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 104

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 104

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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. 1, 1871, Mr. Gardner was united in marriage with Augusta Elizabeth Daniels, who was born Feb. 29, 1843, in 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 department. 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 agent 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 in- tains no more popular or successful mover thall r. Gardner. He does business at No. 52 State an ffo. 22 Truman street.

Fraternally Mr. Gardner has been very pran- ent, belonging to the U. O. A. M., and 1. member of the degree team which won a gold 16h in New Haven Ledyard Council, No. 31. Ho jas formerly a member of the I. O. O. F., and rengl allied himself with the New England Order of 0- tection and the U. O. G. C. Coming from a f whose members have been Democrats for ge fa- tions, he is the only one of the family, so far, tully himself with any other political party. Wh fin almost every instance a Republican, his sympa es are with the Prohibition party. Religiously l'is a member of the Methodist Church, of which trustee, and was steward several years. Hojas been president of the Epworth League, andas been assistant superintendent of the Sunday-scol. taking a very active part in church- and Sur gy- school matters, and is a teacher in the Surfy- school.

On Nov. 27, 1889, Mr. Gardner was marri tto Mary Rogers, daughter of Sheriff James S. fad Rebecca S. (West) Rogers, of New London, bud they have one child, Charles Benjamin, born bt. 8, 1890, in New London. Mrs. Gardner is a (fct lineal descendant in the ninth generation m James Rogers, the first, who came from Engla fin 1635, in the ship "Increase," and his wife Eliza pch Rowland, of Stratford, England, with whom he let- tled in New London, Conn., in 1637.

EDWARD L. STRONG, one of Colche 's most prominent citizens, died April 1, 1896. He was born Nov. 4, 1844, in Colchester, and v/ a very prominent man in both town and county. He was president of the Colchester Shoe Company, ce- president of the Colchester Savings Bank, a Vis- tee of the Bacon Academy, a deacon of the rst Congregational Church, a member of the First ris- trict committee, served several terms as selectțin, and as representative in the Legislature in 188

Mr. Strong descended from one of the c'est families of the town, and his genealogy will be find elsewhere. Edward H. Strong, his father, was rn May 4, 1815, in Colchester, and his entire life as spent in this town. He was a farmer by occupa on, resided on a good property in the north-eastern irt 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 In- pathy was given the Republican party. During |80 he represented the town in the Legislature, and de an honest official. For many years he was a deut member of the Congregational Church, and all ys took an active part in its affairs, liberally con b- uting to its support.

Mr. Strong was married (first ) to Abagail L'v, who died Feb. 23, 1843, aged twenty-one years. lis

Stephen Gardner

455

GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

cond aught ged e irriage was to Eunice Loomis, of Lebanon, of Veach Loomis, who died June 26, 1902, ity-three years. She united, in young omantod, with the Congregational Church at xeter rity : sthe chool here ty he. ots; 1 ated Of their children the following grew to ma- Edward Loomis; Henry A., who married Hastings, graduated from Yale Law id soon after located at Cohoes, N. Y., is the present city attorney, and of which as mayor during the memorable election lson H., who married Alice Bishop, grad- m Yale Law School, and soon after ac- pted {position as teacher in the Shortledge Free caden torne ome i ohn R aral lass., at Media, Penn., and is now a practicing with an office in Philadelphia, but has his Media; Abby Utley became the wife of Backus, a farmer, and died at Colchester ; married Frank W. Barbour, of Worcester, real estate broker who died in early life, id sharesides in Boston; Lucy, Arthur H. and ora Afelia all died in infancy.

Dean Edward Loomis Strong was born Nov. 1844 Colchester, on the farm above mentioned, ended the schools of his native town. He

d he as d to farm work, and soon after quitting hool, ork a rprise enty on ar : began teaching, alternating with farm giving assistance to his father in his en- Mr. Strong taught school for more than urs in the towns of Colchester, Lyme, Leb- Hebron. During the last nine years his ichin vas in District No. I, Colchester. In I 14 Mr. Strong purchased the coal, lumber, feed business of Josiah Gillette, enlarged

ain a e SCOL. of the business, remodeled the building and ssfully engaged in such until his death. add

n to other possessions, he owned a large rm ink eadville, Mo. In 1888 he represented the vn in le Legislature, and served as first select-

d ser er its ester rong

g lifd creste is bo puted 's of

un fo many years. Mr. Strong was a charter mber Colchester Lodge, No. 30, A. O. U. W., as receiver of the order. For two years corporation, he was president of the Col- 10e Company. In young manhood, Mr. ited with the Congregational Church, and self Medication then made continued through a f business stress. He was always actively in the welfare not only of his own relig- but also of others, and liberally con- all worthy objects. His manly upright- aracter gained him the esteem of all who w hi In I banor M terce rong ster.

[ Mr. Strong was united in marriage in vith Rhoda M. Dolbeare, born at Tecum- ., daughter of Jeremiah F. and Eliza Dolbeare, both born in Lebanon. Mrs. rvives her husband and resides at Col- They had these children born to them: ward fitch ; Eleanor Mason, who attended Bacon ademand graduated at Wellesley, married Lewis Spar we, a native of Colchester, but now en- yed ija book bindery business in New York;

Eunice Eliza, who attended Bacon Academy and graduated from the Teachers' College in New 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 Bacon 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 Wooster 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 New 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 never 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 ycars. He lived half-way between Upper and Lower Mystic, and was there engaged for many years in fishing and lobstering. He was a

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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, 1861, 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 many years he spent at his chosen calling he for twenty-two years 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. Lore Harvey, and widow of Elijah Newton, of Rh Island. To this union has come one son, Cha Morris.

CHARLES MORRIS TAYLOR, born Oct. 2, 1871 Mystic, Conn., was educated in the district scho which he left at the age of thirteen years. A leaving school he became employed by John J. L. man, of New London, maker of perfumes, v whom he remained about three years. He then came apprenticed to the printing trade under E. Darrow, of New London, with whom he remai about two years, when he became a clerk in the d' store of B. M. Beebe, in New London, continuing such for three years. He continued as pharma for about seven years, when, in 1892, with his : ings, he purchased the perfumery business of former employer, J. J. Lanman. He continued meet with success in the manufacturing of perfu: and flavoring extracts until in 1902, when he es lished himself in the drug business, opening a s in his present location, No. 239 State street, L Hall building, in which venture prosperity has tended him. Mr. Taylor is one of the progres and up-to-date druggists of New London, as is denced by the large and complete stock hè carrie his store.

Mr. Taylor was married, in October, 1890 Alfretta H. Fengar, of New London, daughter, Richard B. Fengar. To this union have been ty three children : Myrdell H., Ruth E. and Olive

HANCOX. Among the New London cot families of prominence, whose ancestors vi! among the early settlers of Connecticut, is the H cox family. Not only did the earlier members the family hold positions of prominence and dist tion in the various communities in which they sided, but later generations have continued to hold the good name they bore in the commercial I financial, as well as the social, circles of their he town, Stonington. Especially high in the opil(1 of his fellow citizens stood the late Peleg Hand and his sons also became prominent members E society.

Of the Hancox family, Judge Wheeler, in 5 History of Stonington, Conn., says, "there app 5 to be three distinct families in early Stoning 1 records, only one of which," he adds, "can be ea ly traced back to the first ancestor who came to Yv England." In that work Judge Wheeler traces fe family of James Hancox and his wife Ann, wie children were Edward and Ann, the latter of wl| married Chaarles Mannel and resided at Cheaps!', London. Edward Hancox was a native of Yo- shire, England, born in Richmond, Nov. 5, 11). He married Mary, and their children, so far's known, were Ann and Edward, whose postes became allied by marriage witii some of the e !' and prominent families in eastern Connecticut d western Rhode Island. The last Edward refe: d

Matt Hancock

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GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

hime f married into the old Chesbrough family : Stofigton. Among others of the ancient and ading imilies of the region designated with which le Ha oxes became connected by marriage were e Palers, the Sheffields, and Lewises, the Miners id the Noyeses.

TheBurdick family, with which the late Peleg anco: arrias es o: ewpo of Stonington, became connected through is one of the ancient and substantial fam- Rhode Island, Robert Burdick being of and Westerly, R. I., respectively, of the rmer pint as early as 1652. He served for sev- as deputy to the General Assembly.

al yea FEL seph Joh Sto 55. ace t

HANCOX was born in Stonington, son of id Sybil (Noyes) Hancox, and grandson Iancox. Peleg Hancox passed all his life gton, his death occurring there Jan. 4, e was one of the leading citizens of that pughout his active life, and engaged in rious isiness enterprises, in all of which he was

He had large whaling interests, and for rs, in addition to attending to same, car- general merchandise and dry-goods store. le Stonington was a famous whaling port and fitted out a large number of vessels sail from that place in quest of whales and being a careful, conservative, con- man in all his ventures he amassed a npetence in this line alone, adding thereto succ; in other lines. He held the confidence d estein of all his fellow townsmen, but he never ok ar nit his d sta active part in public life, preferring to ower to the use of his good influence. He ily to the principles of the Old-line Whig ty infairly life, and joined the Republican party its canization, but beyond giving his support en and measures he did not mix in poli-

He was a devout member of the First lurch of Stonington, of which he served for a number of years.

good s at ptist deac Mr. iton, ldrer 1 sedl t ident

ancox married Betsey Burdick, of Hop- I., who died in Stonington, and seven :ere born to them, as follows: (1) John nt to alifornia during the gold fever, in 1849, ning settled in Stonington, where he remainder of his days. He met with an oing down an incline which injured his le so at he was helpless for about eleven years ore 1 is ı ed c voic ame

death. He never married. (2) Joseph tioned below. (3) Peleg, Jr., who pos- siderable musical talent and a clear musi- studied music in New York and in time nusic teacher. He married Fannie For- ie, of rooklyn, N. Y., and died in Stonington in 2. (1 tw Luc hani I, wa coal Betsey died in Stonington, unmarried, y-two years. (5) Lucy died in infancy. A., unmarried, resides in Stonington. (7) who died in Stonington in 1894, unmar- ssociated with his brother Joseph N. in siness for many years, and was in various

ways prominently identified with the business inter- ests of his native town.

JOSEPH NOYES HANCOX, son of Peleg Hancox, was born in Stonington, New London Co., Conn., Nov. 27, 1825, and died there Nov. 6, 1896. 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 P. 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 necessary 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 religious and benevolent causes. For several years 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 day. 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. His 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, Bessie, who married Leroy 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," Cooley'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

ccess any y ed on t the : own hich d sea ientio odly

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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. I, 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, in 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 thi in the State Legislature, and for a number of y was chairman of the Republican town committee

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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 104

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