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 46

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 46

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GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

lained on her two and one-half years, and was then rred to the "City of New York," which he com- 1 down to the time of his assignment to the new . Capt. Lanphear is the oldest employe of the ty, with the exception of Steward Burns. During the years of his service he has never met with an t, and he justly enjoys the confidence of the trav- ablic, with whom he is a prime favorite. The serv- ich he rendered on the occasion of the "Narragan- saster are still fresh in the public mind.

e "City of Worcester" will be commanded by Capt. C. Lanphear, of New London, the oldest and pos- sibly the e biggest captain on the Sound. He has followed for forty-four years and traversed the Sound thirty years, and has never met with an accident, which speal latte1

well for his seamanship or his luck. Possibly the 3 the result of the former. Capt. William Pelton will 1 the first pilot ; Charles Chappell, second pilot ; Joseph Carte: engineer ; John C. Smith, first assistant engineer ; McGeary, first officer; and Thomas Burns, stew- r. Burns is the oldest steward on the Sound, having ome thirty-four or thirty-five years. E. B. Wood- ill be purser, and George Crofton, freight clerk. nt of the Norwich Line is Capt. Stephen A. Gard- under whose personal supervision and direction y of Worcester" has been built.

Cot. Lanphear purchased the farm in the town of W erford, New London Co., Conn., in 1877, after whic time he resided there until his death. His

farm as a well-kept one, and commanding as it did abeautiful view of Long Island Sound, with every nch of which the captain was thoroughly famil , made him an ideal home, to which he was

much evoted. While Capt. Lanphear was captain of th "City of Boston" she broke all records be- tweer from This New London and New York, making the run ier to pier in six hours and five minutes. cord was never broken until the present und of the Sound," the "City of Lowell," 'Gre

wrest

the laurels from her. The Captain left the of the Norwich Line in 1888 and retired to n, in Waterford, continuing on land until hen, at the express wish of the Norwich ectors, he took charge of the "City of Wor- cester

emplo his f: 1893, Line

and was with the company for another ear.

ept f his de Norw

hen he gave up the calling for good, and ex- an occasional trip remained on shore until h. During the Captain's service with the Line there was one incident that stands ut vi lly from all others, and no doubt to his last lays

thought of that foggy night in June, 1879, came to the rescue of the drowning passen- the "Narragansett," after she had collided : "Stonington" and drifted away to sink human cargo. The story of the wrecking Narragansett" is familiar to many. She

Then ers c ith ith the as b nd down the Sound from New York to tonin

on when she met her sister steamer, the Stoni ton," near Cornfield Light vessel. The lat- ned the "Narragansett" with disastrous r ra ffect, id, helpless after the accident, she blew gnals f distress. The "City of New York," of

e N. vich Line, Capt. Lanphear in charge, left ew I idon about 11 :45 P. M., bound for New

York. The night was foggy and navigation ex- ceedingly dangerous. On this night Capt. Lanphear had not heard the Stonington Line steamer, as he usually did, off a certain point. Proceeding on his way to New York, the lookout ahead reported that bells were ringing and signals of distress were being blown from a point off the port bow. The "City of New York" soon came up with the "Stonington" and ran alongside. Capt. Lanphear was told of the col- lision and learned that the "Narragansett" was somewhere inside in a sinking condition, her pas- sengers overboard struggling in the water. The "New York" was headed for the drowning people and soon arrived on the spot. There they were, hanging to boxes, planks and every conceivable object that would float. Boats were lowered from the "New York," and, directed by Capt. Lanphear, the work of rescue went on, 240 being taken out of the water and given shelter aboard the steamer. The rescuer remained in the position for three hours and a half, and at last, certain that all above the surface had been saved, continued on the way to New York, where the boat landed at 9 o'clock in the morning, when news of the terrible disaster was made known to the world. For his splendid work in handling his steamer, and for his efforts in effect- ively directing the work of the steamer's crew, Capt. Lanphear was presented with a handsome set of engrossed resolutions from the company's directors. This was all he desired. He received testimonials from all the country round, and the rescued ones literally poured their thanks out at his feet. Just how many lives were lost on that terrible night will never be known. Over a hundred surely sank to rise no more.

Capt. Lanphear served as captain of every steamer of the Norwich Line excepting the "City of Lowell," which was built after he retired from the water. He possessed a rugged constitution, and was a man who enjoyed all innocent sports. In about 1882 he won the race off "Ocean Beach," which was run in half a whale-oil hogshead and pro- pelled by an oar. In this race several participated before a large and much amused crowd, Capt. Lan- phear receiving a silver ice pitcher as the prize.

Capt. Lanphear was married Jan. 28, 1850, to Abby M. Owen, daughter of Josiah and Rhoda M. (Griffis) Owen, of Coventry, R. I. She survived him, passing away Feb. 25, 1903, in Waterford. To them came three children, as follows: Horace Palmer, born Nov. 17, 1850; and Albertus Clark and Everett Gorton, both of whom died in infancy. At the golden wedding anniversary of Capt. Lan- phear and his estimable wife, which was held at the homestead farm in Waterford, were gathered many friends from New London, New York, Boston, and from even as far away as Philadelphia. Those who were unable to be present sent some token of their regard on that joyful occasion. Capt. Lan- phear was a born leader, but possessed the happy faculty of ruling others without making them realize

He tran man steal com all c accio eling ices sett"

Hora

Rich: ard. serve ward The : ner, the

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GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

that they were being ruled. He possessed a genial and kindly good nature, and an agreeable and pleas- ant disposition, which won for him hosts of friends. He was an ideal husband and an indulgent and affectionate father. His death was truly a loss to the community.

HORACE PALMER LANPHEAR, son of Capt. Horace C. and Abby M. (Owen) Lanphear, was born Nov. 17, 1850, in Westerly, R. I. He first attended school in his native town and later in Groton, Conn., finally terminating his studies in the Bartlett high school, New London, which he left when about fifteen years of age. His first work was at railroading when he entered the employ of the Providence & Stonington Railroad Co. as fire- man, at which work he remained for two and one- half years. He was then employed in a simliar capacity on the New London & Northern Railroad, for about two and one-half years, after which he accepted a position as engineer on the New Jersey Southern Railroad, running from Sandy Hook to Long Branch, where he remained only about two months. Then he was offered a position as engineer on the Pennsylvania Lines, east of Pittsburg, and on this railroad was employed as engineer for three years, running freight and passenger engines be- tween Jersey City and Philadelphia. While engineer on the New Jersey Southern Railroad he ran a special train from Sandy Hook to Long Branch, carrying as passengers Gen. U. S. Grant, who was then President of the United States, together with his party of friends. After leaving the employ of the Pennsylvania Railroad Company Mr. Lanphear returned home, and since that time-1877, a period of twenty-seven years-has been conducting the home farm. The home farm consists of about fifty acres of fertile land, which is kept in a good state of cultivation. Mr. Lanphear established a milk route in New London in the fall of 1899, and has since conducted the same, keeping about twenty cows for his dairy business. His place is known as "Pleasant View" farm, and overlooks "Pleasure Beach" and Long Island Sound, being charmingly located.

Mr. Lanphear is a member of Union Lodge No. 31, F. & A. M., of Pequot Lodge No. 85, I. O. O. F., and of Orion Encampment No. 4, I. O. O. F., all of New London. He is also a member of Lodge No. 37, A. O. U. W., of Waterford, of which he is past master, and of the Fraternal Benefit Lodge, of Waterford. Mr. Lanphear and his family attend the First Baptist Church, of Waterford, to which they give their liberal support. In political faith he is a Republican, but has never sought official preferment.

Mr. Lanphear was married, Dec. 20, 1876, to Ursula Judson Potter, born April 27, 1854, daughter of John S. and Mahala (Crandall) Potter, of West- erly, R. I. Three children have come to this union, all natives of Waterford, as follows: (I) Mabel Clark, born Sept. 25, 1879, was married June 8,

1904, to Leonard Fremont Williams, of Wate: d, and they make their home with her parents. 1|2) Everett Potter, born Nov. 19, 1882, is at home. 3)

Alice Judson, born May 20, 1887, is at home. and Mrs. Lanphear celebrated their silver wed g on which occasion their many friends can to offer their congratulations, or sent tokens in le- membrance.

MINER. The Miner family of which This Avery, William Herman and Elisha M. Miner been honored representatives in the eighth ger tion, is one of the oldest settled families of necticut, their line of ancestry from Lieut. Thos Miner being as follows :

(I) Thomas Miner, born April 23, 1608, 11- ried in Charlestown, Mass., April 23, 1634, Gil. daughter of Walter Palmer. Lieut. Miner se 1 in Colonial wars. He removed his family fh Hingham, Mass., to New London, Conn., in I.4.

(II) Ephraim Miner, son of Lieut. Thor married Hannah Avery.

(III) Ephraim Miner (2), son of Ephr: married Mary Stevens of Taunton, Massachus (IV) Simeon Miner, son of Ephraim (2), 1 ried Hannah Wheeler.

(V) Simeon Miner (2), son of Simeon, mar (first) Ann Hewitt, and (second) Mary Owen Groton. One daughter, Anna, was born to first marriage, and to the second, the following c dren : Simeon, born Jan. 9, 1760 ; John Owen, b.) Jan. 9, 1762, married Elizabeth Avery ; Elisha, b June 6, 1765 ; Frederick, born Sept. 28, 1768; Ma William, born Feb. 14, 1773; and Hannah.

(VI) Dr. John Owen Miner, son of Simeon ( was married July 2, 1785, to Elizabeth, daughter Lieut. Ebenezer and Phebe (Denison) Avery, ¿ granddaughter of Ebenezer Avery. Dr. Mi: studied medicine in Groton Bank, practiced for. time in Stonington, then in North Groton (or L. yard), but finally ·settled down at Groton Cent where for a half century he enjoyed a large pr tice. He studied with Dr. Amos Prentice, w married Dr. Miner's aunt, Ann Owen. After f War of 1812, he engaged with Maj. Elisha Ave, and Noyes Barber in the manufacture of woo! cloth, satinet, etc. He practiced until past eigl years, and died April 27, 1851, at the home of daughter, Mrs. Julia Stoddard, aged ninety yea His children were: Betsey; Mary; Nancy : Jo. Owen, born Oct. 26, 1795; Lucy A .; Julia 2 Phebe ; Emeline F. and Hannah.

(VII) John Owen Miner, Jr., was married Sej 9, 1819, to Adeline Avery, born July 4, 1800, daug ter of Capt. Peter and Hannah Avery. Their ch dren were: Thomas Avery, born Sept. 5, 1820 William Herman, born Aug. 30, 1822, is mention more fully below; and Elisha M., born April I 1826.

John Owen Miner, Jr., dealt largely in horst and cattle and was a successful farmer. He owne,

William He Meiner-

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GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

ucts of land all through the town of Groton, and ;o several houses at the time of his death. Being e only brother of eight sisters, he was almost idol- d by them, and his social disposition made him nerally beloved and admired. He was made a ymaster in the War of 1812, although at that time ly eighteen years of age. His death occurred ly 22, 1859, and that of his widow, May 5, 1887. th were worthy members of the Presbyterian turch.

THOMAS AVERY MINER was born Sept. 5, 1820, Groton Centre, and was married (first) Dec. 12, 44, to Bridget W. Hewitt, born July 8, 1823, who :d Feb. 15, 1851. He married ( second) Jan. 23, 56, Elizabeth S. Hewitt, born April 1, 1831. His 'e son, George Owen, was born July 6, 1863.

1 1

Mr. Miner spent his early life in Groton where obtained his primary education, which was sup- mented by attendance at Bacon Academy at Col- ester. After the death of his father, he and his - Bother William H. and their families, resided on 1 home farm until 1895, when he removed to his I sent handsome home in Groton, on the corner of monument and Meridian streets. For this long 1 iod the brothers operated the farm. In 1898 h his son and A. F. Hewitt, he incorporated the Coton Grain Company, of which he is president. I. Miner has long been a prominent citizen of (foton and has always displayed a commendable i rest in all public movements. Since September, Io, he has been president of the Groton Monu- rat Association. He has been particularly inter- el ed in the Congregational Church, of which he been a member for sixty-eight years, and for n ly years a deacon. He has always been liberal in his donations, and upon the occasion of the build- 11. of the new church edifice, he contributed $2,500. F is held in very high esteem in Groton.

George Owen Miner was educated in Groton in New London, and is secretary of the Groton in Company. On Jan. 9, 1892, he married

C F nces Denison Stewart at North Stonington, and tl representative of the tenth generation is found ir leir son, Owen Stewart, born Sept. 14, 1894.

ELISHA M. MINER was born April 14, 1826, in Gton, and spent his early boyhood on the home fc 1. S On Aug. 29, 1847, he married Nancy M. ng, who died March 9, 1868. Their children w e as follows: Adeline A., born Oct. 30, 1850, ried, Oct. 20, 1871, Erastus Gallup, and they re le at Hartford, Conn .; they have three children, B

ey Maria (born Feb. 28, 1874), William Miner (1

'n Feb. 12, 1876) and Fanny Adeline (born Ja 14, 1888). Phebe Elizabeth, born Nov. II, TE:, married, March 29, 1873, Leander Frank G: Iner, of Orange, N. J., and their one son, Ad- di 1 Leander, born Sept. 29, 1877, died Sept. 12, 18 . John Owen, born Aug. 14, 1858, married, M ch 23, 1881, Amelia Avery, and they reside at tford; they have two children, Mildred (born 17, 1889; and Grace (born Sept. 8, 1892).

Mettie M. born May 2, 1866, married, Nov. 23, 1890, Nelson Vergerson Porter, and they live at Norwich, Conn .; they have two children, Howard Nelson (born March 10, 1893), and Blanche (born April 29, 1897). On Nov. 6, 1872, Mr. Miner mar- ried (second) Mercie E. Williams, born July 2, 1842, and to this union was born a son, Elisha Wil- liams, Aug. 7, 1881, who died Feb. 25, 1882.

Elisha M. Miner spent his early days in Groton, and at the age of twelve years became a student in the public schools at Springfield. He learned the carpenter trade with Capt. Erastus Gallup, and later was engaged in contracting and building, dur- ing which part of his life he erected a number of the handsome residences on Monument street in Groton. He discontinued this business in 1893, and is now living retired.

WILLIAM HERMAN MINER was born Aug. 30, 1822, on the home farm, and received only a com- mon school education, yet by observation and self study he became a well informed man. He was reared to agricultural pursuits, and for many years after attaining his majority, he remained on the home farm, assisting his father and brothers in the management thereof. For many years prior to the Civil war he conducted a wholesale stationery busi- ness, which extended through southern New Eng- land, selling his goods from wagon, and at this he was quite successful. He remained on the farm until his death, which occurred Jan. 23, 1895, and his remains were interred in the Starr cemetery in Groton.

On Nov. 30, 1859, Mr. Miner was united in marriage to Miss Emily Morgan, a native of Gro- ton, daughter of Jasper and Clarissa ( Holdredge) Morgan. Mrs. Miner is a descendant in the seventh generation from James Morgan, her line being through Jasper, John, James (4), Jantes (3), James (2), and James who was the ancestor of the New London county family. Mrs. Miner resides at Groton Bank, and is a lady much beloved and es- teemed.

Politically William H. Miner was a Republican, and he held the office of assessor several years, and served on the board of selectmen, although he was in no sense an office seeker. He was an earnest member of the Congregational Church, and a liberal contributor to its support. A man of good business acumen, of the highest integrity, and most honorable traits, he endeared himself to his wide circle of friends and acquaintances.

ROATH. This name is one of the oldest in the town of Norwich, and those bearing it have ever held place among the respected citizens of the com- munity. It is the purpose of this article to treat of the branch of the family to which belonged Col. Asa Roath and his family. Of his sons the youngest is living in Norwich, in the person of Louis P. Roath. Stephen B. Roath, late of Norwich, was formerly of Chicago, where he was well known in financial cir-

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GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

cles. Another son, Edwin AMyn Roath, died in 1900; his only son, Frank A. Roath, resides in Nor- wich. The lineage of the family follows :

(I) Robert Roath, a native of England, was the first of the name to settle in Norwich. He came here a few years after the settlement of the town, in 1660, and received a grant of a large tract of land from the original town proprietors. That tract com- prised several hundred acres, so that he was enabled to give each of his sons a good-sized farm. Robert Roath was married in October, 1668, to Sarah Sax- ton, born March 20, 1647, daughter of Richard Sax- ton, of Windsor, who came to America in the ship "Blessing." Sarah (Saxton) Roath died March 20, 1687, the mother of the following named children : John, born in November, 1669: Sarah, August, 1672 (died March 12, 1695) ; Mary, November, 1674 ; Elizabeth, March, 1677 (died in 1678) ; Han- nah, April, 1679; Daniel, Feb. 1, 1681 ; Peter, Feb. 17, 1684. Of these, Daniel resided at what is now Preston, and was the ancestor of the Preston branch of the family. It is interesting in this con- nection to note that in 1806 ten male members of this branch of the family purchased a fishing ground at Roath's Landing (the old battleground), near the present Preston bridge, which is never to go out of the family name. Peter, the youngest son of Robert Roath, received a grant of a farm on Wawecus Hill. An antique writing desk, which is supposed to have been brought from England by Robert Roath, is now in the possession of Louis P. Roath.

(II) John Roath, eldest of the children of Rob- ert, was born in November, 1669. His farm was at the Little Fort. On Aug. 6, 1695, he married Sarah Williams, who died Sept. 10, 1702, the mother of three children : John, born in November, 1697; Jo- seph, Nov. 11, 1699 ; Benjamin, Oct. 31, 1701. On July 8, 1708, for his second wife, John Roath married Mary Andrews, and they died on the same day, March 9, 1743. Five children came to this union : David, born July 20, 1709 ; Stephen, July 30, 1710; Samuel, May 15, 1712 ; Mary, Aug. 15, 1714; Eben- ezer, April 16, 1716.

(III) Stephen Roath, son of John, and grand- father of Col. Asa Roath, was a farmer, and resided in Norwich. He died in 1808, at an advanced age, leaving considerable property. His house, which was erected by a member of the family over two hundred years ago, is yet standing, in a good state of preservation. It is located in Roath street, and remained in the family name until a few years ago, when it was disposed of by the late Edwin A. Roath. Stephen Roath was married, on March 6, 1739, to Sarah Burnham, and their children were : Stephen, born Feb. 25, 1741; Mary, April 23, 1744; Sarah, July 21, 1747 ; Eleazer, Feb. 20, 1754 ; Asa, Nov. 10, 1758.

(IV) Eleazer Roath, son of Stephen, was born in the old house mentioned previously, and died in 1835. leaving a large and valuable estate. He was married on March 26, 1777, to Hannah Killam, who

bore him children as follows : Erastus, born June 1 1779 (died Nov. 4, 1794) ; Betsey, Sept. 6, 178 Eunice, May 15, 1783; Asa, Jan. 22, 1785 (di Nov. 26, 1787) ; Asa (2), March 3, 1790; Rebeccale July 25, 1792; Eleazer, Aug. 7, 1795; Hanna March 16, 1797. Six of this family lived to a god old age. Eleazer Roath, Jr., was an officer in tl old Third Regiment of militia. After the death ( Eleazer Roath, Sr., his daughters, Betsey, Eunic and Rebecca, continued to occupy the old hous Betsey, the last survivor, did not move out unt 1866. She died Dec. 31, 1880, aged one hundre years, three months and twenty-five days, retainin to the last the full possession of her faculties. Rc markable for industry throughout her long life, he nimble fingers wove many a carpet on the hand car pet-loom left there. On the one hundredth ann versary of her birth she sat for the first and onl picture ever taken of her. Her sister Rebecca live to be seventy-five, and Eunice attained the age c. seventy-three years.

(V) Col. Asa Roath, son of Eleazer, was bor March 3, 1790, and died March II, 1846. He ref ceived a sound education for the times, proving a apt scholar, learning quickly and retaining hi knowledge. Being intellectually inclined, he becam very accomplished, and turned his acquirements to good use. During the earlier years of his manhoor he was engaged as a teacher, and met with excel lent success in that profession, giving instruction il the higher branches, especially mathematics, in) which he was exceedingly proficient. He was a very fine penman, the master of an art much appreciated in those days. Following his experience as : teacher, he took up surveying, doing a great dea of work in that line in Norwich and vicinity, and he served many years as county surveyor. Other of fices of public trust were also tendered him, and he became one of the leading and influential citizens of his day, active in every movement for the welfare and future good of the town. He served many years as probate judge for the Norwich district. He was colonel of the Third Regiment of State Militia, anct was at the defense of New London during the wai of 1812. In religious connection he was an active member of Trinity Episcopal Church, and he and the late Col. George L. Perkins, who lived to pass the century mark, were mainly instrumental in the organization of the first Sunday-school in Norwich. Fraternally Col. Roath was a Freemason. He was a stanch Democrat in politics. In person the Colonel presented a striking figure. He was nearly six feet tall, and in his prime weighed about two hundred and ninety pounds, and he had a most commanding presence, especially in his military uniform. He was possessed of immense physical strength, and had a powerful voice, which he used to good ad- vantage in his military service. He was quite a singer, having a bass voice.

Col. Roath married Miss Elizabeth Allyn, of North Groton (now Ledyard), Conn., where she

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GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

wa: Bil yea , the mother of nine children, as follows: (1) Ed. Sex

n Allyn, born in September, 1818, died in mber, 1822. (2) Ann E., born Aug. 1, 1820, died Aug. 25, 1822: (3) Edwin Allyn (2), born 2, 1823, is mentioned below. (4) Hannah, born cember, 1826, married Rufus Leeds Fanning, lied in Norwich July 27, 1874. (5) Stephen Bill gs, born March 7, 1829, went to Chicago in irly sixties, accumulated a fortune, and lived 1 in Norwich until his death, in 1905. (6) Eliz- born Aug. 26, 1831, is the widow of David andall, and resides in Norwich. She has one daunter, Matilda Brooks. (7) Louis Philippe, born 25, 1833, is mentioned below. (8) Ann Meech, Aug. 17, 1836, is mentioned below. (9) Hen- Louise, born June 29, 1839, died July 10,

in Meech Roath, born Aug. 17, 1836, became the life of Henry Lester Parker, of Norwich, and to Sus is union came the following children: (1) May is the wife of Martin E. Jensen, and has one on, Gerard Edward, now a student at Yale. elizabeth Roath is the wife of Henry A. Nor- (3) Gerard Lester married Miss Fanny Car- ", and they have one daughter, Annette. He

(2) ton. pen aged in the manufacturing business at Cincin- Ohio. (4) Annie Meech is Mrs. Henry H. er, of Brooklyn, N. Y. (5) Henry Fitch. Mrs. is e: nati Wa Par r passed away Oct. 22, 1894, and an obituary appeared in one of the Norwich papers spoke whi lows of her:

's. Ann Meech Parker, wife of Henry L. Parker, died ery suddenly at her home, No. 431 Franklin street, Mor y morning, shortly after 7 o'clock. She had been suffe ig from ill health for a year past. Mrs. Parker was born this city in 1836, being a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. path. She had since lived in Norwich, where she dely known, having a legion of warm friends who

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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 46

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