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 78

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 78

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rade coopering with farming. After the of I tildre Der Whiton his widow removed, with to Monson, Mass., where, in 1830, she e the

fe of Spencer Keep. She died in Mon- ine I 1848. le ch

ren of Heber and Marcia (Gay) seven in number, viz .: (1) Lucius borı Feb. 26, 1809, in Stafford, passed all ther

(2) Julius Royal, born Oct. 4, 1810, Jan. 1882, in Stafford. On Jan. married Nancy Cooley, born April 23, :field, Mass., who died Aug. 30, 1840; + he Married (second) Eliza Chandler, born 182 ( n Woodstock, Conn., who died May Ebenezer Gay, born Oct. 5, 1813, in rd, 1 there June 9, 1890; he married ful Y nans, of Willington, Conn., who was Tay I 1814, and died Nov. 15, 1896. (4) Lear

33, ho n Br

r, born April 16, 1816, in Stafford, Mon 1, Mass., Feb. 14, 1875. He married 9, 18 , Ann Anderson, born Oct. 8, 1824, as a ughter of Bostwick Anderson. (5) l Fra| lin, born Aug. 29, 1818, in Stafford, b. 16 ried

893, in Stafford. On May 21, 1843, ·elia Eaton, born Aug. 13, 1819, who n. 14 1897, daughter of Luther and Ara- Harr ¿ton) Eaton, of Stafford. (6) Han- ly, be Aug. 18, 1821, in Stafford, married 0, 18 Penuel Eddy, who was a cabinet- 2

maker in Stafford, and who served his country in the Civil war. Mrs. Eddy died in New London, Conn., Nov. 28, 1901. (7) David Erskine, born Oct. 15, 1825, in Stafford, became a prominent citi- zen of New London, Connecticut.

(VII) DAVID ERSKINE WHITON, an inventor and well-known manufacturer of New London, was born in Stafford, Tolland Co., Conn., Oct. 15, 1825. His early education was limited to that acquired in the district schools of Monson, Mass., which he at- tended until he was fourteen years of age, when he went to Stafford and became apprenticed to his brother, Lucius Heber, until he was twenty-one years of age. During this time he attended the dis- trict schools of Stafford in the winter months until he was about nineteen years of age, working at his trade of carpentering in the summer months. Be- fore the expiration of his apprenticeship he bought up his remaining time with earnings made by work- ing overtime, and in various other ways, and for several years worked at his trade as a journeyman in various places, among them Coventry, Willi- mantic and Hartford, Conn., and Brimfield and other points in Massachusetts. In 1849 he spent some time in travel in the West, beyond Chicago, and in Wisconsin, then almost a wilderness, where he did some work at his trade and where he expected to locate. After spending about a year in the West he returned to Stafford and worked at his trade. In 1852 he started in business in West Stafford, Conn., as a millwright, also building turbine water- wheels and other mill machinery, shafting, etc., building water privilege and a mill which still stands and is operated by Charles W. Bradway. In 1856 he extended his business by adding machinery and appliances for the manufacture of a patent centering machine for use in machine shops. He continued occasionally to add other machinery specialties, and in 1865 he started the manufacture of a line of lathe chucks, having purchased the machinery and busi- ness of John R. Washburn, combining the business all in one plant, and employing from twenty to twenty-five men. His business continued to in- crease in this line of mechanical specialties, largely through the inventive and mechanical skill of the proprietor, until in 1886, when, owing to the in- creasing business, and that he might have better shipping facilities, the plant was removed to New London, Conn., where it has been growing steadily ever since.

Mr. Whiton gave most of his time to mechanical matters, and made many valuable and important in- ventions and improvements in the special lines re- ferred to, which have come into general use. He invented improvements on gear cutting machines, lathes and chucks. Coming to New London Mr. Whiton incorporated the plant under the name of the D. E. Whiton Machine Company, with a capital stock of $50,000. Several new brick buildings were erected, including machine shops and foundry. The company employs about one hundred hands. Upon

338

GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

the incorporation of the company Mr. Whiton was made president, in which capacity he served until his death.

Mr. Whiton was active in town affairs, and dur- ing his long residence in Stafford was ever mind- ful of his duties as a citizen. While a resident there he served at various times as constable and collector of taxes, assessor for several years, member of the board of relief, selectman, and representative to the General Assembly of the State. In politics Mr. Whiton was an old-line Whig until the formation of the Republican party, with which he was ever after identified. He never held any political State office except that of representative, to which he was elected twice, in 1867 and 1879. He was a member of the first Legislature ( 1879) to occupy the new Capitol at Hartford. In the Legislature he served on several committees of importance.

Mr. Whiton was always a prominent and active member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and during his residence in Stafford was for many years trustee of the Church Society and superintendent of the Sunday school. After coming to New London he served as trustee of the church of the same de- nomination in that city.

Mr. Whiton was married Nov. 13, 1856, to Asenath Francis, born June 12, 1833, in Stafford, Conn., daughter of James and Achsah (Howe) Francis, the former a farmer. Mrs. Whiton, through her mother, was a descendant of John Al- den. She died Sept. 25, 1902, in New London. Their first child, ( I) Rosella Lenette, was born Nov. 2, 1860, in Stafford, and died there Feb. 15, 1865, aged four years. (2) Lucius Erskine, born Dec. 25, 1862, is mentioned below. (3) Mary Francis, born July 21, 1867, in Stafford, married April 23, 1890, Leander Kenney Shipman, M. D., of New London. Mr. Whiton died Sept. 11, 1904, and was buried at Stafford Springs, Connecticut.

(VIII) LUCIUS ERSKINE WHITON, son of David E., was born Dec. 25, 1862, in West Stafford, and there received his early educational training in the district schools. In 1877 he entered the Wesleyan Academy at Wilbraham, Mass., from which insti- tution he was graduated in 1881. In the fall of that year he entered the employ of his father in his ma- chine shop at West Stafford, and shortly afterward was taken in as a partner. When the plant was re- moved to New London, and the concern was incor- porated as the D. E. Whiton Machine Company, Lucius E. Whiton was elected secretary and treas- urer, and shortly afterward was made general man- ager, all of which offices he has continued to fill ac- ceptably ever since. After the retirement of his fa- ther from active business cares the general oversight of the establishment devolved upon him, but he has shown himself worthy of such responsibility, having proved efficient and faithful in every capacity. He succeeded his father as president of the company. He is a member of the New London Board of Trade.

Socially Mr. Whiton is a member of B nard Lodge, No. 102, F. & A. M., of New Londo ,His religious connection is with the Second Con ega- tional Church, and he is at present serving as Bacon and as a member of the Society's Standing Comit- tee. In politics he is a stanch adherent of tl ciples of the Republican party, and as st served his fellow citizens in various posit

prin- has s of trust. He was a member of the board of ed fition for two terms, served as school visitor, was em- ber of the common council, and during the e; ence er of idate from 's de- of the old ward organization served as a mer; the board of aldermen. In 1903 he was a ca for representative to the General Assembl New London on the Independent ticket, but feated by a small majority. Mr. Whiton is he of the original trustees of the New London į.nual Training School, endowed and established b (Will- iam H. Chapman, of New London. In shift, he is identified with all the representative inte ts of that place, and ranks among the prominent gizens of New London.

Mr. Whiton was married, Oct. 12, I [7, to Miss Viola E. King, of Lowell, Mass., daugfer of George and Joanna (Dellehunt) King, and them have been born five children, as follows: Helen King, Nov. 4, 1888; Dorothy, April 20, 18: , Da- vid E., Nov. 5, 1895 (who died Oct. 5, 1896) Vini- fred Gardner, Aug. 22, 1899; and Lucius Ga, Aug. 23, 1903, died April 26, 1904.

MAIN. Among the early settled fan les of New London county was that of Main, wh I rep- resentatives have, for over two hundred andnirty- five years, been residents of Stonington. F. many years the name has been familiar in the vn of

Preston through the late Seth Main, and sons e sev-

who still reside there. Seth Main was of enth generation in lineal descent from

(I) Ezekiel Main, the first of the family make Stonington his permanent residence. He pcated there in 1670, and in 1672 he received a gran ff land from the town. Subsequently he purchase other lands, and in 1680 he received another gra

from the town, his property then extending from the old goldsmith shop of David Main to the vicini of the residence of Nathaniel M. Crary, in whatis now North Stonington ; it was bounded all the ay by the Shunoc river on the south, and by the nds of Joshua Holmes on the north. Ezekiel Mn was admitted to the Church in Stonington Sept. , 1676 His death occurred June 19, 1714. By Is wife Mary he became the father of six children : zekiel Mary, Jeremiah, Thomas, Phebe and Hanr .

(II) Jeremiah Main, son of Ezekiel, arried Oct. II, 1699, the widow Ruth Brown. known definitely whose daughter she was put sh is no and her daughter Ruth were admitted to : Firs Church of Stonington, and were baptized lily If 1699. Jeremiah Main was admitted Nov. , 1727

339

GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

chillen were: Thomas, Hannah, Elizabeth, a, S.J. h, Jeremiah, Hepzibah, Nathaniel, Anna, and eter.

III)Deacon Thomas Main, son of Jeremiah, borrjuly 19, 1700. He married (first), April

nn Brown, daughter of Eleazer and Ann

720,

b) Brown, who died March II, 1766. He

idle cond), May 14, 1766, Elizabeth Hewitt. 1771. His children, all born of his first 'ere: Thomas, Andrew, Timothy, Josh- onas, Elizabeth, Ezekiel and Phebe.

ied died riage Anne IV) 10mas Main (2), son of Deacon Thomas, eb. 13, 1721, in Stonington. On Feb. 3, Ided Mary Pendleton, of the same town.

born , he ir ch ren were: Mary, Sarah, Thomas and

ajah.

V) omas Main (3), son of Thomas (2), ug. 8, 1747, in Stonington, where his was passed . He married Dolly Wood-

born le life d, wh pore him eight children, as follows: Ben- , Ave Samuel, Thomas, John, Dolly, Sally and abeth.

(VI) born edyar homas Main (4), son of Thomas (3), the old home in Stonington. He settled and there engaged in farming, making it life w <. He was very industrious, and being an ofage physique, and possessed of unusual cular vork. ocrat rs, hol ength, he was able to do a vast amount His political views were those of the party, and he was always active in town ing at different times a number of the ortant fices in the gift of the people, with n his He

ink genial manners made him very pop- ttained the advanced age of eighty-

1 yea: By his wife, Lois Brown, he became ather the following children: (I) Thomas

vho n ried Lydia Hall, settled first in Ston- n, an hildre ater in Ledyard, where he died leaving (2) Aaron settled in Noank, Conn., there | ed. He married Nancy Ashbey, and five d T. al.

dren, Andrew, Aaron, Benjamin W., Fannie. (3) Timothy made his home dyarc

nd died there. He married Mary Gay, dren were: Mary Ann, George, Abby,

heir ( thy Thomas, Jedediah G. and Dwight. Willia left Leeds located in Ledyard, and at his large estate. His wife, Sarah A. Frink, him wiren children: Sarah Maria, John La- Lee

Phebe E., Lura H., Ira D., Frances Alonzo ind Melissa (twins), Horace H. and (5) John made his home in Stonington. Nancy Barnes, and had two children,

harrie and incy. (6) Daniel located in North ngton Adela ay, b He was thrice married. His first wife Roach. He married (second) Em- whom he had one child, Harriet. His wife, Catl: Iary Main, bore him three children, ne and Ellen. (7) Louisa became the of Ccff ington Main, and died at their home orth and

nington. Her children were: Lois, ne (twins), Thomas, Mary, Sophia

and Amasa. (8) Seviah married Albert Brown, of Ledyard, where she died. They had ten children : S. Louisa, who married John O. Peckham, Sr .; Al- bert M .; Happy L .; Thomas F., who died young; Aaron A .; Israel W .; Seth L. ; Fannie E .; Nathan- iel; and Charles, who died young. (9) Stanton settled in Ledyard and there died. . He married Su- san Gray, and their four children were: Sarah, Stanton, Wilmont and Walter. (10) Mary Esther married Minor Perkins, of North Stonington, where she died. Their six children were: Lydia E .; Hannah ; Henry ; Stephen ; Eliza Ann ; and Deb- orah. (II) Nathaniel remained on the old home- stead in Ledyard all his life, and died unmarried. (12) Seth is mentioned below. (13) Hannah mar- ried Paul Burrows, of Mystic, Conn., and died leaving two children, Fannie and Isabelle. (14) Fannie married George Parks of Mystic, where she died. Their children were: Amasa, Georgianna and Fannie. (15) Amasa is engaged in farming in North Stonington. He married Lucy Frink, and they have become the parents of seven children, namely : Ellen, Betsey, Everett, Lillie, Luther, Fan- nie and Hattie. (16) Deborah became the wife of Joseph Morgan, and died in Ledyard, the mother of six children: Joseph, who died young; Amasa; Mary ; William ; Nathan ; and Hannah, deceased.

(VII) Seth Main, son of Thomas (4), was born Sept. 13, 1824, in Ledyard, and died in Preston, Aug. 13, 1903, aged seventy-nine years. In his younger days he spent several years at work in the old "Indian Mill," in North Stonington, and then spent three years in a cotton mill at Mystic, Conn. After his marriage, in 1848, he took up farming in North Stonington, purchasing a tract of seventy- eight acres, a portion of which was located in the town of Preston. He continued there until 1855, when the farm was purchased by another, and he in turn bought the James Treat farm of nearly 200 acres, in the town of Preston, and extending into the towns of Ledyard and North Stonington. La- ter he became the owner of the Capt. Cyrus Punder- son farm of seventy acres in Preston, whither he re- moved. On this latter farm he successfully con- ducted a gristmill until June 23, 1894, when he moved to the "Park Homestead farm," of which he had for some time owned a half interest. Three years later he became sole owner of this farm, which comprised in all about 154 acres of excellent land. The cultivation and improvement of this beautiful place became the care of his remaining years, and there he died. Active and rugged, and enjoying perfect health, he accomplished much work in his active years. In 1857 he suffered a severe attack of typhoid fever, and after being given over to die by the physicians, his devoted wife became his physician as well as nurse, and restored him to his usual good health. In disposition he was jovial, and was easily approached. His great common sense and remarkable ability to see to the bottom of things made him much sought for advice on many

340

GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 1

subjects. In his political faith he was a Democrat, and he took an active part in town affairs. In 1871, and again in 1884, he represented Preston in the State Legislature; among other offices he held may be mentioned that of selectman for several years, member of the board of relief and board of assessors, and tax collector. He also settled a number of es- tates in his time. He was a member and liberal supporter of Elder Peckham's Baptist Church in Ledyard, and was charitable and benevolent to the deserving poor. Strictly honest in his dealings with others, he was intolerant of any thing that bordered on trickery in others. He was determined and tena- cious of his own opinion, but once convinced he was in error he was frank in confessing his fault. On Aug. 27, 1848, Mr. Main was married to Mary Anna Stanton Woodward, who was born in North Stonington July 6, 1816, and who is still living in Preston, surrounded by loving children and grand- children. Mr. and Mrs. Main lived together to within fourteen days of fifty-five years of happy wedded life. Their children were: (1) Seth Wood- ward was born Aug. 3, 1849, in North Stonington, and is mentioned below. (2) Mary Rozilla, born April 14, 1851, in North Stonington, married Her- bert N. Barlow, a carpenter of Enfield, Mass., where they reside. They have four children, Seth, Alice, Henry and Arline. (3) Cynthia, born Jan. 22, 1853, married Chauncey C. Pendleton, a successful farmer of Preston, and has four children, Annie, George A., Joseph B. and Mabel. (4) Appleton, born Jan. 23; 1855, is mentioned below. (5) Na- thaniel, born May 7, 1857, in Preston, was engaged in farming in Franklin, Conn., where he died May 27, 1891, aged thirty-four years. He married Nel- lie Holmes, of Preston, daughter of Shubael Holmes, and had one son, Ernest Main. (6) Leon- ard, born Jan. 16, 1859, in Preston, is engaged in farming on the Andrew Avery farm in his native town. On March 27, 1884, he wedded Annie Eliz- abeth Richardson, daughter of William R. and Lucy (Dawley) Richardson, of North Stonington, and they have four children, Leonard R., Allison H., Floyd and Eveline.

(VIII) SETH WOODWARD MAIN, son of Seth and Mary Anna Stanton (Woodward) Main, was born in North Stonington, Aug. 3, 1849. When he was six years of age his parents removed to Pres- ton, and there in the twelfth school district he re- ceived his early educational training, which was supplemented by several terms in a select school in Preston, attending until he was eighteen years of age. He then entered Providence Con- ference Seminary, at East Greenwich, R. I., for two terms, paying his own tuition from money he had saved from his earnings as a farm laborer during the summer months. After leaving the seminary, he taught school one term in East Greenwich, following this by one term in the Poquetanuck district, Preston. Mr. Main then went to Norwich, where for a year and a half he

was employed as a clerk in the grocery store A. S. Prentice. Returning to Preston he engag [in agricultural pursuits for a short time, but thinit- tractions of the mercantile world proved too sing ne [ & ing 115 for him, and he again went to Norwich, this becoming a clerk in the grocery store of Smi Reynolds, later with Smith & Beckwith, rema with these two firms in all about six years. I. time he had acquired a thorough knowledge of Įsi- ness methods, and had fully equipped hinise for entering the business world on his own acefut. Locating in Preston City, he shortly afterward fir- chased the general store of Daniel Brown, whi he conducted in a thoroughly up-to-date manne fior about nine years, meeting with great success this undertaking. He then sold the store to Jol F. Richardson, and began farming and gardenin; nd brk the raising of small fruits, in which line of he was engaged up to time of his death. He Is a believer in new methods and studied his wo in the light of recent discoveries, his practical feas showing him at once what to adopt and wl[ to reject. His death after a severe illness occured March 31, 1904, and his remains rest in P ton City cemetery.

Politically Mr. Main was a Gold Den rat. In local affairs he gave his support to the int he thought best adapted for the office sought. He im- self, was a most acceptable official, having : ved as registrar of voters for several years, and for fore than ten years as justice of the peace. He att ded the Preston City Baptist Church, of which hi vite is also a member, and to which he gave liber .

On April 5, 1881, Mr. Main was married kst) to Ida F. Myers, daughter of the late Austin } [ers, of Norwich. She died in Preston in 1882, 1

ring no children. On Nov. 21, 1883, Mr. Main n ried (second) Huldah Jane Gallup, of Preston City, daughter of the late John Wheeler and Mrtha Elizabeth (Richards) Gallup, the former forforty years deacon of the Preston City Baptist Corch. Mrs. Martha E. (Richards) Gallup was the ,figh- ter of Mondata Tracy and Mary (Tyler) Ridrds, both of whom were constituent members of Iston City Baptist Church. No children were bin to Mr. and Mrs. Main.

(VIII) APPLETON MAIN, son of Seth and Iary Anna Stanton (Woodward) Main, was bor Jan. 23, 1855, in North Stonington. When he vj but three months old his parents removed to Fston. His early education was obtained in the sch Is of the twelfth district, known as the "Plains Di ict," and he later spent about three years in atte ance at a select school in Preston City. After o1 term in the Providence Conference Seminary a East Greenwich, R. I., he began teaching, and fo|

ibout eight years followed that profession in the fhools of North Stonington, Ledyard, Preston and

Ston- ington. His work in the school room was r con- secutive, however. At the end of his fi: two years as a teacher, he went to Norwich, w re he

341

GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

as a clerk in the grocery store of Martin en Lamb, where he spent one year, when, ill health, he was obliged to return home, again became a school teacher. At the e he was a partner of his brother, Na-

aniel. ow deceased, in the conduct of their fa- er's ars t m of some 350 acres. After about six brothers dissolved partnership, Appleton rchasfg Nathaniel's interest, who in turn became e ow: · of a farm in Franklin, Conn. Appleton ain c tinued to conduct his father's farm about ght J 's on his own account, and in the fall of 93 hourchased the Ulysses Avery farm of 160 res, t which he removed the following spring, d whe he has since been successfully and ex- sivel engaged in general farming. He has one the hit farms in the town, the greater part of it ing ufer cultivation. Besides farming he butch- scaly, and lambs for the local trade.

Like 1 his family Mr. Appleton Main is a stanch and has served the town of Preston on emocr e boa: of selectmen for four consecutive years ; has ab served several terms as a member of the ard o elief and of the board of assessors, and as stice the peace. In 1895 he represented his le General Assembly of the State, where

vn in serve ttee ional cient ion. busin

with distinction as a member of the com- Federal Relations. His interest in edu- fairs is still keen, and he has given very rvice as a member of the board of edu- r. Main is gifted with a good knowledge , and is frequently called upon to frame ds ofproperty, having, perhaps, written more any other man within a radius of ten is a consistent member of the Preston st Church, which he has served as col- several years, and in which he is super- f the Sunday school. His wife is also a that church, and is active in the Ladies y, and is also a teacher in the Sunday ool.

ds tł es. y Ba or fc nden nber # Soc

On Je 23, 1892, Appleton Main was united marri:le with Miss Isabel Richardson, daughter Willian R. and Lucy (Dawley) Richardson, of 'th $ nington, Conn. Two children have sed t union, both born in Preston: Gertrude 11, boï April 16, 1895; and Lester Appleton, 1 Oct , 1896.

BISE

P. The Bishop family has always been niner represented in business and social cir- in N. resic Hen

London, where a number of the family among whom are Messrs. Gilbert, Elias Bishop, a brief sketch of each of whom, .ther ·le. th one of the family, is given in this e family bearing the name of Bishop, so ily rerds read, once spelled it Bisshoppe, or hope, d its members are direct descendants of (1) lazer Bishop who at the age of seven s, togh her with two other boys, named Beshon Shar

were kidnapped by the crew of an Eng-

lish ship, from the Isle of Jersey, and brought to New London, Conn., in the year 1676. Richard Dart, a rich farmer, living four miles from New London harbor, but in the town of New London, paid the ship master a yoke of oxen for young Bis- hop's passage, and took the lad home. He lived with Mr. Dart until he was twenty-one, and married his daughter. Mr. Dart grew so fond of his adopted son, that he gave him several hundred acres of land, all of which was wild, and this he commenced clear- ing, building the house in which Robert Bishop lived. (He was the last of the family to occupy it.) Upon the site of this early home of the family, Gil- bert Bishop later erected a substantial residence.

Eleazer Bishop died Sept. 3, 1755, aged over eighty-five years. To him and his wife were born children as follows : Peter, John, Samuel, Timothy, Eleazer, Jr., Clement, Nicholas, Mary and Sarah. Of these Sarah died at the age of fifteen years. Peter, John and Timothy emigrated to Nova Scotia, and, at the close of the French war, settled in the town of Horton. Samuel lived and died on the farm near Lake's Pond. Eleazer, Jr., lived and died on the farm where Robert Bishop lived. Clement commenced a seafaring life, and it is thought died at sea at an early age.

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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 78

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