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 185

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 185

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to the cause of Christ. After the expiration of the term of his apprenticeship. he rode the New Lon- don circuit in company with Rev. Nathan Avery. Believing he could be more useful in local work than in this itinerant ministry, he commenced busi- ness in Norwich in 1805, as a brass founder and plumber. Beginning his business career without means, but with a resolute spirit and determination to do, he, through honesty of purpose and integ- rity in his business dealings along with energy and industry, despite the expenses of a numerous fam- ily. amassed property and presented a noble in- stance of generosity.

In the carly history of Methodism in New Lon- con county, and in his community, there were few church buildings, and the societies in different lo- calities were accustomed to meet in the homes and in convenient buildings not their own property. . At such times numerous incidental expenses were to be met, and no more generous and willing contribu- tor to these in his community was to be found than David N. Bentley. Chiefly by his generosity the church structure on the old wharf bridge was built. To his liberality and exertions as well as contribu- tions, largely were due the early churches on Sachem and Main streets, and also the Central and Greeneville churches. His name is indelible in- scribed on the pillars of those buildings.

Commencing his labors as a local preacher soon after his conversion, he continued there in that un- remunerative field so long as his health would per- mit. In 1811, and for several years succeeding. he alternated with the traveling ministry at the Land- ing and at Bean Hill, except at such periods as an exchange was effected with other local ministers. At this carly date he also began to preach at the Almshouse. The story of his work is better toll his own language. He wrote :

"It is now more than sixty-two years since I received my first license to preach, although the world called my labors 'preaching' two or three years before. During all these many vairs I have never pocketed a dollar beyond in expenses et traveling to and from my appointments Mere than half of that time I kept a team of myown It mas truly be said I have been the poor man's till ister. For more than sixty three sets I have hell meetings at the almshouse m this city reguonly once in three weeks, and when sick of absent I have sup- plied a substitute. During that length it tire 1 have attended 203 innerals at the almshouse

"I began the world with nothing but his hands I have literally labored seven days in the week to fifty years Quite a number of times, when I have been at work casting brass, a messenger link del for me to go and attend a funeral three of Miles off, Such calls, or something not Showerthen ais simular. I have answered m all the towns vi with'n twenty miles of mis residence but see weeping penitent maturing what they fall do to be saved, and hear them shunt the praise of a

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sin-forgiving God, I thing I shall feel like exclaim- ing with Simeon, 'Now lettest Thou Thy servant depart in peace, for mine eyes have seen Thy sal- vation.' "

On Aug. II, 1805 Rev. Mr. Bentley was mar- tried to Miss Letitia Gardner, daughter of David Gardner, of Bozrah, Conn., who bore him eleven children, and died Nov. 1, 1853, in Norwich. She was an earnest Christian, an affectionate mother, a devoted wife and an obliging friend. He married (second) Mrs. Betsey Callyhan, widow of William of Norwich. She died Feb. 26, 1874.

ANDREW JACKSON BENTLEY, son of Rev. David N. Bentley, was born in Norwich Jan. 10, 1827, and for many years was one of the most prominent business men in New London county. He received his education at his birthplace, but was obliged to leave school on account of poor health. In early life he followed the water for about a dozen years, from 1845 to 1857, for the most part being on the sea, in the coastwise merchant service, commanding both sailing and steam vessels. The last two years, from 1855 to 1957, he was steamboating on the Mississippi river, and then left the water for good. Shortly afterward he embarked in the commission business, in New York City, as senior member of the firm of Bentley, Gildersleeve & Co. This firm owned and operated several lines of vessels, and had a very extensive yellow pine trade. Mr. Bent- ley for many years held large .property interests in Florida, in Columbia county alone having a lumber district of 44,000 acres, besides large lumber mills, and his presence being therefore required in the South, he made his legal residence in Jacksonville, Fla., from 1867 to 1880. He was there all through the political turmoil that made the State conspicu- ous for a number of years after the Civil war, par- ticularly in the memorable election of centennial year. While in Florida Mr. Bentley was interested in public affairs as well as business matters, was a member of the aldermanic board of Jacksonville, chairman of the Finance committee of the board of public instruction, and for a while acting superin- tendent of the board.

In 1880 Mr. Bentley disposed of much of his Florida property and retired from the firm of Bentley, Gildersleeve & Co., and upon his return to the North he made his home in New London, New London Co., Conn. In 1879 he had established at East New London the Columbia Steam Sawmills, and, devoting himself to this enterprise with his ac- customed vigor and good business judgment, he soon developed the business of the concern to large proportions. In 1893 he erected an entirely new plant on Fort Neck, on land along the water front which had hitherto been considered useless. It was improved, a canal was dredged through the marsh to the mill, and a pier six hundred feet long was built, out into deep water. The new Columbia Steam Sawmills were three times the size of the old . plant at East New London, being the largest yellow

pine plant north of the Mason and Dixon line. Mr. Bentley's death found this plant partially completed, and his widow completed the mill property, and for seven years conducted it. In October, 1903, she sold the property to the New York, New Haven & Hartford Railway Company. Mr. Bentley was suc- cessful in business as the result of self-reliance, and conscientious, energetic, painstaking devotion to his affairs, which were never allowed to suffer because of any neglect on his part. The highest integrity marked all his transactions, whether of a public or private nature, and he held the confidence and es- teem of employes and associates alike, wherever he was known.

Active in everything which concerned the wel- fare of the locality with which he was identified, whether it affected his personal interests or not, Mr. Bentley was a most useful citizen wherever he lived. After his return to the North he served in many positions of trust in New London county, rep- resenting his district in the State Legislature in the year 1884, and later as State Senator from the Ninth District. Apropos of his candidacy for the latter incumbency a local paper, congratulating his party upon their choice, had the following edi- torial :

The Republicans of the Ninth Senatorial District acted wisely in choosing Capt. A. J. Bentley for their candi- date, as he has just the qualifications needed for a legis- lator and more legislative experience than is customary with the candidates of either party not professional poli- ticians. Capt. Bentley has not only legislative experience, but a record made in the General Assembly of which any man might well be proud. His business training fits him to decide and act upon appropriation measures promptly and well and such men are needed at every session of the Legislature. A case in point, that illustrates the value of such men as Capt. Bentley, occurs to the writer. In the winter of 1884 a bill was introduced into the House appropriating $200,000 for building an addition to the insane asylum at Middletown and for the necessary fur- nishings. The bill would have gone along smoothly enough had not Capt. Bentley interposed and made a vigorous fight, at first before the committee and subse- quently in the House, where at times the debate on the matter became very acrimonious. Capt. Bentley and his colleague from New London, George Williams, appeared before the committee and succeeded in convincing them that the sum asked was far in excess of the amount re- quired for the proper construction and completion of the work, naming a sum about one-third of the $200,000 as sufficient, for the building. The committee heeded the ob- jections and the bill was reported back to the House with a recommendation that $125,000 be appropriated. This, however, did not meet Capt. Bentley's views, so he offered an amendment substituting the sum of $75,000 for the $125,000 named. At once a hot fight commenced. W. C. Case, the then leader of the House, with Hadlai A. Hull, of Stonington, and W. H. Law, of New Haven, were the chief champions of the bill as reported back and in the course of debate they stigmatized Capt. Bentley as one of the most ignorant men in the State for claiming that the proposed addition could be built for the sum named in the amendment. When these gentlemen had talked themselves hoarse, Capt. Bentley arose and quietly clinched his argu- ments supporting the amendment by offering to construct the building and furnish it for $75,000 according to the plans and specifications, and to give as good a bond as

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could be made in the State of Connecticut for the faith- ful performance of the work. Talk became cheap along- side this style of argument and Capt. Bentley's amendment was carried. Events have proved the correctness of his judgment. Gov. Waller at the time said it was one of the best pieces of legislation in his experience and Gov. Harrison in his last annual message reported the addi- tion completed and fully equal to the needs of the State for years to eome. By his fearless action Capt. Bentley saved the State $50,000 and impressed the House with the belief that he was a bad man to fool with. Many legis- lators are thought to have done well if they cost the State nothing, but the people will not be slow to appreciate the serviees of a man who saved the State $50,000.

For three years Mr. Bentley was a member of the board of aldermen of New London, was senior alderman one year, and acting mayor during Mayor Williams's absence. In 1893 he was elected mayor of the city, serving one term in that incumbency, and in the exercise of his authority he proved him- self conscientious and fearless, advocating whatever he considered best for the interests of the city, and showing the same care and keen discretion which characterized his conduct of his own affairs. He aimed to give the city a conservative and business- like administration, and his sincerity was never questioned. That he served most efficiently was conceded on all sides. In political affiliation he was a stanch member of the Republican party. Mr. Bentley was the first president of the New London Board of Trade, and, in fact, was foremost in every progressive movement, but he was neverthe- less a very quiet, unassuming man, distinctly a lover of home and domestic pleasures. His death, which occurred March 18, 1895, was mourned in many circles where his presence was long missed.

Mr. Bentley's first marriage was to Miss Abbie Kinney, of Norwich, who died in that city, the mother of one child, Carrie, who is now the wife of William B. Jerard, and has nine children. On June I, 1886, Mr. Bentley married, for his second wife, Miss Julia E. Callahan, born March 16, 1858, in Waterford, daughter of John and Margaret (Dugan) Callahan, of New London, and five children blessed this union. Abby, born Sept. 30. 1887: Knth, born April 11, 1889: David Dow. born June 2, 1800; Andrew Jackson, Jr., born April 8. 1892; and Mary, born Dec. 22, 1893

NOYES STANTON, HENRY MARTYN. AND FRANKLIN WHEELER PALMER. For over two centuries and a half this family has taken an important part in the history and progress of Stonington, whither the first Americi ante ter. Walter Palmer, came with his family abent the mid- dle of the seventeenth century.

( 1) Walter Palmer was born in London as carh as 1585. He came to New England in 120, and helped to lay the foundations of Charlestown There he lived until 1013. when, in company with his friend, William Chesbrough, and other. In joined in the organization of Rehoboth. He was chosen as first representative to the General Court

of Plymouth, and held other offices of importance in the Colony. In 1653. at the invitation of William Chesebrough, he joined with him and with Thomas Stanton and Thomas Miner in establishing a set- tlement at Stonington. Walter Palmer bought his tract of land by contract deed. from Gov. Haynes. agreeing to pay one hundred pounds for the place. with such cattle from his stock as Governor Haynes should select. He settled at the head of Wequete- quock Cove, and there Rebecca, the youngest of his many children, was born. He was twice married. The name of his first wife is unrecorded, as she died before he came to this country. There were . x children by this marriage. The eldest, Grace, mar- ried one of the original settlers, Thomas Mmer, and from them are sprung the large Miner connection to be found throughout New England. Among the lineal descendants of Grace Palmer and Thomas Miner was Gen. Grant. In 1633 Walter Palmer married, for his second wife, Rebecca Short. and seven children were born to them. He diel Nov. 10, 1661, and with his friends. Thomas Stanton. Wil- liam Chesebrough and Thomas Miner, Les buried in the old Wequetequock cemetery.

(11) Moses Palmer, son of Walter, was born at Charlestown. April 6. 1640. In 1072. he marred Dorothy, a daughter of John and Ann (Lordy Gil- bert.

(111) Moses Palmer married Abigail Allen April I, 1703. She was a daughter of Daniel and Mary (Sherman) Allen, and a granddaughter of Rev. John Sherman.

(IV ) John Palmer was married (first) Jan. 18. 1727, to And Cheesebrough. The latter died March 3. 1727, and John Palmer married (second) Doto- thy Noves, Dec. 26, 1728.

(1) Noves Palmer, bern Ang. 20. 1732. Was married June 20, 1754. to Sarah, the daughter of Zebediah and Sarah (Cheesebrough ) Mn.

(VI) Noves Palmer, born Oct 10. 1755. 11.5 married May 22, 1784. to Dorothy Stanten.

(VII) Noves Palmer (2) was born April 20. 1790. One of the prominent citizens of Stanlygten, and universally respected by his fellow themen. he was a devoted and lifelong neben of the 1 -1 Congregational Church, of which he was 10 Mon for over forty years. He played his pa. 1. 11 eric hie, and represented In town of the Sun Legislature, besides hodin many other .. of trust. The ce nourrice, las hist wiley for wellban lie

1821. Mars Resanef I'Mmer, dar deer of com 11. And Lun Prentice CA Birder& Palmer Sps

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GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

March 28, 1844, Harriet Wheeler. Her death oc- curred Oct. 17, 1853, while her husband survived till Feb. 18, 1869. Their only child was Franklin Wheeler Palmer, born March 1, 1845.

(VIII) Noyes Stanton Palmer, son of Deacon Noyes and Mary (Rossiter) Palmer, was born March 23, 1826. He received his education in Ston- ington and at Exeter Academy. He entered early into business life, and rose through merit to become vice-president of one of the largest insurance com- panies in the country. This position he afterward resigned to take charge of the general agencies for the same company in New York. There he re- mained until 1872, when he retired from business. On Oct. 15, 1874, he was married to Emeline Palmer, daughter of Major Alden and Nancy D. Palmer, and spent some time in travel abroad. Finally he returned to Stonington, and made his home at Quonaduc for many years. There were born his two children, Emeline Palmer and Noyes S. Palmer, Jr., who died when six years old. Noves S. Palmer was a student, and at the same time a man of affairs. Exact in all business transactions, he enjoyed the trust and confidence of his fellow townsmen, representing the town of Gro- ton in the Legislature in early manhood. Like his father before him, he was for many years deacon of the Road Church, performing the duties devolving upon him, through that office, faithfully and well. His sudden death occurred in Poughkeepsie, N. Y., Oct. 19, 1891.

(VIII) Henry Martyn Palmer, brother of Noves S. Palmer and closely associated with him throughout his life, was born Feb. 19, 1829. He began his business life in a mercantile establishment, but soon became connected with the insurance com- pany with which his brother Noyes was identified. From 1863 to 1868 he was superintendent of that company and afterward general agent in Boston. On Nov. 3, 1863, he married Mary Rossiter Palmer, daughter of Major Alden and Nancy D. Palmer, and lived in Boston some years thereafter, spending his summers at the Stonington homestead. This house is an interesting landmark, and commands - perhaps the finest view in Stonington. Built in 1745, it came into the Palmer family in 1791, during the childhood of Noyes Palmer, great-grandfather of the present occupant, who bears the same name. Henry Martyn Palmer and wife had two children : Mary Rossiter, who died at the age of seven; and Noyes, who married Annie Louise Williams Nov. 3, 1896, has one child, Mary Rossiter, and lives at the homestead. Henry Martyn Palmer's death oc- curred Nov. 26, 1904. From 1875 when he retired from business, he made his permanent home in Ston- ington. He was a man who was always identified with the best interests of the town, and filled every position he was called upon to occupy with dignity, honor and efficiency.

(VIII) Franklin Wheeler Palmer, the son of Deacon Noyes and Harriet ( Wheeler ) Palmer, and

the youngest of the three brothers, was born March I, 1845. His mother died when he was very young, and, like his brothers, his early care was entrusted to Miss Dorothy Palmer, a sister of their father. To her is owing the home training which went far toward shaping the sterling characters and upright lives of these men, and no mention of this branch of the Palmer family would be complete without lov- ing mention of her. Franklin W. Palmer com- menced his business career in a wholesale dry-goods house, afterward becoming associated with his brothers in insurance, and on their retirement re- entered the mercantile business. For the past twen- ty-five years he has been at the head of a large pro- duce commission house in New York. On Sept. 12, 1883, he married Eliza Babcock Palmer, daugh- ter of Major Alden and Nancy D. Palmer. They have two children : Franklin Wheeler, Jr., and Dorothy. The family spend their winters in New York, they and their niece, Emeline Palmer, returning to Ston- ington and the home at Quonaduc each summer.

NATHAN BARBER LEWIS. In the death of Nathan Barber Lewis, which took place June 20, 1899, at his home in Glasgo, the town of Griswold lost one of its most industrious citizens and pros- perous farmer, who, for many years. more than a half century in fact, was one of its best-known men.

Mr. Lewis was born Sept. 3, 1825, at Exeter, R. I., a son of Nathan Barber and Sally A. Lewis, of Exeter, and was an uncle of Hon. John N. Lewis, of Voluntown, Conn. Mr. Lewis was the son of a small farmer and his educational chances were very limited. He remained at home, assist- ing in farm work, until his majority, removing then to Connecticut and locating in the town of Gris- wold. Here he first found employment on the farm of Judge Alexander Stewart, and here he worked hard and faithfully for many years, prac- ticing close economy. He succeeded in what was his ambition, and that was to become the owner of the fine farm of his employer, a large tract of land on which he settled down with fresh ambition and energy. Through his perseverance and thrift he became one of the wealthiest farmers in the town of Griswold. His operations covered general farm- ing and stock raising and he became well known, and noted not only for his ability as a farmer, but as a man of honest and upright character. Al- though he was a consistent Democrat he never sought office, but attended closely to his own affairs. His religious belief was summed up in the Golden Rule.

On Oct. 6, 1850, Mr. Lewis married Lucy Abbie Park, who was born in North Stonington, New London county, daughter of Sterry and Lucy (Slo- cum) Park. Mrs. Lewis proved a very willing helpmate to her husband and assisted him in every possible way in his labors and ambitions. She worked hard, and with her excellent common sense and good judgment has successfully carried on the

NATHAN B LEWIS

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farm since her husband's death. Two children were born to them, to whom she devoted herself while they lived and treasures precious memories of them. Alexander was born July 14, 1851, married Aug. 6, 1872, Eliza Whipple, and died March 19, 1891. The second son, Latham, was born Dec. 19, 1859, and died when a promising youth of fifteen years. Mrs. Lewis has thus faced much trouble, but she is a good, Christian woman and has borne it all with commendable fortitude. She is much respected by all who know her.

FRANK P. FOWLER. Among the old and representative families of Lebanon, Conn., perhaps none is more worthy of special notice than the Fowler family, which for many years has played an important part in the commercial, social and political life of the several communities in which its members have made their homes. In this sketch it is our purpose to deal with Frank P. Fowler, one of the most successful merchants of the town of Lebanon, Conn., and his immediate distinguished ancestors.

The Fowler family can be traced back to a com- mon ancestor, in the State of Connecticut, William Fowler, who came from England to Boston in 1637, in company with Rev. John Davenport, Rev. Peter Prudden, Theophilus Eaton and others, and was possibly from Yorkshire, as his minister, Mr. Prud- den, came from Edgerton in that county. William Fowler removed to New Haven with Davenport in 1638, and was one of those who attended the famous meeting in the Newman barn June 4. 1639, when the constitution of the New Haven Colony was adopted, and he was a signer of that document. Later he removed to Milford, where he was chosen one of the seven pillars of the church. He was a magistrate for the New Haven Colony, from 1643 to 1654, and he died in 1660.

(11) Capt. William Fowler was also born in England1, where he was baptized, and where ser- cral of his children were born. He married (first ) probably a daughter of Edmund Tapp, and (sec ond) in 1670, Widow Elizabeth Baldwin. He re- moved to Milford, where he lived until his death in 168 -.

( H1) Mark Fowler, born about 1655. Was a proprietor of New Haven in 1685, and died in the following year. His wife's Christian name was, perhaps, Mary.

(IV) John Fowler, born March 1, 1St, in New Haven, in about 1702 removed to Lebanon. Coun. He built his house in Goshen Society. and this stood until 1839, and five generations hand lived in it. John Fowler died May 8, 1751, and his wife, Sarah, died Jan. 14. 1771 Their children were : John, born Oct. 38. 1708; Mars, born Nos 13. 1710: Mark, born Nov. 7. 1712 (removed to Salisbury) : Dijah, born June to, 1717; and Sarah. born Dec. 28, 1718, married A. Clark.

(V) Capt. Dijah Fowler, born June 10. 1717.

married, Dec. 18, 1745. Abigail Biglow, who was born April 13, 1723. daughter of Sergeant Isaac Biglow, of Colchester. Capt. Dijah F wler died Dec. 14, 1804. His children were: Abigai. horn March 1, 1747; Dijah, born Aug. 14. 1748: Sarah, born Jan. 7, 1750; Lydia, born Feb. 7. 1753: John. born Dec. 5. 1754: Mark, born May 9, 1756: and Amos, born March 17. 1758. The latter was a soldier of the Revolution, was one of Washington's Life Guards, and participated in the battle of the Brandywine, and in the retreat to Long Island.

(VI) Capt. Amos Fowler, grandfather of our subject, and a very distinguished man, was born in Goshen Society in the town of Lebanon. By oc- cupation he was a farmer, and he was a large land owner and became a successful man in every re- spect. He removed to the northern portion of the town, and there resided for many years-in fact until his death, which occurred Nov. 30. 1837. On Nov. 30, 1780. he married Rebecca Dewey, who was born July 4. 1759. and who survived him until Aug. 18. 1850. After his death she drew a pension as a widow of a Revolutionary soldier. Of their family of children, six were sons, and some attained to distinction. Their names were as follows: 11) Clarissa, born Oct. 14. 17St. married Oziah Will- iams, and resided in Canajoharie. N. Y .. and died .Ing. 18. 1866. (2) Fanny, born hun 25. 1783. married David Otis, and died in Colchester. Com. (3) Sally, born March to. 1785. married Almal Bingham, resided in Canajoharie. N. Y . and there died. (4) Rhoda, born April 12, 1,29. marriel l'anl Royce, and died in Lyme, Conn. (5) Orrin, bru July 20. 1791. married Amarillas Payson. He was a graduate of Yale, became a Congregational clergy- man and was distinguished in the pulpit at Fall River, Mass., and elsewhere. In the Massachusetts state senate he served with distinction, and for two terms was a member of the Nationd Congress where he drafted and scented the passage of the hill reducing postage on letters from three cents to 130 cents, and his death occurred Sept 3. 1852. while he was serving his second term, bringing to an girls close a most brilliant and promising cancer |0) John, born Ang. 18. 1703. married Maryt Ten. and was a successful and Inghis cliente 1 cloud teacher, but later became a time and . Woodstock. Com. Oct. 27. 1 70 General Amos, born Juk to. 1795. marmel chiesti Isdi L. Backus. (second) Sarah Havkin, of Windsor. Con. He stood among the chest premiment podle of his day, and won none than a local reputatam as A successful farmer an 1 estable business fruity In two terms he was a nosfer of the General Assente bly, and for one torm & m the State Seite In the Democratic party he was regarded is a leader For twenty seven years he served as the old Style imilita., in which he hell all the other traum thet ut corporal toemiter general of the Stifte and he was elected to that office has sote of the Legislature His residence was in the eastern partem of fashion

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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 185

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