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 140

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 140

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On Nov. 27, 1862, Mr. Hall was married, in - Lyme, Conn., to Miss Hannah Miller, daughter of Rev. Alpha and Hannah (Hunt) Miller, of An- dover, Conn., the former performing the marriage ceremony. Mrs. Hall is still living, making her home among her children since her husband's death. The five children of this union, all born in Lyme. were as follows: (1) Edwin J. is living in Shorts- ville, N. Y., where he is engaged in a general mer- cantile business. He married Inez Haas, of that place, and has one son, Herbert Haas. (2) Nathan Hunt is mentioned below. (3) Joseph Kellogg. who carries on a farm in Ledyard, Conn .. married Mary E. Gillette, of Lyme, and they have two chil- dren, Helen Kellogg and Sidney Gillette. (4) Henry Strong is engaged in teaching music in Middletown, Conn. He married Edith Burr. of Lyme, but they have no children. (5) William Miller is unmarried, and is living in Waterbury. Conn., where he is employed as a mechanical drafts- man and machinist.

(VI11) Nathan Hunt Hall was born AApril 13. 1868, in Lyme, Conn., and began his educational training in the district schools of his native town. He then entered Phillips Academy. at Andover. Mass., from which institution he was graduated in 1887, in the fall of which year he entered Williams College at Williamstown, Mass. He was gradu- ated from that institution in 1801, with the degree of A. B., after which he entered the teacher's pro- fession, his first engagement being in a private busi- ness college in Brooklyn, N. Y., where he remained about one year. For the two years following lie was teacher of French, German and English in the Bordentown ( N. J.) Military lustitute, and the next year he taught Latin, Greek and English in a private preparatory school in New York City con ducted by Lomis Prossor. He next taught Latin

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and English in the Erie (Pa.) Academy for about a year, and his next connection was with the Reeds- ville (Pa.) Academy, which after a short time he took on his own account, conducting it successfully for about a year, with twenty-five students. About this time, his father dying, he returned home, and in the following spring, 1898, he purchased the William Morse farm in Preston, New London county, a farm of 137 acres, where he has ever since made his home. Here he has profitably en- gaged in general farming, keeping his land under a good state of cultivation, and he gives agricultural work his undivided attention. One branch to which he gives especial attention is dairying, the milk of his twelve or fifteen cows being sent to the Jewett City Creamery. All in all, Mr. Hall is the kind of citizen which any community is glad to welcome, one who by his intelligence and businesslike ad- ministration of his own affairs raises the tone of life in the community and sets a good example, his own success encouraging others to do likewise.

Mr. Hall was married, Aug. 30, 1894, to Miss Ursula Raymond Ely, daughter of Dr. Josiah Grif- fin and Elizabeth (Chadwick) Ely, and to this un- ion have come two children, Josiah Griffin Ely and Kenneth Ely, both of whom died in infancy. Mr. and Mrs. Hall are members of the Preston Congre- gational Church, and he has served as a member of the Society's Committee, and also as president of the Christian Endeavor Society of his church. Po- litically he is a stanch supporter of the principles of the Republican party.

Mrs. Ursula Raymond (Ely) Hall, born in 1861, in Lyme, Conn., is a descendant in the eighth gen- eration from Richard Ely, of Plymouth, Devon- shire, England, who came to America between 1660 and 1662, and settled in Lyme, then Saybrook, Conn., from whom her lineage is through Richard Ely (2) and Mary (Marvin), Samuel Ely and Jane (Lord), Samuel Ely (2) and Hannah (Marsh), Abner Ely and Bridget ( Brockway), Abner Sheldon Ely and Fanny (Griffin), and Dr. Josiah Griffin and Elizabeth Mather (Chadwick) Ely.

RICHARD WHEELER, who has been one of the leading agriculturists and prominent citizens of North Stonington for a very long period, was born Feb. 16, 1829, in District No. 6, of that town, and is in the eighth generation from the pioneer ancestor of the Wheeler family in America. He takes a just pride in his old and honorable ancestry, which we append below as nearly correct and com- prehensive as careful research can make it.

(I) Thomas Wheeler first appears as a resident of Lynn, Mass., in 1635. He became prominent in the Massachusetts Colony and purchased large tracts of land. In 1667 he came to Stonington, Conn. He was an intimate friend of Rev. James Noyes, and it is supposed that this friendship led to his coming here. In 1669 he was made a free-

man, and he was a representative to the General Court in 1673. On June 3, 1674, he was one of the immortal nine who organized the First Congre- gational Church of Stonington. His home he erected on the site of the present residence of Col. James F. Brown, in North Stonington, and there he lived, dying March 6, 1686.

(II) Isaac Wheeler, born in 1646, married Jan. 10, 1667, Martha, daughter of Thomas and Doro- thy (Thompson) Park. He served in the Colonial Indian wars and died June 5, 1712, and was buried in Whitehall cemetery. His wife died Feb. 14, 1717.

(III) Richard Wheeler, born March 10, 1677, , married Prudence, daughter of Deacon John Pay- son, Dec. 12, 1702. His death took place April 12, 1712, and his widow married Christopher Avery, of Groton.

(IV) Jonathan Wheeler, born Feb. 7, 1708, died Oct. 8, 1790. He married March I, 1732, Esther Denison, who died March 18, 1790.

(V) Jonathan Wheeler, born Jan. 20, 1737, married April 29, 1756, Priscilla Williams Lester, and died Jan. 28, 1807 ; she died Dec. 20, 1803.

(VI) Elisha Wheeler, born June 3, 1764, mar- ried March 30, 1786, Lois York, and they had issue: Reuben, born June 15, 1788, who married a Miss Lewis ; and Allen, born May 25, 1793, who lived in District No. 6, of North Stonington.

(VII) Allen Wheeler married Feb. 28, 1821, Jemima A. Wheeler, born March 17, 1800, daugh- ter of Richard and Ann (Gallup) Wheeler, and they had issue: Anna, born Jan. 24, 1822, mar- ried July 4, 1843, J. Burrows Palmer, and resided in Stonington, where they died ; Allen, born Aug. 8, 1823, married Dec. 15, 1846, Mary A. Coates; Elisha, born Jan. 15, 1827, now de- ceased, married Nov. 2, 1856, Mary Jane Gallup, and they had children-Ernest and Allen ; Richard, born Feb. 16, 1829, married Oct. 29, 1850, Lucy G. Bentley, born July 17, 1829, daughter of Russell and Susan (Stanton) Bentley; Harriet, born Feb. 1, 1831, married in 1857 Edgar R. Palmer and resides at Voluntown, Conn .; Ellen, born April 13, 1833, married June 13, 1852, Dr. Edwin C. Maine, and died in Portage City, Wis .; and Frances Abby, born April 14, 1839, married March 18, 1860, John S. Maine, and resides at North Stonington.

Capt. Allen Wheeler located in District No. 6 of North Stonington and there engaged in farming. He was a very prominent citizen, was captain of a company in the old training days, and participated in the war of 1812, at the defense of Stonington, in command of his company. He also served in the Legislature as a representative from North Ston- ington. His death occurred Dec. 6, 1875, and that of his widow in 1878. He was a deacon of the Sec- ond Baptist Church of North Stonington for nearly a half century.

(VIII) Richard Wheeler, like many other mem-

Richard Appeler

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bers of his family, has been one of the foremost men of his town, a most worthy representative of ancestors who proved invaluable in their day and generation. He has served as selectman, has been active in all town affairs, and in 1866 became a member of the State Legislature, during his service in which he took part in the framing of some of the most useful laws now in force in the Com- monwealth. His school days were spent in North Stonington and in 1847 he came to the house built by Russell Bentley, his father-in-law, in 1834.

Russell Bentley, father of Mrs. Wheeler, was born Oct. 12, 1791, and died Sept. 25, 1852. His children were: Harriet D., born June 1, 1824; Martha E., born April 8, 1825; Susan E., born Sept. 24, 1827 (died Dec. 22, 1844) ; Lucy G., born July 17, 1829 (Mrs. Wheeler) ; Mary G., born Sept. 10, 1832; and Emeline N., born May 4, 1835. Mr. Bentley was also one of the well-known citi- zens of North Stonington.

Mr. and Mrs. Wheeler have three children, namely : Ella J. was born Dec. 1, 1853; Happie J., born Feb. 10, 1861, was married Feb. 23, 1888, to Oscar Vose, and they reside at Westerly, R. I., and have one daughter, Irene, born Aug. 15, 1890; Richard Bentley, who was born July 23, 1867, mar- ried Mary Wells, a daughter of John Wells, of Hopkinton, R. I., and they have one son, Richard Bentley, Jr., born April 3, 1903, and one daughter, Catherine Wells, born Nov. 10, 1904.

Richard B. Wheeler is extensively engaged in the lumber business, is one of the active and pro- gressive men of his town, and proves a worthy representative of his family in the ninth generation.

CHARLES W. PRENTICE, who is engaged in the top roll covering business at Taftville, New London county, Con., is a descendant of old New England ancestry.

(1) Capt. Thomas Prentice, born in England in 1621, is first of record in this country at Cambridge, Mass. He had married in England, his wife's name being Grace. They united with the Church in Cam- bridge in 1652. They lived in the eastern part of Cambridge village, and later in Newtown, Mass., where Mr. Prentice died July 6, 1710. He was ap- pointed captain of the troop of horse in the Indian war, June 24, 1675. They brought to this country with them their eldest child, Grace; their other children were: Thomas, Elizabeth, Mary, John, John (2) and Hannah. The mother died Oct. 8. 1602.

(II) Thomas Prentice married, March 20, 1675. Sarah, daughter of Capt. Thomas and Am (Lord ) Stanton, he the famous Indian interpreter. Mr. Prentice died April 19, 1685. His widow married ( second) Capt. William Denison, and died in 1713. The children of Thomas Prentice were Thomas, Grace, Samuel and Rev. John.

( H1) Samuel Prentice, born about 1680, mar- ried Esther Hammond, daughter of Nathaniel Ham-

mond, of Newtown, Mass. Mr. Prentice owned a large tract of land in Stonington, Conn., before 1700, and went there to live about 1709. He died April 24, 1728. His widow married ( sec- ond) Christopher Avery. The children of Samuel Prentice were: Samuel, Joseph, Grace, Mary, Jones, Esther, Oliver, Eunice, Thomas, Dorothy and Lucy.

(IV) Joseph Prentice, born Jan. 26, 1704, in Newtown, Mass., married, Nov. 10, 1725. Mary Wheeler, and their children were: Joseph, Priscilla, Eleazer, Elisha, Jonathan, Mary, Hannah, and Manassah and Ephraim (twins).

(V) Manassah Prentice, born July 22, 1749, in Preston, Conn., lived and died in that town, his death occurring about 1824. He married (first), Nov. 19, 1772, Asenath Burton; she died March 29, 1790, and he married (second), Dec. 2. 1790, Mehitable Preston, of Lisbon, Conn. His children were: Ephraim, born Sept. 27, 1773. is mentioned below; Abby, born Sept. 16, 1776, married a Mr. Hart and removed to the West: Manassah, born Nov. 25, 1778, was a resident of Cazenovia. N. Y .; Joseph, born April 2, 1781, was an Episcopal clergy- man of Catskill, N. Y .; Henry, born Sept. 20, 1783, lived in Plainfield, Conn .; and John Dow, born Aug. 19, 1788, died Sept. 11, 1789.

(VI) Ephraim Prentice, born Sept. 27, 1773, lived in Plainfield, Conn., but in the latter part of his life removed to Ohio, where he died. He mar- ried Mary Dow, and among their children were John and David.

(VII) John D. Prentice, born Aug. 5. 1799, died June 5, 1861. He married Abby Gray Gil- more, daughter of Josiah P. and Susannah ( Gray) Gilmore, who was born in November, 1800, and died Dec. 5, 1858. They had a family of six chil- dren, namely : (1) William P. lived at Mossville. Peoria county, Ill. (2) Mary married a Mr. Marsh and went West. (3) Ephraim is mentioned below. (4) Susan G. married John Montgomery, for many years a resident of Plainfieldl, Conn., and later of Fiskdale, Mass., where both died. (5) Thomas lived for a time in Plainfield, and then removed 10 Fairbury, Neb. (6) Charles, born in April. 1838. died July 16, 1848.

(VHI) EPORMIM PRENTICE was born near Moosup, town of Plainfield, Windham county, July 27. 1822. His educational advantages were limited to the district schools, and a part of his boyhood days were spent in Ohio, where his parents resided for a time. His mechanical ingenuity carly mani- fested itself, and when a mere boy he worked as a sash and blind maker, being regarded as an ex- cellent workman. For about two years he operated a shop in that line in Greeneville. New London Co., Conn. He later worked as a millwright, bemg employed in Eastford, Con., North Webster. Mass., Wauregan, Conn , and other places, remam- ing at Wanregan for twenty-four years. While there he began the work in which he made the

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GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

greatest success, that of covering top rolls for use in cotton mills, or spinning frames, mules, etc. In the beginning he occupied a room rented in the mill, hiring the power as well and having the as- sistance of a couple of hands. He continued there with marked success until the spring of 1883, when he removed to East Brooklyn, then in the borough of Danielsonville, and located on the Stewart prop- erty, which he had purchased two years previously. He removed the old house, and erected the present one, and also fitted up a shop for the continuance of the business of covering rolls, in which he had so greatly prospered. After his death that work was turned over to his son, George E., who now carries it on. In about 1871, soon after the Pone- mah mills at Taftville were established, Mr. Pren- tice established a business (a branch) there, which is now carried on by his son, Charles W.

From the time of his location in East Brooklyn, Mr. Prentice devoted his time largely to farming, and brought his sixty-two acres to a high state of cultivation. This work he found congenial from the start, and he became an enthusiastic stockman, breeding imported Holstein cattle, of which he had a fine herd. Visitors to his home could not fail to be impressed with the neatness and order prevail- ing on the entire place, and with the up-to-date methods pursued in every department. In busi- ness affairs Mr. Prentice was a man of fine judg- ment and keen discernment, and his advice was often sought and followed. He was an especially suc- cessful man in his investments, and this was a con- siderable source of wealth. His word was relied upon, and his personal standing was unquestioned. He was a typical self-made man, who won honor and fortune by strict integrity and untiring indus- try, and his sudden death, at his home in East Brooklyn, Nov. 13, 1899, removed one of the me- chanical geniuses and successful agriculturists for which New England is noted.

In Plainfield, Conn., Mr. Prentice was united in marriage with Rachel S. Wilson, who was born in that town, Sept. 22, 1821, and proved herself a most worthy helpmeet and loving mother. She entered into rest Nov. 8, 1891. The children born to Mr. and Mrs. Prentice were as follows: (I) Charles W. is mentioned below. (2) Ellen M., born Nov. 1, 1849, who tenderly cared for her parents until they passed away, is unmarried, and resides on the old homestead. (3) Emma R., born Sept. 5, 1852, married John Whittaker, of Plain- field, Conn. (4) George E., born June 14, 1860, at Wauregan, was educated in the district schools, and at an early age began work with his father, continuing in the roll covering business ever since, and now carrying it on in East Brooklyn.

Both Ephraim Prentice and his wife sleep in the family lot in Westfield cemetery, at Danielson. They were faithful adherents to the tenets of the Congregational Church. In his political belief Mr. Prentice was a Republican, but his private affairs

so engrossed his time and attention that he invari- ably declined to accept the many offices tendered him. In his fraternal relations he was a Mason, being a member of Moriah Lodge, No. 15, A. F. & A. M., of Danielson.

Charles W. Prentice was born Feb. 13, 1847, in Greeneville, Conn., and was an infant when his parents moved from there to Eastford, from which place they went to Central village and later to Pachaug, in the town of Griswold, and from there to Wauregan, where he received his education in the common schools. After leaving school he was employed as assistant bookkeeper in the mill at Wauregan for a period of ten years, then entering the employ of his father in the shop at Wauregan, where he remained until 1880, at which time he located at Taftville and took charge of the shop there, which he has since conducted with marked success. Mr. Prentice was married in Manchester, N. H., to Alice M. Brown, of that place, and they have two children, Harry E. and Leonard C. In political faith Mr. Prentice is a Republican, but he is not particularly active in party affairs, and is no office seeker. Fraternally he is a thirty-second degree Mason, holding membership in Moriah Lodge, No. 15, A. F. & A. M., at Danielson, and in Sphinx Temple, Mystic Shrine, at Hartford. He is also a member of the New England Order of Protection. Mr. Prentice ranks among the popu- lar, well known, highly respected and substantial citizens of his town.

GEORGE W. CONE, for several years engaged in business at Black Hall, in the town of Old Lyme, was born at Moodus, Middlesex county, Conn., Dec. 4, 1868, son of John Hall Cone, now a farmer of East Haddam.

The Middlesex branch of the Cone family is of Scotch lineage. Daniel Cone, the first American ancestor of the family, was born in Scotland in 1626, and in 1662 he emigrated to America, accom- panied by his wife, Mehitable Spencer, daughter of Jared Spencer, and five sons, Nathaniel, Daniel, Jr., Jared, Stephen and Caleb. He settled in Had- dam, but later removed to East Haddam, where he died Oct. 24, 1706.

Charles Crocker Cone, the grandfather of George W., was a farmer at Millington, Conn., where he was one of the highly respected citizens.

John Hall Cone, son of Charles Crocker, was born in Millington. He has had a varied but suc- cessful business career. At first he engaged in halibut fishing, and then entered the mercantile world. For some time he was interested in the net and twine factory at Moodus, but he is now quietly engaged in farming in East Haddam, taking pardonable pride in the neat appearance of his farm and its modern improvements.

George W. Cone passed 'his school days at Moodus, and at Old Lyme, the family having gone to the latter place when he was ten years of age.

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GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

At the age of sixteen he began his first work in the business world, by clerking for J. A. Rowland, at Old Lyme. His efficiency is best attested by his length of service in his first position-eight and one- half years. In that long period he thoroughly mas- tered the details of the business, and became a most valuable assistant to his employer. For two and a half years he was employed by G. A. Bushnell, at Old Saybrook, and for some time was shipping clerk in Boston for the American Net & Twine Company. The next two years found him as fireman for the Hartford Boat, but he felt he was best fitted for the commercial world, and on March 10, 1898, he be- came proprietor of the store at Black Hall, Conn., where he continued until 1904, when he disposed of the business.

Fraternally Mr. Cone is a member of Pytha- goras Lodge, A. F. & A. M., at Hamburg, Conn., and he also belongs to the New England Order of Protection.

At Laysville, Conn., Mr. Cone was married to Lucy Bradbury, daughter of James Bradbury. Four children have been born to them: Wesley Andrews, born Aug. 3, 1895; Dorothy, born June 9, 1899; Allen Beebe, born Aug. 23, 1900; and Phillip Raymond, born Aug. 10, 1903.

HON. WILLIAM CARUTHERS, citizen, soldier and public official, who for upward of twen- ty-five years has been identified with the govern- ment service at Norwich as clerk and postmaster of the city, is one of the best and most favorably known ment of that community.

Capt. Caruthers was born in England March 16, 1843. His ancestors came to America be- fore the Revolution, but later one of theni re- turned to the mother country. The name in this country has been identified with several of the south- ern States. From boyhood his home and field of labor with but little exception has been at Norwich, where he received his education in the common and private schools. He began a business career as a clerk in a dry-goods store, and in that position con- tinued until July 1, 1870, with the exception of the time he was engaged in the Civil war, in which, although he was but seventeen when he buckled on his armor, he played a distinguished part. Young Caruthers enlisted in April, 1861, in Company D, 3d Conn. V. 1., and served through the three months' campaign, the initiatory period of that great con- flict. It was his privilege to take part in the first battle of the Civil war-the first Bull Run, in July, 1861. Concerning the Third's connection with that battle the historian has written : "The Third moved with its brigade at the head of the columns inder McDowell when it advanced via Centerville to Bull Run, and, in the trying scenes on that disastrous field, behaved with firmness and the courage of a regiment of veterans." The regiment was mustered out of the United States service Aug. 12, 1861. On July 14, 1862, young Caruthers again entered the

service, this time as quartermaster sergeant of the 18th Conn. V. I., and from that time on through the war bore a conspicuous part. The engagements of the 18th were: 1863-Winchester, Va., June 13-15; 1864-New Market, Va., May 15; Harrisonburg, Va., June 3 ; Piedmont, near Stanton, Va., June 5 ; Lexington, Va., June II; Buchanan, Va., June 14; Liberty, Va., June 16; Quaker Church, Va., June 17; Lynchburg, Va., June 17: Salem, Va., June 21 ; Hedgesville, Va., July 10; Snicker's Ford, Va., July 18; Kernstown, Va., July 23; Winchester, Va., July 24; Martinsburg, Va., July 25: Cedar Creek, Va., Aug. 12; Stony Point and Middletown, Va., Aug. II and 12; Hupp's Hill, Va., Ang. 13; Opequon, Va., Aug. 31; Halltown and Charles- town, Va., Aug. 22-26.

Mr. Caruthers was appointed quartermaster sergeant of the 18th on his second enlistment, later becoming first sergeant of a company, but on June 12, 1863, was appointed by Col. Ely, acting second lieutenant of Company H, and was recommended by him to Gov. Buckingham for promotion. The letter written by Col. Ely to the governor was cap- tured with other mail near Berryville, Va. Lieut. Caruthers assumed the rank of second lieutenant, and participated, bearing a conspicuous part, in the battle of Winchester, which commenced June 13th and ended the 15th. In that engagement, June 14. 1863, while charging the enemy, he was seriously wounded, the bullet passing through his body. He was taken to the rear, and with many of the regi- ment, including the colonel, was taken prisoner. Mr. Caruthers escaped three months later by re- capture. He was twice wounded at the battle of New Market, Va., May 15. 1864, and received a fourth wound at the battle of Piedmont, June 5. 1864. At New Market, Va., May 15, 1864, the 18th, commanded by Henry Peale, charged in Gen, Sigel's defeat with a loss of fifty-one killed and wounded. On June 5th, the 18th formed a part of Gen. Hunter's command. Col. William Elv. commanding, in his report says: "The Eighteenth Conn. V. I, was the right of Gen. Hunter's line of battle. Its colors took the lead in the first charge, and floated defiantly until we triumphed. All of the color guard were wounded but one. Our flags riddled by minie balls and cannon shots, and a loss of 127, tell our story. Officers and men behaved most gallantly, obeying orders with alacrity even in the thickest of the fight. The victory was com- pleted by the total rout of the Rebels and the cap- ture of 1,500 prisoners." On Jan. 10. 1865, Mr. Caruthers was promoted to first lieutenant of Com- pany E ; he was mustered out of the service Jan. 27. 1865.

Taking up the civic hie of Caft. Caruthers after the war where we left him, he returned to the dry- goods house nutil July t. 1820, when he commenced lis connection with the Norwich post office, with which he has since been most efficiently and popu- larly identified, excepting through the administra-

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tions of President Cleveland. Capt. Caruthers en- tered the post office July 1, 1870, as a clerk, and con- tinued in that capacity and as chief clerk until ap- pointed postmaster May 1, 1889. From January, 1895, until March, 1898, he was clerk in the office of the Secretaries of State, Col. William C. Mowry and Charles Phelps, at Hartford. On the latter date he was re-appointed postmaster by the late President Mckinley.

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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 140

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