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 186

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 186

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GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

Society where he died July 21, 1875. In the Con- gregational Church of which he was a member, he was very prominent and highly esteemed. Among his children is the prominent Amos T. Fowler, of Willimantic. (8) Henry, born Dec. 3, 1797, mar- ried Mary G. Sexton, became a farmer and died in Lebanon. (9) Harriet, twin sister to Henry, mar- ried Edmund Harding, a farmer and both died in Lebanon. (10) Dijah, born Aug. 21, 1799, died Sept. 5, 1816. (II) Col. Anson, born Dec. 19, 1803. .

(VII) Col. Anson Fowler, father of our sub- ject, was born in Goshen Society, town of Lebanon, and when he was but six years of age his father re- moved to the northern part of the town and he at- tended the district schools, being taught also to work upon the home farm. After the death of his father, he came into possession of that property, and made it his home until 1853, when he removed to Lebanon Green, and there resided the remainder of his days, devoting his time to the management of his private affairs and his small farm. In addition to other improvements he erected his late house, and died very well-to-do. All his life he was a stanch Jeffersonian Democrat, and he served ast postmaster at Lebanon for many years, upon the board of selectmen, and held office as assessor and justice of the peace. He died Sept. 14, 1894, and was tenderly interred at Lebanon. His death oc- curred very suddenly, when he was active in the business and political world, and his loss was deeply felt throughout the entire community. He was also very important in social circles, and was the soul of hospitality, making welcome within his gates not only his friends and acquaintances, but also the strangers in the town. In personal appearance he was nearly six feet in height, and when in usual health weighed nearly 200 pounds. He was a con- sistent and faithful member of the Congregational Church, and for many years was a member of vari- ous society committees, and never failed to attend Divine service, except when confined to his bed by illness. His purse and heart was always at the serv- ice of those in need, and he never failed to relieve suffering when it lay within his power. Such a man could not but be beloved by all who had the pleasure and honor of his acquaintance, and no man in the State was more highly regarded by all classes than the generous, kindhearted, jovial Col. Fowler. Such a man raises the moral tone of a community, main- tains a high and pure standard for the young, and points out the way for honorable, successful living, without recourse to the meaner; commoner methods used by many. Among the really good men of his day and town, Col. Fowler is enshrined for all ages, and the veneration in which he was held is the best monument which could be raised to him or any other man.

Col. Fowler's first marriage occurred April 10, 1831, when he was united to Sally Robinson, of Lebanon, and she died Ang. 23, 1832, leaving no children. His second wife was Hannah Peckham,

of Lebanon, who died Oct. 10, 1839, leaving one son, Orrin, a successful school teacher, who died at the age of twenty-seven. The third wife of Col. Fowler was Mehetable Lyon, of Woodstock, who died Feb. 25, 1849, leaving no children. On Jan. 13, 1850, he was married to Roxanna Pease, who was born in Ellington, Conn., Dec. 23, 1822, daugh- ter of Calvin and Roxie (Smith) Pease. Mrs. Fowler, who survives her husband, was a popular school teacher in early life, and she is a descendant of Robert and Marie Pease, the progenitors of the family in Tolland, Connecticut.

Robert Pease sailed from the port of Ipswich, England, in the good ship "Francis," in April, 1634, and landed at Boston. He then located in Salem, Mass., where he died in 1644. His son, John Pease, was born in England in 1630, and came to the New World in 1634, marrying ( first) Mary Goodell, and for his second wife he married Ann Cummings, set- tling in that part of Salem known as Northfield, and his name is frequently found in the records of that place. About 1682 he removed to Connecticut, and located at Enfield, Hartford county, and there died July 8, 1689. The Pease family of that portion of the State descended from him.

The children of Col. Anson and Roxanna (Pease) Fowler were: Frank Pease, born Dec. 23, 1854: Harriet Rebecca, born July 13, 1856, married Dr. Charles Reed, and resides in Brooklyn, New York.

(VIII) Frank Pease Fowler was born in the house he now occupies, and attended the district- schools, the Natchaug high school at Willimantic, and was graduated from Wilbraham ( Mass.) Academy in 1875. After graduation he returned to Lebanon, and for a year or more was employed as a clerk in the general store of N. C. Barker, and after faithful service and devotion to the interests of his employer, he was taken into partnership, the concern then being known as N. C. Barker & Co. This style was continued for about fifteen years, when. Mr. I. W. Stark purchased the interest of Mr. Barker, and the firm became Fowler & Stark, and the business is continued today under the same name and by the gentlemen above mentioned. A very fine patronage is enjoyed by the house, and a full line of goods is carried, while every effort is made to give prompt and efficient service.

Until 1896 Mr. Fowler was a Democrat, but upon the discussion of the money question, he discov- ered that his principles and opinions made of him a Republican, and since then he has supported the candidates of that party. Under President Cleve- land's first administration, he was appointed post- master, but was succeeded by his partner. Mr. Fowler serving as assistant, but when President Cleveland again came into power, he re-instated Mr. Fowler, and he has since been appointed by the successive presidents, to the great satisfaction of all. as the town has seldom had so efficient and painstaking, as well as courteous, an official. In

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addition to other honors bestowed upon him, Mr. Fowler served as selectmen for two terms, and one term as assessor. He is a member of Lebanon Lodge No. 23, A. O. U. W., and has been financier of it for' several years. In the Congregational Church, in which he is very active, he is both clerk and treasurer of the society.

On Dec. 23, 1880, Mr. Fowler was married to Jessie A. Peckham, in Lebanon, daughter of Robert C. Peckham. One child has been born to the union, Sept. 3, 1889, Clement Anson, a very bright, handsome young fellow, who promises to be a credit to his parents and to uphold the high standards set by his progenitors on both sides of the family.

Mrs. Fowler also comes of old and distin- guished ancestry, tracing her family back to John Peckham, who was admitted an inhabitant of New- port, R. I., in 1638. In 1641 he was made a free- man, and in 1648 he was one of the first ten male members of the First Baptist Church. He mar- ried Mary Clarke, who died in 1648, and his second wife Eleanor, was baptized in that same year. Their residence was in what is now Middletown, R. I .. and John Peckham there died in 1681. Of their eleven children, six were sons, all of whom became well and favorably known throughout Rhode Island, and their descendants are now scattered throughout the entire United States. The family is yet a numerous one in that section of Rhode Island, and in Eastern Pennsylvania.

The great-grandfather of Mrs. Fowler came to Lebanon from Kingston, R. I., where he was born, and purchased a farm in the North Society, there resided the remainder of his life, and died at a ripe old age, being buried in the cemetery of that society, and leaving behind him a reputation of honorable dealing and uprightness of living.

Robert Peckham, the grandfather of Mrs. Fowler, was the only son among a family of five girls, and he was born in South Kingston, R. I .. and was quite young when the family moved to Leb- anon. He resided on the farm in Lebanon, and there spent some time after his marriage, but then removed to Goshen. Later he made his home in Brooklyn, and still later resided in Pomfret, and finally moved back to Lebanon, and spent the re- mainder of his days, dying at a good old age. in Killingly, Conn., while visiting a son who resided there. He was interred at Lebanon in the North Society of Lebanon. Robert Peckham married Anna Bliss, of Lebanon, and she survived him, but also died in Lebanon. Their children were: Rob ert Congdon, the father of Mrs. Fowler: Henry. who married Almira Tucker, and was a success- ful trader, and died in Providence, where he was residing the latter years of his life : Mary Ann, who was married, but who died shortly thereafter : Car oline, who died young: Amos, who married Ari Spaulding, and resided in Killingh, Con , and died there; and Benjamin, who died in young manhond.

18II, in Lebanon, Goshen Society, Conn., and was. a boy when his parents purchased property in Brooklyn, and removed from thence to Pomfret. He was brought up to farm work, and when a young man he was employed as a farm laborer and was engaged as such until his marriage, when he rented a farm in Lebanon, and a year later removed to Windham, where he rented a farm of 700 acres. and made it his home for seven years. He then re- turned to Lebanon, and purchased a good farm known as the Abell Place. and greatly improved the land, being engaged in farming until his death. which occurred April 13. 1898. He is buried in North Society cemetery in Lebanon. Beginning with absolutely nothing. he steadily worked his way to the top, and died a very wealthy man. h politics he was a Democrat, and held a few town offices. During all of his operations he was a very careful, neat farmer, and he took considerable pride in the apperance of his property, having good cause to do so. He and his wife attended the Congrega- tional Church.

On April 8, 1832, Robert C. Peckham married Sarah A. Segar, born May 19. 1813, daughter of Thomas and Rebecca ( Ward ) Segar, the former a native of South Kingston, R. I. Mr. and Mrs. Peckham celebrated their golden wedding. and Mrs. Peckham now resides in Lebanon. being a woman remarkably well preserved, and one who is honored by a wide circle of true friends, outside of her home circle, where she is reverence I and looked up to as one who can never do anything wrong. The children born to Robert Peckham and wife were: William Henry, who died at the age of terers, Miss Sarah M., residing in Glen Core. R I : Will iam Henry (2), a school teacher. whenarri 1 Lydia Latham, and diel aged thirty i 11 vers. Caroline Elizabeth, who married Them . \ 1. 41 Blue Rapids, Kass, and his children, Robert. Lett and Clarence: Charles E ... . machinist, who price Ree Grant, and died in Norwich, Conn : Jog R . who married Jacob S. Maybee, and risks m Brooklyn. N. Y. : Ellen, who died young . Adher Ward, who was e located in the Wenige's College in New York, and was graduated with allerede M. D., and is now a professor in the Women's til lege in Philadelphia, Pa. Hoken M. (. 90 000 ned Frank K. Novos. cilchine. ilsdont Amy G. Lawrence and Mabel Lekin married Alice Moram, and roni lives in Brooklyn \ \

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GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

homes for their children, who were, in future years, to make the greatest nation the world has known -- the United States.

CHAPPELL. The Chappell family of New London, Waterford and neighboring towns trace their descent to George Chappell, who became the progenitor of a numerous branch in the New Eng- land Colonies. At the age of twenty years he landed from the ship "Christian," in 1635, at Massa- chusetts Bay, whence he removed to Wethersfield, Conn., in 1637. His descendants settled in Wethers- field, New London and Lebanon. He was an in- habitant of Wethersfield until 1649, which was probably about the time he removed to Pequot, now New London. Upon arriving in America he at once apprenticed himself to Mr. Stiles, with whom he came to this country, to learn the carpenter's trade. In less than three years after his arrival in America he is found fighting the Indians, and with thirteen others engaged, under Capt. John Mason, in the fight at Pequot Fort.

Living at New London, the famous outfitting point for whaling vessels at an early day, many of this branch of the family have become sea cap- tains and sailors. During the Revolutionary war they furnished their quota to the Patriot army. Among those who distinguished themselves in those perilous times were Lieut. Caleb Chappell, of Sharon, Capt. Edward Chappell, Capt. Stephen Chappell, of the Lake Champlain flotilla, and Lieut. Joshua Chappell, the last named of whom fought at Bunker Hill. The family is a typical New Eng- land one-Puritanical, straight-laced, industrious and of the strictest religious and moral character.

George Chappell brought with him to New Lon- don his wife, Margaret, and some three or four children. His children were: Mary, who married John Daniels : Rachel, who married Thomas Crock- er ; John, who moved to Flushing, L. I. ; George, born March 5, 1653-54; Elizabeth, born Aug. 30, 1656; Hester, born April 15, 1662; Sarah, born Feb. 14, 1665-66; Nathaniel, born May 21, 1668; and Caleb, born Oct. 7, 1671. George Chappell, the father, died in 1709, and at that time all nine of his children were living, as well as his aged wife.

Previous to the death of the father the son Caleb had removed to Lebanon, Conn., and from that town Amos Chappell, a son of Caleb, removed to the town of Sharon, Conn., settling in that part of the town which became Elsworth.

George Chappell (2), son of George the immi- grant settler, married (first) Alice Way and (sec- ond) Mary Douglas, and had two sons, George and Comfort. From this Comfort descended the late Capt. Edward Chappell, of New London, Conn. The family has been prominent in the county from the early days, and many of its members have held honored positions in the communities in which they have resided.

Walter Chappell, the grandfather of William

H. H. and Griswold A. Chappell, who are more particularly mentioned further on in this article, was a son of Walter Chappell, who came from Lyme, Conn. The grandfather was born in New London, and died in Waterford, where he was a farmer for a number of years. He married (first) Waitstill Crocker, and ( second) Lydia Hurlbut. His children by his first wife were as follows: Gurdon T., who is mentioned below ; and Edna, who mar- ried Joseph Avery. By his second wife he had nine children : Delia, who married Jeremiah Davis ; Mary, who married (first) a Mr. Howard, and ( second) George M. Avery; Nancy, who married Lorenzo Chappell: Daniel, who married Sarah Ann Mor- gan (he was lost at sea) ; Sarah Ann, who married Richard K. Bishop : Harriet, who married Thomas Braman ; Ezra, who is living in Mobile, Ala .; Al- bert, who married Fidelia Ames, and died in the army : and Lucy Ann, who married (first) James Morgan, and (second) Charles Miner.

Gurdon T. Chappell was born Sept. 18, 1794, in Waterford, where he died July II, 1876, aged eighty-two years. He commenced his schooling there, afterward went to New London to school and in time became a great scholar. After leaving school he taught for some time. He also practiced law to some extent, writing many deeds, etc. In political faith he was an old-line Whig, and after- ward a strong Republican, and he served as justice of the peace for many years, and in other offices. He also represented his native town in the State Legislature in the session of 1857-58. Mr. Chap- pell was a brainy man, and the neighborhood, rec- ognizing his ability, called him to the ministry of the Lake's Pond Baptist Church at Waterford. He was instrumental in building the church of the Lake's Pond Society, donating one-eighth of the sum for that purpose, and preached there for many years without salary, which he repeatedly refused to ac- ·cept. He was also engaged in religious work as an evangelist and held meetings in various sections for many years. He was a good, plain speaker, preaching from the spirit, and never writing his sermons. During the war of 1812 he was a soldier, and he served in all grades from private to colonel in the State militia. In early life he kept tavern where his son William H. H. now lives.

Rev. Gurdon T. Chappell was married, Jan. 17, 1818, to Mary Ann Avery, who was born May 5, 1801, eldest daughter of Griswold and Lucretia Chadwick (Miller) Avery, of Waterford, and they had a wedded life of over fifty-eight years. She died March 20, 1880, the mother of eleven children. Their children were as follows: (I) Frances Ann Elizabeth married John W. Keeney, of East Lyme. (2) Gurdon B. F., who is living in New London, was a general mason by calling. He married Nancy Payne, who died Jan. 24, 1904. (3) Griswold Avery is mentioned below. (4) Adeline died in in- fancy (5) John Isham is mentioned below. (6) Anson Miller died in infancy. (7) George An-

W.H.H.Chapfel.

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GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

son Miller married (first) Mary Rogers and (sec- ond) Lavinia Nugent, of Brooklyn, N. Y. He died in Montville. He was in California in early life, and was later in business in New London and in Fulton Street Market, New York, for years. (8) Cornelia Cavarly married Griswold G. Avery, who is mentioned elsewhere. (9) William H. H. is men- tioned below. (10) Mary Adelaide married Wash- ington R. Gardner, now living in Waterford. He is a carpenter, and is mentioned elsewhere. (II) Georgiania Augusta died aged seven years.

JOHN ISHAM CHAPPELL was born July 21, 1830, and received his education in the common schools. which he left at the age of eighteen years. He then engaged in butchering for his father for a while, and later was in the same line for himself, driving a cart around through the neighborhood. Finally he and his brother George A., and Philip Cavarly. opened a market in New London, on Broad street, which they ran for about two years. The firm dis- solving, Mr. Chappell ran a cart of his own for several years, until 1853, in which year he sailed from New York for California. He went by way of the Isthmus of Panama, and reached the city of Sacramento, remaining in the New Eldorado until 1857 ; he conducted a restaurant there and was later in the teaming business. Returning home in July, 1857, he settled in Waterford and engaged in the butchering business, in which he continued until his marriage in 1862. After that he removed to his present location, on the New Haven turnpike. where he has about twenty-five acres. He owns sixty-nine acres in all, and engages in general farm- ing on a small scale. Mr. Chappell has been regis- trar of voters for many years, being a stanch Repub- lican in political faith. He has never been an of- fice-seeker.

Mr. Chappell was married, Nov. 27, 1862, to Ellen E. Avery, of Waterford, daughter of Joseph Avery, and they have had one child, Nellie E .. now the wife of Frank B. Rose, who is in the momental business in Waterford, and has five children, Vir- ginia, Dwight, Edna, Isham and Rufus.

GRISWOLD AVERY CHAPPELL was born Feb. 2. 1825, in Waterford, in Lake's Pond District, where W. R. Gardner now lives. He received his school- ing at Lake's Pond, and proved a natural born mathematician. Leaving school when quite young. he remained on the home farm until twenty seven years of age, when he moved to Jordan and ran the store of his father-in-law. Capt. Ebenezer Dar row, who was a vessel owner and a well-known sea captain. After continuing thus about one year Mr. Chappell in 1853 sailed from New York, and, cross ing the Isthmus of Panama on pack mules, went to California, where he remained nearly four years He was there engaged in teaming, running from Sacramento City to the mountains, carrying pro- visions to the miners, He returned to Waterford. and was at home a year or two, after which he pur chased a farm in (Gilead) Waterford. a good sized

place, on which he lived for a time. In 1870 he went to New York and purchased Stand No. 10. Fulton Fish Market, which he ran successfully until 1876, as a member of the firm of Wallace & Chappell, his partner being Benjamin Wallace. The firm name is now Wallace & Keeney, Mr. Chappell having sold out when his health failed. Returning to New London for one year. he then went back to the Gilead farm for four years, following which hic rented the Crocker farm for two years. He then built the present family home in the village of Jor- (lan and retired, living there and looking after his interests until his death, March 5. 1896. His death occurred very suddenly, while he was in Crandall's shoe store in New London. He had driven into New London in company with James E. Beckwith. to attend a court case. Entering the shoe store, he walked to the radiator and was warming his hands when he dropped to the floor without a word, and he had passed away by the time the clerks reached him. Apoplexy was the cause of death. Mr. Chap- pell was a very successful business man, far-seeing and careful. and had good judgment in financial matters. He was a member of the Lake's Pond Baptist Church, and in politics was a stanch Repub- lican. Hle served as a selectman several times, was constable several years, was grand juror, and held various other town offices, the duties of which he (lischarged with efficiency and ability.

Mr. Chappell was married. Dec. 30, 1549. to Cordelia Adelaide Darrow, who was born l'ch. 14. 1828, daughter of Capt. Ebenezer and Olive allows ers) Darrow, of Waterford, and granddaughter of Ebenezer Darrow, a soldier of the Revolunogen war, who died in Waterford, in 1848, at the ad vanced age of ninety. Their children were as ic- lows: ( 1) Strong Avery, born Vug. 13. 1552. m Waterford, died aged two and one half your's, 121 Olive May, born May 20, 1867, at Lake's Band. was married Nov. 21, 180%, to Arthur C. Wright. of Waterford, and has had one child, Thehin Choy pell, born May 1. 1800, in New London. 131 0 lando Gilbert, born Feb. 1. 1800, in Chlad. I. p in Jordan. He is a stone entter by reoupation of Det. 19, 1808, he married Mary Pauline Anchews. of Clinton. Com, and they have a son, John Latte rence, born Oct. 20, 1800. in New London

Mr. Chappell was a genial jovial non, vill pleasant, and had many friends among the par. for benevolence and charity were among his guest prominent traits, and his charities were never nogle public. He was very devoted to his home In ig kind husband and melulgent father and he was a true friend, always willing to help a madre nul bor. His sudden death removed tiên Waterton one of its substantial and himmel chiens

||||| 11. 11. Chwiit was born Vos isto, and was named after William Henry HAITi som, for whom his father was going to vifte 1 President of the Vinted States He attended the common schools until he was eighteen years old.

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when he took up farming, at which he has con- tinued ever since. He has made his own way in life. Fifteen years before his father's death he bought the old homestead, which has been in the Chappell family for 150 years, and now he has 300 acres. All of his land is in good condition. He has a peach orchard of over 500 trees, and raises general crops, also engaging in lumbering, and con- ducts a grocery and grain store. However, Mr. Chappell has now practically retired.

Mr. Chappell is a member of Relief Lodge, A. O. U. W., at Waterford. His religious connection is with the Baptist Church, the one his father built. He has been a trustee and deacon for years, has served as treasurer and collector, and has been an active spirit in the work of the church for many years. He helped to raise the funds to build the parsonage. Politically Mr. Chappell is a Repub- lican, and he has served his native town as justice of the peace, and as a member of the board of re- lief. He is not an office-seeker, preferring the quiet of home to the turmoil of public life. He is one of the representative and substantial agriculturists of Waterford, and he and his esteemed wife are highly respected by all who know them.

Mr. Chappell was married, Nov. 26, 1868, to Mary C. Gates, daughter of Rev. Alfred Gates and Sarah (Champlin) Gates, of Lebanon, Conn. Chil- dren as follows have blessed this union: (1) Al- fred G. is a farmer. He was married, June 2, 1897, to Lena Darrow, daughter of Gilbert Darrow, of Brooklyn, N. Y., and their children are Harok Blanchard and Edna May. (2) George Harrison is also engaged in farming. He married Annie Per- kins, daughter of Elias Perkins, of Waterford, and they have one child, Elmer Perkins. (3) Edna Avery died in infancy. (4) Gurdon T. is a wagon- maker by trade, and lives in Lebanon. He married Helena Inez Palmer, daughter of William Palmer, of Lebanon. (5) Mary Ann is a teacher in the Lake's Pond district. (6) LeGrand lives at home. (7) Walter Eugene died in infancy. (8) Griswold is at school.

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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 186

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