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 108

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 108

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GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

ber of Wooster Lodge, No. 10, F. & A. M., and was an intelligent and well versed member of that fra- ternity.

On Feb. 28, 1830, Mr. Morgan was married to Abby, born Sept. 8, 1804, in Groton, daughter of Capt. Thomas and Mary ( Palmer) Barber, the lat- ter a daughter of David Palmer, who was killed in the battle of Fort Griswold, Sept. 6, 1781. Mrs. Roswell Morgan died in Salem April 28, 1893. The children born to Roswell Morgan and wife were: Elizabeth A., born April 13, 1831, is un- married, and resides in Salem; Emeline, born Sept. 3, 1834, was married Feb. 26, 1867, to Simeon A. Chapman, and died in Groton, leaving five chil-

dren (in early life Mr. Chapman was a vessel cap- tain, but later was in the ice business and became a very wealthy man) ; Jane E., born Jan. 3, 1838, was unmarried and resided in Salem and died June 30, 1903; Samuel Noyes, born Sept. 22, 1842; Al- bert, born July 19, 1845, is managing the home farm in Salem. Roswell Morgan died Oct. 6, 1865, and was buried in Salem, the last honors being paid him by his brother Masons.

Samuel Noyes Morgan was born in Salem, and attended the common schools with the addition of a one-year course at the Wesleyan Academy at Wilbraham, Mass. He remained at home until the spring of 1882, when he came to Colchester and purchased his present farm, a short distance north of the "Colchester Green." The farm, a tract of 115 acres, was then known as the "Clark Foote Farm," and he has been engaged in farming and dairying ever since. For about ten years he oper- ated a milk route in the borough, but discontinued same several years ago. He still keeps fifteen cows, and takes a pride in his stock and the condition of his property, upon which he has made a number of improvements.

In politics Mr. Morgan is a Republican, and during his residence in Salem he served as first selectman for four years, and held many of the minor offices. In 1878 he represented the town in the Legislature, and served as chairman of the Fish- eries committee. He has served four years upon the board of selectmen in Colchester, and also as assessor, and is now a justice of the peace, per- forming the various offices of these positions with efficiency and ability. He has been a trustee of the Chelsea Savings Society of Norwich for several years, a director of the Colchester Savings Bank several years, and for a like period has been one of the directors of the Colchester Lodge of the An- cient Order of United Workmen. When a young man he united with the church at Salem, and he was chosen deacon of the Colchester Church in March, 1901, and is now serving in that capacity.

On Dec. 4, 1879, Mr. Morgan was married to Louisa S. Davis, a native of Brooklyn, N. Y., daugh- ter of William Bush and Hannah (Cornell) Davis. Mr. Davis was born in Greenwich, Conn., and re- sided in Brooklyn, N. Y., where he died. One child

has been born of the marriage of Mr. and Morgan, Louisa Catherine, born June 29, 65)2. Throughout his entire career Mr. Morga faithfully discharged the duties laid upon whether in his business life, home circle, or thepo- litical arena, in the latter of which he has mne so distinguished a part, and it is but natural tl the has won for himself the heartfelt respect, conf ice and friendship of a wide territory, and he ilme of the best known men in New London city. The future which spreads out invitingly beforefan, is bright with promises of continued and inci fed prosperity.

THOMAS. The Thomas family is one ( cho oldest and most prominent of Lebanon. Its 1'e- sentatives have been, and are to-day, num ted among the leading and most respected citize f of the town, and in Goshen Society Congrega fal Church they are especially active.

The history of the American branch of the en ily begins with John Thomas, an orphan b jcf fourteen years of age, who was a passenger ithe ship "Hopewell," in 1635, to New England, fre- sumably coming from Wales. He was kindly kten under the care and protection of Gov. Ecford Winslow, and was long the faithful stewa at Careswell. In 1649 he received a tract of la in Marshfield, probably indirectly through his |1e- factor, and upon it he resided. For generating it remained in the Thomas name. On Dec. 21, 48. he married Sarah Pitney, daughter of Jame Ind Sarah Pitney, natives, respectively, of Mars feld and Boston. John Thomas died in 1676, an this widow survived until 1682. Their eight ch 'en were: John, Elizabeth, Samuel, Daniel, Sah, James, Ephraim and Israel, all born between $49 and 1670.

(II) James Thomas, born in 1663, settl in Duxbury, Mass., and there married Mary Tild, a daughter probably of Stephen Tilden, of Marsleld.

(III) John Thomas, born Nov. 7, 1700, b ght the ancestral farm of John Robinson, one of th rst property owners of the town of Lebanon. his farm he deeded to his son Peleg in 1765, ancy is now occupied by James Y. Thomas at Goslien. phn Thomas married Hannah Spafard.

(IV) Feleg Thomas, son of John, was bo in February, 1736, and had a remarkable conviion at the age of three years. He was noted fo his piety and honest dealing among his fellow cit ens. He was commissioned lieutenant in the 4th on1- pany, 12th regiment, Connecticut militia, by na- than Trumbull, during the Revolutionary wa: In his old age he became something of a poet fand among curious collections of rare manuscripts nay be found to this day in Lebanon, poems writt | by this good old man as he was nearing his last r fing place. They are remarkable for their deep ety, and close association with things religious. Thigh them all breathes the simple faith of a pure-mi|ed,

J.J. Thomas

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GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

lean-led man, then nearly ninety years of age. He sidedon the farm above mentioned, and erected le ho: now standing. His death occurred April 7, 18, when he was in his ninety-ninth year. lis w bore the maiden name of Molly Bartlett, nd sh vas a descendant of Elder Brewster of the Ter." Five children were born to this ouple. Mrs. Thomas died July 29, 1819, hen sk was seventy-six years of age.

Peleg Thomas (2), son of Peleg, was a nd resided in Lebanon, where he was en- farming all his life on the old homestead, his death occurred. He was a hard-work- and very thrifty, but owing to a kind heart nerous, unsuspicious nature, he was fre- mposed upon in business matters. In e was a Whig, and for many years held of justice of the peace. He and his wife sistent members of the Congregational hurch ¿ Goshen, and he served as one of the dea- ons ur his death, which occurred Nov. 16, 1860, hen h vas eighty-two years of age. His remains cred at Goshen. On March 25, 1802, he ally Young, who was born in 1779, daugh-

ere ir arried r of I vid Young; she died Aug. 20, 1830. Their vere : James, who first engaged in a mer- siness in New York State, went to Cali- 1849, and became a successful miner, but ildrei intile ria i sper he latter years of his life in Lebanon, and diedit the home of his brother Peleg ; David arried a me ornelia Young, and went South to engage intile business at Richmond, Va., but later to Fort Gibson and there died. Edward ma1 d (first) Eunice Wells, and (second) ne Y ig, and he resided in Norwich, where he as enged as a butcher, later serving many years a denly sheriff, and he died in Norwich, leaving ree clren, John and Sarah, by his first wife, od Ed rd, by the second; Peleg George; Sarah died young womanhood ; and Thomas S. died bung.

(VI Peleg George Thomas was born in Leb- on, Con., July 24, 1809, and received a common hool ( cation. At an early age he began teach- ga d r mo

ict school for seven and one-half dollars 1. The largest amount he ever received is twe y dollars a month when residing on Long and. Rich stor " win live t becas the pro t the age of twenty-two, in 1831, he went nd, Va., and was employed as a clerk in of his brother David. Remaining there ;, the following spring he returned to his 'n, where he continued to reside. Later the sole owner of the homestead by buy- ares of the other heirs, and by adding to ty, became one of the largest land own- in naked panon, and at the time of his death he ong the wealthy men of the town. In ad- ion hlso dealt more or less extensively in wood, 1 mac considerable money in that line. His plan tting proc tre was to buy a wood lot, clear it off, It fire wood and railroad timber. In poli-

tics he was a Republican, and he served on the board of selectmen for many years, and also as justice of the peace. During 1861, he served as a member of the Legislature, and was a very influential and es- teemed man. Among other duties he was called upon to perform was the settling of estates. His death occurred Feb. 26, 1886.

On Jan. 23, 1838, Peleg George Thomas was married to Mary S. Cady, a daughter of Josiah and Chloe (Hutchins) Cady, of Providence, R. I. Mrs. Thomas was born June 12, 1812, and died March 10, 1894. Their children were: Mary L., born in February, 1839, died Jan. 26, 1841 ; Sarah M., born Nov. 23, 1840, married Joseph Miller, a farmer, and died in Lebanon; Mary C., born Jan. 30, 1842, married Deacon W. W. Gillette, of Lebanon, a farmer and wood turner, and has had four chil- dren : Anna, Mary Louise (deceased), Clara and Alfred T. (deceased) ; George H., born June 10, 1844, died Oct. 3, 1846; James Young, born March 23, 1846; Caroline S., born Oct. 18, 1847, did not marry, but resided with her brother George H., at Goshen, until her death Oct. 5, 1902, when she was aged fifty-five years ; George Hutchins, born Feb. 3, 1849; William Goodell, born Aug. 26, 1852. Mr. and Mrs. Peleg George Thomas and family were all members of the Goshen Congregational Church. He was a man of strong character, possessed of quick perception, was a good business man, industrious and economical.

(VII) Deacon James Young Thomas was born March 23, 1846, in the house he now occupies. He attended the district school, and two terms at a select school, kept by a Miss Lucy Pettis at Lebanon Green, but attended school only during the winter months after he was twelve years of age. Until his marriage he remained at home, assisting his father, and then removed to Exeter Society, where he lo- cated on a farm owned by his father, and there made his home for ten years. All of his children were born on that farm. His father's health failing, it became necessary to have his son with him, and the management of the farm was transferred to James' younger shoulders and until they died he tenderly cared for his parents. Since then he has made it his home, and devoted the farm to general farming and dairying. The farm consists of about 350 acres, and he has made a specialty of breeding thoroughbred Swiss cattle. He raised the cow which "stood at the head" of the herd of Swiss cattle on exhibition at the Fan-American Exposi- tion. Mr. Thomas keeps about fifteen cows in his dairy, and is very successful and prosperous in whatever he undertakes.

On May 24, 1870, Mr. Thomas was married to Mary E. Avery, born Dec. 3, 1848, in Ledyard, Conn., a daughter of Deacon Erasmus and Eunice S. (Williams) Avery. Mrs. Thomas taught school in Lebanon prior to her marriage, and was very popular with pupils and parents alike. Her father died in September, 1902. The children born

Mavfl orthy (V irmer aged nd the g ma id a ently olitics e offi ere

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GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

to Mr. and Mrs. James Y. Thomas were : (I) James Avery, born Oct. 24, 1871, grad- uated from Norwich Business College, after which he became bookkeeper in Norwich, until his failing health compelled him to seek outdoor work, and he now assists his father on the farm. He is a stanch Republican and has served several years as a tax collector in Lebanon. Fratern- ally he is a member of William Williams Council O. U. A. M. ; and Colchester Grange No. 78, and he is one of the popular and enterprising young men of the town. (2) Ella Cady was born March 24, 1874, attended Willimantic high school, and is a successful school teacher. (3) Eunice Williams was born Oct. 15, 1877, and is at home.

In politics James Y. Thomas is a Republican and represented his town in the State Legislature in 1877, serving on the committee on School Funds. He has also served three terms on the board of selectmen of the town, and has as well held many of the minor offices in Lebanon. His fraternal affilia- tions are with Lebanon Lodge No. 23, A. O. U. W., and with the American Benefit Society, he being a charter member of the latter, and both are benev- olent organizations. Soon after his marriage he united with the Exeter Congregational Church, and later transferred his membership to the Goshen Church, where he still remains. While connected with the Exeter Society he was clerk and treasurer of it, and the Goshen Church honored him by mak- ing him a deacon, to succeed Deacon Nathaniel C. Saxton, deceased. Mrs. James Y. Thomas united with the Congregational Church at Preston, Conn., under Rev. E. H. Wilcox, but first transferred to Exeter, and later to Goshen. All the children are also members of the Goshen church.

Deacon Thomas is one of the substantial citi- zens of the town of Lebanon, and he and his most estimable family are held in highest respect by all who know them. Their home is a very comfortable one, and their many friends are always welcomed to its hospitable doors. Mr. Thomas is a man of broad views, liberal and public spirited, and he has accomplished much good during his life.

GEORGE HUTCHINS THOMAS was born Feb. 3, 1849, in Lebanon on the homestead adjoining his present farm. Like the other farmer boys of his day he attended the district school, and he had the further advantage of the educational advantages of- fered by the Goshen high school, and a two-years course at the Amherst Agricultural College at Am- herst, Mass. After completing his education, the young man returned to the farm and assisted his father for a couple of years, when he removed to his present property, which he soon thereafter pur- chased. The original tract consisted of sixty-five acres, but he added to it from time to time, and now owns 400 acres, which he successfully devotes to general farming after the latest improved methods. He also carries on a good-sized dairy, and milks fif- teen cows on an average.

On June 6, 1876, Mr. Thomas was uni in marriage with Mary D. Strong, of East Hangon, Mass., a daughter of William Strong. Sh fed March 4, 1878, aged twenty-eight years, leav ro children. Mr. Thomas is a Prohibitionist in foli- tics, and has been very active in upholding therin- ciples of that party, believing it to be the or hie t suited to bring about the much needed temp Ince reform. He has held a number of the minor ces of the town, and in addition to his other duti is a director in the Lebanon Creamery Associatio for many years he has been an active and con fent member of the Congregational Church. Th (gh- out the entire community he is held in high r fect, and is one of the representative farmers of tl fier- tile town of Lebanon.

WILLIAM GOODELL THOMAS was born At 26, 1852, in Goshen Society, and was given tad- vantages of a district school education, after fich he was sent to Wilbraham Academy, but 1 was taken sick before he had completed his first erm. He therefore returned home, and worked up | the farm until his marriage, after which he remcil to a farm in the vicinity, which he had purcha l of his father, some time prior to that event. Th. he resided for ten years, and then located on hi fres- ent farm on Goshen Hill, which was known |the Charles H. Thomas place, and consisted of fract of seventy acres. Mr. Thomas still owns the cher farms, operating all, and he owns some land į the town of Lebanon and Columbia, making a tel of over 450 acres. This land is all operated in geral farming, and he also is engaged in lumberin[ In his dairy he milks about fifteen Jersey and viss cows, and he raises a good deal of young sto | be- ing noted for his breed of cattle.

On Oct. 20, 1881, Mr. Thomas was mar 1 to Jessie Ladd, born Jan. 28, 1861, a daughter c ohn and Jessie (Balfour) Ladd. The children b 1 of this marriage are : George Ladd, born Dec. 31, [83; Grace Balfour, born Dec. 3, 1885; Williani jady, born Sept. 5, 1888; and Clarence Hutchins porn Jan. 18, 1893. Mr. Thomas is a Prohibitiot in politics, and has served four years, 1898-19. on the board of selectmen. He is a member of_ch- anon lodge No. 23, A. O. U. W. Religiously be- longs to the Goshen Congregational Church, a | has served on the church financial committee for tl past seventeen years. When the present edific was built, he served as chairman of the Building om- mittee of the church, in 1899. In all the re ions of life he has proved himself a worthy, uprig and honorable man.

EGBERT STORER, one of the substanti far- mers and highly respected citizens of Novich, comes from one of the old and prominent f. ilies of Connecticut, a family that has contributed fong line of excellent citizens to that Common alth, and whose descendants in various sections the country are, and have been, prominent in ofes-

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and blic life. In the latter class is in- prominent a man than the Hon. Bell- E Ohio.

no le torer, neze Storer, grandfather of Egbert, was Lefard, Conn. By trade he became a carpeher, and he worked at that business the volutionary war for the patriots, and n en red man he ranked as a soldier. He on th frigate "Confederacy," and was taken r. g, an er he left the army he engaged in soon after 1780 purchased a farm in inster society, town of Canterbury, Conn., the the rest of his life. He died Sept. I, ag

fifty-eight years, and was buried in estmiter cemetery. His religious connec- as wi the Congregational Church. Eben- orer as twice married. On Oct. 8, 1780, ded Imnice Brewster, a descendant of Elder rewst : of the "Mayflower." She died June o, leling three children: Ebenezer, born 1783 who died Sept. 9, 1798; and David natha: twins, born April 17, 1786, of whom is mentioned below, while Jonathan, a car- who ved first in Canterbury and later in h, m ied Lydia Story; their family con- of five hildren, of whom one is now living, lihu umway, of Groton, Mass. On Feb. I, El ary -four lezer Storer married for his second lows, who died Feb. 5, 1827, aged ars. To this union came one child, born eb. 23, 1793, who died in Canterbury,

id Sther was born in Preston, Conn., and enteen years old when the family erbury. His early training was all to Ca farm

nd included very practical instruc- 11 the inds of work to be done in the culti- f the bil and raising of stock. He always d at line, and after the death of his father full vnership of the homestead. In con- with irming he also operated a sawmill, ame, time, one of the well-to-do men of

!. Ipolitics he was an ardent Whig, and on w an active worker in the Westmin- igregional Church, of which he was a ho O1 Feb. 24, 18II, he married Anna ; born in Canterbury, daughter of Ann Hudson) Butts, the latter a daugh- bedi. Hudson, of Long Island, a direct Hendrick Hudson, who came to "Half Moon," and discovered the w bears his name. A trunk which int o in tich priv

to hi war, and hiers,

: property of Hendrick Hudson is he po ession of Egbert Storer, having de- in direct line. During the Revolu- len the British took possession of e family of Obediah Hudson, with ed to Connecticut. After the war led to Long Island except Anna, who mar- us ock, of Lisbon, and after his death me the vife of Asa Butts. To David Storer

and his wife were born children as follows: (1) Ebenezer, born July 5, 1812, was engaged in the foundry business at Providence, R. I., and died Feb. 2, 1884, at Canterbury, Conn. He married Sarah Sharp, who bore him five children: Anna Hudson, now Mrs. Banning, of New York; Marguerita, now Mrs. Tealdi, a widow, of New York; Christina, Mrs. Edward Rice, of New Haven; Julia, Mrs. Prince, of New Haven; and Ebenezer W., a jew- eler of San Francisco, Cal. (2) Asa Butts, born Sept. 10, 1814, was a farmer, and resided on the homestead until his death, April 28, 1880. He married Ruth Tinkham. (3) Anna Hudson, born April 7, 1817, died Feb. 1I, 1839. (4) David, Jr., born July 10, 1820, was an attorney practicing in New York City. He married Lucina Morse, and died March 16, 1859. (5) Cynthia, born Jan. I, 1823, married Alfred Hammond, and lived in Hampton, Conn., where her death occurred. (6) Orra, born Dec. 23, 1825, married Rev. Joseph Ses- sions, a Congregational minister, and died in Chap- lin, Conn., July 18, 1895. (7) Simon Brewster, born April 23, 1828, was a mason, and resided some years in Hartford, Trumbull Co., Ohio, later in Orangeville, same county. He died Dec. 6, 1870, in New York City. He married Lemira Jones, and their five children were Lillian B., Anna, May, Si- mon B. and Norman W. The latter is one of the noted electrical engineers of the day, being assist- ant to the chief designer of the Westinghouse Elec- tric Manufacturing Company, and several of his in- ventions, as well as many machines that he has de- signed, are regarded as standards. (8) John, born Feb. 19, 1831, died Jan. 17, 1854. (9) Egbert was born Jan. 9, 1834.

Egbert Storer was born in Canterbury, Conn., and attended the district schools. His early train- ing was similar to that of all farmer lads of the day, and he was early inured to hard work. Leaving home when he attained his majority, he went to Williamsburg, N. Y., where he entered the employ of his brother, Simon B., then located there, and doing a large contracting business. From him young Egbert learned the trade of mason, and when he had mastered it became foreman for his brother. He remained in that place for several years, and then went to Boston, Mass., but after about a year's hard work at his trade there failing health compelled him to seek a change of occupation, and he returned to the home farm. When he again found himself able to work, he bought a farm in Westminster, and there resided until 1867, when, in company with his brother-in-law, Henry Kinne, he purchased his present farm, at that time consisting of over one hundred acres. A few months later Mr. Storer became sole owner. He has made extensive im- provements on the place, and has given it such care- ful personal attention that he has one of the best kept farms in the town. He has added dairying, and is now extensively engaged in that line.

On April 25, 1861, in Canterbury, Conn., Mr.

ed.

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GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

Storer was married to Julia Louise Kinne, born in Monticello, N. Y., daughter of John Emerson and Mary (Burton) Kinne, the former a native of Plain- field, and the latter of Griswold, Conn. Mr. and Mrs. Storer have one child. John Hudson, born March II, 1866. In his political belief Mr. Storer is a Republican, and in national elections is strictly partisan, though in local affairs he looks rather for the best man. He and his wife belong to the Broad- way Congregational Church, where they are highly esteemed as thoroughly reilable and upright people.

JOHN HUDSON STORER was born in Canterbury, Conn., and his early education was obtained in the public schools. He then entered the Norwich Free Academy, and was graduated therefrom in 1884. Entering Yale, he graduated from that institution in 1888, and then matriculated at the New York Homeopathic Medical College, from which he re- ceived his degree of M. D. in 1891. In the summer of 1890 he acted as substitute on the Ward's Island staff, and he is now located at No. 30 Edgecomb avenue, New York City, and has a large and lucra- tive practice. He is a member of the New York State and County Homeopathic Societies; American Institute of Homeopathy; New York Homeopathic Materia Medica Society; and New York Pædolog- ical Society. He also belongs to the Sons of the American Revolution, and his wife to the Daughters of the American Revolution. He married Kath- erine DeLamater Person, and they have had three children, Egbert Dwight, Gertrude and Douglas F.

SAMUEL H. BUCKLEY, than whom no one in Mystic has been in business longer. and who is one of the best known and most highly esteemed citizens of that place, passed the first part of his life in his native England, and was only nineteen years of age when he came to his country. He was born in Backoth-Moss. Lancashire, Jan. 8, 1833, one of the thirteen children (of whom he is the only sur- vivor) of George and Catharine (Crawley) Buck- lev. The father. a bookkeeper by profession, lived out his days in England.

Samuel H. Buckley spent his school days at Backoth-Moss. but after completing his education, decided to try his fortune in the western world. With only his energy and ambition to succeed, as his capital. he embarked, in 1853. on the sailing ves- sel "Commerce," and was forty-five days in reaching his destination. A sister. Mary Ann Tetlow. and her husband. were located at Mystic. where they conducted a hotel. and the young man at once joined them. He arrived Oct. 21st, and two days later was at work. He began in the butcher business for Charles S. Williams, at four dollars a month, and after three years in a subordinate capacity, during which time by hard work and the exercise of strict economy he had saved enough to purchase an inter- est, he became a partner in the concern. After two years more he dissolved the partnership, and, in

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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 108

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