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 124

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 124

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William Babcock Loomis, the only child of his parents, was born Oct. 23, 1865, in the "Eastern Hotel" in New York City, and was five years old when his parents removed to Lebanon. He attended the district schools and spent three years at Natch- aug high school, at Willimantic, while James B. Welsh was principal. After completing his educa- tion he returned to the assistance of his father on the farm, although his natural inclinations were in the direction of mechanics. After the death of his

econo anon

544

GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

father he assumed the entire management of the estate, the farm now comprising sixty-five acres. He has made many very substantial improvements, one of these being the erection of a fine modern barn, 57 x 36 feet in dimensions, and in addition to tilling the soil he keeps a herd of fine high-grade Jersey cattle.

On Sept. 16, 1890, in Lebanon, Mr. Loomis mar- ried Lillian C. Whittaker, who was born in Warren Center, Bradford Co., Pa., daughter of Asa and Elsie A. (Whittaker ) Chaffee, but who was adopted by her grandfather, Henry Whittaker, and bore the latter's name. One child has come to them, Rena, born Sept. 8, 1893. In politics Mr. Loomis is a Republican. He and Mrs. Loomis are members of the Baptist Church, to which he liberally contributes. The beloved mother of Mr. Loomis also resides in this pleasant home. She is a lady of refinement and education, and is held in the highest esteem by all who know her.

AXEL F. ANDERSON. The foreign born citizens of America have done much for the develop- ment of the varied arts and industries that have made the United States a power in the industrial world. Care of detail, unwearying industry and close attention to business have ever been the char- acteristics of those who have sought homes in the New World. Among those belonging to this class in New London may be mentioned Axel F. Ander- son, the expert watchmaker, who was born in Norrkoping, Sweden, Sept. 9, 1841.

Carl Frederic Anderson, his father, was a na- tive of Sweden, and there passed his entire life, dying in 1891, aged seventy-five years. His active years were spent as a successful contractor and builder, he being engaged in contracting of many kinds, and employing a large force of hands. Careful and conservative in his methods, and wise in the in- vestments made, he accumulated a comfortable for- tune. His first wife, died in 1854, aged forty-four years, and his second wife passed away in 1894. The children born of the first marriage were: Fred- erica Sophia, who married Rev. James Iversen, and lives in Chicago; Axel F .; Caroline, who died at the age of four years.

Axel F. Anderson received his education in the schools of his native country, leaving same at the age of thirteen years. He then went to sea as a cabin boy from Norrkoping, visiting Russia and various points on the Black Sea, his voyage lasting about six months. Upon his return home he was appren- ticed to learn the watchmaker's trade, then a much more difficult trade than now, six years' apprentice- ship being required, and what is still more unusual, the instructions received were paid for. Young Anderson paid $150 for his six years service, re- ceiving, however, his board from his employer dur- ing that time. He is a natural mechanic, and the delicate task of adjusting the minute parts of a watch appealed to him, and he became expert at the

work. He worked at his trade in Hamburg. Br Kiel and other cities in Germany, remaining in country about two and one-half years. In 180 kc sailed from Hamburg for America, and after a age of thirty days landed in New York. He at secured employment at Yonkers, N. Y., with a Baer, with whom he remained until February, : when he located in New York, and after one one-half years in that city, came to New Lor in 1865. For seventeen years he was employe D. B. Hempstead, at No. 25 Bank street, New don, a term of service that speaks well for tlie : faction given by his efficient work. In company fli James Hustice, Mr. Anderson then purchased Is employer's business, and under the firm nam ti Hustice & Anderson, successfully carried it on r twelve years in the same location. In 1894 he ?- chased his partner's interest, and since that tintes been alone. In February, 1901, he removed tous present location at No. 126 State street, and he- joys a large patronage. About 1880, throughi ous dealings he became more or less interesten real estate, and since that time has been promin ty identified with the real estate interests of New don and vicinity, where he is the owner of valt fie properties. Mr. Anderson has been for a nurfer of years regarded as one of the best judges of fil estate values in the city.

In his fraternal relations Mr. Anderson bel to Union Lodge, No. 31, A. F. & A. M., whic Le served as treasurer for about four years; the Ap. U. W., of which he is past master, and has ses i, also, as outside watchman of the Grand Lodghi the State. Politically he has always indorsed ne principles of the Republican party.

On March 28, 1866, Mr. Anderson was uild in marriage with Mrs. Frances Slocum Br /1, widow of Ira Brown, of Hopkinton, R. I., daug of Burrell and Frances (Arnold) Slocum. Two 1- dren were born of this union : Willie, who died d twenty-one, and Christine, at home. Mrs. Arg- son had two children by her first marriage : Fra: s, who married Edward Smith, of New London, d has two children, Harold and Iola; Ira, whyis married and has four children, Ira, Ruby, Ivis ;d Hollis, and who is now conducting his step-fat. |'s farm in Waterford, Conn. Mr. and Mrs. Ar r- son are both active in the work of the Second 1|1- gregational Church, of which they are both n |1- bers. By his own exertions Mr. Anderson has e- come one of the well-to-do business men of W London, and in climbing the ladder to succes ie has employed only upright methods, and he holds the merited respect of all good men.

NATHAN MACK MORGAN, M. D. The fessional world of New London county has en greatly enriched by the Morgan family, sever: of whose members are successful medical practitio 's. Dr. Nathan M. Morgan has won fame as an 01 0- pedic surgeon, and also as an eye specialist.

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GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

Jonalın Morgan was a resident of Grassy Hill, the ton of Lyme, where the greater part of his .ssed in agricultural pursuits. He died in His wife, Julia Watrous, of Lyme, bore ildren, as follows: Jonathan W. and Da- born July 4, 1813; Augustus, who was while fishing ; Wolcott, a merchant in Es-

was ester. n six , twij owned ; Ju who died at the age of seventeen ; and F., a graduate in medicine, who died at eighty years.

njam age Jona

in W. Morgan was born in Waterford, nn., Ji7 4, 1813. His education was all acquired the spools of Waterford and East Lyme, after ich h Gras nd his brother David engaged in farming Hill. The parsonage of the Congrega- nal Carch there became his home after his mar- ge, a there his children were born; the last rty yo's of his life were passed in Lyme, where died c. 18, 1884. He married Mary Samantha

ther, ughter of John and Lucy (Lord) Luther, of whom lived to the age of one hundred

ears. They became the parents of eight I) Matson died in infancy. (2) Monroe eb. 2, 1841, was educated in Chester, East id Hadlyme, and until 1867 was employed

latte 1 fout ldren born addam the B rdman factory in East Haddam. He then venteen months in Winsted, with the

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ong 1

nufacturing Company, and from 1869 to

77 he as engaged in the manufacture of paper ves in Vinsted. For two years he worked as a pente i Hadlyme and Winsted, and in 1882 en- ed the mploy of the Turner & Seymour Manu- turing Company, at Torrington, where he re- ined w. il 1902, when he returned to Hadlyme. is n located at Bristol, Conn. He married die Vite. (3) Lucetta, born Sept. 23, 1843, Fried ainerd Gates (now deceased), of Middle- y, C ., and has one son, Norman B. (4) Aug. 17, 1845, passed his school days in East Haddam, and for a short time was n Boardman's factory. He began the dicine with Dr. Harris, of East Haddam, as under the guidance of Dr. Foster, of

ın, bo ex ar ployed ly of later t Ha am. of lical He entered the University of the w York, but completed his studies in the partment of Yale University, from which was g ton,

duated. He first located for practice in ence he went to Middletown, Conn., re he

mained sixteen years. For two years he lied il Jew York City with Prof. J. Roza to per- himsi on Diseases of the Eye and Ear and oat. , Ma: ained gond He (

fter seven years of practice in Spring- he located in Boston, where he has since He has attained high rank as a specialist, f the most skilled in his line in the coun- married Antoinette Comstock, of Had- Ely W., born April 1, 1847, studied in schoc

of Chester and East Haddam, and then ned t carpenter's trade, at which he worked je yea He studied medicine and practiced in Ha and Middletown, and is now located at 5

No. 80 Pearl street, Hartford. He married Jane Phelps, and their only child, Sidney E., graduated in medicine, but died soon after beginning practice in Hartford. (6) Nathan Mack is mentioned be- low. (7) William, born March 21, 1851, died at the age of twelve years. (8) Edward B. Morgan was educated in Hadlyme, and studied medicine with Dr. Turner, of Chester, and afterward graduated from the Medical Department of Yale University. For a number of years he was house physician and sur- geon in the Bridgeport hospital, and then practiced in Middletown. He made a special study of the Eye, Ear and Throat, and located first, as a specialist, in Paterson, N. J., and is now in Newark, that State, the head of the Morgan Eye and Ear Hospital. He married (first) Addie Fosdick, and had two chil- dren, Isabel and Grace. His second wife was a Miss Alexandra.

Nathan Mack Morgan was born Dec. 5, 1849, and he received the foundation of his education in the district schools of Hadlyme. Like his brothers he early started out in the work-a-day world, and for a time he was employed by the Strong Manufactur- ing Company, at Winsted, and before he was twenty years of age he was engaged in the drug business in the same place, later in Deep River. The confine- ment told on his health and he was obliged to return to the home farm to recuperate. The drug business had aroused in him an interest in medicine, and he determined to enter the medical profession. Going to New York he was graduated as an orthopedic surgeon, and with Dr. Degarmo he practiced for a time in New York, during which time he applied himself to a careful study of the Eye, afterward win- ning fame as a specialist in that line. Owing to the failure of his hearing in the past two years, he has returned to his old home in Hadlyme, where he is passing his days quietly in the hope of regaining his health.

Dr. Morgan was married, in Winsted, to Isabella Julia Whiting. They have two children: William P., who is at the head of the Cooperative Grocery Company at Torrington, married Miss Lottie Brad- ley, and has three children : Eulalie, Ethellein and Ernstein ; and John Jonathan, residing at Torring- ton, who married Grace Bishop, and has one child, Nelbert.

GEORGE G. GRANT, a popular and enterpris- ing business man of Taftville, is the leading under- taker and liveryman of that place. He is a native of Norwich, Conn., born Jan. 5, 1871, son of Charles W. and Isadora M. (Staples) Grant, a full history of whom is given elsewhere in this volume.

Mr. Grant's early education was obtained in the district schools, but later he had the advantage of attending Snell's Business College at Norwich, and after finishing there he returned home and assisted his father until April 1, 1902, when he purchased his father's livery business, and a portion of the teaming business at Taftville. He is now engaged in carry-

546

GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

ing on these two lines, in addition to a first-class un- dertaking establishment. Mr. Grant acquired his knowledge of undertaking at the Massachusetts Em- balming School at Boston, under Profs. Sullivan and Dodge. After completing his course there he went to Providence and was in the employ of the famous Providence undertaker, H. B. Knowles, with whom he remained until April, 1893. Without doubt, Mr. Grant is thoroughly acquainted with every detail of that branch of his business, and is fully prepared to give efficient and satisfactory service whenever his offices are required. By his good management the livery and teaming branches are in a thriving condi- tion, and the enterprising young man has his hands full to attend to all the demands made upon his time.

On July 23, 1895, Mr. Grant was married to May C. Gilbranson, a native of Lebanon, daughter of Frederick and Fanny (Collis) Gilbranson. One child has come to that marriage, Ruth May, born July 21, 1900.

In politics Mr. Grant is independent, preferring to vote for the best man, regardless of party. Fra- ternally he is a member of Taft Lodge, No. 25, A. O. U. W., of which lodge he has been one of the trustees for several years; and is a charter member of Court Wequonnoc, No. 88, Foresters of America. Both he and his wife attend the Congregational Church, and are very active in that body, toward whose support they contribute liberally.

AUGUSTUS G. BROWNELL, who for many years has been carrying on a large and flourishing livery business at Mystic, Conn., and is one of that city's representative men, was born at Providence, R. I., Aug. 21, 1844, son of William C. Brownell.

William C. Brownell, also born at Providence, R. I., was a liveryman at Stonington, owning and oper- ating what were known as the Wadawanuck Stables there for several years. Later he purchased the Fos- ter farm in the town of Westerly, on Watch Hill road, and there he made his home for a time; then selling the farm, he removed to Brookline, Mass., and owned and operated a very large livery business, but meeting with reverses, he moved to Westerly, R. I., and later to the town of Stonington, locating on a piece of property purchased for him by his son. There he died in the spring of 1903 ; his wife, whose maiden name was Emma F. Coddington, had died about ten years before. Mr. and Mrs. William C. Brownell became the parents of the following chil- dren : Augustus G .; William H., of Mystic; Annie, of Boston, married a Mr. Terrill ; Emma F., of Mel- rose, Mass., married Walter Young; and Ada, of Providence, R. I., married a Mr. Drown.

Augustus G. Brownell spent his boyhood days in the towns of Stonington, Conn., and Westerly, R. I. After learning the livery business with Henry Stanton, of Stonington, in May, 1874, he came to Mystic, Conn., and engaged in that line of business at the "Hoxic House" stables, and has continued, being now the oldest liveryman in Mystic. His

business is a large one, and he controls a largero- portion of the very best trade in the city. lis horses are first class, his vehicles of the latest mu- facture, while his drivers are experienced and list- worthy. He carries on a large business boring horses, and his treatment of the horses con: ined to him is entirely satisfactory.

In 1873, Mr. Brownell was married in Sting- ton to Miss Julia A. Davis, who died in Ja ffry, 1899. They had a son, Charles Augustus, whoffice 1892 has been in business with his father, an cho married Cora E. Williams, of Mystic, and is a ber of the I. O. O. F., and Charity and Relief ige F. & A. M. Both father and son are very high tes - teemed in Mystic, and are recognized as though business men and public-spirited citizens.

WILLIAM TAYLOR, one of the most thly esteemed citizens of Lebanon, comes of an o fmd distinguished family which is of English dent. The grandfather was, according to traditio ab- ducted from the shores of England and brou to America, where he became a seafaring ma hand resided at Mystic, Conn. He was the fathe f a large family.

John B. Taylor, father of William, was bli, it is supposed, in Mystic, Conn., in 1797. As boy he made trips on the water with his fathe but when he grew older, he was engaged as a arm laborer. After his marriage he located in Win am, Conn., and there resided until he rented a far in the town of Franklin, where he made his ome for a number of years. Later he remov to Lebanon, and purchased a small farm, upon ich he erected a new house, made extensive im bve- ments, added to his acreage, and successful en- gaged in farming the remainder of his activ life. A few years before his death, he retired, an was living at the home of his son Nelson, wh| he passed away June 22, 1874; his burial took ple in Lebanon. Although he had nothing but his st hgth and energy when he began life for himself, ac- his cumulated a large property, and was noted untiring industry and good business jud fient. Early in life he was a Whig, but later beche a Republican, although it was his policy to ve for the men he believed best suited for the office.

On May 7, 1820, in Windham, Conn., Joh B. Taylor married Prudence Avery, born in ·1 9, a daughter of David Avery, a pensioner of the evo- lutionary war; she died Oct. 6, 1884. The c Iren born to them were as follows: Harriet E. born April 26, 1821, married Ludlow L. Lyman, suc- cessful farmer, and died in Lebanon. Ju. A., born July 20, 1823, married Thomas A. Shef d, a mechanic in Norwich, and she survived he hus- band, and died in Lebanon ; Frances A., bor Dec. 31, 1825, married (first) Horace Park, and sec- ond) George H. Rood, and died in Newark, . J .; William, born Feb. 14, 1829, is mentioned .Ow; Nelson, born Aug. 13, 1830, is a farmer in Le non,

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GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

born July 19, 1835, married James Clark, in Lebanon.

Taylor was born in Franklin, Conn., was it a boy when his parents came to Leb- attended the district school in the win- and® h, at the summer worked very hard upon the por which would probably be considered ossibior a boy to-day. He was at home until he , and then for three years he was em- Farm work by 'Squire Jesse Wright of During the winter seasons he still at-

fift red a anon. led tl district school, his last term being when nad abined the age of nineteen years. At that ehe he en it to Norwich, and for two years he was oy of Henry Strong, the famous lawyer. took charge of the farm belonging to Mr. ong, : ars p 1 did chores for which he received nine month for the first year, and fifteen dol- a month for the second year. His working rs wel from daylight until dark, and his wages e tak by his father until he was twenty-one

rs of e.

At t expiration of his service with Mr. ong, r. Taylor returned home for a season, later ought an interest in the farm of his fa-

, hav g saved enough from his wages. This perty : farmed for a season on shares, and he enged to work upon an adjoining farm, n doil all his own farm work before starting the

er farm. Many nights he would work 1 twee, and get up the next morning before rise. or fifteen years he carried on farming share: vith his father on the latter's farm, and- worl I at the trade of carpenter. He acquired r pr ns in

rty, being now the possessor of three : town of Lebanon, but in 1900 he retired help

n act work. Oftentimes he was obliged to ut was always a kind employer, and he 'r fai : to work as hard as his men. He built trept tion for honest work, and had the fullest idencof all with whom he did business. Al- igh rared from an active life, Mr. Taylor still a lt farming to amuse himself, for he is a

in not be idle.

who In M L.

ch 12, 1856, Mr. Taylor married Caro- Irews, born Aug. 2, 1831, in Glaston- ord Co., Conn., a daughter of Chester le (Huxford) Andrews, the former of a farmer and a member of one of the famils of that town. One son has been born Ir. ar

Mrs. Taylor : Louis H. A., born March 1861, vas a joiner with his father for many s, bu in Le

3 now engaged in farming and lumber- non ; he married Jane Maynard of Leb- their children are: Carolin Elizabeth, ivian and Louis Raymond.

.ouis f. A. Taylor is a member of Lebanon 23, A. O. U. W., and he is a stanch Re- politics.

ye N ican

Villial Taylor was a member of the old Know ning s of

sense a politician, many times declining offers of office. In addition to his other interests he is a trus- tee of the Willimantic Savings Institute at Willi- mantic. He attends the Congregational Church, of which his wife is a member, and contributes very liberally towards its support. During his long and varied career, Mr. Taylor has always worked to the fullest extent of his powers, and beyond the strength of most men, but he is still very active, possesses a good memory, and is one of the most genial, kindhearted men to be met with in a day's journey. As a result of his labors he is very well- to-do, and can enjoy his wealth with a clear con- science, for not a single cent of it has been gained by any but the most honorable methods. While in employ of the famous lawyer, Mr. Strong, that worthy gave him one piece of advice, and that was to steer clear of lawsuits. Mr. Taylor has followed it so faithfully that he has never sued, or been sued, in his life, and he is proud of the fact that he has proved in his life the possibility of living at peace with all mankind without calling into requisition the aid of lawyers.

HENRY DOWNER JOHNSON, a clerk in the Chelsea Savings Bank at Norwich, Conn., and a well known young man of that city, is a descendant of one of the old families of New London county, being a son of Samuel and the late Harriet E. (Crandall) Johnson. His father is the proprietor of the Old Lyme Inn, at Lyme, Conn., a successful hotel man, whose sketch appears elsewhere in this volume.

Henry D. Johnson was born Feb. 22, 1872, in Norwich, and his early education was received in the public schools of Preston and Norwich, and Westerly, R. I., his parents having successively re- sided in these several localities. Finally Mr. John- son entered the Norwich Free Academy, from which he was graduated in the class of 1893. During the last year he was president of the class, president of the Academy Athletic Association, and manager of the Academy Journal. In the following fall he took a course at Hannum's Business College, Hartford. In April, 1894, he accepted a position as clerk in the Chelsea Savings Bank, which position he is ably filling to-day.

On Oct. 19, 1898, Mr. Johnson was married to Miss Alice Chapman Lathrop, who was born Jan. 25, 1877, at Lisbon, Conn., daughter of Jonathan L. and Jane E. (Chapman) Lathrop, a sketch of whom also appears elsewhere in this book. Mrs. John- son is a graduate of the Norwich Business College. Three children have come to this marriage: Jona- than Lathrop, born Dec. 14, 1899 ; Robert Ebenezer, May 2, 1901 ; and Henry Downer, Jr., May 16, 1903. In politics Mr. Johnson is a Democrat. He is a member of the Chelsea Boat Club, and was for six years a member of its Board of Governors. Mr: Johnson is a member of and is active in the affairs of the Second Congregational Church, of which his wife is also an active member. He is a clerk of the

Ha Car m wa

1, an ınald

ty, later a Whig, and finally joined the : Republican party, although he is in no

Mar resic Willi.

548

GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

Society, and a member of the church committee. For a number of years Mr. Johnson was one of the leading members of the Young Men's Christian Association, and served three years as recording secretary of the board of managers. He has also served as a member of different committees. A member for many years of the Norwich Christian Endeavor Union, he was its president in 1898 and 1899. This organization was then composed of nineteen societies of several different Protestant de- nominations of Norwich and vicinity. Upright and honorable in his daily life, devoting his energies toward the betterment of humanity, Mr. Johnson is a man of exemplary habits, and one who sets a high standard.

DWIGHT AVERY, now living retired at Nor- wich Town, Conn., after a successful career, de- scends from one of the oldest and most numerous families of New London county.

(I) Christopher Avery, born in England about 1590, and a weaver by trade, appears early in Glou- cester, Mass., where he was selectman in 1646, 1652 and 1654, and held other positions. He removed to Boston in 1658. Subsequently he followed his son James to Connecticut, where he purchased, in 1665, in New London, a house and lot, and was made a freeman of the Colony in October, 1669. He died March 12, 1670. His wife did not accompany him to America.

(II) Capt. James Avery, the only child of Chris- topher, born in 1620, came to America with his father and for several years lived in Gloucester. In 1650 he was one of the forerunners of the Pequot Plan- tation (New London, Conn.). He acquired large tracts of land in what is now Poquonock Bridge, Groton, east of New London, and about 1656 built the home of the Averys. at the head of Poquonock Plain. Some additions were made to this house in 1684, and it was occupied for more than two cen- turies, until destroyed by fire in 1894. On this spot now stands a monument to Capt. Avery's memory. In 1676 James Avery was captain of the four com- panies which protected the frontier, and for twenty- three years he was an officer of the town. Twelve times, from 1656 to 1680, he was deputy to the General Court ; also assistant judge in the Preroga- tive court, and was most prominent in matters relat- ing to the church. He married (first) Nov. 10, 1643, Joanna Greenslade, born about 1622 ; she died after 1693 and he married (second) Mrs. Abagail (Ingraham) Chesebrough.

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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 124

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