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 131

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 131

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hief ardei killfu Pratt speci s a fi een yd nowr any rise. leasu reat In e was 1g a: roun as elf punci es, a as ag ;r of ith M hapte

litics Mr. Pratt is a Democrat, and in 1887. ected to the city council on that ticket, serv- a member of the committee on Public and on Fire Protection. In 1890 he ed alderman, was acting president of the chairman of the Police and Fire commit- president of the water board. In 1902 he 1 elected to the council, and is also a mem- e water board. His Masonic connection is jah Lodge, No. 15, of Danielson, Franklin No. 4, R. A. M., of Norwich, and Franklin odge, Io. 3, R. & S. M. His religious belief is mme

ip in the Golden Rule.

FI .

The name of Fish is found in the early corde f Connecticut. In 1654, and probably sev- al yes previously, John Fish lived in the town Straford, Conn. The surname of his wife was obab d kr sh so e tov id cl- ildre egati ptisr Eland, and the Elands were an ancient htly family of Yorkshire, England. Mr. his property in Stratford in 1655, and left He appeared in New London with wife ren in 1655. There is no record of his in Stratford, but the records of the Con- al Church of Stonington, Conn., show the of Samuel, Mary and John, children of

John Fish; at that time, March 13, 1680, all were adults. John Fish was a resident of Stonington in 1668, where he received a home lot of twelve acres, which was retained by him through life. His first wife was probably the mother of all the above named children.

In 1675 was the Narragansett war, or expedition against the Indians under King Philip. The Colony of Connecticut contributed about 300 volunteers to this expedition, from her white settlers. Both John Fish and his son Samuel were among these volun- teers, and about 1700, when the Colony set apart the town of Voluntown to be alloted to the Indian war volunteers, there were grants made to each of them. As John Fish had then been dead several years his grant came into the possession of his son Samuel, and he divided his father's grant between his sons Moses and Aaron. Two of Samuel's grandsons settled on these lands in Voluntown, and their de- scendants are still owners thereof.

John Fish, the settler, was chosen schoolmaster of Stonington in 1679. He was admitted a member of the Congregational Church there in 1680. He married (third) Aug. 25, 1681, Widow Hannah Sterry, previously Widow Hewitt, and a daughter of Walter Palmer. It appears John Fish had no children who survived by second and third wives. Mr. Fish was a land surveyor. By grant and pur- chase he became proprietor of considerable tracts of land in Groton and Stonington, and other towns nearby. His mature life and declining years were spent in Groton and Stonington, Connecticut.

Samuel Fish had made improvements in land in what is now Voluntown, prior to April 17, 1706, the date, which was styled the Volunteers' Land Di- vision, etc., was made. This was land granted to officers, soldiers, ministers, chaplains, and such as had served the Colony in civil capacity during the wars. A request for this was made in October, 1696, by Norwich and Stonington, Conn., men, and the General Court granted them a plantation-a tract of land six miles square. A large part of this tract is comprised in the town of Voluntown, Conn. Samuel Fish was granted the lot on which he had previously made improvements, and he was prob- ably the first settler on the new plantation, to which the name of Voluntown was given.

Moses Fish moved from Groton, Conn., to Vol- untown, and in the latter town was married, Nov. 7, 1745, by the Rev. William Crosswell, to Elizabeth Morgan. Their four children were: Elizabeth, born Oct. 7, 1746; Moses, born March 20, 1749; Eunice, born March 16, 1752: and Daniel, born Dec. 10, 1758. Moses Fish was an extensive land owner, and he followed farming for a life occupation. He died in Voluntown, and was buried there. His body, together with those of eighteen other members of the Fish family, was disinterred by Levi H. Fish about 1865, and removed from the old abandoned cemetery to the Pachaug cemetery in Griswold.

Moses Fish (2), son of Moses, was born in

which ouse,

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(ENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

Voluntown, and like his father he became engaged in farming. He died on the old homestead, and was buried in the family lot. On Feb. 12, 1778, by the Rev. Levi Hart, he was married to Jerusha Phillips. Their children were: Mahala, born Aug. 29, 1779; Rachel, born Dec. 14, 1781; Elisha, born Oct. 13, 1783 ; Levi, born April 10, 1786; Moses, born Oct. I, 1789; Asa, born July 27, 1792; Lucy, born April 7, 1796; and Betsey, born Feb. 1, 1799.

Levi Fish, son of Moses (2), was born on the homestead, where he spent his life engaged in farm- ing. Public matters were exceedingly interesting to him, and he was ever active in town affairs. He died on the old farm, and was first buried there, but his remains were later removed to the Pachaug ceme- tery. On Dec. 13, 1806, he was married by Elder Peleg Randall, to Rebecca Fish, daughter of Elisha Fish, of Voluntown, and of their union came the following children : Rebecca Marilla, born Jan. 5, 1808; Levi Hart, born June 13, 1809; Thomas Le- land, born July 6, 1811; Eunice Caroline, twin to Thomas Leland, married (first) Samuel Kinne, and (second) Charles Rouse ; Joanna Melvina, born Feb. 14, 1819, married Elder James N. Phillips; and Lucy Ann, born July 2, 1821.

Levi Hart Fish was, like his father before him, born on the old home farm in Voluntown. Farming and stock raising became his work, and he was quite well known as a substantial farmer and up- right citizen. He was active in public affairs, and he held the office of selectman for several terms. His upright character and his fidelity to every trust made him universally respected, and he was often called upon to settle up estates. In the Baptist Church, of which he was an earnest member, he served as deacon. On Jan. 12, 1834, by Elder Jonathan Miner, he was married to Amy Saunders, who was born in Rockville, R. I., daughter of William Saun- ders. She died in October, 1892, in the faith of the Baptist Church, and was buried in the Pachaug cem- etery. To Levi Fish and wife were born the follow- ing children : (1) Annie, and (2) Elizabeth Amy, twins, of whom the former married Luther L. Den- ison, and had three children, two of whom died in infancy, and the third, Amy Louise, died in Volun- town, April 17, 1894, from heart failure caused by fright ; she was a bright little girl, and was residing with her aunt, who was much devoted to her, at the time of her death. Elizabeth Amy died in in- fancy. (3) Julia Ann, who was educated in the public schools of Voluntown and North Stoning- ton, taught school for a number of years, but owing to throat trouble was obliged to relinquish her chosen profession. She has since been engaged in the mil- linery business and in dress making, and here her natural instincts have had full play, the creations she has designed having a style and tone distinctly original, and her patrons are loyal to her. Miss Fish is noted for her charity, and her devotion to her Church (the Baptist). She is never too busy to hearken to the call for aid, and has been an active

worker and contributor to the Ladies Benevole Society. The work of the B. Y. P. U. also fin in her most hearty support. A close student, s joined the Chautauqua Circle, and was duly e rolled, receiving her diploma Aug. 22, 1888. Sin the death of her beloved niece she has taken se eral girls from the county home and has given the good homes and educational advantages.

Levi Hart Fish died in August, 1878, while vil iting in Lyme, Conn., and was buried in the Pachai cemetery.

CHARLES FREDERICK STOLL (deceased who was for many years one of the leading Ge man residents of New London, was an honored al respected citizen of that place, where he was 101 prominently identified with business interests.

Mr. Stoll was born Sept. 29, 1837, in Sinde fingen, near Stuttgart, Germany, and died June 1901, in New London. His father, who was a su veyor by profession, died when Charles was a me lad, and as a result the boy was early in life throw on his own resources. After acquiring a rath meager education he was apprenticed to the cooper trade in his native land, and when about fifteen yea of age set sail for America. Arriving in this cou: try he came to New London, Conn., and began wor ing for his uncle, the late Major Henry Stoll, the monumental business, remaining with him f several years. He later became apprenticed Ephraim Marsden, in the stone-cutting trade. Du ing the war of the Rebellion Mr. Stoll successful conducted the business on Storr street, owned 19 the uncle mentioned, while the latter, who was m jor of the 26th Regiment, Conn. V. I., was fighti for his adopted country. After his uncle's retu: from the war, Mr. Stoll went to Brooklyn, N. Y and there formed a partnership with Henry Fr mer, under the firm name of Fulmer & Stoll. F. several years this firm was active in the monument business at Cypress Hill cemetery, Brooklyn, b ill health caused Mr. Stoll to sell his interests in th city, and in about 1870 he returned to New Londo. and started in the same business on Bank street (! his own account. In 1872 he purchased the si at No. 206 Bank street, and there continued to com duct his business until his death, for many yea previous to which he was the recognized lead in the city in his line of work. For many yea Mr. Stoll also conducted a large granite quarry, Groton, Conn., in connection with his monument business. A short time previous to his demise, 1 established the Central Coal Company, taking his two sons as partners, and this business is st conducted by his widow and sons.

Mr. Stoll was a man well liked by all who kne him, and in disposition he was pleasant and genia He was a very industrious, hardworking man -- fact work was his hobby-and as a result of his ui ceasing and untiring attention to business he bi came a very successful man and accumulated com

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GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

side le property. Mr. Stoll was a domestic man, very much devoted to his home and family. So- ciall: le was a member of the Putnam Phalanx, of Harford, the well known military organization of that ty. Mr. Stoll's religious connection was with the rman Lutheran Church, to which he gave his libe1 Epi support. His widow is a member of the pal Church. In political belief he was a stan city Jeffersonian Democrat, and he served the New London as a member of the common cour three years.

Stoll was married June 30, 1874, to Louisa Kop daug Kop who was born May 20, 1853, in New London, er of Wendell and Magdalena ( Bender) of that town, and to this union were born two sons Charles Reuben, April 2, 1875; and Alfred Wer ·11, Jan. 25, 1879, both born in New London, and th engaged in the coal business. They make theirhome with their widowed mother. Socially they're members of the Elks, and Charles R. also beloi, to Mohegan Lodge, I. O. O. F.

I the death of Mr. Stoll New London lost one of hy best German citizens, and a man who was honcd and esteemed by all who had ever had deal- ings ith him, whether in a business way or as a citizen. He had made a standing for him- priva self reas fami the business world of which he had every to be proud, and had done his duty by his and his adopted city in a manner which did cred o the interests he served and himself.

wich early (JORGE KAMPF, now an upholsterer at Nor- find a most highly respected citizen, in his fe had a varied career, and met many inter- estin experiences in foreign lands. He is a native of Rfolstadt, Germany, born March 6, 1842, son of F lerick and Johanna (Kole) Kampf.

F derick Kampf was a butcher by trade, and camelo the United States in 1851. He located at Nor h, where he resided the rest of his life, and

Con Nor cinna and Geor and

died the age of eighty-three years. He was the fatherof a family of four children, as follows : Herrn, a butcher by trade, served in the 26th V. I., during the Civil war, and he died in h. Charles, a blacksmith, resided in Cin- Ohio, and he served in the 22nd O. V. I. e 6th Louisiana Tigers in the Civil war. was the third son. Ferdinand is a baker, ides at Long Branch, New Jersey.

com] cellect sons was

while at se: fathe the advar of su and

Gorge Kampf came to America in 1854 in y with his brothers, the father having pre- le family to this country. The mother and led from Bremen on a sailing vessel which 'en weeks on the water. The mother died le vessel was in mid-ocean and was buried The four boys went to Norwich where the vas living, and there George began to learn le of an upholsterer. He had very limited ges for an education, but he made the most opportunities as he had, both in Germany America. He apprenticed himself to George

Haubach, who had an establishment on Shetucket street, and his wages were to be as follows: $35 the first year ; $50 the second, $75 the third, with board included in each case. He had worked only about a year and a half, when he left his employer, whom he disliked, and enlisted at Boston as a com- mon sailor in the United States Navy. The first trip was made in the frigate "Hartford," when that vessel was sent on its maiden voyage, a three years' cruise to China and Japan. France and England were at that time having trouble in the Orient, and Mr. Kampf saw much of their maneuvers. He recalls the trip as one of the best of his life, and has prepared and read interesting papers re- lating to his experiences there. While the "Hart- ford" was on the other side of the earth the Civil war broke out, and the vessel was ordered home. Shortly after its arrival in this country Mr. Kampf's term of enlistment expired (December, 1861) and he returned to Norwich. The splendid vessel, "Hartford," became the flagship of Admiral Farra- gut, and was such at the forcing of the Mississippi at New Orleans.

On April 8, 1862, Mr. Kampf enlisted for three years' service in the Ist Conn. Heavy Artillery, which became a part of the Army of the Potomac. He was with his regiment in the engagements of Hanover Court House, the Siege of Yorktown, the Seven Days' Retreat, and the Siege of Petersburg. He enlisted as a private, and was promoted to ser- geant during Butler's occupation of Bermuda Hun- dred. Sergeant Kampf never lost a day during his three years' service, and was discharged with his regiment on April 8, 1865.

Returning to Norwich, Mr. Kampf found work at his trade with Henry Ruggles, on what is now Lower Broadway, and with Mr. Ruggles' success- ors, first Huntington & Laurie, and later H. G. Huntington. He remained with Mr. Huntington until that gentleman gave up business and then formed a partnership with A. W. Dickey, under the name of A. W. Dickey & Co. The firm continued for seven years until 1887, when it dissolved, and Mr. Kampf moved to his present place on Franklin street, where he does general upholstering.

Mr. Kampf was married in Norwich, in 1869, to Miss Susan Clump, born in Poquetanuck. Her parents came to the United States from Germany. Mr. and Mrs. Kampf had six children, of whom two sons and a daughter died in infancy. (I) Bertha, the oldest living, is the wife of George Mills, of Springfield, Mass., manager of the Postal Tele- graph office in that city. Mrs. Mills graduated from the Norwich Free Academy in 1898, and later from the Normal School. She taught school for several years. (2) Louis graduated from the Free Academy in 1902, and is an electrician. (3) Mollie graduated from the Free Academy in 1902, and is now attending the Normal School at Willimantic.

In political matters Mr. Kampf is independent, and votes for men and measures which he thinks

582

GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

will best serve the welfare of the community. He is a member of Sedgwick Post, No. I, G. A. R., having joined it in 1868, has served as commander, and has held nearly all the offices. He is also a member of the A. O. U. W. His church connec- tions, like those of his family, are with the Second Congregational church. Mr. Kampf has been a very hard-working man, of great energy and persever- ance, and has been compelled to earn the success he enjoys. His honesty and integrity are well known, and he stands high in the esteem of his fellow townsmen.

ERASTUS STANTON GEER, a well-to-do farmer and dairyman of the town of Lebanon, is a representative citizen of New London county in more ways than one. He is a descendant of one of the early settlers of the county, has been active in the agricultural development of his section, alive to her moral and educational welfare, interested di- rectly in promoting good government, and, in fact, has assisted in almost every line of enterprise tend- ing toward the general good and advancement. Of his ancestry we have the following record :

George and Thomas Geer, brothers, born re- spectively about 1621 and 1623, and, according to tradition, sons of Jonathan, of Devonshire, Eng- land, were brought to this country by an uncle (they having been left orphans at an early age), the ship in which they came arriving at Boston in 1635. George became an early settler of New Lon- don county, Conn., in 1651, and Thomas of Enfield, in 1682.

George Geer, who was the ancestor of the branch under consideration, was married Feb. 17, 1658, to Sarah, daughter of Robert Allyn, and im- mediately thereafter settled near his father-in-law, on a grant of fifty acres made to him by the town of New London. He subsequently became quite an extensive land owner. He enjoyed the confidence of his fellow townsmen, as the records show, hav- ing been chosen one of the several townsmen on the incorporation of Groton in 1705. Some five years prior to his death he removed to Preston, and re- sided with his daughter, Margaret, who had mar- ried Thomas Gates. Mr. Geer lived to be 105 years of age, dying in the latter part of 1726. His wife, Sarah, with whom he lived about sixty-five years, was born in 1640, and died but a short time previous to his death.

(II) Robert Geer, born Jan. 2, 1675, married Martha Tyler, who died about 1733. Capt. Geer died in 1742. He settled south of the family home- stead on land deeded to him by his father, there built a house, and erected the first gristmill in that section of the country. He was one of the leading inhabitants of North Groton during the first half of the eighteenth century, and "his mill was one of the places where all warnings were to be posted."

(III) Ebenezer Geer, born April 1, 1709, mar- ried Jan. 2, 1735, Prudence Wheeler, who was born

Sept. 25, 1712, and died June 2, 1797. Mr. r died Aug. 28, 1763. Their ten children, all en between 1735 and 1755, were: Prudence, Eben r, Mary, Martha, Robert, John, Charles, Rich 1, John W. and David.

(IV) David Geer, born June 18, 1755, mad May 17, 1781, Mary Stanton, who was born 28, 1756. Mr. Geer died Aug. 31, 1835. Blir children, all born in Ledyard, were: Dorothy, fı- vid, William S., Prudence, Joseph, Cyrus, A ja, Robert, Isaac W. and Charles.

(V) David Geer (2), born Jan. 20, 1784, ried Jan. 1I, 1810, Anna Gallup, who was born ! t. 3, 1787, and died Feb. 12, 1862. In 1817 Mr. Per settled in Lebanon on the farm in recent yi's owned by his son, Erastus, and the latter's son, \ /l- iam H. Mr. Geer was a man of perseverance Id energy. He had an excellent farm of 500 acre In the Yantic river, and was one of the town's sub: fi- tial men and representative farmers, as have and are today his descendants. He died May?), 1867. In political faith he was originally a Wg, and later a Republican. He and his wife were buid in the family burying-ground on the home f 1. Their children were as follows: (I) Cyrus born Feb. 27, 1811, married Eunice Stark, and May 16, 1883. He was a farmer and reside în Exeter Society. (2) William F., born June , 1812, married Mary Jane Lathrop, and die,n Syracuse, N. Y., Aug. 26, 1875. He was a far r, and was interested in a salt manufacturing busin fs, becoming wealthy. (3) Thankful S., born May, 1814, married Elias B. Avery, a farmer in Leba /1, and died Feb. 4, 1885. (4) One son died ir [1- fancy. (5) Sarah A., born July 20, 1818, ma: d Henry Nelson Stark, a farmer in Lebanon, and d Feb. 10, 1890. (6) David, born March 5, 182 fis mentioned below. (7) Erastus, born Oct. 9, 1 3, died April 26, 1895. He married (first) Almira I. Saxton, and his second wife was Frances A. Cfr, of Ledyard. He was a wealthy farmer and of1- pied the homestead in Goshen Society. He se d two terms on the board of commissioners of : [w London county.

(VI) David Geer, father of Erastus S., was ifn in Goshen Society, Lebanon, where he was red to farm work, and received a good common-sclol education. When a young man he taught scho a number of terms in his native town. He rema d on the home farm until his marriage, when he r- chased of Charles West a farm in Goshen Soc y, consisting of about 130 acres, and there res :d the rest of his life, dying on that place. He aded to his original purchase and at the time of his d h his farm consisted of over 175 acres. He card on general farming, and was quite extensively 1- gaged in dairying, in fact, he was one of the 1 est dairymen in his section of the town, and an 1- thusiastic breeder of Jersey cattle, owning a fie herd. He erected all the buildings now stand g on the place, and the house which he erected ILS

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GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

nd is | ill one of the very best farm houses in the own. Ir. Geer had a splendid farm, and it was vell kl: up. He was uniformly successful in his usine: affairs, was a very industrious man himself, nd en rears ( nly to ermit His de ental he las loyed considerable help. During the latter his life, however, he devoted his attention ne management of the farm, his health not g him to engage in the more active labor. h, on Jan. 4, 1894, was due to illness inci- old age, and he retained his faculties until He was buried at Goshen. Mr. Geer was man onside f medium size, well proportioned, and of ible endurance in his younger days. Though e acc plished much through industry, he was a rood r nager, and enterprising and progressive in is me ods. In politics he was first a Whig, later Rept ffairs ature,

ican, and he took quite an interest in public Jepresenting the town one term in the Legis- 1 1868, and holding several of the minor own cices. In religious connection he was a mem- er of le Goshen Congregational Church, in the velfar of which he took a great interest, and was ne of

; most liberal supporters.

Mr Geer married Lorinda Smith, of Goshen, who w brought up in the family of Deacon Na- haniel ". Saxton. Mrs. Geer died Aug. 12, 1899, ged senty-four years. To this union came chil- ren : [) Erastus Stanton is mentioned below. (2) Smith, who now resides in Norwich, Conn., Nellie L. Wightman, and has one son, How- (3) Miss Mary B. resides in Norwich.

Villiaı harrie rd W Er: us S. Geer was born March 6, 1845, in osher Society. He received his education in the istrict Iiss L

:hool and a select school at Lebanon, kept by y Pettis. He was brought up to farm work nd re led at home until his marriage, at which me h moved to his present farm, which he had 1 a short time previous-the farm known urcha s the

bel Stark place," a tract of 175 acres. Mr. eer 1| . since added to his acreage, now having out 2; acres. He has greatly improved the place, hd rei deled the house and barns, and has engaged al farming, fruit growing and dairying, a nice herd of Jersey cattle, usually about Ows. For thrift and industry and as a progress he is worthy of his ancestry. 2 ger eepin fteen iend M race

Geer was married, March 27, 1872, to Sherman, who was born March 18, 1852, ester, Conn., daughter of Robert B. and

Col lizab (Briggs) Sherman. Two children have lis union : (1) George Stanton, born Nov. essed 187; died Aug. 1, 1894, while attending Bacon cadei r. (

. It was his intention to become a minis- Florence Elizabeth, born Aug. 20, 1880, radua gage

1 from Bacon Academy in 1899, and is now in teaching school, and is an artist of unusual ability ; she has many other ;hments.

paint com Lik teres rved

his father Mr. Geer has felt it his duty to himself actively in public affairs, and he 1 the Legislature in 1887; he was on the

committee on Canvass of Votes for Justice of the Peace, and has served as chairman of the board of selectmen of Lebanon, and also as assessor. His political support is given to the Republican party. Mr. Geer is one of the directors of the Jonathan Trumbull Library Association at Lebanon. His re- ligious connection is with the Goshen Congrega- tional Church, in which he has held offices; Mrs. Geer is also a member, and both of the children united with the Church.

JOHN O'HEA, the leading baker of New Lon- don, and a man whose uprightness and industry have resulted in making him a respected citizen of that city, was born March 10, 1851, in County Wex- ford, Ireland, son of Thomas O'Hea, the latter of whom was born in Ireland, and there spent his life, dying when about sixty years old. By occupa- tion he was an industrious, hard-working farmer, and his children inherit his excellent traits of char- acter. He married Mary Dempsey, who also died in her native country. Their children were: Thomas, still living in Ireland, where he is successfully engaged in the grocery business, is married and has six children ; John; Mary married James Cos- grove, and is still living in Ireland; Ann, unmar- ried, resides in Ireland; and two girls and one boy died young.

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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 131

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