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 171

Author:
Publication date: 1905
Publisher: Chicago : J.H. Beers & Co.
Number of Pages: 1568

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ings in New London, including his beautiful Italian villa, on the corner of Federal and Main streets, which has been the family home ever since. In 1833, in partnership with Coddington Billings and John Brandegee, Mr. Lawrence established the Whaling Bank of New London, which was conduct- ed under the old State law. Mr. Lawrence was the oldest stockholder, and was presiding director until his death. Mr. Billings became the first president, and was succeeded by Peter C. Turner, who held the office until 1863, when it became a National bank, under the national system, and Sebastian D. Lawrence became president, which position he still retains.

The death of Joseph Lawrence occurred April 5, 1872, and in his death New London certainly lost one of its most enterprising and resourceful men. He was a careful, conscientious man. strictly upright in every relation of life, and gained and re- tained in the highest degree the confidence of the entire community. In his banking relations Mr. Lawrence displayed in marked degree his ability and financial acumen. Under his wise and con- servative management, the institution flourished and increased its connections, until today it is one of the best managed and safest concerns in the banking world of that vicinity. Although ever attentive to business affairs, and prosperous to a marked degree. he was never too occupied to lend an attentive ear to the troubles of others, and his death was regarded as a personal loss by his almost numberless friends.

Joseph Lawrence married Nancy Woodward Brown, born June 6, 1785. daughter of Jeremiah, of New London. Mrs. Lawrence passed away Nov. 8, 1873, in New London, only surviving her beloved husband a little more than one year. The family born to Mr. and Mrs. Lawrence, were as follows : (1) Joseph Jeremiah, who married a Miss Pond, of Milford, Conn., and was master of vessels phy- ing from New York to Liverpool, and other English ports, resided in New York, where his death oc- curred several years after his retirement from ac- tive business. Three daughters were born to him- self and wife: Nanine, Sarah and Josephine. ( 2) Francis Watson and (3) Sebastian Duffy are men- tioned below.

The education of Sebastian Duffy Lawrence was acquired in the district schools, with six years train- ing at Bacon Academy, Colchester, Conn. Leaving the latter institution when about twenty vous of age. he immediately entered his father's office, and became actively identified with the whaling and sealing industry. The last whaling voyage con- ducted by his father's finin was made it is's;, by the vessel "Charles Colgate," and the vessel still stands in New London harbor in a deceased condi tion, a monument to what was once the greatest line of business in this and many other localities. This vessel was one of the most successful that ever plied the high seas i quest of whales and scals

Mr. Lawrence has been president of the Na-

11 1

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GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

tional Whaling Bank since 1863, and displays the same firm, cool executive judgment which marked his father's administration of affairs. Like his father he is a Democrat, and he is an attendant of the Episcopal Church, taking a very active part in its work. In 1896, Mr. Lawrence, at a cost of over $20,000, had erected on the Parade, New London, the handsome Soldiers and Sailors monument to the memory of those who participated in the War of 1861-5. The following year he also had erected, at a cost exceeding $3,500, at the junction of Hunting- ton, Broad and State streets, the Firemen's monu- ment to the memory of the firemen of New London.

At the beautiful family residence, Mr. Lawrence now makes his home, surrounded by every com- fort and held in universal esteem as a business man and citizen. Like his father, he is very charitable, many of his benefactions being unknown to the pub- lic, and he seldom waits to inquire into the merit of the case. If any one is in need or sorrow, and he can relieve, that is enough for this broad-gauged, kind-hearted and truly Christian man.

FRANCIS WATSON LAWRENCE. The Globe, of New London, Conn., under date of Monday even- ing, July 29, 1895, printed the following :

"Francis W. Lawrence, one of the best known citizens of New London, a life-long resident here. and one of the wealthiest men in the State, died Sunday forenoon of heart failure, the result of chronic asthma from which he had suffered for thirty years. A few months ago The Globe told of his confinement to his home with the malady that has proved fatal.

"Mr. Lawrence was the second son of Joseph Lawrence. He was born in this city, Nov. 21, 1821, and made his home here ever afterward. As a boy he received his early education in New London, completing it at Yale, where he graduated in 1840, ranking high in his class, and splendidly equipped for a brilliant mercantile career, which brought him success in eminent degree in business in later years. "The Lawrence Brothers, Francis W. and Se- bastian D., succeeded to the whaling and shipping business, founded by their father and the late Sid- ney Miner. It was a prosperous business then, but did not attain the success that came to it when the younger Lawrences put their energy, perseverance and keen judgment into it. They owned and sent out many whaling vessels, and extended their bus- iness until they took a leading place among whaling firms. The brothers were active in the Whaling bank in this city, and carried on its business. Se- bastian Lawrence is today at the head of it, and his administration of its affairs has brought it abun- dant success. Francis W. Lawrence was the man- ager of the real estate of the firm, and a consider- able property he looked after. Lawrence Hall, for years the leading amusement place of the city, the Exchange place, Union Hall block on Golden street, store property on Bank street and residences else- where in the city, were looked after by Francis W.

Lawrence, and he managed them with ability. He was methodical and exact in all his dealings, and insisted that those whom he dealt with should be the same. Quiet and unassuming he never was prominent in public or political affairs. His tastes. were simple and easily satisfied, his enjoyment be- ing in the affairs which concerned him and the in- terests in his charge. He was at his place of busi- ness at the same hour every day, and left the cares of his office when he went away in the afternoon. He never married, but with his brother maintained the handsome residence on the corner of Main and Federal streets, which his father erected forty-two years ago. That was the most enjoyable place in the world for him and there he spent the most of his time.

"Years ago, Mr. Lawrence went abroad and traveled very extensively in Europe. He was a victim of asthma then, and in the south of France was treated for his malady by the best skill that could be employed. The treatment did not prove effectual, and the malady clung to him. A few months ago it had developed so that he gave up business and remained at home. He fought the trouble with the will and energy of a giant, but could not overcome it. He was about the house daily, and even on Saturday was dressed at 6:00 A. M. and remained up until 8:00 o'clock in the evening. His brother Sebastian was his constant attendant, and his ministrations were sought by the afflicted man. Mr. Lawrence gave of his abundant means unostentatiously on many occasions.

"When the barque 'Trinity' was lost on Ker- guelen Island, and the Lawrence Brothers had no vessel to send to the rescue of the crew, they made every offer that could be made for the relief of the men. President Garfield was near death at that time, and succor was delayed until President Arthur assumed office when one of his first official acts was to send a vessel to the relief of the 'Trinity's' crew. "The funeral of Mr. Lawrence will take place tomorrow afternoon at 2:30 o'clock from his late residence. Mr. Lawrence was very wealthy, al- though the extent of his possessions is unknown even approximately to the general public. He is reputed to have been a millionaire. He had for years large investments in railroad securities, and they proved very profitable.

"Mr. Lawrence was born on John street, his parents removing later to their home on the site of the present Lawrence hall. His mother was a Miss Brown who resided in Waterford, that part of the town known as Fengar's Hollow."

WILBUR E. BALDWIN, a successful young merchant of Taftville, Conn., comes from one of the oldest families in Eastern Connecticut.

The first Baldwin to settle in New London county was John Baldwin, of Stonington, who was born in Aston Clinton, Aylesbury, Buckingham- shire, England, in 1635, and was the youngest child!

I. E. Baldwin

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GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

of Sylvester Baldwin. This Sylvester Baldwin sailed from England for America in 1635 in the ship "Martin," and had with him, his wife, Sarah (Bryan) Baldwin, and their six living children, two sons and four daughters. Among these children was John Baldwin, who settled in Stonington. The eldest son, Richard, settled in Milford, Conn., and was the progenitor of a large number of descend- ants.

(I) John Baldwin married, July 24, 1672, Re- becca Palmer, daughter of Walter Palmer, and widow of Elisha Chesebrough, and settled in Ston- ington, where he died in 1683. His four children were: Rebecca, Mary, Sylvester and Theophilus.

(II) Theophilus Baldwin, born in 1683, son of John, married Priscilla Mason, and lived in North Stonington, where he was the first deacon of the church organized in 1727. His children were: John, Priscilla, Theophilus and Sylvester.

(III) John Baldwin, born in 1711, was of North Stonington. He married Eunice Spalding, daugh- ter of Thomas Spalding, of Plainfield, Conn., and died in 1762, the father of five children: Mary, Priscilla, Elizabeth, John and Benjamin.

(IV) Benjamin Baldwin, born in 1755, married Amy Brown, of Preston, and settled in Canterbury, where he was a farmer. In his family of children his eldest son was Benjamin.

(V) Benjamin Baldwin was born Sept. 22, 1787, and was a farmer of Canterbury, Conn. He met his death by accidental drowning on Aug. 12. 1831, while attempting to cross the Quinebaug river in Canterbury, and his body was not recovered for a number of days. He served in the war of 1812, and for many years received a pension in recogni- tion of that service. On January 21, 1810, he was married to Miss Lura Safford, born Nov. 4. 1791. in Canterbury, daughter of Joseph Safford : she sur- vived her husband until 1854. The latter years of her life were spent with a daughter at Packerville. in the town of Canterbury. Their children were: Samuel S., born Sept. 27. 1810, went to sea when a young man and all trace of him was lost. Seth P., born July 3, 1812, married ( first ) Cynthia Reach, (second ) Salinda Farnham, (third) Phebe Martin ; he was a shoemaker, and resided in Coventry. Conn., where he died. George B., born Feb. 28. 1816, married Axan Smith; he was operating a gristmill at Canterbury when the Civil war broke out, after which he enlisted in a volunteer regiment, was taken sick and died in the South. Charles, born April 28, 1817, was drowned in a well when seven years old. Lary, born Nov. 20, 1810, married Caril Spaulding, a farmer, and resided in Brooklyn, Com. Gad B., born April 28, 1821, was twice married. tte was a mason, and resided in Hartford. Jede- dialı, born April 27, 1822, is mentioned Inter. Mar- tha C. and Mary A. (twins) were born Jan. 17. 1824 : Martha C. is the widow of Ebenezer Preston, and resides in Hartford ; and Mary A. married a Mr. Hammill, and died at Packerville. Eliza F.,

born May 19, 1826, became the wife of Henry Ens- worth, and died in Packerville. Charles and Simon (twins), born April 3, 1829, of whom the former married Harriet Scott, and resided in Hartford. where he was engaged in the trucking business : and Simon is a retired mechanic in Springfield. Massachusetts.

(VI) Jedediah Baldwin was born April 27. 1822, in Canterbury, Conn. He was reared to farm work. His. parents being of limited means, and with a large family, Jedediah, when but a child, with his sister Lucy, went to live with Rufus S. Mathewson, a farmer of Brooklyn, Conn., who resided on the Israel Putnam farm. These children remained in that home until the boy was about sixteen years old. when he began for himself. He worked as a farm laborer and lived in Brooklyn until in November. 1845, a few months after his marriage. He then removed to near Blissville, in the town of Lisbon. where for three years he was engaged in sawmilling and farming. Removing then to Norwich Town for two years, he later located on the Bliss place near Occum, then removed to Canterbury, where he resided until 1866, when he bought his present home about three-fourths of a mile south of Occum, where he has since lived. During this time he was for several years day watchman at the Hopkins & Allen pistol factory, at the Falls. Soon after leaving this employ, his health failed, and for more than twenty- five years he has been an invalid. His mental facul-

ties are unimpaired, his memory being umisually good, and he is gifted with a second sight, being able to read fine print without glasses. During his active life he performed a great deal of hard work. Politically he is a Democrat in sympathy, but does not take any interest in politics. Mr. Baldwin is an interesting old gentleman, whose store of informa- tion is large, and whose retentive memory enables him to recall incidents of his boshood with care. With opportunities for an education in his youth, he would have filled important positions in life.

On March 16, 1845. in Lisbon, Conn., Jede lialı Baldwin was married to Miss Deborah Morgan Kil- lam Preston, born July 6, 1822, in Lisbon, daughter ci Elisha and Mary ( Hatch) Preston, she die I m January, 1802. Children as follows were born to them : ( 1) Helen Deborah, born June 2. 1817, mar- ried Joseph O. Lathrop, and died in M.n. 103. 11 Norwich, leaving two daughters, Hattie, now the wife of Harry D. Reynolds, of New London ; and Eva, now Mrs. Sydney Dolbeare, of Gardner's Lake (2) Elisha Preston, born Oct. 22. 1850, 5 0 tioned below. (3) Or Elizabeth died Sept. 22. 1855, aged 17 months. 60 Mary Emma, born Mav 24. 1858, is now Mrs Frank P' Rav. of Ocean, anl has one child. Arthur Frank. 15) Charles Jedediah. born May 1. 1803. is a carpenter at Norwich he married Marian Harrington, and has one child. Charles Leslie.

(VII) Elisha P. Baldwin, father of Wilbur F. Baldwin, was born Oct. 22, 1850, m Norwich Ile

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GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

attended the district schools of his time, and when about sixteen years old began life for himself. The greater portion of his life since then has been spent in mechanical pursuits. For more than thirty years he was in the employ of what later became the Hopkins & Allen Company, either as a workman, or as a contractor. Soon after the destruction of the Hopkins & Allen Company plant by fire Mr. Bald- win entered the employ of The W. H. Davenport Fire Arms Company, where he now occupies a position of responsibility. His long experience in that particular line of manufacturing has caused him to become exceedingly well known, and re- garded as a most competent man.

Mr. Baldwin has been twice married. His first wife was Miss Ella Kable. In March, 1877, he married Miss Emma Ray, daughter of Henry C. and Phoebe (Palmer) Ray. Three children were born to this union: Wilbur E .; Lila Mary, who graduated from the Norwich Free Academy, class of 1900, and is now a successful teacher ; Alice Ella, who graduated from the Norwich Free Acad- emy, class of 1901, and is also a successful teacher. In political matters Mr. Baldwin is not bound by party ties, his political support being influenced by men and principles. He has never sought, nor cared for, political honors. He is a member of the Methodist Church, in which he has served as trus- tee. Mr. Baldwin has been a modest unostentatious man, filling in every way the post of an excellent citizen and meriting the highest respect. His family are a credit to any parentage, and have always en- joyed a high social position. Aside from a few years, the entire life of Mr. Baldwin has been passed in Norwich, where he is well known and highly respected.

Wilbur E. Baldwin was born March 5, 1878, in Norwich, and received his schooling in the district schools of his native town. When about fourteen years old he took up mechanical pursuits, and for several years thereafter was employed in the Hop- kins & Allen factory, where his father was a con- tractor. Leaving this work to begin a mercantile career, on Sept. 6, 1897, he entered the store of Samuel Prentice at Taftville, as a clerk. Mr. Bald- win continued there in that capacity until April I, 1902, when he purchased his employer's business and the property wherein it was conducted, and has since carried on the business himself. By close atten- tion to business and his natural fitness for such work, Mr. Baldwin has taken a foremost position among the thrifty and aggressive young business men. Thoroughly up-to-date and progressive his business is so conducted. The property has been greatly improved since coming into his possession.

On Dec. 25, 1901, Mr. Baldwin was married to Miss Susan Mary Allyn, of Ledyard, Conn., born Jan. 6, 1877, daughter of Hon. Israel and Mary Ann (Williams) Allyn. The family from which Mrs. Baldwin comes is an old and prominent one in New

London county, and one of the first founders of Ledyard.

Politically Mr. Baldwin is a Republican, but cares nothing for political honors, his interest being that of a public spirited and law abiding citizen. He is a member of the Norwich Board of Trade, and with his wife belongs to Trinity Methodist Episco- pal Church. Mr. and Mrs. Baldwin occupy a high social position.

DANIEL SIMMS GUILE, who passed away June 18, 1896, in his native town, Preston, New London county, after a useful career as a business man, was one of the substantial and successful citi- zens of that town.

The Guile family is one of the oldest and best known in New England. The name has been vari- ously spelled Guild, Guile and Gile, and those bear- ing it are descended from John Guild, who was. born about 1616, and is supposed to have been a native of England. In 1636 he came to New Eng- land with his brother Samuel and sister Ann. On July 17, 1640, he was admitted to the church at Dedham, Mass., and on May 10, 1643, was made a freeman. He owned land in Dedham, Wrentham, Medfield and Natick. His death occurred Oct. 4, 1682. On June 24, 1645, he married Elizabeth Crooke, of Roxbury, who died Aug. 31, 1669. Their children were: John (who died young), Samuel, John (2), Elizur (who died young), Ebenezer (who died young), Elizabeth, and Benjamin (who is sup- posed to have died young). Their descendants, now numerous, are scattered all over the United States.

Harry Guile, the father of Daniel S., was born June 24, 1804, in Preston, New London Co., Conn., and was a descendant of Nathan Guile, who was born Aug. II, 1750, in Preston, and on April 9, 1784, married Eunice Ladd, of Norwich. Nathan Guile was the son of John and Lydia (Geer) Guile. Harry Guile died Feb. 14, 1880, in Preston, near the Griswold town line, on the old Guile homestead, and is buried in a private burying-ground near by. He was a farmer, and also ran a sawmill and engaged extensively in the lumber business, and was a suc- cessful man in every line. He was a member of what is now the Bethel Methodist Church, located near his home, and a regular attendant upon the services of that church. In political belief he was a stanch Democrat, and though not an office seeker he served his town as justice of the peace for several vears. He was energetic and public-spirited in all that pertained to the welfare of the locality, as well as attentive to his own affairs, and was a busy man all his life. In 1825 Mr. Guile married Eleanor Lewis, who when eighteen years old came to Pres- ton from Rhode Island with her parents, Jesse and Mary (Sheldon) Lewis, the latter a daughter of William Sheldon. To Harry and Eleanor (Lewis) Guile were born the folowing named children:

Daniel of. Que'le

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GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

(1) Phebe Ann died when three years old. (2) Henry A. died when about three years old. (3) William S., who was a wheelwright and carpenter by trade, died in Preston. He married Mary Ann Eldred, of New York State. (4) Daniel Simms is mentioned below. (5) Mary E. married James H. Fitch, of Ledyard, now a farmer and merchant in the city of Preston, where they reside. (6) Alfred C. was engaged in farming near Gardner Lake, Montville, New London county. He died in the Norwich hospital. He was twice married, first to Sarah Larkham, of Voluntown, and second to Abby M. Stearns, of New York State. (7) Harriet E. died when sixteen years of age. (8) Ezra L. was a farmer and also conducted a sawmill in Volun- town, where he died. He married Happy Kinne, of Voluntown. (9) Emma A., died in infancy. (10) Ada B. married Ira Kinne, of Voluntown, who is now deceased, and she still makes her home there. (II) Emma J. married Albert H. Button, of Pres- ton, and died in Griswold.

Daniel Simms Guile was born in Preston in 1832, and received his education in what was known as the "Brown school," in that town, then taught by Hibbard Brown. Leaving school when quite young, he took up work in earnest on the home farm, where he remained until he reached manhood, at which time his father purchased for him the farm where he afterward lived, and which his widow has carried on since his death. This place, which comprises about 200 acres, was formerly known as the John A. Williams farm, and Mr. Guile engaged in gen- eral farming and stock dealing there to the end of. his days. He was also extensively interested in the lumber business, running a sawmill on Broad brook, in Preston, near his home, and another, a large mill. on "Stone Hill," in the town of Griswold. His mills were always kept busy, turning out various manufactured articles, such as buckets, etc., as well as heavy ship timber, and he was successful in this branch of his business as in every other, employing a number of men and several teams. His business affairs received his first. attention, and he was ener- getic, careful and conservative in everything that pertained thereto, being shrewd and wide-awake in snch matters to the close of his life. Mr. Gnile was of medium height, rather portly, weighing about 200 poitids, had a genial disposition, and was a pleasant man to meet and an enjoyable companion. He had many traits which made him well liked by those with whom he came in contact, whether in bitsiness or private life, and he was thoroughly re- spected for his industry and his useful hfc. In fact, his death was caused by rheumatism brought on by exposure in all kinds of weather.

Mr. Guile was a strong Democrat in politics, and took quite an active part in local affairs, being one of the leaders in this section of the State. He held many minor town offices, inchiling several years service on the school district committee, and repre- sented his town in the State Assembly. His relig-

ious connection was with the Preston City Baptist Church, and he was always liberal in his support of that congregation and religious enterprises in gen- eral.

Mr. Guile was married, Oct. 13, 1856, to Lydia Ann Crumb, daughter of Nathan and Phebe ( Rich- ardson) Crumb, of Norwich, both now deceased, and two sons blessed this union, both born in Pres- ton: (1) Frank Edgar married Ida Pierce. of Griswold, where he is engaged in farming. and they have had four children-George Daniel, who died young ; Col. Daniel S., principal of the Glasgo school of Griswold, who married Annie Barnes, of Ston- ington, and has two children, Henry and Olive; Princess Carrie Alice, who is now attending the Willimantic State Normal School: and Flora Vic- toria, who died in infancy. (2) Henry Daniel, who has his home in Providence, R. I., is a traveling salesman. He married Hannah Bacon, of Provi- dence, and they have three children, Sarah. Allen Gay and Clara.

JEHIEL LATHROP JOHNSON, one of the well known and most highly respected citizens of Bozrah, comes from a very old family of New Lon- don county, a genealogical record of which is given elsewhere.

Col. Jchiel Johnson, his father, was born March 19. 1802, in the old homestead that has since burned down, and received a good district schooling. He was brought up to farm work, but when a young man taught school in his native district, at Goshen Hill, in Lebanon, and Plain Hill, in Norwich. From the age of nine years he made his home with his un- cle and namesake. Jehiel Johnson, who was child- less, and who resided on the farm now occupied by Charles A. Johnson. Jehiel Johnson resided with his uncle and looked to the care of him and his wife as long as they lived, at their death coming into ownership of the farm, where he resided until his death, which occurred July 20, 1801. About ten years before he was thrown from a load of hay, and so injured his neck that he never recovered, this ac- cident ultimately causing his death. He was an ex- tensive farmer, his farm consisting of over three hundred acres, and he raised considerable live stock. He was well-to-do at the time of his death. Jemiel Johnson was a Whig. later a Republican, and he held many of the town offices, and was much in- terested in the welfare and progress of the town. For several years he was colonel of the oil company of Horse Artillery, whose members were residents of Bozrah and vicinity. He was an attendant and liberal supporter of the Borral Congregational Church, and held offices in the Society,

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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 171

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