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 111

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 111

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(II) Robert Bindloss was created a Baronet by Charles I, in 1641, and is believed to have been the builder of Borwick Hall, Yorkshire. Sir Robert Bindloss was a member of Parliament for Lan- caster in 1613. His son,

(III) Francis Bindloss, born in 1603, married for his second wife Cecilia, daughter of Thomas West, Lord de la Ware. He, too, was a member of Parliament from Lancaster. He died in the life- time of his father, and was succeeded by his son,

(IV) Robert Bindloss, the last male Bindloss of Borwick Hall. It is a matter of history that King Charles II, on his southward march with his Scottish army, reached Kendal, Aug. 16, 1651, and spent the following night at Borwick Hall.

Mrs. Collins was descended from Sir Christo- pher Bindloss, mayor of Kendal, 1579-80, through his son (II) Christopher Bindloss, who was bap- tized in 1570, in Kendal Church.

(III) Peter, son of Christopher, was baptized Jan. 8, 1607, at Heversham.

(IV) Robert, son of Peter, was baptized March 27, 1630, at Heversham.

(V) Christopher, son of Robert, was baptized Dec. 4, 1666, at Heversham, and was buried April 27, 1715, at Heversham. He was a farmer and dealer in cattle at Rowell, County of Westmoreland, and was a typical representative of the English yeoman.

(VI) Robert Bindloss, son of Christopher, was born in 1722, and died June 15, 1796. He was of Greenside, Milnthorpe, County of Westmoreland. The eldest son of a large family of children, he inherited his father's estates, and succeeded to the business. He married Jane Park.

(VII) Philip Bindloss, son of Robert and the grandfather of Mrs. Collins, was of Park House, Heversham, County of Westmoreland. He was baptized Nov. 2, 1766, and died Jan. 29, 1802. On Jan. 14, 1792, Philip Bindloss married Jane Watson, daughter of Thomas Watson, and sister of Richard Watson, D. D., for years the honored bishop of Llandaff. T. Palmer Bindloss has an excellent steel engraving of Bishop Watson, taken from a painting by George Romney, the celebrated histori- cal artist and portrait painter. He also has a full length engraving of the artist.

(VIII) William Bindloss, son of Philip and the father of Mrs. Collins, was baptized in Kendal March 5, 1795. He engaged in a mercantile busi- ness, and was a popular man, holding several offices in the town of Kendal, of which town his brother Thompson was twice mayor. In 1848 he came to

blica: Mr. Wh New lion.

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GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

America, and bought a farm just outside of New London, Conn., which property is now owned and occupied by his youngest son.

On Jan. 1, 1822, in Liverpool, England, William Bindloss married Margaret Palmer, a native of Liv- erpool, and the youngest daughter of Thomas Palmer. Their children-of whom one son and three daughters are living, all in America, the young- est now sixty-four years of age and the eldest in her eighty-fifth year-were as follows: (I) Ellen mar- ried Henry Hellian, May 12, 1847, and is living at the age of eighty-four. (2) William, born July 22, 1824, married Mary Ellen Park, Feb. 27, 1853 ; he died in Mystic, Conn. (3) Jane, born Sept. 27, 1825, married April 9, 1843, Leander Utley Knight, who is deceased. She was the first of the family to come to America, making her home near New Lon- don, where she is living at present with her chil- dren. (4) Margaret Ann, born May 17, 1827, mar- ried Aug. 9, 1848, George Elliott, who is deceased. In 1844 she followed her sister Jane to America, and also settled near New London, her present home. (5) Esther B., born July 31, 1828, married Daniel Collins, and died April 28, 1897. (6) Thomas Falmer, born Dec. 19, 1829, is living in New Lon- don. (7) Mary, widow of Joseph Scraggie, was born July 13, 1831, and she died in New London. She became the mother of three children, Joseph, William and Mary. (8) Philip George, born Jan. 27, 1833, married Irene C. Tatem, Oct. 27, 1858, and died in New London. (9) Thompson, born July 6, 1836, died in 1838. William Bindloss, the father, died in 1864, at the age of sixty-eight, and his wife passed away in 1858, at the age of sixty- two. Both were buried in Cedar Grove cemetery. In their native country they were both members of the Church of England, and after coming to this country, they, with their children, united with the Episcopal Church.

JOHN ROBINSON, who as shipbuilder, mer- chant and real-estate man, was for many years prominently identified with the business life of New London, was born in County Antrim, Ireland, son of Jeremiah and Alice Robinson, of that county, the former of Scotch descent and the latter of Irish. There were eight children in the family, three daughters, Ann, Margaret and Mary ; and five sons, George, Alexander, William, John and James. Al- exander, William and John came to America, as did also one sister, Ann, who lived in California. James died in Australia.

John Robinson secured his education in the schools of Ireland and later in New London, where he attended the Truman street school and also, for a time, a night school. In the Truman street school he had as companions Ex-Governor Thomas M. Waller and Hiram D. Harris. He came to New London when he was about seventeen years old, to join his brother, William, who had sent for him. He apprenticed himself to a Mr. Miller to learn the

trade of a ship carpenter, and after completing his term of service with him, began working at hinade by the day.

When the Civil war broke out, Mr. Robin 1. in company with Aleck and George Davidsor look contracts for building government ironclads heir yards were located at Noank, New London city, the and the venture proved very profitable, givi young man his real start in life. He went r to Norwich, Conn., and engaged in a mercantil List- ness there with John Doyle, but after some fars he sold out, returned to New London and 1 t a store and house at the corner of Smith and bal- back streets. This store, with another at the fner of Walback and Goshen streets, has been the fop- erty of the family for about twenty-eight year and they have been in the mercantile business a bong as any family in the city. Mr. Robinson time interested in real estate, and owned the land com Shaw street part way up to Montauk avenue He cleared it and built a number of houses in the Fec- tion, his own residence being in that neighbo hod.

While a Democrat in his political views, at al- ways interested in the success of his party of na- tional issues, he was enough of an independ , to follow the dictates of his own judgment or bocal questions. He was often solicited to take Fblic office, but his own affairs were too engross ] to allow him time to participate in municipal ir vers. A Roman Catholic in his belief, he was a m aber of the church in New London.

On July 13, 1856, John Robinson was mr tried to Miss Anna Leva Kane, daughter of Patricand Ann Kane, of New York. Nine children lised this union, viz .: William M., born July 18, 57; John, May 5, 1859; John D., Aug. 25, 1861 Ann H., Nov. 10, 1863, who married Thomas Mcl gh- lin, Aug. 13, 1887; Mary T. R., May 13, 186: cho was married Jan. 10, 1894, to John Driscoll; /ath- erine A., March 2, 1867; James Augustin de- ceased, born June 14, 1869; Alice R., Oct. 20 872, who became the wife of Edward Comstock, ept. 12, 1899; James C., Sept. 17, 1874, who was ir ried April 30, 1902, to Miss Catherine Maher. Mrkob- inson was in the strictest sense of the word Self- made man, of much ability and of exemplary nar- acter, and his death, which occurred Oct. 31. 395, was deeply regretted, not only by his fami and personal friends, but also by his business ass ates and all who enjoyed an acquaintance with h

WALTER R. DENISON, one of the 1 ling citizens of Groton, is a descendant of (I) apt. George Denison, who was baptized at Straord, Hertfordshire, England, Dec. IO, 1620, a shi of William, and grandson of John Denison, of rat- ford. William Denison came to New Englan vith his family in 1631 and settled in Roxbury, ASS., where he became a deacon in the church. F had been liberally educated, as were also his ons. George Denison, the youngest of these boys, rr ried

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GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

t) in 540 Bridget Thompson, daughter of John mpsol se w of Preston, Northamptonshire, England, >w Alice came to America and was liv- at Rdoury. Their two children were Sarah and The mother of these children died in

nah. Mr. Denison returned to England to e une . Cromwell in the Army of Parliament, 3, an ning r he

stinction ; he was wounded at Naseby. s married, at the house of John Borodell, le lat 's daughter Ann and returned to Rox- in I|5. There he continued to live until 1651, n he ated at New London, Conn., and in 1654 ed ing tonington. At the last named place he inuecuntil his death, Oct. 24, 1694, the event trring 1 Hartford. The children of his second

riage ere: John, born July 14, 1646; Ann, 20, 1655 19; Borodell, 1651 ; George, 1653; Will- Margaret, 1657, and Mary, 1659. The hier o:these children died Sept. 26, 1712.

Capt. George Denison was not only distin- hed ala civilian, but also as a soldier, and be- e dur " his life in Connecticut second only to distin ished Major John Mason, being closely tified th the early history of the Colony.

(II) ( ot. William Denison, born in 1655, mar- Sara Prentice, widow of Thomas Prentice, dauglr of the first Thomas Stanton, and they in S nington. Mr. Denison died March 26, is wife Aug. 7, 1713. Their children , and : W am, born March 24, 1687; Sarah, born 39, and George, born Feb. 28, 1692. 1 14, III) Tilliam Denison (2), born March 24, ma: ed May 10, 1710, Mercy Gallup, and in S ington. He died Feb. 14, 1724, and she March 2, 1724, aged thirty-five. Their 'd aw ren ; Sai am,

re born as follows: Mercy, June 25, , July 2, 1713; Esther, Feb. 6, 1715; c. 9, 1716; Hannah, April 10, 1719; eb. 6, 1721; Jonathan, May 12, 1722;

dam, an, F . II, 1724.

nadam Denison, born Feb. 6, 1721, mar-

[V) } Nov. 1742, Amy Swan, and lived in Ston- n. Teir children were: Lucy, born Jan. 8, Jan born Aug. 25, 1745; Benadam; Ann, July 1747; Robert, born Sept. 28, 1749; and ge, bei Oct. 8, 1751.

V) R first

ert Denison, born Sept. 28, 1749, mar- Alice Denison, who died Sept. 24, 1794, is seid wife was Deborah Dewey, whom he ed N . 2, 1796. Eight children were born to

rst r riage and nine to the second. They Rot, born Sept. 2, 1774; Martha, Sept.

77; athan, Feb. 2, 1780; Benadam, April mes, July 1, 1785; Edward, Feb. 6, June 4, 1790; Elias, June 5, 1794 ; De- Joseph S., March 8, 1798; Lucy D.,

783; Alic , 179 Wi m E., Oct. 7, 1802; Noyes P., 1804; 180

George W., 1809; Emeline, Oct. 13, and za, May 8, 1815. The father of these en di Feb. 9, 1820, in Stonington, in which he hai lived.

(VI) Jonathan Denison, born Feb. 2, 1780, son of Robert, married, in 1802, Catherine Brown, and lived in Stonington, where he died May 16, 1828, and she died April 27, 1863. Their children were: Dudley, born May 16, 1803: Henry, Feb. 12, 1805; Jesse B., Aug. 14, 1808 ; Zelida, Aug. 30, 1810; Bet- sey P., Dec. 29, 1814 ; Sarah, April 3, 1817 ; Robert S., Feb. 27, 1819; John W., March 29, 1821 ; James E., June 4, 1825 ; and Miranda S., Sept. 15, 1826.

(VII) Robert S. Denison, born in Stonington Feb. 27, 1819, married at Mystic, April 1, 1849, Susan Eggleston, daughter of Daniel Eggleston, and they lived in Groton, Conn. She was born Dec. 30, 1827. Mr. Denison entered the United States navy and served in the Mexican war, under Gen. Phil. Kearney. After his marriage he lived in several places before settling .in New London, where he em- barked in business at No. 3 Holt's block, where the depot now stands. Later he was in partnership with Franklin Potter on Bank street. Still later he settled in Groton, where he engaged in his lifelong business of painting. He was a deacon of the Groton Baptist Church, and died in New London April 17, 1890. The children who form the eighth generation of this branch of the family were: Susan, who died in in- fancy, in January, 1851 ; Walter R., born Nov. 28, 1851; James, of Groton, Conn .; Clara, of Groton, Conn., who married Frank Chapman; Charles, of Florida ; Mary, of Groton, who married Mathew Dunn; Frank, who died in 1903; Katherine, of Providence, who married Fred Allen ; and William, of New London.

(VIII) Walter R. Denison was born in New London, Conn., Nov. 28, 1851. He spent his school days in Groton, attending the School street school, and later Buckeye Business College, of Sandusky, Ohio, after which he went into the decorating busi- ness with his father, thus continuing for many years. Upon the retirement of his father, Walter R. Den- ison removed the business to the Holt building in New London and added the wholesale and retail paints, oils and wall paper business. When the build- ing was torn down he took his business to No. 19 Bank street. Thence he went to the present site of the "Hotel Royal," and finally he settled at No. IIO Bank street, which building he purchased, and where he remained until 1899, when the business was disposed of and he retired from the paint busi- ness.

Mr. Denison was treasurer and general manager of the Thames Ferry Co. for ten years, and named the ferry boat "Col. Ledyard," after the Revolution- ary hero of Groton. He also built and was managing owner of the steamer "Summer Girl." He was one of the organizers of the New London and East Lyme Street Railway Co., and was chosen its first vice-president. For the past four years he has been engaged in handling real estate, in 1901 organizing the Groton Real Estate Co., chartered by the Legis-, lature of 1901, capital stock $60,000, and his asso- ciate is Capt. Thomas Hamilton, of Groton. The

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GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

company has fifty-one acres, ten of which are im- proved, and they own many high class tenements.

Mr. Denison has not been active in town affairs, so far as holding public office is concerned, but he takes an interest in educational matters, and has been a member of the school committee for many years. In addition to other interests he owns large realty in the city of New London and vicinity, and is one of the most substantial men in Groton. The fraternal affiliations of Mr. Denison are with Fairview Lodge, No. 10I, I. O. O. F., and Thames Lodge, No. 13, A. O. U. W.

On Sept. 10, 1879, Mr. Denison was married to Sarah Gove, of Nahant, Mass. He and his wife have traveled extensively throughout the United States, Europe, the Orient and the West Indies; their winters are usually spent in Florida.

During the winter of 1901 Mr. Denison worked hard to obtain the Groton borough charter, which was adopted in 1904. Mr. Denison is one of the most public-spirited citizens of Groton, and has thrown himself into the work of securing public improvements and municipal ownership of water and light with an energy which has proven almost irresistible, and certainly unlimited credit is due him for the wonderful advancement Groton has made during the past few years. He was appointed the first water and light commissioner, and assisted in the purchase of these utilities. He designed the present seal of the borough of Groton, giving it the motto that has been his guide for life, Progressus et Prudentis, and also the bronze door of the Groton monument, being a member of the executive com- mittee which has in charge this monument. Mr. Denison takes great interest in art, and has shown considerable ability in the line of landscape and marine painting, working for his own amusement, and never for remuneration.

WILLIAM KILROY, one of the best known men and most successful farmers in the town of Bozrah, represents the highest type of citizenship to be found in New London. He comes from people of worth and prominence, who were factors in the military history of England and Ireland. Major John Kilroy, his great-grandfather, was in the mil- itary service in Ireland, and his son, John Anthony Kilroy, was an influential and wealthy farmer, a large land holder, residing at Dilbaugh, County Cavan, Ireland. He lived to an old age, surviving his wife, who was Eleanor Atchison; her ancestors belonged to the yeomanry. John Anthony and Eleanor Kilroy had a family of eleven children, all of whom grew to maturity, namely: (1) Ann mar- ried Robert Graham, a wealthy man, and resided in County Cavan, where she died. (2) Isabella was married first to Alexander Porter, second to George L. Yeomans, and died in Norwich. (3) John, the father of William, is mentioned below. (4) Alex- ander married Alice Gorman, and resided at Nor- wich Town, where he died. (5) Eleanor married

James Kane, and died in Paterson, N. J. (6) thony, at last reports, was residing on the home and in County Cavan. (7) Frances married a Mr vis, and resided in County Cavan. (8) Eliz; lịch A., twin of Frances, is the widow of Calvin 11- liams, and resides in Norwich. (9) Richard red at the age of thirty years, unmarried. (10) 1- liam, who married Eleanor Atchison, was a fater and died at Norwich Town. (II) Thomas di at Norwich Town. His wife was Eleanor McN ge.

John Kilroy was born at Dilbaugh, Coity Cavan, Ireland, and received a good education fr- iginally with the idea of preparing him for the ally. He easily passed the mental examination, but as rejected at the physical examination because a ruptured blood vessel in his leg. He remain at home and assisted on the home farm up to th of twenty-nine years, when, in 1852, he decid to come to America, to earn for himself a home. He brought along his younger sister, Elizabeth A. 1d they made the voyage in a sailing vessel, being Ev- eral weeks en route. When they landed in [w York his cash capital was $24. He came to br- wich, and his first work was as a farm hand i he employ of: a Mr. Rogers, on Wauwecus Hill, th whom he remained for a year, his wages for fiat period being $112 and board. Of this amou The saved $IIO. Mr. Kilroy was next employe by Capt. Coit, who resided on the west side, i ,he house now occupied by John Porteous. Athis time there were but few houses in that part che city. After leaving Mr. Coit he accepted a po on as utility man with Col. Asa Fitch, at Fitcl [le, who soon recognized the fact that his employeras a man of thoroughly honest principles and of ch intellectual ability. Mr. Kilroy remained with cl. Fitch as long as the latter lived, and enjoye he confidence of his employer to an unusual diee. His next employment was with Major John W. Haughton, of Bozrah, a son-in-law of Col. Ich, and he continued in the employ of that family til April, 1883. John Kilroy was very careful nd saving with his earnings, and having by this me accumulated a good sum of money he purchase the farm of 144 acres now occupied by his son Wi. m, buying the property from Williamn Fitch, whovas then residing at Norwich Town. Mr. Kilro (m)- proved the farm and brought it up to a high st. of cultivation. Soon after locating thereon he Igan operating a milk route in Yantic, which is cont fied to the present time. He was a thorough fa er, very progressive, and made a careful study ( his business, finding farming profitable from the jirt. At the time of his death he was accounted ol of the most successful in the town, having by eco- my and conservative methods acquired conside ble means. Mr. Kilroy was a man of medium h ht. rather sparely built, but capable of a great de of hard work. He was gifted with good health und never had occasion to call a physician until hi ast illness, which was of only a few days' duration He

William Kilroy

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GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

well-read man and very intelligent. He died , 1891, aged sixty-eight years, and was buried Yantic cemetery. He was a member of the Epist pal Church. Politically he was a stanch Dem- ind while he never took much interest in poli- her than casting his vote, he served several on the board of selectmen.

JIn Kilroy was married, in Norwich, to Mary McMkle, a native of Ireland, who came to this coun She and

with her parents when she was quite young. foved a most worthy helpmeet to her husband, little of his success can be credited to her. She assed away at the age of sixty-six years, May 7, Igi, at the home of her son William, who, with his wife, showed her every care and loving devotion. The nily of Mr. and Mrs. Kilroy consisted of four child 1: (I) Eleanor, who is unmarried, resides at Yaic. (2) John Anthony married Ella Skinner. He i: : farmer and teamster and resides in Bozrah. (3) ]nes Arthur married Mrs. Abby Kane. He is a tea ter in the employ of the Yantic Woolen Co. lliam is the subject proper of these lines.

(4) W ville, of six and

iam Kilroy was born Jan. 28, 1865, at Fitch- d attended the district schools until the age en years. He was brought up to farm work, nained at home, assisting his father, after whos leath he managed the place until the death of hi nother. Then he purchased the interest of the offer heirs, and became sole owner of the farm, which Kilro and 1 and al best count e sold, however, in the spring of 1904. Mr. like his father, is a thorough agriculturist, made numerous improvements on the place, le time he disposed of it he had probably the ry farm and milk route in New London keeping from twenty to thirty head of fine gradersey cows ; most of his stock he raised him- he farm under his management was splen -. self. lidly Tul ar pt up and highly productive, and so success- is methods that they are frequently copied by otrs, Mr. Kilroy taking rank as one of the best faners of New London county.

O Sept. 20, 1894, Mr. Kilroy was married, in North Stonington, Conn., to Minnie Viola Miller, who is born in that town, Nov. 18, 1866, daugh- ur of Oliver S. and Sarah Almira (Eccleston) Miller the former a highly respected citizen of North Stonington, where he died in 1902. His vidov 10w makes her home with Mr. and Mrs. Kilroy M natten rats he to ority. ilatuı Lands

Kilroy takes a lively interest in political being one of the most influential Demo- his town, and he has done much to swing from a Republican to a Democratic ma- 1 1899 he represented the town in the Leg- and served on the committee on Sale of In 1901 he was re-elected, and served on he committee on New Towns and Probate Districts. le halficted as selectman and on the board of re- ef, a is now serving his fourth term as town . He attends the Baptist Church. reasu M1

Kilroy has a neat and cosy home. Mrs.

Kilroy is a most excellent housekeeper and they are very popular because of their kindness and hos- pitality.

FRANK ULMER. In every community there are a certain few men who because of their natural ability shoulder the burden of the commercial and moral. reputation of the whole. They may differ widely, but on them the other citizens rely for serv- ice and for guidance and for the general well-being of the town. Such a man was Frank Ulmer, who entered into rest at his home in Norwich, New Lon- don county, May 23, 1903. In his death Norwich lost a citizen that could ill be spared. At all times he had the welfare of the town at heart, and did all that any one man could do to advance its interests.

Mr. Ulmer was born in Heppenheim, Hesse- Darmstadt, Germany, in 1845, and his early years were passed in his native land. In Weinheim he learned the tanner's trade, and after completing his apprenticeship he came to America, in 1866. His first location was in Ohio, where he followed his trade, but the next year he located in Norwich, New London Co., Conn., and was employed by Charles N. Farnham, for whom he erected a tannery on Talman street, and when it was completed, assumed the management of it. The industry prospered under his wise control of its affairs, and he soon saw his way clear to go into business for himself. In 1873, in company with Henry H. Gallup and George S. Smith, he bought out Mr. Farnham's in- terest, and the new concern became known as the Norwich Belt Manufacturing Company. Prosperity attended their venture and four years later they built the present tannery at Greeneville. The growth of the business was rapid, and Mr. Ulmer, by wisely investing his earnings, became looked upon as one of the successful manufacturers of New Lon- don county. In 1883 Mr. Smith retired, but Mr. Gallup and Mr. Ulmer continued the business alone until 1892, when the latter sold out. In 1894, with his son Henry F., Mr. Ulmer formed the Ulmer Leather Company, and they built a large tannery on Forest street, where his usual good fortune at- tended him. A large force of men is now employed, and although but nine years old this industry has taken a place among the most important manufactur- ing concerns of the city.

While ever deeply engrossed in business, Mr. Ul- mer nevertheless found time to keep fully informed on public questions, and to take an active interest in municipal affairs. In his political faith he was a Republican, and he was a wise counselor in party ranks. For himself he cared nothing for office, but in 1890-92 he served as alderman in the court of common council, where he gave his constituents general satisfaction, and was ever found on the side of good government. He served as chairman of the Fire Department committee. The world of finance found in him a close student, and he was keenly

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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 111

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