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 190

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 190

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in March 1782. n lebanon, Con . Sidi ses pared ship of the homestead \ remplir 1 000 000 to luis de ith, he retire | tom boon word sos setini at Norwich, where be son los compon me years. dying April 8. 1855 He was du mbres Tamver and accurate la competentes to In death, he rimane I notatet Realite Indf- ties he was a Wing Which the present hned church w is crocteli 1505 1 lohande 1- 1 18

Wattles, who del Sit 15, 1:1. 0 pt

840

GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

years. Their children were: (1) Salmon, born Dec. 7, 1804, married, Feb. 25, 1829, Abigail Champlin, and died at Norwich, July 16, 1869; he was a butcher in early life in- company with his brother George, and during the latter part of his life, he conducted a confectionery business at Nor- wich. (2) George, born March 27, 1807, married (first), June 10, 1832, Jemima Maples, and ( sec- ond), May 10, 1837, Anna B. Webb; he was a butcher, later a farmer in Lebanon and died at Nor- wich. (3) Mary, born Sept. 30, 1809, died unmar- ried in Norwich. (4) Amos, born Oct. 14, 1812, married. Jan. 24, 1836, Margaret S. Fuller, and died in Norwich, Jan. 18, 1849: he was a farmer in Salem, Conn., and later moved to Norwich. (5) Joseph Nelson, born Sept. 8, 1817, married May 12, 1841, Martha Bromley; he was engaged in a market business, and died Aug. 8, 1857, in Nor- wich. (6) Griswold, born May 22, 1821, married, Nov. 8, 1846, Charlotte Harris ; he was engaged in butchering in Norwich, and died there April 24, 1865. (7) Elizabeth Wattles, a twin of Griswold, died Aug. 1, 1822. On July 28, 1822, Ariel Loomis was married (second) to Abijah Williams, a native of Lebanon, a daughter of Jehiel and Bethia ( Allen) Williams ; she died Oct. 29, 1848, aged sixty-two years. The children of this marriage were: (I) Henry W., born Sept. 13, 1823, was married, Feb. IO, 1847, to Wealthy Bromley, and died Aug. 19, 1848; he had been engaged in the fish business at Springfield, Mass. (2) Elizabeth M., born Feb. 4, 1826, married Harlow Robinson, who was born Nov. 26, 1820, and was engaged as a farmer at Lebanon, where he died April 1, 1900, aged eighty years; his widow still lives there. (3) Albert S., born Jan. 21, 1830, died Sept. 28, 1848. (4) Ed- win A. was born June 16, 1831.

Edwin A. Loomis was born in Lebanon, and there attended the district schools until the age of seventeen years. He early became acquainted with the operation of the farm. When about nineteen years old he began teaching the winter sessions of school in his neighborhood, and continued in the profession for seven winters, teaching the schools through Lebanon and Franklin, and giving the best of satisfaction. His summers were devoted to work on his farm or neighboring ones, but after his mar- riage, he removed to the fine farm he now owns and operates in South Society. It is a very fine property, and was known as the "Huntington place," and contains 100 acres in the original tract and thirty more which he has recently added. He resided on the farm until October, 1875, when he moved to Lebanon Green, and since 1878 he has oc- cupied a fine home he built there. Mr. Loomis has continued to operate his farm, going back and forth each day, thus enjoying both rural and village life. His land produces fine . fruit, which his good man- agement has much increased in amount. He is known as one of the very successful farmers of this locality.

On Feb. II, 1858, Mr. Loomis was married to Mary F. Saxton, born Aug. 14, 1839, a native of Goshen Society, and a daughter of Deacon Na- thaniel C. and Almira (Stark) Saxton. The chil- dren born to this union were as follows: (1) Na- thaniel Saxton, born Sept. 4, 1859, for over twenty years has driven his own stage line between Leb- anon Green and the station, being also made the first rural mail carrier in the town; he married Lillian Warner, and their children were, Virginia Saxton, Florence Warner, Elmer Royce and Dor- othy Williams. (2) E. Williams, born Nov. I, 1861, is a conductor for The Willimantic Traction Company ; he married Inez Watson, and has one child, Hazel Stella. (3) Carrie Almira, born Nov. 22, 1864, married William Abell, and they have two children, Winthrop Saxton and Frederick Maitland.

Mr. Loomis was a Whig prior to the formation of the Republican party, but has ever since been identified with the latter. He has, for the past twenty-five years, served as clerk and treasurer of the school committee of the district wherein he has resided. He was formerly an active member of the Grange, one of its organizers and its master and overseer. With his wife and some members of the family, he is connected with the Congregational Church, and has served on the Society's committee. Mr. Loomis and family are all held in the highest esteem. He is a man of most exemplary habits, has never used stimulants of any kind in any form, and has proved thus far on his life's journey a splendid type of citizen-one of the kind that has made the sons of Connecticut respected all over the Union.

TIMOTHY T. WHIPPLE, one of the well known residents of Stonington, who is probably one of the most extensive and successful growers of small fruits, particularly of strawberries, in this section, belongs to one of the oldest families in New London county.

Samuel Whipple, the first of the name on record in New London county, was married to Elizabeth Eddy, of Swansea, Mass., Feb. 26, 1690. Groton records tell of his appearance there as early as IZII, where he owned 780 acres of land near what is now Poquetanuck. He mentions in his will sons Samuel, Zachariah, Daniel and Zephaniah, and daughters Alice and Hope. He was buried on the home farm.

Samuel Whipple, his eldest son, was a Rogerine Quaker, this being almost the extent of our knowl- edge concerning him. He was the father of

Jabez Whipple, who married (first) Jane Wa- trous, and (second) Aug. 27, 1820, Sarah, daugh- ter of Timothy Watrous. Jabez Whipple was a farmer of Ledyard all his life.

Timothy Whipple, son of Jabez, was born Sept. 3, 1821, and died June II, 1892. He was reared and educated in Ledyard, where he l'ved until his

J. J. Whipple

GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPIIICAL RECORD.

marriage, when he settled on the farm at Quaker- town, where his children were born. On Oct. 2, 1842, he married Lucy Ann Geer, who was born July 5, 1825, daughter of Thomas and Hannah Geer. Mrs. Whipple died Feb. 14, 1884. They had children as follows: Timothy, born Oct. 4. 1843, died Oct. II, 1844: Lucy Ann, born Oct. 6, 1845, died Nov. 6, 1846; Hannah Eliza, or Ida, born Jan. 8, 1849, died May 21, 1903, a very remark- able woman, whose beautiful life and character will be commented on at the close of this sketch ; Phebe Ella, or Nellie P., born May 6, 1851, married Ur- bane Whipple, and died June 17, 1871 ; Timothy T. was born Nov. 22, 1853; Asher, born April 6. 1856, died aged five years; Silas S., born April 4. 1859, is a carpenter and farmer at Norwich, Conn. ; Annie, born Feb. 11, 1862, died aged four years ; Samuel A., born Nov. 23, 1864, married Annie Crouch, and resides at Quakertown in Groton, and has one son, Samuel; Thomas G., of Ledyard, Conn., married Lillian Phillips, and has children- Philip, Ida, Francis, Christine and an infant daugh- ter : Christine V. is the wife of Edwin Clarke, of Mystic, Connecticut.

The father of this family was a stonemason by trade. He was a very intelligent, kind and worthy man, and for a considerable period taught school in the Quaker schoolhouse at Quakertown. When his father's health failed, at the age of fifty years, this son took charge of him, and with filial affection cared for him until his death, at the age of seventy.

Timothy T. Whipple was born as noted above. His primary education was obtained in the district school, and later, by studying at night, he was able to progress with his studies, reciting to Samuel Lamb, and paying for his tuition by working for that gentleman. Thus he prepared himself for teaching and was eighteen years old when he taught his first school, at Long Cove, near the navy-yard in Ledyard. His continuance in the profession covered a period of twenty-two years, during eight of which he taught the full twelve months, and during the other portion only during the winter sessions. His schools were situated in Preston, Ledyard and Ston- ington.

Mr. Whipple carried on the manufacture and sale of ice cream with much snecess for some four- teen years, his field being Mystic and vicinity, and his trade was large all through this locality. This business he discontinued in 1899, when he became more interested in market gardening, making a specialty of small fruits and particularly of straw berries. His business has grown to large propor tions, his average annual sales being $8,000). and as he has given much intelligent thought and study to his line, keeping thoroughly abreast of the times, he has come to be considered quite an author ity on the growing of small fruit. He is deserveils successful, as a result of much hard labor and good business judgment, and, being stricth honorable

and just in all his dealings, he enjoys the respect and confidence of all who know h'm. Politically Mr. Whipple is a Republican, but his activity in political matters ends with the casting of his ballot.

On June 15. 1876, in Norwich. Conn .. MIr. Whipple was married to Ellen Elizabeth Frink. (laughter of Daniel H. and Maria ( Brackett ) Frink. venerable residents of North Stonington. Mr. Frink having been born Jan. 15. 1820. and Mrs. Frink on April 10, 1821 : they were married Dec. 25. 1840.

The late Mrs. Ida Whipple Benham was a woman whose name was known far beyond the con- fines of her native locality and even her nat've State. Her life was one of usefulness and beautiful Chris - tian accomplishment. She was born Jan. S. 1840. at Ledyard, Conn .. and passed away May 21. 1903. Reared in the simple faith of the Rogerine Quakers. she grew into sweet and modest womanhool, and very early displayed umisual mental endowments. When but thirteen years of age she taught her first school, even then rendering most efficient serv- ice. Afterward she married Elijah B. Benham, of Groton, now of Mystic, Conn., who was for many years president of the Connectiont Peace Society and a vice-president of the Universal Peace Union. Mrs. Benham also became a very active and ns. frl member of this great organization.

Mr. and Mrs. Benham resided in Mystic with the exception of about a year which was spent in Providence and near Boston, a year in England an 1 some months in New London. Com. She continue her interest in the cause of peace and arbitration and made effective use of her great talents as a public speaker and as a writer of prose and poetry. Many can recall one of her earliest poems, entitled "The Mediator's Kingdom." in which reference is made to the martyr spirit and other heroic quali- ties of her great-grandfather, Timothy Watrons. who, with his noble wife, by reason of their refusal to aid in the support of the military system of the Commonwealth, contrary to their consciences, was tied to the public post and whippe | nul the enel instrument of torture cut deeply into the flesh.

Mrs. Benham's light shone prommonths where- ever her lines of duty calle l. n society, m the arena. in church or around the theside Her efforts will only limited by physical exhaustion, and even then her active brain kept planning still other and more effective work. A notable mengenal service with held at the Peace grave at Vistic in memory of members of the Universal Peace Uman and the Connecticut Christim Perce Society, and i course of his admirable address Wiamy . Tilsett of Rhode Island, commented bentulls on the Site character and services of Vis Benhagy After te calling hẹn many vitnes, hội đểchiến tổ thụ chếs of Peace and her gentle and Lung persondie te closed with these te works

"Hans of her friends and ochale ters think of theult to be reconciled to the tart that we

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GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

loved and honored, and so well prepared for service here, should be removed. However, it must be as God wills, and so we should be willing and glad to leave our dear friend and co-laborer in His tender care, with a faith that on some bright day in the future, and on another shore, all will be made clear. "A recompense is found in the departure from this life of the great and good, and those entitled to our love and respect, in the assurance that they are still citizens of the heavenly kingdom they love, while inmates of another and larger room of our Father's house, the occupants of which are unhin- dered by material surroundings.

"Alone unto our Father's will One thought has reconciled ; That He whose love exceedeth ours Hath taken home His child."

SHERWOOD G. AVERY, a well known citi- zen of Bozrah, New London county, descends from one of the very old families of Connecticut.

James Avery, only son of Christopher, was born in England about 1620, and was probably the founder of the family known as the Groton Averys. He came to this country with his father, and for several years resided at Gloucester, Mass. His father was a weaver, but just when he came and were he first resided seems not to be definitely known. His wife, it seems, remained in England, but just where she lived, or from what place she came, does not appear to be known. He is of rec- ord in Gloucester, Mass., where he was selectman in 1646, 1652 and 1654, and he also held other of- fices. His son, James, styled Capt. James Avery, it is supposed, was born about 1620. He married, Nov. 10, 1643, Joanna Greenslade, of Boston, who received a letter of dismissal from the Church in Boston to the one in Gloucester in 1644. Nothing definite seems to be known concerning her ancestry. Grants of land were made by the townsmen of New London in October, 1650, to a number of persons from Gloucester, among whom was James Avery. It appears that he returned to Gloucester, sold his possessions to his father, and in 1651, returned to New London. In March of that year, the principal body of the Gloucester settlers arrived, and early in the same year (1651) New street, in the rear of the town plot, was opened for the accommoda- tion of the Cape Ann Company. About 1652 James Avery was granted a farm in South Groton, but, however, he continued to live with his family on his town lot for several years. Early in 1653 he se- cured another farm, one of the "Pocktannock grants" farther up the river, in what is now the town of Ledyard. About 1656 he built "the Hive of the Averys," at the head of Poquonnock plain, in the present town of Groton, a mile and a half from the River Thames. He seems to have taken at once an active part in private business and public affairs. He was active in military affairs, and is

generally spoken of as ensign, lieutenant or captain .. In the great Narragansett fight, Dec. 19, 1675, Capt. Avery commanded the Pequot allies. He was: chosen townsman (selectman) in 1660, an office. he held for twenty years. He was twelve times elected to the General Court from 1658 to 1680. He was prominent, too, in Church affairs. His death occurred April 18, 1700. The children of Capt. Avery and his wife, Joanna, all born in New London, excepting the first three, and they in Glou -. cester, were : Hannah, James, Mary, Thomas, John,. Rebecca, Jonathan, Christopher and Samuel.

Isaac' Avery, the grandfather of Sherwood G.,. was a carpenter and farmer, and made his home in the south part of the town of Bozrah .. He was. twice married, (first) to a Miss Willoughby, and (second) to a Miss Miner. By his first wife he had children as follows: John, who removed to the State of New York ; Charles ; Melinda, who married William Hammond, and resided in Bozrah ; David, who married Lucy Cone, and resided in Bozrah; and Bliss, who in young manhood, died the victim of a mad dog's bite. By his second marriage Isaac Avery had one child, Elizabeth, who married Frank Gardner, of Bozrah.

Charles Avery, son of Isaac, was born in Boz- rah. In early life he worked at carpentering in addition to assisting in the care of the home farm. He continued to reside at home, and after the death of his parents purchased the interests of the other heirs. Subsequently he added other lands until in time he became one of the largest land holders in the town. For many years he was engaged in get- ting out ship timber, an enterprise that proved of great profit to him. His death occurred May 18, 1867, when he was aged eighty-three years, and his remains were interred in Gardner cemetery. He attended the Universalist Church. In his political belief he was a stanch Democrat, and he held a number of town offices. During the war of 1812 he participated in the defense of New London. Charles Avery was thrice married. His first wife, Charlotte Lamb, of Bozrah, bore him one child, Mary Ann, who married William Hammond (2). of Bozrah. His second wife, Parthenia Ford, of Bozrah, died in 1829, the mother of eleven chil- dren, as follows: Emily, who married Uriah Gard- ncr, and lived in Bozrah ; Charlotte, who married Elisha Lathrop, of Bozrah: Rachel, who married George Brown, and lived first in Montville and then in Colchester, where she died; Hannah, who married Elisha Palmer, and died in Montville : Jen- nette, who married Azel Bailey, of Bozrah ; David, who died young ; one that died unnamed ; Lucy C., widow of Samuel Ray, and residing near Gardner's Lake, in Salem; Harriet, widow of Orrin Gallup, and now residing in Pomona, Cal. ; John, who died young ; and one that died unnamed at the same time as the mother. For his third wife, Charles Avery married Caroline Lathrop, born Aug. 6, 1807, in

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GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

Bozrah, daughter of Lebbeus and Lucretia (Ma- ples ) Lathrop. To this marriage were born seven children : Melinda, who died young; George H., who married Harriet Lyons, and died in Salem after a life devoted to farming: Elizabeth, who married (first) Albert Harris, and (second) Nicholas Stebbins, and is now a widow residing in Bozrah ; Sarah Ann, who married (first) Orrin Lyons, who died in the Civil war, and ( second) Arthur De Wolf, and resides in Preston ; Charles, a farmer in Bozrah, who married (first) Jane Woodworth, and (second) Carrie Austin; Sher- wood G. ; and Dimis, who died young.

Sherwood G. Avery was born in Bozrah May 5. 1844. His literary training was all received in the district schools, and he was carly accustomed to the labor incident to farm life. He remained at home until his first marriage, when he removed to a farm near by owned by his father, there residing for several years. In 1871 he purchased the house and sawmill in Bozrah street, known as the "Daniel Herrick place," where he has since made his home. Until 1900 he conducted the sawmill, and was en- gaged in getting out all kinds of timber, and from 1891 to 1900 he operated a portable steam sawmill. At the latter date, however, he retired and was succeeded by his son, David W. Previous to the purchase of the steam mill they used water power. From time to time Mr. Avery has purchased land until he now owns 200 acres of valuable farm land. part of which is in the old home farm. His last purchase was in 1904. when the Chapel place be- came his. Since his retirement from the active work of the milling business he has devoted his entire time to farm work-a line he thoroughly under- stands. He is well-to-do, and has earned hiis com- petence by hard work and economy, but he has employed honorable methods, and is highly (- teemed throughout the community.

Mr. Avery has been twice married. His first wife was Emma Maples, a native of Ledyard, who (lied the mother of three children, nameh : David W., who now operates the sawmill. married lizzie Rudd, and has four children, J. Clyde. Elsie M .. David Earl and Harold : Lizzie married Clarence A. Parker, of Norwich, and has one child, Harold : and Frank S., of Hartford, married Gertrude Tin - lor, and had one child, John Sherwood, who died in infancy. Mr. Avery married for his second wife, Mary F. Allen, of Allen's Point, daughter of Thomas and Eliza M. ( Bailey ) Allen, an old and leading family of that place. Mr. Avery has been a consistent Democrat all his life, and he has tiken an active part in public affairs, hol ling at virions times a number of offices within the gift of In townsmen, among them being member of the lead of relief, assessor and grand juror. He atten's the Congregational Church. Mr. Avery is a good with stantial citizen-one of the kind that is a credit to any community.

DWIGHT KELSEY is successfully engaged in farming in the town of Montville. and though he has only a small tract of land it is most carefully cultivated and brings excellent returns. He is a progressive young man, and is favorably known in this neighborhood.

Otis Kelsey; father of Dwight. was born in Hartford, Conn., and died there in 1892, aged about sixty years. He was a plumber by trade. and for many years conducted a successful stove and tin- ware business in connection with his plumbing es- tablishment. He was twice married. first to Lucy Williams, by whom he had three children. Walter. Rosie and Clara. For his second wife Dwight Kelsey married Marinett Baker, who was born in Montville Sept. 2. 1831. daughter of Erastus and Anna Otis (Baker) Baker, and of this un- ion Dwight was the only child. Mrs. Ma- rinett (Baker ) Kelsey was long an invalid. being confined to her bed for sixteen years with spinal trouble before her death, which occurred in Montville Sept. 17. 1888. She was a direct descendant in the eighth generation of Alexander Baker, who was born in England about 1607, and sailed from London in the ship "Elizabeth and Ann" in 1635, settling in Boston. He was a ropemaker by trade.

Dwight Kelsey was born Aug. 2. 1800. in Mont- ville, just across the road from where he new re- sides, and received his early education in his native town, later supplementing the knowledge there ac- quired by several months attendance at Bacch . Acall- emy. Colchester, which he left when seventeen years old. He has since been engaged at farias. and now has a fertile tract of twenty acres under cilt- vation, which he owns, It was originally a poruch of the farm of his uncle. Dwight Baker. Mr. Kel sey raises various crops, and has been very she cessful in his work. He has served one AndE as town constable, but he does not seck putin fied. preferring to give his attention to his private sears In political faith he is a stinchapeober oi ke R publican party.

Miss Estelle Manwaring. might get Done and Mercy ( Raymond) Manwann , or Notwiel andt 1 this union came one son, Themy key length Im 28, 1803. 111 Montville. 80%, and on Oct. 15. 1994. Mr helse Was OMel in marriage with Miss Mary Któ Tal I So Lam Con. Lo thiếuơn hải gho đầy cy an Hộp Mr and Mrs kelsey attoni als

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GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

JOHN BROWN ROGERS ( deceased ), one of the leading and most influential citizens of Montville during his lifetime, came of an old New England family. He was of the sixth generation in direct line from James Rogers, the emigrant ancestor, who came to this country in 1635, his line of descent being through James, Samuel, Daniel, Alpheus and Jehial Rogers.

(I) James Rogers came to America from Lon- don, England, in 1635, in the ship "Increase," being then twenty years of age. He is first heard of in Stratford, Conn., where he married Elizabeth, daughter of Samuel Rowland. They afterward moved to Milford, where his wife united with Rev. Mr. Prudden's Church in 1645. He became a mem- ber of the same church in 1652 and all their children were baptized in Milford. In 1656 Mr. Rogers had business which took him to New London, and liking the place he settled there permanently, becoming a resident of the "plan ation" previous to 1660. Gov. Winthrop encouraged his settlement in New Lon- don, and accommodated him with a portion of his own house lot, next to the mill which was afterward leased to him. On this lot Mr. Rogers built a stone dwelling-house. He was a baker, and did an.exten- sive business furnishing biscuit for seamen, and for the Colonial troops, between the years 1661 and 1670 having the largest interest of anyone in the locality in the trade at New London. He became an extensive landholder, owning several hundred acres on Great Neck, a tract of land at Mohegan, in the place then called Pamechog, and now known as Wassapeag, in the town of Montville, several town lots, and, in partnership with Col. Pyncheon, of Springfield, Mass., 2,400 acres on the east side of the river. He acquired a position of influence in the town in both civil and ecclesiastical affairs, and was six times elected as representative to the General Court. He was an upright and circumspect man. whose memory is held in great honor by his throng of descendants. On settling in New London he and his wife united with Mr. Bradstreet's church, but after a few years they severed their connection with the orthodox Congregational Church and joined the Sabbatarians, who were afterward called Quakers. There is no account of any action on the part of the church in regard to this change of faith, and little is known of the later life of James Rogers. He was born in 1615, and is supposed to have been the son of Rev. John Rogers, of Dedham, England, who died in 1636 ; and the family tradition is that he was a grandson of Rev. John Rogers, of London, who was burned at the stake, in Smithfield, in 1555, during the reign of Bloody Mary. James Rogers died at New London, in February, 1687-88, Sir Edmund Andros being then governor of New Eng- land. His will was proved in Boston, and the chil- dren, in accordance with his earnest request, made an amicable division of the estate, which was ap- proved by the General Court May 12, 1692. His children were Samuel, Joseph, John, Bathsheba,

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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 190

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