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 40

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 40

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Richard Cooke served as volunteer in Ki Philip's war, and in consideration thereof a tr: of one hundred acres in the town of Voluntown w granted him, his heirs and assigns. He had, by 1 wife, Grace, the following children, namely: Eli: beth, baptized in the church at Stonington June : 1678, married Joseph Benjamin ; Lydia, baptized. the same church April 27, 1679, married Sami Leonard; Obed, born Feb. 1, 1681; Mary marri John Carter ; Sarah married John Andrews, and Ja died in 1721. Richard Cooke died in 1695.

Obed Cook, son of Richard, dropped the "e" writing his name. He was a farmer and marri Phebe, daughter of John Clark, of Norwich, July 1 1704. Their children were: Richard, born Aug. I 1705, married Mary Parish, of Preston, Dec. j 1729; James, born May 8, 1708, married Elizabet daughter of Francis Tracy, of Preston, March I 1732; Nathaniel, born Dec. 17, 1713, married Ha nah -; and Priscilla, born Dec. 17, 1716, di in 1731. Obed Cook died April 7, 1755.

James Cook, son of Obed, had by his wife Eliz beth : Priscilla, born June 22, 1733, never marrie Mabel, born June 8, 1735, married Alpheus Jone Jan. 15, 1761 ; Elizabeth, born June 24, 1736, marric Mathew Grinnold; Reuben, born June 10, 173' Hannah married Elijah Tracy ; Reuel; Lurena ma ried Reuben Yarington, and Lucretia never marrie James Cook died in 1794.

Reuel Cook, son of James, was a school teach in early life, but later he became a farmer. He die in 1779, before his son Reuben was born. On Jur 17, 1772, he wedded Elizabeth Jones. He was tl father of the following children, namely : Reuel, Ji born 1772, married Amy Packer; Elizabeth ma ried an Ames or Amos ; and Reuben.

Reuben Cook, son of Reuel, was born Sept. I. 1779, and when a young man, spent several years & a sailor in the West India trade. On April 27, 1801

Tudine Bill

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GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

h married Wealthy Huntley, born Nov. 15, 1789, d ghter of Thomas Huntley, a soldier in the Revo- nary war. Reuben Cook died May 6, 1866, and h: widow died Aug. 6, 1879. In politics he was first a hig, then a Democrat, but during the Civil war hebecame a Republican. The following were his ch Iren, namely : Reuben, Jr., born May 21, 1807 ; Dison Palmer, born Jan. 13, 1809; Albert, born M : 18, 1811; Hannah, born July 27, 1813; Abby Ja, born Aug. 27, 1815 ; James Monroe, born Feb. I4 bc 818; Elizabeth, born June 27, 1820; Mary Ann, Dec. 30, 1822; John Harrison, born Sept. 15, 18. ; Hiram, born Dec. 11, 1827; and William Gil ne, born' March 27, 1830.

Reuben Cook, Jr., was a foundryman until past mille life, and then became a farmer. On Oct. 6, 18 , he married Abby Barnes, daughter of Avery Ba es, of Preston, and first moved to North Java, N. . , then to Neenah, Wis., where he died July 25,

His wife was born July 31, 1806, and died Mạch 16, 1882.

enison Palmer Cook was a carpenter, and died eston Jan. 16, 1862. On Oct. 6, 1839, he mar- Clarissa H. Story, born Sept. 8, 1811, died Nov.

rie 5, 18. On Nov. 21, 1850, he married Betsey Will- ian born April 28, 1826, died March 26, 1875.

lbert Cook was a foundryman for a number of yea Du

but later he engaged in farming in Preston. g his last years he was with his daughter We hy in Norwich, where he died April 23, 1899. He arried Susan Perigo June 12, 1837. She was bor: n November, 1809, and died Oct. 11, 1893.

annah Cook married William Strong, a farmer, bo 1814. They settled in North Java, N. Y., whe he died Nov. 17, 1867, and she died Sept. 19, I88

by. Jane Cook married James L. Bassett, July 5, 1 3. They moved to Lenox, N. Y., where she die March 21, 1856. Mr. Bassett was born July

I7, 14, and died June 29, 1883.

nes Monroe Cook left home when about eigh en years of age and never returned.

1 zabeth Cook married, Oct. 28, 1854, Simon Brevter, a farmer in Griswold, born May 29, 1801, and ed Aug. 17, 1867. She died April 16, 1890. ry Ann Cook married, Nov. 13, 1854, John Gul is, a machinist, but during the latter part of his : he became a farmer in Preston. He was born une 15, 1825, and died Feb. 28, 1897. She died eb. 7, 1897.

JI n Harrison Cook was brought up to farming, but 1 :ame a carpenter. He first moved to Lenox, N. Y then to Ames, Iowa, where he died March 24, : I. He married Jane Light, of Lenox, March 30, 1;2. She was born May 10, 1834, and, died Jan. , 1889.

V liam Greene Cook was last heard of in Cali-

forni about 1867, and was then unmarried. He vas 1 ought up on a farm, but became a carpenter. Ham Cook was born in Preston and remained ut ho: until he was twenty-one years of age, work-

ing at farming. He attended the district school until the age of fifteen years, and then received private instruction from Joseph H. Gallup, a well known teacher at that time. He first commenced to study for a physician, but finding it to his distaste, he resolved to become a civil engineer, and thereafter devoted such time as he could to the study of that profession. When he attained his majority, he went to Lenox, N. Y., where a brother-in-law was resid- ing, and spent a few months there. Returning to Preston, he taught a district school near Poque- tanuck one term, and after this he taught school near North Java, and also at Lenox, N. Y. During these years he had by self-study, acquired a good theoretical knowledge of civil engineering, and he first began practical work at the business under A. S. Robbins, of Norwich, as engineer in the con- struction of the New London, Willimantic & Palmer Railroad, which is now operated by the Central Vermont. With Mr. Robbins he remained nearly two years, and then went to Venango, Pa., where he was employed as a leveler on the prelim- inary survey for a railroad. He was next at Clare- mont, N. H., and was employed there on preliminary railroad work. After this he went to Dedham, Mass., and was there an engineer in the construction of the Midland Railroad, which is now operated by the New York, New Haven & Hartford Railroad Com- pany. This was followed by the relocation and con- struction of the Baring & Princeton Railroad in Maine, after which he went to St. John, New Bruns- wick, on the European & North American Railroad. In a short time he was obliged to leave on account of his health, and he went again to Lenox, N. Y., and taught school there one term. After this he returned to Norwich and assisted his former em- ployer, Mr. Robbins, a few months, and then taught school at Poquetanuck. On June 1, 1860, he entered the employment of the Norwich & Worcester Rail- road Company as clerk in the Machine shop, and in 1866 he was appointed engineer and road master of said railroad. He remained in this last position until July, 1881, a term of fifteen years, having charge of the maintenance of the track, bridges and buildings between Allyn's Point and Worcester. Later he located an extension of the road from Allyn's Point to Groton. After severing his connec- tion with the Norwich & Worcester Railroad Com- pany, he became connected with the Boston & Maine, and later with the Boston, Concord Railroad as an expert inspector. Since 1890 he has done but little engineering work, except what he performs for the Norwich Water Power Company. Mr. Cook was president of this company for several years prior to 1887, and in 1896 he again became president, and continues as such to the present time.

On Dec. 21, 1856, Hiram Cook was married to Hannah S. Woodcock, of Baring, Maine, born Feb. 24, 1835. To this union came one son, Asahel Rob- bins, born Dec. 7, 1857, who attended the Episcopal Academy at Cheshire, Conn., after which he took

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GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

up engineering under his father, and is now assist- ant engineer on the Northern Pacific Railroad, sta- tioned at Seattle, Wash .; he was married, May 26, 1898, to Ida A. Greene, of San Francisco, born Nov. 23, 1867, and they have one child, Richard Hiram, born Aug. 1I, 1900.

Mr. Cook is a Republican in politics, and is very much interested in current events. He is a 32d degree Mason, being a member of Somerset Lodge, Franklin Chapter, Franklin Council, Columbian Commandery, and a charter member of the Scottish Rite Orders, all of Norwich. Finally, as the theo- retical knowledge of civil engineering was mostly acquired through his own efforts, so was its adapt- ability to practice when the opportunity came. In like manner his success is largely owing to himself, and though he has not laid up many shekels, he has what he esteems of much greater value, the good opinion of his fellow men.

COMMANDER SAMUEL BELDEN, a re- tired officer of the United States Navy, and a de- scendant of an old New England family, is one of New London's representative citizens. This Belden family has been identified with the history of Con- necticut since shortly after its first settlement. The first of the name in Connecticut was Richard Bayl- don (Belden) and William Beldun, who were among the early settlers of Wethersfield, Conn., Richard being among the earliest of the town. He is first noticed in public documents in 1640. The location and description of eight pieces of his lands, those he bought and those that were given to him, are given in the Land Records, 1641. In the summer of 1650, Richard Bayldon was one of the additions to the Pequot (New London) Plantation, but proved to be only a transient inhabitant, return- ing to Wethersfield.

From this Richard Bayldon, Samuel Belden, our subject, is a representative of the eighth generation, the line of descent being as follows: (I) Richard ; (II) John (1631 in England) ; (III) Daniel (1670) ; (IV) Daniel (1696) ; (V) Samuel (1733) ; (VI) Richard (1773) ; (VII) Richard Nathaniel (18II) ; (VIII) Samuel (1836).

The name was originally spelled, Bayldon, Bel- don, Beldun, Belding, etc. "The erroneous manner of spelling the name Belden was changed and re- stored to its original and true orthography, through the exertions of Rev. Joshua Belden, about the year 1772, he being convinced by Col. Elisha Williams, the Town Clerk, of its corrupted spelling. By him, he was shown three several and distinct autographs of the elder John Belden, in the early records, at- tached to as many distinct public instruments, to all of which he signed his name, distinctly and legibly, John Belden." [Hon. H. R. Hinman, of New York, 1861.]

Richard Nathaniel Belden, father of Samuel Belden, was born 1811 in New York City. There in early life he learned the trade of jeweler and fol-

lowed it for several years. When a young tan, he came to New London with his parents, lat fre- turning to New York to learn his trade. Cung back to New London he established himself che watchmaking and jewelry business on Main fiet, fab-

and he continued in that line for several years sequently he entered the New London Bank New London City National Bank ) as a clerk, af he How was identified with that financial institution he time of his death, which occurred Feb. 3, 18 in New London. On account of his close appli to business affairs he advanced rapidly in the (hk, rising from clerk, through the various pos Ens, until he was made president. However, he red from the presidency a few years before his th, but was elected vice-president, which positie she held to the close of his days.

In political faith Mr. Belden was a Reput fin, and he served the city in several capacities, ing councilman for several terms. He was a moper and liberal supporter of the First Congrega pal Church, of New London. Mr. Belden possess a genial, jovial disposition, and his kindly natur jas a great attraction for children, of whom he wa fir- ticularly fond. In 1834 he married Marian kins, of New York, who died in New Lond | 1901. She was a daughter of John Hopkin and Mary Harper, who were married by Bishop Mare, of old Trinity Church. Children as follows re born to Mr. and Mrs. Belden : (1) Samuel is |n- tioned below. (2) Sarah died young. (3) Erin died in young manhood.

Samuel Belden was born in New London, ril 27 or 28, 1836, and received his early educativin the public schools of his native town, leaving shol at the age of fifteen years. Having a desire to f pw the water, he entered the clipper trade on the ‘ fle- graph," running from New York to Californi: ad the China trade, returning to Boston in 185 [ as man before the mast. Mr. Belden continued in his trade for about ten years, and when hostilities ke out between the North and South, he, in 186: n- tered the service of his country as an Actingin- sign. The record of his service in the General Register, list of officers of the United States Nav lad of the Marine Corps, 1775-1900 (L. R. Hamers;) reads as follows: "Belden, Samuel: Acting sign, 8 Sept., 1862. Acting Master, 19 Feb., n- Acting Volunteer Lieutenant, 18 May, 1865. n- orably discharged, 21 March, 1866. Acting M er, 5 April, 1867. Ensign, 12 March, 1868. M 18 Dec., 1868. Lieutenant, 21 March, 1870. 11-

tenant-Commander, 7 July, 1883. Commande Feb., 1893. Retired List, 27 April, 1898."

In 1898 Mr. Belden retired from the U States Naval Service, having reached the age Fait of sixty-two years, and he has since been livi: retirement in New London. In January, 189 he was elected a director of the New London City a- tional Bank, and is still serving as such. He a trustee of the New London Savings Bank.

I71

GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

r. Belden was married June 14, 1864, to Mary C. epard, daughter of George and Ann ( Beebe) She rd, of New London, and three children have bles d this union : Mary Coit, who died at the age years ; Richard E., who is associated with the r Bros. Company (he married Daisy Horner, of (boton, Conn., and has a son, Richard Nathaniel, jept. II, 1904) ; and Annie W., at home. With mily Mr. Belden attends the First Congrega- Church of New London. Socially he is a er of the Army and Navy Club, of New York. itical sentiment he is a stanch Republican. ander Belden built his present home on Broad New London, in 1887, and it is one of the nice of that pleasant residential portion of the city.

I `ACON HENRY PARTRIDGE BUSH- NEI . The Bushnell family has long been prom- inen® nd highly esteemed in Connecticut. Its rep- resen tives in each generation have been God- feari , law-abiding men, and have left an impress for od upon the communities in which their lives have of B. een passed. In 1638 six brothers of the name nell left England on account of religious per- secut n, and joined the Massachusetts Bay Colony. Four f them later came to Connecticut, locating at Guilled, and of these, three, Francis, William and Rich 1, later moved to Saybrook. These hardy pione s were the ancestors of all of the name in Conr ticut.

Jen Bushnell was a farmer residing near Oc- cum, n the farm now occupied by a descendant, Fred ck H. Bushnell. He married a Miss Roath, who irvived him. Their children were: Sabra, who married (first) Ichabod Corbin, (second) Thon Jame iwice

; Talbot, and died in Southbridge, Mass .; mentioned below; and Leonard, who was iarried, and who resided for several years in Norw h, Conn., later moving to Mountain Grove, Mo., here he died.

Ja es Bushnell, son of John, was born in Nor- ay 16, 1793, and followed farming all his his early manhood death deprived him of a

fostering care, and he was obliged to as-

e responsibility of his own support. For a of years after his marriage he resided in the Lisbon, but his mother desired his assistance nanagement of the home farm, and he re- there, taking charge of it as long as his lived. After her death he purchased the of the other heirs, and passed the re- of his days there, dying June 26, 1872. In le was a Democrat. On Nov. 3, 1816, James l married Sinda Smith, who was born in try, Conn., a daughter of Eleazer Smith, Sept. 17, 1862. Six children blessed their Fanny, born Nov. 13, 1817, married March , Joseph B. Noyes, a farmer of Lisbon, and t. 20, 1898; Eleazer, born March 28, 1819, meroned below ; Mary Ann, born Jan. 26, 1821, ed C . 2, 1822; Lucinda, born Jan. 11, 1824, mar-

ried Nov. 17, 1842, Stephen B. Ray, a farmer of Norwich, where she now resides ; William H., born Nov. 14, 1826, married Jane G. Prentice, and is a farmer residing in Norwich; and James F., born Dec. 9, 1829, married Jan. 15, 1854, Hannah Benja- min, of Preston, and is a farmer residing on the old homestead near Occum.

Eleazer Bushnell, son of James, was born in Norwich, and acquired all his education with the meagre facilities afforded by the district schools. He was early inured to hard work, and as a young man he worked as a farm laborer in Norwich and vicinity, being so employed up to the time he was married. He then located on his father-in-law's farm in Lisbon, but after one year there he moved to the "Stone Barn" farm in the north part of the town, and conducted that farm on shares for five years. Thence he removed to Hanover Society, and for nine years rented a farm there, and then, in 1855, he purchased his father-in-law's farm-the latter having died-and there spent the rest of his life. He died Nov. 5, 1873, and for some years prior to his decease he was engaged in the insurance business in addition to farming, being agent for the Wind- ham County Mutual Insurance Company. Politi- cally he was a Democrat, and held a number of town offices. In 1863 he represented Lisbon in the Leg- islature. For some years before his death he had been first selectman, and so ably did he manage the town's affairs, that when he died the town was free from debt. He was an earnest member of the New- ent Congregational Church. On Nov. 18, 1839, Eleazer Bushnell married Elizabeth Partridge, who was born in Lisbon, daughter of Cyrus and Sally (Whipple) Partridge, and a representative of one of the oldest families of the town. She died at the home of her daughter in Norwich Town in her eightieth year. Four children were born of this union : Henry Partridge; Mary Elizabeth, widow of Curtis Webb, resides in the town of Norwich ; James E., a farmer and teamster in the town of Norwich, married Elizabeth Stephens; and Cyrus P., a car- penter and farmer, who died in Sprague, married Marianna Crocker.

Henry Partridge Bushnell, the well known dea- con of the Newent Congregational Church, was born April 4, 1841, in Lisbon, and he received the train- ing usual with farmers' sons of that period. For a few months each winter until he was eighteen years old, he attended the district school, and then for one term he was enrolled in the Jewett City high school. He lived at home until he was twenty-one years old, at which time he went to Westport, Conn., where during the next ten years he was employed chiefly at farm labor. The death of his father recalled him to Lisbon, and he assumed the management of the home farm, which later became his by purchase. He now has over 100 acres under cultivation and de- voted to general farming. In addition to his farm work for the last decade he has gathered cream in Lisbon for the Griswold creamery.

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172

GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

On Jan. 1, 1867, Mr. Bushnell wedded Sarah Jane Whitney, who was born Aug. 13, 1846, in Westport, Conn., daughter of David and Lucretia (Lockwood) Whitney. Six children have been born of this union: ( 1) Irvin Henry, born Oct. 29, 1867, is a carpenter and farmer in Norwich Town. He married Agnes Galeni, and their children are Earl (deceased), Herbert, Bessie, Ethel and Edith (twins) and Ruth M. (2) George Eleazer, born Jan. 24, 1870, died Aug. 20, 1870. (3) David Ed- ward, born Jan. 3, 1873, is a motorman in the elec- tric railway service. He married Emma Jane Gard- ner, and has one child, Curtis E. (4) Dolly Bertha, born July 27, 1875, became the wife, of Jay Traver, and died in Lisbon Aug. 2, 1898. (5) Ida May, born Feb. 13, 1881, married William Bentley, agent for the New York, New Haven & Hartford Rail- road, at Webster, Mass., and has three children, LeRoy, Leola and Verna May. (6) Robert Quincy, was born June 20, 1889. Politically Deacon Bush- nell was originally a Democrat, but believing that the only way to overcome the evils of the liquor traf- fic is in the total prohibition of its manufacture and sale, hé has of late years cast his influence in the support of the party advocating that reform. At the age of fourteen he united with the Newent Congre- gational Church, and has never faltered in his alle- giance. He has been active in church work, and has exerted himself to practice in his daily life the pre- cepts of his faith. He was elected deacon in 1893, and for some years served as superintendent of the Sunday school. Mrs. Bushnell ably, seconds her husband in all his work. She, too, is active in church work, having united with the Congregational Church at the age of twenty-two. All of the chil- dren, except the youngest, are members of the same denomination. Deacon Bushnell has lived an up- right life, and no citizen in New London county is more deserving of the universal esteem in which he is held.

BENJAMIN FRANKLIN STANTON, the fa- ther of the Stanton Brothers, of Stonington, Conn., was a descendant in a d'rect ancestral line of Robert Stanton, who was born in England in 1599, came to this country in 1638, with his wife Avis, and settled at Newport, R. I., where he resided until his death, Aug. 5, 1672. The line of descent is as follows :

(I) Robert Stanton and wife Avis.

(II) John Stanton (son of Robert and Avis), born in Newport in 1645, grew to manhood there, became a merchant and joined the Society of Friends. He was married in one of their meetings to Mary Horndale, in 1667. They had seven chil- dren. After the death of the first wife he married Mary, widow of Gov. Cranston, and daughter of Gov. Jeremiah Clark.

(III) John Stanton (son of John) commenced life as a merchant and continued to live in Newport until 1733, when he removed his family to Rich- mond, R. I., settling on what was then known as

the Stanton Purchase. He was born in April, I and married Feb. 9, 1698, Elizabeth Clark, daug of Latham Clark of Portsmouth, N. H. They twelve children. She died at Newport, Sept. 1730. In 1734 he married (second), at Richm R. I., Susannah Lamphere. She was nineteen y of age. They had thirteen children. He dier Richmond, Jan. 22, 1762, is his eighty-ninth yea

(IV) Job Stanton (son of John and Susar Lamphere), born in Richmond Feb. 3, 1737, mar Elizabeth Belcher and settled in Stonington, C They were married Nov. 11, 1764. By his first he had three children. She died Dec. 29, 1773. his second wife he married Amy Bell, widow of J Bell and daughter of Nathaniel and Amy (Hew Williams, and sister of the wife of Col. William I? yard, who fell at the battle and massacre of 1 Griswold, Connecticut.

(V) Benjamin F. Stanton, the third son of marriage, was born Feb. 25, 1782, and married M Davis in September, 1808. She was a descen( of John Davis, born in England 1612, who set in East Hampton, Long Island, and died in I'; Thomas (son of John) married Abigail Pars John (son of Thomas) married Catherine Talma Their son John married Abigail Baker. The children of this marriage were all born in the homestead in Stonington, Conn. Mrs. Maria ( vis) Stanton, the fourth child, was born Oct. 1786.

Benjamin F. Stanton was a farmer and co menced life in Stonington, Conn. He was ambiti and progressive, always on the alert to extend business. In the spring of 1819 he removed to F er's Island, where he carried on an extensive fa: ing business. While there he employed a tutor attend to the education of his children. In 1823. returned to Stonington, occupying a farm previo purchased by him, which became his home for remainder of his life. Mr. Stanton was an act enterprising man, held in high esteem by his nei bors and townspeople. By industry and thrift accumulated a competency and established a co fortable and substantial home. Mrs. Stanton wa true helpmeet of her husband, a kind, loving a patient mother and a wise manager of a large hot hold. This was a home of prudence and industry : yet of generous living and whole-hearted hospital It was, in fact, an ideal New England home, and unfailing courtesy and sincere friendliness of 1 family were highly appreciated by their large cit of friends and relatives, who were always glad enjoy the warmth of their fireside and the good ch of their well-furnished board. In this home, and s rounded by the best and most wholesome influen the five sons and four daughters of this family gr to maturity and were prepared to fill pla of honor and usefulness. The record of family is as follows: John Davis, born Ma 25, 1809, died Sept. 19, 1882. Abby Ja born Jan. 13, 1811, died 'Aug. 9, 18

B. J. Stanton 200

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GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

En| a Ann, born Aug. 10, 1813, died April 833. Daniel Davis, born Sept. 9, 1815, 16, die Oci

April 23, 1887. Benjamin Franklin (2), born 28, 1817, died Sept. 25, 1891. Marice, born Dec. 30, 182 No. 319, died Dec. 5, 1880. Fanny, born July 18, died Sept. 18, 1863. Paul Burdick, born 28, 1824, died July 8, 1884. Mason Manning, bor: Dec. 7, 1826, died Aug. 16, 1894.

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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 40

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