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 74

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 74

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Briggs, his grandfather, resided in South . I., and died there. He married Amy m he survived many years, marrying a

ox, W hd tin and had children by both unions. The

ren c his first marriage were: Charles Wil- fathe of Hon. Charles S .; Palmer, who never ied, a becar

died in Rhode Island ; and Stanton P., a dentist, married twice, and lived and at Br geton, New Jersey. harle Vilcox Briggs was born July 21, 1813, uth ] igston, R. I., and lost his mother when ten ars of age. He remained in South ston pril, yed with ct scl I lived with his grandfather Wilcox un- o, when he came to Lebanon and was a farm by a Mr. Brown, in Exeter So- le understanding that he should have a 1 education. He continued to work on s in Lebanon. On Feb. 8, 1843, he

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thereafter operated rented farms in the until : purchased a farm on which he lived thirt orme

six years before his death. This farm the Manning place, and here he made impı ements in the way of draining, fencing rectii new buildings. For many years prior pure se the farm had been in the hands of 's wh had spent little money on it. He was

very successful, for he was a hard worker and a practical, sensible man, thoroughly understanding the science of farming. Until within ten days of his death he was actively engaged, a paralytic shock preceding his demise, which occurred Dec. 1, 1898. His remains were interred in the west yard at Leb- anon. His early political convictions made him a Whig and later a Republican, but he was not always neld by party ties, voting on some occasions for the candidate he considered the best man for the posi- tion. Personally he never desired public office. About forty years before his death he united with the Baptist Church in Lebanon and was a constant student of the Bible and well versed in Biblical lore. His wife had belonged to the church from girlhood and all the children were reared in the same faith.

Mr. Briggs married Delia Frances Gager, who was born March 19, 1822, at Franklin, Conn., daughter of Gordon and Amelia (Robinson) Gager. A long life of married happiness ensued, of more than a half century, and they celebrated their fiftieth anniversary. Mrs. Briggs still resides on the home . farm, remarkably well preserved and in the full possession of every faculty. Mr. Briggs was a man whose integrity was never a matter of question, his word being as good as his bond. In every relation of life he proved himself an upright Christian, and he reared a family which has always reflected credit upon the parents and honor on the community.

The children of Charles Wilcox Briggs and wife were as follows : Ellen Amelia, born April 12, 1845, is the wife of Isaac G. Larkin, of Lebanon, and they have had children-Nellie G. (deceased), Clara A. (wife of John Francis Sherman, of Windham), War- ren G. (deceased), Mary F., Annie C. and Helen B. Henry Williams, born Jan. I, 1847, married Emma MacHattey, and is a farmer at Sanborn, Redwood Co., Minn. ; they have children-Amy Adelaide and Robert Warren. Frances Delia, born Jan. 15, 1849, is the wife of Hon. Charles H. Loomis, of Lebanon, whose sketch appears elsewhere. Charles Sylvester, born March 29, 1851, is mentioned below. Leroy Stanton, born June 14, 1853, died Oct. 15, 1881. Warren Palmer, born Oct. 12, 1855, occupies the home farm and is unmarried. Mary Melinda, born Sept. 6, 1858, is the wife of William P. Lillie, a farmer in Lebanon, and the mother of these children -William Leroy (a student at Brown University), Charles P., Frederick B., Amos J., Amy A., Walter P., Robert T. and Alice E. Amy Adelaide, born April 14, 1861, is the wife of John W. Barber, an extensive farmer at Parnell, Kans., and they have children-Fred S., Leslie S., Harley M., Mary Edith, Amy Louise, Herbert H. and Victor W. and Vera J., twins. Jennie Roxanna, born Feb. 6, 1864, married Charles Bronson, and died at Indianapolis, Ind., Jan. 9, 1894, leaving one child, Walter Leroy. The youngest member of the family, Annie Louise, born April 12, 1867, is the wife of Addison M. Rock- wood, of Lebanon.

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320

GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

Charles S. Briggs was born in the house he now occupies, in which his parents had resided for a few years previously. Until the age of eighteen he at- tended the common district schools, and was reared to farm work. He resided at home until his mar- riage, after which he located on a rented farm in Lebanon, which town has always been his home. In 1900 he purchased his present farm of Mrs. Shubael Holmes, the property being locally known as the Brown farm, a tract of 150 acres. One year later he became comfortably settled here and has contin- ued to make this place his residence, making im- provements of a substantial nature ever since. Mr. Briggs is engaged in general farming and is noted for his practical methods and their success. He is one of the leading citizens of his locality and has served his town in many responsible positions. He has given his services on the school board and as road surveyor and at present is one of the board of assessors. In politics he supports the Republican party, and in 1903 was elected as its candidate to the State Legislature, in which body he has ably served on the Claims committee.

On March 18, 1873, Mr. Briggs married, in Leb- anon, Elizabeth P. Nye, who was born in Kingston, R. I., and while still young came to Lebanon with her parents, Deacon and Elizabeth (Champlin) Nye. Deacon Benjamin Nye was a member of the Con- necticut Legislature in 1889, and was a highly re- spected farmer in Lebanon. Children as follows have come to this marriage: George Ernest, born Feb. 9, 1874, is a graduate of Snell's Business Col- lege, of Norwich, Conn., and of the State Normal School at Willimantic, Conn., and is engaged in teaching and farming in Lebanon ; he married Mary Manning. Charles Henry, born July 1, 1879, mar- ried Anna L. Bogue. Delia Louise was born May 7, 1883. Emily Elizabeth was born Aug. 6, 1885. Leroy Stanton was born May 9, 1892.

Mr. Briggs is much interested in the Ancient Order of United Workmen and belongs to Lebanon Lodge, No. 23, and he is also a member of the Work- men's Benefit Association, an auxiliary of the former order. For a considerable period he has been one of the directors of the Lebanon Creamery, his in- terest in the raising of Jersey cows and extensive dairying giving him more than usual interest in and knowledge of creamery matters. He and his wife and eldest son belong to the Baptist Church of Leb- anon, in which Mrs. Briggs takes a very active in- terest and in which Mr. Briggs has been the leader of the choir for years. The family and all its con- nections are prominent in this section.

CHARLES ERSKINE BRAYTON, M. D., one of the leading representatives of his profession in Stonington, Conn., is a descendant in the eighth generation from Francis Brayton, who was born in England in 1611 or 1612, and in 1643 became a resi- dent of Portsmouth, Rhode Island.

From him the line is through (II) Ficis, (III) Thomas, (IV) Francis, (V) Benjamin [71) George, (VII) Atwood Randall and (VII. Dr. Charles Erskine.

(VI) George Brayton, the grandfather Dr. Brayton, was born in 1786, and died at the

Harly age of thirty-five years, of pneumonia, at his fome in Johnston, R. I. He married Nancy Rar 1, a descendant of Roger Williams, and after his path she married a Mr. Carey and died a widow ; the age of sixty-seven years.

(VII) Atwood Randall Brayton was bor Dec. 2, 1806, in Providence, R. I., and as he grew

, he learned the trade of a mason, later becoming con- tractor and builder. In 1830 he settled in Stang- ton, and there did the stone work of the old .ptist Church, the Congregational and the Ep opal Churches, and many of the other buildings [that time in Stonington. In 1840, he erected h pown dwelling, which was a very comfortable on (sub- stantially built. Beginning life a poor be by unceasing industry he accumulated a fune, and he lived retired from the time hewas seventy-seven until his death, when he was eighty-four years and six months of age. On Oct. 2, 1831, he married Sally aria Davis, of North Stonington, born Jan. 25 811, daughter of Samuel and Lucy (Dewey) avis. Samuel Davis was a soldier in the Revolu nary war, enlisting at the age of seventeen, and [par- ticipated in the battles of Princeton and Thaton, and was at Groton. His father, John Dav was the son of Peter, of Westerly, R. I., a noted pfcher of the Society of Friends, who went on a sion to England. Samuel Davis died at the age o fixty- eight years. The children born to Atwood : andall arah, ilder and Sally Maria (Davis) Brayton were: who died in 1895 ; Atwood W., a mason and of Stonington ; Frances Almira ; Harriet Acaide ; George E., a painter of Stonington; Dr. arles Esrkine, and four who died in infancy.

(VIII) Dr. Charles Erskine Brayton w. born in Stonington, Conn., Feb. II, 1851, and 1 il he reached the age of twelve years, was sent to ivate and public schools. For the succeeding five fears, he was under the tutorship of Dr. David S Hart, of Stonington. For four summers he workedat his father's trade, and at the age of eightee years taught school for one term, when he began th study of medicine, with Dr. William Hyde, he hing a strong inclination toward that noble profess . In 1873 he was graduated from the Medical epart- ment of Columbia college, where he enjo i the especial advantage of being a private pupil . Prof. Willard Parker. After graduation Dr. Braon at once began practicing in Stonington as assi int to his old preceptor, Dr. Hyde, and upon the itter's death, a few months later, Dr. Brayton succ led to the practice, remaining in the old office fo seven years.

leha Ki Braytono . M.)

32]

GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

liance with the demands of existing con- 1880, Dr. Brayton erected a large and uilding, on the first floor of which C. E. Co. have one of the best drug stores in On the same floor are the offices of Dr.

n co ns, som ton own ton : 1 the second floor are the dental parlors r. Jajes H. Weeks, Jr., and the handsome hall A. R. post, the Royal Arcanum, the A. J. W and other societies.

Both a public man and a physician, Dr. Bray- has been called upon to hold many positions of responsibility, and has never failed to t anc

mptly to every call made upon him.

ond has ba president of the New London County ical ciety ; is a member of the State Medical ety, ( the American Medical Association, and he Nonal Association of Railway Surgeons, has 1 n health officer of the borough for six s. H vas chief of the railroad surgeons of the Yor Providence & Boston Railroad for fif- year In politics he is a Democrat, and has burgs of the borough for a number of years.

ernal. Dr. Brayton is a member of the Royal anum,

id is past regent and life member of the and Co cil of that order of Connecticut, and is gran

rice-regent. Socially, he belongs to the 5 of t Revolution, and takes a great interest le wd. of that organization, being naturally d of je record of his family. His religious ations ire with the Second Congregational ch, ail he is treasurer of the society, and chair- of th Society's committee.

Pr. Br ton is a man whose active mind is not ied 1 present conditions. In his profes-

he is istantly studying, keeping himself well ich w the discoveries and theories of the day ; cally, is a natural leader, pushing on toward perfe on, while socially, he is the life of any ring. His work in the church is equally con- t and ffective, and there are few movements d to successful termination in which Dr. on ha a ve

not been the leading spirit. His prac- large one, and he has been eminently sful

many very serious cases, and is in dema [ in consultation, the members of his sion n ognizing his skill and thorough knowl- of eve branch of the profession.

DUGI S P. AUCLAIR, druggist and notary at J. ett City, is well known in his profes- roug ut New London county, although he is native f this section. Mr. Auclair was born BI, INI, at St. George de Windsor, Pro- of Qiliec.

e Au ir family was one of the early settled of Ca da, its founders coming to the. Do- fror France as early as 1600. Pierre Au- ather E Douglas P., was born at St. David, ce of Quebec, in 1847, and was reared on a He arried in that vicinity, and then re-

moved to St. George de Windsor, where he pur- chased land and engaged in farming until after the birth of our subject in 1871, when he moved to New England and located at Arctic, R. I. There he became an operator in the mills, and so continued until 1880, when he came to Connecticut and located. with his family at Montville, where he was employed by the Uncasville Manufacturing Company until 1886, when he removed to Jewett City. In the latter location he has remained for the past seventeen years, living a quiet, peaceful life, a beloved member of the home of his son, Douglas P. He is a mem- ber of the Catholic Church. In politics he has sup- ported the Republican party since coming to the' United States. Mr. Auclair married Merence Thi- bault at St. David, Quebec, who died at Jewett City in 1896, and was buried in the Catholic cemetery at that place. She was deeply mourned as a good woman, a faithful member of her church, and a de- voted and self-sacrificing mother. A family of eleven children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Auclair, the survivors being: Virginia, Douglas P., Clara, Orpha, Merinda and Lucy Anna.

Douglas P. Auclair was educated in the schools at Arctic, R. I., and at the Montville Grammar School. His inclinations led him to strive for an academic and collegiate career, but his father's cir- cumstances did not permit. He was, however, able to take a business course at the Bryant & Stratton Commercial College at Buffalo, N. Y., through the correspondence method, and he was also thus pre- pared for his life work, through the National Insti- tute of Pharmacy at Chicago. At the age of eight- een he entered a drug store at Jewett City to learn the practical part of the business, and here he spent ten years. In 1900 he passed a most brilliant ex- amination before the commissioners of Pharmacy of the State of Connecticut, his percentage being among the best. That year he began business for himself, and now has one of the best and most re- liable drug stores in Jewett City. It is located in the Auclair Block, a large building which he erected in 1900. It is a very substantial structure, located on School street, and is utilized for first-class stores and comfortable dwellings. Mr. Auclair bought also the old Taftville pharmacy, which he conducted for some time, but sold in 1903. He will thus be; seen to be a man of enterprise and of progressive ideas. He keeps fully abreast of the times, and takes a deep and intelligent interest in all that con- cerns Jewett City. He has shown his interest in educational matters by his long connection with the school board, and is always foremost in advocating needed reforms. In politics he is an ardent Repub- lican, and on account of his responsible character, exerts a wide influence in party affairs. In 1899 he was appointed a notary public by Gov. Lounsbury, a position he fills with careful attention. He is the vice-president of the Republican club off Jewett City, and is one of the three members of the probate committee of the probate district of Norwich. He

322

GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

is also a member of the Republican town committee. His prominence is pronounced in fraternal organi- zations, and he is the founder of the St. Louis So- ciety of Jewett City, of which he was the first presi- dent, serving two years in that capacity. He is also the founder of the Jacques Cartier Club, a dramatic organization of Jewett City, and he also served as the first president of this body. He is very popular in all circles.

At Jewett City, in 1898, Mr. Auclair was united in marriage with Elizabeth Anna Lapointe, born at Bozrah, Conn., daughter of James Lapointe. Mrs. Auclair is a lady of refinement and of artistic taste as well as business ability. For a considerable period she has successfully conducted a millinery business in this city, having a finely-appointed store in the Auclair Block. Three boys compose the fam- ily of Mr. and Mrs. Auclair, L. Randolph, born in 1900 ; Roland A., born in 1902; and Dorian D., born in 1904. Both Mr. and Mrs. Auclair are valued members of St. Mary's Church of Jewett City.

HON. CALVIN L. HARWOOD, ex-mayor of Norwich, and senior member of the firm of Har- wood, Bishop & Bidwell, who do the largest whole- sale grocery business in eastern Connecticut, has been prominent in that section of the State from early manhood, and comes from a family which has been established in New England from its earliest history.

Calvin L. Harwood was born in Stafford June 24, 1844, son of Francis A. and Clarissa (Luther) Harwood. After obtaining his primary education in the public schools of his native town he attended the academies at East Greenwich, R. I., and Wil- braham, Mass. At the age of twenty-four he came to Norwich, and after serving as bookkeeper for the wholesale boot and shoe firm of Gurdon A. Jones for two years, engaged in the wholesale grocery business for himself as a member of the firm of Lippitt & Harwood. After ten years of successful business this firm dissolved, and was immediately succeeded by that oi Harwood & Co. Twelve years later, on Jan. 1, 1893, the firm was again changed, taking the present style of Harwood, Bishop & Bid- well. This house is recognized as the largest whole- sale grocery firm in eastern Connecticut, doing a prosperous business in supplying the trade in this section of the State. They occupy the whole build- ing of three floors and a basement at No. 58 Water street. Mr. Harwood has from the outset demon- strated his eminent fitness for a business career, and his abundant success is the most practical evi- dence of his efficiency and ability. His standing has been won by the fairest methods, and his posi- tion is therefore unquestioned, for the greater part of his active life has been passed in the community in which he still makes his home.

Mr. Harwood is a stanch Republican, and in 1891 he was elected alderman ; during his term he served as chairman of the committee on Public

Grounds. In 1893 he was elected mayor of thecity, and served two terms-four years-overcong a Democratic majority, and receiving a gratifyingplu- rality. He gave the city a good business-lin ad- ministration, in keeping with his personal cha fter- istics and his success in his own affairs, 2 , in- creasing the esteem in which his fellow citize held him. Mr. Harwood is a thirty-second-degr son, and is a member of Sphinx Temple,

Ma- „stic Shrine, at Hartford. He is also a member

the Ancient Order of United Workmen, and beldes to the Arcanum Club.

On Sept. 26, 1865, Mr. Harwood married ellie A. White, of Hinsdale, N. Y., daughter of Jin C. and Sarah B. (Potter) White, the former a ative of Northfield, Mass. This union has been ssedl with the following children: Clara E., born arch 16, 1870, married G. B. Dolbeare, a bookke er in the employ of the Norwich Savings Society, a has one child, Harwood Burrows, born May II 899; Mary E., born May 29, 1877, died at the age (Four- teen months ; Francis C. and Alice W. (twin were born Aug. 27, 1879; the former, a bookke er in the employ of the firm with which his father con- nected, married Mary I. Griswold, of New I idon, and has one child, Percival Francis, born Math 21, 1902; Alice W. died at the age of fourteen enths.

REV. FREDERICK S. HYDE, pastor of the Congregational Church at Groton, Conn., lars a name that has long been known in New Erland. Members of the family have held high posi ns as servants of the State, and all have been hobrable useful citizens of the Commonwealth.

William Hyde, the progenitor of manyof the Connecticut Hydes, was of record in Har rd in 1636, of which place he was an original pr ietor. He probably accompanied Rev. Thomas

Con- ooker from England in 1633, and with him came necticut. His name appears on the monu ent in Hartford dedicated to the founders of il city. Later he was of Saybrook and Norwich, big one of the original thirty-five proprietors of ti latter place, which was settled in 1660. He was chan of importance, and was frequently elected sertman. He died there Jan. 6, 1681. There is no fjord of his wife's name, but his children were Sar el and Hester.

Samuel Hyde, born in Hartford abo| 1637. married in June, 1659, Jane Lee, of East : brook (now Lyme), daughter of Thomas and Phœbe (Brown) Lee, the former of whom diecon the voyage from England in 1641. Samuel Ele was one of the original proprietors of Norwich : 1660 where he settled, and where he died in 167. He had lands assigned to him in Norwich We Farm His children were Elizabeth (born in Augi, 1660 and said to be the first white child born in tl town) Phobe, Samuel, John, William, Thomas Saral and Jabez.

John Hyde, son of Samuel, was born in Decem

323

GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

166 at Norwich, and married, in March, 1698, berie: Abel, who was born in December, 1674, of Caleb and Margaret (Post) Abel, of They settled in Norwich, where Mr. a farmer. In 1719 he purchased a farm

augh wicl le w is Hill which long remained in the pos- ion 1727 the family. He died in Norwich, July nd his wife survived him, dying Oct. 24, 3. eir children were: John, born Dec. 5, 8; Eferience, Sept. 7, 1700 ; Margaret, Aug. 16, 2; E zer, Dec. 12, 1704 ; James, Feb. 28, 1711 ;

her, b. 16, 1709; Matthew, April 28, 17II ; y, Alil 16, 1713; and Deborah, Jan. 22, 1716. Capt ames Hyde, son of John, born Feb. 28, Norwich, married, Dec. 26, 1743, Sarah

who was born April 12, 1720, in Norwich, of Abiel and Abiah ( Hough) Marshall, Norw . Mr. Hyde was a shipmaster and set- I in Newich, where both he and his wife died, April 4, 1793, and she on Nov. 3, 1773; both re bund in the old Norwich town cemetery. eir chh ren were: Ebenezer, born Jan. 1, 1748; ial, D 27, 1749; James, July 17, 1752; Simeon, . 5, If5; Abiah, Oct. 16, 1757; Eliab, Sept. 17, 0.

mes Hyde (2), son of Capt. James, was [7, 1752, in Norwich, and was married 74, to Martha Nevins, who was born in orwich, a daughter of and Mary

ithrop Nevins, of Norwich. They lived in wich ater settling in that part of the town wn a:

Jean Hill. Capt. Hyde was an officer in Revo ion, and a local preacher of the Metho- Epis Dal Church. He died respected and es- med b ow pi

stus,

les, F

all good men, on April 9, 1809, and his ed away in 1823. Their children were: rn Feb. 7, 1775; Sarah, July 28, 1776; . 4, 1778; James (2), Nov. 24, 1780; Feb. 6, 1782; Simeon, May 26, 1784;

rge I vard, arch 30, 1786; James Nevins, Jan. 24, 8; Micha Nevins, Sept. 5, 1789; Elizabeth, t. 7,

I; Charles, May 26, 1793; Mary, Nov. harles (2), May 29, 1797. I795 James 24, of

Nevins Hyde, son of James (2), born 88, in Norwich, married Mary Good- w York, whose parents were originally T No ich, Conn. Mr. Hyde was a merchant n the city of New Orleans. Mrs. Hyde

settle in 1 State of Mississippi, and he married ond) ct. 4, 1821, Mary Ann Thomas, who born arch 18, 1797, in Norwich, a daughter imeo and Lucretia (Deshon) Thomas. Mr. je die fever heste

) and

Sept. 24, 1838, in New Orleans, of yel- Iis widow returned North, and lived in Conn. His children of the first mar- we Edward Goodrich (born Sept. 20, Emily G. His children born to the sec- mariage were: Mary Anne, born Nov. 20, ; Cla Eliza, Feb. 12, 1825; James Thomas, 28, Il'; John McGhee, Feb. 1I, 1828; Marian,

July 13, 1830; Jane Lucretia, Feb. 5, 1832; and Simeon Thomas, July 6, 1834.

Edward Goodrich Hyde, son of James N. and father of Rev. Frederick S., received his education in the schools of Colchester, and on reaching man- hood entered the mercantile business. Going to New Orleans, he entered the firm of Hyde & Good- rich, dealers in jewelry and fancy goods, and was advancing rapidly along the road to prosperity when the outbreak of the Civil war made the South an undesirable place of residence for those born north of Mason and Dixon's line. He went to New York City, where he became identified with Schuyler, Hartley & Graham. His death occurred in Bayonne, N. J., in 1888. His first wife, Hannah Huntington Thomas, whom he married Nov. 9, 1836, bore him two daughters and two sons: Anne Louisa, born Dec. 23, 1837; J. Nevins, June 21, 1840; Emma Gertrude, Aug. 3, 1843; and Edward H., Oct. 20, 1845. His second wife, Sarah Wade Lord, whom he married Sept. 3, 1847, and who was born Feb. 24, 1826, in Lyme, Conn., became the mother of the following children: Edward Selden, of Bayonne, N. J., born Jan. 12, 1856, is with the United Fruit Co., at New York City; Albert Gillette, born Aug. IO, 1853, is engaged in literary work at Cambridge, England ; Emily Goodman, who was born Aug. 6, 1848, married William S. Brockway, of Wellsville, Kans .; Henry Thomas is in the shoe business in Kansas; William Lord is of Groton, Conn .; Fred- erick Smith is mentioned below; Frederika is a kindergarten teacher, in Brooklyn, New York.

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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 74

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