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 148

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 148

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(VII) Capt. Lathrop Williams, son of Bena- dam, was born in North Stonington, and went from

there to Franklin, Conn., in 1825. He was a promi- nent citizen and well-to-do farmer, and was com- monly known as Capt. Williams, because of his serv- ices in both the war of 1812 and as a member of the State Militia. On Nov. 27, 1807, he married Dimmis Swan, who died April 2, 1817, leaving no children. On Nov. 8, 1818, he married Abby Pren- tice, and their children were as follows: (I) George Lathrop, born Feb. 16, 1820, married Wealthy A. Randall, and was engaged as a farmer in Franklin, later in Windham, where he died. (2) Leonard, born Feb. 17, 1821, went to Almont, Mich., at an early day, and became a successful merchant; he married Anna M. Hazen. (3) Latham Hull, born Aug. 19, 1825, died Nov. 21, 1825. (4) Sarah. A., born April 21, 1832, married William Sheffield Breed. Capt. Williams died Jan. 20, 1868, at the home of his daughter, Mrs. Breed, in Sprague. His widow, who was born Sept. 20, 1799, died in Sprague March 23, 1882, and was laid to rest beside her husband in the cemetery at Franklin. Capt. Williams was an interesting gentleman, typical of the old school, and of the old days when courtesy and honor were the watchwords-the keynotes-of right living. He sustained to the last the confidence and respect of his fellow townsmen.

ROGERS. The branch of the family bearing the name of Rogers, of which this article treats, is one of standing in New London county, its mem- bers having held prominent positions in the business and social life of the city of New London. It is of ancient lineage in New England, record of the first members on this side of the Atlantic being found in early Colonial days.

(I) James Rogers, of New London, Conn., is believed to have been the James Rogers who had arranged to come to America in 1635 in the ship "Increase." James Rogers, in 1637, was one of six men from Saybrook who, under Capt. John Under- hill, took part in the Pequot war. A few years later he is recorded as of Stratford, where he acquired property and married Elizabeth, daughter of Sam- uel Rowland. He went from Stratford to Milford, where he joined Mr. Pruden's (Congregational) Church in 1652. His wife had joined the same church in 1645, and some of their children were baptized there. He had dealings in New London as early as 1656; and between that time and 1660 he became an inhabitant of that town. Both he and his wife united with the church in New London, and became prominent in church affairs. He was Deputy to the Court of Elections in May, 1661, and May and October, 1662; Corn Commissioner for New London in 1662; and representative to the Gen- eral Court seven times between 1662 and 1673. He was intimately associated with Matthew Griswold, and served with him on many important committees of church and State. He was a baker by trade, and operated for a time the old mill, carrying on by far the most extensive foreign and domestic trade of any

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man in New London. His real estate holdings were very large. His death occurred in 1687, and that of his widow about 1709. Their children were: Sam- uel; Joseph, born May 14, 1646; John, born Dec. I, 1648; Bathsheba, born Dec. 30, 1650; James, born Feb. 15, 1652; Jonathan, born Dec. 31, 1655; and Eliza, born April 15-16, 1658.

(II) James Rogers, (2), born Feb. 15, 1652, in Milford, Conn., married Nov. 5, 1674, Mary, daugh- ter of Jeffry Jordan. He is referred to as a mariner, and appears to have been a shipmaster to the last. He also had a tannery, and is mentioned in the Court of Assessments as a cooper, and he had large landed possessions. He died, according to his tomb- stone inscription, Nov. 6, 1714. The date of the death of his wife, as per her tombstone inscription, was Feb. 28, 1713. Their children, all born in New London, were: James, born Feb. 2, 1676; Mary, May 1, 1678 ; Elizabeth, Aug. 28, 1680; Sarah, Nov. 23, 1682 ; Samuel, March 23, 1685; Jonathan, April 13, 1687 ; Richard, Oct. 13, 1689; and William, May 10, 1693.

(III) James Rogers (3) was born Feb. 2, 1676, in New London. His first wife, Elizabeth, died Feb. 28, 1713, according to her tombstone, and he married (second) in 1713, Freelove Hurlbut, who was born in 1694, in Norwalk, Conn., daughter of Stephen Hurlbut, and died there Jan. 26, 1738. Mr. Rogers was received into the church in 1713, and his children were baptized-he and a number of others, among whom was Roger Wolcott, of Windsor, Conn. In 1714 he was captain of the train band. He was Deputy to the General Court sixteen times, and at one time was Speaker. He owned and lived upon a farm at Great Neck, New London, which, after removing to Norwalk about 1726, he sold to Philip Tabor. He died July 9, 1735, in Norwalk, Conn. His children by Elizabeth, whose maiden name, it is believed by some, was Harris, were: Mary, born Jan. 12, 1699; Edward, born May 14. 1702; James, born Aug. 20, 1704; Elizabeth, born June 14, 1706; Esther, baptized March 27, 1709; Uriah, born Oct. 10, 1710; and Jedediah, born Sept. IO, 1712. His children by his wife, Freelove, were : two, who died in infancy : Nehemiah, born May 7. 1719 : Hannah, baptized in 1720 : Stephen, born Feb. 28, 1721-22; Moses, born April 12, 1724 ; and Aaron, porn April 9, 1726.

(IV) James Rogers (4), born Ang. 20, 1704. in New London, Com., married March 21, 1722, Mary, laughter of Peter Harris, born in 1702-03. She was received into the Congregational Church in May, 720. James Rogers was a leading ship captain of New London. He died sometime previous to 1754. u the West Indies. His children were born as fol- Wws: Lemmel. Dec. 10, 1723 : Peter, Oct. 3. 1725 : chabod. Feb. 14. 1727 : Mary, Oct. 1, 1728 ; James, une 5. 1733 ; Edmund, July 20, 1735 : Uriah, Sept. 1. 1737 : Elizabeth, Jan. 27, 1741 ; Jeremiah, April 7. 1743 ; and Samnel.

(V) Ichabod Rogers, born Feb. 14. 1727. in

New London, married, April 21, 1751, Ruth, daugh- ter of Daniel and Abigail (Pierson) Shapley, born in 1722, and of the Rev. Abraham Pierson family (the first president of Yale). Mr. Rogers died about 1767. His children were: Benjamin, born about 1754; Ichabod ; Rebecca ; Ruth ; and three who died in infancy.

(VI) Ichabod Rogers (2), born about 1754, in New London, married, Nov. 22, 1778, Mary, daughter of John and Susan ( Hobbs) Hall. Mr. Rogers was a private in Capt. Samuel Mather's Com- pany, of Lyme and vicinity. He enlisted July 18, 1776, in Capt. Smith's Company, Col. Bradley's battalion, Gen. Wadsworth's brigade, and was dis- charged Dec. 28, 1776. He was one of the small band who held Fort Trumbull on the eventful 6th of September, until driven away by the superior force of Benedict Arnold, in an all day fight. Ichabod Rogers was a sailor, as well as a soklier and farmer, and at one time was actively engaged in privateer- ing. He died June 10, 1821, in New London, his widow who survived him until Jan. 28, 1828, reach- ing the age of seventy-five. Their children were: Ichabod, born April 2, 1781 ; Nancy, about 1783; Mary, November, 1784 : Susanna and Sarah ( twins), May 1, 1786; Seabury, March 15, 1789: Elizabeth (Betsey), March 10, 1791; and Esther, June 2, 1793.

(VII) Seabury Rogers, born in New London March 15. 1789, married April 29, 1809. Elizabeth ( Betsey) Daniels, born April 1. 1795, daughter of Franklin Daniels, of Groton, Conn. Mr. Rogers died Ang. 15. 1821. and Mrs. Rogers passed away Aug. 18, 1874. Their children were: Elizabeth, born Feb. 14. 1810, died Oct. 24, 1812: Franklin Daniels, born Ang. 20, 1812, died July 18, 1804 (he married March 15, 1835. Julia A. Rogers) ; President Merritt, born Dec. 12, 1814. is mentioned below : Luke William, born April 22, 1817, died Dec. 22, 1801 : Seabury F., born April 12, 1819, married Oct. 17. 1841, Hannah Frances, daughter of James and Sarah Wellman, of Farmington. Maine, (he was in the ice business with his brothers for a number of years, and is now living retired in New London) ; and George Price, born Jan. 14. 1821, died Nov. 24. 1893, in New London.

(VIII) PRESIDENT MERRITT ROGERS, of New London, was born Dec. 12, 1814. in New London. and died July 20, 1804. his life of nearly fourscore years being spent in his native place, His father died when he was but a lad, and as a consequence his early advantages for schooling were very menger. but by reading and studying he managed to fit him- self to meet the problems that come in the course of an active business life. When abont fifteen years of age, he went on the water, which he followed for some time, finally leaving that to learn the car- peuter's trade. A trade, however, was not to his liking, and after a time he opened a grocery store on the west side of Main street, near State street. Here he also sold newspapers. being the first in

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New London to handle newspapers as a commodity. Later he drifted from the grocery business into the wholesale and retail confectionery business, in which he was very successful, and in the early fifties he built the Rogers block, which still stands as a monu- ment to his enterprise. This block is a large brown stone building, and is still one of the substantial business structures of the city of New London. For over fifty years the brothers, President M. and George P. Rogers, were associated in business, and they were known throughout Connecticut as the pioneer ice dealers of the State. Indeed, they were among the first in the Union to engage in the ice business. This was in about 1845, and the Rogers Ice Company, at the time of its dissolution, was the oldest ice company in the country. Together the brothers, as a firm, had formerly been heavy dealers in confectionery, their many teams going over Connecticut and other States, but this line they abandoned soon after engaging in the ice business. In early times they cut ice from the "Old Mill Pond," but after a few years it all came from Rock Reservoir, where they had six houses, with a capacity of storing upward of 7,500 tons. The business, though mostly confined to New London, was a large one. After the death of their father and uncle, the original Rogers Bros., Benjamin F. and Albert W., sons of President M. Rogers, entered into partnership and assumed the management of the business, which they continued for several years, finally selling the property and discontinuing the business.

The Messrs. Rogers were men of sterling quali- ties and pronounced convictions, but although strongly interested in all public questions they were not men who aspired to public office. President M. Rogers, though as rigid as was his brother in his principles, always persistently refused to allow his name to be used in connection with official prefer- ment, and George P. Rogers, had he sacrificed prin- ciples to ambition, would doubtless have had ten- dered him high civic offices from the dominant parties. The brothers early bccame interested in the slave question, and they were ardent Abolition- ists at a time when such sentiments were anything but popular. The first vote of George P. Rogers was cast in 1844, for James G. Birney, the anti- slavery candidate for President of the United States. President M. and George P. Rogers, were among the organizers of the Republican party in New Lon- don, in 1856, and acted with that party until the slavery question was settled for all time. In the meantime they had occupied seats in the city coun- cil of New London. In later years they were equally radical on the subject of temperance reform, and from the formation of the Prohibition party un- til they died, both were unflinching and unyielding in their loyalty to its standard, contributing substan- tially and liberally to the cause. George P. Rogers attended every national convention of the party from its organization until his death, and was its nominee at one time for governor of the State of Connecticut.

The following incident of President M. Rogers was once related by Hon. Augustus Brandegee, of New London: "I was one morning in my office when the late President M. Rogers, well known as the leader of both Abolition and the Prohibition movements in New London, rushed in to inform me that an escaping slave had been found stowed in the hold of a recently arrived North Carolina ves- sel, and was there guarded by revenue officers at the Custom house, and in process of being remanded to his master. It is said that the touch of nature makes the whole world kin, and Abolitionist and Free- soiler at once started for the Custom house, The late Judge Mather was collector of the port, and, I think, also a commissioner of the United States under the Fugitive Slave Act. We found the col- lector, several officers of the United States cutter, the captain of the vessel, upon which the stowaway had secreted himself, and a poor, famished, fright- ened negro. As we entered the captain was being interrogated by the commissioner. Mr. Rogers was, as we all remember, a tall, stalwart gentleman, about six feet three inches, with a strong resemblance to President Lincoln. He was in general a man of peace, but when his blood was up he was a strong backer and a bad customer to tackle. On the way down he had told me to go ahead and he would back me in whatever I did. I immediately stepped within the rail and separated the parties from the crowd which had gathered, and asked Judge Mather if he was holding a court. His reply was to the effect that he was looking to see what his powers were. I then gave notice in a loud voice that by the laws of the State of Connecticut any man who claimed another to be a slave and could not prove it was guilty of a crime ; and if brought before me (and I was then judge of the Police Court), I should not require much evidence to find him guilty. At this, the crowd which was fast increasing, shouted approval. Some how or other the crowd is always on the side of the under dog. Turning to the captive I told him to be off, that no man claimed him, and opening the gate I pushed him through, the crowd passed him from one to another, and in a moment he disappeared. And then ended the first, and so far as I know, the only attempt ever made in Connecticut to enforce the odious Fugitive Slave Law."

Both the Rogers brothers ranked among the lead- ing and most influential residents of New London, and were recognized as men of sterling integrity. They had strong religious views, and for over sixty years were actively identified with church matters. They were genial and kindly in manner, and were both remarkably well preserved for men of their years. For many years George P. Rogers was pres- ident of the Ice Dealers' Association of the State.

President M. Rogers was first married, Aug. 21, 1836, to Rebecca Hancock, of Stonington, Conn., who died July 9, 1862, the mother of the following named children: (1) Benjamin F., born May 19, 1837, in New London, was associated with his fa-

John H. Le

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ther and uncles in the confectionery business until 1870, when he and his brother Charles H. took the business, running same about three years, under the firm name of B. F. & C. H. Rogers. They later sold out, and Benjamin F. became identified with the ice business, continuing in same until Oct. 17, 1899, since which time he has been retired from active business. He married, Nov. 23, 1870, Sarah Ayles- worth, of New London, Conn., and has one son, Philip. (2) Charles Henry, born Dec. 18, 1839, was married in 1871 to Alice M. Haines, of Lowell, Mass., and resides there ; he has one daughter, Alice R., who married George Lytle, of Lawrence, Massa- chusetts.

For his second wife President M. Rogers mar- ried, on Feb. 15, 1865, Emily (Allison) Edwards, born in Haddam, Conn., Feb. 2, 1837, daughter of William Pratt and Emily ( Miller) Allison, and widow of Charles Edwards. One child blessed this union, Albert William.

(IX) ALBERT WILLIAM ROGERS was born Nov. 16, 1865, and his education was begun in the com- mon schools of his native town, the instruction there received being supplemented by a three years' course at Wesleyan Academy, Wilbraham, Mass., in which institution of learning he was a member of the class that graduated in 1880. Returning home he en- gaged in the ice business with his father and uncle as foreman of the outside work pertaining to the business, and after his father's death, he and his brother, Benjamin F., and uncle, Seabury, con- tinued the business until October. 1899, when it was discontinued. Since then Mr. Rogers has been kept busy attending to his property interests.

Mr. Rogers attends the Methodist Episcopal Church of New London, of which his father was a devout and consisteut member, and to which de- nomination his wife and mother also belong. In his political views Mr. Rogers is a Prohibitionist, but in town affairs casts his vote for the best man, in- dependent of party considerations.

Mr. Rogers was married, Oct. 13, 1894. to Miss Amanda Elizabeth Carlisle, who was born April 11. 1869, daughter of the late William Thomas and Mary Augusta ( Jeffrey) Carlisle, of New London.

JOHN HENRY LEE, a veteran of the Civil war and a highly respected citizen of Jewett City, was born June 25, 1837, in the town of Griswold, New London county.

George Lee, his grandfather, was born probably n the State of Massachusetts, and there he learned hie trade of shoemaker, which he followed in that State and in Rhode Island, locating at Burrillville. n the latter State, and there his death occurred.

John Lee, father of Jolm Henry Lee, was born n the vicinity of U'xbridge. Mass., but grew to man- ood in Rhode Island, and became a mill operator at Blackstone, Mass. Later he came to Connecticut. nd located in the town of Griswold, being employed ) the Slater mills at Hopeville for several years.

He then rented a small farm in the same town, and spent the remainder of his life in agricultural pur- suits. There he died, still in the prime of life. at the age of forty-four years, and was buried in the cemetery at Jewett City. In politics he was a Whig. His life was fashioned after the teachings of the Golden Rule, and he was respected and esteemed. He married (first) Lydia Louisa Lee, who died at Uxbridge, Mass., and was interred there. He mar- ried (second), in Griswold, Asia Tiffany. of a well- known family of Jewett City, and to this union six children were born: John Henry : George O., who died aged twenty-two years : Lydia Louisa. wife of Henry Richmond of Norwich : Thomas E .. of Jew- ett City : Ellen T., who died single : and Sarah 21., who resides at Jewett City. The mother of these children lived to the age of eighty-eight years, and died at her home in Jewett City, town of Griswold. where her remains rest, beside those of her husband. She was a pious and lovable woman, one who bravely cared for her little family, and reared them to respected maturity. She possessed strong traits of character, was helpful to all who came within her influence, and lived a life full of good deeds. She attended the Congregational Church.

John Henry Lee was ten years of age when his father died. His educational opportunities were limited to the district schools of Griswold until the age of thirteen, which it became necessary that he should become an earning factor of the family. He was willing and industrious, and soon secured en11- ployment in the different mills in and around Jewett City, and was thus engaged until the opening of the Civil war.

In September, 1861, Mr. Lee enlisted to serve his country in Company F. 8th Conn. V. L .. under Col. Edward Harland and Capt. E. Y. Smith, and remained in the service until Sept. 25. 1864. being honorably discharged with his company at Berninida Hundred. Va. Mr. Lee took part in many of the most serious battles of the great war and his regi- ilient was particularly conspicuous at Newbern, N. C., March 14. 1862; siege of Fort Macon. April, 1862; Antietam. Md., September, 1802: Freder- icksburg. Va., Dec. 13. 1862: Fort Henry, Va .. April 19. 1863: White Hall Junction, Va., Mav 7. 1864 : Fort Darling, May 16, 18og : and Petersburg. Va., April 25. 1864.

After returning from the war, covered with the honor which a brave and patriotic soldier deserved. he became overseer in the cloth shop of the Slater mill, where he spent three and a half years, He then engaged in clerking in the company store for the same period, going then to Willimantic, where he found employment with the Wilhmantie Linen Company, remaining, however, but a short time, and then accepted a better position with J C, Per- kins, candy manufacturer, of Norwich, becoming a traveling salesman. He continued on the road for seven and a half years, in the meantime covering southern New England He then returned

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to Jewett City, and became overseer in the Slater mills, remaining seven years, taking up the business of painting at its close, and following the same for five years. Since that time Mr. Lee has filled the position of superintendent of the Jewett City cem- etery.

On Oct. 10, 1858, Mr. Lee was married in Norwich to Jane Ann Horton, born in Windham. She died at Jewett City July 1, 1861, aged twenty- two years, and was laid to rest in the cemetery there. To this union came one child, Homer L., who resides at Fall River, Mass., and has one son, George. Mr. Lee married (second), Feb. 17, 1868, Sarah W. Tate, who was born at Windham, daugh-' ter of William Tate. No children have been born to this union.

Mr. Lee is a stanch Republican, but has never * accepted public office. He is a member of Sedg- wick Post, G. A. R., of Norwich, and of the Army and Navy Club of Connecticut. He has long been prominent in Masonry, is the oldest member of Mount Vernon Lodge, No. 75, of Jewett City, being raised to Master Mason on April 7, 1871 ; he joined Franklin Chapter, No. 4, R. A. M., May 13, 1879; Franklin Council, No. 3, R. & S. M., Sept. 4, 1879; and Columbia Commandery, No. 4, K. T., of Norwich, Nov. 14, 1879. He also belongs to the Masonic Veteran Association. Mr. Lee is a prominent and representative citizen, one who has proved his good citizenship, and who enjoys the respect and esteem of all who know him.

GRISWOLD. The Griswold family has been one of prominence in Lyme from its earliest settle- ment, representatives of the family in every gen- eration being among the most honored citizens of the town, county and State.

(I) George Griswold was born in England, and his birth is recorded in the Solihull registry, April 23, 1548.

(II) His son, Matthew Griswold, was born in 1597, and with his brother Edward came to America in 1639. He located first at Windsor, then went to Saybrook, and was the pioneer in the movement from Saybrook to Lyme. As one of the proprietors of the colony, he received a grant of land from Col. Fenwick in 1639, extending eastwardly along Long Island Sound for about eight miles. The portion where his home was built, he called Black Hall. He passed the remainder of his life in Lyme, dying in 1698. His wife Anna, daughter of Henry Wol- cott, died in 1693.

Matthew Griswold was a typical Englishman- hardy, venturesome, energetic-and with all of an Englishman's hunger for land, the number of a man's acres in England being supposed to be the measure of his respectability. To Matthew and Anna (Wolcott) Griswold were born the following children: (I) Elizabeth, born in 1652, who mar- ried (first) John Rogers, (second) Peter Pratt, and (third) Matthew Beckwith; (2) Matthew (2), born

in 1653, who married (first) Phebe Hyde, and (sec- ond) Mary DeWolf Lee; (3) John, who died with- out heirs; (4) Sarah, born in 1655, who married Thomas Colton; and (5) Anna, born in 1656, who married Lieutenant Abraham Brownson, the latter being buried at Old Saybrook.

(III) Matthew Griswold (2) lived at Black Hall, and was prominent in public life as Deputy and com- missioner. He was a man of great size and strength, and was the champion selected by the citizens of Lyme to determine the boundaries between New London and Lyme in a personal encounter which was decided in favor of Lyme. He married (first) Phebe Hyde, and (second) Mary DeWolf Lee, and died in 1715. He was the father of eleven children, as follows: (I) Phebe, born Aug. 15, 1684, died in 1702; (2) Elizabeth, born Nov. 19, 1685, died in 1704; (3) Sarah, born May 19, 1687, died in 1706; (4) Matthew, born Sept. 15, 1688, died in April, I712. (5) John, born December 22, 1690, died in 1764; (6) Rev. George, born Aug. 13, 1692, died Oct. 14, 1761; (7) Mary, born April 22, 1694, married Edmund Dorr, and died February 21, 1776; (8) Deborah, born in 1696, married Col. Robert Denison, and died in 1730; (9) Samuel, born in December, 1697, died June 10, 1727; (10) Patience, born in 1698, married John Denison, and died Nov. 8, 1776; and (II) Thomas, born in February, 1700, died July 27, 1716.

(IV) Judge John Griswold, son of Matthew (2) of Black Hall, was born Dec. 22, 1690, and died in 1764. He married Hannah Lee, who was born Feb. 25, 1695, and they had the following children: (I) Matthew, born March 25, 1714, married Ursula Wolcott, and died April 28, 1799; (2) Phebe, born April 22, 1716, married Rev. Jonathan Parsons, and died Dec. 26, 1770; (3) Thomas, born Feb. 15, 1719, married Susannah Lynde, and died July 16, 1770; (4) Hannah, born Jan. 10, 1724, married Benaja Bushnell, and died Aug. 16, 1772; (5) Lucia, born July 6, 1726, married Elijah Backus, and died Dec. 16, 1795; (6) Sarah, born Dec. 2, 1728, mar- ried Judge Wm. Hillhouse, and died March 10, 1777; (7) Clarissa, born May 30, 1731, died young; (8) Clarissa (2), born Feb. 9, 1733, married Nathan Elliott, and died Feb. 11, 18II ; (9) Deborah, born March I, 1735, married Capt. Matthew Jewett, and died May 16, 1811; (10) John, born May 15, 1739, died young; and (II) Lydia, born in June, 1742, married Samuel Lowden, and died some time later than 1770.

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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 148

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