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 198

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 198

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Mr. Stiles was the originator and organizer of the Liberty Club, which organization has a select membership of about twenty, and owns several ex- cellent buildings, all of which Mr. Stiles conducts, including the fishing pond dams. The club is a fish- ing and hunting organization, and its members have leased land to the amount of 4,500 acres. Mr. Stiles has entire charge of this property, and is a great worker, and a man who accomplishes whatever he undertakes. During the season he operates a cider mill, and still owns the home farm.

Mr. Stiles married Dec. 20, 1876, Edna F. Crandall, of Kingstown, R. I., born Sept. 2, 1859,

daughter of Daniel and Nancy K. (Tucker) Cran- dall, and the following children have been born to them: Bertha M., who died March 20, 1902, aged twenty-four years ; a son that died in infancy ; Ed- ward Waller ; and Beatrice Mildred. In politics Mr. Stiles is a Republican, and although he never desired office, he has served as constable of the town. Fraternally he is a member of Oliver Wood- house Lodge No. 51, K. of P., at Colchester, and has passed all the chairs. He is also a member of Lebanon lodge, No. 23, Ancient Order United Workmen ; and of the American Order of Fraternal Helpers. The family all attend the Baptist Church, of which they have long been members. Mr. Stiles is a pleasant and popular man, and he and his wife delight in welcoming their friends to their pleasant home.

CAPT. EDWARD M. GRUMLEY, who is well and favorably known through Groton, has made Noank his home for more than sixty years, although his vocation has led him to many other portions of the country for longer or shorter periods. He was born Oct. 17, 1828, at Saybrook Point, Connecticut.

The family has been a seafaring one, his grand- father, Philip Grumley being a mariner, a resident of Saybrook, and was made keeper of the Saybrook Light House at the time of its establishment.

James N. Grumley, father of Capt. Grumley, was born at Saybrook and went to sea at an early age, and was in the West India trade. At Noank he married Freelove Wilcox, daughter of Hezekiah Wilcox, of that place. His death took place at Say- brook, after which the widow and children removed to her old home at Noank, and there she died. Their children were the following: James, who was drowned at Saybrook at the age of eighteen years; Hezekiah, who was drowned at the same time; Philip N., a retired sea captain, who died Nov. 18, 1898; Freelove, who died in 1901, wife of Calvin Wilcox: Edward M .; Chauncey B., of Camden, N. J. ; and Ann E., de- ceased wife of Nathan O. Fish.

Capt. Grumley obtained his education in the schools at Saybrook, where he spent his boyhood days, and began his maritime life as pilot on the Saybrook bar, and later went to the West Indies on the "Thomas Trowbridge." He engaged in fish- ing at Savannah, Ga., and then entered the employ of William M. Baird & Co., as captain of steamers in their line between Philadelphia and Hartford, remaining with this company for seventeen years. He then became associated with William P. Clyde & Co., and continued with this company also for seventeen years, retiring in 1894.

On June 30, 1858, at Noank, Capt. Grumley was married to Hannah Elizabeth Fish, daughter of Samuel Fish. The latter was born in District No. 9. Groton, and was a stone mason and a farmer, spending the main part of his life in this locality ; he married Prudence Smith, of Essex. Both he and

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wife were active members of the Baptist Church, formerly at Fort Hill, and later at Noank. They had these children born to them: Lucy, deceased wife of Joshua Packer; Capt. Erastus, deceased ; Samuel Warren, of Noank; William S., of Noank ; Nathan O., deceased ; Hannah Elizabeth, who mar- ried (first) Hiram Peckham of Ledyard, a sca-far- ing man who was drowned at sea, married ( second ) Capt. Grumley ; and George A. and Joshua P., both deceased. The death of Mr. Fish took place at Noank, at the age of fifty-three years, and that of his widow at the age of seventy-six. In politics he was a Whig.

Capt. and Mrs. Grumley have resided in their pleasant home at Noank since 1871. Both are much esteemed, and Mrs. Grumley is a valued member of the Baptist Church.

ALEXANDER FOURNIER, proprietor of the Troy Steam Laundry, and one of the prosperous and enterprising business men of New London, comes of an old and honored French family of Canada. The grandfather of Alexander Fournier was born in Chambly, Quebec, Canada, and among his children was Moses Fournier, our subject's father.

Moses Fournier was born in October, 1823, in Canada, and died July 26, 1890. In 1844, he mar- ried Miss Domitille Mongeau, daughter of Louis Mongeau and Marie Lariviere, the latter of whom died April 24, 1865, in Canada. The children born of this marriage were Elmire, born Aug. 8, 1846, died June 29, 1893, married Edmond Ostigny, of Ste. Angele, Rougemond, Canada ; Moses, born Nov .. 25, 1847, married Miss Rose Benoit, of Springfield, Mass. ; Alphonsine, born April 6, 1851, is a Sister of Charity in an Orphan Asylum at Montreal, Can- ada ; Azilda, born May 22, 1849. died June 9, 1894. married Alfred Fournier, of Springfield. Mass. : Rosilda, born Sept. 15, 1853, married Ernest Del- tendre, of Bruxelle, Belgium, where they now re- side ; Alexander, born Nov. 22, 1861 : Albert .A., born Sept. 8, 1863, is mentioned elsewhere in this volume ; and John, born, in July, 1865, married Miss Rose Tracy, of Springfield, Mass. Moses Fournier for second wife married Marie Robert, daughter of Nicholas and Catherine Poirier Robert. To this marriage came, Noe, born Feb. 26, 1870, was grad- uated in medicine at Laval University of Montreal in 1899, and was then attached to the Notre Dame Hospital, Montreal, as house surgeon, and since then has been a general practitioner, and recently has been made chief of the dispensary of surgery at the Notre Dame Hospital in Montreal; and Delina, born Oct. 15, 1874, is unmarried. The life of Moses Fournier was spent in Canada, where he worked as a carpenter and carriage maker. For many years. he conducted a business of his own, and prospered in all he undertook. Like so many men of his du. he was also largely interested in farming.

Alexander Fournier was born m Canadi. and there began his educational training. When

fourteen years of age he went to West Springfield, Mass., where he lived with his brother Moses, and attended school until he was seventeen years old. At that time he went to Troy, N. Y., and was there employed for six months in one of the largest laundries, thoroughly learning all the details of the business. In order to obtain this very necessary training, he gave these six months of his life with- out compensation, but it was not time lost. for at the expiration of the half a year, he returned to Spring- field, Mass., and purchased a small laundry, and conducted it successfully for about three years. Then he sold this property and purchased another in the same city, and carried it on for two years. Dis- posing of his second laundry, he removed to Meri- den, Conn., and once more purchased and conducted a laundry. At the end of five years he sold his property with profit, and going to Hartford. Com .. bought a laundry on North Main street, which he sold at the close of two years. Returning ence more to Springfield, he there conducted a laundry for several months.

Receiving a good offer for his property. Mr. Fournier sold it, and in June, 1880, he Imally removed to New London, and established the Troy Stem Laundry on Bank street. In January, 1902. he re- moved the business to his handsome four-stry brick building, which he created with special reter- ence to the demands of his landry. This occupies the cellar and ground floor. The upper three theils are occupied by the "Savoy Hotel. Mr. Fournir has been successful in all his various bilsmes ventures, especially since coming to New London. his executive ability, thorough knowledge of the work and his unfailing industry resulting m the op- building of a business which is mammoth m pro- portions, and one of the largest in Conne tient.

Socially Mr. Fournier is a member of the New London Lodge No. 300. B. P. C. F. and ai St John's Literary Society of New London Hes also a member of the New London Board of Trade. and of Namvang Engine Company, No 2. of the Volunteer Fire Department of New London 11e and his family are members of St Mary's Stat it the Sea Roman Catholic Church of New London. of which he is a liberal supporter.

In political faith Mr. Paimmer Is a Dispoprat upon national questions, but in town affairs. Os neutral.

The first marriage of Ar Lemmer was to Mass Adelia Laporte, of Malone, \ \, who Died Th Meriden, Conn. Une d was Ie ment is that- nage. Miss Lalhan. While residing in Scoo ghen

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GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

and keeps three wagons on the streets collecting and delivering. In business circles, Mr. Fournier is a man most highly esteemed, and it is a recognized fact that his verbal promise is as good as his bond. Perhaps this one fact has played no small part in his success.

ALLEN AVERY. Numbered among the sub- stantial and influential men of Mystic, Conn., is Allen Avery, who was born in Old Mystic, and comes of a long line of honorable ancestors who lived and died in Connecticut.

(I) The pioneer of the family was one Christo- pher Avery, born in 1590. From him the line of Allen Avery is through (II) Captain James Avery, (III) Lieutenant James, (IV) Ebenezer, (V) Eb- enezer (2), (VI) Ebenezer (3), (VII) Asa, and (VIII) Asa Allen.

(VI) Ebenezer Avery (3) was born Oct. 10, 1760, and married Dec. II, 1783, Abigail Story.

(VII) Asa Avery, born May 16, 1785, married, May 21, 1809, Desire Giddings.

(VIII) Asa Allen Avery, born in Preston, Feb. 19, 1810, married, in Stonington, Sept. 23, 1832, Abby Eliza Morgan, born April 1, 1813, daugh- ter of Isaac A. Morgan. In boyhood Asa Allen Avery was bound out to Squire Elisha Storey, of Preston, Conn., but after his marriage, the young man settled at Old Mystic, and engaged in house carpenter work, but later became a ship joiner, fol- lowing this line of work for thirty years. Part of this time he worked in the Greenman yard, at Mys- tic, and for twenty years before his death he lived retired. In 1853, he moved to the Groton side of Mystic, and there died, June, 1884. Mrs. Avery died in Old Mystic, Sept. 7, 1852. This couple be- came the parents of the following family: Eliza, born Dec. 9, 1834, died Oct. 13, 1837 ; Allen, born Nov. 23, 1838; and Parmenas, born Oct. 1, 1841, is now deceased. After the death of his first wife, Mr. Avery married Abby Langworthy Chesebrough, and their children were: Fernando, born June 22, 1855, is deceased ; Abbie Carrie, born May 30, 1871, married D. W. Backus, of South Windham, Conn. During his earlier days, Mr. Avery was prominent in politics, and represented Groton in the Legisla- ture. He was a man of high character, devoted to his family, and always interested in local affairs.

(IX) Allen Avery, the subject proper of this biography, was born at Old Mystic, Nov 23, 1838. On Aug. 19, 1862, he married Alice Babcock Hinck- ley, daughter of Abel and Abbie E. (Babcock) Hinckley. One child came of this marriage: Viola Genevieve, born Oct. 31, 1871, died Dec. 29, 1892.

Mr. Avery spent his boyhood days in Old Mys- tic, securing an excellent education in the public schools and at the academy at Mystic. Leaving school he worked as a ship joiner with his father in the Greenman yards, but in 1864, he embarked in an undertaking business at Mystic, in a store built by his father. Later, he purchased the store, and

carried on an undertaking business for a number of years, but about 1884, he retired from that line, continuing, however, to operate his furniture store, which he had in the meanwhile established, until 1895. He is now engaged in the real estate business.

Nr. Avery is a member of Charity and Relief Lodge, No. 72, A. F. & A. M., and has been since 1879, and he was secretary nine years. For the past seventeen years he has lived on the Stonington side of Mystic, in a house he built in 1886, so that he takes a deep interest in the affairs of the town of Stonington. For thirteen years he was a mem- ber of the executive committee of the fire district, and was one of the organizers of the Hook and Ladder Company, which he served faithfully and ably as treasurer for twenty-one years. He is now vice-president of the Avery Memorial Association, which he served as president for two years. In fact there are few measures of a public character, designed to advance the interests of Mystic, in which he has not been concerned.

JOHN W. PHILLIPS, a prosperous merchant of Mystic, town of Groton, Conn., descends from several of the early families of southwestern Rhode Island. On his paternal side he is in the fourth generation from Joseph Phillips, his lineage being through Benjamin and Hon. Reynolds Clark Phil- lips.

Joseph Phillips married Susan Barber and was a resident of the town of Exeter, R. I. The Barbers of that region descended from Moses Barber, who was of Kings Town, R. I., as early as 1687. The children of Joseph and Susan ( Barber) Phillips were: Nicholas, Ezekiel, Joseph, Benjamin P., Je- rusha, Mehetabel, Emeline (or Emblem) and Susan.

Benjamin P. Phillips, son of Joseph and Susan (Barber) Phillips, was born April 13, 1802, in Exeter, R. I. He was married to Elizabeth Wood- mansee, and they lived the greater part of their lives in the town of Richmond, R. I., he being oc- cupied in his earlier life in the mills, but in the main was engaged in farming. He and his wife were members of the Wood River Baptist Church in Richmond, the membership of which included many of the Phillips name. Mr. Phillips died in the town of Scituate, R. I., in the summer, probably of 1886, and both are buried in the Wood River cemetery. Their children were: Sarah Ann, who married Allison Hathaway, and is now residing with her granddaughter, Mrs. James McGregor, at Natick. R. I., in the seventy-eighth year of her age; Alfred, who married Elizabeth Phillips, daughter of Nich- olas ; Reynolds Clark; Elizabeth, who married Ed- ward Taber; Roxy, who married Patrick Burke ; Susan, who married James Tifft; and Abby, who married Henry Potter.

The Woodmansees of the locality alluded to in the foregoing were there early in the eighteenth century, the marriage of one Joseph Woodmansee to Hannah Tyster occurring July 17, 1719, and their

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GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

children and grandchildren, respectively, being of Charlestown and Richmond record.

Reynolds Clark Phillips, son of Benjamin P. and Elizabeth ( Woodmansee) Phillips, born June 29, 1833, married, June 23, 1855, in Richmond, R. I., Desire Letson, daughter of Freeborn and Roxy (Tifft) Letson, the ceremony being performed by Elder John C. Greene. Mr. Letson was a prosper- ous dealer in stock in Richmond, and a leading man of that section. Mr. Phillips passed the greater part of his life in the town of Richmond, occupied in farming. He took an active and prominent part in local public affairs. For many years he was a mem- ber of the town council, and he also represented his town in the General Assembly of Rhode Island. His political affiliations were with the Republican party.

Early in the Civil war young Phillips espoused the cause of the Union, and on August 7, 1862, enlisted as a private in Company A. 7th R. i. V. I., a regiment recruited to serve during the war, and left Camp Bliss in South Providence in September, 1862, under command of Col. Zenas R. Bliss, an accomplished officer, for Washington, D. C. Mr. Phillips was mustered into the United States sery- ice with his regiment, and shared its fortunes until Sept. 9, 1863, from which time until June, 1865, he was on detached service at New Haven, Conn. He was promoted to the rank of corporal, and was mustered out June 15, 1865. to date June 9. 1865, at Providence, Rhode Island.

The children born to Reynolds C. and Desire (Letson) Phillips were : David F., now with Messrs. Davis & Slocum, of Lafayette, R. I .; and John Wilbur. The parents of these died, Mr. Phil- lips, on March 14, 1899, aged sixty-five years, nine months and seventeen days, and Mrs. Phillips, on Jan. 14, 1885, both passing away in the town of Richmond, Rhode Island.

John Wilbur Phillips spent his boyhood days in Richmond, and at the East Greenwich academy, after which he taught school for five terms at Exe- ter. R. I. His next work was in the mercantile line. at Hope Valley, R. 1 .. continuing there from 188t to 1887. He then engaged in the same business at Wickford Junction, and later at Marlboro, Mas .. he embarked in a grocery and provision enterprise. In 1888 he came to Mystic, and for six years was in the employ of William E. Wheeler, but on Sept. 15, 1804, he opened a large shoe, hat, and men's furnishing goods establishment, which he still oper- ates, carrying a full line of all articles in his line. of latest design and best quality. During his years of residence in Mystic, he has lived in the Groton portion of the city, and is one of the most highly respected citizens of the place. Fraternally he is a member of Mistuxet Lodge, No. 212. Knights of Pythias, at Mystic.

Mr. Phillips was first married at Richmond to Miss Iva 1. Tillinghast, daughter of Res, falbert Tillinghast, a Baptist clergyman. She died at Vlvs-

tic, Conn., in 1897. Mr. Phillips was married free- ond ) in Mystic, to Miss Minnie Estelle Bagg -. daughter of William H. Baggs, of Groton. Com .. a spar maker. Mr. and Mrs. Phillips are prominent in the Baptist Church of Mystic. although Mr. Phillips has always retained his membership in the church of that denomination at Richmond.

SAWYER. The Sawyer family of Connecticut. one of the very early ones of Mystic, originate 1 in Yorkshire, England, whence came Moses Sawyer to America about 1740. He settled on Shelter Island, in Gardner's Bay, from which place he moved to Mystic during the war for Independence. bringing with him his wife, whose maiden name was Phebe Havens, and their sons, John, James and William. and daughters, Sarah and Phebe. They first lived in the chambers of the Frederick Dennison hause. but later moved to Noank, where Meses died of smallpox, and was buried in the old Neank burying- ground.

Besides the members of his family who accom- panied him to Mystic, there remained on Long Island, his daughters, Mary, who had been married to Zebulon Weeks ; and Martha, who had been mar- ried to Wakeman Foster. Of the children who came to Mystic. Sarah was married to William Wilbur, and settled at Noank, where a number i their descendants still reside. Phebe was married to William Brown, and they returned to Long Island. John, the eldest son, when eighteen years old, was killed on board the American privateer, "Fagk. in an engagement with a British brig-of-war.

James Sawyer, the second son of Moses Sauver. was born in April, 1765. and married (first Bet- sey Rathbun, and (second) Mercy Burrows- The children of the first marriage were Names and John. and of the second marriage were : Frederick, Butses. James, Winthrop, John Havens, Beman m and Phoebe, and these are all recalled as progenitores ci well known residents of Mystic James Sauver was grandfather of Nelle Utley, Betsey was the mother of Emma Sawyer, and grandmother of leon chip Sawyer Young and Phobe Sauver Gritty Ich married George Eldredge, whey diel 11 Mette James Sawver, the father of the & chillicon il of Mason's Island. April 28. 1813

William Sawyer, the thing son w Misses and and married Prudence Ashbey boot loaje 200-1771. Their children were: Martha, bounty Sitt 1291. James Aslibres, ban Ink 5. 1,7 8 Mal bor dd, 28, 1204. Moses Havens, bom Ve as IT: WU

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GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

years. He was a sea-faring man, engaged in the coasting trade.

Thomas Jefferson Sawyer, son of William, was born April 12, 1807, on Mason's Island, and was there reared and educated. He married Mary Pal- mer, sister of Robert Palmer of Noank, and they had the following children: Mary Ann, deceased, married Asa Ashbey, a surviving son being Edward Ashbey of Noank ; Prudence A. married John A. Carrington, and at death left two children, Clarence (of Noank) and Ella (wife of B. A. Spinks) : Thomas J., Jr., of Noank, married Louisa Williams, and they have three children, Anna, Helen and Mary; Asa died in infancy ; Roswell Palmer, born Feb. 5, 1843 ; and Charles and Georgiana, both died young. Along in the 40's Mr. Sawyer moved from Mason's Island to Noank, where he made his home until death. He was a leading member of Fort Hill Baptist Church, and was one of the organizers of that religious body in Groton. His life was one of usefulness, and he enjoyed the fullest measure of esteem in his community.

Roswell Palmer Sawyer was born in Noank, and like his father was reared and educated in his native place. At the age of eighteen years he became cap- tain of the "G. A.," a smack engaged in fishing at Montauk, and he belonged to this fleet for five years. The other vessels of which he was commander were : The "S. R. Packer," the "Almeda," the "Whistler," which he commanded for twelve years, the "Lucy E. Smith," and the schooner, "Mattie and Lena." In 1897 Mr. Sawyer discontinued his life on the water, and became the manager of the marine rail- way for the Robert Palmer Company, and continued there until he resigned to become postmaster at Noank.

In politics Mr. Sawyer has always been a stanchi supporter of the Republican party, and has been more or less interested in public affairs for years. On Jan. 1, 1898, he was appointed postmaster at Noank, and has most efficiently and satisfactorily performed the assigned duties. For many years he has been active in the Noank Baptist Church.

On Nov. 19, 1863, Mr. Sawyer was married to E. Adelaide Fitch, daughter of John A. Fitch. The three children of this marriage, Almeda, Willie and Jennie P., all died young.

A very interesting account of the Sawyer ances- try may be consulted in the National Encyclopedia, Vol. II, p. 62. Here it is stated that our subject's paternal line is traced to Sir Edmund Sawyer, who was knighted A. D. 1579, and married Annie, daughter of Sir William Sawyer. The great- grand- father was an admiral in the Royal British Navy, whose squadron had cruised on the New England coast prior to 1776, when he secured, by grant, Shelter Island, in Long Island Sound, for his son, Moses Sawyer.

The descendants of Jeremiah Niles Sawyer, ninth son of William Sawyer, through his marriage on July 7, 1826, to Emeline Olive Kelly, born Oct. 8.

1808, at Lyme, were: Moses Havens, born June 6, 1827, was consul at Trinidad, under President Cleveland ; Jeremiah N., Jr., born June 28, 1829; Emeline, born April 22, 1831, died Oct. 8, 1831 ; Lodowick Latham, born Oct. 27, 1832; Lucy Latham, born Feb. 5, 1835; and Franklin Kelly, born June 1, 1839, died June 24, 1847. The father died of yellow fever on board the schooner "Hero," of which he was captain, May 8, 1841, on the pas- sage from New Orleans to Havana, Cuba.

LOUIS W. GREENEBERG, ex-chief engineer of the Norwich fire department, now living retired, is one of the most popular residents of that city. He is of German stock, a native of Giessen, Hesse Darmstadt, son of Emil and Elizabeth (Seip) Greeneberg. The father, a gardener by occupation, died at the age of seventy-three years, and his widow at the age of seventy-four. They had only two children, Louis W. and his elder brother, Karl, who is married and resides in Giessen ; he is a copyist by occupation.

Louis W. Greeneberg was born April 18, 1838, and attended the public schools until he was less than fourteen years old. He then began to learn the trade of a cabinet maker, and was bound out for three years, having to pay his mas- ter one hundred dollars to teach him the trade. He boarded at home. The hours were from five A. M. until seven at night, and it was hard work all of the time. He had spent only two years at this business when he decided to come to Amer -. ica. The young man left Bremen in 1854 in a sail- ing vessel, and was seventy-nine days on the pass- age. He landed in New York in August and soon after, through the aid of a friend, found work at, his trade, and was employed in New York City for two years. In 1856 he went to Norwich, and was employed by Colton, Ruggles and Gilbert, who had a cabinet business on what is now lower Broadway, opposite the Wauregan Hotel. He was put to work making side rails on bedsteads, which were sold in the South. He remained with this firm until they dissolved, and then with the succeeding firms of Lane & Gilbert, and N. S. Gilbert & Sons, continu- ing with the latter hrm until October, 1890, when he resigned to become the chief engineer of the city fire department. He was employed by the latter concern and their predecessors for a period of more than thirty-four years, and was foreman of the shop the last twenty-five years. He was a hard-working and faithful employe, and had the fullest confi- dence of his employers, who were very reluctant to part with him, and offered strong inducements to him to remain.

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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 198

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