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 42

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 42

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er, Emma A. Smith. Mrs. Smith died in pril, 33. Captain Smith married, (second), in 37, abusin of his first wife, Maria, the daughter Elias nd Nancy (Davis) Stanton, of South Tren- 1, N. Of the six children of this marriage all 'd in c ildhood except Joseph, who in 1868 mar- an, U daughter of Randall and Mary Folme Brown. Of their five children one died infan Joseph Smith died Oct. 4, 1892, at Ston- ton. nd is a salesman for the George L. Claflin

The elder son, Charles H., is engaged in siness , wh sale druggists, of Providence, R. I. The ighte Maria Stanton, and the two younger sons, nton and Randall Brown Smith, remain F. S h th mother at the homestead, where an ex- sive 1 siness is carried on, according to the most prove principles of progressive farming.

Capt Charles H. Smith and family were mem-

bers and strong supporters of the Second Congrega- tional Church of Stonington. As a citizen he was held in the highest esteem and filled many positions of trust and responsibility. He represented the town in the State Legislature, was an assessor and a mem- ber of the board of selectmen for many years. A devoted husband and father, he was, also, a kind employer, a wise counselor and a faithful friend. The descendants of Capt. Charles H. Smith may well cherish the record of his spotless integrity, his great business enterprise and his fine personal character. Capt. Smith died Nov. 6, 1859.

GIDEON P. CHEESEBROUGH. Connecti- cut is dotted over with substantial old homes which have passed for generations from father to son, and which in their rugged strength and durability well typify the fine old characters who have lived within their walls, and who have each and every one done their part in making the State what it is to-day, Such a homestead is the Cheesebrough house, now owned by Gideon P. Cheesebrough, to whom it has come down from his great-grandfather. Built by Col. Amos Cheesebrough in 1729, it is still fairly well-preserved, although in various ways it shows marks of age, and the shingling on the west side of the house in itself betokens its antiquity. The house is beautifully situated, and through a long line of maple trees before the door, glimpses can be seen of the waters of Fishers' Island Sound, of Watch Hill and of other nearby islands.

(I) The first American ancestor of the Cheese- brough family was William, who married Anna Stevenson.

(II) Nathaniel Cheesebrough married Hannah Denison.

(III) Samuel Cheesebrough married Priscilla, granddaughter of John Alden.

(IV) Col. Amos Cheesebrough married Desire Williams. He was appointed June 8, 1768, lieu- tenant-colonel of the 8th Regiment of Horse and Foot, his commission bearing the signature of Will- iam Pitkin, "Governor and Commander-in-chief of His Majesty's Colony of Connecticut, in New Eng- land."

(V) Samuel Cheesebrough married Mary Slack.

(VI) Amos Cheesebrough was born Dec. 14, 1773, and died Aug. 3, 1846. He was a farmer in the town of Stonington all his life, served as road surveyor, as district school committeeman, was a Democrat in his political views and in his religious faith a member of the Baptist Church at Anguilla. His wife, Phoebe Denison, daughter of Robert and Anna (Cheesebrough) Denison, to whom he was married July 13, 1801, died Oct. 9, 1846. They were the parents of eight children, viz. : Grace, born July 13, 1803), died in 1893 ; Edmund D., Aug. 26, 1805, married Nancy A. Clift, and died April 30, 1878; Henry D., Dec. 5, 1807, married Sophia Will- iams, and died March 16, 1871 ; Richard C., March 14, 1810, married Nancy Cheesebrough, and died'

entu

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GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

May 25, 1849; one son died in infancy; Samuel, Oct. 8, 1814, died at the age of fifteen years ; Amos was born Dec. 22, 1816; Gideon Perry, born Aug. 17, 1823, was the seventh son.

(VII) Gideon Perry Cheesebrough, seventh son of Amos, was born at the old homestead in 1823, and spent his boyhood days there attending school in district No. 10, in Stonington. He later studied under a private tutor, Dr. David S. Hart. In 1842 he began teaching school in Randall District No. 13, and the following winter in Taugwonk District, No. 14. In 1844 he began in Wequetequock District, teaching there three successive winters, and in 1847 in Quambaug District. In 1850 he taught in Ston- ington borough, continuing during 1850-51-52, and again in 1854. In all he devoted twelve years to that profession, while during that time he also car- ried on the old home farm. In 1857 he left there, and for seven years was engaged in farming at Gro- ton, Long Point, but then took up farming at Angu- illa, where he two years later purchased a farm of 130 acres, and remained there from March, 1864, till 1900, when he removed to Westerly, whence after two years he removed to Pawcatuck, where he has since resided. In his politics Mr. Cheesebrough is a Democrat, and has done public duty as assessor and as a grand juror. His wife, to whom he was united Sept. 5, 1854, was Anna Delia Lasher, who was born April 28, 1835, at Duanesburgh, N. Y., and died at Anguilla, Jan. 6, 1900. She was the mother of eight children, viz .: (1) George L., born Aug. 20, 1855, was a farmer and also engaged in liv- ery business in Westerly, until his death in 1898; (2) Mary A., July 30, 1857, is the wife of Eugene Palmer, who is engaged in farming in Stonington ; (3) Nancy Anna, Nov. 29, 1859; (4) Phoebe D., Dec. 27, 1861, married Sept. 27, 1893, John B. Dauchy, of New York City, and has one son, Brad- ley Lasher ; (5) Daniel F., Jan. 27, 1864, was a farmer in Stonington, and died Feb. 15, 1892; (6) Edna, July 29, 1866; (7) Gideon Perry, Oct. 15, 1868, a molder for the Brown Cotton Gin Com- pany of New London, married Miss Annie Olweyly, and has one daughter, Marjorie; and (8) Grace Louise, Dec. 10, 1878. Mr. Cheesebrough possesses the characteristics which have been dominant traits in his ancestors, and now in the evening of a useful life he is enjoying a well-earned ease and rest. His entire life has been marked by thrift, energy and integrity, and as a result he is held in highest esteem by all who know him.

PHELPS. The name of Phelps is inseparably connected with the history of the best development of New England. The political councils of the coun- try have been swayed by the principles advocated by the Hon. Erskine M. Phelps, of Stonington, Conn., and many bearing the honored name have been known as fearless advocates of truth and justice.

William Phelps, the pioneer ancestor of the fam- ily in Connecticut, was born at Tewkesbury, Glou-

cestershire, England, about 1599. Desire folle- ligious liberty made him long for a home in the World, and being an original member of the Clich of England, of which the Rev. Mr. Warham fas pastor, he accompanied that divine when he le lis flock to the New World. They came across the 2a in 1630, in the good ship, "Mary & John," fir. ko- cating in Dorchester, Mass. Mr. Phelps be 1e prominent in public affairs at that place. Then is first wife died. In the Spring of 1636 he remed, with his children, to Windsor, Conn., and location a tract of land between Windsor and Poquonok En 1638, in Windsor, he married (second) I Dover, who died Nov. 27, 1675 ; he died July 1672. Both he and his wife were active in org |z- ing the Church in Windsor, and in establishinga social center in the new town. During his resiche in Windsor, Mr. Phelps was repeatedly chosen )- uty to the General Court.

(II) Timothy Phelps, only son of the seed marriage of William Phelps, was born at Winder, Sept. 1, 1639, and he died in 1719. 'On May), 1661, he married Mary, daughter of Edward ( ) ;- wold.

(III) Timothy Phelps (2), son of Timothy, lis born Nov. 1, 1663. In 1704 he removed in Windsor to Hebron, Tolland county. On No 1, 1686, he married Martha Crow.

(IV) Charles Phelps, son of Timothy (2), s born July 6, 1702. In 1725, he wedded Hepzi h Stiles, cousin of President Stiles of Yale.

(V) Dr. Charles Phelps, son of Charles, born Sept. 22, 1732, in Hebron. Later he cam o Stonington and built a house at the foot of Cosa c Hill, in that part of the town now known as N th Stonington. About 1765 he moved to this sit n the present town, and built another which to y forms the ell to the present fine residence of I . Erskine Mason Phelps. Dr. Phelps was a di: - guished physician of his day and generation. e was a man of handsome face and fine physique, ? the courteous manners of the dignified old scl The fashionable costume of the time with ru 1 shirt, lace at the wrist and the silver knee buc's was peculiarly becoming to him, and he was alvis careful of his attire. In 1767 he became judg f probate, the first in Stonington, and he held t office for thirty-three years. Dr. Phelps was tre married. On Nov. 1, 1757, he married Har 1 Dennison, who died Sept. 10, 1795. He mar (second) Feb. 14, 1796, Sally Swan. His death curred Jan. II, 1808.

(VI) Joseph D. Fhelps, sixth child of Charles, was born May 16, 1769, and he made s home at the homestead in Stonington. On Sept. [', 1792, he married Hannah Babcock, who was 1.1 Nov. 30, 1773, daughter of Col. Harry and M/ (Stanton) Babcock ; she died Aug. 9, 1809. T . children were : Hannah, born in June, 1793, mar I Jan. 28, 1813, Thomas Noyes ; Charles H., bor: 1 1795; Martha, born in 1797, died Oct. 20, 18 ;

179

GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

Naly, born March 20, 1800, married James W. Nos.

'II) Charles H. Phelps, son of Joseph D., was in Stonington in 1795. About 1827 he built bor the 'esent large front to the house, and made other vements. At one time, he was the largest oods merchant in New Orleans, and the pav- id raising of the street levels there and in Mo- vas largely due to his energy. He was a very riend to the poor, and was a liberal benefactor imp dry ing bile kinc to t community. It was indeed a sorrowful day in Sto ligton, when it was learned that he was one of the tims of the Steamer "Lexington," which was buri 1 Jan. 17, 1840, on her regular trip from New Yor to Stonington. On July 28, 1824, Mr. Phelps mar :d Ann R. Hammond, daughter of James and Phole Palmer Hammond, and a direct descendant of \ Iter Palmer. Six children blessed this union : Ann Iammond, born in 1826, died in 1828; Sarah, borr in 1829, died the same year ; Martha Ellen, borran 1831, married July II, 1849, Eugene Ed- war , Charles, born in 1834, died in 1838; Emily, born 1836, died in 1838; and Erskine Mason, born in S nington in 1839. For her second husband Mrs. Phelps wedded Rev. Erskine Edwards, pastor of tl| Second Congregational Church of Stoning- ton. Two daughters, Agnes and Phœbe. P., were born f this union.

III) HON. ERSKINE MASON PHELPS has long held cial rominent place in the political and commer- e of the town. From 1864 to 1901, as a senic member of the shoe firm of Phelps & Dodge, he co. rolled the largest business in that line in the State His prudence and foresight have made him an in ortant factor in any enterprise that engages his auntion, and his executive ability has been con- stanti ganiz He 1 called into requisition by the influential or- ons needing strictly business management. been president of the National Business Leagi; of the Hahnemann Hospital; of the Calu- net Ob three years, and of the Iroquois Club seven chair

party

ears. In his political faith he is a Democrat. As n of the State committee he has led his victories, and as a member of the national omm ee at the time of the second administration f Pr dent Cleveland, he lent his wisdom to light he cc icils of his party, and became recognized as ne o: he ablest men in the Democratic ranks. At is hoe he has so freely given his services for the ener:

good of the town, that partisan feeling is riped

ut, and he is the friend of all. No man Lands igher in the honest esteem of his fellowmen. Or )ct. 26, 1864, Mr. Phelps was united in mar- age

th Anna E. Wilder ..

HC T. WILLIAM HENRY PALMER, of orwi

, former representative, alderman, etc., is le substantial men and citizens of that city, f sturdy Puritan stock whose coming to

le of id is ew ] gland reaches back to within a few years ly o: he landing of the Pilgrim Fathers.

Mr. Palmer was born Oct. 1, 1843, in the village bearing the family name-Palmertown in the town of Montville, Conn., in which settlement and town his ancestors for several generations were leading men-active, energetic and public spirited in found- ing and developing its manufacturing resources. Mr. Palmer is a descendant in the eighth generation from Walter Palmer, the immigrant ancestor of this branch of the family in New England, his lineage being through Deacon Gershom, George, Gershom (2), Elder Reuben, Gideon and William Henry. Further ancestry for this sketch is given in the sketch under the title of Palmer Brothers elsewhere.

William Henry Palmer, Sr., father of our sub- ject, was born Oct. 14, 1821, in the town of Mont- ville, and his early life was spent there. When a young man he went to Norwich and was engaged in the mercantile business, and later with a Mr. Perry in the manufacturing of fish lines. Later he re- turned to Montville and was in the employ of his brother Elisha H., residing there until after the death of his wife, when he removed to Middletown. He was in the employ of his brother Isaac E., and there was engaged until his death which occurred Dec. 25, 1901. His remains are buried at Mont- ville. He affiliated with the Republican party, was a strong advocate of temperance, and held a few minor offices in the town of Montville. Fraternally he was a member of Somerset Lodge No. 34, at Nor- wich, and in religious connection a communicant of the Baptist Church. He married Clarissa Stan- ton, sister of Rev. R. P. Stanton, who for many years was pastor of the Congregational Church at Greeneville. The parents of Mrs. Palmer died when she was quite young. The children of this union were: (I) William Henry was born Oct. I, 1843; (2) John G., born Oct. 14, 1845, married Elvira Grover, and died at Middletown in 1901, leaving one son and two daughters. He was con- nected with the Arrawanna Mills owned by his uncle, I. E. Palmer, at Middletown. (3) Clarissa M., born Oct. 28, 1847, married Byron H. Arnold, and died in Providence, R. I., leaving one son and two daughters. (4) Marion E., born Dec. 6, 1849, is the wife of Revilo C. Markham, president of the Central National Bank at Middletown. (5) Charles, born Oct. 19, 1852, died in June, 1862.

William H. Palmer (2), son of William H., re- ceived his school and early business training in his native town. When only seventeen years of age the stirring times of the Civil war aroused his patriotism, and though in delicate health he ten- dered his services to the government, which at first were declined, owing to his physical condition, but which finally were accepted, and for three years he gave the best of a young manhood to the cause of the Union. On the close of the war he became su- perintendent of the Arrawanna mills in Middletown, Conn., a position he held to the satisfaction of the company, and with credit to himself for several years, subsequently sustaining the same relation with

180

GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

the Palmer Tentering Machine Company, of the same town, and of this company he was also treas- urer and manager. For years following 1886 Mr. Palmer became associated with The Palmer Broth- ers, of Montville, Conn., a firm with a national repu- tation for the manufacture of bed quilts, comfort- ables, etc. With this concern, which gives employ- ment to some 350 persons, Mr. Palmer is superin- tendent of construction and machinery. An in- genious man, of a mechanical turn of mind, he orig- inated a number of devices, and has taken out a number of patents on inventions of his own.

Mr. Palmer's. political affiliations have been with the Republican party. While a resident of Middletown he was for four years a member of the common council of that city ; and for three years he was a member of the school board. Here in the city of Norwich he has been a most useful, ready and enterprising citizen, and one of the city's best men. He has served the people ably and most effi- ciently in a number of positions of trust and honor requiring business tact, good judgment, a clear head and ability, and in all in a manner reflecting honor on those elevating him to them. He was chosen to a seat in the General Assembly of Connecticut in 1893, and took an active part in the issues that came up before the Lower House, and served on the Judiciary committee and other committees. He has served on the board of aldermen of Norwich, being the senior member. By education and practical ex- perience Mr. Palmer seems suited and well quali- fied for any trust within the gift of his fellow citi- zens. In 1895 he served as senator from the Tenth District, and was chairman of the committee on Education.

Socially Mr. Palmer is a member of Sedgwick Post, G. A. R., of Norwich, and has been its com- mander. During the Columbian celebration in Nor- wich Mr. Palmer served, by appointment of the Mayor, as chairman of the Citizens' executive com- mittee, and on other committees to arrange and carry out the festivities. He has also served as sec- retary of the Norwich Industrial Building Com- pany. He is a director of the Norwich Savings So- ciety, and of the Dime Savings Bank, and for many years was a director in the First National Bank. Mr. Palmer is a Free Mason, a member of Somer- set Lodge, No. 34, at Norwich; Franklin Chapter, No. 4, R. A. M. ; and Franklin Council, No. 3, R. & S. M. For about eight years he served as a mem- ber of the Republican State Central Committee. In 1899 he was elected a member of State Board of Ed- ucation, and was re-elected in 1903. Socially he is a member of the Arcanum Club, Norwich, and the Army and Navy Club, and religiously is a communi- cant of Christ Church.

Mr. Palmer was first married to Adelaide R. Wood, a native of Rhode Island. She died in Mid- dletown, the mother of two sons, Frank E. and Ran- dall W. On June 15, 1898, he was married to Miss Ellen Reynolds, of Washington, D. C., daughter of Henry Lee and Mary W. (Hill) Reynolds.

WILLIAM J. H. POLLARD was identi with the business interests of Stonington for a per of almost sixty years, and during that time ' looked upon as a representative of the highest t of citizen. He was a business man of extraordin ability, acquiring position and wealth through own efforts, and retaining throughout his busy the disposition and traits which won him his ea friends used his means to the furtherance of m: good works. His private benevolences, also, wl unostentatious, were liberally bestowed, and th was probably no man of his day in Stonington m respected and beloved for his kindliness than I Pollard. He was born May 26, 1824, in Poque nuck, in the town of Preston, New London cour and came of a family long settled in that locali

John Pollard, of Preston, Conn., grandfather William J. H., was born Nov. 20, 1765, and on Al 20, 1788, married Ann Elizabeth Sydleman, of N York State. Their children were born as follov Samuel, 1790 (died in 1809) ; John and Bet (twins), 1792 (both died in 1795) ; William, 170 Mary Ann, Aug. 10, 1803 ; Ann Eliza, Oct. 8, 18( John, May 6, 1806 (died June 17, 1852).

Capt. William Pollard, father of William J. ] was born July 18, 1798, was a seafaring man, bei master of a merchantman, and died at sea in 18. being buried on the island of Madagascar. He h married, Sept. 25, 1820, Harriet Haskell, of Preste Conn., and their only child, William John Hen was born shortly before the Captain's death. ( Dec. 5, 1830, the widow married Samuel Che brough, of Stonington, and went to reside in tl town, where she passed the remainder of her li dying Dec. 22, 1855. By her second union she w the mother of four children.

William John Henry Pollard received his ear education in the public schools of Stonington, a subsequently took a course of study at the Cc necticut Literary Institute, in Suffield. After th in 1847, he entered the employ of the firm of Pendleton & Co., then doing business in the bri store on Water street now owned by the estate the late Moses Pendleton, and there began the trai ing for the long life of labor and usefulness whi lay before him. He remained with this conce until the Ocean Bank was chartered, in 1851, wh. he became cashier of that institution, a position retained until the death of Stiles Stanton, the pres dent, whom Mr. Pollard was elected to succeed, co tinuing in that responsible office until his deat Probably no man of his day occupied a more pror inent place or was better known in the financi circles of the town than Mr. Pollard. During h administration of the affairs of the bank it w. changed to the First National, and was conducte on a sound, conservative basis with the welfare of i patrons ever foremost. The ability which Mr. Pc lard displayed in his management of the bank, t gether with his characteristic honesty and prom; execution of all his duties, caused him to be selecte by the late Charles P. Williams as the sole execute

GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

o is large estate, without bond, and he also served ir es h: hat capacity in the settlement of many other tes, never betraying the confidence placed in judgment and integrity by the slightest infrac- til of the duties intrusted to him.

Mr. Pollard was naturally interested in the wel- fa of the town with whose affairs his own enter- piles were so closely bound up, and many public hoors might have been his had he chosen to accept th 1. But he preferred to devote his time to the de- m ds of business, and the only town office he could be revailed upon to take was really in his own line, belg that of treasurer ; he served as such for over twity years, with what measure of satisfaction to thbpeople at large may best be judged from his suc- ce in every other position. Mr. Pollard made a ful study of finance, and so widely recognized ca his ability and intuition in such matters that he wa consulted by many men of the highest standing. Ir. Pollard was a consistent member of the Baptist Church and one of its most liberal sup- popers, and was equally interested in the Sunday- scl ol, of which he served long as treasurer. His Chstianity was carried into his every-day life, for

le as ever ready to lend a hand to those in need, and one but himself knew all of the kindly deeds he fid and the numerous acts of charity for the of those in distress. His life was one con-

rel sta endeavor to extend help to those who needed it, ando worthy cause was ever refused his assistance. W1 1 he passed away, Feb. 24, 1897, after a life of inent usefulness, he was lamented by all who hadever known him, whteher as a business man, a find, or the benefactor of the poor, without re- gar to sect or race.

hat Mr. Pollard was a man of uncommon char- acte is proved by the whole record of his life. Thị gh he started with no other resources than tho: bestowed upon him by nature, he met with suc- cesst every step, and acquired a fortune through his bin

vn efforts. His enterprise and sagacity, com- with indefatigable perseverance, were qualities whi circ

commended him to the esteem of a numerous

of stanch friends, and his genuine modesty, one his most characteristic traits, was in the light of t rem.

great success he achieved nothing short of cable. His death removed from the community one the noblest characters of Stonington, where ; highly honored and respected, and he passed with the cheering assurance of the well- awa grot

ance was

uni ter

led hope that he would enter into the inherit- hich is beyond all earthly value. Mr. Pollard stanch Republican in his political principles. Nov. 16, 1848, William J. H. Pollard was in marriage with Ann Eliza Chesebro, daugh- Capt. Allen and Eliza Ann (Pendleton) Ches one ro, of Stonington. To this union was born ughter, Fannie E., who is now the wife of Capt )liver C. Griffin, of Long Island, and has two child n, Grace Pollard Griffin and William Pollard Griff

Capt. Allen Chesebro was a seafaring man, and was lost at sea. He was a descendant of Wil- liam Chesebrough, a native of Boston, Lincolnshire, England, who it is claimed was the first English- man or white man to make his permanent abode at what is now Stonington, Conn. The Captain traced his descent from William through Elisha, Elihu, Elihu, Lieut. Elihu and Rev. Elihu Chesebro.

WILLIAM B. YOUNG, president of the Lee & Osgood Co., wholesale druggists, and for the past forty years a highly respected citizen of Norwich, is a native son of Connecticut, born in Coventry, Tolland county, Nov. 21, 1846.

The Young family has long been resident in Connecticut. William Young, a native of Scotland, married Ann Mckay. They were Dissenters, and in a time of religious persecution fled to London- derry, Ireland, where their first child was born. About 1730 they came to America and settled in the town of Windham, in the Connecticut Colony, at a point near where is now the city of Willimantic. Their children were: John, born in Londonderry, Ireland, about 1728; William, born Nov. 8, 1738; Samuel, born March 14, 1740; David, born Feb. 28, 1742; and Ann, born March 31, 1746. Of these children, John married, Nov. 12, 1754, Zerviah Huntington ; William married Lydia Swift ; Samuel married Lydia Drew, and had six children, Consider, Eliphalet, Samuel, Gurdon, Eunice and Nancy ; and David settled in Lebanon, Connecticut.

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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 42

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