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 21

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 21

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a J -k City, that he had in 1847, engaged in the pub- li tion and sale of book's by subscription.

Among the celebrated works Mr. Bill published V e the "Travels of Stephens and Catherwood in tral America," "Chiapas and Yucatan," "Dr. F 0 ic

to's Illustrated History of the Bible," "A History he World," and Abbott's "Civil War in Amer- ' which last he issued in conjunction with his hers Gurdon and Ledyard. In the dissemina- b ti of these books he gave employment to thousands gents. Mr. Bill was one of the oldest subscrip- 0 ti book publishers in the country. Subsequently out his business into a joint stock company, plac- the management into the hands of others, and ir e his whole time to the care of other interests, wich had accumulated on his hands, and the recup- 00 ei ion of his health, which had became seriously im- pa ed.

n 1850 Mr. Bill, in company with two other gen- th en, engaged in developing a large tract of land 01 he south bank of the Shetucket, at its junction W the river Thames, now Laurel Hill. He was the e partner in this enterprise, and lived to enjoy satisfaction of seeing what was a ragged and

ac th af rently worthless tract of land, when he put his I to it, one of the most flourishing villages in th State, connected with Norwich by a substantial br ge. Here he had his residence, and enjoyed all th comforts and luxuries of a New England home.

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Later he purchased a fine home on Broadway, which was his residence at the time of his death.

Mr. Bill devoted much time to politics. In 1853 he was nominated by the Democrats to represent the Eighth Senatorial District in the State Senate. Mr. Bill was elected, and was the youngest member in the Senate. In 1856 he espoused the Free Soil cause, and was ever, from this time on, an earnest worker in the ranks of the Republican party, but never ran for office save that one time. During the Civil war he was a trusted counselor of Gov. Buckingham, and gave largely of his time and money to the support of the Government. Mr. Bill never forgot his na- tive town. His love for it and its people was unfail- ing. During his life he endowed an ample free pub- lic library for the town, and by his will he left a sum sufficient to build a fire-proof building for the books, besides giving to the Congregational Church of the town his family homestead as a parsonage, and a large sum of money.

Mr. Bill was an earnest patriot, strongly attached to his country and her institutions, was a true friend, a good neighbor, and all in all, one of the best pro- ducts of the institutions of old Connecticut.

Mr. Bill maintained a summer residence at East- ern Point, in the town of Groton. Here his death oc- curred Aug. 14, 1891, this event being sudden and unexpected although he had been for twenty years in impaired health.

On Feb. 10, 1847, Mr. Bill was married to Julia Octavo Chapman, who was born in Groton, Conn., Dec. 14, 1824, a daughter of Simeon Chapman ; she died in November, 1903. This marriage was blessed with children as follows: Henry Gustavus, born Nov. 18,1847, died Nov. 3, 1853 ; John Harper, born June 21, 1851 ; Henry Sumner, born June 19, 1856; Julia Florence, born April 29, 1858; Jennie Eliza, born April 8, 1860; and Frederic Abbott, born March 12, 1864.

JOHN MITCHELL, who passed away at his home in Norwich Jan. 7, 1901, full of years and honor, was truly one of that city's grand old men, and was throughout his active life closely identified with the commercial progress of Norwich and vi- cinity, the line of his chief interest being the iron business, with which he and his father were con- nected for over forty-five years.

Mr. Mitchell was a native of Stourbridge (near Birmingham), England, born Aug. 29, 1819, son of Thomas and Elizabeth (Williams) Mitchell, the father born in 1798. In 1828 the family, consisting of parents and five children, came to America, the father to enter the employ of the Sterling Iron Com- pany, of New York City, whose works were located on Broadway. After three years' residence in New York City the family removed to Wareham, Mass., where Mr. Mitchell conducted the Washington Iron Works, and in 1845 they settled in Norwich, where he took the management of the Cold Springs Iron

GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

Works, at Thamesville, which he purchased in 1850. He was also interested in the Gosbold Mills, at New Bedford, Mass. In 1852 James M. Huntington (de- ceased) became interested in the Cold Spring Works, which were conducted by the firm of J. M. Huntington & Co., until 1862, when Mr. Huntington withdrew. In 1867 Thomas Mitchell died, aged sixty-nine years, and his sons, John and Thomas, carried on the business under the firm name of Mitchell Brothers. Thomas Mitchell was killed in the works May 9, 1865, and subsequently John Mitchell's elder son, Albert G., and Azel W. Gibbs (now deceased) entered into partnership with him; in 1879 Mr. Mitchell's younger son, Frank A., was given an interest in the business, and the same year the company purchased the Thames Iron Works. Both works enjoyed a profitable patronage until Western competition spoiled the business in the East, and Mr. Mitchell close the plant in 1891. During the Civil war the Cold Spring Iron Works were quite important, supplying quantities of iron to the United States Government for the Armory at Springfield.

John Mitchell received scarcely any schooling whatever, as he only attended in New York, and the methods of instruction being very crude in those days he had little of the benefits of what is now called education. He early went into the mill, and, beginning at the bottom, mastered every detail of the work. Having a wonderfully retentive memory, by study and observation he became well informed, acquiring by his own exertions, and in contact with men of intellect, the breadth of mind and intellectual grasp which his early opportunities did not supply. He was a kind and courteous gentleman of the old school, admired, loved and respected by all. Out- side of the iron business, to which he devoted his principal attention, Mr. Mitchell was interested in various other commercial enterprises of Norwich and vicinity, having ever been ready to give, practical aid and encouragement to any project which would promote the growth or advance the welfare of his adopted town. For thirty years he was connected with the Norwich Savings Society, of which he. acted as president during the last five years of his life ; for twenty-seven years he was a director of the Thames National Bank ; was one of the founders, and for seventeen years president, of the Richmond Stove Company : was a member of the Uncas Paper Company, of which he was one of the original board of directors; and was a director of the Crescent Fire Arms Company. He also took a patriotic in- terest in the public affairs of the city, and served as a member of the court of common council for two years, being elected to that body by the Republican party, of which he was a stanch member. Free ed- ucation was a matter of particular interest to him, and he was trustee of the Free Academy, and a fellow of the corporation. He was also interested in the Y. M. C. A. and the United Workers.

On June 6, 1841, Mr. Mitchell married Miss Joanna Dexter Gibbs, daughter of Capt. Joshua and

Deborah (Washburn) Gibbs, of Wareham, Mas. and they had a family of four children, two of who died in infancy. Of the survivors, Albert G. is resident of Norwich ; he married Martha S. Laig) ton, and has one son, John L., a clerk in the Fir National Bank, who married Helen S. Gilber Frank A. married . Martha H. Collins, ar has one daughter, Joanna D. Frank A. Mitche was for several years engaged in the iron busine in Belleville, Canada, but now resides in Norwich in 1885 he represented Norwich in the State Legi lature. Mrs. John Mitchell also survives. M Mitchell was also survived by two sisters and tw brothers, Charles, William, Mrs. George W. Ger and Mrs. Francis Davis, all of Norwich.

Mr. Mitchell found his chief recreation in fisl ing, and he was one of the most enthusiastic of fisl ermen, indulging in the sport as long as he was abl He attended the Second Congregational Church, ( which he was a generous supporter, and he wa always active and zealous in church work an benevolent enterprises, being liberal and kind 1 those less comfortably situated than himself. I business a man of great industry and sterling integ rity, in his home relations thoroughly domestic an kindly, in society a congenial and pleasant compar ion, both because of his intellect and happy dispos tion, his death was mourned in many places, and 1 - was everywhere spoken of in terms of the highes praise.

WATERMAN RUFUS BURNHAM, one ( the well-known citizens of Norwich, living retire after a successful business career, is descended from an old Massachusetts family, whose coming to Amer ica dates back almost to the founding of that Colon (I) Deacon John Burnham, and his brother Thomas and Robert, sons of Thomas and Mar (Andrews) Burnham, of Norwich, county of Noi folk, England, while they were yet boys came t America, in 1635, in the ship "Angel Gabriel," i care of their maternal uncle, Capt. Andrews, and se tled in Chebacco, in the Colony of Massachuset! Bay. John became a deacon in the church there He joined the expedition against the Pequots i 1637, and received grants of land for his service: becoming thereby the owner of a large tract of lan on the east side of Haskell's creek. He died in Che bacco, Nov. 5, 1694. The Christian name of hi wife was Mary, and their children were John, Josial Ann and Elizabeth.

(II) Josiah Burnham was born May 9, 166: and married July 12, 1687, Abigail, daughter c Thomas Varney. They lived in Ipswich, where h died Oct. 25, 1692. His wife died Oct. 31, 169. Their children were Josiah, Jacob and Ebenezer

(III) Ebenezer Burnham was born Dec. 28 1691, and lived in Hampton, Conn. In 1733-34 h purchased a farm bounding on Merrick's brook. H and his wife Dorathy joined the church in Hampto Oct. 20, 1734. Mr. Burnham died March 10, 174(

W.RBurnham

GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. "

and Mrs. Burnham passed away June 26, 1760, aged sixty-three years. Their children were Joshua, Ebenezer, Joseph, Andrew, Isaac and Dorathy.

(IV) Andrew Burnham, born March 28, 1726, married May II, 1757, Jane, daughter of William Bennett, and lived in Hampton, Conn. He died in 1787, leaving eight children: Andrew, William, Elizabeth, Sarah, Adonijah, Mercy, Rufus and Enoch.

(V) Deacon William Burnham was born March 5, 1764, and resided in what is now Scotland, Conn., where he was quite extensively engaged in farming. He was a man of influence and prominence in town affairs, and held many of the town offices. He was a deacon of the church for many years. He died at Scotland, April 20, 1847. He was married Dec. 2, 1790, to Lois Grow, of Eastford, Conn., an aunt of he Hon. Galusha A. Grow, of Pennsylvania. She lied Nov. 22, 1843, the mother of the following chil- ren: Elisha, who died in infancy; Elisha (2) ; William; Rufus; Lucius; Marcus; Mason; Lois; ind Marvin.

(VI) Rufus Burnham was born Jan. 25, 1799, n Scotland, Conn., and followed the occupation of a Farmer all his life, in the town of Windham, meet- ng with much success financially. He held a num- er of town offices, and was a man much beloved and respected. He was an earnest Christian, and was a nember of the Christian Church whose place of vorship was known locally as the "Burnham Meet- ng House," which was located in the town of Scot- and. Politically he was a Whig. His death, which occurred March 16, 1847, was caused by pneumonia, nd he was buried at North Windham. He married Iaria Smith, born in 1797 in Vermont, who after he death of her first husband became the wife of Capt. John Day, of Dayville, Conn., to whom she vas married in 1849. She survived him, and died t the home of her daughter, Mrs. F. M. Lincoln, at North Windham, June 25, 1866, at the age of sixty- ine years. Her children were all by her first mar- iage: (1) Mary Ann, born April 2, 1823, was married Nov. 22, 1846, to Frank M. Lincoln, a mer- hant and a prominent citizen of North Windham, onn. She died Aug. 21, 1884, leaving one daugh- er, Edith M., wife of M. Eugene Lincoln, a prom- ient citizen of Willimantic. (2) William, born eb. 22, 1826, married Miss Ellen Bass, of Scotland, Tov. 26, 1848. He was a farmer and resided in Vindham. He died April 13, 1851, leaving one on, Rufus W., who is manager of the Southern alifornia agency of R. G. Dun & Co., and resides Los Angeles, Cal. (3) Waterman Rufus.

Waterman Rufus Burnham was born Dec. 4, 331, in Windham, and attended the district school id the village school kept at Windham Center, by [iss Jane Fuller and others. He later attended the onnecticut Literary Institute, at Suffield, Conn. fter completing his schooling he entered the drug ore of Col. Samuel Tyler, of Norwich, Conn., in e capacity of clerk, remaining there four years,

and then, in company with his brother-in-law, F. M. Lincoln, bought the drug store of Edward Moul- ton, Willimantic, and engaged in business there un- der the firm name of Burnham & Lincoln. Later he purchased the interest of his partner, and for a time conducted the business alone. Mr. Burnham dis- posed of the drug business in 1855, and at the re- quest of his father-in-law became connected with the business owned by Mr. Wood, known as the Uncasville Manufacturing Company. Mr. Burn- ham was at first an accountant, later became assist- ant treasurer, and finally treasurer. He was serving in the later capacity when he retired from the posi- tion, in 1897, after a term of service with that firm covering forty-two years.

Mr. Burnham was married, Dec. 25, 1853, to Miss Julia A. Wood, daughter of Willet R. and Julia A. (Reed) Wood, the former a successful cotton manufacturer at Uncasville. Mr. and Mrs. Burn- ham had one son, William, who died at the age of three months. Since 1873 Mr. Burnham has been a resident of Norwich, where he has a handsome resi- dence located on the corner of Main and Park streets.

Mrs. Burnham died Jan. 21, 1882, and Mr. Burn- ham was married again Dec. 4, 1883, to Miss Ella A. Bradford, a daughter of Rev. E. B. Bradford, a minister of the Methodist Episcopal Church at Hyde Park, Mass. They have had two children: Harold, who died in infancy, and Rufus Bradford, born April 1I, 1886, who graduated from the Thacher School, at Nordhoff, Cal., and concluded his pre- paration for Yale at the Norwich Free Academy.

Mr. Burnham is a Republican in politics, and during his residence at Uncasville was called to many positions of honor and trust. In 1862 he rep- resented the town of Montville in the Legislature ; he also served as chairman of the board of relief in Montville, and was for many years school visitor in that town. He took a very active interest in educa- tional matters and was instrumental in securing the building of the present school house at Uncasville. Mr. Burnham attended the Congregational Church at Windham when a boy, during the pastorate of Rev. John Tyler, and on removing to Uncasville, where there was no Congregational Church, he at- tended the Methodist Church. When the question of building a new Methodist Church at Uncasville arose, it was Mr. Burnham who raised the funds, and served on the building committee. When the edifice, which was a much more elaborate one than it was thought possible to have, was dedicated, it was entirely free from debt. His interest and activity in church work by no means ended with this, as, in addition to being one of its main stays, he took a foremost part in its Sunday-school work, serving as superintendent for a number of years. Since his residence in Norwich he has been quite active in the affairs of the Broadway Congrega- tional Church, where he served as superintendent of the Sunday-school for many years, and is a dea-

GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

con in the church. Mrs. Burnham and her son are also members of this church. Mr. Burnham was one of the State Sunday-school representatives at a large number of the International Sunday-school Conventions, serving on various committees, and for some years was a member of the International Sun- day-school Executive Committee. In 1880 he rep- resented Connecticut at the Centennial of Modern Sunday-schools in London, at that time spending several months in travel in the Old World. As a conductor of Sunday-school institutes, and a leader at conventions throughout the State, as a presiding officer and as a practical and earnest speaker, his words and work will long be remembered. The in- tense and active interest taken by Mr. Burnham in all kinds of religious and charitable work is best shown by his prominent and extensive connection with such societies. He was for years chairman of the State Sunday-school Association ; was for years chairman of the New London County Sunday- school Union ; is a corporate member of the Amer- ican Board of Commissioners of Foreign Missions ; is a corporate member of the Connecticut Bible So- ciety ; was the first president of the Norwich Y. M. C. A. and served in that office for five years; is one of the oldest members of the State Y. M. C. A. com- mittee and for many years has been the State Cor- responding member of the International Y. M. C. A. committee. When the Norwich City Mission, an organization now under the auspices of The United Workers, was in existence, he served as its presi- dent for several years. In his long and useful life, the work which stands out most prominently is that done in religious and charitable bodies, a work that has been to him the most pleasant, and marked by zeal and sincerity.

Mr. Burnham in business circles is equally as well known. He is vice-president and one of the di- rectors of the Dime Savings Bank, and when the Second National Bank was in existence he served as one of its directors for seventeen years. For some time he was a director of the New London Fire Insurance Company. He is an active member of the New England Cotton Manufacturing Asso- ciation ; member of the Home Market Club; and a member of the Norwich Board of Trade.

As a citizen, none in his city enjoys to any great- er extent the respect and high esteem of all who know him. A man of the strictest integrity, he en- joys to an unusual degree the marked confidence of his business and social acquaintances. Personally he is a man of most pleasing address. His friends are numerous, and in business and social life he has always been a prominent figure. Mr. and Mrs. Burnham spend considerable time in travel. For several years past they have made annual trips to the Pacific coast.

BREWSTER. This honored family is one of historic prominence in New England. This article treats of the branch of the family of Capt. John

Brewster, late of Ledyard-one of New Lond county's most highly esteemed and well known ci zens, and one of God's noblemen-and two of Caj Brewster's sons, the late John Denison Brewster, Norwich, and Frank W. Brewster, who resides the old homestead.

Two of Capt. Brewster's great-grandfather Lieut. Parke Avery and Capt. William Latham, we heroes of the Revolution. The first of the Brewst family in America was

(I) Elder William Brewster, born in 1590, England, "the excellent elder of Plymouth," wl came to America in the "Mayflower," in 1620. F died in 1644. His wife was Mary (presumably Love.

(II) Jonathan Brewster, came to New London 1649, from Duxbury, Mass., and later bought lai from Uncas at Brewster's Neck, and there esta lished a trading post. He was the first town cle: of New London. His wife was Lucretia Oldham.

(III) Benjamin Brewster, born in 1633, marrie Anna Dart. He died in 1710. (IV) Jonathan Brewster married Judi Stephens.

(V) Joseph Brewster married Dorothy Witte (VI) Jabez Brewster was the next in line.

(VII) John Brewster, grandfather of John I and Frank W., was born in Preston, Dec. 15, 178 and died Nov. 12, 1848. His wife was Mary (cor monly called Polly), daughter of Capt. Israel Mo gan, a soldier of the Revolution. In 1820 John Brev ster purchased the homestead, then known as tl "Capt. Israel Morgan farm," and there resided unt his death. His family consisted of three sons ai one daughter.

(VIII) Hon. John Brewster was born May I 1816, in Preston, and grew to manhood on the farr He was educated in the common schools and Bacc Academy, at Colchester. When in his eighteen year he enlisted as sergeant in a rifle company fro: Groton and Stonington, and afterward was chose captain, by which title he was well known throughor life. Previous to his marriage he taught school fo several winters. Shortly after his marriage M Brewster brought his wife to the home where 1 lived for over eighty years, and with his wife ov sixty years. This farm, situated in the town ( Ledyard, and just South of the village of Poqu tanuck, four miles from Norwich, contains abor 140 acres. In addition to farming Capt. Brewst bought wool in company with the late L. W. Ca roll, of Norwich, and also for the Yantic Woole Company. In the capacity of appraiser, trustee ar administrator, he often assisted in settling estate some of them requiring the handling of larg amounts of property and involving knotty ar troublesome problems. He was always conspicuot, for broad intelligence and sound judgment, and w: honest, kind hearted and generous to a fault. Wit his family he always attended St. James Episcop Church, of Poquetanuck, and was a liberal support.

GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

the same. He represented the town of Ledyard the House of Representatives in 1847, 1851, and 78, and the Tenth district in the Senate in 1860, 35 and 1886. For several years he held the office selectman (first and second), was probate judge the town of Ledyard, and president of the Bill orary Association. He was president of the Mer- ints' National Bank of Norwich for twelve years, 1 several years was first vice-president of the rwich Savings Society. In addition he was a di- tor, president and treasurer (until his health led) of the New London County Agricultural So- ty, and for several years a member of the State ard of Agriculture. In politics Mr. Brewster was Republican. "Capt. Brewster and his wife were 1 ed in their own neighborhood for their charity to 1needy, and sympathy in sorrow. No poor neigh- 1 · ever went to them in trouble who did not come ay with a more hopeful heart and heavy purse. eir generous deeds were not the impulse of the 1 ment, but the fruit of their religious principles."

Capt. Brewster died April 22, 1902, and his v low a week later, on April 30, 1902. Both were tried in the old Brewster cemetery on Brewster's Ick which was established in 1660.

Mr. Brewster was married April 2, 1840, to Mary I her Williams, born March 13, 1818, daughter of ison Billings and Hannah (Avery) Williams, I

a they had children as follows: (1) Mary Han-

, born Jan. 19, 1841, died Sept. 2, 1842. (2) John

n I ison, born Jan. 29, 1843, is mentioned below. ( Fanny H., born Sept. 14, 1845, is the wife of Tomas H. Geer, a leading citizen of Cleveland, Có, who has a sketch elsewhere. (4) Phoebe her, born July 21, 1848, was married Oct. 22, 3, to Benjamin F. Lewis, Jr., and resides in Nor- I. 1. (5) Frank Williams, born April 24, 1854, is W tioned farther on.

JOHN DENISON BREWSTER, eldest son of Capt. B wster, in early life engaged in teaching, and was mit successful in that calling in various schools in N/ London County. In 1867 he engaged in the m

cantile business, which he followed assiduously fc more than a quarter of a century, in the building lo :ed on the Northwest corner of Main and Ferry st ts, Norwich. He was held in high esteem in CC mercial, banking, municipal and social circles, as

ev enced by the important positions of trust which ad been called to fill, and by the resolutions of

re ect which were adopted by the various bodies of wl h he was a member at the time of his death. Ac- tic was taken at a special meeting of the common cil of the City of Norwich, called by Mayor co . Harwood, who, in opening the council, said : C.

'I 3 my painful duty tonight to inform you in this off al manner of the death of Councilman J. D. Bryster. In his death the city has lost an honest, uplight public servant, and the council has lost one of s most respected members. Good judgment, bulless ability, and firm convictions, a genial and

social disposition made him many warm and lasting friends." The resolutions presented by Alderman Palmer, and adopted by the council, referred to Councilman Brewster as one "whose genial nature and unfailing courtesy endeared him to all his fel- low members," and "whose sound judgment, ster- ling integrity and knowledge of city affairs, made him a most useful public servant. His conduct was controlled by strong convictions which were always at the service of his fellows, but never obtruded. Shunning prominence with an almost morbid sensi- tiveness, he spared neither his time nor his strength in the modest discharge of his official duties, and almost the last act of his life was in the service of the public."

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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 21

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