A modern history of Windham county, Connecticut : a Windham county treasure book, Volume II, Part 38

Author: Lincoln, Allen B
Publication date: 1920
Publisher: Chicago : S. J. Clarke publ. co.
Number of Pages: 960

USA > Connecticut > Windham County > A modern history of Windham county, Connecticut : a Windham county treasure book, Volume II > Part 38

Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).

On the 12th of October, 1862, Mr. Hammond was united in marriage to Miss Jane Crandall, who was born in Canterbury, Connecticut, a daughter of Hezekiah and El- mira (Clapp) Crandall, the former a cotton manufacturer. They became the parents of two children. Their firstborn, Charles Henry Hammond, whose birth occurred August 17, 1868, was forced to leave the Putnam high school on account of ill health. He went to California in November, 1885, and after about a year spent in that state returned home. Three months later, in company with his father, he went to Colorado, where his mother and sister afterward joined him and where he passed away April 15, 1888. The daughter, Bertha Elizabeth, born April 1, 1870, was graduated from the Put- nam high school in 1888 with valedictorian honors and afterward spent two years in study in Lasell Seminary at Auburndale, Massachusetts. She then went abroad with her mother for a tour of Europe in the summer of 1890 and afterward was for two years a pupil in the Mount Vernon Seminary at Washington, D. C. On the 16th of September, 1897, she became the wife of Dr. Neil Macphatter, of New York, who be- came professor of surgery in the Post Graduate School Hospital of that city. Dr. and Mrs. Macphatter became parents of a daughter, Janet, who was born in Putnam, Oc- tober 1, 1899, but died on the 16th of May, 1900, and soon afterward the mother passed away, her death occurring on the 18th of October of the same year. Death again caused a break in the family circle when on the 12th of September, 1917, Mrs. Hammond was called to the home beyond. She possessed all the sterling qualities of the true woman, with the natural instinct of making a real home for her loved ones. The center of the household, she was ever a most devoted wife and mother and her death was the

1205

HISTORY OF WINDHAM COUNTY

occasion of deep sorrow throughout Putnam, for she had endeared herself to all with whom she came in contact. While quiet and unassuming, she did much charitable and benevolent work, continually extending a helping hand to those in need, and on many occasions when a worthy object of public interest was to be furthered and pro- moted she would open her fine residence for the purpose and entertain those who were cooperating in the effort. One of her close friends said of her, "Her character was as beautiful as her face and person and she will never be forgotten in Putnam." A lady of innate culture and refinement, she shed around her much of the sunshine of life and did much to advance those interests which are of cultural value and which con- stitute uplifting forces in the life of the individual and of the community. She cher- ished high ideals, was inspired by noble purposes and lived a life that has made her name honored and her memory a benediction to those with whom she was brought in contact.

JOHN MARSHALL GAGER.

John Marshall Gager, conducting an extensive business as a market gardener on the Windham road, has through close study of his business and the intelligent direction of his efforts built up an enterprise of large and profitable proportions.

A lifelong resident of Windham county, he was born June 13, 1858, in the town of Scotland, and is a descendant in the eighth generation of Dr. William Gager, who came to the new world with Governor Winthrop in 1630 and who was "a skillful surgeon, a right Godly man and one of the deacons of our congregation." He died in the year of his arrival in America of disease contracted by the use of poor food on shipboard. His son, John Gager, was one of the company that settled at New London, which town voted him two hundred acres east of the river, in what is now the town of Ledyard. In 1650 he made his home on that land and there resided until he joined in the settle- ment of Norwich. His house lot in the new town bore the date of the oldest survey, in November, 1659. He served as constable of Norwich in 1674 and in 1688, and he passed away at an advanced age December 10, 1703.

Samuel Gager, the direct ancestor of J. M. Gager in the third generation, was "a man of good repute and fine character." In 1695 he married Mrs. Rebecca (Lay) Ray- mond, a widow, and made his home in what was then the parish of New Canaan but is now Bozrah, Connecticut. His son, John Gager, married Jerusha Barstow and followed farming in Franklin. He was the father of Jason Gager, who was also a farmer and resided in Scotland, Connecticut, where he passed away. His first wife was Zeriah Roberts and for his second wife he chose Lucy Park. They had several children, includ- ing Aaron Gager, who was born in Scotland, Connecticut, and there passed away in 1862, at the age of eighty-six years. He, too, followed farming as a life work. He wedded Mary Smith, of Scotland, and after her death married Deborah Murdock, of Wil- limantic, while Asenath Babcock, of Lebanon, became his third wife.

William Smith Gager, son of the first marriage, was born May 5, 1804, and his life record covered the intervening years to the 30th of December, 1891. He was reared on the old home farm and became one of the highly respected citizens of his community. On the 6th of May, 1842, he married Sarah Ann Bass, a daughter of Ebenezer Bass, who was a soldier of the War of 1812 and lived to be ninety-one years of age.

John Marshall Gager, son of William Smith and Sarah Ann (Bass) Gager, was born, as previously stated, June 13, 1858, in the town of Scotland, and pursued his education in the Christian Street School District, No. 9. His early business experience came to him in connection with farm life and he soon acquainted himself with the best methods of tilling the soil and caring for the crops. Later he had the advantage of further educational training in a private school at Windham Center and then concen- trated his attention upon work upon the old homestead. Several years after attaining his majority he and his brother Homer leased the old homestead property and devoted several years to its further cultivation and development. Following his brother's mar- riage he carried on the farm alone for some years but became convinced that the old- time methods of farming did not bring the profits that should arise from the land and he turned his attention to market gardening, making preparations for carrying on the business extensively. He began to grow early vegetables and for these found a ready sale, but he felt that his farm was situated too far from market, it requiring too much time to take his products to the city. In 1890, therefore, he purchased the old Cranston place on South Main street in Willimantic, comprising eighty acres of land, and his earnest labors were soon effective in bringing about a marked transformation in the appearance of this farm. He not only engaged in raising vegetables for the market but also devoted considerable attention to the florist business for a number of years

1206

HISTORY OF WINDHAM COUNTY

but at the present time is not engaged in raising flowers. Today he is the owner of seventy-five acres of valuable land lying on either side of the Windham road. He has two large hothouses, one being one hundred by twenty-five feet and the other one hun- dred and fifty by twenty-five feet. He has altogether over two hundred hotbeds. His entire acreage is given over to intensive market gardening and he sells his products in all the towns around, shipping by train and also using auto trucks for delivery. He has always held to the highest standards in the excellence of his products in size, qual- ity and flavor of his vegetables, and the fact that anything comes from the Gager farm is a guarantee of its worth.

On the 4th of October, 1894, Mr. Gager was united in marriage to Miss Nellie B. Anthony, of Scotland, who was there born March 29, 1870, a daughter of Jonathan and Fanny M. (Burnham) Anthony, who also lived in the town of Scotland. Mrs. Gager was one of the members of the first graduating class of the Willimantic Normal and for three years was assistant principal in the Natchaug school in Willimantic. Mr. and Mrs. Gager have a son, Harold Anthony, who was born October 22, 1899.

In politics Mr. Gager has always been a stanch republican, believing firmly in the principles of the party, but has never sought office and with the exception of one year's service on the city council has always refused to hold political positions. He is iden- tified with no lodges at the present time, preferring to concentrate his efforts and atten- tion upon his business interests, which have been most carefully, wisely and success- fully conducted. He has built three splendid residences on his land fronting on Wind- ham road and he has today one of the most valuable and highly improved properties of this district. He and his wife are members of the Congregational church and are held in the highest esteem, enjoying the warm regard and friendship of all with whom they have been brought in contact.

THE LINCOLNS IN WINDHAM COUNTY.

Tradition says that the first settlers of the Lincoln family came from Lincolnshire, England, and located at Hingham and Taunton, Massachusetts.

(II) A son of the Taunton settlers, named Samuel, came to Norwich, Connecticut, later (it is supposed) removing to Windham. On June 2, 1692, he married Elizabeth Jacobs, and they had the following children: Samuel; Jacob; Thomas; Jonah; Nathaniel, who died in infancy; and Elizabeth.

(III) Samuel Lincoln (2), eldest son of Samuel, was born in Windham, November 29, 1693, and on August 23, 1723, was married to Ruth Huntington. Their children were: Samuel; John; Nathaniel, who lived to be one hundred and three years and five months old, as shown by headstone in cemetery at Windham Center; Joseph; Eleazer; and David.

(IV) John Lincoln, son of Samuel (2), was born July 28, 1726, and by his first wife, Rebecca, had two children, both of whom died in infancy. On May 30, 1758, for his second wife, he wedded Mrs. Annie Stowell, and the children born of this union were: Annie; Eleazer; Jonah and Jerusha, twins, and Olive. John Lincoln died June 7, 1810.

(V) Jonah Lincoln, son of John, was born November 15, 1760. For many years, in addition to farming on an extensive scale, he was engaged in the woolen manufactur- ing business at North Windham. One of the products of his mill was the satinet used on the uniforms during the Revolutionary war, and he also manufactured felt for paper machines. At that time the business was profitable, but after the war the reaction came and through failure of their commission merchants they lost considerable money. For a number of years his sons were associated with him, but the business was finally taken by his son Stowell. Jonah Lincoln devoted the latter years of his life to farming, and at the time of his death was well-to-do. Politically he was a John Quincy Adams democrat, and took an active part in town affairs, holding many offices of trust. He was a representative for many terms, and for a long time was judge of probate for what are now the towns of Hampton, Windham and Chaplin. At North Windham he was active in organizing the Christian church, and he donated the land for the burying- ground at that place. He died May 14, 1845, and was buried at North Windham. On May 1, 1783, he wedded Lucy Webb, who was born May 31, 1763, and who died July 23, 1846, aged eighty-three. Their children were: James, born May 31, 1784, married Asenath Flint; Dan is mentioned below; Stowell, born October 28, 1788, who was for many years engaged in the manufacturing business at North Windham, and was a captain in the local artillery, married Maria Welch, and died March 29, 1870; John, born February 17, 1791, married Millany Huntington, and was a farmer in Berks county, Pennsylvania, where he died; Ralph, born December 22, 1792, married Almira Trumbull, was a manufacturer at North Windham, and died June 24, 1876; Elisha, born January

ALLEN LINCOLN

1208

HISTORY OF WINDHAM COUNTY

12, 1795, married Eliza Aplin, was a farmer in Berks county, Pennsylvania, then in Ohio, and finally in Van Buren, Arkansas, where he died (one of his sons, James K., is a prominent wholesale druggist in Little Rock, Arkansas); Lucy, born July 11, 1797, married Benjamin Perry, a carpenter; Marcia, born November 23, 1799, married Luther Burnham, a farmer, who resided in Hampton and finally in North Windham, where he died; Albert, born September 9, 1802, was graduated at West Point, and while on his way to Fort St. Anthony (now Minneapolis), Minnesota, was taken sick and died October 13, 1822, at St. Louis, Missouri; and Burr, born October 2, 1804, married Elmira Wood, was a cloth dresser by trade, and died August 9, 1850.

(VI) Dan Lincoln, son of Jonah, was born July 27, 1786, and died December 31, 1864, aged seventy-eight. In early manhood he entered his father's mill at North Windham, became an expert clothier, and later, partner with his brother Stowell. In middle life he bought the Tucker farm, just over the line in Chaplin, and built thereon the clover mill and the mill pond still remaining, thence removing to a farm in Scot- land, and in old age returning to the Burr Lincoln place (now William Sibley's residence) in North Windham, where he died. For many years he was captain in the militia, and widely known as "Captain Dan"; was selectman in both Windham and Chaplin; and was highly esteemed as a counsellor. On February 6, 1812, he married Mahetabel Flint, of North Windham (born November 3, 1787, died September 3, 1875), and to whom were born children as follows: Amanda (born November 10, 1812, died January 12, 1890), married Edwin E. Burnham, of Windham, later a prominent merchant and real estate dealer in Willimantic. Mason (born March 26, 1816), followed the blacksmith's trade for many years at North Windham, later acquired a competence and removed to Willimantic and became interested in real estate and banking, and died July 10, 1889. His son, John C., is a well-known Willimantic merchant, and a daughter, Lucy Lincoln, resides in Willimantic. Allen, whose, career is outlined below. Albert, born September 15, 1819, followed blacksmithing until the outbreak of the Civil war; enlisted and served until disabled, returned and engaged in farming, and died in Coventry, January 14, 1885; his son, George. Andrew Lincoln, now resides in Argenta, Arkansas. Jared Webb, born September 8, 1823, like his brother Allen, taught school in early manhood, and then engaged in farming in Windham and Scotland; in 1857 he bought out Allen's store in Chaplin, was appointed postmaster by Abraham Lincoln after Allen's removal to Willimantic, and except for two brief democratic interruptions remained postmaster of Chaplin until he retired from the store and was succeeded by his son, Edgar S. Lincoln; he represented Chaplin in the general assembly in 1862; he was chosen town clerk and treasurer in 1863; and held those offices until his death; was also clerk and treasurer of the Congregational church and Society for more than forty years. An account of the seventieth anniversary of his marriage will be found in the Chapter of Chaplin. Three other children of Dan and Mahetabel, Earle, Jonah, and Dan, Jr., died in infancy.

(VII) Allen Lincoln, son of Dan and Mahetabel, was born in the north end of the town of Windham, October 16, 1817. He was reared to farming pursuits, and his education was acquired in the district schools. In 1831, his parents removed to the Tucker farm, over the line in the town of Chaplin. As a not infrequent practice in those days, young Allen was "bound out," and in after years used to recall his experi- ences, and the small amount of play that fell to his lot. His time at school was well spent, and he early found himself competent to teach, taking charge of a school while yet in his youth. When he attained his majority, he purchased the Tucker farm, where he had lived as a boy, going in debt for the entire amount, but as he was full of push and energy, he succeeded. However, this did not occupy his entire time. When a young man, he bought wool through Ohio, then the Far West, and sold woolen goods in the same section.

In 1853, Mr. Lincoln removed to Chaplin village and opened a country store. About four years from this time he came to Willimantic, and opened a country store in what was then the principal part of the village (corner of Bridge and Main streets). He retained the Chaplin store meanwhile, but finally he sold that out to his brother, Jared W. Lincoln, and cast his lot with the growing village of Willimantic, removing his family there in 1863. He opened a general store in the old "Brainard House," and carried on a business there until, in company with E. E. Burnham and J. G. Keigwin, he built the Union block, and removed to the store in after years occupied by John M. Alpaugh, his son-in-law, to whom he finally sold out. After removing from Chaplin he bought the so-called Howes property, on Union street, and commenced building up the village by opening up Temple, Valley and Center streets, and building the brick houses on the last named. For a long time he was in company with Edwin E. Burn- ham, in the real-estate business, in which they operated largely. In 1869 Mr. Lincoln purchased the Bassett block, and soon after a large tract of land on Prospect Hill. In 1876 he formed a partnership with E. A. Buck and E. M. Durkee in the conduct of a

allenB. Lincoln

1210

HISTORY OF WINDHAM COUNTY

flour and grain business, but the firm was dissolved in 1879. Soon afterward he took his only son, Allen B., in company, and they carried on a flour business under the firm name of A. Lincoln & Son until Mr. Lincoln's death.

Mr. Lincoln was through his whole career a man much interested in public affairs, and was elected to many offices of trust, which he filled with fidelity and ability. In Chaplin he held the offices of postmaster and town clerk, and served in the legislature one year (1855). He served Windham in the capacity of selectman, town clerk (for seventeen years) and treasurer, judge of probate, justice of the peace, and also acted in other positions. He was one of the commissioners to establish the first system of water works for fire protection in Willimantic. He was especially active in borough affairs and was looked upon as a good counselor. For many years he was one of the directors of the Willimantic Savings Institute. Politically Mr. Lincoln was born and bred a demo- crat, but in 1856, he became a free-soiler and was one of the first to go over to the republican party which was formed at that time. In his religious views he was a Congregationalist; he acted as an officer in that denomination many years, and he was prominently identified in the building of the new church edifice at Willimantic. Fraternally he was a Mason, and belonged to Eastern Star Lodge, No. 44, A. F. & A. M. His death occurred February 8, 1882, and his remains rest in the cemetery at Willimantic.

On May 25, 1841, in Chaplin, Connecticut, Allen Lincoln was united in marriage with Miss Sallinda Bennett, who was born in that town, January 28, 1818, a daughter of Deacon Origen and Sallinda (Babcock) Bennett, the latter of Coventry. The Ben- netts were of Stonington, Connecticut. Deacon Origen Bennett was a farmer, and for years was a deacon in the Baptist church at Spring Hill, Mansfield. He was twice mar- ried, Mrs. Lincoln being one of the four children born of the second marriage, as was also the only son and namesake, Origen Bennett, who lived in Chaplin, where he taught school for over forty years. To Allen Lincoln and wife were born children as follows: Martha Sallinda, born in Chaplin, April 1, 1847, married John M. Alpaugh, of Willimantic and later of Providence, Rhode Island, and they had two sons, Frank L. and Clifford J., now residing in Willimantic. Mrs. Alpaugh died in November, 1914, and her husband died the following year. Janette and Lila, twin daughters of Allen Lincoln, were born December 22, 1848; Janette married Frank F. Webb, of Willimantic, and Lila wedded Edward H. Brown, of Providence, Rhode Island, by whom she had three children, Ward L., Preston and Mabel (now Mrs. John Hancock). The youngest in the family was Allen Bennett, editor of the "Modern History of Windham County" and whose life is sketched elsewhere in this work. The wife and mother passed away December 26, 1900, and was laid to rest at the side of her husband in the cemetery at Willimantic. Mrs. Lincoln, like her husband, was for many years an active and leading member of the First Congregational church in Willimantic, and a liberal supporter of its interests. A notable memorial of Mr. and Mrs. Lincoln, an enduring baptismal font in bronze and marble, has been placed in the Willimantic church.

ALLEN B. LINCOLN.

Allen B. Lincoln was born in Willimantic, on the 2nd of August, 1858, a son of the late Allen Lincoln, and of Sallinda (Bennett) Lincoln. His direct forbears, both paternal and maternal, have been active factors in the development of Windham county since early colonial days. His father was town clerk of Windham for' seventeen years and held other offices of trust. He was one of the leading merchants of early Willimantic, also had a considerable share in its real estate and property development and was a leader in public improvements.

Allen B. Lincoln attended the public schools of Willimantic; was graduated from the Natchaug high school in 1875. He then entered Williston Seminary, class of '77, and in 1881 was graduated from Yale College. The following year he took up newspaper work on the Providence Press and Star, and later he became connected with the editorial staff of the Providence Journal and Bulletin, in the days when United States Senator Henry B. Anthony was owner of those newspapers and George W. Danielson managing editor. Because of impaired health he returned for a time to Willimantic and then became chief clerk of the Connecticut state board of education at Hartford, leaving that position in August, 1886, to establish "The Connecticut Home." Later he began the pub- lication of "The New England Home," a newspaper advocate of the national prohibition party. Under his vigorous leadership the paper became a recognized exponent of the party in the state and nation and was widely read. Mr. Lincoln became state chairman of the prohibition party and in 1892, as editor and as a delegate to the national prohibi-

1211

HISTORY OF WINDHAM COUNTY

tion convention at Cincinnati; was an active and influential factor in securing the nomi- nation of General John C. Bidwell of California for the presidency.

In 1894, finding the prohibition movement of that day insufficiently developed to warrant continuing his paper, Mr. Lincoln disposed of The Home to the Chicago Lever, and took up the life insurance business in Willimantic, soon becoming district manager for the Northwestern Mutual Life Company. In 1909, because of his signal success in that work, he was appointed manager for the same company in New Haven and vicin- ity, retaining, however, an active connection with his former field in eastern Connecti- cut. He removed his residence to New Haven, where he became an active factor in civic life, taking special interest in promoting sound American ideals among the newcoming Italians of that city. Out of his work among them grew "The New Citizen's Pledge," a patriotic document embodying American ideals which has found wide circulation among civic workers in other cities. A prominent New York lawyer has spoken of "The New Citizen's Pledge," as "a true solvent of American liberty." Mr. Lincoln's work among the Italians of New Haven was publicly commended by ex-President Taft.

Mr. Lincoln was also an active member of the New Haven Chamber of Commerce, working especially for better sanitation and the improvement of the city's health. For two years he was chairman of New Haven's "clean-up week" committee, and his ener- getic work in this direction received the special commendation of the New York board of fire underwriters as helping to develop one of the most efficient plans of municipal safety and health improvement.

During the year 1918, Mr. Lincoln was appointed associate director with Leo A. Korper, federal director of labor for Connecticut, in special service to recruit labor for war industries, and for this work secured leave of absence from his insurance company. After the signing of the armistice, he resumed his business, but owing to the death of Mrs. Lincoln, July 3, 1918, he removed his residence and office to Hartford. He has four daughters: Marion Buck (Mrs. Elmer E. Yake), Smith College 1910, and now residing in Springfield, Massachusetts; Elsie Bennett, Wheaton College 1913, followed by special course at Columbia University and now residing in Hartford; Bar- bara Grace, Smith 1918, now residing in Hartford; Julia Armour, now a junior at Smith. Mr. Lincoln has one grandson, Richard Lincoln Yake, born at Springfield, Massachusetts, September 13, 1920.

Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.

A modern history of Windham county, Connecticut : a Windham county treasure book, Volume II, Part 38

Author: Lincoln, Allen B Publication date: 1920 Publisher: Chicago : S. J. Clarke publ. co. Number of Pages: 960

Author: Lincoln, Allen B
Publication date: 1920
Publisher: Chicago : S. J. Clarke publ. co.
Number of Pages: 960