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 143

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 143

Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).

In Norwich Mr. Stanton married Helen S. Sparks, who was born March 22, 1832, in Danielson, Conn., daughter of John and Selinda (Field) Sparks, the former a son of John Sparks, Sr. (born in England July 12, 1750, died in Killingly, Conn., in 1814), who went from Killingly "for the Relief of Boston in the Lexington Alarm" in April, 1775. Mrs. Selinda (Field) Sparks was a daughter of Silas and Marion (Lane) Field, the latter a daugh- ter of Joseph Lane, a Revolutionary soldier from Massachusetts. To George H. Stanton and wife were born four children, namely: (1) Howard L. (2) George H., born June 5, 1856, resides in Nor- wich. He married Ella Archer, who died leaving several children. (3) Julia E., born Jan. 9, 1858, resides in Norwich. She is married and has several children. (4) Frank A., born March 31, 1859, has been twice married, and has several children. He is an expert pistol fitter, and he makes his home in Hartford.

HOWARD L. STANTON was born in Norwich July 17, 1854. His educational advantages were limited, and at the age of twelve he began to do for himself, by working in the C. B. Rogers & Co. factory, doing whatever a boy could do. When he was sixteen he was apprenticed to learn the machinist's trade

Howard Lo. Stanton

633

GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

in the same shop, and he not only completed his time there, but remained two years longer. His long service there speaks well for his fidelity to duty as well as for his satisfactory work. He became an expert, and was able to do the finest kind of work. In July, 1875, he became toolmaker in the factory of the Norwich Pistol Co., where he was, however, employed but a short time, when he was offered a more lucrative position with the Bacon Arms Co., with whom he remained five and one-half years. On Aug. 1, 1881, he became an employe of Lester & Wasley, manufacturers of high grade envelope machinery, at Norwich. He went to them as an expert, and the most particular work passed through his hands. After some years he became foreman of the shop, holding that responsible position until July, 1901, when, against the wishes of the different members of the firm, he resigned to become chief engineer of the Norwich city fire department.

Mr. Stanton's interest in the fire department is of long standing, beginning many- years ago, when he was a runner with the Neptune Steam Fire En- gine Co. No. 2, and in 1871 he was an active member of that company. The history of his connection with the fire department is practically a history of the department. Soon after he became an active mem- ber, in 1871, the name was changed to Delanoy Steam Fire Engine Co. No. 5. He accompanied the department to the famous Boston fire in November, 1872, which he declares was the most instructive trip in that line he has ever taken. In January, 1873, he was elected second assistant foreman, and in August of the same year he became stoker of the engine. He held those positions until 1878, when he resigned as stoker to become captain of the com- pany on a reorganization. The steamer was then sold and the name changed to Neptune Hose Co., No. 5, and so it continues to be known to the pres- ent time. He held the office of captain from 1878 until July, 1881, when he was elected second assist- ant chief engineer of the department. In October, 1890, he succeeded Louis W. Greeneberg as first assistant engineer, the former having been appointed chief to succeed Joseph B. Carrier, deceased. In 1899 he resigned as assistant engineer, and was not connected with the department until his election as chief. Under his masterly administration and his wholesome enthusiasm for the work, Mr. Stanton has wrought many changes in the department. Be- ginning with a volunteer department, he has intro- duced horses, has six permanent firemen, four- teen additional fire alarm boxes, a complete fire alarm telegraph, and now, mainly through his efforts, there is in course of construe- tion a new fire house. Ilis

mechanical ability is under a constant test , but has never yet failed. As an executive he has admin- istered the affairs of the department in a masterly manner, and has won the loval devotion of the men. Since its inception he has been identified with

the State Firemen's Association, in 1897 was its vice-president, and in 1898 its president. He is also a member of the Fire Chiefs Club of Connecticut, a recently formed organization to further the interests of firemen. Of this Mr. Stanton is second vice- president. His acquaintance is wide, and among firemen is not limited to the New England States. He is vice-president for Connecticut of the Interna- tional Association of Fire Engineers.

Politically Mr. Stanton is a Democrat, but is not bitterly partisan in local affairs, and positively refuses to countenance politics in his department. He has served three years on the town board of education, and six years as a member of the board of education of the West Chelsea school district, two years of which time he was also clerk of the district. He is trustee of the Chelsea Sav- ings Bank.

Fraternally Chief Stanton is a Mason. In June. 1877, he was made a Master Mason in Somerset Lodge, No. 34. and in 1880 he became a member of Franklin Chapter and Council; was knighted in Columbia Commandery, No. 4, in 1881, and in 1882 became a member of King Solomon's Grand Lodge of Perfection, passing on through all the Scottish Rite bodies to the Consistory, which he reached in 1883. In May, 1886, he joined Pyramid Temple, Nobles of the Mystic Shrine, at Bridgeport. He has held all the offices in the Blue Lodge, and in 1883 he served as Master, and again in 1895. the centennial of the lodge's organization. All the offices in the Chapter have been filled by him, and since 1889 he has been Past High Priest of that body. In 1892-93 he served as Thrice Illustrious Master of the Council. He has held offices in all the Scottish Rite bodies, and was one of the in- corporators from Somerset Lodge when the Ma- sonic Temple was built ; he succeeded the late Mayor Increase W. Carpenter as one of the directors of the Masonic Temple Corporation. In 1800 he was district deputy for New London county, and is now grand representative to the Grand Chapter of the State from the Territory of New Mexico. He belongs to the Royal Arcanum. With his family he attends the Congregational Church.

On Oct. 22. 1874. Mr. Stanton was united in marriage with Fannie L. Hotchkiss, who was born in Norwich, Nov. 27. 1855, daughter of Edwin O. and Eliza ( Blouvelt ) Hotelikiss. She passed away Dec. 19, 1800. Two children blessed this union : Amy Louisa, born Jan. 3, 1878, attended Norwich Free Academy, and is a member of Faith Trumbull Chapter, D. A. R. : Georgie Coit. born April 30. 1870, graduated from Norwich Free Academy m 1898, and is now teaching in the Norwich public schools. The family resule in a charming home on Fairmount street. Mlr. Stanton is genial and social and delights to entertam his friends. His success and popularity are but the merited reward for his honest, painstaking effort.

634

GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

JOSEPH F. SMITH, the leading florist of Norwich, is a striking example of a self-made man who has acquired a position in the business world and a place of high respect and esteem entirely through his own exertions. He was born in Gmund, Wurtemberg, Germany, son of Joseph Smith, a dyer by trade, who came to the United States in 1847. He was followed by his family, and they settled in Philadelphia, Pa., where the father died.

Joseph F. Smith was the eldest of eight chil- dren, four of whom are yet living, and he was born Dec. 6, 1838. At the age of thirteen years he came to the United States with his mother and three other children. His education was received in the public schools of his native town and in Philadelphia, where he attended for a short time. As soon as possible after the arrival of the family the boy was put to work, and until nineteen was employed in a factory at Schuylkill Falls, Pa., after which he be- gan to learn the trade of florist with a Mr. Hall, in Philadelphia. Later he was employed by George Williams, a florist in the same city, in whose em- ploy he remained for two or three years. He next went to Baltimore, where he remained a few months, engaged in florist work, after which he went to Jenkintown, Pa., and engaged with a Mr. Satters- wait, a florist. After four years spent with him Mr. Smith came to Norwich, arriving in April, 1865, and engaged as gardener and florist on the private grounds of Joseph Ripley, on Washington street. There he continued until April, 1870, when with his savings he purchased his present place, from a Mr. Dawson. Mr. Smith began business in a small way, his first greenhouse being 20 x 50 feet, but from time to time he has made additions and acquired other land until now he has the largest and best equipped establishment of its kind in the city. For the past fifteen years he has had a branch store in Norwich.

In Jenkintown, Pa., Mr. Smith was married to Katherine Spang, a native of Prussia, and ten chil- dren were born to this marriage, one dying in in- fancy. The others are as follows: (1) Joseph is a boss farmer at the Connecticut Hospital for In- sane at Middletown; he married Annie Gill, and has two children, William and Frank. (2) Annie married George Tubbs, and resides in Boston. (3) Edward married Alice Burke, and has one child, Raymond ; he is florist of New London. (4) Eliz- abeth. (5) Fred. (6) George married Mary Kiv- wich. lin and has one child, Robert; they reside in Nor- (7) Katherine. (8) Clara. (9) Frank. Mr. Smith is a member of Wauregan Lodge, No. 6, K. of P., and attends the Congregational Church. He is a hard-working, quiet citizen, has a fine family and is highly respected by all who know him.

W. F. WHIPPLE. This energetic farmer and well known horsedealer, now residing on that mag- nificent old Whipple homestead in the eastern part of the town of Griswold, possesses in such a large

measure keen mental activity, combined with much physical power, that he has been enabled to man- age at once many lines of business without detri- ment to any one. His farming is conducted on a large scale, consisting of the raising of immense crops and the caring for an extensive dairy. As a horse trader he has evinced shrewdness and sound judgment. As a contractor, another enterprise in which he has long been engaged, he has also met with success. Mr. Whipple comes of one of the old and highly respectable families of New Lon- don county, his grandfather, Hibbard Whipple, hav- ing been born and reared in Mystic. In this place he also married, and afterward resided for some time. He spent his last days in Griswold at the home of his son Ezra A., and there died.

Ezra A. Whipple, son of Hibbard and father of W. F. Whipple, was born during his parents' resi- dence in Mystic, Oct. 26, 1813, and developed into a man of great force of character and remarkable mental power. Reared to farm work, and being possessed of both a taste and ability for the occu- pation, he followed it for the most part throughout his mature life. He embarked upon his career in Griswold, having come here in his early manhood. Soon after this, at the age of twenty-one, he married in Voluntown, Conn., Mary Jackson, who was born Dec. 31, 1814, daughter of William Jackson, of Mystic, and who proved a devoted wife and mother. She died in August, 1883. Of this union there were fourteen children, of whom: Ezra A., born Aug. 2, 1838, died at the age of thirty-five years ; Clark, born Sept. 26, 1839, died aged twenty- two years; Daniel, born Aug. 30, 1841, died aged twenty-one years; one born Jan. 17, 1843, died in a few hours ; Mary S., born Dec. 7, 1843, died aged twenty-six years; Frances M., born Sept. 6, 1845, died aged twenty-seven years (she married Kings- ley Chapman, of Lisbon, Conn.) ; Delia J., born July 17, 1847, died young ; Charles W. born May 4, 1849, died unmarried; George, born Feb. 16, 1851, died aged seventeen years ; one born Dec. 25, 1852, died unnamed; Delia Jane, born Feb. 25, 1854, married E. Frank Pierce, of Chicago, and they have eight children, Ezra, John, Delia E., Virginia O., Frank O., Martha, Eva and Harry; Laura E. and Eliza A., twins, were born Oct. 30, 1855, and the former died at the age of fourteen years and the latter, who married Alexander Lewis, of Glasgo, Conn., died April 29, 1901, at the age of forty-six; and W. Franklin was the youngest.

About a year after his mariage Ezra A. Whip- ple purchased of paternal relatives a well-improved 166-acre farm in the eastern part of the town of Griswold, known as the Whipple place. Here he engaged in general farming very extensively. Ap- plying science and practical knowledge to his work he was enabled to make the place yield large and valuable crops, and he won the reputation of being one of the most progressive and successful agri- culturists in the town. He was well-to-do and was

ins Feb Jo

te a fa m

he af He an me ati

tha Po ab

635

GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

respected throughout the community. In public affairs he always took a leading part, and in poli- tics as a Democrat was exceedingly influential in his community. He and his wife belonged to the Bethel Methodist Episcopal Church, being foremost in its various activities, and he serving as trustee, and also as superintendent of its Sunday school for many years. His life was a long and useful one, and his death occurred in August, 1895, at the age of eighty-two years.

W. Franklin Whipple, born May 8, 1859, re- ceived in his comfortable and well regulated farm home careful rearing, probably better than that of the ordinary farm boy. At the early age of nineteen, Feb. 22, 1878, he married Frances L. Fletcher, who was born in Canterbury, Conn., daughter of John W. and Sarah Jane (Cook) Fletcher, the latter coming of one of the old and highly respected fam- ilies of Griswold. Mr. and Mrs. Whipple have had nine children, but only one lived to maturity : Mary E., born April 20, 1880, married June 18, 1902, Stephen B. Sweet, and resides in Griswold. Like his father Mr. Whipple has made farming the main business of his life, and after the death of the former purchased the home place, where he now resides. Though in excellent condition when he bought it, he has greatly improved it and has re- cently erected a fine large barn. The place is neat and attractive, and shows evidence of good care. Besides general farming he conducts a large dairy, and he owns twenty-five head of cattle, many of the best breed. He keeps in his stable at all times a large number of the best horses, which he from time to time puts on the market. He also speculates to some extent in cattle. This business has made him well known throughout the county, as his trade is an extensive one. In addition to his other en- terprises he has found time to engage in contracting, and in this line has given good satisfaction. In fact he is considered one of the hustlers of his com- munity. Mr. Whipple's various lines of business have for the most part engrossed his attention, but he has always evinced an earnest interest in local affairs, and as a Democrat in politics is influential. He was reared in the Methodist Episcopal faith. and his wife and daughter are highly esteemed members of the Bethel Church of that denomin- ation.

ISAAC S. JONES, a successful real-estate and nsurance agent at Norwich, was born in that city Feb. 11, 1849, the youngest son of Col. Gurdon A. ones.

Col. Gurdon A. Jones was born in June, 1826. 11 Whitestown, N. Y., whither his father had gone o operate a paper mill, the first ever erected in hat then remote region. The father took small- ox from some rags brought to the mill, and died bout a year after locating at Whitestown. The widow and family then returned to Norwich, her riginal home. One of the sous, William, went to

Guanajuato, Mexico, and for many years was in the Mexican government service there. A daughter Susan, became the wife of Courtland Noyes, and died in Norwich.

Gurdon A. Jones learned the trade of shoe- maker from Philemon Haven, and commenced busi- ness for himself in 1826, with Thomas J. Ridgeway, in the shoe manufacturing business, under the firm name of Jones & Ridgeway. Their store was lo- cated opposite "Kinney's Hotel," which was later known as the "Merchants' Hotel." In a few years he went into business for himself on Main street, in a room in the old wooden building that for years occupied the site of the present Boswell block. In 1844, when the whole street was burned, his store was also lost, and he moved for a time to Shetucket street, but when Boswell row was built he had a store in it (on the same ground as the old one) fitted up expressly for his use, and immediately occupied it. He remained at the same location until the day of his death. For a few years his son, Gur- don A. Jones, Jr., was associated with him under the firm name of Gurdon A. Jones & Co. The partnership was dissolved a few years before the death of the senior member.

Gurdon A. Jones was active in the old times as a military man. He rose to be captain of the old Norwich Rifle Company, which was composed of the leading and respected citizens of the town, and afterward was colonel of the regiment. He was a splendid horseman, and presented a striking figure when mounted. Long before the temperance agi- tation was started he took strong temperance ground of his own accord, and he was active in the conduct of affairs on parade day. A man of positive char- acter and principle, he strenuously forbade the sale of liquor on the grounds and put a stop to it in spite of opposition.

Col. Jones was a member of Christ church in which he served as warden. He was in the com- mon council, a number of years, once being elected by both parties. At first a Whig, he was later a Republican. At one time he was a director in the Norwich Bank. He was universally respected as an upright, positive man and a useful citizen. He died Oct. 20, 18744, and was buried in Yantic come- tery. The first wife of Col. Jones was Lucretia Herrick, of Norwich, who died leaving two children. Curdon A .. Jr., and Frank J. In 1843 Col. Jones married for his second wife Lucy Story, of Norwich. daughter of Deacon Isaac and Lucy ( Reath) Story. She died June o. 1803. aged seventy eight years. She was a member of Christ Church. Her children were Isaac Story, born Feb. 11, 1849, and Lucy T .. who died in July, 1876, at the age of twenty years.

DEACON GORDON . JONES, JR. died April 8. 1878, aged forty-six years. He married Caroline Bliss, of Brookfield, Mass,, and had two children : Isabelle, who died in young womanhood, and Elias B., who resides in Newtonville, Mass. Of Deacon Gordon A. Jones, Jr., the following appeared in

636

GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

the Norwich Bulletin of April 9, 1878: "The death at his home on Williams street, yesterday morning, of Gurdon A. Jones, Jr., removed another citizen for many years identified with Norwich's mercan- tile interests. . He entered the boot and shoe store with his father on Main street early in life, and the firm name was at one time Gurdon A. Jones & Son. Subsequently he sold his interest in the busi- ness and established himself in the wholesale trade on Commerce street, in which he was interested at the time of his death. His business had been somewhat impaired of late years by financial embarrassments. In his social relations Mr. Jones was universally beloved. He was genial in disposition, liberal with hand and purse to respond to every worthy call, and was heartily interested in all movements for the moral and religious culture of the community. As an officer in the church, an indefatigable Sunday- school worker, and a friend of the temperance cause, his support was always relied on and never wanting. His life was temperate and exemplary."

FRANK J. JONES left Norwich when a young man, and served in the Civil war in the Ist Con- necticut Heavy Artillery. After the war he en- gaged in business in New York, where he has be- come wealthy. His residence is in Brooklyn. He has two daughters and one son, the latter named Gurdon.

ISAAC STORY JONES attended a private school kept by a Miss Case, on Cedar street, in Norwich, and then entered Norwich Free Academy, from which he was graduated in 1866. He was first in the employ of his father until the latter's death, when the business was disposed if. He then worked for his brother, Gurdon A. Jones, Jr., until 1878, when the latter died. From that time he was en- gaged in different kinds of general work until March I, 1897, when he established his present business, which has increased and prospered from the first. He represents some of the best companies in Amer- ica.

Mr. Jones was married in Norwich, Oct. 23, 1894, to Adeline Browne, a native of Richland Cen- ter, Wis., daughter of James Lauman Browne, and a sister of Mrs. Dr. La Pierre, of Norwich. Their family consists of two children : Emerson Browne, born Feb. 18, 1897, and Clinton Story, born Nov. 24, 1898, Thanksgiving Day.

Mr. Jones has always been a Republican, but has never cared for office, and has never taken any active part in politics. His interests are more social in character, and he is a member of the Arcanum Club and also of the Chelsea Boat Club. Relig- iously he is an Episcopalian in faith, a member of Christ Church, and treasurer of the parish. He is a man of high integrity and enjoys the confidence of all.

GEORGE ROBERT HEMPSTEAD, one of the enterprising business men of Groton, was born May 27, 1862, on the "Brown Farm," in the north-

eastern part of District No. 2, son of William Frank Hempstead. The latter was born in Stonington, Conn., and there spent his boyhood days, but his wife, Weltha Dart, was born in Groton, daughter of E. Dart, also of that town. The children born to Mr. and Mrs. William F. Hempstead were: Ann, who married James Beckwith, and resides near Nian- tic, Conn .; Jane, who married Elisha Martin, of Old Lyme; William A., of Center Groton; Mary, who married Alva Geer, of Waterford, Conn .; Eunice, who married George Perkins, deceased, and resides in Groton ; Frank E., of Waterford; Robert, who died at the age of five years; and George Robert Hempstead, the youngest. The father died at the age of eighty-four years, while his wife died aged seventy-nine years.

George R. Hempstead spent his early school days attending District No. 2 school, and Center Groton school, after which he engaged in farming in Center Groton and vicinity, and Waterford, for twelve years. The next line of business to attract his attention was the meat trade, and he clerked in that branch for Eben Avery, of Groton, three years, and has been at his present location for ten years. For about five years he was engaged in artesian well drilling, while in 1893 he embarked in a plumbing, repairing and stove dealing business in Groton, giving employment to five men. The estab- lishment is the largest and leading one of its kind in the town.

Mr. Hempstead was married in Poquetanuck, Conn., in August, 1885, to Miss Mary Hazler, a native of Ledyard. Their children are: Dora Bell, who died at the age of five years ; and George Har- old, now twelve years of age, who resides with his parents in their comfortable home on Pleasant street, Groton, Connecticut.

Fraternally, Mr. Hempstead is a member of Union Lodge, No. 31, F. & A. M .; Union Chapter, No. 7, R. A. M .; Cushing Council, No. 4, R. & S. M .; Palestine Commandery, No. 6, Knights Tem- plar, and he has attained the 32d degree in Masonry. He is also a member of Fairview Lodge, No. IOI, I. O. O. F .; A. O. U. W. Thames Lodge, No. 13; and Groton Conclave, No. 382, Improved Order of Heptasophs. He is also a member of the First Dis- trict Fire Committee, of which he is Fire Chief. Both Mr. and Mrs. Hempstead are very highly re- spected throughout the community, and have a num- ber of warm personal friends.

EDWARD ALBERT HOXIE, one of the most prominent and extensive agriculturists in the town of Lebanon, traces his ancestry to Lodowick Haxie Hauksie, Hoxie or Hoxsie, who is first mentioned in 1664, of Sandwich, Mass., but whence, when o' how he came is not learned. He married in De cember, 1664, Mary Presbury, perhaps daughter o John, and their children were: Bathsheba, Joseph Gideon, Hezekiah, John, Solomon and Content.

John Hoxie, born April 25, 1669, married Mary

G. Re. Nemporteau

---

637

GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

daughter of Joseph and Experience ( Harper) Hull. Stephen Hoxie, born Nov. 28, 1713, married Feb. 27, 1734-5, in South Kingston, R. I., Elizabeth, daughter of John and Elizabeth Kenyon, and their children were: Barnabas, born in Westerly, in September, 1735; Stephen, born in Charlestown, March 8, 1738; Elizabeth, born in Charlestown, May 13, 1740; Edward, born in Charlestown Nov. 9, 1742; Hannah, born in Charlestown Nov. 7, 1744; Samuel, born in Charlestown June 13, 1747 ; Ruth, born in Charlestown Nov. 4, 1749; John, born in Richmond May 28, 1752; Edward, born in Rich- mond Nov. II, 1754; Mary, born in Richmond March 23, 1757; Gideon, born in Richmond Sept. 9, 1759 ; and Presbury, born in Richmond Jan. 14, 1762. Mrs. Elizabeth Hoxie died Oct 25, 1778, aged fifty-nine years and twenty-four days, and Stephen Hoxie died Oct. 24, 1793. aged eighty years and twenty-six days, and was buried in the Friends burial ground at Richmond, Rhode Island.

Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.

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 143

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