USA > Connecticut > New London County > A modern history of New London County, Connecticut, Volume II > Part 47
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George Denison Palmer was born on the homestead, January 29, 1801, where he spent his entire life, and there died October 5, 1889. He married Harriet Ben- jamin, born in Preston, New London county, Con- necticut, January 17, 1815, and died on the Palmer home- stead, June 2, 1900.
George Benjamin Palmer, their son, was born on the "old homestead," May 24, 1843, and grew up on his father's farm, assisting him with his work. Later he formed a partnership with a Mr. Reynolds, and Rey- nolds & Palmer conducted a livery and sale stable in Jewett City. In 1889, after the death of his father, he sold his interest in the business and returned to the old farm, which he cultivated until his death, April 9, 1907.
He married Mary Ada Bennett, born in Plain- field, Connecticut, April 15, 1867, daughter of Durien and Mary (Hayes) Bennett. Mrs. Palmer still survives her husband and resides (1920) at the home farm in the town of Griswold. Two children were born to George Benjamin and Mary Ada (Bennett) Palmer, namely : Charles B., of further mention; and George Denison, born July 6, 1899, residing on the home farm.
Charles Benjamin Palmer, son of George Benjamin and Mary Ada (Bennett) Palmer, was born on the "old Palmer homestead" in the town of Griswold, New Lon- don county, Connecticut, August 17, 1895, and there his twenty-six years have been passed. He was educated in the public schools and at the Connecticut Agricultural College at Storrs, finishing his courses in 1914. He then became manager of the home farm, and until May 9, 1917, made that his business. On the date mentioned, he enlisted in the United States navy, doing so immediately after Congress declared a state of war between the United States and Germany. He was sent to the training camp in Newport, Rhode Island, and on Sep- tember 3, 1917, was assigned to duty on the United
States destroyer, "Tramp No. 643," on the Atlantic coast, for patrol duty. He remained on that vessel until October 27, 1918, when he was transferred to the naval ship, "Winthrop," destined for service in European waters. The signing of the armistice ended his naval career, and he was honorably discharged, December I, 1918, as first-class machinist's mate.
He then returned to the farm, which he had left eighteen months earlier, and resumed its management. The old Palmer farm lies in the town of Griswold, on Rural Free Delivery Route No. 3 from Norwich, and contains three hundred and sixty acres. Educated in modern agricultural methods, and with the aid of mod- ern farm equipment, the energetic, progressive and patriotic young man is making a splendid success, and is causing the acres of the old farm, upon which he, his father and grandfather were born, to produce abundantly.
Mr. Palmer is a Republican in polities; also a member of the Baptist church of Jewett City; Mount Vernon Lodge, No. 75, Free and Accepted Masons, of Jewett City; Undaunted Lodge, No. 134, Knights of Pythias; Preston City Grange, Patrons of Husbandry ; and a charter member of Griswold Post, American Legion.
Charles Benjamin Palmer married, in Bethel, town of Griswold, July 12, 1920, Katherine Jane MeKenzie, who was born in Nairn, a seaport of Scotland, where she lived until 1914, when she joined an uncle and aunt living in Lisbon, Connecticut. They are the parents of one child, Eunice Katherine, born on the homestead, March 8, 1921.
GEORGE HERMAN JENNINGS, M.D., is one of those scholarly physicians whose deep research into the fields of medicine has peculiarly fitted him for the practice of his chosen profession. That tribute of respect and admiration which is always justly given to those who have worked their way to positions of prominence in a community is due him, and his ability is amply attested by the success he has achieved.
James Jennings, father of George H. Jennings, M.D., was born in County Down, Ireland, and attended the schools of his native place. At the age of twenty he came to the United States and located in Norwich, where he followed his vocation of gardening until his death, July 21, 1881. He married Christina Dankers, a native of Germany; she died in Norwich, in 1889. To Mr. and Mrs. Jennings were born nine children : Anna, wife of Nathan D. Sevin, of Norwich; Christina, who is the wife of Samuel R. Knapp, and resides at Norwich, Connecticut ; John B., who married Harriet Champlin, of New London, both deceased; James C., who married Sarah ----- -- , and resides in West Willington, Con- necticut ; Lila J., who married Lieutenant William S. Baldwin, of New York, a lieutenant in the United States navy during the Civil War, now deceased, she now mak- ing her home in Norwich; Frank W., married Mary Reed, and are residents of Oakland, California; George Herman, of further mention ; Charles F., a resident of Norwich; and Robert N., who died in infancy.
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George Herman Jennings was born in the town of Preston, now a part of Norwich, Connecticut, March 20, 1850. He was educated in the public schools of his native place and at Norwich Free Academy, after which, having decided upon the profession of medicine, he matriculated at Long Island College Hospital, from which he was graduated in 1875, with the degree of Doctor of Medicine. He then came immediately to Jewett City, where he has since been established in practice of his chosen profession, having gained the confidence of a large circle of patients and the esteem of his colleagues as well.
In politics, Dr. Jennings is a Republican, and has held many positions of prominence in the community, having been first selectman of the town of Griswold for two years, 1900-1902, health officer and medical examiner for twenty-five years, and chairman of the school com- mittee for thirty-seven years. Professionally, he affili- ates with the Connecticut Medical Association and the New London Medical Society. He has also long been prominent in Masonic circles in the State, being a member of Mount Vernon Lodge, No. 75, Free and Accepted Masons; Franklin Chapter, No. 3, Royal Arch Masons ; Franklin Council, No. 4, Royal and Select Masters; Columbian Commandery, No. 4, Knights Templar; and Connecticut Consistory, Ancient Ac- cepted Scottish Rite, thirty-second degree. He, with his family, attend and support the Congregational church.
At the outbreak of the World War, Dr. Jennings offered his services in the United States army. He was rated a first lieutenant on special commission for the tuberculosis stations at Camp Meade and Camp Greene. He is now a reserve surgeon of the United States army.
On October 18, 1876, Dr. Jennings was united in marriage with Annie Greenwood, of Boston, Massa- chusetts, daughter of William A. and Mary (Green) Greenwood, of New Hampshire. Dr. and Mrs. Jen- nings are the parents of eight children, six of whom are now living: I. George G., a railroad man and resi- dent of Norwich, married Eva Richmond. 2. Carl W., married Mahel Rood, of Griswold, and resides in Dan- ielson, Connecticut. 3. Lila J., died in infancy. 4. Mary A., marricd John W. Gregg, professor in the Horticul- tural Department of the University of California, lo- cated at Berkeley, California. 5. Lila J. (2), married Joseph F. Watt, and they reside at Groton, Connecticut. 6. Jasper, deceased. 7. Dr. John G., who served as a captain in the medical corps of the United States army during the World War; married Doris Macomber, and now resides in Waltham, Massachusetts. 8. Anna, mar- ried Ernest C. Wright, and they reside in Leonia, New Jersey.
GRAHAM SHIELS HISLOP-The department store, that triumph of modern merchandising, was estab- lished in New London by James Hislop, and developed by his son, Graham S. Hislop, president of the James Hislop Company, Inc., a corporation owning and oper- ating the department store business in New London founded by James Hislop, a Scotchman, who came to
New London in 1874 to take especial charge of the store established there by the firm of Hislop, Porteous & Mitchell some time before. The large department store he founded and brought into successful being was but one of many enterprises James Hislop was responsible for and interested in. New London's possibilities early attracted him and eventually he became a very large real estate holder and a very important man of affairs. When the "adopted son" laid down the burden of life in 1908, he was succeeded by his eldest son, Graham Shiels Hislop, a "native son," who, trained to the business he now manages as its executive head, has worthily suc- ceeded to the heavy responsibilities of his position.
James Hislop was born in Peebles, Scotland, Feb- ruary 9, 1817, and died in New London, Connecticut, March 28. 1908. The first twenty-one years of his life were spent in Peebles, where he was educated, but as soon as he had attained his majority he came to the United States, arriving in 1868. He located in Hartford, Connecticut, then entered the employ of the firm of Brown, Thompson & Company, an old dry goods com- pany of the city. With that firm his industry, interest and devotion met with a response in the form of pro- motions, and in a few years he was holding a well paying, responsible place in the firm's business. But flattering as were his prospects, the young man had larger ambitions and soon afterward with two Hartford men, John Porteous and Archibald Mitchell, he formed the firm of Hislop, Porteous & Mitchell, and opened a general store in Norwich, Connecticut. That venture proving an immediate success, the firm established a store in New London, and he then went West to Fort Wayne, Indiana, and to Grand Rapids, Michigan, estab- lishing stores in both cities. In 1874 Mr. Hislop came to New London, Connecticut, to give the branch there his personal attention, and thereafter that city was his home. Later Hislop, Porteous & Mitchell dissolved, Mr. Hislop retaining the New London branch. Under his direction the business became one of the important mer- cantile establishments of the State of Connecticut. He continued head of the business until his passing, then was succeeded by his son, Graham Shiels Hislop.
Mr. Hislop was associated with the Post Hill Im- provement Company, which added City Ocean Park, Riverside Park, Neptune Park, and other residential districts to the city's attractions, and he was at the time of his death president of the New London Gas and Electric Company, a director of the Savings Bank of New London, director of the National Bank of Com- merce of New London, and had other important busi- ness interests. He was a man highly esteemed and popular, holding his place in the world of business through his own ability and strong personality. He held to the strictest rules of business integrity, was exceedingly jealous of his honor, and in all the walks of life which he traversed he held himself above reproach.
James Hislop married Annie Marion Brown, daughter of Thomas and Jeanette (Garvie) Brown, of Hartford, Connecticut. Mrs. Hislop survives her husband, as do their three children, all born in New London, wherc
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Mrs. Hislop yet resides. Their children are: Annie, married Dr. Gordon Spicer Allyn, of Waterford, Con- necticut, and they are the parents of two sons, James Hislop and Gordon Spicer, Jr .; Graham Shiels, of further mention ; Gordon Irving, a graduate of the Uni- versity of Tennessee as medical doctor.
Graham Shiels Hislop was born in New London, Con- necticut, June 15, 1882, and there completed public school courses of study at Bulkeley High School. He then entered Phillips Andover Academy, finishing with the class of 1903, then entered Yale University, whence he was graduated with the usual bachelor's degree, class of 1907. He at once secured a position with his father in his department store business, and until the latter's death in 1908, father and son were closely associated. He succeeded his father as president of the James Hislop Company, Inc., and to the title "oldest depart- ment store in New London" he has added "largest and best."
Mr. Hislop is a Republican in politics, but has devoted himself to the development of his private business, al- though keenly alive to his obligations as a citizen. Hc has attained the thirty-second degree in Scottish Rite Masonry, is a member of New London Lodge, No. 360, Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, and of the Thames and John Winthrop clubs. His college fra- ternity is Delta Kappa Epsilon, Yale.
Mr. Hislop married, September 23, 1914, Frances Elizabeth Peckham, born in New London, daughter of James Morris and Catharine (Dale) Peckham. Mr. and Mrs. Hislop are the parents of a daughter, Eliza- beth Ann.
JUDGE ARTHUR B. CALKINS-The Calkins family of New London county, Connecticut, trace de- scent from Hugh Calkins, the first of his name in Con- necticut, his settlement dating from 1651, although his coming to New England antedated his coming to Con- necticut eleven years. Nine generations of the family have lived in New London county, but Dr. Daniel Calkins, of the fifth generation, moved to East Lyme, where the succeeding three generations in this branch were born.
The present review deals with the ancestry and career of Arthur B. Calkins, of the eighth generation, now, and since 1910, judge of the Probate Court for the district of New London. His children constitute the ninth generation in this branch of the descendants of Hugh Calkins. The line is thus traced :
(I) Hugh Calkins, born in 1600, at Chepstone, in Monmouthshire, England, came to Gloucester, Massa- chusetts, in 1640, bringing with him his wife and children. 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, Connecticut, and was one of the thirty-five proprietors of that town. He was several times chosen deputy to the General Court from Norwich, where he died in 1690, aged ninety years. His children were: John; David, of whom further; Rebecca, Sarah, Mary, Susan and Deborah.
(II) David Calkins, married Mary Bliss, daughter of Thomas Bliss, at Norwich, Connecticut, and settled at New London, where he died, November 25, 1717. His children were : David, horn July 5, 1674; Anne, born November 8, 1676; Jonathan, of whom further; Peter. born October 9, 1681: John, Mary, Joseph, baptized November 3, 1694; Lydia, baptized August 9, 1696; and Anne (2).
(III) Lieutenant Jonathan Calkins, born January 9, 1679, married (first) December 11, 1700, Sarah Turner, born October 28, 1683, daughter of Ezekiel and Susanah (Keeney) Turner, of New London. They settled at New London, where she died, August 15, 1718, and he married (second) December 8, 1719, Anne Pember. His children, all born to the first marriage, were: Jonathan, born September 6, 1701: Sarah, born in July, 1703; Hannah, born July 20, 1705; Amos, of whom further ; Grace, born June 23, 1711 ; and Thomas.
(IV) Amos Calkins, born October 14, 1708, married, in October, 1730, Mary Calkins, born May 15, 1709, daughter of Thomas Calkins, and settled at New Lon- don, where he died, June 23, 1775, and his wife died there, May 16, 1775.
(V) Dr. Daniel Calkins, born in New London, Con- necticut, September 6, 1746, later moving to East Lyme, Connecticut, married (first) Mary Chappell, who died May 23, 1777. He married (second) January 1, 1778, (widow) Elizabeth (Smith) Moore. Three daughters were born of the first marriage: Eunice, Hannah, and Esther. The following were born of the second mar- riage : Ethelinda, Daniel H., William S., Amos, Samuel : Elisha C., of whom further; and Betsey.
(VI) Elisha C. Calkins was born at East Lyme, Connecticut, and was married, on March 6, 1816, to Abby Chapman, born November 23, 1794, in East Had- dam, Connecticut, daughter of Hon. Isaac and Abigail Chapman, of East Haddam. They resided in East Lyme, and their children were: Elizabeth A., born September 19, 1817; Juliet G., born February 23, 1820; Epapharus C., born March 16, 1823; Daniel, of whom further ; Swab L., born February 22, 1828; Caroline S., born October 8, 1830; and Frances Ann, who was born June 7, 1836.
(VII) Dr. Daniel Calkins, born at East Lyme, Au- gust 25, 1825, married, in October, 1850, Elizabeth M. Caulkins, daughter of Nehemiah Caulkins, who died July 15, 1889. Three sons were born, of whom two died in infancy. Dr. Daniel Calkins died March 25, 1901.
(VIII) Arthur B. Calkins, son of Dr. Daniel and Elizabeth M. (Caulkins) Calkins, was born at East Lyme, New London county, Connecticut, April 20, 1867. After completing his studies in the public schools he studied law under the preceptorship of A. C. Lippitt, of New London, and on January 11, 1889, at the age of twenty-two, he was admitted to the New London county bar. He began practice in New London at once, but until 1903 retained his residence in East Lyme, then removed to New London, which has since been his home and the seat of his professional activity. In 1910 he was elected judge of probate for the New London district, and has held that office continuously until the present (1921).
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In politics, Judge Calkins is a Democrat, a party allegiance which has been lifelong. While living in East Lyme he represented his district in the State Legislature in 1893, 1897, and 1901. During the sessions of 1897 and 1901, he was chosen Democratic leader of the House, serving on the Judiciary Committee, and as chairman of other important committees. In 1903 he was the candidate of his party for Secretary of State. While his elections to the office of judge of probate have been as a Democrat, he has several times been endorsed as the Republican candidate, and elected with- cut opposition, a striking tribute to official integrity and ability from political foes.
Judge Calkins is a past master of Bay View Lodge. and a member of Brainerd Lodge, Free and Accepted Masons ; is a companion of Union Chapter, Royal Arch Masons; a sir knight and past eminent commander of Palestine Commandery, Knights Templar; and in the Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite has attained the thirty- second degree. He is a past noble grand of the Inde- pendent Order of Odd Fellows; and a member of New London Lodge, Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks. He is a member of a number of social organiza- tions, including the Thames Club, of which he is an ex-president.
Mr. Calkins married (first), April 16, 1895, Clara I. Jerome, who died February 15, 1901, leaving three chil- dren, as follows : Dorothy J., who married, April 6, 1920, Gardner O'Rea, of New York: Elizabeth M., who mar- ried, June 26, 1920, Leonard W. Lanabee, of New Bri- tain, Connecticut ; and Clare J., who resides in New London. He married (second), November 5, 1904, Alfa (Curtis) Barber.
FRANK VALENTINE CHAPPELL-Way back to the beginning of the English settlement of New London and Norwich, Connecticut, the name Chappell is found, and for at least five generations Chappells have been prominent bankers and merehants of New London. The present representative, Frank V. Chap- pell, is of the eighth generation of the family in Con- nectient, son of Alfred H. Chappell, grandson of Frank- lin Chappell, great-grandson of Ezra Chappell, and great-great-grandson of Captain Edward Chappell, who was the first of the five generations of business men who have made New London the seat of their business enterprise. Captain Edward Chappell, of the fourth generation, was a master of ships, and when he retired from the sea opened a store in New London for the sale of West India products, and laid the foundation for the erection of the splendid commercial structure which his sons and grandsons unto the fourth generation have reared in New London.
(I) The family of Chappell in New London trace their descent from George Chappell, who came to New England in the ship "Christian," landing at Boston in 1635, he then being a young man of twenty. He was in Wethersfield, Connecticut, in 1637, and until 1649, which is about the time he came to Pequot (New Lon- don).
Children : Mary; Rachel; John; George, men- tioned below; Elizabeth, born August 30, 1656; Hester,
born April 15, 1662; Sarah, born February 14, 1665-66; Nathaniel, born May 21, 1668; Caleb, born October 7, 1671. George Chappell died in 1709, at which time his wife and nine of their children were living.
(II) George (2) Chappell, son of George (1) Chap- pell, was born March 5. 1653-54. He married (first) Alice Way, (second) Mary Douglas, and had two sons: George; Comfort, mentioned below.
(III) Comfort Chappell, son of George (2) Chap- pell, married and had a son, Edward. mentioned below. (IV) Captain Edward Chappell, son of Comfort Chappell, was born about 1744, was a mariner of note, and for many years sailed from the port of New Lon- don as master of merchant vessels. On his retirement from the sea he opened a store in New London for the sale of West India products, and for years engaged in commercial lines. He died at New London in 1824. He married, and among his children was a son Ezra, mentioned below.
(V) Ezra Chappell, son of Captain Edward Chappell, was born in 1775, in what was then New London, but now Waterford, Connecticut, and died in 1865, at the age of ninety, familiarly known as "Uncle Ezra." a title of affection and esteem. He succeeded to the busi- ness of his father, but he so extended that enterprise, and embarked in so many other ventures, that for half a century lie was one of the most prominent merchants of New London.
Mr. Chappell was engaged in the West India and whaling trade, and distributed his importations from the West Indies, besides his local trade, to other towns throughout the county. 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 moved to the corner of John and Water streets, and in 1828 pur- chased the property and there occupied a store until 1843, when he engaged in a bond and brokerage busi- ness, which he continued until his death. From early life Ezra Chappell, outside of his regular business, engaged more or less in real estate, buying, building and selling, a business in which he was most successful, several buildings now standing in the city as monu- ments to the family name. He was the first director of the Savings Bank of New London on the organiza- tion of that institution in 1827, and its first president, an office he held for five years, resigning in 1833, when he was made a trustee of the bank. He was elected vice-president of the bank in 1836, and continued in office several years, when he resigned. For years he was identified officially with what is now the New London City Bank, becoming a director in 1823, and in 1847 president. He showed his patriotism and evidenced farsightedness in his large purchases of government bonds at the beginning of the Civil War. He married, about 1804, Wealthy Arnold.
(VI) Franklin Chappell, son of Ezra Chappell, was a man of remarkable business ability and benevolence. He was the originator of the bread fund, which became one of the most valuable charities of the city. He mar- ried, November 10, 1841, Hannah S. Huntington, daugh- ter of Rev. David and Mary Hallam (Saltonstall) Hunt-
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ington, of Bridgewater, Massachusetts, his father a grandson of General Jedediah Huntington, of Revolu- tionary fame. The children of Franklin and Hannah S. (Huntington) Chappell were: Frank Huntington, born February 4, 1843; William Saltonstall, born April 15, 1847; Alfred H., mentioned below. Franklin Chappell died February 19, 1849.
(VII) Alfred H. Chappell, son of Franklin and Hannah S. ( Huntington) Chappell, was born in New London, Connecticut, at the homestead, Federal and Union streets, May 12, 1849, and died August 4, 1912, a successful business man, student, and public official. He was educated in New London public schools, Berke- ly High School, and Berkely Divinity School of Mid- dletown, Connecticut, preparing himself for the Episco- pal priesthood in the latter institution. He tutored under Rev. Dr. Hallam, but decided not to enter the priesthood. Subsequently, while on a trip abroad, Mr. Chappell embraced the Roman Catholic faith, and re- mained a devout communicant at St. Mary's Star of the Sea Church throughout his life.
With his brothers, Frank H. and William S., Alfred Chappell was interested in the coal and lumber business with their uncle, Edward Chappell, between 1865 and 1869. Edward Chappell withdrew from the business in 1869, but the business organization of F. H. and W. S. Chappell continued until 1875. From that year F. H. Chappell conducted the business alone until 1889, when Alfred H. Chappell became a partner of F. H. & W. S. Chappell Company, which became a corporation in 1898. Up to the time of his death Mr. Chappell was treasurer of the company and an important factor in the business of the company, which extended to New York, New Haven and Newport. His brother, Frank H., was known as the pioneer of ocean transportation of coal, and with him. Alfred H. Chappell built up to business success the Thames Towboat Company, Thames Ferry Company, and a ship building and repairing plant, operated under the towboat company's management at Riverside.
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