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 67

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 67

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GEORGE FREDERICK FRANCIS is now the sole . proprietor of the establishment so firmly founded by his father. He was born in Norwich and received a substantial education in the public schools. At the age of fifteen years, in June, 1882, he left the school room and entered the store in the humble capacity of clerk, that he might learn the business thoroughly and be, in time, the master of every detail, as was his father before him. As stated above, in 1891 he became a partner, and since the death of his lamented father he has been the sole owner. There have been no radical changes since that event. Mr. Francis has followed the path made clear by the experience of the founder, and it is his ambition to continue in it. His high principles were learned under a pain- staking and interested instructor, and in the commer- cial world his standing is high. Politically he is a Republican, and religiously he attends the M. E. Church.

On Nov. 17, 1892, George F. Francis was mar- ried to Ellen J. Harris, daughter of George W. and Susan (Troland) Harris, and they have two chil- dren : Gladys Estelle, born June 30, 1894 ; and Mil- dred Elizabeth, born Aug. 13, 1900.

JOHN A. OWEN. Like so many of the pros- perous business men and prominent citizens of New London county, Conn., John A. Owen, the genial secretary of the Ashland Cotton Company, Jewett City, claims the State of Rhode Island as his birth- place. Since the early days of New England scions of the Owen family have been known for their sterling traits of industry and integrity, lead- ing upright lives-characteristics that are not lost in the representative of the present generation.

The Owens are descended from one Samuel Owen, who emigrated from his native Wales to this country in 1651, and his descendants have scat- tered over Vermont, Rhode Island and Connecti- cut, one of them being a lieutenant governor of Rhode Island, in the nineteenth century.

John A. Owen was born in Gloucester, R. I., April 17, 1849, son of Brown and Elizabeth P. (Randall) Owen, the former of whom was a mill- wright by trade, and at one time associated with the late Samuel Eaton, of Plainfield. John A. Owen re- ceived better educational facilities than were usually given boys of that day, and besides attending the

er in one c died Ivah ord, ation when

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GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

but- lu

common schools, he also studied at the Lapham In- stitute of North Scituate, and later at the Bryant & Stratton Business College, at Providence. After leaving the school room for the more active duties of life, he worked for a time in the weave room at Georgiaville, R. I. In 1866 he came to Jewett City, and clerked in the office and store connected with the Ashland Cotton Company. Desiring to see more of the country, pursued by that fever of unrest that seizes all young men, he accepted an offer to assist in surveying in Illinois, for the Cairo & Vincennes Railroad. When this work was com- pleted he returned to Providence, and entered the hardware store of C. H. George & Co., where for nine years he was engaged as bookkeeper. He then became associated with Benjamin C. Sweet, brother of J. O. Sweet, in a store at Hamilton, R. I., but in November, 1881, he returned to Jewett City, and became paymaster and bookkeeper for the Ashland Cotton Company. The treasurer of the company, Mr. Sweet, says that Mr. Owen has no equal as a double entry bookkeeper in the State.

Socially Mr. Owen belongs to the I. O. O. F., being a charter member of Reliance Lodge, No. 29, and he has held the office of District Deputy Grand Master. He also belongs to Mt. Vernon Lodge, No. 75, A. F. & A. M. In his political be- lief he is a Republican, and he has taken an active interest in his party's success. He has held the offices of justice of the peace, borough auditor, and member of the board of education, being chairman of the latter for some time. He is also a notary public.

In 1872 Mr. Owen was married to J. Estella Mowry, daughter of Smith and Julia (Ballou) Mowry, of Burrillville, R. I., and they have two children : Fred B., a graduate of the Institute of Technology, Boston; and John A., Jr. Both Mr. and Mrs. Owen are members of the Free Baptist Church, but since residing in Jewett City, they have attended the Congregational Church. They are pro- gressive in their views, charitable of the faults and foibles of the world, and are greatly beloved for their many good qualities.

RAYMOND N. PARISH, who is well known throughout New London county as a leading Re- publican, and is equally well known in business and milling circles, comes of a long line of honorable ancestry.

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Samuel Parish was administrator in Norwich, Conn., in 1716, and Benjamin Parish appears there a little later. These brothers, it is stated in Miss Caulkins's "History of Norwich," were probably sons of John Parish, of Stonington, of whom there is no record. A John Parish was an original pro- prietor of Groton, and in 1683 served on a commit- tee with Page and Lawrence, of the earliest set- tlers, to prove the land rights of the town. He was a representative in 1690. Another John Parish, of Groton, is made a probable son of the above. John

Parish, the elder, of Groton, is made a brothe son of Dr. Thomas Parish, of Cambridge, came to New England in the "Increase" in 1 A son of the latter, Thomas Parish (2), a grade of Harvard College (1659), was of Groton.

Nathaniel Parish, the great-grandfather of mond N., was born about 1715, son of Samuel ish, of Norwich, and probably grandson of Parish, of Stonington, who died in 1715. Sa fel Parish was seriously injured by the falling bridge on which he, with others, was working a ing the freshet of 1727. After his marriage fa- ir- thaniel Parish settled in Norwich, where he eng [9] in farming. On July 26, 1739, he married Kinh Armstrong, who died Feb. 25, 1781. He died Mich 26, 1767. Their children, all born in Norwich, ve. Andrew, born Dec. 14, 1740; Elizabeth, born [;t. 25, 1743 (died Aug. 17, 1744) ; Elizabeth (2), Oct. 14, 1745 (married Elisha Corning) ; Nathi: el, born Oct. 21, 1748 (married, first, Lucy second Clarissa Woodworth) ; Elijah, born Fel [6, 1750.

Elijah Parish, son of Nathaniel, became a fin- er, and located in his native town near the print Fair Grounds. He died in middle life esteenieby all who knew him. About 1774 he married M on Baker, who was born about 1757, daughterof Gideon and Lois (Rogers) Baker, of Monille, who with five children survived him. These til- dren were: Elijah, born about 1775, who mated about 1796 Eunice Sanford, and had two chillen, Harriet (born Dec. 26, 1797, married Samuchl'. Palmer) and Nancy (born Jan. 24, 1799, diecon- married Aug. 7, 1866) ; Nathaniel; Keziah, brn about 1779, who married Asa Smith ; Ebenezer. born about 1781 ; and Nancy, born about 1783, who ar- ried Joseph Powers.

NATHANIEL PARISH, son of Elijah, born bril 19, 1777, near the present Fair Grounds in br- wich, came to Montville a poor boy. He hadiad but limited educational advantages, and had pen obliged to take early upon his shoulders the res Ins- ibility for his own support. For many years heon- ducted a general store near the Montville ( tre Congregational Church, in which line he met ith gratifying success. About 1830 he purchase the "Raymond farm" near by, and for several ars conducted the farm in connection with the ma ge- ment of his store. He retired from active worl ev- eral years before his death on account of ill hilt'1. He was a careful business man, and gave pernal attention to his varied interests. The present cipel of the Montville Congregational Church stan on the site of the old Parish store. In politic Mr. Parish was an old-line Whig, and later becale a stanch Republican, being an active worker and leader in the party. He held many of the tov of- fices, and was treasurer of the town from 18 5 to 1847. In 1838 he represented the town in the tate Legislature. About 1840 he joined the Congega-

Nathaniel Janish

Raymond move A. Parish

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GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

ionalf urch, and for many years he was treasurer of the First Ecclesiastical Society. He died June , 186 at the advanced age of ninety-one years, sin- erely teemed by all who had the honor of his ac- quain ce.

N: aniel Parish married (first) Sarah Rogers, born ot. 30, 1778, daughter of Jehiel and Amy (Vibt) Rogers, of Montville. She died Aug. 24, 18;, and on Feb. 25, 1829, Mr. Parish married Lucy vett Raymond, who was born Feb. 18, 1787, laugh: of Col. Mulford and Eleanor ( Bradford) Raym 1, of Montville. She died Oct. 20, 1848, a devoto Christian wife and mother. Of the four childr

born to this second marriage three died in infancone Dec. 10, 1830, and the other two, twins, Jan. 8 333. The only survivor is Raymond N.

Ragiond N. Parish was born in Montville March I, 1834, and received his preliminary edu- cation the district schools of that vicinity, finish- ing w

one term in school at Norwich. Although circun ances compelled him to leave school when he wa ut fourteen years of age he has been a con- stant der, and has acquired unaided a vast fund of gen al information. He worked on the home farm il 1872, when in partnership with Henry A. Full: he purchased the hardware store owned by A.d. Converse, and under the firm name of Fuller Parish they conducted this establishment until I2, when they sold it to T. H. Eldridge. Mr. 'oved himself a most capable business man,

Parish with : een foresight and considerable executive Returning to Montville he purchased the ivilege on the Oxoboxo river formerly

ability water used the operation of the factory for making vooler ias sil by Deacon Harry Vincent, and there he successfully engaged in the sawmill busi- ness, g ing out lumber in the rough. He owns bout › acres of land, divided into three plots. He las allt eighty-five acres in the old homestead, which leases.

Mrparish is a member of the First Congrega- ional irch of Montville, and is also a member of he Fi Ecclesiastical Society. He has served as mem of the Society's committee for many years, ind wi its treasurer for some time, and he was lected( acon of the church, but that office he re- pectfr declined. Among other positions he holds nay b mentioned that of president of the Ray- nond rary Company, at Montville.

Pol ally Mr. Parish is an unwavering Repub-

can, a for years has played a leading part in the work chat party. He has served his native town Is asse er for many years, treasurer of the town everal

ars, and member of the board of select- ICH SC

'al terms. In 1866 and again in 1882 he prese d his town in the State Legislature, in he lat

year giving distinguished service as a embe f the Finance committee. In 1888 he was lected ate senator from the Eleventh Senatorial bistric nd served as such in the session of 1889,

being a member of the committees on Temperance and on State Prisons.

On Dec. 25, 1866, Mr. Parish was married to Elnora Emerson, of Montville, by whom he had one daughter, Lucy Jewett, born Nov. 3, 1871. She married Frank C. Scholfield, son of Benjamin and Mary Jane (Winchester) Scholfield, engaged as a general merchant in Montville, and they have one son, Raymond Franklin, born Aug. 20, 1900. Mr. Parish was married (second) July 5, 1876, to Susan C. Huntington, who was born about 1838, daugh- ter of Daniel L. and Mary (Lathrop) Huntington, of Yantic, Conn., and died Jan. 31, 1896. Mr. Par- ish, in all his life before the public, whether as a business man or as an official, has maintained a high standard of personal integrity, and has the merited respect of all who know him.

SOLOMON A. FRINK, who passed away Aug. 28, 1898, at his home in Norwich, had been a resi- dent of that town for eighteen years, and was counted among the prominent and well-to-do citi- zens of that place. He was for many years one of the most important men in the town of Franklin, New London county, where he lived until his re- moval to Norwich.

The first of the Frink family of whom we have record are John and Mary Frink, of Ipswich, Mass. Their son, John Frink, the ancestor of the Frinks of New London county, came to Stonington as early as 1666, and bought a tract of land on the Taugwonk, in Stonington, upon which he erected a dwelling-house for himself and family. He took part in King Philip's war. In 1657, several years prior to his removal to Stonington, he was united in marriage with Grace Stevens, of Taunton, Mass., and he brought with him his wife and three daugh- ters. All the children were born between 1658 and 1680, and were named as follows: Grace, Hannah, Deborah, Samuel, John, Thomas and Judith.

Samuel Frink, son of John, born Feb. 14, 1668, was married Jan. 6, 1692, to Hannah Miner, and their children were: Samuel, Andrew, Grace, James, Hannah, Jedediah, Jerusha, Elias and Abi- gail.

Samuel Frink, son of Samuel, born Feb. 14, 1693, married Margaret Wheeler on May 26, 1714. Their children were: Samuel, Isaac, David, Mar- garet, Andrew, Hannah, Abigail, Jabez and Mary.

Isaac Frink, son of Samuel, born Dec. 25, 1717, married Anna Noyes, Nov. 6, 1738. They had five children : Margaret, Isaac, Ann, Mary and Eliza- beth.

Isaac Frink, son of Isaac, born July 20, 1741, married Margaret Stanton, Jan. 23, 1762, and their children were: William, Isaac, Anna, Elias, Cyrus, Polly, Darius and Eunice.

Darius Frink, son of Isaac and father of Sol- omon A., was born Feb. 26, 1778, in Stonington, New London county. In his early life he followed

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GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

sailing, and while thus engaged made several trips around the globe. After his marriage he settled down on a farm in that part of the town of Frank- lin known as Portipaug, then owned and occupied by his wife's parents, and there he successfully car- ried on farming for many years, until after the death of his wife. From that time he retired from active work, making his home with a daughter who lived near by, and he reached an advanced age. Mr. Frink was a man of comfortable means, acquired in a life of honorable industry, intelligently directed, and he was one of the prominent citizens of the town in his day, representing his district in the State Legislature in 1843. In religion he was identified with the Methodist Church. He is buried in the Portipaug cemetery, which adjoined his farm.

Mr. Frink married Ruby Armstrong, a native of Franklin, and to this union were born eleven children, six sons and five daughters, of whom we have the following record: (1) Peletiah removed to Lenox, Ashtabula Co., Ohio, and died there. (2) Cyrus also located at Lenox, Ohio. (3) Solomon A. is the gentleman whose name introduces these lines. (4) John succeeded his father on the home- stead. (5) Isaac resided on a part of the home farm. (6) William went South before the war and was located in various places, finally settling in Little Rock, Ark., where he remained until his health failed. He then returned to Connecticut, and he died at Middletown, this State. Of the daughters, (1) Hannah married John Fillmore. (2) Elizabeth became the wife of Lavias Abell, and re- sided in Geddes, N. Y. (3) Ann died young. (4) Ruby married Austin Ayer, and died in Franklin. (5) Miranda became the second wife of Lavias Abell.

Solomon A. Frink was born on his father's farm in Franklin March 2, 1820. By taking advant- age of the opportunities offered in the neighbor- hood, he received a good sound training in the com- mon-school branches, and so far improved himself that he was able to take up teaching, which calling he followed for many winters in his native town, continuing for a number of years after his marriage. He was equally well trained in the work of the farm, , hich was, indeed, his principal vocation in life. Re naining at home until his marriage, he then removed, o the farm of his father-in-law, near by, managing he place for his father-in-law until the latter died. He then continued the cultivation of the place on his own account, and although his residence was in Norwich after 1880 he never relinquished his oversight of the place as long as he lived. On removing to Norwich he purchased a nice home on Main street, at the corner of Ann street, and there he passed the remainder of his days, continuing act- ive until his last ii'lness; his death was caused by paralysis. He was buried in the Portipaug ceme- tery.

There was no more active and public-spirited citizen in the town of Franklin than Mr. Frink. He

was an intimate friend of the late Hon. Heng W. Kingsley, and during their residence in theown they were easily its foremost citizens, energic in the promotion of every good cause, and int gent

in their judgment of whatever affected the "fare of their fellow townsmen. Mr. Frink held every office in the gift of the people of Fi which he represented in the Legislature session of 1855. He was especially intere educational matters, and for many years se: school committeeman and school visitor in lin, and after locating in Norwich he servedas a member of the school board of the West elsea ent, District. His native ability and sound jur backed by the highest ideals of business hong and integrity, made him a model business man, 1 his lim

advice was much sought on such matters. success was not a mere question of finances. It in- volved the fulfillment of many moral obli cions, and he was respected accordingly by all wl came in contact with him in business transaction He

was hard-working and economical, and accu, ilated a substantial competence by the exercise . those traits. In fact, he was a man of high st dards in every relation of life, and he was equy es- teemed in private life, as a kind and lovin, parent or stanch friend, in religious circles, and as public official. His removal to Norwich was reg fled as a distinct loss to the town, for there was noone to take his place; and he became just as poflar in his new home, in spite of the fact that he as ad- vanced in years when he removed thith Frink was first a member of the Methodis Mr. at Baltic, and when he settled in Norwid trans- Church ferred his membership to the Central M. E hurch His political support was originally give to th Whig party, and he subsequently became Repub lican. He was very stanch in his views.

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Mr. Frink was married, in Franklin, · A. Hazen, a native of Franklin, daughter f John and Hannah (Ladd) Hazen. She was b|1 Sept 12, 1820, and died July 12, 1901, the mothe of thre children: (1) Fayette died in infancy. 2) Am Elizabeth tenderly cared for her parents along a they lived, and she is now residing in Nor cli. (3 Ruby Hannah is the wife of Rev. Edward . Ayre a Methodist clergyman now located at F. Rive Mass., and they have had eight children four whom survive, Alice Daisy, Bessie Pearl, Largar May and Edward Wilmot.

MORGAN. The name of Morgan hasfeen w known in New London county from t earli days of its history, the first of whom he hle reco being (I) James Morgan, who was borrin Wa in 1607, married Margery Hill, of Roxbry, Ma Aug. 6, 1640, and died in 1685. He wa ettled Roxbury at first, having arrived in Bostc in Ap 1636, and in 1650 he. removed to Ne Lond Conn., residing near the present town bu .] grou in the western suburb of the city of Ne Lond

nost klin, the 1 in d as ank-

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GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

25, 1656, he sold his homestead and re- ved bec. per 57,2 what is now the town of Groton, where e an extensive land holder and dealer in selectman, deputy to the General Court in for nine times thereafter, and was an act- and seful member of society and the church.

(II rrie 66, a d di Capt. James Morgan, born March 3, 1644, Iary Vine, of old England, in November, died Dec. 8, 17II. She was born in 1641, in 1689. The second wife of Capt. James orga bore the name of Hannah, and she was rn ing 540, and died in 1711. He was one of the st twitdeacons of the first church in Groton, was incip nagistrate, and transacted the greater por-

n of e civil business in his vicinity for years. e wa as fir noderator of the first town meeting, and selectman of the town, and became cap-

in of e first town band (militia) in 1692. In 89 hwas one of the deputies of the General burt m New London, for the new town of

roton 1706, and for several years was a commis- ner t dvance and direct the Pequot tribe of In- ans ir le management of their affairs.

(III Deacon James Morgan, born Feb. 6, 1668, annah, who was the mother of four chil- died about 1720. He married Anna, who arried en, ar d Ju 17, 1751, and he died on the old home- ad, A and 7 4, 1748. During a long life he was act- eful in church and civic affairs, drawing deed vills and similar papers, and his name ap- ars gerally as moderator in all town or society eting

(IV nnah.

ames Morgan, Jr., born in 1693, married ho died Feb. 2, 1728, and he married, in 29, My Morgan, born in 1698, daughter of pt. Jc Morgan. He died Aug. 25, 1770, and ry dil Sept. 5, 1776. James Morgan, Jr., oc- ied t old original homestead of the first James, he being the fourth lineal occupant of Grotc samelime.

hn Morgan, born in 1735, was married '59, to Dorothy, daughter of Elder Park

(V) t. II, ry, Groton, and died Nov. 8, 1799. His low d: Oct. 19, 1828.

(VI) sper Morgan, youngest child of John and Avery) Morgan, was born in January,

othy H married Clara, daughter of Elisha Hol- ge, a passed all his life on the farm where he borr ( near the Ledyard line. His children Robert A., born Dec. 21, 1818, is men- d be (2) Eliza Ann, born Feb. 13, 1821, enzo D. Baker, on July 18, 1848, and ld, Eugene L. (3) Adelia, born Aug.

ried one 1829, sides with her sister, Mrs. Miner, in on.

) Emily, born Aug. 13, 1833, was mar- Nov. , 1859, to William H. Miner and resides roton VII) t his

OBERT A. MORGAN, born Dec. 21, 1818, "ly school days in Groton, and later at- ed th amous Bacon Academy, at Colchester, Uin taking up the active work of life he 1.

entered into a general mercantile business in New London, and was engaged in that line prior to going to California, in 1849. He made the trip around the Horn in the bark "Flora," and remained two years in the El Dorado of the West, in 1851 return- ing to the East and to New London. In 1858 he engaged in business in Groton (where Coe & Bailey are now located), carrying on a general merchan- dise and coal business, and during this period he also served as postmaster at that place. Retiring, he turned the business over to his son, and he died in Groton Aug. 7, 1884.

On June 7, 1842, Mr. Morgan was married to Sarah Sands Avery, daughter of John Sands Avery, and five children blessed this union, as follows: (I) John S., born May 25, 1843, died in March, 1891. He married Susan Goodwin, of Mystic, and they had one child, Clara Le Baron, of Groton, born Feb. 5, 1876. (2) Jasper, born Sept. 18, 1849, died at the age of three years. (3) Clara, born Dec. 7, 1852, in New London, was married Oct. 17, 1883, to Charles F. Chaney, and they have had two chil- dren-Mary Elise, born April 15, 1889 ; and Morgan Rial, born Dec. 23, 1891. (4) Ella, born Dec. 17, 1854, died when twenty-two months old. (5) Jen- nie, born July 1, 1860, in Groton, married Frank W. Gard, and they have had one child, Sally Sands, born Aug. 27, 1892. Mrs. Robert A. Morgan re- sides at her pleasant home on Thames street, Gro- ton, and in spite of her advanced age she has re- tained her faculties remarkably well. She is a lady much esteemed and beloved by all who know her.

JOHN S. MORGAN, successor to his father as general merchant and postmaster, was naturally for many years one of the best known citizens of the place. He was a typical Yankee, shrewd, act- ive, thrifty and self-reliant. He began to do for himself at an early age, and had the happy faculty of doing well whatever he undertook. Like his father he loved a good horse and a good yacht, and enjoyed life thoroughly in spite of hard work. Pos- sessed of his full share of native wit, he was a shrewd observer of men and things, and rarely at fault in his judgment. He was a Republican, and quite active in politics, and for one term was a most creditable representative of the town of Groton in the General Assembly, where he exercised a wide influence. Fraternally he united with the Masons and the A. O. U. W.

Mrs. Sarah Sands Morgan is a descendant of one of the oldest and most prominent families of Groton, her line of ancestry being traced from (I) Christopher Avery, through (II) Capt. James Avery, (III) James Avery, (IV) James Avery, (V) Dea- con James Avery, (VI) Capt. John Avery, to (VII) John Sands Avery.

John Sands Avery was born Aug. 19, 1782, and died Nov. 16, 1848. In 1816 he married Bethia Williams, who died May 29, 1817, leaving one daughter, Bethia Williams, born May 28, 1817, who married Edmund Spicer. For his second wife

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GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

Mr. Avery married, Aug. 29, 1819, Mrs. Sally Denison (Smith) Clark, daughter of Col. Oliver Smith, of Stonington, and their daughter, Sarah Sands, was born Aug. 18, 1820, in Groton, and was married June 7, 1842, to Robert A. Morgan.

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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 67

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