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 83
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GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
of which were each of twenty months' duration. In 1847 he sailed on the "Coriolanus," on a whaling trip to the Indian Ocean, thence to the Arctic Ocean, where the ship was filled in sixty days. He con- tinued to engage in whale fishing until 1854. After leaving the "Coriolanus," Capt. Holmes was suc- cessively commander of the "Fanning," "Leander," "Frances," "Elizabeth F. Willets," "Haze," "Twi- light," and the "Seminole" for twenty-two years. Later for fourteen years he was commander of the fullrigged merchantman "Charmer," sailing from New York to San Francisco and foreign ports. He also made three trips on the "Alexander Gibson." During his long career at sea, Capt. Holmes made eighty-three voyages around Cape of Good Hope, and three around the world. Many of the furnish- ings of his home have been gathered from various quarters of the globe-beautiful rugs, china, bric- a-brac, cabinets of shells, together with handsome center tables constructed by himself in the hours of leisure on shipboard, are all reminders of his active days at sea. It is doubtful if Capt. Holmes's record as a mariner is paralleled by that of any other liv- ing man. During the sixty-three years he spent on the water no vessel under his command was lost or ship-wrecked, and not a man of all his crews was ever lost.
On Sept. 4, 1847, in Mystic, Capt. Holmes was united in marriage with Mary O. Denison, who died in 1887. Their son, Edwin Warren, for several years sailed with his father as mate, but contract- ing pneumonia, he passed away in 1883, aged twen- ty-seven, leaving a widow and one son, Edwin War- ren (2), who now resides at San Francisco. For his second wife, Capt. Holmes married, Oct. 27, 1896, Mrs. Fanny Palmer.
(VII) Isaac D. Holmes, son of Jeremiah and brother of Capt. Joseph Warren, was born Nov. 14, 1812, in a house that stood on the present site of the "Hoxie House" at Mystic. He spent his boyhood in his native village, and at Liberty, N. Y., attending school in both places. As a young man, he, too, followed the sea, being mate of the "Montgomery," and of the "Leeds," of which his father was cap- tain. Later he became master of the "Boneta" and of the "Hero," and made voyages to South Caro- lina and Cuba. In 1847 he started in the coal busi- ness, being the pioneer in that trade in the Mystic Valley, and he continued in that line with great suc- cess for fifty-two years, or until his death, which occurred March 16, 1899. He was a man of marked individuality of character, with decided opinions which he did not hesitate to express, although toler- ant of the views of those who differed with him. His integrity was unquestioned. Politically he was first a Whig and then a Republican. His church connection was with the Congregationalists, and he was long a member of the Society committee. On Aug. 8, 1837, Isaac D. Holmes married Ellen Kemp, daughter of Capt. William and Phebe (Wolf) Kemp, the former of whom was captain of a
schooner. Mrs. Holmes died Oct. 7, 1882, 1 sixty-three years. To Isaac D. Holmes and Le came children, as follows: William K., born 2 26, 1842; Ellen, born May 5, 1845, married Jui 1870, Henry B. Noyes, of Mystic ; Henry A., Ha April 3, 1850 ; and Benjamin Latham, born July k. 1852.
(VIII) WILLIAM K. HOLMES, son of Isaal Holmes, born Aug. 26, 1842, spent his school .fs at Mystic and in a private school at Stoning kept by Dr. Hart. Unlike his ancestors he has it sought a seafaring career, but has entered the ( mercial world. He engaged in a dry goods 1 ness under the firm name of Brooks & Hol buying out David Mallory. This business wast- cated where the post office now is, and from 15 to 1883 was the largest dry goods store in My.t. Mr. Holmes then engaged in the menhaden fishey business, but continued this only a short time: 1 began wholesaling yellow pine lumber by the ca b.
On Nov. 16, 1865, William K. Holmes united in marriage with Carrie Elizabeth daughter of Amos Tift. This union has 1in blessed with six children, namely: William Jr., born Jan. 2, 1867, attended Gen. Russell's M tary School in New Haven, and is now presider Mf the Holmes Ship Building Company, and is engard in the lumber business in New York City; Huy it Harding, born Sept. 4, 1868, married Mary Spencer, and resides at Providence, R. I., wher e is State agent for the Remington typewr Charles Denison, born July 2, 1870, is treasurer d manager of the Holmes Ship Building Compa; Jeremiah, born April 20, 1873, graduated fin Brown University, and from Mt. Hermon Moc ['s School, is president of the Alumni of the latter/1- stitution, and is now engaged in Y. M. C. A. w ‹, being Educational director in the Y. M. C. Ait Bridgeport ; Ellen T., born Jan. 14, 1884, atter d Boxwood School, at Old Lyme, Conn., and Ir- mond M., born in August, 1888, is now attend g Mt. Hermon School. All the family belong tonie Congregational Church. Mr. Holmes is a stach supporter of the Republican party.
(VIII) Henry A. Holmes, son of Isaac D. ,id Ellen (Kemp) Holmes, was born April 3, 10. He is secretary of the Holmes Shipbuilding ( 1- pany and resides at West Mystic. He married My Tyler Kent, of Lonsdale, R. I., and this union as been brightened by the advent of three child/1: Ella, born Feb. 22, 1874, married Walter Shen|n, of Providence, R. I., and has two children, Mry and Stuart Holmes; Carolyn, born July 24, 1 7, married Fred I. Wheeler, of New London, Ci 1., and has one son, Henry Holmes; and Georges., born Nov. 27, 1879, died Jan. 28, 1880.
(VIII) Benjamin Latham Holmes, son of liac D. Holmes, was born July 16, 1852. On Oct .8, 1880, he was married to Thankful Aletta ( ft, daughter of Waterman Clift.
While all members of the Holmes family ve
4
Olighan Potter voller
361
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
fol 1, an anize pose ily. ed the sea as a calling, they all know it love it. In the spring of 1901 there was the Holmes Ship Building Company, entirely of members of this remarkable heir operations were begun on the banks he Istic River, about one mile from the At- ic Ofin. It remained for this new company to w th whole world that in the little village of ic, in the southeastern part of New Lon- st M$ cou
, Conn., there could be built as good and fect af ve-masted vessel as could be fashioned by Ma ship builders. Their first vessel, the Dubois," was to be the first five-master ucted outside of the Pine Tree State. vas laid in May, 1901, and on Feb. IO, gay streamers and the plaudits of fully und people, the completed vessel was She was built for a company of which .Dewell, of New Haven, is managing le Holmes Company owns an immense
g a three-quarter-mile water front, while their ce the harf is found nineteen feet of water. unching of that first vessel the company giver ttention to high-grade yacht work, hav- built ichts for C. Oliver Iselin, August Bel- at, Chiles A. Davis, Paul Dana, George Adee J. H ?. Grosvernor. These boats were built a mel designed by C. F. Herreshoff, of Bris- R. I., nephew of "Nat" Herreshoff, the builder efenders.
he cup Durin the past year the company has made a
ial fe tre of high-grade, fast-going launches. v hav ntroduced the Holmes Torpedo Launch, fron rantee Ilness uneq com ty owns a broad expanse of level land
design of Charles D. Holmes, and they hat for speed, stability, construction, motor, cost, room, over-the-water boat, led by any other on the market to-day. the tter front, that is an ideal spot for the ering yachts. The officers of the company Pres nt, William K. Holmes, Jr. ; Vice-Pres- Ben, min L. Holmes; Secretary, Henry A. nes ; d Treasurer and General Manager, les DI Holmes.
OHN POTTER is a man of brilliant attain- s, wh las turned his energies to good account in the management of the fine old homestead in vold I also in the service of the general pub- He 3 born in Voluntown, Conn., Nov. 2, and mes of one of the old and aristocratic Eng d families. ON. S
inent
ISHA POTTER, father of John, was also several fields of labor, and was one of ular political candidates in the town of For many years. Born in Voluntown, 23, 1801, hit grew to manhood in that
host 1: ntow1 Fe He is, ail
great
btained his education in the district being possessed of a bright intellect wer of application, there attained suf- knqedge and training to enable him to
teach. It was therefore as a schoolmaster that he started out for himself in life. Meeting with the most gratifying success, he followed his profession during the winter for a number of years, and, being especially ambitious, spent his summers in farming. He resided on a farm in Voluntown, and there in the early days engaged in burning charcoal, which he marketed in Norwich. He married Tacy Newton, by which union one son, Caleb P. Potter, was born, and, after her death, which occurred in 1845, he married Mrs. Crary, a widow. Later, on Dec. 14, 1865, he wedded Angeline Douglass. By the last marriage there was one child, John, who is men- tioned below.
Mr. Potter possessed marked business ability and for thirty-seven years served very efficiently as town clerk of Voluntown. A forceful man, of great ability, pleasing address, and a thorough education, he was called upon for seven terms to represent his place in the State Legislature-1834, 1836, 1841, 1842, 1844, 1851 and 1854. So great was the satis- faction that he gave that he was also elected State senator, in which capacity he likewise won the re- spect of his constituents and furthered the interests of his community. In politics he always affiliated with Democrats. Mr. Potter died in Griswold, April 2, 1888.
John Potter was but two years old when the family moved from Voluntown to Griswold, and he was six when, in 1875, they settled upon the Capt. James place, where he now resides. It was on this fine old homestead therefore that he mainly received his rearing and the training for his life work. Dur- ing his early years he attended the common schools of his neighborhood, and, ambitious to continue his pursuits, later took a four years' course in New Hampton Institute, after which he entered the Yale Law School. Ill health, however, prevented him from finishing his work there, and he returned to the home farm, having decided to turn his attention to agriculture. After the death of his father he took full charge of the place, and he has since continued agricultural pursuits there with marked success. The place is an old one, but has been kept in excellent condition. It was the boyhood home of Justice Henry B. Brown, of the United States Supreme Court, and he frequently pays a visit to the old home. The house was built by Samuel Tyler, in 1798, and its architecture, of the Colonial period, is an evi- dence of its age. Otherwise, being kept thoroughly intact, it is quite up-to-date.
On Oct. 6, 1897, Mr. Fotter married Bertha I. Barber, who was born in Killingly, Conn., daughter of William J. Barber, and they have had one child, Paul Barber, born Aug. 6, 1898.
Mr. Potter is exceedingly popular with his townsmen. He is a Democrat in politics, but as a candidate for public office always secures a large number of votes from other parties. He served his town very efficiently for four years on the board of selectmen and represented Griswold in the Legis-
nnie r cor kee 2, an tho ched les I er. a, hav
362
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
lature of 1895. As a man keenly interested in edu- cational affairs he has been a member of the board of education for some time, and acting school visitor for several years. Socially he stands high, and fraternally he belongs to Mt. Vernon Lodge, No. 75, F. & A. M., of Jewett City.
(I) Nathaniel Potter, of Portsmouth, R. I., a native of England, was admitted an inhabitant of the Island of Aquidneck (Rhode Island) in 1638. His wife Dorothy, was born in 1617, and died in .1696. He himself passed away in 1644.
(II) Nathaniel Potter (2), born in 1637, in Dartmouth, Mass., married Elizabeth Stakes. Mr. and Mrs. Potter both died in 1704.
(III) Nathaniel Potter (3), born about 1669, in Dorchester, married Joan Wilbur, born in 1668, daughter of William Wilbur. Mr. Potter died in 1736, and Mrs. Potter in 1759.
(IV) William Potter, born in Dartmouth, Mass., Nov. 12, 1689, married Mary Browning.
(V) David Potter, born Feb. 13, 1722, married Jan. 5, 1748, Susanna Barber, daughter of Richard. Mr. Potter died April 1I, 1801.
(VI) Incom Potter, born July 7, 1749, in Rich- mond, R. I., married Elizabeth Arnold, and died Feb. 28, 1844. Their children were : Caleb, Arnold, Susannah Barber, David R., Hannah, Nathan and William, all born in Richmond, R. I., between 1774 and 1791.
(VII) Caleb Potter, grandfather of John, born June 21, 1774, married, Nov. 16, 1799, Sally Green, daughter of William and Sally Green. Mr. Potter died Aug. 4, 1848, and Mrs. Potter in 1854.
(VIII) Hon. Elisha Potter, born in Voluntown, Conn., Feb. 23, 1801, married (first) Nov. 28, 1822, Tacy Newton, who was born in Voluntown, daugh- ter of Jabez and Hannah Newton. Mr. Potter died April 2, 1888. His son by his first marriage,
(IX) Hon. Caleb P. Potter, now in business in Norwich, was born in Voluntown, Conn., Sept. 14, 1824. He married, May 7, 1848, Eliza A. Stanton. who was born in 1827, daughter of Amelia Stanton. Their children were: Frank, born in Griswold, Conn., March 12, 1852; Ella, born in Ledyard, Conn. ; Albert L., born in Voluntown, Conn., Aug. 9, 1858 ; and Charles P., born in Voluntown, Conn., April 14, 1867.
WILLIAM H. GRAY, M. D., physician and surgeon of Stonington, Conn., and one of the eminent physicians of his locality, was born in North Stonington, Sept. 16, 1862, son of William Gray, of North Stonington, and his wife, Sarah Jane (Rich- ardson) Gray, daughter of Adam Richardson.
Dr. Gray spent the days of his early life in North Stonington, but when ten years of age, he lost his mother, and then came to live with Mrs. Charles H. Williams, his aunt, who resided at Old Mystic. In 1883 he entered the Mystic Valley Institute, from which he graduated in 1885. He also attended the Vermont University during the year 1885-6, and
during 1887-8-9, he attended Columbia Undersity, where he took a full medical course, and wa radu- ated in June, 1889.
Returning to Old Mystic, Dr. Gray two years was a partner of Dr. Chapman, but he began practicing in Mystic, and now ha large practice extending over Stonington, 1898, very froton, Ledyard and North Stonington. He is a meper of the State Medical Society, the County Medal So- ciety and the City of New London Medical For four years he has been the surgeon of sion Board, and is a man of broad sympath- pciety. Pen-
well versed in his profession, and thoroughly aldast of current medical thought and research.
On June 22, 1892, Dr. Gray was marrie En Old Mystic, to Mary Ida Barnes, and their child are : Alice Louise, born Oct. 26, 1893, and Milod and Marion, twins, born June 16, 1897.
Mrs. Gray is a daughter of Amos T. Barnes and Mary A. (Browning) Barnes; a granddat fter of Hiram Browning and Prudence (Barnes) frown- ing ; great-granddaughter of Avery Barnes . 11 Abi- gail (Cook) Barnes ; great-great-granddautter of Elisha Cook and Amy (Witter) Cook ; gre great- great-granddaughter of Capt. Ebenezer Weer and Amy (Meech) Witter. Capt. Ebenezer Wier as- sisted in establishing American Independefe, be- ing captain of the Ist Company of Prestor Conn., which participated in the battle of Lexingto
On her father's side of the house, Mrs. ray is a granddaughter of Amos Barnes and Sara (Tut- tle) Barnes ; great-granddaughter of Amo: Barton who married Mary Williams, and was bori Oct. 1. 1787; great-great-granddaughter of Uri.f Wil- liams, who married Joannah Stedman, an was a sergeant in the Revolutionary war. Mrs. (f.y is a member of the Fanny Ledyard Chapter of the D. A. R.
.ALLYN. Eight generations of the Allı fam- ily have lived in New England, and hav played an important part in the development of the [untry.
(I) ROBERT ALLYN, born in 1608, cam :o Sa- lem, Mass., in 1637, was enrolled a meber of the church there May 15, 1642. He remov. from Salem to New London, Conn., in 1651, and tained a grant to a large tract of land on the eas ide of the Thames river, at a place still known as Allyn's Point, in the town of Ledyard, where he died in 1683. In 1668 he had removed to Norwic where he was constable in 1669. His children wei John. was born May 22, 1642; Sarah married Jeorge Gue ; Mary married Thomas Parke; Hanr mar- ried Thomas Rose ; and Deborah.
(II) John Allyn, born May 22, 1642, a Salem Mass., inherited Allyn's Point. On Dec. : 1668 he married Elizabeth, daughter of John ar Eliza- beth Gager, and their children were: Efabeth born Dec. 24, 1689 ; Robert, born in Septemb , 1671 John Allyn was a man of prominence, homing assistant to the first county court in 1661, Id pre-
363
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
ing the court in 1671, while during 1676 he s Inda Commissioner. He died at Allyn's Point leaving three valuable farms, a trading st, sikr and many luxuries.
170g (II Robert Allyn inherited Allyn's Point. He rried une 29, 1691, Deborah, born Aug. 1, 1671, Newlondon, eldest daughter of James and De- rah ( allyme) Avery. The will of Robert Allyn s ma wid Dec. 27, 1729, and probated Jan. 27, 1730; made her will May 22, 1734, and it was batedDec. 17, 1739. The children born to Rob- Ally and wife were: Elizabeth, born March 169. married John Williams; John, born Jan. 1696 married Joanna Minor ; Robert, born Jan.
married Abigail Avery ; James and Eben- 169; r (tw
3), born Feb. 28, 1699; Christopher, born ril 12 702, died March 26, 1703; Samuel, born ay 26, 704, married Hannah Avery ; Christopher,
rn Jui 21, 1706; Lucy, born July 29, 1708; Na- an, bo - Oct. 5, 17II, married Jane Pearl; De- rah m ied John Lester.
(IV) ames Allyn, born Feb. 28, 1699, inherited portionf his father's estate. On Dec. 17, 1729, at : married Alethea, daughter of Samuel
oton, d Elid ed at
eth (Ransford) Avery, who was bap- oton April 25, 1714. His will was made c 14, 75, and probated at Stonington, Dec. 2, 57. E
died in November, 1776, aged seventy-six trs, we his wife died in February of the same T · children born to James Allyn and wife ar. re : Athea, born April 4, 1731 ; Deborah, born . 18, 732, died in January, 1733; Deborah, n Dei 23, 1735, died Feb. 23, 1755 ; Lois, born rch 2 I3, 1 Jan zabeth!
I737; James, born July 17, 1739, died 25; Sarah, born March 20, 1741 ; Lydia, 5, 1744; Ephraim, born June 18, 1747 ; porn Nov. 9, 1749; Jerusha, born July annah, born Feb. 14, 1755; and David,
752; 1 Oct (V)
13, 1759.
i-hraim Allyn, born June 18, 1747, was the line of descent.
next (VI) son of Ephraim Allyn was married 22, 326, to Almira Arthur. Their chil- 1 wer born and 1 May 1 May
1
Ephraim, Jr., died in infancy ; Elisha .n. 5, 1828, left home when a young is never heard from afterward; Wilson, 3, 1829, died March 29, 1901 ; Joshua C., 3, 1831, died April 2, 1894; Asa, born 3I, 33, died Oct. 20, 1862; John Sydney, Jan.15, 1835, died Jan. 4, 1893; Elmira S., Feb 1837, died Sept. 16, 1869; Olive, born . 25, Jan 39, died March 14, 1840; Temperance, 1, 1841, is deceased ; Avery, born May 43, 1 Jan. 21, 1896; and Sophia, born Sept. d May 19, 1893. Ephraim Allyn was a occupation, and resided near Allyn's town of Ledyard, and there died. 844, er b ht in t VII) ilson Allyn was born in Ledyard, May 829 le married Ellen E. Chapman, of Led- whe vas born Dec. 29, 1832, and he died ch 29 901. Their children were as follows :
Cora Edwina, born Jan. 28, 1867 ; and Carlos Wil- son, born Oct. 31, 1871. Mr. Wilson Allyn was educated in Ledyard, but at the age of twenty years, he came to Groton, learning the carpenter's trade with Erastus Gallup. For many years he was one of the most prominent contractors in Groton.
The following tribute to the memory of Wilson Allyn was written by Mr. John J. Capp, of Groton, and appeared in the New London Day, April 2, 190I.
" 'Jesus saw Nathaniel coming to him and saith of him, Behold an Israelite in whom is no guile.'
"There are no more fitting words in which to sum up the character of our departed friend. In the community of which he has been a part for more than seventy years; in the church of which he has been a member for thirty-eight years; among his fellow craftsmen where he has been 'diligent in busi- ness, serving the Lord,' since his eighteenth year ; in every place where he was known, the Master's. characterization of the earlier disciple will be ad- mitted to be true of this, his later one.
"Wilson Allyn was born May 28, 1829, in the town of Ledyard, had the advantage of the district school in winter, working on the farm in summer, and at the age of eighteen years apprenticed him- self to the late Erastus Gallup to the carpenter's. trade for three years. In this trade as journeyman, joiner and builder, he continued active until the last. week of his life.
"A whole article might be written about his achievements as a workman. Some of the most beautiful interiors, especially staircases, in New London, were made by his hands. Those in the late C. A. Wilham's house ; the Roger's house, which he was a year and a half in finishing, and Colonel Tyler's house, near Pequot, and in many others will. be admired in future years specimens of the work- manship of the nineteenth century as we now ad- mire those of Colonial times. He was one of the. most accomplished workmen in his line in Eastern Connecticut. The best houses in New London and Groton and several of the church edifices in the county he has been employed upon. He delighted in the intricate problems of architecture, and the large contractors hereabout resorted to his knowl- edge and skill in their difficulties.
"In 1862 he married Miss Ellen E. Chapman, of his native town, and by this happy union, co-ordin- ated in head and heart and hand, not only the family but the church and the whole community have been blessed. They were true yoke fellows, ready with equal step, for every good work. They brought up. their children 'in the nurture and admonition of the Lord,' and trained them in their own beautiful ways. of service in the Lord's work. These dear people- have nurtured the sick, cared for the unfortunate, and have spent their means and been spent for the good of others, and yet they have neglected nothing of their daily duties and cares. In fact, they have achieved success by the world's standards.
=
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GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
"Nothing but the most careful economy of time can account for the immense amount of work which he accomplished outside of his regular employment. He found time to nurse the sick, to attend all the stated services of his church on Sunday and week days, to attend temperance meetings of the Christian Endeavor, Young Men's Christian Association, and all other calls for promoting the general welfare of the community. In addition to this busy life he found time to do a great deal of reading of the best literature, especially history.
"He was a Bible student, and not only could quote scripture, but could illustrate it. In the prayer meetings and in the Bible class which he conducted for many years, his pastors and others were amazed at his encyclopedic knowledge. How such a busy mechanic had acquired so much which only students are supposed to know, can only be explained by a remarkable memory and the prudent husbandry of time. He was very fond of first class lectures, and in. the old days of the Hon. George Tinker's Lyceum course in New London, Conn., he was a regular attendant. He had heard Beecher, Phillips, Emerson, Garrison, Storrs, Chapin, and others. What glorious days those were when the young men of this vicinity could avail themselves of the best thoughts of the ablest men of the land! Wil- son Allyn was one of these who did to the utter- most.
"But of all else Wilson Allyn was a meek fol- lower of Jesus, and it was because of his transparent soul, infused with the spirit of the Master, that all were attracted to him and believed in him. His daily walk and conversation were a testimony for Him. No compromising word among his fellow workmen, no questionable act of business to be ex- plained away-skepticism . was answered and silenced, vulgarity had something better to think about in his presence-thanks to that well stored mind. Those who survive him realize the sweet- ness and power of such a life."
(VIII) CARLOS W. ALLYN,of Groton, son of Wil- son and Ellen E. (Chapman) Allyn, was born Oct. 31, 1871, in Groton, where his early education was secured. After acting as a clerk for John S. Mor- gan and W. J. Starr, he entered into business for himself, succeeding Mr. Starr in April, 1892. In 1897 he purchased the corner feed store of B. M. O'Brien, operating it successfully until 1898, when he erected the brick block he now occupies on Thames street, now the ferry landing, and here he carries a full line of the best class of groceries, and he is patronized by the leading people of the city.
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