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 176

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 176

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On Jan. 5. 1800. Dr. Thompson married Cath- erine Mumford, who was born Ang. 22. 1777. daughter of John Mumford, of Salem, and died Ang. 20, 1816. They had eight children, of whom are mentioned : (1) John Mumford: (2) Rather- ine, the widow of Stanley G. Foot : (3) Eneroth, the widow of a Mr. Whiting, of Norwich ; (p Mi- bie Mumford, who died single: (5) Mart. the widow of John I. Thompson, of Troy, N. Y .. (6) Elizabeth Woodbridge, who never marine 1: and (7) Ellen Douglas. Of this family Fler Dagen. born Sept. 1. 1813. at Home, was married Jul 19. 1833. to Frederick Lennig. of Philosoden v was born in ist, and the 1 April 20. 1803 Mirs. Lening passed away ten sens prevent. come April 1. 1853. Their daughter. Alar, rot ette. born Okt 18. 185. Was Man | Mas. to Joseph Hoy Celebr who was Jen Seit 1. Then she Joseph Henry, was born In's 1 1

doctor's degree, and the ter the gie tại put ot in

While alwine interested in pil atus he mr rather retning in his disposition, but le goed the

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affection and respect of all who knew him, in any relation of life. He was an invalid for nearly two years before his death, which occurred May 23, 1882, at his home at the corner of Hope and Hemp- stead streets, New London, but he retained his re- markable faculties almost to the very end. He was at the time of his death one of the four oldest citi- zens of New London. A local newspaper spoke thus of him: "Dr. Thompson in many respects was truly a remarkable man. He possessed an extraordinary memory, a memory that gathered in details and held on to them with unerring accuracy. In fact, his memory was a perfect magazine of ancient stores and his supply of reminiscences was really inex- haustible. He possessed keen faculty of observa- tion, nothing escaping his notice and everything coming within the scope of his observation. He was also favored with a fine and discerning sense of the humorous and ludicrous. He never meant that the generous color of sunlight, that relieves the dark clouds which hover more or less darkly over the lives of us all, should be wasted. He always had on hand a comfortable joke and merry repartee, and whoever came into his company went out of it brighter and better. Of his many social and gen- erous qualities we need not speak. In his extreme old age he remained sprightly and cheerful, and sank to his rest without a struggle. He has gone, and so go the old trees and all the other veteran landmarks. Death, as its necessity, and the neces- sities of the onward march of humanity, takes all away and leaves us only the brightness and undy- ing beauty of immortal hope." In his religious be- lief Dr. Thompson was an Episcopalian.

Dr. Thompson married Miss Frances Mehita- ble Miller, the daughter of Ezra W. Miller, of Wa- terford, Conn., and their three children were: Katherine Mumford, Mary Frances and Isaac Wal- ter. The oldest daughter is the widow of Andrew Nelson Hart, of Brooklyn, N. Y., and the mother of: Mary Alice; Georgie Miller, who married a Mr. Webster, and has one daughter, Alice Hart ; Arthur Harold ; and Katherine Thompson. Mrs. Thompson died Jan. 17, 1895.

Isaac W. Thompson during his boyhood at- tended the public schools of New London and then in due time was sent to Colgate College, at Hamil- ton, N. Y. He left college before graduation, how- ever, and went to Brooklyn, N. Y., where he was engaged as a clerk. Returning to New London, he was, in 1878, elected town clerk, a position which he held until his death, which occurred May 24, 1902. His popularity in this capacity was evidenced bv his continued election to the office, while the fact that for many years his political opponents failed to nominate anyone to run against him was convincing proof of his fitness for the position. He had a natural aptitude for the duties of the office and a retentive memory that enabled him to answer accurately many questions that ordinarily would have demanded extended research among the rec-

ords. No office in the State was more satisfactorily conducted.

Mr. Thompson was interested in the fire depart- ment of the city and for over thirty years was affili- ated with Nameaug Engine Company No. 2. He served as foreman and secretary and for a short time as chief engineer, but resigned shortly after he was appointed. When the Combination Club was formed he was one of the interested members. For many years he was connected with Brainer l Lodge, No. 102, F. & A. M., and held membership in Sprague Lodge, No. 9, A. O. U. W. ; New Lon- don Council, Royal Arcanum; the Sons of the American Revolution ; and the Veteran Firemen's Association of New London.

Mr. Thompson was a man of such marked gen- erosity that it was almost a drawback to his own welfare. His hearty ways and cordial greetings made him friends by the score, and the regret at his death was widespread.

MYRON ROBINSON ABELL. The Abell family is one of the oldest and best known in New England and its representatives are ably filling im- portant places in various portions of the country, and earnestly maintaining the high standard raised by sturdy early ancestors. Among these is Myron Robinson Abell, a very highly respected citizen of Exeter Society, Lebanon, New London Co., Conn., a son of Silas Palmer Abell, and a descendant of Caleb Abell.

Caleb Abell, of Norwich, married Margaret Post, who was born in 1653, at Saybrook, daughter of John and Hester (Hyde) Post: John Post was born at Hartford in 1637; his wife was born in England, daughter of William Hyde, of that coun- try, and died at Norwich in 1681.

Caleb Abell, son of Caleb and Margaret (Post) Abell, was born at Norwich in 1677, and on Feb. 20, 1705, married Abigail Sluman, who was born in March, 1680. They had four children, Daniel (born in 1706), Caleb, Jr., Abigail and Mary.

Daniel Abell (I), son of Caleb and Abigail (Sluman) Abell, married Sarah Crane Dec. 21, 1727, and they had nine children: (I) Daniel, Jr., born in 1728, married Lucy Bill. (2) Eliphalet, born in 1730, married Lydia Williams. (3) Jon- athan, born in 1733, married Lydia Bliss. (4) Mary, born in 1736, married Jared Clark. (5) Betsy, born in 1739, married Daniel Clark, Jr. (6) Sarah was born in 1741. (7) Simon was born in 174I. (8) Elijah, born in 1744, married Hannah West. (9) Ezekiel was born in 1747.

Elijah Abell, born in 1744, married Hannah West, and they had five children: Betsy married William C. Hills; Elijah married Lucy Webster ; Julia never married ; Daniel married Jemima Burn- ham ; Silas married Rhoda Webster.

Silas Abell married Rhoda Webster. and had seven children, James Madison, William Edmund, Rhoda. Corrinthia, Betsy Marilla, Julia Ann, Silas

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Spaulding (who died young) and Silas Palmer. Of these, (I) James Madison, born Nov. 15, 1810, married Sarah Congdon Jan. 1, 1837, and had four children : Thomas, born Dec. 12, 1837, at Pom- frct, married Caroline Peckham, of Lebanon, Conn .; James M., Jr., born April 30, 1839, at Pom- fret, married Ellen Brown, of Lebanon, Jan. 16, 1867 ; John Webster, born May 24, 1842, at Pom- fret, married Elisabeth Loomis, of Lebanon, Oct. 4, 1870; Charles Judson, born Sept. 25. 1848, at Lebanon, married Lucy W. Robinson. (2) William Edmund, born at Lebanon in 1812, was married in 1832 to Harriet Spencer, of Mansfield, and had three children : Silas P. ; Adaline L., who married Albert E. Gurley, of Mansfield, had two children. Mary E. and Orville W .. and died June 5, 1876; and John S., who married Mrs. Annie Jones, Sarah Burdict and Daisy Wood. (3) Rhoda C. married Ezekiel Haynes and had two children. Oscar and Edward. All of this family died of consumption. (4) Betsy M., born Nov. 18, 1816, married Francis F. Young, of Pomfret, Feb. 11, 1839, and had one child, Amelia, who became the wife of Luther Al- axander, of Killingly, Nov. 25. 1861, and had four children : for her second husband she married Sam- uel D. Danielson, and she died in 1904. (5) Julia Ann married Oliver Bill and settled in New Haven. Conn. ; they had four children.

Silas Palmer Abell, the youngest of the seven children of Silas and Rhoda ( Webster) Abell, was born in Lebanon Aug. 10, 1822. His father dying when he was but three years of age, and the family being in somewhat limited circumstances, he was put out to work when only nine years of age, re- ceiving for his services his clothes and board, with the understanding that he was to be allowed to at- tend the district school in the winter until he was sixteen years old. When he attained to the age of sixteen the enterprising young fellow made another bargain, which was that he was to remain with his employer until he was twenty-one, and was to re- ceive in addition to his board and clothes $125. As he improved every opportunity, he was able to teach two terms during the winter months before he at- tained his majority, for which bis employer re- ceived ninety dollars. During all these years there was no written agreement between the employer and employce. The young man was faithful to his employer and the latter was as kind as a father to his ward. After he became twenty-one he at- tended a select school for one term, but continued to work for his old friend during the summer and to teach school during the winter until he was married. So strong was the friendship is isting between these two friends that Mr. Abell continued to make his home on the old farm until his death, having acquired it from las guardian. Col. Julius Clark, who passed away in THIS.

Early in life Silas P. Abell was a Democrat ; then he identified himself with the Free Soll parts ; later he was a Republican, and finally become a

Prohibitionist. The first change was effected . on account of his strong views relative to slavery. to which he believed the Democratic party was wedded, and the last for the reason that he held that temperance reform was paramount in import- ance to the welfare of any political party, and he considered no party sound which did not incorpo- rate a Prohibition plank in its platform. Being an independent thinker, he made it a point to vote ac- cording to his own principles, and not in accord- ance with party dictation. He served as assessor : was a member of the board of relief : the board of selectmen ; town agent : notary public ; and justice of the peace, having been appointed first to that office in 1850, by the Legislature. He was a mem- ber of the Legislature in 1860 and 1880. and took an active part in the important measures of both sessions. Mr. Abell wrote a great many wills, more perhaps than any other citizen then residing in that part of the town, and settled as executor or admin- istrator a score or more of estates in his district and those adjoining. In 1869 he was chosen deacon in the Exeter Church, and served until his resis- nation in 1887. He also served as clerk of the church for many years and was a man most highly respected both in church and business life, while as a public official few men were his equal. On April 9. 1897. this life of usefulness was ended after a short illness, and many friends and sorrow- ing relatives were left to mourn their loss.

On March 22. 1846, Mr. Abell married Sophiro- nia Robinson, who was born March 22. 1820. daughter of William and Hannah ( Robbins ) Robin- son. The following children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Silas P. Abell, namely : (0) Julia Amelia, born june 2, 1847. married Leonard A. Horton, and died April 19. 1872, leaving one child. Ida E., who lived to be six weeks old, surviving her mother by two weeks. (2) Caroline Clark, born July 1, 1550. i. the wife of Chauncey A. Brown, and resides in Mil- dletown. They have had children as follows : Julia Amelia, deceased : Annie Strong; and Carrie, who died in infancy. (3) la Sophronia, born Dec. 10. 1854. is the widow of Elisha P. Spaiart. of Glas tonbury, Conn., who died at Glastonbury. in Inh. 1903, and has children, Lonie M., Harry P. and Carrie B. (4) Clifford Robinson and 151 1011 Palmer, twins, were born May 5. 1855. The t- mer passed away May 24. 1801, and the Matter Feb. 9. 1802. (0) Avron Robison was born Nov.

Altron R. Abell was born on his present ing Growing up to manhood, be attended gennem ile district school and spent three times al Bron Accident, Colchester. Having been bought go to work upon the farm, and being the only . 11. 1111- alls he remained at home, and assisted his father, at the latter's request, in managing the property until a few years prin to the latter death, when the son Jack entire change The far ensis el acres of excellent land, which May Abell devotes

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to general farming and dairying, and very prob- ably his excellent success has been attained by his thorough knowledge of all the details of farming, combined with natural thrift, good management and enterprise.

On April 8, 1890, Mr. Abell was married to Carrie B. Symmes, a native of Winchester, Mass., and a daughter of Horatio Symmes. They have had no children.

In politics he is a Republican, but like his fa- ther he cares more for the ability of the man than party issues. From 1894 to 1897 he served the town most acceptably as tax collector. Both he and his most estimable wife are members of Colchester Grange, No. 78, and he served three years as its master, and they are also members of New London County Pomona, No. 6, and of the State Grange; Mr. Abell was overseer of the Pomona for two years, 1890 and 1891. He is also a member of Leb- anon Lodge, No. 23. A. O. U. W. Religiously they are members of the Exeter Congregational Church. The mother of Mr. Abell, who lives with them, is a lady of ability, well preserved for her years, and an honored member of the household.

Mr. Abell is generally recognized as one of the leading men of the town, and is one who has borne an important part in its development and advance- ment. Certainly he is living up to the example set him by his worthy father and keeping un- tarnished the honored name. Industrious, upright in all his dealings, a generous neighbor and stanch friend, naturally he has made himself respected and beloved throughout the community.

ISAAC GALLUP AVERY, one of the well- known and leading citizens of Lebanon, traces his ancestry to some of the earliest settlers of New England.

Christopher Avery, born in England about 1590, and a weaver by trade, appears early in Glou- cester, Mass., where he was selectman in 1646, 1652 and 1654, and held other positions. He re- moved to Boston in 1658. Subsequently he followed his son James to Connecticut, where he purchased, in 1665, in New London, a house and lot. He was made a freeman of the Colony in October, 1669, and he died March 12, 1670. His wife did not ac- company him to America.

Capt. James Avery, the only child of Christo- pher, was born in 1620. He came to America with his father, and for several years lived in Gloucester. In 1650 he was one of the forerunners of the Pequot Plantation (New London, Conn.), and he acquired large tracts of land in what is now Poquonock Bridge, Groton, east of New London. About 1656 he built the home of the Averys at the head of Poquonock Plain. Some additions were made to this house in 1684, and it was occupied for more than two centuries, until destroyed by fire in 1894. On this spot now stands a monument to Captain Avery's memory. In 1676 James Avery was captain

of one of the four companies which protected the frontier, and for twenty-three years was an officer of the town. Twelve times from 1656 to 1680, he was deputy to the General Court ; also assistant judge in the Prerogative Court, and was most prominent in matters relating to the Church. He married (first), Nov. 10, 1643, Joanna Greenslade, born about 1622; she died after 1693, and he married (second) Mrs. Abigail (Ingraham) Chesebrough, widow of Joshua Holmes.

Lieut. James Avery was born Dec. 16, 1646, in Gloucester, and was married, Feb. 18, 1669, to Deborah, daughter of Edward Sterling, or Stallyon. Like his father, Mr. Avery was an important man of affairs. Their names are first in a list of those who were in full communion in the Church of Groton. Mr. Avery was lieutenant in the Colonial forces during the frontier wars. Lieut. Avery and his wife are buried in the West burying ground at Poquonock. He died Aug. 22, 1748, and she died March 27, 1729.

Christopher Avery (2) was born Jan. 23, 1679. On Dec. 19, 1704, he was married (first) to Abigail Park, who died Feb. 12, 1713, and he married (sec- ond) Mrs. Prudence (Payson) Wheeler, and (third) Mrs. Esther (Hammond) Prentice, widow of Samuel Prentice, and daughter of Nathaniel Hammond. Mr. Avery was also married a fourth time.

Rev. Nathan Avery, born March 12, 1712, mar- ried March 21 or 27, 1746, Hannah Stoddard, of Groton ; she died Oct. 19, 1810, and Mr. Avery passed away Sept. 7, 1780. He removed from Gro- ton to Stonington, where he purchased a farm south of, and adjoining, the village of what is now North Stonington. He became a member of the Separa- tist, or strict Congregational, Church, and subse- quently was chosen or ordained pastor thereof, which relation he sustained to the Church until his death.

Isaac Avery was born Aug. 23, 1747, and on June II, 1771, he married Lucy Swain. He died Dec. 30, 1813.

Nathan Avery was born Sept. 2. 1775, and re- sided at Ledyard, Conn., where he was engaged in farming and operating a grist mill, so continuing . until his death, May 25, 1855. On Dec. 16, 1801, he was married to Matilda, daughter of Elisha and Margaret Babcock ; she died Oct. 2, 186I. Their children were: Nathan S., born April 8, 1803, left home at the age of nineteen years, and all trace of him was lost. Elias Babcock, father of our subject, was born March 6, 1805. Phebe, born in 1806, died Feb. 1, 1863. Albert T., born Jan. 6, 1809, taught school when a young man, and later became a suc- cessful book agent in the employ of Henry Bill, of Norwich ; he married Emily Geer, and located near Batavia, N. Y., became a wealthy farmer and died there. Mary Hannah, born April 24. 1811, died July 5, 1816. Ardelia, born March 22, 1813, married Henry Tuttle, a farmer, who located in Medina

Lesac G. Avery

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county, Ohio, and died there. Lucy Jane, born June 2, 1815, died single. James B., born Feb. 21, 1818, taught school, and later was a successful book agent for Henry Bill of Norwich, still later becom- ing a government surveyor in the West, and he died in Denver, Colo., a wealthy real estate dealer : his first wife was Sarah F. Culver. Amos G., born March 3, 1822, read medicine with his uncle, Dr. Christopher Avery, of Windham, and later grad- uated from a Louisville, Ky., medical school ; he served as a physician for a time on the staff of Gen. William O. Howard, during the period of the Civil war, and later was examining surgeon for recruits in the State of New York. He was still later located in Iowa and it is claimed that he was the first physi- cian to make use of chloroform as an anaesthetic in performing an operation. At later periods he lived at Bergen, N. J., and Florida, passing away at an advanced age in the latter State. He married ( first) Caroline A. Johnson, and his second marriage took place at Bergen, New Jersey.

Elias Babcock Avery was born at Ledyard, Conn. He was reared to farm pursuits, and was educated in the common schools. In young man- hood he was employed by Isaac Gallup, Esq., a well known contractor and builder, the grandfather of the present State Treasurer of Connecticut, Henry H. Gallup, of Norwich. While in the employ of Mr. Gallup, he assisted in the erection of the Greene- ville dam, at that time regarded as a fine engineer- ing work. Mr. Avery continued associated with Mr. Gallup until after the death of his wife, who was a daughter of his employer. After his second mar- riage, in 1837. he came to Lebanon, and purchased a farm of 136 acres, where his son, Isaac G., now resides. Here he made extensive improvements, erected new buildings, and in 1847 built the house now standing across the road from the present resi- dence. In the course of time he bought more land. and successfully engaged in farming, continuing his industrious habits as long as he lived. Itis death was premature, caused by accidentally falling while at work in his barn, the end coming a few days later, July 27. 1804. He was interred in a private burial place at Goshen. In early life he wa a Whig, and was later prominently identified with the Republican party, holding the offices of select man, justice of the peace, and others. In business matters his neighbor. were wont to reh inch on luis good judgment, and they admired his characters ties of strict economy and stern honesty.

On Jan. 1. 1835, Mlr. Avery married Mary Ann Gallup, daughter of Isaac Gallup, Esq., of Ledsand. born Dec. 10, 1812; she died Jan. 1. 1850, lening one child, Mary Ann, born Dec. 20, 1835, who, 011 March 24, 1857, married Willkom fiver, then 011 gaged in the manufacture of papier mache at For rington, Com., where he died, and she non residle at Ledyard. For his second wife, This B Avery married Thankful S., daughter of Davidand Nancy (Gallup) Geer, born Mas to, 18th, in Bedsand.

Conn. ; she died Feb. 4, 1885, at the home of our subject in Lebanon. The children of this marriage were as follows: Sarah A., born July 2, 1839. mar- ried John Williams, and died in Lebanon in January, 1874 (a sketch of her son, Charles C. Williams, appears elsewhere ) : Isaac Gallup, born July 4, 1841; Nancie M., born .April 23. 1843. married Everett N. Stark, a farmer at. Fitchville, Conn .. and their children were: Hattie A. ( wife of Will- iam Thatcher, has one child. Florence S .. Fanny L. (married Charles Coles and died in Voluntown, Conn., leaving two children, George S. and Elina J.), and Nelson L .: Eliza S., born July 12, 1845. died June 2, 1868; and Albert A .. born Jan. 20, 1850, died Sept. 9. 1850.

Isaac Gallup Avery was born in the old house that stood opposite the one which he now occupies. He had the best educational advantages afforded by the district schools, and remained under the parental roof until he offered his services on Aug. 21. 1802. in the Civil war. He enlisted in Company H. 21st Conn. V. 1., for three years, under Capt. Ralph C. Foote, and Col. Arthur H. Dutton. Mr. Avery served with the regiment during all their engage- ments, and participated in the battles of Fredericks- burg. Drury's Bluff. Cold Harbor.

New bern. siege of Petersburg, Bermuda Hundred, Capture of Richmond, and the last battle of Fair Oaks, and he was honorably discharged with his regiment.

After this long, exhausting, loyal service, Mr. Avery found himself again on the home fur:o llis father having died during his absence in the army. he decided to make this his permanent bonte, and therefore, bought the interests of the other hears From time to time he has added to the original acreage, and now owns a large and pr dlpeinve property, and in addition works rented lund, his ing under his management about Foo aeres mall. Mr. Avery embraces all branches of farining. In- ning a cider mill, raising stock, growing the big st crops in the town, and employing the west fal. having at times a force of a dozen men at work has arranged so that his black sunth work. wieboys considerable, can all be done on the time, long created a shop and a carrage requir LOTT, 1 10 site of the old Carevailk woolen Guff In All branches of agriculture, no other 119 1 ne de town an compete with him in its

On March 1. 1802. Me. Avete Smile 1 15 Maria Wilhams, both n Lebum Im - 14 funghiter of Capt Jones ( and 11 ( Kingsley ) Willange, op moore 1 -1- 100c children born to this union wells Voor he com

bom March 18, 1800, de Feb 13. 1972 \ E. bom April 1. 1. 1 11955

and Ilove Elal ttwings, kom lah 15, 199. V trol Long them Olet 3%, 15989, and Thewire

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GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

Stark (born Aug. 8, 1902) ; Arthur Dutton, born Feb. 15, 1870, died Jan. 24, 1884: Alice L., born July 23, 1872, is at home ; and Addie N., born Nov. 3, 1874, married March 22, 1892, Frederick S. Arm- strong, a successful and prominent farmer of Frank- lin, and they have three children, Ralph Avery (born March 21, 1896), Frederick Kenneth (born April 24, 1899), and Stanley (born July 20, 1903).

Mr. Avery has long been prominently identified with the Republican party, and has declined many political offices. He served one term as assessor, and consented, in 1891, to nomination and election to the Legislature. During his term of office he was particularly careful of the interests of his own section, but refused to accept the honor again. He is very public spirited, and his attitude is well known on all questions concerning enterprises which promise to be of material benefit to Lebanon and her people. He is charitable and hospitable, and is a citizen of whom Lebanon is very justly proud. He bears a most honorable war record, and is a member of the Francis Long Post, No. 30, G. A. R., of Willimantic, Connecticut.

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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 176

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