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 41

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 41

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le eldest daughter of the Stanton family, Abby Jan 183 was married to Giles Williams, March 23, Mr. Williams, who was born in March, 1801, left | tonington, his native town, at an early age and gaged in business in New York City, going late: o Syracuse and thence to Chicago, Ill., where ducted important business for a number of Mrs. Williams' was a capable, attractive woman, who readily adapted herself to the cenes and surroundings of her married life, ideared herself to a large circle of friends. as a passenger on the ill-fated steamer "Erie," on Lake Erie, Aug. 9, 1841, and, with many sank under the waters of the lake. The early leath of this fine young matron, under such pecu rly sad and tragic circumstances, was a heavy blowo her family and friends. Mr. Williams re- in Chicago for several years, but subse- mair. quen returned to New York City. He lived to an a anced age and had a successful business ca- reer. For his second wife he married, Dec. 12, 1848 Mary Elizabeth Vanderpool. He died April 3, 18 She died May 8, 1900. The children of Giles nd Abby. Jane (Stanton) Williams were: Abby ane, born Aug. 10, 1832, died Nov. 5, 1881. Josep|ne, born in November, 1839, died March 9,

Jones iams

1865. Abby Jane Williams married Charles A. of New York, June 5, 1875. Josephine Will- arried Oct. 22, 1863, Joseph Oscar Cottrell, of St ington, Conn. She died March. 9, 1865, a daughter, Josephine Williams Cottrell, in. 18, 1865, who married June 4, 1889, They Jeorg . Walworth Middleton, of New York City. ave had four children: Josephine, born Marci 22, 1890, died March 26, 1890 ; Harold Cott- ell, In May 5, 1893; Marjorie Williams, born une , 1896; and Einna Stanton, born March 23, 898.

s, the Stanton family were called to ex- erien a like bereavement in the loss of Emma, the econd laughter of the family. She had just com- leted

course of study at the Norwich Female Semin

H. Smith. This lovely and amiable young oma1 rospe enj

y, when she became the wife of Capt. harle was summoned hence when her earthly 3 were of the brightest. She was not spared the beautiful home. in Stonington which er hu and had built for her with loving care, but as ca :d to leave a devoted husband and the little ugh

who had come to gladden the home, and e wi circle of relatives and friends, going hence all e brightness and freshness of her young

womanhood. The daughter who survived has worthily borne the name of her mother and has al- ways held a very high place in the love and regard of the Stanton family.

An extended sketch of Miss Maria Stanton need not be attempted here. Her life record is a part of the history of her town, her county and her State. A noble, large-hearted woman, she ably performed every task which her hands found to do, and in good works her zeal and enthusiasm knew no bounds. Of rare executive ability, warm sympathy, keen in- sight and strong common sense, she was richly en- dowed by nature with the qualities which would have made her eminent had she chosen a professional career, but she followed the call of duty as she un- derstood it and gave herself freely and unreservedly to the high service of humanity. Her memory is revered and cherished by the church, which she loyally and lovingly served, by the homes cheered by her presence in times of trouble and sorrow, and by the hearts which she led to the knowledge and love of Christ. Always devoted to the interests of her church, her neighborhood and her home town, as the years passed Miss Stanton was called into a larger sphere of action. Her ability as a leader and organizer and her rare personal character could not pass unnoticed, and she was sought for to fill posi- tions of honor and great responsibility. She en- joyed the friendship of Frances Willard and many able, women who valued her counsel and recognized her as a kindred spirit in the great work of temper- ance reform. A precious legacy is the life record of this noble, strong, consecrated woman.

Fanny, the youngest daughter of the Stanton family, had a less vigorous constitution than her sister Maria. She led a quiet, domestic life, but had a part, and an important one, too, in the making of the home. Ever a faithful and devoted, daughter and sister, her gentle ministry cheered the homestead and her tender care comforted her mother in her declining years. She had fine tastes, too, and a true regard for the beautiful things of life. Speci- mens are preserved of her exquisite embroidery, which show her patient industry and the rare skill of her delicate hands. When this gentle, womanly woman was called home it was noticed that the mother's hold on life visibly weakened and in a few short weeks, mother and daughter were united in the Heavenly Home.

John Davis Stanton, the eldest son of the fam- ily, always remained at the paternal home, taking an active part in the management of the farm. After the death of his father, in 1836, he became the strong stay of the family, greatly assisting his mother in the care of her large household.

In 1836 Daniel Davis, the second son of the Stanton family, went to Chicago, Ill. This was the period in which so many young men of Connecticut went forth to seek their fortunes in the great West. It was not strange that Daniel should have yielded to the persuasions of his brother-in-law, Mr. Giles

leavi1 born

Sce eight years previous to the death of Mrs. Villia

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GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

Williams, who had gone out in 1830 when the me- tropolis of the West had only a few thousand in- habitants, half of whom were Indians. Daniel Stan- ton entered into partnership with Mr. Williams and they established the first grain house in Chicago. Records of the early history of Cook county show that the firm of G. Williams & Co. did a flourishing business for many years and that their shipments of grain were heavy. The great industries of Chicago were then in their infancy, but it was a favorable lo- cation for business, being the shipping point of a rich agricultural section and the headquarters of the live stock raiser. Daniel seems to have entered quite fully into the social as well as business life of the young metropolis. He was for years a member of the Calumet Club. He also appears to have been quite an enthusiastic sportsman, returning from his hunting trips laden with deer and other trophies of the chase. While Daniel Stanton achieved a fair measure of success during his stay in the West, he would undoubtedly have enjoyed a much higher de- gree of prosperity had he chosen to remain there. But in 1847 he was urgently requested by his brother B. F. Stanton (2) to return East and assist in the management of the home farms. This course seemed the more desirable to Daniel, as his health was much impaired by malaria, the bane of early Western settlers. He closed up his affairs in Chi- cago and returned home in the spring of 1847. The farming of the home property was on so large a scale that there was always plenty of active employ- ment for all of the five brothers. Their father had pursued the wise and far-sighted policy of increas- ing his landed estate by the purchase of small hold- ings and adjoining farm lands, thus bequeathing to his heirs one great continuous tract of well-improved land. The same principle seems to have been faith- fully carried out by the sons, who as opportunities came went on adding field to field and farm to farm. It is evident that Daniel's Western experience gave him new ideas and a broad grasp of the live-stock industry, which became such an important part and such a characteristic feature of the large business so successfully carried on by the Stanton Brothers for many years. In February, 1855, they purchased the Squire Elias Brown property, comprising a fine tract of land in Quocataug Hill and a large stone mansion, commanding a prospect of surpassing vari- ety and beauty. In January, 1858, the landed estate of the Stantons was still further increased by the purchase of the Eleazer Williams farm, also on Quocataug Hill. This was the birthplace of Mr. Giles Williams and was an old family home, the land having been owned by the Williams family pre- vious to 1712. While all the brothers worked to- gether in perfect harmony and all shared financially in their large enterprises, it devolved upon Daniel and B. F. (2) to take leading parts in transactions of a business nature. Although their farming lands were of great extent, they were all well-improved and abundantly stocked. In fact the flocks and herds

of the Stantons were so numerous that the is als along the shore were sometimes secured for Mi- tional pasturage. They were always ambitio kto keep a high grade of stock, to have large barn fid well-equipped farm buildings and to bring the fid to its highest productive value. They were licded brokers in live stock, in which they carried coun extensive business, going at stated intervals the Boston and Brighton markets, and bringing ne carloads of fine cattle. They also dealt in por Ty, hides and wool. The business of the Stanton bin- ers was well-known throughout southern New land. They were recognized judges of live k and their opinions were quoted far and wide. me fields of the home farms in former days presved the appearance of a veritable live stock exch; je, and buyers and sellers who drove in at the Staan gateways were always sure to be well served lid handsomely treated. While all of the brothers much honored and esteemed, B. F. Stanton (2) Is most prominent in public life, holding many posi fis of trust and responsibility. In his youth he did

i- tary duty, being a sergeant-major in the 8th ment of Connecticut militia. For many succe ve years he represented the town in the General sembly and was always active in promoting local- terests. In his later years he was frequently cid upon to settle estates and to serve as guardian pr minor children, always fulfilling such impo ]it trusts in the most faithful and honorable manr. When B. F. Stanton was in his early manhoo've established a separate home, taking up his resid fe in the house on the farm west of the homestead. . e was accompanied by his youngest brother Malı, and very ably assisted by his capable and tale d sister Maria. The new home was established the most approved traditions of the homestead d was always a center of good influences and co hospitality. Miss Stanton remained the presi spirit of the home until the close of her useful d honored life. Her mantle fell on the shoulder of her niece, Miss Emma Smith, who made the Fre a bright and happy place for her uncles, and I- istered faithfully to them in their declining y 5. John, Daniel and Paul Stanton remained in e paternal homestead and Paul was the only one o-le brothers to bring home a bride.

On May 25, 1864, he was married to Ma !, daughter of Mr. Oliver Denison, and a direct scendant of Capt. George Denison, one of the fit settlers of Stonington. The only child of this i riage was a daughter who died in infancy. Stanton has filled her position with grace and nity, faithfully discharging the duties and res sibilities of this favored and time honored hon

All of the Stanton brothers lived to adva d years, but none to extreme old age. One after other they were called away from their plea homes and the scenes of their earthly labors. and Mason went suddenly, the others yielded to e slow progress of disease. The Stanton brot s

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GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

men of a strong substantial type, distinguished ergy and enterprise, for just and honorable rs, and for sterling character. Mrs. Marcia 1 (widow of Paul) resides at the old family surrounded by all the comforts and blessings she takes an active interest in the affairs of nd farm, and is spending the afternoon of life le content. A cordial welcome always awaits ests and friends who come to this fine old ead. The many friends of Miss Emma Smith old Road church and society rejoice that she her residence in the home where she spent so appy years with her uncles and her aunt .Miss

ver or leal: Stan om of li: 10m( n se he 10m n th etail many Mari. Stanton. She takes an active interest in the ffair of church and society and greets the friends

vho it her pleasant home with true Stanton hos-

itali W in recent years a new departure has come to he ol stone house on Quocataug Hill and we note with easure a bright page in its history. Mrs. Midd on, who inherited it with the large tracts of and and h joining has had wide experiences of travel spent many years of her life abroad. She as, hever, a very loyal regard for the homes and aunt of her ancestors, and has chosen to make the great While Mrs. erior Fine one house the summer home of her family. ne architecture remains the same Mr. and iddleton have judiciously improved the in- troducing many comforts and conveniences. onial furniture, rare curios, and works of foreign lands, adorn the rooms; but the rt fr s views from the windows surpass the work hatch f any tist and are an unfailing source of pleasure nd in iration. The old house standing in all its ugged

trength and noble simplicity makes a sum- her ro dence of unique interest and charm. In time the large household of Mr. and Mrs. 1mme fiddle n makes the place lively and cheerful. It not : ange that their guests love to linger under eir h bitable roof, or that their children look for- ard t the summer at Quocataug, finding health d ha iness on the pleasant hillsides of the old cestr home.

CA . CHARLES HEWITT SMITH, of oning

early settler of Watertown, Mass., and a dhol r, as shown by entries in the town's books. Aut niel atic records are preserved of the second nith, and it is evident that the family was 11 est put tl

lished in Watertown previous to 1695. At date the son of the second Daniel, John, ears nnect stern ny o erati

and ily

and

records of Plainfield, Voluntown, Pres- orth Stonington show that they were set-

tlers of importance, having large holdings of land and filling positions of responsibility in early Colo- nial affairs. John, the first Connecticut settler, seems to have been a pioneer of the best type, a pillar in church and State. The church records of 1699 show that he was a member of the committee appointed to make provision for a stated ministry. He was appointed by the General Court land'in- spector and timber warden. In the year 1700 John Smith served as representative from Plainfield. He was one of the 160 persons who shared the benefit of a grant called the "Volunteer land." In the set- tlement of this tract, little progress was made for several years, as the soil was poor and the location remote and inconvenient, offering few inducements to settlers. The name Voluntown was appropriately given the plantation. He was one of the committee on the division of the land in 1704. In 1706 John Smith was appointed by the General Court surveyor of two 1,000-acre farms for Wait Winthrop. He was deputy for Plainfield in 1712-1714-1715-1716. In 1721 meetings for divine service were held at the house of John Smith. In 1723 he was one of the voters to call Rev. Samuel Dorrance, and gave 5,000 shingles to the new meeting-house. He was a sub- scriber to the Westminster confession of faith and was in full communion. In 1725 John Smith was petitioner for a patent of several tracts of land, then said to be of Boston. In 1730 the Assembly confirmed John Smith, of Stonington, as Lieutenant of the Second company of train-bands. In 1732 he was appointed a surveyor of highways. In 1740 he was chosen one of the elders of the church. In 1747 John Smith was appointed Justice of the Peace for Windham county.

History shows that this branch of the Smith family was well represented in the eastern Connect- icut towns for about eighty years previous to the Revolution. There was a general movement south- ward, as the younger sons pushed out to take up new land and found homes for growing families. The line of descent is as follows: (I) John; (II) Dan- iel; (III) Daniel; (IV) John, born in July, 1672; (V) Daniel, born in 1700, who married Thankful Billings in 1725; (VI) Joseph Smith, born in 1729, who married Zipporah Branch in 1751; (VII) Col. Joseph Smith, born in 1755, who married Hannah Hewitt in 1783.

The early life of Col. Joseph Smith was spent on the farm of his father in North Stonington. He served as a second lieutenant in the war of the Revo- lution. Some time after his marriage, in 1783, he became a resident of Stonington Point. There his family grew up, and there he carried on, for many years, an extensive business. He was a master builder and had many important contracts, often employing a large number of men. After the Revo- lution the growth of Stonington was marked. Of increasing importance as a commercial town and shipping point, it made a favorable location for Col. Joseph Smith, a man of unusual energy and

n, was a direct descendant of Daniel nith,

have left Watertown to make a home in it, thus following in the line of that south- igration, which explains the founding of he oldest Connecticut towns. For three s, represented successively by John, Dan- seph, we find this branch of the Smith ated in the eastern Connecticut towns. ear

176

GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

business talent. About this time may be noted great progress in the manufacturing industry of this section, calling for the erection of new and substan- tial mills. Among those built by Col. Joseph Smith were the Stone factory at Westerly, R. I., in 1814; the oil factory at New London; repairs on factory of Williams Manufacturing Co., of Norwich, and many others. In the defense of Stonington, during the war of 1812, Col. Smith took an active part. As a contractor and builder he maintained a high repu- tation, many buildings now standing bearing wit- ness to his thorough workmanship and nice finish of details. The house built by Col. Joseph Smith for his family, in 1800, is a handsome and spacious dwelling and, probably, the best specimen of colonial architecture which Stonington borough affords. The fine old doorway, with knocker and latch of burnished brass, is surmounted by a hand- some fanlight window and enriched on either side by tall fluted pilasters, while some good hand carv- ing adorns the cornice under the eaves. The spa- cious and well-finished interior shows large rooms, with high ceilings and fine cornices and handsomely carved mantels and doorways. Scattered through the rooms are the chairs, tables and high boys of the olden time, substantial pieces of solid mahogany, some finely inlaid and perfect specimens of the Hep- pelwhite design. The house is in an excellent state of preservation and still remains in the family. It was the home of the late Giles C. Smith, Col. Jo- seph's youngest son, and is now occupied by his daughters, the Misses Mary and Hannah Smith, and Mrs. Charlotte (Smith) Eldred.

Col. Joseph Smith died March 6, 1834, in his seventy-ninth year. Mrs. Hannah (Hewitt) Smith died April 10, 1839, aged eighty years. The record of their family is as follows: (1) Joseph, born April 30, 1784, married Feb. 9, 1806, Nancy Eells. (2) Henry, born May 25, 1788, married Abby D. Pal- mer Dec. 8, 1824. (3) Charles Hewitt, born May 8, 1790, married Emma A., daughter of Benjamin F. and Maria (Davis) Stanton, Jan. 18, 1832. She died April 16, 1833, and on Feb. 28, 1837, he married Maria, daughter of Elias and Nancy (Davis) Stan- ton. (4) Nathan, born April 5, 1792, married Char- lotte D., daughter of Benjamin and Dorcas (Den- ison) Eells, Dec. 24, 1818. (5) Nancy, born March 19, 1794, married Alexander G. Smith, a descendant of Rev. Nehemiah Smith, Sept. 4, 1819. She died Aug. 5, 1820. (6) Giles Crary, born Dec. 2, 1797, married Hannah S., daughter of Richard and Mary (Hewitt) Wheeler, Jan. 21, 1836. (7) Mary, born Feb. 14, 1800, married John D. Palmer Nov. 29, 1829.

Associated with Col. Smith in business were his four sons, Joseph, Henry, Charles H. and Giles C., who inherited their father's energy, extending and increasing the business as the times required. Joseph, Nathan, Charles H. and Giles C. Smith all served in the Stonington militia, all except Giles being commissioned officers, and all rendering efficient

service during the attacks of the British in 18: 3 4. Nathan, a cavalry officer in the 3d Brigle, 30th Connecticut Regiment, was sent to Grot [to warn the commanding officer of approaching di mer and, after the attack, Charles H. and Henry word, at much personal risk, to put out the fires in Sto ig- ton kindled by British bombs. After the close ( (je Revolution American commerce and foreign revived. Stonington shared in the benefits o: is revival and grew rapidly in population and with. In the early years of the nineteenth century th tions of Europe were much engaged in wa te, which taxed their resources both on land and ta. The carrying of commodities from port to por las thus largely thrown in the way of American ping, forming an important and lucrative bus &s. America being neutral, this business could be fr- ried on without danger of attack. There is no (bt that this stimulating and profitable business Ir- nished strong incentives to the captains and seam bof Stonington and was a training school of those I gly virtues so gallantly displayed in the defense o pe town when attacked by the British. The arrefat attitude of Great Britain and the impressmer bof seamen led to the embargo acts of Congress, with paralyzed the shipping industry and closed our ts for many years. It was during this period tha he manufacturing interests of our seaboard towns ok a fresh start and great progress was made. At- i- can enterprise, shut off from the great highwaof commerce, the sea, turned to the spindle anche loom. Inventions multiplied and the product of mills and shops soon easily distanced the most's f1- uous efforts of the "Age of Homespun." In fis period many of those mantifactures were establied which have contributed so much to the wealth [d importance of New England. After the second fur with Great Britain came a still more marked d 1- opment of manufactures, a partial revival of fie shipping industry and coasting trade and the d 1- opment of the whale fisheries, a business in wth Stonington capital and enterprise were largely d profitably engaged.

It will thus be seen that the time in which (ft. Charles H. Smith began his business career w, a very important period in the history of the town ,d one well-calculated to stir the ambition and dev p the talents of an active, enterprising and cal young man. Associated with his father for ny years, Capt. Smith was well equipped for busi: 3, and his energy and enterprise kept pace with demands of a rapidly-growing town. A lea g builder and contractor of Stonington for many ye 5, he built stores, wharves, warehouses, the salt w( 3, banks, factories, school-houses, churches and n y private houses. His own residence, a fine speci n of Doric architecture, was an ornament to the tn and a credit to the builder. Stonington, being lar ly engaged in domestic and foreign commerce, .a port of entry demanded the best facilities. Ap t- priations were granted by Congress, and e

177

GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

contact for building the original breakwater was pose erv, warded to Capt. Smith, after the plan pro- y Lieut. Prescott of the United States artil- id approved by Congress. This was a most diffic: piece of marine construction, but the break- wate vas built and still stands, bearing witness to rough and substantial character of the work. builder of lighthouses Capt. Smith attained l distinction, his work in that important line

the t As espec of bu ling being excelled by none and equalled by very w. From 1825 to 1831 he had a large num- ber o by hi government contracts. Letters still preserved amily show the absolute confidence which he inspiall in government officials, collectors of ports iness men in all walks of life. Many of the ises at the entrance to New York harbor and

and 1 lightl along he Long Island shore were built by him and sid firm and secure today, after the lapse of eight years, though exposed to the fiercest action of theelements and the constant attrition of wave e. The lighthouses at the Highlands of k, near New York, built by Capt. Smith, in 'e called by naval experts the finest in the A true friend of humanity is the man who beacon along a rugged coast and builds

and Nave! 1827, count ights found ons strong and solid enough to outlast a

At ne close of his active career as a contractor ind balder, Capt. Smith turned his attention to ariou local investments and was a stockholder in early 11 the merchantmen and whaling vessels iled from the port of Stonington. He was

which prin lso a mover and investor in the marine railway, ockholder in the Stonington, Providence & ostor Railroad. He invested in land known as ct Plains, in the Fellows grist-mill and the Puan ean olen mills, also in the tract of land now nown 3 the Echo farm, which became the home his 1 Joseph at the time of his marriage and is ed and improved by his family. ill ow In nuary, 1832, Capt. Charles Hewitt Smith arriedEmma Ann, daughter of Benjamin F. and aria avis) Stanton. Of this marriage was born daug

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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 41

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