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 66

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 66

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e following year and has there resided, ome of the winter seasons in Brooklyn, hard A. Sheldon was one of the most cessfularchitects in the country as his work S. e Ohio State Journal, published at Co- bus, mio, reviewing past architectural work er da of July 21, 1901, has the following in of him :

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"Richd A. Sheldon was born in Chenango nty, N never bega d the , und rs. F ¡bor, rch, t jamiı ce of Columbus, Ohio, in 1848, superintend- ling of the Starling Medical College, for

Y., May 1, 1816. Though a great reader, ent to college and was a self taught man, life as a carpenter. Afterward he en- fice of Mr. Lefevre, a New York archi- whom he worked and studied for three first independent work was done at Sag I., where he built the. Presbyterian Nassau house, and the residence of Mr. Hunting, said to be the handsomest resi- s time in the east end of Long Island. went the b ch hi lans had previously been accepted. He 1 erected other fine buildings there, and of the planning and remodeling of the n church there. He was acknowledged chitects to be one of the best of his time, rk was away ahead of the times. His hort a promising career." In 1862 the

ined char byte: ther his h cu ains Mr. Sheldon were brought to Lebanon,

now in the cemetery west of Lebanon Green. LORD HUNTINGTON was born in Leb- LYND 1, andvas brought up to farm work. His first ary t en ni Flemy

ning was received in the district school. een years of age he went to Lexington t Lexington, Mass., kept by Theophilus itingt s he ng c Le F vicini gent ing

Returning to his home, for several gaged in farming and school teaching, ge of schools in Lebanon, Willimantic , Genesee Co., N. Y. Later he went to of Bangor, Maine, and was engaged as d surveyor of newly purchased lands be- himself and other citizens of Lebanon vicin , being located there a number of years. agaireturned to Lebanon in about 1837, and ed he home farm, which was then being ated his father. He assumed charge of it,

and made many improvements, coming into pos- session of it after the death of the father. Until his death on May 2, 1894, he continued farming his property, although for several years prior to his death, on account of a decline, he did no actual work. During his early life he was a strong Whig, but later became a Republican. He was in the Legis- lature for one year at a time when the Legislature met in New Haven ; he was also deputy sheriff con- tinuously for over thirty years, until too old to dis- charge the duties of the office. Throughout his political life he was active in the affairs of his party, and one of its leaders in the town, becoming very influential. For a number of years he was one of the selectmen, and held many of the minor offices, being always successful and popular, and he was many times chosen to preside at political gatherings. In business as well he made a success of his life, and he constantly added to his information by exhaustive reading and travel. Among other experiences he had the pleasure of seeing Abraham Lincoln take the oath of office and afterward witnessed many of the presidents do the same. During the Civil war he was active in obtaining recruits, and send- ing them to the field, and he placed his time and purse at the command of the government. During its existence he served as captain of the local militia, and was popularly known as Capt. Huntington. At all State and political gatherings he was a regular attendant, and he had a wide acquaintance through- out the State. He was an intimate friend of Gov. William A. Buckingham, their friendship dating from their boyhood days. Although a man of me- dium height, he had a commanding presence and was a man of strong force of character and auto- cratic manner. At the time the Know Nothing party was organized he was a member and important fac- tor of it. For a number of years he was a member of the Congregational Church, and was active in its affairs. On July 14, 1862, he married Mrs. Electa (Ladd) Lamb, and their children were: Anna Lynde, who married Emerson G. Holbrook, of Higganum, Conn., and had one son, Frederick Huntington ; Mary Clark; and William Bucking- ham, who married Grace Mead, and resides in New Haven.

LUCY ANN HUNTINGTON, above mentioned, was born in Lebanon, and attended the district school, and also the Lebanon high school which was then in a flourishing condition. Her teachers at the lat- ter place were Messrs. Gray, of Windham, and Per- kins, of Norwich, both graduates of Yale College. While attending this school she received her first lessons in Greek, Latin and French. Leaving the high school she attended the academy at Westfield, Mass., and soon after she went to New Haven, and attended lectures in chemistry under Prof. Benja- min Silliman, and lectures in natural philosophy under Prof. Olmstead. In 1839 she was of- fered the position of teacher in the higher branches in the Steubenville Female Seminary

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GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

at Steubenville, Ohio, which was then con- ducted by Rev. Charles C. Beatty, D. D. This school had a large attendance, and was the best female school at that time west of the Alle- gheny Mountains. A large portion of her journey to Ohio was made by stage coach. She taught in this school for two years, making all the experi- ments in chemistry and philosophy, but she resigned in 1841 because of poor health. Her next import- ant work was in Ithaca Academy, at Ithaca, N. Y., which also had a large attendance. A year later she went to Staten Island, where a sister was re- siding, and for two years she taught in a public school there; she also taught there in a private school. From Staten Island she went to Columbus, Ohio, and taught in a High School, but later located at Springfield, Ohio, and was a teacher in a sem- inary for one year. Her next change was made to Wilkesbarre, Pa., where she was under Rev. Charles J. Collins, a graduate of Princeton. After leaving there she went to Columbus and spent a short time with her sister, and then went to Brooklyn, N. Y., and was engaged as a teacher in the famous Packer Institute, of which A. A. Low, father of ex-Mayor Seth Low, of New York City, was president. The school was opened shortly before Miss Huntington entered its corps of teachers, and she was one of two teachers chosen from eighty applicants. She taught in the first academic department, and was thus en- gaged during the early part of the Civil war. In 1862 Miss Huntington left the school, and for nearly thirty years she taught in Brooklyn, N. Y., in pri- vate schools, and coached pupils for college. In 1890 she came to Lebanon, and although she spends nearly all her winters in Brooklyn and New York City, the summer seasons find her in Lebanon. Dur- ing her residence in Brooklyn she was a member of the New York State Board of Charities, and a member of the Foreign Sunday Schools Association, and was a very active worker in both organizations, contributing freely of time and money toward the forwarding of the good work. She enjoyed a wide acquaintance among the leading educators and clergy, and was an attendant at the church of Henry Ward Beecher and was closely acquainted with him. Many years ago she united with the First Presby- terian Church of Brooklyn, and for twenty years her pastor was Charles Cuthbert Hall, D. D., who is now president of Union Theological Seminary at New York. Her sister, Mrs. Sheldon, is a member of the Fourth Avenue Presbyterian Church of New York City, uniting during the pastorate of Rev. Dr. Howard Crosby.

Miss Huntington is a lover of the fine arts and takes pleasure in her fine collections and in those of others. Having carefully cultivated her natural tastes and developed her intellect, she is one of the best educated and widely read ladies in this section of the State, and the excellent work she has done as an educator cannot be over-estimated. Her char- acter is a beautiful one, and she never hesitates to

give freely of both her time and money to ad fice the cause of Christianity, and especially is slan- terested in the work of Foreign Missions.

JOHN A. MORGAN (deceased) was one the successful and self-made citizens of Nonch, where, for over thirty-five years, he was en fred in the coal and lumber business. He descended om one of the oldest families of the county.

The emigrant ancestor was James Morgan kho was born in Wales in 1607, and in March, I6 in company with two younger brothers, John fund Miles, he sailed from Bristol, and arrived in B fon, the month following. On Aug. 6, 1640, he was ar- ried, in Roxbury, to Margery Hill, of that fice. There he was made a freeman, May 10, 164. find he continued to reside in that place until 1650, then he removed to Pequot (now New London) ar nad a house lot assigned him there. In 1656 he re ved to Groton, where he resided until his death in 685. For several years he served as one of the selegnen of New London, and was one of the first doties sent from New London to the General Cof at Hartford City in May, 1657. Nine times aft this he was chosen a member of that grave ai im- portant assembly, the last time being in 1670 The children born to James and Margery Morgan tere: Hannah, May 18, 1642; James, March 3, 544; John, March 30, 1645 ; Joseph, Nov. 29, 1646: bra- ham, Sept. 3, 1648; and a daughter who diedl few days after birth.

(II) Capt. John Morgan, born March 30 645, removed to Preston about 1692, and died il 712, aged sixty-seven years. He was a prominen man, having been Indian commissioner and adviserDep- uty to the General Court, from New Long, in 1690, and from Preston in 1693-94. His firstwife, to whom he was married Nov. 16, 1665, bo the maiden name of Rachel Dymond. After her eath, he married Mrs. Elizabeth Williams. The c dren by his first marriage were: John, June 10 (667; Samuel, Sept. 9, 1669; Isaac, Oct. 24, 1670 an- nah, Jan. 8, 1674; Mercy, May, 1675; Sarah April 13, 1678; James, 1680. By his second marrie, he had children as follows: Elizabeth, 1690; VIliam, 1693 ; Rachel, 1695; Audrea, 1697; Margery 699; Joseph, 1701 ; Theophilus, 1703; and Mary.

(III) Isaac Morgan, born Oct. 24, 16; was twice married. By his first wife he had chillen as follows: David, Feb. 21, 1700; Mary, Jie 21, 1702; Isaac, May 8, 1706; Joseph, March 1! (710; and Benjamin, Aug. 18, 1714. The second fe of Isaac Morgan was Abigail Skiffe, whom } |mar- ried June 23, 1715. He died Nov. 25, 175 aged eighty-four years, and his children by this econd marriage were: Nathaniel, June 23, 1717 ; an Eben- ezer, Sept. 21, 1719.

(IV) Ebenezer Morgan, born Sept. 2 1719. at Preston, was married on June 24, 1745, toDesire Branch, who was born Aug. 20, 1725, and wo died Feb. 21, 1784. Their children were: Abiga Nov.

Cdu De mayans

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GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

II 29 749; Temperance, July 4, 1752; Seth, March 755, married Desire Bromley ; Peter, Jan. 15, 17 ; Wheeler, Jan. 31, 1761 ; Desire, July 4, 1765. Th first three children were born in Preston, the ot 's in Voluntown.

V) Wheeler Morgan, born Jan. 31, 1761, in Vontown, continued to reside in his native place. O. Dec. 24, 1780, he married Polly Wilkinson. Tli children were: Lydia, Jan. 24, 1784, married a . Reed ; Marcy, Aug. II, 1788; William Allen, F Ta SO m. rie 5, 1790; Mary, April 8, 1791, married Cyrus er; Desire, March 8, 1792, married a Mr. John- Dinah, Jan. 7, 1795; Wheeler, Jan. II, 1797, ied Peggy Green; Elisha, Dec. 18, 1798, mar- Ruth Douglas; Olive, July 6, 1802, married Hard Tanner ; Abel W., Sept. 18, 1804, married (f :: ) Sally Bitgood, and (second) Lydia Adams. VI) William Allen Morgan, born Feb. 5, 1790, in oluntown, Conn., spent his early life in that toạ He learned the trade of stone mason with hi ather, and worked at it in the vicinity of his nale place until after his majority, when he went to indham, and there was employed at his trade, an et farm work. While residing there he was mar- ric and a few years later he removed to Pachaug, in e town of Griswold, and there settled on a farm with he conducted when not working at his trade. Hobuilt a number of dams in the vicinity, includ- in he Doane dam at Voluntown. Griswold con- tirad to be his place of residence until after the deli of his wife, when he moved to Norwich, and m: his home with his children, there dying in I&, aged seventy-nine years. He was buried be- sid his wife in the cemetery at Pachaug. In her menhood she was a Miss Charlotte Backus, of lham, and her death occurred when she was W ag sixty-six years. The children born to Will-,

ia: Allen Morgan and wife were: Chester A., a tall, who later became a farmer and died at Jew- et ity aged ninety years, married Delia Barber ; Jc

A .; Mary Abby became the wife of Nathan Sth lish, and died in Norwich ; Charlotte died at the ag of eighteen years; Elisha G. married Harriet D hapman, a resident of Norwich and a retired cal

nter ; Henry E., who resides at Poquetanuck, se

'd about two years in the Civil war, going out enant in Company G, 8th Conn. V. I., and in u1 r two enlistments, the second time as First L th capacity served until his discharge because of W ds received at Antietam; Albert was killed at

th ge of nine years by falling upon an upturned kr which penetrated his heart.

VII) John A. Morgan was born in Windham 14, 1816, and at the age of eight years was d out to Capt. Prentice, a farmer in Griswold. Y ig Morgan was to receive his board and attend school each winter. His employer violated his agree- m , and the boy had an opportunity of attending ol only one winter. He was a strong, rugged SC b and attained his growth early, therefore was al to do much work, a great deal more than an

ordinary boy of his age. His employer often hired him out to do work for the neighbors, although none of the money received for his services was ever given to him. All his boyhood was one continuous round of hardships. He early learned the value of money, and no doubt the hard schooling he received at that time did much to shape and round the suc- cessful life which followed. .

At the age of eighteen years, he bought his time from his father for $250, money that he was yet to earn, and what was then a large sum. He came to Norwich, and his first work was as a farmer on the property of the Hon. John A. Rockwell. There he remained for a little over two years. Meanwhile ·he had resolved to obtain a better education, and all his spare moments were spent in study, and when possible, he attended a night school, being an apt pupil, especially good in mathematics.

After leaving Mr. Rockwell, Mr. Morgan began to learn the trade of carpenter with the Spauldings, large contractors at that time, but only worked at it for about six months, when he left that to accept a position as clerk in the store of Charles and George Coit. He remained there until 1839, when he en- tered the employ of Huntington & Chappell, dealers in lumber and coal on Central wharf. Their busi- ness had been established in 1814 by Jedediah Hunt- ington (Ist), who brought the first invoice of coal to Norwich. In time Mr. Morgan became foreman and general manager of the business, and in 1859 was made a member of the firm, together with Jede- diah Huntington (3rd), the firm name being changed to John G. Huntington & Co. Mr. Chap- pell had previously severed his connection with Mr. Huntington. On April 1, 1878, Mr. Morgan pur- chased the entire business of his partner. His son John C. Morgan became a partner about this time, and a few years later, the firm became John A. Mor- gan & Son, and this name is still retained. Mr. Morgan applied himself very closely to his work, and remained active in the business until his death, Aug. 20, 1895. His remains were interred in the beautiful Yantic cemetery, where their lasting place is marked by an imposing monument.

In politics Mr. Morgan was first a Whig, later a Republican. In his early life, he took a deep in- terest in public matters, and served both as an alder- man and councilman for a number of years. He also served on the board of assessors, and was a mem- ber of the volunteer fire department. In religious matters he was a member of Christ Protestant Episcopal Church, and he served for many years as one of the vestrymen.

Mr. Morgan was married, in Norwich, to Sybil B. Rawson, born at Jewett City, a daughter of Cal- vin and Prudence (Gates) Rawson, and grand- daughter of Luther Rawson, a Revolutionary sol- dier. This branch of the Rawson family descends from Edward Rawson, who was born in Gillingham, Dorsetshire, England, April 15, 1615, and came to Newbury, Mass., as early as 1637. He was one of

286

GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

the leading men of that town, serving as town clerk, deputy to the General Court, secretary of state, and clerk of deputies. Barnabas Rawson, a great-grand- son of the emigrant Edward Rawson, settled in Woodstock, Conn., where descendants yet reside, and from the Woodstock branch of the family, Mrs. Morgan descended. Mrs. Morgan passed away Dec. 13, 1890, aged seventy-six years. The chil- dren born to Mr. and Mrs. John A. Morgan were: John C. : Albert, who died at the age of two and one- half years ; and Samuel S., unmarried, who resides at Norwich.

(VIII) JOHN C. MORGAN, who succeeded his father in the business, was born at Norwich, Sept. 18, 1846, and received his education in the public schools. At the age of fifteen years he began work in his father's office, and later, as before stated, be- came a member of the firm. Since the death of his father, he has been sole owner of the business, which is the oldest and one of the largest of its kind in the city.

On Dec. 12, 1870, Mr. Morgan was married to Edwina Bentley, born Sept. 8, 1850, a daughter of Dr. Edwin Bentley, surgeon in the United States army, but now retired and a resident at Little Rock, Ark. Mrs. Morgan died Dec. 23, 1879, leaving three children, Lottie B .; Edna M .; and Edwina B., who married G. Milton Bartlett, of Norwich. On May 4, 1886, Mr. Morgan married Nellie Worcester, born Feb. 17, 1864, daughter of Rev. James M. Worcester, a Methodist clergyman. One child has been born to them, Frances Sybil.

In politics Mr. Morgan is a Republican, but has held no public office. In addition to his other inter- ests, he is a director of the First National Bank, and a trustee of the Norwich Savings Society. He and all of his family are consistent members of the Trinity Methodist Church, of which he is trustee. Mrs. Morgan is a member of the D. A. R. Her an- cestors participated in the historic fights at Lexing- ton and Bunker Hill.

The lamented John A. Morgan was a man whose life reflected credit on himself and his neighborhood, and is a priceless inheritance to his posterity. He began life as a poor boy, and unaided he earned a fortune. A man of unquestionable integrity, he had the confidence of all his patrons and acquaintances. He was a man of much native ability, and had he had the advantages of a college training, he would have been a power in any line he had desired to undertake. His son, John C. Morgan, is a worthy scion of his father, and is deeply esteemed, not only as his father's son, but for his own excellent quali- ties, throughout a wide territory, where he is well known.

ALVAH FRANCIS, who passed away July 22, 1899, was one of the best known as well as one of the oldest business men in Norwich, where he was engaged in the grocery business.

John Francis, his grandfather, was a native of

Dighton, Mass., born May 18, 1768. He spent early years in his native State, and early in the r teenth century moved to Stafford Springs, Co where he settled on a farm in the north part of town. There the remaining years of his life ' passed, and he died at the age of eighty-one. e Feb. 16, 1792, in Rehoboth, Mass., he married nah Gladding, who survived him, attaining the of ninety years. Their children were: (1) Ja :S 'n was born May II, 1796. (2) Capt. Abram, Nov. 6, 1798, was a farmer and prominent matn Stafford, where he died at an advanced age. He was captain of the local militia. His wife Laura Orcutt. (3) Philena, born May 26, married Porter Walbridge, and resided in Staf ed, where he died in young manhood. (4) Alvah, en Nov. 7, 1802, was a shoemaker in Stafford. le married, first, Mary Ann Bardwell, and second 's. Harriet (Whiting) Davis, and among his chi fen was Mrs. David Ruby, of Norwich. (5) S: fia, born July 15, 1805, married William Adant a molder by trade, and resided in Stafford, wher the died.

James Francis, father of Alvah, born in Io- both, Mass., May II, 1796, was about twelve Furs old when his parents removed to Stafford. By :11- pation he was a farmer, his farm being located but one mile west of Stafford Springs, on the ro to what is now called Crystal Lake. He died Lere March 17, 1870, and was buried at Stafford Sp gs. During the war of 1812 he served for a few m ths at the defense of New London. In politics horas first a Whig, and later a Republican, and he waex- tremely loyal to his party and tenacious of his vws. His religious connection was with the Staffor M. E. Church. He married Achsah Howe, whovas born Dec. 16, 1798, in Stafford, one of the tilve children of Israel and Hannah (Washburn) Hwe, the former of whom was a Revolutionary sflier from Stafford. Mrs. Francis died Nov. 25, 71, the mother of eight children: (1) John, borr lay 27, 1821, married Angeline Brown, and died in for- wich in 1880. Their only son J. Perry, was en ged in the grocery business until his death, in 1891 (2) Alvah was born March 12, 1823. (3) Maryj.nn, born June 29, 1825, is unmarried and resides ir for- wich. (4) Eugene, born Feb. 26, 1828, w : to California during the gold excitement in 184 and was murdered at Ranchero, Cal., Aug. 6, 1855|(5) Elizabeth, born May 15, 1830, married Dar D. Hickey, a melter, and resides in Norwich. Mr. Hickey died May 10, 1892, aged sixty-nine ars. They had three children-Emily Amelia, bor May 5, 1851, died Oct. 5, 1857; Eugene Francisporn Aug. 24, 1858, died Dec. 18, 1881 ; and Alber Dex- ter, born March 1, 1860, died Nov. 10, 1870 Asenath, born June 12, 1833, died Sept. 22 She married David Erskine Whiton, one leading and successful men of New Londo

(6) 902. the and their children were: A daughter that died in hild- hood; Lucius Erskine, who married Viola King,

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GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

had tee children, Helen King, Dorothy and d Er ne (deceased) ; and Mary, wife of Dr. der I Shipman, of New London. (7) Emily bori Nov. 7, 1837, died Nov. 26, 1843. (8) lia H rietta, born Feb. 9, 1842, married Orrin mock born Feb. 5, 1845, died July 26, 1893), a orwich, where she still resides. They 1, Frances Amelia, born Nov. 16, 1878, 1. 7, 1888.

rancis was born in the family home in i was brought up to farm work. His as all acquired in the district schools, boy in his teens he began to learn the of wol sorter. While assisting at the raising buildhg he received an injury that prevented oing in 1 y manual labor. In 1844 he became a store of David Parkess, at Stafford igs, al later, in the same capacity, he was in store John Foster, on Stafford street. In he che to Norwich, and entered the store of . Pie 1853 vages

, on the West Side, and there remained Then with the money he had saved from e bought out the grocery store of Elder ley, lated at the corner of West Main and mes s forty- busin ghtfo hess v was

condi becarl

ged t

ets, and there was engaged in business years, or until his death. Whether in or social world, he was simple and ard in his manners. His dealings in the rld were along the same lines, and his ways considered as good as a bond. He a pradise sacred, and had a great dislike for so t : his financial affairs were kept in per- n. In 1874 his nephew, J. Perry Fran- his partner, and the firm name was A. Francis & Co., so continuing until the 1 of 1 latter, in 1891. Soon after the death is nej ge F. w Mr. Francis admitted his own son, s a partner, the firm name becoming at time

Francis & Son, as it still continues. hi political belief Alvah Francis was a th Republican, and for several years he served e common council, and also as second select- He as treasurer of the West Chelsea school me time. At Norwich he united with 1 for Centr Methodist Church, and after the consol-

mn of e churches of that denomination he be- he 1

a me Der of Trinity M. E. Church. For many the choir in the Central Church, being ossesr of a rich bass voice. In his tastes he thor hly domestic, and his greatest pleasure 1 his own home. He was a devoted fa- ; children were allowed the best advan-

foun and he kind

s able to give. To the unfortunate he 1 liberal, and so sympathetic was his na- that : was not infrequently imposed upon. howler, did not disturb him, nor in any way :o all who claimed his generosity. He hismith in mankind, and he continued to freel the 1 of the old-time business men, and his i left. deed, a void hard to fill.

Ir. F

icis was twice married. His first wife,

Anna Draper, daughter of George Draper, of Nor- wich, died Nov. 24, 1855, aged thirty years. For his second wife he married Elizabeth Geer, who was born July 5, 1836, daughter of Capt. George W. and Betsey (Button) Geer, of Thamesville. She died Oct. 9, 1875. Three children blessed this union : (I) Elizabeth Dickinson, born Dec. 20, 1862, on Oct. 28, 1885, married William W. Maynard, of Norwich, and has two children, Clarence Francis, born Jan. 17, 1888, and Edith Amelia, born July 4, 1890. (2) George Frederick and (3) James Frank, twins, were born June 21, 1867, and the latter died in August, 1868.

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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 66

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