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 71

Author:
Publication date: 1905
Publisher: Chicago : J.H. Beers & Co.
Number of Pages: 1568

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In his person Capt. Scott is a man of large phy- sique, weighing over three hundred pounds. He is held in high regard, his portly frame being typical of the generous heart and soul within. Although of an age that might well exempt him from further work, Capt. Scott's invincible vitality refuses the suggestion of retirement, and he maintains as act- ive a routine of business as ever. During his many years of work in his line of business Capt. Scott has met personally a number of noted men, for many of whom he has done work in some capacity or other. As evidence of the esteem in which he was held by such men Capt. Scott has numerous written testi- monials from them, as to his integrity, faithfulness, and ability. The following are but two of many.

ENGINEERS' DEPARTMENT, DOCKS, CITY OF NEW YORK, Jan. 24, 1872.

Thomas A. Scott, submarine diver, was for some months engaged in the service of the Department of Docks, and performed his duty faithfully and well. I have no hesitation in recommending him as a reliable and efficient man for that kind of employment. GEO. B. MCCLELLAN.

NEW YORK, Dec. 11, 1874.

Capt. Thomas A. Scott, a master diver, bears an ex- cellent character with all who know him as an experienced and reliable man.

I do not know his superior in his profession. Respectfully, JOHN NEWTON.

To Gen. O. M. Poe, U. S. Engineer :

[Gen. John Newton was one of the best known author- ities on harbor and moving work in his day.]

JOHN ADAMS SCOTT, born Oct. 14, 1859, in Coitsville, N. J., received his education in the public .

nt ty- vers'

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GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

schools of New London, and at the Connecticut Literary Institute, at Suffield, Conn. Leaving school when about nineteen years of age, he became asso- ciated with his father in general wrecking and tow- boating, continuing in the same until 1896, when he embarked in the grocery and general provision busi- ness, on his father's dock on Pequot avenue, where he has since continued in business successfully. He was one of the original incorporators and directors of the T. A. Scott Company.

Socially Mr. Scott is a member of Mohegan Lodge, No. 55, I. O. O. F., of New London, and of the Mutual Aid, I. O. O. F .; and he also belongs to the Business Men's Association of New London. He is an attendant of the Episcopal Church, to which he gives his liberal support. In political faith Mr. Scott is a Republican, but in town affairs votes for the man he deems best fitted for the office.

In April, 1890, Mr. Scott was married, to Georgia Woodworth, daughter of George D. Wood- worth, of New London, and a direct descendant of Gov. Gurdon Saltonstall, of Connecticut. They

have two children : Arlene .L., a student in the Williams Memorial Institute, of New London ; and Mabel H., a student in the district school.

CASSIE VIOLA SCOTT received her early training in her native city, graduating from the Williams Memorial Institute in 1893. She then entered the New York School of Design for Women, from which she was graduated in 1898. Returning to New London she gave lectures for one year on art designing, and was also a teacher of the same in the Williams Memorial Institute. In October, 1902, she established the New London School of Design, which she has since conducted. On Nov. 1, 1897, she was married to Joseph Hardwick, of Weymouth, Mass., a graduate of Tufts College, and an elec- trical engineer, now a member of the J. Warren Gay Electrical Company of New London. They have one daughter, Catherine Merril, born July 19, 1900.

CRARY. The name of Crary to the students of Connecticut history, is almost synonymous with adventure and daring achievement. Three genera- tions of the family, Capt. Jesse, Capt. George B. and Jesse Dayton, have been active and prominent in important affairs.

Capt. Jesse Crary was a doughty commander on a trading vessel, in the early days of the nineteenth century, when scarcely a trip was made without the occurrence of a stirring incident. In the war of 1812, his sloop, "Fox," was captured by the British, and the story is best told in the words of a writer in "The Heroes of 1812:"

"In the spring of 1813, after the British fleet, under Commodore Hardy, made its appearance in the Sound, all coast trade was at once cut off, and the country was thrown into embarrassment and in- dignation. A few bold spirits, however, ventured to run their trade through the midst of the hostile

squadron. One of these, Capt. Jesse Crary, of tic, in the sloop 'Fox,' was surprised and cap fed. The 'Fox' was a fast sailor, and so she was sed by the British in making havoc along the st; by means of her, in the short space of two 1ks, the enemy captured twenty-seven American s:

"Capt. Crary, having escaped from his c fors himself, returned home and immediately plann the recapture of his vessel. To this end the hoop 'Hero' was fitted out from Mystic with a 1fat- eer's commission, and manned by the followin cold spirits : Ambrose Burrows, captain; Jer iah Haley, first lieutenant ; Perry Woodward, : bond lieutenant ; Simeon Haley, prize master; Pau ur- rows, sailing master ; Avery Brown, boatswair Ed- ward Tinker, gunner ; Alexander Latham, sui on ; James Burrows, drummer ; Charles Packer, ard; Hubbard Packer, cook; Nathan Bu ws, cook's mate; and Jesse Crary, Ezekiel Tufts, em- uel Burrows, Elisha Packer, Jeremiah Shaw, nes Sawyer, Nathan Eldredge, Abel Fish, Dear al- lup, Nicholas P. Isaacs, Thomas Eldredge, N han- iel Niles, John Holdredge, Benjamin Elliso fand John Appleman, as seamen.

ew -

"Provided with a four-pounder, small arr and ammunition, the 'Hero' sailed to New Londo and received her commission. She expected to fit the 'Fox' off in the vicinity of Block Island, the ad- quarters of the British squadron. On leaving New London she convoyed six or eight trading 1. sels, waiting in New London harbor for the pro tion of an armed friend, out nearly to Point Judit and then turned to search for her game. Befor [om- ing up to Block Island, she discovered the Fox' standing in toward the land, under double eefs. The wind was strong from the northwes On two came the 'Fox' until she approached with miles of the 'Hero,' when, suspecting a idea, she suddenly tacked ship and ran off The nkee 'Hero,' now on her lee, gave chase. Both

›ops, true to their Mystic origin (both were built the famous ship carpenter, Eldredge Packer) [were spirits on the waves. The sailing was sma but the 'Hero' had a little the smoother keel.

"The 'Fox' was furnished with two bra six- pounders. But from the angle of her decks 1 her flight-the 'Hero' keeping on her lee-shecould not bring them to bear upon her pursue She could only use small arms. The 'Hero' rirned the fire with small arms and her four-pounde The skirmish took place about ten miles south st of Block Island, with the British squadron in sight, at the southward.

"The speed and guns of the 'Hero' soc com- pelled the 'Fox' to change her hand. She aempt- ed to wear around to bring her guns to be: upon the 'Hero.' Small arms were now playing

with great activity, but as the 'Fox' wore arot

I, the 'Hero' came pounce upon her and ran his bow- sprit into the 'Fox's' mainsail. The vess now The grappled and had the fight hand to han

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GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

bae was short, not occupying more than mi tes. The guns of the 'Hero' tore away t offre 'Fox's' mainsail and cut her shrouds. 'Hels' men now rushed on board the 'Fox' ed their victory.

ard the 'Hero' Thomas Eldredge was rough the arm. On board the 'Fox' slightly wounded. The 'Fox' was

om On dec we ed Lieutenant Claxon, belonging to the a quartermaster, a midshipman and

The irmish ended just in the evening; the 1 her prize and prisoners now made : land. The next morning, while the rds sh sl s were standing in toward the land in ourst the Yankees passed Watch Hill and

in tı mph into Mystic river."

se Crary married Catherine Burrows. corge B. Crary, son of Capt. Jesse and rary, and one of the prominent citizens was born in Mystic, Conn., March 13,

apt. apt. erine [ystic , and ied June 17, 1902, at the advanced age ghty ars, three months and four days. For ths he had been in failing health, and

cal m end w not entirely unexpected. In his youth

Cra chose a sea-faring life, and when a

g ma vent to sea with Capt. William Clift be- the mit. He later accepted a position as first with s brother-in-law, Capt. Charles L. Ran-

of thi

of th bark "Francis Ashby," but on the last llfated bark he was taken sick just be- the 1 k sailed, and was unable to go. On oyag the vessel was lost with all hands, and ace cher has ever been found, except some it w h drifted ashore. After recovering his s ness, Capt. Crary went to sea as com- er of ie ship "B. F. Hoxie," engaged in the pornia de, but in 1862 she was captured by onfed beir ite cruiser "Florida" and burned, Capt. put aboard the first foreign vessel for foreign port, which chanced to be a guese n of rig, and which landed him in a remote world, and it was nearly one year be- is fail y got any tidings of his whereabouts. en refined home, and for a short time com- d the hip "Ariadne," afterward entering the of offord & Tilleston, as commander of ip !houn," which, at the time she was

largest square-rigger ever built in this vas t. v. first cargo in this ship was railroad hich carried around the Horn to San Fran- for u it is supposed, in the construction of nion acific railroad. He commanded the itil s was lost in a hurricane off the coast and, and after that was superintend- sphate mines belonging to Spofford &

vfour the p on, lcg ted in the Carolinas. The record of

cht ‹ ater Witch" under his management

hrtict ly brilliant. For the last several bout f hisle he remained at home with his fam- 1 years ago Capt. Crary retired from

the sea, building the small yacht "Kate" for his own pleasure, enjoying the summer with his fam- ily on the water.

About fifty-nine years ago Capt. Crary was united in marriage with Catherine Latham, who with one son, Jesse D. Crary, of New York, and two daughters, Mrs. Charles H. Cottrell and Miss Nellie C. Crary, survives him. He represented Gro- ton in the State Legislature in 1876, and was one of the oldest Free Masons in the State of Connecticut. Capt. Crary was a man of many noble qualities. He had the courage of his convictions, and never feared to express his opinion ; while careful of other peo- ple's feelings, he was yet manfully kind and frank to the utmost degree. He had a faculty of making friends and keeping them. Always ready to lend assistance, his many kindnesses will long be remem- bered by those who were aided. His probity and honesty were never questioned. Mystic lost one of its best citizens and the community a friend in his demise.

At the funeral, which occurred Thursday, June 19, 1902, at his late residence, the services were con- ducted by the Rev. B. U. Hatfield, and the inter- ment was made Friday at Elm Grove Cemetery. The following tribute was paid to his memory by the Rev. Mr. Hatfield :

"A rare life is ended, the mere memory of which is more precious than gold. No, it is not ended ; rather, it is only the first volume that is completed, for the great and good live in thought and deed as truly as in heaven. The influence of a noble deed and a noble life never ends. The songs, pray- ers and works will be felt in other lives when the singer's voice is hushed to earthly ears.

Our many deeds, the thoughts that we have thought, They go out after us thronging every hour, And in them all is folded up a power That on earth doth move them to and fro, And mighty are the marvels they have wrought In lives they know not, and may never know.

"The memory of Capt. Crary will always be most precious. He was a man who had seen men. He was an active man of affairs, and saw life from many sides. He was a keen judge of human na- ture, and had little patience with the sham and the veneering of much that is superficial in society.

"He was a man of upright integrity, and was fully trusted by his fellows. The many positions of trust, where the confidence of his friends placed him, were filled with an honor to himself and profit to the people.

"He was retiring in disposition, and loved the quiet of the home more than the noise of public ap- plause. Only his intimate friends knew his true worth.

"His piety was free from cant and ostentation, but when expressed was like the flow of a deep noiseless river, whose sources were in the living mountain streams. He thought of life as a voy-

illie

e m

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GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

age and death to him was a safe anchorage in heaven's broad bay.

"In his death the town loses a good citizen, a true-hearted friend and a good neighbor. His mem- ory is precious, and his influence for good will long be felt."

Jesse Dayton Crary, only son of the late Capt. George B. Crary, was born in Mystic, Conn., Jan. 27, 1853, and is one of the boys of that old town who have sought and won success elsewhere, by dint of perseverance and well-directed effort. Being pos- sessed of an ambition to make his mark in the world, he went, in 1875, to New York City, and there ac- cepted a position in a lumber yard at nine dollars a week. He became manager of the yard of Keeney & Snow, and of that of William Keeney. Later for eighteen months he was connected with Dodge, Meigs & Co., whom he left to engage in the whole- sale lumber and hardwood business on his own ac- count, with an office at No. 72 Wall street. He was the founder of the New York Lumber Trade Association, and on July 1, 1885, he established the New York Lumber Trade Journal, which he still owns. He is a prominent factor in the Association of Dealers in Masons' Building Materials. His pop- ularity was attested in 1903, by his election to the presidency of the American Trade Press Associa- tion. He is chairman of the membership commit- tee of the Apollo Club, a prominent social organiza- tion of Brooklyn, N. Y., and intimately associated with musical life in Brooklyn.

On Nov. 24, 1885, Mr. Crary was united in marriage in New York with Mary Dent Stith. Two sons have been born to them: Paul Stuart, born May 31, 1892 ; and Jesse Dayton, Jr., June 7, 1893.

HON. GEORGE E. PARSONS, the subject of this sketch, is one of the most popular members of the Bar of New London County and one of the prominent men of the County. He has just retired as Judge of the Court of Probate for the District of Norwich, having refused to accept a renomina- tion for that office. At the time of his retirement from this office of public trust he had served his fourth consecutive term therein and as there is much work of importance in this District, which is one of the largest in the State, his retention in office by phenomenal majorities at each succeeding elec- tion is the most substantial evidence of his ability.

Judge Parsons was born May 31st, 1863, in Newburgh, Penobscot County, Maine, the son of George W. and Emeline P. (Greene) Parsons. He began his education in the public schools of his na- tive town, and came with his parents to Norwich in 1875, where they have since resided. Here he at- tended the High street school and after graduating from there entered the Norwich Free Academy where he maintained a high standard in his classes and graduated in 1884 with honors, being chosen as one of the class orators. Having decided to enter the legal profession he commenced to read law in

the offices of John M. and Charles F. Thayer the former now a Judge of the Superior Court an he latter now mayor of Norwich), where he rem fed as a student until he was admitted to practice .w in all of the courts of Connecticut on December 1, 1889. He immediately began the active practi of the law and was engaged with the ordinary den ds of his profession until January 6th, 1897, whenhe entered upon the performance of his duties as JIge of the Court of Probate for the District of Nonch and ably presided as such until he voluntarily reed on January 4th, 1905. This, however, was notiis first position of trust. On July Ist 1893, he las appointed Clerk of the City Court of Norwichby the late Judge John C. Kellogg, filling that fce with the same fidelity and ability which has chf.c- terized all his work, whether of a private or [flic nature, until he resigned to accept the higher 1 for of Judge of Probate. In November, 1896, ho jas the candidate of his party for the office of Jegc of Probate in the District of Norwich, compi eng the towns of Norwich, Franklin, Griswold, Lion, Preston, Sprague and Voluntown ; his opponen kas Judge Charles W. Carter, who had held the lice for several terms, and having previously def ,ed several of the strongest men in the Republican irty many considered it to be impossible to defeat [m, but in this campaign Judge Parsons gave thelrst exhibition of that political generalship and sagtity that has given him a reputation beyond the co nes of his County and won a splendid victory, ng elected by a large majority. In 1898 he ran (ain and on that occasion received the largest ma ity ever given any candidate in the town of No ich and also the largest majority in the District tha was ever given any candidate for Judge of Probat he was honored with re-election in 1900 and 1902 ind has completed eight years of service. His c ful attention to every detail of the work connected ith his office, his uniform courtesy toward all, his m- pathetic consideration for those from the hu bler walks of life, and the eminent ability display by him in that branch of his profession, caused h ad- ministration to give unbounded satisfaction and during his incumbency he settled some of the 1; rest estates in eastern Connecticut. His close stu of the detail of the work of his office resulted the introduction by him of a number of new and

-to- date features in the methods of keeping the iles and records, several of which were original vith him and are used only in this office. The pri ipal object was to facilitate and simplify the wc of the general public when engaged in research and this has been carried to such a degree of perf tion that in this respect the office will rank with al in New England. He enjoys the unusual disti tion of never having had a decision reversed by a 1 her court on appeal during all the years of his in mb- ency and it has been a matter of general remar that through his wise counselling and tactful adjus ment of the ever-occurring differences between th bar-

Jorge . Parsons

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GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

terested in the settlement of estates there has ess litigation connected with the settlement of in this Court in the eight years of his admin- istran than during any similar period of time in tory of the Court. This record is all the more ble to Judge Parsons when it is known that more estates filled with complications and nded by difficulties were settled under him any previous similar length of time, and

the crec mar suri tha amc them some of the most difficult and cele- brat in the probate history of the entire County.

J: many years he has been Assistant Clerk of

the perior Court for New London County but ver actively performed his duties as such and

had has en the only one of his class in the eight coun- ties the State who has had duties other than thos in the Clerk's office. Owing to the condition of h from health he determined early in 1904 to retire he Probate Court at the expiration of the termfor which he had been elected and at the an- nual beting of the Judges of the Supreme and Su- Courts last June it was arranged that the As- Clerk in this County should give his exclu-

peric sista sive ention to the duties of the office here, as is try in the other counties, at the end of his term arly in January, 1905.

T retirement of Judge Parsons from the Pro-

bate urt was a matter of much disappointment to his f: ids and the people of the District in general,

it be ; universally considered a public loss. His genia personality, his broad and liberal views, his gift winning and retaining friends, has brought him widest popularity and an esteem which is distir y personal in character, and of which his offici: tanding is but a part.

T Judge is interested in the business affairs of his c munity as a trustee of the Chelsea Savings Bank fid a member of the Board of Trade. JL e Parsons is a prominent Mason, being a Past aster of St. James Lodge, No. 23, F. & A. ast High Priest of Franklin Chapter, No. 4,

M., a R. A I., and a Past Thrice Illustrious Master of Fran

1 Council, No. 3, R. & S. M .; he is also a memb Temp

of Columbian Commandery, No. 4, Knights , of Sphinx Temple of the Mystic Shrine, and I received the thirty-second degree, being a

memt of all the Scottish Rite bodies, and an officer in the King Solomon Grand Lodge of Perfection and ( inecticut Sovereign Consistory. In addi-

tion h 3 a Past Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of Ma of the

ns of Connecticut, and was an incorporator one of

Lasonic Temple Corporation, having been le three representatives therein from Frank-

ter. He was one of the active movers in

in Cl ocatii the present Masonic Temple on Broadway ind w ced unceasingly to bring this about.

TH Judge is further identified with the secret society fe of his town as a member of Shetucket odge No. 27, I. O. O. F., Court Quinebaug, No. 28, Il esters of America, of which he has been a rustedor five years, Norwich Lodge, No. 430, B.

P. O. Elks, of which he is a trustee, and of Norwich Council, No. 720, Royal Arcanum, in which he has held several offices, including that of trustee. He is also a member of the Arcanum Club and the Gen- tlemen's Driving Club. He has always been a pop- ular presiding officer and a hard and willing worker.

In politics the Judge is a. Republican and has been actively identified with party work since grad- uating from school in 1884; politically he has been an able general and through his wise counsel has been a potent factor in the moulding of local party policies. He has always been so broad and fair in his political views and methods that he has the re- spect and confidence of those of the opposite po- litical faith to a greater degree than any other local member of his party, as has been conclusively proven by the phenomenal majorities which he has always received at the polls. He is an all-around good citi- zen, active in every movement which in his opinion is for the general good, and with a genial disposi- tion which typifies his attitude toward all men and things.

In 1895 Judge Parsons was married, in Nor- wich, to Miss Vinnie E. Sparks, who was born in Norwich, daughter of Albert A. Sparks, one of the editors of the Norwich Bulletin. Mrs. Parsons is a lady of culture, a fit companion for her gifted hus- band, and is much devoted to her home.

BROWNE. The Browne family of New Lon- don county trace their lineage to (I) Thomas Browne and his wife, Mary (Newhall) Browne, the latter the youngest daughter of Thomas and Mary Newhall of Lynn, Mass., who were doubtless of English origin. Thomas Browne was born in 1628, and his wife, Mary Newhall, was born in 1637. Their children were: Thomas, Mary, Sarah, Jos- eph, Sarah (2), Jonathan, John, Mary, Jonathan (2), Eleazer, Ebenezer, Daniel, Ann, Grace and Daniel.

(II) Eleazer Browne was born Aug. 4, 1670, at Lynn, Mass., and came to Stonington, Conn., at maturity. He married, Oct. 18, 1693, Ann, daugh- ter of Capt. James Pendleton, of Westerly, R. I., and he died Nov. 30, 1734. Their children were: Jonathan, James, Eleazer, Hannah, Ebenezer, Mary, Hannah, Patience, Abigail and Ruth.

(III) James Browne, born June 1, 1696, mar- ried, May 5, 1718, Elizabeth, daughter of John Ran- dall, of Westerly, R. I. Their children were: James and twin (a daughter), Thankful and Sim- eon (twins), Ann, Zebulon, Abigail and Joshua.

(IV) Joshua Browne, born April 8, 1740, mar- ried, Dec. 24, 1761, Joanna Rogers, and their chil- dren were: Joshua, born Oct. 4, 1764 ; Robert, born July II, 1766; Joanna, born June 23, 1768; Martha, born Sept. 20, 1770; Adams, born Oct. 26, 1772; Prudence, born June 10, 1776; Anna, born July 9, 1778; Margaret, born Dec. 25, 1780; Randall, born June 20, 1783 ; Delia, born April 9, 1786.

(V) Randall Browne, born June 20, 1783, mar-

cust

ties bee esta

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GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

ried, 1805, Sally Palmer, born Jan. 26, 1787, daugh- ter of Noyes and Dorothy (Stanton) Palmer. Their children were: Randall, born March 28, 1807; Sally A., born in 1809, died young; Prudence D., born June 24, 1810, married George W. Noyes ; Joshua Rogers, born in June, 1812, married Susan Almira Browne; Noyes P., born March 27, 1816, married Martha Dennison Noyes; two sons died in infancy; Joanna, born in 1818, died Oct. 10, I845.

(VI) Randall Browne, born March 28, 1807, married Jan. 1, 1832, Mary Ann Holmes, born Nov. 14, 1814, daughter of Capt. Jeremiah and Ann B. Dennison (Gallup) Holmes. Mrs. Browne died Feb. 5, 1894, while he died Dec. 13, 1887. Their children, who are in the seventh generation, are as follows : Mary A., born Dec. 1, 1834, married Capt. Franklin Hancock, of Stonington, and died Dec. 21, 1897; Sarah P., born Feb. 5, 1837, married in February, 1885, Elias Williams, of Stonington ; Helen E., born April 8, 1839, died Jan. 25, 1846; Jeremiah Holmes, born Oct. 17, 1841; Susan A., born May 24, 1846, married Joseph Smith, and their children were: Charles H., Maria Stanton, Ben- jamin F. S. and Randall Browne; Randall, born Dec. 18, 1851 ; Fannie E., born Oct. 26, 1853, mar- ried Charles B. Palmer ; Frederic H., born Sept. 6, 1858, married Amelia Schaffer, and died Aug. 20, 1893. Randall Browne farmed all his life in Ston- ington. At first he and his wife were members of the Old Road Church, but later joined the Congre- gational Church at Mystic, where they were highly esteemed.

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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 71

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