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 205

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 205

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CAPT. HENRY A. SMITH, a veteran of the Civil war, and a representative and honored citizen of Montville, New London Co., Conn., was born June 27, 1834, in Montville.

The Smith families in this country are very numerous, and have had their origin from various American ancestors. This name is the most fre- quent of any in New England, and perhaps in the United States. It has furnished the country with many of its most brilliant statesmen and members of the various professions, and during the year 1825 there were 214 graduates from the various colleges of New England and New Jersey bearing the name of Smith, one-fourth of whom became clergymen.

(II) Ebenezer Smith appears to have located about the middle of the eighteenth century at a place called Massepeag. He was a son of

(I) James Smith, of Groton, Conn., who in 174I conveyed by deed of gift 100 acres of land to his son Ebenezer, "on the brook that comes out of Lake's Pond." This farm was located in the west- ern part of New London, on the road that leads from New London to Colchester, and now in the town of Waterford. It was afterward conveyed by Samuel and Ebenezer Smith to Philip Cavarly, of Colchester, Conn., in 1750.

(II) Ebenezer Smith was a shoemaker by trade. He was twice married, but the name of his first wife is unknown. His second wife bore the maiden name of Lucy Hatch. He was married to his first wife prior to his removal to Massapeag. There is no record of his death or that of either of his two wives, but he probably died prior to 1800. Ebenezer Smith had a brother Samuel, who lived on the east side of the river Thames, now Ledyard. He was a tanner and currier, and furnished the leather used by Ebenezer in making and repairing shoes. The children of Ebenezer Smith's first marriage, born between 1746 and 1764, were: Benjamin, who first married Susan Lewis, and second Nancy Morris; Ebenezer, who married Margaret Wheeler: Anna, who married Ephraim Wheeler; Sarah ; Elizabeth, who died unmarried: Perygreen ; John, who mar- ried Lydia Ames; James, who married a Miss Weeks ; and Eunice, who married Oliver Williams. By his second marriage Mr. Smith had these chil- dren, all born between 1769 and 1780: Daniel, who married a Miss Wait, and second Abby Hemp-

GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

stead ; Stephen, who married Lucy Allyn; Naomi ; Susanna ; and Lucy.

(III) John Smith, born April 27, 1760, son of Ebenezer Smith, was a soldier in the Revolutionary war, and drew a pension. He was married about 1783 to Lydia Ames, who was born about 1763. He lived in Massapeag, where he was a thrifty farmer, and died Feb. 2, 1852, at the advanced age of ninety-two years. His wife died Oct. 25, 1854, aged ninety-one years. The children born to this worthy pair were: Marvin married Anna Newton and Sybel Morgan ; John married Nancy Bolles ; Alvin G. married Nancy Ames; Lyman married Emeline Fanning ; Nancy married Micajah Davis : Betsey married Nathan Palmer Coats. The sons Marvin and John were soldiers in the war of 1812. and drew pensions.

(IV) Lyman Smith, born March 22, 1803. in Montville, son of John and Lydia (Ames) Smith, and father of our subject, was married in 1828 to Emeline Fanning, daughter of Henry and Lavina (Standish ) Fanning, and granddaughter of Deacon Amasa Standish, who served in the Revolutionary war for five years. He saw Benedict Arnold Oct. 15, 1777, and was with Washington at Valley Forge, and with Gen. Gates at the surrender of Burgoyne. Lyman Smith died in the house where our subject now resides, May 27, 1800, and his wife passed away Sept. 5, 1861. He was in early life engaged in fishing on the Thames river and along Long Island sound, shipping fish to Norwich, but later he engaged in farming, buying two farms of about seventy acres on the Thames river. He was very successful in all his ventures, and was always an enterprising and enthusiastic worker. He was very genial, and enjoyed talking, being well in- formed and very entertaining. Hle supported the Universalist Church, and attended the services of that denomination. In political faith he was a Democrat, and served his town as selectman, asses- sor, surveyor, grand juror, and in many of the lesser town offices, discharging the duties pertain ing thereto with ability and integrity. The chil dren born to himself and wife were: Henry Ans- tin, born June 27, 1834, is the subject of this sketch Julia Emeline, born March 5. 18440, married John T. O'Brien, of Mohegan, a farmer ; they have no children. A lengthy sketch of Mr. and Mr O'Brien will be found elsewhere, they beng very prominent people of Mohegan.

(V) Henry A. Smith was educated in Mont- ville, district No. 9. and later attended the aca lenny at Poquetanuck for three terms. Leaving hel at the age of nineteen years, he went to Colchester, and for two years was at Bacon Academy age of twenty-one years he commented @low teaching, and was thus engaged for betwcon twenty and thirty terms in Montville, Lohn I, Preston. Lvme, East Lyme, Old Iene auf \\ 1 1 ford. During the suninter months he worked nou the farmn.

On Aug. 28. 1862. Capt. Henry A. Smith en- listed in Company .A. 26th Conn. V. I., having re- ceived a commission from the schatten as rerunt- ing officer. Upon his enlistment he was made first lieutenant at Camp Russell. Norwich, and when the captain of the company was shot our subject was in command, at Port Hudsom: the captain recovered. On May 27. 1803. Capt. Swith was shot in the right shoulder-and right lez. Prior to this he was in command of Fort Banks, on the Mississippi river and was injured by the explosion of a shell, which destroved the hearing of his right car. On account of his injuries Capt. South wis discharged Ang. 17. 1803, at Norwich

Capt. Smith, after his return home, engaged m farming on the Stoddard farm in Montville, a prop- erty consisting of to acres, which he leasel three years, and then leased the Samuel Bradford farm in Montville, which consisted of 18 acres. Vier three years he removed to Waterford, on the edge ot Montville, and leased Norman B Church's farm of 312 acres, and also taught school in Upper Quaker Hill district, of Waterford, for the year His next move was to Gikal. Waterford, near New London, where he leased a farm di WYhun Gorton and conducted it for two years At fair he next leased the Henry Pearson farm, and com ducted it a year, when for six months he taught school on Old Lyme street He then returned o Calead and settled en the John Morgan taron when he lived two years. Capt Smith then leased the Capt. Martin Rogers property, in Gilead, for two years, and taught school m the winter He then removed to Pleasure Beach, and karel the David 1'. Rogers farm for two years, atter which he ie turned to Montville Centre, and leased the Kin- dolph Rogers fart of 200 acres for Six Months K turning to the old homestead, he remained on With the following spring, when he went to Wearaint and leased the Bemaman Brown farm fur ture years, operating its 130 acres At the expiration of that từng he returnedone more to Meufs ju, where he Ins since made his home In isso le purchased the home stead, and he drontes les alrey tion to general farming, keeping alangt for cows anil making sonte butter He also mes eviler- able poultry for the market and has a very well hept propolis

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GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

born Oct. 15, 1865, in Montville, who married Hattie Augusta Champlin, daughter of Capt. Azel Fitch Champlin, of Montville, and is a farmer liv- ing at home; he has one child, Lyman Earl, born Jan. 4, 1896.

Capt. and Mrs. Smith are genial, sociable people, and their home is a pleasant gathering place for their many friends, who are received with a gener- ous hospitality which knows no distinctions.

JAMES BABCOCK PALMER, owner of the famous "Round Hill Farm," in the town of Lisbon, six miles from the city of Norwich, is one of the best known raisers of blooded stock in New Eng- land. He comes from an old family, his first an- cestor in America having been Walter Palmer, who was born at Nottingham, England, in 1598, came to Charlestown, Mass., in 1629, and lived until 1662. His son Joseph was the father of Joseph, and the latter's son was Benjamin Palmer, grandfather of James B.

Benjamin Palmer was born Feb. 26, 1757, in Voluntown, Conn., where he followed the occupa- tion of farmer on an extensive scale, becoming quite well-to-do. He died April 3, 1849, aged ninety- two years, and was buried at North Stonington. On Nov. 28, 1811, he married Hannah Woodworth, who was born June 1, 1785, and died Feb. 28, 1842. They were the parents of the following named chil- dren : Benjamin Woodworth, born Jan. 25, 1813, is mentioned below. Amos Randall, born March 15, 1815, died Jan. 13, 1825. Hannah E., born April 4, 1817, married Zebulon Stanton, and resided in North Stonington. Eunice Ann, born May 15, 1819, married Martin Davis, a stonemason, and they re- sided in Plainfield, Conn. Freelove D., born Aug. 3, 1821, married Thomas H. Hull, and resided in Lebanon, Conn. Phebe M., born July 5, 1825, mar- ried Henry Ray, and resides in Scotland, Conn. Cortlandt Edwin, born March 3, 1828, was killed by a fall in the barn Nov. 19, 1846.

Capt. Benjamin W. Palmer was born in Volun- town, on the homestead, which was located very near the town line between Voluntown and North Stonington. He enjoyed the advantages of the dis- trict schools, and while a young man taught school several terms. He remained at home, assisting his father in the management of the home farm, to which he succeeded after the death of the father, continuing to reside there until 1856. In that year he moved to Lisbon and purchased "Round Hill Farm" of the heirs of Charles Tracy, and he spent the remainder of his life upon that place, engaged in farming and stock raising, becoming a well known breeder of Devon cattle. He was successful, and though he met with some losses left consider- able property. Mr. Palmer was a busy man, but he found time to attend to local affairs as well as busi- ness, held a number of minor offices in the town, and was captain of the militia. In political faith he was a Whig, later a Republican. His religious con-

nection was first with the Pendleton Hill Baptist Church at North Stonington, from which he trans- ferred to the Baptist Church at Jewett City. Mr. Palmer died July 14, 1873, and was buried at Jewett City.

On Jan. 1, 1838, Mr. Palmer was united in mar- riage with Betsey A. Babcock, a native of North Stonington, daughter of Harry Babcock. She passed away Dec. 1, 1871, aged fifty-two years. To this union came nine children, of whom we have the following record: (1) A daughter, born Dec. 23, 1838, died the same day. (2) Benjamin Henry, born Jan. 8, 1840, was engaged in the mercantile business at Greeneville until his death. (3) Amos Franklin, born Oct. 18, 1842, was married Jan. I, 1867, to Helen P. Porter, and they had one son, Charles P. who died in Ottawa, Kans. Amos F. Palmer engaged in the insurance business at Nor- wich, and later followed the same line in Cleveland, Ohio, but poor health necessitated his giving up business, and he returned to Norwich, where he died June 6, 1870. During the Civil war he served in Company F, 26th Connecticut Volunteers. (4) James Babcock, born Aug. 6, 1844, is mentioned below. (5) Mary Elizabeth, born Nov. 8, 1846,

died Dec. 29, 1870. (6) Eudora Nancy, born May 10, 1849, died June 6, 1871. (7) Charles Cortlandt, born Nov. 6, 1851, married Feb. 6, 1876, Julia Mor- gan, and they have one son, Charles Benjamin. He is a farmer, and resides at Poquonock Bridge. (8) Sarah Amelia, born Aug. 15, 1854, died Nov. 23, 1855. (9) Clara Emma, born Dec. 28, 1858, died Nov. 10, 1897, unmarried.

James Babcock Palmer was born in Voluntown, and was twelve years of age when the family moved to the place in Lisbon which with little exception has ever since been his home. He attended the dis- trict schools, and, for a short time, the high school at Jewett City, and from an early age was given practical training in business methods and agricul- tural work under his father's tuition. In 1866 he embarked in the livery business in Jewett City, but he disposed of same in 1871, his father's poor health necessitating his return to the farm. He managed the place until his father's death, after which he purchased the interests of the other heirs, and here he has ever since carried on farming and stock rais- ing, the latter on an extensive scale. He has also dealt largely in farm implements of all kinds. The farm comprises 165 acres, stocked with a fine herd of fifty registered Guernsey cattle, one hundred registered sheep of the best breeds (carefully se- lected from the best flocks in England) and O. I. C. hogs, the "best on earth." Mr. Palmer breeds all these strains, and is widely known as a breeder and exhibitor of blooded stock, meeting the best class of exhibitors, at the largest New England fairs, in competition with whom he has wonderful success. During the past thirteen years he has been awarded nearly $10,000 in prizes, and about sixty medals. Among the noted animals he has owned

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GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

was "Lord Lyman," a Guernsey bull which took over one thousand prizes, and at present he owns a fine bull, "Madoc," which has won the first prize every time he has been exhibited. Another of his prize animals was "Meddaskey," with a butter rec- ord of sixteen and a half pounds in seven days. MIr. Palmer has done much for the promotion of inter- ests of various kinds connected with his business, being a life member of the American Guernsey Cat- tle Club and the New England Fair Association. a member of the Dorset and Shropshire Breeders Associations, director and ex-vice-president of the State Agricultural Society, and president of the New London Agricultural Society, having held that office four years, and that of vice-president for six- teen years.

In spite of the demands made upon his time and energy by his extensive business interests Mr. Pal- mer has found time to take a patriotic and public- spirited interest in the welfare of his town and State. His executive ability has been recognized, and he has been called upon for public service in many ca- pacities, having creditably filled about every office in the town, and represented the same in the State Legislature in 1875, 1876 and 1809. He took an active part in the deliberations of that body, during his first term serving as a member of the committee on Agriculture; in 1876 he was clerk of the com- mittee on Fisheries and Game; and in 1899 he was chairman of the committee on Agriculture. Ilis po- litical affiliation is with the Republican party. Mr. Palmer is a prominent citizen in every way, and held in the highest esteem wherever he is known, whether as a business man, a public official or a private citi- zen. A record such as his bespeaks great energy, intelligently directed, and results justify the as- sumption.

On Dec. 20, 1870, Mr. Palmer was married to Miss Abbie E. Morgan, daughter of Youngs and Elizabeth (Clark) Morgan, of Poquonock Bridge, Conn., and to this union came three sons, two of whom died in infancy. The other, James B., Jr., born Aug. 7, 1875, was educated in the Jewett City high school and at Storrs Agricultural College, and is now carrier on Rural Free Delivery Route No. 1. from Norwich. He was married Oct. 21, 1995. 10 Grace Edith Snow, of Mansfield, Conn., ant they have one child, Earle Morgan, born Ang. 22. 1901.

CHARLES 11. SMITH, one of the projetos and public-spirited residents of Noank, Conn, Il born in the Moses Ashbes house, near the Lost, Sept. 10, 1851. son of Oliver R Smith, who was born in the town of Eastford, Conn . April 15. 1521

Oliver R. Smith was a sea faring mit, mul my whaling voyages, and being abient from Myan for two and three years. In 1850 he came to Viml. and since that time he has been engaged on los- making, and, after seeing many changes the pl during his life, has now reached the ads total of more than four score years, while my mit

ten year's his junior. Mr. Smith married Lucy E. Perkins, daughter of Noves Perkins, and the chil- dren born to them were: John, who died at the age of two years: Charles Henry : William Chester, who is manager for A. Palmer, Jr. Shop, at Noank : Jen- nie, of Noank, who married John N. Porter, and has no children. Mr. and Mrs. Smith are con- sistent members of the Baptist Church, and most worthy and good people.

Charles Henry Smith spent his boyhood days at Noank, and after completing his education in the public schools, he began clerking for Fitch's store. remaining there a year, after which he went with W. W. Latham, and was with him for two years. In 1869 he began boat building with Jeremiah Davis, learning the trade for three years, when he began boat building in the moll bit at the Palimer vard. There he built all kinds of fishing boats and yachts. In 1875, he built a shop on land now a part of the Palmer yard, and in the fall of isos. le built his shop and put in a marine railway on the Polter property at Noank. This pulls out soit bugis. His location is excellent for wintering beats, and he also does a general repair business, repairing vachts and other sea-faring craft. Being a skilled and expert workman, and understanding thoroughly every detail of the work. Mr. South has been very secessful.

On Nov. 16, 1872. Mr. Smith married Mary E. Potter, daughter of Joseph Potter, a sketch ni whom appears elsewhere. Mr. Smith is a sell prominent Republican politician, and was represen- tative in 1801, and agan in 1805.

ADAM LARRABEE. on of the well known and highly esteemed citizens of hijun, . alle- ascendant of one of the oldest families in the ten- monwealth of Connecticut.

Capt. Adam Larrabee, has gram ligthet. was a son of Frederick and Abigail |Allyut Landes. and was born in that part et Groton wloeb . 120x known as Lovard, March 1 ;. 178; of twenty one he entered the Matters Vention at West l'ont, and romamed there will be foot cif pleted the prescribe l course it sinity, when I was appomnitel said leutenant ci Neht amibos, al

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ili thì the

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GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

maining years of life. He was a man of brilliant parts, and reared a distinguished family.

In 1817 he married Hannah Gallup Lester, and nine children were born to them, among his sons being ex-Gov. William Larrabee, of Iowa, Capt. Nathan F. Larrabee, and Hon. Henry Larrabee. Capt. Larrabee died Oct. 25, 1869, at Windham, aged eighty-two years. In 1822 Capt. Larrabee was elected a member of the Connecticut House of Representatives. In 1828 he was appointed one of the board of visitors to the Academy at West Point, and in 1840, he was one of the Presidential electors. For more than forty years he was a director of the Thames National Bank at Norwich.

Hon. Henry Larrabee, fourth son, and sixth child of Capt. Adam and Hannah G. (Lester) Lar- rabee, was born April 15, 1830, in North Groton, now Ledyard, and he was educated in the public schools of his native town. He has followed farm- ing all his life, but has filled many public positions with credit and ability. For many years his services were given on the board of selectmen. During the closing portion of the Civil war, in 1865, he was a member of the enrolling committee, made up as it was of representative citizens. In 1868 he was elected a member of the House of Representatives in the State Legislature, and in 1875 he was still more honored by an election to the State Senate, serving on important committees and proving him- self both a valuable statesman and a useful repre- sentative of his own district. In 1878 he removed to Windham, where he has been also prominently identified with public affairs.

Mr. Larrabee worships in the Congregational Church, and has often served on the committee of the Ecclesiastical Society. As a man in whom all place implicit confidence, he has been called upon for years to settle estates, and large amounts of property have passed through his hands. In the management of these important trusts, he has com- manded the confidence of all who have known him. For thirty years he has been a trustee of the Nor- wich Savings Society, for twenty-five years one of its directors and for ten years its vice-president. He is also a director of the Windham National Bank

On March 17, 1853, Mr. Larrabee was married to Maria S., daughter of Christopher and Maria Allyn. Mrs. Larrabee died Dec. 20, 1898, having been a devoted and beloved mother of seven sons and three daughters. Two sons and one daughter, Mrs. Lucius Brown of Norwich, still survive.

Adam Larrabee was born Feb. 17, 1859, in Led- yard, Conn., where he attended school until about eighteen years of age. He then accompanied the family to Windham, and in 1881 went to the town of Scotland, where he engaged in farming for a period of nineteen years. In 1902 Mr. Larrabee came to Groton, Conn., and succeeded Mr. Perkins in the livery business. He is well and widely known

both as a successful business man, and as a genial, popular gentleman.

On Nov. 15, 1882, Mr. Larrabee married Lucy Maria Gallup, who was born in Ledyard, and one daughter, Alice Gallup, was born to this union, and she is now a student in the Groton schools.

HORACE O. WILLIAMS, of Old Mystic, is a descendant in the seventh generation from Robert Williams, the pioneer ancestor of the family in this country.

Robert Williams, son of Stephen and Margaret (Cook) Williams, was born in 1598, in Great Yar- mouth, England, married Elizabeth Stalham, of Great Yarmouth, and sailed for America in the ship "Rose" from Great Yarmouth, in 1635. His wife died Dec. 22, 1704. He was a member of the An- cient and Honorable Artillery Company of Boston (1644), and died at Roxbury, Mass., Sept. 1, 1693.

Isaac Williams, born at Roxbury, Mass., Sept. I, 1638, married in 1660 Martha Park, who died Oct. 24, 1674. He married (second) Judith, daugh- ter of Peter and Elizabeth (Smith) Hunt and widow of Nathaniel Cooper. She died in 1724, and he died Feb. II, 1707.

John Williams, born Oct. 31, 1667, removed to Stonington, Conn., about 1685, married Jan. 24, 1687, Martha Wheeler, and died Nov. 15, 1702.

Col. John Williams was born Oct. 31, 1692, and married Feb. 9, 1711, Desire Dennison, who died Aug. 13, 1737. He married ( second) Mary Helms, who died Dec. 20, 1740. He married (third) Nov. 21, 1761, Prudence Potter, who died Sept. 17, 1792, and he died Dec. 30, 1761.

Edward Williams was born July 27, 1740, mar- ried Feb. 15, 1759, Mary Stanton, and died Aug. 4, 1777. His gravestone at Old Mystic bears this inscription : "Edward Williams, a Revolutionary soldier, died on board a British Prison Ship, Aug. 1777." His children were: Dyer E., born Nov. 2, 1762; Edward, March 30, 1765 ; Amariah, Oct. 9, 1767; Nicholas, June 30, 1770; Earl, April 10, 1773; and Robert, July 13, 1776.

Dyer Earl Williams was born Nov. 2, 1762, and was a farmer and shoemaker at Old Mystic. Politi- cally he was a Democrat. In 1821 he married Cla- rissa Hempstead, who was born Aug. 1, 1802, and died May 12, 1884. Their children, all born at Old Mystic, were: Mary Esther, born Mav 7, 1822, died Jan. 1I, 1887, married Leander F. Smith ; Mercy Ann, born Jan. 5, 1824, married the late Charles O. Braman, of Old Mystic; Nancy, born Nov. 6, 1825, was the wife of the late Joseph Lewis. of Westerly, R. I. ; William Edward, born Nov. 18, 1827, died March 4, 1903, at Eureka Springs, Ark., married Elizabeth Niver ; Albert Davis, born April 20, 1830, who resides at Pawcatuck, Stonington, married (first) Ellen Richmond, and (second) Esther Turner : Robert Lester, born Feb. 3, 1832, died June 22, 1903, married Elizabeth Parker ;

Ho.williams

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GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

Charles Henry, born Sept. 28, 1834, died April 17, 1835 ; Oscar Fitzland, born May 18, 1837, died Sept. 26, 1890, married Hannah L. Brown ; Charles Henry, born Nov. 18, 1839, died June 20, 1864, while a member of Company E, 21st Conn. V. I., from a wound received at Drury's Bluff, Va .; Horace Orville was born July 26, 1843.

Horace Orville Williams was married. May 26, 1868, to Ellen Lovilda Stevenson, born Sept. tt. 1848, and they had children : Arthur Stevenson, born Nov. 29, 1869, died Sept. 26; 1877 ; Edna, born Oct. 5, 1871, died Dec. 1, 1873; Joseph Harold, born Sept. 16, 1874, now associated with Beckwith's store, married Anna Reeves and has one son, Horace Stevenson ; Frank Earl, born Nov. 10, 1881, now with his father, graduated from Old Mystic high school in 1900, and in 1901 completed a course in the New London Business College.

Horace Orville Williams spent his school days in Old Mystic. For fifteen years he was employed in the woolen mill, but some thirty years ago he embarked in a mercantile business in Old Mystic, and at the same time entered into a drug business. For some eighteen years he has been in the same location, and he is one of the reliable, substant'a' business men of this historic old town. .

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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 205

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