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 158

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 158

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Col. Devotion was an ardent Republican after t organization of that party, and was identified wi most of the political movements of his time. 1843 he occupied a place on the staff of the late Go Cleveland. He was town clerk from 1855 to 18( He also held many offices of private trust for wh he was eminently fitted. His greatest prominer in the State, however, was his identity with frater and secret orders. He was connected with all . Masonic organizations of Norwich, and at the ti of his death he was Deputy Grand Master of Grand Lodge of Connecticut. He was also an offi

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GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

of Connecticut Sovereign Consistory and other Scot- tish Rite bodies, M. H. P. of Franklin Chapter, No. 4, Master of St. James Lodge, and at one time Mas- ter of Somerset Lodge. He was one of the founders of Odd Fellowship in Norwich, being a charter member of Uncas Lodge, and was also a member of the committee having the erection of the Uncas Hall building in charge.

Col. Devotion was a man of perfect integrity, and his character too was above reproach. He was a member of Christ Episcopal Church, and its treas- urer until his death. "In his social relations he was warm-hearted and sympathetic, qualities which, united with his bright genial manner, won him many friends. A man of rather retiring disposition, the best phases of his character were recognized only by those who knew him best, though he had the esteem and respect of all with whom he came in con- tact. A man of thorough principle and liberal views, and unobtrusively the advocate of all progressive movements; his loss was sadly felt in that class to whom Norwich owes so much, and on whose success her future prospect greatly depends."

Appropriate resolutions on the death of Col. Devotion were passed by the institutions and socie- ties with which he had been connected, some of which follow.

At a meeting of the directors of the Shetucket Bank held at their banking house on Feb. 9, 1875. the following resolutions were unanimously adopted :

WHEREAS, In the providence of God, John L. Devotion. our associate director and for a period of twenty years the ashier of this bank, has been removed by death, therefore,

Resolved, That we deeply realize the loss which the nstitution has sustained in the removal of so important n officer, one who has always been faithful to trusts com- nitted to his hands, and in the discharge of these trusts ver courteous and obliging.

Resolved, That while we deeply sympathize with his amily in this sad bereavement we are made to feel that his high-toned integrity, unblemished Christian char- cter and ever present courtesy he has left them the in eritance of pleasant memories and of an honored nante.

Resolved, That these resolutions be placed upon the cords of the bank, and that a copy of the same be pre 'nted to the family of the deecased.

At a meeting of the directors of the New London ounty Insurance Company held on Feb. 9. 1875. te following resolutions were unanimously adopted :

WHEREAS, John 1 .. Devotion, a director, secretary and casurer of the company, has been called by "Ilmm who oth all things well into His perfect rest." and

WHEREAS, By this dispensation his associates ure led to monen the loss of a faithful colleague and an mest and upright officer and Christian gentleman, there- rc.

Resolved, That we, his associates in the management of : New London County Mutual Fire Insurance Company, ider our warm sympathies to his aftheted family in their cat bereavement.

Resolved. That this action of the board be commun- ted to the family of the deceased, and placed on the ords of the company.

Resolved. That as a mark of respect we will attend . funeral of our late associate

Attest. E F PARKER, President

At a special meeting of the Court of Common Council of the City of Norwich, held Feb. 9, 1875 .- Present : His Honor James Lloyd Greene, Mayor, presiding, Aldermen Gilbert and Carew, Council- men Brown, Brewer and Hooker. His honor said : I have called you together to take proper action on the occasion of the death of another honored and re- spected citizen-one who has long been known to us all. I refer to the late John L. Devotion, and would offer the following preamble and resolutions :

WHEREAS, It has pleased Almighty God in His all- wise providence to remove from among us by death Col. John L. Devotion, who for many years was an able and efficient member of the board, therefore

Resolved, That we have heard with deep regret of the death of Col. John L. Devotion, who for several years was connected with the board as clerk, and who for his energy, fidelity and strict integrity commanded our high respect and esteem.

Resolved, That we tender our sincere sympathies to those who are near and dear to him in all the relations of family and home, and as a mark of respect for the de- ceased that the members of the city government attend the funeral in a body and that the council chamber be draped in mourning.

Resolved, That these resolutions be entered at length upon the eity records, and that an engrossed copy, signed by the mayor and city clerk, be forwarded to the family of the deceased.

On motion of Alderman Carew the resolutions were adopted and the council adjourned.

At a meeting of the board of directors of the Chelsea Savings Bank, Feb. 9. 1875, the following resolutions were offered and adopted :

Resolved, That we received with deep sensibility and sorrow intelligence of the death of John L. Devotion, the late trustee of this institution, and for many years a valved member of the board, and we sincerely deplore the boss which we have sustained by that efective event

Resolved, That we tender to the widow and family of the deceased our sympathy and condolence and will join as a body in the ceremonies of the funeral.

Resolved, That a copy of these resolutions certified by the secretary be transmitted to the widow and family of the deceased.

At a regular convocation of Frankim Chipica. No. 4. R. A. M., Itell in the Masonic Hall, the fel lowing preamble and resolutions were ummin wish adopted :

WHEREAS, It has pleased Almighty Good, the Supreme Hight Priest of the Universe, In these In degli aff dearly beloved brother and companion, John I Dev tom. Past High Priest of Frankhn Chapter, and

WHEREAS, We desire to extend our heartlet par thies to Ins aftheted family, and to place on record en expression of our deep and lasting seiriw .t coir less, though it be his great gam, therefore,

Resolved, That m the death of our esteemail con pamon we feel that this chapter has sumaluci an habe irreparable lost His counsel and advice so kindly given when required have always been productive of good This. added to his excellent character, has made hun an nivel- uable and most nåctul member of our fraternity

Resplied That these resolutions be spread upon the records of the Chapter, and a copy be presented in the family of our deressed companion

On May 4. 1854. Col. Devotion was married. m New York, to Mrs. Adalme If ( kannes) White.

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GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

widow of William White, and daughter of George and Eliza Gibbs (Cahoone) Kinney, of New York. Three children blessed this union : Sarah G., Harriet M. and Elizabeth K., all of whom make their home in New York with their mother. Mrs. Devotion had a daughter by her first marriage, Eliza J., who is now the wife of Frederic L. Osgood, of Norwich.

CHARLES THOMAS HAZEN, a venerable citizen residing on Portipaug Hill, in the town of Sprague, is the owner of a property which has been in his family for several generations.

(I) Edward Hazen, the American ancestor of the family, who is first of record at Rowley, Mass., as early as 1649, the time of the burial of his wife Elizabeth, came from Northampton, England. His second marriage was with Hannah Grant, in 1650, and she was the daughter of Thomas and Hannah Grant. Being a man of substance and influence in the town, he was many times selectman and held other offices.

(II) Thomas Hazen, born Feb. 29, 1657-58, married Jan. 1, 1682-83, Mary, daughter of Thomas Howlet, and was of Rowley and Boxford, Mass., and Norwich (now Franklin), Conn., where he died April 12, 1735. He was a churchman in Topsfield, Boxford and Franklin.

(III) Thomas Hazen (2) was baptized May 4. 1690, in Topsfield, married ( first) Sept. 30, 1714, Sarah Ayer, of Norwich, who died Sept. 16, 1753, and (second) Mrs. Elizabeth Bacon. He died in 1776-77.

(IV) Moses Hazen, born Dec. 1, 1731, was mar- ried (first) Nov. 13, 1755, to Elizabeth Merrill, of Norwich. His second wife was Joanna Sampson, whom he married Jan. 9, 1783. Moses Hazen was a farmer and resided on the farm owned and occupied by Charles T. Hazen. His death occurred July II, 1812. His children were all by the first wife and as follows: Andrew, a farmer, who moved to Geauga county, Ohio, and there died ; Levi ; William ; Sim- eon ; and Sarah, who married Erastus Ladd, and died in Sprague.

(V) Simeon Hazen was born June 10, 1769, on the farm above mentioned, and lived under two governments and three towns, Norwich, Franklin and Sprague, owing to divisions being made of the territory which included his farm. He spent his entire life on this farm, and passed away July 22, 1864. Through his industry, ability and good man- agement he died a wealthy man. In politics he was a strong Democrat, and held the office of selectman and other minor offices. His remains were interred in the Portipaug cemetery. Mr. Hazen was twice married, (first) on Dec. 16, 1790, to Nabby Samp- son, and (second), Feb. 28, 1810, to Temperance Sabin, of New Hampshire, who died Oct. 10, 1847. The children by the first marriage were as follows : John, a farmer, married Hannah Ladd, and lived in Franklin; Polly married Darius Armstrong, and for a time resided in Franklin, but later removed to

New York, and from there to Chardon, Geauga Co., Ohio, where she died; Lora married Jeremiah K. Dowe and resided in Franklin, but later removed to Loudonville, Ohio; Prosper married Hannah Stanton, and died in Franklin; Lois married Calvin Ladd, and died in Sprague. The children by the second marriage were: Caroline married William H. Hazen and moved to Munson, Ohio; William married Laura Ladd, and died in Franklin; Eli Hartshorn was a farmer, married Ruth K. Ladd, and died in Sprague ; Charles T. is mentioned below ; Abby E. died unmarried.

Charles Thomas Hazen was born July 13, 1818, in the old red house still standing on his farm. He attended the district school a few months each year until he was seventeen, his summers being devoted to farm work. When he was nineteen years old he began to teach school in his native district, where he taught one term, and then went to Geauga county, Ohio, and taught one term there, after which he returned to Connecticut and taught at Norwich Town, and later in Groton, and still later in Scot- land. His last school was in his native district, and his work as a teacher covered six terms.

His marriage followed, and he settled upon a rented farm in the town of Franklin (now owned by D. W. Grant ) and there remained for seven years. He then returned to the home farm and managed it for his father, coming into full possession after the latter's death, since when he has conducted the farm very successfully, making many improve- ments. He erected his present home in 1866-67. Mr. Hazen has a farm of 140 acres, but for the past several years has given up all active work. He is a keen, active man, and having been tem- perate throughout life is well preserved. In poli- tice he is a Democrat, and he has held nearly all the offices within the gift of his fellow townsmen, having served as selectman several years, as asses- sor, and for over twenty-five years as a justice of the peace, until age exempted him from further service. In 1860 he represented the town in the Legislature, and served on the committee on Agri- culture.

On Jan. 9, 1842, Mr. Hazen was married in Franklin to Mary Armstrong, a native of Franklin, daughter of Ambrose and Elizabeth (Armstrong) Armstrong. Mrs. Hazen was born Jan. 29, 1817, and died Jan. 24, 1903. Their married life covered a period of sixty-one years. The children born to them were: Mary Elizabeth married Daniel G. Tucker and lives in Columbia, Conn. Phœbe E married Adelbert R. Young and lives in Jewet City (her children are Mabel and Irene). Jame: Hyde, who resides in Syracuse, N. Y., married first Emma Barlow, and second Ina -- , and has two children, Mary (who married Joseph Wel lington, of New Haven, Conn., and has one sor Joseph Hazen), and Edna (who married LeRo Moulthrop, lives in Shelton, Conn., and has on son).

Charles I. Hagen

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GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

BILLINGS P. LEARNED. The New London and Norwich branch of the Learned family springs from the old Killingly, Conn., branch, and it from the ancient Massachusetts family which dates back to only a little later than the coming of the Pilgrim Fathers. With about 1712 began the history of the branch under consideration in Connecticut, from which time to the present, the Learned name has been a conspicuous one in the State. The family has held high social position and public trusts of honor and dignity. Yale has been largely repre- sented through many generations since the gradua- tion of Hon. Amasa Learned in 1772, who was hon- ored by a seat in the United States Congress. It has given to the legal profession a number of men of iearning and talent, and it has as well been repre- sented in the ministry and in mercantile life.

It is the purpose here to treat and only briefly, of the family and lineage of the late Billings Peck Learned, which is represented in New London by he present Billings P. Learned. From the immi- grant ancestor to the present the generations follow en detail, each generation being designated by a Roman character :

(1) William Learned appears an inhabitant of Charlestown in 1630. He was admitted a freeman May 14, 1634. His name and that of his wife Goodeth, are the first two on the list of members of he present First Church of Charlestown, to which hey were admitted "1632, 10 mo., day 6." Mr. carned was highly esteemed for his intelligence nd virtue, as is evidenced in his appointment with thers of the church to "consider some things tend- ig towards a body of laws." He was a subscriber ) the town orders from Woburn, drawn up at Charlestown, Dec. 16, 1649; was one of the seven riginal members of the Church in Woburn, which athered Ang. 14, 1642-43; was one of the first oard of selectmen, chosen in 1644, and was re- ected the following year. He was also elected con- able from 1644 to 1645. He died in Woburn, larch 1, 1645-46, leaving a widow. His children ere : Sarah, born about 1668; Bethia, baptized Oct. ), 1612: Mary, baptized Sept. 15. 1615: Abigail. iptized Sept. 30. 1618; Elizabeth, baptized March 5. 1621 ; and Isaac, baptized Feb. 25. 1623-24.

(11) Isaac Learned, baptized Feb. 25, 1623, itt ermondsey Parish, County Surrey, England, prob- oly came to New England when about seven or ght years old, and when abont seventeen or cigh- i went with his father to Woburn. He married Woburn, July 9, 1646, Mary, daughter of Isaac carnes, of Watertown. She was a native of Eng- tdl, baptized Jan. 20, 1626, in the Parish of Way- 1. Suffolk. Mr. Learned removed to Chelmsford. obably in 1652, and there died Nov. 27. 1057. He is chosen selectman of Chelmsford in 165.1. ser- ant of the train band in 1656, and served on com- ttees, etc. Hlis widow. Mary, was married in 62, to John Burg. Isaac Learned's children, the st three born at Woburn and the others at Chelins

ford, were : Mary, born Aug. 7, 1647 ; Hannah, born Aug. 24, 1649: William, born Oct. 1. 1650: Sarah, born Oct. 18, 1653; Isaac, born Sept. 16, 1655 : and Benoni, born Nov. 29, 1657.

(III) Isaac Learned (2). born Sept. 16, 1655, married July 23, 1679. Sarah Bigelow, who was born Sept. 29, 1659, daughter of John and Sarah ( Warner) Bigelow, of Watertown. He settled in Framingham, near Learned's Pond, which was so named for him. As a soldier he took part in the Narragansett fight, serving in Capt. Davenport's company, and was wounded. His children were : Isaac, born May 10, 1680: Sarah, born March 16, 1682: Abigail, born March 11, 1684: Mary, born April 12, 1686: William, born Feb. 12, 1688; Eben- ezer, born Aug. 31, 1690 : Samuel, born Oct. 4. 162; Hannah, born Sept. 16, 1694: Elizabeth, born July 27, 1696; Moses, born April 29, 1699; and Martha, born May 21, 1702.

(IV) William Learned, born Feb. 12. 1688. married Nov. 24, 1715. Hannah Bryant, born in 1606-7. daughter of Simon and Hannah Bryant, of Killingly, Conn. ( formerly of Braintree, Mass. ). Mr. Learned had removed from Framingham to Killingly, purchasing land in what is now Putnam, in 1712. Later he removed to Sutton, and there was one of the original members of the church in 1720. He later ( 1721) bought land in Killingly, and probably removed there soon after. He was ad- mitted to the church in Thompson. Conn., in 1731 ( Thompson Parish had formerly been the North So ciety of Killinghy ). He was chosen deacon in 1742; was surveyor of highways in 1720: selectman from 1740 to 1744 : and town treasurer from 1742 10 1740. He died June 11. 1747. His widow Hannah, mar ried. Oct. 17. 1755. Joseph Lovens. Mr. Learneds children were : Hannah : Samnel, born Dec. 28. 1718 ; Simon, born Feb. 10. 1721 : Ebenezer, born March 11, 1723: William, born April 15. 1725 : Abijah. born April 20, 1729: James, born Dec. 24. 1733 : 2011 Asa, born March 20. 1730.

(V) Ebenezer Learned, born March 11. 1723. married Dec. 28. 1749. Keziah Leavens, who was born March 8. 1730. daughter of Justice Joseph Leaveus, of Killingly, Count, one of the first settlers of the town. Mr. Learned was for many years a deacon in the church at North Killingly. He was selectman in 1700. He died Dec. 6. 1770. Mr. Learned was one of the original proprietors of the Connectiont Susquehanna Company, and took part in organizing it. His children were Aması, born Nov. 15. 1750; Noah, born Oct 20, 17521 Joseph. born Ang. 28, 1754. Ebenezer, born Ang 12. 1250. Theophilus, born July 1. 1258, Asa. bom Mav 30. 1700: Judith, bon Apr 30. 1702. Chloe, bon Je 14. 1704; Keziah, born March 8. 1767. Erastus. born Sept. 20, 1700, and Sarah, born feb. 25. 1;72 (\ 1) Hon. Amassa Learned, born Nov. 15. 1750. married. April 1. 1223. Grace Hallam, of New Lou don. Com, who was Ie mi Det. 11, 1754. daughter of Nicholas and Ehzale th ilatuner) Hallam_ M1

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GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

Learned was graduated from Yale College in 1772, and soon after went to New London as a teacher in the Union school. He studied theology with Rev. Mr. Atkins, at Killingly, and was licensed to preach by the Windham County Association, Oct. 12, 1773. He preached, it is said, for some time at Newport, R. I., but resided in Killingly until 1780, and then moved to New London, and settled there. It does not appear that he was ever ordained as a clergy- man, or that he continued long in the ministry. His wife's family were influential merchants of New London, and he became somewhat prominent in political affairs. In 1788 he was a member of the convention which ratified the Constitution of the United States, and voted for it. He was in the United States Congress from 1791 to 1795, and was also an "assistant" of the State. He was a member of the Council. While in Congress, he became en- gaged in some land speculations, which resulted dis- astrously, and this seems to have changed the cur- rent of his life, and from about 1798, he gave up all active business pursuits. Mr. Learned was a man of courteous manners, general information and re- markable acquisitiveness as to all the topics of in- terest of his day. He died of pleurisy, May 4, 1825. His wife died Nov. 20, 1789, and their children, the first four born in Killingly, and the others in New London, were as follows: Elizabeth, born Jan. 31, 1774; Frances, born Jan. 20, 1776; Grace H., born Feb. 21, 1778; Ebenezer, born March 27, 1780; Nicholas H., born March 10, 1763; Ann, born June 16, 1784; and Edward, born April 2, 1786.

(VII) Ebenezer Learned, born March 27, 1780, married (first) Oct. 10, 1808, Charlotte Peck, daughter of Bela and Betsy ( Billings) Peck, of Nor- wich. She died March 8, 1819, and he married (second) March 28, 1820, Lydia Coit, who was born Dec. 12, 1787, daughter of Joshua and Ann Boradill (Hallam) Coit, of New London, Conn. She died March 19, 1877, and he died Sept. 1I, 1858. Mr. Learned entered Yale at fourteen, but was unable to finish his course on account of his father's misfor- tune. He, however, received his diploma with his class in 1798. He taught in the Union school in 1799; studied law and settled first at Groton, Conn. After practicing his profession for twenty years or more, he took the position of cashier of the Union Bank of New London, and continued in that office for several years, and then retired from active bus- iness. For one or two years he held the office of bank commissioner, but declined all other public offices. A man of the purest and most estimable character ; the friend and adviser of all who were in trouble; of perfect integrity and admirable good sense, for many years he was deacon of the First Congregational Church of New London, and was always ready to aid in any benevolent work. He was a man of six feet in height, and of correspond- ing proportions. He inherited his father's swarthy complexion, with a countenance rather severe at first appearance, but one which warmed with quiet

humor and tender feeling. His children were: Betsey Peck, born Nov. 25, 1809; Ebenez -- born Nov. 3, 18II ; Billings Peck, born June 2 313; Charlotte, born Oct. 11, 1815; and Willia born July 24, 1821.

(VIII) Billings Peck Learned, born 1813, in Norwich, Conn., married Nov. Mary Ann Noyes, of Lyme, Conn., dau, er of William and Hannah (Townsend) Noyes. Mr. Learned entered Yale college in 1829, and left towards the close of the Freshman year, but re- turned a year later to join the next class, and was graduated in 1834. He studied law with Judge Henry Marvin Waite (Yale, class 1809) of Lyme, and with Judge William L. Storrs (Yale, class 1814) of Middletown, and was admitted to the Middlesex County Bar. He established himself in the prac- tice of law with good prospects, in Lockport, N. Y., but was soon obliged, in consequence of ill health, to relinquish the profession. For a few years, he was then engaged in a flour business at Troy, and after that, became a farmer at Ballston, N. Y. Thence he removed to Albany, N. Y., and in 1850, engaged in the manufacture of stoves in company with ex- mayor Tacher. After a few years the partnership was dissolved, and when Mr. Learned took an active part in the organization of the Union bank, he was made its president, which position he held until his sudden death, which occurred in Albany, April 16, 1884, in his seventy-first year. His wife died Dec., 30, 1875. Their children were : Mary N., born Aug. 25, 1837, married, April 28, 1859, James C. Cook. of Albany, a lawyer by profession, but subsequently. a bank cashier of that city; Lydia Coit, born Jan 22, 1839, married, April 22, 1863, Hon. Samuel Hand, of Albany, a distinguished lawyer, and after ward judge of that city; Billings Peck, Jr., borr June 12, 1842, mentioned at length below ; Thomas Williams, born Nov. 18, 1850, died Jan. 22, 1853 Le Roy Mowry, born May II, 1854, died Feb. 5 1866; and Harriet Williams, born Oct. 22, 1856.

(IX) Billings Peck Learned, Jr., was born Jun 12, 1842, in Troy, N. Y., and received his education in a private school in Albany, N. Y., which he lef in 1866. Prior to this he had become associated wit the Union Bank of Albany, of which institution h was assistant cashier for several years, or until h was twenty-two years of age. He subsequently wer to New York, and was engaged in the brokerag business at No. II Wall street, under the firm nan of Tower & Learned, which firm later became B. I. Learned, Jr., & Co. In 1870, Mr. Learned purchase a seat in the New York Stock Exchange, which 1 continued to hold until 1884, when he disposed (f the same and retired from business.

While living in New York, Mr. Learned was a active member of the most exclusive clubs of th city, but in 1900, resigned from all of them, inclu ing the Union League Club. He is now and h been for some time a member of New London leading social organizations, including the Tham

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GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

Club. He is actively interested in several of the fin- ancial institutions of New London, and is director of the bank of Commerce, a trustee of the New London Savings Bank, a director of the New Lon- don Street Railway Company, and the Montville Street 1 hilway Company, and is president of the Norwi . Street Railway Company. He is also a trusted. »the Memorial Hospital, and president of the Williams Memorial Institute of New London. He is a member of the Second Congregational Church of New London, and is a member of the Society's committees of that denomination. In po- litical faith he is a Democrat, but is not actively in- terested in political affairs.

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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 158

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