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, Part 102

Author:
Publication date: 1905
Publisher: Chicago : J.H. Beers & Co.
Number of Pages: 1568

USA > Connecticut > New London County > 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 > Part 102

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Thomas A . Serek

445

GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

y th werd being considered a very long one, as practically no transportation facilities s are i evidence to-day, and in the old Green tain ate he would purchase cattle which he rive through to the markets at Provi- the and wport, where he disposed of his stock, of en rprise he continued to follow for many He bassed the declining years of his life is ch ren, his death occurring in 1837. His whos maiden name was Lois Wells, was a ter c Thomas Wells, and of their children ttaine to adult years all removed to the vicin- Cormay, Steuben Co., N. Y., with the excep- f Berlin, Jr., who remained in the vicinity of Id ho estead. Concerning the children' of and ois (Wells) Lewis is offered the fol- , brie record: Mary, born April 19, 1772, d Palon Burdick; Sarah, born Aug. 31, died v. I, 1775 ; Beriah, Jr., was born July 76; Jah (2), born Sept. 9, 1778, became fe of 20, I Ray, oson, ed Se e the Amos elor ; lias Babcock, and her death occurred 2; Lois, born Jan. 14, 1781, married d her death occurred Jan. 24, 1867; rn July 9, 1783, married Sophia Hall, 13, 1853 ; Eunice, born Feb. 27, 1785, fe of Jesse Packer, and died June 28, born Jan. I, 1787, died June 1, 1854, enry, born May 4, 1789, died Sept. 21, Thong:, born Jan. 26, 1792, married (first) 1. W eler, and (second) Mary Moore, and ug. 846; and Phebe, born Jan. 26, 1792, the fe of Nathan Stanton.

iah nitiat rlest

wis, Jr., grandfather of him whose this sketch, was born July 20, 1776, n, R. I., 'and in his early youth en- ipon seafaring life. He became captain of el while yet a very young man, and 1g vel

he fis 1g industry along the Atlantic coast ted tofe successfully identified for a number

I ally he located on the old homestead s.

Stonington, where he devoted him- 1 No

lly and successfully to agricultural erget S.

I this connection he erected the first on e privilege south of his home. He distinctive pragmatic ability and ma- nan ( dgme , and thus a high degree of success

lis ling

fider ichol OW11

Yo luabl 1 Sep and lis ol secra or so ise o

orts. Uprightness and probity were tracteristics, gaining to him unquali- and esteem. He became an exten- · in North Stonington, and he also of large tracts of land in the State this property eventually becoming Not long prior to his death, which 3, 1844, he erected a part of the com- ractive dwelling which is now stand- homestead, and his mortal body rests I spot on the old farm which was his ny years. Beriah Lewis, Jr., served Stonington in the war of 1812, and ly he

ave a stanch allegiance to the Whig hiking 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. 27, 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, 1812, 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, 18,19, 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. Owing 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 years prior to his death, which occurred Sept. 3, 1860. He was a successful farmer and a sagacious and reli- able business man, while his name ever stood ex- ponent of integrity and honor. His 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, Mary Doty, was born Sept. 27, 1844, and 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, 1851, died Feb. 18, 1864. Charles, born Nov. 12, 1852, died Aug. 12, 1853. Mary Emma, born June II, 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 chin added much to her comfort in the days of her : tion, which she bore with Christian fortitude. entered into the life eternal Jan. 27, 1904, andler remains were laid to rest in River Bend ceme where those left of the family will be buried her.

Horace G. Lewis was born on the old home jud farm, his present place of residence, Sept. 28, 17, and his educational discipline was secured inne district schools and in the city schools at Wes les, R. I., which latter he attended for two years. fle was a child of about three years at the time ( fis father's death, and as he was the only son he 1 fan to take an active part in the work of the home Em as soon as he was able, while he eventually d full in his power to relieve his mother of the buns imposed upon her in this connection. His boyfod days were passed upon the farm and thus lietas well prepared to assume the management whe pis mother placed the same in his charge. Ho cas passed his entire life on the old homestead, of tịch he is the owner, and like his forebears he has jen successful, being one of the substantial farmer ad representative citizens of his native town, and v- ing well upheld the prestige of the honored inc which he bears. He is a progressive and p fic- spirited citizen, and is well known throughoufris a

section of the county. In his political procli es he is a stanch adherent of the Republican party Ind has ever shown a lively interest in local affairs fa public nature. In 1898 Mr. Lewis was elec a member of the board of selectmen of North on- ington, continuing incumbent of this office ftil October, 1904, when he declined a renominati

On Jan. 1, 1884, Mr. Lewis was married to (iss Carrie M. Kenyon, who was born in Hopkinte R. I., Jan. 21, 1856, daughter of Horatio Nelso: nd Mary C. (Crandall) Kenyon, of Niantic, that .te. Her father was for many years engaged in the fan- ufacture of woolen goods at Hillsdale, R. I. . nd both he and his wife are now deceased. Mind Mrs. Lewis have had seven children, namely 1) Mary, born March 31, 1887, was graduated ifthe Westerly (R. I.) high school as a member (the class of 1904. (2) George Henry and (3) "el- son Kenyon, twins, were born May 26, 188; the former dying on the 13th of the following Se m- ber, and the latter on Feb. 19, 1889. (4) ebe was born May 19, 1890. (5) Evelyn, born ( 8, 1894, died on the 10th of the ensuing month. 6) Henry Babcock was born April 22, 1896. (7) Adla Frances was born Jan. 2, 1899.

JOHN H. HOXIE, one of the prominen iti- zens of the town of Stonington, and a worth ep- resentative of one of the oldest families of ew England, was born Sept. 6, 1844, and with tl ex- ception of a short period, has always been ides fied with the business interests of Mystic.

The family name of Hoxie is variously si led,

Dy !

447

GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

t n: l of Hesey, Hoxsie and Hoxie, the easier ral spelling prevailing. The first e name is probably Lodowick Hoxie, e toAmerica about 1650, and settled on sid ied 4, a rrie , ma f Spring Hill, near Sandwich, Mass. try, daughter of John Presbury, in they had children : Bethsheba, born Samuel Allen; Joseph, born March ied Sarah Tucker; Gideon; Heze- n married Mary Hull ; Solomon ; and Con-

h Hlie, born March 15, 1667, married of Henry and Martha Tucker, and i. Gideon, born Dec. 14, 1729, who

ugh a s Dorch Congdon, and died June 13, 1805 ; of Gideon and Dorcas, married Ruth

ey had a son, Benjamin Franklin, prominent business man in Mystic, ed Nov. 19, 1843, Harriet Clift, Nathaniel and Eunice (Dennison)

he nl ernal side John H. Hoxie is de- as follows :

am Cit, born in England, came to Scitu- s youth and later resided in Marsh- s., in ss. 1 Nov. 25, 1691, he married Lydia, of Snuel Willis, son of William Willis, of th name in Scituate. William Clift . 17, 722.

el C , son of William, was born Oct. and emoved to Plainfield, Conn., about efore 733 he married Lydia Daggett. He 794, in Griswold, Connecticut.

. 22,

Clif son of Samuel, was born Sept. 20, Marsfield, Mass. He was married Feb. to Miry Coit. On Sept. 2, 1798, he was (secc) to Anna Dennison Hoag. He İren Hezekiah, born Dec. 4, 1761 ; bornf ug. 28, 1763; Mary, born May 31, rried ohn Watson; Lydia, born July 26, ried athan Coggswill; Amos, born May Bet:, born Feb. 6, 1772, married John Abal il, born Feb. 4, 1774, married Na- tice nd Nathaniel, born Oct. 29, 1775, I4, 37. niel and

S) D

em : Crar' ret F ary Holdi lartl:

ra E

ift, son of Amos, was born Oct. od Feb. 14, 1837. On Aug. 5, 1801, ce, daughter of Isaac and Eunice nison, and they had these children Iiram, born April 3, 1803, married William, born April 20, 1805, mar- :; Nathan, born May 20, 1807, died born Nov. 26, 1808, married Capt. ge; Nathaniel, born May 20, 18II, Ann Dennison ; Harriet, born Feb. ma:fed, Nov. 19, 1843, Benjamin F. it, born April 27, 1818, married Lel ;; Eunice, born July 19, 1819, mar- les H Mallory; Horace H., born Feb. 8, ried 'ances E. Burrows ; and Isaac D., 14, 1,2, married Elizabeth I. Tift.

Lodowick Hoxie, father of Benjamin F., resided at Shamrock, R. I., where he engaged in farming and also in mercantile pursuits. He 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. Hoxie'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. Ashbey & 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 yard. 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, N. Y., who married Rosa Post; Fannie H., deceased, who mar- ried (first) Morton P. Hunt, and (second) a Mr. Latham; and Nellie D., 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, N. 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,

‹, so1 and me ma of

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 Mr. 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, 1881, 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 st ing out in life for himself the history of anoth struggles and final success is an inspiration calls forth the best in his character. In the record of Raymond J. Jodoin, first selectman of town of Sprague, and a successful traveling sa man, there is a true story of a boy who, thro perseverance, determination and industry, won way from poverty to comparative wealthi, and the same time kept free from stain his reputa for strict integrity.

Mr. Jodoin was born at St. Hyacinthe, Que Canada, Sept. 15, 1865, one of the eleven child born to his parents. The father was a factory o ative, and young Raymond was but seven weeks øl when the family came from their Canadian liom () Baltic, Conn., where the father found work in mills. At the age of nine Raymond began wor the mills, a day's labor at that time being front o'clock in the morning to half past seven in evening. His wages of $3 a week went to the : - port of the family. Practically no educational vantages were his, and whatever he has atta' ,1 in that line represents a vast amount of close st and application. As the years passed by, the o fr children in the family were able to add their w. a. to the general fund, and in time our subject able to save a part of his earnings. These lie !- banded carefully, finally having enough to purcle a small livery stock, and for several years he «- ducted very successfully a business in that lin ft Baltic. This business did not prove congenial his tastes, and he determined to find some operyz in the mercantile world. Going to Providence I., in April, 1888, he made application for a posi | in the wholesale grocery house of Waldron, Wi; . man & Co. He had no influential friends to a: t him in his endeavors to secure a position, but /s earnestness impressed the head of the firm. 1) hired him at Mr. Jodoin's own terms, "pay me w/t I earn." Lack of education proved a serious lia - cap to him, but he carefully concealed his deficien from employers and customers alike, and he si t his spare moments in efforts to improve him li: Possessed of an acquisitive mind, he made rad progress, and was soon able to meet his duties wh greater confidence in himself. He built up a grey increased trade for his firm on a route that an perienced salesmen had been covering for years. s genial manners winning him friends wherever je went. His salary was frequently increased, andje remained with the firm for ten years. When he ft them it was to accept a similar position with Dails & Cornell, now Humphreys & Cornell, whole le grocers of Providence, with whom he has sincex :- mained, his territory covering eastern Connectit, southern Massachusetts, and western Rhode Island. He is immensely popular, and his social dist i- tion has won him a large acquaintance. His - tomers know him to be perfectly reliable, and lie the utmost confidence in his representations.

Raymond 10 doin

449

GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

Mr. age, inves: loin is very much attached to his home Itic, and some years ago, when he began lis savings in real estate there, he met k pro ecies of financial loss from all his friends, his jegment has been justified since by the in- se inthe value of his investments. He is one the hariest individual owners of real estate in town; nd has always been found ready to back movient that promised to be of advantage to place lence: Throughout the village are seen many f his public spirit, and he is most popu- 1 classes. Kindly and charitable, he is with read

to help those less fortunate, but with his racter ic modesty he dislikes to have his good İs kı vn. As a public-spirited citizen, Mr. oin cupies a foremost position in the town. ed f ted in walk Beac ghter Politi 1898, jie built the Roderick block in Baltic, so his son. His modern residence was 898, and in front of it was laid the first the village. Mr. Jodoin built at Pleas- is cottage "Antonia," so named for his nd there his family spend the summer. ly Mr. Jodoin is a stanch Democrat and arty 1 ler in his town. In 1899 and 1900 he chairman of the board of selectmen. was again elected, at that time defeating Repu ority ch can opponent by 116 votes, the largest er given in the history of the town, nally gives a Republican majority of Mr. Jodoin handles the business of the withthe same care he exercises in the conduct it 35

affairs, and it is needless to say the re- ccess. Fraternally he is a member of

is ow is .a wich dge, No. 430, B. F. O. E.

Ir. Join married Miss Azilda Bourque, a Baltic, Conn., the daughter of Julian They have two adopted children, Antonia k, upon whom they bestow the most

rque. Rod er ca rent,

Antonia was educated at St. Marie Canada, where she spent five years, and then e four years at the Convent of the Holy ily, il Baltic. Mr. Jodoin is educating an own er o is adopted son, Rudolph Lemoine, for priesthood.

HAI ES HAWLEY PHILLIPS, one of the practical and up-to-date farmers with ie north part of Lisbon, is a member of

bugh ne in nily 1 g known in eastern Connecticut.

Dec risw

'atha 1 Phillips, his great-grandfather, was 3, 1750, and was a farmer and cooper where he died. On March 16, 1780, first) Lucy Brown, who was born Feb.

arrie 755,1 d who died April 4, 1781. They had child. Daniel, born Feb. 23, 1781, died April 781. On Feb. 21, 1782, he married (second) thy lı car lliams, born Oct. 16, 1761, and to this nine children, as follows ; Elisha P., May 6, 1783, resided in Plainfield ; Parley, June1, 1785, died in Norwich; Nathaniel, July 16, 1787, lived in Griswold; Lucy, born 29

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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, Part 102

Author: Publication date: 1905 Publisher: Chicago : J.H. Beers & Co. Number of Pages: 1568

Author:
Publication date: 1905
Publisher: Chicago : J.H. Beers & Co.
Number of Pages: 1568