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 130

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 130

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(III) John Pell (1643-1702) emigrated jom England to America in 1670, to take possessi of the Manor of Pelham (Province of New Yk), which he inherited from his Uncle Thomas fell, first proprietor of said Manor; was appoint by James II in 1685 justice of the peace for est- chester county and judge of the court of Coron Pleas 1688-1700; in 1687 was created Lord (the Manor of Pelham by Gov. Dougan; deputy : the first Legislative Assembly which met at New Y : in 1691, and so continued until 1695; was appo ted captain of horse in 1684, and major in 1692; sired in French and Indian wars, and on Committ of Defence for the Frontier, and as chairman cthe Grand Committee. He married (II) Rachel I ck- ney, daughter of (I) Philip Pinckney, who ni- grated from Fairfield, England, and was one ( the first ten proprietors or patentees of Eastcheste N. Y. (V) Bethsheba Pell married (V) Theo] lus Bartow.

NATHANIEL BABCOCK WILLIAM a worthy descendant of a worthy family, is a vend ble and highly respected citizen of Lebanon.

575

GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

(I) Ame pril I the pt. obert Williams, the founder of the family a, was a native of Norwich, England. On 1637, he sailed from Yarmouth, England, ip "Rose," and died in Roxbury, Mass., 1693, at the age of eighty-six. He was ade afreeman at Roxbury in 1638. In England d Elizabeth Stalham, who died in 1674, ty years, and for his second wife he mar- ha Story, who died in 1708, aged ninety-

: mar red ei ed Ma o yea By his first marriage he had three sons : orn in 1632; Isaac, in 1638; and Stephen,

muel 1644

(II) Samuel Williams owned the home farm hich il ow occupied by his descendants. He mar- d Thi da Park.

(II] Park Williams, son of Samuel and The- the third in direct line.

la, wa (IV Samuel Williams, son of Park, married Chroop.

Nathaniel Williams, son of Samuel and boral was born in Lebanon, Conn., and became in that town, residing on land that had hased from the Indians. He was an up- reliable man, and was prosperous and

farmo en pr ght a ell-to- the c bano ckett

He died in Lebanon, and was interred burying ground a short distance east of treet. On June 25, 1770, he married Lois vho was born in New London, Conn., ughteof Dr. Sackett, a famous Scotch physician. is (Skett) Williams was possessed of superior ents, r fam ssful, orth. r hus is an lows mer illian

as a splendid business woman, and reared to habits which made many of them suc- id they were people of respectability and he died in Lebanon, and is buried beside nd. They had thirteen children, eleven two daughters, all born in Lebanon, as Samuel; John; Nathaniel, an extensive d fruit grower at Long Bottom, Ohio; vho died in infancy ; William (2) ; George, born, died and buried in Lebanon, Conn., ried Sallie Du Blois, a descendant of bility (they had two sons-(I) William, ne a wealthy and prominent druggist in

farme 10 m ench 10 be racus N. Y., where he died and was buried, 1 two hildren : Carrie B., who is at the head of hool of Brooklyn, N. Y., being paid one hest salaries ever paid a woman in edu-

publi the iona work in that city; and John, who died ?) George, a lawyer of New York City,

ing; din Dany, and was buried in Syracuse, N. Y.) ; ·hard a graduate of Yale College, and subse- Congregational minister, who located in ently liforı ns bo

and through successful business opera- me a millionaire; Henry, father of Na- niel Williams ; Erastus, who resided at Long- Ohio; Lois, who died in infancy; Lois ttom, ); an

two others that died in infancy.

(VI Henry Williams was born May 9, 1782, Leban. His early life was spent on the farm, 1 why yet a very young man he went on the ter inthe capacity of sailor. As was customary

on some vessels in those days, the sailors were al- lowed a small portion of the vessel for their own use, in which they could carry anything they de- sired. Those privileges or spaces were called "ven- tures." Young Williams was a successful young business boy, and with the profits of his first trips he bought the spaces or ventures of some of the other sailors, and engaged in transporting mer- chandise, etc., to Martinique, West Indies, and South American countries that the vessel visited. On his return he would bring tropical fruits, etc., from these countries to the United States. He was suc- cessful from the first, and carried on this business for many years. In this way he got his start in life, and after he had given up the sea he returned to Lebanon and bought the old home farm, and, adding to the acreage, became one of the largest land holders in the town, his farm becoming the premium farm of New London county. He resided there until his death. He was a far-seeing business man, and was strictly honorable in all his dealings. He was economical, but was liberal and exceedingly kind to his family, and while he wanted all that rightly belonged to him, he was equally anxious that others should have their share. Thoroughly domestic in his habits, he was fond of his home and family. Physically he was a man of medium height, with a firmly knit figure, and a most impressive face ; his manners were quiet and self-possessed. He died of paralysis April 18, 1868, after a year's illness. He had enjoyed excellent health until 'stricken with the disease which caused his death.

Mr. Williams began life with no capital, but at the time of his death was one of the most success- ful men in the town, and his advice was often sought in business matters. Politically he was a Republi- can, but he was no office seeker. Although not a member of any church, he was a believer in God, and he liberally supported the Congregational Church, which he regularly attended so long as his hearing was good. He married Harriet Babcock, of Lebanon, daughter of Abijah and Mary (Lomis) Babcock; she was born June 2, 1789, and she died at Lebanon April 2, 1879, and was buried in the West yard, at Lebanon. She was a woman of considerable energy, and a worthy helpmate to her husband. Their children were: Harriet Cor- nelia, who died at the age of six years: Nathaniel Babcock, born May 22, 1822; and Anzeline, who married George E. Hewitt, of Lebanon, a sketch of whom appears elsewhere.

Nathaniel Babcock Williams was born in Leb- anon, Conn., and attended the district school, the Bacon Academy, at Colchester, Suffield Literary Institute, and Westfield (Mass.) Academy. His intention was to take up the study of law. At his father's request (being the only son) he remained on the farm. After his marriage he removed to a house immediately north of the home farm, and there resided for twenty-five years, engaged at farm- ing until 1869, when he removed to Town street,

ebora. (V)

576

GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

Lebanon, and purchased his present nice home, "Buckingham Place," the house in which the fam- ous war governor of Connecticut, William A. Buck- ingham, was born. Mr. Williams devoted his at- tention to farming. In politics he was first a Whig, his first vote being cast for Henry Clay, and later he became a Republican. In 1882 he served in the Legislature of Connecticut, as a representative from Lebanon, and was a member of the important com- mittee on Railroads. This committee had consid- erable important business to attend to that year, among which was the consideration of the granting of a charter for the building of a railroad from New York to Boston, to parallel the New York, New Haven, & Hartford R. R. The other members of the committee were Senator Baker, of Norwalk, Judge Gillette, of Waterbury, Charles Cooley, of Hartford, Southworth, of Deep River, and a Mr. Lombard, one of the purchasing agents of the Con- solidated Railway Company. During his service in the Legislature Mr. Williams introduced the bill re- quiring temperance instruction in the public schools. The bill became a law in spite of strong opposition from certain quarters. Other states passed similar laws, but Connecticut was the first State to enact such legislation. Mr. Williams has never sought political preferment, but he has served as chairman of the board of selectmen, assessor and in other minor offices. He united with the Congregational Church in 1851, when Rev. John Nichols was pas- tor ; and he served for nearly twenty years as super- intendent of the Sunday School.

On May 1, 1845, Mr. Williams was married to Jane Elizabeth Parker, who was born May 26, 1823, in Pittsfield, Berkshire Co., Mass., daughter of Linus and Sophia (Churchill) Parker. Linus Par- ker's grandfather was a Revolutionary soldier. Sophia Churchill was a descendant of the Harlows and Allertons, of the "Mayflower." Two children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Williams: (I) Ellen Cornelia Williams, born May 12, 1846, was educated in the select school in Lebanon kept by Miss Lucy A. Pettis, and later attended Cooper Institute, at New York, entering the fourth year, afterward studying art under famous New York teachers, and several foreign masters. She later attended the Art and Anatomy Designing Department of the Boston Conservatory, and then taught art for eight years, in Massachusetts, Connecticut, Vermont and New Jersey. On June 12, 1894, she was married to Rev. Leander E. Livermore, a clergyman, born March 26, 1835, in Independence, N. Y., a son of Edmund and Tacy (Fitch) Livermore. Rev. Mr. Livermore was a graduate of Alfred University in Allegany county, N. Y., and of New York Union Theological Seminary and the Baptist Union Theo- logical Seminary, of Chicago. He served as first lieutenant in the Civil war, going out twice, first in the 85th New York Infantry, and later re-enlisting in the 5th New York Heavy Artillery. He is now serving as chaplain of the Veteran Association

known as the "Dandy Fifth." Rev. Mr. Live and his wife have adopted Florence Ely, born &c. 6, 1876, who has attended the Friends' Schor at Providence, R. I., the Gilman School, Boston n Alfred University, N. Y., taking the regular il- cal course and elocution. (2) Mary Sophia liams, born May 3, 1854, was educated in Oal |ill Seminary, in West Haven, Conn. She was ried, Dec. 29, 1892, to Sands Williams Thirc - a farmer, born June 14, 1860, son of Henry andfa- tilda (Williams) Throop, and they reside in feb- anon. Henry Throop was a farmer, and liad 1 ans outside of his income from his land. Matild fais wife, was a bright, genial and cultured wojun. Both are buried in Lebanon. Mrs. Nathani (B. Williams died April 29, 1903. She was a mefer of the Lebanon Congregational Church, as are th her daughters. Mr. Williams is a social, undin- tatious man, and of a most kindly nature.

HENRY STODDARD (deceased) was ogof the leading and successful citizens of the tow of Ledyard. The Stoddard family for many hrs ranked among the prominent and substantial 11- ilies of the county, and in past generations has en a numerous one in Groton and Ledyard.

Capt. Jonathan Stoddard, father of Hent in early life followed the water and became capta of a vessel in the coasting trade. Later he settleon a farm in Ledyard, about one-half mile nor. of Allyn's Point, and along the bank of the TI fies river, and there resided the rest of his life. H 'as a well-to-do man, and was a prominent Mon. Capt. Stoddard was twice married, and by hiserst marriage became the father of two children, (Ily and Jonathan. By his second marriage, to M lie Geer, he had three children, Lydia, Anna and Hiry. Both of the daughters by the second marriage ed unmarried.

Henry Stoddard was born in November, 12, on the farm above mentioned, and received aris- trict-school education. He was brought up to im work, and he remained at home and assiste nis father on the farm, and after the death of his pants he came into possession of the farm, and there : id- ed the rest of his life. He was a successful faller and owned considerable land in New London city. He was well known as a successful stock rler, and for many years he profitably conducted a w- milling business. He was a successful farme pe- cause he was very industrious, economical, a| a man of shrewd business judgment. He was oughly honest in all his relations, and no man i he town was held in higher esteem. He died in 2 |il, 1880, and was buried in the Avery and Stodrd cemetery in Ledyard. Politically he was a st|ch Democrat of the Andrew Jackson type, and hel'as an active and influential leader of his party i he town. In 1870 he represented the town in the g. islature, which convened at New Haven that far. He also held about every office within the gi of

Henry Stoddard

577

GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

s fel v townsmen, serving several years as first lectn 1 of the town. He attended the Methodist hurchut Gales Ferry, and was a liberal contrib- or to ard its support.

On Aug. 14, 1872, Mr. Stoddard was married

Mr Dorcas R. (Sherman) Babcock, who was orn I :. 30, 1818, in South Kingston, R. I., and as th vidow of Dennison A. Babcock, and daugh-

r of vid and Hannah (Rose) Sherman. Mrs. todda now resides on Laurel Hill avenue, Nor- ich, all is very well preserved for one of her years. he is nember of the Central Baptist Church.

THỊMAS H. NEWBURY, late of Mystic, was repre ears 700. ntative of the family whose name first ap- Groton, New London Co., Conn., about he first of the name to appear in the Gro- n recds was John Newbury, who married Eliz- beth rk, about the year 1704.

Trial Newbury, born Feb. 25, 1722, mar- 745, a Miss Davis, probably a daughter of Davis, of Groton.

(II ed in ndrex (II Davis Newbury, born Oct. 4, 1762, mar- a Williams, and was a resident of Mont- leir children were: Nancy, born Dec. 9, tsey, born Oct. 12, 1787; Elkhard, born 1789; Sally, born April 23, 1792; Maria, J e IO, 1794; Fanny, born Aug. 7, 1796; rn June 15, 1799; Eunice, born March 7, lliam, born May 13, 1804; and Benjamin aug. 20, 1808. ed L lle. 785; ct. I3 prn bra, 02; , bor (IV Benjamin F. Newbury came from Mont- ew London, and was a chaise painter, and le to er a ouse painter. He afterward removed to ystic, rred ed in here he resided until his death, which oc- out 1841. He married Mary Keeney, who Iystic. Their children were: Frank and ionia: deceased; Thomas Harrington; Joseph, nasom f Mystic; Charles, deceased ; Charles (2), the 1 road shops in Stonington, and a resident Myst; George, of Mystic ; and John, a plumber Bay tore, Rhode Island.

s H. Newbury, born in New London, c. 20, 1838, died June 30, 1904. He was

Tho 1111., e of : leading hardware merchants of Mystic, 1 ar who enjoyed in the highest degree the ifider of the business world. His early days re stit at Groton and Stonington. He first a foundry, and at the age of twelve years, helper to a tinsmith in Mystic, and learned ing trade. This he followed for about rs. In 1870 he engaged in plumbing and ¿, with John H. Hoxie, and three years Hoxie retired, and Mr. Newbury took his harles as a partner. For over twenty business now conducted by Edward H. has been at the present location. A full dware, stoves and tinware is carried and rishing trade is enjoyed.

rked ame plus enty : smith r Mi ther rs, t wbur of 1 ery f At N ddar

ink, Conn., Mr. Newbury married Julia Ashbey, daughter of Latham Ashbey ; she 37

died March 26, 1897, leaving one son,-Edward H., who married Miss Annie L. Clift, and they have had one child,-Adah A. In 1863, Mr. Newbury became a Mason in Charity & Relief Lodge, and was a member of Benevolence Chapter, Mystic Council ; Palestine Commandery ; and Pyramid Temple, Mys- tic Shrine, of Bridgeport, having reached the 32nd degree. He was also a member of Mistuxet Lodge, K. of P., and of the Ancient Order of United Work- men.

CHARLES LAY PECK, who passed away at his home in Old Lyme, Jan. 16, 1877, was one of the leading citizens of the town, and a descendant of an old and prominent family of Connecticut, whose representatives in each generation have held hon- ored places as useful worthy citizens of enterprise, public spirit and high ability.

John Peck, father of Charles Lay, was a farmer in Old Lyme on land that had been in the fam- ily name continuously from the time it was acquired from the Crown. He was twice married, first to Rebecca Smith, and after her death to Mary Mitchell.

Charles Lay Peck was one of a family of seven children, five sons and two daughters. He was born at the family home in Old Lyme, June 22, 1794, and he received a thorough foundation in the district schools for the superior education he ac- quired in the famous old Bacon Academy at Col- chester. His home training in the line of farm work was essentially practical and thorough ; and as one of the younger members of a large family, upon him devolved the duty of remaining at home to assist in the management of the home farm and to care for his parents in their declining years. Both by train- ing and by disposition he was industrious and pains- taking, and he gave to his work his best strength of brain and muscle. In his filial devotion to the comfort and welfare of his parents, he was wholly unselfish and wisely thoughtful. When both had entered into rest, he came into possession of the farm, and its cultivation and care became the work of his later years, as it had in the days of his youth and early manhood. Success, born of intelligent industry and high integrity, was his, and the crown- ing years of his life were brightened by the rcveren- tial homage paid by all mankind to an upright Chris- tian gentleman and honest man. His remains rest in the Old Lyme cemetery.

Politically Mr. Pcck was a Whig until the for- mation of the Republican party, of which lie be- came a firm supporter, so continuing to the time of his death. Political matters greatly interested him, and he was a man of much influence in the party, and at different times he held several town offices. For a number of years he was deputy sheriff, and he also served as census enumerator. His good sound judgment made him a safe counselor, and he was often sought for advice on many and varied ques- tions. Hc was regular in attendance at the Con-

578

GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

gregational Church, and he always contributed lib- erally to its support.

On June 30, 1819, Mr. Peck was married to Hannah Augusta Mitchell, who passed away in January, 1886, aged eighty-three years. Their chil- dren were: James Mitchell, born Dec. 6, 1823, was a farmer in Old Lyme, where he died; Elisha, born Nov. 4, 1825, died June 11, 1827; Ellen Stephen, born Aug. 16, 1828, graduated from the New York Medical College, settled for practice at Old Lyme, and died Nov. 16, 1860; Charles William, born Sept. 17, 1830, was a merchant in New York City, and there died; John Henry, born Oct. 22, 1832, married June 1I, 1859, Julia E. Mann, and is an attorney at Chicago, Ill .; and Augusta Mitchell, born March 16, 1836, married (first) Sept. 12, 1853, Joseph S. Lyman, of Toledo, Ohio, and after his death (second) Nov. 4, 1869, Elizur Clark.

ELIZUR CLARK was born in Centerbrook, Mid- dlesex Co., Conn., but in his young manhood he for- sook his native town, and located in Syracuse, N. Y., where he was engaged in the lumber business, also dealing in salt. Nature had endowed him with marked executive ability and business acumen, and he accumulated a fortune. His disposition inclined him to a quiet life, and, after success came to him, he retired from active work, and passed the last years of his life in the enjoyment of the comforts his toil had gained for him, and in lightening the cares of those around him. His wealth to him was a trust, and he and his noble wife became noted for their many acts of kindness and true charity-the charity, too, that vaunteth not itself. Mr. Clark died Dec. 28, 1895, highly esteemed and sincerely mourned by a large circle of friends.

Mrs. Clark spends a portion of each year at Sy- racuse, but the rest of her time is passed in Old Lyme, where she is greatly beloved. She has al- ways been active in church and society. She be- longs to the Mayflower Society, and to Anna War- ner Bailey Chapter, Daughters of the American Revolution. Her interest in town improvement has been of the practical working kind, and it is to her personal efforts in raising the fund that is due the installment of the public drinking fountains; she was the prime mover in the erection of the stone bridge on Old Lyme street, near her home; she contributed generously toward the library ; and she headed the list for the payment of the church debt. Of strong character and firm will, she has, nevertheless, the gentle bearing of a true woman, and her fine ability, with quiet, unassuming dignity, carries to undertakes.

successful completion whatever she 1

GEORGE H. PRATT, member of the city council, is a well known and highly esteemed citi- zen of Norwich, where he has resided since 1866. He is a native of Connecticut, having been born in Killingly, Windham county, Jan. 4, 1845, and comes of good old New England stock.

James A. Pratt, grandfather of George Havas a native of Easton, Mass., where he spent hi boy- hood and youth, and where he married Sally . fil- more. He owned a large plantation in Easto fund was also the owner of many slaves, to whom l'aift- erward gave their freedom. Some of the de hd- ants of these negroes still live near Easton ft a place called Prattville in honor of their old niter. Mr. Pratt finally sold out his interests in E fon, and moved with his family to Killingly, Wir am Co., Conn., where he bought a farm on wh he passed the remainder of his life. He died at thhge of seventy and was buried in Killingly cen ry. In politics he was a Democrat, and he was an five and public-spirited citizen. The children of fnes A. and Sally J. (Gilmore) Pratt were as fo vs: Melvin, who died in Killingly; James, who d} in Killingly; Alice, who died unmarried ; Albert ho married Eunice Greene, and died in Killingly ; lly, who married Thomas J. Morse, and died in ovi- dence, R. I .; Almira, who married Dav ? B. Wheaton, and died at the age of ninety-t in Killingly, where her husband died also; Fhie, who married George W. Mitchell, and died ir [.ill- ingly, at the age of ninety-two; and Calvin S Who was the father of George H.

Calvin S. Pratt came with his parents fom Massachusetts to the farm in Killingly, and ere grew to manhood, attending the district sch of the town. He spent his entire life as a farrl in Killingly, and died there in December, 1854 His wife died in May, 1866, and both are bur in Killingly cemetery. Like his father Calvin S. fratt was a Democrat, but was never an active poli fian. He married Asha Ann, daughter of James H. ter, and to this union were born the following : [ned children : (1) Mary F. married William W Ful- ler, an expert machinist of Killingly; Mr. ller died in February, 1893, leaving three child n- Frederick E., of Providence, who married zzie

B. Sayles ; Lena M., who is a music teacher in for- wich ; and Walter E., who lives in Norwich, here Mrs. Fuller also makes her home. (2) Geor| H. is mentioned below. (3) William A. died ing. (4) Harriet M. married Albertis Wilbur, of pode Island. (5) Lucy A. is the widow of Freder : R. Frissell, of Providence.

George H. Pratt was born on the farm is Kill- ingly, and attended the district school of that wn. He began at an early age to work in the fact y at Killingly, and was employed there for someime. Being desirous of a better education, he wit to Providence and took a course at the Byrant & rat- ton Business College, after completing which |ac- cepted the position of bookkeeper with the in of R. Thorpe & Co., manufacturing jewelers. Her a year in that business he returned to Killing [ and again found employment in the mills, wh he remained until 1866. In that year he came t Vor- wich and took the position of clerk with the role- sale dealers, Ransom & Whipple, with whi he

579

GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

main. nine years. In 1875 he and Cornelius cNaura formed a partnership, under the firm me wh Co ere ock, til ng af ¿ his McNamara & Pratt, to engage in business sale liquor dealers. Their first place was nerce street, but in 1885 they moved from Water street, where they bought the Hyde which the firm continued to do business )5. The death of Mr. McNamara occur- hat time, Mr. Pratt bought out the interest irs, and continues to carry on the business ith glat success.

M1 augh Pratt married, in Norwich, in 1877, Emily, of James and Mary (Cone) Comstock, ich. To this union have been born two hildre: Helen Edna, a graduate of the Norwich ree ademy, who married Percy S. Palmer, son f the ate Edward Palmer; and Walter Everett, ·ho del at the age of twelve and is buried in Yan- ic centery. In 1878 Mr. Pratt built the home n Pea. street where he has ever since resided, and as lately been remodeled. A fine green- which he takes great pride, has been added o this ace. He is a great lover of flowers, and his light is in his gardens and hothouses, g of all sorts becoming a fine art under his management. From early boyhood Mr. had great fondness and aptitude for music, 7 for that of stringed instruments, and he performer on the violin. When only six- 's of age he organized in Killingly what was s the Pratt Quadrille Orchestra, and for ars he made a great success of that enter- [usic is still one of his greatest interests and He is also a lover of horses and finds oyment in this interest.

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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 130

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