frank
M. Wilson, born March 20, 1849. a prominent drug-
gist at Willimantic, where he died May I, I9°°>
leaving two children : Dorotha (bom Aug. 3, 1896)
and Milton Andrew (born Dec. 10, 1897).
(VII) George Sharpe Bvles was born at the old
family home in Ashford March 1, 1853, and he
-passed his boyhood and youth amid scenes familiar
in like periods of life to "his father and grandfather,
-and endeared by long association. His education
was acquired in the district school, and as needed,
he lent his assistance in the work of the homestead
until in December, 1873, when he first came to Nor-
wich, where he accepted a clerkship in the store of
his uncle John P. Barstow, with whom he made his
home. For three years he applied himself indus-
triously to learn the details of the business and as
well to master the ways of the commercial world.
In March, 1876, he and Frank H. Smith were taken
into partnership, and the firm became J. P. Barstow
& Co., and although Mr. Barstow joined the silent
majority in 1893 the firm name remains unchanged,
and is the second oldest on Water street. The estab-
lishment is one of the best known business houses
in the city, and it has a high commercial rating,
being the most extensive of its kind in eastern Con-
necticut. Its business principles are sound, based
on courtesy and integrity, and through the long
years of it's existence the firm has borne a most
enviable reputation.
In Mansfield, Conn., Mr. Byles was married to
Mary Eva Hooker, who was born in that town Jan.
15, 1854. daughter of Lothrop and Rachel (Sholes)
Hooker, the former of whom was a leading citizen
and manufacturer at Mt. Hope. Three children
blessed this union: (1) Robert Hooker, born in
September, 1878, received his education in the Nor-
wich Free Academy, and in Norwich learned the
business of an undertaker. He is now located in
Lewiston, Maine. Fraternally he is a Mason, affil-
iated with Somerset Lodge, F. & A. M., Franklin
Chapter and Franklin Council. (2) Harold Hun-
tington, born March 30, 1883, died April 5, 1893.
(3) Everette Barstow, born Feb. 28, 1890, is attend-
ing high school.
In his political principles Mr. Byles is a Repub-
lican, but he has always declined to assume the
responsibilities entailed by office holding. He is a
32d degree Mason, belonging to Somerset Lodge,
No. 34, F. & A. M., and to Sphinx Temple of the
Mystic Shrine at Hartford. He also belongs to
Norwich Lodge, No. 284, New England Order of
Protection, and to the Ancient Order of United
Workmen. Socially he is enrolled in the Arcanum
Club. The religious connection of the family is
with the Broadway Congregational Church. In
1887 Mr. Byles erected his handsome residence at
No. 21 Hamlin street, Norwich, which was one of
the first built in that vicinity, and there he and his
family dispense abundant hospitality to their many
friends, with whom they are justly popular.
JOHNSON. The Johnson family is one of the
oldest in New London county, where its representa-
tives have been known for generations as quiet,
frugal and exemplary Christian people. The branch
here followed out is that to which belonged the late
Dr. Samuel Johnson, who was one of the most highly
esteemed citizens of Bozrah, and his two sons now
living there, Drs. Samuel Gager and Nathan John-
son. Col. Jehiel Johnson and family also belong to
this branch.
(I) The first of this name in New England of
whom there is any authentic mention was John
Johnson, who, in 1663, was granted a portion of
land in Norwich West Farms, now Franklin, near
Blue Hill, part of his land extending into New Con-
cord (now Bozrah), Conn. His will, made in
1716, divided his property between his wife, Susan-
nah, and numerous children.
(II) Ebenezer Johnson, son of John, born in
1693, died April 13, 1770, aged eighty-six years. On
( )ct. 29, 1 71 7, he married Deborah Champion, who
was born in 1696, and died Aug. 2", 1778, at the
age of eighty-two. Their children were : Deborah,
born Sept. 15, 1718; Hannah, Dec. 31, 1720; Su-
sannah, July 7, 1723; Isaac, Feb. 9, 1728 (who died
May 3, 1728); Deacon Isaac; Ebenezer, Feb. 25,
1731 ; Bethiah, April 16, 1734; and Mary, April 7,
1/38.
(III) Ebenezer Johnson, born Feb. 25, 1731,
was married Nov. 7, 1759, to Anna Willes. He was
a farmer and resided on the farm occupied by
Charles A. Johnson, in Bozrah. He died Dec. 1 1,
1804, aged nearly seventy-four, and his wife died
Dec. 31, 1809, aged seventy-five. They had the fol-
lowing children: (1) Susanna, born Sept. 22, 1760,
married Col. Hough, of Bozrah, and died Nov. 15,
1841. (2) Col. Jehiel, born Sept. 16, 1762, married
Jerusha Lathrop, resided on the homestead in Boz-
rah, and died Jan. 28, 1825. (3) Anna, born Feb.
15, 1765, married Ebenezer Tillotson, and died Oct.
22, 1822. (4) Ebenezer, born June 24, 1767, mar-
ried Experience Gifford, and died July 23, 1850.
(5) Hannah, born Oct. 4, 1770, married Capt. Ben-
jamin Tracy, and died Oct. 9, 1822. (6) Isaac was
born July 24, 1773.
(IV) Isaac Johnson, youngest of the above fam-
ily, was a farmer, and resided on what was then
known as the Burchard homestead. He later moved
to a house on the opposite side of the road, and there
resided the rest of his life, dying there April 10,
1822. The house in which he resided the latter
years of his life was burned in June, 1870; the cel-
lar yet marks the site. He married Phebe Burch-
ard, whom he survived. Their children were as
follows: (1) Orimel, born Feb. 8, 1796, married
Artimisa Armstrong, and resided on the homestead,
where he died May 16, 1869. (2) Susan, born June
18, 1798, married Ebenezer Tillotson, a farmer, and
removed to Canajoharie, N. Y., where she died
Sept. 18, 1863. (3) Jerusha, born Mav 16, 1800,
died May 29, 1801. (4) Jehiel, born 'March 19,
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
7^3
1802, died July 29, r86i. He married Jerusha
Whiting, and a sketch of him and his family is
found elsewhere. (5) Samuel was born July 1,
1805. (6) Ebenezer Tracy, born Aug. 9, 1807,
a fanner, married Sophronia Barnes, and removed
to Canajoharie, X. Y., where he died March 4,
1880. (7) Hannah, born Dec. 22, 1810, married
Nathan Bingham, and went to Canajoharie, X. V.
She died Feb. 18, 1875, at Oneonta. (8) Jerusha
L.. born Dec. 16, 1812, married Cyprian L. Whit-
ing, and resided in Bozrah, later moving to Wis-
consin, where she died, in Warsaw, Dec. 14, 1888.
(9) A son, born Oct. 20, 1815, died in infancy.
Dr. Samuel Jonxsox was born July 1, 1805,
in the old homestead at Bozrah, and attended the
district school and a select school at Norwich kept
by a Mr. Foster. He became a cripple in boyhood
as a result of a* fever sore, and therefore could do
but little manual labor. Later in life this affliction
almost entirely disappeared. After leaving the
select school he taught school in the towns of Leb-
anon and Franklin for several terms, in this way
earning money to enable him to begin the study of
medicine, and with the financial assistance of an
aunt, the wife of Col. Jehiel Johnson, he was en-
abled to complete his course. He first began study
with Dr. Joseph Peabody, of Montville, with whom
he remained three years. He then entered the med-
ical department at Yale, from which he was gradu-
ated March 4, 1829, the day Gen. Andrew Jackson
was inaugurated President of the United States.
When he left school he was in debt, but this he
soon paid off. He settled in Bozrah, in the imme-
diate neighborhood of his birthplace, and in a
short time had built up a flourishing practice. He
compounded many of his own medicines, was a man
not afraid of hard work, and, being conservative
in his business dealings, became a man of wealth.
After his marriage he purchased the Gurdon Meech
iarm, and there resided the rest of his life. He was
engaged in the practice of medicine for fifty years,
his death occurring Feb. 12, 1879. He was a man
much beloved and esteemed, and is held in loving
remembrance by all who knew him. Almost his
last words were these: "Give my love to all my
friends."
Until the day before his death, which occurred
suddenly, Dr. Samuel Johnson was actively en-
gaged in the practice of his profession. While
never a robust man, he possessed such energy and
endurance as overcame all physical obstacles. He
was particularly successful in fever cases, and had
a large practice that extended into many neighbor-
ing towns. His cheery good nature, which he often
succeeded in imparting to his patients, was an im-
portant factor in many cures. He was a well known
member of the Xew London County Medical So-
ciety. In early life he was a Whig, and later joined
the Republican party. In 1856 he was sent to the
Legislature, and he held many of the minor town
offices, declining the proffer of many others. Dr.
Johnson was a constant reader, and a man well in-
formed upon all subjects of general interest. He
was especially well versed in Scriptural subjects,
and enjoyed nothing so much as a lively and intelli-
gent discussion of such topics. He was one of the
most active members and liberal supporters of the
Bozrah Congregational Church.
Dr. Samuel Johnson married, in Bozrah, Cyn-
thia Maria Gager, who was horn in that town Feb.
3, 1816, daughter of Samuel and Cynthia Maria
( Meech) Gager. Mrs. Johnson survived her hus-
band, living until May 19, 1900, and is buried be-
side him in the cemetery near her old home. They
had the following children : ( 1 ) Samuel Gager,
born Feb. 8, 1845. died Aug. 28. 1845. (2) jan(-'
Maria, born March 1, 1846, died Feb. 5, 1872. (3)
Samuel Gager, born Xov. 15, 1848, is mentioned
below. (4) Nathan, born April 19, 1851, is men-
tioned below. (5) Edward, born Jan. 9, 1854. was
educated at Wilbraham Academy and the Connecti-
cut Literary Institute, at Suffield, became a farmer,
and lived on the homestead farm, where he died,
unmarried, Xov. 11, 1897.- (6) Charles A., born
Feb. 22, 1857, died April 10, 1858. (7) Delia E.,
born in December, i860, died Aug. 5, 1861.
( VI) Samuel Gager Johxsox, M. D., was born
in the same house in which he now lives, and at-
tended the district school, Wilbraham Academy,
and the academy at Durham, Conn., then in charge
of George H. Tracey. Previous to this and later
he taught school, in all four terms, in Bozrah and
Franklin. He began the study of medicine with
his father, and then entered the University of Xew
York, from which he was graduated, with the de-
gree of M. D., in June, 1877. He returned to his
home, and there has resided ever since, engaged in
the practice of medicine. In politics he is a Repub-
lican, and he has been active in town affairs, hold-
ing the office of judge of probate, and that of town
clerk, for several years. For several years he
served as member of the board of school visitors,
and for one term was first selectman. He is a
notary public, and has done much in the way of
settling estates, as trustee and as administrator. In
1888 he represented his town in the State Legisla-
ture, serving on the committee on Canvass of Votes
for Justice of the Peace.
Nathan Johnsox, M. D., was born at the
homestead, and attended the district school and
Durham Academy. Like his brother he began the
study of medicine in his father's office, interrupting
his studies by one term of school teaching at Boz-
rahville, after which he entered the medical depart-
ment of the University of Xew York, and was
graduated Feb. II, 1878. He settled first at Col-
chester, after a short time removing to College
Point. Long Island, where he practiced until
obliged by climatic trouble to give up work for a
time. He returned home, where he has since con-
724
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
tinued to reside. Since 1893, when the office was
created, he has been town health officer. In politics
lie is a Republican.
Drs. Samuel ( iager and Nathan Johnson are
men of wealth and position, and continue the prac-
tice of medicine rather from choice than of neces-
sity. They are careful and conservative business
men, and have added largely to the fine estate left
them by their father. As the wealthiest citizens of
the town, and as successful business men, their ad-
vice in business affairs is largely sought. Neither
of the doctors has married, and they are unassum-
ing men of quiet habits, fair and prompt in all their
dealings, as they expect others to be with them.
The Gager Family, of which Airs. Cynthia
Maria (Gager) Johnson, mother of Dr. Samuel
Gager and Dr. Nathan Johnson, was a member,
goes back, in America, to (I) Dr. William Gager.
He came to this country in [630, with Gov. Win-
throp. and died the same year, from disease con-
tracted at sea from poor diet, many of the emigrants
dying from the same malady. Contemporary rec-
ords speak of Dr. (iager as a skillful surgeon, a
right godly man and one of the deacons of the
church.
(II) John Gager, son of Dr. William, the
only child that has been traced, was one
of the company that settled at New Lon-
don with John Winthrop, the younger, and
his name is there found on the earliest list
of inhabitants extant. John Gagfer had a grant
from the town of Xew London of a farm of 200
acres, east of the river, near the straits, now in
Ledyard, Conn., to which he removed soon after
1650, and there dwelt until he joined in the set-
tlement of Norwich, removing thither. His house
lot in the new town bears the date of the oldest sur-
veys, viz., November, [659. In 1674 and 1688 he
was constable of Norwich, and died Dec. 10, T703,
at an old age, leaving two sons and one daughter,
one of the sons being Samuel (iager.
(III) Samuel (iager, in 1695. married Mrs. Re-
becca (Lay) Raymond, widow of Daniel Raymond.
Samuel Gager was a man of good repute and con-
siderable estate, a resident of the parish of New
Concord (now Bozrah), Conn., but was interred at
his own request in the old neglected graveyard in
the town of New London. His children were :
Elizabeth ; John ; Samuel ; William, who graduated
from Yale College in 1721, and was pastor at Leb-
anon, Conn., until his death, in 1739; Sarah ; Simon,
and Rebecca.
(IV) John (iager, the eldest son of Samuel, lo-
cated at what is now North Franklin (called Ga-
gertown), and his descendants were quite numerous
in that section.
(IV) Samuel (iager, son of Samuel, was born
in December, 1702, and never married until he
reached the age of seventy-two years. He followed
the occupation of farmer all his life, his home be-
ing the farm now occupied by his great-grandson,
Charles A. Gager. He died Aug. 11, 1783. His
wife was Hannah Caulkins, who died in November,.
1817. They had two children, Samuel, born Aug.
3, 1775. and William, May 25, 1777.
( V ) Capt. Samuel Gager, son of Samuel (2),
was put out to work when a small boy, in the family
of Deacon Johnson, of Franklin, where he remained
until he became of age. He then returned to Boz-
rah and located on the homestead until 1816, when
he completed and removed to the house now occu-
pied by John J. Gager, and there resided until his
death, ( )ct. 4, 1855. He was a captain in the local
militia. He held a number of town offices, and was
a member of the Bozrah Congregational Church.
He was married April 12, 1798, to Cynthia Maria
Meech, a native of Preston, Conn., who was born
( let. 4, 1777. daughter of Thomas and Lucretia
(Kimball) Meech, granddaughter -of Daniel and
Amy (Wilcox)- Meech, and great-granddaughter of
Stephen Meech (or Walbridge), who was the an-
cestor of the Meech family in America. See fur-
ther account of the family elsewhere. Mrs. Cynthia
Maria (Meech) (iager (lied Jan. 13, 1864.
The children of Capt. Gager were: (1) Hannah,
born April 13, 1799, married Rev. Jedediah L.
Stark, a Congregational minister, and" resided in
Herkimer county, X. V. (2) Charles, born March
8. 1801, died March II, 1806. (3) Samuel Austin,
born May 18, 1803, married Wealthy Ann Hunt-
ington, and resided in Bozrah. (4) Cynthia Maria,
born Oct. 12, 1807, died Dec. 10, 1814. (5) Charles
Alonzo, born March 15, 1814, graduated from Vale,
became a Congregational minister, and was a man
of much ability. He was traveling in Egypt and
died at Cairo, Nov. 16, 1841, unmarried. ((>) Cyn-
thia .Maria, born Feb. 3, 1816. married Dr. Samuel
Johnson. (7) John Jay, born June 8, 1818. died
Dec. 21, 182 1.
CHARLES MORGAN WILLIAMS, one of
the best known contractors and builders of Norwich,
Conn., is a thoroughly self-made man. From early
boyhood, he followed the habits of industry and
thrift, and his present standing in his line and com-
munity is the result of well directed efforts intelli-
gently planned. The family history is as follow s :
Robert Williams, born in 1598, in Great Yar-
mouth, England, married Elizabeth Stalham, of that
town, and sailed for America in the ship "Rose,"
landing in New England in 1635. His wife died July
28. i(>74, aged eighty years. He married again, it is
supposed, Martha Strong, who died Dec. 22, 1704.
He was a member of the Ancient and Honorable
Artillery Company of Boston, 1644, and he died
at Roxbury, Mass., Sept. I, 1693.
John Williams, son of Capt. Isaac, and grandson
of the emigrant Robert, removed to Stonington,
and there died in 1702. From him most of those
bearing the name in Eastern Connecticut are de-
scended.
Roger Williams, great-grandfather of Charles
Otito
fayu
Cwyi\
GESIiALOGICAL AND BIOGRAI'1 1ICAL RECORD.
7-'5
Morgan, was a farmer, and resided in what is now
the town of Ledyard, Conn., where he died April
15, [807, aged forty-three years. He married Lydia
Morgan, who survived him to an old age, dying ( >ct.
28, [838, aged seventy-three years. The children
horn of this union were: Mary R., born July 25,
[786, married Stephen Williams, and located at
Brooklyn, Pa.; Lydia, born Nov. 23, 1787, married
Ebenezer Stoddard, and died in Preston, Conn.:
Freelove, horn Aug. 7. 17s*), married Samuel
Brown, and located at Springville, Pa.; Clarissa,
born June, 1791. married John Baker, of Griswold;
Ephraim, horn Oct. 21, 17^4; Roger, horn Feb.
14, 171)7, married (first) Alary Hutchinson, (sec-
ond) Tlieda York (he was a carpenter in Ledyard,
hut later in East Lyme, where he died); Henry,
horn May 17, [799, married Ruby Rich, and died
in Springville, Pa. (he was a millwright by trade) ;
Shapley, horn in 1801, died young; Abby, horn in
[8 13, died young; Emily, horn March 25, 1807,
married Nathan Edgecomb, and resided in North
Stonington.
Ephraim Morgan Williams, grandfather of our
subject, was horn in North Groton, now Ledyard,
and followed the occupation of a farmer all his life.
He resided in that town until 1841, when he pur-
chased a farm in Montville, about one-half mile
south of Gardner's Lake, and there resided the re-
mainder of his life, dying May 13, 1880. His re-
main- were interred in Yantic cemetery. He was
always a Democrat, and in Montville he held a few-
minor offices. He served in the war of 181 2. being
called out twice, once to the defense of Stonington.
and again at New London. Eor many years he was
a pensioner of that war. In religious matters he
was a member of the Methodist Church, and was
much interested in church matters.
On Dec. 25. 1819, Mr. Williams married, in
Griswold. Mary Ann Spencer, who was born in
East Greenwich, R. L, daughter of Captain Rey-
nolds Spencer, for many years a sea captain, who
removed from East Greenwich, R. L, to Griswold.
1.. and there located on a farm, where he died.
He lived to an old age. and his remains lie in the
Pachaug cemetery, as do those of his wife. Marx-
Ann Spencer Williams was horn June 12. 1800. and
died May 20, 1887. at the Montville homestead, re-
taining her faculties to the last in a remarkable
degree. The children born of this marriage were:
Rachel Mary, horn June 8, 1821. never married, hut
resided at the homestead, where she died May 10.
I homas Bellows, born Feb. it, [823, married
Helen Brush, and resided in Dimock, la., where
he was a carpenter; Charles Henry, horn Feb. 14,
25, died in January, [826; Henry, horn Nov. 23,
[826; Lydia, horn Sept. 2. l82<j, died at the age of
twenty-five years; Susan Eliza, horn June 12. [831,
died soon after her sister Lydia ; Ephraim Morgan,
horn Oct. 28, [833, married Eveline B. Williams, of
Springville, Pa.; Roger S.. horn Jan. 2J . 1830. mar-
ried Celia Gates, was by trade a carpenter and
wagonmaker and resided at Montville, later at
Bozrah, and still later at Norwich Town, where he
died June I'.. [885; Amos, horn Feb. 5. [839, is a
will-known school teacher, and resides in Norwich,
unmarried.
Henry Williams was horn in Ledyard, and was
about fifteen years old when his parents removed to
Montville. Although he received only a common
school education, he added to hi- store of knowledge
by close observation, and remained at home until he
was nineteen, at which time he came to Norwich to
learn the trade of a carpenter, under Erastus Will-
iams, a well-known carpenter. Henry Williams
served an apprenticeship of three years, under him,
receiving but very small wage-, for the remuneration
at that time was scant. He followed his trade the
remainder of his life, becoming a builder and con-
tractor in Norwich, and he died Feb. 17. [886, and
was buried in Yantic cemetery.
Henry Williams was known as a skilled and con-
scientious workman, and at times in hi- contract
work, he employed a good sized force of men. to
whom he was a kind and generous employer. His
residence was for many years at Norwich Town,
but a few years he fore his death he removed to the
corner of Lafayette and Williams streets, and there
he died. In politics he was a Democrat, but never
cared for political office. In religious matters he
was a member of the Park Congregational Church.
ddie first marriage of Henry Williams was to
Mary Hull, daughter of Gardner Hull, of North
Stonington, who died March 27. 1871. aged forty-
three years, nine months. She bore him the follow-
ing children: Walter, who died young: Charles
Morgan; Henry F., who married Lina Rollinson,
of Norwich, and resides in Somerville, Mass.. where
he is a carpenter. The second wife ^\ Henry Will-
iams bore the maiden name of Elvira Lincoln, and
she came from Willimantic. After her death, he
married her sister. Miss Mary Lincoln, who survived
him and died in [904, in New Rochelle, New York.
Charles Morgan Williams was horn May 4,
[855, in Norwich, and received but a limited com-
mon school education. As soon as he was large
enough, he began to assist his father in his work, and
having a natural taste for mechanic-, it was an easy
matter f( ir him to learn the trade. 1 le remained with
his father until 'he became of age. and then worked
as a journeyman for some year-. Later he engaged
in contracting and building on his own account, and
was thus engaged until [898, when he formed with
Albert X. Carpenter, the firm of Carpenter & W 1-
liams, doing a general building business. This part-
nership was dissolved in June, 1004. since which
time Mr. Williams has been in the same line of
work as an individual.
On ( >ct. 30, 1878. Mr. Williams was united in
marriage with Ada La Pierre, daughter of Arnaud
and Sarah A. (Rathbun) La Pierre. The children
born to Mr. and Mrs. Williams are: Annie Louise,
who married Frederick M. Holmes, of New Britain,
720
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
Conn., and died June I, 1904, the mother of one
child— Ada Louise ; and Julian La Pierre, now at-
tending Norwich Free Academy.
In his political views Mr. Williams is independ-
ent, caring little for politics, his interest ending
with the casting of his vote for the man he considers
best fitted for the position. Fraternally he is a
member of the Royal Arcanum. He and his family
are attendants upon the services of the First Con-
gregational Church at Norwich Town, and are very
popular with the various members. His fine resi-
dence on North Washington street was erected by
him in 1894, and it stands on the exact spot where
formerly stood the house in which the traitor Bene-
dict Arnold was born.
Mr. Williams is a quiet, retiring man, of domes-
tic habits, who takes a great pride in his home and
family, and does not care for interests outside of
his business and his home. He is a thorough and
skilled workman ; demanding of his men the same
conscientious work he himself turns out, he can
always be relied upon to carry out to the letter any
contract he enters into, and he enjoys a well earned
reputation for reliability, promptness and skill.
Among his business associates, Mr. Williams is
very highly esteemed, for his honesty of purpose,
thoroughness in his methods of dealing, and his
pleasing personality, which not only gain their
confidence and patronage, but also their friendship.
PENDLETON. The Pendleton family is one
of the oldest in New England. The lineage here
given is that of the late Charles M. Pendleton, of
Bozrah, and his three sons, Alexander Bingham
and Charles Adam, who reside on Wawecus Hill,
and their younger brother, Claudius V., who re-
sides at Yantic.
(I) Brian Pendleton was the first of the name
to come to the United States, arriving at Water-
town, Mass., about 1630, in company with his wife,
Eleanor, and children, James and Mary. From
Watertown he moved to Ipswich, Mass., in 1648,
having made a brief stop at Sudbury, and from
Ipswich he removed to what is now Saco, Maine.
In 1654, in company with four others, he put a pe-
tition before the General Court for permission to
lay out the town of Portsmouth, N. H., from which
he was presently sent as a deputy to the General
Court. In 1655 he had charge of the fortification
of the harbor, and was commissioned major to drill
troops and perform other military duties. Ten vears
later Major Pendleton moved to Saco. and built
a house and blockhouse at Winter Harbor, which
is now called Biddeford Pool, where he dealt ex-
tensively in land. In company with others he bought
a township, six miles square. In T674 he bought
700 acres of land, now a part of Westerly, R. L,
which became a place of refuge for his descend-
ants. In 1670 "Maine was made a royal Colony,
and Major Pendleton was appointed" by King
Charles II deputy governor and first councilor. He
was also town treasurer, and represented the town;
in the General Court. In 1675, at the breaking out
of the Indian war, the settlers were driven from
the Province, and in the following year Major
Pendleton returned to Portsmouth, from which
point he addressed a petition to King Charles in
1680, the year of his death. His will bears the
date of Aug. 9, 1677. His wife Eleanor bore him
two children : Mary, who was married to Rev.
Seth Fletcher, of Wells, Maine, and had one son,
Pendleton, who served in the French war of 1697,
and was taken prisoner to Quebec, where he died ;
and James, who was born in England about 1628.
(II) James Pendleton accompanied his parents
to America, and finally settled on the land which
his father bought at Westerly, where he died. Mary,
his first wife, who died in 1655, bore him three
children: James, Mary and Hannah. Mr. Pendle-
ton was married (second) in 1656 to Hannah,
daughter of Edmund and Jane Goodnow, of Sud-
bury, Mass., by whom he had the following chil-
dren: Brian, born in 1659; Joseph, born in 1661 ;
Edmund, born in 1665 ; Ann, born in 1667; Caleb,
born in 1669; Sarah, born in 1674; Eleanor, born
in 1679; Dorothy, born in 1686; and Patience.
(III) Joseph Pendleton, the second member of
the above family, born at Sudbury, Mass., was a
farmer in Westerly, where he died in 1706. In
1696 he was married (first) to Deborah, daughter
of Ephraim Miner, of Stonington, Conn., and by
her had one child, Deborah, born in 1697. Mrs.
Pendleton died in 1697, and Mr. Pendleton was
married (second) in 1700 to Patience, daughter of
William Potts, of New London, Conn., and a cousin
of his first wife. She became the mother of the
following children: Joseph, born about 1702: Will-
iam, born about 1704 ; and Joshua, born in 1705. Mr.
Pendleton died in 1706,- and his widow, marrying
again, became the mother of a large family.
(IV) William Pendleton, noted above, was a
resident of Westerly, where he married Lydia,
daughter of John Burrows, of Stonington, by whom
he had the following children: William : Amos;
Freelove, born in 1731 ; Peleg, born in 1733: John,
born in 1735; Benjamin, born in 1738; Lydia A.,
born in 1740; Joshua, born in 1744: and Ephraim,
born in 1746. Mrs. Pendleton died in 1750, and
William Pendleton was married (second) the fol-
lowing year to Mary (MacDowell) Chesbrough,
widow of Zebulon. Four children were born of this
marriage: Lucy, born in 1752: Nathan, born in
1754; Isaac, horn in 1756; and Keturah, born in
1761. William Pendleton died in 1786.
(V) Joshua Pendleton, son of William, was a
farmer in Westerly, but resided in various places
until he located on Wawecus Hill, in Norwich,
Conn., in 1794. His house was in the town of
Norwich, but most of his farm was in the town of
Bozrah. His death occurred April 9, 1824, in West-
erly, where he was visiting, but his remains were
interred at Norwich, where he belonged to the
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
727
Baptist Church. On June 6, 1768, Joshua Pendle-
ton married Nancy (or Anna), daughter of Elisha
and Mary Clark, of Westerly. To this union were
horn: (1) Joshua, horn May 25, 1770, married
(first) his second cousin, Amelia Pendleton, daugh-
ter of Major Joseph Pendleton, of Westerly, and
(second) Elsie Ann Pendleton, her sister; he re-
moved to New York, where he followed farming
and died about 1828. (2) Anna, or Nancy, horn
June 3, 1772, married Denison Rodgers, a farmer
of Norwich, Conn., where she died Aug. 1. 1857.
(3) Martha, born March 3, 1774, married Walter
Palmer, a farmer, and died Sept. 3, 1861, in Pres-
ton, Conn. (4) Lucy Ann, horn March 14, 1776,
married Samuel Lathrop, and settled in Xew York,
where he followed farming, and where she died
Sept. 14, 1857; (5) Clarissa H., born April 24,
1778. married David Adams, a farmer of Royalton,
Yt., where she died April I, 1854; (6) Polly, born
Aug. 16, 1780, married Amos Bennett, a farmer
of Lisbon, Conn., where she died July 20, 1833. (7)
William, born May 22, 1782, married Dolly Storey,
was a farmer at Preston, Conn., and died March 7,
1866. (8) Elisha C, born May 16, 1784, a farmer,
married Hannah, daughter of Deacon Asa Bowes,
and died at Hartford, March 3, 18 14, while serv-
ing in the war of 1812. (9) Adam was born Dec.
4. 1786. (10) Lydia, born Feb. 4, 1789. married
Elisha Bennett, and removed to Trumbull count)-,
Ohio, where she died March 10, 1873.
(VI) Adam Pendleton, noted above, was born
in Westerly, R. I., and was brought by his parents
to Connecticut when he was quite young. He ac-
quired a meager education in the public schools,
and spent a life of hard work on the farm which his
father bought. On this farm the old house that
stood in the town of Norwich has been torn down,
and the new house is in the town of Bozrah. Young
Adam remained at home and assisted his father in
the management of the home place, caring for his
parents in their old age, and when they died he
bought out the other heirs. His death occurred
April 12, 1858. In his politics he was a Democrat,
and in religion a member of the Bozrah Baptist
Church. Personally he was much esteemed in the
community where his quiet and useful life was
passed.
On April 15. 1815, Adam Pendleton was mar-
ried to Hannah Marsh, who was born in Plainfield,
Conn., a daughter of James and Polly ( Bennett)
Marsh, and who when quite young moved with her
parents to Brookfield. N. Y.. where they remained
until about 1811. In that year they located at
Sandusky. Ohio, where the parents soon died, leav-
ing Hannah, yet a girl in her teens, the eldest of
a family of eight children. The experiences of the
little family of children for the ensuing few years
were distressing in the extreme, as about the time
the parents died the British had captured Detroit,
and the settlers at Sandusky were much afraid of
a visit from the Indians. Signs of their approach
were thought evident, and the settlers fled to the
woods, where they were exposed to cold wet
weather for several days. The alarm was false,
and after a time Hannah Marsh was able to get
her brothers and sisters as far east as ( lleveland,
where she placed several of the children in good
families, and with the others made her way hack
to Brookfield. X. Y.. walking and riding as they
could secure wagon rides on the way. At a later
period she took two of the children and went east to
Lisbon, Conn., where she was living at the time of
her marriage. As indicated by such a history of her
earl_\- days she was a woman of much character and
determination. Her death occurred March 23,
1872, while she was on a visit in the house of her
son. Dr. Cyrus H. Pendleton, at Hebron, Conn.
Her remains rest beside those of her husband in
Yantic cemetery, at Norwich.
The children of Adam and Hannah (Marsh)
Pendleton were: (1) Benadam, born March 23,
1816, was married June 29, 1840, to Philena J.
Hyde, and removed to Natchez, Miss., to engage
in the mercantile business with his uncle. Cyrus
Marsh, where he died Aug. 1, 1885. (2) Charles
M. was born Oct. 15. 1818. (3) Clarissa L., born
Oct. 17, 1822, married Henry A. Bingham, a mer-
chant in Norwich, where he died ; she then re-
moved to the homestead farm in Bozrah. where her
death occurred Sept. 12, 1868. They were the par-
ents of Nathan A. Bingham, of Norwich, whose
sketch appears elsewhere. (4) Cyrus, the next child
of Adam Pendleton, born March 20, 1825. died
Oct. 30, 1829. (5) Cyrus Henry, born Oct. 5. 1830,
was graduated from Amherst College in 1858, and
the Medical Department of Western Reserve Uni-
versity, Cleveland, Ohio, in i860. He practiced
medicine for two years at Montville, and then lo-
cated at Yantic until 1864, when he settled at He-
bron, and has a large and successful practice in
that and surrounding towns. He married Mary
Maria Welles, of Hebron. (6) Mary Jane, horn
July 24, 1832, was a cripple from early youth, and
died unmarried Dec. T2. 1898.
(VII) Charles M. Pendleton was horn on
the homestead, and received a common school edu-
cation. He taught school several winters in Nor-
wich and Bozrah, the summer seasons being de-
voted to farm work. He remained on the home
farm, and after the death of his father assumed
the entire management, later coming into full pos-
session of the farm by purchasing the interests of
the other heirs. He added to the acreage of the
farm and became one oi the most successful and
extensive farmers in the town. He was much in-
terested in the raising of stock, always owning a
large number of all kinds of cattle, and when sheep
were owned by nearly every farmer he had one of
the largest flocks in that section. He continued
active on the farm until a few years before his
death, when he gave up the management of it to
his sons Alexander Bingham and Charles Adam,
-j 8
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
and purchasing a small place near Yantic he re-
moved there, intending to make it his future home.
After a few years' residence there his love for the
old home caused him to return to it, and soon aft-
erward he died. Aug. 24. 1887. He was through-
out life until a year before his death a strong, rug-
ged man, capable of doing a great deal of hard
work, was of medium height, and well proportioned.
He was highly esteemed and respected. In politics
he was a Democrat. He held several of the minor
offices in Bozrah, and represented the town in the
State Legislature.
.Mr. Pendleton was a member of the First Con-
gregational Church at Norwich Town. He was
married Dec. 10, 1845, to Susan E. Bingham, born
March 30, [819, in Kozrah, daughter of Alexander
Bingham. She died Oct. 1. [890, and was buried
beside her husband in Yantic cemetery. Their chil-
dren were as follows: (1) Alexander Bingham
was born Dec. 17, 1846. (2) Charles Adam was
born March 14. 1849. (3) Claudius Victor, born
Sept. i_\ 1850, married Phebe J. Bailey, of Bozrah-
ville, March 20. 187c;. and resides at Yantic. He
graduated from Sheffield Scientific School. Yale.
in 1874. and is now a civil engineer in the employ
of the East Berlin Construction Co., of East Ber-
lin, Conn. His children were as follows: William
r... born Ian. 7, 1880: Lena M., Dec. 9, 1881 (died
Auo-. 5, 1882): Susie P... Sept. 18. 1883 (died in
childhood) ; Claudius V., Jr.. June it. 1885; Clar-
ence M., Nov. if), 1891 (died June 6. 1899).
Alexander Bingham Pendleton was born on
the home farm, and received his education in the
district schools, the public schools at Norwich, and
a select school at Norwich Town kept by a Mr.
Savage. He has always resided on the home farm.
He was married in Hebron Sept. 2J, 1877. to Fan-
nie F. Brown, a native of Mt. Holly. N. J., daugh-
ter of Newell and Anna L. (Atkinson) Frown,
and to this union has come one son, Henry Bing-
ham, born Sept. 15. 1881. He graduated from the
Norwich Business College and is now employed as
a member of the office force of the American Bi-
cycle Co.. at Hartford. He married April 14. 1904,
Mary Tracy Parkhurst, of Yantic, Conn. Alexan-
der Bingham Pendleton is a Democrat, and for the
past ten years has been a member of the board of
assessors of Bozrah. He attends the First Congre-
gational Church at Norwich Town.
Charles Adam Pendleton received his edu-
cation in the district schools and Norwich Free
Academy. He has always lived on the farm where
he was born, lie was married in September. 1881,
to Jennie F. Lathrop, of Bozrah, daughter of John
and .Mary (Harris) Lathrop. Their children are
as follows: (i) Jennie May. born Jan. 4, 1891 ;
12) Mildred A.. March 2^. 1893; '31 Gladys Lath-
rop, Oct. 23. 1896. Mr. Pendleton is a Democrat
in politics, and a member of the First Congrega-
Church at Norwich Town.
Messrs. Alexander Bingham and Charles Adam
Pendleton conduct the farm, which consists of over
500 acres, and on which there is a great deal of
valuable timber. They rank among the representa-
tive agriculturists of New London county, and none
have any higher standing as citizens.
GEORGE HENRY POWERS, now living re-
tired in his native town of New London. Conn.,
after many years identified with the si. a [bod busi-
ness on Long Island Sound, is the oldest living-
active member of the Niagara Engine Company,.
No. 1, of New London. The Powers family has long-
been resident in New London county.
Elijah P. Powers, father of George PL, was born
in Chesterfield, town of Montville, New London
county, and when qi ite a small boy he left home
and went to I've with Gurdon Avery in the adjoin-
ing town of Water ford. He made that place his
hi ime for a number of years, and then went to New
York where he was engaged in the wholesale fish
business in Fulton Market until the gold excitement
of 1849. Joining the fortune hunters he went to
California, and there remained for about a year.
Life in the West proved unattractive to him. and he
returned to New London, and with William Hamil-
ton and Charles Harris, engaged in the wholesale
and retail fish business, Mr. Powers purchasing the
interest of Charles Miner. The business was located
on the site now occupied by the Union Railroad
Station. Under the firm name of Hamilton, Powers
(X: Harris they conducted a nourishing business, Mr.
Powers continuing in this business until the time
of his death at the age of fifty-seven. Pie was an
active member of the Masonic fraternity, and was
the first Knight Templar in New London. His wife,
Harriet L. Ivlbourne. of New London, was a lineal
descendant of the emigrant ancestor of the Holt
family, who came to America from England in the
early part of the seventeenth century. She died in
New London at the advanced age of eighty-five
years. To Elijah P. and Harriet L. (Kilbourne)
Powers were born children as follows: George H. ;
Miss Harriet P., who resides in New London;
Charles K.. an engineer on the New York. New
Haven & Hartford Railroad man}' years, now
residing in Hartford. Conn.: Josephine, who mar-
ried Henry Lester, and resides in New London;
Kilbourne, who is engaged in the fish business in
Fulton Market, New York City.
George H. Powers was born in New London,
and in the district schools there received his educa-
tion. At the age of sixteen he was apprenticed to
learn the trade of carpenter, at which he worked
during the summer months, attending school in the
winters until he was nineteen years of age. He then
entered the wholesale and retail fish and sea food
business as a clerk for his father, and after a few
years had given him a thorough knowledge of the
business he bought out the interests of the various
partners in the business, and successfully conducted
same for a number of years. The building of the
GENEALOGICAL AXD BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
729
Union Railroad Station necessitated his removal to
new quarters, and later the building of the Norwich
Line Steamboat Dock resulted in his retirement
from business. He closed out Oct; 8, [897, and
since that time he has lived in retirement on a well
earned competency. J lis methods in business were
always open and above board, and when he retired
he carried with him the good will and unbounded
esteem of all who bad bad any relations with him.
Socially Mr. Powers belongs to F. F. Smith
Council, No. 69, ( ). I'. A. M., in which be has
served as treasurer. He has been most prominently
identified with the Volunteer Fire Department of
New London, being one of the oldest living active
members of that organization which be joined
while attending school as a boy. Me is enrolled as a
iiber of Niagara Engine Company, No. t. which
be lias served most efficiently as treasurer continu-
ously since i$()(). He is a charter member of the
Veteran Firemen's Association, of which be lias been
treasurer since January, 1892, and be also belongs to
the State Firemen's Association, taking" a keen in-
terest in everything that tends to the betterment of
the department and to the prevention of tires. In
bis political views Mr. Powers is an ardent sup-
porter of Republican principles, and while be always
- the straight party ticket on national questions,
in local affairs be supports the man be deems best
fitted for the office.
In 1867 Mr. Powers was married to Julia M.
Rogers, daughter of David 1'. and Alary Ann
Rogers, of Waterford, Conn. She entered into rest
May 3, 1899. in her lifetime she was an active
worker in the Daughters of Liberty and the
Woman's Relief Corps. She was a member of the
National Convention of Daughters of Liberty at
Pittsburg in 1897. To Mr. and Mrs. Powers were
born two children, Florence Louella and Herbert
R.. both of whom died in their youth in 1876.
CLARKE. The Clarke family, prominent in
Stonington, Xew London county, for several gen-
erations, is descended from the Clarkes of the parish
of Westhorpe, Comity Suffolk, England, where the
name is of great antiquity. Westhorpe is a manor
in the hundred (township) of Hartismore, in the
center of the northern portion of Suffolk, ddie
Stonington Clarkes come from Rhode Eland.
where Joseph Clarke, 260 and more years
ago, a conspicuous man in the 1 ublic affairs of the
earl) I lonial period, became the progenitor of a
race which has admirably, in Rhode Island, <
necticut, and the country-at-large, sustained the
reputation of the emigrant ancestor and the earlier
generations.
( I i Joseph Clarke was the first to come to the
Xew World. He was a son of Thomas (157O7
1627) and Rose Harrige (or ECeridge) (1
1627), of Westhorpe, England; grandson of John
Clarke (1541-1598) and Catheriw ' ike (15
[598), of Westhorpe. County Suffolk, England;
and great-grandson of John Clarke, of Westhorpe,
u ho died in 1 ^^t).
Joseph Clarke (above) was born Dec. 9, [618,
and baptized Dw. [6th, at Westhorpe. It is judged
he must have left England about [637, and settled
immediately in Rhode Island, for he was admitted
an inhabitant of the Island of Aqnidneck, at New-
port, in [638. He became a freeman in 1641. and
[644 was made one of the original members of the
First Baptist Church of Newport, and in [648 be-
came a member of the General Court of Trials. He
was made a freeman of the Colony in 1055. He
acted as commissioner in 1655-57-58-59; was assist-
ant in 1658-63-64-65-78-80 and [690. He was made
a freeman at Westerly in 1668, and wa.s deputy to
the General Assembly in 1668-69-70-71-72 and
[690. His name appears in May. [669, in the li.-t
of Westerly inhabitants, and in [677 be was a mem-
ber of the Court of Justices of the Peace to attend
to matters of the injurious and illegal acts of the
Connecticut Colony. He and bis wife. Margaret.
appear of Newport in 1680. Mr. Clarke was twice
married. He died on June 1. [694. His children
were: Joseph, William. Mary, Sarah, John. Su-
sanna. Joshua, Thomas, Cary and Elizabeth.
(II) Joseph Clarke (2) of Newport and
Westerly, son of Joseph, born Feb. 11. 164-2. mar-
ried (first) Nov. id, [664, Bethiah Hubbard, born
Dec. 19, I'M'), daughter of Samuel and Tacy
(Cooper) Hubbard; she died April 17, 1707
(or 1717). and be married (second) Han-
nab Peckham, widow of Thomas and daugh-
ter of William Weeden. Mr. Clarke must
have removed from Newport to Westerly in early
life, for in 1669 be became town clerk of Westerly,
and was such until 1700. In July, 1675. he and his
family went to Newport for safety during the In-
dian war, returning to Westerly after the close of
the war. Mr. Clarke died Jan. it. [726-28, in
Westerly, and bis second wife passed away March
3, 1733. His children were: Judith, born Oct. i_\
1607, at Newport: Joseph, born April 14. i(>7o. at
Westerly; Samuel, born Sept. jo. 1^72. at West-
erly; John, Aug. 25, 1075, at Newport; Bethiah,
April 11, [678, at Westerly; Mary, Dec. 27, r
at Westerly: Susanna. Aug. 31. [683, at Westerly;
Thomas, March (or Nov.) 17. [686, at Westerly;
and William. April 21, [688, at Westerly.
(Ill 1 Thomas Clarke. (^r Westerly and Hop-
kinton, son of Joseph (2) born Nov. (or
March) 17. [686, married in 1710, Elizabeth
Babcock, born Feb. [8, [691, in Westerly,
daughter of James and Elizabeth (Saunders)
Babcock. Mr. Clarke w; ptized in 17
and his name was in the lisl of the members
of the Baptist Church in Westerl) in 1 7 1 S and 17
He was ordained deacon t<\ the church Aug.
1735. and was chosen assistant elder Oct. 20, 1750.
His death occurred in Hopkinton Nov. 20, 1707.
His children were: Sarah, born May 11. 1712:
Thomas, March 4, 1715. at Westerly: Joshua, April
73°
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
26, 1717, at Westerly; James, March 3, 1720, at
Westerly ; Joseph, Sept. 14, 1728.
(IV) Rev. Joshua Clarke, of Westerly, son of
Thomas, born April 26, 17 17, married in April,
1738, Hannah Cottrell, born in 1719. Mr. Clarke
was chosen deacon in the Sabbatarian Church in
1756, but declined the office. He appears in the
census of 1774 as of Hopkinton. He was a mem-
ber of the State Legislature, and was a trustee of
Brown University. Rev. Clarke also took part in
the early Colonial wars, and was in the Revolution.
His death occurred at Westerly March 8, 1793.
His widow, Hannah, passed away Nov. 4, 1708, in
the ninetieth year of her age. Rev. Clarke's chil-
dren were: Phineas, born Feb. 23, 1740; Joshua,
Aug. 17, 1741 ; Esther, March 7, 1745; Hannah,
May 4, 1747; Thomas, June 10, 1749; Elizabeth,
Nov. 14, 1751 ; Arnold, March 17, 1754; Henry,
Dec. 2, 1756; Willet, Oct. 20, 1759; Nathan, Feb.
7, 1762; and Job B., May 13, 1765.
(V) Thomas Clarke, of Westerly, son of Rev.
Joshua, born June 10, 1749, married June 11, 1770,
Olive Marsh, of Hartford, Conn., born June 12,
1756. Mr. Clarke lived in Westerly, and later in
North Stonington, Conn. His death occurred May
28, 1832. His wife passed away May 4, 1828.
Their children were : Charlotte, born April 23,
1771 ; Hannah, June 23, 1773 ; Abigail, July 26,
1775; Thomas, May 10, 1778; Abel Marsh, April
22, 1780 ; Olive Marsh, April 30, 1783 ; Russell,
April 13, 1787; Samuel, June 23, 1790; Clarissa,
Jan. 1, 1793; Peleg Congdon, July 31, 1796; and
George W., Nov. 9, 1799.
(VI) Peleg Congdon Clarke, son of Thomas
(2) of Westerly, born July 31, 1796, married
Fannie, born April 26, 1799, daughter of Capt. Jo-
seph and Mary (Cottrell) Spicer, of Hopkinton. Of
the latter it is said that during the war of the Rev-
olution she tore up her petticoats at the battle of
Groton to bind up the wounds of the soldiers. Peleg
C. Clarke was educated at Newport under the tutor-
ship of Levi Tower. He went to Hopkinton in the
spring of 1816, and thence to a. large farm in North
Stonington, Conn., which was given to him by his
father. In 1835 he removed to Stonington, and
was one of the extensive farmers of the town, but
returned to Clarke's Falls two years later. In early
life he made trips to the West Indies, taking horses
and mules, and returning with the products of those
islands. Mr. and Mrs. Clarke joined the Sabba-
tarian Church in 1837. Mr. Clarke built the mad
leading from Clarke's Falls to Ashaway, and he was
supervisor of roads for Hopkinton for many years.
For several years he represented the town of
Hopkinton in the Rhode Island Assembly. His
children were: Alfred, born Sept. 24, 1817. in
North Stonington ; Peleg, born Dec. 25, 1819, in
Hopkinton; Joseph, born May 28, 1823, a dentist
in Newport, R. I., married Frances Clark; Fanny,
born March 18, 1827, in Stonington, married, Jan.
29, 1846, David Langworthy, of Mystic, Conn.,
and their children were : Hattie, Peleg and John ;
Clarissa, born Jan. 11, 1828, died young; Mary
Elizabeth, born May 14, 1836, married (first) Oct.
27, 1856, Nathan J. Crandall, had a son, Peleg C,
and married (second) Dec. 1, 1875, Jason P. S.
Brown, of Hopkinton ; George Russell, born May
14, 1838, resided in Westerly, R. I., and married
(first) Ann Witter, (second) Melvina Chapman.
(VII) Alfred Clarke, son of Peleg C. and Fannie
(Spicer) Clarke, was born in North Stonington,
Sept. 24, 181 7. He died Feb. 7, 1878. During his
youth he worked on a farm, and also served an ap-
prenticeship at tanning and currying leather, which
business he. followed quite a portion of his life at
Clarke's Falls, the place of his residence. In con-
nection with the tannery, he operated a saw, grist
and bark mill, and in company with Peleg Spicer
Tifft he erected a large factory building and the
adjacent houses which now constitute the village
of Clarke's Falls. During his apprenticeship a large
tumor formed in his side, which was removed by
Dr. Miller, of Norwich. Although the operation
was a painful one, Mr. Clarke seated himself in a
chair, and submitted to it without a groan, refusing
to let any one hold even his head or his hands, and
exhibiting a calmness and courage remarkable in
one of his years. On Sept. 22, 1839, ne married
Altana B. Langworthy, daughter of Deacon John
and Sarah Langworthy, of North Stonington. She
died April 2, 1841, leaving one daughter, Sarah,
who married Deacon Benjamin P. Langworthy. On
( )ct. 2, 1841, Mr. Clarke married Mary N. Palmer,
daughter of Israel and Lucy (Rockwell) Palmer, of
North Stonington. Five children were born of this
marriage, two of whom are now living ; Alfred
Marsh ; and Maria P., wife of B. Clay Pierce, of
Providence, R. I. Those deceased were : Lucy,
Clarissa and Angie. When he was but eighteen or
nineteen years of age, Mr. Clarke united with the
Second Seventh Day Baptist Church, of Hopkin-
ton, R. I., of which he continued a worthy and re-
spected member throughout his life. He was one
of the selectmen of the town, and was three times
elected by the Republican party to the State Legis-
lature, serving two terms, his last election occurring
the year of his death. Fie was also a director in the
Ashaway National Bank.
( \ III ) Alfred Marsh Clarke, son of Alfred,
was born at Clarke's Falls, in District No. 14. North
Stonington, June 23, 1843. He passed his school
days there, and in his father's tannery learned his
trade. When he was thirty years of age he went to
Bozrah, Conn., and there found employment with
the Fitchville Manufacturing Company, manufac-
turers of cotton sheeting. Upon his father's death
in 1878, he returned to Clarke's Falls, and bought
out the Peleg Spicer Tifft interest in the mill prop-
erty, which he rented to the Clarke's Falls Com-
pany until about 1899 — the time of the dissolution
of the company. Of this mill property Mr. Clarke-
is three-fourths owner, and his sister, Mrs. Lang-
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
73i
worthy, one-fourth. The power is now utilized in
sawing shingles, etc. Notwithstanding his exten-
sive mill business, Mr. Clarke has been continu-
ously engaged in farming and cattle dealing. He
is an energetic business man. progressive and up-
to-date, quick to take advantage of opportunity, but
always open and honorable in his methods.
On June 22, 1861, in North Stonington, Mr.
Clarke was united in marriage with Miss Martha
Witter, daughter of Albert Witter, a well-known
farmer of North Stonington. To bless this union
have come three children : Elbert Willis was born
July 12, 1862: Sarah Elizabeth, born April 6, 1867,
married Ebenezer Morgan, of Mystic. Conn.; and
Antoinette Witter was born April 13, 1876. In
public affairs Mr. Clarke has always been an inter-
ested worker, as a loyal member of the Republican
party. He has been selectman, and in 1880 and
1 88 1 he was a representative in the State Legisla-
ture, where he distinguished himself by most valu-
able service in committee work, serving on the
Educational, Probate, Town and District com-
mittees.
( IN) Elisert Willis Clarke, son of Alfred
Marsh, was born at Clarke's Falls July 12, 1862.
His earlier educational advantages included attend-
ance at the Hopkinton High School at Ashaway,
R. I., and at Eastman's Business College. Pough-
keepsie. N. Y. By nature he was inclined to be
studious, and he determined to engage in teaching.
For one year he taught at Clarke's Falls, and for
two years was first assistant principal at Ashaway,
R. I. He then spent one year in study at the Prov-
idence English and Classical School, and the fol-
lowing year was a student of languages under Dr.
Gorham, at Westerly, at the same time teaching in
District No. 10, Westerly. In the fall of 1888 he
became principal of the Pawcatuck School (Palmer
Street School), where he remained until 1900, when
the school was removed to the new building on
West Broad street, where he is found at the pres-
ent time. The school attendance has increased from
160 to 450. Prof. Clarke has found success in his
calling— a success, however, that has come through
his sturdy devotion to his work, and his peculiar
fitness for it. Of high attainments and good execu-
tive ability, he has been enabled to bring his school
to a high plane, and to turn from it students who
have learned not only the prescribed course, but
how to use what they acquired, and how to acquire
more. Above all, they have had the example of a
man. whose firm adherence to principle, whose fi-
delity to duty, has been an inspiration to higher and
better ways of living.
Prof. Clarke is a member of the Eastern I
necticut Teachers' Association, the State Teachers'
Association, the Connecticut Schoolmasters' Club,
and of the Rhode Island State Association. In
the Teachers' Club of Westerly he has been vice-
president ever since it was organized. Fraternally
he belongs to Pawcatuck Lodge, No. 90. F. & A.
M.; Palmer Chapter, No. 28, R. A. M.: Narragan-
sett Commandery, No. 2j, K. T. ; Palestine Temple,
Mystic Shrine, of Providence.
On July 7, 1903, Prof. Clarke was wedded, at
Clarke's Falls, to Addie C. Chapman, daughter of
Edwin P. Chapman.
LUCIUS SWAN ('deceased) was one of the
substantial and respected citizens of Norwich,
whose blameless life won for him the genuine es-
teem and affection of a very wide circle of acquaint-
ances. Beginning life a poor boy. he climbed the
ladder of success rung by rung, and was wholly
self-made, and, in a large degree, self-educated.
Mr. Swan was born Feb. 15, 1826, in North Ston-
ington, Connecticut.
The branch of the Swan family from which our
subject descends is given in the "History of Ston-
ington," by Wheeler (1900) as follows:
(I) Richard Swan, the emigrant ancestor and
progenitor of the Swan family of Connecticut and
Rhode Island, appears first on this side of the At-
lantic Ocean in Boston, Mass., where he joined the
church Jan. 6, 1639, and had one child, John, prob-
ably his youngest, baptized the Sunday after his
admission. It is not known when he came to Amer-
ica or in what ship, and his wife died in England
before he came to this country. He finally re-
moved to Rowley, where he became a prominent
citizen, representing the town in the General Court
in 1666, and man}- years after. He served in King
Philip's war and in the expedition to Canada. His
second wife was Mrs. Ann Trumbull (he being her
third husband). Richard Swan died May 14. 1678,
the father of the following children: Richard.
Frances, Robert, Jonathan, Susan, Sarah and John..
(II) Robert Swan was born in 1028, and mar-
ried Elizabeth Acie. At the time of their marriage
they both resided in Rowley, Mass., but soon after
they went to Andover, Mass., to live, not remaining
long, however, for as early as 1650 they were in-
habitants of Haverhill, located in that part of the
town which was subsequently set off and incor-
porated as the town of Methuen, where many of
his descendants have lived. He was a soldier at the
Great Swamp fight. King Philip's war, in Lieut.
Benjamin Swett's company. His wife died in 1689,
and he married (second) Hannah Russ. lie died
Feb. 11. 1698. His children, all by the first mar-
riage, were: Elizabeth, Sarah, Robert, Ann. Rich-
ard, Timothy, Dorothy, John, Samuel, Samuel (2),
Joshua and Caleb.
(III) John Swan, born Aug. t. 1668, married.
Aug. 1, 1699, Mrs. Susanna Wood. Until 1707 they
'lived in Haverhill. Mas*,., where three of their
children were born. During the "Haverhill Massa-
cre" the family of John Swan had a narrow escape
from sharing the same fate of many of their neigh-
bors. It was only through a brave act ^\ the wife,
who. when the Indians were coming in the door,
slew the foremost with nothing less than a bake
73-
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
spit. Mr. Swan and his family came to Stonington
in 1707, locating on what is now known as Swan
Town Hill, North Stonington, where the rest of
his children were horn. He died May 1, 1743. and
his widow passed away Dec. 20, 1772, in the one
hundredth year of her age. Their children were :
John, Ruth, William, Nathaniel, Asa, Elizabeth
and Timothy.
(IV) William Swan, horn at Haverhill. June
24, 170(1, married. Jan. 20, 1726, Thankful Holmes,
who died Sept. 7, 1742, and he married (second)
Anna Smith, of Groton, April 14, 1743. His chil-
dren by the first marriage were: Mary, Abigail,
Thankful, William, Desire and Ruth. By the sec-
ond marriage : Anna and Charles.
(V) Charles Swan, born .May 24, 1746, married,
March 21, 1770. Eunice Barnes, and their children
were: Amos. Charles, Frederick, Louisa. Christo-
pher. Sabra, Denison, Coddington, Eunice, Will-
iam. Ephraim and Christopher (2).
(VI) Charles Swan, horn April 3, 1782. mar-
ried. Dec. 2j, 1803, Cynthia Brewster. He was a
prosperous farmer and resided in North Stoning-
ton, where they died. They were the parents of
thirteen children, Lucius being the next to the
youngest, and he was survived by only one. a broth-
er living in Middlefield, Ohio. The parents of this
large family, while in comfortable circumstances
for tlie times, were far from being rich, and while
Lucius did not have to go to work early in life, he
did so because he was ambitious to carve his own
way.
Lucius Swan enjoyed such advantages as were
afforded by the district schools. He was an apt
pupil, learning quickly and retaining his knowl-
edge. He was inured to toil from boyhood, first
working as a farmer lad, and while yet in his teens
he came to Norwich, and learned the trade of
butcher from Griswold Loomis. He was very in-
dustrious and economical, and saved enough capital
ahead to go into business for himself, soon after
forming a co-partnership with Elisha L. Rogers,
under the firm name of Swan & Rogers, and they
were located on Water street. They had a splendid
business, and Mr. Swan became well-to-do, invest-
ing in real estate, which became valuable property,
and about thirty years before his death he retired
from the meat business, and devoted his time to
the management of his real-estate interests, in addi-
tion to carrying on a small farming and dairy
business.
Mr. Swan was a member of the Preston City
Baptist Church fur forty years. He lived a quiet
life, and was a man strictly honest and industrious,
and one who commanded the respect and esteem of
all. As before stated Mr. Swan was a self-made
man. and his abundant success can be attributed in
no small degree to the faithful cooperation of his
worthy helpmeet, whose industry was that of a
model housewife, and fully equalled by her thrift
and providence.
Lucius Swan was twice married. His first wife
was Miss Eliza Davis, who died in 1854. He mar-
ried for his second wife Miss Ruth A. Browning,
who survived him, and is now the wife of Joseph
M. Burdick, captain of police at Norwich. One
son was born to the second marriage, Calvin L.
Swan, who resides in Norwich.
Mr. Swan's death on March 20, 1808, was
caused by a third shock of paralysis, the first one
having come five years previous, leaving him a help-
less invalid. The tender care and almost constant
attendance upon Mr. Swan by his wife during these
years of his helpless infirmity, were suggestive of a
must sympathetic nature and a self-sacrificing spirit,
which largely contributed toward his comfort and
pleasure. Mr. Swan was buried at Preston City.
Politically he was a Republican, but would never
accept public office.
FRANCIS ROBINSON, a retired citizen of
Montville, New London county, was for many years
connection with the I ncasville Manufacturing Com-
pany of that place. He was born Aug. 8, 1837, in
that part of East Windsor known as High Hill,
son of William and Julia Ann (Hazzard) Robinson.
J lis mother came of the family for which Hazard-
ville. Conn., was named; she was a daughter of
Thomas Hazzard, of Vernon, Conn., and died in
Exeter, in the town of Lebanon, Dec. 14, 1887.
William Robinson, grandfather of Francis, died
when his son, William, was very young, and the
latter, who had been born in Windham, was bound
out to a family named Fitch, of Mansfield Four Cor-
ners. Conn. He was a farmer in early life, but later
learned the trade of belt maker and roll coverer,
and the remainder of his active life was employed in
various mills in Connecticut. He was a good me-
chanic, and a very capable man. In politics he was
a stanch Republican, but he never cared for office.
He was a strong temperance man, and an earnest
member of the Baptist Church of Greeneville. A
man of pleasant disposition, he had many friends.
The latter years of his life he was manager of the
finishing department of the Fitchville Mill, in the
town of Bozrah, in which place he died, and he was
buried in the Greeneville cemetery.
William and Julia Ann (Hazzard) Robinson
were the parents of eleven children. (T) Julia Ann
(deceased), married Ephraim Flint (deceased) of
Vermont, and was the mother of one son and two
daughters. (2) William, a farmer now living in
Franklin, Conn., served in the Civil war as a member
of Company A. 26th Conn. V. I. He married Re-
becca House, and they have no children. (3) Fran-
cis is the subject of this sketch. (4) Mary Jane,
(deceased), married Thomas Morrison of Greene-
ville, and was the mother of four children. She
died in Thompsonville, Conn., where her husband
still resides. ( 5 ) James, a farmer living in Exeter,
in the town of Lebanon, a soldier in the Civil war,
married Alvina Ray : they have no children. (f>)
GENEALOGICAL AXD BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
733
Roselle (deceased), married (first) Charles Tubbs,
by whom she had two children. She married (sec-
ond) Charles Hewitt, of Massachusetts, sexton of
the Institute in his home town. Dalton, .Mass.. where
his wife died; no children were born to this
union, (j) George, a farmer in Lebanon, married
Sarah Perkins, of Norwich. (8) Henry, formerly a
spinning overseer in the cotton mill, is engaged in
the fish business in Norwich Town. He married
Ellen Gay, of Bozrahville, and they have six chil-
dren, (y) Charles (deceased), a carriage painter
by trade, married Lucy Egerton of Willimantic, by
whom he had five children. He died in Lebanon.
( 10) Merriman, a dealer in mill supplies in Man-
chester. X. H., married Elizabeth Vanderlinda, of
Bozrahville, and they have two children, (u) Har-
riet Rowena died in infancy.
Francis Robinson was horn in East Windsor,
Conn., but when lie was four years old his parents
moved to Tolland, where for five years his father
engaged in farming-. They then moved to Stafford
Springs, his father being employed for another rive
years as roll coverer in the Deacon Porter mill.
The next two years were spent in Willimantic,
where his father was watchman at the Hayden mill,
another two years he was belt maker and roll coverer
in, the mill at Norwich Falls, after which he filled
the same position for two years in the mill at Greene-
ville. The family then moved to Fitchville, where
the father died after being for many years in charge
of the finishing department in the mill. Francis
Robinson received but limited educational advan-
tages. When a mere child he began working in the
mill with his father at Stafford Springs, and con-
tinued at that sort of work in the various places to
which the family moved. He remained as cloth
finisher in the Greeneville mill for five years after
the family settled in Fitchville, and then went to
Montville. There he took charge of the cloth finish-
ing department in the Lncasville mill, employing
a number o'f hands, and he remained in that position
nearly thirty years. On the failure of this company
in 1891, he purchased a farm in Franklin, but after
living there a year returned to Montville, where he
has since resided.
( )n Jan. 24, 1856, Mr. Robinson married Mary
Leonard Andrews, who was horn Sept. 2j, 1837, in
Preston, Conn., daughter of George and Betsey
( Bradford) Andrews, the former a farmer of Pres-
ton, and the latter a native of Montville, and a de-
scendant of Gov. William Bradford, of Plymouth,
Mas-. To the union of Francis and Mary L. (An-
drews) Robinson were horn: Mary Estelle; and
Jennie, deceased in infancy. Mary Estelle, horn in
Greeneville, March 4, 1861, married Sept. 22, 1880,
James .Morrison, of Thompsonville, postal clerk be-
tween Boston and New York, and the family home
is in New London, Conn. ( )f their children, one
son died in infancy ; and Frederick, aged fifteen, and
Frank, aged twelve, are both in school. During the
Civil war Mr. Robinson enlisted at Norwich in
Company A, [8th Conn. V. 1., and served as a pri-
vate nearly a year, most of the time being engaged
on guard duty in Baltimore, lie is a stanch Repub-
lican, hut has never sought nor accepted office.
Fraternally he was Eormerl) a member of the A. ( ).
P. \\\, Uncas Lodge, No. 17. of Montville, of
which he is past master workman. I [e and his wife
are members of the Uncasville Methodist Church,
in which he has been a steward and trustee, and for
two years was secretary and treasurer. Mrs. Robin-
son is an active member of the ladies aid society of
the church, and of the W. C. T. C. of Montville.
Both Mr. and Mrs. Robinson are charitable and
hospitable people, and are among the most highly
respected citizens of Montville.
CHARLES 1). WIGGIN, M. 1).. late of M;
tic, Conn., was born in Meredith, X. 11., _ and was a
direct descendant of Thomas Wiggin, who mar-
ried the daughter of Governor Winthrop, and was
Governor of tin North Plantation. The line 1 E
scent is from Governor Thomas, through Andrew.
Bradstreet, Chase, Bradstreet, Chase. Richard R
John Mead to Charles Dearborn, our subject, who
was horn Dec. J 1840.
Thomas Wiggin, the progenitor of the family
in America, came to New Hampshire in [631, as
agent of the proprietors of the Upper Plantation,
embracing Dover. Durham and Stratham. with a
part of Newington and Greenland. After a few-
years he returned to England on business for the
provinces and did much to avert the evils that threat-
ened it from the enmity of Georges and Mason.
Upon his return to New Hampshire, he brought a
considerable number of families with him. He re-
mained at the head of the Plantation under Lords
Lay and Brook, until the people of Dover, instigated
by Burdet, displaced him. Upon the union of the
Province with Massachusetts. Thomas Wiggin was
made a magistrate, and was Deputy to the General
Court from Dover in [645. He died in in<>7. His
wife was Catherine Winthrop, and they had two
children: Andrew and Thomas.
Andrew Wiggin was born in [635, and died in
1710. He married Hannah Bradstreet, daughter of
Gov. Simon Bradstreet, of Andover, Mass., about
[659.
Bradstreet W iggin, born Sept. 4. 1^74. died Jan.
18. 1709. He married, in 1698, Ann Chase, ^i
Hampton, New Hampshire.
Chase Wiggin. of Stratham, N. IP, married Mar-
tha Weeks.
Bradstreet Wiggin, horn in 1724, died in 1757.
1 le married Mary Coker.
(base Wiggin. of Meredith. N. IP. was born in
1751. and he died in 1791. In 1774. he married
Mollie Perkins, of Meredith.
Richard Rust Wiggin, horn in 1786, died in 1857.
He was a carpenter and farmer. His wife was
Eunice Roberts Mead.
John Mead Wiggin', father of Dr. Wiggin of
734
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
Mystic, was born in 1810, in Center Harbor, N. H.
In 1836 he married Polly Fox Wadleigh, of Mere-
dith, and died in 1884. "They had children: John
L., living retired in Nebraska City, Neb.; Oliver
C, M. D., who died Feb. 2, 1903, near Jacksonville,
Fla. ; Charles Dearborn ; and Richard Rust, deceased.
Dr. Charles D. Wiggin spent a happy boyhood
in his native village. He had excellent educational
opportunities and was fitted for college at Phillips
Academy, at Exeter, N. H. He entered Brown
University, where he was graduated B. A., in 1868,
and M. A. in 1871. He then went West and spent
five years in teaching in the State of Nebraska, fin-
ally deciding to devote his life to medicine. In
1873 he began the study of the science at Yale, and
was given the privilege of finishing the course in
two years, graduating with the class of 1875. Prior
.to this he had studied both at Dartmouth and Bow-
doin. In 1875 he entered upon the practice of his
profession in Providence, where he was located un-
til 1887, when he went to Wyoming, Neb., remaining
there until 1890. He then located in Mystic, where
he remained in practice until his death, which oc-
curred on May 21, 1904. During his residence in
Providence he was a valued member of the Provi-
dence Medical Association and the Rhode Island
Medical Society. He was also professionally con-
nected with the Providence Lying-in Hospital, and
.was prominent in the local affairs of that city, being
a member of its school board. He retained his mem-
bership in the college fraternity, Delta Kappa Ep-
silon, which has members all over the world. Dr.
Wiggin was a member of the Union Baptist Church
at Mystic. He was a great Bible student, and was
deeply interested in missions.
In 1870 Dr. Wiggin was married, in Providence,
R. I., to Adelaide A. Buckley, who was a daughter of
John Buckley, a prominent resident of that place.
Mrs. Wiggin died May 29, 1884, aged thirty-eight
years. Two daughters were born to this marriage:
Marion, who is the wife of Rev. Edwin B. Dolan,
of Wales, Mass., has three children, — Ruth, Doro-
thy and Eleanor; and Hope, who married Edward
Everett Bucklin, of Mystic, Conn., has one daugh-
ter, Adelaide Elizabeth. In 1886 Dr. Wiggin was
married (second) to Lucy Daly Bucklin, of Provi-
■dence, R. I.
Socially and professionally Dr. Wiggin was most
favorably known in Mystic, and few residents had
better claim to the esteem given representatives of
the old and honored New England founders. His
life was lived for others, and he endeared himself
'to the people in Mystic and all the country round
about by his quiet gentle manner, and his unselfish
devotion to his chosen work.
COTTRELL. The Cottrell family was founded
in America by one Nicholas Cottrell, descendent
from a long line of English ancestry and the ances-
tor of all the Connecticut and Rhode Island Cott-
rells. He is of record in the list of the inhabitants
of Newport May 20, 1638, and he was admitted a
freeman of that town in 1655. He represented his
town in the Colonial Assembly in 1670, and was one
of the signers of the Misquamicut (Westerly) con-
tract. He was twice married, and his second wife,
Martha, was born in 1645. His death occurred in
1680, at Taunton, Mass., and in his will are men-
tioned eight children, namely : Nicholas, John,
Gershom, Eleazer, Mary, Hannah, James and Jabez.
(II) Nicholas Cottrell (2), son of the immi-
grant, was admitted a freeman of Westerly, R. I.,
Oct. 28, 1668, and, was a soldier in the Narragansett
war of 1675. His high character as a citizen is evi-
denced by the number of important offices he held.
Like his father he represented his town in the
Colonial Assembly ; he also served as constable
(then an important office), juryman, fence viewer
and councilman. The maiden name of his wife is
not known. He died in December, 1715, in West-
erly, and his will mentions the following children :
Nicholas (3), John, Mary, Elizabeth and Dorothy.
(III) Nicholas Cottrell (3) was born in 1658.
He served as a soldier in the early Colonial wars,
and died in 1727. In March, 1706, he married Dor-
othy Pendleton, daughter of Capt. James Pendle-
ton and his wife, Hannah (Goodenough) Pendle-
ton. She was baptized at Stonington Oct. 3, 1686,
and was admitted to the Church in July, 1709. The
children born of this marriage were : Dorothy, bap-
tized July 31, 1709, married John Randall; Mary,
born Aug. 19, 171 1, married Nathan Randall;
Amey, born July 31, 1709, married Josiah Smith;
Elinner, born June 12. 171 5, married Nathan Ran-
dall after the death of her sister ; Nicholas was born
July 7, 17 17; and Joseph was born Aug. 7, 1726.
(IV) Joseph Cottrell, son of Nicholas (3), was
born Aug. 7, 1726. In 1750 he was residing near
Pendleton Hill, in North Stonington. He and his
wife, Mary, had the following family : Prudence,
born March 25, 1746; Joseph, born Aug.. 16, 1748;
Mary, born Dec. 28, 1750; Abigail, born April 15,
1755; Reuben, born Aug. 15, 1758; Charles, born
Aug. 17, 1768; and Royzel, born Jan. 10, 1772.
(V) Charles Cottrell, son of Joseph, was born
Aug. 17, 1768. In partnership with Ebenezer Den-
ison he ran a line of packet boats between New
York and southern ports, and died in New York
City Oct. 4, 1798. On Oct. 18, 1795, he married
Esther Denison, daughter of Isaac and Eunice
(Williams) Denison. They had one child, Joseph,
who was reared by his maternal grandmother
Denison.
(VI) Joseph Cottrell, son of Charles, was born
July 10, 1797. On Oct. 3, 1826, he married Fanny,
daughter of Capt. Jabez and Fanny (Potter) Stan-
ton, sixth in line from Thomas Stanton, who im-
migrated from England to Virginia in 1635, and
was later one of the original settlers of the town of
Stonington. She was born in 1807, and died at
Mystic, Conn., July 19, 1865. He died April 19,
1865. He died April 19, 1865. Their children
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
/3d
were: Mary Ann Stanton, born July 24. 1827, mar-
ried Charles II. Denison, who died Dec. 2, [902;
Frances Esther, born July 8, 1829. died April 8,
1833 ; Charles, born July 3, 1831, died June 9, 1832;
Harriet Shaw, born May 11, 1833, married George
Harris, of Providence, R. I., who died in 1875 !
Frances Josephine, born May 5, 1836, died March
14. 1837; Joseph Oscar, born Feb. I, 1838, married
Oct. 22, 1863, Josephine Williams, who died March
9, 1865, and on Oct. 21, 1869. he married Nellie
Crosby, of New York (he died Jan. 2, 1890) ;
Fanny Ella, born March 29, 1840, married Joseph
Griswold, Jr., of Colerain, Mass., and died Sept. 4,
1901 ; Charles H., born Jan. 27, 1842, married
Georgianna Crary, and died Feb. 20, 1904; Jabez
Stanton, born May 15, 1846, died May 17, 1846;
Emma Elizabeth, born March 5, 1844, died Feb. 27,
1900; Ida Louise, born Sept. 9, 1847, died Jan. 7,
1878; Frank Denison, born April 24, 1850, died
April 29, 1852.
Joseph Cottrell, the father, was a man of great
business enterprise and tact, establishing more than
eighty years ago the first and only lumberyard in
Mystic, together with a planing-mill and machine
tool works. By his thrift and wise management he
accumulated a competency, leaving a fine estate to
be divided among his seven living children ; he de-
pended upon their honor and fraternal affection to
settle things harmoniously, and that they surely
did. In i860 he was elected by the Republican
party a representative from Stonington to the State
Legislature, his colleague beine; Horace N. Trum-
bull. He and his wife attended the Congregational
Church. It has been said of him that "He was a
man from every point of view, physically, mentally
and morally. His intellect was broad and compre-
hensive, and when a move was to be made in busi-
ness matters, or a difficult problem was presented,
his judgment was always found to be sound and
correct by that decisive arbiter, the result. He was
one of the greatest benefactors to the working class
of Mystic. The report of his benevolence and many
generous gifts was not spread abroad, and his great
nature and nobility of soul made him overlook in-
gratitude. He was incapable of any small or dis-
honorable action. He could have had any post of
honor or trust from the people had he chosen to
accept the same, for there was no man stood in ad-
vance of Joseph Cottrell in the esteem of his fellow
citizens."
Harriet Shaw Cottrell, second daughter of Jo-
seph, was born May 11, 1833, and married George
Harris, of Providence, R. I. Their children were :
Joseph Cottrell, born in March, 1863, and James
T., born in September, 1870. The elder son, Jo-
seph Cottrell Harris, married Mary C. Logan in
1894, and they have one child, Joseph Cottrell Har-
ris, Jr., born in November, 1900.
(YII) Joseph Oscar Cottrell, son of Joseph,
was born Feb. 1. 1838, in Mystic, at the Cottrell
homestead. He died in Providence, R. I.. Jan. 2,
[890. In early life he was in business with his
father, but later he engaged in the making of boil-
ers in Mystic, at Pistol Point. After the war this
factory was converted into a woolen mill, and in a
few years burned down. Later Mr. Cottrell left
Mystic and continued the lumber business in New
York City and Jersey City. ( >n ( >ct. 22, 1863. he
married Josephine, daughter of ( hies and Abby
Jane (Stanton) Williams, born in November, 1839,
died March 9, 1865. She was in the sixth genera-
tion from Robert Stanton, one of the first settlers
of Newport, R. I., and in the seventh generation
from Robert Williams, the pioneer ancestor of the
Williams family. The only child by this marriage
was Josephine Williams, born Jan. 18, 1805, who
was married in Collegiate Church. New York City,
June 4, 1889, to George Walworth Middleton, and
they have had four children, Josephine (born March
22, 1890, died young), Harold Cottrell (born May
5, 1893), Marjory (born June 21, 1896) and Einna
(born March 23, 1898). For his second wife, on
< >ct. 21, 1869, Joseph Oscar Cottrell married Nellie
Crosby, and to this union were born the following
children: Ellen Roland, born in November. 1870;
Joseph, born in July, 1874; Charles Henry, born
in August, 1875, who married Mabelle Pond, of
Middlebury, Vt., Oct. 22, 1903 ; John Crosby, born
in September, 1877; and George Harris, born in
July, 1883. In 1867 Air. Cottrell represented the
town of Stonington in the State Legislature.
(YII) Charles H. Cottrell, son of Joseph, suc-
ceeded to the lumber business established by his
father. He was educated in boarding schools at
Providence, R. I., and Middleboro, Mass. In his
young manhood he became associated with his
father in business, and when the latter passed away
the son was well qualified to carry on his father's
extensive operations with the same success that had
attended the business when in its founder's care.
Like his father, too, he became an efficient public
servant, and he represented the town of Stonington
as selectman in 1883, 1884, 1885, 1886, 1887; he
was first selectman in 1883, 1884. 1885 and 1887.
Politically he was a Republican, and fraternally he
was a master Mason. He was highly esteemed as
a man of sterling integrity.
On Nov. 16, 1865, Mr. Cottrell married Miss
Georgianna Crary, daughter of Capt. George P>. and
Catherine (Latham) Crary. Of their four children
only one is living, Fanny Stanton, born in. Novem-
ber, 1866, who married John L. Dodg^. Jr., of Gro-
ton, Conn. They have had fiv>j children: Fanny
Stanton, born in November, 1.&85 : Charles Cottrell,
born in October, 1887; Paul, /born in 1889, who died
young; Roger, born in October, 1893, who died in
1897, and Joseph Griswold, born in September, 1898.
WILLIAMS. (I) Robert Williams, the pioneer
progenitor of Mrs. George W. Middleton, in the
maternal line, was the <£on of Stephen and Margaret
(Cook) Williams, bot/n in 1598, baptized in Great
7ot>
GENEALOGICAL AXD BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
Yarmouth, England, under date of Dec. II, 1608.
He married Elizabeth Stalham, of Great Yarmouth,
and sailed For America in the ship "Rose," from
Great Yarmouth, landing in New England in the
year 1035. 1 lis wife died July 28, 1074, aged eighty
years. He married again, it is supposed, to Martha
Strong, who died Dec. 22, 1704. He was a mem-
ber of the Ancient and Honorable Artillery Company
of Boston, in 1044. He died at Roxbury, Mass.,
Sept. 1. [693. His children were: Elizabeth, De-
borah, John, Samuel, Isaac, Stephen and Thomas.
( II ) Isaac \\ illiams was born at Roxbury, Mass.,
Sept. I, [638, and died Feb. n, 1707. He was mar-
ried (first) in 1660, to Martha Park, who died ( )ct.
24, 1674. He married (second) Judith, daughter
of Peter and Elizabeth (Smith) Hunt, and widow of
Nathaniel Cooper. She died in 1724. The children
by his first wife were: Isaac (i), Isaac (2), .Mar-
tha, William. John, Eleazer, Hannah, Elizabeth and
Thomas. By his second wife he had: Deter, Sarah,
Mary and Ephraim.
(III) Eleazer Williams, was born Oct. 22, 1669,
and married Mary (Rediat) Hyde, of Newton,
Mass. He went first to Lebanon, Conn., whence he
removed in 1712, to Stonington, where he purchased
a large tract of land on Quangutaug Hill, and built
him a house, where he lived the remainder of his
days. He died May 19, 1725. His children were:
Nehemiah, born Feb. 4, 1695; Martha, March 11,
1700 (died in 1703) ; Mary, Jan. 18, 1704 (the sec-
ond wife of Samuel Williams) ; Hannah (who mar-
ried Ephraim Woolbridge) ; Elizabeth (who was
married in 1732 to Jonathan Smith) ; and Priscilla
(who married May 17, 1738, David Lester).
(IV) Nehemiah Williams, born Feb. 4, 1695,
died Aug. 25, 1778. He married June 16, 1719, his
cousin, Deborah Williams, born April 2, 1695,
daughter of John and Martha (Wheeler) Williams.
She died Jan. 31, 1756, and he married (second)
March 2, 1757, Hannah Stoddard, who died Aug.
7, 1818, aged seventy-seven years. His children
were: Deborah, born Aug. 25, 1720: Nehemiah,
Jan. 20, 1723. who married Abigail Allen ; Eunice,
Sept. 20, 1720, who married Elisha Williams; Mar-
tha, May 2^, 1728, who married Jonathan Denison ;
Eleazer, Aug. I, 1730, who married Abigail Pren-
tice; Lucretia, April 21, 1733, who married Titus
Smith; and Prudence, July 17, 1738, who died Sept.
ftfc 1/44-
( V ) Deacon Eleazer Williams was born Aug.
1. 1730, and nv.arried March 14, 1754, Abigail Pren-
tice, born Dec. 11. 1734, daughter of Deacon Sam-
uel and Abigail (BillYiqgs) Spencer. She died Aug.
18, 1786. Children: ?\[artha, born Oct. 26, 1755,
died Aug. 18, 1756; Deborah, July 24, 1757, mar-
ried hark Williams; Eleazer was born June 2/,
1759; Gilbert, April 16, ty6i, married Grace Bil-
lings, April 15, 1799; Marsha, Dec. 15, 1762, mar-
ried Oliver Denison ; Amos was born Dec. 31, 1764 ;
Daniel, Jan. 28, 1767, married Eunice Smith; Pren-
tice was born April 15, 1769 ;\,Fanny, Feb. 8, 1771,
married June 6, 1793, Daniel Chesebrough ; Elam,
July 14, 1773, married (first) in 1797, Katherine
Pogert. (second) Abbie Weed, (third) Eliza Ten
Eyck, and (fourth) Deborah Vanderpool; Hannah,
June l6, 1775. married Amos Hallam.
(\ 1 ) Eleazer Williams, was born June 27, 1759,
and died March 20, 1814. He married, Nov. 5, 1780,
Mary Billings, born in \~()2, daughter of Nathan
and Ann (Hell) Billings. Children: Mary, born
March 2>>, 178S, married Charles Crary ; Eliza, Oct.
28, 1789, married Ethan Denison; Eleazer, July
30, 179 1. married Nancy S. Avery; Denison, March
2, 1793, married Hannah Avery; Matilda, Jan. 29,
1797, married (first) James Avery, and (second)
Rev. Ira Stewart; Frank, March 4, 1798, married
Nancy Hutcherson ; Noyes, March 28, 1799. mar-
ried Emily Pendleton; (riles, March 26, 1801, mar-
ried (first) Abby Stanton, and (second) Mary
Vanderpool; Austin, March 19, 1803, married Man-
Aver} ; Alfred, July i(>, 1805, married Frances
Phelps; Phebe, Dec. 16, 1808, married Feb. ir,
1830, Frank Pendleton; Ira married Elizabeth San-
ger.
(VII) Giles Williams was born March 26,
i8or. He married (first) March 23, 1831, Abby
Jane Stanton, born Jan. n, 181 r, daughter of Ben-
jamin F. and Maria (Davis) Stanton. She was
drowned Aug. 9. 1841, in the burning of the steamer
"Erie," on Lake Erie. .Mr. Williams married (sec-
ond) Dec. 12, 1848, Mary Elizabeth Vanderpool.
He died April 3. 1888, and his widow died in 1900.
The children of the first marriage were : Abb}- Jane,
born Aug. 10, 1832, who married. Charles A. Jones;
and Josephine, born in November, 1839, married
( )ct. 22, 1863, Joseph Oscar Cottrell.
OLIVER SHERMAN (deceased) was a suc-
cessful citizen of Lebanon and resided in that part
of the town known as Liberty Hill. His grand-
father, Daniel Sherman, was a farmer, and resided
on Tobacco street, in Lebanon. His son, Daniel
Lee Sherman, father of ( )liver, was a farmer, and
made his home in early life on the homestead. The
latter years of his life were spent on Liberty Hill.
and there he died in his ninetieth year. He married
Nancy Weeden, whom he survived for a number of
years. ( Hiver Sherman was the fifth child in order
of birth in a family of seven. One son yet survives,
John Weeden Sherman, who resides in Syracuse,
New York.
Oliver Sherman was born March 12, 1828, and
received a limited education in Lebanon, his native
place. By observation and experience he became
a keen judge of men and was well posted in affairs
generally. When a boy he went to Norwich, Conn.,
and for a number of years was employed as a clerk
there. In 1849 ne joined the army of gold seekers
bound for California, and was one of a company
from New London county and vicinity that char-
tered a vessel and sailed from Mystic, Conn., for
San Francisco, around the Horn. The voyage took
Taken soon after his return from California."
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
7hl
six months, and when he arrived his physical con-
dition would not permit him to work in the mines.
Therefore he obtained employment in a large store
at Marysyille, Cal., and by saving his wages and
being successful in a few ventures he was enabled
to make a comfortable fortune, alter several years
returning to Connecticut via the Isthmus. Soon
after his- arrival in Lebanon he was married and
then went to Cleveland, Ohio, where in company
with another party he engaged in a mercantile busi-
ness. After two years he again returned to Con-
necticut, and locating in Lebanon erected a nice
home on Liberty Hill where he resided for some
years, when he went to Syracuse, X. V. He was en-
gaged in conducting a hotel with his brother, Alex-
ander, but came back after a few years, and the re-
mainder of his life was spent at Liberty Hill. There
he carried on farming upon a small scale, more for
pleasure than remuneration. His death occurred
May 8, 1885, and he was buried at Willimantic.
For several years prior to his death he was in very
poor health. From poverty Air. Sherman raised
himself to a position of wealth and gained the re-
spect of all who knew him. He was a member of
the Masonic fraternity and prominent in that orga-
nization.
On June 1, 1853, Mr. Sherman married Jane
Kingsley, who was born Sept. 5, 1830, daughter of
George and Lucy (Hyde J Kingsley, and she died
Aug. 31, 1902. Their children were as follows:
Lucy Anna resides on the home place at Liberty
Hill ; George Kingsley, unmarried, who resided on
the farm, died (Jet. 30, 1901, aged forty-one years;
Daniel Oliver was a bookkeeper in early life, but
spent his latter years at Liberty Hill, and died Julv
7, 1898, aged thirty-six years.
FRED A. BECKWITH, one of the representa-
tive and influential citizens of East Lyme, is a di-
rect descendant in the twenty-fourth generation of
(I) Sir Hugh De Malebisse, who held lands
with William the Conqueror. He was born in Nor-
mandy, as were all the followers of the Conqueror.
(II) Hugo De Malebisse, living in 1138, married
(first) Emma, daughter of William de Percy.
(III) Sir Simon De Malebisse, Lord of Cow-
ton, in Craven, married the daughter of John, Lord
of Methley.
(IV) Sir Hercules De Malebisse changed his
name to Beckwith on his marriage, in 1226, to Lady
Dame Beckwith Bruce, daughter of Sir William
Bruce, of Uglebarly.
( V ) Sir Hercules Beckwith married the daugh-
ter of Sir John Ferrers, of Tamworth Castle.
(VI) Nicholas Beckwith de Clint married the
daughter of Sir John Chaworth.
(VII) Hamon Beckwith, who took upon him
in 1339 the coat of arms of John, Lord de Male-
bisse. married the daughter of Sir Philip Tynley,
Knight.
(VIII) William Beckwith, second of the manor
47
of Beckwithshow, thirty-eighth year of Edward,
[364, married a daughter of Sir ( iirard I'rlleet.
( IX ) Thomas Beckwith, of Clint and Manors of
Magna ( itrigen and Housely, near Thursby,'4, Rich-
ard I I, which lands were hoiden of John,* Lord Mow-
broy, as his manor of Thursk, married the daughter
of John Sauh , of Saxon.
(X) Adam Beckwith de Clint married Elizabeth
De Malebisse, 4, Richard II.
(XI) Sir William Beckwith de Clint, Knight,
married the daughter of Sir John Baskerville.
(XII) Thomas Beckwith, of Clint, Lord of one
third part of h'ily, Muster and Thorp, married the.
daughter and heiress of William Heslerton.
( XIII) John Beckwith married the daughter
of Thomas Radcliff, of Mulgrave.
( XIV) Robert Beckwith, of Broxholme. was liv-
ing in the eighth year of King Edward IV.
(XV) John Beckwith, of Clint and Thorp, was
living in the eighth year of Edward IV.
( X\ I ) Robert Beckwith, of Clint and Thorp,
married Jennet.
(XVII) Marmaduke Beckwith, of Darce and
Clint, married (second) Anne, daughter of Dynly,
of Bramhope, County of York.
(XVIII) Matthew Beckwith, born Sept. _'_>.
1610, in Pontefract, Yorkshire, England, emigrated
in 1635 to New England, residing for a short time at
Saybrook Point, 1635 ; Branford, 1638 ; among the
first settlers of Hartford, 1642; among the first set-
tlers of Lyme, 165 1 ; purchased large tracts of land
on the Xiantic river, lying practically in Lyme and
Xew London. He owned the barque "Endeavor,"
which was constructed by him, and was the first
vessel launched from Xew London, and traded with
the Barbadoes. Matthew Beckwith died Dec. 13,
1681. At the time of his death his wife's Christian
name was Elizabeth.
(XIX) John Beckwith, born in 1669. at Lyme,
Conn., according to his deposition, 1740. had lived
at Xiantic Ferry for seventy-five (twenty-five ?)
years.
(XX) John Beckwith, born Aug. 12, 17 18, in
Waterford, Conn., was one of the original patentees
of Xew London, to Waterford, Connecticut.
(XXI) Seth Beckwith, born in Xew London.
(now Waterford), Conn., in 1755. later removed
to Montville, Conn. He was married Nov. 14. 1781.
to Esther Leach, who was born in 1762. They had
children: Esther, born in 1782; Joseph, 1785; Ru-
pel. 1788; Clement L. Seth Beckwith enlisted in
the Continental army in 1778, in Capt. Rope's Com-
pany, and re-enlisted in 1770-
(XXII) Clement L. Beckwith was for forty-
seven vears a tenant farmer on the estate of Dr.
Isaac Thompson, of Xew London. In [816 he mar-
ried Hannah Chapel, who was born in 1790 in Mont-
ville, and died Dec. II, 1881, in her eighty-sixth
Their children were as follows : ( 1 ) Gil-
year.
bert Russell was killed by accident at the age of
six vears. (2) Miroeh, born in 1819, died in 1881.
738
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
(3) Sarah A. married Francis D. Beckwith, of
New London, Conn. (4) Allen died at the age of
nineteen years. (5) Anson died aged sixty-five
years. (6) Alary died aged nineteen years. (7)
Alfred died- in 1887. (8) Maria married Henry
T. Squire, of New London, Conn. (9) John T.
was born July 10, 1838.
(XXHI) John Tyler Beckwith spent his early
school days in attendance at the common schools,
and when a very small boy began selling milk for his
father, continuing to sell milk in New London for
twenty-two years. On Dec. 31, 1863, he married
Annie T., daughter of Horace and Mary (Corn-
stock) Beckwith, of Waterford, where she was born
April 15, 1841. To them came two children: Fred
A., born Jan. 7, 1865 ; and Mary H., who married
S. J. Weaver, 'of Flanders, Conn. After his mar-
riage Mr. Beckwith lived on his father's farm for
seven years, improving that part of it which his
father had bought from Dr. Thompson. In 1870
he moved to the While Hall farm, in Mystic, and
remained there until March, 1873, when he came
to his present home in the town of Fast Lyme. Mr.
Beckwith is a Republican politically, and he cast his
first vote in i860 for Abraham Lincoln. He has
served the town of East Lyme as a member of the
board of assessors and board of relief. He is a
member of Union Lodge, No. 10, A. O. U. W., and
of Warren Council, No. 53, O. U. A. M., of East
Lyme. He is also a member of the East Lyme
Grange, and treasurer of the East Lyme Improve-
ment Co. He is a trustee of the Baptist Church, of
which he and his wife are devout members.
(XXIV) Fred Allen Beckwith was born
in New London, Jan. 7, 1865, and received his early
schooling in his native place and in a private school
in East Lyme. He worked on the farm as a young
man, and taught school one term in Waterford and
four terms in East Lyme. At present he engages
extensively in the livery and teaming business, which
he established in 1890. In the spring of 1904 he
purchased the coal business of Huntley Bros., which
he carries on in connection with his livery business.
In politics he is a Republican, and he has been an
assessor and is now serving his eighth year as select-
man. Socially he is a member of the Niantic Lodge,
No. 17, I. O. O. F., of which he is a past grand;
of the Order of United American Mechanics, War-
ren Council, No. 53, of which he is an ex-coun-
cilor ; of the A. O. U. W., Union Lodge. No. 10,
of which he is past master ; and of the New England
Order of Protection, No. 241, of Niantic, of which
he is warden. He is also a member of the East
Lyme Grange.
On Jan. 25, 1893, Mr. Beckwith married Marion
Stannard Mott, daughter of Samuel Mott, of Water-
ford, and they have two children : Leslie Mott. born
May 17, 1895 ; and Tracy Tyler, born May 19, 1900.
Mr. Beckwith is a member and trustee of the Niantic
Baptist Church. While living in Flanders he was
deacon of the church there for several vears.
CHARLES BECKLEY PLATT. In the
northwestern residence portion of Norwich, on ele-
vated ground, amid picturesque surroundings, stands
the Piatt homestead, the estate, "Rocklawn," of the
late Charles B. Flatt, one of the founders of, and
associated with Isaac H. Bromley and Wilfiam D.
Manning in the publication of , the Norwich Bulletin;
and here continue to reside Mrs. Olive Worthington
(Barstow) Piatt, and Airs. Helen B. P. Huntington,
widow and daughter, respectively, of Mr. Piatt, and
the latter the widow of the late C. M. Huntington.
Norwich, as is well known, has long borne the beau-
tiful sobriquet of the "Rose of New England," and.
as a factor in the town's beauty "Rocklawn" enters
largely. From the crown of its eminence is pre-
sented a panoramic picture of great charm and
picturesqueness. This old estate of some sixteen
acres has within a decade or more, through the
enterprise, public spirit, taste and ability of Mrs.
Piatt, been greatly improved and transformed into
one of the most charming and inviting residence
portions of Norwich, and dotted over with many
tasteful cottages of modern design and equipment.
Of the family history and lineage of the occupants
of the Piatt home at "Rocklawn" it is the purpose
of this article to treat.
Both mother and daughter are members of the
Daughters of the American Revolution, and descend
on either side from old Colonial families of New
England. Olive Worthington (Barstow) Piatt is
a daughter of the late Charles Barstow and Eunice
(Geer), and a descendant in the eighth generation
from William Barstow, the immigrant ancestor of
the branch of the American Barstow family to
which she belongs.
Barstow. The name Barstow is of English
origin from the West Riding of Yorkshire, where
the name still occurs. Barstow of Naburn Hall,
York, bears the coat of arms : Ermine on fesse
sable ; three crescents, or ; Crest, a horse's head
couped ar. Edmond Barstow, Esq., J. P., from the
North Riding of Yorkshire, was in 1816 possessed
of Hingerskil, formerly the seat of the Hoptons,
being the second husband of Ellinor Hopton, of the
ancient and eminent family of Hopton of Hopton,
by whom he had Edward and others. He was the
son of Edward, the son of Thomas Barstow, of
North Allerton, whose daughter Elizabeth married
Darcey Conyers, Esq.
George, Michael, John and William Barstow,
brothers, came early to New England and settled
in Cambridge, Watertown and Dedham, Mass. Of
these William Barstow, aged twenty-three, and
George, aged twenty-one, probably from Yorkshire,
embarked in the ship "Truelove," for New England.
William was in Dedham, Mass., in 1636, and signed
the petition for the incorporation of that town, and
he and his brother George had grants of land made
to them Dec. 16, 1642. William, with whom we
have to deal, was a freeman in Scituate, Mass.,
1649. He was the first settler of whom there is a
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
739
record in what is now Hanover, Mass. He married
probably after he left England, Anne . He
was a man of note in his day, was an extensive land
holder, of high respectability, a worthy and enter-
prising citizen. He died in Scituate in 1668, aged
fifty-six years. His wife survived him. Their chil-
dren were : Joseph, born in Dedham, "6d. 4 mo.,"
1639; Patience, born "3d., 10 mo.." 1643, *n Ded-
ham; Deborah, born in August. 1650. in Scituate;
William, born in September, 1652, in Scituate ; and
Martha, born there in 1655.
The lineage of Mrs. Piatt from William Bars-
tow is through Capt. Joseph, Capt. Joseph (2),
Joshua, Calvin, Joshua (2) and Charles Barstow.
(II) Capt. Joseph Barstow, born "6d., 4 mo.,"
1639, in Dedham, Mass., married May 16, 1666,
Susanna Lincoln, of Hingham. He was an exten-
sive land holder in Abington. He was granted per-
mission to keep a house of entertainment in 1672.
He died April 17, 1712, and his widow passed away
Jan. 31, 1730. Their children were: Susanna, born
June 3, 1667; Joseph, born Jan. 22, 1675 ; Benjamin,
born March 1, 1679; Deborah, born Dec. 26, 1681 ;
and Samuel, born Jan. 1, 1683.
(III) Capt. Joseph Barstow (2), born Jan. 22,
1675, married Mary , and lived in Hanover,
where he died July 25, 1728. In connection with
Benjamin Stetson, Capt. Barstow received in 1720,
a grant of two acres of land for the accommodation
of a forge and finery, and erected the forge subse-
quently known as Barstow's Forge, which was im-
proved by his descendants for nearly a century. He
owned considerable land, and left an estate ap-
praised at £6.926. His children were : Elizabeth,
born Aug. 23, 1699; Joseph, born Sept. 6, 1701 ;
Joseph (2), born Jan. 10, 1704; Joshua, born Sept.
8, 1706; Mary, born Feb. 21, 1709; James, born
April 20, 171 1 ; Mary, born May 20, 1717; Joshua
(2), born Sept. 8, 1720; and Abigail, baptized May
?> 1723-
(IV) Joshua Barstow, born Sept. 8, 1720, mar-
ried April 21, 1741, Elizabeth Foster of Scituate.
He lived in Hanover, and was proprietor of the
forge built by his father in 1720, which he carried on
until his death, and probably occupied his father's
house. He was drowned at the "Eastward" (ac-
cording to the inscription in the Hanover grave-
yard) Oct. 3, 1773. His children were: Joseph,
born Nov. 13, 1742; Mary, born June 6, 1743;
James, born Oct. 8, 1744; Barshaway, born Feb.
20, 1745; Abigail, born Sept. 26, 1747; Joshua,
born June 26 (T. records) or July 7 ( F. records),
1749; Calvin, born Oct. 7, 1750; Ezekiel, born June
7 (T. records) or July 7 ( F. records), 1752 ; Abigail,
born Sept. 29 (T. records) or Dec. 7 (F. records),
1753; (Timothy?) Hatherly, born Feb. 22, 1755;
Foster, born April 2, 1757; Elizabeth, born Feb. 5,
1760: and Joseph ( ?).
(V) Calvin Barstow, born Oct. 7, 1750, married
, and died in 1826 in Preston, Conn. Among
his children were Jedediah, of Jewett City, who
married and died in East Hampton, Conn. ; and a
son, Joshua.
(VI) Joshua Barstow, born February, 1776,
married Lydia Tracy, daughter of Rufus and Mary
(Reed) Tracy, the former a sergeant in the Revo-
lutionary war. Mr. and Mrs. Barstow lived in
Preston, Conn. They had six children, viz. :
Charles, Rufus, Joshua, Thomas, Margaret (who
married first Mr. Robinson, and second Austin
Phillips), and Alexander.
(VII) Charles Barstow, son of Joshua and
Lydia (Tracy) Barstow, was born in the town of
Preston, Conn., where he grew to manhood. In
April, 1834, he married Eunice Geer, daughter of
Jephthah Geer, and with his wife went West, locat-
ing at Dundaff, Susquehanna Co., Pa., where he
became interested in the lumber business and min-
ing, operating saw and gristmills, and also engaged
extensively in farming and land speculation. He
later sold out and removed to Honesdale, Wrayne
Co., Pa., accepting a position as superintendent on
the Delaware & Lackawanna Canal, where he spent
some time. His next removal was to Michigan,
where he located at St. Clair and became engaged
in the lumber business. From there he returned to
Pennsylvania and became interested in real estate.
He died at Moscow, Lackawanna Co., Pa., and was
buried there. Mr. Barstow took a deep interest in
his family. He was quite successful as a business
man. He and his wife had three children: (1)
Charles served in the Civil war as a member of a
Connecticut Cavalry troop, was taken prisoner and
confined at Andersonville, and after the close of
the war returned to Norwich, where he remained
until 1884. He then went to Meriden, Conn., and
entered the employ of the dry goods firm of Ives,
Upham & Rand. He died in Meriden in April,
1 89 1, and was buried in Yantic cemetery, at Nor-
wich. He was twice married, first to Caroline Phil-
lips, and second to Mrs. Abbie Edgerton, and he had
two children, Frank Tracy and Charles Piatt. (2)
Joshua went to California during the gold fever of
1850, and died in Central America, where he located
later in life. (3) Olive Worthington was married
Feb. 8, i860, to Charles B. Piatt, and they had four
children : Carrie Barstow died when fourteen
months old; Helen B. married C. M. Huntington;
Rufus Barstow died when three and one-half years
old ; George Barstow died when two and one-half
vears old.
Geer. On her mother's side Mrs. Piatt descends
from George Geer, the immigrant ancestor of this
branch of the ( reer family, her lineage being through
Jonathan. Jonathan (2), Stephen. Thomas, Jeph-
thah and Eunice (Geer) Barstow.
( I ) George ( leer appeared of record in New
London, Conn., on Feb. 17. 1658. the date of his
marriage to Sarah, daughter of Robert Allyn. He
was born about 162 1, in England, and according
to tradition was a son of Jonathan Geer, of the
Countv of Devon. George and a younger brother,
74Q
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
Thomas, tradition tells us, were left orphans at a
tender age, and by an uncle were put aboard a ship
which was to sail for America, and which arrived
in Boston, Mass., in 1635. The first reliable record
of them thereafter is that George was one of the
early settlers in Xew London, Conn., in 1651, and
Thomas in Enfield, Conn., 1682. George Geer, im-
mediately after his marriage, settled on a tract of
fifty acres of land, granted to him by the town of
Xew London. Later on, in 1665, he received from
the town another grant of land, one of 100 acres.
He also owned a tract of land in the town of Pres-
ton (now Griswold), a part of which he obtained
by grant from the Indian Sachem, ( hvaneco, eldest
son of Uncas, bearing date Dec. II, T69T. He held
other lands. In 1705 he resided in what became the
town of Groton, of which he was a selectman. He
died in 1726. His wife Sarah was baptized in Salem,
Mass., about 1640, some time previous to her
father's removal to Xew London, Conn., in 165 1.
She died a short time previous to the death of her
husband. Their children were: Sarah, born Feb.
27, 1059; Jonathan, May 26, 1662; Joseph, Oct.
•14, 1664; Hannah, Feb. 27, 1666; Margaret, Feb-
ruary, 1669; Mary, March 26, 1671; Daniel, 1673 ;
Robert, Jan. 2, 1675; Anne, Jan. 6, 1679; Isaac,
March 26, 1681 ; and Jeremiah, in 1683.
( II ) Jonathan Geer, born May 26, 1662, married
Mary , who died April 24. 1718. Mr. Geer
at an early period settled about ten miles north of
his father, on land given to him by the latter in 1686.
In that vear he, with others, petitioned the General
Court for a new town, which petition was granted,
and the town called Preston. The children of Jona-
than and Mary Geer were: Jonathan. Deborah,
Sarah, Mary, Zerviah and Dorothy. The father
died April 30, 1742.
(III) Jonathan Geer (2) married (first) June
15. 1721, Elizabeth Herrick. She died Feb. 10,
1743-44, and he married (second) April 6, 1744,
Hannah Putnam, of Preston. Five children were
born to the first marriage, and two to the second,
as follows: Aaron, born May 7, 1722; Jonathan,
June 3, 1724; Stephen, Feb. 22. 1726-27; Elizabeth,
May 9, 1728; Samuel, June 3, 1731 ; Elizabeth, Jan.
24, 1745-46; and Elisha, March 5, 1749-50.
( IV) Stephen Geer, born Feb. 22, 1726-27, mar-
ried Jan. 8, 1746-47, Ruth Clark, of Norwich, and
their children were : Amos and Thomas, born Sept.
28, 1747, and Aug. 9, 1750, respectively.
(V) Thomas Geer, born Aug. 9, 1750, married
(first) Feb. II, 1773, Meribah Killam, of Preston,
Conn. She died March 17, 1801, and he married
(second) March 22, 1803, Mrs. Elizabeth Wilbur,
of Preston. His children, all born to the first mar-
riage, were: Jephthah, born Feb. 7, 1774; Jonathan,
March 8, 1776; Joseph, July 22, 1778; Anna, Oct.
19, 1780; Ichabod E., May 8, 1783; and Nabby,
Nov. 30, 1 79 1.
(VI) Jephthah Geer, born Feb. 7, 1774, married
Nov. 19, 1797, Olive Herrick, of Worthington ; she
died in August, 1854, aged seventy-seven years.
Their children were: Olivet, born Jan. 24, 1800;
Laura, Nov. 10, 1801 ; Jephthah, .Feb. 13, 1804;.
Eunice, April 20, 1806; Almira, March 24, 1808;
Hollibut W., March 8, 1810; Thomas C, Feb. 22,
1812; Isaac Sidney, April 7, 1814; and Persis C,
Sept. 12, 18 1 6.
(VII) Eunice Geer, born April 20, 1806, mar-
ried Charles Barstow.
Platt. The Piatt family, of which the late
Charles P>. Platt was a descendant, was early settled
in New England. .(I) Richard Platt, the first of
that name in America, was a son of Joseph, born
in England and baptized Sept. 28, 1603, near Hart-
ford, England. He came to America in 1658,
landing in Xew Haven, where he had a tract of land.
He died in 1(184, and his wife died 16 — . They were
the parents of eight children.
(II) Josiah Platt, the second youngest child of
Richard, was Baptized in 1645. He married in
Milford, Dec. 2, 1669, Sarah Camfield, of Milford.
(III) Josiah Platt (2), son of Josiah and Sarah
(Camfield) I Matt, was born Jan. 12, 1679. He re-
ceived from his father by will "108 acres on Gelding
Hill, new town," Conn. He married Sarah ,
and they had four children.
( IV) Josiah Platt (3), eldest son of Josiah (2),
married Sarah Sanford, Nov. 13, 1758.
(V) Nathan Platt, son of Josiah (3), born
March 3, 1761, married Ruby Smith, of Newtown,
Conn., and (second) Charlotte Dickerman, and
was the father of eight children. He lived many
years in Waterbury, Conn., and was a soldier in the
Revolutionary war. He died in Wallingford in
1845, and was buried in YYaterburv.
(VI) Ely Platt, third son of Nathan, born in
Newtown, Conn., July 3, 1793, married Levia P>eck-
ley, of Xaugatuck, daughter of Dr. Daniel Beckley,
who was a soldier in the Revolutionary war and also
a surgeon. Mr. Platt died at Norwich, Conn., Feb.
13, 1867. He was the father of eight children.
( YII) Charles Beckley Platt, the youngest son
of Ely, was born in Utica, March 8, 1827. In his
native place he learned the printer's trade, following
it at first in that city, and later in New York City.
He came to Norwich early in life, and in i860, two
years after the establishment of the Norwich Morning
Bulletin, became part owner and the business man-
ager of that paper, which was conducted under the
firm name of Manning, Platt & Co. Mr. Platt sold
out his interest and retired from the management
of the paper in 1868. After abandoning the news-
paper business he conducted a dry-goods business,
and Mrs. Platt carried on the largest millinery busi-
ness in the city for many years. Mr. Platt retired
from business a couple of years before his death,
having accumulated a competency, and spent the
remainder of his life at his elegant residence,
"Rocklawn,'' in the northeastern part of the town.
Mr. Platt was an excellent business man, and was
considered the most skillful printer and publisher in
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
74 f
the county. He possessed fine literary tastes, his
knowledge of standard literature was varied and
■extensive, and his remarkable memory served him
well in his literary labors. Under bis nom de plume
of "Karl Beck" he wrote main excellent pieces of
poetry and prose, among them "Rocklawn." which
is given below. Before his connection with the
Bulletin he published the Norwich Tribune, a weekly
of superior merit, in company with Edmund Clar-
ence Stedman, the poet, who was the editor, but the
paper was suspended after a career of little more
than a year, in 1853. Mr. Piatt died Sept. 8. 1883,
in the fifty-sixth year of his age. His death was
caused by an abscess in the throat, which ended in
hemorrhage. He was buried in the Yantic ceme-
tery, his funeral being largely attended. Rev. Dr.
Geisy, of Christ Church, officiated.
On Dec. 14, 1848. Mr. Piatt married Frances
J. C. Dey. and they had two children: Allen, who
•died at the age of twenty-four vears ; and a daughter
who died in infancy. On Feb. 8, i860, he married
( Hive \\ orthington Barstow. and to that union came
four children, Carrie P,., Helen B., Rufus B. and
George B., previously mentioned.
Of his picturesque home and its environs Mr
Piatt once wrote as follows:
"0 fair Rocklawn! thou charming home, where now my
manhood s prime
Is sure and swiftly passing from the golden shores of time
Be thou my theme while I essay in melancholy song.
To celebrate the beauties that for aye to thee belong-
And sing the tender memories of sweet elvsian days
A defter minstrel's loftier lav can only fitly praise'
V rare old days! They'll dearer grow in" all the coming
years
That fate may have in store for me, with smiles or bitter
tears ;
And unto them this heart will turn, with ever mantling joy
lo dwell on all their treasured hours, without the least
alloy.
"Hear old Rocklawn! delightful spot, when grim and hoary
age
Shall bring to me its sorrows dree, nor make of me a sage,
How fond will memory linger on each charm endeared to
me ;
The ancient elm, the brave old oak, and many a spreading
tree ;
The cro'nest on the craggy rock, with tangled wildwood
round.
Where oft at evening's witching hour, in reverie profound.
I've dared to dream the wildest dreams, and in the empty
air
Full many a castle tall, with tower and turret fair.
By magic art have conjured up. and seen them grandly
rise,
\\ ith pinnacle and graceful spire uppointing to the skies.
Alas! how soon they crumbling fell, all toppling to the
ground.
And broken lay a mournful wreck in rueful ruin round!
" 1 he orchard on the sloping green where merry children
played.
And where the scent of apple blossoms all the summer
stayed ;
The hemlock hedge that grows beside the wild and rocky
glen ;
The rivulet that rippling runs along the reedy fen.
Where all its laughing waters clear in tiny cascades fell —
With light and beauty lighting up the weird and silent
cell :
The shining lake anent the hill, that shimmers in the light
Like diamonds on the helmet of a leal and belted knight,
Within whose dark and silent depths, like gleaming darts of
flame,
The gorgeous goldfish gambol free, as if in sportive game.
How oft I've tried to lure them from their wat'ry realms
below !
But, wise as well as beautiful, they did not care to go.
"The rustic well, where oft at noon, in summer's fervent
beat,
I've gaily quaffed a brimming draught of nectar, cold and
sweet
As Bacchus sips with burning lips from the ruddy beaker's
brim ;
Who cares for wine when drink divine flows o'er the
bucket's rim !
"Along the wooded valley, to the south and far away.
Slow winds the peerless river, by its banks of green and
gray-
Now flashing back each am'rous glance the sun so boldly
throws
On its fair and virgin bosom, as pure as polar snows;
Then holding in its lucent deeps in soft celestial sheen.
The mirrored moon far down below, majestic and serene;
Its mighty tide of waters, from the flume and turbine free,
Now toils no more with rush and roar, but widens to the
sea.
Amid whose bounding billows, capped with combing crests
of foam,
'Twill soon be free as it used to be away in its mountain
home !
And so the soul will float away on summer sea of love.
From tears and toil and turmoil free, to realms of peace
above.
"O fair Rocklawn! I'll not forget among thy many charms,
The birds that till thy leafy groves with music's soft
alarms,
And gaily greet in song so sweet the footsteps of the morn,
Whose golden light on mountain height proclaimed a new
day born !
"The meadow lark in blithesome strain then pipes his greet-
ing high.
And boldly wings his dizzy flight far upward to the sky ;
The phcebe's soft and tender soul;, so mournful and so low,
Xow joins the flaming oriole's, in the meadow down below;
Anon the cheery bobolink, in notes full, clear and strong.
Fills all the air with melody in blissful matin song:
While every merry warbler in the orchard and the gr
Swells high the joyful symphony of praise to God above.
"The flowers I will ever love that in thy garden bloom;
Its roses rare and lilies fair all breathe a rich perfume,
That haunts the brain like dying -train of ancient runic
rhyme :
The ivy on the crumbled wall — the aromatic thyme;
With modest violets on the ground, carnations in their
pride.
And orange blossoms golden hued, to deck the blushing
bride.
There's rosemary, for remembrance sad of loves ^i auld
king syne :
While pansics sweet wake tender though:- ni present love
divine.
0 every heart a kingdom is. where Love despotic reigns —
In age and youth, or joy or ruth, it beats the tyrant's
chains !
The white and crimson columbine, that tells of broken
VOW s.
Close by the patient OX eye blooms; and laurel f;>r the
brows
74-'
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
Beside a fun'ral cypress grows, whose branches sadly wave ;
He who the path of glory treads but marches to the grave !
"Such berries red and purple grapes ne'er grew on bush or
vine,
Nor in such tempting clusters hung, as grow and hang on
thine !
No tasselled corn on summer morn e'er waved so tall and
grand,
To cheer the patient toiler for the labor of his hand !
The apple and the apricot, the luscious peach and pear —
As low the loaded branches bend with burdens rich and
rare,
Seem better, sweeter, choicer far, than e'er in garden grew,
Since roses bloomed, or water ran, or softly fell in dew ;
And Eden must — that fabled spot — its ancient glories share
With this more modern paradise, so blooming and so fair.
"When night lets fall her sable pall on all the world around,
And shrouds the vale, the hill and dale in darkness most
profound,
Ten thousand tiny lamps are lit, and brightly gleam and
glance
From evening gray to break of day, to light the mystic
dance
Of fay and fairy — winsome, airy — tripping light and free,
From dusk to dawn on grassy lawn, beneath the green-
wood tree.
Then many a mystic sound falls soft on fancy's listening
ear,
And wraps the soul in wonder oft — impels it oft to fear.
The moaning breeze in lofty trees takes up the weird
refrain,
And fills the mind with nameless dread — the heart with
haunting pain !
"Loved home ! thou hast a dearer charm, and more exalted
far
Than rarest beauty nature gives, or art can make or mar.
Its gracious presence brightens joy — it lightens every grief,
And is of all life's treasured things, the choicest and the
chief.
The lowly cot, the lordly hall, with wealth and beauty
crowned,
Nor peace nor happiness can know, if this do not abound.
Take from my home all nature gave — all art has deftly
done —
I'll never grieve if fate will leave this gem — this price-
less one !
This pearl so fair, this jewel rare — all else so far above —
The poor man's wealth, the rich man's bliss, is sweet do-
mestic love !
"Dear spot ! I love to linger long on all thy pleasing charms ;
Thy deep sequestered by-ways lone, unvexed by wild
alarms ;
Amid whose loved and lovely scenes, from stormy passions
free,
My world-worn, wan and weary soul would ever like to
be!
Exempt from bicker, toil and strife for riches or for fame ;
No wish to join the madding crowd, no thought of praise
or blame ;
I'd calmly bide that fateful hour, which soon must come
to me
To break all earthly prison doors and set my spirit free ;
And then at last when life is passed, its fitful fever o'er.
Dear old Rocklawn — my charming home — good-bye for-
evermore."
[This poem appeared in the Geneva (N. Y.) Gazette,
and the editor appended the following note: "Rocklawn is
the name given to one of the most beautiful residences in
Norwich, Conn., the home of a former Genevan. That
ancient and beautiful city, delightfully located among lofty
hills at the confluence of three rivers, the Yantic, Shetucket
and Thames, has won the sobriquet of the 'Rose of New
England," on account of its unrivalled natural beauties,
its fine churches, and elegant private residences and villas."]
Mrs. Piatt, since becoming the owner of "Rock-
lawn," has made some very extensive improve-
ments to the estate, and has built more than twenty-
five houses and cottages thereon, opening up fine-
streets, etc. She is largely interested in real estate,
and has proved herself a business woman.
Huntington. The Huntington family, from
which the late Charming Moore Huntington was
descended, is an old New England family. Simon
Huntington, who was born in England, married
Margaret Buret, of Norwich, and while coming to
New England died of smallpox, 1633, and was
buried, it is supposed, in the Atlantic Ocean. He
had three sons, Christopher, Simon and Samuel, who
together with their mother landed at Saybrook,.
Conn. There was another son, William, who it is
presumed was the eldest of the family.
(II) Simon Huntington (2), son of Simon, re-
moved to Windsor, Conn., with his mother and
brother Christopher. Later he returned to Say-
brook, and still later joined the Colonists who set-
tled in Norwich, New London county, where he
became a deacon of the Church, and took deep in-
terest, in the new settlement. He married in Octo-
ber, 1653, Sarah Clark, daughter of Joseph Clark,,
and to that union eight children were born.
(III) Daniel Huntington, the second youngest
child of Simon (2), was born in Norwich March 13,
1675-76. He married for his first wife Jan. 3,
1705, Abigail Bingham, who was born Nov. 4,
1679, ancl died Dec. 25, 1734; she was a daughter
of Thomas and Mary (Rudd) Bingham. Daniel
Huntington married for his second wife Rachel
Wolcott, of Windham, Conn. He died in Norwich
Sept. 13, 1741, and his widow married, on Nov.
30, 1742, Joseph Bingham, of Windham, Conn.
Daniel Huntington wras the father of six children.
(IV) Benjamin Huntington, the youngest child
of Daniel, was born in Norwich April 19, 1736,
and graduated from Yale in 1761. On May 5,
1765, he married Anne Huntington, who was born
in Windham, Jan. 20, 1740, daughter of Col. Jabez
Huntington. Eight children blessed this union:
Benjamin Huntington was a lawyer by profession,
and had the degree of LL. D. He was quite active
during the Revolutionary war. In 1778 he was
appointed on the recommendation of Washington,
by the Legislature of Connecticut, one of the Con-
vention to be held in New Haven for the regula-
tion of the arm}-. From 1780 to 1784, and in
1787-88, he was a member of the Continental Con-
gress. In 1789 he was chosen to represent Con-
necticut in the First Congress of the United States.
He was also a member of the Connecticut Legisla-
ture from 1 78 1 to 1790:,. and from 1791 to 1793.
In 1784, when Norwich was incorporated, he was
chosen its first Mayor, and served until 1796. In
GENEALOGICAL AXD BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
743
1793 he was appointed Judge of the Superior Court
of Connecticut, and held the office until 1798.
(V) Benjamin Hunting-ton (2), the third young-
est child of Benjamin, was horn in Norwich March
19, 1777. On July 21, 1812, in New London, Conn.,
he married Faith Trumbull, daughter of Gen. Jede-
diah Trumbull. Early in life Mr. Huntington was
engaged in business in Detroit, Mich., but returned
East, and settling in New York City, became one
of the most eminent of that city's exchange brokers.
His wife died in New York April 5, 1838, and he
married for his second wife Mrs. Mary Ann (Kemp-
ton) Wales, of New York, who died' April 8, 1850.
His death occurred Aug. 3, 1850, in New York.
He had three children, all sons, Jedediah Vincent,
Darnel and Gurdon.
( VI) Gurdon Huntington, born Nov. 27, 1818,
graduated from Hamilton College in 1838, and was
ordained a deacon of the Protestant Episcopal
Church July 2, 1848, and presbyter April 14, 185 1.
He officiated in Rhode Island and Xew York, prin-
cipally at Sackett's Harbor, N. Y., and Sag Harbor,
L. I. He devoted much time to general literature
and poetry. On Jan. 22, 1852, he married Sarah
Gold Sill, who died in Sag Harbor January 31,
1858. On Oct. 25, 1859, he married Miss Char-
lotte Marsh Sill, of Rome, N. Y., and they had one
child, Channing Moore.
(VII) Channing Moore Huntington was
born at Sag Harbor, L. I., Jan. 4, 186 r, and on Oct.
9, 1889, married Helen Barstow Piatt, daughter of
Charles B. and Olive Worthington (Barstow) Piatt.
Three children came to this union : Gurdon, born in
Utica, X. Y., March 20, 1891 ; Olive, born Feb. 1,
1893; and Channing Piatt, born Sept. 14, 1894.
Mr. Huntington died in New York City, Nov. 24,
1894, and is buried in Yantic cemetery, Norwich.
He was literary editor of the Utica Herald.
Mrs. Huntington makes her home at Rocklawn
with her mother. She is a member of Christ Epis-
copal Church. She belongs to the D. A. R. at
Norwich, has filled the offices of vice-regent and
regent, and is now a member of the board of man-
agers. However, her chief interest centers in her
home and children, to whom she is much devoted.
A\'ARREN RUSSELL DAVIS. M. D., physi-
cian and surgeon at Voluntown, Conn., was born
June 20, 1838, at Palmyra, Maine. Dr. Davis is of
English descent, his grandfather, Benjamin Davis,
having been born in England, a son of John Davis,
of England.
Benjamin Davis was a ship carpenter by occu-
pation, and after he came to America located at
New Bedford, Mass., where he followed his trade
and where he spent the remainder of his life, dying
there. He married Content Griffin, who also died
in New Bedford, Mass. Their children were: Asa.
( >bed, Experience, Amy, Content, Benjamin, Isa-
bella, Walter and George D.
Obed Davis, son of Benjamin, was born March
4, 1783, in Xew Bedford, Ma>s., where he grew to
manhood. When still a young man he located in
Fairfield, Maine, upon a farm. There he married
and later moved to Bloomfield, where eleven of his
children were born to him. Later he removed to
Palmyra, Maine, where he owned a tract of 200
acres and in addition to farming became interested
in stock raising. There he spent his days, dying
May 15, 1875, ninety-two years of age. His re-
mains were interred in the beautiful Palmyra cem-
etery. Earlv in life Mr. Davis was a Whicr. and he
later entered the ranks of the Republican party, but
he was no politician. He was reared in the < _ hiakef
faith, and throughout life endeavored to live up to
the Golden Rule. Until the day of his death he had
perfect eyesight an i never was obliged to wear
glasses.
Obed Davis married Harriet Webber of Sandy
River, Maine, born July 30, 1790, a daughter of
Stephen and Eunice (Kendell) Webber, and she
died in Palmyra, Maine. Jan. 5, 1866. The Ken-
dells were of Scotch descent, and the Kendell
Bros, were the founders of Kendell's mills. Mrs.
Davis was a good Christian woman, and the
mother of a family to whom she was devoted, her
thirteen children being as follows : Amy, born Jan.
30, 1813, in Bloomfield, Maine, died March 9, [891,
in Iowa; William Webber, born Jan. 1, 18 14. died
in Auburn, Cal., July 28. 1892 (he went to Califor-
nia in 185 1 ) ; Eliza Ann, born April 19. 18 16, in
Bloomfield, Maine, died in Pittsfield, Maine. March
21, 1897 (she married William Chandler Parks, of
Pittsfield, Maine) ; Warren, born Feb. 21, 1818,
died in 1837; Clarissa, born in Bloomfield, April
20, 1820, died Feb. 20, 1839, in Palmyra. Maine;
Mary, born July 8, 1822, in Bloomfield. was mar-
ried in 1853 to Jonathan Robinson, of Palmyra,
and died in 1857 in Palmyra ; Samuel, born Aug.
12, 1824, in Bloomfield, was a stonecutter, and died
in 1845, in Quincy, Mass.; Benjamin F.. born in
Bloomfield, Nov. II, 1826, died in April, 1866, in
Palmyra, Maine; John A., born in Bloomfield. Sept.
22, 1828, died Dec. 17, 1902, in Palmyra; Harriet
Frances, born in Bloomfield, Sept. 29. 1830. married
Charles K. Evans, a minister, and they reside in
Madison, Maine; Sarah Olive, born in Bloomfield,
Sept. 26, 1832, died Dec. 10, 1899, in Pittsfield ( she
married Wilburt D. Fernham, of Dixmont, Maine) ;
Eunice M., born Nov. 2, 1834 in Palmyra. .Maine,
married Benjamin F. Stevens, of Dixmont. Maine,
who died Feb. i<). [896, in Searsport, Maine; War-
ren Russell was born June 20, 1838, in Palmyra,
Maine.
Warren Russell Davis was born upon a farm,
and grew up to work upon it. but the young fellow
from early boyhood was consumed by one am-
bition, and toward it he bent every energy. lie
was determined to acquire an education. Like Other
country boys he was allowed to attend the district
school (hiring the winter months, but his services
were required until sundown in the summer. As
744
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
he was the youngest in a large and struggling fam-
ily at first there did not appear to be much pros-
pect of his ever obtaining the educational advan-
tages he so craved, but he persevered and at the
age of fifteen years entered St. Albans Academy,
and later Corinna Academy. He subsequently
taught school for eight years during the winter,
continuing his farm work in the summer. In this
way, by the hardest of both mental and physical
labor, he managed to save sufficient to take him
through college, and he entered the medical depart-
ment of Harvard, in Massachusetts. However, he
had scarcely been there a year when his boarding
house burned to the ground and he lost all his pos-
sessions, even his clothing and books, which had
been gathered together with so much hard labor.
This retarded his progress somewhat, but with
characteristic energy and courage he worked until
he had earned what he deemed necessary and once
more resumed his studies, this time entering the
medical department of Burlington (Yt.) college,
from which he was graduated with the degree of
M. D. in 1882. Immediately after graduation he
began the practice of his chosen profession at Ex-
eter, N. H., and there remained for two years,
after which he removed to Connecticut and located
at Canterbury, continuing there until 1888. At
that date he settled in Yoluntown, where he has
since been attending to a very large and profitable
practice, covering many miles in both New London
and Windham counties and part of Rhode Island.
Dr. Davis is a man of energy and determination, as
a history of his life only too clearly proves. He is
a member of the County Medical Society and is
health officer of Yoluntown, but while he is a
stanch Republican he is not an office seeker. Fra-
ternally he is a member of the Masonic order of
Plymouth, Maine. He has long been recognized as
one of the representative men and leading physi-
cians of this portion of New London county.
Dr. Davis married, in Palmyra, Maine, June 18,
1868. Annie S. Rines, a daughter of John and Han-
nah Rines, of Hartland, Maine, and granddaughter
of John and Sally (Hight), of Athens. Maine, while
she is a sister of the Rines brothers, the well known
dry goods merchants of Portland, Maine. Mrs.
Davis is a lady of high education, and her encour-
agement and thrift have been largely instrumental
in securing the success of her talented husband, a
fact he is very proud to acknowledge. Two chil-
dren have been born to Dr. and Mrs. Davis, viz. :
Herbert S., born in Pittsfield, Maine, Sept. 3, 1869,
was educated in Xew Hampshire, Centerbury,
Conn., and the high school of Norwich, and is now
employed by the house of Rines Pros., of Portland,
Maine. Albert L., born in Amesbury, Mass., was
educated in the Voluntown public schools, married
Zelpha Bell, of Portland. Maine, where he now re-
sides, he also being in the employ of Rines Bros.
Both children are very exemplary young men, de-
voted to their parents and worthy of tlie careful
training they received.
When a man is able to overcome almost unsur-
mountable difficulties and educate himself as Dr.
Davis did, he is deserving of unlimited admiration
and his efforts should be emulated by the coming
generation. From the time he was a simple farmer
bov possessing no knowledge of the wrld a-d h"t
little of books, he never allowed anything to dis-
courage him, but worked a change which developed
him into the learned, experienced, courteous phy-
sician of today, whose presence comes like a ray of
sunshine into countless sickrooms, whose advice is
sought by those high in his profession, and whose
many admirable qualities have won for him not
only the warm friendship of many, but, still more,
their heartfelt devotion. Such is the W'arren Rus-
sell Davis of to-day, a successful physician and
loved husband and father.
BURROWS RIPLEY PARK, who has been
engaged in the timber business in and around North
Stonington for the past twenty years, is a native of
that place, born at Clark's Falls, in District No. 14,
Oct. 30, 1855. He is a grandson of Israel' Palmer
Park, who was also a resident of North Stonington
and one of the most successful men of his day, leav-
ing what was then considered a very large estate.
He was a farmer by occupation.
Faxon Burrows Park, born Nov. 12, 1822, in
North Stonington, father of Burrows R. Park, was
a farmer, blacksmith and woodworker, and with the
exception of a few years passed in New York, prior
to his marriage, always made his home in Stoning-
ton and North Stonington. He died in Stonington,
March 25, 1893. He married Cynthia Ann Smith,
born April 22, 1832. She now resides in Stoning-
ton.
Burrows Ripley Park received his education in
the district schools of his native town, at Westerly
high school and at the East Greenwich Academy,
his early training being practical and thorough.
At the age of twenty-five years, having learned the
wheelwright and blacksmith trades with his father,
he went to New York City, where he had charge
of the stables of a trucking firm, looking after sixty-
nine horses. Subsequently he took charge of the
Winslow place at Westport, Conn., for a year, and
about twenty years ago he embarked in the business
to which he has since given his undivided attention.
He furnishes ship timber, railroad timber, wagon
stuff, shingles, piling, etc. In the spring of 1888
he bought the Stephen Main saw and grist mill, in
North Stonington, in partnership with his father,
and later for three years his brother. Leander F.,
was associated in business with him. He gives em-
ployment to from ten to sixty hands, as the business
demands, and by devotion to the interests of his
patrons, and systematic business methods, has met
with most encouraging success.
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
745
Mr. Park was united in marriage, at Waterford,
Conn., April 12, 1894, to Miss Rilla Eunice Perry,
daughter of Almon Franklin Perry, of Waterford,
and the young couple have ever since made their
home in North Stonington. They have had two
bright and interesting children: Ruby Rilla, born
Sept. 27, 1896, and Burrows Ripley, Jr., born March
26, 1903.
ANDREW HUNTINGTON MEECH. The
Meech family, one of the oldest and best known in
New London county, has a worthy latter day rep-
resentative in Andrew Huntington Meech, a farmer
of Griswold. He was born in the village of Pachaug,
March 15, 1839, son of Edwin B. and Sarah (Geer)
Meech, and grandson of Shubael Meech.
Stephen Wallbridge Meech, the emigrating an-
cestor of the New London county family, came to
New England, according to tradition, to escape the
religious persecution rife in his native land. Family
tradition further saith that his name was in reality
Wallbridge but that he assumes his mother's maiden
name of Meech. Again, it was thought by some
of the earlier members, that the emigrant was one
of the family which had its origin in Devonshire,
England. Stephen Meech married in this country,
and located on land at Preston about two miles east
of Preston City.
John Meech, son of Stephen, born in 1694, mar-
ried his wife Sarah, and settled two miles north of
Preston Village, where he died, Jan. 13, 1782, at
the age of eighty-eight.
Joshua Meech, probably a son of John, had a
vife Lucy, who died Jan. 18, 1824, at the age of
ninety-five. Their son,
Jacob Meech kept a tavern in the Meech neigh-
borhood for many years, and himself and wife are
juried near the tavern. Jacob died Feb. 21, 1847,
aged eighty-nine years, and Sarah died Feb. 10,
1836, aged seventy-eight years. They had six chil-
dren, the names of their sons being, Appleton, John,
Charles, and Daniel.
Daniel Meech married Amy Wilcox, a woman 01
great vigor and extraordinary beauty, with whom
he lived on the old homestead for many years, event-
ually removing to Canterbury. Their eleven chil-
dren were: Hezekiah, Daniel. Thomas, Elisha.
Aaron, Hannah, Amy, Susan, Esther. Tamar, and
one that died in infancy. ( )f these, Hezekiah mar-
ried for his first wife Sybil Brewster. Daniel was
a lieutenant in the British army and was killed in
the vicinity of Quebec in 1759, leaving a widow and
three children. Thomas, born in Preston, Feb. 22,
i74<j, died there Oct. 21, [822: he married
Oct. 5, [769, Lucretia Kimball, born April 19, 1750.
and died April 9. 1834. Elisha removed to Ver-
mont, and became one of the richest and most in-
fluential citizens of the State, his son becoming
governor thereof.
Stephen Meech. son of Thomas, grandson of
Daniel, and great-grandson of Stephen, the emigrant.
was born May 20, 1769, and died in his native town
of Preston, Sept. 22, 1859. He married Lucy Hil-
lings, born in 1755, and (lied Feb. 26, 1837. Their
children were: Stephen; Wallbridge, born April
23» l7V7< died Oct. 18, 1897; Harriet; Sarah; Lucy
1!.; Stephen Wilcox, born Jan. 25, 1804, married
Anna E. Hyde; Sanford P., born Sept. 11, 1806,
married Mary A. Allyn ; Harriet L. ; Noyes B.,
born June 17, 1810, married March II, i860, Susan
Spicer, and died April 23, 1877; Lucretia K. ; and
Eunice B.
The direct line of descent of Andrew 1 [untington
Meech from Stephen, the emigrant, is traced through
Daniel, who married Amy Wilcox ; to Thomas
Meech, born Feb. 22, 1749, at Preston, Conn., died
Oct. 21, 1822. He married, Oct. 5, 1768, Lucretia
Kimball, born April 19, 1750, died April 9, 1834, at
Preston. Their children were : Stephen W\, born
May 20, 1769, married Lucy Billings; Gurdon, born
March 29, 1771, married Lucy Swan, and died in
February, 1854; Shubael, born Nov. 4, 1773; Asa,
born April 20, 1775, a minister of the gospel in Hull.
Canada, maried a Miss De Witt, and died in Feb-
ruary, 1849; Cynthia, born Oct. 4, 1777, married
Samuel Gager, and died in January, 1864; Esther,
born Feb. 26, 1780, married Alexander Rogers, and
died April 23, 1864; Charles, born March 1, 1784,
married Cynthia Crary ; Thomas Miner, born Feb.
17, 1785, married Ruth Tyler, and died Nov. 2^,
1823; Lucretia, born Oct. 2~, 1787. died June 5,
1702; Mary Park, born Aug. 22, 1792, married Jo-
seph Yerrington ; and Lucretia, born April 30, 1796,
married John Abel.
Shubael Meech, grandfather of Andrew Hunt-
ington, was a descendant of the Stonington familv
of that name, and lived in the present town of Gris-
wold, where he engaged in general farming. He
was a Whig in political affiliation. On Nov. 16,
1798, he married Sarah Lord, daughter of Na-
thaniel and Abigail (Tyler) Lord, and grand-daugh-
ter of Rev. Hezekiah Lord, first pastor of the First
Congregational church of Griswold. Rev. Lord was
born in Saybrook, Conn., and graduated from Yale
College in 171 7. He was called to the Griswold
church Oct. 23. 1719, and during his pastorate dis-
played a rare devotion to the interests of his dock,
an interest maintained up to the time of his death.
June 27,, [761. He was a descendant of Thomas
Lord, a native of England who came to Hartford
with the very early settlers, bringing with him his
wife. Dorothy, who died in Hartford, in [678, at
the age of eighty-seven. Their children were born
in England as follows: Richard, in i6il : Thomas,
in 1619; Ann, in 162] : William, in 1023 1 who died
at Saybrook. Conn., May 17. 1708. being the an-
cestor of Rev. Hezekiah Lord, above mentioned l ;
John, born in [625; Robert, in [627; Irene, in 1020;
and Dorothy, in 1631. Shubael Meech died Nov.
4. 1839, and his wife Sarah died Nov. 28. 1839.
Their children were as follows: Sarah, born S
4, 1799, married Silas Reade. of Lisbon, Conn., and
746
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
died, Dec. 24, 1836 ; Hezekiah L., born April 9, 1801,
married Mary Copp, and had three children, Sarah,
Maria C. (deceased in 1880), and Mary E. ; Lydia,
born Oct. 16, 1802, married Aaron Stephens, of
Norwich, had six children, Lydia, Dwight, Henry,
Oren O., Lemuel, and Susan Ellen, and died Aug.
11, 1840; Henry, born April 24, 1804, married Miss
Burton, and died June n, 1857; Marianna, born
Nov. 10, 1805, died unmarried, Oct. 23, 1842;
Susan, born Sept. 25, 1807, died unmarried, Sept.
20, 1837; Shubael, born Feb. 21, 1809, married Miss
Copp, and had two children, Charles E. and Anne
E., the latter deceased March 5, 1861 ; Adeline, born
May 2, 181 1, became the second wife of Aaron
Stephens, and had three children, Adeline, Charles,
and Eddie ; Edwin Butler, father of Andrew Hunt-
ington, born Dec. 12, 1812 ; John T., born July 30,
1814, through his wife, Rebecca, had four chil-
dren, George T. (a leading business man of Mid-
dletown), Susan, John (deceased in 1850), and
Lydia; and Dwight L., born March 12, 1816, died
May 4, 1884. Dwight Stephens, the son of Lydia,
took part in the John Brown raid at Harper's Ferry,
and was hanged March 16, i860.
Edwin B. Meech, father of Andrew Hunting-
ton, was reared in his native town of Griswold, and
in early youth learned the trade of blacksmithing.
For about thirty years his little shop was the scene
of constant activity, and he secured the most profit-
able trade for many miles around. After closing up
his shop he engaged for a time in the sawmill busi-
ness, and during his entire business life lived in the
village of Pachaug, where he died, Nov. 4, 1883.
He was first a Whig, and afterward a Republican,
and he was actively interested in the Pachaug Con-
gregational church, in which he was a deacon from
July 5, 1861, up to the time of his death. He mar-
ried Sarah, daughter of John and Mehitable (Leon-
ard) Geer, the former of whom served in the war of
1812. Mrs. Meech died July 10, 1882. She was
the mother of the following children: Ellen, born
June 17, 1837, >s unmarried and lives at Groton
Bank, Conn. ; Andrew Huntington ; Sarah M., born
Dec. 24, 1840, is unmarried and lives at Groton
Bank, Conn. ; Mary L., born March 7, 1843, ^s tne
third wife of Andrew Avery, of Norwich, Conn.,
and has one son, Andrew ; Edwin, born Aug. 2,
1845, died July 8 1871 ; Jane born Oct. 28, 1847,
died June 15, 1849; Hezekiah, born May 4, 1850,
died June 5, 185 1 ; and Martha, born July 19, 1852,
died May 19, 1853.
The entire life of Andrew Huntington Meech
has been spent in Griswold, and he is among the
prominent and substantial farmer citizens of his lo-
cality. He was favored with good educational
chances in his youth, and not only attended the
home school, but received instruction at a school in
Topsfield, Mass. To his other creditable accom-
plishments may be mentioned that of valiant soldier
during the Civil war, he having enlisted, Aug. 17,
1862, in Company F, 26th Conn. V. I., serving about
a year, during which time he was present at the
siege of Port Hudson. He was reared to hard
work, honesty and thrift, which useful training has
been of great benefit to him in later years. In 1867
he bought a farm of 130 acres near the village of
Pachaug, but he has since disposed of a portion of
his property, and now conducts comparatively lim-
ited agricultural enterprises. He is a Republican
in politics, but has never aspired to official recogni-
tion. He was admitted to the Congregational church
in January, 1859, and has been a deacon in the same
since Jan. 10, 1884, at present being senior deacon..
For many years he has been an officer in both society
and church, his wife, who united with the church by
letter in May, 1886, being also active in promoting,
the welfare of the denomination.
On March 30, 1875, Mr. Meech was united in
marriage with Elizabeth C. Reynolds, daughter of
Ezri and Sarah (Kenyon) Reynolds, and grand-
daughter of Stephen Reynolds, Jr. Erzi Reynolds
was born Jan. 5, 1808, and died, Feb. 3, 1886, while
his wife Sarah, was born June 10, 18 17, and died'
March 11, 1885. This couple were married Oct.
20, 1836, and their children were: Mary Abby,.
born Sept. 24, 1841, died Sept. 2, 1845 ! Whitman C,
born in 1846; Mrs. Meech; Abbv A., born May 24,.
1852, died Feb. 17, 1886. To Mr. and Mrs. Meech
have been born three children : Abby Reynolds,,
born June 24, 1876, died in September, 1886; Grace,,
born Feb. 15, 1789; and Andrew Erzi, born Feb
23, 1882, a bookkeeper for E. H. Keech & Co., of
Danielson, Connecticut.
FRANKLIN B. NOYES (deceased), one of
the very prominent and successful men of Stoning4-
ton, Conn., who at thetime of his death was presi-
dent of the Stonington Free Library and the Ston-
ington Historical and Genealogical Society ; was
a member of various fraternal organizations ; sec-
retary and treasurer of the Stonington Building
Association ; secretary of the Wequetequock Burial"
Ground Association ; ex-president of the First Na-
tional Bank ; and a man who was closely identified'
with all public measures, is sincerely mourned by
those who knew and honored him in life.
The late Mr. Noyes was a descendant in the
eighth generation from Rev. William Noyes, the
progenitor of the family in New England, the line
of his descent being as follows :
(I) Rev. William Noyes married Anne Parker..
(II) Rev. James Noyes married Sarah Brown.
(III) Rev. James Noyes married Dorothy
Stanton.
(IV) Thomas Noves married Elizabeth San-
ford.
(V) Col. Joseph Noyes married Barbery Wells-
(VI) Thomas Noyes married Lydia Rogers.
(VII) James W. Noyes, born Dec. 22, 1784,
married Jan. 10, 1821, Nancy Phelps, born March
30, 1800, daughter of Joseph D. and Hannah (Bab-
cock) Phelps, a descendant of William and Mary
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
747
(Dover) Phelps, pioneers of Windsor, Conn. They
had two sons, Thomas and Franklin B.
( VIII) Franklin Babcock Noyes was born in
Westerly, R. I., June 22, 183 1, and removed to
Stonington during his boyhood. He began his
business career at an early age, and for nine years
lived in Elmira. N. Y., where he was a clerk in a
mercantile establishment. For many years he was
an officer of the Xew York, Providence & Boston
Railroad Co., serving as secretary, and later as gen-
eral ticket agent and paymaster, with offices at
Providence. Mr. Noyes was a man highly honored
by his fellowmen, both publicly and in a business
way. He' was a stanch Republican, and for some
time served as burgess of Stonington, and for a
term served as State auditor under Gov. George E.
Lounsbury. In addition to the various positions
of trust and responsibility which he held at the time
of his demise Air. Xoyes was a member of Asylum
Lodge of Masons of Stonington ; of Pequot Council,
Royal Arcanum, of Stonington, enjoying the distinc-
tion of being the second man to join that order in
Connecticut ; and of the Connecticut Society of the
Sons of the American Revolution. In his religious
belief he was a member of the Second Congrega-
tional Church.
Mr. Xoyes was a trained business man, and was
very systematic in all his work, gaining a widespread
reputation for his excellent methods of transacting
business. Among other matters, he was deeply
interested in the genealogy of the Xoyes family,
and in his capacity as clerk of the Second Congre-
gational Church, devoted a large portion of his time
during the last months of his life perfecting, from
many sources, its records and membership roll.
This task he made a labor of love, and it was on the
day that he was stricken with what proved to be his
final illness that he announced its completion. His
death occurred in Stonington Dec. 3, 1902.
The first marriage of Mr. XToyes, which took
place at Ithaca, X'. Y., Sept. 9, 1857, and was
solemnized by Rev. T. D wight Hunt, was to Harrier
A. Thompson. Their children, who are in the
ninth generation, were : James Franklin, born Feb.
6, 1859, who was a member of the firm of C. E.
Brayton & Co., druggists, died Feb. 13. 1884;
Henry Babcock was born June 18, 1873. On July
14, 1886. Mr. Xoyes married Mrs. Harriet Wilder
Palmer, daughter of Charles L. Wilder, of Lancas-
ter, Massachusetts.
(IX) Henry Babcock Noyes, born June 18,
1873, spent his boyhood days in Stonington, and
early exhibited a taste for the profession of a phar-
macist. Entering the Massachusetts College of
Pharmacy at Boston, Mass., in 1895, he was gradu-
ated, and since then has been with C. E. Brayton &
Co., druggists, of Stonington.
Like his father. Air. Noyes is prominent, and is
now secretary of the WSquetequock Burial Ground
Association, and a member of the house committee
of the Stonington Free Librarv. In fraternal circles
he is a member of Pequot Council, No. 442, Royal
Arcanum; a member of the committee of appeals
of the Grand Council of that order; a member of
Stonington Lodge Xo. 26, I. O. O. F., and of the
Pioneer Hook and Ladder Co. He is a member of
the choir of the Second Congregational Church,
and takes an active interest in church work. In
his profession he is very skillful, and his services
are deeply appreciated. As an enterprising, public-
spirited young business man Mr. Xoyes stands
among the leaders in his part of Xew London
county.
CRANDALL. The Crandall family is one of
the best known in Xew London county, where the
name has been familiar for generations and where
several members of the family still reside in the city
of Xew London, and hold prominent positions alike
in social circles and the business world.
(I) John Crandall, the first American ancestor
of the Crandalls, came from Wales to Boston in
1634-35. He was a Baptist minister, and was among
those who were persecuted in the Boston Colony,
and so fled to Rhode Island to And the freedom of
thought denied him in Massachusetts. He settled
first at Providence in 1637, later lived at Westerly,
R. I., where he was the first elder, and he died at
Newport in 1676. He was twice married. His
second wife's name was Hannah. His children were
John, Jane, Sarah, Peter, Joseph, Samuel, Jeremiah
and Eber. From this source came all the early fam-
ilies of the name in Rhode Island and Connecticut,
as well as many of those who settled in the State of
Xew York.
(II) Joseph Crandall. fifth child of John, was
born at Xewport, probably in 1661, and is on record
there as a resident as late as 1737. He was a min-
ister of the Seventh Day Baptist Church. He is
known to have moved from Westerly, R. I., to
Kingston in 17 12, and to Xewport three years later.
Of children there is record only of Joseph (21.
(III) Joseph Crandall (2) was born about [684
in Westerly, R. I., where he lived and died. He
married Ann Langworthy, and they were the par-
ents of a number of children, among whom were:
John ; Enoch, who married Mercy Pendleton ; James,
who married Damarius ECenyon ; and Joshua, who
removed to Boslin, X. Y., with his son, Peter, in
(IV) Col. John Crandall was born about 1705.
in Westerly, R. I., where he died at an advanced
age. His wife Esther, bore him six children, as fol-
lows: Hannah, born in June, 1730: John, in Janu-
ar.v. I732'- Mercy, in February, 1734: Lewis, in
August, 1738; Ann, in August, 1740; and Esther,
in February, 1742.
( V ) Lewis Crandall was born in Westerly, R. 1..
and died in the same place. He married Bethia
Main, of Stonington, Conn., and to this union were
born: Lewis (2), Oct. 24. 1709; Rhoda, Sept. T.
1771 : John Bradley, Jan. 23, 1773: Russell Smith.
74«
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
Feb. 15, 1775; Dudley, April 11, 1776; Charlotte,
March 19, 1778; Joshua, Aug. 8, 1781.
1 VI) Lewis Crandall (2), was born in Westerly,
R. I., and died in New London. On Feb. 20, 1805,
he married Bathsheba Crandall, daughter of Enoch
and Mercy (Pendleton) Crandall, who were mar-
ried Jan. 10, 1762; and granddaughter of James and
Damarius ( Kenyon ) Crandall. The latter couple
were the parents of the following children : Eunice,
born Jan. 24, 1744-45; Ezekiel, Oct. II, 1746; Da-
marius, Sept. 8, 1749; Enoch, Nov. 1, 1752; Chris-
topher, in September, 1755; Augustus, March 2~j,
1761 ; Cynthia, Feb. 4, 1763; Charlotte, May 10,
1764; James, July 16, 1766. Levvis Crandall (2)
was a carpenter by trade, and both well known and
.highly respected as a citizen. To him and his wife
Bathsheba were born eight children, as follows :
Lorenzo, born Nov. 2, 1805, who married Emily
.Stebbins ; Joshua, Jan. 14, 1807, who married Emily
Tinker; Lewis, whose life is sketched below ; Fanny,
Dec. 18, 1810, who died in 1881, unmarried; Mercy,
June 1, 1813, wife of Jedediah Baker; Washington,
Oct. 24, 1815, who married (first) Jane Blake (sec-
ond) Eliza Blake, sister. of Jane, and daughter of
Elder Blake, for many years a famous Methodist
minister in New London, (third) Elizabeth Clark
and (fourth) Mary Benjamin; Enoch, a sketch of
whose life is given below; and Mary Ann, May 23,
182 1, in New London, wife of Capt. Samuel Greene,
of that place, whose sketch is given elsewhere.
(VII) Lewis Crandall was born in New
London, Jan. 12, 1809, and died in the same
city, Jan. 26, 1896. He was married to Charlotte
Crandall Sept. 30, 1835, and their union was blessed
with eight children: Jennie E., widow of William
Bush; Mary; James Madison; James Greene; Her-
bert L. ; Nqyes Billings ; Annie, the wife of E. D.
Barker, and Fitch D. Of them Mary, James Madi-
son and James Greene died young.
The prominent part which Mr. Crandall took in
the life of the town, the extent of his business oper-
ations and above all, the beautiful character which
made every acquaintance an admirer and friend, are
all fitly portrayed in the following tribute published
in the New Loudon Morning Telegraph for Jan.
2-j, 1896, the day after Mr. Crandall's death :
"The older generation of New Londoners, the
men who art beginning to think it is time for them to
retire from business, those who are in the youth
of old age and even the youngsters in business, all
knew Lewis Crandall and the tidings of his passing
awav at four score and seven is sure to start the
ready reminiscence of some of his contemporaries,
the pleasant recollection of his workmen and the
genuine regret of all, for this man, who has just
passed to his last account, was a singularly single
character, upright, honest, clean and true, respected
by all and loved by those who knew him.
"It was not till three years ago that he retired
from active business at the age of eighty-four, and
he probably would have continued longer if it were
not for the trouble which affected his eyes. At eighty
he was straight as an arrow, active, energetic, would
spring in and out of a wagon like a man of half his
vears, and personally supervising every detail of his
business. Three years ago he sustained a slight
shock and after his recovery did very little business.
Last Sunday evening while at tea it was noticed
there was a slight impediment in his speech, but at
first the family did not realize that it was another
shock. Since then he was fairly comfortable, recog-
nizing every member of his large family and sleep-
ing a great deal, until he fell into that sleep which
has its awakening in eternal life.
"Lewis Crandall was one of the eiglit children
of Lewis and Bathsheba Crandall and a descendant
of Mercy Palmer. There were five sons and three
daughters, all of whom are now dead save Mrs.
Mary A. Greene, wife of Captain Greene. Of the
sons, four, Joshua, Washington, Lewis and Enoch,
were engaged in business in this, their native town,
and are well known to all New Londoners. The old
Crandall homestead was the house at the corner of
Crandall hill or Richards street, as it is now called,
and the lane running behind Huntington street to
Stony hill, now Mather court. The business of
Lewis Crandall, the father of Lewis just deceased,
was carpentering, the same as his son's, in which the
latter took great interest and mastered in every de-
tail when a mere lad. All that time there were only
three boss carpenters in town, and the Crandalls
were easily the chief. Their lumber yard was the
source of supplies to all in the business save those
on a larger scale, and Lewis Crandall sent for all that
was used in his own work and for retail. He en-
tered with a great deal of energy into the work on
his own account at twenty-five, and put considerable
taste and skill into everything that he did, and had
the rare faculty of having all his business relations
characterized with such pleasant feeling on both
sides that his customers invariably became his
triends. It would be difficult to enumerate all the
work of importance that he did, and tell the vast, for
those days, contracts that he undertook and carried
through, sometimes with loss to himself. Mr. Cran-
dall was a loser to an extent no one imagined in
the building of houses for people who were unable
to fulfill their obligations, and whom, he, with a
nice sense of the praiseworthy ambition actuating
them to have a home, permitted to become in his
debt. He said he did not mind what people said
if he knew he was doing the right himself, and a
strict following of this rule signalized his every
transaction. He was also a benevolent and helpful
man to those whom he knew were in distress.
"The period of the growth of New London be-
tween 1850 and 1880 was that of his largest under-
takings. He built Lawrence hall, the City Hall,
J. N. Harris' residence, the Adam Prentis house and
many of the other large houses of the town, besides
hundreds of houses for men of moderate means.
He employed a force of forty men in those days,
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
749
something to be proud of, and as one of his work-
men, now a builder for himself, said, there never
was a Saturday night that he had not each man's
wages with a kindly smile fur each, lie was bound
that the men should have their stipend, even if
he had to seriously inconvenience himself. But, it
is as closely identified with the part of Xew London
which gives it a foremost place among the water-
ing places of the nation that Air. Crandall did his
greatest work, lie was the actual builder of the
Peqttot colony, putting the large addition to the
Pequot house, building the Hall, Learned, Apple-
ton and dozen of other cottages, in fact all those
surrounding the hotel.
"He married before thirty, Miss Charlotte Cran-
dall, a lad}' noted for her wonderful beaut}', and
the two led an ideal home life. He was devotedly
attached to his wife whose death so long before his
was a deep sorrow to him. They had eight chil-
dren of whom rive grew to manhood and woman-
hood, Herbert L. Crandall, Noyes Billings Cran-
dall. Fitch D., Mrs. Bush (his eldest child, who kept
house for her father), and .Mrs. E. D. Darker. He
was essentially a home loving man. Nothing de-
lighted him more than to have his sons surround
him evenings, when he was as good company as a
bright young man of their own age. It was genuine
pleasure to him to drive about with a load of his
happy grandchildren and their parents, and the
filial affection of his family was beautiful to see.
He was fond of a good story and could tell one al-
ways with pleasant points, for he was remarkably
free from malice. It was pleasing to him to know
others were getting on well, and such was the per-
sonal magnetism of the man that all he knew felt
a returning personal feeling for him.
"Not much of his time went to politics, though
he always took an interest in his party and wished it
success. During the mayorship of J. N. Harris,
who was a friend of his, he served in the common
council, sensibly and creditably. He was also the
committee for the Hill street school in 1858, and
was instrumental in bringing Newton Fuller here.
He always believed that every man should have
just wages, and as there was no reasonable equiva-
lent for Mr. Fuller's services. Mr. Crandall set about
securing it, and did, too. He liked progress and
did his part for its advance at a time when it was
hard to move Xew London forward. He was a
sincere, unassuming Christian, attending the Sec-
ond Congregational church ; no matter what the
weather he was sure to be in his place as long as he
could, and one of the deep regrets of the last month
of his life was his inability to be present at divine
service in the church he loved so well. His creed
was very simple — Do right — He lived up to it. He
loved the ways of pleasantness and peace and had the
unquestioning faith and love of a true Christian."
i VIII) Herbert Lewis Crandall, son of Lewis
Crandall, was born in Xew London, Jan. 3. 1X44.
He was educated in the common schools of his
native town and attended same till he was sixteen,
wnen he entered the counting room of Williams &
Haven, then a famous whaling house of Xew Lon-
don. From 186] to [895 he was with that house,
through the various changes in die firm Erom the
original name to Williams, Haven & Co., Haven,
Williams e\: Co., and C. A. Williams & Co. .Mr.
Crandall's long service with tins well known con-
cern is the best evidence of his trustworthiness and
close application to duty. When the firm dissolved
in [895, he remained until the vcr\ last vessel was
sold, the schooner "Era," one of the many which
the company had fitted out for long whaling and
sealing voyages to all parts of the globe.
After severing his connection with C. A. Wil-
liams & Co., Mr. Crandall was elected vice-president
of the Xew London City National Bank, a position
he has since held, while from 1 875 he has been a
director in the institution, lie was one of the in-
corporators of the Fisher's Island Brick Company,
was made a director of it, and in 188 — was elected
secretary, an office he still fills. He is also secretary
and treasurer of the Xew London Cemetery Asso-
ciation, successor of the late Richard H. Chapell.
In his political affiliations a Republican, Mr. Cran-
dall's activity in municipal affairs has always been
entirely disinterested, as he has sought no official
position, and has served only on the hoard of edu-
cation, where his work during the six years from
1884 to 1890 was most valuable.
Mr. Crandall's position in social circles is natur-
ally a leading one ; he is a member of the Thames
Club of Xew London, while in virtue of his descent
from John Howland and Elizabeth Tillev. his wife,
he holds membership in the Mayflower Society of
Connecticut. Mr. Crandall is a member of the
Second Congregational Church of which he has
been for several years a trustee, besides serving on
the Society's committee.
On Oct. 23, 1879, was solemnized the marriage
of Mr. Crandall to Miss Alice Greene, daughter ni
the late' Capt. Samuel Greene, one of the best known
whaling captains of Xew London. Capt. Greene
was the husband of the Mary Ann Crandall, noted
above as the daughter of Lewis and Bathsheba Cran-
dall. Mr. and Mrs. Herbert L. Crandall have had
hut one child, Herbert L. Jr., who was born July
2, 1885, in Xew London, but who lived only three
days.
Mrs. Herbert L. Crandall. who is descended
from Gov. William Bradford of Massachusetts, is
very prominent in the patriotic organizations ; she is
a member of Lucretia Shaw Chapter. Xo. 94. 1).
A. R.. of Xew London, in which she holds the of-
fice of vice-regent ; of the Mayflower Society, and
of the Founders and Patriots Society of Connecti-
cut. She belongs also to the Mary Washington
Monument Association. Her interest in philan-
thropic endeavors is indicated by her connection
with the Ladies Seamen's Friends Society of Xew
London, of which she is treasurer.
/b
o
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
Mr. Crandall and his wife spent five months in
Europe in 1900, most of the time in England, where
manv pleasant hours were passed in visiting the
famous places of that country, both historic and of
literary interest, among which were the birth places
of their distinguished ancestors, Governors Bradford
and Brewster. Mr. and Mrs. Crandall are both
most benevolent, their many charities having been
productive of inestimable good, and they are re-
garded with the greatest respect and esteem by a
large circle of friends.
(VII) Enoch Crandall was born Jan. 3, 1819,
and died Dec. 22, 1898, in his native town, New
London. Like his father he followed carpentering
as his trade at first, but later, through his collecting
of relics he became so interested in that pursuit
that he gradually developed into an extensive dealer
in antiques. In this line he was very suc-
cessful and accumulated a competency. He
was a quiet, unostentatious man, whose word
was always considered as good as his bond,
and who was an honored and respected citi-
zen. He married in November, 1845, Charlotte
Louise Collins, the daughter of James and Grace
(Beckwith) Collins. Mrs. Crandall died in 1852,
when she was quite young, leaving two children :
Charlotte Jane ; and Enoch James, who died at the
age of sixteen ; another daughter, Grace, the second
child, had died in infancy. The oldest daughter,
Charlotte Jane Crandall, was married April 15, 1870,
to Charles Phelps Crandall, a successful commis-
.sion merchant who died in December, 1879. His
father was Gurdon S. Crandall, who was an active
man in all town affairs, with extensive interests in
..the banking and bond business. He married, Dec.
2, 1828, Betsey Williams Avery, daughter of Elder
Christopher Avery, of Groton, Conn., and became
the father of: Enoch Avery, born Oct. 10, 1829,
deceased in infancy; Henry Dwight, Aug. 26, 1832;
Elizabeth Jane, May 18, 1834, who died unmarried ;
John Meade, April 14, 1839, deceased in 1843 ' and
Charles Phelps, Aug. 19, 1844, who married* Char-
lotte Jane Crandall as noted above, and died in New
London, Dec. 3, 1879. He and his wife had three
children, viz: Enoch Avery, born Nov. 28, 1871,
at home; Bessie Williams, born March 26, 1875,
who died at the age of four ; and Charlotte Louise,
born June 13, 1877, who married, Feb. 8, 1899, Al-
bert C. Woodruff, of Chicago, and has one son,
Percival Crandall, born March 7, 1900. Mr. Wood-
ruff is now associated with Palmer Bros., of New
London.
AUGUSTUS A. PARKER, a time-honored
leading and influential citizen of the town of Mont-
ville. New London county, was born near his pres-
ent home Feb. 10, 1822. He is a descendant in the
sixth generation of
(I) Capt. James Parker, a native of England,
born about 161 7, who early came to New England,
and became one of the original proprietors of the
town of Groton, Mass., where he -was one of the
largest land holders. He was an early settler, and
probably a petitioner for the town, and he was an
early settler and petitioner as well as proprietor
of Dunstable, and, it is believed, of Chelmsford and
Billerica. Previous to his settling in Groton he had
lived at Woburn, Mass., Chelmsford, and probably
Reading. He was one of the first board of select-
men chosen by Groton in 1662, at which time he was
called deacon ; the next year sergeant, and later
captain. He was chosen, at a meeting of the pro-
prietors of Dunstable, a little after this time, a se-
lectman of the town, although an inhabitant of Gro-
ton. He was successively chosen selectman of Gro-
ton most of the years from 1662 to 1669, during
which time he was also moderator of the town meet-
ings, a member and chairman of important com-
mittees, and very active in public affairs — a distin-
guished and extraordinary man. He was also for a
time town clerk, and in 1693 he was chosen to rep-
resent Groton at the General Court at the Novem-
ber session. James Parker married (first) May 23,
1643, Elizabeth Long, of Woburn, who was born in
1623, daughter of Robert and Elizabeth Long, of
Charlestown, Mass. Robert Long, with his wife
and ten children, emigrated to America from Duns-
table, Bedfordshire, England, embarking in the
"Defiance" July 7, 1635. James Parker married
(second) Eunice (Brooks) Carter, widow of Sam-
uel Carter, of Woburn, and daughter of John and
Eunice (Moresall) Brooks, of Woburn. She was
born Oct. 10, 1655, and married in 1672 Samuel
Carter, son of Rev. Thomas Carter, of Woburn,
born Aug. 8, 1640, by whom she had eight children.
He died in 1693, and she then married James
Parker, as stated. After Mr. Parker's death she
married (third) John Kendall, and was living as
late as 1706. James Parker was the father of the
following children : Elizabeth, Hannah, John, Jo-
seph, James, Josiah, Samuel, Joshua, Zachariah,
Eleazer and Sarah, all of whom were born between
the years 1645 ancl ID97-
(II) Josiah Parker, son of James, was born in
Groton, Mass., in 1655. He remained in his native
place until 1683, and perhaps later, but he was an
inhabitant of the town of Woburn from 1693 to
1695. From 1696 to 1731 he was of Cambridge, his
death occurring in the latter year. About 1677 he
married Elizabeth Saxton, or Sexton, of Groton,
and their children, all born between 1679 ancl 1700'
were: Elizabeth, John, Sarah, Susanna, Joshua,
William, Ann, Mary and Thomas.
(III) Thomas Parker, son of Josiah, was born
in Cambridge. Mass., Dec. 7, 1700. He graduated
from Harvard College in 17 18, and in 1721 settled
as a minister at Dracut, Mass., and there he died
March 18, 1765. His five children were: Thomas,
John, William, Matthew and Jonathan.
(IV) Jonathan Parker, son of Rev. Thomas,
was born in Dracut, and was graduated from Har-
vard. He became a physician of considerable dis-
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
75i
tinction, excelling particularly as a surgeon, ana*
he acquired an extensive practice in Litchfield, X. H.,
where he settled. Mis practice extended through
adjacent towns, and he was often sent for from long
distances as a consulting physician. He married
Dolly Coffin, a woman of more than ordinary refine-
ment, and of much energy and decision of character,
as well as a consistent and earnest Christian. Ac-
tive and diligent herself, she early impressed upon
her children's minds the necessity of upright r<
ious lives. Jonathan Parker died in September,
[791, leaving a family of ten children. Those of
whom there is extant record are: Elizaheth, horn
Nov. 7, 1707, who married Ahisha Alden : Eliphalet
< '., horn about 1776, who married Sarah Comstock;
Thomas; Jonathan R. ; Edward L.. horn July 28,
1785, wdio graduated from Dartmouth College in
1807. settled as pastor of the Presbyterian Church
in Londonderry, X. H.. Sept. 12, 18 ro, and died
July 14, 1850, leaving his widow, Mehitabel Kim-
hall, daughter of Deacon Stephen Kimball, of Han-
over, X. Y., and one son. Edward Pinkerton, horn
in April, 1816. Mrs. Mehitabel (Kimball) Parker
married a second time.
(V) Eliphalet Coffin Parker, son of Jonathan,
was born about 1776, in Derry, X. H. About 1806
he settled in Montville, where he became a suc-
cessful farmer and was highly esteemed in the com-
munity. He was very active in religious affairs,
and was a faithful member of the Montville Con-
gregational Church. Nature endowed him with
considerable musical ability, and he was a master of
the bass viol, playing it in the church, where for
many years he was choir leader. In his political
belief he was an old-line Whig, hut while he was
always keenly interested in the public welfare, he
cared nothing at all for official position. Although
of frail frame physically, he was a man of strong
constitution, and possessed a happy, genial disposi-
tion, which made him a great favorite. ( )n Feb. 2,
1808, he married Sarah Comstock. who was horn
Dec. 9, 1787, daughter of Deacon Jared and Rachel
(Chester) Comstock, of Montville. He died March
5, 1835, aged fifty-nine years, of pneumonia, after
an illness of but five days. His widow died Aug.
14. i860, in Montville, in her seventy-third year.
Their children, all born in Montville, were: (1)
Ahisha Alden, horn Dec. 12. 180S, was a farmer in
his native town, where he died, leaving a widow,
Caroline Fellows, and five children — Edward, who
died young; Mary, who married Rev. William
Heard: and Frank, Carrie and Annie, all living in
Montville. (2) Jared Chester, horn March _\ [8i2,
died young. (3) Eliphalet, horn Aug. 28, 1 S 1 4 . at-
tended college and fitted himself for the Congrega-
tional ministry, hut by hard and constant labor his
health was undermined. He later settled in Michi-
gan, but returned to Montville, where he died. His
wife was Helen Al . Bailey. ('4) Dolly Elizabeth,
born April 4, 1817. married Walter* Hough, of
Bozrah, Conn., and the}' settled in Almont, Lapeer
Co., Mich., where they both died. (5) Harriet,
born Dec. 2, [819, married Simeon Clark, of Colum-
bia, Conn., and they settled in Michigan and died
there. (6) Augustus Alden, horn Feb. 10, 1822, is
mentioned below. (7) Samuel Chester, horn May
14, 1824. was formerly a wheelwright, hut is now
engaged in farming in the town of Bozrah. He
married Fanny E. Herrick, who is now <Wcv;
(8) Frederick Freeman, horn April 9, 1828, w;
wheelwright and later a farmer, and died in Mont-
ville in 1901. He married (first) Lucy Ann Gard-
ner, and (second) Mary (Green) Hazzard, and at
his death left three children — Arthur, of Norwich,
Conn.; Clayton, of Providence, R. T. ; and Hubert,
a minister in California. <<;} Sarah, horn Nov. 17,
1831, married Jerome Pease, a farmer of Vermont,
and they settled in Michigan, where he died.
(VI) Augustus Alden Parker received his pre-
liminary education in the district schools of bis na-
tive town, and then entered the academy at Nor-
wich, where he remained two terms. Leaving
school at the age of seventeen years he taught Eor
several years, first in Franklin, one term, and then
in Bozrah Center, four terms: Norwich town, three
terms: Leffingwell district, two terms, and in Mont-
ville, three or four terms. During the summer
months he engaged in farming. As he was hut thir-
teen years of age when his father died he was early
thrown upon his own resources, hut he possessed
the requisite amount of perseverance and pluck,
and succeeded well in his undertakings, hi 1852
he purchased the David R. Dolbeare farm in Mont-
ville, where he was successfully engaged in farming
until the spring of 1904, during which time, how-
ever, he also taught school at intervals. He gave
close attention to the cultivation of his farm, on
which he made many improvements, such as plant-
ing orchards, etc. For a short time he was propri-
etor of a general store, hut he soon gave it up that he
might return to his farm work. In the spring of
KJ04 Mr. Parker gave up active farming. The
death of his wife occurred Dvc. 25. 1903.
Mr. Parker has .always taken an active part in
public affairs, and politically he is a stanch Repub-
l'can. He has served his town and district in a
number of offices, having been grand juror, mem-
ber of the school committee and school visitor and
examiner, .assessor for several terms, etc. In 1871
he represented his district in the State Legislature,
during which session he was a member of the com-
mittee on Education. He is an active worker in
the First Congregational Church of Montville,
where he has for several years been a member of the
Society's committee, and for over fifty years has
been superintendent of the Sunday-school. Mr.
Parker is an original trustee of the Raymond Li-
brary Company, of Montville, which was founded
by Albert Raymond, of Easl Hartford. Conn. His
advice is often sought in legal matters, and he has
been entrusted with the settling of a number of
estates. His efforts have alwavs been in the line of
75-'
GENEALOGICAL AND B10GRAPLIICAL RECORD.
progress, and for the uplifting of the moral and ma-
terial welfare of the community in which he lives.
is a deeply religions man, and endeavors to prac-
tice' in his daily life the precepts of his great Master.
On Sept. 12, 1849, Mr. Parker was united in
marriage with Harriet Raymond Dolheare, who was
born Nov. 19, 1819, in Montville, daughter of Lem-
uel Raymond and Eleanor '(Raymond) Dolbeare.
They lived to celehrate their golden wedding, and
by their upright lives, loving, helpful sympathy and
friendship, won the respect, admiration and love
of all. Two children came to brighten their home,
of whom Jennie Eleanor, who attended the Nor-
wich Academy, and was a successful teacher for
several years, died at the age of twenty-eight, in
June, 1881. The son, Theodore Raymond, born
July 19, 1856, is mentioned below.
Theodore R. Parker, son of Augustus A.,
horn in Montville, received his literary training in
the district schools of his native town, and in the
Norwich Academy, graduating from the latter in
1876. He then turned his attention to the study of
medicine, receiving his first instruction under Dr.
Lewis S. Paddock\ of Norwich. In 1877 he matri-
culated in Yale Medical School, but he completed
his medical studies in the University of New York,
being graduated in the class of 1880. In May of
that year he located at Columbia, Conn., where his
professional career was begun under favorable aus-
pices. As an entire stranger he stood upon his own
merits, and soon won a considerable patronage. In
June, 1882, he removed to Willimantic, where he
has since resided. By his professional ability and
personal qualities he has risen in his career, and is
justly regarded as one of the leading physicians in
the city.
Dr. Parker was married to Miss Charlotte E.
Ruck, born in Ashford, Conn., a daughter of Hon.
E. A. and Delia A. (Lincoln) Ruck, of Willimantic.
Their only child, Raymond, was born in June, t88q.
Dr. Parker cast his hrst presidential vote for James
A. Garfield, and has continued to vote the Republi-
can ticket to the present time, but his professional
duties allow him no time to take active part in party
work. He attends the First Congregational Church,
and has served on the Society's committee. In the
Windham County Medical Society and the State
Medical Society he is an active and appreciated
member. He is a man of modest disposition, and,
although he has hosts of friends and is very popular,
he takes his success after the manner of true genius
and of devotion to his calling.
Mrs. Harriet R. (Dolbeare) Parker comes of a
distinguished ancestry. She is a direct descendant
of Gov. William- Bradford, who came to this coun-
try on the "Mayflower;" and the Dolbeare family
has a long and honorable line :
Dolbeare. The Dolbeare family is of Welsh
origin, and the first of that name in America was
John Dolbeare, who settled in Boston in 1720.
George Dolbeare, son of the emigrant, was born
in 171 5, and, coming to America with his father,
became a large land owner. In 1740 he married
Mary Sherwood, who was born in 1710, and who
died in 1790. He died in March, 1772.
John Dolbeare, son of George, was born in
1745, and settled on a farm in Montville which he
inherited from his father. In 1769 he married
Sarah Raymond, daughter of Christopher and
Eleanor (Fitch) Raymond. He died April 9, 1806,
and his widow passed away June 9, 1828.
Lemuel R. Dolbeare, son of John, was born in
1793, and he became a thrifty and successful farmer.
He married, Dec. 6, 1818, Eleanor Raymond, daugh-
ter of Mulford and Eleanor (Bradford) Raymond.
Both himself and wife Were members of the Mont-
ville Center Church. His death occurred May 14,
1859, and that of his wife Jan. 29, 185 1. Their
daughter, Harriet R., was born Nov. 19, 1819, and
married to Augustus A. Parker.
ALLEN. Due branch of the Allen family is
represented in the town of Sprague in the person of
Miss Ruth Elizabeth Allen, who resides on the
Allen farm in Hanover Society. The family to
which she belongs is an old and honored one in
New England, and has produced men and women
of influence, and of solid worth and Christian
character.
Among the different emigrants having this name
were Samuel and Ann Allen, of Bridgewater, Som-
erset, England, who came to Braintree, Mass., near
Boston. The wife died in 1641, and Samuel mar-
ried (second) Margaret Lamb. His children were:
Samuel, 1632; Joseph, 1634; James, 1636; Sarah,
1639; Mary; and Abigail.
(II) Samuel Allen, Jr., was a deacon, and set-
tled in East Bridgewater, acting as town clerk in
1660. He married Sarah Partridge, who was born
in 1639. Their children were : Samuel, 1660 ; Es-
seal, 1663; Mehitable, 1665; Sarah, 1667; Bethah,
1669; Nathaniel, 1672; Ebenezer, 1674; Josiah,
1677; Elisha, 1679; Nehemiah, 1681.
(III) Samuel Allen married, in 1685, Rebecca
Carey, who died in 1697, and their children were:
Samuel, 1686; Ephraim, 1689; Timothy, 169 1 ; Jo-
seph, 1693 ; Mehitable, 1695. In 1700 Samuel Allen
married (second) Mary Pratt, bv whom he had
these children: Joseph, 1701 ; Benjamin, 1702:
Mary, 1704; Rebecca, 1706; Matthew, 1708; and
Seth, 1 710.
(IV) Joseph Allen, born in Bridgewater, Mass.,
in 1 701, emigrated to Norwich, Newent Society,
now Lisbon, in 1727. In 1729 he married Rebecca
Fuller, and he died in what is now Scotland in 1777,
while she died in 1778. Their children were:
Erastus, born 1730; Jemima, 1731 ; Petty, 1734;
Mary, 1736; Joseph, 1739; Samuel, 1740, died in
infancy; and Asahel, 1742.
(V) Asahel Allen died in 1825. He married
?,/
c
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
753
Desire Eames, daughter of Anthony Eames, of Ster-
ling, and she died in 1820. aged seventy-five years.
Their children were: Iran, 1766] Enoch, 176S;
a daughter who died in infancy; Desire and Asahel,
twins : Roswell ; Festus ; Erastus.
i \ I ) Enoch Allen, born May 23, [768, died in
1840, was a fanner and mason, residing in Scot-
land, where he spent his entire life, and died in a
house he built in the south part of the town. He
was a well-to-do man. In 1794 he married Betsy
Witter, born May 25, 1775. daughter of Deacon
Asa .Witter, of Canterbury. She died in 1858.
Their children were: (1) Asa W., born June 3,
1795, in his youth was a member of a militia com-
pany, and was called out at the time of the attack
on Stonington Point in the war of 1812. In 1819.
soon after his marriage, he removed to Ohio, and in
his latter years lie devoted himself with character-
istic "unyielding perseverance" to the study of the
history of his ancestors, and compiled a brief, but
valuable, genealogy of the Allen and Witter families,
which was published at Salem, Ohio, in 1872. He
married Sophia Hopkins of Edmeston, N. Y.
(2) John was born Sept. 21, 1797. (3) Eliza, born
Jan. i, 1803, died in infancy. (4) Martin, born
Aug. 15, 1807, was a farmer and died in Ellsworth,
Ohio.. He married Lucy M. Fitch, who survives
him. (5) David A., born Aug. 16, 1809, married
Bridget Wheeler, and died in Salem, Ohio, where
his widow now resides. The brothers were all
teachers, church members and devoted Christian
workers.
( VII) John Allen was born in Scotland in 1797,
and received a district school education. He re-
mained on the home farm until about 1834. when he
removed to the farm now occupied by his daughter,
and there lived until his death. The farm was pur-
chased from the heirs of Dr. Andrew Lee, the first
pastor of the Hanover Church. Mr. Allen erected
the house in 1834, the site having been chosen be-
cause of the abundance of pure spring water. From
time to time he added to his property until he be-
came a very large land owner. By his own industry
and business ability he accumulated a large portion
of this world's goods, and when he died Feb. 22,
1875, he left a goodly estate.
On March 9, 1835, John Allen was married to
Ruth Waldo Bingham, born Jan. 18, 1800, daughter
of Capt. John and Talitha (Waldo) Bingham. Mrs.
Allen died July 12, 1882, and lies buried beside her
husband in the Hanover cemetery. She was a school
teacher before her marriage, and was a lady of a
high order of ability. In politics John Allen was a
Republican. Religiously he was a member of the
Newent Congregational church, and his wife and
daughter members of the Hanover church.
On Dec. 30, 1837, was born to these parents
Miss Ruth Elizabeth Allen, who was educated
in Dr. Claudius B. Webster's school for girls at
Norwich, and was brought up from childhood with
the most loving and thoughtful care. She has
48
always clung with tender attachment to her pleasant
home, and prefers a quiel domestic life to any other.
She is deeply interested in all the affairs of her
native town, and is always ready to lend her influ-
ence for the furtherance of any movement looking
to the general good, or to assist in any work of
benevolence. Miss Allen is a member of the Han-
over Congregational ( hurch, and also belongs to
the Women's Christian Temperance Union.
JACOB DWIGHT BENJAMIN, a prominent
and successful farmer of the town of Preston, New
London county, and a highly respected and
teemed citizen of that town, is a descendant of two
families early settled in the Xew World — the Ben-
jamin and the Standish families.
Hinman, in his "Early Puritan Settlers of the
Colony of Connecticut,'' says, "The Benjamins of
Massachusetts, Connecticut and Long Island were
probable all descendants of John Benjamin. St., of
Watertown, Mass." John Benjamin arrived in the
ship "Lion" in Boston in September. 1632. and was
admitted a freeman in November following. About
1637 he removed to Watertown. and died well along
in years, June 14, 1645. leaving a widow Abigail
and children, most of whom were born in England.
His widow Abigail went with her son-in-law to
Charlestown about 1654, and there died May 20,
1687.
Elijah Benjamin, grandfather of Jacob Dwight,
died in Preston, where for many years he was en-
gaged in agricultural pursuits. He married De-
borah Newton, and became the father of five chil-
dren: Lucy Maria, who married Nelson Packer,
who died in Preston ; David, who settled in Penn-
sylvania, and died there ; Seabry X., mentioned be-
low ; Nathan, a farmer in Preston, who died at the
age of forty-nine years, and who married Hannah
-Cook and had six children, Hannah (who married
Frederick Bushnell), Nathan H. (who married
Frances E. Miner), Daniel W. (who married Cor-
nelia Sholes, of Preston). Mary E. (who married
Jeremiah F. Sholes. of Preston). Emma and Ellen
(the last two unmarried) ; and Russell, who settled
in the West, where he died.
Seabry X. Benjamin was born in Preston in
1796, and there passed his entire life and died May
24, 1866, aged seventy years. He was an indus-
trious, hard-working man, and his busy years were
spent in farming. In political faith he was a stanch
Democrat, but cared little or nothing for politics,
so far as holding office was concerned. He was
highly respected in the community, where his up-
right but unpretentious life had won him many
friends. He married Lucy Standish. daughter of
Levi Standish, of I'reston. where she died Dec. 12,
1842, at the age of forty-three years. Their chil-
dren were: Philena, who married Lester Fuller, of
Preston: Deborah, who married Calvin Reed. >~i
Lyme, Conn.; Elijah, who was a carpenter by trade.
employed many years in the Norwich & Worces-
754
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
ter Railroad shops, at Norwich, where he died, and
who married Ann Webb Hinckley ; Lydia, who mar-
ried Horace Bromley, now a retired farmer of East
Norwich ; Levi, a farmer in Preston, where he died,
wiui married Ann Webb Hinkley ; Lydia, who mar-
ried Wilcox Barber, and died in Providence, R. I. ;
Jacob Dwight ; Esther, who married Willett Roath,
of New London, and died there ; and a son that died
in infancy. After the death of his first wife Seabry
N. Benjamin married Mrs. Phebe (Maine)
Mitchell, of North Stonington, Conn., with whom
he passed twenty years of happy wedded life.
Jacob Dwight Benjamin was born July 2, 1838,
in the town of Preston, and received his education
in the schools of the Long Society District, leaving
same when about sixteen years of age. He then
began farming on the old homestead place, where
he remained until his marriage. In 1867 he pur-
chased the Deacon Gates farm, in Preston, consist-
ing of 100 acres, and here he resided for a long
time, making extensive improvements, and greatly
enhancing the natural beauty of the place by his
exceeding great care and his neat buildings. At the
end of twenty- seven years he purchased the Dea-
con Gustavus Andrews farm of sixty acres, located
in Preston and on the Preston City road, whither
he removed, conducting, however, both farms. He
has in all about 260 acres of rich land, a large por-
tion of which is in a good state of cultivation.
On Feb. 7, 1859, Mr. Benjamin was married
to Harriet Emeline Main, born Sept. 14, 1841, in
North Stonington, daughter of Nathaniel and Mary
A. (Frink) Main, of North Stonington. and to this
union have been born children as follows: (1)
Charles Henry, born Nov. 26, 1859. is a thrifty and
prosperous farmer of Preston. On March 21. 1883.
he married Georgia Belle Park, of Lebanon, and
they have five children — Clara Belle, born Dec. 5,
1884 (married Aug. 15, 1903. George Ansell Pen-
dleton, of Preston); Hattie Alice, Oct. 30. 1887;
Herbert Henry, Sept. 23, 1890; and Ethel Meribah
and Edith Marian (twins), July 14. 1899. (2)
Mary Esther, born March 4. 1865, married March
4, 1886, Belfield O. Davis, of Preston, and died
Nov. 2, 1886. (3) Everett Dwight. born Oct. 23,
1870, is employed in stone quarrying in Westerly,
R. I. On Nov. 6, 1896, he married Bessie M.
Brooks, of New York, and they have one son, Fred
White, born July 30, 1899. (4) Nettie Belle, born
June 17, 1882. married Aug. 1, 1903, Amasa Mor-
gan Maine, son of Isaac Maine, of North Stoning-
ton, Conn., and they now reside in Preston, on the
Deacon Gates farm.
When he was eighteen years of age Mr. Benja-
min had his right hand caught in a threshing ma-
chine, and as a result lost all the fingers on that
hand, but this after a short time ceased to inconven-
ience him about his work. He is naturally adapt-
able, and he soon was able to accomplish very nearly
if not quite as much as before his accident. In
political faith he is a Democrat, but he is not strictly
parfusan in local affairs, and hcT himself, is disin-
clined to the holding; of office. He and his wife
attend the Preston City Baptist Church, Mrs. Ben-
jamin being a member of the Second Baptist
Church in North Storrington.. Their home is a hos-
pitable one, and they are highly esteemed in the
community in which they have so long resided.
Standish. In maternal lines Mr. Benjamin is
a member of the Standish family, planted in Amer-
ica with the landing of the Pilgrims in r620. Miles
Standish, of Plymouth and Duxbury, Mass., came
in the "Mayflower" in 1620; with hfs wife Rose-,
who died Jan. 29, 1621. He early became a leading
man in the Plymouth Colony. He was chosen cap-
tain in 1621, and conducted all the expeditions
against the Indians, continuing in the military
service of the Colony his whole life. He was also
prominent in the civil affairs of the Colony. His
death occurred Oct. 3, 1656. His children, all born
to a second wife, Barbara, who probably came in
the "Ann," 1623, were: Alexander,. Charles, John,
Miles, Josiah, Lora and Charles.
(II) Josiah Standish married (first) Dec. 19,
1654, Mary, daughter of John Dingiey, of Marsh-
field. He removed to East Bridgewater and was
lieutenant of a company there. He returned to Dux-
bury, and was selectman, deputy and captain. In
1686 he removed to Norwich, Conn., and in 1687
bought 150 acres. He died March 19, 1690. By his
first wife. Mary, and his second wife, Sarah, daugh-
ter of Samuel Allen, of Braintree, he had Miles,
Josiah, Samuel, Israel, Mary, Lois, Mehetabel,
Martha and Mercy.
(III) Samuel Standish, born at Duxbury, Mass.,
about 1680. lived at both Norwich and Preston,
Conn. He married (first) June 5, 1710. Deborah,
perhaps daughter of George Gates, of East Had-
dam. Conn., and (second) Jan. 5, 1745. Mrs. Han-
nah Park, who died Nov. 25, 1757. His children
were: Deborah, born Dec. 27, 1711; Samuel, Dec.
5. 1713; Lois. Jan. 9. 171 7; Sarah, Jan. 20, 17 19;
Israel, March 5, 1722: and Thomas, May 12, 1724.
(IV) Israel Standish, bom March 5, 1721-22,
married (first) March 5, 1745, Content Ellis, of
Preston, Conn., and (second) Dec. 25, 1760, Dorcas
Bellows. He died March 4, 1802. By his wife
Content he had children as follows : Hannah, born
Nov. 3, 1746: Israel, Oct. 22, 1748: Elisha, May
24, 1750; Jonas, Nov. 3, 175 1 ; Nathan, Sept. 27,
1753; Amasa, Jan. 8, 1756. By his wife Dorcas
his children were: Silas, Sept. 11, 1762; Levi, May
24, 1764: Sarah, Nov. 15, 1766; and Dorcas, Nov.
19, 1768. His first six children were all born in
East Norwich, and the others in Preston, Con-
necticut.
(Y) Levi Standish, born May 24, 1764, in Pres-
ton, married (first) Eunice Fellows, (second) Jan.
11, 1821, Susan Fitch, and (third) Aug. 4, 1834,
Widow Eunice Chapman, of Groton, Conn. His
wife Eunice (Fellows) bore him the following chil-
dren: Polly, born Nov. 16, 1785; Betsey. Oct. 15,
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
/ D3
1788; Eunice, Jan. 2, 1790; Silas. July 23. I7<;i ;
Harriet, May 7. 1794; Lucy, June 7. [799 (married
June 6, i8n;, Seabry X. Benjamin).
SEBASTIAN DUFFY LAWRENCE, philan-
thropist, public-spirited citizen, and one of the
wealthiest men of Connecticut, was born Dec. 20,
1823. in Xew London, and comes of a family whose
history is interwoven with that of the country.
When Xew London was noted as being the best
known whaling and sealing port of America, no
name was more prominently identified with the
•whaling and sealing industries than that of Law-
rence. In fact the name of Joseph Lawrence, the
firm of Lawrence & Winer, and the firm of Law-
rence Bros., whaling merchants, were well known
in almost every port of the world. The last men-
tioned firm is now represented in Xew London by
Sebastian D. Lawrence, president of the National
Whaling Bank, an institution founded by his father.
Joseph Lawrence was born Jan. 12. 1788,
in Venice. Italy, where he remained until sixteen
years of age, when he set sail for America, first
settling in Baltimore, Md., from which port he fol-
lowed the sea for several years, during which time
he had command of a vessel plying in the East
Indies and China trade. After several years on the
water, he settled in Savannah, Ga., and there estab-
lished himself in the shipping business. Here he
remained until 1819, when he sold out and came to
Xew London, where he had married during a trip
to that city. Soon after locating at New London,
Mr. Lawrence established himself in the commer-
cial business and for many years successfully con-
ducted the whaling and sealing general commerce
business, having as many as fifteen vessels plying
the high seas at one time. His business tact and
enterprise were probably inherited from his Vene-
tian father, who was a very well-to-do merchant,
and Mr. Lawrence lived to become himself a very
successful man, and to lay the foundation of an im-
mense fortune. During his career as a whaling
merchant, his largest production from a single voy-
age was from the "Atlantic," which returned from
the Ochotsk sea with a cargo of 6,500 barrels of
whale oil, and 80,000 pounds of whale bone. The
vessel was under command of Capt. William Beck,
of Stonington. This excellent man died upon the
vessel before its return to port. This vessel, the "At-
lantic." was the first American whaler to enter the
Ochotsk Sea, and after this success became known,
the following season more than thirty whaling ves-
sels entered those waters and met with success.
Joseph Lawrence continued actively in business
until 1847, when he retired, and was succeeded by
his sons. In political faith, he was a Democrat,
and held some of the town offices, he being at all
times a very stanch party man. He attended the
Episcopal Church, and he always gave it his lib-
eral support. He built Lawrence Hall, the Ex-
change building and several other substantial build-
ings in Xew London, including his beautiful Italian
villa, on the corner of Federal and Main streets,
which has been the family home ever since. In
1833, in partnership with Coddington Hillings and
John Brandegee, Mr. Lawrence established the
Whaling Bank of Xew London, which was conduct-
ed under the old State law. Mr. Lawrence was the
oldest stockholder, and was presiding director until
his death. Mr. Hillings became the first president,
and was succeeded by Peter C. Turner, who held
the office until 1863. when it became a National
bank, under the national system, and Sebastian D.
Lawrence became president, which position he still
retains.
The death of Joseph Lawrence occurred April
5, 1872, and in his death Xew Loudon certainly
lost one of its most enterprising and resourceful
men. He was a careful, conscientious man. strictly
upright in every relation of life, and gained and re-
tained in the highest degree the confidence of the
entire community. In his banking relations Mr.
Lawrence displayed in marked degree his ability
and financial acumen. Lnder his wise and con-
servative management, the institution flourished and
increased its connections, until today it is one of
the best managed and safest concerns in the banking
world of that vicinity. Although ever attentive to
business affairs, and prosperous to a marked degree,
he was never too occupied to lend an attentive ear
to the troubles of others, and his death was regarded
as a personal loss by his almost numberless friends.
Joseph Lawrence married Nancy Woodward
Brown, born June 6, 1785. daughter of Jeremiah,
of Xew London. Mrs. Lawrence passed away Nov.
8. 1873. in Xew London, only surviving her beloved
husband a little more thah one year. The family
bon; to Mr. and Mrs. Lawrence, were as follows:
(1) Joseph Jeremiah, who married a Miss Pond,
of Milford. Conn., and was master of vessels ply-
ing from Xew York to Liverpool, and other English
ports, resided in Xew York, where his death oc-
curred several years after his retirement from ac-
tive business. Three daughters were born to him-
self and wife: Xanine, Sarah and Josephine. (2)
Francis Watson and (3) Sebastian Duffy are men-
tioned below.
The education of Sebastian Duffy Lawrence was
acquired in the district schools, with six years train-
ing at Bacon Academy, Colchester. Conn. Leaving
the latter institution when about twenty years of
age, he immediately entered his father's office, and
became actively identified with the whaling and
sealing industry. The last whaling voyage con-
ducted by his father's firm was made in 1887. by
the vessel "Charles Colgate." and the vessel still
stands in Xew London harbor in a decayed condi-
tion, a monument to what was once the greatest
line of business in this and many other localities.
This vessel was one of the most successful that ever
plied the high seas in quest of whales and seals.
Mr. Lawrence has been president of the Xa-
7^
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
tional Whaling- Hank since 1863. and displays the
same firm, cool executive judgment which marked
his father's administration of affairs. Like his
father he is a Democrat, and he is an attendant of the
Episcopal Church, taking a very active part in its
work. In 1896, -Mr. Lawrence, at a cost of over
$20,000, had erected on the Parade, New London,
the handsome Soldiers and Sailors monument to the
memory of those who participated in the War of
1861-5. The following year he also had erected, at
a cost exceeding $3,500, at the junction of Hunting-
ton, Broad and State streets, the Firemen's monu-
ment to the memory of the firemen of New London.
At the beautiful' family residence, Mr. Lawrence
now makes his home, surrounded by every com-
fort and held in universal esteem as a business man
and citizen.' Like his father, he is very charitable,
many of his benefactions being unknown to the pub-
lic, and he seldom waits to inquire into the merit of
the case. If any one is in need or sorrow, and he
can relieve, that is enough for this broad-gauged,
kind-hearted and truly Christian man.
Francis Watson Lawrence. The Globe, of
New London, Conn., under date of Monday even-
ing, July 29, 1895, printed tne following:
"Francis W. Lawrence, one of the best known
citizens of New London, a life-long resident here.
and one of the wealthiest men in the State, died
Sunday forenoon of heart failure, the result of
chronic asthma from which he had suffered for
thirty years. A few months ago The Globe told of
his confinement to his home with the malady that
has proved fatal.
"Mr. Lawrence was the second son of Joseph
Lawrence. He was born in this city, Nov. 21, 1821,
and made his home here ever afterward. As a boy
he received his early education in New London,
completing it at Yale, where he graduated in 1840,
ranking high in his class, and splendidly equipped
for a brilliant mercantile career, which brought him
success in eminent degree in business in later years.
"The Lawrence Brothers, Francis W. and Se-
bastian D., succeeded to the whaling and shipping
business, founded by their father and the late Sid-
ney Miner. It was a prosperous business then, but
did not attain the success that came to it when the
younger Lawrences put their energy, perseverance
and keen judgment into it. They owned and sent
out many whaling vessels, and extended their bus-
iness until they took a leading place among whaling
firms. The brothers were active in the Whaling
bank in this city, and carried on its business. Se-
bastian Lawrence is today at the head of it, and his
administration of its affairs has brought it abun-
dant success. Francis W. Lawrence was the man-
ager of the real estate of the firm, and a consider-
able property he looked after. Lawrence Hall, for
years the leading amusement place of the city, the
Exchange place, Union Hall block on Golden street,
store property on Bank street and residences else-
where in the city, were looked after by Francis W.
Lawrence, and he managed them with ability. He
was methodical and exact in all his dealings, and
insisted that those whom he- dealt with should be
the same. Quiet and unassuming he never was
prominent in public or political affairs. His tastes
were simple and easily satisfied, his enjoyment be-
in^ in the affairs which concerned him and the in-
terests in his charge. He was at his place of busi-
ness at the same hour every day, and left the cares
of his office when he went away in the afternoon.
He never married, but with his brother maintained
the handsome residence on the corner of Main and
Federal streets, which his father erected forty-two
years ago. That was the most enjoyable place in the
world for him and- there he spent the most of his
time.
"Years ago, Mr. Lawrence went abroad and
traveled very extensively in Europe. He was a
victim of asthma then, and in the south of France
was treated for his malady by the best skill that
could be employed. The treatment did not prove
effectual, and the malady clung to him. A few
months ago it had developed so that he gave up
business and remained at home. He fought the
trouble with the will and energy of a giant, but
could not overcome it. He was about the house
daily, and even on Saturday was dressed at 6 :oo
a. m. and remained up until 8:00 o'clock in the
evening. His brother Sebastian was his constant
attendant, and his ministrations were sought by the
afflicted man. Mr. Lawrence gave of his abundant
means unostentatiously on many occasions.
"When the barque 'Trinity' was lost on Ker-
guelen Island, and the Lawrence Brothers had no
vessel to send to the rescue of the crew, they made
every offer that could be made for the relief of the
men. President Garfield was near death at that
time, and succor was delayed until President Arthur
assumed office when one of his first official acts was
to send a vessel to the relief of the 'Trinity's' crew.
"The funeral of Mr. Lawrence will take place
tomorrow afternoon at 2 130 o'clock from his late
residence. Mr. Lawrence was very wealthy, al-
though the extent of his possessions is unknown
even approximately to the general public. He is
reputed to have been a millionaire. He had for
years large investments in railroad securities, and
they proved very profitable.
"Mr. Lawrence was born on John street, his
parents removing later to their home on the site of
the present Lawrence hall. His mother was a Miss
Brown who resided in Waterford, that part of the
town known as Fengar's Hollow."
WILBUR E. BALDWIN, a successful young
merchant of Taftville, Conn., comes from one of
the oldest families in Eastern Connecticut.
The first Baldwin to settle in New London
county was John Baldwin, of Stonington, who was
born in Aston Clinton, Aylesbury, Buckingham-
shire, England, in 1635, and was the youngest child
' u (faa^iAnyyu^
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
757
of Sylvester Baldwin. This Sylvester Baldwin
sa led from England for America in 1635 in the ship
".Martin." and had with him, his wife, Sarah
( Bryan) Baldwin, and their six Hying children, two
s.ms and four daughters. Among these children
was John Baldwin, who settled in Stonington. The
eldest son. Richard, settled in Milford, Conn., and
was the progenitor of a large number of descend-
ants.
(I) John Baldwin married. July 24, 1672. Re-
becca Palmer, daughter of Walter Palmer, and
widow of Elisha Chesebrough, and settled in Ston-
ington. where he died in 1683. His four children
were: Rebecca, Mary. Sylvester and Theophilus.
(II) Theophilus Baldwin, horn in 1683, son of
John, married Priscilla Mason, and lived in North
Stonington, where he was the first deacon of the
church organized in 1727. His children were:
John, Priscilla, Theophilus and Sylvester.
(III) John Baldwin, born in 171 T, was of North
Stonington. He married Eunice Spalding, daugh-
ter of Thomas Spalding, of Plainfield, Conn., and
died in 1762, the father of five children : Mary,
Priscilla, Elizabeth, John and Benjamin.
(IV) Benjamin Baldwin, born in 1755. married
Amy Brown, of Preston, and settled in Canterbury,
where he was a farmer. In his family of children
his eldest son was Benjamin.
(V) Benjamin Baldwin was born Sept. 22. 1787,
and was a farmer of Canterbury, Conn. He met
his death by accidental drowning on Aug. 12, 1831,
while attempting to cross the Quinebaug river in
Canterbury, and his body was not recovered for a
number of days. He served in the war of 1812,
and for many years received a pension in recogni-
tion of that service. On January 21. 1810, he was
married to Miss Lura Safford, horn Nov. 4, 1791, in
Canterbury, daughter of Joseph Safford ; she sur-
vived her husband until 1854. The latter year-; of
her life were spent with a daughter at Packerville,
In the town of Canterbury. Their children were :
Samuel S.. born Sept. 27, 1810, went to sea when a
young man and all trace of him was lost. Seth 1'.,
born July 3, 1812, married (first) Cvnthia Reach,
(second) Salinda Farnham, (third) Phebe Martin;
be was a shoemaker, and resided in Coventry,
Conn., where he died. George B., born Feb. 28.
[816, married Axan Smith; he was operating a
gristmill at Canterbury when the Civil war broke
out. after which he enlisted in a volunteer regiment,
was taken sick and died in the South. Charles, horn
April 28, 1817, was drowned in a well when seven
years old. Lury, born Nov. 29. 181Q, married Cyril
Spaulding, a farmer, and resided in Brooklyn, Conn.
Cad B., horn April 28, 1821, was twice married.
.He was a mason, and resided in Hartford. Jede-
diah, born April 27, 1822, is mentioned later. "Mar-
tha C. and Mary A. (twins) were born Jan. 17,
1824; Martha C. is the widow of Ebenezer Preston,
-and resides in Hartford; and Mary A. married a
Mr. Hammill. and died at Packerville. Eliza E.,
horn May [9, 1826, became the wife of Henry Ens-
worth, and died in Packerville. Charles and Simon
(twins), born April 3, 1829, of whom the former
married Harriet Scott, and resided in Hartford,
where he was engaged in the trucking business;
and Simon is a retired mechanic in Springfield,
Massachusetts.
(VI) Jedediah Baldwin was horn April 2~,
[822, in Canterbury, Conn. He was reared to farm
work. His parents being of limited means, and with
a large family. Jedediah, when hut a child, with bis
sister Lucy, went to live with Rufus S. Mathewson,
a farmer of Brooklyn, Conn., who resided 011 the
Israel Putnam farm. These children remained in
that home until the boy was about sixteen years old,
when he began for himself. He worked as a farm
laborer and lived in Brooklyn until in November,
1845, a few months after his marriage. He then
removed to near Blissville, in the town of Lisbon,
where for three years he was engaged in sawmilling
and farming. Removing then to Norwich Town
for two years, he later located on the Bliss place
near Occum, then removed to Canterbury, where he
resided until 1866, when he bought his present home
about three-fourths of a mile south of Occum, where
he has since lived. During this time he was for
several years day watchman at the Hopkins & Allen
pistol factory, at the Falls. Soon after leaving this
employ, his health failed, and for more than twenty-
five years he has been an invalid. His mental facul-
ties are unimpaired, his memory being unusually
good, and be is gifted with a second sight, being
able to read fine print without glasses. During his
active life he performed a great deal of hard work.
Politically he is a Democrat in sympathy, hut does
not take any interest in politics. Mr. Baldwin is an
interesting old gentleman, whose store of informa-
tion is large, and whose retentive memory enables
him to recall incidents of his boyhood with ease.
With opportunities for an education in his youth,
he would have filled important positions in life.
On March 16, 1845. in Lisbon, Conn., Jedediah
Baldwin was married to Miss Deborah Morgan Ril-
lam Preston, horn July 6, 1822. in Lisbon, daughter
of Elisha and Mary (Hatch) Preston; she died in
January. 1892. Children as follows were horn to
them: ( 1 ) Helen Deborah, born June 2. 1S47. mar-
ried Joseph O. Lathrop, and died in May. 1903, in
Norwich, leaving two daughters. Dattie. now the
wife of Harry I). Reynolds, of New London; and
Eva, now Mrs. Sydney Dolbeare, of Gardner's Pake.
(2) Elisha Preston, born Oct. 22. 1850, is men-
tioned below. (3) Ora Elizabeth died Sept. 22.
1855, aged 17 months. (4) Mary Emma, born May
24, 1858, is now Mrs. Frank P. Ray, of ( tecum, and
has one child, Arthur Frank. (5) Charles Jedediah,
born May 1, 1803. is a carpenter at Norwich : he
married Marian Harrington, and has one child,
Charles Leslie.
(VII) Elisha P. Baldwin, father of Wilbur E.
Baldwin, was horn Oct. 22, 1850, in Norwich. He
75*
GEXEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
attended the district schools of his time, and when
about sixteen years old began life for himself. The
greater portion of his life since then has been spent
in mechanical pursuits. For more than thirty years
he was in the employ of what later became the
Hopkins & Allen Company, either as a workman, or
as a contractor. Soon after the destruction of the
Hopkins & Allen Company plant by fire Mr. Bald-
win entered the employ of The W. H. Davenport
Fire Arms Company, where he now occupies a
position of responsibility. His long experience in
that particular line of manufacturing has caused
him to become exceedingly well known, and re-
garded as a most competent man.
Mr. Baldwin has been twice married. His first
wife was Miss Ella Kable. In March, 1877, he
married Miss Emma Ray, daughter of Henry C.
and Phoebe (Palmer) Ray. Three children were
born to this union : Wilbur E. ; Lila Mary, who
graduated from the Norwich Free Academy, class
of 1900, and is now a successful teacher ; Alice
Ella, who graduated from the Norwich Free Acad-
emy, class of 1901, and is also a successful teacher.
In political matters Mr. Baldwin is not bound by
party ties, his political support being influenced by
men and principles. He has never sought, nor
cared for, political honors. He is a member of the
Methodist Church, in which he has served as trus-
tee. Mr. Baldwin has been a modest unostentatious
man, filling in every way the post of an excellent
citizen and meriting the highest respect. His family
are a credit to any parentage, and have always en-
joyed a high social position. Aside from a few
vears, the entire life of Mr. Baldwin has been passed
in Norwich, where he is well known and highly
respected.
Wilbur E. Baldwin was born March 5, 1878, in
Norwich, and received his schooling in the district
schools of his native town. When about fourteen
years old he took up mechanical pursuits, and for
several years thereafter was employed in the Hop-
kins & Allen factory, where his father was a con-
tractor. Leaving this work to begin a mercantile
career, on Sept. 6, 1897, ne entered the store of
Samuel Prentice at Taftville, as a clerk. Mr. Bald-
win continued there in that capacity until April 1,
1902, when he purchased his employer's business
and the property wherein it was conducted, and has
since carried on the business himself. By close atten-
tion to business and his natural fitness for such
work, Mr. Baldwin has taken a foremost position
among the thrifty and aggressive young business
men. Thoroughly up-to-date and progressive his
business is so conducted. The property has been
greatly improved since coming into his possession.
On Dec. 25, 1901, Mr. Baldwin was married
to Miss Susan Mary Allyn, of Ledyard, Conn., born
Jan. 6, 1877, daughter of Hon. Israel and Mary Ann
(Williams) Allyn. The family from which Mrs.
Baldwin comes is an old and prominent one in New
London county, and one of the first founders of
Ledyard.
Politically Mr. Baldwin is a Republican, but
cares nothing for political honors, his interest being
that of a public spirited and law abiding citizen. He
is a member of the Norwich Board of Trade, and
with his wife belongs to Trinity Methodist Episco-
pal Church. Mr. and Mrs. Baldwin occupy a high
social position.
DANIEL SIMMS GUILE, who passed away
June 18, 1896, in his native town, Preston, New
London county, after a useful career as a business
man, was one of the substantial and successful citi-
zens of that town.
The Guile family is one of the oldest and best
known in New England. The name has been vari-
ously spelled Guild, Guile and Gile, and those bear-
ing it are descended from John Guild, who was
born about 1616, and is supposed to have been a
native of England. In 1636 he came to New Eng-
land with his brother Samuel and sister Ann. On
July 17, 1640, he was admitted to the church at
Dedham, Mass., and on May 10, 1643, was made a
freeman. He owned land in Dedham, Wrentham,
Medfield and Natick. His death occurred Oct. 4,
1682. On June 24, 1645, ne married Elizabeth
Crooke, of Roxbury, who died Aug. 31, 1669. Their
children were: John (who died young), Samuel,
John (2), Elizur (who died young), Ebenezer (who
died young), Elizabeth, and Benjamin (who is sup-
posed to have died young). Their descendants,
now numerous, are scattered all over the United
States.
Harry Guile, the father of Daniel S., was born
June 24, 1804, in Preston, New London Co.. Conn.,
and was a descendant of Nathan Guile, who was
born Aug. 11, 1750, in Preston, and on April 9,
1784, married Eunice Ladd, of Norwich. Nathan
Guile was the son of John and Lydia (Geer) Guile.
Harry Guile died Feb. 14, 1880, in Preston, near the
Griswold town line, on the old Guile homestead, and
is buried in a private burying-ground near by. He
was a farmer, and also ran a sawmill and engaged
extensively in the lumber business, and was a suc-
cessful man in every line. He was a member of
what is now the Bethel Methodist Church, located
near his home, and a regular attendant upon the
services of that church. In political belief he was a
stanch Democrat, and though not an office seeker
he served his town as justice of the peace for several
rears. He was energetic and public-spirited in all
that pertained to the welfare of the locality, as well
as attentive to his own affairs, and was a busy man
all his life. In 1825 Mr. Guile married Eleanor
Lewis, who when eighteen years old came to Pres-
ton from Rhode Island with her parents, Jesse and
Mary (Sheldon) Lewis, the latter a daughter of
William Sheldon. To Harry and Eleanor (Lewis)
Guile were born the folowing named children:
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
7?<)
I i i Phebe Ann died when three years old. (2)
Henry A. died when about three years old. (3)
William S.. who was a wheelwright and carpenter
by trade, died in Preston. He married Mary Ann
Eldred, of New York State. (4) Daniel Simms is
mentioned below. (5) Mary E. married James H.
Fitch, of Ledyard, now a farmer and merchant in
the city of Preston, where they reside. (6) Alfred
C. was engaged in farming near Gardner Lake,
Montville, New London county. He died in the
Norwich hospital. He was twice married, first to
Sarah Larkham, of Yoluntown, and second to Abbv
M. Stearns, of New York State. (7) Harriet E.
died when sixteen years of age. (8) Ezra L. was
a farmer and also conducted a sawmill in Yolun-
town, where he died. He married Happy Kinne, of
Yoluntown. (9) Emma A., died in infancy. (10)
Ada B. married Ira Kinne, of Yoluntown. who is
low deceased, and she still makes her home there.
(11) Emma J. married Albert H, Button, of Pres-
;on, and died in Griswold.
Daniel Simms Gv.ile was born in Preston in
1832, and received his education in what was known
as the "Brown school," in that town, then taught by
Hibbard Brown. Leaving school when quite young,
le took up work in earnest on the home farm, where
tie remained until he reached manhood, at which
time his father purchased for him the farm where
le afterward lived, and which his widow has carried
dii since his death. This place, which comprises
ibout 200 acres, was formerly known as the John
A Williams farm, and Mr. Guile engaged in gen-
eral farming and stock dealing there to the end of
lis days. He was also extensively interested in the
umber business, running a sawmill on Broad brook,
n Preston, near his home, and another, a large mill.
Ml "Stone Hill,'' in the town of Griswold. His
nills were always kept busy, turning out various
nanufactured articles, such as buckets, etc., as well
is heavy ship timber, and he was successful in this
aranch of his business as in every other, employing
1 number of men and several teams. His business
iffairs received his first attention, and he was ener-
getic, careful and conservative in everything that
pertained thereto, being shrewd and wide-awake in
such matters to the close of his life. Mr. Guile was
)f medium height, rather portly, weighing about
200 pounds, had a genial disposition, and was a
feasant man to meet and an enjoyable companion,
fie had many traits which made him well liked by
hose with whom he came in contact, whether in
msiness or private life, and he was thoroughly re-
spected for his industry and his useful life. In
act. his death was caused by rheumatism brought
Mi by exposure in all kinds of weather.
Mr. Guile was a strong Democrat in politics, and
:00k quite an active part in local affairs, being one
>f the leaders in this section of the State. He held
nany minor town offices, including several years
service on the school district committee, and repre-
sented his town in the State Assembly. His relisr-
ions connection was with the Preston City Baptist
Church, and he was always liberal in his support of
that congregation and religious enterprises in gen-
eral.
Mr. Guile was married. ( let. 13, 1856. to Lvdia
Ann Crumb, daughter of Nathan and Phebe 1 Rich-
ardson) Crumb, of Norwich, both now deceased,
and two sons blessed this union, both born in Pres-
ton: (1) Frank Edgar married Ida Pierce, of
Griswold, where he is engaged in fanning, and they
have had four children-^George Daniel, who died
young; Col. Daniel S., principal of the Glasgo school
of Griswold, who married Annie Barnes, of Ston-
ington, and has two children, Henry and Olive;
Princess Carrie Alice, who is now attending the
Willimantic State Normal School; and Flora Vic-
toria, who died in iniancy. (2) Henry Daniel, who
has his home in Providence, R. I., is a traveling
salesman. He married Hannah Bacon, of Provi-
dence, and they have three children, Sarah. Allen
Gay and Clara.
JEHIEL LATHROP JOHNSON, one of the
well known and most highly respected citizens of
Bozrah, comes from a very old family of Xew Lon-
don county, a genealogical record of which is given
elsewhere.
Col. Jehiel Johnson, his father, was born March
19, 1802, in the old homestead that has since burned
down, and received a good district schooling. He
was brought up to farm work, but when a young
man taught school in his native district, at ( roshen
Hill, in Lebanon, and Plain Hill, in Norwich. From
the age of nine years he made his home with his un-
cle and namesake, Jehiel Johnson, who was child-
less, and who resided on the farm now occupied by
Charles A. Johnson. Jehiel Johnson resided with
his uncle and looked to the care of him and his wife
as long as they lived, at their death coming into
ownership of the farm, where he resided until his
death, which occurred July 29, 1861. About ten
years before he was thrown from a load of hay. and
so injured his neck that he never recovered, this ac-
cident ultimately causing his death. He was an ex-
tensive farmer, his farm consisting of over three
hundred acres, and he raised considerable live stock.
He was well-to-do at the time of his death. Jehiel
Johnson was a Whig, later a Republican, and he
held man\- of the town offices, and was much in-
terested in the welfare and progress of the town.
For several years he was colonel of the old company
of Horse Artillery, whose members were residents
of Bozrah and vicinity. He was an attendant and
liberal supporter of the Bozrah Congregational
Church, and held offices in the Society.
On Jan. I, l82(). Col. Johnson was married to
Jerusha Whiting, a native oi Bozrah, daughter o\
William and Anna (Lathrop) Whiting, and a niece
of the wife of Col. Johnson. Sr. She made her
home with her uncle and aunt from the age of four
years, so she and her future husband were brought
7 Go
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
up together as brother and sister. Mrs. Johnson
died Oct. 27, 1874, aged seventy-two years, the
mother of the following named children: (1) Ann
married Charles Baldwin, a farmer, and resided in
Bozrah, where she died; she left no children. {2)
Jehiel Lathrop and (3) William W. were twins;
the latter died young. (4) Mary Lauretta died
young. (5) Mary Lauretta (2) married Charles
Bailey, and resided in Colchester, where she died.
They had three children, one son and one daughter
dying in infancy; the other, Henry Johnson Bailey,
resides in Colchester. (6) William W. (2) married
Lydia Lyon, and resided in North Leominster,
Mass.; they had one son, Charles Lyon. (7) Na-
than died young. (8) Charles A. is unmarried and
resides on the homestead. He has been promine
in town affairs, holding many of the local offices.
(9) A daughter died in infancy. (10) Christina R.,
who is unmarried, resides with her brother Charles.
Jehiel L. Johnson, born Aug. 22, 1828, in Bozrah,
on the home farm, received a district school educa-
tion, and was brought up to farm work. His father's
physical infirmity made it necessary for young
Jehiel to do heavy work on the farm, and he re-
mained on the home place until his marriage, afrer
which he erected his present building on a part of
his father's farm, and for main- years had a tract
of fifty-eight acres. He devoted his attention to
dairying, for a number of years doing quite a busi-
ness in that line. Of late years he has disposed of
some of his land, and now only farms in a small
way.
Mr. Johnson was married Nov. 7, 1858, in Boz-
rah, to Nancy A. Phillips, who was born ( )ct. <;,
1837, in Preston, daughter of George W. and Mary
C. (Meech) Phillips, who were natives of Preston,
but spent the later years of their lives in Bozrah,
where he was a farmer. Air. and Mrs. Johnson
have had four children: (1) William Prentice, born
Sept. 2, 1859, married Harriet Fuller, and resides
in Columbia, Tolland Co., Conn., where he is a suc-
cessful farmer. (2 J Jehiel died when rive weeks old.
(3) Newton Lathrop, born Jan. 28, 1863, married
Nettie Brown, and, for his second wife, Lizzie
Chemic, and resides in Olneyville, R. I., where he
is engaged in the grocery business. There is one
child by the first union, Marion Helena, born Feb.
28, 1889. (4) Frank Phillips, born Aug. 30, 187 1,
married Amelia Lippman, and resides in Chicopee,
Mass. They have one child, Gertrude Ethel, who
was born Aug. 17, 1895.
Mr. Johnson and his wife are members of the
Bozrah Congregational Church, and for the past
ten years he has been treasurer of the Society. He
has never sought public office, but has been' called
upon to serve several years on the board of select-
men, one year of which time he served as first se-
lectman. He has been tax collector four years, and
town treasurer at two different times. His politi-
cal connection is with the Republican party. Mr.
Johnson is a most pleasant and agreeable gentle-
man, and he and his family enjoy the highest es-
teem and respect of all who know them.
EDWIN LATHROP CUMMINGS, deceased;
was a successful and energetic farmer of Lebanon,
at which place his death occurred May 27, 1899.
Gurdon Cummirigs, the grandfather of Edwin
L., was a well-to-do farmer and resided in Grotorr,
Tompkins Co., N. Y., where he died.
Charles Cummings, son of Gurdon and father
of Edwin L., was born in Groton, N. Y., and re-
ceived a good education there. He came to Con-
necticut when a young man, and was engaged as
a school teacher in different towns, among them
being Franklin, Mansfield and Lebanon. Whik
teaching in the first named town he met the lady
who afterward became his wife. After his mar-
riage he resided for about two years in his native
town, and then returned to Connecticut. Abandon-
ing teaching, he was engaged for several years as a
peddler of Yankee notions, traveling over the State
of Connecticut, but later he embarked in farming,
residing at different periods in the towns of Bozrah
and Lebanon. When he settled in Lebanon, he
located in the house opposite the road from the late
home of his son, Edwin L. His death occurred
quite suddenly of heart failure, while he was in the
house of his son, Nov. 4, 1878, when he was aged
sixty-three years. His remains were buried at
Exeter. Mr. Cummings was a very scholarly man,
but did not understand business methods. He was
a stanch Democrat, and was a firm believer in
Spiritualism.
In Mansfield, Conn., Charles Cummings mar-
ried Fanny J. Palmer, of Mansfield, a daughter
of David H. Palmer, who was born July 2j, 181 5.
The children born of this happy union were : Delia,
born Aug. 18, 1841, died at the age of eighteen
years, a charming young lady : Gilbert M., born
May 14, 1844. died in Junu of the following year;
Martin, born Aug. 18, 1852, died June 12, 1853;
and Edwin Lathrop.
Edwin Lathrop Cummings was born on Blue
Hill, in the town of Franklin, Conn.. March 1,
1847. His education was received in the schools
in the district wherein he resided. He also at-
tended a select school located at Lebanon Centre,
and conducted by Edward S. Hinckley. From early
boyhood Mr. Cummings was made to work upon
the farm, passing his time out of school in the
hardest of labor. As a young man he was always
ready to work at whatever promised to gain for
him an honest dollar. He was careful and saving
with his money, and later he bought a threshing
outfit, which for twenty-eight years he operated,
traveling from place to place where work in that
line was to be obtained. For many years each
spring, he peddled Connecticut river shad, doing
this both before and after his marriage. After it,
he purchased with his savings, from the heirs of
Jonathan Northrop, the farm where he resided for
&.&. c«.
*tsyy»?4jsn
rip,
GENEALOGICAL AXD BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
761
the remainder of his life. At the time of purchase
the property consisted of [67 acres, but he later
bought a small farm of 25 acres adjoining, and
still later he bought a farm of 107 acres on Village
Hill; the latter, however, he rented to Other
parties. ( )n the home farm he made quite exten-
sive improvements, and was engaged in general
farming and lumbering when he died, although
this event occurred after a decline of several years.
Mr. Cummings had started out in life without a
penny, hut he died a well-to-do self-made man.
His word was alwavs considered literally as good
as his bond, for he backed it up with the record of a
blameless life and unstained business career.
On May 28, 1876, in Stafford Springs, Conn..
Mr. Cummings was united in marriage with Ida
E. Lathrop, who was born Sept. 7, 1854. in Tol-
land, Conn., a daughter of Thomas and Elizabeth
( Chapman) Lathrop. Thomas Lathrop was a man
highly respected by all who knew him, and was a
resident of Stafford Springs for thirty years before
his death, which occurred Feb. 18, 10,00, when he
was seventy-five years of age. During the last ill-
ness of Edwin L. Cummings, his wife took charge
of the farm, and since then has conducted same
with an ability which is really remarkable. Under
her excellent management the fields yield abund-
antly, and the premises do credit to her care. The
children born to Mr. and Mrs. Cummings are as
follows: ( 1) Claudius Lathrop. born Feb. 28, 1877,
is a farmer in Lebanon. He married Maude Simp-
son, and has one child, Dorothy M., born in Oc-
tober, 1902. (2) Charles Gurdon, born Oct. 8.
1879, graduated from Stafford Springs high school,
and attended Williston Seminary, at East Hampton,
Mas>.. and is now attending Hahnemann Medical
School at Philadelphia. (3) Hazel 15., born Sept.
21. 1881, was married Dec. 25, 1900, to Louis H.
Corbett, of Lebanon, and has one child. Joyce Lath-
rop, born May 3. 1903. (4) Kenneth Lee was born
July 19, 1883. (5) Burnett W. was born Feb. 27,
1885. (6) Harold was born Sept. 28, 1887. (7) Leo
G. was born Aug. 30, 1892. (8) Rexford E. was
born July 17. 1894. (9) Carlton A. was born July
19, 1896. All these children are good and devoted
to their mother, who is without doubt one of the
most energetic and remarkable women in the town,
and one who has reared a large family of children
to be a credit to her and themselves, as well as to
the neighborhood.
ADAMS POPE axd GEORGE WYMAN
CARROLL, of Norwich, sons of the late Lucius
Wyman Carroll, are the direct descendants of four
ancestors who were in service in the war of the Rev-
olution, being great-grandsons of Lieut. Amos Car-
roll, who turned out at the Lexington Alarm April
19, 1775, from Killingly, Conn., and who in 177X
was a lieutenant in the Seventh Company, Eleventh
Connecticut Regiment : great-great-grandsons of
Jonathan Adams, of Northbridge, Mass., who served
from Dec. 8, 1776, to Jan. 20, 1777. as a private in
the company of Capt. David Batcheller, in the Third
Worcester County Regiment, commanded by Lieut.
Col. Nathan Tyler,on the Alarm from Rhode Island,
and who also served in the same company and regi-
ment at the Rhode Island Alarm in August. 1 7S0 :
great-great-grandsons of Louin Pope, who was
captain of a company which marched to Lexington
on the Alarm, April 19, 1775. and who in April,
177^), was chosen captain of the Eleventh Com: any,
Second Bristol County (Mass.) Regiment: and
great-grandsons of Stephen Crosby, of Thompson,
Conn., who turned out from Killingly on the Lexing-
ton Alarm, and who in 1776 was appointed captain
of the Third Battalion, Wadsworth's Brigade, under
command of Col. Sage, and was killed in the battle
of Harlem Heights, X. Y., Sept. 15, 1776. Stephen
Crosby was likely a son of Nathaniel Crosby, of
Cambridge, Mass., who purchased land in 1722 in
Killingly : he united with the Killingly Church at
its organization, in 1731.
The Carroll family of Windham and New Lon-
don counties is one of the oldest families in New
England. Nathaniel Carroll, the first of whom wc
have amy definite record, was born in 1638 in Salem,
.Mass., where he spent his life and where he died.
He married Mary Haines, of Beverly, Mass., in
[659, and became the father of seven children,
namely: Mary, born July 20, 1661 : Nathaniel (2),
1063: Samuel, 1666; Benjamin, 1670; Joseph, K>74;
Hannah, 1677 ; and Edward, 1680.
Nathaniel Carroll (2), son of Nathaniel, was born
in 1663, in Salem, Mass., and spent his life in Box-
ford, Mass., where he was a corchvainer or leather
dresser ; he was also a sealer of leather. He died
in 1724 and was buried in Boxford. In 1683 he was
married, in Salem, to Priscilla Downing, to which
union eight children were born: Mary, in 10X7;
Hannah, Oct. 29, 1690; Nathaniel (3), Oct. 31.
1691 ; Samuel, Dec. 5, 1693; Elizabeth, in 1695;
Joanne, April 30, 1697; John, Nov. 12. 1701 : and
Daniel, in 1703.
Nathaniel Carroll (3). son of Nathaniel (2). was
born Oct. 31, 1691, in Boxford, Mass. He spent
his life in Middleton, Mass.. where he was engaged
in the leather business, and was a sealer of leather,
as was his father. He died in Middleton, and was
buried there. In 1715 he married, and he and his
wife Hannah had six children, namely: Francis,
born in 1717 : Nathaniel. 1718: Hannah. 1721 ; Abi-
gail. 1725; Amos, 1728; and Mary. 1731.
Amos Carroll, son of Nathaniel (3). was born
Ian. 23, 1728, in .Middleton. Ma^s., where he grew
to manhood. On Sept. 29. 1748, he married Mary
Smith, of Middleton. In 174; he was deeded a tract
of land by his uncle. Samuel Carroll, in the town of
Killingly, Windham Co.. Conn., in that part of
Thompson known as the Brandy Hill District. He
later removed to East Thompson, on the farm known
as the Kitt Curliss farm, where he spent some time,
and then he bought the Fort Hill farm, now owned
762
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
by John E. Doane, in Thompson, where he spent the
remainder of his life, engaged in general farming.
He was one of the leading men of his day in that sec-
tion of the county. He turned out at the Lexington
Alarm, April 19, 1775, and in 1778 was a lieutenant
in the Seventh Company, Eleventh Regiment. He
died Nov. 2$, 1792, and was buried in East Thomp-
son cemetery. His first wife died in 1757, and was
buried in East Thompson cemetery. Three children
were born to this union: Mary, born in 1749, died
April 7, 18 1 6, married Daniel Hemingway. John,
born Jan. 5, 1754, died March 26, 1823, married
Hannah Thayer. Ephraim, born Nov. 19, 1757,
died Jan. 28, 181 2, married Lucy Clark. For his
second wife Amos Carroll married, Dec. 7, 1758,
Lucy Hosmer Barrett, a widow, to which union the
following children were born: (1) Solomon. (2)
Abigail, born June 9, 1762, died April 11, 1849;
she married Joseph Tourtellotte, of East Thompson.
(3) Wyman was born Feb. 23, 1765, and baptized
April 31, same year. (4) Hannah, born March 2,
1768, baptized April 17, same year, died July 4,
1839 ; she married Joshua Tourtellotte, of East
Thompson. (5) Elijah, born Jan. 27, 1771, died
April 13, 1848; he married Pasha Smith. (6)
Rachel, born March 25. 1774, baptized May I, 1774,
died Nov. 2^, 1819; she married John Burrill.
Wyman Carroll, son of Lieut. Amos Carroll,
was born on the Fort Hill farm Feb. 23, 1765, and
there grew to manhood, making farm life his oc-
cupation. He owned and occupied the Fort Hill
farm. He also taught school in that section during
the winter season for a period of eighteen years.
Taking a deep interest in public matters, he held a
prominent place among his townsmen, and was a
selectman of the town of Thompson for many years,
also representing the town in the State Legislature.
He was often called upon to settle estates. Inherit-
ing from his father a deep and loyal love of his
country, he was active in the local militia, and was
captain of one of the' State militia companies. In
religious belief he was a consistent member of the
Baptist Church. He died Nov. 3, 1827, and was
buried in the Jacobs cemetery. East Thompson,
Conn. On April 17, 1795, he married Sarah Crosby,
who was born Nov. 20, 1776, two months after her
father's death ; she died Dec. 22, 1854, and was
buried in the same cemetery beside her husband.
She was a daughter of Stephen and Hannah ( Car-
roll) Crosby, the former mentioned previously as a
soldier in the Revolutionary war. Eleven chil-
dren blessed the union of Wyman and Sarah Car-
roll, as follows: Arthur, born Feb. 2J, iycj6, mar-
ried Mary Munyan, and died June 16, 1834: Lucy,
born Oct. 27, 1797, married Hail M. Jacobs, and
died June 30, 1876; George, born April 5, 1799,
died Oct. 28, 1817; Mary Ann, born April 24, 1801,
married Chandler M. Pratt, and died Oct. 23, 1835 ;
Wyman. born July 3, 1803, died Sept. 17, 181 1;
James Hosmer, born Aug. 22, 1805, married Lvdia
Wilson, and died Sept. 30, 1835 ; Maria, born Oct.
28, 1807, died Oct. 6, 1809; Sarah Crosby, born
Nov. 6, 1809, married Deacon Joseph D. Jacobs,
and died April 25, 1887; Betsey Maria, born March
2, 181 2, married Rev. W. L. Brown, a Baptist min-
ister, and died April 23, 1867; Lucius Wyman, born
Jan. 22, 1815, died Sept. 25, 1900; and Emily Rus-
sell, born Jan. 9, 1818, married Jonathan Luther,
of Worcester, Mass., and died Jan. 5, 1893.
Lucius Wyman Carroll was born at Thomp-
son Jan. 22, 1815, and died Sept 25, 1900. He:
worked on a farm until he was fifteen years old.
On March 2, 1830, he moved to Webster, Mass.,.
and entered the employ of Wiswall & Sanford. He
always preserved the written contract which his
guardian, Stephen Crosby, made with this firm, and
which stipulated that he was to receive $15 a year
for his services, if he stayed one year only. If two
years he was to receive $20 for the first year and
$35 for the second. He remained with Wiswall &
Sanford seven years. Eleven days before he was
twenty-one years old he became a partner in the.
firm of Wiswall, Stockwell & Carroll, having a one-
quarter interest in three stores. Mr. Wiswall fur-
nished Mr. Carroll with the funds necessary to.
establish him in the firm without security. Mr.
Carroll went to Millbury, Mass., where he took
charge of one of the firm's stores. On March 22,
1837, Mr. Wiswall died, and Mr. Carroll then re-
turned to Webster, where, in company with J. P.
Stockwell, he built the first building at Webster
depot. For three years he was in partnership with.
Mr. Stockwell, and then carried on the business,
himself for two years. On Feb. 1, 1843, ne came
to Norwich, and began the sale of manufacturers'
supplies in a store on Water street. He conducted
the business alone until 1865, when E. P. Jacobs and
Loren A. Gallup were taken into partnership, and
the firm name became L. W. Carroll & Co. Mr.
Jacobs died in 1874, and Capt. Gallup retired in
1876. Mr. Carroll then took his eldest son, Adams
P. Carroll, into the firm, which became L. W. Car-
roll & Son, and as such it has since remained. At.
the time of his death Mr. Carroll was the oldest busi-
ness man on Water street.
Mr. Carroll was one of the promoters of the
water-power company at Taftville arid Occum,
which resulted in the establishment of large and.
beneficial interests in this town. He also owned a
large cotton mill at Griswold. For about forty years,
he was identified with the financial interests of the:
town and city, having been at various times a di-
rector in the Thames, Ouinebaug and First Na-
tional Banks, and the Norwich Savings Society..
Mr. Carroll was one of the organizers'of the Occum
Manufacturing Company at Norwich, Conn., in:
October, 1864. This company was formed chiefly
through the efforts of Mr. Carroll and Moses Pierce.
From i860 to 1862 Mr. Carroll was president of
the Ouinebaug Bank, which, in June, 1864, became
the First National Bank, of which he- was president
in 1865-66.
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
763
For half a century Mr. Carroll was connected
with the Central Baptist Church, most of that time
as a member. For a long time he was chairman of
the Society Committee, and always took a deep in-
terest in church affairs. Though a Republican in
politics, and always taking a deep interest in the
welfare of the party, Mr. Carroll never sought pub-
lic office. However, at one time he was a member
of the court of common council. He was always
public-spirited, and during the Civil war did his
full share to aid the Union cause. Mr. Carroll was
unusually active for his years, and possessed a very
cheerful disposition. He had a fine memory and a
good fund of facts about public events which took
place in his life, and was an interesting talker. He
was always interested in educational matters, and
was one of the original incorporators of the Nor-
wich Free Academy. Mr. Carroll died at his home
in Norwich Sept. 25, 1900, and was buried in Van-
tic cemetery.
Lucius W. Carroll was married May 17, 1843,
in Millbury, Mass., to Charlotte Lathe Pope, daugh-
ter of the late Jonathan A. Pope, of Norwich. Mrs.
Carroll died Dec. 29, 1897, and was buried in Yan-
tic cemetery. Five children blessed their union :
Charlotte Augusta, born Sept. 16, 1844, died Sept.
24, i860, and was buried in Yantic cemetery ; Charles
Lucius, born March 10, 1847, was l°st at sea in July,
1864 : Adams Pope, born June 20, 1850, is mentioned
below; William Crosby, born Jan. 6, 1855, died
May 9, 1855 ; and George Wyman, born May 4,
1859, is mentioned below.
Adams Pope Carroll was born in Norwich,
Conn., June 20, 1850, and was educated in the Nor-
wich public schools and the Norwich Free Academy,
where he was graduated in 1868, being valedictorian
of his class. He completed his education at Brown
University, from which he was graduated in 1871,
with the degree of Ph. B. After his return from
college he became a partner with his father, and so
continued up to the father's death, when he took
charge of the business, which he has conducted
ever since. Politically he is a Republican, but
would not be classed as a politician. He is a mem-
ber of the Central Baptist Church, and president of
the board of managers ; is trustee of the Otis Li-
brary and the Norwich Savings Society. Mr. Car-
roll takes a deep interest in genealogy, and has made
expensive research regarding the Carroll, Crosby
and Adams families.
George Wyman Carroll, youngest son of the
late Lucius Wyman Carroll, was born in Norwich
May 4, 1859, and was educated in his native town.
For a number of years he was with L. W. Carroll
& Son. but he is now engaged in the brokerage
business in Norwich. Like all his family he is a
Republican, and is also a member of the Baptist
Church. On Oct. 1, 1884. he married Emma Fran-
ces Briggs, who was born Jan. 2~, [861, daughter of
the late Hon. Ira Greene Briggs. They have one
child, George Wyman, Jr., who was educated in
the public schools of Norwich, Norwich Free Acad-
emy, Dr. Holbrook's Military School at < Issining,
N. Y., and graduated from St. Paul's School, Gar-
den City, N. Y., June 15, 1904; he passed his exam-
ination to enter Brown University with the class of
1908.
On their mother's side these Carroll brothers are
descendants in the eighth generation from Thomas
Pope, their emigrant ancestor, their lineage being
through Lieut. Seth, Capt. Lemuel, Capt. Louin,
West, Jonathan A., and Charlotte Lathe 1 Pope)
Carroll.
(I) Thomas Pope, born in 1608, was an inhabit-
ant of New Plymouth in 1631. He served in the Pe-
quot war in 1637, and on July 28, of that year, was
married to Ann (daughter of Gabriel and Cathe-
rine) Fallowell, who died Aug. 29. 1640. at which
time he sold his property there. He was constable
in 1645, an(l was a juror in that same year. He
appears at Yarmouth in 1646. On May 29. 1646,
he married (second), in Plymouth, Sarah, daughter
of John and Sarah Jenny, of Plymouth. He served
several times as surveyor of highways. In about
1074 he removed to Dartmouth, where he died in
October, 1683. His children were : Hannah ( born
to the first marriage), Seth, Susannah, Thomas,
Sarah, John, Joanna and Isaac.
(II) Lieut. Seth Pope, born Jan. 13. 1648, in
Plymouth, became one of the most wealthy and in-
fluential citizens of the old Colony. His first wife,
Deborah, born in 1655, died Feb. 19, 171 1. and his
second, Rebecca, born in 1662, died Jan. 23. 1741.
He located in Dartmouth, where he was selectman,
representative, lieutenant and magistrate, etc. He
is named as one of the fifty-six proprietors of Dart-
mouth, Mass., 1694. He was for many years largely
interested in the coastwise trade, owned vessels, etc.
His estates in Dartmouth were extensive and valu-
able, comprising several farms and dwelling houses,
a store, mills, etc., their value amounting in all to
more than £18,000. He died in Dartmouth March
17, 1727. His children were: John, Thomas, Su-
sannah, Sarah, Mary, Seth, Hannah, Elnathan and
Lemuel.
(III) Capt. Lemuel Pope, born Feb. 21, 1696.
in Dartmouth, inherited most of the extensive estate
of his father, lying within the present limits of Fair-
haven. He was a captain of militia and a prominent
citizen. On Feb. 4, 1719, he married Elizabeth,
born in 1697, daughter of Ephraim Hunt, of Dart-
mouth. Capt. Pope died May 2^. 1771. and Mrs.
Pope passed away July 2, 1782. Their children,
all born in Dartmouth. Were : Seth. Deborah. Ann,
Rebekah, Rebekah (2), Mary. Lemuel. Samuel,
Louin, Elizabeth, Joseph and Richard.
(IV) Capt. Louin Tope, born May S, 1737.
married Oct. 10, 1761, Mary West, of Dartmouth.
In 1778 they removed to Xew Braintree. He died
Aug. 13, 1799. His children were as follows: Asa,
born in 1704, died May 24. [818; Louin. born in
1766, died Sept. 24. 1773; Hannah, born July 27,
764
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
1768, died April 26, 1863 (she first married John
Nye, and subsequently a Mr. Morse) ; Anna, born
in' 1770, married Nathan Barnaby ; West, born Feb.
14, 1772, died April 29, 1824; Mary, born July 25,
1775. died Aug. 7, 1778; Rebecca, born in 1778,
married Lemuel Kenned)' : Alary, born in 1780, died
Sept. 17, 1807; Louin, born in 1782, married Cath-
erine Emerson; Elizabeth, born in April, 1784. died
Oct. 8, 1803; Thomas, a lawyer, born Feb. 20, 1788,
died March 5, 1854 (he married Rosanna T. Ellis
and C. F. Brown). Louin Pope, the father, was
captain of a company which marched to Lexington
on the Alarm, April 19, 1775. In April, 1776. he
was chosen captain of the Eleventh Company, Sec-
ond Regiment, Bristol County (Mass.) men.
(V) West Pope, born Feb. 14, 1772, married
Nov. 12, 1795, Sylvia, daughter of Jonathan Adams,
and they settled at Providence, R. I. In 1819 they
removed to Oxford, Mass. Mr. Pope was drowned
at South Hadley, April 29, 1824. Mrs. Pope died
June 11, 1871, at Oxford, aged ninety-three years..
Their children were : Jonathan A., -Alexander,
Sarah L., John W., Charles H., Mary, Horace, Asa
Howard and Henry L.
(VI) Jonathan Adams Pope, for many years
one of the most highly respected citizens of Nor-
wich, was born July 24. 1797, in the town of Oxford,
Mass. Early in life he became interested in the
manufacturing business conducted by Hosiah Wil-
kinson, who operated the first cotton machinery in
the country. In 1815 Mr. Pope became superin-
tendent of the mills at Natick, R. I., later became
owner or manager of the mills at Wrentham, ( )x-
ford and Millbury, Mass. ; at Augusta, Maine, where
he built the first dam across the Kennebec river ; at
Brunswick, Maine ; at Parkersville, Vt. ; and at
Sterling and Griswold, Conn. Mr. Pope was a cot-
ton manufacturer in Oxford, but removed in 1828
to Millbury, where he continued in the same business.
He retired in 1873 with a competency. His wide
and valuable experience in this special industry, to-
gether with his sound business judgment, gave
weight and value to his opinions, which were often
sought even after his retirement from business. He
was highly respected and took a deep interest in the
city of Norwich. He lived to the ripe age of ninety
years, and retained his full vigor and freshness of
mind, and the recital of his early experiences, dat-
ing back as they did to the time of the war of 181 2,
and the early manufacturing in Massachusetts and
Connecticut, was very interesting.
Air. Pope married (first) Oct. 29, 1817, Olive
Lathe, of Charlton, born Feb. 27, 1795. She died
July 30, 1850, at Norwich. Conn., and he married
(second) the widow of Dr. William Benedict, of
Millbury, who died in about 1856. About 1848 Mr.
Pope removed to Norwich, Conn., where he died
Aug. 4, 1887. His children were: Charlotte
Lathe, born Jan. 18, 1819, who married May 17.
1843, at Millbury, Mass., Lucius W. Carroll ; Harriet
A., who married Rev. Samuel Wolcott, D. D.. of
Longmeadow, Mass.; Jonathan A.; Sylvia A.; and
Sarah E. Both the latter are residents of Norwich,
and members of the D. A. R. in that city.
ALFRED HURLBUT, who during his life was
one of the successful manufacturers and honored cit-
izens of Montville, was a descendant of one of the
early families of this part of Connecticut.
The antecedents of his ancestor, Elijah Hurlbut,
early at Windham, Conn., are not known. It is
more than possible he descended from Timothy, of
the third generation, through Thomas from Thomas
Hurlbut, of Saybrook, Conn., and later of Wethers-
field, who came to New England as early as 1637,
and served as a soldier under Capt. Lion Gardiner,
who built and had command of the fort at Saybrook.
This Timothy Hurlbut was born Sept. 29, 1680, but
nothing seems to have been known of him, his father
dying when he was nine years old.
Again the line ofj.descent may be from Titus
Hurlbut, born Dec. 18? 1681, a son of Samuel, and
grandson of Thomas, the emigrant ; or it may be
from Thomas, the emigrant, through Stephen and
Stephen Hurlbut (2), the latter born Sept. 17, 1679.
in Wethersfield, Conn. The Hurlbuts of this region
of country come from the Saybrook and Wethers-
field settler.
After the Pequot war, in which Thomas Hurlbut
participated, and in which he was wounded, "shot
almost through the thigh." he located and established
himself in business at Wethersfield, Conn., being a
blacksmith by trade. He was one of the early set-
tlers of Wethersfield, and the first blacksmith. He
was clerk of the Train Band, grand juror, constable,
deputy to the General Court, etc. The Christian
name of his wife was Sarah.
Elijah Hurlbut was probably in Windham,
Conn., before his marriage, which occurred Aug.
18, 1725, he then being united in wedlock to Abigail
Backus, who was born 'July 3, 1701, daughter of
John and Mary (Bingham) Backus, of Windham,
Conn. Mr. Hurlbut settled in the First Society,
and remained until after 1734, but prior to 1737 he
had removed to Scotland (Third Society). He and
his wife were both living in Windham, in 1744, at
which time they received their portion of the estate
of John Backus, their father. Mr. and Mrs. Hurl-
but are believed to have died in Windham : but no
record of their deaths has been found. Their chil-
dren were: Elisha, born June 13, 1726: Abigail,
Feb. 26, 1727-28 (married, Nov. 3. 1754, David
Yeomans) ; Ann, April 14, 1730; Elijah, March 3,
1731-32: Prudence, Sept. 3. 1734: Mary. Nov. 14,
1737; Nathaniel, Sept. 16, 1739: Jerusha, Aug. 8,
1 74 1 ; and Chloe, June 20, 1743. All were born in
Windham, Connecticut.
Elisha Hurlbut, son of Elijah, born June 13,
1726, in Windham, Conn., married (first) Oct. 18,
1747, Mary Smith. She died Sept. 23, 1748, and
he married (second) May 23, 1749, Phebe Carter.
Mr. Hurlbut died Aug. 3, 1771, and was buried in
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
76S
the burying-ground in Scotland Society. His estate
inventoried £3,222 — quite a fortune in those days.
J lis widow Phebe, married Jan. 10, 1772, Capt
Thomas Fanning. Mr. Hurlbut's children were:
Mary, horn Sept. 4, 1748 (married Feb. 26, [769.
Phineas Cary) ; Lydia, Feb. 1. 1750-51; Martha,
Jan. 6, 1753 (married Sept. 21, 1775, Jonathan
Gary) ; Enoch, Nov. 21, 1754; Alfred. Dec. 1, [756;
Phebe, Nov. 14, 1759; Thomas, May 24, 1762;
Anna, Aug. 13, 1764; and Winthrop, Oct. 3. i7'>o.
All were born in Windham, and all to the second
marriage excepting the first named.
Alfred Hurlbut, son of Elisha and grandfather
of Alfred Hurlbut, whose name introduces this
sketch, was born Dec. I, 1756, in Windham, Conn.
He married Jan. 11, 1786, Lydia Babcock, who was
born Jan. 7, 1763, and they settled in the town of
Waterford, Conn., where both died, Mr. Hurlbut
on Feb. 5, 1829, and Mrs. Hurlbut June 7, 1844.
He was a farmer by occupation. Their children
were as follows: Lydia Ann, born Dec. 6, 1786,
in Windham, Conn., married Walter Chappell, of
Waterford, where she died. Winthrop lived and
died in East Lyme, Conn. ; he married twice, first
a Miss Smith and second Caroline Rollins,
and both are buried in East Lyme. Albigence lived
in Waterford for many years, and died in Groton,
Conn. ; he married Naomi Daniels, sister of the wife
of his brother Samuel, and both are buried in
Waterford. Elisha Babcock. born Jan. 3, 1791, re-
moved to the Wrest. where he died; on May 21,
1818, he was married at Hopewell, N. Y., to Rhoda
Palmer, who was born in Montville, Conn., daugh-
ter of Elder Reuben Palmer, of Montville. (Elisha
B. Hurlbut was a soldier in the War of 18 12, and
he died in Bristol, N. Y.). Benjamin married Lucy
Hall, and lived in Salem. Conn., where he and his
wife are both buried. Alfred was a wagon-maker
by trade ; he married Ruth Hills, and lived and died
in Norwich, Conn. Susan, who never married, died
in Montville when about seventy years of age.
Nancy married Pardon Perroy. and died in Potter
Hill, R. I. Eliza, who never married, died at Poque-
tuck Bridge, R. I. Samuel was the father of Alfred
Hurlbut.
Samuel Hurlbut, born Aug. 15. 1801, in Water-
ford, Conn., passed away July 26, 1880, aged
seventy-nine years, in Montville, Conn. He mar-
ried Almira Daniels, of Waterford, Conn., who
died May 22, 1876, aged seventy-three years. Sam-
uel Hurlbut was a successful farmer, was also en-
gaged in blacksmithing and as a stonemason, and
he was a man who bore the esteem of all who knew
him. He was a member of the Baptist Church of
Palmertown, and was deacon of that church for
over twenty years, during which time he was never
absent from communion. Politically he was a
stanch old line Whig, and later became a Republi-
can. The children born to Samuel and Almira
(Daniels) Hurlbut were as follows: (1) Nancy,
born Sept. 22, 1825, married Tchabod Stoddard, of
Salem, and they are living in Norwich. He is a
farmer and carpenter. Their children are Edgar,
Charles and Sophia. (2) Maryette, horn Sept. 29,
[829, is unmarried, and i- living in New London.
(3) Alfred, horn Oct. 15. 1831. is mentioned he-
low. (41 Gerone Marion married Hiram Rogers, a
farmer residing in New London, and they have
three children, Lillie, Frank and Nellie. 151 Lu-
cretia, horn Aug. jo. [838J is unmarried, and is
living in Montville. (6) Henry Clay, horn Jan.
18. 1842, was a merchant in New London for a
number of years, and i> now living retired at Po-
quetuck. lie married Caroline Gard, of New Lon-
don, hut they had no children.
Alfred Hurlbut. born Oct. 15, 1831, in Salem.
Conn., died Nov. 15, 1901. in Montville, aged
seventy years. After acquiring a common school-
ing he took up a manufacturing line, and after-
gaining a knowledge of manufacturing started in
business for himself and for many years manu-
factured cotton twine, etc., in Montville. on the
site now occupied by the silk mill. His factor}- was
twice burned down and after the second tire, in
1893, he never rebuilt, retiring from active busin
He was very successful, as a result of shrewd, care-
ful, conscientious attention to business.
Socially Mr. Hurlbut was a member of the
American Mechanics, and his religious connection
was with the Baptist Church at Palmertown. He
was a stanch Republican, and besides holding sev-
eral minor town offices served a term of four years
as a member of the board of county commissioners
of New London county. He was a rugged man, of
medium height, rather thick set, and enjoyed good
health until within two years of his death. He was
genial and very pleasant to meet, and had hosts of
friends.
Mr. Hurlbut was married May 4, 1854. to Eliza-
beth Browning, daughter of John L. and Lucy
(Tillotson) Browning, of Genesee county. New-
York. Mr. Browning was a farmer. Mrs. Hurlbut
survives her husband and resides in Montville.
Children as follows were born to this union: (1)
Ida May, born in Montville. married Jesse Watts,
who is overseer in the Rockland paper mill in
Montville, and they have one child, Alfred J. Watts.
(2) Lewis Browning, born in Montville, is a gen-
eral merchant in Palmertown, and is also post-
master there, having received bis appointment from
President McKinley during his first term as Pres-
ident. He married Minnie Nessler, of Montville,
and they have two children, Bessie and John B.
SAMUEL DUDLEY, a representative of the
Dudley family for nearly two centuries resident in
Connecticut, and for many years one of New Lon-
don's prominent business men. is now living retired
from active work, enjoying his well earned rest and
the respect of all who know him.
1 I i ("apt. John E. Dudley, a seaman and after-
ward schoolmaster, came from Ireland in about
766
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
1746 to America, and settled in the town of Wall-
ingford, Conn. His house was located on the west
side of the river, a short distance below the home of
Mr. Street Jones, who some years ago was the
owner of it. His children were: Jedediah, born Jan.
1, 1759; and Mary.
(II) Jedediah Dudley, son of Capt. John E.,
born Jan. 1, 1759, married Lucy Plumbe. and their
children were: John E., who married a lady of
Wallingford, Conn., and died in Branford in 1869;
Caleb, who married and lived and died in Walling-
ford ; Ransom: Elias, born Feb. 17, 1790; Jedediah,
who died unmarried ; Isaac, who had a family of
four children, all now deceased ; Lucy ; Pa-
melia, who married and lived in Westfield, Mass.,
where she died ; Sarah, who married Dan Johnson,
of Wallingford, and had four children, all now de-
ceased ; and Roxana, who married and lived in
Wallingford (she had one son, and all this family
are now deceased). Jedediah Dudley, the father,
was a thrifty farmer, and had the esteem of all who
knew him. His death occurred when his son Elias
was but nine years of age.
(III) Elias Dudley, son of Jedediah, was born
in Wallingford, Feb. 17, 1790, and died June 19,
185 1, at his home in Cheshire. He was a stone-cut-
ter by trade, and engaged in the making of monu-
ments, for many years being located in business in
Cheshire, where he became one of the well known
men of the town. He was very active in religious
work, being a zealous member of the Methodist
Church, and he consistently carried out in his every-
dav life the principles he advocated, and conducted
family worship three times, daily. He was one of
the organizers of the Cheshire Church, and was
class-leader and steward for many years. Politic-
ally he was a Whig, and a firm believer in human
freedom, often preaching at great length against
slavery, and he was also a great friend of the tem-
perance question. He married Laura Preston, who
died in Cheshire, aged seventy-five years, a (laugh-
ter of Titus and Abigail Preston. The children born
of this marriage were : Maria Fitch, born Sept. 22,
1814, died July 25, 1837, aged twenty-three years;
Mary Ann, born April 21, 1817, married Ruel
Hemingway, of Southington, Conn., in 1841 ; Har-
riet, born in Cheshire in 1821, married in 1842;
Joseph, born July 21, 1823, engaged in the monu-
ment business in New Haven, where he died aged
seventy-three years ; Caroline, born in July, 1825,
died at the age of twenty-nine; George E., born
Oct. 15. 1827, was engaged in the clothing business
in Meriden, and died there aged twenty-six years ;
Charles Wesley, born Jan. 23, 1835, is a traveling
salesman residing in Brooklyn, N. Y. ; Sarah E.,
died at the age of eight months ; and Samuel, born
April 7, 1837.
(IV) Samuel Dudley was born in Cheshire, and
there in the district schools received his education,
among his teachers being Henry F. Hall, afterward
a well known lawyer of Wallingford. Leaving
school at the age of fifteen, he became employed on
the farm of William Law, of Cheshire, where he
made his home with his employer's family. His
next work was the riding of horses for Gov. Samuel
A. Foote to plow by. For a time he assisted his
father in hewing stone, and then went to Water-
bury, where he was employed by Reuben Hitchcock,
and later with Scoville & Buckingham, where he
learned to chase buttons. In 1852 he went to New
Haven, and became an apprentice with Atwater &
King, to learn carriage trimming, for four years,
for which he was to receive, for the first year, $25
and board; for the second, $30 and board; for the
third, $35 and board ; and for the fourth, $40 and
board. At the close of his apprenticeship he was
employed by a number of firms at his trade, when
he received an offer from William F. Keables to
locate in New London and work for him as trim-
mer. He accepted the offer, and held that position
for three years, when with David R. Stevens, he
purchased the entire plant of Mr. Keables, and for
twelve vears this partnership continued unbroken.
Thev met with an ever-increasing trade, necessitat-
ing much improvement in the original plant. Mr.
Dudley bought out his partner at the end of that
time. For eight or ten years he traveled through
Massachusetts, Connecticut and Rhode Island, sell-
ing carriages of his own make. About fifteen hands
were kept constantly employed. Everything that
pertains to a complete road outfit, paints, oils, var-
nishes, horse shoes, etc., is kept in the establish-
ment. The business has been built up from nothing
and has grown until now it supplies not only the
retail trade but also manufacturers. Hard work
and close application have been the secrets of Mr.
Dudley's success, and he has accumulated his own
fortune through his own efforts.
.Mr. Dudley is, like all of his family, of a deeply
religious nature. He and his wife are active in
the work of the Second Congregational Church,
and he is chairman of the board of trustees of the
Mission Chapel, which he was very instrumental in
building. For years he sang in the church, and in
the open air meetings, and has ever been ready to
give of his time and means to the furtherance of re-
ligious work. His political views coincide with the
principles of the Republican party, but he has uni-
formly refused to accept office.
On July 6, 1857, Mr. Dudley was united in mar-
riage with Mary Elizabeth Nicholson, daughter of
George S. and Phebe C. (Miller) Nicholson, of
New Haven, the former a harnessmaker, who.
though of advanced years, served as a soldier in
the war of the Rebellion. To this union came one
child, Minnie Preston, born in New Haven Aug.
14, i860, who married William H. Guest, a native
of England, and a dentist by profession, but now
engaged with his father-in-law, Mr. Dudley, in busi-
ness. Mr. and Mrs. Guest have four children:
Maud Dudley, born Feb. 22, 1884; Edith Laura,
born March 5, 1886; Marian Gertrude, born June
GENEALOGICAL AXD BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
767
13. [891 : and Mary Elizabeth, born Dec. 6, 1X92.
Air. Dudley built bis pleasant home on Cleve-
land street in [889, from plans drawn by himself,
and be also superintended the building. He and bis
wife have traveled extensively, spending their win-
ters in Florida, and the largest portion of the sum-
mers in the mountains. They are charitable and
benevolent, and their hospitable borne is always
open to their many friends.
SIMON BREWSTER, of Griswold, has
achieved success as an agriculturist mainly through
his own exertions. Though the attractive old farm
upon which he is now residing has been in the
family for four generations, it was only by hard
work and much economy that he rescued it from
the hands of strangers. Ancestral possessions he
may well hold sacred, coming as he does from one
of the oldest and most highly revered New Eng-
land families, being a descendant of Elder William
Brewster, of "Mayflower" fame.
I I ) Elder William Brewster, born in Scrooby,
England, in 1560, gained his education at Cam-
bridge. In 1608 he went to Amsterdam, and a year
later to Leyden, where he was a ruling elder of the
Pilgrim Congregation, and, as is well known, in
1620, as the spiritual guide of the Pilgrim fathers,
he came in the "Mayflower" to New England. He
afterward settled in Duxburv, where he built him a
farm house, and there, in 1644, ne died.
( II ) Love Brewster, son of Elder William, also
of the "Mayflower," married in 1634, Sarah Collier,
daughter of William Collier, who, as a merchant,
in 1633, came to Xew England in the ship with
Hooker, Haines, Cotton and others, was the liberal
benefoctor of the Colony of Xew Plymouth, and from
[636 to 1668, inclusive, acted as Assistant. Mr.
Brewster was of Duxburv. His will bears the date
1650, and was exhibited in court March 4, 1651.
His children were: (1) Nathaniel, concerning
whom nothing is given, and who may have died
young or without issue. (2) William; and (3)
Wrestling, who married Mary Partridge, and had
seven children — Jonathan (who settled in Wind-
ham), John, Mary, Sarah, Abigail, Elizabeth and
Hannah.
(Ill) William Brewster married, in 1672, Lydia
Partridge, daughter of George Partridge, and they
had children as follows: Sarah, born in 1674, who
married Caleb Stetson; Nathaniel, born in 1676;
Lydia, born in 1680; William, who is mentioned be-
low; Benjamin, born in 1688; Joseph, born in
1694; and Joshua, born in 1698.
(IY) William Brewster (2), born in 1681. mar-
ried Hopestill Wadsworth, daughter of John Wads-
worth, and settled in Lebanon. By this union there
were six children: Oliver, born in 1708; Ichabod,
in 1710; Elisha. in 1715 : Simon, in 1720: Lot, in
1723; and Huldah, in 1726.
(V) Simon Brewster, great-grandfather of
Simon Brewster, whose name heads this sketch.
and son of William 12). was born in 1720. Upon
reaching manhood he settled on what is now the
Brewster farm in Griswold. This place at that
tune was much larger than it is now, and here he
engaged in agriculture extensively. He died in
Preston (now Griswold), April 20. [801, at the age
of eighty-one. He married Anne Andress, of Pres-
ton, who was born in 1722. and died < >ct. 20, 1809,
in her eighty-eighth year. By this marriage there
were several children: (n Simon, Esq., a soldier
of the Revolution, married Mehitabel Belcher. He
died in Griswold, Aug. 16, 1841, in his ninety-first
year, and she passed away Nov. 15, 1825, in her
seventy-third year. (2) Joseph W., who was lost
at sea, represented his district in the State Legis-
lature in 1814. He was the grandfather of Bishop
Chauncey B. Brewster. (3) William. (4) Elias
is mentioned below.
(VI) Elias Brewster, grandfather of Simon,
born in 1759, for many years a resident of Gris-
wold, was a man of affluence and a possessor of
large tracts of land. Lpon reaching manhood he
came into possession of the family homestead at
Griswold, where he resided until his death. Besides
carrying on the farm he engaged in trade with the
West Indies for many years, shipping there many
horses and mules, and large quantities of cheese.
In this way he amassed a fortune, part of which he
invested in land, purchasing in his vicinity several
farms besides the home place, all of which
amounted to a total of 1.100 acres. At his death,
which occurred March 12, 1834, his estate was
valued at fifty thousand dollars, a considerable sum
for those days.
Elias Brewster was twice married. His first
wife was Margery Morgan, who was the mother of
all his children. She died in Griswold Jan. 11,
1823, at the age of fifty-six years. For his second
wife he married Mrs. Sarah Clark Corning, who
survived him. The children by the first union
were: (1) Elias was twice married. He resided
in Columbia, Herkimer Co., N. Y., where he was
engaged as a farmer and later as a hotel proprie-
tor. (2) Martha married Capt. Moses Hillard, and
resided in Norwich. (3) Sybil married Capt. Ap-
pleton Meech, and resided in Norwich. (4) Fred-
erick resided in Griswold, where be was engaged in
farming. (5) Ephraim Morgan married Esther
Gordon. He was a successful farmer of ( iriswold,
and resided on the farm now occupied by his son,
Albert G. Brewster. (6) Emily died in Norwich,
unmarried. (7) Simon and (8) James were twins.
Simon was the father of our subject. James mar-
ried Mary Baker, and resided in (Iriswold. later in
Pomfret. He was a farmer by occupation. Each
son received at the time of the father's death a
farm valued at $5,000. and each daughter that
amount in money. Mr. Brewster was throughout
his life a loyal and patriotic citizen, and during the
Revolutionary war served as a soldier. As a Whig
he always evinced a keen interest in politics. He and
768
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPLIICAL RECORD.
his wife were influential members of the Pachaug
Congregate >nal Church.
(VII) Simon Brewster, father of Simon, in-
herited considerable substantial real estate along
with the mental endowment for the successful man-
agement of it, both of which gave him prestige
among the agriculturists of his section. Born on
the homestead in Preston, now Griswold, May 29,
180T, he there received careful rearing and excel-
lent training for his life work. As a youth he gave
considerable attention to the management of the
home place, and upon the death of his father came
in for his share of the property. Desirous of carry-
ing on the place as his father had done, he pur-
chased the other heirs' interest in it, and became
its sole possessor. B embraced about 450 acres,
and was probably the largest farm in Griswold dur-
ing his ownership of it. Here he engaged in gen-
eral farming very extensively and carried on a
large trade in fine stock, raising and selling some
of the best that was pnt on the market. Science and
skill as well as practical knowledge he applied to
his work, and he was considered one of the most
progressive and successful farmers in Griswold, as
well as the most extensive one. In the manage-
ment of his place he pnt forth the best efforts of
his manhood, and he continued there until the last,
dying Aug. 17, 1867.
Air. Brewster married Martha Corning, who
was born in 1816, and after her death, which oc-
curred Aug. 7. 1845. m her thirtieth year, he mar-
ried Abby A. Prentice, who was born in 1827. She
died July 28, 1853, at the age of twenty-six, and he
afterward formed a third union, this time with
Elizabeth C. Cook, who was born June 27, 1820 ;
she died April 18, 1890. By the first marriage
there were six children : John C. : Catherine W. and
Caroline M., twins, born Dec. 13, 1840. of whom
the former died May 9, 1844. and the latter Oct.
17, 1874; Simon A.; Lucretia C. ; and Sarah, born
May 27, 1844, who died June 10, 1862. By the
second marriage there were four children : Simon,
who is mentioned below ; Alice A., born in June,
1851, now living in Jersey City; and Abby A., and
Anna, twins, who died in infancy. By the last
marriage there were two children : Charles C, now
a resident of New York City ; and John A., of St.
Louis, Missouri.
Though not active in politics Mr. Brewster al-
ways evinced a large interest in local affairs ; at first
he affiliated with the Whigs, later with the Repub-
licans. He ever gave his support to all good works
and attended the Congregational Church, of which
his second wife, Abby A. (Prentice), was a member.
Simon Brewster is admirably fitted, both by
training and inherent ability, for the agricultural
industry he is now so ably conducting. Born on
the Griswold homestead May 25, 1850, during his
boyhood he attended the district school there — the
building of which stood at what is known as the
forks of the road. Evincing: a keen interest in his
studies, he later attended for short periods the
public schools of Jewett City and Preston City.
During these years he spent his spare time in the
performance of the various tasks that fall to the
lot of a farm boy, displaying both self reliance and
a remarkable capacity for work. At the early age
of seven years he was entrusted to drive large herds
of cattle to Norwich, a distance of ten miles. He
was quite young when his father died, and a year
later, in 1808, the homestead to which he was fondly
attached was sold. Then for two years he hired
out by the month as a farm hand, and by working
early and late, and by exercising economy, he was
enabled, at the age of twenty-one, to purchase the
old house with 125 acres of land. Here, as his fore-
fathers had done, he has engaged in a large dairy
business, besides attending to extensive general
farming. In both lines he is meeting with excel-
lent results, and he is considered one of the most
intelligent and progressive agriculturists in his
vicinity.
On April 8, 1873, Mr. Brewster married Sarah
E. Browning, whose genealogy is given elsewhere.
By this union there have been seven children:
Sarah E., born July 17, 1875, died Jan. 15, 1886;
Alice, born Jan. 19, 1881, died Feb. 23, 1884; Mar-
tha Browning, born April 23, 1883, resides at home
( she is a member of Ann Brewster Fanning Chap-
ter, D. A. R., at Jewett City) ; Abby Prentice, born
June 22, 1885, was valedictorian of her class in the
Jewett City Grammar school, had the same honor
in the class of 1903, Norwich Free Academy, also
won several scholarship prizes, and is now a suc-
cessful school teacher; Simon, born Nov. 5, 1887;
Sarah Elizabeth, born Nov. 12, 1891 ; and Margery,
born March 12, 1895. Mr. Brewster is a man of
energy and force, endowed with large mental and
physical powers. Wherever he appears he exerts
a very positive influence. He is popular with his
community, and as a Republican has served his
town verv efficiently as selectman for one term. He
is well known throughout the county, and every-
where highly respected.
ROBERT A. STANTON, the head of a large
grocery concern in Mystic, and a prosperous busi-
ness man of that place, is a descendant in direct
line from one of the very earliest settlers of Con-
necticut, and has inhertied many of the sturdy vir-
tues of his courageous and upright forebears.
The first of the name of Stanton to come to
America was Thomas, known as Capt. Thomas
Stanton, of English birth. He was educated for
a cadet, but not liking the profession of arms, and
taking a deep interest in the religious principles
of the migrating Puritans, he came to the Colonies
in the ship "Bonaventura" in 1635, embarking at
London, England, Jan. 2d. He landed in Virginia,,
thence going to Boston, where he was recognized by
Winthrop and his associates as a valuable man,
worthy of their unlimited confidence. The next
/^A ^^^^^2^^^-^^
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
769
year he was selected by the Boston authorities to
accompany Mr. Fenwick and Hugh Peters as in-
terpreter on a mission to Saybrook, Conn., to hold
a conference with the Pequot Indians relative to
the murder (A Capts. Stone and Newton. He pos-
sessed an accurate knowledge of the language and
character of the Indians, which gave him promi-
nence in the new settlements of Connecticut. In
1637 he took up his home at Hartford, where the
General Court declared he should he a public officer
■to attend the court upon all occasions, either general
or particular, at the meetings of the magistrates,
to interpret between them and the Indians, at a
salary of ten pounds per year. He became the
intimate and special friend of Gov. Winttirop of
Connecticut, acting as interpreter in all of his inter-
course with the Indians. He was the first white
man who joined William Chesebrough in the new
settlement in the Pawcatuck Valley, and in the
spring of TO50 and 165] he established a trading-
house in Stonington, on the west hank of the Paw-
catuck river. For a few years his family resided
in Xew London before permanently locating in
Stonington. in TO57. After this he took an active
part in town affairs, becoming prominent, and he
was elected to almost every position of public trust
in the new settlement ; he served as magistrate
from [662 until his death, was appointed a judge
of the court in [666, and was a deputy to the Gen-
eral Court [666-1675. Mr. Stanton married in
Hartford, in i(>37, Anna, daughter of Dr. Thomas
and Dorothy Lord, and they had ten children:
Thomas, John, Mary, Hannah, Joseph, Daniel, Dor-
othy. Robert, Sarah and Samuel. Through these
they became the progenitors of a numerous race in
the country about Stonington. Thomas Stanton
died Dec. 2, i(ijj. aged sixty-eight years, and his
wife passed away in [688. Before the removal of
the family from Hartford they had come into pos-
session of a considerable quantity of land, and
were considered well-to-do for the times.
(II ) Capt. John Stanton, born in [641, in Hart-
ford, Conn., was chosen in [654 by the Court of
Commissioners to he educated for a teacher of the
Gospel to the Indians, hut the young man ultimately
gave tip his studies and in the course of events be-
came one of the leaders of warfare against those
very Indians. He was in command of one of the
companies raised to participate in King Philip's
war; was present at the Narragansett Swamp tight.
Dec. 19, 1075 ; and later he and Capt. George Deni-
son led their companies in successful pursuit of
the remnants of the tribe and by overpowering
them brought the war to a close. In 10(14 occurred
his marriage to Hannah, a sister of Rev. William
Thompson, of Braintree, .Mass. Mrs. Stanton died
Oct. 3, 1713, the mother of John, Joseph, Thomas,
Ann, Theophilus and Dorothy. The family home
was on a farm in Stonington, on the east hank of
the .Mystic river. It descended to Capt. John from
his father and has never since passed OUl of the
hands of the family.
(III) Joseph Stanton, horn Jan. _>_>. [668, in-
herited the family property and lived all his days
on the old farm. On July 18, [696, he married
Margaret Cheesebrough, who was horn about 1070.
She was the daughter of Nathaniel and Hannah
(Denison) Cheesebrough, and granddaughter of
William, who came to America from England pre-
vious to i<>4<;, at which date he was on record as a
resident of Stonington. The children of Joseph
and Margaret Stanton were named Hannah, Mar-
garet. Zerviah, Sarah, Anna. Dorothy. Joseph, John
and Nathaniel.
(IV) Lieut. Joseph Stanton, horn May 1, 171 j.
was married Nov. (>, 1735, to Anna Wheeler, horn
Dec. 23, 1715, daughter of William and Hannah
(Gallup) Wheeler. The former was a descendant
through Isaac, of Thomas Wheeler, who is known
to have been a resident in Lynn. Mass.. a.s early as
1035. Lieut. Stanton and his wife were both of
Stonington, and there reared their family of eleven
children: Hannah. Joseph. Margaret, tsaac W..
William. Anna, Nathan, Eunice, Martha. Mary
and Dorothy. The father died March 14, 1773.
(V) Joseph Stanton, horn March 31. [739,
married April 22, 1707, Hannah Cheesebrough,
daughter of Col. Amos and Desire (Williams)
Cheesebrough. She was horn Sept. jj, [745, and
died in [835, three years later than her husband.
They resided in Groton and had eleven children:
John, Joseph, Anna, Amos, Desire, Joshua. Amos
(2), Joshua C, Hannah, Mary and Robert.
(VI) Robert Stanton, horn May 6, 1787, in
Groton, spent his life 011 a farm in Ledyard, and
with farming combined the occupation of a car-
penter. In his political views he was a Democrat
and stanchly upheld that party until the day of his
death, June 22, 1872. He was married in Preston,
Conn., Feb. 22, 1812. to Hannah, daughu apt
Isaac and Cynthia (Swan) Hewitt. Mrs. Stanton
was horn June (>, 1787, and died June 23, [868
Children were horn to her and her husband as fol-
lows: Mary A., Dec. 20, [813; Robert A.. May
12. [816; Isaac Wheeler, March 2^. [819; Henry
W., July 25, 1822: C"harles H.. Dec. 1. [824.
(VII) Isaac Wheeler Stanton was born in the
Cider Hill district of Ledyard. and passed his boy-
hood there. ( )n beginning life for himself he spent
some time in Mystic, then bought a farm at Chester-
field, in East Lyme, and was engaged there as a
carpenter and farmer. In 1804 he returned
Mystic and continued to make his home there till
his death, in February, 1885. He was employed
there by Gurdon S. Allyn. In religious faith lu
was a Baptist. His wife was Lucy Williams, daugh-
ter of Roger Williams, a wheelwright, carpenter and
builder of Ledyard. She died in 1807. Four chil-
dren were horn to Isaac W. and Lucy Stanton, only
two of whom lived to grow up. The first son, Roger.
49
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
76g
year he was selected by the Boston authorities to
accompany Mr. Fenwick and Hugh Peters as in-
terpreter on a mission to Saybrook, Conn., to hold
a conference with the Pequot Indians relative to
the murder of Capts. Stone and Newton, lie pos-
sessed an accurate knowledge of the language and
character of the Indians, which gave him promi-
nence in the new settlements of Connecticut. In
1637 he took up his home at Hartford, where the
General Court declared he should he a public officer
to attend the court upon all occasions, either general
or particular, at the meetings of the magistrates.
to interpret between them and the Indians, at a
salary of ten pounds per year. He became the
intimate and special friend of Gov. Winthrop of
Connecticut, acting as interpreter in all of his inter-
course with the Indians. He was the first white
man who joined William Chesebrough in the new
settlement in the Pawcatuck Valley, and in the
spring of 1(150 and 1651 he established a trading
house in Stonington, on the west hank of the Paw-
catuck river. For a few years his family resided
in Xew London before permanently locating in
Stonington. in 1657. After this he took an active
part in town affairs, becoming prominent, and he
was elected to almost every position of public trust
in the new settlement ; he served as magistrate
from 1662 until his death, was appointed a judge
of the court in 1666, and was a deputy to the Gen-
eral Court 1666-1675. Mr. Stanton married in
Hartford, in 1637, Anna, daughter of Dr. Thomas
and Dorothy Lord, and they had ten children :
Thomas. John, Mary, Hannah, Joseph, Daniel. Dor-
othy. Robert, Sarah and Samuel. Through these
they became the progenitors of a numerous race in
the country about Stonington. Thomas Stanton
died Dec. 2, 1 < >J7- aged sixty-eight years, and his
wife passed away in 1688. Before the removal of
the family from Hartford they had come into pos-
session of a considerable quantity of land, and
were considered well-to-do for the times.
(II) ("apt. John Stanton, horn in [641, in Hart-
ford, Conn., was chosen in 1654 by the Court of
Commissioners to he educated for a teacher of the
( iospel to the Indians, but the young man ultimately
gave tip his studies and in the course oi events be-
came one of the leaders of warfare against those
Aery Indians. He was in command of one of the
companies raised to participate in King Philip's
war; was present at the Narragansett Swam]) fight,
Dec. l<), [675; and later he and Capt. George Deni-
son led their companies in successful pursuit of
the remnants of the tribe and by overpowering
them brought the war to a close. In 1664 occurred
his marriage to Hannah, a sister of Rev. William
Thompson, of Braintree, Mass. Mrs. Stanton died
Oct. 3. 1713, the mother of John. Joseph, Thomas,
Ann, TheophiltlS and Dorothy. The family home
was on a farm in Stonington, on the east hank of
the Mystic river. It descended to Capt. John from
his father and ha- never since passed out of the
hands of tin- family.
(Ill) Joseph Stanton, horn Jan. 22. 1668, in-
herited the family property and lived all hi- days
on the old farm. On July 18, [696, he man
Margaret Cheesebrough, who was born about [676.
She was the daughter of Nathaniel and Hannah
(Denison) Cheesebrough, and granddaughter of
William, who came to America from England pre-
vious to [649, at which date he was on record a- a
resident of Stonington. The children of Joseph
and .Margaret Stanton were named Hannah, Mar-
garet. Zerviah, Sarah, Anna, Dorothy. Joseph, John
and Nathaniel.
( l\) Lieut. Joseph Stanton, horn May 1. 1712.
was married Nov. 6, 1 735, to Anna Wheeler, horn
Dec. 2^, 1715. daughter of William and Hannah
(Gallup) Wheeler. The former was a descendant
through Isaac, of Thomas Wheeler, who is known
to have been a resident in Lynn, Mas-., as early as
1035. Lieut. Stanton and his wife were both of
Stonington. and there reared their family of eleven
children: Hannah. Joseph. Margaret, Laac W..
William, Anna. Nathan, Eunice, Martha. Mary
and Dorothy. The father died March 14. 1773.
(V) Joseph Stanton, born March 31, [739,
married April 22, 1767, Hannah Cheesebrough,
daughter of Col. Amos and Desire l Williams )
Cheesebrough. She was horn Sept. 2-, 1745. an<'
died in [835, three years later than her husband.
They resided in Groton and had eleven children:
John. Joseph, Anna, Amos, Desire. Joshua. Amos
(2), Joshua C. Hannah. Mary and Robert.
(VI) Robert Stanton, horn May 6, [787, in
Groton, spent his life on a farm in Ledyard. and
with farming combined the occupation of a car-
penter. In his political views he was a Democrat
and stanchly upheld that party until the day of Ins
death. June 22, 1872. He was married in Preston,
Conn., Feb. 22, 1812. to Hannah, daughter of ('apt
Isaac and Cynthia (Swan) Hewitt. Mrs. Stanton
was horn June 6, 1787, and died June 2^. 1868.
Children were horn to her and her husband as fol-
lows: Mary A.. Dec. 29, 1813; Robert \.. May
12. [816; Isaac Wheeler, March 25. 1819 ; Henry
W.. July 2^. 1822; Charles II.. \^vc. i, 1824.
(VII) Isaac Wheeler Stanton was born in the
Cider Hill district of Ledyard. and passed hi- boy-
hood there. ( )n beginning life for himself he spent
some time in Mystic, then bought a farm at Chester-
field, in East Lyme, and was engaged there as a
carpenter and farmer. In 1804 he returned to
Mystic and continued to make his home there till
his death, in February, 1885. He was employed
there by Gurdon S. Allyn. In religious faith he
was a Baptist. His wife was Lucy Williams, daugh-
ter of Roger Williams, a wheelwright, carpenter and
builder of Ledyard. She died in 1807. Four chil-
dren were horn to Isaac W. and Lucy Stanton, only
two of whom lived to grow up. The first son. Roger.
49
7/0
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
born in East Lyme, readied the age of twelve; the
second son died in infancy. The two who survive
are: Robert Allyn and Charles, of Mystic.
(VIII) Robert Allyn Stanton was born in East
Lyme, April 9, 1863, but his school days were spent
in" the 10th District, West Mystic, in Groton,
whither his father had moved when the boy was
about a year old. When he was fifteen he began
his business life by clerking in a grocery store for
John T. I'.atty, and after two years there spent nine
more as a clerk for William E. Wheeler. He then
went to Providence and worked for Murray, Spink
& Co.. a notion house, where he was employed in the
office. Later, for a period of two years, he worked
for J. M. Noyes, of Mystic. For a time Mr. Stan-
ton traveled for the wholesale grocers, Daniels Cor-
nell Co., of Worcester, and then for R. C. W'illiams
& Co., of Xew York, but he finally returned to
Mystic once more and spent eight years there as a
clerk for W. E. Wheeler. At the end of that time,
March 1, 1902, Mr. Stanton bought out the business,
moved to his present location, and, with his intimate
acquaintance- with every detail of the trade, gained
bv his long and varied experience, easily made a
success from the beginning.
On Oct. 27, 1897, Mr. Stanton was united in
matrimony with Mrs. Addie B. Gerrish, daughter of
Jesse B. Crandall, of Mystic. Well-known in the
business circles of his locality, Mr. Stanton is also
popular socially, and belongs to Stonington Lodge,
No. 26, I. O. 6. F., and to Lodge No. t,j, K. of P.,
at Boston, Massachusetts.
WILLIAM R. STFA'EXS. the leading pho-
tographer of Norwich, is a descendant of an early
New England family founded on these shores by
William Stevens, shipwright, who is of record in
Salem, Mass., as having a grant of land, in 1637,
for the building of ships, the land probably being at
Marblehead, where he was rated the same year, and
also in 1640. He had built in London, before he
made his home on the shores of Cape Ann, the
great ship "Royal Merchant," of 600 tons. In
1643 he built a ship in Gloucester, Mass., and an-
other in 1661, and it can hardly be doubted that
he built other vessels. Mr. Stevens came to New
England before 1632, and probably had his resi-
dence in Boston or vicinity. He was at Salem in
1636. He was admitted a freeman in 1640, and in
1642 appears in Gloucester as one of the commis-
sioners appointed by the General Court for order-
ing town affairs. He was a selectman for several
years, town clerk, and for four years a deacon in
the church, a military officer, selectman in 1667,
and from 1674 to 1691, inclusive ; and representative
for ten years. He had eleven children, of whom
William, Samuel, Ebenezer, David, Jonathan, Mary
and Hannah were living at the time of their father's
death.
At an early day there went from the vicinity
of Gloucester, Mass., quite a colony of people who
settled in what is now Androscoggin county; Maine.
Among the number was at least one, probably sev-
eral, of the Stevens family, and they settled at a
place which they called New Gloucester, after the
Massachusetts town. Later the town of Auburn
was set oft from New Gloucester, and in Auburn
was a place called Stevens Mills, so named because
one of the name conducted a sawmill there, lumber
for the first buildings in Auburn being sawn at this
mill. In that vicinity are numerous representatives
of the name. Not far from the mill is a cemetery
which contains the remains of several generations
of the family, for 200 years. The old mill property
is yet in the family name.
Sutton Stevens, grandfather of William R., was
a farmer, and resided at Stevens Mills, where he
died. He was unusually successful as an agricult-
urist, especially for the time, being able to give each
member of his large family what was then considered
a good start in life. He was a man much esteemed
in his community, and a devout member of. the Uni-
versalist Church. Sutton Stevens was twice mar-
ried, first to Anna Haskell, and he became the
father of a large family of children, thirteen of
whom grew to maturity.
Isaiah Sewell Stevens, eldest child of Sutton
Stevens, and the father of William R. Stevens, was
born in Auburn, Androscoggin Co., Maine, and was
reared to farm work. He learned the trade of
machinist, at which he was working when the Civil
war broke out. He enlisted for ninety days'' service
in the 1st Maine Y. L, and subsequently enlisted in
the 10th Regiment, eventually joining the 29th, and
serving several years in the army. After his dis-
charge from the service he located at Portland,
Maine, where he followed his trade, and he spent
two years at Panama in the employ of a Maine firm
when the railroad across the Isthmus was built.
The latter years of his life were spent at Lewiston,
Maine, where he died at the age of forty-nine years.
Mr. Stevens was a Christian man, believing in the
Golden Rule and attending the services of the Uni-
versalis! Church, and he endeavored to do his duty
in whatever position he was placed. He was a
stanch believer in the principles of the Republican
party, but never cared enough about politics to take
any active part in such matters or seek official
honors. Fraternally he united with the I. O. O. F.,
and was much interested in the G. A. R.
Isaiah S. Stevens was married, in Lewiston,
Maine, to Emma A. Ross, of Yarmouth, that state,
daughter of \Yilliam and Sarah A. (Groves) Ross,
and she survived him several years, dying at Lewis-
ton. They rest side by side in the cemetery there.
Four children came to this couple : William Ross,
who is mentioned below ; Anna Haskell, a resident
of Lewiston: Maude Groves, Mrs. James A. Scott,
of Lewiston ; and Emil Augustus.
William Ross Stevens was born Feb. 3, 1860,
at Auburn, Androscoggin Co., Maine, be-
ing quite young when his parents moved from
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
7~i
that town to Portland. He spent his boy-
hood days in the latter place, and received
his early education in the public schools
there and at Lewiston, whither the family had re-
moved later. He began to learn the photographer's
art at the age of sixteen years, in Lewiston, and was
subsequently employed at Portland and Boston,
coming from that city to Norwich, Conn.. May r,
[897. He had purchased the Durgan Studio, which
he has ever since conducted, building up an exten-
sive patronage by high-class work, on merit alone.
Mr. Stevens is regarded as one of the leading ex-
ponents of his art in that part of the State, and his
success- is ample guarantee of his proficiency.
Mr. Stevens was married, in Lewiston, Maine,
to Miss Man- McDonongh. of that city and they
have two daughters, Margaret Stanley and Elinor
Emma.
In fraternal circles Mr. Stevens is well known
and popular, being a member of St. lames Lodge.
F. & A. M.; Franklin Chapter. R. A. M. ; Franklin
Council, R. & S. M. : Columbian Commandery,
K. T. : Connecticut Consistory, 32d deg. ; and Sphinx
Temple, Mystic Shrine, at Hartford, where he is
also a member of the Sphinx Temple Band. He
also holds membership in the Arcanum Club. Mr.
Stevens is a Republican in political sentiment, but
"his activity in such matters begins and ends with
the casting of his vote. However this does not in-
dicate any lack of public spirit, for he is interested
deeply in everything which conserves the welfaie
of his adopted city.
Emil Augustus Stevens, brother of William
R. Stevens, was born Nov. 19. 1874, in Portland,
Maine, and received his education in the public
schools of Lewiston, that State. Soon after leaving
school he accepted a position with the Walworth
Manufacturing Co., at Boston, where he remained
until 1897, wtien he came to Norwich to enter the
employ of his brother and learn the art of photog-
raphy. Like his brother Mr. Stevens united with
St. James Lodge, Franklin Chapter, Franklin Coun-
cil and Columbian Commandery, and holds office in
the Blue Lodge and Commandery. Mrs. Stevens
-was formerly Miss Maude L. Bullock, of Norwich.
HON. CHARLES WILLIAM BUTLER,
lawyer and judge of New London, himself a man
of prominence, springs from a prominent, sturdy
New England ancestry which reaches back to the
very landing of the Pilgrim fathers, numbering
among that band John Howland and Richard War-
ren, of the "Mayflower," 1620.
Born July 14, 1834. in New London, Conn.,
Judge 1 hitler is a son of the late Charles Butler,
who for a quarter of a century was identified with
the banking interests of New London, and his wife
Eucy Caroline (A\111iams ) Butler. In the paternal
line the Judge is a descendant in the seventh gener-
ation from John Butler, so far as known the first
American ancestor of tin- branch of the New Lon-
don family. The lineage of Judge Butler from this
John Butler is through Jonathan, (apt. Jonathan,
William. Charles and Charles Butler (2). These
generations follow in detail in the order named.
(I 1 John Butler was in New London in [690,
hut probably not there until after 1680. He was
born in 1653, and married [Catherine, born in [661,
daughter of Richard Haughton, of New London.
.Mr. Butler died .March 26, 1733, and Mrs. Butler
died Jan. 24. 1728.
(II) Jonathan Butler, horn July 13. 1700, in
.New London, Conn., married Dec. 8. 1720, Tem-
perance, born in 1708. in Saybrook, Conn., daugh-
ter of Daniel and Sarah (Lee) Buckingham, a de-
scendant of Thomas Buckingham, of Milford; Rev.
Thomas, of Saybrook; Thomas llosmer. one of the
original proprietors of Hartford; Lieut. Thomas
Lee, of Saybrook; and Rev. Chad Brown, of Provi-
dence, R. I. Jonathan Butler died in Saybrook,
March 30, 1760.
(III) Capt. Jonathan Butler, born March 28,
1730, in Saybrook, Conn., married in 1751. Mary
Parker, born Dec. 12, 1728, granddaughter of John
Parker, attorney at law, Queen's attorney for New
London county, and deputy' to the General Court, a
descendant of John Parker, of Northampton, Eng-
land ; Thomas Jones, of Guilford, Conn. ; Deacon
Francis Bushnell, of Saybrook ; Capt. Robert Chap-
man, of Saybrook. and Thomas Bliss, of Hartford.
Capt. Butler was lost at sea in 1752 on a voyage to
Madeira.
(IV) William Butler, born April 16. \J^2, in
Saybrook, Conn., married Sept. 29. 1778. Sarah
Hull, born Feb. 23, 1758, and was of Durham,
Conn., before the close of the Revolution, where his
marriage and the births of his children are recorded.
Their children were: Charles, born 1779; Elizur,
1781 ; Sarah, 1784; William, 1786; Harriet, 1788;
Chauncey, 1791 ; Betsey, 1793: Lyman, 1705:
Rhoda, 1797; and Eliza. 1799. The father died
April 7, 1830. His wife Sarah died Oct. 7, 1835.
( V ) Charles Butler, born March 21, 1770. in
Durham, Conn., married Nov. 9, 1802. Sarah
Crocker, born Jan. 20, 1782, a descendant of John
Warren, of Watertown, Mass. ; Ellis Barron, of
Watertown ; Edward Sprague, of Upway, England :
Anthony Fames, of Charlestown, Mass.; Richard
Church, of Plymouth, Mass.; and Richard Warren,
of the "Mayflower.*' Mr. Butler became a resident
of New London, Conn., in earlv life, and was there
married, his wife being a resident of that town.
Two children were horn to the marriage. He later
married a second wife, by whom he had nine chil-
dren.
Mr. Butler became associated in the boot and
shoe business with Henry Douglass, who for many
years was the honored town clerk of Xew London.
In 1805 they bought a building which stood on the
site of the brick structure, corner of Golden and
77-
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
Bank streets, now occupied by a saloon. In Decem-
ber, 1815, Mr. Butler bought a lot in State street
and erected the brick store now in possession of
Ralph Smith & Son. In this structure he launched
into business on his own account and employed sev-
eral workmen making shoes on the third Moor. The
middle part he rented for various mercantile pur-
poses. For more than forty years he was in the
business of making and selling shoes. He made
a brand of slippers known as "Butler's Pumps,"
and every sailor who went whaling out of New
London or Xew Bedford was supposed to have a
supply of the pumps before making the voyage. He
was a member of the common council of Xew Lon-
don in 1820. Mr. Butler died Nov. 4, 1847. His
wife Sarah died Sept. 2, 1806.
(VI) Charles Butler (2). son of Charles and
Sarah (Crocker) Butler, born Sept. 2. 1803, in
New London, married Sept. 4, 1833, Lucy Caroline
Williams, born July 22. 1809, in New London,
daughter of William and Lydia (Wheeler) Wil-
liams, descendant of Robert Williams, of Roxhury,
Mass.; Thomas Wheeler, of Stonington, Conn.;
Capt, Thomas Prentice, of Newton, Mass.; Thomas
Stanton, of Stonington. Conn.; Thomas Lord, of
Hartford, Conn.; Thomas Hammond, of Newton;
Thomas Gardner, of Roxhury; William Denison, of
Roxbury; Captain George Denison, his son: John
Borodil, of Cork, Ireland; Robert Lav, of Say-
brook; Christopher Avery, of Salisbury, England;
Clement .Miner, of Chew Magna, England; Walter
Palmer, of Stonington, Conn.: Joshua Holmes, of
Stonington; John Randall, of Westerly, R. 1.: Dea-
con William Park, of Roxbury, Mass.; Capt. Rob-
ert Chaplin, of Edmondsbury, England; Capt. John
Gorham, of Plymouth, Mass.; John Howland, of
the "Mayflower;" Capt. John Gallup, of Boston.
Mass. ; Mrs. Margaret Lake; Edmund Read, of
Wickford, England; Rev. Thomas Shepard, of
Cambridge, Mass.; Francis Wainwright, of Ips-
wich, Mass., and Valentine Prentis, of Roxbury,
Massachusetts.
Mr. Butler passed his life in New London, of
which city he was long a substantial man and useful
citizen, respected and esteemed by the community.
On the organization of the Banf of Commerce in
1852 he became its cashier and most acceptably filled
that position from that time on until his death.
which occurred March 13. 1878. His wife survived
him. (lying April 28, 1891. Their oldest child was:
_ (diaries William Butler, whose nzfrne introduces
this article, was prepared for the law in the office
of Judge George Goddard and the Hon. Abiel Con-
verse. He was admitted to the Bar in New London
county in September, 1871. From 1866 to 1870 he
was postmaster of the city of New London. From
1878 to T885 h<-' was clerk of the court of Common
Pleas. From July 1, 1877, he was judge of the
Police and City courts of New London twenty-six
years, until July 1, ig©^. He has also served for
years as United States commissioner.
WILLIAM WALTON, one of the highly re-
spected and substantial business men of Pawcatuckr
in the town of Stonington, is one of the worthy sons
whom England is still sending to our shores to
take their part in the stirring life of the younger
country. He was born in Huddersfield, Yorkshire,
England, March 9, 183 1.
George Walton, father of WTilliam, our subject,
was born in Birmingham, and for the greater part
of his life was employed as a master weaver. He
married Susannah Fletcher, of Wakefield, York-
shire, and became the father of eight children. Of
these only two, Joseph and William, came to Amer-
ica. Joseph came in 1843 and saw service in the
Mexican war under den. Taylor. He returned to
England and during the Crimean war enlisted under
his country's flag. He died in his native Hudders-
field.
William Walton, our subject, is the only sur-
vivor of a family of nine children. He spent his
childhood and schooldays in his birthplace, and be-
gan working when nine years of age. being em-
ployed there as a spinner in woolen mills, where he
remained thirteen years. la 1855 he embarked for
America, arriving in Pawcatuck Feb. 18th of that
year. For some eleven years he was engaged as a
spinner in the woolen mills owned by O. M. Still-
man, and then in [866 started in business for himself
in the junk and iron trade. In the course of this
pursuit he has traveled over the whole of Connecti-
cut and Rhode Island, buying iron, in which busi-
ness he has met with well-earned and deserving
success. His legal residence ever since coming to
this country has been Stonington, and since 1866
he has been a voter of that town. In politics he is a
Republican, and fraternally he belongs to the I. O.
( ). P., which he joined in 'England. He attends
the Episcopal Church, of which he is a liberal sup-
porter.
On Feb. 10, 1858, Mr. Walton was married in
Stonington borough to Miss Mary Pilling, like him-
self a native of Huddersfield. England, who died in
Pawcatuck, Conn., Jan. 18, 1882. They had five
children, namely: (1) John, who lived only two
years-; (2) Annie, born in 1806, now the wife of
Edward H. James, a boss carder, formerly of North
Andover, Mass.. now of Pawcatuck, .by whom she
has had two children, Edward (horn in 1886), and
Mabel, (horn in 1897) ; (3) Joseph, who died aged
six months; (4) Henry, born in 1874, who is in
business with his father; and (5) Mary, at home.
For his second wife Mir. Walton married Jane
Parker, who died in Pawcatuck without issue.
Mr. Walton is in the trtiest sense of the word a
self-made man, whose only stock in trade upon land-
ing in America was a willingness to work and a
d< termination to succeed, combined with energy,
pluck and perseverance, to which characteristics his
success in life is due. His quiet manner, combined
with a pleasing social nature, has won for him a
host of friends in his adonted town, where he and
^>VT^-^
^J^C^l^-
GEXEALOCICAL AXD BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
771
his estimable family are held in highest esteem by
all who know them. Mr. Walton visited his native
land in [895, and found only oik- member of his
family still living, his oldest sister, who is now
deceased.
FREDERICK S. ARMSTRONG, one of the
representative and most highly respected citizens
of Franklin, New London Co., Conn., is a descend-
ant of one of the first settlers of the town. His an-
cestral line is as follows :
( I ) Benjamin Armstrong and his two brothers
came to America from Kent. England, and he
settled in Norwich, Conn., before E664, as shown
h\ the records of that town. For a time he resided
in what is now the city of Norwich, and later moved
to what is now Franklin, locating in the southeast
part of the town, where he resided until his death.
He and his wife Rachel had children; Benjamin,
horn Nov. 30. 1674 (died Jan. 10, 1717); John,
Dec. 5. 1678: Joseph. Dec. 10, 1084: Stephen,
March 31, 1686 (died aged seventeen years).
( II ) John Armstrong married Ann Worth, Jan.
[8, 1710 and their children were: John, horn Oct.
18, 1711: Persevere. Dec. 18, 1712; Hope-still, Oct.
'5- I7I3J ( Hiver, Aug. 19, 1715: Ann, Dec. 17.
1717; James, July 22, 1718; Thomas, March 3,
1720: Lois, April 1, 1723; Katura, March 28. 1725;
Jeremiah, Nov. 3. 1726; Eunice, Sept. 12, 1727;
Freelove, April 1, 1731.
(Ml) Jeremiah Armstrong, of the above given
family, married Mary Hartshorn, a member of the
old family of Hartshorn of Franklin, Nov. 20, 1750
and their children were: Calvin, horn April 3, 1752:
removed to Bennington, Yt., and there died unmar-
ried : Mindwell, horn July 10. 1753. married John
Smith, and resided in Franklin : Capt. Amos, horn
Nov. 24. 1757 is mentioned below; [saiah, born Aug.
3. 1758. married Artemesia Fillmore; Jeremiah,
horn Jan. 24. 1761, married Anna Hazen, and re-
moved to Vermont; Levi, horn Aug. 20, 1770, went
to the State of Xew York; Rebecca married Samuel
Smith.
il\") Capt. Amos Armstrong married Mary
Smith. Jan. 27. 1780. She was horn March 6, 175' >.
and died July 22, 1827. His death occurred Jan.
2^, 1828. Capt. Amos Armstrong was a farmer,
and resided in Franklin, on the farm now occupied
by I'. L. Mahrey. He was a very active man in
town affairs, lending his influence toward the better-
ment of the community and the advancement of it^
material" prosperity, for many years he was captain
of the local company of militia. His children were as
follow-,; Calvin, horn Nov. 24. 1780, removed to the
State of Xew York; Ambrose, horn April 3, 1782,
was the grandfather of our subject ; Sterling, horn
June 22, 1874, married Betsey Chappell, and resided
in Newark, X. I.: Martha, horn March 20. 1780,
married Hezekiah Hibbard and went to New York
State; Nancy, horn March [9, 1788. was the second
wife of Hezekiah Hibbard; Sahin was horn Feb. 24.
i7<;i : Ira. horn Nov. 17, [793, was twice married
and removed West; Elias, horn Feb. 28, 1707. went
to Michigan and married Eunice Hewitt.
1 V 1 Ambrose Armstrong, the grandfather of
Frederick S., learned the trade of cabinetmaking in
Norwich, and worked at it in that town and in
Franklin. He was known as an excellent workman.
Later he settled on a farm in Franklin, near that of
his father, and he carried on farming and at the
Spare moments worked at his trade. Still later he
retired from cabinetmaking entirely, and devoted his
attention to farming exclusively. He spent the re-
mainder of his life 011 this place, and there died,
being buried in Franklin. In politics he was a
stanch Democratic advocate of the principles of Jef-
ferson. and being an exceedingly well informed man
soon became a power in his town. His chief pleas-
ure was in reading, and he was a very entertaining
conversationalist and could meet any man in argu-
ment.
On Nov. 28, 1805. Mr. Armstrong married
Elizabeth Armstrong, of Bennington, Yt.. a daugh-
ter of Levias Armstrong, who served throughout
the Revolutionary war. Her father died when she
was small and the family separated, she coming to
Franklin, Conn., with friends, when about three
years old. Children as follows were horn of this
marriage: ( 1 ) Reuben, horn July 26, 1807. went to
Michigan when a young man, and died in that State.
He served in the Civil war. and he married a na-
tive of Xew York State. (2) Phebe, born Nov. 20,
1808. married Dwigl.t Bailey, a prominent citizen
of Franklin, well and favorably known as a con-
tractor and builder. (3) Lucias, horn lune it,
181 1, married a Whittemore and died in Wisconsin,
where he was a successful farmer and cooper. (4)
Fanny, horn March 2d, 1815, died unmarried. (5)
Mary, horn Jan. 28, 1817. married Thomas Hazen,
of Sprague. (6) Luther, horn Jan. 3, [819, mar-
ried Lucy Porter, and died in Franklin, where he
was a successful farmer. (7) Asahel, horn Feb.
22, 1821. was the father of our subject. (8) Dur-
kee, horn March 20. 1823, married Julia Porter,
and is a prosperous farmer in Franklin. 10)
Nancy, horn Oct. 22, 1825. died young. I 10)
Julia Ann, horn April 8. 182S, died young.
(VI) Asahel Armstrong, father of our subject,
was horn in Franklin, Conn., and attended the
district school, acquiring a sound common school
education. Being gifted with a mechanical turn of
mind, when a young man he learned the trade of
carpenter under his brother-in-law, Dwight Bailey
of franklin, and in time he became a most excellent
workman, being considered the best in the town.
Both he and Mr. Bailey were for many years asso-
ciated in contracting and building and among the
edifices put up by them may be mentioned, the Con-
gregational church at Franklin. The} erected many
houses and barns in Franklin and neighboring
towns. Mr. Armstrong was also an expert farmer
and an all around mechanic. Being very pains-
774
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
taking and strictly honorable in his work and deal-
ings, he was always rushed with orders, and gained
and retained the full confidence of everyone with
whom he had any transactions. For over forty-five
years he worked at his trade, indeed, until a short
time prior to his death, which was caused by an
accident in a sawmill, which he owned and operated.
While working in the mill he was caught by a belt
and was thrown so as to injure his side, and this
resulted in complications from which death finally
resutled in March, 1889; he was buried in Franklin
cemetery. In politics he was a stanch Democrat, and
served acceptably on the board of selectmen in
Franklin, but he never sought or desired office,
preferring to devote his time and attention to his
work and private affairs. He attended the Congre-
gational Church and was one of its most liberal
contributors. Being a man of quiet nature he talked
but little ; however, when he did speak it was to the
purpose and in words easily understood.
On Jan. 26, 1848, by Rev. Samuel Xott, Mr.
Armstrong was married to Lydia Ann Sweet, born
Nov. 22, 1829, in Franklin, a daughter of Dr. Ste-
phen and Matilda (Armstrong) Sweet. Dr. Sweet
was married four times. His first wife was Ann
Champlin; his second Matilda Armstrong; his
third Mrs. Phebe (Heath) Huling. By his second
marriage he had children as fellows: Lydia Ann,
mother of our subject; Sarah M., widow of 15. F.
Greenslit, of Franklin ; Cornelia F., who died un-
married ; Benoni, who died young; Harriet F., who
married David Hillhouse and died in Montville,
Conn.; and Armida H., residing in Preston, Con-
necticut.
Children as follows were born to Mr. and Mrs.
Armstrong: Cornelia Matilda, born Dec. 8, 1848,
married George Weaver, and resides in North At-
tleboro, Mass.; Julia Elizabeth, born Oct. 11, 1854,
widow of Elisha Douglass, resides in Naugatuck,
Conn., and her children are Charles, Florence and
Raymond; Lydia Eliza, born March 9, 1858, died
Sept. 29, 1858; Annie Adel, born March 1, 1859,
died March z~ , 1S77; Mary Jane, born Aug. 14.
1861, died Sept. 21, 1863; Mabel, born Nov. 10.
1863, married George Barber and resided in Jewett
City, Conn., until his death, after which she went
to North Attleboro, Mass. (she has one child,
Ethel) ; Frederick Sweet was born April 17. 1866.
Frederick Sweet Armstrong was born in Frank-
lin, and attended the district school and Xatchaug
high school, graduating therefrom in 1885. For a
year and a half after finishing school he remained
at home, and then went to Melrose, Mass., where
he was employed at carpenter work, remaining
there four months. He then returned to Franklin,
and soon thereafter took charge of his present farm.
renting the same for a period of about one year,
when he purchased it. The farm is pleasantly sit-
uated on "Meeting House Hill" and was the home-
stead of his maternal grandfather, Dr. Stephen
Sweet. The farm consists of 188 acres. Like his
father, Mr. Armstrong is a natural-born mechanic.
and has a shop on his farm where he works at
blacksmithing, carpentering and wagonmaking,
when not otherwise engaged on the farm. He is
also largely interested in dairying, keeping about
thirty head of cattle.
In March, 1893, he was married to Addie Nancy
Avery, who was born Nov. 3, 1874, in Lebanon,
Conn., daughter of Isaac G. and Eliza Maria (Will-
iams) Avery. Both the Avery and Williams fam-
ilies are treated of exhaustively elsewhere in this
volume. The children born of this marriage are :
Ralph Avery, March 21, 1896; Kenneth Frederick,
April 2T,, 1899; and Stanley Elias, July 24, 1903.
In earlier life Mr. Armstrong was a Democrat,
but he changed his politics and is now a strong Re-
publican. He cast his first presidential ballot for
Benjamin Harrison. He has served very creditably
on the board of selectmen in Franklin, having been
chosen at a special election to fill an unexpired
term, and he has also served as registrar of voters ;
has been a member of the board of relief, and is
now chairman of the board of assessors, having
held this latter office upon several occasions. Again
he has served as constable, and in 1903 he repre-
sented the town in the State Legislature, and while
there was a member of the important committee on
Joint Rules; he was a prominent member of the
tanners" association of that year, which association
did such excellent work for the State.
At the age of seventeen Mr. Armstrong united
with the Franklin Congregational Church, and
since then has been very prominent in its good
work. He has served as superintendent of the
Sunday-school for several years, and has been one
of the leading members of the Christian Endeavor
Society, having been its president for a long period.
In addition he has been clerk of the Ecclesiastical
Society, and his wife is also a member of the church
and various societies, and a very active worker in
all, assisting her husband in his efforts, as well as
doing her own part.
( hie of the important members of the household
of Mr. Armstrong is his mother, who is a gentle
Christian lady, of generous impulses, whose noble
teachings are shown forth in the lives of her chil-
dren, all of whom are a credit to her. Through her
mother she is a descendant of the Rhode Island
branch of the family. Edward Armstrong, her
grandfather, came from Newport, R. I., to Frank-
lin. He had a brother, Oliver, who had previously
settled in Lebanon. Edward settled south" of the
center of the town, on a large farm which he had
rented, and there resided until his death, bein-r a
very extensive farmer and large dairyman. The
immediate cause of his death was a fall. He was
sincerely mourned, for he was an honorable man,
a good citizen, and a kind and indulgent husband
and father. It was a desire of his to see bis chil-
dren well educated, and he never lost an oppor-
tunity to impress upon them the necessity of im-
GEXEALOGICAL AXD BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
/ / 3
proving every advantage. While a very excellent
and upright man, he was also a good business man,
ami was known as a shrewd trader. Many stories
still exist of his sharpness in holding his own while
dealing with some neighbor or other who sought
to get the best of the genial old gentleman. To the
day of his death he enjoyed trading, and never had
cause to regret any bargain he made. The elder
Mrs. Armstrong well remembers him and recalls
with tenderness his many acts of kindness, not only
in his own family, but throughout the entire neigh-
borhood. His second wife was Mary Herman,
who survived him, dying in Norwich. Sixteen chil-
dren were horn to him, of whom Mrs. Sweet,
mother of the elder .Mrs. Armstrong, was one of
the youngest.
WALTER LESLIE ADAMS. From the hum-
ble position of driver of a horse car through succes-
sive promotions won solely by merit and ability to
the secretaryship and superintendency of the Nor-
wich Street Railway Company, and the superintend-
ency of the Montville Street Railway Company,
is, in brief, the story of the life of Walter Leslie
Adams, whose own intrinsic worth has won the bat-
tle over adverse circumstances.
( I ) The Adams family is an old one in Massa-
chusetts. Robert Adams, the founder of this branch
of the family in America, was born in 1602. in Eng-
land, and in 1635 he came to America with his wife,
Eleanor Wilmot, and two children, locating first in
Ipswich, Mass. He then removed to Salem, where
he resided in 1638-39. and in 1640 he went to New-
bury, where he acquired a large farm and valuable
property, and where he died Oct. 12, 1682, in his
eighty-hrst year. His wife, Eleanor, had died June
12. 1077, and on Feb. 6. 1(178, he had wedded Mrs.
Sarah (Glover) Short, who died Oct. 24, 1697. His
children, all born to the first marriage, were: John,
Joanna. Abraham. Elizabeth, Mary, Isaac, Jacob,
Hannah, and Jacob (2).
(II) Sergeant Abraham Adams, son of Robert,
was born in Salem. Mass.. in 1639. and he made his
home in Newbury, Mass. He was a corporal in
the militia in 1685-93, and became a sergeant in
1703. On Nov. to, 1O70, he married Mary Petten-
gill, born July 6, [652, daughter of Richard and
Joanna (Ingersoll) Pettengill. Their children were :
Mary, Robert, Abraham, Isaac, Sarah. John, Mat-
thew, Israel, Dorothy, and Richard. mt Ab-
raham Adams died in August, I 71 4.
(III) Richard Adams, son of Sergeant Abra-
ham, was born in Newbury, Nov. 22. [693, and he
lived all his life in his native town, engaged in hus-
bandry, until his death at Xewburyport. Nov. 2,
1777-78. On Dec. 12, 1717, he wedded Susanna
Like, who bore him the following children: Mary,
John, Hannah, Enoch, Richard, Susanna. John, Dan-
iel. Moses and Edmund.
(IV) John Adams, son of Richard, was born in
Newbury July 30, 1732, and he died there in Sep-
tember, [811. He married, Dee. 22. [761, Elizabeth
Thorla or Thorlow, who died Sept. 4. [820. Their
children were: Moody. Jesse, Elizabeth, George,
Simon. Susanna. Freeborn, Isaac. John and Green.
(\ ) Simon Adams, son of John, was born in
Newbury, May 24, 1770, and on ( )ct. 10. 17', 9, was
married to Sarah Lunt, who died April [3, 1S17.
lie died Sept. 2?. [836. Their children were as
follows: Joanna, horn Aug 5. 1800; Isaac, born
March 28, 1807: and Jesse, horn Aug. 11. [812.
(VI) Jes-e Adams, son of Simon, was also a
resident of Newbury. He was twice married. On
Jan. 7, 1836, he was married I 1 Elizabeth Kent, who
died March [9, 1843, aged twenty-eight years, the
mother of two children: Simon Augustus, born < >ct.
11, [836; and Sarah Elizabeth, horn Dec. 5, [838.
Jesse Adams married (second) ( >ct. [8, 1849, Sarah
A. Knapp, who died June 15. [859, aged forty-one
years.
(VII) Simon Augustus Adams was born Oct.
1. 1836. and was educated in the public schools ol
his native Newbury, and in Dummer Academy.
Upon reaching manhood he engaged in market gar-
dening, which has been his liv work. In politics
he is a Republican, and in religion a member of the
Congregational Church. On Dec. 15. iSm. ,. he mar-
ried Elizabeth Brown, daughter of True Browrtj
Esq. Their six children are: Walter Leslie, b
Sept. 3, [867; Jessie M., born May 11. 1872, died in
young womanhood; Ernest, horn Aug. 2~ . [874,
resides in Norwich; Frank W., horn Jan. 12. [878;
Emma F., born Oct. 2J. 1880; and Nellie A., horn
March 4. 1883.
(VIII) Walter Leslie Adams received his edu-
cation in the public schools of Merrimae, Mass.,
where his parents were located for a short time. He
remained at home until [889, assisting his father
with the market gardening, lie then accepted a
position on the Newburyport & Amesbury horse
railroad, where he acted as driver and conductor.
When electricity was introduced as a motive power,
he continued as a conductor and later worked in the
repair shop as assistant electrician, where he con-
tinued until 1892. That year the Norwich Street
Railway Company adopted electricity, and Mr.
Adams came to Norwich to install the motors.
Later he accepted the position of electrician, which
he rilled until [896, when in recognition of his mark-
ed ability and his strict attention to work, he was
appointed secretary and superintendent as succ<
to E. I'. Shaw. Jr., and in 1900 he was appointed
superintendent of the Montville Railway. These
two positions he tilled to the very great satisfaction
of the companies and of the public until his resig-
nation in [903. He had mastered the "efficient
service" problem, and his cars were run on schedule
time, his machinery was kept in careful condition,
thus preventing the annoying delays from break-
downs, and his employes were obliged to treat the
people with the utmost courtesy and consideration,
llis administration while in Norwich was popular
770
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
from the start. While in many ways a very strict
disciplinarian, he was invariably just, and the hun-
dred or more employes under him knew that as long
as they did their duty, and did it well, they were sure
to profit for it — the superintendent was their friend,
and he was most popular with them.
The Republican party rinds in Mr. Adams a
stanch adherent of its principles, but one whose
manifold duties prevent him from giving his valuable
time to active party work. Fraternally he is a $n\
degree Mason, and he also belongs to Uncas Lodge,
I. O. O. F.
In 1893, in Norwich. Mr. Adams was united in
marriage with Florence Ogden, daughter of John
Ogden, and they have one child, \Y. Leslie.
1
FREDERICK M. SHERMAN, a prominent
contractor and real estate man of Xew London,
was born in East Hampton, L. I., March 4, 1841,
and died Dec. 21, 1896. He was a son of William
F. Sherman, who came to Xew London about 1852.
William F. Sherman was a seafaring man for
part of his lifetime, but had also at one time learned
the cooper's trade and followed that for many years.
He married Julia Ann Lester, and had children as
follows: Julia Ann. Frederick M., Constance and
George. His demise occurred ( )ct. 2J. 1891, several
years after that of his wife.
Frederick M. Sherman was a student in the pub-
lic school- of Xew London for several years, but as
he was the oldest son his father depended greatly
on his assistance in the support of the family, and
the boy was obliged to leave school when quite young
and began to learn the carpenter's trade of Albert
Burgess. Before he had been occupied long in this
work he began branching out in more ambitious
lines, and undertook contracting and building, and
later became, as it were, his own architect, himself
drawing many of the plans for some of the finest
bouses in Xew London. ( )ne of his achievements
was the building of the Casino at Pequot in fourteen
weeks. After being thus engaged for about twenty-
nine years Mr. Sherman became interested in real
estate, a business so allied to his former occupation
that the transition was not an abrupt one. He was
one of the first to open up and develop additions to
the city and gradually acquired more and more
property, until at his death he was one of the large
land owners of Xew London. During bis first few
years in the contracting business he was associated
with Asa ' ). Goddard and a Mr. Reynolds, under
the name of Sherman, Goddard & Co. Another
business interest of Mr. Sherman's was the Thames
ferry, of which he was an owner, in partnership with
Messrs. Walter R. Denison, Armstrong and Perry.
In all his enterprises he was very successful and
could claim the entire credit for his success, as he
had worked his way up with assistance from no one.
( )ne exception, however, should be made to the
last statement; in his wife Mr. Sherman had more
than the ordinary helpmate. She stood by him
bravely in all his early struggles, encouraging and
supporting him, while for many years she gave him
material assistance by keeping his books. In addi-
tion to this community of interest, the fact that Mr.
Sherman was essentially a domestic man made their
home life unusually happy. Mrs. Sherman was
Miss Caroline M. X. Steward, the daughter of J.
J 'ember and Nancy (Noyes) Steward, the former
of Waterford, Conn., and the latter from Ston-
ington.
HERBERT STEWARD. Among the young
men who have gone from Xew London, during the
past third of a century, to enter the turmoil of busi-
ness life in whatever field, none deserves any more
credit for success attained, or furnishes any better
example of the self-made type of man, than did
Herbert Steward, a brief sketch of whose life is
herewith given. He was born ( )ct. 2~, 1847. in
Xew London, .son of J. Pember and Nancy ( Noyes)
Steward, the former of Waterford, Conn., where he
was horn May 4, 1813, and the latter a native of
Stonington, Conn., horn July 18, 1813. J. 1 'ember
Steward was a carpenter and builder by trade, and
was so occupied in Xew London for many years.
( )ne of the structures he built was the Rogers build-
ing on Main street, lie died in 180(1 in Llano, 111.,
where his wife survived until Jan. 2X, 18^8. They
had a family of five children : Annie L., living in
Xew London, unmarried; Alvin I!., who died Nov.
3, m,k>4, in Xew London ; James X., living in Xew
London, who married Mary Newbury, of Noank,
Conn.; Caroline M. X., now the widow of Frederick
M. Sherman, and residing at No. 64 Williams
street. Xew London; and Herbert, our subject.
Herbert Steward was reared in Xew London.
He received only a limited education, but early
showed himself to be the possessor of natural gifts
which fully supplied any lack of formal preparation
for life's work. When a mere boy he displayed
those habits of thrift and industry which kept him
almost constantly employed, either at home or for
others. It was said of him, "A man from begin-
ning, never a boy." Xot only was he nearly always
doing something — he did well whatever he had to
do. His business training began as a boy in a store
where he started as clerk, and later he accepted a
position in the National Bank of Commerce, where
for some time he was teller. So ambitious was he,
however, while in the latter position, that he con-
tinued to clerk, being engaged in one of the stores
after banking hours, in order to increase his re-
sources and acquire added experience. He re-
mained in Xew London until shortly before he was
twenty-one, when he went to New York City to
accept a position in the Xew York store of the
Brainerd & Armstrong Co.. silk manufacturers, of
Xew London. After a lengthy and highly satisfac-
tory connection with the company he concluded to
go into business for himself, and branched out as a
builder and contractor. Meeting with success from
HERBERT STEWARD
GENEALOGICAL AXD BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
777
the first, he soon turned his attention exclusively to
bridge and viaduct construction, in which line he
became one of the best-known builders of his time
in New York. Among his largest contracts were
those for the Girard avenue bridge in Philadelphia,
and the building of the McCoomb's dam and via-
duct at 155th street for the city of New York,
which cost over Si. 250.000. He also executed a
number of large contracts for the Pennsylvania
Railway Company, including the widening of the
tunnel at Trenton. X. J., for four tracks', and. in
association with Miles Tierney, he built the Wash-
ington bridge over the Harlem river. He was a
member of [he Society of Civil Engineers, the Con-
tractors' Club, and the Colonial Club, and in all was
a most popular figure, well meriting the encomi
• •nee paid him. "a man of high standards and gener-
ous character, and withal a modest and companion-
able man."
Mr. Steward died March 4. 1899, in New York,
and was buried in New London. He had hosts of
friends wherever lie was known, and his untimely
death, at the age of but fifty-two, cm short an hon-
orable and successful career and one that was rich
with promise for the future. He was unmarried.
ISAAC WALTER THOMPSON, for nearly
twenty-rive years the faithful and efficient town
clerk of Xew London, was born April 7. 1847, son
of Dr. John Mumford Thompson, and was named
lor his paternal grandfather. He was a descend-
ant of John Thompson, who was born in T582, and
died in 1078. He was the first of the line in Amer-
ica, coining among the earliest settlers of Strat-
ford, Conn., about [640. He married in England,
and his wife. Mrrable, died April 13. 1690.
(Ill Ambrose Thompson, born Jan. 1, 1651,
died Sept. 6, 1742. He married Sarah Welles, who
was born Sept. 28, 1(151), daughter of John Welles,
of Stratford. Conn., and granddaughter of Thomas
Welles, the Colonial governor.
MIL Deacon John Thompson, born in [680,
died July 20. 1767. On Nov. 15. 1705, he married
Ruth Curtis, wlio was born Jan. 1 i, [683, and died
April 23. [721.
( IV) John Thompson (2). born in April, 1717.
died Aug. 16, 1753. On Dec. 5, 1730. he married
Mehitable Booth, who was born in 1720.
(V) Lieut. William Thompson, born Oct. 29,
1742. was an officer in the Revolutionary army,
and was killed April 27. 1777, in a skirmish with
British troops. He was married Oct. 14. 1762, to
.Mehitable Ufford, who was born March [6, 1745.
(VI) Isaac Thompson, born Aug. 24. 1775. in
Stratford. Conn., came to Xew London about 1700.
He was engaged as druggist throughout his active
life, studied medicine for some time, and was al-
ways known as Dr. Thompson, though he never
completed his medical studies. He carried on a
wholesale and retail drug business, and imported
many drugs, having the largest trade in that line
between Xew York and Providence, jobbing his
goods in main towns. He was the original manu-
facturer of Thompson's Eye- Water, an eye-wash
from the sale of which the family derived a large
income, and which enjoyed a wide celebrity for
many years. In [802 be bought from James Bax-
ter the wooden building on the northeast corner
of Main and Slate streets, now commonly known as
the Irish property, and the deed states that he
was a tenant of same before the purchase. The
property extended on State street from the corner
of .Main to the store where Ralph Smith & Son
are now located, and he paid 85.000 for it. Be-
tween 1802 and 1815 Dr. Thompson erected the
brick' store now owned by J. Fisher, and probably
removed to the place as soon as it was completed,
as the few now living who knew him first re-
member him there, lie also built the brick store on
State street west of his own place ^i business (the
store now partly occupied by Solomon & Baruch)
and fitted same np for his son. John M. Prospering
in his drug business, he invested extensively in real
estate, both in Xew London and in Waterford. He
lived in Tilley street, Xew London, and was often
spoken of as the owner of that thoroughfare and
all that bordered on it. Dr. Thompson was very
public-spirited, and active in all the interests of his
home city, being one of the founders of the fire
department, an incorporator of the Savings Lank
of Xew London, and an alderman of the city for
many years. His death occurred March 2. 1852.
in the house at the corner of Lank and Tilley streets
now occupied by Edward Keefe.
On Jan. 5. [800, Dr. Thompson married Cath-
erine Mumford, who was born Aug. 22, \J~J.
daughter of John Mumford. of Salem, and died
Aug. 20. 1816. They had eight children, of whom
are mentioned : (i) John Mumford; (2) Kather-
ine, the widow of Stanley ( i. Foot; (3) Lucretia,
the widow of a Mr. Whiting, of Norwich; (4) Ab-
bie Mumford. who died single: (5) Mary, the
widow of John L. Thompson, of Troy. X. Y. ; (6)
Elizabeth Woodbridge, who never married: and
(7) Ellen Douglas. Of this family Ellen Doug
born Sept. 4. 1813. at Lyme, was married April [6,
[833, to Frederick Lennig, of Philadelphia, who
was born in l8ll, and died April 20. 1863. Mrs.
Lennig passed away ten years previously, dying
April 1. 1853. Their daughter. Margaret Antoin-
ette, born ( let. 18. 18.15. was married May 30. 1878.
to Joseph Henry Oglesby, who was born Sept. 1 ;.
[822, and died Feb. 1. [888. Their son. Joseph
Henry, was born July 1, 1881.
John Mumford Thompson, born July 4. [801,
in Xew London, studied medicine, was given his
doctor's degree, and practiced for some time, but
for the greater part of his active life was a drug-
grist. His last years were spent in retirement.
While always interested in public affairs, he never
concerned himself actively in politics, being a man
rather retiring in his disposition, but he gained the
7/8
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
affection and respect of all who knew him, in any
relation of life. He was an invalid for nearly two
years before his death, which occurred May 23,
1882, at his home at the corner of Hope and Hemp-
stead streets, New London, but he retained his re-
markable faculties almost to the very end. He was
at the time of his death one of the four oldest citi-
zens of Xew London. A local newspaper spoke thus
of him: "Dr. Thompson in many respects was truly
a remarkable man. He possessed an extraordinary
memory, a memory that gathered in details and held
on to them with unerring- accuracy. In fact, his
memory was a perfect magazine of ancient stores
and his supply of reminiscences was really inex-
haustible. He possessed keen faculty of observa-
tion, nothing escaping his notice and everything
coming within the scope of his observation. He was
also favored with a fine and discerning sense of
the humorous and ludicrous. He never meant that
the generous color of sunlight, that relieves the
dark clouds which hover more or less darkly over
the lives of us all, should be wasted. He always
had on hand a comfortable joke and merry repartee,
and whoever came into his company went out of it
brighter and better. Of his many social and gen-
erous qualities we need not speak. In his extreme
old age he remained sprightly and cheerful, and
sank to his rest without a struggle. He has gone,
and so go the old trees and all the other veteran
landmarks. Death, as* its necessity, and the neces-
sities of the onward march of humanity, takes all
away and leaves us only the brightness and undy-
ing beauty of immortal hope." In his religious be-
lief Dr. Thompson was an Episcopalian.
Dr. Thompson married Miss Frances Mehita-
ble A filler, the daughter of Ezra W. Miller, of Wa-
terford, Conn., and their three children were:
Katherine Mumford, Mary Frances and Isaac Wal-
ter. The oldest daughter is the widow of Andrew
Nelson Hart, of Brooklyn, X. Y., and the mother
of: Mary Alice: Georgie Miller, who married a
Mr. Webster, and has one daughter, Alice Hart ;
Arthur Harold: and Katherine Thompson. Mrs.
Thompson died Jan. 17, 1895.
Isaac W. Thompson during his boyhood at-
tended the public schools of New London and then
in due time was sent to Colgate College, at Hamil-
ton, X. V. He left college before graduation, how-
ever, and went to Brooklyn, X. V., where he was
engaged as a clerk. Returning to New London, he
was, in 1878, elected town clerk', a position which
he held until his death, which occurred May 24,
1902. His popularity in this capacity was evidenced
by his continued election to the office, while the
fact that for many years his political opponents
failed to nominate anyone to run against him was
convincing proof of his fitness for the position. He
had a natural aptitude for the duties of the office
and a retentive memory that enabled him to answer
accurately many questions that ordinarily would
have demanded extended research among the rec-
ords. Xo office in the State was more satisfactorily
conducted.
Mr. Thompson was interested in the fire depart-
ment of the city and for over thirty years was affili-
ated with Xameaug Engine Company Xo. 2. He
served as foreman and secretary and for a short
time as chief engineer, but resigned shortly after
he was appointed. When the Combination Club
was formed he was one of the interested members.
For many years he was connected with Brainerd
Lodge, Xo. 102, F. & A. M., and held membership
in Sprague Lodge, Xo. 9, A. ( ). U. W. ; Xew Lon-
don Council., Royal Arcanum ; the Sons of the
American Revolution ; and the Veteran Firemen's
Association of Xew London.
Mr. Thompson was a man of such marked gen-
erosity that it was almost a drawback to his own
welfare. His hearty ways and cordial greetings
made him friends by the score, and the regret at
his death was widespread.
MYRON ROBINSON AP.ELL. The Abell
family is one of the oldest and best known in Xew
England and its representatives are ably filling im-
portant places in various portions of the country,
and earnestly maintaining the high standard raised
by sturdy early ancestors. Among these is Myron
Robinson Abell, a very highly respected citizen of
Exeter Society, Lebanon, Xew London Co., Conn.,
a son of Silas Palmer Abell, and a descendant of
Caleb Abell.
Caleb Abell, of Norwich, married Margaret
Post, who was born in 1653, at Saybrook, daughter
of John and Hester (Hyde) Post. John Post was
born at Hartford in 1637 ; his wife was born in
England, daughter of William Hyde, of that coun-
try, and died at Norwich in 1681.
Caleb Abell, son of Caleb and Margaret (Post)
Abell, was bom at Norwich in 1077, and on Feb.
20, 1705, married Abigail Sluman, who was born
in March, 1680. They had four children. Daniel
(born in 1706), Caleb, Jr., Abigail and Mary.
Daniel Abell (1), son of Caleb and Abigail
( Sluman ) Abell, married Sarah Crane Dec. ji,
17-7. and they had nine children: (1) Daniel. Jr.,
born in 1728, married Lucy Bill. (2) Eli halet,
born in T730, married Lydia Williams. (3) Jon-
athan, born in 1733, married Lydia Pliss. (4)
Mary, born in 1736, married Jared Clark. (5)
Betsy, born in 1731). married Daniel Clark. Jr. (6)
Sarah was born in 1741. (7) Simon was brim in
1 741. (8) Elijah, born in 1744, married Hannah
West. ( 9 ) Ezekiel was born in 1747.
Elijah Abell. born in 1744, married Hannah
West, and they had five children: Betsy married
William C. Hills; Elijah married Lucy Webster;
Julia never married ; Daniel married Jemima Burn-
ham : Silas married Rhocla Webster.
Silas Abell married Rhoda Webster and had
seven children, James Madison, William Edmund,
Rhoda Corrinthia, Betsy Marilla, Julia Ann, Silas;
GEXEALOGICAL AXD BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
77')
Spaulding (who died young) and Silas Palmer. I If
these, (i) James .Madison, horn Nov. 15. [810,
married Sarah Congdon Jan. 1. 1837. and had four
children: Thomas, horn Dec. 12. [837, at Pom-
fret, married Caroline IVckham, of Lebanon,
Conn.; James M., Jr.. horn April 30, [839, at Pom-
fret, married Ellen Brown, of Lebanon, Jan. 10,
1867; John Webster, horn .May 24, 1842. at Pom-
fret, married Elisabeth Loomis, of Lebanon, ( >ct.
4, 1870; Charles Judson, horn Sept. 25. 1848. at
Lebanon, married Lucy W. Robinson. (2) William
Edmund, horn at Lebanon in i8r2. was married in
1832 to Harriet Spencer, of Mansfield, and had
three children: Silas I'.: Adaline L., who married
Albert E. Gurley, of Mansfield, had two children,
Mary E. and Orville W\, and died June 5, 1876;
and John S.. who married Mrs. Annie Jones, Sarah
Burdict and Daisy Wood. (3) Rhoda C. married
Ezekiel Haynes and had two children, ( >scar and
Edward. All of this family died of consumption.
141 Betsy M., horn Nov. 18, 1816, married Francis
F. Young, of Pomfret, Feb. 11. 1839, and had one
child, Amelia, who became the wife of Luther Al-
axander, of Killingly, Nov. 2=;, 1861, and had four
children ; for her second husband she married Sam-
uel D. Danielson, and she died in 1904. (5) Julia
Ann married Oliver Bill and settled in Xew Haven.
Conn. : they had four children.
Silas Palmer Ahell, the youngest of the seven
children of Silas and Rhoda (Webster) Ahell, was
horn in Lebanon Aug. 10, 1822. His father dying
when he was hut three vears of age, and the family
being in somewhat limited circumstances, he was
put out to work when only nine years of age, re-
ceiving for his services his clothes and board, with
the understanding1 that he was to be allowed to at-
tend the district school in the winter until he was
sixteen years old. When he attained to the age of
sixteen the enterprising young fellow made another
bargain, which was that he was to remain with his
employer until he was twenty-one, and was to re-
ceive in addition to his board and clothes $125. As
he improved every opportunity, he was able to teach
two terms during the winter months before he at-
tained his majority, for which his employer re-
ceived ninety dollars. During all these years there
was no written agreement between the employer
and employee. The young man was faithful to
his employer and the latter was as kind as a father
to his ward. After he became twenty-one he at-
tended a select school for one term, hut continued
to work for his old friend during the summer
and to teach school during the winter until
he was married. So strong was the friendship ex-
isting between these two friends that Mr. Ahell
continued to make his home <>n the old farm until
his death, having acquired it from his guardian,
Col. Julius Clark, who passed away in [868.
Early in life Silas P. Ahell was a Democrat;
then he identified himself with the Free Soil party;
later he was a Republican, and finally became a
Prohibitionist. The first change was effected on
account of his strong views relative t<> slavery, to
which he believed the Democratic party was
wedded, and the last for the reason that he held
that temperance reform was paramount in import-
ance to the welfare of any political party, and he
considered no party sound which did not incorpo-
rate a Prohibition plank in its platform. Being an
independent thinker, he made it a point to vote ac-
cording to his own principles, and not in accord-
ance with party dictation. He served as assessor;
was a member of the hoard of relief; the hoard of
selectmen; town agent; notary public; and justice
of the peace, having been appointed first to that
office in 1850. by the Legislature. He was a mem-
ber of the Legislature in 1NO0 and 1880. and took
an active part in the important measures "i both
sessions. Mr. Ahell wrote a great many wills, more
perhaps than any other citizen then residing in that
part of the town, and settled as executor or admin-
istrator a score or more of estates in his district
and those adjoining. In 18(19 he was chosen deacon
in the Exeter Church, and served until his resig-
nation in 1887. He also served as clerk of the
church for many years and was a man most highly
respected both in church and business life, while
as a public official few men were his equal. < )n
April 9, 1897, this life of usefulness was ended
after a short illness, and many friends and sorrow-
ing relatives were left to mourn their loss.
' )n March 22, 1846, Mr. Ahell married Sophro-
nia Robinson, who was horn March 22, [829,
daughter of William and Hannah ( Robbins) Robin-
son. The following children were horn to Mr. and
Mrs. Silas P. Ahell, namely: ( 1 ) Julia Amelia, horn
June 2, 1847. married Leonard A. Horton, and died
April 19. 1872. leaving one child, Ida E., who lived
to lie six weeks old, surviving her mother by two
weeks. (2) Caroline (dark, born July 1. 1850, is
the wife of Chauncey A. Brown, and resides in Mid-
dletown. They have had children as follows: Julia
Amelia, deceased; Annie Strong; and Carrie, who
died in infancy. (3) Ida Sophronia, horn Dec 10,
1854, is the widow of Elisha P. Spafard, "\ Glas-
tonbury, Conn., who died at Glastonbury, in July.
[903, and has children, Lottie M., Harry P. and
Carrie B. (4) Clifford Robinson and (5) Clifton
Palmer, twins, were born May 5. [858. The for-
mer passed away May 24, 1861, and the latter
Feb. 9, [862. (6) Myron Robinson was born Nov.
18, [862.
Myron R. Ahell was horn on his present farm.
Growing up to manhood, he attended meantime the
district school and spent three terms at Paeon
Academy, Colchester. Having been brought up to
work upon the farm, and being the only son, natur-
ally he remained at home, and assisted his father, at
the huter's request, in managing the property, until
a few years prior to the latter's death, when the
son took entire charge, ddie farm consists of 120
acres of excellent land, which Mr. Ahell devotes
78o
/
GENEALOGICAL AXD BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
to genera] fanning and dairying, and very prob-
ably his excellent success lias been attained by his
thorough knowledge of all the details of farming,
combined with natural thrift, good management
and enterprise.
( )n April 8, 1890. Mr. Abell was married to
Carrie B. Symmes, a native of Winchester, Mass.,
and a daughter of Horatio Symmes. They have
had no children.
In politics he is a Republican, but like his fa-
ther he cares more for the ability of the man than
party issues. From 1894 to 1897 he served the town
most acceptably as tax collector. Both he and his
most estimable wife are members of Colchester
Grange, Xo. 78, and he served three years as its
master, and they are also members of Xew London
County Pomona, No. 6, and of the State Grange;
Mr. Abell was overseer of the Pomona for two
years, 1890 and 1891. He is also a member of Leb-
anon Lodge, No. 23, A. ( ). U. W. Religiously they
are members of the Exeter Congregational Church.
The mother of Mr. Abell, who lives with them, is
a lad}- of ability, well preserved for her years, and
an honored member of the household.
Mr. .Abell is generally recognized as one of the
leading men of the town, and is one who has borne
an important part in its development and advance-
ment. Certainly he is living up to the example
set him by his worthy father and keeping un-
tarnished the honored name. Industrious, upright
in all his dealings, a generous neighbor and stanch
friend, naturally he has made himself respected and
beloved throughout the community.
ISAAC GALLUP AVERY, one of the well-
known and leading citizens of Lebanon, traces his
ancestry to some of the earliest settlers of New
England.
Christopher Avery, born in England about
1590, and a weaver b\- trade, appears early in Glou-
cester, Mass.. where he was selectman in 1646,
1652 and 1654, and held other positions. He re-
moved to Boston in 1658. Subsequently he followed
his son James to Connecticut, where he purchased, in
1665, in New London, a house and lot. He was
made a freeman of the Colony in October, 1669,
and he died March 12. 1670. His wife did not ac-
company him to America.
Capt. James Avery, the only child of Christo-
pher, was born in 1620. He came to America with
his father, and for several years lived in Gloucester.
In 1650 he was one of the forerunners of the Pequot
Plantation (Xew London. Conn.), and he acquired
large tracts of land in what is now Poquonock
Bridge, Groton, east of Xew London. About 1656
he built the home of the Averys at the head of
Poquonock Plain. Some additions were made to
this house in 1684, and it was occupied for more
than two centuries, until destroyed by fire in 181)4.
( )n this spot now stands a monument to Captain
Avery's memory. In 1676 James Avery was captain
of one of the four companies which protected the
frontier, and for twenty-three years was an officer of
the town.. Twelve times from 1656 to 1680, he was
deputy to the General Court: also assistant judge
in the Prerogative Court, and was most prominent
in matters relating to the Church. He married
(first). Nov. 10, 1643, Joanna Creenslade, born
about 1622: she died after 1693, and he married
(second) Mrs. Abigail (Ingraham) Chesebrough,
widow of Joshua Holmes.
Lieut. James Avery was born Dec. 16, 1646, in
Gloucester, and was married, Feb. 18, 1669, to
Deborah, daughter of Edward Sterling, or Stallyon.
Like his father, Mr. Avery was an important man
of affairs. Their names are first in a list of those
who were in full communion in the Church of
Groton. Mr. Avery was lieutenant in the Colonial
forces during the frontier wars. Lieut. Avery and
his wife are buried in the West burying ground at
Poquonock. He died Aug. 22, 1748. and she died
March 27, 1729.
Christopher Avery (2) was born Jan. 23. 1679.
On Dec. 19. 1704. he was married (first) to Abigail
Park, who died Feb. 12. 1713, and he married (sec-
ond) Mrs. Prudence (Payson) Wheeler, and
(third) Mrs. Esther (Hammond) Prentice, widow
of Samuel Prentice, and daughter of Nathaniel
Hammond. Mr. Avery was also married a fourth
time.
Rev. X'athan .Avery, born March 12, T712, mar-
ried March 21 or 27, 1740, Hannah Stoddard, of
Groton; she died Oct. 19, t8io, and Mr. Avery
passed away Sept. 7, 1780. He removed from Gro-
ton to Stonington, where he purchased a farm south
of, and adjoining, the village of what is now North
Stonington. He became a member of the Separa-
tist, or strict Congregational, Church, and subse-
quently was chosen or ordained pastor thereof,
which relation he sustained to the Church until his
death.
Isaac Aver\' was born Aug. 23, 1747, and on
June 11, 177T, he married Lucy Swain. He died
Dec. 30, 18 1 3.
Nathan Avery was born Sept. 2, 1775, and re-
sided at Ledyard, Conn., where he was engaged in
farming and operating a grist mill, so continuing
until his death. May 25, 185;. On Dec. 16, 1801, he-
was married to Matilda, daughter of Elisha and
Margaret Babcock; she died Oct. 2, 1861. Their
children were: Nathan S., born April 8, 1803, left
home at the age of nineteen years, and all trace of
him was lost. Elias Babcock, father of our subject,
was born March 6, 1805. Phebe, born in 1806, died
Feb. 1, 1863. Albert T.. born Jan. 6, 1809, taught
school when a young man, and later became a suc-
cessful book agent in the employ of Henry Bill, of
Norwich: he married Emily Geer, and located near
Batavia, X. A*., became a wealthy farmer and died
there. Mary Hannah, born April 24, 181 1, died
July 5, 1816. Ardelia, born March 22, 1813, married
Henry Tuttle, a farmer, who located in Medina
Jf x6LLJ~ts*^
GENEALOGICAL AXD BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
-X!
county, Ohio, ami died there. Lucy Jane, born
June 2. 1815. died single. James B., born Feb. 21,
[818, taught school, and later was a successful book
agent for Henry Bill of Norwich, still later becom-
ing a government surveyor in the West, and he
dvA in Denver, Colo., a wealth}' real estate dealer;
his first wife was Sarah F. Culver. Amos G., born
March 3, 1822. read medicine with his uncle,' Dr.
Christopher Avery, of Windham, and later grad-
uated from a Louisville. Kv.. medical school; he
served as a physician for a time on the staff of Gen.
William O. Howard, during the period of the Civil
war. and later was examining surgeon for recruits
in the State of Xew York. He was still later located
in Iowa and it is claimed that he was the rir>t physi-
cian to make use of chloroform as an anaesthetic in
performing an operation. At later periods he lived
at Bergen, X. J., and Florida, passing away at an
advanced age in the latter State. He married ( first I
Caroline A. Johnson, and his second marriage took
place at Bergen, Xew Jersey.
Elias Babcock Avery was born at Ledyard,
Conn. He was reared to farm pursuits, and was
educated in the common school-,. In young man-
1 he was employed by Isaac Gallup, Esq., a
well known contractor and builder, the grandfather
of the present State Treasurer of Connecticut. Henri
H. Gallup, of Norwich. While in the employ of
Mr. ( iallup. he assisted in the erection of the ( ireene-
ville dam, at that time regarded as a tine engineer-
ing work. Mr. Avery continued associated with Mr.
(iallup until after the death of his wife, who was a
daughter of his employer. After his second mar-
riage, in 1837. he came to Lebanon, and purchased
a farm of 136 acres, where his son, Isaac G., now
resides. Here he made extensive improvements,
erected new buildings, and in 1847 built the house
now standing across the road from the present resi-
dence. In the course of time he bought more land,
and successfully engaged in farming, continuing
his industrious habits as long as he lived. His
deatli was premature, caused by accidentally falling
while at work in his barn, the end coming a few-
days later. July 2J, 1864. He was interred in a
private burial place at Goshen. In early life he was
a Whig, and was later prominently identified with
the Republican party, holding the offices of select-
man, justice of the peace, and others. In business
matters his neighbor* were wont to rely much on his
g id judgment, and they admired his characteris-
tics of strict economy and stern honesty.
On Jan. 1. [835, Mr. Avery married Mary Ann
Gallup, daughter of Isaac (iallup. Esq., of Ledyard.
born Dec. 10, 1812; she died Jan. 4. [836, leaving
one child. Mary Ann, born Dec. 20. 1835. who. on
March 24. 1857, married William ( ieer. then en-
gaged in the manufacture of papier mache at Tor-
rington, Conn., where he died, and she now resides
at Ledyard. For his second wife. Elias 1'.. Avery
married Thankful S.. daughter of David and Nancy
(Gallup) C.eer. born May 10, 1814. in Ledyard,
Conn.; die died Feb. 4. 1885. at the home of our
subject in Lebanon. The children of this marriage'
were as follows: Sarah A., burn Jul)' 2, [839, mar-
John Williams, and died in Lebanon in January,
1874 (a sketch of her son. Charles C. Williams,
appears elsewhere); [saac Gallup, born July 4,
1S41 ; Nancie M., born April 23, 1843. married
Everett N. Stark, a farmer at Fitchville, Conn.,
and their children were: Hattie A. (wife of Will-
iam Thatcher, has one child. Florence S.i. Fanny
I-., (married Charles Coles and died in Vbluntown,
Conn., leaving two children, George S. and Elina
J.), and Nelson L. ; Eliza S.. born July 12. 1845,
died June 2. 1868; and Albert A., born Jan. 20;
1850. died Sept. 9, 1850.
[saac Gallup Avery was born in the old house
that Stood opposite the one which he now OCCUp
He had the best educational advantages afforded by
the district schools, and remained under the parental
E until he offered his services on Aug. 21. 1802,
in the Civil war. He enlisted in Company 11. 21-1
Conn. V. I., for three years, under Capt. Ralph C.
Fobte, and Col. Arthur H. Dutton. .Mr. Avery
served with the regiment during all their engage-
ments, and participated in the battles of Fredericks-
burg, Drury's Bluff, Cold Harbor. Newbern,
siege <n Petersburg, Bermuda Hundred, Capture of
Richmond, and the last battle of Fair ( )aks, and he
was honorably discharged with his regiment.
After this long, exhausting, loyal service, Mr.
Avery found himself again on the home farm. Mis
father having died during his absence in the army,
he decided to make this his permanent home, and
therefore, 'bought the interests of the other heirs.
From time to time he has added to the original
acreage, and now owns a large and productive
property, and in addition works rented land, hav-
ing under his management about 700 acres in all.
Mr. Avery embraces all branches of farming, run-
ning a cider mill, raising stock, growing the lar.
crops in the town, and employing the most labor,
having at times a. force of a dozen men at work. 1 le
has arranged so that his blacksmith work, which is
considerable, can all be done on the farm, having
erected a shop and a carriage repair factor)' on the
site of the old Coreyville woolen mill. In all
branches of agriculture, no other farmer in the
town can compete with him in results.
( )n March 1. 1862, Mr. Avery married Eliza
Maria Williams, born in Lebanon Jan. 12, 1844,
daughter of Capt. James C. and Harriet Ann
(Kingsley) Williams, mentioned elsewhere. The
children born to this union were: Anna ( >., born
April 21, 1803, died March 20, 1805; Albert L..
born March 18, [866, died Feb. [3, 1872: Amorette
E., born April 4. [868, was married Oct. 10. 1-
to Elijah S. Abel, a farmer in Bozrah, and their
children are: Ethel Louise (horn Jan. 21. [891),
Mildred A. (horn May 4. [893), Lawrence Isaac
and Lloyd Elijah (twins, born Feb. 18, [895), Al-
fred Louis .(born Oct. 30. 1898), and Theodore-
782
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
Stark (born Aug. 8, 1902); Arthur Dutton, born
Feb. 15. 1870. died Jan. 24, 1884; Alice L., born
July 23, 1872. is at home; and Addie N., born .Nov.
3, 1874, married March 22, 1892, Frederick S. Arm-
strong, a successful and prominent farmer of Frank-
lin, and they have three children, Ralph Avery (born
March 21, 1896), Frederick Kenneth (born April
24, [899), and Stanley (born July 20, 1903).
Mr. Avery has long been prominently identified
with the Republican party, and has declined many
political offices. He served one term as assessor,
and consented, in 1891, to nomination and election
to the Legislature. During his term of office he
was particularly careful of the interests of his own
section, but refused to accept the honor again. He
is very public spirited, and his attitude is well
known on all questions concerning enterprises which
promise to be of material benefit to Lebanon and
her people. He is charitable and hospitable, and is
a citizen of whom Lebanon is very justly proud.
He bears a most honorable war record, and is a
member of the Francis Long Post, No. 30, G. A.
R., of Willimantic, Connecticut.
Mrs. Avery and Mrs. Armstrong are members
of the Goshen Congregational Church, which Mr.
Avery regularly attends, and to which he is a liberal
contributor.
CAPT. JAMES H. SISTARE, the genial pro-
prietor of the "Palmer House," at Noank, Conn.,
was born May 2, 1862, at New London, Conn., and
is a descendant of an old Spanish family of rank.
Don Gabriel Sistare (also written Sistere) was
born in 1700 at Barcelona, Spain, and married
Marie Mitzavila. Their son, Capt. Gabriel Sis-
tare, was born May 1, 1726, in Barcelona, and on
'Oct. 14, 1771, settled in New London, Conn., where
he died Feb. 3, 1795. He married (first) Maria
Molus, who died in Barcelona, leaving one child,
also named Gabriel, who was born in that city in
1754, and died Jan. 11, 1820. In 1772 he came to
New London with Capt. De Shon and subsequently
married Frances Chew, who was born in 1759,
daughter of Joseph and Frances (De Shon) Chew,
and died Oct. 1 1, 1841. Capt. Gabriel Sistare mar-
ried (second) Elizabeth Beebe, whose one child,
Joseph, was born April 22, 1774.
Joseph Sistare married Nancy Wey, who died
Nov. 13, i860, in New York City. She was a de-
scendant of George Wey, who was born in 1630 in
New London.
William M. Sistare, son of Joseph Sistare, was
born July 2, 1794, in New London, and died at the
age of eighty-seven years. He was a merchant
there, and during the war of 181 2 served his coun-
try in the office of quartermaster. He married
Martha Beebe, and they had a family of four chil-
dren, namely : William H., a retired sea captain
of New London ; James Morgan, also a sea cap-
tain, who died in January, 1892 ; Mary Ellen, Mrs.
Orrin Beckwith, who died aged thirty-one years ;
and Joseph Allen, father of Capt. James H.
Joseph Allen Sistare was a master mariner and
a fisherman for many years. He died in New Lon-
don, in 1 87 1. Property located on Shaw street,
New London, has belonged to the family since
1757. He -married Charlotte Hobron, of New Lon-
don, and they reared five children, viz. : Joseph, a
sea-faring man, of Noank ; George, deceased ; Will-
iam, of New London ; James H., of Noank ; and
John Dempster, of Groton.
Capt. James H. Sistare, known to the public
generally as "Captain Jimmy," began a sea-faring
life at the early age of seven years, when he shipped
on the "White Cloud" for five years. For the
same length of time he was with his uncle James, as
second mate of the "James Fitch, Jr." He later
sailed from Noank on the "Althea Franklin," the
"< Isprey," the "Comet" and the schooner "Jennie."
Capt. Sistare built for his own use, for the enter-
taining of his friends, first the "Edith" and then a
second "Edith," and in the fall of 1903 the "Aunt
Edie" was built for him by Robert Palmer ; she is
a very trim craft. In 1899 he built and opened the
"Palmer House," named in honor of Deacon Rob-
ert Palmer, of Noank, who has aided Capt. Sistare
in many ways, and who made the completion of the
hotel possible. The "Palmer House" is one of the
finest hotels on the Connecticut coast, and here
come the wise and hungry fishermen to be enter-
tained by Capt. Sistare, and here also come many
artists to enjoy the scenery, and they, like the fish-
ermen, find what they are in search of. The "Pal-
mer House" is a first-class family hotel, overlook-
ing Long Island Sound and the Atlantic Ocean. It
is open all the year, is equipped with steam and elec-
tricity, and the boating, bathing and fishing are all
excellent.
Capt. Sistare is a member of Charity and Relief
Lodge, A. F. & A. M. ; Stonington Lodge, I. O.
( ). F. ; and the A. O. U. W. In New London Capt.
Sistare married Miss Edith Tooker, daughter of
Capt. William Tooker. Both are members of the
Baptist Church at Noank.
TRACY. This old family of New London coun-
ty, worthily represented in Jewett City by John
Howard Tracy, is descended from Lieut. Thomas
Tracy, who was among the early settlers of New
England. He was born in 1610, in Tewkesbury,
Gloucester, England, a grandson of Richard Tracy,
of Stamway. [Authority — the work (1895) °f
Lieut. Charles S. Ripley, U. S. A.] In his early
manhood Thomas Tracy crossed the sea to the
colony of Massachusetts Bay. He stayed at Salem
until February, 1637, and then removed to Wethers-
field, Conn. In 1652 and 1653 ne was at Savbrook,
and in 1666 he and his family removed to Norwich,
of which town he was one of the proprietors. In
1666 he was appointed ensign there. He served in
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
/83
the General Court from Norwich most of the time
from 1667 to 1678, and in [682-83-85 for Preston.
1 te sat as a member of the Colonial Assembly for
more than twenty sessions. Well educated, and a
thorough business man. he was a man of conse-
quence in the community, and bore the highest per-
sonal reputation. He was married three times, and
had seven children. His death occurred in 1685,
at Norwich.
(II) Thomas Tracy, son of Lieut. Thomas, was
born in 1644 in Preston , Conn. He was
a freeman in 1683 and constable in 1684. He died
in April, 1721. His children were: Nathaniel, born
Dec. 10. 1675; Sarah, Dec. 17, 1677; Jeremiah, Oct.
14. 10^2; Daniel, March 3, 1685; Thomas, June 15,
[687; Jedediah, Sept. 24, 1692; Deborah, Sept. 24,
[697; and Jerusha, Sept. 24, 1697.
(III) Jeremiah Tracy, born Oct. 14, 16S2, mar-
ried in Preston, Conn., Oct. 13, 171 3, Mary Whitter,
who was born March 21, 1090, daughter of Ebenezer
and Dorothy (Morgan) Whitter. Their children
were: Mary, born Nov. 19, 1714: Ebenezer, Oct.
29, 1716; Jeremiah, April 19, 1719; Andrew, Feb.
5, 1 721 ; Dorothy. May 5, 1724; Abiah, Aug. 15,
1720; Abiah (2), Dec. 31, 1733; Stephen, Oct. 17,
1738; and Elizabeth.
1 IV) Deacon Andrew Tracy, born Feb. 5, 1721,
in Lisbon, Conn., married March 30, 1743, Ruth
Smith who was born July 18, 1725, daughter of
Capt. Elijah Smith, of Barnstable, Mass. Deacon
Tracv was a farmer, his farm being located on the
west bank of the Ouinebaug river, about a mile
south of Jewett City, on the direct road from Nor-
wich. Mr. Tracy died July 3, 1807, and Mrs. Tracy
passed away Oct. 13, 1809. Their children were:
Ebenezer, born April 20, 1744 ; Jesse, Dec. 31, 1745 :
Sarah, Jan. 25, 1747; Andrew, March 17, 1749:
Elijah, May 14, 1752; Ruth, Oct. 1, 1754; Mary,
Sept. 9, 1756; Anna, March 9, 1759; Jeremiah,
April 11, 1761 ; Elizabeth, Feb. 1, 1764; and David,
May 25, 1766.
1 V) Jesse Tracy, born Dec. 31, 1745, in Lisbon,
Conn., married Sept. 27, 1770, Faith Bingham, born
in 1744. in Windham, Conn. She died Oct. 24,
i8o5. Their children were : Lucy, born Aug. 2,
1771 ; Freeman, March 5. 1775; Hannah, March 24,
l777\ Jedediah, June 21, 1779; Faith, Aug. 6,
1781 : Andrew. Nov. 16, 1783; Erastus, Nov. 17,
1785; Felix and Anna. Feb. 19, 1791. After the
death of his first wife Mr. Tracy married (second)
Dec. 30. 1807. Hannah Aspewall. who died June 21,
1833. He died Nov. 6, 1828.
( \T) Freeman Tracy, born March 5. 1775. died
Oct. 24, 1855. and is buried in the Reede cemetery
at Lisbon. He was a deacon of the Lisbon Congre-
gational Church. He was a land owner near the
Griswold line. Mr. Tracy was twice married, his
second wife being Dolly Reede, who was born April
17. 1782, and died Aug. 5, 1865. She was an aunt
of the late Hezekiah Reede,. of Lisbon. By his first
union Mr. Tracv was the father of one child, Al-
bert, born Jan. 21, [8oi. Ten children came to the
second union: Sophronia, born Nov. 2~ \ [802, died
April 4, 1858; Hiram A., born Sept. 20, 1804. be-
came a minister of the Congregational Church, and
died Feb. 24, 1 885 ; Jesse, born Nov. 1, [806, died
Jan. 17, 1889, in Troy, N. Y. : John R. burn Jan.
7, 1809, died March 10. [894; Thomas, born March
11, 1811, died at Louisville, Ky.. March 9, [861;
Douglas was born April 26, [813; Edmond 1\, born
Sept. 29, 1818, died Aug. 7, 1872; Ebenezer, born
June 29, 1822, died Feb. j(k\*j^ ; Lucy A., born July
20, 1824. married Martha Downing, and is now liv-
ing with her brother Andrew at Wauregan, Conn.;
Andrew R., born Nov. 8, 1827, resides in W'aure-
gan, Windham count}', this State.
(VII) John Reede Tracy, father of John Howard
Tracy, was born Jan. 7, 1809, in Lisbon, and grew
to manhood in that town. He became an employe
in the mills at an early age, and worked side by side
with the late John F. Slater, in the Slater mills,
both at Jewett City and at Hopeville. For several
years he was engaged as foreman in the Kellogg
mills at Rockville, Conn., and he was also in the
mills at Norwich. The rest of his days were spent
in retirement at Jewett City, where he had his home
for many years, reaching the ripe age of eighty-
five, active almost to the last. He was one of the
best known men in the town of Griswold, having
been prominent in public affairs from early man-
hood, and in the discharge of the duties of the vari-
ous high positions to which he was chosen, displayed
rare ability. He held many of the minor offices in
the gift of his fellow townsmen, and for a number
of years wras selectman of the town of Griswold,
serving twelve successive years in that position ; he
acted some years as chairman of the board. He
represented Griswold in the State Legislature, and
was subsequently sent to the State Senate from the
Eighth district. He was an ardent supporter of the
principles of the Republican party. His religious
connection was with the Congregational Church, in
which he was quite active, holding the office of dea-
con for several years. He passed away March 16,
1894, at his home in Jewett City, and was buried in
the Reede cemetery at Lisbon.
Mr. Tracy was twice married, his first union be-
ing to Hannah Tiffany. She died in Jewett City,
and is buried in the Reede cemetery. His second
marriage was to Mrs. Julia ( Hutchinson 1 Knight,
a native of Lebanon, Conn., who passed away in
December, 1899, at her home in Jewett City, and
was buried in the Reede cemetery. She was a mem-
ber of the Congregational Church, and an earnest
Christian woman, devoted to her husband and fam-
ily. She was the mother of two children, one of
whom died in infancy, and the other. Mary Kings-
lev, is the wife of Charles M. Miller, of Mt. Vernon,
N. Y. By her marriage to Mr. Tracy there was one
child. John Howard, who is mentioned below. The
first Mrs. Tracy had no children.
John Howard Tracy was born March 31,
784
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
1864, in the town of Griswold, and in his youth at-
tended the public schools of Jewett City and the
high school at New Bedford, Mass. On leaving
school he entered the Ashland mills, where he re-
mained four years, learning the machinist's trade,
and following this he spent a year or more in the
West, working at his trade in Minneapolis and St.
Paul' Returning home, he was engaged for five
years at the Slater mills, as machinist, and then went
to Woonsocket, where he embarked in the hook bind-
ing business. After conducting same for a time he
sold out and accepted a position in the same line
with the firm at Wethersfield, Conn., taking charge
of their book binding department. Mr. Tracy con-
tinued in this position for three years, giving it up
because of the death of his wife, which left him four
small children to care for. Coming back to Jewett
City, he again became an employe at the Ashland
mills, as machinist, and he continued there until he
took up his present business in March, i8<j8. When
he started he built a hue store, where he has since
carried on a hardware and stove business, dealing
also in paints and oils, bicycles and electrical sup-
plies, and doing plumbing and similar work. By
strict attention to business he has built up an exten-
sive trade, and attained a high standing in his line
and in the business world generally, becoming favor-
ably known among all classes because of his integrity
and high principles. He is regarded as one of the
rising young business men of lewett City. He
takes a deep interest in the welfare of his town and
its peoj le, and was once the candidate of his party
for the State Legislature, but met with defeat.
In 1886 Air. Tracy was married at Jewett City,
to Miss Bertha Chapman, of that place, daughter
of ( His Chapman. She died in Wethersfield in
1893, and was laid to rest in the Reede cemetery at
Lisbon. She was a member of the Congregational
Church. By this union there were four children:
Sybil V., Marian K., Norman Hutchinson and John
Reede. For his second wife Mr. Tracy married, in
1897, at Stafford Springs, Conn., Rose Beckwith,
daughter of (i. W. Beckwith. No children have
come to this marriage. Air. and Mrs. Tracy are
members of the Congregational Church, and social-
ly he unites with Mount Vernon Lodge, No. 7s, A.
F. & A. M., of Jewett City, and with the A. O. U. W.
PALMER ARMSTRONG BROWN, one of
Griswold's grand old men, who for over a half
century has been identified with the farming inter-
ests of that town, where he is known to be an
honest and upright citizen, was born in South
Kingston, R. I., April 17, T821.
Air. Brown is a descendant of an old and highly
respected family of Rhode Island. Peleg Brown,
his grandfather, was born at Newport and lived
there, engaged in farming. His land was washed
on one side by the waters of the ocean, and thus
fine fishing was afforded, a regular fishing business
being carried on by himself and sons. He farmed
extensively, owning some 180 acres of good land, all
of which was available for either farming, fishing or
pasturage, as he raised much cattle and stock. He
was one of the wealth}" men of the locality, and lived
to the age of eighty-two years, dying at South
Kingston. He was a strong Whig, but refused
public office. He married a Miss Coggshall, who
survived him, and they had these children : Thomas,
born Jan. 8, 1779, lived to the age of ninety years,
and resided at Point Judith, R. I. ; Mercy, born Nov.
15, 1780; Joseph, born may 21, 1782; Judith, born
May 21, 1784; Peleg, born A larch 3, 1786; Palmer,
born Dec. 8, 1787 ; Ann, born May 3, 1790: William,
C. born April II, 1792; James Hale, born July 31,
1794; George C, born Dec. 2, 1798; Pardon and
Joshua C, twins, born Dec. 24, 1801 ; and Robert
1).. born March 22, 1805.
Palmer Brown, son of Peleg and father of
Palmer A., was born Dec. 8, 1787, at Newport,
R. I., and was there reared to farm work and
fishing, having but limited educational chances. He
lived at South Kingston until 1824, when he re-
moved to Lebanon, Conn., where he rented a farm
in the extreme eastern part of the town, what was
known as the Champlin farm. During his two years
of residence on that property he brought it to a fine
state of cultivation, and then left it and went to
Franklift, where he settled on the Capt. Clark farm.
( )ne year later he returned to the town of Lebanon
and located on the Martin farm, north of Lebanon
Green, where he resided for four years. He then
removed to a rented farm on Kick Hill, in the town
of Lebanon. Later he purchased a farm on Bog
Lane, and occupied it until the time of his death,
in 1838. He was buried at Lebanon, in the cemetery
a short distance west of the Green.
In politics Palmer Brown was originally a Whig,
and later he became identified with the Republican
party. Both he and wife united with the Paptist
Church in Lebanon. He married Mary Armstrong,
born Aug. 29, 1795, at South Kingston, daughter
of Nathaniel Armstrong, a farmer of that locality.
She survived her husband, and died in Lebanon, in
her ninety-sixth year. Their children were : Lucy,
born Aug. 5. 1814. married Lyman Pack, and died
in Wisconsin; Robert Champlin, born March 24,
18 if), was a carpenter at South Kingston, and died
in 1838; Peleg. born Oct. 29, 1817, was a wagon-
maker and farmer, and died in 1884, at Tolland,
( Ann. ; Laura, born Aug. 5, 1819, widow of Joseph
Steadman, resides at Worcester ; Palmer Arm-
strong; Mary, born Feb. 6. 1823. died in 1845;
Nathaniel, born Oct. 15, 1824, was a farmer in
Lebanon, where he died in 1904; Joseph, born July
26, [826, is a farmer in Lebanon; George C, born
Aug. 16, 1828, died in 1836; Sarah, born March 16,
1 83 1, is the widow of Benjamin Salisbury of Provi-
dence; Lydia P., born Feb. 13, 1834, died in 1844;
Nancy, born March 29. 1836, married Abraham
nMJ
GENEALOGICAL AXD BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
7*?
Shriah, and resided in Lebanon, where she died;
and Martha C, born Dec. 1 _\ [837, married Joseph
Carpenter, and died in [867 in Windham.
1 'aimer Armstrong Brown was but a child when
he removed with his parents to Lebanon, where he
attended the district school until the age of thirteen
years. He was then hired out to Robert Champlin,
and remained some time with him, being permitted
to attend school during' the winter seasons. He was
still under age when his father died, and Deacon
Gordon Robinson was chosen as his guardian. He
worked tor his mother until the following year, and
then entered into mill work at Willimantic. Mr.
Brown remained hut a short time in the mill. Going
then to South Kingston, he learned the wagon-
making trade with Gen. Thomas Jefferson Arm-
strong. When he had reached his majority he re-
turned to the homestead and remained with his
mother until 1843, a,1(l then came to Griswold, locat-
ing at what is now GlasgO, where he rented a shop
from a colored man by the name of Glasko. Tn the
following year he rented a better shop from Joseph
Burdick in the same locality, and continued his work
of wagon-making until 1850, when he removed to
Voluntown, Conn. There he bought a suitable place
and entered upon a very successful husiness career.
He was fortunate in having his own water power,
and he continued here and prospered until failing
health made a change of climate necessary, when he
went to Savannah. Ga., where he engaged first in
mercantile husiness, but later followed the carpen-
ter trade for some time. He then returned to
Voluntown, and later engaged in carpenter work
for two years at Newport, R. I., for James A. Brown,
and for three years he was engaged at wagon-mak-
ing at Voluntown. 1 icing urged by Miss Ada Bur-
dick to take charge of her farm at Glasgo, her
brother having died, he entered upon this work from
a sense of duty, and did his very best. That Miss
Burdick appreciated his efforts was shown when
her will, at death, gave him the farm. During a
portion of this time he was employed at carpenter
work in the paper mill at Glasgo. He continued to
operate the farm until 1882, when he sold a largo
tract of it to the Glasgo Yarn Company, now
merged into the American Thread Company. Tn
1882 after disposing of the farm, Mr. Brown went
to Delaware, where he erected buildings in connec-
tion with the fish factories for S. S. Brown and
James Lenen of Mystic, Conn. He remained in that
State until 1886, when he returned to Voluntown
and accepted a position in the Carroll mill as a me-
chanic, continuing until the mill closed down. Ever
since then he has resided in ( iriswold, near the Vol-
untown line, in a home which his taste has much
improved. Mr. Brown is enjoying the evening of
life, surrounded by all that makes it comfortable.
Xot desiring business cares, ho has sold all his other
property in Griswold. He is active both mentally
and physically, and takes a dee]) and intelligent in-
terest in all passing affairs. He has reason to feci
50
satisfied with his success in life as it all depended
upon his own efforts. He is of the opinion that
industry, perseverance and honest) are pretty cer-
tain to bring their own rewards. Mr. Brown was
made a Master Mason in Widow'- Sons Lodge at
North Stonington, Conn., in 1863. After that lodge
went out of existence he became a member of Mt.
Vernon Lodge, No. j^, at Jewell City. In politic-
he has always been stanch in his adherence to the
principles of the Republican party. He ha- served
in a number of local offices, faithfully on the school
board of the town, and for thirty years was ;i grand
juror. Although not a confirmed member of any
religious body, he is a moral man in character and
probably knows more of Holy Writ than many men
of his age. He has read the Bible through, from
cover to cover three times, and has studied many
passages carefully. He is a man who merits the
high esteem in which he is held by his friends and
neighbors.
Mr. Brown was married (first) May I, 1842. at
South Kingston, to Sarah Perry, who died while on
a visit to her home in South Kingston, Dec. 9, 1854.
She was a consistent member of the Baptist Church
Six children were born to this marriage, namely:
George I'., horn Jan. 24, 1846, died in 1805; Mary
J., horn Sept. H>, 1847, married Alonzo Main, of
North Stonington, and died in 1 873; Julia, horn
March 19, 1850, died in 1876; Ann L.. born April
8, 1852, died Sept. 3. 1854; and James Devro and
Josephine Devro, twins, horn July 13. 1854, the
latter of whom died Sept. 2J, 1854, and the former,
died Oct. 8, 1854. Mr. Brown was married (sec-
ond), Nov. 20, 1856, in Lebanon, Conn., to Sarah
A. Card, daughter of Bradley Card. She died Ma\
12, 1861, and was buried at Lebanon, (Ann. She
was a worthy member of the Baptist Church. She
left an infant son, Bradley Card, horn April 30,
1861, who died in 1879, from the effects of a kick
from a horse. Mr. Brown married (third) Rebecca
A. Sheldon, widow of Abraham Wilcox.
DWIGHT M. EATON. The family of the
name of Eaton has long been resident in America,
and the Connecticut branch was worthily repre-
sented in the town of Montville, New London
county, by Dwight M. Eaton, a popular citizen and
successful agriculturist, who passed away in 1904.
1 I 1 Jonas Eaton, of Watertown, Mass.. was
made a freeman in 1053, and later removed to
Reading, and lived on the northwest part of Cow-
drey's Hill. He was selectman and died in K>74.
To him and wife Grace were born: Mary, horn in
[643, lived to the age of ninety, and died unmar-
ried in 1732; John, horn in 1(145: Jonas, horn Sept.
28, 1047: Jonas (2), horn about 1649; Joseph, horn
in 1651; Joshua, born in 1653 ; Jonathan, horn in
[655; David, horn and died in 1657: and Sarah.
(II) Jonathan Eaton, horn in 1655. married
(first) in [683, Elizabeth, daughter of Robert Bur-
nap, Jr. She died in [683. His second wife's name
786
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
was Mary. He lived on the homestead on the hill,
and died in 1743, aged eighty eight years. He
ed as lieutenant and selectman. His children
were: Sarah, born in 16S4; Jonathan, born in
[686; Elizabeth, born in 1688; Mary, born and
died in 1691 : Samuel, born and died in 1693; Mary,
born in [694; John, born in 1697; Samuel, born in
[699; Noah, born in 1704; and Joanna, born and
died in 1708.
(III) Noah Eaton, born in 1704, married Phebe
Lilley, of Woburn. They lived for a time at the
homestead on the hill, and in 1732 he purchased
the Zachariah Poole place, which formerly had
been owned by Deacon Jacob Eaton, at the corner
of Eaton and Crescent streets. Here he died in
1770, while his widow Phebe survived until 1786.
Their children were: Noah, born in 1728; Phebe,
born in 1731 ; Katherine, born in 1735 ; Hannah and
Lilley (twins), born in 1738 ; Katherine, born in
1744: Susanna, born in 1749; and Reuben.
(IV) Lilley Eaton, born in 1738, married, in
1762, Sarah, daughter of Deacon Brown Emerson,
and among their children was a son. Caleb.
( V ) Caleb Eaton married and became the fa-
ther of a number of children, all of the sons becom-
ing shoemakers.
(VI) Caleb Eaton, son of Caleb, was born in
Wakefield, Mass. (then South Reading). On Oct.
9, 1842, he married Hannah Frances Robinson,
daughter of Eben Robinson. Mr. Eaton died Feb.
25, 1851, in Scotland, Conn., and his widow then
became the wife of John G. Scott, a farmer first in
Windham, and afterward in Bolton, and she died
May 11, 1900, aged eighty-one years. Early in life
Caleb Eaton learned the trade of shoemaker, and
that was his occupation through life, he doing custom
work and taking out work from the numerous fac-
tories to his home, where he plied his trade. He
was hardworking and industrious, and had the rep-
utation of doing first-class work. He was a man
of medium height, and enjoyed good health. In his
disposition he was quiet and reserved, and he was
inclined to be very religious, and was closely affili-
ated with the Methodist Church. His children were
as follows: Hannah Woodward Blair, born July
11, 1843, died young; Ebenezer R., born Nov. 4,
1844, station agent for the Central Vermont R. R.,
first at South Windham, Conn., for several years,
then at Uncasville, died in Middletown, Conn.,
leaving a widow, Emma Green, and a son and
daughter, now living in Bridgeport, Conn. ; Dwight
M.; Andrew Lilley, born Feb. 23, 1849, cuc>d at the
; ge of fifteen years.
Dwight M. Eaton was born in Scotland, Conn.,
in the district schools of which town he acquired
his literary training. He was but four years of
age when his father died, so that his years in the
school room were few in number, and he early en-
listed in the army of wage earners, working at
fanning and brick-laying in South Windham. He
remained with his mother until March 31, 1880,
when he purchased the Jacob Walls farm in Mont-
ville. containing 140 acres, conveniently located on
the old New London and Colchester turnpike. In
the twenty-four years intervening from that time
he continued to carry on general farming, meeting
with eminent success. He also worked some at
carpentering, a trade which a natural aptitude for
tools caused him to pick up. He kept the buildings
on his own Ian 1 in tine repair and the whole farm
presented an unusually neat appearance.
In Ids political faith Mr. Eaton was a stanch
Prohibitionist, and for years was active in the work ■
of that party. Before the consolidation of the school
districts he served Montville for a year and a half
on the school board.
( hi March 31. 1880. Mr. Eaton was married to
Mary Elizabeth Maine, daughter of Fenner and
Lucretia (Maine) Maine, of Scotland, Conn.,
where the former in his life time was engaged in
brick making. The mother is also deceased. Mr.
and Mrs. Eaton had no children. He was active
in the work of the Montville Congregational
Church, in which Mrs. Eaton is still greatly es-
teemed for her many noble traits of character.
Maine. Mrs. Eaton is a descendant in the
sixth generation through Fenner and Lucretia
(Maine) Maine: David Maine and Esther (Dean)
Palmer ; Jeremiah Maine and Thankful Brown ;
Jeremiah and Widow Ruth Brown; of Ezekiel
Maine, the first of the name who resided perman-
ently in Stonington, where he settled in 1670. In
1072 he received a grant of land from the town,
and subsequently purchased other lands. In 1680
he received another grant of land, all probably in
the town of North Stonington. His wife's Chris-
tian name was Mary. He died June 19, 17 14, in
Stonington. His children were: Ezekiel, Mary,
Jeremiah, Thomas, Phebe and Hannah.
EDSON S. BISHOP, United States Marshal,
has been for many years a well known citizen of
Norwich. He is descended from one of the oldest
families in Connecticut, whose members have al-
ways enjoyed the respect and confidence of their
fellow citizens.
(I) John Bishop, founder of the American
branch of the family, was one of the twenty-five
who emigrated from England in the company of
Rev. Henry Whitefield. He was one of the signers
of the Plantation covenant, entered into on ship-
board, June 1, 1639, and one of the men chosen by
the company to purchase lands from the Indians at
Manunketuck, now Guilford. He was also one of
the magistrates of the Plantation. He died in Feb-
ruary, 1 661, and his wife. Anna, in April, 1676.
Their children were John, Stephen and Hethia.
(II) John Bishop (2), son of John, married
Dec. 13, 1650, Susannah Geldham, daughter of
Henry Geldham, of Guilford. John Bishop died in
( )ctober, 16S2, and his wife passed away Nov. 1,
1703. They had children as follows: Mary, born
GENEALOGICAL AXD BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
7*7
in [652; John, [655; Susannah, 1057 ; Elizabeth,
[660; Daniel. 1663; Nathaniel, [666; Samuel,
1070; Sarah. 1074; and Abigail, 1681.
1 111 1 John Bishop (3), son of John (2), born
in Guilford, in [655, married, Nov. [8, 1713. Mary
Johnson, a native of New Haven. John Bishop
died in Guilford Nov. 25. 1731. His children were:
William, horn Oct. 18, 1714; Enos, horn May 26,
1717: Esther, horn Feb. 4. 1719: and Nancy, horn
May 7. [722.
1 IV) Enos Bishop, sun of John (3), was hern
in Guilford May 2(>. 1717, and married Dec. 15.
1742. Abigail Burgis. She was a daughter of
Thomas Burgis and Mary Wright, and was born
in 1724. She and her husband both died in 1802,
and are buried in Guilford. Their children were
as follows: Seha, horn Sept. 1 1, 1743; Thomas,
horn June 8. 1747 ; Abigail, horn Dec. 9, 174S;
Rachel: Johnson, born July 29. 1750: Abigail (2) ;
Anna, horn in 1752: Bildad, born Dec. 28, 1760;
Abner, horn Aug. 7, 1703: Sarah, born June 10.
1708: Eli. horn June 20, 1771 : and Burgis, born
in 1775.
1 \ ) Abner Bishop, son of Enos, was born Aug.
7. 1763. and married Oct. 20, 1 79 1 , Thankful
Buell. She was born Dec. 12, 1767, and died Sept.
12, 1806. Her husband lived until September,
[825. They had the following children: Matilda,
born July 10, 1792; Augustns, horn Dec. 31, 1793;
John S.. Feb. 9, 1796; Betsey, Feb. 14. 1798; Bil-
dad, Jan. 24, 1800: Relby A., born Dec. 26, 1801 ;
and Benjamin, June 8, 1808.
(VI) Augustus Bishop, son of Abner, was born
in Guilford, Dec. 31. 1793, and married Sept. 25,
18 16, Mary, daughter of Ehenezer and Anna
(Blatchley) Walkley, of Haddam, Conn. Mr.
Bishop died May 6, 1873, and his wife, who was
born Aug. 10, 1794. passed away Oct. 6. 1876. Both
are buried at Guilford. Their children were as fol-
lows : Curtis, horn March 18. 1818: Betsey, March
15, 1820: Joel B., April 6, 1822: Enos B., March
11. 1825 ; Mary E., Dec. 25. 1827: and Sherman 1!.,
Aug. 2^, 1830.
(VII) Joel B. Bishop, son of Augustus, was
horn April 6. 1822, in Madison, and married Feb.
6, 1843. Amanda, daughter of David and Abigail
l Stevens) Dudley, of Madison, Conn. Mrs.
Bishop was horn Feb. 20. 1823, and died in Nor-
wich April 9, 1879. Her .husband died in Moodus,
Conn.. June 8. r868, and both are buried in Madi-
son. They were the parents of the following chil-
dren : Edson S.. horn May 5. 1844. is mentioned
below; Wesley \Y. was horn Dec. 2^,. 184^; and
Jane Elizabeth was horn Nov. 15. 1840. Joel I'..
Bishop was educated in the public schools and
learned the trade of carpenter and joiner, at which
he worked for many years in his native state. In
1856 he took his family to Iowa, where they located
in DeWitt, Clinton county. There Mr. Bishop fol-
lowed his trade, and also became a local preacher
of the Methodist Church. At the beginning of the
Civil war he enlisted in an Iowa company, in which
he attained to the rank of captain. In February,
[865, he returned to Connecticut, and settled in
Norwich, preaching tin re and in Baltic. Later he
moved to Moodus, Middlesex county, where he
was stationed over the Methodist congregation
until his death in [868. In politics he was always
a strong Republican.
(VIII) Edson S. Bishop, son of Joel I!., was
horn in North Madison, Conn., May 5, 1844. and
was twelve years old when his parents moved to
Iowa. HC earl_\- school days were passed in Guil-
ford, and he was also a pupil of Moses T. Brown
at the Webster School in New Haven. After the
family removal to the West, he studied in a private
school in DeWitt, Iowa. On the outbreak of the
Civil war he enlisted July 30, 1862. in Conipam F,
26th Iowa V. I. He was promoted rapidly, holding
successively the rank of second corporal, fourth ser-
geant, ordnance sergeant, first lieutenant and cap-
tain. He was mustered out June 6, 1805 with the
rank of captain after three years' service, (hiring
which period he took part in the battles of Walnut
Heights. Arkansas Post, Jackson, first and second,
Brandon, Cherokee Station, Tuscumhia. Lookout
Mountain, Missionary Ridge. Ringgold, Resaca,
Peach Tree Creek, Jonesboro, Snake Creek Gap and
Bentonville. He was also in the siege of Vicksburg,
the siege of Atlanta and the siege of Savannah. In
July, 1865, he returned East, and settled in Nor-
wich, where until 1875 he engaged in mercantile
business. In that year he received the appointment
of deputy sheriff under Sheriff ( ). N. Raymond, and
served throughout the term with satisfaction to all
concerned. In 1878 he established himself as a
merchant in Guilford, and remained there until
[895, when he came back to Norwich, and was soon
afterward appointed deputy sheriff by Sheriff
George ( ). Jackson. On Aug. 8, 1898, he was ap-
pointed under the McKinley administration. United
States Marshal for Connecticut, and was re-ap-
pointed in Kjo2. under President Roosevelt. He
still holds the office which he has filled from the
beginning in a most able and efficient manner.
( )n Jan. 1. 1800, Edson Bishop married (first)
in Norwich. Mary Davis, who was horn in Guil-
ford, a daughter of George P. Davis. Three chil-
dren were born to this union : ( 1 ) Frank, born June
26, 1870. died Nov. 3. 1878. ( _> 1 Harry ( ).. horn
Aug. 1. 1870. married, in October, 1900, Bertha
Ingraham. He is station agent at Waterford, for
the New York, New Haven & Hartford Railroad.
(3) Arthur G., born Oct. 3. 1881. is also an
employe of the New York, New Haven & Hartford
Railroad. Mrs. Mary (Davis) Bishop died May
10, 1901, and is buried in Guilford. She was an
earnest member of the Episcopal Church. Mr.
Bishop married (second) Dec. 8. [902, Bertha
Mattd Bottomley, who was born in Rhode Island,
daughter of Thomas E. and Emma (Hart) Bot-
tomley. Mrs. Bishop is a woman of education and
788
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
culture, who is greatly devoted to her husband and
her home. A daughter, Florence Ella, was horn of
this union Nov. 24, 1903. Mr. Bishop is well known
in fraternal circles, being a member and past mas-
ter of Somerset Lodge, A. F. & A. M., of Norwich;
Franklin Council, Xo. 4, R. & S. M.; charter mem-
ber and past grand high priest of Halleck Chapter,
R. A. M., of Guilford. He has twice been elected
Commander of his Grand Army Post, and is now
on his fourth year as its Adjutant; was Chief of
Staff under Commander W. E. Simonds in 1898;
Assistant Inspector General on the Staff of Com-
mander in Chief Albert D. Shaw in 1899; Depart-
ment Inspector under Commander Thomas Bou-
dren in 1901, and a member of the Department
Council of Administration for three years. He was
also Commander of the Connecticut Division, Sons
of Veterans, in 1899. For six years he was Chair-
man of the Board of Education for the West Chel-
sea School District of Norwich. For ten years Air.
Bishop was justice of the peace in Guilford, and for
two years he served as a grand juror. He is a
man of very genial disposition, one who is popular
with all classes and who has many friends.
JOHN TILLINGHAST BEACH, one of the
representative farmers of Waterford, of which town
he is an honored and respected citizen, was born
Aug. 8, 1828, on Long Island, New York. He is
a son of Lewis A. Beach, and a descendant of an
old New England family.
The Beaches of early Connecticut ancestry de-
scend from the three pilgrims, or first settlers, of
the Beach name in Connecticut, who were Richard,
John and Thomas. Richard was of New Haven.
1639; John, [643; and Thomas, 1647. Richard
and Thomas Beach were brothers, and there is a
great variety of evidence that John was the brother
of the other two.
(I) Richard Beach was in New Haven in 1639,
and married in 1640-41 Catherine Cooke. He was
in Stratford, Conn., 1660; in Wallingford, Conn.,
1672; in Elizabeth, N. J., 1673-74. He sold his
farm lands in Elizabeth in 1684; his home lot in
1668, and removed to Morris count}-, New Jersey.
(II) Benjamin Beach, son of Richard, born
Oct. 1644, lived in Stratford, Conn. He married
(first) in 1670-71, Mary Peacock, (second) Feb.
I, 1677-78, Sarah Welles, and (third) Widow-
Mary Fairchild.
(III) Benjamin Beach (2), son of Benjamin,
resided in Stratford.
(II) Azariah Beach, son of Richard, born in
July, 1046, went first to Wallingford, Conn., and
then to Killingworth, and finally settled in New
Haven. ( )ne of his sons, Richard, was one of the
grantees of Durham, Conn. Another son, Thomas,
was an early settler of Durham.
(I) John I '.each was in New Haven in 1643; in
Stratford, 1660; in Wallingford. 1670-71; and died
in 1679.
(II) Benjamin Beach, son, of John, was born
in 1674, in Wallingford; and later removed to
North Haven, Branford and thereabouts. He
became the father of nine children.
(II) Isaac Beach, son of John, born June 27,
[669, married May 3, 1693, Hannah, daughter of
John Birdsey, and probably lived near Stratford
village. One of his sons was Rev. John Beach, of
Newtown, Conn., a graduate of Yale College, and
first a Congregationalist, then an Episcopalian, who
labored in the Episcopal Church as a missionary and
pastor in Newtown from 1732 until his death, in
1782.
( I ) Thomas Beach was in New Haven in 1647;
married in 1652, in Milford, Sarah Piatt, and settled
in that town in 1657-58. He died there in 1677.
(II) Zophar Beach, son of Thomas, born in
[662, married and removed to New Jersey, and is
the ancestor of the man)- by the name in that State.
(II) Deacon John Beach, son of Thomas, born
in 1655, went to Wallingford, in 1673-74; married
there in 1678, and also died there, in 1709. He was
one of the original members of the Wallingford
Church, February, 1675. One of his sons, Samuel,
born Nov. 29, 1696, married in 1718 Phebe Tyler,
and is the ancestor of the Litchfield and probably
the Hartford families. Another son of Deacon
John Beach, Caleb, lived in Winchester, Connecti-
cut.
Benjamin Beach, grandfather of John T. Beach,
whose name introduces these lines, (Led in East
Lyme, when over eighty years old. He was a gate-
tender on the turnpike for many years, and was also
engaged in farming. He was the father of four
children: William, Erastus, Emily and Lewis A.
Lewis A. Beach, our subject's father, was born
in East Lyme, Conn., and died in Waterford, Conn.,
aged about eighty-two years. He married Phebe
Tillinghast, of Long Island, daughter of John
Tillinghast, and she also died in Waterford. Mr.
Beach was by trade a cooper, and went on a number
of whaling voyages as cooper. He was also ship-
keeper. Giving up whaling, he came to Waterford
and lived with his daughters. His health was not
always good, and before going whaling he taught
school for several years, or kept writing school.
He was a devout member at Waterford of the first
Baptist Church. In his earlier days Mr. Beach was
a Jeffersonian Democrat, later joining the Repub-
lican party. His family was as follows: (1) Eme-
line married George Ewen, and (second) William
Polly, and. died in Long Island. (2) John T. is
mentioned below. (3) Francis who never married,
died in Long Island. (4) Sarah, married George
Lester, and died in New London. (5) Lewds lived
in Waterford, where he died, unmarried. (6) Ann
Eliza married Albert Burdick, and is living in New
London. He was a blacksmith, and is now retired.
John T. Beach was born on Long Island, and
there received his education, leaving school when
fourteen years old. Lie took up farming, working
1
«
N
^
vTi
1
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
789
at first for .c_> a month, and also engaged in fishing,
after which for one year he was in the coasting
trade. When twenty-one wars of age he came to
Waterford where he was employed in the turning
factory, working on handles for George Hill. He
had previously worked one year at carpentering for
Leander Beckwith. After remaining one year in
the handle factory, he engaged in farming on the
home farm with his parents, who had removed to
Waterford. remaining there until [859. After
marrying he was engaged in farming out, and then
for four years he and his wife had charge of Eras-
tus W. Smith's farm, in Waterford. At the end of
that period Mr. Beach purchased a farm on Finger's
brook, near New London, consisting of fifteen acres.
and here he has since engaged in general farming
and gardening.
Mr. Beach was married. Oct. 28, [859, to Ann
Elizabeth (Gallup) Beebe, of Waterford, daughter
of Elisha and Content (Wheeler) Gallup, and
widow of Lester Beebe, of Waterford, Conn. They
have had no children. Mr. and Mrs. Beach are
members of the First Baptist Church of Waterford.
Air. Beach gives his support to the Republican party
though he is in sentiment, a strong Prohibitionist.
However, he votes for the best man in town affairs.
He and his estimable wife are noble Christian char-
acters, who live ideal lives, devoting their efforts to
the betterment of humanity, in every possible way.
They are held in highest esteem by all who know
them.
•
REX". SAMUEL G. WILLARD, late of Col-
chester, was a descendant of an old and honored
family, early settlers in New England.
Major Simon Willard, the first of the name
known to have settled in this country, was thrice
married. He was united Hirst) to Mary Sharpe in
Horesemonden, England, (second) to Elizabeth
Dunster, a sister of Rev. Henry Dunster, who was
one of the early presidents of Harvard Coll*
and (third) to Mary Dunster, a cousin of his sec-
ond wife. Simon Willard was evidently a man of
parts and high character. Records tell that he was
hardy and courageous and was thoroughly imbued
with the religions fervor of his time. To his three
marriages were horn seventeen children.
Samuel Willard. the sixth child and second son
of Major Simon, was graduated at Harvard Col-
lege in 1050. became a minister of the gospel and
settled at Croton. In 1078 he was installed over the
Old South Church in Boston, where he continued
pastor until his death, in 1707, and during the last
six years of his life he was vice or acting president
of 1 [arvard College.
Dr. David Willard. father of our subject, was
a successful and eminent physician, who resided at
Wilton, Fairfield Co.. Conn., where he died. He had
a brother, Sylvester Willard. who was a prominent
physician in Auburn, New York.
Rev. Samuel G. Willard, son of David, was horn
Nov. 8, [819, in Wilton, Conn., and was on< of a
family of six children, the only survivors being Mrs.
Eldridge Mix, of Worcester, Mass., and Mrs. Sal-
mon ( '. Gillette, of Colchester. Their brother Syl-
vester was an eminent physician' at Albany, X. V.,
and Willard Hospital, in that State, was named in
his memory. In Wilton Samuel < •. Willard attend-
ed the district school and Wilton Academy, where
the able instructor. Dr. Hawley Olmstead, prepared
boys for college. Later, under the same instructor,
young Willard entered Yale from tin Hopkins
Grammar School and was graduated from the
academic department in [846, and from the Theo-
logical Seminar}- in [849.
Rev. Samuel G. Willard entered upon his first
pastorate in the Congregational Church at Willi-
mantic. Conn., where he remained for nineteen years,
or until the fall of 1808. when lie came to Colchester,
and was pastor of the church here until his death,
June 12, 1887. For one year prior to this event he
had been in failing health, having suffere 1 a stroke
of paralysis. His burial took place at Colchester,
and on the occasion his congregation testified, to
the love and reverence they felt for him. In recall-
ing public events during the years of his existence,
it is impossible to write of either Windham of Col-
chester without bringing him prominently forward.
I11 politics he was a Republican, and in 1866 he repre-
sented the town of Windham in the Legislature.
In Willimantic he served for many years as a mem-
ber of the school hoard and as school visitor, while
in Colchester he was equally active, serving here also
for many years as school visitor. From the time
of the founding of the Connecticut Hospital for the
Insane until shortly before his death he was one of
the hoard of trustees; was one of the hoard of
trustees of the Colchester Savings Bank; for twen-
ty years, until resignation, he was one of the cor ora-
tion of Yale University, severing his connection hut
shortly before his death. Mr. Willard was an ac-
knowledged leader among the clergy of his own de-
nomination in the State and was in active connec-
tion with many of the auxiliary societies of the
Church.
In 1003. upon the meeting of Historical Society
of Xew London county, President Rogers an-
nounced its intention to present memoirs of all the
original members, and we are permitted to quote
from the modest paper prepared by Miss Abby G.
Willard in menior) of her distinguished father:
"His whole life was spent in Connecticut and
his interests identified with it. His father was Dr.
David Willard and his ancestor came from England
and was prominent in affairs in Cambridge an 1 ( nn-
cord, Mass. His mother was the daughter of Moses
Gregory and her uncle held a commission in Wash-
ington's army and distinguished himself at York-
town.
"Mr. Willard early began his studies, but on
account of ill health he was obliged to give up and
he went into business at Norwalk. He spent some
790
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
time on his father's farm at Wilton and determined
to study medicine,, but gave it up for the ministry.
After his college course he entered the Yale Divin-
ity School and was graduated with honors in 1849.
He was licensed to preach in 1848 and was ordained
in the following year in W'illimantic and in i8(>3 be-
came pastor of the First Church of Christ at Col-
chester, where he spent many active years.
"He was, however, a man of wide and varied
interests. He was appointed a trustee of the General
Hospital for the Insane of the State of Connecticut
the year of its incorporation and continued to serve
until his death. He was one of the original mem-
bers of the New London County Historical Society.
Mr. Willard was one of those who, at a meeting-
held in Norwich, in 1865, organized the Connecticut
Temperance Society. He was a member of the cor-
poration of Yale University, secretary of his class
at Yale, a corporate member of the American board
of commissioners of foreign missions, as well as
holding various positions in religious and educa-
tional bodies.
"His published works included sermons and his-
torical addresses. He had an intimate knowledge
of ecclesiastical matters and his advice was often
sought in these matters. As was said of him, he was
a rare man, and the influence of his kindly nature
is still felt in the community."
Rev. Samuel G. Willard was married ( first ) to
Mary Randall, of Wilton, Conn., who died soon after
their marriage. His second wife was Cynthia I -ar-
rows, born May [6, 1823, in Mansfield, Conn.,
daughter of Dan Barrows, a descendant of one of
the oldest families of that town. She survived her
husband and died April 11, 1896, and was laid to rest-
by his side. The children of this marriage were
three in number, namely: Samuel P., of Colchester,
agent of the State Hoard of Education; Abby
Gregory, who resides in Colchester, unmarried; and
Mary Randall, wife of Dr. Edwin B. Cragin, a na-
tive of Colchester, who now resides in New York,
where he is professor of obstetrics in the College of
Physicians and Surgeons of that city. They have
three children, Miriam, Alice and Bradford.
CHARLES CLARK LOOMIS, a highly re-
spected and substantial farmer residing in Exeter
Society, in the town of Lebanon, descends from one
of the oldest families in the town. He traces his
ancestry to
( I ) Joseph Loomis, who was born about 1590,
and for some years before coming to America was
in business as a wool draper in Braintree, County of
Essex, England. In 1639 he came to Windsor,
Conn., being among the first settlers of the town,
and Ins death occurred there Nov. 25, 1658. He and
his family came to America in the ship "Susan and
Ellen," landing at Boston, on July 7, 1639. His wife
died Aug. 23, 1052. They had a family of eight
children, five mhis and three daughters.
(II) Deacon John Loomis, born in England in
1022, married Feb. 3, 1648-49, Elizabeth, daughter
of Thomas Scott, of Hartford. Mr. Loomis was
admitted to the Church in Windsor, Oct. 4, 104!).
1 11 1643 he had granted him, from the Plantation,
forty acres of land. From 1652 to 1660 he resided
in Farmington, then returned to \\ "indsor. where
he was deacon of the Church. He was deputy to
the General Court in 1666 and 1667, also from 1675
to 1687. He died Sept. I, 1688, his wife surviving
him. Their children were : John, Joseph, Thomas,
Samuel, Daniel, Josiah, James, Timothy, Nathaniel,
David, Samuel (2), Isaac, Elizabeth and Mary.
(Ill) Thomas Loomis, of Hatfield, Mass., born
Dec. 3, [653, married, March 31, 1680, Sarah, born
Oct. 15, 1662, daughter of Daniel White, of Hat-
field. Mr. Loomis died Aug. 12, 1688. His widow
married, Nov. 12, 1689, John Bissel, and removed
to Lebanon, Conn. Mr. Loomis's children were:
John, bom Jan. 1, 1681, and Thomas, born April
20, 1684.
( IV) Thomas Loomis, born April 20, 1684, mar-
ried (first) Jan. 8, 1713, Elizabeth Fowler, who died
July 18. 1742, and he married (second) Dec. 20,
1743, Hannah Hunt, who died June 10, 1758. Mr.
Loomis passed away April 30, 1765, in Lebanon.
His son was Lieut. Thomas.
( V ) Lieut. Thomas Loomis, of Lebanon, born
in 1714, married Nov. 7, 1734, Susanna Clark; she
died Sept. 28, [788, and Mr. Loomis died Feb. 27,
1792. Their children were: Elizabeth, born Oct.
25> T735. died Oct. n, 1740; Joseph, born Dec. 5,
1737, died Oct. 16, 1740; Isaiah, born Dec. 20,
1740, died ( )ct. 11, 1741 ; Elizabeth (2), born Aug.
10, 1741. married a Mr. Payne; Joseph (2), born
April 29, 1743. married (first) Lydia Bosworth,
and (second) Ruth ; Isaiah (2), born Sept.
11, 1749, died Nov. 20, 1834.
( VI ) Capt. Isaiah Loomis, son of Lieut. Thomas,
born Sept. 11, 1749, married Dec. 8, 1774, Abigail
Williams. Capt. Loomis was a resident of Lebanon,
Conn., and a soldier of the Revolution. He died
Nov. 20, 1834. His wife Abigail died July 12,
1826, aged seventy-one years. Their children were:
Yeach, born Dec. 16, 1775: Susannah, born Nov.
x7> I779> married James Williams; Lucy, born
April 2^,, 1783, married, March 27, 1823, Eliphalet
Abel; Sally, born Dec. 28, 1784; Eunice, born Jan.
9, [786; Sherman, born May 17, 1787, married
(first), Nov. 15, t8io, Elizabeth Champlin, and
(second), Aug. 10, 1820, Margaret Mellick ; Lydia,
born Dec. 8, 1790, married March 29, 1810, Simon
Loomis; and Bethia, born Sept. 2^. 1796.
(VII) Veach Loomis, grandfather of Charles
C, was a farmer, and resided in Exeter Society,
Lebanon, on the farm now owned by Edwin P.
Kneeland. This farm had for many generations
been occupied by the Loomis family. While he
was not a very rugged man, he lived to an old age,
and died on that farm April 30, 1867, at the age of
ninety-one years. His remains were interred in the
cemetery at Exeter. He was a man of quiet disposi-
GEXEALOGICAL AXD BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
79*
tion. Politically he was a Whig, later a Republican,
but he never cared for official honors, lie attended
the Congregational Church. On Feb. 15. [810, Mr.
mis was married to Lucy Lathrop, daughter of
Charles Lathrop, of Lebanon. She <Y.v<] Feb. 27,
1855. Their children were as follows: 1 1 ) Charles
L.. born Dec. 6. 1810, was the father of (diaries C.
I j) Anson, horn Jan. 14. 181 3. married, Dec. 18,
[838, Emily A. Phillips. He was a farmer and re-
sided on the homestead, being the last of the name
to own the property. After disposing of it he re-
moved to Meadville, Mo., and there died < >ct. 1,
1885. (3) Ad^ate. born Ma\ 29, [815, died Sept.
1. [839. (4) Eunice, horn May C t8l8, married
on Dec. 7. 1843. Edward IT. Strong. He was a
farmer and resided in Colchester, Conn., where
they died. She died June 30. k>02.
(VIII) Charles Lathrop Loomis, father of
Charles C. was horn in Goshen Society, during the
brief residence of his i^arents on the farm now occu-
pied by William H. Geer. He was an infant when
they returned to the home farm. He attended the
district schools, and. at the age of eighteen years,
began to learn the trade of carpenter under Capt.
Joseph King, of Goshen, to whom he was appren-
ticed for three years, for small wages such as were
paid in those days. Soon after completing his ap-
prenticeship he removed to Dutchess county, X. Y.,
and was there for two years, working as a journey-
man. He then returned to Lebanon and purchased
the nucleus of the farm now occupied by his son,
Charles C. of Frederick Avery, a tract then com-
prising only eight acres, and there he resided, fol-
lowing his trade and employing several men and ap-
prentices. He had the reputation of being a fine
mechanic, and erected man}' of the better farm
houses and public buildings, in Lebanon, including
the Lxeter Church, and the school house in the
Thirteenth district. He continued at his trade for
about thirty years, or until about 1861, and then he
devoted his time principally to farming, though he
still did a little carpentry work. In the meantime
he had added to the acreage of the farm, and he
made agriculture the chief pursuit of his life for
the rest of his days, being quite successful in that
line. He died May 3, 1892, after a decline of two
years. Mr. Loomis was a stirring, hard working
man, about six feet tall and well proportioned, and
was capable of doing a great deal of hard work.
Like his father he was a Whig, and later a Repub-
lican, and in .1853 nc represented his town in the
State Legislature, which body met in Hartford that
year. He served several years on the hoard of
selectmen, proving highly competent, and he de-
clined offers of other offices. He was a member 01"
the old local militia when it was in existence. In
religious connection he was a member of the Exeter
I ngregational Church, and was a regular attendant.
He was well to do, a man of high integrity, and
commanded the respect of all.
Mr. Looms was twice married, first on Nov.
10. [836, to Wealthy Grant, born Aug. 17. [812,
in North Stonington, Conn. She died Jan. 3. [842,
the mother of one child. Charles Adgate, who was
horn \)(\\ 17, [841, and who died Sept. 5. [842.
for his second wife Mr. Loomis was married, on
Dec. 21, [842, to France- F. (lark, who was horn
Aug. 13. ]S_>o, a native of Exeter Society, daughter
of Hosea and Esther (Williams) Clark. She died
July 19, 1901, at th.e home of her -on. Charles. Two
children blessed this union: 1 t ) Cordelia Wealthy,
horn Jan. [2, 1844, married Capt. Andrew Wash-
burn, on Jan. 9, [867. She was his first wife. Capt.
Washburn was a native of I ebanon and 1 1 in
the 18th Regiment. Connecticut Volunteers. Later
he was promoted to be captain in a col aliment,
and served as such tint 1 the close of the war. lie
located at Danvers, 111., ami for many years was
engaged in the mercantile business there. Later he
removed to Bloomington, 111., and for the past
twenty years he has keen engaged as a florisl doing
a large business. His wife died March 20, 1883, in
Bloomington. 111., hut was buried at Danvers. They
had four children: Frank L.. horn Jan. 11. [869;
George A.. Sept. 22. [873; Emma F.. Sept. 12.
[875 (wife of Prof. Henry Edmunds, of Rushville,
111. ) : and Alfred Edwin, Dec. 27, 1878. (2) (diaries
Clark was born Jan. 30, 1848.
Charles C. Loomis was lorn in the house he
now occupies. He attended the district sch 1 I, and
a select school on Goshen Llill kept by Joseph Kel-
logg, a Yale graduate, and later was a student in a
select school at Hebron, kept by Edward S. Hinck-
ley. He taught school for seven winters, three
winters in Exeter, one in Columbia, and three more
in Exeter. He resided at home until his marri
and then for one year lived on a rented farm in
Goshen. Returning to his fathers farm, lie assisted
in the management of it, and later assumed full
charge, after the death of his parents coming into
the possession of it. He has a splendid place of
104 acres, and is engaged at general farming and
dairying. His business career has been a sue
throughout, and he has made many improvements
on the farm since it came into his hands.
( )n March 22, 1876, Mr. Loomis was marred
to Ella C. Foote, of Exeter, who was born Sept.
23, '853. daughter of Horace and Lucy (Webster)
F 11 ite, and they have had three children : ( 1 l < \&
Foote, horn Aug. 2~. 1870. resides near Denver,
Colo. 1 _' 1 Everette Erastus, horn April 26, 1882,
graduated from the Bacon Acadei -ter,
class of [901, and is now attending Worcester Poly-
technic Institute. (3) Cordelia Ann was horn May
2j, [889. The family attend the Exeter Congn
tional Church, of which Mr. and Mrs. Loomis and
their sons are members, and for several years Mr.
Loomis served as deacon, resigning the office be-
cause (^i poor health. He is also clerk and tr
urer of the church. Politically he is a Republican,
and lias been quite active in the work of the party.
He has served as registrar ^i voters, as assessor,
792
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
and on the board of relief, and in 1882 he repre-
sented the town in the State Legislature, and served
on the committee on the Sale of Lands. Mr. Loomis
is a well-read man. and as an intelligent, prosperous
citizen ranks high in the community, he and his
family being much respected.
SAMUEL LUCAS, now living in well-earned
retirement in Poquetanuck, was for a number of
years actively associated with the firm of B. Lucas
& Co., of that place. Mr. Lucas has passed all but
a few years of his life in Xew London county, but
he is a native of England, born July 4, 1826, in
Trowbridge.
Samuel Lucas, father of the gentleman whose
name introduces this sketch, was also born in Eng-
land, and there learned the trade of finisher of
woolen and cotton goods, at which he worked in his
native land until his emigration to America, in the
latter part of the year 1831. Settling in Yantic,
town of Norwich, New London Co., Conn., he was
engaged as boss finisher in the Yantic mill until his
death, which occurred when he was fifty-five years
old. In England Samuel Lucas married Elizabeth
Miles, the ceremony being performed by the poet,
Crabbe, and they became the parents of twelve chil-
dren, ten of whom reached maturity. The family
consisted of six children at the time they settled in
America. We have the following record of those
who lived to manhood and womanhood : (1) Caro-
line married ( ieorge Brooks, and died in Nebraska.
(2) Ephraim was for several years connected with
the Lucas mill in Preston, where he died. He mar-
ried Julia Herrington. (3) Martha married Albert
Stafford, of Preston, where she died. (4) Samuel is
mentioned farther on. (5) Noah, who was for sev-
eral years connected with the Lucas mill, married
Abby Jane Lewis, and died in Norwich. (6) Benja-
min married Sarah Jane Tubbs, of Yantic. Lie is
mentioned more fully elsewhere. The other four
were born in Norwich: (7) John married Harriet
Colby, and is living in Norwich, where he is engaged
as agent xor State Treasurer H. H. Gallup. (8)
Solomon, a resident of Norwich, is State's attorney
for New London county. He is mentioned more
fully elsewhere. (9) Aaron is connected with the
Lucas mill. He is also mentioned more fully else-
where. (10) Ruth married Jonathan B. Gay, and
they reside in Bellefourche, South Dakota.
Samuel Lucas was only five years old when he
accompanied his parents to America, but he had re-
ceived a little schooling in England. He attended
the district school in Yantic until about nine years
old, at which early age lie 1 the Yantic mill,
under his father, and worked in the various depart-
ments, learning the carding of cotton and wool. He
finally entered the finishing room, and after the
death of his father became boss finisher, holding
that position for about a year. When about twenty-
one years old he went to Stevens village, Vt., where
he entered a mill, and, showing: his familiarity with
manufacturing, he was made superintendent within
a short time. After a year or so in this position he
was offered a half interest in the mill to remain,
but he declined, and the next fall returned to Nor-
wich, taking the position of cloth tender at Charles
Rockwell's mill, at P>ean Hill. He refused the offer
of the position of boss finisher on account of im-
paired health. Remaining at that place for the
winter, he went to Stonington in the spring, and,
there became superintendent of the John Hyde
"Lantern Hill mill," which had been leased by his
father-in-law, John Lord, continuing thus for about
two years. His next move was to Potter Hill, R. L,
where for a short time he was boss carder and spin-
ner in what was known as the "small mill," later
holding the same position in the two mills there.
lie then went to the Lantern Hill -mill in Stoning-
ton, where he was superintendent in John Hvde's
mill for about one and a half years, until the mill
was closed down because of hard times. He then
removed to Poquetanuck and went to work in the
Lucas mil, in which he was a stockholder. After a
short residence at Poquetanuck .Mr. Lucas was
offered the position of superintendent of the two
mills at Potter Hill, R. 1., the mills in which he had
worked a few years previously, and being operated
by Horace and Edwin Babcock, of Westerly. R. I.
Mr. Lucas had entire charge of the management of
these m lis, which employed a large force of help.
He remained there seven years and left because of
poor health, his employers making very liberal in-
ducements to have him remain. During this time
the mills experienced an era of unusual prosperity.
Returning to Poquetanuck he received several flat-
tering offers to take charge of other mills, but could
not accept them on account of his health. Since then
his residence has been at Poquetanuck. The mill
of P. Lucas & Co., at Poquetanuck was formerly
the Brewster mill, and was purchased in 1856 by'
Samuel, Benjamin and Noah Lucas, and their
brother-in-law, (ieorge Brooks, and the original
firm name has been continued to this day. After
about a year the old wooden mill was burned, but
ii was soon replaced by the brick structure which
still stands, and Samuel Lucas retained active con-
nection with the establishment until 1880, in which
year, on account of ill health, he withdrew. He has
since lived in retirement, but he has never relin-
quished his interest in the mill. Shortly after, enter-
ing the Yantic mill young Lucas had -his left arm
caught in a gear, almost severing that, member from
the body, and the accident has caused him more or
less trouble ever since. However, it did not prevent
liis becoming an excellent workman. He was persist-
ent in applying himself so closely to his work that he
acquired a thorough knowledge of all the details
of the lines in which he became interested, and he
showed much ingenuity in devising improvements
on the machinery used in manufacturing woolen and
cotton goods, patenting several of his inventions.
In fact, he was an all-around success as a business
if*
&s&&tA<4j£j ^9sZt.&i£~-$
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
793
man. whether as workman, boss or manufacturer,
and enjoyed high standing among his associates of
half a century in the manufacturing busin
Though he has been distinctively a business man, he
lias found time to interest himself in the public wel-
fare to the extent of serving several terms on the
committee (if the local school district, and in [889
be represented his town in the State Legislature,
during his term in that body acting as member of
the committee on .Manufactures. Mis political con-
nection is with the Democratic party.
On Dec. 21, 184^, Mr. Lucas was married, in
Yantic. to Betsey Lord, daughter of John and Fan-
nie (Ashworth) Lord, the former of whom was for
several years connected with the Yantic mill. Mrs.
Lucas was born in England, and came to America
with her parents in early life. Six children have
been born to Mr. and Mrs. Lucas, viz.: (1) Mary
Camille married John Taylor, of Potter Hill, R. L.
and they have had three children. Cora (who died
young), Bessie and John. Mr. Taylor has been a
merchant in Poquetanuck for several years, and the
family make their home in that place. (2) Samuel
was drowned at Potter Hill, R. I., when three years
of age. (3) Adele died at Potter Mill, R. I., when
four months old. (4) Annie married George Bur-
dick, who was engaged in farming in Preston, where
he died. She has one daughter, Mary Burdick.
(5) Mattie married Edwin Burgess, of Norwich,
where they reside, and they have four children.
Jennie. Edna. Mattie and Edwin. Mr. Burgess is a
molder and nickel plater by trade. (6) Willard A.
was for several years employed in the Lucas mill,
where he lost his right hand by having it caught in
a picker, in 1889, since which time be has been
engaged in looking after his father's interests. He
married Nettie Avery, of Gales Ferry, who died in
Norwich, and they had one daughter, Ruth. All
this family have been attendants of St. James [''pis-
copal Church of Poquetanuck.
H( 'X. ARTHUR M. BROWN, of Jewett City
(Griswold), Republican Senator from the Eleventh
District, has the honor of being the youngest mem-
ber the Senate has bad for many years, also of
being the youngest member of the House in [901,
ably serving on the committee on Incorporations,
and of being the youngest deb gate to the Constitu-
tional Convention in [902. He is creditably fol-
lowing in the footsteps of bis grandfather, Francis
S. Young, who was a member of the Legislature in
[860, and of his father, George \Y. Brown, who was
a prominent member in 1S72. Senator Brown's
mother was Sarah P.. daughter of Francis S.
Young. He was born in Jewett City Sept. 24, 1H77.
and was educated in the public schools of bis native
town, the instruction received there being supple-
mented by <i course of three years at the well known
Norwich Eree Academy. As quartermaster of
William A. Slater's steam yacht "Eleanor" he had
the pleasure of sailing around the world in [894-96.
In the winter of [897 he entered the office of lion.
Solomon Lucas, of Norwich, as student, an 1 in
January, [901, was admitted to the New London
county bar. Senator Brown has always taken an
active interest in the welfare of his town, and has
been clerk and treasurer of the borough of Jewett
City. He is a member of the Baptist Church, anil
socially of Mount Vernon Lodge. No. y^. A. F. &
A. M. He was the efficient Senate chairman of the
leading committee on Incorporations. Ili^ prover-
bial good nature and gentlemanly qualities have
gained for him the universal respect of all his col-
leagues at the Capitol, and be richly merits contin-
ued honors.
In October, 1901, Arthur M. Brown married
Gertrude E. Sanderson, daughter of Henry and
Harriet Sanderson, of Plainfield, Conn., and this
union has been blessed with one child, Francis
Young.
CHARLES F. CHAMPLIN, who holds a
prominent place in the affairs of bis native- State,
and is successful in agricultural pursuits, comes
of ancestry long identified with the States of Rhode
Island and ( lonnecticut.
George Champlin, the progenitor of this lim of
the Champlin family, was born in Rhode Island,
and in bis young manhood removed to North Ston-
ington, Conn., where he married Nancy, daughter
of George and Amy (Carter) Bentley, and a di-
rect descendant of (I) William Bentley, who came
to New England in the ship "Arabella." which
sailed from Oravesend, May 27, 1671. William
Bentley was a resident of Xarragansett. R. 1.. Jan.
21). 1679, and bis will was proved at Kingston. R.
I. (II) William Bentley (_' ), son of the emigrant,
married April 21, 1703, Mary, daughter of Henry
and Deborah (York) Eliot, of Stonington, Conn.
(Ill) George Bentley, son of William (2), mar-
ried. March 4. 1724. Ruth Barber, daughter of
Moses and Susannah (Wint) Barber. (MY) George
Bentley, son of George, was born in 17^0. and was
of Westerly, R. I. 'lie died Oct. 28, 1S14. On
June 2j. 1751. be wedded Amy Carter, and their
daughter ( V ) Nancy, married George Champlin,
and became the mother of one son, William Bent-
ley Champlin.
William Bentley Champlin was born in [798,
on the old Bentley farm, just south of the Second
Baptist Church of North Stonington, now the home
of Richard Wheeler. In 1 St 7 he married Martha,
daughter of Isaac and Hannah (Bromley) Burdick,
of North Stonington. Their children were:
Charles William, born Vug. 24, [818 ; Benadam, de-
ceased, who married Rebecca Haley, and had one
daughter, Angeline Breed, who married Thomas
P. Wilcox; Isaac Franklin, deceased, who married
Susan Crumb, and bad two daughters, Imogene
and Emma; George lb. deceased, who married
Elizabeth Brown, and had two children. Sarah and
George; Martha, who died young; and Maria, who
794
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
married Avery Brown, and has three children, Will-
iam Avery, John and Benadam.
Soon after his marriage William Bentley
Champlin moved to a farm at Clark's Falls, Conn.,
which was given him by his father, and there he
made his home for the remainder of his life, dying
at the age of sixty-eight years. His widow lived to
the advanced age of eighty-five years, and they both
sleep in the Second Baptist Church cemetery at
North Stonington.
Charles William Champlin was born on what
is now known as the "Daisy Farm," near the old
Bentley farm in North Stonington, Aug. 24, 1818.
He was but about six years old when his grand-
father gave the farm at Clarks Falls, and there
spent his boyhood days. As a young man he came
to the town of Stonington to work on a farm for
John Holmes, and afterward worked for Dudley
Randall, Judge William Randall, Thomas Avery
and Randall Brown. On Dec. 24, 1844, he married
Harriet Lucina Caswell, who was born at Wind-
ham, Conn., April 13, 1824, and died at Ouaim-
bogue Feb. 24. 1904. They began housekeeping
at the White Hall farm in Old Mystic, and later
they removed to the Borough of Stonington, where
Mr. Champlin engaged in teaming for the stores,
and also carried on farming. Subsequently he re-
moved to "Egypt," in the northern part of Ston-
ington, thence to North Stonington, and after a
time returned to Egypt. He lived there until 1889,
when he moved to Ouaimbogue, and a year later to
the Benjamin Greene farm in Hopkinton, R. I. At
the end of three years he moved to the Maxson
Kenyon farm in North Stonington, where he re-
mained for a like period, and then for a time, he-
fore his final location in Quaimbogue, he lived near
the pumping station in Stonington. Though now
eighty-seven years of age, aside from defective
hearing his faculties are unimpaired and his mem-
ory is excellent. He and his wife were members
of the Second Baptist Church at North Stonington.
To them were born six children, as follows: Har-
riet Ellen, born Dec. 14, 1845, married Horace
Bromley, and died July 18, [895; Martha Abbe,
born Oct. 8, 1848, married Charles W. Gibbons,
and has a son, Walter F. ; John H., born March to,
1853, married Mary Elizabeth Bromley, and has
two children, Horace B. and Elwin H. ; Charles F.,
born Jan. 24, 1857, married Lenora Estella Avers;
Mary Elizabeth, horn Dec. 13, 1859, married March
2^, 1881, William H. Brown; and Hannah Sabrina,
born Sept. 1, 1863, married Benjamin C. Brown,
and died June 8, 1901.
Charles F. Champlin was born in the town of
North Stonington, and was but two years of age
when he was brought to Stonington, and there in
District No. 13 he attended school. At the age of
seventeen years he began working for others, H.
C. Brown being his first employer, and in the sum-
mer of 1876 he worked for J. H. Gardner, later
being employed by Mrs. Randall and John H.
Champlin. In the spring of 1880 he went to West-
erly, R. L, and for three years there engaged in
farming on his own account. At the end of that
time he came to his present home, where, however,
he remained but two years, when he moved to the
stock farm of James S. Brown, in North .Stoning-
ton. After six years there he passed three years
on the William Williams place in Stonington, and
in 1897 he became the owner of his present fine
farm. He has been very successful in his work
wherever he has been, and he has also given con-
siderable attention to the raising of stock.
On Jan. 5, 1879, in Groton, Mr. Champlin was
united in marriage with Miss Lenora Estella Avers.
Mr. Champlin has followed in the footsteps of his
ancestors, and has taken a keen interest in public
affairs from the time of the casting of his first vote.
In political faith he is a stanch Republican. In
October, 1903, he was elected selectman ; from 1898
to 190 1 he was assessor, and for four years he
seiwed as constable; in 1902, 1903, 1904 and 1905
he was the representative from Stonington in the
State Legislature, where he gave most efficient
service as a member of the committee on Temper-
ance, and in his present term he is a member of
the committee on Banks. Fraternally he belongs
to the B. P. ( ). E. Thrift and progressiveness
have characterized Mr. Champlin's entire business
career, and in an official capacity he has ever dis-
played fidelity and trustworthiness to the duties im-
posed. Mr. Champlin is one of the substantial and
influential citizens of Stonington, and in whatever
community he is known commands the respect and,
esteem of all who know him.
JAMES MURRAY, a highly respected citizen,
and well-to-do and successful farmer, in Montville.
is of Scotch birth and parentage, his birth occurring
Dec. 31, 1831, in the Parish of Girvan, Ayrshire,
Scotland.
His grandparents, Gilbert Murray and his wife,
Jeannette Mcllrich, were farming people, and lived
and died in Scotland. Of their five children the
only one to emigrate was Gilbert, Jr., father of
James of this sketch.
Gilbert Murray was born in Colmonell. Scot-
land, and was all his life a farmer. He came to
America in 1855, a,1(l settled at first in Norwich.
After a year there he moved to Lisbon, where he
rented a farm which he carried on for about ten
years. He then bought a farm in Salem, Conn., on
which he lived until his death, which occurred April
14, 1886, when he was eighty-two years of ape. His
wife, Jeannette Murray, survived him until July 7,
i>-'<jr, when she passed away in Norwich. Gilbert
Murray was a good Republican, and during his res-
idence in Salem took an active part in town affairs,
serving as a member of the board of selectmen, and
holding other town offices. In the early seventies
he represented the town in the State Legislature for
two terms. He was of medium height, and of
GEXRALOGICAL AXD BIOGRAf'J 1 1CAL RECORD.
795
rather spare build, an industrious, hard-working
man, of a genial, jovial disposition, and highly re-
spected in the community in which he lived. The
children of Gilbert and Jeannette Murray were as
follows: ( i ) John, a retired farmer, living in Can-
terbury, Conn., married Sarah Lyon, and they have
one daughter. (2) Miss Jeannette is living in Nor-
wich, in the home of the late Henry Bill, where she
lias residel since November, [856. (3) James is
mentioned below. (4) Gilbert is living in Salem,
where he carries on the homestead farm. He mar-
ried Emeline Hurlbut, and they have no children.
(5) Thomas, a farmer in Salem, married Clara
( William^ 1 Sisson, and they have one son. (6)
William. ( decease'd ) was an Illinois farmer, lie
married Elizabeth Fisher, who bore him five chil-
dren, idis death occurred in February, 1877. "11
his fortieth birthday. (7) David, a retired farmer
in Illinois, married Helen Burnham, and they have
one son and one daughter. (8) Jane married John
Service, a paper maker, and is living in Norwich.
ldie\" have three children. (<j) Mary, living in Nor-
wich, married Archibald Torrance, a carpenter by
trade. They had three children. (10) Margaret
married John Henderson, who carries on a machine
shop in Waterbury, where they reside. ( )f their
four children, three sons are living. (11) Peter, a
carpenter, living in Norwich, married Eliza Mat-
thews, and they have two daughters. (12) Ellen,
(deceased) married Edwin Xiles. a farmer of
Salem. She died in December, 18X7. leaving a son
and a daughter. (13) Robert, a butcher by trade,
lives in Meriden, Conn. He married Lucy Hall,
and they have no children.
James Murray received a meagre education in
the schools of his native country, leaving the school
room at the age of ten to become a shepherd boy.
After a few months he began to work on a farm, and
continued to do various kinds of farm work while-
he remained in Scotland. ( )n June 19, [856, he and
his wife sailed from Glasgow on the "City of Edin-
burgh the second trip made by that steamer, land-
ing in New York after a pleasant voyage of seven-
teen days. They at once took passage on the ••Com-
monwealth." under Capt. Jerome W. Williams, for
Norwich, where Mr. Murray's parents were then
living. James Murray went to work immediately
on his father's farm, after a time obtaining a posi-
tion in the Chelsea paper mills, where he remained
two years. He then rented a farm in Preston,
Conn., for eighteen months, after which lie took
charge of the farm of the late Henry Bill, mi
Laurel Hill. Norwich, remaining in that position
ten years. He has in his possession a tine silver
watch presented to him by Mr. ['.ill for "faithful
service." After leaving Mr. Bill's employ ho
obtained a position overseeing the outside work
at Hubbard's paper millls, in Norwich, where he
remained twenty-six years. Resigning this posi-
tion March [6, [898, he bought the Mark Stoddard
farm of seventy-seven acres, located in Massapeag,
Montville, overlooking the Thames river. There he
ha- ever since been successfully engaged in farming.
On June 3, [856, Mr. Murray married Mary
Davidson, daughter of William and Elizabeth
(Howell) Davidson, farming people of Scotland,
where they lived and died. To Mr. and Mr-. Mur-
ray have been horn the following children: 1 i)
Eliza, horn Nov. 23. [857, in Norwich, unmarried
and living at home; (2) Jeannette, horn Now 15,
[859, in Preston, Conn., married Thomas Young, a
paper maker, of Norwich, where they live. They
have no children. (3) Mis- Mary, horn Oct. 17.
1861, in Norwich, is now living in Westchester,
N. Y. She is a trained nurse, a graduate of tin
New Haven Training School. 14) James, horn
Nov. jo. 1803, in Norwich, is a farmer in Tampico,
111. He married Emma Rourke, and they have no
children. (5) William, horn April 20. [866, in Nor-
wich, died aged five years and ten months. (6)
Frank Abbott, and 17) Frederick Wilbur (twins)
horn Oct. 1. 1870. in Norwich, where both died at
the age of seventeen months. 18) Walter, born April
2, 1874. in Norwich, unmarried, and living in Chi-
cago. He is a traveling salesman for a medical
supply house.
Mr. Murray is a stanch adherent of the Re-
publican party, hut is not an active politician. He
and his wife are members of the Fourth Congre-
gational Church, of Greeneville, Conn. They are
kindly and charitable people, and their pleasant
home, always open to their many friends, has also
a hospitable greeting for the stranger.
SHUBAEL HOLMES, a veteran of the Civil
war, and a representative farmer of Preston, Conn.,
where he hears the esteem of the community, was
horn Now 7. 1832. at Lebanon, Conn., and he is a
direct descendant in the eighth generation of Robert
Holmes.
( I ) Robert Holmes, the progenitor of the
Stoningfton Holmes family, who came to this town
before the town was named Stonington, and pur-
chased large tracts of land, and made this his |
manent place of abode, was registered there a- a
resident Dec. 25, 1070. He served in the Colonial
Indian wars. His wife is not known, nor i- there
any record of the date of his marriage, but he had
one child.
(II) Joshua Holmes, whose birth date does not
appear, was doubtless horn before his father settled
in Stonington. He was married. June 5. [675,
Abigail (Ingraham) Chesebrough, widow of
Samuel Chesebrough. He purchased land in
Westerly, R. I., upon which he built him a dwell-
ing house, and occupied it during his life. During
King Philip's War. he was a brave soldier. The
children horn to himself and wife were: Mary and
h ishua 1 2 ).
(III) Joshua Holme- 12). horn Aug. 20, [678,
in Westerly, R. I., married Nov. 21. [698, Fear
Sturges, daughter of Edward Sturges, of Yar-
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
mouth, Mass. Joshua Holmes (2) bought and re-
ceive;! large tracts of land at Stonington, upon
which he built a house, and he lived in it the re-
mainder of his life. His children were as follows:
Joshua, John, Abigail, Temperance, Thankful,
Thomas. Mary. Bethia, and Marvin.
(IV) Thomas Holmes, horn Jan. 19, 171 1, in
Stonington, Conn., married, Nov. 12, 1740, Mar-
garet Frink, and died April 9, 1796. The children
born to himself and wife were: Margaret, Thomas
(2), Jeremiah, Bethia, Samuel, Joshua, Nathan,
Molly, Lucy, Abigail and Marvin.
(V) Thomas Holmes (2), born April 28, 1744,
in Stonington. married March 15, 1764, Mary
Frink, and after her death, he married (second),
Nov. 24, 1767, Temperance Smith, of Groton, Conn.
His children all horn of his second marriage were:
Thomas, Shubael and Nathan.
(VI) Shubael Holmes, horn Aug. 2, 1769, in
Stonington, grandfather of our subject, married,
Jan. 22, 1792, Lois Brown, of Stonington, and their
children were: Shubael, horn Nov. 19, 1793: Polly,
born Jan. 22, 1796; Asher, born Sept. 11. 1800; and
Christopher, born Nov. 9, 1804.
(VII) Asher Holmes, born Sept. II, 1800, in
North Stonington, Conn., died Dec. 20. 1835. in
Yantic, town of Norwich, Conn. By occupation he
was a miller. From North Stonington he moved
to Windham, and was there engaged in running a
gristmill for several years. From there he went to
Lebanon, where he remained for some time, later
removing to Yantic. Conn., where he was engaged
for some time before his death, in teaming for the
Yantic mills. He married Phebe Brown, daughter
of Walter Brown, of Preston, Conn. After his
death. Mrs. Holmes moved to Greeneville, town of
Norwich, where she with her children lived for sev-
eral years. Later she removed to Mystic. Conn.,
and there died March 18. [861. Asher Holmes was
an industrious, hardworking man and one respected
by all who knew him. The children born to him
and his wife were: (1) Asher 1). married Almira
Corey, of Lebanon, Conn., and they had two chil-
dren, who died young, lie was killed during the
Civil war, June 15, 18(13. at Winchester. \'a.. while
he was a member of Company C. 18th Conn. V. I.,
in which he had enlisted Aug. 7. 1862. (2) Nathan
W. married Harriet M. Maynard, of Ledyard, and
had one son and one daughter. He was a painter
by trade, and died in Mystic, Conn. (3) 1 'belie A.
never married, but died at Mystic, Conn., aged sev-
enty-two years. (4) Sallie Maria died in Norwich
aged ten years. (5) Shubael is our subject.
(6) Erastus was a carpenter by trade, and died in
Stonington. He married Mary E. Shain, who with
one son survives and lives in Stonington.
Shubael Holmes was born in Lebanon, Conn.,
and when he was but an infant, his parents removed
to Yantic. He received his education at Greene-
ville, Preston and Norwich, he attending school
until about 1850, when he removed to Mystic, and
entered the Iron & Grinned ship yards, where he
learned the trade of ship carpenter. There he re-
mained working at his trade, until 1873, when he
removed to North Stonington, and purchased • the
Ellis Leonard farm of eighty-four acres, upon which
lie was engaged in farming for about nineteen years.
He then sold his farm in North Stonington, and re-
moved to Preston, buying the James Birch farm, of
fiftv acres, near Preston City, on Amos Lake. This
occurred in 1892, and since then he has been a res-
ident of this town, and is successfully engaged in
farming. Mr. Holmes is a member of Somerset
Lodge. No. 34. A. F. & A. A I., of Norwich.
In political belief, Mr. Holmes is a stanch
Democrat in national and State affairs, but in town
matters he votes for the man he believes best suited
for the place. While living in North Stonington,
he served his town as constable, and tax collector;
since coming to Preston, he has been registrar of
voters several terms.
( )n Sept. 4. 1864. Mr. Holmes was married to
Miss I!. Angeline Grey, daughter of Alva Grey, of
Preston, and three children have been born to them:
Nellie M.. born at Mystic, married Nathaniel Main,
of Preston, who was engaged in farming in Frank-
lin, until his death, and they had one son, Ernest
Nathaniel Main. R. W., born at Mystic, is unmar-
ried and lives at home. Phebe Jennie, born in North
Stonington, married Samuel E. Holdridge, of
Ledyard, where he is engaged in farming, and they
have two children, Samuel Archie and Ray Daniel.
During the Civil war, Mr. Holmes served his
country, enlisting Sept. 1, 18(12, in Company H,
26th Conn. V. 1., as a private. On Jan. 20, 1863,
he was promoted to the rank of corporal. He was
honorably discharged Aug. 17, 1863. at Norwich,
and for his gallant services he now receives a pen-
sion. When but a mere lad, Mr. Holmes was
thrown upon his own resources, and the success
which he has attained has been won by steady and
untiring endeavor, intelligently directed along legit-
imate channels. He has never let an opportunity
slip to better his condition, when he could do so
honorably, and he has always been willing to do
more than his part of hard work, his success being
excellent proof of the adage that "Honesty is the
best policy." Roth Mr. and Mrs. Holmes have many
friends, whom they welcome at their delightful
home with gracious and hearty hospitality.
ALBERT STAFF( )RD, a venerable and highly
respected citizen now living retired at Poquetanuck,
in the town of Preston, was for many years a hard
worker and closely applied himself to his business,
and, having always been provident, he is now enabled
to spend his latter years surrounded by the comforts
and luxuries secured by ample means.
The Stafford family is an old and numerous one
in Rhode Island, where Allen Stafford, father of
Albert, was born. The place of his birth was in
Warwick, and he followed through life the trade
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
7<)7
ctf a machinist, working in various places in Rhode
Island and Connecticut, and at Oxford, Mass. I lis
death occurred at the latter place, when he had at-
tained a good old age. His widow survived him
only two months, and both arc buried at Oxfordi
He was the father of eight children, as follows:
Christopher, horn Dec. 14, [808, was a boss carder
and died at Oxford, Mass.; Henry S., horn Jan.
3, i8r4. was a shoemaker and died at Plainfield ;
Lydia, born Nov. 8, 1815, married Joseph Preston,
a farmer, who died in Plainfield; Eliza, horn Oct.
7. [818, became the second wife of Joseph Preston ;
Albert was born Jan. 23, 182 1 : Rhodes, horn Dec
7, 1823, was a shoemaker, and enlisted from Boston
in a Massachusetts regiment of heavy artillery for
service in the Civil war; William Allen, horn July
28, 1826, resides at Oxford, Mass.; Hiram, born
Sept. 2. 1820. died at ( )xford, Massachusetts.
Albert Stafford was horn Jan. 23, 1821, at Plain-
field, Conn., and received the benefits of the public
schools until he was twelve years of age. when he
had to leave school to go to work in the Almyville
mills. His father was poor and there was a large
family to support, so it was necessary that the lad
hear his part. His work in the mill consisted of
helping dry the wool and doing other odd hits about
the mill, such as would fall to the share of a hoy of
his tender years. However, it was soon discovered
that in spite of his youth he was almost able to do
the work of any ordinary man. The wages paid at
that time were very small compared to those of
these days. Until 1841 he continued in those mills.
at that time removing to Yantic, and taking a posi-
tion with the Yantic Woolen Co.. beginning at a
salary of $16 per month, out of which he had to
pay his own hoard. Mr. Stafford worked in different
departments of the mill, finally becoming engineer
and machinist, and when he left, after spending over
a quarter of a century in their employ, he was re-
ceiving $3 per day, which was considered very good
in those days.
Soon after the close of the Civil war Mr. Staf-
ford resigned his position with the Yantic Woolen
Co., and, with a part of his savings, purchased an
interest in the factory of 15. Lucas & Co., atPoque-
tanuck, the partners being his brothers-in-law, and
in this mill Mr. Stafford passed the remainder of
his active business career, retiring about i&J/ he-
cause of his age. His part of the work in the mill
was to look after and keep in repair the machinery,
he being an expert machinist. He yet owns an in-
terest in the mill, which is one of the strong manu-
facturing concerns of the neighborhood.
On Feb. 27, 1843, Mr. Stafford was married, at
Yantic, to Martha Lucas, who was horn Aug. 4,
1825, in England, daughter of Samuel and Elizabeth
(Miles) Lucas. Mrs. Staffordpassed away March
22, [899, after a happy wcddedflife of over fifty-six
years. This couple celebrated "their golden wedding
anniversary in [893, a large number of their friends
attending, and they received many beautiful tokens
of a fleet ion. Two children were horn to them:
Eugene, who died at the age of nine months; and
Elizabeth, who married Albert L. Allen, and died
Feb. 1, [902, al East Norwich, leaving one daughter,
Mattie Stafford, horn June II, [88l, a charming
young lady.
In politics Mr. Stafford is a Democrat, but he
has never desired offi< e. He was one of the organiz-
ers of the old Yantic fire company, and served as
the first captain for a number of years. Only four
members of this company are now living. At one
time Mr. Stafford was a member of the Odd Fel-
lows. He attends St. James Episcopal Church at
Poquetanuck. Genial, courteous, kind and hospi-
table, he is esteemed by all who know him. The
success which has attended him is certainly well
merited, and perhaps he is as good an example of the
real self-made man as may he found in Xew London
county.
GEORGE HENRY HOXIE is a well known
citizen and enterprising farmer of Lebanon. He is
of a stock whose members have been more pleased
with the substantial rewards of the peaceful pur-
suits of agricultural life, than desirous of the un-
satisfactory honors of political success, and the
empty praise of political followers; and. consequently
they have been numbered among those who have
quietly, but none the less successfully developed the
country, in so doing making happy homes and hon-
orable names for themselves and their children.
The American progenitor of this stock, as shown
by records still existing, was Lodowick Hoxsie,
whose name and that of his family has been vari-
ously spelled, Hoxsie, Hoxsey, Hoxie, Hawksie
and Haxie. He was a native of England, and when
a young man, without the influence of wealth or
family, he left his native land to settle on the bleak
and rock-hound coast of Massachusetts, there to
brave the dangers of pioneer life among savage
beasts and more savage men, and build a home for
himself and his loved ones. Lodowick Hoxsie is
found living at Sandwich, Mass., 1604. In Decem-
ber, of that year, he married Mary Presbury, who is
supposed to have been a daughter of John Pres-
bury, and from this couple have sprung a numerous
lineage in both Massachusetts and Connecticut, and
the family is also represented in many other States
of the union.
Gideon Hoxie, a native of Rhode Island, came,
in 1794. to Lebanon, and purchased the farm now
occupied by his great-grandson. George H. Hoxie.
Here he resided until his death, which occurred
Feb. 13, 1827, he being seventy-four years ^\ age.
Amy. his wife, died April i, 1814. aged fifty-nine
years. Both are buried in a small cemetery on the
old homestead.
[saac Hoxsey, son of Gideon, horn in Rhode
Island, in 1780, came with his parents to Lebanon
when he was fourteen years old. He. too. was a
farmer. Politically he was a Democrat. He mar-
798
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
rial Cynthia Loomis, and died Oct. 28, 1848. She
died Nov. 2~, 1864. Their children were: Mary
Ann. who married Daniel Blanchard, a farmer,
who resided in Lebanon, where both died ; Gideon,
the father of ( George H. Hoxie. and Abby Jane,
who married Joshua Tracy, who kept a hotel in
Franklin for many years. He subsequently moved to
Monson, Mass., and dealt in real estate. She died
at Monson.
Gideon Hoxie was born March 9, 1808, and re-
ceived a common school education. He remained
on his father's farm until 1837. and then went to
Franklin and became a partner in the hotel busi-
ness with his brother-in-law, Joshua Tracy. Sub-
sequently he made the journey to" the West and pur-
chased horses, and returning to Connecticut located
at South Coventry, where for six years he was en-
gaged in teaming. After another trip West for
horses, he settled on a farm at Liberty Hill, where
he remained until the death of his mother in 1864,
During the next eight years he did not engage in
any business. In 1873 he bought out the interests
of the other heirs in the old homestead, upon which
he settled and carried on farming until his death
Aug. 16. 1890. In 1879-80 he erected the handsome
residence which now ornaments the farm. He was
a member of the Democratic party. In religion he
inclined toward L niversalism. For many years
before his death he was deaf, a misfortune that kept
him out of public life. He was over six feet in
height, of spare build, weighing about two hundred
and ten pounds, and was a powerful man. capahle
of doing an immense amount of hard work. He
was an industrious and successful citizen.
On June 9, 1856, Gideon Hoxie married Mrs.
Phylura O. Mason, widow of Edward Mason, and
daughter of Edmond and Wealthia (Loomis) Stiles.
She died at Liberty Hill, Oct. 13. i860, aged forty-
six. By her marriage with Mr. Mason she had the
following named children : James F., of Franklin ;
Nancy F., of Lebanon ; George Edward, who died
at the age of four years ; William Alfred, who en-
listed in the Civil war, at the age of seventeen, and
died six months later; and Jeremiah, who died at
the age of four months. By her marriage to Gideon
Hoxie. our subject was the only child.
George Henry Hoxie, the only child of Gideon
and Phylura (Mason) Hoxie, was born Dec. 31.
1858. at Liberty Hill, in the town of Lebanon, and
was sixteen years old when his father moved to the
present homestead. His education was obtained
in the district schools, the Norwich Grammar
School, in private schools, and Wilbraham Acad-
emy. At the close of his school life he returned to
the farm which has since been his home. He man-
aged the farm for his father, and for two years,
before the great packing concerns absorhed the
trade, he did a large business in the wholesaling and
retailing of beef, for which purpose he bought
large numbers of cattle in Massachusetts. Xew York
and Canada. He has a good farm on which he keeps
fine high-grade Jersey cattle. He also owns con-
siderable real estate in Lebanon. Besides farming
he is also engaged in buying apples and potatoes
from the producers, and selling them, to commission
merchants in the cities.
On Nov. 20, 1884, George H. Hoxie married
Lucie A. Williams, born Aug. 28, 1861. in Xew Lon-
don, daughter of William A. and Jane (Stoddard)
Williams. The children of this union are: George
Hammond, born Feb. 22, 1892; Allan Williams,
born April 3, 1893; and Wilton Henry, born Feb.
16, 1897.
Mr. Hoxie is a member of Oliver Woodhouse
Lodge, Xo. 51, Knights of Pythias, of Colchester,
and has had the honor of filling all the chairs of
his lodge. He is also a member of Wooster Lodge,
Xo. 10, A. F. & A. M., of the same place. Mr.
Hoxie is a Republican. He is content to do his
duty as a private citizen and does not care for
office. He is energetic and successful in husiness,
and has a good estate. His lodge membership is
ample evidence of the fact that he is fraternal. He
has a wide acquaintance, is popular and a leading
man among his associates. The family attend the
Congregational Church.
CHARLES H. DAWLEY, town clerk of the
town of Colchester, and junior member of the fur-
niture and undertaking firm of P. A. Dawley &
Son. belongs to an old and honorable family of
Rhode Island.
Daniel Dawley. his great-grandfather, was a
resident of South Kingston, Rhode Island.
Benjamin Dawley, his grandfather, was born
May 27. 1789, and was one of a large family. He
was born at Kingston, where he learned the trade
of carpenter, and resided in his native town until
after his marriage, when he removed to the Harris
factor}- village, in the town of Coventry, about 1826.
Here he was employed in the Harris mill, doing the
repair work that came in his line. For over thirty
years he lived in that place, and during the greater
part of the time was employed in the mill. After
he retired from active work he resided for a time
in Providence, later in East Greenwich, R. I.,
where he died at the age of sixty years ; he was
buried at Kingston. In politics he was a Whig". He
was a member of the Baptist Church.
( >n April 26, 1814, Benjamin Dawley married
at North Scituate, R. I., Rebecca Potter, born April
26. 179 1, who survived him a number of years, dy-
ing at Bristol, R. I., aged seventy-seven years.
Their children were: Louisa, born Aug. 22, 1815,
married Irving Potter, and died in Harris, R. I. ;
Benjamin, born Oct. 20, 1816, died in Hope, R. I.;
Sarah and Royal, twins, were born Jan. 31, 1818;
the former married William Tanner and died in
Providence, and the latter resides at Bristol: James
M., born Nov. 26. 1820, removed to the State of
Wisconsin and died there; Horace F.. born March
10, 1822. died at Bristol, R. I. : Jesse B., born May
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
799
27, 1824, died at Stockton, Wis.; John, born July
8, [826, resided in Stockton for a time, later re-
moved to Vermont, and died there; La Fayette, born
July 17, 182S, died in Coventry, K. I.; Peleg A.,
was b< m July 3, 183d; Daniel, horn Nov. 29, 1832,
died at Bristol, R. I.: Elizabeth, born July 29, 1835,
married (first) Thomas 1'. Bowler, and (second)
Darius Phillips, and is now a widow, living at
Bristol.
Peleg A. Dawley was born in the town of Cov-
entry, R. I., and was afforded verv limited school
opportunities. At the age of seven years he went
to work in the Harris factory, at a time when four
of his older brothers were employed there, and the
combined wages of the four boys was $2 per week,
this amount being paid to the father for their board.
The length of a working day in the factory was, in
the summer season, from early morning until late
evening-, or as long as the work people could see
without artificial light, beginning about daylight
and not finishing before eight o'clock. Those were
long before the days of child labor laws, and smack
unpleasantly of the grinding of human flesh and the
stunting of bodies and minds. Peleg remained at
home until the age of seventeen, when he went to
Providence, and was there employed for a year as
caretaker of some property belonging to some
maiden ladies. He then apprenticed himself to
learn the carpenter's trade, with the firm of Rice &
Dawley, one of the members being his brother
Jesse. His wages were $30 per year and board. He
was apt in picking up the trade and soon was able
to do as much work as his masters. After four
months he went to Warwick, R. I., where he was
employed for some eighteen months, until 1851, in
which year he came to Colchester, in the employ of
a Mr. Smith, who engaged him to erect a house for
his uncle. Deacon Thomas L. Smith. He remained
in Colchester about three years, and then went to
Jacksonville, 111., where he remained from April
to November, 1854. While there he worked at his
trade and assisted in the construction of several of
the public buildings of that place.
In November, 1854, Mr. Dawley went to Stock-
ton, Portage Co.. Wis., where two of his brothers
resided, a large part of the trip being made by
-1 ige. He remained in the West and Northwest
about six years, upon his return to Colchester being
employed at his trade until his enlistment in Com-
pany C. 24th Connecticut Volunteers, in August,
1861, under Capt. A. G. hitch and Col. Mansfield.
He enlisted for the nine months' service and the
regiment was sent to the vicinity of New Orleans.
He participated in the siege of Port Hudson and in
the engagement at Irish [lend, between New Or-
leans and Port Hudson. After the latter place sur-
rendered the regiment was located for about six-
weeks on Shi]) Island, and then proceeded to New
( )rleans and did garrison duty until ordered home
and discharged," in September, [863, at Middletown,
Conn. After his return from the army Mr. Dawley
continued working at his trade of carpenter until
about [869, when he entered the emplo) of I'. R.
Strong, who conducted a furniture and undertaking
business, and remained with him until 1S74, when
he purchased the business. He remodeled the orig-
inal si.. re building and later erected a line business
and tenement block adjoining. In [890 he took his
only son into partnership, and the firm is the well
known one of P. A. Dawley & Sou. They carry a
well select i'd line of furniture and are also engaged
in the undertaking business.
Mr. Dawley was married ( first 1 in Colchester to
Elizabeth II., daughter of James ( His. of Colches-
ter, and she died April 24, 1874. aged forty-two
years. The children of this marriage were Charles
H. and Rebecca Crace. The latter born June 14,
1858. at Stockton, Wis., married James S. Case, a
traveling salesman, resides at Colchester, and has
had these children: Amos, Robert (deceased),
Elizabeth (deceased), Erank. George. James, and
Charles and Joseph D. (both deceased). Mr. Daw-
ley married for his second wife Eliza A. Cary, a na-
tive of Lewiston, Maine, daughter of Samuel Cary,
and they have two children. Florence Isabella and
Josephine Amelia.
Mr. Dawley takes but little interest in political
matters. He votes the Republican ticket on na-
tional issues, but in local affairs supports the best
man. He is a member of the Baptist Church, hav-
ing united with the same at Stevens Point, Wis. He
is a kind-hearted, pleasant man. and is held in the
highest esteem by all. He has accumulated a large
property, entirely through his own efforts.
Charles H. Dawley was horn July 30, 1856, at
Stockton. Wis., and was an infant when his parents
returned to Connecticut. His education was ob-
tained in the public schools of Colchester and at
Bacon Academy. In young manhood he worked at
the carpenter's trade and at factory work until
April, 1874, when he entered the employ of his
father, who had lately acquired the business above
mentioned. He continued in his lather's employ
until 1890. when he became a partner and the firm
assumed the name by which it is still known.
In Colchester, March 2^. 1881. Mr. Dawley mar-
ried Lucy A. Fox, daughter of John and Dorcas
(Reynolds) Fox. In politics he is an ardent Re-
publican. In 1892 he was appointed town clerk to
succeed George Bingham, and at each subsequent
election has been his party's choice, and is also
treasurer of the First school district. In 1901 he
represented the town of Colchester in the Legisla-
ture and served ably on the committee on Claims.
Fraternally Mr. Dawley is a member of Wooster
Lodge, Xo. 10, A. F. & A. M., and of Willimantic
Chapter. No. 9. P. A. M.. and has held many offi-
cial positions in the lodge, including that of master;
he is now secretary, and has three times been a del-
egate' to the Grand Lodge. Main years ago he
united with the Colchester M. E. Church, of which
he has served as treasurer for a number of years
8oo
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
and is now recording secretary. He is one of the
leading men of the town, and deservedly popular
with all classes.
CAPT. IRA F. LEWIS. There is probably no
more popular citizen of Jewett City, nor one more
keenly interested in the growth and development of
public institutions, than Mr. Lewis, the efficient
proprietor of the "Jewett City Hotel," and present
warden of the borough. For fully thirty-eight years
he has been in business here and for thirty-six years
in his present employment. By his lon^ and inti-
mate association with the most intelligent men of
his section, by extensive travel, and a natural taste
for good literature, he has acquired a large fund of
information, which he has the inherent ability to
apply wisely, so as to benefit the general public.
He is descended from one of the old and prominent
Colonial families.
( 1 ) John Lewis was one of the original pur-
chasers and settlers at Misquamicut (Westerly),
R. I., in 1661, lived there, and died in 1690. His
children were Jonathan, who was of Westerly and
Huntington. N. Y. ; and John, Daniel. lames, Da-
vid, Israel, Samuel and Dorcas, all of Westerly.
(II) Samuel Lewis died in 1739, and his wife
Joanna in 1734.
(III) Jonathan Lewis, of Exeter, R. I., died
there in 1785. He was a man of wealth, held town
offices, etc. His five sons were: John, Jonathan.
Caleb, Thomas and Sylvester.
( IV) Jonathan Lewis was born in Exeter, where
he lived and died, and where he was prominent in
town affairs. He married (first) Sarah Barber, and
(second) Mrs. Patience Turgee.
(V) Great-grandfather John Lewis, of Rich-
mond, Exeter and Coventry, born in Richmond,
Nov. 10, 1747, died in Coventry April 13, 1833.
He was a prosperous farmer and miller, owning at
one time 400 acres of land. He married (first)
Amey, daughter of Gibbie Sweet Sheldon, and (sec-
ond), March 17, 1808, Mary Tanner. His sons,
all by his first marriage, were: Benjamin, horn in
Exeter ( )ct. 14, 177^, who married, in 1803, Hulda
King, and he died in Coventry March 18, 1856;
Jonathan, born in Coventry, who evidently made his
home in some other town ; and John, born in 1786.
(VI) Grandfather John Lewis, son of John, was
born in 1786 in Coventry, R. I., where he made his
home for many years. During his young manhood
he married a Miss Jordan, who survived him and
contracted a second marriage. Among the first
children was Caleb, who is mentioned below. By
the second union there were several children.
( VII) Caleb Lewis, father of Ira F., born in
Coventry, R. I.. Aug. 22, 1809, was well known in
Jewett City and vicinity, where he was engaged in
business for some time and also in the development
of the agricultural resources of that section. Though
he became an orphan at an early age he received
careful rearing in the home of his grandfather in
Coventry, being trained to those habits of indus-
try and painstaking which had not a little to do with
his future success in life. In 1837 ne married Pa-
tience Johnson, who was born in' Coventry, R. I.,.
Aug. 26, 1819, youngest child of George Johnson,
of that town, who died in 1823, leaving a widow,
three sons and four daughters. Mr. and Airs. Lewis
had nine children: Mary J., who married Stephen
A. Green, of Plainfield, and after his death, Edwin
L. Ingraham, died in October, 1872. Henry W.,
who died Sept. 27, 1904, and Rhodes K. were twins.
Ira F. is mentioned below. James E. and Emma
M. were twins; the first named resides in Worces-
ter, Mass. : and the latter, who married Charles
( )lin ( who died in August, 1904), is living in Jewett
City. Edgar L. died during an accident received
in Boston, in August, 1892. Ida A. married Al-
fred P. Barrett, of Norwich. Charles L. resides at
Sterling, Connecticut.
During his early manhood Mr. Lewis settled
on a farm in Plainfield, Conn., where he engaged
very successfully in agriculture for five years. Sub-
sequently he conducted a prosperous business in
Sterling, remaining there for three years. In 1853
he moved to Jewett City, and afterward made his
home there and in that vicinity. He first secured a
position in the mill of J. & W. Slater of that city,
where, proving himself a most competent and trust-
worthy employe, he remained nine years. Deciding,
however, at the end of this period, to engage in busi-
ness by himself, he purchased a span of horses and
began teaming. Possessed of plenty of push and
energy, he made his new enterprise thoroughly pay-
ing, and continued in it for some time. During the
same period he also engaged in farming, at which
he had more than once proved himself an adept,
thus largely increasing his income. He remained
in Jewett City until his death, which occurred in
Griswold Sept. 12, 1886. As a man of force and
sterling worth he was highly respected in his com-
munity.
Hon. Ira F. Lewis is what one may truly call
a self-made man. As a boy deprived of the best
educational advantages, he has, nevertheless, by
close observation and by mingling with Mien of the
world, attained a really high degree of culture. He
was born on the Plainfield farm May 20, 1845, hut
spent most of his boyhood in Sterling and Jewett
City, where he attended school. At the early age
of eight, however, he was obliged to leave school
and was put to work in the Slater mill. Though
the long hours and the steady application to busi-
ness were pretty hard for a child of his years, he
laced the situation bravely, and here devloped those
powers of self-assertion and free and easy compan-
ionship with superiors which have served him many
a good turn in later year?. At the age of twenty-
one, with the assistance of his father, he was pre-
pared to start in business for himself, and opened
in Jewett City a fruit and confectionery store. Car-
rying a high grade of goods, he readily worked up
y*/ 't7^%£^2*f
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
801
a paying custom, and continued the trusim I two
years. Perceiving, however, during this time a good
opening in the hotel-keeping line, he purchased, in
1868, with the aid of his father, a moderate-sized
building, which stood on the site of the present more
commodious one. and embarked in business. His
ready ability to make friends and bis courteous en-
tertainment of strangers made bis place a popular
resort from the first, and, exercising wisdom in his
service and in the employment of help, he was en-
abled to make it pay. In 1878 the old building
burned down, but he promptly replaced it by a more
commodious structure, and one more nearly fulfill-
ing the needs of his enlarged patronage. This, bow-
ever, became in time too small for his guests, and in
1896 he made new additions, and improved it in
other respects. It occupied a ground space of 93
by 50 feet, was four stories high, and contained
fortv-one large rooms. It was finished and fur-
nished so as to meet the needs of the most fastidious,
anil its dining room would have done credit to a
town several times the size of Jewett City. In Jan-
uarv, KjO-p the building was entirely destroyed by
fire, and has been replaced by a fine brick structure.
Besides attending to bis hotel Mr. Lewis has from
time to time engaged in contract building, at which
he has been very successful. The handsome school-
house recently erected at a cost of $26,000 was
under his direction and is a lasting evidence of bis
ability as a builder.
( )n May 13, 1861;. Mr. Lewis married Lydia
Sweet, daughter of James and Mary (Clark)
Sweet, and they have bad two children: A son
who died in infancy; and Sadie F., who is now a
voting woman and resides at borne.
Capt. Lewis has throughout bis career mani-
fested a large interest in everything pertaining to
the welfare of his town. An enthusiastic supporter
oi the military organization of bis place, be served
as captain of Company H, 3d Regiment, for three
years. As a liberal Democrat be is influential in
politics, and in 1897 represented Griswold in the
State Legislature, where be acted with much ef-
ficiency on the committee on Military Affairs. Fra-
ternally be belongs to the I. O. O. F. and is Past
Chancellor of the K. of P. Mr. Lewis has always
kept himself well posted upon the topics of the day,
has been for years an ardent student of American
history, and, possessing a retentive memory, is
aide to discuss questions of public interest with the
most learned. His arguments are forceful and con-
vincing, and carry much weight in his community.
Shrewd business insight, a remarkable ability to
make friends, and a magnetic enthusiasm in anv
cause which lie may espouse, are among the dom-
inant features of the man.
The Bwe t family, to which Mrs. Lewis belongs,
i> one of the oldest anil most respected in New
England. John Sweet, the first American repre-
sentative of bis line, came from Wales to ibis coun-
try in 1630, and settled at the foot of Ridge Hill,
51
in North King-ton, R. 1. There be married Man,
daughter of John Greene, and their children, all
born in North King-ton, were: Philip, James, Mary,
Benoni, Valentine, Samuel, Jeremiah, Renewed and
Sylvester.
Elisba Sweet, grandfather of Mrs. Lewis, re-
sided in Kingston, R. 1.. where be was well known
and highly esteemed, lie married Martha Sher-
man, and they bad four children who grew to ma-
turity: Giffie, who married ( dcorge Place: Elisha;
Amy, who became the wife of George Hudson; and
James.
James Sweet, father of Mrs. Lewis, married
Mar) Clark, daughter of David and Patience Clark,
and of their children four grew to maturity: Will-
iam L., who at the age of eighteen enlisted in the
Civil war, was killed at the battle of Port Hud-
son. Lydia is mentioned above. Sarah married
James M. Young. Mary, the wife of William II.
Baker, resides in Warren, R. I. Mr. and Mrs.
Sweet are now deceased.
David Clark, the maternal grandfather of Mrs.
Lewis, born April 26, 1744, resided in Hopkinton,
R. I. He was married twice, his second wife being
Patience Clarke, who was born Nov. 15, 1762, daugh-
ter of Daniel Clarke. Grandfather Clark died May
T, 1830. and bis second wife Sept. 16, 1844. By his
first marriage he had eight children: Joshua, born
Feb. 26, 1772: Ephraim, April 27, 1773: Wait. Dec.
20, T774: William. May 18, 1776; Joseph. Oct. 30,
i77<); James. May 27, 1781 ; Anne. Jan. 18. 1784:
and Susannah. Aug. 30, 1785. By the second mar-
riage there were two children: Daniel: and Mary,
the mother of Mrs. Lewis.
HON. JAMES II. FINN, one of the represen-
tative citizens of New London county, the leading
general merchant at Jewett City, and one who has
been identified for years with official life, was born
June 7. 1856, at Medway, Norfolk Co., Mass., son
of Daniel Finn.
Daniel Finn was horn in Roscommon count v,
Ireland, which locality he left in young manhood
and came to America, locating first at Norwich,
Conn. He worked in the mills here for a time, and
then secured the same employment at Medway.
Mass. Several years later he returned to the Nor-
wich mills, in which he remained until [866, when
be removed with bis family to Jewett City, and be-
came watchman at the Ashland mills. I lis trust-
worthy character made him highly valued there,
and he kept the position until bis death Feb. i_\
[899. lie was a consistent member of the Catholic
Church, and was buried in the Catholic cemetery at
Jewett City. In politics be always supported the
principles of the Democratic party.
In Norwich. Daniel Finn married Hannah Cav-
anaugb. a native of bis own land, born in Galway,
Ireland, who still survives, residing at Jewetl City,
where she is valued in the Catholic Church. Three
of the children oi Daniel Finn and bis wife died in
802
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
infancy, the others being: James II.. of this sketch ;
Hannah, wife of Dennis Barnett of Jewett City ;
and Daniel F., of Jewett City.
James H. Finn was ten years old when his par-
ents located at Jewett City, and at this age he began
work in the Ashland mills, having attended school
previously. His salary was fixed at $2.50 a week,
and he faithfully performed the duties required of
him, and was happy in contributing to his own
support. When he had been employed here about
a year, he met with a serious accident. His right
arm was caught by some moving machinery, and
was so injured before he was rescued, that amputa-
tion was necessary. Passing over with genuine
sympathy the physical sufferings, how appalling
must have been the disaster which deprived a child
of eleven years of so useful a member! This acci-
dent made him no longer useful as a wage earner,
and he was sent to the district schools, later to the
Free Academv at Norwich, where he was graduated
in 1878.
Still ambitious the student then became a teacher
and spent one year at the profession, and then em-
barked in a mercantile business, beginning in a
small way. His close attention to the wants of his
customers, and his genial pleasant manners, soon
won the confidence and patronage of the people of
Jewett City. He met them more than half way, and
as his means increased, gave his customers more
advantages and soon in a most legitimate way. built
up a large and thriving business. It has developed
into one of the leading business enterprises of Jewett
City, and still has at its head the same pleasant,
affable, obliging and honest man who established it
more than twenty years ago. His friends made
then are still his friends, and each year has added
to the number.
In iS(;8 Mr. Finn completed the erection of the
three story brick block, known as the Finn Block,
the largest and most imposing in Jewett City, it
including three stores, the post office, the Opera
House and various offices.
In 1 89 1 Mr. Finn was elected to the State Legis-
lature on the Democratic ticket, but as that was
what will go down in history as "the year of the
deadlock." no business was done. He has filled
many local offices, has been town clerk and treas-
urer for two terms; has been justice of the peace
and tax collector. In 1885 Mr. Finn was appointed
by President Cleveland postmaster at Jewett City,
and he served in that position for four years with
general >atisfaction. A change in administration
made a change in the incumbent, but upon the
return of Mr. Cleveland to the White House, Mr.
Finn, in 1893, was re-appointed postmaster, and
completed his second term of four years, his service
closing again with the defeat of his party. In 1898
he was elected selectman of the town of Griswold,
and served as chairman of the board until October,
1904. He has long been one of the leaders of the
party, but in official position has known no political
division, attending to his duties with fidelity and
due regard for the welfare of the public.
Mr. Finn has always worshipped with his
mother, in the Catholic Church, and his benefac-
tions to it have always been as liberal as his means
would permit. Fraternally he belongs to the Xew
England ( )rder of Protection ; the A. O. U. W. ;
and the Catholic Benevolent Legion.
CHARLES D. WHITE, manufacturer of Nor-
wich, was born Nov. 12, 1861, in Winchendon,
Mass., youngest son of Nelson D. and Julia Davis
(Long) White, and grandson of Deacon Joseph
White, who was one of the pioneer cotton manu-
facturers of New England. Charles D. White de-
scends from Colonial stock, his first paternal ances-
tor in America, Thomas White, coming hither in
1666, and settling at Charlestown, Mass. A very
elaborate genealogy of this family was issued in
1902, by Joseph Nelson White, of Winchendon
Springs, Mass., a brother of Charles D. White, an
edition designed for private distribution only. In
the maternal line Mr. White traces his ancestry
back to an old New England family. His mother
was an elder sister of Hon. John D. Long, ex-gov-
ernor of Massachusetts and ex-secretary of the
Navy. Mr. White's father was one of the well
known and successful cotton manufacturers of New-
England. His death occurred in New York City
March 12. 1889.
Charles D. White has practically grown up in
the manufacturing business. At once after his
graduation from Worcester Academy, in 1882, he
entered upon the line of manufacturing which he
has followed ever since. Beginning at the bottom,
that he might acquire a practical knowledge of the
various branches of the business, he filled various
positions of responsibility in his father's employ.
In May, 1891, Mr. White became agent of tfte
Uncasville Manufacturing Company, at Montville,
Conn., an establishment that has been transformed
from an idle plant into a highly prosperous one,
of almost double capacity. In 1897 the Versailles
Mill, in the town of Lisbon, was purchased by this
company, and thoroughly equipped with new ma-
chinery. The product of these mills is denim, ex-
clusively, and amounts to about 7,000,000 yards an-
nually. In 1899 Mr. White became the owner of
these two mills. While comparativelv a young man
he has demonstrated his ability in his line of busi-
ness and has taken a foremost position among the
successful manufacturers of Connecticut.
A business man in the fullest sense of the word,
Mr. White's interest in political matters is simply
that of a public spirited citizen. He is a Republican
in sentiment. He resided in Montville until 1899,
when he purchased the residence on Broadway,
Norwich, where he has since lived. Mr. White
married Miss Edith R. Noyes, of North Andover,
Mass.. and they have two children, Margaret Davis
and Mary Noyes.
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
8< .3
CALKINS. The Calkins family of New Lon-
don county, of whom the lion. Arthur I'.. Calkins
is a representative, trace their history in this country
for nine generations, from 1640 to the present time,
the line of descent being as follows:
1 1 ) Hugh Calkins, horn in 1600 at Chepstone, in
Monmouthshire, England, came to Gloucester,
Mass., in 1640, bringing with him his wife and chil-
dren. At that place he was a selectman and deputy
to the General Court. He removed to New London
about 1651, where he was also a deputy to the
General Court. In 1660 he located in Norwich, and
was one of the thirty-five proprietors of that town.
He was several times chosen deputy to the General
Court from Norwich. Conn., and died in [690, at
the advanced age of ninety years. His children
were: John, David, Rebecca, Sarah, Mary, Snsan
and Deborah.
(II) David Calkins married Mary, daughter
of Thomas Bliss, of Xorwich, and settled at New
London, where he died Nov. 25, 1717. His children
were: David. July 5, 1674 :' Anne, Nov. 8, 1676;
Jonathan. Jan. 9, 1679; Peter, Oct. 9, 1681 : John;
Mary; Joseph, baptized Nov. 3, 1694: Lydia, bap-
tized Aug. 9, 1696 ; and Anne ( 2 ).
(III) Lieut. Jonathan Calkins, Jan. 9, 1679,
married, Dec. 11, 1700, Sarah Turner, horn Oct.
.28, 1683, daughter of Ezekiel and Susannah
(Keeney) Turner, of Xew London. They settled
at Xew London, where she died Aug. 15, 1718, and
he married Dec. 8, 1719, Anne Pember. His chil-
dren, all born to the first marriage, were : Jonathan,
Sept. 6, 1701 ; Sarah, July 11, 1703: Hannah, July
20, 1705: Amos, Oct. 14, 1708; Grace, June 23,
171 1 ; and Thomas.
(IV) Amos Calkins, Oct. 14. ^708, married in
October, 1730, Mary Calkins, born May 15, 1709,
daughter of Thomas Calkins, and settled at Xew
London where he died June 23, 1775. and his wife
died there May 16, 1775.
(V) Dr. Daniel Calkins, born Sept. <;. 1740. in
Xew London, married Mary Chap; ell. who died May
23- 1777- and he married (second). Jan. 1. 1778,
widow Elizabeth (Smith) Moore. Three daughters
were born of the first marriage. Eunice. Hannah
and Esther. The following were horn to the second
marriage: Ethelinda : Daniel H. : William S. ;
Amos: Samuel: Elisha C, and Betsey. The father
of this family died June 19. 1791. from injuries
resulting from a kick of a horse.
(VI) Elisha C. Calkins married March 6, [816,
Abby Chapman, born Nov. 23. 1794. in East 1 lad-
dam. Conn., daughter of Hon. Isaac and Abigail
Chapman, of East Haddam. After their marriage
the young people resided at East Lyme. Conn., and
their children were: Elizabeth A.. Sept. H). 1817:
Juliet G., Feb. 2T,, 1820, died young: Epaphras C.
March [6, 1823: Daniel. Aug. 2?, 1825: Swab L.,
Feb. 22. 1828: Caroline S.. Oct. 8, 1830: and Fran-
ces Ann, June 7, 1836.
1 \ II) Dan'el Calkins, M. D., was horn Aug.
25, 1825. in the village of Flanders, in a house in
which his father was horn, and where his grand-
father Dr. Daniel Calkins lived and died. Dr.
Daniel Calkins, the younger, obtained his early edu-
cation in the schools of Lyme, and Bacon Academy
at Colchester. When about fifteen years of age he
was induced by a romantic friend to ship before the
mast on hoard a whaling vessel "Avis," ('apt. < iil-
bert Pendleton commanding. The craft was beached
on the coast of Two Peoples Bay, Xew Holland,
and the young fellow was left destitute without
friends or money. He shipped again to Hobart
'town, Tasmania, and at that place was taken in
charge by the American Consul. After staying
there about four years, he shipped in the company
of Two Peoples Bay whalers, and was in Honolulu
for a time, remaining from home about five years
in all. At last he returned and began the study of
medicine, attending the College of Physicians and
Surgeons. Xew York City. In 1850 Dr. Calkins
began the practice of medicine in the town of East
Lyme, and early in his practice showed himself not
only well trained for his profession, but possessing
personal qualities which were sure to win for him
the confidence of his patients. In October. 1850,
he married Elizabeth M., daughter of Nehemiah
Calkins, who died July 15, 1889. Three sons were
born of this union, two of whom died in infancy.
Dr. Calkins became a Mason in 1853, and attained
the 32d degree. For over forty years he was a
Knight Templar, and was one of the first in this en-
campment. He held the office of grand commander
of the Grand Commandery of Connecticut, and in
1892 was sent to the Grand Encampment in Colo-
rado, and he has attended other encampments in
various parts of the United States. In the town
affairs of East Lyme he was also prominent, being
town clerk for more than fifteen years, justice of
the peace eighteen years, judge of probate seven
years, and a member of the school committee many
years. His death occurred in East Lyme, March
25, 1901.
(VIII) Arthur r>. Calkins was horn April
20, 1867, in East Lyme, and was carefully educated
in the public schools and prepared for college, but
was prevented from entering on account of his
health.
On April [6, [895, Mr, Calkins was married to
Clara I. Jerome, who died Feb. 15. [901, leaving
him three children. Dorothy J.. Elizabeth and
Clara J.
Mr. Calkins studied law with A. C. Lippitt. of
Xew Condon, and Jan. 11. [899, he was admitted
to the Bar, and for the past fourteen years has been
retained in special cases in many important suits.
His office is located in Xew London, where he
enjoys a large and lucrative practice. In politics
Mr. Calkins is a Democrat, and was elected to the
State Legislature from Easl Lyme in [896, and in
[901, by a large majority. The Democratic members
of the house elected him their leader in [897 and
8oi
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
1901, and he filled this exacting position with skill
and consummate ability. Mr. Calkins has held
many positions of trust and responsibility, having
been town clerk of East Lyme for eight years; for
four years was clerk of the Probate Court ; member
of the Legislature in 1893, and served on the com-
mittee on Banks, acting as its clerk. In 1897 he
was again elected to the Legislature and appointed
on the Committee on the Judiciary, and was chair-
man of the committee on New Counties and County
Seats. In 1901 he was again elected, and was the
efficient chairman of two important committees, Re-
vision of Statutes and Fisheries and Game, and a
member of the joint committee on Rules. In 1903
he was the Democratic candidate for Secretary of
State.
Fraternally Mr. Calkins is a Mason, and is
past master of Bay View Lodge, No. 120, F. & A.
M., a Knight Templar, a member of Pyramid Tem-
ple, Mystic Shrine, and served three years as dis-
trict deputy of the Grand Lodge of Masons of Con-
necticut. He is also past grand of the I. O. O. F.
Mr. Calkins was married Nov. 9, 10,04, to Alfa
Curtis Barber, only daughter of Mr. and Mrs.
Thomas L. Barber, of South Framingham, Mass.,
and has now taken up his residence in New London,
although he retains the old family home in East
Lyme as his summer residence.
HENRY NELS( >N FORD, one of the substan-
tial farmers and most highly esteemed citizens of
Bozrah, New London county, is a native of that
locality, born Nov. t8, 1836, on l.ashan Hill.
Joseph Ford, his grandfather, was a farmer,
and resided in Bozrah, where he died. He was
twice married, and by the first union had two sons
and one daughter. For his second wife he mar-
ried Rebecca Bradford, who survived him, reach-
ing the age of ninety, and they had nine children :
(1) Joseph, who was a farmer in Bozrah, married
(first) Nabby Leffingwell and (second) Pama
Lathrop. (2) Benjamin also married twice. He
lived at Greeneville, New London county. (3)
Samuel Sherwood, father of Henry X., is mentioned
below. (4) Hannah never married. (5) Parthena
married Charles Avery, a carpenter and farmer,
and they resided in Bozrah. (6) Sarah became the
wife of Joseph Leffingwell, and resided in Westches-
ter, Conn. (7) Eleanor never married. (8) Millie
married Amos Gardner, and resided in Bozrah. (9)
Eunice married John Leffingwell, of Bozrah.
Samuel Sherwood Ford was born in Bozrah and
passed all his life in that town. Agriculture was
his life work, and he received a thorough training
on the home farm, where he lived until a year after
his marriage. He then moved to a farm near his
uncle Joseph, which he acquired partly by inherit-
ance and partly by purchase, and lived there a num-
ber of years, after which he bought a farm on
Bashan Hill, in Bozrah, where he passed the re-
mainder of his davs. He was a hard-working1 man.
and prospered in his agricultural operations, being
quite well-to-do at the time, of his death, which oc-
curred July 20, 1850, when he was fifty-four- years
old. Mr. Ford devoted himself to his farm work,
and took no active part in public affairs, caring
nothing for official honors. He was a Whig in
political sentiment. His religious connection was
with the Scott Hill Baptist Church, and he was an
interested worker in all church matters.
< )n Jan. 13, 1822, Samuel S. Ford was married,
in Montville, to Sarah Maples, wrho was born in
Montville, daughter of Stephen Maples, and died
Aug. 24, 1863, aged sixty-seven years. To this
union came seven children, of whom we have the
following record: (1) Eunice Bradford, born Nov.
26, 1822, is the widow of William Kinney, a farmer,
and resides on Scott Hill, in Bozrah. They were
the parents of four children — Mary J., who mar-
ried Erastus M. Caulkins, and died in Lyme, Conn.,
leaving two sons, William E. and John E. ; Jennie
F., Mrs. Dwight H. Loomis, of Bozrah (she has
one daughter, Maude B.) ; Sarah M., who married
Arthur Crocker and died in Niantic (she had one
daughter, Edna) : and Nancy A., who lives with
her mother. (2) Mary Ann, born Aug. 28, 1824,
married Joseph Kingsley, who was a mason by trade.
They lived in Norwich, where Mrs. Kingsley died
May 4, 1870. Their son, George J., married Car-
rie Lucas, and resides in Norwich. (3) Olive Ma-
ples, born Sept. 16, 1826, married Charles P.
Adams, a carpenter by trade, who is now retired. He
served as a soldier in the Civil war, and lost a leg
while in the service. Mr. and Mrs. Adams live in
East Aurora, N. Y. They have had four children
— Charles, who married and has one son, Edward,
who is principal of a school in East Aurora ; J.
Franklin, a merchant in Buffalo, N. Y. (he is mar-
ried and has one daughter, Ruth) ; Alice, wife of
John Lynn, who has two sons, John and Harvey;
and Nellie. (4) Sherwood Harvey, born Dec. 28,
]828, was an engineer in the government steamboat
service, served in the Civil war, and died in April,
1864. He married Martha Burke, and their only
child, John H., married Alice Maples, and has one
son, Harry. John H. Ford is an ice dealer in Nor-
wich. (5) John Leffingwell, born April 4, 1832.
went to California in i84(), married a lady from that
State, and died in July, 1881. (6) Samuel Joel, born
.March 5, 1835, went to Missouri when a young
man, and at last reports, a few years ago, was still
living there. (7) Nenry Nelson, born Nov. 18,
1836, is mentioned below.
Henry Nelson Ford was born on Bashan Hill,
and attended the district schools in that neighbor-
hood until fifteen years old, after he was twelve,
however, going only a few months in the winter
time. He was only fourteen when his father died,
and as the older boys left home early he was but
sixteen when he and his mother took full charge
of the cultivation of the home place. Though re-
sponsibilities came to him earlv he never shirked.
r^7^Z^
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
805
but proved himself equal to ever) emergency, and
his lau-r life has been marked b\ the same independ-
ent characteristic. lie remained at home until a
, year after his marriage, when he moved to Pitch-
ville, and for one year was employed as hoss farmer
for Asa Fitch. Then, in [863, he purchased his
present farm from Gurdon Abel, and there he has
since resided. This place, which consists of 100
acres of good land, has been much improved under
his management, the house has been remodeled, all
the other buildings have been put up by him, and
the place is a credit to the owner in every respect.
In addition to general agriculture Mr. Ford has for
the past twenty years been engaged in the fire wood
business, and in getting out rock maple wood, which
latter he ships to the Hamilton Manufacturing Co.,
at Three Rivers, Wis., who tise it in the manufac-
ture of wood type. The Hamilton Co. succeeded
William H. Page, of Norwich, who was for many
years engaged in the manufacture of type, Air. Ford
selling him much of the rock maple he used in his
business. Our subject has cut this timber over a
radius of five miles from his home. He has ever
been a hard-working man, directing" his labors with
that intelligence and good judgment that bring suc-
cess, and he owes no little of his material prosperity
to the efficient co-operation of his wife, who has in-
deed been a faithful helpmeet. As a man of high
integrity he enjoys the confidence of his fellow cit-
izens generally, and he has been chosen for several
offices of trust, having served his town as assessor
and member of the board of relief, and his district
as representative in the State Legislature in 1885.
During his term in that body be was a member of
the committee on Temperance. His political sup-
port has always been given to the Republican party.
Mr. Ford's service in the various positions to which
he was elected amply justified the support he re-
ceived at the polls and gave general satisfaction. In
1900 Mr. Ford circulated a petition in his neighbor-
hood for the establishment of a post office at Scott
Hill, and when it was opened in the fall of that year
he was appointed postmaster by President McKin-
ley. He held the position for several months before
resigning.
( >n Jan. 19, 1861, Mr. Ford was married, in
Bozrah, to Elizabeth Jane Hammond, who was
born Dec. I, 183S, in Bozrah, daughter of Will
A. and Mary Ann (Avery) Hammond, and to this
union came two daughters: Mary M.. born Aug.
27. 1800. and Grace Elizabeth, born May 15. 1875.
The latter died May 16, 1875. Mary M. attended
Bacon Academy, at Colchester, and taught school
in her native district and in the Bliven district, in
Salem, before her marriage, on Oct. -'8. 1883. to
William 11. Whiteman, of Coventry, R. I. They
have had one son. George Henry, born Jan. [9,
1887. who died Dec. 21. 1003: he was a most pi
ising young man, of unusual intellectual capacity.
Mr. Whiteman is a carriage maker, and they reside
at Hopeville. Conn., in the town ^\ Griswold, New
London county. Mr. lord is a member of the
Bozrahville Congregational Church, and his wife is
a member of the Methodist Church at Gardner's
Lake, in the work of which organization she has
been quite active, having served as president of the
I adies Aid Society. .Their daughter. Mrs. White-
man, is a member of the Jewett C:t\ Baptist Church,
and is president of the Ladies Aid Society auxiliary
to that church. Mr. and Mrs. Ford have an hos-
pitable, Christian home, from which good cheer and
kindliness are dispensed to a wide circle of friends,
by whom they are held in loving esteem.
Maples. ( )n the maternal side Mr. Ford is a de-
scendant of Stephen Maples, who was among the
earliest settlers on lands of the North Parish of
New London (now Montville), his name first ap-
pearing on the records in 1712. He resided in the
north part of the town, near the Norwich line,
where many of his descendants afterward lived, and
died Aug. 25, [733. About 1718 Stephen Maples
married Patience Fargo, and he and his wife united
with the church at North Parish on April 24, 1726.
Their children were: John, born Sept. 15. t 7 k; ;
Stephen, Oct. 1, 1721 ; Sarah, April 22, 1724; Will-
iam. June 15. 1727; and Mary, Dec. 2, 1729.
John Maples, son of Stephen, was married May
12. 1743. to Sarah Hurlburt, who died July 29,
1797. He died July 2, 1798. He was a farmer,
and lived on the homestead in North Parish. Chil-
dren : fohn, born June 5. 1744: Stephen, Jan. 3,
1741;; Susanna, Jan. 2. 1751 ; Joshua, June, 1753;
David, Feb. 3, 1755; Sarah, Dec. 19, 1757; Ann,
May 14, 1760; Josiah, May 15, 1762; and Andrew,
July 23, 1764.
Stephen Maples, son of John, born Jan. 3. 174<),
married Bathsheba . who died Feb. 5. 1819,
and he subsequently married Lydia Vergason. She
survived him, and became the wife of Benjamin
Babcock. Mr. Maples passed away May 3. 182c;.
By his first wife, Bathsheba, he was the father of
seven children, namely: Stephen, born in 1775;
John, born in 1778; David, born April 19, 1781. who
married Louisa Leffingwell ; Olive, born May 13.
1783, who died unmarried; Benjamin, born May 3.
1785: Asa, born Aug. 4, 1788; and Sarah, who be-
came the wife of Samuel S. Ford. By the second
wife, Lydia. there was one child, Eliza J., who mar-
ried a Mr. Goff.
JAMES ALBERT C< >< >K, a prosperous farmer
of Preston, New London county, now living in
retirement, is a descendant of one ^\ the early set-
tlers of Preston, the founder of one of the n
prominent families in the place. He is oi the
seventh generation in direct line from Gregory
Cooke, the American ancestor, through Adin,
Isaiah, James, John and Stephen.
1 I i Gregory Cooke came to America from Eng-
land, and from 1005 to [690 was a resident ^^ Cam-
bridgeville, near Newton, Mass.. on the south side
of the Charles river, in the Massachusetts Lay Col-
8o6
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
ony. He built and occupied a house at what is now
known as Angier's Corner, Newton, Mass., and his
descendants continued to live there until the Revo-
lutionary war. The homestead farm extended from
Angier's Corner, along the Charles river to Water-
town bridge. Gregory Cooke was a shoemaker by
trade, and followed that occupation in connection
with his farming interests. His first wife, Mary,
died in August, 1681, and he married (second) in
November of the same year, Susanna Goodwin, a
widow. By his first wife he had one son, Stephen,
and a daughter Susanna, who died Nov. 13, 1074.
Gregory Cooke died Jan. 1, 1 690-9 t.
(II) Stephen Cooke was born in 1647, in Eng-
land, and came with his father to America, settling
with his father in Cambridgeville. He was Deacon
in Mr. Bailey's church, full communion, in Water-
town. His name appeared on the list of petitioners
to the General Court, in 1678, for the setting off of
Cambridgeville as a new town. The town thus set
off took the name of Newton, of which place Ste-
phen Cooke appears as a selectman in 1697, 1698,
170S and 1716. ( )n Nov. 19, 1079. he married Re-
becca Flagg, daughter of Thomas Flagg, of Water-
town, who had come to America with Richard Car-
ver. Mrs. Cooke was born in Watertown, Sept.
5, [660, and died June 20, 1 721. Mr. Cooke living
until 1738. Their children were: Mary, Stephen,
Isaac, John, James, Samuel, Peter and Daniel.
(III) John Cooke was born in Newton, Mass..
March 15, 1686-87. and settled in Preston, Conn.,
in or about the year 17 10. He married in Water-
town, Mass., Dec. 6, 1715, Ruth, daughter of James
Barton, a Boston merchant, whose home was in
Newton. John Cooke was a farmer, and a promi-
nent citizen of Preston. In 170) he was one of the
two grand jurors of the town; in T730-38 a select-
man; in 1731-32. and 1735-38, he was deputy from
Preston, to the General Assembly of the Colony;
in 1730 he was justice of the peace; and in 1737
town agent. He died in Preston, Aug. 22, 17(12.
and his wife passed away there, June 27, 1771. Their
children, all born between the years 1717 and 1733,
were as follows: James, Margaret, Isaiah, Thad-
deus, Ruth, John, Abigail, Elizabeth, Margery and
Barton.
( IV) James Cooke, eldest child of John Cooke,
was born in Preston Jan. 1, 1717. lie spent his life
in his native place, where he combined the occupa-
tions of farmer and clothier. He married (first)
Rebecca Larrabee, who was born in 1721, and who
died Nov. 28, 1748. His second wife was a Miss
Parks. The date of her death, as well as that of her
husband, are unknown to their posterity. The chil-
dren of James Cook by his first wife were: Daniel
and Isaiah ; and by his second wife, Nathan, Ste-
phen, Elisha and Eliphalet.
(V) Isaiah Cook, second son of James Cook,
was born in Preston, Feb. 16, 1741, and like his
father was a farmer and clothier. He married,
March 21, 1765, Mary, daughter of Samuel Palmer,
a farmer of Norwich. Mr. Cook died in Preston,.
Feb. 10, 1803. The children born to him were as
follows: ( 1 ) Ephraim, born in 1765, who settled in
Washington county, N. Y. ; (2) James, born in
1768, who became a manufacturer in Preston, where
he lived and died (his son, Dwight Wight Cook,
was the father of Ida Amelia, who became the wife
of George S. Palmer, of Nonvich) ; (3) Daniel,
born in 1769; (4) Chester, born in 1772, who set-
tled in Washington county, N. Y. ; (5) Rebecca,
born in 1775, who married, and went to live in
Washington count}-, N. Y. ; (6) Samuel, born in
1776; (7) Adin, born in 1779. who is mentioned
below; (8) Isaiah, born in 1781, who also settled
in Washington county, N. Y. ; (9) John Larrabee,
born in 1783, who settled on the Western Reserve,
in Trumbull county, Ohio; (10) Mary, born in
1785; and (11) Palmer, born in 1787.
1 VI ) Adin Cook, son of Isaiah, and father of
James Albert Cook, was born in Preston, May 27,
I77<), and there he died in January, 1840. In early
life be learned the trade of carder and cloth dresser,
in the then well-known Cook mill, in Preston. After
following this occupation for a number of years,
he purchased, in 1806, the farm on which his son.
fanus Albert, now resides, which he carried on
with great success until his death. Although he
started out in life a poor boy, his industry and steady
application to business enabled him to acquire con-
siderable property, and he left an estate valued at
over $13,000, which for those times was quite a
fortune. In politics Mr. Cook was identified with
the old Whig party, ana always took a keen interest
in political issues, although he was never an office
seeker, lie was a soldier in the war of 1812. In
fraternal matters he was an active Mason, a mem-
ber of St. James Lodge, of Preston City, of which
he was master for several years. Although not a
member of any church he gave liberally towards
the building fund of Preston City Congregational
Church. In disposition he was a man of jovial g 1
nature, and enjoyed the resrect of all who knew him.
Physically he possessed a robust constitution, and
his untimely death was caused by an accident in
which he was crushed under the body of a horse.
Adin Cook married (first) March 2, 1806,
Esther, daughter of Jeremiah Halsey, of Preston,
and they had five children. Mrs. Esther (Halsey)
Cook died Sept. 11, 1817, in Preston, and Mr. Cook
married (second) April 25, 1822, Sarah C. (Tyler)
Cushman, daughter of James and Sarah (Cushman)
Tyler, of Preston. Five children were born to this
second marriage. The children of the first marriage
were as follows : ( 1 ) Mary Ann, born Jan. 8, 1807,
married John D. Geer, of Griswold (both de-
ceased). Three of their four children are living.
(2) Warren, born Oct. 26, 1808, was a farmer in
Preston, where he lived and died. He married, and
had three children, none of whom are living. (3)
Pauline, born March 20, 1810, married a Mr. Gor-
don, and died at Waterproof Landing, La., leaving
GENEALOGICAL AXD BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
8 >;
no family. (4) John Jay, born Jan. 7. 1814. died,
unmarried, at the age of forty-seven, in Norwich.
For sixteen years lie had been in the employ of the
Norwich & Worcester Railway Co. (5) Esther
Cordelia, horn May 1 _>, 1810, is still living in Nor-
wich, unmarried. The children of the second mar-
riage were: (6) Adin Tyler, horn April 19, 1823,
died in West Newbury, Mass. He was a "Yankee
notion" peddler, and accumulated considerable prop-
erty. He married Jane Chase, and died at the age
of thirty-one, leaving one daughter, with whom the
mother now makes her home, in Haverhill, .Mass.
I _ 1 Henry Eckford, horn May 27, 1825, died in
Preston, at the age of fourteen. (8) Rosaltha Ade-
laide, born March 17, 1828. is the childless widow
of Asa E. Smith, a wholesale shoe dealer of Haver-
hill, Mass. (9) James Albert, horn Oct. 4, 1829,
is the subject of this sketch. (10) Sarah Ellen, born
July 17, 183 T, died in Preston at the age of fourteen.
(VII) James Albert Cook was horn in Preston,
on the farm where he still resides, Oct. 4, 1829.
He attended the district schools of his native town,
and spent about a year and a half at school in V^ n-
fret, Conn., after which he entered the Academy at
Andover, Mass. He was so homesick, however,
that he remained at the Academy only one day.
When he was eighteen he left school, and going to
Boston, established a milk route, which he carried
on for about three years. He then became a whole-
sale silk peddler, and for about a year traveled over
the greater part of the Xew England States in that
capacity. He then settled down in Vermont, where
he bought 100 acres of timber land, and for ten
years was successfully engaged in the lumber busi-
ness. In i860 he returned to Preston, purchased
the homestead farm, and built the home which he
has ever since occupied. He owns about 100 acres
of land, which are kept in a high state of cultiva-
tion.
On Sept. 18, 1858, Mr. Cook married Emily
Jane Tyler, daughter of Benjamin and Jane (Dem-
mon) Tyler, of Punbridge, A't. The children horn
to this union are as follows: (1) Jennie Tyler, who
is unmarried, and lives at home with her parents;
and (2) Sarah Cnshman, who married John
Thomas, a farmer of Lebanon, Conn., and is the
mother of four children: Hattie, John, Joseph and
James. Mr. Cook has been a Mason since 185 1.
and is a member of Somerset Podge. Xo. 34. of
Norwich. In politics he is a Republican; he has
held the posil tax coll r in Preston for
several years, has been a member of the board of
relief and of the hoard of assessors, and served as
justice of the peace for several years. He was also
a member of the school committee for about eigh-
teen vears. The early death of his father threw
Mr. Cook upon his own resources when he was
but a boy : and his success is due to his own unaided
efforts, his perseverance and industry. The Cook
family was one of the earliest of those that settled
in Preston, and its members have always been prom-
inent citizens of the town. Mr. and Mrs. ( ioi ik haw
a common ancestor in their great-grandfather,
James Tyler, who was a veteran of tin- Revolution,
and received a pension, which was continued to his
widow after his death.
J. HENRY KING, ex-selectman, and one of the
leading citizens of the town of Franklin, comes of
an old and respected family of Connecticut.
Joseph King, his grandfather, was a sin-faring
man, and resided in Saybrook, Conn., for many
years, and later in his old age he moved to Lyme,
Conn., where he 'lie 1 at an I mar-
ried Jane Law whom lie survived for man} 3
They had a large family < f children.
Capt. Joseph King, father of our subject, was
horn in 1796, in Lyme, Conn., and his early life was
spent there. When a hoy of ten years hi- mother
died, and lie went to Colchester, Conn., and made
his home with Elkanah Williams, a carpenter, and
there he remained until after he had learned his
trade, working as a journeyman until his marriage.
After this important event, he moved to Goshen
Hill, in the town of Lebanon, where he had pur-
chased a small farm, and he operated it. and at the
same time carried on his trade. For over forty
years he was a successful carpenter and builder,
doing work in Lebanon, Norwich and th< surround-
ing towns, employing many journeymen and ap-
prentices, lie was widely known as a mi
cessful man in his line, and an honest worker, gain-
ing the confidence of all with whom he had busi-
ness transactions. About ten years pri his
death, he abandoned working at his tr id died
on the farm above mentioned, in [890, aged about
ninety-four years. During his long and useful life
he never used tobacco in any form, or liquor, and
considered that he owed his strength and freedom
from disease to these facts. His death was due to a
paralytic stroke about a week prior to his
In politics he was a Whig, but later became a Re-
publican, and he held a number of the town offices.
In religious matters he was a consistent member of
the Congregational Church of Goshen. For many
years he was captain of the Lebanon company of
local militia.
Capt. Joseph King married Abby Shepley, horn
in Lebanon, daughter of Seth Shepley, and their
children were as follows: Eliza lane is the widow of
Prentis ( ). Smith, a resident of Franklin; Abby S.
married John Owen Smith, and died in Norwich,
Conn.; Jeremiah married Julia Ladd, was a physi-
cian and practiced in Willimantic and there 'lied;
Joseph Francis married Sarah Dyer, was a car-
penter and r< in Xew Hartford, Conn., and
there died; John S. married Susan Cri — . and is
engaged in farming in Lebanon; Martha, widow of
John Q. Cross, resides at Dean Nil! in the town of
Norwich; and J. Henry. Capt. Joseph King mar-
ried, Mrs. Abby Herrick, i'\ Central Village, for
his second wife, and she survives him and lives in
8o8
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
that place. One child was born of second mar-
riage, Josephine, who married a Mr. Davidson, and
lives in Oxford, Connecticut.
J. Henry King was born April 13, 1841, in Leb-
anon, Goshen Society. He attended the common
district school, and for a short time went to the Leb-
anon high school, kept by Ur. Fitch. He began to
learn the trade of carpenter at the age of eighteen,
under his father, and with him worked for about
four years, and then went to Hartford, where he
was employed as a journeyman for three years. At
the expiration of that time he went to Chicago, 111.,
and was employed there for two years, after which
he went to Roanoke, Howard Co., Mo., and was
there a year. From that place he went to Lebanon
and engaged at his trade, and was thus engaged in
Lebanon and vicinity for about eighteen years. At
times he employed a number of men and appren-
tices, but in 1885 he moved to his present location,
and has since been employed in farming, although
he still carries on a little contracting, principally for
old customers. Among other important contracts
executed by him may be mentioned the new Goshen
church edifice. His farm is a very extensive one,
and he devotes it to general farming, fruit grow-
ing and dairying, being very successful.
Mr. King was married first in Goshen to Phebe
E. Peckham, of South Kingston, R. L, daughter
of James H. and Mary (Tripp) Peckham. Mrs.
King died Feb. 3, 1884, aged forty-two years. Three
children were born to them: Alice E., who died at
the age of four years; Mary F., who died at the
age of eight years; and Elsie S. The second wife
of Mr. King was Mrs. Lucy Jane Loomis, widow of
Alonzo Loomis, and daughter of Levi Allen, of
North Windham. Xo children were born of this
union.
In politics Mr. King is a Republican, and in
1885 he was a representative from Lebanon, and
served on the committee on Manufactures. In'
1902 he served as the delegate from Franklin to the
Constitutional Convention. In 1893 he was chosen
first selectman of the town, which office he held con-
tinuously until October, 1903, when he declined an-
other term. He also served on the board of relief
in Franklin for two years, and in all of his offices
has given the most entire satisfaction, proving
himself an honorable, faithful and painstaking of-
ficial. Mr. King has been a member of the Goshen
Congregational Church, and his first wife was con-
nected with the same denomination. The present
Mrs. King is a very consistent member of the bap-
tist Church. Few men stand any higher in public
esteem than does Mr. King, and the success which
has crowned his efforts is certainly well merited.
JAMES THOMAS WILBUR, agent and gen-
eral superintendent of the American Thread Com-
pany's plant at Glasgo, in the town of Griswold,
has been connected with the mills there for over
twentv vears. In that relation as well as in his deal-
ings with his fellow men in other spheres of action,
he has become one of the best known and most re-
spected citizens of that section.
Mr. Wilbur is a native of Windham county,
Conn., born Sept. 19, 1858, at Grosvenor Dale, town
of Thompson, son of Thomas and Sarah (Briggs)
Wilbur, the latter a sister of the late Ira Greene
Briggs, of Yoluntown. Thomas Wilbur was born
in 1822 in South Kingston, R. I., son of William
Wilbur. He began active life at the age of fifteen
as a mill operative in Harrisville, R. 1., remaining
there until 1854, in which year he came to Grosvenor
Dale, Conn. Here he was engaged for ten years as
overseer of spinning, at the end of that period re-
moving to North Grosvenor Dale, to take the posi-
tion of superintendent in the mills there, which he
held until 1882. Since that year he has lived prac-
tically retired, enjoying the fruits of long years of
industry. During his active years Mr. Wilbur was
more than a factor in the business world at North
Grosvenor Dale. From 1878 to 1885 he served as
postmaster at that place, and in 1883 he represented
the town of Thompson in the State Legislature. He-
is a stanch Republican in political principle. Though
active in all the relations of life, Mr. Wilbur is a
man of quiet domestic tastes, and he is temperate in
all his habits. In 1847 he married Sarah, daughter
of' Wanton Briggs, and of their three children James
Thomas is the only survivor. Leander J. was a
soldier in the Civil war. Grace died young. Mr.
and Mrs. Wilbur are members of the M. E. Church
at North Grosvenor Dale, and they are known as
worthy Christian people, in every way deserving of
the highest respect.
James T. Wilbur was but a young child when
his parents located in North Grosvenor Dale, where
he passed his boyhood and early youth. He attended
the district schools, and later a business college at
Worcester, where he graduated in 1876. Following
this he entered the Grosvenor Dale Mills, where he
learned the trade of machinist under his uncle,
George W. Briggs, and subsequently he was book-
keeper in the mills under his uncle. Lucius Briggs,
who was general superintendent at that time. In
1880 Mr. Wilbur was appointed assistant superin-
tendent in the Grosvenor Dale Mills, and filled that
position of trust until 1883, in which year he came
to ( ilasgo. Here he became superintendent of the
Glasgo Yarn Mill, which was owned and operated
by his uncle, Lucius Briggs, and he continued in that
position, giving general satisfaction, until 1899,
when the mill came under the control of the Ameri-
can Thread Company. At the time of the change
Mr. Wilbur was appointed agent of the new owners,
and their general manager at Glasgo, and he is still
discharging the duties of that responsible position
in which he has the oversight of 200 hands. His
eminent ability and fitness for the line which he has
followed have made him a very efficient worker in
the various positions in which he has been placed,
all of which demanded trustworthiness and ability
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
809
of a high order. He has devoted almost undivided
attention to his business affair-, though lie has sen ed
as chairman of the Griswold hoard of education.
taking particular interest in school matters. Sociall}
he is a member of Reliance Lodge, I. ( ). ( ). 1\. at
Jewetl City, and of the A. ( ). V. W. lodge at Volun-
town. His religious connection is with the M. E.
Church at Voluntown, of which he is trustee and
steward, and in politics he is a Republican.
In 1880 Mr. Wilbur married, in North Grosve-
nor Dale. Conn.. Ida M. Robbins, a native of Eas1
Thompson, Windham Co.. Conn., daughter of
David and Elizabeth (Joslin) Robbins, and four
children have blessed this union: Edith M. was
educated in the public schools of the home district.
Norwich Free Academy, and the Normal school at
Willimantic, from which latter she graduated in
1901, and for two years was principal of the Glasgo
school, but is now a teacher at Taftville. Sarah E.
was educated in the district schools and East Green-
wich (R. I.) Academy. Robert A. is a student at
Norwich Free Academy. Ralph C. is at home.
Mrs. Wilbur is devoted to her home and family,
though she and her daughters take considerable
interest in social affairs. They are members of the
M. E. Church at Voluntown.
ALFRED AVERY YOUNG, by whose death.
Jan. 8, 1903. Jewett City suffered a distinct loss,
was identified with the manufacturing- interests of
that place from boyhood. He was a successful man
of business, played the part of a Christian gentle-
man in every relation of life, and throughout his
long and busv. career upheld the highest ideals of
business honor and useful citizenship. His entire
life was passed in Jewett City, and that community
pointed to his example with pride, and gave him
many marks of honor.
Mr. Young was born Aug. 27. 1X20. in Jewett
City, son of Alfred and Lucy (Peck) Young, and
a descendant of Nathan and Judith Young, the first
of the family to locate in Scituate, R. I. The Young
family of Rhode Island early settled in North
Kingstown, and in that town the first record of the
name is the birth of Nicholas Young, a son of
John and Mary, on Nov. 17. 1691. Of the children
of Nathan and Judith Young the following are
recorded at Scituate, R. I.: Dorcas, born March 8.
1745; Jonah; Dyer, who was married, in 1 7C7. to
Sarah Davis; Nathan; James; Asa. who in 1 77<J
married Nancy ("lark: and Retina, born March 6,
1750. There were other children in this family,
but they are not recorded; and 't is possible thai
among them was Amaziah, the grandfather o\
Alfred A.
Amaziah Young was a resident of Scituate, R.
L, and was engaged in farming there. His wife,
Anna, was born in iy(i\, and died March 23, [832;
she is buried in the cemetery at Jewett City. Of
their children, several left their native town and
State early in life, locating in the "West, and becom-
ing useful and valued citizens. Ira. and Annie
moved to Indiana, where the latter married a Mr.
Roberts, who has the credit of building tin- first
brick house in the part of the State in which they
settled. Rufus and Alfred A. I father of Alfred
A., our subject) were twins; the former went to
Indiana and later to Kentucky, where he married
a native of that State, and reared a family. ( )lncv,
born in 1803, was drowned in the Pachaug river
Feb. 4, 1821. Abiatha became a sea captain, and
engaged in the tea trade between New York and
China, and his later years were passed in New York
City; he left no family. Joab, who was a master
mechanic, also made his home in New York City;
he left no children.
Alfred A. Young was born in the town of Scit-
uate, R. I., April 17, 1 7<^5 . and early in life located
in the town of Griswold, New London Co., Conn.,
wdiere he engaged in the business of tanner and
currier, his place of business being near the present
railroad bridge. He became quite successful. For
a time Mr. Young owned and occupied the house
at the railroad crossing commonly known as the
Fenner house — doubtless the oldest dwelling house
now standing in Jewett City. Mr. Young married
Lucy Peck, who was born June 25, 1799. in Colum-
bia, Conn., daughter of Ensign Darius and Mary
Frances Peck, and died Sept. 21, 1889. She long
survived her husband, he having passed away Jul)
6, 1840. They are buried at Jewett City. Mr. and
.Mrs. Young were among the twenty-three who, on
April 14, 1825, became the organizing member- of
the Second Ecclesiastical Society of Griswold. Mr.
Young was a Whig in political sentiment. We have
the following record of their children: (1) Francis
S., born in 1819, died in 1891. He first married
Lydia Pellett, who was born in 1823, and died in
T844. His second wife, Sarah Dorrance, was born
in 182T, and died in 1898. (2) Alfred Avery, born
Aug. 27, 1820, is mentioned below. (3) Louisa R.,
born Nov. 16, 1822, married Frederick Hicks. She
is buried in Swan cemetery, Providence, R. I. (4)
Lucy Ann, born Jan. 2, 1825, is the widow of Dr.
Alonzo Fuller, and resides in Lawrence, Kans. 1 5)
Mary Leek, born Sept. 10, 1826, died Nov. 7. [827.
(6) Abiatha (later changed to Arthur), born Aug.
23. [828, died at Slatersville, R. I. (7) .Mary Peck
(2), born Dec. tt, 1831, was marred Sept. 6, [853,
to Henry C. Judd, a wool dealer of Hartford, senior
member of the firm of H. C. Judd & Root. Six chil-
dren have been born to this marriage, four of
whom survive — Edwin Y.. Emma (wife of William
H. Demming), Jennie I'.. (Mrs. Leonard 1 ). Fis
and l'red E. (who lives in Pendleton, Oregon).
(8) Henry C. born .March 14, 1833. died in [899, in
Southington, Conn. He was for years cashier
the New Haven City Hank, and later went West.
(9) William, born May 8, 1835. died Oct. ri, [8
1 io) Reugene, born January 24, 1839, has never
married, and now makes her home in Rochester,
N. Y. She was a school teacher for many vears.
8io
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
Peck. (I) Henry Peck, Mrs. Young's first
ancestor in America, was among the first settlers at
New Haven, Conn., in the spring of 1638. He and
his brother Deacon William Peck are supposed to
have come in company with Theophilus Eaton,
John Davenport and others to Boston in 1637, m
the ship "Hector." Henry Peck died in 1651 in
New Haven.
(II) Benjamin Peck, baptized Sept. 5, 1647, in
New Haven, married March 29, 1670, Mary, daugh-
ter of Richard Sperry, and died in 1730, in what is
now the town of Woodbridge.
(III) Benjamin Peck (2), born Jan. 4, 167 1,
married Mary , and first settled in New
Haven, from there removing to that part of Nor-
wich which was West Farms, and later the town
of Franklin. He was admitted a freeman in 1700.
His wife died March 3, 1728. and he died May 31,
1742. Mr. Peck was a man of wealth and dis-
tinction.
(IV) Jonathan Peck, born March 1, 1717-18,
married Jan. 14, 1741-42. Bethia Bingham. He
died in 1780, a resident of Norwich.
(V) Ensign Darius Peck, born March 14, 1749-
50, married (first) Nov. 5. 1772, Hannah Warner,
of Windham, and (second) in 1793. in Franklin,
Mary Frances. I lis wife Hannah died in 1789,
and he died in 1804.
Alfred A. Young received his early education in
the public schools of Jewett City, and further pur-
sued his studies in the then famous Bacon Academy,
at Colchester, from which he graduated. When six-
teen years old he found employment in the store
of the Grisweld Cotton Company, then managed by
Mr. Clark, and three years later, when John F.
Slater purchased the property, he succeeded to the
position of manager, and at the same time was made
bookkeeper and paymaster at the mill. At the be-
ginning of his service the employes were paid once
in six months, afterward once in three months,
then monthly; and for many years past they have
received their wages weekly — the custom in all mills.
In time Mr. Young became agent of the Slater mills,
which position he continued to till until about six
years before his death, and he was for many years
confidential adviser to .Air. Shuer, who testified to
his esteem for Mr. Young by naming him as one of
the executors of his will. Mr. Slater's son, William
A., who inherited the vast property, showed the
same high regard for his opinion and advice. When
Mr. Young became bookkeeper and paymaster at
the mill there were ninety looms in operation; at
the time of his retirement there were seven hundred.
So good was the health of Mr. Young, and so
strictly attentive to business was he, that he did not
lose a pay day for over fifty years. His term of
active service with the Slater mills covered a period
of sixty-one years, and though for a number of
years before his death he gave up active duties, his
faculties were unimpaired, and he appeared many
years younger than he really was.
Mr. Young's interest in the manufacturing busi-
ness and commercial life did not end with the con-
nection just spoken of, the sphere of his business
activities enlarging constantly. He was a director
for several years of the Ponemah Mills Company,
and of the Norwich Bleaching, Dyeing and Printing
Company (now the United States Finishing Com-
pany) ; and he was at one time president of the
Slatersville Mills Company, of Slatersville, R. I.
He was one of the original directors of the Thames
National Bank of Norwich, being at the time of his
death the last survivor still on the board ; the orief-
inal president and cashier also died before Mr.
Young. He was also one of the incorporators of
the Chelsea Savings Bank of Norwich, and the
Jewett City Savings Bank, of which latter he was a
vice-president ; was president of the Slatersville
Mills Corporation, at Slatersville, R. I. ; and had
other business relations more or less remote from
home.
In spite of the close attention he was obliged to
give to business Mr. Young was not merely a busi-
ness man. He traveled extensively, seeing consid-
erable of both continents, and travel and wide read-
ing broadened his mind and gave him a knowledge
of men and affairs which helped him materially in
his dealings with his fellow men. He possessed a
fine library. He was a man of fine appearance, ac-
centuated by his dignified and courteous bearing,
and softened by the kindliness of his disposition.
In business he was shrewd and farseeing, but the
soul of integrity in any transaction, and he was
widely and favorably known throughout this part
of the State. Mr. Young's long life told constantly
for industry, honesty, integrity and uprightness. In
him the possibility of a man's beginning to work
with his hands, with no capital but character and
perseverance, and attaining the highest success, was
most strikingly shown. His life has been fruitful
of much good, as an object lesson and in other
ways.
In politics Mr. Young was originally a Whig,
and in the memorable Harrison campaign of 1840
he carried a banner, painted by himself and in-
scribed "( )ld Griswold, ever true and always ready,"
in a parade in Norwich, with sixty-seven of his fel-
low townsmen. He later affiliated with the Repub-
lican party, and was a stanch believer in its doc-
trine. Though often solicited to accept office, he
has always refused. He joined the Congregational
Church in Jewett City in 1858, and held many
offices in the society, and his place in church was
rarelv vacant on the Sabbath. Mr. Young had been
in failing health for several years before his death.
The funeral services were conducted by Rev. George
N. Edwards, pastor of the Congregational Church,
of Jewett City, assisted by Rev. Charles A. North-
rop, of Norwich, and the remains were laid to rest
in the family lot in Jewett City cemetery. Mr.
Young was first married to Sarah Palmer Atwood,
who was born Dec. 21, 1830, and who died Oct-
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
8n
17, r86o. Two children were born of this union:
Sarah H.. born Oct. 2, [860, died Aug. 30. 186] ;
and Grace, now the wife of Charles Weatherby, of
East Hartford, Conn., by whom she has one son,
Charles Alfred. On May 2, 1862, Mr. Young, for
his second wife, married Harriet Elizabeth Couch.
daughter of Rev. Paul Couch; she was born June
26, 1833, and her death occurred June 17, [875.
Three children were born of this union: (1 ) Lucy
Peck married William L. Sweet, and resided in
Jewett City, where she died Feb. 26, 1902, aged
thirty-nine years. She left three children. George
Arnold and Elizabeth. The family now reside in
Moscow, N. Y. (2) Alfred A. (3) Harriet Tyler
is the wife of George F. Wheelock, of Moscow,
X. Y., and has two children, Louise Y. and Austin.
For his third wife, Mr. Young married Jane E.
Fanning, born April 23. 1838, died Jan. 6, 1889.
Alfred A. Young, son of the subject of this
sketch, was born in Jewett City Oct. T4, 1864. He
received his education in the public schools of his
native town, and in Highland Military Academy,
graduating from the latter institution in 1882. Re-
turning home he soon after accepted a position in
the office of the Slater Company, later advancing
to the position of treasurer, which office he held
until 1805. when he severed his connection with that
firm. Previous to the latter date he had established
a small green house and florist business, and this he
has since greatly enlarged, having at the present
time the largest establishment of its kind in the
State, east of the Connecticut river. He whole-
sales his product to Xew York and Boston.
Mr. Young is a Republican in politics, but takes
no interest in party work, except as it affects the
interests "of his town and county. He served one
term as the first warden of the borough of Jewett
Citv. Fraternally he belongs to Mt. Vernon Lo
No' 75. F. & A.M.
On June 22, 1897. Mr. Young was married, in
Xew Preston, Conn., to Miss Agnes May Burr, of
Brooklyn, X. Y., daughter of John T. and Kather-
ine (Skidmore) Burr, the former a native of Litch-
field countv. Conn., in which county, and also in
Fairfield, the Burr family is an old one of much
prominence. Two children have been born to Mr.
and Mrs. Young: Alfred Avery and Harriet Couch.
FREDERICK H. FANNING, one of the
highly respected residents of Jewett City, New
London Co.. Conn., is now living retired after n
years of successful employment in mechanical v.
It has become a tradition in the Fanning family,
that their ancestor, Edmund Fanning, escaped from
Dublin in 1641, in the time of the great rebellion
(manuscript information from the late ('apt. John
Fanning of Norwich), and after eleven years ^\
wandering and uncertainty, he found a resting place
in that part of Xew London now called Groton, in
the year [652. Another account given in Howell's
"History of Southampton. L. [." (taken from the
South Side Signal of Aug. 2i, [880, a- obtained
from a gravestone in Riverhead) has it thai the
Panning- of l.ong Island are descended from Do-
minicus Fanning, who was mayor of a cit) in Ire-
land, and was beheaded by Cromwell in the Civil
war. and that he had a -on Edmund who removed
from Kilkenny in Ireland to Stonington, I
necticut.
Edmund Panning, the emigrant, died in Ston-
ington in December. [653, leaving a widow. Film
Panning, and children, a- follow-: Edmund,
Thomas, John, William, James and Mary, the latter
marrying Benjamin Hewett.
(II) Thomas Panning, son of Edmund the emi-
grant, married, Oct. [9, 1084, Prances Ellis. Mr.
Panning served in King Philip's War.
(III) James Panning, son of Thomas, married
Harriet Smith, of Smithtown, Pong Island.
(IV) Gilbert Fanning, son of James, married.
Pec. 25, 1753, Huldah Palmer, born Jan. 23, [736,
daughter of Dr. Nathan and Phebe (Billings)
Palmer. PL's children were: Nathaniel, born May
M- r755 '• Gilbert, born Jan. 30. 1757; \\ illiam, born
July 19, 1758; James, born April 10. [760; Huldah,
born July 19, 1702, died April 10. 1765 ; Thorn;1-,
born May 17. 1705; Huldah, born May 30. 1767;
Edmund, born July 16, [769; Samuel, born April
21. 1771 ; Richard, born June 22, 1774; Henry, 1
April 13. 1778. ( )f these Cant. Nathaniel Fan-
ning was a midshipman, commanding the main top
of the ship "Goodman Richard."' under Capt. Paul
fnes in his famous fight with the English ship
"Serapis." He was ; ted to a li incy in
the United States navy, and died < f yellow fever
while in command of the United States naval sta-
tion at Charleston, S. C. Sept. 30, 1805.
Charles Fanning, the grandfather of p. H.
Panning, was a native of Prc-t in., born Pec.
in. 1740. When a young man he carried on farm-
ing on Port Hill, but later engaged in merchandis-
ing at GlasgO, and after a number of years he came
to Jewett City, where his latter years were spent.
During the Revolution he served as captain, and
was paymaster under Washington. When LaFay-
ette paid this country a visit, Capt. Panning re-
newed his acquaintance with the distinguished
Frenchman, who enjoyed his hospitality. Besides
being a man of military renown, we find by town
records, that Mr. Fanning was also very active in
public affair-. He represented the t 1 i Pres-
ton in the State Legislature in 1702. 1701. 1796,
[804, [806, [807, 1S11. [813, and 1S14. and the
town of Griswold in [820. In religions belief he
was a member of the Congregational Church.
On March 31. T774. Charles Panning was mar-
ried tO Annie Brewster, and on Aug. 30. 1814. he
married Hcpscbah Pull. The first Mr-. Panning
was born Sept. 10. '753. and the local chapter of the
I). A. P. has her name. To his first marriage wen
born children as follow-: Henry, born Pel), j 1 .
8 1 2
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
1775. died Aug". 31, 1789; Betsy, born Jan. 2, 1777,
died ( )ct. 11. 1854; Annie, born May 23, 1779. died
May 29, 1813; Sophia, born June 22, 1781, died Oct.
26, 1833; Charles, Jr., born Dec. 13, 1783. died May
19, 1800, while on a sea voyage; Maria, born Sept.
26, 1786; Patrick, born Aug. 23, 1788, died Nov.
22, 1867; Franklin, born Aug. 19, 1791, died Oct.
15, 1884; Frederick, born Nov. 17, 1793, died in
New Orleans of yellow fever ; Thomas, born Nov.
4, 1795, sailed from New York March 13, 1827,
and was lost at sea ; John Watson, father of our
subject, born April 8, 1798. diaries Fanning died
March 22, 1837, and was buried in the lower cem-
etery at Jewett City, Connecticut.
John Watson Fanning, son of Charles, was born
in the town of Preston, Conn, (now Griswold),
April 8, 1798, and there grew up, enjoying the ad-
vantages of the home schools. He began his busi-
ness career as a clerk in his father's store at Jewett
City, and in time became the head of the concern.
For many years he conducted very successfully a
general store, located on the main street of the vil-
lage, on almost the identical spot where our sub-
ject has in recent years built his handsome home.
In politics he was first a Whig, and later a Repub-
lican, but never aspired to public office. He was a
member of the Congregational Church, and was
quite active on the committee. When the Congre-
gational Church in Jewett City was organized in
1825. his wife's name was among those of the twen-
ty-three original members, as was also that of
"Heppy" Fanning, the second wife of his father,
Charles Fanning.
On Oct. 8, 1824, John W. Fanning and Mary
Wilson were united in marriage. She was a daugh-
ter of John Wilson, who came to Griswold from
New Hampshire on foot, and was interested with
Eleazer Jewett (the founder of Jewett City) in a
fulling mill. John Wilson married first Janet, sis-
ter of Eleazer Jewett, and second a lady named
Lathrop. The father died May 18, 1885, aged eigh-
ty-seven, and Mrs. Fanning died June 30, 1877,
aged seventy-eight years. To Mr. and Mrs. Fan-
ning- were born children as follows: (1) John M..
lived in California where lie died June 5, 1886, aged
sixty years. He served in a California regiment
during the Civil war. (2) Mary is the widow
of Allen Burleson, who is spoken of at greater
length elsewhere. (3) Charles who for fifteen or
twenty years carried on the store at Jewett City,
now lives retired in Preston, Conn. He married
Helen Thompson, and they have one daughter, — •
Bessie. (4) Frederick H. was born Oct. 21, 1832.
(5) Thomas died young. (6) Jane E., deceased,
married Alfred A. Young, of Jewett City. (7) Kate
married Thomas Congdon, of Willimantic, Conn.
Frederick H. Fanning was reared in Jewett City,
town of Griswold. and attended the local schools un-
til he was seventeen years of age, when he entered
a machine shop at Providence and remained three
years, perfecting himself in his trade. He was
employed for a time in locomotive works at Spring-
held, Mass. At the first call for troops, he enlisted
in May, 1861, in Company IS, 5th Connecticut Y. L,
and served .until July, 1865, being with Sherman on
his famous March to the Sea. Among the many
engagements in which he participated, the fol-
lowing are the most important: Chancellorsville,
( Gettysburg and with General Banks campaigning in
the Shenandoah Valley, It was upon Banks' re-
treat from the Shenandoah that Mr. Fanning was
taken prisoner, and was held for one summer, until
exchanged.
Upon his return home, Mr. Fanning entered the
machine shop of Slater Mill, Jewett City, and for
thirty years, or until 1895, continued with that in-
stitution. Since 1895 Mr. Fanning has lived re-
tired, enjoying the fruits of his years of toil. In
politics he is a Republican, and has at various times
accepted office, serving four years as selectman, and
representing the town in the State legislature in
1881. He is an attendant upon the services of the
Congregational Church, and president of the ceme-
tery association, organized in 1901, to improve and
care for the lower cemetery. He is a charter mem-
ber of Mt. Vernon Lodge, F. & A. M., and was ac-
tive in its organization, serving as its first master.
( )n Dec. 3, 1855, Mr. Fanning was united in
marriage with Ellen A. Pellett, of Canterbury,
Conn. To this marriage were born children as fol-
lows: Frederick W. died young; Alary E.. born
June 25, 1859, marr'ed Frank E. Olds, of Jewett
City, and died March 2J, 1901 ; Frederick H., Jr.,
was born Oct. 30, 1864. in Jewett City.
CLARENCE MASON SHAY, President of
the CM. Shay Fertilizer Company, and one of the
leading young business men of Groton. is a native
of Mystic. He was born Aug. 8, 1873, son of Den-
nis and Josephine (Mordock) Shay.
Dennis Shay died when his son was only six
months of age, Mrs. Shay surviving her hsuband
until Clarence was six years old, after which he
made his home with his uncle and aunt, Mr. and
Mrs. Horace Frink, near Mystic. The early days
of his school life were spent at the district school at
the Road church in Stonington, and he later attended
the high school at Old Mystic. At the age of seven-
teen he found employment in Old Mystic with F. A.
Chapman, remaining- two years, and then for eight-
een months he was engaged in the meat bus'ness
at Old Mystic, following the same work at Mystic
for two years, and for one year he was employed at
the Wilcox Fertilizer Works, at Mvstic, as foreman
of the works. On May 26, 1898, he bought the
Fertilizer \\ orks of A. F. Hewitt, and operated the
business under the firm name of C. M. Shay, the
plant being located at Groton, Connecticut. In May,
1901, the C. M. Shay Fertilizer Co. was organized,
with a capital stock of $50,000, Mr. Shay being
chosen President of the Company, which manufac-
tures high grade bone fertilizers, and deals in hides,
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAI'l I ICAL RECORD.
815
gi^en bone ami hotel grease. Mr. Shay is mi the
road the greater portion of the time, covering terri-
tory through which the company does business —
including Connecticut, Massachusetts, Rhode
Island and New York. The C. M. Shay
Company is the only independent company
of its kind and size doing business in New
England, and it is in direct competition with
the trust. The weekly capacity of the plant averages
100 barrels of tallow and grease, besides all kinds
of animal fertilizers and poultry food. In [902 Mr.
Shay built a plant at theNavy yard, and at present.
with the exception erf the ship yards, this company
does a larger amount of business annually, than
any other in the town of Groton. In 1898 he came
rroton to reside, and is one of the most honored
members of the community.
On June 15. 1899, Mr. Shay married Miss
Lillian Senior, of Bethel, Conn. He has become
very popular, and now serves as chairman of the
Fire District committee, and is a member of the
Democratic Town committee. Fraternally he be-
longs to Brainerd Lodge, No. T02, F. & A. M.. of
Xew London; Stonington Lodge, of Mystic, I. ( ).
O. P.; and Croton Conclave. Improved Order of
Heptasophs.
MICHAEL HIGGIXS, a well-known merchant
of Pawcatnck, belongs by birth and descent to the
Emerald Isle, but by adoption and affection to this
might}- western land. He was born in Countv
Waterford, town of ECnockanure, Ireland. Sept. 26,
185 1. His father. Michael Higgins, was born at
the same place, and continued there as a farmer till
he was nearing middle age. Then he came to Amer-
ica and in i860, settled at Pawcatnck. After coming
to this country he did not resume farming, but was
engaged as a laborer. His wife, Margaret (Gray J
Higgins, bore him five children, as follows: Thomas,
deceased, who married and left one son, Thomas,
now a druggist; William, who is a stone polisher by
trade, and lives in Pawcatnck: Michael, of Pawca-
tnck; Mary, deceased: and Julia, deceased wife of
John Deady, and the mother of five children.
Mtehael and Margaret Higgins both died in Paw-
catnck.
Michael Higgins. son of Michael, spent his boy-
hood days at ECnockanure, and was educated in the
National School. When he was fifteen he came to
Pawcatnck. where his brother William and a sister
of his mother had already located, and began work-
ing in what is now known as the Solway Mills. lie
continued there till 1X71. and then learned the trade
of tool sharpening with The Smith Granite Com-
pany and for four years followed that occupation.
By thrift and constancy he was enabled, in 1X75.
with his savings, to establish himself in his present
mercantile business in Pawcatnck. which, thanks to
his native ability and business enterprise, has by
closest application to business constantly expanded.
Michael Higgins was joined in wedlock. Sep).
9, [879, to Miss Mary A. Burke, also of Pawcatuck,
and to this union ten children have been horn,
namel) : Joseph, a graduate of the high and
now attending Baltimore Medical College; Mabel,
a graduate from the high school and from Trinity
College, Washington, I). C. ; Margaret, another high
school graduate; William A., Leo, Cyril, Ros;
and Edwin, all attending the parochial scho
Walter: and Michael, who lived only eleven month-.
Mr. Higgins has always maintained an inde-
pendent Stand in politics, and takes a keen interest
in all questions of local import, as well as of broader
scope. He is a member of St. Michael's Church, in
Pawcatuck, and is universally looked up to and
respected, as a most worth}- citizen.
BILLINGS. The history of Connecticut would
he incomplete if the record of the Billings family
were omitted. From the days of earliest Xew Eng-
land members of the family have proved their loy-
alty and patriotism in time of war and in time oi
peace, and in Sanford X. Billings, of Stonington,
and his son, Byron Billings, of East Lyme, addi-
tional lustre has been added to a most honorable
name.
( I ) William Billings, the founder of the Connec-
ticut family, came from Taunton, England, and first
appears in this country at Dorchester and Braintl
Mass. In the latter place he wedded, on Feb. 5.
1658, his wife's Christian name being Mary. The
exact date of his coming to Connecticut and Ston-
ington i< not certainly known, but his name appears
among those of the earliest Stonington planters. 1 le
erected a dwelling house on Casatuc Hill, the site of
which may yet be seen ; and by grants and purchase
he became a large land holder. He died in T71}.
and his will mentions the following children: Will-
iam. Lydia, Margaret, Mary, Abigail. Dorothy, Pa-
tience and Ebenezer.
(II) Ebenezer Hillings served with distinction
in the Colonial wars. ( )n March 1, [680, he mar-
ried Anna Comstock, who bore him ten children.
namely: Anna. Ebenezer, William, James. Mar-
garet, Zipporah, Jemima, Increase. Thankful and
Benjamin.
(III) Lieutenant Ebenezer Billings was born
Jan. 1. 10S4. and like his father, became known in
military circles. He was made an ensign in T7JJ,
and a lieutenant in 1731. < )n April 2. 1706, he mar-
ried Phebe Denison, and their eleven children were":
Abigail, John, Ebenezer, Phebe, Grace, Aim, John
(2), Christopher, Daniel, Nathan and Ann Borodel.
(IV) Ebenezer Billings, the third in direct line
to hear the Christian name Ebenezer. was born
March jo. 1711. He was twice married. ( )n Nov.
[733, he wedded Mary Noyes, and on her death.
Mrs. Sarah (Chesebro) Geer. His children were:
Elizabeth, Sanford, Phebe, Ebenezer, Rebecca. Gil-
bert, Mary ami Elisha.
(\ l Sanford Billings was born April jo. [736.
i in |an. 24, 17'''. he married Lucy Geer, daughter
8 l 4
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
of James Geer, a direct descendant of John Alden
and Priscilla Mullins. He died April 25, 1806, and
she passed away April 19, 1810. Their children,
ten in number, were : Ebenezer, Sanford, Robert,
Gilbert. Coddington, Noyes, Lucy, James G., Sarah
and Washington.
(VI) Gilbert Billings was born Nov. 25, 1768.
He became a sea captain, and was well known along
the coast in the various seaports. In 1792 he mar-
ried Lucy Swan, who died Dec. 16, 1854. He died
in Griswold May 4, 1856. They were the parents
of ten children: Sanford, born June 21, 1793, died
Sept. 22, 1820; Lucy, born June 30, 1798, married
Asher Coates; Robert, born May 23, 1800, married
Galista Keeney; James, born Jan. 2, 1802; George
\\\, born Dec. 9, 1803, died Feb. 14, 1873; Horatio
Nelson, born Nov. 26, 1805 ; one, born Sept. 19,
1807, died unnamed ; John S., born March 4, 1809,
died Aug. 28, 1812; Benjamin F., born Jan. 15,
1811, married (first) Ann Palmer, and (second)
Mrs. Abby Jane Starkweather: and Mary P., born
Jan. 24, 1813, died March 20, 1856.
(YII) Horatio Nelson Billings was born Nov.
26, 1805. He became a follower of the sea. and in
1849-50 he went to California as first mate on a
sailing vessel. He was heard from soon after his
arrival, but never afterward. On Jan. 30, 1838. he
married Mary Ann Fish, daughter of Moses Fish.
She died during the Civil war. The children born
of this union were: Lucy H., who was educated at
the Cooper Institute. New York City, and became
the author of "The Ruined Statues, and ( )ther
Poems,*' married John L. Spalding: Sanford Nel-
son: Edward E. lives at Pawcatuck, Conn.; and
Mary A., of Pendleton Hill, North Stonington, mar-
ried Charles D. Thompson.
(VIII) Sanford N. Billings was born May
18, 1841, in North Stonington. When but sixteen
he began working as a farm hand for his uncle, Ben-
jamin F. Billings, in Griswold. Two years later he
was farming the old homestead of his ancestor,
William Hillings. This he continued until he bark-
ened to his country's call for aid. On Aug. 20,
1862, lie enlisted as a private in Company G, 21st
Conn. V. L, and was mustered into service Sept.
5, 1802. Six months later he was detailed on de-
tached service as turnkey of the jail at Norfolk,
Ya., where he was for a year and a half. Rejoin-
ing his regiment then, he saw active service until
May 16, 1864, when he was captured by the rebels
in front of Richmond. lie was taken first to Libby
Prison, then two weeks later to Andersonville,
where he was confined until fall, then being trans-
ferred to Charleston, S. C, and after three weeks
to Florence, and later to Goldsboro. By this time
he had endured such untold horrors, and suffered
such a shock, that he scarcely had strength to walk.
His "clothes, worn to tatters, barely covered him. In
sheer desperation he and a comrade effected an es-
cape, and fortunately came across some boy in
blue, who took them in and cared for their immed-
iate needs. Air. Billings was so feeble in mind he
was unable to tell his name or where he was. After
weeks of careful nursing he was partially restored,
and as soon as able he was sent home, arriving- in
Stonington a mere shadow of his former self. In
his normal health he had weighed 175 pounds, but
in those days of convalescence he tipped the scales
at ninety-four pounds. Although he escaped the
missiles of death that mowed down his comrades in
battle, he suffered more agony than was ever
caused by bullet wound. The memory of that pris-
on life of forty years ago overshadows him with
sickening horror. He was discharged from serv-
ice at Baltimore, Md., May 16, 1865.
Since the war Mr. Billings has given his atten-
tion to agricultural pursuits in Stonington and
North Stonington, paying much attention to stock
raising, a part of the time being in partnership
with a relative, W. W. Billings, who was the first
importer and raiser of full-blooded Jersey cattie
in the vicinity. In 1873 he came into possession of
his present fine farm, formerly owned by W. W.
Billings. He also owns another farm, and two
tracts of land, in all, some 300 acres. He has proved
himself an industrious and honorable citizen, faith-
ful in the discharge of every duty in public and
private life, and he has the well merited esteem of
all who know him.
On Oct. 28, 1867, Mr. Billings was married to
Lucy E. Main, daughter of Charles H. and Almira
( Eggleston ) Main. Eight children blessed this
happy union : Byron is mentioned below ; Mary,
born May 15, 1871, married Arthur G. Wheeler, an
extensive farmer of Stonington; William W., of
North Stonington, a farmer, married Mary Clark,
and has two children, Jennie Dolly and Gilbert;
Lucy, born June 20, 1881, is a teacher at Madison,
Conn. : Grace W., born Dec. 18, 1882, married
Horace D. Miner, a farmer, of Stonington, and has
one son, Elias B. Miner; Lillie M., born July 6,
[886, is a teacher in North Stonington; Priscilla
Alden, born May 29, 1892; and Sanford N., Jr.,
born Aug. 17, 1895.
(IN) Byron Billings was born Jan. 4, 1869,
at Ashwillit, North Stonington. His boyhood days
were spent on the farm, and his schooling was re-
ceived in Stonington and New London. At the
age of nineteen he entered the employ of the Wil-
cox Fertilizer Company, of Mystic, Conn., and for
a \ear was employed by the Sanderson Fertilizer
and Chemical Company, of New Haven. Upon the
incorporation of the Niantic Menhaden Oil &
Guano Company, in 1902, he was elected president ;
S. Curtis Eggleston, treasurer ; and Lucien Sander-
son, secretary. The company is capitalized at
$150,000 and runs two fishing steamers carry-
ing fifty fishermen. The business is constantly in-
creasing, and too much credit can not be given Mr.
Billings for his able management. He is possessed
GENEALOGICAL AXD BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
8iq
. iod judgmenl and foresight, and fine executive
ability — one oi the kind of men who never experi-
ence defeat. .
On Aug. 18, [900, Mr. Byron Billings was
united in marriage with Geneva Newbury Rogers,
daughter of Charles E. Newbury. Two children
have come to gladden their home, Priscilla Alden,
born July 11, 1901 ; and Esther Miriam, born
March 10, [903. Socially Mr. Billings is a mem-
ber ^<i Charity and Relief Lodge. No. 72, F. <x A.
M.. of Mystic; and of Stonington Lodge, No. 26,
I. O. O. I;., of Mystic. Both he and his wife are
members of the Union Baptist church of Mystic.
Politically he is a Republican.
JOHN B. HALEY, a successful farmer of the
town of Groton, comes of a family early planted in
Connecticut.
1 I ) John Haley and wife, Mary Saunders,
daughter of John and Silence Saunders, were liv-
ing at Centre Groton, Conn., in 1738, with their
six children, namely: Joshua, Jeremiah. Caleb,
Martha. Elizabeth and John, and of these John
settled in Stonington, and Jeremiah at Mystic
Bridge.
(II) Caleb Haley married (first) Mary Helm
(or Helmes), born in 1740, daughter of Rouse
Helm, and was from Little Rest, L. I. Their chil-
dren were: Caleb, Elisha, Stephen and Betsey.
He married (second) a Miss Northrop.
(III) Hon. Elisha Haley, born Jan. 21, 177C
in Groton, married, July 24, 1803, Nancy, daughter
of Nathan Crary, of Groton, and their children were :
Henry, born Mav 11, 1804; Giles, born Sept. 24,
1805: Justin, born May 11, 1810, died young;
Abby, born May 28, 1814, married William F.
Mitchell, and resided at Groton Bank; Eliza, born
Now 13, 1818, married R. W. Smith. Elisha Haley
received a common school education in the schools
of his neighborhood. He remained on the home
farm with his 1 arents until 1816, when he pur-
chased a small tract of land, and together with his
brother Stephen, resided in a house which stood on
what was afterward known as the Warren Haley
place. About 1846 he removed to Centre Groton,
which was ever afterward his home. Mr. Haley
was entrusted with various important positions in
his native town, representing it a number of times
in the General Assembly of the State. He was
also several times a State Senator from his dis-
trict. He was elected a representative from Con-
necticut in the XXIVth Congress as a Democrat,
and was re-elected to the XXVth Congress, serving
from Dec. 7, 1835, to March 3, 1839. He was an
enterprising and public-spirited man, ever ready
to assist the cause of civilization. In 18 if >- 18. he
was largely interested in constructing turnpikes in
both Connecticut and Rhode Island, and held stock-
in several such companies, more or less through
life. He was for several years a cai tain in the
State militia, and was universally respected.
esteemed and honored by his townsmen. Mr. Haley
was a -rial reader and student, and acquired a
valuable practical knowledge of affairs, lie was
physically well-developed, and his mind was well-
balanced, lie was a most stirring and active man,
a leader in society and politics. Whenever a candi-
date for office, he was always elected. He knew
no such word a- fail, and whenever he took hold of
a measure or principle, it was carried to a suco
ful termination. His death occurred Jan. 22. 1859.
(IV) Henry Haley, son of Hon. Elisha Haley,
was born May II, 1804. On June 15. 1834, he mar-
ried Mary Ann Burrows, born Jan. 31. 1812, in
Groton, daughter of John B., and" Betsey Burrows,
and they had children as follows: Virginia, born
Aug. 22, 1835. married. June 28, 1855, Nelson Mor-
gan, of Poquonoc Bridge, and ha- had two children,
Harry Archie (who died in infancy) and John A.:
Betsey Ann. born March 17, 1838 married, May 27,
[860, Capt. Albert C. Burrows, and died Aug. 14,
1877", the mother of three children, Julia V. (who
died in Texas, wife of a Mr. Woolston, Mary (who
is Mrs. Fawcett, of Albany. X. V. ) and Albert' Henry
(who died in infancy): John Burrows was born
July 1, 1843. Henry Haley lived in Groton all his
life, and in April, 1843, he located at Centre Gro-
ton. where he died April 3, 1889. He engaged in
farming, but was also engaged in school teaching
for many years. He was also captain of a militia
company. His wife died .Sept. 30, 1887. In poli-
tics he was a life-long Democrat.
(V) John Burrows Haley spent his boyhood
days at Centre Groton school, and at a private
school at Burnett's Corners, and later attended the
Mystic academy. When about twenty he went west
to Winchester, Ilk. and engaged in the patent rights
business. On account of ill health of his parents,
he returned to Groton, but a year or so later he
returned to Illinois, and from there went to [owa and
Michigan, selling patent rights. In 1865, lle re-
turned once more to Groton, to make it his perman-
ent home. He has added to the acreage of the
home farm, and has made it a pleasant 1 lace of resi-
dence. In politics he is a Democrat, and he has
been road commissioner, making an excellent of-
ficial.
On Dec. 14, 1870, Mr. Haley married Georgi-
ana 1. Allen, born July 2^,. 1848'. daughter of Levi
G. Allen, of Groton, and their children were: Lu-
ella, born Sept. 28. 1871. married George I-'.. Bailey,
of East Greenwich, R. I., and they have two chil-
dren. Ralph Edgar and Harry Allen: Albertina
Burrows, born May 16, 1875. married Charles F.
Ferguson, of Groton, and has one child. Amy
Powell: Amy Allen, born Oct. 28. 1877. died Jan.
18, [897; Mary Burrows, born July 7. 1880; John
Ross, born Aug. 24. 1882. married Edith L. Bailey,
and has one son. John Arthur. Mrs. Haley died
at Centre Groton, May 9, [891. Mr. Haley is a
member of the Charity and Relief Lodge, F. & A.
M.. at Mystic; and Fairview Lodge I. ( ). ( ). F.
8i6
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
at Groton. He is a man universally esteemed, and
is recognized as one of the leading fanners of this
locality.
COURTLAND E. COLVER, superintendent
of the Groton Water and Electric Company, is a
descendant of one of the oldest families of New
England.
Amos Colver, his great-grandfather, was born
Aug. 7, 1753. He married Esther Colver, who was
born Oct. 17, 1759, and who died Sept. 9. 1843; he
died April 2j, 1828. They had the following chil-
dren horn to them: Youngs, born Sept. 20, 1777,
died May 25, 1832: Esther Jones, born Dec. 29,
1771;; Deborah Jones, born Nov. 22, 1781 ; Moses
Tones, born Dec. 25, 1783 ; Tabitha, born Jan. 24,
1786; and Eunice, horn Dec. 5, 1787. Mr. Colver's
house stood near the present residence of Stephen A.
Perkins in District No. 2, of Groton, and the re-
mains of himself and wife lie in the Wightman bury-
ing-ground in that town.
Moses Jones Colver was born Dec. 25. 1783,
and lived to the age of eighty years, residing in
1 Mstrict Xo. 2, near the Navy Yard. He married
Sarah Buddington, and they reared a family of
eleven children, and at death were interred in the
Starr burial place. Their children were: Edwin,
Nathan, Rhoda. Melinda, Eunice, Coddington,
Eliza, Albert, ( )liver, Amanda and Jonathan. For
a time Mr. Colver farmed at Leyden, Mass., but
later returned to Groton.
Coddington Colver was born in District Xo. 2,
( iroton. and he died aged sixty-four years, at Center
Groton, where he had located in T845. He engaged
in farming and k\ a wood and timber business. Mr.
Colver was a man of affairs, prominent in business
and church, a road surveyor for a considerable
period, and while living in Old Mystic, was a dea-
con in the Baptist Church. In politics he was identi-
fied with the Republican party. His wife was
Esther Buddington, daughter of Jonathan Budding-
ton, and their children were: Moses Jones, born
Jan. 29, 1840: Matilda and George, both deceased;
Mary, who married Charles H. Chapman; Charles,
who married Etta Lester ; Caroline, who died
young; Alice, who married Judson Burrows, of
Poquonock : and Henry, who died young.
Moses Jones Colver. son of Coddington, was
born in Xew London, and came to Center (iroton
at the age of five years, there attending school
until the age of fifteen years. He then shipped on
the coasting vessel, the "Sylph," of Xew London,
and later on the "Sultan" of Noank, a halibut
fishing vessel off ( ieorges Rank. Other ves-
sels 011 which he was engaged were: the
"Liberty'' of Niantic, the "Van Dyke" of Xi-
antic, the "Daniel Comstock", the "Albert Haley",
"George Moore" and "Elisha Raker." During the
Civil war he was on the "Elizabeth D. Hart," which
was engaged in carrying supplies, and he later was
quartermaster on the transport "Cassandra." R
was while on the "Liberty" that he met with an ac-
cident which nearly caused the loss of his life, a
surgical operation being necessary. Since leaving
the water he has been living retired. On Jan. 22,
i860, he married Ursula R. Chapman, daughter of
Solomon and Eliza (Hazen) Chapman, the former
of whom was born in Ledyard (son of Eber and De-
sire (Stark) Chapman) and the latter in Preston,
although both died in Groton.
Mr. Chapman was a merchant and a blacksmith
and also was a dealer in timber lands. Mr. and
Mrs. Colver have one son, George Percv, born
April 22, 1862, who married Elizabeth L. Manierre,
and they have three children, Ray Percy. Leon
Manierre, and John M. ; prior to a severe attack
of grippe and typhoid malaria, George P. Colver
was a steamboat man, but ill health caused the loss
of a leg. since which time he has been engaged in
farming. Moses J. Colver is a member of Fairview
Lodge. Xo. to. I. O. ( ). E., of which he is past
grand, and he is a member of the Grand Lodge of
the State and a member of the Jibboom Club, Xo.
1, of Xew London, Conn. He has always been a
consistent Democrat, and on many occasions has
been elected to office, but he has never consented to
hold any.
Jonathan Colver, son of Moses Jones Colver,
and his wife, Sarah ( Buddington) Colver, was born
at Leyden, Mass., in 1820, and died June 11, 1899,
in Groton, Conn. After the age of nine years lie
attended school in (iroton. For twenty-eight years
he was a sea-faring man. engaging' in deep sea and
whale fishing, sailing principally from Xew Lon-
don, Mystic and Xew Bedford, and whaling in the
southern Pacific Ocean, Ochotsk Sea and Arctic
Ocean. For years he had command of a coasting
vessel on the Pacific. During his seagoing life he
sailed around Cape Horn five times. Some of the
boats on which he sailed were the "William C. Xye"
and the "Romulus." He always made Groton his
legal home. He married Sarah A., daughter of
Courtland Chapman, of Ledyard, Conn., and to this
union were born three children. Carlton and Kate
B., twins, in 1863, the former deceased; and Court-
land E., born Sept. 8. 1875. During the latter years
of his life, Mr. Colver engaged in farming near
the Navy Yard in Groton. In p'olitics he was a
Republican, and was active in support of the party's
principles. He was a member of the school com-
mittee in Groton for a considerable period.
Courtland E. Colver was educated in the schools
of Groton and the Xew London Rusiness College,
where he was graduated in 1893. After making a
study of electrical engineering, he was appointed
June t, 1902, superintendent of the Groton Water
and Electric Company, a position he fills with the
greatest satisfaction to all concerned. In 1903 he
received the degree of Master of the Science of Ac-
counts from the Xew London Rusiness College.
On Nov. 12, u)02. Mr. Colver married Bertha
E. Rodman, daughter of Capt. John R. Rodman.
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
817
Mrs. Colver died March _>_>, [903. Religiously Mr.
Colver is a prominent member of the Methodist
Church of Gales Ferry, of which he is a trustee,
and Sunday-school superintendent since 1900.
Fraternally he is a member of the Union Lodge No.
31, F. & A. M., at New London; and Groton Con-
clave, Xo. 382, Improved Order of Heptasophs.
BENTLEY. It is the purpose of this article to
treat of the early Bentley family of New England in
general only, and to refer especially to the late Rev.
David Xiles Bentley and his son, the late Andrew-
Jackson Bentley, the former of whom was one of
the fathers of Methodism in this locality, and
through an unusually long life one of the most ac-
tive and faithful, as well as one of the chief sup-
porters, of religions work in his community.
William Bentley came to Xew England in the
ship "Arabella," which sailed from ( iravesen 1,
May 27. 1671, and in January, 1079, he was a
resident of Narragansett, R. I. The Christian name
of his wife was Sarah, as is shown by his will, which
was approved in 1720, in Kings Town, R. I., and
his children: William, James, Thomas, Benjamin
and Jane.
So far as is known the descendants of William
Bentley; the emigrant settler, who bear the name of
Bentley, came through his son, William, who mar-
ried (first) April 21, 1703, Mary, daughter of
Henry and Deborah (York) Eliot, of Stonington,
Conn. He married (second) Aug. 1, 1734. Bath-
sheba Lewis. His children were: John. George,
Caleb, Ezekiel, Tabitha, Ruhama. Mary, William,
Thomas. James, Greene and Benjamin. (The last
five were born to the second marriage ) .
Ezekiel Bentley and Anna (Chapman) Bentley,
the latter a daughter of Deacon Joseph Chapman, of
the old town of Groton (that part now the town
Ledyard). the parents of the late Rev. David X.
Bentley, lived to the remarkable ages of ninety-six
and ninety-seven years, respectively, Mr. Bentley
dying Feb. 4.. 1834. and Mrs. Bentley, ( )ct. 25, 1853.
Rev. David Niles Bentley was born July 27.
1785, in the town of North Stonington, Conn., the
home of a branch of the old Rhode Island Bentley
family. He had only limited school privileges, but
improved such as conditions afforded. His life
away from home had its beginning in April, 1791),
in the capacity of chore boy in the family of
Rarzillai Davison, of Norwich. After an absence
of six months he returned to the home, and through
the greater part of the winter following was in at-
tendance at the neighborhood district school. In
the spring of [800 he was bound out as an appren-
tice to his former employer to learn the trade of a
goldsmith. Not long after his return to Norwich
tlie boy was converted under the preaching of the
eccentric Rev. Lorenzo Dow. Subsequently he was
baptized in the Yantic river by Rev. Peter Vannest.
Thio was the beginning of a long, useful religions
life in which he gave himself in no stinted manner
52
to die cause of Christ. After the expiration of the
term of his apprenticeship, he rode tin- Xew Lon-
don circr.it in company with Lev. Nathan Avery.
Believing he could he more useful in local work
than in this itinerant ministry, he commenced busi-
ness in Norwich in [805, as a brass founder and
plumber. Beginning his business career without
means, but with a resolute spirit and determination
to do, he. through honesty of purpose and in
rity in his business dealings along with energy and
industry, despite the expenses of a numerous fam-
ily, amassed property and presented a noble in-
stance of generosity.
In the early history of Methodism in Xew Lon-
don count}, and in his community, there were few
church buildings, and the societies in different lo-
calities were accustomed to meet in the homes and
in convenient buildings not their own property. At
such times numerous incidental expenses were to
he met. and no more generous and willing contribu-
tor t<> these in his community was to hi' found than
David X. Bentley. Chiefly by his generosity the
church structure on the old wharf bridge was built.
To his liberality and exertions as well as contribu-
tions, largely were due the early churches on
Sachem and Main streets, and also the Central and
Greeneville churches. His name is indelibly in-
scribed on the pillars of those buildings.
Commencing his labors as a local preacher soon
after his conversion, he continued there in that 1111-
remunerative held so long as his health would per-
mit. In 181 t, and for several years succeeding, he
alternated with the traveling ministry at the Land-
ing and at Bean Hill, except at such periods as an
exchange was effected with other local minist* rs.
At this early date he also began to preach at the
Almshouse. The story of his work is better told in
his own language. He wrote:
"It is now more than sixty-two years since I
received my first license to preach, although the
world called my labors 'preaching' two or three
\ears before. During all these many years I have
never pocketed a dollar beyond my expenses of
traveling to and from my appointments. More
than half 0] that time I kept a team of my own. It
may truly be said 1 have been the poor man's min-
ister. For more than sixty-three years I have held
meetings at the almshouse in this city regularly once
in three weeks, and when sick or absent I have sup-
plied a substitute. During that length <<\ time I
have attended 203 funerals at the almshouse.
"] began the world with nothing hut my hands.
] have literally labored seven days in the week for
fifty years. Quite a number of times, when I have
been at work casting brass, a messenger has called
for me to go and attend a funeral three or six miles
off. Such calls, or something not altogether dis-
similar. 1 have answered in all the towns of within
twenty miles of my residence. And new. if I can
hut see weeping penitents inquiring what they shall
do to he saved, and hear them shout the praise of a
8 1 8
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
sin-forgiving God, 1 thing I shall feel like exclaim-
ing with Simeon, 'Now lettest Thou Thy servant
depart' in peace, for mine eyes have seen Thy sal-
vation." "
On Aug. ii, 1805 Rev. Mr. Bentley was mar-
ried to Miss Letitia Gardner, daughter of David
■-Gardner, of Bozrah, Gum., who hore him eleven
1 children, and died Nov. 1, 1853, in Norwich. She
was an earnest Christian, an affectionate mother, a
devoted wife and an obliging friend. He married
(second) Airs. Betsey Callyhan, widow of William
• oi Norwich. She died Feb. 26. 1874.
Andrew Jackson Bentley, son of Rev. David
N. iBentley, was born in Norwich Jan. 10, 1827,
and for many years was one of the most prominent
business men in New London county. He received
his education at his birthplace, but was obliged to
leave school on account of poor health. In early
life he followed the water for about a dozen years,
from 1845 to 1857, f°r tne most part being on the
sea, in the coastwise merchant service, commanding
both sailing and steam vessels. The last two years,
from 1855 to 1957. he was steamboating on the
Mississippi river, and then left the water for good.
Shortly afterward he embarked in the commission
business, in New York City, as senior member of
the firm of Bentley, Gildersleeve & Co. This firm
owned and operated several lines of vessels, and
had a very extensive yellow pine trade. Mr. Rent-
ley for many years held large property interests in
Florida, in Columbia county alone having a lumber
district of 44,000 acres, besides large lumber mills,
and his presence being therefore required in the
South, he made his legal residence in Jacksonville,
Ida., from 1867 t0 1880. He was there all through
the political turmoil that made the State conspicu-
ous for a number of years after the Civil war, par-
ticularly in the memorable election of centennial
year. While in Florida Mr. Bentley was interested
in public affairs as well as business matters, was a
member of the aldermanic board of Jacksonville,
chairman of the Finance committee of the board of
public instruction, and for a while acting superin-
tendent of the board.
In 1880 Mr. Bentley disposed of much of his
Florida property and retired from the firm of
Bentley, Gildersleeve & Co.. and upon his return to
the North he made his home in New London, New
London Co., Conn. In 1879 he had established at
East New London the Columbia Steam Sawmills,
and, devoting himself to this enterprise with his ac-
customed vigor and good business judgment, he
soon developed the business of the concern to large
proportions. In 1893 he erected an entirely new
nt <n\ Fort Neck, on land along the water front
tich had hitherto been considered useless. It was
proved, a canal was dredged through the marsh
' to the mill, and a pier six hundred feet long was
built, out into deep water. . The new Columbia
Steam Sawmills were three times the size of the old
plant at East New London, being the largest yellow
pine plant north of the Mason and Dixon lint. Mr.
Bentley's death found this plant partially completed,
and his widow completed the mill property, and for
seven, years conducted it. In October, 1903, she
sold the property to the New York. New Haven &
Hartford Railway Company. Mr. Bentley was suc-
cessful in business as the result of self-reliance, and
conscientious, energetic, painstaking devotion to his
affairs, which were never allowed to suffer because
of any neglect on his part. The highest integrity
marked all Ids transactions, whether of a public or
private nature, and he held the confidence and es-
teem of employes and associates alike, wherever he
was known.
Active in everything which concerned the wel-
fare of the locality with which he was identified,
whether it affected his personal interests or not, Mr.
Bentley was a most useful citizen wherever he
lived. After his return to the North he served m
many positions of trust in New London county, rep-
resenting his district in the State Legislature in the
year 1884, and later as State Senator from the
Ninth District. Apropos of his candidacy for the
latter incumbency a local paper, congratulating his
party upon their choice, had the following edi-
torial :
The Republicans of the Ninth Senatorial District
acted wisely in choosing Capt. A. J. Bentley for their candi-
date, as he lias just the qualifications needed for a legis-
lator and more legislative experience than is customary
with the candidates of either party not professional poli-
ticians. Capt. Bentley has not only legislative experience,
hut a record made in the General Assembly of which any
man might well he proud. His business training fits him
to decide and act upon appropriation measures promptly
and well and such men are needed at every session of the
Legislature. A case in point, that illustrates the value
of such men as Capt. Bentley, occurs to the writer. In
the winter of 18S4 a hill was introduced into the House
appropriating $200,000 for building an addition to the
insane asylum at Middletown and for the necessary fur-
nishings. The bill would have gone along smoothly
enough had not Capt. Bentley interposed and made a
vigorous tight, at first before the committee and subse-
quently in the House, where at times the debate on the
matter hecame very acrimonious. Capt. Bentley and his
colleague from New London, George Williams, appeared
before the committee and succeeded in convincing them
that the sum asked was far in excess of the amount re-
quired for the proper construction and completion of the
work', naming a sum about one-third of the $200,000 as
sufficient for the building. The committee heeded the ob-
jections and the bill was reported back to the House with a
recommendation that $125,000 be appropriated. This,
however, did not meet Capt. Bentley's views, so he offered
an amendment substituting the sum of $75,000 for the
$125,000 named. At once a hot light commenced. W. C.
Case, the then leader of the House, with Hadlai A. Hull,
of Stonington, and W. II. Law, of New Haven, were the
chief champions of the bill as reported back and in the
course of debate they stigmatized Capt. Bentley as one of
the most ignorant men in the State for claiming that the
proposed addition could be built for the sum named in the
amendment. When these gentlemen had talked themselves
hoarse. Capt. Bentley arose and quietly clinched his argu-
ments supporting the amendment by offering to construct
the building and furnish it for $75,000 according to the
plans and specifications, and to give as good a bond as
GENEALOGICAL AXD BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
819
d be made in the State of Connecticut for tl
fill I 1 the work. I alk 1 al >ng-
gument and Cain. I amendment
was carried. Events have proved th irn i his
judgment. Gov. Waller at the ti d it was oin
the best pieces of legislation in his experience and Gov.
Harrison in his last annual message rep lie addi-
tion completed and full) equal to the n< he State
for year- to come. By his fearless action Capt.
saved tl e State $50,000 and impressed the House with the
belief that he was a had man to fool with. Many I
lators are thought to have done well if they cost the
State. nothing, but the people will not be slow to appreciate
the services of a man who saved the State S50.000.
For three years Mr. Bentley was a member of
the board of aldermen of New London, was senior
alderman one year, and acting mayor during Mayor
Williams's absence. In [893 he was elected mayor
of the city, serving one term in that incumbency,
and in the exercise of his authority he proved him-
self conscientious and fearless, advocating whatever
lie considered best for the interests of the city, and
showing the same care and keen discretion which
characterized his conduct of his own affairs. He
aimed to give the city a conservative and business-
like administration, and his sincerity was never
questioned. That he served most efficiently was
conceded on all sides, in political affiliation he was
a stanch member of the Republican party. Mr.
Bentley was the first president of the New London
Board of Trade, and, in fact, was foremost in
every progressive movement, but he was neverthe-
less a very quiet, unassuming man, distinctly a
lover of home and domestic pleasures. His death,
which occurred March 18, 1895. was mourned in
many circles where his presence was long missed.
Mr. Pentley's first marriage was to Miss Abbie
Kinney, of Norwich, who died in that city, the
mother of one child, Carrie, who is now the wife of
William Ik Jerard. and has nine children. ( )n June
1. 1886, Mr. Bentley married, for his second wife.
Miss Julia E. Callahan, born March 16, 1858, in
Waterford, daughter of John and Margaret
(Dugan) Callahan, of Xew London, and five
children blessed this union. Abby, born Sept. 30,
1887; Ruth, born April 11. 1889: David Dow. born
June 2. 1890: Andrew Jackson. Jr., born April 8.
1892; and .Mary, born Dec. 22. 1893.
NOYES STANTON, HENRY MARTYN,
and FRANKLIN WHEELER PALMER. For
over two centuries and a half this family has taken
an important part in the history and progress ol
Stonington, whither the firsl American ancestor,
Walter Palmer, came with his family about the mid-
dle of the seventeenth century.
( 1) Walter Palmer was bom in London as early
as 1585. He came to Xew England in [629, and
helped to lay the foundations of Charlestown.
There he lived until 1 643 , when, in company with,
his friend. William Chesebrough, and others, In-
joined in the organization of Rehoboth. lie v
chosen as first representative to the General Court
Plymouth, and held other oi of imporl
111 the < In [653, at the invitation of William
Chesebrough, he joined with him and with Thoi
Stanton and Thomas Miner 111 establishing a
tlement at Stonington. Walter Palmer bought his
tract of 1,-md b) contract deed, fr .. Haynes,
agreeing to pa) one hundred pounds for the p]
with such cattle from his -lock as Governor Haynes
should select. Ik- settled at the head of Wequete-
quock Cove, and there Rebecca, the youngest of
many children, was born. He was twice married.
The name of his first wife is unrecorded, as she died
before he came to this country. There were - x
children by this marriage. The eldest, Grace, mar-
ried one of the original settlers. Thomas Miner, ami
from them are sprung the large .Miner connection
to be found throughout Xew England. Among the
lineal descendants of Grace Palmer and Thomas
Miner was Gen. drant. In 1633 Walter Palmer
married, for his second wife. Rebecca Short, and
seven children were born to them. lie died Nov.
10, 1661, and with his friend.-. Thomas Stanton. Wil-
liam Chesebrough and Thomas .Miner, lies buried
in the old Wequetequock cemetery.
(II) Moses Palmer, son of Walter, was born at
Charlestown. April 6, [640. in 1C72. he marred
Dorothy, a daughter of John and Ann (Lord) ( iil-
bert.
1 NI)Moses Palmer married Abigail Allen April
1. 1703. She was a daughter of Daniel and Mary
(Sherman) Allen, and a granddaughter of Rev.
John Sherman.
(IV) John Palmer was married (first) Jan. 18,
1727. to Ann Cheesebrough. The latter died .March
3. 1727. and John Palmer married (second) Doro-
thy Noyes, Dec. 26, t728.
( V ) Noyes Palmer, born Aug. 20. 1732. was
married June 20, 1734. to Sarah, the daughter of
Zebediah and Sarah (Cheesebrough) Mix.
( \ I ) Noyes Palmer, born Oct. 10. 1733. was
married May 22. 1784. to Dorothy Stanton.
(VII) Noyes Palmer (21 was born April 20,
[790. < me of the prominent citizens of Stonington,
am! universally respected by his fellow townsmen,
he was a devoted and lifelong member of the First
Congregational Church, of which he was a deacon
for over forty years. lie played his part, too, in
civic life, and represented his town in the State
Legislature, besides hoi hug many other positl
of trust. Three married, his first wife, to whom he
was united Jan. 4. [816, was Bridget, daughter of
Peleg and Mary (Gray) Denison, who was born
Maj 28, 1704. and died June 6, [818. She had one
-on. Noyes, born Nov. 12, 1S17. deceased Feb. 13.
[818. Deacon Palmer married (second) Sept. 27.
1^24, Mary Rossiter Palmer, daughter of Thomas
W. and Lucy Prentice (Wheeler) Palmer. Mr-.
Palmer, born Aug. 10. [80O, died April 7. 1831.
She was the mother of two children, Noyes Stanton,
bom March 2},, [826, and Henrv Martyn, Feb. 10.
1. For this third wife Deacon Palmer married.
820
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
March 28, 1844, Harriet Wheeler. Her death oc-
curred ( )ct. 17, 1853, while her husband survived
till Feb. 18. 1869. 'Their only child was Franklin
Wheeler Palmer, born March I, 1845.
(VIII) Noyes Stanton Palmer, son of Deacon
Xoves and Mary (Rossiter) Palmer, was born
March 23, [826. He received his education in Ston-
ington and at Exeter Academy. He entered early
into business life, and rose through merit to become
vice-president of one of the largest insurance com-
panies in the country. This position he afterward
resigned to take charge of the general agencies for
the "same company in New York. There he re-
mained until 1872, when he retired from business.
On Oct. 15, 1874, he was married to Emeline
Palmer, daughter of Major Alden and Nancy
D. Palmer, and spent some time in travel abroad.
Finally he returned to Stonington, and made his
home at Quonaduc for many years. There were
born his two children, Emeline Palmer and
Xoves S. Palmer, Jr., who died when six years
old. Xoves S. Palmer was a student, and at the
same time a man of affairs. Exact in all business
transactions, he enjoyed the trust and confidence of
his fellow townsmen, representing the town of Gro-
ton in the Legislature in early manhood. Like his
father before him, he was for many years deacon of
the Road Church, performing the duties devolving
upon him, through that office, faithfully and well.
His sudden death occurred in Poughkeepsie, X. V.,
Oct. 19, 1 891.
(YIII) Henry Martyn Palmer, brother of
Noyes S. i 'aimer and closely associated with him
throughout his life, was born Feb. 19, 1829. He
began his business life in a mercantile establishment,
but soon became connected with the insurance com-
pany with which his brother Xoves was identified.
From 1863 to 1868 he was superintendent of that
company and afterward general agent in Boston.
On Nov. 3, 1863, he married Mary Rossiter Palmer,
daughter of Major Alden and Nancy D. Palmer,
and lived in Boston some vears thereafter, spending
his summers at the Stonington homestead. This
house is an interesting landmark, and commands
perhaps the finest view in Stonington. Built in
1745, it came into the Palmer family in 1791, during
the childhood of Noyes Palmer, great-grand father
of the present occupant, who bears the same name.
Henry Martyn Palmer and wife had two children:
Mary Rossiter, who died at the age of seven ; and
Noyes, who married Annie Louise Williams Nov.
3, 1896, has one child, Man Rossiter, and lives at
the homestead. Henry Martyn Palmer's death oc-
curred Nov. 26, 1904. From 1875 when he retired
from business, he made his permanent home in Ston-
ington. He was a man who was always identified
with the best interests of the town, and filled every
position he was called upon to occupy with dignity,
honor and efficiency.
(YIII) Franklin Wheeler Palmer, the son of
Deacon Noyes and Harriet (Wheeler) Palmer, and
the youngest of the three brothers, was born March
1, 1845. His mother died when he was very young,
and, like his brothers, his early care was entrusted
to Miss Dorothy Palmer, a sister of their father.
To her is owing the home training which went far
toward shaping the sterling characters and upright
lives of these men, and no mention of this branch of
the Palmer family would be complete without lov-
ing mention of her. Franklin W. Palmer com-
menced his business career in a wholesale dry-goods
house, afterward becoming associated with bis
brothers in insurance, and on their retirement re-
entered the mercantile business. For the past twen-
ty-five years he has been at the head of a large pro-
duce commission house in Xew York. On Sept.
12, 1883, he married Eliza Babcock Palmer, daugh-
ter of Major Alden and Nancy D. Palmer. They have
two children: Franklin Wheeler, Jr., and Dorothv.
The family spend their winters in Xew York, they
and their niece, Emeline Palmer, returning to Ston-
ington and the home at Quonaduc each summer.
NATHAN BARBER LEWIS. In the death
of Nathan Barber Lewis, which took place June 20,
1899, at his home in Glasgo, the town of Griswold
lost one of its most industrious citizens and pros-
perous farmer, who, for many years, more than a
half century in fact, was one of its best-known men.
Mr. Lewis was born Sept. 3. 1825, at Exeter,
R. I., a son of Nathan Barber and Sally A. Lewis,
of Exeter, and was an uncle of Hon. John N.
Lewis, of Voluntown, Conn. Mr. Lewis was the
son of a. small farmer and his educational chances
were very limited. He remained at home, assist-
ing in farm work, until his majority, removing then
to Connecticut and locating in the town of Gris-
wold. Here he first found employment on the
farm of Judge Alexander Stewart, and here he
worked hard and faithfully for many years, prac-
ticing close economy. He succeeded in what was
his ambition, and that was to become the owner of
the fine farm of his employer, a large tract of land
on which he settled clown with fresh ambition and
energy. Through his perseverance and thrift he
became one of the wealthiest farmers in the town
of Griswold. His operations covered general farm-
ing and stock raising and he became well known,
and noted not only for his ability as a farmer, but
as a man of honest and upright character. Al-
though he was a consistent Democrat he never
sought office, but attended closely to his own affairs.
His religious belief was summed up in the Golden
Rule.
On Oct. 6, 1850, Mr. Lewis married Lucy Abbie
Park, who was born in North Stonington, New
London county, daughter of Sterry and Lucy (Slo-
cum) Park. Mrs. Lewis proved a very willing
helpmate to her husband and assisted him in every
possible way in his labors and ambitions. She
worked hard, and with her excellent common sense
and good judgment has successfully carried on the
NATHAN B. LEWIS
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
821
farm since her husband's death. Two children were
born to them. t<> whom she devoted herself while
they lived and treasures precious memories of them.
Alexander was horn July 14, 1851, married Aug.
6, 1872, Eliza Whipple, and died .March [9, [891.
The second son, Latham, was horn \)tc. [9, [859,
and died when a promising youth of fifteen years.
Mrs. Lewis has thus faced much trouble, but she is
a good. Christian woman and has borne it all with
commendable fortitude. She is much respected by
all who know her.
FRANK P. FOWLER. Among the old and
representative families of Lebanon, Conn., perhaps
none is more worthy of special notice than
the Fowler family, which for many years has played
an important part in the commercial, social and
political life of the several communities in which
its members have made their homes. In this sketch
it is our purpose to deal with Frank P. Fowler,
one of the most successful merchants of the town of
Lebanon, Conn., and his immediate distinguished
ancestors.
The Fowler family can be traced back to a com-
mon ancestor, in the State of Connecticut, William
Fowler, who came from England to Boston in 1637,
in company with Rev. John Davenport, Rev. Peter
Prudden, Theophilus Eaton and others, and was
possibly from Yorkshire, as his minister, Mr. Prud-
den, came from Edgerton in that county. William
Fowler removed to New Haven with Davenport in
1638. and was one of those who attended the famous
meeting in the Newman barn June 4, 1639, when
the constitution of the New Haven Colony was
adopted, and he was a signer of that document.
Later he removed to Milford, where he was chosen
one of the seven pillars of the church. He was a
magistrate for the Xew Haven Colony, from [643
to 1654, and he died in 1660.
(II) Capt. William Fowler was also horn in
England, where he was baptized, and where sev-
eral of his children were born. He married ( first)
probably a daughter of Edmund Taj)]), and ( sec-
ond) in 1670. Widow Elizabeth Baldwin. He re-
moved to Milford, where he lived until his death
in [68—.
(III) Mark Fowler, horn about 1055, was a
proprietor of Xew Haven in 1685, and died in the
following year. His wife's Christian name was,
perhaps, Mary.
1 IV) John Fowler, horn March 1, 1681, in New
Haven, in about 1702 removed to Lebanon.
C<nn. He built his house in Goshen Society,
and this stood until 1830. and five generations had
lived in it. John Fowler died May 8. 1751. and his
wife. Sarah, died Jan. 14, 1774. Their children
were: John, horn Oct. 31. 170S; Mary, bom Nov.
13. 1710; Mark, born Nov. 7. 1712 (removed to
Salisbury) ; I,)ijah. horn June 10. 1717; and Sarah,
horn Dec. 28. ,17 18, married A. Clark.
1 V ) Capt. Dijah Fowler, horn June 10. 1717.
married, Dec. 18, 1745. Abigail Biglow, who was
horn April 13, 1723. daughter < f Sergeant [saac
Biglow, of Colchester. Capt. Dijah Fowler died
Dec. l-l, 1804. I lis children were: Abigail, horn
March 1. 1747: Dijah, horn Aug. 14. 1748: Sarah,
horn Jan. 7, 1730: Lydia, horn Feb. 7. 1753; John,
born Dec. 5, 1734; Mark, horn May 9, 1750: and
Amos, born March 17. 1758. The latter was a
soldier of the Revolution, was one of Washington's
Life Guards, and participated in the battle of the
Brandywine, and in the retreat to Long Island.
(VI) Capt. Amos Fowler, grandfather of our
subject, and a very distinguished man. was horn
in Goshen Society in the town of Lebanon. By oc-
cupation he was a farmer, and he was a large land
owner and became a successful man in every re-
spect. He removed to the northern portion of the
town, and there resided for many years — in fact
until his death, which occurred Nov. 30, 1837. On
Nov. 30. 1780, he married Rebecca Dewey, who was
born July 4, 1759, and who survived him until Aug.
18, 1850. After his death she drew a pension a- a
widow of a Revolutionarv soldier. ( )f their family
of children, six were sons, and some attained to
distinction. Their names were as follows: (1)
Clarissa, born Oct. 14, 1781, married Oziah Will-
iams, and resided in Canajoharie, X. Y.. and died
Aug. 18, 1866. (2) Fanny, horn June 28. 1783,
married David Otis, and (lied in Colchester. Conn.
(3) Sally, born March 19. 1785. married Ahial
Bingham, resided in Canajoharie, X. Y.. and there
died. (4) Rhoda, horn April 12, [789, married Paul
Royce, and died in Lyme, Conn. (5) ( )rrin. horn
July 29, 1791. married Amarillns Payson. He was
a graduate of Yale, became a Congregational clergy-
man and was distinguished in the pulpit at Fall
River, Mass., and elsewhere. In the Massachusetts
state senate he served with distinction, and for two
terms was a member of the National Congress
where he drafted and secured the passage of the hill
reducing postage on letters from three cents to two
cents, and his death occurred Sept. 3. [852, while
he was serving his second term, bringing to an early
close a most brilliant and promising career. (<>)
John, horn Aug. [8. I7<)3- married Mary C. I .aeon.
and was a successful and highly educated school
teacher, hut later became a farmer and died in
Woodstock. Conn.. Oct. 2~. 1843. (7) General
Amos, born July [9, [795, married i first i Lydia L.
Backus, (second) Sarah Hayden, of Windsor,
Conn. He stood among the most prominent people
of his day, and won more than a local reputation as
a successful farmer and capable business man. For
two terms he was a member of the General Assem-
bly, and for one term sat in the State Senate. In
the Democratic party he was regarded as a leader.
For twenty-seven years, he served in the old State
militia, in which lie held all the offices from that of
corporal to major-general of the State, and he was
elected to that office by vote of the Legislature.
Mi- residence was in the eastern portion of Goshen
822
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
Society where he died July 21, 1875. In the Con-
gregational Church of which he was a member, he
was very prominent and highly esteemed. Among
Ids children is the prominent Amos T. Fowder, of
Willimantic. (8) Henry, horn Dec. 3, 1797, mar-
ried Alary G. Sexton, became a farmer and died in
Lebanon. (9) Harriet, twin sister to Henry, mar-
ried Edmund Harding, a farmer and both died in
Lebanon. (10) Dijah, born Aug. 21, 1799, died
Sept. 5, 1 8-i 6. (11) Col. Anson, born Dec. 19, 1803.
(VII) Col. Anson Fowler, father of our sub-
ject, was born in Goshen Society, town of Lebanon,
and when he was but six years of age his father re-
moved to the northern part of the town and he at-
tended the district schools, being taught also to
work upon the home farm. After the death of his
father, he came into possession of that property, and
made it his home until 1853, when lie removed to
Lebanon Green, and there resided the remainder of
his davs, devoting his time to the management of
his private affairs and his small farm. In addition
to other improvements he erected his late house,
and died very well-to-do. All his life he was a
stanch Jeffersonian Democrat, and he served as
postmaster at Lebanon for many years, upon the
board of selectmen, and held office as assessor and
justice of the peace. He died Sept. 14, 1894, and
was tenderly interred at Lebanon, llis death oc-
curred verv suddenly, when he was active in the
business and political world, and his loss was deeply
felt throughout the entire community. He was also
very important in social circles, and was the soul of
hospitality, making welcome within his gates not
only his friends and acquaintances, but also the
strangers in the town. In personal appearance he
was nearly six feet in height, and when in usual
health weighed nearly 200 pounds. He was a con-
sistent and faithful member of the Congregational
Church, and for many years was a member of vari-
ous society committees, and never failed to attend
Divine service, except when confined to his lied by
illness. His purse and heart was always at the serv-
ice of those in need, and he never failed to relieve
suffering when it lay within his power. Such a man
could not but be beloved by all who had the pleasure
and honor of his acquaintance, and no man in the
State was more highly regarded by all classes than
the generous, kindhearted, jovial Col. Fowler. Such
a man raises the moral tone of a community, main-
tains a high and pure standard for the young, and
points out the way for honorable, successful living,
without recourse to the meaner, commoner methods
used by many. Among the really good men of his
day and town. Col. Fowler is enshrined for all ages,
and the veneration in which he was held is the best
monument which could be raised to him or any other
man.
Col. Fowler's first marriage occurred April 10,
183 t, when he was united to Sally Robinson, of
Lebanon, and she died Aug. 23. 1832. leaving no
children. His second wife was Hannah Peckham,
of Lebanon, who died Oct. 10, 1839, leaving one
son, ( )rrin, a successful school teacher, who died at
the age of twenty-seven. The third wife of Col.
Fowler was Mehetable Lyon, of Woodstock, who
died Feb. 25, 1840, leaving no children. On Jan.
13, 1850, he was married to Roxanna Pease, who
was born .in Ellington, Conn., Dec. 23, 1822, daugh-
ter of Calvin and Roxie (Smith) Pease. Airs.
Fowler, who survives her husband, was a popular
school teacher in early life, and she is a descendant
of Robert and Marie Pease, the progenitors of the
family in Tolland, Connecticut.
Robert Pease sailed from the port of Ipswich,
England, in the good ship "Francis," in April, 1034,
and landed at Boston. He then located in Salem,
Mass., where he died in 1644. His son, John Pease,
was horn in England in 1630. and came to the New
World in 1634, marrying (first) Mary Goodell. and
for his second wife lie married Ann Cummings, set-
tling in that part of Salem known as Northfield, and
his name is frequently found in the records of that
place. About 1682 he removed to Connecticut, and
located at Enfield, Hartford county, and there died
Jul_\- S, if 181;. 'Jdie Pease family of that portion of
the State descended from him.
Idle children of Col. Anson and Roxanna
( Tease) Fowler were: Frank I 'ease, born Dec. 23,
T854; Harriet Rebecca, born July 13, 1856, married
Dr. Charles Reed, and resides in Brooklyn, New
York.
(VIII) Frank Pease Fowler was born in the
house he now occupies, and attended the district
schools, the Natchaug high school at Willimantic,
and was graduated from Wilbraham (Mass.)
Academy in 1875. After graduation he returned to
Lebanon, and for a year or more was employed as a
clerk in the general store of X. C. Barker, and
after faithful service and devotion to the interests
of his employer, he was taken into partnership, the
concern then being known as X. C. Barker & Co.
This style was continued for about fifteen years,
when Mr. I. W. Stark purchased the interest of
Mr. Barker, and the firm became Fowler & Stark,
and the business is continued today under the same
name and by the gentlemen above mentioned. A
very fine patronage is enjoyed by the house, and a
full line of goods is carried, while every effort i:i
made to give 1 rompt and efficient service.
Until 1896 Mr. Fowder was a Democrat, but upon
the discussion of the money question, he discov-
ered that his principles and opinions made of him
a Republican, and since then he has supported the
candidates of that party. Under President Cleve-
land's first administration, he was appointed post-
master, but was succeeded by his partner, Mr.
Fowler serving as assistant, but when President
Cleveland again came into power, he re-instated
Mr. Fowder, and he has since been appointed by the
successive presidents, to the great satisfaction of
all. as the town has seldom had so efficient and
painstaking, as well as courteous, an official. In
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
823
addition t honors bestowed upon him, Mr.
Fowler served as selectmen for two terms, and one
term as assessor. He is a member of Lebanon
Lodge No. 23, A. ( ). U. W., and has been financier
of it for several years. In the Congregational
Church, in which he is very active, he is both clerk
and treasurer of the society.
( )n Dec. 23. [880, Mr. Fowler was married to
Jessie A. Peckham, in Lebanon, daughter of Robert
C. Peckham. One child has been born to the
union. Sept. 3, 1889. Clement Anson, a very bright,
handsome young fellow, who promises to be a credit
to his parents and to uphold the high standards set
by bis progenitors on both sides of the family.
.Mrs. Fowler also comes of old and distin-
guished ancestry, tracing- her family back to John
Peckham, who was admitted an inhabitant of New-
port, R. I., in 1638. In 1641 he was made a free-
man, and in 1648 he was one of the first ten male
members of the First Baptist Church, hie mar-
ried .Mary Clarke, who died in 1648, and his second
wife Eleanor, was baptized in that same year. Their
residence was in what is now Middletown, R. I.,
and John Peckham there died in 1681. Of their
eleven children, six were sons, all of whom became
well and favorably known throughout Rhode
Island, and their descendants are now scan
throughout the entire United States. The family
is yet a numerous one in that section of Rhode
Island, and in Eastern Pennsylvania.
The great-grandfather of .Mrs. Fowler came to
Lebanon from Kingston., R. I., where he was born,
and purchased a farm in the North Society, there
resided the remainder of his life, and died at a
ripe old aye, being buried in the cemetery of that
society, and leaving behind him a reputation of
irable dealing and uprightness of living.
Robert Peckham, the grandfather of Mrs.
Fowler, was the only son among a family of five
girls, and he was born in South Kingston, R. I.,
and was quite young when the family moved to Leb-
anon. He resided on the farm in Lebanon, and
there spent some time after his marriage, hut then
removed to Goshen. Eater he made his home in
Brooklyn, and still later resided in Pomfret, and
finally moved back to Lebanon, and spent the re-
mainder of his days, dying at a good old age, in
Killingly. Conn., while visiting a son who resided
there. He was interred at Lebanon in the North
Society of Lebanon. Robert Peckham married
Anna Fliss. of Lebanon, and she survived him, but
also died in Lebanon. Their children were: Rob-
ert Congdon, the father of Mrs. Fowler; Henry,
who married Almira Tucker, and was a success-
ful trader, and died in Providence, where he was
ling the latter years of his life; Mary Ann. who
married, but who died shortly thereafter; Car-
oline, who died young; Amos, who married Aria
Spaukling, and resided in Killingly, Conn., and died
■; and min, who died in young manhi
Robert ( 1 Peckham was born Ma; 7.
[811, in Lebanon, Goshen Society, Conn., and was
a boy when his parents purchased propert) in
Brooklyn, and removed from thence to Pomfret.
He was brought up to farm work, and when a
young man he was employed as a farm laborer and
was engag d as such until his marriage, when he
rented a farm in Lebanon, and a year later removed
to Windham, where' lie rented a farm of 700 acres,
and made it his home for seven years. He then re-
turned to Lebanon, and purchased a good farm
known as the Abell Place, and greatly improved the
land, being engaged in farming until In- death.
which occurred April [3, [898. He F d in
North Society cemetery in Lebanon. ning
with absolutely nothing, he steadily worked has
way to the top, and died a very wealthy man. In
politics he was a Democrat, and held a few town
offices. During all of his operation- he was a very
careful, neat farmer, and he took considerable 1 1
in the appcrance of his property, having g
to do so. He and his wife attended the Congr<
tional Church.
( )n April 8, 1832, Robert C Peckham married
Sarah A. Segar, born .May [9, 1813. daughter
Thomas and Rebecca (Ward) Segar, the former
a native of South Kingston, R. I. Mr. and Mrs
Peckham celebrated their golden wedding, and Mrs.
Peckham now resides in Lebanon, being a woman
remarkably well preserved, and one who is honored
by a wide circle of true friends, outside of her home
circle, where she is reverence 1 and looked up
as one who can never do anything wrong. The
children born to Robert Peckham and wife were:
William Henry, who died at the age of two years;
Miss Sarah M., residing in (den Cove. R. I.; Will-
iam Henry (2), a school teacher, who married!
Lydia Latham, and died aged thirty-four years;
Caroline Elizabeth, who married Thomas Abell. d
Blue Rapids, Kas., an,! h;>s children, Robert, Letha
and Clarence; Charles F.. a machinist, who married
Ree Grant, and died in Norwich, Conn.; Julia R.,
who married Jacob S. Maybee, and resides in
Brooklyn, N. Y. ; Ellen, who died young; Adelaide
Ward, who was educated in the Woman's Col:
in New York, and was graduated with a degre<
M. D., and is now a professor in the Wo- - 1 Col-
lege in Philadelphia, Fa.: Helen M. O. who mar-
ried Frank K. Noyes, of Lebanon, and has children.
Amy ('... Lawrence and Mabel; LeRoy Bliss, who
married Alice Morgan, and res ' lia;
Anna Estelle, who married Edward I and.
lives in Brooklyn, N. Y. ; J : \.. Mrs. Fowler.
In reviewing the history of any community ii
a pleasure to find r mam .Mid
noble men and women whose descendants -how evi-
es "i 1 n many <»f the virtues and
few of the faults (^i those who have gone befi
The wonderful sn inecticut a- a State
most certainly is due to the honesty, enterprise, up-
rightness ■ 1 those sturdv pioneers who came
bravely to the unexplored world and developed
824
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
homes for their children, who were, in future years,
to make the great*
the United States.
to make the greatest nation the world has known—
CHAPPELL. The Chappell family of New
London, Waterford and neighboring towns trace
their descent to George Chappell, who became the
progenitor of a numerous branch in the New Eng-
land Colonies. At the age of twenty years he
landed from the ship "Christian," in 1635, at Massa-
chusetts Bay, whence he removed to Wethersfield,
Conn., in 1637. His descendants settled in Wethers-
field, Xew London and Lebanon. He was an in-
habitant of Wethersfield until 164c), which was
probably about the time he removed to Pequot, now
New London. Upon arriving in America he at
once apprenticed himself to Mr. Stiles, with whom
he came to this country, to learn the carpenter's
trade. In less than three years after his arrival in
America he is found fighting the Indians, and with
thirteen others engaged, under Capt. John Mason,
in the fight at Pequot Fort.
Living at New London, the famous outfitting
point for whaling vessels at an early day, many of
this branch of the family have become sea cap-
tains and sailors. During the Revolutionary war
they furnished their quota to the Patriot army.
Among those who distinguished themselves in those
perilous times were Lieut. Caleb Chappell, of
Sharon, Capt. Edward Chappell, Capt. Stephen
Chappell, of the Lake Champlain flotilla, and Lieut.
Joshua Chappell, the last named of whom fought
at Bunker Hill. The family is a typical New Eng-
land one — Puritanical, straight-laced, industrious
and of the strictest religious and moral character.
George Chappell brought with him to New Lon-
don his wife, Margaret, and some three or four
children. His children were: Mary, who married
John Daniels ; Rachel, who married Thomas Crock-
er; John, who moved to Flushing, L. I.; George,
born March 5, 1653-54; Elizabeth, born Aug. 30,
1656; Hester, born April 15. 1662; Sarah, born
Feb. 14, 10654'/); Nathaniel, born May 21, 1668;
and Caleb, born Oct. 7, 1671. George Chappell, the
father, died in 1709, and at that time all nine of his
children were living, as well as his aged wife.
Previous to the death of the father the son Caleb
had removed to Lebanon, Conn., and from that
town Amos Chappell, a son of Caleb, removed to
the town of Sharon, Conn., settling in that part of
the town which became Elsworth.
George Chappell (2), son of George the immi-
grant settler, married (first) Alice Way and (sec-
ond) Alary Douglas, and had two sons, George
and Comfort. From this Comfort descended the
late Capt. Edward Chappell, of Xew London, Conn.
The family has been prominent in the county from
the earl\- days, and many of its members have held
honored positions in the communities in which they
have resided.
Walter Chappell, the grandfather of William
H. H. and Griswold A. Chappell, who are more
particularly mentioned further on in this article,
was a son of Walter Chappell, who came from
Lyme, Conn. The grandfather was born in New
London, and died in Waterford, where he was a
farmer for a number of years. He married (first)
Waitstill Crocker, and (second) Lydia Hurlbut. His
children by his first wife were as follows : Gurdon
T., who is mentioned below ; and Edna, who mar-
ried Joseph Avery. By his second wife he had nine
children : Delia, who married Jeremiah Davis ; Mary,
who married (first) a Mr. Howard, and (second)
George M. Avery; Nancy, who married Lorenzo
Chappell ; Daniel, who married Sarah Ann Mor-
gan (he was lost at sea) ; Sarah Ann, who married
Richard K. Bishop; Harriet, who married Thomas
Braman ; Ezra, who is living in Mobile, Ala.; Al-
bert, who married Fidelia Ames, and died in the
army; and Lucy Ann, who married (first) James
Morgan, and (second) Charles Miner.
Gurdon T. Chappell was born Sept. 18, 1704.
in Waterford, where he died July 11, 1876, aged
eight} -two years. He commenced his schooling
there, afterward went to New London to school
and in time became a great scholar. After leaving
school he taught for some time. He also practiced
law to some extent, writing many deeds, etc. In
political faith he was an old-line Whig, and after-
ward a strong Republican, and he seryed as justice
of the peace for many years, and in other offices.
He also represented his native town in the State
Legislature in the session of 1857-58. Mr. Chap-
pell was a brainy man, and the neighborhood, rec-
ognizing his ability, called him to the ministry of the
Lake's Pond Baptist Church at Waterford. He was
instrumental in building the church of the Lake's
Pond Society, donating one-eighth of the sum for
that purpose, and preached there for many years
without salary, which he repeatedly refused to ac-
cept. He was also engaged in religious work as an
evangelist and held meetings in various sections
for man\- years. He was a good, plain speaker,
preaching from the spirit, and never writing his
sermons. During the war of 18 12 he was a soldier,
and he served in all grades from private to colonel
in the State militia. In early life he kept tavern
where his son William H. H. now lives.
Rev. Gurdon T. Chappell was married, Jan. 17,
1818, to Mary Ann Avery, who was born May 5,
[801, eldest daughter of Griswold and Lucretia
Chadwick (Miller) Avery, of Waterford, and they
bad a wedded life of over fifty-eight years. She died
March 20, 1880, the mother of eleven children.
Their children were as follows: (1) Frances Ann
Elizabeth married John W. Keeney, of East Lyme.
(2) Gurdon B. F., who is living in New London,
was a general mason by calling. He married Nancy
Payne, who died Jan. 24, 1904. (3) Griswold
Avery is mentioned below. (4) Adeline died 'in in-
fancy (5) John Isham is mentioned below. (6)
Anson Miller died in infancy. (7) George An-
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
82 q
son .Miller married (first) Mary Rogers and (sec
ond) Lavinia Nugent, of Brooklyn, X. Y. He died
in Montville. He was in California in early life,
and was later in business in New London and in
Fulton Street Market. New York, for years. (8)
Cornelia Cavarly married Griswold (i. Avery, who
is mentioned elsewhere. (9) William 11. 11. is men-
tioned below. (10) Mary Adelaide married Wash-
ington R. Gardner, now living in Waterford. He
is a carpenter, and is mentioned elsewhere. (11)
Georgiania Augusta died aged seven years.
John Isham Chappell was born July 21, 1830,
and received his education in the common schools,
which he left at the age of eighteen years, lie then
engaged in butchering for his father for a while,
and later was in the same line for himself, driving
a cart around through the neighborhood. Finally he
and his brother George A., and Philip Cavarly,
opened a market in New London, on Broad street,
which they ran for about two years. The firm dis-
solving. .Mr. Chappell ran a cart of his own for
several years, until 1853, in which year he sailed
from Xew York for California. He went by way
of the Isthmus of Panama, and reached the city of
Sacramento, remaining in the Xew Eldorado until
1857; he conducted a restaurant there and was later
in the teaming business. Returning home in July,
[857, he settled in Waterford and engaged in the
butchering business, in which he continued until
his marriage in i8(>2. After that he removed to
his present location, on the Xew Haven turnpike,
where he has about twenty-five acres. He owns
sixty-nine acres in all, and engages in general farm-
ing on a small scale. Mr. Chappell has been regis-
trar of voters for many years, being a stanch Repub-
lican in political faith. He has never been an of-
fice-seeker.
Mr. Chappell was married. Nov. 2~, 1862, to
Ellen E. Avery, of Waterford, daughter of Joseph
Avery, and they have had one child, Nellie E., now
the wife of Frank P. Rose, who is in the monumental
business in Waterford, and has five children. Vir-
ginia. Dwight, Edna, Isham and Rufus.
Griswold Averv Chappell was born Feb. 2.
[825, in Waterford, in Lake's Loud District, where
W. R. Gardner now lives. He received his school-
ing at Lake's Pond, and proved a natural-born
mathematician. Leaving school when quite young,
he remained on the home farm until twenty-seven
years of age, when he moved to Jordan and ran
the store of his father-in-law, Capt. Ebenezer Dar-
row. who was a vessel owner and a well-known sea
captain. After continuing thus about one year Mr.
Chappell in [853 sailed from Xew York, and. cross-
ing the Isthmus of Panama on pack mules, went to
California, where he remained nearly four years.
He was there engaged in teaming, running from
Sacramento City to the mountains, carrying pro-
visions to the miners. He returned to Waterford.
and was at home a year or two. after which he pur-
chased a farm in (Gilead) Waterford. a good-sized
place, on which he lived for a time. In 1X70 he
went to Xew York and purchased Stand No. 10,
Fulton Fish Market, which he ran successfully
until [876, as a member of the firm of Wallace &
( happell, his partner being Benjamin Wallace. The
firm name is now Wallace «.v Keeney, Mr. Chappell
having sold out when his health failed. Returning
to Xew London for one year, he then went back-
to the ( rilead farm for four years, following which
he rented the Crocker farm for two years. He then
built the present family home in the village of Jor-
dan and retired, living there and looking after his
interests until his death, March 5. [896. His death
occurred very suddenly, while he was in Crandall's
shoe store in Xew London. He had driven into
Xew London in company with James L. Beckwith,
to attend a court case'. Entering the shoe store, he
walked to the radiator and was warming his hands
when he dropped to the floor without a word, and
he had passed away by the time the clerks reached
him. Apoplexy was the cause of death. Mr. Chap-
pell was a very successful business man. far-seeing
and careful, and had good judgment in financial
matters. He was a member of the Lake's Pond
Baptist Church, and in politics was a stanch Repub-
lican. He served as a selectman several times, was
constable several years, was grand juror, and held
various other town offices, the duties of which he
discharged with efficiency and ability.
Mr. Chappell was married, Dec. 30, [849, to
Cordelia Adelaide Harrow, who was born Feb. 14,
1828, daughter of Capt. Ebenezer and Olive ( Low-
ers) Harrow, of Waterford, and granddaughter of
Ebenezer Harrow, a soldier of the Revolutionary
war, who died in Waterford. in 1848, at the ad-
vanced age of ninety. Their children were as fol-
lows: (1) Strong Avery, born Aug. 13. 1852. in
Waterford. died aged two and one-half years. (2)
( Hive May, born .May 20, L867, at Lake's Pond,
was married Nov. 21, 1894, to Arthur C. Wright,
of Waterford, and has had one child. Thelma Chap-
pell, born May 1. [899, in Xew London. (3) Or-
lando Gilbert, born Feb. 4. [869, in Gilead, is living
in Jordan. He is a stone-cutter by occupation. ( )n
( )ct. [9, [898, he married Mary Pauline Andrews.
of Clinton, Conn., and they have a son. John Lau-
rence, born Oct. 26, 1899, in Xew London.
Mr. Chappell was a genial, jovial man, very
pleasant, and had many friends among the poor,
for benevolence and charity were among his most
prominent traits, and his charities were never made
public. lie was very devoted to his home, being a
kind husband and indulgent father, and he was a
true friend, always willing to help a friend or neigh-
bor. His sudden death removed from Waterford
one of ii-. substantial and honored citizens.
William II. 11. Chappell was born Nov. 1.
1840. and was named after William Henry Harri-
son, for whom his father was going to vote for
President of the United States. He attended the
common schools until he was eighteen years old.
8j6
GENEALOGICAL AXD BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
when he took up farming, at which he has con-
tinued ever since. He has made his own way in
life. Fifteen years before his father's death he
bought the old homestead, which has been in the
Chapped family for 150 years, and now he has
300 acres. All of his land is in good condition. He
has a peach orchard of over 500 trees, and raises
general crops, also engaging in lumbering, and con-
ducts a grocery and grain store. However, Mr.
Chapped has now practically retired.
Mr. Chapped is a member of Relief Lodge, A.
O. U. W., at Waterford.. His religious connection
is with the Baptist Church, the one his father built.
He has been a trustee and deacon for years, has
served as treasurer and collector, and has been an
active spirit in the work of the church for many
years. He helped to raise the funds to build the
parsonage. Politically Mr. Chapped is a Repub-
lican, and he has served his native town as justice
of the peace, and as a member of the board of re-
lief. He is not an office-seeker, preferring the quiet
of home to the turmoil of public life. He is one of
the representative and substantial agriculturists of
Waterford, and he and his esteemed wife are highly
respected by all who know them.
Mr. Chapped was married. Nov. 26, [868, to
Mary C. Gates, daughter of Rev. Alfred Gates and
Sarah (Champlin) Gates, of Lebanon, Conn. Chil-
dren as follows have blessed this union: (1) Al-
fred G. is a farmer. He was married. June 2. 1897,
to Lena Darrow, daughter of Gilbert Darrow, of
Brooklyn, X. V.. and their children are Harold
Blanchard and Edna May. (2) George Harrison
is also engaged in farming. He married Annie Per-
kins, daughter of Elias Perkins, of Waterford, and
they have one child. Elmer Perkins. (3) Edna
Avery died in infancy. (4) Gurdon T. is a wagon-
maker by trade, and lives in Lebanon. He married
Helena Inez Palmer, .laughter of William Palmer,
of Lebanon. (5) Mary Aim is a teacher in the
Lake'> Pond district. (6) LeGrand lives at home.
171 Walter Eugene died in infancy. (8) Griswold
is at scho
ELIAS FRANKLIN, MORGAN, founder of
the Morgan Iron Works, in New London, Conn.,
was one of that city's representative business men
and influential citizens. He was a descendant of
an old Xew England family, and one that has been
identified with Xew London from its earliest his-
tory. He was born Dec. 17. 1834, in Gilead, town
of Waterford, Conn., and passed away ( )ct. 29,
1895, in Xew London.
This Morgan family descends from Richard
Rose-Morgan, who settled in the western part of
Xew London (now the town of Waterford ) . Conn.,
in 1679 or 1680.
One James Morgan was an early settler in Xew
London. He came with the Cape Ann Company
to Pequot (Xew London), and later settled east
of the Thames, becoming the ancestor of a numer-
ous posterity.
The descendants of Richard Rose-Morgan, for
a considerable period, retained the adjunct of Rose,
apparently to distinguish them from the other fam-
ily. Richard Rose-Morgan died in 1698, leaving
sons, John, Richard and Benjamin, and several
daughters. His widow, Hopestill Morgan, died
June 1. 17 12. The line of descent from this Rich-
ard Rose-Morgan is through his son John, his son
Peter, his son Abraham, whose son Philip was the
grandfather of Elias F. Morgan.
Richard Rose-Morgan, the father of Elia< F.,
was in early life a farmer in the town of Waterford,
was industrious and successful, and he retired from
active business early in life. His first wife was
Eliza Chapel of Waterford, and his second wife
was Eliza Morgan Moore. He was the father of
five children, of whom two lived to adult age,
namely: Elias F. ; and Mrs. Samuel Dennis, of
Xew London.
Elias F. Morgan received his early schooling
in the Morgan school at Lyme, Conn., later attend-
ing the Bartlett high school in Xew London until
1848/ and finishing in the schools of Lyme. On
the death of his mother, in the latter part of 1848,
he entered the employ of P. D. Irish, with whom he
continued for three years. When a young man. in
[853, he went to the Sandwich Islands on account
of ill-health, making the trip in the bark "Mentqn,"
and while there he was engaged in the ship-chand-
ler}' business for several years, as a clerk for Henry
P. Havens. He was also employed for a time by
C. B. Rice & Co. In 1858 he sailed from the Islands
on a whaling and trading voyage to the ( )cL
and Japan seas, traveled extensively in Australia,
and finally returned to his native land in the bark
"Delta." although she had been pronounced un-
seaworthy. Coming back to Xew London he went
to work as accountant for Perkins & Smith, the
leading merchants in their line. However, he did
not remain long. In the latter part of 1858 he sailed
in the bark "Enterprise" for Talcahuano, a Chilean
seaport, in the interest of local merchants, and there
remained, engaged in the ship chandlery business,
until 1862. Returning to Xew London, he was
married there Sept. 2T,, 1862, to Miss Ann M.
Reeves, with whom he went back to Chili in No-
vember, and there remained for three years longer,
engaged in the whaling business. His health fail-
ing, he took his physician's advice and returned to
the United States, where he remained for seven
months before going to Chili again, meantime buy-
ing in Xew Bedford the ship "Contest." which he-
sent with a cargo of lumber from Bangor, M'aine,
to the Chincha Islands, oft the coast of Peru. In
May, 1865, having settled business affairs in Chili,
he settled down to make his permanent home in
Xew London. But on the solicitation of Messrs.
Haven. Frink, Prentis and others, interested in the
GENEALOGICAL AXD BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
827
ship "Poncas," at that time fitting out with arms
for the Chilean government, he went with her to
Chili, to attend to the distribution of the cargo.
During this visit he became acquainted with Don
Benjamin Vicuna .MeKenna, the Spanish diplo-
matic agent, at whose earnest request he entered
the employ of the Spanish government, purchasing
for them Si. 000,000 worth of rifles and ammuni-
tion. While thus engaged lie made his headquarters
at the Spanish legation in Valparaiso, where he met
many distinguished people. He finally returned
home in 1868, at the close of the war. In all he
crossed the ocean fifteen times.
Taking up his residence in Xew London, as he
had previously intended, he was prevailed upon to
invest money in and straighten out the affairs of
the Albertson & Douglas Machine Company, which
emj loyed from 100 to 200 men, and successfully
carried through that work, finally in 1889, selling
the property to the railroad company. The same
year he bought Bragaw's Marine Railwav on Fort
Xeck, where he at once built and established the
Morgan Iron Works, which are still in operation,
a monument to his energy and business ability.
He was made president and treasurer of the com-
pany, and continued in that capacity until his death.
Mr. Morgan was careful and shrewd, and an alert
far-seeing business man.
["he following tribute
to his character appeared in a local paper at the time
of his death :
"'A life of more than ordinary adventure and
contact with many rriten of ability gave to him much
of that broadness of view which varied experiences
alone can give. Naturally of delicate physique, his
indomitable energy, his enterprise and his will car-
ried him through many undertakings where men
(if feebler heart would "have succumbed.
"Possessed naturally of a charm and courtesy of
manner, which is too unfortuately known as 'old
fashioned," his travel and experience had added to
this natural charm that quality of personal magnet-
ism which would have made him an accomplished
diplomat, did our diplomatic service tempt men of
his class into its ranks.
"Positive of his convictions, quick in his deci-
sions, he was sometimes impatient with those whose
train of thought was slower than his.
"He passes from this world leaving behind in
his family the memory of one whose every thought
was for them, and of them, leaving behind him
friends who will miss forever his thoughtful and
graceful courtesy and the record of the continued
and heroic struggle of an able, earnest aiM ambitions
mind."
In 1868-70 Mr, Morgan built his handsome resi-
dence on Broad street, where the surviving mem-
bers of his family still reside, and there he passed
away Oct. 2(), 1895, after several months' suffering
from paralysis. In politics Mr. Morgan was a
stanch Republican, and served the city of Xew Lon-
don as alderman several times. He was a life mem-
ber of Union Lodge, No. 31. F. ik A. M.. of New
London.
Mr. Morgan was married Sept. 23, 1862, to
Ann M. Reeves, daughter of Shadrach and Matsey
Godfrey (Eldridge) Reeves, of Xew London, and
they had children as follows: (i) Ricardo 1\.
was educated in the schools of Xew London, and
upon the death of his father became the president
and treasurer of the Morgan Iron Works. He is
unmarried. (2) Elias P., Jr., was graduated from
Cornell, and for several years was associated with
his father. He is now conducting a laundry at
Fort Terry, under a permit from the Secretary of
War for the benefit of the officers and men of the
Xew London Artillery District. He married Laura
Clark, of Binghamton, X. Y., and they have two
children, Philip Clark and Richard Rose. (3)
George Curtis, after graduating from the public
schools of his native town entered Harvard Uni-
versity, and graduated from the law school in 1894.
He is now practicing his profession with success in
Xew London. He married in January. 1897, Nancy
Lee Brown, daughter of Edward T. Brown, presi-
dent of the Brown Cotton Gin Company, and they
have one child, Adelaide Matilda. (4) Henry
Haven is architect and agent for the Mallory Co.,
steam fitters and plumbers of Xew London. lie
married Henrietta Griswold, of Illinois; they have
no children. (5) Constance Mead was married
April 6, 1904, to Harry C. Chapped, of Xew Lon- -
don.
CAPT. JOHN A. MORGAN. The death of
Capt. John A. Morgan, on Aug. 2, 1903. removed
from Groton one of its honest, fearless, progressive
and useful citizens.
The Morgan family is an old and honorable one
in Xew England, and the early history of the family
in Xew London county is to he found elsewhere.
Xicholas Morgan, the grandfather of Capt. Mor-
gan, was a farmer, and owned the old family prop-
erty at the foot of old Fort Hill. There Youngs
Morgan, father of Capt. Morgan, was born Feb.
5, 1814. Until 1845 he lived on the home farm
near Groton village, and then removed to the farm
on Poquonock Plains where the remainder of his
life was spent. During his younger days, like many
men of this locality, he went to sea. and he made
three successful whaling voyages.
The late Capt. John A. Morgan was born in
Poquonock, April 10, 1840, son of Youngs and Eliz-
abeth Morgan, and he lived in his native place until
his marriage. His education was secured at Po-
quonock Bridge, and at the Mystic Academy. Dur-
ing the early years of his manhood, he followed the
career of a seaman, making several vo to for-
eign ports, besides being engaged in menhaden fish-
ing, and for a number of years he was identified with
the bony fish business both in Maine anil Connecti-
cut. After four years engaged as a fisherman, in
[864 he shipped before the mast on the brig "Wil-
:828
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
Ham Edwards," and made a number of voyages, to
New Orleans, Havre de Grace, etc., and in Decem-
ber, 1865, was on the vessel, off Egg Harbor, when it
was run down by a steamer which took the crew to
New York. In 1866 he returned to the fishing busi-
ness in Long Island Sound and on the coast of
Maine, and became captain of a fishing boat, his
enterprise making him a factor in this line of
activity.
In 1867 Capt. Morgan bought an interest in the
oil works, at East Boothbay, his partners being,
Frederick Gallup, now a resident of Groton, Alex-
ander G. Manchester, of Portsmouth, R. I., and
Calvin Burroughs, of Poquonock, in which partner-
ship, Mr. Gallup had charge of the works, and the
others of the fishing. For twenty-one years he con-
tinued in the business, but in 188 1 he gave it up,
removing, in 1895, from Broad street to his late
home in Groton Village, having resided in Groton
some twenty-five years.
Capt. Morgan was connected with all movements
for public improvements, and those which would,
in any way, benefit his town or profit his fellow
citizens. In the truest sense of the word, he was
an honest, fearless man — one, it is safe to say, who
had no enemies. He was universally esteemed and
beloved, not only for his integrity, but for his con-
stant desire to serve and assist his fellow men. On
numerous occasions he was honored by his fellow
citizens with election to various offices of public
trust. For a number of years he held the office of
selectman, and be was also elected assessor. Capt.
Morgan was prominently identified with the move-
ment to establish Groton Fire district, Xo. 1, and
it was largely through bis endeavors that the ef-
forts of those interested in the movement culminated
successfully. He was elected chairman of the first
fire district committee, and he held that office con-
tinuously until 1903, when he was compelled, on
account of failing health, to decline a renomination.
Since the organization of the fire department he
had been tire chief, and this office he held until the
time of his death. Few enterprises of any moment
were inaugurated without the approval of Capt.
Morgan, so great was the confidence placed in bis
integrity and good judgment.
Capt. Morgan was connected with several fra-
ternal orders, being a member of Thames Lodge,
No. 13, A. (). I*. W.; Fair View Lodge, No. 101,
I. O. O. F. ; and Charity and Relief Lodge, No.
72, A. F. & A. M., of Mystic. In these organi-
zations the cordial feeling entertained for him was
remarkable.
On Feb. 21, 1877, at East Boothbay, Maine,
Capt. Morgan was united in marriage with Ann
Mary Gould, daughter of John Gould, of that place.
She survives her husband as do also the three chil-
dren of this marriage, namely: Mary Abbie ;
Youngs, engaged in business with the plumbing
firm of Newman & Cronin, New London; and Ed-
ward Goudy. Capt. Morgan is also survived by
two sisters, Mrs. James B. Palmer, of Lisbon,
Conn., and Mrs. Charles C. Palmer of Poquonock.
In politics, Capt. Morgan was a Democrat and dur-
ing the administration of President Cleveland he
served for a period of five years as captain of the
Government launch at the Navy Yard.
SAMUEL NOTT HYDE, one of the leading
and prominent citizens of the town of Franklin, de-
scends from one of the oldest families of the vicinity
and his ancestral record is as follows :
The name of William Hyde of Norwich, of
which town he was an original proprietor in 1 660-1,
first appears in Xew England at Hartford, Conn.,
in 1636, of which town he was also an original pro-
prietor in 1639. He had land assigned to him, and
his name is on the monument there dedicated to the
founders of that city. He was later of Saybrook
and Norwich, of which latter place he was fre-
quently elected selectman, and was a man of con-
siderable importance. His death occurred in Nor-
wich, Jan. 6, 1681. Nothing seems to have been
learned of his wife. His children were Samuel and
Hester.
(II) Samuel Hyde', born in Hartford about
1637, married in June, 1659, Jane Lee, daughter of
Thomas and Phoebe (Brown) Lee. Mr. Lee left
England for America in 1641, and died on the pas-
sage. Samuel Hyde was one of the original proprie-
tors of Norwich in 1660, in which town he and his
wife settled. He was a farmer and had lands as-
signed to him in Norwich, West Farms, where he
died in 1677. His children were: Elizabeth, Phoebe,
Samuel, John, William, Thomas, Sarah and Jabez,
all born between 1660 and 1677. The daughter
Elizabeth, born in August, 1660, is said to have been
the first white child born in the town.
( III ) Thomas Hyde, born in July, 1672, at Nor-
wich, married in December, 1697, Mary Backus,
born in November, 1672, at Norwich, second
daughter of the first Stephen Backus and Sarah
(Gardner) Backus, of Norwich. Mr. Hyde settled
as a farmer in what is now Franklin, and his wife
died there March 27, 1752. He survived her, and
died April 9, 1755. Their children were: Thomas,
Jacob, Abner, Mary, Phoebe and Jane, all born be-
tween 1698 and 1706, inclusive.
(IV) Abner Hyde, born Sept. 12. 1706, in what
is now Franklin, married first Oct. 16, 1729, Jerusha
Huntington, born Jan. 15, 1705, eldest daughter of
Capt. James and Priscilla (Miller) Huntington, of
Norwich. They settled in what is now Franklin,
where Mrs. Hyde died Nov. 10, 1733. Mr. Hyde
married Oct. 28, 1734, Mehitabel Smith, born 'about
1713, probably the second daughter of Capt. Obe-
diah and Martha (Abel) Smith. Mr. Hyde died
Dec. 7, 1787, in Franklin, and his widow passed
away in that town April 28, 1792. The first Mrs.
Hyde had two children, Phoebe and Jerusha, while
the following children were born to the second mar-
riage : Abner, Asa, Samuel, Nathaniel, Elihu, Isaac,
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
829
Mehetable, Ann and Ruth, all born between 1735
and [7565 inclusive.
(V) Abner Hyde (2), born April 1, 1738, in
what is known as Franklin, married Jan. 3, 1760,
Temperance W'illes. born May [9, 1738. daughter of
tbe Rev. Henry W'illes. the first minister of Frank-
lin, Conn., and Martha (Kirtland) W'illes. Mr.
Hyde settled in the section where he was born, and
there his death occurred. His wife died in Frank-
lin April 2, 1809. and their only child was Milton
Hyde, born March 19, 1772.
(VI) Capt. Milton Hyde was the grandfather of
our subject, and was a farmer by calling. He re-
sided on the farm now occupied by his grandson.
He was a well known singing teacher, and for many
years was a member of tbe church choir of Frank-
lin. Capt. Hyde gained his title while serving as
captain in tbe local militia. His death occurred
Feb. 19. 1843. He was married, Jan. 6, 1793, to
Lovice C. Hyde, born Dec. 26, 1773, fifth daughter
of Eli and Rhoda (Latbrop) Hyde. Mrs. Hyde died
Nov. 9, 185 1 . Their children were: Abner, born
June 4, 1794, married March 7, 18 if>, Mary Bailey,
born Jan. 28, 1794; Nathaniel, born April 18, 1805;
Uri Lathrop, born May 28, 1807, died April 25.
1809; John Milton, born April 4, 1809, married
Sarah M. Dunham; Harlan, born July 24, 1811,
married, Nov. 12, 1833, Eunice Allen Avery; Octa-
via, born March 22, 1795, died May 21, 1813 ; Tem-
perance, born Jan. 24, 1797, married, Aug. 22, 1826,
Samuel Manning, born Mi ay 2, 1789, in Lebanon,
Conn.; Almira, born March 16, 1799, married in
1838 Samuel Manning, her brother-in-law ; Vera,
born March 21, 1801. died unmarried May 6, 1839;
Lydia, born April 17, 1803, died June 2, 1843, un~
married ; and Esther Louisa, born Dec. 6, 1814, died
( )ct. 6. 1834.
(VII) Nathaniel Hyde, born April 18, 1805,
father of Samuel X., came into the world on the
farm above mentioned. In his early married life
he resided upon a rented farm at Smith's Corners,
but later was employed on the farm of the Rev. Dr.
Samuel Xott, on Franklin Hill. From that place
he removed to the old homestead, and there resided
until about 1875, when he retired from active work,
and resided in W'illimantic until bis death, which
took place March 26, 1896, and he was buried at
Franklin. Although well advanced in years, he was
very active and well preserved. Early in life he
was a Whig, but later became a Republican, and
served as a grand juror in Franklin for many years.
At one time he was a member of the Connecticut
Rifle Team, when that organization was in exist-
ence. For a long time prior to his death, be was
a prominent member of tbe Congregational Church,
and took an active part in the musical matters, being
an excellent vocalist.
Nathaniel Hyde was first married, March 15,
1831, to Ruth Pamelia Taylor, of Mansfield, born
about 1808, and she died May 25, 1844. Tbe chil-
dren born of this marriage were : Henry Francis,
born Sept. 21. 1834, died May 12, 1835; Sarah
Eliza Tenney, burn June 10. 18 — , married Henry
Waters, and died in Yantic. leaving one son. Albert :
Julia Pamelia, born Sept. 16, 1840, married (first)
Nathan Avery, and (second) Benjamin Grant.
On March 18, 1845, Nathaniel Hyde married
Lura Abby Robinson, born Aug. 17, 1822, eldest
daughter of Arad and Lura (Abell) Robinson. A
lengthy sketch of tbe Robinson family is to be found
elsewhere. Mrs. Hyde, who survives her husband,
resides on the home farm. Tbe children she bore
him were as follows: Samuel Xott, born Aug. [6,
1846; Charles Arad. born March 10, 1848, married
Mary Armstrong, was engaged in business at Baltic,
when he died in September, 1870; Harriet R., born
Jan. 4, 1850, married Anson Hoxie, has one son,
Harry, and resides in Providence, R. L, where he
is engaged in the restaurant business; Mary Lovice,
born March 18, 1852, married Frederick L. Swift,
of W'illimantic, who is employed in the (J. S. Postal
service, and they have children. Hazel Bailey and
Earl Hyde (who died at the age of eight months) ;
Lucy Augusta, born July 25, 1854, is unmarried ;
Lura Abby, born July 7, 1856, married William
J. Adams, a well known restaurant proprietor of
Xew Haven, and they have one child. Bernice ;
Henry Nathaniel, born Dec. 5, 1850. married Agnes
Rouse, is engaged in a trucking business in W'illi-
mantic, and has one child, Ruell Milton; William
Lewis, born April 11, 1861, married Ida M. Hicks,
and resides in Providence, where be is engaged in a
restaurant business ; Lavius Harland, born July 20,
1863, married Nancy Hulen, and has one child,
Ethel May (he is stage manager at Keith's Theatre,
'Boston); Frank Nelson, born Nov. 11. 1865, now
residing in Xew Haven, married Lena Walker, and
has children, Vera Abby and Irene May.
(VIII) Samuel Xott Hyde was born in the house
he now occupies, and attended the district school,
while he was brought up to farm work. Remaining
at home until his marriage, he then removed to
Baltic, and was employed two years as a farm
laborer, when he returned to the homestead, and
rented it from his father, who retired from active
work. A few years later he purchased the farm,
and has added to it until he now has a farm of
seventy-six acres, which he devotes to general farm-
ing.
On May 1, 1872. Mr. Hyde married, in Sterling.
Conn., Mrs. Olive A. Shepard, a native of Sterling,
and a daughter of Elisha Hyde, of that place. In
politics he is a Republican. Soon after attaining
to bis majority, Mr. Hyde was made a constable.
and has served as same ever since, doing the greater
portion of the business of the town in his line, lie
has also served very acceptably as tax collector for
the past dozen years. In 1881; he represented Frank-
lin in the Legislature, and while here was a member
of the committee on Sale of Lands. During the
session of [891 and that of [893, he was doorkeeper
of the House. For many wars he has acted as
83o
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
chairman of the Republican town central committee,
resigning in 1900. He attends the Congregational
Church, while Mrs. Hyde united with the Baptist
Church at Baltic, but is now a member of the Frank-
lin Congregational Church. They are both very
highly respected in the community, and have a
wide circle of warm personal friends.
(i FORGE W. ALEXANDER, whose name is
well known in the mechanical world in New London
county, was born at East Haddam Landing, Middle-
sex Co., Connecticut.
On Aug. 4, 1718, five small vessels, carrying
120 families of Scotch-Irish, numbering 750 per-
sons, dropped anchor in Boston harbor. Fifty fami-
lies or more went directly to Worcester, Mass.,
while others sailed eastward along the coast to
Casco Bay, where they wintered. Early in the
spring of 1719 the}' explored still farther to the east-
ward, leaving some of their number in Falmouth,
and a few others along the coast from Casco to Merry
Meetings bays; but the majority, desiring a milder
climate and more favorable location, returned to the
Merrimac, and sought homes fifteen miles north
■of Haverhill, at Nutfield, afterward called London-
derry, Xew Hampshire.
A majority of the families coming to America
with Robert Temple and William Boyd (the leaders
of the above expedition) had resided in Coleraine,
County of Londonderry, Ulster, Ireland, having
there been engaged in farming and ship carpenter-
ing ; thirty years before, during the reign of
James II ('1685-1688). they had left Scotland in
search of greater freedom.
James Alexander, a native of Scotland, or Ulster,
Ireland, is named as one of the founders of Lon-
donderry, X. H. He was one of the "governing
board," a selectman for several terms, and a ruling
elder in the Presbyterian Church. He had been
an inhabitant of Ulster, Ireland, and was descended
from the Alexanders of Argyllshire, Scotland. His
wife's Christian name was Mary. One of their sons,
Joseph Alexander, born in Londonderry, X. H.,
Aug. 27, T720. died in Voluntown, Conn., in Au-
gust, 1816. He married Sarah Dorrance. and their
children were : Joseph, James, Samuel, Elizabeth,
Mary and George. Of these, James, born in 1761,
served as town clerk of Voluntown for nearly thirty
years. He was a farmer and cabinetmaker. He
married and his children were: Joseph, Thomas
D., Harry and Sarah C. ( who married Isaac Gallup ).
Thomas Alexander, grandfather of George
W. Alexander, of Montville, was born in Mystic,
Conn. He was in the Mystic Fort during the war
of 1812, in which he served. Of his children there
is record of William, Susan, Jefferson, Levingston
and Mary.
Levingston Alexander, son of Thomas, was born
in [Mystic, Conn., and he died in East Haddam,
Conn., about 1890. aged eighty-two years. In his
early life he went to Colchester, Conn., and on
reaching his majority located at East Haddam
Landing, where he passed the rest of his life en-
gaged in farming. He was industrious and hard-
working, and succeeded in winning a comfortable
competence. Politically he was a Democrat of the
old school. In 1832 he married Jerusha Burnham,
of Colchester, who survived her husband but two
years, and died aged eighty-one years. Their chil-
dren, all born in East Haddam, were: ( 1 ) George
W. (2) Albert Henry, born April 1, 1835. was
formerly engaged in the manufacture of sash and
blinds, but is now a farmer in East Haddam. He
married Mary Smith, who died some twenty-five
years ago, leaving three children, Mary. Arthur and
Louis. (3) Marcia, born in April, 1842, married
Helen B. Cone, of East Haddam, a farmer now
deceased. She is making her home in East Had-
dam. Her children were William, Addie F. and
Nellie.
George W. Alexander received his education in
the district schools of East Haddam, leaving same
at the age of seventeen years. Going then to Salem,
( oiin.. he was apprenticed to learn the cooper's trade
with James S. Tew, with whom he remained about
one year. Returning home, for two years he ran a
cooperage establishment of his own in East Had-
dam, and on closing it out, he located in Montville,
where he took charge of the barrel making and re-
pairing at William G. Johnson's Dye works, a re-
sponsible position for a young man of but twenty-
two years. How well he succeeded in giving satis-
faction to his employer is attested by his long term
of service there, a period covering twenty-six vears.
For two years and a half Mr. Alexander was then
employed at the Millstone Quarries, in the town of
Waterford, Conn., where he had charge of the wood-
work repairs. He was next employed for four
years in the Charles S. Johnson grist and sawmill,
after which he spent two years overseeing the re-
pairs of the Uncasville Manufacturing Company's
mills at Montville. Ill health necessitated his giving
up steady work, and for some years he worked
when able at carpentering and odd jobs, devoting
himself to the recovery of his old time strength.
He is now employed in the cooperage department
of the Uncasville Dyewood and Extract works. Mr.
Alexander is a master workman, and it is his nature
to do well whatever he attempts. Naturally indus-
trious he has never been out of work when it was
possible for him to work. He is highly respected
by his employers, and his fellow workmen regard
him as one of their best friends.
On Jan. 18, 1858, Mr. Alexander was married
to Miss Nancy R. Chapel, who was born July 4,
1832. daughter of Erastus and Nancy (Rogers)
Chapel, of Montville, and later of Waterford. Conn.
Two children have blessed their union : (1) George
Everett, born Jan. 9, 1859, graduated from the
Buffalo Medical College, and then located for the
practice of fits profession in Groton, Conn. He
married Lena Harris, daughter of Frederick Harris,
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
831
of New London, Conn., whose health failed, and
she was taken to Colorado by her husband in the
hope that the change of climate would benefit her.
She died after about five years there, and Dr. Alex-
ander then wedded Bessie Shaw, daughter of a
minister in Colorado. The Doctor is now one of the
leading physicians at Castle Rock. Colo. He has
two children, Harold Everett and Arthur Edwin.
(2) Clarence Edwin, born Feb. 13, 1868, is located
in Yankee, Colo., where he has been for the last
twelve years interested in mining. He married
Alona Arnold, of Colorado.
Fraternally Mr. George \Y. Alexander is a mem-
ber of Oxoboxo Lodge, No. 116, F. & A. M., of
Montville, and o'f the O. U. A. M., of Montville.
He is a faithful member of the I ncasville Metho-
dist Church, of which he has served for abont
twenty years as steward and trustee. His wife is
also an active member of the same Church, and
lielongs to its Ladies Social Union. Until 1902
Air. Alexander was a Democrat, but in that year he
joined the ranks of the Republican party. For one
term he served as justice of the peace.
Erastus Chapel, father of Airs. George W.
Alexander, was born in Montville, in April, 1792.
He was a farmer by occupation, and carried on that
occupation in his native town for a number of years,
removing then to Waterford, Conn. He died at the
home of his daughter, Airs. Alexander, June 24,
1882. • His wife, Nancy Rogers, was a daughter
of James and Elizabeth (Howard) Rogers; she
died July 1 1, 1832. aged thirty-seven years. They
were the parents of eight children, as follows: Eliz-
abeth, who died young; James, who married Jeru-
sha Smith; Henry, who married Susan Stoddard;
Alary, who married Hiram Smith ; Alaria, who mar-
ried Thomas AYheeler ; Hiram, who married Susan
Maynard; Nancy, wife of George W. Alexander;
and .Martha, twin to Nancy, who died young.
Erastus Chapel was a descendant in the fifth
generation, through Guy, Richard and John, of Wil-
liam Chapel, who appears an inhabitant of New
London about 1-653. ^n 1667 he was associated with
William Peake in the purchase of various lots on the
West Side of the town plot, which they divided be-
tween them. Air. Chapel's residence was on the
Cohanzie road, on what is now called "Cavalry
Farm." His wife's name was Christian. lie died
in [689-90, and his widow married in 1693 Edward
Stallion, who was drowned by falling from a canoe
May 14. 1703. near the Groton shore. The de-
scen hints of William Chapel are numerous, many
of them settling in the North Parish of Xew Lon-
don, now Montville, at a place since known as
"Chapel Hill."
In maternal lines Airs. Alexander is a descend-
ant in the seventh generation through Nancy (her
mother), James, James. Sr., Jonathan and Samuel,
of James Rogers, who came to America from Lon-
don, England, in the ship "Increase," in 1035, at
the age of twenty years.
THOMAS DWIGHT PHILLIPS, a veteran
of the Civil war. and one of the most highly 1 s-
teemed citizens of Lisbon, comes of a good old Con-
necticul family, several generations of which have
resided in the town of Plainlield, Windham county.
Asa Phillips, his great-grandfather, made his
home in Plainlield. and from there enlisted in the
Revolutionary service. Previous to the war of the
Revolution he served as an ensign in the 1
militia, his commission being signed by Gov. Jon-
athan Trumbull, and it is now a much prized pos-
session of Thomas D. Phillips.
Charles Phillips, son of Ensign Asa. was born
in Plainfield Oct. 11, 1774, and his entire life was
1 Kissed in his native town. By trade he was a mill-
wright, and he followed that occupation in connec-
tion with farming. Nature had endowed him with
considerable mechanical ingenuity, and he was able
to handle almost any kind of tools and machinery.
He attained the advanced age of eighty-two years,
and died generally mourned by all who knew him.
His wife. Sabra Chesebrough. was born Nov. 23,
1777, in Stonington, a daughter of Samuel Chese-
brough, a soldier in the Revolution. I loth Air. and
Airs. Phillips belonged to the Plainfield Congrega-
tional Church. Their children were: lose C. and
Deborah (who married Amos Burdick, and resided
in Plainfield).
Jesse C. Phillips, son of Charles, was burn in
Plainfield, Oct. 10, 1800, and he made that town
his lifelong home. Brought up on a farm, it was
but natural that he should continue that work in
manhood. Until a number of years after his mar-
riage he lived on the home place, and then pur-
chased a farm near Plainfield street, whither he re-
moved. ■ He was a good business man and practical
farmer, and being thrifty and industrious accumu-
lated no small property. His political views coin-
cided with the principles of the Democratic party,
and he held a few of the town offices. He attended
the Congregational Church. He married Amanda
Brown, who was born June 10. 1807, in Groton,
Conn., survived her husband many years, and died
in Plainfield. Eight children blessed their union,
namely: Samuel C, Born March 5, 1827, is unmar-
ried and resides in Sterling, Conn., where he is en-
gaged in farming; Alary F., born Feb. 2, 1830, is
the widow of George F. Howard, and resides at
Ouinebaug, • Conn. ; Lucy Maria, horn April 29,
[832, married Ira F. Kimball, and resided first in
South Dakota, and later in Missouri, where she
d'ed: Lydia C, born Sept. 3. 1834, married (first!
Charles T. Barstow, and (second) the late Eben
Cordon, and now resides in Chicago', 111.: Charles
Orrin, born July 30, [837, resides in Norfolk. \ a. :
Thomas Dwight was horn Nov. 28, 183'): Harriet
E., born A I arch 5. 1842, married Sumner Mayhew,
and died in New Jersey; and Sabra. born Jan. _>S.
[852, married Thomas Ileustis. and died in New-
ark. Xew Jersey.
Thomas Dwight Phillips was born in Plainfield,
832
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
and received his education in the district schools,
and in one term's attendance at Plainfield Academy.
His acquaintance with farm work began at an early
age, and when fifteen he began work for a neigh-
boring farmer, hiring out for six months at $6 per
month. His wages went to his father until he was
eighteen, when he bought his time. He was work-
ing as a farm hand in Plainfield when he enlisted
in the Union army, Dec. 24, 1863, "for three years,
or until the close of the war." Shortly after his en-
listment he was sent to Baltimore, where a battalion
was located, and the following spring a regiment
was formed, Mr. Phillips being a member of Com-
pany L, 1st Connecticut Cavalry. They were sent
to the front, and their first engagement was at
Craig's Church, Ya., May 5, 1864, when Company
L lost thirty-seven men. From that time until the
war ended the regiment participated in the follow-
ing battles and skirmishes: Todd's Tavern, Aline
Run, Wilderness, Spottsylvania Court House,
Meadow Bridge, Hanover Court House, Ashland
(1st), Roanoke Bridge, Ream's Station, Gaines
Mills, Yellow Tavern, Haines Shop, Smith's Store,
Strawberry Hill, Cold Harbor, Nottaway Court
House, Stony Creek, Summit Point, Kearneysville,
Oppequan Creek, .Mount Royal, Winchester, Fish-
er's Hill, Ashland (2d), Cedar Creek, Hack Road,
Woodstock, Waynesboro, Hooper's Farms, Five
Forks, Jetersville, Sailor's Creek and Appomattox.
The regiment was assigned to the division com-
manded by the lamented Gen. Custer. Mr. Phillips
was a member of that general's bodyguard at the
execution of Mrs. Surratt. one of the Lincoln con-
spirators. The regiment was mustered out of serv-
ice Aug. 2, 1865 and Mr. Phillips returned to Con-
necticut. Locating jn Norwich, he engaged in the
boot and shoe business in a store room located on
what is now lower Broadway. After eleven pros-
perous years in this line he purchased a grocery
store in Greeneville. which he conducted for nearly
seven years. He proved himself the possessor of
remarkable business ability, and during the years
he was a part of the commercial world of .Yew Lon-
don county accumulated a substantial property. In
1882 he purchased his present farm of 140 acres,
then known as the "Deacon Reuben Bishop farm,"
and he is now engaged in general farming and
dairying, proving himself fully as capable a farmer
as he was a merchant.
On May 27, 1867, Mr. Phillips was married,
in Preston, Conn., to Mary A. Lucas, who was born
in London, England, Jan. 19, 1842, daughter of
William and Mary (Evans) Lucas. By trade Will-
iam Lucas was a book-binder. He came to this
country when his only child was but six years old,
and he and his wife spent their remaining years in
Norwich. To Mr. and Mrs. Phillips was born the
following family : Alonzo Dwight, born Aug. 27,
1868, was a blacksmith, and died in Baltic at the
early age of twenty-six ; Jesse C, born June 24,
1870, was married, Oct. 18, 1900, to Lottie Eagles,
and they reside in Sprague, where he is engaged
in farming; William M., born Jan. 13, 1872^, is a
farmer in Lisbon, and was married Feb. 22, 1896,
to Sarah Lindell, who has borne him three children,.
Lloyd, George and Helen L. ; Dora Belle, born
Aug. 5, 1873, was married Dec. 20, 1893, to Calvin
D. Bromley, present town clerk of Lisbon, and they
have three children, Mildred Irene, Calvin D., Jr.,
and Theodore Phillips; Alice May, born Aug. 1,.
1875, was married June 28, 1898, to Benjamin E.
Hull, a mail clerk in Providence, R. I. ; George
Custer, born Jan. 2, 1877, resides at home; Fred-
erick A., born Nov. 15, 1880, learned the trade of
machinist in Providence.
In politics Mr. Phillips is a Democrat, and he
has served acceptably on the board of selectmen,
the board of relief and the school committee. He
was one of the charter members of Sedgwick Post,
Xo. 1, G. A. R., at Norwich. While engaged in
business in Norwich Mr. Phillips was a member of
the East Main Street Methodist Church, and for
seven years was secretary and treasurer of the Sun-
day-school, during which time he never was absent
a single Sunday. Mrs. Phillips was also a member
of that church, and has always been her husband's
assistant in his work. They are among the most
highly esteemed people in the town, and are popular
socially.
HOWARD A. EDGCOMB. one of the enter-
prising young men of Groton, was born in Mystic,
Conn., Aug. 14, 1869. He spent his boyhood days,
until he was five, at Poquonock Bridge, and after
that was at Eastern Point, 'Edgcomb House, attend-
ing public school there, and at Groton village. When
sixteen years of age he went to work at the Brain-
erd & Armstrong silk mill, where he continued two
years, and then clerked for James Hislop & Co.,
dry goods merchants, for a year, after which he
was with Payne & Tinker for two years. In Sep-
tember, 1888, he enlisted in the U. S. Cavalry, and
went to Jefferson Barracks, Mo., U. S. Cavalry
training station. Being a musician he was attached
to the 3d U. S. Cavalry Band at Fort Clark, Texas,
where he was discharged April 23, 1889, with
honors.
Returning to Groton, Conn., in May, 1889, Mr.
Edgcomb engaged with S. Wechsler & Bros., in
Brooklyn, X. Y., and remained a year, after which
he went to New London, as manager of the dry
goods department of W. E. F. Landers & Co., this
continuing for five years, until the firm discontinued
business. For the following two and one-half years
he conducted a clothing company in New London.
On April 1, 1898, he commenced handling clothing
and men's furnishings, doing merchant tailoring
in Mechanics Hall building; on Sept. 12, 1900, he
removed to his present location on Thames street.
On Dea. 22, 1902, his place of business was de-
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
833
stroyed by fire, but he restimed business March 7,
[903, and is as prosperous as ever, so energetic
is he.
On May 28, 1892, Mr. Edgcomb was married to
Nellie, daughter of William and Jane (Nichols)
Whiting, of Mystic. ( )ne child was horn to them,
Viola, on July to, 1893. Mrs. Edgcomb died Sept.
3, 189O. ( )n March 8, 1898, Mr. Edgcomb was mar-
ried to Helen, daughter of Henry B. and Josephine
(Starr) Allen, of Groton, Conn. One child. Allen
Ashbey, was born Feb. 12, [901, a smart little fel-
low, who is the pride of their hearts.
Mr. Edgcomb is a member of Union Lodge, No.
31. F. & A. M., in which he holds office; Fairview
Lodge, No. 101, I. ( ). ( ). P., of which he has been
financial secretary two years, and has passed
through the principal chairs of the lodge; the
Knights of the Maccabees; the X.' E. O. P.; and
Groton Conclave, Xo. 382. Improved Order of
Heptasophs. He is auditor of town accounts, a
member of the tire district committee, and has been
a Republican in politics all his life.
GEORGE N. ^HOLMES, a retired agriculturist
of Griswold, who died in Willimantic, at the home
of his .son, Asher B., June 10, 1904. throughout his
long and useful life evinced remarkable power of
adaptability as to occupation, and made an unquali-
fied success of his work in various lines — first as
master of a merchant craft between Xew York and
Boston and the West Indies; at different times as a
stonemason ; and finally as an extensive farmer and
stock raiser. He also prominently identified himself
with the public affairs of his locality. A large ca-
pacity for work, great physical and mental endow-
ments, energy, self-reliance, and a fearless out-
spoken manner — traits which thus gave him his
mastery over circumstances and environments — he
undoubtedly inherited from his long line of hardy
Xew England ancestors.
(I) John Holmes, a native of Scotland, who
landed at Plymouth, Mass., in 1632, is the first
American representative of this branch of the
Holmes family.
(II) Xathaniel Holmes, son of John, married
and had several sons, among them Elisha. The fam-
ily were residents of Plymouth.
(III) Elisha Holmes was reared in Plymouth,
and upon reaching manhood made his home in that
place, ddiere he married a Miss Sarah Bartlett,
and they had several sons.
(IV) Elisha Holmes (2), son of Elisha, was
also a resident of Plymouth, where during his ma-
ture life, he owned large tracts of land. Eor an
occupation he engaged in the mercantile business,
and he also became the possessor of a large number
of ships and several warehouses. He married Sarah
Bartlett, and they had a large family of children,
most of the sons becoming seafaring men.
(V) Samuel Holmes, son of Elisha (2), was
born in Plymouth, Mass., in 1722. When a young
'53
man he settled in Xew London, where he probably
spent the rest of bis life, dying in 1774. I le man' ed
Lucretia Hill, and they had eleven children: Jabez,
Elisha, John, Samuel, Nathan, Sarah, Lucretia,
Abby, Mary, Anna, and 1'rndence. lie was a man of
considerable means, and upon his death made his
wife the executrix of his will, leaving his property to
her and his daughter Prudence, who was unable to
provide for herself. The will is recorded in Xew
London.
( VI) Jabez Holmes, grandfather of George X.,
a man of thrift, and considerable note, made his
early home in Groton, Conn. Later he settled in
the North Parish. Xew London, now Montville,
Conn., where he became the possessor of large tracts
of land. Here he also spent his last days, and died.
He married a Miss Harris, and they had six chil-
dren : Nathan, proprietor of the "Thames Hotel,"
of Norwich, who died in that place; Charles, who
carried on the Montville homestead, and died there;
Harris, who died of yellow fever in his young man-
hood ; Stephen, during his young manhood a musi-
cian, who later went South and was never afterward
Heard of; Bartlett, who is mentioned below; and
Gilbert, first a farmer near Syracuse, X. Y.. who
later returned to Connecticut, and died at Water-
ford.
( VII) Capt. Bartlett Holmes, prominent in the
military affairs of his State, and a soldier in the war
of 181 2, who in civil life directed his energies to
the development of the agricultural resources of
his farm in Griswold, was both born and bred to a
position of some means and high respectability. His
birth occurred in Montville, Conn., Oct. 8, 1789,
and there under the refining influences of a good
home he remained until he was sixteen vears old.
He then went to live with his uncle, Robert Stan-
ton, a prominent agriculturist of Preston, now Gris-
wold, Conn. Here he remained for a number of
years, assisting in the management of the farm.
When the war of 1812 broke out, as a loyal Ameri-
can citizen, he enlisted under Capt. Joseph Lester,
and went to the front as sergeant. He was on duty
at X'ew London, Groton, and Aug. 9, 1814, at
Stonington Point, winning for himself the respect
and confidence of his superiors by his conscientious
performance of his duties. After the war he re-
turned to the home of his uncle in Preston where
he resumed his work as assistant farm manager,
and continued as such until 1826, when his uncle
died. Then, falling heir to the property, he assumed
the entire management. The place was a well im-
proved tract of one hundred acres, three-fourths of
a mile west of Pachang Pond, and here he spent the
rest of his life carrying on a successful and profit-
able industry. A man of intelligence, who attended
Strictly to his duties, he was looked upon as one ri
the progressive farmers of his vicinity. ( )n Jan.
1, [809, he married Mercy Stanton Kimball (who
was born Oct. 11, 17^3), and after her death, he
married Dec. 30, 1840, Lucretia Ltley, who was bum
834
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
May 4, 1814. By the first marriage there were
eleven children: Harty P.. born April 9, 1810, died
April 15, 1815 ; Alice L., horn Nov. 11, 181 1, died
Aug-. 29, 1838; Robert S., born Aug. 27, 1813, died
May 15. 1814; Henry J., born May 20, 1815, re-
sided at Saybrook, Conn., and lived to the advanced
age of eighty- four (his son Daniel is now a mer-
chant in that place) : Mary Ann. horn Dec. 8, 1817,
married Thomas Wilcox, of Griswold (now de-
ceased), and she resides with her brother George
X. ; Harris S., horn Sept. 10, 1820, married a Miss
Burdick, and, after her death, Marilla Gates, re-
sided in Xew London, and died about 1881 ; George
X. is mentioned below : Margaret, born July 22,
1825, who now makes her home with George X.,
is the widow of George Bacon, of Middletown,
Conn. : Maria L., born Jan. 30. 1828, married Ran-
som Perry, and resides in Meriden, Conn.; Sarah
W., born Jan. 27, 183 1, became the wife of James
B. Palmer, of Canterbury, Conn., and is deceased;
Joseph, born Jan. 0. 1836, died July t, 1836. Capt.
Holmes was a horn leader, and as a man of marked
military ability served as captain of the Fifth Com-
pany, 18th Regiment, Third Brigade, Connecticut
State Militia, from the close of the war of 1812
until Aug. X, 1S20, when, owing to ill health he
resigned. As an influential Democrat he held at
different times several local offices, filling them with
efficiency and fidelity. Both he and his wife were
among the leading members of the Jewett City 1 bap-
tist Church.
(YI1I) George X. Holmes was horn in (iris-
wold, Conn., Feb. 2. 1823. and there on the family
homestead grew to manhood. In the district schools
of his neighborhood he procured his education,
which he supplemented by extensive reading and
intimate contact with the world. As a youth he was
attracted to the life of a seaman, and at the age of
nineteen he hired out as a hand before the mast,
and went on a whaling voyage. So well satisfied
was he with his experience, that upon his return at
the end of the year, he engaged as mate on a mer-
chant craft, making trips between Xew York and
Boston and the West Indies. By strict attention
to business and economy he was enabled in a short
time to purchase an interest in the boat, and he rose
to the position of master. Doing a large and ex-
tensive business he spent altogether twelve years in
this service. Later this brig, known as the
"Champion," with all on board, was lost at sea.
Eye trouble was the cause of his early retirement
from seafaring. During these years he purchased
the family homestead in Griswold, and there he
often went for rest and recreation, and at the end of
his service, made it his home ■ for a while.
Later he sold this property and moved to what was
known as the Geer place, in the same town. On
tnat attractive old farm he engaged in general agri-
culture and stock raising for about twenty years.
Taking up the work with energy and enthusiasm,
and managing it with discretion and the strictest
attention to details, he made the place produce larg<
and valuable crops, and handled some of the besi
stock in the market. Deciding later to extend hi;
industry, he purchased, in 1888. of Mrs. Hinkley
the Cain. Boardman place, a splendid 300-acre trad
in Uriswold. This farm he worked with even bettei
results than his previous ones, and for many yean
made a specialty of the dairy business. He alwayi
conducted his farming on a large scale and Avon the
reputation of carrying on the most extensive indus-
try of his kind in the vicinity. His wife was a great
assistance to him in his work, and while on the ( Seer
farm she engaged extensively in the poultry busi-
ness, raising at one time two hundred and ten tur-
keys besides other fowls. Besides attending to farm-
ing Mr. Holmes found time to follow his trade as a
stonemason, and thirty-eight cellars and thirty-six
wells in the vicinity of Griswold have been walled
bv him. Some time before his death he turned over
the management of his large farm to his son, but,
having been a hard working man all his life, he
found it difficult to sit down with folded hands, and
0 busied himself about the place.
On Nov. 27, 1848, Mr. Holmes married Amanda
R. Palmer, who was born May 27, 1828. daughter
of Asher and Joanna (Ames) Palmer. To the time
of her death, which occurred Nov. 9, 1866, she
was a faithful helpmeet and a devoted wife and
mother. In religious circles she was highly es-
teemed, and belonged to the Jewett City Baptist
Church. On April 20, 1869, Mr. Holmes married
Althea T. Green, daughter of John Edson and Man
( Geer) Green, and granddaughter of John and
Polly (Downing) Green, of Preston, the grand-
father having served in the war of 1812. Mrs.
Holmes died Feb. 20, 1903. Mr. Holmes's children,
six in all. were by his first marriage: (1) Asher
Bartlett is the well known proprietor of the paper
and paint store in Willimantic. (2) Alary Louise,
born in 1850, married Robert Sherman, of Paw-
tucket, R. I., and they have had four children : Frank
R., Charlotte L., Silas Eber, and George (who died
at the age of seven years). (3) George James, born
in 1854. is now a practicing physician in Xew Bri-
tain, Conn., where he makes a specialty of diseases
of the ear, eye, nose, and mouth. (4) Edward
Cogswell, born in 1857, died in 1859. (5) Sarah
Amanda, born in 1859, married James Howard, of
Xiantic, Conn., and they have two children: Sarah
L., and Frederick. (6) William Palmer, who con-
ducts the home farm, married Rose C. Ford, of
Willimantic, and thev have two children : Harry
Ford and Florilla Amanda.
Mr. Holmes was throughout his life a decidedly
positive character, never having failed to exert a
strong influence among his circle of accjuaintances
and the community in which he lived. In politics
a Democrat, he served his party very efficiently
as assessor for six years, registrar of voters for nine
years, and was for many years a member of the
board of relief, filling the place with fidelity and
GENEALOGICAL AXD BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
835
marked ability. As an agriculturist he m;
it a point to keep himself in touch with all progres-
sive movements along his line of work, and both
he and his wife were leading members of the Grange,
having served for a considerable time as officers.
She belonged to the Jewett City Baptist Church, oi
which he was a regular attendant. Both occupied a
high social position, and had many warm friends
in their vicinity. Air. Holmes was ill but about ten
days when death claimed hum. and his remains were
laid to rest in Pachaug cemetery in Griswold.
EUGENE ATW( >< >I), president of the Atwood
Morrison Machine Co., which concern has the largest
manufactory of silk machinery in the world, has
attained an enviable place in the business world.
In his youth he became associated with his father in
the work, and he has gained a thorough and com-
prehensive knowledge of the business in the most
practical way — that of actual experience — in asso-
ciation with men who had made it a life study. He
is of the third generation in his family to have been
interested in the manufacture of silk and silk ma-
chinery.
William Atwood, his grandfather, was one of
the pioneers in the silk industry in the United States,
not alone manufacturing the silk, but also cultivat-
ing the silk worms and handling the raw material
from the cocoon to the finished article. He was
one of the six men who organized the celebrated
Mansfield Silk Company in 1829. His wife in her
maidenhood was Irene Hartshorn. They were both
descended from early Colonial families in Massa-
chusetts.
John Edwin Atwood, son of William and father
.of Eugene, was born in Mansfield, Conn., Sept. 13,
1S22, the second in a family of eight children.. He
died at Stonington Sept. 20, 1903. Erom his boy-
Bood he was familiar with the workings of Ids fa-
ther's plant. Although he never learned the ma-
chinist's trade, he possessed a natural instinct for
it, as well as a faculty for invention which, he used
to great advantage, making wonderful improve-
ments in the machinery for silk manufacture. In
hi- particular line he was easily the leading in-
lentor of the times. It was in 1850 he started out
in a small way to manufacture silk machinery, in
•odville, town of Mansfield. His son. Eugene.
as so 11 as old enough became associated with him.
their shop, 24 x 40 feet, proved inadequate as the
;ed on and the superior quality of their
; luct became known among the silk manufac-
turers, and in 1870 they moved to Conantville, near
BA illimantic, there opening a larger shoj . At this
time the firm was known as the Atwood Machine
Company, and so continued until [898. In 1876
the Company suffered the loss of their building's by
and they moved to Stonington. In January.
I<V| •". the ; - mpany became incorporated under the
same name, with Eugene Atwood a- president and
treasurer, and E. E. Bradley, as secretary and vice-
president. In [898 the An lachine (
became consolidated with the Morrison ' ompany,
with Eugene Atwood, president and treasurer; E.
E. Bradley, vice-president; and J. 11. Waldron, as-
sistant treasurer. The name of the new corj oration
is the Atwood Morrison Machine Company, and
their present plant covers nearly 60,000 square feet
of floor space, and has a reputation Eor workman-
ship second to none in the world. Hack of all this
wonderful enterprise stood John Edwin Atwood,
whose inventive genius and business and executive
ability, ably seconded by the progressive spirit of
his son, Eugene, made much of it possible. John E.
Atwood was muted in marriage with Lydia Amanda
Conant, sister of John A. Conant, of Willimantic.
To bless this union came one son, ne, born in
.Mansfield, Sept. 20, 1846.
Eugene Atwood, a worthy sin of a gifted fa-
ther, has sj ent nearly his entire life as the business
associate of his parent. From him he inherited a
love of the work, with which through early associ-
ation he became familiar, and which his construct-
ive genius has so assisted in expanding to its present
mammoth proportions. His has been the guiding
hand to commercial pre-eminence. His home was
in Mansfield until he was twenty-seven years of
age. and there he was married (first) to Alice Har-
vey, of Ashford, Conn. To this union came three
children, of whom Eugenie and Alice died in child-
hood, and Agnes Genevieve survives. The wife
and mother died in Mansfield. Mr. Atwood was
married (second) in Brooklyn, X. Y., to Miss An-
nie Y. Cutler, daughter of Capt. B. E. Cutler. Three
children have been born to this marriage: John E.,
Annie and Constance. Mr. Atwood has long been
a member of the Masonic fraternity.
The Atwoods of the eastern part of Connecticut
are believed to be descended from one Harman
Atwood. of Sandersted, Surrey, England, who was
a son of John and a grandson of Nicholas and ( )live
Atwood. Harman Atwood appears first of record
in this country at the time of his admission as an
inhabitant of Boston, Mass., in 1O42. in which year
he was in the employ of Thomas Buttolph, a leather
dresser, or glover. In 1644 he was a member of the
artillery company, and the next year was made a
freeman. ( hi Feb. 24, 1644, nc was admitted to the
Church, and on Aug. tt, 1646, he was married to
Ann, daughter of William Copp, who came to
America in the ship "Blessing" in [635. Harman
Atwood died in 1650. Mis two children, John and
Sarah, were baptized, respectively, Sept. 5. 1647,
(aged \\w daws) and May 26, [650.
(I!) John Atwood, sin of Herman, was born
. 1. M147. In 1073 he was a member of the ar-
tillery company, of which he became a lieutenant
in [695. lie was admitted to the hirst Church in
[675, and was a deacon in the old North Church
(second) in [693. He was twice married. His
first wife. Sarah, died in 1689, the 1: four
children: John, born May 23. [671, died young;
836
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
James, born June 3, 1673; Samuel, born May 13,
1687, died young; and Sarah, born Nov. n, 1688.
On Oct. 2y, 1690, he married (second) Widow
Mary Smith, daughter of Zachariah Long, of
Charlestown, Mass., who bore him the following chil-
dren : Mary, born Sept. 1, 1691, died young; John,
born Feb. 16, 1693; Samuel, born in March, 1696,
died before 1729; Abigail, born Nov. 17, 1699; and
Joshua, born April 10, 1701, died in 1770. John
Atwood died Aug. 24, 1714, and his wife, Mar}-,
passed away March 18, 1728.
(III) John Atwood (2). son of Deacon John,
was born Feb. 16, 1693, in Boston, Mass. On Oct.
28, 1715, he married Hannah Bond, of Haverhill,
Mass., and they had eight children, namely: John,
William, Zachariah, Joseph, Joshua, Mary, Hannah
and Benjamin. About [716 they moved to Brad-
ford, Mass., and there John Atwood (2) entered
into rest.
(IV) John Atwood (3). son of John (2). was
a resident of Scituate, R. I., where he married
Roby Kimball, daughter of Capt. Joseph Kimball.
in whose company he served as sergeant. His name
appears on the muster rolls of that company, dated
March 8, 1777. This company marched from Scitu-
ate Feb. 8, 1777, and was in service thirty days, but
later John Atwood was sergeant in Capt. Perk's
company, of the 1st Division, Col. John Mathew-
son's regiment, in the expedition against Rhode
Island. He died in Scituate in October, 1802. His
children were: Kimball, born Dee. 5, 1781 ; Ly.dia
married George 15. Hutchins; Dorcas married Wa-
terman Field; Abigail married Joseph Butler;
Rhoda married a Mr. Randall; Roby married James
Andrews ; and Levina married Wilbur Fisk.
( Y ) Kimball Atwood, son of Sergeant John,
was horn in Scituate Dec. 5, 1781, and on April 4,
1802, he married Salinda Colgrove, who was born
April 20, 1786. Both are buried in the family
graveyard at Scituate. Their children were: Dor-
cas, born June 10. 1803, died young; John, born
Feb. 16, 1805; William C, born March 19, 1807,
married Juliana Andrews, and died Sept. 29, 1895;
Sally, born June 22, 1809, died young; Sylindia,
born Sept. 25, 1811, died young; Kimball T., born
Dec. 2, 1819; and Joanna Fisk, born Aug. 24. 1826.
FRANCIS WILLIAM FAULKNER, veteran
of the Civil war, and a retired gentleman of Nor-
wich, comes from an old New England family. The
name was spelled "Falconer" in the early genera-
tions of the family, which is of Scottish descent.
Faulkner's Island was named for this family. The
first American ancestor was Patrick Falconer, from
whom Francis William Faulkner is a descendant in
the sixth generation. His line of descent is through
Patrick (2), Charles, Charles (2), William and
Francis William.
(I) Patrick Falconer, a merchant, settled first
in New Haven, Conn. He married Oct. 2, 1689,
Haimah Jones, daughter of Gov. William Jones, and
granddaughter of Theophilus Eaton, governor of
the New Haven Colony. Patrick Falconer removed
to Newark, N. J., where he died, greatly respected,
and distinguished for piety, in the prime of life
(1692). In the old burying-ground at Newark, N..
J., is a stone bearing this inscription : "Here lieth
ye body of Patrick Falconer who died June 27,
1692, aged thirty-eight years." After his death
his widow returned to New Haven, Conn., and
subsequently married James Clark, settling with
him in Stratford, Conn. The children of Patrick
and I lannah Falconer were as follows : Hannah,
born 1690, married Aug. 2, 17 10, Deacon Seth
Morse, of Guilford, Conn.; Richard, born 1691,
married widow Mary Hall, Aug. 4, 1724. and died
1725 ; and Patrick (2), a posthumous son. was born
at New Haven, Conn., Aug. 12, 1692.
(II) Patrick Falconer (2), born 1692, married,
1735, Deliverance Cook. Their children were as
follows: Hanah, who married Charles Miller:
Sarah, who died single ; Mary, who married Simon
Norton; and Charles.
(III) Charles Faulkner was three times married.
After the death of his first wife, Rebecca, he mar-
ried Hannah Morse, and for his third wife he
wedded Mary Bly, of Middletown, Conn. By his
second wife, Hannah (Morse), he had four chil-
dren, Benoni, Hannah, Mary and Charles (who died
when five years old). By his third marriage he had
the following children: Patrick, born Nov. 30,
1767; Mary, born Jan. 26, 1771 (died April 8,.
179O ; Charles (2), born March 20, 1773; Friend
Lyman, born Feb. 15, 1777; and Sally, born 1779
(died 1836).
(IY) Charles Faulkner (2) was born March
20, 1773, and died 1836. He married at Guilford,
Conn., May 1, 1800, Clarinda Stow. Their children
were: Charles, born Feb. 26, 1801, died March,
1802; Charles Hand, born April 15, 1803, married
at Buenos Ayres, S. A., Ann E. Roberts, had two
children, William Roberts (born June 20, 1829) and
Christiana (born April 20, 1832, married Harvey
Leetes, of Guilford, Conn.), and died at George-
town, N. C. ; Mary Ann, born Jan. 3, 1807, married'
Mav 4, 1833, Capt. Joel Stone; and William, born-
Dec. 2, 1808.
(V) William Faulkner was born in Guilford,
Conn., Dec. 2, 1808, and there grew to manhood.
Before he was twenty he had learned the printer's
trade, in New Haven, and from there he went to
New York City, where he worked at his trade for a
time. Returning to his native State, he established'
himself in Norwich, where he started a newspaper
called the Republican, which was supported by many
of the leading men of the town. Later he published
the News, which was discontinued in 1841), on the-
breaking out of the California gold fever. While
a resident of Norwich he was collector of the port
under Tyler's administration. He was the first
agent of the Adams Express Company in Norwich,
when the express business was carried on only by
y^ce^f
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAl'll ICAL RECORD.
37
boat between Norwich and New York. In [849,
with a small company, made up of several Norwich
men and other acquaintances, Mr. Faulkner sailed
for California, via the Horn, on the whaler "Tres-
cott," of Mystic, Conn. He took with him a print-
ing outfit, with the intention of setting up in the
newspaper business in San Francisco. The voyage
was a long and tedious one, lasting seven months.
At Talcahuano, Chili, there came aboard the ship
Warren Leland. who later became one of the best
hotel men in the world. .Mr. Faulkner formed a
partnership with Mr. behind by disposing of an
interest in the printing outfit. This arrangement
came at an opportune "time, enabling Mr. Faulkner
to comply with the unfair and exorbitant terms of
the captain of the vessel. The printing establish-
ment was started, and after a short time was dis-
1 d of for $60,000 to Gen. Jonas Winchester and
others. Gen. Winchester was a noted newspaper
man, and before going to California was associated
with Horace Greeley in publishing the New Yorker,
in New York City. Mr. Faulkner soon afterward
returned to New England, via the Panama route.
and located in Guilford, Conn., where with several
others he engaged in the iron manufacturing busi-
ness, furnishing- the main part of the capital. He
resided there some few years, and was interested in
several projects. The iron manufacturing was not
a succes>, an<l later Mr. Faulkner removed to New
Haven, where for a time he was connected with the
News, and also was interested, with his son George,
in the hour and feed busmess. After two years he
sold out his interest in the latter business and ac-
cepted the position of agent for James Connor &
Son., type-founders, of New York City, in San
Francisco. He held this agency and resided in East
pakland, Cab. until his death, March 26, 1878, at
the age of sixty-nine years, three mouths; he is
buried in the ( )akland cemetery. He was one of
the founders of Grace Episcopal Church in San
Francisco, and one of the pioneer churchmen of
California, having always been an earnest member
of that communion. In politics lie was a Democrat,
and he served as a member of the famous Vigilance
Committee in San Francisco. He did much for the
advancement of newspaper work, was an enterpris-
ing and progressive citizen, and a well known and
highly respected man. The memory of his energy,
everance, enterprise and courage is one of the
nearest possessions of his children.
William Faulkner married (first), ( >ct. 14, 1829,
in Norwich, Frances, daughter of ("apt. Elias and
Irene (Carey) Lord. Capt. Elias Lord was born
Sept. 10. 1762, and died May 2?. 1830; Irene Carey,
his wife, was born Aug. 17. 1777. and died Oct. 10,
1814. They were married Feb. 25, [798. Mrs. Faulk-
ner was born in Griswold, Conn.. Sept. 5, 1808,
and died in Norwich, April 24, 1848, aged thirty-
nine years; she is burled in the old cemetery there.
For his second wife Mr. Faulkner married, in Hart-
ford, Conn.. March 2j, 1850, Mary G. Stowe, who
was born ( )ct. 12, [818, and died in [901 in San
Francisco, and is tin re buried beside her husband.
She was tin.' mother of one son, Charles I tman,
born May 4. 1853, at Guilford, Conn., who is identi-
fied with the drug business in San Francisco. In
1S72 he married Nellie McMorris, in that city. To
Mr. Faulkner's first marriage the following children
were born: William Francis, who is mentioned
below; George L.. born Feb. jj. 1833. a traveling
salesman, who died in Oxaca, Mexico (he married
March 21, [861, Irene A. Wildman ) : Caroline I'.,
born May [5, 1836, who died June 21, [851 ; and
Ella, born Sept. 10. [841, who married Sept. 2j,
[859, Henry Hotchkiss Beach, at Guilford, Conn.,
and lives in San Francisco.
Francis William Faulkner was born Aug. 4,
[830, at his father's old home on Church street, in
Norwich, and attended the public schools of Nor-
wich until about the age of thirteen. He had for
some time manifested a desire to go to sea. and leav-
ing home he shipped as a cabin boy on the packet
"Quebec," Capt. Hubbard, who was a native of Nor-
wich. After a couple of voyages in the "Quebec"
he made two voyages to Liverpool in the "Queen
of the West." Returning home to Norwich he
entered his father's employ as a printer, at which
trade he worked until he went to California, in
184(1. He was a member of the same party with
which his father went, sailing on the whaler "Tres-
cott." After reaching San Francisco he was for a
time engaged as a printer, and for a while at pros-
pecting. The desire for a seafaring life again
seized him, and he made several voyages up and
down the coast from San Francisco, and later on
the Pacific Mad steamers made voyages to Hong
Kong and other Asiatic ports. In 1851 he returned
East, via the Isthmus route, and went to Guilford,
Conn. He soon went to sea again, going on the
bark "Cazone," built at Guilford, Capt. Porterfield,
and in which his father owned an interest. Trips
between New York, Boston and New Orleans, with
cargoes of paving stones, were among the voyages
he made on this vessel, which later sailed to Sweden,
returning to Boston with passengers and iron ore.
Returning to California in about 1854. Mr. Faulkner
spent a few years in that State, returned to Connec-
ticut, and in 1857 again went to California. He re-
turned East some time afterward, and located in
Xew Haven, where he was engaged with his father
in the printing and feed business. Later he went
to Xew York, where he worked at his trade of
printer on the Herald, and afterward on the World.
He was one of the first staff of compositors when
the Xew York World was established.
Subsequently he went to Hartford, Conn., and
enlisted from there May 1 1. [86l, for three months'
service in Company 1), 3d Conn. V. 1.. under Capt.
Harland. He was mustered out Aug. 12. [861,
and returned to Xew York City, where he was again
employed on the Xew York World for some time.
On Aug. 12, [862, he re-enlisted, becoming a mem-
838
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
ber of Company D, 15th Conn. A'. L, was mustered
into service Aug. 25, 1862, as a corporal, and on
Dec. i, 1864, was promoted to the rank of sergeant.
He was taken prisoner at Kinston, N. C, March 8,
1865, and with 800 others of Connecticut and Massa-
chusetts troops taken prisoners at that place was
confined in Libby prison, but was paroled March
26, 1865. He was mustered out of the service at
Newberne, N. C, June 7, 1865. Returning to the
North he located in New Haven, where he was em-
ployed on the Journal and later on the Register,
which position he retained until 1867, when he went
to California, sailing for San Francisco. During
his stay in that city he was engaged on some of the
leading papers, such as the Call, the Bulletin, and
the Examiner, and in the principal job offices of the
city. During his residence in San Francisco at this
time, he was for some time engaged on steamers
between that city and China and Japan ports. He
joined an expedition in which his father was inter-
ested, which left San Francisco for the Ochotsk
Sea. This expedition was formed to search for
minerals on the islands and coast of Kamchatka Pen-
insula, and was gone about seven months, its mem-
bers experiencing no little privation. They were
carried by the schooner "Xautillus." which at that
time was the smallest craft that had crossed the
Pacific; it was a flat-bottomed vessel that had been
in use between San Francisco and San Quentin.
In 1879 he returned Fast and settled in Norwich,
where he has ever since made his home. For a time
he engaged in newspaper work, but is at present
living in retirement.
Mr. Faulkner was married (first), in 1859, in
Xew Haven, Conn., to Emily Stevens, daughter of
Stiles Stevens, and to this union came two children:
William !'>.. horn Jan. 24. 1860, who is in the employ
of the Southern Pacific Railway Co., at San Fran-
0; and Ella, born Feb. 28, 1862, who married
Fred R. Koenig, of San Francisco. Mrs. Faulkner
died :n San Francisco, and is there buried. Mr.
Faulkner married for his second wife, Oct. 30,
1879. in Norwich, Sarah Williams, daughter of
Frederick C. and Caroline (Lord) Prentice, and
widow of Amos C. Williams. No children were
born to this union. Mrs. Faulkner died Dec. 31,
1902, at which time the following appreciative notice
a; peared in the local press:
Mrs. F. William Faulkner passed away at her home,
No. 16 Church street, at 5:30 Wednesday morning. For
the past three years she has suffered at intervals from
heart disease. She was able to be about ten days
For the past three days Mrs. Faulkner has been confined
to her bed. Her end" was peaceful. On Nov. 20, 1854,
the deceased was married to Amos C. Williams, a native
of Montville, in this city, by Rev. Alvan Bond.
Mr. Williams died after a long illness. On Oct.
30, 1879, the deceased was married, in Norwich, by Rev.
E. M. Taylor, to F. William Faulkner. The latter survives
his wife, and there is also a son. Frederick F. Williams, of
Gales Ferry, who was born of the first marriage. Mr.
Faulkner is a will known Grand Army man. He went to
California in 1.^49, and assisted his father in publishing a
paper there. s
For many years Airs. Faulkner was a member of the-
Second Congregational Church, and while her health per-
mitted she took an active part in its affairs. She was also-
a member of Sedywick Woman's Relief Corps, No. 16, of
the G. A. R.
Mrs. Faulkner had the happy faculty of always looking-
on the bright side of affairs. She was always pleased to
meet her many friends at her home. She took delight in
discussing the topics of the day and old times in Norwich.
She was charitable and will lie missed by many people.
In politics Mr. Faulkner's sympathy is with the
Democratic party, but he is not a strict partisan,
the man or the issue more often determining his
support. He is a member of Sedgwick Post No. 1,
G. A. R., of Norwich, of which he has been com-
mander. Mr. Faulkner is one of the Connecticut
"Minute Men," having been a member of Company
D, 3d Conn. V. L, and received from the Connecti-
cut Legislature a bronze medal, in accordance with
an act passed by that body in January, 1903. He
is also a member of the Army and Navy Club, and
of the Society of California Pioneers. Mr. Faulk-
ner is a courteous, refined gentleman, whose travels
have given him a great fund of interesting conver-
sation, as they embrace visits to various parts of the
world.
JOHN McDOUGALL, superintendent of the
engraving department of the United States Finishing
Company, at Greeneville, Conn., is a man well
known and highly respected. He was born Dec.
1, 1852. in the town of Alexander, Dumbarton-
shire, Scotland, one of twelve children born to the
union of Duncan and Sarah (McBride) McDougall,
the former of whom was an expert dyer with the
well-known dye house of Archibald (J. Ewing, of
Dumbartonshire. The family were all consistent
members of the Presbyterian Church, and both fa-
ther and mother died in their native land.
John McDougall, of this sketch, received his
education in his home. At the age of fourteen years
he started to learn the art of engraving, and became
an expert in the same. In 1876 he was tendered
a position by the well known firm of Simpson &
Sons, of Chester, Pa., as engraver, which he ac-
cepted, and in December of that year he came with
his family to America, and was absorbed in his
profession at Chester for fifteen years. In 1892
he accepted the flattering offer as superintendent of
the engraving department of the Norwich Bleach-
cry Company, now known as the United States-
Finishing Company, and for the past eleven years
has been one of the most highly esteemed employes
of this firm. He has a force of thirty hands tinder
his supervision for whose skill he is responsible,
and all work turned out from his department chal-
lenges criticism.
Mr. McDougall was married in Scotland to Miss
Annie Mclntire, daughter of John Mclntire. She
has proved a devoted wife and mother, eleven chil-
dren being born to this union, as follows : Dun-
can, superintendent of the Glassworth Steel Foundry
at Philadelphia, married Lizzie McClure ; John, an
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
839
engraver with the United States Finishing Company
married Lucy Durphy; Martha married John
Chesney, foreman of the machine shops of Dee
Point Powder Company, of New Jersey; Robert is
employed in the coloring department of the Finish-
ing Works; Archibald is an engraver with the
United States Finishing Company; Sarah married
Herbert Buchannan, and resides at Lowell, Mass.;
Rah h is in the employ of John Hope & Sons, of
Providence, R. I.; and Annie and Lizzie. Two
died in infancy.
Both Mr. and Mrs. McDougall are consistent
members of the Congregational Church. Fratern-
ally he is a member of the Royal Arcanum and
Knights of Malta at Chester. Politically he is a
Republican. Mr. McDongall is a man of upright
character and the high esteem in which he is held
is shown by his long continuance with the same firm.
The family is much esteemed, all of the sons being
capable and industrious, and all show the good
home influences which have continually surrounded
them.
EDWTX A. LOOMIS, a well known and suc-
cessful farmer of Lebanon, belongs to a very old
and respected family, descended from
Joseph Loomis, born about 1590, who, with
wife, five sons and three daughters, came to New
England in the ship "Susan and Ellen'" in 1638. He
was a woolen draper at Braintree, County Essex,
England, and probably removed to Windsor, Conn.,
in the summer or autumn of 1639. He had grants
of land on Farmington river, on the west side of
the Connecticut, and also on the east side of that
river. His wife died in T652, and he died in 1658.
Deacon John Loomis, born in 1622, in England,
came with the family to New England in 1638. He
married. Feb. 3. 1648-9, Elizabeth, daughter of
Thomas Scott, of Hartford, and they resided first
at Windsor, where in 1643 he was granted by the
Plantation, forty acres of land. He was admitted
to the Church there Oct. 11, 1640. From 1652 to
1660 he resided in Farmington, but again returned
to Windsor, and was made a deacon in the Church.
He died Sept. 1, 1688.
Thomas Loomis, born Dec. 3, 1653, married,
March 31, 1680, Sarah, daughter of Daniel White,
of Hartford, Conn. She was born Oct. 15, 1602,
and after Mr. Loomis' death in 1688, she married
(second). Nov. 12, 1689, John Pissel, and removed
to Lebanon.
Thomas Loomis (2). born April 29, 1684, mar-
ried (first), Jan. 8. T713, Elizabeth Fowler, who
pied July 18, 1742. He married (second), Dec. 20,
1743. Hannah Hunt, who died June 10, 1758. Mr.
1 -mis died April 30. 1765, a resident of Hatfield,
Massachusetts.
Lieut. Thomas Loomis, born in 1714. married,
Nov. 7. 1734. Susannah Clark, and resided at Leb-
anon, Conn., where he died Feb. 27, 1792. Mrs.
Loomis died Sept. 38, 1788.
Joseph Loomis, born April 29. 1743. married/
May 5. 1703, Lydia Bosworth, and resided at Leb-
anon. Mr. Loomis served in the Revolutionary
war. Their children were: (i) Ruby, born Jan.
5, 1766, married, Dec. 8, 1785, Enos Williams, and
died Feb. 6, 1841 at Richfield, X. V. (2) Capt. Amos,
born Feb. 20, 170S, married, June 1, 17^4, Lucy
TiWen, who died Feb. 16, 1807, and he died March
31, 181 1, at Lyme, Conn. (3) Lydia, born beb.
14, 1771, married William Williams, and died Nov.
8, 1861. (4) Adnah, born July 30, 1772. married,
April 18, 1801, Hannah Straw, who died .May 2,
1847. Before 1801 he removed to Monmouth, Me.,
and died March 11, 184O. (5) Solomon, born Aug.
20, 1774, died unmarried, Sept. 20, T795, at Hart-
ford. (6) Abijah, born March 1, 1777, married
Nathan Walsworth, and died at Norwich in 1865.
(7) Hezekiah, born Feb. 8, 1779, married (first),
Feb. 8, 1803, Eunice Haines, who died Jan. 15,
1844, and he married (second). Mary Hollister.
From 1804 to 1813 he resided in East Haddam,
Conn., and he died May 7, 1858, at Cazenovia, X.
Y. (8) Joseph, born July 8, 1780, married, Jan. 13,
1803, Theodosia Wattles, who died June 29, 1826,
at Warren, N. Y. (9) Ariel was born in March,
1782. (10) Harvey, born April 2^. 1783, married,
Nov. 24, 1803, Caroline Wattles, who died .March
26, 1843; he died Oct. 27, 1862, at Sangcriield, X.
Y. (11) Isaac, born July 21, 1789, married Lucre-
tia Blake, and in 1822 removed from Wheeling, W.
Va., to Little Rock, Ark., where he died in T825.
(12) Jairus, born May 7, 1791, died of yellow fever
in 1822 near New ( )rleans. He received prize
money for attacking a fort on the Apalachicola river
in Florida, in 1816. (13) Erastus, born Sept. 27,
1793, married, June 4, 18 16, Rachel Cecelia Thomp-
son, of Georgetown, D. C, who died May 5, T844.
.Mr. Loomis was a second lieutenant of marines on
the brig "Eagle" in the battle of Lake Champlain,
in which action. Sept. 11. 1814, he was wounded.
By act of Congress, March 25. i8t6, he was granted
extra pay. His death occurred at Philadelphia,
Ya., July 16, 1833. Joseph Loomis, the father of
this numerous family, was a farmer and a resident
of Lebanon. He was a successful business man,
was a member of the Congregational Church, and
was very active in its affairs.
Ariel Loomis, father of our subject, was born
in March 1782, in Lebanon, Conn., and was reared
to farm work, succeeding bis father in the owner-
ship of the homestead. A number of years prior
to his death, he retired from farm work and settled
at Norwich, where be spent his remaining years,
dying April 8. 1 -S 5 5 . lie was an industrious farmer
and accumulated a competency. Until just previous
to his death, he remained in robust health. In poli-
tics he was a Whig. When the presenl brick-
church was erected in [805, at Lebanon, be and bis
father materially assisted in the work. On Nov.
2~. 1803, Ariel Loomis married (first) Elizabeth
Wattles, who died Sept. 18, 1821, aged forty-two
840
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
years. Their children were: (1) Salmon, born
Dec. 7, 1804, married, Feb. 25, 1829, Abigail
Champlin, and died at Norwich, July 16, 1869; he
was a butcher in early life in company with his
brother George, and during the latter part of his
life, he conducted a confectionery business at Nor-
wich. (2) George, born March 27, 1807, married
(first), June 10, 1832, Jemima Maples, and (sec-
ond), May 10, 1837, Anna B. Webb: he was a
butcher, later a farmer in Lebanon and died at Nor-
wich. (3) Mary, born Sept. 30. 1809, died unmar-
ried in Norwich. (4) Amos, born Oct. 14. 1812,
married. Jan. 24, 1836, Margaret S. Fuller, and
died in Norwich, Jan. 18, 1849; ne was a farmer
in Salem, Conn., and later moved to Norwich. (5)
Joseph Nelson, born Sept. S. 1817, married May
12, [841. Martha Bromley; lie was engaged in a
market business, and died Aug. 8, 1857, in Nor-
wich. (6) Griswold, born May 22. 1821, married,
Nov. 8. 1846, Charlotte Harris: he was engaged in
butchering in Norwich, and died there April 24,
j SV»5. (7) Elizabeth Wattles, a twin of Griswold,
died Aug. 1, 1822. On July 28. 1822, Ariel Loomis
was married (second) to Abijah Williams, a native
of Lebanon, a daughter of Jehiel and Bethia ( Allen)
Williams; she died Oct. 29. 1848. aged sixty-two
years. The children of this marriage were: (i)
Henry W .. born Sept. 13, 1823, was married, Feb.
10, 1847, to Wealth)- Bromley, and died Aug. 19,
[848; he had been engaged in the fish business at
Springfield, Mass. (2) Elizabeth M., born Feb.
4. [826, married Harlow Robinson, who was born
Nov. 26, [820, and was engaged as a farmer at
Lebanon, where lie died April 1, 1900. aged eighty
years; his widow still lives there. (3) Albert S.,
born Jan. 21, 1830, died Sept. 28. 1848. (4) Ed-
win A. was born June [6, 1831.
Edwin A. Loomis was born in Lebanon, and
there attended the district schools until the age of
seventeen years. He early became acquainted with
the operation of the farm. When about nineteen
years old he began teaching the winter sessions of
school in his neighborhood, and continued in the
profession for seven winters, teaching the schools
through Lebanon and Franklin, and giving the best
of satisfaction. His summers were devoted to work
on his farm or neighboring ones, but after his mar-
riage, he removed to the fine farm he now owns
and operates in South Society. Tt is a very fine
property, and was known as the "Huntington
place," and contains 100 acres in the original tract
and thirty more which he has recently added. He
resided on the farm until October, 1875, when he
moved to Lebanon Green, and since 1878 he has oc-
cupied a fine home he built there. Mr. Loomis has
continued to operate his farm, going back and forth
each day, thus enjoying both rural and village life.
His land produces fine fruit, which his good man-
agement has much increased in amount. He is
known as one of the very successful farmers of this
locality.
On Feb. ir, 1858, Mr. Loomis was married to
Maiw F. Saxton, born Aug. 14, 1839, a native of
Goshen Society, and a daughter of Deacon Na-
thaniel C. and Almira ( Stark) Saxton. The chil-
dren born to this union were as follows: (1) Na-
thaniel Saxton. born Sept. 4. 1850, for over twenty
years has driven his own stage line between Leb-
anon Green and the station, being also made the
first rural mail carrier in the town ; he married
Lillian Warner, and their children were, Virginia
Saxton, Florence Warner, Elmer Royce and Dor-
othy Williams. (2) F. Williams, born Nov. 1,
186 r, is a conductor for The Willimantic Traction
Company; he married Inez Watson, and has one
child. Hazel Stella. (3) Carrie Almira, born Nov.
22, 1864, married William Abell, and they have
two children, Winthrop Saxton and Frederick
Maitland.
Mr. Loomis was a Whig prior to the formation
of the Republican party, but has ever since been
identified with the latter, fie has. for the past
twenty-five years, served as clerk and treasurer of
the school committee of the district wherein lie has
resided. He was formerly an active member of the
Grange, one of its organizers and its master and
overseer. With his wife and some members of the
family, he is connected with the Congregational
Church, and has served on the Society's committee.
Air. Loomis and family are all held in the highest
esteem. He is a man of most exemplary habits,
has never used stimulants of any kind in any form,
and has proved thus far on his life's journey a
splendid type of citizen — one of the kind that has
made the sons of Connecticut respected all over the
I Iniori.
TIMOTHY T. WHIPPLE, one of the well
known residents of Stonington, who is probably
one of the most extensive and successful growers
of small fruits, particularly of strawberries, in this
section, belongs to one of the oldest families in
New London county.
Samuel Whipple, the first of the name on record
in New London county, was married to Elizabeth
Eddy, of Swansea, Mass., Feb. 26, 1690. Groton
records tell of his appearance there as early as
171 1, where he owned 780 acres of land near what
is now Poquetanuck. He mentions in his will sons
Samuel, Zachariah, Daniel and Zephaniah, and
daughters Alice and Hope. He was buried on the
home farm.
Samuel Whipple, his eldest son, was a Rogeriue
Quaker, this being almost the extent of our knowl-
edge concerning him. He was the father of
Jabez Whipple, who married (first) Jane Wa-
trous, and (second) Aug. 2J, 1820, Sarah, daugh-
ter of Timothy Watrous. Jabez Whipple was a
farmer of Ledyard all his life.
Timothy Whipple, son of Jabez, was born Sept.
3. 1821, and died June II, 1892. He was reared
and educated in Ledyard, where he lived until his
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
841
marriage, when he settled on the farm at Quaker-
town, where his children were born. On Oct. 2,
1842, he married Lucy Ann Geer, who was born
July 5. 1825, daughter of Thomas and Hannah
Geer. Mrs. Whipple died Feb. 14. [884. They
had children as follows: Timothy, born Oct. 4.
1843, died Oct. II, 1844; Lucy Ann. horn Oct. 6,
1845. <UC<1 Nov. 6, 184(1; Hannah Eliza, or Ida.
horn Jan. 8, 184c). died May 2\ , 1903, a very remark-
able woman, whose beautiful life and character will
lie commented on at the close of this sketch; Phebe
Ella, or Nellie I'., horn May 6, 1851. married Ur-
bane Whipple, and died June 17. 1871; Timothy
T. was horn Nov. 22, 1853: Asher, horn April 6.
1850, died aged five years; Silas S., horn April 4,
1859, is a ■: titer and farmer at Norwich, Conn.;
Annie, born Feb. it. 1862, died aged four years;
Samuel A., horn Nov. 23, 1864, married Annie
Crouch, and resides at Quakertown in (iroton, and
has one son, Samuel; Thomas G., of Ledyard,
Conn., married Lillian Phillips, and has children —
Philip, Ida, Francis, Christine and an infant daugh-
ter; Christine V. is the wife of Edwin Clarke, of
Mystic, Connecticut.
The father of this family was a stonemason by
trade. He was a very intelligent, kind and worthy.
man, and for a considerable period taught school in
the Quaker schoolhouse at Quakertown. When Ids
father's health failed, at the age of fifty years, this
son took charge of him, and with filial affection
cared for him until his death, at the age of seventy.
Timothy T. Whipple was born as noted above.
His primary education was obtained in the district
school, and later, by studying at night, he was aide
to progress with Ids studies, reciting to Samuel
Lamh, and paying for his tuition by working for
that gentleman. Thus he prepared himself for
teaching and was eighteen years old when he taught
his first school, at Long Cove, near the navy-yard in
Ledyard. His continuance in the profession covered
a period of twenty-two years, during eight of which
he taught the full twelve months, and during the
other portion only during the winter sessions. His
schools were situated in Preston, Ledyard and Ston-
ington.
Mr. Whipple carried on the manufacture and
sale of ice cream with much success for some four-
teen years, his field being Mystic and vicinity, and
his trade was large all through this locality. This
business he discontinued in 1899, when he became
more interested in market gardening, making a
specialty of small fruits and particularly of straw-
berries. His business has grown to large propor-
tions, his average annual sales being 88,000,
and as he has given much intelligent thought and'
study to his line, keeping thoroughly abreast of the
times, he has come to be considered quite an author-
it)' on the growing of small fruit. He is deservedly
successful, as a result of much hard labor and good
business judgment, and, being strictly honorable
and just in all his dealings, he enjoys the respect
and confidence of all who know him. Politically
Mr. Whipple is a Republican, hut his activity in
political matters ends with the casting of his hallo',.
On June 15, 1870, in Norwich, Conn., Mr.
Whipple was married to Ellen Elizabeth Frink,
daughter of Daniel II. and Maria ( Brackett ) Frink,
venerable residents of North Stonington, Mr. Frink
having been horn Jan. 15, 1820, and Airs. Frink or;
April 10, 1821 : they were married Dec. 25, 1840.
The late Mrs. Ida Whipple Benham was a
woman whose name was known far beyond the con-
fines of her native locality and even her native State.
Her life was one of usefulness and beautiful Chris-
tian accomplishment. She was born Jan. 8, 1840,
at Ledyard, Conn., and passed away May 21, 1903.
Reared in the simple faith of the Rogerine Quakers,
she grew" into sweet and modest womanhood, and
very early displayed unusual mental endowments.
When but thirteen years of age she taught her
first school, even then rendering most efficient serv-
ice. Afterward she married Elijah L. Benham, of
Groton, now of Mystic, Conn., who was for many
years president of the Connecticut Peace Societ)
and a vice-president of the Universal Peace Union.
Mrs. Benham also became a very active and useful
member of this great organization.
Mr. and Mrs. Benham resided in Mystic with
the exception of about a year which was spent in
Providence and near Boston, a year in England and
some months in Xew London, Conn. She continued
her interest in the cause of peace and arbitration
and made effective use of her great talents as a
public speaker and as a writer of prose and poetry.
Many can recall one of her earliest poems, entitled
"The Mediator's Kingdom," in which reference
is made to the martyr spirit and other heroic quali-
ties of her great-grandfather, Timothy Watrous,
who, with his noble wife, by reason of their refusal
to aid in the support of the military system of the
Commonwealth, contrary to their consciences, was
tied to the public post and whipped until the cruel
instrument of torture cut deeply into the flesh.
Mrs. Benham's light shone prominently where-
ever her lines of duty called, in society, in the arena,
in church or around the fireside. Her efforts were
oid}- limited by physical exhaustion, and even then
her active brain kept planning still other and more
effective work. A notable memorial service was
held at the Peace grove at Mystic, in memory of
members of the Universal Peace Union and the
Connecticut Christian Peace Society, and in the
course of his admirable address Francis Gallagher,
of Rhode Island, commented beautifully 011 the life,
character and services of Mrs. Benham. After re-
calling her many virtues, her devotion to the cause
of Peace and her gentle and loving personality, he
closed with these remarks :
"Many of her friends and co-laborers find it
d fficult to be reconciled to the fact that one so
842
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
loved and honored, and so well prepared for service
here, should be removed. However, it must be as
God wills, and so we should be willing and glad to
leave our dear friend and co-laborer in His tender
care, with a faith that on some bright day in the
future, and on another shore, all will be made clear.
"A recompense is found in the departure from
this life of the great and good, and those entitled
to our love and respect, in the assurance that they
are still citizens of the heavenly kingdom they love,
while inmates of another and larger room of our
Father's house, the occupants of which are unhin-
dered by material surroundings.
"Alone unto our Father's will
One thought has reconciled ;
That He whose love exceedeth ours
Hath taken home His child."
SHERWOOD G. AVERY, a well known citi-
zen of Bozrah, Xew London county, descends from
one of the very old families of Connecticut.
James Avery, only son of Christopher, was born
in England about 1620. and was probably the
founder of the family known as the Groton Averys.
He came to this country with his father, and for
several years resided at Gloucester, Mass. His
father was a weaver, but just when he came and
were he first resided seems not to be definitely
known. His wife, it seems, remained in England,
but just where she lived, or from what place she
came, does not appear to be known. He is of rec-
ord in Gloucester. Mass., where he was selectman
in 1646, 1652 and 1654, and he also held other of-
fices. His son, James, styled ('apt. James Avery,
it is supposed, was born about 1620. He married,
Nov. 10, 1643, Joanna Greenslade, of Boston, who
received a letter of dismissal from the Church in
Boston to the one in Gloucester in 1644. Nothing
definite seems to be known concerning her ancestry.
Grants of land were made by the townsmen of New
London in ( )ctober, 1650, to a number of persons
from Gloucester, among whom was James Avery.
It appears that he returned to Gloucester, sold his
possessions to his father, and in 1651, returned to
Xew London. In Marcn of that year, the principal
body of the Gloucester settlers arrived, and early
in the same year (1651) Xew street, in the rear
of the town plot, was opened for the accommoda-
tion of the Cape Ann Company. About 1652 James
Avery was granted a farm in South Groton, but,
however, he continued to live with his family on his
town lot for several years. Early in 1653 he se-
cured another farm, one of the "Pocktannock
grants" farther up the river, in what is now the
town of Ledyard. About 1656 he built "the Hive
of the Averys," at the head of Poquonnock plain,
in the present town of Groton, a mile and a half
from the River Thames. He seems to have taken
at once an active part in private business and public
affairs. He was active in military affairs, and is
generally spoken of as ensign, lieutenant or captain.
In the great Narragansett fight, Dec. 19, 1675,
Capt. Avery commanded the Pequot allies. He was
chosen townsman (selectman) in 1660, an office
he held for twenty years. He was twelve times
elected to the General Court from 1658 to 1680.
He was prominent, too, in Church affairs. His
death occurred April 18, 1700. The children of
Capt. Avery and his wife, Joanna, all born in X"ew
London, excepting the first three, and they in Glou-
cester, were: Hannah, James, Mary, Thomas, John,
Rebecca, Jonathan, Christopher and Samuel.
Isaac Avery, the grandfather of Sherwood G.,
was a carpenter and farmer, and made his home in
the south part of the town of Bozrah. He was
twice married, (first) to a Miss Willoughby, and
(second) to a Miss Miner, By his first wife he had
children as follows: John, who removed to the
State of Xew York ; Charles ; Melinda, who married
William Hammond, and resided in Bozrah ; David,
who married Lucy Cone, and resided in Bozrah ;
and Bliss, who in young manhood, died the victim
of a mad dog's bite. By his second marriage Isaac
Avery had one child, Elizabeth, who married Frank
Gardner, of Bozrah.
Charles Avery, son of Isaac, was born in Boz-
rah. In early life he worked at carpentering in
addition to assisting in the care of the home farm.
He continued to reside. at home, and after the death
of his parents purchased the interests of the other
heirs. Subsequently he added other lands until in
time he became one of the largest land holders in
the town. For many years he was engaged in get-
ting out ship timber, an enterprise that proved of
great profit to him. His death occurred May 18,
1807, when he was aged eighty-three years, and
his remains were interred in Gardner cemetery. He
attended the Universalist Church. In his political
belief he was a stanch Democrat, and he held a
number of town offices. During the war of 1ST2
he participated in the defense of Xew London.
Charles Avery was thrice married. His first wife,
Charlotte Lamb, of Bozrah, bore him one child,
Mary Ann, who married William Hammond (2),
of Bozrah. His second wife, Parthenia Ford, of
Bozrah, died in 1829. the mother -of eleven chil-
dren, as follows: Emily, who married Uriah Gard-
ner, and lived in Bozrah ; Charlotte, who married
Elisha Lathrop, of Bozrah: Rachel, who married
George Brown, and lived first in Montville and
then in Colchester, where she died ; Hannah, who
married Elisha Palmer, and died in Montville: Jen-
nette. who married Azel Bailey, of Bozrah ; David,
who died young; one that died unnamed: Lucy C,
widow of Samuel Ray, and residing near Gardner's
Lake, in Salem ; Harriet, widow of Orrin Gallup,
and now residing in Pomona, Cal. ; John, who died
young ; and one that died unnamed at the same time
as the mother. For his third wdfe, Charles Avery
married Caroline Lathrop, born Aug. 6, 1807. in
GENEALOGICAL AXD BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
843
Bozrah, daughter of Lebbeus and Lucfetia ( Ma-
ples) Lathrop. To this marriage were born seven
children: Melinda, who died young; George H.,
who married Harriet Lyons, and died in Salem
after a life devoted to farming; Elizabeth, who
married (first) Albert Harris, and (second)
Nicholas Stebbins, and is now a widow residing in
Bozrah; Sarah Ann. who married (first) Orrin
Lyons, who died in the Civil war, and (second)
Arthur De Wolf, and resides in Preston ; Charles,
a farmer in Bozrah, who married (first) Jane
Woodworth, and (second) Carrie Austin; Sher-
wood G. ; and Dimis, who died young.
Sherwood G. Avery was horn in Bozrah May 5,
1844. His literary training was all received in the
district schools, and he was early accustomed to
the labor incident to farm life. He remained at
home until his first marriage, when he removed to
a iarm near by owned by his father, there residing
for several years. In 1871 he purchased the house
and sawmill in Bozrah street, known as the "Daniel
Herrick place," where he has since made his home.
Until 1900 he conducted the sawmill, and was en-
gaged in getting out all kinds of timber, and from
1891 to 1900 he operated a portable steam sawmill.
At the latter date, however, he retired and was
succeeded by his son, David W. Previous to the
purchase of the steam mill they used water power.
From time to time Mr. Aver}- has purchased land
until he now owns 200 acres of valuable farm land,
part of which is in the old home farm. His last
purchase was in 1904, when the Chapel place be-
came his. Since his retirement from the active work
of the milling business he has devoted his entire
time to farm work — a line he thoroughly under-
stands. He is well-to-do, and has earned his com-
petence by hard work and economy, but he has
employed honorable methods, and is highly es-
teemed throughout the community.
Mr. Avery has been twice married. His first
wife was Emma Maples, a native of Ledyard, who
died the mother of three children, namely: David
W., who now operates the sawmill, married Lizzie
Rudd, and has four children, J. Clyde, Elsie M.,
David Earl and Harold; Lizzie married Clarence
A. Parker, of Norwich, and has one child, Harold;
and Prank S., of Hartford, married Gertrude Tay-
lor, and had one child, John Sherwood, who died
in infancy. Mr. Avery married for his second
wife, Mary F. Allyn, of Allyn's Point, daughter of
Thomas and Eliza M. (Bailey) Allyn, an old and
leading family of that place. Mr. Avery has been
a consistent Democrat all his life, and he has taken
an active part in public affairs, holding at various
times a number of offices within the gift of his
townsmen, among them being member of the board
of relief, assessor and grand juror. He attends the
Congregational Church. Mr. Avery is a good sub-
stantial citizen — one of the kind that is a credit to
any communitv.
DWIGHT KELSEY is successfully engaged in
farming in the town of Montville, and though he
has only a small tract of land it is most carefully
cultivated and brings excellent returns. He is a
progressive young man, and is favorably known in
this neighborhood.
( >tis Kelsey, father of Dwight, was born in
Hartford, Conn., and died there in i8(;2, aged about
sixty years. He was a plumber by trade, and for
many years conducted a successful stove and tin-
ware business in connection with his plumbing es-
tablishment. He was twice married, first to Lucy
Williams, by whom he had three children. Walter,
Rosie and Clara. For his second wife Dwight
Kelsey married Marinett Baker, who was born in
Montville Sept. 2, 1831, daughter of Erastus and
Anna Otis (Baker) Baker, and of this un-
ion Dwight was the only child. Mrs. Ma-
rinett (Baker) Kelsey was long an invalid,
being confined to her bed for sixteen years
with spinal trouble before her death, which
occurred in Montville Sept. 17, 1888. She
was a direct descendant in the eighth generation of
Alexander Baker, who was born in England about
1607, and sailed from London in the ship "Elizabeth
and Ann" in 1635, settling in Boston. He was a
ropemaker by trade.
Dwight Kelsey was born Aug. 2. 1869, in Mont-
ville, just across the road from where he now re-
sides, and received his early education in his native
town, later supplementing the know ledge there ac-
quired by several months' attendance at Bacon Acad-
emy Colchester, which he left when seventeen years
old. He has since been engaged at farming, and
now has a fertile tract of twenty acres under culti-
vation, which he owns. It was originally a portion
of the farm of his uncle, Dwight Baker. Mr. Kel-
sey raises various crops, and has been very suc-
cessful in his work. He has served one year as
town constable, but he does not seek public office,
preferring to give his attention to hi.- private affairs.
In political faith he is a stanch member of the Re-
publican party.
On Nov. 11, 1890, Mr. Kelsey was married to
Miss Estelle Manwaring, daughter of John and
Mercy (Raymond) Manwaring, of Norwich, and to
this union came one son, Theodore Baker, born Jan.
28, 1893, in Montville. Mrs. Kelsey died April 6,
1894, and on Oct. 15, i8<;4, Mr. Kelsey was united
in marriage with Miss Mary Etta Balch, daughter
of John and Lucy (Wickwire) Balch, of C< lchester,
Conn. To this union has also come one son, How-
ard Wickwire, born Sept. 5, [896, in Montville.
Mr. and Mrs. Kelsey attend the Montville
Center Congregational Church, although Mrs.
Kelsey is a member of tin- Baptist Church of Col-
chester. They are genial, whole-souled people,
whose musical talents have added to their other
social qualities, and their generous hospitality has
endeared them to a large circle of friends.
844
GENEALOGICAL AXD BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
JOHN" BROWN ROGERS (deceased), one of
the leading and most influential citizens of Montville
during his lifetime, came of an old New England
family. He was of the sixth generation in direct
line from James Rogers, the emigrant ancestor, who
came to this country in 1635, ms nne °^ descent
being through James, Samuel. Daniel, Alpheus and
Jehial Rogers.
(I) James Rogers came to America from Eon-
don, England, in 1635, in the ship "Increase," being
then twenty years of age. He is first heard of in
Stratford, Conn., where he married Elizabeth,
daughter of Samuel Rowland. They afterward
moved to Mil ford, where his wife united with Rev.
Mr. Prudden's Church in [645. He became a mem-
ber of the same church in 1652 and all their children
were baptized in Milford. In 1656 Mr. Rogers had
business which took him to New London, and liking
the place he settled there permanently, becoming a
lent of the "plantation" previous to 1660. Gov.
Winthrop encouraged his settlement in New Eon-
don, and accommodated him with a portion of his
own house lot, next to the mill which was afterward
leased to him. On this lot Mr. Rogers built a stone
dwelling-house. He was a baker, and did an exten-
sive business furnishing biscuit for seamen, and for
the Colonial troops, between the years [661 and
1070 having the largest interest of anyone in the
locality in the trade at New London. He became
an extensive landholder, owning several hundred
acre- on Great Neck, a tract of land at Mohegan,
in the place then called Pamechog, and now known
as Wassapeag, in the town of Montville. several
town lots. and. in partnership with Col. Pyncheon, of
.Springfield, Mass., 2,400 acres on the east side of
tiie river. He acquired a position of influence in the
town in both civil and ecclesiastical affairs, and was
six times elected as representative to the General
Court. He was an upright and circumspect man,
whose memory is held in great honor by his throng
of descendants. On settling in New London he and
his wife united with Mr. Bradstreet's church, but
after a few years they severed their connection with
the orthodox Congregational Church and joined
the Sabbatarians, who were afterward called
Quakers. There is no account of any action on the
part of the church in regard to this change of faith,
and little is known of the later life of James Rogers.
He was born in 161 5, and is supposed to have been
the son of Rev. John Rogers, of Dedham, England,
who died in 1636; and the family tradition is that he
was a grandson of Rev. John Rogers, of London,
who was burned at the stake, in Smithfield, in t 5 5 5 ,
during the reign of Bloody Mary. James Rogers
died at Xew London, in February, 1687-88, Sir
Edmund Andros being then governor of Xew Eng-
land. His will was proved in r>oston, and the chil-
dren, in accordance with his earnest request, made
an amicable division of the estate, which was ap-
proved by tne General • Court May 12, 1692. His
children were Samuel, Joseph, John, Bathsheba,
James, Jonathan and Elizabeth, all horn between
die years 1640 and 1658.
(II) Samuel Rogers, eldest son of James and
Elizabeth (Rowland) Rogers, born Dec. 12, 1640,
at Stratford, Conn., married Oct. 17, 1664, Mary,
daughter of Thomas Stanton and Ann Lord, daugh-
ter of Thomas Lord, of Hartford. A contract was
made by the respective parents of the young couple by
which each side pledged £200 as a marriage portion.
In fulfillment of his part of the contract, James
Rogers conveyed to his son his stone house and
bakery at the head of Winthrop's Cove, where the
young people commenced housekeeping. After a
few years, however, they moved to land outside the
town, in the vicinity of the Mohegan tribe of In-
dians, and became the first English settlers within
the limits of the present town of Montville. Samuel
Rogers was twjee married, as appears by his last
will, executed Dec. 8, 1712, in which he gives his
"beloved wife, Johanna, all she needs." He died
Dec. 1. 1713, and was buried in the old Rogers
burying-ground, on the farm where he had lived,
which was afterward owned by Oliver Raker. I lis
children, all born in Xew London, between the years
[665 and 1680, were: Daniel, Mary, Samuel, Eliza-
beth. Sarah and Jonathan.
( 111 ) Daniel Rogers, eldest son of Samuel and
Mary (Stanton) Rogers, born in Xew London
about 1005. married, in 1702, Grace, daughter of
Thomas Williams. He was a farmer, and inherited
from his father a large tract of land in the North
Parish of Xew London, now Montville. From time
to time he purchased other bind, several deeds to
him. dating from 1727 to 1765, being in the posses-
sion of his descendants. They also have deeds from
him to It's sons, one dated Jan. 24, 1753, to his son
Thomas, another, dated April 16, 1771, in which
"for the consideration of love, goodwill and fatherly
affection 1 have and do heir unto my well beloved
sons, Alpheus Rogers and Thomas Rogers." he con-
veys to these sons certain lands near to. and includ-
ing the homestead. The house in which he lived at
the time of Ins death was on the south side of the
highway leading from the Congregational meeting-
house in Montville to Houghton's Cove, a short dis-
tance south of the present residence of Augustus A.
Parker. He died about 1771, at the age of one
hundred and five. It is said that "his appearance in
the last years of his life was that of a venerable old
man, his long gray hair covering his shoulders, and
when seen in the fields without hat upon his head,
which was his usual custom, he had the appearance
of an old prophet." His children, all born in the
North Parish of Xew London, now Montville, be-
tween the years 1703 and 1713, were: Grace, Mary,
Daniel, Alpheus and Thomas.
(IV* Alpheus Rogers, born about 1710, second
son of Daniel and Grace (Williams) Rogers, mar-
red, Jan. 31, 1745, Delight, daughter of James
Harris. Alpneus Rogers was a farmer and settled,
on land in Xew Salem Societv inherited from his
4
A
^
,
J^£^k> y^a^^^j^t>
GEX LA LOGICAL AXD BIOGRAPHICAL RLCORD.
84!
father. He died Feb. 12. 1 77« >. his wife surviving
him until March 10, [783. Their children, all horn
between the years [745 and 1751). in New Salem
Society, were as follows: (1) Sarah, who was the
second wife of Seth W. Holmes, a physician; (2)
Jehial, horn Jan. 3, T747, who married Amy Vibber;
(3) Alpheus, who became a physician; (4) Grace,
horn in 1754. who died, unmarried, in 1773; (5)
Asa. who married Hannah Harris; and (6) James,
who was a deacon in the Baptist Church at Col-
chester, Connecticut.
I V ) jehial Rogers, eldest son of Alpheus and
Delight (Harris) Rogers, married, about 1775.
Amy, daughter of Nathaniel Vibber and Desire
brown, lehial Rogers settled in Montville, on the
farm now owned by Augustus A. Parker. He was
a devout man, and one highly esteemed by his fel-
low citizens. He was a deacon in the Baptist
Church of which Elder Reuben Palmer was pastor.
He died in Montville Dec. 4. 1815. and his wife
passed away Aug. ir, 1827. Their children, all
horn in Montville, were as follows : ( 1 ) Grace, horn
Sept. 11, 177C who died March 13, 17<)7: (2)
Sarah, horn Sept. 30, 1778, who married Nathaniel
Parish, of Montville; (3) Desire, born Jan. 5, 1781,
who married Dec. 16, 1804, Jesse Jerome: (4) Al-
pheus, horn July 10, 1784, who married Deborah
Walker (the}- lived and died in Salem, Conn.)
1 5 > Amy, horn Aug. 1,
1786,
who married Azel
Gardner, and lived in Bozrah; (C>) Delight, horn
May 17, 1789, who died unmarried Aug. 25, 1827;
( 7) John BroWn, subject of this sketch, born March
27, 1793, who married (first) Nancy Maples, and
(second) Elizabeth Jane Scholfield; and (8) Anna
C, horn Dec. 26, 17^4, who married Erastus Gard-
ner, and died in Bozrah.
(VI) John Brown Rogers, second son of Jehial
and Amy (Vibber) Rogers, received his education
in the Montville district schools. When quite young
he left the school room and began farming, an occu-
pation to which he devoted his life, becoming a rec-
ognized authority in his community in that branch
of industry. He lived on the old homestead at
Montville until 1847, when he moved to a farm near
Scholfield's factory, which he had purchased in 1837
of the heirs of Daniel F. Raymond. This farm of
160 acres he always kept in a high state of cultiva-
tion, and on it he built the house in which his widow
and daughter now reside. Mr. Rogers was a stanch
Republican and for years took an active in-
terest in town affairs. For many years he held the
office of town treasurer, and during the Civil war
had charge of the town funds. He was a member
of the hoard of selectmen for several years, and held
other honorable and responsible town offices, also
representing his town one year in the General As-
sembly.
Mr. Rogers married (first) Jan. 15, 1818, Nancy
Maples, who was horn April 24, 1796, and died Ian.
8, 1849, 'n Montville, daughter of Andrew and
Eunice (Congdon) Mapl< To this union came
the following children: (i) William James, horn
Dec. 31, 1818, died unmarried in 1877. in Montville.
lie was a farmer and also a blacksmith, and carried
on a carriage making and blacksmithing business.
He was at first located at Montville Center, and later
was in partnership with his brother, Elisha M., neat
Trading Cove, near the Norwich town line. (2)
Elisha Maples, horn May 18, 1824, now lives re-
tired in Norwich. Until 1862 he and his brother,
William James, were in partnership in Montville
Center. After that they opened a carriage mating
and repairing shop at Trading Cove, which, after
the death of his brother, Elisha Maples, continued
to conduct until 1883, when he retired from busi-
ness. During his residence in Montville he held
several town offices, and was the Republican repre-
sentative of the town in the State Legislature in
1852. He married Amy Jerome Gardner, daughter
of Azel and Amy (Rogers) Gardner, of Montville.
She died in September, 1893. Their one child was
Jennie M., who married Edward F. Burlingame, of
Providence, R. I., now a grocer in Norwich. She
died in June, 1003. leaving the following children —
Amy F., John R., James E. and Harriet E.
John Brown Rogers married (second) March
24, 1852, Elizabeth Jane Scholfield, who was horn
June 16, 1822, in Waterford, Conn., daughter of
James and Anna (Comstock) Scholfield. To this
second union came one daughter, Anna Eliza-
beth, born Jan. 26, 1805. She is unmarried and lives
at home with her mother. She is a member of the
Second Baptist Church of Waterford, and takes an
active part in religious work.
Mr. Rogers was a member of the Gardnertown
Methodist Church, of which he was a liberal sup-
porter. His death, which occurred ( )ct. <,). 1870,
removed one of Montville's best known and must
highly honored citizens. He was a very energetic,
persevering and industrious man, quiet and unas-
suming in manner, deliberate in forming an opinion,
hut tenacious in holding to it. A profound thinker.
and a man of broad views, his opinion was often
sought and his advice gladly followed. He had an
abhorrence of deception in any form, and was
known as a man of strict honesty in all his dealings.
FRANK GURDON KEENEY, now retired,
was for many years one of the successful wholesale
sea-food commission merchants in Fulton Market,
Xew York, through careful and conservative busi-
ness methods amassing a goodly competence. He now
spends his winters in Xew York and his summers
in Waterford. Xew London Co., Conn., on the old
homestead farm.
Mr. Keeney is a descendant of one of Xew Eng-
land's old and time honored families, which family
has resided continuously in Xew London county
for 250 and more years. On Oct. 19, [650, grants
of land were made by the townsmen of Xew Lon-
don to a colony of persons from Gloucester, on the
eastern coasts of Massachusetts, on the pteninsula
846
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
of Cape Ann. This colon)- was led hy Richard
Blinman, who for eight years had been the min-
ister of the Gloucester Church. His party was corn-
el of Obediah Bruen, Hugh Caulkin, Hugh
Roberts, John Coite, Andrew Lester. James Averye
and Robert Isabel. Air. Blinman had previously
agreed to be minister in Pequot (New London).
About this same time William Keeney, Ralph
Parker and John Elderkin had grants of
land at Pequot, and all, probably, says Z\i iss
Caulkins, in her history of New London,
Conn., belonged to the Cape Ann party.
Early in 165 1 Xew Street in Xew London
was opened in the rear of the town plot for the ac-
commodation of the Cape Ann Company ; it took
the name of Cape Ann Lane. ( )f the nine lots — six
acres each — on Xew Street, William Keeney's was
nearly opposite the south entrance of this street on
the Nahantick road. Mr. Keeney was aged sixty-
one years in 1662, and his wife, Agnes or Annie,
was at that time aged sixty-three years. He died in
1675. His daughter Susanna, who married Ralph
Parker, in 1662, was aged thirty-four; another
daughter, Alary, who married Samuel Beebe, twen-
ty-two; and John, a son was aged twenty-one years.
John Keeney. son of William, married in ( )cto-
ber, 1661, Sarah, daughter of William Douglas.
She died Aug. 4, 1689, leaving one daughter, Su-
sanna, who was born Sept. 6, 1662, and married
Ezekiel Turner. Mr. Keeney was twice married
after the death of his first wife, and had five
daughters and one son, John Keeney. John Keeney,
Sr., died Feb. 3, 1716, on the Keeney land, that of
his ancestors, at Xahantick. which land afterward
was divided into three or four farms. Along about
this time the I 'aimers, the Caulkinses, the Prentices
and the Keeneys resided on adjoining farms, and
for a considerable period occupied a district by
themselves around the site of the present, or late,
Rope Ferry and Millstone Point. About this time
one William Keeney was captain of a vessel. Be-
tween 1660-64 the barque "Hopewell" was con-
structed for William Keeney, by the firm of Mould
& Coit. It was a vessel of from ten to twenty tons,
and was built at a c«st of from fifty to eighty
pounds.
William Keeney, the great-grandfather of
Frank ( )., George A., J. William, Griswold I. and
Allen F. Keeney, was born in Xew Lon-
don in 1752, and died in Waterford, in 1837, aged
eighty-five years. He was a shoe-maker by trade,
which he followed in connection with farming all
his life. He married (first) a Miss Moore; (sec-
ond) Mary Chapped ; (third) Widow Naomi Dar-
row; and (fourth) Widow Mary Stewart. The
latter two were sisters, their maiden names being
Caulkins. He became the father of several chil-
dren, among them being
John Keeney, grandfather of Frank G. and
George A., who was born in Xew London (now
Waterford), and died in East Lyme in 1853, aged
seventy-one years. He was engaged in farming
all his life. He was a good-sized man, well-propor-
tioned, but had contracted a hip disease which made
him quite lame. He possessed a genial nature, was
a man highly esteemed by all who knew him, and
was very industrious. In his political views Mr.
Keeney was a stanch Jeffersonian Democrat. He
was a member of the First Baptist Church of Jor-
dan. John Keeney married Eliza Darrow, who
was born in 1800, and died in East Lyme, in i860,
aged sixty years. Their children were: (1) John
William, the father of Frank G. and George A., is
mentioned below. (2) Allen Augustus, who mar-
ried Elizabeth S. Moore, was engaged in farming
in East Lyme, on the old homestead farm at the
head of the Xiantic river, until the spring of 1904,
when he retired, selling his farm to his nephew,
Frank G. Keeney. This farm has been in the pos-
sion of the Keeney family for about 250 years.
(3) Francis Darrow died in Sacramento City. Cal.,
at the age of fifty years, unmarried. He was a
ship carpenter by trade. When about twenty-five
years of age he went to California, and was there
engaged in teaming. (4) Sarah, who never mar-
ried, died in East Lyme.
John William Keeney, father of Frank G. and
George A., was born in Waterford, Conn., Oct.
[6, 18 1 7, and died there Feb. 7, 1892, aged seventy-
five years and three months. He always carried
on farming in Waterford, his native town, with
the exception of four years, which he spent in Cal-
ifornia, engaged in teaming. He went to Cali-
fornia, in 1855, returning home in 1859. Mr.
Keeney possessed a rugged constitution and en-
joyed excellent health, and was an industrious and
thrifty man. In disposition he was genial and
pleasant, and as a result made many warm friends.
He was a good, kind and generous neighbor, and
was highly respected by the entire community. In
political faith he was a stanch Democrat, but al-
ways refused political offices. He was a member of
the Lake's Pond Baptist Church, to the support of
which he gave liberally, and had been instrumental
in helping found this church, of which his father-
in-law. Rev. Gurdon T. Chapped, was the prime
founder and pastor for many years.
John William Keeney married Frances Ann
Chappell, who was born in Waterford, Nov. 10,
1819. and died there Dec. 25, 1898, aged seventy-
nine years. Their children were: (1) John W.,
Jr., born Jan. 7, 1842, died in Waterford in Sep-
tember, 1901. He had conducted a general store
there for many years. He married (first) Abby
Caulkins. and (second) Jennie E. West. (2) Frank
G., born Jan. 19, 1844, is mentioned below. (3)
Griswold P. born Jan. 2, 185 1, is engaged in the
wholesale fish business in Fulton Market, New
York, in partnership with Benjamin Wallace, under
the firm name of Wallace & Keeney. He married
Fannie Nugent, of Brooklyn, X. Y. (4) Allen F.
died in infancy. (5) George A., born Nov. 12,
GENEALOGICAL AXD BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
847
1S59J is als - d in the wholesale fish business
in Fulton Market, New York, in partnership with
Hiram Burnet, under the firm name of Burnet &
Keeney. He married Lizzie A. Luce, of East Lyme,
( 1 mnecticut.
Frank Gurdon Keeney was born Jan. [9, 1844,
in Waterford, Conn., and received his education in
the district schools of his native town, leaving
school at the age of seventeen years. It was his
intention to lake up medicine as a profession and he
studied with Dr. Green, a botanical doctor of
Waterford, for one year. The medical profession
did not, however, appeal to his tastes, as he pre-
Jferred a business career. Consequently he went
to New York, and became a clerk in the retail fish
market of his uncle, George A. Chappell, in Brook-
lyn. At the end of one year he bought the business
and conducted the same successfully fur about five
years, at the end of which time he sold out to his
brother, Griswold I. Keeney. lie then established
himself in the milk business, receiving his product,
which amounted to 1,000 quarts 1 er day, from
( )range count}', X. Y. This business he conducted
for four years, when he sold it out. Mr. Keeney
then embarked in a wholesale fish and sea-food
business in Fulton Market. New York, being lo-
cated at Xo. 146 Beekman street. He was alone
at first, later forming a partnership with his broth-
er, George A., who acted as bookkeeper for him at
first. They carried on the business under the firm
name of F. G. Keeney & Co., and continued thus
for about thirty years. In this business Mr. Keeney
was very successful, and through strict attention
to business, and honorable and upright dealings,
he accumulated a goodly competence. In 1901 lie
sold out the business, and has since lived retired,
his time now being occupied in looking after his
real-estate holdings, which comprise a number of
valuable houses in Brooklyn, and large landed inter-
ests in Waterford and East Lyme. In 1899 Mr.
Keeney purchased the old homestead farm in Wa-
terford, consisting of 325 acres, bordering on the
banks of the Xiantic river, and here he and his
wife spend their summers in comfort and well-
earned ease and rest. In the spring of 1904 Mr.
Keeney with his brother, Griswold I., purchased
the Allen A. Keeney farm, of 150 acres, located at
the head of the Xiantic river in the town of East
Lyme. This latter farm has been in the possession
of the Keeney family for about 250 years.
In political faith Mr. Keeney is a stanch Repub-
lican, and a strong adherent of the principles of
that party. He is a member of the Washington
Avenue Baptist church, of Brooklyn, and his es-
timable wife is also a member of that congrega-
tion, as well as of the various ladies' societies of the
church, and is much devoted to all lands of religious
work. Both Mr. and Mrs. Keeney are liberal and
generous supporters of all religious and worthy
causes.
Mr. Keeney was married. Jan. 12. 1S75. to Car-
rie Robinson, daughter of Moses and Maria A.
Robinson, of Brooklyn, X. Y. Xo children have
been born to this union.
Throughout his business career Mr. Keeney
was a keen, far-seeing business man. and possessed
to a marked degree that shrewd conservatism often
characteristic of enterprising and successful busi-
ness men. He and his wife are generous, charitable
ami benevolent people, the kind of citizens who
are always a credit and benefit to the communities
in which they reside. Their charities have been
numerous and frequent, and many are those who
have received aid from their ever willing hands.
George Avery Keeney, , one of the most suc-
cessful wholesale Fish and Sea-Food Commission
Merchants of New York, came from a good, sturdy
Xew England ancestry. His success in life is due
to progressive ideas, enterprising ami conservative
business methods.
George A. Keeney, son of John W. and Frances
Ann (Chappell) Keeney, was born Nov. 12. 18
in Waterford, at the old homestead, near the East
Lyme town line. His early schooling was obtained
in the district schools of East Lyme, the adjoining
town, and was supplemented by a course in a pri-
vate school of East Lyme taught by Miss Charlotte
Reynolds. Until he was twenty-one years of age.
he remained upon the home farm, but his inclina-
tions being for a business career rather than that
of farming, and being offered the position of book-
keeper with his brother, Frank G.. in Xew York,
he made the change, remaining in that capacity for
one year. His abilities as a bookkeeper were soon
recognized by Chappell & Storer, the large retail
fish and sea-food dealers in Washington Market,
and he accepted the position of bookkeeper offered
him by that firm, which was a very responsible one.
In this capacity he remained for one year, when he
again became associated in the same capacity with
his brother, Frank G., and after four years' service
with him, purchased a half interest in the large
wholesale fish and sea-food business of his brother,
the firm being F. G. Keeney & Co. They were lo-
cated at Xo. 146 Beekman street. Mr. Keeney
and his brother continued very successfully in tins
business until 1901, when they sold out to Benjamin
D. Luce & Co. Mr. Keeney again entered the
wholesale fish and sea-food business, purchasing
the interests of Albert Haley in the firm of I ). i lalcv
& Co., and since that time has been successfully en-
gaged in the business, now having as a partner
Hiram Burnet, the firm name being Burnet 6c
Keeney. Their place of business is at Xo. 0 Fulton
Fish Market. Xew York.
In all of his business transactions Mr. Keeney
has displayed shrewd, keen and far-seeing capa-
bilities. Socially he holds member-hip in the Royal
Arcanum, of Brooklyn. He is a member of the
East Lyme Baptist Church, while his wife holds
848
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
membership with the Grace 'Methodist Church, of
Brooklyn. Mr. and Mrs. Keeney are both liberal
supporters of all religious and benevolent work.
In political faith Mr. Keeney is an adherent of the
principles of the Republican party, but he is not at
all partisan.
Mr. Keeney was married, Dec. 7, 1885, to Liz-
zie Allen Luce, daughter of Capt. Edward and Julia
E. (Beckwith) Luce, of East Lyme, of whom a
sketch appears elsewhere. To Mr. and Mrs. Keeney
have been born three bright and promising chil-
dren : Mildred Luce, born July 13, 189 1 ; Edward
Avery, Aug. 16, 1895; an(l Frank Griswold, Nov.
17, 1898. Mr. and Mrs. Keeney reside in a pleas-
ant home, at No. 405 Sterling Place, Brooklyn,
N. Y., where they enjoy the acquaintance of a large
host of friends.
Mr. Keeney is a progressive business man. and
possessed of those traits of character that command
the respect and confidence of his customers and
business associates.
JOHN F. SHERMAN, a highly respected citi-
zen and successful farmer residing on Babcock Hill,
in the town of Lebanon, comes of old Rhode Island
ancestry.
Godfrey Sherman, his grandfather, was a farmer
by occupation, and resided at Exeter. R. I. He died
there in advanced age, survived a number of years
by his wife.
Noyes Sherman, father of our subject, was one
of a family of three boys and three girls, and he was
born in 1809, in Rhode Island. His entire life was
spent in that State where the years of his early life
passed at farm labor. After b:s marriage he lived
on rented land in Exeter and South Kingston, and
in the latter town he owned a small farm and died
there in 1846. He married Fanny Burdick, of South
Kingston, daughter of Jared Burdick, and she died
also in South Kingston, survived by these children :
Jared, who was employed as a section hand on the
railroad at East Greenwich, R. I., and was killed
by the cars at the age of nineteen years ; Thomas,
who married Kate Sweet, and is a farmer at South
Kingston: John F. ; Mary, who is the wife of Phil-
lips Babcock, and resides at East Greenwich, R. I. ;
Welcome, who married Abby Pray, and is a farmer
in South Kingston ; Daniel P., who married (first)
Abby Webster, and (second) Anna Cranston, and
who was a farmer until his death at Franklin, Con-
necticut.
John F. Sherman was born June 26, 1833, at
bouth Kingston, R. I., and there his early life was
spent. As his father died when he was but a lad,
he was obliged to leave school very early and assist
in the maintenance of the family. The tragic death,
also of his eldest brother, made a heavier burden
to fall on his young shoulders, but he bravely did
the best he could, although his hard work on the
farm brought him but $3.50 per month with board,
during the summer seasons. During the winters,
with his brothers, he worked in the woods and earned
all they could, gladly turning over their money to
their mother. For nine seasons, or until about
twenty-three years old, Mr. Sherman worked out
from home, and then took charge of the home farm.
This contained but ten acres, and to this he added
twenty-five, cultivating his land until he took up
arms in defense of his country. In September, 1862,
he enlisted from South Kingston, R. I., in Co. K,
1 2th R. I. W I., under Col. George H. Brown.
The regiment saw service in Virginia and Kentucky,
and participated in a number of engagements, the
principal one being the battle of Fredericksburg.
After a little over ten months of service, the regi-
ment was discharged at Providence, R. I., and he
returned to the home farm.
Mr. Sherman remained on the home estate until
Nov. 13, 1864, when he removed to Jamestown, on
Conanicut Island, R. I., where he took charge of
a large farm and remained some six years, remov-
ing then to Newport for two years, after which he
returned to Jamestown. In December, 188 1, eight
years later, he removed to the farm he now occupies,
which he had purchased two years previously. This
property was formerly owned by Mr. Sherman's
uncle, Whitman Sherman, who, at death willed it
to our subject and his brothers and sisters. Mr.
Sherman bought the interests of the other heirs,
being obliged to go into debt for part, but he soon
'discharged all obligations. Since locating on it he
has made many substantial improvements in the
way of erecting new outbuildings, fencing and
draining, and now owns one of the most desirable
eighty-acre farms in this part of the town. He car-
ries on general farming and dairying, and is justly
considered one of the most prosperous farmers in
the locality.
Mr. Sherman was united in marriage at East
Greenwich. R. L, to Eliza Ann Shearman, born
Oct. 14, 1836, at Exeter, R. I., daughter of Josiah
and Honor (Larkin) Shearman. Her death tooK
place Nov. 25, 1899, in Lebanon, and she was buried
at Windham. The children of this marriage were
as follows: Nellie F., born Dec. 16, 1865, died May
2, 1872: John Frank, born Sept. 10, 1868, and now
a farmer in Windham, married Clara Larkin, and
they have two daughters. Marjorie Ellen (born May
13, 1901), and Lucy Eliza (born in November,
1902) ; Lucy Ann, born March 8, 1870, married
James H. Stivers, a grocer at Stonington, Conn. ;
Isaac, born Oct. 5, 1873. married Mary Wells, and
they reside in Westerly, Rhode Island.
In politics Mr. Sherman is a Republican, but he
has never sought public office. He attends the
services of the Baptist Church, and contributes lib-
erally to its support. Entirely self-made, he is one
of the honest, hard-working, responsible men of
Lebanon who so worthily represent its very best
element.
L
7w
/^6 ^I^L^^J>
«vu--
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
84g
JOHN CLARKE, an enterprising and promi-
nent farmer residing at Liberty 1 1 ill in the town of
Lebanon, descends from an old Rhode Island fam-
ily, and traces his ancestry back to his great-grand-
father, Joseph Clarke, who was a resident and prob-
ably a native of Charlestown, l\. I., where he died
after a life passed in farming, and fishing. The
maiden name of his wife was Nichols, and their
children were: Joseph; Munford, who lived at
Carolina Mills. R. I.; Mary, who married a Mr.
Whitford, of Providence, R. 1.; William, who went
to California; Nancy, who married a Mr. Whit-
ford; Maxwell, who married and had a daughter,
now the widow of Remus Robinson, of Willi-
mantic; Matilda, who married Samuel Stanton, of
Stonington.
[oseph Clarke came from Carolina Mills, R. I..
to. Lebanon when a young man, locating on a rented
. farm about one mile south of the Lebanon Green.
He resided at that place for a couple of years, and
then moved to Columbia, Conn., purchasing a small
I farm about one-half mile south of Columbia Green.
He later resided near Pine street on a large farm,
and there remained the rest of his active life. A
few years before his death he made his home with
his son, Willard Ik, on Columbia Green, and there
died July 2. 1881, at the age of eighty-four years.
He was quite extensively engaged at sawmilling,
at one time owning two mills, and he died in very
comfortable circumstances. Early in life he was a
Whig, but later became a Republican and held
many of the town offices, also representing the
town in the Legislature, making for himself a name
long to be remembered as one always connected
with measures of reform and improvement of the
material welfare of his district. Not only was he
a consistent member of the Congregational Church,
but having a very fine tenor voice, he led the choir
for over twenty-five years, and for many years
taught singing school. Being so musical he was in
great demand at all social gatherings, and was very
popular among the people of Lebanon. Not only
was he a man of unusual parts, but he led a life
which commanded the respect of all, and no man
stood higher in the community. He married Mar-
garet Crandall, born in Rhode Island, and she died
aged eighty-six years. The children born to this
most excellent couple, and trained by them in the
ways of truth and probity were: Lyman' C, who
married Cynthia Yeomans, was a school teacher
in early life, but later was a farmer in Columbia,
and died there; Joseph Alfred caught cold when a
young man while clerking in a store at Liberty Hill,
and it developing into consumption he died in
Georgia, where he went for his health; a daughter
died in infancy unnamed; Henry C, who married
Polina Mauley, was a farmer and resided in Leb-
anon, later in Columbia, where he now makes his
home; Matw E. married Justin Holbrook, a farmer,
and died in Columbia; George L. died at the age
of fourteen years; Charle? I-'., who married Julia
54
Brown, was city clerk and a merchant in Iowa City,
Iowa, and there died; James M.; Willard B., who
married Lucy Ford, was a farmer, and now resides
in Columbia.
James M. Clarke was born March 22. 1831, in
Columbia, and was brought up there, attending
the district schools until he was sixteen years of
age. he devoting his summers to farm work. His
boyhood days were spent in hard work on his fa-
ther's farm and in the saw mills. When twenty-one
years of age he left home and was employed as a
farm hand by Septimus Loonier, a farmer of Co-
lumbia. There he remained for several months, and
he then went to the home farm and resided until
his marriage. After that he rented a farm at the
Upper end of Lebanon where he made his home for
a year, and then removed to the property now occu-
pied by the Liberty Club, operating the farm and
sawmill, the latter being owned by his father. He
remained there for a year, when he went to Co-
lumbia, and rented a small farm in the southeast
part of the town, and after two years moved to
Franklin. Conn., renting two different farms, and
he resided in that town for six years. He next
moved to his present place at Libert}- Hill, and for
several years he kept a store in addition to carry-
ing 011 the farm, but at present he is engaged in
farming. In politics he has always been a Repub-
lican, and has held some of the minor offices in the
town.
On Oct. 26. 1854, James M. Clarke was mar-
ried to Mary Taylor, who was born in Lebanon
July 19. 1835. a daughter of John B. and Prudence
(Avery) Taylor. The children born of this union
are : ( 1 ) James Henry, of Lebanon, married ( first )
Elizabeth Webster, who bore him one child, Mary",
who died at the age of fourteen years ; he married
(second) Sarah Strong, and they had three chil-
dren, Gwendolyn S., Gladys M. and Paul Leslie.
(2) John. (3) Minnie E., born Sept. 2(), 1871).
graduated from Windham high school and taught
school, but is now the wife of Henry V. Oehlers,
who is in the employ of the postal service, in Xew
York City. All of the members of the Clarke family
are very highly respected and occupy positions of
responsibility. They come of sturdy, honorable
ancestors who have transmitted to them those
traits of character which result in bringing forth
the best .American citizens. It is an honor to be
born of such forebears, and a still greater honor to
live up to the examples set by those good men and
women whose memory will ever be green.
|ohn Clarke was born June 26, 180! . in Frank-
lin, Conn., and in April, 1805, his parents removed
to Liberty Hill. His education was acquired in tin-
district schools and a select school kept by Hadlai
Hull, now an attorney in Xew London, and he also
attended Edward S. Hinckley's school, which was
a very well known select school kept on Liberty
Hill. When he was fourteen years of age. how-
ever, he -topped school, and since then has ac-
8;o
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
quired considerable knowledge through reading
and observation, and that best of teachers, experi-
ence. When sixteen years old he began teaching
school at Liberty Hill, and there taught two terms ;
he then taught at Andover, Conn., when he had a
large number of pupils there. Until twenty-one
years of age he remained at home, but at that time
he was married, and was given charge of the home
farm, conducting it successfully for two years
thereafter. In 1884 he purchased his present farm
of William H. Noyes, and several years later he was
sought after to teach the Village Hill school, which
he did for two winters. His farm is a good one of
150 acres, upon which he has made very extensive
improvements. The property is kept in good order,
the fences are well repaired, and the entire prem-
ises indicate that an excellent manager is in charge
of affairs. Mr. Clarke has for several years past
been acting as local agent for the monument deal-
ers, Lonsf & Saunders, of Quincy, Mass., and for
one year he traveled for them, lie has met with
remarkable success in that line, and has placed
many very fine monuments in Lebanon and neigh-
boring towns. In addition to Ins other interests he
.acts as purchasing agent for the Providence Dairy
Company, and established their milk routes, which
are so beneficial to the farmers of Lebanon. Col-
chester, Columbia and Hebron.
On June 7. 1882, Mr. Clarke was married to
Amelia Foote, a native of Exeter, and a daughter
of Horace and Lucy Ann (Webster) Foote. In
polities Mr. Clarke is a Republican, and in 1887.
When he was only twenty-five years of age, he was
chosen to represent his town at the first biennial
session of the State Legislature, and while there
he acquitted himself of his duties in a manner which
reflected credit Upon his legislative ability, and also
Upon the discrimination of his constituents. He
served upon the committee on Woman Suffrage.
Mr. Clarke has the honor of being the youngest
man sent to represent the town, and he was next
to the youngest member of the house. In addition
he has served with honor on the board of selectmen
for five years, and three years of that time he was
chairman of the body, or during 1895. ^896 and
1897, and he was the youngest man in the town to
be so distinguished. Mr. Clarke is justice of the
peace, and has served as assessor, on the board of
relief, been registrar of voters, and is one of the
most progressive and enterprising men of the town.
The larger proportion of improvements in Lebanon
was originated and carried out by him, and need-
less to say he has the fullest confidence of all who
have been in any way connected with him.
Fraternally Mr. Clarke is a member of Lebanon
Lodge No. 23. A. ( ). U. W., and has passed all
the chairs. He is also a member of the grand lodge
(Massachusetts jurisdiction), and has been a dele-
gate to the grand lodge, where, with characteristic
energy, he lias made his influence felt. He is a
member of the American ( )rder of Fraternal Help-
ers. Both Mr. and Mrs, Clarke art- consistent
members of and workers in Exeter Congregational
Church, of which he is one of the deacons, having
succeeded Deacon Silas P. AbelL. and he was- super-
intendent of the Sunday school for ten years, until
January, 1902. when he resigned. Although still
a young man. Mr. Clarke has accomplished more
than many men in a lifetime, and all of his efforts
have been directed along upright and benevolent
lines.
ELISHA PARK BECKWITH (deceased)
was a son of Hon. James Beckwith, of Waterford
and Xew London, and came of genuine old Xew
England stock, that believed implicitly in the value
of labor for its own sake, and in the responsibilities
and duties that citizenship imposes upon men, and
this later representative well supported the repu-
tation so nobly earned by his ancestors.
ddie Beckwiths of Xew London come from a
family prominent in the ancient annals of England,
and in later generations identified with the old his-
toric town of Lyme, Conn. For the past fifty years
the late Hon. James Beckwith and his sons have in
turn figured conspicuously among the public men
of eastern Connecticut.
In the maternal line Elisha Park Beckwith
came of an old and prominent Xew London county
family and of Revolutionary stock. He was the
grandson of Jonathan and Annie (Smith) Caul-
kins and great-grandson of Capt. Jonathan Caul-
kins. Capt. Caulkins (1736- 1787) of East Lyme,
Conn., served eight days as captain of a company
under Col. Samuel H. Parsons, in the Lexington
alarm. In November, 1776, he was appointed cap-
tain in the Fourth battalion under Col. John Ely,
and served under General Spencer. In the summer
of 1777 he was assigned to Col. Latimer's regi-
ment, which was sent to reinforce Gen. Gates at
Saratoga, and was engaged in the battles of Sept.
19th and ( )ctober 9th, of that year. Through this
ancestor Mr. Ileckwith became eligible to the so-
ciety of the Sons of the American Revolution. Mr.
Ileckwith was a son of the late James and Nancy
S. (Caulkins) Beckwith, and a direct descendant
in paternal line in the twenty-third generation from
Sir Hugh de Malebisse. a native of Normandy,
who held lands in the time of William, the Con-
queror; and in the sixth generation from Matthew
Ileckwith, the emigrant Xew England settler of 1635.
The lineage from Sir Hugh de Malebisse fol-
lows, the Roman characters indicating generations:
1 I 1 Sir Hugh De Malebisse, who held lands
with William, the Conqueror, was born in Xor-
mandy, as were all the followers of the Conqueror.
(II) Hugo de Malebisse, living in 1138. mar-
ried (first) Emma, daughter of William de Percy..
(III) Sir Simon de Malebisse. Lord of Cowton
in Craven, married the daughter of John, Lord of
Methley.
(IV) Sir Hercules de Malebisse, who changed
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
851
his name to Beckwith, and Lord 1 f Uglebarly, on
his marriage in [226, married Lady Dame (Beck-
with) Bruce, daughter of Sir William Bruce, Lord
of I glebarly.
i\ t Sir Hercules Beckwith married the daugh-
ter of Sir John Ferrers, of Tamworth Castle.
(VI) Nicholas Beckwith de Clint married the
daughter of Sir John Chaworth.
< VII) Hamon Beckwith, who took upon him
in 1339 the coat of arms of John, Lord de Male-
bisse, married the daughter of Sir Philip Tynley,
Knight.
(VIII) William Beckwith, second of the .Manor
of Beckwithshow, 38th year of Edward III, 1304,
married a daughter of Sir Girard Urfleet.
(IX) "1 nomas Beckwith, of Clint, and manors
of Magna Otrigen and Housley, near Thursby, 4.
Richard II, which lands were holden of John Lord
Mowbray, as his manor of Thursk, married the
daughter of John Sawley, of Saxon.
(Xi Adam Beckwith de Clint married Eliza-
beth de Malebisse 4, Richard II.
(XI) Sir William Beckwith de Clint. Knight,
married the daughter of Sir John Baskerville.
(XII) Thomas Beckwith de Clint, lord of a
one-third part of Fily, Mustor and Thorp, married
the daughter and heiress of William Heslerton.
(XIII) John Beckwith married the daughter
of Thomas Radcliff, of Mulgrave.
(XIV) Robert Beckwith, of Broxholme, was
living in the eighth year of King Edward IV.
(XV) John Beckwith, of Clint and Thorp, was
also living in the eighth year of Edward IV.
(XVI) Robert Beckwith, of Clint and Thorp,
married Jennet.
(XVII) Marmaduke Beckwith, of Dacre and
Clint, married (second) Anne, daughter of Dynly,
of Bramhope, County York.
(XVIII) Matthew Beckwith, born Sept. 22,
1610, in Pontefract, Yorkshire, England, emi-
grated in 1635 to Xew England. He resided for a
short time at Saybrook Point in 1635, was in Bran-
ford in 1638, and was among the first settlers of
Hartford in 1642. In 165 1 he was among the first
settlers of Lyme, and purchased large tracts of land
on the Xiantic river, lying practically in Lyme and
Xew London. Yle owned the barque "Endeavor,"
which was constructed for him, and was the first
vessel launched from Xew London, and traded with
the Barbadoes. Matthew Beckwith died Dec. 13.
1681. He left a wife Elizabeth.
1 XIX) John Beckwith. born in 1669, at Lyme,
Conn., was one of the original patentees of New
London, to Waterford. Conn. He had lived, accord-
ing to his deposition in 1740, at Xiantic Ferry for
seventy-five (twenty-five ?) years.
(XX) Elisha Beckwith was born in Waterford.
Conn., and there died, and was buried on the west
bank of the Xiantic river.
( XXI) Jason Beckwith, born in 1704 in Water-
ford, Conn., married in 1785. He removed to New
London and was a ship builder. He died in the
latter town. Ten children, seven sons and three
daughters, were born to his marriag
(XXII) Hon. James Beckwith, born Sept. 12,
[803, married (first) Nancy S. Caulkins, and their
children were: Cordelia, James E.. Elisha I', and
Cyrus ( i. Idle father was engaged as a ship
builder first in Waterford, and later in Xew Lon-
don, to which latter point he removed about 1850.
He built coasting vessels, mostly of from one to
three tons burden. He retired from active busi-
ness in 1865, then returned to Waterford, and there
died Feb. 24, 1875. After his retirement to his
native town he was twice chosen representative in
the State Assembly from Waterford. lie was a
Democrat in his political views. He was a member
of the Baptist Church, and for many years served
as a deacon in the local church. Mrs. Nanc) S.
Beckwith died in 1^47, and Mr. Beckwith after-
ward married Mrs. Eliza (Keeney) Fox, who sur-
vived him some years.
Two of the four children of James and Nancy
S. Beckwdth are living, the deceased being the late
Elisha Park Beckwith, of Xew London, who was
born Aug. 17, 1832, and Hon. James E. Beckwith.
The latter was a farmer residing in Waterford, of
which town he was a substantial man and leading
citizen. He represented his town in the ( ieneral
Assembly, and hekl other important public trust>.
He died April 18, 189S. Cordelia married Sidney
A. Smith, and is a resident of Waterford. The
fourth and youngest child is Hon. Cyrus G.. one of
the prominent men and representative citizens of
Xew London.
Elisha Park Beckwith was born in Waterford,
Conn., Aug. 17, 1832. He was given a good edu-
cation in the common schools, and on leaving school
took up his father's calling, ship building, which
proved to be a stepping stone to the work with
which his name was inseparably associated. James
Beckwith had been one of the leading Democrats
of the State, so that his son was by inheritance, as
well as instinct, one in wdiose unfaltering Democ-
racy' implicit confidence might be placed. When
quite a young man he came to Xew London and
quickly won his way politically to a place where
he was honored and respected by both parties, lie
was urged to accept the offices of assessor, coun-
cilman and alderman, and discharged the duties
of those offices in turn until 1872. when Colk
Marshall nominated him government inspector of
hulls, knowing that nowhere could he find a man
so thoroughly well informed, and so certain to dis-
charge faithfully all the obligations of the position.
Mr. Beckwith continued to hold the appointment
under each succeeding administration, an indisput-
able proof of his competence. The work was thor-
oughly congenial in itself, and also afforded him an
opportunity to add to his wide knowledge ^i human
nature.
In other lines Mr. Beckwith showed equal abil-
8^2
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
ity. He knew more about real estate in the town
and vicinity, and the titles to it, than any other man
living'. By trade he was properly a ship-carpenter,
and in the time he devoted to that business, was
one of the most prominent men in that craft, and
turned out many first class coasting vessels and fine
yachts, which added greatly to the reputation of the
business which he inherited. While in the ship
building business Mr. Beckwith built from his own
■ ! signs a fishing boat, the model of which was sent
to the Maritime Exposition at Havre, France, in
1868, and was granted a medal. The Boston In-
stitute of Technology has been presented by Mrs.
Beckwith with a, number of models of yachts and
fishing and whaling vessels, which are preserved by
that institution. Mr. Beckwith was also vice-presi-
dent and a director of the National Whaling Bank,
of New London, and his counsel in the management
of that institution was of great value. These two
last offices served to consolidate his lifelong friend-
ship with Sebastian D. Lawrence, whose closest
confidant he was, and whose plans for the future
he fully shared.
Elisha Lark Beckwith was twice married; his
first wile was Miss Susan Clark, and his second,
who still survives him and resides in New London,
was .Mrs. Emma ( Lark) Fowler, widow of Charles
R. Fowler, a niece of the late Dr. David P. Francis.
There were no children by either union. Air.
Beckwith died in New London July [6th, [898,
and if he bad survived until August 22(\ of that
year, he would have rounded out twenty-six years
of service as steamboat inspector. His reports up
to the end of his twenty-fifth year showed that pre-
vious to Aug. 28, 1897. he had inspected 4,338
.steamboats, or a string of vessels which if placed
end to end would reach from the Thames river
bridge to the great span of the Brooklyn bridge.
In order to do the work referred to he had traveled
275,178 miles. In 1886 he traveled 15.470 miles;
in 1894, he traveled but 2,724 miles. The average
distance traveled for twenty-five years was 11,007
miles. If Mr. Beckwith had traveled at the rate
of thirty miles an hour and spent twenty-four hours
in travel every day he would have kept going con-
tinuously one year, seventeen days and four hours.
Seldom is there a man whose advice was more
earnestly sought and more highly prized than was
Mr. Beckwith's, on both public and private mat-
ters, and his counsel was always wise, as, to a dis-
position that prompted him to take a broad and
charitable view of all things, was added a shrewd-
ness and insight into human nature, and an esti-
mate of value, that had come to him not only from
the natural ability of his mind, but from long and
continuous observation. All who came in contact
with him were sure to become his friends, for the
courtesy of his manner, and the compelling honesty
of his character, as well as his agreeable conversa-
tions were certain to be appreciated by any one
who had ever experienced them.
CAPT. HENRY E. DAVIS, of Noank, was
born Sept. 20, 1825, at Quaugutaug Hill, in the town
of Stonington, Conn., son of Rouse Davis, who was
born at Westerly, R. I., where he lived until ma-
turity.
James Davis, grandfather of Capt. Davis, was
a lifelong farmer at Westerly. He married a mem-
ber of the Crandall family there, and their five chil-
dren were: Millie, who married an Arnold; James;
William, wdio was a farmer in Groton ; John and
Rouse. James Davis and family were Quakers.
Rouse Davis grew up at Westerly, and in early
manhood went as a young farmer on Fisher's Island,
where he met the lady that later became his wife ;
she was Desire Brown, daughter of Peter Brown,
of Stonington. After their marriage they lived for
a time in Groton engaged in farming, and then
moved to Quaugutaug Hill in Stonington. Mir.
Davis was an industrious, reliable man, and was
engaged in various kinds of work at Mystic, New
London, Sag Harbor and Noank. His death took
place in the present home of Capt. Davis, in t86l,
at the age of sixt\ -three years. His widow survived
to the age of eighty-six years, dying in 1881. They
were good, Christian people, members of the Bap-
tist Church at Noank. Their children were: (1)
Eliza became the wife of William Burrows, of
Wisconsin. (2) James, a sea-faring man, for many
years commander of vessels, is now passing the
evening of life at his home at Noank. (3) Horace
W'inthrop, a contractor and builder at Noank, died
in 1 89 1 ; he married Harriet Ashbey, of Noank.
(4) Henry Elliott is mentioned below. (5) Mary
Jane, widow of Charles Burrows, has three children ;
Jane (who is Mrs. Charles Lalmer), Mary Ellen
and Charles, all of Noank. ((>) Peter, of New Bed-
ford, Mass., is a seafaring man. (7) Emma is the
wife of John Libby, of New London. (8) Charles
is a ship joiner of Noank. (9) John is deceased.
Capt. Henry Elliott Davis was educated at the
Pleasant Valley school in Groton, and later at East-
ern Point and Eishtown. From the time he was
eleven years of age, he sailed upon coasting and
fishing vessels, but at the age of twenty, he served
an apprenticeship to the carpenter's trade and
worked with his brother Horace at Noank for two
vears, subsequently learning the ship-joiner's trade
with Mr. Lathrop at Mystic. He worked as a jour-
neyman for two years, and then engaged in con-
tracting at Noank until 1885. Mr. Davis worked
at lighthouse work for four years, during which
period he built the Morgan's Point Light House.
He did the first joiner work on the first vessel ever
built by the Robert Palmer Company.
In 1879, so great was the confidence placed in
nis ability, Capt. Davis was appointed to go to
Alexandria, Egypt, to superintend the work of the
removal of Cleopatra's Needle to America, a com-
mission which required eleven months' absence. In
1885 Capt. Davis became assistant superintendent
of construction of Life Saving stations, his duties
calling him to all parts of the I nited States. Six
^*^6.cSa^
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
853
years of his life have been -pent on the ( rreat Lakes,
and sixteen months on the Pacific coast. He is a
man of intelligence and proves capable in what-
ever position he finds himself placed.
Capt. Davis was married (first) at Xoank, in
1847, to Frances Wilbur, daughter of Elam Wilbur,
and four children were horn to them, namely: .Mi-
randa, who married William Baker, of Xoank, and
has one daughter, Mabel,- wife of Varnam Tucker,
of Providence ; Maria, who married William Pal-
mer, a fisherman at Xoank. and has one son. Percy ;
Charles, who died aged twenty years; and Caroline,
who died aged twenty-six years.
Capt. Davis married (second), also at Xoank,
Margaret Ashbey, daughter of Asa Ashbey, half-
brother of the father of William A. Ashbey. Mrs.
Davis died in 1884. The one daughter of this mar-
riage is Laura, now the wife of Wayland Morgan
Chester, professor of biology at Colgate University,
Hamilton, X. Y. They have three children. Morgan
Elliott, Harry Wilbur and Margaret Ashbey. Capt.
Davis was married (third) to Mary A. (Wilbur)
Ashbey, who died in 1896.
Capt. Davis is a Mason, a member of Charity
and Relief Lodge. He is a man who commands the
esteem of all who know him.
HENRY BLIVEN SISS( >X is a well known
and honored citizen of Hamburg, in the town of
Lyme, where for many years he has been a mer-
chant, and where he has filled a number of the town
offices. He comes of a Rhode Island family, which
settled in Lyme about 1800.
Jonathan Sisson, grandfather of Henry Bliven,
was born at Charlestown, R. I., and in 1801 or 1802
came to Connecticut and settled at North Lyme. He
bought a large tract of land, houses, and a grist,
fulling and saw mill, from James Gould, a relative
of Jay Gould. He lived to be eighty-one years old,
and died in December, 1833. ana* xvas buried in
North Lyme. He was a relative of Lee Sisson. fa-
ther of Thomas Sisson, the well known druggist,
of Hartford. He married Elizabeth Bliven, of
Rhode Island, and their children, all born in that
state, were as follows: ( 1 ) William married Phebe
Holdredge. and was the grandfather of William M.
Sisson, of North Plain. (2) Elizabeth, who died
in 1S02, married (first) John Burdick, of Hopkin-
ton. R. L. and (second) William Payne. (3) Jon-
athan. (4) Nathan was lost at sea. (5) Oliver,
deceased, married Lucretia Tiffany. (6) Mary,
deceased, married Deacon Richard Tiffany, of
Salem. (7) Sarah died unmarried. (8) Nancy,
(9) Frances and (10) Deziah, all died unmarried.
1 1 1 Henry. All of these children came with their
Barents to North Lyme.
Henry Sisson, youngest son of Jonathan and
dbzabeth (Bliven) Sisson. and father of Henry
{liven, was born in Charlestown. R. I., in September,
Pie was a small child when his parents moved
to North Lyme, where he attended school and where
lie passed the remainder of his life. B\ occupation
he was a farmer, and he also carried on a saw and
grist mill. Ik- was a stanch Democrat and held
several of the town offices, but cared nothing for
political preferment. He was a member and clerk
of the Paptist Church. PI is wife. Lucinda, was a
daughter of Rev. Simon Shailer, of Haddam. Both
Mr. and Mrs. Sisson died and were buried in North
Lyme, his death occurring in [862, and hers in
[887. Their children were as follows: (1) Henry
Bliven is mentioned below. (2) Lucinda S. lives
unmarried in North Lyme. (3) Simon died at the
age of two years. (4) Sarah Frances married
Lewis ( ). Gates, a prominent farmer and trader of
North Lyme. (5) Jonathan lives in Lyme and is
a farmer and trader.
Henry Bliven Sisson. eldest son of Henry and
Lucinda (Shailer) Sisson, was born Jan. 11. 1834.
He attended the district school in North Lyme, at
the age of eighteen went to Bacon Academy, in Col-
chester, Conn., and then attended the Normal
School at Xew Britain. After his graduation
for a time he taught in Lyme, Salem and Haddam.
At the age of twenty-four he went into the mer-
cantile business with his cousin. Capt. Charles F.
Sisson. the partnership continuing for two years.
In i860 he came to Hamburg, where he was en-
gaged as a merchant until 1873. Politically Mr.
Sisson is not bound by party ties, but he supports
the best men and issues. He was postmaster for
three years, town treasurer for twenty-one years,
and has also served his town as selectman, school
visitor, judge of probate, and auditor of town ac-
counts. He represented his town in the Legisla-
ture in 1873, 1876 and 1878. During the first term
he was on the committee on State Prisons, at that
time a very important committee: and in 1870 and
1878. he was a member of the committee on lulu-
cation.
On Nov. 19, 1861, Mr. Sisson married in I lad-
dam, Eleanor P.. daughter of Jared Huntington
and Plorilla D. Shailer. Mr. Sisson's mother and
Mrs. Sisson's grandfather were cousins. Three
children were born to this union as follows : Plorilla
A., born Sept. 28, 1862, died Dec. 2^, 1870. Ella
Louise, born Nov. 13, 1863, married Jefferson Da-
vis Bill, and died Nov. 14. 1889. Henrietta Bliven,
born Dec. 7, 1866, died Oct. [9, 1887. Mr. and
Mrs. Sisson spend their summers at their home at
( ottage City. Mass. Mr. Sisson is an active mem-
ber of the Grange, and treasurer of the Grange
Fair Association, under whose auspices was held
the greatest show of working cattle ever known in
Xew England. Mr. Sisson is a veteran Mason,
having been a member of that order for thirty-five
years. He is secretary of Pythagoras Lodge, and
with the exception of senior deacon and junior
warden has held all the offices from junior deacon
to master.
Mr. Sisson is a man of the strictest integrity
and soundest judgment, and is of that type of citi-
854
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
zen a community can ill afford to ' lose.
It is doubtful, indeed, if there is in all
New London county another man who has
so often acted in fiduciary capacities as Mr.
Sisson. In his long experience in such work
he has handled many thousands of dollars belong-
ing to others, and no matter what the responsibility,
large or small, it has been borne with conscientious
fidelity. His many years of useful residence in
Lyme furnishes a record marked by industry and
ability in the management of his own affairs, and
those incumbent upon him. The strict integrity
that has characterized all his business transactions
has secured for him in a high degree the warm re-
gard of all with whom these various relations and
interests affiliated him.
EZEKIEL HAZARD BROWNING, a highly
respected and successful farmer residing on Bab-
cock Hill in the town of Lebanon. Conn., comes of
sturdy Xew England ancestry.
Nathaniel Browning, of Portsmouth, R. I., is
of record as purchasing land in Warwick in 1(145,
and was a freeman of Portsmouth in 1655. ^e mar~
ried Alary Freeborn, who was born in 1632, and
died April 23. 1070. daughter of William and Mary
born. Two children are of record as born to
them : William and Jane, the latter of whom mar-
ried James Sweet, and died in 1710-
(II) William Browning, of Portsmouth and
South Kingstown,a freeman in 1684, married (first)
Rebecca Wilbur, daughter of Samuel and Hannah
(Porter) Wilbur. His second wife's name was
Sarah . His children were: Samuel, Han-
nah, William, Sarah and John. The father died
in 1730.
(II!) William Browning, of South Kingstown,
was born Sept. 29, 1693, married (first) on Dec.
7, 1721, Mary Freelove, born Aug. 10, 1700, daugh-
ter of Morris and Elizabeth (Wilbur) Freelove;
and second on Aug. 5, ^J2^. Mary, daughter of
William and Dinah Wilkinson. William Browning
died Feb. 11, 1773. One child, William, born Nov.
28, 1724, came to the first union, and two children
were born to the second: Wilkinson, July 14, 1731 ;
John. July 26, 1733.
( IV) William Browning (2) married, his wife's
christian name being Elizabeth.
( V ) Deacon William Browning, of South
Kingstown, born April 21, 1756, married Sarah
Stanton, born about 1758, daughter of Samuel and
Sarah 1 Browning) Stanton, of Kingstown. Dea-
con William Browning was one of a large family.
He was a well-to-do farmer and resided at South
Kingstown. R. I., until his death in 1825. His
children were: William R., a farmer, resided in
South Kingstown : Samuel was a manufacturer in
South Kingstown, later he went to Ohio, and still
later to Garden Grove, Iowa ; Abial T. ; George H.
resided on a portion of his father's farm ; Sally S.
married Clark Healey, and died in South Kings-
town ; Elizabeth married Jeffrey Watson, who died
in South Kingstown ; Amy married William Hull,
and died in South Kingstown.
(VI) Abial T. Browning was born in South
Kingstown, and reared there on his father's farm.
After his marriage he located on a portion of the
homestead, and there died aged seventy-five years.
He was a successful farmer and prominent Whig.
In religious matters he was a member of the Bap-
tist Church of South Kingstown, and was very
regular in his attendance. Abial T. Browning mar-
ried Hannah James, of Richmondtown, daughter of
Ezekiel James. She survived her husband a day,
and they were tenderly interred together at South
Kingstown. The children born of this union were:
William, who married Sarah Perry, and died at
Xarragansett Pier, was a farmer in South Kinsg-
town the greater portion of his life ; Ezekiel H. ;
Abial T., who married Alary E. Holburton, and
later Sarah C. Sherman, was a farmer, and died in
Warwick ; Sarah S. married Stephen Poster, and
died in Buda, 111. (he was a private banker and
farmer) : Andrew J. married Harriet Clark and died
in Westerly, R. I. ; Charles E., who married first Jane
Hazard, and second Sarah Lillibridge, is a farmer
residing in Norwich Town.
Ezekiel H. Browning was born March 28,
1823. in South Kingstown, R. I., and his life was
spent there until 1851;, he attending the district
school during the winter seasons until he was eight-
een years of age. He lived at home until his mar-
riage, and then went to California, sailing from
Providence, R. I., via Cape Horn, with an organ-
ized party of prospectors of sixty-five people, San
Prancisco being the destination. The voyage took
seven months to a day. They had a rough passage,
and at one time had to "lay to" for fifteen days.
After landing in San Francisco, he was one of a
party to make a trip to the Nevada mountains, and
remained there about five months, meeting with
fair success, but returning to San Francisco he
soon after sailed for home via the Isthmus of Pan-
ama, the homeward trip consuming fifty-two days.
Upon his arrival at South Kingstown, he resumed
farming upon a rented farm, and there continued
for two years, and then spent seven years upon his
father's farm. In March, 1859, he removed to
Connecticut, locating at Willington on a rented
farm. Later he came to Lebanon and rented a farm
owned by Henry Throop, and worked it seventeen
years, finally buying the present place known as the
"Babcock" farm, a tract of seventy acres. LTpon
this he has made verv extensive improvements and
keeps about twelve cows. On Sept. 9, 1849, he was
married in South Kingstown to Hannah M. Brown-
ing, of South Kingstown, born March 28. 1822,
daughter of George Browning-, and she died in
1869, leaving no children. On Jan. 1, 1870, he mar-
ried Mary A. Browning, of South Kingstown,
daughter of John Browning, born March 26. 1840,
and died in Lebanon in 188 1. On Oct. 24. 1881 he
GEXEALOGICAL AXD BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
8
DD
was married to .Mrs. .Mary E. Sweet, born Sept.
25, [842, in Peacedale, R. I., widow of Dr. Jon-
athan Sweet, and daughter of Daniel S. and Pene-
lope (Rodman) Gould. Daniel S. Gould was a
contractor in stone work. By her marriage to Dr.
Jonathan Sweet, Mrs. Browning became the mother
of the following children: Mary P., now wife of
Allen B. Evans, of Smithrield. R. I.; Louisa, now
Mrs. George B. Potter, of Peacedale, R. I.; and
Job. The children of Mr. Browning- by his sec-
ond marriage were : Ezekiel Hazard, Jr., born Nov.
jo. 1870. graduated from Natchaug high school at
Willimantic, in i8<j2 and received instruction from
private tutors, and is now a merchant at Providence,
P. 1.; Cecilia P, born March 21, 1872, married
Walter J. Cargill, a merchant of Providence, R. I.,
and has children, Walter Milton and Marion
Browning; William T.. born March 14, 1873, grad-
uated from the Natchaug high school at Willi-
mantic, in 1892, and resides in Providence, R. P;
David C, born Aug. 2~, 1874, died aged seven
years. I'>y his third marriage Mr. Browning has
one son. Rowland Stanton, born July 30, 1883, who
manages the farm ; he was married Dec. 9, 1903,
to Miss Alice B. Meech, of Lebanon.
In politics Ezekiel H. Browning is a Repub-
lican, but is no office seeker. He is a member and
liberal supporter of the Baptist Church, of which
Mrs. Browning is also a member. Mr. Browning-
is most highly respected in his town, and is clearly
a self-made man.
JACOB LINICUS was born May 21. 1825, in
St. Mathias, Germany, and died April 11, 1903, at
New London, Connecticut. Under date of Saturday,
April 11, 1903. The Day of Xew London says:
'"Jacob Linicus, one of the oldest German resi-
dents of Xew London, died at an early hour this
morning. Mr. Linicus has been sick for nearly six
months, and his condition has been very precarious
for some time. The cause of his death was
erysipelas.
"For nearly half a century Mr. Linicus has been
a Xew Londoner and actively connected with the
business life of the city. He was a man of sterling
integrity, and his upright life won for him an en-
viable name among his fellow townsmen.
"Mr. Linicus was born at St. Mathias. Ger-
many, May 21, 1825. When he was twenty-five
years of age he came to this country, living for a
while in Xew York City, and beginning business
as a tobacconist at Welchee, X. Y. It was in 1854
that he came to Xew London and settled down for
life. He was in business in the Aborn hall build-
ing, and also on the other side of the street. Later
he occupied a store in State street. In 1866 he
erected the building in which his store is now situ-
ated, the upper part of which he used as a dwelling.
"In business Mr. Linicus was industrious and
he achieved a large degree of success. Some years
ago his son. Jacob Linicus Jr.. was admitted to the
partnership. Mr. Linicus' married life began about
the time he settled in Xew London. His wife, who
died about five years ago, was Miss Eva ECorb, of
Xew York City. He leaves four sons, Benjamin 1\.
Linicus, Jacob Linicus and (Paries W. Linicus of
this city, and George A. Linicus of Xew York, and
two daughters, Mrs. R. H. Siebler and Miss Bertha
K. Linicus. Mr. Linicus was a member of Pnion
lodge Xo. 31, P. & A. M."
Going more exhaustively into the biography of
this most excellent and successful man. we find
that he was a son of Mathias Linicus, who was born
?t St. Mathigs, Germany, ?nd who by trade was a
decorator and painter. The death of Mathias oc-
curred in Germany, when he was in the neighbor-
hood of sixty years of age. His wife, who bore
the maiden name of Eliza Loewenberg. died at
Trier. Germany. Among the children born of this
marriage were: Jacob, Philip and Nicholas.
In his boyhood days, the late Jacob Linicus was
intended for the priesthood, and was educated for
that purpose, but when he was within one year of
ordination, he felt that he was not suited for the
work, and leaving the seminar}-, entered a large
mercantile house as bookkeeper in Trier. German}-,
and remained there until he was twenty-four, or for
two vears, he having been pursuing Ins studies
until he was twenty-two. Naturally he was very
well educated, speaking French and German, as
well as English, and was a very hue Greek and
Latin scholar. However, when lie landed in Amer-
ica, though so well educated, he found it difficult
to secure congenial employment, and he finally
learned cigar making, saved his earnings and bought
tobacco, which he took to his lodgings and made into
cigars, selling them himself. Still later, he went
to Welchee, X. Y.. and being an excellent cigar
salesman, he made money rapidly, and was enabled
to buy the cigar store of his employer. ( )ne suc-
cess followed the other, and at last disposing of his
business, and returning to Xew York City, he was
married. Desiring to secure a pleasant and well
situated home, he finally selected Xew London. In
those earl\- days it was not easy to travel, but he
and his bride took boat to Fall River, Mass., thence
to SDrinsffield, Mass., and Norwich, whence they
came to Xew London. While looking around the
city they were impressed with the view- from
the hills back of Xew London, and being
delighted with the place he established himself
in the cigar business in Aborn Hall, on
Bank street. Shortly thereafter he removed
to another location on Bank street, and sev-
eral years later to State street, just above Main,
next to the old post office. In [866, he built a store
building: of one story, and in [868 added two and
one-half stories, the present structure. This build-
ing occupies the site of the old Dr. Brainard home.
This building was originally used as a place of
business and residence by Mr. Linicus. He retired
in i8<)2. selling out his business to his son. Jacob,
856
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
Jr. Mr. Linicus was a member of St. James Epis-
copal Church, of New London, of which he was a
vestryman and teacher in the Sunday school. Fra-
ternally he was a member of Union lodge, No. 31,
F. & A. M., of New London. He was one of the
most enthusiastic Democrats, but was never an of-
fice seeker.
In 1854 the late Mr. Linicus was united in mar-
riage with Miss Eva Korb, who was born Feb. 8,
1834, at Frankfort, Germany, daughter of Casper
and Katherine (Sattler) Korb. The marriage took
place in New York, as before stated, and she died
in New London. The children born of this happy
marriage were: Benjamin R., born April 22, 1855,
at Xew London, where he is now engaged as a con-
tractor, married Alice Finnegan, now deceased, and
has three children, Alice, Benjamin and George;
Casper died at the age of five years; Jacob, Jr.,
born March 5, 1859, is later spoken of more exten-
sively ; Eva, born April 16, 1861, in New London.
died at the age of twenty-two years, unmarried;
Charles YV., born Nov. 15. 1863, in New London,
unmarried, is associated with his brother Jacob;
George A., born June 5, 1865, in New London, was
telegraph operator, but is now one of the park com-
missioners of Xew York, and is unmarried; Mar-
garet F., born May [6, i8(>8, in New London, mar-
ried Rudolph H. Siebler, a cigar dealer of New
London; Louisa A., born Nov. 7, 1870. married
John A. Spencer, of Williamsport, La., a printer
by trade, and died at Xew London ; Bertha Korb,
born Sept. 24. 1873, resides with Mrs. Siebler;
Gustave Milton died at the age of eighteen months.
Jacob Linicus, Jr., was born March 5, 1859, at
Xew London. Until he was fifteen years of age, he
attended the schools of his native place, then took
up. the trade of cigar making under his father in
Xew London. From there he went to Xew York,
and remained for six months in the cigar factory
of Lichtenstein Bros. & Co., in order to gain a
varied experience. Returning home he entered his
father's buisness, and May 1, 1889. he was made
manager, and in 1890, half owner. In 1892 he pur-
chased the business of his father. ( )n May 1, 1899,
he bought out William Astheimer, on Bank street,
and now manufactures about 200,000 cigars an-
nually.
Socially Jacob Linicus, Jr.. is a member of Mo-
hegan Lodge Xo. 55, 1. O. ( ). F. ; Trumbull Lodge,
No. 48, Knights of Pythias; Sprague Lodge. Xo.
9, A. O. U. W. ; and Xew London Council No.
1484, Royal Arcanum. Like his father he is a mem-
ber of the St. James Episcopal Church of Xew Lon-
don. He is also a Democrat, but his business inter-
ests require all his attention, so that he does not
enter into political affairs.
Jacob Linicus, Jr.. was married May 30, 1879,
to Mary Elizabeth Lee, daughter of John and Sarah
Ann (Sharp) Lee, of Xew London. The children
born to them were: Annette Lee, who graduated
from the Williams Memorial Institute in 1904,
and is now a student at Xew England Conserva-
tory of Music, Boston ; and Jacob Milton. For
several years Mr. Linicus was actively interested in
the Xew London base ball team of the Connecticut
State League, and served as president and general
manager of the organization, and he still is deeply
interested in the national game. As was his father
before him, he is a very live, energetic man, quick
to see business opportunities, and to profit by them.
Soon after he purchased his father's business,
which had been exclusively retail, he branched out
as a wholesale dealer, and then as a manufacturer,
and the volume of his trade is constantly increasing.
His methods are honorable, and his product is es-
pecially good, a fact which is appreciated by his
customers. He carries several exclusive brands,
and is constantly devising methods to extend his
relations, and benefit both his house and his cus-
tomers.
WILLIAM H. TIFT, who has long given his
services in public office, is one of the best men of
Jewett City, and he is an honored veteran of the
Civil war. He comes of good old Revolutionarv
stock, his maternal great-grandfather, X'athaniel
Sabins, having been one of the patriots of that great
struggle.
Mr. Tift was born in Griswold, Conn., Feb. 21,
1841, a son of Nathan and Almira (Sabins) Tift.
His educational advantages were confined to th-1
public schools of his native town, and he was early
apprenticed to A. LeRoy Prentice to learn the trade
of carpenter. When the Mag at Sumter fell all the
patriotism of his nature was roused, and the day
after the Baltimore riot, in response to President
Lincoln's call for 75.000 volunteers, he entered his
country's service, only two men in the town entering
the armv earlier than he. He became a member of
Rifle Company A, 2d Connecticut V. I., and when
his three months' term of enlistment had expired
he re-enlisted, being assigned to Company H, nth
Connecticut V. I. He participated in the battles of
Bull Run, Newberne and South Mountain, escaping
all injury, but at Antietam, Sept. 17, 1862, he re-
ceived a wound in the right leg which disabled him
for further service, and he was honorably discharged
Aug. 17, 1863.
Returning to Connecticut he was for some time
obliged to be idle on account of ill health, but as
soon as he was aide he began at wagonmaking, con-
tinuing thus for a time, and then for ten years had
charge of M. E. Lincoln's coal and lumber yard.
Mr. Tift had ever been popular among his towns-
men, and they, recognizing his peculiar fitness for
official position, have often urged him to accept
office. He has filled the offices of town clerk and
treasurer, and twice has had the unique distinction
of being the nominee of both the Republican and
Democratic parties, a high tribute to his personality
and patriotic endeavor to do his whole duty to the
people. He was also clerk (one year) and treasurer
WILLIAM H. TIFT.
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
857
(two years) of the borough. In political faith he
is a stanch Republican.
On Feb. 21, [866, Mr. Tift wedded Miss Emily
J. Mitchell, who was born Feb. 6, [843, daughter of
Ezekiel and Minerva (Maine) Mitchell; the former
died Oct. 8. 1903. Mr. and Mrs. Tift had two chil-
dren. Ida .May and Herbert H. Ida May was edu-
cated in the Griswold public schools, and the Nor-
wich Free Academy, from which she graduated in
1892. She served as assistant town clerk one year,
and taught school several terms in the Jewett City
schools. She married Fred Brown Owen, and they
now reside at Fort Wayne, lnd. ; they have one
child. Estella Brown. Herbert H. graduated from
the Jewett City grammar school, and from the Nor-
wich Business College in [896, and is now with
the American Thread Co., Glasgo, Connecticut.
Fraternally Mr. Tift belongs to Undaunted
Lodge, K. P.: Reliance Lodge. 1. ( ). ( ). F., Jewett
City; and Sedgwick Post, G. A. k\, Norwich. He
is highly esteemed. His family are most popular
socially and their home is a favorite resort of their
hosts of friends.
CAPT. WILLIAM H. ALLEN, of Groton, aside
from being one of the leading citizens of this part
of Xew London county, belongs to a family which
has been prominent here for generations. More
extended record of the Allen or Allyn family will
be found elsewhere.
Trial Allen, the grandfather of Capt. Allen, was
born in Groton, and lived here all his life, pursuing
a quiet, agricultural life. Among his children,
Griswold possesses immediate interest in connec-
tion with the present sketch.
Griswold Allen, son of Trial and father of Capt.
Allen, was born' in that part of Groton that is now
Ledyard, just east of Gales Ferry. He married
Betsey Chapell, daughter of Edward and Mary
(Chapman) Chapell, of Gales Ferry. Soon after
his marriage he removed to Lebanon and followed
the trade of cooper for several years, and then went
to ( hieida county. Xew York, and worked at his
trade at Rome. In 1834 he returned to Ledyard,
working again at his trade at Gales Ferry, late in
life removing to Groton. His death occurred at the
age of seventy-two years, and that of his wife at
the age of seventy-seven years. In politics he was
a Democrat. Mrs. Allen, a good and pious woman,
was a member of the Baptist Church. Their chil-
dren were as follows: Sally, deceased, married Al-
bert Ellsworth, of Xew London, a surviving daugh-
ter being Mrs. Benjamin Rogers; Louisa, deceased;
Charlotte, who married James Chapman, and lives
in San Francisco, California ; William H., of this
sketch: Charles, who was lost at sea; and Zebe-
diah, deceased.
Capt. William H. Allen was born Oct. <). 1826,
at Lebanon, Conn. He worked at farming until
about sixteen years old. and then gave way to his
inclination for a life on the water, going on his first
voyage as cook, aboard a fishing vessel. This ex-
perience, rough as it was, fostered a natural liking,
and he immediately shipped in the whaler "Robert
I'.owne," thus taking his first important step in a
life of successful seamanship. Capt. Allen unas-
sumingly bears the honor of having made the most
successful voyage on record in the annals of the
whaling industry. This was in [863, when in com-
mand of the good ship "Onward," he cruised in the
Eastern, Yellow, Japan and ( )khotsk seas, and off
the California coast. ( hi this voyage he captured
134 whales, the catch netting (>.$?,/ barrels of oil,
and f)2,ooo pounds of whalebone. This cargo sold
for the princely sum of $417,000 of which Capt. Al-
len's share was $39,836. The voyage covered three
years.
Many of Capt. Allen's voyages have been
fraught with adventures strange and thrilling,
which, in themselves, would make an absorbing
story and a most valuable and interesting one. Dur-
ing" twenty-five vears of his active sea-faring life of
forty-five years, he was a commander, and through
many imminent and unforeseen perils of the deep,
through many a tempestuous gale, he has piloted
his ship with the instinct and knowledge of a true
sailor, and the courage necessary to a true navi-
gator.
He has gone out from Xew London and
Xew Bedford on many whaling voyages.
Capt. Allen's worth and sterling qualities, well
known at sea, cannot be hidden on land. They have
been particularly manifest since leaving the sea. a
number of years ago, when he settled down to a
less hazardous, but quite as useful, life ashore. In
matters affecting the good of Groton, Capt. Allen
is zealous and faithful. He has ably represented
the town in the General Assembly for two terms,
and for twelve years served on the Groton board of
selectmen.
Fraternally Capt. Allen is a 33d degree Mason,
a member of Pyramid Temple of the Mystic
Shrine, of Bridgeport ; and for ten years he was
commodore of the famous Jibboom Club, of New
London, which numbers on its rolls over 300 mem-
bers, and is fourteen years old.
In August. [858, Capt. Allen married Georgi-
ana, daughter of Orlando Bailey, of Groton. Of
their three sons and one daughter, one son. Charles,
died aged five years ; Ralph O. is in an insurance
business in Xew York City : Frank W. is secretary,
purchasing agent and one of the directors of the
Eastern Ship Building Company; and Ellen Bailey.
Since retiring from the sea Capt. Allen has shown
the same integrity and foresight in business affairs
that characterized his maritime life. In 1899, he'
became president of the Mariners Savings Hank",
of which he was one of the organizers in 1807. It
is located at Xew London, and is one of the strong-
est financial institutions in the State, and. for that
matter, one of the strongest in the country. Capt.
Allen was the commander oi the "Onward" for
seven years, the home port of that vessel being Xew
858
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
Bedford. He also commanded the bark "Nile" of
New London, prior to that having- commanded the
barks : "Harmony" of New London ; "Lewis" of
New Bedford ; and the "Charles Phelps" of New
London, his time of service with these three vessels
covering nine rears, their farthest port being Hon-
olulu. Since 1873 Groton has been the home of
this experienced mariner, and few citizens are more
universally esteemed.
HEWITT. As far as is known from reliable
sources, Thomas Hewitt, a sea-faring man, was the
first person of the Llewitt name that made Stoning-
ton. Conn., his abiding place. The first we know
of him is from the diary of Thomas Miner, Sr.,
who speaks of him as in command of his vessel in
Mystic river in the year 1656, where he was receiv-
ing the surplus products of the early planters in ex-
change for Boston goods. In his business transac-
tions he made the acquaintance of Walter Palmer,
whose daughter Hannah he married April 26, 1659.
In order to give strength to his abode for life, he
bought a tract of land on the east side of the Mystic
river, which embraced the present site of Elm
Grove cemetery, in Stonington, on which he erected
a dwelling house of primitive style, pending which
he continued his consting trade, extending his busi-
ness to the West Indies. During the year 1662 he
purchased a cargo of meat, stock, sheep and poultry,
designed for the West Indies, with which he set
sail for that place, expecting a pleasant voyage and
successful exchange of his goods for products ol
those isles. Months and years passed, and no tid-
ings of him were received, and he and his crew
probably lie in an ocean grave. His children were:
Thomas, May 2. 1660; Benjamin, 1662. In 1670
Ids widow was given permission by the General
Court of Connecticut to marry again, and Dec. 27,
1671, she was united with Roger Sterry, who died
in !oSo, she marrying, Aug. 2^, 1681, John Eish.
(II) Benjamin Hewitt married, Sept. 24, 1683,
Marie, daughter of Edmund and Ellen Fanning,
and their children, with dates of baptism, were as
follows: Benjamin, July 24, 1692: Israel, July 24,
1692; Tabatha, July 24. 1692; Mary, Aug. 12,
1694: Joseph, Dec. 13, 1696; Elkana, May 7, 1699;
Hannah, June 29. T701 ; Henry, July 30. I704;
Content, April 3, 1708; Hannah, June 3, 171 1.
(III) Israel llewitt married, March 8. 1714,
Annie Breed, and their children were: Annie, Aug.
10, 1716: Zerviah, May 3, t 7- t < ; : Israel, June 12,
1723; Rufus, July 9. T726; Charles. Aug. 16, 1730;
Anna, Nov. 8, 1734.
(IV) Charles Hewitt married. Oct. 28, 1756,
Hannah Stanton, and their children were: Charles,
born Aug. 16, 1757, assisted in taking Gen, Prescott
of the British army on the Island of Newport dur-
ing the Revolutionary war; Hannah, born Dec. 22,
1758, married Col. Joseph Smith; Stanton, horn
( >ct. 8. 1760, married Lucinda Grant; Isaac, born
Jan. 28, 1762, married Cynthia Swan ; Eli, born
July 31, 1764, married Betsey Williams ; Perez,
born April 29, 1770, married Nancy Williams ; Pal-
mer, born Jan. 14, 1777; Anna, born Aug. 17,
1779, married Jonathan Avery; Mary (or Polly),
born Dec. 1, 1781, married Richard Wheeler.
(Y) Palmer Hewitt was a carpenter by trade,
and also followed farming. Most of his life was
spent in New London and W^aterford. He belonged
to the Baptist Church in New London. His wife
was Eunice Williams.
(VI) Elisha Jefferson Hewitt was born in Ston-
ington Dec. 28, 1800, and spent his school days in
Groton. He followed farming in Ledyard and Wa-
terford, and during the war he owned a farm in
Groton, but spent the latter part of his life in New-
London. On Nov. 27, 1823, he was married in
what is now Ledyard to Desire Ann Gallup, daughter
of Henry and Desire (Stanton) Gallup, of Led-
yard. She was of the seventh generation, from
John of Boston, through (I) John, (II) John (2),
(III) Benadam. (IV) Benadam (2), (V) Henry
and ( VI) Henry (2). She died Jan. 29, 1883, and he
May 6, 1867. In religion Elisha J. Hewitt was a
Baptist, as was his father before him, and in politics
he was a lifelong Democrat, and he became select-
man of Waterford. The children born to Elisha J.
and Desire, his wife, were: (1) Clarissa Ann, Oct.
II, 1824, married James Woodmansee, and died
at Cambridge, Henry Co., 111., in 1855, the mother
of: Roswell P.. who enlisted in an Illinois regiment
in the Civil war, and died in Libby prison ; James
Jefferson; Ira Monroe ; and Mary Ann. who died
young. (2) Henry Palmer, Aug. 20, 1826, mar-
ried .Vug. 26, 1849, Eunice Cleft Denison, and their
children were: Hiram Perez, who died in infancy;
Albert Frazier, Sept. 25, 1858; Ida A., Feb. 24.
1862 ; Inez Irene, who died in infancy ; Fannie. July
16, 1867; Lena C, July 29, 1870; Oscar Jefferson,
who died in infancy. (3) Elisha Avery, M. D.,
born April 15, 1828, practiced in Mystic and New
London, married (first) Matilda Williams, and
(second) Eliza Avery Hewitt, and resides in Den-
ver, Col. His children are: Lucy Austin, Annie
M. and Theresa B. (4) Alden Wheaton was born
Oct. 29. 1830. (5) Oscar Herbert, born April 8,
1833, died June 8, 1859. (6) George Williams,
born July 20, 1836, died in Denver. Col., March 27,
1897. He married (first) Maggie E. Eddings, and
(second) Lucy M. Wells. To the first marriage
was born Earl, Aug. 11, 1867, now police commis-
sioner at Denver. The two children by his second
marriage were Miriam, born Oct. 6, 1872; and
Nora, born Dec. 28, 1877, deceased. (7) Mary
Ellen, horn Sept. t. 184T, resides in New London.
(8) Charles Jefferson, born March 15, 1844, mar-
ried, Nov. 22, 1877, Mary Elizabeth Halladay, of
New Jersey, descendants of Walter Halladay, an
early resident of Springfield, Mass. (9) Eunice
Augusta, born Dec. 1. 1847, married Charles H.
Emmons, of Denver, Col., and had one child,
Marian H., born June 20, 1886, in Hartford, Conn.
GENEALOGICAL AXD BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
859-
Through Desire Stanton Gallup, the members of
this branch of the Hewitt family are connected with
the Stantons from Thomas Stanton, the first of the
name of Stonington, and with John Alden. Through
Eunice Williams Hewitt the line is traced to Robert
Williams, of Roxbury, and to James Avery, as well
as the Denison family. Through the Gallup line
Mrs. Elisha J. Hewitt descended from Major John
Mason. The Williams family also comes of John
Howland of the "Mayflower."
(VII) Charles Jefferson Hewitt, horn in
Waterford, Conn., was educated in the Bartlett
high school, after which he clerked in a general
mercantile store in Xew London, and worked upon
the farm in Groton. Tn 1867 he began business in
the grocery on the corner of Alain and Williams
streets, and there continued twenty-eight years. In
1895 he sold out his business, and since then has
lived a retired life. Through his grandfather Henry
Gallup, Jr., he is a member of the S. A. R. Henry
Gallup, Jr., was stationed at Fort Griswold,
and was one of the Minute men who rallied to the
defense of this same fort. Mr. Charles J. Hewitt
was first selectman for three years, and upon the
board for six years. He was also street commis-
sioner for two years, alderman six years, and mem-
ber of the school board for nine years.
1 VII) Alden Wheaton Hewitt was horn Oct.
29, 1830, in Waterford, Conn., and spent his early
school days in Xew London. For some years he was
employed in a grocery business. When about thirty
he became assistant jailor, and subsequently jailor
of the county jail in Xew London, and served in
that capacity for about eighteen years. Mr. Hewitt
was a stanch supporter of Republican principles. On
account of ill health, he did not engage in any busi-
ness pursuit after his term of office expired, al-
though he always took an active part in local affairs.
Fraternally he was a prominent member of Union
Lodge A. F. & A. M., and was a Knight Templar.
His death occurred April 3, 1885.
( hi Sept. 6, 1865, Mr. Hewitt was married in
Bozrah, Conn., to Rachel B. Avery, daughter of
Albert Gallatin and Alice Tracy (Abell) Avery, of
Bozrah, granddaughter of Gardiner Avery, great-
granddaughter of Jonathan Avery, Jr., great-great-
granddaughter of Jonathan Avery and great-great-
great-granddaughter of James- Avery. The chil-
dren of Alden Wheaton and Rachel B. (Avery)
Hewitt were: (1) Richard W., horn Oct. zy, 1866,
married. April 15, 1890, Carrie Miner, and has one
child, Richard Miner, horn Aug. 20, 1892. They
reside in Boston. Mass., where he is a commercial
traveler. (2) Alice M. was born April 4. [869.
(3) Amy Avery was born Dec. [9, 1873. (4) Grace,
. horn Feb. 29, 1876. died in Aug. 1876. (5) Albert
Jefferson was born July 9, 1877. (6) Herbert
Wheaton, horn April 8. 1880, was killed by light-
ning at Bozrah, Aug. 7. 1896.
Albert Gallatin Avery, father of Mrs. Ra-
chel I!. Hewitt, was horn April 8, 1800, in Boz-
rah, Conn. He married in 1830, Hannah Water-
man, who died May 30, 1833, leaving a son, Gar-
diner. The second wife of Mr. Avery, to whom he-
was married April 14, 1839, bore the maiden name
of Alice Tracy Abell. She was horn Nov. 30,
1810, and died Jan. 13. 1S55. Their children were
as follows: Hannah Waterman, horn Aug. 1. 1840,
died May 23, 1842; and Rachel Baldwin, horn Aug.
23, 1842, married Alden W. Hewitt. Mr. Avery
represented Bozrah in the State Legislature, and
the district one term in the State Senate.
JUDGE GEORGE ELY, an honored resident
of ( )ld Lyme, comes of a family which has been
prominent in the town since its earliest days. He is-
of the sixth o-eneration in direct descent from Rich-
ard Ely, the founder of the family in this country,
the line being as follows: Richard, Judge William,
Richard, Cullick, Charles, Judge George.
( hi Jan. 24, 1902, a monument to the memory
of the emigrant ancestor, Richard Ely, was erected
by his descendants in the Ely burying ground in
Lyme. The monument bears this inscription: "In
memory of Mr. Richard Ely, born about [610, in
Hampshire, England, came from Plymouth, Eng-
land, to Boston, Mass., in 1661, with his sons Rich-
ard and William. Afterward settled in Lyme, Con-
necticut, and there died November the 24th, 1684.
Children's children are the crown of old men. and
the glory of children are their fathers. The
descendants of Mr. Richard Ely and his wife Joane
of the seventh and eighth generations have erected
this monument A. D. 1901. In memory of Joane.
wife of Mr. Richard Ely, died in Plymouth January
the 7th, 1660. In memory of Elizabeth Fenwick
(relict of Capt. John Cullick) daughter of George
Fenwick of Brinkburne, Northumberland, and Dor-
othy Foster, his wife, horn . married to Mr.
Richard Ely, in Boston, 1664. Died in Lyme No-
vember the T2th, 1683." This monument was
erected by the following contributors: Hon. Smith
Ely, Xew York: Rev. Wm. Ely, 1). 1).. German-
town, I'a. : Miss Maud I. Ely, Avon, Conn.; Wm.
D. Ely, Providence: Charlotte M. Ely. Hartford:
Rev. Foster Ely, 1). D., Ridgefield, Conn.: Mrs.
Gertrude S. Ely. Watertown. X. V.; Henry G. Ely.
Xew York; Elizabeth 1'. Ely, New York; Col.
Israel Matson, Lyme; Chas. F. Ely, Lyme; Wm.
H. Ely. Jr.. Philadelphia; Mrs. Fanny Ely,
New York; Emily ( .'. Curtis, Hartford; George
Ely, Lyme; Bradford L. Crocker, Boston;
Richard Fenwick Ely, Avon, Conn.; Mrs.
Godfrey Dunscomhe, Xew Haven ; William Ely,
Providence; Theo. X. Ely, Philadelphia; Fred, G.
Ely. New York ; Horace S. Ely, Xew York ; ( leorge
P. Ely, Xew York; Mrs. Mary E. Lord. Essex;
Prof. Nath. M. Terry, Annapolis; Wm. 11. Ely,
Beverly, X. J.; Mrs. [srael Matson. Lyme; Mrs.
John M. Holcombe, Hartford: L. C. Gates, Hart-
ford; Mai. Louis R. Cheney, Hartford.
( I ) Richard Ely, great-great-great-grandfather
86o
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
of Judge George Ely, was born in Hampshire, Eng-
land, and came to America between the years 1660
and 1663. He lived for a time in Boston, and then
settled in Lyme, which, in 1660 was a part of Say-
brook. He married (first) Joane, who died Jan. 7,
[660, in Plymouth, England, and (second) in 1664,
Elizabeth ( Fenwick ) Cullick, widow of Capt. John
Cullick, a prominent man in the Connecticut Col-
ony. The interests of his wife who, with her broth-
er, owned large estates near the month of the Con-
necticut river, which required care and supervision,
led to Mr. Ely's settlement at Lyme.
(II) Judge William Ely, son of Richard, and
great-great-grandfather of (ieorge, was baptized in
1647, and died Feb, 23, 1717. He married May 12,
1 68 1, Elizabeth Smith, who died Oct. 10, 1750,
aged eighty-nine years. Judge William Ely came
to America somewhat later than his father. He set-
tled in Lyme, and for many years was judge of the
county court of New London.
(III) Richard Ely, son of Judge William and
great-grandfather of Judge (ieorge, was born in
Lyme in 1690, and died in 1767. He married (first)
in 1714 Ruhama Thompson, who was born in [693,
and (second) in 1730, .Margaret Olcott, who was
born in 1705. He held a military commission during
the French and Indian war, and at the time of the
siege of Louisburg. in 1745. His death occurred
in [767, during a visit to relatives of his wife in
Hartford, and he was buried in East Hartford.
(IV) Cullick Ely, son of Richard and grandfa-
ther of Judge (ieorge. was born in 1733, and mar-
ried Jan. 5, 1758. Sarah Foote. She was born Jan.
28, 1731, daughter of Josiah and Sarah (Wells)
Foote, of Colchester, and died Aug. 29, 1821. The
children of Cullick and Sarah (Foote) Ely were:
David, Cullick, Eleazer, Eunice, Sarah, Russell,
Charles and Joseph. Cullick Ely was a farmer by
occupation, and was made ensign of the 3d com-
pany of the alarm lists in the town of Lyme, in the
3d regiment of the State. His death occurred in
1824.
(V) Charles Fly, son of Cullick and father of
Judge (ieorge, was born at Ely's Ferry in 1774, and
died Dee. 19, 1854. He was educated in his native
town, and as a young man was engaged as a mer-
chant in Flartford. During the later years of his
father's life he returned to Lyme and cared for
him, and carried on the home farm. He married,
in 1796, Elizabeth Perkins, daughter of Abraham
and Elizabeth (Ely) Perkins, who was born in
1778. and died in 1858. Their children were as
follows: Miranda, born in 1797; Charles Frederick,
born in 1799. who married Henrietta M. Shaille,
and died in 1844: Elizabeth Perkins, born in 1802,
who married S. Ely ; Abraham P., who married a
Miss Griffin ; Samuel Cullick, born in 1810, who
married in 1843, Sarah F. Brockway : David, born
in t8i2, who died in 18T3 ; Ulysses and Alfred
(twins), born in 1815, of whom Ulysses married
Henrietta Von Breton, and Alfred married, in 1842.
Carolina Lydia Field: George, born in 1817, who is
mentioned below ; and David Alexander, born in
1820, who died in 1876.
(VI) Judge (ieorge Ely, son of Charles, was
born at Ely's Ferry, Lyme, Oct. 29, 1817. His
early school days were spent in Lyme, and later
he attended Bacon Academy, in Colchester, and
Hill's Academy, in Essex, Conn. In 1845 ne entered
the law office of Orlando Hastings, of Rochester,
X. Y., and was admitted to the Bar in that State.
He practiced for a time in Rochester, and then in
Chicago, 111. At the outbreak of the Civil war he
went to Washington, D. C, and in December,
[861, succeeded in obtaining the release of his
brother, Alfred, who had been taken prisoner at the
battle of Bull Run, the July previous. Alfred Ely
was exchanged for a Mr. Faulkner. During the
war Judge Ely remained in Washington, entering
the army as quartermaster and being stationed at
the arsenal. He was mustered out of the service
with the rank of captain. ( hi the close of the war
he went South, locating in Montgomery, Ala.,
where, through Major Swayne, military governor
of the State, he entered the government employ as
chief of registration in Montgomery county. He
was a member of the constitutional convention
which formed the constitution under the Recon-
struction act of Congress. At the first election he
was made probate judge of Montgomery county,
which office he held for about seven years. After
a residence of ten years in the South, Judge Ely re-
turned in 1875 to Old Lyme, where he has since
made his home.
Judge Ely married, Dec. 11, 1855, Marianne
Page, who was born June 25, 1834, at Haverhill,
Mass., daughter of Abel and Marianne (Kimball)
Rage. To the Judge and his wife have been born
the following children : Elizabeth Page, born in
1856; and (ieorge Rage, born in 1879, who is in
business with Deering, Milliken & Co., wholesale
cloth merchants, Leonard street, New York City.
FRANK CHAPMAN, whose death occurred
June 7, 1904, was a prominent and well-known
farmer of Poquonock, in the town of Groton. Mr.
Chapman was born April 24, 1836, in Westerly,
R. I., son of William R. Chapman, who was also
born at Westerly. The Chapman family is of Eng-
lish extraction, and for several generations has been
resident in Rhode Island.
Summer Chapman, the great-grandfather of our
subject, came from England, and was a weaver by
trade. His remains lie in the old burving-ground
near Burden's Pond, at Westerly, R. I. On Feb.
23, 1756, he was married to Elizabeth Herrick, and
they had the following family of children born to
them: John, born Jan. 13, 1758; Timothy, May 28,
1760: Elizabeth. Dec. 12, 1762: Summer, April 23,
1765; Joseph, July 28, 1767; Israel, June 27, 1770;
and Case, Dec. 28, 1772.
Joseph Chapman, son of the emigrant, was born
FRANK CHAPMAN
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
861
July 28, [767, and died June 22, [856. He was
twice married. His hrst wife was Elizabeth Ken-
yon. On Jan. 7, [826, lie married (second) Eunice
Chapman, horn .May 21, 1777. His children were:
John, Benjamin, Joseph, Betsey Ann, William R.,
Mary C, Rouse and Emeline R., the last named
living to the great age of ninety-three years and
three months.
William R. Chapman, son of Joseph, was a
prominent farmer at Westerly, and for some years
was town tax collector. His death occurred May 11,
1878. His hrst wife, Sall_\' Ann Hiscox, daughter
of Clarke and Mary Hiscox. died in November,
1841). Their children were: William Hiscox was
a hotel keeper at Westerly, R. I., being proprietor
of the Dixon House at time of his death, which oc-
curred Oct. 3. 187^; Mary Elizabeth, deceased, mar-
ried Isaac 1'. Gavitt; Frank: Clarke H. was a
farmer near Pawcatuck, and died .March 3, 1901 ;
Martha J., married Capt. Isaac 1\ Gavitt, and died
( let. 10, l8<j 1 : Julia A. died July 7, 1892, the wife
(if ( irlando R. Smith; ( His 1'. resides at Westerly,
R. 1.; Sarah A. 1'. married Orlando R. Smith, and
died in Westerly. William R. Chapman, for his sec-
ond wife, married Lavina Sherman, and their chil-
dren were Sophia, deceased; Emma C, deceased
wife of Manford O. Kingsley; and Lucy E., de-
ceased wife of Horace E. Miner.
Frank Chapman was educated in the schools at
Westerly, and remained at home until over thirty
years of age. Before leaving his native place he
worked for a few months for Capt. Isaac P. Gavitt.
In 1869 he came to the town of Groton to conduct,
for one year, the farm of A. S. Hatch, of New York,
a position he filled for ten years. In 1879 he bought
this farm, which is locally known as the "Capt. lien
jamin Burrows farm." In addition to this fine prop-
erty Mr. Chapman owned the Daniels farm in Dis-
tricts 7 and 3, and also the Buddington farm in
District Xo. 3, his acreage aggregating more than
300 acres, and also had financial interests at Groton
Rank. Mr. Chapman always lived an industrious
life and accumulated a large property. The first
$1,000 he ever earned was between the years twenty-
one and thirty, and this he lost through the falling
in value of railroad stock.
On May 11, 1871, Mr. Chapman married Jennie
Wilson, who was reared from the age of four years
by Deacon Stiles Stanton, of Stonington. Two chil-
dren were horn to this union, namely: Jennie J.,
widow of Orlando R. Smith, of Westerly, R. I.,
and the mother of three sons. Franklin Chapman,
Isaac Gallup and Edward Wilson; ami Sara A..
of Poquonock.
Mr. Chapman was never particularly interested
in politics, beyond the regular casting of his vote.
He always performed the duties of a good citizen,
and assisted in local movements of improvement,
hut he never accepted any public office except that
of school trustee. lie was a man held in much
esteem in Groton, and was one of the most substan-
tial men of this section, not only leaving a handsome
estate, hut the priceless heritage of a name unsullied.
He was buried in River Bend cemetery at Westerly,
Rhode Island.
NORMAN I.. DRAKE, Al. 1).. one of the
prominent young physicians of New London
county, Conn., and a leading resident of Stoning-
ton borough, was horn Dec. 1, [869, in Southamp-
ton, L. I., son of Almond and Annie (Squires)
Drake, and a descendant of the well known Long
Island family of that name.
Dr. Drake spent his boyhood days in Southamp-
ton, L. I., attending public school, and further con-
tinuing his studies under private tuition. Later lie
took ii]) the study of medicine, for which he always
had a decided bent, and entering the College of
Physicians and Surgeons at Baltimore, Aid., he pur-
sued his studies for one year. He finished his medi-
cal course at the University of the City of New
York, with the class of 1891.
The succeeding two and one-half years were
spent by Dr. Drake in Bellevue hospital and the
City hospital 011 Ward's Island. Xew York. In
November, 1803, he began practice in Lebanon,
Conn., where he successfully followed his profes-
sion until [901, when he removed to Stonington
borough that he might have a larger field for prac-
tice, and he has since resided there, building up a
large and growing practice and meeting with pro-
nounced success.
Dr. Drake is a member of the Xew London
County and State Medical Societies. Fraternally
he is a .Mason, holding membership in that organi-
zation in Xew York State. Socially, as well as
professionally. Dr. Drake is very popular, and he
keeps himself thoroughly abreast of medical ad-
vancement. While practicing his profession in Leb-
anon, Conn., he served that town for several years as
town health officer and town physician.
Dr. Drake was married, Nov. 6, 1896, in Leb-
anon, Conn., to Edith A I., daughter of the late Dr.
Charles Sweet, Jr., of Lebanon, and granddaughter
of the late Dr. Charles Sweet. Sr., of the famous
family of hone-setters, an extended mention of
whom will be found elsewhere.
CAPT. JASON L. RANDALL, one of the
substantial and well known citizens' of Groton,
Conn., is a representative of an old Xew England
family, and a descendant in the eighth generation
from its progenitor, John Randall.
( I ) John Randall came from England in [666,
and first settled at Newport, I\. 1.. whence, like
many Others at that time, he located in Stonington,
• 01111. In his family was a son,
( II ) Stephen, who also had a son,
(III) Stephen (2). and whose son.
(IV) Samuel Randall was the progenitor of
the famil) on Long [sland, where he settled as early
as 1738-39. His first purchase of kind there was
862
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
along- the Peconic River, in 1741. Through what
channel or by what influences Samuel Randall was
attracted to Long Island is not definitely known,
but lie evidently had a desire for large landed es-
estates. a weakness which has been inherited by
many of his worthy descendants, who are, and for
generations have been, numbered among the best
citizens in that section. Samuel Randall soon after
began to purchase land of the individual proprie-
tors, who had drawn it in a division made in 1729.
This tract, known as the Washing River Great Lots,
was an expanse of unbroken, wild land, about seven
miles long and four miles wide. The part of it
purchased by Samuel Randall was considerably
more than a thousand acres in extent, and lay in the
midst of the tract. For fertility of soil and health-
ful location it was well chosen, much of it being an
elevated plateau, from which circumstance it was
named the Ridge. The will of Samuel Randall was
approved Dec. 5. 1786. His wife, who was Joanna
Kaiser, of Lebanon, Conn., bore him two daughters
and one son.
( Y ) Stephen Randall, son of Samuel, married
Elizabeth, daughter of Stephen Swezey, the first
settler at Swezeytown. A road subsequently opened
between the two homes, was, for unexplained rea-
son-,, given the name of Whiskey Road, which it
retains to this day. Stephen and Elizabeth Randall
had four sons, William. John. Jeremiah and Jeffrey.
Stephen served in the Revolutionary war, and Capt.
Jason L. Randall, of Groton, owns the firearms
carried by the old patriot. Of the above mentioned
four sons, the present sketch deals with Jeremiah,
the progenitor of Capt. Randall.
(VI) Jeremiah Randall was born March 28,
1771. and reared on Middle Island, near Port Jef-
ferson, L. I., where he was engaged in farming,
and was also interested in the coasting trade. His
first wife was Dorothy Sweezey, who died without
issue. His second wife and the mother of his chil-
dren, was Rebecca Corwin, whom he married Dec.
18, 18 10. She was born Dec. 10, 1782, on Long
Island. The children that lived to adult ages were
as follows : Dorothy, who married George Bishop ;
Sylvester, who for man}- years ran a sloop packet
between Port Jefferson, L. I., and Bridgeport,
Conn.; Hannah Mariah, who married James Reeve;
Mary, who married a Lewis Monroe; Austin D.,
lather of our subject; J. Buel, who was one of the
leading merchants of Port Jefferson in his day;
Phoebe, who married Jonas B. Wood, later a Mr.
Mathews; and two sons, Lewis and Jason, died in
1822 and 1836, respectively, and unmarried.
(VII) Austin D. Randall was born March 8.
1818, at the old homestead on Middle Island. In
early life he went to sea, but the greater portion of
his existence was passed engaged in farming on
the old homestead, and in furnishing ship timber.
On May 20, 1841. he married Mary E. Rich, who
was born July 20, 1821. and they had a family of
ten children, two of whom died in childhood. (1)
Joseph Lewis, born Feb. 20, 1842. the eldest, at the
age of twenty-two, was drowned at Hilton Head,
S. C, in 1864, while engaged in the work of the
Christian Commission, caring for soldiers in the
Civil war. and he was buried at Beaufort, S. C.
(2) Henry M., born July 21, 1844, became a pros-
perous ship owner and master, and was an enter-
prising navigator, commanding some of the largest
class of sailing vessels. For several years he has
been retired from the quarter deck, and, residing
at Port Jefferson, has given a great deal of atten-
tion to the social, religious, financial and business
interests of that vicinity. He is a director in the
Moriches Bank at Moriches, L. L, the Northport
Bank, at Northport, L. I., and the Huntington Bank
at Huntington, L. I., being an organizer of each of
the above institutions. He is president of the Port
Jefferson Bank, the Electric Light Company, and
the Water Company, and is prominent in church and
Sunday-school work. He also served, until his res-
ignation Nov. I, 1904, as general manager of the
Empire State Realty Company, formerly at Xo.
258 Broadway. N. Y. Mr. Randall is vice-presi-
dent of the United Underwriters Insurance Com-
pany. Success has crowned his efforts, and as a
citizen he is a credit to the time honored name of
Randall in a locality where it has been prominent
for more than a century and a half. (3) Jeremiah
died when five years old. (4) Austin died at the
age of two. (5) Mary A. is the wife of Winfield
S. Davis, one of the most successful market garden-
ers of Coram, in the town of Brookhaven. (6)
Jerome J. chose the sea as his field of labor, and he
lost his life by falling off the mast head on the
schooner "Glenwood" in 1873, lying at Edgartown,
Mass. (7) Jason L. is mentioned below. (8) Susan
married Capt. William G. Bishop, the energetic
master of a large merchant vessel, who has a fine
home at Port Jefferson. L. I. (9) Robert F., twin
to Susan, is a well to do farmer on the old home-
stead. ( 10) Charity, the youngest of the family,
married Capt. Elmer W. Davis, of Amityville. L. I.,
and died in 1894. The father of this family died
April 18. 1893, the mother surviving until March
4, 1901.
Capt. Jason L. Randall, well and favorably
known among sea-faring men for more than a
quarter of a century, was born Nov. 6. 1856, on
Middle Island, the home of his ancestors. He has
come of a race who have preserved to a remarkable
degree certain characteristics which are noticeable
in every generation. Hardy sons of toil, they evinced
that indifference to hardships, that restless activity,
and that unflinching determination which commands
success. Their type is not that of the phlegmatic
Dutchman, but of the active, pushing, Anglo-Saxon
pioneer, whose choice in war would not be to lay
siege and blockade, but to fall upon the enemy's
works with broadside or volley, and charge at the
point of the bayonet. Among such men is rarely
found indolence or effeminacv ; on the other hand,
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
863
they are pos - of robust constitutions and vig-
orous physical frames. While often credited with
more than average shrewdness in driving a bargain,
they are equally credite 1 with faithfulness in execut-
ing a contract when once made. A strong religious
under-current runs in the blood, and no other name
lias been more uniformly loyal in the support of
the local church during the last century and a half,
than that of Randall.
Born and reared among the traditions of such
an ancestry. Captain Randall received his education
at the public schools of his home neighborhood, and
the Port Jefferson high school. An inbred love of
the strenuous life led him to ship, .March 22, 1873,
on the "Glenwood," upon which lie came near being
killed by an accident at the time his brother Jerome
J. lost his life. In 1874 we find him on the schooner
"Mabel Thomas,*' of New Haven, where he re-
mained until the winter of 1876. On Jan. 8th, of
that year, he shipped as second officer on the "Hat-
tie V. Kelsey." of Xew Haven, and March 21, 1877,
as first officer of the "Kate Wentworth," of Castine,
Maine. Later he shipped as chief mate and naviga-
tor of the "Elizabeth De Hart," of Bath, Maine.
From ( )ct. 15, 1877, to Aug. 19, 1880, he wais chief
mate, and from the latter date to May 17, 1887, was
the captain of the "Hattie V. Kelsey.'* From June
1, 1887, to December, 1890, he was captain of the
"Florence Randall," of Xew Haven. The "Man-
Adelaide Randall," built for Captain Randall, and
named in honor of his daughter, was launched at
Rath. Maine. Jan. 6. 1891. He was the managing
owner of the "Florence Randall," and of the "Lucy
H. Russell" which was lost in July, 1903, and he
controlled many vessels in the coal, ice and lumber
trade. He is, however, disposing of his vessel in-
terests, and is engaged in managing his other affairs.
In 1883, Captain Randall located in Groton, Conn.,
where he has since resided.
( )n Nov. 2. 1880, Capt. Randall was most hap-
pily married at Ledyard, Conn., to Henrietta Ade-
laide Stoddard, who was bora at Ledyard. daughter
of Stephen and Henrietta (Allyn) Stoddard, and
she traces her ancestry to the "Mayflower" through
seven different lines. One son and one daughter
have been born to them, namely: Henry Dennison,
born July 20. 1881 ; and Mary Adelaide, horn Feb.
27, 1887. The former was graduated in June, 10,02,
from Amherst College, and has since been employed
by the Westinghouse Electric Company.
In 1872 Captain Randall became a member of
the Presbyterian Church on Middle Island, and upon
removal to Groton, in 1883, he joined the Congre-
gational Church, of which he is one of the deacons.
He was largely instrumental in the erection of the
beautiful and artistic new stone church edifice, at
Groton. Since becoming a resident of Groton, Cap-
tain Randall has manifested a keen interest in the
material progress and. development of the town.
in which he has taken the part of a public spirited
citizen.
In religions matters, especially, hi- activity has
been marked, in fact, any movement having for its
object the advancement of that cause has found in
him a stanch supporter and liberal contributor.
Politically (apt. Randall R a Republican. Frater-
nally he is a member of the A. ( ). I'. \Y. ; of the
Xew York Marine society, the order of the Golden
Cross and of the American Shipmasters' Associa-
tion.
CHARLES H. MAI XI-:, of North Stonington,
and one of the most extensive and substantial farm-
ers of the town, comes of a representative agricul-
tural family of this part of the State.
Simeon X. Maine, his grandfather, was a resi-
dent of District Xo. 6, North Stonington, where he
followed farming all his life. He married Martha
York, who later became the wife of Deacon Stan-
ton. Their children were: Prentice; Joan, who
married a Mr. Wolfe; Richard II.; Phebe, who
married Dudley Mitchell: Huldah, who married
Zebulon Miner; Adam; and Christopher.
Richard II. Maine was born Feb. 2j, 1809, in
District Xo. 6, and died Sept. 24, 1901. He mar-
ried Abby Stanton, who was horn Nov. 24. 1805,
and who died Sept. 9, 1851. They had children as
follows : (1) George Washington was born Dec. 28,
[833. He resided in Columbia, Tolland county,
and was a member of the Legislature, and he died
April 27, 1904. RIe married Lucy R. Miner, and
the}" had these children, George H. (deceased),
Minnie J. and S. Pearl. (2) Charles Henry was
horn Jan. 3, 1837. (3) Frances Eliza, horn June
15, 1840, resides at Plainfield, Conn.; she married
William S. Rabcock, and has children, William P.,
Nellie F., Annie, Stephen, Calla and Teller. | 4 |
Mary Abby, bora July 26, 1844, resides at Xor-
wich, Conn., widow of Deacon George Avery. (5)
John Dean, born Aug. 14, 1846, died Sept. 1. 1851.
Richard Maine was reared on the home farm.
but after marriage removed to District Xo. 1. of
North Stonington, and there engaged in farming.
The last few years of his life were passed with his
son, Charles H. He was a life-long Democrat. He
was a worthy member of the Second Baptist
Church of North Stonington.
Charles Henry Maine was horn on the home
farm in North Stonington, and spent his early
school days in District No. 1. lie engaged first in
farming in District Xo. 9, on the Ephraim Wheeler
farm, and then went to Taugwaunk. on the Capt.
C. II. Smith in Stonington. In the spring of 1S66 he
came to his present farm, which he bought of Capt.
Richard Wheeler, and has lived there continuously.
In North Stonington Mr. Maine married Louisa
Miner, daughter of Rainier M. Miner, and they
have had these children: Alice, who married Dea-
con Thomas W. Avery, of Eastern Point; Abb) C,
who married Rev. John (i. Stanton, son of Giles
Stanton, of Groton, Conn., and had these children,
Gladys Esther, Ruth Marcella and a son that died
864
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
in infancy; Mattie, who married Frank R. Greene,
resides at Saylesville, R. L, and had three children,
Beatrice, Florence (deceased) and Edwin M.; and
Charles E., of Plainfield, Conn. The mother of
these children died Sept. 12, 1875. Mr. Maine mar-
ried (second) March 30, 1877. Lovisa Miner, twin
sister of his first wife.
Mr. Maine has been a very prominent man in
this part of Connecticut for a number of years. For
some years he has been highway surveyor, has been
a member of the board of relief, for nineteen years
has. been selectman of North Stonington, and was a
member of the State Legislature during the sessions
of 1883 and 1887. His colleagues from New Lon-
don county included Col. William H. Bentley, and
Bryan F. Mahan of Xew London, N. Douglass
Sevin of Norwich (now of the State Pharmacy
Commission), Eben P. Couch of Stonington, Ste-
phen A. Gardner of Xew London and E. Burrows
Brown of Stonington. During his last legislative
term Mr. Maine served on the State's Prison com-
mittee.
EDW 1 N I IY R( )N GALLUP. The Gallup fam-
ily was planted in Xew England in the days of the
earliest Colonies, and representatives of it were in
Connecticut but a few years later. .Members in each
generation have played conspicuous parts in the
Indian wars, the Revolution, and in affairs of State.
( 1 ) John Gallup came to America from the
parish of Mosterne, Dorsetshire. England, sailing
from Plymouth in 1630, in the ship "Mary and
John," and arriving at what is now Hull. His wife
Christobel and children followed in 1633. Mr. Gal-
lup was a son of John Gallup, and a
grandson of Thomas and Agnes ( Watkins)
Gallup, of North Bowood and Strode, and
whose descendants still own and occupy the Manors
of Strode. John ( iallup, the emigrant, went first to
Dorchester, and soon after to Boston, where both
himself and wife were admitted to the First Church
in 1634. He owned Gallup's Island. He was a
skillful mariner, and achieved distinction by piloting
the ship "Griffin" in September, 1633, through a
newly found channel, when she had on board Rev.
John Cotton. Rev. 1 nomas Hooker, Rev. Mr. Stone
and others among her 200 passengers. Mr. Gallup
died in Boston, Jan. it, 1655, and his wife died
there Sept. 27, 1655. Their children were: John,
Samuel and Nathaniel.
(II) Capt. John Gallup (2). born in England,
came to this country in 1633. He married at Bos-
ton, in 1643, Hannah, daughter of John and Mar-
garet Lake. Mr. Gallup became distinguished as
an Indian warrior. It is supposed he was with his
father and assisted him in the capture of John ( )ld-
ham's vessel off Block Island. He was engaged
with his father and with Massachusetts forces in the
Pecpiot war, and for his services the General Court
of Connecticut, in 167 1, gave him a grant of 100
acres of land, and in 1650 or 1651 he came to New
London. He was also given other tracts of land,,
and in 1654 he with his family removed to the east
side of the Mystic river, now' Stonington. He rep-
resented the town in the General Court in 1665 and
1667. Capt. Gallup, at the head of the Mohegans,
joined the New London County Company, under
Capt John Mason, of Norwich, "and with others of
the Colonies was engaged in the fearful Swamp
fight at Narragansett Dec. 19, 1675. Here while at
the head of his men storming the fort Mr. Gallup
was one of the six captains who fell in the fight.
His children were: Hannah, John, Esther, Benadam,
William, Samuel, Christobel, Elizabeth, Mary and
Margaret.
(Ill) John Gallup (3), born in about 1646,
was a son of gallant Capt. John (2). He made his
home in Stonington, where he wedded Elizabeth
Harris. Their children were: John, Thomas, Mar-
tha, Samuel, Elizabeth, Nathaniel, William and
Benjamin.
( IV) Nathaniel Gallup, born July 4, 1682, mar-
ried June 4, 1717, Margaret Gallup,' born May 11,
1698, daughter of Benadam and Hester (Prentiss)
Gallup, and resided in Stonington, Conn., on the
Greenman farm, near the residence of Warren
Lewis. They united with the Congregational
Church, Stonington, July 20, 1718. He died April
3, 1739, ancl slie died March 2, 176T. Their children
were: Nathaniel, born April 29, 1718; John, born
Jan. 29, 1720: Thomas. April 19, 1722; Mercy, born
April 7, 1725; Margaret, born Oct. 12. 1730;
Martha, born July 30, 1733; and Benjamin, born
July 26, 1736.
(V) Benjamin Gallup, son of Nathaniel, was
born in Stonington July 26, 1736, and on Jan. 20,
17'^, in \ oluntown, he was married to Amy Kinne,
by the Rev. Levi Hart. Thirteen children were
born of this union: Nathaniel, born Jan. 14, 1765;
Zeuriah, born Jan. 20, 1767; Thomas, born Nov.
20, 1768, died Feb. 3, T770; Amy, born April 27,
1770: Mercy, born April 17, 1772; Benjamin, born
May 25, 1774: Lucy, born May 17, 1776; Martha,
born April 16, 1778; Esther, born April 17, 1780;
Margaret, born Nov. 18, 1782; Cynthia, born Dec.
22, 1784; Eunice, born March 8, 1787; and Ketu-
rah, born Feb. 22, 1790.
(VI) Benjamin Gallup (2), son of Benjamin,
was born in Voluntown May 25, 1774, and he made
his home in his native town, where he became a
prosperous farmer and large land holder. He also
engaged in the lumber business for ship building,
shipping the timber to Mystic. He died on his home
farm, and was buried in the family burying ground
on the homestead. In religion he was a member of
the Baptist Church, and in politics he was a Jackson
Democrat. ( )n Jan. 30, 1806, by Elder Peleg Ran-
dall, he was married to Huldah Gallup, who also
died on the old farm in the faith of the Baptist
Church, and was buried in the family cemetery
there. Two children were born of this union : Amy,
born June 13, 1808, married Benjamin Gallup, and
&. /?&**** £+&/
T
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
86*
resided in Voluntown ; and Benjamin was born July
IO. i8it.
(VII) Benjamin Gallup (3), son of Benjamin
(2), was born on the old Gallup farm, and he re-
ceived a good substantial district school education.
For several terms he taught school in Voluntown
and vicinity, but like bis father he early became en-
gaged in farming. He also engaged in shipping
lumber for ship building', to Mystic, Conn., and
Westerly, R. I. Becoming quite active in public
affairs, he held a number of town offices, and was
selectman for several terms, member of the board
of relief, school visitor, justice of the peace, and he
was also the representative to the State Legislature
for two terms. His official career was an enviable
one. maintaining, as he did. in every instance, the
high standard of an ideal public servant, whose per-
sonal affairs are set aside for the public good. He
died on his farm Sept. 2, [891, at the age of four
score, and was buried in the family cemetery on the
farm. In Voluntown, Oct. 30, 1831, Benjamin
Gallup (3) was married to Caroline Kinne. a de-
scendant of an old and highly respected family.
She died on Nov. 15. 1874. aged sixty-one years, a
noble Christian woman devoted to her home and
family. Seven children blessed this union, namely :
Laura C, who married Avery A. Stanton, of Ster-
ling. Conn.: Benjamin S., who resides in Sprague;
Miss Amy, who lives on the homestead; Edwin
Byron, who died in infancy; Edwin Byron, our sub-
ject: Origen S.. born Dec. 31, 1849, a,K' residing on
the homestead : and Albert, who resides in Hart-
ford. Benjamin Gallup was again married, Sept.
18, 1878, to Miss Fidelia Chapman, who survives
him and resides on the homestead.
(VIII) Edwin Byron Gallup, one of Volun-
town's leading agriculturists, and at the presen*
time serving as first selectman, is one of the well
known citizens of that section of New London
county. He was born on the old Gallup homestead
Aug. 13, 1846. His educational advantages were
comprised in attendance at the district schools, a
select school and East Greenwich (R. I.) Academy.
His home training was in the line of farm work,
and he worked there during the summers during his
school career, and after that while teaching.
He taught school for thirty terms in Voluntown,
Sterling and Griswold. He spent three years in
Sprague on a farm with his brother Benjamin, but
in 1874 he returned to Voluntown, and bought the
Allen Gordon farm, and also the Nathan Briggs
farm, operating altogether 190 acres of land. He
engaged extensively in the dairy business and in
stock raising, proving himself a thoroughly practi-
cal farmer and man of business.
Although Mr. (iallup's personal interests have
been extensive, and lie has been obliged to give them
careful attention, he has taken an active- part in
public affairs. Politically he is a stanch Republican,
and for a number of years has filled the office of
ctman for Voluntown, was three terms firsl
55
selectman, and has been a member of the board of
relief, the school board, and through his intelligent
interest in school matters, has been school visitor.
In [876 he was elected a re resentative to the State
Legislature, and in Mjoi was elected a delegate td
the State' Constitutional Convention, lie has per-
formed his duties with care and fidelity, and his in-
tegrity has never been questioned.
Fraternally Mr. Gallup is well known. He be-
longs to Ekonk Grange, of which he is serving his
fourth term as master, and he has served as over-
seer three years; and he also belongs to Ouinebaug
Pomona Grange. So well posted is he in grange
work that he is frequently called upon to do the
work in installing new officers. He is a member of
Volunteer Lodge, No. 27, A. O. U. W., of Volun-
town, of which he is trustee; James Pike Council,
No. 86, O. U. A. M.. Sterling, in which he has
passed all the chairs, and filled the office of Coun-
cilor.
On October 18. 1870, in Hopkinton, R. I..
Mr. Gallup married H. Mary Burdick, who was1
born in Hopkinton, daughter of Welcome C. Bur-
dick. She was given fine educational advantages,
supplementing her public school work with a course
in Ashaway Academy, and she became a success-
ful teacher in Rhode Island and in Voluntown. She
is an active worker in Sterling Hill Baptist Church,
while her husband is a Congregationalism With
him she belongs to Ekonk Grange, and Ouinebaug
Pomona Grange, and in the former she has served
as lecturer. Mr. and Mrs. Gallup have had six chil-
dren : ( 1) Ella Adelaide, who was educated in Vol-
untown. Conn, and Westerly, R. I., and in the
Normal School at Willimantic, and became a suc-
cessful teacher in Voluntown and Sterling, mar-
ried Charles E. Hopkins, of Plainfield, and has-twd
children, Harold Browning and Charles Edwin.
(2) Caroline Lockwood died at the age of ten years.
( 3 ) Edwin Stuart is engaged in the meat business;
and resides at Plainfield. (4) Clark Benjamin, who
was educated in Bryant & Stratton's business col-
lege, at Providence, is now engaged in farming; he
married Flora Frink, and has one child, Raymond
Clark. (5) Esther Grant is a student in Killingly
High School. (6) Everett Byron is at home.
DANIEL T. FELLER. The authentic records
of the family of which Daniel T. Fuller is a worthy
representative, reach as far back in American his-
tory as [638, prior to which time Robert Fuller came
from England in the ship "Bevis." In the year
mentioned he was at both Salem and Rehoboth,
Mass. His wife Sarah, died Oct. 14. [676, and his
second marriage was to Margaret Walker, who died
Jan. 30, 1700. His children were: Jonathan, born
1640; Elizabeth, [645; John, 1647; Samuel. 1649;
Abigail. [653 ; and Benjamin, 1657.
(II) Benjamin Fuller, son of Robert, was born
in Salem, Mass., in [657, and in [685 married Judith
Smith, who was born Jan. 23, [658. His father
866
GENEALOGICAL AMD BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
deeded land to him, located in Rehoboth, at bis
majority, and at bis marriage, and this became his
home and there he died Jan. 2j, r~i i . His residence
was about three miles from Seekonk, where the
first settler was buried. Benjamin lived for several
years in Salem, Mass., and there several of his chil-
dren were born. These children were: Benjamin,
born Feb. 25, 1687; John, 1689; Mary, 1691 ; Eliza-
abeth, Feb. n, 1695; Amos, Oct. 25, 1699; Joshua,
May 15, 1701 ; and Abiel, Sept. 29, 1704.
(III) Abiel Fuller, son of Benjamin, came ro
Lebanon, Conn., at the age of twenty-two years, and
on Sept. i. 1726, bought land of his older brother
Benjamin, on which he lived and died, his death
occurring June 13, 1796. He was a man of small
stature but was sturdy and strong of limb, and lived
in remarkable vigor until after his ninetieth year.
His activity of mind corresponded with that of bis
body. He was the dominating spirit in any society,
either young or old, and carried such good cheer in
his conversation and manner, that boys hailed the
little white-headed old man of four-score and more
as the j oiliest companion they could tind. Thus said
one of those same boys, who himself was ninety
years old. Abiel Fuller was married (first) in 1728
to Sarah Closson, who died Sept. 6, 1730. He mar-
ried (second) Dec. 19, *i~$2, Hannah Porter, who
died April T2, 1786, and their children were: Abiel
and Sarah (twins), born Aug. 29, 1734, died in
1748; Anna, born May 26, 1736, died in 1814; Abiel,
born March 6, 1739.
(IV) Abiel Fuller, Jr., son of Abiel. was born
in Lebanon, Conn., and his whole life was spent on
the farm which had been left to him as a heritage
from his father, and which is in the possession of
his descendants to this day. Abiel Fuller was a
very" industrious man of retiring habits, and was
thoroughly respected by all who knew him. His
death occurred in 18 13, when he was aged about
seventy-five years. From his marriage witb Eleanor
Henry, these children were born: (i) Silas, born
Sept. 22. 1774. (2) Paul C, born Aug. 27, 1776,
married Nov. 3, 1801, Lydia J. Howard, and he
married (second) Phebe Polly; (3) John H., born
in 1780, first married Betsey Howard, and second
in 1818, T'olly ; (4) Betsey, born 1783, mar-
ried William Braley ; (5) Henry C, born Sept. 5,
1785. married Dorothy Clark. April 6, 1809; (6)
Warren, born 1790, died young: and (7) William,
born April [9, 1792. married Ian. 18, 1816, Nancy
C. Polly.
( V ) Silas Fuller, M. D., born Sept. 22, 1774,
son of Abiel, Jr., was a man of more than local
note, being a scholar and historian. With all his
studies outside of his profession Dr. Fuller was a
most successful physician with an extensive prac-
tice, making a specialty of nervous diseases, his
psychological studies greatly benefiting those
under his care and influence. In 1837 ne went to
Hartford, and there took charge of the Retreat for
the Insane, and was distinguished for his success in
treating and managing the afflicted, conducting this
establishment for ten years. His services were
called into requisition as a physician and surgeon in
the war of 1812. In 1797 he married Alinda Clark,
and a family of ten children were born to them, five
of whom (lied in childhood, the survivors being :
Silas, born in December, 1798, died in 1814, when
about to enter Yale: Warren A., born in November,
1800, was a physician and married Nancy A. Col-
lins: Zevah C, born Jan. 25, T804, married Dr.
George P. Hawley, and died in 1833; Jonathan
Clark*, born in November, 1808 was the father of
our subject; and Samuel B., born in October, 1812,
married July 13. 1837, Lemira Little, and had chil-
dren, Charles, Samuel and Helen W. All of the
children of Dr. Silas Fuller were born in Columbia,
in the house on the Green, long known as the Dr.
Fuller place.
(VI) Jonathan Clark Fuller received his entire
schooling in the home schools, and while still a
young man began clerking, but soon after engaged
in merchandising for himself on Columbia Green.
He spent the latter years of his life at Liberty Hill
in Lebanon, and there died at the age of seventy-
three years. Politically he was a Democrat. Both
he and his wife were members of the Congrega-
tional Church, in which Mrs. Fuller was a most
devout and ardent worker. On Nov. 28, 1833, he
married Nancy A. Holbrook, and to them were
born: Nancy Adelia, born Dec. 4, 1834, was mar-
ried June 3, 1858, to Daniel P. Ticknor, of Willi-
mantic, and they have three children, George, Edith
and Carrie F. ; and Daniel T. and George B.,
twins, born Oct. 11, 1836.
(YII) George B. Fuller is a successful mer-
chant at Columbia Green. He married May 6. 1862,
Jane E. Clark, and they have children, as follows :
( 1) Lillian J., born Jan. 5, 1864, married Frederick
H. Avery, of East Hartford, and they have one
son; (2) Jennie L., born Nov. 5, 1865, married, in
1886, George F. Taylor, of Willimantic, and has
two children; (3) Raymond C. born Jan. 25, 1871,
died Dec. 20, 1887: (4) Lena May, born Aug. 7,
1S74, married in 1898, Otto B. Robinson, of Willi-
mantic, and is a vocalist, having been a singer in
Asylum Hill church in Hartford, also in the Willi-
mantic Congregational Church.
(All) Daniel T. Fuller was born in Columbia,
and attended the district school until the age of nine
years, and afterward went to Hartford and attended
a graded school then located on Market street, but
now replaced by a wholesale establishment. He com-
pleted his schooling at the well known Bacon Acad-
emy at Colchester. Soon after he began clerking
with his brother in the music store of John Ferris,
at Hartford, and was there at different periods for
several years. Later he traveled through southern
Connecticut in company with his brother, selling
musical instruments ; both of them being q-ood musi-
cians, they met with good success.- After quitting
the road he returned to the home farm in Columbia,
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
867
and later became a clerk in the store of his brother
at Columbia Green, subsequently becoming a part-
ner in the business. After some years he disposed
of his interest, and in 1867 he came to Liberty Hill
and established a general store. One year later he
bought out his only competitor, and has been en-
gaged in general store business since that time.
With the exception of ten years spent in a room
nearby, Mr. Fuller has occupied his present room
all the time, meeting with prosperity and main-
taining a good commercial standing. He is a Demo-
crat in political principle, but is not a strict party
man, and has never desired public office, although
he served as assessor in Lebanon. While residing
iri Columbia he served as postmaster under Presi-
dent Johnson, and at Liberty Hill during both terms
of President Cleveland. The post office has been in
his store nearly all of the time since his location
there.
Mr. Fuller has been twice married. On May
26, 1866, he wedded M. Amelia Post, who died in
1888; she was a daughter of Augustus Post, of
Columbia. No children were born of this union.
On Jan. 7, 1889, he married Ella G. Ford, daughter
of Leicester and Lucy (Burnham) Ford, and an aunt
of the late Paul Leicester Ford, the author. Mrs.
Fuller passed away Jan. 4, 1903. The children of
this union were: Kathleen T., born May 23, 1890;
Lawrence B., born Nov. 21, 1891, died Jan. 16,
1892; and Howard Ellsworth, born June 21, 1893.
Mr. Fuller is a member of the Columbia Congrega-
tional Church. Mrs. Fuller belonged to the same
denomination in Lebanon. She was as active in
church work as is Mr. Fuller, and was a kind-
hearted, charitable woman, devoted to her home
and family, who are held in high esteem.
ALBERT A. FOURNIER. A striking ex-
ample of what can be accomplished by a thorough-
going and energetic young man is afforded in the
career of Albert A. Fournier, proprietor of the
Troy Steam Laundry at Norwich. With scarcely
any educational advantages he has achieved suc-
cess in his chosen work and ranks among the lead-
ing men 'in his line in the State.
Mr. Fournier is a native of Canada, and a son
of Moses and Domitille (Mongeau) Fournier, a
record of the family being found elsewhere. Albert
A. Fournier was born Sept. 8, 1863, in Canada, and
his early boyhood days were spent there. He had
little or no opportunities for education, what he has
gathered in the way of schooling having been ac-
quired by observation and self study. At a very
early age he was put to work, and remained in Can-
ada until the age of thirteen, when he came to the
United States, and located at Springfield, Mass.
There he was employed in a needle factory, remain-
ing about three years, and then, in company with his
brother, Alexander, engaged in the laundry busi-
ness, at Springfield, under the name of Fournier
Bros. Thev continued in business successfullv to-
gether for a time, when the elder brother sold out
to Albert A., the latter conducting the business alone
for one year, when he took advantage of a good
offer to dispose of it. He then settled at Norwich,
and in 1890 established the Troy Steam Laundry at
his present location on Water street. When Mr.
Fournier began business in Norwich all his work
was done in one room, 40 x 40 feet, and he hired
only one helper. The business has increased from
the first, and now five rooms of the Lucas block are
utilized, steady employment being given to sixty
people. The machinery is modern and thoroughly
up-to-date. Five wagons are constantly in use, and
the local agencies extend as far east as the city of
Providence — in which place Mr. Fournier has agen-
cies— and as far north as Worcester and Blackstone,
Mass., in both of which places he has agents. He
makes it a rule to turn out only high-class work, and
by strictly fair and honest dealing, together with a
winning personality, he has succeeded in building up
a business which is by far the largest in Norwich,
and second to none in the State.
Politically Mr. Fournier is not bound by pari-
ties, voting for what he considers the best men and
issues. He is a member of the Knights of Pythias,
a charter member of the Norwich lodge of Elks,
and a charter member of the local Aerie of Eagles.
Mr. Fournier is an enthusiastic horseman and very
fond of a good animal. He owns one of the best
driving horses in the city of Norwich.
ARBA BROWNING, now residing on his
rugged 150-acre farm in the town of Griswold, one-
half mile south of Pachaug, possesses that deter-
mination of character and capacity for hard work
which are bound to make a man succeed in spite of
the most trying obstacles. He is a born leader, and,
though still young, has come to the front in his
farming and in the public affairs of his section. His
capacity for great achievements he has undoubtedly
inherited, coming as he does on both the father's
and mother's side, from some of the oldest and best
New England stock.
(I) Nathaniel Browning is of record in Rhode
Island as early as 1645, purchasing Oct. 23d of that
year a dwelling house and eight acres of land in
Warwick. In 1690 he purchased a "quarter of 20
acres" in Portsmouth, and between these dates he
is of record as buying and selling property. He
was made a freeman in 1655. He married Sarah,
daughter of William Freeborn, "and by him brought
from England." His children were: William and
Jane.
(II) William Browning married (first) Rebecca
Wilbur, and (second) Sarah , and both he
and his wife Sarah died in 1730. He lived in
Portsmouth and South Kingston. His children
were: Samuel, born nth mo. 9 da. 1688; Hannah
5 mo. 16 da. 1691 ; William. 7 mo. 29 da. 1693 ;
Sarah, 2 mo. 16 da. 1694; and John.
(III) John Browning, born March 4, 1696
868
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
(o. s. ), married, April 21, 1721, Anna, daughter of
Jeremiah and Sarah (Smith) Hazard, and lived in
South Kingston. Mr. Browning died in 1777, and
his wife, who was born in 1701, in 1770. Their
children were: Thomas, Jeremiah, Hannah, Sarah
Elizabeth, John, Ephraim, Martha, Ann, Mary
Abby, and Eunice. Of this family Thomas married
Mary Browning; and Jeremiah, Ruth Browning.
John was born Nov. 15, 1742; and Ephraim, Sept.
20, 1746. Mary Abby was married to Robert Cham-
plain ; Sarah Elizabeth, to Samuel Stanton ; Martha,
to Samuel Powers ; Hannah, to Robert Frink ;
Eunice, to Ged Clark ; and Ann, to John Browning.
(IV) John Browning (2), born Nov. 15, 1742,
married (first), Feb. 28, 1765, Mary Davis, who
died July 5, 1776; he married (second) Aug. 3,
1777, Eunice Williams, who was born Dec. 25,
1753, and died April 15, 1816; and he married
(third), Jan. 12, 1817, Elizabeth Boss, of East
Greenwich, Rhode Island. His children were :
Jedediah, born Sept. 4, 1767; John, born Oct. 20,
1770; George Hazard, born July 7, 1779 (died
April 26, 1795) ; Mary, born June 1, 1781 ; Eunice,
born June 4, 1783 ; Avery is mentioned below ; Jesse,
born Aug. 31, 1792; and George Williams, born
Aug. 10, 1796.
(V) Avery Browning, grandfather of Arba, born
in Exeter, Rhode Island, Feb. 8, 1786, married July
17, 1808, Mary, daughter of Peleg Arnold, and had
tlie following children: Arnold, born May 27, 1810,
married Amy James, and resided in Pontiac, R.
I. His children live in Providence. Hiram, born
Oct. 6, 1816, married Prudence Barnes, and lived
in Preston, Conn., where his widow and grandson
( His now reside. Beriah H. is mentioned below.
Eunice, born Dec. 27, 1824, died Feb. 6, 1831.
Clark, born March 10, 1829, died in 1892; he mar-
ried Lydia Reynolds, and lived in New Bedford,
Mass., where his widow now resides. Mr. Brown-
ing followed farming for an occupation, and in
March, 1834, purchased a place in Griswold, Conn.,
where he carried on this industry for many years.
He finally sold his property and moved to Preston ;
and he later resided in Norwich, with his son. He
was a man of considerable means, and was consid-
ered one of the most successful agriculturists of his
section. Prominent in public affairs he held many
town offices, and represented his place in the State
Legislature for some time. He was well informed
upon all public questions and modes of business,
and was often asked to draw up legal documents.
In religious sentiment he was a Baptist ; in politics,
an ardent Democrat of the old type. He died on
the Plain Hill farm in Norwich, May 9, 1865.
Hon. Beriah Hopkins Browning, for years one
of the leading citizens of Griswold, was born Sept.
13, 1819, and he died May 24, 1890. He was a man
of great force of character and clear discernment,
possessing what might be termed a legal mind,
which rendered him capable of performing public
duties easily and well without in the last neglect-
ing his business as a merchant or farmer. He was
born in Exeter. Rhode Island, and he remained un-
der the beneficent influences of a refined home un-
til he was twenty-one years old. By regular attend-
ance upon the common schools and studious habits,
he laid the foundation of a solid education, which
he later perfected by extensive reading and con-
tact with the world. His first important business
venture was as a merchant, in Brooklyn, Conn.,
where he located about the time of his marriage in
1842. It was a success from the start, and he con-
tinued it for three years. Preferring, however, an
agricultural career, in 1845 he moved to the town
of Griswold, and began farming. A short experi-
ence proved that he had found the work for which
both nature and education had fitted him, and he
remained here until 1850. At this time as his
father needed his services upon the Plain Hill farm,
where he was residing in Norwich, he moved there
and assisted in the management of the place. After
a while he took full charge of affairs, and finally
came into possession of the property. Altogether
he spent about sixteen years of profitable work here,
greatly improving the place, and deriving for him-
self a considerable income. The year following the
death of his father, in 1866, he sold this farm and
purchased the one in Griswold, where his son Arba
now resides. On this picturesque old place he put
in many years of hard, yet profitable labor, and here
he resided until his death.
On Nov. 21, 1842, Mr. Browning married Sarah
Elizabeth Campbell, daughter of Bonaparte Camp-
bell, and they had nine children : (1) Joseph B., born
Nov. 18, 1843, received more than the ordinary edu-
cation, traveling extensively, making at one time a
trip abroad, finally settled as a practicing physician
at Havana, 111., and later in Kansas City, Mo.,
where he died Dec. 9, 1893. He married Lucy
Harpham and they had three children, Frank (now
deceased), Mabel and Jessie. (2) Frank, born
Nov. 2i, 1847, died m Griswold, Conn., April 22,
1869. (3) Lucinda, born Dec. 13, 1851, died Dec.
13, 1854. (4) Sarah Elizabeth, born April 2, 1854,
married Simon Brewster, of Griswold. (5) .Martha,
born July 27, 1856, married (first) Nov. 28, 1888,
Charles B. Terry and after his death, Samuel A.
Gardner, of Griswold, Conn. She has no chil-
dren. (6) Ellen, born June 2Q, 1859, married An-
drew A. Adams, of Lisbon, Conn., and they have
no children. (7) Arba is mentioned below. (8)
Mary A., born Aug. 13, 1865, married Allen B.
Burdick, of Preston City, Conn., and they have
three children, Ruth, Beriah and Charles. (9)
Ralph, born April 26, 1869, graduated from the
Baltimore Medical College, and is now a practicing
physician at Myersville, Md. ; he married Ada Har-
ris, and has two children, Maud and Avery. B. H.
Browning, exceedingly prominent in the public af-
fairs of his section, served with marked efficiency
as justice of the peace for over thirty years, and his
legal knowledge was remarkable for a man not
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
869
trained to law. During his service he was often
entrusted with the settlement of important estates.
in [873 he represented his place in the Stair Legis-
lature, and so general was the satisfaction that he
gave, that in 1S78 he was earnestly requested to
accept the nomination as State Senator for the
Eighth district. This honor, however he declined.
but as a Democrat he was long a leader in local
politics.
Arba Browning was born Oct. 31. 1862, and
was reared for the most part in the town of Gris-
wold, moving with his parents to the farm on which
he now resides when a very small boy. Trained to
farm work, upon reaching manhood he decided to
make that the main business of bis life, and after
the death of his father be purchased the interest of
the other heirs in the home place, where he has since
followed his pursuit. The farm is a large one. and
more wild and rugged than others in the vicinity, but
-Mr. Browning be persistent effort lias subdued
some of the rougher places, and is making more
than an ordinary success of his work. He has a
splendid dairy, owning as many as twenty cows,
s me of the best breed, which bring- in a large in-
come.
< )n Sept. 4. 1890, Mr. Browning married Hattie
L. Bromley, daughter of Charles Bromley, of Lis-
bon, and they have bad two children. Frank D.,
born Dec. 4. 1892; and Sybil, Aug. 30. 180S.
Mr. Browning, like bis predecessors, is a Dem-
ocrat in politics, and has proved himself an efficient
public servant. For three vears he served on the
board of selectmen, exercising much wisdom and
ability in bis dealings with the affairs of the town ;
and for eight years he acted as justice of the peace,
at the end of that period declining to serve longer,
though urged by townsmen to accept another term.
Socially he is a favorite with all who know him ;
and fraternally he belongs to the A. ( ). I'. W. of
fewett Citv, and Mt. Vernon Lodge No. 7;. F. &
A. M.
The Campbell family, of which Arba Brown-
ing's mother was a member, descends from a
Scotchman, who came to this country when a young
man. married and had several children, among them
James Campbell, born about 1725. lie resided
in Voluntown, Conn., where he was engaged in
farming. He married Dinah McMain. and they
had several daughters and three sons: Allen, James
and John. He was an industrious, economical man.
successful in business, lived comfortably, and was
noted for 'tis hospitality. Loth he and his wife be-
longed to the Presbyterian Church, where they ex-
erted a large influence. He died about 1810, and
she some years later in her eighty-sixth year.
Dr. Allen Campbell, son of James and great-
grandfather of Arba Browning, was born in Vol-
untown, Conn., about 1740. received bis early edu-
cation in the common schools, and later studied med-
icine with Dr. Perkins, a skillful physician of I Main-
field. He acted as surgeon for the Colonial forces
in the Revolutionary war. and was with Gen. Sul-
livan's Army at the battle of Newport, l\. I. After
l lie war be practiced medicine in Voluntown, where
be bad a large and lucrative patronage np to the
time of his death, which occurred March 6, [829.
lie married Sarah Kinne, who was born in 1750.
daughter of Ezra Kinne, of Preston, now Griswold.
She died in 1834. Their children were: John,
Sarah. Rowena, Lucinda, Harvey, Ezra, Daniel
Lee, Bonaparte and Alpha R. Dr. Campbell, a
social, genial man. was exceedingly popular with
his townsmen, and was often honored with public
office, holding at different times all the important
ones. He very efficiently represented Voluntown
in the State Legislature. While acting as justice of
the peace, which office he held for some time, his
services were in demand for the performance of
marriage ceremonies. As a Presbyterian be was
licensed to preach.
' Bonaparte Campbell, son of Dr. Allen and
grandfather of Arba Browning, was named by his
father in sport after the French General, who at
the time of the child's birth was at the height of
his career. In the common schools of Voluntown
he received his education, and on his father's farm
plenty of training for his life work. In i82f> he
left Voluntown and moved to Oneida county. X.
V. After about thirty years, in 1856, he returned
to Connecticut, and in Griswold purchased the old
Lord place, a large 140-acre tract, where he resided
until his death. On Nov. 11. 1819, he married
Sarah Brown, daughter of Nathan Brown, a sea
captain of North Stonington. She died, and in
1847 he married Mrs. Maria Cook Campbell, who
died in 1869. By the first marriage there were five
children who lived to maturity, but all are now de-
ceased: Allen B., John I... Sarah E. (who married
Beriah H. Browning), James II. and Napoleon lb
Like his predecessors Mr. Campbell was prominent
in public affairs, filling several town offices with
marked ability, and in 1857 representing Griswold
in the State Legislature. In the early days he affil-
iated with Whigs, later with Republicans. As a con-
sistent Christian he was an active and esteemed
member of the Baptist Church for fifty years.
WILLIAM DAVID BECKWITH. Ami
the very highly respected merchants and old resi-
dents of the town of Stonington, Conn., residing
at Old Mystic, is William David Beckwith, who
was born at Palmertown in Montville, Aug. 23,
1857.
Dr. William Beckwith, his father, was a physi-
cian, practicing at Montville. Norwich and ( )ld Mys-
tic, and in the western part of Rhode Island. In
[869 he came to Old Mystic. At one time he lived
at Waterford, and in all these mentioned | laces,
his name is honored, and he is remembered as an
upright man and excellent physician. In ( )neco,
town of Sterling, Conn., he wedded Eliza Amy
Spencer, who bore him one child. William David.
8to
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
Dr. Beckwith died in October, 1878, at Old Mystic,
while his widow survived him until 1903. when she
too passed away, also at Old Mystic.
William David Beckwith was reared in the sev-
eral places in which his parents lived, receiving- an
excellent education at Montville, at the Broadway
School at Norwich, and the high school at ( )ld
Mystic. He then began to earn his own living,
working in a woolen mill, and when eighteen years
of age, he went to Arnold's mill at Stillmanville.
In a short time he returned and worked for his fa-
ther, but preferring to be in the mill, he entered one
at Old Mystic. In 1881, while in the employ of the
Atwood Machine Company, at Stonington, he
learned the trade of a molder and from the em; loy
of the Atwood Company, he went to that of the Wil-
son Machine Company, of Xew London, Conn.
Later, he was with the Brown Cotton Gin Company,
and for two and one-half years, he lived at New
London. Once more he entered the employ of the
Atwood Machine Company, and remained with that
concern for two years, when he was forced on ac-
count of ill health, caused by a strain obtained in
lilting at Xew London, to abandon the work in
which he had engaged so long.
In October, 1887, Mr. Beckwith opened his
store in ( )ld Mystic, where he has since conducted
a general merchandise business. As his volume of
business has increased, Mr. Heck with has met it,
and now runs teams to Mystic, Stonington borough,
Wolf Neck and Burnett's Corner districts, thus con-
trolling a very large trade. His customers realize
that in trading with this house, they secure hon-
orable treatment, first-class goods, and that they are
accommodated in every way possible.
On Aug. 20, 1879, Mr. Beckwith was married
to Mary Ellen Johnson, daughter of William John-
son, who was wounded at Cold Harbor during the
Civil war, and died from his wounds. The children
born of this marriage were: Clarence William, born
Feb. 13, 1884; and Mattie Haven, born Nov. 18,
1 890.
While last in the employ of the Atwood Machine
Company, he joined the Temple of Honor, and was
made recording secretary. In addition .Mr. Beck-
with is a member of the A. O. C. W. ; and Stoning-
ton bodge Xo. 26, I. O. O. F. at Mystic, this last
named organization having been joined Dec. 3. 1890,
and in it he ranks as a past grand. Religiously he is a
member of the Baptist Church of Old Mystic, and
there, as in the entire community, he is regarded
with favor, and numbered as a solid, thoroughly
sincere and trusted man.
BURRELL W. HYDE, teller in the Norwich
Savings Society, is a descendant of one of the orig-
inal proprietors of the town, and bears a name that
has ever been closely interwoven with its history.
The name of William Hvde, of Norwich, of
which lie was an original proprietor in 1660, ap-
pears first in Xew England at Hartford, Conn., in
1636. He was an original proprietor of that place-
in 1639, had land assigned to him, and his name is
on the monument there, dedicated to the founders of
that city. He was later of Saybrook and Xor-
wich, of which latter place he was frequently elected
selectman, and was a man of considerable import-
ance. He died at Norwich, Jan. 6, 1681. Nothing
seems to have been learned of his wife. His chil-
dren were : Samuel and Hester.
(II) Samuel Hyde, born in Hartford about
1637, married in June, 1659, Jane Lee. of East
Saybrook (now Lyme), daughter of Thomas and
Phoebe (Brown) Lee. Mr. Lee left England for
America in 1641. and died on the passage. Samuel
Hyde was one of the original proprietors of Nor-
wich in 1660, in which town he and his wife settled.
He was a farmer, and had lands assigned to him in
Xorwich West Farms (now Franklin), where he
died in 1677. His children were Elizabeth, Phoebe,
Samuel, John, William, Thomas, Sarah, and Jabez,
all born between 1660 and 1677. The daughter
Elizabeth, born in August, 1660, is said to have
been the first white child born in the town.
(III) Jabez Hyde, born in May, 1677, married
Dec. 29, 1709, Elizabeth Bushnell, born Jan. 31,
H>S(>, daughter of Richard and Elizabeth (Adgate)
Bushnell, of Xorwich. Mr. Hyde settled in Xor-
wich West Farms where he had a large tract of
land. He became a wealthy farmer, was a justice
of the peace, and a representative in the ( ieneral
Court eight sessions. He was appointed clerk of
the Franklin church, and served as such for eight
years. He died Sept. 5, 1762, and Elizabeth, his
widow, passed away Aug. 2r, 1768. Their children
were: Jabez, Phineas, Joseph, Elizabeth, and Abi-
gail, all born between 1713 and 1724.
(IV) Jabez Hyde (2), born Sept. 16. T 7 t 3 , in
Xorwich West Farms, married, Dec. 8, 1736, Lydia
Abel, born July 28, 17 19, in Norwich, daughter of
his second cousin, Benjamin Abel, of Xorwich, who
married Lydia Hazen. Mr. Hyde was an extensive
land holder in Xorwich West Farms where he re-
sided. He was a magistrate of Xorwich. and died
March 6. 1805. in Franklin. His wife died June
25, 1803. Their children, all born between 1738
and 1762-3, were Ezekiel, Jabez, Lydia, Elizabeth,
Andrew, Phebe, Solomon, Joseph, Benjamin. Dice
and Ambrose.
(V) Andrew Hyde, born at Xorwich West
Farms, now Franklin, Oct. 2. 1748, was a farmer
and settled in what is now Franklin. He repre-
sented the town in the Legislature in 1818. On
March 31, 1775. he married (first) Man- Tracy,
born April 1, 1750. She died Dec. 8, 1804. leaving
children as follows: (1) Andrew, born March 6,
1776, left home when young, and was never after-
ward heard from. (2) Jude, born Oct. 3, 1777,
married and settled at Bath, Me. (3) George,
born Nov. 30. T782, married Mary Walir,
and' died in Southport, X. Y. (4) Amasa,
born Feb. 22, 1787, was the grandfather of
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
871
Burrell W. 131 Rodney, born Dec. 29,
[789, married, went to Xew Jersey, later to Penn-
sylvania, and died at Benton. ((>) Lewis, born Nov.
13, [791, a merchant ami farmer, married Mary
Backus, and died in Norwich. (7) Lydia, horn
May 19. [793, married Abel Campbell, a school
teacher, and removed to Illinois, where both died.
(8) Lydia. born Nov. 21. 1794, who married
Eleazer Southworth, moved to Elha, N. Y.,
where she died. After the death of his first wife,
Andrew Hyde married Mrs. Edna (Hyde) Rogers.
who died Sept. 27. 1820. Xo children were horn of
this union. He died Nov. 30, 1835, at Franklin.
(VI) Amasa Hyde was a resident of Franklin,
where he spent his entire life. He was a merchant,
ami for twenty years was postmaster of the town,
also conducting a tavern, as did his father before
him. This place, known as the "Hyde tavern,''
was one of the most popular hostelries in that sec-
tion. Pie died Aug. 21. 1832, at Franklin. Amasa
Hyde married Anna Hazen, born Jan. 7, 17s'),
daughter of Jacob and Abigail (Burnham) Hazen.
She survived her husband, and lived to be ninety-
four years old. dying then at the home of a daugh-
ter. Mrs. John H. Peck, of Norwich. They had a
large family of children, of whom (1) James
Hazen, the father of Burrell \Y.. was the
eldest, horn March 29, 1809. (2) Abby
Ann, born July 21 181 r, married John Hazen
Peck, a tailor by trade, but who for many
years had a store at Yantic, where he died. ( 3 |
Mary Tracy, born Feb. 18, 1S15, became the wife
of Charles Dunlap, and located at Baltimore, Md.,
where he was engaged as a wholesale merchant.
(4) Henrietta Francis, born May 16, 1818, married
( first ) William Haskins Hyde, a grain merchant,
and resided in Norwich, and after his death she
married Moses Cook, whose widow she now is, and
lives at Hartford. Conn. (5) Amasa Lewis, born
March 29. 1820, marred Huldah Chandler, of
Hartford, Pa. He was in the United States Revenue
Service, and was captain of the revenue cutter,
"Jeff Davis," and others, but he lived retired for
many years previous to his death, and died at Yan-
tic. (6) Philena Jane, born March 11, 1822, mar-
ried Benadam Pendleton, a cotton merchant, and
for many years mayor of X^atchez, Miss. She is
now a widow, and still resides there. (7) Henry
Strong, born Feb. 28, 1825, was lost at sea from
' "Gov. Fenner," at the age of sixteen years. (8)
Samuel Nott, born April 29. 1827, married Emily
Baughman, and settled in Baltimore, where he was
engaged in the canning business, hut he is now liv-
ing retired.
(VII) James Hazen Hyde was born in Frank-
lin where he received a common school education.
After his marriage he located at the Hyde tavern,
and there remained, conducting the tavern, farm
and store until [846, when he disposed of the L
removed to Bean Mill, and engaged in farming and
managing his extensive landed property. He was
a large land holder, owning several farms located
in the towns of Franklin, Norwich and Lebanon.
He was fond of blooded stock, and was a familiar
figure at local fairs where he always served as mar-
shal. In politics he was a Jeffersonian Democrat.
The family attended the Congregational church.
Mr. Hyde married Eunice Pdiza Tracy, horn
Aug. 13. 181 1, youngest daughter of Joshua and
Sarah (Payne) Tracy. Airs. Hyde survived her
husband, who was taken from her Oct. 15. 1863,
and died at Norwich Town. Nov. 28, 1885. They
were the parents of seven children: (1) Martha
Ann, horn Jan. 29, [832, married (first (March 31,
1856, Nathan \Y. Bingham, (second) July 5, 1
Anslow R. Lamb, (third) John ( ). Sherman. She
resides in Xew York. (2) Eunice Eliza, born Feb,
2S. 1834, married Cyrus Marsh, and resides in
Richmond, \"a. For many years they resided at
Natchez, Miss., where he was engaged as a planter.
(3) Plarriet Beach, horn Dec. 26, 1835, was married
March 29, 1859, to Alfred T. Perkins, an Episco-
pal minister. She died Dec. 5, 1900, in Alameda.
Cal., and her husband, Jan. 12, 1900. (4) Burrell
W. was born Dec. 23, 1839. (5) Hetty Ann. born
July 4, 1843, died m infancy. (6) Mary Dunlap,
born March 10, 1849, died in infancy. (7) Virginia
Kingsbury, born Aug. 20, 1851, is the wife of Will-
iam Plummer, of Burlington, X. C, who is engaged
in the insurance business.
(VIII) Burrell Woodworth Hyde was born in
Franklin, and was a small boy when his father
moved to Lean Hill. He attended the district
school, and a select school taught by the Rev. Zeb-
ediah Mansfield, an Episcopal minister, and finished
his education at Norwich Free Academy, where he
was graduated in 1862. He then taught school for
one year at the famous Paeon Academy at Col-
chester. After a trip of one year's duration through
the South, he returned home, and was engaged at
teaching school at I lean Hill for three years until
1868, when he accepted a position as clerk in the
Xorwich Savings' Society, and rose through sev-
eral promotions, until [888, when he was made teller
of the bank. In this position, which he still holds,
Mr. Hyde is especially noted for his extreme cour-
tesy. Such confidence is felt in him that he has
often been called upon to serve as guardian or
trustee.
On June 2, 1874. Mr. Hyde was married to
Mary E. Varley, born in Xew London, daughter
of William and Frances I Warren ) Varley. A
Democrat, but not bound by party ties, Mr. Hyde
always votes for the best men and measures. For
seventeen years he was a member and secretary of
the Central School District, and held that office un-
til he resigned. He is a member of St. James
Lodge. Xo. 2^. F. & A. M.; Franklin chapter.
No. 4, R. A. M. : Franklin Council. No. 3. P. &
S. M. ; and Columbian Commandery. Xo. 4. Knights
Templar. For twenty-five years he served as re-
corder of the latter body, resigning in [903. In
872
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
Scottish Rite Masonry he is a member of King-
Solomon Grand Lodge of Perfection, Van Rensse-
laer Council. Princes of Jerusalem, Norwich Sov-
ereign Chapter of Rose Croix, and Connecticut
Sovereign Consistory, and he served as secretary of
the latter bodies for twenty-five years, resigning in
1902.
Mr. and Mrs. Hyde belong to the New London
County Historical Society, and Mr. Hyde is a
member of the Sons of American Revolution, while
his wife's name is on the roll of Faith Trumbull
chapter, Daughters of the American Revolution,
Mr. Hyde is authority on all matters pertaining to
the history of Norwich. He has written several ar-
ticles on historical matters, and among them is an
ink esting article on the history of Norwich Town,
and of Bean Hill. Mr. and Mrs. Hyde are mem-
bers of the Broadway church, where he is a deacon.
He is a man of the highest integrity* and ability, and
is very highly esteemed by all.
HENRY WOODBRIDGE HURLBUTT, a
highly esteemed citizen of Ledyard, residing near
Gale's Ferry, is descended from one of the oldest
families in Connecticut. He lives in the same house
in which he was born, and, with the exception of
one year, his entire life has been passed on the old
home farm. He is of the eighth generation in direct
line from the American ancestor, Thomas Hurlbutt,
who came from England in 1635.
(I) Thomas Hurlbut (the name through vari-
ous generations being spelled in different ways)
was a blacksmith by trade, and on coming to Amer-
ica settled first in Saybrook. After the IVquot war.
he located at Wethersfield, Conn., where he became
prominent in political and social life. His wife's
name was Sarah, and their children were : Thomas,
John, Samuel, Joseph, Stephen, and Cornelius.
(II) Samuel Hurlbut. third son of Thomas, was
born in 1044, in Wethersfield, and spent his life in
that town as a farmer. He and his wife, Mary,
were the parents of the following children (all born
between the years [668 and 1695 ): Stephen, Na-
than, Alary. Sarah, Jonathan, David, Titus, Miriam,
Samuel, Elizabeth and Lemmon.
(III) Stephen Hurlbut, eldest son of Samuel,
was born Dec. 26, [668, in Wethersfield. Soon
after the year 1690 he settled in New London, where
in 1699 he married Hannah Douglas, of that place.
His death occurred Oct. 7. 1712. The children of
Stephen and Hannah (Douglas) Hurlbut were as
follows: Stephen, Freelove, Mary, John, Sarah,
Titus and Joseph.
(IV) John Hurlbutt, second son of Stephen, was
born in New London, but in early manhood he loca-
ted in North Groton, now Ledyard. He died May
5, 1 761, his wife. Mary Stoddard, surviving him.
Tbe>- had the following children : Stephen, Mary,
John. Jr., Rufus, Hannah, Ralph, Lydia and
Rispah.
( V ) Rufus Hurlbutt. third son of John, was
born in 1741, in oroton. He was a soldier and was
one of the garrison at Fort Griswold, when it was
attacked by the British, and perished in the mass-
acre Sept. 6, 1 78 1. He married Hannah Lester, and
their children, all born between T765 and 1780, were
as follows: Freelove. Rev. Ralph, Rufus, Amos,
Asaph, Hannah, Peter, Lester, Lucy and Anna.
(VI) Rev. Ralph Hurlbutt,' eldest son of
Rufus, was a man of note both in civil and ecclesi-
astical affairs. As a youth he taught school and he
was always a hard student, acquiring a reputation
as a man of unusual information and ability. In
early life he embraced the Methodist faith, and
was licensed as an exhorter in i8o5, obtaining
in 1810 a local preacher's license. He was also a
successful farmer, carrying on the home farm at
Ledyard, then Groton, with skill and intelligence
that were rendered doubly effective by his indus-
trious, frugal, and temperate habits. He was famili-
arly known as Squire Hurlbutt, having been for
many years justice of the peace, a position which he
filled until incapacitated by age. He also served for
a long time as judge of probate at Groton and Ston-
ington: It was through Squire Hurlbutt that the
Methodist Church of Groton was established, and
for almost forty years be gave his services as minis-
ter to this church without price. He preached al-
most to the last day of his life, his last sermon being-
delivered from a chair, as he was too weak to stand,
lie was devoted to the interests of the church, and
always ready to serve the cause of religion, at what-
ever cost, or sacrifice to himself. His whole life
was spent in work for the benefit of his fellowmen,
and his death was mourned by a wide circle of
friends. He married Polly, daughter of John Jones,
who came to this country from Wales; no children
were born to this union.
(VI) Asaph Hurlbutt, fourth son of Rufus and
Hannah ( Lester) Hurlbutt, was born Sept. 10, 1772.
He was a farmer, and resided first in North Groton,
and later in Colchester, dying in the latter place,
Dec. 15, 1810. He married (first) Hannah Wood-
bridge, who died Feb. 27, 1809, leaving the follow-
ing children ; Hannah, Asaph, Jr., Anna and Ralph.
Hannah, born Oct. 13, 1802, died April 17. 182*);
Asaph, Jr., born Feb. 9, 1804, married Bridget
Niles Stoddard, and died at his home in Ledyard,
March 17, 1858, after a life devoted to farming
pursuits; Anna, born May 15, 1805, died, unmar-
ried, June 3, 1861 ; Ralph, born May 22. 1807, is
mentioned below. Asaph Hurlbutt married (sec-
ond) June t8, 1809, Hannah Stoddard, who re-
turned to Groton, after the death of her husband,
and lived there until her death, Sept. 2^, 1823. The
children of this second marriage were, Tabitha, born
May 12, 1810, married Lemuel Mead, and moved
to Cayuga county, N. Y. : after her husband's death
she married his brother. Stephen ; and Marv. born
Aug. 19, 1811, married Amos Hurlbutt, Jr., and
resided in Cayuga county, New York.
(VII) Ralph Hurlbutt, youngest child of Asaph
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
873
and Hannah (Woodbridge) Hurlbutt, was born in
Colchester, Conn. He was not quite four years old
when his father died, and he and his brother, Asaph,
were sent to Ledyard. where they made their home
with their uncle, Squire Hurlbutt. Ralph was edu-
cated in the district school, and in a select school
kept by a Mr. Tuttle, and in his spare time worked
on the farm. When he was eighteen he began
teaching school, and for twelve winters he taught
in Ledyard, Montville and Groton. He remained
with his uncle until the death of the latter, when he
became owner of the farm, and continued to reside
there until 1862. In that year he bought a farm
at Genoa, Cayuga Co., X. Y., but remained there
only a year, as he did not like the place. Returning
to Ledyard he settled down again on tiie home farm,
where he occupied the house he had built in T850,
now occupied by his son, and there passed the re-
mainder of his life. He was an active man until
about a year before his death, which occurred June
25, 18^0. He was buried in the cemetery near his
home. In politics he was a Whig, and later a
Republican, and represented his town one term in
the Legislature, the session being held in New
Haven. He was a trustee of the Norwich Savings
Society, and one of the original trustees of the Bill
Lihrary Association.
After his marriage Mr. Hurlbutt united with
the Methodist Church at ( rale's Ferry, becoming an
active member, and serving as trustee and as stew-
ard of the society. He married, Jan. 27, 1833, Mar-
garet Holies, of Waterford, who was born Aug. 19.
18 1 3. daughter of Zebediah and Margaret (Greene)
Hollos. Mrs. Hurlbutt is still living, and makes her
home with her son Henrv Woodbridge Hurlbutt.
The children were as follows: (t) A daughter,
born Feb. 17, 1837, who lived but a day; (2) Ralph
Wilbur, born Jan. 30. 1840, who died Jan. 10, 1863;
(3) Mary Ann, born Sept. jt,, 1842, who died Dec.
1. 1851] ; 14) Tabitha Elizabeth, born Feb. 15, 1845.
who married Robert M. Bailey, a real estate
dealer of Belle Plaine, Benton Co., Iowa, and is
the mother of three children, Charles H., Maurice
M. and Ross R. ; (5) an infant, born Sept. 4, 1848,
who lived but a few days; (6) George William, born
Jan. 28, 185 1, who married Lucy A. Perkins, of
Ledyard. He was a farmer in Ledyard, where he
died Aug. 2, 1889. He had the following children:
Ralph \V. (deceased). Alee, Lois P. (deceased)
Annette A. and Georgianna W. (7) Henry Wood-
bridge, born Aug. 2. 1857, who is mentioned below.
(\ III) Henry Woodbridge Hurlbutt, youngest
child of Ralph and .Margaret (Bolles) Hurlbutt,
was born on the home farm, in the house in which
he has ever since lived, with the exception of the
year spent by the family in Genoa, X. Y. lie had
a common school education, and was brought up
to assist his father on the farm. He made farming
his occupation, and for some years before his father's
death had the entire management of the farm,
which consists of 160 acres. He devotes himself
to general farming, of which he makes a great
success.
Air. Hurlbutt married Oct. 17. [881, Lydia A.
Perkins, who was horn in Ledyard Dec. [9, [859,
daughter of Solomon and Amanda (Crandall) Per-
kins. Mrs. Hurlbutt was educated in Miss Stead-
man's school at Norwich, and for a number of years-
was a successful teacher in Ledyard. The children
horn to this union were as follows: (1) Mary
Helena, born Aug. 24. 1882, who was educated at
Xorthheld Seminary, Xorthfield. Mass.; (2) Arthur
W., born July 16, 1884. who died Oct. 2~ . of the
same year; (3) Rufus W., born Sept. 29, 1885, who
was a student at Norwich Free Academy, and is
now learning the business of undertaker, with the
firm of Henry Allen & Son, of Norwich ; (4) Car-
roll Solomon, born April 20, 1888, who is a student
at Norwich Free Academy, class of 1907; (5)
Ralph Irving, born Feb. 9, 1890; (6) Florence B.,
born July 14, 1891 ; and (7) Henry Winthrop, born
Dec. 14, 1894. Mr. Hurlbutt is a Republican in
politics, and has served as a member of the board of
assessors and of the board of relief. He is one of
the board of trustees of the Bill Library Associa-
tion, where his father served before him. His wife
and three of their children are members of the ( rale's
Ferry Methodist Church, where Mr. Hurlbutt has
succeeded his father as a trustee. The family are
well known, and highly esteemed in the town, where
the name of Hurlbutt has been honored for many
generations.
ALBERT FRAZIER HEWITT, one of the
prominent residents of Groton, Conn., and select-
man of that town, was born in Xew London, Conn.,
Sept. 5, 1858, son of Henry Palmer Hewitt.
Henry Palmer Llewdtt. father of Albert F. was
born Aug. 20, 1826. During his early life he was
engaged in a whaling business, but later became a
butcher in Xew London, and afterward continued
the same business in Mystic. On Aug. 26, 1840.
he married Eunice Cleft Denison, and became the
father of the following children: Hiram Perez died
in infancy; Albert Frazier; Ida A. is a trained
nurse; Inez Irene died in infancy; Fannie married
James A. Gardiner, and has a son, Otis D. ; Lena C.
married Jesse H. Chapman; and Oscar Jefferson
died in infancy.
The early life of Albert F. Hewitt was spent in
Xew London and Groton, and in the latter place
he pursued his studies under private tutors. In his
early manhood he farmed in the town of Groton,
and worked with his father in the butcher business.
About [880 he engaged in the butcher business
for himself, in Groton, where C. W. Allyn's store
now stands, and remained several years, lie then
engaged in the manufacture of fertilizers for eight
years, under the firm name of A. F. Hewitt Render-
ing & Fertilizing 'Company, making a specialty
of fertilizers for tea roes and carnations. In May,
[898, Mr. Hewitt embarked in the grain business
8/4
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
with the Groton Grain Company, of which he is
treasurer. This incorporated company succeeded
Browning & Gallup of New London. The business
was incorporated by Thomas A. Miner, president ;
A. F. Hewitt, treasurer ; and George O. Miner,
secretary. The concern handles grain, seeds, hard-
ware and horse goods.
Mr. Hewitt was assessor of Groton for two
years, and he has been selectman for three years.
Fraternally he is a member of Union Lodge, A. F. &
A. M.; of the A. O. U .W., Thomas Lodge, No.
13; Fairview Lodge Xo. 101, I. O. O. F. He has
been president of the Board of Trade of Groton for
the past three years, and has always been identified
with the very best interests of this locality in every
respect.
On Oct. 25, 1883, Mr. Hewitt was married to
Lucy W. Morgan, of Groton, Conn., adopted
daughter of Col. Hubbard D. Morgan, of Groton,
mentioned extensively elsewhere, who has long
been honored and revered in the town where he has
accomplished so much for the good of New Lon-
don count}-. To this happy marriage one child,
Henry Morgan, was born March f>, i88C>, and he is
now one of the rising young men of Groton, en-
gaged in completing a successful business course
and destined to be a follower of his honored an-
cestors, who from the time of Thomas Hewitt the
pioneer to his father, have been men of honor, in-
tegrity and uprightness of purpose, firm in their
support of what was right, and stanch in their ad-
vocacy of advancement in municipal development
and manufacturing industries.
DEACON WILLIAM W. GILLETTE, a rep-
resentative citizen of Lebanon, residing in the south
part of the town, engaged in the wood turning bus-
iness in addition to farming, is a descendant of one
of the oldest families of that section of the county,
and the early family history is given more fully
elsewhere.
Eliaphalet Gillette, great-grandfather of Deacon
William AW, resided in Colchester, Connecticut.
Caleb Gillette spent his entire life in that town,
and was engaged in agricultural pursuits. He
married Sybil Huntington, of Hebron, who sur-
vived him. They had eight children, six sons and
two daughters.
Henry Gillette was born in Colchester, and was
brought up to farm work. Later in life he engaged
in the wool manufacturing business in the south
part of the town of Lebanon, operating a small fac-
tory. He operated the factory for nearly thirty
years, and then engaged in farming until his death,
at which time he was living on the farm now occu-
pied by his son William W. He died June 16, 1864,
aged sixty-seven years. He was a Whig, later a
Republican, and was a member of the Goshen Con-
gregational Church. He marrie'd Anna Backus, of
Franklin, daughter of Simeon and Clarissa (Hyde)
Backus. She survived her husband and died in
1880, aged eighty years. Their children were:
Henry, who died in infancy ; Miss Laura, wh )
resided in East Hartford, and is now deceased ;:
Eliza, who died young ; Clarissa Cornelia, who died
in infancy ; William W. ; Sarah H., widow of George
Moore, and residing in East Hartford, with her
one child, Mabel, who married Sherman Fox.
Deacon Gillette was born Aug. 27, 1836, in Leb-
anon, and his entire life has been spent in the town.
He received his education in the district school, and
he had the additional advantage of one term at
Bacon Academy at Colchester. In early life he
worked in his father's factory, and after that plant
was discontinued, he remained at home. After the
death of his father, he purchased the interests of
the other heirs in the homestead, were he now re-
sides. Over thirty years ago he established his
present wood turning business, and is successfully
engaged in manufacturing handles and mallets.
In 1872, Deacon Gillette married Miss Mary C.
Thomas, born Jan. 30, 1842, in Lebanon, daughter
of Peleg G. and Mary S. (Cady) Thomas. Their
children were: Anna: Mary Louise, deceased;
Clara ; Alfred T., deceased. Deacon Gillette in
former years was a Republican, but is now a Pro-
hibitionist, although on national issues he supports
the Republican party. He and his family are all
members of the Goshen Congregational Church, of
which he is one of the deacons.
AUGUSTINE S. CHESTER. The Chester
family is one of the oldest in Connecticut, and
Nathan Chester, the paternal grandfather of Augus-
tine S. Chester, was fobrji April T4, 1765, on the
Chester farm near Eas em Point, in Groton. He
passed his entire life in his native town, following
farming on the old homestead which is now occupied
by his grandson, and he lived to the good old age of
ninety-one years. He married Abigail Walworth,
daughter of Elijah Walworth, and they became the
parents of nine children, all now deceased, and of
whom we have the following record : Nathan re-
moved to Delaware, Ohio, and became president of
Ohio Wesleyan L niversity ; Charles resided at
Noank : Elijah was a resident of Noank ; Abigail
died in infancy: Emily married Frank Ingham, and
lived in Cleveland, Ohio ; Asa and Eldredge, twins,
were residents of Kankakee,. 111., and Albion, N.
Y., respectively ; Daniel lived in Noank ; and Albert
completes the family.
Albert Chester, son of Nathan and father of
Judge Augustine S. Chester, was born March 29,
181 1, and died Aug. 7, 1899. His schooling was
received in the town of Groton, and he went to sea
in early life, first as a fisherman, and later on coast-
ing vessels plying to the South. He afterward fol-
lowed the carpenter's trade in Groton and Stoning-
ton, and for a few years lived at Edgartown, Mass.
He married Maria L. Ingham, who was born Jan.
26, 1815, daughter of Nathan and Experience Ing-
ham, of Groton, and died Jan. 25, 1896. They be-
GENEALOGICAL AXD BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
875
came the parents of seven children,' of whom we
give the following record: (1) Maria Louise mar-
ried Nathan E. Fitch, and had four children, Frank-
lin \\\, Frederick E., Juliette C. and Albert C, all
residents of Noank. Mrs. Fitch is deceased. (2)
Nathan A. was first officer on transportation steam-
ers during the Civil war, and has since engaged in
coasting business. He has been twice married,
first to Jane Fitch, and second to Elizabeth Ferris,
and by the second union had one son, Clarence. (3)
Abbie Walworth. (4) Howard M., who died March
16, tqoi, served in the army during three years of
the Civil war. He was a fisherman by occupation.
He married Mary Swaney. (5) Oscar I. served in
the army for three years of the Civil war, and is a
fisherman of Xoank. He married Josephine Fow-
ler, and they have had three children, Charles T.,
Xellie E. (deceased) and Annie S. (deceased).
(6) Augustine S. is mentioned below. (7) Myron
J. married for his first wife Prudence M. Collins.
by whom he had one child, Roscoe M., who died in
infancy; his second wife was Harriet Rathbun. Mr.
Chester is clerk for Elihu H. Potter, of Xoank.
Augustine S. Chester was born April 11, 1850,
at his present home in Xoank, and his early educa-
tion was received in the public schools of the town
of Groton. Later he attended the Mystic Valley
Institute and the Connecticut Literary Institute, at
Suffield, Conn., and he was but seventeen when he
commenced teaching in his home district, and he
was later engaged in that calling in the states of
Xew York and Rhode Island. In 1889 he returned
to the home farm, where . he has since remained,
carrying on agricultural pursuits. He has also
been active in the public affairs of his town, in
which he has assisted in the local administration in
various capacities, and is at present serving as regis-
trar of voters, justice of the peace, member of the
board of education (of which he has been repeatedly
elected chairman and examiner) and deputy judge
of the town court. His political affiliation is with
the Republican part}-. Socially he holds member-
ship in the Foresters and United Order of the Gol-
den Cross, and his religious connection is with the
Baptist Church at Xoank.
EDWARD A. STILES, superintendent of the
property belonging to the Liberty Club at Lebanon,
is one of the well-known citizens of the town. The
Stiles family from which our subject is descended
is an old one. The first account we have of it is
that a Robert Stiles lived on a farm in Boxford,
Mass.. in 1659. His earlier history is somewhat
uncertain. In 1660 he was married to Elizabeth.
daughter of John Frye, of Andover, and became a
resident of the village of Rowley, where his death
occurred in 1690.
Robert Stiles 12), son of Robert the emigrant,
was a resident of Rowley, where he was born in
107;. In 1686 this became the incorporated city
of Boxford. Robert Stiles married Ruth Bridges,
and purchased land in Lebanon, Conn., in [718.
Ilis death occurred three years later in Hebron,
Connecticut. ,.j-"
Lieut. Amos Stiles, son of Robert (2), born in
P.oxford, in 1705, married, in 173''. Martha Skin-
ner, and died in 1758, both his marriage and death
being recorded in Hebron.
Benjamin Stiles, son of Lieut. Amos, was born
in Hebron in T740. He married Damaris Brown in
1765, and died in 1791.
Edmund Stiles, son of Benjamin, was born Aug.
11, 1780, in Lebanon, Conn., and was married there
in 1806 to Wealth}-, daughter of Col. Isaiah Loomis,
of Lebanon. Mr. Stiles died Nov. 15, 1832, and
Mrs. Stiles passed away in Lebanon, Oct. 30, 180?).
In early married life he resided in Herkimer, X. Y.,
and later in Guilford. Conn., where he died. All of
his life he was a farmer. His children were: (1)
John Murray Loomis, born in 1808, at Herkimer,
X. Y., married in 1837 Caroline E. Wells and re-
sided in Lebanon where he died; he was a cloth
dresser, operating a mill for many years. (2) Clar-
issa Maria, born Sept. 2, 1809, at Herkimer, mar-
ried Dec. 29, 1831, John Avery, a prominent citizen
of Lebanon, and for fifty years a deacon in the Bap-
tist Church; she died Nov. 4, 1866. (3) Cynthia
Ann, born at Herkimer, Jan. 22, 1812, married
her cousin. Dr. Ezra Stiles, March 24, 1839. In
early life he practiced dentistry in Danielson and
later in Norwich; subsequently he engaged in a
grocery business at South Windham, and his later
years were .spent in Willimantic, where he died
March 6, 1885. His wife died Jan. 4, 1886. They
were the parents of Hon. George E. Stiles of Willi-
mantic. (4) Phylura Orilla born in Guilford. Conn.,
Jan. 4, 1814. married, first, Jan. 22, 1833, Edward
Mason, and, second, June, 1855, Gideon Hoxie.
The surviving children of the first marriage are:
James F. Mason, of Franklin; and Miss Nancy F.
Mason, of Lebanon. (5) Mary Adelaide, born in
Guilford, Conn., March 29, 18 19, married Dr. Jo-
siah M. Graves, May 9, 1837. He was first a clergy-
man, and later a physician, and died in Lebanon,
survived by his widow, who died in the same lo-
cality. (6) Edmund Alonzo, born in Guilford.
Conn., Jan. 12, 1818, married Sophia, daughter of
Dr. Charles Sweet, of Lebanon, who was a dentist
in early life, and later a farmer in Lebanon where
he died April I, 1901. (7) Edward Lorenzo, born
in Guilford, Conn., Feb. I, 1820, was the father of
our subject. (8) George Jerome, the youngest of
the family, born in Lebanon Jan. 2^, [823, died in
( )ctober, 1830.
Edward Lorenzo Stiles, father of Edward A..
redded in Guilford until he had reached the age of
twenty years. His father dying when young Ed-
ward was about twelve years old. the widow and
family removed to Lebanon, and located on a farm
she had purchased on Tobacco street. Mr. Stiles
continued to manage the farm for his mother for
man\ years and cared for her in her old age. After
8;6
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
the death of his mother the farm was sold to Dr.
J. M. Graves, and Mr. Stiles then moved to a rented
farm on Tilden Hill, residing on this rented prop-
erty for many years hefore purchasing it, after which
he spent the remainder of his life there, success-
fully engaged in general farming, and there he died
Jan. 19, 1884. His remains were interred at Leb-
anon. He was an honest, hardworking man, and
was thoroughly reliable in every respect. His death
resulted from pneumonia after a few days' illness.
In politics he was a Republican, and served very
acceptably on the board of selectmen in Lebanon,
He was a devout, Christian man, a member of the
Baptist Church at Lebanon, and led the choir for
a long time. His voice was an excellent bass one,
and was much in demand. His wife was a devout
member of the same church. Mr. Stiles was a man
of medium height, well proportioned and capable of
a great amount of hard work, and as he never spared
himself he accomplished a great deal.
In 1844 Air. Stiles married Aurelia H. Alaynard,
of Lebanon. Her mother dying when she was an
infant she was reared by Airs. Sally Haywood, a
widow of Lebanon. Airs. Stiles died Dec. 2$, 1870,
aged fort)- years. The children born to this worthy
couple were: Edward A.; and Charles E., who
died Nov. 29, 1882, aged twenty-three years.
Edward A. Stiles was born Sept. 7, 1847. in
Lebanon, and attended the district schools at Lib-
erty Hill and Tobacco street. Later he attended
the Lebanon academy, and was under Isaac Gillette,
Edward S. Hinckley, Edward A. Loomis, Alfred
Chase and Charles 1). Hine, the last named now sec-
retary of the state board of education. The boy
was brought up to farm work, and, remaining at
home, assisted his father and learned the trade of a
mason, working under Fox & Walker, of Norwich
and Willimantic. He was employed upon the con-
struction of a number of the largest business blocks
in both places. He worked at that trade in different
parts of Xew England, New York and New Jersey,
and as well conducted the farm for several years
after his father's death. Air. Stiles was also engaged
in o\ erating a sawmill with Justin Peckham, al-
though he later disposed of his interest to Air.
Peckham. While being thus engaged the partners
owned a portable mill, and during the winter season
did work in different sections.
Air. Stiles was the originator and organizer of
the Liberty Club, which organization has a select
membership of about twenty, and owns several ex-
cellent buildings, all of which Air. Stiles conducts,
including the fishing pond dams. The club is a fish-
ing and hunting organization, and its members have
leased land to the amount of 4,500 acres. Air. Stiles
has entire charge of this property, and is a great
worker, and a man who accomplishes whatever he
undertakes. During the season he operates a cider
mill, and still owns the home farm.
Mr. Stiles married Dec. 20, T876, Edna E.
Crandall, of Kingstown, R. I., born Sept. 2, 1859,
daughter of Daniel and Nancy K. (Tucker) Cran-
dall, and the following children have been born to
them: Bertha M., who died Alarch 20, 1902. aged
twenty-four years ; a son that died in infancy : Ed-
ward Waller ; and Beatrice Mildred. In politics
Air. Stiles is a Republican, and although he never
desired office, he has served as constable of the
town. Fraternally he is a member of Oliver Wood-
house Lodge No. 51, K. of P., at Colchester, and
has passed all the chairs. He is also a member of
Lebanon lodge. No. 23, Ancient Order United
Workmen ; and of the American Order of Fraternal
Helpers. The family all attend the Baptist Church,
of which they have long been members. Air. Stiles
is a pleasant and popular man, and he and his wife
delight in welcoming their friends to their pleasant
home.
CAPT. EDWARD AI. CRUMLEY, who is well
and favorably known through Groton, has made
Noank his home for more than sixty years, although
his vocation has led him to many other portions of
the country for longer or shorter periods. He was
born ( )ct. 17, 1828, at Saybrook Point, Connecticut.
The family has been a seafaring one, his grand-
father, Philip Crumley being a mariner, a resident
of Saybrook, and was made keeper of the Saybrook
Light House at the time of its establishment.
James N. Crumley, father of Capt. Crumley,
was born at Saybrook and went to sea at an early
age, and was in the West [ndia trade. At Noank
he married Freelove Wilcox, daughter of Hezekiah
Wilcox, of that place. His death took place at Sax-
brook, after which the widow and children removed
to her old home at Noank, and there she died. Their
children were the following: James, who was
drowned at Saybrook at the age of eighteen
years ; Hezekiah, who was drowned at the
Kime time; Philip N., a retired sea captain,
who died Nov. 18. 1898: Freelove, who died
in 1901, wife of Calvin Wilcox; Edward AI.;
Chauncey B., of Camden, N. J. ; and Ann E., de-
ceased wife of Nathan ( ). Fish.
Capt. Crumley obtained his education in the
schools at Savbrook, where he spent his boyhood
days, and began his maritime life as pilot on the
Saybrook bar, and later went to the West Indies
on the "Thomas Trowbridge." He engaged in fish-
ing at Savannah, Ga., and then entered the employ
of William AI. Baird & Co., as captain of steamers
in their line between Philadelphia and Hartford,
remaining with this companv for seventeen years.
He then became associated with William P.
Clyde & Co., and continued with this company also
for seventeen years, retiring in 1894.
On June 30, 1858, at Noank, Capt. Crumley
was married to Hannah Elizabeth Fish, daughter
of Samuel Fish. The latter was born in District
No. 9, Groton, and was a stone mason and a farmer,
spending the main part of his life in this locality;
he married Prudence Smith, of Essex. Both he and
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
877
wife wore active members of the Baptist Church,
formerly at Fort Hill, and later at Noank. The)
had these children born to them: Lucy, decea
wife of Joshua Packer; Capt. Erastus, deceased;
Samuel Warren, of Noank; William S., of Noank;
Nathan ( ).. deceased; Hannah Elizabeth, who mar-
ried (first) Hiram Peckham of Ledyard, a sea-far-
ing man who was drowned at sea, married (second)
Caj t. Grumley; and George A. and Joshua 1'., both
deceased. The death of Mr. Fish took place at
Noank, at the age of fifty-three years, and that of
his widow at the age of seventy-six. In politics he
was a Whig.
Capt. and Mrs. Grumley have resided in their
pleasant home at Noank since 1871. Both are much
esteemed, and Mrs. Grumley is a valued member
of the Baptist Church.
ALEXANDER FOURNIER, proprietor of the
Troy Steam Laundry, and one of the prosj erous
and enterprising business men of Xew London, comes
of an old and honored French family of Canada.
The grandfather of Alexander Fournier was
horn in Chanibly, Quebec, Canada, and anion-;' his
children was Moses Fournier, our subject's father.
Moses Fournier was born in October, 1823,
in Canada, and died July 26, 1890. In 1844, he mar-
ried Miss Domitille Mongeau, daughter of Louis
Mongeau and Marie Lariviere, the latter of whom
died April 24, 1865. in Canada. The children born
of this marriage were Elmire, born Aug. 8, 1846,
died June 29, 1893, married Edmond Ostiguy, of
Ste. Angele, Rougemond. Canada ; Moses, born Nov.
25, 1847, married Miss Rose Benoit, of Springfield,
Mass. ; Alphonsine, born April 6, 1851. is a Sister of
Charity in an Orphan Asylum at Montreal, Can-
ada; Azilda. born May 22, 1849. died June 9, 1894,
married Alfred Fournier, of Springfield, Mass. ;
Rosilda, born Sept. 15. 1853, married Ernest Del-
tendre. of Bruxelle, Belgium, where they now re-
side ; Alexander, born Nov. 22, 1861 ; Albert A.,
born Sept. 8, 1863, is mentioned elsewhere in this
volume; and John, horn in July, 1865. married Miss
Rose Tracy, of Springfield, Mass. Moses Fournier
for second wife married .Marie Robert, daughter of
Nicholas and Catherine Poirier Robert. To this
marriage came, Noe, born Feb. 26, 1870, was grad-
uated in medicine at Laval University of Montreal
in 1899, and was then attached to the Notre Dame
Hospital, Montreal, as house surgeon, and since
then has been a general practitioner, and recently has
been made chief of the dispensary of surgery at the
Notre Dame Hospital in Montreal: and Delina,
born Oct. 15, 1874, is unmarried. The life of Moses
Fournier was spent in Canada, where he worked as
a carpenter and carriage maker. For many years,
he conducted a business of his own, and prospered
in all he undertook. Like so many men of his day,
he was also largely interested in farming.
Alexander Fournier was born in Canada,
and there began his educational training. When
fourteen years of age he went to West Springfield,
Mass.. where he lived with his brother Moses, and
attended school until he was seventeen years old.
At that time he went to Troy, X. Y., and was there
employed for six months in one of the larj
laundries, thoroughly learning all the details of the
business. In order to obtain this very necessary
training, he gave these six months of Ins life with-
out compensation, hut it was not time lost, for at the
expiration of the half a year, he returned to Spring-
field, Mass., and purchased a small laundry, and
conducted it successfully for about three years.
Then he sold this property and purchased another in
the same city, and carried it on for two years. Dis-
posing of his second laundry, he removed to Meri-
dcn} Conn., and once more purchased and conducted
a laundry. At the end of five years he sold his
property with profit, and going to Hartford, Conn.,
bought a laundry on North Main street, which he
sold at the close of two years. Returning once
more to Springfield, he there conducted a laundry
for several months.
Receiving a good offer for his property, Mr.
Fournier sold it. and in June. 1889, he finally removed
to New London, and established the Troy Steam
Laundry on Lank street. In January, 1902. he re-
moved the business to his handsome four-story
brick building, which he erected with special refer-
ence to the demands of his laundry. This occupies
the cellar and ground floor. The upper three floors
are occupied by the "Savoy Hotel." Mr. Fournier
has been successful in all his various business
ventures, especially since coming to New London,
his executive ability, thorough knowledge of the
work and his unfailing industry resulting in the up-
building of a business which is mammoth in pro-
portions, and one of the largest in Connecticut.
Socially Mr. Fournier is a member of the New-
London Lodge No. 360, ]>. P. ( ). E., and of St.
John's Literary Society of New London. He is
also a member of the New London Board of Trade,
and of Nameaug Engine Company, No. 2, of the
Volunteer Eire Department of New London. He
and his family are members of St. Mary's Star of
the Sea Roman Catholic Church of New London,
of which he is a liberal supporter.
In political faith Mr. Fournier is a Democrat
upon national questions, but in town affairs, is
neutral.
The first marriage of Air. Fournier was to Mi>s
Adelia Laporte, of Malone, N. Y., who died in
Meriden, Conn. One child was born of this mar-
riage. Miss Lillian. While residing in Springfield,
Mass., Mr. Fournier was married to Elizabeth
Roach, a daughter of Michael Roach, of Springfield,
Mass.. and to this union has come one son, Leo.
The Troy Steam Laundry is an establishment of
which Mr. Fournier may well feel proud. It is
thoroughly modern in every respect, and equipped
with all the improved machinery, known to the busi-
ness. He gives employment to about twenty hands,
8/8
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
and keeps three wagons on the streets collecting and
delivering. In business circles, Mr. Fournier is a
man most highly esteemed, and it is a recognized
fact that his verbal promise is as good as his bond.
Perhaps this one fact has played no small part in
his success.
ALLEN AVERY. Numbered among the sub-
stantial and influential men of Mystic. Conn., is
Allen Avery, who was born in Old .Mystic, and
comes of a' long line of honorable ancestors who
lived and died in Connecticut.
(I) The pioneer of the family was one Christo-
pher Avery, born in 1590. From him the line of
Allen Avery is through (II) Captain James Avery,
(III) Lieutenant James, (IV) Ebenezer, (V) Eb-
enezer (2), (VI) Ebenezer (3), (Nil) Asa, and
(VIII) Asa Allen.
(VI) Ebenezer Avery (3) was born Oct. 10,
1760. and married Dec. 11, 1783, Abigail Story.
(Yll) Asa Avery, born May 10, 1785. married,
May 21, 1809, Desire Giddings.
'(VIII) Asa Allen Avery, born in Preston,
Feb. 19, 1810, married, in S'tonington, Sept. 23,
1832. Abby Eliza Morgan, born April 1,1813, daugh-
ter of Isaac A. Morgan. In boyhood Asa Allen
Avery was bound out to Squire Elisha Storey, of
Preston, Conn., but after his marriage, the young
man settled at Old Mystic, and engaged in house
carpenter work, but later became a ship joiner, fol-
lowing this line of work for thirty years. Part of
this time he worked in the Greenman yard, at Mys-
tic, and for twenty years before his death he lived
retired. In 1853,' he moved to the Groton side of
Mvstic. and there died, June, 1884. Mrs. Avery
died in Old Mystic. Sept. 7, 1852. This couple be-
came the parents of the following family: Eliza,
born Dec. 9, 1834, died Oct. 13, 1837; Allen, born
Nov. 23. 1838; and Parmenas, born Oct. 1, 1841,
is now deceased. After the death of his first wife,
Mr. Avery married Abby Langworthy Chesebrough,
and their children were: Fernando, born June 22,
1855, is deceased: Abbie Carrie, born May 30, 1871,
married D. \V. Backus, of South Windham, Conn.
During his earlier days, Mr. Avery was prominent
in politics, and represented Groton in the Legisla-
ture. He was a man of high character, devoted to
his family, and always interested in local affairs.
( IN )' Allen Avery, the subject proper of this
biography, was born at Old Mystic, Nov 23, 1838.
On Aug. 19, 1862. he married Alice Babcock Hinck-
ley, daughter of Abel and Abbie E. (Babcock)
Hinckley. One child came of this marriage: Viola
Genevieve, born Oct. 31, 1871, died Dec. 29, 1892.
Mr. Avery spent his boyhood days in Old Mys-
tic, securing an excellent education in the public
schools and at the academy at Mystic. Leaving
school he worked as a ship joiner with his father in
the Greenman yards, but in 1864, he embarked in
an undertaking business at Mystic, in a store built
by his father. Later, he purchased the store, and
carried on an undertaking business for a number of
years, but about 1884, he retired from that line,
continuing, however, to operate his furniture store,
which he had in the meanwhile established, until
1895. He is now engaged in the real estate business.
Mr. Avery is a member of Charity and Relief
Lodge, No. /2, A. F. & A. M., and has been since
187*;. and he was secretary nine years. For the
past seventeen years he has lived on the Stonington
side of Mystic, in a house he built in 1886, so that
he takes a deep interest in the affairs of the town
of Stonington. For thirteen years he was a mem-
ber of the executive committee of the fire district,
and was one of the organizers of the Hook and
Ladder Company, which he served faithfully and
ably as treasurer for twenty-one years. He is now
vice-president of the Avery Memorial Association,
which he served as president for two years. In
fact there are few measures of a public character,
designed to advance the interests of Mystic, in
which he has not been concerned.
JOHN \V. PHILLIPS', a prosperous merchant
of Mystic, town of Groton, Conn., descends from
several of the early families of southwestern Rhode
Island. On his paternal side he is in the fourth
generation from Joseph Phillips, his lineage being
through Benjamin and Hon. Reynolds Clark Phil-
lips.
Joseph Phillips married Susan Barber and was a
resident of the town of Exeter, R. 1. The Barbers
of that region descended from Moses Barber, who
was of Kings Town, R. L, as early as 1687. The
children of Joseph and Susan (Barber) Phillips
were: Nicholas, Ezekiel, Joseph, Benjamin P., Je-
rusha, Mehetabel, Emeline (or Emblem) and Susan.
Benjamin P. Phillips, son of Joseph and Susan
( Barber) Phillips, was born April 13, 1802, in
Exeter, R. I. He was married to Elizabeth Wood-
mansee, and they lived the greater part of their
lives in the town of Richmond, R. I., he being oc-
cupied in his earlier life in the mills, but in the main
was engaged in farming. He and his wife were
members of the Wood River Baptist Church in
Richmond, the membership of which included many
of the Phillips name. Mr. Phillips died in the town
of Scituate, R. I., in the summer, probably of 1886,
and both are buried in the Wood River cemetery.
Their children were: Sarah Ann, who married
Allison Hathaway, and is now residing with her
granddaughter, Mrs. James McGregor, at Natick,
R. I., in the seventy-eighth year of her age; Alfred,
who married Elizabeth Phillips, daughter of Nich-
olas ; Reynolds Clark ; Elizabeth, who married Ed-
ward Taber; Roxy, who married Patrick Burke:
Susan, who married James Tifft; and Abby, who
married Henry Potter.
The Woodmansees of the locality alluded to in
the foregoing were there early in the eighteenth
century, the marriage of one Joseph Woodmansee
to Hannah Tyster occurring July 17, 1719, and their
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
879
.children and grandchildren, respectively, being of
Charlestown and Richmond record.
Reynolds Clark Phillips, son of Benjamin 1'.
and Elizabeth (Woodmansee) Phillips, born June
29, 1833, married, June 2$, 1855, in Richmond, R.
I., Desire Letson, daughter of Freeborn and Roxy
(Tifft) Letson, the ceremony being performed by
Elder John C. Greene. Mr. Letson was a prosper-
ous dealer in stock in Richmond, and a leading man
of that section. Mr. Phillips passed the greater part
of his life in the town of Richmond, occupied in
farming. He took an active and prominent part in
local public affairs. For many years he was a mem-
ber of the town council, and he also represented his
town in the General Assembly of Rhode Island.
His political affiliations were with the Republican
party.
Early in the Civil war young Phillips espoused
the cause of the Union, and on August 7, 1862,
enlisted as a private in Company A, 7th R. 1. Y.
I., a regiment recruited to serve during the war, and
left Camp Bliss in South Providence in September,
1802, under command of Col. Zenas R. Bliss, an
accomplished officer, for Washington, D. C. Mr.
Phillips was mustered into the United States serv-
ice with his regiment, and shared its fortunes until
Sept. 9, 1863, from which time until June, 1865, he-
was on detached service at New Haven, Conn. He
was promoted to the rank of corporal, and was
mustered out June 15, 1865, to date June 9, 1865,
at Providence, Rhode Island.
The children born to Reynolds C. and Desire
(Letson) Phillips were: David F., now with
Messrs. Davis & Slocum, of Lafayette, R. I.; and
John Wilbur. The parents of these died, Mr. Phil-
lips, on March 14, 1899, aged sixty-five years, nine
months and seventeen days, and Mrs. Phillips, on
Jan. 14. 1885, both passing away in the town of
Richmond, Rhode Island.
John 'Wilbur Phillips spent his boyhood days in
Richmond, and at the East Greenwich academy,
after which he taught school for five terms at Exe-
ter, R. I. His next work was in the mercantile line,
at Hope Valley, R. L, continuing there from 1881
to 1887. He then engaged in the same business at
Wickford Junction, and later at Marlboro, Mass.,
he embarked in a grocery and provision enterprise.
In 1888 he came to Mystic, and for six years was in
the employ of William E. Wheeler, but on Sept.
15. 1894, he opened a large shoe, hat, and men's
furnishing goods establishment, which he still oper-
ates, carrying a full line of all articles in his line,
of latest design and best quality. During his years
of residence in Mystic, he has lived in the Groton
portion of the city, and is one of the most highly
cespected citizens of the place. Fraternally he is a
member of Mistuxet Lodge, Xo. 42, Knight-
Pythias, at Mystic.
Mr. Phillips was first married at Richmond to
Miss Iva L. Tillinghast, daughter of Rev. Gilbert
Tillinghast. a Baptist clergyman. She died at Mys-
tic, Conn., in 1807. Mr. Phillips was married (sec-
ond) in Mystic, to Miss Minnie Estelle Baggs,
daughter of William 11. Baggs, of Groton, Conn.,
;i sj ar maker. Mr. and Mrs. Phillips are prominent
in the Baptist Church of Mystic, although Mr.
Phillips has always retained hi-- membership in the
church of that denomination at Richmond.
SAWYER. The Sawyer family of Connecticut,
one of the very early ones of Mystic, originated in
Yorkshire, England, whence came Moses Sawyer to
America about 1740. He settled on Shelter Island,
in Gardner's Bay, from which place he moved to
Mystic during the war for Independence, bringing
with him his wife, whose maiden name was 1 'hebe
Havens, and their sons, John, James and William,
and daughters, Sarah and Phebe. They first lived
in the chambers of the Frederick Dennison house,
but later moved to Noank, where Mioses died of
smallpox, and was buried in the old Noank burving-
ground.
Besides the members of his family who accom-
panied him to Mystic, there remained on Long
Island, his daughters, Mary, who had been married
to Zebulon Weeks ; and Martha, who had been mar-
ried to Wakeman Foster. Of the children who
came to Mystic, Sarah was married to William
Wilbur, and settled at Noank, where a number of
their descendants still reside. Phebe was married to
William Brown, and they returned to Long Island.
John, the eldest son, when eighteen years old, was
killed on board the American privateer, "Eagle,"
in an engagement with a British brig-of-war.
James Sawyer, the second son of Moses Sawver,
was born in April, 1765. and married (first) Bet-
sey Rathbun, and (second) Mercy Burrows. The
children of the first marriage were Nancy and John,
and of the second marriage were : Frederick, Betsey,
James, Winthrop, John Havens, Benjamin and
Phebe, and these are all recalled as progenitors of
well known residents of Mystic — James Sawyer was
grandfather of Nellie Utley : Betsey was the mother
of Emma Sawyer, and grandmother of Emeline
Sawyer Young and Phebe Sawyer Griffin, Phebe
married George Eldredge, who died in Mystic.
James Sawyer, the father of these children, died on
Mason's Island, April 24, 1813.
William Sawyer, the third son of Moses and
Phebe (Havens) Sawyer, was born April 19, 1707,
and married Prudence Ashbey. born June 29, 1771.
Their children were: Martha, born Sept. 1, 171)1 ;
James Ashbey, born July 5, 1793: Maty, born Oct.
28, I7<j4 ; Moses Havens, born Aug. 28, 1796; Wil-
liam Riley, born Oct. 20. 1707: Joshua, born Aug.
!5> I7()(j: Patty, born April 28, 1801 ; Prudence,
born May 15, 1802; Jeremiah Xiles. born May 15,
1805: Thomas Jefferson, born April 12. 1S07: Pris-
cilla. born Oct. 15, 1808: Asa, born Jan. 12, 1812;
and Sarah Ann. born Jan. 12. 1814. William Saw-
yer died Sept. 15. 1852, aged eighty-five years, and
his wife died April 19, 1851. aged seventy-nine
88o
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
years. He was a sea-faring man, engaged in the
coasting trade.
Thomas Jefferson Sawyer, son of William, was
horn April 12, 1807, on Mason's Island, and was
there reared and educated. He married Mary Pal-
mer, sister of Rohert Palmer of Noank, and they
had the following children : Mary Ann, deceased,
married Asa Ashbey, a surviving son being Edward
Ashbey of Xoank ; Prudence A. married John A.
Carrington, and at death left two children, Clarence
(of Xoank) and Ella (wife of B. A. Spinks) ;
Thomas J., Jr., of Xoank, married Louisa Williams,
and they have three children, Anna, Helen and
Mary; Asa died in infancy; Roswell Palmer, born
Feb. 5, 1843; and Charles and Georgiana, both died
young. Along in the 40's Mr. Sawyer moved from
Mason's Island to Xoank, where he made his home
until death. He was a leading member of Fort Hill
Baptist Church, and was one of the organizers of
that religious body in Groton. His life was one of
usefulness, and he enjoyed the fullest measure of
esteem in his community.
Roswell Palmer Sawyer was born in Xoank, and
like his father was reared and educated in his native
place. At the age of eighteen years he became cap-
tain of the "G. A.." a smack engaged in fishing at
Montauk, and he belonged to this fleet for five years.
The other vessels of which he was commander were :
The "S. R. Packer." the "Almeda," the -Whistler,"
which he commanded for twelve years, the "Lucy
E. Smith," and the schooner, "Mattie and Lena."
In 1897 Air. Sawyer discontinued his life on the
water, and became the manager of the marine rail-
way for the Robert Palmer Company, and continued
there until he resigned to become postmaster at
Xoank.
In politics Mr. Sawyer has always been a stanch
supporter of the Republican party, and has been
more or less interested in public affairs for years.
On Jan. t, 1898, he was appointed postmaster at
Noank, and has most efficiently and satisfactorily
performed the assigned duties. For many years he
has been active in the Xoank Baptist Church.
On Nov. 19, 1863, Mr. Sawyer was married to
E. Adelaide Fitch, daughter of John A. Fitch. The
three children of this marriage, Almeda, Willie and
Jennie P., all died young.
A very interesting account of the Sawyer ances-
try may be consulted in the National Encyclopedia,
Vol. II, p. 62. Here it is stated that our subject's
paternal line is traced to Sir Edmund Sawyer, who
was knighted A. D. 1579, and married Annie,
daughter of Sir William Sawyer. The great- grand-
father was an admiral in the Royal British Navy,
whose scpiadron had cruised on the Xew England
coast prior to 1776, when he secured, by grant,
Shelter Island, in Long Island Sound, for his son,
Moses Sawyer.
The descendants of Jeremiah Xiles Sawyer, ninth
son of William Sawyer, through his marriage on
July 7, T826, to Emeline Olive Kelly, born Oct. 8,
1808, at Lyme, were: Moses Havens, born June 6,
1827, was consul at Trinidad, under President
Cleveland; Jeremiah X., Jr., born June 28, 1829;
Emeline, born April 22, 1831, died Oct. 8, 1831 ;
Lodowick Latham, born Oct. 27, 1832; Lucy
Latham, born Feb. 5, 1835 ! and Franklin Kelly,
born June r, 1839, died June 24, 1847. The father
died of yellow fever on board the schooner "Hero,"
of which he was captain, May 8, 1841, on the pas-
sage from Xew Orleans to Havana, Cuba.
LOUIS \V. GREEXEBERG, ex-chief engineer
of the Norwich fire department, now living retired,
is one of the most popular residents of that city.
He is of German stock, a native of Giessen, Hesse
Darmstadt, son of Emil and Elizabeth (Seip)
Greeneberg. The father, a gardener by occupation,
died at the age of seventy-three years, and his widow
at the age of seventy-four. They had only two
children, Louis W. and his elder brother. Karl, who
is married and resides in Giessen ; he is a copyist by
occupation.
Louis W. Greeneberg was born April 18, 1838,
and attended the public schools until he was less
than fourteen years old. He then began to learn
the trade of a cabinet maker, and was bound
out for three years, having to pay his mas-
ter one hundred dollars to teach him the
trade. He boarded at home. The hours were
from five A. M. until seven at night, and it was hard
work all of the time. He had spent only two years
at this business when he decided to come to Amer-
ica. The young man left Bremen in 1854 in a sail-
ing vessel, and was seventy-nine days on the pass-
age. He landed in Xew York in August and soon
after, through the aid of a friend, found work at
his trade, and was employed in New York City for
two years. In 1856 he went to Norwich, and was
employed by Colton, Ruggles and Gilbert, who had
a cabinet business on what is now lower Broadway,
opposite the Wauregan Hotel. He was put to work
making side rails on bedsteads, which were sold in
the South. He remained with this firm until they
dissolved, and then with the succeeding firms of
Lane & Gilbert, and XT. S. Gilbert & Sons, continu-
ing with the latter hrm until October, 1890, when
he resigned to become the chief engineer of the city
fire department. He was employed by the latter
concern and their predecessors for a period of more
than thirty-four years, and was foreman of the shop
the last twenty-five years. He was a hard-working
and faithful employe, and had the fullest confi-
dence of his employers, who were very reluctant to
part with him, and offered strong inducements to
him to remain.
Chief Greeneberg became a member of the fire
department in 1857, when he joined the Niagara
Engine Company, of which he became assistant
foreman in 1868. In 1871 he was made foreman,
and after serving in that capacity a little more than
a year was in 1872 elected assistant engineer of the
WUJ
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
88 i
department. This important position he held con-
tinuously for eighteen years, and upon the death ol
the late Joseph B. Carrier was elected chief in his
stead. On Nov. 10. [872, .Mr. Greeneberg, then as-
sistant engineer under 1). A. Delanoy, accompanied
that portion of the Norwich fire department that
went to the assistance <A the Boston fire department
during the great fire in that city, the detachment
consisting of 120 men. the steamer Wauregan No.
1. Delanoy steamer No. 5, and three hose carts. In
1SS7, while assistant engineer, Mr. Greeneberg was
shown the esteem in which he was held by the de-
partment and the fire commissioners, by being pre-
sented with a silver trumpet which was inscribed as
follows: "Presented to First Assistant Louis W.
Greeneberg, by the Fire Commissioners, officers and
members of the fire department of the city of Nor-
wich, Conn.. Oct. 3. 1887." On Feb. 22,' 1888, lie
won a trumpet in a voting contest, for the most
popular assistant engineer of Norwich.
Chief Greeneberg resigned from the department
in July, 10,01, and his decision to leave caused much
sorrow, as he was a most efficient and popular
officer, and a very brave and courageous man.
During his eleven years of service as chief he never
lost a day from duty because of illness.
Throughout his busy life Mr. Greeneberg has
been provident, and is now well-to-do. He lives
retired at his pleasant home on Division street, which
he erected in 1874, when there were but few houses
in that vicinity. Mr. Greeneberg married in Nor-.
wich, in April 1866. Miss Lina Reiss, who was
born in Brooklyn, N. Y., a daughter of Jeremiah
and Christina Reiss, natives of Germany. Mr.
Reiss came to Norwich in 1849, an(l there passed the
rest of his life. Mr. and Mrs. Greeneberg have had
two children : William L., who holds a responsible
position with Preston Brothers, of Norwich ;
and Elizabeth, who died in infancy. Mrs. Greene
berg is a member of the Universalist Church. Mr.
Greeneberg is independent in politics, and votes for
the best men and princii les without regard for the
party supporting them. He is a charter member of
the Lodge of Elks.
EUGENE K. BECKWITH, one of the success-
ful men of Niantic, Conn., was born at East Lyme,
near Flanders, March 5, 1847, son of John L. Beck-
with, also born in East Lyme, in May, 1816, and
died in 1885, aged sixty-nine years.
Ezra Beckwith, grandfather of our subject, was
a resident of Flanders in East Lyme, and his house
was opposite the Baptist Church in that place. By
occupation lie was a ship builder at the head of the
river, and was well known as a good workman. In
religious views he was a consistent Baptist.
John L. Beckwith spent his early school days
in East Lyme, learning the carpenter's trade under
John Bishop in New London. He followed his
trade the greater portion of his life in East Lvmc.
but during his latter years he resided in Niantic.
59
having a shop on Pennsylvania avenue. On June
6, [839, he was married in East Lyme to Lois Harris
Comstock, sister of John J. Comstock, Sr. The
children horn of this union were: Emma L., oi
North Adams, Mass., who married V. A. Whittaker.
and has one child. Ezra Douglass; Raymond Corn-
stock, of Niantic, Conn.; Eugene Kincaid. Like
his father, John L. Beckwith was a member of the
Baptist Church; in politics he was a Whig, a strong
Abolitionist and later a Republican. In addition to
holding many local offices, he represented his party
and town in the State Legislature, and was also
active in business life until the day of his death,
and was honored and respected by a large circle of
friends.
Eugene K. Beckwith was educated in District
No. 8, of East Lyme, and as his first business ex-
perience clerked for two years in a crockery and
grocery store in New London. He learned his trade
with his father, and after two years went to Hart-
ford, and worked for Erastus Phelps and James
T. Porter for five years, returning in 1874, to Easl
Lyme, since which time he has been engaged in
several lines, making this town his home. For six
years he worked for his father, but in 1880 he began
contracting and building in the southwestern part
of New London county.
On Dec. 3, 1868. Mr. Beckwith was married 111
Waterford, Conn., to Emma L. Watrous, daughter
of Hubbard L. and \ larriet F. ( Strickland ) Wat-
rous. Their children are as follows: Alva 1\..
born Aug. (■>, [869, married Elizabeth Daniels, and
resides in Niantic, Conn.; they have the following
family: Ethel L. Phyllis F., and Ivan W. Harry,
born Sept. 19, 1872, died in August, 1873. Benja-
min S., born Sept. 9, 1873, is in the freight office of
the Consolidated road of Hartford. Conn. Eugene;
born March 21, 1875, died in September. 1875.
Harry L., born March 12, 1880, a resident of Mid-
dleboro, Mass.. married Lena Bryant. fohn L.
was born May 12, 1881. R. Royce, was born Dec.
13. 1882.
Mr. Beckwith is a member of Union Lodge,
A. (). C. W. in Niantic. and the ( ). I". A. M.'in
Flanders, of which he was the first Councilor. He
has been active in town affairs, representing Easl
Lyme in the State Legislature in 1890 and 1891;
during which time he served on the committee on
Claims. He has also been assessor of the town.
Raymond Comstock Beckwith was born in
the town of East Lyme July 1, 1845, and was edu-
cated in District No. 8. He learned his trade of
carpenter with his father, and for about four years
worked at his trade in Bridgeport, being foreman
for H. L. Morehouse for a time. Returning to
Niantic, he worked with his father until his death
in 1885. For twelve wars he has been custodian
of the state camp at Niantic, Conn., and also en-
gages in the carpenter business at Niantic. Mr.
Beckwith has been a grand juror and registrar of
voters, and never fails to do his duty as a good citi-
88_>
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
zen. Fraternally he is a member of the A... O. U.
W., having joined that order in 1890, and for thir-
teen years has been recorder of the order.
At Black Rock, in the town of Fairfield, Mr.
Beckwith married Sarah Esther Rew, daughter of
Edward Thomas and Mary Jane (Olmstead) Rew,
he a native of Washington, N. C and she of
Norwalk, Conn. The grandmother of Mrs. Beck-
with on her mother's side was the oldest member
of the Congregational Church at Norwalk, at the
time of her death. Mr. and Mrs. Beckwith had
one son. who died at birth.
.. CHARLES W. LAMP,, of Mystic, is a de-
scendant of one of the old families of Xew London
county, and one that has been settled in what is
now Ledyard for many generations.
Samuel W. Lamb, born in Ledyard, married,
Sept. 16, 1798, Eleanor Lacker, and both were of
Groton, Conn. Their children were: Alfred, born
Aug. 20, 1799; Eliza, born Feb. 28, 1801 ; James C,
born Sept. 10, 1802, (bed Nov. 22, 1804; Joseph
P., born Nov. £4, 1805, died Dec. 15, 1882; Harriet,
born Sept. 20. 1807; Daniel \Y.. born Nov. 13. 1809;
Hannah P., born Dec. 15. 181 1. The occupation
of the father of this family was that of farming, and
he made his home at Rome, Xew York.
(II) Joseph P. Lamb, son of Samuel W., mar-
ried Nancy Beebe Halsey. who was born Aug. 30,
1812. daughter of Capt. Jesse Halsey, of Sag Har-
bor, L. I.: she died Feb. 20, 1889. They had chil-
dren as follows: (1) Laura, born Nov. 23, 1835,
married at ECinderhook, X. Y.. Charles E. Packer,
of Mystic, who for thirty years followed the sea,
and was captain of vessels of the Mallory line, but
who for the past twenty years has been living re-
tired. Their children are: Halsey, born April 13,
1864: Charles C, born March 28, 1869; and Addie
L., born June 11, 1870, married Edward S. Okie.
(2) Charles W. was born Jan. 5, 1837. (3) Maria
E., born Oct. 20, 1838, is the widow of William S.
Okie, of Jersey City, X. J. (4) Edmund, born Oct.
5, 1844. died in February, 1845. (5) Daniel AY,
born ( >ct. 15, 1846, married Julia Eldridge, and their
children were: Joseph C. born Sept. 18, 1871 ;
Robert D.. born Dec. 4. 1876; Laura M., born Dec.
12. 1891.
(III) Charles Wightman Lamb, son of Joseph
P., was born at Sag Harbor, L. I.. Jan. 5, 1837.
His early days were passed in his native town, where
he received an excellent education in the public
schools, also attending a free academy in Xew York
City. He then applied himself, and learned the
builder's trade with his father, after which he spent
a year in the West, but later became manager of
the William H. Colwell & Co. lumber yard, and sub-
sequently of the James W. Colwell yard at Mott
Haven, X'. Y., continuing to hold that responsible
position for many years.
Mr. Lamb was also engaged in the coal busi-
ness in Xew York City, although during the decade
he was thus engaged he made his home principally at
Mystic, preferring it to the noisy city. Mr. Lamb
has always taken a deep interest in local affairs,
and during his residence in Xew York was a mem-
ber of the Metropolitan Fire Department, thus con-
tinuing until the establishment of a paid fire de-
partment.
In 1859 Air. Lamb was married, at Stockport,
X'. Y.. to Lucy Benjamin, and the children born of
this marriage were: William and Adelaide both died
young. Edwin L. married Louisa H. Crandall. by
whom he had two children, Charles (who died in
infancy) and Leslie Edwin. Edwin L. Lamb was
associated with his father in the coal business in
Xew York City, and there his death occurred.
Charles 1)., the youngest of the family, died young.
Mr. Lamb is a member of the Union Baptist
Church of Mystic, in which he is a trustee. He is
one of the reliable, substantial men of the place, and
is an excellent representative of the solid Xew Eng-
land men, of long descent from the early Colonists,
in whose hearts was born the love of home and
country which resulted finally in the establishment
and development of the greatest nation in the
world.
EDWIX HOXIE KXOWLES, M. D.. one of
the most prominent citizens of Xorth Stoninsrton
and an eminent member of the medical profession,
was born Feb. 18, 1842, in Smithfield, R. I., son of
Dr. John Hoxie, and grandson of John Knowles.
Dr. John Hoxie Knowles was born in Rich-
mond, R. I., and passed his boyhood at Hopkinton
and Richmond. He studied medicine with Dr.
Isaac Collins, his future father-in-law. He first
engaged in practice in Washington, R. I., and then
at Burrillville, later at Exeter and still later at
Westerly, R. I. In 1863 he gave up practice and
moved to Yoluntown, Conn., where he resided with
his son John M.. but passed the last ten years of his
life at Hopkinton with his daughter, Airs. Marv S.
Collins. He married Catherine Eliza Collins, who
died in Hopkinton, who, like himself, was a Quaker
in religious belief and observance. Their children
were : William C. died aged twenty-two years ;
Henry G., of San Francisco, Cal, served in the
Civil war, and was incarcerated in Libby Prison ;
Eliza A., deceased, married Daniel Gardner, of
Fxeter, R. I. ; Mary S., born in Hopkinton, R. I.,
married Gilbert L. Collins ; Emeline L. became Airs.
Briggs, of Providence, R. I.; John M., a farmer
and mason builder, died at Cranston, R. I.; Isaac
C. served as assistant surgeon at Eckington Hos-
pital during the war, and d'ed at Old Point Com-
fort ; and Edwin Hoxie. While living at Exeter,
Dr. John H. Knowles took a prominent part in poli-
tics, and was widely known in his profession.
Dr. Edwin Hoxie Knowles was educated at
Smithfield and Fxeter, R. I. At the age of nineteen
years, he enlisted for service in the Civil war, at
Providence, R. I., on the dav after the battle ot
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
883
Bull Run, and was sworn in Aug. 8, [861, a mem-
ber of Company 11, 1st Rhode Island Light Artil-
lery, and served until the battle of Fredericksburg,
Dee. 14, [862, where he was severely wounded in
the left thigh. He was confined for two weeks at
Falmouth Field Hospital, for six weeks at the Lin-
coln General Hospital, and was sent home on a fur-
lough for thirty days, but was obliged to return to
Lincoln Hospital, and was subsequently sent to
Convalescent Camp, Virginia. In the spring of
1863 he was honorably discharged, having almost
given his life for his country.
The young soldier returned to Westerly and
began the study of medicine with his father, and
during the winters of 1864-5 attended lectures at the
Homeopathic College in Xew York City. He then
filled a clerical position in Potter. Champlin &
Spicer's drug store in Mystic, for one year, and
three years in Potter's drug store in Stonington.
Opening then a drug store of his own at Westerly,
he conducted it for ten years., when he sold it and
went to Philadelphia, where he attended medical
lectures, and received his degree. In the spring of
1878 he came to Stonington. and has since been
engaged in active practice, having built up an envia-
ble reputation in the science of medicine.
Aside from his profession, Dr. Knowles is very
prominently identified with the men and affairs of
this part of New London county. He is a promi-
nent Mason, being raised to degree of Master
Mason in Asylum Lodge, at Stonington, is a mem-
ber of Palmer Chapter at Pawcatuck, Howard
Council, and Narragansett Commandery at West-
erlv, and is now a member of Pawcatuck Lodge,
F. & A. M. He belongs to Hancock Post, G. A. R.,
was a charter member, and was commander of Bud-
long Post during the first two years of that post's
existence. Since the establishment of post surgeon
he has filled the office for Xew London county, has
been medical examiner since the county coroner's
office was established, and has been health officer of
North Stonington since that office was made.
Politically Dr. Knowles is a Republican, and he
has been chairman of the Republican town com-
mittee since the death of Thomas Clark. He is
also one of the substantial men of this section, is
president of the Pawcatuck National Bank, which
is now winding up its affairs, and is also president
of the Pawcatuck People's Savings Rank.
On March 28, 1865, Dr. Knowles was married
at Nesquepaug, R. I., to Mary Elizabeth Champlin,
daughter of George W. and Esther Champlin of
Wakefield. R. I., later of Pawcatuck. R. I. They
had two children: (1) William Hoxie, born May
24, 1866, is a dentist at Baltimore, Md. ; he married
Catherine Robertson, and has one child, James
Robertson. (2) Charles Edwin, born Oct. 8, 1868,
died Oct. 6, 1891, in North Stonington; he was a
young man of the greatest promise, and had a wide
circle of personal and business friends. He had
taken a course in Pharmacy in New York City, was
then connected with a drug store in Willimantic, and
was later employed at Nicholas & Harris' drug -
New London. Dr. Knowles has also been one of
North Stonington's distinguished legislators, serv-
ing in [886 and 1880,, during his first term being on
the committee on Hanks and Federal Relations, and
in 1889 on Humane Institutions, and again on I
eral Relations.
CLARENCE H. NORTON, manufacturer of
binder's board at North Westchester, in the town of
Colchester, Conn., is one of the leading citizens of
that town. He descends from one of the earliest
settled families of this State, the earl}- history of
which is given elsewhere.
David Norton, his great-grandfather, resided in
Hebron, Conn., where he followed the occupation
of farmer, and there died. His farm was located in
the northeast part of the town.
Samuel S. Norton, grandfather of Clarence H.,
was a carpenter by trade, and resided in Hebron,
Conn., until he removed to Colchester to give his
children better educational advantages, such as
could be obtained at Bacon Academy. Later he
returned to Hebron, where he resided until his
death, which occurred Dec. 12, 1869, when he was
seventy-three years old, and his remains were in-
terred at North Westchester. He was an all around
mechanic, of considerable genius, and at one time
was engaged at tool making, and the manufacture
of a superior gauge for carpenters. Personally he
was an upright. Christian man, a devoted member
of the Methodist Church, of which he was a liberal
supporter. He was active in the erection of the
present church edifice at Colchester. In politics he
was a Whig, later a Republican, and he had strong
views on anti-slaver}'.
Samuel S. Norton married Sylvina C. Chapman,
of Killingworth, Middlesex Co., Conn., who sur-
vived him, and died April 6, 1888, aged eighty-seven
years. The children born of this union were: (1)
John S.. who attended Bacon Academy and grad-
uated from Wesleyan University, located soon there-
after at Brenham, Washington Co., Texas, where he
was engaged as a school teacher. He enlisted as a
musician in the Confederate army, and was under
Gen. Lee at the time of his surrender to Gen. Grant.
Returning to Hebron for a short time, he went
back to Brenham, where he was engaged as a mer-
chant for many years, later retiring to Austin, where
he died. He married a Southern lady, Josephine
Jovnes, and had two sons, Herbert and Samuel.
( 2 ) Daniel Ives is mentioned below. ( 3 | Ellen grad-
uated from Bacon Academy, and became a school
teacher at Brenham, Texas, where she married
Henry Cooke, of North Carolina. They now reside
at Oklahoma City, ( )kla., and their children are:
Edward H. and George, who are engaged in the
banking business at Oklahoma City; John Norton,
a bank note- printer in New York: and Mariam and
Myrta. (4) Edward Howd was a merchant and
settled at Brenham, Texas, became wealthy, but
did not marrv.
884
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
Daniel Ives Norton, father of Clarence H. Nor-
ton, was born at Hebron, and was a small boy when
his parents removed to Colchester. He received
a good education in the public schools and Bacon
Academy, and then worked for his father as a me-
chanic, thus continuing until about 1861, when he
engaged in the cotton manufacturing business, in
company with David Thompson, at Hope Valley,
in the town of Hebron. In 1876, the mill was
burned, and he then came to North Westchester,
and settled on the farm of his father-in-law. After
repairing the saw and grist mill, he operated it, but
soon after had a stroke of paralysis, and being in
poor health after this, did not continue the work.
His death occurred Oct. 9, 1880, when he was fifty-
six years and three months of age, and he was in-
terred in the cemetery at North Westchester. In
politics he was a Democrat. Religiously he was a
member of the Methodist Church. He was mar-
ried, at North Westchester, to Eunice B. Buell, a
native of North Westchester, daughter of Talcott
L. and Mary G. (Carrier) Buell, the former of
whom died May 1, 1885, in his eighty-eighth
year, and the latter Jan. 18. 1836, aged thirty-
nine years. Mr. Buell was a well-known citizen of
North Westchester, where he conducted an iron
factory, on the site of the paper mill now owned
by Mr. C. H. Norton. Mrs. Norton resides with
our subject.
Clarence Horatio Norton, the only child born
to his parents, was born Oct. 22, 1853, in Hebron,
and received a common school education. He was
reared to mechanical work, starting when he was a
small boy in his father's mill. He remained with
his father, and when the latter's health failed, the
son took entire charge of the business, which has
since been conducted by him, although he discon-
tinued the sawmill some years ago. In 1888, Mr.
Norton engaged in the manufacture of binder's
board, in the old building, which was formerly occu-
pied by his grandfather, but which had later been
used by other parties in the same line of manufact-
uring industry. In 1893 the mill was burned, but
Mr. Norton immediate1}- rebuilt it upon a much
larger scale, putting in new ami improved machin-
ery, and greatly enlarging the capacity. He gives
employment to about twenty workmen.
On Dec. 25, 1885, in North Westchester, Mr.
Norton was married to Atta 15. Carrier, a native
of Westchester, daughter of Demas and Roxie E.
(Staples) Carrier. Demas Carrier was a carpenter
and millwright, and a prominent and well-known
citizen of his section. He was born Oct. 25, 1828,
and died in North Westchester, Dec. 12. [893. His
wife died Dec. 9, 1877, aged fifty-three. The chil-
dren born to Mr. and Mrs. Norton were: Sylvina
C, who graduated from Bacon Academy in 1903;
Minette C, now attending Bacon Academy; a son
that died in infancy; Marian E. ; Edward H. In
politics, Mr. Norton has always been a Democrat,
and has served on the board of selectmen, and also
as assessor, serving very ably in both capacities. He
has been a representative from Colchester several
times, the last being in 1893, when he served on the
committee on Claims. In religious matters he is a
member of the Westchester Congregational Church,
as are also his wife and two elder children.
HON. SOLOMON LUCAS. The life of the
Hon. Solomon Lucas, of Norwich, furnishes an ex-
ample of what the boy of today may accomplish,
though he be left alone in the world and penniless,
and it should be an inspiration and incentive to such
boys and all others who aspire to position and use-
fulness in society and in the activities of life.
Born April t, 1835, in Norwich, Conn., of Eng-
lish parents, and one of the youngest of a family of
twelve. Air. Lucas was left an orphan at the early
age of eight years. He became self-reliant and self-
supporting, and, through the force of his innate na-
ture, pluck, perseverance and energy, he rose un-
aided to the foremost rank of his contemporaries at
the Bar of Connecticut. Until sixteen years of age
lie worked on a farm, receiving for his service his
board and clothes, acquiring what schooling he
could at the district school of the neighborhood dur-
ing the winter months. Following this for three
years he was an operator in the J 'otter Hill Mills
at Totter Hill, R. I. His opportunities in all direc-
tions were embraced with a vigor and manfulness
that made the most of them. He early determined
to become a lawyer, and after attaining his major-
ity bent his efforts to meet and overcome, unas-
sisted, every obstacle that stood in his way. ( )n the
invitation of Hon. John T. Wait, young Lucas en-
tered his office as a law student. Mr. Wait had
been then a candidate for lieutenant governor sev-
eral times, had just closed a ten years service as
States Attorney for New London county, and had a
wide acquaintance in that region. He opened his
office to the young student, took an interest in his
ambitions and approved his diligent application to
the study of law. In addition to the invaluable ed-
ucation of a practical character in the office of a
lawyer who had so large and varied a clientage, he
pursued a very advantageous course at the Albany
law school, consequently when he was admitted to
the New London County Bar, in April, 1861, he at
once attained an enviable position as a lawyer of
ability and promise.
In 1863, Mr. Lucas was. sent to the General As-
sembly of Connecticut, as a representative from the
town of Preston, and was assigned to the commit-
tee on Humane Institutions. The lower house was
at that time an unusually able body, Chauncey F.
Cleveland being speaker, and William W. Eaton,
the leader of the Democratic minority; both parties
contained a large number of men of pronounced
and conflicting views as to the conduct of the Civil
war, and the relations with the South. William T.
Elmer, now a judge of the Superior Court, was as-
sistant clerk. Mr. Lucas was almost the youngest
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
88<
member of that body, that distinction belonging to
Hon. George M. Woodruff, who was one year his
junior. Though he acquitted himself with excep-
tional credit, and won the commendation of the
members of the profession, and his own constitu-
ents, political life had no enticements for him in
comparison with the satisfying honor of success as
a lawyer. 1 le turned his back at once on office seek-
ing, and from that time to the present has repeat-
edly declined to accept political favors. His prac-
tice, meanwhile, began to grow in extent and im-
portance. His devotion to business and unrelent-
ing care of the interests confided to him soon
brought substantial returns, and he rapidly came
to the front among the members of the Bar of New
London County. Air. Lucas has doubtless been en-
gaged in the trial of more cases than any other liv-
ing member of the New London County Bar, and
the Connecticut Reports show that he has frequently
appeared before the Supreme Court of Errors of
the State. His fame as a cross-examiner of wit-
nesses is not confined to Connecticut. Mr. Lucas
now possesses a lucrative practice, and is one of the
leaders of the Bar of the State. In 1889. when
Hon. John M. Thayer was promoted to the Bench
of the Superior Court, Mr. Lucas received the ap-
pointment of States Attorney for New London
count}-, and has filled the position ever since with
signal success. He has the reputation of being a
most honest practitioner, an honorable man and a
patriotic and useful citizen, always ready to perform
any public service which lies clearly within the
line of duty, not incompatible with his professional
obligations. He enjoys an enviable reputation
among his legal contemporaries and with the public.
His standing as a lawyer is high, and he is accorded
universal credit for the great success which he has
achieved. He has been absolutely untiring in work-
ing his way upward in Ids profession. One of his
distinguished contemporaries at the Par has said
of him : "He is a bright, keen, successful lawyer,
devoted to his profession; one who takes good care
of his clients, and is not dismayed by any opposi-
tion. He has been the architect of his own fortune,
and deserves great credit for winning the high posi-
tion which he occupies as an attorney and advocate."
Mr. Lucas's political affiliations are with the
Democratic party. His religious connections arc
with the Second Congregational Church at Nor-
which, he having been for many years first commit-
tee-man of that society. He is intimately connected
with many of the leading corporations of Norwich.
He is well versed in matters pertaining to the wel-
fare of the city, and having from the proceeds of a
successful practice accumulated much property, is
largely interested in real estate, and he is a large
owner of real estate at East Great Plain. One large
block of buildings in Norwich bears bis name.
In [864 Mr. Lucas was married to Miss Eliza-
beth A. Crosby, daughter of Hiram Crosby, a prom-
inent woolen manufacturer and dealer of Lvme.
Conn., who removed to Norwich and there passed
the last years of his life. Airs. Lucas died in 1874,
leaving two daughters, Nancy and Alary.
HEWITT. The Hewitt family of New Lon-
don, represented in North Stonington by Charles
Edwin Hewitt, is descended from ( I) Thomas Hew-
itt, the first of the family to settle in Stonington,
Conn., who was a seafaring man, and in the diary
of Thomas .Miner, Sr., is spoken of as in command
of a vessel in the Mystic river in 1656, where Ik- was
receiving the surplus products of the early planters
in exchange for Boston goods. In his business
transactions he made the acquaintance of Walter
Palmer, whose daughter Hannah he married April
2(>, 1059. In order to make Stonington his abode
for life, he purchased a tract of land on the east
side of the Mystic river, which embraced the pres-
ent site of the Elm Grove cemetery, and there
erected a dwelling house, but he continued his
coasting trade, extending- his business to the West
Indies. During the year 1662 he purchased a cargo
of cattle, sheep and poultry, and set sail for the
West Indies, expecting a pleasant voyage and ex-
change of his cargo for merchandise suitable for the
inhabitants of this region. Months and then years
passed, and no tidings came of his arrival in the
West Indies, nor was any trace of him found, and
it is supposed that in some fearful storm, his vessel
and all on board went down.
(II) Benjamin Hewitt, born in 1662, married.
Sept. 2_p (083, Marie, daughter of Edmund and
Ellen Fanning.
(III) Major Israel Hewitt, born July 24, 1692,
married. March 8, 1714. Anna I 'reed.
(I\') Charles Hewitt, born Aug. 16, 1730. mar-
ried, Oct. 2X, 1 75O. Hannah Stanton.
(V) Stanton Hewitt, born Oct. 18. [760, died
May 13. 1844. He married .May 15. 1784. Lucinda,
daughter of Oliver and Ann Borodel (Billings)
Grant, who died Jan. 7, 1847. They had children:
Charles, born July 13, 1780. married Eunice Witter;
Stanton, born July 13, 1788. married Mary Avery;
William, born July 23. 1792. married Eliza Will-
iams; Oliver, horn Oct. 15. [795, married 1 first)
Julia Punderson, and (second) Sarah A. Brown-
ing; Lucinda, born April 17, 1797. married Ezra
Stanton; Ephraim, born April 30. 1801, married
Eliza Prentice; Eliza, born April 17. 1803. married
Henry Prentice; Mary, born May 19. 180S, married
Asher Prentice; and Dennison, born Jan. [9, 1811,
died Oct. 18, 18S8. married Mary 1'. Browning,
born Dec. 2^>. 1814. daughter of Thomas and Amy
Smith 'Prentice) Browning, who died April 1.
1804. the mother '^\ Thomas Browning, who mar-
ried Amanda Brower. He was a farmer and sold
timber and was also prominent in public life, serv-
ing as a member of the Legislature.
(VI) Col. Stanton Hewitt, born July 13. 1788,
in Ledyard, died Aug. 25, 1847. On Sept. 7,
[820, he married Mary Avery, born Dec. 9. 1798,
886
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
daughter of William and Margaret (Avery) Avery.
Mrs. Hewitt died Nov. 8, 1859. The chil-
dren born to this union were : Mary Ann, born
Sept. 10, 1821, died Nov. 6, 1821 ; William Stanton,
bom March 23, 1823, died unmarried Sept. 27,
1881 ; Mary Augusta, born April 1, 1825, died
March 29, 1835 ; Oliver Avery, born April 3. 1827,
died Oct. 26, 1848 ; Margaret Lucinda, born April
2j, 1829, died June 10, 1830; Margaret (2). born
April 28. 1831, died July 12, 1832; Charles Edwin,
born Feb. 1, 1834, married Feb. 22, i860, Eliza A.
Hillard ; Jane Eliza, born July 13, 1836, married
May 19, 1864, Andrew Avery, and died April 3.
1876; and Maria Louise, born March 30, 1841, died
March 31, 1842.
Col. Stanton Hewitt spent his boyhood in Led-
yard and North Stonington, and spent some years
on Hewitt Hill with his uncle Eli Hewitt. After
marriage he lived in a house he built in North Ston-
ington, and later moved to the house now occupied
by his son, Charles Edwin Hewitt, which was built
by William Avery, his father-in-law, about 1790. He
owned a grist mill and shingle mill in North Ston-
ington and was a well known citizen. His wife was
a worthy member of the Congregational Church.
Col. Hewitt was also prominent in political life, was
twice elected to the Legislature, and once ran for
the Senate. He received his title as an officer in the
local militia.
(VII) William Stanton Hewitt, horn March 23,
1823, died Sept. 27, 1881. In 1841; he went to Cal-
ifornia and returned June 20, 185 1, but again went
west May 18, 1852, and did not return until 1856.
He was a skilled cabinetmaker, had studied den-
tistry in New London, and practiced under Dr.
Sheffield. Many of the first sewing machines sold
in North Stonington and vicinity were disposed of
by him. For two wears prior to his death he was
blind and helpless from locomotor ataxia.
(VII) Jane Eliza Hewitt, born July 13, 1836,
died April 3, 1876. She married Andrew Avery
May 19, [864. The children of this marriage were:
Dr. Amos, of Hampton, Conn.; Oliver Perry, pas-
tor of the Congregational Church at Deadwood,
South Dak. ; and an infant son deceased.
(VI I) Charles Edwin Hewitt, born Feb. 1,
1834, married, Feb. 22, 1860, Eliza Ann Hillard,
and they had children: Mary Eliza, born Jan. 18,
1862, died March 6, 1889; Jenny Morilla, born
Now 14, 1863, married Frank Elwin Bentley, of
Pelham, X. V., and has three children. Elwin H.,
Harold S. and Fernando W. ; Kate Amelia, born
Dec. 11, 1865, died May 2j, 1888; Margaret Hill-
ard, born Nov. 22, 1867, is a teacher in the Wheeler
High School at North Stonington; and Edna, born
Nov. 7, 1877, married George Wyman Tryon of
Willoughby, ( )hio.
Charles Edwin Hewitt was reared until the age
of fourteen years in North Stonington, and with the
exception of eight years passed in Mt. Ycrnon,
N. Y., where he conducted a family hotel, he has
always resided in North Stonington. While at Mt.
Vernon he became one of the first members of the
First Congregational Church, of which he was a
deacon. He has been a prominent citizen of North
Stonington, has held the offices of assessor and of
auditor, and has always been one of the first to en-
dorse and promote public improvements. He has a
mind well stored with historical and genealogical
lore, and his fund of pleasant anecdote is well nigh
inexhaustible. A friend to every one, he has his
reward in finding every one a friend to him.
BENJAMIN F. YORK. The agricultural in-
terests of any community form an important part
in its general prosperity, and those having them in
charge are necessarily men of intelligence and un-
tiring industry. Unless a farmer possess these at-
tributes he can not bring forth from his land all
which lies fallow in it, and when there is shortage
in crops, the entire world suffers. Among the rep-
resentative and very successful farmers of New
London county, Benjamin F. York, of Lebanon,
occupies a leading position, and he is held in the
highest esteem by all with whom he is brought into
contract. He has won a position of importance
among the well-to-do citizens of his town, entirely
through his own efforts.
His grandfather resided in New London, Conn.,
and became a very well known and thrifty citizen of
the county, and stood high in the esteem of his fel-
low townsmen.
Otis A. York, the father of Benjamin F. York,
was a stone mason by trade and resided in Nor-
wich. He was recognized to be a good workman
in his line, and frequently he was placed in charge
of a gang of men engaged in that branch of work,
he thus assisting in the erection of many of the
bridge abutments in Norwich and vicinity. His
death occurred in that town when he was fifty-five
years of age. Flis wife, Mary A. Rogers, daughter
of John E. Rogers, survived him, and died in
Lebanon at the age of fifty-four years, and both
were buried in Yantic cemetery at Norwich. Their
children were: John, who died in infancy; Benja-
min Franklin ; Clinton E., a carpenter who died in
Lebanon, unmarried; Otis A., who married Jose-
phine, adopted daughter of S. C. Hooker, now of
Willimantic, and who is an expert worker in rub-
ber, residing in Maiden, Mass.; Mary E., who mar-
ried (first) Cyrus S. Geer. had three children,
(second) John McPherson, of Middletown, and
has one child by this marriage.
Benjamin F. York' was horn Nov. 24, 1850, in
Norwich, Conn. At the age of nine years he wras
"hound out" in Norwich, but haying a very undesir-
able master, the lad ran away after a few months.
Soon thereafter he was placed in the family of
Deacon Solomon • Williams, a blacksmith in Leb-
anon, with the understanding that he was to remain
until he was sixteen, receiving his food and neces-
sary clothing. His spending money was earned by
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
NX;
selling fish he had caught, picking berries and do-
ing other work in his few spare moments. Deacon
\\ illiams was a very industrious man, and young
York was kept very busy assisting his master in the
blacksmith shop, doing all the chores and attending
to various duties around the house. His advantages
for acquiring an education were very few. and con-
fined to the tour winter months at the district school.
After leaving Deacon Williams he was employed by
Abel Stark, on Goshen Hill, and remained with him
for three years, during- which time he attended the
district school two terms. His wages were Sioo for
the first eight months, and this was given him be-
cause of his ability to turn out so much work dur-
ing each day.
His next employer was Deacon William Gillette,
with whom he remained six months, and then in
company with Jeremiah Stark, of Lebanon, he went
to Essex, and was employed at teaming in the con-
struction department of the Valley railroad. Later
he was employed by Captain Lynde L. Huntington,
of Lebanon, and from that town went to Ledyard,
Conn., for a year. Still later he was employed by
Reuben Maples, at Fitchville, and then went "book-
ing" for Henry Bill, of Norwich. While in the em-
ploy of the latter he was sent to the vicinity of
Fond du Lac. Wis., and soon after was taken seri-
ously ill with pneumonia, and was cared for by a
man, who was a stranger to him, but a friend of a
mutual friend. After being restored to health, he
remained with his benefactor, working for him to
repay the great kindness shown in a time of
need. Returning to Connecticut, he was employed
in a pistol shop at Norwich for a time, and then en-
tered the employ of John \\*. Gale, who operated the
horse railway at Norwich, as conductor and driver.
After a year, however, he came to Lebanon, and
rented a farm of Asahel Rockwell, and there resided
for a year. He then removed to the William
Loomis farm where he lived for five years, and while
there was married. From there he removed to the
Flavel Gillette place in Hebron, and made it his
home for three years more, then returning to Leb-
anon he rented the H. Throop farm in the eastern
part of the town, and staid there for three years, or
until 1886, when he rented his present farm of Sal-
mon McCall, it being known as the William McCall
place, a fine tract of 186 acres. In 1891 he pur-
chased this same property, going into debt for the
entire amount, and owing Si 00 for the stock. He
has greatly improved the farm, and is carrying on a
very successful business in general farming and
dairying, he milking about twenty-four cows. In
addition, he is a heavy dealer in cattle, and has be-
come very prosperous in all his undertakings.
In Lebanon, Mr. York was united in marriage
with Miss Lucy A. Peckham, of South Kingstown.
R. 1., daughter of Henry Peckham; she came to
Lebanon when nine years of age. The children born
to Mr. and Mrs. York are: Harry Clinton, who at-
tended Bacon academy, and in 1901 graduated from
Norwich Free Academe, and is now attending
Yale; Harriet May, at home; Grace, who died In
infancy; Marguerite Belle, at home, and Benjamin
Raymond, at home.
Mr. York is a Republican in politics, but has
never aspired to office, his time being fully occupied
with his personal affairs, although he can always be
depended upon to support all measures calculated to
prove beneficial to the general welfare of the com-
munity. Fraternally he is a member of Lebanon
Lodge No. 23, Ancient < )rder of United Work-
men, in which he is an active and popular member.
Mrs. York and the family are members of the Con-
gregational Church, and Air. York attend- its serv-
ices, and gives liberally towards its support, thor-
oughly believing in the good influence exerted in a
community by religious bodies.
The record of a life like Mr. York's is one to call
forth admiration and high commendation. At a
time when most boys are still little fellows at their
mother's knee, he was thrust forth to earn his own
living, and was subjected to cruelty scared}' com-
prehended in these more enlightened days. Still,
in spite of hardships, lack of even ordinary educa-
tional advantages, sickness and many discourage-
ments, he struggled on, and has become one of the
best farmers and highly respected citizens in the
town of Lebanon. Truly such a man sets a high
example to his own children and those in the vicin-
ity, of what can be accomplished through energy,
thrift and untiring industry.
DOUGLAS WOODRUFF GARDNER, now-
deceased, was for man}- years one of the honored
and active residents of New London, and prior to
that was a successful merchant of New York City.
He was born in September, 1807, in New London,
son of Rufus Gardner.
Rufus Gardner was born at Newport. R. I., and
died in New London in 1809. He was
captain and commanded various sloops ply-
ing Long Island Sound from New Lon-
don to New York, carrying both freight
and passengers. This business he carried on from
the close of the Revolutionary war until his death,
and during the war he was a sailor. Rufus ( Gardner
was a member of the Masonic Order, and the em-
blem of the lodge was carved upon his gravestone,
which marks his last resting place in the beautiful
Cedar Grove cemetery in New London. He mar-
ried Lydia Harris, who was born in New London,
a descendant of one of New England's ear!} settlers.
Nine children were born of this marriage: Chris-
topher, who died young: Rufus. who died young;
Mercy: Lydia; Henry; Lucy; Douglas \\ . : Har-
riet : and Champlin.
Douglas Woodruff Gardner was born and edu-
cated in New London, his school attendance being
confined to the common schools. Early in life he
began conducting what was known as the "Auction
Store," and later engaged in a grain business. This
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
latter did not prove as remunerative as he wished,
and closing it out in 1849, he went to New York
City, where he became a trusted employe in a grain
business. So trusted was he, that when a few years
after entering it, his employer became incapacitated,
he turned the business over to Mr. Gardner. The
latter, through close application and honest dealing,
soon brought his house into an excellent standing,
and made a decided success of his dealings. His
place of business was on Peck Slip, North River,
where he was largely engaged, both as a wholesale
and retail dealer. For a number of years, he was
engaged in furnishing the Adams Express Com-
pany, with all its grain used in New York City and
surrounding territory, he holding the contract for
this. During the Civil war, by .shrewd buying, he
accumulated considerable money from his various
operations. Finally he closed his business in New
York City, and returned to his native town, where
he resided for several years in retirement previous
to his death, which occurred Jan. 26, 1885, when he
had attained the venerable age of seventy-eight
years.
Mr. Gardner had accumulated considerable real
estate in Brooklyn, New York City and New Lon-
don, during his business career, and he held this
property at the time of bis death. In political faith
Mr. Gardner was an old line Whig, and later be-
came a stanch Republican. He was very religiously
inclined, and during his earlier days, was identified
with the Baptist denomination, but in later years
became independent in his belief. Mr. Gardner
was a man liberal in all things, and his charities
were large, and bis manner benevolent. While re-
siding in New York, he took great delight jn
furnishing shoes to all needy children of his neigh-
borhood, and a call upon his sympathies never failed
to bring forth a response. In disposition he was
always genial and pleasant. He was tall, well pro-
portioned, and walked and acted energetically.
Mr. Gardner married Alary Don, daughter of
Graham Don, 'of Albany, X. Y. She passed away
during their residence n Xew York City, aged six-
ty-four years, a woman of great piety, beloved by
her family and all who knew her. The children of
this marriage were: Jeannette, who married John
Steward Brown (now deceased), of Brooklyn, X.
Y.. where she still makes her home. Lydia married
|. Beekman James of Poughkeepsie, X. Y., a de-
scendant of Robert Livingston, one of the sign-
ers of the Declaration of Independence, but is
now deceased. Rufus was married to Miss Grif-
fin of Groton, Conn. Theacla married La-
verne i .arris, of San Francisco, Cal. Harriet
married William E. Faitoute, of Huguenot
descent, born in Xew York, who died in Xew Lon-
don. The four children born to Mr. and Mrs. Fai-
toute were: Ida (who married H. Hebbard, of
Baltimore, Md., a mechanical engineer, and has
two children, Albert Faitoute and Jessie), Anna
Matilda (who married, Oct. 2~, 1904, George
Bingam Bentley, of Hartford, traveling auditor of
the /Etna Life Insurance Company), William E.
and Mabel (both at home).
The house known as the Gardner homestead on
the west side of Ocean avenue is a relic of a past
generation. It was rebuilt after the original model
by the late owner, Douglas W. Gardner, in 1870.
Its vicinity is made memorable by the capture of
Mrs. Faitoute's grandfather, who was taken pris-
oner by the British and conveyed to Halifax, where
for months he languished in prison. Mrs. Faitoute
has in her possession the portraits of three gener-
ations, the oldest dating back more than one hun-
dred and fifty years. These portraits show the
founders of the Gardner family to have been men of
dignity and power. She also has several relics of
historic interest connected with this old homestead,
among which are a belt buckle bearing the initials
of King George, and the British Coat of Arms ; and
Indian arrowheads and banner stones used by vari-
ous tribes as signals when the Red Man ruled su-
preme. The pleasant home of Mrs. Faitoute adjoins
that in which her forebears lived and made history.
She is herself a most charming lady, well versed in
family history, and delighting in the gathering and
] (reservation of heirlooms to hand down to her
posterity.
LYMAN ALLYN CHAPMAN, a representa-
tive citizen and prominent business man of the
1'oquonock section of the town of Groton, was born
in Ledyard, Conn., Jan. 3, 1862, son of Ephraim
A. and Dolly (Lester) Chapman.
Ephraim A. Chapman was born in Ledyard, and
on reaching manhood, engaged in whaling, follow-
ing that occupation for more than twenty years, in
which time he became mate of a vessel. During the
years he followed the sea, he made his home in Led-
yard, but for the past thirty years he has been en-
gaged in farming in Groton. He married Dolly
Lester, a native of Ledyard, by whom he had four
children: Lyman Allyn ; Jesse Herbert, of Groton;
Christopher P., a florist at Eastern Point ; and
Charles I. H., of Poquonock. The father was long
prominent in public affairs, and he held a number
of minor offices in Ledyard.
Lyman Allyn Chapman passed the first thirteen
vears of his life in Ledvard, and then accompanied
Iris parents to Groton. At the age of nineteen he
began in the menhaden fishing business, later being
employed by the Lennen & Brown Co., and for four-
teen years continued in that line, living first in Po-
quonock and then in Mystic, remaining in the latter
place some eight years. Since leaving the fishery
business, Mr. Chapman has been engaged in the
wholesale butchering business for the New London
market, buying his stock in Groton and Ledyard.
He has built up a good business, and has about all
he is aide to care for. His success is due to his
careful business methods and his genial personality.
Since 1902 he has resided in his present home, and
^^^j
m ~m
MM
^ 1
r 1
i
1 { 4 \
■
GEXliALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
889
has greatly improved it. He is a Republican in
politics.
( )n Dec. 15, [888, Mr. Chapman was married,
in Mystic, Conn., to Miss Delia Stanton, daughter
of A. (iiles Stanton, of that town. Two children
have been horn of this union: Glenn Lyman and
( iiles Stanton.
Amos Giles Stanton, father of Mrs. Chapman,
was horn April 3, 1837. His early years were
passed in Preston, where he attended school, later
entering a private school in Norwich. As a hoy he
was trained to farm work, and after his marriage
he engaged in agricultural pursuits in the town of
Stonington for a year. He then removed to a large
farm in Ledyard, and carried on stock raising in
connection with his general farming', for three years
keeping forty head of cattle. For five years he
rented the Williams farm in Groton, after which he
returned to Ledyard* for a year. The attractions of
the Williams farm in Groton made him think regret-
fully of his leaving it, and he entered negotiations
for its purchase, and moved thither as soon as it
was transferred to him. For many years he bought
and sold cattle, wool and hides, and he has become
quite well-to-do. ( )n Nov. 25. 1858, he married
Betsey Williams, daughter of Sanford and Lucy
(Stanton) Williams. She died Sept. 9. 1894. Their
children were: (1) William Edgar, horn ( )ct. T,
1859. married Blanche Louisa Williams, who died
Feb. 15, 1886; he died in 180,1. (2) Frank Sanford,
born Sept. 4, 1861, married, June 30, i88(>, Kate
I!. Chesebrough, who died in 1898, the mother of
four children : Bessie, Sanford, William and James.
(3) John Giles, horn July 6, 1867, was educated in
Mystic, and prepared for the ministry in Boston.
For seven years he was pastor at North Oxford, and
for a short time in Woodville. At present he is
pastor of the Baptist Church at Moosup. Lie mar-
ried Abbie Main, daughter of Charles Main, of
J North Stonington, and has two children, Gladys/
Esther and Ruth. (4) Delia, born Nov. 8, 1868.'
married, Dec. 15, 1886, Lyman Allyn Chapman.
( 5 1 Lucy was born March 27, 1874. In his political
belief Mr. Stanton has always been a stanch Dem-
ocrat.
BAILEY. In tracing many of the old and hon-
orable families of New England, it is necessary to
admit the genealogy of other families, which have
connected themselves by marriage, and this is true
of the prominent family whose name heads this rec-
ord. ( 1 ) Thomas Bailey, the founder of the family
in America, was married to Lydia, daughter of
James Redfield.
1 11) Joseph Bailey was horn in 1744. and died
Sept. 24, 1800. lie married Hannah Street, horn
in 1740. and died in 1803.
(Ill) Russell Bailey was horn in 1771. in Dis-
trict No. 2. of Groton, and died March 20, [860. at
the age of eighty-nine years. The greater part of
his life was passed on the farm where Jefferson
Bailey, his grandson, now lives, li
abeth Lester, of Groton, horn in
e married
and
' 774.
Eliz-
died
Feb. 10, 1852. Their children were : Melihda, wife
of Deacon Avery Gallup, of Ledyard; Paulina, un-
married; Orlando, who married Deborah Avery
Latham; and Hannah, who married Jasper Latham.
Russell Bailey was a man of upright character, and
one of the stable citizens of his town. He lived to
an unusual age. due probably to his exemplary,
temperate life.
(IV) Orlando Bailey was horn July 13, 1805,
in District No. 2, of Groton. on the farm now oc-
cupied by his son, Jefferson O. Bailey. He died
Jan. 2, 1882. His boyhood and early schooldays
were spent in Groton, and there he settled down to
farming on the place of his birth. He was a man of
great intelligence, one who by reading kept thor-
oughly posted as to current events. In politics he-
was a Republican, and so much of a Prohibitionist
that he consented to serve as president of a local
temperance society. He was a man who always
commanded the respect of the community. His
wife, Deborah Avery Latham, was a daughter of
George Latham, of District Xo. 2, Groton. Her
mother was Rebecca Babcock, whose mother was
horn in England. Mrs. Bailev was a kind, careful,
wise mother and a consistent member of the Baptist
Church. The children of this marriage were as
follows: Julia Melinda, now deceased, married a
seafaring man, Capt. Elihu Avery, of Groton; Ellen
Amanda married Capt. Moses Jones Buddington ;
Mary Frances remained unmarried : Georgiana mar-
ried Capt. William H. Allen: and Ralph Hurlburt
and Jefferson Orlando.
(V) Ralph H. Bailey was horn July 18. 1843,
at the old Bailey homestead in Groton, and spent his
early schooldays in District No. 2, but an agricul-
tural life did not appeal to him as did the water,
hence at the age of seventeen years, he shipped on
the "Mary L. Suttton." under. Capt. Gates, with
whom he went to California, and there engaged
with various coasting vessels until the opening of
the Civil war, when he returned to Connecticut and
enlisted in 1862 at Poquonock, in Company K. 26th
Conn. V. 1.. serving nine months, and remaining
at home during the succeeding year. For the past
thirty years he has been connected with the Navy
Yard at Groton, and he did the first work at this
Government station. For a number of years he was
foreman of the grading force at the yard, and for
the past fourteen years has been a watchman there.
He also is engaged in farming. In politics he is a
Rej uhlican, and has been surveyor of the town of
Groton. In 1804 Mr. Bailey built his present dur-
able home, which is not only one of great comfort,
hut also of generous hospitality. Fraternally Mr.
Bailey is a member of Perkins Post, Xo. 40. G. A.
R.; of Brainerd Lodge. A. F. & A. M.: of the A.
( ). {'. \\. ; and of the Jibboom Club.
On January 20. i8f)4. Mr. Bailey was united in
marriage with Frances E. Daboll, daughter of
890
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
George L. Daboll, of Groton Center, and these chil-
dren were born to them : Carrie D., who married
Charles' Ferguson and died June 10, 1900, survived
by one daughter, Amelia ; George Edgar, in a gro-
cery business at East Greenwich, R. I., married
Luella Haley, daughter of John B. Haley, and the}'
have two children, Ralph and Harry Allen ; Nathan
died aged thirteen years ; William Allen, a farmer,
married Annie Schofield, of Groton, and they have
three children, Frances, Marion and Carrie; Frank
E. married Sarah Newberry ; and Edith married
John R. Haley, of Center Groton, and has one son,
John.
(V) Jefferson O. Bailey was born Feb. 12,
1845, on the old homestead in Groton, and received
a common school education. At the age of twenty
years he went around the "Horn" to San Fran-
cisco on a merchant vessel, remaining away from
home one year, and returning via the isthmus. He
then located on the home farm, where he has since
resided, successfully engaged at general farming.
He is one of the solid, substantial men of this lo-
cality, esteemed and respected. On Nov. 3, 1869,
he married Agnes Josephine Hinckley, daughter of
Abel Hinckley, of Old .Mystic, Conn., and these
children have been born to them : Frederick Jeffer-
son, born Aug. 24, 1871, married Evelyn Bailey;
Burchard Hinckley, born March 26, 1876, married
Agnes Lamb; and Agnes Josephine, born Dec. 16,
[884, died April 1, 1888. Politically Mr. Bailey is
a Republican.
Latham. Lieut. Jasper Latham, great-great-
grandfather of Ralph H. and Jefferson O. Bailey,
was born in 1680. His wife Abigail died in 1750,
survived two years by her husband.
Capt. Jasper Latham, great-grandfather of the
subjects of this biography, was born in 1715, and
died Jan. 11, 1799. On Feb. 7, 1732, he bought
the property in District Xo. 2, of Groton, now oc-
cupied by Clarence C. and Miss Elizabeth H.
Latham. On July 5, 1752, he married Deborah
Avery, born in 1733. and died July 3, 1808, daugh-
ter of Capt. Christopher Avery. They had children
as follows: Mary, born July 7, 1753; Jasper, Aug.
3°, 1755< Amos, July 16, 1759; Deborah, Feb. 24,
1702: Rebecca, Sept. 2<>. [760, was drowned May
4, 1789; George, Nov. 6, 1 769 ; Hannah, Oct. 6,
1774; and Robert died aged four years.
George Latham, born Nov. 6, 1769, died Oct.
13, 1849. He married Rebecca Babcock, of Ston-
ington, who died April 19, 1852. aged eighty-three
years. Their children were: Rebecca, born Sept.
5, 1796: Maria, May 6, 1799: George, July 20, 1802;
Deborah Avery, mother of Jefferson O. Bailey and
Ralph H. Bailey of Groton, born July 6, 1805 ; and
Jasper, born July 4, 1809.
Jasper Latham died Jan. 13, 1892. His life was
mainly passed as a farmer and large wood dealer,
cutting the timber from his extensive property. He
made one fishing and one whaling voyage. ( )n
June 14, 1836, he married Hannah W. Bailey,
daughter of Russell Bailey, born Oct. 4, 1809, and
died April 2, 1891. He was active in town affairs,
was collector and selectman, a Republican in poli-
tics, and a leading member of the Baptist Church
of Groton. His children were : George Russell,
of Groton, born July 2y, 1837, on June 23, 1868,
married Mary A. Garrett, and they have one son,
Edwin, born Nov. 12, 1870; Miss Elizabeth H.,
born June 26, 1842, and Clarence C, born May 6,
1852.
Capt. Moses Jones Buddington, brother-in-law
of Ralph H. and Jefferson O. Bailey, and one of the
well-known and most highly considered men of
this locality, was born Feb. 26, 1826, in Groton,
but spent a part of his boyhood and school days in
Ledyard. He entered upon a sea-faring life when
a youth, and by the time he was twenty-one years
old, was captain of a whaling vessel, the "William
C. Nye." In 1854 he went to California, where he
engaged in the coasting trade, and during these years
made voyages to many parts of the earth, to Au-
stralia and to the Sandwich Islands, which, at that
time, were to many but far away places on the map
of the world. Captain Buddington was one of the
early voyagers, one of the precursors of Western
civilization. He was a man of prominence in his
line, and was most highly regarded among sea-far-
ing men. When he left the water, he settled with
his wife at San Francisco, Cal., where he lived for
more than eighteen years, but in advanced age his
thoughts turned to his boyhood home and in 1892
he returned to Groton. Here his death occurred
April 3, 1898, and he was buried in the Starr ceme-
tery. Captain Buddington was a member of Golden
(iate Lodge F. & A. M.. at San Francisco. Re-
ligiously he was a member of the Baptist Church,
at Groton, in which he served as a trustee. His
widow, Mrs. Ellen Amanda (Bailey) Buddington
resides in Groton.
MITCHEL. Francois Michel, the first of this
family in America, was a native of Bordeaux,
France, and he came to the United States on account
of religious persecution. He was in the merchant
marine trade, sailing to South America, and he died
at sea. He married Mary Leeds.
(II) Capt. James Mitchel, son of Francois, was
born in Groton, Conn., and was like his father, in
the merchant marine trade, running to Demerara,
South America. He was brought home ill from
New Haven in a revenue cutter, and died in Groton,
where he had his home. On May 8, 1827, he was
appointed by President John Quincy Adams, United
States marshal for Connecticut, and he was subse-
quently re-appointed. Capt. Mitchel married Han-
nah, daughter of Capt. William Latham, of Groton,
and the}- reared a family of five children : James,
(deceased) was a salt merchant at Syracuse, N. Y. ;
he married Fanny Avery, of Groton. Joseph mar-
ried Caroline Latham ; he followed the whaling busi-
ness. William F., a farmer, married (first) Han-
GENEALOGICAL AXD BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
89]
nah Woodbridge, and (second) Abbie Haley; on
Aug. 17. 1844, he was appointed" captain of the
Third Company, Second Regiment of Horse Artil-
lery, Connecticut State Militia. Henry A. is men-
tioned below. Augusta married Charles Lay Peck,
of Old Lyme, Connecticut.
( III ) Henry A. Mitchel was born in Groton
in September, 1824. and spent his boyhood days in
his native place. At the age of twenty-four years he
went West to represent the Syracuse Salt Company,
locating in Chicago, where on Dec. 19, 1849, he mar-
ried Sarah A. Hamilton, daughter of Col. Richard
J. Hamilton, the ceremony being performed by Rev.
Dr. Patterson. Mrs. Mitchel was born Dec. 19,
1830. at Brownsville, 111., and still survives, making
her home in Groton. Two children blessed this
union: Richard Joseph, born June 26, 1853. died
May 30, 1854; William Henry, born April 16, 1854,
at Chicago, died Jan. 28, 1902, at Groton, Connec-
ticut.
On the breaking out of the Civil war Mr.
Mitchel joined one of the volunteer regiments from
Wisconsin, being at the time a resident of Milwau-
kee, that State, and his death, which occurred ( )ct.
10, 1865, at Groton. Conn., was from wounds re-
ceived at Chaplin Hill, Ky., when he was lieutenant
colonel in command of his regiment, the First Wis-
consin. On Nov. 9, 1863, he was appointed a major
of the Veteran Reserve Corps by Abraham Lincoln,
and he proved himself in every way worthy of that
honor. He was a man of high integrity and held
the esteem of all who knew him.
COL. RICHARD J. HAMILTON, who was as-
sociated prominently with the history of Chicago
from the very time of his arrival there. April 9,
1831. was horn at Danville, Ky., and received his
education at the college in his native place. He was
one of the pioneers of Chicago, which at the time of
his arrival was the merest beginning of a settlement,
the only voting place in Cook county, and with only
thirty-two residents permanent enough to be en-
rolled as voters. A man of Col. Hamilton's ability
therefore would be a prominent figure at once, and
in ( )ctober of the year he arrived he was appointed
commissioner of school lands for the county. Sec-
tion 16 of that county embraced what is now in-
cluded between Madison and T2th, State and Hal-
sted streets, and if the school lands had been judi-
ciously retained and managed they would now af-
ford ample income for the city schools, lint such a
mania for speculation existed in 1833, that the com-
missioners were induced to sell the greater part of
the tract, investing what was then considered the
enormous endowment fund of $38,619.47, for the
benefit of the schools to be established. Col. Ham-
ilton has sometimes been severely censured for not
using better business foresight, but in justice to
him it should be added that the sale was ordered
only after the presentation of a formal petition to
that effect made by ninety-five residents of the
place.
A year after Col. Hamilton's arrival came the
war with Black Hawk, and Chicago was crowded
with the fugitives who sought safety at Fort Dear-
born. The soldiers assigned as reinforcements had
not yet arrived, and the troops in occupation were
not sufficient for the emergency. The Cook county
and Chicago militia came to the rescue, and Jesse
Brown and Richard J. Hamilton were in command
of one company of thirty men. The Chicago His-
torical Society in is possession of a document
thought to have been drawn up by Col. Hamilton,
and which bears his name at the head of the list of
those offering their services. Most of their serv-
ice was on picket duty at the Fort, or in more ex-
tended reconnoissance. but they began with a five
davs' campaign, which brought them face to face
with all the horrors, if not the dangers, that at-
tended Indian warfare.
In 1833 Chicago was incorporated as a town,
and Col. Hamilton was a candidate for the office of
trustee of the new borough, but failed to secure a
majority of the votes cast by the twenty-eight citi-
zens then recorded, thirteen of whom were tfeem-
selves candidates. Two years later the Illinois Leg-
islature incorporated a new State Bank, with six
branches, and Chicago secured one of the branches,
among the directors of which Col. Hamilton's name
appears. His name appears frequently also on the
day book of the Board of Trade, in 1833.
In 1837 Chicago became a city, and on the first
Board of Inspectors elected by the council was Col.
Hamilton. The next notice we have of him is as a
patron of the drama ; he was one of a number who
addressed to the actor, Alexander McKenzie, a re-
quest that he would appoint a "benefit night" for
himself, when the citizens of Chicago might show
their appreciation of his dramatic work-. Col. Ham-
ilton was always specially interested in the develop-
ment of the schools of the city and State ; in the
second year of his residence there, he with Col.
( )wen employed a teacher for a little school held in
the "Hamilton House," the old Indian agency in
the North Division. Among the scholars was a
Richard Hamilton, the Colonel's son. Later the
same two gentlemen built a school bouse on the
north bank of the river, east of Clark street. In
[835 it was largely owing to his efforts that the
town was divided into four distinct school districts.
Still later, in T844, we find the Colonel exhibiting
still an active interest by representing Chicago at a
State school convention held in Peoria, Oct. 9th.
During the Mexican war. the Secretary of War
issued a call for volunteers, April 10, 1847, an(' as
but one regiment of these was assigned to Illinois,
it was owing solely to the prompt action of Col.
Hamilton, who hurried to Springfield, and brought
both hard work and a little strategy to bear, that
the "Chicago Horse Company" was one o\ th<
892
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
accepted as infantry for the new regiment. By the
election for company officers, Richard X. Hamilton,
his son, was chosen second lieutenant. When the
regimental organization was completed. Col. Ham-
ilton was a candidate for the colonelcy, but was de-
feated by E. W. B. Newby.
The war excitement over. Col. Hamilton again
turned his attention to municipal matters, and the
next record of him is as one of a committee to con-
sider the question of a better city water supply — to
obtain facts and suggest remedies. The efforts of
this committee resulted in the incorporation of the
Chicago City Hydraulic Company. That same
year, 1850, the Congressional district was reorgan-
ized, and became the second district. At the Dem-
ocratic convention held in Dixon Sept. 15, 1852, Col.
Hamilton was delegate from Cook county. Went-
worth was unanimously made nominee for Con-
gress. In 1854, when Stephen Douglas came to
Chicago to speak during a campaign, the opposi-
tion to his views on the slavery question was so
bitter that the mob tried to break up his meeting
and threatened him. Although it was by his own
personality that he held the concourse somewhat in
check, he was supported on the platform, and after-
ward escorted in safety to his hotel on the North
side, by a small band of devoted followers, of whom
Col. Hamilton was one. In the next year Col.
Hamilton was appointed registrar in the land office,
but as the bond he offered for $10,000 was declined
by the authorities at Washington, Samuel Ashton
was appointed instead.
On Oct. 22, 1855. the Old Settlers Society was
organized: all persons in Chicago prior to Janu-
ary, 1837, were eligible to membership; attendance
on funerals of members was obligatory, and a fund
established for the indigent and distressed. Of this
society, Col. Hamilton was the first vice-president.
lie was the owner of the "Hamilton House," prev-
iously to [851 known as the "Washington House."
This was built in [840 on South Water street, near
Clark, but in 185 1 was moved to the southeast cor-
ner of Clark and North Water, an addition was
built, and the renovated hotel named anew from
its owner.
Col. Hamilton was a member of the Cook
( 'or.nty liar, and he is on record as defending the
accused in the first larceny case tried in Chicago.
in July, 1833. His name also appears on the roll of
lawyers in the city in 1837. Judge J. M. Wilson at
a meeting of the Chicago liar held at the Chicago
Law Institute, paid the following tribute to the
memory of Mr. Hamilton: "He was the first with
whom I became acquainted in this city. At that
time he was clerk of the City Court, then held in an
old building on Lake street. 1 came here with Jus-
tice Butterfield, and we went to the court house to
see how legal business was carried on in this city.
Judge Breese, now on the Bench of the Supreme
court, was the Judge, and Col. Hamilton was the
clerk. Lie was also elected recorder of this county,
and in fact held all the county offices in the gift
of the people. He was a gentleman remarkable in
many particulars, of very high notions as a gentle-
man, and of unusual sympathies."
The Hon. Thomas Hoyne had the following to
say of Col. Hamilton : "The County of Cook was
first organized in the year 1831 by the late Col.
Richard J. Hamilton. He had been appointed by
Gov. Reynolds, and came with commissions for all
the offices, which he continued to hold and faith-
fully administer for many years. He was the first
clerk of the Circuit Court, clerk of the County
Commissioners court, recorder of the county, pro-
bate judge, school commissioner, and a notary pub-
lic. Then it will appear he was full of honor and of
office. He was of Kentucky origin, and an old set-
tler of the State. He was of a generous and open
nature, a good citizen, a kind man, one of those
men who were then shaping the future destiny of
the State. He was the nominee for Lieutenant
Governor of Illinois with the Hon. William A. Rich-
ardson, who was the Democratic candidate for
Governor, and although they were defeated, Col.
Hamilton ran ahead of the ticket.
In April, 1822. Col. Hamilton married Diana
W. Buckner, daughter of Col. Xicholas Buckner, <
Jefferson county, Ky., and their daughter Ella. Mrs
Keennon, was the first white child born in Chicago.
.Mrs. Hamilton died April 22, 1834, and the Colone]
passed away Dec. 26, 186 1. Another daughter,
Mrs. Sarah A. Mitchel, resides at Groton, Conn.
Mrs. Hamilton was one of the organizers of the
First Methodist Church at Chicago, and during her
short residence there she was very active in its af-
fairs, her death occurring soon after the church was
established.
EREDERICK J. OSTMAN, one of the leading
wholesale fish dealers of Xew London county, and
one of the representative and successful business
men of Stonington, was born in Hanover, Germany.
Oct. 1, 185 1. son of Jerey Ostman, wdio was a ma-
riner living in Germanv, and was drowned there in
1855-
Frederick J. Ostman is the only survivor of a
family of three, his sister. Marv Elizabeth and
brother William, both dying young. He spent his
boyhood days until he was twelve years of age in
Germany, and was brought by his step-father Stern-
berg, who was employed on the' X'orth German
Lloyd line, to the United States on acount of ill
health, being afflicted with chills and fever. Th*3
account of the struggles of the German lad, after
arrivimr in America, when he was not more than
a child, are pitiful, and yet they inspire admiration
for the pluck and determination he displayed. Ar-
riving in Xew York City first he obtained work
sawing laths for peach crates at three dollars a
week. His next employment was in a restaurant
on Warren street, wdiere he received one dollar a
week without lodging. This was followed by
FREDERICK J. OSTMAN
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
893
work in a bakery on Sixth avenue, between Six-
teenth and Seventeenth streets, where he received
eight dollars a month with hoard and washing, after
which, for several months, he worked for a creamery
and bakery on Cedar street.
In 1S0S. Mr. Ostman came to Stonington, and
went coasting and smack fishing, and also worked
on a steamboat. Possessed of those sterling traits,
which characterize the German race, he. by 1871,
had accumulated sufficient funds from his meager
earnings to start a fishing business of his own, in a
twelve-foot skiff, and soon added a thirteen-foot
skiff. In 1880, he became owner and master of the
seven ton sloop "Lizzie,-* and engaged in lobstering
and general fishing. In 1884. he bought the
schooner "Copia" of eleven tons burden. In 1887,
lie built the 24-foot boat. "Freddie and Willie," and
engaged in trap fishing, and in 1888 he had met with
such good success that he opened a wholesale and
retail fish market in Stonington, which he has since
most successfully conducted. In 1892, he built
"Ethie and Lena" for his oldest son. a 32-foot boat.
He sends his surplus product to New York and
Boston markets.
On Oct. 29, 1872, Mr. Ostman was married in
Stonington, Conn., to Elizabeth Hammond, a native
of Xew York. Their children are : Annie, who
died at the age of twenty-six months: John, a fish
merchant, who married Elizabeth Wilson, of Jersey
City : Elizabeth, of Stonington ; Jennie, of Stoning-
ton ; Frederick 12), in the fish business at Stoning-
ton ; J!ess:e, of Stonington ; William, in the fish busi-
ness at Stonington ; Lena and Ethie, of Stonington.
Mr. Ostman has been a legal resident of Stoning-
ton since 1868, and is one of its best citizens. Relit'-
jously, he is a member of the Episcopal Church, and
is a very liberal contributor to it. He is no partisan
in politics.
Mr. Ostman is in every sense of the word a
self-made man, and his success in life is due to
the thrift, energy and perseverance that have char-
acterized his entire career. He is a progressive and
representative citizen of Stonington, where he is
held in high esteem by the entire community.
WILLIAM ERASTUS HARYEY was an ex-
tensive and successful farmer of Colchester, at
which place his death occurred Feb. 23, 1901. He
was a son of Elias and Sally Maria (Ransom)
Harvey.
Elias Llarvey was engaged in farming in Col-
chester, Conn., at the time of his death. In early
life he traveled through the south as a Yankee
peddler, and later still was engaged in a mercantile
business. His next venture was operating a hotel
in Salem, Conn., and he finally located in Colches-
ter and became a farmer. The children born to
himself and wife were : Lydia X. married Ralph C.
Foote, a resident of Coyote. Cal. ; John R. married
Achsah Staplins, and resides in Yew London ; Sarah
M. married Joseph Cotton, of Boulder, Col.; Har-
riet Y. is unmarried and resides in Coyote, Cal: and
William E.
William h. llarvey was born Oct. 30. 1847, in
Colchester, Conn., and educated in the district
schools and Bacon Academy, living at home until
he was twenty-one years of age. After his mar-
riage he located on a farm in Colchester, which he
had purchased. This farm was located cast of the
borough, and upon it he engaged in general farm-
ing for the remainder of his life, adding to it by
purchase, and becoming in time a well-to-do man
and large land owner. His death occurred after
an illness of about ten days, and his remains were
tenderly interred at Colchester. In politics he was
a Republican, and he represented the town in the
State Legislature in 1895. During the time he was
there he served on the committee on Cities and
Boroughs. He also held the office of assessor.
Socially he was a charter member of Colchester
Lodge Xo. 30, A. ( ). l\ W., and religiously he at-
tended the Congregational Church, of which his
widow is a member.
( )n Feb. 6, 1884. Mr. Harvey was married to
Annie L. Foote, born June 19. 1857, in Lebanon,
daughter of Horace and Lucy Ann (Webster)
Foote. Their children are: William Foote, born
( >ct. 10. 1885, graduated from the Willimantic Busi-
ness College in June, 1903, and is now residing in
Coyote. Cal.: Harold Ransom, born Aug. 13, [888,
is attending Willimantic high school: Maude, born
July 26, 1890; Carrie Belle, born June 17, 1894;
and Annie Maw born Nov. 22. [896. After the
death of Mr. Harvey his widow removed to Lib-
erty Hill, in the town of Lebanon, where she now
resides.
CALEB HALEY. Among those who as youne:
men went from Groton to seek wider fields, and
who subsequently achieved success, none are any
better known in their line than Caleb Halev, senior
member of the firm of Caleb Haley & Co., No. 14
Fulton Market, Xew York City.
The Haley family is one of the oldest and best
known in Xew London county, and its representa-
tives are men of substance and prominence in the
several communities in which their lot has been
cast. The first record we find of the family in this
county is when John Haley and his wife, Mary
Saunders, daughter of John and Silence Saunders,
were living at Groton Centre in 7738. They had a
family of six children, among whom was a son Caleb.
Caleb Haley married (first) Mary Helm (or
Helmes), born 1740, daughter of Rouse Helm, a
native of Rhode Island. Their children were Caleb,
Elisha, Stephen and Betsey. Caleb Haley, for his
second wife, married a Miss Northrop.
Elisha Haley, son of Caleb, resided at Groton
Centre, and became one of the leading men of the
State, serving four years as a member of Congress.
A more extended sketch of his life will be found
elsewhere.
894
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
Caleb Haley, son of Caleb and Mary (Helm)
Haley, was born July 18, 1767, and spent bis entire
life in Groton, where he successfully followed the
occupation of farmer. He was a man of much
natural intellect, a great reader, and exerted a wide
iniluence for the good of the community. He died
Dec. 12, 1847. On Oct. 30, 1791, he married Sarah
Burrows, born July 2, 1770, who survived him until
Feb. 21, 1862. Their children were: Sarah Niles,
born Nov. 2, 1792, married Moses Smith, born Jan.
17. 1807, and removed to Akron, Ohio; Warren,
born Jan. 9, 1796, died from injuries resulting from
a fall from a house he was building at Fort Hill,
Aug. 17, 1816; Charles D., born May 10, 1801, was
a farmer, residing in the northern part of what is
now Ledyard, married Hannah Avery, and died in
[866; Hannah Avery, born Feb. 5, 1803. married
Seabury Thomas, and died at Poquetanuck Nov.
24, 1847; Nelson, born March 27, 180S, is men-
tioned below.
Col. Nelson Haley, son of Caleb, married Nov.
27, 1834, to Cordelia Haley, daughter of Stephen
Haley, and he died March 8, 1853. He had the fol-
lowing family: Caleb, born July 27, 1838, at Flan-
ders, in Groton ; Phebe Ann, born March 24, 1840.
married, June 26, 1867, Delos Hart, son of Hiram
Hart, and they reside at Akron, Ohio ; Betsey Avery,
born Sept. 17, 1842, married, Sept. 30, 1863, Stephen
Burrows, died Jan. 13, 1880, and he died Feb. 17,
[894, leaving a son. Arthur, who is with Caleb
Haley; Seabury Nelson, born Sept. 20, 1847. mar-
ried Nov. 3, 1873, Annie Haley, and the}- reside at
Brooklyn, N. Y., where he is in business with his
brother. Nelson Haley spent his life in Groton,
where he was a farmer. His home was in District
No. 9, and he was buried in District No. 4. In
politics he was a Democrat, and he entered the mili-
tia when a young man and became colonel of the
regiment.
Caleb Haley, son of Nelson, spent his box-
hood days in District No. 9, in Groton, and attend-
ed school at Mystic one term, after which he clerked
for D. N. Prentice and David Mallory in Mystic in
1854. On March 20, 1855, he went to Fulton
Market to keep books for his uncle, Dudley Haley,
and there continued four years. He next went into
business under the firm name of Crocker & Haley,
and this style was continued for about five years,
when Seabury Nelson Haley bought out Mr.
Crocker. Since then the name has been Caleb Haley
iS: Co., and the house is well known throughout the
United States wherever there is a market for fish,
this concern being one of the leading receivers and
shippers of fish along the Atlantic coast, their ad-
dress being No. 14 Fulton Market, New York City.
Caleb Haley was married in Brooklyn, N. Y ,
June 16, 1862, to Miss Flizabetb Miller, a native of
Brooklyn, daughter of Samuel B. Miller, and their
children were: Samuel Caleb, born Nov. 7, 1863:
Nelson, born Feb. 27, 1866, died Dec. 31, 1866;
Eva, born May 19, 1868, died Sept. 25, 1868;
Elliott, born July 15, 1872, died Jan. 15, 1873.
Samuel Caleb Haley, who is associated in business
with Caleb Haley & Co., married Miss Juliette
Gates, and they have one child, Juliet Elizabeth.
The summer home of Mr. Caleb Haley is in
Groton, and consists of about 500 acres of fine land,
District No. 6. The Noank correspondent to a New
London paper in a recent issue says: "Caleb Haley,
senior member of the Fulton Market firm of C.
Haley & Co. is enjoying a short vacation from his
duties at his summer place, the extensive acreage
in Brook street that bears his name. He is spending
his time in supervising and assisting in the budding
of walls around his estate. The time he passes on
his farm is enjoyable, and to him the best of recrea-
tion. He is always active and through persistent
work has come to possess one of the finest agri-
cultural places in the state. The farm is stocked
with fine breeds of cattle and other animals, poultry,
etc., with also a stable of fine horses. The estate
covers between 400 and 500 acres.
ALBEGENCE HYDE, in his life time for
many years one of the substantial, reliable and
enterprising business men of Stonington, Conn.,
was born at Canterbury. Conn., in 1819, and died
in the borough of Stonington, Conn., in Novem-
ber, 1894, aged seventy-six years.
Until be attained the age of sixteen or seventeen
years, Albegence Plyde lived upon the home farm,
learning the lessons of industry and economy which
were to prove of such benefit to him in later life.
When about eighteen, he began to learn the trade
of carriage making with Mr. Tubbs. of Norwich,
and by the time he was twenty-two, he had so mas-
tered this trade, that he came to Stonington, and.
established a business which he was to carry on for
fifty years, and then hand over to his son. Mr.
Hyde became very prominent as the years went by
and his business expanded, serving as warden of
the borough for many years, and he was chairman
of the school board as long as he would accept that
position. He was also instrumental in securing the
purchase of the first steamer for the fire depart-
ment of Stonington. In politics he was a Demo-
crat, and always took an active part in party mat-
ters. Religiously he was an adherent of the Congre-
gational Church, and took an active part in the
work. Mr. Hyde married Nancy Lord Pulsifer,
in Stonington, who died in April, 1901, aged sev-
enty-six years, also a member of the Congregational
Church. He was a member of the I. O. O. F.,
and Masonic lodges. Mr. and Mrs. Hyde became
the parents of the following children : Albert, of
California, who married Anita Stillmaa ; Hannah,
of Stonington; Theodore, of Stonington, a clerk in
a grocery establishment, who married Addie Gates,
by whom he has a son, George ; Eugene Pulsifer ;
Sarah Elida, of Stonington.
Eugene P. Hyde was born in Stonington, Feb.
28, 1857, and is now one of the prosperous busi-
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
895
ness men of Stonington, Conn, lie spent his school
days in Stonington, attending the schools there,
and Pro!'. Foster's private school. As he grew
older he learned carriage making with Charles
Darling, at Westerly, and finished with an experi-
enced carriage maker of New Haven, who was
working for his father. Then, returning to Stoning-
ton, he went into partnership with his father, and
they conducted the business together for ten years,
when the elder man died, and Eugene P. Hyde has
continued alone ever since, and has built up the
business to large proportions, his product finding
a ready sale throughout a wide territory. He makes
all kinds of light carriages and wagons to order.
On May 29, 1886, at Taunton, Mass., Mr. Hyde
was united in marriage with Miss Hattie Taylor,
daughter of John A. Taylor, of Old Mystic. Their
children are: Frederick E. and Edmund Prentice.
Mr. Hyde has been senior burgess of the borough
several years and burgess for ten years, and he was
for some time clerk and treasurer of the school
board. He was a member of the "Pioneer" hook
and ladder company for fifteen years, and has always
taken a deep interest in local matters. His reli-
gious affiliations are with the Baptist Church of
Stonington. During the month of October Mr.
Hyde goes to the forests of Maine and enjoys a va-
cation hunting, he being an excellent shot, and a
keen sportsman.
CHARLES COURTLAXD PALMER, one of
the representative farmers of Groton, is a son of
Capt. Benjamin W. and Betsey (Pabcock) Palmer,
and he was born at Voluntown, Conn., Nov. 6,
1851. When he was four or five years of age, the
family moved to Lisbon, and there Mr. Palmer
spent his boyhood days, attending the public schools,
and working upon his father's farm.
Until 1878, Mr. Palmer was successfully en-
gaged in farming at Lisbon, but in that year he re-
moved to Poquonock, in the town of Groton, set-
tling on the old Morgan place, where he has since
resided, engaged exclusively in farming. His farm
is located very conveniently but a short distance
from Poquonock station. Politically Mr. Palmer
affiliates with the Republican party, but is not a poli-
tician, and has never desired public office, being
fully occupied with his private affairs.
On Feb. 6. 1876. in District Xo. 5, of Groton,
Mr. Palmer married Julia, daughter of Youngs
Morgan, of Groton, a full history of whom is given
elsewhere in this volume in the sketch of the late
Capt. John A. Morgan, of Groton. ( )ne child has
been born to Mr. and Mrs. Palmer: Charles Ben-
jamin, born July 17, 1879, who spent his boyhood
in Groton, and had the educational advantages of-
fered by the Nathan Hale grammar school in New
London ; on .March 2, [904, he was married to Mary
E. Furrows, of Groton.
Charles C. Palmer is a deacon of the Paptist
Church, and is one of its most active member.-.
Both he and his wife enjoy in marked degree the
confidence of their fellow townsmen, and are num-
bered among the leading people of Groton.
PELEG S. BARBER, for many years a promi-
nent business man of New London county, and
throughout his active years a useful public servant
as well, passed away Oct. 3. [901, in Westerly,
Rhode Island.
.Mr. Barber belonged to a family long identified
with the commercial and civic life of this section,
having been a descendant of Moses Barber, born in
[652, who was an inhabitant of Kings Towne, R. I.
where he was taxed in 1687. He was twice married,
marrying (second) March 24. 1602, Susanna Wait,
daughter of Samuel and Hannah. [Kings Towne
was divided by act June, 1722. into North and South
Kingstown]. Moses Barber died in 1733, and his
widow. Susanna, died in 1758. He, it appears, was
the father of seventeen children, and his descendants
were quite numerous in the towns of Washington
county, R. F One of his sons, William, was twice
married and a resident of South Kingstown : an-
other son, Moses, was also twice married, and was
of Kings Towne; another son, Samuel, was of
Westerly and Richmond; another son, Thomas, was
of Exeter, as was also Joseph. All of these left
descendants in those towns.
Peleg S. Barber was born April 29, 1823, in
North Kingstown, R. F, and in his youth secured a
practical, thorough, common-school education. The
greater part of his active life he devoted to mercan-
tile and manufacturing business, for sixteen years
engaging in the manufacture of cotton. I fe caught
the gold fever, and from 1850 to 1853 was in
California, mining. From 1867 to 1880 he carried
on the manufacture of soap in partnership with John
P. Babcock, the firm name being J. P. Fabcock &
Co. Mr. Barber was largely interested in the Paw-
catuck National Bank, of which he was director for
many years, and he was president of the People's
Savings Bank of Pawcatuck. He also served the
public in various capacities, acting as treasurer of
the Fire District from its organization, in 1887;
was for sixteen years treasurer of the school dis-
trict ; for many years a member of the Foard of
Relief, and for several years he was on the hoard of
assessors: he was also a notary public. He held
other local offices from time to time, and was con-
sidered one of the most active and useful citizens
of his town to the end of his days. His family has
been prominent in the Whig and Republican parties
-nice their formation, and in the fall of 1884 Mr.
Barber was elected by a large majority, as repre-
sentative from Stonington in the State Legislature;
during his term in that body he served on the com-
mittee on Appropriations, lie was a member of the
Baptist Church, and took an active interest in all
moral and religious enterprises in the town, being
always ready to aid when called upon to do so.
lie was a consistent and ardent advocate ^\ tern-
896
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
perance, and did all in his power to further the
cause.
Early in life Mr. Barber married Mrs. Sarah
(Gardner) Brown, of Westerly, R. 1.. horn Aug.i,
1817, widow of John Brown, who was an inventor
and was patentee of a gait used for the masts of
vessels. By her first union Airs. Barber had four
children, only two of whom survive, Mrs. Sarah H.
Babcock and Mrs. Caroline B. Vose. The former
is the widow of John P, Babcock (son of Charles
Babcock), mentioned above as the partner of Peleg
S. Barber in the soap manufacturing" business.
Mr. Babcock died Oct. 25, 1892. Mrs. Barber died
March 28, 1900, while Mr. Barber passed away Oct.
3, 1 901, in Westerly, Rhode Island.
BYRXE. The Byrne family descends from
good honest Irish stock, and the lineage can be
traced hack with pride on both sides for genera-
tions. Joseph Byrne, father of the Byrne Brothers,
horn in Rush, County Dublin, Ireland, Sept. 8, 1832,
married Mary McCann, who was horn in Rush.
County Dublin. Ireland. Aug. 8. 1835, an(l died at
Norwich , Conn., June 2, 1885. They had chil-
dren: Michael J. Byrne, horn at Norwich,
Conn., Nov. 22. 1856; John F. Byrne, born at Nor-
wich, Oct. 26, 1851;; Joseph Byrne, horn at Nor-
wich Dec. 2^, 1801. who died at Albany, X. Y.,
Feb. 2, 1872; Margeret Byrne, now Mrs. William
P. Butler, born at Norwich Jan. 22, 1864; Andrew
Byrne, born at Norwich June 5, 1866; James Byrne,
horn at Norwich Sept. 1, 1868; Matthew Byrne,
horn at Norwich July 22, 1870. whose sad death at
Appleton, Wis., on Feb. 3, 1897 (he having per-
formed the night before his death), is still fresh in
the memory of the theatrical world, for cut off in
the height of his success, a general favorite with the
public, and expert in his profession — adept with
brush or pencil — his death was a great blow to his
brothers and a loss to the public; and Mary E.
Byrne, now Mrs. Frank Dunn, born at Norwich
July 16, 1873.
The father of the Byrne Brothers was once asked
why it was all of his boys took to the stage. His
answer was that John was eternally dancing and
tumbling, and the other youngsters just followed
suit. To give a history of the stirring careers of
the famous Brothers Byrne, whose names are in-
dissolubly associated with the best achievements in
the art of acrobatic pantomime, would require more
space than can be devoted to these interesting gen-
tlemen at this time. However, a brief sketch of
John, the founder of the pantomime troupe, may
be of interest. At the age of eight years he exhib-
ited pencil drawings at the New London County
Fair, for which he received premiums. His mother,
wishing to give him every advantage, sent him to
a drawing school, but the teacher could do nothing
with him, for as soon as his back was turned young
Byrne would have the scholars in an uproar, turn-
ing handsprings, jumping over chairs, etc., the
teacher finally requesting his mother to keep him
at home. He first brought himself before tlv:
notice of the public at amateur performances given
at Breed Hall, and was regarded as a remarkably
clever acrobat and dancer for one of his years. He
appeared at one time in a black face song and dance
with Frank ("Yank") Adams, then the champion
finger hilliardist of the world. During the perform-
ance Alfred McClennon, his gymnastic partner, fell
from the trapeze and was seriously injured.
As a boy young Byrne worked in the John
Cranston press works with his father. He later
engraved pistols, and at another time painted signs
along the country roads advertising patent medicine.
He finally made his first appearance as a profes-
sional with Seth Enos for a partner. They opened
at Theal & Carton's Theatre Comique, Brooklyn,
X. Y., Oct. 8, 1876, and were very successful, doing-
acrobatic songs and dances new to the stage at that
time. They are credited with being the first per-
formers to introduce twisting somersaults and
other difficult acrobatic feats while dancing and
keeping time with the music. They separated
after the engagement and returned to Norwich,
where Mr. Byrne again went to work engraving.
He next accepted an engagement with the Heywood
Brothers' Company, a well-known organization in
those days. They traveled from town to town in
wagons. He remained with this company eight
months. His next engagement was with Robert
Frazer, the clown. Young Byrne was engaged to
do harlequin, but after rehearsing three weeks in
Xew* York the manager got frightened and left.
Mi then opened at the old Volks Garden (now the
Peoples' Theatre, Xew York), Sept. 22, 1879, intro-
ducing his original grotesque cane dance (which
made his reputation as a dancer). He next went to
the Grand Central Theatre, Philadelphia, and dur-
ing his engagement formed a partnership with
Harry Cerina and John Leslie, to do a pantomime
and gymnastic act. They styled themselves "The
Three Xondescripts," and played the principal
theatres, including Tony Pastor's on Broadway,
X. Y. They next joined the H. J. Sargent Com-
pany. The team separated in Brooklyn, X. Y.,
and the subject of our sketch next joined the "Belles
of the Kitchen" Company, at Philadelphia. He next
joined the Charles Cardner "Tragedians of Kala-
mazoo" Company at the Arch Street Theatre, Phil-
adelphia. After playing some of the principal cities
with this company he closed with them at Cincin-
nati, Ohio, and joined hands with Andy McKee,
and together they played the principal vaudeville
houses. They played for Col. John Wood at Lead-
v lie, Colo., three months, were burnt out at the
Academy of Music in Chicago in 1880, and finally
separated at Xew Orleans. Mr. Byrne next went
with the Stowe & Richards Steamboat Circus play-
ing the towns along the bayous of Louisiana. En-
gagements in St. Louis, Omaha, Kansas City and
Chicago followed. He then returned East and again
j iJ^yi^iL^
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
897
joined hands with Andy McKee. They joined the
Col. Robinson "Humpty Dumpty" Co., but again
separated, Byrne remaining with the company,
doing harlequin and introducing his specialty. He
piayed the New England States, Canada, Nova
Scotia and Prince Edward Island. After this he
played vaudeville theatres and opened with the
Billy Emerson .Minstrels at the Standard Theatre,
San Eraneisco, on Sept. 25, 1882. He remained on
the eoast for three years, playing Portland, Seattle
and San Francisco, occasionally making trips
through the interior. While playing at Clinton'-;
Theatre, in Portland, he was employed on a picto-
rial newspaper. At another time he made a trip
by wagon through a portion of Montana, Idaho and
the Yellowstone Park, finally again joining the
Emerson Minstrels, at the California Theatre, on
Jan. 12, 1885. After this engagement he returned
East, on account of ' the illness of his mother,
played several engagements, and then joined the
Rielly & Wood Company. (Mir. Byrne made the
lithographs for this company at the H. A. Thomas
lithographic studio). He appeared at the Academy
of Music, New York, at the "Grand Art Loan Ex
hihit," Jan. 25, 1886, and drew "rapid crayon
sketches" before the audience, and had the distinc-
tion of being personally introduced to the audience
by the Rev. Henry Ward Beecher.-
Mr. Byrne next joined the Tony Pastor travel-
ing company. Then he was engaged by Mr. Fa-
rina to appear in England, and opened at the Royal
Cambridge Music Hall, London, England, on
Christmas Eve., meeting with great success, after-
ward playing every first-class music hall in London.
His season in London lasted six months, after
which he returned to America and toured the
United States with the Howard Atheneum Com-
pany, closing with this company in Cincinnati. Mr.
Byrne, accompanied b\ his brothers, Matthew and
James (who had just finished a season with the
Irwin Brothers' Circus), sailed for England, open-
ing at the Alhambra after playing several of the
large halls. They opened at the Royal Aquarium,
introducing for the first time on any stage their
funny trick carriage and horse. Returning to Amer-
ica they joined the Thatcher. Primrose & West
Minstrel Company at Grand Rapids, Mich., in July,
1888, and traveled thirteen months with this com-
pany, touring the entire United States. The fol-
lowing season they joined the Rielly & Wood Com-
pany, and the next season they were with the Har-
ry Williams company. With this company the
family did three acts, including Matthew's juggling
act. After closing with this company John F.
Byrne organized the "Eight Bells" Company, under
the management of Primrose & West, and opened
for a spring tour at the Broadway Theatre, Nor-
wich, Conn. In May, [891, John, Matthew and
James were joined by their brothers Andrew and
Michael, in this production all playing principal
parts. "Eight Bells" opened for its regular season
57
at the Broadway Theatre, at Norwich, Conn., on
Aug. 20, [891. It proved an instantaneous hit from
the start, and for fourteen years it has amused,
entertained and delighted thousands of the Ameri-
can public, in all parts of the country. There arc-
only a few who can point to such a record and
one can name them on the fingers of one hand.
"Eight Bells" is from the pen of John F. Byrne,
as are also the inventions and novel mechanism, in
eluding the revolving ship, the horse and carriage,
etc. 'Twas a wise old gentleman who once re-
marked that that which pleases long and pleases
many must possess merit. If the philosopher who
gave utterance to the sage remark above quoted were
alive to-day he might supplement his statement by
citing a few remarks wherein the value of certain
things had been established by the continued favor
of the public — theatrical offerings for instance.
When the public places the stamp of its approval
upon a play the management need not worry over
results. Mr. Byrne is the author and inventor of
the pantomimic racing comedy "Going to the
Races," which he successfully produced a few years
ago. He also owns the Hanlon Brothers famous
comedy "Le Voyage En Suisse," which he rewrote
and produced at great expense, but during the sea-
son it was on the road he met with a painful accident
while hunting (a gun shot wound in the foot) and
was compelled to close the company, as it required
his personal supervision.
Mr. Byrne is married, and when not on the road
spends his time with his family in Norwich, Conn.,
where he has a beautiful home on Washington
street and a summer home on the Thames river
known as "Kitemaug." He is an enthusiastic
sportsman and spends much of his time with gun,
dogs and rod in the woods around his home. Mr.
Byrne is still an important factor in American
theatricals.
JOHN WESLEY MORGAN was, at the time
of his death, the oldest merchant in the city of New
London, and a representative of one of Xew Eng-
land's oldest families. He was born Jan. 19, 182(1.
in Salem, Conn., son of Sidney Morgan.
( J ) James Morgan was born in 1607 in Wales.
The family appears to have removed from Llandaff
to Bristol, England, perhaps a few years previous
to 1636. James Morgan came to America and is
found at Roxbury, near Boston, before 1640. ( )u
Aug. 6th of the latter year he married there Mar-
gery Hill, of Roxbury. He was made a freeman
in 1643. and was a free-holder there as late as 1050.
the year in which he removed to Pequot (New
London). Here early in [650 he had grants of
land, lie sold his homestead in 1656, and removed
late in that year, or early in 1657, across the river,
upon large tracts of land previously granted to him
and others in the town of G rot on. Mr. Morgan
was a large proprietor and dealer in lands, lie was
for several years selectman in Xew London, and
8g8
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
was Deputy in the General Court in 1657, was nine
times thereafter chosen a member of that body, the
last time in 1670. He died in 1685, aged seventy-
eight years. His children, all excepting the youngest
probably born in Roxbury, were : Hannah, born May
18, 1642; James, March 3, 1644; John, March 30,
[645; Joseph, Nov. 29. 1646: Abraham, Sept. 3,
[648; and a daughter, Nov. 17. 1650, died soon.
(II) Capt. John Morgan, born March 30, [645,
in Roxbury, Mass., married (first) Nov. 16, [i 15,
Rachel, daughter of John Dimond, and after her
death, (second) Widow Elizabeth Williams, daugh-
ter of Lieut. Governor William Jones, of Xew Hav-
en, and granddaughter of Gov. Theophilus Eaton.
Caj t. Morgan removed to Preston, Conn., about
1692. He was a prominent public man, Indian
commissioner and adviser, and a Deputy to the Gen-
eral Court from Xew London and also from Pres-
ton. He died in 1712, aged sixty-seven. His chil-
dren were: John, born June 10. 1667; Samuel, Sept.
9, [669; Isaac, Oct. 24, 11)70; Hannah, Jan. 8,
1074; Mercy, May, 1675; Sarah, April 13, 1678;
James, about 1680 (all to the first marriage);
Elizabeth, about 1690; William, 1693; Rachel, bap-
tized April 19, 1697; Andrea; Margery, baptized
July 9, 1699; Joseph, baptized April 2~, 1701;
Theophilus, baptized May 16. 1703; and Alary.
( 111 ) Samuel Morgan, born Sept. 9, 1669, mar-
ried Dec. 30, 1709, Hannah Avery, and died some-
time between 1729 and 1734. Their children were:
Samuel, born March 9, 171 1 ; Elijah, April 13,
1712; Hannah, Feb. 13. 1714 ; Abijah, July (>, 171 5;
Lucy, May 9, 1 71 7 ; Theophilus, about 1719; Ex-
perience, about 1 72 1 ; and Timothy, in 1723.
(IV) Timothy Morgan, born about 1723, set-
tled in the town of Groton, Conn., where his death
occurred Oct. 13, 1 7<j5- He and his wife Deborah
had children: Experience, born Jul}' 22, 1749; De-
borah, March 1, 1751 ; Timothy, Feb. 8, 1753;
Elizabeth, Sept. 8, 1754: Daniel, Aug. 2, 1756;
Jesse, Jan. 2j, 1758: David (twin) Jan. 2~, 1758;
Theophilus, Oct. 12. 1759; Samuel, May 12, 1763;
Aaron. May 27, 1765; and Hannah. July 26, [767.
(V) Theophilus Morgan, born Oct. 12, 1759,
married May 10, 1795, Mary Hinckley, who was
born Feb. 23, 1767, daughter of Abel Hinckley,
of Stonington. Mr. Morgan was a farmer, and set-
tled in that part of Lyme which became Salem,
Conn. There he died. Sept. 1 1, 1820, and his widow-
passed away Sept. 17. 1825. They had a large fam-
ily of children, of whom only six. two sons and four
daughters, reached maturity: Mary, born March
10. 179O ; Henry, March 30, 17197 ; Alvah, June 7,
1 ~<;S ; Sidney, Aug. 30. 1800: Caroline, Dec. 22,
1801 ; Frances M., Dec. 31. 1802: Charlotte M., July
4, 1805; Orville, June 22. 1806; Jeannette, Xov.
23. '807; and Theophilus, Dec. 26, 1809. Of these
Alvah, the eldest son to reach maturity, became a
resident of Holley, ( )rleans Co.. X. Y. He married
in 1822, Dollv Stratum, of Glastonbury, Conn.,
and in 1832 settled in Murray, Orleans Co., X. Y.,
where he died in 1862, at the age of sixty-four years,
leaving a widow and an only son. Alvah S. Morgan.
Sidney Morgan, father of John Morgan, was
born Aug. 30. 1800. He occupied the old Morgan
farm, which he subsequently sold to Aaron Xiles
in 1835 for the sum of 88,500. He then purchased
a farm of 300 acres in Salem, Conn., which he sold
in 1857 for $5,000. With this capital in hand, in
company with his four sons, he went west, settling
in Loda. Iroquois Co., 111., where he bought 650
acres of land, and where his sons, Theophilus and
Enoch, took up one section. With the exception of
Theophilus, the entire family returned East in i860,
and Mr. Morgan thereupon purchased the farm of
220 acres adjoining the' original homestead, where
he lived until his death, which occurred March 21,
1870. He was much in public life, filling various
town offices, and representing the town in the State
Legislature three times, the last time in i860. Fra-
ternally he was a master Mason. Although a mem-
ber of the Episcopal Church, he attended and helped
to support the Congregational Church, and was a
practical Christian philanthropist.
On Feb. 2~, 1823, Mr. Morgan married Harriet
Stoddard, who was born Feb. 2S>, 1802, daughter of
\ me Stoddard. She survived her husband eleven
years, dying April 15, 1881, in the eightieth year of
her age. Their children were as follows : ( 1 ) Theo-
philus, born Dec. 2/, 1823, has accumulated a com-
fortable fortune, and is now living retired in Illi-
nois, a widower, with one son. He married Sept.
22, 185 1, Emily W. Brumley, of Montville Conn.
(2) John Wesley, born Jan. 19, 1826, is mentioned
below. (3) Enoch Sidney, born April 3, 1828, was
an engineer and machinist, and lived in Mystic,
where he died. On April 6, 1854, he married Mary
H. Avery, of Xew London. (4) Albert Hinckley,
born ( )ct. 2j, 1833, was a farmer and public-spirited
citizen of Redwood county, Minn., where he held
the offices of postmaster and town clerk, and where
he died. He married a widow, Mrs. Odell. ( 5 )
Alvah, born Aug. 3, 1840, is a prominent resident
of Salem, Conn., where he has been active in town
affairs. In August, 1862, he enlisted in Company
A, the 26th Conn. V. I., and he was wounded at
Port Hudson, being shot just below the knee by a
m.inie ball, which he still carries in the bone. An-
other bullet marked his forehead. He was dis-
charged in August. iW'i,. and is now a pensioner.
( )n Dec. 3, 1865. he married Sarah E. Bailey, of
Salem, Connecticut.
John Wesley Morgan received his early educa-
tion in the district schools, and later graduated from
Bacon Academy, of Colchester, Conn., which he
attended for two years, graduating from same at the
age of seventeen years. From that time until his
death his career was one of successful business ac-
tivity. He was only seventeen when he came to Xew
London and entered the employ of Smith & Dabold,
the partners being X*. D. Smith and Selden Dabold,
who carried on a grocery store on the site of the
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
899
brick structure east of the Neptune building. After
he had been with them about two years his father
bought for him from Washington Smith, the store
at No. 4_' Coit street, where lie was afterward lo-
cated, he himself being too young to sign the papers.
There he remained for a period of fifty-seven years,
continuing to earn- the same line of goods, dry
goods, shoes and paper hangings. He subsequently
started a grocery in an addition which he built, and
conducted same for about twenty years, but this was
long ago disposed of. In 1878 lie opened a drv
goods and sewing machine store in State street,
which he sold after some time to W. I'. Benjamin &
Co., and he also ran another store on lower Bank
street, but he came to the conclusion that the extra
demands on his time and attention were greater
than the extra profits, and gave them up, continuing
his original business without interruption. He was
called the "dean of New London merchants'* his
record of business activity being unequalled in New
London, perhaps in Connecticut. He was what is
termed an old-fashioned business man. his prestige
depending as much upon his personal character as
upon his business methods, and both were irreproach-
able. Xo resident of New London was held in
higher esteem, either personally or in business cir-
cles.
Mr. Morgan was married, Feb. 2$, 1851, to
Lucretia P. Loomis, of Salem, who was born Sept.
6, 1 83 1, daughter of Hubbel and Sophronia
( Strickland) Loomis, of Salem. Their wedded
life covered a period of over fifty-three years. They
had one child, Kate Louise, who lives at home.
The family belonged to the Second Congregational
Church ot New London, and in politics Mr. Mor-
gan was a stanch Republican. Though strictly a
business man, he found time to give his town two
terms of service as member of the board of select-
men, and one term as assessor. He died July 8,
1904, and was buried in Cedar Crove cemetery.
JOHN DOLBEARE, now deceased, was a
worth}' descendant of one of New England's promi-
nent early families and a well known agriculturist
of the town of Ledvard. He was born Jan. 3, 1828,
in Montville, Connecticut.
( 1) John Dolbeare, the emigrant ancestor of the
family bearing the Dolbeare name, came from Wales
to the Colonies with his wife, whose name has not
been ascertained, and settled at Boston, Mass., about
1720, where some of his descendants resided for
a number of years, and where some of them partici-
pated in the famous "Boston Tea Part)'," doing
their part in tossing the tea overboard into the sea.
Tradition .says the Dolbeare coat of arm- -how- the
family once to have been the fourth family in the
kingdom of Great Britain. It is reported that John,
the emigrant, had twenty-four children, twenty-
two sons and two daughters. Lorenzo Low says:
"George Dolbeare, the youngest, was the twenty-
fourth child."
John Dolbeare purchased a. tract of land of
James Harris, situated between Gardner's Lake and
( )xoboxo Pond, and including the latter, in tiie town
of Montville', Conn. This tract contained about
1,000 acres, and perhaps more. After the death
of John Dolbeare, which occurred in Boston June
17, 1725, all the real estate purchased by him in
the North parish of New London, now Montville,
appears to have come into the possession of his son,
George Dolbeare, who occupied and improved the
land during his life. Alter his death, it was dis-
tributed among his children. Xo records have been
discovered, that clearly indicate the number of chil-
dren that John Dolbeare had, nor have any names
of his children, except John and George, been re-
covered.
(II) George Dolbeare, born about 1715, young-
est son of John Dolbeare, the emigrant, married
about 1740, Mary Sherwood, who was born about
1710. There were two large portraits of George
Dolbeare and his wife Mary, exhibited at the late
Groton Centennial Sept. 6, 1881, which belonged to
Miss Lockwood, of New London, a descendant. Mr.
Dolbeare was a large landholder, and also owned
four sawmills. His death occurred March 2j. IJJ2,
aged fifty-seven years. His wife died Jan. 1. 1790,
aged eighty years. Their children were: Mary,
Abigail, John, Samuel, Hannah, George lb, all born
between the years 1740 and 1753.
(III) John Dolbeare, born Sept. 29, 1745. son
of George and Mary ( Sherwood ) Dolbeare, mar-
ried, Dec. 22, 1769, Sarah, daughter of Christopher
and Eleanor (Fitch) Raymond. He settled at
Montville, on the farm bequeathed to him by his
father, lying on the old Colchester road. This farm
contained several hundred acres, which at his death
was distributed among his children. He died April
9, 1806, and his wife died June 9, 1828. The chil-
dren, all born between the years 1770 and 1796, lived
to maturity, and their names were: Sarah, James,
George, Christopher, Elisha. Benjamin, Hannah,
Eleanor, John, Daniel, Mary, Lemuel R. and Abi-
gail.
(1Y) George Dolbeare born Feb. 1, 1774. third
child of John and Sarah (Raymond) Dolbeare,
married, Feb. 16, 1797, Sarah Bradford, daughter
of Samuel and Bridget (Comstock) Bradford, and
a lineal descendant in the sixth generation through
her father, Samuel, of ( iov. William Bradford of the
Plymouth Colony, the line being Gov. William, Wil-
liam, Joseph, John and Samuel. George Dolbeare
was a farmer, and settled in Montville. living for sev-
eral years on the "Fort Hill Farm" at Mohegan.' In
[850 he purchased the "Andrew Maples Farm,"
and died there Dec. 11. 1852. where also his wife
died April 22, [856, aged ninety-two year-. The
children born to George Dolbeare were: ( u Will-
iam II., born Nov. 28, 1700. married (first) Nancy
Raymond, and ( second 1 Abby Woodworth. He
was deacon of the Mohegan Congregational Church
for a number of years, and lived at Montville, where
(JOO
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
he died. (2) George Fellows, became father of our
subject. (3) Sarah, born Dec. 9, 1804. died young.
(4) Sarah R., born Nov. 6, 1807, died unmarried in
Montrose, Pa., aged ninety years. (5) Margaret,
born June 7, 1810, married Stephen Bradley, and
died soon after her marriage. (6) Ellen, born June
29, 1813, became the second wife of David R. Dol-
beare, son of Elisha and Alary (Fox) Dolbeare. (7)
Cornelia F., born Feb. 23, 1818, married Edwin
Lathrop, of Montrose, Pa., and at the time of her
marriage was a missionary to the Choctaw Indians.
(V) George Fellows Dolbeare, born Feb. 2^,
1802, married (first) March 6, 1825, Abby Church,
daughter of Peleg and Mary (Leach) Church, of
Montville, a sketch of whom is given elsewhere. ( )n
July 26, 1846, he married Hannah A. (Church)
Matthews, widow of Alpheus Matthews. George
F. Dolbeare was a farmer and located in Mohegan,
town of Montville, where he died Oct. 29, 1887,
aged eighty-six years. In early life he was an old
line Whig, and later became a Republican. He was
an industrious, hardworking man, and possessed a
genial, kindhearted nature. For several years, he
was troubled with rheumatism, and was conse-
quently somewhat lame. This disease was the im-
mediate cause of his death. By his first marriage,
George F. Dolbeare had children as follows: (i)
Mary Abby, born in 1826, married Thomas 11.
Woodworth, of Norwich, Conn., who was a stone
contractor early in life, but later became a farmer ;
their children were Chauncy B. Woodworth, who
married Sarah Huntington, of Norwich, and is con-
nected with the Norwich Savings Society; and Abby
Jane, who is unmarried. (2) John, our subject,
was born Jan. 3, 1828. To the second marriage
were born the following: Anson G., born in 1847,
died in 1871, being lost from the schooner "Era,"
off Montauk Point; Anna: George; Irene E. ;
Charles died aged fifteen years ; Edwin L., born in
1852, was drowned in 1888; Henry H.
John Dolbeare was born Jan. 3, 1828, in Mont-
ville, Conn., in the Mohegan district, in which he
received his education. Leaving school, when about
fifteen years of age, he immediately set sail from
Xew London before the mast on the "Isaac Wal-
ton," Capt. Daniel Fitch commanding, and spent his
sixteenth birthday near Cape Horn. Thirty months
were spent on this whaling voyage. He was then
engaged in the coasting trade on different vessels
for about three years. He next sailed on the "Julius
Cresar," Capt. Ebenezer Morgan, known as "Rat-
tler" Morgan, commanding, from New London, on
a whaling voyage to the Desolation Islands, on
which voyage about twenty-one months were spent.
During this time, young Dolbeare steered one of
the small boats under Capt. Simeon Church, of
Montville. He then made a voyage from Fair
Haven, Mass., on the "Northern Lights," under
Capt. William Stott, to the Ochotsk Sea in search
of whales. Thirty months were consumed in this
voyage, during which .time he was fourth mate, and
again on the same vessel under Capt. Thomas B.
Norton, he went to the same sea on a voyage of
eighteen months as second mate. A third voyage
to the Ochotsk Sea was made from New Bedford,
Mass., on a whaling voyage on the "Alice Mandell,"
Capt. Stephen Dennis commanding, and they re-
mained about eighteen months. When he left the
vessel at the Sandwich Islands, he bought one-fourth
interest in the "United States," and sailed to the
Japan Sea as mate. This voyage was a year in
length, and from it he returned to the Sandwich
Islands, and sold his interest in the vessel to C. A.
Williams, of New London. He then left the Sand-
wich Islands as a passenger on the barque "Yankee,"
under Capt. James Smith, of New London.
Mr. Dolbeare returned to New London, but
after a few months, he went coasting in the employ
of J. W. Huntington & Co., of Norwich, and thus
continued for about a year. He then shipped as
mate of the barque "Leonidas," from New Bedford,
sailing on the Atlantic Ocean, and he was gone on
this voyage some twenty months. Next, he became
mate of one of the vessels of the "stone fleet," which
dumped stone into the Charleston Harbor, S. C,
during the war o( the Rebellion. At this time he
was in the employ of the late Richard Chapel, of
New London. He was then engaged with Converse
& Whittaker, of Norwich, on transports carrying
provisions to the Union soldiers in the South, for
about eighteen months. Buying the schooner "Liz-
zie M. Stacey," in Boston, he was engaged in trad-
ing with the soldiers and sailors of Charleston for
about eighteen months, after which time he sold
the vessel. Converse & Whittaker, of Norwich,
again employed him on the transport "Decatur,"
and he continued with them until the close of the
Avar. The next engagement of Mr. Dolbeare was
with J. B. Huntington & Co., of Norwich, who were
the first to engage in running steamboat lines from
Philadelphia to Charleston, and Philadelphia to
Providence, in the coal trade. Mr. Dolbeare made
the first trip on the newly organized "Dominion
Line" from New York to Richmond, Ya., on the
"Whirlwind," as mate of the same. He remained
in the employ of this firm for several years, when
he retired from a sea-faring life, and on March 4,
1868, he purchased the "Avery Hill" farm, in Led-
yard, Conn., near the Preston line, consisting of
100 acres and was there successfully engaged in
farming until his death. Mr. Dolbeare was a mem-
ber of Somerset Lodge A. F. & A. M., of Norwich.
He was a Democrat in political faith, and served
his town as a member of the board of selectmen,
of the board of assessors, and of the board of relief.
On Nov. 30, 1862, Mr. Dolbeare was married
to Ann Elizabeth (Guile) Clark, widow of Jo-
seph Sheldon Clark, of Norwich, and daughter of
Albert and Melissa (Simms) Guile, of Preston,
Conn. The children born to John Dolbeare and
wife were: (1) George W., born Nov. 29, 1863,
in Norwich, is a pattern maker and carpenter by
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
90 J
trade, employed in Norwich ; he is unmarried. (2)
Sarah Lizzette, born Nov. 10, [865, in Norwich,
married Charles S. Hewitt, son of Calvin Hewitt,
of Ledyard, and a farmer and carpenter living
in Ledyard, and he and his wife have children as
follows: Chauncey IX, who died at the age of thir-
teen years and five months; Calvin; Elmer; and
Ethel. (3) Abby Woodworth, horn Aug. 18, [871,
in Ledyard, married Walter L. Frazier, of Westerly,
R. I., where he is engaged in farming, and they
have a son. Earl Dolbeare. Mr. and Mrs. Dolbcare
were highly respected citizens of Ledyard and were
charitable and benevolent, earning for themselves
the highest esteem of all who had the honor of their
acquaintance. He died Dec. 18, 1903, in Ledyard,
and his wife passe! away March 18, 1904.
ELIHU H. POTTER, one of the leading citi-
zens of Noank, belongs to an old New England fam-
ily, which is traced back to England, there was
born Martin Cotter, at South Shields, and there
he married Ann Reid, and they became the parents
of the following children: John; William, born in
1704. died in the same year; William (2), born in
February., 1707. died Oct. 20, 1792; Martin, born
July 4, 1710, died in 1729; George died in child-
hood ; and Jane.
John Potter, eldest son of the above family, was
born June 3, 1701, and died in 1770. On Dec. 10,
1723, he married Eleanor Wilkinson, and their
children were: William, born (Jet. 20, 1725, mar-
ried, Sept. 15, 1748, Abigail Durfee. who died in
1823, aged ninety-three years; Sarah, born Oct. 31,
1727; John, Feb. 20, 1732; Eleanor, June 13, 1735;
Elizabeth, Feb. 21, 1739; Isabella, Dec. 9, 1742;
and Thomas.
William Potter emigrated to America in 1748,
and married Abigail Durfee. They had children
as follows: William, born Aug. 5, 1794. in New
London, died Aug. 12, 1825, married, Aug. 2^, 1771,
Phebe Woodward; John, died Aug. 11, 1832, mar-
ried, ( )ct. 24, 1776, Elizabeth Witter; Joshua, died
Feb. 1837, married. May 4, 1780, Lydia Coit ; Abi-
gail married James Miller; Eleanor married Thomas
Rice; Sally married William Wignall ; George, born
Oct. 14. 1767, died July 30, 1845, married, Nov. 10,
[891, Elizabeth Calkins; Thomas, born in 1758;
and Richard, born in 1770, married Esther Chap-
man.
Thomas Potter was born in New London, Conn.,
and died June 17, 1833. He married Lurena Fitch
and their children were: Thomas, born (Jet. 8,
1784, died Dec. 2J, 1875, married Aug. 28, 1812,
Prudence Latham; Joseph, born March [9, 1 70 1 .
died Aug. 13, 1870, married. Aug. 29, 1813 Mercy
Harrow; James, born July 3, 1806, in Noank, died
Nov. 20, 1865; Richard, born Oct. 7. 1800, died in
[839, married, Sept. 19, 1830. Nancy Burrows;
William, born May 24, 1795, died Aug. 10, 1871.
married (first) Catherine Rackett and (second)
Abigail Sherrill ; Abby, born Nov, 2j, 1788, died
Aug. 30, 1874, married, Nov. 1 1, [810, Abner Spen-
cer; Sally, born Feb. 9, [797, died \)vc. [6, 1887,
married in October, 1816, John Burrows; Han-
nah, born Sept. (>, 178(1, died Sept. 11, [872, mar-
ried, Dec. 20, 1807, Benjamin Clark; and Henrietta,
born July 9, 1804, died June 7, 1835 married. < )ct.
22, [826, Luther Rathbun. Thomas Potter was a
well-known resident of Noank, where for many
years he was extensively engaged in the fishing
industry. Like other members of the family he
possessed all the characteristics of good, old Xew
England training.
James Potter was born at Noank where he mar-
ried (first) Dec. 0, 1828, Lucretia Lester, born in
1807, and died in 1835, daughter of Benjamin and
Mehitabel Lester, of New London. He married
(second) July II, 1835, Grace Lester, born in 1804,
and died in 1880, also a daughter of Benjamin and
Mehitabel Lester. The children of the first union
were: James, born Aug. 31, 1829, died May 10,
1869, married, Nov. 26, 1854. Sarah B. Latham;
Emeline, born Oct. 2, 183 1, died Nov. 2, 1854,
married. Oct. 2, 1850, Joh A. Forsyth; Capt. Jo-
sephus F., born (Jet. 7, 1833, died ( )ct. 3, 1873,
married, Dec. 31, 1854. Eliza S. Potter. The chil-
dren of the second union were: Benjamin L.. horn
March 29, 1836, married, Aug. 4, 1854, Elizabeth
S. Rackett, and they reside at Byrdton, \"a., where
he follows fishing; Thomas, born Oct. 7, 1837, de-
ceased, married, Dec. 23, i860, Lydia P. Hempstead,
and he also was a fisherman; Lucretia, born Sept.
7, 1839 at Noank, married, Oct. 19, 1862. William
Johnson; Elihu H., born Dec. 7. 1841; Sally Ann
H., born Oct. 16, 1843. married, March 8. 1861,
John Palmer, of Sag Harbor, L. I.; Charles T.,
born Sept. 11, 1845, married, Jan. 1, 1867, Martha
A. Weeks, of Norwich, Conn.: and Alvin H., born
April 28, 1847, died Jan. 2, 1869. The father of
these children followed the family calling of fishing.
He was a consistent member of the Baptist Church
and a man of sterling character.
Elihu H. Potter was born Dec. 7. 1841, in No-
ank, and was married, Oct. 29, 1807. to Augusta
A. Tuthill, daughter of Daniel E. and Annis V.
(Booth) Tuthill. To this marriage came the fol-
lowing children: Stella A., born Jan. 2(>. 1871,
married Fred i. Rathbun, and resides in Noank;
Werden 1!., born Jan. 1, 1875. is a graduate of the
College of Pharmacy of New York, and is now a
manufacturing chemist in that city.
Elihu II. Potter was educated in the public
schools of Noank, and worked for three or four
years as a ship car] enter. ( hi Aug. 6, 1862, he en-
listed in Company C, 21st Conn. V. I., for the three
years service, and was promoted to the rank of
corporal. On Aug. 1. [865, Mr. Totter established
himself at his present location, in the mercantile
business and has the distinction of being the oldest
merchant in length of service in the town of Gro-
ton. As a business man and as a citizen he is held
in high esteem. He was identified with the Baptist
CJ02
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
Church, formerly beino- a member of that body at
Noank, but being excluded he is not a member at
present of any denomination, but attends meetings
at Poquonock Bridge, where he is the teacher of the
Bible class, a position for which he is eminently
qualified, as few men are better Bible scholars. For
a long period Mr. Potter has made the study of Holy
Writ a matter of the closest attention, haying de-
voted three years to the Book of Revelations alone.
Mr. Potter is noted for his public spirit, for
which has been shown a marked lack of appreciation,
A recent act of his. was the placing of thirty vol-
umes of the Encyclopedia Britannica and other
standard works for the use of the public, gratuit-
ously.
While the object of a volume of this character is
to preserve the life history of individuals who have
been prominent in the general affairs of their re-
spective communities, it cannot be denied that it is
inadequate in many instances to fully record the
distinctive work and value of the various types of
mankind to be found herein. Numerous as they
may be, we find in each one some particular feature
of their life's work that stands out more prominent
than any other. This feature in Mr. Potter's long
and useful life is certainly that on Christian lines.
a work that has been to him most pleasant, and
ever marked by zeal and sincerity. Successful much
beyond the ordinary in a business sense, his life has
not been marked by a seeming desire to enrich him-
self with earthly possessions. His success has been
brought about in the pursuance of honorable meth-
ods and after a long business career. In business
life he has long been a prominent figure.
P( )TTER. This branch of the family has many
representatives in Noank and vicinity, and the line
of Joseph Potter, son of Thomas and Lurena
(Fitch) Potter, is as follows:
Thomas, father of Joseph, was a son of Will-
iam Potter, who emigrated to America in 1748.
Joseph Potter, born March 19, 1 79 1 , died Aug.
13, 1870. lie was a fisherman by occupation and
made his home in Noank. ( )n Aug. 29, 1813, he
wedded Mercy Barrow. Their children were: Lucy,
born May 23, 1814, married, Aug. 9, 1832, Servil-
lian Perkins, and died Aug. 31, 1856; Joseph, born
May 24, 1816; Prudence, horn Sept. 28, t8i8, mar-
ried, Jan. 5, 1844, Charles Chesebro, and died June
18, 1881 ; Eliza S., born Oct. 3, 1826, married, Dec.
31, 1854. Josephus F. 1 'otter, and died Feb. 12,
1878: Ellen R., born Sept. 5. 1829, died July 23,
i860; Harriet, born Nov. 12, 1833, died in 1834;
and Andrew J., born April 30, 1839, married (first)
Celestia Searle, and (second) Alary E. Harrigan.
Joseph Potter, son of Joseph, was born May 24,
1816, and his death was caused by accident, being
run over by a train near Xoank, March 16. 1889.
On June 1, 1840, he married Mary Fowler, and the
children of this marriage were as follows: Harriet
Jane, born May 8, 1841, married, Dec. 3, 1862, Ben-
jamin Franklin Andrews, and they reared these
children, Charles B. (born Dec. 17, 1863, died Sept.
8, 1865), George E. (born Aug. 30, 1865), Sadie
P. (born Dec. 3, 1867), Carlotta (born June 2,
1874) and Mary Jane (born May 8, 1881 ) ; Sarah
M., born July 13, 1842, married William Wilbur
Latham, Dec. 7, 1865 ! Mary E., born Aug. 5, 1845,
married Charles H. Smith, Dec. 11, 1872; and J.
Walton, born Nov. 10, 1854, married Mary A.
Rogers, and resides at Xoank. Joseph Potter fol-
lowed fishing as his main vocation, having large
fishing interests in this locality for many years. Fra-
ternally he was a Mason. Like other members of
the family, his religious connection was with the
Baptist Church. His death was the source of great
grief to his family and the community.
ALBERT B. MILLER, who died Aug. 7, 1899.
in Stonington, Conn., was born in October, 1838,
in Providence, R. I., son of Charles D. Miller, who
was a foundryman, and prominent in the mechan-
ical life of that locality, he having been the sole
founder of the Xew England Butt Company of
Providence, Rhode Island.
Albert B. Miller spent his boyhood days in
Providence, and then went to California, Oreg;on
and other western states, but was drawn back to the
East. For several years he worked at XTorwich,
Conn., in the Scranton Printing Press Works, and1
then located in Stonington, in 1868, purchasing of
John T. Trumbull the Joslin Arms Company, an
iron and brass foundry, and for some years worked
there in connection with the Atwood Machine Com-
pany. In about 1880, he sold the foundry to the
Atwoods, and built the foundry on Miller street,
and there continued in active business until the
time of his death. In 1891, he was burgess of the
borough of Stonington, acting as a strong Dem-
ocrat.
In about 1861, Mr. Miller married Margaret
Cough, a native of Bath, Maine, who spent her early
life at Providence, where she was married. Her
death occurred in April, 1896. The children born
to them were: Charles William, born at Norwich,
Conn.; Susie M., born at Norwich, Conn., who
married Dr. C. E. Maine, of Stonington ; Hattie,
teacher of music in the public schools of Provi-
dence; Albert 1!., of Stonington.
Charles W. Miller was born in Norwich,
Conn., July 13. 1863, and spent his school days in
Stonington, where he came when four years of age,
and later attending Eastman's Business College at
Poughkeepsie, X. Y.. where he graduated in 1883.
Returning, he learned the iron and brass foundry
business with his father in Stonington, and since the
latter's death, has carried it on very successfully.
From 1892 to 1898, he was at Chicago, engaged in
a foundry business there, which he ran success-
fully, and in October, 1892, while in that city, he-
was married to Miss Margaret Carter. The fol-
lowing children have been born of their marriage f
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
903
Albert, (.'harks, Chester, Frank, Margaret and
John. Mr. Miller works for the Consolidated Rail-
read, and his foundry has worked for the Robert
Palmer & Son Company, ship builders for thirty-
six years, and for the Lorraine Manufacturing
Company, of Westerly, R. I., The Thames Tow-
boat Company, of Xew London, and The T. A.
Scott Company of Xew London. Fraternally he is
r. member of the ( )rder of Elks of Xew London, and
he is a man widely known and much liked by his ac-
quaintances and friends. He is a steadfast Demo-
crat, but has no office holding aspirations.
CAPT. ROBERT PALMER WILBUR, vice-
] resident and one of the incorporators of the Rob-
ert Palmer & Son Ship Building and Marine
Railway Company, of Noank, Conn., is an influen-
tial and prominent citizen of that section of Con-
necticut, where has been his home from birth.
Capt. Wilbur descends from old Xew England
families, in both paternal and maternal lines. He
is a representative of the sixth generation from
William Wilbur, Jr., of Portsmouth, wdiose birth
occurred in 1660, the line of descent being through
William Jr., Jeremiah, William, John H., William
A. and Robert P. On his mother's side, he is a
grandson of Deacon John Palmer, one of the best
known citizens of his day in Noank.
William Wilbur, Jr., of Portsmouth, was born
in e66o, and died in 1732. His wife was a member
of the Tallman family, and their children were as
follows: Mary, born in 1685; William, born Aug.
8. 1687, married Anna Richmond; Hannah, born
June 17, 1689; Samuel, born Feb. 17, 1691 ; John,
born May 1, 1693 ; Joseph, born May 26, 1695,
married Martha Records, and died in January,
1775; Abigail, born April 1, 1697, married Jona-
than Hilliane ; Joan, born Nov. 7, 1698; Jedediah,
born Nov. 5, 1700; Sarah, born Sept. 10, 1702;
Phebe, born Oct. 1, 1704; and Jeremiah, born Dec.
17. 1706, married Hannah Records.
Jeremiah Wilbur, son of William, Jr.. was mar-
ried June 20. 1728, to Hannah Records, born Nov.
24, 1706, and they had children as follows: Jede-
diah. born Feb. to, 1729; Elam, born ( )ct. 30, 1730;
Adin, born June 23, 1733. died May 9, 177c; ; Uriah,
born Aug. 30, 1735 ; and William, born March 28,
1742, died Jan. 24, 1822.
William Wilbur, son of Jeremiah, born March
25. 1742, died Jan. 24. 1822. On Dec. 24. 1778, he
married Sarah Sawyer, who died Jan. 13, 1822.
They had children as follows: John H. ; Jeremiah
1 i d Jan. 14, [862; Moses, born Jan. 17. 17SS, died
July _'. 1856; Elam, born in March, I7<j8, died Sept.
17, 1874: James: Harry has one grandchild living
at Lindeman Cottage, Fishers tsland ; Betsy, born
in 1800, died Dec. 21, 1884: William, born March
27- l793, died Jan. 8. [839.
John H. Wilbur, son of William, was married
Nov. 2. i7<;»;. to Eleanor Ashbey, and they had the
following children born to them: James A., born
Feb. 24, 1801, died Oct. 11. [823; Nathaniel, born
June 21, 1803, <U(-''l Aug. 20. [849; Sally, born Aug.
20, [805, died Sept. 6, 1805: William Ashbey, born
Dec. 28, 1807, died Dec. 1. 1840; Ray L., born
June 5, 18 10, died Feb. t, [896; John, born Sept.
15, 1813, died Aug. 5, 1823: Allen \\'.. born Nov.
6, 1816, died Oct. 18, 1832: Mary Ellen, born July
19, 1819, died Sept. 1. 1834; and Whitman W., born
Sept. 5, 1821, died Oct. 24. 1850. John 11. Wil-
bur was master of a fishing smack, and died in
1836, at Norfolk, Virginia.
Capt. William Ashbey Wilbur, born Dec. 28,
1807, died Dec. 1, 1846. lie was married July 13,
1829, to Lucy Clark Palmer, born Oct. 14, 18] 1. at
Noank, Conn., eldesl child that lived to maturity of
Deacon John and Abbey (Fish) 1'almer, and a sis-
ter of Hon. Deacon Robert Palmer, of Noank.
Capt. William Ashbey Wilbur and his wife had
children as follows: Lucy Ellen, born June 28, 1830,
died in February, 1835; Abby Palmer, born Sept.
30, 1832, died June 20, 185 1 ; William Allen, born
Oct. 24. 1833, died Aug. 5, 1858; John Palmer,
born Dec. 10, 1835, died May 11, [87S: Robert
Palmer, born Oct. 28, 1839: Charles, born Dec. 28,
1843, died July 12, 1844. Capt. Wilbur was a
mariner, and also a merchant at Noank. His widow-
afterward married Capt. Jeremiah Wilbur, whose
widow she now is, and she resides with her son,
Capt. Robert Palmer Wilbur.
Robert Palmer Wilbur, born Oct. 2^, 1839, on
May 10, 1864, married Phebe Miner Fish, daugh-
ter of Nathan G. and Emeline (Miner) Fish. They
had children born to them as follows: Albert, who
died aged seven months; Helen Fish; Gertrude,
who died aged seven years ; Emeline Miner : Roberta
P. and John P.. born Jan. icy [889.
Capt. Robert Palmer Wilbur had limited educa-
tional advantages in his boyhood and youth, going
to school only during the winter seasons after he
was ten years of age. From the age of ten to six-
teen he followed the water in summer seasons. From
the age of sixteen until he was twenty, he attended
school at Winsted, Conn., and also at Mystic. Dur-
ing the Civil war he was a volunteer soldier, and
served three months in Company E, 2d Conn. V.
I. He then adopted a sea-faring life, and by the
time he was twenty-five, he was the commander of
the steamer "Ulysses." He had a long and honor-
able career in the merchant marine service and dur-
ing the^r years was the captain of the following
vessels: bark, "Caleb Haley," which was lost in a
great storm on the coast of Mexico in August,
[866; schooner, "Robert 1'almer;" the "A. E.
Campbell;" ship. "Dauntless;" "M. R. (".race:" and
the "St. Frances," making his last voyage in this
vessel, in April. [894. During his long years <>n the
seas, ('apt. Wilbur had many experien 1 I of the
ordinary, even for a sea captain. ( hie in particular
we record. In 1875. while master of the ship,
"Dauntless," and on passage from San Francisco
to Xew York, he picked up near Pitcairn's Island,
9°4
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
in the South Pacific, the crew of the wrecked British
ship, "Cornwallis." This ship-wrecked crew num-
bered twenty-six souls, who were cared for during
eighty-five days, and finally landed in New York.
For this humane act, he was presented by the British
government with an elegant gold watch and chain,
the watch bearing the following inscription: "Pre-
sented by the British Government to Capt. R. P.
Wilbur of the American ship 'Dauntless,' of Mys-
tic, in testimony of his humanity and kindness to
crew of ship 'Cornwallis,' of Liverpool during
eighty-five days in 1875." The owners of the Corn-
wallis, presented to Captain Wilbur a solid silver
service. Since quitting active sea service, Capt. Wil-
bur has been vice-president of the Robert Palmer &
Son Ship Building and Marine Railway Company,
of Noank, one of the best known concerns in their
line in America.
hi politics he has been a stanch supporter
of the Republican party. In 1897-98 he was a mem-
ber of the Connecticut Legislature, and served 011
States Prison committee. He served as first sel-
ectman in 1885-86, and he has taken an active part
in town affairs, and in public matters generally,
never shirking the duty of a progressive and public
spirited citizen, and being ever read)' to support or
encourage any movement of benefit, and equally as
ready to discourage a project not having for its ob-
ject the social, moral or business welfare of the
town. Capt. Wilbur is an active and prominent
member of the Union I la] tist Church at .Mystic,
of which he is a deacon. Fraternally he is member
of Williams Post, No. 55. ( '.. A. R., at Mystic, of
which he is past commander. He resides at
.Mystic.
MRS. AXXIE E. MORGAN I'.ROWN, daugh-
ter of Stephen and Eliza M. D. (Noyes) Morgan, is
a descendant in the eighth generation of two of the
oldest and most prominent families in the annals of
Connecticut.
James Morgan, the emigrant ancestor and proge-
nitor of the Morgan family, was born in 1607, in
Wales, married Margery Hill of Roxbury, Mass.,
Aug. (). 1O40, and was made a freeman there May
10, 1645. Early in 1650 he had lands granted to
him in Pequot, now Xew London, which were soon
occupied by him as a homestead, and which he sold
Dec. 25, 1656, and removed with several others
across the river upon large tracts of land previously
granted them by the town. In 1657 he built his
house in Groton, about three miles from the Groton
Ferry on the road to Poquonock Bridge. Mr. Mor-
gan was one of the selectmen of Xew London, and
one of the first deputies from the Xew London Plan-
tation to the General Court at Hartford in May,
1657, and for nine terms thereafter. He served in
the Colonial wars and took part in all the activities
of a public nature of the times. For a long period
be was an active member of Rev. Richard Blinman's
Church, and he died in 1685. The events of his life
are well authenticated.
John Morgan, son of James, was born March
30, 1645, and was married (first) Nov. 16, 1605,
to Rachel Dymond, and (second) to Mrs. Eliza-
beth Williams.
John Morgan (2), son of John, was born June
10, 1667, and married Ruth Shapley.
John Morgan (3), son of John (2), was born
June 4, 1700, and was married April 17, 1728, to
Sarah Cobb.
John Morgan (4), son of John (3), was born
July 28, 1729, and was married Feb. 1. 1750, to
Prudence Morgan.
Stephen Morgan, son of John (4), was born
April 19, 1762, and married April 13, 1787, Par-
thenia Park.
Stephen Morgan (2), son of Stephen, was born
June 20, 1808, in Ledyard, Conn., and was married
June 17, 1830, to Eliza M. D. Noyes, daughter of
Nathan and Sally (Spargo) Noyes. At the age of
seventeen years he went with Capt. Thomas Burtch
on a whaling voyage from Stonington. and later in
life engaged on coasting vessels running from Xew
York to Xew Orleans, and during the Mexican war
carried government troops. His last voyage was
from Xew York, and he died on Willow street,
.Mystic, Feb. 5, 1852. After his death, Mrs. Morgan
built a house on Denison avenue, where she resided
until her death, June 18, 1882. Their children were:
Lbcnezer; Stephen, unmarried, who is engaged in
a real-estate business in Jersey City ; James Francis,
formerly a clerk in the store of F„ M. Manning, who
later studied medicine in Xew York, and is now a
practicing physician of Brooklyn (he married Mar-
tha Louise Gaudu, and they have three children,
Martha Louise, Frances Annie and James Francis,
Jr.) ; and Annie Eliza. Mrs. Morgan was a charter
member of the Congregational Church at Mystic,
prior to this attending, with her children, the old
Road Church.
Ebenezer Morgan, the oldest of the above family,
was born March 20, 1831, in Mystic, Conn., and
always made that place his home, dying there July
30, T903. In early life he worked in the old Irons
<x Grinnell yard as a ship carpenter, later in the
Greenman and Mallory yards, in the latter serving
as a superintendent, but during the last forty years
of his life he was employed in the Light House De-
partment on the Atlantic coast, and for several years
was superintendent of construction in the Third
Light House District. By his uniform courtesy and
characteristic integrity Mr. Morgan commanded the
respect of all who knew him. He was well known in
Masonic circles throughout the State, being a mem-
ber of Charity and Relief Lodge, of Mystic; Pales-
tine Commandery, of New London ; and Pyramid
Temple, Mystic Shrine, of Bridgeport. He had
taken the thirty-second degree. He was a trustee
in the Methodist Church. Like other members of
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
905
his family, he was a man gifted in many ways, and
he developed talents in ship construction which
brought him many important contracts. He de-
signed and built the famous yacht "Dauntless," the
property of Mrs. Colt, of Hartford, and was also
the builder of the steam yacht "Britanique," a vessel
240 feet in length, owned in Baltimore. 1 le was the
superintendent of the great work of dredging in the
Potomac river and filling in land around the Wash-
ington Monument, and under his superintendence
the Erie Basin Dry Dock was constructed.
The first marriage of Ebenezer Morgan was to
Esther B. 1 hitler, and the second to her sister, Mary
A. Butler, of New Bedford, Mass. The only child
of the first marriage, Esther 1!., died at the age of
twenty-one, on April 9, 1879. The children of the
second marriage were as follows: Ellen Sahin died
at the age of sixteen, June 4, 1879; James died Oct.
22, p666, in infancy; Eliza died June 24, 1879, aged
eleven years; Stephen was horn Aug. 11, 1870;
Ebenezer was horn April 10, 1874; Mary, horn Aug.
5. [876, died Aug. 15, 1870; and Mary Davis, horn
Dec. 8, 1883. died June 1, 1900.
Stephen and Ebenezer Morgan received their
early education in Mystic, and the former attended
the Mystic Valley Institute and the latter took a
business course with Bryant & Stratton, in Provi-
dence. In 1890 Stephen learned the painter's trade
and went to Newton, Mass., and he worked for the
Gamewell Fire Alarm Telegraph Co., and served
in the fire department there for eight years. In
1900 he and his brother engaged in an ice cream and
confectionery business, ' under the firm name of
Morgan Brothers. He is a member of Newton
Lodge, No. 92, I. O. O. F.
Ebenezer Morgan, after completing his educa-
tion, worked in the auditor's office of the New York,
Providence & Boston Railroad Company, in Provi-
dence, for eighteen months. Upon his return to
Mystic he became timekeeper for Atwood & Co.,
at Stonington, and then was associated with Thomas
M. Pitch, in a decorating business, for a year, after
which he became assistant superintendent of the
docks at Stonington. On Jan. 26, 1898, with his
brother, he embarked in the confectionery business,
and the firm has met with much success, both mem-
bers being highly regarded as business men of
enterprise.
( »n Oct. 23, 1901, Ebenezer Morgan was united
in marriage with Sarah Elizabeth Clark, a daughter
of Alfred M. Clark. Fraternally he is a member
of Stonington Lodge, No. 20, I. ( ). ( ). F.
Samuel Stanton Brown. On Jan. 2j, 1891,
was celebrated the marriage of Annie E. Morgan
and the late Samuel Stanton Brown, due latter
was horn Dec. 4, [839, in North Stonington. Conn.,
a son of George Coggswell and Sarah (Stanton)
Brown. His boyhood was spent on the Brown
homestead, which is now occupied by his brother,
Col. James Frank Brown. In early manhood Mr.
Brown went South with his brother George, and
located at Savannah, (ia., where he remained until
the outbreak of the Civil war. In the fall of [867
he entered into a business partnership with John
II. lloxie, under the firm name of Hoxic & Brown,
succeeding the firm of C. D. Jones & Co., in the
grocery and hardware business, in the Exchange
block. Later Mr. Hoxie withdrew and Mr. Brown
continued alone in the business until his death. For
many years his main business and source of large
income was the menhaden fishing business, which
he commenced in company with the Wilcox liros., at
Ouiambaug, and later carried on in partnership
with Capt. James Lennen, under the firm name of
Brown & Lennen. This firm operated works on
Pong Island, and also at Lewes, Del., these points
becoming well known centers of this industry. Mr.
Brown was for many years a director of Mystic
River National Bank, at Mystic, and of the Pncas
National Bank at Norwich.
Mr. Brown was a very prominent member of
the Society committee and of the Congregational
Church at Mystic, and this congregation was gener-
ously remembered in his will. He was a charter
member of Charity & Relief Lodge, F. & A. M.,
at Mystic. He was a trustee of Elm Grove Ceme-
tery Association. He was a very public-spirited
citizen, and did much to build up the business in-
terests of Mystic, and for many years was pointed
out as one of the most prominent and representative
citizens. His death occurred on July 13, 1896, and
he was buried in Elm Grove cemetery at Mystic.
Mr. Brown was twice married, first. May 5,
1869, to Elizabeth Stanton Knowles, of Providence.
He is survived by his second wife, a lady most
highly esteemed by all who know her.
WILLIAM HENRY DAVIDSON, spar
maker of New London, is one of the two men en-
gaged in this line between New York and Boston.
George Davidson, grandfather of William
Henry, whose father died when he was quite young,
was born in Scotland in 1795. Pie emigrated to
Nova Scotia in 1817, where he remained until 1853.
and then came to New London. By trade he was a
ship builder, and followed his calling for a number
of years, after coming to New London, and there
he died aged ninety years. He married Ellen
McDuffy, also of Scottish birth, who came with him
to America. Their children were: Alexander, who
was a ship carpenter at New London, where lie
died, married Ann Phare, of Nova Scotia; James,
father of our subject, was born in April, 1827;
George, who was in early life a ship carpenter in
Xew London, but later removed to Michigan,
where he became a farmer and there died, married
Susan Phare, of Nova Scotia; Elizabeth married
(first) Josiah Pester of Xiantic. and (second)
James Greenfield of Xew London.
James Davidson was born in Nova Scotia,
and was a ship carpenter and builder. He eventu-
ally came to Xew London, and established a ship
go6
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
building yard, and was engaged along the line for
over fifty years. His large plant was located on
Fort Neck, and he gave employment to from forty
to fifty men. Among some of the vessels he built
may he mentioned the "Crescent," "Howard B.
Peck," "Charles D. Hall," and "Elwood H. Smith,"
all merchantmen and coasting vessels. Mr. David-
son was successful in his business career, and at his
death, which occurred April 20, 1896, he left his
family a good competence. In manner he was gen-
ial and pleasant, and made many friends. In his
political faith he was a Democrat. In his younger
days, Mr. Davidson was engaged in the whaling in-
dustry, and made several voyages to the whaling
regions. Soon after his return from one of these
voyages, he married, hnt his wife died after about
a year of married life. He then married Ann Allen,
daughter of John Allen, of Nova Scotia, and she
died in New London. The children born to Mr.
Davidson were : William Henry ; Ellen, who died
at the age of twenty-one years ; John, who died aged
twenty-one years; Elizabeth, who married William
Strickland, and is now living in California.
The third wife of James Davidson, whom he
married in 1861, was Ellen F. Somers, daughter
of Daniel Somers, of New London; she died Now
8. 1904, in New London. The children born of the
third marriage were : Walter, who died young ;
James, who is living in New London, unmarried, a
dealer in antiques ; Grace, who married Thomas
Ramsey of Brooklyn, N. Y. ; Louisa, who married
William Camp, of Plainfield, N. V.; Richard, who
married Mollie Griffin, and is living in New Lon-
don; Ellen, at home; Emma, unmarried; and John,
living in New York, unmarried.
William II. Davidson, the subject proper of this
sketch was born June 28, 1855, in New London,
where he received his education in the district school.
He left school at the age of fourteen years, and went
on the water, following the sea some four or five
years. During this time he commanded the schooner
"Jacob Raymond," which was owned by his father,
and which carried coal from ports around New
York to Norwich and New London. Later he was
associated at the marine railways on Fort Neck, New
London, with his father who was in company with
Daniel Crocker. There he learned the ship car-
penter trade, at which he worked for a number of
years, and later went into the spar making business
at which he was highly successful. After the death
of Daniel Crocker he became associated with his
father under the firm name of James and William
H. Davidson. A great many vessels were built
under the firm's name. After his father's death he
took as a partner Isaac X. Bragaw, in the marine
railway business, and for a short time the firm name
was Davidson & Bragaw. Later the firm dissolved,
and Mr. Davidson conducted the business himself,
continuing alone until lie sold the plant to Edward
T. Brown, of the Brown Cotton Gin Company, since
which time he has given his attention to s;:ar mak-
ing and is located on Hamilton street, Inner Shaws-
Cove, New London.
Fraternally Mr. Davidson is a member of Mo-
hegan Lodge, No. 55, I. ( ). (). F., and of the New
London Lodge of Elks. In the political life of the
community, he is prominent as a Democrat. He is
unmarried. Mr. Davidson has been successful in
his business affairs, and has accumulated consid-
erable property, and firmly established himself in
the confidence and friendship of New London and
the surrounding district. In addition to his spar-
making business, he has extensive real estate hold-
ings, and as well, is interested in vessels.
BENJAMIN F. BECKWITH, who was one
of the best known business men, and oldest mer-
chants of his day in New London, traces his ances-
try back through men prominent in Connecticut
and New England history to a family well known
in England, whither the original ancestor came
with William the Conqueror.
( I) Sir Hugh De Malebisse who held lands with
William, the Conqueror, was born in Normandy,
as were all the followers of the Conqueror.
(II) Hugo de Malebisse, living in 1138, mar-
ried ( first ) Emma, daughter of William de Percy.
(III) Sir Simon de Malebisse, Lord of Cowton
in Craven, married the daughter of John, Lord of
Methley.
( IY) Sir Hercules de Malebisse, who changed
his name to Beckwith and Lord of Uglebarly. on his
marriage in 1226, married Lady Dame (Beckwith)
Bruce, daughter of Sir William Bruce, Lord of
Uglebarly.
( V ) Sir Hercules Beckwith married the daugh-
ter of Sir John Ferers, of Tamworth Castle.
(VI) Nicholas Beckwith de Clint, married the
daughter of Sir John Chaworth.
(VII) Hamon Beckwith, who took upon him
in 1339, the coat of arms of John, Lord de Male-
bisse, married the daughter of Sir Philip Tynley,
Knight.
(VIII) William Beckwith, second of the Ma-
nor of Beckwithshow, 38th year of Edward III,
1364, married a daughter of Sir Girard Urfleet.
(IN) Thomas Beckwith was of Clint, and ma-
nors of Magna Otrigen and Housley, near Thurs-
by, 4, Richard II, which lands were holden of John
Lord Mowbroy, as his manor of Thursk. He mar-
ried the daughter of John Sawlv, of Saxon.
(X) Adam Beckwith de Clint married Eliza-
beth de Malebisse, 4, Richard II.
(XI) Sir William Beckwith de Clint, Knight,
married the daughter of Sir John Baskerville.
(Nil) Thomas Beckwith of Clint, lord of a
one-third part of Fily, Mustor and Thorp, married
the daughter and heiress of William Heslerton.
(XIII) John Beckwith married the daughter
of Thomas Radcliff of Mulgrave.
(XIV) Robert Beckwith, of Broxholme, was
living in the eighth year of King Edward IV.
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
907
(XV) John Beckwith, of Clint and Thorp, was
living in the eighth year of Edward IV.
(XVI) Robert Beckwith, of Clint and Thorp,
married Jennet.
(XVII) Marmaduke Beckwith, of Dacre and
Clint, married (second) Anne, daughter of Dynly,
of Bramhope, County York.
(XVIII) Matthew Beckwith, born Sept. 22,
1610, in Pontefract, Yorkshire, Engand, emi-
grated in 1635 to Yew England, resided for a short
time at Saybrook Point in 1635, was in Branford
in 1638, among the first settlers of Hartford in
\( 142, among- the first settlers of Lyme, in 165 1, and
purchased large tracts of land on the Yiantic river,
lying practically in Lyme and Yew London. He
owned the barque "Endeavor," which was con-
structed for him, and was the first vessel launched
from Yew London, and traded with the Barbadoes.
Matthew Beckwith died Dec. 13, 1681. He left
a wife, Elizabeth.
(YIY) John Beckwith, born in 1669, at Lyme,
Conn., was one of the original patentees of New
London, to Waterford, Conn. He had lived, ac-
cording to his deposition in 1740, at Yiantic Ferry.
for seventy-five years.
( YY ) Elisha Beckwith was born and died in
Waterford, Conn., where he was buried on the
west bank of the Yiantic river.
(XXI) Jason Beckwith was born in Waterford,
Conn., in 17A4. and was married in 1785. He re-
moved to Yew London, where he was occupied as
a ship builder, and where he died. He left ten
children : David ; Ezra : Amy, who married Anson
Smith, of Cleveland; Sabra ; Betsey; Elisha; Ja-
son, born Nov. 15, 1791 ; Gurdon, who enlisted in
the United States army in 1807-08, served under
Gens. Harrison and Hull, in the 37th Conn. Regi-
ment, and had a son, Gurdon. residing in Yew Lon-
don in 1889; Daniel; and James, a prominent ship
builder of Yew London.
(XXII) Jason Beckwith (2) married, in 1812,
Miss Naomi Calkins, born June 26, i7<M. and they
became the parents of children born as follows:
Betsey, Aug. 31, 1816, who married Capt. Gelbert
Kenney; Jason (3), Aug. 23, 1823; Argus, Jan.
28, T828 ; Benjamin F.
(XX'III) Benjamin F. Beckwith was born in
East Lyme, Conn. His education was limited to
the training offered by the district school of his na-
tive town, but he took the fullest advantage of his
meager opportunities, and with his naturally fine
mental powers made himself a thoroughly well
educated man. He was always very quiet in his
bearing, however, and except when circumstances
called his powers into play, one would hardly real-
ize what a keen capable man .Mr. Beckwith actu-
ally was.
( >ne Thanksgiving Day Mr. Beckwith went to
New London and became clerk for Sabin Smith,
whose store was located where the firm Barker &
May now do business. Later he was taken into
the firm, which for many years included also his
brother. Jason, and a Mr. Si>>on : after the death of
Jasofl Beckwith, however, Mr. Benjamin Beckwith
was the sole owner of the concern, and was the
oldest merchant in continuous business in Yew-
London.
Mr. Beckwith chose for his wife Miss Eunice
Dennis Fdgar. They had two children: Annie
Edgar, born July 20, 1841, died in January, 1905;
and Minnie. born March 27, 1850, who died Oct.
3. 1 87 1. Mrs. Beckwith died June 19, 1870. Her
husband survived her some time. He was a man
who exerted an influence quiet, but still strong.
His dominating characteristic was courage; when
business reverses overtook him, he renewed his
struggle with indomitable perseverance and suc-
ceeded in rebuilding his fortunes. His tempera-
ment was a sympathetic one, also, however, for
misfortune ever appealed to him. In his home he
was a devoted husband and father. Politically he
was a strong Democrat, and indirectly was an in-
fluence in public affairs, but never sought office, or
active leadership. In Waterford he had been a
member of the Baptist Church, but after making
his home in Yew London he attended St. James
Episcopal Church.
HEYRY LATHAM BAILEY, a leading citi-
zen of Groton, descends from one of the oldest set-
tled families of the town.
Jonathan Bailey, his great-grandfather, was of
Groton. He took part in the Revolutionary war,
and from May 26, 178T, was a member of the com-
pany of Capt. Mathew Smith, in the battalion com-
manded by Brigadier-General David Waterbury,
which was raised by drafts from the militia, to
guard the posts at Horseneck and places adjacent,
and also the sea coast, in July, this battalion joii
General "Washington, at his encampment at Phil-
lipsburg, and for some time was under the com-
mand of General Heath, on the Westchester line.
Gurdon Bailey, son of Jonathan and grand-
father of our subject, was born in Groton, and
with seven brothers and two si-ters became a pio-
neer on the Western Reserve, the place of location
later being known as Bailey ville, Morgan township,
in Ashtabula county, Ohio. In Mystic, Conn., Gur-
don Bailey married Phebe Williams, and soon after
marriage, went to Ohio, making the trip overland
with an ox team. They lived in Ashtabula county
for the remainder oi their lives. They had these
children: Franklin, Gurdon and Elijah Williams,
all deceased; Lewis W.. of Cleveland. Ohio; Eliza,
now Mrs. l\ Y. Anthony; Ruby, now Mrs. William
1'. Gallup, and M'ss Phebe Jane, who reside in
Morgan township.
Elijah Williams Bailey spent his bovhood
days in Ashtabula county, Ohio, but in r88o he
returned to Groton, where he had been married,
and died there in 1885. During his residence in
Ashtabula county, he had engaged in farming in
•9o8
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
Lenox and Morgan townships, although he was a
carpenter by trade. In Groton he married Me-
linda Latham, widow of John Fisk and daughter of
George Latham, and the four children born to
them were as follows: Louise M., born in Ohio,
married David M. Leslie, of Trumbull, Ohio, and
has four children, Charles L., John E., Carrie M.
and Helen ; Henry Latham was born in the same
house that saw the birth of his mother, two miles
north of Groton Bank ; Gurdon F., born at Groton,
a Congregational clergyman, who was stationed
first at West Avon, and at present at Westbrook,
Conn., married Mary S. Chapman of Groton, and
they have four children, — Harold C, Marian L.,
Louise P. and Lucile D. : and Helen E., born at
Lenox, ( )hio, married William H. Williams, and
they reside at Derby, Conn. Mrs. Bailey resides
with the last named daughter, a beloved member
of the household.
Henry Latham Bailey was born July 23, 1861,
and he acquired his early education in the common
schools of Morgan and Lenox townships, and at
Rock Creek Institute, Ashtabula county, Ohio. He
was reared on the home farm, where he resided
until the removal of the family to Groton, in 1880,
where lie also engaged in farming for a few years.
In 1884 he entered the employ of the Wilson Manu-
facturing Company, of Xew London, as shipping
clerk. In T887 he embarked in a partnership gro-
cer)- business, at Groton. with Walter J. Starr, the
firm name being Starr cv Bailey, which continued
until April 1, 1890. when Y-: sold his interests to
Mr. Starr and entered the insurance business. In
January, 1891, he re-entered the grocery business
in partnership with Jason L. Randall, under the
firm name of Bailey & Randall. In November,
1892, Mr. Bailey bought Mr. Randall's interest,
and formed then a partnership with Ernest Coe,
under the firm name of Coe & Bailey, a business
which has met with much encouragement. In
1900 Mr. Bailey bought out the Asa Perkins In-
surance agency in Groton, covering the territory
from the Connecticut river to Rhode Island. His
business success testifies to his sound judgment and
mental alertness, while the many political and social
honors accorded him tell their own stories con-
cerning his personal popularity.
In politics Mr. Bailey has always been a zealous
Democrat, and in 1890 he was elected assessor,
polling the largest vote ever recorded for that office.
In 1902 he was elected a delegate to the State
Constitutional conveniion, and is on the political
slate for other honors.
In April, 1889. Mr. Bailey was united in mar-
riage with Miss Louisa S. Holloway, of Groton,
and four children have been born to this union,
namely; Cassie W. : Lewis P.; Henry L.. Jr.; and
Alfred Starr who died in infancy. On May 10,
1897, Mr. Bailey became a member of the Connecti-
cut Society of the Sons of the American Revolu-
tion, through Jonathan Bailey, his great-grand-
father. In fraternal circles, he is a Mason, being
a member of Union Lodge, No. 31, F. & A. M. ;
and Union Chapter, R. A. M. He is also an Odd
Fellow, belonging to Fairview Lodge, Xo. 101, and
is a member of Groton Conclave, No. 382, Improved
Order of Heptasophs ; and the A. O. U. W. He is
serving as treasurer of the Groton Fire District, No.
[, is treasurer of the Groton Monument Association,
and for some years has been chairman of the school
committee. He is also clerk of the Congregational
Ecclesiastical society.
CAPT. HENRY A. SMITH, a veteran of the
Civil war, and a representative and honored citizen
of Montville, New London Co., Conn., was born
June 27, 1834, in Montville.
The Smith families in this country are very
numerous, and have had their origin from various
American ancestors. This name is the most fre-
quent of any in Xew England, and perhaps in the
United States. It has furnished the country with
many of its most brilliant statesmen and members
of the various professions, and during the year
1825 there were 214 graduates from the various
colleges of Xew England and Xew Jersey bearing
the name of Smith, one-fourth of whom became
clergymen.
(11) Ebenezer Smith appears to have located
about the middle of the eighteenth century at a
place called Massepeag. He was a son of
(I) James Smith, of Groton. Conn., who in
1 741 conveyed by deed of gift too acres of land to
his son Ebenezer, "on the brook that comes out of
Lake*s Pond." This farm was located in the west-
ern part of Xew London, on the road that leads
from Xew London to Colchester, and now in the
town of Waterford. It was afterward conveyed
by Samuel and Ebenezer Smith to Philip Cavarly,
of Colchester, Conn., in 1750.
(II) Ebenezer Smith was a shoemaker by trade.
He was twice married, but the name of his first
wife is unknown. His second wife bore the maiden
name of Lucy Hatch. He was married to his first
wife prior to his removal to Massapeag. There is
no record of his death or that of either of his two
wives, but he probably died prior to 1800. Ebenezer
Smith had a brother Samuel, who lived on the east
side of the river Thames, now Ledyard. He was
a tanner and currier, and furnished the leather used
by Ebenezer in making and repairing shoes. The
children of Ebenezer Smith's first marriage, born
between 1746 and 1764, were: Benjamin, who first
married Susan Lewis, and second Nancy Morris;
Ebenezer, who married Margaret Wheeler: Anna,
who married Ephraim Wheeler ; Sarah ; Elizabeth,
who died unmarried : Perygreen ; John, who mar-
ried Lydia Ames: James, who married a Wss
Weeks : and Eunice, who married Oliver Williams.
By his second marriage Mr. Smith had these chil-
dren, all born between 1769 and 1780: Daniel, who
married a Miss Wait, and second Abby Hemp-
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
909
stead; Stephen, who married Lucy Allyn ; Naomi;
Susanna ; and Lucy.
(III) John Smith, horn April 27, 1760, son of
Ebenezer Smith, was a soldier in the Revolutionary
war, and drew a pension. He was married ahout
1783 to Lydia Ames, who was born about 1763. He
lived in Massapeag, where he was a thrifty farmer,
and died Feb. 2, [852, at the advanced age of
ninety-two years. His wife died ( )ct. 25, 1854,
aged ninety-one years. The children born to this
worthy pair were :• Marvin married Anna Newton
and Sybel Morgan: John married Nancy Bolles;
Alvin G. married Nancy Ames ; Lyman married
Emeline Fanning; Nancy married Micajah Davis;
Betsey married Nathan Palmer Coats. The sons
Marvin and John were soldiers in the war of 1812,
and drew pensions.
(IV) Lyman Smith, horn March 22, 1803, in
Montville, son of John and Lydia (Ames) Smith,
and father of our subject, was married in 1828 to
Emeline Fanning-, daughter of Henry and Lavina
(Standish) Fanning, and granddaughter of Deacon
Amasa Standish. who served in the Revolutionary
war for five years. He saw Benedict Arnold Oct.
r5j l777> aiu' was with Washington at Valley
Forge, and with Gen. Gates at the surrender of
Lurgoyne. Lyman Smith died in the house where
our subject now resides. May 2~. 1890, and his wife
passed away Sept. 5, 1861. He was in early life
engaged in fishing on the Thames river and along
Long Island sound, shipping fish to Norwich, but
later he engaged in farming, buying two farms of
about seventy acres on the Thames river. He was
very successful in all his ventures, and was always
an enterprising and enthusiastic worker. He was
very genial, and enjoyed talking, being well in-
formed and very entertaining. He supported the
Lniversalist Church, and attended the services of
that denomination. In political faith he was a
Democrat, and served his town as selectman, asses-
sor, surveyor, grand juror, and in many of the
le>ser town offices, discharging the duties pertain-
ing thereto with ability and integrity. The chil-
dren born to himself and wife were: Henry Aus-
tin, born June 2J, 1834, is the subject of this sketch.
Julia Emeline, horn March 5, 1840. married John
T. O'Brien, of Mohegan. a farmer; they have no
;hildren. A lengthy sketch of Mr. and Mrs.
O'Brien will he found elsewhere, they being very
prominent people of Mohegan.
(V) Henry A. Smith was educated in Mont-
ville. district No. 9, and later attended the academy
at Poquetanuck for three terms. Leaving school
at the age of nineteen years, he went to Colchester,
and for two years was at Bacon Academy. At the
age of twenty-one years he commenced school
teaching, and was thus engaged for between
twenty and thirty terms in Montville, Ledvard.
Proton, Lyme, East Lyme, Old Lyme and Water-
ford. During the summer months he worked upon
the farm.
()u Aug. _'S, [862, Capt. Henry A. Smith en-
listed in Company A, 26th Conn. V. I., having re-
ceived a commission from the selectmen as recruit-
ing officer. I 'pon his enlistment he was made
first lieutenant at Camp Russell, Norwich, and
when the captain of the company was shot our
subject was in command, at Port Hudson; the
captain recovered. ( hi May 27, [863, Capt. Smith
was shot in the right shoulder and right leg. Prior
to this he was in command of Fort Banks, on the
Mississippi river and was injured by the explosion
of a shell, which destroyed the hearing of his right
ear. ( )n account of his injuries Capt. Smith was
discharged Aug. 17, 1863, at Norwich.
Capt. Smith, after his return home, engaged in-
farming on the Stoddard farm in Montville, a prop-
erty consisting of 140 acres, which he leased three
years, and then leased the Samuel Bradford farm
in Montville, which consisted of 189 acres. After
three years he removed to Waterford, on the edge
of Montville, and leased Norman B. Church's farm
of 312 acres, and also taught school in Upper
Quaker Hill district, of Waterford, for one year.
His next move was to Gilead, Waterford, near
New London, where he leased a farm of William
Gorton and conducted it for two years. At Lyme
he next leased the Henry Pearson farm, and con-
ducted it a year, when for six months he taught
school on ( )ld Lyme street. He then returned to
Gilead and settled on the John Morgan farm, where
he lived two years. Capt. Smith then leased the
Capt. Martin Rogers property, in Gilead, for two
years, and taught school in the winter. He then
removed to Pleasure Peach, and leased the David
P. Rogers farm for two years, after which he re-
turned to Montville Centre, and leased the Ran-
dolph Rogers farm of 200 acres for six months. Re-
turning to the old homestead, he remained on it until
the following spring, when he went to Waterford
and leased the Benjamin Brown farm for nine
years, operating its 130 acres. At the expiration
of that time he returned once more to Montville,
where he has since made his home. In 1880 he
purchased the homestead, and he devotes his atten-
tion to general farming, keeping about ten cows,
and making some butter. He also raises consider-
able poultry for the market, and has a very well
kept property.
Capt. Smith is a member of the 26th Regiment
Association. He and his family are constant at-
tendants upon the services of the Cncasvillc Meth-
odist Church. He is a stanch Democrat, and has
served on the school committee in Waterford and
Montville. He has been a grand juror and asses-
sor in Montville. and for several years has been
justice of the peace in the same place.
( )n Jan. 1, [858, Capt. Smith was married to
Eliza Harriet Mitchell, daughter of David and
Eliza (Grant) Mitchell, of East Haddam, Conn.
Mr. Mitchell was a farmer and lumberman. Capt.
and Mrs. Smith have one son. Lyman Buckingham,
910
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
born Oct. '15. 1865, in Montville, who married
Hattie Augusta Champlin, daughter of Capt. Azel
Fitch Champlin, of Montville, and is a farmer liv-
ing at home ; he has one child, Lyman Earl, born
Jan. 4, 1896.
Capt. and Airs. Smith are genial, sociable people,
and their home is a pleasant gathering place for
their many friends, who are received with a gener-
ous hospitality which knows no distinctions.
JAMES BABCOCK PALMER, owner of the
famous "'Round Hill Farm," in the town of Lisbon,
six miles from the city of Norwich, is one of the
best known raisers of blooded stock in New Eng-
land. He comes from an old family, his first an-
cestor in America having been Walter Palmer, who
was born at Nottingham, England, in 1598, came to
Charlestown, Mass., in 1629, and lived until 1662.
His son Joseph was the father of Joseph, and the
latter's son was Benjamin Palmer, grandfather of
James B.
Benjamin Palmer was born Feb. 26, 1757, in
Voluntown, Conn., where he followed the occupa-
tion of farmer on an extensive scale, becoming quite
well-to-do. He died April 3, 1849, aged ninety-
two years, and was buried at North Stonington.
On Nov. 28, 181 1, he married Hannah Woodworth,
who was born June I, 1785, and died Feb. 28, 1842.
They were the parents of the following named chil-
dren : Benjamin Woodworth. born Jan. 25, 1813,
is mentioned below. Amos Randall, born March
15. 1815, died Jan. 13, 1825. Hannah E., born April
4, 1817, married Zebulon Stanton, and resided in
North Stonington. Eunice Ann, born May 15, 1819.
married Martin Davis, a stonemason, and they re-
sided in Plainfield, Conn. Freelove D., born Aug.
3, 1 82 1, married Thomas H. Hull, and resided in
Lebanon, Conn. Phebe M., born July 5, 1825, mar-
ried Henry Ray, and resides in Scotland, Conn.
Cortlandt Edwin, born March 3, 1828, was killed
by a fall in the barn Nov. 19, 1846.
Capt. Benjamin W. Palmer was born in Volun-
town, on the homestead, which was located very
near the town line between Voluntown and North
Stonington. He enjoyed, the advantages of the dis-
trict schools, and while a young man taught school
several terms. He remained at home, assisting his
father in the management of the home farm, to
which he succeeded after the death of the father,
continuing to reside there until 1856. In that year
he moved to Lisbon and purchased "Round Hill
Farm'" of the heirs of Charles Tracy, and he spent
the remainder of his life upon that place, engaged
in farming and stock raising, becoming a well
known breeder of Devon cattle. He was successful,
and though he met with some losses left consider-
able property, j^ir. Palmer was a busy man, but he
found time to attend to local affairs as well as busi-
ness, held a number of minor offices in the town, and
was captain of the militia. In political faith he
was a Whig, later a Republican. His religious con-
nection was first with the Pendleton Hill Baptist
Church at North Stonington, from which he trans-
ferred to the Baptist Church at Jewett City. Air.
Palmer died July 14, 1873, ancl was buried at Jewett
City.
( )n Jan. 1, 1838, Mr. Palmer was united in mar-
riage with Betsey A. Babcock, a native of North
Stonington, daughter of Harry Babcock. She
passed away Dec. 1, 1871, aged fifty-two years. To
this union came nine children, of whom we have
the following record : ( 1) A daughter, born Dec.
23, 1838, died the same day. (2) Benjamin Henry,
born Jan. 8, 1840, was engaged in the mercantile
business at Greeneville until his death. (3) Amos
Franklin, born Oct. 18, 1842, was married Jan. 1,
1867; to Helen P. Porter, and they had one son,
Charles P. who died in Ottawa. Kans. Amos F.
Palmer engaged in the insurance business at Nor-
wich, and later followed the same line in Cleveland,
( )hio, but poor health necessitated his giving up
business, and he returned to Norwich, where he died
June 6, 1870. During the Civil war he served in
Company F, 26th Connecticut Volunteers. (4)
James Babcock, born Aug. 6, 1844, is mentioned
below: (5) Mary Elizabeth, born Nov. 8, 1846.
died Dec. 29, 1870. (6) Eudora Nancy, born May
10, 1849. died June 6, 1871. (7) Charles Cortlandt,
born Nov. (\ 1851, married Feb. 6, 1876, Julia Mor-
gan, and they have one son, Charles Benjamin.
Fie is a farmer, and resides at Poquonock Bridge.
(8) Sarah Amelia, born Aug. 15, 1854. died Nov.
2^, 1855. (9) Clara Emma, born Dec. 28, 1858,
died Nov. 10. 1897, unmarried.
James Babcock Palmer was born in Voluntown,
and was twelve years of age when the family moved
to the place in Lisbon which with little exception
has ever since been his home. He attended the dis-
trict schools, and, for a short time, the high school
at Jewett City, and from an early age was given
practical training in business methods and agricul-
tural work under his father's tuition. In 1866 he
embarked in the livery business in Jewett City, but
he disposed of same in 1871, his father's poor health
necessitating his return to the farm. He managed
the place until his father's death, after which he
purchased the interests of the other heirs, and here
he has ever since carried on farming and stock rais-
ing, the latter on an extensive scale. He has also
dealt largely in farm implements of all kinds. The
farm comprises 165 acres, stocked with a fine herd
of fifty registered Guernsey cattle, one hundred
registered sheep of the best breeds ( carefully se-
lected from the best flocks in England) and ( ). I.
C. hogs, the "best on earth." Mr. Palmer breeds
all these strains, and is widely known as a breeder
and exhibitor of blooded stock, meeting the best
class of exhibitors, at the largest New England
fairs, in competition with whom he has wonderful
success. During the past thirteen years he has been
awarded nearly $1 0,000 in prizes, and about sixty
medals. Anions' the noted animals he has owned
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
911
was "Lord Lyman," a Guernsey bull which took
over one thousand prizes, and at present he owns
a fine bull. "Madoc," which has won the first prize
every time he has been exhibited. Another of his
prize animals was "Meddaskey," with a butter rec-
ord of sixteen and a half pounds in seven days. Mr.
Palmer has clone much for the promotion <>i inter-
ests i<i various kinds connected with his business,
being a life member of the American Guernsey ( at-
tic Club and the New England Fair Association,
a member of the Dorset and Shroj shire Breeders
Associations, director and ex-vice-president of the
State Agricultural Society, and president of the
New London Agricultural Society, having held that
office tour years, and that of vice-president for six-
teen years.
In spite of the demands made upon his time and
energy by his extensive business interests Mr. Pal-
mer has found time to take a patriotic and public-
spirited interest in the welfare of his town and State.
His executive ability has been recognized, and he
has been called upon for public service in many ca-
pacities, having- creditably filled about every office
in the town, and represented the same in the State
Legislature in 1875, 1870 and 1899. He took an
active part in the deliberations of that body, during
his first term serving- as a member of the committee
on Agriculture; in 1876 he was clerk of the com-
mittee on Fisheries and Game; and in 1899 ne was
chairman of the committee on Agriculture. His po-
litical affiliation is with the Republican party. Mr.
Palmer is a prominent citizen in every way. and held
in the highest esteem wherever he is known, whether
as a business man. a public official or a private citi-
zen. A record such as his bespeaks great energy,
intelligently directed, and results justify the as-
sumption.
On Dec. 20, 1870. Mr. Palmer was married to
Miss Abbie E. Morgan, daughter of Youngs and
Elizabeth (Clark) Morgan, of Poquonock Bridge,
Conn., and to this union came three sons, two of
whom died in infancy. The other, James P.. Jr.,
born Aug. 7. 1875, was educated in the Jewett City
high school and at Storrs Agricultural College, and
is now carrier on Rural Free Delivery Route Xo. 4,
from Norwich. He was married ( )ct. 24. [900, to
Grace Edith Snow, of Mansfield, Conn., and they
have one child, Earlc Morgan, born Aug. 22. [901.
CHARLES If. SMITH, one of the prosperous
and public-s; irited residents of Xoank. Conn., was
born in the Moses Ashhey house, near the Cove,
Sept. 10. 185 1, son of Oliver R. Smith, who was
born in the town of Last ford. Conn.. April 15, 1821.
( diver R. Smith was a sea faring man. making
whaling voyages, and being absent from Mystic
for 'two and three years. In 1850 he came to Xoank,
and since that time he has been engaged in shoe-
making, and. after seeing many changes take place
during his life, has now reached the advanced age
of more than four score years, while his wife is but
tt'ii years his junior. Mr. Smith married Lucy 10.
Perkins, daughter of Noyes Perkins, and the chil-
dren born to them were: John, who died at the age
of two years; Charles ! ienry ; William Chester, who
is manager for A. Palmer, Jr. shop, at Xoank; Jen-
nie, of Xoank, who married John X. Porter, and
has no children. Mr. and Mrs. Smith are con-
sistent members of the Baptist Church, and most
worthy and good people.
Charles Henry Smith spent his boyhood days at
Xoank. and after completing his education in the
public schools, he began clerking for bitch's store,
remaining there a year, after which he went with
W. W. Latham, and was with him for two years.
In 1869 he began boat building with Jeremiah
Davis, learning the trade for three years, when he
began boat building in the mold loft at the Palmer
yard. There he built all kinds of fishing boats and
yachts. In 1875. he built a shop on land now a part
of the Palmer yard, and in the fall of 1898. he built
his shop and put in a marine railway on the Potter
property at Xoank. This pulls out 50-foot boats.
J lis location is excellent for wintering boats, and he
also does a general repair business, repairing
yachts and other sea-faring craft. Being a skilled
and expert workman, and understanding thoroughly
every detail of the work, Mr. Smith has been very
successful.
On Nov. 16, 1872, Mr. Smith married Mary E.
Potter, daughter of Joseph Potter, a sketch of
whom appears elsewhere. Mr. Smith is a very
prominent Republican politician, and was represen-
tative in 1891, and again in 1895.
ADAM LARRABEE, one of the well known
and highly esteemed citizens of Groton, is a de-
scendant of one of the oldest families in the Com-
monwealth of Connecticut.
Capt. Adam Larrabee, his grandfather, was a
son of Erederick and Abigail ( Allyn ) Larrabee,
and was born in. that part of Groton which is now
known as Ledyard. March 14. 1787. At the age
of twenty-one he entered the Military Academy at
West Point, and remained there until he had com-
pleted the prescribed course of study, when he was
appointed second lieutenant of light artillery, and
a few months later was promoted to a first lieuten-
ancy. He served in garrisons on the Atlantic coast,
and participated in the campaign along the northern
frontier, in 1812. While serving with Gen. Wil-
kinson, on the St. Lawrence, he was shot through
the lungs in the attack on La Colle Mills, March
30, 1814. and was carried some twenty miles to the
home of Chancellor Reuben Hyde Walworth, in a
sleigh, that being the best available mode of trans-
portation. Here he was tenderly cared for by the
family, recovered, and was later promoted to a
captaincy, but in 1815 he resigned his commission.
After his retirement from military service, Capt.
Larrabee engaged in farming until 1853, in Gro-
ton, and then in Windham, where he spent the re-
912
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
maining years of life. He was a man of brilliant
parts, and reared a distinguished family.
In 1817 he married Hannah Gallup Lester, and
nine children were born to them, among his sons
being ex-Gov. William Larrabee, of Iowa, Capt.
Nathan F. Larrabee, and Hon. Henry Larrabee.
Capt. Larrabee died Oct. 25, 1869, at Windham,
aged eighty-two years. In 1822 Capt. Larrabee
wras elected a member of the Connecticut House of
Representatives. In 1828 he was appointed one of
the board of visitors to the Academy at West Point,
and in 1840, he was one of the Presidential electors.
For more than forty years he was a director of the
Thames National Bank at Norwich.
Hon. Henry Larrabee, fourth son, and sixth
child of Capt. Adam and Hannah G. (Lester) Lar-
rabee, was born April 15, 1830, in North Groton,
now Ledyard, and he was educated in the public
schools of his native town. He has followed farm-
ing all his life, but has filled many public positions
with credit and ability. For many years his services
were given on the board of selectmen. During the
closing portion of the Civil war, in 1865, he was
a member of the enrolling committee, made up as
it was of representative citizens. In 1868 he was
elected a member of the House of Representatives
in the State Legislature, and in 1875 he was still
more honored by an election to the State Senate,
serving on important committees and proving him-
self both a valuable statesman and a useful repre-
sentative of his own district. In 1878 he removed
to Windham, where lie has been also prominently
identified with public affairs.
Mr. Larrabee worships in the Congregational
Church, and has often served on the committee of
the Ecclesiastical Society. As a man in whom all
place implicit confidence, he has been called upon
for years to settle estates, and large amounts of
property have passed through his hands. In the
management of these important trusts, he has com-
manded the confidence of all who have known him.
For thirty years he has been a trustee of the Nor-
wich Savings Society, for twenty-five years one of
its directors and for ten years its vice-president.
He is also a director of the Windham National
Lank.
On March 17, 1853, Mr. Larrabee was married
to Maria S., daughter of Christopher and Maria
Allyn. Mrs. Larrabee died Dec. 20, 1898, having
been a devoted and beloved mother of seven sons
and three daughters. Two sons and one daughter,
Mrs. Lucius Brown of Norwich, still survive.
Adam Larrabee was born Feb. 17, 1859, m Led-
yard, Conn., where he attended school until about
eighteen years of age. He then accompanied the
family to Windham, and in 1881 went to the town
of Scotland, where he engaged in farming for a
period of nineteen years. In 1902 Mr. Larrabee
came to Groton, Conn., and succeeded Mr. Perkins
in the livery business. He is well and widely known
both as a successful business man, and as a genial,
popular gentleman.
On Nov. 15, 1882, Mr. Larrabee married Lucy
Maria Gallup, who was born in Ledyard, and one
daughter, Alice Gallup, was born to this union, and
she is now a student in the Groton schools.
HORACE O. WILLIAMS, of Old Mystic, is
a descendant in the seventh generation from Robert
Williams, the pioneer ancestor of the family in this
country.
Robert Williams, son of Stephen and Margaret
(Cook) Williams, was born in 1598, in Great Yar-
mouth, England, married Elizabeth Stalham, of
Great Yarmouth, and sailed for America in the ship
"Rose" from Great Yarmouth, in 1635. His wife
died Dec. 22, 1704. He was a member of the An-
cient and Honorable Artillery Company of Boston
(1644), aiK' died at Roxbury, Mass., Sept. i, 1693.
Isaac Williams, born at Roxbury, Mass., Sept.
t, 1638, married in 1660 Martha Park, who died
Oct. 24, 1674. He married (second) Judith, daugh-
ter of Peter and Elizabeth (Smith) Hunt and widow
of Nathaniel Cooper. She died in 1724, and he died
Feb. it, 1707.
John Williams, born Oct. 31, 1667, removed to
Stonington, Conn., about 1685. married Jan. 24,
[687, Martha Wheeler, and died Nov. 15, 1702.
Col. John Williams was born Oct. 31, 1692, and
married Feb. 9, 171 1, Desire Dennison, who died
Aug. T3, 1737. He married (second) Mary Helms,
who died Dec. 20, 1740. He married (third) Nov.
21, 1 76 1 , Prudence Potter, who died Sept. 17, 1792,
and he died Dec. 30, 1761.
Edward Williams was born July 27, 1740, mar-
ried Feb. 15. 1759, Mary Stanton, and died Aug.
4, T777. His gravestone at Old Mystic bears this
inscription : "Edward Williams, a Revolutionary
soldier, died on board a British Prison Ship, Aug.
1777." His children were: Dyer E., born Nov. 2,
1762; Edward, March 30, 1765; Amariah, Oct. 9,.
1767; Nicholas, June 30, 1770; Earl, April 10,
1773; and Robert, July 13, 1776.
Dyer Earl Williams was born Nov. 2, 1762, and
was a farmer and shoemaker at Old Mystic. Politi-
cally he was a Democrat. In 1821 he married Cla-
rissa Hempstead, who was born Aug. 1, 1802, and
died May 12, 1884. Their children, all born at Old
Mystic, were: Mary Esther, born May 7, 1822,
died Jan. 11. 1887, married Leander F. Smith;
Mercy Ann, born Jan. 5, 1824, married the late
Cnarles O. Braman, of Old Mystic; Nancy, born
Nov. 6, 1825, was the wife of the late Joseph Lewis.
of Westerly, R. I. ; William Edward, born Nov. 18,
1827, died March 4, 1903, at Eureka Springs, Ark.,
married Elizabeth Niver ; Albert Davis, born April
20, 1830, who resides at Pawcatuck, Stonington,
married (first) Ellen Richmond, and (second)
Esther Turner ; Robert Lester, born Feb. 3, 1832,
died June 22, 1903, married Elizabeth Parker ;
*. »
Zc^^i.
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
913
Charles Henry, born Sept. 28, 1834, died April
■7- li^.>5 ! Oscar Fitzland, burn May [8, [837, died
Sept. 26, [890, married Hannah L. Brown; Charles
Henry, born Nov. 18, [839, died June 20, 1864,
while a member of Company E, 21st Conn. V. 1.,
from a wound received at Drury's Bluff, Va. ;
Horace ( )rville was born July 26, 1843.
Horace Orville Williams was married May 26,
[868, to Ellen Lovilda Stevenson, born Sept. 11.
1848. and the\' had children : Arthur Stevenson, born
Nov. 29, [869, died Sept. 26, 1877; Edna, born Oct.
5, 1871. died Dec. I. 1873: Joseph Harold, born
Sept. [6, 1874, now associated with Beckwith's store,
married Anna Reeves and has one son, Horace
Stevenson ; Frank Earl, born Nov. 10. 188 1, now
with his father, graduated from Old Mystic high
school in 1900, and in 1901 completed a course in
the Xew London Business College.
Horace Orville Williams spent his school days
in Old Mystic. For fifteen years he was employed
in the woolen mill, but some thirty years ago he
embarked in a mercantile business in Old Mystic,
and at the same time entered into a drug business.
For some eighteen years he has been in the same
location, and he is one of the reliable, substantia1
business men of this historic old town.
Mr. Williams has been identified with the Re-
publican party all his life, casting his first vote for
Abraham Lincoln. Fraternally he belongs to Gary
Lodge, A. O. U. W., and during the life of the
Good Templar organization belonged to it for a
number of vears. He is a consistent member of the
M. E. Church. Mrs. Williams is a member of the
First Baptist Church of Groton.
ALTON T. MIXER, one of the leading gro-
cers of Xew London, is ranked among the influ-
ential citizens of that place. Like many of the
prominent residents and business men of this Com-
monwealth, he belongs to a family whose members
have been honored and influential in every genera-
tion from early Colonial days, and he is upholding
the traditions of his ancestrv in every relation of
life.
( I ) Thomas Miner, the progenitor of the numer-
ous Stonington and vicinity Miners, was a son of
Clement and Sarah ( I 'ope) Miner, and a descendant
of Henry Miner, of England, in the time of King Ed-
ward III (1327-1377). He was born April 23.
1608, married at Charlestown, .Mass., April 23,
[634, Grace, daughter of Walter Palmer, became a
settler at Hingham, Mass., and from there removed
his family in 1646 to Xew London, Conn., where
five of his ten children were born. His sixth child
and son. Manasseh, born April 23, 1647. was the
first male child born after the settlement of Xew
London. Thomas Miner bore a conspicuous part
in the settling of Xew London and Stonington, his
personal history belonging more particularly to the
latter place. The only son of Thomas Miner that
settled permanently in Xew London was Clement,
58
who was born March 4. [638, at Hingham, married
(first) Frances Willey, (second) .Martha Wellman,
and ( third ) Joanna.
John Miner, the great-great-grandfather of Al-
ton T. Miner, from New London, Conn., went from
Torrington, ( onn., to the town of Winchester. ( onn..
and settled on what later was known as the George
Cramer farm. He married in Torrington, April
0, 1774. Hannah Strong, born in Torrington, Nov.
30, 1753, daughter of Asahel Strong, and a rela-
tive of the Wards, who were ancestors of Rev.
Henry Ward Beecher. Mr. Miner was a man of
pleasing address, and social in his habits. He died
March 23, 1813, aged sixty-one. Mrs. Miner died
Nov. 23, 1835, aged eighty. Their children were:
John Strong, born Aug. 15. 1775. in Torrington,
Conn.; Phineas, born Xov. 27, 1777; Florida, born
Nov. 9, 1780 (married March 26, 1807. Roger
Root) ; William, born March 17, 1783: Sarah, born
Jan. 16, 178O ; Parmelia, born June 3, [791.
John Strong Miner, great-grandfather of Alton
T., was born Aug. 15, 1775. in Torrington. Conn.,
and died in Madison, in May, [865, in his ninetieth
year. In his early days he was a boss ship carpenter,
and later became a farmer in the town of Saybrook,
Conn. He married Deziah Brockway Pratt, of
Westbrook, Conn., who died April 24. 1862, aged
eight) -one years. Their children were: Charles
M. and William Collins, the latter dying aged about
twenty-two years, unmarried. John Strong Miner
shouldered a gun in the war of 181 2.
Charles Milton Miner, grandfather of Alton T.,
born June 15. 1803, in Westbrook, Conn., died Sej t.
13, 1890, in Madison, Conn. He was a ship builder,
contractor and owner, and had shipyards at Madi-
son. He was a very devout member of the Metho-
dist Church, which he joined when it took a man
of courage to assert his views in that denomination,
lb' was a charter member of the church at Madison
in 1839, and until his death was steward of same,
and a pillar of the church. Politically he was a Re-
publican, almost to the close of his life, the last year
or two voting the Prohibition ticket. In 1846 he
represented the town in the State Legislature, was
justice of the peace for several years, and grand
jnror several years. About 1830 Mr. Miner married
Sophia Platts, of Saybrook, Conn., who was born ( )ct.
5, 1805, daughter of David Platts, and granddaugh-
ter of Dan Platts. who was a captain in the Revolu-
tionary war. Mrs. Miner died in 1870. in Madison.
Conn. Mr. and Mrs. Miner became the parents of
tin- following named children. ( I ) William C. is
mentioned below. (2) Stephen Platts is living in
Madison, where he was born Feb. 14. 1835. lie
was a ship carpenter by trade, but ran a hat store
in Xew York for a number of years. lie married
Sarah Everetts, who passed away in May, [902.
(3) Ella Sophia died in infancy. (4) John Strong
died in infancy. (5) Ellen Sophia (2). died in in-
fancy. (6) Susanna Mitchell died in her nineteenth
year. (7) Ella Zerviah died aged fifteen years. (8)
9M
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
Emegene Desiah, bom in 1850, married Frederick
W. Field, of Madison, where they reside. (<;»
Carrie Lydia, born in 1854. living in Jamaica, L. I.,
is the wife of Oliver Wolcott King, of New Haven,
Connecticut.
William Collins Miner, born April 28, 1833, in
Madison, Conn., received his schooling there, leav-
ing school at the age of nineteen years. He learned
.ship carpentry under his father, and followed the
business in Madison for about thirty years, the firm
being C. M. Miner & Son. In 1884 the business
was discontinued. Mr. Miner was thoroughly fa-
miliar with ships and their construction. After
suspending business as a member of the firm of C.
M. Miner & Son, he took charge of the building of
several vessels in his yard. In June, 1890, fire de-
stroyed the plant and two unfinished four-masted
schooners. After this .Mr. Miner came to New Lon-
don, where, from 1890 to 1893. he had charge of
building several vessels for McDonald & Anderson.
He then went in with his son. Alton T., as a clerk,
and has continued thus ever since.
Mr. Miner has been a stanch Republican, and he
was a representative from the town of Madison in
1883, during his term serving as a member of the
committee on Xew Towns and Probate Districts.
He was also justice of the peace and grand juror
for several vears. He is a member of the Methodist
Church of Madison, of which he was steward until
he left the town, acting also as superintendent of
the Sunday-school and as a chorister for many
years.
Mr. Miner was married, Sept. 13, 1857. to Char-
lotte Artemiase Redfield, of Madison, daughter of
Alanson Redfield. She passed away Jan. 22. 1892,
in Madison, Conn., the mother of four children, as
follows: Elizabeth Sophia, who died Dec. 10, i860,
aged four months; John N. R., who died Aug. 16,
1864. aged eleven months ; Alton T., born July 4,
1865 ; and Charles Alanson, who died Oct. 14, 1872,
aged three months.
Alton Todd Miner was born July 4, 1865, in
Madison. Conn., and attended the common schools
there. Leaving school at the age of sixteen years,
he entered his father's shipyard and learned the
ship carpenter's trade, remaining with his father
for about two years. He then took up fishing, and in
the winter followed the coasting trade for about
three years, after which he again went to work at
his trade in Madison, in his father's old factory,
under McDonald & Anderson. A short time later,
in the summer of 1890, fire caused the firm to re-
move to Xew London, and Mr. Miner came with
them, remaining in their employ until 1894. In
that year he bought out a small store at Xo. 123
Main street, and in iyoi he started the meat market
at No. 4 Crystal avenue. By the exercise of thrift,
honesty and perseverance, lie has prospered, and
from a small beginning in the grocery business has
built up a very large trade, which is still growing
.steadily. Employment is given to ten people, and
seven teams are kept busy. Mr. Miner has given
every phase of his business close study and as a
buyer he has no superiors in his line in the city. In
1897 he built his present home on Crystal avenue.
Fraternally Mr. Miner is a member of the An-
cient Order of United Workmen. He is a Demo-
crat in political sentiment, and in 1902 he was elected
alderman from the First ward, and is chairman
of both the Street and the Charity committees. His
religious connection is with the Methodist Church,
of which his wife is also a member, and he is serv-
ing as one of the stewards and is trustee of the
church.
On July 26. 1884. Mr. Miner was married to
Sarah L. Goldsmith, of Guilford, Conn., daughter
of John C. and Phebe | Gates) Goldsmith, of Guil-
ford. They have had one child, Charlotte Phebe,
at home.
NATHAN GEER, who in partnership with his
son is extensively engaged in farming and stock
raising in the town of Sprague, is a member of the
old Geer family which has been setttled in the
county for over two centuries. The first of the
name in this country,
(I) George Geer. appears of record in New
London, Conn., Feb. 16, 1658, the date of his mar-
riage to Sarah, daughter of Robert Allyn. He was
born about 1621, in England, and according to tra-
dition was a son of Jonathan Geer, of Devonshire.
George and a younger brother, Thomas, having
been left orphans at a tender age, were put by an
uncle aboard a ship which was to sail for America,
and which arrived in Boston in 1635. The first re-
liable record of them thereafter is that George was
one of the early settlers in Xew London, Conn., in
165 1, and Thomas in Enfield, Conn., in 1682. Im-
mediately after his marriage George Geer settled
on a tract of fifty acres granted to him by the town
of Xew London. Subsequently, in 1665, ne re~
moved from the town to another grant, of 100 acres.
He also owned a tract in the town of Preston (now
Griswold), a part of which he obtained by grant
from the Indian Sachem ( )waneco, eldest son of
Lucas, the deed bearing date Dec. 11, 1691. He
also had other lands. In 1705 he resided in the
town which after became Groton, of which he was
a selectman. He died in 1726, his wife a short time
previously. She was baptized in Salem, Mass.,
about 1640, some time previous to her father's re-
moval to Xew London, Conn., in 1651. Their chil-
dren were as follows: Sarah, born Feb. 27, 1659;
Jonathan. May 26, 1662; Joseph, Oct. 14, 1604;
Hannah, Feb. 27. 1666: Margaret, in February,
1669: Mary, March 26, 1671 ; Daniel, 1673 (prob-
ably); Robert, Jan. 2, 1675; Anne, Jan. 6, 1679;
Isaac, March 26. 1681 ; and Jeremiah, 1683.
(II) Daniel Geer, born probably in 1673, mar-
ried and settled on the tract of land in the town of
Preston which was granted to his father by Owan-
eco in 169 1, and which was deeded to Daniel Geer
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
915
in [766-67. Daniel Geer was an industrious farmer
and accumulated a handsome estate. His children
were: Daniel, born June 15, [700; John, March 29,
1703; Christopher, Dec. 19, 1706; Ebenezer, Dec.
29. 1709; William, Jan. 4, 1713; and Thankful,
Jan. 7. 1721-22.
(III) Daniel Geer (2), born June 15, 1700.
married May 31. 1750. Abigail Spicer, and their
children were:?loger, horn May iS. 1753; Robert,
Nov. 24, 1754; and Nathan, Dec. 12. 17-
(IV) Nathan (leer, grandfather of the gentle-
man whose name introduces these line-, was horn
Dec. 12, 1756, was a carpenter and farmer, and re-
sided in the northeastern part of the town of (Iris-
wold, New London county. He was a good me-
chanic and followed carpentering during his earlier
years, later giving his entire attention to farming,
lie lived to an advanced age, dying on his farm in
1836. He was a man of high principles and g< od
judgment, and was universally esteemed. Though
a successful business man he found time for other
interests, was a stanch Whig and held a few of the
town offices. He was also interested in church
work, and united with the Pachaug Congregational
Church. Nathan (leer was tw ice married, first time,
Oct. 1, 1778, to Mary Gates, and second to Olive
Gates, whom he also survived. His children, all
born to the first union, were as follows : ( 1 ) Sarah,
born Sept. 13, 1779. married Daniel Geer. They
moved to Lake George, X. Y., and later to Erie
county. Pa., and their descendants are settled
throughout the \A'est. (2) Mary, horn Jan. ir,
1784, married James Geer, and moved to Erie
county. Pa. They have a number of descendants.
(3) Lucy, born May 27, 1787, married Vaniah
Abell; they lived on the place now occupied by our
subject, Nathan Geer (3). (4) Abby, born April
15, 1 79 1. married Elijah Weeden, and died in Gris-
wold. (5) Alathea, born Nov. 18, 1793, became
the wife of Joseph Phillips, and died in Erie
county, Pa., leaving descendants. (6) Nathan is
mentioned below.
(V) Nathan Geer (2), born Sept. 5. 1797, in
Griswold. received his education in the district
schools, and on commencing life for himself worked
with his father at the carpenter's trade. Being the
only son he remained at home and assisted his father
as long as the latter lived. After the death of the
father he came into possession of the farm, upon
which he continued to reside for the balance of his
days, adding to the original area until at the time
of his death the place comprised over 200 acres.
During his prime he worked hard, and by his in-
dustry became well to do, but during his latter
years he suffered much from poor health, though
he retained Ins faculties to the end. His life closed
in August, 1882, on the home farm, when he had
reached the ripe age of eighty-five years, and he
was interred in the Pachaug cemetery. In religion
he was a Congregationalist, holding membership
in the Pachaug Church, and in political sentiment
he was a Whig and later a Republican. He held a
few of the minor offices in the town, but was not
particularly active in public affair.-.
Mr. Geer was married in Ledyard (then Gro-
ton), Conn., to Priscilla L. Stoddard, a native of
Groton, one of twelve children born to Robert and
Sarah (Lee) Stoddard. Two sons of Robert Stod-
dard, Russel and Erastus, were carpenters by trade,
and it is claimed they erected the first house in
what is now Rochester, X. Y. Mrs. Geer survived
Mr. Geer, passing away on the home farm in < . .
wold in August. [890, aged ninety-two years. To
this union came four children: ( 1 ) Nathan is men-
tioned below. (2) Robert S. married Elizabeth
Chapman, of Yoluntown, who is now deceased, and
he resides at Oneida Castle. X Y. (3) Joseph S.
is a farmer residing in Ledyard. He married Flora
Allen, and they have four children, Cora (who is
married and has three children). Ella, Joseph and
George. (4) Mary is the wife of Charles Congdon,
and has had two daughters, one deceased and Eve-
line. The}- reside on the homestead in Griswold.
Nathan Geer (3) was born April 8, [825, in
Griswold, and there grew to manhood. He re-
ceived his education in the district schools and the
Plainfield Academy, which he attended for a short
time, and which was then conducted by ( )scar
Fisher, a most efficient instructor. He lived at
home until the age of nineteen years, when an epi-
demic of typhus fever in this section carried away
the only two sons of his aunt, Mrs. Vaniah Abell,
and our subject was persuaded to go to their home,
remaining with his aunt and uncle as long as they
lived. Soon after leaving Plainfield Academy he
had commenced to teach school, and he followed
that vocation for seven years, in Baltic, Podgum.
district of Xorwich, and at Plain Hill, in the same
town. Upon the death of Mr. and Mrs. Abell he
purchased the interests of the other heirs in the
farm, which comprised ninety-five acres, located in
the south part of the town of Sprague. Continuing
to prosper at farming, he has added to his holdings,
having recently purchased the Thompson farm in
Norwich, adjoining the home place, until now the
land owned by himself and son totals 350 acres.
Idle (leers carry on farming and stock raising on
an extensive scale, and are among the most substan-
tial agriculturists in their part of the county, re-
garded as much for their industry and high char-
acter as for the prosperity that has come to them
through the exercise of good judgment and
economy.
Mr. Geer has been quite active in local affairs
of a political nature, and has served acceptably in a
number of town offices, as selectman, member of
the board of relief, grand juror and town auditor,
in which latter position he is still retained. I lis
political support is given to the Republican party.
( )n July 3, 1851, Air. Geer was married, in Gris-
1. lo Mary Geer, who was born in that town
Aug. 24, 1S21. daughter ^\ Samuel and Annie
916
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
(Geer) Geer, and two children blessed this union,
Mary A. and George. The daughter died when
six years old. George, born May 7, 1858, received
a good education in the common schools, and taught
school several terms in Norwich, Sprague and (iris-
wold. He has never married and remains on the
home place assisting his father, for their interests
have been one there many years, and his business
ability has been a potent factor in the success of
their undertakings. He is deeply interested in re-
ligious work, holding membership in the Methodist
Church in Baltic; he is at present serving as secre-
tary of that Sunday-school. Like his father he is
a stanch Republican in political principle. Mr. and
Airs. Geer are members of the Baltic Methodist
Church.
I
JOHNSON. The first of this name in New
England of whom there is any authentic mention
was John Johnson, who, in 1663, was granted a por-
tion of land in Norwich West Farms, now the town
of Franklin, Conn., and resided near the western
border of the town. His will, made in i/i(>, di-
vided his property between his wife, Susannah, and
numerous children.
(II) Ebenezer Johnson, son of John, born in
[693, died April 13, 1770. aged seventy-six years.
On Oct. 29, 1717, he married Deborah Champion,
who was born in 1696, and died Aug. 2J , 1778, at
the age of eighty-two. Their children were: De-
borah, born Sept. 15, 1718; Hannah, Dec. 31, 1720:
Susannah, July 7, 1723; Isaac. Feb. 9, 1728 (died
May 3, 1728); Deacon Isaac, mentioned below;
Ebenezer, Feb. 25, 173 1 ; Bethiah, April 16, 1734;
and Mary. April 7, 1738.
(III) Deacon Isaac Johnson, born March 24,
1729, died Xov. 4, 18 14, aged eighty-five years and
seven months. His wife, Jerusha, was born in
1733, and died March 10, 1807, aged seventy-four
years.
(IV) Oliver Johnson, son of Deacon Isaac, born
m 1755, died Dec. 22, 1843, aged eighty-eight years
and seven months. On Oct. 14, 1789, he married
Martha Perkins, who was born in 1760, and died
Xov. 30, 1826, at the age of sixty-six. In 1807 and
1809 Mr. Johnson was representative from the town
of Franklin. He kept a tavern in Franklin for
many years.
(V) Capt. Oliver Johnson, son of Oliver, was
born March 9, 1794, and resided in Franklin, where
he was engaged in farming. There he died Feb.
28, 1 88 1. He represented the town in the Legis-
lature in 184 t. He was an attendant of the Con-
gregational Church. Mr. Johnson was a success-
ful and well-to-do man, and most highly respected.
He married (first) Dec. 28, 1814, Abigail Hyde,
who died Sept. 9, 1846, the mother of the follow-
ing named children: (1) Isaac, born Feb. 23, 1816,
was the father of Mrs. Oliver L. Johnson, Jr. (2)
Antoinette Abby, born May 30, 1818, is the widow
of Daniel Hastings, and resides in Franklin. (3)
Samuel Hyde, born Aug. 30, 1821, married F.
Eliza Gager. Fie was engaged in various manu-
facturing lines, among them that of manufacturing
pottery goods, and was also engaged in the lumber
business at the time of his death, in 1878, in Cali-
fornia. His widow now resides in Norwich. (4)
John Perkins, born April 16, 1824, died unmarried
at the age of twenty-three years. (5) Oliver Lewis,
born March 28, 1828, will be mentioned farther
en. (6) Lucy Perkins, born May 24, 1833, died at
the age of eight years. (7) Lydia Martha, born
April 1, 1836, is unmarried and resides in Frank-
lin. For his second wife Capt. Johnson married
Miss Lucretia T. Hyde, a granddaughter of the
noted Re> . Samuel Xott, D. D. Capt. Johnson re-
ceived his title in the war of 1812.
( )liver Lewis Johnson, son of Capt. Oliver, was
born March 28, 1828, in Franklin, and was brought
up to farm work. He was engaged at farming and
later vent into the lumber business, which he car-
ried on in addition to looking after the farm, this
business being the purchasing of lumber and tim-
ber for the New London & Northern and Central
Vermont Railroads. Later Mr. Johnson disposed
of his farm, and removed to Willimantic, where he
was engaged in purchasing and inspecting lumber
for the Xew York, Xew Haven & Hartford Rail-
way Company, and resided there until he removed
to Xew Haven, where he was employed in the same
capacity with the same railroad company. He died
Dec. 21, [904, in Franklin, Conn. A stanch Repub-
lican, Mr. Johnson represented Franklin one term
in the Legislature. He was a member of the Con-
gregational Church.
Mr. Johnson was married (first) to Martha
Anna Mumford, a native of Franklin, daughter of
James H. and Clarissa (Kenyon) Mumford. James
H. Mumford moved from Kingston, R. I., to Frank-
lin when his daughter was one year old, and became
a prominent and successful farmer of that town.
Mr. and Mrs. Johnson had children as follows: (1)
Lucretia H. is the wife of Henry C. Hatch, of
Windham, Conn. (2) John Perkins is married and
resides in Duluth, Minn. (3) Oliver Lewis, Jr.,
married Miss Fannie Chester Johnson, daughter of
Isaac and Frances Adams (Coit) Johnson, and
they have had six children — ( )liver Chester, born
July 13, 1882; Coit and Theodore Albert, twins,
born March 28, 1884 (Coit died at the age of nine
months and Theodore Albert when four months
old); Robert Coit, born June 17, 1886; Philip
Adams, born Aug. 1, 1892; and Frances, born Feb.
24, 1899. who died March 2, 1899. (4) Martha
Anna, twin of Oliver L.. Jr., is now the widow of
Christopher P. Hempstead, and resides in Xew
Haven. (5) Clara Elizabeth is unmarried. (6)
James H. married Ella Palmer, and is postmaster
and merchant at Scotland, Conn. (7) Jennie Abi-
gail (twin of James H.) is the wife of James Simp-
son, of Franklin, Connecticut.
For his second wife Oliver Lewis Johnson mar-
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
917
ried Miss Elizabeth (Avery) Brownley, who was
born in Kentucky, of New England stock. To this
union came seven children: Sarah Brownley; a
twin sister of Sarah Ik. who died young; Isaac
Hyde, who resides in Scotland. Conn., and is in the
iloy of his brother, James H. ; William, who re-
sides in Duluth, Minn.; George; Myra Agnew, wife
of Ilalsey Kclley, of Xew Haven; and Antoinette,
.Mrs. Percy Bolande, who resides in Franklin.
< Hirer L. Johnson married, for his third wife,
Kate Clark.
MARQUARDT BROTHERS. George Mar-
quardt, father of the enterprising firm of Marquardt
Bros., of Groton, Conn., was horn May 3, 1822, in
Germany, and came to the United States when a
young man. He engaged in farming in Groton,
Conn., where he died Feb. 23, 1878. In that town
he married Martha Salzmann, also a native c\ Ger-
many, and they had these children horn to them:
William, horn May 8, 1859, married, Feb. 5. 1880,
Kate Kretzer, and had a child, Evelyn, horn March
9 1882, an employe of the New York, Xew Haven
& Hartford Railroad: Christian ( \.. horn July 29,
1861, married, Dec. 3, 1893, at Poquonock, Fran-
ces Elizabeth Avery, daughter of Cyrus Avery, and
they have children, Adrian Cyrus (horn June 9.
1896), Arthur Perkins (horn Dec. 18, 18981, and
Elsie Jane (horn Dec. 9, 1902); Katherine E.,
horn Aug. 24. 1803, married, May 12. 1885, David
Bosworth, of Groton, and they have children, Mar-
tha E. (horn May 18, [886) and Bertha M. (born
Aug. 2(>, 1889) : Geprge, born Aug. 20, 1865, mar-
ried. July 27,, 1890, Josephine E. Green, and they
have had four children, Rosamond. Clara, Eewis
Alfred and Alfred Raymond, of whom Eewis Al-
fred died aged two years : Annie, born July 2^, 1807,
married, Xov. 12, 1890, Marcus E. Trail, of Poquo-
nock, and they have children, Ruth C Ethel M.,
Henry M. and Loren A.; Charles A., born Sept.
7, 1869. married, June 25. 1893, Celia Emma Chap-
man, daughter of Charles 1). Chapman, and they
have children, Alice Emma (horn June 11, 1894),
Gladys Althea (born Oct. 22. E897) and Percy Le-
land (horn Sept. 26, 1900): and Henry Edward,
born June 25, 1874, and engaged in a grocery busi-
ness at Groton, married, in June, 1897. Emma A.,
daughter of Dudley P. Chapman, and they have one
daughter, Madeline.
The Marquardt Prothers are well known in Gro-
ton where their boyhood was spent. For two years
Christian C. Marquardt was employed in the "Met-
ropolitan Hotel" in Xew London, and for thirteen
years was with the Xew York, Xew Haven & Hart-
ford Railroad, for a time being the agent at Gro-
ton. On July 1, 1897, ho engaged in the lumber.
contracting and building business in Groton, with
his brothers. George and Charles A., as partners,
under the firm name of Marquardt Brothers, a name
which has gained the confidence and esteem of the
business community all through Xew London county
where they have operated. George learned the
carpenter's trade, and became one of the most skilled
workmen graduated by Gove & Strickland in Xew
London. Charles A. learned his trade with F. M.
Sherman in Xew London, where he finally became
foreman.
The brothers have been active in public affairs
and in fraternal organizations. Charles A. is a
member of Eairview Lodge, I. ( ). ( ). P.. and Union
Podge of Masons. Christian G. has been a mem-
ber of the school committee in Groton, and is con-
nected with the A. ( ). P. W. He is a member of
the Congregational Church.
At first the firm of Marquardt Brothers engaged
in a general contracting and building business, and
later added lumber and builders" supplies. They
have erected some of the notable buildings in the
county, including the Congregational Church, the
Allyn Block, in Groton, the fine residences of
George W. Reed on Reed street, Xew London, and
the Harbor View and others in the aristocratic part
of Groton, more than 100 other structures, in Gro-
ton, Xew London, and adjoining towns. They are
not only skilled and thorough workmen, but are also
men of integrity and prominence in the community.
EDWARD LYMAN TURNER, a successful
liveryman of Norwich, descends on both sides of
the family from old Connecticut stock. ( )n the
paternal side the family history is as follows:
Elijah Turner, grandfather of Edward L.
Turner, was a farmer and resided in the eastern
part of the town of Mansfield, Conn., where he died.
His family was as follows: Harlow resided in
Mansfield, and was a farmer; Sheldon resided on
the homestead in Mansfield: one son died when a
young man: Jesse S. is mentioned below; Annie
married Harvey Moulton and died at Windham;
Laura married Lyman Barrows and died in Mans-
field; Harriet died when young; Abigail married
William A. Clark and died at Chaplin.
Jesse S. Turner was born July 25. 1820. in
Mansfield, and his early life was spent there. After
his marriage he removed to Chaplin, and purchased
a farm in the Pare Hill District, where he carried
on farming successfully for many years. Pater he
sold the farm and removed to Chaplin Center,
where he made his home the remainder of his life,
his death occurring March 15. [892. His remains
were interred at Chaplin Center. During his active
life on the farm he bought and sold considerable
live stock, and often made trios to Vermont and
Massachusetts for stock, which he brought to Chap-
lin and sold. At the time of his death he was a
wealth}' man. and very prominent in town affairs.
As a Republican he held many town offices, and for
one term represented Chaplin in the State Legisla-
ture, and was chairman of the board of selectmen
for several terms. He also served as justice (^\ the
9i8
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
peace and tax collector. He and his wife were
earnest members of the Chaplin Congregational
Church.
( )n Feb. 22, 1843, Jesse S. Turner was married
to Alary Eliza Clark, born Nov. 8, 182 1, in Chap-
lin. This marriage was blessed with the following
family : Edward Lyman is mentioned below. Charles
Sheldon, born Oct. 3, 1850, was married Nov. 4,
1874, to Marietta A. Royce, and they have two
daughters, Elora Eliza and Grace Adele. C. S.
Turner is a farmer and stock dealer in Chaplin,
where he is one of the prominent citizens of the
town, and he is well known as a breeder of fine
blooded Devon cattle.
Edward Lyman Turner was born in Chaplin
Sept. 30, 1845, and his early life was spent there.
Being brought up to farm life, he spent his sum-
mers working upon the farm, and his winters at-
tending district school. Until he attained his ma-
jority he lived at home, and at the age of twenty-
one years he accepted a position as teamster for the
Chaplin Paper Co., remaining in their employ two
vears, or until the mills were destroyed by fire.
He then went to Danielson, Conn., and for a few
months was in company with J. G. Bill engaged in
the making of soft drinks under the firm name of
J. G. Bill & Co. On account of poor health, how-
ever, he disposed of his interest in this concern, and
in April, 1878, came to Greeneville and engaged in
the livery business in the rear of Central avenue,
between Eighth and Ninth streets. Mr. Turner
purchased the stand of Mason Jennings, which had
been conducted by the Jennings family for many
years. He controls the livery business in his por-
tion of the city, although he has seen a number of
competitors come and go since he established his
business.
.Mr. Turner was united in marriage in Chaplin
with Jane C. Borthwick, who was born in Edin-
burgh, Scotland, a daughter of the late Alexander
C. and Ellen (Henderson) Borthwick, a sketch of
whom appears elsewhere. Children as follows were
born of this happy marriage: Jesse died in infancy;
Alexander died at the age of four years ; Rose S.
married Henry Lanz, of Norwich; George E. is at
home.
Mr. Turner is a Republican in politics, but has
never desired office. Fraternally he is a member
of Shetucket Lodge, No. 2y, I. O. ( ). F.
( )n the maternal side of the family, Mr. Turner
is descended from Phineas Clark, his great-great-
grandfather, who was born May 10. 1718, in Leb-
anon, Conn., but later removed to what is now
Natchaug district, of Chaplin, when he was in mid-
dle life. By occupation he was a farmer, and re-
sided upon the above mentioned farm the remainder
of his life, dying there April 11, 1808; he is buried
at Chaplin Center. He was twice married. He
was a regular attendant on the services of the
Hampton Congregational Church, and was so deaf
that he sat in the pulpit with the minister so as to be
able to hear him.
William Clark, son of Phineas, was born Aug.
25, 1752, in Lebanon, Conn., and moved to what is
now Chaplin when he was sixteen years of age.
Here, upon the farm, he remained all his life, but
served in the war of the Revolution, and partici-
pated in the battle of Bunker Hill ; assisted in dig-
ging the trenches, and at the battle of White Plains,
N. Y.. was a member of the reserve forces. He
died July 9, 1839, at t'ie a,?e °f eighty-seven years,
and at that time was a well-to-do farmer and Revo-
lutionary pensioner. At first he was a member of
the Hampton Congregational Church, but later
transferred his membership to Chaplin, when the
church was organized at that place.
On May 7, 1778. he married Patience Robbins,
a native of Hampton, Conn., who died Jan. 4, 1816.
The children born to them were : Heman, born Feb.
28, 1779, married Patience Clark, was a farmer, and
died in Chaplin May 24, 1835; William, born Sept.
10, 1780, married Laura Grosvenor, was a farmer,
and died Oct. 30, 1845, m Chaplin; Patty, twin sis-
ter of Laura, died Nov. f>, 1786; Laura,' born June
if>, 1786, married Daniel Swift, and resided in
Mansfield, and later at the Clark homestead in
Chaplin, where she died June 22, 1859; Olive, born
March 3, 1788, died Jan. 10, 1862, unmarried;
Charles was born April 2y, 1790; Ebenezer, born
Nov. 9, 1794, died Nov. 6, 1795. William Clark
had a brother Heman Clark, who served six vears
in the Revolution, and died of smallpox while on his
way home after his honorable discharge from
service.
Charles Clark, son of William Clark, was born
April 27, 1790. in Natchaug district of what is now
Chaplin, and attended the common schools of the
town. Until several years afw his marriage he
remained on the home place, farming, but when his
father-in-law, John Clark, died, he removed to the
farm the latter had owned, and there he spent the
remainder of his life, there dying Nov. 2j, 1872.
Until the outbreak of the Civil war he was a Demo-
crat, but he then began to vote the Republican
ticket, and continued an advocate of the principles
of that party until his death. Mr. Clark was a man
of intelligence, possessed a good memory, and as
he kept a private record of the deaths of the people
of Chaplin for over fifty years he was appealed to
upon all questions relative to the history of the vari-
ous families. All his life he attended the Congre-
gational Church of Chaplin, and was one of its
liberal supporters, and his loss was deeply felt by
this organization.
On May 4, 1815, Charles Clark married Phrebe
Clark, who was born May 2, 1794, and died May
4, 1879. Mrs. Clark was a native of Hampton,
Conn., daughter of John and Phoebe (Putney)
Curtis Clark, and granddaughter of John and Bet-
sey (Parker) ([dark. The children born to Mr. and
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
-HV
Mrs. Charles Clark were as follows: William A.,
born Jul_\- 15. [816, married Abigail Turner, of
Mansfield, and is a successful fanner of Chaplin;
Julia A., born Jan. 31, [820, resides -at Chaplin;
Mary Eliza, born Nov. 8, [821, is the mother of
Edward Lyman Turner, the subject proper of this
sketch.
Mr. Turner is one of the live, enterprising bus-
iness men of Norwich, and the succes> which has
attended his efforts is richly deserved, for he is en-
tirely a self-made man. Although he started his
business career with no capital, he is now well-to-
do, esteemed and respected, and the proprietor of a
thriving establishment. Mr. Turner is doing a
riving business, which shows a healthv increase
each year, and he also takes an interest in the wel-
fare and development of the city, realizing that its
progress helps every line of commercial activity
within its borders.
ANDREW GAGER PEMBER, a prosperous
farmer residing near Baltic, in the town of Sprague,
is a representative of one of the oldest families of
the county. The Pember family in past years has
been a numerous one in Xew London count}'. The
members thereof have been almost without excep-
tion quiet, industrious and highly respected Chris-
tian people.
( 1 ) Thomas Pember, the ancestor of the family,
came from Pembridge, England, and was of record
in Xew London in 1686. He was drowned in the
Niantic river in 171 1. His wife, Agnes, was a
noted doctor of certain diseases. The children born
to this couple were: John, Thomas, Elizabeth,
Mercy and Aim.
ill) John Pember, born in 1696, purchased land
of Stephen Brown, of Windham, in 1747. This
property was located on Roaring brook, in what is
now the town of Stafford. John Pember lived on
this farm until 1755, when he removed to Norwich
West Farms, now Franklin, and located on land
which was his wife's share of her father's estate.
There his descendants lived for several generations.
On Nov. 14. 1716, he married Mary Hyde, daughter
of Thomas Hyde ( 1 ), and a great-granddaughter of
William Hyde, of Hartford and Norwich. An ex-
tended history of the well known Hyde family will
be found elsewhere. The children born to this
union were: Thomas. John, Irena, Elijah. Andrew,
Elizabeth, Lucy, Jemima. Jacob and Mary.
1 III) Jacob Pember, born April 2$. 1740. mar-
ried Lydia, daughter of Capt. Comfort Fillimore, of
Norwich. Jacob Pember was a. fanner on the home-
ead in Franklin, and he died April 24. [821. Mis
children were: Lydia, Lois, Lucy, Jemima, Mary,
'Willis. Jacob, Philaster, Thomas and Jabez.
( IV) Thomas Pember. born Tune if>. 1781,
married Jan. t. 1804. Theodosia Fillmore 1 or Fill-
imore), a cousin of President Fillmore. The vari-
ous members of this distinguished family spelled
the name differcntlv. Tin ''ember remained on
his farm until his death, Aug. 22. 1827, while his
widow died Jan. 20, 1832. The children born of
their union were: (!) Willard ( i. married Bethia
Tracy, and later Prances Pargo. lie was a school
teacher and farmer, becoming a very prominent cit-
izen of Franklin, where he died. By his first mar-
riage he had one child, Bethia T., who married
Lyman Appley, and resides in Canterbury, Conn,
By his second marriage he had children —
Julian T., who married Rebecca Field, and died in
Pall River, Mass. : ( Hivia J., who married John P.ur-
dick, and resided in Franklin ; John P., married and
residing in Nicolaus, Pal.; Willard Dwight, who
married Mrs. Lucretia (Fitch) Clark, and resides
in Willimantic (he spent a number of years in ^-v,
ealogical research, and to him the biographer is in-
debted for many facts pertaining to the family);
Lucius G., a member of Company C, 18th Con-
necticut Volunteers, who died from the results of
his imprisonment in Andersonville prison (he was
unmarried); Julia F., wdio died unmarried: and
Mary E., wdio married Charles Cooley and died in
Norwich. (2) Adin P., is mentioned below. (3)
Leonard T. was a farmer and died in Elgin, 111. 1 te
married a Miss Knight and had one daughter. (4)
Ashel E. died young. ( 5 ) Lucius went to Cali-
fornia in 1849 and all trace of him was lost. (6)
Jacob died young. (7) Frances married John Huni-
iston and removed to Central Xew York; she had
one child. (8) Theodosia married a Mr. Knight and
located at the same place in Xew York ; they had
one child. (9) Harriet never married.
(V) Adin F. Pember was born in Franklin, and
learned the trade of carpenter, at which he worked
in addition to operating a small farm. He 'lied
June 18, 1886, aged seventy-eight years, and his
remains were interred at Xorth Franklin. In pol-
itics he was a Republican, while in religious mat-
ters he was a member of the Franklin Congrega-
tional Church.
On Jan. 7, 1838. he was married to Sophia H.
Gager, a native of Franklin, daughter of Levi and
Sybil (Hyde) Gager, and she died Oct. 2j. 1896,
in her eighty-third year. Children: Lydia Anne,
born April 15. [839, died Nov. [6, [839, unmar-
ried; Isaac IP, born Dec. 2. 1840, died June 30.
1842; fared T., born Dec. 13. 1842. enlisted in
Company P. 8th Regiment. Connecticut volunteers,
and died at Falmouth, Va.. where he was buried.
Andrew Gager was born Oct. 28. 1845: Jacob P.,
born May 24. 1849, married Maggie McKenzie, has
three children, and resides in Duluth, Minn.; Har-
riet D. P.. born Jan. 15. 1852, married Deacon
Nathaniel Manning, of Lebanon, and has six chil-
dren; Mary Augusta, born Feb. 28. 1855. resides
in Lebanon, unmarried.
(VI) Andrew Gager Pember was born in
Franklin, and attended the district schools until he
was sixteen years old. after he was eight going in
the winter months only. His father was a poor
man. and as soon as his children were able they
920
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
were put out on various farms. The first employer
of our subject was Samuel Huntington, at Peck
Hollow, and he received but $15 and board for his
first six months' labor. His parents had his wages
until he was eighteen. He continued working for
the various farmers in Lebanon and Franklin until
he was twenty-three years old, at which time he
was married, and then settled on a rented farm at
North Franklin, upon which he resided for three
years. Thence he went to Lebanon and spent three
years on the Champlirt farm. The following three
years he spent on Kick Hill, in the same town. At
the end of this time Mr. Pember went to the Will-
iams farm, at Williams Crossing, and there spent
four years. He was on the Starkweather farm, on
Portipaug Hill, for five years, and the Charles T.
Hazen farm for four years. In March, 1890, he
purchased his present place of the heirs of E. Rose,
the same consisting of 140 acres, a portion of which
lies in the town of Franklin. For nineteen years
prior to 1900 Mr. Pember conducted a milk route
in Baltic.
On Dec. 22, 1868, Mr. Pember was married in
Lebanon to Annie A. Brown, a native of Lebanon,
who was born Aug. 31, 1845. daughter of George
and Martha (Brown) Brown. George Brown was
a native of Rhode Island, born April 17. 1817, a
farmer by occupation, and resided with his daugh-
ter until his death. Dec. <), 1903; his wife died
March 18, 1898. Mrs. I 'ember was one of three
children, .Annie A. (Mrs. Pember), Frederick and
George, the last two being deceased.
Children as follows have been born to Mr. and
Mrs. Pember: (1) George I',.. born Nov. 10, 1870,
married Delia Turner, and has two children, An-
drew Turner and Ruth. He is a farmer and milk
dealer at Wauregan. (2) Jared W.. born in August,
1874, died June 5, 1899. (3) Arthur G., born Dec.
20, 1875, is a farmer. 14) Fred FT. born May 25,
1881, died in Los Angeles. Cal., Oct. 30. 1901, and
is buried in Portipaug cemetery. (5) M. Elsie was
born Dec. 2. 1883.
Mr. Pember is a Republican, but has never de-
sired office. He is a member of the Paptist Church
at Lebanon, as is his estimable wife. Having been
all his life a hardworking man, he is highly es-
teemed, and has a host of friends throughout the
community.
LEONARD NEWTON WILLIAMS, one of
Waterford's prosperous agriculturists, and a repre-
sentative citizen of the town, comes of an old and
honored family, the history of which reads as
follows :
(1) Owen Williams, the great-grandfather of
our subject, was with Benedict Arnold's troops
when he came to New London, and was on the New
London side of the river during the massacre at
Fort Griswold on the Groton side of the river
Thames. He was also in the battle of Monmouth
courthouse. His regiment was the 30th, of the
English army. His death occurred at Xew Lon-
don, and he was buried near the Second Congrega-
tional Church, but his body was later removed to
Cedar Grove cemetery. The gallant officer fell in
love with a widow by the name of Elizabeth Skin-
ner, and married her in July, 1785. This union was
blessed with these children : Joseph ; Alexander,
who was a lieutenant on the famous privateer
"General Armstrong" ; William ; and Leonard.
(II) William Williams, born Feb. 14, 1796, at
Xew London, died about 1823, at Xew London,
where his life was spent. He married Sarah Whip-
pies and had three children: David Owen; Joseph,
who is still living at Xew London, where he was
for many years a trusted employe of Williams &
Haven, the whaling merchants ; and Elizabeth, who
died aged eighteen years.
( III ) David Owen Williams, born April 5, 1819,
at Xew London, died there. He was a farmer in
Waterford, and his death occurred when he was
about forty-five years of age. His political views
made him a very strong Abolitionist. For many
years he attended the Congregational Sunday-
school, and he was a man of high moral character,
who made friends wherever he went. He married
Abby M osier, daughter of Jeremiah M osier, of
Waterford, where she lived and died. The children
of this marriage were: (1) Owen Clark, born Aug.
3, 1846, in Waterford, is a granite tool sharpener
( blacksmith ) by trade, and has followed it all his
life ; his residence is in Waterford, and for a year
he was in the government revenue service. His
first wife was Addie A. Gilbert, of Waterford. who
bore him two children — Minnie A., wife of Edward
1!. Young, of Waterford, and Harry Owen, who
died at the age of fourteen years, having been acci-
dentally shot. The second wife of Owen Clark
Williams was E. Martinello Littlefield, of Block
Island. (2) Leonard Newton is our subject. (3)
Elizabeth married Frederick J. Shelley, of Water-
ford, who was a shipbuilder and carpenter, now-
retired and living in Xew London. He served in
the 13th Conn. Regiment during the Civil war.
Their children were Owen and Lenora. (4) Will-
iam, who resides in Waterford is a stonecutter by
trade. He married Jessie M osier, of Waterford,
by whom he had three children — Leonard F. (who
married Miss Mabel Clark Lanphear), Frederick
and Leslie.
(IV) Leonard Newton Williams, our subject,
was born March 22, 1848, in Gilead district, town of
Waterford, Conn. Until he was sixteen years of
age he attended school, and then was apprenticed
to the trade of granite-cutting with William and
Lucius Dyer, in Litchfield county, Conn., with
whom he remained three years. I hit after he had
served bis time he returned to the Millstone Point
quarries in his native town, and worked for John
B. Palmer for several weeks. He was then em-
ployed by different parties at Westerly, R. I., for
a couple of years, when he took up his residence at
ogLaW % yrM^n
j
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
921
Troy, X. Y., and there he remained for a year and
seven months. Returning to Westerly, R. I., he
spent two years, ancUthen once more returned to
Millstone Point, living there for nearly twenty years.
Mr. Williams was then employed by Booth Bros.
in their quarry at Waterford, but in the spring of
[902 he retired. During his career as a stone-cutter,
Mr. Williams was recognized as a first-class me-
chanic, and one of the best workmen at that trade.
In January, 1902, he purchased the "Ezra Moore
Kcency" place of 1 10 acres, and since then has been
engaged in farming and conducting a profitable
milk route in New London, as well as operating a
wholesale cream plant, keeping about twenty cows.
Fraternally Mr. Williams is a member of Union
Lodge. !. O.O. F., of Niantic; the A. ( ). U. W.
.Lodge, No. 3J. of Waterford; the Xew England
Order of Protection, Waterford; the Royal Protec-
tion of the I. ( ). O. F. ; the Benefit Association of
the A. ( ). I". W., of Boston; is a honorary member
of the Stone Cutters' Union ; and a member of the
Fraternal Benefit League, Xo. 31, of Xew Haven.
In his religious connections he is a member of the
Lirst Baptist Church of Waterford, while his wife
is a member of the Ladies' Aid Society and has
served as both president and vice-president of the
same. In politics Mr. Williams is a Democrat, and
during the session of 1876-77 served as a member of
the State Legislature, and was a member of the
committee on Claims. In 1877 he was upon the
same committee. He has served on the school com-
mittee of his native town several terms, and in every
respect has shown himself a man of enterprise and
merit.
On April 16, 1872, Mr. Williams married XTancy
Emilv Smith, daughter of Sidney Albert and Esther
Cordelia (Beckwith) Smith, of Waterford. The
following children have been horn to Mr. and Mrs.
Williams: Ethel, born May 17, 1878, married
( )scar William Patch, of Xew London, baggage
master on the New York. Xew Haven &
Hartford Railroad; they live at Xew London; they
nave no children. Nellie Smith, horn Sept. 17,
187*;. in Waterford. is a professional nurse in New
Haven. Sydney Clyde, born Feb. 5. 1882. in Water-
ford, is at home.
The pleasant home of Mr. Williams, known as
"Ocean View" farm, overlooks Pleasure Beach, and
borders on Long Island Sound. This farm is one
of the most beautifully situated in the town, and
also one of the most valuable.
1 HARLES KINGSLEY CHAPMAN, a thrifty
farmer residing about one mile east of the village
of Hanover, in the town of Sprague, traces his an-
cestry as follows :
( I 1 John Chapman, the ancestor of this branch
of the family, was the son of a weaver who lived
fifty miles from London, and he himself was a
weaver by trade, having served seven years. While
m a visit to London he was pressed on a man-of-
war. During the various journeys the ship visited
Boston, and he availed himself of an opportunity
to regain his liberty. Fleeing, he found succor with
Samuel Alden, in what is now Wakefield, R. I.,
where he worked at his trade, and later removed to
North Stonington, Conn., and married Sarah
Brown, according to the town records. ITT. 16.
1 7 10. His death occurred in I7f)0. His children
were: Sarah, born Nov. 2^, 1710; Jonah, Sept. 2.
1712; John, Sept. 9, 1714: William, Dec. 9. 1710;
Andrew, March 3, 1719; Thomas, Nov. 11, 1720;
Sumner, born at Westerly R. I. ; and Eunice.
(II) Andrew Chapman, born March 3, 1719,
married Hannah Smith, daughter of Benoni Smith,
about 1746. He was a farmer and resided in North
Stonington. His children were: -Andrew, horn
Jan. 27, 1748; Joseph, June 2, 174';: Ruth, March
20, 1751 ; Hannah, Dec. 10, 1752; Andrew (2), May
10, 1754; Nahum, Nov. (>. 1757: Nathan, Oct. 7,
1760; Amos, Sept. 7, 1763; Sarah, Sept. 4, 1766
Jonas Aug. 25, 1768.
(III) Deacon Amos Chapman, born Sept. 7,
17O3, resided in the north part of the town of Yolun-
town and was a farmer, following that occupation
all his life. He died very suddenly, while attending
a town meeting. He was a deacon of the Line Con-
gregational Church, situated on the line between the
towns of Sterling and Voluntown. On Nov. 20,
1783, he married Abigail Burdick, and their chil-
dren were: Amos, horn July 23, 1784; Betsy, Nov.
24, 1785: John, July 29. 1787; Lucy. May 26, t j<S(; ;
Sarah, Nov. 2, 1791 ; Abel, Oct. 3. 1793: Adam.
Feb. 12, 1796; Hannah, Jan. 17, 1798; and Dan-
iel C.
(IV) John Chapman, born July 29, 1787, in Vol-
untown, was reared upon the farm. He worked as
a cooper in early life. During his early married
life he resided in Preston, upon a rented farm, for
two years, and then for a like period in the town of
( rriswold. Returning to Voluntown, he settled in
the factory village at the factory of Treat & Doane,
and farmed in a small way, being thus engaged at
the time of his death, when he was forty-four years
of age. His remains were interred in Voluntown.
He married Esther Crary, of North Stonington. who
was horn Jan. 2^, 1788, daughter of George Crary.
Their children were as follows: ( 1 ) John C. horn
Nov. 14. 1814, married Nov. 10. 1844. Betsey A.
Brown, and removed to Cincinnati. Ohio, where he
was superintendent of a cotton factory. Later he
removed to Westboro, and there died |une 2<). 1901.
His children now living are: John C, who re-
sides in California; Jane E., married to Joseph
Thomas, of Gulfport, Miss.: and Kate P.", now
Mrs. Dimmitt. of Morrow, Ohio. (2) Phebe
Esther, born May 17. [816, married Dec. 9, [838,
Constant Taber, a farmer and resident of Scotland,
where she died Jan. 2^, [892. They had children —
James M., a resident of Richmond. Staten Island.
who has one son, Fred D. ; Sarah E., now Mrs.
Clinton Smith, of Scotland, who has two children.
922
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
Marcus C. and Mary Alice ; Marcus C, who is
married and has three children, and resides in Cin-
cinnati ; John C, who first married Emma Willey,
and second Flora Gager, has two children, and is
a farmer of Scotland ; and Frederick J. who mar-
ried Minnie Moore and lives in South Windham.
(3) Amos, born April 17, 18 19, was a sergeant in
Company G, 26th Regiment, Connecticut Volun-
teers. He was a farmer in Scotland. He married
E. Jane Morgan, and his children were Checkley
A., who died at the age of twenty-one years ; and
Arland M., who married Minnie E. Brown, and has
three living children. (4) Josiah Fuller is men-
tioned below. ( 5 » Mary Abby, born Aug. 20, 1825,
is unmarried and resides in Scotland.
(V) Josiah Fuller Chapman was born Jan. 20,
1822, in Voluntown, and was reared to farm work.
Before his marriage he went to Plainfield and con-
ducted a farm belonging to his brother John. He
was there residing at the time of his marriage, but
later he went to Providence, and for several years
engaged in teaming. Then he located at Baltic, when
the Spragues were building their mills, and for five
years had charge of the teaming in that construction
work. He then settled on a rented farm west of the
village and was there two years, when he moved
to the Col. Kingsley farm, in Franklin, and from
there moved to the farm he purchased of Nathan
Bishop, upon which he spent the remainder of his
life. This farm has been in the Bishop family for
many generations, and consists of 150 acres. He
cleared up the land, made improvements and
brought it to a high state of cultivation. Being a
hard worker, a careful farmer and a good manager,
he was very successful, and became one of the hot
known farmers and stockmen in that section of the
county continuing to be verv active until his death.
He passed away July 27, 1897. and his remains
were interred in Scotland. In \ olitics he was a very
stanch Republican, but he never desired office.
( )n May 7, 1849, Mr. Chapman married Harriet
E. Haxton, a native of Voluntown, daughter of
Malbrey Haxton. Mrs. Chapman died April 10,
1896, and was buried in the Scotland cemetery.
Their children were: Jane F.. born March 31, 1850,
married Jonathan L. Lathrop, of Xorwich, whose
sketch will be found elsewhere in this volume ;
Amos S., born May 14, 1851, married and resided
near Cawker City, Kans., where he died July 22,
T903 (he was a farmer); Byron G., born March
3, 1853, was three times married and resides in Sur-
prise, Neb., where he is a merchant ; Stephen C,
born Aug. 31, 1855, married and went to Oklahoma;
Isabella S., born June 1 1, 1856, died March 27,
1858; Amasa S., born Dec. 8, 1857, resides in Sur-
prise, Neb., and is engaged as a merchant with his
brother; Frederick S.. born Dec. 14, 1859, was a
farmer and died in Sprague (he was married and left
two children) ; Phebe E., born Jan. to, 1862, mar-
ried Byron S. Carrier, a merchant at Highland
Park, Conn., and has children ; Hettie B., born June
3, 1867, married William S. Lee, of Sprague, and
has one daughter ; Charles Kingslev was born Dec.
3, 1868.
(VI) Charles K. Chapman was born in his pres-
ent home and received an excellent education in
the district schools. He remained at home until ( Oc-
tober, 1895, when he entered the employ of his
brother-in-law, Mr. Carrier, in the latter's store at
Highland Park, remaining there until October of
the same year. Then he returned to the home E?.rm,
and at his father's request relieved the latter of
much of the work, when the father died buying the
interests of the other heirs. In former years he
was extensively engaged in dairying, operating one
of the largest dairies in the town, but has disposed
of same, and is now occupied in getting out timber
and fire wood. He supplied many of the ties used
in the construction of the new trolley line between
Baltic and Willimantic. His farm is very carefully
cultivated, and his premises serve as a model to
his neighbors. In politics, like his father, he is a
Republican, but he has never sought office. Enter-
prising and thrifty, he has many friends, and is
justly regarded as one of the substantial men of his
locality.
JORDAN BROTHERS, the well known deal-
ers in hardware, sporting goods and kindred wares
in Willimantic, Windham county, have built up a
thriving business by their energy, thrift and perse-
verance, and by their upright principles and un-
wavering integrity have won an enviable commer-
cial standing.
Peter Jordan, the father of William P. and
Frederick D. Jordan, of Willimantic, was born
March 22, 1822, in Hesse-Darmstadt, Germany,
son of Paul and Lena (Page) Jordan. Paul Jordan
was a farmer and died in 1829, leaving three chil-
dren, as follows : Philopena, who married Adam
Klein, and died in Germany; Lena, who became
the wife of Adam Page, and died in the Fatherland ;
and Peter. Peter Jordan was but a boy of seven
years when his father died, and being the only son
in the family was early obliged to assume unusual
responsibilities for a lad of his age. He attended
the public school until the age of fourteen, going
a few months each winter, 'the summer season
being devoted to hard work on the farm. As a boy
he was capable of doing a great deal of hard work,
and while his wages were small, as were all wages
in his native country, yet all his earnings on the
farm and as a laborer were applied to the support
of the family. He later engaged at road contract-
ing, at which he was quite successful, but wishing
to better his condition he decided to come to Amer-
ica. Bidding friends and relatives goodbye, and
taking a last look at the scenes of his childhood,
Peter Jordan purchased with his savings a ticket
to the far-off land chosen for his future home. He
sailed from Havre, France, in April, 1848, on a
sailingf-vessel bound for New York. When five
GENEALOGICAL AXD BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
923
days at sea the vessel sprang- a leak and the captain
turned back to Falmouth, England, for repairs
which were completed in a fortnight and the voyage
resumed. After a somewhat rough passage the
vessel sailed into New "> ork harbor on July 20th,
being forty days from Falmouth. Mr. Jordan
found himself a stranger in a strange land, with a
capital of $50 and energy, determination and r<
lution. He was willing to accept work at anything
to make an honest dollar. He found employment
at construction work on the Pennsylvania railroad,
between Xew York and Philadelphia, continuing
thus for two months, when he became ill and for
four months was unable to work. The following
March he was employed by a farmer about twenty-
five miles north of Xew York City, receiving $5
a month for the first two months, when his wages
were increased to $10 a month for the next four
months. He then went to Norwich, Conn., where
a boyhood acquaintance, Jacob Gross, was residing.
On the following day, Sept. 25, T849, ^fr- Jordan
found employment with Orlando Johnson, a farmer
in Lebanon, with whom he remained about three
months, working as a farm hand. His next work
was in the tannery of George Hill, at Lebanon,
where he remained for four years. During the
last year of his working for Mr. Hill Mr. Jordan
was married, and the following spring he went to
Norwich and for seven months was employed on
the premises of Gen. William Williams, a promi-
nent and wealthy citizen there. Returning to Leb-
anon Mr. Jordan located near the tannery where
he was formerly employed, and for a year worked
as a laborer. He then rented a nearby farm, now
occupied by Charles H. Loomis, and there resided
until March. 1852, when he rented his present
farm for a period of five years, buying it at the
end of that time and going heavily into debt for it.
It consists of 172 acres, and nearly all the buildings
now standing were erected by Mr. Jordan. He has
greatly improved the land and has since been en-
gaged as a general farmer.
While advanced in age Mr. Jordan is spry and
active, with faculties but slightly impaired. The
management of the farm has for the past ten years
devolved upon his son Charles. Mr. Jordan is
liberal in his political views, and while he has never
sought political preferment he has served two
terms on the board of relief. He attends the P>ap-
tist Church. He is a self-made man in the fullest
sense of the word, but to his worthy wife is due a
large share of credit for his success ; by their united
energy and perseverance they have won for them-
selves a firm position in the community, and their
integritv is unquestioned.
In Xew York City. Jan. 1, 1853, Mr. Jordan
married Philopena Page, born Dec. 18, 182^, in
the same town as her husband, a daughter of Peter
Paqr : she came to the United States in 1851 with
an uncle. Children as follows were born to this
union: (1) Elizabeth became the wife of Brigham
Spaulding and died in Willimantic. (2) Catherine
married Thomas Little, of Willimantic. and has
three children, Harriet .May, Willard Hill and Fred-
erick Parker. (3) Harriet died unmarried at the
age of twenty-two. (4) Charles and (5) John
(twins) arc both unmarried and residing on the
home farm. (6) William Peter and (7) Frederick
Dwight are mentioned below. A few years ago
Peter Jordan returned to his native land for a
visit, the first he had made since leaving there.
William Peter Jordan was born Feb. 28,
1863, on the homestead in Lebanon. He attended
the district school, the select school at Liberty Hill
taught by Edward S. Hinckley, a well known in-
structor, and the Xatchaug high school at Willi-
mantic, from which he graduated in 1882. Entering
the employ of the Willimantic Linen Co., as a time-
keeper, he worked a few months and then resigned
to teach school. He began teaching in the school
at Lebanon Center, and after one term there taught
a district school at South Coventry for two terms.
He then opened a private school at Lebanon, which
he conducted for two terms. In 1884 he accepted
a position as clerk in the drug store of Wilson &
Leonard, at Willimantic, and was later with Mr.
Wilson, who had bought out his partner and con-
ducted the business alone for a time. In 1890 Mr.
Jordan bought an interest in the store, and the
firm became F. M. Wilson & Co. Mr. Jordan re-
mained there until 1898, when he purchased his
interest in his present business from the heirs of
the late A. R. Carpenter, who was a partner of
Frederick D. Jordan.
On Xov. 22, 1888, William P. Jordan was mar-
ried to Lina A. Little, of Mansfield, Conn., who
having lost her parents in childhood, was brought
up by a sister. Their children are: Marion R.,
born July 5, 1893; and Maurice P., born Jan. 7.
1897. In politics Mr. Jordan is a Republican, and
he has served one term as alderman for the Second
ward, is now chairman of the Republican city com-
mittee, and is a member of the Republican town
committee. Socially he is a member of Obwebe-
tuck Lodge, Xo. 16, I. O. O. F., and Windham
Encampment, Xo. to, same order, and he has been
a delegate to the Grand Lodge and State Encamp-
ment and through all the chairs of the I. O. O. F.
He attends the Congregational Church.
Frederick Dwight Jordan was horn Feb. is.
1865, in Lebanon, on the farm above mentioned.
11C was reared to agricultural pursuits, and his edu-
cation was received in the district school, at a
select school kept by Edward S. Hinckley, at Lib-
ert)- Hill, which he attended for several terms, and
at the Natchaug high school in Willimantic. The
summer season was devoted to farm work. He then
began teaching school in the Yillage Hill district
and after one term there took charge of the school
at the north end of Lebanon Green, fie was there
one term and then taught two years in the school
at Lebanon Center. In 1886 Mr. Jordan came to
V-4
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
Willimantic and became a clerk for Carpenter &
Fowler, who had a hardware store on the corner of
Main and Railroad streets. He remained there for
three years or until October, 1889, when he became
a partner of Mr. Carpenter, who had dissolved
partnership with Mr. Fowler the previous May
and had established a business in the room now
occupied by Jordan Brothers. The firm became
Carpenter & Jordan and so continued until May,
1898, when William P. Jordan bought the interest
of Mr. Carpenter from the latter's heirs. Mr. Car-
penter having died the month before. The firm
then became Jordan Bros., and has so continued.
On Sept. 5, 1889, Frederick D. Jordan was
married to Nettie M. Brewster, of Lebanon, daugh-
ter of Eldridge and Drucilla (Holberton) Brew-
ster, and a descendant of Elder William Brewster
of the "Mayflower." Their children are: Roland
B., born May 15, 1892; and Myrtle \\, born Aug.
21, 1895. Politically Mr. Jordan's affiliations are
with the Republican party, but his interest in polit-
ical matters ends in the casting of his vote. Socially
he belongs to Obwebetuck Lodge, No. 16, I. O. O.
F. ; and to Willimantic Lodge, No. 7. A. ( ). I". W.
IK attends the Congregational Church.
Jordan Brothers are of the best type of ener-
getic young American business men — the type that
has brought America to the position of commercial
supremacy which she holds to-day. They are wide-
awake and progressive, honorable and upright,
win ile-souled gentlemen.
JOHN OWEN PECKHAM is a descendant
of one of the old New England families, and he is
one of the successful farmers and dairymen of the
town of Preston, New London county.
The name of Beckham has been widely and
honorably known in Rhode Island since its early
settlement. One John Beckham was a settler in
Newport. R. I., in [638. Ble was one of eighteen
associates of William Coddington, who out of fealty
to conscience, and in the search of a larger religious
liberty, went out from the Massachusetts Colony
under the inspiration of Roger Williams and Anne
Hutchinson, to found a plantation which should be
"judged and guided by the absolute laws of Christ."
Mr. Beckham resided in that part of Newport which
afterward became Middletown. He married Mary
Clarke, a sister of Rev. John Clarke, of Bedford-
shire, England, Boston, Mass., and Newport, R. L,
who was intimately associated with Roger Wil-
liams. Mr. Beckham died in 1681, and Mrs. Peck-
ham passed away in 1648.
Benjamin Beckham was born in Rhode Island,
and on coming to Ledyard, Conn., settled upon a
farm, and died there. He married Lucy Wilcox,
also of Rhode Island, and they had fifteen children,
namely: Benjamin, Nathan, Isaac, David, Rouse,
John. Stephen, Hiram, Lucy, Sally, Sophia. Cyrus,
Harry, Eunice and Robert.
Nathan Peckham, son of Benjamin, was born in
Rhode Island, and died in Ledyard, Conn., at the
age of sixty-six years. Brought by his parents, who
were farming people, to Ledyard, he naturally, fol-
lowed the same calling for his life work. He mar-
ried Sarah Perkins, daughter of John Perkins, of
Ledyard, where she died at an advanced age. Of
their children we have the following record: (1)
Robert, born in Ledyard in 1815, died in that town
at the age of seventy-six years, after a life devoted
to farming. He married Almira Sheldon, and they
had two children, Sarah and John. (2) John ( )wen
is mentioned below. (3) Sally married Daniel
Sheldon, of Preston, and died in Ledyard, at the
age of eighty years. They had three children, Bhilo,
Sarah A. and Delano. (4) Appleton, a farmer in
Preston, where he died, married Prudence E. Heath,
of Ledyard, and had three children, Phebe, Ellen
and Abby. (5) Adin, a soldier in the Civil war,
died at his home in Preston, shortly after his re-
turn, unmarried.
John ( )wen Beckham was born in Ledyard Feb.
22, 1817, and he died Dec. 11, 1902, in Preston,
where he had received his educational training.
After leaving school he went to New York State,
where he was for several years engaged in farming.
Returning to Preston, in 1842 he purchased there
the farm upon which his widow now makes her
home. This consisted of about seventy-three acres,
which he greatly improved, placing it in a high
state of cultivation. Thrifty and industrious, after
the manner of the true New Englander, he pros-
pered in his work, and in time became comfortably
well off. Though slight in build, weighing but about
150 pounds, he possessed the nervous energetic
temperament that accomplishes great things. In
his political faith he was a Democrat, but in his
voting in local elections he was never strictly parti-
san. Lie held the offices of assessor and member
of the board of relief, giving good satisfaction to
his constituents for the conscientious manner in
which he performed every duty devolving upon him.
Mr. Peckham was a faithful and consistent mem-
ber of the Ledyard Baptist Church, serving as a
deacon for a number of years. Later he joined the
Preston City Baptist Church, by letter, and there,
too, for a time he held the office of deacon, resigning
only when obliged to do so by ill health.
In 1840 Mr. Peckham married (first) Margaret
Connor, of New York State, who died in 1857. in
Preston. To this union were born: (1) Mary L.
married Giles H. Bliven, a contractor and builder
in Florida, and they had six children, Lucy, John
R.. Robert, Rhoda (deceased), Alice, and Jennie
(deceased). (2) Nancy A. married Albert M.
Brown, a farmer of Ledyard, and they have had
four children, Nancy Ella, Philetus A., Emma, and
Minnie (who died at the age of eighteen years).
(3) Robert A., a farmer in Preston, married (first)
Fannie E. Brown, and (second) Hannah Peckham.
By the first marriage he had three children. Albert
B., Herbert I. and Stephen E. ; and by the second
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
925
two, Hattie and John ( ). (4) Clarissa married
William II. Bennett, a farmer of Preston, and had
four children, Louise, William A., Earl and Charles.
Mr. Bennett's second wife was Nancy Ella Brown,
and they had tour children, two of whom survive,
Albert B. and I [arriet E.
For his second wife John ( ). Peckham married,
Nov. 7, 1858. Sophia Louise Brown, daughter of
Albert and Seviah (Maine) Brown, of Ledyard,
and the four children of this union were as follows:
John ( )., Jr., is mentioned below. Sophia Louise,
born June 6, 1801. married Edward Hollowed, a
farmer of Preston, and they have had five children,
Edward D. (born in 1882, who died in 1893), John
P., Rebecca L., Sophia B. aud Josephine VV. Jo-
seph Tyler, born Jan. 8, 1805, now a farmer on
Laurel Hill, Norwich, married Hannah A. Story,
of Preston, and has two children, Joseph B.
and Mary L. William Hazzard, born May 12, 1871.
is a machinist employed in Norwich, and is
unmarried.
John Owen Peckham, Jr., the subject proper of
this sketch, was born in Preston, Conn., Aug. 12,
1859. His education was acquired in the Tenth
district schools of his native town, and at a select
school in Preston City, where he attended two terms.
At the age of seventeen he began work on the home
farm, and there he continued actively employed un-
til he was twenty-three years of age. Meantime,
however, he had worked out occasionally by the
month. When he left home he went to Last Great
Plain, and was there employed b\ Mrs. Lyman Ran-
dall for three years as foreman on her farm, during
which time he also ran a milk route in Norwich.
Lor one year he held a similar position on the farm
of R. E. Turner, on Laurel Hill, Norwich, in the
latter place also having an opportunity for car; en-
tering, a trade he had taught himself. Being mar-
ried about this time he leased a 100-acre farm in
Ledyard, known as the Theophilus Avery farm,
where for two years he carried on general farming.
In March, 1889, he purchased his present fine farm
in Preston, near the Norwich City line, on the east
side of the river, where he has 200 acres of rich land,
which yields him liberal returns for the labor he
wisely expends upon it. Upon his land is located
the plant of the Continental Compressed Air Com-
pany, which furnishes compressed air for power
purposes to Norwich industries. Mr. Peckham is
also extensively engaged in dairying, keeping from
twenty to twenty-five cows, and running a milk-
route in Norwich.
Politically Mr. Peckham is a Republican, hut
he is too busy to take an active part in party work,
and besides an occasional service on the grand jur\
he has steadfastly declined to accept offices, lie is
a member of the Preston City Baptist Church, and
for several years held the office of librarian, for
three years was assistant superintendent of the Sun-
day-school, and for four years superintendent ; he
is also a member of the church committee. In all
his work in the church he finds an able second in his
wife, who is also an active member of thai faith.
On March 13, 18X7, Mr. Peckham was united
in marriage with Anna Elizabeth Avery, daughter
of rheophilus and Mary Lydia (Corning) Avery,
of Ledyard, farming j eople of that town, both now-
deceased. Two children have come to brighten their
home: Florence Belle, born July 28, [891; and
Howard Clifton, born Nov. 6, 1892. Mr. Peckham
is one of the enterprising farmer.- of the town,
owes his success to his own unaided efforts. He is
practical and progressive, and is a man of main
friends. I lis home is always open, and the poor
and needy are sure to Hud there rest and com for*:.
PERKINS. The Perkins family of Groton,
which is represented by Charles Clark Perkins, of
New London, Conn., originated in France, where
(I) Pierre de Morlaix. its progenitor, was born.
He married Agnes Taylor, and the next generation
was represented by (II) Henry Pierrekin. who be-
came the father of (III) John Perkins, as the name
was softened, who was high steward of the estate
of Hugo Despenser. It is recorded in family rec-
ords that ( IV) John Perkins was lord of the manor
of Madrasfield, as well as steward of the Despenser
estate, and was living during the reign of King
Henry VI, and continued to hold the stewardship
when the heiress of that famous family married the
sovereign. His children were: John, born ior_p
died [686; Thomas, born [616; Elizabeth, born
[618, died in 1700; Jacob, born 1024. died Ian. 29.
1700: and Lydia, born 1632, died in 1O72.
( V) Jacob Perkins, son of John, had the follow-
ing family: Elizabeth, born 1649; John, born 1652;
Judith, born 1055 ; Mary, born 1658; Jacob. Jr.,
horn 1662; Mathew, born 1665; Hannah, born
[670; Joseph, born 1074; and Jabez, born 1077.
(VI) Jacob Perkins, Jr., son of Jacob, through
his first wife had children : Jacob, born [685 : John,
born Sept. 21. 1087; and Elizabeth, born [690.
( )f a second marriage the following children were
born: Llisha, in [694; Sarah, in 1696: Mary, in
[698; Hannah, in 1701 : and Judith in [705.
(VII) John Perkins, son of Jacob, Jr., is first
mentioned in connection with Groton. He was
horn Sept. 21, [687, and on Aug. 26, 171 1, married
Sarah Bailey, of Groton. Their children were as
follows: John, born Aug. 31, 1713 ; William, Aug.
13, 1718; and Jacob, Aug. 1, 1721.
(VIII) John Perkins (2). sou of John, the
eldest of the above family, was married July 6,
1737, to Mary Shoales, who died in June, [795,
aged seventy-five years. They bad children as fol-
lows: Abigail and Pathsheba, twins, horn April
29i iJ^'- Candace, born Aug. 20, 1740; Rufus, horn
Sept. 28, 1743; Jacob, born April 7. 1 7 4 > ; Pru-
dence, born Oct. i<;, 1748; John, born June 26,
1751 : Mary, born Oct. 3. 1753: and Sarah, horn
March 9, 1756.
(IX) Rufus Perkins, son of John (2). mar-
926
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
ried Sarah Stewart, of Stonington, and their chil-
dren were: Rufus, Robert, Jabez, Elijah, Asa.
William, Dudley, Phineas, Remember and Esther.
1 X ) Phineas Perkins, son of Rufus, took 'part
in the defense of Fort Griswold at Groton Heights
during the Revolutionary war. He married a
Daboll, and their four children were : Henry,
Phineas, John and Servillian.
(XI) Servillian Perkins, the youngest son of
Phineas Perkins, was born Aug. 8, 1808, and died
Nov. 18, 1878. He married Aug. 9, 1832, Lucy
B. Potter, born May 23, 1814, of Noank, a member
of one of the oldest families in the county ; she died
Aug. 31, 1856. Their children were all born in
Noank. Conn., and were as follows : Charles C,
born Nov. 5, 1833, died in California; Albert W. ;
Hiram ; John, born June 15, 1841, resides in Cali-
fornia ; Sophronia, born Sept. 3, 1846, married
John Griffin, of Xew York City ; Anson, born in
1848, died at an early age; Howard, born June 10,
1850. married Ida Leathers. Oct. 31, 1870, and re-
sides in San Francisco, Cal. ; and Alice Lucy, born
March 15, 1855, married Samuel E. Tyler, April
7, 1879, and they reside in Xew London. Servillian
Perkins was a sailor and fisherman. In 1849 he
went with a party to California where he engaged
in prospecting for a few years. Returning to Con-
necticut, he bought a fishing sloop in which he went
after cod to George's Banks.
( XT1 ) Albert W. Perkins, the leading dry-goods
merchant of Xoank, in the town of Groton, was born
there Oct. 3, 1835. He was about ten years old
when he began to accompany his father on his fish-
ing and coasting expeditions, and continued to
follow this life for twenty-four years. On April 1,
1870. he embarked in a mercantile business in
Xoank, where he is now considered one of the most
substantial and reliable citizens.
On Jan. 22, 1858, Mr. Perkins married Julia
Avery Burrows, of Groton Bank, daughter of
Austin and Almira (Hill) Burrows. Her maternal
great-grandfather, Samuel B. Hill, was among the
slain at the massacre at Fort Griswold. Six chil-
dren have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Perkins,
namely: (1) Lucy Burrows, born Sept. 18, 1861,
married Charles I. Fitch, born March 2y, T859,
and they have had five children : Marion Josephine,
born Aug. 17, 1883, married Jerome S. Anderson,
of Stonington ; Howard Malcolm, born Dec. 14,
1884, died Dec. 18. 1884; Herbert Warren, born
March 16, 1887; Julia Alberta, born Aug. 7, 1889;
and Maria Wilbur, born June 4. 1894. (2) Charles
Clark was born Nov. 5, 1864. (3) Almira Hill,
born June 18, 1868, married Otto AY. Monroe, of
Providence, R. I., and they have three children:
Howard Earle. born April 9, 1888 ; Edith Louise,
born Dec. 4, 1891 ; and Clifton Irving, born Dec.
28. 1894. (4) Warren Chesebro, born Aug. 14,
1870, married Flora Stanton, of Stonington, at
Noank. Conn., and they have one child, Esther.
(5) Albert W., Jr., born Nov. 2, 1880, is engaged
in the mercantile business. (6) Abbie Howard
was born Nov. 1, 1882. Mr. Perkins is a loyal
supporter of the Republican party, and has served
in various offices, being at the present time, grand
juror. He is a Master Mason in Charity and Relief
Lodge, and he is the first charter member of the
A. O. U. W. of Xoank, now of Mystic. Religiously
he belongs to the Baptist Church at Xoank, one
which has an interesting history. He and wife
have spent forty-two of their forty-seven years of
married life in their present comfortable residence
at Xo. 58 Main street.
Charles Clark Perkins was born Nov. 5,
[864, at Noank, Conn., where he was educated in
the public schools. At the age of seventeen, after
gaining some experience in mercantile pursuits in
his father's store he went to Providence, R. I.,
where he was employed in a wholesale gentlemen's
furnishing store in the several capacities of sales-
man, entry clerk and commercial traveler. While
in Providence he supplemented his early education
by taking a business college course, but later, on ac-
count of his father's failing health, he returned to
Noank, and assumed charge of the latter's business.
In 1885, when Johnson & Shurts opened their Xew
York store in Xew London, he went there, at the
same time retaining his interest in his father's busi-
ness. After serving as second salesman in the new
establishment for four years, he embarked in the hat
and furnishing business, and in April, 1889, he
bought out George W. Meeker, hatter and furnisher.
Owing to the smallness of the store he gave it the
name of the "Hat Box," one which soon became
associated with the most choice selections of hats,
caps and furnishing goods. So successful did this
enterprise prove that two years later, when the new
Cronin block was completed, he removed there,
changing the "Hat Box" to the "Hat Palace."
Mr. Perkins continued to push his business, and
two years later he established a branch in Norwich,
buying out John C. Clark, and conducting the busi-
ness under the firm name of Perkins & Montgom-
ery, until he withdrew from the connection in 1894.
In the following year the firm of C. C. Perkins &
Co. was formed by the consolidation of the "Hat
Palace" and the old establishment of Shepard &
Harris. S. E. Tyler was admitted to the firm, and
the business was removed to Xo. 130 State street,
in November, 1895. Five years later Mr. Tyler
withdrew from the business, and the firm became
Baumes & Perkins, and so continued for two years
when Mr. Perkins sold his interest to Baumes &
Co. On March 7, 1903, Mr. Perkins purchased
the clothing house of C. B. Ware, which had been
in existence for thirty-five years. This is now the
Perkins Clothing Company, incorporated.
On Xov. 27, 1887, Mr. Perkins was united in
marriage with Miss Hattie S. Fish, daughter of
Samuel W. and Amanda J. (Smith) Fish. They
have one child, Alice Tyler Perkins, born March
27,, 1891.
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
927
Mr. Perkins is Past Grand of Mohegan Lodge,
[.O.O. F. and Past ( hief Patriarch, and Past Dis-
trict Deputy of the Encampment; a member oi
Sprague Lodge, A. O. U. W., of which he is over-
seer; Past Leader of the Home Circle: a member
of the Jibboom Club, and of the Sons of the Amer-
ican Revolution; and ex-president of the New Lon-
don Business Men's Association. He is a director
of the State Business Men's Association, and was
secretary of the committee that drew up the con-
stitution and by-laws of that association at its or-
ganization in New Haven. He is a member of the
Xew London County Historical Society, and treas-
urer of the committee appointed by the society to
raise funds for the John Winthrop monument. In
politics he affiliates with the Republican party. His
musical ability has led him to become chorister of
his own church, the Second Presbyterian, and also
of the Third Baptist Church. He is a trombone
soloist of unusual skill, and for several years pla
in Wight's orchestra at the Lyceum Theatre. On
May 26, [894 he enlisted in the com; any band of
the 3rd Conn. X. G., and had served for five years
previously, and was honorably discharged June 6,
1896. Mr. Perkins has been at various times hon-
ored by offices of trust, and for four years was
treasurer of the Young Men's Christiain Associa-
tion. He takes great interest in young men. and
organized the Success Club, a literary and debating
society at the Y. M. C. A. The first year this so-
ciety won the prize for being the most progressive
in the United States.
CODDINGTON W. SWAN (deceased), in his
day one of Montville's progressive and industrious
farmers and a respected citizen, was a descendant of
an old Xew England family, he being in the sev-
enth generation in direct line from Richard Swan.
(I) Richard Swan, the emigrant ancestor, and
progenitor of the Swan family of Connecticut and
Rhode Island, appears first on this side of the At-
lantic ocean in Boston, Mass. His wife died in
England before he came to this country. Later he
settled in Rowley, Mass., where he remained dur-
ing the rest of his life, becoming a prominent citi-
zen in that place, representing the town in the
Massachusetts General Court in [666, and many
years thereafter. He served in King Philip's war.
and in the expedition to Canada. He married for
his second wife, March t, [658, Mrs. Ann Trum-
bell. His death occurred May 14. 1678. The chil-
dren born to him were: Richard, Frances, Robert,
Jonathan. Susan. Sarah and John.
(II) Robert Swan, born in 1628, married Eliza-
beth Acie. In [650, with his family, he became an
inhabitant of Haverhill. Mass., where many of his
descendants have lived. He was a soldier at the
Great Swamp Fight in King Philip's war. in Lieut.
Benjamin Swett's Company. His first wife died in
[689, and he married for his second wife, on April
1. 1690, Hannah Rtiss. His death occurred Feb.
11. [698. The children born in him by his first
marriage were: Elizabeth, Sarah, Robert, Ann.
Richard. Timothy, Dorothy, John, Samuel. Samuel
(2), Joshua and ( 'aleb.
(Ilh John Swan, born Aug. '. . [668, married
Aug. 1, [699, Mrs. Susanna Wood, widow
of Thomas Wood, who with three of his
children was killed by the Indians. March
15. if>o7. Mr. Swan and his family came
to Stonington in the year 1707. and he located
(ii what is now known as Swan Town Hill. Xorth
Stonington, and there died May 1. 1743. aged sev-
enty-five years. His wife survived until Dec. 20,
1772, being then in her one hundredth year. The
following children were born to them at Haverhill,
Mass. : John. Ruth and William: while Nathaniel,
Asa, Elizabeth and Timothy were born in Ston-
ington.
(IV) William Swan was born June 24, 1706, in
Haverhill, Mass., and married Jan. 20. 1726. Thank-
ful Holmes, who died Sept. 7. 1742. He married
April 14. 1743, Anna Smith, of Groton. The chil-
dren born to him by his first marriage were: Mary,
Abigail, Thankful, William, Desire and Ruth. By
his second marriage he had two children : Anna
and Charles.
(Y) Charles Swan, born May 24. 1746, in Ston-
ington, Conn., grandfather of our subject, married
March 21, 1779, Eunice Barnes, and their children
were: Amos married Betsey Palmer: Charles mar-
ried Cynthia Brewster ; Frederick married Betsey
Stewart: Louisa died in infancy: Christopher died
young; Sabra married James Bailey; Dcnison mar-
ried Caroline Bailey ; Coddington B. married Cyn-
thia Hewitt ; Eunice married John Meech ; William
married Deborah Ann Brown ; Ephraim married
Julia A. Grinnell ; Christopher \ 2 I was lost at sea.
(VI) Coddington Billings Swan, born Jan. 15,
1784, in Stonington, Conn., died in Montville, Conn.
He was successfully engaged in farming all his life,
and removed to Montville when our subject was a
small lad, settling in the northwestern part of the
town, near Gardner's lake, where the remainder of
his useful life was spent. In political faith he was a
Whig, and later became a Republican, and he held
some of the lesser town offices.
Coddington B. Swan married Cynthia Hewitt,
of Stonington. and their children were: Lucy mar-
ried Cyrus Gardner, of Montville, and both are now-
deceased; Coddington W.. is mentioned below; Or-
rin never married, dying in California, whither he
went during the gold fever excitement ; Isaac mar-
ried Lydia A. Whiting, and died in Montville,
where he was a successful farmer, but his widow
des in Norwich; Sarah Hillhouse married Jede-
diah R. Gay, of Montville, and is now deceased.
(VII) Coddington W. Swan was born in Wa-
ter ford. Conn.. July 2~ . [822, and came with his
ents to Montville when but a small boy, there
receiving his education. After leaving school he
became engaged in farming with his father, and for
928
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
several years was engaged in butchering for George
Loomis, of Norwich. He then took up steamboat-
ing, and for some years ran on the steamboats be-
tween Norwich and Xew York. In 1849, attracted
by the news of the discovery of gold, he went to
California, and there remained for two or three
years, but as his health was unequal to the strain
he returned home via the Panama route, although
he went out around Cape Horn. During his stay
in California he worked on steamboats, and re-
ceived as much as $100 per week for his services,
but as everything was so very expensive the profit
was not so great after all. On his way home Mr.
Swan was robbed on board of one of the vessels of
$2,000, his savings, together with nearly all his
clothing. Upon his arrival home he bought the
Sherrod Hillhouse farm at Montville, consisting
of about 160 acres, and was there successfully en-
gaged in farming until his death, which occurred
June 13, 1892, in Montville, Conn. In political
faith Mr. Swan was a Republican, but he did not
desire public office. However, he served his town
as assessor, grand juror and as a member of the
board of selectmen. Religiously he was a member
of the .Montville Congregational Church.
Mr. Swan was a man of a genial, jovial disposi-
tion, and possessed a robust constitution. He was
about five feet, eight inches, in height, and weighed
ordinarily 225 pounds, at times more. He was a
very hardworking, industrious man, conscientious
in his dealings with others, and honorable to a
marked degree. Although he had not been in good
health for some years prior to his death, he worked
as usual until two years previous to the end. His
health never recovered from the effects of his hard
life in California, and only his determination kept
him up.
On Dec. 31, 1851, Mr. Swan was married to
Miss Susan Williams, daughter of Prentice and
Abby Cliff ( Prentice) Williams. Mr. Williams
was a farmer of Montville, residing on what is
known as Raymond Hill. Mrs. Swan was born in
Ledyard, Conn., Nov. 21. 1828, and is now making
her home on the old Swan homestead where her
husband passed away. The children born of this
congenial marriage, all at Montville, wree as fol-
lows: Susan Williams, born Nov. 14, 1852, mar-
ried Frank E. Austin, of Montville, who is em-
ployed as watchman at Robertson's paper mill ; their
children are Belle W.. Grace Alice, Edith and Reu-
ben. Cynthia Abby, born May 24. 1854, is now
head teacher in Miss Hill's school for girls in Phil-
adelphia ; she studied three years in Germany and
one year in France, and is a most accomplished and
highly educated lady. Lucy Victoria, born Feb.
29, 1856, married Charles W. Hewitt, of Preston,
Conn., where he is engaged in farming; their chil-
dren are Julia A. W., Myrtle and Charles. Sarah
Caroline, born May 18, 1857, married Harold O.
White and they are now living in Jacksonville, 111.,
where he is a prominent member of the musical
profession ; they have no children. Eleanor Eliza
was born March 19, 1859, and died May 20, 1864.
jane Cliff, born Oct. 0, i860, married Richard
De Witt Perry, and they are living at Elyria, Ohio,
where he is interested in, and superintendent of, a
screw and tap works; their children are Philip, Hes-
ter, Richard and Pauline. Isabelle C. was born May
11, 1862, and died Sept. 26, 1863. Coddington
Amos, born Dec. 28, 1863, married Jennie Parsons,
of Norwich, and their children are Hazel and Roy ;
he is now electrician for Eaton, Chase & Co., of
Norwich. William Morgan, born March 31, 1866,
married Minnie Leight, of Norwich, and died June
3, 1894, in St. Paul, Minn., where he was engaged in
railroading; their children were Minnie Susan, Will-
iam Anton and Grant Coddington. Grant Prentice,
born March 12, 1868, died Sept. 6, 1886, unmar-
ried ; he was employed on steamboats between Nor-
wich and New York. Merton Orrin, born Aug. 18,
1872, has conducted the home farm since his
father's death; he married Nov. 25, 1891, Frances
Wilcox, of Bozrah, Conn., and his children are
Mildred, Abby and Merton Linnell.
EVERETT LeROY CRANE, member of the
board of selectmen and one of the prosperous men
of Groton, Conn., was born in District No. 2. Gro-
ton, Aug. 12, 1856, son of LeRoy DeLoss Crane,
who was born in South Glastonbury, Conn.
His grandfather, Ralph Crane, was a life-long
resident of Glastonbury, where he taught school for
fifty-eight seasons, and was a man of good education.
A portion of his time was spent in drawing up wills,
settling estates and at one time he represented
Glastonbury in the legislature of Connecticut.
LeRoy D. Crane, the father, came to Groton
when he was twenty-one years of age, locating
near the navy yard, where he represented his fa-
ther's interests in the ice business, he acting- as gen-
eral manager of the business. About 1864, he en-
gaged in keeping a restaurant at Groton, Conn.,
and for the past twenty-four years he has owned
and operated a successful livery business at Groton
bank. He married Jane B. Whipple, daughter of
William W. and Cynthia W. Whipple. She died
in 1862, the mother of two children: Everett Le-
Roy ; and Ella J., who died at the age of three
years. In politics Mr. Crane is a stanch Democrat.
Everett LeRoy Crane spent his boyhood days in
the second and first districts of Groton, until 1869,
when he entered Bartlett high school, and there re-
mained until 1872, when he was graduated there-
from. The first work of Mr. Crane was done for
his grandfather Whipple in the market business in
( iroton, and he continued in the same line for
Erastus Gallup, of Groton. When but eighteen,
he went to Washington, D. C, with George Hunt-
ley, and remained a year, and upon his return,
worked for his grandfather for two years. In 1878
he embarked in teaming and trucking, and also in
the ice business with Frank Gardiner, under the
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
929
name of Crane & Gardiner. This partnership ex-
isted for a year, when Mr. Crane purchased the in-
terest of Mr. Gardiner, and continued the business
until the preesnt day.
( )n May I, 1879, Mr. Crane was married to Miss
Bertha M. Chapman, daughter of Edmund C. and
Susan A. Chapman, of Groton. The children born
of this union are: Ralph \\\, born June 28, 1881,
attending- Yale medical school ; Cassie Louise, born
June 15, 1889, attending the high school at New
London.
Mr. Crane has a large amount of tenement prop-
erty in Groton, and is one of the most popular men
in that place. For four years he served Groton as
selectman ; for two years was assessor, and in 1892
was representative from Groton in the Legislature.
In politics he has always been a Democrat. In
1886 he joined the A. O. U. W. ; in 1888 he joined
the Charity and Relief Lodge, F. & A. M. at Mys-
tic ; in 1889, Benevolence Chapter ; in 1892, he united
with Mohegan lodge I. O. O. F. ; and became a
member of the Fairview lodge when it was insti-
tuted. He is a member of the Knights of Pythias
Mystuxet Lodge at Mystic, and is also a member of
the Workmens Benefit Association of Boston, Mass.
In all of these organizations he is a very prominent
and active member. Mr. Crane is highly respected
in the community in which he makes his home, and
the success which has attended his efforts is but the
just result of honest endeavor directed along legiti-
mate lines.
FREDERICK H. BREWER, a well known
citizen of the town of Groton, was born in Norwich,
Conn., May 24, 1834, the youngest of the eleven
children of Lyman and Harriet (Tyler) Brewer.
Mr. Brewer is a descendant of an old family, the
record of which appears elsewhere. He was edu-
cated in the school of Dr. Roswell Park, at Pom-
fret, where he studied for six years. In 1852 he
went to Buffalo, where he was engaged for sixteen
years in the Cuban shook trade, as a member of the
firm of Story & Polhemus. In 1869 he returned to
Connecticut and settled upon his farm, near West
Mystic Station. He was proprietor for ten years of
the "Nawyaug House," on Mystic Island, now called
the "Mystic Island House," which was built in 1857,
and was owned by his brother, William. Politi-
cally Judge Brewer is a Democrat, for twelve years
served as justice of the peace, and has been regis-
trar of voters. At the present time he is one of the
School Visitors of the town of Groton. He is a
master Mason, belonging to Washington Lodge. No.
240, Buffalo, and religiously is a member of the
Episcopal Church, in which he served as Vestry-
man and Clerk of the parish.
In 1859 Judge Brewer was married, in Buffalo,
to Rebecca Holmes, daughter of Robert Holmes, of
that place. Mr. and Mrs. Brewer have five chil-
dren: Lyman, who is a Wells Fargo agent at Paso
Robles, Cal., married Eva Cross, and they have four
59
children, Irene, Ruth, Frederick and Lyman; Har-
riet L. married Thomas J. Topham, of Albu-
querque, X. M. ; and Julia P.. Ellen Tyler and
Frances 1 [ale.
RUSSELL MATTES* )\ BROWN, now liv-
ing in retirement in Jewett City, has by persistent
efforts and indomitable courage made a splendid
success of whatever he has turned his hand to in
life. As a butcher, a teamster and real estate
dealer he has pushed his business to the front and
made a large income : and while engaged in farming
he was among the first to get his products on the
market. As a soldier in the Civil war he made an
excellent record. He has displayed much ability
in the discharge of public duties, in the performance
of which he has long been engaged. He comes of
a family of hard workers and efficient public
leaders.
Seth Brown, his grandfather, familiarly known
as Judge Brown, was a prominent agriculturist
and able participant in public affairs of West
Greenwich, R. P. for a great many years. He was
probably born and reared in that place. Upon
reaching manhood he there settled upon a farm,
which he managed with success, making a very
considerable income. A part of this he wisely in-
vested, and became one of the large propertv owners
in the vicinity. He spent his last days with his son
Seth, in Voluntown. Conn., and died there. His
remains, however, are interred in the cemetery at
West Greenwich. He married Watey Bailey, a
native of West Greenwich, and, after her death,
Lois Carpenter. Both wives died in West Green-
wich. His children, all by his first union, are now-
deceased : Lydia married Potter Wilcox, of Gris-
wold. Conn. Nathaniel is mentioned below. .Mien,
a manufacturer of wooden ware in Southbridge.
Mass., for some years, later an Illinois farmer, and
a resident of Springfield (where he died ). married
a Miss Green, and, after her death, Hannah Ellis.
of Wroodstock, Conn. Ambrose, an extensive
farmer of Plainfield, Conn., was four times married,
and died in West Greenwich, R. I. Seth. a farmer
of Voluntown, Conn., married Polly Matteson.
Alfred, who lived in Rhode Island, died at Greene,
in that State, in 1856; and Josiah died young. As
a Whig Judge Brown was very influential in local
politics, and filled many public offices with marked
efficiency.
Major Nathaniel lb-own, born in West Green-
wich, R. P. Aug. 31, 1801, possessed an irresistible
desire for change of situation and, to some extent,
occupation, with the laudable purpose of bettering
his condition, and being a man of sound judgment
usually succeeded in accomplishing what be aimed
at. As a young man starting for himself in life he
went to Seitu.'iie, R. I., and hired out as head man
on the extensive farm owned by Mr. Jenkins. A
short test proved that he bad much ability for
directing affairs, and he remained in charge" of the
930
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
place for seven years. By this time he had accum-
ulated some means of his own, and purchased on
Dudley Hill, near Dudley, Mass., a large farm,
whither he moved his family and began working for
himself. Though successful in his management,
at the end of two years he sold the property and
moved to Griswold, Conn. Here he bought what
was known as the Pine Tree farm, a heavily
wooded tract, and a well improved piece of prop-
erty. He worked this place for about three or four
years. Then desiring a change of occupation, he
moved to Norwich, 'and later to Greeneville, Conn.
In the last place he erected a meat market, which
was the first one started in that town, and engaged
in the meat business. The new shop proved to be
just what the place needed. Tt was well patronized,
and he continued to run it for seven or eight years,
clearing for himself a large income. During this
■period he had disposed of the Pine Tree farm, and
now, desirous of resuming agriculture, he pur-
chased in the southern part of the town of Plain-
field the attractive Woodward place, now owned
and occupied by Caleb Bishop. Here he put in
several hard and successful years of labor, and
then made his last change, purchasing the Albert
■Greene farm in Griswold, a short distance north-
east of the borough of Jewett City. After some
years here he retired from active work, and took up
his residence with his son Russell M. He died in
Criswold. Conn., Aug. II, 1891.
During bis young manhood Nathaniel Brown
married Phebey Matteson, who was born in West
Greenwich, R. I., in 181 r, and died in Criswold,
Conn., Jan. 9, 1894, at the age of eighty-two
years and six months. By this marriage there
were three children: (1) Russell Matteson is men-
tioned below. (2) Josiah, born in West Greenwich
Aug. II, 183 1 , died in Houston. Texas, Nov. 22,
1872. He married Elizabeth Tierce, daughter of
Freeman and Eunice (Babcock) Pierce, of North
Stonington, Conn., granddaughter of Freeman and
Nancy (Cook) Pierce, and great-granddaughter of
Joseph Cook, of Stonington. Conn. Mr. and Mn=
Josiah Brown had four children — Phebey Lillian,
born Aug. 25, l86l, who died Aug. 22, 1864; Allen,
Josiah, born Nov. 4, 1863, married Martha Cong-
don and has one son, Ernest A. : Philip Sherman,
born Oct. 5. 1868. died at the age of fifteen years ;
Watev A., born June 19, 1871, married F. C. Whit-
ing, of Jewett City, and they have two children,
May Aurelia and Bessie Elizabeth. (3) Watey
Ann, born in Scituate, R. I., Feb. 20, 1833, married
George Stetson and lived in Griswold, Conn. She
died Nov. 22. 1875.
Major Brown's frequent changes of residence
caused him to be widely known throughout Con-
necticut and Rhode Island, and being a man of
much ability and attractive personality he won the
respect and confidence of all who knew him. First
as a Whig, later as a Republican, he was influential
in local politics. For some years he served very
efficiently . as Major of the Rhode Island State
Militia, and upon one occasion engaged in a dress
parade drill with his company at Brooklyn, Conn.
As a successful business man and agriculturist he
attained for himself a very solid prosperity.
Russell Matteson Brown was born in West
Greenwich, R. I., Nov. 25. 1829, and there passed
the first seven years of his life. Due to the family's
frequent change of residence, his education was
acquired in several different places. From the age
of seven until he was fourteen he attended the
public schools in Scituate, R. I., later was a pupil in
Dudley, Mass., and for short periods in Griswold
and Greeneville, Conn. Ambitious for acquiring
some business training, as a young man he hired
out as a teamster for John F. and William Slater,
of Jewett City, and attending to orders promptly and
in other particulars giving satisfaction he remained
with the company for three years. About this time
It's father purchased the Woodward farm in Plain-
field, and. assisting in the payment of the place, he
moved there and also helped in the management.
Making a good income and wisely saving his earn-
ings, he later went to Baltic and opened a meat
market. Working up a paying custom, and giving
general satisfaction, he made well out of the busi-
ness and continued it three years. The large farm
which his father was still carrying on now requir-
ing his attention, he closed out his meat business
and went home. Soon after this the Civil war
broke out, and in response to the urgent call for
soldiers, he enlisted, in August, 1862, in Company
F, 18th Conn. V. I., and went to the front. He
engaged in some pretty hard fighting, was in eigh-
teen battles, among them such historic ones as
Winchester, Lynchburg, Piedmont, and Snicker's
Gap, and escaped without once having to accept
hospital treatment. He was discharged at Harper's
Ferry, in June, 1865. Soon after returning home
he went to Westerly, R. I., and there purchased of
Squire Richard Brown the teaming business, having
previously bad experience in that line of work.
After a year, however, he discontinued it and, going
to Jewett City, engaged in contract work. The
large reservoir and many cellars for the Ashland
Company were among his excavations. While re-
siding in this place he opened a meat market and
engaged in the meat business for many years. His
previous experience helped him somewhat in this
line, and he met with unqualified success, making
considerable money out of the venture. In 1890,
however, he closed out this business to turn his
attention more especially to another industry in
which he had at the same time been engaged. About
1882 he had purchased of Eben Phillips a favorably
located farm of fifty acres within the city limits.
With much business sagacity he improved the
property by laying out streets and building lots, and
here engaged in a regular real estate business. This
he continued for a number of years after closing
out his meat business, and sold large numbers of
GEM- A LOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
CM
lets, from which he realized excellent profits. Fin-
ally, however, a few years ago, believing he had
done his share of hard work in this world, he re-
tire.! from business, and is now living a I sureb life.
In [852 Mr. Brown married Merc) A. Rede,
of Lisbon, Conn., and alter her death married Mrs.
Elizabeth Brown, widow of Josiah Brown, in 1877.
By the first marriage there were two children:
Georgiana, now deceased; and Emily Estella, born
June 1, 1850. who married Ernest Branges, of
Oakland, Cal., and had one daughter, Jessie.
Mr. Brown, as a man of large resources, has
always been prominent in public affairs and never
backward in the performance of social duties. As
a Republican he lias been called upon to fill many
public offices, and has served two years very accep-
tably as street commissioner, a post of honor he
was finally obliged to resign on account of more
pressing duties elsewhere. He belongs to the G.
A. R.. Sedgwick Post, Xo. I, of Norwich: Mount
Vernon Lodge, No. j^, A. F. & A. M. ; Reliance
Lodge. Xo. 29, I. O. O. F. ; and Undaunted Lodge.
No. 34, K. of P., all of Jewett City, being a charter
member of the last two lodges and having served
as an officer in both. He is widely known and highly
respected, especially in Jewett City, where he has
many warm friends.
HEXRY LEWIS, the well known and success-
ful merchant at Fitchville, in the town of Bozrah,
is an excellent example of a purely self-made man.
Having been left an orphan at an early age, he
early learned the lessons of industry, the value of
a dollar, and unaided has fought his way to a place
among the successful business men of the county.
He is of Scottish descent, his parents having been
natives of Scotland.
Mr. Lewis was born Oct. 18, 1858, in New
London, Conn., and at the age of five years was left
an orphan. He and his only brother. David F.,
now a foreman in the factory at Fitchville. were
brought up in a good family in Montville, Henry
Lewis receiving such educational advantages as
were furnished by the district schools, which he at-
tended until fourteen years old. At that age he
began to work at small wages in the factory of
Elisha H. Palmer, at Palmertown, and was em-
ployed there until 1886, when the mill at Fitchville
was started. He became a foreman in the latter
mill and there remained until Nov. 4. 1892, when
he purchased the general store of E. T. Loonier, at
Fitchville, paying for it with His savings. By strict
attention to business lie has built up a large trade,
commanding a patronage he fully deserves.
On Jul_\- 25. 1889, Mr. Lewis was married, in
Fitchville, to Angeline B. Bentley, a native of
North Stonington, Conn., daughter of the late
John S. and Ellen M. (Davis) Bentley, who are
mentioned elsewhere. Children as follows we're
n to this union: John B., William II., Edith E..
Roswell E. and Sarah L.
Mr. Lewis is not bound by party ties in his
political belief. He votes for the best man in 1
matters, and supported McKinley at both elections.
He has never cared for public office, although Ik- is
serving as assistant town clerk, and is postmaster,
to which latter office he was a pointed in [893 by
President Cleveland: he has held that office ever
since. Since 1894 he has been a member of the
New London County Fair Association, and
in 1902 he was elected a director 01 thai
organization. Fraternally he is a thirty-sec-
ond degree Mason, being a member of St.
James Lodge, Xo. 23, A. F. & A. M., Frank-
lin Chapter, Franklin Council, and Columbian Com-
mandery, at Norwich. He attends the Baptist
Church at Fitchville, of which his wife is a member,
and of which he is a liberal supporter. Mr. Lewis is
a genial man, accommodating to all, and bears a
high reputation for integrity. He ranks among the
substantial and well-to-do men of the town, and none
stands any higher in the esteem of his fellowmen.
ROLLIN R. CHURCH has for the past twenty
years prominently identified himself with the busi-
ness interests of Jewett City, first as a contractor
and builder, and later as an extensive dealer in
lumber and coal. Scptare dealing, conscientious
work and promptness in filling orders have won
him the confidence of the community. He is con-
sidered thoroughly reliable in every respect, and
his trade is one of the largest of its kind in the vicin-
ity, and is steadily increasing.
Mr. Church was born in Macon, Ga., Sept. 14.
1839, son of Rodman E. and Maria Xarissa
I Strong) Church, and on both sides of the house
has ancestors of note in the early history of this
country. On the maternal side he descends from
the first settlers of the town of Durham, Conn., and
from ancestors who came early to Xew England
and were active and prominent in the founding of
several towns in Massachusetts and Connecticut.
The Strongs of Durham, Conn., descend from Elder
John Strong, a native of Taunton. England, who
came to Xew England in the 'Alary and John." in
company with Rev. John Warham anel John Maw-
rick, in 1630. Elder Strong was prominent in the
settlement of Dorchester. Hingham. Taunton. Wind-
sor (Conn.) and Northampton.
Thomas Strong 12). grandson of Elder Strong,
and son of Thomas and Mary (Hewett) Strong,
married Mary Stebbens, and soon afterward, in 17 :
removed to Durham. Conn. Several of his sons.
among them Lieut. Eliakim and Deacon Hewett,
followed him to Durham, removing there between
1725 and 1730.
The Parsons family, of Durham, another branch
of Mr. Church's maternal ancestors, descend from
Cornet Joseph Parsons, who emigrated from Eng-
land and became one of the founders of Northamp-
ton, Mass. His wife was Mary Bliss.
Moses Parsons, son of Joseph Parsons (2), was
932
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
an active and prominent character in Northampton,
where he was a lawyer, and served his community
as justice of the peace and judge of the county
court. He and his wife, Elizabeth (Strong), daugh-
ter of Elder Strong, removed to Durham, Conn., in
1709.
Of the Church family, Richard Church, who
came with one of the early companies from England
and first located at Plymouth, Mass., is the first
of whom we have record. He was probably an
uncle of Col. Benjamin Church, who, in [676, com-
manded the party that killed King Philip, and who
later, in 1704, did valiant service against the French
and Indians in eastern Xew England. In 1636
Richard Church moved to Hartford with the Hooker
congregation, and there became a land owner and
one of the original proprietors, drawing twelve
acres in the first land division, in 16395 and sixty
acres in the division of land in East Hartford, in
[666. In 1640 he came into possession of
land in the Cow Pasture, and he also owned
for some time a house and lot .011 Burr
street. He filled offices of trust in the
settlement, being made viewer of chimneys in i<>47;
in 1054 he was relieved by the General Court from
watching, warding and training. In 1037 he volun-
teered his services in the Pequot war, and going to
the front did valiant fighting. Because of church
difficulties, in 1659, he with others, leaving behind
both personal and real estate, moved to Hadley,
Mass. Here, in 1667, he died; and his wife, Annie,
who survived him, passed away at Hatfield, March
10, 1684. Their children were: Edward, John,
Samuel and Mary.
(II) John Church, son of Richard, and the pro-
genitor of the Hartford and Litchfield County
Churches, born about 1036, was made a freeman
in Hartford in 1658. The previous year, 1057, he
married Sarah Beckley, daughter of Richard Beck-
ley, of Xew Haven, and they had ten children :
Richard, John, Samuel, Joseph, Deliverance, Sarah,
Mary, Ruth, Ann, and Elizabeth. Mr. Church died
in 1691.
(III) Samuel Church, son of John, made his
home in Hartford throughout life. In 17 10 he mar-
ried Elizabeth Clark, a widow, and among their
children were Samuel, Jr., and Ebenezer. Mr.
Church died in 1718.
(IV) Samuel Church (2), son of Samuel, was
born in Hartford, and there made his home until
1740. In that year he moved to Bethlehem Society
( incorporated as a town in 1787), Woodbury, Conn.,
where he afterward resided. He followed the trade
of a saddler, working at it for many years in Hart-
ford. He died in Bethlehem Society in 1760, during
the great sickness that nearly desolated that par-
ish. In 1740 he married Mary Porter, of Farming-
ton, Conn., and they had nine children, among
them four sons: (1) Joshua is mentioned below.
(2) Samuel, who with his wife is interred in the
cemetery at Canton, Conn., resided for some time
in Haddam, Conn., and later in Barkhamsted, where
he owned and operated a 100-acre farm. His son
Joseph married, in 1820, Hannah Baker, of Xew
Hartford. He died in 1849, an(l his wife in 1888,
and both are buried in the Barkhamsted cemetery.
They had six children, two of whom are now living
— Elijah, in retirement at Berlin, Conn. ; and Rollin,
in Winsted, Conn. (3) Of Ebenezer we have no
family record. (4) Nathaniel became a soldier
in the Revolution and was severely wounded at
White Plains. He married Lois Ensign, and of
their sons several attained considerable eminence :
Hon. Samuel Church, LL. D., was an eminent law-
yer and judge of Litchfield; Leman is a leading
lawyer in Connecticut; and John R. is a judge in
the State of Ohio.
(Y) Joshua Church, son of Samuel (2) and
Mary Church, resided in Bethlehem, Conn.,
where for many years he was a prominent merchant.
He married and had a number of children, all of
whom were born in Bethlehem, and among whom
were: Samuel, who served as town clerk of Bethle-
hem for many years; and Rollin.
(\'l) Rollin Church, son of Joshua, and grand-
father of Rollin R., resided in Bethlehem. During
his young manhood he married, and he had three
children : Leonard, Rodman E. and Rollin.
(\'Ii) Rodman E. Church, father of Rollin R.,
a forceful man of marked business capacity, was
for many years a prominent merchant of Macon,
Ga. Born in Bethlehem, Conn., he there in a re-
fined home received careful and tender rearing. Up-
on reaching manhood he married, in Durham, Conn.,
Maria Xarissa Strong, and they had four sons:
Lewis; one who died in infancy; Sheldon, born in
[837, who resides in Middletown, Conn.; and Rollin
Rodman, who is mentioned below. During his
young manhood Mr. Church learned the shoemak-
er's trade, and, becoming very proficient at same,
followed it with success for some years. Soon
after his marriage he moved to Macon, Ga., where
he opened a store and engaged in a large mercan-
tile business for many years. Wise management,
courteous reception of customers, and close atten-
tion to his duties, enabled him to secure a large and
paying patronage, and to make an unqualified suc-
cess of his industry, and he was looked upon as one
of the prominent business men of his place. As a
man keenly interested in public affairs, and as a
patriotic Southerner, at the time of the Seminole
war he enlisted and went into the thickest of the
fight. There, in the deadly swamps, he took a
cold from which he never recovered. He died in
1840, his wife passing away six months earlier in
the same year.
(VIII) Rollin R. Church started life under
rather unpropitious circumstances, becoming an or-
phan when scarcely a year old. During his early
years, however, he received careful training in the
home of his grandmother', Hannah (Parsons)
I Strong, in Durham, Conn., where he was taken after
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
933
his parents' deaths. Later he entered the hom<
a relative in Sheffield, Mass., and there grew to
manhood. During- these early years, under the di-
rection of kindly disposed kinsmen, he learned the
trade of a ear; enter, preparatory to embarking upon
life for himself. Close attention to details enabled
him in a short time to thoroughly master his craft,
and later, in Middletown, Conn., he went into busi-
ness by himself. Being successful he continued
there for a number of years. Then, going to New
Haven, he there worked at his trade for two years,
assisting in the erection of several important build-
ings, and many others, in 1884 he located in Jewett
City.
Mr. Church married Elbertine Abel, of Mid-
dletown, Conn., and after her death wedded Ara-
bella Allen, of Middletown, Conn. For his third
wife he married Lydia J. Brown, of Griswold, Conn.,
daughter of Shepherd Brown, and a descendant of
an early New England family. By the first union
there was one child, Lillian, born Oct. II, 1865,
who married Dr. Ernest E. Smith, of New York
City, ami has one son, Howard Elsworth. There
were no children by the second marriage. By the
third there has been one, Martha, born June 12,
l885.
Mr. Church has throughout his life made a point
of centering his forces upon his main line of busi-
ness, and has thus won the confidence of his fellow
citizens and attained a leading position among them.
Though disinclined to seek public office, as a Dem-
ocrat he has always evinced a keen interest in
politics.
Thomas Brown, born in 1628, one of the early
ancestors of Mrs. Church, also of several New Lon-
don county families, resided at Lynn. Mass. He
married Mary Newell, of that place, who was born
in 1O27, and they had three sons: Thomas. John
and Ebenezer. Of these,
Thomas Brown was married, in 1677, to Han-
nah Collins. He died in 1723, and she passed away
May 24, 1 73 1.
Daniel Brown, son of Thomas and Hannah
Br< nil, was born Oct. 9. 1696. He married June
21. 1 72 1, Mary 1 'aimer Breed, and they had eight
children: Samuel, born Oct. 14. T722; Daniel,
March 20. 1725; Walter, who is mentioned below:
Amos. Oct. 28, 1730, who married Eunice Turner
and became an ancestor of Ashe) 1\ Brown : Desire.
July 5, 1733; Christopher. March 17. [736; Nathan,
June 20, 1738; and Xchemiah, July II, 1740.
Walter Brown, son of Daniel and Mary Palmer
(Breed) Brown, was born Feb. 1. 172s. lie had
eleven children: William, born Nov. 20, 1754:
Prudence, Oct. 2. 1756; Elizabeth, Sept. 12, 1758;
Martha, Sept. 25, 1760; Waltie, Nov. 20, [763
(married Avis Kinne ) ; Isaac. March 28, 17
Pardon. March 6, 1 70S ; Mary, 1774 I she married
David Boardman in 1815) : Wheeler. May 1. 177'':
Shepherd, who is mentioned below; and Russell
1\.. May 19, 1798.
Shepherd Brown, son of Waller. was born
March 2^,, 1778. and died Feb. 15, [860, at the age
of eighty-one. On Jan. 6, [805, be married Lucy
Culver, who died Oct. 20, 1847. They had five
children: Shepherd, who is mentioned below;
Maria, born Jan. 26, 1807, who married Ephraim
Browning; Frederick, born May 2, [809, who met
death by drowning; Emily, born Aug. 31, 1813,
who died young: and Sybel, born Jan. ti. 1817,
who also (lied young.
Shepherd Brown (2), son of Shepherd and Lucy
(Culver) Brown, and father of Mrs. Church, was
born Dec. 9. 1805. and died Lei). 1 1, 1873.
WOODBURNE R. WIS. M. D„ one of the
prominent young physicians of Groton, was born in
Xew Brunswick, X. J., Jan. 21. 1866, son of Sam-
uel R. Avis, the latter of whom was a well known
contractor of the Winchester Fire Arms Company,
of New Haven, and a Union soldier, and like his
father a non-secessionist. Samuel R. Avis is a
widely known member of the Masonic order, having
reached the 32c! degree: a member also of Pyramid
Temple, of the Mystic Shrine, and is connected with
a host of other societies. He was born at Martins-
burg, Ma., and married Emma E. Lee. of the same
place, a member of the famous family that num-
bered Robert E. Lee among its distinguished rep-
resentatives.
Dr. Avis spent his early boyhood days in Tren-
ton, X. J-. and later also attended the public schools
at llion. X. Y., and at Providence, R. L. thus reach-
ing his twelfth year. He studied in Joseph ( hies'
private school for boys at Xew Haven ; was under
the private instruction of Dr. Joseph Townsend and
Malcolm Booth, and entered Yale University in
1890. in T892 he entered the College of Physicians
and Surgeons of Baltimore, from which he was
graduated in the class of 1894. The year of 1894
was spent by him in the post-graduate hospital work
at Baltimore. Dr. Avis then took a summer course
at Johns Hopkins Hospital; a winter course at the
Baltimore City hospital ; a summer course in the
Xursery and Childs hospital. In September, 1894,
having completed a five years' course in four years,
he located at Xo. 366 Whally avenue, Xew Haven.
In 1896 he located at North Canaan. Litchfield Co.,
Conn., where he practiced until 1900. and then came
to Groton, Conn. His practice is large and con-
stantly increasing throughout the town and its
vicinity. His specialties are diseases of the heart
and nerve-.
Dr. Avis is a member of Fairview Lodge, Xo.
101. 1. ( ). ( ). P.. Groton; Orion Encampment, Xo.
4. Xew London; Canton Unity, Xo. 19, Patriarchs
Militant. Xew London: Grand Canton Sassacus,
Xo. 1. Patriarchs Militant. Xew Haven; Israel
Putnam Lodge. A. ( ). I". W.. Xew Haven; Knights
of the Golden Eagle of Xew Haven; Nathan Hale
Camp. Xo. 61, Foresters of America; Xew Lon-
don Lodge Xo. 54, American Benefit Society; tiro-
934
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
ton Commandery Xo. 681, United Order of the
Golden Cross, of which he is Past Commander;
Groton Conclave No. 382, Improved Order of Hep-
tasophs. Dr. Avis has been medical examiner of
all of these societies except the I. O. O. F. Mrs.
Avis is a member of Orient Rebekah Lodge, No.
27, New London, in which she has passed some of
tbe chairs ; and of the U. O. G. C, in which she has
reached the Vice Commander's chair. She is past
District Deputy Organizer of the American Benefit
Society, being a member of Lodge No. 154, New
London.
On Jan. 1, 1902, Dr. Avis was married to Miss
Julia Packer, daughter of Amos Packer, of Mystic.
In politics he is a stanch Republican. Dr. Avis is
a consistent member of the Calvary Baptist Church
of New Haven ; and Mrs. Avis belongs to Groton
Heights Baptist Church. They are very prominent
factors in the social life of the community, and
enjoy the friendship of a wide circle of acquaint-
ances.
JOSEPH FRANCIS KILLEEN is a success-
ful merchant of Montville. where he was bnrn and
where he has passed all his life. In addition to
attaining success in business he has become promi-
nent in town politics, and is held in great esteem by
the community at large.
Grandfather John Killeen was a native of Ire-
land, and passed all his life in that country. He
held for many years the responsible position of
watchman of a large estate, to which at his death
his son Patrick succeeded.
Patrick Killeen, father of Joseph Francis, was
born in t8io, in Dublin, Ireland. As a young man
he was engaged as watchman of the estate in Ire-
land mentioned, succeeding his father in this posi-
tion of trust. In 1840 he came to America, and for
two years remained in New York City, where he
was employed at his trade, that of stonemason. He
then went to Colchester, Conn., and after two years
in that place came to Montville. where he spent the
remainder of his life, following his trade, and work-
ing up a successful business as a contractor. Much
of the masonry in the buildings of Montville was
laid by his hands and under his direction.
Patrick Killeen married Jane Vernon, of Dub-
lin, Ireland, who is still living in Montville, enjoy-
ing good health at the age of seventy-four years.
She became the mother of twelve children, of whom
six died in early youth. Those living at present are :
Eliza, who was born in Montville, where she still
lives with her mother, unmarried; Mary Jane, who
was born in Montville, and married James Smiddy,
of New London, in which place they reside; Rose,
who was born in Montville, and married Patrick F.
Walsh, a merchant of Montville; and Joseph Fran-
cis, who was born in Montville Sept. 9, 1861, and is
mentioned below.
Patrick Killeen died in Montville March 29.
1902, at the advanced age of eighty-two. In earl)
life he was an old-line Democrat, but some years
before his death became identified with the Repub-
lican party. He was a man of medium stature,
about five feet, nine inches in height, and weighing
about 170 pounds. He had the enviable possessions
of robust health, a good-natured, genial disposition,
and habits of active industry.
Joseph Francis Killeen received his education
in the common schools of his native town, where he
was pupil until he was thirteen years of age. He
then went into the mill of Palmer Brothers, at
Montville, and for two or three years was employed
as operator of a rope machine. He then entered
the Montville woolen mill, at that time under the
management of Richard G. Hooper, where he
learned the trade of weaver. After several years
at this occupation he left the mill, and in April, 1886,
opened a general store in the village of Palmertown,
Montville, which he continues to carry on with
gratifying success.
On April 18, 1882, Mr. Killeen married Mary
Ann Dervin, daughter of John and Bridget (Cas-
sidy) Dervin, of Montville, and to this union the
following children have been born: Henry, who
died when two and a half years old ; Eva M. ; Alice
E., and Edmund J. Mr. Killeen and his family are
members of St. John's Catholic Church, of Mont-
ville. In politics Mr. Killeen is stanchly Republi-
can, and he has taken an active part in town politics,
serving his fellow citizens in many public positions.
He has been a member of the board of assessors and
of the board of relief, has served as registrar of
voters, and as a member of the board of selectmen.
In 1 90 1 he represented his town in the State Legis-
lature, and was one of the committee on Capitol
Furniture and Grounds. In 1902 he was the dele-
gate from Montville to the Constitutional conven-
tion. Fraternally he belongs to Uncas Lodge, No.
17, A. ( ). U. \Y., of Montville, of which he is past
master workman, and to Thames Lodge, No. 22,
I. 6. O. F., of Montville.
ANDREW' JACKSON LADD. The Ladd
family is one of the oldest and most highly esteemed
in New London county, and Andrew Jackson Ladd,
of Baltic, in the town of Sprague, has, by his well-
directed efforts, won not only a substantial com-
petence hut the merited approval of all good men.
He was born in Franklin, Conn., June 16, 1833, the
third child in order of birth of the six children —
five bovs and one girl — of Israel S. and Lurinda
(Ladd) Ladd.
As the parents were poor the children were
obliged to assist in the support of the family from
an early age, and until he was fifteen Mr. Ladd was
trained to farm work. Until he was fourteen
his winters were passed in attendance upon the dis-
trict schools, but his summers were passed in work
much harder than to-dav falls to the lot of most
men. He attended his last term of school the
winter lie was seventeen. His childhood was spent
GEXEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
935
at hard labor, with little or no time at all for play,
and the only return his work brought him was his
rd and scant clothing. Being bright and ener-
getic, he soon was able to assume considerable re-
sponsibility, and he was but fourteen when he had
entire charge of the 150-acre farm and sawmill
owned by Ilenry Lord, near the village of Baltic.
The following year found him at work in the old
Beaver Brook mill, at what is now Baltic, and which
was then operated by Peter Lanman, of Norwich
Town. At first he attended the carding machines.
and later he became a spinner. The work was con-
fining, and fourteen hours constituted a day's labor.
For all this the boy received $11 a month. Remain-
ing in this mill until he was eighteen, he then en-
tered the Miller & Titus mill, nearby, and in spite
of his youth he was found competent to take charge
of the carding, spinning, picking and weaving, re-
ceiving orders from no one but the proprietors. For
five years he gave most efficient service there. His
reputation for thorough knowledge of his work, his
industrious and temperate habits, had all combined
to make him a most invaluable workman, and at
this time he was induced to return to the Beaver
Brook mill, where he was given entire charge of the
help. The mill was at this time confined to the
manufacture of satinets, which were sold to the
southern trade. At the end of seven years the
mill was purchased by a Mr. Petrie, who at the end
of five years sold it to Samuel Allen, who later took
in his brothers, Elisha and Ethan Allen, as part-
ners. .Air. Ladd being retained by the successive
owners, who fully appreciated his importance as a
factor in the success of the mill. For seventeen
years he was at the head for the Messrs. .Mien,
leaving them in 1888, when he resigned although
offered every inducement to remain in their employ.
Conscientious, hard-working and capable, Mr.
Ladd's retirement was a distinct loss to the manu-
facturing world. Since then he has not been en-
gaged in any business, but is passing his time
quietly, taking in his later years the vacation and
rest his youth and young manhood missed, a day's
relaxation then beinsf very unusual, ofttimes several
years elapsing without his experiencing an idle day.
The former Mrs. Ladd was Susan Barber, who
died Dec. 31. 1863, less than a year after their mar-
riage. On May 6, 1871, Mr. Ladd married Miss
Nancy Aurelia Buckingham, who was born in
Franklin. Conn., daughter of Reuben and Caroline
(Johnson) Buckingham, and a descendant on both
sides of old and prominent New London county
families. She is a most capable woman, of good
judgment and broad sympathy, and she has been
of much help to her busy husband. ( )ne child has
come to them. James Smith, born May tj, 1877,
who died Aug. _\ 1877. Both .Mr. and Mrs. Ladd
are active in the work of the Methodist Church, of
which they are regular attendants. Tn his polil
belief Mr. Ladd is a stanch Democrat, but he can
in no sense be regarde 1 as an office-seeker, although
he has served as assessor and as a member of the
board of relief, lie ranks among the most substan-
tial citizens of the town, and he has won his place
through his own persistent efforts. While a man
of most decided views, and tenacious of hi- own
opinion, he is quick to acknowledge it if convinced
he is in the wrong, and he is always read}' to listen
to the "other side.'* His home, which was built
and for a time occupied by the grandfather of ex-
President Cleveland, is a most hospitable one. and
there Mr. Ladd and his good wife dispense a cheer-
ful hospitality and find their own true happiness
THADDECS PECOR, the trusty keeper of
the Morgan Point Light House at rsoank, Conn.,
and an honored survivor of the Civil war, was born
Jan. 12, 1844, in Mystic village, town of Groton,
son of Isaac 15. Pecor, who was born May 24. 1809,
at Albany, New York.'
Leon Pecor, father of Isaac B., was born at
Paris, France, whence he came to Canada, and then
to the State of New York, where he was engaged in
lumbering, rafting timber down the Hudson
River. He married a Miss Patchen, a native of
Bridgeport, Conn., of English extraction. Her
father enlisted from Fairfield Co., Conn., in the
Continental army, became a sergeant and served on
Long Island. He drew a pension for many years.
Leon Pecor was lost off his steamer while on his
way to New Haven, leaving two children. Isaac B.
and Eliza, of whom the latter married John Card.
and died in New London.
Isaac B. Pecor from the age of four years, lived
with his grandparents at Bridgeport, and came to
Xew London to learn boat building, but finally
learned the shoemaker's trade. His son still owns
the hammer with which his father worked for sixty
years, in Mystic, where he was well known and
most highly respected. Isaac B. Pecor married
Lucy E. Card, born Jan. 26, 1812, daughter of
Daniel Card, and she died July 24, 1897. Isaac B.
Pecor died at Mystic, Dec. 23, 1895. Both were
members of the Union Baptist Church of Mystic.
They had these children born to them: ( 1 ) Frances
Mary, born in October, 1837, married Alexander
McDonald, who was born on Prince Edward
Island, and was a ship carpenter by occupation. He
served in the First Connecticut Cavalry in the Civil
war, enlisting in 1863 and was taken prisoner at
Cedar Creek-, and confined in Danville prison until
he was paroled at the close of the war.
lie entered the service a strong, heart}' man,
and came out a physical wreck. Soon after
his return to Connecticut he was appointed
er of the Morgan Point light-house at
Noank, and served two years, during which
time the present building was erected, and he was
the first keeper to occupy it. Mis health c< ntinuing
to Fail he was compelled to go South, his wife re-
ling as keeper of the lighthouse, where she re-
mained until 1871. when she resigned to go to
936
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
Jacksonville, Fla., to become assistant keeper to her
"husband, of the St. John's Bar Light. Mr. Mc-
Donald continued there for ten years when he died.
His widow remained in charge of the light for three
years, when she resigned and returned to Mystic,
Conn., later removing to New London where she
now resides. The remains of Mr. McDonald were
interred at Mayport, Fla. Of his four children,
Theodore received his education in Tufts College,
Barre, Vt, and spent three years at the District of
Columbia Law School, from which he graduated.
Soon after he located at Medicine Lodge. Kans.,
where he resided until failing health caused him to
seek other climate, when he removed to Cripple
Creek, Colo., and became a law partner with Ex-
Gov. Mclntire, of that State. Henry, the second
son of Alexander McDonald is a resident of New
London. Agnes married Capt. Augustus Brown,
and is now deceased. Mary died young. (2)
Henry Pecor, born in 1840, was a soldier in the
Civil war. a member of Company C, 21st Conn.
V. I., and was wounded at the charge of Fort Har-
rison. He died in April, 1878, at Mystic. His wife
who was Jane Murphy, died a short time previous,
in the same year. (3) Theodore and (4) Thaddeus,
twins, born Jan. 12, 1844, the former of whom died
at the age of four years. Isaac P. Pecor was a
member of Charity and Relief Lodge, A. F. & A.
M., of Mystic.
Thaddeus Pecor spent the first fourteen years
of his life at Mystic, and then shipped on the fishing-
smack "Chipman," under Capt. Hezekiah Wilcox,
for one season from Noank, making a second voy-
age from the same place with Capt. Silas Wilcox,
and later, with Capt. Charles Tra Chester. During
1860 and [861 he went fishing in Southern waters
with (apt. Cunningham. On Aug. 5, 1862, he en-
listed from Groton in Company C, 21st Conn. V. I.,
for three years service, and during this time was
promoted from private to corporal and later to ser-
geant, being mustered out at Richmond. Ya., May
16, 1865, and by the State, in July of the same
year. During a part of his term of service he was
on detached duty, and in. the fall of 1863 was placed
in the contraband department on ex-Gox. Wise's
plantation in Virginia, remaining six months. In
the spring of 1864 he was placed in charge of the
London Bridge District, twelve miles from Norfolk,
Ya., and reported to his regiment Jan. 22, 1865, in
front of Richmond. His selection by his superior
officers for these positions of responsibility, testi-
fied to the reliability of his character, in their es-
timation. After the close of the war, Mr. Pecor
worked in Mallory's shipyard at Mystic, during the
summers of 1865-66-67 and '68, and he worked one
summer on Spanish gunboats in Hills' yard. The
winters were employed in fishing in the South. In
1869 he became a workman in the Palmer yard at
Noank. as one of the bosses of a department, con-
tinuing here until the fall of 1871. On Nov. 22,
1 87 1, he was placed in charge of the Morgan Point
Light House at Xoank, a responsible position which
he still fills with the greatest efficiency. He has
always been noted for the fidelity with which he
has performed the duties entrusted to him, and he
enjoys the confidence of all who know him.
On Oct. 19, 1870, Mr. Pecor was married to
Sarah Ann Swaney, a daughter of Charles P. and
Hannah (Cromwell) Swaney, the former of whom
was born Aug. 17. 1822, and died in November,
i860, at Poquonuck, Conn., and the latter of whom
was born Jan. 26, T828, and resides at Noank. A
great-grandfather of Mrs. Thaddeus Pecor, William
Lewis, was slain at Fort Griswold, on Sept. 6,
1 78 1. Mr. and Mrs. Pecor have one son, Frank
Leon, born May 17, 1874, who resides at Mystic,
Conn., where he is engaged in the fruit business.
In May, 1894, he married Effie Palmer, and four
children have been born to them, namely : Harold,
Hazel, Mearle (who died at the age of four years),
and Frank (who died at the age of eight months).
Mr. Pecor is a valued member of Williams Post,
( i. A. R., at Mystic; Charity and Relief Lodge, A.
F. & A. M. ; Stonington Lodge, I. O. O. F. ; Mystic
Lodge, K. of P. ; and the Order of United Work-
men. In politics Mr. Pecor has always been identi-
fied with the Republican party. Since February,
1878. he has been a member of the Baptist Church
at Noank. Mrs. Pecor united with the same church
in January, of the same year, and she has taught a
class in the Sunday school for the past twenty-five
years, and has served two years as a member of
the Finance committee of the church.
JOHN CALYIN SMITH, one of the repre-
sentative citizens of Montville, New London Co..
Conn., was born May 2^, 1845, nl Massapeag, town
of Montville.
The Smith families in this country are very
numerous, and have had their origin from many
different ancestors. This name is more extensivelv
found in New England than perhaps elsewhere in
the United States. During the year 1825 there were
214 graduates from the colleges of New England
bearing the name of Smith, one-fourth of whom
became clergymen.
( 1 ) James Smith of Groton is the first of the
Smith family of whom we write, that appears upon
the records of New London county. Among his
sons were Ebenezer and Samuel.
(II) Ebenezer Smith, son of James Smith, ap-
pears to have located in Montville in the middle of
the eighteenth century, at a place called Pome-
chauge, now Massapeag, and his brother Samuel
lived east of the 'river Thames, now Ledyard, and
engaged in tanning, furnishing the leather used by
Ebenezer in making and repairing shoes, the latter
being a shoemaker by trade. Ebenezer Smith was
twice married, the name of his first wife being un-
known, although he was married to her prior to
his removal to Massapeag. The name of his second
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
937
wife was Lucy Hatch. There is no record of his
death, nor thai of his wives, although it is evident
that he died before [800. By his first wife Ebenezer
Smith had children as follows, all born between
1740 and 1764: Benjamin, who married (first)
Susan Lewis, and (second) Nancy Morris; Eben-
ezer, who married Margaret Wheeler: Anna, who
married Ephraim Wheeler; Sarah: Elizabeth, who
died unmarried; Perygreen ; John, who married
Lydia Ames; James, who married a Miss Weeks;
and Eunice, who married ( Hiver Williams. Idle
children of the second marriage of Ebenezer Smith
were as follows: Daniel, who married (first) a
Miss Wait, and (second) Abby Hempstead; Ste-
phen, who married Lucy Allvn ; Naomi; Susanna;
and Lucy — all born between 17(H) and 1780.
(Ill) John Smith, horn April 27. 1760. son of
Ebenezer Smith, was married in 1783 to Lydia
Ames, who was born about 1763. He lived in Mas-
sapeag, and was a thrifty farmer. He died Feb.
2. 1852, at the advanced age of ninety-two years,
and his wife died ( )ct. 2^, 1854, aged ninety-one
years. About ten years prior to his decease, John
Smith fell from a corn crib and was so badly crip-
pled that he was confined to his bed until his death.
In personal appearance he was of medium height,
well proportioned, and he weighed about 185
pounds. In his younger days he was a shipbuilder,
and owned several vessels, which he built himself.
In politics he was a stanch Democrat. For many
years he was an active and conscientious member
of the Baptist Church, and was very religiously
inclined. Services were frequently held in his
house. He was very quiet and reserved in his man-
ner, and was a man most highly respected. During
the Revolutionary war he served very bravely, and
received a pension for his services. Children as fol-
lows were born to himself and wife: (1) Marvin,
born Nov. 18, 1784, married (first) Anna Newton,
and (second) Sybel Morgan. He was always a
resident of Massapeag, and in his younger days
was a ship carpenter, sometimes being employed at
the yards at Newr London, and again at Norwich
and other points along the river. In religious belief
Marvin Smith was a strong Methodist, and he was
a large contributor to the support of the church at
I ncasville, of which he was a devout member. He
lived a quiet life, and was greatly respected. His
first wife died in 1843, and he married again in
1845, ms second wife, wdio survived him, dying in
[895, in her ninety-ninth year. Marvin died March
31. 1887, aged T02 years, four months and thirteen
days. He had four children, Betsey Diantha, Lydia
sula, Marvin, Almon and Frances Manette. Dur-
ing the war of 1812 Marvin Smith served as a sol-
dier, and he received a pension. (2) John, horn in
Montville, married Nancy Bolles, of Montville, and
died in that town. He was a ship carpenter, and
served in the war of 1812, receiving bounty land for
his services. (3) Alvin G. became the father of
our subject. (4) Lyman, born March 22, 1803,
married in 1828 Emeline Fanning, daughter of
Henry and Lavina (Standish) Fanning. lie was
a farmer and fisherman, and also cultivated oysters,
llis death occurred May 27. 1890, while his wife
died Sept. 5, 1861. Their children were: Henry
Austin, born June 27, 1834, married Herriet
Mitchell; Julia F.. born March 5, 1840, married
John T. O'Brien, a sketch of whom appears 1
where. (5) Nancy, horn in Montville, married
Micajah Davis, of Colchester, a blacksmith. She
died at Colchester, but he died at Norwich at the
home of his daughter Orilla, who married Amassa
Standish, of Colchester. (6) Betsey married Nathan
1 'aimer Coats, of Hebron, a farmer, who died there,
as did she, and they had ten children.
( IV) Alvin Griswold Smith, horn June 18, 1800.
in Montville, died Dec. 16,1891, in Massapeag. He
married Oct. 29, 1826, Nancy Ames, horn June 22,
1800, in Waterford, who died May 9. 1891, aged
ninety-one years, in Montville. She was a daughter
of Jonathan and Betsey (Douglas) Ames, of Water-
ford, Conn., the former a farmer of that town. Mr.
Smith was a farmer and lived in Massapeag, al-
though in his younger days he resided on Staten
Island, and operated an oyster vessel before he went
to that place. For twenty years he was engaged in
the oyster business, and also worked at his trade of
ship carpenter. In politics he was a Republican
until 1868, when he became a Democrat. During
the slavery troubles he was a strong Abolitionist.
1 le long held the office of justice of the peace, being
continued in that position until he reached the age
limit. He was a man of sound judgment, and was
considered competent to try cases and give advice
on matters in dispute. His religious affiliation was
with the Methodist Church, and he was very relig-
ious, as was also his wife, wdio was like himself a
Methodist. Mr. Smith was one of the stewards of
the church, and a most worthy and good man. He
was of medium size, weighing from 168 to 170. In
manner he was genial and pleasant, very sincere
in all that he did and said, and when he talked it
was apparent that he meant every word he said. 1 lis
health was excellent until Irs death. The children
horn to himself and wife were as follows: (1) Eu-
nice E., born Dec. 18, 1828, married Charles Brown,
of Montville, who moved to Belchertown, Mass.
He had charge of the roadbed of the New London.
Northern railroad. Later in life he became a soap
manufacturer. Mr. and Mrs. Brown both died at
Belchertown. They had one son and three daugh-
ters. (2) John, horn Jan. 23. 1832, died Jun<
[839, in Montville. (3) Laura Letecia, horn J
27, 1^3^. married Elisha E. Maples, of Montville,
and died in 1861. By occupation Mr. Maples was a
farmer and carpenter, lie died in Montville eigh-
teen months before his wife. They had no children.
(4) Sarah S., horn ( >ct. 24. 1841. married Jedediah
R. Gay, of Montville, a farmer. They had no chil-
dren. (5) John C. is our subject.
(V) John Calvin Smith was born May 23. 1845,
938
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
in Montville, on the old homestead farm, in that
part of the town known as Massapeag, and there he
received his education in the district school. When
he was sixteen years of age he left school, and on
Aug. 23, 1862. he enlisted in Company A, 26th
Conn. V. I., and was mustered in Nov. 10, 1862,
serving until Aug. 17, 1863. when he was mustered
out. Mr. Smith served with his regiment in the
battle at Port Hudson, La., May 27, 1863, and again
at the same place June 13 and 14, 1863.
After returning home from the service Mr.
Smith spent some time on the home farm, but the
following fall he entered the coasting trade with Capt.
Frederick Champlin, being on the "Chief" for sev-
eral months. He then took up steamboating with
the Norwich & New York line of steamers, first on
the "City of New London'' as fireman for three
years. Then he was on the "City of Lawrence" as
oiler for two and one-half years, after which he
became second engineer on the "City of New Lon-
don." remaining on the same for about seven
months. He next became second engineer .on the
"City of New York," in which capacity he was
employed about eight years, when he was made
chief engineer of that vessel, continuing thus for
fifteen years. He then, in 1894, went to work for
Rohert Palmer, of Noank, Conn., overhauling and
putting in shape the "Isabelle," which was run as
an excursion boat in and ahout Long Island sound
for about eight months, during which time he
served as chief engineer. Mr. Smith then became
chief engineer on the steamer "Ella," running be-
tween Norwich and Block Island and Watch Hill,
remaining on same until the boat went out of com-
mission May 23, 1903. The next change Mr. Smith
made was to become chief engineer of the "Chelsea,"
of the Norwich & New York Propeller Co., running
as a passenger and freight vessel between Norwich
and New York, which responsible position he held
till January, 1904, when he became a part owner
and engineer of the "Margaret."
Mr. Smith is a member of the Brotherhood of
Marine Engineers. Although not a member of any
church, he is a firm believer in the teachings of the
Methodist denomination, and is a liberal supporter
of the Methodist Church of I ncasville. Politically,
he is a stanch Democrat, but is not in any sense an
office seeker.
( )n Oct. 19. 1869, Mr. Smith was married to
Laura Ann Chapel, daughter of Robert F. and
Mary Jane (Chapped) Chapel, of Montville. They
have no children.
Mr. Chapel was a brickmason by trade, but for
several years was connected with Johnson's dye
works of Montville, and for a few years before his
death was employed in the L ncasville Manufactur-
ing Company's Dye Works. His death occurred in
February, 1804, shortly after he returned from serv-
ing in the Civil war. He had enlisted for three
years, in Company F, 21st C. V. I., but was hurt
by falling through a bridge in Virginia, and was
honorably discharged for disability. His wife is
still living, making her home with Mr. and Mrs.
Smith.
Air. Smith is of an inventive turn of mind.
and has invented and patented several labor-saving
devices, among them being an expansion flange for
boilers, a washing machine, a patent duplex buckle
which does away with sewing, and a patent tire
setter, besides other equally valuable invention^
which he has placed upon the market.
CHESEBROUGH FAMILY. William Chese-
brough, the first white man who settled in what is
now the town of Stonington, Conn., was born in
Boston, Lincolnshire, England, in 1594, and Dec.
6, 1620, married Anna Stevenson, born in 1598, in
England. He was a gunsmith, and worked at his
trade in England and in this country until he came
to Stonington, in 1649, when he changed his occu-
pation to that of farming and improving large tracts
of land given him by the town of Pequot, now New
London. In the early part of the year 1630 he
joined a large party of immigrants who came with
John Winthrop to this country. Pie located at
Boston, Mass., became a member of the Pirst
Church, and in May, 1631, was admitted ,1 freeman
of the Massachusetts Colony. In 1634 he was
elected constable of Boston. Before 1(340 he re-
moved to Braintree, Mass., and in 1640 was elected
deputy to the General Court of Massachusetts.
Soon after this he removed to Rehoboth, Plymouth
Colony, and took an active and prominent part in
organizing that town. Notwithstanding the prom-
inent part he took in establishing this town, and the
recognition of his services by the new town, he was
not treated with much favor by the General Court
of the Colony, which ordered him to be arrested
for an affray with an Indian by the name of Yas-
samequine, and harshly treated him in other re-
spects. This led him to look further for a place of
permanent abode, and in 1645 he visited Nameaug,
afterward called Pequot, now New London, for the
purpose of making it his future home, but subse-
quently examined the Pawcatuck region, and finally
concluded to settle at the head of Wequetetjuock
Cove. He was a warm personal friend of Roger
Williams, and was encouraged and assisted by him
in removing his habitation to Pawcatuck. In the
summer of 1649 he moved his family to the new
home he had built in the wilderness, and here the
marsh land bordering on Wequetequock Cove fur-
nished hay for his stock in abundance. His family
consisted, at the time of the moving, of his wife,
and sons Samuel, Nathaniel, John and Elisha. Like
a number of the early settlers, he traded more or
less with the Indians, and also with the people of
Long Island. Therefore, in March, 1651, he was
required to appear before the General Court and
give a bond of £300 not to sell firearms or to engage
in any other unlawful trade with the Indians. Thc
bounds of the Pequot Colony were extended to the
GENEALOGICAL AXD BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
939
Pawcatuck river, and he was granted about 300
acres. In [658 the territory east of the Mystic
river became a part of Massachusetts Colony, under
the name of Southertown, and in 1662 became a
part of the Connecticut Colony, the town being
named Mystic in 1665, and Stonington the follow-
ing year. Mr. Chesebrough was a man of more than
ordinar_\- ability, and held positions of trust, in
^53-54-55-56-57 and 10O4 being deputy to the
General Court at Hartford. He was a townsman of
Southertown, and first selectman of Mystic and
Stonington until his death. June 9, 1667.
(II) Elisha Chesebro was baptized at Boston,
Mass.. June 4, 1637, married April 20, 1665, Re-
becca Palmer, and died Sept. t, 1670. His widow
married John Baldwin.
(III) Elihu Chesebro, loom Dec. 3, 1668, mar-
ried July 4. 1698, Hannah, daughter of Manassah
Miner.
I IV) Elihu Chesebro, born Nov. 30, 1704, mar-
ried Feb. 18, 1740, Esther, daughter of Ebenezer
and Sarah Dennis, of Stonington. His death oc-
curred ( >ct. 27, 1769, while she died Dec. 5, 1768.
( V ) Lieut. Elihu Chesebro was born June 7,
1743. and married May 19, 1768, Phebe Dennison.
He died Oct. 26, 1781. His widow married Jan. 30,
1793, Gilbert Smith, and after his death she mar-
ried Rev. Silas Burrows. She died April 8, 1833,
and is buried by her first husband at Wequetequock.
(VI) Rev. Elihu Chesebro, born Dec. 26, 1769,
married March 20, 1791. Lydia, daughter of Zebu-
Ion Chesebro. She died May 31, 1841. and he mar-
ried Mrs. Mary (Chesebro) Fish, daughter of Sam-
uel Chesebro. and widow of Elisha Fish. He died
April 29. 1868, and she died July 22, 1866. Their
children were: Elihu, born Jan. 3. I7<;2, married
Nancy 1!. Pendleton; Dennison, horn Jan. 16, 1794,
married Martha Denison ; Lydia, born March 26,
1796, died young; Gilbert S., born Sept. 21, 1798,
married Paulena Miner and (second) Lucy Stan-
ton ; Ethan Allen, horn Dec. 25, 1803, married Eliza
Ann Pendleton ; Frederick D., born ( )ct. 20, 1805,
married Mary Chesebro; Lydia. horn Aug. 1, 1807,
married Joseph Sewell Knight; Amelia, hern July
17. 1809, married Thomas J. Wheeler; Mary Ann,
born Sept. 29. 181 1, married William Chesebro
Stanton.
1 VII ) Elihu Chesebro, born Jan. 3. i7<)2. in
Stonington, married Jan. to, 1810, Nancy Hell Pen-
dleton, horn Jan. 8. 1796, daughter of Abel and
Abigail (Stanton) Pendleton. Their children were :
Elihu. born in November, 1819, married Mary Ann
Wilbur, deceased: Charles II.. born Aug. 20. 1821,
married Prudence Potter, deceased; Enoch O, 1
Nov. 20. 1823. married Margaret Conant, de-
ceased; Nancy Maria, horn Sept. 25. 1823. married
Billings Burtch ; Ann Elizabeth, born Aug. 20,
1827. married (first) Warren Palmer, and (second)
William E. D. Miller; Frances Marian, horn Aug.
17. 1829. is of Stonington; Erastus S.. born May
13, 1832, is mentioned below: Prudence Mary was
lurn Oct. 22, [834; Harriet, born Dec. 11. [836,
married Oscar Miller; Denison Allen, horn Feb. 21.
[839, married Jemima Giles of Stonington. Elihu
Chesebro, the father of this family, was a farmer In-
occupation. He served in defense of Stonington in
1812, and was a pensioner. The family were
Baptists in religious belief, and politically he was a
strong Democrat.
(VIII) Erastus S. Chesebro was born May
13, 1832. In 1866 he became a member of the
hardware firm of Haley & Chesebro, the partners
being Joshua Haley and Erastus S. Chesebro. Mr.
Chesebro had spent his boyhood days on a farm,
later learning the trade of tinsmith and to work in
sheet iron, being an apprentice of Joshua Haley.
He worked as such for three years and one year
more as journeyman before he started, March 17.
1855, for California, via the Isthmus. He remained
at Pine Grove, Cal., for a year after reaching the
Golden State, and then went to Napa City and
engaged in business with Col. Charles H. Allen, in
a merchandise and tinware business. After eight
months. Col. Allen sold his interest to William
Smith, and a new partnership was formed under the
style of Smith & Chesebro, which continued until
they sold out, in 186 — . Returning to Connecticut,
Mr. Chesebro entered into business with Mr. Haley,
as before stated, this connection existing until the
latter's death, in 1900, when he became the sole pro-
prietor, and has so since continued.
While at Xapa City Mr. Chesebro was captain
of the Napa Guards, of the 2d Brigade, California
Militia, and was also provost marshal of Na] a
county, and chief of the fire department of Napa;
he held the same position in Stonington for twenty-
five years.
On Sept. 17. tSVio. Mr. Chesebro was united in
marriage at Stonington with Emeline L. Hancox,
daughter of Benjamin F. and Eunice (Stevens)
Hancox. The following children were horn to
them : Angus Boggs, born at Xapa in T862. married
Edna Saunders ; Emma Alice, born in Xapa in
1866, now of Stonington. married Walter Douglas,
and they have two children, Erastus C. and Kenneth.
Mr. Chesebro became a Mason in Stonineton in
[855, joining Asylum Lodge. No. ~,~, of which he
is now probably the oldest member. He is also a
member of the Royal Arcanum, and is one of the
charter members of his lodge. In both organiza-
tions he is very prominent, and his services t< these
res are thoroughly appreciated by all who know
him.
Luring his long and honorable business career,
Mr. Chesebro has built up a large and flourishing
trade, and is one of the oldest nun in his line in
Stonington. As a business man, public official and
private citizen, he has conscientiously carried out all
duties laid upon his shoulder-, and the success
which has attended him is but the well merited re-
ward of hard work, intelligently directe ! in legit-
imate channels.
v)4o
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
WAREHAM W. BENTLEY, one of the well
known and popular citizens of Bozrah, New London
Co., Conn., is a successful business man, conduct-
ing a meat establishment, the leading one of its kind
in the town, and he also holds the office of town
clerk. The family history of the Bentley family
is an old and honorable one, and reads as follows :
(I) William Bentley came to New England in
the ship "Arabella," Richard Sprague, master,
which sailed from Gravesend May 27, 1671, and he
was a resident of Narragansett, R. I., Jan. 29, 1679.
His will, approved in 1720 at Kingston, mentions
wife Sarah and children, William. James, Thomas,
Benjamin and Jane.
(II) William Bentley, of the above family, was
married April 21, 1703, to Mary Eliot, and he died
in 1760. The children born of this marriage were:
John, George, Caleb, Ezekiel, Elizabeth, Tabitha,
Ruhama and Mary.
(III) Ezekiel Bentley had one son, Ezekiel.
(IV) Ezekiel Bentley, Jr., the great-grandfa-
ther of our subject, resided at North Stonington,
in which town and Stonington the family is an old
and numerous one.
(V) John Bentley, son of Ezekiel Bent-
ley, Jr., and grandfather of Wareham \Y., was a
mason and farmer and resided at North Stonington,
where he died aged forty-seven years. He mar-
ried Phebe Stanton Williams, daughter of Ware-
ham Williams, a Revolutionary soldier, and a well-
known and successful school teacher, an account of
whose military career is to be found elsewhere.
She survived her husband, living to a ripe old age,
and died in North Stonington. They had three
children, two daughters and one- son, and both
daughters died in early womanhood, unmarried,
while the son was John Stanton Bentley.
(VI) John Stanton Bentley, born March 27,
1828, lost his father when he was a lad, and at a
very early age was obliged to assume management
of the farm in order to take care of his widowed
mother and sisters. The father had been a poor
man, and could leave his family nothing aside from
a small farm. Naturally the boy had but few edu-
cational advantages, but being possessed of gnat
natural ability, and making the most of every oppor-
tunity, he became a well informed man. Always
hard-working, and a good manager, he was enabled
in time to purchase more land, until he became one
of the largest landholders in the town, owning about
700 acres at one time, all of which was acquired
without a mortgage being recorded against him.
He raised, bought and sold largely in live stock,
and was particularly interested in sheep raising,
having for many years a large flock. All these
extensive operations, combined with his excellent
management and thrifty habits, resulted in his be-
coming a well-to-do man. About 1886 he disposed
of the greater portion of his property in North
Stonington and removed to Bozrah, where he pur-
chased a large farm in the south part of the town,
and there he made his home until 1900, during
which time he was engaged in getting out fire wood
and timber. In 1900 he disposed of that farm and
bought a small place at Leffingwell, where he lived
until after the death of his wife, when he sold his
property. He resided at Canterbury, Conn., where
he died June 9, 1903. His remains were tenderly
interred beside those of his wife in the Elm Grove
cemetery, at Mystic.
In politics Mr. Bentley was a Democrat, and al-
ways took a very active part in local affairs, and had
the honor of representing the very strong Republi-
can town of North Stonington in the Legislature
in 1879, 1880 and 1883, as the successful candi-
date of the Democratic party. In 1879 ^e was the
candidate on both the Democratic and Republican
tickets. During his manhood years he was a mem-
ber of the North Stonington Congregational Church.
John Stanton Bentley was married Aug. 13,
1854, in North Stonington, to Mary Ellen Davis,,
of North Stonington, who was born Jan. 1, 1837,
and died Sept. 10, 1900. She was a daughter of
Nathan and Lavina (Perkins) Davis. Members of
this branch of the Perkins family participated in
the battle of Groton Lleights. The children born to
Mr. and Mrs. John Stanton Bentley were as fol-
lows: John Stanton married Sarah D. Maine and
resides at Natick, R. I., where he is a boss farmer
for B. B. & R. Knight; Mary E. married John L.
York, and died in North Stonington in \ 874;
Latham N. married Martha A. Frink and resides
at White Rock, R. I., where he is a boss fanner
for B. B. & R. Knight: Wareham Williams is our
subject ; Charles N. died at the age of thirteen years ;
Annie married William J. Maine, of Pontiac, R.
I. ; Emma Louisa died at the age of eight years ;
Angeline married Henry Lewis, of Fitchville, a
sketch of whom appears elsewhere ; Ida E. died at
the age of six years; Lot K. married Sarah Gard-
ner and resides in Natick, R. I. ; Lucy married
Silas W. Leffingwell, of Bozrah ; Carlos A. married
Celia B. Brand, and is in the employ of our sub-
ject.
(VII) Wareham Williams Bentley, the subject
proper of this biography, was born March 24, 1861,
in North Stonington, and received a common school
education, during which time he assisted his father,
remaining at home until April, 1886. when he came
to Bozrah. In 1888 he entered the employ of Wil-
liam F. Bogue, who owned the business of which
Mr. Bentley is now the proprietor. Mr. Bentley
remained in the employ of Mr. Bogue until 1899,
when he purchased the business, and has since suc-
cessfully conducted it. He has a good patronage
and two wagons are required in its conduct. Be-
sides having a good trade in Bozrah, his business
extends into the surrounding towns of Norwich,
Lebanon and Franklin. Mr. Bentley is a man of
strictly honest business principles, and his cus-
tomers place the utmost confidence in his integrity
and judgment. In politics he is a stanch Democrat,
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
941
and he is one of the leaders in the affairs of his
party in the town, and since 1888 has held the
offices of school vi>itor for three wars and .select-
man for two years and has served nine years as the
efficient town clerk, each year receiving- increased
majorities. In 1903 he represented Bozrah in the
State Legislature, and while there served on the
committee on the school fund. At that election,
and in spite of the fact that the tide was strongly
with the Republicans, he was given the largest ma-
jority ever polled in Bozrah. On Christmas Day,
1887, Mr. Bcntley became a member of the Leffing-
well Baptist Church in which he lias held the office
of church clerk.
On April 18, 1889, Mr. Bentley was married to
Mary Rosabel Miller, a native of North Stonington,
daughter of Oliver S. and Almira (Eccleston) Mil-
ler. They have had children as follows: Charles
Nathan, horn Feb. 24, 180,0; Edna Allifair, born
May 7, 1891 ; Harold Williams, horn March 20,
1893; Ellis Leonard, horn May 19, 1894; Roscoe
Lamont, horn Dec. 4, 1895; Alvin, born Jan. 15,
1900, who died Jan. 29, 1900; and Charlotte Ruth,
horn Dec. 29, 1903.
BROWN. The earliest records of the Brown
family, in the possession of the biographer, reach
to the year of 1628, the date of the birth of one
Thomas Brown. He married Mary Newhall, horn
in i« 137, and while it has not been discovered where
either birth took place, it has been proved that they
were residents of Lynn, Mass., and were undoubt-
edly of English origin. To Thomas and Mary
Brown were born children, as follows : Thomas,
born in Lynn, Mass., later removed to Stonington,
Conn. ; Mary, born Feb. 10, 1655, died May 18,
1662; Sarah, born Aug. 20, 1657, died April 2, 1662;
Joseph, born Feb. 16, 1658; Sarah, born Sept. 13,
1660, died April 2, 1662; Jonathan, born April 12,
1662, died the same day; John was a resident of
Stonington; Mary, born July 26, 1666: Jonathan,
born Feb. II, 1668; Eleazer, born Aug. 4. 1670;
Ebenezer, born March 16, 1672, died in 1700; Dan-
iel, horn April 24, 1073; Ann and Grace (twins),
born Feb. 4, 1674, died Feb. 7. 1674; and Daniel,
born Feb. 1, 1676.
John Brown, seventh child of Thomas and Mary
Brown, in 1692, married Elizabeth, daughter of
Ephraim and Hannah (Avery) Miner, and they
had children, as follows: John, born July, 1693;
Jonathan, born March 15. 1695; Elizabeth, born
1699; Hepzibah ; a son, born in 1701, died the same
year; Ichabod, born March 12. 1704; Prudence,
born April 28, 1707; Jedediah, born April 2^, 1709;
Mehitable, born in August, 1712; and Mary, horn
in August, 1716.
Jedediah Brown, son of John, married. Nov.
2j, 1728, Abigail Holmes, who died June 6, 1732.
lie died Jan. 15, 1732. Their children were: Jede-
diah (2). horn March 14, [729; and Lncien, horn
( >ct. 20, 1730.
Jedediah I'.rown (2), SOU of Jedediah, married.
Dec. 19, 1731, Mrs. Annah Holmes, and he died
Oct. 31, 1791. Their children were: Jedediah,
horn Dec. 17, 1752; Lucy, born Oct. 28, 1754;
Shubael, born < >ct. 5, 1 7 5 s ; Roswell, born Aug. 2j,
1700; Taloo, horn Oct. 13, 1702; Abigail, born
Inly 3!, 17(14 ; Martha, horn Aug. 3, 1700; I'hatchcr,
born I7(>S; Ephraim, horn Aug. 28, 1770: and De-
sire, born July 26, 1772.
Roswell I'.rown, son of Jedediah (2), married
Sept. (), 178(1, Esther, daughter of John and Ketu-
rah (Randall) Williams. fhey had children : Cy-
rus Williams, born Xov. 30, 178S; Roswell ',21.
horn March 13, 1 79CJ ; William, horn June 5, 1792;
Elias W., born Aug. 18, 1794; and Esther, born
June 15, [796.
Roswell I'.rown (2), son of Roswell. married
April 7, 1814, his first cousin, Nancy Brown, horn
Aug. 14, 1790, daughter of Shubael and Lydia (Pal-
mer) I'.rown, and they had children: Lucy Mary
married (first) William Burrows, and (second)
a Mr. Hull; Lydia Esther married Simeon Halev,
Jr. ; Roswell (3) ; and Shubael.
Roswell Brown (3), son of Roswell (2), was
horn in 1821, at North Stonington. Conn. He mar-
ried, March 17, 1844, Catherine Chesebrough,
daughter of Daniel Chesebrough, a farmer and
lumberman of Groton. She died March 2H, 1897,
and he died ( )ct. 20, 1896. Their children were :
Roswell C, who died aged thirteen years; Daniel
C, a farmer of Groton, Conn., who married Sybil
Halstead, and has three sons, Roswell J. 1'., Daniel
P. and James H. ; Charles, who died in infancy ;
James Eldredge Frank; and Rosie E., of Groton,
Conn. Roswell Brown (3) spent his early life on a
farm, and received his education in the public
schools. In young manhood he spent two winters
engaged in fishing in Southern waters, but in 1843
he started in the livery business at Mystic, an en-
terprise he continued until 1883. He controlled
all the livery business, and operated a stage line to
Stonington to connect with the Xew York line of
boats, and carried the mails to Mystic. He was of
so reliable a character that thousands of dollars
would be placed in his hands by the Stonington
boats to be kept until the opening of the Mystic
banks the following morning. Mr. Brown held
many local offices, and served his town well. He
was deputy during the term of Richard Wheeler
as sheriff, and made a. good and efficient officer of
the law. Mr. Brown owned about 400 acres of
land in Groton, and was one of the town's capitalists.
He was a member of the Masonic fraternity. In
politics he was a stanch supporter of Republican
principles. He was much interested in the improve-
ment of the cattle and stock ^\ his locality, and
bred from imported Guernsey cattle with much
success. Iii religious views he was an Episco] alian,
and was one of the founders of the church al
Mystic.
James E. F. Brown, son of Roswell 131, was
942
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
born Nov. 19, i860, at Mystic, town of Groton,
where he spent his early years, attending the public
schools, the academy and the Mystic \ alley Insti-
tute. At the age of sixteen years he began to work
at the livery business with his father, and in 1883,
the firm of Roswell Brown & Son was formed.
Upon the death of his father in 1896, the firm name
was changed to that of James E. F. Brown. Mr.
Brown now conducts the . business, which is the
oldest established one of its kind in the county.
He has fine accommodations of every kind, main-
tains an extensive hack, livery and boarding stable,
and deals in carriages and vehicles of every kind,
suitable to the seasons. The high reputation of his
firm is fully sustained, and the traveling public has
not been slow to appreciate his care for their com-
fort and convenience.
Mr. Brown was married at Killingly, Conn.,
( )ct. 20, 1888, to Mary S. Logee, and two children
have been born to them : Frank Harris, born Aug.
20, 1890; and Albertus Bruce, born Dec. 18, 1893.
Mr. Brown belongs to Stonington Lodge, 1. O. O.
F., and to the A. O. U. W., and the Woodmen of
America. In politics he is a Republican. Mrs.
Brown is a member of Fanny Ledyard Chapter,
Daughters of the American Revolution.
WILLIAM A. WILLIAMS (deceased), a
highly esteemed resident and successful citizen of
Lebanon, traced his ancestral line on the paternal
side according to Miss Caulkins in her "History of
New London,'" as follows:
"Thomas Williams appears in the plantation
about 1670. He lived west of the river at or near
Mohegan, and died Sept. 24. 1705, about sixty-one
years of age. He left a widow. Joanna, and eleven
children, between the ages of twelve and thirty-
three years, and a grandchild who was heir of a
deceased daughter. The sons were: John, Thomas;
Jonathan, William, Samuel and Fbenezer."
From this source came a numerous posterity in
the town of Montville, many lines of which are rep-
resented by honorable men and women throughout
the country, especially in New England.
Allen (or Allyn ) Williams, grandfather of
William A., was a carpenter, and resided at Gales
Ferry in the town of Ledyard. He was considered
a most excellent workman, but died early in life,
and was buried at Allyn's Point. He married Sus-
annah Ormsley, who survived him, and died at Gales
Ferry at the home of her son Daniel. The children
born this worthy couple were: Daniel, who married
Diana , was a carpenter and resided at Gales
Ferry, and dropped dead on the streets of New
London; Dudley II. : Allen was a tailor and located
in the State of New York.
Dudley B. Williams, father of our subject, was
born April 18, 1799. at Gales Ferry, Conn. He left
home after the death of his father, which occurred
when Dudley B. was but eleven years old. He was
placed in a family at Waterford, Conn., and re-
mained there for a few years, and then went to
Montville, and served an apprenticeship with Oliver
Baker, a carpenter. Completing his time with Mr.
Baker, he engaged as a journeyman in that trade,
and resided for the remainder of his life at Mont-
ville. For many years he was in the employ of the
Uncas Manufacturing Co., and did all their repair
and carpenter work. He also served in a like ca-
pacity in the William G. Johnson dye mill. Being a
natural mechanic, he could turn his hand to almi »st
any kind of mechanical work. He remained at his
occupation until a few years before his death, when
he was compelled to give it up because of the in-
firmities of old age, and he died July 11, 1866, and
was buried in the Comstock cemetery in Mont-
ville. In politics he was a Whig, and later a
Republican.
In Montville Dudley II. Williams married Fanny
B. Lester, born in Montville, daughter of Daniels
and Lucretia ( Brown) Lester, and she died in June,
1 85 1, aged thirty-nine years. The children born
to them were : Wiliam A. died in infancy ; Eliza L.
died at the age of twenty-one years ; William A.
(2) ; Daniel was a sailor on the Atlantic, and was
last heard from in Texas many years ago ; John L.
was a sailor in early life, and was a master of an
ocean schooner at the age of nineteen years ; John
L. had a very unusual experience, as he and thirty-
six of his men were shipwrecked and cast ashore on
Hurd Island in the Desolation group. For fifteen
months they existed there and were finally rescued
by a government expedition, only two of the crew
having died during all those frightful privations.
After this experience, he left the water and went to
the mines of Colorado, and there died at the age of
forty-nine years. He married Phebe Stoddard, and
they had one child, Fanny V., who married Alfred
Rogers, of Gales Ferry. Dudley B. Williams for
his second wife married Mrs. Lucy (Brown)
Brown, widow- of Seth Brown, and daughter of John
Brown, and she died in 1899, aged one hundred and
three years. No children were born of this mar-
riage.
Through his mother William A. Williams was a
descendant of Andrew Lester.
1 I ) Andrew Lester appears first at Gloucester,
Mass., where he was licensed Feb. 26, 1648, to keep
a house of entertainment. His wife Barbara died
Feb. 2, 1653-4, and her death is the first of a woman
on record in New London, Conn., to which point
the family had removed in 165 1. His second wife,
Joanna, was probably the daughter of Isaac Willey,
and widow of Robert Hemstead, and she died prev-
ious to 1660 without issue. His third wife Anna
died in 1692. Mr. Lester was constable and col-
lector in 1668, and he died June 7, 1669. Of his
seven children. Daniel, Andrew, Mary and Anna
were born to his first marriage, and lived in Glou-
cester, where their births are recorded. The three
born to his third marriage were: Timothy, Joseph
and Benjamin.
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
943
jamin.
.Alary.
'757:
Marv,
ill) Benjamin Lester was born about [666, and
he married Anna, daughter of Thomas Stedman
and Hannah I shell, and resided in New London.
Mrs. Lester died Jan. 27, 171 1, leaving nine sons
and two daughters, only six of whom are found re-
corded in New London, namely: Timothy, John,
Ann. Benjamin, Isaae and Jonathan, all born be-
tween [695 and 170').
1 III ) Timothy Lester, born June 22, [695, mar-
ried Aug. 31, 1719, Abigail Willoughby, and died
previous to 1750. Three sons are found on record
as the children of Timothy Lester, namely: Tim-
othy, William and Nehemiah.
(IV) Timothy Lester (2) married, June 13,
7751. Mary Jones, who died June 15, 1755. and he
married second. Zerviah Lester, daughter of Ben-
His children by Alary were: William and
and those by Zerviah were: Levi, Aug. 10,
Timothy and Zerviah (twins), Aug. 7. 1750:
Sept. 3, 1703: and Hannah. Dec. 28, 17(17.
1 V ) Levi Lester, born Aug. 10. 1757. married
twice. ( )n May 8, 1825, he wedded tor his second
wife Eunice Comstock. The first wife of Air. Lester
died in 1824. and from the fact that she was buried
in the Fargo burying ground, it is reasonable to pre-
sume she was a Fargo. Air. Lester was engaged in
the milling bnsiness. His death occurred Feb. 2,
1835. His children were: Daniels, horn about 1784;
Benjamin, born about 1786; Ezekiel; Lydia and
Fanny.
(VI) Daniels Lester, the grandfather of Will-
iam A. Williams, was born in Alontville in 1784,
and was brought up there. Fie learned the trade of
a blacksmith in that town, his shop being located
about one-half mile south of Uncasville, where he
worked at his trade as long as his health would per-
mit, although for many years he lived retired, ow-
ing to many infirmities of age. He was a large
man of powerful build, and capable of executing a
large amount of work. ( hving to his thrift and
good management he died in comfortable circum-
stances. His death occurred Aug. 10. 1856, and he
was buried at L'ncasville. On Nov. 30, 1806. he
was married to Lucretia Brown, widow of Robert
Brown, and daughter of John Frown. She survived
her husband and died in Alontville of old age. The
children of this marriage were: Lucretia: Daniel,
who married a Aliss Tracy and resided at Alontville,
where he farmed; Alary, who married in middle life
Charles Comstock, and resided at Alontville, where
in early life he was a fisherman and later a farmer;
Lydia, who was the first wife of Charles Com-
stock; John, who married Ursula Hamilton, and
was a mechanic, residing in New London for a
time, hut who died in Brooklyn, X. Y. ; Eliza, who
married Wheeler Hamilton, a brother of Ursula,
and a resident of Uncasville, and there died ; Fan-
ny, mother of our subject.
William A. Williams, the subject proper of this
review, was born April <;, 1834, in Montville, and
attended the district school.-, until the aere of sixteen
years. He remained at home until the age of nine-
teen, when he began to learn the trade of a car-
penter under Richard Rogers, of \Y\\ Loudon, be-
ing apprenticed for two years, receiving his board
and seventy-five dollars for the term of service.
As Air. Williams inherited from both sides of the
house mechanical genius in a marked degree, he
had no difficulty in learning his trade, and as lie
devoted his time to his work, while the other ap-
prentices were idling in the evening, he mastered
the more skilled branches of the calling, such
as pattern making and stair building. After he
completed his apprenticeship, he was able to take a
most excellent position in Central Village, in the
town of 1'lainfield, where he received twenty dol-
lars a month for his work, a very good salary for
one who had just completed his apprenticeship.
Later he was employed in Norwich, and then for
several years after his marriage, which took ] lace
about this time, he resided in Ledyard, Conn., for
several years. From there he removed to White
Rock in the town of Westerly. R. I., and was there
for two and one-half years, and went thence to New
London for a year, returning to Ledyard where he
remained for six years, when he purchased a farm
of thirty-six acres at Niantic, in the town of East
Lyme, where he resided for fourteen years, working
at his trade in different places, while the farm was
carried on by his family. Later he disposed of the
farm to parties who bought it for a camp* ground
for the Spiritualists, for which purpose it has been
used ever since. From Niantic he came to Lebanon
Dec. 12, 1881, having purchased of Airs. Alice Ladd
a farm of eighty-four acres. Upon this property
he made very extensive improvements, having
erected all the buildings except the house and one
barn. These buildings are models of substantial
farm buildings, and in their construction he has set
an example, many of his neighbors are endeavoring
to follow. Being so thoroughly skilled in this line
of work, it was his pride and pleasure to make them
as nearly perfect as lay in his power, and to show
what mechanical skill and cultivated taste, intelli-
gently directed, could accomplish. The farm is a
splendid one. finely cultivated, and every foot of
ground thoroughly utilized. No unsightly weeds
disfigured the fields or grounds; there were no gap-
ing fences or tumbledown buildings upon his prop-
erty, and its clean, neat and well kept appearance
is an excellent index to the character ^i the owner
and his prosperity, as well as his ability as a me-
chanic and agriculturist.
During his residence in Ledyard Air. Williams
had charge of the men at work in the building of
the large depot at Stonington Point for the con-
tractor. John Gallagher, of Mystic. While living
at Niantic he was time keeper and foreman over
the force of men in the erection of a tine stone
block for Bishop & Co., of Xew London, and for a
number of years he was employed at stair building
at Springfield, Mass. After coming to Lebanon, he
944
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
continued to work at his trade, his sons carrying on
the farm for a number of years, and among other
things he was employed as a pattern maker for
Smith, Winchester & Co., at South Windham. After
1897. however, Mr. Williams devoted his time and
energies to the management of his farm, until his
death, which occurred on Nov. 7. 1902, and his re-
mains are interred in the cemetery at Montville.
( )n Sept. 23, 1855, he was married in Allyns
Point, Conn., to Jane Stoddard, horn July 1, 1837,
a native of Allyns Point, daughter of Edmund and
Lucy (Allyn) Stoddard. Edmund Stoddard was a
sea-faring "man in early life, hut later was foreman
on the dock at Allyns Point, where his death oc-
curred. The children born to Air. and Mrs. Will-
iams are as follows: Eliza J., burn Nov. 11, 1856,
died June 22, 1858; William H., born Feb. 22, i860,
a blacksmith at Moosup, married Emilie Finne-
more, and has had four children, three dying in
infancy, and Ida Arline, living; Lucie A., born Aug.
28, 1861, married George H. Hoxie, of Lebanon, a
sketch of whom appears elsewhere, and their chil-
dren are,— George 11., Allan W. and Wilton 1L ;
John E., born April 16, 1864, married Margaret
Crandall, and is a blacksmith at Moosup, Conn.;
Dudley P., born March 18, 1866, and associated
with his brothers in the blacksmithing business at
Moosup, married Jennie A. Gallup, and they have
had children, Harold G., Jennie A. and Lester ( i.
(who died Feb. 12, 1903) ; Frank E., born March
6, 1870, is a contractor and stone cutter at Jewett
City; Charles P., born Nov. 18, 1873. a merchant at
South Britian, Conn., married Abbie Evelyn
Mitchell, and has children, Evelyn M., Roger P.
and Winnifred; Frederick I)., born Dec. 20, 1874,
married Mollie Hagar, and is a stone cutter of East
Longmeadow, Mass. ; Arthur W., born June 19,
1877, a stone cutter at Westerly. R. I., married, Nov.
12, 1902, Julia Dart; Jane S., born April 30, 1879.
In politics Mr. Williams was a Republican, but
did not take any interest in local affairs, having all
he could do to attend to his private interests, al-
though lie always voted for the candidates of his
party. The family all attend the Congregational
Church, in which they are prominent factors and
liberal contributors. The family of Mr. and Mrs.
Williams would be a credit to any parentage. The
sons inherit their father's mechanical ability and
they are all skilled and successful in their several
chosen vocations. From the mother the children
have all inherited a cheerful disposition, sweet-
ness of temper and kindness of heart. She stands
very high in the affections of her children, who look
up to and revere the gentle lady who has been the
centre of the home and pivot about which the hap-
piness of the household revolves. A most excellent
housekeeper and home maker, she has set an excep-
tionally high standard of excellence in her own
family and throughout the neighborhood, while her
advocacy of the principles of morality and true
Christianity, has had great weight in molding
the character of her children and their associates.
Mr. Williams was a self-made man in every
sense of the word, and he set his aims high, and
succeeded exceptionally well. His children have
been reared to healthy, honorable manhood and
womanhood, provided with the necessities of life,
well equipped for the duties of life, and in addition
he acquired his fine farm and made it into one of the
most beautiful and comfortable of homes, and pro-
vided for himself and wife a peaceful and happy
old age by storing up a good competence. Xo little
share of the praise due Mr. Williams must be at-
tributed to the efforts of his noble wife, whose in-
dustry has been that of a model house-wife, and has
been full)- equaled by her thrift and providence.
ISAAC MAIN. New London county, Conn.,
numbers among its residents many intelligent, pro-
gressive and successful farmers, men who belong
to old and honored families, and who are making
this portion of the State noted for its position ag-
riculturally. Among these may be mentioned Isaac
Main, of North Stonington, a son of Prentice Main,
the latter of whom was born in District No. 6 of
North Stonington. where he lived all his life. His
wife, who bore the maiden name of Ann Miner, was
a daughter of Isaac Miner. Prentice Main was a
successful man and excellent farmer, accumulating
a large property. He was a member of the Second
Baptist Church of North Stonington, in the work of
which he took an active part. His family was as
follows : One son that died in infancy ; Eunice Ann,
deceased, who married John D. Pabcock ; and Isaac,
born June 8, 1833.
Isaac Main was born in District No. 6, of North
Stonington, and was there educated in the district
school. From infancy he resided upon the home
farm in North Stonington, upon which he built
his new home about ten years ago. His entire life
has been spent here, where he is so honored and
respected.
On July 31, 1877, Mr. Main married Betsey
Ann, daughter of Amasa Main; she was born April
11, 1858, in Ledyard. Children were born to them
as follows: Isaac, born July 6, 1878, resides in
North Stonington ; he married Nellie J. Chapman,
and they have a child, Dorothy Evelyn. Lucy M..
born Oct. 18, 1879, died Aug. 22, 1883. Amasa M.,
born April 13, 1882, resides at Preston ; he married
Nettie B. Benjamin, and has one child, Nettie Belle.
James W., born June 19, 1883, died Aug. 23. 1883.
Arthur P. born June 11, 1885, died Oct. 15, 1885.
Thurman P., born July 30, 1888, is now attending
New London Business College. Jenny Lind was
born April 19, 1891. Adlai E., born Aug. 18, 1892,
died Nov. 23, 1893. Daisy G., born Oct. 8, 1894,
died Dec. 3, 1894.
Mr. Main is a member of the Second Baptist
Church of North Stonington. Both he and his ex-
cellent wife are verv active in the church, and popu-
lar throughout the community in which they are
so well and favorablv known.
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
945
CHARLES R. HEATH, one of the well
known and substantial citizens of Mystic in the town
of Groton, and who for the past fifteen years has
taken a most active part in educational matters, is
a grandson of Gilbert Heath, who was a cooper by
trade, and resided at Burnett's Corners, in the town
of Groton. He was twice married; his first wife
being Margaret Searles, and the second Mrs. Mar-
tha (Morse) Watrous.
Among the children of Gilbert Heath, by his
first wife, was a son, Reuben Heath, who became
the father of Charles R. Heath.
Reuben Heath was born Sept. 9, 1804, and died
Nov. 11, 1893, in the town of Groton. Like his
father, he was a cooper by trade, and followed that
calling in Groton and New London during his
active life. In 1852, he came to Mystic, and was
first selectman for several terms, member of the
school committee of the fifth district of Groton,
and was a Republican in politics. While residing
in New London, he was a selectman, tax collector,
and in Mystic he was the leading trial justice, and
was very active during the Civil war. In religion
he was a consistent member of the Methodist
Church.
On June 12, 1825, Reuben Heath married Bet-
sey Lamb, born Sept. 12, 1803, died March 27,
1850, the mother of children, as follows: Edwin
E., born June 28, 1826, died in New London in
1895 ; Henry Gilbert, born Oct. 24, 1827, was a car-
penter, later a farmer, residing at Hope Valley, R.
I., and he died Oct. 30, 1895 ; Abby Ann, born Feb.
24, 1829, died unmarried in 1880; Johns, born Nov.
16, 1830, resided in Mystic where he died. ( hi
Oct. 15, 1850, Reuben Heath married (second)
Sarah D. Benjamin, of Preston, born April 17, 1821,
who resides at Mystic. By his second marriage, he
had two children: Charles R., born June 1, 1852;
and Bessie B., born May 17, 1856, was married,
April 30, 1883, to Charles Herbert Wolfe, and their
one child, Bessie W., was born March 6, 1888.
Charles Reuben Heath, the subject proper of
this sketch, spent his boyhood days in Mystic, at-
tending the public schools and academy, and was
graduated from Brown University in the class of
1876, with the degree of A. B., in 1879 receiving
the degree of A. M. For seven years, he taught
school in Groton, two years of which he was an
instructor in the high school of Mystic. The next
two years he was at Xoank, and for three years
was at West Mystic, and during this time he also
operated his farm. He has been secretary of the
school board since 1891, and acting school visitor.
For many years Mr. Heath has been a successful
real estate agent, handling successfully many pieces
of valuable property. His farm is devoted to rais-
ing cattle, for dairy purposes, and his product meets
with ready sale.
On June 30, 1881, in Mystic. Mr. Heath was
married to Miss Emeline Fish, daughter of Alden
and Sally Ann (Beebe) Fish. Their children are !
60
as follows: Harold Beebe, Bessie Wolfe, Harriet
Elizabeth and Raymond Benjamin. Mr. and Mrs.
1 Uath are consistent members of the Union Baptist
Church of Mystic.
WILLIAM H. BROWN, postmaster at Jewett
City and the owner and operator of a first-class
photographic studio, is one of that borough's prom-
inent business men. Mr. Brown was born May 10,
1853, at Packerville, Windham Co., Conn., a son of
Thomas and Mary Brown.
Thomas Brown, father of William H., was bom
in Rhode Island, where he was reared. In [864 he
removed to Packerville and entered the mills there,
where he became well and favorably known. His
death occurred in 1890. He was a leading member
of the Baptist Church. In politics he was a Repub-
lican, but he never desired office. He married Mary
Collins, a woman of Christian character, who still
survives, at the age of seventy-four years. She,
too, is a consistent member of the Baptist Church.
The three children of this marriage were: Thomas,
postmaster and merchant at Packerville ; William
H., and Mary E.
William H. Brown was educated in the district
schools of Packerville, and was seventeen years
old when he entered a store at that place, as a clerk
for J. Leaven's Sons, buying the establishment
three years later. For a period of four years he
conducted the store successfully and then sold it
to other parties and entered the employ of W. P.
Kelley, at Versailles, and later at Dayville. It was
in the latter village that he became interested in
photography, experimenting first with a small
camera. He found himself quite surprisingly suc-
cessful, and, thus encouraged, he made a study of
photography and is now well known in that line of
art all through this section. For a time he owned
photographic cars at Dayville and Wauregan, and
later operated on appointed days at Jewett City and
at Taftville, locating permanently at the former
place in 1890.
Mr. Brown has been an active politician for
many years. For four years he served as post-
master under President Grant. In July, [899, he
was again appointed postmaster, this time at Jewett
City, by the late lamented President McKinley, and
was re-appointed by the present Chief Executive.
Mr. Brown was a stanch friend and a strong ad-
mirer of the late Congressman Charles Russell. In
civic matters he has always taken an active part,
and has served two terms as member of the board
of burgesses of Jewett City.
At Packerville, in May, 1874, Mr. Brown was
united in marriage with Lillian M. Dennett, who
was born at Canterbury, Conn., daughter of Rev.
A. H. Bennett. The two children of this marriage
are: Lillian May. formerly a teacher in this city,
now the wife of R. R. Barber, of Westminster, Yt. ;
and Miss Alice, also a successful teacher.
Fraternally Mr. Drown is a member of Ashland
946
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
Lodge, A. O. U. W., of Jewett City, and the Un-
daunted, K. of P., also of Jewett City. The family
is a leading one in the Baptist Church.
Air. Brown's long connection with official life
shows the esteem in which he is held by his fellow
citizens. His friends are numerous all over this
section.
HENRY GARDNER, a representative of one
of Montville's early settled families, and a success-
ful farmer of his community, was born Feb. 10,
1832, in Norwich. He is a lineal descendant in the
fifth generation, through John F., Lemuel and Jona-
than, of Stephen Gardner, who was one of the early
.settlers of New London county, and who probably
belonged to the Rhode Island Gardners.
There was a Stephen Gardner, born about 1677,
a son of Benoni and Alary Gardiner, of Kingston,
R. I., and grandson of George Gardiner, who had
two wives, Herodias (Hicks) and Lydia (Ballou),
and was a resident of New port, R. I. George Gard-
iner was admitted an inhabitant of the Island of
Aquidneck in 1638, served as constable and senior
sergeant in 1642, and as an ensign in 1644. Up-
dike in his "History of the Narragansett Church"
calls Benoni Gardiner (above mentioned) a son of
Joseph Gardiner, the emigrant. The latter is said
to be the founder of a family of distinction, and is
called one of the first settlers of Narragansett.
(I) Stephen Gardner is first known in Mont-
ville as a purchaser of a large tract of land near the
''Great Pond," afterward and since known as Gard-
ner's Lake, lying partly in Montville, partly in Boz-
rah, and partly in Salem, Conn. On this land he
settled and reared a large family of children. He
married, about 1700, Amy Sherman, born Oct. 15,
1681, daughter of Benjamin Sherman and his wife
Hannah Mowry, of Kingston, R. I. Very little is
recorded relating to his characteristics, and there is
little known of his personal history other than that
he must have been a man of means. Neither his
death nor that of his wife is on record. His chil-
dren, all probably born in Montville, between 1701
and 1724, were as follows: Amy, Lydia. Stephen,
Benjamin, Peregrine, Daniel. Sarah, Hannah, Me-
hitabel, Abigail, David and Jonathan.
Benjamin Sherman was a farmer in Portsmouth,
R. I., and a land owner in Kingstown. He was a
son of Hon. Philip Sherman, a native of Dedham,
England, who in 1624 came to New England, set-
tling first in Roxbury, and later in Portsmouth, R.
I. On the establishment of government in 1639,
Mr. Sherman became secretary under Gov. Cod-
dington.
(II) Jonathan Gardner, born April 24, 1724.
youngest child of Stephen and Amy ( Sherman )
Gardner, was a farmer. He lived near Bozrah,
and died there Aug. 22, 1792. About 1752 he mar-
ried Mary, daughter of Samson Haughton, and she
died Feb. 29, 1760. He afterward married, about
1762, Abia, one of the twin daughters of Daniel and
Sarah (Sherwood) Fitch. By his first wife he had
the following children : Amy, who married Jede-
diah Lathrop ; Jonathan, who married Jerusha Hyde
Stark ; Mary, who married Elihu Avery ; and Lucy,
who married George Bentley. By his second mar-
riage his children were : Lemuel, who married
Jemima Lathrop ; and Sarah, who married Russell
Leffingwell.
(Ill) Lemuel Gardner, son of Jonathan, was
born in Bozrah July 10, 1763., He engaged in
farming, first at Bozrah, but in 1800 he removed to
Norwich, and there leased the Keeney farm, now
owned and occupied by Frederick L. Gardner, and
located in what is now known as East Great Plains.
In 1816 he came to Montville and settled on the
Jared Fitch farm, taking care of his uncle during
his declining years, and at his death succeeding
to the estate. Lemuel Gardner died July 10, 1839.
On Oct. 28, 1789, he married Jemima Lathrop,
youngest daughter of Jedediah and Jemima
(Burchard) Lathrop, of Bozrah. She died March
11, 1850, aged eighty-three years. Mr. Gardner
was a very large man, weighing about 250 pounds,
with a height of over six feet. He was ever jolly
and good-natured, and in spite of his size was a
tireless worker. In his younger days he made a
trip to Ohio, driving a four-horse team on the jour-
ney. After remaining there some time he contracted
fever and ague, which greatly undermined his con-
stitution, and for several years before his death his
health was poor. For about three years prior to that
event he was unable to walk. His children were :
(1) Lorinda, born June 15, 1790, married, in 1810,
Levi Whaley, born in 1788, son of David Whaley,
and they settled in Montville. They had eight chil-
dren— Levi, who married Weltha Davis, of Nor-
wich, and had four children, Weltha, George, Wil-
liam and Frederick ; Charles Lathrop, who married
Emma Smith, and had one daughter, Lorinda ; Da-
vid Chauncey, who married Frances Gardner, and
had two children, Sidney and Charles Bentley ;
Theodore Dwight, who married Jane Maynard,
and had three children, Abby Jane, Sarah Anne and
Alice A. ; Mary Jane, who married Henry Fanning,
settled in Newton Upper Falls, Mass., and had
three children, Eugene, Henry H. and Francis ;
Jane Maria, who married Jacob Johns, of Norwich,
and had four children ; Sarah Anne, who married
Marvin Leffingwell, of Norwich, and had two chil-
dren, Maria and Chauncey ; and Lorinda, who died
aged about four years. (2) Almira, born May 27,
1792, died unmarried in Montville. (3) Sidney,
born April 17, 1795, married, in 1823, Maria Fan-
ning, of Norwich, and after engaging in farming at
Norwich died there Sept. 14, 1840. His children
were Sidney Alfred, who died unmarried at the age
of twenty-three ; Sarah Ann, who married Daniel
Price, who died in California ; Frederick Lester,
who is living in Norwich ; and Charles Henry, who
married Ellen Chappell. (4) John Fitch, born Nov.
5, »8o8, is mentioned in full below.
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
947
( IV) John Fitch Gardner was born on the turn-
pike, near Trading Cove, in Norwich. He followed
the occupation of fanning and stone quarrying with
no little success all his life, and in company with his
son, our subject, furnished a great amount of stone
for building and curbing purposes in and about Nor-
wich, the stone all being quarried from their farm.
At the death of his father John F. Gardner fell heir
to the homestead farm, and he conducted it as long
as he lived. Politically he was a Republican, and he
held several offices in the town, among them those
of assessor and member of the board of selectmen.
He attended the Montville Congregational Church,
and later the Bozrah Baptist Church — the latter
from the time of its organization. He died in April,
1872. On Feb. 25, 1829, he married Martha Crary,
born in 1808, in Preston, daughter of John and
Mary Crary. She died in March, 1886. Their chil-
dren were: (1) Henry. (2) Albert, born April
29, 1833, died March 12, 1856, being killed at
Goshen, Litchfield county, by the unexpected fall-
ing of a tree which he was chopping down. At
the time of his death he was there on a visit, his
work being that of the cultivation of the home
farm. (3) Mary Helen, born March 23, 1838, mar-
ried Albert S. Beebe, who has followed the sea all
his life, visiting many ports in different parts of
the world. They make their home in New London.
Their only child, a son, died in infancy.
Henry Gardner was born in Norwich, in that
portion known as Trading Cove, and when he was
but a year old his parents removed to what is still
his home, in the town of Montville. He received
his education in the Seventh school district, but
was obliged to leave school when he was fifteen
years of age, at which time he began active work on
the home farm. He continued at this until the
death of his father, when he settled up the estate,
and, purchasing the interests of the other heirs,
he has since carried it on on his own account. He
has about 180 acres, and it is all in a good state of
cultivation, being one of the most valuable farms .
in that section of the county. He is practical in his
ideas, and has made many improvements on the
farm since it came into his possession. While he
carries on general farming he also makes a large
amount of butter each week, which he delivers to
private customers, having been engaged in the
latter line over ten years. He keeps in all about ten
milch cows. The home is one of the oldest in this
section, having been erected some time during the
eighteenth century by one of his great-grandmother
Fitch's ancestors. The house has been kept in a
good state of repair, and it stands a monument to
the memory of the Fitch family.
In his political views Mr. Gardner is a Re-
publican, but he has never cared for the active party
work, and has no desire to be burdened with the
responsibilities that come with official honors.
On Dec. 23, 1877, Mr. Gardner was united in
marriage with Caroline (Beebe) Shaw, daughter
of Jacob Fitch Beebe and his wife Sally Mown,
of Norwich. Mr. Beebe was a successful farmer
and quarryman. The first husband of Mrs. Gardner
was Bentley Shaw, to whom she was married in
February, 1859. He was a harnessmaker by trade,
and died in Norwich in 1874, leaving a daughter,
Sarah Ella, who married the late Alfred 11. Beebe,
of Norwich, and has one son, Alfred Henry Beebe,
the printer and teacher of printing in the Norwich
Free Academy. No children have been born to
Mr. and Mrs. Gardner.
WILLIAM J. RILEY, for ten years prior to
1904, superintendent of the Eastern Strawboard
Company's mill at Versailles, in the town of
Sprague, but now a resident of Norwich, is a man
who has earned success because of his own merit
and worth.
Henry Riley, his father, was born in Dublin,
Ireland, and there learned the trade of a paper-
maker. He came to the Lnited States in 1848 on a
sailing-vessel, the trip taking several weeks. Set-
tling at Burnside, in the town of East Hartford,
Conn., he was employed at what was called the
middle mill at that place, now belonging to the
East Hartford Manufacturing Company, where at
that time was made the bank note paper for this
and several other countries.
William J. Riley was born Oct. 18. 1847, and
was less than a year old when his parents came to
the United States. He attended the public schools
until the age of nine years, when he began to earn
his own living. The father was poor, the family
large, and the children in those days had to help
bear the burden of existence. When only nine he
was put to work in a cotton mill at Rockville. The
hours were from 5 130 a. m. until 7 :3o p. m. His
wages at this time were $1.50 a wreek, pay day com-
ing every three months, and during all this time the
financial condition of the country was so unsettled
that when his wages were paid him the discount
was so great that he actually received but half of
the stipulated amount. This, however, his employer
afterward made good. For about three years he
was employed in the cotton mill, and then was em-
ployed in a woolen mill for a like period, giving up
the latter business because of his health.
In 1865, when the family removed to Rainbow,
he found work in the paper mill, and there re-
mained for six years, acquiring a thorough knowl-
edge of the business of paper making. He then
went to Middlebury. Yt.. and for a year had charge
of several men in one of the departments of a paper
mill. Following that he went to Burnside, Conn.,
and entered the employ of the Hammer & Forbes
Co., as superintendent of their paper mill, there re-
maining for twenty years, until 1893, when the com-
pany went out of business. In November, 1803. he
went to Versailles and became superintendent of
the mill of the Eastern Strawboard Company. After
bis assuming charge of the mill the daily output
948
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
was increased, and there was also a large increase
in the quality of the product. In 1904 Mr. Riley
resigned his position, and is now in the insurance
business.
In Middlebury, Vt.. Mr. Riley was married to
Margretta F. Russell, daughter of William H. Rus-
sell, a paper maker, who learned his trade in Scot-
land, but died in Versailles.
In politics Mr. Riley is a stanch Republican. In
1902 he was chosen delegate from Sprague to the
Constitutional Convention. Fraternally he is a
member of Orient Lodge No. 62, F. & A. M., and
of the Royal Arcanum, at East Hartford.
ARCHIE McNICOL, a business man of Gris-
wold, is president and general manager of the Tex-
tile Novelty Co., of Jewett City.
Mr. McNicol was born March 26, 1842, in the
city of Glasgow, Scotland. With the firm of Muir
& Brown, at Strathclyde, he served a seven years'
apprenticeship, learning the printing business. Mr.
McNicol is singularly simple in his tastes.
CHARLES E. STEWART claims descent from
two of Connecticut's old families, as he is in the
sixth generation of the Stewart family and the
ninth of the Denisons, of New London county.
( 1 ) William Stewart was baptized in the First
Congregational Church of Stonington, as an adult,
by Rev. Joseph Noyes, Feb. 13, 1710. He married
May 5, 1 713, Sarah Church, who died March 2,
1745
(II) William Stewart, Jr., born Dec. 26, 1714,
was one of the model farmers of his day. He pur-
chased from the Elliotts what is now known as
Stewart Hill, in North Stonington. His wife was
Elizabeth Stevens, and they were married Dec. 4,
1740.
(III) Nathan Stewart was born June 22, 1745,
and was married May T, 1768, to Barbara, daughter
of William Palmer. His wife was a woman of un-
usual nobility of character, while he himself was a
man of fine independence and great resolution. He
bought out the family rights in the homestead and
built there a house which descended to his son Ed-
ward and was next occupied by Denison Stewart.
(IV) Edward Stewart, born Dec. 8, 1774, was
married Feb. 15, 1801. His wife was Rebecca
Noyes, who was born March 6, 1782, and whose
death occurred Sept. 30, 1842, some years after that
of her husband, who passed away April 29, 1837.
Edward Stewart was a farmer by occupation, and
one whose admirable character made him beloved
by all. He was the father of eight children, viz.:
Rebecca, born Nov. 8, 1801, became the wife of Na-
thaniel M. Crary ; Betsey R., born Nov. 24, 1803,
died Feb. 26, 1849, tne wife of Frederick Swan ;
Denison, born Aug. 26, 1807, married Abby J.
Starkweather; Emeline, born Jan. 6, 1810, Mrs.
William R. Wheeler, died Oct. 31, 1879; Nancy,
born Jan. 2, 1813, died young; Cyrus, born Dec. 20,
1815, and Edward, born Jan. 3, 1818, both died
young ; Dudley is mentioned below.
(V) Dudley Stewart, born Dec. 17, 1820, lived
in North Stonington all his life, engaged there in
general mercantile business. He was a public-spir-
ited man, actively interested in everything concern-
ing his town and State, and did good service as
selectman and as representative in the Legislature.
In religious faith he was a Baptist. He was mar-
ried May 6, 1856, to Eliza F. Denison, who bore
him two children: Charles Edward, the subject of
this sketch, and Frances D., the wife of George O.
Miner, of Groton, Connecticut.
On the maternal side Charles E. Stewart's line
of descent is through (I) William and Margaret
(Chandler) Monck Denison, who came to America
in 1 63 1 ; (II) George and Anna Bordell (second
wife) Denison; (III) John B. and Phoebe (Day)
Denison; (IV) Daniel and Mary (Stanton) Deni-
son; (V) Daniel and Esther (Wheeler) Denison;
(VI) Isaac Denison, born Dec. 20, 1751 , who mar-
ried Eunice Williams, Nov. 10, 1773.
(VH) Isaac Denison, born Feb. 1, 1790, died
Aug. 28, 1855. He married Feb. 18, 1817, Levina
Fish, daughter of Sands Fish ; and children were
born to them as follows: Isaac W., Nov. 20, 1817;
Rev. Frederick, Sept. 28, 1819; Charles C, Sept. 20,
1821 ; Bridget G., March 13, 1824; John L., Sept.
19, 1826; Daniel W\, Sept. 5, 1828; Emily F., March
8, 183 1 (wife of George W. Noyes) ; Eliza F., Aug.
12, 1833 (Mrs. Dudlev Stewart), and Frances L.,
May 8, 1837.
(VI) Charles Edward Stewart was born at
Mystic, Conn., Dec. 20, 1859. He passed his boy-
hood and early school days in North Stonington, at-
tended private school in East Greenwich, R. I., and
Suffield, Conn., and remained in North Stonington
till he was twenty years old. For a time he clerked
in his father's store, and then removed to North
Adams, Mass., where he spent eight years, part of
the time with the North Adams Gas Light Com-
pany and latterly 'with the United Zylonite Com-
pany, as paymaster. In 1890 he went to Westerly,
R. I., and started the Westerly Laundry, which he
has been conducting successfully ever since. His
legal residence, however, is now at Stonington. Mr.
Stewart was married at North Adams to Miss Ada
Ann Evans, Dec. 15, 1885, a union which has been
blessed with two children, Evans and Dudley.
ELISHA ROGERS, a representative farmer,
and an old and honored citizen of Montville, is de-
scended from the first white settler in that town.
He is of the seventh generation from the emigrant
ancestor, the line being as follows : James, Samuel,
Daniel, Thomas, Thomas, Thomas Perkins and
Elisha.
(I) James Rogers came to America from Lon-
don, England, in 1635, in the ship "Increase," be-
ing then twenty years of age. He is first heard of
in Stratford, New Haven Co., Conn., where he mar-
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
949
ried Elizabeth, daughter of Samuel Rowland. They
afterward moved to .Mil ford, where his wife united
with Rev. Mr. Prudden's Church, in 1645. He be-
came a member of the same church in 1652 and all
their children were baptized in Milford. In 165')
Mr. Rogers had business which took him to New
London, and liking the place he settled there per-
manently, becoming a resident of the "plantation"
previous to 1660. Gov. Winthrop encouraged his
settlement in Xew London, and accommodated him
with a portion of his own house lot, next to the mill
which was afterward leased to him. On this lot Mr.
Rogers built a stone dwelling-house. He was a
baker, and did an extensive business furnishing bis-
cuit for seamen, and for the Colonial troops, be-
tween the years 1661 and 1670 having the largest
interest of any one in the locality in the trade at
Xew London. He became an extensive land holder,
owning several hundred acres on Great Xeck, a
tract of land at Mohegan, in the place then called
Pamschog. and now known as Massapeag, in the
town of Montville, several town lots, and, in part-
nership with Col. Pyncheon, of Springfield, Mass.,
2.400 acres on the east side of the river. He ac-
quired a position of influence in the town in both
civil and ecclesiastical affairs, and was six times
elected as representative to the General Court. He
was an upright and circumspect man, and his mem-
ory is held in great honor by his throng of de-
scendants. On settling in Xew London he and his
wife united with Mr. Bradstreet's Church, but after
a few years they severed their connection with the
orthodox Congregational Church and joined the
Sabbatarians, who were afterward called Quakers.
There is no account of any action on the part of
the church in regard to this change of faith, and
little is known of the later life of James Rogers. He
was born in 1615, and is supposed to have been the
son of Rev. John Rogers, of Dedham, England, who
died in 1636 ; and the family tradition is that he was
a grandson of Rev. John Rogers, of London, who
was burned at the stake, in Smithfield, in 1555. dur-
ing the reign of Bloody Mary. James Rogers died
at Xew London, in February, 1687-88, Sir Ed-
mund Andros being then Governor of Xew Eng-
land. His will was proved in Boston, and the chil-
dren, in accordance with his earnest request, made
an amicable division of the estate, which was ap-
proved by the General Court May 12. 1692. His
children were Samuel, Joseph, John, Bathsheba,
James, Jonathan and Elizabeth, all born between
the years 1640 and 1658.
ill) Samuel Rogers, eldest son of James and
Elizabeth (Rowland) Rogers, born Dec. 12, 1640.
at Stratford. Conn., married Oct. 17, 1664. Mary,
daughter of Thomas Stanton and Ann Lord, daugh-
ter of Thomas Lord, of Hartford. A contract was
made by the respective parents of the young couple
by which each side pledged £200 as a marriage por-
tion. In fulfillment of his part of the contract James
Rogers conveyed to his son his stone house and bak-
ery, at the head of Winthrop's Cove, where the
young couple commenced housekeeping. After a
few years, however, they moved to land outside the
town, in the vicinity of the Mohegan tribe of In-
dians, and became the first English settlers within
the limits of the present town of Montville. Samuel
Rogers was twice married, as appears by his last
will, executed Dec. 8, 1712, in which he gives his
"beloved wife, Johanna, all she needs." He died
Dec. 1, 17 13. and was buried in the old Rogers
burying-ground, on the farm where he had lived,
which was afterward owned by Oliver Maker. His
children, all born in Xew London, between the years
1005 and 1680, were: Daniel, Mary, Samuel, Eliza-
beth, Sarah and Jonathan.
(III) Daniel Rogers, eldest son of Samuel and
Mary (Stanton) Rogers, born in Xew London
about 1665, married, in 1702, Grace, daughter of
Thomas Williams. He was a farmer, and inher-
ited from his father a large tract of land in the
Xorth Parish of Xew London, now Montville.
Erom time to time he purchased other land, several
deeds to him, dating from 1727 to 1765, being in
the possession of his descendants. They also have
deeds from him to his sons, one dated Jan. 24, 1753.
to his son Thomas, another, dated April 16, 1771 ,
in which, "for the consideration of love, goodwill,
and fatherly affection I have and do bear unto my
well beloved sons, Alpheus Rogers and Thomas
Rogers," he conveys to these sons certain lands near
to and including the homestead. The house in which
he lived at the time of his death was on the south
side of the highway leading from the Congrega-
tional meeting-house in Montville to Houghton's
Cove, a short distance south of the present resi-
dence of Augustus A. Parker. He died about 1771,
at the age of 105. It is said that "his appearance
in the last years of his life was that of a venerable
old man, his long gray hair covering his shoulders,
and when seen in the fields without a hat upon his
head, which was his usual custom, he had the ap-
pearance of an old prophet." His children, all born
in the Xorth Parish of Xew London, now Mont-
ville. between the years 1703 and 1713, were:
Grace, Mary, Daniel, Alpheus and Thomas.
(IV) Thomas Rogers, third son and youngest
child of Daniel and Grace (Williams) Rogers, born
in the Xorth Parish of Xew London, now Mont-
ville, about the year 1712, married, April 7, 1751.
Sarah, daughter of Adonijah Fitch. They settled
on the farm in Montville given to Mr. Rogers by
his father, and there he died in 180T. The children
of this union, all born in Montville, were: (i)
Betsey, born in 1 75 t , who married Perez Bradford;
(2) Parthenia, born in 1752. who married Benja-
min Bradford; (3) Adonijah, born in 1754. who
married Anna Nobles; (4) Sarah, twin sister of
Adonijah. who married Pelethiah Tuttle ; (5)
Thomas, born in 1757. who married Mary Baker;
(6) Andrew, born in 1750. who married Elizabeth
Rogers; (7) Azel. born in 1765, who married Sarah
950
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
Baker; and (8) Frederick, born in 1768, who mar-
ried (first) Parthenia Baker, (second) Desire Vib-
ber, and (third) Abigail (Bolles) Wright.
(V) Capt. Thomas Rogers, second son of
Thomas and Sarah (Fitch) Rogers, born April 10,
1757, married, Nov. 7, 1784, Mary Baker, born
Nov. 14, 1758, daughter of Joshua and Abigail
(Bliss) Baker. He lived in Montville, on land
which he bought of the Indians in 1787, and on
which he built a house two years later. This farm,
on which he lived until his death, June 2, 1842, is
still in the possession of one of his descendants. He
was also a sailor, and as captain of a West Indies
merchant vessel made forty voyages in all to those
islands. His wife died Jan. 19, 183 1. Their chil-
dren, all born in Montville, were as follows: (1)
Elisha Hinman, who was born July 5, 1785, and died
Jan. 14, 1819, married Mary Whipple. (2) Jared
Starr, born Jan. 7, 1787, died Sept. 1, 1816, unmar-
ried. (3) Henry Truman, born April 20, 1789,
died March 30, 187 1. He was a carpenter and a
clockmaker, and married Clarissa, daughter of Rev.
Rozel Cook. (4) John Baptist, born Jan. 24, 1794,
died Oct. 5, 1798. (5) Thomas Perkins, born Jan.
15, 1797, married Mary C. Fish. (6) Mary Ann,
born April 10, 1799, died Dec. 27, 1866, unmar-
ried, and (7) Eliza Bliss, born July 25, 1802, died
June 17, 1834, in Montville. She married George
Raymond, Jr.
(VI) Deacon Thomas Perkins Rogers, fifth son
of Capt. Thomas and Mary (Baker) Rogers, mar-
ried, about 1820, Mary C, daughter of Samuel Fish.
In early life he followed the sea, but later settled
down to farming in Montville, living in the house
which is now the residence of his son, Elisha. He
was an industrious and highly respected man and a
devout Christian. In 1838 he was chosen deacon
of the Congregational Church in Montville, and
filled that honorable position with great zeal and
faithfulness until his death. Aug. 12, 1873. He lost
his devoted wife nearly ten years before, Nov. 9,
1863. Their children, all born in Montville, were as
follows: (1) Chester died in infancy; (2) Phebe
D., born March 10, 1826, married Ebenezer Tracy,
a carpenter of Lisbon, Conn., and died in Bridge-
port, Conn.; (3) Elisha, subject of this sketch, was
born Sept. 30, 1828; (4) Samuel died young: (5)
Thomas Cotton, born Sept. 5, 1832. went to Cali-
fornia during the gold excitement in 1849, arRl cue<^
there of fever in 1850, unmarried; (6) Mary E.,
born in 1 834, married George W. Rogers, who is
treasurer of a large packing house in St. Louis,
Mo. ; she died in February, 1904.
(VII) Elisha Rogers, third child of Deacon
Rogers and Mary C. Fish, his wife, was born in
Montville in the same house in which he now lives.
He attended the district schools of his native town,
and later was for three months a pupil in the Mystic
high school, while serving an apprenticeship at the
carpenter's trade with John Gallup, of Mystic. He
began his apprenticeship when about seventeen and
a half years of age, having previously found ample
occupation on the home farm. After three and a
half years as an apprentice he was employed by Mr.
Gallup as a journeyman for five or six years, be-
ginning at a salary of $15 a month, which had in-
creased before he left this employ to $3.50 a day.
On leaving his first employer he went to Norwich,
where he was employed for about a year by Rogers,
Willoughby & Fanning. Returning to Mystic he
spent another year in the employ of Mr. Gallup, and
then went back to Montville, where for a time he
worked at his trade, at Johnson's Dye Works, and
later for John Comstock. On the death of his
father, in 1873, he returned to the old homestead,
where he has since been engaged in general farm-
ing, occasionally doing something in the carpenter-
ing line as a neighborly accommodation. He cul-
tivates about 100 acres of land, and markets his
produce in Norwich.
On March 18, 1854, Mr. Rogers married (first)
Mary Jane Scholfield, daughter of Joseph and
Mercy (Newberry) Scholfield, of Montville. To
this union came the following children : ( 1) Edwin,
born July 27, 1855, died May 4, i860; (2) Alice
Elizabeth, born Dec. 26, 1857, married Justin H.
Kimball, an employe of a large dry-goods house in
Lowell, Mass., and their two children are Merrill
H. and Gladys E. ; (3) Horace, born Feb. 3, 1863,
is now a carpenter, living in California, unmar-
ried; (4) Stella, born March 20, 1866, died May
5, 1876. His first wife having died May 21, 1869,
Mr. Rogers married (second) Nov. 5, 1870, Martha
Perry, daughter of the late George Perry, of Put-
nam, Conn., a descendant of one of the well known
and highly honored families of Windham county.
No children have been born to this union.
Mr. Rogers is a strong Republican, and, al-
though not an office-seeker, has served as district
school committeeman, and as clerk and treasurer of
the committee, for several years. He and his wife
are active members of the Montville Congrega-
tional Church, and are hospitable and benevolent
people, kindly neighbors, and highly respected in
the community of which they have so long been
members.
JEAN B. Le CLAIRE, a well known business
man of Jewett City, engaged in carrying on a suc-
cessful bakery, has been located here for the past
eighteen years, during which time his industry and
integrity have won him friends with every class of
citizens.
Mr. Le Claire was born Feb. 22, 1856, at La
Presentation, in the Province of Quebec, Canada,
where his father, Joseph Le Claire, was also born, a
descendant of one of the first French settlers in
that section. Joseph Le Claire was a large land-
owner and an extensive farmer, and with the excep-
tion of four years spent with his son at Jewett City
passed his whole life in his native locality, where
he died in 1896. As is general with French-Cana-
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
95i
dians, he was a devoted member of the Catholic
Church.
Joseph Le Claire married Zoe De Grange, born
also in the Province of Quebec, who still survives,
at the age of seventy-three years, active and spright-
ly, possessing much of the vivacity which character-
ized her youth. She is the beloved mother of the
following children: Jean B., of Jewett City: Napo-
leon, a farmer at the old home ; Adelia, married and
living in the West ; and Francis and Hermides, at
home. Jesse died young. Mrs. Le Claire is a de-
voted member of the Catholic Church, a good,
Christian woman.
Jean B. Le Claire was educated in the govern-
ment schools in his native place and remained with
his parents, assisting in farm work, until he was
sixteen years old, when he started out to make his
own way in the world, determined to succeed if
honest industry would accomplish it. He came to
Connecticut, and soon found work in a woolen mill
at Putnam, where he continued for a time, and
then accepted a position as driver of one of the
bakery wagons. He kept on working steadily and
saving his money, and by 1886 had accumulated a
few hundred dollars, which represented much self-
denial. With this he came to Jewett City and
started in the bakery business, and two years later
he built his present home and bakery, where he has
been located for the past fifteen years, being now
regarded as one of the fixtures of the place. In
1900 he built the Le Claire block, where he has a
branch store, and also owns other property. That
he has never been an idler is self-evident; on the
other hand, he has been progressive, and has not
only pushed his own business with success, but has
taken a deep interest in public matters. For the past
six years he has filled the office of tax collector with
efficiency. Mr. Le Claire is a broad-minded and
liberal mam
In April, 1883, at Putnam, our subject was mar-
ried, by Father Virgin, to Victellen Quarey, daugh-
ter of Michael Quarey of Putnam, and they have
eight children, namely: Arthur, Albina, Alferia,
Eugene. Landur, Wilfred, Ector and Jean B., Jr.
Three died young.
Mr. Le Claire is a trustee of the Catholic Church
at Jewett City. Fraternally he is a member of the
K. of C, of Jewett City, the St. Louis Society, and
the St. John Baptist Society at Putnam. In politics
he is a Democrat.
CHARLES RICHARDS BUTTS is descended
from a family which settled in Connecticut in early
Colonial times. Members of the family clown
through succeeding generations have been men of
position and influence, prominent in town and State
affairs, and active in religious work.
(I) Richard Butt, or as it was also spelled, But,
and later Butts, is of record in Dorchester, Mass.,
in 1669. when he was a young man and apparent ly
unmarried. By his wife. Deliverance, he had later
a number of children. The admission to the church
of his wife, and the baptism of several of their chil-
dren, is recorded in 1678. Richard Butt was ser-
geant in the company commanded by Capt. John
Withington in 1690, in the expedition to Quebec
against the French. Forty-six of this company
never returned from this ill-fated expedition, most
of them being supposed to have lost their lives at
sea. Richard Butt lived until 172 1, when he died
of smallpox.
(II) Samuel Butt, one of the children whose
baptism is recorded in 1678, had a wife Sarah, and
a daughter also named Sarah, who was baptized at
Dorchester "13-7-1702." A son was also born to
this union "20-10-1703." Samuel Butt was the
founder of the family in Connecticut, and settled
near Wanungatuck in 1706. When Canterbury,
Conn., was endowed with town privileges, in Octo-
ber, 1703, it had but few inhabitants, only ten west
side residents signing the articles of separation, but
their character and circumstances made amends for
the smallness of their number. Most of them were
men of means and position and well fitted to initiate
and carry on the settlement of the new townships.
Eleazer Brown, of Chelmsford, bought land at
Wanungatuck in 1704 ; Jonathan Ashley, Benjamin
Baldwin and Henry Smith appear among the inhabi-
tants in 1705, and in that year bought land in South
Canterbury. In 171 1 Samuel Butt was chosen one
of three deputies for awarding a just grant of land
in Canterbury ; he was a deputy from that town to
the General Court at the October session, 1715, and
at the sessions of May and October, 17 16. The Can-
terbury Church was organized in 171 1, and 1712-13
Samuel Butt and his wife united with it, making the
membership twenty-five. In 17 17 Samuel Butt was
chosen one of the selectmen of the town.
(III) Capt. Josiah But (or Butt), son of Samuel,
lived in Canterbury, on a farm given him by his
father. At one time he had seven sons and eight
grandsons in the Colonial army, all of whom saw
service in the Revolutionary war. Capt. Josiah
married Elizabeth Williams, daughter of Dr. Joseph
Williams, of Plainfield, Conn., and granddaughter
of Capt. Thomas Williams, who came to Plainfield
from Stow, Mass., in 1699. ^rs- Elizabeth Wil-
liams But died March 28, 1798. The newspaper
notice of the death of Mrs. But was as follows :
"Died at Canterbury. March 28, 1798. Mrs.
Elizabeth Butt, aged eighty-seven years, relict of
Josiah Butt late of Canterbury, deceased. This
woman's children were fourteen (14) all of whom
lived to be married and have children. At her
death she left 12 children, 80 grandchildren, 103
great-grandchildren, and two of the fifth genera-
tion."
(IV) Deacon Sherebiah But. baptized March
19, 1733, the next in line, died at Canterbury Nov.
2y, 1807, at the age of seventy-four. He was an
exemplary citizen, an upright man and a leading
member of the church. His wife was Deborah
952
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
Knight, who died June 12, 1824, and by whom he
became the father of eight children, as follows :
Sherebiah, born March 25, 1760; Asa, Jan. 15,
1762; Hannah, June 17, 1765; Capt. David, Dec.
14, 1767; Erastus, Aug. 29, 1771 ; Elijah, Dec. 26,
1774; Arunah, April 18, 1777; and Deborah, April
17, 1779.
(V) Capt. David Butts was a farmer and lived
in Westminster Society, Canterbury. He took an
active interest in religious matters, and was one of
the organizers of the first Sunday-school in West-
minster Society. The first wife of Capt. David was
Lucretia Frost, by whom he had one child, Chester
Frost, born Sept. 28, 1793. He married (second)
Jan. 28, 1796, Nancy Dyer, and the children of this
union were as follows: Hiram, born Oct. 26, 1796,
died in infancy ; Lyman, born April 22, 1798, died
in Lisbon, Conn.; Sally, born March 21, 1801, mar-
ried Samuel Chapin, and died April 16, 1865, in
Springfield, Mass.; Mary Ann, born March 15,
1803, cned unmarried Sept. 17, 189 1, in Springfield,
Mass. ; David, born June 9, 1805, moved to Plym-
outh, Cerro Gordo Co., Iowa ; and John D., born
July 9, 1807, married Elizabeth Adams, and died
in Springfield, Mass., Oct. 12, 1888 ('?). Capt.
David married (third) Lura (or Philura?) Leach,
and his death occurred two vears later, Oct. 24,
1836.
(VI) Chester Frost Butts, eldest child of Capt.
David, was born in Canterbury, and there learned
in all its details the business of manufacturing
woolen goods. He devoted his life to this industry,
and was engaged in factories in various places in
Tolland, Windham and New London counties. He
finally settled in Greeneville, where he lived for a
number of years, and there died Aug. 10, 1842. He
married, Jan. 29, 1818, Sarah, daughter of Simeon
and Esther (Branch) Lathrop, who was born in
Lisbon, Conn., Feb. 3, 1792. Mrs. Sarah (Lath-
rop) Butts died June 1, 1880, the mother of three
children, as follows: (1) Lucretia Frost, born Feb.
26, 18 19, married in May, 1845, Darius Gardner.
Their home is in Plymouth, Cerro Gordo Co., Iowa,
where they were among the first settlers. Their two
children are Lena Leoti (the first white child born
in Cerro Gordo county) and Henry Chester. (2)
Henry Lathrop, born May 13, 1823, is mentioned
below. (3) Sarah, born Oct. 11, 1826, died May
11, 1835.
(VII) Henry Lathrop Butts, only son of
Chester Frost and Sarah (Lathrop) Butts, was born
in Mansfield, Tolland Co., Conn., and was but a
small child when his parents moved from that place.
He married Dec. 3, 1849, in New London, Conn.,
Sarah Ann Richards, who was born in Waterford
Jan. 23, 1829, daughter of Charles and Emily J.
(Jerome) Richards. Children as follows have come
to Henry Lathrop and Sarah Ann (Richards)
Butts: (1) Clara Jerome, born Feb. 27, 1853, died
Oct. 22, 1871. (2) Charles Richards, "born July 28,
1854, is mentioned below. (3) Matilda was born
Jan. 18, 1856. (4) Adelaide Lewis was born March
12, 1858. (5) Frederic Harrington, born Sept. 13,
i860, married June 24, 1886, Carrie M. Parker, and
has four children, Frederic Marsena, Chester Cham-
berlain, Anita Grant and Carolyn Parker. Mr.
Butts is in the wholesale hardware business in Bos-
ton, Mass. (6) George Coit, born July 31, 1865,
married May 31, 1897, Adeline Robbins Hills. He
lives in Norwich, Connecticut.
(VIII) Charles Richards Butts, eldest son of
Henry Lathrop, was born in New London, Conn.
He married Sept. 9, 1879, Hattie Lathrop Palmer,
daughter of Richard and Harriet (Lathrop) Palmer,
of Colchester, Conn. No children have been born to
this union.
PAUL P. GLASBRENNER, a substantial
young farmer of Montville, comes of good sturdy
German stock. He is a native of Connecticut, hav-
ing been born in Norwich Aug. 28, 1871. His par-
ents were John and Christina Salzer Hartman Glas-
brenner, both natives of Germany.
John Glasbrenner, grandfather of Paul P., was
all his life a farmer in Germany, where he died at
an advanced age. His son John was born July 26,
1832, in Wahlburg, Province of Wurtemberg, Ger-
many, and learned the trade of cabinetmaker, at
which he was employed until coming to the United
States, in 1855. In December of that year he sailed
from Liverpool, and, on landing in New York, came
immediately to Norwich, where he had friends.
His chief capital consisted of a readiness and will-
ingness to work, and his first occupation in the new
land was at farming and shoemaking. After a time
he entered the J. P. Sturtevant woolen mill, working
in the carding room, and later in the fulling depart-
ment, remaining in the mill fifteen years. In 1881
he bought with his savings the "Dorchester farm, '
in Montville, near the Salem town line, consisting
of 300 acres. There he was successfully engaged in
farming until his death, which occurred July 5,
1896. He was a hard-working man all his life, and
won the respect and esteem of the entire community.
In politics he was a Democrat. He was a member
of the German Lutheran Church of Norwich, of
which his widow is also a member.
John Glasbrenner married, Nov. 15, T857, Chris-
tina (Salzer) Hartman, daughter of Michael and
Rosena (Bower) Salzer, and widow of Frederick
Hartman. The latter was a German soldier, and a
stonecutter by trade, and his death was caused by a
falling stone which crushed him. Mrs. Glasbrenner
was born May 22, 1831, and is still living on the
farm in Montville, in the enjoyment of excellent
health and mental vigor. Mr. and Mrs. Glasbren-
ner were the parents of the following children : (1)
John Augustus, born Oct. 8, 1861, in Norwich,
Conn., married Mary Arnold, of Montville. His
home is in New London, where he carries on a suc-
cessful blacksmithing business. His children are
Robert, May, Eva, Ruth and Rose. (2) Edward,
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
953
born Oct. 26, 1863, in Norwich, married Fannie
Church, daughter of Nicholas W. Church, of Mont-
ville. They have no children. He conducts a livery
stable in Uncasville. (3) William, born Feb. 27,
1866, in Norwich, unmarried, carries on the home
farm. (4) Lillie Louise, born Oct. 2, 1868, in Nor-
wich, married John H. Turner, a liveryman of New
London, who died there March 3, 1893, and she
makes her home with her mother in Montville.
They had no children. (5) Paul P., born Aug".
28, 1871, in Norwich, is mentioned below. (6)
Martin Luther, born Nov. 10, 1873, in Norwich, is
unmarried. (7) One son died in infancy. (8) One
daughter deceased in infancy.
Paul P. Glasbrenner remained in Norwich until
he was nine years old, when his parents moved to
Montville. There he attended school in the "Round
Schoolhouse," district No. 2, during the winter
months, assisting in the farm work at home until he
was fourteen. He then became assistant to his
brother John, who had a blacksmith establishment
in Uncasville. After several years in this employ-
ment he spent a year at home on the farm, and then
went to work for James H. Manwaring, an exten-
sive farmer of Montville. He remained with Mr.
Manwaring for ten years, during the greater part of
which time he acted as general foreman. On March
29, 1899, he bought the Samuel Denison Bradford
farm, of 140 acres, located on Raymond Hill, in
Montville. and there he has ever since been suc-
cessfully engaged in general farming. He is an
up-to-date, progressive, enterprising and thrifty
farmer, eminently a self-made man, and possessing
the sturdy qualities which are characteristic of the
German race.
Mr. Glasbrenner married, March 29, 1899,
Julia Ann Bradford, one of the twin daughters of
the late Samuel Denison Bradford, of Montville.
Their children are : Pauline Ardelia, born Feb. 27,
1900, and Jennie Christine, born July 2, 1901. Mr.
Glasbrenner is an adherent of the Republican party,
but in town affairs votes for the man he considers
best fitted for the office. He and his wife are con-
sistent members and supporters of the Montville
Congregational Church, and are charitable and hos-
pitable people, who command the esteem of all their
fellow citizens.
MAXCY SEYMOUR, warden of the borough
of Jewett City in the years 1902-03, and one of its
leading French-Canadians, was born Oct. 26, 1850,
at St. Thomas, in the Province of Quebec, son of
Henry and Mary (La Monday) Seymour.
Henry Seymour was also born in the Province
of Quebec, was reared to farming life, married in
the vicinity of St. Thomas, and remained there
engaged in agricultural pursuits until his family
had been reared. In advanced age he and his wife
removed to Jewett City, Conn., to be with their
children, and here they died, and were buried in the
Catholic cemeterv at this place. They were most
estimable Christian people and enjoyed the esteem
of all who knew them. The three survivors of
their family of eight children are: Maxcy, of this
sketch ; George, of Jewett City ; and Ellen, wife of
Leon Raux, also of Jewett City.
Maxcy Seymour had only limited educational
opportunities at St. Thomas, Ont., and started out
in life for himself at the age of seventeen years.
In 1867 he came to Connecticut and settled at
W'auregan, Windham county, where he found em-
ployment on a farm, and later became a clerk in a
company store where he continued until 1871, in
which year he came to Jewett City. Here he became
a clerk in the Slater Company store and continued
with that firm for the succeeding twenty years, ad-
vancing in the esteem and confidence of his em-
ployers. He was encouraged by them when he
embarked in business for himself and successfully
conducted a grocery store here for ten years. Since
selling his grocery interests he has devoted himself
to looking after his real estate, of which he is a large
owner. Careful investments and business sagacity
have contributed to make him one of the borough's
substantial citizens.
At Wauregan Mr. Seymour married Cordelia
Langoin, a native also of Canada, and five children
have been born to them, namely : Alfred and Wil-
fred, both of Jewett City ; Clarinda, wife of Arche
Pegion, of Willimantic ; and Cordelia and Walter,
at home.
Mr. Seymour and his family are all devoted
members of the Catholic Church at Jewett City, in
which he is a trustee. In politics a Democrat, he
has served in various offices as the candidate on
that ticket, has been a member of the board of se-
lectmen, tax collector, and in January, 1902, was
elected warden of the borough, a position of re-
sponsibility, and an office he held with dignity and
efficiency. He is a popular citizen, known to be
honorable and upright, and he classes among his
friends the leading and representative men of this
section of the county.
JOHNSON. The Johnson family in Montville
is ably represented by David Austin Johnson, and
Samuel Newell Johnson, brothers, who are among
the most representative •citizens and progressive
agriculturists. Their father and grandfather before
them were well known and highly respected citizens
and successful farmers, in different parts of Con-
necticut.
Grandfather Benjamin Johnson was born in Boz-
rah. Conn., and spent his life at his chosen occupation
of farming, lie was an honored citizen of Bozrah.
where he died in August, 1879, in his ninety-second
year. He and his wife. Polly, were the parents of
the following children: ( 1 ) Benjamin was born in
Bozrah, and there engaged in farming. He married
(first) Susan Johnson, and (second) Harriet Davis,
and became the father of twelve children. He
served his country during the Civil war, as a mem-
954
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
ber of the 21st Conn. V. I. (2) David Austin, Sr.,
was born in Litchfield, Conn., and became the father
of the subjects of this sketch. (3) Frederick H. was
born in Litchfield, and is now a farmer in East
Lyme. He married, and has two children, Eunice
and Thankful. (4) Russell was born in Bozrah,
and is now living in Mystic, Conn. He married
Frances A. Smith, and they have a family of seven
children. He also served during the Civil war as a
member of the 21st Conn. V. I.
David Austin Johnson, Sr., was born in Litch-
field, July 28, 1822, and died in Montvillle, Oct. 19,
1902, at the age of eighty. When he was a lad his
parents moved to Bozrah, and there he was for sev-
eral years engaged at farm work. As a young man
he went to Uncasville, Montville, and for two or
three years was employed in Johnson's Dye Works.
He then moved to the northwestern part of Mont-
ville, and was employed for several years as a
farmer, by Isaac Swan. After that he leased a
farm in Leffingwell, Bozrah, for one year, and then
in i860, purchased the Bill farm, near Montville
Centre. This farm of 160 acres he carried on with
great success until his death. In 1862 he enlisted
as a private in Company F, 21st Conn. V. I., and
served until the close of the war, in 1865, receiving
a pension from the Government for his faithful
service. Mr. Johnson was a Republican in politics,
but never an office seeker. He was a man of me-
dium height and build, active and industrious, and
of a quiet, reserved disposition. He was a consist-
ent and devoted member of the Montville Congre-
gational Church, in the work of which he took an
active part.
David Austin Johnson, Sr., was twice married,
his first marriage being Feb. 17, 1850, to Mary
(Dowd) Walling, who died in Bozrah, Feb. 13,
i860. To this union were born the following chil-
dren: (1) Caroline, born in Montville, March 21,
1 85 1, who married Samuel P. Bodine, a painter by
trade. Their one son died in infancy, and Mrs.
Bodine died Feb. 13, 1871, in Norwich. (2) Samuel
Newell, born in Montville, Sept. 1, 1852, is men-
tioned below. (3) David Austin, Jr., born in Mont-
ville July 9, 1854, is mentioned below. (4) Daniel
S., born in Bozrah, March 9, 1858, died while on a
visit in Meriden, May 13, 1871. Mr. Johnson mar-
ried (second) July 20, 1869, Olive W. Sterling,
daughter of James Sterling, of Montville. Mrs.
Johnson still resides in her native town.
Samuel Newell Johnson was born in Mont-
ville Sept. 1, 1852, and as a boy attended school
there, in district No. 1. Leaving school at the age
of sixteen, he remained for a year on the home farm,
and then was employed as a farmer for several
months, by Mrs. Caroline Chapel, widow of Capt.
Chapel, of Norwich Town. During the following
winter he worked in the machine shop of C. B. Rog-
ers, in Norwich, and the next year was employed on
the steamer "City of Lawrence, " plying between
Norwich and New York. Mr. Johnson then went
back to farming, finding employment for several
months with Charles Spicer, of Griswold. After
that he was employed for a year by Albert Brewster,
of Griswold, and then, for six months, by Stephen
Packer, at Canterbury. He then returned to Nor-
wich, and for six months was engaged in the iron
foundry of A. H. Vaughan. At "the expiration of
that time he went back to Montville, where he leased
the John B. Rogers farm of 160 acres, ae Scholfield's
Corner, which he carried on for four years. He then
leased the Daniel Baker farm, of sixty acres, at
Montville Centre, on which he remained two years.
His next lease-hold was the Bear Hill farm, of
ninety acres, which he farmed for two years, after
which he leased the Noble's Hill farm, in Montville,
of seventy acres, carrying it on for a year. For the
next two years he again leased the Daniel Baker
farm, and after that the Elisha Baker farm, of 104
acres. After two years on the latter place, he built,
in 1 89 1, his present home, on a portion of his
father's farm, where he has since continued to re-
side. Since the death of his father he has taken
a lease of the homestead farm, which he also car-
ries on. The homestead farm consists of 104 acres,
and Mr. Johnson's own farm contains forty acres
more, and he is very successful in the farming oper-
ations on both tracts.
On March 16, 1876, Samuel Newell Johnson
married Ida May Cross, of Jewett City, daughter
of Charles and Harriet E. (Davis) Cross. Mr.
Cross died before the birth of this daughter. Mrs.
Cross died in Montville, in the winter of 1898. The
children born to Mr. and Mrs. Johnson are as fol-
lows: (1) Harold Albertus was born Aug. 8, 1877,
in Jewett City, and married, Nov. 27, 1899, Lillian
Whittaker, of St. John's, New Foundland. They
have one son, Harold Earl, born May 10, 1903. Mr.
Johnson is foreman of one of the departments in
the Brainerd & Armstrong silk mill at New London.
(2) Frank Newell was born in Montville, Feb. 24,
1879, and is engaged in farming. (3) Robin Daniel
was born in Montville, Dec. 14, 1881, and married,
April 29, 1903, Cyrene Smith, of New London. He
is in the meat business in Groton, Conn. (4) Har-
riet Emeline was born in Montville, April 19, 1888.
(5) Pearl Belle was born in Montville, Julv 21,
1889.
Samuel Newell Johnson is a Republican in poli-
tics, but is not an office seeker. Fraternally he be-
longs to Uncas Lodge, No. 17, A. O. U. W., of
Montville, of which he is past master workman, and
to Thames Lodge, No. 22, I. O. O. F., of Montville'
where he has served as chaplain, and as inside and
outside guard.
David Austin Johnson, Jr., was born July 9,
1854, in Montville, and attended school in the Fitch
Hill district No. 7, and the Centre district. When
he was seven years of age he went to live with Ed-
ward Fitch, and remained with him until he was
eighteen, having left school two years before. His
first independent position was as foreman on the
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
955
farm of Joseph Fitch, where he received twenty-
five dollars a month, and his board, in payment for
his services. After a year in this place he went into
the gun factory of Hopkins & Allen, in Norwich,
where he was employed for six months. His next
occupation was on the steamer "City of Lawrence,"
whose run was between New York and Norwich,
but after some time he was compelled to give up that
work on account of ill health. After two years on
the home farm Mr. Johnson went into Palmer
Brothers' quilt mill, in Montville, where for three
years he was in charge of the cloth room. He then
purchased the Dwight A. Baker farm of 120 acres,
in Montville, which he has since carried on with
great success. The farm is a good one, and under
the excellent management of Air. Johnson is kept
in a high state of cultivation.
David Austin Johnson, Jr., married June 3,
1885, Jennie Belle Young, of Vermont; she died in
Montville, in the prime of life, Dec. 4, 1897, leaving
five children. They are as follows : Leroy Prentice,
born May 25, 1887; Merton Bushnell, born Oct.
17, 1888; Mary Belle, born April 13, 1890; Herman
Alexander, born Sept. 5, 189 1 ; and Edward Fitch,
born Oct. 29, 1892 ; all being natives of Montville.
In politics Mr. Johnson is a stanch Republican, and
has served his town as grand juror for several
terms. He is a member of Uncas Lodge, No. 17,
A. O. U. W., of Montville, of which he is past
master workman, and is also a member of Thames
Lodge, No. 22, I. O. O. F., of Montville, in which
he has held many offices, including those of chap-
lain, and right supporter of the vice grand. He is
an earnest member of the Montville Congregational
Church, to whose work and interests he is devoted.
He has been a member of the church society com-
mittee, and has served as collector ; and since the
death of Deacon Henry A. Baker, has been acting
deacon of the church.
EDGECOMB. (I) Nicholas Edgecomb was
actively engaged in the establishment of a settle-
ment at Casco Bay, Maine, as far back as the latter
half of the seventeenth century.
(II) John Edgecomb, son of Nicholas, was born
Nov. 14, 1675, and he became a man of prominence
in the colony at New London. He married Hannah
Hempstead, and his death occurred April 11, 1721.
(III) Samuel Edgecomb, son of John, on May
7, 1752, married Dorothy Smith, of Groton. His
death occurred Feb. 26, 1786. To Samuel and
Dorothy Edgecomb were born ten children, as fol-
lows: katherine, born March 8, 1753, died March
14, 1847; Dorothy, born Dec. 8, 1754; David, born
June 8, 1756, died April 8, 1826; Elizabeth, born
Jan. 15, 1758, died Jan. 10, 1821 ; Samuel, Jr., born
Feb. 28, 1760, died Feb. 25, 1843 ! Gilbert, born
March 3, 1762, died Oct. 5, 1843 ; Jabez, born Oct.
6, 1763, died May 18, 1843; Hannah, born May 2~j,
1765, died Feb. 4, 1836; Thomas, born Jan. 29,
1767, died Feb. 14, 1848; and Asa, born April 14,
1772, died Sept. 4, 1774. About 1673 Samuel Edge-
comb settled in New London. In 171 5 he built a
brig. Records show that in 1735 he and Dr. Gay
Palmer were prominent members of the Society
for the Propagation of the Gospel in Foreign Parts.
From 1735 to 1767 he served as a vestryman.
(IV) Samuel Edgecomb, Jr., born Feb. 28,
1760, was married, March 13, 1788, to Katy Wil-
liams, of Stonington, Conn., who died Dec. 26,
1790, the mother of two children : Marcy, born Sept.
24, 1789, died Sept. 7, 1843; and Katherine, born
Dec. 13, 1790, died Dec. 4, 1878. On Dec. 11, 1791,
Samuel Edgecomb, Jr., married for his second
wife, Rachel (Denison) Copp, daughter of Daniel
and Rachel (Starr) Denison, born Sept. 20, 1754,
and first married to Joseph Copp. To Samuel
and Rachel Edgecomb were born the following
children: Julia, born Dec. 26, 1792, died June 8,
1851; Samuel, born May 29, 1794, died Jan. 26,
1819; Sarah B., born Jan. 7, 1796, died Feb. 18,
1864; Albert, born Sept. 30, 1797, died July 7,
1874; Harriet, born March 16, 1800, died March
19, 1837 ; Daniel, born Jan. 2, 1802, died Jan. 2J,
1887; and John, born Aug. 26, 1803, died Nov. 24,
1878. Samuel Edgecomb, Jr., participated in the
defense of Fort Griswold, in 1781, and he stated
that although they poured cold shot like hail upon
the assailants, the advance was hardly checked, so
furious was the onslaught.
(V) Daniel Edgecomb, son of Samuel, Jr., was
born Jan. 2, 1802, in District No. 2, Groton. On
June 2, 1824, he married (first) Harriet Ashley,
who was born Sept. 7, 1808, and who died May 9,
1826, leaving one child, Melvina, born March 6,
1825, who married Dec. 5, 1844, Thomas H. Lovett,
and who died Oct. 29, 1859. On Sept. 2, 1827.
Daniel Edgecomb, for his second wife, married
Esther Standish, daughter of Nathan and Sally
Standish, of Preston, born March 29, 1803. This
union was blessed with seven children, namely :
Harriet, born Sept. 7, 1828, died in April, 1898 : Gil-
bert, born Oct. 11, 1830, died June 24, 1843 '■> Emily,
born June 11, 1832, married, Nov. 12, 1856, San-
ford A. Morgan, of Huron, South Dakota ; Marx-
Esther, born Jan. 29, 1836, died Dec. 2, 1883 : Daniel
Webster, born Aug.. 2^, 1840, married, Nov. 25,
1863, Kate Calver, and resides in New York City ;
Edmund E., born Feb. 24, 1844, married, July 2,
1865, Alice Cornelius, and resides in Boston, Mass.;
and William Cary, born Aug. 14, 1845. Daniel
Edgecomb located in Mystic, Conn., in his young
manhood, and there engaged at his trade of cabinet-
making, continuing in that line until his death. He
was a strong worker in the cause of abolition, and
always took a prominent part in town affairs. He
was a member of the Union Baptist Church.
FRANCIS D. BURTCH is the proprietor of
Burtch's Drug Store, located in the Burtch building,
at the corner of Water and Union streets, Stoning-
ton, New London county, Connecticut.
956
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
WILLIAM R. CARVER, the well-known and
popular liveryman of Norwich, was born in Greene-
ville, that town, June 16, 1864. He is active in
business and fraternal circles, and is a man of
many friends.
Richard Carver, father of William R., was born
in Limerick, Ireland, and came to America in 1850.
He settled in Norwich, where for over thirty years
he was employed as a teamster by the Chelsea Paper
Co., for twenty-eight years driving the same horse.
When the Chelsea Paper Co. closed its business
Mr. Carver retired, and in 1872 settled in Preston.
There he passed the remainder of his life, dying
April 27, 1901. On the voyage to America Air.
Carver met his future wife, Bridget Sheedy, who
was also a native of Limerick. Their early homes
were only about a mile apart, they discovered, al-
though they had been quite unknown to each other.
They were married about two years after coming
to Norwich by Rev. Peter Kelly, of that place.
Mrs. Carver survived her husband but a few days,
dying in Preston May 2, 1901. Their children were
as follows: (1) David, a paper-maker, lived in
Preston, where he died in 1883. He married Delia
Lyons, and they had one daughter, Jane E. (2)
James, who had driven a coupe in Norwich for a
number of years, and was very popular with his
patrons, died, unmarried, in 1889. (3) John died
when one year old. (4) William R. is mentioned
below. (5) John Richard died young. (6) Mich-
ael, who married, and has several children, is an
engineer in the employ of the New York, New
Haven & Hartford Railway Co., and resides in Put-
nam, Conn. (7) Mary Jane lives at the homestead
in Preston, unmarried. (8) Catherine A. is also
unmarried, and living at the homestead. (9) Ellen
P. married Joseph McHeely, a foreman in the em-
ploy of the United States Finishing Co. of Nor-
wich. They have one son, Joseph W.
William R. Carver went to school in Long So-
ciety District, town of Preston, until he was six-
teen years old. He then found employment for a
year at the Bleachery. The next three years he
was employed in the restaurant of William Noss,
and the three following in J. R. McNamara's cafe.
The mail delivery system was just then established
in Norwich, and he became one of the first mail
carriers in the town, retaining that position a year.
He then bought a horse and coupe which he drove
in Norwich for about twelve years. This business
throve so well that in May, 1899, he established
himself in the livery and boarding stable business at
No. 21 Willow street. He has been successful in
this enterprise from the first, and his genial, accom-
modating manner has won him many friends.
On Oct. 29, 1903, Mr. Carver married Nellie
McNamara, daughter of Patrick and Johanna
(Ryan) McNamara, of Norwich. Mr. and Mrs.
Carver are both devout members of St. Patrick's
Roman Catholic Church, of Norwich. On national
issues Mr. Carver votes the Democratic ticket, but
in town politics he is neutral. He is a member of
White Cross Council, No. 13, Knights of Columbus,
of Norwich, and a charter member of Court City
of Norwich, No. 63, Foresters of America. He also
belongs to St. Joseph's Sodality and Literary Asso-
ciation of Norwich. For seven years he was an
active member of the volunteer fire company of Nor-
wich belonging to Niagara Hose Co., No. 2.
This term of service entitles him to honorary mem-
bership in the society.
JOHN TURNER O'BRIEN is a well-to-do
citizen of Montville, where he .'s now living in re-
tirement. He was born in Preston, Conn., which
was also his father's birthplace, and his mother was
likewise a Connecticut woman, a native of Ledyard.
Grandfather Barney O'Brien was born in Ire-
land and came to this country as a young man, set-
tling in Preston, Conn., where he lived to an ad-
vanced age. He married in the United States twice,
having by his first wife four children, and by his
second wife, a Quakeress, three sons and two daugh-
ters, as follows : John, who died in Preston ; George,
who was the father of John Turner ; Erastus, who
died in Preston; Lavissa, Mrs. Deming; and Han-
nah, who married Charles Dewey.
George O'Brien was born in 1800, in Poque-
tanuck, town of Preston, and died in Ledyard, Feb.
28, 1847. He was engaged in the fish and oyster
business on the Thames river, at that time the lead-
ing industry of the vicinity. Starting in life a poor
boy, by thrift and perseverance he acquired con-
siderable property before his death. He was a
quiet, unostentatious man, who attended strictly to
his own affairs. In politics he was a Democrat, and
a stanch supporter of the principles of that party.
In his later years he became much interested in re-
ligious matters. Of a rugged constitution, a large,
well-proportioned man, weighing about 200 pounds,
he was always energetic and a hard worker until he
was attacked with consumption, from which he
never recovered.
George O'Brien married, June 15, 1823, Hannah
Turner, daughter of Ezekiel Turner, a farmer of
Ledyard. She died Oct. 13, 1848, of consumption.
The following children were born to this union :
(1) Juliet G., born Feb. 9, 1824, married Sept. 14,
1847, James Church, of Montville, who was en-
gaged in the fish and oyster business. He died in
Montville, where his wife also died, Oct. 10, 1872.
They had two sons and one daughter, George
Henry, of Providence, R. I., and James Seymour,
of Groton, and Ella, who died in infancy. (2)
Mary Ann, born April 21, 1825, married Elisha
Allyn, a farmer of Ledyard. They had no chil-
dren, and she died May 23, 1852, in Ledyard, where
her husband also died. (3) George Henry, born
May 9, 1827, married Caroline Allyn, of Ledyard.
He was a farmer in Ledyard where his wife died.
Their two children are deceased. (4) John Turner,
born May 30, 1828, is the subject of this sketch.
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
957
(5) Caleb Allyn, born Feb. 21, 1830, died May 14.
1856. (6) Orien Stoddard, born July 14, 1832,
died Oct. 12, 1833. (7) Hannah Ann, born June
22, 1833, married William A. Church, of Montville.
(8) Ellen Maria, born Nov. 22, 1834, died, unmar-
ried, in 10,01, in Groton, Conn. (9) Abby Gavitt,
born July 31, 1837, lives, unmarried, in Canton,
Mass. (10) Emma Jane, born March 31, 1839,
married (first) Charles Phillips, of Preston, Conn.,
and (second) Nelson Roach, of Ledyard. The lat-
ter was formerly in the steamboat business, but is
now a farmer. They have no children. (11) Eliza
Morgan, born March 27, 1840, married Capt. Sim-
eon Church, of Montville. (12) Byron Manlius,
born Aug. 18, 1843, married Sarah Amidon, of
Groton. They have no children. They reside in
Groton, where Mr. O'Brien is in the undertaking
business.
John Turner O'Brien was born in Preston, but
received most of his education in Ledyard, to which
place his parents moved when he was eight years
old. Leaving school at the age of sixteen he worked
on the Norwich and Worcester railroad for about
a year, until the death of his father. He then was
employed at farm work for several months, by Col.
John Lester, and then for a year on the Big Neck
farm, at Mystic. At the age of eighteen he took
passage at Norwich on the schooner "Boston,"
bound for California, working his way as a common
sailor. The course was through the straits of Ma-
gellan, and they reached their destination after a
very rough voyage of nine months. Mr. O'Brien
settled in Sacramento City, and for a year and a
half occupied himself in mining. He then went
into the teaming business, carrying provisions to
the Chinese merchants and miners in the mountains.
After a year and a half at this he was able to buy
a team of his own, and for the next six years did a
very prosperous teaming business on his own ac-
count. Selling his heavy team after six years, he
bought a horse and dray, and for about two years
engaged in draying in Sacramento City. He then
sold out and returned to Connecticut, by way of the
Isthmus of Panama. He made a visit of two months
in Connecticut, and then went back to California
by way of the Isthmus. This time he went to gar-
dening, for a year being employed by the month,
then renting a farm of 160 acres, which he culti-
vated, marketing his produce in San Francisco and
in Sacramento City. His lease expiring at the end
of a year he bought a farm of 160 acres, and was
successfully engaged in gardening for about six-
years. He then sold his farm and again returned
to his native State, where for two years he lived in
retirement at Ledyard, with his brother George.
Alter that he went into partnership with his brother-
in-law, James Church, in the oyster business, this
connection lasting about eight years. He then pur-
chased the James Church farm of eighty acres, on
the banks of the Thames river, at Mohegan sta-
tion, on the Central Vermont railroad, where he
has since been engaged in general farming.
Mr. O'Brien married, July 24, 1867, Julia Eme-
line Smith, born March 5, 1840, in Montville, daugh-
ter of Lyman and Emeline ( Fanning) Smith, of
Montville. He and his wife are most estimable
people. No children have been born to this union,
but they have an adopted son, Edward N. O'Brien,
whom they took into their home when he was but
three years of age, and to whom they gave their
name, and who now has charge of the farm. Mr.
O'Brien is a Democrat in principle, but takes little
active interest in politics. His religious creed is
the Golden Rule. He is an affable, genial man, and
his many experiences and extensive travels make
him an interesting conversationalist. He has been
hard-working and industrious, and is now enjoy-
ing in retirement a well-earned competence.
HOWARD L. WOOD, M. D., one of the prom-
ising physicians of Groton, Conn., was born either
in England, or on the high seas, April 28, 1869, his
mother dying at the time of his birth. His father,
whose name was Hall, had resided in the United
States. The motherless babe was adopted by Fran-
cis Edwin Wood, of Walton, Delaware Co., N. Y.,
and he passed his early school days in Walton. Dr.
Wood was graduated from the Delaware Literary
Institute at Delhi, N. Y., after which he acted as a
drug clerk in the same town, when he was but eigh-
teen years of age. In 1893 he was a graduate of
the New York College of Pharmacy, and from 1890
until 1895 he was in charge of a drug store in
Brooklyn, N. Y., during the last two years of which
time he was pursuing his medical studies. In 1895
he entered the medical department of Union College,
Albany, N. Y., but on account of accident and typhoid
fever, he did not complete his course until 1899.
For four months he practiced in Danbury, Conn.,
and then spent a year in New York City. In Feb-
ruary, 1 90 1, he located in Groton, and has built up
a very good practice.
Dr. Wood is a member of the American Ornith-
ological Union, and is an expert taxidermist. He
publishes an illustrated monthly journal "Fur. Fin
and Feather" which is devoted exclusively to the
interests of fancy pet stock. Professionally he be-
longs to the New London Medical Society ; and
socially to Fairview Lodge, I. O. O. F., and the
Scottish Clans.
Dr. Wood was married in Jersey City, to Mar-
tha Mote, of Newark, Del. He and his wife are
justly numbered among the leading factors in the
social life of Groton, and have many friends, not
only in their immediate vicinity, but also where
they have formerly made their home.
^-
BRIGHAM YOUNG UNIVERSITY
3 1197 20638 9386
Date Due
All library items are subjeet to recall at any time.
JUN 77 2306
Brigham Young University
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