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 26

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 26

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n Feb. 3, 1876, Jonathan L. Lathrop married,

in S ague, Jane E. Chapman, who was born in

Plain eld March 31, 1850, daughter of Josiah Fuller arriet Elizabeth (Haxton) Chapman. This ge was also blessed with three children, : (I) Alice Chapman, born Jan. 25, 1877, harried Oct. 19, 1898, to Henry Downer John- jerk in the Chelsea Savings Bank, Norwich, three children, Jonathan Lathrop, born Dec. I4, If9; Robert Ebenezer, May 2, 1901 ; and Henry r, Jr., May 16, 1903. (2) Jennie Crary, born 1, 1878, died in infancy. (3) Chester Arthur,

and marı nam.f. was son, and

Dow Feb. born ept. 8, 1881, graduated from the Norwich Busin T. L. Lodg being ss College, and is a bookkeeper in the office of athrop & Son; he is a member of Somerset No. 34, F. & A. M., and of the Y. M. C. A., particularly active in the latter, in which he las saved on several important committees. He is very tive in the Second Congregational Church.

princ

J ethan L. Lathrop is a firm believer in the es advocated by the Republican party, and is ilway neas enta ervir nents elect ne nd t:

ral y No. 7

ready to uphold by logical argument the es of his party. In 1873 he was the repre- e from Lisbon in the General Assembly, on the committee on Constitutional Amend- He has also been a member of the board of en (in Lisbon), was chairman of the board r, and has also been assessor, grand juror collector, holding the last named office sev- rs. He is a member of Mt. Vernon Lodge, A. F. & A. M., at Jewett City. He and his

family are valued members of the Second Congre- gational Church. Since his removal to Norwich he has shown himself to be an acquisition to the town, as he is not only a good business man, with the genial nature that makes him a power socially, but he is a fine example of the noble Christian gentle- man, upright in his own life and ever ready to do his part for the betterment of humanity.

FRANK LESLIE LATHROP- was born in Franklin, Conn., and received a good substantial education, at- tending first the district schools and later Plainfield Academy. At the age of nineteen he began work at the machinist's trade in the factory of Hopkins & Allen, and remained there until August, 1881, when he became associated with his father in the insurance business. On Sept. 25, 1884, he was married to Gertrude J. Barrows, who was born April 15, 1857, daughter of Henry E. Barrows, of Norwich. She died April 17, 1888, leaving one child, William Barrows, born Aug. 26, 1887. On Sept. 27, 1892, Mr. Lathrop was married to Agnes M. Wheeler, of Stonington, Conn., and two children have come to this marriage: Bertha Lillian, born July 26, 1893, died Oct. 1, 1901 ; Marion Wheeler was born June 9, 1895. Mr. and Mrs. Lathrop attend the Baptist Church, in which he is one of the trustees. Fra- ternally he is a member of Somerset Lodge, No. 34, F. & A. M.

Since January, 1903, Mr. Frank L. Lathrop has been secretary of the New London County Mutual Fire Insurance Company, in which he is a director. The offices of the company are located at No. 28 Shetucket street, Norwich.

DANIEL M. BROWNE, who in his life time was one of the leading citizens of Lisbon-a citizen upon whom all others relied in any and every emer- gency, and one who never betrayed the trust-came of the Browne family, long known in eastern Con- necticut.

In direct line the lineage of the Browne family is traced to (I) Edward Browne, who was born in 1570, at Inchboro, Worcestershire, England. He married Jane, daughter of Thomas Lyde, and in their family of children was a son, Nicholas.

(II) Nicholas Browne, born about 1600, by his wife Elizabeth, became the father of several chil- dren, among them a son, Thomas. Nicholas Browne came to America and settled in that part of Lynn (at first called Lynn Village), which in 1644 was char- tered as a town under the name of Reading.

(III) Thomas Browne, born in England in 1628, accompanied his father to America. In 1658, he married Mary Newhall, who was born in 1637, daughter of Thomas Newhall, of Lynn. Their chil- dren were: Thomas, Joseph, John, Eleazer, Eben- ezer, Daniel and Mary.

(IV) Thomas Browne (2) removed from Read- ing or Lynn with his brothers, John and Eleazer, and settled in Stonington. Their cattle marks are recorded in the latter place in May, 1688, and they

IO6

GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

purchased farms near the eminence known as Browne's Mountain. On Jan. 8, 1677, Thomas Browne married Hannah Collins, daughter of John Collins, of Lynn. They had children before their removal to Stonington, and after that event were born: Jerusha, Thomas, Elizabeth, Daniel, Pris- cilla and Humphrey.

(V) Daniel Browne was born in Stonington, Oct. 9, 1696. On June 21, 1721, he married Mary Breed, daughter of John and Mary (Palmer) Breed. Among their children, they had a son Samuel.

(VI) Samuel Browne was born Oct. 14, 1722. In 1748 he wedded Phobe Elizabeth Wilbur, of Little Compton, R. I., and they had several children, of whom the next in direct line is William.

(VII) William Browne was a farmer by occu- pation, and was for many years a resident of the town of Preston. He married Elizabeth Tyler, daughter of Deacon John Tyler, of Preston, and their children were: William, Betsy, Tyler, and others.

(VIII) Tyler Browne, son of William and father of Daniel M., was born in Preston, and spent his early life there. Upon reaching manhood he removed to Lisbon, and opened a general store, a business he continued all his life. He was charitable, not only of his time and means to the aid of the needy, but to the faults and weaknesses of others. His friendship was highly prized, and he was very popular with all classes of people. Fraternally he was a Mason. His death, which occurred April 25, 1836, when he was aged but fifty-five years, was a sad blow to his fam- ily and to the community at large, and his remains repose in the Ames cemetery at Lisbon. On Feb. 22, 1810, he married Rhoda Morgan, of Freston, daughter of Daniel and Joanna ( Brewster) Morgan, the latter a lineal descendant of Elder William Brewster, of the "Mayflower." She survived him until Sept. 30, 1861, when she died at the age of seventy-five. To Tyler Browne and wife were born children as follows: (1) George Morgan, who grad- uated from Yale University, and became a success- ful attorney in Boston, Mass., was for many years president of the Eastern railroad, and he became quite wealthy. He died in Washington, D. C. He was three times married, and his third wife, Caro- line Cabot, bore him a son, George Morgan, Jr., an attorney in New York. (2) Ann Elizabeth died unmarried. (3) William Tyler died at the age of six- teen years. (4) Joseph died in infancy. (5) Daniel M. completed the family.

Daniel M. Browne was born in Lisbon, Feb. 23, 1819, in a house that stood near the site of his late home. He acquired a good education by attendance at the district schools and Plainfield Academy. His natural tastes inclined him toward the legal pro- fession, but just as he was about to enter upon his studies to that end, his father died, and his services were needed at home. Cheerfully putting aside his own ambition he sold the store, and applied himself diligently to the management of the farm-a work

he continued to pursue all his life. He became vi successful, and carried on operations on a la! scale, cultivating at one time over 300 acres, 1 later he disposed of a large portion of it. He mad specialty of vegetable produce, and was one of first to sell his products in the surrounding villag He was a man of rare foresight and sound juc ment, and by economy and wise management came one of the most successful men of the toy For some ten years prior to his death he stiffer from ill health, and he entered into rest Aug. 1900, and was buried in Ames cemetery.

Politically Mr. Browne was a stanch Republic and while always attentive to his personal affai he did not neglect those duties incumbent upon ev( good American citizen. He held at various tin about every office in the gift of his fellow town men. In 1851 he represented the town in the Le islature, and among the minor offices held may mentioned those of town clerk, treasurer and sele man. In 1861, when a portion of the town was off to become a part of the town of Sprague, was called upon to look after the interests of List before the Legislature, and very ably did he perfo his task. The confidence of the people was his, at he bent every energy to the honorable and succe ful performance of the duties imposed upon hi His word was as good as a bond, and his decisic when once given were regarded as unalterable. a trustee of the Jewett City Savings Bank, he prov his intimate knowledge of financial affairs. He w an attendant of the Newent Congregational Chur which he liberally supported, and he was a memb of the Ecclesiastical Society. When the pres church edifice was erected, he was one of the acti members of the building committee.

On Feb. 1I, 1856, Mr. Browne was united marriage with Phœbe Bidwell Burnham, who w born in Kinsman, Trumbull Co., Ohio, of Pilgr stock, daughter of Jedediah and Sophia (Bidwe Burnham, natives of Lisbon, and Canton, Conn., : spectively. Her grandfather, Jedediah Burnha was a surgeon in the Revolutionary service. Jed diah Burnham (2), her father, went to Ohio young manhood, and died there, at the age of eigh four years, while his wife passed away at the age fifty-four. He served as a captain in the War 1812, and his son Jedediah (3) was in the Unit States signal service in the Civil war. The remai of son, father and grandfather lie side by side the cemetery at Kinsman, Ohio. Jedediah Burnha (2) and wife were the parents of twelve childr all but four of whom are now deceased. M Browne graduated from the famous Grand Riv Institute at Ashtabula, O., and previous to her ma riage engaged in teaching. She now resides at t old home in Lisbon, dearly beloved by all who kno her. She is an earnest worker in the Newent Co gregational Church. To Daniel M. Browne a wife came one son, William Tyler, born Dec. : 1856.

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GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

VILLIAM TYLER BROWNE attended school in Lis- bo and then spent three years in the Friends School at Providence, R. I., later attending Phillips Aclemy, Andover, Mass., and he graduated in 18

In1

from the Sheffield Scientific School at Yale. 382 he received his medical degree from Har- University. Locating at Lisbon for the active ice of his profession, he built up a good prac-

va pr: tic wł ev

After some years he located in Norwich, e he has made a specialty of diseases of the ear, nose and throat, and of treatment by elec- y and the X-Ray, meeting with unqualified

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ss. On Dec. 25, 1889, he married Gertrude Be of Monson, Mass., a graduate of Monson Achemy, and a daughter of George Edward Bell Jane M. (Bailey) Bell, and granddaughter of Dv ht Bailey, of Franklin, Connecticut.

EORGE WATERMAN MEEKER (de- cea d), was one of New London's leading citizens, who knew and appreciated him. He was andais memory is held in loving remembrance by tho bo1 April 29, 1839, in Norwalk, Conn., and died Ma 17, 1897, in New London, Connecticut.

Ha 187 foll 183

illiam Meeker, his father, was born Oct. 22, I8c in Fairfield County, Conn., and died Feb. 20, 372, in New London, Conn., aged sixty-five yea On March 18, 1828, he married Caroline ins, born March 24, 1810 and died Nov. 4, in New London, Conn. Their family was as s: George W .; Sarah Elizabeth, born July 28, married Capt. Joseph Tinker, of New London, who, they both died ; Charles Henry, born Jan. 12, I84 died in infancy.

illiam Meeker was a merchant in New Lon- don or a number of years, and he and his son Gec e W. conducted a hat and cap store in that city n which business they were successful. He was man of strong personality, who endeavored what he felt was his duty, and he endeared to

to d him f a host of friends. He possessed a pleasing mar r and kindly disposition, and his death was a pub® loss.

limano Meeker, father of William and grand- fath of George W., was born Feb. 3, 1769, in Fair- Conn. He married Sarah Thorpe, and they

field had hildren as follows: Burr, Eunice, Sarah, East , William, Walter, Aaron Burr, Eliphalet and Abb

ijamin Meeker, the father of Sillimano Mee r, was born in November, 1741, on land in Id, Conn., still in the possession of members family. On Feb. 3, 1765, he married Abigail a relative of the famous Aaron Burr, vice nt of the United States under Thomas Jef- and children were born to them as follows: Anne, Sillimano, David, Rachel, Benjamin, ephen, Abigail, Burr and Jonathan.

of tl Burı pres: fers Sara Jr., S

tized Abig

quel Meeker, father of Benjamin, was bap- ug. 25, 1700. On Aug. 1, 1722, he married Gregory, and died between January and

March, 1770. The children born of this marriage were : Abigail, Seth, Daniel, Benjamin, Molly, Stephen and Joseph.

Daniel Meeker, father of Samuel and great- great-great-grandfather of George Waterman, mar- ried Elizabeth Ogden, daughter of Richard Ogden, the first Ogden in Fairfield, Conn. Their children were as follows: Joseph, Benjamin, Samuel, Jona- than, Isaac, Rachel, Daniel, David, Hannah, Eliza- beth and Esther.

Robert Meeker, father of Daniel and great- great-great-great-grandfather of George W., died in Fairfield between Nov. 12, 1693 (the date of his will) and Nov. 25, 1694-5 (the date of the inven- tory ). He had three children according to the will : Daniel, John and Mary.

Robert and William Meeker, no doubt brothers, are first found in the New Haven Colony, and prob- ably settled there about 1640, where they took the oath of fidelity July 1, 1644. They were sailors, and from New Haven William Meeker went to New Jer- sey. He married Sarah Preston and had two sons, Joseph and Benjamin, and from them have de- scended what is called the New Jersey branch of the original family. Robert Meeker (younger than William) married Susanna Turberfield in New Haven, Sept. 16, 1651, and removed to Easttown, in the New Netherlands, about 1657. He afterward removed to Fairfield, Conn., before 1664, and as early as Feb. 8, 1668, he is mentioned in a drawing of lots, so that he had probably been a resident of Fairfield for some time. He also took a contract from the town to do a certain amount of fencing, for which he was granted land by the town. In December, 1681, we find him possessed of 387 acres of land besides an interest in the "common lands." Included among his possessions was a "long lot." He probably took part in the French and Indian war in 1670, and is mentioned as receiving various lots of sacking and canvas to make bedding for the soldiers (he being a sailor, this work was known to him). Among the articles mentioned of personal prop- erty in the inventory handed in by Susanna Meeker, his widow, is a gun and a sword. At present noth- ing is known beyond the above documentary men- tion. The native land of William or Robert is not known, although the family has been traced in the early history of England, and before that in some of the German provinces.

George Waterman.Meeker, our subject, now de- ceased, was born as before mentioned, in Norwalk, Conn., April 29, 1839. He came to New London with his parents during his childhood, and attended the schools of that place, after which his father and mother desired him to study for the ministry, but he was of an active and somewhat roving disposition, fond of travel and pleasant company, and he disliked to think even of entering the ministry. However, although strenuously refusing to enter the sacred calling which he felt himself so utterly unfitted for, he was as honest, upright and manly a young fellow

Fair

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GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

as any one could find. The family having finally concluded that there was no way of overcoming the young man's convictions, he was taken by his father into his hat and cap business, when it was located in the Lawrence block on Bank street. After serv- ing as clerk for a time, the son was taken into part- nership, and the father and son so continued very harmoniously for a number of years.

At the outbreak of the Rebellion, he early en- listed in the army, and joined Company K, 5th Conn. V. I., June 28, 1861, was given a commis- sion, but resigned Nov. 24, 1862, his health having been greatly impaired. Later he went out West, but returned to spend his last days in the old home he loved so well. He never united himself with any church, but in the latter years of his life was quietly and deeply meditative, thinking profoundly upon religious subjects.

On May 20, 1857, George W. Meeker was mar- ried to Miss Louise Lax Crandall, daughter of Josh- ua and Emeline (Tinker) Crandall, New London. To Mr. and Mrs. Meeker was born one daughter, Carrie Louise, born Aug. 1, 1858, in New London, who was married July 2, 1877, to Capt. William Mer- cer, of New London, an officer in the United States army, and at present superintendent of the Indian School at Carlisle, Pa. They have one daughter, Edith, born April 19, 1881, in Columbus Barracks, Ohio, now the wife of Dr. George H. Gosman, of the United States Army.

Mr. Meeker was a man of striking presence in his youth and prime, and an active, energetic busi- ness man who in a larger field would have controlled vast enterprises. He possessed all of the qualities which endear others, and was an agreeable com- panion in a marked degree. In the days before the war, the young people of the city counted upon him to lead all social gatherings. In spirit he was genial and generous, quick to see the humorous side of things, and was very loyal to his friends. All through life he was devotedly attached to his fam- ily. Mr. Meeker was a stanch Republican, and served his town in several capacities, being faithful to his duties in all.

FRANCIS MASON MANNING, one of the substantial and influential business men of Mystic, in the town of Stonington, Conn., was born at Old Mystic, town of Groton, Aug. 21, 1822, and he descends from a long and honorable line of an- cestry.

(I) William Manning, the emigrant ancestor of the family of the town of Stonington, and his wife Susannah, came to New England with its early planters, and settled in Cambridge, Mass., where he purchased valuable real estate in .1638.

(II) William Manning (2), born in 1614, in England, was brought by his parents to Massa- chusetts, and inherited their mansion at Cambridge. He engaged in a mercantile business, and became a prominent and successful merchant. His wife,

Dorothy, died July 26, 1692, aged eighty years. died March 14, 1690, aged seventy-six years.

(III) Samuel Manning, born July 21, 1644, moved to Billerica where he became prominent business, social and political circles, represent the town in the Massachusetts General Court 1695-1696. He married (first) Elizabeth Stear of Watertown, Mass., born April 13, 1844. TI children were: Samuel and John. On May 6, 16 Mr. Manning married for his second wife, A Wright, and they had twelve children.

(IV) Samuel Manning came back in early to Cambridge to live, where his father in 1698, g. him a deed of the real estate which his grandfat had purchased in 1638. For reasons not now ft understood, he became dissatisfied with Cambrid as a place of residence, and between 1720 and 17 sold nearly all his real estate there, and remo". the family to that part of Windham now known Scotland, Conn., where he passed the remain of his life, dying Feb. 24, 1755. His wife, Debor died June 30, 1723.

(V) Hezekiah Manning, born Aug. 8, 17. married, Sept. 22, 1745, Mary Webb. Their cl dren were: Calvin, born March 4, 1747; Luth born Sept. 5, 1748; Jerusha, born Dec. 14, 17: Lucy, born July 1, 1753; Elizabeth, born July 1755. He was a man of shrewd common sense, 1. a clear, incisive way of arriving at truth, and quaint, original way of expressing himself. served as justice of the peace for many years to satisfaction of his townsmen.

(VI) Luther Manning, born Sept. 5, 17 studied medicine and practiced successfully as physician in that part of Norwich now known the town of Lisbon. During the Revolutiona war, he held the position of assistant surgeon, a was stationed at New London, when the town v burned by the British. He was often called il consultation with the leading physicians of easte Connecticut, and was prominently connected w the organizations of the State and county medi societies. He was a selectman, and represen Lisbon in the Legislature for several terms. Ur his death, which occurred May 7, 1813, he vi in active practice, and was regarded with the hig est esteem. In religious affiliation he was a Co gregationalist. He married Sarah Smith, and th children were: Olive married Abiah Perkin Luther was a physician at Scotland, Conn., who he died; Lucius died young ; and Mason.

(VII) Dr. Mason Manning was born in Ne wich Town, Conn., Aug. 27, 1796, and received common school education, supplemented by atter ance at Yale College, where he was graduated fr the Medical Department with the class of 1818. at once entered into co-partnership with his broth Luther, a practicing physician of Scotland. T years later he went to Milltown, and soon the after to Stonington, where he settled at the head the Mystic river, and entered into practice.

А.М. Машину

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GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

On Nov. 20, 1821, Dr. Manning married Fanny E vey, born Jan. 8, 1799, daughter of Dudley and Mry Hovey, of Scotland, and to them was born 0 son, Francis Mason Manning. Mrs. Manning d1 Sept. 23, 1822, her remains being first interred a Scotland, but later removed to Elm Grove cem- e y at Mystic. For his second wife Dr. Man- 11 F b a ; married Harriet C. Leeds, who survived him. enjoyed a large and lucrative practice, and not ig content to rest with the knowledge already tired, he was always a close student, and took ras with the best physicians of the county. His et, unobtrusive manner, and sympathy with all st ering, made him extremely popular, and his ac- q wledged skill did not cause him to relax any is efforts to keep abreast of medical discoveries. was an active member of the New London nty Medical Society, and the Connecticut Medi-

E C Society, and was several times elected delegate tone annual meetings of the National Medical As- ation. Dr. Manning continued in active prac- ti until disqualified by age. He was too much pied by his professional duties to accept of pub-

lid ffice, but always voted first the Whig, and later th IV Republican tickets. In early life he affiliated the Congregational Church, later uniting with th Methodist Episcopal Church at Old Mystic. D Manning was also very prominent socially for y years. The best people gave him their confi- e and warmest friendship, and none were more de med, and none occupied a higher position in es

th regard. He was ever modest and unpreten-

tic , and a man of sterling character, upright, hon-

or le and possessed of great sympathy and kind- ne of heart for all with whom he came into contact, an especially for those in need. Morally, lie was

an "xample to the rising generation. His death oc rred Feb. 10, 1883, and he was buried in Elm Gire cemetery at Mystic.

VIII) Francis Mason Manning was educated in Ol Mystic, the Connecticut Literary Institute, Suf- fie which he attended in 1839, and the East Green- wi Academy of Rhode Island. He learned the tra of a druggist at Norwich, Conn., under Col. Jo! L. Devotion, where he remained two years, then in 1846, he embarked in the drug busi- an, ne! in Mystic, and later building the store where eler's drug store is now located. He continued the until 1880, when he disposed of it to Mr. W ler. He became director of the Mystic River Naponal Bank, later being chosen its president, in wh 1 capacity he still serves. He has also been dec y interested in the grain business with his son. He 3 one of the substantial citizens of his town, der

and n addition to his other interests, he is presi- of the Elm Grove Cemetery Association ; pres- ide of the Mystic Oral School, trustee of the My c & Noank Library, and has always taken an act · part in every measure calculated to prove cial to the town.

ber

n Dec. 8, 1847, Mr. Manning was married,

at Old Mystic, to Ann E. Williams, daughter of Eleazer and Nancy (Avery) Williams. The only child born of this happy marriage was John Leeds.

(IX) John Leeds Manning was born at Old Mystic Sept. 15, 1848. He engaged in the grain business at Mystic, and has continued in the same for many years, his father later becoming associated with him. Their firm is one of the prominent and most reliable in the town. -

Mr. John Leeds Manning married Julia Wheeler, daughter of Joseph Wheeler. ' Their one child is

(X) Mason Manning, born Jan. 29, 1883.

ERASTUS D. MINER. The surname of the Miner family originated in England in the 14th century, and the descendants of the present day can trace their lineage in direct and unbroken line as far back as the days of King Edward III.

While preparing for war with France, King Ed- ward made a royal progress through Somerset and arriving at Mendippe Hill, found a man there named Bullman, who by extraordinary efforts had suc- cessfully gathered a company of 100 powerful vol- unteers for the King's service. In recognition of this patriotic loyalty and devotion to the cause, the King granted him a coat of arms with the name of Henry Miner thereon. This (I) Henry Miner died in 1359, leaving four sons, Henry, Edward, Thomas and George.

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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 26

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