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 204

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 204

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Capt. William Ashbey Wilbur and his wife had children as follows : Lucy Ellen, born June 28, 1830. died in February, 1835: Abby Palmer, bern Seit. 30, 1832, died June 20, 1851 : William Allen. Jemu Oct. 24. 1833, died Ang. 5. 1858; John Palier. born Dec. 10, 1835. slied May 11, 1878. Robert Palmer, born Oct. 28, 1839 : Charles, bar Dec. 25. 1843. died July 12, 1844. Capt. Willair was a mariner. and also a merchant at Noank. His vinden afterward married Capt. Jeremiah Wilbur, whose widow she now is, and she resides with her son. Capt. Robert Palmer Wilbur.

Robert Palmer Wilbur, born Oct. 28, 1830. en May 10, 1844, married Phobe Mmer Fish, daugh ter of Nathan (i. and handle ( Matery Lash They had children born to them as iol is . Alar. 4h died aged seven months; Helen lash, cursode. who died aged seven years, Enelne Mater . Kileri P. and John P., bern fan. 19. 1890)

Capt. Robert Pahner Wilbur had Hostel Mea- tional advantages in his he she to school only during the winter sexon fire he ten he followed the water m siht met ans Bren the age of sistem punt he was twenty. I. m.

served three months m Company I al com 1. Hle then adoptsla sa manne die. a time he was Twenty hie hie was the water

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in the South Pacific, the crew of the wrecked British ship, "Cornwallis." This ship-wrecked crew num- bered twenty-six souls, who were cared for during eighty-five days, and finally landed in New York. For this humane act, he was presented by the British government with an elegant gold watch and chain, the watch bearing the following inscription: "Pre- sented by the British Government to Capt. R. P. Wilbur of the American ship 'Dauntless,' of Mys- tic, in testimony of his humanity and kindness to crew of ship 'Cornwallis,' of Liverpool during eighty-five days in 1875." The owners of the Corn- wallis, presented to Captain Wilbur a solid silver service. Since quitting active sea service, Capt. Wil- bur has been vice-president of the Robert Palmer & Son Ship Building and Marine Railway Company. of Noank, one of the best known concerns in their line in America.

In politics he has been a stanch supporter of the Republican party. In 1897-98 he was a mem- ber of the Connecticut Legislature, and served on States Prison committee. He served as first sel- ectman in 1885-86, and he has taken an active part in town affairs, and in public matters generally, never shirking the duty of a progressive and public spirited citizen, and being ever ready to support or encourage any movement of benefit, and equally as ready to discourage a project not having for its ob- ject the social, moral or business welfare of the town. Capt. Wilbur is an active and prominent member of the Union Baptist Church at Mystic, of which he is a deacon. Fraternally he is member of Williams Post, No. 55, G. A. R., at Mystic, of which he is past commander. He resides at Mystic.

MRS. ANNIE E. MORGAN BROWN, daugh- ter of Stephen and Eliza M. D. ( Noyes) Morgan, is a descendant in the eighth generation of two of the oldest and most prominent families in the annals of Connecticut.

James Morgan, the emigrant ancestor and proge- nitor of the Morgan family, was born in 1607, in Wales, married Margery Hill of Roxbury, Mass., Aug. 6, 1640, and was made a freeman there May IO, 1645. Early in 1650 he had lands granted to him in Pequot, now New London, which were soon occupied by him as a homestead, and which he sold Dec. 25, 1656, and removed with several others across the river upon large tracts of land previously granted them by the town. In 1657 he built his house in Groton, about three miles from the Groton Ferry on the road to Poquonock Bridge. Mr. Mor- gan was one of the selectmen of New London, and one of the first deputies from the New London Plan- tation to the General Court at Hartford in May, 1657, and for nine terms thereafter. He served in the Colonial wars and took part in all the activities of a public nature of the times. For a long period he was an active member of Rev. Richard Blinman's

Church, and he died in 1685. The events of his life are well authenticated.

John Morgan, son of James, was born March 30, 1645, and was married (first) Nov. 16, 1655, to Rachel Dymond, and ( second) to Mrs. Eliza- beth Williams.

John Morgan (2), son of John, was born June IO, 1667, and married Ruth Shapley.

John Morgan (3), son of John (2), was born June 4, 1700, and was married April 17, 1728, to Sarah Cobb.

John Morgan (4), son of John (3), was born July 28, 1729, and was married Feb. I, 1750, to Prudence Morgan.

Stephen Morgan, son of John (4), was born April 19, 1762, and married April 13, 1787, Par- thenia Park.

Stephen Morgan (2), son of Stephen, was born June 20, 1808, in Ledyard, Conn., and was married June 17, 1830, to Eliza M. D. Noyes, daughter of Nathan and Sally (Spargo) Noyes. At the age of seventeen years he went with Capt. Thomas Burtch on a whaling voyage from Stonington, and later in life engaged on coasting vessels running from New York to New Orleans, and during the Mexican war carried government troops. His last voyage was from New York, and he died on Willow street, Mystic, Feb. 5, 1852. After his death, Mrs. Morgan built a house on Denison avenue, where she resided until her death, June 18, 1882. Their children were : Ebenezer : Stephen, unmarried, who is engaged in a real-estate business in Jersey City : James Francis, formerly a clerk in the store of F. M. Manning, who later studied medicine in New York, and is now a practicing physician of Brooklyn (he married Mar- tha Louise Gaudu, and they have three children, Martha Louise, Frances Annie and James Francis, Jr. ) ; and Annie-Eliza. Mrs. Morgan was a charter member of the Congregational Church at Mystic, prior to this attending, with her children, the old Road Church.

Ebenezer Morgan, the oldest of the above family, was born March 20, 1831, in Mystic, Conn., and always made that place his home, dying there July 30, 1903. In early life he worked in the old Irons & Grinnell yard as a ship carpenter, later in the Greenman and Mallory yards, in the latter serving as a superintendent, but during the last forty years of his life he was employed in the Light House De- partment on the Atlantic coast, and for several years was superintendent of construction in the Third Light House District. By his uniform courtesy and characteristic integrity Mr. Morgan commanded the respect of all who knew him. He was well known in Masonic circles throughout the State, being a mem- ber of Charity and Relief Lodge, of Mystic ; Pales- tine Commandery, of New London; and Pyramid Temple, Mystic Shrine, of Bridgeport. He liad taken the thirty-second degree. He was a trustee in the Methodist Church. Like other members of

Samund & Brown

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his family, he was a man gifted in many ways, and he developed talents in ship construction which brought him many important contracts. He de- signed and built the famous yacht "Dauntless." the property of Mrs. Colt, of Hartford, and was also the builder of the steam yacht "Britanique," a vessel 240 feet in length, owned in Baltimore. He was the superintendent of the great work of dredging in the Potomac river and filling in land around the Wash- ington Monument, and under his superintendence the Erie Basin Dry Dock was constructed.

The first marriage of Ebenezer Morgan was to Esther B. Butler, and the second to her sister, Mary A. Butler, of New Bedford, Mass. The only child of the first marriage, Esther B., died at the age of twenty-one, on April 9, 1879. The children of the second marriage were as follows: Ellen Sabin died at the age of sixteen, June 4, 1879; James died Oct. 22, 1866, in infancy : Eliza died June 24, 1879, aged eleven years; Stephen was born Aug. 11, 1870; Ebenezer was born April 10, 1874: Mary, born Aug. 5. 1876, died Aug. 15, 1876; and Mary Davis, born Dec. 8, 1883, died June 1, 1900.

Stephen and Ebenezer Morgan received their early education in Mystic, and the former attended the Mystic Valley Institute and the latter took a business course with Bryant & Stratton, in Provi- dence. In 1890 Stephen learned the painter's trade and went to Newton, Mass., and he worked for the Gamewell Fire Alarm Telegraph Co., and served in the fire department there for eight years. In 1900 he and his brother engaged in an ice cream and confectionery business, under the firm name of Morgan Brothers. He is a member of Newton Lodge, No. 92, 1. O. O. F.

Ebenezer Morgan, after completing his educa tion, worked in the auditor's office of the New York. Providence & Boston Railroad Company, in Provi dence, for eighteen months. Upon his return to Mystic he became timekeeper for Atwood & Co. at Stonington, and then was associated with Thomas M. Fitch, in a decorating business, for a year, after which he became assistant superintendent of the docks at Stonington. On Jan. 26, 1808, with his brother, he embarked in the confectionery business, and the firm has met with much success, both men bers being highly regarded as business men of enterprise.

On Oct. 23, 1901, Ebenezer Morgan was imited in marriage with Sarah Elizabeth Clark, a dughter of Alfred M. Clark. Fratermilky he is a meml i of Stonington Lodge, No. 26, 1. 0. 0) F.

SAMUEL STANTON BROWN. On Jan. 27. 1501. was celebrated the marriage of Annie E Morgen and the late Samuel Stanton Brown The litter was born Dec. J. 1830. in North Stonington, Come a son of George Coggswell and Sarah (Sinthe) Brown. His boyhood was spent on the Brown homestead, which is now occupied by his brother Col. James Frank Brown. In each manhood Mr Brown went South with his brother George, and

located at Savannah, Ga., where he remained until the outbreak of the Civil war. In the fall of 1867 he entered into a business partnership with John H. Hoxie, under the firm name of Hoxie & Brown. succeeding the firm of C. D. Jones & Co., in the grocery and hardware business, in the Exchange block. Later Mr. Hoxie withdrew and Mr. Brown continued alone in the business until his death. For many years his main business and source of large income was the menhaden fishing business, which he commenced in company with the Wilcox Bres., at Quiambang, and later carried on in partnership with Capt. James Lenen, under the firm name of Brown & Lennen. This firm operated works en Long Island, and also at Lewes, Del., these point- becoming well known centers of this industry. Mr. Brown was for many years a director of Mystic River National Bank, at Mystic, and of the Uneas National Bank at Norwich.

Mr. Brown was a very prominent member of the Society committee and of the Congregational Church at Mystic, and this congregation was gener- ously remembered in his will. He was a charter member of Charity & Relief Lodge. F. & A. M .. at Mystic. He was a trustee of Film Grove Come- tery Association. He was a very public-spiritedl citizen, and did much to build up the business in- terests of Mystic, and for many years was posted ont as one of the most prominent and representative citizens. His death occurred on July 1. 000. and he was buried in Film Grove cemetery at Miste.

Mr. Brown was twice married, first. Mav 5. IN(m), to Elizabeth Stanton Kaukes, ci Prox konce. He is survived by his second wife. . lady mes highly esteemed by all who know her

HENRY DAVIDSON maker of New Londen, is one of the two 100 en gaged in this In between New York aft Prome Licorge Davilsen, grinlt thei of \\ fe Henry, whose father the I when he was quite krigs

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GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

building yard, and was engaged along the line for over fifty years. His large plant was located on Fort Neck, and he gave employment to from forty to fifty men. Among some of the vessels he built may be mentioned the "Crescent," "Howard B. Peck," "Charles D. Hall," and "Elwood H. Smith," all merchantmen and coasting vessels. Mr. David- son was successful in his business career, and at his death, which occurred April 20, 1896, he left his family a good competence. In manner he was gen- ial and pleasant, and made many friends. In his political faith he was a Democrat. In his younger days, Mr. Davidson was engaged in the whaling in- dustry, and made several voyages to the whaling regions. Soon after his return from one of these voyages, he married, but his wife died after about a year of married life. He then married Ann Allen, daughter of John Allen, of Nova Scotia, and she died in New London. The children born to Mr. Davidson were: William Henry; Ellen, who died at the age of twenty-one years ; John, who died aged twenty-one years; Elizabeth, who married William Strickland, and is now living in California.

The third wife of James Davidson, whom he married in 1861, was Ellen F. Somers, daughter of Daniel Somers, of New London ; she died Nov. 8, 1904, in New London. The children born of the third marriage were: Walter, who died young ; James, who is living in New London, unmarried, a dealer in antiques; Grace, who married Thomas Ramsey of Brooklyn, N. Y .; Louisa, who married William Camp, of Plainfield, N. Y .; Richard, who married Mollie Griffin, and is living in New Lon- don ; Ellen, at home : Emma, unmarried ; and John, living in New York, unmarried.

William H. Davidson, the subject proper of this sketch was born June 28, 1855, in New London, where he received his education in the district school. He left school at the age of fourteen years, and went on the water, following the sea some four or five years. During this time he commanded the schooner "Jacob Raymond," which was owned by his father, and which carried coal from ports around New York to Norwich and New London. Later he was associated at the marine railways on Fort Neck, New London, with his father who was in company with Daniel Crocker. There he learned the ship car- penter trade, at which he worked for a number of years, and later went into the spar making business at which he was highly successful. After the death of Daniel Crocker he became associated with his father under the firm name of James and William H. Davidson. A great many vessels were built under the firm's name. After his father's death he took as a partner Isaac N. Bragaw, in the marine railway business, and for a short time the firm name was Davidson & Bragaw. Later the firm dissolved, and Mr. Davidson conducted the business himself. continuing alone until he sold the plant to Edward T. Brown, of the Brown Cotton Gin Company, since which time he has given his attention to spar mak-

ing and is located on Hamilton street, Inner Shaws- Cove, New London.

Fraternally Mr. Davidson is a member of Mo- hegan Lodge, No. 55, I. O. O. F., and of the New London Lodge of Elks. In the political life of the community, he is prominent as a Democrat. He is. unmarried. Mr. Davidson has been successful in his business affairs, and has accumulated consid- erable property, and firmly established himself in the confidence and friendship of New London and the surrounding district. In addition to his spar- making business, he has extensive real estate hold- ings, and as well, is interested in vessels.

BENJAMIN F. BECKWITH, who was one. . of the best known business men, and oldest mer- chants of his day in New London, traces his ances- try back through men prominent in Connecticut and New England history to a family well known in England, whither the original ancestor came: with William the Conqueror.

(I) Sir Hugh De Malebisse who held lands with William, the Conqueror, was born in Normandy, as were all the followers of the Conqueror.

(II) Hugo de Malebisse, living in 1138, mar- ried (first) Emma, daughter of William de Percy.

(III) Sir Simon de Malebisse, Lord of Cowton in Craven, married the daughter of John, Lord of Methley.

(IV) Sir Hercules de Malebisse, who changed his name to Beckwith and Lord of Uglebarly, on his marriage in 1226, married Lady Dame (Beckwith) Bruce, daughter of Sir William Bruce, Lord of Uglebarly.

(V) Sir Hercules Beckwith married the daugh- ter of Sir John Ferers, of Tamworth Castle.

(VI) Nicholas Beckwith de Clint, married the daughter of Sir John Chaworth.

(VII) Hamon Beckwith, who took upon him. in 1339, the coat of arms of John, Lord de Male- bisse, married the daughter of Sir Philip Tynley, Knight.

(VIII) William Beckwith, second of the Ma- nor of Beckwithshow, 38th year of Edward III, 1364, married a daughter of Sir Girard Urfleet.

(IX) Thomas Beckwith was of Clint, and ma- nors of Magna Otrigen and Housley, near Thurs- by, 4, Richard II, which lands were holden of John Lord Mowbroy, as his manor of Thursk. He mar- ried the daughter of John Sawly, of Saxon.

(X) Adam Beckwith de Clint married Eliza- beth de Malebisse, 4. Richard II.

(XI) Sir William Beckwith de Clint, Knight, married the daughter of Sir John Baskerville.

(XII) Thomas Beckwith of Clint, lord of a one-third part of Fily, Mustor and Thorp, married the daughter and heiress of William Heslerton.

(XIII) John Beckwith married the daughter of Thomas Radcliff of Mulgrave.

(XIV) Robert Beckwith, of Broxholme, was, living in the eighth year of King Edward IV.

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(XV) John Beckwith, of Clint and Thorp, was living in the eighth year of Edward IV.

(XVI) Robert Beckwith, of Clint and Thorp, married Jennet.

(XVII) Marmaduke Beckwith, of Dacre and Clint, married (second) Anne, daughter of Dynly, of Bramhope, County York.

(XVIII) Matthew Beckwith, born Sept. 22. 1610, in Pontefract, Yorkshire, Engand, emi- grated in 1635 to New England, resided for a short time at Saybrook Point in 1635, was in Branford in 1638, among the first settlers of Hartford in 1642, among the first settlers of Lyme, in 1651, and purchased large tracts of land on the Niantic river, lying practically in Lyme and New London. He owned the barque "Endeavor," which was con- structed for him, and was the first vessel launched from New London, and traded with the Barbadoes. Matthew Beckwith died Dec. 13. 1681. He left a wife, Elizabeth.

(XIX) John Beckwith, born in 1669, at Lyme, Conn., was one of the original patentees of New London, to Waterford, Conn. He had lived, ac- cording to his deposition in 1740, at Niantic Ferry, for seventy-five years.

(XX) Elisha Beckwith was born and died in Waterford, Conn., where he was buried on the west bank of the Niantic river.

(XXI) Jason Beckwith was born in Waterford, Conn., in 1764, and was married in 1785. He re- moved to New London, where he was occupied as a ship builder, and where he died. Hle left ten children : David ; Ezra ; Amy, who married Anson Smith, of Cleveland; Sabra; Betsey : Elisha : Ja- son, born Nov. 15, 1791; Gurdon, who enlisted in the United States army in 1807-08, served under Gens. Harrison and Hull, in the 37th Conn. Regi- ment, and had a son, Gurdon, residing in New Lon- don in 1880: Daniel ; and James, a prominent ship builder of New London.

(XXII) Jason Beckwith ( 2) married. in 1812. Miss Naomi Calkins, born Jime 26, 1794, and thes became the parents of children born as follows: Betsey, Aug. 31, 1816, who married Capt. Gelbert Kenney; Jason (3). Aug. 23. 1823; Argus, Jan. 28, 1828; Benjamin F.

(XXIII) Benjamin F. Beckwith was born in East Lyme, Conn. His education was limited to the training offered by the district school of his not- tive town, but he took the fullest advantage of It meager opportunities, and with his naturadh he mental powers made himself a thoroughly well educated man. He was always very quiet in his bearing, however, and except when circum tures called his powers into play, one would hugh il ize what a keen capable man Mr. Beckwith acth ally was.

One Thanksgiving Day Mr. Beckwith went to New London and became clerk for Sabin Smith, whose store was located where the firm Hadde & May now do business. Later he was taken hilfs

the firm, which for many years included also his brother. Jason, and a Mr. Sisson : after the death of Jason Beckwith, however, Mr. Benjamin Beckwith was the sole owner of the concern, and was the oldest merchant in continuous business in New London.

Mr. Beckwith chose for his wife Miss Eunice Dennis Edgar. They had two children: Annie Edgar. born July 20, 184t, died in January. 1905 : and Minnie, born March 27. 1850, who died Oct. 3. 1871. Mrs. Beckwith died June 19. 1870. Her husband survived her some time. He was a man who exerted an influence quiet. but still strong. His dominating characteristic was courage: when business reverses overtook him. he renewed his struggle with indomitable perseverance and suc- ceeded in rebuilding his fortunes. His tempera- ment was a sympathetic one, also, however, for misfortune ever appealed to him. In his home he was a devoted husband and father. Politically he was a strong Democrat, and indirecthy was an in- fluence in public affairs, but never sought office. or active leadership. In Waterford he had leer a member of the Baptist Church, but after making his home in New London he attended St. James Episcopal Church.

HENRY LATHAM BAILEY, a leading cifi- zen of Groton, descends from one of the oldest set tled families of the town.

Jonathan Bailey, his great grandfather, was of Groton. He took part in the Revolutionary wir. and from May 20, 1788, was a member of the cup- pany of Capt. Mathew Smith, in the battalion comes manded by Brigadier General Dasil Watestary which was raised by dratts from the muita. to guard the posts at Horseneck and places a lacent. and also the sea coast. In July. this little General Washington, at his encamputent at Plul- lpsburg, and for some tini was mbler time cun nanl of fineral Heath, on the Westchester Pole

Gordon T'ailes, son of fatethen ate am Either ci fun subject was hon of croos ml with seven buthiers and two sale .. (con 000 per on the Western Reserve. the face rebecathe

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GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

Lenox and Morgan townships, although he was a carpenter by trade. In Groton he married Me- linda Latham, widow of John Fisk and daughter of George Latham, and the four children born to them were as follows: Louise M., born in Ohio, married David M. Leslie, of Trumbull, Ohio, and has four children, Charles L., John E., Carrie M. and Helen ; Henry Latham was born in the same house that saw the birth of his mother, two miles north of Groton Bank : Gurdon F., born at Groton, a Congregational clergyman, who was stationed first at West Avon, and at present at Westbrook, Conn., married Mary S. Chapman of Groton, and they have four children,-Harold C., Marian L., Louise P. and Lucile D .; and Helen E., born at Lenox, Ohio, married William H. Williams, and they reside at Derby, Conn. Mrs. Bailey resides with the last named daughter, a beloved member of the household.

Henry Latham Bailey was born July 23, 1861, and he acquired his early education in the common schools of Morgan and Lenox townships, and at Rock Creek Institute, Ashtabula county, Ohio. He was reared on the home farm, where he resided until the removal of the family to Groton, in 1880, where he also engaged in farming for a few years. In 1884 he entered the employ of the Wilson Manu- facturing Company, of New London, as shipping clerk. In 1887 he embarked in a partnership gro- cery business, at Groton, with Walter J. Starr, the firm name being Starr & Bailey, which continued until April 1, 1890, when he sold his interests to Mr. Starr and entered the insurance business. In January, 1891, he re-entered the grocery business in partnership with Jason L. Randall, under the firm name of Bailey & Randall. In November, 1892, Mr. Bailey bought Mr. Randall's interest, and formed then a partnership with Ernest Coe, under the firm name of Coe & Bailey, a business which has met with much encouragement. In 1900 Mr. Bailey bought out the Asa Perkins In- surance agency in Groton, covering the territory from the Connecticut river to Rhode Island. His business success testifies to his sound judgment and mental alertness, while the many political and social honors accorded him tell their own stories con- cerning his personal popularity.

In politics Mr. Bailey has always been a zealous Democrat, and in 1890 he was elected assessor, polling the largest vote ever recorded for that office. In 1902 he was elected a delegate to the State Constitutional convention, and is on the political slate for other honors.

In April, 1889, Mr. Bailey was united in mar- riage with Miss Louisa S. Holloway, of Groton, and four children have been born to this union, namely ; Cassie W .: Lewis P .; Henry L., Jr. ; and Alfred Starr who died in infancy. On May 10, 1897, Mr. Bailey became a member of the Connecti- cut Society of the Sons of the American Revolu- tion, through Jonathan Bailey, his great-grand-

father. In fraternal circles, he is a Mason, being a member of Union Lodge, No. 31, F. & A. M .; and Union Chapter, R. A. M. He is also an Odd Fellow, belonging to Fairview Lodge, No. 101, and is a member of Groton Conclave, No. 382, Improved Order of Heptasophs ; and the A. O. U. W. He is serving as treasurer of the Groton Fire District, No. I, is treasurer of the Groton Monument Association, and for some years has been chairman of the school committee. He is also clerk of the Congregational Ecclesiastical society.

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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 204

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